AN: As requested, here is the epilogue. I hope you guys like it.
I walked to the Great Hall early Saturday morning. I was the last day we would be at school until next year. I couldn't believe we only had one year left at Hogwarts! As I entered the hall, I walked over and said hi to Scorpius. I couldn't believe all that had happened this year. At the beginning of term, I hated his guts and now we not only got along but we were actually together, and most likely would be for a long time. If someone had told me at the beginning of the year that by winter holidays I would be dating Scorpius Malfoy, I would have said they were bloody fucking crazy. Now however, I can't remember ever being happier.
Our relationship caused quite a stir when we publicized it when we came back from winter holidays. We got through the worst part, telling my family and with a lot of work they eventually all warmed up to Scorpius. But everyone else at Hogwarts was completely taken by surprise when we walked into school holding hands. It was completely unexpected. I guess we kept up the hating each other façade pretty well. Though some people were more obnoxious than others, with the entire Potter-Weasley clan backing us up there weren't really any problems. Though having a large family can be annoying, it can also be really helpful when you need someone to back you up.
I sat down next to my boyfriend and pulled a plate toward me. Though the houses still had separate tables, it was a common sight to find me at the Slytherin table. Lots of people ignored the house tables and only sat with their houses during feasts.
"So Scor, what do you plan on doing this summer?"
"Well, I'm going to do a summer internship in the auror program. Even though I'm not out of school yet, I'm turning 17 before the program starts and since it's only during summer they said I could do it. Even if your family approves of me now, there's still lots of people who don't. My father tried to help people and clear our name by becoming a Healer, and I want to do the same and become an auror. Maybe then people will stop judging me on my last name and instead on my character. I know that there are always going to be people who will judge, but if I can lessen the numbers in any way then I will." I always knew that he wanted to service the community, but I didn't think he'd be working for my dad and uncle.
"And just when I thought my dad couldn't like you any more. You saved my life, you support the Chudley Cannons, and now you're going to work for him. You really are totally awesome."
"Well of course I am. I have to be, otherwise how could I have competed with you all these years."
I laughed. "Were you complimenting yourself or me?"
"I don't really know. Maybe both?" We both laughed at that. I forked some eggs into my mouth and chewed contentedly. "What about you?"
"Well, I don't know yet. I mean, I really don't know what I want to do once I leave school. I was thinking about doing something in magical law like magical law like my mum, or maybe being a reporter like Aunt Ginny. I'd really like to do something original, something that no one else in my family has done, but with so many family members that's nearly impossible. So I'm just going to work for my Uncle George for the summer and earn a little extra money to put towards whatever I want to do."
"If you look hard enough, there's bound to be something."
"Yeah? I doubt it." We laughed.
"Well, whatever you do, I know you'll be great at it."
"Thanks," I leaned against him, and he wrapped his arm tightly around me. "And I know you'll be a brilliant auror."
"You think so?"
"Yep. YOU were the one that found me when Scabior kidnapped me," He flinched and I squeezed his hand. "YOU wrested him down and bound him while everyone else just worried about me. You've already proven yourself. Hell, you were more useful in that mission that the two professionals."
"I was, wasn't I? I guess I'm just awesome that way." I smacked his chest lightly and he kissed my head.
I looked up and saw Paula and Mina walking over with Lorcan and Lysander.
"Hey Rose!" Paula plopped down next to me and pulled Lorcan with her, and Mina and Lysander sat across from us. "So, what have you guys been up to?" Mina asked.
"We were just talking about what we're going to do this summer. You know, next year is the last year of school and we need to get ready for the future. Scorp's doing an internship at the auror academy. I don't really know what I want to do yet, but I hope I can figure it out soon, and I'm going to work in my uncle's shop for some extra gold. What are you guys planning on doing?"
