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Moving On
Chapter 44
The Funeral and The Start Of A Lasting Relationship
It had been a week since Victoria had been defeated; things were finally getting back to normal. Thankfully Draco was a Wizard or people would have wondered at his change of eyes, they were amber now but Glamoured ice blue as they had been before his change. Severus had indeed been strutting around like a proud wolf after a successful hunt, the potion had also been brewed for the woman should they wish it. Needless to say Rosalie had barely left Harry's side waiting on his magic recuperating enough for the process to be started.
The potion to age them was more complex and dangerous, it needed four months, or rather moon circles to be completed. So Severus was making two cauldrons full of it for everyone that would be taking it. Severus was basically a working from home brewer, brewing potions for those who needed it. Lucius didn't need money he had more than enough to last him fifty life times if he didn't squander it.
"You can take the potion today" said Harry bluntly before Rosalie could open her mouth.
"Brilliant!" beamed Rosalie her entire face lighting up making her look like a different person all together.
Edward just smirked in amusement, Rosalie hadn't left Harry alone and Edward was feeling for the teenager. Her constant thoughts regarding Harry and the potion were getting on his nerves! So that was saying something. Everyone else was spending time with their significant other, and Harry had been bored it was once again the weekend so he had gone to the Cullen's to get it over and done with. He had known the first question Rosalie was going to ask, it had been the same for the past six days since they had gotten home.
Harry took the potion out and handed it to her, she drank it down and Harry touched her hand. Letting his magic flow through him and into her, she gasped in shock at the foreign feelings running through her. Harry had to stop himself pulling back he actually felt the drain on his magic. Eventually there was enough in her for the potion to hold, and he would have flushed bright red at what he was going to have to tell her next. Severus had told him the same thing he just thanked his lucky stars he was a vampire right there and then. Although Severus had, had an amused glint in his eyes as if he suspected Harry's embarrassed thoughts.
"You um, er, have only twenty four hours to get um…pregnant" squeaked Harry "You should glow when you're…um…successful"
Edward laughed in amusement probably for the first time since Bella had been killed. He was dressed in a suit today, as he was attending Bella's funeral along with Esme and Carlisle. Jasper and Alice wasn't going nor was obviously Emmett and Rosalie (not that they would have gone) everyone knew Rosalie hadn't liked Bella all that much. Edward didn't want to go but obviously had no choice if he wanted to avoid suspicion. The family had plans to settle down here; with the potion they were given that chance. It was going to be odd not moving in a few years time as per usual for them, when people began getting suspicious of their never aging looks.
"Ok" said Rosalie nodding her head smirking a little at Harry's uncomfortable look.
"Do you want to come to the funeral with us?" asked Edward softly, he wasn't sure why he was asking but he truly did want Harry to come. If anyone understood what he had gone through it was Harry. They spoke a lot over the past week and he was rather fond of the teenager. He wanted to spend more time than was natural that was for sure and Edward didn't quite understand why yet.
"Sure" grinned Harry. He liked spending time with Edward, pretty much the same way the others liked spending time with their fiancé or fiancée. He wasn't sure how Edward Cullen would react to that so kept it to himself. After all Edward was turned a very long time ago and back then it wasn't thought about never mind done. He had known he was gay for quite some time so it was not a shock to him; however he wasn't sure just what side Edward Cullen played for. Considering he had just been with a girl it made it pretty damn obvious so he had no choice. He stopped himself getting too attached but it was becoming a harder thing to do every time Edward wanted to do something with him even if it was attending someone's funeral.
"I'll be around tomorrow to do it all over again" said Harry "The Magic I mean" he managed to stutter out after realize just how the hell he sounded.
Rosalie's magical laughter filled the room very amused by Harry's teenage antics.
"Not hitting on my wife are you Harry?" asked Emmett a mock solemn look on his face.
"Nope" grinned Harry aware that Emmett was just yanking his chain after dealing with the Weasley twins for so long that didn't come as a shock. He had thought Emmett and the twins would have gotten on like a house on fire. That wasn't the case he seemed to prefer Neville surprisingly.
Then again the twins were hardly around; they were busy opening up chains of prank stores. Surprising the hell out of everyone they were now open Muggle joke shops with Muggle joke products they were making. Fred had gushed that Muggle joke shops were harder to organise than Magical ones and more of a challenge. The money Harry had given them and the money they had made out of the joke shop in Diagon Alley had spread into a chain of joke stores. They had reopened the WWW in Diagon Alley and made one in Hogsmeade. Severus had commented that he was rather glad he wasn't a teacher, not that anyone would have dared prank their Potions teacher.
