Happy Saturday lovelies!
I am really glad everyone liked Draco's birthday chapter, and that Fabian's letter meant as much to all of you as it did to me. Graduation is here!
I am probably going to post again tomorrow, and then take a mini break for a few days as I try to finish writing chapters 218-220. The goal is to post up until 220 by the end of the month.
Please leave a review and let me know what you think x
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Disclaimer: Harry Potter belongs to J.K. Rowling, and only the story line and any OC's belong to me
Friday, June 25th, 1999
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
Quidditch Pitch
After two weeks of gruelling examinations, the sleep-deprived Seventh and Eighth year's graduation had arrived. Several charms were in place to mask their dark circles.
The scent of freshly-mown grass and cherry drifted on the gentle breeze. The sun was shining brightly onto the Quidditch pitch, and lazy, fluffy white clouds painted the too blue sky. Summer had arrived.
The setup was reminiscent of Hermione's own graduation over twenty years ago. The temporary wooden stage, the fold-out chairs, most of the Professors gathered. It was as if they'd stepped through time.
The Marauders, Longbottoms, Patils, Weasleys, Ollivander and Xenophilius were taking up most of the front two rows. They'd arrived early and secured seats for their entire brood. Fred had been jokingly flirting with Hermione from the seat behind her, and Molly had swatted his ear at least twice in the past twenty-five minutes.
Arthur was genially humming to himself as he flipped through the pamphlet that had been handed out as they arrived. The short timeline for the event was laid out, and the subsequent pages were moving bust pictures of the graduates. At the back was the list of students in their years that hadn't survived the war.
Hermione attempted to fan herself with her hand. A futile exercise that made her swelter more. With a huff she leant back in her chair and silently pleaded for the ceremony to start sooner rather than later.
Riley and Augusta were the only two that had had enough sense to wear wide-brimmed hats to help protect them from the bright sun. Alice was using her pamphlet to keep her and Frank cool, but her mouth was turned downwards.
One of Sirius's hands was laced intertwined with his wife's and resting on her tiny baby bump. It was a protective gesture. Riley had scolded Sirius multiple times already for growling at people who got too close to her that Padfoot did not deem as one of theirs.
When Riley shared the news with the others, they were over the moon. Sirius had engaged in vociferous song and dance and swung his wife around gleefully, before he knelt before her and burrowed his face into her stomach whilst embracing her carefully.
She'd managed to get a moving picture of his face moving from pleasantly curious to overwhelmed with joyous shock. True to her word, Hermione had framed it and put it in the Foyer. It was at the base of the grand staircase against the wall.
Alice, Sirius, and Riley had gone shopping for some baby essentials at the beginning of the week. Sirius had gone overboard, and they had been receiving large parcels filled with baby clothes and items since. Sometimes it required more than one owl to carry the bigger ones.
Presently, Draco appeared nonplussed by the heat, his eyes were closed, head tipped to the sky. "We complain when it's rainy and miserable, then we whinge that it's too bloody hot. No one is ever satisfied," Draco said earlier as he buttoned up his white shirt.
"I'm not complaining," Hermione said defensively.
"You've been whinging for ten minutes," Draco scoffed as he tucked his shirt into his royal purple coloured trousers.
"I have not."
Normally, Hermione wouldn't complain about the heat, she welcomed the sun with open arms, but she had been feeling strange all day. As if there was electricity humming beneath her skin.
To Hermione's left, Riley had engaged Garrick Ollivander in conversation about Pandora and Luna. Hermione was glad to see that the man had regained some weight after his harrowing experience during the war, but unfortunately, he didn't appear wholly comfortable around this many people. Riley was able to draw a few small smiles out of him.
After Pandora passed, Ollivander was still a constant in the Lovegoods' lives, and thus he had met Riley a few times before his memories returned, although she had used an alias. Luna was Garrick's flesh and blood, his precious granddaughter.
(Remus and Tonks were beside Hermione and Draco to their left, then followed by Sirius and Riley, then Garrick and Xenophilius.)
The Hogwarts students were gathered on the other side of the aisle, their black outer robes must be stifling in this heat. Mostly the student body was motionless, internally battling the urge to fidget.
Mercifully, the breeze picked up and blew across their perspiration-kissed skin. Sirius swore lowly in thanks, and Remus nudged his side with his elbow, meaningfully looking at Teddy sat in his Mother's lap. Thankfully, Teddy hadn't heard Padfoot.
