It was a warm early summer afternoon, and the Hogwarts grounds were quite inviting with the large trees offering a large amount of shade over much of the vast grounds. Contrary to what would be expected though, the grounds were almost utterly abandoned of students and teachers alike, not even Hagrid could be seen walking along the grounds or his quaint hut.

If one were to look carefully through the windows of the massive castle though, they could see the slight form of one black robe clad student sitting on the far side of a large lake with their knees drawn up to their chest, looking deep into the lake, but not quite seeing it.

As the figure sat quietly, two others joined it, also clad in black robes. After what seemed like a short conversation, the sitting student got to their feet and walked between the other students back toward the castle slowly, all three apparently lost in their own thoughts. As they drew closer to the castles main doors, their features could be easily identified.

The one on the left was a lanky boy with bright red hair and a grim expression on his pale face. He stood a full head over the student on the right, who was a pretty girl with slightly bushy brown hair.

The girl also had a pretty tense expression on her face and slightly swollen eyes as though she had been crying not long before. The one in between the others though had an expression on her face that was unreadable. She was quite a bit shorted than either of the others and had bright auburn hair that hung to her waist in a loose ponytail and she looked quite stunning even though she had obviously not put much effort into her appearance at all.

As they drew even with the great stone steps that led to the oak front doors, their conversation could be heard even though they were speaking quietly.

"What do you think it is going to be like Hermione?" asked the boy to the bushy haired girl.

"I don't know Ron, probably pretty grand, with lots of people and reporters. I bet just about every wizard and witch in any place of power will be there too." Hermione said in answer.

The girl in the middle just grunted before speaking herself "Knowing Fudge, it will probably be a circus, complete with him saying 'I knew all along that he was special, and I never had any doubts as to his abilities or power' yet, he is willing to give up way to easily in order to get his way, killing two birds with one stone, so to say." She said huffily while keeping her eyes locked straight ahead.

The other two met each others eyes over her head before the boy spoke again, "Gin, I know how upset you are, but it's been three months, it's time to let go, no matter how difficult it is, you need to move on, he wouldn't want you to be miserable at his expense." He said quietly to the small girl beside him.

Suddenly, she spun around to face him, her dark eyes alive with a bright fire that caused the much larger boy to falter under their gaze.

"WHAT DO YOU MEAN IT'S TIME TO LET GO!!!!!!! TO MOVE ON!!!!!!" she screamed before quieting her voice only slightly "I refuse to believe that he is dead Ron, and you should too, both of you" she said spinning around to face the other girl momentarily before spinning back on the boy. "He has been your best friend for five years Ron, and you too Hermione. I can't believe that after all you three have been through that you would believe that he would be gone, you know as well as I do that he is one of the most powerful wizards of all time, if not the most powerful. He's not like me and you, he's special and you know it. It would take more than what he's been through for him to really be gone, no matter what Fudge says. And before you bring it up, I'm not just saying this because I have been a fan of his for my entire life, or because he is my boyfriend, I am saying this because it is true, and even though you might not like to admit it, you believe it is true too, so stop trying to tell me otherwise. I going to go get dressed" she finished, her face flushed and tears running unnoticed down her freckled cheeks before she pulled the massive doors open and walking hastily into the massive entry hall, leaving her companions behind her in bewilderment.

"She's right you know, about everything" said Ron miserably with his eyes downcast, Hermione nodding in agreement before the two followed Ginny into the deserted entry hall and up the stairs toward Gryffindor Tower to change cloths themselves before the service started. What they didn't notice though was the man watching them from one of the upper

stories. He had a sad expression in his blue eyes, and his face was tight and tired, and

despite the wrinkles around his eyes that showed he was used to smiling, his face was

void of any happy emotion and his eyes were unnaturally dull behind his half moon

spectacles as he closed the curtains and made his way down the stairs in his office and

toward the great hall to prepare for the moment he had wished he would never have to

see during his lifetime, the memorial service for Harry Potter.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

An hour later, Ron met Ginny and Hermione in the common room of Gryffindor tower, where the rest of their house had gathered and were making their way toward the portrait hole.

Walking toward his sister and best friend, Ron noticed that Ginny had plastered the indifferent expression back across her young face. Sighing inwardly, Ron thought about how she had opened up earlier, the first time she had done so for the past three months. Contrary to what she seemed to think most of the time, he really did care for her and the past months she had really worried him.

At first, he had flat out refused to say it was alright with him if his best friend dated his sister, but that didn't stop them, now did it he reminded himself as he thought back to the misfortunate accident he had had by walking into the empty charms corridor that night only about three weeks into the term to find his baby sister and best friend holding each other close and dancing to a melody heard only in their ears, completely oblivious to the world around him, that was until he had tripped over his own two feet and went sprawling across the floor of the almost empty hallway in his shock.

