A/N: Hello Potterheads :) This is just a quick one shot inspired by today's date. Please read, review and enjoy. Sorry for the rushed ending!
Disclaimer: I will never own HP :(
The crowds of witches and wizards gathered around the black obelisk in the middle of the grounds of Hogwarts school of witchcraft and wizardry were silent. Many had tears streaming down their faces whilst sporting loving smiles. The date was 2nd May 2013, this was the 15th year anniversary of the battle of Hogwarts.
Suddenly, a tiny movement within the crowd caused a rustle of movement, then the distinguished figure of Harry Potter was in front of the crowd, at the stroke of 7pm.
The past 15 years had been kind to Harry, he was no longer the skinny, small child he once was, he was now a handsome younger man with muscles in all the right places, smiling green (lilys) eyes and the distinguished, unruly Potter hair. As he once again took up the spot in front of the memorial, those gathered couldn't help but be proud to know him, not just because he vanquished voldemort, but because he was a genuinely good person, who they were ecstatic not to have lost like the other fallen warriors.
"Those of you stood before me today are slathered her for one reason," Harry started, capturing everyone's attention and ensuring total silence. "We are here to pay a debt, to those who sacrificed their lives towards a better future for their friends and families." By now some people were crying, remembering their lost one's. "I know we haven't had easy lives, not one of us. But I do know that we have gotten through the hardest of times together, with our love and friendship." Here Harry looked towards the Weasleys and his own wife, the family he had been deprived, who had helped him through his short but tragic and tough life. "Whilst the people who fell during this war may have been dead for 15 years, we will never forget them, because they died bravely and needlessly, for a better future free from the threat of tyranny from a madman who was afraid to die, they died for us and it would be a dishonour to their memory not to acknowledge their heroic deaths, nor the sacrifices they and you made for our brighter and happier future. In front of you all today, I remember the struggles I and my friends had during the war, as I am sure you and yours are remembering." There was a short pause for everyone to relive some of their own experiences with the war and to hold onto their family and friends.
"However, do not fear these memories, do not let them sadden you. You should embrace these memories, those sacrifices you made, for they define you and show your character. Dwell not on the mistakes you have made. Simply enjoy that you have changed and will never make those same mistakes again. Join me in remembrance of our dead, our fallen heroes, and live for them. Because we are safe due to the sacrifices they made for us." Enthusiastic clapping and many sniffs were heard throughout the memorial garden as Harry stepped away from the podium and towards his family, feeling the pain of the deaths once again haunt his soul. But, through time, he had learnt not to feel saddened by the grief, but use it to keep him standing and fighting, because they had won the war and sacrifices had been made but they were all safe now, all thanks to the fallen. So he would honour them by living his life to its fullest.