Chapter 54: NEWTs and Graduation
The next few weeks flew by for them all. The 5th and 7th years spend every available minute studying for their OWLs and NEWTs. Classes had resumed and things were back to normal, or as normal as things can be in a magical castle. The staff was planning the graduation celebration for the 7th years. This year's class would be missed more than any other class they could remember. It would be very different without Harry and his group in the castle, even if a few of them remained.
"Hurry up Ron," Harry told his friend as they made their way to the great hall for their transfiguration written exam. "We can't be late or we won't have time to take the test!"
Ron had been the last one to start his studying and was therefore trying to cram years of knowledge into his head in way too short a time span. "Ok, I'm coming. Where are Hermione and Neville?" He asked looking for their other friends who were taking the exam.
"They left 10 minutes ago, now come on!" Harry grumbled and they made their way to the exam.
"How do you think you did?" Hermione asked her friends after the exam. She was positively glowing she was so excited about the exam. She had known every single answer and had 15 minutes left when she finished.
"I think I did alright," Harry told her with a smile and they laughed as they heard Ron moan. "I think Ron realized he should have started studying earlier."
"My brain hurts and I've only taken 2 exams so far!" Ron complained. They were all waiting around for the practical part of the exam now. They were taking 4 students at a time. Hannah and Susan had already gone in as they were going in alphabetical order. This was good for Ron who was buried in his text book again while the others talked about their answers to the exam.
Hermione was called and made her way into the exam room. Her exam took about 20 minutes and she got everything perfect on her first try. They even asked her to do some things that were university level, just to be surprised when she got them all correct. She was positively beaming when she left her exam. "I take it you did well," Severus commented as he saw her almost floating down the hallway.
"I think I just beat the record," she told him with a huge grin as she gave him a hug. He just laughed, picked her up and spun her around.
"That is great. I knew you could do it." He told her with a smile. He was glad they were alone in the hallway or some younger students might die of fright seeing their evil potions master swinging the head girl around.
"I have Potions next!" She told him with a grin. "I'm going to my room to change into my potions clothes and grab a bite to eat. I'll see you later!" She ran off towards her room and he chuckled. She was the only person he knew who would be excited for exams.
The rest of the week was a blur for the 7th years. There was a reason the NEWTs were called Nastily Exhausting, they were all barely able to keep their eyes open. The only one of them with any energy left was Hermione who was still on a high from the exams. They had finished with exams at noon that day and all went to their rooms to sleep, except Hermione who went to work with Minerva on her animagi form.
"Can you believe it's almost over?" Neville asked them as the EDA was hanging out in the heads common room.
"Two days before graduation," Susan said with a wistful sigh. "It just seems like last year we were crossing the lake in the boats."
"It's going to be so boring here without you guys!" Ginny grumbled. She was not happy that she would have to endure another year here without Harry by her side. "Everything is going to be so different!"
"Yeah, but we'll rule the school!" Colin said earning him laughs from his friends.
"Who do you think will be made Head Boy and Head Girl next year?" Hermione asked. Luna had better marks than Ginny but they were both near the top. She didn't know who the top 6th year boy was.
"Don't know," Colin said with a shrug. "Are we going to Hogsmead today?"
"I have to," Hermione told them with a sigh. "I have to honor my promise to Sly. So I'll be on a date."
"Don't sound so excited," Gabrielle told her with a smirk. "You know he's going to be trying to kiss you the entire time. They are still all going on about that bet!"
"When is the deadline?" Harry asked, they had all been informed of the bet the Slytherin boys had on who Hermione would kiss.
"Before she leaves on the train," Draco told them. "I wouldn't be surprised if you have quite a few Slytherins tailing you throughout your date. I'm sure Sly will tell them that he kissed you, even if he doesn't, so they will be watching carefully."
"Too bad that technically they have already all lost the bet," Hermione told them.
"What do you mean?" Ginny asked her.
"The bet was that I would kiss a Slytherin," Hermione explained. "I've kissed Severus 3 times since then and he is the head of Slytherin."
"Yes, but no one knows you kissed him other than us." Draco told her. "They wouldn't believe me even if I told them."
"Alright," Hermione said standing. "I better go get changed for my date."
"You're dressing up for this?" Gabrielle asked confused.
"Of course, it's more fun to toy with them first." She said with an evil grin. "Besides, the person I'd rather be on a date with will be there and I want him to drool!"
