Funerals
The next morning dawned bright and clear, Harry had expected some kind of bad weather. While Harry had never watched much muggle t.v. it seemed that in every muggle movie or television show it was raining, snowing, or some other form a of bad weather during funerals. Harry had expected foul weather, but he thought it was rather appropriate that things were nice, Dumbledore would have liked that.
Harry shook his head as he thought of the headmaster he was conflicted about his feelings towards Dumbledore. On the one hand he was very angry at the man for manipulating him yet again on the other hand Harry had always had a strong relationship with the headmaster and he missed him strongly. Harry decided to push the feelings aside for now, he would deal with them after Dumbledore was put to rest a familiar voice called from behind him, "Are you ready kiddo?" Harry turned to see Sirius standing there he nodded, "About as ready as I'll ever be Dad." Sirius gestured to the door, "Well let's go then."
Harry sighed heavily and walked out with Shakira and Sly following close behind him. Remus was all ready downstairs, all of the order members were helping repair the damage to the school and reinforce the wards, Remus had been pulling a shift that morning and promised to meet them downstairs. As they walked towards the ground Harry felt as though his head were spinning with a thousand different thoughts and he couldn't seem to settle on any particular one. Harry couldn't help feeling that he didn't want to go to the funeral today, he was still incredibly mad at the headmaster, but Remus and Sirius had both told Harry that he needed to go or he'd never be able to completely let go of Dumbledore and move on with his life. It had taken some cajoling, but in the end Harry had agreed. Harry took a deep calming breath as he spotted Remus standing in front of the entry way to the school, the three of them walked out onto the grounds and sat in the chairs that had been put up for the ceremony Shakira and Sly sat underneath and Harry and Remus' seats.
It was a truly somber occasion, the entire Order was there as well as Madame Maxime, the minister of magic, and dozens of other witches and wizards Harry had never seen before. There was a large white marble tomb sitting in front of everyone and as soon as everyone was seated Hagrid carried carried Dumbledore's body to the tomb. The body had been wrapped in a sheet and seemed much smaller and less significant than Dumbledore had ever been. As Hagrid passed by Harry saw large fat tears falling from his eyes, the half-giant carefully placed the headmasters' body in the tomb and sat down in the back.
As Harry followed Hagrid with his eyes he saw Grawp sitting in back row wearing a suite that made him look like a child who'd just had a growth spurt, when Hagrid sat Grawp patted his shoulder and caused the chair to sink into the ground by half a foot. An elderly man who Harry didn't know stood and said, "I would like to say a few words about Albus Dumbledore."
The man was hard to hear and idly wondered why he wasn't using the sonorous charms, despite the fact that he was speaking low Harry managed to catch a few words the man was saying, "A dedicated professor, honorable man, supreme mugwamp." Harry didn't really pay much attention he didn't think that Dumbledore would have wanted a eulogy like this, but when the man stopped talking everyone seemed satisfied. Professor McGonagall and professor Flitwick both stood and with a flourish of their wands a large headstone and elegant lid for the tomb appeared. Before they could be levitated into place there was a shriek that Harry knew well and a burst of phoenix flame engulfed the tomb, everyone gasped as Fawkes appeared and took to the sky singing the lamentation of the death of his bonded.
The phoenix song touched Harrys' soul and made his heart ache, it was beautiful. Fawkes circled the school and grounds once and then disappeared Harry wondered where he was going and hoped Fawkes would be all right. As the smoke from the fire dissipated everyone saw the lid and headstone were now in place, one by one the guests stood and walked up to the tomb giving a final good-bye to one of the greatest wizards of the age, when Sirius and Remus stood Harry said, "Go on without me, I want to wait until everyone else is done." They both looked confused, but nodded and made their way up to the tomb, once everyone else had passed by Harry stood and walked over (Shakira and Sly went to stand with Sirius and Remus sensing that Harry needed to do this alone), "I'm not sure what to say, I'm still thoroughly pissed at you, but I miss you to. I don't really know how to feel right now, but I do know that I need some time to think and get my head around things, once I can concentrate again I'll come back and have a few words with you."
