Chapter 22: Valere Iubere

            The Final Years were seated in the Great Hall in front of their parents. The hall was decorated magnificently in the colours of the four houses, in a harvest theme. On the platform sat their professors in their smartest robes. One by one, their names were read out by Professor McGonagall and they ascended the platform to receive their graduation scrolls. The audience clapped enthusiastically for the graduates.

            "Abbot, Hannah ….. Bentley, Charles…. Boot, Terry……. ….. Demarco, Rosita…....Granger, Hermione…." The hall erupted into rapturous applause for their Head Girl. "……Lauder, Yvette…..Longbottom, Neville….Malfoy, Draco"  The hall broke into even louder applause for their Head Boy. "…Patil, Padma…..Patil, Parvati……Potter, Harry…" Harry's applause matched Draco's- he too was one of the most popular students in the school. McGonagall  read steadily on and one by one, the students proudly received their scrolls.

            "Congratulations, to all our graduating students." Said McGongall. "Now it is time for the prizes."

            Various students received prizes. Draco Malfoy won the Potions Prize. Hermione Granger won the Arithmancy, History of Magic and Transfiguration Prizes- the only student ever to win three prizes. To his surprise, Neville Longbottom won the Herbology Prize. Harry Potter won the Defense Against the Dark Arts Prize. Other prizes that were given out were Muggle Studies, Study of Ancient Runes, Divination, Care of Magical Creatures, Charms, and Astronomy. Ron didn't win anything, but he wasn't expecting to. In his year, Percy had won two prizes. Fred and George hadn't won anything either.

            "Congratulations to our prize winners," said Professor McGonagall… "It is now time for the traditional Head Boy and Girl's Speech. Before they speak to you, the professors and I would like to commend them on a job well done. They have shown their spirit of co-operation and proven themselves mature, trustworthy, adults. We wish them well in their future undertakings. I ask you all to welcome our Head Boy and Girl for this year, Mr Draco Malfoy and Miss Hermione Granger."

            Draco and Hermione mounted the stage amidst huge applause. The Slytherins were chanting "Malfoy…Malfoy…" and the Gryffindors were shouting out Hermione's name.

            "Sonorous" said Hermione, pointing the wand at her throat. Draco did the same to himself. She was nervous, but she was immensely proud. She only wished that her parents could have been there that day, unfortunately, muggles could not step into Hogwarts. Scanning the audience, she immediately saw Arthur and Molly Weasley waving at her. It was good to see them and she couldn't help but smile.  She cleared her throat and began.

            "To all parents here today, thank you…"

She suddenly noticed a richly-dressed blonde couple sitting in the front row of the parents section. The man was wearing a black velvet cape and held a diamond-handled cane, his wife was swathed in expensive-looking furs and was wearing a veiled hat adorned with silk flowers. There was no mistaking them- Mr and Mrs Lucius Malfoy.

            Her voice suddenly froze in her throat. "…thank you…"

            She felt Draco's fingers press into the small of her back. She tore her eyes away from them and focused instead on the Gryffindors... Harry, Ron, Lavender….

            "…thank you for coming to our Graduation Ceremony. And to my fellow schoolmates, congratulations on completing your education here at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, which is without doubt, the finest wizarding school in the world. As your Head Girl this year, I have the honour of saying a few words to you today.

During our time here together, we started off as mere children, sorted into four different houses. We knew practically nothing about magic, but perhaps more seriously, we did not know the value of each other. Throughout our seven years here, I am pleased to say that I have noticed the growth of a deep appreciation by yourselves not only of the students in your house, but also of students in other houses.

            The deep friendships that have been formed here will last us the rest of our lives, even though our paths may seldom cross again. Yes, Hogwarts was about studying magic and passing examinations- but what of these? Cleverness, and books. True magic, as I think we have all learnt, springs from people. From bravery, and honour, and love. Of all the lessons I have learnt from Hogwarts, the lesson that I should always treasure my friends and those around me, is the greatest one I have learnt. I hope it is the same for all of you here today. So to our dearest professors and loving parents…let me say on behalf of my year, thank you for giving us these seven wonderful years at Hogwarts!"

