Chapter 20: The Funeral

The Gryffindor common room had died down since it was a school night. The only ones left were Matt, Austin, Anna, Taran, Tara, and Sabrina. They were sitting around talking about what all was missed. Poor Anna had a LOT of catching up considering the fact that she was muggleborn.

"Those so-called friends of ours owe us." Megan said as she and Colin came in.

"What's wrong?" Sabrina asked.

Her question was answered when the other seventh years came running down the stairs. Vega was holding a book.

(A/N: I kind of changed the dialogue from the memory so it would make more sense)

"What do you guys want?" Megan Potter asked as she entered the common room. Ariel Edwards had called her via fireplace.

"We found something under my bed." Vega said.

"What?" Megan asked.

"This." Vega said handing Megan a book.

MARAUDETTE JOURNAL

"Weren't our mothers the Maraudettes?" Megan asked.

"Yes." Vega said. "That's why we called you."

Megan opened the book and read.

MARAUDETTES:

PRESIDENT: VIXY (LILY EVANS)

VICE PRESIDENT: BUSHTAIL (SPICA JENKINS)

SECRETARY: ADOLPHA (MELISSA OXFORD)

TREASURER: EASTER (SARA MONTGOMERY)

(IN DEMOCRATIC FORM BECAUSE OF CURIOSITY OF AMERICAN

GOVERNMENT. WE DON'T KNOW HOW THEY DO IT BECAUSE IT CAN GET

SO COMPLICATED.)

"We should show this to our mothers this Christmas." Megan suggested.

"Good idea." Tara said. "What year did Grandma graduate?"

"1977." Taran told her without looking up from his defense book.

"Read the last entry." Tara said. "Please."

Megan smiled at her niece and turned to January 2, 1977,

JANUARY 2, 1977

MEETING CALLED BY VIXY

OLD MATERIAL

VIXY WENT ON A DATE WITH POTTER FOR ONE NIGHT TO SEE IF ARTICLE

III MARAUDER CLAUSE SHOULD BE REPEALED. IF IT WENT WELL, THEN

ARTICLE III MARAUDER CLAUSE WILL BE REPEALED. IF THE DATE WENT

HORRIBLY WRONG, THE ARTICLE REMAINS.

NEW MATERIAL

REASON FOR MEETING: REPEALMENT OF ARTICLE III MARAUDER CLAUSE.

THE DATE BETWEEN VIXY AND POTTER WENT BETTER THAN EXPECTED.

POTTER HAD ORGANIZED A CANDLELIT PICNIC DINNER ON THE

ASTRONOMY TOWER ON NEW YEARS EVE. VIXY FOUND OUT ONCE AND

FOR ALL THAT POTTER IS DEFINITELY AN HEIR OF GRYFFINDOR AND

THAT HIS YOUNGER SISTER, JENNIFER POTTER HAD BEEN SENT AWAY TO

AMERICA TO ESCAPE THE RISE OF VOLDEMORT. AT FIVE TILL THE NEW

YEAR, POTTER AND VIXY DECIDED TO COMPROMISE ON NEW YEAR

TRADITIONS. POTTER HAD CONJURED TWO GLASSES OF CHAMPAGNE AND

THEY PREPARED TO SHOOT OFF FIREWORKS. HOWEVER, INSTEAD OF

CHEERING, THEY SHARED THEIR FIRST KISS.

MEANWHILE, BUSHTAIL, EASTER, ADOLPHA, LUPIN, AND BLACK WERE IN

THE KITCHEN CELEBRATING THE NEW YEAR THEIR OWN WAY AS BLACK

AND BUSHTAIL SANG "CAN YOU FEEL THE LOVE TONIGHT". VIXY HAD A

GOOD LAUGH WHEN TOLD.

THE NEXT MORNING, VIXY PUT OFF TELLING ABOUT THIS KISS UNTIL 11

A.M. WHEN SHE TOLD BUSHTAIL, EASTER, AND ADOLPHA ABOUT THE KISS, SHE EXPLAINED WHAT SHE FELT AS A TINY SPARK. TO PROVE HER

POINT THAT SHE LIKED IT, SHE THOUGHT OF THE KISS AND PRODUCED A

PATRONUS IN THE SHAPE OF A GRYFFINDOR LION IN FRONT OF PEELER

AND EARNED GRYFFINDOR 20 POINTS.