Paula rolled her eyes. "Rose, we're not done with school yet. You don't need to be so worried about that now. We've got another whole year of school to get all that future stuff sorted out, now I just want to relax. I'm going to spend the summer just hanging out, swimming, tanning, sneaking off with Lorcan, you know. Making the most of the last bit of teenage freedom I have before I leave school and my family kicks me out. Plus I'm of age now, so I can get away with a lot more."
"Okay, but don't come crying to me when you're unemployed and your parents won't let you come back home. I won't let you live with me."
"Yes you will." She smirked at me.
"Okay maybe I would, but you'll have to leave when Scorpius comes over."
He looked at me. "Why? I don't mind your friends." Paula and I burst out laughing while Scorpius and Mina watched us with identical masks of confusion on their faces.
"What's so funny?" Mina asked.
Paula calmed down enough to whisper in Mina's ear, and Mina immediately said "EWW!" and got a disgusted face.
"So Mina, what are you going to do?"
"I don't know. I just want to have fun, but I also want to be prepared for after school. I'm trying to find a part-time job so that I can get some money saved up. I'm probably going to meet up with Paula a lot, too. And of course I want to spend time with Lysander."
"Hey, maybe all of us could go on triple dates!" Paula offered.
I noticed the guys looked a little uncomfortable. "Maybe a couple, but I think it would be a bit awkward with all of us on a date together. Maybe we could just get together as a group to hang out casually. And we can save the actual dates for one on one, you know?" I felt Scorpius relax, and Lorcan and Lysander shot me grateful looks.
"Fine" Paula faked a disappointed expression, but I knew she was fine with it. The six of us talked for a long time, and then I realized the hall was nearly empty. I was hoping to get in some alone time with Scorpius before we had to get packed to go home.
"Hey guys, Scorpius and I have to go. We have some last minute things to talk to Professor McGonagall about."
"Aww, okay. See you guys later," Paula replied and Mina waved.
I took my boyfriend's hand and we walked out of the hall and to the tree by the lake. We sat down and I leaned against his chest. He put his arm over my shoulders and we just sat there in silence watching the lake. We didn't really do or say much, just enjoyed being together. Eventually the sun began to set and I reluctantly got up, stretching.
"I guess we should go pack," I said sadly.
"I'm already done."
"Well of course you are. But I still have to throw all my stuff in a trunk."
"Okay, I'll walk you to the tower."
He took my hand and we began walking. We talked about any little thing that came to mind,and soon we arrived at Gryffindor tower. I kiss Scorpius goodbye and once he left, I turned to the fat lady and told her the password. The frame swung open and I stepped inside, and went up to my dormitory. Paula and Mina were waiting for me.
"So, what did you guys do all day?" Paula asked, waggling her eyebrows suggestively.
"Ew, nothing like that. We just sat out by the tree watching the lake. We saw the giant squid a couple times."
"Aww, that's so romantic. Except for the squid part." We laughed and I began throwing my stuff in my trunk. I noticed that the rest of the dorm was clean and all my stuff was piled neatly on my bed.
"Hey, did you guys do this for me?"
"Yeah, we figured you'd be back late so we helped you out. Also I didn't want you to accidentally pack my bra with your stuff because of your mad dash to pack again."
"Trust me, that only happens once."
"With you, you never know."
I finished packing and we went down to the feast. McGonagall gave her end of the year speech, the food was exceptionally good, and then we all went up to bed so that we could get up early to catch the train back to Kings Cross. It was time for my infamous end of term speech. I had made a tradition of doing this every year since I kne2 it annoyed my dorm mates so much. I stood up and faced the room. I cleared my throat.
All eyes turned to me, and there was a collective groan around the room.
"Really, Rose?"
"Please, not this again."
"Everyone shut up. I'm gonna do this whether you like it or not." I stared at them hard and coughed again. "Well guys, it's been a good year. I mean, yeah, I was kidnapped and tortured over winter break. But I've recovered, and so many good things have come out of that. Even the most close-minded of people can form new opinions, and I'd say a lot of people changed their opinions of other people."