Hermione's date with Sly was long and boring. She was wearing an outfit her mother had sent her for a pre-NEWTs present. It was almost exactly like the cat suit she wore for New Year's except this one was sleeveless. She wore her silver snake arm cuff and necklace that she had worn on Halloween along with her silver boots. She had transfigured one of her belts to also resemble a silver snake and had that around her waist. She was very proud of her outfit and knew it was perfect when Sly's eyes tried to pop out of their sockets and his mouth hung open for several seconds. She just hoped Severus appreciated it.
Sly had taken her to the Italian restaurant for lunch and then they walked around, going into the various shops. He had tried to hold her hand, caress her face, put his arm around her and hug her within the fist two hours. She was quickly loosing patience. "Sly, if I take your arm will you quit trying to grope me please?" She finally offered and watched him smirk and offer his arm.
"Are you sure you don't want to stop for a cup of tea?" He asked as they passed Madame Puddifoots.
"Sly I agreed to come with you to Hogsmead but that does not mean that I will kiss you." She told him flat out, she was just too annoyed to be polite anymore.
"Is it because I'm a Slytherin?" He asked her, stopping in the middle of the lane. He had tried all his best moves and nothing was working on her. He thought that since she agreed to go out with him that he finally had his foot in the door.
"That has nothing to do with it," She told him, taking a deep breath to control her temper. "I like you Sly; you're a very nice guy. But I only like you as a friend. There will never be anything else between us. I'm sorry." She hated crushing his hopes like that but she needed him to understand and finally move on. "I have seen the other girls look at you, why don't you ask one of them out?"
"Because I want you," he told her, trying his most seductive voice to no effect.
"I'm sorry Sly but there is nothing between us." She repeated.
"But I thought you were going to date a Slytherin," he fake pouted, hoping it would effect her.
"There is one Slytherin that I wouldn't mind dating, but he isn't interested." She told him. "I promise that if he ever asks me I'll tell the world that I'm dating a Slytherin, alright?"
"Who is he? Anyone would have to be crazy not to want to date you," He told her wondering who would turn down the gorgeous woman in front of him. "Tell me who he is and we'll all knock some sense into him!"
"He's not one of your classmates," she told him. "Now let's head back to the castle for dinner."
Severus had been discreetly following Hermione and Sylvester all afternoon. He couldn't believe the outfit she was wearing. It was enough to drive him crazy. She had looked amazing on New Year's Eve in the cat suit and this one was even better. The snake accessories made it apparent that she was not opposed to dating a Slytherin. He had to hold himself back from hexing the prat she was with on many occasions. How dare the boy try and touch her without her permission!
He enjoyed listening to their conversation where she told him there was a Slytherin she wanted to date. It assured him that he was correct in his assumption that she returned his feelings. There were only two days left before she was no longer his student and then she was fair game. He had an appointment to talk to her after dinner to discuss their plans for the summer. He had a few more research projects he hoped she would help him with. Albus had suggested that he stay at Headquarters for the summer to research as he was closing the school to be able to do some repairs. The battle had caused some damage that would be easy to repair once the students left.
He knew he would at least see her for the week of Draco's wedding feast. He was surprised the boy was following the old traditions, but was pleased none the less. It would be the perfect opportunity to begin wooing Hermione, subtly of course as he was Slytherin.
The leaving feast had just begun and they students were all anxious to see who would win the house cup. There were bets among the staff on if Albus would award any points for the students who fought in the war. As it was they had not received any extra points for that and Gryffindor was only in 2nd place.
"Thank you for another great year," Albus told them. "It has been a year filled with ups and downs. We have lost many of our own yet we have all gained a freedom that we haven't experienced in years. When you leave these halls tomorrow there will be no need to fear for your safety. This year's graduating class has left a huge legacy that I do not believe will ever be filled. I congratulate all of you for the efforts you have put in to make our world a better place. Enjoy your summer and I look forward to seeing most of you next year." He smiled out at everyone before continuing his speech.
"It is now time to award the house cup. For the last 6 years Gryffindor has come away with the title, before that Slytherin and Ravenclaw houses held that honor for many years. This year it is my great pleasure to award the house cup to Hufflepuff House!" He said as the banners in the hall all turned to Hufflepuff colors. There was stunned silence for a moment that Harry's house had not won before everyone began cheering for Hufflepuff. Hannah, Susan and Justin were jumping up and down and hugging each other. Their house hadn't won the house cup in almost 15 years. Everyone was very happy for them, even though the staff was sending Albus odd looks, other than Sprout who was crying with happiness.
"I'm surprised you didn't award Harry and his friends extra points for some reason," Severus said with a smirk to Albus.
