Watch. Listen. (Careful, or you’ll miss it.)
In the distance, you can hear the bursting laughs of Harry Potter. The slaps on the knee of Ron Weasley. The giggles of Hermione Granger.
Because today, we remember the dead, the fallen, and the forgotten. But today, we also remember the survivors. The ones left behind. (Watch.)
Look, for Lucius Malfoy’s haunting eyes as he runs from home to home, no longer able to stand the hallowed halls of Malfoy Manor. Glance, as Narcissa Malfoy clings onto hopes of her husband, and watch, as Draco Malfoy never seems to sleep at night.
Remember, George Weasley’s chocking sobs, with Molly Weasley’s strained smile, and Arthur Weasley’s tendency to work too much. Think of Percy’s regret, and Charlie’s fear.
Listen, to the soft cries of young Teddy Lupin, cradled into the arms of his beloved grandmother, whose tears shine brightly in the newly risen sun.
Watch, as Hermione Granger searches all of Australia for parents she sent away to keep safe, as Ron Weasley holds her hand tightly, and promises to never leave.
Glimpse for Minerva McGonagall’s guilt, regret, sorrow for the students she had lost, and the students she could not save. Open your ears to her gentle sobs in the middle of the night.
Smile, at the heartfelt hug between Augusta and Neville Longbottom, as pride and relief swell within them.
Do not forget, Ginny’s hand tracing over Harry’s scars, the old and the new. Do not forget, as they hold each other, what they have lost. What they have lost to save.
Because in the distance, in the future, you can hear the bursting laugh of Harry Potter, slaps on the knee of Ron Weasley, and giggles of Hermione Granger.
So do not forget, May 2nd, 1998. (For not all was well yet.) Watch. Listen.
