Chapter 1

The Day After

Harry awoke with a start, he sat upright in bed, it was dark and very quiet.

Was it all a dream?

Harry shifted in the bed, pain struck all over his body. No it wasn't a dream. His body felt as if he had been stuck to the bottom of a giant's foot. He ached with every movement.

How could this much pain feel so good? Harry guessed that being alive was really worth it.

He looked around the dorm room- all red heads.

In Neville's bed- a red head and missing ear, where was Neville?

Harry needed to tell him so much.

Someone decided that the Weasley men need to be together.

Harry smiled, even that hurt. Harry slumped back against his pillow.

What now? Thoughts raced through his head. Faces popped in and out some cause happiness, some great sadness.

He lay there thinking, remembering, and planning.

He got up pulled on some jeans and t-shirt, as he was hunting for his trainers,

Ron lifted his head "Oi, what's the matter"

"Go back to sleep, I am just going to the loo" replied Harry.

Ron's head dropped back to the bed.

Harry crept quietly out of the dorm room.

He stopped to look around the Gryffindor common room, it was empty and quiet.

He slipped out the Portrait hole.

He walked into the Great Hall it was early morning.

There were a few people in the Great Hall, McGongal sat wearily in headmaster's chair, along the floor were the bodies of those who fought and died, at their feet sat mother's who could not bear to leave their children alone, even in death.

Harry saw Mrs. Weasley at Fred's feet, she sat there eyes open staring into space; Harry could not even imagine the scenes playing out in her mind's eye.

He look around again, he spotted a weary looking Arthur Weasley quietly talking to an overwhelmed looking Stanley Shakelbolt.

Harry walked over to them, "I have an idea" he stated.

They both look at Harry and stood immediately, Harry instinctual knew this was meant as a sign of respect, so he sat and so did they.

He spoke quickly but with confidence and power.

Minster Shakelbolt and Mr. Weasley both agreed with his plan but, said they would have to talk to McGongal and the families of the dead.

The three men stood up and walk over to Professor McGongal,

Minster Shakelbolt said "Minerva, Harry here has an idea for what I and Arthur think is a wonderful memorial to the fallen."

"What is it Mr. Potter?" asked a tired McGongal.

"They should be buried here where they fought, as a reminder to the students of what they can do to make a difference."

Minerva who thought she had run out of tears quietly wept.

She slowly stood up "I think that is a wonderful idea, Mr. Potter".

They as a group slowly walked to the families of the dead and quietly spoke to each.

Harry was not really surprised when they all readily agreed to allow their loved ones to be buried here.

It was dawn now, Harry, Mr. Weasley and Professor McGongal all sat quietly each lost in their own thoughts and memories.

Shakelbolt had left to make all the necessary arrangements for the memorial.

Slowly people quietly filtered into the Great Hall.

Soon all the Weasley's and Hermoine were sitting together quietly talking. Ron and Hermoine sat close together each need to be touching the other: Ron's hand on her leg, her hand on his shoulder.

The sight of them made Harry smile.

He looked around at all the Weasley's and felt at home.

Harry and the others soon convinced Mr. and Mrs. Weasley and Professor McGongal to get a few hours rest.

They promised someone would stay with Fred; he would not be left alone. George took his mother spot at Fred's feet.

It was late afternoon, on what Harry would always remember as the Day After.

He had talked, consoled, cried, and laughed with all families of the fallen.

He had tried to take his turn in the chair at Fred's feet, but never was allowed.

He hurt, he was feeling rejected by the one family who he cherished most, but Hermoine caught him.

"They won't let me either, it is not us, they just each need their time alone with Fred."

Harry understood he hoped she was right and that they did not blame him for Fred's death.

He was sitting a little forlorn, when he saw Neville walk up with his Grandmother.

He stood and spoke at first to Neville's Grandmother.

"It would have all been lost without Neville, you know"

"Yes, I know" she looked at her Grandson with love and admiration.

"Neville, can I have a word in private?"

Neville's Grandmother shook her head yes and then walk over to talk to Minerva McGongal.

Neville and Harry walked out of the Great Hall.

As they walked Harry told Neville everything.

The prophecy and how it could have easily been him as the "Chosen one." Harry told him about Gryffindor sword being left to him by Dumbledore. Neville started to say that he would get it for Harry; Harry stopped him and said "Dumbledore was a great man and great wizard but he did not always get it right. The sword does not belong to me it belongs to the Gryffindor who needs it. You will make a good keeper but I think one day it will go another Gryffindor when he or she needs it." Neville and Harry walked and talked and in the end they both had a better understanding of each other. Of how they were very similar and very different, Harry wished he been a better friend to Neville over the years, but they had a unique friendship that would grow deeper as the years crept by.

Harry and Neville walked back into the Great Hall, they stood at the entrance and solemnly shook hands and then gave each other a manly teenage hug. Neville walked over to where his Grandmother was talking to an older witch. Harry walked over to the Weasley's; Mr. and Mrs. Weasley were up but did not look very rested. Mrs. Weasley was talking to a weeping Colin Crevey's mother, Ginny stood next to her mother gently stroking her arm. Mr. Weasley stood next Ginny with a some what bewildered look on his face. Harry leaned over and whispered in Mr. Weasley's ear. Mr. Weasley look startled then said "Well yes of course, over here then" He and Harry walked away from the group. Ginny watched them intently, she had wanted to talk to Harry alone, but whenever she got the chance to even say hello, some took him off to talk. Ginny turned when she heard her mother start to cry again. When she looked over to where her father and Harry were talking all she saw was her father walking quickly towards her.

Harry quickly summed up his courage; Ginny was standing next to her mother but intently watching him and her father. "I wish to ask you something very important, Mr. Weasley" Mr. Weasley knew instantly what Harry was going to ask. His heart sank, not because it would not someday enjoy having Harry as a son-in-law, but because Ginny was much too young right now. But Harry forged on and Mr. Weasley let him say his peace. "One day, if your daughter will have me, I very much would like to ask your permission to marry her. But right now is not the right time." Mr. Weasley felt a great surge of relief, Harry was a very practical boy no man. "but do wish to keep seeing Ginny, if she will let me." "How can I help" asked Mr. Weasley. "How does one handle a Weasley woman's anger?" asked Harry. "Duck, apologize profusely and beg forgiveness is generally how I handle it" advised Mr. Weasley. Harry laughed then looked at Mr. Weasley and realized he wasn't joking. "Now I just need to talk to her without interruption" Harry said. "Well we can handle that, where is your handy cloak?" Harry pulled it out of his waist band. "It's the only way I can go to the loo" Harry laughed. "Put it on and I will have Ginny meet you by the lake in a few minutes" Mr. Weasley turned with a flourish and walked quickly towards Ginny.

When he got to her Ginny's father whispered in her ear "I'll stay with your mother and certain young man wishes to speak to you by the lake." Ginny quickly leaned over gave her mother a peck on the cheek. She was gone in a flash out the Great Hall and to the steps of the Castle. Then she stopped, why was she running to him?