Harry stood there for a few moments with his hands on the tomb then he turned and headed towards Remus and Sirius who were standing next to the Weasley's molly Weasley was stifling her cries as she said, "The three of you will come won't you?" Remus put a comforting hand on her shoulder and said, "Of course Molly, we'll come to both I know Harry wouldn't want to miss either would you cub?"
Harry grinned, Remus hadn't even needed to turn around he'd been able to recognize Harry's scent the same way Harry knew his, "I don't know what are you talking about?" A quiet voice spoke up from the back of the group at first Harry couldn't place who it was then he realized it was George! He sounded much more subdued than Harry had ever heard him, "Fred's funeral will be at the end of the month then bill and Fleur are going to get married in early September, the wedding was scheduled for some time in July, but they decided to put it off for a little while."
Harry walked around until he found George and pulled him into a tight hug, "No force on heaven or Earth could make me miss Fred's funeral I'll be there and if you need me for anything you just say the word." George nodded, "I'm going to take some time off then I'm reopening Weasley's wizard Wheezy's Lee said he'd come and help me with everything I know that's what Fred would've wanted." Harry gave a small smile, keeping the shop open was a fitting tribute to Fred's memory, the two of them stood there for a few minutes and finally pulled apart. It was the first time Harry had really looked at George since Voldemort had died, there was something very different in the way George looked he seemed suddenly much older and the recent loss of his twin showed clearly in his eyes.
Harry knew that George would never be the same boy he'd known at school, but he hoped that with help George could recover and move on. Harry gave George an encouraging smile and turned to se Serenity standing with her father and brother talking to the minister of magic. Harry raised an eyebrow at this, the last person he'd expected to see Professor Snape talking to was the minister, Snape didn't like that man anymore than Harry did. As he walked over Harry caught part of the conversation, "I really hope you accept my apology Professor, you must understand we had to take all possible precautions for the safety of the students."
Harry could practically hear Severus sneer, "And repeatedly barging into my personal quarters in the middle of the night and endangering my children is what you call a precaution?" the minister blustered, "They were never in any danger." Harry spoke up, "Oh yes they were, I was there when the aurors came during the summer minister and if Serenity hadn't put up a shield she and Taylor would have both been hexed badly." The minister once again struggled to speak, "now see here, who are you to question the orders and procedures of the ministry?"
Harry gave him a cocky grin and for the first time in his life willing used one of the many titles given to him by the wizarding populace, "The hero of the wizarding world." Serenity giggled loudly and Taylor followed the minister snorted in anger then his face took on a pensive look, "Well perhaps we were a bit overzealous in certain matters, I have heard Mr. Potter that you have an interest in serving as and auror upon graduation." Harry gave him a look, "So Umbridge is still on staff then." The minister nodded, "Yes, and if are so displeased with the ministries behavior perhaps becoming a liaison to the aurors would be the best solution. It would not only give you and opportunity to learn about your desired profession, but it would also allow you to have a certain amount of say in the ministries dealings."
Harry snorted, he wasn't fooled the minister wanted him as a mascot; he knew the wizarding world would trust Harry's word and if Harry came out and said, 'everything is wonderful the ministry hasn't done anything wrong' then everyone would believe him. Harry refused to do that, "Actually minister, I'll be traveling with my parents for some time and I don't think it would be feasible or convenient to continually floo to London." The minister smiled, "Well as soon as you come back then." Harry's eyes began to yellow as he said, "I said no and I meant it." The minister tried again, "Now Harry you want to do the right thing, you have a duty to the magical world after all." Harry growled low in his throat as Remus spoke up from behind him, "which has been fulfilled with Voldemort's death, now minister I suggest you leave unless of course you would like to be charged with harassing a minor and interviewing him without his guardians present."