ACCORDING TO LUPIN, POTTER HAD BEEN EXTREMELY WORRIED THAT

VIXY DID NOT LIKE THE KISS. THEY ARE NOW SCHEDULED TO GO ON A

DATE AFTER HE READS HOGWARTS: A HISTORY

FINAL DECISION

ARTICLE III MARAUDER CLAUSE STATES "NO MARAUDETTE IS TO DATE

ANYONE IN THE MARAUDER GROUP DUE TO THEY HAVE A TENDANCY TO

USE THE INTELLECTUAL TALENTS OF THE MARAUDETTES FOR

HOMEWORK AND HAVE NO SENSE OF ROMANCE."

ARTICLE III MARAUDER CLAUSE IS NOW REPEALED. MARAUDETTES ARE

FREE TO DATE MARAUDERS.

"This is most DEFINENTLY a Christmas gift." Vega said with a laugh.

"So THAT'S what happened their first date." Megan laughed. "Personally, I'm glad Article III Marauder Clause was repealed."

"You still could have existed." Vega told her. "If your Dad was a donor and your Mum was having trouble."

"Vega Black! That is SICK!" Megan said whacking her best friend.

"You've been around Uncle Sirius too long." Taran added.

"You remember Dad?" Vega asked him.

"I remember EVERYONE." Taran said before adding sadly, "Even Dumbledore."

0000

The next afternoon at lunch,

"Whatcha doing?" Tara asked.

"Writing." Taran stated the obvious as he continued his letter.

"What about?" she asked in a singsong voice.

"That we met up with Aunt Megan, Colin, Vega, Adam, Ariel, Polaris, Sabrina, Matt, and Austin; we were sorted into Gryffindor; and that Dumbledore is definitely dead. Would you also like me to add that you've taken to being nosey?"

"What? Nothing about my new best friend?" Tara teased.

"Tara made a new friend." Taran said out loud as he wrote the sentences. "Her name is Anna Conway and she's in Gryffindor with us."

"And Taran couldn't keep his eyes off her." She added while dictating.

"Tara!" Taran exclaimed.

"Fine." Tara said. "At least say she's a redhead like me and Sabrina."

"Then YOU write to Mum and Dad." Taran said

"Well," Matt said as the new gang joined the twins. "The funeral date is set."

0000

The day of the funeral came. Taran and his friends dressed in black dress robes. Taran looked at himself in the mirror and sighed sadly. Matt noticed this and placed a hand on his best friend's shoulder.

"We'll all miss him." Matt said.

"Matt." Taran said watching his friend's reflection in the mirror. "Would you do me a favor?"

"Sure." Matt said.

"If anything should ever happen to me, and I leave Tara for some reason or another, would you make sure that nothing happens to her and that she continues on with her life?"

"How old are you again?" Matt asked.

"Matt. Please." Taran said turning to face his friend. "Just…with the funeral…I can't stop this feeling. You were my first non-related friend my age. Please promise me."

"I promise." Matt said.

Taran gave a weak smile.

"C'mon. We're going to be late." Taran said as he grabbed a book from under his pillow to read after the funeral.

0000

The Potter twins and Co. made their way to the funeral. Tara noticed her parents, godparents, uncles, grandparents, and their friends sitting near the front. A LOT of other people were there. Some she knew, others she didn't. She did notice a few of those people go up to her father and shake his hand.

Meanwhile, Taran was noticing all the non-human visitors that had decided to attend the funeral. The ghosts were there, Peeves looked as if he was CRYING, the centaurs seemed to be blocking the entrance to the forest as the mermaids sang as close to the surface they could get without surfacing. However, the Giant Squid did surface.

Hagrid started walking up the aisle carrying something as he cried softly. He was carrying Dumbledore's body. He placed the body on the table and blew his nose loudly as he left. Taran was blinking rapidly as he tried to keep from crying.

A tiny man in black robes got up and stood in front of Dumbledore's lifeless body.

"We are gathered today to pay our last respects to a great wizard Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledorewas a great man." The man said. "Living a life of 166 years, he strove to use the time to the best of his abilities. He helped Nicholas Flamel�creating the Sorcerer's Stone, found the 12 uses of Dragon Blood, defeated Grindelwald, and was a beloved teacher and headmaster. He never allowed the jealousy of others to get the better of him. He graciously received the Order of Merlin First Class and was the Supreme Mugwump of the International Confederation of Wizards as well as the Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot. I'm certain we will all miss his offerings of those muggle confections he loved so much called 'Lemon Drops' as well as that twinkle in his eyes that were never extinguished until they closed for the last time. I have two volunteer speakers today. First is Harry Potter."

