After the wake, Ginny found Harry and kissed him on the cheek. She whispered, "That was a beautiful speech you gave, Harry! I'm so proud of you." He forced s smile back, "Thanks Gin, it wasn't easy. Yours was beautifully said too!" She grimaced and whispered "Thanks. It was a spur of the moment kind of thing."
From that moment on that day, they were constantly interrupted. Andromeda came up to them and she had Teddy with her. Tonk's mother smiled softly at them and said, "Teddy has missed you two. You can see he's grinning from ear to ear." Harry leant over to have a look and placed a finger in his hand. Teddy gripped it hard and giggled at Ginny sighed happily as she was handed Teddy to hold. She had never been a big fan of babies. Having grown up in a family as big as hers, and being the youngest, she had never had much experience with them. But now with Teddy in her arms, she felt lighter than she had in the longest time.
Harry, Ron and Hermione were busy conversing with Andromeda when Colin's mother approached Ginny. She looked wary in a crowd of wizards and witches and when she reached her she inquired, "Ginny Weasley?" Ginny couldn't help but feel nervous, "Yes, Mrs Creevey I'm ever so sorry about Colin. He was honestly one of my truest friends. I still can't really believe he's gone. " Mrs Creevey sighed sadly, "I know dear. And it was so kind of you to go up there and speak about him like that. He would have been very touched. He always spoke about you you know? More than anyone else at this school."
That comment alone was enough to make Ginny let tears form in her eyes. She hadn't really cried about anyone's death yet. But to hear Colin's mum say that was almost too much to bare. Harry approached as Mrs Creevey apologized, "I'm so sorry my dear! I didn't mean to upset you!" Harry swallowed and asked, "You alright Ginny?" She blinked the tears out and said assuredly, "No, not at all Mrs Creevey! In fact I just miss him a lot. He was always there and now he's just not…" Mrs Creevey nodded emphatically, "I know, dearest, I know. I would like to invite you to a private ceremony we're holding for him and his muggle relatives and friends. Would you be interested in joining?"
Ginny was taken aback! She hadn't stopped to think thcat Colin may have had muggle friends. He had never mentioned any! She blinked in surprise before stumbling, "Yes of c…course! I'd love to come!" Mrs Creevey smiled furtively, "Great. How do I get ahold of you? I know you all use owls but we don't have one at home."
Ginny glanced at Harry and he said helpfully, "How about you give us your address and we'll send a reply in the normal way?" Mrs Creevey nodded and smiled briefly, "Thank you. And you are?" Harry looked surprised. It probably been a long time since he had had to introduce himself! He held out his hand, "I'm Harry, Mrs Creevey." Mrs Creevey's face turned solemn, "Oh. You're Ginny's boyfriend."
Ginny realized that Colin must have mentioned Harry in passing. Mrs Creevey did not look pleased to meet Harry. On the contrary, she looked rather unsettled. Harry held out his hand and shook hers, "I'm very grateful to your son for being such a good friend to Ginny when I couldn't. He had her back all the time and I'm so sorry I can't thank him for it personally." Mrs Creevey's thin cheek bones somehow softened and she muttered, "Thank you for your gratitude, Mr Potter. I hope you will come to the funeral too? Colin spoke very highly of you." Ginny couldn't help but smile. Typical of Colin- even though he was probably jealous of Harry he still spoke well of him.
Mr Creevey returned from another conversation at that moment. He had been chatting to Professor McGonagall and Kingsley, both of whom now approached Ginny. McGonagall nodded gently, "Hello everyone. Thank you for your speech, Harry. It was short and to the point." Harry muttered, "You're welcome," but otherwise looked embarrassed. McGonagall turned to Mrs Creevey, "Mrs Creevey, I've just been speaking with your husband. I'm so sorry for your loss. Colin was a hard worker and one of the best in his year. I will never forget him." Mrs Creevey smiled briefly, "Thank you…uh…Professor." McGonagall smiled grimly, "There's a tea in the main dining room if you'd like to join us?"
She glanced at both Creevey's but Mrs Creevey shook her head, "No thank you. I'd rather be heading home. I'll contact you soon, Ginny." She nodded shortly, took her husbands' hand and then walked through the crowd towards the castle. McGonagall turned to Harry, "Mr Potter, I believe we have matters to discuss." Kingsley shook his head swiftly, "Professor, let them have a chance to have a break. We can chat once all of the guests have left." McGonagall sighed tiredly, "As you insist, Kingsley." She nodded abruptly and then was distracted by another guest who wanted to speak to her.
Ginny turned to find Andromeda there with Tonks and it was only then that the reality of the situation began to hit her: Tonks was gone and she wasn't coming back. She felt pricks of tears in her eyes as she stared at little Teddy in her arms, his tuft of hair blue. He looked happy as ever, not knowing the occasion they were all there for. Ginny held onto Harry's hand for support and he clenched hers back tightly. She whispered to him, "Can we go for a walk around the lake?"
Harry nodded and when they were far enough out of earshot from anyone else, Ginny turned to him and whispered, "It's slowly hitting me, that Tonks is not coming back." Harry swallowed and whispered, "I know. Me too. I'm so worried for Teddy. I don't want anyone in the world growing up without parents. I wouldn't even wish it on Draco."
Ginny couldn't help but rest her head against Harry's chest and let the tears trickle down. She sobbed for what felt like forever, Harry rubbing her back all the while. He kissed the top of her head and at one point, she felt a tear trickle down his face and fall into her hair too. Somehow, it was the most vulnerable the two of them had ever been together. One was usually comforting the other. But in this case, it was the saddest day possibly of both of their lives, and there was nothing either of them could say to make the other feel better.
A/N: Hi All! I'm so sorry for taking so long to update! I'm still without a functioning laptop unfortunately- my screen has cracked and blotched and lost pixilation in most places for no apparent reason! I am hoping to get a new laptop next week, and I'm borrowing someone else's when I can or am writing on my phone. Most of this chapter was writing on my phone, so if I have made errors I humbly apologize! Hope you enjoy this in the meantime.