Hedwig/Version2

It was sunset. Three dark figures stood against the glorious sky, on top of a hill overlooking the lake. Their shadows grew along the ground, and were reaching back towards the freshly turned earth, where a new grave had been made.

Hermione was holding Ginny as they gazed at the place between two mountains where the sun was disappearing. Ron sat on a rock, his little Pigwidgeon on his shoulder, Hedwig on his lap. He stroked her feathers absentmindedly. She didn't seem to notice as she stared off in space.

The first time we met, so long ago now, I remember hoping that you wouldn't turn out to be one of those boys who were neglectful and mean. But when I saw the look on your face as you held me for the first time, I knew you'd be great… you were special… You were the best friend I could've ever asked for.

Of course we had a couple of disagreements, like in all friendships, but we always connected again. We worked well as a team. You could always count on me to find you, and I knew you'd always return the favour with a treat (sooner or later…).

You took care of me when I was injured (you even skipped class!). You always searched the morning post to see if I was there, as the others have told me… I'm sorry I didn't come more often… I should have been there everyday, but I couldn't do much without any family of yours to turn to… I wish I could have been your family… I probably was, and am proud to be considered one of your friends… I'm glad to have been one of your friends…

But now-

Hedwig turned her big amber eyes to face Ron. It was dusk and the shadows were closing in. But her meaning was clear in the reproachful look she gave him.

"Hedwig," he said softly. "I know how much he meant to you and how much you meant to him, but there's nothing that anybody can do now to save him no matter-" his voice broke a little, "no matter how much we want to. He's gone.

"We should be grateful," Ron continued. "Grateful for the time we spent with him. Grateful that he cared about us. Grateful that he cared so much he gave his life to save not only us, but the entire world-"

"If we have to be grateful for that," interjected Ginny, "then I want to be selfish."

"I know, Ginny, I know," cooed Hermione in a motherly manner, trying to calm not only Ginny, but everyone present.

Hedwig hooted dolefully and all eyes were back on her. Even Pig didn't twitter, for once staying quite still and quiet.

She blinked her eyes to indicate she understood. They knew she knew she loved him but it was time to let go, say goodbye.

In one great swoop, she spread her wings and took off, lightly brushing Ron's cheek as she flew past. She was hooting her own sad little tune for Harry as his grave and his friends grew smaller on the ground below her. She turned west and headed towards the mountains, chasing after the sun as night was falling upon the world.

There's a kind of freedom that you need, but sometimes freedom can be quite unwanted. Where do I go from here?

I will never forget you, Harry, and I know you would have wanted me to stay strong like you were whenever you lost someone close to you (which was more often than anyone should have to endure). I learned so much from you and I will always remember it. I will continue to fly and to live life as best I can and hope that one day, after I've fulfilled all I should, we will meet again.

-(-)-

I hope you enjoyed. That's it for this story. I just wanted to explore two different possibilities of the same idea, hence the two similar, but different stories. Just as a side note, flying is an activity that both Hedwig and Harry had in common on their "favourite things to do" list.