"They may have deserved extra for their efforts in the war but they don't need the house cup. Look at all of them; this is exactly what was needed. If any of the other three houses had won this year there was the potential for rifts to form again. Besides, it is high time Hufflepuff remembered what a noble house they are." Albus told him. The staff all smiled as they agreed.
"At least we still won the Quidditch cup," Minerva said with a smirk at Severus and Filius. "But without Harry I'm afraid we may not keep it next year."
The 7th years hurried to their dorms to change clothes for the graduation celebration after the feast. None of them knew what to expect, as it was a tradition that they be kept in the dark until they were allowed back in the hall. The girls were all wearing fun dresses and the guys were in slacks and nicer shirts, nothing fancy but not school garb either.
Severus was nervous; Hermione would no longer be a student in a few hours. They would be handed their diplomas at the beginning of the celebration and then a party/dance was held until the wee hours of the morning. From then on they were all fully qualified witches and wizards and tomorrow would leave for the last time on the train.
"May we escort you tonight?" Neville and Harry asked Hermione, offering their arms. As Ginny and Luna were only in 6th year they were not allowed to come so they decided to hang out with Hermione.
"I would be honored," she said and smiled at each of them as they made their way downstairs. "It's hard to imagine this is our last night here together."
"It will be weird not being a student but still being here next year," Neville said as he was apprenticing with Sprout.
They were joined by the rest of the 7th year EDA members and stood with the rest of their year before the doors to the great hall. The doors opened and they were lead in by Professor McGonagall. At the front of the hall where the teachers table usually stood was a dais where they would receive their diplomas. There were small tables and chairs set up for them to sit as well as a large open area of floor for what many assumed would be dancing.
They were each called across the platform and handed their diploma in order of class rank, much to Ron's dismay as he was the lowest ranking of the EDA. Harry even hugged Albus after getting his diploma. Draco, Gabrielle and Hermione were the last three to get their diplomas. Hermione was finally called up last, since she has the top marks. "Many of you already know that our Head Girl had already received 7 outstanding NEWTs before this year began thus tying the all time Hogwarts record." He had to pause for the applause and Hermione blushed. "This year she has achieved even greater things by helping develop cures to two unforgivable curses as well as finding a permanent cure for all those who suffer as werewolves. She truly is a remarkable witch." He smiled at her to see her blushing profusely. "As we were all curious if she would be able to beat the Hogwarts record we had the NEWT examiners grade her exams first and I have the results here." He told them holding up a sealed envelope.
Hermione was trembling with anticipation over her results. "Will you allow me to read out your results?" Albus asked her and she was only able to nod her consent.
Albus slowly opened the envelope and was happy to see that everyone wanted to see if she would beat the record as well, you could almost hear a pin drop in the hall. His eyes twinkled as he skimmed her results, "First we have Charms and the score received is Outstanding!" There were cheers throughout the hall and Severus had to hurry forward to help hold her upright as she realized that meant she broke the record. "Next we have Defense Against the Dark Arts with a score of Outstanding!" There were more cheers and her friends were jumping up and down with happiness for her as they knew that meant she got all outstanding since Potions and Transfiguration were the only ones left and were her best subjects. "Then we have Potions with a score of …" He paused for effect and everyone quieted down to see if she could pull out a perfect score. "Outstanding and the highest score ever recorded. She even beat our dear potions master by two points and he had the highest score in Hogwarts history."
Hermione was numb with shock, she knew she had done well but this was more than she could ever have hoped for. "And finally," Albus said as they all quieted down again, "We have a Transfiguration Outstanding!" He turned and smiled at her, so proud of her accomplishments. "That makes Hermione Granger the all time highest achiever in Hogwarts history with 11 NEWTs!" He said as he handed her diploma to her.
Once she had her diploma, Severus scooped her up into his arms and spun her around in front of the entire staff and graduating class. "My little know-it-all." He purred in her ear, "I am so proud of you."
Hermione was passed from teacher to teacher in congratulations before Albus pulled her to the front of the dais again. "There is one more honor to award," He told them all as they quieted. "The Heart of Hogwarts Award is a special award that is awarded to those with outstanding academic achievements throughout their Hogwarts career. The last time this award was presented was 20 years ago to 7th year student Severus Snape. This will only be the third time it has been awarded since I was a student myself. It is my great privilege to present the Heart of Hogwarts Award to Hermione Granger for her outstanding academic excellence." Albus announced before handing her a heart shaped trophy with the Hogwarts crest on it. "Congratulations Hermione, you truly are the smartest witch of the age."
