Well…this is it. The last chapter! And as we started with Belle, we part with her as well.
It's the last year of Hogwarts and it's time for admissions and reflections.

I really enjoyed writing this fanfic, and I thank all of you that read and commented on it, from the bottom of my heart, really guys, you're are amazing! It was my first long (for me) fic and I…well, I really enjoyed it!

I promise to try to write the other parts asked of me soon!

THANK YOU FOR READING IT!

Special thanks to my brother for beta-reading it!

I do hope you enjoy! =D

SEVENTH YEAR – BRING ON THE FUTURE

"Here we are." Said Bobby as he dropped the picnic basket he'd been carrying on the grass, right under a tree.

"It's a very nice spot." Belle said, as she looked behind him, to the lake.

It was the weekend after the N.E.W.T.s had ended. Almost everyone had gone to Hogsmead, but the couple had decided to stay in the castle. With most of the students out, the school was quieter, and therefore closer to what they wanted for the day: relaxing and enjoying the peace and quiet after the turmoil they'd been through due to the examinations.

"Aye, and I think we earned it." He said.

Belle watched as Robert used his wand to unfold a blanket and spread the food he had asked Rumple to pack. Head Boy and Girl's badge and rules be damned. They were in their last year of the school, had finally finished their tests and they wanted to have a nice, calm, and romantic lunch, away from the noisy youngsters in the Great Hall (that weren't allowed to go to the village yet).

"Indeed." Belle said as her boyfriend sat down on the blanket, leaning his back against the truck of the tree and extended a hand to her. "And now that Ruby has a boyfriend of her own, I don't think she'll be interrupting us." The Ravenclaw took his hand and let him pull her down. She was now sitting between his legs, with her back against his chest, happy as she could be.

"Don't jinx it, sweetheart." Bobby said as he wrapped his arms around her waist and rested his chin on her shoulder. Belle chuckled.

"I'm sorry, but she is so happy I really don't beli- aah! Robert!" The boy had squeezed her waist, making her jump on the spot and interrupting her.

"I said 'don't jinx it, sweetheart'. I think you underestimate Ruby's will to annoy us. I don't think even that Hufflepuff of hers can stop her…what's his name again?"

"As if you don't know!" Belle said shaking her head.

"Why would I?" Bobby tried to sound confused, and failed. Belle tried to turn around in his arms so she could face him, supporting herself on his left arm and crunched leg.

"Bobby, you cannot fool me. You can't pretend that you haven't been watching Archie's every move for the first two weeks they went out to see if he wouldn't hurt her." She couldn't contain a smirk when his eyes went wide with shock, mouth hanging open.

"I…I …" he closed his mouth and looked at the lake, where the Giant Squid was splashing water happily, enjoying the warm weather as much as they were. "So that's his name..." he finally mumbled, cheeks a little red and Belle could not, nor did she want to, stop the laughter that came out of her mouth. Not even Robert's squeezing her sides again made her stop.

"Oh, Robert, you are so silly." He went even redder at that.

"I'm not-." It was his turn to be interrupted. Belle pulled him by the tie and kissed him fondly.

"Yes you are…" She hesitated. Should she say it? None of their friends could believe that neither had spoken the words yet. They said it was so obvious that they felt that way. But Belle hadn't wanted to push it. She was afraid he wouldn't believe her. After everything they'd been through last year, she wanted to show him first. Maybe it had been enough though… Taking a deep breath, Belle looked at him, trying to convey all the emotion she was about to say in her eyes. "And I love you for it."

Just as she predicted, the statement took him by surprise. He was looking at her intensely, eyes wide. But Belle couldn't exactly gauge his feelings. She gulped, hoping she hadn't screwed up this. She loved him, but maybe he was not ready yet to hear it after all. Or to say it back.

"What?" His voice was hoarse and Belle thought about backing down. Saying something else. But she couldn't. She would not hide her feelings; what was the point? She loved him and wanted him to know that. She was not going anywhere, and it was time to really convince him of that. Do the brave thing and bravery would follow.

"I love you… Robert." Belle bit her lip. Or maybe it wouldn't…

Before she could try to say anything else – she didn't know what exactly – Robert kissed her. More like lunged at her mouth, really. Not that Belle was complaining. Quite the contrary in fact, she returned the kiss eagerly.

What felt like minutes later, they broke apart. During the kiss, Robert had slid down the three making Belle lie almost completely on top of him. His eyes were shinning with hope.

