This is my first fan fiction, so I hope you like it! I don't own anything - all credit goes to JK Rowling, a true genius!

One Shot: The First Anniversary of the Final Battle

It had been a year since the war had ended and Voldemort had finally been killed once and for all. It was a strange year that followed for Harry, Ron, and Hermione. There'd been weeks of grieving, funerals, and late night tears followed by nightmares that ended in sleepless nights, but there were also weeks where celebrations, parties, weddings, and events would go on that were filled with such overwhelming happiness and love. Not to mention, Harry, Ron, and Hermione instantly became the most famous teenagers in the whole wizarding world. Every reporter wanted an interview, every auror and the minister of magic wanted to throw a ball in their honor to show their thanks (and to steal any amount of the spotlight they could), and every friend, family member, or even stranger that saw them felt the need to hug them mercilessly and tell them how thankful they were for saving their life. Most of the year passed in a whirlwind. As they reflected over the last year, everything seemed to be a blur. To say it was an emotional roller coaster would be an understatement. To the delight of Harry and Hermione, (Ron was never one to get tired of fame and popularity) they only had to attend one more event - it was the one year anniversary of the Final Battle and Voldemort's defeat, and the minister of magic told everyone that it would be a special event, in which some big announcements would be made (which he not so subtly told Harry was 1) Harry was going to receive a new award named after himself, and 2) the anniversary of the end of war would officially be made a national wizard holiday).

As Harry waited in their bedroom for hermione to finish getting ready, he began reading the latest issue of the daily prophet, "Harry potter: a savior despite a life of tragedy. The real story of how the boy who lived managed to defeat the dark lord despite dealing with depression". Harry smirked and then, before he could throw it down, was interrupted by the sound of a girl clearing her throat rather impatiently. As Harry dropped the magazine, he looked up to find the most beautiful girl with chocolate brown eyes wearing a red dress that took his breath away. Harry tired to speak but all that came out was a throaty cough. Harry swallowed the dry lump in his throat before trying once more.

"Wow. You look absolutely beautiful. I don't know how I got lucky enough to have you as my girlfriend."

"Well you don't look so terrible yourself," replied Hermione with a grin.

"Thank you darling. Now if only Ronald could be a little more timely... "

And then, as if Harry had used magic, Ronald Wesley appeared right in their very kitchen.

"You two better not be snogging, because I decided to go straight in the house to save time since I was running a bit late. Luna kept making me try on different bow ties even though I was perfectly content with the first one."

Hermione giggled, knowing that the first bow tie Ron had tried on was probably much less outspoken than the current multicolored and lace fringed one he was currently wearing, but anything less than unique would not please the whimsical Luna.

"Well Ronald, I think you look very nice. Now, let's apparate quickly boys. It looks very rude to be late as the guests of honor."

Hermione quickly glanced at her side and saw Harry cracking some joke about his bow tie, making Ron blush. Some things just never change she thought. And with that, the three of them apparated to the ballroom at the ministry- department of formal celebrations and events.

Immediately, the three were welcomed with open arms, bright flashes of photographs, and a red carpet. Every camera, set of eyes, and light was on the trio. Knowing this would likely be the last big hoorah at the peak of their fame for the three, each of them decided they might as well enjoy it and savor all the attention. Soon enough, while everyone was seated at their tables and finishing dessert, the minister himself got up. It seemed, inevitably, time for the "big, secret" announcements.

"First, I would like to thank all of you for coming. We are so grateful you could help us celebrate the three heroes who saved us all. And, because this entire event is in honor of them, I would be delighted if I might impose on Mr. Harry Potter, Mr. Ronald Weasley, and Miss Hermione Granger to join me up here on stage before continuing with my speech," said the minister.

Reluctantly, the three friends left their comfortable little table of family and closest friends to go up on stage. Immediately, everyone began applauding and the three of them waved their hands to say thank you before the minister resumed his speech.

