My Brother

Chapter 1: In Memory of Colin Creevey

Firstly, I dedicate this story to J.K. Rowling. Without her, this story would be impossible. She, as the new Queen of literature has revolutionized the world of literature. There will be none like her for a long time.

I decided to post this story during my break as comic relief, just like Rowling did before Book 5. This story is now posted as a sign that I will submit again soon. I will never quit writing.

Now, for the important part: I would like to say a few words, or more, in memory of Colin Creevey. In memory of Colin Creevey, who was a meaningless character in the series, until now, when he died for something meaningful?

In Memory of Colin Creevey:

Colin was a young, energetic kid. We first met him in Harry Potter Book 2: Chamber of Secrets. He was trying to get Harry's autograph on a photo. Hence the term, 'signed photographs.' For a boy like Colin, he got what he thought was better; Harry Potter and Gilderoy Lockhart. Gilderoy signed the picture. Harry was supposedly too busy to do so himself. In Book 3, he had one very brief appearance and Harry ducked him quite easily. In Book 4, he introduced his younger brother, Dennis Creevey. Both were overly excited about Dennis' falling into a 'storm-tossed, fathoms-deep lake, and tossed out of it again by a giant sea monster.' Colin had a few appearances in Book 5, and little dialogue. In Book 6, he wasn't mentioned individually, but as 'the Creevey brothers' on p. 300 American hardback. It wasn't until Book 7, where he was ordered out of the Great Hall, when he bravely stayed behind to fight back.

I said bravely. There's a reason Colin made Gryffindor you know. He had to be brave. He admired Harry, and followed him wherever he went. If he had been given a chance to live and grow up, rest assured he probably would've had a go at writing Harry's biography. I heard some people say he was stupid staying behind. What would you have done? Ran away? He stayed to fight for freedom and innocence in both the Muggle world and the Wizarding World. He will be remembered as an annoying tag-along kid, pissing the hell out of the hero and his readers. To me, he'll be remembered as a young boy who fought back for Harry and Dumbledore.

Colin's age was sixteen when he died. Even so, he will always be a child to readers. I always saw Colin as a symbol of youth in the series. His Irish name meaning 'young cub,' and his tiny build made him look like a kid. I was always wondering why Rowling killed Colin. I might never know for sure. Probably no one would know. However, I can offer my best guess on why she introduced Colin, his brother, and why he died.

Colin was the tag-along big fanatic when it came to Harry. Every hero has a big fan that loves and admires him. We don't know many popular stories where the fan dies, but it does seem quite real he died. Doesn't the fan fight to protect the hero and dies in the attempt as a hero himself? It's poetic justice. I believe Rowling introduced him for that reason, and his brother for another. When Colin dies, there will need to be one more to stay around and be a fan himself, like his older brother was.

I offer this quote as my favorite of all that Colin ever said Prepare, it's quite long:

'Creevey, Dennis!'

Tiny Dennis Creevey staggered over, tripping over Hagrid's moleskin just as Hagrid himself sidled into the Hall through a door behind the teachers' table. About twice as tall as a normal man, and at least three times as broad, Hagid, with his long, wild, tangled, black hair and beard, looked slightly alarming - a misleading impression´, for Harry, Ron and Hermione knew Hahrid to possess a very kind nature. He winked at them as he sat down at the end of the staff table, and watched Dennis Creevey putting on the sorting hat. The rip at the brim opened wide -

'Gryffindor!' the hat shouted.

Hagrid clapped loudly along with the Gryffindors, as Dennis Creevey, beaming widely, took off the hat, placed it back on the stool, and hurried over to join his brother.

'Colin, I fell in!' he said shrilly, throwing himself into an empty seat. 'It was brilliant! And something in the water grabbed me and pushed me back in the boat!'

'Cool!' said Colin, just as excitedly. 'It was probably the giant squid, Dennis!'

'Wow!' said Dennis, as though nobody in their widlest dreams could hope for nothing more than being thrown into a storm-tossed, fathoms-deep lake, and pushed out of it again by a giant sea monster.

''Dennis! Dennis! See that boy down there? The one with the black hair and glasses? See him? Know who he is, Dennis?'

P. 158-159. British Hard-back version.

I remember my principal told me there's always a solution to everything. All I can hope is that putting my feelings about Colin's death into writing will help. Reading his death was like reading the death of a child, and I still cannot believe it happened. I will never forget the words, 'He was tiny in death.'

How would Dennis feel, losing his role model like older brothers are to their younger brothers? I trust after he finds a new role model, like a boy in his year, or even Hagrid, who I now love more than ever, he'll be ok.

I also trust Dennis will start talking to Harry, possibly living to what Colin would've been, and writing his biography. I trust also that Dennis will write Colin's obituary, like I am doing right now on Dennis' and Colin's behalf, even though they are fictional characters.

I spent years trying to figure out what Colin's significance might be, and there Rowling answers me. He was meant to die. I guess from the time we me him, he was doomed to death. Still, just for fighting back against the Death Eaters, he will be remembered. When it comes to significance, as much as many might disagree with me, I rest my case. You read correctly. He was important, 'cause he fought back, just like Winky and even Kreacher. I rest my case, just not in the way I hoped I would.

I am not embarrassed to admit I cried when Colin died. I took my book to another room, and sobbed quietly, quietly, so my brother or parents wouldn't come in and ask disturbing questions. I never cried over a fictional emotional part before. A tear escaped me on the Mirror of Erised scene in HP 1, and I clutched my eyes, putting all effort to stop myself crying when Anikan killed all the kids in Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith. This time, I shook naturally, and put a little effort to let some tears come out. I was miserable, but if any author deserves to make me cry, it's J.K. Rowling. I thank her and hold maximum respect over her. It was great letting my sadness out in some other way besides yelling angrily. When he died, I felt, because I kind of did, in a way, lose a friend.

So, goodbye, Colin Creevey. I know you're happier where you are. You, and us readers know you died a hero! You helped save both worlds from the terror of the greatest dark Wizard who ever lived. I will never forget what you did! You were, are, and probably always will be my favorite character. Goodbye.