The memorial ceremony at Hogwarts for the casualties of the war was a terribly bittersweet moment. There was a strong feeling of triumph, that this was a new world without a constant Dark threat, which could be built anew, the new and improved Wizarding World of Great Britain. There was also the deep, sad feeling running through the survivors that the world could never be the same again without those who died. Everyone who lost a close family member knew deep down in their hearts that the pain, though it might dull over time, would never really leave them. They knew that there was a big gap in their family that would never be filled again, and that it would take lots of time and lots of pain to patch their hearts back together and move on.
After the ceremony, everyone milled quietly about the grounds, since it was a nice summer day, and no one felt like eating the food that was set out in the Great Hall. Harry Potter was watching the giant squid floating lazily across the lake, which was now lined with stone obelisks no taller than the average man inscribed with the names of the fallen. Feeling a light breeze rumple his already-rumpled hair, he decided it was time to visit Sirius' memorial.
In the section devoted to the Order members was an obelisk devoted to the one "Sirius Black, who showed true devotion to the Light, the Order, and his godson Harry Potter to the very end."
Unfortunately for Harry, there was already someone there.
He recognized the tall, blonde figure who was contemplating this obelisk without any difficulty. Harry didn't have the energy to feel angry. Normally, he would have gone into a rage over how Sirius' memory was being insulted by this figure's very presence.
This day was different. Harry stepped forward, beside the man.
The two men stood there for a moment.
Then, Draco Malfoy, his gaze still fixed on the lake, spoke. "He was my cousin, you know."
Harry nodded. He didn't have the energy to argue that Sirius had been his godfather, had loved him, and thought that Draco Malfoy was a real prat.
Malfoy continued. "He came from the same kind of family I do. He did what he thought was right, though; he went his own way rather than following the path his family told him to take." He gave a small, contemptuous laugh. "I was an insufferable child who grew into a rather unsavory adult. I was too scared to go against my family; I was too scared to even think for myself."
Pause. The giant squid was splashing some young children who were standing on the edge of the bank.
"I'm proud to be related to him."