Breaking the shadows

Fred's funeral.

1998

Thursday May 14th

After everyone had went home for a longer summer vacation Professor McGonagall had arranged Fred's funeral in the Great Hall at Hogwarts. The Great Hall was filled with a heavy silence as we gathered to pay our final respects to Fred Weasley. I stood beside Hermione, feeling a mix of sorrow and gratitude for having known such a remarkable person. The hall was adorned with colourful wreaths, as a reminder of the joy and laughter that Fred had brought into our lives.

Arthur Weasley, Fred's father, took a step forward, his voice trembling with emotion as he began to speak. I listened intently, my heart aching for the pain he and Molly must be feeling, for the loss of their beloved son.

"Ladies and gentlemen, friends and family, we gather here today to celebrate the life of our dear Fred Weasley," Arthur's voice echoed through the hall, filled with raw emotion. "Fred was not only our son but a beacon of light in our lives. His laughter, his mischievous spirit—those were the things that made him so special."

As Arthur stepped down, he took Molly's hand and squeezed it gently before she stepped forward, her eyes filled with tears, her hand clutching a handkerchief tightly. As she stepped forward, her voice trembled with grief.

"Our dear Fred," Molly's voice cracked with sorrow, "you were truly one of a kind. Your laughter filled our home, and you were the heart and soul of every joke and prank that you did with George. The memories of your quick wit and warm smile will forever be etched in our hearts."

George Weasley, stood by his parents, struggling to find the right words. His grief was palpable as he stepped forward, his voice filled with pain.

"Fred, my better half, my partner in crime," George's voice wavered, "I can't imagine a world without you. We were two halves of a whole, and now, I feel incomplete. You were not just the best brother but also my best friend. I will carry on our legacy of pranks and mischief, keeping your spirit alive."

As George stepped down and gave the word to Ron, a single tear fell from his eyes, George wiped them away, so no-one noticed.

Ron Weasley then stepped forward his determination evident despite his grief:

"Fred," Ron's voice shook with determination, "you were more than just a brother to me. You were my closest friend, always there to make me laugh even in the darkest of times. Your jokes, your loyalty—I will miss them dearly. But I promise to carry your memory with me, to honour you in everything I do."

Ginny stood beside me, tears flowing uncontrolled from her eyes, her speech written down on a piece of parchment, she took my hand, and we stepped forward, joining her family, as she began to speak her voice filled with love and sorrow:

"Fred, my dear brother," Ginny's words trembled with emotion, "you were an inspiration to me. Your fearlessness and unwavering spirit taught me to embrace life fully. Your pranks, your laughter—I will carry them with me always. You will never be forgotten."

As the Weasley family returned to their places, I stayed in the front of the room as it was my turn to speak. I took a deep breath, feeling the weight of the moment. Fred had been a dear friend, and it was my chance to honour him.

"Fred Weasley," my voice wavered with emotion, "you were more than a friend to me. Your infectious laughter and vibrant spirit brightened our lives. You brought joy into the darkest moments and reminded us never to take life too seriously. Your memory will forever live on in our hearts."

As I stepped down, Luna, Neville, and Harry stood beside me, a united front in our grief, but also in our shared memories of Fred. The Great Hall grew quiet once again, and the echoes of his laughter and the warmth of his spirit lingered among us. It was a farewell filled with bittersweet gratitude for having known him, for the laughter and happiness he had shared with us.

And as the speeches came to an end, we paid our final respects, our hearts heavy with loss but filled with gratitude for the time we had spent with Fred Weasley. We made a silent vow to carry his memory with us, forever cherishing the joy and love he had brought into our lives.

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Puplished: 30-06-23