Chapter One: I Put the Fun in Funerals


Madison Potter: After the War

Chapter 1: I Put the Fun in Funerals

"You know, this is like the billionth funeral I've been to in the past two weeks," I mentioned to George as we walked into the cemetery.

"You're not wrong," he replied, swinging our arms as we walked.

The weather seemed wrong. It should be dark and windy and raining and chilly, because there's just a bunch of dead people hanging out all around us. Instead, it was bright, and the sun rested high in the sky, it's glare reflecting off of my glasses. The trees swayed in the light warm breeze and there was not a cloud in sight. The grass was green and the two holes in the ground seemed out of place. The headstones in front of the holes were new and shiny, with newly engraved words upon them:

Remus John Lupin

March 10, 1960- May 2, 1998

Loving father, godfather and husband

Mischief Managed

Nymphadora Tonks-Lupin

December 2, 1972-May 2, 1998

Loving father, wife and Auror

Don't call me Nymphadora

George and I made it to the front of the gated off area, right in front of the podium and the two caskets that held Remus and Tonks. I shivered, despite there being a lack of cold air.

The ceremony began. I'll admit, I didn't exactly pay attention to it— I was more focused on making funny faces at Teddy, who was blabbering and giggling. He didn't know what was going on. He didn't know that his parents were being buried today. He was so oblivious to the world around him— just like I was at the moment.

George nudged me, and I heard the voice of Minister Shacklebolt call out my name three times.

Oh yeah. I was giving the obituary.

I abruptly stood up, straightened out my skirt, blushed and looked around at the audience. Some chuckled at the expression on my face while others simply gave me a condescending look.

My heels clicked as I made my way up to the podium. I nearly tripped going up the stairs, which caused some of the crowd members to laugh.

Once I finally reached the podium, I had to go on my tip toes to reach the mic.

"Is there a button that can move this thing down?" I asked, my voice carrying into the microphone.

I got a chuckle from Kingsley and he pointed his wand and said, "Mobiliarbus!"

Kingsley moved his wand downwards, and the podium and microphone moved with it.

He stepped to the side and I spoke into the microphone.

"Sorry about that. You see, I grew up with muggles, and even though it's been nearly eight years since I found out that I was a witch, I still forget that that I can actually use magic for somethings."

That got a giggle out of the crowd.

"I really didn't have anything planned for this, so we're going to wing it. Let's see... The first time I remember meeting Remus Lupin was when I was thirteen. He was the man who sat in the compartment on the Hogwarts Express. When the dementors came onto the train and Harry and I fainted, he gave us chocolate. That seems like so long ago now. I wish I had known him for a longer time— I wish I had more experiences and fun with my godfather. It didn't matter to me that he was a werewolf. In my opinion, it made him stronger. Remus was probably one of the most strongest men I've known. He didn't deserve this. Neither of them did. They were such good people... and didn't deserve to die. They didn't deserve to have to leave their son behind. They didn't deserve to die. They didn't deserve it.

"Remus was one of the Marauders. He was Moony. My father, James Potter, was Prongs, the late Sirius Black was Padfoot and the late Peter Pettigrew was Wormtail. The Marauders got up to no good, always pranking in the halls of Hogwarts and just about anywhere else I would assume.

"Considering the fact that Remus was a Marauder, he would probably hate this boring and sad affair.

"Then there's Nymphadora Tonks. She hated her first name— she always said 'Don't call me Nymphadora!'. She was a metamorphagus, so she could change her appearance at will whenever she wanted. She passed that on to her son, who managed to turn his hair blue. Gave Harry and I a bit of a shock when we saw it.

"Tonks was also an Auror, and a freaking good one at that. She was a badass. Oh my god, I'm sorry for swearing— there's children in the room—" I glanced around, and only saw one child. "Well, it's just Teddy, and he's like a little over two months old so I don't think he will remember me saying that." The crowd laughed.

"But really, Tonks was a bad... butt. A badbutt. She was caring, fierce and amazing. I only knew her for a few years— only two, actually— but I felt as if I'd known her for longer. Maybe I met her when I was a baby, but I really don't know. She was like an older sister to me. I miss her a lot.

"And she found happiness in Remus, and even more happiness in Teddy. She was clumsy, yes— she always knocked over that goddamn umbrella stand— but she was also... is there an antonym for clumsy? Oh, yeah, she was also very graceful. Her mind was graceful, there really wasn't a bad thing about her— except the fact that she's clumsy. She'd also would hate this. She'd hate how boring and dull and sad this is. Both of them would, actually."

I took a deep breath and looked at the crowd. Harry looked at me with a knowing look. George has a look of confusion etched onto his face, and so did nearly everybody else— except for Andromeda. Harry and I told her about our plans beforehand. We wanted her approval for this, and if we didn't have it, we wouldn't do it.

"So, without further ado..." I trailed off, a grin etching onto my face.

I got my wand out and waved it.

"Accio Weasleys' Wildfire Whizbangs!" I called out under my breath.

The package Weasleys' Wildfire Whizbangs soared into my hands. I threw it up in the air and yelled, "Incendio!"

The fireworks exploded in the air; different colors blasted through the sky, illuminating the dark vibe of the cemetery. I looked at Harry and his grin matched mine.

I grinned and watched the crowd look around in either delight or disapproval. Tears began to line up in my eyelids, and right as soon as the fireworks stopped, a tear rolled down my cheek. They continued to do so as the crowd relaxed, and those who got up from their seats sat back down.

"The one last thing... The one last hung that I have to say to you all, the one last thing that I have to say to the two of them..."

I wiped the tears from my eyes and smiled.

"Mischief Managed."

Nymphadora Tonks and Remus Lupin were then lowered into the ground, their physical bodies now hidden from us forever.

There was a small reception after the funeral, held at the area outside of the cemetery.

People came and left, giving condolences to Andromeda, Teddy, Harry and I. Teddy giggled and gurgled, not having any sort of understanding about the current event at hand.

"How are you doing Madison?" Hermione came up and asked me. Her hair was down and her brown curls were neatly falling down past her shoulders.

"I'm doing good, Hermione," I replied, a smile forming onto my face.

"I know you are, and it's great to see you this happy... You haven't been for a long time."

"Yeah. They were happy tears... I know they both would have loved this... and I'm also just happy that this is the last funeral we're having," I said, giving her a grin.

"That's great. Madison, I have something to ask you," Hermione said, her brown eyes staring into mine. She had a serious expression on her face.

"Sure, what's up Hermione?" I replied, concern lacing my voice.

"Will you come to Australia and help me find my parents?"

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