Chapter 7

A/N:

My humblest apologies for the delay. I have my plot for 90% of this story ready and got to this point and suddenly lost all inspiration of how to write the next chapter. Once I get through this it should go easier and the story will definitely be picking up soon. Please be patient. It will be well worth it.

Also I know the chapters are short for now. They will get longer soon.

Thanks for the follows and reviews

As the trio made their way out of the Castle doors and looked over the grounds, they could see the crowds of people standing around the edge of the black lake.

White chairs stretched out in rows in front of a small platform. There was a large pure white curved marble wall in a horseshoe shape behind the platform with some benches in the center of the wall surrounding a small tree.

There were many people standing in groups talking in quiet subdued voices. Students standing with parents and siblings. There was a palpable feeling of sadness in the air.

As the trio made their way down to the chairs, they received small words of greetings.

Harry was overwhelmed once again by the feeling of sadness whelming up in him. Confusion reigned in him as he offered condolences to people as he moved through the crowds and received congratulations for defeating Voldemort in return. He felt unworthy of the words of congratulations, as so many people had sacrificed themselves in order for him to do what he needed to do.

If only he had been quicker, less people would have had to die.

Harry, Ron and Hermione took a seat in the 5th row along with the Weasleys. Ginny still refusing to meet Harrys eye as they sat and waited for the Memorial to start.

Eventually people started to take their seats and Kingsley climbed up on the platform and took a seat with Headmistress McGonagall as the short wispy haired wizard Minister from Dumbledore's funeral took the stage.

As the man started the memorial, Harrys mind wondered, thinking of the people he knew who had died. Colin Creevey, he was so full of life. Always with his camera. Enthusiastically taking photos to show his muggle family what life at Hogwarts was like. Fred Weasley, always with a joke ready on his lips, always with George at his side. Remus and Tonks, who had only recently fallen in love, gone against all odds. Remus deserved a happy life after all the struggles he'd faced. Their baby… Teddy. An orphan, just like Harry.

Harry could feel the tears streaming down his face thinking of Teddy growing up without his parents. The droning sound of the Minister in the background.

Harry was pulled roughly from his deep thoughts by a sharp pain to his side, glancing up he noticed it was Hermione's elbow that distracted him.

"It's your turn Harry," Hermione whispered nodding her head towards the platform.

Glancing up Harry noticed the Minister looking at him, along with all other heads turned towards him.

With a rough wipe of his tear stained cheeks Harry stood up and made his way to the platform, not glancing at anyone, feeling like he was an inferi. His body moving but having no feeling at all.

Upon reaching the platform, he received a small nod from McGonagall as he took the place of the Minister on the platform.

After a deep shuddering breath Harry raised his head and looked out over the sea of people seated out in front of him, behind the last rows of seats, Harry could see the heads of some of the Merpeople in the Black lake above the water, and behind that rows of Centaurs hidden behind trees in the forest.

With another breath, Harry cast Sonourus on his throat and started;

I spent a lot of time thinking about what I would say to you all when I was asked to speak today. What can I say that will mean anything to you all that have lost loved ones? Sorry, seems inadequate. It won't bring them back. Telling you I know what it feels like is a lie. I don't... I don't remember my parents, so can't know what losing them will feel like.

What I can say is thank you. Thank you to you all. Everyone here played a part in this war. We lost some of the bravest people during it. Too many people sacrificed themselves so that we may all be here and free from the tyranny that was forced upon us. I thank each and every one of the people that died, they did so, so that we may live. We are free, not because of anything that I did. We are free because of what they did. Never forget that. I am not special, I did not win this war. All of you and all these people who sacrificed themselves for our freedom, they won this war.

I will miss them, but I will always remember them…

Glancing around over the silent crowd of people Harry's eyes went back to the groups of Centaurs and Merpeople around the Black lake, and Forbidden Forest. With eyes widening in realization, he turned and strode to where Kingsley and McGonagall were seated.

The rows of people started whispering in confusion at what was going on, as they saw Harry whispering to Kingsley and McGonagall.

