Chapter 2
The Order of Merlin
Kingsley walked in; looking around his eyes finally fell on Harry.
"Ah, Harry, I need you to come with me to, and you lot as while." he said pointing at Harry, Ron, and Hermione.
"Follow" Kingsley said walking out of the portrait hole.
Harry pecked Ginny on the cheek and followed. They walked past the broken walls of Hogwarts in a rush. Then they came to a halt in front of a great statue, which they all knew concealed the headmaster's office.
"Pumpkin Juice" Kingsley said and then ran up the stairs that suddenly began to appear.
Harry, Ron, and Hermione followed up the stairs.
As soon as they walked in the door they heard a familiar voice say "Ah, there you are thank you Kingsley. I know you are busy so go on. Also thank you for arranging the funerals for me."
Kingsley gave McGonagall a little bow and walked out. Harry noticed Dumbledore snoozing away next to Snape who was leaning against the frame asleep.
"So, seeing as the school will be packed in a matter of days for the funeral I would like to get some things out of the way. As you may know, the school will be open in the fall. Will you three attend for your 7th year?"
Hermione looked up to McGonagall then over to Ron and Harry. They all knew her answer.
"I will come back, Professor." Ron said looking from Hermione to Harry.
"Me too." Hermione squealed. Harry thought for a second, Ginny would be in his year and he couldn't leave Ron and Hermione.
A normal year at Hogwarts… that seemed like an alternate universe.
"Of course, I will." Harry answered.
"Good, because I already signed you up." McGonagall said with slight smile.
"Things are going to get rather busy here with the funerals and all." she said looking over her glasses.
"O yes, I have these for you. Fresh from the ministry" She picked up three pieces of paper from a smallish sack of identical papers.
"You have all been rewarded Order of Merlin, First Class." She handed the certificates them. Ron looked as if he was carrying a piece of gold. Hermione simply cradled hers and Harry read his over and over.
"You may go. The funerals will begin the day after tomorrow. Colin Creevy is the first. Not even of age and quite a loss. Fred's will be after Colin's" She sighed and seemed lost for a second. Ron walked out immediately after she said Fred's name, followed by Harry then Hermione.
They walked back to the common room in silence. Harry hardly kept up with Ron. Hermione had trouble as well. As the walked by the portraits that lined the walls, the people inside whispered to each other upon seeing the three. Some portraits were missing or broken. They passed by some people carrying flowers, Harry assumed they were for the funerals. As they got to the Gryffindor entrance Ron stopped. Harry wondered why but after saying the password Harry realized why. When they got in Ron looked back at the other two.
"I am kind of tired I think I will go to bed." Ron said not looking any of the two in the eye. Hermione opened her mouth but before words came out, Ron was half-way to the boys' dorm.
"Hermione, I would leave him alone. Give him time to deal with everything." Hermione hugged Harry and went up the stairs to the girls' dorm.