Chapter Twenty-Three
A/N: Thank you, generous reviewers! I love you all! This is the last chapter! Besides the epilogue, that's not a chapter that's an EPILOGUE! Get with the program! :p Anyway, if some of you were wondering, I'm sorry, I don't think I'll be writing a sequel to this. But, I'll be writing one-shots that are based on this story; for e.g.: Thalia/Albus fluff.
Scorpius's POV
June 30th, 2024
Graduation Day
Rose and I stepped up to the podium.
It was the big day, the day when we would step off of Hogwarts grounds, adults, ready to face the future.
I nodded to my co-Head, and she started her part of the speech.
"We are all gathered here today to celebrate the day when we will finally take on the real world, face the challenges the word throws at us, and decide your fate. But, right now, I want you to all take a moment to reminisce with me, everyone, even the parents and families.
"Do you remember when you first stepped off of that scarlet train, apprehensive, yet excited? Dreading yet curious? That is definitely how I felt. But, we left that train with more than fear and anticipation. We left it with expectations.
"While you were worrying about getting Sorted, or if you'll fit in, you're subconsciously making a list of things you know you're going to do or experience. Like, you're expecting to learn new spells. You're expecting to sit through classes. You're expecting to sit in the Great Hall and eat whatever you want. But what about the things you've never expected?" She finished, cuing me to start.
"Yes, the unexpected." I began. "We definitely expected to experience all of the above, to face them head on, but what about the things that caught us off-guard?
"For example, we never expected to make the most amazing friends in the world," I looked into the audience, and Albus and Thalia beamed back. I felt Rose squeeze my hand.
"We never expected to make a difference amongst our fellow peers. We never expected to be placed somewhere entirely different and fit in." I met my father's watchful gaze.
"And, last of all, we never expected to learn so many things other than spells or how to make different Potions. We learned the values of life. And, as we stand here today, I hope that we are all ready to stand our ground and face the dangers and hurdles life holds. No, I know that we are all ready. And, in some way, not expecting the unexpected has contributed to readying us all. Thank you."
Rose and I went back to our seats, where the other graduates sat as everyone applauded. Rose squeezed my hand, and I squeezed back, reassuring her.
"Thank you, Head Girl Rose Weasley, and Head Boy Scorpius Malfoy. Now, for the graduates!" Headmistress McGonagall said.
Alphabetically, the students, Gryffindors, Ravenclaws, Slytherins, and Hufflepuffs alike, received their diplomas. Finally, my name was called.
"Malfoy, Scorpius!"
My name was shouted by none other than Professor Neville Longbottom. My heart pounded inside my chest, and it felt just like when I was called to get Sorted. Walking slowly up to the podium, which was in the Great Hall, facing the families of graduates, I waited for my recognition.
"Malfoy, Scorpius, Gryffindor, Head Boy, Beater on the House team, role model and Potions prodigy," My Herbology teacher beamed at me, "I present you with your diploma. Congratulations."
He handed me it, shook my hand, and I made my way over to the Headmistress. Her lined face was shining with pride, and I flushed under her gaze. I shook her firm hand, and she whispered, "Good luck with the Goblins."
I nodded, gave her one more smile, and made my way to where my parents were sitting. My mum hugged me tightly, and my dad squeezed my shoulders. I smiled, relieved. A few names later...
"Potter, Albus!" My best mate made his way up to the podium.
"Potter, Albus, Gryffindor, Seeker and Captain of his House team, athlete and a real joker," Professor Longbottom smiled, "I present you with your diploma. Congratulations."
After shaking hands with Professor Longbottom and McGonagall, he took his seat with his parents and siblings, who all hugged him in turn. He gave me the thumbs up, beaming.
"Weasley, Rose!" My heart leapt at the sight of my girlfriend, who gracefully walked up to the Herbology teacher.
"Wealey, Rose, Gryffindor, Head Girl, a true leader at heart and an extraordinary student," The way he said it, it was clear that she was his favourite student. "I present you with your diploma. Congratulations."
She shook hands with him and Headmistress McGonagall, she took a seat with her family. They all hugged and congratulated her.
"Wilcox, Thalia!" My friend – er, cousin – strode up to the podium, looking proud.
"Wilcox, Thalia, Gryffindor, Chaser for the House team, a real spirit lifter and someone to look up to," Professor Longbottom clearly liked her best for her Quidditch abilities, "I present you with your diploma. Congratulations."
She shook hands with her Professor and Headmistress. When she made her way over to her mother and father (who bought a flat nearby Thalia's grandparents' house; her dad had been hired to work in England as a certified Auror and her mum worked writing for the Muggle newspaper) who hugged her tightly.
"Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you the class of 2024!" McGonagall said.
Everyone cheered and threw off their hats. As they were in midair, our ex-Headmistress flicked her wand and music started playing. The chairs moved around the room and grouped themselves around tables that were scattered around the room. A dessert table appeared on one side of the room with all sorts of delicacies. I took off my graduation robes and fixed my tuxedo.
"Oh, Scorpius, I'm so proud of you!" My mother gushed, hugging me once again.
My father smiled proudly at me. "Good job, Scorpius. You truly are a Malfoy man."
I smiled at both of them. "Thanks, mum, dad. I'm going to go find my friends."
"You mean girlfriend?" My mum asked, smirking.
"Astoria! Leave the boy be." My dad said, playfully scolding my mother, "Let's go find Sally and Leo."
As my father led my mum away, I took the time to search for Rose. Finally locating where Rose was standing, my breath hitched. She was wearing a beautiful purple dress that came to a few inches above her knees.
