THC/The Houses Competition.

House: Gryffindor

Class: Charms

Prompt: [Event] Celebrating somebody's death

Category: Round 8 Standard

Word count: 2208

A Fallen Friend

Hermione fiddled with a crumpled-up piece of paper as she looked out into the sea of people. Today was the day of Harry's funeral, and even though she had prepared herself for it, it still felt like she woke up this morning only to find out that Harry had just died during the war.

She seemed to be on autopilot, in fact the whole Wizarding World seemed to be on autopilot after the death of their savior. Hermione couldn't help but be angered by this. They weren't Harry's friends; they hadn't known him. She was the one who had fought by Harry's side; she was the one who had to bury his body. Why did everyone else get to be sad?

"You ready?" Ron asked, standing next to her.

Hermione took in a deep breath as she looked down at the piece of paper. "No...not at all," she muttered before making her way up to the stand in front of everyone, uncrumpling the page and smoothing it out a little.

"Welcome," Hermione spoke loudly, to draw the attention of everyone before she continued, looking down at the crumpled piece of paper, trying to make sense of all the scribbles and notes she had made the night before. "Thank you all for coming to help celebrate Harry James Potter's life and share our grief at his passing. It was hard writing these lines, because I couldn't find the exact words to describe my friendship with Harry, and all the feelings involved in it. Somehow, it was easier to just sit and cry in a dark room than do this, but Harry wouldn't want that. So instead of this being a sad day, grieving for his life, we will be celebrating it instead.

Harry was strong, and it was no secret to anyone here, that his life had held all kinds of chaos. The troll in the girls' bathroom during our first year at Hogwarts , Quirrell, and the basilisk along with the Chamber of Secrets. There was time travel, dementors, escaped prisoners, the Triwizard Tournament, and let's not forget about Umbridge."

Hermione paused for a moment to allow people to chuckle before she continued on with her speech.

"Yes, it was no secret that Harry's life was indeed chaos, but he never wore it on his face; no matter what was happening or how much danger he was in, you could always see him with a smile on his face; he would always steer his focus towards the lighter side of things, and he taught me to do the same.

In the famous words of a muggle scientist, Albert Einstein 'The value of a man should be seen in what he gives and not in what he is able to receive.' In one word, Harry was a boy—a man who gave. He gave us all life. Harry saved us time after time again, while constantly putting himself at risk so that we could be safe. In the end, he gave his life so we would be free.

I told Harry in our second year that ' fear of a name increases fear of the thing itself' which is why I'm going to say this now...Voldemort."

Hermione watched as people gasped at her words but she didn't allow it to deter her.

"Harry gave his life to Voldemort, so all of us could be free from his madness, and that is why we are gathered here today, to say goodbye to him. I would like to speak in celebration of his life. His was a life that demanded notice…a life that exemplified brilliance...a life that inspired emulation...a life that burned so that others' paths were lit.

We are all here because Harry, in one way or another, was a part of our lives. May that be in Quidditch, the DA, House mates… or even as a student," Hermione added as she noticed Professor McGonagall sitting in the back along with the other Professors. "Or perhaps he was just a good friend. Whatever the reason may be, it brought you here today."

Hermione looked around at everyone before folding up her sheet of paper and putting it in her pocket. "We lost someone truly special, and the world will never be the same with Harry gone. I know I will always feel like a piece of my life is missing," Hermione said, taking out her wand. "If everyone would please, take out their wands and hold them up, we will have a moment of silence for our fallen friend." She slowly raised her wand up to the sky with everyone else following behind, bowing their heads in silence.

...

Hermione picked at her macaroni salad that was slowly seeping through the paper plate, standing back and watching people mingle. Everyone seemed to have taken her advice on making this day a celebration of Harry's life. Wood had even started up a Quidditch match in the newly built Quidditch pitch in Harry's honour, and everyone else that wasn't involved was telling stories about Harry's life.

"I can still remember the first time I saw Harry, I could have sworn he was just like Lily but then, he fought a troll during his first year and I knew he was his father," Minerva McGonagall spoke with a laugh. "It was like James came back to Hogwarts to haunt me and to drive me insane, but now...Hogwarts is going to be quite different without Harry. I'm going to miss the boy."

Molly's hearty laughter echoed across the grounds of Hogwarts. "One time at the Burrow, Harry laughed so hard that milk came out of his nose. I never heard him laugh so hard before. It really warmed my heart to see him so happy."

Arthur smiled nostalgically and said, "He was a kind young man. I would ask him so many questions about the Muggle world, and he'd answer them all. He never had the heart to say no."

Hagrid wiped the tears from his eyes before agreeing with Arthur. "He came to have tea with me even when he was busy, and I loved him for it. He was like the son I never had."

"For something that is supposed to be a celebration, you don't seem to be doing much celebrating," Ron spoke suddenly as he made his way up behind Hermione.

Hermione frowned, setting her plate down amongst the food before turning towards Ron. "I still can't believe he's gone. If anyone deserves to be here, it's Harry. He deserves to be here and see what he has done—he deserves to live his life after all he has been though."

