Chapter 19

A few days later came the new year, which was something — Ron felt — every single person in the wizarding world was looking forward to. The year 1998 had been horrid, but with the strike of the clock signalling the start of a new one, many people felt as if they were inhaling a breath of much needed fresh air.

The loss of loved ones, the tragedy of what had happened, was still raw for many, but with every passing day, things became more normal again, and the new year helped with that.

Since Christmas, Ron had found his relationship with Hermione easier than it had ever been. Looking back, he felt that maybe the argument they had, had turned out to be a good thing. Not because he liked fighting with her — he'd never really liked that — but because it had made them appreciate each other just a little bit more.

Hermione had been trying her best not to obsess over her school work as much, or at least, not when Ron was around. During his second visit to Hogsmeade on Valentine's Day, Ginny had mentioned that they were up to their necks in work, but Hermione had not complained once. In fact, they had spent a really nice day together.

Ron had also tried to be more appreciative of her work ethic and more tolerant of her just needing to get things done before she could relax. Which wasn't too hard, considering most of their days were spent apart still.

Auror training had taken on a whole new intensity after the holidays, and Ron, Harry and Neville were being pushed to their utmost limits each day. By the time five o'clock came around, they were absolutely wrecked and would fall asleep before seven on most evenings.

Ron had no regrets, though. Despite the hard, long days, he felt he was becoming a better wizard for it.

In the beginning months, he'd spent almost every weekend at the joke shop, assisting George in getting it up and running again. Every time he showed up, George's mood seemed to lighten just a little bit more, and in March, when he had finally opened up for business, Ron hadn't seen him happier than when he was greeting all of his customers.

He now had three other staff manning the front, leaving him with plenty of time to continue producing products. He'd enlisted the help of Lee Jordan, though Lee was only doing it on a basis of friendship. He had his own job with the Daily Prophet. It wasn't the perfect situation, but it was something, and Ron felt pleased to see a smile on his brother's face again.

The months ticked by in a whirl, and before they knew it, the end of April had snuck up on them (with no sign of Bill and Fleur's baby, much to Molly's annoyance), and they were just days away from the start of May.

Ron had not had much time to think about what this meant until a week prior. Kingsley, who despite being Minister now, popped in on Auror training at least three times a week, had announced that there'd be a memorial service at the school on the second. Anyone — current student or ex student — was invited, and he'd cornered Harry on a Friday afternoon — a week before the service.

"Would you be willing to give a short speech on the day?" Kingsley had asked. "Doesn't have to be anything spectacular. Just… something. They'll appreciate hearing from you, I think."

Harry, at first, had not agreed. No one wanted to be reminded of what had happened, of the high number of deaths, not to mention the immense burden of guilt Harry still felt over everything that had happened. A service was going to be hard enough, let alone being forced to relive it through words. But after some more gentle persuasion from the Minister for Magic, Harry seemed to think he had no choice.

"You're braver than I am, mate," Ron had said when they left the Ministry that evening, Harry looking rather glum. "Not sure I could do it."

"Yeah," Harry had said, "not sure I can either. What do I even say?"

A week later and Harry was still asking that same question.

"It's just a lot to think about," Harry sighed on the evening before the service. He sat with Ron in the kitchen of Grimmauld Place, trying to find the words he needed. "I mean, I thought I was alright — training has definitely kept me preoccupied — but now that I actually have to think about it… it's a lot to take in."

"Yeah," Ron said thoughtfully, his mind flashing to Fred, and Remus, and Tonks. "It's going to be tough. I can't believe it's been a year already."

"It's been a wave of emotions, that's for sure," Harry agreed. "This past year…"

"But it's had it's good moments," Ron added. "I try to think about them, mostly."

"Yeah, it has." Harry stared down at the blank parchment in front of him. "I suppose I could start with that. Some good things that have happened despite everything else? I mean, a year without Voldemort — for real — is something people have wanted for a long time, and we've finally achieved that."

"Yeah, but there's still Death Eaters and other Dark wizards roaming about, isn't there?" Ron said. "That's why they still want Aurors."

"With no one to lead them," Harry said. He paused. "I could always begin with how great it is to see Hogwarts returned to its full strength. To see people back there, like it once was…" He scribbled a few words on the parchment, gave a loud grunt of frustration, and tossed the quill aside.

"You could always just make it up as you go?" Ron suggested. "I mean, that's probably what I'd do."

