Chapter Two

Mourning begins

Harry Potter is in no way mine

I forgot to mention...that my story is that of Harry's Seventh Year

Harry awoke with a start. He had been dreaming about Hedwig. She had been flying free over snowy hills. Harry was happy that, at least in his dreams she was alive and well. Dwelling on the fact that she had been killed along with Mad-Eye Moody during his trip to The Barrow (two nights previously), did nothing to cheer him up.

He felt guilty, and angry at all the people who had died. For leaving him. Now alone he must finish the dangerous task of destroying the horocruxes, then killing Voldemort. Though whenever these thoughts occurred, stabbing guilt filled him, making him sick to his stomach. He wanted someone who would tell him what had to be done, someone he could talk to.

In the muggle world Harry thought, he could see someone, like a psychologist. But after everything he could tell them; they'd probably lock him away for life, put him in a straight jacket, and chuck out the key for good measure.

Harry was lying in the spare bed in Ron's bedroom, staring at a fixed point on the wall. The walls and roof, were filled with Quiddich posters. All the posters were blazing orange matching Ron's hair and freckles perfectly. All the occupants were flying around, trying to show off their skills.

"You okay Harry?" asked Ron. "Your kinda just looking at the wall."

"Yeah, just thinking about Hedwig, and all the stuff I have to get done this year.." Harry's voice trailed off.

"When are you going to get it? Me and Hermione are coming with you. Blimy Harry, did you expect that I've changed my mind since we went to bed last night?" Ron half-heartedly threw a white parcel at Harry, it landed squarely on his nose. He couldn't see what it was, as his glasses lay somewhere on the floor.

"What was that for?" Harry asked irritably.

"First of all for been a git, thinking you were going to find horocruxes by yourself; and second of all because its your birthday, and thats one of your presents," replied Ron with a smirk. "Happy birthday Harry."

"Hey yeah, I had forgotten," said Harry forgetting all about his sore nose. "I'm seventeen today, I can use magic." Harry felt round for his wand, and said "accio glasses." At once his glasses came flying straight into his eye. "Ow..maybe I should wait till I've woken up properly." Ron giggled.

Harry rubbed his watering eye. Putting on his glasses, he picked up the present Ron had chucked at him. He opened it to find Weasleys' Wizards Wheezes products. Harry chuckled, remembering how Fred and George had sold them at Hogwarts. How whole classes had used them against Umbridge.

"It's not fair" Ron grumbled, looking at the tightly sealed packets of Canary Creams, Nosebleed Nougat, Extendable Ears and Skiving Snackboxes.

"They never give me stuff like this as presents." Ron said, picking up a Canary Cream. "You'd think been their brother and all, they'd cut me some slack and give them to me for free."

"Maybe Fred and George are waiting till Christmas," suggested Harry.

The door creaked opened, and through it came Hermione, smiling, her hair braided, yet still bushy. She opened the curtains, casting blinding, obnoxious light into the little room.

"Morning Ron, Harry, and happy birthday," she said turning from the window to face Harry.

"You know you should have knocked before coming in, we could have been getting changed or something..." Ron said, turning bright pink.

"Something? What else would you be doing Ronald?" retorted Hermione.

"You know the usual...home work" replied Ron weakly, now turning the red of a traffic light.

"Right" replied Hermione, looking amused. "Well breakfast has been ready for a while, and your mother has let you both sleep in. However, the wedding preparations still need our help. Fleur's family arrived late last night to help as well. More hands are needed today to put up the marquee, and sort through the presents. By mid afternoon, be ready for a full wedding rehearsal. The wedding is after all tomorrow. Since we're seating everyone, along with Fred and George, we have to be there. And no Ron we can't get out of it." Ron had opened his mouth to speak, but quickly shut it Hermione continued. "Theres no point trying to get out of it either. George already tried. I'm surprised hes got any ears left after the way your mother was yelling at him Ron."

Harry's smile faded. George's ear had been cursed off by Snape during his trip to The Barrow. He knew it wasn't his fault. George had chosen to come, but still... He just hoped one day he could make everything up to the Weasley family. They had taken him in, like their own son. Ron was his best friend. Ginny had been his girlfriend. Harry admired Fred and George, who took on the world (and their mother) fighting pain with laughter. They were like his brothers. Even Charlie and Bill treated him like a brother.

"Well I'll see you guys downstairs. Be quick. Oh and Harry heres your present." Hermione pulled a package from behind her back. "Hope you like it."

