I woke up, like normal. Only, this time, there was something heavy was draped across my stomach. I looked over, and saw Fred's peaceful face beside me. I smiled and blushed as the memory of the events of last night came rushing back into my mind. And before you start thinking that I had sex with Fred, I will tell you. No, I didn't.

I moved so I was facing Fred. He stirred and his eyes fluttered open. "Did I wake you?" I whispered.

A small smile appeared on Fred's face as his blue eyes made their way up to my grey ones. "No," he whispered back.

I smiled, which then faded as I remembered what happened yesterday. Dumbledore's gone.

Fred noticed my sudden change in mood. He seemed to be reading my mind, because he said, "It doesn't seem real yet does it? Dumbledore being gone I mean."

I shook my head. How can Dumbledore be gone? He was supposed to be the greatest wizard of our time! "No, Fred. It doesn't."

We stayed in each other's arms for awhile. We were both content to stay where we were and to ignore the war brewing. I inwardly sighed as I realized that as much as we would like to, we couldn't lay in bed all day. I willed myself to break away from Fred's comforting arms. I finally sat up. "Are we closing the shop for a few days?"

Fred nodded. "Good. I don't think I could work efficiently right now," I replied.

He nodded once more, but in agreement this time. "Me either."

-------

A few days later, I woke up- in my own bed this time- and got dressed. I got dressed in a black dress that went down to just above my knees and some black ankle boots since Dumbledore's funeral is today.

I put on some waterproof (I didn't want to take a chance on it running if I cried today) mascara and let my hair fall in it's natural loose waves.

I looked myself over in the mirror one last time. Pleased with the way I looked, I went out the door.

I met Fred in the middle of the living room. He kissed my forehead after taking in my sad look. I leaned into him and he wrapped his arms around me. To be honest, I'm more in disbelief than sadness.

Dumbledore and I were never really close, so I wasn't as sad as I suppose I should've been. But still, the greatest wizard of our time was gone.

Harry explained to me how Dumbledore had exactly been killed. By Snape. Someone he trusted completely. Reason 1223 why I don't like Snape.

I finally pulled myself out of my thoughts and looked up at Fred. "You ready?" I asked quietly.

He nodded. "Yeah."

I grabbed Fred's hand in mine and apparated to Hogmeade.

He grabbed my hand and started walking. "Fred?"

"Hmm?"

"How do you feel about this? About Dumbledore's death, that is."

"He was a great headmaster. I didn't know him on a level more than that, so I can't say much more. He had a good sense of humor, didn't punish George and I like the other professors did. So I'm going to miss the guy, but I don't think it's going to break me."

I nodded. "I know what you mean. I wasn't close to him. You know, Harry was. Can you imagine how Harry must be feeling?"

Fred shook his head. "Harry's lost so many people already. I don't know how many more losses the bloke can handle."

"I know. Harry's so strong. I can't imagine what he's going through."

By this point we had reached the castle. We easily found the spot the funeral was going to take place in and found some seats beside George and Betty. Sammy was with them too.

Fred put his arm around me and I leaned into him as the ceremony started. It was a blur to me, as I was looking around at everyone. The expressions on everyone's faces varied. Some were clearly broken hearted, while others had blank expressions on their faces. I'm sure I was one of the people with a blank expression.

At one point the merpeople came up and sang a beautiful song, which brought nearly everyone to tears. Not me, though. I don't know why.

Everyone lingered around afterwards, talking to people they hadn't talked to in years. It was at this time that I realized how good I've become at reading people throughout the years. A little ways away from Fred and I was a pureblood couple I recognized from Hogwarts. They were one of the few pureblood families that respected Dumbledore. I could see it in the sadness that the girl's eyes held and the way the boy latched onto the girl, as if he was in desperate need of reassurance. Reassurance that everything would be okay.

Before long, George and Betty walked over to us.

Betty looked me in the eye and said a few simple words. "Go home and change. We're having the wedding later today."

Why so sudden? Then I realized why.

My eyes widened and I looked up at Fred. His eyes widened as he looked down at me.

He was thinking the same thing. George and Betty don't expect to live through the war. It would crush both Fred and I if either one of them died. I can't imagine what state Fred would be in if George was killed. My blood ran cold and I'm certain my heart stopped, while my stomach dropped to the floor.

I looked back at her and nodded. "Where do we meet after we change?"

"The Burrow. Wear one of your floral dresses. You're my maid of honor."

My jaw dropped. "O-of course." It warmed my heart that Betty chose me for this important job. I was honored.

I looked at Fred and apparated to our flat. I changed into one of my floral dresses and applied some more make up. I grabbed some nude heels, told Fred I was leaving, and apparated to the Burrow.

Molly told me to go to Ginny's room, as that was where Betty was getting ready.

I rushed up there. Betty was standing in front of a mirror, looking anxious. I knocked softly on the doorframe. She spun around. "You're here! Oh, thank Merlin! Sammy should be here soon. Do I look okay?"

"Betty, you look wonderful! George isn't going to be able to take his hands off you," I said with a smirk. It was true. With her simple lace knee length dress, her dark brown curled hair, and dark blue eyes that stood out even more due to eyeliner and mascara, she resembled a goddess. Not to mention the amazing way the light from the windows was reflecting off of her.

A small smile made it's way onto Betty's face. "Really?"

I nodded, "Of course! You're the most gorgeous bride I've ever seen!"

Betty blushed. "Thank you, Elle."

We heard a knock on the door before Sammy walked in. She had three different bouquets in her hands and some small flowers in her other hand. She held up the hand that held the small flowers. "These are to put in our hair, courtesy of Molly," she said with a smile.

Betty took the pink ones and placed them delicately and beautifully in Sammy's hair. The pink went with Sammy's light blonde hair beautifully and went well with Sammy's mainly pink floral dress.

Next Betty took the blue ones and placed them in delicately and beautifully in my hair. The light blue color went well with my hair and my mainly blue floral dress.

I then took half of the white flowers and put them in Betty's hair, only doing the right side. Sammy put the other half in the left side. The flowers only made Betty look more gorgeous.

Then she held up the bouquets, two of which were made of three red roses and two orchids, while the other had four red roses and a single orchid in the middle.

"And these are for the bridesmaids and the bride."

Betty paled. "So, it's time?"

Sammy nodded. "Don't worry. You look gorgeous as ever, Betty."

Betty smiled weakly. We walked down the stairs. I was walking down the aisle with Fred, since he was George's best man. Sammy was walking with Bill.

Sammy and Bill stood at the front, waiting for the music to start so they could walk down the aisle. Fred and I were behind them. Fred kept whispering things in my ear, which mainly told me that I was gorgeous. I was flaming red by the time it was Fred and I's turn.

The wedding was simple and George's gaze on Betty was filled with love, as was Betty's gaze on George. Betty seemed to be glowing.

The only people there were from the Weasley family, Sammy, Betty's parents, little sister, and me.

The reception was just an extravagant meal prepared by Molly.

Laughs filled the air. Fred's hand stayed intertwined with mine the entire evening. For a moment, if only a moment, everyone forgot about the war looming over our heads.