A/N: I do not own any character references by JK Rowling in the Harry Potter story is a product of my pure imagination.
'Cause these things will change
Can you feel it now?
These walls that they put up to hold us back will fall down
This revolution, the time will come
For us to finally win
And we'll sing hallelujah, we'll sing hallelujah
Oh, oh
~ Change by Taylor Swift
*~*~* June 11, 1999 *~*~*
Harry left his bedroom in the heads' common room, and saw Hermione staring out the dark window in the common room that overlooked the Whomping Willow and Hagrid's hut in the distance. Harry looked up over the moonlit grounds behind her, saying, "Hard to believe that as of tomorrow, we are officially done with this place."
Hermione glanced behind her, "You know, after our first year, you said something, and while I had a home, it meant so much to me. You said that you weren't going home when we left that year. Knowing that we are leaving and we won't be coming back again, you were right. This place has always been our home. It was the place we belonged in the world. Now we have to leave."
Harry turned her around, placing his hands on her shoulders, "We are going to New York. You will take the Law world by storm to make the world a better place for us and creatures everywhere. I will learn to be a better auror through law enforcement. Luna is coming with us to learn about veterinary science and Magizoology. We will make a place for us in this world, Hermione. We are going to change things for the better. Ron and Neville are already starting on it with the Auror program. Ginny will, well, provide the entertainment for the world. We won't let our children grow up like we did. We will make the world better."
Hermione smiled, "You have some high expectations there."
"No," Harry said, shaking his head, "Because we care. I know you, and you are going to come into the Ministry far more educated than anyone in that place does. You are going to fight and make a desperately needed change."
Hermione blushed, "I won't make any change. They are going to fight me because I'm Muggleborn."
Harry shook his head, "That is one of the things we will change. Blood status won't matter. I have it on high authority that during our NEWTs' practical, they were blown away by our magical talents."
Hermione looked at him with squinted eyes, "Harry, how do you know about our NEWTs?"
Harry scratched the back of his neck and turned away from her, "The administrator I had tested me in Defense and Charms. I guess you had the same one because we both cracked the target when we completed the shield charm. He said only two other students have ever done that in the history of the exam, Dumbledore and Riddle. He was blown away that not one but two students could do it this year. He said that our magical cores had to have already reached magical maturity years early. If they hadn't, we could be the most powerful witches and wizards ever," Harry turned to look at her, "You, I can see. Me? I barely get by."
"Harry, you are third in our class this year. Only behind myself and Luna," Hermione sighed, "And from what Luna told me, she could blow all of us out of the water. She has a photographic memory, Harry. She purposely answers questions incorrectly because it is unfair that she has that ability, and no one else does. She throws the tests on purpose, Harry, and she is still second in our class!" Hermione said throwing her hands up.
Harry laughed at Hermione's frustration, "I have an idea. A bit silly, honestly."
"What is that?" Hermione asked.
"Let's go for a walk around the castle under the cloak at night. You know, for old times' sake," Harry suggested.
Hermione laughed as she walked over to her favorite chair and sat down, "Harry, the both of us cannot fit under that cloak any longer."
Harry nodded, "I know, but you can if I give you a piggyback ride."
Hermione glanced at the fireplace, "No," Hermione shook her head, "You couldn't carry me all that way. Maybe for a few minutes, but that's it."
Harry grinned as he crossed his arms over his chest, "Wanna bet?"
Hermione scoffed, "You'd kill your back, and I don't want you hobbling over," Hermione gasped as Harry grabbed her and threw her over his shoulder, "Harry put me down!"
Harry laughed, "Hermione, you are lighter than a pillow. If I can't carry you around the school, I will run across the stage tomorrow in my Muggle clothes."
Hermione snorted, "All that will do is freak out the Purebloods."
"Well, from what I understand, most of them don't wear anything under their robes," Harry told her.
Hermione looked at him wide-eyed, "Seriously?"
"Remember that one guy from the World Cup? He liked a breeze-" Harry said as Hermione gasped, "Eww!"
Harry just laughed, "So come on."
"What do you win if you can carry me?" Hermione asked.
Harry bit his lip, "I may have been going to Andromeda's to spend a couple of hours on weekends after Quidditch practice. I want to tell her we can watch Teddy all day and night. We got a lot of practice with Harmony, and he's a year old now."
Smiling, Hermione walked over to him, "Harry, you don't have to bet with me to get me to spend a day with him. Squat down."
Harry's smile grew as he ran into his room and came out with the familiar invisibility cloak. Squatting down in front of her, she grabbed onto his shoulders. Gasping as he grabbed her legs, she wrapped her arms around his neck, "You are going to have to wrap your legs around my waist if you can until I can put the cloak on us."
Hermione swallowed hard as she linked her ankles together around him. He grabbed the cloak and, with some difficulty, threw it over them. Hermione looked down as Harry moved it so it would cover them completely. "I swear that part of this cloak's magical powers is that it will expand to fit the wearers' needs."
"It always covered us," Harry said as he walked them down the stairs.
"Who goes there?" Godric's portrait asked.
"I think one of them has an Invisibility Cloak," Rowena replied as Harry opened the Prefect Office's portrait.
"Where to first?" Hermione asked him.