"Do you want to speak then?" Harry asked, sounding irritated. "If you think you can do it —"

"Merlin, no!" Ron exclaimed. "I'm no good with speaking in front of people. Not in a situation like that. I'll get all tongue-tied, stumble on my words..."

Harry groaned, smacking his forehead against the table. "Could use some Felix Felicis right now. Just a few drops…"

"Where could you get some from?" Ron asked, thinking that might not be a bad idea. If they both took some, they could probably come up with a ten page speech within the hour.

"Dunno," Harry said. "Do they sell it at the apothecary in Diagon Alley?"

"I doubt it," Ron said. "I mean, if they just sold it to anyone… but, you're not really anyone, are you?"

Harry looked up, smiling. "Ha! I suppose I could go in and ask and they might give me some… but no. I'll think of something. I'm sure. If Hermione were here…"

"It'd be like the good old days," Ron said, grinning. "Us leaving something to the last minute, then her being unable to resist the urge to help us… if only she were here…"

"Well, we'll see her tomorrow," Harry said, rolling up the parchment. "I think maybe we'll have dinner and I'll have another crack at it afterwards. What do you fancy tonight?"

"Mum's cooking, maybe?" Ron said.

"Have you asked?"

"No, but you know what she's like," Ron said, shrugging. "She always overcooks. Come on, or she'll kick us out."

"I thought the idea of us living on our own was learning how to fend for ourselves?" Harry said, getting to his feet with Ron.

"Yeah, well, we do most nights," Ron said.

"Yeah, by buying something," Harry teased.

"With our own money!"

Harry laughed. "That's fair. Alright, let's go."

But when they got to the Burrow, they found it unusually quiet. It was around the time Ron's parents usually had dinner, but there was no one in the kitchen, nor, did it seem, anyone was in the house at all.

"Huh," Ron said, moving to the stairs. "Seems to be no one here. Hello?"

There was a shuffle as one of the bedroom doors opened. A moment later, Arthur appeared at the bottom of the stairs.

"Oh, hello, you two!" he said brightly. "Come for dinner? Well, unfortunately, you're out of luck."

"Where's Mum?" Ron asked, following his dad back into the kitchen.

"At Bill and Fleur's," Arthur said.

"Oh, right. Why?"

"Fleur's having her baby," Arthur said, grinning. "Bill came by not even an hour ago to tell us. We don't think it'll be for a while, though, so I'm not sure when your mother will return."

"Oh, wow," Harry said. "I was wondering when that would happen."

"Yes," Arthur said, still smiling. "The wait has been rather agonising, but it seems the little one has chosen a very busy time to make her arrival…" He stared thoughtfully at the pots and pans in the sink. "I hear you're speaking tomorrow, Harry? At the service?"

"Er, yeah," Harry said, going pink. "I said I would, at least. Finding the right words to say is becoming far more difficult than I thought."

"I'm sure they'll come to you, Harry," Arthur said, patting him on the shoulder. "I couldn't think of anyone more deserving to speak at such an important and memorable event. A year…"

There was silence. Then Arthur shook his head, and added, "Wouldn't it be a miracle if this baby made her arrival tomorrow… one year after Fred… well, one year after everything, really?"

"I suppose we'd have something to celebrate then, wouldn't we?" Ron said, though he wasn't sure he'd appreciate one of his children being born on such a day. The feelings he'd feel would be extremely conflicting — unsure on whether to feel happy or sad, whether he should be celebrating or grieving. "I hope the baby's born before midnight, actually," he added.

Arthur smiled. "Yes, it is rather confusing," he said. "Anyway, boys, seeing as your purpose for coming hasn't been successful, is there anything I can send you back with? Ingredients? I could whip something up, perhaps…"

Ron looked to Harry, who seemed lost in thought. His face was screwed up in concentration, as if he couldn't quite get an idea through his head.

"You alright, mate?"

Harry nodded. "Yeah, I've just had an idea about what I might say," he said. He looked to Arthur. "Thanks, Mr Weasley. We'll probably head back, though. Get this speech done…"

Ron, feeling mildly disappointed, nodded. His stomach gave a loud rumble, causing his dad and Harry to laugh.

"On second thoughts," Harry said, "maybe just a quick bite to eat. Then we'll get started."

…

The mood at Hogwarts castle on the second of May was not all that different to what it had been like at the funerals almost a year ago. There was a sullen mood around the grounds, people dressed in their finest robes for the occasion, huddled in small groups and whispering amongst themselves.

