Title: The Point Of All Emotions
Author: ThePhantomsRedRose
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter or the Phantom of the Opera.
Summary: AU, 7thYear. The war looms in everyone's thoughts. To take their mind away they begin work on a Musical. Strong partnerships are established, but are they strong enough to win the war?
Authors Note: I really hope that you will like this, wow. I just wrote three graduation speeches! Please take the time to read and review. Constructive criticism is always welcome. Sorry It's short…but the next chapter is the weddng.

Hermione pulled on her red gown and cap, carefully placing the fringe on the proper side. It was a 26 degree Celsius day (80 degrees F) with no humidity. The sun shone over the lake. Her hair was curled under her cap. She heard a knock at her door and opened it to find Severus in a suit. He kissed her and handed her a bouquet of roses.

"Are you even supposed to see me now? After all, it is our wedding day," Hermione said as he began kissing her again.

"Did you think, as head of Slytherin House, that I would be allowed to skip graduation. I knew I would see you there, so I figured that I didn't really have to wait," He explained.

"Okay well, I have to go backstage, and you have to go in the audience. Get you gone you knight!" Hermione said laughing. She stepped out to the auditorium and lined up with the rest of her class.

As head girl Hermione had to deliver a speech, "We come to this school, unaware of what it does to us. For the muggleborns like myself, we dream of the new magical powers we will receive. It is not the magical powers that are most important. It is the power of love that molds who we are here. I have a loving set of friends and family here, I don't know what I would have done without them. In my first year, I faced most of my problems alone, but when Harry and Ron become your friends, you have even more problems," She paused for everyone to laugh. "That does not matter to me, for they have given their love, which I cherish more than I think even they know. This school is only the beginning of our lives. This is where we have learned the rudiments needed to survive in our world and we will continue to learn when we leave these walls today. I know that a quarter of our graduating class is missing. The Slytherins of our year were death eaters, and their peers killed them. This does not mean that we shouldn't respect their death, on the contrary. They never had a life of love. This will be the last graduating class that is separated by house. This war has shown us just how deeply house grudges lie. It will take time to heal those wounds," She paused again. Took a sip of water and started again. "Leo Adler was a fine young man. I knew him personally quite well. I found this in my dressing room the night after he died," She paused as she unfurled the scroll.

"Hogwarts, if this is being read at graduation, it means that I am dead and that Hermione Granger is alive. I had this speech prewritten and I have added this part in the last few moments before battle. Hogwarts in it's self is a very accepting school. We have all races, religions, and creeds, among other things. It is the house system that is hurting us. Hogwarts provides us with the opportunity to learn such things as magic and new to this year, vocal placement. Hogwarts is a place to grow, away from our families and experience new things, and no, I am not talking about the hangovers after a Quidditch match," Hermione pause waiting for the chuckles from the audience and students. "My greatest advise is that in a world that is changing, keep your classmates close, you never know when you may need them," Hermione finished reading Leo's note with tears running down her face.

"Now as Mistress of Magic I have a few words for you. As an adult society, we would like to welcome you into our world and our jobs. You are now equal to all other wizards in Britain. I hope after the deaths you have seen that all of you remain on the side of the light. As my classmates, I hope you will never only see me as Mistress of Magic, but also as your friend. If you ever need me, I promise I will make time for you. Congratulations Graduating Class of Hogwarts!" Hermione said as she stepped back to join her classmates. The diplomas were handed out to the students and as Hermione's name was called she moved her tassel and proceeded to the other side of the stage. Harry was called next and he was greeted to a storm of applause. Ron was last to join the trio to share in a group hug. They were now graduates of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, the greatest school in the world.

Hermione's parents sat in the front row beaming at their daughter. Next to them, was a whole new Severus. His skin was darker and not greasy. His hair was tied back and the grease was no longer inhabiting it. He smiled at her and stood up. She Ran off the stage and he caught her in his strong arms. He twirled her around in the air then kissed her. The audience from graduation began to clap. "I would like to invite you to our wedding which will take place two hours from now. During that time, a banquet will be served. I hope to see you all there," Hermione said.