I'm surprised he hasn't started yelling swear words in greeting, Hermione snorted. The Marauders weren't exactly careful not to swear in front of the young boy. Although, they made it clear that they were allowed to swear, but he would have to wait until he was older.
"Skeeter was sent to Azkaban the next day. They are in cahoots with the Minister!" A harsh whisper came from the back.
Hermione's heightened hearing allowed her to hear the comment clearly and she scoffed softly. There had been a flurry of rambunctious whispers when their brood arrived.
Hermione's attention was drawn forward as Minerva approached the podium. Her velvet robes are sage green and shimmering with a silvery sheen. Her long hair was loose, a few fine braids from her temples were tied back to keep it out of her face. Hermione had never seen the woman so publicly unrestrained.
"Welcome! I'm glad you were all able to carve time out of your schedules to be in attendance today. It's a momentous day for these young wix as they graduate and move onto the next stage of their lives. They have endured far more than previous years during their adolescence, and not all of their peers made it to this day." Minerva laced her fingers together and rested her hands on the podium in front of her, grief tugging down her brow. She cleared her throat and moved on.
"I would like you to join me in a moment of silence to honour those we've lost before we move onto the rest of the proceedings." Minerva bowed her head, eyes fluttering closed. The audience followed suit, and the silence was potent and lasted five slow heartbeats.
Hermione opened her eyes, and was greeted by the sight of Minerva with her wand raised to the sky. Molten silver butterflies flew from the glowing pink tip.
"A butterfly for every student and colleague we lost," Minerva explained as the rest of those gathered stared in wonder as the wind carried the butterflies away. Each one flapped its wings a few times before it dissipated in the air.
The remainder of the ceremony was more uplifting, the mood bordering on jovial. Especially as one of theirs went up on stage and the pack members and company burst into vociferous cheers, clapping until their hands stung.
Daphne was as graceful as a panther when it was her turn. Neville was bashfully confident as he towered over Minerva and shook her hand. Luna skipped across the stage, there were pale blue flowers braided through her long hair.
Theo made as little fuss as possible, gracing everyone with a rare, small smile. Pansy treated the stage like a runway.
Harry beamed as their group leapt from their seats and cheered him on, waving exuberantly. Ginny blew a kiss to the crowd. Ron sheepishly rubbed the back of his head and smiled.
Blaise Zabini was the final student to cross the stage, and like Pansy he treated it like a runway, and then like his own personal stage. He bowed several times, and winked at the onlookers. McGonagall rolled her eyes at his antics.
The official ceremony came to a close and the guests, students and Professors mingled with drinks and various finger foods in the pitch's vast open space.
Luna skipped over to the Marauders, dragging Ron's larger form behind her. Ron stumbled into Draco, and the shorter man braced against the impact and threw an arm around Ron to steady him. Ron went pink to the tips of his ears. "Sorry, mate."
"No worries, Ronald," Draco said, smiling at the ginger.
Luna tucked herself into Riley's side and smiled at her Father and Grandfather. "It's a shame that you weren't able to graduate with us," Luna addressed Draco and Hermione. "But it's good that you are able to be open about your relationship now."
Before either of them could respond, Luna spotted George in the distance. She politely excused herself and sprinted over to him, he swept her into his arms, swung her around in a circle and kissed her quickly. He held her to him with one arm, and he peeked down at the anklet she was wearing with blue glass butterflies hanging on it with a bright smile.
Garrick watched the interaction with polite interest, the corners of his lips turning upwards. He then made a comment to his son-in-law about how with their wands it made sense that their magic was compatible.
Blaise and Theo joined Ron and Draco, and the quartet engaged in light banter. Their other friends trickled over.
Remus had brought his camera, and he was proving himself worthy of being their resident photographer as he got pictures of everyone.
Hermione spotted another group closeby, and recognised a couple of them, so she nicked Remus's camera from his hands and strode over to them. "Hello, hope I'm not intruding."
Seamus Finnigan's face broke out into a broad smile, and he clapped Hermione on the shoulder. "Never, Hermione! Read Luna's article. Bloody brilliant 'twas. You and Draco went through a lot while you were gone."
"You could say that," Hermione replied.
"Wotcher, Mione," Dean said with a crooked smile, slinging an arm over his boyfriend's shoulders.
Seamus's Father was old-fashioned and had obstinately opposed the two boys dating at first. Seamus's Mother hadn't been as surprised or affronted by the concept since it wasn't as heinous an idea in the Wizarding world. It wasn't necessarily approved of either. Mainly because of the importance placed on blood lines and heirs.
