Disclaimer: I still do not own Harry Potter.

Wow guys! I couldn't be happier with the response to the last chapter! I am really touched by all your words of encouragement, and I will definitely keep posting this story! In reassurance to my one reviewer who expressed relief at no falling through veils of any of our beloved characters, don't worry. I assure you that that won't happen! As for the reviewers who are worried about me killing off Sirius or Remus, please don't worry so. Even if I do kill either of them, it won't be for a long, long time yet. Believe me, I love them as much as you do.

There is a Harry and Cho friendship scene in this chapter which I hope you will enjoy. As I said before, Cho and Cedric are two of my favorites, and they were actually my favorite romantic relationship in canon. I'm so glad that all of you liked how I portrayed them, and I really hope you like the scene between Harry and Cho in this chapter.

Okay, here goes!

Chapter 42: Honoring a Hero

The next week passed slowly for Harry and his two guardians. It was a struggle for the teen to get up each morning, but with their coaxing, he finally did. However, his mood was unhappy and lethargic, and he dreaded Sunday. That day would be Cedric's funeral, and he didn't want to imagine everyone's grief-stricken faces. But he didn't want to let the Diggorys down; he'd done enough to them as it was, so he owed them big-time.

On Sunday morning, Harry dressed in fancy robes, and he hardly ate anything for breakfast. Sirius and Remus had to struggle to get him to eat even a mouthful.

When it was time to go, the three of them apparated to the church. Cedric's parents lived very near the Weasleys, and Harry wished more than anything that none of this had ever happened and he was just going to spend a happy day at the Burrow. His guardians put protective arms around him as they joined the somber line of people walking into the church.

What Harry saw as he walked along broke his heart. He saw Cho, her face streaked with tears and dark circles under her eyes. She was being guided gently by her parents, who were looking at their daughter with heartbreak and sadness. Ron, Hermione, Fred, George, Ginny, Mr. and Mrs. Weasley, and Neville and a woman who looked like his grandmother were also there. A lot of Hufflepuffs were present also, including Cedric's dormmates. There were a lot of unfamiliar people too, probably more of Cedric's friends and family. The seventeen-year-old had been loved by everybody. Harry even saw some of the Slytherins from S.A.N.E there; Helena, the first year which they had become close to, was present, looking very sad. No one talked; they all walked into the church with very serious expressions.

The church was completely packed. Everyone continued to walk until they got to where Cedric was laid out. There would be a viewing before the funeral, so that people could say goodbye to him one last time. His parents were already there, tenderly holding their son's hands. Cedric lay in the casket, his good looks still evident. He was dressed in fancy dress robes.

Music was softly playing in the church, and as people passed Cedric's body, they'd throw little trinkets into the casket. Harry's heart broke as he saw a tearful Cho put a picture of the two of them in his limp hand, and in the picture his eyes were filled with life, love, and laughter. It had been taken at their senior dance only twenty-four hours before he died. There were also many other pictures of him looking relaxed and content. The casket was also covered in flowers, every different kind you could imagine. When Harry got to the casket, he felt his own tears beginning to sting his eyes. Sirius and Remus held him firmly, because they could see that Harry's knees were trying not to buckle. Harry dropped a S.A.N.E badge into the coffin, remembering how compassionate Cedric had been with the Slytherins. He touched the boy's hand, and immediately jerked away. It was so lifeless and cold, he couldn't bear it. The Cedric he'd known had been so alive, he wasn't meant to look like this!

After a few minutes, it was time to sit down. Harry could still see Cedric lying in the casket from where he sat with Sirius on one side and Remus on the other. He didn't dare approach his friends; he didn't want to see their reactions to him. He could see Hermione and Ginny giving him worried glances, and he wondered why they even cared.

The organ was playing a slow, somber song, and he sat with his head down so he wouldn't have to see people's faces or Cedric's mahogany casket anymore. This isn't fair at all, Harry thought miserably. Cedric had so much to live for.

