CHAPTER THIRTEEN
THE FUNERAL

Harry woke up very late the next morning, feeling more rested than he had in what seemed like ages. He got out of bed, and changed into a freshly laundered pair of clothes that lay on his bed. He made his way down the stairs, moving as slow as possible. He was dreading seeing Neville. He thought he might be furious. He could hear talking and laughing in the kitchen as he entered the living room. Then, quite clearly, he heard footsteps coming from the kitchen. Harry wished he had his Invisibility cloak handy. He didn't want to attract attention that much. He only wanted to be with his friends. Thankfully, however, it was Hermione and Ginny.

"HARRY!" cried Hermione, throwing her arms around him. "You're alright! Mrs. Weasley's just finished making breakfast."

Harry looked down at her leg, which seemed completely mended.

"You're alright, too?"

"Oh yes" said Hermione breathlessly. "Madame Pomfrey's here for… for the funeral. She heard about what happened. It was fixed in a heartbeat."

"Great" said Harry quietly. "Hey, Ginny" he added.

"Hi, Harry" said Ginny cheerfully. "Come on, everyone's wanting to see you."

She and Hermione led Harry into the kitchen, where the rest of the Weasley family was gathered around the table. Even – to Harry's great shock – Percy. When he saw Harry, he didn't pretend not to see him like before.

"Harry" he said dully. "It… It's nice to see you."

"Yeah" said Harry, shaking Percy's outstretched hand. Suddenly, Harry noticed how many other people had arrived since last night.

Bill was on the couch with Fleur Delacour, Lupin and Tonks, reading the latest Daily Prophet. McGonagall and an extremely large-bellied man were talking by the back door. The man had a thick mustache and a balding head. It was Professor Slughorn. At the table, there were several more people. Seamus Finnigan and Dean Thomas were talking to Neville, right beside Parvati Patil and Lavender Brown, who were giggling with Mrs. Weasley. Draco was sitting by Fred, George and Charlie, watching them howl with laughter, smiling slightly. Luna was leaning against the counter, talking to Padma Patil and Cho Chang. Mr. Weasley was talking with Arabella Figg interestedly. Harry knew it was probably about how Squibs went about their daily lives without magic. Gradually, as Harry began getting his breakfast, people began to notice him.

"Hi, Harry" said Cho kindly.

"Hey, Cho" said Harry. For some reason, it wasn't really awkward between them anymore.

"Harry! How are you?" cried Parvati and Lavender from the table.

"Hey" said Harry, grinning.

Luna smiled at Harry serenely. Harry grinned back.

He, Hermione and Ginny sat down at the few empty seats at the table beside Seamus, Dean and Neville. Before Harry could even say anything, Seamus had grasped his hand.

"Harry! How're you, mate?"

"Great, Seamus" said Harry, taking a bite of quiche.

"Hey, man" said Dean.

Harry nodded, but turned to Neville.

"Listen, Neville, I'm really sorry about last night. I've been such an idiot to"
"Forget it, Harry" said Neville, stuffing a sausage link into his mouth.

Harry nodded.

"Harry, m'boy!" Slughorn bellowed. "Good to see you!"

"You too, sir" said Harry, shaking Slughorn's chubby hands. "How are things?"

"Grand, Harry, just grand!" said Slughorn jovially, before giving him one clap on the shoulder and returning to chatting with McGonagall, who was now accompanied by Professor Flitwick, the Charms teacher.

"HARRY! YE MADE IT!"

Harry turned around. Hagrid was lumbering towards him, his black beetle eyes shining with joy, his mouth crinkled into a smile.

"Hey Hagrid!" said Harry. Hagrid ruffled Harry's hair.

"How are ye, Harry?"

"Great, Hagrid? How are things with Madame Maxime?"

"What?" said Hagrid, blushing furiously, "'Ow you know 'bout tha'?"

"You weren't thinking that you could hide it, were you, Hagrid?" said Harry, grinning. "We always knew you fancied her."

Hagrid looked at him rather seriously for a moment, but then grinned again.

"Oh, things are great! Never bin be'er!"

"That's great, Hagrid" said Harry earnestly.

"Well, I won' bother ya long" said Hagrid, "It's so great ter see ya, Harry."

