Draco
I opened my eyes. I slowly sat up. Realization dawned on me as I pulled back my four-poster hangings and saw my trunk beside my bed, ready to be taken away. I sat there for a while, letting the truth sink in. "Seventh year graduation," I sighed.
I quietly stood up and approached my wardrobe. I opened it slowly. It only contained one robe. My black school robes. The robes that I'm going to be wearing for the last time. I took it out and changed into them. Then I headed out into the common room. No one was there yet. I figured it was still early, so I decided to head down to the grounds and try to take in as much of everything as possible before we leave.
I stepped out into the cold morning air. The sun was still rising in the distance. Dew faintly glistened in the grass beneath my feet. I decided to walk around the lake before concluding my stroll in the gazebo. By the time I had reached the banks of the lake after circling it at least three times, the sun had already risen and the dew was gone. I was certain that some students were already awake, but I wanted to visit the gazebo for one last time before breakfast.
I stepped inside slowly, reminiscing the moments Hermione and I had spent there. Our first kiss was the most prominent. I took an orchid hanging from the ceiling and held it in my hands. I leaned on the balustrade and watched the sun rise. I was so lost in thought that I hadn't noticed that someone was already behind me.
I felt a pair of arms embrace my body. A head rested on my back and a voice murmured softly. I slowly turned around but I already knew who it was. Hermione loosened her hold, but she didn't let go. "Hello," she whispered, her soft eyes meeting mine. I already knew what she was insinuating. I smiled and took her into my arms, before leaning forward to kiss her. "Sleep well?" I asked. "Mmhm…"she sighed, resting her head on my chest. We stayed that way in silence for a few minutes.
Suddenly Harry and Ron interrupted by appearing out of nowhere right beside us. I've already started calling them on a first name basis and vice versa…Hermione's request. We pulled apart in surprise. "Harry! Ron!" Hermione cried aloud. Both of them snickered. "Oh Draco darling let me hold you in my arms…" Ron said mockingly. "Oh Draco, hold me tight!" Harry added. I raised my eyebrows and said nothing. Hermione looked slightly peeved. "You followed me didn't you?" she asked. "Is it that obvious?" Ron sneered. Harry had a silvery cloth under his arm. "An invisibility cloak?" I asked. He nodded.
I grinned. Hermione still looked annoyed, and was somewhat blushing. "You guys shouldn't go barging into other people's privacy," she said. "You ruined a perfectly good moment," I remarked, extending my hand and grasping Hermione's. Harry noticed and grinned at me. Ron, thankfully, didn't. "Yeah, yeah, forgive us for not having our own love lives but we really need to head in for breakfast. I'm starving," he said.
We agreed and went back inside. Breakfast was superb, and we all savored it since it was the very last meal we were going to enjoy at Hogwarts. The Great Hall was less noisy, since the younger students had already left yesterday. After breakfast we were instructed to head back to our common rooms to wait for the beginning of the graduation ceremony.
I said goodbye to Hermione, Harry and Ron, and joined the throng of Slytherins heading down to the common room. I sat on one of the carved chairs in front of the fire and waited. I heard faint whispering at the far corner of the common room, and around the corner of my eye I caught a glimpse of Pansy. Undoubtedly, she was Derek and Jacob, and undeniably, they were talking about me.
The other Slytherins didn't mind them and went about doing their normal activities. I just sat there and ignored them. After a while Professor Snape came down and told us all to assemble in the Entrance Hall. He also reminded us to bring our hats (the pointed black ones…greatly exaggerating our appearances as witches and wizards). Since I had already taken my hat from my dormitory a while ago, I stood up and quietly made my way through the opening, wanting leave the dreary place as soon as possible. These Slytherins are too boring for their own good.
Since Hermione came into my life, I wanted to learn how to live. Back then, I was exactly like these people, stiff and uncaring. Everyday seemed like a tedious routine, and it seemed as though everything was dull and gray. But then Hermione came and brought color into my life. She brought me back from the dead.
