Disclaimer: See chapter one.
Chapter 25: A New Day Will Come
The next few weeks for Harry and Ron were spent under the tireless gaze of Madame Pomfrey. Life in the hospital wing quickly grew dull for the boys, as visitors were prohibited. This decision caused many arguments and protests. Harry remembered, on more then one occasion, hearing Hermione's shrill voice yelling through the thick oak doors. Various teachers and members of the order were exempt from this rule, and strayed in every once and awhile to offer their greetings. Yet for the most part, it was just Harry, Ron, and Charlie.
Charlie had decided to stay with at Hogwarts rather then returning to Romania. He told them that he would wait until the rest of the family arrived and affairs were put into order. That was the most that was spoken about the upcoming funeral for Mr. Weasley and Bill. It was still hard for everyone to grasp, and with Percy leaving, the Weasley family seemed to be getting smaller.
Harry was glad Charlie decided to stay. Though he wanted to help Ron as much as he could, he knew that Charlie, being his brother, could reach him on a different level. They often talked or just sat in each other's company, and at times like this Harry choose to give them a little space.
Sometimes, though, Charlie would be required to attend meetings with Dumbledore and the order. On such days, Harry and Ron would be left to their own devices. Though he was told he was free to go, Harry decided to remain with Ron. He understood how it felt to lose someone and hoped that he could help his friend. As for Ron, he was slowly improving. Harry had gotten him to smile and even laugh once or twice. They often spent their days playing wizard chess or talking, and Harry was grateful that Ron was opening up to him. He still had to take potions every hour, and oftentimes he would fall into long spaces of silence, but that's why Harry decided to stay. He was determined to get Ron back to normal.
After a week had passed, Madame Pomfrey agreed to allow visitors. She went the door and opened it a bit, saying, "Alright Miss Granger, you can come-" Yet she was cut off as Hermione ran through the door. She burst into the hospital wing, nearly throwing herself at Harry.
"Oh Harry," she cried, "They wouldn't let me come and see you both. I was so worried, and when I saw you disappear with that man I didn't know what to do! I was so afraid that I would lose both you and Ron…Ron!" She spun around and faced the smiling redhead. "Hi Hermione." She stared at him for a moment before crying, "Ron!" She threw her arms around him, "I missed you so much!"
She cried and laughed at the same time, nearly chocking the boys as she hugged them. However, her welcome was nothing compared to the Weasleys.
The doors of the hospital wing nearly burst off their hinges as five Weasleys ran into the room. Hermione jumped out of the way, as Harry and Ron found themselves swarmed with hugs. "I guess we were missed!" Harry smiled, shouting to Ron over the noise. Ron, too, smiled, happy to have his family back around him.
After a few days, Madame Pomfrey cleared Ron as being free to go. Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Ginny walked leisurely to the common room. Upon entering, they were swarmed by Gryffindors. "You're back, it's true!" "Are you alright?" "What happened, really?" "Can I see the scar?"
"Alright you lot!" Ginny yelled fiercely. Many of the students backed away from the redhead. Though she may be small in stature, she easily made up for it with her Weasley temper. "We aren't here to answer any of your questions, so clear out!" Slowly, the students dispersed to their own affairs, leaving the four able to find some seats by the fire.
"Do all the students know what happened?" Harry asked. Hermione nodded. "The morning after you guys arrived, Dumbledore made an announcement. He said that you both were found and would be in the hospital wing, but that no one was allowed to visit you."
"What did he say about Voldemort?" Harry asked. "Well, he didn't say too much. He kept a lot vague." Hermione said. "Ginny and I only know what happened because Charlie told us."
"And the other students?" Ron asked. Hermione looked at him sadly and nodded. "He told us, yeah. He also said what happened to Mr. Weasley and Bill." Ginny put her arm on Ron's back, silent tears slowly welling up in her eyes. "How are you doing?" she asked.
"Fine." He said, quickly standing up and causing her arm to fall back down. "I'm going to bed." As they watched his retreating back, Hermione spoke up. "Maybe you should follow him Harry."
Harry shook his head. "No, he just needs time alone. He'll be fine."
The next week a funeral was held for Neville. Many students had come to pay their last respects to their friend and classmate. Harry could barely hold back his tears as he watched Neville's grandmother wailing for her grandchild. Neville had become so close to everyone, and Harry didn't think life at Hogwarts would be the same without him. Yet, this wouldn't be the last funeral Harry would attend.
A few days later, another funeral was held at the cemetery in Ottery St. Catchpole. Many came to pay their respects to the Weasley family. Most of the members of the order arrived, as well as students and teachers from Hogwarts. Harry lined up with the other silent mourners. Though he tried hard to remain composed, he couldn't hold the tears back as he hugged a sobbing Mrs. Weasley.
It was a beautiful ceremony. Dumbledore himself had funded the service as well as making a speech to the crowd.