Hermione was speechless with joy at receiving the rarely awarded Heart award. She had of course read about it in Hogwarts a History and had always hoped she would qualify for it. It had completely slipped her mind this year and she was elated. "Thank you very much," she finally managed to say before heading back to her seat.
"Congratulations to all of you. You have officially graduated from Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. We expect great things from you in the future. Now enjoy your celebration!" Albus told them as music filled the air and drinks and snacks appeared on the tables.
"I'm so happy for you Hermione," Harry said giving her a hug. "I knew you would ace all your NEWTs." She was then congratulated by the rest of her friends before Malfoy escorted her to the dance floor to have the traditional Head Boy/Girl dance.
"Severus sure seemed happy for you," Draco commented casually while they were dancing. He watched as her eyes found the dark professor talking with Remus and Tonks and she smiled.
"I'm surprised he is such a good sport about my beating his score." She told him truthfully, eyes never leaving said man.
Hermione was having a pleasant time dancing and talking with all her schoolmates, but she really wished that Severus would ask her to dance. She had decided that she wanted someone to win the bet in Slytherin house and the only Slytherin she would kiss was Severus. She just hoped he wouldn't be too upset that she kissed him, undisguised, in front of the entire graduating class and staff. She was no longer his student so she decided there was nothing stopping her.
"Would you care to dance?" He purred in her ear from behind her, causing shivers to run down her back. She turned and smiled at him before he led her to the middle of the dance floor, much to the shock of some of her classmates.
"Do you think she'll let him win the bet?" Gabrielle asked Draco with a wicked grin. She could tell her friend was up to something the way she kept sending amused looks at Severus.
"The question is what will his reaction to winning be?" Draco told her. "True she is no longer his student, but it's only been an hour or so. Besides, he doesn't know of the bet. We didn't tell him since I knew he wouldn't appreciate it. So if he allows her to kiss him or even kisses her it will be because he wants to, not for the bet."
"Well at least they have everyone's attention." She laughed. The two were dancing quite closely and it was making most of the others turn to watch. Snape was actually smiling down at her, which was the reason they had everyone's attention.
"You look lovely this evening," he told her smiling. He knew he shouldn't smile in front of the students, former students he reminded himself, but he couldn't help but smile at the woman in his arms.
"Thank you," she told him with a radiant smile. She knew he rarely complimented anyone but her so she always felt extra special. "It doesn't feel like I'm not longer a student, yet I never really felt like a student this year."
"You may no longer be a student, but I was hoping you would want to continue being my apprentice until you leave for Rome." He told her, hoping she would agree. He knew their future relationship may rest on her answer. If she didn't want to work with him anymore, then he most likely misinterpreted her game answers and she didn't have any feeling other than friendship for him.
"I was hoping you would ask," she told him shyly. "I was hoping we could spend some time together over the summer."
"Albus is closing the school for repairs for the summer so I'll be staying at Harry's. Will that be an acceptable research location?" He asked her watching her eyes light up when she realized she could see him every day.
"Perfect!" She told him with a smile. She knew it was going to be a great summer.
He took a deep breath before asking the question he had been debating over all evening. "Would you consent to allow me to escort you to the Malfoy wedding?" He was preparing himself for a let down as her face looked so shocked.
She was shocked; he had asked her to Malfoy's wedding! It was perfect; she could sit by him at meals and wouldn't have to make excuses to talk to him. She was about to answer yes when she got a better idea. "Well that depends," she told him sending him a sultry smile that made him gulp.
"Depends on what my dear?" He purred back pulling her closer into his arms, much to her delight. He could tell she was plotting something but he had no idea what it could be; he just hoped it wasn't humiliating.
"On this," she told him before rising up and kissing him gently on the lips. She knew that her kiss had been seen as almost all noise in the hall stopped instantly. She just hoped he didn't push her away.
Severus was shocked, she was kissing him… again… and in front of the entire 7th year class. He felt her start to pull away and was snapped out of his shock enough to pull her closer and thoroughly kiss her back. He hadn't expected a kiss, but there was no way he would pass it up. Her lips were intoxicating and he could care less that the entire hall was watching.
"Oh god, please tell me I'm seeing things," Ron asked, red in the face at seeing the kiss.
"Nope," Susan said happily, "Hermione is snogging Snape!"
Gabrielle shrieked in happiness and then hugged Draco who took the time to wink at Tonks. Tonks was holding onto her husband's arm as he talked with Albus when both paused in their conversation to watch the two kiss while dancing. "I knew they would figure it out," Albus said twinkling.
