So, all in all, I'd have to say my life turned out pretty unexpectedly.
Yes, I'm "just" a journalist. Instead of frolicking about, playing heroine and saving lives, or running for office, I'm writing about those who do it instead.
And I wouldn't have it any other way.
A lot has changed since Hogwarts. Isn't that just the understatement of the century?
After Dumbledore's confession, the wheels in my head started turning. What about the information I had gathered in the library? Well, what little information, that is. What about the conversation Harry and Ron overheard between Dumbledore and Snape? How could Dumbledore pull off something so extravagant without any of the students suspecting it? These were the things I couldn't figure out an answer to myself. So, I went to the one person who had them.
Dumbledore had been expecting me as I opened the door to his office. He knew I wouldn't be able to accept what he said in the Great Hall as a reasonable explanation, that I wanted more facts. I think even then he knew I was eager to seek out a story, if only for the simple pleasure in knowing what all occurred.
He had offered to answer whatever questions I had for him. And I had many. Dumbledore told me that he knew Harry and Ron were sneaking about in that corridor, and enlisted Snape to help him with his scheming. He always had trusted that man faithfully. Merlin knows why, but he did. And Snape helped him out, no questions asked. He had told me that no other faculty members knew. He seemed to think the fewer who knew the plan, the better. Then, he added with a twinkling wink that he doubted Minerva McGonagall would have approved anyway. And, he was probably right.
Dumbledore went on to tell me that some of the information I gathered from the library was real, but most of it was planted by himself, knowing full well that I would want to figure it all out on my own. And honestly, he had me pegged on that one.
But as for how he managed to do it without being suspected of anything, he refused to tell me. He had said, "Some things are supposed to be left a mystery, Miss Granger," and that was all the furthest he would explain.
I guess I had to take what I could get.
Since graduating, life had been slightly different for me. So many things had changed, and yet, I can hardly recall life being anything else but what I now know it to be.
Shortly after Ginny graduated from Hogwarts, Harry and her had married. And when I mean shortly after, I mean right when the ceremony was over, they rushed off to become man and wife. It was a small wedding, with just her family and myself present. That was it. Oh! And the priest, of course. Can't forget about him. But I'm glad it worked out for them. It was a long time coming, really.
For the first month, while they were on their honeymoon, they kept their marriage a secret from the public eye. After all, they wanted to spend it relaxing, not trying to dodge reporters and psycho fans. When they returned, they had given me their permission to be the first journalist to write their romance in an article for the entire world to know.
"If anyone has to do it, I'm glad it's going to be you," Harry had said. And that had meant a lot to me, more than I think Harry even realized.
Because that single article gave me the opportunity to become the journalist I am today. No one can have that good of a story and not be promoted. I had the scoop long before anyone was even suspicious of Harry's intentions. The editor-in-chief, Collin Newbury, had given me a promotion the moment he read the headline. Well, okay, not the moment he read it. He had to check the facts first. But, after that, I was a shoo-in! And because of that, I owe Harry and Ginny my life.
After graduation, Ron fell madly in love with Luna Lovegood. After that heated kiss they shared in the Great Hall, they've been inseparable. Merlin knows why. They have a strange relationship, one I won't even begin to describe. Because, simply, there are no words to explain it. But, I guess that's to be expected, considering whom I'm talking about. But, he's the happiest I've ever seen him, so I wish them both the best of luck.
As for Draco and I… well, it didn't quite work out how we had imagined it to be. We just weren't right for each other. He was still an ignorant git, and I was still the know-it-all bookworm. That was just who we are, and it hindered our progress as a couple. But, to this day, we remain good friends. Just kidding.
Nope. We're still going strong. I haven't felt this way towards anyone, and I'm not going to give this up without a fight.
Granted, we still argue. But now, it's about where we'll have dinner or who should move in with whom instead of debating about who is more superior or smarter than the other. It's quite cute, actually. I know this for a fact because every time we argue in front of Harry and Ron, they get disgusted. If it were anything other than cute, I'm sure they'd be eager to see our downfall.
Harry and Ron never forgave me for "fraternizing with the enemy." Not kidding. I mean, they never really took the time to see how in love I am with Draco, and something like that can really put a damper on friendship. So, we slowly grew distant, and now, we barely speak with one another… ok, ok, ok. I'm so totally kidding.
Well, not really. Once they gave Draco a chance, they realized he had indeed changed. It took them a while, but they grew to accept him as one of the crew. But, sadly, hatred does take a while to dissipate; they still don't like the fact that Draco has the power to crush my heart should he so choose to. But, they still haven't grasped the fact that Draco would never even consider it.
Harry and Ron understand now that Draco is a part of my life, and nothing will ever change that. Perhaps some day, they'll be able to trust him as completely as I do. I know they wouldn't do anything to destroy that, regardless of how the feel towards Draco.
"Who are we to stand in your way of your happily ever after?" Ron had said. And I think he may be right.
Well, my Mr. Happily Ever After is awaiting yours truly.
So, get out of here. Vamoose. Skidaddle before I hit you with a paddle! The end. Finis!
What are you doing here still?! Why are you still reading?! There's nothing left to know! The story finished!
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Ok. Now you're just trying to upset me. But, it won't work! Because, I can simply refuse to write another word…. starting…. now!
The End.
The Beginning.