Thoughts of the other Slytherins vanished from my mind as I climbed up the steps leading into the Entrance Hall. The other students from the other houses had already started to gather. I saw flaming bright red hair somewhere near the door, and knowing right away who it was, I walked toward the entrance. Sure enough, the three of them were standing there.
"What time is it starting?" I asked. "Right after we settle down and form a line. Our families are already inside," Ron answered. After a minute or so Professor McGonagall came out of the Great Hall. She told us all to be quiet and start forming two lines. I stood right behind Hermione, and Harry and Ron stood behind me. "Alright. All graduates must sit down on the right side of the Hall. After receiving your scrolls and having your hats placed upon your heads, sit back down and wait for the Headmaster's final address. Is that clear, seventh years?" Professor McGonagall said. All of us nodded silently.
"Hurry now. Everyone's waiting," she said. The line slowly moved forward and entered the Great Hall. The Hall looked absolutely magnificent. Four huge banners hung from the enchanted ceiling: a roaring lion, a badger turning its head, a cawing raven, and a serpent lashing its tongue out. The usual four house tables were gone, and so was the High Table. Instead, to the left were about a hundred seats, where our families were, all of them looking intently at us, while to the right the seats were bare, waiting for us. The place where the High Table was usually located was empty, but the seats of the teachers were still there. The place where the Sorting took place was also bare.
We all slowly made our way to our seats, and of course I sat with Harry, Ron and Hermione. Silence filled the hall as the last of the students took their seats. Suddenly, from the door leading out of the hall, came Professor Dumbledore and the other teachers. The teachers quietly headed for their usual seats. My eyes wandered to Professor Dumbledore. He was in a rather eccentric-looking dress robe, velvet purple with miniscule writing in Runes occasionally changing shape. He stopped right in the middle of the empty space before us.
"Welcome, everyone, to the seventh year graduation ceremony. I welcome all the parents here today, here to watch their son or daughter leave school and finally become witches and wizards. And so, I'm honored to begin the graduation ceremony with the traditional scroll-giving," he said. Everyone applauded. Professor McGonagall walked down the aisle in the middle and stood beside Professor Dumbledore. She had a scroll in her hands, just like the one she used to sort us into our houses six years ago.
"Abbott, Hannah," Professor McGonagall said out loud. Hannah stood up from the front row and sauntered to where Professor Dumbledore stood. He raised his wand, then asked Hannah to hold out her hands. She did as she was told and her scroll suddenly popped out of nowhere right above her outstretched hands. She blinked in surprise, then after a few seconds she shook Professor Dumbledore's other hand. Then she went back to her seat, amidst applause.
This went on for a while, and when it was Hermione's turn to get her scroll, I watched her beautiful face spread into a huge grin. After she shook Professor Dumbledore's hand, she went back to her seat beside me and the grin was still on her face. "Why are you grinning like that?" I asked her, smiling because she looked so pretty. She giggled. "Oh, nothing. I'm just so happy to be graduating and finally receiving my reward after seven long years of hard work and studying," she said. I grinned as well and took her hand. "You've earned it."
After awhile Professor McGonagall finally called my name. I slowly stood up and walked over to where Professor Dumbledore was standing. I noticed that his hands were behind him and he was watching me over his half-moon spectacles. I stopped right in front of him, but I didn't hold out my hand. He still hasn't moved an inch, and he was still surveying me through those glasses of his.
"I know all that has happened Mr. Malfoy," he whispered, "And I daresay that you have proven yourself beyond my expectations. And though it's highly unnecessary for me to tell you this…I'm proud of you." I looked up at him. I was aware that everyone was watching me. "Thank you, sir." I whispered back. He finally raised his hand and conjured up my scroll. I caught it skillfully with one hand, and with one last glance at him, I walked back to my seat.
"What did he tell you?" Hermione asked as I sat down. "Nothing relevant," I replied. She gave me an unconvinced look but didn't say anything. We just focused on the scroll giving again. When it was Harry's turn, Professor Dumbledore did the same thing. He just observed Harry for a while, and then when Harry stood in front of him, I could see his mouth moving, whispering something to him.
