Chapter One: 3rd Person Omniscient POV
Kingsley Shacklebolt called out to the crowd, dismissing everyone to head back to their homes, signaling the end of yet another painful funeral. Just a few days ago, they had buried their dear friend and family member Fred, and now they were laying Remus and Tonks to rest as well. Harry, standing alone in emotion while physically surrounded by people, couldn't help but feel guilty. Who was to take care of Teddy? Teddy would be staying with his grandmother Andromeda from now on. Harry had lived this life before, not having his parents around to guide him through the harsh aspects of life. Harry knew better than anyone what Teddy was going to face as he grew up, and damn did he feel guilty for causing this. Teddy was being held by his grandmother, the poor infant not being able to understand what was going on but crying anyways. While nobody there blamed Harry for the death of any dear friend, those close to Harry knew he would be blaming himself, but couldn't help. Ron was with Hermione, the recent couple taking comfort in the presence of each other, trying to make sense of the loss of such close people to them. Ginny was with her mother, father and eldest brother, trying to ignore the missing space of Fred in their family, still not being able to understand why he was taken of all people. This left Harry alone, or so he thought. Once dismissed, he tried to slip away to the tree line near the cemetery, to get some quiet space just to think and try to cope with what had just taken place.
However, a particular friend had been watching Harry closely, knowing what must be going through the boy's head at the time. Luna was no idiot, she knew Harry better than she would admit after the years of watching from the sidelines, and eventually getting to know him better from late-night talks over the past few years. Luna, slipping away from the small crowd that were talking amongst each other, recalling memories of times past with the now laid to rest couple, made her way over slowly and quietly to Harry. Harry, not noticing the shadow he had making their way over towards him, sat down next to a tree to lean on it, holding back the tears that had been building up over the last few weeks. He knew everything happened for a very good reason, that so many people were now safe and could live their lives without fear, but he couldn't help but question why so much had to be taken to get to this point. Why Fred? Why Remus and Tonks? Why his parents? He couldn't understand, and without realizing tears began to slide down his cheeks. Luna, seeing this sight, sped up her pace a bit. She didn't want her friend to feel alone during this tough time, nobody deserves to be alone.
"You know they say water holds memories? I wonder how many memories a graveyard holds from the tears of those who've cried here," Luna spoke softly while taking a seat a little distance from Harry, staring at the space in between some nearby trees. Harry sat quietly, not truly knowing what to reply with. Instead, Luna continued on, "What memories will your tears hold Harry Potter? The good times or the sad?" Harry just sat, turning to face her, taking note of her appearance. He first took note of the dress, having a forest green color with ruffles along the round neckline, and bottom of the dress starting from the waist. A black homemade cardigan rested over her shoulders, being a bit too long for her shorter arms. The style reminded him of the dress she wore to Bill's wedding, the dress she wore at the beginning of the end. Her usual dirigible plum earrings were attached gently to her ears, reminding Harry of a radish, and her hair was tied back into a braid, something a bit unusual for her, but Harry liked the change, it suited her well.
"You look nice, dress looks like the one from the wedding..." Harry trailed off, not knowing how to continue. The wedding was still a painful memory. Things had been going so well that night, but of course, during a war, you cannot expect to live in comfort and peace. Harry looked back down, tugging at the sleeve of his long, black robe. His outfit was similar to the one he wore to Slughorn's party.
Luna smiled, glancing over at Harry, "You clean up nicely as well, reminds me of when we went to Slughorn's party the first event anyone had invited me to attend with them." Harry looked back up at her, smiling at the thought. Slughorn's party was, well, interesting, but overall a better memory than those that were previously running through his head. Shifting slightly, Luna pulled the sleeve of the cardigan over her hand and gently whipped away the remaining tears Harry had on his face. As she was doing so, Harry looked down, noticing she was not wearing any shoes.
"Luna, where in the world are your shoes? Aren't your feet cold?' Harry asked, knowing the weather wasn't ideal to be going barefoot.
"Oh, it's a bit chilly, but I find that I enjoy the feeling of the grass between my toes, and don't worry harry the Nargles haven't stolen my shoes this time," Luna says, holding up two black flats in her left hand. Harry could only chuckle slightly, still feeling down from the funerals and war, but Luna, of course, always knew how to at least make him forget for a moment. Snapping out of his thoughts, Harry glanced over towards the crowd, noticing a figure walking over towards them. Kingsley Shacklebolt soon arrived in front of the pair, nodding his head slightly towards them as a sign of greeting. Harry and Luna stood, sensing a serious conversation that needed to take place.
"Harry, I'm sorry for your loss. Remus was a great man and an even greater wizard. I've heard that you don't plan on returning to Hogwarts for you last year, unlike Miss Granger." Shacklebot stated, not too firm or too warm. His dark eyes freely studied Harry for any hints and signs of the boy's possible reaction. Sighing, Harry glanced to the ground before lightly replying.
"I don't currently plan on going back to Hogwarts?" He was slightly confused about this question, I mean what would his plans have to do with the head of the British Ministry of Magic?
"Are you sure Harry? That sounded more like a question," Luna states, calling out Harry's clear uncertainty. Shacklebolt chuckles, while Harry just looks over at Luna a bit surprised. Why would she point something like that out?
"If you're sure that you're not attending Hogwarts again, I have a proposition for you," Shacklebolt stated, glancing over at Luna before returning his gaze to Harry. Luna, noticing the pause in the conversation after the glance, decided it would be best to dismiss herself until their conversation was finished. Once Luna moved a bit further into the woods, seeming to be talking with some sort of plant, the men continued their conversation.
"If you'd like to continue on the plans you had originally set before all of this I can offer you a spot in Auror training," Shacklebolt stated, not letting his gaze drift from Harry's. He wanted to be able to see the initial reaction, not the one that Harry would think over before showing. A look of very clear shock crossed Harry's face, as this was not expected, I mean they just finished with a funeral after all.
"Well I don't know sir, this is all so sudden. Can I think about it, I'm not sure if that's the path I want to take with my life anymore," Harry stated, looking Shacklebolt in the eye for only a moment before glancing over to Luna. Luna was crouched in front of a small bud for a plant, trying her hardest to get it to bloom for her. Harry couldn't help but chuckle at the girl, but Shacklebolt brought him back into reality by clearing his throat.
"I see you have other things on your mind, the training doesn't start until the end of the summer I'll contact you a few weeks beforehand." Shacklebolt plainly stated, not waiting to hear a response before nodding his head and taking his leave. Harry decided it would be a good idea to go collect Luna before she tried to maybe convince a tree to drop more leaves for her.
"Come on Luna, it's getting late," Harry said softly, taking Luna's upper arm and helping her up from the ground to start walking back towards the crowd. Luna couldn't help but be confused.
"Harry...I don't wish to alarm or disagree with you but its only one in the afternoon." Luna stared at Harry with her eyes wide, making the poor boy feel even more awkward than before.
"Oh, well we should be heading back anyways," Harry stated, scratching the back of his head while looking at the ground.
"I suppose you're right...I do believe I heard some Nargles back there trying to steal my shoes," Luna smiled up at Harry, taking his hand in hers and practically dragging him back towards the crowd, back towards reality.
