They climbed out of the tree after a while, and without a word they walked up to Teddy's room. Liam went to the common room with his pillow when he saw the looks on their faces. The couple's faces were both swollen and downcast and covered with tears. Teddy turned off the lights and crawled in bed, holding up the blanket for Victoire. She huddled inside and nestled close to him. Both still had their robes and Muggle clothes on. Victoire cried softly into him for a while as he drew on her back with his fingertips and played with the tips of her hair. He kissed the top of her head as her face was buried deep in his chest, her hands underneath his shirt against his heart. Teddy's stomach loosened a little when he could hear Victoire's breathing slow and felt her muscles relax. He snuggled her tighter to him now that she was asleep. He couldn't stand the thought of her being so upset, especially over him. he wondered if she cried this much when she broke up with him. that seemed like a dream to him now, it felt like so long ago. Times were different now, priorities had shifted.

Ever since that day, the friends had been more solemn. That was not to say they didn't laugh or joke, everyone was just more guarded and they were ready for an attack. It was the morning of May 2, Victoire's birthday and also the anniversary of the Battle of Hogwarts. At breakfast Victoire was given birthday presents and some cake and they sang for her. She wore the new croched hat that Hana made for her, a warm golden beanie that hung loose on the back of her head. She had Liam fasten the necklace he got for her- a gold chain with a key in the center. He had gotten it for two Galleons, but still it was nice. She smiled down at the key and the little Eiffel Tower hanging from her neck. Teddy gave her a bottle of her favorite perfume and a dress. She gasped as she held it up in front of her- it was a cream dress with a super low back that stopped about three inches above her knee. The outfit was made of a gauzy fabric and the outer layer was a sheer, flowing fabric. Victoire smiled and kissed Teddy. "It's so beautiful, thank you. Where did you get it?" She asked.

"It's a secret" he said, pressing his finger to his lips. He hugged her and wished her happy birthday.

They were waiting for the announcement, but no one was prepared when it came. McGonnagall stood and cleared her throat. Everyone turned to face her.

"Today is the sixteenth anniversary of the Battle of Hogwarts, and the day the Dark Lord was vanquished. We will be having a special ceremony to celebrate our loved ones and those who lost their lives during this tragic event. Please come to the greens at the Black Lake at six P.M. this evening. I hope to see you all there. Thank you." She sat back down and everyone let out their breath. Every year was the annual ceremony, but it seemed to get harder and sadder each year.

Teddy was sitting in the common room working on his DADA essay. Liam was reading the comics section in the Daily Prophet, and Hana and Victoire were out with their other girlfriends doing something. "Are you bringing anything tonight?" Liam asked Teddy without looking up. Teddy was caught in a daze and blinked a few times before understanding.

"Oh, uh no. I don't have anything."

"Hm. Sorry."

"Yeah." Some of the children and grandchildren of those who died during the battle brought things of their relatives to share and to honor them. There was a big bonfire and many people cried. Teddy always had a hard time at the ceremony, not because he lost his parents. It was because he felt guilty for losing his parents when he didn't even remember them; and some of his other friends were close to the relatives they lost. He felt like it was wrong of him to miss his parents when he had never even met them. He felt a pat on his back and saw Liam looking down at him worriedly.

"Hey, are you alright mate?" he nodded and went back to work.

"So do you have anything for tonight?" Hana asked as she munched on a licorice wand. The four girls were walking around the castle gossiping.

"No no, let's not talk about that. Too serious." Heather put a light hand on Hana's shoulder and gently tried to change the subject.

"Oh it's alright. I am going to bring a picture of my Uncle Fred and one of my Dad. Before he was attacked, I mean." Victoire chewed on her lip as they walked. "What about you guys?"

"I'm going to bring my uncle's camera," said Hana's Hufflepuff friend Lillian Creevey. "My dad said he loved taking pictures."

"I'm taking my mom's wedding ring. I was born a month before she died in the battle. She was an Auror with my dad." Heather said softly. Victoire put an arm around her friend. Heather was always bubbly and confident; she rarely showed her sensitive side. "She was really beautiful," Heather smiled. She pulled out a picture from her robes and showed it to her friends. The woman in the picture was standing in her kitchen holding a little baby. She smiled at the camera and pressed her lips to the child's forehead. Heather looked so much like her mother: they had the same pale blonde hair, the same thick Swedish lips and clear eyes. They were both long and very thin and model-esque.

"Wow, you look just like her," the girls marveled. Heather blushed and thanked them, then tucked the picture away safely. "Hey Lillian, do you want to sit with us at the ceremony?" Hana asked. Lillian nodded and stretched her wide mouth into a smile.

"Yes! I'd love to. Is that okay with you guys?" she asked the Gryffindors. They nodded and welcomed her. The only brunette in the group was a bit shy, but sweet. After a while, Heather pepped up again and was back to her cheery self.