Chapter 2- Finishing School

Harry searched through the corridors, but couldn't find who he was looking for. He had just told Hermione that he loved her, and she said that she didn't return his feelings. He knew that this would be the answer, but knowing that didn't make it hurt any less. He made his way out of the castle and down to the lake. He moved to his spot, the place he went to when he needed to think and wanted to be alone.

"Why did I do that? I'm such an idiot!" Harry spent the next few minutes cursing himself, sometimes out loud, sometimes just in his head.

"How are you going to get yourself out of this one, Potter?" he asked himself.

* I need to go on a date. I have to do something to get Hermione off of
my mind. *

He thought this over and over. Finally, after a few hours, he decided to go back to his dormitory, it was almost curfew and he really didn't have time to waste in detention with N.E.W.T.S. coming up soon. As he crawled back into the common room, he saw Hermione sitting by the fire. He tried to sneak around where she couldn't see him, but he failed.

"Harry, can we talk?"

"I thought we already did."

"I'm sorry, Harry."

"Don't be." And with that, he bolted up the stairs two at a time before Hermione could say anything else.

~~~

The weeks past, and Harry had a few girlfriends, but nothing serious. He dated a 6th year from Hufflepuff for a week, but he just didn't like to be around her. He also went on a date with Padma Patil, but it was just one date. The one that confused the whole school was his date with Pansy Parkinson. It was only one date, and he did it to get to Hermione (which it actually worked, much to Harry's delight), but the entire student body was dismayed by it.

N.E.W.T.S. came and went. The 7th years grades were expected today. They came sooner than O.W.L.S. grades because the 7th years needed to know if they were going to be able to graduate. Harry was sitting at the Gryffindor table for breakfast with his two friends, Ron and Hermione. She kept her promise; they remained best of friends, like nothing happened. Inside, Harry died anytime he saw the two of them kissing or holding hands or any of the other things couples do. Harry didn't want to think of that. Luckily, the post owls broke his train of thought. Every 7th year received a letter from the examination board. Harry opened his to see that he passed with an outstanding in every subject. He had been accepted into auror training. At this, Harry sneered. He lost the desire to be an auror when Voldemort was defeated. He spent his entire time at school training for this opportunity. Tomorrow he was going to graduate, and he'd been accepted into auror training. It was exactly what he wanted just a few short years ago. None of it mattered now.

"I got an outstanding in everything. I've been invited to work for the ministry in their Office of Magical Research and Experimentation," said Hermione, as giddy as they've ever seen her. "How did you do, Ron?"

"I passed, mostly. I've been invited to work in the Misuse of Muggle Artifacts Office with dad," Ron groaned.

"How about you, Harry?" Hermione asked.

Before Harry could answer, he looked up to see another owl with a letter addressed to him. He removed the letter and looked at the writing.

"Whose it from?" asked Ron.

"I don't know. I don't recognize the writing."

Harry opened the letter and read it to himself. A huge grin began to form on his face. He shook is head and reread it to himself.

"What is it?" Ron asked. Harry just handed him the letter and he read it out loud.

"Dear Mr. Potter:

It is with great pride that I, Antoine Bartoli, invite you to join the Quidditch Club de Milan of the Serie A Quidditch League in Italy. This is the highest league in Italian Quidditch. We are in need of a skilled seeker, and we have seen you play throughout your last term at Hogwarts and have heard of your many successful prior seasons. We will provide living arrangements in Milan as well as a salary that will be decided upon tonight in the Headmaster's office. I will be there promptly after dinner this evening. Until then, have a good day and congratulations on graduation from Hogwarts.

Sincerely,

Antoine Bartoli General Manager Quidditch Club de Milan"

"Bloody hell, Harry, you're going to play professional quidditch in Italy. I hear their league is one of the toughest in the world. You have to be really good to play in that league," Seamus said in awe.

Harry just laughed. He didn't want to be an auror, and now he didn't have to be one. Also, time in Italy might help him get over Hermione. He glanced at his two friends. Ron was reading the letter again in disbelief, a look of confusion and jealousy clearly dominating is facial features. Hermione just looked at her plate like it was the most interesting thing she had ever seen. Harry grabbed the letter from Ron, folded it along with his N.E.W.T.S. grades and placed them in his pocket. He then stood up and left without a word, but with a huge grin on his face.