The service would take place on the Quidditch pitch at eleven o'clock, and despite being half an hour early, the stadium was already half full. It was mostly filled with faces Ron didn't even recognise, but scattered throughout was the odd familiar one. Slightly to his left was Luna, Cho Chang and some other Ravenclaws he vaguely recalled from his Hogwarts days.

To his right, and up a few tiers, was Lee Jordan, Angelina, Katie, and Alicia. He gave them a small wave, to which they returned without smiles.

But the faces that cheered Ron the most — despite Hermione's, whom he was sitting beside — were those of Seamus and Dean. It had been a whole year with hardly even laying eyes on them, and it had never occurred to Ron just how much he missed them.

Both of them had taken a year off doing anything — a much needed break after fighting a war, as Seamus had put it. But now, as the first year drew to an end, both had plans to begin their new careers.

"I'm going to get into Healing, I think," Seamus said.

"Healing?" Ron asked, unable to hide his surprise. "Didn't take you much for a Healer, mate."

At this, Seamus looked rather embarrassed. "Well… I didn't think so either, but over the past year, I've really worked with Lavender and her recovery from the werewolf attack. It's sparked an interest, seeing what Healers can do to help her…"

"How is she doing?" Hermione asked softly. "I've heard she's —"

"She's alright," Seamus said with a shrug. "Refused to come to this. Didn't want to be seen in public, but she's alright. Speaks in sign language now. I've become quite good at it, actually. Understanding it, I mean."

"Sign language?" Hermione said. "So it's true? I wasn't sure if they were just rumours or not…"

"Yeah, she had her throat ripped apart by Greyback," Seamus said plainly, and Ron felt rather sick at the imagery. He remembered the last time he'd seen Lavender, Greyback over her, her looking close to death. He'd been surprised to hear she'd survived at all, if he was being honest.

"Pretty bad… can't speak…" Seamus shrugged again, as if it was no issue. "Doesn't change anything about her, though. She's been really good about it all, though I think the thought of facing so many of her old friends… she only lets me and Parvati see her."

"Why you?" Ron asked, unable to help himself. "Are you and her —"

"Dean," Hermione said quickly, "What about you?"

Dean jumped, apparently startled to hear his name. "Oh. I, um, am starting Auror training."

"What?" Ron asked. "You serious?"

Dean nodded. "Yeah. The Minister, he's still kept the requirements relaxed for this year, so I thought why not? I qualify on the grounds of having fought in the war — even though I spent some of it on the run — and I applied and was accepted."

"That's great!" Ron said. "You'll just be a year behind training from me and Harry and Neville. We'll all be working together in no time."

Dean grinned. "Yeah, that's what I thought. Will be great seeing you all every day. Any tips for training?"

"Yeah, be prepared not to sleep much," Ron said. "Oh, and you passed your Apparition test, right?"

Dean nodded.

"Then you're all good, mate," Ron said. "Will see you around. Let me know if you need anything."

"Thanks," Dean said. "I'll probably need a lot of advice as it progresses."

They were interrupted by Kingsley as he announced they'd be beginning the service in a few moments. Once seated and out of earshot of the pair, Ron whispered to Hermione, "Is Seamus —"

"Yes," Hermione said. She looked at him, appearing slightly irritated. "Does that bother you, does it?"

"No," Ron said. "I'm just surprised, that's all. They don't seem the type… poor bloke."

Hermione raised an eyebrow, but said nothing more. In fact, she looked rather annoyed that he was asking at all. It wasn't until a moment later did he realise that maybe she thought he was jealous of the fact that Seamus was dating Lavender, but he had no time to rectify that misunderstanding as Kingsley had just asked for silence.

What had been a semi-pleasant atmosphere prior to the service, immediately turned into a very sullen one. Everyone sat in their seats with their heads bowed, listening to the voices of those who had been asked to speak, along with Harry.

There were students, Ministry workers, Kingsley himself, their words amplifying through the quiet stadium, the only other sound being the quiet sobs from the people around.

Knowing what Hermione was like, Ron cast occasional looks towards her to see if she was okay. She did well, keeping it together until Kingsley stepped up onto the podium on the pitch. He only got a few words in before tears started to fall from her eyes.

Ron reached out his hand, palm up, and she gratefully accepted, locking their fingers together. Her head rested against his shoulder and he patted her comfortingly while she silently sobbed against him.

