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The Paths We Take by babyhalo19
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The Paths We Take

babyhalo19

Hey guys! Third chapter! I hope you like it! This took me forever, and I mean FOREVER to write. I kept on having new ideas about what should happen, and could never decide which one's I should use. I have to again, thank JoAnne for her wonderful help, and also Matt, who gave me some ideas, that I really needed. Anyways, enjoy!

Dumbledore stepped up to the podium and the crowd immediately fell silent. Last minute guests were hurriedly rushing to their seats. The chairs were almost all full, and a few of the teachers were rushing to get more. It seemed like everyone was there; and they were all looking at Dumbledore. Hermione couldn't believe how many people had showed up today. She didn't even know there was this many relatives to all of the students. Sadly she realized there wasn't anyone her for Harry. With Sirius dead, and the Dursley's having a party at their house that he was finally gone for good. It must be hard for him today, she thought glumly. She did however see the Weasley family sitting a few chairs away from her parents. The whole family was there, except for Percy who was still refusing to even acknowledge them. Fred and George were actually in dress robes. She never thought she'd see the day. But as Katie straightened George's outfit, she suddenly knew why. She remembered their wedding last summer, and couldn't help but smile. They were just like a younger version of Mr. and Mrs. Weasley, although don't let George hear you say that. His and Fred's joke shop business was booming, and Katie was in charge of the advertising, along with Alicia. Katie had become very bossy about the way things were marketed, and George was usually on the receiving line of it. He always kept the complaints light with a joke or a gesture, that kept their marriage lively. And speaking of Alicia, who was standing next to Fred, the whole family was expecting a proposal from him any day. Little did they know he had already bought the ring.

As the last of the guests took their seats, Dumbledore cleared his throat, and the graduation party immediately stopped fidgeting with their robes and checking their hair in little mirrors.

"Welcome everyone, to this year's graduation ceremony! This class has certainly gone through a lot, probably more than others. They've shown courage, determination, and wise ness beyond their years. After they walk out those doors today, they will be adults who make their own choices and decisions. They will be facing first jobs, house buying, and dare I say it, bills." The crowd laughed at this, and the students gulped. They didn't see what was so funny.

"But I know that through all the obstacles you encounter," he said, turning to face them. "You'll somehow manage and turn out for the better. Never has there been a class I was more sure of. I know you'll go out there, and make us proud. You're our future now, and our beacons of hope through this dark time. I hope you will take something from your seven years here, and cherish it in your memory, and maybe apply it to your life in the real world; even if it is only the food. We could always use a good chef or two." With this last sentence and a wink, he stepped back and Professor Mcgonagal walked out to the podium with black bag that had scrolls protruding from it.

As Professor Mcgonagal set the bag down, she said in a mock imitation of when she called their names for the being sorted. "When I call your name, you will come here to receive your scroll, and then walk across to join the rest of your classmates." Her face then broke into a grin and she added in a happier tone, "And hopefully you won't be so scared this time." Hermione and her classmates broke out in grins at remembrance of the first time they heard that speech.

"Abbot, Hannah." Hannah walked down the white carpet and received her scroll from Mcgonagal who smiled and whispered a good luck. As soon as her hands grasped the scroll; her robes, which had been the colors of Hufflepuff, turned a creamy white. She jumped a little bit, as did everyone else. This was the signification that she was no longer a student, and no longer bound to a school. She would now have to make her own way in life, thus choosing her own colors. As she walked down the rest of path, she took a seat in one of the reserved chairs, and waited for her classmates to join her.

Hermione watched as the line grew smaller and smaller. Her heart did a belly flop as she realized she was next. She took a deep breath, and prepared to take a step forward, when a very odd thing happened. The next name called was not hers, but instead "Malfoy, Draco." She froze, not quite sure what to do. Malfoy ushered forward and shoved her quite a bit harder than necessary. "Better watch your step Granger." He growled, before walking out to receive his diploma.

She didn't have time to get mad at this now. She was worried why her name wasn't called. She was scanning the audience to see what her parents' reaction was, when she noticed something very odd. Ginny was staring straight at Draco, not saying a word, but blushing scarlet. She followed him with her eyes the whole way to his seat. Hermione, amused, was just about to continue scanning the crowd, when Draco snuck a look at Ginny, and his lips curled up a bit, resembling the faintest of a smile she'd ever seen him wear. Hemione blinked hard several times to make sure she didn't just imagine that. She had no idea what that was about, but she would definitely have to have a chat with Ginny, for there was something she was obviously hiding from them.

While she pondered this, the line got slimmer and slimmer, until it was Ron's turn. His ears were the deepest red she had ever seem them. As his robes turned to white, there was a sudden loud sob from the audience. Mrs. Weasley had doubled over on Mr. Weasley's shoulder, her body shaking with cries. Ron looked like he was about to be eaten by a spider, and nearly ran off the stage, taking a seat as far away from his family as possible. Hermione looked over the chairs, trying to find Harry, mad at herself for missing him walking up there. She was puzzled to find he wasn't there. As the last two people were called up, Hermione's stomach was in knots. Why wasn't she called yet, and where was Harry? For the second time that day, she jumped at having a tap on her shoulder. She turned around to find Harry there, looking just as puzzled as her.

She was just about to ask him what was going on, when Mcgonagal stepped back and Dumbledore walked forward. He looked at them, and beamed. He then turned towards the audience and spoke in his loud booming voice. "As you may have noticed, two of our students have yet to receive their diplomas." He beckoned them to come and join him. "May I present to you Mr. Harry Potter, and Miss Hermione Granger. They were the Head Boy and Girl this past year, and have had a big impact on the school. They've been outstanding role models 99% of the time." He said, winking at Harry before continuing. "They've shown smarts, determination, wit, intelligence, and most importantly, fairness. They've been leaders to everyone, and will always be remembered, especially by me. The staff and myself, expect great things from both of you. And it is with great pride that I hand you both your diplomas, and cannot wait to see what you do with the world.

With this he started clapping, and the rest of the staff joined in, followed by their classmates. The guests joined in, and before you knew it, everyone was on their feet applauding with great smiles on their faces. To both of their surprises, Malfoy was clapping too, although he was not standing. But what made them both take a step back in surprise was Snape. He was genuinely clapping and smiling, looking at them both with pride. Hermione squeezed Harry's hand, which she didn't even realize she was holding until then. She looked in his eyes, and couldn't help but laugh with excitement.

After a moment the rest of their classmates took their hats and threw them up in the air, followed by Harry and Hermione. The hall broke out into even more thunderous applause, and Dumbledore, with his eyes twinkling, spoke in the midst of all the clapping.

"I give you the class of 2006!"

Well, what did you think? It only takes a second to type a review, but it would mean the world to me! Also, the more reviews I get, the more eager I write. ;p Thanks,

Erin