Hagrid's funeral was a large affair, as the large man had touched so many lives with his large heart. A wide congregation of his best and brightest alumni, along with his current students; faculty, both new and old, came to pay their respects to him. And among them, three people who looked to be in their adult years of life, and all of whom looked absolutely devastated by the loss of their friend, sat in the front row of the large funeral held upon the sloping lawns of Hogwarts. Harry, Ron and Hermione were all there, along with their children and their spouses. It seemed like only yesterday they had seen Hagrid… and now he was gone forever. Hermione cried and held hands with Ron and Harry, both of whom were puffy eyed and looked like they might crack at any second.

"Thank you all for coming," said a voice, striding up between the rows of chairs that made up the funeral.

Everyone watched the man, in his long black robes and his sleek shoes as he stepped to the forefront of the gathering and stood before a podium. Harry did not know the man's name but he knew that he was a representative from the Ministry, a hired speaker to offer his condolences to those in grief.

"Welcome, one and all, to the funeral Rubeus Hagrid," said the man in black, "I am honored to speak on behalf of my uncle, a man whom I have long admired, and whose life was a wonderful blessing upon those who knew him."

The man cast his eyes over the crowd, and Harry Ron and Hermione blanched, they didn't know Hagrid had an extended family. Now that they saw him, though, he seemed to share a few features, dark eyes and rather bushy hair, though his goatee was neatly trimmed and precise.

"I only recently met my uncle, when he came to me in the Ministry to set his affairs in order. I will never forget the first time I saw him, I almost jumped out of my skin," the man said with a smile.

Many of the assembled smiled a little as well, knowing full well how Hagrid's form was so intimidating while he was actually a very kind person.

"Well, it seems cruel, as I only just got to know a bit about him before his death, but I am honored that he chose me to speak for his funeral, and I am glad for the time I spent with him. He asked me to be brief in my service, and to refrain from overstating, but I'm afraid that is one thing I cannot do, for we all know Rubeus Hagrid was a wonderful man, so kind and full of love! He was born to my great uncle, Rudolfus Hagrid, and his wife, Fridwulfa," the man in black said, "and though he was not your average human, he was still allowed to enter this school and pursue an education through the kindness of one of the greatest Headmasters the school will ever know. Tragedy struck during Hagrid's second year, when his father died, and then again in Hagrid's third year, when he was wrongly accused of a most heinous crime!"

Harry remembered this, better than most, as his own second year had been plagued by self-doubt and a lack of friendship due to his apparent involvement in the opening of the Chamber of Secrets. He was alone, albeit Hagrid, whom Harry had suspected for a time before uncovering the true culprit. A dark look flashed over Hagrid's relatives face, and Harry saw in it the same indignant anger he felt whenever he had thought of Hagrid's false accusation and expulsion.

"Though Rubeus Hagrid was expelled from this prestigious magical academy, he remained here for the majority of his life! He took up work as the Gamekeeper, and later as the Professor of Care of Magical Creatures, which had always been a passion of his. All this, and more, was done by a Headmaster who not only believed in Hagrid's innocence, but in his kind heart, though he knew of the tumultuous circumstances of Hagrid's lineage. Not long after being cleared of his previous indictments, Hagrid was caught up in the war against the Dark Lord, Voldemort, where he stood resolute against his foes in defense of what he most prized: his life at Hogwarts, and the life of a very dear friend."

The man's dark eyes flickered for a moment to Harry, who stared back just as intensely. For a moment, they shared in their grief before the man pressed on.

"Yes, Rubeus Hagrid was a fine wizard and a wonderful friend to all who knew him, but one of his greatest feats lies not in his role as a veteran in the war, nor as a Professor of Hogwarts, the one place he called home, but in the compassion and kindness he showed to all living things, from the trees of the forest, to the beings that dwell within it, Hagrid showed nothing but love and affection to all. He looked past the most monstrous of exteriors and connected with the magical creatures of this school on a level so personal, few others could understand it. If you listen closely, you can hear the sadness emanating from the creatures for which Hagrid once cared for with all his heart."

And they could. It seemed that every creature could be heard, braying for their lost comrade. Shadows shifted just beyond the trees, clicks, yowls, yelps and cries echoing from the great wooded expanse of the Forbidden Forest. Everyone shifted in their seats and looked about to see the surface of the lake roil and foam, before a great, black, slimy looking beast reared from the water and let loose a deep, low moan, like the timbers of a ship straining as it was dragged down to the depths of the sea. It was sad, and after a moment of fright, many people felt the great sorrow emanating from the creature, and they looked on with teary eyes as the creature gazed at the casket and moaned away its sorrow. It's bulbous, slimy eye blinked, and then it once more sank back into the depths, having paid its respects.