Harry walked towards where the Room of Requirement had been, "Has anyone attempted to find if the Room of Requirement repaired itself?"
Hermione frowned, "I don't think anyone checked or knew about it other than us DA members."
Harry made it to the wall that had previously held the door to the Room of Requirement. Walking past it three times, at first the door did not appear. "I guess it doesn't work anymore."
"Wait, were you thinking of something? Because I was," Hermione told him as she tried to clear her mind, "Go ahead."
Harry walked in front of the wall again, and this time a door appeared, "Holy shit, it worked." Pushing the door open, he walked inside. Once the door shut behind him, he let go of Hermione's legs, and she hopped down.
Taking in the room they were in after Harry removed the invisibility cloak, Hermione looked confused, "A nursery?"
Harry swallowed hard as he walked over to the dresser. Instead of the stuffed animals covering it as it had in his faint memory, a pensive sat down on it. Glancing at the window, a large gold-framed claw footed mirror stood in its place. "I barely remember them," Harry admitted, staring at the mirror with both of them in its reflection, "What I do remember, I don't know if the memories are real." Harry looked at her with tear-rimmed eyes, "This is what I remember my bedroom looking like. I don't know why I picked this place to look this way. Maybe it's because it will be the only time I can be here again."
Hermione walked over and laced their fingers together, "Thank you for sharing this with me."
Harry nodded towards the mirror, "That is the Mirror of Erised."
Hermione gasped, reading 'Erised stra ehru oyt ube cafru oyt on wohsi,' "The mirror that shows you what your deepest desires are."
"Yeah, I saw my parents and my whole family last time. I was hoping it didn't burn up," Harry told her, staring at it, "You can't see what I can, and I can't see what you can." Harry looked at her, "But you have been so kind to share your parents and your home with me, so I want to share what I can with you."
Hermione threw her arms around his neck as tears fell, "Oh, Harry."
Harry put his wand to his head and pulled out three separate glowing threads. Depositing them into the pensive, Harry held his hand out to her, "You just put your face into it, and you get sucked into the memory."
Hermione took his hand, and they put their faces in the swirling blue and black liquid. Suddenly, she found herself in an empty classroom that she probably had never been to before. Desks and chairs littered the walls, but the mirror loomed over the room with its gold frame and clawed feet. Hermione watched at Harry's side as the younger and smaller version of himself moved closer to the mirror. He clapped his hands to his mouth with a slightly muted gasp as he turned around to see the people behind him in the reflection. Her heart broke when she noticed the older version of Harry's parents, still similar to their portrait in their common room but three years older than their portraits, from Harry's only memories.
Lily Potter stood behind the young Harry, smiling through her tears and waving as the young Harry reached behind him as if he could touch her. Compared to Ginny, her hair was a darker red, and her eyes were the same as Harry's, as everyone would always compare. James Potter was taller, probably about the same height as Harry, standing with his arm around Lily. Where Harry had Lily's eyes, he undoubtedly had his father's hair and the cowlick in the back. Hermione tried not to cry as she watched the young Harry get so close to the mirror that his nose had to touch the surface.
"Mum? Dad?" He whispered.
"That was the first time I had seen them," Harry told her quietly as other family members appeared, "The lady with red hair and the blond, I knew them. They were my Mum's parents. Aunt Petunia has a picture of them, but that is it. They did die in a car accident the day Dudley was born. The man behind Dad is my Grandfather Potter, I assume. I have his nose, I think."
"The woman beside him has reddish hair, too. I guess you Potters have a type," Hermione joked as more family members parted and waved to him, many with green eyes and black hair similar to him as young Harry pressed his hands to the glass, "I'm so sorry, Harry."
They stood watching the family members shift to take turns waving at him, and Hermione looked back as a distant noise was heard in the memory.
"I'll come back," Young Harry whispered to the mirror as he hurried from that room, clutching the cloak.
The memory blurred, and they landed in the corridor outside the same room they were in.
"Harry! It's always been here. You found the Mirror here within the Room of Requirement," Hermione stated as Ron and Harry passed the familiar suit of armor, and the door appeared.
The younger versions of Harry and Ron pushed the door open, and Harry dropped the cloak and ran to the mirror. Again, Harry saw his parents' reflections. This time, Lily was smiling without tears.
"See!" Harry whispered.
Ron walked over to him, "I can't see anything."
"Look! Look at them all. There are loads of them!" The excited Harry told Ron.
"I can only see you," Ron said, confused.
Harry stepped aside, "Look in it properly, go on, stand where I am."
Harry's parents disappeared, and Ron appeared within the reflection, staring at it amazed.
"Look at me!" Ron said, excited.
"Can you see all your family standing around you?" Harry asked.
"No, I'm all alone, but I'm different. I look older, and I'm Head Boy!" Ron said, surprised.
Hermione wrapped her arm around Harry, "Obviously, that didn't happen," She said as Harry chuckled.
"…I'm holding the House Cup and the Quidditch Cup. I'm Quidditch captain, too!" Ron excitedly asked Harry, "Do you think this mirror shows the future?"
Hermione groaned, "Seriously, Ron?"
"All my family are dead. Let me have another look," Harry said, trying to shove past Ron.
