A/N: Thank you for the new reviews, follows, and favorites! I edited the last two chapters for spelling and grammar, if anyone was bothered by that. I am so so so so sorry for 1) this being such a long time. I've been loaded on work, but now it's summer and I have more time! and 2) the length comment in the last chapter; i typed it on my phone, and it seemed like the thing never ended, in truth, they're probably going to be a bit longer than that, but i won't say anymore, in case i can't live up to that :P This one is a little more than 9,000 words :P So I'm excited about this chapter. The wait was worth it, I promise. It has Teddy Lupin! I have an obsession with him.
Read and Review! Enjoy!
P.S. would it be too big of a goal to ask for 25 reviews before the next chapter? Try please :D
Disclaimer: I own none of this. It is property of JK Rowling.
Beta: juliana677. thanks!
Remembrance
It was a bright and shining day at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. The castle's inhabitants awoke peacefully, eager for another Voldemort-free day. The sky was a cloudless, clear blue, the sun radiant, and the day proclaimed optimism and peace. The mood, unfortunately, would not last. Today was the day of praising and honoring those lost, and figuring out just why those lives had to be sacrificed. The Wizarding World would discover just how three teenagers managed to bring down the greatest dark wizard of all time. There would be mourning and questions, upsets and outrages, and Harry Potter was, needless to say, the tiniest bit nervous. Hmpf, thought Harry, more like on the verge of a panic attack.
Harry was used to having attention since he was the "boy who lived," the "chosen one," and "undesirable number one." But now, he was the "boy who lived twice," the "correctly chosen one," and, most likely, "Witch Weekly's Most Desirable Bachelor." The possibilities for gossip and rumors were endless. He didn't like speaking in front of large crowds, hated attention, and was the most modest person you could meet. A press conference was pretty far up on the list of things that made him wish he weren't Harry Potter.
It didn't really help that Ron and Hermione, who were going to be helping Harry in answering questions from the press, were seemingly completely at ease, and blissfully in love. Throughout the morning, they had been inseparable, holding hands and moving closer to each other with every step, broad grins plastered on each of their faces, and Harry counted at least five kisses he had seen, not to mention when they were alone. Harry himself had greeted Ginny with a kiss in the morning, but was unable to calm his nerves to be in any way romantic or compassionate or happy this morning. Especially after their relationship had been revealed and he was given a talk from her brothers. That had been awkward.
The only thing he was, slightly, maybe a little, looking forward to be meeting his godson, Teddy Lupin. He would be upset again, of course, over the death of the boy's parents, and he probably wouldn't be able to meet Andromeda Tonks' eyes, but Teddy was like a beacon of hope. In all the sorrow that came out of the war, there's a great, shining new life ready to enter it. The young boy was only a week old, so innocently unaware of what had just occurred around him. The whole thing gave Harry great hope that maybe, just maybe, everything would be okay.
Nevertheless, despite all of his nerves, Harry did his best to tough it out, because he couldn't afford to break down, not now. He had done his mourning yesterday, and wouldn't allow himself sob again. The press would be all over it, hounding him with questions, never leaving him be. He couldn't imagine how bad it would be if forced to answer their ridiculous questions through tears. Kingsley was adamant about keeping the press away from Harry and his friends but he knew, from experience, that if he avoided answers, they would make them up. Ginny needed him; he had to be strong for her. Tonks would laugh at him if he sulked around on the day of her funeral, and Remus would tell him how brave he was, once again, and maintain that he should not be sad. As for Snape, Harry had not yet worked out what he was going to say about that. Really, he was putting it off...
Harry thought about all these things as he put on his dress robes for the press conference and memorial services. Finishing the clasp, he walked down the dormitory stairs to meet Ginny and Ron and Hermione, after which they would walk to the press conference together.
Ginevra Molly Weasley was not a sappy, emotional person. She had a fiery temper and a strong attitude, accompanied by exceeding magical skill and brains to match. She took things in her stride, embracing them strongly. Today, though, Ginny felt like the air had been knocked out of her when she awoke. The day had yet to start when she began to cry.
She had just woken up, sitting straight up in her bed, panicking for a moment over a bad dream. Voldemort was back...Harry was gone...she shook the thoughts away. No, he's alive, he's alright, and Hermione and your brother...Ginny shook her head, tears springing to her eyes. That brother was alright, but not another. Fred. Really, she couldn't deal with it. Fred and George were the closest siblings she had, and now one of them was completely gone from her family, leaving a large hole where he had once been. A very empty, distinctly Fred's laughter-like hole. So she just sat in her bed, crying, shaking her head, as if trying to wake up again from the nightmare. Tears fell from her cheeks onto her bed, and she finally allowed crying to consume her since last night. She had lost control with Harry seeing Fred on his deathbed, but she was unable to continue in her sadness when Harry went off on one of his crazy "it's-all-my-fault" tangents. That made her more upset. George, too! How was she supposed to handle everyone she cared about falling apart? Her cheeks and the hairs that framed her face, as well as her palms and much of her shirt and bed sheet were quickly soaked.
It was at this point that Hermione Granger crawled into Ginny's bed, put her arms around her friend, and let them fall back on the bed to continue crying. Hermione placed an arm each around her back and around her waist, letting Ginny cry into her pillow. She had woken up to the sound of tears being shed, and instantly knew they were Ginny's. How could they not be? This day was going to be long and torturous for her as well, and the only thing stopping her from letting the tears fall that she had been saving, that will probably finally come to fruition at the funeral service, was the fact that she had an already crying teenager on her hands. Frankly, she thought one young girl full of emotions was enough for two girls to handle.