"Love me? Belle…after everything I did…"

Belle heard the unspoken words - After the way I pushed you away last year. Although it had hurt, a lot, Belle had forgiven him. How could she not? She was already in love with him by the time, and she understood why he did it. Didn't agree with him, at all, but understood. She forgave greedily, maybe even too easily, but they had already been hurt so much by the time apart that she couldn't help it. He had learned his lesson. And she did make him apologize to all of their friends together that same day. The scene, always comical when they remembered about it, had been really emotional at the time.

They had all gathered in the Room of Requirement, the only place people from the four houses could get together with privacy. They had all talked, things had been explained, names had been called, and, more secrets then they thought ended up being told that day. Ruby had confessed to being a werewolf. While Emma, Mary Margaret and Belle knew it, the others didn't and it took all of them by surprise, to say the least. Robert had suspected something, but not that. And apparently neither had David, Jefferson or Alice. After some more talk though, they managed to convince her that the only problem was that she hadn't told them, but they understood why. Robert specially; family with a deep, dark secret? He certainly knew all about that. Somehow, in the end, everybody ended up in a group hug.

Belle couldn't, until today, remember how they did that. Maybe it started with her hugging Robert and Ruby who had been the last ones talking, both breathing hard, her best friend, who had been so worried over it all with her. Then the others started coming together and the group hug just happened. Breaking up minutes later with everyone hiding their faces to dry their tears, pretending they hadn't had any to begin with. Emma, Ruby and Robert hadn't been able to meet each other's eyes for a while after that. Everything had gone back to normal afterward. One could say they were even closer than before, with no secrets between them.

They had gone even as far as going to the Gold's castle during summer vacation to spend a day. Most of the families had many reservations to that, but since most of their friends were already 17 there wasn't much the adults could do. And after all of them returned home happy, satisfied and with all their limbs the parents had laid off a bit. Granny was the one who had opposed the most. Belle knew it would not be easy, every time the two of them met over the summer; Mrs. Lucas had refused even mentioning the word boyfriend so as to not enter in a fight with the Ravenclaw girl. She had never said anything against Belle's choice (knowing already how stubborn she could be and the fact that she herself was keeping a secret from most), that had always been a moot point between them. Until then.

Mr. and Mrs. Gold had taken matters into their own hands when Belle said Ruby might not be going. With Belle and Robert in tow, they went to the Lucases' house. Granny's face had been hilarious. At first, she refused to let them enter, but with Belle's and Ruby's pledges, she had conceded. The talk went a little stiff at first, but in the end it all went well enough and Ruby was allowed to go to the castle. Granny and the Golds would never be friends, but at least the older woman had agreed to tolerate them. Even Robert. Belle counted it as a victory.

"Bobby…" She shook her head. "I forgave you, how could I not?" She caressed his hair, looking deep in his eyes. "I already loved you by then. And I knew you regretted it and would never do something like that again." She stopped herself when Gold put a finger on her lips, shaking his head.

"You already loved me then?" he asked hoarse. Belle could only nod her head. "Oh Belle." Once again, his lips crashed against hers. He parted way too soon for the girl's liking though.

"I love you too Belle, have for a long time. I was too scared to tell you, thinking that I'd push you aw-" It was Belle's turn to sush him with a sound kiss.

"Apparently we are both silly then." Belle said when they finally broke apart for air. Her face was hurting from the smile threatening to split her face in two, but she couldn't bring herself to care.

Robert's smile was just as big, eyes shining with happiness and dazed expression that Belle was sure mirrored her own.

"Aye." He kissed her again.

They stayed like that for a couple of hours. Just enjoying their food (that had been forgotten until then) and each other's company as they lay down on the blanket, Belle half on top of him, resting her head on his chest. It was around 4 o'clock when Bobby started fidgeting and Belle knew what he was about to tell her.

Ever since the beginning of their last year they had been talking about what they would do after they finished school. Belle had told him she was not sure yet. She wanted to work in the Ministry, but she wanted something that would allow her to help people, and at the same time let her enough time to get to know the world. And, of course, be with the man she loved. Belle already knew what she wanted, but she was hesitant of saying it. She wanted to wait 'till Bobby decided what he wanted to do to say it.

Robert had confided in her that he was scared. At first, his hesitancy in following his family's steps was due to not wanting Belle to suffer pressure or hatred by being his girlfriend, but Belle had only to start mentioning their sixth year, to make him let go of that reason completely. He then started worrying over if it was something he really wanted to do. He was one of the best students in Defence Against the Dark Arts, but he wasn't sure he wanted to work for the Ministry. Or that he wanted to help people – though Belle was sure that he'd said the last one just for saying it. She told him that whatever his choice was, she'd stand by him. However, it was a choice he, and only he, should make. Not his parents, nor her (though his mother was completely supportive of Belle's idea – the two woman had taken quite a liking in exchanging letters and had developed a very healthy relationship).