"My dear friends." He began. "Recently we have lost two valuable and caring men. I have known Arthur Weasley since he was a student of mine at Hogwarts. Even when he was young he showed an amazing amount of courage and curiosity, particularly toward all things muggle. This, his family will tell you, at times caused a few disturbances. Something about a flying car, if memory serves me right." There was a twinkle in his eye as a few laughs were heard. Molly Weasley smiled through her tears. "But most of all he was a loyal and loving man. He found love with one of the most caring women I have met," he glanced at Mrs. Weasley. "They raised many children, instilling in them the same virtues that they held dear. Though he was never the richest in gold, he was always the richest in love, family, and strength. He was willing to risk everything he had to help those fight the evil in this world, and passed on saving that which he held most dear, family."
After a brief pause Dumbledore continued. "Arthur and Molly Weasley's first born son, Billius Weasley, was once a student at Hogwarts. He was always very bright and loved new challenges. He put his knowledge and strength to work as a member of Gringotts in Egypt. The first chance he got he gladly joined the order and was willing to help in any way he could. Being the eldest of the children, he was always very protective of his siblings. Therefore, when he heard about his brother he was one of the first to join the attack." Harry glanced at Ron, whose head was bowed, tears streaming down his face.
"Both of these men sacrificed everything they had for the fight against Voldemort. Though we have lost two noble men, let us instead celebrate the lives they lived, the deeds they accomplished, and the memories of those who loved them most. To Arthur and Bill Weasley, may they live on in memory."
It had been a month since the funeral and everyone was gradually getting back to normal. The twins had resumed their business in their joke shop, and had recently started a fund in memory of their father and brother. A percent of all proceeds from their products went towards families that had lost someone in the war. Each family, along with the donation they received, also received a tin of their most popular creation, hair pops, in the color of Shocking Arthur Blue.
Charlie decided to spend the rest of the school year with Mrs. Weasley. He helped her pack up everything in the burrow for the move to Grimwauld Place. It was hard at first. So many memories were tied to the Burrow, yet in the end the decision had to be made because Voldemort was targeting anyone close to Dumbledore. The two made their way through the house, packing photographs, books, kitchen supplies, and the family clock. While empting his father's desk, Charlie found a father's day card from when they were younger. It read, "Happy Father's Day Daddy! I love you, Percy."
'Percy.' He thought sadly. Even after everything that had happened, Percy still hadn't come home.
Ginny and Ron were doing better as well. They, along with Harry and Hermione, were excused from classes and final exams for the last few weeks due to what Dumbledore referred to as "special circumstances." While the rest of the school was busy in class, the four spent their time lounging around the lake or chatting with Hagrid over tea. They had planned their summer, deciding that Harry and Hermione would join them at Grimmwauld Place as soon as possible. Though it would be fun, it would never be the same without Siruis, and it would never replace the happiness and comfort felt in the Burrow.
"It will be strange, won't it?" Hermione asked. She turned to Ginny and Ron, "Nothing compares with the Burrow." They nodded and Ron said, "I guess we just have to let go. Nothing can stay the same forever."
Meanwhile, Professor Lupin was in the middle of teaching an important lesson to his third year class. In the middle of his lecture, a timid hand rose into the air. "Yes, Mr. Holmes."
"I was wondering, Professor, if you know anything more about what You-Know-Who is going to do?" Lupin waited a moment before speaking. "I will not lie to you," he began, "Voldemort," everyone flinched, "No," he said, "do not be afraid of his name." He began again, "Voldemort will attack again and will continue to do so until he is stopped." He smiled slightly, attempting to ease the nervous students. "But I don't think that he will try anything for awhile. He took a hard blow, but it is only a matter of time before he recovers and strikes again."
"So that's it?" The boy asked. "We just live our lives in fear until he attacks again?"
Lupin shook his head. "No, that is what he wants. He preys off fear, and if we allow that fear to control our lives then he has already won." He looked around the room at the young students, the future for tomorrow. "Be brave. Trust in your strengths and the strengths of those close to you, and we will be ready for when that day comes." He raised his wand. "Now let's begin practicing. Wands at the ready!"
He smiled softly as all of the young witches and wizards simultaneously raised their wands. "All together now, stupefy!"
Author's Note: Hello everyone! Well, this is the end, the last chapter. I had no idea that it would grow to become a 25 chapter story! First of all, I am sorry about the long delay. School has just started back and the homework has been a nightmare! Secondly, a big thanks to everyone who has reviewed in all! Everyone's encouragement and critique has helped me to grow as a writer and to figure out what works. Thanks again everyone!
Miss Piratess: Yes, go Weasleys! I love the read hair! You're right, Ron is reaching an almost Harry level in his angst, and it's hard for him. He's never eally gone through anything like this before firsthand, and to watch those you loved killed before your eyes…it's tough. Glad you liked the chapter and the story! You're my only reviewer who has faithfully reviewed each chapter! It means a lot to me, thanks! I might have another story coming soon. Until then I'm eagerly awaiting the next chapter of I'd Kill You If You Weren't Already Dead!
Tekvah Ariel: Thank you for all the reviews you have left me! I agree that Garin did have a background similar to that of Voldemort. I guess that's why they both desired the power to prove themselves.
Latanya Kassidy: Wow, you read all twenty-four chapters at once! That's kind of amazing. Thank you for your happy review and your uplifting words. Your enthusiasm helped to push me to get this chapter out sooner. Thanks!
And to everyone who has reviewed in all:
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