"You had it to yourself all last night. Give me a bit more time," Ron said, affronted.
"You're only holding the Quidditch Cup. What's interesting about that? I want to see my parents!" Harry told Ron, trying to push past him.
"Don't push me!" Ron said, raising his voice as a noise outside the room stopped their discussion.
The memory blurred again, finding Harry in front of the mirror again with Lily, James, and Harry's Grandparents staring at him from the mirror as he sat down in front of the mirror, not noticing Dumbledore sitting on one of the desks.
"So, back again, Harry?" Dumbledore asked, and Harry slowly turned around.
"I didn't see you, sir," Harry said, looking scared.
"Strange how nearsighted being invisible can make you," Dumbledore said with a smile.
"I was terrified that I was going to get more points lost after Halloween," Harry told her.
Dumbledore slid off the desk and sat on the floor next to Harry, "You, like hundreds before you, have discovered the delights of the Mirror of Erised."
"I didn't know it was called that, sir," Harry told him, staring at their shared reflection.
"But I expect you've realized by now what it does?" Dumbledore asked him.
"It…well… it shows me my family," Harry told him.
"And it showed your friend, Ron, himself as Head Boy," Dumbledore stated.
"How did you know?" Harry asked, surprised.
"I don't need a cloak to become invisible," Dumbledore told him.
"I wonder if he just wandered around patrolling disillusioned," Hermione wondered.
"Let me explain. The happiest man on Earth would be able to use the Mirror of Erised like a normal mirror. That is, he would look into it and see himself exactly as he is. Does that help?" Dumbledore explained.
Harry slowly nodded, "It shows us what we want… whatever we want."
"Yes and no," Dumbledore said quietly, "It shows us nothing more or less than the deepest, most desperate desire of our hearts. You, who have never known our family, see them standing around you. Ronald Weasley, who has always been overshadowed by his brothers, sees himself standing alone, the best of them all. However, this mirror will give us neither knowledge nor truth. Men have wasted away before it, entranced by what they have seen, or have been driven mad, not knowing if what it shows is real or even possible," Dumbledore explained, "The Mirror will be moved to a new home tomorrow, Harry, and I ask you not to go looking for it again. If you do ever run across it, you will now be prepared. It does not do to dwell on dreams and forget to live. Remember that. Now, why don't you put that admirable cloak back on and get off to bed?"
The memory ended, and Hermione found herself back in the nursery.
"So that is my family. Other than watching them die, those are the most solid memories I have of them," Harry told her.
Hermione threw her arms around his neck, "Thank you for sharing that with me."
Harry hugged her back, "Want to see your deepest desire?"
Hermione let him go and then turned towards the mirror. Harry stepped over to the side of the mirror, and Hermione stepped forward. Instead of her current reflection, she saw herself older with shoulder-length tamed hair. She was wearing Ministry robes, and Harry was standing on her left in deep red robes with gold wrapped around the bicep, marking the status of head Auror. On her right was Ron, with his arm wrapped around her shoulders, also in red robes but with a black stripe down the side. A tall boy, who had to be Teddy, who looked much like Remus, stood beside Harry. Harry had his arm around Teddy's shoulders, wearing Gryffindor robes with a P badge on his chest showing his Prefect status. Swallowing hard, Hermione took in the two children standing before her. Her right hand was resting on a young boy with curly, messy, dark reddish hair with her smile. Her left hand rested on the shoulder of a tiny girl with pale skin and knobby knees under her dress with long, dark, curly hair. Her mini-me with her own chocolate brown eyes. Her daughter held Ron's hand, and Harry held her son's. Harry and Ron had visible wedding rings, and she was sporting a simple diamond ring and band on her hand.
"See something you are happy with?"
Hermione looked at Harry, "We are all happy. I'm happy with that, even if this is my desire for the future."
"Good," Harry smiled as she stepped away.
"Go ahead, see them," Hermione told him.
Harry took a deep breath and then walked in front of the mirror. He stopped, surprised.
"Sirius and Remus there now too?" Hermione asked him.
Harry swallowed hard, "It is a whole family like I always desired. Mum, Dad, Sirius, Lupin, and Teddy are there."
"They might not be there where you can see them, but like you said with the stone, they are always watching after you. You will get the family you desire," Hermione assured him.
Harry looked at her with a look that made her heart skip a beat, "What I desire and what is going to happen are a little different in reality."
Hermione stood beside him, wrapping his arm in hers to show their reflections together, "Your feet will take you where your heart is."
Harry looked over at her, "Who said that?"
"It's an Irish proverb," Hermione told him as she glanced at his watch, "We should head back."
Harry nodded as he swallowed hard, looking back at the mirror, "I want to visit one more place." Kneeling, Hermione climbed onto his back, grabbing the cloak. She covered them and saw Harry glance back at the mirror and then lead them out of the Room of Requirement.
She rested her head on Harry's as he led them through the school and thought about what she had seen. Her desire to have two children surprised her and had to have changed after Harmony. Whether Ron was their father was not obvious, but she thankfully desired for them to remain close. Even if she did not end up with Ron, he would be a great Uncle who would keep her on her toes, preventing him from teaching her children mischief.
"You awake?" Harry asked, and she opened her eyes to see they were in the girl's lavatory on the first floor.