After the organ music was over, the Minister said, "Good morning. We are here today to celebrate the life of Cedric Diggory, a seventeen-year-old who was a beautiful person. He touched many lives, and today you will hear accounts of the impact he had on people. Let us pray."

He said a prayer, and Sirius and Remus held Harry's hands. A hymn was sung, and Harry tried to sing as well through the lump in his throat.

Mrs. Diggory got up to speak next. Her husband was too much of an emotional wreck to give a speech, so Eileen did it for him. She spoke of many moments during Cedric's life, and what a positive, happy person he had been. "Amos and I were so blessed that we got the time with him that we did," she said, wiping tears from her eyes. "He was brave and loyal, right to the very end. He always wanted to make us proud of him, and we always have been. Our Cedric died a hero, and we want to honor him. I also thank Harry Potter, a brave young man who risked everything to bring him back to us. We want to honor him as well." Breaking down into sobs, she stumbled back to the pew and sat next to her husband.

Harry buried his face in Remus's robes, a choked sob racking his body. How could Mrs. Diggory be honoring him when her son was dead because of him?

Cedric's dormmates were next to speak. They described some of the wonderful things they had gotten up to, causing some tearful laughter to come from the crowd. Harry could hear Cho's sobs from a few seats away. She had Hermione on one side of her and Ginny on the other, with Mr. and Mrs. Chang sitting very close by. The redhead and the bushy-haired girl were also weeping, but doing their best to comfort their bawling friend.

After another hymn, Harry was shocked as Neville Longbottom got up. He looked extremely nervous, and he cleared his throat a couple of times before speaking in a quiet but clear voice.

"I will never forget Cedric Diggory," he said. "He showed us that friendships can definitely stand the test of time. My friends and I got to know him rather well this year, and he became a good mate. Harry, Ginny, Hermione, Cho, and I talked to the Slytherins with him every week. Cedric believed very strongly, as do we, in the concept of house unity. We wanted to make the Slytherins feel less ostracized and more welcome at Hogwarts. We hope that we can continue this in the years to come to honor his memory. He is a true hero, and I'll never forget him. He will be missed, and I swear, You-Know-Who will pay for what he did to him." he said tearfully. A few people in the church began to murmur; it was obvious that quite a few didn't believe the news that Voldemort had returned.

After one more hymn, the service was over. Harry wondered why Cho hadn't spoken, but looking up, he could see exactly why. She was crying too hard to speak; her eyes were red and puffy and her heart was in total agony. Harry had never seen anyone cry so hard before. This had broken her, and he felt another huge pang of guilt slice through his body.

Mr. Diggory and some of Cedric's muscular Hufflepuff friends carried his heavy casket. It was closed now, and everyone started filing out of the church and to the cemetery where he would be buried. The grave diggers had already dug a hole, and the Minister began to speak again as the casket was placed inside it, and it began to lower into the ground. "Ashes to ashes, dust to dust," he said softly. "May Merlin bless you, Cedric Diggory, and may you forever be rewarded in eternal rest." Sobs were heard all around as people said goodbye for the last time. Mrs. Diggory blew her son a last kiss. "I love you, sweetie," she whispered. Harry once again buried his face in Remus's robes; he couldn't bear to witness anymore.

Suddenly, an agonized, keening wail of heartwrenching pain was heard. "Nooooo!" Then footsteps were running away from the scene.

"Cho! Cho! Come back!" Hermione called, but Cho disappeared.

"I need to go after her," Harry told Sirius and Remus. "I can't take this. I'm probably the last person she wants to see right now, but she needs someone with her." He couldn't bear to see her cry anymore without at least saying he was sorry. Sirius and Remus, knowing they could do nothing to stop him when he was on a mission, gave him worried glances as he went after her.

