Basil’s heart broke, over again, at the sound of those three little word’s coming from Lissington’s lips. They were standing, both of them, in the middle of Bartonburg amidst the hustle and bustle of last minute funeral preparations clad entirely in black. Lissing for his part cut quite the dashing profile in the attire Basil had picked out for him. Sure, it was a little bit more… refined, than anything Gus had owned, but given the circumstances there wasn’t any reason to bring the cost to his attention. It was the least the brunette could do, anyway, to ease the pain he could see itched almost permanently into the other’s face. He was trying to make himself useful to Gus; it was why he’d made his excuses to Black and come along today at all. (What a week for Hogwarts, losing both its Transfiguration and Defense Against the Dark Arts professors in one day.) But he was determined to assist, in any way he could. Even if it meant just glueing himself to the other’s side and forcing him to face this terrible, miserable day head on.
The house elf that was asking Lissing questions was doing his best to decipher his master’s moods. Basil watched them from his place by the doorway with a soft expression on his face. He raised a hand to rest it gently on the crook of Gus’ back as the redhead meandered over to him looking indecisive and upset. “The red one can rest beside the casket with the others and the white arrangements can be broken down to dress the mantle,” he replied authoritatively to the house elf. The little creature looked at him with a bit of a sniff but, realizing it was the only direction he was going to get, moved off to do as he was instructed.
Basil turned to Gus, aching to pull him into a hug. Instead he dropped his hand altogether for fear of… he wasn’t even sure what, considering they were alone save for the house elves who couldn’t well speak up to betray them and one maid who’d walked into the other room. “You can do this,” he insisted gently. “And we can go home as soon as it’s over.” A soft smile touched his face with the intention of encouraging the redhead. He felt warm at the thought of Gus considering Hogwarts home, almost as if it was a reflection of it being their home.
“Can I make you a cup of tea? It might help your nerves a bit.” Basil offered. He didn’t have time to stop himself from reaching up to give Gus’ arm a squeeze because it was just then that someone floo'd into the house with aplomb.