Scratches (Fred Weasley)

(191) Come Hell or High Water

Fleur had been by Bill's side the minute everyone returned back to the Manor. She was in hysterics when she saw the way he was bandaged up, and proceeded to stick by his side throughout the whole day and the next. Molly had been weeping about his son's condition, as well as the death of Dumbledore, which was taken heavily by everyone. Seeing that there were a lot of people already occupying the Manor, Florence allowed people to use her bedroom to rest in, deciding with Fred and George that they were going to return to their apartment to rest up themselves. Before she left she made a quick stop at Matthew's room, whose door was wide open as he rested on his bed, inferably drained from the events so early in the morning.

"Hey," she said, knocking on his door, which roused him from his sleep, "Sorry... I didn't mean to wake you. I just wanted to see how you were holding up."

"I'm okay, dear... Still alive, miraculously. I ran into one of the Carrows in there, I thought they'd end me for good. I'm happy you're okay, most of all."

"Thank you for helping, Matthew." she said, going over to hug him, "I know the Order has treated you like an enemy since you got here but you still stepped up and helped when they needed you."

"It was nothing. I knew you were in there, helping wasn't even a question."

The next few days had been solemn preparation for Dumbledore's funeral.

Fred and George were fixing their suits in the mirror when Florence walked out of the room wearing a black dress, the one she was supposed to wear for her mother's funeral. It had been sitting in one of the boxes under their bed, Florence deciding that she might as well use it rather than it collecting dust. After putting her hair up in a tight bun, she grabbed her wand and pocketed it. "Ready?" she asked the twins, who nodded. Fred grabbed the white roses they were going to bring, before the three of them headed downstairs and out of the building.

It was a big turnout, as expected. Despite his eccentric nature, Dumbledore was beloved by all. They had a set up of rows and rows of chairs along the shore of the Black lake, Dumbledore's casket laying in the very front, surrounded by flowers and small gifts from students, staff and Order members alike.

At the very front row, Remus was sitting with Tonks, Sirius in his animagus form sitting at their feet. All the Weasleys with the exception of Percy were present. Beside Bill, Fleur was sat holding his hand and leaning her head against his shoulder. His face was still bandaged up, but the wounds were better and were starting to close up. He had been worried about what Fleur would think about his wounds, especially after Nicolai had told him it would definitely leave a distinct scar, but Fleur reassured him that her love for him would never change, no matter the circumstance.

George found Lisa amongst the crowd of students, sitting beside her twin siblings. He told Fred and Florence to go ahead to their seats, taking a bit of time to hug her and ask her how she was doing. Fred and Florence took their seats at the third row beside Sloan and Julien, saving a spot for George.

The ceremony started a few minutes after everyone was able to settle in to their seats. McGonagall got up from her seat, sharing a few fond memories she had with Dumbledore through their numerous years of him being her colleague, as well as close friend. A few more Hogwarts staff members came up to say a few words, including Hagrid, who barely made it through half of his speech about the kindness Dumbledore has shown him all his life.

Florence couldn't help but feel tearful herself, Fred reaching into his pocket and handing her his handkerchief.

McGonagall went up once more, asking the crowd if anyone else wanted to say something.

Surprisingly, Sloan stood up, making his way to the front, McGonagall offering him a small smile. She gave him a pat on his shoulder, before taking her seat.