And another chapter! Yes, I'm really serious about finishing this story! I hope you like it, please let me know what you think! And sorry for possible mistakes, it's late and I'm getting tired.

I don't own the characters or places!

Sirius

Even hours later, many people were still celebrating. Slowly, it was getting exhausting. Especially since not everything about this day was good. Many people had died. About fifty from our side. Luckily, none of my friends was among them. We were all fine.

Remus had already left some time ago, he wanted to visit Tonks at St. Mungo's and go to Teddy afterwards. Kingsley was also gone – he'd been named temporary Minister of Magic. Even if we were all sure that he could keep that job. He would be a great Minister, I was sure about that. Other members of the Order had also left, some of them to catch the last Death Eaters on the run and others to get all the innocents out of Azkaban. I could only agree with that. I knew how horrible it was to be locked in there.

Many students who'd stayed for the fight had also left the castle to go back to their families. No one blamed them. Nevertheless, there were still many people left at Hogwarts. Of some students, the parents were even here in the castle now, wanting to help undoing the damage later.

Minerva had placed the house tables in the Great Hall again, but no one was sitting at the right table. All around, people were mixed. Students, teachers, parents and sometimes even ghosts. When I entered the Great Hall to look for Harry and the others – there had been a very small, short meeting of the Order I had to attend – I smiled. It was so good that everything was finally over.

The others were sitting next to Luna and Neville. Ginny was also with them and she held Harry's hand. On her other side was Ron and she'd placed a comforting hand on his back. The loss of Lavender was still weighing heavily on him.

Hermione saw me first and smiled widely. "Where have you been?" She asked when I sat down next to her.

"Spontaneous Order meeting." I explained shortly. "Wanted to inform me about everything that's going on at the moment."

"Why didn't you tell us?" Harry raised his eyebrows.

"Honestly, I thought that you deserve some peace." I smiled slightly. "After everything that happened in the past days and weeks." They were all looking tired. Especially Harry. He had dark rings under his eyes and was paler than usual. However, he was smiling.

"That would be awesome." He muttered. "Everyone wants to talk to me. It's getting exhausting."

"I think I can help you with that." Luna said suddenly. "But you have to leave quickly. And you should get under your Cloak, Harry."

We all exchanged a look, but Harry hesitated. His eyes rested on Ginny. She smiled. "Just go, I'll be fine. I'll just look for Fred, George and Percy. They have to be somewhere in here."

Harry smiled at her gratefully and kissed her cheek. Then he reached for his Invisibility Cloak. Ron, Hermione and I also got ready to leave.

"Oh, look, a Blibbering Humdinger!" Luna shouted suddenly and next to her, Neville also gasped in surprise. They both looked at one of the windows.

All around us, people followed their gazes. Harry used this opportunity to vanish under the Cloak and we left. On our way to the stairs, I noticed three people sitting at one of the tables I hadn't seen before. The Malfoy's were looking around from time to time. They all had uncomfortable expressions on their faces and it seemed as if they weren't even sure if they were welcome here. I knew that they hadn't been happy with the doings of Voldemort and the other Death Eaters for a long time. That's also why I didn't blame them completely for the events at Malfoy Manor. Which didn't mean that I liked any of them. However, I gave a small nod when they noticed us walking by. Lucius just stared at me blankly, but Narcissa's lips twitched and even Draco looked like he wanted to smile.

When I glanced at Hermione, I noticed that she's also nodded at Draco. I raised my eyebrows. "Shouldn't you ignore them forever?"

"They weren't responsible for anything that happened in that place." She said sternly. "Draco even helped us."

"That's true." Harry noticed from under the Cloak.

I remembered what they'd told me about the events at the Manor. However, it didn't change the fact that the family had been with the Death Eaters until the end. And Draco had attacked us in the Room of Requirement. On the other hand, none of them had fought in the final battle. As soon as it started, they'd separated themselves from the other Death Eaters...

When we left the Hall, Harry told us that he wanted to go to Dumbledore's office. We didn't question that decision and went upstairs. In the distance, I could hear Peeves sing a song about the victory. Rom grimaced. "Really gives a feeling for the scope and tragedy of the thing, doesn't it?"

"I think Peeves will never forget you, Harry." I remarked and we all started to laugh. It was a good feeling, even if we were all really tired by now.

Once we entered Dumbledore's office, we were greeted by applause. All around us, the headmasters and headmistresses of Hogwarts were giving Harry standing ovations. Some of them even waved their hats or danced in their frames. Phineas Nigellus was smiling widely. "And let it be noted that Slytherin house played its part! Let our contribution not be forgotten!" He shouted.

"Please remind me to get rid of his portrait." Hermione whispered next to me.

I chuckled. "I'm sure he'll like the storeroom at Grimmauld Place."

At this, she laughed. Then we both turned to Harry, who was standing in front of Albus Dumbledore's portrait now. There was pride on Albus' face and I noticed that he was crying.