With magical medical advancements over the years, it was possible to find a surrogate much like the Muggles did. Which Seamus explained after he told his Father to sod off if he had a problem with Dean. Because other than children, he shouldn't have any complaints.
"Plus we can bloody adopt as well, Pa."
Seamus's Father was a religious man, but upon discovering magic he had questioned his faith several times over. He'd settled for a happy balance that some things were inexplicable, and faith and magic could co-exist. After Seamus's gruff words, and his wife's stern scolding, he'd come around. Moira only wanted Seamus to be happy and healthy.
Dean's Mother was just glad that her son was happily in love, and that Seamus treated her son properly.
Hermione peered at Dean curiously, she'd meant to ask them to take a picture of their group, but a realisation dawned on her. Seamus and Dean's parents approached them, and Hermione glanced from Dean to his Mother.
The lady's complexion was a touch lighter than her son's, and she barely looked a day over twenty-five. Her hair fell in long, fine braids around her, the lower halves were blond.
"James Thomas was your Father," Hermione said softly. Dean's eyebrows rose. Hermione had figured it out years ago, but it hadn't sunk in until that moment.
Dean's Mother stiffened. Hermione met her gaze, stifling tears as she sent the woman a reassuring smile. Her grip on Remus's camera tightened.
"You knew James?" Dean's Mother asked quietly.
Hermione's expression turned wistful, her eyes misty. "He was a great man."
"I never…I never found out what happened to him. I thought he'd abandoned me for a long time, but it wasn't until Dean started Hogwarts, and he mentioned there was a war around the time he was born…I put things together."
"Are you sure you want to know?" Hermione asked reticently. Hermione was vaguely aware of Seamus's mother staring intently at her; as if Hermione was a ghost from the past and she was trying to place her.
"Please," the woman begged, the word so frail and desperate.
Hermione nodded, her tongue darting out to wet her lips before she spoke. She gulped in a breath. "The Prewett brothers and James were ambushed by Death Eaters, and despite their valiant efforts, they perished. I'm sorry."
All mirth had faded from Dean's face. "You knew my Dad, Hermione?"
"If you're okay with it, I can share some memories with you. You deserved to know him, he was a wonderful person. Him and Gideon were like our Fred and George," Hermione said. She reached out to squeeze Dean's upper arm.
"The pair of them were always making people laugh, and they looked after us. Treated us like their younger siblings."
"I—Please," Dean choked out. Seamus wrapped an arm around his waist and gazed up at his boyfriend in concern. The pair weren't big on public displays of affection, but they also weren't afraid to let others know they were together.
"You're Dorea Potter's daughter," Moira gasped sharply with wide eyes, a hand flew to her mouth. It was an abrupt interruption, one Hermione wasn't prepared for.
Hermione's brow knitted together. "Yes, I am. Did you know my Mum?" Hermione hadn't expected any of this when she wandered over for a picture. The only emotions she'd been aiming to experience today were positive ones.
"Ah—" Moira began, her face frightfully pale.
Fred made an appearance, bent at the middle until his chin rested on Hermione's right shoulder. "Hello there, pretty Potter." It was Fred's new way of greeting her. Hermione groaned softly.
"Yes, Frederick?"
"I've been sent to inform you that everyone is heading back to yours for an impromptu celebration."
Hermione's eyebrows rose. "Is that so?"
"It has been decreed by Lord Sirius Black," Fred declared in a snooty tone before he turned his head and pressed a kiss to her cheek. "So head over as soon as you finish up."
Fred glanced at Dean and Seamus. "You boys are welcome to come as well." Fred tugged on one of her curls and headed back to the others with a spring in his step.
Hermione sighed through her nostrils. She held the camera against her midsection. "Sorry about that. It seems I have to go. Apparently I am hosting a party." Hermione snorted gracelessly and shook her head.
Mipsy would be irritated at the sudden influx of guests into their home, but also eager to accommodate them all. She'd missed having a lively house for two decades, so as much as she grumbled, she was secretly thrilled.
I'll have to apologise and help them prepare some snacks and cocktails, Hermione mused.
"Like Fred said, you boys are welcome to join us if you wish," Hermione said. Hermione bid the group farewell and pivoted to leave when Moira let out a desperate cry.
"Wait!" Moira cried out. Hermione faced the witch with raised brows.
Moira wrung her hands together and averted her watery eyes. From what Hermione had heard from Seamus over the years, this was out-of-character for the witch. "It's my fault she died."
