"So we remember the sacrifices made at the price of freedom," the Minister Idiota droned. He cleared his throat, and continued, "Celebrate today, but hold yesterday in your heart. Thank you."
I dutifully brought my hands together as the Great Hall burst into applause. I caught Alicia's eye as she mouthed "Glad that's over!" I nodded in relief.
Today was May 2nd. Two years ago, that date would have been a passing fancy, no more significant than May 1st of May 3rd, and no more important than a doctor's appointment or work meeting. But now, it meant the anniversary of the Battle of Hogwarts. One year today since You-Know-Who, He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named, or Voldemort, the most powerful and most evil wizard of our age, lay slain by the great Harry James Potter, the Boy-Who-Lived, the Chosen One, and the Savior of the Wizarding World. One year today since the fall of the Death Eaters, and the Rise of the Order of the Phoenix. One year today since I had laughed with the love of my life.
Of course, this occasion called for a Memorial Service. I had "played an integral part in the defeat of Lord Voldemort, providing my services to the Noble Castle of Hogwarts in her time of distress!" in the words of our esteemed minister. Of course this meant that I had to don dress robes, carefully braid my hair and brush on mascara, and sit like a doll on a shiny silver stage in front of the most important people of the wizarding world, clapping as speech after speech about the great trials that we had endured. It made me sick.
Did people want to know what Hogwarts student really went through? Reality was Lee Jordan reading the casualty list to us every morning at breakfast, each of us breathing a sigh of relief when our relatives were spared for another day. Reality was watching my Seeker fall apart when his rescue mission killed his last living relative. Reality was- no reality is waking up every morning to a Fred-less world, where a few less pranks are the cause of my agonizing pain. No, Minister, and the rest of the world, wanted to turn the Battle of Hogwarts into some kind of dramatic soap opera. So I would play along. I will get dolled up once a year, smile, and clap as we pretend to honor the dead.
Finally, the speeches ended and Minerva McGonagall took the podium. "To conclude our memorial service, we will hold a ball," she announced. She waved her wand, and the House tables disappeared. Music filled the hall, and couples began to dance.
I made my way over to Alicia and Katie, who were already chattering and gossiping. I spent the evening chatting with them, as well as catching up with old Hogwarts friends, accompanied by the occasional dance with an old schoolmate.
The clock tolled midnight as the Minister announced the last dance. Slow music swelled through the Great Hall. Hot tears sprang to my eyes as I remembered dancing to this song with Fred at the Yule Ball. It was our song.
"May I have this dance?" asked a familiar voice. I gasped. I looked up into the twinkling blue eyes of-
"Fred!"
His eyes immediately clouded over in pain. "No," he said gently. "No, George."
My cheeks colored. "Sorry George. Of course you may have this dance."
He placed a hand on my waist, and guided me to the dance floor. My skin tingled against his hands, my stomach flipping every time he smiled. Slowly, I reached my head up and brushed our lips together. Instantly, I turned to fire. The wave of passion swept through me. The room swirled and I saw only red as my mind screamed "Fred!"
I awoke the next morning to sunlight streaming on my face. I heard a snore and turned to see the warm body of George Weasley. My heart sank. Oops?
A/N- Hello readers! Thank you so uch for reading another chapter of Shattered. I believe that it will be a three-shot, with the final installment coming soon. I want to give a huge shout-out to Moonlit Lightning, my very first reviewer ever! Thank you so much, I feel incredibly honored. I would also like to thank 93 Diagon Alley and thestoryreader99, who put my story on alert. Thanks!
TaTa,
~Queen SkyRose