Marauders In Time part 2

"Ladies and gentlemen, we gather here today to commemorate those that we have lost."

It was no longer happiness and glamour. The joyous celebrations have been halted as those of Hogwarts mourn the fifty fighters that lost their lives during the battle. Not a glass of Butterbeer or Firewhiskey was in sight. Rather, there were chairs neatly placed in rows facing a podium. What was supposed to be a funeral had turned into a depressing ceremony as Hogwarts students and relatives, Order members and Ministry officials were present. The castle ruins have been repaired momentarily as the blasted walls and towers were no longer completely visible. The ceremony was held in a large field just behind the castle, with the tombs sorted to form a cemetery of those that had fallen.

Harry POV

I sat right at the front of the row of seats, with Ron on one side and Ginny on the other, my hand intertwined with hers. The entire Weasley family occupied the front row while Order members and Hogwarts teachers sat behind us. Professor Dumbledore stood on the podium as he gave the speech.

"On May the 2nd, Hogwarts students and teachers united to fight against Dark forces that had threatened our world for years. The morning after marks our victory, but the means in doing so included the lost of our fellow loved ones. We will now take the next few minutes to remember the following names, those that had fallen at the hands of Voldemort and his followers but died fighting for a better world."

This was the moment that I had been dreading. The list of names that had died fighting.

"Michael Corner, a fellow Ravenclaw, who led the charge in Ravenclaw tower."

I felt a sudden twinge in my chest. I knew Michael. I had taught him in Dumbledore's Army.

"Dylan Shawcross. A first year Slytherin that was caught in the battle crossfire."

As Dumbledore continued with his speech, I began to lose focus. There were people that didn't even want to fight, yet they had died in the war. People that wanted nothing but to see a light at the end of the tunnel, and it was cut out from them in an instant. I didn't dare look back, because I knew there were a lot of people out there that lost a friend of family member and did so fighting for me. I was the one that asked for time to hunt the Horcruxes. I was the one that convinced McGonagall to set up defences to stop Voldemort's army. These people are dead because of me.

"Draco Malfoy. A Slytherin prefect that was also caught in the heat of the battle. A strong and ambitious individual."

Even through our differences and rivalries, I couldn't help but feel terrible for what happened to Malfoy. He may have been mean in the past but he never wanted to live in a life of cruelty. I could see it in his eyes, back in Malfoy Manor, that he was scared. I paid little to no attention to the rest of the names, because the pain in my chest worsened the more I listened to the names of people that gave their lives protecting me. 

"Charlie Weasley, a member of the Order of the Phoenix, who soared through the night sky for us, resembling his talented Quidditch skills. As a devoted member of the Order, the Ministry award him the Order of Merlin, third class."

At that, both Ron and Ginny tensed. Ginny tightened her grip on my hand and Ron clenched his fist on his lap.

"Professor Horace Slughorn, a dear friend and talented Potions master, who was loyal to Hogwarts right from the very start. For his longevity and leadership, the Ministry have awarded him the Order of Merlin, second class."

Tears started to swell up in my eyes. It couldn't be. Professor Slughorn, not here with us.

"Professor Severus Snape, A lost follower of Voldemort who changed for the better, a brave teacher, misunderstood but remained faithful to Hogwarts. A great teacher, and a brave man. I award him the Order of Merlin, first class."