"Yeah," Hermione said as she jumped from his back and took in the bathroom, "I haven't visited this bathroom since that day." She took in the refinished sinks and the repaired doors, "Hard to believe everything changed for us that day."
Harry leaned back on one of the sinks, "I wouldn't be alive today if I hadn't remembered you were here. Halloween is one of the worst days of my life, but that Halloween was one of the best."
Hermione chuckled, "I still can't believe you jumped on its back."
"We didn't know any spells yet!" Harry defended.
"And now you've defeated Voldemort," Hermione smiled.
"WE defeated Voldemort," Harry clarified as a meow made them both jump, "Oh shit, come on!"
Hermione grabbed the cloak and jumped on his back, covering herself as Filch appeared at the door to the lavatory.
"My sweet, what is it? Is it a student?" Filch asked, holding his lantern out.
Hermione pursed her lips as Harry crept past Filch, but Mrs. Norris' eyes followed them. Sniffing at the air, Filch grinned, "A female student out of bed, I smell her perfume."
Quietly creeping towards the corridor, Harry accidentally scuffed his shoes, making Filch and Mrs. Norris look their way.
"Hiding from me with spells! STUDENT OUT OF BED!" Filch yelled, "STUDENT OUT OF BED!"
Harry took off running, and Hermione buried her head in his back so as not to laugh.
They were running up the Grand Staircase when they heard, "Harry, Hermione, what are you doing?"
Harry stopped at the fifth floor where McGonagall stood in her tartan dressing gown. McGonagall reached up, removed the Invisibility cloak, and shook her head as she saw their hair a mess, rosy-cheeked and smiling, "You two realize you are graduating tomorrow. I hope you were not up to trouble tonight. I figured we were safe without Mr. Weasley."
Harry swallowed his laugh, "Just taking a nighttime stroll," He told her as Hermione jumped onto the ground, smoothing her shirt.
McGonagall shook her head, "Go to bed. I expect you both bright and on time in the morning."
Hermione nodded, trying not to laugh, "Yes, ma'am."
"Go," McGonagall said, rolling her eyes. They took off towards the Prefect office, laughing.
*~*~* June 12, 1999 *~*~*
Harry appeared at Hermione's bedroom door and leaned against the frame as Hermione balled her sheets up on her bed, "Got everything?"
"Yeah," Hermione said as she looked around, checking again, "I can't believe it's over."
"I know," Harry said, grabbing her trunk and Crookshank's cage. He brought them to the common room and set them down next to his trunk, "Elf!"
A Hogwarts elf appeared in front of them, "Sir, Madam. Is your luggage ready?"
"Yes, thank you," Hermione said as the elf touched their belongings and disappeared to put them onto the train.
Harry looked over to where his parents' portrait had been, "Do you know what happened to my parents' portrait?"
Hermione said, "It was there last night when we went to bed."
Harry sighed, "Probably went back into storage since our reign is done," Harry joked as he held his arm out, "You look nice, by the way."
Hermione looked down at her purple dress with floral decorations on the shoulder, "It is just an old dress that my Mum and Dad gave me. It's getting a bit tight. I nearly didn't tie the ribboned belt."
"I think it looks good," Harry said, opening the door for her.
They walked down to the Great Hall, where McGonagall was organizing the graduates who had already gathered with their friends.
"Harry, Hermione!"
Hermione saw Luna standing with Neville and her father, "Hi guys."
Xenophilius Lovegood looked at them, "Mr. Potter, Miss Granger, I wish to apologize for our last meeting."
Harry held up his hand, "You were desperate to get Luna home. We understand. You did help us to figure a part of our quest, so thank you."
"As long as there are no hard feelings, you two have my deepest support," Xenophilius told them, "My congrats and tidings on graduating."
"Daddy, you and Neville should head outside before all the good seats are taken," Luna told him.
"Of course, come on, young man," Xenophilius said, grabbing Neville by the shoulder and leading him out of the Great Hall.
Luna smiled at them, "Neville is still nervous about Daddy."
Harry gasped, then laughed as Ginny launched herself on Harry's back, "Hi Gin."
Ginny jumped down and put her arms around his sides, "Mum, Dad, and the whole family are outside. Ron, too, with a surprise guest."
Harry looked up at Remus and Tonks's portraits and sighed, "When will it start?"
Hermione cast a Tempus charm, "About 30 minutes. We have to get our robes on first." Hermione saw McGonagall motioning to her, "Harry, I think she wants our help."
Harry quickly kissed Ginny, "I'll see you later."
Hermione nearly tripped as they neared the grass near Black Lake. She fiddled with the glowing gold rope around her neck, showing her status as head of the class. At her insistence, Luna also wore one as the real seventh-class head. Everyone stopped, and suddenly Harry stood in front of her and Luna in plain black robes with a white dress shirt underneath, looking dashing and his hair neater than it had been in a while. Putting one finger in her hair, she itched at her scalp as the Sleekeze tended to dry it out. The flower Ron had sent in for her also seemed to be bothering her head.
