Friendship and Beyond 51/?

Rated: R contains mentions of rape and torture, although not actual scenes. Possible HP/SS in later chapters, also HG/RW.

Authors Notes: I do not own Harry Potter or it's characters, that would be JKR. Subject matter not for children, although nothing too graphic, but be careful when reading just to be on the safe side.

Speeches And Nervousness

The Seventh Year students sat anxiously in their seats as Dumbledore took the stage, although they knew that they were technically already fully-trained witched and Wizards, the presence of Albus Dumbledore still filled many of the with awe. For once the Headmaster wasn't wearing some disturbingly pastel colored robe or weird hat. Instead he looked like one of the most influential and powerful wizards that he was, wearing an elegant midnight blue ensemble and matching hat. He glided across the stage gracefully until he got to the podium at center stage.

"Welcome students, family and friends to this the graduating class of 1999 at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. These students are some of the best and brightest ever taught at this school and they promise to make a fine addition to the Wizarding World as adults. Whether you go on to be teachers, curse breakers, business owners or aurors I am sure that you will continue to make your families and Hogwarts proud. Having said that I would like to award medals to a few students for their role in the war against Voldemort. First up Order of Merlin, Second Class, Draco Malfoy. For showing courage and moral fortitude when faced with Voldemort and his followers. If not for you the Dark Lord may still be around today."

Draco Malfoy walked up to the stage arrogantly as ever to receive his medal before retaking his seat to a spattering of applause, most of which came from his father and mother.

"Next medal goes to Hermione Granger for her continued research and support during the war and spell casting during the final battle which was directly responsible for the destruction of Voldemort, causing physical harm to herself in the process. Our valedictorian and Order of Merlin, First Class1"

Hermione's acceptance of the award was more reserved that Malfoy's but no less rousing for her embarrassment. She walked off stage red-faced but proudly to a standing ovation led by both Ron and Harry. She sat beside them quietly, looking at the shiny new medal donning her head girl cloak, with a goofy smile on her face.

"Another Order of Merlin, First Class to Ronald Weasley. Along with Miss Granger he gave his magic to another in order to defeat Voldemort with no thought to himself. He showed outstanding bravery in the face of adversity and stood his ground when surrounded by Death Eaters."

Ron got up and received his award proudly, getting a thunderous ovation from the Gryffindors and Weasleys. Before he could sit down again Hermione kissed him enthusiastically, pulling him down next to her, holding his hand in a tight grip, and beaming proudly at anyone who looked their way.

"And last but not least, Harry Potter." Here Dumbledore had to stop because the yelling was so loud that he couldn't be heard. "Order of Merlin, First Class and a special commendation from the Ministry for destroying the single most dark wizard of our times!"

Before Dumbledore could go on about Harry's accomplishments Harry quickly got up from his seat and all but ran for the stage. Just as his medals were pinned on his chest the crowd started calling for Harry to make a speech. When he tried to leave the stage in embarrassment Dumbledore gently escorted him to the podium.

"Uh, Hi." Harry began nervously causing a few people to laugh. "I don't really know what to say except that I couldn't have done this without Ron and Hermione by my side. Other than that I just did what anyone would have done had they been in that position. Thanks."

Harry rushed off stage after that before they could ask for more and quickly took his eat next to Hermione after receiving a hug and a clap on the back from his friends. He did his best to hide as people called well wished to him from all over the room. After that there were a few other medals awarded to various ministry officials and then Hogwarts teachers for their role in the battle. Harry clapped animatedly at both Arthur Weasley's turn and Severus Snape who received an Order of Merlin First Class. Soon after the hall quieted down and Hermione was called to give her speech to the graduating seventh years.

"I had this whole speech written about how you could achieve anything you wanted through hard work and study. While this is indeed true, what is the point is you reach all of your goals, if you go to university and become a healer or whatever you wish to be and you have no one to share your successes with? No the most important thing isn't hard work; the most important thing is your friends. These are the people who, though no blood connects you are there for you during the hardest times of your life." Here she paused to look Ron and Harry in the eye before continuing emotionally. "They are there for you when you're attacked by a troll, even though hours before they insulted you and made you cry. They are there for you when you wake up after having been petrified by a basilisk, or when you're kidnapped by death eaters and held captive. They fight for you, cry for, you, laugh with you, and are proud of your accomplishments like they're their own. I don't know where I would be without Ron Weasley or Harry Potter, but I don't think I would like myself half as much as I do having known them for the last seven years. So I will say again, be successful, achieve the career successes that you've dreamed about, date and marry; but never forget the friends who helped you along the way. Thank you."

The Great Hall was silent as Hermione walked down the stairs until both Ron and Harry jumped up and started applauding crazily for her. The hall soon followed suite but Hermione only had eyes for her two best friends who were once again supporting her no matter what. She rushed to them and threw her arms around their necks standing in the middle of the hall in a tearful group hug. As soon as they let go they noticed that all faces were on them. They quickly sat in their seats looking straight ahead but with huge grins on their faces and their fingers intertwined with each other's in a three-way grip.

An hour later saw the trio drinking in the Three Broomsticks around a cozy table talking about their future plans. It was only near the end of the night that they forced themselves to have the pre-arranged fight. It had been decided ahead of time that Ron would get jealous of sharing Hermione with Harry and Hermione would confess that she only loved Ron 'like that.' So that is exactly what happened, the three had a loud dirty row in the middle of the Three Broomsticks and that was the end of their grand love affair. By the next day they were the best of friends they always were and nobody thought it odd that they made up so quickly after Hermione's speech the day before. Although Harry did manage to throw a few longing looks both Ron and Hermione's way when they weren't looking for good measure.