1 January 2003
Ginny felt happiness coarse through her body as she looked over a white Paris. Snow was swirling through the air as the warm weights of Harry's arms were wrapped around her slender frame; making her feel so safe. Nothing could touch her while she was with him. She breathed in the frosty air, sighing happily.
"I didn't know the muggle world could be so beautiful" she whispered breaking their comfortable silence; leaning against his strong chest.
"Well it's another place to tick from our list". He half joked.
"It's even better than Rome" she added.
"Glad you think so" he replied quietly, nuzzling her neck.
She turned to face him and wrapped her arms around his neck; standing on tip-toe she brushed her lips against his.
"Although this view tops them all". He bent slightly and kissed her passionately.
They enjoyed being with each other in the muggle world, where they could be like any other couple. The loved the world they belonged, but sometimes felt claustrophobic by all the attention attracted: good and bad. Even in this word they felt like naughty teenagers at Hogwarts; running away from Flich and Mrs Norris. In this world they looked like any other couple in love – Harry at six foot one, auror training and qudditch training building him up into a frame of lean and strong muscles, which gave him an irresistible chest. He had disregarded his glasses in his sixth year when he realised his sight to be one of his downfalls, but apart from that he still that those captivating green eyes and messy hair. And of course that faithful scar. Ginny, a lot shorter at only five foot two, Harry towered over her, and that's how she liked it, she felt protected. Her Weasley hair had long ago deepened into a dark red which cascaded down her back, framing her ivory skin and chocolate big brown eyes.
Snow swirling around them, their cheeks and noses tinged pink, gloved hands joined at the top of the Ethel Tower, the love sizzled between them. Ginny buried her face into his chest and he closed her in kissing the top of her head.
"We need this break after all that unpacking… you know I hate all that housey stuff…. Although the house is gorgeous… I don't know. Iguess my mother puts me off with her comments about where everything should go" Ginny broke off sighing slightly. "I swear she doesn't understand me at all… she thinks I need to start making babies or something for Christ sake". Harry tensed slightly. "Not yet don't worry" she laughed. "You know what she's like… she'd like the stork to bring us a couple of cute red heads… she can't understand that me and you want our careers and to make the most of each other first".
"Ginny breathe" Harry laughed. "Your mum has moved onto Ron and Hermione now since they told everyone about the baby".
"And I feel sorry for them really" she said while Harry chuckled. "But trust me it only makes her worse. You'd think she'd have enough for now. When they do have the baby that will be ten grand kids, isn't that enough?"
"Ginny calm… why are we discussing your mother when we have probably one of the most romantic views in the world"
"Ok sorry" she said grinning sheepishly, kissing his chest.
"Can you believe Ron and Hermione have been married for over a year now" he asked in amazement.
"That was a good night" she said in mock thoughtfulness.
"Are you referring to the luxury suite at the hotel we so conveniently had" he asked innocently.
"Little added bonus" she teased. "The tradition is that the best man and maid of honour get together after all".
"Worked. Although it may have helped we were together five years before the wedding". He said thoughtfully.
Ginny sighed contently, thinking about her mothers nagging. She was eager to get them all married off and Ginny was the only one left. She knew there was no one for her except Harry, if he didn't propose it didn't matter to her…
"Ginny I have wanted to ask you something for possibly most of the time we were going out…"
"Go ahead" she said turning around he his arms and looking down at all the bright lights. Harry tightened his grip.
"You know that saying I love you isn't enough right for how I feel about you".
"Well if its anything like how I feel for you Id say that even after six years you still feel the pounding of your heart and butterflies in the stomach when we see each other". She turned around to face him and felt the familiar swoop in her stomach that she loved.
"You know what my future holds for me" he whispered closing his eyes.
"Harry… I know you'll do it… You aren't going anywhere"
"We have to accept it's a possibility" he whispered gripping her tighter.
"What happened to being romantic?" she asked smiling slightly.
"Your right its just… well I had this all planned but its all gone out my head… its only fair I start with that before I ask what I want to. You know I love you. I love Ron and Hermione, but they are my brother and sister… if I didn't have you I think I would loose the will to live". He released his grip and got onto one knee on the floor, opening a small velvet box. People were milling around them and stopped to watch. "Ginerva Molly Weasley, I wasted five years not noticing what was right in front of my face, and I know I have to live life to the full…." He didn't get any further; Ginny got onto her knees next to him and pulled him into a kiss, tears streaming down her face.