Music started playing, and the students began filing to where the chairs were set up. The crowd in attendance stood and clapped for them as they approached their assigned chairs. As she made it closer to the front row of chairs, she saw the bright red hair of the Weasley family standing together. Mr. and Mrs. Weasley stood with Percy, Charlie, Bill, and Fleur with a baby sling in front of her that must have held baby Victoire, who was only a month old. George gave her a wink as he saw her looking at them as he stood beside Ron and, to her disbelief, "Dad?" Hermione gasped as she saw him as tears came to her eyes as he blew her a kiss.
As they reached the front row, Hermione sat in her assigned chair beside Luna and looked at Harry, "Did you see Dad?"
Harry smiled, "Surprise. It's your graduation gift from me and Ron. We tried to talk your Mum into coming too, but they agreed closing for almost a week would be impossible."
Hermione reached over, squeezed his hand, and waved at her father.
Professor McGonagall came to the podium in sparking emerald robes, "Sonorous, Esteemed guests, welcome to the graduation of the Class of 1999!" She paused as everyone clapped and then took a seat. "After last year, I nearly thought this year would not happen. I am very proud to see so many of your faces here today. In my first year as Headmistress, with this being the first Hogwarts graduation following the final battle, our students have been tested more than just academically. Their strength and resilience were tested, and many stayed to fight last year with us to help us win." Many clapped, "Today, we gather to celebrate the academic achievements of our graduates and their spirit that brought us through the challenging last few years. The halls of this institution have witnessed countless triumphs and tribulations of the entire class but have held strong." McGonagall looked at the class, "To the graduating class, led by our co-heads of class, Miss Hermione Granger and Miss Luna Lovegood, I extend my warmest congratulations. Your leadership and intellect have been a beacon of inspiration to us all and a testament to the strength of the Hogwarts spirit. As you all prepare to step into the wizarding world, carry with you the lessons you learned within these walls, but also lessons of friendship and loyalty. I have watched you all grow up and am so proud of what you have all become. As we look to our future, let us embrace the promise that these graduates represent. They will shape the future through the wisdom and pursuit of a better world for us all. Remember that Hogwarts will always be a home to every one of you, and I trust that you will carry the magic of this place with you wherever your paths may lead."
Hermione swallowed her tears back.
"To the families and friends who have supported these graduates through their Hogwarts journey. I thank you for entrusting us with their education and allowing us to be a part of their magical education," McGonagall stated, motioning to all the teachers who stood as everyone clapped for them, "In conclusion, let this graduation be a symbol of hope, renewal and the power of knowledge. Congratulations to the Class of 1999. May your futures be as bright as the Lumos spell you cast upon the world."
Flitwick stood up and walked over to the table with rolled-up parchment lying on it, "Helen Allen."
The last row stood up and filed over to the stage, and a Ravenclaw named Helen filed onto the stage first.
Hermione clapped as everyone walked across the stage. Finally, it was time for their row to line up.
"Ginevra Weasley," Flitwick announced.
Rows behind them erupted in applause as she shouted.
Ginny stopped and glared at George as he yelled something she didn't understand.
The last two students were announced as Harry, Luna, and herself were the last three.
"Finally, we have our last three students. Our Head Boy is also receiving special services to the school award this year. Mr. Harry Potter."
Hermione smiled, clapping as Harry blushed, walked across the stage, accepted his plaque and diploma, and posed for a photo.
"Miss Luna Lovegood, co-head of the class."
Hermione clapped and took a big breath as Luna walked up on stage.
"Finally, our head girl, co-head of the class, also received an award for special services to the school and scored the first perfect score for the NEWT levels in the last 400 years. Miss Hermione Granger," Flitwick announced as Hermione gasped.
With shaking legs, Hermione walked on stage as the crowd clapped. Posing for a photo with Flitwick, he smiled at her, "Congratulations, Ms. Granger, it was an honor to teach you."
Hermione swallowed back her tears and walked over to McGonagall, who shook her hand and handed her the plague. Walking up to the podium, the applause settled, and she waited until everyone but her Dad and the Weasleys sat down. Harry was standing at the bottom of the stairs, smiling.
With a deep breath, Hermione cast, "Sonorous. Hello everyone. Professors, guests, parents, and my fellow graduates. Today, as we stand on the brink of a new chapter of our lives, I reflect on the journey we have shared here at Hogwarts. We arrived as eager first years, wide-eyed and uncertain, many of us knowing so little about the world we were born into. Today, we leave as accomplished witches and wizards, ready to brave the challenges ahead. Not saying that some of the challenges we encountered in our seven, some eight years weren't more challenging than the future we will stumble upon." Hermione glanced at Harry, "I'm looking at you, Harry."
Everyone laughed, and Hermione smiled, looking at Professor McGonagall and the other professors, "I must first express my deepest gratitude to our dedicated professors who have provided us with such knowledge and wisdom that will last us the rest of our lives. Without you all, and at some point, I had you all," Hermione stated as her classmates laughed, "You guided us through learning magic and about life. Thank you for your patience, passion, and unwavering commitment to our education. Your lessons were… it pains me to say this, more valuable than any textbook, and your influence will forever shape us."
Looking out to her father and the Weasleys, she licked her lips and smiled, "To our families and friends, thank you for your endless support. Whether you packed our trunks or sent us Howlers for gentle reminders," Hermione said, winking at Ron as he rolled his eyes, "Your love has been our anchor through the whirlwind of exams and homesickness. Thank you for allowing us the opportunity to come here to study."