As Ginny continued to cry, Hermione thought about all that had happened in the last two days. Hermione was sad as well, of course, but she just wasn't as close to those lost as her friends and boyfriend. She had no doubt tears would consume her when she saw little Teddy, and Fred's sallow face in the casket. She was also terrified about the press conference today; with all the questions they were going to ask. But now, she tried to remain happy and optimistic for as long as she could. The easiest way to do this, of course, was to let her thoughts drift back to Ron, her boyfriend. That sounded amazing. She loved him so much, and he loved her, and that was that. She couldn't be happier. Hermione sighed, letting her eyelids flutter shut in peace, images of Ron and herself crossing through her head, her cheeks heating up when she remembered their kiss under the tree by the lake. It was at this moment that she noticed the tears had stopped, and realized Ginny had fallen asleep. She, too, felt sleep overtake her, and kept her eyes closed until she drifted into a peaceful, very Ron-Weasley-esque slumber.
Both girls awoke a bit later, and Ginny spoke for the first time that morning, "Geesh, Hermione, I'm sorry-," she began, but Hermione cut her off.
"Don't be ridiculous."
"Really, I shouldn't have broken down like that, made you comfort me, I'm such a crybaby," she pouted slightly.
"That's ridiculous," Hermione retorted.
"It's really not," Ginny replied, defiantly, "Fred wouldn't want me to wallow around like this. I have to be happy... for Fred," but even as she said it, she felt herself close to tears again.
Hermione's heart went out to her friend. How could she be so stubborn? "Ginny, just because Fred didn't want you to be sad, doesn't mean you're not allowed to be sad. That's just a bit ridiculous, don't you think?"
Ginny's bottom lip quivered, and she cried again, and Hermione immediately wrapped her arms around Ginny, bringing her in for a close hug. It was nearly five minutes later when Ginny finally looked up and wiped her eyes, "Thank you, Hermione."
Hermione smiled, "Not a problem. Let's eat, shall we?"
Ginny visibly brightened, and cracked a small smile for the first time that morning, "Let's."
The girls got dressed and walked out, arm in arm.
Ron Weasley woke up to the sound of his stomach rumbling. Completely intent on going straight to the Great Hall to eat, he found he was unable to move very far. The press conference. Ron was one of the most tactless people ever known, as Hermione told him all the time. Hermione... he sighed dreamily... No. Stay on track! He was so easily distracted! How was he going to handle being only one of three people answering questions asked by hundreds of witch and wizard reporters that the entire wizarding world would hear the answers to in a few days (hours, maybe?) time?! He didn't want to think about it, and he just hoped Harry and Hermione would be better at it than he would. Who are you kidding? He asked himself, of course they will. But that was just one problem. After that, he had to handle Fred's funeral, and he wasn't sure if he could. Thinking of Fred, he tried incredibly hard not to cry, but even so, tears wet his cheeks, and he was positive that today, at the funeral, there was no way he was going to be able to hold back his tears. He thought back to Hermione, trying to cheer himself up, and it certainly worked. She was his girlfriend. That was awesome. He was her boyfriend. That, too, was bloody awesome. Now, though, he was starving, and headed downstairs to eat, after glancing at Harry's empty bed, realizing he must have gone down already.
Upon reaching the Gryffindor common room, he saw Hermione and Ginny coming down the stairs, talking happily. He walked over and hugged his sister, telling her good morning. Realizing the two might want some time alone, Ginny returned the gesture and walked out of the portrait hole. Ron turned, then, to Hermione,
"Morning," he gave a small smile.
"Good morning," she cracked a grin, "Umm...how are you?" she laughed.
He laughed, "Alright, I suppose," then his expression turned serious, "you're okay?"
She returned the expression, and took each of his hands in her own, looking up into his eyes, "I'm okay; really, I was just a bit upset this morning. You're all right?"
Ron hesitated before replying, "I... I think so."
"We'll get through it, right?" she looked hopeful.
Ron smiled, "Absolutely," and bent his head down to properly greet her.
Ginny found Harry eating breakfast in the Great Hall. Without giving it much thought, she snuck up behind him, wrapped her arms around his neck, sat down next to him and kissed him on the cheek. Harry turned and smiled at her, kissing her softly on the lips, lingering for a small amount of time, before pulling away, his smile fading and his shaking returning as he went back to staring at his plate and pushing food around with his fork. Ginny frowned, and was about to intervene when someone else made their presence known at the table.
"Hem Hem," Harry and Ginny looked up to see George Weasley smirking at them from across the table. Harry gulped and stared ahead, incapable of speech. Ginny blushed as red as her hair, but quickly recovered, trying to stay as strong as possible in front of her older brother.
"Good morning George," she said firmly.
"It is, isn't it?" George replied, a smirk on his face and a mischievous twinkle in his eye. Ginny quickly caught on,
"Oh, George, please don't tell-"
"MUM, DAD! I think Ginny has something she wants to tell you!" then he smirked at Harry's panicked expression one last time and got up to leave. Molly arrived in a matter of seconds, scolding George down the hall for summoning her in such a rude manner, before turning to face Ginny and Harry,
"Ah, good morning, Ginny dear, Harry, how are you?"
Arthur noticed Harry's expression first, and greeted them as well in a more hesitant tone, "Good morning sweetheart, Harry," nodding at him.
"Good morning, Mr. and Mrs. Weasley," said Harry, just at the same time as Ginny replied, "Morning Mum, Dad." They turned to each other and chuckled nervously, before turning back to face the parents. Arthur recovered quicker,
"There was something you wanted to tell us?" he inquired.
George appeared at Harry's side, seemingly out of thin air, and nudged Harry in the ribs, whispering in his ear, "That's your cue, mate."
