Harry Potter is the property of J.K. Rowling. This work of fiction was created for fun, and no copyright infringement is intended.
A/N: I wrote this thinking about how my relationships with high school classmates have changed and matured over the years. Certainly we didn't fight a war against evil, but the drama that existed then doesn't seem like it matters anymore.
May 2, 2013
Hermione wished she could forget the date.
That would be tough, however, as she was currently at a remembrance for the Battle of Hogwarts.
15 years. A lifetime ago.
It was Hermione's turn to speak. She and the boys had drawn straws. She lost. At times like these, the Golden Trio wanted to disappear. They didn't want to be the center of attention instead of Tonks, Fred, and all the others. She walked up to the podium like a prisoner on the way to her execution. She was dreading giving the speech so much that she hadn't prepared anything to say. She felt like she was disrespecting those who died, but she just couldn't do it.
However, once she was up in front of the attendees, she knew exactly what to say. She looked around and was surprised by some of the faces she saw. Draco and Pansy were two she had not expected, yet their appearance seemed to offer more import to the event. Knowing that the attendees weren't just the people who had been friends with the fallen placed the remembrance into something bigger than themselves. "I'm happy to see so many people here remembering those we lost. As I look out you I'm reminded of the close bond we have as a result of the events that culminated 15 years ago. Time may not heal all wounds, but it does help. We're all connected. I have affection for my classmates and am glad to see all of you today. Even you Draco Malfoy!"
Those in the crowd that knew Hermione and Draco's history began laughing. There was even some applause and a few shouts. Hermione was glad to bring a bit of levity to this horrible day. Out among the assembled group, Draco gave a quick wave and gave Hermione his trademark smirk.
Hermione finished her speech with the admonition to remember family and friends who had been killed. She also encouraged everyone to think about the bonds she mentioned and, however strangely they had been formed, work to strengthen their connections to one another. "Like it or not Pansy, we have played important roles in each other's lives."
People remembered Pansy's outburst during the Battle of Hogwarts. Harry had forgiven people for their actions during the war and wanted others to do the same.
After the ceremony concluded a meal was being served in the Great Hall. While many people began heading to their house tables, for some reason the Golden Trio's year all sat together in a corner. Over the hours, the rest of the crowd disappeared, but they kept talking. Harry and Ginny and Ron and Lavender had sent their kids home with Molly and Arthur. A few other people had done the same thing so they could stay and hang out. Eventually the hall had emptied and the group noticed the Head Boy and Head Girl who were presumably around to help with anything needed.
"They look pretty tired," commented Justin Finch-Fletchley. "And they're probably waiting on us."
Neville reminded them that the following day was a work day and it was probably time to wrap things up and head home.
There were many hugs and a few tears as people began leaving.
"We should do this more often and on happier occasions," Daphne Nott suggested.