Chapter 2:
Harry stood frozen as every one left the grave sight, The Weasly's huddled together trying to calm and sooth a weeping Mrs Weasly. Hermione glanced over her shoulder and called his name softly.
"I'll catch up with you later" he said hoarsely as he knelt by the head stone, his hand dipped into his pocket and produced the little Hungarian horntail he'd kept from the first task of the Triwizard tournament and lay it next to the flowers.
"Rest in Peace Charlie…I'm sorry I wasn't strong enough to protect you" Harry whispered and stood. He saw Percy stood by the gates the death of his brother had reunited the man with his family. He watched as Percy walked towards him.
"Come on Harry, mum's waiting, she's lost one son, don't make her think she's loosing another" Percy said and Harry nodded, her knew Mrs Weasly loved him as a son and would worry but he was meant to be a hero but all he'd brought that family was pain and he feared that he'd bring them more. First he failed Cedric, then Sirius, The Dumbledor and now Charlie. Harry had never really liked Percy but today as they walked to the large black car they stood united by their sense of failure, their sorrow and sense of loss.
The wake had been a horrible experience, Harry stuck to the shadows between Moody and Tonks, who's hair was long and black for the occasion, her hand clasped tightly to Remus' who kept looking at Harry with worried eyes. Harry stared at a family Portrait, all of them there waving at the camera. He could tell this was before they'd met him, Ginny and Ron were still very young, Scabbers was perched on Percy's shoulder. The thought of the rat and the man he was, made Harry's stomach turn and his chest tighten, his anger rose and his grip on his magic started to slip, Harry quickly excused his self and went out side, he needed some fresh air, away from the tears, the pain, some where he could breath. Harry went out into the back garden watching some garden gnomes sneak across the lawn, he sat on the step taking deep soothing breaths, taking back control of his body, stilling his shaking hands, taking hold of his magic and then pushed his anger into submission.
Foot steps and soft whispers, a hand on his shoulder and people sitting either side of him, it was through the strength of their friendship each one of them knew no words were needed. With Ron's hand on his left shoulder and Hermione's head on his left he felt the kind of comfort that only comes from knowing you are loved. Some thing deep in his gut wanted him to scream but all he could manage was a soft "I'm sorry… I'm sorry I couldn't save him"
"It's not your fault Harry" Harry was surprised that it was not Hermione who spoke but Ron. "You can't save every one, no one can"
Hermione pulled her two best friends into an awkward hug as they all balanced on the edge of the step before pulling them up on their feet. She conjured her bag and pulled out a bottle of sambuka and filled three shot glasses up, this had become a ritual for the three, and for every person had died they had raised their glasses in silent salute before downing the shot.
The sun had set fully and Hermione and Ron were still sat on the step while Harry stood in the rain, his head tilted back letting the rain dribble down his face, soak his hair and clothes so they stuck to him.
"Harry it's late, we should be getting home" Hermione said. Harry nodded, the three had been living at 12 Grimauld place, together with the addition of the occasional Order member. Together the three of them went back inside and said their good byes to Mr and Mrs Weasly and the rest f the Weaslys. Hugs and kisses were exchanged and they were told to stay safe. They said they would. Ron was far left, Hermione in the middle holding his and Harry's hand seeking the comfort they so desperately needed and the light rain had now become a fully blown storm but together they braved it, because together they were stronger. Harry thanked what ever god had blessed him with his friends, he knew that others did not have that luxury.