"Yeah" called Harry, "you too, Hagrid."

Hagrid smiled.

He gave Harry one more ruffle of his hair before lumbering over to Flitwick, McGonagall and Slughorn.

It seemed to Harry that everything was back to normal. He enjoyed the rest of the morning as much as he could, eating the most he could handle, playing the best Exploding Snap he could, and playing Quidditch as long as he could. He, Ginny, Draco and Dean were on a team, versus Fred, George, Cho and Charlie. Of course, Harry's team won by almost a hundred points, but it still was one of the most entertaining games Harry had yet played. After about noon, they all made their way back to the house. The funeral was going to be that afternoon. Harry hadn't really prepared himself for it. He took a long bath after Quidditch, and somberly changed into some black robes. He walked outside with Hermione, Ginny, Luna, Neville and Draco, and followed the procession of people around the small cluster of trees to where the funeral was.

There was one isle running down the middle of a small cluster of about twenty-five chairs. The Weasley family was sitting at the front. One chair remained open for Ginny, who excused herself from the group and joined them. Harry sat in between Hermione and Neville, as Luna and Draco sat down on either side of them. Seamus, Dean, Parvati and Lavender sat down behind them. The other section of seats was full of wizards and witches Harry didn't fully recognize. He suspected they were from the Ministry or else within the Order of the Phoenix. Tonks and Lupin were sitting together, holding hands, just like at Dumbledore's funeral. The thought of this made Harry turn away. To think that he was at Ron's funeral was strange. It seemed so long ago that Ron had died, yet so short. Sitting next to Professor Sprout and Professor Sinistra was, to Harry's shock, was Dobby the house-elf. He was wearing what appeared to be the classiest clothes yet. He was wearing a black turtleneck under a black traveling cloak. Finely-ironed pants made their way down his legs, fitting perfectly. He was wearing fine black socks underneath some rather shiny black boots. He waved to Harry excitedly. Professor Sprout grabbed his arm and pulled it down, muttering something to him about "Not being distracting". Harry grinned, and briefly waved back, before turning to face the front. Once all the seats were filled, McGonagall got up from her seat and turned to face everyone.

"The Weasley family wants me to thank each and every one of you for coming here." She began. "They are glad that you too want to remember the life of Ronald Bilius Weasley. He was, I admit, a sometimes rather rowdy young boy in his younger years." Some people chuckled a little, including Ginny and Mrs. Weasley, though it was more of a stifled sob. "But, as he grew, I could definitely see something change within him. He would always…"

McGonagall continued talking, but Harry wasn't paying attention. He was thinking of what he, Ron and Hermione had done together. He remembered the first time he met Ron, on the Hogwarts Express. Then Hermione had run into his compartment, flustered, asking where a toad named Trevor was. Harry remembered thinking she was rather full of herself at the time, but now he knew he was an idiot to believe such a thing. He remembered entering the Chamber of Secrets with Ron. He remembered flying the bewitched Ford Anglia through the clouds with Ron, before they crashed into the Whomping Willow. He remembered when Ron had drank the poison and nearly died, had Harry not crammed a bezoar down his throat at exactly the right moment. He remembered when Ron had gotten attacked by brains in the Department of Mysteries. He remembered when he and Ron were being entranced by the veela at the Quidditch World Cup. He remembered when he, Ron and Hermione were in the forest, trying to escape the group of wizards that had been torturing a muggle family at the campsite of the World Cup. He remembered going down to Hagrid's hut for Care of Magical Creatures, and always dreading with Ron the fact that they might be in danger of serious injury. Ginny was crying silently in front of Harry. Hermione was resting her head on Harry's shoulder, crying softly. Harry's pain was too great to hide it anymore. A tear slipped from his burning eyes and fell on Hermione's cheek. She didn't even pay attention. McGonagall continued to talk about Ron for what seemed like hours, until finally the Weasley family had gotten up from their seats and turned to face the crowd. Mrs. Weasley seemed to be using all the strength she could not to break down.

"If you have urgent matters to attend to, you may leave now, but we would appreciate it if you could stay for the burial."

