The Alpha Dynasty (Sequel to MARKED FOR DESTINY) (Book 2 of 2)

78. The Praise Jar

Wizards and witches from all four corners of the world had come to pay their last respects to a man that they had honored and loved.  Meetings were held, preparations made, marble had been ordered for the tomb and headstone.  The Daily Prophet was in overdrive, the Auror department coming to a complete stand still as they heard the news of Dumbledore's passing.  The Ministry decided that on the day of the funeral, they would close its doors, and only open again after a week.

Harry had cried his heart out at the news, and knew that he wouldn't be seeing Fawkes again, and respected his choice to leave.  Draco had been there for him every step of the way, and would make sure that Harry would want for nothing when the time came for the burial.  News traveled fast in the wizarding world, and when at last the final Saturday of January had arrived, everyone was dressed in their best, to pay homage to Albus Dumbledore.

There were rows of seats that filled the whole island, Eelean na Moine, and there weren't any left open.  Those who couldn't find seats had to stand in the back, and they did this with honor.  The centaurs at the edge of the Forbidden forest were waiting for it to be over so they could once again, and for the last time pay tribute to him.  The merpeople would come out of the water, to pay their last respects to the man who had shown them nothing but kindness.  The elves of Hogwarts were awarded a special place at the funeral, because Harry had deemed it fit that they attend.

And when it came time for him to say something, after Dumbledore had been placed in his tomb, and it had sealed shut, Harry rose out of his chair, his eyes swollen from crying the night before.  But none of them saw this, as he had worn sunglasses to hide his pain.  The twins were safe and at home with Narcissa, as she said that she would not make it if she went.  She would want to remember him when he was alive.  Harry and Draco understood this, and left her with their boys.

After the priest had said his piece, it was Harry who was called to the podium.  When he stood up to walk, everyone rose out of their seats to pay tribute to their Alpha.  It seemed fitting that it had been Dumbledore who had laid Harry down many years ago, even if it was on a doorstep, and now it was Harry who was laying him down.  He looked at the people gathered and raised his hand, asking them to please sit down, thanking them.  

He looked out over the Black Lake, took a deep breath and started talking.  "Thank you all for coming today, I am sure that Professor Dumbledore would be blown away by the sheer amount of love I can feel coming from all of you.  I want to take a moment to ask you to please bow your heads in silence, just for a moment.  I have asked the teachers to start a praise jar, stating what they each loved about him.  With your permission and your heads bowed, I will read them out", he said and started doing just that.

"I will always remember Albus for his fairness".

"I will never forget his love for sherbert lemons".

"The way the man had knowledge of all things, will remain with me".

"I remember the day I met him, how his eyes twinkled, and they never stopped".

"I loved how he would always know what I was thinking, even before I said anything".

"Dumbledore was a great man, I loved him with all my heart".

"He was the only one to believe in me when others did not".

"Always one to give second chances".

"He hated losing anyone to the dark side".

The tributes kept coming, pouring out of Harry's mouth and with every one he read, he felt that all the words were like him talking from personal experience.  "Thank you", he said when the last praise was read.  

"I know that all of you are heartsore today, and I understand that more than anything.  I have lost so many people in my life, as I am sure all of you have.  But I want all of you to know, that when you do see him again - and you will - tell him that although he is gone, the world was a much better place with him in it.  Laugh with him, tell him how your day was, be sure to talk to him as often as you can, because time is not our friend.  Time is the one thing that we cannot stop, no matter how many times we want to or try to.  Tell him that you love him, tell him that he made a difference in your life, tell him that because he cared, you care.  And don't ever stop telling him, because the dead need to hear it, just as much as the living do".

"I see there are so many flowers here today, and wonder to myself was he ever given flowers when he was alive.  I can tell you now that the answer is no.  And do you know why?  The answer is simple.  The dead receive more flowers than the living because regret is stronger than gratitude.  So, I want to ask all of you, give the flowers while you still can.  Give the flowers so that their beauty and scent can be appreciated by those who live.  Give the flowers while you still can, because it is a sign of love, of appreciation and hope.  Thank you".  

And with that he left the podium, and went to sit back down beside his husband, who took his hand the minute he did and kissed him on the knuckles.  His speech had been beautiful, and he hoped that his message would reach at least half of them.  Harry smiled at Draco in his sadness, and knew that the worst was over.  Yes it was terrible to bury a friend, but now they had to focus on the living, and he knew that they would see Dumbledore soon in one of his many portraits.

Making their way back towards the Manor, Harry wondered who had been appointed as the new Headmaster.  Dumbledore would have made sure to put a name down before his passing, and found that he was quite intrugued at who it might be.  When they arrived back home, they tore off the ties and jackets, and went to go and see their beautiful sons, whose tiny little kisses could help them forget their heartache for a while.