Before Things Change, Harry Potter Year 6

29. The Phoenix Lament

Lilly's POV
Ginny got Harry to the Hospital Wing were everyone was there. She explained how Neville and Professor Flitwick were hurt. Bill was attacked by Fenrir Greyback and only a Death Eater is dead.
Everyone told Harry about their side of the battle and Harry told them about his side of the battle. I was almost done mending the Entrance Hall. Students were sobbing and I was too, but I had a job to do.
Mr. and Mrs. Weasley, closely followed by Fleur, bursted into the Hospital Wing. They immediately went over to Bill and Professor McGonagall told them that Dumbledore was dead.
Mrs. Weasley sobbed over her oldest son.
"Of course, it doesn't matter how he looks... it's not r-really important... but he was a very handsome little b-boy... always very handsome... and he was g-going to be married!"
Fleur was furious and had enough. She said suddenly and loudly, "And what do you mean by zat? What do you mean, ' 'e was going to be married?' "
"Well - only that-"
"You theenk Bill will not wish to marry my anymore? You theenk, because of his bites, he will not love me?"
"No, that's not what I-"
"Because 'e will! It would take more zan a werewolf to stop Bill loving me!"
"Well, yes, I'm sure, but I thought perhaps - given how - how he-"
"You thought I would not weesh to marry him? Or per'aps you hoped? What do I care how he looks? I am good-looking enough for both of us, I theenk! All these scars show is zat my husband is brave! And I shall do zat!" Fleur grabbed the cloth from Mrs. Weasley and began to mop up Bill's wound with a very curious expression on her face. I smiled, she was finally standing up for herself...
After a long pause, Mrs. Weasley said, "Our Great-Auntie Muriel has a beautiful tiara - goblin made - which I am sure I could persuade her to lend you for the wedding. She is very fond of Bill, you know, and it would look lovely with your hair."
Fleur replied stiffly, "Thank you. I am sure zat will be lovely."
I still don't really understand how it happened, but the two women were crying and hugging each other. Well, all was well between them.
Tonks was glaring at Lupin and said with a strained voice, "You see! She still wants to marry him, even though he's still been bitten! She doesn't care!"
Lupin said, "It's different. Bill will not be a full werewolf. The cases are completely-"
Tonks inturrupted, seizing Lupin's robe shaking them, "But, I don't care either, I don't care! I've told you a million times..."
Tonks's Patronus, mouse-colored hair, and the reason to find Dumbledore to see who was attacked by Greyback all became clear. She wasn't in love with Sirius, she was in love with someone else.
Lupin was staring at the floor, refusing to meet her eyes. He said, "And I've told you a million times that I am too old for you, too poor... too dangerous..."
Mrs. Weasley said, "And I've said all along you're taking a ridiculous line on this, Remus."
"I am not being ridiculous. Tonks deserves somebody young and whole!" Protested Remus.
Mr. Weasley said with a small smile, "But she wants you and, after all, Remus, young and whole men do not necessarily remain so." He gestured sadly to his son.
Remus, avoiding everyone's eyes said, "This is... not the moment to discuss it..."
I walked through the door and I see Neville for the first time today. I ran over and sobbed into his chest, "No! This wasn't supposed to happen... Neville, you weren't supposed to get hurt!"
I was sobbing, Madam Pomfrey was trying to pry me off Neville, but I held on with my good left hand. Ginny came over and said, "Come on, Lilly, he's alright, just needs rest. You need to get medical attention."
I nodded, slowly rose, and Madam Pomfrey took off sling to reveal a big nasty cuts and mark. I said, "When I was battling Greyback, another Death Eater stepped in and I turned to my left a bit, Greyback bit, and ripped my shoulder. I sent him back and then Bill stepped in saving my life. I got Greyback off Bill and protect Bill as I dueled Greyback. When they were up in the Asrtonomy Tower I was trying to mend Bill, but nothing was working as well as I hoped. I made myself a quick sling and joined the battle once more. I followed Harry, but I realized students were up and I split myself taking care of the students and also making sure Hagrid's Hut wasn't set on fire. After I knew Hagrid was okay, I mended the castle and took care of the dead Death Eater..."
Harry asked, "Did you know this would happen?"
I nodded as paste was being put on me by Madam Pomfrey.
Harry said accusingly, "Why did you let it happen?! You let Dumbledore die!"
I said, "Don't you think I know this?! I have the burden of knowing this my whole life! I tried to prevent it, but I couldn't. You don't get it, Harry! I had to let Dumbledore die! Did you think I planned for all of this?! Did you think I planned on being the reason Bill will never look the same? Do you think I planned for Dumbledore to be killed? Do you think I planned for Neville to be almost killed?! I didn't! I had to let things go, knowing what would happen. Don't you realize how hard that's on me! I have been depressed since I was able to see the future! I wasn't allowed to share dorms because of the horrid things I reveal in my sleep! None of you realize how hard my whole life has been. To sit and watch things turn into a disaster and not be able to to anything about it!" I was fuming by then.
Harry said, "You could have warned me..."
I said, "No one could know... only me... it was so no one could prevent it, otherwise... we would all be dead..."
Hagrid came in saying he moved the body, the students were in bed, and the Ministry knows,
Professor McGonagall called for the Heads of Houses to convene. She requested Harry and I follow her,
Harry and I followed McGonagall. She asked Harry where he had been tonight and he didn't tell her. When the Heads arrrived, everyone discussed what is to happen. They will consult the governers about the school staying open and will discuss the matters further later. Dumbledore will be buried on Hogwarts grounds, students will say goodbye tomorrow, and then return home.

Before Harry left he hugged me saying, "I'm sorry."
I hugged him saying, "I know..." Harry went to bed and told Ron about the locket.

Things had changed...

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                                                    -Lilly :)