Harry turned to look nervously at Ginny, who gave him a small, reassuring smile, before he tried to compose himself, stopped shaking, and stood up to meet Mr. Weasley's curious gaze. He looked down at the floor and said tentatively,
"Mr. Weasley..." he rid his voice of nervousness, and looked Mr. Weasley right in the eye, standing strong, "Ginny and I...er...we're seeing each other." Then he let out a breath he hadn't realized he was holding, and gave Ginny a small smile, which she returned, before Harry was tackled into hugging submission by Mrs. Weasley,
"Oh that's wonderful! I'm so happy for both of you! You'll really be part of the family, Harry, this is wonderful," she repeated, and smiled the brightest Harry had seen in days, when she moved over to hug Ginny, "I'm so happy for you, dear! Congratulations! To both of you, my, I must start planning, arrangements..."
Ginny was having none of that, and intervened, "Mum! I'm sixteen! I'm not about to off and get married! Please, calm down a bit!"
Molly's smile faltered slightly, before speaking again, her voice exasperated and hasty, "Oh, of course dear, you're right, I'm sorry; I don't know what came over me! I just-" and suddenly, something occurred to Molly, and she moved back to face Harry, putting her hands on her hips in a most-intimidating-Mrs. Weasley-ish way, "You'll be good to her, won't you Harry? You care about her very much?"
This, though, Harry could answer confidently, and he smiled, "Absolutely, I love her," he replied strongly, and Molly returned to her gushing, embracing them both.
"Oh, yay! I'm so happy for you both! Isn't it wonderful, Arthur?" she asked, turning to face her husband.
It was at this point that Harry realized Mr. Weasley hadn't yet said anything, and his fear returned as he freed himself from Mrs. Weasley's grip to face Mr. Weasley again.
Arthur moved forward with a small smile, and looked at them both, "Yes, it really is," he said, and he extended his hand for Harry to shake.
Harry let out his breath and grinned, shaking Mr. Weasley's hand, before Ginny threw her arms around her father's neck and spoke quietly in his ear,
"Thank you, Dad,"
He hugged her tightly, "Anything for you, sweetheart. You best make sure he's good to you, you hear?"
"He's perfect," Ginny sighed dreamily.
Arthur chuckled at her tone of voice, and smiled, "Glad to hear it."
Ginny pulled away at this, and sat down with Harry to eat again. Unfortunately for Harry, he could not yet eat in peace. He had barely picked up his fork when Bill Weasley slid next to Harry and hissed in his ear, "Potter, outside, tree by the lake, now."
Harry, not yet wanting to die an early death at the hands of an intimidating older brother, waited for Bill to exit the hall before placing a sweet kiss on Ginny's temple and standing to follow him out the doors, no doubt for an intimidating talk.
"Hello Ginny," Luna Lovegood arrived at the at the Gryffindor table, and greeted her friend in a dreamy tone, eyes twinkling, "are you alright?"
"Oh! Luna! Hi...umm...to be honest, no, not really, it's just..." Ginny didn't want to talk about it.
Luna captured her in a hug, surprising Ginny, but then she allowed Luna to hug her, resting her head on her friend's shoulder, as Luna did the same, and Ginny tried to hold back tears.
"It's okay Ginny, I know it seems hard, but it's ok... Fred's with us, right over there, actually, and he's happy," and Ginny smiled, because this was so Luna-like, and because she knew it was true. She looked up at Luna,
"Thank you, Luna, you're right, of course, it's just..."
"No need for a thank you. It's okay to be upset, but really, he's all right," and Ginny, with all her might, tried to cheer up at that, and promised herself that soon, she would get that twinkle in her eyes back, that she used to have, just like Luna had, helping her.
And then Luna got up, moving to Molly and Arthur, expressing her condolences, then was kindly thanked by both parents and moved back to sit beside Ginny and eat.
Across the table, Dean, Neville, and Seamus sat down and bid good morning to the people around them, after which filling their plates and promptly beginning to eat. At this, Ginny rolled her eyes, is food all boys think about? But it took her thoughts from Fred, and for that she was grateful.
As he was eating, Neville began shooting inconspicuous glances across the table, observing her. She really was beautiful. Her long, willowy blonde hair that flowed to her waist, her wide, light grey eyes that always seemed to sparkle, and she was just so pretty, small, and delicate. But that wasn't was Neville really loved about her; it was the way she spoke, that dreamy voice, her personality, optimistic and kind, but determined at the turn of a- wait one moment. Neville backtracked his thoughts a bit, realizing what he had said: he had begun listing the things he loved about her. Well, thought Neville, those are certainly qualities that are worth loving. She was beautiful, and sweet, and determined, and those are wonderful things, and Merlin, he loved- why did that word keep popping up? Neville thought. And then he realized: he loved Luna Lovegood, and after coming so close to losing her, those feelings had come to fruition, and he couldn't be happier. With a goofy grin, he continued to eat, and dreamily glance at Luna every once in a while.
Ron and Hermione made their ways down the stairs leading into the entrance to the castle, holding hands, and each had a broad grin on their face. On their way into the hall, they said hello to Harry, who was going in the opposite direction. In response, they earned a shaky smile and a nervous gulp.
"What was that about?" Hermione inquired.
"What?" Ron hadn't noticed. Typical, Hermione thought.
"That!"
"What?!"
"God, Ron, are you really that thick? Are your thoughts that filled with food that you didn't see the look on your best mate's face?"
"Um...no?" Ron squirmed under the glare Hermione was sending.
"Well, Ron, we are going to find what's bothering Harry immediately after breakfast, no questions."
"Course, Hermione. You're always right, aren't you?" Ron asked, his voice dripping with cheek.
Hermione grinned, "Checkmate," she joked, and she kissed him briefly on the lips, before dragging him into the Hall.
Seeing his parents down the table, Ron called out to them, hoping to rid his mother's eyes of their perpetual bleariness with good news, "Mum! Dad! Guess what?"
"Oh good morning Ronnie, what is it?"
Ron grinned wider than he had in years, because even though his mum called him that ridiculous nickname, he was finally going to get to say it, "Hermione and I are dating!"