"Brilliant. Just brilliant. Thank you so much. Now, I wold like to say a few words, as most of you are aware, today is the one year anniversary of the defeat of Voldemort and the end of the second great wizard world war, (Cheers echoed from the crowd). thanks in large part to these three brave wizards standing beside me. In order to properly remember the evil that should never be seen again and to celebrate the safety that we can now live peacefully in, the ministry and myself have decided to officially make today a national holiday. From today and every year from now, today will official be known as Phoenix Day in honor of the Order of the Phoenix who helped defeat the dark lord. (More cheers erupted). Yes, I am very glad to hear you are all as pleased with this as I am. Now, moving on to the real reason you are all here tonight. That is because of these three standing right next to me. On behalf of everyone here and every wizard outside of here, I would like to say thank you. You three have shown more bravery and courage than most great wizards combined have displayed. We are at a loss for words for what you three endured at such a young age. I know all of us gathered here are inspired and in awe of your accomplishments. You will go down in history as some of the most important wizards to have ever lived."

At this, everybody in the crowd started yelling and applauding wildly. Harry looked at Ron who was beaming and then at hermione who looked completely overwhelmed. Harry, likewise, was dumbstruck and blushing he was sure at these kind words. The gravity of what they had done finally hitting him, as well as the other two by the looks of it.

"Now, I am almost finished, but I think we can all agree that there is one here tonight who stands out even more. And that folks, is the great Harry Potter. (More cheers and applause). Harry, you were known first as the boy who lived, then as the chosen one, and now as the savior. You fulfilled the prophecy and defeated Voldemort. Without you, none of us would be sitting here in this room. Because of you, we are safe. Our children are safe. And our grandchildren are safe. You defeated the dark lord when no one else could and you showed more skill, power, bravery and honor than any wizard I can remember from history. Truly, you are the greatest wizard of our time, and that is why we would like to dedicate a new award, of the highest honor and nobility, called The Harry Potter Award: for the hero who demonstrates incomparable bravery, unspeakable courage, and resounding sacrifice to help ensure the safety and wellbeing of those other than himself. Harry James potter, would you please accept this award?" asked the minister.

Harry, completely taken aback, stood frozen with his jaw open. Hermione nudged him and he looked at her not knowing what to do.

"Harry, accept the award and make a speech."

"But I don't have a speech."

Harry turned red and looked at Ron who shrugged and said, "don't look at me mate. You know I'm bloody awful at making speeches."

"Harry, jut speak from your heart and you'll do fine," hermione said reassuringly.

Harry reluctantly nodded and moved forward to take the award and grab the mic.

"Wow. I don't know where to start. I could never have dreamed of having an award named after me when I sat in the cupboard of my aunt and uncle's basement 8 years ago. It's been a wild ride to say the least. None of it's been easy, but I couldn't have done it alone. This award has my name on it, but to be honest, my name doesn't just mean me. It represents everyone who has helped me get to where I am today, which is right here, standing in front of all of you. I am made of everyone I have met along the way and all the experiences that helped me defeat Voldemort in the end. This award is truly for all the people who helped me become me. As my close friends know, I have recently started saying that my life didn't really begin until I turned 11. All of you out there knew who I was, before I even did. I didnt know what a wizard was and I didn't even know the real reason my parents died. This award represents so much more than a single boy whose name is Harry Potter. It represents my parents, James and Lilly, who died in order to save me. I dare say, they wouldn't have done it if they knew the fate that lay ahead of me, but then, they wouldn't have truly loved me, and I wouldn't have been able to kill Voldemort, so I'm glad they didn't know my destiny. And although I'm sad I never knew them, I'm glad they made their sacrifice, because it taught me what love is. And love was the greatest weapon I had in the war against Voldemort. Dumbledore also taught me that. This award also represents him - the greatest headmaster hogwarts has ever seen, and will likely ever see again. Without his wisdom, training, guidance, protection, and love, there is absolutely no way I would be the man I am today, nor could I have achieved victory in the war. This award is also for my godfather, Sirius black, who although I knew only briefly, was like a dad whom I'd never had. He loved me, and I only wish he could be here with us today. Next, i would like to include all of the members of the Oder and dumbledore's army who so bravely dropped everything to fight with me and defend me the moment I asked. Next, I must mention my professors at Hogwarts who pushed me to be better and equipped me with the knowledge, magical control, and skills necessary to win the fight. And last, but very not least, I must tell you that this award also represents these two other heroes standing next to me. Ron, you are my best mate, and I cannot thank you enough of your unwavering loyalty ever since that very first day on the train. No matter what came our way, you were always there, right by my side. Although you didn't always have a smile on your face, like the time we visited a giant arachnid in the forbidden forest, or when you sacrificed yourself to play wizard chess, or the time you followed me into the girls bathroom to talk to a certain ghost, and definitely not when I asked you to help me save a very bossy and bushy haired 11 year old girl from a troll, you nevertheless went with me. No matter the circumstances, no matter how scary it was or how much trouble we'd be in if we got caught - which, side note, was very often. Everything was always scary, we almost always got caught, and it always got us in a lot of trouble! - but, you still came with me. You were there to cheer me on when other people chanted "potter stinks," and you were there to have my back when people called me mental. In short, when everyone else was against me, you were always the one to stand with me. For that, I can't thank you enough. You gave me a family that is now my family, and without your support, help, and friendship, I most certainly would not be the Harry Potter I am today, and I certainly could not have made it through 7 years without you. I love you, mate. Brothers forever!"

