Even after all the war ravaged years back home, Remus never found the right words for these situations. Plainly, there were no right words. No comfort to be had when someone was lost to tragedy. Even the hope that Aberforth could return return to the village one day was not enough. How could it be? When returns were never certain? The twins would try, but it could take a long time. That faint promise would not make up for the loss they felt right now.
He squeezed her hand gently. He stroked her cheek with the thumb on his free one. "Darling girl, it is your brother, I am afraid." His eyes glistened, but rapid blinking kept the water from falling. "He did not make it. I am sorry, but it seems he was heading toward the castle when..." His chest rose as emotional weight pressed down. "When he was attacked." He kept his eyes on her as hard as it was to wait for her reaction.