Declaration: I write for my own pleasure and not for profit. I do not own Harry Potter Universe.

Chapter Five: Aftermath and ever after

Leaving the Hogwarts express, Harry found Sirius waiting for him and to his delighted surprise Remus Lupin too. With Sirius refusing to let Harry live with the Dursleys, Dumbledore was forced to concede defeat and let him live at 12 Grimmauld Place. The only concession they allowed was to let him perform the fidelius charm on the house, a minor inconvenience but was well worth the privacy it afforded them.

Harry was not ready to live in the hovel that was Sirius' ancestral house and so he convinced Sirius to buy Dobby from his cousin Narcissa Malfoy. With Lucius dead, she needed all the financial help to get her house running. Sirius refused to provide for her and her arrogant son. She was even forced to sell the manor to raise enough money to clear all their debts and also pay the ministerial fine. She was now looking for a job to support their daily needs and to continue sending Draco to Hogwarts.

A few days into the summer holidays for the kids, Sirius invited the Grangers to his house so that they could finalize the details of their upcoming vacation to southern Italy. He wanted plenty of sunshine to erase out the horrors of his stay at Azkaban and the beaches were calling him. With the contents of Bellatrix's vault added to the Black family vault, he had plenty of coin and was paying for all six of them.

Entering the house, Hermione was secretly amazed at the changes. Dobby had transformed the dark and dreary atmosphere into one of a tastefully furnished and brightly lit, welcoming home.

Sipping their tea in the living room, Sirius announced some big news, "Harry, Remus has been offered the position of DADA professor and I have been offered to teach potions at Hogwarts. We have decided to take up on Dumbledore's offer."

Harry exchanged a look with Hermione, which she answered by a nod of her own. The adults in the room watched the by play and were amazed at their ability to communicate so effortlessly. Harry though wanted something more from Sirius, "That's great news Sirius. I do not know how good you are at potions but I guess anyone will be better than Snape." Everyone laughed at Sirius' pout.

"But I have a request of you" at a questioning look from Sirius Harry continued, "Do not accept the position." He held up his hand to forestall his protests, "Right now we are at the crossroads Sirius. Many of the so called pillars of our society turned out to be death eaters. Their agenda was driving the ministry policies. I do not know to what end but it could not have been towards prosperity."

Everyone nodded their agreement at his assessment. "Now we have a chance to build a better world. With all of the death eaters gone, there can be no more threats to our society. We cannot afford to be held back any more and the time is ripe for some serious changes. If we leave the current situation of our society like this who knows where me might end up in a few years from now. Fudge is a fool who has to be led by his ears. You do the leading and in the correct direction. He now has how many years in office?" he asked.

"Three" Remus supplied the answer.

"Three years, in this time build a reputation for yourself. Take up the two seats we have at the wizgemont, yours and mine. Use your flair and that Marauding brain to lead the current policy makers by the nose. Formulate some good and just laws so that there is no repeat of what you had to go through, and that will also prevent any future dark lords. Three years should be enough for you to gain some popularity and then stand in the election for the post of the minister. I will endorse you and I bet that many of the members will support a good government for a better life."

Everyone except Hermione was stunned, even the elder Grangers were impressed by his foresight and passion. Harry and Hermione spent a lot of time discussing about what needs to change and they were hoping that Sirius would be the catalyst for change.

"Why me Harry?" Sirius was seriously thinking about what Harry said. He could see the need for a strong leader and wanted to know Harry's reasons for choosing him.

"I do not know anyone else who can do the job Sirius. I have heard about Madam Bones but I think it is best for her to stay at DMLE to back up the laws; there is no point in formulating some laws without follow up action and order. All the others could be controlled even by well-meaning people like Dumbledore, but I am sure that you are above that. My parents found you worthy enough to take care of me, now I am asking you to take care of the rest of the wizarding world."

Everyone was now contemplating his words and he decided to throw in some levity, "Besides if you get a big head, Hermione is there to kick your arse." Hermione gave her emphatic support to that sentiment.

After the laughter and general ribbing of Sirius died down, "OK guys, I will do it" Sirius announced to general cheer. Remus was pounding on the table in support.

"I will need your inputs though, yours too Hermione, on how to deal with some of the laws. With the passion you have shown, I am now sure that you may already have some ideas."

"We will help you Sirius. I do not like to be in the spotlight but I will do my best to help you bring in a new world order. A world where everyone, be it a goblin, elf or a muggleborn, are treated with respect and equality."

Shouts of "Hear, Hear" accompanied his statement.

