AN: Take that little voice in my head nagging me to upload! No, but seriously; this story is getting so much love. HOW?! Seriously guys, the fact that you took the time out to read this means so much. Thank.

This is from Sirius' POV since I feel James is too damaged to narrate the story as of now. Also, I wanted to stress on how lovely a human being Mr Potter was. Please do let me know what you think in either a PM or a review.


Sirius had never seen James so broken; it made his heart ache. As soon as the arrived at the Potter household, James fell into his mothers arms. It had been the first time since receiving the news that James had shed a tear. Now, he was sobbing into his mothers robes as she stroked his hair, fighting back tears of her own.

They stayed like that for a while, and though Sirius was also grieving, he felt like an intruder. Mr Potter had been more of a father to him than his own kin. He had shown kindness many wouldn't think possible, something Sirius would never be able to repay.

Sirius' legs had turned to lead and a lump had formed in his throat. He didn't know what he could possibly say or do that would make anyone feel even slightly better. As if sensing his discomfort, Mrs Potter motioned for him to come closer. He walked towards her with wobbly knees, and she pulled him into the hug. Sirius lost track of time and only snapped back to reality when a very dejected house-elf came into to inform them that dinner had been served.

No one was really very hungry. James decided to retire early leaving Sirius and Mrs Potter alone in the dining hall.

"I worry about him," Mrs Potter said softly. "He's never been one to handle emotions well." Sirius knew this rather too well. James always pretended like nothing ever affected him. But being friends with the boy for almost seven years meant that he could read James' mind like a seer could read a palm. "Please keep an eye on him, Sirius. Make sure he doesn't do anything reckless."

"Of course, Mrs Potter," he tried to assure her, hoping he sounded sincere. They sat in silence for a few more minutes before Mrs Potter excused herself, leaving Sirius alone with his thoughts.

The funeral was held the morning after next. Sirius and James were ready in their black dress robes as they waited for all the guests to arrive. James was wearing a solemn expression, determined not to cry. Sirius knew he felt that he had already shown weakness on the day they had arrived and didn't want a repetition of it. Sirius also knew he was trying to be strong for his mother who wouldn't be able to stand seeing her son cry.

There was a marble tomb before which there were rows of chairs with an aisle in between. Sirius, James and Mrs Potter were sat in the front on the right with Mr Potters closest friends and colleagues, including the Minister for Magic, sat to the left. James had asked Sirius to write and deliver the eulogy because he thought Sirius would do a better job. But Sirius knew all too well it was because James feared that if he spoke he'd break down in front of everybody. Sirius walked up to the front of the assembly and cleared his throat.

"Thank you for joining us here today," he could already feel his throat drying up. Instead he focused on the piece of paper that had his speech written down. "Mr Potter was the wisest, greatest and the best man I have ever known. He always knew exactly what everybody needed and never failed to make us comfortable. He... " his voice trailed off. The words coming out of his mouth were true, but he felt like he didn't need to say this. Everybody who had ever spoken to Mr Potter knew what he was re-asserting. Sirius crumpled the paper in his fist and looked into the crowd, wishing he'd see Mr Potter sitting at the back laughing because all these people had fallen for his practical joke. But there was no one there. How could there be? Sirius had watched them put the body into the tomb.

"Mr Potter was most definitely a great man. He was also a great cook. And by that I mean it was always raw eggs and burnt toast with him." A few chuckles were heard. "He was also a great father; I should know, mine disowned me. Mr Potter took me in, and gave me a home when I had nowhere else to go. And he never expected anything in return. We used to sit in front of the fire and laugh about James' infatuation with a girl in school. Oh, how proud he would be to know his son is currently dating said girl.

"He was always so full of life, giving us more ways to wreak havoc. Did you know that once he managed to set fire to one of the guest bedrooms? Mrs Potter still hasn't noticed." A soft laughter ran through the crowd.

"James and I used to spend hours when we were younger copying the way Mr Potter spoke, the way he walked, his back straight, chin up with the air of such confidence most would find intimidating. But when he spoke, his words were calming. Like a promise that everything was right in the world and nothing could harm you.

"He looked into each Auror mission personally, the first head to do so. Mr Potter never wanted anyone else to get hurt; always going into battle first. He was selfless and it is so very consoling knowing he went in an honorable way." Sirius was tearing up now.

"What I'm trying to say is, Mr Potter was not only brave and a great leader, he was also kind, empathetic and marvelous, in every sense of that word. I can not thank my stars enough for giving me the chance and the absolute honor to know a man such as him. One so truly diverse you'd be surprised a single person could be so magnificent. He will live on forever in the memory of those he saved.

"To Mr Harold Potter. The man who will never die."