"I would like to personally congratulate the graduating class of 2024. They have overcome many challenges in their past seven year spent within this castle. They have laughed together, fought together, and some have even fallen in love. They have been safe here; something that has become sparse in today's world. I'm afraid that we are entering into dark days in the Wizarding World once more; but as I send these former students into the real world, I know with all certainty that they will also overcome these dangers. This is a smart, level-headed, and resourceful group of young adults. Maybe they are exactly what we will need in the days to come. I am immensely proud of each and every one of the people sitting before me. I am eager to see their bright and promising futures unfold." At this point, Headmaster McGonagall wiped a lone tear from her cheek. As I sat there, surrounded by my huge family, I worried about what McGonagall said. Daddy has mentioned that particular danger for months now. I'm scared for my brother, for Scor, for Rose, and for all the other graduates who were sitting a few rows in front of me.
I wanted with every fiber of my being to believe that they will all have bright futures. Al is going into Quidditch: following Mum's footsteps. He would be safe, blissful, and if I knew my big brother at all, totally ignorant of his surroundings. Scor however was going into the Ministry to work for my father. He would be directly fighting against everything going on. My stomach rolled just thinking about it.
"If you would all join me in applauding the class of 2024; Well done students. I am pleased to say your hard work has paid off. You've graduated." She said with a smile, clearly trying to hold in her underlying excitement. I joined in, mechanically clapping my hands and smiling. James and Nadia were hugging, no doubt remembering their graduation this time last year. My biggest brother looked at me sideways, asking with his eyesyou okay little sis? I nodded, reassuring him, but also reassuring myself. I needed to believe that Scor would be fine, mostly because I knew he would be. I whooped and hollered with Teddy and James as Al and Scor walked out of the Great Hall. I scooped my nephew Gabriel, Teddy's son, into my arms and twirled a bit. The towheaded little boy giggled and screamed with glee.
As the crowd rushed out following the graduates to the front lawn for pictures, my family lingered to talk to the teachers. Professor Longbottom and his family were there, celebrating Rory's graduation too. I hugged Ally, the youngest Longbottom. She had just finished with her third year and she looked absolutely ecstatic for summer to be here.
Near the front of the Hall were the Malfoy's. Astoria and Draco were talking warmly to another family, while Narcissa was sticking to the background. She looked awkwardly out of place here at such a happy event. I've met her a few times, and instantly I disliked her. She was snotty, rude, and thought she was higher above everyone. Astoria caught my eyes, smiling kindly. She was the exact opposite of her mother in law in every way possible. Besides them, Scor's younger brother, Ajax, was running circles, chasing Scor's cat Wicker. I also saw Ariel, Scor's older sister, holding her daughter Mira, chatting quietly with her husband. She looked annoyed and was gesturing wildly around. Scor was still nowhere in sight.
Suddenly, I was bombarded by giggles and the smell of multiple perfumes. I turned around and saw my best friends in the whole world laughing behind me. Arden's older sister Romaine graduated today too. My best friend's eyes were brimming with tears but she had a small smile on her face, and I knew she missed her parents, who died 3 years ago. I rushed forward and hugged her tightly.
"They can see you babe. And I know they're proud of Romy." I whispered in her ear. She nodded and stepped back. Dom and Lissa were arguing, once again, this time about why Henry and Al shouldn't be friends or if they should be friends. There had been many years of rivalry between the two raven-haired boys. Henry and Dom have been dating literally for nearly 7 years now. It was only mildly disturbing. Oh, and Al fancies Lissa: much to my annoyance. I mean, come on; there are 500 girls at this school. Why did he have to choose my best friend as the apple of his eye? Thankfully, Lissa hasn't given into his gross charm yet. But I know it's only a matter of time until that day comes. Whatever.
"The more they hang out together, the more Al sees me; which is bad Dom! I don't want him getting ideas into that nasty little head of his!" Lissa hissed, just as the protagonist came right up behind her. I had to smile at my goofy brother. He spun Lissa around, dipped her, and then caught her before she crash landed on the ground.
"Do I get a congratulatory kiss Whitlock? Just one?" he wiggled his eyebrows. Lissa blushed before kissing him lightly on the cheek. Al turned beet red, dropped Lissa from shock, and then started dancing. Yes I know ladies and gents, he's a class act. Lissa collected herself from the floor, blushing madly.
"Alright lot! Back to my place for the party!" Al yelled, projecting his voice throughout the entire hall. Every graduate whoops then rushes outside to catch the train. My family starts to walk out, but I lingered. I stood on my tiptoes to try and see over everyone; but it's useless. I'm 5'2, which is weirdly short for someone in my family. I'm at least two heads shorter than everyone I'm close too, except Kate. I kept searching for Scor until nearly everyone had left the Hall. He and I had become close friends this year. He was there for me when I broke up with whatever boy I was dating (there have been a lot). And I helped him along with choosing his future and what job offer he would accept.
I sighed, guessing that he had already left to catch the train. Just as I began walking out of the Hall, a voice called out behind me. I turned, and then smiled.
"Hey Lils. Walk with me to the train? I need a big bad Potter to protect me." My friend Damian said, smirking.
Damian had just graduated too. His dimple deepened as I rolled my eyes. "You realize that you're two years older than me, correct? You should be protecting me! But that's fine; I'm most capable of handling myself thank you very much!" I replied. This time he barked out a real laugh and slung his arm over my shoulder.
"I'm sure there are some things that you can't handle on your own, but my services are up for sale!" he joked.
I gasped at him and swatted his hand. "Damian Knight, watch your tongue! Someone may hear the true you, not the suck-up king you have the adults thinking you are!" I snickered as his blue green eyes widened in mock hurt.
"Such a little spit fire, you are! And don't lie; you know you've thought of taking up my offers before!" He said, waggling his eyes at me.
It was then my turn to blush. There had definitely been times that I thought about being with Damian. He had been on Ravenclaw's Quidditch team as seeker and hung out with Scor and Al frequently. At parties we always ending up dancing with each other and we may have kissed once or twice. With his chocolate brown curls and bright green eyes, he had girls flocking to him, begging him to frisk them in the hallways (no lie, I saw it three times). But he was still sweet and a gentleman to all girls, especially me.
"Think what you want Knight. Whatever helps you sleep at night." I said before skipping off a bit in front of him. I heard him laugh behind me.
"I sleep like a baby every night Lils, because I see you in my dreams!" He called after me.
I turned, laughing. "That's the only place you'll ever see me if you can't keep up!" I started to jog away as he chased me.
When he caught me, he spun me around and kissed me lightly on the cheek. "Don't let what you hear affect how you treat me." He said, staring into my eyes.
"Same goes for you." I replied. There have been plenty of rumors about me throughout the years. Recently, they've taken a turn for the worse.
Some girl that has the hots for Scor has been spreading rumors that we're together and that I'm pregnant with his baby. Come on, really? As much as being with Scor sounds like fun; I can't picture us as a couple. We've been so close I wouldn't want to ruin our friendship. Plus, he has an awful habit of running away after a relationship gets serious. Then there's Damian; who is nearly perfect in every way. I've never seen him be mean to anyone, he has a great sense of humor, and he's fucking hot! How much better could he get? But through it all, he doesn't put butterflies in my tummy. He would be a fun time, but that's about it.
"Oh, don't worry Lily. I'll prove myself to you." He said, as if he could read my thoughts. He grasped my hand as we walked to catch the train, knowing it wouldn't leave without us.
Hi again everyone! This is a prequel to Halloween Spice. This is set 2 years prior to that story. Hope you enjoy it!
I edited this chapter, so you may or may not notice some small changes. Nothing major really!