            The thunderous applause that followed her speech caused the house elves in the kitchens some alarm. It sounded like an earthquake. Most of the students, indeed, all the Gryffindors, were on their feet, clapping for all they were worth. Professor McGonagall wiped a tear from her eye and Molly Weasley blew her nose loudly into her handkerchief. Hagrid looked suspiciously near tears. Hermione noticed Narcissa Malfoy smiling under her net veil. Lucius appeared unmoved.

            Then it was Draco's turn.

            "As Head Boy, it is also my honour to address you today. Miss Granger has highlighted to you the valuable lessons about magic, and life, that we have all learnt here at Hogwarts. I urge all of you to take the lessons you have learnt here into your lives as young witches and wizards in the world today.

            Before I came to Hogwarts, I thought magic was all about learning spells. And indeed, the professors were diligent in making sure that we learnt all the necessary spells to make us competent wizards and witches. For this we thank them.

            However, simply mastering spells is not enough… if we do not use our magic with wisdom and judgment, we will not enhance this world we live in, we will make people unhappy and cause great harm. I think that many of you out there have already suffered at the hands of magical power that has been abused…"

            Here, a murmur went through the great hall. "Is that Malfoy up there? Did he just say what I thought he said?" whispered Seamus Finnegan to Justin Finch Fletchley. Lucius looked calmly at his son. Careful what you say, boy.

            "I hope that each of you will go on to lead meaningful lives after Hogwarts, repaying to the magical world all that it has taught us. That you will use your magic with wisdom and good-will at all times. Remember each other, spells end eventually, but friendships do not. Miss Granger and I wish all of you the best in the years to come, and may our year never forget the times we have spent together and may we have the luck to spend many more years in the future in each other's good company."

            There was a short silence after Malfoy's speech as the students in his year hesitated to acknowledge the undeniable good intentions in his speech. Most of them were frankly surprised that Malfoy could make sch a sincere, heart-warming speech. It was Dumbledore who started clapping, followed quickly by Harry Potter and the Gryffindor boys. The Hufflepuffs soon joined in led by Justin and soon, even the Slytherins were clapping with all their might. Draco looked out over the crowd for his parents. His father had tightened his lips, though he was clapping and his mother's eyes were red as she clapped furiously.

            Slowly, the hall got to its feet as Hogwarts applauded its Head Boy. Draco on impulse grabbed Hermione's hand and lifted it up. The hall clapped louder.

            Dumbledore came over to the rostrum and shook their hands.

            Amidst the clamour and clapping, his strong voice called out, "Let the Graduation Ball begin."

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            A wonderful music started in the hall. It seemed to come from nowhere… it sounded like harps and bells. Sally Anne Perks looked relieved that her music charm had worked- she was the prefect in charge of the music. They had decided not to have a live band as it would allow them a wider range of music.

            Some parents and students moved onto the dance floor.

            Hermione watched from a distance as Draco went to meet his parents. They were an extremely good looking family. They were surrounded by other Slytherin parents, all who looked at Lucius with respect. Goyle's parents were there, Crabbe's, Zabini's, and a whole lot of others. But Lucius, she noticed, looked only at his son. She couldn't hear what they were talking about and their expressions gave nothing away. Father and son looked remarkably alike. Both were the same height, both had long silver-blonde hair and the same steely blue eyes. Recently, Draco had taken to tying his hair back with a black ribbon as well. He said it was a family tradition. She saw Draco nod to his father and turn to his mother, who smiled and hugged him.

            Narcissa Malfoy was beautifully dressed. The Malfoys certainly didn't bother hiding their wealth. Her robes were trimmed with silver mink fur and her dress was a beautiful silver brocade. Around her throat was a large diamond necklace and on each finger reposed a splendid jewel. Hermione suddenly felt terribly inadequate, in her modest Hogwarts school uniform. The students all had to wear their full school uniform for the ceremony and not their dress robes. She hoped her stockings didn't have a single hole in them, she knew they were getting rather worn.