"When are we going?" asked Harry after a few minutes lost in thought.
"Ten minutes" said Edward staring at his watch and back at Harry grinning wryly.
"We are leaving now actually, I don't want to look for a parking space" said Carlisle. Bella wasn't exactly what someone would call popular but no doubt a lot of people would be there. The werewolf's, everyone in Forks high school out of idle curiosity and family too so yes, the parking spaces would be eventually filled up. Forks was a small town and it certainly wasn't supposed to accommodate a lot of people.
"Alright" sighed Edward hoping to get this over with as soon as possible.
Edward and Harry got into the back of the car allowing Esme and Carlisle in front. Carlisle drove of course as Edward was supposed to be 'grieving' everyone had bought what happened to Bella. It hadn't been the first time she had wandered where she wasn't supposed to, even the Shape shifters had bought it. Then again Luna had been very good at what she did Hermione too; it had been very fast and smart thinking.
"Good job we left when we did" sighed Esme looking around only a few parking spaces were left.
"Yeah I agree" said Edward nodding his head curtly.
"You ready for this son?" asked Carlisle he really hadn't wanted anyone to attend but it would cause too much suspicion if they hadn't come. A lot more than could be gathered attending the service so here they were.
"As I'll ever be" groaned Edward getting out of the car Harry did the same before long four of them were standing around the church. A lot of people were mingling around; half of them were in tears no one of importance was there yet.
"There are an awful lot of people here" said Harry looking around if he hadn't known he would have assumed she was someone famous were they all going to fit inside the church? By the looks of it they were going to be standing around for the entire service.
"There is Alice warned us of this happening" nodded Carlisle curtly.
"Oh" said Harry nodding his head in understanding.
"They are coming" said Edward, knowing by now Charlie's voice or rather what he sounded like in his mind. Even if he could only get the occasional word out of the sentence. Renee's voice was a different matter, she was wide open for Edward to hear and she was inconsolable and blaming Charlie for what happened.
Indeed Edward was correct, two black cars pulled up, one was a hearse, the coffin inside the letters B.E.L.L.A was sitting along the coffin. It was a good job they hadn't used Isabella because it was longer and Bella had hated her name. Edward smiled sadly, as he remembered the good times with her. He only wished she hadn't turned into a bitch, and then again the saying was true you don't truly know someone.
Renee and Phil got out, Renee was sobbing into Phil's arms and Phil just looked solemn. It didn't match his thoughts, he hadn't truly liked Bella she had been too different from her mother for his liking. He hated the fact that she had chosen her real father over him, the only sadness he felt over it was the fact Renee was upset. From what he could gather from Bella she had liked Phil too, Edward shook his head sadly.
Charlie was worse if it was possible, Charlie wasn't one for showing much emotion but his daughter meant the world to him. If he felt any guilt for what happened it was solely for Charlie. Everyone was gathering around offering condolences on their loss, hugging and shaking hands. The coffin was removed, and people quickly hoisted it on their shoulders Charlie was one of them.
The coffin containing Bella Swan entered the church behind the Minister; the mourners followed the coffin and began taking their seats. Edward, Carlisle and Esme pretended not to see all the stares they were receiving from everyone curious enough to look. Most thought he was too composed for someone that had just lost their girlfriend, so he adjusted his face appropriately.
Edward didn't listen to everything, as he kept thinking about Bella when he first met her.
…'I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies,' says the Lord" said the Minister reading passages from the bible.
"For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord" said the Minister loudly. "Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted" he finished.
It wasn't long before everyone stood ready to sing a hymn.
"Abide with me; fast falls the eventide;
The darkness deepens; Lord with me abide.
When other helpers fail and comforts flee,
Help of the helpless, O abide with me.
Swift to its close ebbs out life's little day;
Earth's joys grow dim; its glories pass away;
Change and decay in all around I see;
O Thou who changest not, abide with me.
Not a brief glance I beg, a passing word;
But as Thou dwell'st with Thy disciples, Lord,
Familiar, condescending, patient, free.
Come not to sojourn, but abide with me.
Come not in terrors, as the King of kings,
But kind and good, with healing in Thy wings,
Tears for all woes, a heart for every plea—
Come, Friend of sinners, and thus bide with me.