Harry undid the blue ribbon, which appeared to be holding together a small rolled up cushion.

"What the..?" Harry called in surprise, as something bit his finger. His cushion had grown teeth.

"Cools its a mini Jarvey. I dunno why Hermione got you one though. They talk you know, but usually what they say is, well funny."

"Random" said Harry, as he held up the Jarvey, which looked like a small ferret. "I remember this been in one of our old school books. Ron do you have your copy of Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them?"

"Yes" said Ron as he walked over to his small closet. "It's in here somewhere...ahh here it is, under my umbrella." Ron hastily wiped the dust from his book, and passed it to Harry, who found the page immediately.

"The Jarvey is one of the few beasts that can actually talk. Its speech, however, consists entirely of rude phrases and insults. Jarvey's chase gnomes," Harry read aloud. "Maybe Hermione found a way to teach it to talk properly. How'd she shrink it?"

"Beats me, but its really cool and rare. You should prod it Harry, maybe it will say something."

Harry gently picked up the Jarvey. Harry felt soft, silky fur encase his hands. The animal fitted neatly into his cupped hands.

"I'm going to call him Godric."

Godric looked up at Harry, his bright green eyes a contrast to his brown and pink fur. He looked so cute, but Harry knew first hand that cute things were usually dangerous. He thought of the Veela at the Quiddich world cup. Ron suggested he put Godric in the spare cage in the corner. Godric didn't protest, and started munching on what looked suspiciously like the remains of some long forgotten deceased pet.

"We had better get downstairs, I think I can here mum yelling." Ron and Harry quickly changed, as Godric could be heard chewing on bones.

Ten minutes later they sat eating breakfast, Ron stuffing his mouth with whatever his arms could reach.

"Ron," called Ginny as she swayed passed the table. " You disgust me. You eat like a troll. She winked at Harry." Harry thankfully was eating more gracefully. He had been bombarded with 'Happy Birthdays', and found after his first attempt at replying (which ended up with him swallowing so much, he choked, and sprayed bits of tea on George), that it was easier to eat smaller amounts in order to answer. Ginny had given him a cartoon card, with a broom chasing a snitch. Zooming half heartedly after the snitch, the broom seemed to enjoy the chase. Harry had never seen a moving cartoon before. Inside it read,

To Harry

Happy Birthday. In the end your get the snitch your after.

You don't need to chase it, its already yours.

Yours

Ginny

Harry looked closely at the snitch on the front. He hadn't noticed it before, but painted on the wings on the snitch was the word 'Ginny'. You wouldn't notice have noticed, as the letters looked apart of the textured wings. Clever thought Harry.

His heart beat fast, and for the rest of the day he day dreamed about all the times he had spent with Ginny. All the things they had done together, all the things he had wanted to do with her.

A hot heat somewhere below Harry's belt made him blush.

That night, as he lay his head on his pillow to sleep, he remembered nothing from his birthday dinner. He had forgotten that Mrs Weasley had made him a cake resembling a snitch, how Godric had chased the garden gnomes during dinner. Even forgotten about Scrimgeour; who had come and given Ron, Hermione and himself the objects from Dumbledore's will. Smiling, Harry went to sleep for the first time in months, with a fire of hope burning within him.

The day of the wedding brought perfect weather. Clouds drifted lazily across the sky, as the sun shone brightly on the large erected marquee. A small breeze played with Harry's hair, which at this moment was fiery red. Harry had been disguised as one of the Weasley cousins.

Having just finished seating the guests, Harry took a seat next to Hermione and Ron. Music suddenly started to play. Bill turned from the front, and as one with the guests, drew in a deep breath. Fleur looked absolutely stunning. Her simple dressed exaggerated her silvery glow. Hermione thought she had never seen Fleur look so happy or beautiful. The ceremony proceeded quickly. Harry saw Mrs Weasley silently crying, while Mr Weasley hastily wiped something out of the corner of his eye.

Next to him though, Ron was fuming. Ron had bumped into Victor Krum just before the ceremony began, and was now mumbling indistinguishable swear words under his breath. Krum's appearance had made quite an impact on all the guests, especially Hermione, which did nothing to cheer Ron up. Ron was now casting scornful glares at the back of Victors head; which ceased immediately as Hermione shrewdly stared him down. Ron proceeded to watch the ceremony, with a pretense of dignity, and even managed to look slightly ashamed of himself.

