A/N: The title might be misleading. I don't know how far I'm going with the romance part of this ship, to be honest (and it might be more than 12, depends really), since I'm doing this based on prompts I'm given, but I'll try :) Also, this is supposed to be a series of non-related one-shots (though one or two might relate later on), and I have a feeling that most of them is just going to be a simple Alive!Sirius AU.

The If You Dare Challenge: 505 (tears – as word prompt)

Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry: Flying Assignment #1 (participating with Sirius/Hermione) – Write about the beginning of the relationship. Extra prompt: [plot] a funeral (though I continued on the thought and mentioned more funerals)

Enjoi!

The end always gives a beginning to something else.

The war was over. The Dark Lord was defeated. The wizarding world was free.

But nothing comes without a price, and this time, the cost was the lives of many. Talented and promising witches and wizards fell through the years, leaving behind a hole in the hearts of their beloved. Their absence would taint the world darker, even after the Light Side won.

The weather on the 22nd of May seemed to have heard the wishes of those mourning, and loyal to what was standardized in Great Britain, it was raining with huge drops of water, falling like teardrops onto the umbrellas of the people walking down the streets.

It was fitting for the couple of magical folks, who were quietly strolling towards a cemetery of a little town in southern Scotland, all dressed in the black in honor of the deceased.

At the funeral, two people, a man and a woman were standing next to each other, looking into the nothingness in front of them, not listening to the speeches of their acquaintances and friends. They have heard them before. They knew they were going to say the same things over and over again.

He was a great friend and an even greater mentor for most of us, he would be remembered as a great wizard…

She fought vehemently even at the darkest time and her cheeriness always brought light into the darkness. She would be remembered as a great witch…

But none of them really understood. It wasn't the words which preserved their memory, and the praise wasn't going to get them back. They wouldn't be remembered through easily forgotten words, no. It always came from within.

The man, who looked to be in his late 30s, felt tears prickle his eyes. He didn't like to cry, he had done it too many times over the last few years, but he couldn't stop it. As it goes, you let the first drop fall, more will come.

The young woman, who was nearing 20 years of age, glanced at the man standing beside her. She knew she couldn't possibly understand what he was going through, even though she lost someone important as well. He lost his best friend. All she could do is stand beside him and help him through the sadness.

She couldn't remember how did her hand find his. All she knew is that their fingers clutched the other's, not wanting to let go. She rested her head on his shoulder. She meant it as comfort. And he realized he wasn't alone anymore, he never was. Not even in the war.

And she knew they wouldn't be alone anymore, either. She wouldn't let it happen.

From that point, they attended every funeral together, holding onto each other's hands, her head always resting on his shoulder, not listening to the speeches given. Because they were all the same, and they stayed all the same, every single time.

Though these things didn't change, the end once again gave a beginning to something new.

Hope you enjoyed, reviews are always appreciated and cherished!