            "Hermione, congratulations love!" she heard somebody call to her and she was suddenly engulfed in the warm embrace of Molly Weasley. Arthur Weasley stood by talking to Harry and Ron. Sirius Black had been unable to make it- ever since the exposure of Peter Pettigrew, he had been very busy helping the ministry discover dark magic and was away on business in China.

            "Well, well…I must say you are looking well…I hope those two boys have been looking after you! I may I say my dear, your speech was absolutely wonderful! And three prizes! I always said to Arthur you were the smartest witch I have ever seen! Ron, come here!"

            Ron walked over to his mother.

            "Not a single prize! You should be ashamed of yourself. I only hope Ginny wins one next year." Ron grinned.

            "Ever since Percy, mum's been hopin' somebody in our family will win two prizes again. She was over the moon about it."

            "That's right, Ronald Weasley," said Molly proudly, "and your brother so successful in the Ministry, going to be married to that lovely Penelope soon…you will come won't you Hermione?"

            "Er…yes, unless my parents are taking me to France for the holidays," lied Hermione.

            "Well, you're invited of course and so is Harry. Harry! Harry!" Molly Weasley charged off to talk to Harry. Ron and Hermione stood there laughing.

            "Dance?"

            "I would love to."

            Ron led Hermione onto the dance floor. She put her hands round him immediately…she had danced with Ron many times before and felt not the slightest bit of awkwardness. The music moved into a waltz.

            "Congratulations, Hermione" said Ron, smoothing down a hair that had come loose from her hair do.

            "Thanks Ron, you too!"

            "Three prizes! Gosh!"

            Hermione laughed. "Aw, come on, give me a break!" She noticed Harry dancing with Parvati some distance away. Neville waltzed by with Padma. The two of them seemed to get along very well. Hannah Abbot and Terry Boot were cutting a romantic  picture in the centre of the room.

            "'Mione, I would just like to say…to say…"

            "What?"

            "to say that this isn't the end, it's just the beginning. And I'm always here for you, no matter what. Even if you choose to be with Ferret Boy. He isn't so bad, really." It had taken Ron a lot of courage to say this.

            "Oh Ron," Hermione hugged him. "Thank you. I couldn't do it without my friends you know."

            Ron nodded. "You can always stay at the burrow if things get…if things get too hard… There's lots of space now that all my brothers have moved out and mum will look after you well. It's a safe place."

            "Thank you, Ron. I will think about it."

            "May I cut in?" asked Harry. Ron and Harry changed partners. Parvati looked ecstatic to change from Harry to Ron.

            Lucius watched the dancers on the floor. He and his wife had finished the first dance and were now seated with the Zabinis at the side of the hall. He watched Harry Potter with interest- the boy had been a thorn in his side for too long. To his surprise, he realized that Harry was no longer the 11 year old boy with a scar- he was a tall, well-built man. Someone to be reckoned with, well, an Auror eh? Well, we'll have to make sure you don't spoil my plans, won't we Lucius thought.

            The Head Girl waltzed by in the arms of Harry Potter. Lucius, who always had an eye for female beauty, had to admit to himself that Hermione Granger was looking extremely attractive these days. Her hair was a deep auburn russet and fell down to her waist in soft waves, her skin was all peaches and cream and her figure was well-formed. She was easily the best looking woman in the whole room- that school uniform looked slightly ridiculous on her. Lucius found himself fondly imagining her in a slinky black gown…

            "It's a pity the Parkinsons and Bulstrodes are not here," said Mrs Zabini to Narcissa. Mrs Zabini was also richly dressed, but not so tastefully as Narcissa. Lucius turned to follow the conversation. He too had noticed the lack of the Parkinsons and Bulstrodes at today's ceremony.

            "Yes, I wonder where they are?" said Narcissa, mildly.