Hermione was positively beaming at the pair.
Mr. Weasley spoke first, shaking his son's hand and patting him on the back, "I'm happy for you, son," and then he moved to hug Hermione.
Mrs. Weasley responded enthusiastically, congratulating them both, and telling them many times that it was "fantastic!" and hugging them tightly. Ron prided himself in cheering his mother up. Not even trying to contain his smile anymore, he and Hermione sat down on the other side of Ginny to eat. Dean was the first to address them after their "Good Morning,"
"You guys are finally together, then?" he asked, a smirk on his face.
"Looks like they are, mate," Seamus noted, then looked to Ron, "Wow, you finally got her, we didn't think you had it in ya'! Congrats. You too, Hermione." Neville looked up and nodded in agreement, smiling, and then stole a glance at Luna.
What was that? Hermione thought, noticing. She sent Neville a pointed look, but he either ignored it or pretended not to notice, because he just carried on with breakfast. "Thank you, guys," she replied, smiling.
Ginny hugged Hermione and her brother, "I'm happy for you guys."
"Thanks Gin," Ron replied, still smiling. But his smile faded as he looked up and noticed their mother and father leaving the Hall,
"...what are you look- ohh," Ginny looked up and noticed.
"Yeah," Ron said dryly, "oh," his smile had vanished.
"They'll be ok."
"Yeah, I suppose..." Ron suddenly looked back at his sister quickly, "bloody hell, Ginny, I can't believe I forgot to ask, are YOU ok?"
Ginny gave a small smile, "I've been better."
Ron sent her a compassionate look, soothing his voice, "I know, it'll be ok," and he squeezed her hand.
"Yeah," then Ginny repeated, in a quieter tone, "it's gonna be ok," and leaned her head softly on her brother's shoulder.
Ronald Weasley wasn't exactly a compassionate kinda guy, but at that moment, he tilted his head and planted a kiss on the top of his sister's head, whispering against her hair, "Love you, Gin."
"Love you too, Ron."
"Mollywobbles, love, are you ok?" Arthur tentatively approached his wife, sobbing in an empty classroom. It seemed that despite her outwardly happy appearance, she was still very upset inside. This was apparent to Arthur, of course, all through the morning, because after twenty five years of marriage, you know these things, but he didn't want to ask Molly about it yet, in case it set her in a string of tears. But Molly didn't need Arthur to say anything to start crying again, apparently.
Molly shook her head rapidly, tears streaming down her face, mumbling incoherent "No"s over and over. Without another word, Arthur sat next to Molly and pulled her close, resting his head on hers, planting kisses on her hair and whispering soothing words, as she continued to shake her head back and forth into her husband's chest. Tears soaked through his clothing. "I know love, I know," he whispered sweetly, rubbing her back as he started crying lightly.
"Oh, Arthur! He's gone! He-he's all alone...ohh..." she moaned, the sobs wracking through her.
They both shook quietly with tears, as Arthur tried hopelessly to be of great comfort, but to no avail.
"He's happy Molly, he'll be alright, he's ok...shh, love, he's just fine..."
"NO!" Molly screamed through her tears, looking up for the first time. It was a horrid sight. Molly gave off the appearance of a woman who had aged quite a few years overnight. Her hair was a wild mess around her face, her eyes were red and puffy, and her normally positive smile was twisted and wrangled into an abnormal shape. "He's not ok! NOTHING will ever be ok AGAIN!"
Arthur took her to him again, holding her tight as she shook with tears. He rocked her back and forth in calmingly, pressing his cheek against her temple, and periodically placing kisses on her hair "Shh...love, he's ok..."
And she cried until she couldn't anymore.
Harry followed Bill outside at a safe distance, hoping to not tick him off too soon. Looking forward, his nervousness increased rapidly as he saw Charlie waiting for them, arms crossed over his chest and a threatening look in his eyes. George, Harry knew, was in solitude with Fred; Percy had passed Harry and Bill on the way down, as he was going up, asking his brother where their parents were; and Ron, well, Ron was probably off snogging Hermione, if Harry had to guess. So here he was, alone, at the hands of two protective older brothers. Well, Harry thought, at least there's not the other four. But this quickly brought Harry's thoughts back to how now there were only three, so he tried to focus on the task at hand: not dying two days after he had conquered Voldemort.
Finally arriving at the tree, Harry assessed what was in front of him. Two older brothers, arms crossed, wands held straight up in their left hands, and threatening looks in their eyes; one, Bill, was thin but muscular, and threatening, and was able to look down at Harry; the other, Charlie, Harry could look in the eyes, but that didn't make it any less threatening as he was stocky and full of muscles, looking as if he could squeeze Harry's head to a pulp, if he wanted.
And then, in an instant, the brothers' wands were simultaneously pointed at Harry. Harry, though, having just defeated Voldemort, was quicker, and disarmed them in a flash.
Bill and Charlie looked slightly affronted, but not at all surprised. Bill smirked, "Nice one, Potter. You've passed Test Number One," he said, as he and Charlie moved to retrieve their wands from Harry.
This made Harry think it wasn't all that serious, and he chuckled, "Come on guys, you didn't think I could do that? I just-" he stopped short at the look on Bill's face.
"Do you really think you're in the position to be cheeky, Potter?" Charlie asked. This shut Harry up, and he put on a straight face again. Then Bill and Charlie confronted him again, for what appeared to be Test Number Two, standing side by side in front of him.
The brothers smirked: intimidating talk time.
"Potter, Ginny is very close to us, you must know that," Bill began.
"She's the baby," Charlie spoke.
"The little one. Innocent, sweet."
"Now you're not going to take advantage of that, are you, Potter?"
"Yes, Potter, what are your intentions with our baby sister?" Bill finished threateningly, closer than before, looking down at him.
