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Chapter 19: The Beginning of the End
Emma spent most of her days and nights in the Room of Requirement, visiting with her father and the rest of the order occasionally to keep them from worrying.
The day of Dumbledore's funeral arrived. "I don't know what to wear . . . I can't believe this," Hermione said sitting on her bed looking at her closet without really seeing anything. Emma could tell the other girls were also in a stupor.
"If you don't have a black dress you can wear your black school robes," Emma offered as she finished pulling her hair up in a bun. She put on her mother's pearl necklace her father had given her when she was younger and that she always wore with her black dress; she placed in the matching pearl hair pins in her bun.
"How do you have something in your wardrobe for everything?" Lavender asked.
Emma shrugged. She was the only one ready. "My grandmother always told my mother to have one black dress. You can wear it for any occasion, but then you are prepared for . . . something like this that takes you completely surprised. During times of War, it seems like it is a uniform," Emma said thinking how many times her mother had to go to a funeral, how many times she has gone to them the last few years. "I have been attending state funerals and such my whole life," she said as she grabbed a black shawl and walked out as the others finished getting ready. She managed to get outside before the majority of guests and students flooded the field so she took the time to brace herself against the flood of emotions.
Emma watched everyone walk to the lake. Emma walked to stand on the edge of the forest. She could see everything that happened, but wasn't right in the middle of the drowning sorrow. Emma sensed rather than heard the Centaurs approach to the left of her. Emma watched in awe as Dumbledore's tomb sealed itself and the Centaurs gave their final salute.
Something to the right caught Emma's eye, and she saw a group of unicorns. A few tears ran down her cheek. One of them approached her. "It's almost like my mother is reaching out to me," she whispered to the unicorn. She stroked it on it's nose. "Thank you," she whispered. She and the unicorn looked into each others eyes and the unicorn galloped off.
Emma walked to the lake. This time, she didn't go to the oak tree her and Draco always went to. It didn't feel right with him hiding for their lives. Rather, she went to the beech tree farther on down.
Harry saw Emma sitting by herself, and walked towards her. He wanted to check on her since she didn't sit with the other students. "Harry, my boy," Rufus Scrimgoercalled out, walking up to him.
"Minister," he said. He pretended to listen to the minister as he asked Harry to promote the ministry in public. "You seem to have forgotten what I told you during Christmas, minister. I am Dumbledore's man through and through."
"Well, I thought that now, perhaps, since Dumbledore is gone. . ."
"Rufus," Riley said, walking up to them. He gave Harry a friendly nod and wink. "Perhaps I should step in and make something clear, before you get to far over your head. If you wish to see Harry, then you will have to talk to me first. My wife was Harry's godmother, andnow with Sirius gone as well, I am going to take up my duties as Harry's cousin. Emily would want me to watch over Harry now that he knows he has family."
"Of course, Riley, of course. I wasn't trying to overstep your boundaries. Wouldn't dream of it, the way you handled that Scandinavian dispute last month. Just remember what this could do for us, Riley. We need the support," Rufus said as he walked off.
"Bloody politicians," Riley said as he watched Scrimgoer walk off. "I meant what I said, Harry. I won't let any in the ministry pester you. We are family, even if you haven't known it."
Harry nodded. "I know that, sir. I appreciate it, too. Emma is like family to me."
Riley nodded. "Your parents did make Emily your godmother. She was delighted. Even after she died, they never got anyone else. If you ever need anything, Harry, you have family."
Harry nodded. They shook hands, and Riley watched as Harry walked towards his daughter.
"Your dad is nice," Harry said. Emma nodded. "I . . .broke it off with Ginny."
Emma sighed. "Do you mind if I tell you you've made an incredibly stupid decision? I know why you did it, though."
Harry and Emma were joined by Ron and Hermione. Emma knew it was only a matter of time before they went out. "I'm not coming back next year, even if it opens," Emma heard Harry say. "I am going to look for the horcruxes like Dumbledore wanted me too."
"We are coming with you," Ron said. Harry told them no.
"Harry, we have had plenty of time to turn around and abandon you. We aren't going to start now," Hermione said.
Harry stared at his two friends. "I don't suppose you want to come too, do you Emma?" Harry asked.
"If you want me to," Emma said shrugging.
Harry put his arm around her shoulders pulling her close as she rested her head on his shoulders. "I do. I think Dumbledore would want us to. I am going to the Dursley's first. Dumbledore wished for me to return one more time, then I . . .I think I am going to go to Godric's hollow. That is where it all started, and I need to go there."
Emma nodded. "You would have liked the place if you had seen it, before, I mean."
"We are all going with you to the Dursley's, and after, but before that we need to go to my house. Bill and Fleur's wedding," Ron reminded them.
They all nodded as they looked out over the lake. Riley watched the four of them sitting there. "I know you would have loved to see them grow up together, Emily," he whispered into the breeze. "This is as close as it gets. I just hope I don't lose her too."
"I wouldn't underestimate your daughter, Riley," Lupin said. He and Tonks had walked up to him. Lupin looked down at the four of them too. "She is much more powerful than you give her credit for."
"I have no doubt of her ability, Remus, just afraid of her mortality. Potters don't seem to live long in wars," Riley said.
"Emma will probably outlive all of us," Remus reassured him. "She is a very special witch."
Riley nodded. "I know. I have a feeling, though, she is not coming home with me right now, and as a parent I want nothing more than to keep her in my sight. Maybe lock her in a tower somewhere."
"Believe it or not, Riley, I do understand. I love Emma as a daughter too. But she is
determined to help Harry in any way she can. I don't think anyone can stop her once she puts her mind to something."
Riley laughed. "No, I don't think anyone can. And from what I have heard, it sounds like her boyfriend might try rescuing her out of the tallest tower," Riley said frowning. He watched as Emma walked up to the three of them. "You've come to say goodbye I see?"
Emma nodded. "I am going with Harry to the Dursleys. Then we are going to Bill and Fleur's wedding." Emma hugged her father.
"Be careful. The death eaters aren't above attacking muggles, and a family that has been harboring Harry since childhood would make a prime target." Riley said.
Emma nodded. "I'll see you later, da," She said. She kissed his cheek, gave Lupin and Tonks a hug, and went back to the common room to grab her bags.
Look for year 7 called The End of It All and the trailers for year 7 are the next chapter, as always : ) Special thanks to everyone who read! Special, special thanks to KRP, Childofthekng, professor Epona, year1989rocks, potter fan bo pinky, Amarthiel, bornblue, iceball19, xhanni-27x, animecrazy88, storm herder, lily, xcrescentxmoonx, abitofblack, SongxofxGlory, erica, snuffles-sweetie, a bit of black, fishluver, daffodilsweetie, fishertowers, Princess Kaira of the Moon, Deanne Stevenson, FillyGal, Native-kitten, hermonine, Devil-Angel, Essaouire, Hannah, Readerwriterwhatever, & Emts90 for reviews! (Sorry if I forgot anyone!) Big special (and Hello!) to XCrescentXMoonX for all the reviews! It was a wonderful suprise! And, to answer KRP's question . . . you will find out about Snape next year : ) ::Evil grin::
Also, if you are interested in seeing more of Emily, Emma's mum, see my James/Lily fic The Necklace (recently updated too!) Okay, I'm done self-promoting : )