Hermione sank slowly to the floor in disbelief and Harry made no attempt to catch her, he was too shocked himself. She put her head in her hands but couldn't process the news in her mind. It couldn't be true. She realised she hadn't breathed in over a minute and took a large, shaky breath that was wet with tears. Harry stood above her silently, unable to move. Seamus left the room awkwardly leaving them alone and Hermione started to cry. Once she started she couldn't stop. She heaved great sobs and her body shook as she struggled to catch her breath. Coming to his senses, Harry sat down next to Hermione and hugged her tight, his tears streaming into her hair. Neither of them spoke as they sat there for over an hour. Later, Seamus returned and said solemnly, 'Professor Dumbledore wants you in his office,' and left quickly.

Harry helped Hermione to her feet. She had stopped crying but she was shaky and weak.

They entered Dumbledore's office to a sombre mood. Dumbledore sat behind his desk and Lee Jordan was already there, sitting silently, his face tear stained.

As Harry and Hermione entered Dumbledore stood up, 'I understand that you have all heard the tragic news. St. Mungos's informed me that George had been poisoned and as soon as they realised it was too late, they couldn't save him. Mrs Weasley has requested all of your presence at the burrow for George's funeral. You will stay there for the night and return to Hogwarts the next day. I'm terribly sorry for your loss.' He conjured a portkey and they all held on to it, none of them saying a word, all agonising in their own grief.

They arrived in the kitchen of the burrow where Mrs Weasley sat in tears, being consoled by Mr Weasley. She started as they all stood up and wiped her tears. 'Oh my dears, you mustn't see me like this. Thank you for coming.' Harry walked up to her and gave her a hug and Lee muttered how sorry he was.

'Fred, Ron and Ginny are upstairs,' Mr Weasley said and showed them to where there friends were.

Ginny stood up and hugged Hermione and they both dissolved into tears again. Fred's face contorted as he tried not to cry in front of Lee, who looked uncomfortable. Ron looked imploringly at Harry, waiting for him to say something but Harry turned his back and went to hug Ginny who cried into his shoulder.

They all spent the afternoon together, talking about anything other than George. If anyone inadvertently mentioned him, someone changed the subject quickly. It was too raw for them to talk about yet.

Mrs Weasley called them all down for dinner at eight o'clock. They ate their stew and talked about the funeral that would take place the following morning.

'I've washed and ironed all of your dress robes, 'said Mrs Weasley, 'so there's no reason to look scruffy.'

Mr Weasley cleared his throat, 'does anyone want to say a few words at the funeral besides me?'

'I'd like to,' said Fred, but the others didn't feel like they would be able to.

They went to bed early, Harry sharing a room with Fred. He hadn't spoken to Ron or even looked at him. Ron hadn't asked why. He knew that Hermione must have told him what happened and didn't want to risk the others finding out.

At seven o'clock the next morning they all woke up and dressed in their best robes. The funeral was to take place in a wizarding church nearby so they walked there. They took their seats in the front pew and waited for the rest of the guests to turn up. Hundreds came. Friends, family and teachers all turned out to pay George their last respects. The service started with a song by the weird sisters called curse you which was Georges favourite song. Then a vicar read a passage from the bible. After that Mr Weasley took to the stage. He took out a piece of paper and unfolded it with shaking hands, 'I never thought I would live longer than any of my children but the worst thing I could imagine has happened. We don't know who poisoned George, nor does it matter. What matters is that he is no longer with us. George was the best son I could ever imagine having. He was loyal, brave and kind. He and his brother Fred were the funniest practical jokers I have ever met and I sincerely hope that Fred continues to bring joy and laughter to this family at this time when we most need it. I love you son, and I will continue to love you until the day I die, even though you are not here.' He wiped a tear from his eye and sat back down to console a weeping Mrs Weasley.

Next, Fred stood up and Lee patted him on the back. Tears were already rolling down his face but when he spoke, he did so without a tremble, 'George was my brother, my twin, my best friend. Half of me had gone and I can't see a time when I will be whole again. I've never been apart from him and never anticipated a time when I would be.
We were a duo, a double act.' His voice shook and his face twitched, trying to control his tears, 'there's nothing more to say than that George was the best brother anyone could imagine. I love you brother.'

Another song was played, along with a slideshow of pictures of George throughout his life; eating ice-cream when he was two, sitting on the beach when he was four, he and Fred scaring Ginny when they were seven, his first day of Hogwarts and many more. Everyone cried and held onto each other during what was the saddest day of their lives.

Once the funeral as over, everyone passed the open coffin. George's peaceful face looked back at them. Hermione reached the coffin last. She kissed his cold lips and stroked his face for the last time, 'I love you,' she whispered, a single tear falling onto his hand, which was by his side. Suddenly she noticed a piece of paper protruding from his pocket. She pulled it out and saw that it was an envelope, addressed to her.