"How do I attend a funeral for a man I hate?" said Harry "Because of him, my parents are dead."
Arianna looked at her godson, amazed that he could say what she felt. Peter Pettigrew lived for so long while Lily and James were gone, but yet because of Peter, Remus was still alive.
"Harry, no one is asking you to forget what Peter has done or the pain he has caused you or even to mourn him. But do remember that because of your mercy, he was able to save Remus' life in the end and remember what being a true Gryffindor was about. He recalled the meaning of friendship and gave his life for his friend." Replied Arianna.
Wouldn't you do the same for those you call friends and family?" Replied Arianna.
"I am grateful to Worm… I mean Peter, you and Uncle Moony are the only ties I still have with my parents. To lose Uncle Moony now is not something I want. said Harry. "I know we are in a war and that people die in war but I still don't want to think about my life without those I love."
"You have grown a lot since your third year my "nephew" and I will understand if you do not attend the service. I suspect that not many people will be there either. Considering that he was a Death Eater, not too many are mourning his loss" said Remus as he entered Arianna's office.
It may surprise you to hear that in his exact words and final breaths, Peter asked me to thank you for giving him an opportunity to redeem himself. He wanted you to know that he felt like a true Gryffindor in the end.
"Part of being a Gryffindor is also being able to forgive, hating Peter only hurts me and there are still others out there more deserving of that hate. I will be at the funeral." said Harry.
As Arianna looked at Harry, she felt for the first time that Harry was his mother's son, only Lily's love and spirit could have forgiven Peter.
The Chapel of Merlin, on the edge of Hogsmeade was almost empty. Aurors on duty almost outnumbered the mourners. Only seventh years were allowed to attend if they wanted and none beside Gryffindor students (most out of respect for their Head of House) came. The Headmistress was there as well.
Only Remus said a few words about Peter. Harry, Arianna, Remus and Tonks went to the graveyard. Peter was buried in with a tombstone that simply said Marauder always, Friend in the end. Peter Pettigrew 1960 – 1998.
Remus sat at Peter's grave pondering his next step when his keen senses smelled him. He was not truly in the right frame of mind to have to hear how he should not mourn for Peter. Remus sat to mourn not only the loss of Peter now but the Peter he knew then and who had tried to return to him. He mourned the loss of all his friends and the bitter irony that the only person who had survived all this time was the least likely one. He felt the physical and emotional weight of the man beside him. Neither wanted to turn to each other so they sat in silence for a long time. As the quarter moon rose in the sky, Arianna finally strolled out towards the two men she loved.
"Is this a male only pity party or can anyone join in?" she said.
"Arianna, I just can't right now." Remus mumbled.
"Remus, I… need you." Said Harry in a plaintive tone.