"Thank you." Harry said stepping up trying to avoid the tears and gazing at the body.

"I've known Professor Albus Dumbledore since before I could remember. He was the one who placed me at the Dursleys for my own safety and so that I could have a childhood without the hassle of being famous. Just one of his ways to prove he was human. Anyways, ten years later, when I came to Hogwarts, all I knew of him was through Hagrid and my very first chocolate frog card. I finally met him in person a few days after Christmas when he caught me looking in the Mirror of Erised. After that, we became closer. He was the one who gave me my Dad's old cloak. Dumbledore also saved my life on numerous occasions. Of course, he always let me put my life in danger to begin with, but let's face it, I needed to know how to face danger. Dumbledore had always been there for me. Even after I graduated. He helped me find a way to discover if teaching was the way I wanted to go. Once I decided that it was, he offered me a job the very day I came back via my parents. He was also the only person I told where I would be the last six years. I'll admit he confused me a bit. When I first met him in person after looking in the Mirror of Erised, I asked him what he saw when he looked in it because it showed the heart's desire. For some reason, he saw himself with a pair of woolen socks. I will definitely miss Professor Albus Dumbledore. Now, to state his story, Sirius Black."

There was a soft applause as Harry left trying to blink back the tears and Sirius marched straight up.

"Hi." Sirius said. "I'm sure you all know me. Sirius Orion Black. Ex-Convict, first escapee of Azkaban and a damn good looking wizard. Enough about me. We're here to talk about Dumbledore. I first met Dumbledore on my first day at Hogwarts. As everyone here knows, Blacks are notorious for being Slytherin and I was sorted into Gryffindor. Naturally, as a sweet, innocent, eleven year old…wipe that smirk off your face Moony, I had my concerns. I made my way up to the Headmaster's office. I ran into him when he was going down to the kitchens for a midnight snack. Somehow, he sensed my troubles and invited me. Yes guys. I was told by the headmaster where the kitchens were. Don't rub it in. Anyways, we talked for about two hours. The next morning, my dear mother found out what house I was in and sent a howler. I'm sure everyone who was in school with us remembers it. I ignored it after remembering that Dumbledore told me 'the hat had a reason for placing you in Gryffindor.' Because I took that advice, one of my fellow Gryffindors walked up to me and welcomed me into Gryffindor. That same Gryffindor became my best friend, best man, and godfather of my child and I his. And I never would have met him if I didn't take Albus' advice. The years went by. I gathered a group of great friends, not knowing that one was going to betray me. We pulled pranks on everyone. Of everyone in the school, I don't think anyone enjoyed our antics more than Professor Dumbledore. Like Harry said, Dumbledore was only human. He proved that to me when he didn't believe me that I did not betray the Potters. I'll admit I didn't agree on a lot of stuff Dumbledore said, but…he always did what was best for the wizarding community and the witches and wizards in it. Hell, he could have been Minister of Magic, but instead, he chose to run the greatest school ever. I will definitely miss that old man."

Suddenly,

White flames erupting around Dumbledore's body. Some people screamed as others gasps. The flames rose higher and higher. A phoenix flew out of the fire into the sky. Then, the fire disappeared leaving a marble tomb white in color that encased the body and the table. Arrows flew through the air and fell short of the crowd of people. Megan turned and saw that the centaurs were paying tribute their own way and the mermaid and mermen swam from view.

"That was weird." Polaris said after the funeral ended.

0000

Harry and Ginny walked up to the castle from the funeral.

They passed the lake where Harry, Hermione, and Ron were resting the day they met

John and saw a Taran reading a book he had borrowed from the library.

"Taran?" Harry asked.

Taran looked up to see his parents.

"Why aren't you in class?" Ginny asked.

"Canceled due to the funeral." Taran told his mother.

"Are you all right?" Harry asked his son.

Taran sighed.

"I…I know this sounds weird, but…I remember Professor Dumbledore. Tara barely

remembers him, but…I can still see him clearly. The way how he used to give us treats,

especially lemon drops, how he let us pet Fawkes, that twinkle in his eyes…"

Taran broke down. Harry placed his arm around his son.

"…and now we'll never see him again." Taran finished as he sobbed.

"I know." Harry said comforting Taran. "I miss him too. He was like the grandfather I never had."

