Chapter Twenty-One-Two Years Later (Harry's Seventh Year)
Caden and Caitlyn walked into the large great hall, it was
set up more like an auditorium at the moment, as today was
graduation day. Caden watched as the teaching staff would
peak out every once in awhile. The Hall was filled with
parents, siblings and younger students; the first four rows
of seats however were empty for the seventh year students.
The past two years had gone by in a bit of a blur, rather
uneventful. Harry and Hermione had both earned head boy and
girl of their class; Emily, Hermione and Ginny had been
prefects as well as Draco. Ron hadn't made it because his
grades had dropped. Neville amazingly had almost beat Harry
at Head boy, but Harry beat him out by one grade, Potions.
Emily and Neville had continued to date during the next two
schools years and summers, spending much of their time
together. Neville had lost a great deal of weight, was now
slim and handsome, he was still Neville though. Emily loved
him for that. They were engaged to be married in a year.
Harry and Hermione had also continued to date all through
the school and Harry had asked for her hand two months back,
Hermione had told him not until they were at out College. So
they were off to Hogwarts University where they would learn
how to become Professors. Sirius had taught one year of
Defense Against the Dark Arts, and then had been unable to
continue, the past year Lupin had taken the job back,
causing Leanne to return to her job as Charms teacher.
Leanne was pregnant with another child, her last one
(it's a boy!) She's thrilled, and Severus has lightened
up considerably. He remained a little rude, so he could keep
up his image, but he was now fair.
Gryffindor's continued to win the house cups all through
Harry's time at Hogwarts, and they went on to win the
Quidditch cup several times, being beaten only once during a
game the sixth year when Harry had been hit by a bludgers
off his broom and was unable to play the rest of the game.
Harry and Severus had returned to the Dursleys just before
Harry's seventh year and had set them very straight. Harry
now spoke to his aunt and cousin often, and amazingly by
owl. Petunia divorced Vernon shortly after he started
beating her and Dudley. Vernon now lived in jail for beating
his nephew; son and wife, while Petunia and Dudley remained
at their home. No longer stuck up, and Dudley had grown out
of his chubbiness.
Emily and Harry had learned how to drive only weeks after
they got their cars and were now going everywhere by
themselves, to the disappointment of their father.
There were even rumours that Minerva and Albus were dating,
but it was being well hidden. Caden was brought out of his
thoughts when the music began and the seventh years began to
march towards their seats.
Harry was between Ron and Hermione, he was taller than Ron
by a good four inches, and was the same height as his
father. Which Severus often complained was the reason his
son got away with so much, but everyone knew it was because
Severus loved the boy and didn't have the heart to tell
him 'no' all the time.
Now that Caden thought about it no one had seen Sirius
since he had left his position. He seemed to have simply
disappeared, again. Meanwhile Severus became the proudest
father in the world.
The teachers slowly made they're way to their seats and
smiled. Dumbledore stood up and held his hands in the air.
"The end of another year, and we are here to celebrate
the leaving of the Seventh Years. There are many things I
would like to say, to begin with of course is to say
'Congratulations'! You came seven years ago and were all ready
to show your worth. You've done your family proud. Many
things have happened through the past seven years, and for
those Second and first years, you may not understand what I
speak of, but those who came before you, we will never
forget the first year, the second year. I will share many
memories with this class, both good and bad. Remember
everything you've learned here, for it will come in handy.
It has truly been an honour and a privilege watching you all
grow up," Dumbledore said smiling at each one of his
students, but Harry and Hermione the longest.
"Professor Snape, I believe you have some words?" He
nodded his head and smiled softly. He stood up and watched
his mentor and father-in-law sit down.
"While the Sixth years and Fifth years were forced to
spend their first few years here with the old Snape, The
third, second and first years didn't know me before two
years ago. Two years back, I gained several things I seemed
to be in dire need of. Of course at the time, I wouldn't
have admitted it to you, but I was unreasonable and hope
that the Seventh Years, those who I have gotten to know and
love like children will forgive me. As well, I'd like to
wish those of you, who I may never see again Good luck and
Farewell," He said softly. Smiling he sat down and looked
at Harry.
