STILL HERE FOR YOU

(Chapter Twenty two)

Harry stepped out of the fire place dusting the ash off his black sweater and tie. Seconds later Hermione stepped up beside him straightening her black skirt and dress robes. She hadn't spoken much all morning.

Professor Dumbledore and McGonagall stepped out of Harry's line of view; their black robes flowing behind them as they made their way around the crowded living room of the burrow. Harry looked around the room, but couldn't really focus in on one thing. He hadn't slept last night and as a consequence his head ached severely.

All morning he had fought a queasy uncomfortable feeling in his gut. It was undoubtedly guilt. How was he supposed to face Ron, or any of the Weasley's knowing that he had witnessed the death of their son and done nothing?

"Harry, Hermione. Thank you for coming," Said a familiar voice with a hint of forced cheer.

Harry snapped to focus and saw Mr. Weasley step up in front of him. He was dressed in a black sweater and pants with a long black wizards robe. He looked tired and his eyes were red and puffy as if he had been crying for a long time the night before.

"Mr. Weasley?" Hermione's voice cracked. "Where's Ron?"

Mr. Weasley pursed his lips and swallowed hard. "He -er, he might be outside. He hasn't spoken since it happened," He replied grimly.

Hermione's eyes grew glassy and she tried hard to fight back the tears. Mr. Weasley looked around the room and broke the silence.

"Your welcome to help yourself to any of the food, we'll be starting the ceremony soon."

"Thank you," Harry answered.

Just as Mr. Weasley left, he and Hermione began to make their way around the room. A large number of people had turned up for Charlie's funeral. Some they recognized, and others they didn't. Around the room, tables with small snacks were set up and people stood around them chatting quietly.

Harry and Hermione neared a small couch in the Weasley's living room and spotted Ginny sitting on it beside Tonks, who was rubbing the girls back comfortingly.

Harry quietly cleared his throat getting Ginny's attention. Her head snapped up and Harry noticed that her eyes resembled Mr. Weasley's, and it pained him to see how hurt she looked.

"Hi Ginny," Harry said shyly and Ginny put on a false smile and stood slowly.

"Hi," She replied in almost a whisper then slowly moved to hug Hermione, then Harry.

When He pulled out of the hug he noticed that a single tear had spilt over the rim of Ginny's eye. He had a sudden urge to wipe it away, but he thought twice and resisted.

"I'm sorry," Hermione said with sincere sympathy and Harry saw that she also had a tear spilling onto her rosy cheek.

Harry had gotten so used to himself being the only one who had to suffer through this war, but now it was taking a toll on the ones closest to him. He felt a surge of anger and his throat grew tight. Everything was his fault. Because of his mere existence, people were dieing.

"Excuse me everyone!"

The regal voice of Professor Dumbledore cut through Harry's thoughts of self loathing and his head snapped up to see the headmaster standing at the doorway to the Weasley's back yard.

"If you would all follow me outside, it is now time to begin the ceremony," Dumbledore finished with a tone of soft kindness in his voice.

Harry didn't make a move until he flinched slightly at the touch of Ginny's petite hand taking his and giving it a slight tug in the direction of the backdoor. For only a moment, Harry became distracted from his guilt as he reveled in Ginny's gentle touch which amazingly managed to comfort him.

Hermione followed behind them just as silent as she had been earlier. The three friends took their turn exiting from the humble wooden back door and made their way across a lush green field where Harry spotted Dumbledore already standing by a tree and a large headstone, with a long mound of dirt at the foot of it. His throat tightened once more at the sight of Charlie's grave and he quickly averted his eyes to the ground.

Moments later nearly twenty people surrounded Dumbledore and the grave sight. Hermione stood next to Harry and Ginny and couldn't help herself but to look around for a certain red head.

Her vision stopped on the first sight of red she had spotted, but it was only Fred and next to him George. The Twins, who were usually filled with laughter and jokes, were now quite pale and stiff. They stood side by side starring at the scene before them, almost as if they were void of any emotion.

"I want to thank you all for coming this morning in order to offer remembrance to a beautiful soul," Dumbledore began talking with a poignant yet steady voice.

Hermione tried to watch the ceremony, but she wanted to find Ron, she wanted to be with him right now through this, to let him know that she was still here for him.

She looked around the crowd a second time and this time spotted the oldest Weasley brother, Bill standing with…Percy?

Hermione couldn't help but let a slight emotional smile grace her lips. It was a happy thing to see that Percy was able to set aside differences to show up for his brother's funeral. Maybe this would mend the wounds between him and his parents.

Bill and Percy's eyes were also red and puffy as if they had cried for a long period of time. Now however, they were both very composed and focused on Dumbledore.

"Charles Weasley was an exceptional young man who possessed a great number of talents…"

Dumbledore's words were still in the backdrop of Hermione's head and she continued to search the faces of the mourners. A sharp sob caught Hermione's attention and she look at the two red heads standing beside Dumbledore. It was Mr. and Mrs. Weasley. Mr. weasley had his long arm wrapped around his wife who was crying heavily into his chest. Hermione's heart dropped to her stomach at the sight and she fought her own tears from forming. She looked away quickly and began to scan the crowd again. Within a few short moments Hermione found the boy she was looking for. Ron Weasley was standing at the front of the crowd by himself watching the ceremony. Hermione slowly made her way towards him not caring if he was still mad at her. She would make her presence known to him and if wanted comfort she would give it.

Hermione weaved her way through a small group of people and finally stepped up slowly next to Ron. She looked at him expectantly biting her lip. She stood there a few moments silently waiting to be recognized. After a while Hermione started to grow worried. Maybe Ron was still seriously angry with her. Hermione frowned and turned her head to watch the funeral, a small tear ran down her cheek.

All of a sudden her heart jumped as she felt the familiar warmth of Ron's large hand slip into her own. With that moment, all of the knots in her stomach untwisted and Hermione broke into tears. Before she knew it Ron had pulled her into a warm consoling embrace. She felt so good being in his arms again. She felt safe and loved. All thoughts of death and danger chased away. Hermione hugged Ron and only tightened her grip on him when she felt his body shudder against hers as he cried as well.

"Charlie was a man that everyone loved and admired. He was a loving son and a dedicated brother…He will not be forgotten, remember Charles Weasley."