"Stop babbling… as if there's a chance I'm going to say no!" she said offering a small smile. He pulled her into a kiss, the crowd was making a great deal of noise but neither heard as they stood, still kissing, Harry pulled her up by her waist and span her around. The scene swirled in the snow as Ginny's eyes flew open.
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She rolled over and sprawled out, feeling the cold empty space next to her. Her raw eyes misting over again as the weight of events of exactly one week ago came into full blows. She sat up, rubbing her eyes, as she heard her own screaming inside her head; she would never understand how she made that much noise. She curled herself protectively into a ball underneath the covers, knowing she couldn't face the day that lay ahead. She heard the door open and close quietly but she stayed hidden.
"I have to protect myself now… I don't have his arms"
she thought rocking to and fro slightly, her eyes tightly squeezed together. She felt a breeze ruffle around her and knew someone had removed her quilt. She didn't open her eyes but felt a pair of arms pull her close. He slowly opened her eyes to be faced with the blackness of Hermione's dress and an eight month large bump, preventing Hermione from puling her closer.
"Is anyone coming to the house first" she managed to croak out. She hadn't been able to face the arrangements, she'd only done the small and personal things… the flowers, and favourite songs… everything else were a blur.
"Meeting us there" Hermione replied. "they were going to come, but me and Ron put them off… we thought that maybe since you only wanted me and Ron staying here with you that maybe it might be best".
Ginny nodded. Squeezing her eyes shut again.
"I knew I shouldn't have let you sleep in here last night" whispered Hermione, her voice choked. Ginny gulped.
"It doesn't matter where I sleep: I feel like he should be sleeping next to me, it gave me peace sleeping in our bed… I had the most wonderful dream"
"What about?" asked Hermione stroking her hair, wanting her to talk. She had bottled away everything… Hermione knew it wasn't good for her.
"When he proposed" she whispered with a sad smile and two tears rolled down her cheeks. There was a small cough and Ginny opened her eyes and sat up to see her brother standing in the doorway, holding a big bunch of pink and white flowers. She noticed how vulnerable he looked. Although lanky and tall Ron had wide shoulders and a handsome face, but right that minute he looked like a lost boy again.
"St Mungos sent you these" he explained laying them on a table next to the door. "They sent a letter with them saying not to rush to get back to work."
"I don't know if I'm ever going back, what use am I as a healer, I couldn't even save him"
"Ginny don't talk like that – Harry wouldn't want you blaming yourself when it was far from your fault… it was his fate. We knew a long time ago that this could happen." Ron half whispered. Ginny stood to her feet, anger crackling and radiating off her.
"That doesn't mean it should have happened" she hissed. She brushed past him making her way to the bathroom. Ron sunk down onto the bed next to Hermione, grabbing her hand.
"I don't think I can go through with today" he whispered; closing his eyes to stop the tears leaking.
"I wish we didn't have to go through with it… but we have to be there for Ginny… we will regret it if we don't go… we will regret not saying goodbye" she whispered her voice breaking. Ron pulled her into his chest.
"Come on… Harry would kill me if he saw I'd let you get in a state, let's go and grab some breakfast and force some down Ginny." He led her out the room and through the enormous hall ways of Godric's Hollow. They were both pale and withdrawn: only looking after each other and not themselves.
"The ministry has given me my maternity leave early" said Hermione sipping from her steaming mug. Ron nodded, not bothering to tease her about SPEW or realising that his wife for once was not fretting over all those who would suffer in her absence. It seemed without Harry, even teasing Hermione became out of his reach.
"The ministry has granted me time off too. Kingsley has offered to cover all my shifts I was already assigned for…" he trailed off. "I have no idea who is going to be in the office today, they will all be there… Probably someone from magical law enforcement, all the aurors will want to pay their respects. Well all nearly killed Fudge yesterday when I went in to sort my leave…"
"What happened?" asked Hermione sighing.
"Fudge wanted to make a guard honour thing for him" muttered Ron rolling his eyes, his ears turning a familiar red. He picked up the daily prophet as Hermione's eyes darkened but she didn't say anything. He quickly dropped it again his ears turning red as he saw the front was about the funeral and Fudge had given an interview painting his relationship with Harry in a glowing light. Ginny entered in a simple black dress, her face pale and her eyes without her normal mischievous glint. An owl flew through the open window at this point as Ginny flopped into a chair and deposited the letter in front of her. Her cheeks flamed and she quickly started to tear the letter up in anger. The other two looked at her questionly and she quickly explained.