The happy couple sprang apart instantly and stood open mouthed looking at the sight that was on the floor before him for a few moments before they burst out laughing. Ron had been furious at the pair, how could they go behind his back and date after he had expressly told them he didn't approve of it, and they were laughing at him as he lay there on the floor, they didn't even ask him if he was alright, they just started laughing.

After a short time though, Harry had come over to him and offered him a hand and grudgingly, Ron took it and Harry pulled him to his feet, still trying his hardest not to laugh anymore. As Ron thought back on that day, he realized he must have looked quite hilarious just lying sprawled out in the middle of the corridor like that, and he didn't blame them for laughing at all. Once he was safely back on his feet, Ginny had come up beside Harry and he put his arm over her shoulder protectively before any of them spoke.

"What might I ask is going on here!" he had demanded of his best friend and little sister.

"Well, we were dancing" answered Ginny simply, as though that were the most obvious answer in the world.

"I could see that, but you two, together? I thought we understood each other on this one Harry!"

"We are in perfect understanding Ron, you don't approve of your baby sister dating, no matter who she dates, but we decided to follow our own hearts on this one, and they led us to this hallway tonight to dance."

"Honestly Ron, you're worst than Fred and George, when they found out, they congratulated us and said they were happy I found someone they could trust. Besides, would you prefer it if I dated someone you didn't know, or better yet, how about Neville or Seamus, or there's always boys from other houses, you know, Malfoy is kind of a dish" she said, with a mischievous grin on her face.

At her last statement though, both of the boys stared at her in open mouthed shock before Ron gathered his wits enough to speak again.

"No, you misunderstood me Gin, I am happy you and Harry are together, it will just take some getting used to, that's all" he said hastily, trying his hardest to back peddle over his previous statement as quickly as possible.

"I'll just leave you two now, but don't be too long, it's almost curfew and I will not stand for Harry corrupting you Gin and causing you to break the rules, for all you know, you could end up in the forbidden forest with Aragog. I'll see you in a bit" he concluded before turning on his heel and making for the end of the hallway as quick as possible, but before he was out of earshot, he heard Harry speak to Ginny again.

"You wouldn't really date any of those other guys, would you Ginny, not that I have anything against Neville and Seamus, but honestly, you think Malfoy is dishy?" he asked incredulously. Ron had to speed up to get out of ear shot so that he didn't bust out laughing, so he wasn't able to hear his sisters response, not that he really wanted to though.

As he was lost in the memory of happier times, he didn't notice that Hermione and Ginny had reached him until Hermione spoke his name.

"Ron, are you ready to go, everyone else has left" she said gently

Startled back into the present, Ron looked over to his sister and saw that her head was down and she appeared lost in her own thoughts about happier times. 'She's too young to have to go through this' he thought angrily to himself 'why must she be forced to find someone who she cares about and cares about her in return only to have him tragically pulled from her life forever?

Damn you Voldemort! What right do you have to do this to such an innocent girl!' but then he thought again 'What right do you have to do this to any of us, none of us deserve this, least of all Harry.' He thought miserably before putting on a brave face for his sister and best friends' sake and nodded his head, indicating that he was indeed ready to go, in one sense of the word, he was dressed, but he was far from ready to have to go to a memorial service for his best friend.

They then made their way out the portrait hole, and following a few other students that had not already left, made their way toward the entrance hall, meeting up with several other students from Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff on the way.

As they descended the stairs into the entry hall, they noticed that almost the entire school was already there waiting to be allowed to enter the great hall. No one was surprised that although the memorial service was not an official function of the school, every student had decided to attend, including the whole of Slytherin house, the last of which were making their way up from the dungeon at that very moment. Everyone of them owed their lives to Harry, if it hadn't been for him, the attack would have resulted in most of their deaths.

Ron, Hermione, and Ginny settled themselves against a far wall and waited patiently in silence to be allowed to enter. As they waited, they all noticed the pale face and white blonde hair of a Slytherin student get their attention, and he, noticing their looks, inclined his head slightly toward them, his face breaking into a sad smile, not his traditional smirk, but a true smile.

'Things have defiantly changed' thought Ron grimly, returning the gesture to the Slytherin for a moment before their attention was taken to the opening of the doors to the great hall, revealing the form of Professor McGonagall as she pulled the doors silently shut behind her.

She was dressed in a set of plain black robes, and the expression on her face was one of utter emotional pain and loss. As she entered the entrance hall, the few people who had been whispering to one another stopped immediately and gave the deputy headmistress their undivided attention.

It was so unnaturally silent in the room, that the professors' voice rang through the hall and was easily heard by all present as she spoke.

