The sun was hot on the back of Paris' neck but she was feeling very nervous and was holding Oliver's hand very tightly as she listened to Dumbledore speak.
She felt sad but excited and nervous. This was her graduation, what she'd been looking forward to all her school life. True, the NEWT's had almost killed her, they were the toughest exams she had ever had to take but the graduation afterwards was all worth it.
Behind the students were parents and family, all looking extremely proud of their children.
Paris glanced side ways and smiled at Marino who was holding Percy's hand and looking glorious in her red and gold graduation robes. Behind the Gryffindor's were the other houses, all dressed in corresponding coloured silk robes and seated on chairs outside near the castle.
"This is the time of year for both celebration and sadness. These fine seventh years will be leaving Hogwarts undoubtedly with fond memories and strong relationships to go out and make lives of their own," Dumbledore explained slowly, smiling fondly at his oldest students. "These students have worked hard for seven years toward this day. It is my honour to deliver your NEWT results which will determine your future. When I call your name, please come up and collect your diploma."
Paris turned around quickly and gave Mr. and Mrs. Weasley a big grin. Next to them were Charlie, Bill and Mick. Behind them were Mr. and Mrs. Wood with Oliver's three brothers all smartly dressed for the occasion.
"Caley Abercombie," Dumbledore called and a Ravenclaw girl got up, smiling bashfully and made her way to stage. Her family cat called her and cheered as Caley received her certificate and everyone clapped politely as she stood to one side where all the teachers were sat and read her results. She shrieked loudly and gave her family a thumbs up.
"Andrew Warrington," Dumbledore continued and the horrible Slytherin Captain lumbered out of his seat and up on stage. His black and green robes were obviously too small for him as they were stretched across his broad back uncomfortably.
"I thought I had problems getting my robes on," Paris whispered to Oliver, who stifled a laugh.
"Marino Morrissey," Dumbledore called and Marino went bright red as she got up. Paris could hear her little twin sisters calling after her and clapping. "Well done Marino," Dumbledore said as he passed her diploma to her. Marino gave a little wave before going to stand next to Warrington, be it about five feet away from him.
Cedric was next and he got a big applause from his parents and the Weasley's. His blonde hair was shining in the sun and his cheeks were flushed as if he'd just ran ten miles when he stepped onto stage with Dumbledore. Cedric thanked his headmaster and even went over to Professor Sprout, the Herbology professor and Head of Hufflepuff house and gave her a kiss on the cheek. It was difficult to tell who was redder, Cedric or Professor Sprout as Cedric went to stand next to Marino.
Dumbledore continued calling names and after Roger Davies, it was Oliver's turn. Dumbledore was smiling openly as Oliver made his way onto stage.
"I can proudly reveal that Master Wood has been accepted to the Great Britain Quidditch training academy for the under 21's! Congratulations," Dumbledore announced proudly as he passed Oliver his diploma. Paris, along with everyone else jumped to their feet and began clapping and cheering for him. Paris was glad to hear Oliver's brothers were cheering the loudest.
Oliver looked shocked as he went to stand near Roger who gave him a hearty slap on the back and looked over to Paris who grinned and gave him a thumbs up. She was so proud of him and turned around again and grinned at Charlie and the rest of them.
Finally, Paris' name was called. She smiled and looked around and saw she was the last one to be called. She stood up slowly and made her way to the stage.
As he was nearest, Professor Lupin stood up and helped Paris up the few steps onto the stage and she received her diploma and shook Dumbledore's hand and went over to stand next to a Hufflepuff called Ned Jones.
Paris quickly opened her envelope and peeked at her results, there were some Outstanding and mostly Exceeds Expectations. She grinned and Mr. and Mrs. Weasley, showing them she'd done well. Percy, of course was the highest achiever in the year.
"On behalf of all the teachers and myself, congratulations to the class of '04!" Dumbledore said finally and the seventh years cheered and threw their different coloured hats into the air.