            "Bit of a scandal really, Lucilla would not tell me any details except that her daughter and the Bulstrode girl would be going to a finishing school in Switzerland. She said it was because she found that Hogwarts didn't teach young ladies the fine manners needed to get them good husbands…which is true, just look at all these clumpy girls here. I may send Blaise there myself, after this summer."

            Narcissa nodded. Mrs Zabini suddenly lowered her voice to a piercing whisper.

            "But, Narcissa dear, do you know what I heard? I heard that Lucilla's daughter and her friend were expelled for bullying one of the students. I heard it was the Head Girl."

            "No!" said Narcissa in surprise. Mrs Zabini's eyes shone wickedly, the woman loved to gossip.

            "Yes, I heard from the Goyles, who heard from the Perks, who had heard from Brocklehursts, who heard from the Fletchleys…apparently, those two girls had viciously attacked the Head Girl. And it was some catfight over…" here, Mrs Zabini giggled sharply, "a boy Narcissa!"

            "What a disgrace! Carrying on like that over boy!" said Narcissa, feeling uncomfortable. She suddenly realized that the Head Girl was Hermione Granger…who was Draco's secret girlfriend. Which meant that the boy the fight had been over was probably none other than her son.

            "They were obliviated of course, to prevent any memory of the events or retaliation, and their families are so ashamed…"

            "Quite rightly so," said Narcissa firmly. "Don't you think so, Lucius?" she said, turning to her husband and trying to change the topic.

            "Scandalous," said Lucius. He found the conversation very interesting…who would have imagined Hermione Granger, Head Girl and three-time prize winner would be brawling over a boy? He could understand why the other two girls were jealous- with Miss Granger looking so stunning, they would hardly have stood a chance. He wondered who the boy was? Probably Potter he thought and smirked. Pity that girl was a filthy mudblood- he  couldn't see any other girl in the room even close to a match for his son. And the Malfoys only had the best. He looked at Narcissa, even after so many years, his wife was still stunning. Of course, he had married the most beautiful girl in the school. He had even been fond of her once, in fact, it had been right here in the Great Hall that…

            "Lucius?" he looked up into the eyes of Severus Snape. "A word?"

            Lucius nodded and stood up, "excuse me, ladies" His wife and Mrs Zabini nodded. Lucius followed Severus to a quiet corner. Snape handed Lucius a small packet which the blonde man slipped beneath his robes. The two men were quickly absorbed in conversation.

            "Narcissa, my dear…" Dumbledore approached her, "…how lovely to see you again. You look as lovely as always. "

            "Dumbledore!" Narcissa almost shrieked in happiness, but immediately replaced her expression with a blank one after realizing that her husband and his friends might be watching her. "It is good to see you too." She said, in a low voice.

            "You must be very proud of Draco," said Dumbledore, motioning for her to follow him to the side of the hall.

            "I am, Dumbledore" said Narcissa, looking proudly over to where Draco was talking to his Slytherin classmates. She noticed that Draco had not danced with anyone since the music had begun. His gaze often wandered over to where Hermione was standing, flushed after a few rounds of dancing. Poor Draco she thought.

            "I believe you have not met our Head Girl in person?" said Dumbledore, twinkling at Narcissa.

            "Oh! Well, no…of course, Draco has spoken to me of her" said Narcissa in a breathless whisper. "I would love to meet her."

            "Miss Granger, do come over, I have a parent who would like to meet you."

            Hermione looked very shy as she approached Narcissa Malfoy. Draco had told her that he had already told his mother she was carrying his child.

            "Mrs Narcissa Malfoy, meet Miss Hermione Granger, our Head Girl." Narcissa extended her hand and clasped Hermione's warmly. Her emerald and opal rings flashed.

            "I am so pleased to meet you at last, dear Miss Granger. Draco has spoken very highly of you." She said in a meaningful way and smiled at the beautiful young lady who she knew was carrying her grandson.