Personally, Belle thought he'd do marvellously as an auror. Though he liked Transfiguration better (something about being able to transform things into whatever he wanted them to be), he really liked and excelled at DADA. And for all his snarky remarks and cold portrait of himself to others outside their group, Belle knew that he took the matters of peace and defending one's country and rights with great importance. He took great pride in his family's job in doing all of that. In being responsible for so many lives, for peace itself. He'd thrive as an auror. He'd probably yell a lot and be snarky and sarcastic with some, not taking any shit home, and Belle would probably have to stop him sometimes, but she didn't mind. She knew in her heart he'd do fine. However, she couldn't say anything. It was a decision he had to reach on his own. And even if he reached another one, she'd be there for him.

"I… I think I came to a decision as to what I wanna do after Hogwarts…" he whispered.

"Oh?" Belle raised her head, putting her weight on her right elbow so she could look at him properly.

"Aye, but I want wanted to ask your opinion first."

"Bobby…" Belle started but was interrupted by him sitting up. The girl followed suit.

"I know it's my decision Belle. But the thing is, even before I knew you loved me" a smile appeared at his words on both their faces "I wanted you in my future. I wanted you by my side. I didn't know where we were going, but I wanted you there." Belle reached for his face, cupping his cheek, trying to stop from getting tear eyed at that.

"Robert…" he raised his hand to meet hers in his face, holding it tight.

"Therefore, my decision is important to you as well. I want you to take part in it."

"Oh Bobby, of course. I want to take part in it too. I just meant that you had to see what you wanted for yourself first. I didn't want to influenciate your decision. I want to discuss mine with you as well." The smile he gave her was so cute she always interrupted him for a kiss, but was able to restrain herself.

"Really?" he said, eyes wide and a happy expression on his face. Correction: barely able to restrain herself.

"Yes, of course. But come on, you first." She prompted him, bringing both of their hands on her lap, wrapped around each other.

"Right… I want to…" He took a deep breath looking down before raising his eyes to hers again. "I want to be an auror. I want to follow my family's legacy. I want to do my part in keeping the peace. I still hear about the stories from people that suffered with the war and if I can do anything to help prevent that from ever happening again, then I want to." There was a fire in his eyes that made Belle love him even more. "And if I can prevent people from calling me a coward and put some bastards behind bars, then, all the better." He tried to make light of it. Belle knew he'd been embarrassed by his speech, even if she was the only one to hear it.

A huge smile spread on her face and letting go of his hands she cupped his face.

"I'm so proud of you."

"Really?"

"Of course! Bobby, I …" Belle took a deep breath, it was her time now. "I kind of wanted you to choose that."

"Aye? Why is that?" Even though his smile never left his eyes, a little frown appeared on his forehead, showing he was confused.

"Because… I want to be an auror too... With you. Fight by your side… be your partner. Just like your parents." She finished a little shy.

Gold straightened up, expression more serious, frown gone.

"Belle…are you sure? Do… do you know what you are saying?" Belle had no doubt that it was hope that she could see in his eyes. And she had her answer ready.

"Aye. I do."

Belle could barely take in his dazzlingly smile before his mouth came crashing down on her for the second time that day, and like the first time, she was not going to complain.

"You do know what this means, right, dearie?" He said, a teasing tilt in his voice, though his eyes showed he was serious. "It's forever."

Belle smirked.

"Will I be able to be with you? Through dangers, adventures, and calm times?"

"No one could curse me away." He was smirking as well.

"Then yes." She smiled leaning her face closer "Then I will go with you. Forever." He closed the distance between them, kissing her passionately.

"Miss French! Five points from Ravenclaw! You are the Heads of your Houses for Merlin's sake!" Between the moment Belle and Robert understood the words, and the moment that they recognized the voice was a few seconds, enough time for the scare they received make them jump apart, heart beating like an errant bludger.

"RUBY!" The couple yelled at the same time once the voice registered in their brains. Said girl just stood there grinning at them, holding a blushing Archie by the arm.

"You know, she is right guys." Said Emma. Eyes wide, Belle looked around Ruby. Apparently, all of their friends had managed to sneak up on them while they were otherwise… occupied. Standing a tad behind the couple, were Emma, Graham, Mary Margaret, David, Jefferson, and Alice. All of them smiling.

"When the bloody hell did all of you get here?" Bobby asked the question flying on her head while they leaned against the tree once more. Heart still racing.

Ruby's grin grew bigger – though Belle had not thought it possible.

"Well," Her friend started as all of the others started to sit down around Belle and Bobby "You two were soooo busy that I'm not surprised you didn't realize we've been here a while! Really though, you should get a room." Belle and Robert blushed deep shades of red at that.

