Fresh familiar air hit Harry's nostrils as he materialized on the high street leading to Hogwarts that sunny morning.

Ginny clutched his arm as they found their footing, and bright sun filtered through the trees, illuminating Ginny's hair in a beautiful way.

Harry turned, and one by one the rest of the Weasleys and Hermione appeared by their side with a 'pop'.

Mourners dressed in dark sober colors already had begun making their way down from Hogsmeade. Several of them made the journey alone, while others walked together in groups.

As Harry expected a few people noticed and stopped to clasp his hand, or wish him good fortune as they walked.

Others stopped, offering condolences.

Harry wasn't sure how everyone else felt at that moment, but by the time the large wrought iron gates that he knew so well came into focus. He was exhausted. Not from the walk, that was one he'd completed many times, it was just from the sheer number of interactions.

Harry's heart stopped a little bit when he saw that all of the reporters that had once congregated outside the boundaries of the Burrow, were there waiting for them.

He stopped in his tracks immediately, not wishing to go forward. He gasped and turned around.

"Harry?" He heard Hermione ask.

"G-go on without me I'll be there in a second." He admitted.

He needed more time to steady himself. The amount of reporters unnerved him.

After several long seconds he felt a familiar hand touch his. He knew it was Ginny before he turned around.

"We left too many people behind today." She said. He turned round.

Ginny, Ron, and Hermione were all waiting for him.

Ron was giving him one of his 'c'mon, just grin and bear it' looks.

"We'll always walk with you." Hermione promised.

Ginny took his hand, and Ron clasped him around the shoulders, Hermione on his other side, they walked together, to the gates, intertwined.

The reporters immediately noticed them, shouting out, taking photos.

"No. No comments." Harry said roughly as they attempted to pass through the throng of reporters.

"Get off!" Ron bellowed at one who tried to pull Hermione off to the side for a photo.

Harry felt like his throat could close up from anxiety in that moment. Once they were free from the reporters at the gates they walked down towards the lake where the funeral services would occur.

Harry held Ginny's held the whole way.

When they turned a corner, Hermione gasped.

Harry knew why instantly to. There, next to the lake, lay 50 caskets in a long row.

Harry panicked in that moment.

"Um, I need a second." He murmured before releasing Ginny's hand quickly.

He darted off as fast as possible towards the trees off to the right.

He sat down on a large boulder over looking the lake, mere meters from where everyone congregated.

Harry put his head in his hands and cried silently.

"Please, help me." He pleaded, remembering Albus Dumbledore, hadn't he once told him that help would always be given at Hogwarts to those that asked for it.

But, nothing happened.

Harry steadied himself knowing he needed to go back and join the others soon.

He made to stand but a swooping noise behind him caught his attention.

He turned on the spot, and saw a magnificent Phoenix perched on the tree stump behind him.

He gasped a little, thinking it was Fawkes, but at second glance it clearly wasn't.

This bird had far more red plumage and was a bit smaller than the mighty Fawkes had been.

The Phoenix blinked a few times looking at him, before it flew beside him, landing on the rock he'd just occupied.

"Hey." He greeted the creature.

The large bird turned its head to the side and kindly pecked at Harry's hand.

Harry smiled for one of the first times today.

Perhaps the bird had come to help him.

The bird jumped up, flying around him a few times happily, before it flew over the water of the lake. Flying in circles around.

In that moment Harry wondered if perhaps he too was similar to the Phoenix. Perhaps this was what it was like to rise from the ashes anew, small and weak, and vulnerable.

Soon, Harry joined the others back over near the seemingly endless line of caskets. Some big, some small.

Ginny, Ron and Hermione were standing near Fred's casket with Arthur and the rest of the family. Minus Molly and George.

Harry joined them. He felt a single tear run down his face when he saw Fred's lifeless body. He was certain he'd vomit in that moment, and was happy he'd skipped breakfast in that morning.

There was a long line of mourners gathering to visit each family in turn.

He shuddered when he saw Remus and Tonks not far away.

it was now or never.

"I'm going to pay my respects." Harry explained, walking all the way to the very end of the line of mourners, waiting his turn. He was determined to see each of the fallen and pay his respects to their families. they had died, so the rest of them could live.