There was a murmur of understanding and everyone got to their feet. People were coming from all sides towards the Weasley family but most of the people remained. Parvati Patil and Lavender Brown were still sobbing in their chairs. Lupin and Tonks came forward, giving all the Weasleys a hug. Harry suddenly felt a rush of gratitude towards Lupin for being so kind to them. He comforted them all the best he could, letting Mrs. Weasley cry on his shoulder briefly, or stroking Ginny's head consolingly. Neville, Harry, Luna, Hermione and Draco approached the Weasleys. Harry began with Ginny. They looked at each other briefly, their eyes shining with tears before Ginny threw her arms around Harry.

"Thank you, Harry" she said slightly shakily.

"I love you, Ginny" said Harry, returning the embrace.

"I love you too" Ginny sobbed, putting her head on Harry's shoulder. Tears fell from her deep, brown eyes and fell on Harry's robe. "I'm sorry" she said hastily.

"Don't be stupid" said Harry quietly, letting go of Ginny. "Listen, Ginny. I'm here for you anytime. You know that, right?"

Ginny smiled, a tear streaming down her face.

"Me too, Ginny" choked Hermione, throwing her arms around her.

Ginny's eyes were now filled with tears almost beyond capacity.

"Thank God I met you all" she said throatily.

Harry smiled as best he could as he moved to Fred and George.

"Come here, you" said George, pulling him into a hug. "Thanks."

"Don't mention it" muttered Harry, returning the hug briefly, before moving on to Fred.

"Hey, man" said Fred, wiping his eyes hastily. "Thanks, Harry. Really…"

"Don't thank me" said Harry, hugging Fred, and moving to Percy.

"I…" began Percy. "I reckon I was wrong to say those things about you in your fifth year, Harry. I apologize."

"Don't mention it. Everything's good, Percy."

"Thank you for being a good friend to him, Harry" said Percy, pulling off his horn-rimmed glasses to wipe his eyes. "He was really grateful he had a friend like you."

And, shockingly, Percy pulled Harry into a brief hug.

"Thanks" said Harry, smiling, and moving on to Charlie and Bill, giving them brief hugs.

"Thanks, Harry" they said. Harry nodded somberly, moving towards Mrs. Weasley, who was hyper-ventilating slightly.

"Oh, Harry" she sobbed, as Harry hugged her tightly, "I thought I'd never lose control like this."

"Don't be stupid, Mrs. Weasley" muttered Harry, trying hard not to cry. "Why d'you have to be ashamed? No one needs to be ashamed anymore."

"You…" began Mrs. Weasley, but then recovered herself. "You're right, Harry. Thank you so much, Harry. We owe you so much."

"You owe me nothing" said Harry firmly, moving along to Mr. Weasley.

"Harry Potter" said Mr. Weasley silently. "T-t-thank God Ron met you on the train seven years ago. I don't think he would have been very happy right now had it not been for you."

Harry looked down at the ground as Mr. Weasley gave him a hug.

"He would have been alive, though" Harry muttered, giving Mr. Weasley a clap on the shoulder.

"Not necessarily, Harry" said Mr. Weasley, standing back from Harry and putting his hands on her shoulders. "We never know what the future holds. Had he not met you, maybe he would have been killed some other way. We can never know."

"Yeah, I guess" said Harry. "Thanks, sir" he added.

Mr. Weasley nodded and smiled.

Once Hermione had given each of the Weasleys a hug, she walked along with Harry up to Tonks, Lupin, Hagrid and Slughorn.

"Wotcher, Harry" said Tonks quietly. Her hair was brown with purple streaks. It seemed she was torn between sadness and joy. Lupin, Hagrid and Slughorn were talking together behind her.

"He's a wiz at Potion-making, as I have seen myself, Remus" whispered Slughorn in a low voice.

"'E's got the best wand-wavin' skills for a boy 'is age I've seen" said Hagrid proudly. "Tha's a great trait fer an Auror."

Harry and Hermione looked curiously from one person to the next.

"Who're you talking about, Hagrid?" asked Harry.

"Wha'?" said Hagrid, his eyes bulging as he saw Harry. "'Arry, don' go eavesdroppin' on other folks' conversations!"

"Who were you talking about, Professor Lupin?" asked Hermione interestedly.

"We were talking about you, Harry" said Professor Lupin with a slight smirk. "We were just mentioning the impressive traits he has for an Auror."