"It was from Albus… he just thought he'd better warn me that the minister told the public where the funeral was and now Hogwarts grounds and Hogsmede is jammed with people".
"Why?" asked Ron. The girls starred at him and didn't have the energy to roll heir eyes.
"To morn Harry" Hermione whispered.
"Bloody idiots!" he yelled jumping to his feet. The anger he felt finally spilling over. "Harry hated attention, that's why we decided on a quiet thing! Bloody Fudge! Anything for bloody publicity!"
"Ok Ron calm down!" said Hermione from her seat. "At least they are showing their appreciation now".
"It's too late" Ron whispered dropping in to seat. His anger deflated.
"I agree" she whispered back, grabbing his hands. "But today is about Harry, forget about everyone else."
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In no time Ron was looking at his watch and saying it was time to go. One at a time they flooed to Hogwarts, and landed in a fire grate outside the great hall; which Dumbledore had erected for invited guests only; the rest of the world was banned from the building. Hermione's lips began to quiver as she starred at the door, and Ginny felt her legs shaking. Ron took charge of the situation, grabbing Hermione around the waist and Ginny's hand and he pulled them into the great hall. Chairs were set in two wide columns down each side; the place was packed of people that had known the real Harry. Ginny registered a couple of faces; they smiled sadly at her sympathetically. There were three remaining seats at the front which they headed towards – not one of them taking their eyes from Harry, who was lying on top of a gold table at the front.
"He just looks asleep" whispered Ginny, her eyes beginning to brim.
"Ginny" there was a muffled cry as Mrs Weasley pulled her into a hug, meeting the three half way up the aisle. All of her brothers walked up to meet her, while their wives stayed with their children, all the Weasleys taking up the first three rows. It had been agreed all the children should attend; they all loved Harry. Charlie and Rachael's oldest Belinda who was fourand Bill and Fleur's,youngest of all the grandchildren Zack who was a few months old. They all pulled her wordlessly into hugs, all looking just as bad and withdrawn as the next, trying to act manly and strong for their families. Her mum seemed to be withering before her eyes as her dad helped support her. Charlie had his hand on Hermione's shoulder, telling her to go and sit down, when his kind eyes suddenly hardened as he looked up towards the doorway. He released his grip and almost ran to the doorway; they heard a crack as fist contacted with bone. Whispers broke out as Hermione made her way to her seat next to Alicia, and all the brothers ran after Charlie to see what was happening, while Ginny was restrained by her parents who remained in place.
"What the hell are you doing?" exclaimed Bill, as he dragged Charlie off another body. Then all five brothers gasped as their sixth brother was revealed clutching his face.
"Charlie I think you broke my nose" came his muffled voice.
"Is that all?" he asked annoyed as Bill restrained him.
"Right, Ron, Fred, George I can't restrain all of you so cool down" said Bill eyeing their red ears suspiciously.
"What's wrong with all of you?" asked Percy getting gingerly to his feet.
They looked at him in shock.
"Well Perce when your brother dies it has this effect on a person" said Charlie in a dangerously calm voice cracking is knuckles.
"Harry wasn't….."
"Don't you dare finish that sentence Percy, or I will take a swing at you myself" Bill cackled his eyes narrowing. "Harry was a better brother than you any day, and I am proud to call him so, and not so proud to say me and you have the same blood! My children don't even know who you are for Christ sake, and Harry was their favourite uncle!"
"Look I have every right to…." He replied the colour rising on his own face.
"Percy for once in your sad lonely life just shut up!" yelled Ron the colour completely draining from his own face as he quivered dangerously. The twins standing either side moved closer in and grabbed him supportively.
"Well done" sneered George
"You do pick your moments to reconcile with the family you claim you don't belong to… it was actually a relief when you went to tell the truth" said Fred in the same hard voice.
Percy looked around at his brothers' hard and angry faces, feeling that maybe it wasn't the best idea to be there. Ginny had finally escaped her parents and pushed her way to the front of her brothers, wanting to take out home of her anger and frustration on someone who deserved it. Bill tried to pull her back and she wriggled out of his grasp, starring at her brother menacingly.
