The burrow minus a Weasley.
Upon Ron and harry's return to the burrow, Harry sensed a mood shift since his last visit there. From the joy surrounding the wedding to a downcast melancholy. Percy had moved most of his things back in, seeing how necessary his presence was. George couldn't even bear to crack a joke. But out of all of them, Mrs. Weasley as expected, was the worst. Mr. Weasley was needed at the ministry to sort out a jumble of things, seeing as it needed serious revamping. It kept him distracted but he came how to a wreck each day. George lost an ear, Bill was subjected to werewolf injuries, and Fred lost his life. This was true, Mr. Weasley reminded his wife each night, but all but Fred were alive and well. They would live lives without the threat of Voldemort.
Fred's memorial was to take the place the day after Ron and Harry returned. He was to be buried in the Weasley plot, past the Nome gardens. Hermione would be back by then. She had gone to Australia to find her parents and repair their memories. She would then return for the memorial for a day, and head back to her parents place to finish the job. Ron learned all this from a gloomy Fred, but was glad to know he'd at least see her for one day.
As for Harry, he did his best to slide around Ginny's existence. He knew if he was in a room alone with her, he would get into information that was not appropriate at this time. But he wanted to comfort her so, so badly. She ran the kitchen while her mother lay in bed. They all prepared for the next day, when a terrible fact would be engraved in stone.
The day of the memorial ironically was very sunny. Birds chirped, and the trees even took on a personality. Hermione arrived early, dressed in a simple black dress. She gave Ginny a big hug and set to help her with the preparations. Ron, truly overtaken by the gloom of death, barely sent her a look of recognition. Harry stayed by his friends side the whole day. Bill and Fleur arrived, along with Charlie and Hagrid. Neville, Luna, and lee Thomas also attended. George was chosen to speak for his brother.
"No one knew him better" whispered a teary mrs. Weasley as George approached the podium.
"Before I begin, I must mention the weather today. No, that isn't an opener to a corny joke. The weather today is believe it or not, the best tribute to my brave brothers end. This weather is enough to put a smile on anyone's face. And that's what Fred did. He fought death eaters not only with skilled wizadry, but with an undying sense of humor. You should have seen 'em, getting their panties all in a twist because their viscous remarks bounced right off of 'im. There was nothing like it, fighting beside him. But there is something so eerie about this moment. Because usually things associated with my brother didn't render unhappiness. And I look out at all of you, with your heads down. Stop: stop now. Remember my brother as he was- head high with a broad smile. It's what he would've wanted. I lost an ear, for chrissakes, and believe it or not, that was when I was at my funniest. Because I had Fred there, laughing along. I think he's up there right now, laughing at you! So laugh with him. And er- that's it."
George finished with a smile. And that smile was contagious; it passed to Ron, to Hermione, to the whole audience. Harry glanced at Ginny when the smile hit her lips. She turned to look at him and her entire face brightened. George was right. Now it was time for people to pay respect to his tombstone. Harry Approached Mrs. Weasley who was at the helm.
"Mrs. Weasley?" he said softly.
"ah yes dear" she said, patting his shoulder with a tear. "Harry listen to me. If it weren't for you, dear, it would've have been only my Fred that perished yesterday. Thank you, Thank you so very much. Thank you for my family."
Not truly knowing how to react to such a deep statement, Harry replied with "you are my family. And Fred was as good as a brother could get."
He then moved on to give Ron more comfort. He was standing silently beside Hermione. Harry knew Ron and Hermione had things to settle, but the silence was enchanting. Before he knew it Ginny approached him slowly.
"Ginny, I am so sorry for your loss."
"I know you are harry." She said softly. "because it was your loss too…"
Denying reason, Harry felt for her hand and grasped it. She held it tight and they too fell silent. He would tell her soon enough that he planned on being there for her for the rest of her life.
The night was spent swapping old Fred stories over a hot dinner. Mrs. Weasleys spirits had lifted drastically as she celebrated years to come. Mr. Weasley was sadly called into the ministry but returned within the hour with Kingsley Shacklebolt. He announced that Tonks and Lupins memorial would be tomorrow and he would have a special tribute to Lupin.
"Harry" Said kingsley. "I trust Minerva has already told you we have things to discuss. I was thinking after Severus' memorial we could call a meeting?"
"yes of course" replied Harry. He caught Ginny looking at him, and he returned the look with a blush.
"I see her looking at you mate" said Ron darkly. "And I'm not gonna stop you when this is all over with. But we need time"
"I understand Ron, I hadn't planned-"
"I know. But I told Hermione that today at the service. I could tell she wanted to talk and when I have that talk I want to have my head only set on her, you know?"
"I know." Harry said simply.