7
After the Battle
Chapter 7: Pushing the Limits
Harry and Ginny appeared in a secure Apparation point the Ministry had set up for any Wizarding people who wished to attend Colin's funeral. From the bored look of the Auror who was manning the site, it didn't appear that many were going to do so.
The Auror was reading a copy of the Daily Prophet and without looking up he said, "The service is being held at the church down the street to the left. It's the only one so you shouldn't have any trouble finding it."
As Harry and Ginny passed the man, he did glance up. His eyes widened in surprise when he saw them wearing dress robes. He opened his mouth to say something but then reconsidered.
With some of the things he'd seen Muggle kids wearing, most of them would probably think it was just some new fad.
Harry saw the Auror about to say something but then stop. He was extremely grateful because as irritated as he was at the moment, he would have hated to hex the man.
Just as they were about to exit, Harry realized he had no idea where they were. "Excuse me, this may seem like an odd question, but where are we?" he asked feeling quite embarrassed.
The Auror smiled sympathetically. "You're in Holgate, right outside of York," he replied.
Harry nodded his thanks and escorted Ginny out and they headed, turning left as they'd been instructed.
"I feel bad I didn't even know where Colin was from," he sighed guiltily.
"To tell you the truth, even though I was good friends with him, I didn't know either. We just never talked about it," Ginny replied sadly.
"The thing was he was so . . . enthusiastic about the Magical World, that's all he ever wanted to talk about," she added softly.
Then Harry saw her eyes begin to sparkle mischievously. "Of course that's when he wasn't talking about you," she smirked.
Harry groaned lowly.
Ginny's look softened. "You know, he really looked up to you, even after he got over his hero worship."
"I wish he hadn't," Harry whispered morosely.
"Why?" Ginny asked in confusion.
"If he hadn't, maybe he would still be alive," Harry replied softly, his voice laden with the pain he was feeling.
Ginny sighed in exasperation. "Harry, please don't go there. We can't dwell on what might have been. By doing so you dishonour Colin's sacrifice," she pleaded softly.
Harry took in a deep breath to calm himself but ended up having a coughing fit.
Ginny looked at Harry closely for the first time since they had arrived and she grew very concerned.
"Are you all right?" she asked worriedly. She noticed he was looking quite pale and he had a thin sheen of sweat on his forehead.
Harry was panting lightly, glad he had stopped coughing. As much as he wanted to reassure her he was fine, he knew he couldn't lie to her.
"I've felt better," he replied, wanting to be honest with her but still not let on how poorly he really felt.
"Harry James Potter," Ginny growled softly, seeing right through his ploy.
A chagrined Harry winced at her reaction and knew he was in deep Dragon shite.
"Please Ginny, it's important to me. I promise I'll rest as much as possible but I have to be here," he pleaded for understanding.
Ginny's look softened some and she shook her head and sighed. "I swear Harry if you work yourself into a relapse, I'm going to hex you into oblivion," she groused.
"And I'll deserve it," Harry replied quite seriously.
Ginny gave him a small smile, "Yes you will," she said with a touch of humour, her eyes shining brightly at him.
By that time they had arrived at the small church were the service was being held. Harry had to pause just inside of the doorway because he was breathing fairly hard due to the number of steps they'd had to climb.
As they did, they were struck hard by the small number of people who were there.
Glancing around they saw a small knot of people up at the front, some sitting in the first pew and the rest standing right by them.
"That must be the Creevey's," Ginny whispered in the solemn stillness. "Yes, I can see Dennis with them."
Harry nodded and started forward to meet them, keeping his arm wrapped tightly around Ginny's waist, this time more for moral support than physical.
When they arrived up front and turned to the Creevey family, Harry and Ginny were taken by how Colin's parents looked.
It was so obvious who they were, with Mr Creevey looking so much like an older version of Colin and the woman who was holding onto his arm tightly could only be his wife.
The both smiled warmly when they spotted Harry and Ginny, though they could see that Mrs Creevey had been crying some time in the recent past.
Harry and Ginny were taken by surprise when Mrs Creevey rose and met them half way.
She smiled, glancing at each of their faces. "You have to be Harry Potter," she stated softly, and then she looked at Ginny, "And you have to be Ginny Weasley," she added warmly.
"Yes, ma'am," Harry replied. Both he and Ginny looking shocked that she recognized them.
