Commencement Chap. 10
Months flew after Ron's Bludger accident. He'd never felt happier in his life, now that he had Hermione at his side. Everyone knew they were dating and felt that it was about time. Ginny and Harry were also still together, and going strong. Ron got out of bed on his last day at Hogwarts. That day would be the Commencement Ceremony, and that night they were scheduled to have a huge party in the Gryffindor Common Room. Ron got dressed quickly, looking around the room that he'd shared with his friends for seven years. He went downstairs to find Harry sitting in a chair, staring into the fire."Hey Harry," said Ron smiling.
"Hey Ron," replied Harry, looking up at Ron.
"Strange to be graduating isn't it?" asked Ron as he took the seat next to Harry.
Harry nodded, "Yeah...it's really strange..." he looked up at Ron as if he wanted to add something else, but said nothing.
"What Harry?" asked Ron as he took a seat in front of Harry.
Harry frowned and said, "It's just that...well we haven't had to deal with Voldemort this year at all. Don't you think it's a bit strange?"
Ron gulped, "Yeah...I've noticed that too. Maybe he's gone?" He said this hopefully, but knowing full well he probably wasn't.
Harry gave Ron a knowing look, "You know he's not...I'm just wondering when he's going to attack. And Professor Dumbledore hasn't mentioned anything. I just feel so on-edge, like he's going to attack when I'm not expecting it."
Ron frowned inwardly, but said, "Don't worry Harry.I'm sure Dumbledore would know if 'You-Know-Who' was going to attack. And you know he'd warn you."
Harry nodded and turned, to continue looking into the fire pensively.
Hermione appeared at the bottom of the stairs and said, "Good morning." She took the seat next to Ron and kissed him on the cheek gently.
Slipping her hand into his, she said, "I'm so sad to be leaving. I'm going to miss everything."
She looked around the room as she said this, sorting through all of the memories that the Common Room contained for her. Late night talks with Harry and Ron, cramming sessions before exams, arguments with Ron. Everything made her feel melancholy. She leaned back in her seat and sighed loudly.
"After this...we'll be adults. We'll have to get jobs...and--and live on our own. I'm even going to miss Lavender and Parvati giggling about boys and things."
Ron smiled and said, "Yeah, I'm going to miss Seamus, Dean, and Neville...They've been great blokes to share a room with."
Harry nodded in agreement, as Ron put his arm around Hermione and said, "Don't worry--you're a fantastic witch, and you'll be great at whatever you do."
Hermione beamed, "Thanks Ron...I can't believe you're going to be an Auror Harry."
Harry smiled, "Yeah, I can't wait until I begin my training. I just hope I get accepted."
"You know you'll be accepted Harry, Defense Against the Dark Arts is your thing," said Ron.
Harry smiled and said, "What about you Ron? Have you decided what you'll be doing yet?"
Ron shrugged, "Dad told me he can get me a job at the Ministry...so I'm leaning towards that. Except.I want to work in the Department of Mysteries or somewhere cool like that..."
Harry nodded then glanced down at his watch and said, "It's time you guys..."
Together the trio went down to the Great Hall, which was crowded with people. Ron gulped, not only because of graduation but because there was another thought at the back of his mind. He glanced at Hermione and smiled to himself. He really loved her. He loved her more than he'd ever loved anything in his life. And one thing was sure--he never wanted to lose her. Her hand was laced in his as they tried to fight their way through the crowd to the Gryffindor table. Ron glanced around and saw a patch of red hair in the corner. That would be his family. He smiled, glad that they had all been able to make it. He took a seat at the strangely empty Gryffindor table. Only the graduating Gryffindors were at the table, and those that had come to watch were sitting in chairs that had been brought into the Great Hall. Dumbledore sat at his usual chair as everyone got situated in his or her seats. After several minutes he stood.
"Hello everyone and thank you for coming. Today is a momentous occasion as our Seventh Years leave Hogwarts and go out into the world to become extraordinary wizards and witches. Hopefully your years at Hogwarts have taught you enough to take you to the next level of your lives," said Dumbledore wisely.
Ron sat, staring at Dumbledore fixedly. He heard parts of his speech, but his thoughts were elsewhere. After more talking that Ron didn't really absorb, Dumbledore smiled and called a 'Congratulations' into the crowd. Ron snapped out of his thoughts as the people around him stood up cheering and hugged each other. Hermione turned to him and wrapped her arms around him tightly.
"Ron, we've graduated!" she said happily, her 'Top Student' badge glinting in the light of the room.
Ron nodded as he was engulfed by several of his friends who clapped him on the back in congratulations.
After multiple handshakes and hugs from his peers, he found his way to his family.
"Oh dear! You're a grown man now!" said his mother, tears welling in her eyes proudly.
Ron smiled and hugged her lovingly. "Don't cry mum..." he said as he let her go.
Arthur wrapped his arm around her shoulder and said, "Son, we're so proud of you..." Arthur looked a bit misty-eyed himself. To them, now only Ginny was left, making this moment even harder for them.
Fred and George engulfed Ron in a hug from both sides.
"Our little brother--" said George
"Finally a man!--"
"We never thought you'd make it!--"
"But you did!--" said Fred.
"Unlike us!--" said George smiling.
"We could only hope that you'd follow in our footsteps--"
"But I suppose only one set of brothers can be the successful dropouts in a family" finished George as both twins finished squeezing Ron.
After more handshakes and hugs from the remainder of his brothers, Charlie and Bill; Ginny came up, holding Harry's hand.
Letting go of Harry's hand, she walked over to Ron and hugged him. "Congrats Ron, I'm going to miss you all so much next year!" she said sadly.
"I'll visit when I can--plus you'll have Hermione," said Ron. Hermione would be studying to become a Professor of Arithmancy at Hogwarts.
Ginny nodded happily, "I know! I'm so happy about that--I don't know what I'd do without Hermione around to talk to."
Hermione appeared with her parents as Ginny said this, and she beamed proudly.
"I don't know what I'd do without you either Gin," she said, embracing Ginny warmly.