After graduation, everyone went back to their respective houses to waste away the afternoon with their own little end of year party.
"As the oldest member of Gryffindor House at this time, apparently, it is my duty to give you a little speech," Paris announced, getting up at the front in front of the fireplace.
"Here, here," The house shouted, swinging their bottles of Butterbeer into the air.
"Yes, here here," Paris repeated, also raising her Butterbeer. "Anyway, I suppose first a congratulations is in order because I seriously doubt without your enthusiasm and willingness to harm the Slytherin team, our fine Quidditch team would never have won the Quidditch Cup!"
Paris paused for the riotous cheers from her house.
"Yep, so to Gryffindor Quidditch team!" Paris shouted, raising her bottle again.
"Gryffindor Quidditch team!" The house repeated and raised their bottles, sloshing a large amount of Butterbeer over the carpet and themselves in their eagerness.
"And even though I'm not supposed to say but I don't think the Captain will mind but as both myself and the wonderful man that is Oliver Wood won't be returning next year, the new Gryffindor Captain will be the beautiful...Angelina Johnson!" Paris shouted happily.
Katie and Alicia, who were sitting with Angelina both screamed and hugged their friend in happiness whilst Angelina just sat there gob smacked.
"Fix!" Fred shouted in good humour as everyone congratulated Angelina.
"You'd better take care of my team Angelina!" Oliver shouted, taking a drink from his bottle.
"And she'll need a new Seeker and Keeper!" George called. "Good luck finding some amongst this bunch of Flobberworms!"
George was pelted with crisps and sweets but he was just teasing.
"So congratulations to our Angelina, I just know she'll be great," Paris said, raising her drink once again and everyone shouted 'Hear, hear' again and slopped yet more Butterbeer over each other.
"Anyway, I'll stop talking soon but I just wanted to say thank you to each and every one of you for one thing or another. I have always been able to count on you for a laugh or whatever I needed. Gryffindor truly is the best house!" Paris shouted and the house agreed with her raucously.
"And even though I'm not supposed to say – I am really rubbish at keeping secrets today – but I'd just like to say that all of you are invited to mine and Oliver's wedding on August first."
The common room filled with a stunned silence.
"You're getting bloody married? Since when?" Fred yelled indignantly.
"Bridesmaid!" Marino, Angelina, Katie and Alicia all shouted together then looked at one another and laughed.
"Well congratulations Wood!" Tristan yelled, slapping Oliver on the back in the way that boys do.
"Since when are you getting married?" Fred repeated but Paris just grabbed him and hugged him. The rest of the afternoon was spent with many laughs, a few tears and plenty of very fond memories.
"Merlin, is it hot today!?" Marino cried, fanning herself with her hand.
"Don't remind me," Paris sighed, putting her hands on her back to try and support it. "I'm sweating buckets here."
"Thanks," Fred replied, making a face as he'd just taken a mouthful of his chocolate kiwi ice cream.
Paris, Fred, Marino and Percy had decided to take a wander down to Hogsmeade the following Tuesday afternoon and being the twelve of June, it was very hot.
Oliver and George had decided to stay behind at school and play Quidditch with some Ravenclaw's and Hufflepuffs.
Paris was enjoying her own strawberry and peanut butter ice cream immensely and was watching Marino and Percy fondly. They were walking ahead, hand in hand, both looking happier than Paris had ever seen them.
As a small treat and due to the fact Percy was going to kill himself through stress, Marino had decided to enlighten him during the NEWT's and both had been grinning ever since.
"Aren't they happy?" Paris said quietly to Fred, nodding her head toward the pair.
"Yeah," Fred agreed. "Poor old Perce doesn't really stand a chance with her though, does he?"
"Quite possibly the oddest couple ever but I think its love, Fred. Y'know they, did it during the exams," Paris said very quietly.
"What? In the hall?" Fred hissed.
