Chapter Ten: The Funeral
Harry ran up to Gryfindor common room. He stayed in his bed for the next week, not eating, not talking. His hair was matted and his face had permanent tear streaks running down it. Numerous notes from Draco and Ginny were brought by Hedwig, but were piled in a corner, unread. All Harry wanted was to be left alone. He didn't want anyone to talk to him, they wouldn't understand.
As the last day of school passed and the first day of holiday began, Dumbledoor entered Harry's dorm. He pulled back the dark curtains from around Harry, and exposed him to light. Harry rolled over the buried his head in pillows. He didn't want Dumbledoor to see him like this.
"Harry, I've arranged a portkey for you and a few others to attend Hermione's funeral. If you would like to go, they are leaving in an hour. Meet at my office." Dumbledoor opened the window, letting in fresh air to the staunch room. Harry sat up, still crying, face pale, and decided he needed to go. It was his best friend after all. He needed to apologize to Hermione's parents.
Harry slowly showered and came back to his room. He dressed in a black sweater and black trousers, looking at himself in the mirror. His eyes were still red from the week of crying, and his face gaunt from the lack of eating. Harry left for Dumbledoor's office before he started crying again. As he passed through the common room numerous Gryffindors glanced at his stark figure. They all murmured grievances to Harry, who ignored them and continued on his way. He didn't need any more bullshit. Just a week ago, he was being chastised for finally being himself. He didn't need anyone anymore.
Harry finally arrived at the two gargoyles. They stared at him with a look of almost knowing what Harry did to Hermione. His eyes welled and he pushed past their accusing glares. Inside were a few Hogwarts students. Among them, Ron, Ginny, and Draco. Harry looked away from Draco's sympathetic glance. Why was he even going? He hated her! Harry thought. Erin was standing in a corner, also red eyed. Well, maybe he's going with Erin, she actually knew Hermione, unlike Draco. Harry strode over and stood next to Ron, who placed his arm around his shoulder.
"Well, is everyone ready?" Dumbledoor asked as if it was a fun trip to an amusement park. No one answered. "I think you all know what to do, place you wants on the statue and it'll transport you to the funeral home. Then, when you're ready to come back, just place you wand on the plant in the back room in the right corner. You'll see it. Have a safe trip now. I can't go unfortunately, I have some duties here to deal with." Dumbledoor then stood back and watched as the students disappear before him.
Harry arrived on a dark maroon carpet next to Ginny. Everyone else still stood, Harry didn't feel the need to put forth an effort to look strong. He didn't care what others thought of him. He hated himself, and only wanted to die.
He grabbed Ginny's hand and lifted her off the carpet. They looked around at a room bordered in dark oak. Harry thought it was too gloomy for Hermione. She needed yellow roses, they were her favorite. Harry whipped out his wand and made four yellow roses appear wrapped in a pale pink ribbon. He walked off alone; he didn't need anyone by his side. The group following Harry entered the main room. In the back corner they saw the coffin. Immediately Harry's eyes welled up. He couldn't stand looking at the coffin, knowing he did this. Harry stared at his shoelaces.
Ron walked up behind him and placed his hand on his shoulder.
"I can see you're really hurting. Don't blame yourself for this Harry." Ron looked into Harry's teary eyes.
"You don't know what I'm going through Ron. You don't know what was in that note." Harry pushed his friend's hand off his shoulder and walked toward the coffin. Harry looked down at Hermione's frail body. Her beautiful light green eyes were closed, and her pale lips were slightly parted. Harry burst into tears as he looks down upon her. He placed the four rose on her chest, and gently pushed her hair out of her face. "I'm so sorry." Harry whispered.
Ginny, Ron, and the rest of the Weasleys walked up behind Harry. They all said their prayers and looked at Hermione's body sullenly. "I just wonder why?" Ron said silently. Harry pushed through the group and headed back to the side room. He couldn't stand being at the funeral anymore. It was his entire fault.
As he entered the side room Harry heard someone walk up behind him. It was a red faced Draco, crying.
"Why are you crying?" Harry asked sarcastically.
"I'm at a funeral Harry. What am I supposed to do?" Draco stared at his shoes. He didn't want Harry to be mad at him.
"Well, you should be laughing. You didn't even like Hermione. And you know you fully intended to do this! From the beginning!" Harry pierced Draco's stare. He wanted answers.
"What are you talking about Harry? I think you're just a little stressed out." Draco walked closer to Harry. Harry pushed him back and started walking backwards.
"You know full well what I'm talking about! You murderer!" Harry yelled at Draco. Draco stopped, and stared at Harry. Harry didn't know what he was doing. The words just poured from his mouth out of control. He hated himself even more for seeing Draco in such a state of shock.
"What? You think I did this to Hermione? What…" Draco stopped and just stared at Harry. How could he just accuse him of murdering Harry's best friend? He had true feelings for Harry; he would never do such a thing.
Before Draco could finish his sentence Harry tapped the portkey and left back to Hogwarts. He couldn't stand the guilt and anguish anymore. Harry fell down on the cold, stone floor outside of Dumbledoor's office. He immediately ran down the stairs to the Gryffindor common room. He didn't want to talk to anyone. He needed to think. The note in Harry's inside pocket burned all the way to his heart. He just wanted to die.
Harry finally made it back to the common room. As he entered, everyone looked up at his pale face. They all started whispering, but Harry dashed up to the boy's dormitory. He threw himself on his soft bed and closed the curtain. Deathly thoughts raced through his mind. Harry sat crying at the thought, now he didn't have a best friend or a boyfriend. What is there to live for? Harry thought. I have nothing.
As soon as these thoughts entered Harry's mind he heard a shrill voice.
"Aww, is the little Harry Potter sad. Cry me a fucking river." It was a ghostly apparition. It was Hermione Granger, and she wasn't back in the flesh.
How you like them apples!? Ha ha ha ha ha. It's getting really good. Just wait til next chapter. And make sure to keep reviewing. I want to know how you like the new Hermione. He he he he he, I'm so evil. Thanks much!