After some more moments, Harry held up his hands and slowly, all the portraits fell silent. Most of them were still smiling widely and some of them were even crying of joy.

When Harry spoke, it was directed at Dumbledore. "The thing that was hidden in the Snitch, I dropped it in the Forest. I don't know where exactly, but I'm not going to go looking for it again. Do you agree?" In all the chaos, he could only tell us in very short words that the Resurrection Stone had been hidden in the Golden Snitch Dumbledore left Harry.

"My dear boy, I do." Dumbledore said and Harry ignored the curious glances of other people in their portraits. "A wise and courageous decision, but no less than I would have expected of you. Does anyone else know where it fell?" Dumbledore continued.

"No one." Harry said and Albus nodded in satisfaction.

"I'm going to keep Ignotus' present, though." Harry said simply. I'd already expected that he would never give away the Invisibility Cloak.

"But of course, Harry, it's yours forever, until you pass it on!"

"And then there's this." Now Harry held up the Elder Wand. We all stared at it. "I don't want it."

"What?" Ron asked loudly. "Are you mental?"

"I know it's powerful, but I am happy with mine." Harry held up his wand and then turned to Dumbledore again. "I'm putting the Elder wand back where it came from. It can stay there. If I die a natural death like Ignotus, its power will be broken, won't it? The previous master will never have been defeated. That'll be the end of it."

Albus nodded with a smile.

"Are you sure?" Ron asked. I could hear the longing in his voice.

"I think Harry's right." Hermione said quietly.

"That wand's more trouble than it's worth." Harry said. "And quite honestly, I've had enough trouble for a lifetime."

At this, I had to laugh loudly. The others joined me soon. "I'm so proud of you." I said and placed a hand on Harry's arm. "You were so brave today."

Harry shrugged. "I only did what I had to."

I shook my head. "Not everyone would have acted like this."

"He's right." Hermione agreed. "That was admirable."

"Will you ever tell us what you saw? In Snape's memories?" Ron asked.

Harry nodded. "But not right now." He yawned. "I really need some sleep. And something to eat."

I grinned. "Why don't we go home for now? We can return again to help with the repairs later."

"Or tomorrow." Ron muttered. "Sleep sounds good."

"You'll come with us? Or do you want to go with your family?" Hermione sounded insecure now. "I mean, after what happened..."

"I'm fine here." Ron said and exchanged a smile with Harry.

"All right, then let's go home." With that, we made our way back to Grimmauld Place. Where Kreacher was already waiting for us with sandwiches.

When we went to bed, it had been nearly seven in the morning. Which was why it didn't surprise me that we all slept for most of the day. When I woke up again, it was already getting dark outside. I groaned and turned around in bed, just to notice that I wasn't alone. There was someone else lying next to me.

That's when I remembered what happened after we'd arrived back at Grimmauld Place. After dinner and a long, hot bath, we all went to bed. However, I'd just sat down on the bed when there had been a knock on my door. Hermione didn't say anything. She'd just smiled at me shyly and I'd wrapped my arms around her. Then we'd both fallen asleep.

Now she was also still asleep and there was a peaceful look on her face. I watched her silently, afraid that she might wake up when I moved too much. I'd always known that she was beautiful, but in this moment, she was stunning. Her hair was even more curly than usual since it had still been wet when we went to sleep and there was a small smile on her lips. I asked myself what she was dreaming.

It was still so strange to know that the war was over. A war that had accompanied me nearly all my life. First in our youth when the Order of the Phoenix had been founded only months after we'd finished school and then, years later, this war right after I'd escaped from Azkaban. I didn't even know if there had ever been a peaceful time in my life, except for my youth at Hogwarts, which had been quite eventful.

I smiled when I remembered the good old times with James, Remus and Peter. Only that now just Remus and me were left. James was gone for such a long time and Peter was also gone now. When I thought of this, my smile faded. Even if I'd hated Peter ever since he betrayed James and Lily, no one deserved a death like that.

"Stop frowning, it doesn't look good on you." Hermione whispered and took me back to reality. I didn't even notice that she was watching me.

I smiled at her. "Good morning. Did you sleep well?"

"Better than in months. And you should say good afternoon, not good morning." She replied and her eyes were shining. "And you?"

"Also better than in a long time." I said and winked at her. The last time I'd slept this well had been the night before our trip to the Ministry, with Hermione in my arms.

Hermione blushed and I chuckled. "Nothing to be embarrassed for, love." I whispered and pulled her closer. After a few moments, she relaxed in my arms.

"What were you thinking?"

"Nothing of importance." I said simply.

She frowned. "You looked unhappy."

I sighed. "You notice everything, don't you?" Instead of replying, she just looked at me patiently. "I thought of the last time my life had been peaceful." I explained. "Nearly all my life, the fight against Voldemort has kept us busy. Well, except for the years I've spent in Azkaban. The only time without all this danger and fear have been my years at Hogwarts with the Marauders. But now only Remus and me are left. James, Lily and Peter are gone. Hell, even Snape's dead now. So much has changed."