The minister huffed indignantly and turned to leave, Remus wrapped an arm around Harry from behind, "Breath Cub, slow deep breaths." Harry followed Remus' instructions, it didn't help manners that the fool moon was in a week and Harry's temper was frayed as it was, Harry could feel Torie coil tighter around his wrist as Shakira and Sly came to stand next to him. Harry felt himself calm down, "I'm all right, I need to talk to Serenity alone for a few minutes." The others looked around, but they finally walked away Harry turned to Serenity and said bluntly, "I'm not coming back to school next year." Serenity nodded, "I suspected as much, are you really going travelling with your parents or was that just a line to get the minister to shut up?"
Harry snorted, "Both, I'll be going with them to see some of the world. I want to got to Godric's Hollow I've never seen my parents grave." Serenity looked angry, "That's awful, you had a right to go there." Harry shrugged, "it wasn't something I really thought of before now. After we go there we're going to see more of the country, I've been a few places on school trips during Muggle primary school, but I want to visit Buckingham palace, Stone Henge, Oxford, and all the other big tourist sites. I also want to see some of the coast, I've lived in England my whole life and never seen the ocean."
Serenity looked sad she had known that Harry hadn't had the happiest childhood, but she hadn't really realized until now how what his life had really been like, "Hey if you don't mind some company I can meet up with you during the summer, maybe you could even come to Spain for a few weeks." Harry nodded, "I liked that, but right now I just need some time alone to think, do you understand?"
Serenity gave him a knowing look, "Yes, and no, but I'm willing to give you your space for now." Harry pulled her into a hug, "How did you ever get so perfect?" She snorted loudly, "Harry if you think I'm perfect than you need your head examined." Harry couldn't help the snort of laughter that escaped him, it was the first time he'd laughed since the night of the final battle and it felt good to let some of the pain he'd been feeling go. Harry felt like he could stay there all day, but after a few minutes Severus cleared his throat and they pulled apart Harry blushed Slightly and Serenity just shrugged, "What?"
Sirius gestured towards Harry, "It's time to go Harry." Harry nodded and gave Serenity a quick peck on the cheek, "Good-bye Serenity I hope I'll see you later, but if I don't I promise I'll keep in touch." Serenity said, "you better or I'm going to hunt you down and kick your ass." Harry laughed and walked towards his parents Remus took a portkey from his robes and it took them to Grimmauld place. Dinner that night was a quiet affair, no one really knew what to say and Harry wasn't overly happy to be back in this house, Sirius didn't like it either, but he said that they needed to stay somewhere safe until it was confirmed that all of the death eaters had been arrested.
Harry wondered what would happen to Malfoy and his family, but figured that he'd find out later on. The next few days passed quietly, Harry spent a lot of time by himself, he used one of his old notebooks as a journal for his thoughts. Sirius and Remus had both offered Harry a chance to talk, and while Harry loved both of his father's and was thrilled to finally have adults he could confide in living in the same building he was, Harry didn't feel ready to talk about everything that had happened yet.
Harry and Remus spent the full moon locked in the basement with Padfoot, it was the first weekend since school started that Serenity wasn't with Harry and he ended up biting himself more than usual because of that. Eventually the day Harry had been hoping wouldn't come did and it was time for them to go to Fred's funeral.
Unlike Dumbledore's service Fred's wasn't attended by numerous foreign wizards, but there were definitely a large amount of people there. The entire Weasley family attended, it was the first time Harry had seen all of them the large hall the family had rented out seemed to be a huge sea of redheads, most of the Order was there, and several Hogwart's students. Instead of a somber event this one was more like a party people moved around each other telling favorite stories about Fred and remarking on the pranks he and George were best know for. Harry couldn't think of a better way for Fred's life to have been remembered, George was entertaining several people with the now legendary exit he and his brother had made from school.