"We will begin by calling the names of the students, and
telling a little bit about each," and so it began through the
long list of students. Everyone seemed to cheer when they
got to Hermione Granger.
"Hermione Granger, tied in top of her class and house. Is
going on to become a Transfigurations Teacher here as soon
as she is out of College. Hermione you will do
wonderfully," Dumbledore said as he gave the tall girl a
hug.
Hermione had changed as well, her frizzy hair replaced by
long straight sandy blond hair. She was taller, just shorter than
her boyfriend.
"Thanks Headmaster," she said. She smiled while Snape
looked at her. She hugged him tightly around the waist. He
rubbed her back gently.
"Good job Granger, you should be proud. I know I'll be
hiring you someday," he said to his soon to be
daughter-in-law. She smiled and took the parchment; hugging
McGonagall as well she hurried down back to her seat where
she pecked her boyfriend on the cheek.
"Neville Longbottom, tied second in his class and house.
A smart young man, you were the worry of so many people for
a while Neville, but you've done your self-proud. And
us," Dumbledore said shaking the boy's hand.
"Thank you," Neville said. He looked at Snape, and
smirked.
"I did it," he whispered.
"Yes Neville you did, and you captured my daughters heart
along the way. Take care of yourself and her." He said.
"Draco Malfoy Lupin, heading off to be in the Ministry of
Magic, I pray you do more good than your real father."
Dumbledore said.
"Thank you sir," he smiled and looked at his godfather.
"Good luck son," Severus said handing him the parchment
and hugging him.
"Thanks Uncle Severus," with that he smiled at
McGonagall and returned to his seat.
"Amelia Snape," Dumbledore said as everyone cheered.
"Studying to be a Charms teacher, tied at second in the
class. You've done well my child," he said. She hugged
her grandfather and looked over at her dad.
"Not such a bastard am I," he whispered. She gaped,
never knowing he had heard that all those years ago.
"No, I love you daddy," she said. He hugged her
tightly.
"I love you too baby girl," he kissed her cheek and
watched her hug McGonagall.
"You brought a lot of needed joy to this place, you and
your brother." Minerva said smiling.
"I love this place."
"Harold James Potter Snape, studying to be the new
Potions Master, and I'd say he's got a shot. Soon to be
married. Harry, you have your dream, you've made our
dreams come true, now go have a great life," Dumbledore
said. The young man hugged him.
"Thank you Dumbledore, for everything." Harry said.
"You're more than welcome child." Harry walked
stiffly towards his father, who now had his arms folded
across his chest.
"Mr. Potter, our oldest celebrity," Severus said
smirking in his old way.
"Tell me Mr. Potter, what would I get if I added powered
root of asphodel to an infusion of wormwood?" He watched
as all his seventh year Potions students raised their hands.
"Miss Granger?" He called out.
"The Draught of the living Dead," she answered.
"Where would you look if I told you to find me a
bezoar?" Harry looked at him, unsure why he was doing this
and smiled softly as Severus pointed to Neville.
"It's a stone found in the belly of a goat," Neville
answered. Severus then looked at his son and sneered.
"What's the difference between monkshood and
wolfsbane?" He asked. He watched his son who simply
smiled.
"They are the same thing also known as aconite," he
answered. Severus smiled and yanked his son into a hug.
"I love you so much," Severus whispered.
"I know dad, I love you too," he said. He walked
towards Minerva after giving his father a pat on the back
and allowed her to hug him as well.
"We've never actually gotten the chance to expel you
for all your stupid stunts, but you were always worth the
time my child." Harry smiled and made his way back to the
seat, holding up his diploma as everyone cheered. Severus
clapped and smiled.
"Ronald Weasley, fourth in his class," Dumbledore
handed him the parchment and smiled.
"Thanks Headmaster."
"Still holds the record of the best chess game we've
seen in these many years." Ron looked at Snape.
"I never did like you, never will, but you're okay,"
he said gently.
"Gee thanks." Severus said smiling. He patted Ron's
shoulder.
"Keep out of trouble okay Weasley."
"No," Ron said smiling as he shook Minerva's hand.
After all the names were over Severus held up his hands and
watched the students.
"Congratulations class of 1997, you are now legal Witches
and Wizards!" He yelled, as all the students threw up
their witch hats.