Eventually, after a few minutes, he found her. She was sitting by another headstone, tears streaming down her face and sobs shaking her body. Not knowing what else to do, Harry put his arms around her. Cho was stiff at first, but finally, she leaned into the embrace, her endless tears soaking Harry's robes. "I LOVED HIM! IT'S NOT FAIR!" her muffled voice screamed. Harry just held her until her sobs subsided. When there were no more tears left to shed, Harry looked at her stricken face.

"He loved you too," he said softly. "He told me to tell you that."

Cho remained silent, and Harry wondered why she wasn't screaming at him to go away. Instead, she kept her arms around him.

"Dumbledore told me," she finally whispered. "H-He told me how brave he was." After a few seconds of silence, she whispered, "Thank you."

"For what?" Harry said, shocked.

"For bringing him back to us, for not leaving him alone there," Cho replied, sniffling.

"Cho, it's the least I could've done after what happened," said Harry. "It's all my fault."

"No, it's not," Cho said at once. "I admit, it's easy to have someone to blame, but it wouldn't be fair if I took it out on you. Harry, you're still my best friend. I guess the two of us will just have to miss him together, huh?"

Harry felt overwhelmed. The lump in his throat was back, and soon, he found himself weeping in her arms. Unfortunately, this started her off again, but at least they were able to comfort each other.

"Cedric adored you, you know," Cho said, smiling sadly as they finally drew away from the embrace. "He thought of you like a little brother. He told me once that he'd do anything to protect you. He felt awful that you were forced into the tournament, and he was always talking about what he had done to help you with the tasks. And I know he wouldn't want you to blame yourself. He'd want you to laugh, smile, and live again, too. I know it's hard right now; it's hard for me, too. I don't think I'll ever find someone like him again, but it's not your fault, and I know how completely furious he'd be with me if I abandoned you. I know he'd want us to remember him with fondness." She gave him another sad smile. "Thanks for being there for me, Harry."

"You, too," Harry replied softly. "Thanks for helping me, too. At least we've got each other. Do you reckon he's playing Quidditch now?" he tried to joke.

"He's probably beating the heck out of another Seeker, if I know him," Cho let out a sound which was between a giggle and a sob.

Then, Harry saw Hermione, Ginny, Neville, Ron, Fred, and George come over to him, along with Mr. and Mrs. Diggory and his guardians. No words were exchanged between them; no words were needed. Harry realized that he hadn't interacted with his other friends at all today, but right now there was nothing to say. There were just hugs all around, and Mrs. Diggory, through her tears, gave him a soft smile.

"Ced was always saying how much he cared for you, Harry," she said. "I'd give anything to have him still here with us, but I know that he died fighting for you. And if there was anyone he wanted to fight for, it was you, Harry." She held out her arms and embraced the messy-haired boy.

"You are invited to the reception at our house now, everyone," said Mr. Diggory. "We'll go back and share memories of Ced. How about it?"

Harry felt exhausted and emotionally drained, but did agree to come. They apparated to the Diggorys' residence, and Harry spent the rest of the morning and afternoon with his friends and guardians. They talked quietly amongst themselves, and Harry got to meet some of Cedric's other family and friends. Most people treated him with a lot of respect, but he was very wary of them all.

But a few hours later, things went horribly, horribly wrong. He should've known this would happen. Harry couldn't believe that no one had confronted him about his part in Cedric's death yet, and he was bamboozled and shocked that his friends and even Cho had reacted so compassionately to him. But that all changed when Harry came out of the bathroom those few hours later.

Everyone else had gone outside to enjoy the sunny weather, and Harry was about to do the same when he suddenly saw three boys heading in his direction. "Excuse me," he said, trying to go around them, but they blocked his path.

"How dare you show up here, Potter!" one of them snarled. "How could you have the gall?" Harry remembered him as Jeff, one of Cedric's dormmates.

"Huh?" the boy asked, his expression blank.

"Don't "huh" us, Harry Potter," Cedric's other friend Malcolm said furiously. "Why, why didn't you save Cedric? You apparently defeated You-Know-Who at the age of one. Why couldn't you wave your little magic wand and help Cedric?""