"Fuck off Lucas!" the Scottish wizard said, the smile (albeit annoyed one) taking some of the bite out of his words.

"Uuuuh, talking like the 'bad' auror already, huh Gold? Will Belle be your 'good' one?" She said, voice mockingly sultry. Everyone started laughing, Belle included, while Robert just raised an eyebrow. Though that did make Belle wonder, when had all of them arrived? "Are you two putting me in Azkaban? For being a baaaad witch?"

"Oh definitely, we could do that." He said playing along. "Or" he continued, reaching in his robes and taking out his wand "I can just re-enact the last duelling match between Gryffindor against Slytherin of the Duelling Club, wolfie." He finished smirking.

Ruby's face lit up with excitement, (not even paying attention to what he called her for once) expression becoming determinated; she'd been after revenge ever since that fateful day. Belle's eyes went wide and she threw her left hand to grab his wand one at the same time that Archie rose and starting pulling Ruby in the direction of the lake.

"Come one Ruby, let's observe the Giant Squid; look how cute she is!"

"But Archie!" Ruby was trying to stay, Gold's smile never leaving it's place, even with Belle trying to rip the wand off his hand, didn't help matters. The Ravenclaw sent a pleading look to the others, and Jefferson rose to the rescue.

"Come on Ruby! Let's see if we can make the big cutie monster throw water at wherever we want!" he said taking Alice by the hand and heading to the shore along with the other two. Ruby's eyes went wide with a flood of ideas that Belle was sure she'd not like. The malicious smile on the Gryffindor's lips confirmed the petite's girl theory. But she wouldn't worry about that now.

Crisis averted, Belle let go of her boyfriend's hand and he put the wand away pouting.

"You're no fun." He said. Belle just raised her eyebrow. Everyone here knew that neither Ruby nor Robert would have hurt one another; however, the two of them had a tendency to get over excited when they were duelling each other… And none of the students wanted that to happen now. Or ever again…One time was enough.

Belle shook her head; that's why she'd always tried to be paired up with one of them in duelling matches. Although Belle was as competitive as the other two, her duels tended to focus on besting the other with wit, focusing on casting the best spell at the best time. Robert normally was like that as well. But when he duelled Ruby…. Well, he decided to try her way of fighting: Throwing as much spells as they could into each other's direction and hoping something hit.

The other two couples just laughed and relaxed, getting in conversation about the most diverse subjects by themselves. Belle relaxed against Bobby's chest again, arms encircling his waist as he put one arm on her shoulder and the other across hers on his waist.

"Sweetheart…" he said after a few moments of silence.

"Yeah?" Belle opened her eyes, not having realized she'd closed them in the first place.

"You know you can't complain about me wanting to duel Ruby right? After all this is all your fault."

Belle looked up at him, frowning in confusion.

"And why is that?" She asked as he looked down on her.

"You jinxed it. I told you not to, but you jinxed it."

Belle couldn't stop herself from bursting into laughter.

"Oh hush, you. It's not like you're really annoyed."

Bobby pretended to be outraged, putting a hand on his chest for more effect.

"How could you possibly say that, Belle?"

She smiled and using her left hand, she turned his head forward, toward the lake. Snuggling herself even more on his side and resting her head on his chest again, she looked over at the same direction.

"I can because of that, Bobby."

From their advantage point on the tree, they could see all of their friends. Ruby and Jefferson were trying to make the Giant Squid throw water over all of them (Ruby's way to get even, by being what she'd call 'sneaky'). Archie and Alice were desperately trying to talk them out of it (Belle already knew they would not be successful, but it was amusing all the same). Mary Margaret and David seemed oblivious to the word (they were even worse than Belle and Robert). Emma and her new boyfriend, Graham, were talking to each other happily (it was so good to see Emma so open, and Graham seemed like a really great guy). It was very nice group. It was their group. Their friends. Their family. Each one of them knew they could count on each other. Anywhere, anytime, to anything. Through the end of school and beyond.

"Okay…" he whispered looking down at her again, she was sure his mind went through the same steps hers did. "Maybe I am not that mad…"

Belle smiled lazily, pushing her head up.

"Aye, maybe you're not that mad…" she agreed, closing her eyes.

He grazed his lips on hers lightly before backing to look at her once more, love shining through his eyes.

"Forever?" He asked lowly.

"Forever." She confirmed, smiling.

Closing the distance together, they kissed soundly. The sound of their friends' voices and laughter on the background, and neither could be happier. They had found the best friends they could wish for, had studied the most interesting subjects imaginable, had lived through the most difference experiences, had what was bound to be quite the future ahead of them, and, most importantly, they'd found each other. And all of that, thanks to the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.