~~~

Hermione couldn't believe what she was hearing. Harry was going to Italy to play professional quidditch. She was going to be in London with Ron, but Harry was going to be in Milan, Italy. It seemed like an entire world away. She had to fight back the tears. She knew she should be happy for Harry, and she couldn't explain the sudden fit of sadness and depression at this news. She loved Ron, or at least she thought she did. However, she couldn't help but wish Ron were the one going to Italy and Harry was staying with her. Why she felt this way, she didn't know.

"Bloody Git!" exclaimed Ron.

"What do you mean?" asked Hermione, truly confused by Ron's statement.

"Why does Harry always get everything? He inherits a bloody fortune from both the Potter and Black families, he has girls throw themselves at him and almost worship the ground he walks on, he makes great grades in classes and on exams, he gets to go play professional quidditch in Italy while I'm stuck in London with. . ." but he never got to finish.

"Stuck in London with what? Me? And what's wrong with that. You should be happy you even got a job. And don't be jealous of Harry. You should never be jealous of Harry." Hermione was fuming.

"Why not?"

"Because, there are some things that he's wanted that he's been denied. And judging by the way you're acting right now, he was wrongfully denied."

Ron was genuinely confused at this statement. "What are you talking about?"

"Harry loves me, Ron. He told me so weeks ago. I chose you over him, even though he didn't ask me to choose, he didn't want to break us up. But I did, I chose you over Harry."

Hermione stood and ran out of the Great Hall. She was looking for Harry. She had to beg him to stay. He wasn't in the common room, but she heard some rumbling upstairs in the boys' dormitory, so she ran up the stairs to find him. He was in his room, packing his trunk.

"Hello, Hermione," he said without even looking up. It was now common knowledge that Harry was the most powerful wizard in England if not the world, he could tell who a person was just by the feeling of their magical aura.

"Harry, I know I don't really have the right to ask you this, but please don't go. Please stay here with me and Ron," she pleaded to the raven- haired boy.

"You're absolutely right, Hermione, you don't have a right to ask me that. This may sound selfish, but of all people in this castle right now, who do you think deserves happiness the most?"

"You do," she said, staring at the floor.

"Yes, I feel that after having to grow up at the ripe old age of eleven and being the savior of not only the entire wizarding world, but also the muggle world, I deserve to finally have a life of my own."

"But Harry, you have a life here with us."

Harry sighed. He walked up to Hermione and put his hands on her arms, looking deep into her chocolate eyes. "Give me a reason to stay," was all he said.

Hermione looked into his eyes for as long as she could. Harry repeated himself.

"Hermione, give me a reason to stay."

"I. . .I can't. I can't tell you what you want to hear."

Harry just sighed and nodded his head. With a wave of his hand, his trunk shut and locked. He then summoned his Firebolt, and left Hermione in the dormitory by herself.