Blaize Zabini was staring with his mouth open at the sight of his potions master kissing the head girl. He had also been in on the bet, hoping she may give him a chance. He had suspected that no one would win the bet, but he never once expected it to be his head of house that did. He couldn't wait to see Spinnet's reaction to who won the bet! He hurried over to Draco to discuss it. "I never saw this one coming," he told the two as Millie Bullstrode hurried over to talk about it as well.
"Man, Colin told me they were friends, but I never expected him to kiss anyone. This lets him win the ruddy bet!" Millie said in shock still.
"I always knew that if anyone was going to win it, it would be him. She's too smart for any of us. I think they are perfect for each other." Draco informed them.
"Wow," Hermione said as he finally released her lips. "Alright that's good enough; you may escort me to the wedding." She told him with a smirk. "I warn you though; there will be many irate Slytherins to deal with now."
"Why would that be?" He asked curiously, trying to block out all the shocked faces of his former students and the amused looks of the staff and EDA.
"That is something you'll have to ask Draco about as I was not privy to the details." She told him with a smile. "Thank you for the dance but I believe I promised Harry the next one," she told him and hurried off before she could mess anything up. She was so glad he didn't push her away. Harry was busy trying to help Susan calm Ron down and the rest of her friends were with other 7th years, most likely discussing the spectacle she had just caused.
"I take it you wanted to go out with a bang?" Tonks teased her, but she was smiling. "That was quite a show. I think you shocked over ¾ of the room with that one."
"Only ¾ of them?" She said feigning disappointment. "Actually I was surprised he didn't push me away and threaten point deduction just to keep his reputation in tact.
"Remember you're no longer a student, he had nothing holding him back." Tonks told her and quickly headed back to Remus before Hermione could ask her what she meant.
Severus slipped quietly out the door to avoid any confrontations and was surprised that his four Slytherins followed him. "Severus wait," Draco called out and he remembered that Hermione had mentioned Draco knew something.
"What can I do for you?" He asked causally.
"I was hoping you would join us in the Slytherin common room. There is a bet that needs settled and we need you present to do that." Draco told him keeping his face neutral.
"What sort of bet?" Severus asked getting suspicious.
"We'll tell you in the common room," Zabini told him. "But suffice it to say that 100 galleons will be awarded to the winner." Severus agreed to follow them as he hadn't heard of such a large sum bet in quite some time.
They quickly entered the common room and Draco called for quiet. "We have a winner of the bet." He announced and instantly there was quiet and all the boys pushed to the front to find out the winner. "As you all know the bet was that whichever Slytherin male kissed Hermione, without being slapped, pushed away or hexed or was kissed by her would win the purse. The bet would end as soon as she boarded the train at the end of the year and if it had not been won the money would be used to commission a portrait of her for the library." Severus was shocked at the bet, he had known they all liked Hermione but he didn't think they would go so far as to bet on who she might kiss. "It is my job as head boy and the only one of you lot not participating in the bet, that a winner has been decided tonight at the graduation party."
There was silence in the room and then a few boys came forward to congratulate Blaise as he was the only other one at the party. "Quiet!" Blaise called out. "I am afraid that I was not the recipient of the kiss." This was met by confusion as they wondered just who it was then.
"I present to you your winner, Professor Severus Snape," Gabrielle said to them.
"You've got to be kidding me!" Sly yelled out. "You expect us to believe that she would let him kiss her!"
"Actually she kissed him," Millie told them, enjoying their shocked appearances.
"Here are your 100 galleons Professor," Draco said handing him a heavy purse.
"I suggest you all use it to commission that portrait of her." He told them, he would not take the money in case she found out. There was no way he would risk their relationship over a bet he never knew about. "I recommend a cherry wood frame. I'll see too it that it is given its place in the library." He was about to hand the bag back to Draco when he got an idea. He took out 15 galleons and handed the bag back to Draco. "I'm taking 15; use the rest for the portrait. I would suggest having the younger Creevy brother do it this summer." He then nodded at them and exited the room.
The party quickly got back to normal after the shock of seeing Hermione kissing Snape wore off. Hermione said goodnight to all her friends and wished those she wouldn't see a good summer. She then headed up to her room to enjoy her last night in the castle. She was wondering what Severus would say about the kiss next time they talked. She also hoped he still wanted to escort her to the wedding. He hadn't said anything immediately after the kiss, but he may have been trying to avoid any more of a scene. She finished packing up her room and fell asleep, curled up with Crookshanks for the last night in her bed at Hogwarts.