"No! When they were alone, obviously. Don't you say anything though," Paris warned.
"My lips are sealed," Fred replied. "Lucky old Percy."
"Uh huh...OW!" Paris cried, doubling over slightly.
"What? What is it?" Fred asked quickly, putting a hand on Paris shoulder.
"It was nothing, just a - OW!" Paris cried again. It was a sharp pain in the pit of her stomach that went as soon as it came.
"Fred? What's going on?" Marino asked, jogging back to where Paris and Fred stood.
"I don't know," Fred replied frantically.
"Just a pain, I'm sure – OW! Oh, it really hurts!" Paris cried once again.
"Get her over to that bench so she can sit down," Marino instructed throwing her champagne and strawberry ice cream in the bin.
Fred led Paris to sit down but it made very little difference.
"It can't be the baby can it? He's not due just yet! You're not nine months along or anything," Percy said quickly.
"I think I better go to Madam Pomfry," Paris said through gritted teeth.
"Nothings wrong, is there?" Marino asked Percy.
"I don't know!" Percy replied anxiously, wringing his hands.
"Madam Pomfry!" Paris hissed, grabbing Fred by the collar. "NOW!"
"I think she wants Madam Pomfry," Fred said, attempting to pry Paris off his t-shirt.
"Oh Merlin, it's a long way back to school. What are we going to do? You'll have to carry her or something!" Marino cried.
"I can't bloody lift her! Do you know how much she weighs?" Fred cried back.
"Do a bloody Strong Man charm then!" Marino shouted at him.
"What about a Feather Lite charm?" Percy offered.
"You can't charm her! She's about to have a baby!" Marino shouted back.
"I thought you said she wasn't!" Fred shouted nervously.
The three were getting more and more hysterical by the minute when it was Paris who should be the panicking one.
"Ouch! You know guys? I think...guys? GUYS!" Paris shouted, everyone turned to her and stopped arguing.
"What?" Fred shouted at her. "What is it?"
"I'm having a baby," Paris said simply.
"Are you sure?" Percy replied fearfully.
"Unless I'm very much mistaken, I think my water just broke!" Paris said, looking up at her friends.
"Oh! You're having a baby!" Marino squealed happily.
"That's it; I'm definitely not carrying her now!" Fred said but Marino smacked him on the arm.
"Do the Strong Man charm now! She needs to get to hospital unless you fancy being her midwife!" Marino shouted at him.
"Ok, Ok!" Fred said hastily, getting out his wand. "Validus Compleo!"
Fred quickly pocketed his wand and although it wasn't noticeable, was now able to carry four large tables without breaking a sweat.
"Haven't you got to that breathing thing?" Percy asked, hopping onto one foot and then the other nervously.
"Just get me to school," Paris cried, clutching her stomach and crying out in pain as Fred lifted her clean of the ground and cradled her in his arms.
"It's ok Paris, does it hurt much?" Marino asked as Fred began walking quickly back toward the school. It was quite a funny sight and Paris probably would've laughed had she not been in so much bloody pain.
"You've no idea OW! Oh, OWW!" Paris cried out again, grabbing hold of Fred's neck and almost choking him.
The four were now reaching the gates of Hogwarts and Marino ran ahead to find Oliver who thankfully was still playing Quidditch.
"I expect an expensive present after this," Fred said to Paris and she smiled briefly at him before having another spasm of pain.
"OLIVER!" Marino screamed so loudly, Oliver almost toppled off his broom in mid air.
"What?" Oliver called down, looking to George briefly.
"It's Paris! She's having the baby!" Marino screeched, beckoning him to come down.
Oliver plummeted to the ground faster than Marino could blink and ran straight into her.
"Where is she? Is she ok? What's happening? Who's with her? Where is she?" The words spilled from Oliver's mouth faster than Marino could translate them into sense in her brain.
"With Fred, they're coming!" Marino replied quickly, understanding the 'where is she?' part.