They took a longer time talking, about a minute or so. After a while everyone started whispering and most of us were wondering what they were talking about. Finally, Professor Dumbledore raised his wand, conjured Harry's scroll, and whispered something before letting him go back to his seat. Everyone watched him as he sat down beside Ron.
"What took you so long, mate?" Ron asked. "What were you two whispering about?" Hermione asked. "It was nothing. Nothing significant…" Harry trailed off.
Hermione looked slightly irritated at getting no answers from either of us, but I knew she knew better than to insist. We all turned our attention back to the scroll giving again. There weren't many people now. Apparently, Professor Dumbledore had nothing to say when Ron received his scroll. He just walked over and took it without taking much time. After Blaise Zabini obtained her scroll, Professor McGonagall rolled up her scroll and took her seat in her chair.
The only person left standing was Professor Dumbledore. He cleared his throat. "Well. Another year has ended. For all the students, though, there will be no coming back. Today will be your final day here…as students. After leaving this school, you shall no longer be required to return, for all of you are now entering the wizarding world, no longer underage witches and wizards," he said.
"Though these past seven years have been enjoyable, I know our students must have experienced challenges and pain. They have gained unbreakable bonds with friends, but some have lost friends and other special people to greater forces…" I could have sworn he glanced at Harry, "But even through the hard times, all of you persisted and your hard work has led you here. I'm hoping that all of you will use your knowledge of magic responsibly, and I just wanted to mention how proud I am. And now, I am honored to introduce our newest batch of witches and wizards, ready to do their part in the wizarding community. Congratulations, students," he finished at last.
The parents clapped and cheered, but suddenly one student stood up and threw his hat in the air. We all followed, shouting, cheering and expressing our immense joy to finally be free from school. Through the chaos I realized that Dumbledore hadn't mentioned the downfall of The Dark Lord, as he usually does when saying his speech. I remembered that he mentioned it last night, during the End-of-Term feast, to all the students, but I didn't understand why he kept it from the parents.
I hastily forgot about it as everyone started walking toward their parents. I looked around for my mother, and found her in the corner, smiling. I noticed how much she had changed since that night in St. Mungo's. Before that day, she hardly ever smiled, and all of her clothes were either black or deep emerald green. But now, here she was, smiling, and looking younger and prettier in a pale blue dress robe.
"Hello, mother" I greeted. She looked up at me and smiled wider. "Hello, honey. Oh I'm so proud of you." She said as she hugged me. "Thanks, mum," I answered. There was definitely something very different about her now. Her eyes weren't dead anymore, but alive, so full of life. Her complexion wasn't pale anymore either, and she was much more outgoing. A few days ago, as I lay on the hospital bed, recovering, she sat by my side, crying, telling me everything my father had done to her for the past seventeen years: beating her, hitting her, putting hexes on her, everything imaginable. As I lay there, half-asleep, I felt sorry for her, and felt unexplainable fury towards my father.
Now, standing before me, was a new woman. A free woman. A happier person. I looked up at her and grinned. "Mum, I'd like you to meet someone,"
Hermione's parents were great. They had a great sense of humor, and didn't seem to mind at all that Hermione and I were together. My mother handled the news quite well, too. She smiled at the two of us, standing there, hand in hand. After a while it was time for us to go.
Our luggage had already been taken to the train. We all changed into our normal clothing before heading to Hogsmeade station. After finding a compartment near the back, since our families would be staying near the front, we all went out to enjoy the view of Hogsmeade. "This will probably be the last time I will see this place," Harry said sadly. "You never know. Whatever job you take might give you plenty of traveling opportunities. What job will you be taking anyway?" I asked.
He turned to look at me. "I've always wanted to be an Auror," he answered. "Me, too," Ron said. "What about you?" Hermione asked. "Same, probably. Back then, I would have said Death Eater, actually. My father had plans to make me go to a secret underground school for the Dark Arts. I never really paid enough attention to his ramblings about my future, but I didn't object either. So now, after what I did to all those Death Eaters, I think I'm much better off becoming an Auror," I answered.