Mrs Creevey gave a low chuckle. "I'd know you two anywhere. Colin talked so much about each of you and of course showed us the many pictures he took."
Harry blushed and dropped his gaze to the floor, prompting Mrs Creevey and Ginny to chuckle softly.
The awkward moment was interrupted by the sound of a large number of people entering the church and they all were surprised when they looked and saw a large group of Hogwarts students entering the church.
It seemed almost all of Dumbledore's Army and most of the Gryffindors had shown up.
Though some were dressed in Muggle clothing, most were wearing dress robes just like Harry and Ginny.
Mrs Creevey smiled teary eyed as she saw all the students who had come to pay their respects.
She turned her attention back to Harry. "Can I ask a favour of you?" she asked hopefully.
"Anything, ma'am," Harry replied.
"First of all, my name is Diane and if you would, could you talk to Dennis? I think it would mean a lot to him and help him," Diane said softly.
Harry gulped but nodded his head. He wasn't sure what he could do but he'd try his best.
He glanced at Ginny who gave him a reassuring smile. "Go, I'll wait here and talk to some of the others," she smiled, gesturing to the approaching group.
Harry took a deep breath and walked down to where Dennis was sitting at the end of the family members sitting on the pew.
"Hey Dennis," he said softly when he got to the young boy.
Dennis looked up, his eyes filled with tears, looking so forlorn.
"H-hi, H-harry," he stammered.
Harry glanced around and saw several people watching them closely. Thinking that Dennis might be uncomfortable under their scrutiny, he looked back at the younger Creevey.
"Fancy taking a walk?" he asked softly.
Dennis looked at him in surprise but after a moment he nodded his head and rose.
Harry led him out a side door and they ended up in a small courtyard. It was filled with all sorts of flowering plants and had a small water feature that added to the serene setting. There was a small path that meandered through the space and Harry led Dennis along it.
They just walked in silence for a moment, then Dennis stopped and looked up at Harry.
"Why did Colin have to die?" he asked huskily, his eyes and voice full of anguish.
Harry sighed deeply. In truth he didn't know how to answer Dennis' question as he had no idea himself.
"To tell you the truth Dennis, I have no idea."
Dennis gave him a disappointed look that tugged at Harry's heart.
"I wish I could give you an answer but I just don't know. So many died that I wish that they wouldn't have. I wish I could have saved each and every one. Remus and Tonks, Fred, Lavender, my godfather and my parents. I wish none of them had to die but they fought and died for what they thought was right. So that you, me and all the others could live our lives without the fear that had overtaken our world," Harry rambled, stringing his thoughts together as they came to him.
Dennis looked away, his eyes staring blankly as he contemplated what Harry had said. Then his eyes scanned the peaceful courtyard they were standing in, taking in the serene setting.
He sighed deeply. "I think I understand now," he whispered softly, looking a little better.
He looked back up onto Harry's eyes. "I just miss him so much," he sobbed softly.
Harry wrapped his arm around the young boy. "I know and it's all right to miss him. I miss him too," Harry sighed.
Dennis gave him a dubious look.
Harry chuckled. "I know, I know. Yes I found him a bit annoying at first but he was a true Gryffindor and a cracking good wizard and once he calmed down a little, I found I could . . . tolerate him," Harry explained with a smile.
For the first time since he'd found out that Colin had died, Dennis smiled and chuckle. "He could be a little over enthusiastic," he giggled.
"That he could be," agreed Harry, his eyes crinkling with his smile.
Dennis sighed and took one last look around, looking much better than he had been. "We should probably head back in," he said quietly.
Harry nodded and gave the young Wizard a one armed hug. "Whatever you think is best," he replied softly.
Keeping his arm around Dennis' shoulders, they headed back inside, both feeling a little bit better than the had before.
As soon as they were back inside a bunch of the Hogwarts contingent came over and greeted them. Harry was pleased when they paid more attention to Dennis than himself.
Harry smiled when he felt a familiar arm snake around his waist.
"It looks like your little talk with Dennis did you both a world of good," Ginny whispered with a smile.
"Yeah it did," Harry agreed with a somewhat wan smile.
"I'm glad," Ginny whispered, giving him a kiss on the cheek.
"Me too," Harry murmured sincerely.
They joined the queue filing past Colin's coffin to pay their respects.