Hermione turned to the next page of her notes, "As we embark on the next phase of our lives, let's not forget the friendships we have forged within these walls. The bonds we created that will last a lifetime, the laughter we shared in the common rooms, and the late-night study sessions that a few of us had in the library. These moments were the true magic here at Hogwarts. Cherish these connections because they are our foundations to lean on in the magical community. Hogwarts has given us the tools to impact the wizarding world and beyond positively. Let us use our magic wisely. It is our responsibility to use the knowledge and skills we have learned to change the world for the future to be better than those who have gone before us, not just for witches and wizards but for creatures of all kinds. I challenge you to choose compassion over cruelty, knowledge over ignorance, and unity over division. The world outside these walls will be filled with challenges, but we will be prepared for them using the lessons we've learned here at Hogwarts. Congratulations to my fellow members of the class of 1999. May your future be filled with endless possibilities. Thank you."
Hermione grabbed her diploma and award and walked over to the stairs. Harry smiled and held out his hand, helping her down the stairs.
"You did awesome," Harry whispered with a smile as he led her back to her chair.
Setting her award and diploma on the ground, she listened to McGonagall's final words, then stood with her class as they threw their wizard hats into the air.
Ginny came over, hugged Hermione, and held her other arm out for Luna. The girls giggled in a three-way hug, "We did it!" Ginny yelled, "Hogwarts didn't kill us!"
"It sure tried," Luna said with a giggle as Ron made it over and lifted Hermione into the air.
"Ron!" Hermione squealed as she threw her arms around his neck and kissed him, "Thank you, thank you, thank you!" Hermione said between kisses, "Harry told me what you two did!"
Ron looked over the crowd, "He's trying to make his way over here, but Dad has introduced him to many people, so many people want to talk to him. Being a Muggle here at Hogwarts and all."
Finally, Dan Granger made it over to them, "I know you said that you were a little popular, but for heaven's sake, baby girl," Dan said as he hugged Hermione, "After people started realizing who I was, they wanted to shake my hand and thank me."
"Mr. Granger, will you join us at our home for a graduation celebration?" Mrs. Weasley asked.
Dan looked at Hermione and Harry, "What do you think?"
Hermione smiled, "Sounds great to me."
"Graduates this way, please! Two ter a boat!"
Mrs. Weasley smiled, "We will meet you at the house. You can apparate from the train station. We will take care of your father."
Harry held out his arms for Ginny and then for Hermione. Luna linked her arm with Ginny's, and they walked down to the edge of Black Lake.
"Robes in the box, please, then two to a boat. Hello there, Harry, Hermione, Luna, and Ginny. Congrats, I'm proud o' yeh all." After hugging them all, Hagrid wiped his tears, "Yeh all come back an' visit me, if yeh could."
Hermione smiled, "Of course, Hagrid. It might take a couple of years. We are going to the States for school."
Hagrid pulled out his handkerchief, "Growin' up all yeh. Yeh better go."
"Goodbye, Hagrid," Harry said, helping Ginny into a boat.
Ginny touched Harry's hand, "Do you mind me riding out with Luna? We rode in together our first day."
"I rode in with Hermione, so it's only fitting," Harry said with a smile as he aided Luna into the boat, "See you at the dock."
The next boat floated up to them, and Harry held out his hand, "After you."
Hermione took his hand and climbed into the boat. Harry sat beside her, and the boat started moving, "The boats seem a little smaller."
"Because we were so small at the time," Hermione said with a smile, looking back at Hogwarts as it grew smaller, "Are we making the right choice, Harry? Going to the States?"
Harry nodded, "I think so. We should be free to live our lives, Hermione. Right now, we can't walk through Diagon Alley without having to run and hide. This year was so… normal. Is it bad of me to want four more years of that?"
"No, not at all," Hermione said.
Hermione laughed at George's joke as Dan walked over to her. "Hi, Daddy. Mr. Weasley is not talking your ear off too much, is he? He is a pureblood and is fascinated by us."
"Yeah, sorry about him," George told him, taking a drink, "Did he ask you about rubber ducks yet?"
Dan snorted, "Yes, he didn't quite understand that they are just bath toys for kids." Dan looked around, "Where is Harry?"
George grinned, "Probably snuck upstairs with my sister."
Hermione rolled her eyes, "For your information, he took Teddy outside." Hermione nodded towards the door, "I'm going to check on them."
Leaving the back door, Hermione walked outside. She found Harry sitting in the grass with Teddy, playing with Arnold, Ginny's purple Pygmy Puff, as it rolled around in the grass. "Hi, Teddy," Hermione said as she saw him.
Teddy turned around and held up his arms, "Nene!"
Hermione picked him up and rested him on her hip, "Why are you getting so big?"
Teddy put his thumb in his mouth and laid his head on Hermione's shoulder as Harry stood up and dusted himself off.
"Dad was asking about you," Hermione said as Harry rubbed Teddy's back.
"It was just getting too overwhelming in there for him," Harry told her, "But I think it's time for someone's nap."
