Sunlight streamed through the high windows of the Great Hall on the bent heads of the survivors. The four house tables had been replaced by beds and cots for the injured. Some were being moved to St. Mungo's Hospital for Magical Maladies and Injuries while the others were just carried off to Madam Pomfrey, the matron. The enchanted ceiling of the Great Hall was dark and gloomy except for one spot where light was starting to penetrate through the heavy clouds. It was as if Hogwarts itself saw a new age dawning. Lord Voldemort was dead.
Harry Potter, the boy who lived, wormed his way through the crowd and reached the spot where the Weasleys were huddled around Fred's body. George had his head nestled into the crook of his brother's neck and was shaking. Mrs. Weasley sobbed in her husband's arms while the rest of the family stood there, covered in soot.
The war was over, yes. There was immense suffering owing to the loss of Fred, Tonks, Remus and so many others who had died fighting. Harry knew there was a lot of repairing to do. There were still Death Eaters at large who would try and continue Voldemort's work. He walked over to where Professor McGonagall was handing out blankets and various vials of potions to tend to the wounds of the injured.
"Is there anything I can do?" asked Harry. He wanted to keep himself occupied more than anything.
"I don't think so, Potter. Why don't you go upstairs to Madam Pomfrey and she'll see to all your cuts and bruises," replied Professor McGonagall. "And then maybe go rest while you can."
Harry simply shook his head and walked over to where Hagrid was sitting tending to the deep gash in his leg.
"It's all over, ain't it?" Hagrid said, grinning sadly."Always knew yeh had it in yeh, Harry. Just like your parents."
Hagrid gasped as he added a few drops of dittany to his wound. Harry just stood there, nodding.
"Alrigh' there, Ron? And you, Hermione?" Hagrid questioned over Harry's shoulder.
Turning around, Harry rushed to Ron's side and hugged him. He could feel Ron sobbing on his shoulder and pat him on the back in order to console him. It was another mark of the strength of their friendship that Harry managed to make him feel better. He looked over at Hermione who had tears in her tired eyes but still managed to give Harry a weak smile assuring him that she was okay.
"About time if you asked me," Harry said weakly, grinning, as he looked down at their entwined hands.
"Like I said before, now or never, mate." Ron mumbled quietly.
As he looked at his two best friends, Harry knew things were going to get better very soon. Looking over their shoulder, he saw Ginny, with her head on Percy's shoulder, smiling at him. They would make it out of this.