Chapter 3- Pomp, Circumstance, and The Parting of Ways
"Harry Potter must wake up, Harry Potter must wake up!"
A familiarly annoying voiced called through the dark bedroom as Harry reached for his glasses that were placed on the nightstand and rubbed the sleep from his eyes.
"Dobby?" He mumbled sitting up and looking at the clock. Five o'clock. Four hours before the graduation was set to begin.
"Harry Potter must follow Dobby, sir. Professor Dumbledore is waiting. Please hurry, Sir. He wishes to see you immediately." Dobby insisted as he hopped on the bed and began pulling the covers off of him.
"All right, all right!" He exclaimed, reluctantly getting up and following the eager House Elf from the dormotories, "but would you please stop shouting, Dobby! Just because I will have to attend graduation looking like a Zombie doesn't mean the rest of the Bloody house should have to lose sleep!"
With that, the young wizard and the eager to please House Elf made their way through the portrait whole towards the awaiting Headmaster.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
"Well done, Dobby!" A most jovial Dumbledore beamed as the two of them entered his office. "You may go now. Thank you for your help."
Dobby smiled and bowed then snapped his fingers, vanishing out of sight.
"Sit down please, Harry." Dumbledore said as he motioned to the chair placed in front of his desk as he took a seat behind it. "I hate to wake you so early on a most important day, but there is one last thing I have to do before you leave Hogwarts."
"That's okay, Professor." He responded with a yawn, "I'd just nodded off not long before Dobby popped up. Haven't been able to sleep much tonight."
"Ahhh, that's understandable." He replied, "You're leaving behind Hogwarts and heading out into the wizarding world. The unknown is always a frightening prospect, but there is no doubt in my mind that you will conquer whatever obstacles may cross your path and that you will make a most impressive auror after you've completed the extensive training program with Professor Moody and his colleagues. That is of course if you've decided to accept the offer from the Ministry?"
"Oh yes, Sir. Definitely." Harry responded with assurance as he fidgeted around in his seat, unable to get comfortable. "I am honored to have been selected to join the crusade against dark magic. I hope to one day rid the world of the Lord Voldemort and his followers once and for all."
"Splendid!" Dumbledore grinned proudly, "I know you will do well, Harry, as you always do when you are put to the ultimate test. I see a successful future for you, as well as for Mr. Weasley, and of course, Ms. Granger, our new Arithmancy Professor."
"Hermione is going to be Professor of Arithmancy?" He asked surprised.
"Yes, I informed her just last night." He said, equally shocked that Harry didn't know. "Professor Vector will be retiring, and I know how much she loves the subject and how it comes so naturally to her. We were a little hesitant considering she's just going to be turning 18, but given the fact that she had a 584 overall average, we were willing to make an exception. She's ecstatic about it, but I can't believe she hadn't mentioned it to you. Is something wrong?"
"It's a long story." Harry answered sadly.
"Excellent!" He clapped with excitement, "I love a long story! Why don't you tell me what happened, Harry. Perhaps I can offer a few words of wisdom, or at the very least, have the best new bit of gossip at breakfast."
Harry couldn't help but laugh. Dumbledore always seemed to be there after he'd faced a challenge and always offered insight as well as humor to make the situation better. With a deep breath, Harry informed him of all the events that had occurred on the Quidditch Field and in the Common Room last night. He told him everything from the kiss to the pact, and when he finished, he'd felt as though a ton of bricks had been lifted from his shoulders.
"Tackling a Mountain Troll and a Basilisk doesn't seem quite so difficult now that you're in the middle of a love triangle?" Dumbledore chuckled.
"At this point, I'd prefer either one." Harry muttered unenthusiastically.
"Well, Harry, I had a feeling it might come to this one day. The three of you have known each other long before romantic feelings had entered the picture. It's only natural that once puberty kicks in, things get...complicated."
"And how.." Harry sighed, slumping back down in his chair.