"What is he doing?" Ron whispered to Hermione as they watched their friend started to whisper more furiously as they saw Kingsley shaking his head to what Harry was saying.

"I don't know, I'm sure we will find out though"

After a minute's discussion, Harry strode back to the front of the platform as McGonagall stood up pulling her wand. She turned to the marble wall behind her and while waving her wand in a strange pattern and whispering an unknown incantation, the white marble wall started to glow a gold color and started to warp and bend as the sides extended making the walls longer before the glowing stopped after it had been extended by a few meters.

With a nod to Harry she reclaimed her seat.

Harry turned back to the crowds of people and with a glance at Hermione and Ron, he returned his gaze to the Centaurs at the forest.

"Kreacher?" Harry called out followed by a pop as the small house elf *popped* in front of Harry. Bending down Harry whispered into the elfs ear before he disappeared again with a *pop*.

Looking back at the crowds as Harry stood up and looked out over the people as everyone shared confused glances with each other as well as a few whispers. Confusion was evident in the faces of the witches and wizards seated out in the rows as Harry stood silently watching them as if waiting for something.

There was a gasp as a crackling of *pops* was heard as hundreds of houselfs appeared at the side of the rows of people as everyone was glancing around. The elfs all took a seat on the grass like school children in assembly and all kept their eyes focused on Harry as he started speaking again.

We have fought in this war for freedom, and we have all lost someone close to us during this. Yet there are others who also fought this war for us. This was not their war, yet they stood by us, us who treated then less than they are. They played their part and deserve our respect and thanks as well. They deserve to be remembered for their sacrifice as well. I have asked Minister Shacklebolt and Headmistress McGonagal and they have agreed. The house elfs, Centaurs and all others who have fought in this wall alongside us and lost their lives will be remembered on this memorial wall. The time for prejudice is over. This war was only possible, because we refused to stand together. I thank the house elfs, the Centaurs and the Merpeople for the part they played and offer my condolences for the losses of life. You have my deepest thanks. It may not mean much, but if any of you have ever need and I can assist, please never hesitate to ask. I am in your debt.

Harry gave a nod to the house elfs, Centaurs and Merpoeple, who stared in shock at what they had just heard. The Centaurs gave a loud shout and stamped their hooves in approval as the Merpeople were screeching out in their strange language and the houselfs all just stared in absolute shock.

With the speech finished Harry walked off the platform and silently made his way back to his seat.

Not a word was said by anyone of the witches and wizards for a full minute before a slow booming clap started coming from the back of the seated people. Slowly another joined in and another until everyone was standing and clapping loudly together and sounds of approval were heard.

Harry just kept his head down as he stayed seated. Hermione's hand gripping his tightly as Ron had a strong hand clasped on his shoulder. The support of his friends all Harry needed right now.

After another short speech by Kingsley, he asked all present to take a minute to walk to the white marble wall and to speak the name of their loved ones that would then appear carved into the marble as a remembrance and then return to the Great Hall for some finger foods before leaving.

One by one families made their way to the wall and with tears and sobs watched as their sons, daughters, husbands and wives names appeared after being spoken.

Harry made his way to the wall, and added the names of Sirius, James and Lily Potter and Severus Snape.

As he turned around he noticed two approaching Centaurs. Changing direction Harry turned to the Centaurs he recognized as Bane and Firenze.

"Well met, Harry Potter," the Dark haired muscular Bane said as the approached.

"Hello again, Bane, Firenze." Harry responded. "I offer my thanks again for all you have done to assist us in this war. And offer my sorrows for your losses."

"The stars foretold that you would be a great human, we offer our thanks to you young Harry,"

Harry gave a slight nod in response as he asked, "May I know the names of the Centaurs lost during the war so that I may add them to our wall."

"We have only had three brave warriors return to the stars. You honor them well. They are named, Merina, Solon and Jerica. I look forward to meeting again Harry Potter." With that, and a last nod, Firenze and Bane turned and returned to the forest.

The trio turned and headed back to the Great Hall to meet up with the Weasleys.