"I know," Ron agreed heartbrokenly. Every night, as he fell asleep, he could still see Hagrid carrying his best friend. It only took one look to know that Harry was dead, his lifeless body lying limp in Hagrid's hold.

"Do you think he's happy where he is?" Hermione inquired. "Do you think he's with his parents? With Sirius? With Remus?"

"I do, I think he's happy...wherever he might be, and I also think you're right. Harry wouldn't want us to grieve. Harry wouldn't want us to live our life in the past and what could have been. Harry gave his life so we could live ours," Ron explained.

A soft smile slowly made its way on Hermione's face. "When did you become so wise?"

"I wouldn't get used to it if I were you," Ron joked, earning himself a small chuckle from Hermione.

"Trust me, I won't." Hermione smirked before turning back to the assortments of food.

"...Her...Hermione," Ron stumbled over her name. "Is that who I think it is?" he asked, pointing across the chairs that were now scattered about the field.

Hermione looked over to where Ron was pointing and saw a tall, thin woman with blond hair and nearly twice the usual amount of neck. "...I...I didn't think she would come," Hermione stuttered a little as she looked at the woman she knew to be Harry's aunt. "Should...Should I go and say hello?" Hermione questioned.

"I don't know," Ron replied, unsure of what they should do. "You know how much she dislikes magic. Might not be a good idea."

"Well, she's here...and it would be rude not to talk to her. I mean, she did lose her nephew. I'm going to go for it," Hermione said, taking in a deep breath before making her way up to the woman and holding out her hand.

"Hello, I'm Hermione Granger," she introduced herself only to receive nothing back from the woman. "I'm the one who wrote to you. Your nephew meant alot to us," she continued, lowering her hand when it became clear the woman wasn't going to take it. "And I want you to know that he will never be forgotten."

"...Thank you," Petunia finally spoke, her voice having a little bit of a quiver to it. "Did you..did you go to Ho...school with Harry?" Petunia asked, finding it hard to get the words out.

Hermione gave her a small smile, knowing how hard this must be on the woman. "Yes I did. I was one of his closest friends along with Ron," Hermione explained as she pointed to where Ron still stood.

"Ron? By any chance, is his mother here?" Petunia asked.

"Oh...yeah," Hermione said, surprised by the request. "She's over there with her husband." She pointed them out. "You can't miss them, they both have red hair," she said with a soft chuckle.

Petunia nodded before slowly making her way over as Ron made his way back to Hermione. "What's going on?" he inquired as he watched the woman make his way to his parents.

"I'm not really sure," Hermione answered, more confused than before.

…

"Excuse me...I'm sorry to bother you, I know that you are mourning but I'm Petunia Dursley, Harry's aunt." It was clear by the woman's voice that she was nervous, but Hermione couldn't tell if it was from the magic or being surrounded by people she didn't know...perhaps it was both.

Both Molly and Arthur stared at the woman for a few moments, it was clear that they didn't expect to see her—no one did. When Hermione told people that she was going to write to Petunia and tell her what happened and when the funeral would be, everyone had laughed at her.

"Hello, I am Arthur Weasley, and this is my wife, Molly."

"I know, Harry mentioned you once or twice. He was always happier away from Privet Drive. I just wanted to say thank you for being there for him and looking out for him. You were there for him when I wouldn't be, and for that, I am grateful."

Both Molly and Arthur looked at each other, not believing what they had just heard. "Harry...he was a son to us," Arthur replied, "and losing him is like losing one of our own. He was a kind and brave young man who put others ahead of himself."

"I know, he saved my son. He didn't have to. He had no reason to, but he put his life in danger to save my son. I should have been better to him. If I could take it all back, I would. I would have treated him the way he had deserved to be treated. I just wish he knew how sorry I am." Petunia couldn't help the tears from falling.

Hermione's mouth fell open slightly as she heard what Petunia said. Perhaps, Harry had changed more lives than she thought. Without giving it much thought, she made her way over to a table they had set up where they had placed Harry's belongings such as the invisibility cloak, the Marauder's Map, his photo album, and most importantly, his wand. Picking up the last item, Hermione made her way over to Petunia.

"Excuse me, I'm sorry for eavesdropping, but Harry cared for you and when we went on the run, he made sure that you and your family were safe. I know Harry would want you to have this," Hermione said as she held out the wand. "It's considered a great honor to receive a deceased wizard's wand," Hermione explained.

Without any hesitation, Petunia reached out and took the wand. "I was always so angry at my sister, with her magic, I should…"

"Harry wouldn't want you living with regret," Hermione cut in. "You weren't here for my speech, but Harry...he wouldn't want his life to end with grief and sorrow which is why this day is a celebration of his life, what he has done for us. Harry saved all of us and no doubt even the Muggle world," she said. "You might not believe me, but Harry knew it."

"...Thank you for letting me know what happened, otherwise I would have never known. You gave me peace," Petunia said, shifting uncomfortably.

A beat of silence passed between them and Hermione turned to leave.

"Excuse me, but do you know where Lily's grave is?" Hermione could hear the quiver in the older woman's voice.

Hermione nodded, the dead after all deserved to be remembered.