Chapter 2: The Funeral
It's been a week since that historic day. The celebrations that took place since then became increasingly extravagant. Even the muggles seemed to be celebrating seeing as the dementors were finally under control. But today was a day of mourning. Because today was dedicated, entirely, to the people who sacrificed themselves for the brave battle. It was decided that Fred would be buried on the field across the Burrow, and Lupin and Tonks would be buried near Tonks' house. The funerals were to take place on the same day at different times.
Hermione woke up and stared out the window. The sky was hidden by dark gray clouds. She gave a weak smile as she contended that the weather was synchronous with their mourning. Today was completely different from the day that those three actually died. It was a sad, morose day. There were no celebrations, no relief, no ambivalence. It was sad; they were sad, completely usurped by sorrow. Even the sky seemed to comply.
Hermione dressed herself and awoke Ginny. They both went down for breakfast and joined the table of grim silence. She had never seen the Burrow so full and so silent at the same time. She could not get herself to eat, she found it hard to chew, or to taste even. She knew that everyone was facing the same dilemma.
Harry, Ron, Hermione and Ginny stayed behind to help Mrs.Weasley clean up. As they finished, they all marched out to the field. They noticed that several people came to pay their respects. Several red-haired people that Hermione did not recognize started apparating into the grounds. They all gathered around Fred's open coffin. George kept stuffing the gaps with some of their joke-shop products and other possessions. Among them, was a tiny little broomstick, meant no doubt for a 2 year old child. There was also a sweater made by Mrs.Weasley, maroon with an 'F' on it; then there was a comic book of Beetle and Bard; and a teddy bear with spider legs. As Hermione watched, she realized that she had never felt sad like this before. It wasn't the degree of it; she remembered feeling much worse when the dementors were around. It was the way it was. It was an almost blissful form of sorrow: they all knew that this was the way it had to be. They all reveled in memories of dear Fred, a dear son, a dear brother and a dear friend.
As the sun started to sink, they all headed down to Tonks' house. Everyone from the Order seemed to be there. The procession was just as morose and melancholy as the one they had just left, and rightly so. They were all really going to miss Remus and Tonks. They were buried close to each other. Their eyes seemed sadly empty.
The three of them went down to see Teddy. He was quiet as though he knew he had to be. The little boy sat there waving his arms around looking for a familiar face.
"Come here, Teddy," said Hermione softly. She carefully lifted Teddy and cradled him. Harry looked at him with mournful eyes. He clenched his fists and said, "I'm his godfather and I promise to take care of him."
"I'm with you, mate," said Ron
"We both are," said Hermione. It was a promise they all made, alone and together. The three of them moved over to the fireplace where Ginny sat, Hermione still hanging on to Teddy. None of them spoke. They all just sat there and exchanged silent condolences, and silent promises.