At that moment Paris, Fred and Percy came into sight and Oliver ran to meet them.
"Paris! Are you ok?" Oliver asked frantically, grabbing a hold of his girlfriend.
"She made me drop my ice cream, left puddles all over Hogsmeade and myself I might add and threatened to strangle me. I'd say she's a little peeved," Fred said, replying to the question.
"Shut...up...FRED!" Paris shouted. "For the – OUCH! – last time, MADAM POMFRY!"
"Take her, just take her before she starts chucking up slime and telling me what my mother does in Hell," Fred said quickly, giving Paris to Oliver as if she were a toy.
Oliver practically sprinted up toward the castle with Paris in his arms while Marino and the boys ran after him.
"Madam Pomfry! It's happening!" Oliver shouted loudly, bursting into the pristine hospital wing and almost scaring the poor matron to death.
"What on earth Wood?" Madam Pomfry asked but soon realized what was happening. Just as Oliver laid Paris on the nearest bed, Marino, Percy, the twins and some random other students all tried to pile through the door at once but Madam Pomfry was too quick and slammed the doors shut, almost knocking several of them unconscious.
"Is she dilated?" Madam Pomfry asked briskly, putting on an apron.
"Is she what? I don't know! Ask Fred Weasley, I've only just seen her!" Oliver replied frantically, who was pushing the hair off Paris' sweaty forehead and trying to reassure her.
"Weasley! In here!" Madam Pomfry called, dragging Fred in.
"I don't want to see anything!" Fred cried frantically, covering his eyes.
"When did she start getting contractions?" Madam Pomfry asked, still holding him by the scruff of his neck.
"About ten minutes ago!" Fred replied desperately, still covering his eyes. Madam Pomfry pushed him back outside as he called "I think you've given me whiplash!"
"Take her shoes off," Madam Pomfry instructed to Oliver.
"What?" Oliver replied, looking extremely ill.
"Her shoes Wood! Come on!" Madam Pomfry snapped. "Then take off her shorts and underwear."
"WHAT?" Oliver shrieked.
"Unless she wants to deliver this baby into her knickers, get moving!" Madam Pomfry exasperated, throwing a sheet over the lower part of Paris' body.
"Oh my Mer...," Oliver trailed off and collapsed in a heap on the floor. Madam Pomfry peered over the bed at him and rolled her eyes.
"Can't even do a simple thing," She muttered, kneeling down at Oliver's side and giving a hard slap across the face. He awoke immediately.
"Gross!" Oliver cried, throwing Paris' shorts away. Clearly he had not enjoyed the view as he took her shorts off.
"Oliver?" Paris uttered desperately, reaching out for him.
"I'm here, I'm here. I'm sorry but that was disgusting," Oliver explained.
"It's early, I've not prepared any potions. I'm sorry Paris but it's going to a Muggle birth," Madam Pomfry explained to Paris whilst pushing a wet cloth into Oliver's hands to wipe her brow with.
"A Muggle birth? What does that mean?" Oliver asked anxiously, mopping his own forehead with the cloth.
"Pain," Madam Pomfry replied grimly before pushing the cloth onto Paris' head to show Oliver it was for her.
"Oh fuck," Oliver cursed and gripped Paris' hand tightly.
"Look at him Paris, just look," Oliver sighed, his voice heavy with emotion.
"I can see him Oliver," Paris said quietly, blinking lazily in the golden evening sunlight.
"I love him already, I've never loved something so much in my life," Oliver continued, gazing down at his tiny son he was cradling in his arms.
The birth was the hardest thing Paris had ever had to do. She'd rather have done her NEWT's all over again than give birth but she knew it was all worth it. Oliver on the other hand had fainted another two times much to the annoyance of Madam Pomfry.
"He's just so beautiful," Paris said fondly, stroking his hand with her index finger. She was propped up in bed with Oliver sitting next to her holding the baby.