Harry felt very quartered and claustrophobic, and swallowed nervously, because he had a strange feeling this was a trick question. But Harry loved Ginny, and he knew he couldn't back down in front of her oldest brothers because one, he would never hear the end of it, and two, he had a strange feeling Ginny would decide he was a wimp, and he definitely couldn't have that. "I love Ginny. There is no doubt in my mind that I want to be with her for a very long time, and I'll treat her right, I promise."
Charlie and Bill maintained their glare for a bit, then broke into a smile, and extended their hands to shake. "Test passed, Potter," Bill congratulated him.
Harry beamed, before he interlocked hands with Charlie and he took on his threatening tone for a moment again, "But if you hurt her, we'll make your life a living hell, Potter, hell," and just to emphasize his point, he squeezed Harry's hand tight and twisted it hard.
Bill turned, "Charlie, lay off of Harry," and Charlie released his painful grip as Harry beamed again.
As he turned to walk up to the castle, he saw Ron and Hermione coming down to see him, and he jogged away from the brothers to join them. Hermione greeted him, "Harry, are you alright? You seemed so nervous before! Why are you so...smiley?"
Harry spoke to Ron instead, "Mate, that year, I can't believe I was scared of you about Ginny and I, when it was those two I had to worry about! That was scary!" and he pointed behind them to where Bill and Charlie were following behind, then bid his friends farewell, "I'll meet you guys in the common room before the press conference," and jogged up to the castle to see Ginny again before he had to get ready for the day.
Ron turned to Hermione, laughing "Well, there's your answer."
Hermione was still puzzled, "What?"
"They must've threatened him until he was reduced to pygmy puff status! Wish I could do that!" and they dissolved into laughter, turning back to the castle.
Harry greeted Ginny with a kiss on the lips, and she straightened out his robes, "You look handsome," she whispered.
He attempted a smile, but ended with a half one, and said quietly back, "You look beautiful." He told Hermione the same, acknowledging the girls' pretty, modest black dresses. Hermione hugged him in response, "We're going to be great, Harry. Don't be too nervous, please."
Ron clapped Harry on the back, breaking him from his observations, "We'll be fine, mate."
"I hope so. Let's go." Harry took Ginny's hand and led the way out of the common room.
As Hermione approached the press, she saw something that did not amuse her in the slightest. There, standing out in the crowd like a sore thumb, in all her golden-haired, evil-eyed, pointy-nailed glory, was none other than Rita Skeeter.
"WHAT is SHE doing here?!" Hermione exclaimed, hissing out 'she' as if banishing her to the depths of hell.
"Who?" her friends replied, inquisitive,
"There! Right there! Miss wicked witch of the west herself!"
"Wicked wit-?" Ron began, but Harry cut him off, following Hermione's gaze.
"Skeeter," he growled, "What does she want?"
"To get dirt on us! God, I wished I had let that damn beetle die in her damn jar!" Hermione replied.
"Beetle?" Ginny inquired.
"Rita Skeeter is an unregistered animagus," Harry told her. All Ginny could say was "oh."
Hermione was still ranting, "insufferable...bitch... ("Hermione!" Ginny exclaimed)...want to Avada...better not..." and she was ready to burst when Ron stepped in.
"Hermione! Relax, ok, we'll set her straight," and the four walked straight toward Rita Skeeter.
"WHAT are you doing here?!" Hermione hissed at Skeeter.
Rita's sickeningly sweet voice greeted them for the first time in over two years, "My job, sweet, what else?"
Hermione was infuriated, "you aren't allowed to report this! Ugh, why are you so infuriating?!"
"Our agreement ended over a year ago. I've every right. Enjoy the press!" and she stalked away.
"I. Am. Going. To. Kill. Her!" Hermione yelled, and then stalked to the front. Harry kissed Ginny on the cheek and he and Ron followed Hermione to where Kingsley was standing.
As the crowd quieted, Kingsley spoke, "Sonorus. Welcome, I'm sure you're all very curious as to what transpired two days ago, and how our heroes accomplished what they did. We are here for answers. This is Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, and Ron Weasley, and we will do our best to fulfill your curious minds. Ask away," and it began.
Looking back on it, Harry thought it really wasn't that difficult, and went relatively well. Rita kept quiet, surprisingly, and they stuck to the plan, and Hermione and Ron were incredibly helpful, and when Harry began his closing statement, he did so with confidence,
"My friends and I are not the only ones who vanquished Tom Riddle. A thank you is to be sent to all those who lost their lives in this epic battle for good, beginning twenty years ago, beginning with the first Order of the Phoenix. They died because they loved the ones around them, and I want to personally thank every one of them. I know today is one of darkness, but we need to conquer it and see the light. Thank you." The tumultuous applause, which Harry still felt he didn't wholly deserve, broke out like wild fire.
And he still had to get through the rest of the day. He was ever optimistic.
Kingsley Shacklebolt decided he was allowed to congratulate himself. The memorial that he, the Hogwarts Staff, and his fellow Order members had designed was fantastic.
It had started with Dumbledore, really. The Order of the Phoenix. A phoenix is immortal, coming alive in the ashes of its burning death. It burns.
In front of him on the soft green grass was a dark, cobalt blue, intricately carved candle. The candle flame burned bright and vivid, dancing with life, and was charmed to be everlasting, never dying day after day. Surrounding the candle at a one meter radius was a glass cylinder, like a giant candle holder, engraved with the names of all those who were lost in Voldemort's path. An exact copy had already been placed in the Ministry, with the exception of the candle being red, beside what will soon be, if Kingsley had anything to say about it, the Fountain of Magical Brethren.
It was beautiful. The flame danced behind the engraved names, allowing their legend to live on even after their death. The new Minister was proud of it, and it was a bittersweet moment, because even though he loved it, the fact that it had to be constructed in the first place was constantly pushing through Kingsley's thoughts. But he had to celebrate their life somehow, and he was convinced this was the way to do it.