"I know things seem bleak now, Harry." Dumbledore said in a reassuring tone, "But keep in mind that there are times in our lives when we must make sacrifices and decisions that may not seem wise in the beginning, but will work out for the best in the long run. I've known all of you for seven years. I've seen you learn, I've seen you conquer, and I've seen you grow. All of you are mere shadows of the young first years who walked through those doors. You've all evolved and matured and are ready to face anything that comes your way. Consider this pact the first of many crossroads in your life."
Reaching under his desk, he pulled up a large gift box and handed it to Harry smiling.
"So what if the Tenacious Trio will be parting ways for awhile? When things get rough over the next five years, you will have your memories for comfort, and that brings me to the reason I had Dobby bring you here."
Smiling graciously, Harry accepted the box from Dumbledore and proceeded to open it.
"Professor!" Harry gasped in amazement as he removed the contents from the box, "A pensieve! Thank you so much! This is incredible!"
"You're very welcome, Harry." Dumbledore smiled, "I remember fourth year when you stumbled upon my pensieve. I figured it would be the best graduation gift for you, especially given your current situation. Wonderful invention, the pensieve. You'll be able to reflect on the good memories when the bad ones become too much to bear."
"Thank you, Professor." Harry replied in a somber tone. "I can't tell you how much your insight has meant to me over the last seven years. I am lucky to have spent my time at Hogwarts with you as Headmaster. I'm certain many of the first memories that I put into this pensieve will be of our enligtening conversations."
"Believe me, the pleasure has been mine." Dumbledore answered modestly. "It isn't everyday that a young wizard comes to Hogwarts as a celebrity and leaves a legend. I saw potential from the day you were sorted, and I was not disappointed at all. You are going to go on to many exciting and dangerous events, but I know you are ready. There is a reason that you were the Boy Who Lived. You were destined for extraordinary things, Harry, and I know you then when you are put to the ultimate tests in the wizarding world, you won't let us down."
"Eztraordinary." Harry repeated with a chuckle. "I've heard that word a lot recently."
"And I am certain you will hear it many more times." Dumbledore replied as he glanced over at the clock on his desk. "Oh Dear! Look at that, six-thirty. I am sorry to have kept you so long, Harry. I know you have a big day ahead of you."
"It's just the beginning, Professor. Graduation will be a cakewalk compared to spending the next five years away from Hermione."
"Have faith, Harry." Dumbledore answered in a voice full of confidence. "Things usually have a funny way of working out in the end. But I think that's something you've experienced numerous times over years here at Hogwarts."
Harry smiled at the eccentric, elderly man as he recalled the worst of times during his schooling and how, in the end, things did seem to fall into place.
"Thank you, Professor. I will see you at graduation."
"So long, Harry! Don't be a stranger!" Dumbledore called out as the young wizard was making his way down the stairs. "Just because you've made a pact to keep from Hermione for the next five years doesn't mean you have to stay away from the rest of us!"
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
The next few hours flew by for Harry and before it knew it, the graduation ceremony had come to an end. Dumbledore had given an excellent and inspiring speech which beautifully summed up everything that had taken place and how all of the graduates had grown over the last seven years. When he finished, the Official Witchcraft & Wizardry certificates were presented and then it was off to Great Hall for one last feast and one last chance to see Hermione before they parted ways.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"Well done, Harry!" Sirius Black's proud voice echoed as he ran to greet his Godson after everyone was settled in the Great Hall. "Your Mum and Dad would be proud."
Harry smiled as he embraced his beloved Godfather. It had been two years since his name was cleared in the murder of Harry's parents, Lily & James. The Ministry of Magic stumbled across Peter Pettigrew, the real person responsible helping Lord Voldemort murder the Potter's, while he was trying to lure several young wizards to the dark side. Since then, Harry had left the Dursley's to live with Sirius and he'd never been happier.
"Thanks, Sirius. I am just glad you're free so I had you here with me today. It made it even better."