When their turn came, they stared at the young man's body, and that's how they considered him. He had fought and died like the man he had become.
Harry's eyes were clouded with tears, while Ginny's ran down her cheeks. The thing that struck them most was that while they could tell it was Colin, he just didn't look quite right and they realized it was because they were looking a his shell and that Colin wasn't really there.
Ginny reached out and gently caressed his cheek. "I'm going to miss you," she sobbed softly.
To choked up to speak, Harry nodded his head in agreement.
Ginny began to sob softly so Harry wrapped his arm around her and led her away, realizing there were still others waiting to pay their last respects.
As they stepped away they were met by Mrs Creevey who had a man standing slightly behind her.
"Harry, Ginny, this is my husband Howard and we'd like to ask a favour of you," Diane said a little unsurely.
Ginny hastily brushed the tears from her cheeks.
"All you have to do is ask," Harry replied.
Howard stepped forward. "While Colin and Dennis told us you hate putting yourself in the spotlight, would you be willing to say a few words?" the man asked with a pleading look.
Harry sighed while Ginny looked at Colin's parents, appearing extremely distraught. "I'd love too but I don't think I'd be able. Just thinking about it gets me all choked up and I doubt I'd be able to get anything out," she said sadly, her eyes tearing up once again.
"I understand, Dear. I feel exactly the same way," Diane murmured compassionately.
Mr and Mrs Creevey looked at Harry and could see his reluctance. "It's okay if you don't want to," Diane said with a wan smile.
"I'll do it," Harry replied. "It's the least I can do."
"Thank you," the Creeveys said with heartfelt gratitude.
A moment later the organ began playing and the pastor came to the front of the church. Harry and Ginny turned to head down the aisle to find seats when Mr Creevey stopped them.
"We'd appreciate it if you'd sit with the family," he said with a warm smile.
"We'd be honoured," Ginny replied, glancing at Harry who nodded in agreement.
They ended up sitting at the end of the row, right next to Dennis.
To Harry the service seemed surprisingly brief. The pastor spoke of a life cut short and how he'd be missed by his family and friends.
To Harry and Ginny it seemed well enough but all to short for the boy that they knew.
During the service, Harry noticed Dennis get very pensive and slowly a sense of determination filled his features.
As the pastor finished speaking he asked if there was anyone who wished to say a few words.
At first he looked around and it seemed no one was going to volunteer so Harry prepared to stand up.
Dennis beat him to it and with a glance at his parents he strode purposely up to where the pastor stood. The man smiled at him and stepped aside.
Harry heard Diane softly sob, "He said he couldn't do it."
Dennis stood there a moment, fighting his emotions but then he looked out at the people there to honour his brother.
"While Colin and I used to fight and tease one another, we loved each other. All I can say is he was the best big brother a guy could have," he said softly but fervently.
He looked like he wanted to say something more but then he sobbed softly. "That's all I have to say," and he went over and hugged his mother, and began to cry freely.
Harry took a moment to calm himself, trying to get his emotions back under control.
Ginny squeezed his hand and gave him an encouraging smile.
Harry squeezed her hand in return and gave her a wan smile before he rose and took Dennis' place.
He let his gaze trail over everyone there, noting the DA members and the Creevey family.
Taking a deep breath he began to speak. "I have to admit when I first met Colin I found him a bit annoying."
He heard a few gasps and a few chuckles.
"The thing is he kind of grew on me."
This elicited a lot more chuckles. He glanced at Mrs Creevey and while she had tears running down her cheeks, she was smiling at him.
"Colin was a bit . . . enthusiastic, sometimes a bit too much," Harry continued, garnering more chuckles and some outright laughs.
"Not only with his photography, which I was a frequent subject, but also in everything her did. He applied that same enthusiasm in his school work and in the special classes I taught to teach those students that wanted to know how to defend themselves and others."
"I don't think I ever saw him down, he was always happy and supportive of others around him, even helping the kids in the years below him."
Harry thought about it for a moment and then said to himself, "Screw the Secrecy."
"Colin was one of the best people I knew and a great Wizard. I'm proud to say he was my friend and I'll miss him more than I can say."
Harry then sighed and smiled at the Creeveys and with a nod of his head, he returned to Ginny's side.
She welcomed him with a hug, whispering "That was wonderful."
The pastor gave the benediction and announced that those who were staying for the internment would assemble in the graveyard behind the church in fifteen minutes.