A body interrupted Kingsley's thoughts. Coming up behind him, Ginny Weasley walked straight past the new Minister and to the glass tube, and he watched as the young witch ran her fingers over her brother's name. He watched tears fall to her cheeks, and rushed forward to stand beside her.
"He was incredibly brave," he started.
Ginny was silent, tears falling from her eyes. Finally, she turned to speak to him, "Yeah," she agreed, "he was."
He gave her a small smile, "You should take your seat for the ceremony, we'll be starting soon."
He watched as she turned to face the tube again, placing her palm upon the name Fred Weasley, and slowly leaning forward until her forehead touched the glass. She took a few deep breaths, and he heard her whisper, "I love you," before she slowly moved away and went to take her seat, all in silence.
Despair hit Kingsley like an oncoming Ministry car. He had not lost any family members. Close friends, of course, but nothing like what Ginny was going through.
He pushed the thoughts aside, and walked to take his spot on the stage placed beside the memorial. He assessed the crowd before him: the press, the families, the friends, the teachers, the students, and the boy who lived. He watched Harry's eyes find his, and when their gazes met, Harry nodded with a small smile. Frankly, Harry's approval of the monument meant a lot to him, considering his parents were some of the first lost, and they all owed their lives to Harry. At his nod, Kingsley faced the rest of the crowd, and began:
"This memorial is representative of everyone who was lost in the fight against Tom Riddle. The number is far, far too many. But they fought bravely, and now, they will be honoured for their loss. Beyond the names etched in glass is an everlasting flame, one that will light up the names with life even in their death. Please stand while the names are read, and if one person of relation to each veteran could please come and accept our gratification, in the form of an award for honourable services to the Wizarding World, I would be very grateful. Now, let us rise in honour of those who fought. Sirius Black..." and it began. It was a heartwarming ceremony, in which everyone had tears in their eyes, but smiles on their faces.
Minerva McGonagall approached the stand to speak at Severus' funeral. She wasn't surprised by the turnout; not two days ago, the woman would never have attended Snape's funeral herself. (Of course, she always supposed she would never have to make that choice, as she would go first.) However, it was still disappointing to see so little people come to celebrate Snape's life. He made some bad choices, and he wasn't the kindest of men, but he deserved more than this. Harry Potter and Hermione Granger were there, with a very reluctant Ronald and Ginny Weasley, despite the truths they had heard of Severus' protection of Harry. Arthur and Molly had showed as well, trying their best to put aside their prejudice and recognize the fact that Severus had done a lot for Harry. The rest of the Weasleys, with the exception of George, had shown as well, knowing the truth and being in the Order with Snape. The rest of the Hogwarts Staff had showed, with the exception of Filch. Lastly, the Press was in attendance, but really, they didn't count much, because they just wanted to hear Harry speak.
Minerva wasn't really sure where to begin in talking about Snape. She only hoped she could do him justice,
"I taught Severus whilst he was at school. He was unfortunately shy, and kept to himself, but he was exceptionally bright and intelligent, a natural leader, and he cared for the school and his professors, especially Dumbledore, deeply. During his time after school, Severus made some unfortunate choices. It is true that he joined Riddle's cause. But Severus is one of the few people who go through life and realize their mistakes before it's too late, and in effort to redeem himself, crossed over to join the cause against Riddle. He was the Order's most valuable double agent, and I myself am ashamed that I ever thought he was on Riddle's side. As a teacher, he cared for his students, and drove them to have the best magical education they could receive. He was noble, and determined, and he died the death of a hero," Minerva brushed away tears in her eyes, and turned to face Severus' coffin as she finished her eulogy, "I hope you can be happy now, Severus. You deserve it more than all the rest." She cried silently for a few seconds, then looked to Harry on the side, "You wanted to say a few words, Mr. Potter?"
Harry seemed to snap out of his far away glance, the one that Minerva recognized from his not paying attention in her lessons, and this cheered her up slightly, the nostalgic feeling.
"Yes, Professor. Thank you." He approached the stand.
He looked out over the crowd, trying to manage some scrap of confidence from way, way deep down. Get a hold of yourself, Potter, this is nothing compared to Skeeter's crowd, he thought, attempting to encourage himself. After all, he was right: this was nothing compared to what he had just faced with the press, the challenging questions; but he had Ron and Hermione then. Here goes nothing, he told himself, and he spoke, timid, but strong, finding that confidence, and having a strange suspicion it had something to do with his mother, looking down on him, helping him,
"Professor Snape was never kind to me. He quite disliked me, actually, and I, him. I was never good at Potions, I loathed him in the greatest sense of the word, and I was convinced that he was working for Tom Riddle. And I was wrong. Severus Snape is the bravest man I ever knew. He had the courage and gut to betray Riddle continuously for fifteen years, his loyalty to Dumbledore never wavering. And I know now it was because he cared about us, all of us. His school, his professors, and through all his bad decisions, he was able to see good. And he saw this because he had the power to love. He loved one person with all his heart, for all his life: my mother, Lily Evans," Harry gulped, hearing the shock he had created ripple through the crowd, "My mother loved my father, James, with all her heart, and that killed Professor Snape. But he loved her enough to let her love, and protected me all the same. He is with her again now, his one true friend, and I know he is happier than he ever was in life. He protected me, looked after me, for her. He loved as much as I did, when my love protected so many at the castle in that final battle, and if I am fortunate enough to love someone as much as he did, as I do," he beamed at Ginny, who beamed back, and he felt a burst of confidence, "then I will thank my lucky stars every day. He, as well as Dumbledore, taught me the power of love. It is something that the likes of Tom Riddle do not possess. Hold it, and never, ever let it go." Feeling a great sense of achievement, Harry descended the steps to where his friends were waiting for him, and gathered Ginny into his arms, as he watched couples around him embrace as well.