He waited in line with Hermione, whose company he was grateful for.

"Oh." Hermione said, turning around towards the castle.

Harry turned and saw Neville walking supported by Luna and Parvati.

He winced in agony with each step.

He was shuddering in pain. Harry actually hadn't expected to see Neville. He'd heard he had a broken leg that was proving difficult to mend.

"You should go sit, Neville." Luna was telling them as they slowly approached them.

"Neville?" Hermione questioned.

"You should be resting." She scolded.

Neville shook his head, locking eyes with her and Harry.

" these people fought with us. They were loyal to us. I want to see each one and say thank you, before I can't anymore." Neville told them shaking.

Harry nodded, and gripped Neville's shoulder. He nodded.

"If you need to sit, let us know." Parvati told him.

He nodded and they continued in the line..

Soon, they made it to the casket on the very end of the line.

It was a girl Harry didn't know well, she'd been a 6th year Ravenclaw girl. Her last name started with a Z, he knew that.

Her parents were standing alone next to her.

Harry and Hermione clasped hands with her parents and offered their condolences. Harry realized while they were standing there, the girl had been their only child. He felt like someone had stabbed him right in the chest.

And, moved on to the next casket, and then the next.

The one after that was Fred's.

Fred looked frail and nothing like he had in life. His face was grayer and more sunken in than Harry had ever seen it. He was a sight he was sure he wouldn't forget it till his dying day.

He hugged Mr Weasley and the rest of the family in turn.

He turned back to Fred one last time. He noticed like with others, people had left things in the casket. There were notes, and all manner of trinkets people had chosen to send with Fred to the afterlife.

Harry wished he had something to leave him in that moment. Hermione must have known. She waved her wand and two roses appeared. She handed one to Harry. He set it next to Fred.

He eventually walked on with Ginny, Hermione, and Ron.

Harry thought he was going to get sick when he saw Remus and Tonks.

Seeing them that way was horrible.

He walked right up to Remus' casket, he was happy to see people had left him things as well. There were notes, and a little figurine of a grindylow in a tank, and even a few books. There was also a photo of Remus holding his son. The people that had left them clearly had known him well.

A small noise behind him caught his attention. He turned and saw a tall gray haired man sitting behind him in one of the endless rows of chairs.

He was holding Teddy. This must have been Remus' father.

"Hi, a-are you Remus' father?" He asked.

The old and tired man nodded.

"I'm Lyall." He nodded,

Harry went to sit down next to him.

"I needed to sit down. Was getting a bit winded." Lyall admitted.

"Your Harry Potter, I presume?"

Harry nodded.

"Well, thank you. For ending this thing." Lyall admitted.

"I had a lot of help. Your son included." Harry explained, humbly.

Lyall was so appreciative of that compliment.

"I knew he'd touched people's lives but, I guess I didn't realize just how much until now." Lyall admitted sadly.

Harry smiled sadly. "The photo of him and Teddy?" He questioned.

"I put that in there. I made a few copies of it." Lyall explained.

Harry was glad there was more than one.

For the next twenty minutes they sat together and spoke. He had enjoyed speaking with him, he hoped they could do it again soon.

Eventually, Neville and Luna had caught up with him and he knew it was time to move on.

Neville cried when he saw Remus, and Luna patted him on the arm. And eventually, Harry moved on with both of them.

Harry clasped hands with Andromeda and reminded her he could help with Teddy at anytime.

After another hour, they made their way to the final caskets in line.

They belonged to Colin Creevy and Lavender Brown.

Colin looked miniature in his casket, it was soul crushing.

He sadly realized that he'd never given Colin the autograph he'd always been so keen to get.

There were small note cards and a quill that had been left out next to him, Harry grabbed one and he wrote a short note. It read, "Colin, I'm very sorry I never gave you that autograph, now. - Harry Potter."

Colin had his camera and all manner of notes in his casket. Harry noticed as he tucked his signed note in.

Dennis thanked him and to Harry's surprise hugged him briefly.

Once they moved on to Lavender it was plainly obvious that she'd been dressed particularly to cover up her neck, where the wounds that took her life, were hidden behind a large pink bow, and a dress that went all the way up to her jawline. it was pink and sleeveless and had a bow that wrapped around the neck.