Harry turned around to hug Ron, and noticed him blinking back tears. A quick glance toward hermione and she seemed to be welling up too.

"Well, now that I've got the waterworks going, I might as well keep it up, because the last person who is part of me and represents this award is standing to my left. Hermione granger, you are the most intelligent, beautiful, and mesmerizing woman who has the biggest heart of anyone I've ever met. You blew me away the very first day I saw you on the train. I thought there couldn't possibly be a more know-it-all girl with bushier hair than that one right there. And sure enough, I was right. (Crowd laughs in between tears at this one.) but, Merlin am I glad for it. I truly do not know what I would do, who I would be, or if I'd even be alive if it wasn't for having you in my life. You have saved my life more times than I can count, and I owe it all to your ingenious mind. You are absolutely brilliant, and I am so glad I chose to go back and save you from that troll, no matter how much I hated you then. Once became friends, you were always my biggest supporter. You scavenged every page of every book in every library to help me find answers. You were the brains behind every mission - big and small, and you were always the first one to wrap your arms around me when you saw me. I don't know how I got lucky enough to call you my best friend, and I truly do not know how I got lucky enough to have you as my girlfriend. I can't imagine a world in which I hadn't met you, because the truth is, you are my world. I love you more than you can ever know, and I am so grateful for all of your help over these last 7 years - pushing me, teaching me, supporting me, and most importantly, for loving me. Thank you. Now, I think that pretty much sums it up. So, to conclude, I would like to express my deepest gratitude for the award, but I want to reiterate that it wasn't just me who won the war, and that I had a lot of help getting there. This award is for everyone who I named who helped me along the way and who made me who I am today. To all of you in the audience, I wish all of you the happiest and safest and most ordinary lives you can possibly have, because, after all, that is what we fought so hard for. Goodnight everyone!"

And with that, the crowd jumped from their seats and erupted in applause, cheers, and even sobs. Harry turned around teary eyed to find hermione completely overcome with emotion, tears streaming down her face, no point in holding them back anymore. The two embraced and kissed each other long enough to draw cheers from the crowd, but not long enough to be inappropriate.

A few minutes late, the minister came to shake Harry's hand and said, "ah, wouldn't be Harry Potter if you didn't give a selfless and noble speech. Always so humble and modest, you are Harry. Good man, good man."

At this, Harry smiled reluctantly, very upset at how quickly the minister dismissed his honest and heartfelt explanation. Harry really did believe all those people were just as deserving and that it wasn't him just being modest and humble; he was just trying to be fair and honest, but everyone just seemed to think it made him even more deserving. Sometimes, you just can't win every battle.

"Come on, I've had enough of this. What do you say the three of us go back to the house? I'm pretty sure mum has organized another Weasley post party celebration with the family," asked Ron.

"You know Ron, I think that sounds really lovely. Family sounds pretty good right now," replied Harry.

And with that, the three of them apparated to the burrow, leaving the party behind.