The war, then the rest of our lives

Harry just sat there frozen to the spot. It was over it was finally over. There was nothing more to be done, he could rest. Dumbledore fully supported what he had done. Ron and Hermione had been informed of what had happened since he left them as he had explained all to them on their way to the office. He stood there in silence, and breathed slowly but thinking fast. Eventually he shifted towards the door and descended the spiral staircase. Ron and Hermione followed, they then together walked to the one place they had been gagging to return, their dormitories. As they approached the empty portrait hole, it swung open emitting them without word of a password as if it knew what had happened.

The three struggled to climb through the portrait hole due to utter exhaustion and hunger. Harry decided it was best to bid his best friends goodnight as he knew they needed time together to talk things through. Harry climbed the stairs leading to his dormitory and slowly opened the door. Upon entering Harry saw a cheese sandwich lying on his bed although it had been waiting for his return. He ate it quickly savouring the taste before quickly placing the sparkling clean plate on the floor. Harry removed his shoes and glasses then his head collapsed on the pillow. The moment he closed his eyes all the emotion he felt disappeared. Greif, happiness and relief had left his brain for the first time that evening. He then slept the easiest most longed for and deserved sleep he could ever remember having.

He woke up the next morning due to a loud crack which filled the room. Sitting up and grabbing his wand Harry shoved his glasses to his nose. There stood Kreacher at the end of his bed smiling like he had never smiled at Harry before.
"Morning master the war has been won, I am here to serve you", the elf explained.
"What time is it?" Harry yawned in return.
"Ten thirty and I have woken you so that you can attend breakfast" the elf continued without stopping,
"I am needed in the kitchen summon me when you require my services" and with that and another crack the elf left the room.

Harry pulled back the covers and placed his feet on the hard wooden floor. The thoughts came rushing back into Harry's mind from the night before along with new thoughts of how Kreacher had drastically changed the way he treated Harry but more than that of Ginny. He then peered round the room only to see every other bed lying empty. Harry quickly opened the door and descended the staircase. He was relieved when he saw two sleeping people lying in separate armchairs; he approached them as quietly as he could.
"Ron, Hermione?" Harry whispered
with that Hermione stirred, Harry looked down at her but accidently made her jump and she let out a yell. Ron then jumped up from his chair grabbing his wand but as a quick save Harry said
"It's only me, it's time for breakfast"
"Bloody hell Harry you nearly gave me a heart attack" Ron replied looking rather frustrated.

The three friends eventually set out to the great hall. Silence fell between them during the whole of the walk. Not one knew what to expect or what scene was going to meet them through the doors. They walked slowly and anxiously and eventually reached the large doors. Ron and Harry looked at each other and pushed open the doors, only to be meet with a thunderous applause, which none of them had expected. The three went bright red (Ron in particular) and quickly walked to meet Mrs Weasley who stood with tears running down her face. They were all hugged tightly by her, Ron first then Hermione then eventually Harry. Harry didn't want to be last as he was determined to take the seat next to Ginny who kept avoiding his eye. He knew his opportunity had been lost because Mrs Weasley was hugging Harry so tightly he was glued in the position he was held. To Harry's disappointment Hermione had slipped into his desired seat. He then opted for the seat next to George who was sitting there silently. George was obviously still in shock, but that was expected. George looked as though half of his soul had been ripped from his chest. He just sat there with puffy red eyes, watching the others eat.

After the survivors had been fed and watered people were scurrying off to do different jobs. Mrs Weasley and a few helpers to organise funerals for those lost at battle. Others such as McGonagall, Sprout and Flitwick hurried around with a group of seventh years trying to repair the badly damaged castle. Harry sat there, what was he to do now? What was his use? Harry couldn't feel happy because of the people that had died fighting for him. Equally he couldn't feel total sorrow because after all he had finished the quest set out for him by Dumbledore. Harry sat there; he was always coming up with plans, what was his plan now? Ginny turned to him her long, beautiful, sweet smelling hair flung towards him. She saw the solemn look on his face and simply said
"We will mourn the dead, then you can live life free, where you please and with whom you please". She turned back and Harry was sure he had seen her wink at him but wasn't positive. Did she know that by saying that she had answered all his questions? Did she know that what she had said had set a burning fire of hope inside him? He hoped so.