"I think so," Hermione said as they walked back inside the house and went upstairs to Ginny's room.
Harry transfigured Ginny's armchair into a crib and some pillows into a mattress, "How'd I do?"
"Looks comfy," Hermione said as she gently set Teddy down inside, "Didn't fall apart."
Teddy rolled over, his thumb in his mouth sucking away. Hermione stood on her tiptoes, rubbing Teddy's back. Harry laughed, "You are going to fall in."
Hermione leaned against the crib as Harry rested beside her, "So calm and innocent like this."
"I'm going to miss him while we are in New York," Harry told her.
"How about we keep coming to the DA meetups, and since it will be the weekend, we spend that weekend at Andromeda's or our… my house," Hermione suggested.
Harry nodded, "I'd rather have one weekend a month than nothing. I just don't want him to forget us."
Hermione looked over at him, "We will make sure he doesn't. Put the Baby Monitor charm on, and let's go join the party downstairs."
*~*~* June 13, 1999 *~*~*
Hermione woke up gasping for air. Letting a slow breath out, she glanced at Ginny's bed to see she was asleep. She let out a breath and threw her head back on the pillow. Realizing that she would not get any more sleep, she quietly got up and walked to the family room. Harry was lying on the couch throwing a Quaffle in the air, then catching it.
"Can't sleep?"
"Shit!" Harry swore as he missed the Quaffle, and it hit him in the face.
Hermione walked over to him and said, "Are you okay?"
Rubbing his nose, "Yeah, you just surprised me. What are you doing up?" Harry asked, setting it on the floor.
"Couldn't sleep," Hermione shrugged as he put his feet on the floor so she could sit next to him.
"Nightmares again?" Harry asked her, rubbing her knee.
"No, I was having a dream where I was lost and couldn't find my way home. It was locations like Big Ben, but I also saw the Statue of Liberty and the Eiffel Tower. I was hopping between all these famous locations, but I couldn't stay in one place. I was searching for something, but I don't know what," Hermione explained with a sigh, "Did you have a nightmare?"
"Usually, I can fall back asleep, but not tonight." Harry said as she reached into her bag, "I can't believe you still carry around that beaded bag."
Hermione swallowed hard, "It's a hard habit to break," She told him as she pulled a book out of the bag, "Even though I sent my trunk with Dad back to the house, I knew I was staying here tonight so it has my essentials in it. Most of the important books, too."
Harry looked at her book in the firelight, "The Brothers Grimm?"
Hermione looked at him, "Lately, I've been researching into Muggle fairy tales since NEWT studies ended. I would read Harmony them, and after Tales of Beedle the Bard being true, I wondered what other fairy tales we have heard all our lives that may have been true?"
Harry settled back onto the couch with his feet on the coffee table, "Read me one to test your theory."
Hermione opened the book and found a story, "Alright, this one is the golden goose. There was a man who had three sons, the youngest of whom was called Dummling and was despised, mocked, and sneered at on every occasion. It happened that the eldest wanted to go into the forest to hew wood, and before he went, his mother gave him a beautiful sweet cake and a bottle of wine in order that he might not suffer from hunger or thirst," Hermione read as they heard creaking on the stairs.
They both looked up as a barefooted Ron padded into the family room and stopped when he saw them, "What are you two doing down here?"
"Nightmares, what are you doing up?" Hermione asked as Ron sat down on the other side of her and put his feet on the table like Harry had done.
"Same. For some reason, I had a nightmare about the Department of Mysteries," Ron said as he leaned back against the couch, "What are you two up to?"
"Hermione has a theory that many of the Muggle fairy tales may be Magical, so she is reading the Golden Goose," Harry told him, "Go on Hermione."
"When he entered the forest, he met a little grey-haired old man who bade him good day and said: 'Do give me a piece of cake out of your pocket, and let me have a draught of your wine; I am so hungry and thirsty.' But the clever son answered: 'If I give you my cake and wine, I shall have none for myself; be off with you,' and he left the little man standing and went on. But when he began to hew down a tree, it was not long before he made a false stroke, and the axe cut him in the arm so that he had to go home and have it bound up. And this was the little grey man's doing." Hermione read.
Ron yawned, "Definitely cursed him."
"After this, the second son went into the forest, and his mother gave him, like the eldest, a cake and a bottle of wine. The little old grey man met him likewise and asked him for a piece of cake and a drink of wine. But the second son, too, said sensibly enough: 'What I give you will be taken away from myself; be off!' and he left the little man standing and went on. His punishment, however, was not delayed; when he had made a few blows at the tree, he struck himself in the leg so that he had to be carried home," Hermione read.
"Yep, a wizard," Harry nodded as Hermione turned so that her feet were in Harry's lap and her head was in Ron's lap. Ron started running his fingers through her curls.