Soon it was time for the train to depart. All the staff, including Professor Dumbledore, had come down to bid us farewell. "Take care of yourselves," Professor Dumbledore said, but I think he particularly glanced our way. "Don't forget seven years worth of charms now," Professor Flitwick squeaked. Before long, the final whistle blew and we all boarded the train.
As the train gathered speed, all of us looked back at Hogwarts before it completely disappeared from view behind a mountain. "Every year…I always look forward to the next time I'll be returning to the only place I ever called home. Now, I'm leaving for good…" Harry sighed. None of us said anything. "But, hey, at least all's well…and at least I can finally use magic at home…" Harry smiled weakly.
Ron and Hermione grinned. After a while, Ron and Harry went out to see if the witch with the food trolley was on board, leaving Hermione and me alone in the compartment. "Hey…uhm…" I began, but I didn't know how to break it to her. "What?" she asked quizzically. I stared deep into her eyes. I knew she expected this, but I also knew that she didn't want to accept it.
"We'll be separated most of this summer…I'm going to apply at Auror Headquarters. If I'm accepted, it may take months or…years…to train…" I said slowly. She looked up at me silently. Then she sighed. "I know…" she admitted. "What are you going to be doing, anyway?" I asked, holding out my hand and taking hers. "I…don't know. My parents aren't exactly pressuring me to do anything. Anything is okay for them. I was hoping for a job as…an Auror too…" she replied thoughtfully.
I stared at her in surprise. "Auror? You? But you hadn't mentioned anything of this before. I was under the impression that you'll be back in the Muggle world, doing what other Muggles do…I must say I hadn't expected this…" I said. She sighed again. "Well, I guess I've always been hoping for it. Someone once told us we'd make terrific Aurors, and I must say I agree. We've had plenty of experience. I think it's what really suits all of us best…" she answered.
I knew she was right. "Well, then we might not have to be separated after all…" I said. She looked up at me. 'I'm really hoping not" she grinned. Suddenly, Harry and Ron returned from their search, with armloads of sweets and treats. "Better dig in fast. This might just well be our last indulgence of sweets on this train" Ron grinned. We didn't need to be told twice.
It seemed that it was only a moment ago that we were in the Hogwarts Express, filling ourselves with treats. But now, we've arrived at King's Cross Station, and I wasn't even close to saying goodbye yet. I got off the train easily; since there was much less hassle. I took Hermione aside before anyone saw us. "This is incredibly difficult for me to muster but…I guess I knew this would come…" I started.
"Yes, but you never know, we might be able to see each other this summer…" Hermione said hopefully. I smiled. "I'll make sure to write everyday…or every other day if I'm going to be busy…" I assured her. "Hey, why don't you visit our house sometime?" she asked. I thought it over carefully, and I guess it was a pretty good idea. "I'll see to it," I said. She stepped closer to me. "I'm going to miss you," she whispered.
"I already miss you…" I said softly. She smiled and kissed me. "We'd better go…your parents and my mother might be looking for us…" I told her. She nodded and we went to look for our families. We found her parents talking animatedly with Mr. Weasley. When we reached them, they ushered us out onto the platform together, where we found Harry and Ron and the rest of the Weasley family.
"So there you are. We've been looking all over for you two…where have you been?" Ron asked suspiciously. Hermione and I just smiled. After a few discussions and arguments, Harry went to leave with his aunt and uncle, who looked extremely unpleasant. Ron and his family went next. Hermione didn't seem to want to leave the station. "Hermione, dear, we'd better go. Our relatives are waiting at home to celebrate your graduation." Her mother said.
She gave me one last look. "Don't forget to write…I hope to see you in the summer…I love you," she whispered. "I love you, too," I replied. Before they left, my mother came up behind me and said goodbye to them too. "Take care now. I hope we'll bump into each other someday," mother said cheerily. Mrs. Granger smiled and nodded. Then they all waved at us goodbye. I waved back and watched them disappear behind one of the trains. I couldn't help feeling an overwhelming sadness wash over me as I realized how much I was going to miss her presence. But I tried hard to be happy. After all, there's always the chance of us meeting again…soon.