Thou on my head in early youth didst smile;
And, though rebellious and perverse meanwhile,
Thou hast not left me, oft as I left Thee,
On to the close, O Lord, abide with me.
I need Thy presence every passing hour.
What but Thy grace can foil the tempter's power?
Who, like Thyself, my guide and stay can be?
Through cloud and sunshine, Lord, abide with me.
I fear no foe, with Thee at hand to bless;
Ills have no weight, and tears no bitterness.
Where is death's sting? Where, grave, thy victory?
I triumph still, if Thou abide with me.
Hold Thou Thy cross before my closing eyes;
Shine through the gloom and point me to the skies.
Heaven's morning breaks, and earth's vain shadows flee;
In life, in death, O Lord, abide with me.
Edward, Esme, Carlisle and Harry couldn't sing without everyone gaping at them. Such as it was the curse of being a vampire, having everyone enthralled with them, it didn't stop them mimicking it.
Before long another song was sung a very unusual one but nonetheless everyone apart from the vampires belted out the words.
I danced in the morning when the world was begun,
And I danced in the moon and the stars and the sun,
I came down from heaven and I danced on the earth;
At Bethlehem I had my birth.
Dance, then, wherever you may be;
I am the Lord of the Dance, said he,
And I'll lead you all, wherever you may be,
And I'll lead you all in the dance, said he.
I danced for the scribe and the pharisee,
But they would not dance and they would not follow me.
I danced for the fishermen, for James and John
They came with me and the dance went on.
Dance, then, wherever you may be;
I am the Lord of the Dance, said he,
And I'll lead you all, wherever you may be,
And I'll lead you all in the dance, said he.
I danced on the Sabbeth and I cured the lame;
The holy people said it was a shame.
They whipped and they stripped and they hung me on high;
They left me there on a cross to die.
Dance, then, wherever you may be;
I am the Lord of the Dance, said he,
And I'll lead you all, wherever you may be,
And I'll lead you all in the dance, said he.
I danced on a Friday when the sky turned black
It's hard to dance with the devil on your back.
They buried my body and they thought I'd gone;
But I'm the dance and I still go on.
Dance, then, wherever you may be;
I am the Lord of the Dance, said he,
And I'll lead you all, wherever you may be,
And I'll lead you all in the dance, said he.
They cut me down and I leapt up high;
I am the life that will never, never die;
I'll live in you if you'll live in me
I am the Lord of the Dance said he.
Dance, then, wherever you may be;
I am the Lord of the Dance, said he,
And I'll lead you all, wherever you may be,
And I'll lead you all in the dance, said he.
"If you wish it you can come up here and say a few words about Bella" smiled the Minister softly his eyes sad as he looked over the people there.
Renee was too choked up, as was Charlie so they shook their heads and said no they didn't want that.
"Please put your hands together for a prayer please" said the Minister doing just that his head bowed low already knowing the words he was going to say of by heart.
"The Lord is my shepherd;
there can I lack nothing.
He makes lie down in green pastures
and leads me beside still waters.
He shall refresh my soul
and guide me in the paths of righteousness for his
name's sake.
Though I walk through the valley of
the shadow of death, I will fear no evil;
for you are with me;
you rod and staff, they comfort me.
You spread a table before me
in the presence of those who trouble me;
you have anointed my head with oil
and my cup shall be full.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell In the house of the Lord for ever."
"Amen" chorused everyone together.
Before long everyone was walking side by side, following the coffin to its final resting place. Bella's mother had wanted her back home but she had been unable to afford such a thing. The minister said a prayer over Bella's coffin as they committed her to the ground, mentioning her family causing even more grief among the thong of people.
"Beloved Daughter of Renee and Charlie Swan, taken before her time may she be taken before the lord and have her eternal spirit rest in peace" murmured the Minister.
People that had once held the coffin came forward once more; most of them were Charlie's police officer buddies. They began lowering the coffin into the ground as the minister continued speaking.
"We now commit Bella Swan's body to the ground, earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust: In sure and certain hope of resurrection and eternal life" said the Minister standing aside letting the family throw dirt into the earth and say their final goodbye's. Edward did this as well aware of everyone's eyes on him as he threw dirt into the freshly dug grave saying goodbye.
"Edward are you coming to the service?" asked Charlie his eyes rimmed red.
"I um…sure" said Edward looking very awkward indeed.