"Then Dummling said: 'Father, do let me go and cut wood.' The father answered: 'Your brothers have hurt themselves with it, leave it alone, you do not understand anything about it.' But Dummling begged so long that at last, he said: 'Just go then. You will get wiser by hurting yourself.' His mother gave him a cake made with water and baked in the cinders and, with it, a bottle of sour beer. When he came to the forest, the little old grey man met him likewise and, greeting him, said: 'Give me a piece of your cake and a drink out of your bottle; I am so hungry and thirsty.' Dummling answered: 'I have only cinder-cake and sour beer; if that pleases you, we will sit down and eat.' So they sat down, and when Dummling pulled out his cinder-cake, it was a fine sweet cake, and the sour beer had become good wine." Hermione read as she looked at Harry, who nodded, "Wizard. So they ate and drank, and after that, the little man said: 'Since you have a good heart and are willing to divide what you have, I will give you good luck. There stands an old tree; cut it down, and you will find something at the roots.' Then the little man took leave of him."
Hermione looked up at Ron as he stopped messing with her hair, "Well, at least one of us is sleeping." She glanced at Harry, who scoffed, "Want me to continue?"
"Go ahead, I'm awake," Harry said despite his semi-closed eyes, "I agree though, he is a wizard."
"Dummling went and cut down the tree, and when it fell, there was a goose sitting in the roots with feathers of pure gold. He lifted her up and, taking her with him, went to an inn where he thought he would stay the night. Now, the host had three daughters who saw the goose and were curious to know what such a wonderful bird might be and would have liked to have one of its golden feathers. The eldest thought: 'I shall soon find an opportunity of pulling out a feather.' As soon as Dummling had gone out she seized the goose by the wing, but her finger and hand remained sticking fast to it. The second came soon afterward, thinking only of how she might get a feather for herself, but she had scarcely touched her sister than she was held fast. At last, the third…" Hermione trailed off as she jerked and nearly dropped the book, "Um…also came with the like intent, and the others screamed out: 'Keep away; for goodness' sake, keep away!'" Hermione yawned, "But she did not understand why she was to keep away. 'The others are there,' she thought, 'I may as well be there too,' and ran to them, but as soon as she had touched her sister, she remained sticking fast to her. So they had to spend the night with the goose."
Harry opened his eyes after Hermione had not continued and saw she had fallen asleep. Reaching over, he set the book on the coffee table. With a sigh, he rubbed the tops of her feet since she was so ticklish on the soles. Closing his eyes, he smiled as he let the comforting feeling of Hermione and Ron's presence wash over him and lull him to sleep.
*~*~* June 15, 1999 *~*~*
Hermione was sitting at the kitchen table at the Burrow, parchment and books spread out all over the table, making a plan for Ron after finishing the last of her GCSEs and A-levels. The day before, he had come to the house begging Hermione to help him come up with a plan and to help him study for the Auror exams. Glancing at the actual clock, she had told Ron that she needed him to be awake and ready for her to help him at 8 am. Yet it was now 8:15, and there was no Ron. With a huff, she sent her Patronus up to his room, and a few minutes later, Ron appeared on the stairs in just a pair of pajama trousers and bare feet.
"It's 8:19, Ron," Hermione told him as she pointed at the stove, "Kettle is on."
"Thanks," Ron said as he walked over and poured himself a cup of tea in the kitchen, then came over to the kitchen table, "Morning," He said as he leaned over to kiss her, and she covered his mouth.
"Mouth freshening charm at the very least," Hermione told him.
Ron frowned, "I left my wand upstairs." He told her as he sat down across from her.
"The war might be over, Ronald, but we need to have our wands on us at all times," Hermione implored.
"Yeah, alright. What's the plan?" Ron asked as he took a sip of his tea.
"Your next exam is the history of dark arts. Here is my outline of things I think you should study up on. You have two months. With this schedule, you will be fine," Hermione told him as she reviewed his study schedule and some suggested books that she had written, "I have most of these if you need them."
After about thirty minutes of studying, Ginny came down the stairs, "Hermione, could I talk to you real quick upstairs?"
"Sure, I'll be back, Ron," Hermione told him as she followed Ginny upstairs. She was surprised when Ginny cast a silencing charm. "What's wrong?"
Ginny let out a shaky breath, and Hermione thought she saw tears in her eyes for the first time. "I screwed up. I screwed up big time. Two months ago, after we went to the Three Broomsticks and when you returned, I snuck in some Firewhiskey, and Harry and I got a little drunk, then slept together. I'm late, Hermione."
"Late to practice? I didn't think-" Hermione gasped as she realized what Ginny meant.
a/n: Thank you Chocolatedad, J'aime Manga, samwar, AlexJMP, The Great Unknown89, Btterflykiss69 for the follow/favorites!
Also thank you to the Guest for the review!
I'm evil for the cliffhanger. I'm not apologizing. Sadly I was not able to write as much as I wanted to last week, I fell into a rabbit hole on a fanfiction story and it was an exhausting week. But I am up to 2001 on the story's timeline. I can't wait until you all see how it unfolds.
Preview of Chapter 13- Wildest Dreams
Hermione glanced at his face, "Harry, what's wrong?"
"Harry?"
Hermione glanced where Harry was staring and saw Petunia Dursley stepping onto the sidewalk. Behind her, coming across the road, was a large, portly man who had gained even more weight than when she had seen him last. He had to be Harry's uncle. Hermione's eyes narrowed, and she took a deep breath, steeling herself.
"Hermione, don't!" Harry hissed as she stepped forward.
"Mr. and Mrs. Dursley, isn't it?" Hermione said, purposely making her voice sickenly sweet.