            "He has said nothing but the best about you too, Mrs Malfoy," said Hermione, shyly. Dumbledore checked that Snape and Lucius were still distracted. The two men appeared deep in conversation. Dumbledore caught Draco's eye and signaled to him to come over.

            Draco had noticed Dumbledore introducing Hermione to his mother. He couldn't help but feel extremely nervous, what would the two ladies think of each other.

            "That is a lovely pendant, Miss Granger" said Narcissa, smiling at Hermione. Draco's gift was the only piece of jewellery Hermione ever wore nowadays.

            "Thank you. Your son gave it to me." The two women stared into each other's eyes- then suddenly they both laughed.

            "I'll leave you three to chat" said Dumbledore, moving away, as Draco came over. Draco had to resist the urge to wrap Hermione in his arms and kiss her till he lost his breath. They had been rather distant from each other the whole day, putting on a show of formality.

            "Draco, I was just meeting the Head Girl, Miss Granger." Said Narcissa smiling at her son. She had noticed now Draco looked so lovingly upon Hermione, in a way that she had never seen him look before. "You were right about her, she is even lovelier than I imagined."

            Draco and Hermione blushed. "I only wish you could have met under different circumstances, mother" said Draco.

            "Better now than not at all" said Narcissa looking at Dumbledore moving over to Snape and Lucius.

            Narcissa suddenly grasped Hermione's hand and spoke in a low quick, voice "Dear girl, I am so glad- so glad. I welcome you and my grandson, you have all my love. But do not give up hope, I know Draco, he loves you. I wish I could do more but if I can be of any assistance to you, I will. Draco-" she turned to her son, "look after her."

            Then Narcissa Malfoy closed herself up and her face took on a cool expression again. Her husband was finishing his conversation with Dumbledore and Snape. Thankfully, Hermione had been too busy to worry about Lucius and he seemed to be too busy to pay her much attention. She still cringed internally when she thought of him.

            "Goodbye, I see some people I have to talk to." Narcissa Malfoy shook Hermione's hand and left, walking over to the Goyles.

            Draco and Hermione looked at each other. "I have something for you," he whispered to her, "go to our room in an hour." He pressed his hand on her arm and moved quickly away.

            Hermione looked at him walking away, and thought to herself, he wants to give me a farewell gift. This is goodbye.

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            She stood before their portrait hole. The Fifth Countess of Burgundy smiled at her and said, "Well, last day! Next term there'll be a new Head Boy and Girl. But I must say, dear, I have enjoyed having you and Mr Malfoy stay here. Good luck!"

            "Thank you. Butterfly."

            She entered the room but Draco was not there yet. Their things were all gone- all packed in their trunks. Hers was on the Hogwarts Express which she would be boarding later that afternoon and Draco's things were in his new professor's room. All the other students would be leaving that afternoon.

            I will not cry she told herself. This is not the end. She looked at the empty fireplace, before which she had found Draco injured nearly seven months ago. She looked at the sofa on which they had sat and talked for so many evenings. And made love. She smiled. She put her hand on her tummy- that love was preserved for ever in her baby. She looked sadly into the bed rooms- remembering, remembering. The Christmas Ball, waking up and finding Draco's present, studying for the exams, last night's final love-making…Do not cry.

            "I am coming back in August" she told herself, aloud. "I will see Draco again."

            "Yes you will."

            She turned round at the sound of his voice.

            The two faced each other for a second before he came over and took her in his arms.

            "'Mione, we will be together soon."

            She nodded.

            "Dumbledore and Snape are working on slowing down Lucius' research. Snape has been passing Lucius ineffective ingredients for the second stone. And next year, when he works with Lucius, he says he will try his best to buy more time for us by sabotaging what he can. And the Aurors are also hunting down the Death Eaters more aggressively. Remus Lupin told me Sirius didn't come today because he was fighting Edward Moon in China. They got Moon."

            "That's good. I know I have to be strong. It would be easier if I could keep the baby with me, but I can't even have him."

            "We must trust Dumbledore's plans."

