Chapter Three: Hermione's Funeral

Everyone came. Every seat was filled with our families, former classmates, friends, and even strangers I didn't recognize. Hermione was important to many people. I could hear whispers telling the tale of the brightest witch who helped defeat Voldemort. But I knew Hermione was much more than that. I wanted to shout out that they didn't know what they were talking about. But I held my tongue and listened to the music that Molly Weasley was playing.

I sat in the front row along with my mother and Hermione's parents, Jean and Michael. We remained silent, however Jean was clinging to her husband with soft sobs coming from her mouth. I vowed to myself that I would try to not cry. I have an image to uphold. If I was going to last this long, the proceedings would need to start soon.

I searched through the crowd for Ginny. Being Hermione's best friend, Ginny had volunteered to plan the funeral for me. I saw her talking to Potter and Longbottom. She noticed me looking at her and she stood from her seat. She gracefully walked up to the stand in the front of the funeral hall. "Good Afternoon everyone, " Ginny said. "We're here to show our love to Hermione, and to support her friends and family."

Ginny continued, "Hermione was an intelligent witch, the smartest during our years at Hogwarts. She accomplished more during the school year than many of us combined. She helped defeat Voldemort, and showed how brave a Gryffindor could be. She's someone we, and all future students could look up to. She has left us too soon, and we're all going to miss her. I miss her. Hermione was my best friend. She was much more than just a brave witch. She was kind, she held friendships to the highest degree. She looked and found the best in everyone. I've spoken with her family, and we would like to open up the stage to have a few close friends share some memories they had with Hermione. We will then proceed to the grave site. Family members and close friends that have been invited, may stay for the viewing. " Ginny turned and walked off the stage.

I didn't really pay any attention to the words as first Potter, Albert, Dahlia and then several other classmates and professors spoke. Lastly, Weasley entered the stage. I wasn't paying much attention to what anyone said. Besides Potter, everyone just said simple platitudes about how nice she was, and how they looked up to her. Which isn't wrong, I was just distracted with how much I missed her. I missed seeing her come home from work at the ministry. I missed her talking about her day. I missed her scolding me for leaving all the lights on, or leaving my socks on the floor. I miss everything about her. She brought so much light and warmth into my life. I don't know how I can continue on without her.

I looked down. On my lap, lay another letter. "Draco," was written in Hermione's handwriting. I didn't want to read it here so I discreetly put the letter into my suit pocket. I resolved I would read it tonight after the dinner Ginny had prepared.

The letter distracted me from my thoughts of Hermione. I paid more attention to the person speaking. Ron Weasley was having a hard time remaining standing. He was talking about in their 3rd year Hermione and himself went to Hogsmeade without Harry. As I listened, I noticed he was speaking through mumbles and slurred speech. He's come drunk? I wondered to myself as he continued slurring and stringing his words.

Weasley stopped speaking for a moment and looked directly at me. Then, he uttered words that made my blood boil. "I shouldn't have ever left Hermione. She is the best witch I've ever known. I can't believe she's dead, she wouldn't be if she-" Ginny abruptly entered the stage to dismiss her brother from speaking. She closed the meeting and reminded those who were invited to go to the Cemetery, to do so now.

I was glad and thankful Ginny had stepped in. I would not have handled the situation with any grace. It amazed me how strong she was being with losing Hermione. Everyone remained sitting in their seats until Hermione's parents stood up. Jean was sobbing quietly into Michael's shirt as they walked out the door. I held my arm out to my mother, and led her out into the viewing room. I instantly had a jolt of fear. Seeing Hermione pale, cold and unmoving was unnatural to me. I held true to my vow and hadn't cried during the funeral session, but walking up to her cold lifeless body in an equally cold and lifeless box made me stop cold. I stood in front of her and sobbed. I didn't care who saw me. I stayed there, until my mother gently pulled me away.

Potter, Weasley, Michael, Longbottom, Albert and myself carried Hermione's coffin to the Hearse. We would follow the car to the cemetery, and lay Hermione to rest.

My mother and I went to the hospital following the burial to hold and speak with the girls. We couldn't bring the twins to the funeral as they were still too weak. They have remained in the Hospital as they were born prematurely through emergency delivery. I spoke with the nurse and she said they should be letting us take them home in two days if the girls gained a little more weight. "You'll have to learn how to change their diapers Draco," the nurse told me, "You haven't had the chance yet. Would you like me to teach you now?"

I nodded and the nurse took Ivy from my mother's arms and placed her down on a changing table. I did the same to Vera. I followed the nurse's instructions however, I knew my mother would be there to help me if I had any problems as she was moving in with us for a while. Jean requested to come often as well. My mother and I talked about the funeral, and mostly about Hermione. We played with the twins a little bit, but we couldn't stay long. Ginny had planned a meal for the family and close friends of Hermione. I regretted not being able to take the girls with me as I left.

I was thankful there weren't many people at the dinner. It was just my mother, Hermione's parents, all of the Weasley's, Potter's, Luna, Neville, Albert and Dahlia. Luna and Ginny had hired a babysitter to watch over their kids. I stared at Ron Weasley scathing. It seemed Luna was doing the same. I respected Hermione too much to say anything to him. After all, this dinner was to honor Hermione.

At first, everyone ate quietly. There was small talk amongst each other. Jean, Michael, Albert, Dahlia and my mother excused themselves after dinner. The rest of us stayed for dessert and drinks. We moved into the Parlor of the Manor and we discussed our school days. I felt a tad awkward knowing how I had treated most of everyone in the room, including Hermione.

They tried including me in the conversation, however very quickly we all realized I was the odd person in the conversation. We changed topics and discussed how the ministry is doing and Harry's job.

Luna was the only person not drinking. She was two months pregnant after all. I did have a few drinks, but remained mostly sober. I wasn't much of a social drinker. Weasley, however, seemed to have not learned his lesson from the funeral, and continued downing cup after cup. Potter eventually cut his best friend off. It didn't go well.

"I can drink if I want Harry." Ron slurred, "You're not the boss of me. It's all Malfoy's anyway, what does it matter if I drink all his precious alcohol? I don't even know why Hermione chose him. After how he treated her? How he treated us?"

"Ronald!" Ginny shouted. I looked around the room. Everyone was looking at me, wondering what I was going to do. Weasley wasn't worth it.

"Party's over." I said, and I left the room. I could hear Ginny scolding Ron. I could only imagine how Luna was feeling right now. I didn't want to make things worse, and I knew Ginny would make sure everyone left. I called Konry and asked him to clean up dinner. "Our guests are leaving," I said and went to bed.

I pulled out Hermione's letter. I turned it over in my hands. Debating if I should open it and read it. I set it down beside my bed. I was too emotionally drained to read right now. I turned out the lights, and fell asleep.

A/N: Please review so I know if anyone likes this story.