As the crowd began to move, with some leaving, mainly Muggles, Mr and Mrs Creevey came over to Harry, both smiling at him.
"Thank you Harry, you really knew Colin well and told about how he really was," Diane murmured as she gave him a hug.
When she turned to Ginny to hug her, Howard came up and shook his hand.
"Harry, would you be one of Colin's pallbearers?" he asked hopefully.
Harry was stunned but nodded his head.
Ginny hugged him and gave him a quick kiss. "I'll meet you outside," she whispered before she went over and joined with some of the Hogwarts students, Neville, Dean and Seamus among them.
Harry saw them smile at him and nod, Neville gesturing that he'd watch Ginny for him until he could join her again.
Harry spotted Howard talking to a young man who looked near enough like Colin's father that Harry figured he was Colin's cousin.
The young man nodded at Howard and as he turned he glanced at Harry, gave him a smile and nod of his head. It took a moment but Harry figured out that he had taken the young man's place.
It took a few moments as Colin's parents spent one last time with their son, and after his mother bent over and kissed him, the funeral director, closed the casket.
The pallbearers assembled and while Harry didn't know any of them, he recognized some who had been sitting with the family. At the funeral director's direction they took their places and solemnly carried Colin to his final resting place.
Once the casket was in position, Harry rejoined Ginny by the graveside.
The ceremony there was even shorter than inside, with a few words and a couple of prayers.
By the time everything was done, Harry was feeling extremely tired and he was pretty sure that if he didn't have Ginny to help support him, he probably would have collapsed.
As the crowd began to disperse, Diane, Howard, Dennis and a little girl that Harry didn't recognize came over to him and Ginny.
Diane hugged him hard. "Thank you, for everything," she whispered into his ear as she hugged him.
Harry felt his eyes tearing up. "I just wish . . ." he started.
"I know, we all do but we can't change the past. He did what he thought was right. He always was a headstrong boy and I wouldn't have had it any different," Diane said compassionately, cutting him off.
The little girl came over and clung to Diane.
She smiled at her and looked at Harry and Ginny. "This is Stacy, Colin's and Dennis' sister," she said in introduction.
Stacy glanced up at Harry from around her mother. "Are you really Harry Potter?" she asked softly.
"Yeah, I am," Harry choked out in reply.
"Colin liked you a lot," Stacy said softly. "He said he wanted to grow up and be as good a Wizard as you were."
Harry felt like he'd been stabbed in the heart and his tears began to flow unchecked.
"He would have been even better," Harry sobbed softly.
Stacy hesitated for a moment and then suddenly let go of her mother, darted over and hugged Harry quickly, before retreating back to her mother.
Harry felt his chest tightening and suddenly found it hard to breath. He felt Ginny tighten her grasp around his waist.
"Are you all right?" Diane asked worriedly.
Ginny noticed that Harry was struggling to breath and couldn't answer. "Harry's been very ill but wouldn't miss coming," she quickly explained.
Diane gave him an indulgent look that only a mother can give. "You shouldn't have come," she scolded him lightly.
"I had to," Harry managed to get out.
Diane shook her head sadly and turned to Ginny "Will you be okay getting him home?"
Ginny looked at her worriedly, she had no idea is she could without some sort of assistance.
Just then someone came over to them. "Do you require some assistance, Miss Weasley?" Ginny heard.
She turned in shock and found Professor McGonagall standing there.
"Yes, if it isn't too much trouble," she replied.
The usually stoic professor rolled her eyes at her and took a quick look around.
"Mr Longbottom," she called out.
Neville immediately came over and glanced at the professor and then at Harry and Ginny. "How can I help?" he asked.
"We need to get Mr Potter away from here and to somewhere safe," McGonagall explained.
"We'll just leave you to it," Diane said sadly, glancing at Harry who now looked quite pale and was sweating profusely.
"I'll take Mr Potter if you'll assist Miss Weasley," McGonagall directed.
Neville nodded, looking a little unsure as he had no idea where they were going.
"Miss Weasley?" the Professor asked.
"Shell Cottage," Ginny replied, knowing she needed to trust McGonagall and Neville if she was to get Harry home quickly.
McGonagall nodded and took Ginny's place in holding Harry up.
"I'm sorry, but I don't know where that is," Neville remarked unsurely.