I made my way over to her. "Hello, Mrs Weasley, Mr Weasley, Hugo," I said, acknowledging her family. Her mother smiled politely at me, her brother nodded his head but threw me a grin, and her father was starting to redden a bit.
"Let's go say hi to Al and Thalia, Scorpius," said Rose, noticing her rapidly colouring father.
I followed her and we made our way to our friends. Thalia was talking to Al. He was also wearing a tuxedo, while my cousin (I'm still trying to get used to saying that!) was wearing a black dress that came to her calves.
"Oh, there are Rose and Scorpius," said Al, catching sight of us.
Thalia grabbed his hand and they made our way toward us, hands intertwined. "Hey, guys, can you believe it? We're adults now!" Thalia said.
I shook my head. "I don't think I'll ever get used to it."
"Same here." Albus agreed. "But, I'm definitely excited to take on the real world!"
"Oh, that reminds me, have we all decided on our jobs?" Rose asked us.
Albus sighed exasperatedly. "Yes, Rose, you've asked us a million times! Thalia and I are training to become Aurors,"
"I'm training to become a curse-breaker at Gringotts," I continued.
"And you're training to work at the Department of Law Enforcement at the Ministry." Thalia finished.
Rose beamed. "Aw, that's great, you guys! I'm so glad you have your future planned out!"
I rolled my eyes and kissed her temple. "Come on, let's dance."
I led her over to a spot on the dance floor, away from her rambunctious cousins. I held my hand out to her. "May I have this dance, my lady?"
She laughed merrily. "I'd love to." She then took my hand and placed her other one on my shoulder. I placed mine on her waist as we began to sway to the music. One song ended; and a quite familiar one began.
"Isn't this the song we danced to at Teddy and Victoire's wedding?" Rose asked, cocking her head to one side.
"Yeah," I agreed. "It is."
And as we swayed, I got lost in the lyrics; and how true they were to me and Rose. A smile formed on her lips as she realized it, too. Smiling back, I got lost in her beautiful blue eyes.
I could stay awake just to hear you breathing
Watch you smile while you are sleeping
While you're far away and dreaming
I could spend my life in this sweet surrender
I could stay lost in this moment forever
Where every moment spent with you is a moment I treasure
Don't want to close my eyes
I don't want to fall asleep
Cause I'd miss you babe
And I don't want to miss a thing
Cause even when I dream of you
The sweetest dream will never do
I'd still miss you babe
And I don't want to miss a thing
Lying close to you feeling your heart beating
And I'm wondering what you're dreaming
Wondering if it's me you're seeing
Then I kiss your eyes
And thank God we're together
I just want to stay with you in this moment forever
Forever and ever
I don't want to close my eyes
I don't want to fall asleep
Cause I'd miss you babe
And I don't want to miss a thing
Cause even when I dream of you
The sweetest dream will never do
I'd still miss you babe
And I don't want to miss a thing
I don't want to miss one smile
I don't want to miss one kiss
I just want to be with you
Right here with you, just like this
I just want to hold you close
Feel your heart so close to mine
And just stay here in this moment
For all the rest of time Yeah yeah yeah
I don't want to close my eyes
I don't want to fall asleep
Cause I'd miss you babe
And I don't want to miss a thing
Cause even when I dream of you
The sweetest dream will never do
I'd still miss you babe
And I don't want to miss a thing
I don't want to close my eyes
I don't want to fall asleep
Cause I'd miss you babe
And I don't want to miss a thing
Cause even when I dream of you
The sweetest dream will never do
I'd still miss you babe
And I don't want to miss a thing
Don't want to close my eyes
I don't want to fall asleep
And I don't want to miss a thing
As the song ended, Rose put her head on my chest, and we were just swaying, swaying...
"Remember when we first met on the Express?" Rose asked.
I nodded. "Yeah, I do."
"I was so nervous around you. I definitely felt like you were more superior to me. You were so dignified and calm, while I always live in a loud, rambunctious environment."
I was quite surprised. "Really? I was totally clumsy and embarrassed when I met you. You had this confident air about you, and I felt...disorganized and messy. You were so – so beautiful." I flushed when I said those words.
I felt her blush, too. "Wow, really?"
"Yeah."
We were silent for a moment. Then, finally Rose said, "Do you remember when I told my dad? I certainly don't regret telling my mum beforehand, or else you would have one less buttock right now."
I laughed. "Yeah, I remember. I don't think he will ever accept me, but he at least welcomes me into your house. That's a good sign, right?"
"Yes, yes it is," Rose said. She looked over to where our dads and Mr. Potter and my uncle sat. They looked like they were in the middle of a heated discussion; probably about Quidditch.
"It looks like they're getting along now." I said, observing my dad and Rose do something that looked like agreeing.
"They are," Rose said. "My dad said that yours had offered to take the four of them to a Chudley Cannons game. Personally, I think it was a nice gesture."
"Yeah, he says the Cannons aren't the best team – or his favourite – but he still likes watching their games. I think he's trying to get along with him so that the two of them wouldn't be giving each other glares all day while I'm at your house." I said.
Rose laughed. After a few moments of silence, she said, "Forever and always."
"Huh?" I was caught off guard by the sudden broken silence.
She rolled her eyes. "I said forever and always. I want to be yours for that long."
I smiled at her, warmness spreading through my body. "Same, here, Rose. I promise we'll be with each other, together, forever and always."
And as we swayed on the dance floor, I decided that was one promise I had no intention to break.
Ever.
A/N: The epilogue is next! I'll post it tomorrow so that I don't have to worry about updating during school. I hope you loved this story! Please review!
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