She too had all manner of items with her.

Harry gave his sincerest condolences to Lavanders family before parting from Neville and Luna.

He saw Hermione, Ron and Jenny in the distance. He swiftly made his way over to them, dodging several eager individuals on his way that looked very interested in speaking with him.

I looked terribly sad when he approached them. He wondered if he looked the same.

For a few minutes they all stood there, overlooking the black lake loomed below them, shiny and sparkling in the sunshine. It was a tragically and devastatingly beautiful day for a funeral.

Eventually, Hermione mentioned that they probably should go and get ready for the procession that was to take place leading to the fallen's final resting place in lower Hogsmeade's cemetery.

"You go on without me, I'll be there in a second." Harry told the three of them.

Ginny looked at him hesitantly, but retreated with Ron and Hermione to their seats, over near Fred.

Harry looked out over the lake once more taking a clearing breath as he did. In the far distance he could just make out the Phoenix from earlier.

A small cough behind him caused him to jump.

"Oh, I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to scare you." The curly haired woman explained.

Harry recognized her as one of the reporters that had accosted him earlier, and she'd also been one of the people camping outside the Burrow.

Harry sighed.

"Look, I'm sorry but I'm in no rush to give any statements or interviews. Especially, not today." He told the woman miserably.

Her face turned pink slightly.

"Oh. Sir, I'm not a journalist, or a writer. I work with Kingsley." The little middle aged witch explained.

Now, Harry was really confused.

"Uh, oh. I'm sorry. I didn't realize. Ah, what is your name, I didn't catch it?" Harry questioned.

"Marjorie Philips." She smiled, reaching out her hand to shake his.

Harry took her ha in kind. Returning the gesture.

He still was confused about why she was here though or what she wanted.

"I sent you a letter, I was hoping you would've responded?" Marjorie asked him, not unkindly.

Things were becoming a bit clearer.

" I'm sorry I've received more letters in the past four days than I have in my entire life." Harry explained, plainly.

And it was true he had. He now felt badly for not trying harder to get through them all.

"Well, no worries." the woman replied.

"Like I said, I work for Kingsley. I work for the ministry in our public relations department."

This was a surprise to Harry. He wasn't even aware that the ministry had a public relations department, or why they would have an interest in him.

"Kingsley wanted me to over my services to you during this time. I help with personnel management, and give assistance as needed to the minister and selected members of his support staff." Marjorie explained.

"Oh? I'm not a member of Kingsley's staff though? I've not accepted to position with the Wizagomot yet?" Harry questioned.

"Oh we know. But, as you are Harry Potter, the minister feels that your presence could truly be integral during this time of reconstruction."

Suddenly cog wheels started spinning, and Harry's mind. Hadn't this been what Scrimgour had wanted?

"So, you want me to make the ministry look good?" Harry asked.

Marjorie looked slightly panicked at the statement and worried she was losing him.

"Oh no, I wouldn't put it like that at all. Think of it more so that we want to make you look good and want to support your ministry through hard work and dedication."

"But, I'm sure you understand, that all those who are interconnected with our ministry and support staff affect the ministries image as a whole. As you recently saved the Wizarding World as we know it, we assumed you wanted a say in how we reconstructed?" Marjorie asked.

"I do want to help! I do want a say." Harry tried to reassure her.

"Then, we'd also like to help you as well. That's where I come it." She explained.

"How exactly could you help me?" Harry asked hesitantly. Not sure what she could possibly do.

"Well, for starters I could have a team go through all your incoming mail and sort it into fan mail and urgent mail so that way it's easier to prioritize the most important letters."

Harry turned a little pink near his ears.

"I also was the one who picked out all the outfits for you and the Weasleys too. I work for the Under Secretary too. Im also his personal assistant." She explained.

Harry realized she meant Percy, by this.

"Maybe, I don't know. I need a little time to decide I think."

She looked a little disappointed but agreed. And Harry promised to reach out to her soon.

He soon retreated back to sit next to Ginny. They waited together for the procession to begin.

Harry noticed as she fidgeted with the black onyx necklace she had on.

He remembered what Majorie had said.

"Is that yours, or did that come with the outfit?" Harry asked.

