Chapter 2

Remembering Fred

The Funeral was underway. The undertaker prepared Fred's body—and Fred was laid to rest in a dark brown casket, surrounded by flowers. The chairs filled up with dear friends of Fred. The guests included Neville Longbottom, Luna Lovegood, Harry Potter, Professor McGonagall, Rubeus Hagrid, and a dear and close friend of George and Fred—Angelina Johnson. As they all gathered to sit down, the Weasley's sat in the front first, than the guests sat next. The last to join the crowd was George, sitting beside Ginny. The funeral hadn't even started yet and George already had tears in his eyes. Deep down, he knew Fred wouldn't want him to be this way. Still—George thought to himself—how can I go back? How can I go back to being a fun loving—joking bloke—when my partner in crime is no more? As these questions ran through his head, the pastor began the ceremony. The pastor was not only a wizard, but a dear old friend of Arthur and Molly.

"Fred was a good young man. He gave his life—so that others could live. He was a son, a brother, and a dear friend."

The pastor went on, saying nice things about Fred. All George could do was zone out—rubbing his temples. He was frustrated with this whole ordeal. Thank god it wasn't open casket—as George couldn't deal with seeing Fred's cold dead body again. After the pastor said his peace, a few friends and family said their piece. However, it was Hermione's speech that got George's attention.

"What can I say about Fred Weasley? He was a trouble making, annoying, infuriating, and a prankster to boot. However, he was loving, and caring. He could always cheer up those who were down, and his shadow is even a greater man. He had the courage to come out today—even though we all can see he doesn't want to be here."

Everyone turned to the teary eyed George, who was smiling up at Hermione. She could read him like a book. Hermione smiled back, and continued her speech.

"Well George Weasley—we aren't going to let you wallow. We aren't going to let you grieve alone. We are going to annoy the heck out of you—because we love you. Here's to Fred!"

After Hermione's great speech, everyone gathered in the tent behind the burrow to eat. The casket sat behind the tent for people to pay their respects. As George sipped his wine, Luna Lovegood joined him at the table.

"He hasn't left you know."

Luna said, smiling in an "out of space" way like she always does. George rolled his eyes sipping his wine replying.

"I know, he's here—spiritually. I get it."

Luna giggled and replied, crossing her legs.

"No, I mean he really hasn't left. Rumor has it—he's haunting Gryffindor in place of Sir Nickolas, as he will be leaving for the headless hunt soon. He's the new house ghost of Gryffindor, or so I heard."

Shocked, George sat up and replied. Luna had his full attention.

"You don't say? So he's haunting Hogwarts? Wait, you wouldn't be messing with me would you?

Luna shook her head and spoke.

"I wouldn't joke about something like this. His spirit lives on at Hogwarts."

"Well, Peeves will have a run for his money then—won't he?"

Both turned to find Angelina Johnson standing by the table, sipping a glass of wine also. George smiled and nodded replying. "Yeah that's for sure." Luna sensed that she should leave the table, letting the two be alone. George and Angelina became smitten with one another during their fifth year. In fact, Fred caught them snogging a year before the battle of Hogwarts. Angelina sat next to George, putting her hand on his.

"How have you been holding up?"

She asked. George sighed, downing his wine. He then replied while wiping his mouth.

"It's been a bloody nightmare. When I'm not crying, I'm lashing out at everyone. I really need to stop doing that and focus on myself—and the next step for me." He then corrected himself and added "Well—for us." Angelina simply smiled and sat up patting his back. "Nonsense, you just focus on yourself for a while. You're still grieving. It's completely understandable. After all, I intend to go for a victory lap at Hogwarts with Hermione, Harry, and Ron. Who knows, maybe I'll run into Fred." George frowned, lowering his head. Tears showed themselves again. Angelina frowned and sat back down hugging the now crying George.

"Oh, I'm so sorry. Forgive me…"

George shook his head and replied.

"It's fine, it's me. It's just me."

Angelina nodded and held George tightly as he wept. It was going to be a long time before George recovered. One thing was for certain—he would never be able to conjure the Patronus Charm again. After all—his happiest memories were with Fred.