"He was such a good person. Too good of a person, really," said the third boy, Stanley. "He offered you friendship, respect, kindness, he really cared about you. And your way of repaying him was to get him killed!"

Harry looked completely stricken at these statements and his body began to shake. "I'm sorry," was all he was able to get out. He definitely should have known that something like this was about to happen. Had Cho, his guardians, Dumbledore, his friends, been lying to him all along? Were they hiding the resentment they were feeling?

"You should be sorry," Jeff sneered with disgust. "And don't put on the waterworks; your tears won't bring him back, will they? I've wondered about you since two years ago, Potter. I still think you had a part in that Chamber of Secrets thing."

Harry's knees buckled, and he collapsed to the floor, his entire body going numb.

"He did everything for you!" Stanley said fiercely.

Tears streamed down Harry's face as he choked out how sorry he was over and over again. But suddenly, he heard a THUMP! and saw the boys fly across the hallway and hit a wall.

"HOW DARE YOU!" Harry heard the familiar voice of Sirius Black screaming. "HARRY'S ALREADY BEEN THROUGH ENOUGH SHIT WITHOUT YOU BASTARDS ADDING TO IT!"

"Get out of our house, now. I won't have you treating Harry like that. He's gone through enough heartache." came the soft but menacing voice of Mrs. Diggory. Looking up shakily, he saw Sirius's face. He truly looked like the mad ex-convict that everyone had accused him of being. His face was harsh with anger, and his fists were clenched.

"How can you be defending him? You're Cedric's mother!" Stanley complained.

"Yes, I am, and my son obviously had a better heart than the three of you combined," said Mrs. Diggory furiously. "And you caused my Cedric a lot of grief. Get out of my house, now!"

"But ..." said Jeff.

"Get out, before I do something I regret," growled Sirius. Remus put his hands on Harry's shaking shoulders. The boy tried to get to his feet, but he felt too weak and exhausted.

The three boys scurried away, and Remus and Sirius immediately knew it was time to take Harry home. The boy's face was white and his entire body was still shaking. Mrs. Diggory tried in vain to comfort him, but Harry just shook his head.

"I'm sorry, Mrs. Diggory," he choked out. "I'm so sorry I couldn't save him."

"You did everything you could, sweetie, and you risked your life to bring him back to us so we could at least have some closure," Mrs. Diggory said softly.

"But those boys ..." Harry murmured brokenly.

"Sometimes, when one is grieving, Harry, they blame the nearest person they can," said Mrs. Diggory quietly. "And I admit, going that route is so easy. But Harry, my husband and I place the blame where it truly belongs; on those who thought his life was worth nothing. You, Harry, were not one of those people."

She held her arms out for another embrace, and Harry, still weak and exhausted, burrowed into them. "Thanks for coming, Harry," she finally said gently. "Feel free to contact us any time you want. Thank you once again for what you did for my Cedric. You made him so happy."

Harry's friends gave him extremely concerned glances as his two guardians gently supported his weight and guided him out of the house. They tried to go over and question him, but Sirius held them back. He softly explained what had just transpired, and informed them that they could talk to Harry later.

Cho gave him a soft smile as he left.

xxx

Back in 804, Lawdershod Avenue, Harry was soothed to sleep in Remus's arms. The werewolf and Sirius were completely shocked by the true idiocy and insensitivity of some people. Before he'd fallen asleep, Harry had asked whether they had lied to him about how they felt that he wasn't to blame. Trying to convince him they weren't lying didn't do anything, so they, with heartbreak, just held him and stroked his hair as he drifted into a fitful sleep.

"You will come to realize, cub," Remus said as Harry's eyes flickered shut, "that the ones who truly care about you will never blame you. Those are the only people you should take into consideration. Ignore anyone who points their finger at you in blame. You have people who love you, Harry, people who love you so much. Never forget that."

So as Harry slept, Remus and Sirius vowed to do all they could for their charge. They would make him whole again, even if it took a lifetime.