"Let Miss Weasley guide you but you'll have to do the Apparating," McGonagall instructed.
When Ginny looked at her uncertainty, she said, "Just concentrate on the destination and let Mr Longbottom take you there."
Ginny nodded and grabbed on to Neville.
McGonagall took a quick look around and saw that there wasn't' anyone nearby. "Now," she said firmly and she disappeared with Harry.
Neville looked hopefully at Ginny, who gave him a nod and they followed McGonagall and Harry.
Harry and Ginny
Bill and Fleur were waiting anxiously for Harry and Ginny to return. They breathed a sigh of relief when the wards signalled that two people had arrived, but they quickly became ones of concern when two more people arrived almost immediately afterwards.
They were on their feet and out the door with wands drawn in a matter of seconds.
Both ground to a halt when they saw Professor McGonagall supporting a very weak looking Harry, with Ginny rushing toward them from a confused looking Neville Longbottom.
Fleur ran to help Ginny with Harry while Bill followed a little more slowly, trying to figure out what to say to McGonagall and Neville.
Bill winced as he heard Fleur rattling off a long string of curse words in French and he was thankful that neither Harry and Ginny were fluent in her native language.
While Ginny and Fleur pretty much ignored him, Harry gave him a weak smile as they hustled him by and into Shell Cottage.
Bill turned his attention back to the Professor and Neville, wincing again at the look McGonagall was giving him.
"Um, I guess some sort of explanation is in order so if you two would join me for some tea, I'd be happy to answer any questions you might have," he offered in hopes of placating the two visitors.
"That's all right, Mr Weas . . . um, Bi . . . um, sir," Neville stammered, not knowing how to address the older man. "I really should be going."
"Okay, that's fine but could you please keep where you brought Harry a secret?" Bill asked hesitantly.
"You can count on me, I'd never endanger Harry in any way," Neville replied, eyeing Bill, looking like he was a little insulted by being asked.
"Thanks, Neville. I'm sure Harry will appreciate it and I'm sorry if I insulted you by asking. It's just that things are a little contentious at the moment and if certain people found out it could lead to a spot of trouble," Bill hurriedly apologized.
"Sorry," Neville replied, looking rather sheepish.
They shook hands and Neville Apparated away, leaving Bill standing there with Professor McGonagall.
She was eyeing him critically, obviously wanting some answers.
"Please Professor, come in," Bill said, motioning toward the Cottage.
The Professor proceeded him into the Cottage and sat down at the table when Bill motioned for her to do so. She watched him silently as he hurriedly prepared the tea and pulled out a small cake that Fleur had baked that morning.
Once everything was ready, he placed it on the table before he sat down opposite from the formidable woman.
She waited until he had served and she took a sip of her tea. She then turned her intimidating gaze on him. "What in the name of Merlin did you think you were doing in allowing Harry to attend Mr Creevey's funeral in the condition he is in?" she asked unhappily.
Bill gave her a wan smile. "You should know how stubborn he can be, better than just about anyone else," he countered sadly.
He sighed in relief when he saw McGonagall relax and sag slightly in her chair.
"I suppose you're right," she sighed despondently.
She took another sip of her tea and looked back up at Bill. "Can you tell me how he got in the state he is in?" she asked worriedly.
Bill took a long sip of his own tea in an effort to stall so he could try and put his chaotic thoughts in order.
"How much of what went on after Voldemort's defeat are you aware of?" he asked, hoping to get some information of his own.
The Professor gave him an annoyed look. "I understand that there was something of a celebration that involved quite a bit of drinking," she replied irritably.
"Well, it seems that Harry and Ginny were involved in that celebration and used that opportunity to reunite," Bill sighed.
"Yes, I can see that happening," McGonagall admitted. "Why that young man ever broke up with your sister is beyond me. It was so obvious that they were arse over kettle in love with one another," she grumbled.
Bill gave a short snort. "From what Ginny said it was in some twisted, noble gesture to try and keep her safe," he sighed sadly.
"Dear Merlin! Please tell me he didn't," McGonagall cried.
"As sad as I am to say it, I'm pretty sure that's what happened," Bill chuckled ruefully.
"Potter's" McGonagall snapped in disgust.
Bill looked at her in surprise.
When Minerva saw his look she shook her head sadly. "Harry's father, James, tried something similar right before that dreadful night. Of course Lily put him in his place and wouldn't leave with Harry. From what I heard she told him families stick together."