Andromeda Tonks wrapped her arms around her grandbaby tightly, hugging him to her chest. She wiped the tears out of her eyes, cracking a small smile at little Ted. Teddy. Her Ted. Just the thought of her husband of so long brought a wave of emotional memories and heartbreak at his death. But she had little Teddy Remus now.
The baby was sweet, and innocent, and beautiful. Looking down at Teddy, she studied his features. He looked so much like Remus, a young man she had always admired. But the way the child acted was so much like her Nymphadora. Andy laughed silently through her tears; she hated it when I called her that. Teddy was awake now, his little hands opening up as he reached up at Andy's face, his blue eyes twinkling, his thin layer of hair a light brown, turning darker and lighter, and occasionally colored, as she watched, and his mouth curved into a tiny smile. Andromeda broke out of her reverie when she set out on searching for Harry Potter.
She really didn't know what to think when she was told her daughter and son-in-law had chosen Harry as their child's godfather. She admired the young boy, of course; he was strong, and brave, and loyal, and Remus and Nymphadora had adored him, as he did them. She didn't blame him, he had no parents! He needed role models, and Remus and her daughter had filled those roles. But Harry was just that: a young boy. Was he old enough, mature enough to be taking on these responsibilities? Andromeda didn't know. But as she spotted Harry coming toward her, along with his friends and Mr. and Mrs. Weasley, she walked to meet him. When Harry looked up and spotted her in turn, he gulped, and Andromeda could sense his nervousness growing as she approached, as he had stopped dead at the sight of Teddy. When she finally reached him, he was nervously rocking back and forth on his feet, and had dropped his gaze from her face to look down, but when he encountered Teddy in his line of sight, he shot his head back up and looked at Andromeda, gulping again.
"Hello, Harry," Andromeda spoke softly, friendly, in an attempt to get Harry to be himself and relax.
Harry replied nervous and shaky, "Um...Hi, Mrs. Tonks. How are you?"
"Please, Harry, you're all grown up, you can call me Andromeda now. And I really haven't been okay," she gave him a small smile, "but I'll make it. I... I always make it. Are you all right?"
He seemed to ease up slightly, "I think...I think I'm okay..." and then the easiness disappeared when he looked at Teddy again, and he tensed in an instant, "how can you possibly be ok, Andromeda?" he looked at her sharply.
"Harry-"
"I am so, so sorry. I have no right to be okay! Tonks, she's-"
Ginny quickly spotted where this was going, and rushed to Harry's side, squeezing his arm, "Harry, look at me," he turned sharply to her, and she held him tighter in an effort to make him relax, "It's fine. You didn't do anything. You understand that, don't you?" she finished softly, looking up at him.
He softened immediately, and it almost brought the tears back to Andromeda's eyes seeing how easily she could make him feel better, "...Yes, I do," he said finally, and he turned back to Andromeda, and she recomposed herself from the sight to face him, "I'm sorry, Andromeda, you didn't deserve that. I just, I can't help thinking that I'm responsible. I mean...you can't know how I feel. Teddy," he looked down at the boy, then back up at her "he's an orphan. He...he's like me."
Yes, Andromeda thought, I know exactly how you feel, and she turned to Harry's companions, as an idea dawned in her head, "Can I have a moment with Harry, please?"
Mrs. Weasley spoke for the first time, and when she looked up, Andromeda saw the tears in her eyes. She knows how it feels. "Of course Andy, come along dears," she said, gesturing to Hermione and her youngest children. Ginny gave Harry one last squeeze before walking away with Ron and Hermione. Harry watched them go, then looked timidly back at Andromeda.
"Harry," she began quietly, "would you like to hold him?"
This seemed to catch Harry off guard, and he looked down at the baby, studying him. Teddy, in turn, looked up at Harry, and Andromeda watched the young man's emerald eyes widen as Teddy smiled and reached up with tiny hands to Harry's face, grabbing out in hopes of contact with the new friend presented to him. Harry looked up in hope, "Really?"
She gave a soft smile, "Of course, you're his godfather. I want you to be in his life, Harry, and he wants you there as well. And so would Remus, and Nymphadora."
Harry grinned, a grin that lit up his whole face, happiness bright in his eyes, and Andromeda couldn't help but grin in return, and she held Teddy out to give to Harry. He tentatively reached out, and then took the baby in his arms. "Here, like this," said Andromeda, adjusting his arms so that he was cradling the baby.
Harry did as she said, wrapping his strong arms around his tiny godson. He positioned them so that he supported Teddy's head in his palm, and the opposite arm came below his back and under his bottom. He held Teddy tightly, treasuring him. Andromeda watched Harry admire her grandbaby, and as she was watching, she saw him start to cry.
Immediately, Andromeda stepped close to Harry and raised his head to look at her, wiping tears from his cheeks with thumbs from the hands on either side of his face. He spoke first, "He looks just like them," he said softly, choking up, "but...he's just like me, and it's because of me,"
At this, she rushed forward the remaining distance and embraced them, while she looked up at Harry's face,
"You were wrong. I know exactly how you feel. I've been struggling for the last day to get the fact that it's not my fault out of my head. I shouldn't have let Nymphadora go fight, just as I shouldn't have let Ted leave alone," she said, succumbing to tears, "but Harry, we can't do this to ourselves. They made a choice, they're just fine. And...and they miss us very much." Harry nodded, and embraced her, resting his head on her shoulder.
He whispered, "Thank you, Andromeda." Andromeda just nodded, and they stood together with Teddy between them and tears in their eyes until their eyes were dry. Harry was the first to look up and speak, "Can he stay with me, Andromeda? For the day, I mean."