"I'm so proud of you," Oliver said softly, kissing Paris' forehead. She smiled up at him, feeling nothing but pure happiness and content.
Just then, about twenty people all burst through the doors at once, all pushing and shoving and talking at once. They all stopped dead in their tracks when they saw Paris and Oliver holding the precious one.
"Hello," Paris said to the crowd of people which were made up of The Weasley's, The Wood's, Marino and Angelina, Alicia and Katie.
Mrs. Weasley began sobbing at this point followed by Oliver's mother and the rest of the females.
The all edged closer, focusing on one thing, naturally.
"He's tiny! By the size of you he looked like he'd weigh about five stone!" Fred pointed out, being the first one to break the silence.
"Thanks Fred," Paris said with a nod and held out her arms for a hug. She held onto him tight, feeling her emotions getting the better of her and by the snuffling sounds, it had overcome Fred also.
"How're you feeling?" Mrs. Wood asked nicely to Paris.
"Like I just squeezed something the size of a watermelon out of something the size of a lemon," Paris replied with a smile.
"Something the size of a lemon? Merlin, you don't want to go flaunting that around Paris!" Fred warned.
"Oh he's gorgeous!" Marino sighed, ignoring Fred and leaning her head on Percy's chest and smiling fondly.
"Can I hold him?" Angelina asked hopefully.
"I carried her about three miles! I should hold him first!" Fred said indignantly, recovering from his little cry.
"I will be holding him first," Mrs. Weasley announced, holding out her arms for the baby, her eyes red and wet.
"Actually, I'd kind of like Charlie to hold him first," Paris said, looking at Charlie who was standing next to his father and Oliver's brother Robert.
"Me?" Charlie echoed, looking ill.
"Him?" Mrs. Weasley, Fred, Angelina and Marino cried in unison.
"Yeah go on," Paris urged.
"Oh no, I don't want to hold it," Charlie said, holding up his hands.
"Not it Charlie, him. Alexander James Wood to be precise," Paris said as Oliver passed baby Alex to Charlie. Paris grinned as she watched Charlie cradle Alex as if he were the most precious thing in the world.
"It's – I mean he's so, small," Charlie said quietly, looking at the baby and feeling his eyes tear up.
Alex was passed around for everyone to have a little hold of.
"Hello little heart breaker," Devon cooed when it was his turn.
"Yeah, he is good looking. You sure he's yours Wood?" Fred joked but he still got a smack around the head with a fruit bowl from Mrs. Weasley.
After everyone had asked enough questions, held Alex enough and laughed at the fact Oliver had fainted three times, Paris and Oliver were left alone.
"It's the start of our lives Paris. We're parents now," Oliver said, watching Alex, who was asleep in his little crib at the foot of Paris' hospital bed.
"I know. Are you scared?" Paris asked, brushing her hair into some kind of acceptable style.
"Nope because I know that we can get through anything and between us, we'll make a great life for Alex," Oliver replied, looking at Paris.
"I love you, I really do love you Oliver Wood," She said in earnest.
"And I you," Oliver replied, kissing Paris deeply.
"Ahem," someone said softly. Paris and Oliver broke away and saw Dumbledore, smiling at the doors. "Not interrupting, am I?"
"No sir," Oliver replied sheepishly, shifting away slightly from Paris.
Dumbledore approached Alex's crib and peered in, still smiling.
"Congratulations. He's a very beautiful baby," Dumbledore said softly, looking at the pair.
"Thank you sir," Paris replied.
"There will be many an eye on this little boy as he grows up," Dumbledore explained. "You have finally given the world their Gemini baby. May I?"
"Of course," Oliver said quickly and the old headmaster carefully plucked Alex from his crib and held him in his arms.
"Such a special little boy yet such a mystery. It goes without saying but take care of this child and take care of each other. Never lose your love," Dumbledore said gently and smiled down at little Alex. It was strange how such a tiny child could belittle the greatest wizard alive.