"Later in his life, Hagrid lived peacefully in his cabin, where he was often kept company by the letters and occasional company of his dearest friends and more amicable students. Not too long ago, after having his record completely expunged of any wrongdoing, Rubeus had his wand rights restored and he once more took up the use of magic. Legally, anyway," the man chortled, weeping softly and laughing at the same time.

"This could not have been done with great efforts from one of Hagrid's closest and best friends, Mister Harry Potter, who managed to clear Hagrid of all his past charges and get his rights restored. Hagrid passed away at three forty seven, mere minutes before his next class. His remains were discovered by one of his students and brought to the Headmaster's attention. He is laid to rest with his wand in his hand and with sorrow in our hearts as we mourn the loss of a truly remarkable man, a steadfast and loyal friend, and a gentle soul. Rest in peace, Hagrid."

"Rest in peace," echoed throughout the congregation as the man left the stand. Another man, who looked slightly disheveled and pale, clambered up to the podium and spoke.

"As we lay Rubeus Hagrid to rest, here upon the sloping lawns of Hogwarts, a high profile tribute to the late Care of Magical Creatures Professor was planned by several of Hogwarts' graduates, to appease their teacher's last wishes. Yes, here they come now," the man said, dabbing the sweat from his brow and pointing a shaky finger at the skies behind them. Everyone turned, and as one their shock was forgotten. Zooming through the sky in a downward dive, wings booming with each flap, was a dragon. It was enormous, red and flecked with scars and marks from other dragons. Harry, Ron and Hermione stared at it with wonder, until it flew down and soared clear over the funeral procession, the wind sending several hats flying from heads as everyone stared with shock at the large red dragon, ridden by an old man whose hair was slowly turning from red to grey.

"Charlie," Ron shouted, waving at his brother, who sat upon the dragon's back as he guided it through the air. For such a large dragon, it was immensely fluid and Charlie guided it masterfully through the skies, performing tricks, having it breath fire, and overall making the crowd forget their grief.

'This is just the sort of thing Hagrid would do,' Harry thought, 'having a dragon at his funeral!'

"Norbert," Hermione said suddenly, "that's Norbert-it's Norbert you guys!"

"Bloody hell," Ron said, "it is!"

Harry suddenly saw it too, the coloration might have changed a bit over the years, but the overall shape of the dragon couldn't be more obvious: it was a Norwegian Ridgeback, and the very same dragon Hagrid had sent to live with Charlie Weasley in Romania, all those years ago. The great orange and red dragon swooped low and made everyone jump again before it landed in front of them upon the lawns, Charlie looking like a wise old sage upon the dragon's back.

"It is the wish of the deceased to be cremated…. in dragon's fire," the nervous man at the podium proclaimed.

A roar echoed from the dragon and across the grounds as it threw back its head and howled before its maw clicked open and an inferno burst forth, striking the plain wooden casket that housed the large form of Hagrid. Minutes passed as the dragon burned the coffin to ash, leaving nothing but a simple stone pedestal upon which sat the ashes of Rubeus Hagrid. The nervous man smiled when the dragon closed its toothy mouth and with a wave of his wand, the ashes were encased in a large, simple urn with Hagrid's name engraved along the bottom. Charlie reigned in his fiery steed and after giving a salute to Hagrid's urn, he turned the great dragon away and they once more took to the skies, performing a lap over the castle before finally soaring off into the overcast sky, finally disappearing with one last roar as the dragon fell out of view behind the mountaintops.

"The deceased also wished to convey his gratitude to all who attended the ceremony, and he wishes you all safe travels back to your homes. Any who wish to do so are free to come forward and pay their respects at the memorial erected in Hagrid's honor."

And just like that, the ceremony to pay homage to the life of Rubeus Hagrid was over. Harry watched as the man tapped the blank pedestal with his wand and it slowly but surely transformed into a sarcophagus, much like Dumbledore's, except Hagrid's was slightly smaller and made of unassuming grey stone. It was also engraved with images of every type of creature held within the Forbidden Forest, and written upon the top was a testament to Hagrid. Harry, Ron and Hermione joined the quickly forming queue, the three of them were stuck behind Madame Maxime, who still looked quite young for advanced age, and in front of a line of long retired Hogwarts teachers, which included Professors McGonagall, Flitwick and Sprout, all of whom looked so battered and withered with age that Harry was surprised they were all still around.

'Magic works in mysterious ways,' Harry thought.

