Stronger for You

Chp. 3 A Final Grace

“There is a sacredness in tears. They are not the mark of weakness, but of power. They speak more eloquently than ten thousand tongues. They are the messengers of overwhelming grief, of deep contrition, and of unspeakable love.”- Washington Irving

Chapter Three

This was harder than I thought it would be. I woke up to my house weeping. One would think I was over-exaggerating but I wasn’t. First and second years were crying with their friends. The older ones were sitting in groups, reminiscing and fighting tears. Even Professor McGonagall was there, to help her cubs through this shocking news. I approached her with Ginny at my side. Neville was still in the Wing, and I was on my way to check on him.

“Professor, are all the houses being told?” Our Head of House nods, her face strongly impassive.

“Yes, we have an hour until the funeral. We sent a letter to her brother and grandmother, but we are waiting until they get here to properly explain.”

“Professor, that’s cruel, don’t you think?” Ginny spoke up.

“We can’t risk the information getting read. Dumbledore’s funeral will be tomorrow.” She nods before turning to a group of clingy first years who attached themselves to her cloak.

“Let’s get Neville.”

“I’m actually finding Luna. I’ll see you at the…the thing.” She waves awkwardly, her eyes still red from all the tears. I breathe deeply and square my shoulders.

Stepping into the castle halls, I could feel the change. It no longer felt safe. I felt as if the castle had lost its innocence, it had been violated and stained. Most would say by two murders, but in actuality it was only one. For Godric’s sake, I’m getting all deep.

“For the last time, Mr. Longbottom, sit down!” I pushed the door open and found Neville sitting up, bandages about his arm and chest, his teeth gritted as he pulled on a shirt.

“Mate, what are you doing up?” I ask as I lean against his bed. Madame Pomfrey huffs and points accusingly at him.

“He insists on going to the funeral! He should be resting!”

“She’s my best friend.” He protests.

“Fine! Go! But if you get worst, don’t even think about coming back here.” As she walks away, we hear her muttering, “The girl's not even dead!”

“Come on, injured warrior.” I joke, letting him lean on me as we walk out to the lawn. It’s happening by the forest edge, a bit close to where Vines the cat was buried.

“How is everyone taking it?” He asks as we cross the grounds.

“Not well. The Gryffindors are in shock. Thankfully, no one knows who ‘killed’ her, so Harry won’t be dying a painful death.”

“I just can’t believe it failed. Why did we not include her?”

“Because she was going through so much at the time, the others thought she wouldn’t approve. I always knew we should.” I growl. Neville nods as I lower him into a front row seat.

“Listen, I’m helping to carry her casket. I’ll see you in a few.”

“Some would sound a bit sadder while saying that.” He remarks. I shrug.

“It’s not real.” I say firmly before walking away quickly, blinking my eyes. How awful was the truth of this? I was carrying my best friend, my ex-girlfriend’s casket out to her funeral.

“Fred? George?” I question, seeing the two redheads just ahead of me. They had their heads down, hands in their black robe pockets. Fred’s eyes were slightly pink, as if he had cried.