Chapter Three- The Funerals
Ginny finally tore herself away from the comforting hot water. Apparently Harry had sent Kreacher, because Ginny found a fresh towel, nicer clothes, and toiletries waiting for her. Ginny gratefully got dressed and used to her wand to instantly dry her hair. Kreacher had provided muggle jeans and a black button down shirt, nothing too fancy but still more appropriate for the funerals. Ginny walked down the stairs to find Harry waiting for her in the common room, dressed in a similar fashion. Harry's eyes widened when he saw her, and she suddenly wondered if she looked alright. She immediately scolded herself, for thinking such silly things in a time like this. Harry kissed her in greeting. "You look beautiful, Ginny, you really do." Ginny blushed. "Thank you! Oh, and thanks for sending Kreacher up. It feels really good to be in clean clothes again." Harry nodded and kissed her again, not letting her go for a rather long time. Ginny laughed, and Harry twirled her around the room. They twirled and danced like children, not caring and just enjoying each other. However, a bell chimed in the distance. This brought the despairing reality crashing back onto them. Harry sighed and grabbed Ginny's hand. They exited the portrait hole and made their way back down to the Great Hall.
As they entered the Great Hall, Harry was once again amazed by magic. The Great Hall had been repaired to its formal glory, with the magnificent ceiling portraying the bright sky above. They made their way out onto the grounds, where the funerals were taking place. It had been decided the night before that next to Dumbledore's tomb, they would create a large memorial. The dead warriors would be buried with their own tombstone, unless the families wished otherwise. As they drew closer to the sight, they caught up with the rest of the Weasleys, who had been rejoined by Ron and Hermione. They all took chairs near the front, so when Fred's turn came they could each say something. The funerals passed in a daze to Harry, he had payed attention of course, but he still felt numb. He remembered standing up, talking about what an amazing friend Fred was, and how brave Remus and Tonks were. He thanked everyone for helping him defeat Voldemort, and sat back down just as his tears began to flow. He looked over at Ginny, who was also crying. He gripped her hand tighter, and pulled her into his lap. Ginny buried her face into Harry's shoulder, and he stroked her hair. They sat like this for the rest of the funerals, being each other's anchor in this sea of grief.
