Nobody knows why, what and how it happened but Harry duelled Voldemort a.k.a Tom riddle to death. If Dumbledore were alive, he would have said that it was love that killed him. Everybody ran to Harry and hugged him and congratulating but all Harry wanted to do was get away from everyone and think about what he just did, for Merlin’s sake he has just killed someone even if it was a monster like Riddle and people were thanking him for that.

Ron saw him and understood at once that Harry wanted to be alone so he herded everyone and took them to the Great Hall. Harry was relieved, he would thank Ron later, this was his chance so he took it and ran up to the Astronomy Tower. Apart from that one night on that tower which had left everyone there traumatized, the Astronomy tower was the most peaceful places in Hogwarts. He could still hear the shrieks of joy from the Hall.

He closed his eyes to feel normal when he heard someone laughing softly, it felt as if they were free for the first time. Harry left the person to their privacy but suddenly they started crying and the sobs broke Harry’s heart. He stood up and went to see who it was, the sight he saw shocked him to the core. It was Malfoy, Draco Malfoy, who was rolled into a ball in a small crevice and rocking himself, that was crying. It was Malfoy whose sobs and laughs elicited some emotion in Harry after the incident in the forest, go figure.

Harry slowly went near and kneeled in front of him, and put a hand on his shoulder and rubbed some comfort. “Malfoy, hey! look at me, it is going to be okay.” Harry spoke softly. Malfoy turned his head in his arms and looked at Harry and asked vulnerably, “Is he really dead? Are you sure he will never come back? Please tell me.” When Harry nodded, Malfoy started laughing. Harry was shocked, he figured out that Malfoy didn’t want to be a death eater but he didn’t think that he would be happy knowing that He was dead.

Malfoy then cleared his face of tears and looked at Harry and said, “I, Draco Lucius Abraxas Malfoy, call upon thee Lady Magic to bear observance as I formally apologise to Harry James Potter, thank Harry James Potter for saving my life and acknowledge my life debt to him. I would also like to call off the blood feud between the Malfoys and Weasleys. So, mote it be.” Something passed between them, a bright light that looked like a thread connected them and Harry felt the guilt, the remorse, the pain and the gratitude. Then it was all normal. To say that Harry was overwhelmed would be an understatement.

Draco didn’t give him a chance to speak though, “Sorry about the theatrics but since I am officially Lord Malfoy, I thought it would be better to get that out of the way before the Aurors come for me. Potter, I cannot thank you enough for bringing an end to that evil megalomaniac. I am truly sorry for all that I did to make hell for you and your friends. I didn't know better and all I ever wanted was to make my father proud, I was jealous of your freedom and I took out all my negativity on you. I am not asking for your forgiveness because I haven’t yet earned it but I promise you that I will do whatever it takes to be of help when you need me. Thank you for being patient, they await me.” He smiled and left.

It has been two weeks since the Battle of Hogwarts, the Burrow has been sad, in spite of Molly’s food and anything else for that matter, Fred’s death was a huge blow. Harry decided to leave and go back to Grimmauld Place. The next month went by in death eater trials, where Harry only went to attend the Malfoy’s trials. Luna, Dean and surprisingly Neville accompanied him too and gave their defence for Malfoy. As of that day Draco Malfoy was free and Narcissa Malfoy on a 5-year house arrest. Harry met him outside and said, “I forgive you and thank you.” and apparated from there. That was the last link to the war for Harry.

“Harry! Mate we are going to be late, hurry up!”. Harry rushed out and Ron and he apparated to Hogsmeade together. It was the anniversary and all their year students met up every year at the Black Lake since the eighth year. It had been a long journey of apologies, growth and happiness. And here they all were finally proud of themselves and the war a distant memory now.