Slowly, the line wounds it's way nearer and nearer to the stone memorial, upon which stood Hagrid's remains. The smell of burning wood was still heavy in Harry's nostrils and heat could still be felt coming from the stone, as Ron discovered when he went to lay a hand upon it and ended up scorching himself. He swore loudly, drawing several sharp glares before he mumbled his farewell and moved on. Hermione's tribute was a bit more heartfelt and personal. She conjured a wreath of black roses and hung it over Hagrid's urn before stepping out of line, and with that, Harry took his place before the remains of one of his oldest friends.

"Hey, Hagrid," Harry said, "how have you been? I suppose being cremated by a dragon isn't as fun as it sounds, is it?"

Harry tried desperately to keep himself from bawling like a child as he wept, a smile fixed upon his face and his cheeks lined with tear trails.

"Do you remember when we first met," Harry asked, almost laughing as he choked upon his words, "you kicked down the door, told me I was a wizard… and then you gave Dudley a pig's tail!"

Harry broke into fits of sobbing giggles before he sniffled past his anguish and became serious.

"It's hard to believe you're gone… somehow I always thought you'd always be there. It's ok, though, you get to see your dad right? I bet he's proud of you… and for what it's worth, so am I. Rest in peace Hagrid, I'll miss you, and your visits, and your rock cakes, and your tea. I'll miss your back breaking hugs and the way you laughed like a bear. And look at all these people, Hagrid," Harry said, glancing behind him, "remember when you said you were scared of being forgotten? Well, looks like you had nothing to worry about."

Harry took out his wand, remembering the day he'd first bought it. Hagrid had been there. Hagrid had bought him his owl, Hedwig, and he'd always done his best to keep Harry out of trouble, though it hadn't been easy.

"I don't think I've ever said this Hagrid," Harry whispered, "but you were the closest thing I had to a father, so thanks for that. Orchideous!"

A bouquet of bright red orchids shot from the tip of Harry's wand and landed in his outstretched hand before he placed them upon the memorial. Wind buffeted Harry's face, smelling strongly of the lake and the mountains, and for a moment, Harry felt as if he were back in school again… except he wasn't. Hagrid was gone, and Hogwarts would never be the same.

"Rest in peace, Professor Hagrid," Harry said, stuffing his hands into his pockets. With a sense of finality, he tore himself away from the urn and the tomb, turning to find Ron and Hermione there, watching him closely. Harry smiled weakly, and embraced them both. In a world where so much was changing, Harry was glad he had his friends there to see him through it. A moment passed, and then their children came up and embraced their parents.

"Potter…"

Harry turned again to find a withered and rather stern looking McGonagall eyeing him. Though she was old and battered with age, Harry had no doubt she could still turn him into a tin can faster than he could even lay a hand upon his wand.

"Professor," Harry said nervously.

"I understand Professor Hagrid was a dear friend of yours… I just wanted to say that your words to him were quite touching. My condolences for your loss. Yours as well, Mister and Misses Weasley."

With that, McGonagall hobbled off, wrapping her shawl more closely about her as she went, wiping a tear from her eye and sniffling.

"Did that just happen," Harry asked with a sad smile.

"Blimey," Ron said, "I didn't know she had an empathetic bone in her body."

Ron was given a sharp elbow to the ribs by his wife, who glared at him.

"Be nice," Hermione said, "she's coming over for tea later to discuss a donation to the Society for the Protection of Elvish Welfare."

"Spewww," Ron said in an undertone before being elbowed again and dragged away.

Harry, however, smiled. His friends' conduct might have been a bit immature, but it was a fresh change from all the doom and gloom, and Harry wasn't sure he could handle much more of it at the moment.

"Mr. Potter?"

It was Hagrid's relative. Harry noticed how much shorter the man was than him, and he stuck out a hand.

"Yes, and you are?"

The man grasped Harry hand in a quick, firm shake before he let it drop.

"I am Philip Hagrid, a relative of Rubeus'," the man said, "I'd like to have a word with you about his affairs, if you don't mind."

"His affairs," Harry asked.

"Yes," Philip said, "Rubeus Hagrid had assets that he bequeathed to you and your family, along with a few others. I will have more details at a later date, but for the moment, I would like to give you this."

It was a sealed letter. Harry looked it over to see Hagrid's untidy scrawl and he was tempted to rip it open then and there.

"It is from Rubeus," Philip explained, "I believe it outlines the date and time of a meeting for all of you to attend so that you may hear the reading of his last will and testament. Please make the proper arrangements."

With that, Philip gave Harry a curt nod and stepped past him to pursue Ron and Hermione, who were walking away with their children in tow.

Hello, my fellow Potterheads! Here we have a very sad chapter. I almost cried writing it, expecially when Harry payed his respects. Sooo sad. And Hagrid had a nephew! Who knew?