Chapter 9 – May

We had two weeks! Two weeks to assemble, order and relearn seven years of work before the tedium of the tests began. I kept telling myself only two more weeks, then the tests, then… what?

I realized that I hadn't made any sort of decision as to what I wanted to do. I had considered entering the Auror Department. The more I thought about that, however, the more I decided that I had had enough of fighting. Other offers were owled to me almost on a daily basis. A publishing company wanted me to write my memoirs. I shuddered just at the thought of that. The Minister of Magic and sent me a letter suggesting that I go into politics. That letter I threw away without a second thought.

The company that made the Firebolts wanted me to be a permanent spokesperson for them in the advertising department. Dealing with the press on a daily basis? Uh, no!

St. Mungo's even sent pamphlets about becoming a Healer. I actually considered that one but decided that I didn't want to be put in a position where people were coming to me because I am 'Harry Potter'. Then when, inevitably, something would go wrong, Harry Potter would be trashed in the papers again, the hospital would be sued… again, I shuddered.

The only thing that really made sense was to do what I loved. I had had a taste of teaching in fifth year and was very proud of my accomplishments. I decided to visit Professor Dumbledore and discuss the situation with him. He had offered a position earlier in the year and I was interested enough to talk to him about it.

So it was, that the Saturday before NEWTs began, found me in the Headmaster's office. I had made an appointment with him for directly after breakfast and we talked about my options until just before lunch. When I left the office, I left with a signed teaching contract. I would be teaching Defense Against the Dark Arts at the start of the new term in September. I also had an agreement with Professor Dumbledore that on Sunday morning, he would accompany me to Diagon Ally. I had some very important business to take care of and I needed to get to my Gringotts account to do it.

After breakfast Sunday morning, I excused myself from everyone mumbling something about detention with Snape and made my way to the familiar gargoyle that stood sentinel at the Headmaster's door. He was actually waiting for me and we left immediately for Diagon Ally and Gringotts.

The day was spent in a flower shop, purchasing everlasting roses. In a candy shop getting the best chocolates money could buy… along with one chocolate frog. And finally a jeweler's shop buying an engagement ring. The minute NEWTs were over, she and I were going to have a long, romantic evening.

The tests were grueling. There is no other word that applies. The written tests covered things that I was sure had never been taught. Hermione was so stressed out that she walked around with this crazed look in her eyes, three or four quills sticking in her hair and a scowl on her face when someone would dare to make a noise that she didn't deem as absolutely necessary. I felt sorry for Ron.

Ginny and Draco had the perfect solution. Since Ginny wasn't taking NEWTs, she drilled Draco on all his subjects and gave him a kiss for every question he got right. Of course, I suspect she gave him a kiss for every question he got wrong as well.

I, however, took a different approach. I had studied my heart out in the weeks leading up to the tests. I decided that there wasn't anymore that I was going to learn, so when the tests started, the books stayed closed. Luckily, Roberta agreed with my approach and we spent a good amount of time sitting on the grounds or walking around the lake talking about the future.

She was very excited that I had accepted the teaching position. "I didn't want you out chasing nasty wizards anyway, Harry."

I just chuckled and squeezed her tighter.

Then, miraculously, it was over. The last spell had been cast and the final 'I' dotted. There was a collective sigh of relief and the noise level rose to previously unheard of decibels.

Word got out that Dumbledore had planned an end of term party for the fifth, sixth and seventh years for the following night. The anticipation of that event had people buzzing.

But tonight, I had plans.

I caught up with Bob in the corridor. "I'm picking you up at your dorm in one half hour. Wear your best robes. We're going to Paris."

She stopped and stared at me in shock. "Paris?"

"Yep, Paris."

"As in France?"

I laughed. "Do you know any other?"

She studied me for a long moment then grinned. "I assume we are sneaking out?"

"Nope, we have permission."

She pulled back a bit and looked at me. "Really? That's not like you."

I looked at my watch. "Twenty-Seven minutes. You're wasting time, Bob."

She laughed. "OK, OK, I'm going. See you in a bit."

I made a bee-line to Gryffindor Tower and changed into my dress robes.

When I made my appearance in the common room, I was greeted with wolf whistles and teasing remarks. I had the gifts I bought shrunk down and in my pocket. With a quick look at my watch I looked at my mates. "Gotta go. See you later."

I went to Slytherin dorms and Pansy greeted me with a frown. "You don't give a girl much time, Potter."

"Why, is she upset?"

"No. But she should be."

Draco took one look at me and his eyes grew wide. "So, this is it, hmm?"

I didn't look at him because Bob had just come up the steps. I ground through my teeth. "Loose lips, Malfoy." Then I stepped forward and took her hand and kissed it.

"My, my, my, Harry. You do clean up well. So, where are we going in Paris?"

"We are having dinner on the Eiffel Tower."

Her eyes grew wide. "So, what's the special occasion?"

"You."

"You know, daddy will probably be upset."

But I shook my head. "Not an issue. Professor Dumbledore talked to him. Are you ready?"