However Percy appeared not to notice. "Ginny… they are telling me I don't belong…."
"I'll tell you where you go Percy…. You can go and throw yourself off the astronomy tower!" she screamed her eyes streaming but they cackled with anger. Charlie then attempted to pull her towards him, but she threw him off.
"How dare you come here after all you said about Harry? Im guessing you got an invite from the minister… he had nothing to do with this I just couldn't be bothered to argue with him and tell him he wasn't welcome and neither are you! After all you said…disowning us because we choose to believe him… not one word in years… all the hurt you caused and you have chosen today!" Percy seemed to shrink under her immense power she seemed to have inherited from her mother. All the Weasley brothers stood at over six foot, yet Ginny, and five foot two, could still control them all.
"Ginny" said Percy slightly recovering from his shock. "I thought you would be most understanding."
"Most understanding" she said slowly. All of her other brothers looked at Percy in alarm and confusion, Ginny had the worst temper out of all the siblings. "I am in no mood to be understanding to anyone, let alone the lights of you today! That is my fiancée on that table up there – this is about him not you! And this is one of the hardest days of my life!" she broke off sobbing, as Ron walked forward slowly, wrapping is strong arms around her shoulders.
Percy looked in deep shock. "Since when! I didn't even know you were dating!"
"Harry despite what you may think hated having his personal life splashed around the papers, others he was linked to was a load of rubbish" said George threateningly.
"A lot has changed in the last eight years Perce" said Bill. "We all didn't suddenly freeze or decide we couldn't get along in life without you. Ginny and Harry have been dating for seven years! You haven't bothered to find out about any of us, or to see if we were alive! We all have kids you haven't met, weddings you haven't gone to, Ron and Hermione have one on the way… you cant just walk back in after all of that as if nothing has happened". Percy looked slightly shocked, while Ginny breathed in the last of her patience.
"Right enough of this! I can't be asked with you… you're not worth my energy. I don't know why any of us are bothering. Like I said today is about Harry… don't get me wrong if you had shown up and he was here he would have killed you… without a wand… very capable he is… was" she corrected her self quietly "look stay" she said tears falling freely. "Stay at the back and out of my way so I don't even have to think about you!" Ginny swung herself around and stalked to the front of the hall and took her seat in between Alicia and Hermione. The five remaining brothers headed their sisters words and dragged each other to their seats.
Ron took his seat next to Hermione grabbing her hand; as all sets of eyes looked at Harry now all the yelling seemed to be over. Ginny was transfixed by Harry's hair, remembering how she loved to run her fingers through it. Occasionally she looked down at her engagement ring, a perfect blue diamond with an inscription running around the inside.
"I always have been, and always will be in love with you".
And remembered the feeling as Harry slid it onto her finger.
It all I have left…
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Dumbledore swept through the centre aisle and Ginny snapped out of her trance as she watched, Dumbledore looked at Harry, the twinkle gone from his crystal blue eyes, as a single tear fell into his beard. He composed himself then faced the packed Great Hall.
"Welcome everyone… I am glad you could all make it today to celebrate and mourn the life of one of the best people I have had the privilege to know in my long life" Dumbledore gulped and seemed to pause to gather his thoughts. "Harry James Potter". He closed his eyes as if saying it out loud was Harry's death sentence. "The family have asked me to speak about Harry on behalf of them, as they feel unable to talk about their love for him… but I will try my best. Harry had a hard and difficult life; I have yet to meet someone with equally difficult problems he faced. And maybe sometimes he did let the problems get to him in his youth, who wouldn't. But in his adult years, Harry made the best of his life, he travelled, fell in love" he spoke softly looking at Ginny who promptly broke into tears, her body raked with sobs. Ron grabbed her and, and Rachael, Charlie's wife on the other side of her stroked her hair. "He even grew enough to except his unwanted fate and to make amends with his fathers enemies" he said turning to look at Snape, who was looking a lot paler than usual. "Harry had no friends until he met his two best ones…. Harry's judge of character was impeccable…" he said as he bowed to a shaking Ron and Hermione. "He had no family until he met the Weasley's who only saw, not the boy who lived. But a boy who had the life in a few short years of someone who goes through fifty life times. They saw a small boy who needed love and care. I feel… very privileged to be standing here talking about Harry, he made it possible. Without him, maybe none of us would be in this room". He broke off, his sincere sounding voice hardening, "I am now going to pass you on to the Minister of Magic, Cornelius Fudge, who would like a few words."
