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Several days passed. With the N.E.W.T's completed, attention turned to graduation. It suddenly dawned on us that we were about to leave Hogwarts, a place that we called home for the past seven years of our lives.
So much had happened to each of us within the stone walls of the castle. All of those years ago, when we were young and not so innocent, among other friendships, the Marauders were founded.
We studied and learned valuable lessons. These lessons weren't just related to subjects like Charms or Herbology, we learned important life lessons too. We learned morals and chose our side in a raging war. For my friends and I, we made the decision to stand up for the innocents whilst darker minded individuals such as Snape chose to do the opposite.
Many of us also found love. I can't imagine my life without Remus and I know that Alice and Frank and Lily and James feel just the same. I also truly believe that Sirius is head over heels for Marlene. And Peter found love in all things stuffed with fat and calories so long as it tasted good.
Most of all, I found an extremely dysfunctional, weird but truly loyal family that would stick together no matter what.
The last days passed remarkably quickly and we found ourselves with our trunks packed for the final time, staring around the room that had been our home. It seemed strangely empty without Alice's posters of Quidditch stars, Marlene's clothes not strewn in every place imaginable, Emmeline's books not stacked in wobbling piles that almost reached the ceiling. It lacked the personal feel that we had managed to give it.
It was a sad moment when we descended that staircase for the final time and I wasn't the only one blinking back tears.
The boys too were solemn and serious when we met them in the common room. There wasn't any joking or chatting as we entered the Great Hall, each of us were lost in our thoughts. I gripped on to Remus' hand as though it were a lifeline and he didn't complain, extracting just as much comfort from the contact as I was.
When we reached the Great Hall, we each claimed a seat in one of the rows facing the podium where Dumbledore stood tall, his silvery robes billowing slightly even though there wasn't a breeze. His blue eyes surveyed us from behind his half-moon spectacles.
"Welcome", he spoke and at once all noise ceased. Everyone, whether Hufflepuff or Slytherin gave there undivided attention to the master of magic that was the Headmaster. "Today marks the end of your seven year legacy within the magical walls of this building. Each of you has overcome obstacles. You each have put failures behind you and the enjoyed your successes. You have done yourselves proud."
"Now however, it is time for the real world where there are no second chances. Mistakes cannot be erased and may scar you forever. Successes are few and far in between. Each of you has a vital decision to make, many of you have already made it. For we are in the midst of a horrific war that is dividing our country. I pray that each of you chooses light over dark."
On that ominous note, Dumbledore vacated the podium to make way for Lily and James, the head boy and girl. Wearing identical robes, and hands joined they were an image of unity. They even cleared their throats at the same time. Lily smiled in embarrassment at the wolf-whistles whereas James made a show of putting an arm over her shoulders.
"Well, we did it!" James began, his hazel eyes twinkling with mischief. "I'm not lying when I say that I'm surprised that I made it to this day. I was positive that Sirius and I would be expelled in sixth year after that incident-"
"Yes James, we all remember that thank-you", Lily cut off, preventing Professor McGonagall from having a heart attack. Many people laughed at the memory. "What James here is trying to say is 'well done'. I know that the past few years have been tough as will the next few. Many of you have been directly affected."
"But you didn't let it stop you", James took over, "and thanks to that, many of you are stronger people today than they were before entering Hogwarts. Do your best in life. Make your mark, don't be a follower. Be yourself."
The hall burst into raucous applause. Sirius stood on his chair and cheered. Then the chair broke, and he collapsed in a heap on the ground. Everyone knocked a laugh out of that and Sirius, ever the show man, took a bow.
A respectful silence descended upon the students when both Dumbledore and McGonagall took to the stage.
"And now the moment that you have all been waiting for, the awards", Professor McGonagall announced, smiling a rare smile at the clapping that followed that. "There is an award for a male and female student in each subject. Please come to the stage to collect your trophy if your name is called."
"In charms, the winners of the Wingardium Leviosa award are", Dumbledore called, "Remus Lupin and Lily Evans".
A red faced werewolf and a beaming red-head collected two bronze trophies in the shape of a feather.
"The winners of the Animagus trophy in Transfiguration are James Potter and Amy Griffon", Professor McGonagall announced. The smiling Deputy Headmistress handed us each a gold medal. When in my hand, it blossomed into a wolf. James' turned into a stag. "Yes, that would be your animagus form", McGonagall quickly informed us. I exchanged an amused look with James. If only she knew!
Remus and Alice won the Herbology award, a bronze trophy in the shape of a Mandrake.
Sirius and I collected a silver shield for Defence Against the Dark Arts.
Remus and a Ravenclaw took the Arithmancy prize. I won the Care for Magical Creatures with a Hufflepuff, it was shaped like a unicorn horn.
Emmeline won both History of Magic and Ancient Runes.
The most awkward moment was when Lily and Snape won the Potions. She quickly received her silver, cauldron shaped prize and practically raced back to her seat beside James who wrapped an arm around her protectively. Snape's empty black eyes gave away nothing as he silently slithered back to his seat.
But even Snape couldn't ruin our good moods. We enjoyed our final meal in the Great Hall and cheered along as Gryffindor were awarded both the Quidditch and House Cup. At least we left on a high but no one was laughing as we boarded the Hogwarts Express for the last time.
My eyes watered as I cast my final gaze as a student over the legendary castle.
We were finished at Hogwarts.
It was time to enter the real world.
Time to make our mark.
Time to fight.