They all stood in a circle around the grave.
Brooms at their sides and their red robes worn proudly.
The girls stood in tears, eyes red. While the boys stood stonily, not wanting to cry.
Every living Gryffindor quidditch player from the last 80 years had come back for one last stand as a group to respect their fallen beater, to remember that as a team they stand united and united they mourn.
It was tradition. Each player who had served with the fallen said their piece to celebrate their player's life and to show past teams that the bond they all have as Gryffindors stays strong even when they are apart in later life.
Oliver stepped forwards and placed Fred's broom next to the grave before moving away to speak
"Fred Weasley was the greatest beater you could have ever asked for on a team. Even when he was moaning about having to get up early he'd make jokes to get us all in the spirit as we were all trying desperately not to fall asleep on our brooms. I will miss him." At that point he was forced to stop as his voice choked up.
"Even though him and George annoyed me to the point where I wanted to beat them with their own clubs I wouldn't have had him any other way." Katie piped up, smiling a little at George.
"I loved him as a player and a person." Angelina said, sobbing. George reached out to take her hand. She didn't pull away.
"He was like a brother to me. I'll miss him always" Harry said, head bowed in respect.
"He was an amazing beater, I've lost count of how many times he saved me from an injury." Alicia said.
"He was my brother and team mate, and I loved him as both." Charlie said.
"We weren't together as team mates for long, but he was always my brother, on the field and off." Ron said.
"He was great. May he fly forever." George called out.
"Fly forever" They all called out in unison, holding their brooms out. Every other player followed as they paid their respects to their fallen team mate.
Fly Forever Fred Weasley. Fly Forever.