He took a seat on the front row, his face emotionless and blank as he watched Fudge walk and stand in front of the hall, where the tension suddenly fizzled through the air as everyone looked at Fudge with contempt and impatience.
"My fellow wizards and witches, the battle is won! The ministry knew we would triumph over He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named, of course our young hero worked tirelessly with the ministry. But alas someone had to pay a price, and I'm sad to say it was him." He's words sounded empty and forced, and Ginny knew that from the dagger glares surrounding her that she wasn't the only one who thought so. Before he could continue Neville Longbottom rose from his chair.
"Oh please don't pretend you care!" his voice choked out.
"Longbottom! Sit down! I will deal with you after; I'm trying to make a public appearance!" he hissed at the puffy-eyed young man standing before him.
"IS ALL THIS MEANS TO YOU!" yelled Ginny, the anger radiating from her. She didn't even realise she was on her feet. Her family stood around her, Ginny at first thought they were trying to restrain her, but they were also all yelling at Fudge.
"Harry protected us all, we never could, and never will we be able to re pay that debt; but we can try and make it up to him, and the first thing I think Harry would have loved to see would be getting rid of you" said Bill calmly striding forwards. Before he got there, the rest of her brothers' right behind him, Fudge was levitated and thrown from the hall. The hall was stunned into silence, and they all turned to see Dumbledore, with his wand out standing on his feet.
"I've wanted to do that for years" he announced remaining on his feet. Ginny could imagine the hall ringing with laughter, just like it should be, Harry loving what was happening to the man he despised. But everyone calmly retook their seats, watching, as though transfixed by the front of the hall as Dumbledore retook his position.
"I dot think there's much left to say after we have cut into the minister's ermm public time" he said with venom in his voice no one had hard there before. "As far as I am concerned we may have won the final battle, but we did not win the war… Harry dying alongside Voldermort was a fate no one wanted to see. But it pains me to say that, that is what Harry would have wanted if the choice was given to him and the other option was him both him and Voldermort to survive or let him win. Harry always choose what was right, rather than what was easy, he was a young man of wisdom and courage many don't gain from a full life. Like any other person he had his faults, but he had the right ideas to what a life should be. He lived each moment as though it was his last; and he in the next life, will never regret his previous… I will now let the family say their final goodbyes… would everyone else please retire to the side chamber just outside the hall, then you may return for the wake… and then the burial". Everyone slowly made their way out the hall, all looking at Harry's lifeless boy, not willing to believe. Dumbledore gave a slight nod to the family before leaving after Snape.
"Albus" Ginny held out her hand and grabbed him as he passed. "Stop if you want to". Dumbledore gave a sad smile.
"I have already said my goodbye Ginny… this is the time for those Harry loved most in the world."
"That included you sir" she whispered.
"He may have" he nodded. He took her hand. "But all of you standing here gave him what I couldn't. Normality. And while I am not so stupid as to blame myself for his lost childhood, I feel that it is only right for those who treated him, as he should have been, that those people have their moment with him."
Ginny didn't have any energy to protest, and a small part of her, knew that he was right. She sat down, taking deep breaths, her vision glazed over as she thought about the end drawing closer. Hermione and Ron sat either side of her taking a hand each, both of them; she knew must have reflected her own face. She watched as her Mum and Dad approached the gold table, almost cautiously.
Mr Weasley supported his wife around the waist as got closer to their surrogate son; her body was trembling, from her lips, restraining her tears, to her legs which wouldn't allow her to walk. Her voice shook as she spoke:
"Harry, we have told you enough times, but you aren't like you are a son to us… I couldn't be more proud or love you more if you were truly my own... You better keep out of trouble you hear me! You have had enough of that in this life time without looking for it in the next. I think the thing I couldn't accept about you was the fact that you didn't need me to be your mum, you did enjoy it somewhat I think, but you were use to taking care of yourself. You wanted harsh reality told you straight. I know though, despite how much I hated them, I would love to have another one of those arguments with you again. Goodbye, my darling boy" she stroked his hair back with a very shaky hand. "Just be happy wherever you are and remember we love you" Her voice broke and she sank into her husbands arms her body racked with sobs.
