Goodbye Fred Weasley...

After The Battle...

The hall had begun to clear of people, both dead and alive. In fact, the hall was almost empty of people, in contrast to the crowds that flooded it earlier. Harry, Ron and Hermione had watched their friends go; some with only bumps and bruises, some with larger gashes and some no longer in pain. Despite the quietness of the hall, one corner was still crowded. Along with Harry and Hermione, the Weasley family were still surrounding Fred. His body had been motionless for hours, yet everyone still seemed unable to let go. George hadn't left his side, still muttering words of hope.

"Wake up Freddie, please"
"Come on, I know you can do it"
"Can you hear me Freddie? Are you there?"

Mrs Weasley was still an emotional mess. Her tears were still flowing fresh down her plump cheeks, just as they had been several hours ago. Her husband had his arms around her. His face was solemn, but you could tell, from the redness of his eyes, that he'd been crying.

Ginny hadn't said a word since she'd seen Fred dead. She had merely stood quietly, pacing, with the occasional tear rolling down her face. She'd also endured numerous amounts of hugs from Harry.

Percy was as serious as ever. His face was blank. He merely looked shaken. He had briefly embraced his mother, but Percy had never been particularly affectionate.

Bill and Charlie were being very brave. They had both shed tears for their little brother but, more than anything, had been the shoulders to cry on. They had embraced and comforted every member of their family, including Percy. Bill was still handing out loving words to everyone, assuring them that it was all going to be okay. Charlie had bought heart-warming cups of tea for everyone, handing out every one with a smile and a kind word.

Ron, to everyone's shock, was deeply upset. After his emotional breakdown when he had first seen Fred's body, there had been a few more. He was crying and shaking a lot and did not appear to want any comfort from anyone other than Hermione. He would've accepted it from his mother, but she had her own troubles to worry about. Hermione had sat with him from the moment they had arrived in the Great Hall, her arms stretched across his broad shoulders. Her jacket was damp from his tears.

Fred and the Weasley's had had many visitors, all of which bought their deepest sympathies. Hagrid had come to take away the body, but couldn't being himself to ease George away. When Hagrid had arrived, George was curled around his brothers torso, distraught, telling him to wake up. Hagrid had seen the situation, wished them well and left.

The Weasley's had lost Fred: their son,  their brother.