Bill shook his head sadly, thinking how different things might have been. He quickly banished the thought as it didn't pertain to their discussion really.
He looked back into McGonagall's eyes. "Well from what I understand is that after reuniting they decided to get, ah, acquainted in a more, ah . . . intimate manner," he stammered.
The Professor stared at him, one eyebrow arching high. "You mean they . . ."
"Yes," Bill interrupted, not wanting to hear it said out loud at what they had gotten up to.
"The thing is my mother walked in on them the next morning, ah, repeating the act," he whispered embarrassingly.
"Oh Dear," Minerva sighed. She looked Bill in the eyes. "I'm assuming that didn't go over well."
"No. It took a while after Mum came back down stairs before Harry and Ginny came down. They claimed they were talking, but anyway, they and my parents went off to have a talk and when they returned it was without Harry, and Ginny was inconsolable and very, very angry with my mother in particular," Bill explained.
"A short time later Kingsley informed my father that it was safe to return to the Burrow. We all went there and Fleur and I stayed for a while to help straighten up and had dinner. When we returned here later that night we found Harry huddled up against the door, drenched to the bone and suffering from the early stages of hypothermia," Bill continued.
Minerva was staring at him looking horrified.
"Fleur and I began treating him the best we could and we sent for Madam Pomfrey," he added sadly, his thoughts filled with the image of finding Harry.
"At first he responded well but then he developed pneumonia and she came back to treat him for that. He's been doing pretty good but he refused to stay in bed, insisting he had to be at Fred's and then Colin's funerals."
Minerva gave Bill a sympathetic look. "Yes, he can be so stubborn, can't he," she replied.
"He listens to Ginny but even she couldn't convince him not to go, that's if she even tried. I'm sure he wouldn't have listened to her on that anyway," Bill sighed.
Minerva nodded and look thoughtful for a moment. "It seems you've left something out," she stated with a piercing look.
"Oh, yeah. Because Fleur and I don't agree with my mother, the next morning Fleur went to the Burrow and was able to convince her to allow Ginny to come here, sort of a cooling off period of sorts. Ginny had no idea that Harry was here and we certainly don't want our mother to find out," Bill informed Minerva.
"I should think not," Minerva cried indignantly. She shook her head in disgust. "Your mother has a tendency to over react. She's much to emotional and doesn't think rationally," she fumed angrily, glancing at Bill to gauge his reaction.
"You'll get no argument from me," Bill replied with a small smile.
Their conversation was interrupted by Fleur yelling down the stairs. "Beel, you'd better call Madam Pomfrey!"
"Damn," Bill cursed. Then he glanced at McGonagall sheepishly.
She rolled her eyes at him, "A suitable sentiment, I assure you," she quipped.
Bill hurried to the floo and place the call to Pomfrey at Hogwarts and she flooed through moments later.
"What has he done this time?" she asked as soon as she appeared.
Bill could only shrug as he directed her upstairs and she disappeared with a huff.
Upstairs, Harry was laying in his bed fuming. He tried to inform Ginny and Fleur that he was fine, just a little tired but neither witch was listening to him.
All that had gotten him was a threat from Ginny that she was going to use a sticking charm on him to keep him in bed for as long as it took for him to get better.
When he had protested she had threatened him with a silencing charm. The only thing that kept him from exploding was the worried look in Ginny's eyes and that she seemed near tears.
He could tell Fleur wasn't happy with him either, though she seemed angry, he couldn't understand a word she was saying because she had reverted to French, though her gestures were speaking volumes.
He had just insisted again that all he needed was a good meal and some sleep and he'd be fine.
As soon as the word "fine" had passed his lips, Ginny had spun around from where she had been pacing and had levelled her wand at him, causing him to flinch and close his eyes, waiting for whatever spell, hex or curse she was going to use to hit him.
He waited and waited finally cracking open one eye and he breathed a sigh of relief when he saw Poppy gently removing Ginny's wand from her hand.
His relief was short lived when she turned her gaze on him and he thought he'd almost rather be facing the Basilisk from the Chamber again.
"Now what have you managed to do to yourself?" she asked sternly.
Harry gulped and his eyes darted around the room to each of the three witches present and didn't find any sympathy anywhere.