She took my arm and we headed out of the dorm toward the front doors. I had a white carriage waiting being pulled by a Hippogryff. I wanted a unicorn, but Hagrid couldn't arrange it.

We traveled the road to Hogsmeade where we walked to the stone bridge. I put an arm around her and kissed her cheek. "It's going to take two Apparitions to get there. Would you care to side along?"

She nodded and leaned into me.

The first Apparition took us to the Leaky Cauldron, in London. The second took us to wizarding Paris where I had another carriage waiting to take us around the park before going up for dinner.

I reached under the seat and pulled out a bottle of chilled Dom Perignon and poured a glass for both of us.

She looked at me and smile. "What on earth did I do to deserve all this?"

"I just want you to know that you are the most important person in the world to me. You deserve to be wined and dined."

I took the flowers out of my pocket and resized them. "These are for you. However, they can't hold a candle to your beauty."

She blushed a bit and smiled as she opened the box. "Oh, Harry, they are absolutely beautiful." She buried her face in the blooms and smiled again. "Beautiful."

Then she looked at me. "You've been a very good boy, Harry Potter."

I grinned. "Well, these go with the flowers." I handed her the resized chocolates. She laughed at the single chocolate frog. "I think I'll save these for later."

We rode around the park then the driver pulled up to the entrance. We rode the elevator to the top and stepped out into the restaurant. They had our table next to the windows waiting for us. She caught her breath as she looked out over the city. The lights were just coming up and the reflection was dancing on the water below.

When we were seated, suddenly I got nervous. I don't know why, but I did.

When the waiter came to the table I ordered. It wasn't the flawless French that Lud and Draco had used when we had been to Paris before, but it was painstakingly precise. Dumbledore had walked me through it many times and finally deemed me… adequate.

The waiter smiled, nodded and left again.

Then I looked at her. "Did I get it right? I hope I didn't order squid or some such."

She giggled and squeezed my hand. "No, you were perfect. So, Harry, what's going on?"

"A celebration. We made it to the end of seventh year, still relatively in one piece. NEWTs are done and, for good or for bad, it's out of our hands. It's time to sit back and relax." Then I shrugged. "At least until classes start in September."

She smiled again. "I'm jealous. You have your life all planned out. Me, I have yet to decide what I want to do."

I remember smiling at her then looking down at the table for a moment. "Bob, I think I have an idea about that as well."

"Oh, yeah, well, let's hear it then."

I stood up and went to her side of the table and got down on one knee. "Bob, I love you more than my own life. We just fit together so well that I can't imagine trying to do anything without you by my side. I can't promise you perfection, but I can promise love and all that goes with it. Bob, will you do me the extreme honor of marrying me?"

I took her by surprise, and my question brought tears to her eyes. I had to strain to hear her, but hear her I did. "Of course I'll marry you, Harry."

I slipped the ring on her finger and stood. Bob jumped up then threw her arms around me and kissed me. "Harry, I love you so much."

We were interrupted by applause. We both blushed a bit and looked around. I was shocked. A good number of our friends and families were there. Ron, Hermione, Draco, Ginny, Mr. and Mrs. Weasley, Lud, Lucius, Dumbledore and McGonagall.

"Did you know about this, Harry?"

I shook my head. "Not in the slightest."

She ran over to her father and hugged him. That was the cue for all of them to surround us.

I looked at Dumbledore. "What are you all doing here, sir?"

He leaned over to me and whispered, "That was the only way I could get Ludwig to agree to let Roberta come."

After a bit, everyone returned to their meals, leaving Bob and me to feel the weight of all those eyes on us. "So much for a romantic dinner."

She giggled. "Harry, it's perfect! You're perfect. When do you want to do this?"

I grinned. "Anxious?"

"Absolutely! If you think I'm letting you go back to Hogwarts with all those sixth and seventh years all trying to catch your eye, you've got another think coming."

I kissed her fingers. "They can try, but they don't have a snowballs chance in hell of succeeding. But, I would like to return with a wife on my arm."

"Maybe Madam Hooch would need an assistant."

"Well, if she does, I can't think of a better flight instructor than you. We'll talk to Dumbledore when we return."

She giggled. "Why not talk to him now. He's just over there."

"No. This is our time. They've encroached on it enough as it is."

We finished our dinner and Lud came up. "It's late, you two. Do you want to stay at the house or go back to the school?"

Bob and I looked at each other, then at her father. "School!"

He grinned. "Why do I get the feeling that I've over-stayed my welcome?"

Bob hugged him. "Not at all, Daddy. Professor Dumbledore has planned an end of year party that promises to be the best ever. Can't miss that." She wiggled her hand in front of him. "Besides, I can't wait to show my friends."

"Very well, you two. Off with you then."

I looked at her. "Well, shall we?"

She took my arm and we waved to everybody as we left. Within fifteen minutes, we were back in the waiting carriage and heading to the school.

And what a return it was. Somehow, word had leaked out and we were inundated with well wishes and teasing remarks, and a few suggestive remarks here and there as well.