"Harry, if I had to transfigure into Padfoot and hide under Hagrid's coat, *nothing* would have stopped me from seeing you graduate an official Wizard. You've grown into a fine young man, and I'm so pleased that I've gotten to see it happen right before my very eyes."
"'ll right if I add to the 'praisin then?" Hagrid's rugged voice echoed as Sirius and Harry turned to face the gentle Giant standing behind them with a tearstained face. "You did a fine job, up 'ere, 'Arry. Can't believe seven years 'ave gone so fast. 'Yer gonna make a fine wizard out there, 'Arry, always knew ya would, but I sure am gonna miss ya."
"I'll miss you, too, Hagrid." He said with a warm smile as he gave him a loving hug, "But don't cry, please. I'll always be in touch."
"Yer mean it?" Hagrid asked with hope as he pulled out a tissue and blew his nose rather loudly, drawing the attention of several Ravenclaw graduates and their families. "Ya aren't gonna forget about me when ya go off to study as an Auror, are ya?
Harry smiled. "Hagrid, I assure you that you're one person I could *never* forget."
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Harry spent the next hour or so being congratulated by his friends and Professors, including Professor Lupin who'd come back especially for the occasion, but the whole time his mind was set on one thing: Saying goodbye to Hermione.
"Harry!" Ron's voice called out as he ran to his friend. "I've been lookin' all over for you. Hermione wants to see you. She's waiting in the library."
"The library? Why on earth does she want to see me there?" He asked with a puzzled look.
"Harry, this is *Hermione* we're talking about," Ron answered with a grin, "if she is away from books for too long, I think she starts breaking out in hives! Seriously, mate. She wants to talk to you without interruption. Since *she* is the only one who'd be in a library when everyone else is partying, she decided it would be the best place to go."
"You've already seen her then?" Harry asked as he watched the lighthearted expression on Ron's face suddenly turn to a saddened one.
"Yea, it's why I'm trying to joke about it." He sighed, "Can't believe I won't have her to pick on for five years."
"I know." Harry nodded, "I can't imagine it, either. But hey, I'll still see you, right?"
"Definitely. In fact, I think you and I should have a talk soon.."
"All right then. I think that would be good for both of us. " Harry replied and then turned towards the exit of the hallway. "I guess I better get a move on, then. I've probably got about five minutes to say everything I won't be able to for the next five years."
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
"I thought you'd chickened out on me." Hermione smiled through her tears as she watched Harry enter the library and head towards the table where she was sitting.
"Never." He shook his head as he took the seat in front of her and watched as she bit down on her quivering lip, trying desperately not to break down. "I just walked slowly because I was thinking of what to say to sum up all that we've shared in such a short amount of time."
"I ran into the same problem last night." Hermione wept as she slid an envelope across the table, "Which is why I wrote you this letter. I know if I try and say everything I will lose it and may not be able to go through with this, so I figured writing would be the best alternative."
"Books and cleverness." Harry grinned through his sadness as he picked up the letter and tucked it away in his robes. "Always have that mind working, Granger."
"Books and cleverness are minimal qualities when compared to the capacity for friendship and bravery you posess, Potter. Or should I say, Auror?"
"Spoken like a true Professor." Harry chuckled, "The scholars of arithmancy will be most fortunate to have you as there instructor, just as I have been most fortunate to have you as a friend."
"Oh Harry," she sobbed, the tears flowing freely down her face. "When you say those things it makes this so much harder.."
"I'm sorry," He said as his own voice began to crack. "I don't want to hurt you anymore than I have, Hermione. I adore you and as hard as this is going to be, I know everything will work out the way that it should. There's just one promise I want you to make."
"Anything." She sniffled as she wiped her face.
"No matter who you choose, we will always be friends."
She smiled at him lovingly. "Deal."
"All right then." He said as he got up from his seat. "I guess it's time. The longer we wait, the harder it's going to be."
She nodded in agreement as they both got up from their seats and walked towards each other.
"Good-" Harry began but she silenced him with a finger to his lips.
"See you later. Don't say good-bye. It's too final."
