Chapter Fifteen – Help From Dad

Being happily married didn't change the fact that Harry and Hermione still had NEWTs to pass. It was Friday and they were in their last class before exams began the following week.

"Ok class," McGonagall said with a rare smile, "I know you will all be fine – you're Gryffindor's and you know your stuff. Good luck, you may go." Everyone scrambled out of their seats, eager to get outside and soak up some sun. "Mr and Ms Potter, a word please," McGonagall called over the din.

A few people laughed, still getting used to their friends being married. Harry and Hermione also grinned and headed towards the front of the classroom.

"Yes Professor?" Hermione asked.

"Have a seat," McGonagall offered. Harry and Hermione looked at the benches in the classroom and opted for conjuring up two comfortable arm chairs. McGonagall raised her eyebrows, amused but also conjured up a more comfortable seat. With a whip of her wand she also summoned three goblets of pumpkin juice.

"You two have been remarkable in your positions of Head Boy and Head Girl," she said.
"Thank you," Harry and Hermione replied.

McGonagall smiled at Harry, "In fact, I don't think I've seen a better Head Boy or Head Girl since your parents, Harry." Tears appeared to glisten in her eyes, "Graduation is next Friday, after exams. It is required that you both give a speech to the school."

"A speech?" Harry asked.

"Outlining?" Hermione questioned.

"Yes a speech. You can say whatever you see fit. Now go enjoy the sunshine."

***

"A speech!" Harry said as he threw himself onto the lawns of Hogwarts and sprawled on his back.

"It's not that bad," Hermione said, sitting down in a much slower fashion to Harry and propping herself against the trunk of a tree.

"A speech though!"

"Harry…"

"I hate attention."

"You should be used to it by now."

"Nope."

Hermione pulled out a book and began reading up on ancient runes in Egypt.

"Oh Merlin, what am I gonna say?" Harry groaned. Apparently he hadn't finished complaining.
Hermione sighed, "Perhaps you should seek inspiration from a former Head Boy."

"Who?"

"Your father."

"Uh – huh," Harry wasn't following.

"You haven't looked at the last memory yet, have you?"

"Oh yeah. Accio Pensieve and memories."

Hermione went back to her book smiling, "See you when you resurface Harry."

***

The Great Hall was filled with students, teachers and parents. All the 7th years stood in a group, facing the teachers' table. There, at the podium, was a much younger Albus Dumbledore.

"Good evening all," he said in a powerful voice that carried through the hall, "Welcome to our Graduation ceremony for the class of 1978!"

Harry walked the length of the Hall while Dumbledore handed out the 7th years' diplomas. He reached the podium as Dumbledore was handing Sirius his scroll. Siruis took it and looked out into the crowd of parents. Harry knew his wouldn't be there and so was confused when Sirius smiled and waved. Harry followed his gaze to find a middle aged couple waving back.

"Thank you, Mr and Mrs Potter," Sirius whispered. Now Harry understood – they were his grandparents.

By this time the scrolls had all been handed out and Dumbledore had called for everyone's attention again, "Now a few words from our Head Girl, Lilly Evans."

Harry's mother walked forward and Harry was knocked back by how much she had changed from the Sorting memory.

"Hi everyone," Lily started. Harry held onto her every word, "Here we stand on the cusp. We have completed our baby steps and now we are ready to take on the real world. Whatever we may endeavour to do, we must remember where we came from. This school has taught us a lot. Our biggest lesson however is one of friendship. Always but especially in hard times, we must remain loyal to our friends. That will be the key to winning this impending war. All I hope, as I leave this sanctuary, is that we all make the right decisions in life. Good luck class of 78 and now a few words from your Head Boy, James Potter."

"Thank you Lily, my dear," James said, "Hey guys," he grinned and Harry noticed a sideways glance at Sirius, "Well Lily basically said everything important so I guess I'll do what I do best. Go out with a bang – don't worry Professor McGonagall, it's only a little bang. Marauders forever!" As James pumped his fist in the air, Harry noticed Sirius flick his wand. There was an eruption and they Great Hall filled with fire works spelling out the words 'Lily will you marry me?'

