My Brother Went Away Today

My brother went away, today.

No.

No, I don't think that's what I want to say.

My brother and I.

My brother and I went away, today. Mum would be happy with that. It'll make her happy to see that we did learn our lessons in school. Even if it is just grammar. I can see her smiling over it, putting that hand of hers over her mouth to hold in the emotion. That hand, that's something we'll never forget. As often as it swatted at us for causing trouble, it was there, outstretched, waiting for us to take it. Or it was there, wrapped around us, holding us so tightly that not one of us could breathe. I liked it best, that way. It made me feel as connected to her as I do my brother.

That hand, that would stroke our hair or our cheeks. The same that smacked our bottoms when we went to far in a prank or teasing. That hand was our everything, in a way. Is that hand holding tightly to his, now? Who is leading who along, fingers intertwined as they laugh and they smile and they talk? What are they talking about? Are they talking about me, or one of the others? Are they talking about dad and his work? Maybe they're talking about Harry and how he'll save us all.

My brother and I know he will. He's sweep onto the scene with not a minute to spare, smite the enemy and save the world. But it's not the world that needs saving. And it isn't fair to put it all in the hands of a little boy. Why is it all on him to save us? Someone made a prediction. If no one had heard it, if no one had said it, would it all just go away? Would the world be alright? Would there be a world left?

It'll be hard on him. It'll be hard on everyone. Mum'll make it better, though. She'll make room in those great big arms for him. She'll stroke his hair with that hand, she'll wipe away his tears and whisper such strong words in his ear. Mums can fix anything. She'll fix this. She'll make it alright again. Mum is strong. She's so very, very strong. With those hands, she'll hold everyone up, she'll pull them along and keep them moving.

Everyone needs to keep moving. The world will not end because a boy is not strong enough. The world will move around him, hold him up, and carry him on their shoulders. They will give him all the strength he needs. A sea of red hair will surround the lonely boy of black, and they will show him love. We always trusted in him to help us along, we were always grateful. Everything that can be done will be done for him. It isn't fair.

People will be missed, and people will be mourned. The world goes on, and memories will live forever. There will be monuments, and paintings, and stories, and there will be people who remember. Someone will tell someone and so on, and nothing will be forgotten.

I wonder if they're crying now. Will they be laughing over something remembered? Something they will never lose, or forget? I hope they're smiling.

My brother went away today. But he'll be alright. Mum and dad and Ginny and Ron and Percy and Charlie and Bill, and even Harry are there. Each one has a hand ready to comfort and to support. Each one is ready to remember. I'm here, and I'll remember. I'll remember forever.

My brother went away today.

My brother and I.