Next Time Around

The Way I Want to Go

Author's note:
Thanks for all of the *cough* absolutely non threatening *cough* comments, your pain fills me with glee. I promise you, it's only going to get worse :))))) I really liked writing this chapter. I'm sorry for the time in between updates but believe it or not, I do have something akin to a life, so I don't always have the time to write, sadly.

Disclaimer: ⚡️❌👤

Enjoy!

'A moment of silence, please,' Dumbledore said, his voice sounding soft even though it was heard clearly by everyone sitting in the chairs on the grass.

Draco took the moment to glance around. He sniffled. There was a heavy atmosphere, like it was a little hard to breath. The air was heavy with a grieving silence.

The Malfoy heir himself was donned in his nicest clothes. Black acromantula silk and dragon hide, with silver accents and the Malfoy crest on his coat pocket. For once though, Draco couldn't care less about his outfit. He sniffled once more.

In front of all the visitors, Dumbledore stood next to a dark wooden casket. He sighed deeply.

'Thank you all for coming,' he said gravely. 'I'm sure Hadrian would have appreciated it too.' He sighed again.

'We are all gathered here to say our goodbyes to a dear friend of ours. Hadrian Potter. He was an extraordinary student, and an even more extraordinary person. Many times have I been astonished by his brilliance and by his caring. He was truly a great wizard. And... and if his parents were still here, I'm sure they'd be so proud of him.

'You see, Hadrian didn't die for nothing. He was always known for showing initiative, and this time was no different. Singlehandedly, this boy stopped a high ranking Death Eater from giving Voldemort a weapon powerful enough to ruin us. He saved us once more, and this time, it was his end. He was strong enough to stop the Death Eater, but not strong enough to survive the battle that ensued afterwards. He fought courageously, and did stop the Death Eater in the process.

'Unfortunately nothing can bring Hadrian back to us. And if I'm honest, in a private conversation we had, Hadrian mentioned to me that this was the way he wanted to go down. He wanted to go down fighting. And he did, though far before his time. He shall be missed dearly by all of us, not least of all by me. The boy was like a grandson to me.

'Finally, not as a Headmaster but as a ex-Gryffindor, I'd like to offer him a honorary place in our house, for the way he fought was truly courageous. He was nobel and brave, just as Godric once demanded all his House to be. As Gryffindor we shall therefore gladly accept him as one of us.'

Daphne's head, that had hung down in grievance, snapped up to glare at the Headmaster.

'I can't believe it,' she whispered to Pansy furiously, 'even in Hades' death Dumbledore tries to use the boy for his own gain.'

Pansy grunted. 'And this is why none of us will fight for the Light. The damn charlatan.'

They weren't wrong. Saying that Hadrian embodied Gryffindor ideals would take away from him being Slytherin, and ultimately make Harry a martyr. Most Slytherins there saw straight through it, and some frowned to each other. How unprofessional to be campaigning at a funeral.

Meanwhile Dumbledore has sat down. Snape was up next. His expression was calm, though if one looked closely there was a slight maniacal glint to his eyes.

'Mister Potter was a very promising student,' he began, 'and it is such a pity to see him go. From my experience, the best go too early. Potter was no different. He shall be missed.'