"I'll say, Miss I'll-Never-Date-A-Malfoy-If-We're-The-Last-Two-People-On-Earth," said Alice Longbottom.
"Thanks you Alice. Yes, I was including my opinion of Scorpius in that. But I was also talking about any other changed opinions. Like how I used to think Ernie McLaggen was annoying but tolerable, and now I think he's a possessive jerk who really needs a life." I heard a few chuckles at that. "But my point is that over time people can change their minds, opinions aren't concrete, and first impressions can be misleading. I learned this lesson this year, along with (hopefully) my father and cousins. This year has been good in that I've learned a lot, and I've managed to get rid of a lot of my family's prejudice. I accomplished a lot this year, and I think everyone else should be proud of themselves, because so did all of you."
"Oh, yay. The speech is done, now can we get off the topic of how great your life is? Not everyone ended up with perfect marks, a supermegafoxyawesomehot boyfriend, and less family drama this year. Some of us aren't as lucky as you," Chastity Brown muttered through clenched teeth. I could see what she was getting at. In her eyes, I had stolen her "boyfriend", she had been getting nearly straight A's since winter holidays, and her mother had just had another nasty breakup with boyfriend number… I don't even know. But just because I understood her problems didn't mean I had to like her, or be sympathetic. This girl was a total bitch, I didn't care what her excuses were.
"Sorry Chastity, but I don't really care how much your life sucks. You've always been a pain in the arse, and frankly I think you deserve whatever shit you're going through right now. Maybe you'll learn from it. That was the point of my speech, you know. Not that my life is great, but that you can learn from your experiences in a way that can make a lot of your problems easier to work out. Pretty sure everyone else had enough brain cells to figure that out." Merlin that felt good. Chastity stared at me, speechless. I had never insulted her so directly before, usually it was just a snide comment here and there to shut her up long enough for me to escape. "Now if you will excuse me, I'm going to bed, before you manage to make me miss the train and possibly get detention before next year even begins." I yanked my curtains closed and lay in bed. Everyone else decided bed was a good idea as well, and the light was soon out. I fell asleep, dreaming of summer. No schoolwork, no secrets, and my grandma's cooking. In other words, heaven.
The next morning, we were all aboard the Hogwarts Express, heading home for the holidays. Paula, Mina, Lorcan, Lysander, Scorpius and I all sat together in a compartment. We talked about the past year, and the previous ones. Occasionally a cousin of mine would stop by, but they never stayed long. Suddenly the door to our compartment opened, but it was not one of my cousins. The Head Boy and Girl of last year entered our compartment and turned to face Scorpius and me.
"Excuse our intrusion, but we would like to speak to Rose Weasley and Scorpius Malfoy in private," the Head Boy said haughtily.
"Uh, sure ok," I replied and I stood up, pulling Scorpius with me.
We walked out of the compartment and the Heads led us down the length of the train until we found a very small, empty space, probably the smallest compartment on the train. Once we were all inside, the Head Girl closed the door and they both turned to face us. The head Boy began to speak.
"As you know, we have been Heads this year, but we will not be around next year. As such it is our job, along with the Headmistress and Heads of House, to pass on our titles to the two students who we think will benefit the school in the most progressive way. We have discussed this and have come to the conclusion that you two will be the best students for the job. You will have a private Heads common room, and private bedrooms. However, this is a privilege that comes with the title and can be revoked if necessary, though if I may say it is very useful for late night work. You will have to work with the Headmistress to plan events and other such things. This takes a lot of responsibility, and we think you will be able to handle it very well. Normally the Heads do not know of their position until the letters arrive, but the Headmistress told us we might as well enlighten you. Congratulations, you will be next year's Heads." I couldn't believe it. Me? Head Girl? It was all I worked for my entire Hogwarts career, but I didn't think it would actually happen! This was so much to take in! I glanced at scorpius, and he had a shocked expression that I knew must have mirrored mine.
"Your badges will arrive in the mail later in the summer, along with a letter explaining the details of your duties," the Head Girl told us. The Ex-Heads then walked merrily out of the compartment, leaving Scorp and I to sit and think over everything.