"I don't know what to add" Mr Weasley whispered. He seemed to have forgotten his wife was there, although he was holding her up automatically. "You know you were always a son to me and always will be, even without the red hair. I know wherever you are now, you will most probably be beating yourself over the head for "letting everyone down" stop it right now because you most definitely didn't let anyone down. You rid the world of him… and we are all forever in your debt" Mr Weasley choked on his words, and gave up what he was trying to say. He steered his wife away from the table and back towards their seats. Angelina quickly summoned a cup of tea and poured in some fire whiskey to hand to her.
Bill kissed Fleur's cheek before approaching the table to, his body shaking and him trying to stop it by balling his fists together. He looked down at Harry, remembering the first time he ever met him, and years later when Harry told him he looked up to him. That pleased and shocked him all at once. The Harry Potter looked up to him! Bill had fought beside him for years, and couldn't help but now look up to him in turn. He loved him like he was a brother, and didn't know how he was going to get through the rest of that day.
"Well. God mate… you know that Weasley men have a problem with showing their emotions and pour out their feelings… that trait seems to belong to the few women. You know you will always be my brother, you know I will always keep your memory alive. My kids are always going to know who their uncle Harry was and what he did to make sure they grew up in a world without fear. Although, I doubt Joseph will need reminding, he is always asking when you are coming round to pick him up for qudditch. I don't think you realise how much you are going to be missed, you have left so many holes in so many lives, but that only shows how many of us you touched… God I'm getting seriously soppy. I bet you're up there with Sirius laughing at me!" He smiled slightly remembering those few nights he spent with Sirius and Harry playing cards before Sirius died. "Take care mate" he finally whispered. He unballed his fists as he walked away, although his shaking had decreased, his eyes were now watering. He sat heavily in his seat, as Fleur, who was crying herself tried to console him.
Although Charlie was the most composed out of all her brothers and seemed to be holding everyone together; he still staggered forward, his face gaunt and hollow, and his eyes not bright or twinkling. He reached the table, looking down sadly, his face draining of colour even more.
"Harry the only thing I can say really is how much I respect you. I use to think I knew everything" he smiled faintly. "The first time I met you I remember how easy it was to think of you as just a teenager, like Ron. Which I imagined to be impossible… but you made it easy. When I heard about what you had to do… lets just say I had a reality check. I know now that life well lets say we all learnt not to take it for granted. My kid's are always going to know what you sacrificed to protect them. I don't know how many times we had the argument we had over who was the better seeker, or how many times we put the theory to the test" Charlie smiled slightly, remembering how he and Harry bantered. "Well, I'm not about to back down now" Charlie's face actually broke into a grin as he said this. As though he could imagine Harry's response. "Goodbye mate. Make sure you save me a place on the qudditch pitch". He made he's way slowly back, retaking his seat as he took Rachael's hand and pulled Kieran onto his lap.
Fred and George looked at each other, across the few chairs that separated them. Both, even in grieve looking identical. They seemed to communicate without words, and then both stood together, and moved towards the table together; as if going together would make it slightly more bearable. Both had heavy bags under their eyes, and the mischievous glint that usually glittered in their blue eyes was not present. When they reached the table, they were both silent, looking at each other as though arguing over who went first. Finally George took a deep breathe.
"Right well sorry mate you know what we're like, no one can separate us" he tried to joke. "Everyone seems to be going on about what a gifted and wonderful person who were"
"And they are not wrong" cut in Fred
"But feel it is our …"
"Duty, if you will"
"Yes… to comment on a few home truths" they both grinned in spite of the situation they both knew somewhere Harry was killing himself laughing at their antics.
"Harry, Harry, Harry" said Fred shaking his head mockingly. "You were the worst trouble-maker"
"Even worse than us"
"What with old Voldie trying to do you in every so often I mean you were a bit of a target"
"Constant arguments with Snape"
"You were stubborn"
"Proud"
"When you were angry, I made sure I stayed away"
"To clever to prank"
"But then you were loyal"
"Stupidly concerned for others when you were in more danger then the rest of us"
"You were the only one who dared intervene in a fight with Ron and Hermione, and managed to actually get them to kiss and make up"
"And you were brave enough to try it on with a girl with six older brothers… especially a girl with a few Anger issues herself"
Both twins grinned at the memories that came with those traits found in Harry, and then the frowns came back again:
"Too get I suppose we will call it sentimental for a moment" began Fred.