One day it would probably be them up there, thought Harry. Getting married and looking insanely happy. Or maybe it would be Hermione and Victor. Harry stood as Fleur and Bill walked down the isle as: Mr and Mrs Weasley.

The reception started first with some formal speeches, which quickly ended, followed by the cutting of the cake. In a far corner Luna sat, along with Harry, Ron, Hermione, Ginny, Krum, Fred and George. Food and drinks had suddenly appeared on their table.

George and Fred were happily chatting to Krum, who could barely take his eyes off both Hermione and Ginny. Harry was not impressed, and was beginning to feel agitated. Ginny was determined to ignore Krum, however Hermione was blushing, looking flustered. Ron began to color as well, though his was an ugly blotchy red. Luna was staring off into space, humming 'here comes the broom' .

"So where ez Harry, Hermione?" Asked Krum, still laughing at a joke Fred had just said. Ron stabbed the food on his plate moodily.

"H-Harry is-is here," stammered Hermione. "He just doesn't look like himself at the moment."

"Vell. I must find him later, we get on so vell you know. We were good friends. Oh look, the dancing is beginning, Hermione. Will you honor me with the first two?"

"I would like that very much" whispered Hermione.

Ron stabbed his plate so hard, it broke. "Reparo" he said glumly. Luna seemed to be the only one who had seen something.

"Was that you Ron? You know its bad luck to break things on a wedding day. My daddy did, and someone died the same day."

"I don't believe in superstition. Anyway my luck couldn't get any worse" he said, looking at Hermione and Krum swirling round the floor.

"Our luck just jackpotted," Fred and George said together, waving to what looked like some Veela cousins of Fleur's, three tables away from them.

The table was filled with almost identical Veela. Haughty blue mischief eyes, with long blonde hair and more glow then a light bulb, Fred and George had captured their attention. Many of them had been jealously watching Hermione, as she glided round the dance floor, her curls bouncing, with Krum's hand sliding between her hip and waist.

"See you guys later. We're going to be busy giving the Veela's a good laugh, and well anything else we can," teased George.

"Well I guess its just us then" Ginny said, looking at first Harry, then Luna and Ron.

"I like this song, it sounds so sweet" Luna replied, and with that she got up and started dancing by herself, slowly revolving on the spot, her eyes closed.

"She's mental, you know that?" Ron said, smiling for the first time, in what seemed like days.

Early evening set in about them, with hundreds of floating lights replacing the setting sun. Fleur's family were barely containing themselves, drinking so much that Harry thought they'd all collapse. But instead, they started singing, playing loud games in which flowers were pulled out from under their robes.

But the Weasley family was nothing compared to them. Several of the relatives were stopped by an embarrassed Bill, when they had attempted to remove their clothing as part of a drinking game. Fred and George had long disappeared into the bushes. Ron was now dancing with Hermione, while Krum and Harry sat at their table chatting away. Harry had told Krum who he was a couple of hours ago. Krum thought it was a great joke, yet understood the necessity of it.

"I'm vos so sorry to hear about Dumbledore, he was such a great man, so respected in my country. The day he died, I heard, and decided that I needed to do somezing immediately. I secretly joined The Order. I have met several times with Charlie, Ron's brother. Nobody suspects me, because I am famous. I deliver information all around the world as I travel for my games. My family is very proud of me."

Krum pulled out a picture from within his robes. Five faces, including Victors smiled up at Harry. Harry thought that the siblings looked close together in age.

"My mother and father. My younger brother Alban (by a year), and Chandra the youngest. Theres me on the end. I hope to be a good example to my brother and sister. Albus has the wrong friends, and Chandra is as mischief, as she is beautiful." Harry looked at the picture. Harry had to admit that Chandra was very beautiful, with her light green eyes, dark curls, olive skin and shapely figure.

"She ez almost almost 18. I want Hermione to meet her, they would get on so well." Harry doubted this very much. Krum stared at Hermione and smiled. "I know he likes her, and zat his family are important members of The Order. I don't want to be difficult, I just can't help who I like. She is so smart, and doesn't throw herself at me, like those other woman. Is it possible for me to get her, and be Ron's friend? "

Harry suddenly found the tablecloth interesting. There was an awkward silence. Krum seemed to understand. "I know he's your best friend."

"I want Hermione happy, thats all. She deserves it." Harry gulped down some fire whiskey, and felt his throat burn.