Harry stood with them remembering the look on Umbridge's toad like face when Fred and George had summoned their brooms and flown out of school, it was one of the few times Harry had been truly grateful for Colin Creevey and his ever present third eye/camera. Colin had taken several pictures of the Fred and George's famous getaway which had spread through the school as quickly as Harry's Quibbler interview. At various points during the service several people stood to say something about Fred, no one person was responsible for the eulogy everyone just said what they felt was needed to remember him. Harry thought of saying a few words himself, but couldn't really think of anything in particular.
As Harry walked around he caught site of Charlie and took him off to the side, "Why isn't the casket here?" Charlie gestured towards Molly, "Mum wouldn't have been able to handle seeing him like that all day." Harry nodded in understanding, anyone could see the lose reflected in Molly Weasley's eyes, Harry noticed her looking off to the left when he followed her line of sight he saw long haired red head. It took Harry a moment to realize it was Bill, it was the first time Harry had seen him without his bandages, Bill had deep gashes on his face he wasn't as bad as Moody had been, but he didn't look the same as the Bill Weasley Harry remembered.
Harry said good-bye to Charlie and walked over to Bill, he felt a stronger connection to Bill than he had before, "How are you doing?" Bill turned to Harry and shrugged, "All right I was upset at first, but it's not a big deal." Harry could tell that Bill was being sincere and not just lying to spare his feelings, "How did the full moon go you didn't transform right?" Bill shook his head, "no, I locked myself in the basement just to be on the safe side, but I didn't transform. I was a little crankier that day than I usually am."
Harry nodded, "I understand, I tend to get really moody around the full moon, I usually went to the room of requirement and broke a bunch of figurines." Bill gave a small laugh, "I've been craving red meat more lately." Suddenly he looked over and said, "It's strange you know? Fred being gone, I think it's been hardest for George. It's been hard enough for me to have lost my younger brother, but to lose a twin….." Bill trailed off, but Harry understood what he was trying to say, before he could answer George went to the center of the room and all other conversation instantly stopped, "I want to thank all of you for coming, I don't think either of us realized how many friends we really had and seeing all of you here now means a lot to me and I know it would have meant a lot to Fred to."
Harry could here Molly sobbing quietly and felt a fresh pain of loss in his chest, "Fred was my other half, losing him was so hard, and going on without him will be even harder. However, I know Fred wouldn't have wanted me to give up or to spend the rest of my life missing him and being miserable which is why I am going to do everything I can to live my life to its fullest in honor of his memory and I hope all of you will do the same for Fred." Harry raised his glass and repeated, "For Fred." And everyone else followed, "For Fred."
George stepped down and everyone applauded loudly, about an hour later people slowly started to leave. Harry said good-bye to everyone making sure to see Ron and Hermione before he and his parents left. Harry would come to Bill's wedding and have one last moment with Ron and Hermione before he and his parents left to travel. As Harry looked back on the Weasley family standing together he thought of all the loses that had been caused by this war, even though Voldemort was gone and things appeared to working out the way everyone wanted it seemed like a hollow victory. Remus and Sirius both noticed Harry's look Remus bent down and said, "Harry, you are not responsible for all of the wrongs that occurred in this war, we all knew what could happen and were willing to take the risk."
Harry nodded, "I know, but somehow it just doesn't feel right." Sirius squeezed his shoulder, "it never will, things will never be the way they were before Voldemort started this war, but that doesn't mean that they can't get better. It's going to take time to accept all of the loses and really understand everything that has happened, but we'll be there to help you through this and hopefully move on together." Harry gave a smile and he pulled his Dad and his Papa into a hug, "together than." The three of them apparated back to Grimmauld place and for the first time in his life Harry felt comforted with the fact that no matter what happened next the three of them would face it as a family.
The End.
a/n so what do you think? This is the final chapter of this story, I am open to doing a sequel, but not right away. It's been a long journey and I want to thank everyone who reviewed and read this story.