\\\\\\\\\\

The next election after three years saw Sirius being elected to the office of the minister of magic. Harry and Hermione actively took part in the planning of many laws and advised him bringing about a lot of changes. Much legislation was formulated promoting equality for all species and business generally thrived in all the goodwill. Sirius openly acknowledged the fact that many of these laws were the brain child of Harry Potter and Hermione Granger. This fact helped swing the public opinion in their favour, 'if the Boy-who-lived can tolerate other lesser creatures then they could too.' They did not want to disappoint their savior after all.

Sirius' policies ensured that Harry did not have to be called often to adjudicate as 'death' in the wizarding world. The muggle world also did not bother him much, though the few instances that he had to intervene in either world did not take him too long, certainly not long enough to be missed. Except his immediate family, the Potters and the Grangers, the general public including Sirius and Remus were ignorant of his duty as 'death'.

By the time Harry and Hermione graduated with full honors, Albus Dumbledore was forced to admit that Lord Voldemort was indeed dead. Though he initially harbored the doubt that Severus Snape left the castle due to his hatred towards Harry Potter and not because of Voldemort's death, the lack of any signs of Voldemort's return aided by the fact that all the death eaters were dead finally convinced him to publically acknowledge the truth.

Now with no reason for him to cling on to his numerous positions, Dumbledore gradually faded to the background. Only the threat of Voldemort's return prompted Dumbledore to hold on to the headmaster's office at Hogwarts. With that no longer a factor, he lost his will to remain in the castle and gracefully retired on Harry's graduation day hoping that Harry himself will take over the position.

\\\\\\\\\\

Harry and Hermione enjoyed an extended courtship during their school days at Hogwarts. Hermione was able to totally relax and enjoy spending time with Harry secretly relishing his efforts to woo her. Hermione had already agreed to marry him but was thrilled at Harry's antics to flatter her. They eventually married at 22 years of age finally allowing Hermione's mother some peace of mind.

Hermione's vision from the 'Mirror of Erised' came true five years later being the mother of two boys, one 4 years old and the other 2, and carrying their third child, a girl. They had a total of 5 kids of their own but that did not stop them though, as 7 more kids, all orphaned before their second birthday found new parents in the form of Lord and Lady Gryffindor.

Both Sirius and Harry put their enormous wealth to good use coming to the rescue of many of the victims of war or those too weak to support their living. Their charities also extended into the muggle world where Harry was frequently in the lime light due to his job as a member of the House of Lords. As much as he tried to stay away from publicity, his noble acts did put him on a pedestal and he gradually learnt to take the accolades in the spirit they were offered.

Harry did eventually become the headmaster of Hogwarts with Hermione as his deputy, but not before he turned 25. They spent the time after their graduation in earning their masteries, Defense and Ancient Runes for Harry, and Transfiguration and Arithmancy for Hermione.

Instead of holding a regular position at the school, they concentrated on teaching more obscure branches of magic to willing students. Harry took time to keep abreast of the political situation also providing his input whenever necessary and ensuring that the laws enacted were just and fair. Many new graduates from all over the world fought for positions as their apprentices and they were only saddened to leave the loveable teachers at the end of their tenure. More importantly Harry preached tolerance, tolerance to the quirks and mistakes of the others and strived to bring about a general change in the mindset of people especially the purebloods.

\\\\\\\\\\

After spending 15 long years at the helm of affairs, Sirius finally retired from public office and spent his time as a gentleman overseeing His and Harry's vast fortunes. In the company of his muggleborn wife and 4 children, Sirius made himself a comfortable home in the country only using his London home when attending his Wizgemont duties.

Remus Lupin continued in the DADA position, the curse on that job dispelled after the death of Tom Riddle. He married Sirius' cousin, Nymphadora 'Say the name and I will kill you' Tonks and gave them their godson Teddy back. Remus held on to his position for many years to come and with dueling lessons made available to students, Mrs. Lupin was also included as a staff at Hogwarts.

The Black, Lupin and Potter families met regularly and flourished for many generations. Even after many years they remained a close knit family with Hogwarts being their bastion.

\\\\\\\\\\

Finally at the age of 250 years Harry and Hermione retired from public view, Hogwarts thriving in the capable hands of their own descendants left them no regrets. They spent their time touring the world learning about different cultures and their magic, or just taking advantage of their eternal youth enjoying the various romantic spots the world had to offer.

Harry ultimately passed on the mantle of being 'death' and the enormous amount of knowledge he accumulated through the years at a ripe old age of 750. The new 'death' turned out to be a non-magical woman in her early teens and was remarkably similar to Harry in her character. The Philosopher's stone was also turned over to her so that she herself could find the joy and peace Hermione found in her life beside her soul mate.

The two best friends passed on peacefully a few days later, holding the other in their arms and a satisfied smile on their faces.

THE END