Harry heard a squeal and turned to see Lily nodding her head and hugging James.

***

"Any help Harry?" Hermione asked as he resurfaced.

"All he did was ask mum to marry him."

"That was his speech?"

"Yup," Harry replied, "But mum helped."

***

The next morning saw Harry heading down to the Quidditch pitch three hours before the final game of the year. As he walked he conjured up a piece of toast and thought about game plans.

Harry changed into his robes, grabbed his Firebolt:Blur and exited the change rooms for a fly around before the rest of the team turned up. As always, being in the air released all of Harry's worries. It had been a long time since he had had the chance to fly, he had been so busy, that it felt good to have the summer breeze whip through his hair.

"Harry!" yelled Rae, "How long have you been out here?"

Harry landed his broom and looked at his watch, "About an hour."

"Well everyone else is in the change rooms," Rae informed him as they started towards the rooms.

***

"Hey guys," Harry addressed his team, "Ok we are yet again in the championship round against our best friends, Slytherin."

The team snickered at his remark and Ron threw a bludger at Harry. Harry caught it with ease, "Watch it Weasley. Anyway I could tell you all that we only need to lose by less than fifty points to win the cup but I'd much rather cream the slimy gits. It's up to you."

"Let's cream them," Jimmy Peakes suggested with nods of approval from the rest of the team.

"Wow, there's heaps of people out there," Ginny said, sticking her head out the door.

"Last fun thing before exams probably," Ron said.

"Alright, good luck guys. As long as you're outscoring Slytherin I won't catch the snitch," Harry announced leading them to the stadium.

***

"And here comes the Gryffindor team led by the gorgeous Harry Potter!" A freckle faced Gryffindor third year by the name of Sallie commentated, "Oh and there's the Slytherin team," she said a lot less enthused.

The crowd roared for Gryffindor. As was always the case in matches against Slytherin, Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff became supporters of Gryffindor.

"Weasley gets first hands on the quaffle," Sallie said, "And quickly passes it off to Black."
Harry kept his keen eyes on his opposing seeker as well as watching for the snitch.

"A magnificent goal for Gryffindor, scored by Ginny Weasley!"
Harry pumped his fist.

"Quaffle now in Slytherin's hands, oh no Gryffindor beater Coote has sent a bludger their way. Great aim," Sallie exclaimed.

"Good shot Ritchie!" Harry yelled to Coote as Demelza took off with the fallen quaffle.

"Robbins passes to Black – wow she's really flying fast. Go Rae! Black scores! Gryffindor 50 Slytherin zero!"

Just then, Harry saw the snitch. The Slytherin seeker was oblivious. Harry took a dive and sure enough was soon followed by the other seeker.

"I think Potter has seen the snitch," Sallie squealed, "No wait! He's pulling up! Oh clever Harry, what an awesome Wronsky Feint! You rock – shame you're married –"

"Miss Waters!" McGonagall admonished.

"Sorry Professor but he is fantastic, you gotta admit."

***

The game went on for another two hours.

"Gryffindor score again!" Sallie yelled, "Slytherin are really getting wiped. It's now 210 to 20!"
Rae took off with the quaffle again and tore up the field at break neck speed. Passing the quaffle to Demelza, she flew up to Harry.

"What's up Rae?" Harry asked.

"Let's end it – we're stuffed," Rae said.

"Robbins scores!" shrieked Sallie Waters.

"You sure?" Harry asked grinning.

"Yeah – catch the snitch."

"Ok," Harry stuck out his hand and grasped the tiny gold ball that had just zipped past Rae's elbow.

"Smart ass," Rae grinned, scruffing Harry's hair as the stadium erupted.

"Gryffindor wins! 380 to 20. Absolutelty astounding catch by Potter. Go Gryffindor!"

***

Harry and Rae flew back to the ground and joined the rest of the team to accept the Quidditch Cup.

"Well done guys!" Harry yelled, "We rock!"

"Yeah we do, don't we?" Ginny grinned.

"Let's celebrate," Ron cheered.

They headed for Gryffindor Tower, where they shared butterbeer and pumpkin pasties well into the night.