Chapter 2: The Graduating Gryffindors
"I now present to you the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry class of 1999." Said a smiling Professor McGonagall as the giddy graduates tossed their black pointed hats high into the air. Proud family, friends, and teachers stood all around, but amidst the crowd stood three students, smiling but sad, who had provided some of the most exceptional work, bravery, and talent that Hogwarts had ever seen. For the three of them, this wondrous castle had become home, and the thought of leaving behind the place where they had grown up was devastating.
As the crowd began to disperse, Hermione, with tears running down her pale cheeks, smiled at her friends and said, "Well, it's over."
"Yeah…" said Ron whose face was hard to read. "I suppose we should go and join the party. Shall we?"
"Yeah," said Hermione, linking an arm through both Harry's and Ron's and flashing a watery smile, "Let's go!"
Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, and Ron Weasley began to walk forward, stepping over the boundary line that separated them from their destructive and troublesome childhood onward to their promising but unknown future. As the three teens walked into the Great Hall together they were met with family. Mrs. Weasley greeted them all with hugs and kisses on the cheek. Mr. Weasley hugged all three of them as if they were all his own. Mr. and Mrs. Granger stood to the side to congratulate Hermione with a hug and kiss followed by handshakes for both Ron and Harry. Even Remus Lupin was there, Tonks by his side, as he hugged Harry with a fatherly pride showing on his face. Tonks beamed at them and congratulated them Tonks style: high fives all around.
The party went well into the night. They had a marvelous feast worthy of any all-school function that nearly out-did the yearly Halloween feast. The scattered muggle parents, Hermione's included, were amazed at the new and interesting dishes that materialized onto the glittering silver platters. The ghosts swooped low over the tables to offer their congratulations or to simply say goodbye to those students they had grown close to over the last seven years. Nearly Headless Nick made an appearance by springing up through the heaping platter of turkey legs to wish Harry, Ron, and Hermione good luck. This warranted a scream from Mrs. Granger who had been reaching for that very platter at the time, and loud snickers from Fred and George followed by a smack on the back of Fred's head from Mrs. Weasley.
Harry looked around at the extensive group of people which he had grown to call family and smiled. Mr. and Mrs. Weasley were sitting at the end of the table next to Fred and George who were huddled together discussing a new joke or prank no doubt. Next to George was Charlie fresh from Romania telling stories to Ginny who had a look of fascination on her pretty face. At the end of the table was Mrs. Granger who was still smiling with fascination as she looked around the magnificent room. She commented on the ceiling and pointed it out to her husband who looked just as fascinated sitting just to her left. Next to Mr. Granger sat Remus Lupin and Tonks who were both talking to each other and grinning secretively at each other, followed by Bill Weasley who was smiling proudly at Fleur while he lovingly stroked the rather large bump on her stomach. Next to Fleur were Hermione and Ron, both watching the open affection being shown next to them. Hermione was watching them with a smile while Ron just looked disgusted. Harry laughed at that last thought just as the first chords of a new song blared from above their heads signaling the start of the dance.
The food disappeared from the tables and many students around them got up and ran to the dance floor. Harry, not being a big fan of dancing, stayed sitting for as long as he could. Eventually Neville, Dean, and Seamus ran over to drag Harry and Ron to the floor so the Gryffindors could spend one last night of fun together before they all set out in their separate directions. Hermione followed close behind them laughing at the horrified look on Ron's face as he was being pushed by an obviously intoxicated Seamus. Ginny, not wanting to be left with the adults quickly ran after them and joined up with Hermione. Laughing, Hermione grabbed her hand and they ran to the dance floor. Hermione was giddy with happiness, it had just overcome her. The war was over, she had finished her schooling despite her absence for many months towards the beginning of the year, and she was with her best friends in the world. What more could a girl want?
"Want to dance?" asked Ron.
OK, there was more, but that was for another time. She smiled and nodded enthusiastically. They walked onto the dance floor and a slow song started up. Ron put his long arms around her waist and she lifted her own up to go easily around his neck. They started swaying to the music and Hermione laid her head on Ron's chest. She looked to the side just in time to see Harry grab Ginny's hand and pull her to the floor. Many of her friends were coupled up around her. Lavender was in the far corner with her petite arms around Seamus' neck as they swayed slowly to the music. Dean, Parvarti, and Padma were laughing and messing around in a three-way slow dance, their arms around each other in a friendly sort of way. Tonks was pulling a reluctant Remus to the floor, laughing all the way. Mr. Weasley grabbed Mrs. Weasley's hand and they smiled at each other as they watched their children on the dance floor with knowing expressions. As Mrs. Weasley's eyes met Hermione's, she quickly blushed and turned back to Ron. She looked up at him and he smiled down at her.
"Are they watching us again?" he asked.
"Yeah, and it's just as creepy as it was at Bill and Fleur's wedding," said Hermione.
"Let's go get Harry and go for a walk. One last 'romp around the grounds' for old time's sake."
Hermione nodded and they separated as the music strung out its last low chord before starting a new fast-paced tune. Harry was walking back to the table with Ginny in tow, and Hermione and Ron jogged forward to grab his arm.
"Let's go for a walk. Our last one, what do you say?" asked Ron. Harry smiled and looked at Ginny. She shrugged and kept walking towards her family at the table. Harry came forward and fell into step beside his two best friends. They exited the Great Hall and opened the giant oak doors that led them out into the warm summer evening beyond. They headed to the lake and all three fell down beneath their favorite tree on the bank. They sat there for a long time, watching the giant squid playing in the cool water and speaking of past adventures and what their futures held. They were finally retrieved by Mrs. Weasley nearlyfour hours later when it was time to leave. They collected their remaining belongings and flooed to the Burrow. In just a few days they would be moving out on their own and starting their new lives.
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