"Will you do something for me Harry? Will you give her this picture of my family and I? I want her to have something of mine. The photo is recent. She wouldn't tell me what she was doing this year, but where ever she goes, she can at least see me."

"Sure. I'll give it to her tomorrow."

"Thanks Harry."

The crowd started to thin as people apparated just outside The Borrow's boundaries. Some had come on broomsticks, others used the Floo network, while some had walked.

Harry had a suspicion that a lot more people had disappeared into the bushes then just Fred and George. Harry wondered whether he should have drunken more, and taken off with Ginny.

Ron was now hanging onto a chair, with red rimmed eyes. Apparently he had drunken far too much. Ginny was helping him back to the house, looking annoyed. She locked eyes intensely with Harry for a second, then was gone. A flushed Hermione made her way over to Harry and Krum.

"I am so exhausted. I don't think Ive danced so much since the Yule Ball. Did you have a good time Harry?"

Harry nodded. "I had a great time, and now I'm ready to hit the sack. Good to see you Victor." Harry stood up and shook Krum's hand. "Hopefully we'll meet again soon."

"Yes, that would be good."

"Night Hermione," Harry said as he turned around and walked into the night, thinking of his pillow and warm bed.

Harry opened the door, Ron was no where to be seen. Sitting on his bed, he fell asleep fully clothed, his glasses hanging a skew.

Harry woke in a cold sweat. His mind working overtime to hold the vision of Voldemort in his head; but it was like trying to hold water in your hands. Feeling frustrated all Harry could remember now, was dark trees and a path. Sudden manic jubilation spread throughout his body, like hot fire, and his body shook as he collapsed, and all became dark.

The next morning, Harry rose early. Downstairs was unusually quiet, everyone still lay in their beds. Another bad dream Harry couldn't remembered, had plagued him during the night. Making himself a cup of tea, he watched the sunrise, and tried to remember. He felt a strange sense of urgency, but shook it off. Enjoying the peace and quiet which let him think, Harry jumped at the noise of the door opening.

"Morning Harry" Hermine said, as she pushed her hair off her face. "I couldn't sleep much last night. Must of been the wine. I thought I'd get up and feed the chickens."She had deep bags under her eyes, bits of smudged make-up everywhere, and her messy hair made her look wild. This was all very un-Hermione.

"Good idea. I had another, er bad dream. Must have been the wine." They both smiled at each other, silently acknowledging the truth.

"Oh, I forgot." Harry reached inside his pocket and pulled out the picture Krum had given him. "This is for you. From Victor." As Harry handed it over, he saw written on the back, always with you, love V.

Hermione took the picture with trembling hands. She looked at the floor. "He asked me out Harry. He said that he wanted to marry me one day." She looked up at Harry with pleading eyes. "I said yes Harry. We're going out now. You don't hold it against me do you? For choosing him over Ron?"

"Of course not. You can't help who you like" Harry said, repeating what Victor had said.

"Yes, but Harry I feel so guilty. Please don't tell Ron, I'll do it when the times right. I told Victor I wouldn't be able to see him till we'd done our...stuff. He didn't mind. He said he'd wait years if he had too." Hermione smiled, putting the picture in her robes.

Something tapped on the window, making them both jump. A pure black owl had arrived, delivering the Daily Prophet. Harry gave the owl a couple of bronze knuts, and sat down at the table. He opened the front page, and tried to cover his horrific gasp.

"Whats wrong Harry? Has someone died? What is it? Let me look."

"No. Hermione please don't look at it."

"Why?" She grabbed the paper out of Harry's hand. She read the headline. Apprehension dawned. "Noooooo. No" A howl like that of a wounded animal escaped her. Harry had never heard anything so unnerving. Muffled footsteps could be heard moving above.

She flung the newspaper to the ground, slumping herself on the floor. Beginning to rock back and forward, she let out a long drawn scream of fury and pain. "No," she said to herself. "No." Harry ran to his friends side, hugging her tightly.

"Whats happened? Whats going on?" yelled Mr Weasley in alarm.

Harry pointed in the direction of the Daily Prophet. Mr Weasley picked the crumpled paper off the ground.

More faces were appearing downstairs. Mr Weasley turned stony faced to them.

"Krum is dead. Voldemort murdered him and his entire family last night. But one of the siblings bodies couldn't be found."

With that, the mourning began.