When Kingsley finished, everyone was left in complete silence. Eyes downcast, staring blankly at hands, buried in the shoulders of loved ones — as Hermione was — but that didn't stop them all from looking up when the final speaker stepped up.

Despite it being a year, despite Harry having made several appearances at Hogwarts since then, there was still an air of awe amongst the people as they stared in fascination at him. Even Hermione lifted her head, wiping her eyes.

Ron gripped her hand tightly, and she squeezed back. He felt nervous for Harry, knowing how difficult it had been to come up with something to say. They had been up until two o'clock finalising it, and Ron just hoped Harry could get through it.

Harry looked around at everyone, appearing terrified. All eyes were on him, expectantly waiting for him to say something. Ron saw him swallow as he brought his wand to his throat. He gave a loud sigh.

"I am here merely to repeat what everyone else has said," he began. "To remember. On this day, one year ago, many innocent lives were lost. Many families destroyed, my own included."

Ron knew it was the wrong moment, but he couldn't help but smile. My own included. Harry considered Ron's family his family.

"This isn't what we wrote last night," Ron whispered to Hermione.

She shook her head, telling him to be quiet.

"But we remember every single one of them for the bravery they displayed, and how valiantly they all fought," Harry continued. "And no matter how many years pass, how many times we gather here to remember the fallen, their memories will forever live within us. So, I present to you —" he flicked his wand to a large covered object. The cover fell away, and many gasps filled the stadium, Ron included.

Harry had just revealed the memorial that had been announced shortly after the war, but it was better than Ron could have ever imagined.

A large, stone structure reflected not only the names of every single person who had died, but smiling, flashing pictures of them as well. Even from where he sat, Ron could see Fred's picture. He turned to Hermione, lost for words. She smiled weakly at him.

"It was my idea," she whispered. "If you tap your wand on each picture, it will reveal information on each of them. Ginny, Luna and I have been doing it all year, sending off owls to families, researching… I wanted it to be a surprise for you… for your family…"

Ron gazed at her, unable to speak. She turned red.

"It was… well, it was what I was working on last Christmas… why I wanted to stay..." She turned to look back at the memorial. "I thought it would be better than a book, more interesting, more engaging for students to learn from. They could just walk up to it, tap on it, and then read and learn…"

"You. Are. Incredible," Ron said, realising only now that a loud murmur had overcome the silence that had been there a moment ago. Kingsley had started demonstrating how the memorial worked to many awed gasps.

Hermione flushed. "It was just —"

"Amazing," Ron said. "Amazing. You…"

"Fred's memory will always be there now. He'll live on. Here, and at the Ministry. Everyone will know what he did… as well as Harry's parents, Remus, Tonks, Sirius… anyone who ever fought."

"I love you," was all Ron could manage to say, and she smiled, looking rather embarrassed.

"Come on," Hermione said, tugging his hand. "Kingsley promised us a first look close up, before anyone else."

Ron followed her past a stunned audience, and onto the pitch. Ginny was already there, tears in her eyes, along with a handful of other people.

Seeing his sister, and knowing what she must have been feeling, he let go of Hermione's hand and pulled Ginny into a tight hug. She hugged him back, shaking against him.

"You should have said something," he said, pulling away from her after a moment.

"It was going to be a surprise," Ginny replied softly, wiping away her tears. "But because Mum and Dad and Bill couldn't make it, Charlie and Percy had to work, George… well, George couldn't come…" She turned her head to the monument just as Harry came over to them. "It's so much better than I imagined it. So much magic went into it, too. All Hermione, of course. She'll get an Outstanding in her NEWT in Charms."

"You and Luna and McGonagall and Flitwick all helped equally," Hermione said.

Ron looked to Harry, who was gazing up at the structure in awe. His eyes were fixed firmly on the pictures of his parents.

"You kept this a secret," Ron said.

Harry shook his head, his eyes still on his parents. "I had no idea until just before the service," Harry said. "Kingsley told me…"

"Go on," Ginny whispered, nudging Harry forward. "You go first."

"Me?" Harry asked, looking uncertain.

"No one more deserving," Ron said.

Looking bewildered, and a little apprehensive, Harry stepped forward to the monument, where the smiling faces of all those who'd died flashed at them. Drawing his wand, Harry tapped it against his mother's name and immediately everyone else disappeared to reveal a whole section on just Lily.

