I do not own HP, the characters, the magic, or even Bertie Botts…
Harry's POV
"You only have one card?" my beautiful wife asked me.
"I figure I'll just have to wing it once I get up there. I still don't understand why I have to give his eulogy." wasn't there someone else…
"You're it. Hermione certainly can't, I couldn't say anything for him. You are the best option we have. I just wish you had written down more than one card. The last time you 'winged' it was our wedding toast." she straightened my tie.
"That turned out okay." I reassured her.
"You used the words 'arse' and 'shite' in your speech." she patted my chest.
"Hey, it was fitting."
As we gathered up Teddy, who was staying more and more nights at our home, and getting ready to leave Hermione exited the guest room. She was dressed in a deep purple frock, with black leggings, and gloves. She wore a veil.
"Do you think I should have worn black? I should have worn black. I just thought since his favorite color on me was purple that this would be appropriate."
"It's perfect. You look lovely." I reassured her.
We arrived at the funeral early, but we were still not the first people there. Media had already flocked to the mortuary. We took our place behind Hermione as she was greeted by mourners. She held her head high as the whispers and allegations ran rampant.
"Rita Skeeter," she held out her hand to Hermione.
"We've met many times before Miss Skeeter. How may I help you?" the vein in Hermione's neck was throbbing.
"Wondering if I could get a quote? What do you say to all of the naysayers out there who think you should be the one behind bars? Or worse… the one in the pine box?"
"I-I-I… I can't do this." Hermione turned to me, her eyes pleading for help.
"Rita, you need to leave," Ginny said.
"Hardly. I have a right to be here, and the people have a right to know." she replied.
I grabbed her by the arm,"Just leave. Before things get nasty, Rita."
"Ooohhhh, so brusk" Rita said as I hauled her from the funeral home.
As I returned, everyone had found a seat. It was hard to tell which people were there to mourn, which were there to see the Hermione side show, and who was there to revel in the death of their enemy after the war.
"Mr. Potter," an older goblin named Kripcote ran the mortuary," it's time."
"Wish me luck." I kissed Hermione on the forehead, and Ginny on the cheek.
"You don't need luck. You just need to remember..." I cut Ginny off.
"I just need to avoid arse and shite." I smirked.
"Give it a go will you?" She straightened my tie once more and sent me on my way.
Approaching the podium I found myself nervous. I have fought battles, wars, proposed to my first love, and help raise a child of two of my departed friends, but this made me nervous. I looked out on the crowd and saw so many unfamiliar faces.
"Normally, I was told that people begin these things with dearly beloved. As I look out on this amassed crowd I don't feel that particular salutation is fitting today. I see people here that are mourning the loss of a friend or loved one. I see people that are here simply because they want to see the world burn. I ask that the latter stand quietly and leave now. You are not welcome here."
I returned to my seat. The murmurs grew louder and louder. Then, people began filing out. The ushers escorted the media that lingered out. Soon the crowd was sparse, but only mourners. The goblin approached me again, ready to begin.
"That's much better," I began," dearly beloved we are gathered here today to celebrate the life of Ronald Bilius Weasley; son, auror, and above all friend. Ron was proceeded in death by so many of our loved ones. He will be loved, and missed for all time."
"I know there are many questions about how Ron passed. The truth is we failed Ron. I failed him. When the war was over, so many of us tried to pretend that the world had somehow been set right. That just wasn't true. The world is still cold, and unforgiving. We have much work to do before our children are safe to grow here."
I looked up and saw Draco Malfoy enter the room. He stood back against the wall, and tried to hide from site. We locked eyes. I was glad for Hermione's sake that he was here.
"We need to acknowledge that there are people like our dear Ron that the war didn't end for them. Ron was sick. I didn't see it in time," I locked eyes with Hermione," No one did. Ron took his own life. The circumstances out of anyone's control. Had it been that day, the next, or a year from now Ron would have done the same. He didn't have anywhere to turn. That is why in his honor I am starting the Ronald Bilius Weasley Hospital for Unhinged Witches and Wizards. Gone are the days that wizards fear seeking help at the risk of being locked up in St. Mungos as a lost cause. Not another witch or wizard will take their own life because they lack for care. Please join me in a silent prayer as we celebrate the life, and mourn the loss of our dear friend.
Draco's POV
"Did Rita Skeeter catch you outside?" Ginny asked me.
"Yeah, she did. She wanted to know what it was like to share a cell with my father."
"And," she winked.
"Cold, lonely, and he sang show tunes non-stop." I joked," I am sorry about Ron."
"I wanted to blame you, you know?" she handed me a drink.
"I blame me. Does that count?"
"You're the only one." she sipped at her tea.
"I find that hard to believe. What about Hermione? Harry? Your family?" I asked.
"Hermione and Harry each blame themselves."
"Your family must blame me though."
"We tried. Dad doesn't. The boys don't. I can't even muster up hate for you at this point. Hermione has told us all how you've changed. The work you are doing for muggles. It's inspiring really."
"Your mother doesn't hate me either?" I balked.
"Oh no," Ginny took a large swig of tea,"She hates you. Fire-of-a-thousand-suns hates you, but she needs someone to blame."
Just then Molly Weasley turned to face me. Ginny was right. She hates me. I hope for Hermione's sake she will forgive me one day. She is the only mother that Hermione has left.
Ginny walked away, and left me waiting on the slow approaching Hermione. We had agreed to avoid each other at the funeral to avoid the whispers, but all that are left here are people she trusts. No need to hide. I turned too abruptly, and ran into Mrs. Weasley.
"Excuse you." bitterness was dripping from her voice.
"I am sorry for bumping into you, and I am sorry for your loss." I hung my head.
"My Ronnie would be here if you could keep it in your pants." she growled.
"I know. For that I will be eternally sorry."
Hermione's hand brushed over my shoulder. Her being there cut the tension by half. Molly's face softened dramatically.
"Molly, it's not Draco's fault." she said.
"It's not anyone's fault," Arthur walked up and wrapped his arms around Molly," Ron didn't tell anyone he was struggling. Then we all ignored the bang up job he was doing on Hermione. Ron wasn't healthy, and as much as I would love to have someone to blame… this isn't the time or the place."
"Tell me about this muggle cure all. Selling snake oil, eh, Draco?" George asked.
"Why muggles? I would have thought you would work for how you say 'your own kind', no?" Fleur asked.
"I moved past my father's views and decided to develop my own. A muggle family took my mother and I in after the war. I watched a disease they have eat her alive. They call it cancer. It kills many of them." I explained.
"Well, now," Molly sighed," that is admirable. Let's go, chop chop. Everyone needs to eat something."