Disclaimer: As much as I wish I did, I do not own any of the characters, nor the Harry Potter world. All belongs to JK Rowling.
A/N: First chapter is here. I will TRY to update regularly, but I have a few exams coming up, so I cannot promise anything. However, in the summer, I am free as a bird to continue posting. I may have to take creative liberties when it comes to dates etc, and I will probably miss out a fair chunk of detail due to 19 years is a LONG time to write about.
Anyways, please read, review, share, criticize, do anything you will to help make this story become the best I have ever written.
Hermione gripped tight onto Rons arm, offering what she hoped would translate as support and comfort. She looked around her at the masses of people who had congregated. She spotted many familiar faces, all of whom were expressing the same grave look that was apparent throughout the crowd. A silent tear slid down her cheek as she returned her attention back to George at the head of the crowd.
"Not only was Fred my twin, but he was my best friend," he continued, pausing to wipe the tears from his eyes. "I know he wouldn't want any of us to be saddened by his departure, but I can't help but feel the loss of my brother is also a loss of part of myself. When we were younger, we made a promise to each other. We would live each day of our life to the fullest. We would make each day worth living for. Fred was robbed of that chance, so I intend to live my life for the both of us. I will make all our dreams come true. For Fred. Rest in peace, brother." George stood down after his eulogy for his brother, wrapping his arms around his inconsolable mother.
Ron stepped forward, taking his turn. "Fred was many things. He was my older brother. He was a Weasley. He was a prankster, but mostly, he was-" Ron stopped as a sob caught in his throat. "He was one of the many people I looked up to in my life. Although he..."
Hermione leapt forward, placing her hand on his. She whispered to him, something inaudible to the crowd. Ron nodded, taking a step back. Hermione took a tentative step forward, continuing where Ron left off.
"Although he pulled many pranks on me, he always looked out for me." she read off the parchment Ron held. "He knew when a prank got to far, he knew when to stop. I remember once, when he and George first started doing trials on the Skiving Snackboxes, I was among the first to try it out. I took a bite of the Nosebleed Nougat, and instantly blood gushed out of my nose. George wanted to see how much blood would come out until the effects wore off without the other end of the sweet, and Fred was more than willing to comply. It was only when I became unsteady on my feet, and started going lightheaded and pale that Fred stepped in and gave me the other end to stop the flow. It may not seem like much, but to me, it was one of the many moments when Fred put someone else before sake of his business. It was one of the many times Fred stepped in to stop something before it became worse. I haven't been able to sum up the wonder that is Fred Weasley well, but I know that each and every one of you will possess many fond memories of him, and that is what is keeping his spirit alive."
Hermione finished and whipped around to give Ron a hug. Taking her hand in his, she led him back to his spot in the crowd. His face remained stoic throughout the eulogies, the only movement was the slight rise and fall of his chest, and the constant tears rolling down his face.
The funeral of Fred Weasley was a hard and sad one. One that Hermione never thought she would have to attend for a very long time. She allowed her thoughts to drift back to the memories of Fred. Of his teasing, of his jokes, and how he was always there to lighten up the mood after something serious happened. She wondered how different life would be without the second half of the Weasley twin pranksters present.
Her thoughts were interrupted by the body shaking sobs emanating from Ron, who finally allowed the strong sadness overtake him. Her grip tightened on his hand as Fred's coffin was lowered into the ground.
Once his casket was covered in dirt, the crowds started dispersing. The family and closest friends of the Weasley family apparated back to the Burrow for Fred's wake, whilst the family stayed behind. Molly fell to her knees, taking a handful of soil off the mound, her body shaking with sobs.
"Why?" She screamed to no one. "Why did you take him too early?" Arthur moved quickly to embrace his hysterical wife. She released the handful of soil in her hands and clutched at his shirt. Sobbing a constant flurry of 'why' into his chest. It was a heart breaking sight for all to see.
Hermione felt a tug on her hand and turned to face Ron. His eyes red and puffy from crying, he pulled Hermione away from the Weasley family and Harry.
"I need to get out of here," he whispered, in a barely audible hoarse voice.
"Ok. Where shall we go?" She asked him, wishing she could take away his hurt and grief.
"I need to go alone," he replied.
"Let me come with you, I'll go with you anywhere Ron. Wherever you need me, I'll be there." Ron removed her grasp from his hand, lent forward and gave her a soft kiss upon her lips.
"I'll see you soon," came his reply. Before Hermione could argue, Ron apparated, leaving Hermione clutching at thin air.
Hermione apparated back to the Burrow to see if Ron had returned there. Seeing that he hadn't she set about preparing food for the guests of the wake, and pouring out drinks for those who asked. After two hours, Ron still had not returned, so Hermione took post in the door of the Burrow, looking out into the fields awaiting Ron's arrival.
"He'll be back soon, he just needs time to cool off," George said, coming up behind Hermione, shaking her out of her reverie.
"I know, I'm just worried, you know? Seeing how he was whilst we were away, I just don't want him to do anything to brash." She replied giving him a brief hug. "How are you holding up anyway?"
"Ok. Considering. I think what was said in Ron's eulogy is right. He still lives on so long as we remember him."
"It'll be hard to forget him." Hermione stated, knowing how many hearts Fred touched, for countless reasons. "Listen, George, if you need any help, with the store, or anything, let me know. I'm more than willing."
"I might have to take you up on that." George replied, with a sad smile. He excused himself and went to check on his mother, who was fussing about everyone to take her mind off of her sad loss.
Hermiones eyes returned to the spot where she was staring at before. Her heart skipped a beat as she saw Ron walking up the path. She ran to him, her arms spread wide, ready to give him a tight embrace.
"I'm so glad you're back!" She exclaimed into his chest.
"I'm sorry. I just needed to say goodbye in my own time." Came his reply, wrapping his arms around her and placing a gentle kiss on her head.