DISCLAIMER; I own nothing but my own characters. All characters, settings, spells, races, etc. that are included in the HP books are property of J.K. Rowling. Any other books, movies, shows, etc. that I may mention or draw from are property of their own creators and/or designers. I will most likely draw on some of the other fanfictions I've read, so if you see your stuff here, well, it belongs to you.

*HPWD*

Chapter 11; …Of the War

*HPWD*

Two days later, on the last Sunday of the school year, the day before the students left on the Express, the school was woken by a hauntingly beautiful hymn. The mournful melody was created by the two giant dragons slowly circling above the castle in the early pre-dawn light, their out-stretched wings casting long, dark shadows on the ground below.

As the sun came to its peak a few hours later, the entirety of Hogwarts and her guests could be found milling around on the damp emerald turf of the Quidditch Pitch. Dressed entirely in black, it was not a happy mood as the schools mourned the loss of a promising student, and a great friend.

At the Northern side of the congregation, under the goal-posts and with Hogwarts castle in the background, laid a white marble casket. On top laid Cedric's body, eyes closed and hands clasped on his chest, draped in a silk Hufflepuff banner. The teachers surrounded the dais on which the casket stood, forming a protective circle. Kalinth and Serelath sat regally on either side of the dais in their quadruped forms, tails curled around their feet like a cat, and wings arching to the skies.

As the sun finally peaked, Dumbledore walked out so he was standing a bit in front of the casket. Slowly, the constant murmuring of the group died down as more and more people turned their attention to him. Clearing his throat, he began.

"Ladies and gentlemen, students and teachers, friends and strangers, I ask you to join me today in remember one of our own, as he is no longer with us to remind us of his character. As such, I believe that it falls to us to do so for him, and ensure that his memory remains pure and true to who he was, and is. I ask you now to help me remember Cedric Diggory.

"To many, Cedric was not only a shining example what it means to be a student of Hogwarts, but also a fine and fierce friend. And recently, he was also a wonderful tutor to younger students, helping many with their work, in addition to keeping his own grades up. I, for one, will greatly miss him. I ask his fellow Champions to say a few words."

Stepping up the podium as Dumbledore moved back, Fleur tapped her throat with the tip of her wand.

"When I first met Cedric after the Champions had been chosen, I have to admit that my first reaction was that he was just another 'pretty boy' with no real common sense or knowledge of the world. He soon disproved me of that during the first Task. Shortly afterwards, us four Champions began to become friends, or acquaintances at the least, with Cedric and me particularly close.

"After the second Task, the four of us got even closer as we started training together in preparation for the final challenge. I have never seen someone who could go from a perfectly friendly young man to a vicious foe in as little time as Cedric could. He was honorable and the perfect picture of a gentleman; never attacking first in our spars and always ensuring that we each got the best treatment we could should we be injured.

"Though his character was ultimately his downfall, it was also his greatest quality. In my opinion, the world needs more Cedric Diggorys." Looking to the heavens, she continued. "Wherever you are, my friend, I hope it is a better place."

And so it went on, with each remaining Champion saying their part, before Cedric's friends each said their own goodbyes. Finally, when all was done, and the sun setting, Kalinth and Serah moved from their silent vigil. Each of them raising a single forepaw, the dug their claws into the earth, scoring a deep furrow into the ground, which they then extended their magic into, shaping it perfectly. Turning their heads towards the casket, they started to hum, reaching out with their magic once more as they did so.

Gently, they lifted the casket as the top was closed and sealed for eternity. Moving with deliberate slowness, they continued their funeral hymn, lowering the casket into the grave, before covering it with the displaced earth. As the spectators watched, the majority with tears in their eyes, a white marble headstone materialized out of the ground a short distance away, before being floated over and placed at the head of the grave. As that was finished, a layer of fresh green grass grew up from the ground of the grave.

Finally, as their song died out, the two dragons took in a deep breath. As the last sorrowful note faded away, they let loose an ear shattering roar, accompanied by twin jets of bright flame that swirled and danced around each other, guided by their magic and will. As the pillars of flame died out, an incredibly bright sphere of white dragon-fire slowly floated down to rest just above the peak of the arch-shaped headstone.

*HPWD*