"Students, I am pleased to see that all of you decided to attend on this sad day. In just a moment, you will be permitted to enter, but I must warn you that due to the large number of guests, most of you will be required to stand at the back of the hall. Many of your families are present and you are welcome to join them if the room allows for it. If none of you have any questions, then please follow me." She instructed in a level voice, like she was trying her hardest not to break down in front of her students.

Ron, Hermione, and Ginny found Fred and George and followed the twins into the great hall. The first thing that struck Hermione was just how many people were there. The four house tables and the head table were missing, replaced instead by what seemed like thousands of chairs in neat rows across the hall, with several isles running between them.

Hermione's eyes then traveled up toward the front of the hall where a small stage had been erected. There were several bright bouquets of flowers on the stage, as well as a pedestal with a bright golden plaque on it that read: To Mister Harry Potter for outstanding courage and bravery toward Hogwarts School; earned March 4, awarded June 4.

Next to the plaque was a muggle photo of Harry sitting by the lake, Ginny wrapped in his arm and Ron and Hermione standing beside them. They were all smiling broadly and Hermione recognized the picture as one Colin took on Valentines day that year.

They had all been so happy that day, thought Hermione bitterly, and with a lump in her throat she realized that the photo was taken less than a month before the attack. None of them had any idea that day that their lives were about to be turned completely turned upside down.

They quietly made their way up one of the center isles until they came to a group of red heads a few rows from the front. Mr. Weasley was sitting on the edge, his wife next to him with tears running down her cheeks.

Both stood to give the new arrivals each a tight embrace and the five students took the empty seats, Ginny beside her mother, with Ron, Hermione, Fred and George coming next.

Percy was in front of them with Bill and Charlie on either side of him. All three brothers turned and greeted the young students warmly before turning around to focus their attention back on the Headmaster who had just stepped up onto the stage to begin.

"Students, friends, I welcome you all to Hogwarts, even though the circumstances are less that enjoyable. We are gathered here today to remember the life of perhaps the most powerful young wizard to have ever graced these hallow halls, Mr. Harry Potter.

As you are all well aware, three months ago today, the castle was invaded by Lord Voldemort and an army of dementors and death eaters. All the students fought hard and many sustained severe injuries, but miraculously, all survived. That would have not been the case though if the attack had not been stopped by Mr. Potter. He willingly confronted the dark lord and pulled his attention away from the castle. What transpired next is still a mystery to all involved.

Something occurred that caused the dementors and death eaters that hadn't been restrained or stunned to vanish, as well as Voldemort and Harry. We don't know if they were destroyed or if they merely vanished, but what we do know is that no sign of the dark lord or Mr. Potter have been found, despite the ministries greatest efforts. We can only assume that Harry was able to destroy the dark lord be sacrificing himself." ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ In a muggle town of London, far from the wondrous castle and grounds that made up Hogwarts, a large busy hospital was going about it's daily routine when the doors of the emergency room burst open to reveal a terrible sight.

Several nurses and doctors rushed up to the new arrival as he haltingly made his way out of the hospital entrance, only to find himself collapsing onto the floor in a heap.

"Child what's wrong with you, who are you and who did this?" asked one of the doctors hastily as he got a clear view of the patient lying on the floor in front of him. He had jet black hair that hung in tangled, bloody mats to his shoulders and he was wearing peculiar loose fitting black robes that hung to his wrists and ankles and came all the way up to his neck, effectively hiding all but his face and hands from view. His clothing was caked with blood as well and was very frayed and had tears in several places and even more thin worn patches than could be counted. He had his arms drawn up protectively in front of his chest and the doctor could see that the backs of both of his hands were bruised and bloody. His breathing was very shallow and ragged, and every few seconds he would cough violently, bring up mouthfuls of blood each time.

He asked him again who he was and who did this to him as a nurse brought a gurney up behind him, but the stranger didn't answer, just began coughing again, throwing his head forward each time and causing his thick hair to completely obscure his face from view.

Gently, as to not startle or hurt the stranger any further, the doctor brushed the hair from the strangers face and gasped at what he saw. The face was that of a boy no more than fifteen or sixteen, and it was in just as bad of shape as his hands, his eyes were shut tight with pain. "My God, he's just a boy! Quick, let's get him into the exam room!" he exclaimed, but before he could begin to move the boy, his wrist was caught in a surprisingly strong grip and he looked at the child in shock as he began to speak, with the most unnaturally bright green eyes he had ever seen focused on the doctors face without blinking.

"He's.gone.they.all.are.finally gone" he gasped out in a hoarse whisper, looking up at the doctor before uttering one more sentence, those bright green eyes still focused on the doctors face without blinking "Please.sir.I.I.think I.n.need.a.d.doc.doctor." He gasped out before falling unconscious on the floor of the hospital. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Hey, if anyone reads this, please review and tell me what you think, and if I should keep going or just forget about it. Thanks!