"Scorpius, did you think this was going to happen?"
"No. Honestly when they came in I thought we were going to be chewed out."
"For what?"
"No idea. But Head Boy! This is amazing! I guess our competitions paid off."
I laughed. "Yeah, I guess so."
We walked back to our compartment and told everyone the news. The Scamanders clapped Scorpius on the back and I was met with excited squeals from Paula and Mina. We couldn't stop talking all the way to King's Cross, and when the train pulled to a stop, we were all surprised. That felt like the shortest train ride we've ever had. Scorpius helped me with my trunk and we set off onto the platform. I saw my cousins congregating around my huge family, but I stayed with Scorpius and my friends. Paula and Mina soon spotted their parents, and I hugged them before letting them go and promising we'd get together over the summer. Scorpius and I started toward my family, and the Scamander twins caught up with us since my mum and Aunt Ginny were talking to Aunt Luna (one of the few who isn't actually an aunt, but she's like family). As we got closer we could hear some of their conversation.
"… and when I got closer to the animal, I suspect it was a Crumple-Horned Snorkack, I noticed it was swatting at its head, probably trying to get rid of the wrackspurts, poor thing…" I had to work hard not to roll my eyes. Aunt Luna's really nice and everything, but she's a wacko.
My mum spotted me and ran over to give me a hug, and then she hugged Scorpius. Lorcan and Lysander went to their mum to discuss typical nargle activity or something. Scorpius spotted his father, so we walked over and stepped behind a pillar to say our goodbyes. I put my hands on his shoulders and leaned up to kiss him. He wrapped his arms around my waist and responded wholeheartedly. We stayed like that for a long time. Finally, we broke apart.
"Well, I guess you should go," I said, though I really didn't want him to.
"Hey, it's not like it's forever. And we'll be able to get together over the summer probably, since our families know about us now and they're okay with it."
"Yeah, I never would have guessed that. This is all so strange, everything changed so much in one year. And now we're Heads!"
"I know, it's a little hard to believe. But I really should go, my father is going to start worrying."
"Yeah, I should go, too. Bye Scorp," I leaned up to kiss him quickly one more time. He stopped me.
"Wait, I forgot to give you this." He handed me a little hard square, similar to a Muggle white board.
"What is it?" I asked him.
"It's a two-way board. Like two-way parchment, but it lasts longer and you can erase it. Just write with your wand and whatever you write will appear on my board as well as yours. And if it gets too crowded, just tap your wand on each word you want to get rid of and it will disappear. I made them myself."
"Really? That's so cool! So I guess we have to leave now."
"I guess so."
"Bye."
"Yeah, bye Rose."
I kissed him quickly, then turned and left, stuffing the board into my pocket. As I walked back to my family, I thought of everything that had happened up to this point. Every fight, every competition, every kiss. It all made sense now. And now we were Heads. We were going to have our own dormitory next year. That would be useful. We have a whole summer to enjoy ourselves, and we can talk whenever we want thanks to Scorp's two-way boards.
Yep. Everything's finally working out. It's going to be a great summer.
AN: How was it? I know it seemed more like an extra chapter than an epilogue, but I left a lot of things unanswered and I had to get those covered. Please give me some feedback, every review means a lot.
I'm SOOOOO sorry it took me this long to update. I had a lot going on, school ended but I still have swim team, my job, a play, and two sisters. Plus my computer got a virus and I had to work around that. And then I went to camp, where there's a strict "No Electronics except iPods" policy. So I'm really sorry, but I had a lot of good reasons other than just being lazy and not in a writing mood.
There might be a sequel, depending on if I get a good idea but right now I've got nothing. If you have an idea for a sequel, you can let me know in a review or a message and if it's good I might use it, and of course give you credit. Or if you want to write a sequel that's okay with me as well as long as you give me credit for this one.
I hope y'all liked my story, and please review!