Disclaimer: For this see chapters one to seven I have run out of witty things to say.

A/N: A short but needed chapter it explains one thing at least. I will be posting my epilogue soon I promise. Please read and review. MA

Risking My Sister Wrath or What Have I Done?

By Morgana-Alex

Chapter 8

This is the day I have been dreading, the laying to rest of Katarina and her son, they will be buried together joined in life and now forever in death.

It promises to be a small affair, mourners for Katarina are few and far between, there are Albus and myself of course, Severus is here flanked by a very concerned Madam Hooch – his companion of many years; a few family friends are here out of respect for Albus. The only surprise is Albus's brother Aberforth; it is not the fact that he is here that surprises me but rather that he is visibly heart broken.

I dismiss all thoughts of Aberforth as the pastor stands in front of us, Albus takes my hand in his, an action that is concealed by the heavy black robes we are both wearing.

I listen as the congregation is told an economical version of the truth. They are told that Katarina was a model wife to a prominent wizard after giving up all hope of a career of her own; that she was the apple of her parents eye, that she adored her sister and that if she had had the chance she would have been a role model of a mother. They would not be told how she acquired said husband, how worried her parents were at having such a daughter, the pain she inflicted on her sister or that her child would have been merely a pawn in the game that was her life.

Albus and I had written this eulogy together and knew it would be difficult to listen to someone else reading it aloud, we knew the truth would serve no purpose here, it would be better for all if Katarina were to be remembered in the way we wished she had lived.

We are standing at the grave sight now; the coffin is floating to its final resting place, the earth filling the hole left behind using a simple charm.

I can no longer seek comfort in Albus; out here in the open I must keep a respectful distance.

The headstone that will guard this hallowed sight for all time is gliding into place; Albus will speak the spell that will inscribe the words that will grace its façade.

"Here rests Katarina McGonagall-Dumbledore Wife and mother & Arcmedies Dumbledore A Great Dumbledore."

The ceremony was concluded; there would be no wake, it had been explained that Albus was not up to receiving visitors and before long only Albus, Aberforth and myself were left attending the grave.

As the brother's talked I took another look at the headstone reading the words aloud, there were four extra words beneath the rest. They were 'Son of Aberforth Dumbledore' I have never felt so relieved and yet so guilt for doing so. Albus was not the father, how long had he known? Why had he not told me? How did he feel?

The only thing I was sure of was that it explained a great deal.

A/N: Thank-you for reading please, please review. I will post the epilouge soon I promise. MA