The formal, along with all other fun and games were over. Exam time was in full swing…and so was stress. The end of term was quickly approaching and honestly, it had snuck up on all of them. It was a cool, rainy April night and Ginny and Hermione had settled into the library for a night of studying after a nice dinner with all of their friends. Books and parchment were spread across the table.

"Blimey, Hermione. I really can't believe that our time at Hogwarts is almost over. It seems as if we just got here…or that we aren't ready to leave. I still feel like that little eleven year old sometimes. Even though it feels like a whole other life time could be fir into the last seven to eight years."

Hermione smiled lightly. "I know what you mean, Gin. I'm so lucky to have been able to return this past year. I wouldn't have wanted it any other way. I'm excited for what the future is going to bring, but honestly I'm a bit scared too. I mean I've worked my whole career for this but now that it's actually happening quite soon….I don't know. We should be excited for the future though. We have our whole lives to live ahead of us and I know we can accomplish great things." She said while smiling and rubbing Ginny's shoulder.

"Ugh…we had so much future talk over dinner, I don't know if I can even hear that word again." She chuckled.

Earlier that night, at dinner:

"So, Nev, you and Hannah huh? Getting pretty serious, eh?" Seamus said, smirking. He motioned over to the Hufflepuff table in Hannah's direction. Neville's ears turned a slight shade of pink.

"Yeah, yeah. Come off it."

They all had a laugh.

"In all seriousness though Neville, have you thought about you and Hannah? You know, after graduation?" Ginny asked, taking a bite of her fish and potatoes

"Yeah… I have." He said quietly, while leaning in closer. "I haven't told her yet but Professor McGonagall, has offered me an apprenticeship with Professor Sprout to eventually take over teaching Herbology if I want it." He smiled. Everyone at the table gasped excitedly and congratulated him.

"Neville that's brilliant, mate!" Dean told him with a pat on the back.

"We really are proud!" Hermione was grinning ear to ear.

"Thanks you guys. I'm really happy about it. Hannah isn't exactly sure what she wants to do yet…but we have both come to realize that we want to spend the rest of our lives together. I mean, we're not talking marriage or anything any time soon but, we are going to keep that in mind when making future career plans."

"So happy for you, Neville!" Ginny added.

"It means a lot." He grinned.

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Dean and Seamus decided to take a walk out by the black lake after dinner. Hand in hand they swayed back and forth on the shore.

"That was some heavy dinner conversation, eh?" Seamus said, skipping a stone.

"Yeah, it's crazy that we'll finally be graduating soon. I'm not sure how to feel.

They stop and take a seat on a large boulder overlooking the lake just taking in the cool night air. Dean leans on Seamus' shoulder. They sit in silence for a few minutes until Seamus speaks up.

"Hey…is something bothering you? You've been quiet."

Dean exhales softly and looks up to Seamus.

"To be honest…I'm just really nervous. With all of this talk of graduation I keep feeling more and more as if I'm not ready. School is all I've ever known. Not to mention the career I want to go into isn't even promising. Art is a joke to most. What if I don't make it, Shay? What if-"

"Hey! Dean, breathe!" He held Dean's face in his hands. "Listen to me, okay? You don't need to worry. Once you graduate you'll do just fine. You'll be the most successful artist this wizarding world has ever known. Plus, school isn't all you've ever known. Don't you remember last year when you were on the run? You fought for your life while saving others as well. And what's more…think of all we've gotten through this year together. You can do anything, Dean. And once we start our lives together-"Seamus turned red. "Ahem…I mean once you start your life-"

"Seamus…did you just say, our lives together?"

"I…I did….I mean, if you would…want to…you know, have a life…together. I shouldn't have said that should I? I'm sorry. Over stepping boundaries."

"No, no. Stop talking you crazy Irishman!" Dean laughed. "Of course I do, I couldn't imagine you not in my life!" They both grinned. Joy filled their hearts."

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Back in the library

"It sure has been an interesting night, that's for sure." Ginny huffed, continuing to read from her text book.

"Speak of the devil" Hermione said smiling, when she noticed Luna approaching their table.

"Ginny, Hermione! Lovely to see you!"

"Nice to see you too!" They both replied happily.

"I'm sorry I haven't seen much of you all in the past couple of weeks. I've been so busy. I've got some exciting news though! I will be heading on an exploration after graduation to search for new species of magical plants and creatures! There is a group of young adults like us going from all over and I just got an owl about it today. It's a three month trip…I'm most excited for it and just wanted to let you know seeing as how you are two of my best friends!" She smiled brightly, so proud.

Hermione and Ginny were very excited for Luna. They hugged and congratulated her before she had to go and do other things. Then, they were alone again.

"Here comes the stress and anxiety of post -graduation plans again." Ginny dropped her head on the table."

"You're right. It seems all we're focusing on is our careers now. I mean, that's what we should be focusing on but still…I just wish we could have one last bit of fun. One good thing that comes from graduation though is seeing Ron and Harry. It's been so long." She sighed deeply.

With this, Ginny's head shot up. "Hermione…it's Thursday, right?"

Hermione looked at her in confusion. "Um…yes. It's Thursday. Why?"

"And neither of us have class tomorrow, right?"

"What are you getting at, Ginevra?" She eyed her suspiciously.

"You want to have one last bit of fun? Up for a night of travelling?"

"Pardon?"