When Harry went to the stage, Regulus signaled Tom to refill his glass, knowing he would need another shot of dutch courage. Drawing in a deep breath, he slid off the bar stool and raised his glass.
"To Sirius," he said, speaking loudly enough for Harry to hear him across the room. "My annoying, brash, overwhelming brother. I'm grateful-" The words caught in his throat, and he had to force them out, his voice husky. "I'm grateful to have connected with him... to have loved him before it was too late."