He nodded, "I'll see you later, Hermione. But remember if anything happens and you ever need me or anything, I'm just an owl away."
"I know that. I'm keeping that in mind to help get me through this." She sobbed, throwing her arms around his neck and embracing him tightly. "Harry, please be careful."
"I will." He assured her, "And you just make me proud by helping to mold the brilliant wizarding minds with your keen knowledge of Arithmancy?"
"Have I ever let you down before?" She said with a laugh as she pulled away to look at him.
"Never."
He replied as he inched his face closer to hers and ran a hand through her silky hair. She sighed at the feel of his touch to her skin and trembled as he placed his lips to hers in a gentle, tender kiss.
"I love you."
"I love you, too." She whispered back as she gave him one last look, her face once again stained with tears.
He stared at her for a moment, wanting to remember her just like this. She was a vision. An Angel. At that moment he silently thanked Dumbledore for his gift and decided this would be a perfect first memory to store in his pensieve. One that would help him through the next five years without her.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
My Dearest Harry,
I've spent the last few hours in silent reverie trying to find the right words to describe what I am feeling right now. It's now two in the morning and I'm only on my second sentence. That should give you an idea as to how difficult this decision has been for me.
I've spent the last seven years of my life as a best friend to the two most amazing men I have ever known. You and Ron. Both of you have helped me grow as a person, and I would like to think that I in return, helped you two to grow as well. Before Hogwarts, my life was studying (Hard to imagine, isn't it?). I was a muggle born witch who was treated horribly by my peers for being "different". It was because of that I shut the world out and buried myself in books. Then, lo and behold, I was accepted to the most presitigous school of Witchcraft and Wizardry in the world, and it was there that I met you two and my life hasn't been the same since.
After getting acquainted with you both, I managed to come out of my shell, so to speak. I put the books down (even if it wasn't very often), broke a few rules, and had the time of my life. If I could go back, there isn't one second of it all that I would change because I've never been happier than I was when I was with the two of you. Each of you has a unique personality, but both of you are young man of extraordinary character and courage, and I've been blessed to watch the both of you excel as wizards and evolve as people.
It took Ron four years to notice I was a girl and five years to grow out of his jealous stage. I remember a time when he wouldn't talk to you because you were named one of the School Champions and just last night he forgave us both for our betrayal. It's astonishing to think about how much he's changed, and at the same time, manage to keep his wit and charm. I love him inspite of his faults and I love him because he always knows how to make me laugh.
And then there is you, Harry Potter. The Boy Who Lived. The Wizarding Wonder before he even knew he was a wizard. I remember when we first started school and I knew more about your life than you did (Now that I think about it, it was kind of scary on my part, wasn't it?), and look at you now. You've found yourself. You've lived up to the legacy and you should be proud. Your courage and loyalty is an inspiration to us all. Your pure heart and unselfish love is going to guide you to greatness as an auror because you are great in all that you do. You are my hero. When the laughter stops and the obstacles appear, you are the one who steps up to conquer them for the rest of us. When the smiles fade and the tears begin to fall, you're the one who comforts me and makes me feel as though everything is going to be all right. It is for all these reasons that I love you. Not because you are The Boy Who Lived, but because you are who you are and fame and glory hasn't changed that at all.
It's three in the morning now and this letter contains many more feelings than it did an hour ago, but it still doesn't seem to say nearly enough. However, if I keep writing, I still won't be done when the five years is up, so I am calling it a night (morning rather).
Good luck to you, Harry. I know that there is still much more of your story to be told, I just hope I won't miss out on too much of it.
Love always,
Hermione
P.S.- I was right when I said books and cleverness aren't that important. They aren't worth a damn when it comes to matters of the heart.
*********************
Harry tucked the letter in his pocket after reading it for the tenth and gazed out of his bedroom window and on to the night sky. It had been such a long day, but nothing compared to the long seperation from Hermione. With a sigh he removed his glasses and laid back on the bed. At that very moment, the clock struck midnight.
One day down, 1,824 more to go.