Harry gasped, stepping back. His eyes scanned the paragraphs written about her life, her involvement in the first war, her death… more pictures appeared, revealing her life at school, her life with James and Harry, in the Order…

"Ginny," Harry said, turning to her. "Thank you."

It was Ginny's turn to blush — a very rare occurrence. But Ron couldn't blame her; Harry was staring at her with such deep intensity that even Ron had to look away.

"It was all Hermione, really…" she mumbled.

"Stop being modest!" Hermione said, sounding frustrated.

Harry tapped his wand again, the monument going back to all the names. He tapped his father and the same thing happened.

More people were beginning to file down onto the pitch in curious whispers, desperate to have a closer look at this new kind of magic.

"How did this idea come to you anyway?" Ron asked Hermione as they watched Harry now flick through Sirius and Tonks and Remus' information.

"Well, Muggle technology, really," Hermione said. "In computer games, and things like that, you have selection screens… options… it's a bit like that."

"Oh… cool," Ron said.

Once done, Harry stepped aside and turned to Ron and Ginny. "Go on," he said to them. "Your turn."

Ron looked to his sister and saw the same apprehension on her face that he felt. What would they see once they tapped on Fred?

"Come on," Ginny said in a hushed tone. "Come and see it. For our family."

Ron nodded, swallowing a hard lump in his throat. They stepped forward together, and it was Ginny who drew her wand and tapped Fred's name on the monument. Like it had done with all the others, information about Fred immediately popped up, flashing pictures of him as a child, as a teen, and then of him as a young adult. There was a lot of information about him, probably helped by Ginny who could share a lot more than most.

They stood reading it together, Harry and Hermione a little way behind them. Then, once finished, Ginny sniffed.

"Oh, I wish Mum and Dad were here to see this."

"They'll see it," Ron said, throwing an arm across her shoulder. "One day. If not this one, the Ministry one, right?"

Ginny nodded, wiping away a few stray tears.

"Come on," Ron said, turning around and stepping away as other eager people moved in around them, keen to get a closer look. "Let's go back up to the castle. I think I've had enough for today."

Ron and Ginny, along with Harry and Hermione, began to slowly walk back up. Others were also trickling up, with others walking towards Hogsmeade so as to Apparate. It had only been a little over an hour since the service had started, but it had been emotionally and mentally draining, being forced to relive such an awful event. Ron felt as if he could sleep a whole day away after it.

"Do you think they'll do it every year?" Hermione asked once they reached the Entrance Hall.

"They should," Ron said. "Always need to remember that kind of thing, don't we?"

The others nodded.

"It'll hopefully get easier as the years go on," Harry said. "Easier to handle."

"This day will always be remembered," Hermione said.

"Ah, Ginny, Ron…"

Everyone turned to find McGonagall hurrying into the hall behind some students. Despite what had just taken place, she had a smile on her face. "I have just had word from your father."

Ginny gasped. "Did Fleur —?"

"Congratulations," McGonagall said. "You have a niece. Victoire Weasley, so I am told. Born at eleven-thirteen this morning."

"Victoire…" Ginny said, saying the name a few times. She smiled. "I like it."

"Yeah…" Ron said, turning to Hermione who beamed up at him.

"Congratulations," she said, taking a step closer to him and kissing his cheek. "You're now Uncle Ron."

"Er… thanks." The name sounded weird to Ron, like it didn't quite fit him. Though, he supposed he'd get used to it. With six other siblings, he supposed this baby — Victoire — wouldn't be the last.

"Come on," Ginny said after a moment. "Let's get something to eat. Maybe Mum and Dad might come and join us soon. Give us some details about baby Victoire." She wandered off towards the Great Hall, Harry following her.

"You okay?" Hermione asked, looking up at Ron.

"Yeah," Ron said. "Yeah, I'm okay." He smiled at her, then kissed her. "Just a lot to take, isn't it? And now with the baby — Victoire — being born today…"

"You'll have a reason to remember, to grieve, and now to celebrate," Hermione said softly. She smiled. "Come on, let's find a place to sit before everyone else comes in. Just in case your parents do show up."

Ron nodded, and as the crowd entering the castle thickened, they made their way towards the Great Hall, joining Harry and Ginny at the end of one of the long tables and helping themselves to the feast that had been prepared for everyone attending the service.

I hope you all enjoyed this chapter! It has been a rough few weeks for my RL but after Sunday I expect things to settle.