"I can't tell you that I love you," she muttered to herself, "even though I do."

~~~

Harry spent the rest of the day flying over the school grounds. This was his last evening as a student at Hogwarts. He'd wanted to spend it with his friends, but he felt that he would vomit if he saw Ron with Hermione right now. He stopped his broom over the quidditch pitch just in time for sunset; his last time to see it over the castle. This thought made him even sadder. He was excited about playing professional quidditch, but leaving his friends, no matter what grief they caused him recently, was depressing.

When the sun finally set, he flew to the castle's entrance. It was just about dinnertime, and seeing as Harry skipped lunch, he was absolutely famished. He ran his Firebolt back to his room and placed it in his trunk. He then ran to the Great Hall for dinner. He ate in silence with Ron and Hermione. None of them looking at any of the others. Harry never thought his last dinner at Hogwarts would be like this. He finished his food hurriedly, and then made for the Headmaster's office. He gave the password and bound up the moving staircase. The door to the Headmaster's office was open already. Harry entered and noticed an older Italian man, about early fifties, with graying hair and a short, snubby nose. The man stood eagerly at the sight of Harry.

"Harry, this is Mr. Bartoli, Mr. Bartoli, this is Harry Potter," said Dumbledore, shutting the door behind Harry. The Italian reached a hand out to Harry and spoke in a light Italian accent.

"Pleased to meet you, Mr. Potter."

"Please, call me Harry"

"Such good manners for a young man. Shall we get down to business?" suggested Mr. Bartoli. "We want you to join the team immediately in mid season. You will join as the starting seeker. Our next game is a week from tomorrow, and we would like to have you in as many team practices as possible before then. As for pay, I have been instructed to give you just about whatever you want."

"Well, sir," began Harry, "money really isn't an issue for me."

"Ah, but it is for the club. How about we start you at a million galleons for the rest of this season, then we can reevaluate things during the off- season if you prove your worth."

Harry couldn't help but smile. Money certainly wasn't an issue, but the kind of money Mr. Bartoli was talking sure didn't hurt either. "When can I leave?"

"As soon as you want to, Harry," said Dumbledore.

"Tonight?" asked Harry.

Dumbledore smiled, "I thought you would say that. Here is your degree from the school, proving your completion of all necessary courses and demonstration of necessary skills. Your name will of course still be mentioned tomorrow during the ceremony. Good luck, Harry."

Harry laughed as he took the folder from Dumbledore. He turned to Mr. Bartoli. "Can I meet you at the entrance to the Great Hall in half an hour so I can get my things and say my goodbyes?"

"Certainly, Harry. Take as much time as you need."

Harry left the Headmaster's office and took off at a run to Gryffindor tower. When he entered the common room, he saw Ron get up and walk toward him.

"Congratulations, Harry. I'm really happy for you," he said truthfully.

"Thanks, Ron. Come up to the dormitory with me."

"Sure."

They climbed the stairs to the 7th year boys' dormitory together. When they entered, Harry checked everything around his bed to make sure it was all packed. Ron looked confused.

"When are you leaving?" he asked.

"Right now," replied Harry.

"NOW!!!??? What about graduation?"

Harry handed Ron the folder with his degree.

"Wow, Dumbledore is letting leave before graduation."

Harry waved his wand, shrinking his trunk. He picked it up and placed it in his pocket. "Yeah, I make my first start for the team a week from tomorrow. Walk with me to the Great Hall?"

"Of course, mate," smiled Ron. "Let me run downstairs and tell everyone you're leaving first."

"Sure."

As Ron left, Harry looked around his dormitory for one last time. Seven years of his life had been spent in this castle; much of that time was spent in this tower. Seven years. The best years of his life. Harry felt tears run down his cheek. H dried them away quickly as he heard Ron bound back up the stairs.

"C'mon, mate, everyone's waiting to say goodbye."

Harry smiled and followed Ron out of the dormitory, turning around for one last glance. They walked slowly down the stairs into the common room where all of Gryffindor House was waiting. As they emerged, the house began to applaud. Harry just smiled as he said goodbye to the people he had considered great friends for seven years. Seamus and Dean gave him enthusiastic handshakes, Neville nearly lifted him off the ground in a huge hug, Lavender and Parvati kissed him at least a hundred times. Finally, he came to the one person he was dreading to say 'goodbye' to. Hermione stood before him, as beautiful as she had ever been.

"Leaving so soon?" she asked, tears visible in her brown eyes.

"I have nothing here to stay for," Harry retorted.

"What about me? What about Ron? Our friendship?"

"We will always be best of friends, no matter how many miles are between us. Remember, I am always just a fireplace away." He gave her a warm, loving hug. She buried herself in his loving embrace. Ron never held her like this. She almost sighed in contentment until Harry brought her back to reality. "I'll owl you as soon as I'm settled in. You can visit me anytime, okay."

"Okay. Bye, Harry."

"Goodbye, Hermione," he said. He leaned closer to whisper in her ear. "I love you."

She smiled at him, and he turned and left with Ron. "I love you, too. Harry." Hermione ran up to her dormitory and wept. Harry was gone. She realized her feelings too late. She was too wrapped up in doing what was right and not hurting Ron that she ended up hurting both herself and Harry. She didn't know how to fix this.

~~~

Ron and Harry made their way slowly down the corridors toward the great hall. They talked about unimportant things the whole way like quidditch and what they were going to do without having to attend lessons or do homework. Finally, they reached the entrance to the Great Hall. Mr. Bartoli was there waiting.

"Ready, Harry?" he asked.

"Can you give me just a few more minutes?"

"Of course, I'll just be outside the castle entrance."

"Thanks."

Harry turned to Ron.

"Don't say goodbye to me, Harry," Ron blurted.

"What?"

"Just because you're going to be across Europe doesn't mean we won't be seeing each other soon. I plan on visiting you as often as possible."

"And my door will always be open for you. I'll owl you as soon as I get settled in."

"Good enough, Harry. Good luck. Give those Italians some British hell!"

"I will."

Harry hugged his best friend. Ron started to cry, but Harry didn't say anything about it.

"See you, Ron."

"Yeah, see you, Harry."

Harry released the embrace and left the castle of Hogwarts, not knowing if he would ever see it again.