"Oh no, it's not mine, it just came with the outfit. I'd love for it to be mine though. It's beautiful." She explained.

Harry examined it carefully, it had an oval black crystal in the center and a few tiny triangle shaped diamonds that encircled it.

An idea sprung in Harry's head but he was distracted by Mr Weasley. He had just stood up in front of the suddenly. He was looking at something or someone behind them.

Harry and Ginny turned to see George and Molly dressed in their funeral outfits, were walking down the grassy lawn towards them.

The whole family was shocked into silence at this.

George only had eyes for Fred, and collapsed into sobs when he reached his casket.

Molly and George had a very tearful farewell together, and then once they were sitting, all the caskets closed..

Harry watched Remus' close, knowing he'd never see him in this life again.

He closed his eyes and when he opened them, everyone was getting to their feet.

Together, along with all the mourners in attendance, they followed the caskets up the high street.

Ginny and Hermione had tears leaking from their eyes as they walked, and Ron looked like he'd eaten a lemon.

Molly and George supported each other as they walked, tearfully trailing behind the others.

Harry could see Lyall carrying baby Teddy just up ahead, he looked devastated. Teddy however slept peacefully in his grandfathers arms.

Harry wiped tears off his face as they approached the cemetery.

Once they were there, they all stood as the small warlock at the head of the procession began his sermon.

Harry barely heard the words the little man said, but before he knew it the caskets were descending into the ground.

New dirt levitated in the air and covered the caskets.

Harry, Ron, Ginny and Hermione stood around with the Weasleys for awhile. Harry struggled to get away from the massive crowd of people wanting to shake hands with him.

But, he saw Marjorie and brokeaway from a reluctant Slughorn, he made his way over to her.

She seemed a bit surprised by his sudden appearance.

Hi, you said you were the one who had picked all our outfits, right?" Harry asked.

"Yes, I did."

"Well, if there was a particular item a person wanted to keep, would that be something you could help me with?" He asked.

She looked even more surprised.

"Of course, i could certainly help with that. What was the item?" She asked, taking out a note pad. Hoping this meant he was accepting her offer x

"What did you want to keep?" She asked.

"Ah, the small black onyx necklace?" He explained.

"Oh, the one Ms Weasley is wearing?" She clarified.

"Yes, that's the one." He explained.

"We'd have to take the money for it out of your main account, would that work for you?" She asked.

"Oh, yeah that's fine. I can't get the money for you?" Harry clarified.

"Oh, you could, it's just Gringotts has asked for you not to return to the bank at least for now. But, we can get you anything you need from the bank."

"Ah." Harry said. He should have expected this. He had broken in and stolen from one of their high security vaults.

"That's fine. Works for me." He agreed.

"Okay perfect. We'll do that then. The necklace is quite expensive, you are aware." Marjorie clarified.

Harry shrugged. "That's fine." He ageeed, without knowing the price.

When Marjorie told him the price he almost fell over in surprise.

But he agreed. He hoped Ginny would appreciate the surprise. She didn't need to know about the price.

Later on, Harry, Hermione and the Weasleys joined many mourners for a celebration at the Three Broomsticks and the square outside.

People drank and ate, and grieved and celebrated all together. It was a bittersweet moment.

Harry and Ginny eventually broke out from the throng of people in the town square, and walked through the streets of Hogsmeade hand in hand.

The reporters had mostly gone home by then and the streets were getting quieter, and the bright sun was now obscured from view by the distant mountains. The whole town was shades of pinks and purples.

"Whoops." Ginny said, almost misstepping over a crooked cobblestone.

"Be careful." Harry chuckled, pulling her sweetly close to him.

He was pretty sure she'd had too much to drink. He probably had to. People had kept giving him drinks all afternoon.

"We should start walking back soon." Harry told her.

She nodded. "Not just yet." She asked, resting her head on his shoulder.

Harry smiled fondly.

She and Harry walked past a small stream and then turned, walking back towards the town square.

Ginny shivered a little as the wind blew.

Harry held her close as they walked back to meet the rest of the family.

Harry ended up wrapping her with his jacket.

Soon, they met up with the rest of the Weasleys and Hermione. Together, they all disapperated back to The Burrow.