He sighed and slid down in the bed. "I'm just tired, really tired," he repeated when he saw Ginny's glare. "I admit I probably over did it a little but I swear, I'm just feeling tired and okay my chest does hurt a little but not much, I swear," he protested feebly.
"I'll be the judge of that," the formidable matron stated as she drew her wand.
Harry closed his eyes, silently asking every deity he could think of to please bail his arse out of the situation he found himself in.
He found himself waiting just like he had when Ginny had her wand trained on him and he finally cracked and opened one eye.
Poppy had turned and was having a quiet conversation with Ginny and Fleur and he wished more than anything that he could hear what they was saying.
I wasn't till he saw Ginny relax that he began to breath again, or at least that's what it seemed like.
He saw Fleur nod and head out the door, glancing back at him with a long suffering look. He gave her a small smile but she just glared at him and continued going.
He turned his attention back to Ginny and Poppy and he saw Ginny slowly nodding her head, her expression unreadable.
He felt himself getting a little irritated at not knowing what was going on. After all, he was the damn patient, you'd have thought someone would at least tell him what the matter was.
He briefly thought of getting out of bed, no matter how knackered he was but as soon as he shifted his body, Ginny and Poppy turned and stared at him.
He quickly realized that getting out of bed would probably be a bad idea.
He sighed and flopped his head back in frustration and he just wished someone would talk to him.
For once his wish was granted as Poppy and Ginny came over to his bed.
He waited a little impatiently for one of them to speak and was finally rewarded when Poppy sighed and shook her head.
"For once you are mostly correct," she stated, sounding a bit reluctant. "Your biggest issue at the moment is that you have run yourself into the ground."
She frowned when Harry smiled at hearing her.
"However, you've also irritated your lungs rather badly and are risking the return of your pneumonia," she continued sternly. "You must take better care of yourself if you wish to get better."
"Does that mean I can't go to Remus' and Tonks' funeral?" he asked hesitantly, sounding totally heartbroken.
Poppy closed her eyes and sighed deeply. "Not necessarily," she replied sadly.
When she saw him look at her hopefully, she sat down in the chair next to his bed. "But I need to caution you, Harry. You can't continue to stress and push yourself like this. It could kill you," she stressed forcefully.
Harry nodded his head sadly, trying to reconcile what she had said and what he felt he needed to do. Yes he was coming to accept that they didn't die for him, but they died just the same and he felt that the leadership of the Light had fallen to him when Dumbledore died and he felt that he needed to be there to show his respect for the sacrifice each and every one of them had made.
"Harry?" Ginny asked softly.
Harry looked up into her eyes, his full of pain. "They deserve to have me there, paying my respects to them. They all looked to me to lead them. They trusted me with their lives and it's up to me to show them that they didn't die in vain," he cried softly.
Ginny glanced over at Poppy, her eyes reflecting the pain she felt. She knew Harry meant every word and as much as she hated it, she knew what he had said was true.
Poppy nodded in understanding. She sighed as she thought about what to do.
"How about this. What if I check you out after Remus' and Tonks' funeral. If I remember correctly, Miss Brown's funeral is later that afternoon. If I deem you are well enough, I will accompany you and Ginny to her funeral to make sure that you'll be all right," she explained softly.
When Harry smiled, she continued. "However if I find that you are too tired or stressed, you need to agree to abide by my decision and return here, no complaints," she dictated.
Harry closed his eyes, hating to admit it that she was right. He slowly nodded his head however reluctantly.
Ginny sighed in relief, knowing that Harry had given his word and wouldn't dare break that promise.
"Thank you, Harry," she whispered.
Harry nodded his head and gave her a wan smile, realizing that was as good as he could hope for. Ginny meant to much to him for him to risk his life after he had pledged it to her.
Bill and Fleur returned a few moments later, bearing trays with Harry's and Ginny's dinner.
They sat and chatted with Poppy while they ate and once they were done eating, the matron gave Harry his potions including a Dreamless Sleeping one that he took without complaint.
As soon as he was asleep, they left and Ginny changed and laid down with Harry, hoping he felt well enough to get through the funerals the next day.
With that thought, she fell asleep, feeling better about the coming day.
Harry and Ginny
A/N: Harry keeps pushing himself and those around him continue to worry.
Hopefully he'll continue to improve and get through what he feels he needs to do.
Your reviews are greatly appreciated.