Needless to say it was a very long day, Edward didn't eat or drink nor did Carlisle, Esme or Harry. They sat together in a booth in the pub they were using for the after service, eventually Edward couldn't take any more and said his final condolences to Charlie, the others doing the same before leaving.
"Are you ok?" asked Harry, touching Edward lightly.
"Yes" said Edward nodding grimly.
"It's not your fault as long as you remember that" said Harry kindly.
"Thank you for coming" said Edward softly, Harry's quiet presence had helped immensely.
"Any time" said Harry smiling sadly. "Not sure how much help I was though"
"You did" said Edward adamantly.
Harry just smiled once more.
Eventually they got back to the car and drove towards the Cullen's, the others welcoming them back with sad smiles. Finally it was over with, something Edward had wished for hours he felt guilt but it wasn't the crushing guilt he had imagined it would be. The shape shifters had been surprisingly civil not even glaring at them for a second, Jacob hadn't even approached them blaming them or anything.
Edward walked towards his piano room and began playing a melody; Harry followed him and listened to him play.
"You play really well…when did you learn?" asked Harry sliding onto the bench beside him.
"I played before I was turned" admitted Edward softly.
"Really? And you remembered?" asked Harry cocking his head to the side, Muggles didn't usually keep much of their memories. Unlike Magical people Muggles couldn't cope with the change and their memories faded to help them adapt to their new life and lifestyle.
"Not really, I had to learn all over again" said Edward softly.
"Would you teach me?" asked Harry, hoping to spend more time with Edward even if he wouldn't ever have the man in a way he wanted.
"Sure" grinned Edward kindly.
"Great" smiled Harry happily.
So that's what happened for the next few hours, Edward explained all the key's and began Harry on a very basic piece. He didn't have long fingers like Edward, but he was alright for a beginner. Edward was actually enjoying himself, showing someone how to play the piano. Perhaps when he 'grew older' he would find employment in some form of musical teaching or private tutoring. Almost as if Harry knew what he was thinking he commented on it.
"You would make a good teacher" said Harry softly, nudging Edward playfully.
"You think so?" smirked Edward in amusement.
"Yeah, you have patience for that kind of thing" said Harry nodding honestly.
"Thank you" said Edward softly. He was facing Harry now, inches from his face and the younger boy wasn't even bothered. He wasn't sure which one moved forward, him or Harry but suddenly they were kissing. It was a small one but not a kiss among friends regardless, they didn't need to part for air but eventually cautiousness settled in and they broke apart.
Harry was about to apologize, but a finger was pressed against his lips stopping him. For someone that couldn't read his mind, he was doing an awful good job of it right now that's for sure.
"Are you ok with this?" asked Edward softly, rubbing his finger along Harry's lip.
"It's what I've wanted for a while" admitted Harry softly "But I wasn't sure about you…you were turned at a time it wasn't even thought about never mind done. Then you were dating a girl so it was a logical assumption to make" he sighed.
"True but I've never done this before either…but it feels right isn't that the same way for you?" asked Edward whispering the words to Harry as he kissed him once more.
"I was already gay Edward…one hundred percent…I don't just want to be an experiment for you" said Harry his eyes showing his admanance.
"I wouldn't do that to you, not only would I be unable to forgive myself my family I guarantee wouldn't speak to me for years" said Edward softly.
Harry laughed softly, before nodded slowly.
"But we cannot go out together yet" said Harry, seeing Edward's face fall slightly he hastened to explain "You have just lost Bella, to them you only had a week to get over it. I know it's more like a month to you but to them they will think very badly of you. If you want to remain here it's the wrong thing to do right now. We can see each other just not publicly…not for a few months if you can do that"
"I suppose you are correct" conceded Edward knowing very well Harry was right; the people in Forks would blow a fuse seeing him with a man a week after he lost Bella.
"Of course I am" teased Harry nudging Edward again.
"Do you want to stay the night?" asked Edward softly.
"Sure," grinned Harry, finally he was going to start getting to know his significant other. He quickly sent off a mass text to everyone letting them know he was staying at Edward's for the night. If he had been human he would have blushed bright red at some of the teasing text messages he got back especially from Fred and George.
What did you think? XD too sudden? hope not everyone's wanting juicy action will harry be the dominant? when they do finally get together? will severus give him 'the talk' as it is? will Laurent want revenge for what happened to the rest of his coven or not be stupid enough to do anything? when will they publicly get together? will Charlie be happy for them or make their lives a misery for the fact he got over Bella's death? R&R please