Narcissa entered the Quidditch pitch and walked over to the Slytherin section. While it wasn't required to sit with your or your spouse's House during commencement, most Hogwarts students and alumni self-segregated. She found Abraxas and Eleanor, so she took her place next to the couple. "Hello, Narcissa," Abraxas greeted her.
"Mr. Malfoy, Mrs. Malfoy," Narcissa acknowledged. "You both must be proud today."
"We are," Eleanor said.
Severus came over to her and sat down next to her. Over the course of the year, she had gotten to know Severus quite well. Lucius had become a mentor to him, and Severus was an intelligent young wizard. He had a better knowledge of the Dark Arts than even Bella and Rod had as far as Narcissa knew. All three of them were gifted in Potions, so Lucius and Narcissa would often help Severus prepare for exams. "Hello, Severus."
"Hello, Narcissa," he responded, though he went back to staring straight ahead of him afterward.
Narcissa looked down onto the field where the stage was assembled for the ceremony. Over to the left, the graduates had queued up for the processional. The Hogwarts Orchestra played Pomp & Circumstance, the audience stood, and the graduates processed onto the field, filing themselves into the rows of seats. Narcissa watched Lucius walk into the pitch. He was in the middle of the queue, as graduates were situated alphabetically by surname. Each graduate wore their House colors, so Lucius's gown and mortarboard were green; his hair was tied back into a ponytail since it now extended down his back. The gown had silver trim, and the tassel was silver as well. A gold stole draped around his neck indicated his Prefect status. The professors walked into the stadium in pairs after the seventh years, all of them wearing long robes in their House colors if they had attended Hogwarts. Those professors who didn't had black robes. Sprout, Flitwick, and Slughorn entered individually as the Heads of Houses, the three of them clad in yellow, blue, and green robes respectively. McGonagall, dressed all in red, was the second to last professor to enter, followed by Dumbledore with his long scarlet robes flowing and his moon-shaped spectacles sitting atop his nose. He took his place at the podium and announced, "You all may be seated. Good morning, families, mates, students, professors, and graduating seventh years. On this beautiful summer morning, it is my honor to offer heartfelt congratulations to the Class of 1972. Many talented wizards and witches end their Hogwarts education today, and based on the work that they accomplished here, I know each and every one of them has a bright future. So without further ado, I would like to introduce the salutatorian. This young wizard achieved excellent N.E.W.T. scores. He served as a Prefect the last three years of his Hogwarts career, and he played Chaser for Slytherin's Quidditch team from year two to year seven. It is my pleasure to welcome your salutatorian, Mr. Lucius Malfoy."
Slytherin cheered enthusiastically while the other Houses clapped politely as Lucius walked to the podium, ignoring Dumbledore's offered hand as he did so. "Good morning, students, faculty, families, mates, and my fellow graduates. Seven years ago, we boarded the Hogwarts Express for the first time, eager to begin our magical educations. This day seemed so far away as we were sorted, but after today, we will no longer be Hogwarts students, but Hogwarts alumni. I know I would not have gotten through these past seven years without the help of several individuals. My mother and father have always pushed me to live up to Malfoy expectations and have never allowed me to settle for less. The professors have challenged me to take risks as I grew into a powerful wizard. Professor Slughorn, thank you for serving as Slytherin's Head; it was an honor to be in your House. Severus, I know Hogwarts will help you become a great wizard. And lastly, my beautiful girlfriend, Narcissa. Darling, without your love and encouragement, Merlin knows how my Hogwarts career would've been. From our late-night study sessions to the fact that you attended every one of my Quidditch matches despite hating the sport, you were always there for me. I love you, Cissy." Narcissa smiled with pride as Lucius mentioned her. "I know if we remember our Hogwarts roots, we will all go far in life. Congratulations to the Class of 1972. Thank you."
The cheers erupted again, and Dumbledore introduced the valedictorian, a Ravenclaw witch—how cliché—and she gave her address before Dumbledore returned to the podium. He announced the student with the highest N.E.W.T. in each subject; Lucius had the top score in Ancient Runes, History of Magic, and Potions. "When I call your name, please cross the stage from your left to receive your diploma." Dumbledore read the students' names one-by-one along with their Houses and their achievements. "Lucius Abraxas Malfoy, Slytherin, Prefect, Chaser." Lucius walked across the stage and shook McGonagall's hand as he took his diploma in its green, leather case. Narcissa's heart was about to burst out of her chest with pride, but also with excitement since it would be her graduation next year. The class moved their tassels, and Dumbledore gave his closing remarks before dismissing everyone. As Narcissa weaved her way through the crowd, she found Lucius chatting with Evan and Xavier. She ran over to him and threw her arms around him, the new Hogwarts alum embracing her back. "Congratulations, Mr. Lucius Malfoy, Hogwarts graduate."
"Thank you, Cissy," he answered.
They kissed, but were interrupted by throat clearing. They pulled apart as Abraxas and Eleanor approached them. "Oh, the days when we were young and in love like that," Eleanor joked.
"Congratulations, Lucius." Abraxas shook his hand.
"Thank you, Father."
Lucius and Narcissa talked with his parents for several minutes before Lucius went to say goodbye to Slughorn. "Well, Lucius's party will be starting in about an hour. We'll see you at the Manor."
"Of course," Narcissa answered.
The gardens of Malfoy Manor were abuzz with celebration. More attendees were at the party than at commencement, since the latter was a ticketed event with each graduate having a limited number unless he or she needed more. Lucius excused himself away from his mates and came over to Narcissa. "Just think, at this time next year, it will be you walking across the stage."
"Thank Merlin," said Narcissa. "This was the third graduation ceremony in four years which I've attended."
Lucius chuckled and sipped his Butterbeer. "But it's always the most special when it's your own, though. Until maybe it's your child's."
Narcissa turned and gazed around the gardens. "Hopefully we'll have a few little wizards, witches, or both running around here someday." She grabbed his hand, but noticed he was unusually silent. "Sweetheart, is something wrong?"
"No," he answered, "I'm just thinking of the first thing I want to do post-Hogwarts."
"Well, you it's not like you have to rush to find a job, or find a job at all."
He chuckled and squeezed her hand. In actuality, he knew exactly what the first thing he wanted to do post-Hogwarts was, so he went excused himself and found Cygnus Black to discuss the matter.