"We owe you so much mate, our lives are what they are because of you, and I don't think we ever paid you back"
"I know we wouldn't have a business without you"
"And I know I wouldn't have Alicia without you" said George. Both began to look glassy eyed.
"We've probably joked a bit more than we should have done today, but we know that's what you would have wanted mate."
"You know we won't forget you ever. And we promise to do what you said, keep everyone laughing"
"Although I think you covered it for us… even though the ones in this room will find it harder than the rest"
"Right well we've spent a lot of time being prats so we expect you to remember us as well. "
"Bye mate" they said together. They walked slowly back, walking closer and closer together as they walked, as though supporting each other. When they sat down, they sat next to each other, the gazes blank as they tried to stop tears falling.
Hermione felt frozen to her seat as she watched the twins shake themselves out of their day dream, and relieve their wives of one of their twins. George had taken Holly, and Fred held Megan. She shakily heaved herself to her feet. She almost pulled Ron along with her, but knew this was something she had to do by herself. She reached the table, taking his hand in hers, hers eyes filling with tears.
"I know you would be watching all of us with that blush on your face, you were always to modest for your own good. I love you so much and I can't deal with the fact that I will never hear your voice, see you laugh, dive for the snitch or hear you tease me with Ron again. I can't believe that you will ever meet your Godchild, but I want you to know, even though you can't be apart of my baby's life, you will always be apart of his. Not long now you know. I can already tell he is going to be a mischief maker, he won't stop kicking me. He will always know about my brother. He won't learn about the Harry Potter but just Harry…how much you loved qudditch, how passionate you got about the things you loved, and how you sacrificed yourself so he could live. I also know you will want to wallop Ron around the head for letting me get in this state as you would put it, but he is dealing with his own grief. Remember when I told you I was pregnant? Your first response was to hug me and spin me off my feet then ask where Ron was so you could "Go and wet the baby's head". I hadn't told him. I was scared he wouldn't be pleased, but you convinced me he would be. Without you I don't think we would even be together. I guess I owe you so much more than the safety of our world, you gave me my life, and I'm so glad you were apart of it, even if it was only for a short time…." Hermione broke down, Ron rushed forward and she kissed his hand shakily, be fore he guided her back to her seat. Angelina placed Clarissa in Fred's free arm and went to sit next to her, holding her close and stroking her hair.
For once Ron hadn't noticed his wife in distress; his whole focus was on his best friend, his brother; this was his last chance to say goodbye, and he knew he had to do it for his own peace of mind. His hands stuffed in his pockets Ron approached the table.
"I really need your advice at the moment Harry, I feel so selfish because I'd actually rather Voldermort be here, if it meant you were. I feel so small because you were willing to die to destroy him. This just feels like a different life, something that isn't reality. Even though I knew it could happen I never thought or did I believe it could happen. You were Harry Potter! Strong, powerful… invincible. You defied him so many times I guess we all forgot you weren't immune to death. You were, are and always will be more than my best friend, you know me better than anyone, and you're the only one with the guts to tell me what I need to hear… you're irreplaceable. I know you will always protect and watch us, Id just rather you were here to do it. We haven't really been apart since we met on the Hogwarts Express, where you shared all your candy with me; I remember feeling so shocked that I had to explain to the great Harry Potter where he came from! I feel as though we've gone through everything together and it's going to feel so weird when I do things now and your not there. My greatest wish is for you to know my son or daughter, and for you just to hold them one time, and for me to say to my baby "this is your uncle Harry" I guess I'll have to do it from a photograph… Without you, life definitely would have been duller, not including all our escapades and adventures, the pointless things we did seem to mean so much more now. You know I love you mate" A single tear fell down his cheek "I just wish you were here to hear me say it". Ron turned quickly as though trying to prevent tears, and stumbled back to his seat where Hermione had composed herself and was waiting with open arms. They held each other, taking comfort in one another's grief.
Ginny watched her brother and best friend embrace each other numbly, knowing after she was done, that was it, no me goodbyes and no more Harry. Would everyone simply move on…? Ginny knew it was an impossible task for her, Harry was her one and only. She swayed slightly as she walked to front, she took Harry's hands in both of hers, wishing he would open his eyes so she could look into his gorgeous eyes.