"Can't you bring him back?" Taran asked his father. "The same way Uncle Sirius brought Grandma and Grandpa and you brought Mr. Diggory and Aunt Sara back?"

Harry shook his head.

"I've already tried with my grandparents. Apparently, there's either an age limit or it has to do with how they died. If it's the age thing, Dumbledore passed it long ago. If it's the way the person died, Dumbledore died a peaceful death. At least he wasn't murdered."

Taran tried to dry his eyes.

"Everything's going to be okay." Ginny said. "The world was without Dumbledore

before."

Taran closed the book revealing the title: Hogwarts, A History.

Harry and Ginny gave their son a look.

"What?" Taran asked. "I wanted to know what this book had to say about Dumbledore."

Harry smiled.

"Harry!" a voice called. "Ginny!"

"Susan Bones!" they called back to the Minister.

"I heard that you had returned, but I didn't believe it until today." Susan said coming up to them. "I haven't seen you two since graduation."

"I know." Harry said. "Even at school we barley saw each other."

"Well, that's probably because Gryffindors and Slytherins were always paired up as well as Hufflepuffs and Ravenclaws." Susan said.

Then, she noticed Taran.

"There is no way this is the Taran Potter I have heard so much about at the Ministry."

"Yes." Ginny said. "Taran, this is Minister Bones. Your father was in the same class as her."

"Hello." Taran said to her.

"Where's your sister?" Susan asked the younger boy.

"Probably with Sabrina." Taran answered.

"Haven't you made any friends?" she asked him.

"Kind of." He said. "Matthew Diggory is in Gryffindor with me"

"I haven't seen the Diggorys in a while." Harry realized.

"Well, I think it's time you did." A familiar voice said behind him

Everyone turned and saw Cedric and Cho standing behind the gang.

"Hello Cedric." Harry said shaking the other man's hand.

"Hello Cho." Ginny greeted while doing the same for Cho.

"So?" Cho asked "Where have you guys been? Matt wrote to us and said you two were back."

"Italy." The Potters chorused.

Harry then turned to the marble tomb.

"I just wish I got to say "Goodbye."

"Dad!" a voice called.

Everyone turned and saw the rest of Taran's group of friends being led by Tara.

"Hello Mr. and Mrs. Potter." Austin and Matt chorused.

"Hi Uncle Harry. Hi Aunt Ginny." Sabrina said.

"Mum. Dad." Tara said looking at Anna. "I'd like to introduce Anna Conway. Anna, these are my parents, Matt's parents, and the Minister of Magic, Susan Bones."

"Nice to meet you." Anna said.

"Conway?" Harry asked. "Are you related to a Peter Conway? Originally from England but moved to America."

"Yes Sir." Anna said. "He's my Dad. My Mom recently transferred to England because of her job. Dad's tying up loose ends in America before he come back. Mom hasn't told him I'm a witch yet. Why do you ask?"

"He was my only friend from when I lived with the Dursleys." Harry said. "And your grandmother was my Mum's best friend before Hogwarts. I guess I should have excepted this to happen."

"Hey Harry." Ron said as he joined the group while he was followed by the Potters, Blacks, Newtons, Lupins, and the Weasley Clan. "Whoa."

Ron had stopped short when he saw his nephew for the first time in six years.

"Bloody Hell, Mate." Ron said to Harry. "Why didn't you tell me you time traveled?"

He was answered by a "Prat" and a whack on the head from his sister.

"Cute, Uncle Ron." Taran said sarcastically

"Fine. Then would someone explain to me why is there a Hogwarts, a History in my nephew's hands?" Ron asked.

"I just wanted to see what it had to say." Taran explained shifting a little uncomfortably as Lily and Molly both hugged Tara. He knew he was next for the hugs.

"Okay. Pick on Taran time is over." Harry said. "Now, if I remember correctly, Dumbledore would want us to continue on with our lives. Correct?"

Everyone around him nodded sadly as Lily and Molly hugged Taran.

"Well then, that's JUST what we'll do. Ginny added.

"But one more important, vital matter beforehand" Harry said seriously. "Ron."

"Yes?" Ron asked.

"How has Quidditch been going?" Harry asked lightening the mood.

TBC

"Well," Colin answered his mother. "It only seemed right that we have nicknames."

"Colin Lupin." She warned.

The kids stood in an uncomfortable silence.

"You didn't." Harry gasped. "PLEASE tell me you didn't."

"Depends." Vega said with a smirk much like her father's. "What didn't we do?"