"Really?" said Harry with interest.

"Were you?" asked Tonks delightfully, her hair turning a shocking pink as she ran towards Lupin, tripping on a root and falling flat on her face. Harry, Hermione, Luna and Neville laughed. Draco was standing beside Harry and Hermione, smiling slightly. Even the three teachers chuckled as Lupin helped Tonks to her feet.

"Thank you, Remus" she said, flustered yet slightly amused all the same. "I was just going to say that would be a wonderful idea! Harry, you've got all the means for it! You'll just need a bit of training, and you'll be up to the task!"

"But…" began Harry, "I'm not seventeen yet, am I?"

"Well, not yet" said Hermione. "But it is July 30th isn't it?"

"What?" said Harry in mild surprise; he didn't think it could possibly be that late in the summer already. He hadn't really kept track of time since Dumbledore had died. Before he could ask, Hermione had pulled out a small box. She opened it and took out a crumpled up piece of parchment.

"Here" she said. "I'm pretty sure it is, unless the Date Charm has worn off on that paper."

Harry looked the parchment in his hand. The squares for each day of the month were all crossed out with red Xs except for July 30th.

"Blimey" said Harry. "It is! Wow, I forgot."

"Well" said Tonks. "You are technically old enough to start training. And as Hogwarts isn't reopening, you don't really have a home to go to."

"He can stay with us while he's in training if he wants" said Ginny, who had left her family and joined them.

Harry smiled.

"Thanks, Ginny" he said.

Ginny nodded.

"I want you all to stay too" said Ginny to Hermione, Neville, Luna and Draco. "Mum won't object, I don't think."

"Oh really?" said Hermione with delight. "Thanks Ginny!" – Ginny nodded – "I'd like to stay… well, at least for now. I'm not totally sure whether I want to be an Auror, or else be part of the Muggle Liaison Office."

"You could do anything you wanted, Hermione" said Lupin with a smile. "You got 11 O.W.L.S. didn't you?"

"Oh, don't give me that rubbish, Professor!" said Hermione, sounding slightly amused. "I probably wasn't as studious as you were."

"Hermione, I was a werewolf. Do you think I was more studious than you?"

Harry laughed.

"Well, Harry" said Lupin. "I'm definitely very proud of you. You couldn't have pulled through stronger. I don't doubt you'll be great in whatever you do."

"Thanks, sir" said Harry, shaking Lupin's hand firmly. "Where're you off to?"

"We have a lot to plan" said Tonks, smiling. "I'm getting rather twitchy myself."
"What are you planning?" asked Harry.

"The wedding!" said Tonks excitedly. "You all are invited, of course! You will be able to come, won't you?"

"Wow" said Harry. "I… We… I'm coming!"
"Of course we are" said Luna, Neville, Hermione and Ginny at once.

"I'll come too" said Draco quietly. "I suppose I'll be getting to know you guys well. I might as well see your wedding."

"Thank you, Draco" said Lupin. "It might seem a bit strange to you all for me to be getting married, especially given my condition."

"No! Not at all!" said Hermione incredulously. "Well…" she added truthfully, "I never thought you would after our third year, but when I met Tonks I changed my mind."

Tonks smiled.

"Well, I think we'd better be off then, Harry" she said. "The wedding will be August 16th, at Godric's Hollow. God, we've got loads of invitations to send."

"Yeah" said Lupin thoughtfully, looking rather disdainful. "Well, Harry, goodbye for now. See you in a few weeks."

"Yeah" said Harry. "Bye, sir."

Lupin shook Harry's hand once more, and he and Tonks vanished with a crack!

Harry smiled.

As he walked back to the Burrow with Ginny, Hermione, Luna, Neville and Draco, he realized that life was more meaningful to him than it had ever been. All these people were more important than ever. Ron's death was only the beginning of new friendships and new lives forming. As Harry walked into the Weasley's house, his eyes darted immediately to the clock on the shelf above the kitchen counter. All the hands were pointing to "home". Harry looked at Ron's peaceful face, looking up at the word home to which his clock-hand was pointing. Harry smiled slightly, feeling a little better to know that wherever Ron was, he was probably as happy, if not happier, than Harry was.