"Everyone has got it summed up… My Harry," tears started to pour down her face. "I feel as though my heart is literally breaking. I never knew why people wrote about love, why people were willing to die for love… then I fell hard for you and everything suddenly made sense. the love we shared; Ithought it will last forever… you once told me, I was young, not to go on alone…find somebody else." She took a gulp. "Well let me tell you Harry James Potter, you will not get rid of me that easy, you are mine, and I am yours forever. I don't care if your prediction comes true and I end up old and bitter with only cats for company… I know I have your love, that we be enough to get me through… I can feel your arms around me and that's all I need… You will always be my whole heart, no one else compares… there isn't room for anyone else…" Ginny broke off sobbing; Charlie approached from behind and put his arms gently on hers. She shrugged him off, not letting go. He took a step back be watched her, his heart breaking for his little sister. Ginny couldn't speak anymore her throat had closed over. Instead she lowered her head to kiss him for the last time.
Her lips touched his, then suddenly there was a blinding white light filling the hall, every gasped, Belinda burst into terrified screams, as the light became golden Dumbledore rushed in. Ginny broke away and the light faded, everyone stopped looking down and instead looked towards the table, to where Harry's body was now shaking wildly. Dumbledore rushed forward, as Ginny started screaming his name, and Charlie grabbed her, dragging her away from the table. Everyone hold onto each other, all the children were crying, and Hermione was shaking.
"What's happening" she whispered. Ron was too shocked to answer.
Dumbledore sent his patronues flying out the hall, and a minute later Snape rushed in.
"Severus please go and find your strongest recoveristis potion" A look of understanding came over his features and he rushed off at once. Everyone else was shocked so see Dumbledore smiling.
"Ginny there's no time to explain, please can I take one for your hairs… there's a chance we can save Harry, but we must act quickly"
Ron hurried forward "What!"
"Shush" hissed Ginny angrily "Didn't you hear we haven't got time to argue we need to act now, we can hear it after". She quickly pulled out a few red hairs as Snape was rushing back in, holding a small vial of clear potion to Dumbledore. He quickly added the hair and it turned a deep blue, matching Ginny's engagement ring. Dumbledore quickly poured it down Harry's throat and the hall was silent.
Then the bets noise anyone heard, a gasp of air and a splutter, and with a quickly movement Harry was sitting up coughing and spluttering, gasping for air. Before anyone could move, Dumbledore was there, he held Harry tightly to him, and a tear ran into his beard. It was a like a spell had been lifted the hall went mad, everyone kissing and hugging as Ginny raced forward burying herself into his chest, sobbing as Dumbledore backed away. Harry held her close, although in slight shock a grin spread across his face as he watched his family rushed towards him, and he felt the air go out of him again as he felt the little figure of Joseph launch himself into his lap. Bill picked him up, as Ginny pulled away slightly and slapped him around the chest. The hall was silenced.
"Don't you ever, ever do that to me again" she whispered then she broke down again as Harry pulled her back in. He had heard everything but someone was missing from his family.
"Where's Remus" he asked panicking.
"Don't worry he isfine" reassured Bill. "He wanted to come but St Mungos wouldn't release him yet". Ginny finally released him, realising she wasn't the only one who missed him as everyone took it in turns to hug him, though as usual her mothers was the longest. But Harry kept finding her hand, refusing not to have contact with her.
"I just want to tell you all… I heard everything you said" he became slightly choked. "And I just want to tell you all… you were the ones that gave me my reason to fight, and to live."
Everyone beamed as Dumbledore stepped forward.
"I suppose everyone would like an explanation" he smiled. Every one looked expectantly at him.
"Although we assumed Harry was dead, it is my assumption that the magic he used to kill the dark lord drained his energy, making it even impossible to function, meaning we thought he was dead"
Harry nodded. "I felt like I was frozen, but my heart wasn't beating and I wasn't breathing, but I knew everything that was going on. It was so strange".
"What bought you out of it was simple… true love… when Miss Weasley kissed you it revived your energy".
He pulled her closer kissing the top of her head. Ginny grinned into his chest.
"Well what do you say we give a few people some heart attacks" grinned Fred wickedly. Harry grinned hugging Hermione and Ron again and taking Ginny's hand he led the way to the top of the hall, waiting to re greet the wizarding world again, knowing that it was going to be a much more pleasant place.