A Little Help from a Snake // Tomarry

Part 76

Reposted: March 1, 2022

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This chapter is short, just like me.

Summary: The aftermath of the battle isn't easy for anyone.

It was a beautiful day outside. Sunny, not too hot, a few clouds here and there, a slight breeze in the air. But there could have been a raging hurricane for all the wizarding world cared.

The funeral had been carried out a week later once everything had settled down somewhat. Harry and his family had attended, keeping close together while others' grief nearly knocked them off their feet.

'Harry?' Azure had slithered up beside him.

'Hm?'

'Will you be okay? Tom's worried.'

Harry sighed. For the past two days since the funeral, he had taken to wandering around aimlessly. 'I will be.'

Azure brushed her head against Harry's arm and said nothing more.

A playful breeze sprung up, sending water droplets from the fountain over them.

'I can't believe he's dead.'

'Dumbledore?'

'No. Well, yes, but I meant Fred.' Harry swallowed the lump that had formed in his throat. 'He was only two years above me. And Colin was a year younger than me.'

'I know, Harry.'

The sound of a twig breaking made them turn. Tom stood a few meters away uncertainly, holding a couple of containers of food. "Lunch is ready," he said. "Do you want to come inside or eat out here?"

"Out here." Harry nodded to the spot next to him and Tom took a seat.

"You ready to get back out there?" Tom asked after swallowing a bite of his roll. "They need all the help they can get if they want school to continue as normal."

"Yeah, I think so." Harry twirled his fork to catch the noodles and raised it to his lips.

They finished eating in silence.

It was less somber at Hogwarts. Everyone there had their minds off the casualties, at least temporarily, in an attempt to do something useful for the future.

Harry nodded to Severus as he passed, heading for the Slytherin common room. It had been broken into only once, although the broken furniture and cracked portraits made it look worse.

He caught sight of dark curly hair and went over. "Hey, Trace."

Tracey jumped and started to raise her wand. "Merlin's pants, you startled me!"

"Really? First Merlin, now his pants?" Harry grinned. "What's next, his shoes?"

"Very funny. Been to Diagon Alley yet?"

"No, I came straight here." Harry took out his wand and moved a cushion that had been lying on the floor back onto the couch. "To be honest, I've kinda been avoiding it."

"I think a lot of people have," Tracey said softly. She squared her shoulders. "Are you returning to Hogwarts for school?"

"Course. Is there anyone who isn't?"

"Not that I know of. Although there was a rumor that the Patil twins had considered being homeschooled. Could be true, but they're coming back regardless." Tracey flicked her wand and the hanging that had been torn fixed itself.

They continued moving around fixing things in silence. Neither of them mentioned the dried blood splatters they found.

There may be one more chapter (probably not much longer than this one) before the epilogue.

Speaking of which, does anyone have any ideas? Maybe they adopt a child or more? Children are pretty cliche, but it makes sense in certain situations. Otherwise, the next chapter will be the epilogue.