Epilogue

Harry and Ginny watched as the security detachment from the Ministry of Magic rounded up the death eaters who'd been injured in the battle. He hadn't seen Remus since he'd watch him fight Fenrir Greyback and he didn't know the outcome.

There were minor injuries on both sides, mostly from the debris of falling stone and painful curses. The death eaters apparently got the worse end of the deal. Harry was most proud of the students who fought bravely. No one had expected them to fight, but they did. He was glad the adults came through, but he was not as impressed with them. He still held the slightest grudge, but they had helped out and the battle would have no doubt gone the other way without their help.

He found out later, after the death eaters had been taken away that Fenrir Greyback was dead, but so was Remus. He had fought to the bitter end. Remus had died, he found out much later, to avenge those children who'd been killed or maimed by a sadistic werewolf. The werewolf who'd turned him. Sirius told him that Remus had died happy and that was the most important thing.

Minister of Magic Cornelius Fudge was not convinced at first that Voldemort was back in the flesh, but after "interrogating" the prisoners, he adopted a more open mind. He wrote a special decree proclaiming that death eaters and anyone associated with you-know-who were considered enemies of the state and any force necessary to apprehend them was authorized. He placed a detachment of Aurors in every wizard community to protect and serve the citizens. Harry thought this was too little too later, but at least they had the death eaters on the defensive.

There was a grand funeral for Dumbledore, of course, and absolutely nothing for Severus Snape. Dumbledore wasn't buried in the Forbidden Forest like the others had recommended. He was buried in the official cemetery at the Ministry where their honored are laid to rest.

Harry and Ginny made their own memorial to Severus hidden away in the forest. They decided when they got married, they'd name one of their children after him. Severus had destroyed the horcruxes just like he'd promised, giving Harry an advantage when he would finally face Voldemort. No one else trusted Snape; they still believed that he had betrayed Dumbledore. Only Harry and Ginny believed.

When school finally ended for the year, Sirius invited Harry to live with him. He had a lot of making up to do and he worked hard to prove to Harry that he was worthy. It took a long time before Harry trusted him, but in the end they became a family.

Finding Ginny had been a part of Harry's destiny, even more so than him destined to fight Voldemort. She gave him courage and support and more love than he thought his heart could hold. She completed him and it was never a question of "if" they had a future together, it was a certainty, just as certain as night followed day.

Another certainty was that one day Harry would face Voldemort and they would fight to the death. That day would come soon when Harry was ready, but right now he was safe. He had the love of his life, and he finally was surrounded by real friends and family. Harry Potter, the boy who lived, was no longer alone.

A/N: This is the final chapter to the story. It went on for a lot longer than it was meant to, but I've enjoyed the feedback and comments very much. You may get the idea that "something is missing" and I apologize for that, but there will not be a sequel. Thank you for your kindness and patience as I wrote a story that was way over my head. Love to you all, Rita.