"Now, everything will get better. I'm sure of that." Hermione said with a smile.

"I think you're right." I agreed and leaned in to kiss her softly. "From now on, we can do whatever we want. It's incredible, isn't it?"

Hermione nodded. "It's a strange thought."

I chuckled. "You'll get used to it." I kissed her again, but this time, I didn't pull back that fast. Instead, I deepened the kiss and Hermione sighed happily. I felt the urge to touch her, but held myself back. Instead, I just drew circles on her back with my hands. I didn't want to rush things with her. After some time, she found the courage to place her hands on my chest. When we parted, we were both breathing heavily. Hermione's cheeks were red and I grinned at her.

"I love you."

"I love you too." She whispered.

"So what will we do now? Except for finding your parents, of course." I asked and began to play with her hair. "Maybe we could stay in Australia for some time. Take some time for ourselves."

"I think I want to finish school." She said. "But some time for ourselves sounds good." She smiled. "Once I've finished school, I want to do something good. I don't know what yet, but I'm sure I'll figure something out."

"Of course you will." I agreed.

"What will you do? Any plans?" She asked curiously. "We've never talked about this. What we'll do once this is over."

I shrugged. "Kingsley has offered me a job at the Ministry. The Auror Office needs a new head."

"You don't sound thrilled." Hermione said with a frown. "Didn't you always want to be an Auror?"

"With all the things that happened in my life, I don't have that much faith in the Ministry." I said hesitantly. "I don't think that I can work there."

"Being head of the Auror Office would give you lots of freedom. You could change things there." She noted.

"I'm not sure yet. First, we have to help at Hogwarts. And then, we're going to find your parents. I already told Kingsley that I need some time to think about it."

"Did they also ask others?" She asked curiously.

"Kingsley wants Remus to be an Auror too. But he said no immediately. He says that one Auror in the family is enough." I grinned. "I think he wants to return to Hogwarts if Minerva has a job for him."

"I'm sure she will."

"Who knows, maybe she even has a job for me as well?" I asked and suddenly, the idea wasn't even that bad anymore.

Her eyes widened. "You would become a teacher?"

"You can't imagine me as one?" I asked back.

She shook her head quickly. "No, it's not that. This is just... unexpected." Slowly, a smile spread on her lips. "Professor Black. Sounds quite nice."

I chuckled. "It does, right?"

We kissed each other again. This time, Hermione wasn't that hesitant anymore and ran her hands down my arms and back. When they arrived at the hem of my shirt, I raised my eyebrows. "Are you sure?" I asked, even if I really didn't want her to stop. Instead of answering my question, her hands wandered over my upper body under the shirt now.

After some time of kissing and touching, she drew back. "Maybe we should go downstairs and look for the others?" She asked and her cheeks were red. "Ron isn't feeling well. The loss of Lavender is weighing heavily on him."

"I bet the others are still asleep." I muttered, but when Hermione grabbed her clothes and left my room, I also searched for something to wear.

When I arrived in the kitchen, Harry, Ron and Hermione were already sitting at the table. It smelled good and I knew that Kreacher was cooking. "How are you feeling?" I asked them once I sat down.

"Better than in ages." Harry replied with a smile.

"I could sleep for a few more days." Ron muttered. "Those past days have been exhausting."

"From now on, everything will get better." Hermione stated.

"It's strange." Harry said thoughtfully. "That it's all over now."

"It was about time." Ron noted. "This has controlled our lives for far too long."

"True." Harry agreed.

"I bet you don't know yet what you'll do from now on?" I asked and they both shook their heads.

"First, I just want a few days of peace." Harry explained. "The future can wait."

"I agree with that." Ron said.

"And you?" Harry raised his eyebrows.

"I want to finish school. And Sirius has been offered a job at the Ministry." Hermione said before I could stop her.

"Wow, that's great!" Harry grinned. "And what will you be going?"

I ran a hand through my hair. "Kingsley asked me to be head of the Auror Office. But I didn't say yes yet."

"Why not?" Ron asked with a frown and Harry also stared at me.

I shrugged. "I don't have that much faith in the Ministry after everything that happened. I know that things will be different from now on, but I can't help it."

"I know what you mean." Harry muttered. "But with Kingsley as Minister of Magic, everything will get better. I'm sure of that."

"Probably you're right."

"Sirius also thought of teaching at Hogwarts." Hermione threw in with a grin.

Now the boys really stared at me.

"I can't imagine you as a teacher." Ron admitted.

"I can." Harry said immediately. "Professor Black. Would sound good."

I laughed. "I'm not sure what I'll do. I think I also need some time. It's still strange that I can do whatever I want with my life now."

"I think we'll all get used to it very fast." Hermione noted.

The rest of the day, we talked about different things. In the end, Harry told us what he saw in Snape's memories and what happened in the Forbidden Forest.

And the next morning, we returned to Hogwarts to help undoing the damage.