In honor of all those who served.

...

My father doesn't talk about it. He talks a lot about playing Quidditch, and the Yule Ball a bit. I know all about the Chamber of Secrets, but that's more from Mum. Dad gets so embarrassed when she brings it up, and Mum knows all the details about it, being the girl that the shade of Tom Riddle took down to the chamber, but Dad will never bring it up.

You don't ask Dad about it. It's an unwritten rule of our family. The War happened, and he lived through it. Some people think he's a hero, but Dad doesn't see himself as one. He always says that he did his duty, and that is the end of it. No details. No one needs the details, and they most especially don't need the details from him.

If you want details, you go to Aunt Hermione's book. Dad says she got it right, and if you're curious, you can read it. He'll be there if you have nightmares. Personally, though, Aunt Hermione's book is a little dry. Albus doesn't think so, but he's a book worm like she is, and birds of a feather flock together.

No one talks about it really. Mum really just talks about how Dad rescued her, none of that other scary stuff about petrifying students. It wasn't until I finally read Aunt Hermione's book that I even found out about that. Aunt Hermione won't even talk about being petrified. She will talk about being a cat girl, but I didn't know that was related until I read the book.

You'd think Uncle Ron would talk about it. I mean everyone says he's the most approachable of the Golden Trio. They hate that label, by the way. But Uncle Ron doesn't talk about it either. Oh, there are a few adventures at school that get mentioned, but when it comes to the year under Tom Riddle, well, there is the ride the dragon tale, but that's all, really.

I can tell you all about the Yule Ball, or Sirius Black. Sirius is my middle name, after him, so I know all about him, but not about the War. My Father doesn't speak about that.

My father always said that Neville Longbottom was the bravest man still alive today. Professor Longbottom always returns the compliment. Neither of them say why. I'm pretty sure I know why Dad thinks so, but he's never told me. He said it doesn't need to be told. Those that lived it know, and anything he says, well, only Neville needs to hear it from him, and Neville doesn't want to hear it anymore.

My father doesn't need to tell it. He doesn't need some parade, a statue, a holiday, or award. And if you ask him to give a speech, he won't. He'll tell you it's all unnecessary, and he just did what fate required of him. He'll accept a quiet nod of thanks, but don't ask him to talk about it, or make a big deal about it. That's just not the way Dad is.

So, no, my father doesn't want to talk about it for your readers and viewers. To be honest, neither do I. Don't make a big deal out of him. Just silently give thanks, and that will be enough for everyone.