Andromeda smiled, "I change my mind, call me Andy. And of course he can stay with you." She leaned forward to kiss Teddy on the forehead, letting his little fingers wrap around her long one momentarily before pulling away, "I have to go stand up there...be- be close to them. I'll see you soon," and she gave him a small wave before going to stand beside the casket, where witches and wizards could offer their condolences before sitting down. Harry turned to go find his friends. As it turned out, they were standing not far off. Hermione was the first to notice him, turning around quickly, a smile lighting up her face as she rushed to Harry and Teddy. Ginny, Ron, and the rest of the Weasleys soon met them. Harry smiled at them,
"This," he said, propping the child upon his chest proudly, "is Teddy Lupin."
Hermione and Ginny huddled around them, cooing at the adorable baby, "Oh Harry! He's so cute!" said Ginny.
"He looks just like Remus," Hermione sighed, "but he's got Tonks' spunk," she laughed.
Mrs. Weasley, meanwhile, had made her way to stand beside Hermione in an effort to give Harry a well needed lesson, realizing that he wasn't supporting the baby's head properly. But when she reached them, she realized Harry was not only holding Teddy properly, but staring in awe and wonder at his godson, as if he were the most beautiful thing he'd ever seen, and holding him in such a delicate, treasured way, as if his baby was breakable.
"Never, ever let it go," she whispered. Arthur, who had followed his wife obediently, heard and wrapped his arms around his wife, kissing the top of her head softly. She leaned back into him, relaxing at his touch and fluttering her eyes closed, "Never," she sighed.
At Remus and Tonks funeral, Harry took Teddy to see his parents in the caskets. He hugged a teary Andromeda, and then carried Teddy to where Remus and Tonks lay side by side. No tears flowed this time when he saw them, but he held Teddy tighter, cradling him and kissing the top of his head, then speaking to the his friends quietly,
"I love him. He's...he's just like you. Both of you. I'm going to give him a father, and a family, and he will never be alone. I promise."
During the service, he sat beside Ginny, along with the rest of Remus and Tonks' fellow Order members.
Andromeda spoke on behalf of both her daughter and son-in-law, teary-eyed the entire time,
"My daughter was the bravest woman I've ever met. She was stubborn. She was strong too, and nothing like me. I could never give myself in the way she did, never be strong enough to face my fears. I always...I would run away. She loved to live, and she...she brought light to everyone she was around, Remus included. He was such a wonderful young man, ever since I knew him as Sirius' school friend. Brave and smart and clever. He...he loved her so much, and I," she broke down in sobs; "...I love them both with all my heart."
George Weasley looked around him. In front of him was his twin, his face empty, but not yet lifeless, and George could still hear his last laugh. To his left were his mother and father, wrapped up in each other and in tears, and to his right were his brothers and sister. Percy was directly to his right, and had literally spoken about five words since Fred had passed; George was a little worried. Bill, with Fleur held tightly in his arms, and Charlie beside him were both standing strong, but beside them, Ron held Ginny, who had tears streaming down her face. Behind them was what seemed like the entire population of wizards and witches who were currently staying at Hogwarts and others that had travelled far and wide. Directly behind him were the rest of Fred and George's friends, where Angelina Johnson, Alicia Spinnet, and Katie Bell were all on the brink of tears. They and Oliver Wood were holding hands in solitude, the same sad expression on all of their faces. And when George turned to look at the rest of the crowd (he had only seen the quidditch crew on his way to the front) he saw that same expression repeated on every member of the entire crowd. In that moment, he decided he was going to do something about it. The entire crowd then hugged George and his family in offer of their condolences, and they moved to take their places. He watched Harry move to comfort his crying sister, and Hermione to grab Ron's hand in support, as they took their places beside the rest of his family. The quidditch team and Lee Jordan had taken seats in the front row on the opposite side of the aisle.
When he walked up to the podium to talk about his brother, he could now face the crowd, but when he spoke, he never took his eyes off of Fred.
"Thank you all, for coming today," his voice was raspy, and the tears were already starting to fall, "Fred would've loved it. The attention," he let out a dry laugh, "having you all here. Always has. He was..." he cried a bit faster now, "He always will be my best friend. We joked, and we laughed, and the best moments of my life were spent at my brother's side. He-" and now the tears were becoming sobs, "he was unfailingly loyal and brave, and brought light to anyone in need, and he was easily the funniest man I ever knew," he gave a shaky laugh, finally turning his entire face toward Fred, a real smile adorning his features through his tears, "I love ya, Forge. Always will... And" he added, almost as an afterthought, looking up, "I know you would be laughing at my shameless sobbing, and," he looked toward the crowd, "would definitely not want the rest of us to be shamelessly sobbing either," he had noticed nearly half the crowd doing this. "So, for you, Forge" and he grinned brightly through his remaining tears, looking up at the sky again, "I love ya, Freddie," he finished, as beautiful fireworks adorned the myriad of colors on the sun-setting sky. When he faced the crowd again, a number of people were running towards him, Angelina Johnson in the lead. She embraced him in a fierce hug, and it was quite a while before either let go.
Sitting in the crowd at Fred's funeral, with fireworks adorning the beautiful sky, Teddy glowing in his arms, his hair a bright shade of blue, and Ginny smiling through her tears, resting her head on his shoulder to admire her brother's work, Harry Potter was positive that everything was going to be all right.
A/N 2: Don't worry, it is canon and Neville is going to end up with Hannah. Just thought it'd be cute if they dated for a bit after the battle. If you want to see the memorial Kingsley designed, it's on my profile. Came to me in a dream, actually. Um...what else.. oh! And, Sirius Black headed the list because I figured he was first alphabetically. Review please!
Disclaimer 2: It has come to my attention that I need to say that the cover picture for this is not mine. So..it's not :P Found it on google images.