            "But it doesn't make it easier."

            Draco sighed. "I will finish Auror training in the next year while I am under-cover here at Hogwarts. The other three Aurors are fully trained already. The four of us will protect you and the baby, no matter what. I have spoken to them, Hermione- each and every one of us is prepared to lay down our lives fighting Voldemort."

            "Don't you get killed, Draco Malfoy."

            "I'll try" he grinned.

            "I'm serious."

            "So am I."

            "I'll be thinking of you all the time, Mione. Even if you don't hear from me much, Dumbledore seems to think it safer we have less contact. And to show you I'm serious about us…" Draco took a small brown wrapped packet out from under his cloak. "This is for you."

            Hermione pulled open the string and unwrapped the present. Oh no. Oh no. Draco couldn't be serious!

            "It's too expensive, Draco. I really can't accept this- it must have cost you hundreds of galleons."

            Draco shook his head. "I didn't buy it, Hermione. I don't think you can buy something like that nowadays. It's an heirloom- my mother gave it to me at Christmas. It has been in the women's side of my family for generations, my mother never had a daughter, so she gave it to me."

            Hermione looked at the gift. It was a diamond-encrusted ring, not set with tiny diamonds like her pendant, but large, glittering diamonds about the size of small peas. It was rather thick- it had to be because the jewels it was set with were so large- and was designed like a snake biting its own tail. The eyes of the snake were set with small yellow diamonds. On the inside of the ring was an inscription. Hermione couldn't help but think that this was finer than all the rings she had seen on Narcissa's hands. Hermione was a smart witch, she knew what it was straight away.

            "It is shaped like Jormungand- the Midgard Serpent" she said to Draco, who nodded. The Jormungand, as Hermione had learned from her History of Magic Class, represented the link between eternity and mortality. Creation and destruction existing in perfect unity. It was a powerful magical symbol.

She read aloud the inscription on the inside of the ring, "in hora summe inopis nostrae– what does it mean?" she asked Draco.

Draco handed her the note his mother had written for him. Hermione read it out softly, "The name of the ring is Amarya. Aside from that, no one knows anything about its origin except that it is very ancient. The ring's inscription means in the hour of our greatest need. When worn, the ring protects the wearer at the time when he or she faces extreme danger."

"I have already spoken to my mother- we have agreed that it should go to you. As I said, it has always gone to the women in family- some traditions should not be broken. It has helped some of my ancestors- I do not think it is a joke."

Hermione slipped the ring on. It fitted perfectly, odd, she thought that the ring moved slightly to fit her hands.

"Thank you Draco. I will always wear it."

"Hermione, I said the ring has stayed in the family for generations. I intend for that to happen." Said Draco, turning slightly red.

"What do you mean?"

 "For a three-prize winner, you can be immensely thick!" said Draco seriously, dropping to one knee in front of Hermione. "Miss Granger, will you marry me?"

Hermione began to laugh and cry all at once. "Mr Malfoy, get up!"

"Not until you tell me you will be my wife."

"Like you need to ask!"

"Is that a yes?" he asked, rising and holding her face up to his. She lifted her face to his and he stared at her lovely golden eyes which were full of love and promise.

"Yes."

They stared at each other for a moment. "Aren't you going to kiss me?" she said, suddenly, through tears of happiness.

"I just wanted to remember everything about you first. How you looked when you promised you would marry me… I know we can't be married now or even soon, but if I can see your face like this in my mind, despite everything that will happen, I know I have your love, that I will have you with me forever one day." Draco said, before lowering his lips onto hers.

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            Draco saw his parents off. Then, Snape and Dumbledore called him in for a meeting. Hermione went home by the Hogwarts express to her parents. She was still wearing the ring though she had transfigured it to look like a plain silver band. That night in her bed, she re-transfigured it. As she stared into the eyes of the diamond serpent, the inscription crept into her mind….in hora summe inopis nostrae  she repeated to herself. Filled with hope, she fell asleep.