"What?" Hermione asked with wide eyes. Moira hadn't been involved in the incident in the slightest. Not from the reports, or the accounts she'd just heard. "Explain," Hermione demanded coldly, her hazel eyes burned with specks of black frost.
"I was crying in Florean's worried about my future, and she stayed to comfort me…if—if I hadn't delayed her, then she wouldn't have…" Moira faltered as tears streamed down her face.
All the tension fled from Hermione's body, and her expression melted into poignant concern. "It wasn't your fault, Moira."
It sounded exactly like something Dorea would do. Hermione let out a breathy laugh, and Moira looked up at her in alarm, her brown eyes widened.
"Thank you for letting me know that. It was just like Mum to help people in need," Hermione smiled. "Don't blame yourself for her passing, I certainly don't."
Hermione liked to think that the whiff of daffodils against her nostrils was her Mother expressing her approval.
"Listen up, swine! Neville is mine, and I am going to marry him one day!" Pansy declared boisterously. She was standing on one of the couches, her cheeks pink, eyes half-lidded. She'd slurred the words as she swayed.
Pansy Parkinson was drunk. She'd downed a bottle of Firewhisky on her own to end up in this state.
Hermione choked on a laugh as Alice bemusedly watched her potential daughter-in-law daintily step off the couch, and take a swig from her butterbeer. She announced a moment later that she was going to take a nap, and Neville should join her since his cuddles were the best.
"I like her," Alice said with a crooked smile.
"Me too, and good thing because it seems like we're stuck with her," Hermione replied, head tilting to the side as she watched Neville affectionately cradle Pansy's face. His eyes were soft and brimming with unspoken tenderness.
Blaise was snickering into Terry's shoulder. Their eyes were glazed over as they passed a bottle of Elf wine back and forth. Terry had blond hair, dark brown eyes, and lightly golden skin, he was several inches shorter than Blaise. Blaise's cavalier mask slipped in Terry's presence, his expression open and vulnerable; he was enamoured with the shorter boy.
Ginny grabbed Hermione and Theo's hands. "Let's go swimming!' Ginny declared vociferously. Answering cheers around the sun room followed. However, the ginger didn't wait for the others to shift from their comfortable positions.
The blanket of night had fallen. The stars were shining radiantly. Ginny dragged her friend and partner behind her through the Manor. Theo rolled his eyes at Ginny's antics, but he wasn't fighting her.
"Perfect night for a swim," Hermione hummed as they strode out onto the back porch. She drank in the warm summer night air.
Ginny made a noise of assent and deftly pulled her black floor-length dress up and over her head. She neatly laid it over the nearest piece of furniture. She was left in black, sheer lingerie that didn't leave much to the imagination; black daisies covered her nipples.
Theo groaned softly and shook his head. "You don't want to let Potter lend you one of her swim costumes?"
"It'll cover about the same amount," Hermione laughed.
"I would lend her one of mine, but they are even more risque," Draco drawled in apology as he appeared. The rest of their company wasn't far behind.
Hermione reached up to squeeze his upper arm. "Race you," Hermione challenged before she darted to her left.
Hermione leapt down the short staircase, and hit the grass running. Her legs pumped, her eyes were bright and she wrenched her dress over her head as she sprinted towards the pool; it flapped and fluttered in the wind as she released it and landed several feet behind her. The others were close on her heels.
Draco caught up to her in seconds and hauled her onto his shoulder. Hermione let out a sharp gasp as his warm flesh met hers, and she slightly pounded on his back.
A moment later the world was spinning and she was flying through the air. She landed in the pool with a sizable splash. Hermione opened her eyes underwater, and saw pillars of bubbles as the others jumped in around her.
Draco swam toward her and she playfully aimed a kick at his head. She missed on purpose. He caught her leg and pulled her to him. He dragged them up above the water.
Hermione wrapped her legs around his waist instinctively, and threaded her hands through his dark wet hair.
"Hi Princess," Draco grinned, capturing her lips in a swift kiss. Hermione smirked against his lips.
"Hi gorgeous," Hermione responded. She dropped a kiss to the tip of his nose. Water droplets clung to his eyelashes. Draco nuzzled the side of her face.
Hermione released her hold on him, and leant back. She stretched her arms on either side of her, her back half submerged as she floated on the water's surface. Her legs secured around Draco, his hands gripping her hips.
Hermione stared up at the inky sky, speckled with stars, and serenity washed over her. With the Hogwarts students graduating an era was reaching its apt conclusion, however a new one was being heralded in.