Nothing belongs to me except the plot.
Chapter Sixteen: So Long, It's Been Good to Know Ya
Through the rest of the year, Dorian discreetly observed Severus Snape and Harry Potter. He was relieved to know note that Snape's overt hostility toward Harry was gradually diminishing. It was in accordance with what he remembered from his time as Severus. He had done it right. In response, Harry's defensiveness was decreasing as well. They would not be friends by the end of the school year, but at least they would be able to work together.
Severus' attitude toward Dorian was slightly amusing. Knowing that Dorian was his own future self, Severus was uncomfortable around him. Obviously, Dorian knew all of Severus' deepest, darkest, secrets, because they were his as well. But, he was not Severus because he had 25 years of experiences behind him that the Severus of this time did not have. Dorian was his own person. Even identical twins don't share all their memories, but Dorian and Severus did up to a point.
The remainder of the year was rather relaxed. Dorian had extra study sessions for his fifth- and seventh-year students who were preparing for their OWLs or NEWTs. He still helped Harry with his Occlumency. However, the tension and anxiety of the first part of the year was over. He had done what he set out to do.
Finally, the end of the year was upon them. The seventh-years were decompressing after their NEWTs, so Dorian just had them duel, and taught them some fun spells that did dumb things, such as making someone speak in rhyme, or sing everything they wanted to say.
Graduation and the Leaving Feast were emotional for everyone. Tears were shed by students and staff alike. Albus arose with a final announcement.
"Before you all leave, I wanted to let you know that Professor Dorian Grey will not be back next year. His other commitments, and his family, are drawing him back home. I would like you all to thank him for all that he did this year."
The sound of cheers and applause filled the Great Hall. Dorian felt tears come to his eyes at this show of gratitude toward him. Looking at Albus, Dorian moved toward the center of the Head Table. When the room quieted down, he cast "Sonorous" upon himself.
"I cannot tell you how much your applause has moved me, although some of you may be applauding because I'm leaving." A chuckle ran through the Great Hall at this.
"Hogwarts has always had a special place in my heart, both as a student and as a teacher. I believe Hogwarts is the finest wizarding school in the world." Here Dorian was interrupted by cheers.
"I believe this is largely through the efforts of Headmaster Dumbledore. You truly are privileged to be here under his leadership." The noise this time was almost deafening. When quiet resumed, so did Dorian.
"I am sad to be leaving, but at the same time I look forward to returning to my home, my family, and my friends."
"We are currently in a great battle. It is hard, it is sometimes heartbreaking, and it is ugly. There is not, and never shall be, any beauty in war. But, it is necessary. It has been said, 'the only thing evil needs to triumph is for good men and women to do nothing.' We cannot afford to do nothing. We cannot afford to sit back and think, 'Others are fighting, so I don't need to get involved.' Others cannot do it by themselves. It will take all of us, at all ages, working together for a common cause, to overcome evil."
"There is no longer room for sitting on the fence. You must choose your side. All sitting on the fence will get you is to be attacked by both sides. I pray and hope you will pick the right side, which is the Light side."
"Choosing Voldemort, and the Dark, will ultimately lead to pain and regret for most people. It leads nowhere but to humiliation and death. You will be expendable as far as the Dark Lord is concerned. As long as his private agenda is achieved, he doesn't really care how many soldiers he sacrifices. If you have money, he will use it to finance his own plans, not caring what it does to your family."
"The Light side does care how many people are lost. We mourn over every death, every one who is lost. We regret that this war is going on, affecting people's lives for years beyond whatever the ultimate outcome. However, we are steadfast in our determination not to let the Dark win. I am not a Christian, but one thing that is written in their Bible has stuck with me throughout my participation in this conflict. 'And the Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness cannot overcome it.' Light will triumph. We need to make it happen soon."
"I'm sorry this became a lecture. I truly have enjoyed working here this year and meeting all you students and staff. My thoughts will be with you, long after I leave here. As a muggle TV show says, 'Live long, and prosper.' Dorian flashed the Vulcan salute from Star Trek, then laughed and went back to his seat. The muggle-borns and half-bloods who were familiar with it laughed as well. It had taken Harry a long time to get him to watch Star Trek, then he had chuckled and admitted the similarities between himself and Spock.
Albus rose from his seat, and said, "I cannot improve on what Professor Grey said, so I will not try. I would like to say to all, have a wonderful summer, and for those not graduating, see you in September." He sat back down, and the Leaving Feast was over.