It was such a gorgeous, sunny day. There really couldn't have been a better day for graduation. There were only five hours and counting until Harry and Ron were officially finished with their schooling at Hogwarts. In reality, they had been finished for about a week since they had finished their N.E.W.T.s, but their graduation dinner wasn't for another week. Harry and Ron were sitting outside Hagrid's hut reminiscing about the past, especially when Hermione was still around.
"Do you remember when we locked Hermione in the bathroom with that troll in first year?" Ron laughed, a huge grin plastered on his face. "We thought we were helping her!"
"That was awesome…even if my wand ended up covered in its bogeys!" Harry responded, laughing along with him. "Who knew that would have started the notorious trio?"
"Yeah, who knew? Even though we still thought she was pretty odd. I mean talking homework planners? Honestly, the girl was mental."
"Here's another great "trio" moment! Although it was a little hairy for Hermione…"
Both Ron and Harry turned to each other and shouted "The polyjuice potion!" which resulted in another fit of laughter.
After their laughing subsided, they both returned to their silence, soaking up the sun and the feeling that this was the end. "I can't believe she's gone though," Harry whispered to himself.
Ron silently nodded his head in agreement. Ron didn't have to say anything because Harry knew he'd agree. This had been the inevitable result of any reminiscing that they had done since Hermione had left. Harry just kept thinking to himself: Why can't Hermione be here? Why did she have to leave to Portland, Oregon of all places? He hadn't even heard of any such place until she suddenly had to move there for her safety. Didn't Dumbledore realize that we could have protected her? Harry broke the silence, "What does Portland have that we don't?"
Sensing the mood slipping on what was supposed to be a great day, Ron broke out into a giant grin. "Come on mate, we've been over this again, and again, and again. There is no sense dwelling on it. I do, however, have a better idea," Harry looked up at Ron, "Let's go get some food. It's just about lunchtime, and I'm wasting away here!"
"Big surprise on that one Ron!" Harry said rolling his eyes with a half-smile, knowing Ron's good intentions. Harry couldn't help feeling this way though. Hermione was such an important part of their lives, and now with her gone it felt like something was missing. Sure they traded an occasional letter, but it just wasn't the same.
When they started walking up to the enormous castle, they both realized that this would be their final time walking from Hagrid's into the castle for lunch. Harry's thoughts were still on old times. Hogwarts was the only home he had truly known, and soon it wouldn't be. So much had happened there. At least he and Ron would be living close since they planned on renting a flat together in Hogsmeade. He knew that things were changing, just hopefully for the good.
The boys walked into the Great Hall and saw that Ginny and Lavender were already at their spot at the table. They were talking animatedly with the tall blond from Ravenclaw. Luna and Ginny had gotten really close over the past couple of years, especially since Hermione left during the summer before sixth year. Luna had really seemed to have grown into her own. She still always had that dreamy look on her face, but she was a great friend, and they all knew it. As the boys neared the table, the girls seemed too deep in conversation and too oblivious to notice them. Ron mouthed "Watch this," to Harry as he snuck up behind them. Ron slipped between Ginny and Luna, wrapping his arms around their shoulders. "Talking about us are you?"
All of the girls jumped, only to regain their composure by giving Ron a good smack upside the head. "Bloody hell Ron, you are such a git!" murmured Ginny.
"Hello Ronald," responded Luna with her trademark dreamy smile.
"What makes you so sure we were talking about you two anyways?" Lavender looked from Ron to Harry who had just taken a seat in front of them on the other side of the table.
"Who wouldn't?" smirked Ron, ducking before he could get smacked again. "No really, what were you guys talking about? The place could have been burning down and you wouldn't have even noticed."
All of the girls eyed each other suspiciously, the boys not noticing Ginny's slight red tint to her cheeks. "Lavender was just talking to us about how she got herself a position working at Madam Malkin's starting next Monday," quickly answered Luna.
"That's great Lav, really," Harry said as he smiled her way. Ron on the other hand was too busy piling the food on top of his plate.
"Wow Ronald, you've got quite the appetite," remarked Luna, as she stared at him seeming off in her own little world.
"Why wouldn't I? I haven't eaten since breakfast, and I've got to load up on the last lunch of my Hogwarts career," Ron gurgled through the bits of bread and pumpkin juice he was shoveling into his mouth.
"Since breakfast? How did you manage?" Ginny remarked sarcastically.
"That's really funny Gin, really funny," Ron muttered, turning his attention back to his food.
"I suppose I should get back to my own table and eat," said Luna sighing as she started to stand.
Harry, seeing the obvious rejection in Luna's face, kicked Ron underneath the table. "Hey!" shouted Ron, glaring up at Harry knowing he was the one who kicked him. Harry had shot him a look, which took Ron a couple seconds to understand. Luna had gotten a step away from the table when Ron reached out to grab her hand, "Luna wait!"
After grabbing Luna's hand he must have lost his balance because he fell backwards off the bench onto his back. Ron looked up and smiled, seeing Luna's bright blue eyes looking back at him. "Are you alright?" Luna asked; worry covering much of her face.
"I was just going to say that you should hang out with us, I mean it is our last day and all. I know you want to," Ron cringed, turning bright red. "I mean I know I want you to."
Luna accepted the offer and helped Ron up. After they had taken their spots back at the table, they all dug into their food. Ron looked over to Harry, and Harry just rolled his eyes.
"So are you guys excited for tonight?" Ginny asked smiling. There was a hint of sadness in her voice as she asked. After all Luna would be the only one left with her after tonight.
"Of course! I just can't believe that its here already." Ron said. Harry nodded in agreement while slurping down some pumpkin juice. "Although there are definitely some things I'm going to miss." As Ron said this, he stole a quick glance at Luna.
The group had gone silent; the only sounds to be heard were Ron's fork scraping along his plate and the gurgle and mashing sounds of the food in his mouth. Soon Ron had finished eating and looked up to see everyone looking at him. "What?" he asked innocently.
"Honestly mate, where do you put it? It's something I've tried to figure out for the past seven years," Harry answered after a few seconds. "You're going to eat us out of house and home."
"Oh shove off. I can't help it that you're a skinny twig. I eat enough for both of us." Ron snorted in laughter after he finished the last sip of his pumpkin juice.
The girls rolled their eyes at Ron's comment. "How about we head up to the common room for a round of wizard's chess?" Ron said looking over to Harry.
"Sure mate. Hey girls would you like to join us?" Harry said with a warm smile trying to coax them into coming. Ginny and Lavender looked to Luna as if to see what they should do. "No thanks. I think we will just sit here a little while longer just chatting about girly things." Luna responded while Ginny and Lavender nodded in agreement. "We will see you guys before your ceremony though!"
"Alright then ladies, we'll see you later then." Ron said as he specifically looked at Luna. The boys said their goodbyes and turned to leave the Great Hall. As they were walking away they heard the girls start to giggle. "I hope they aren't laughing about me falling off the bench, it kind of hurt." Ron said with a crooked smile.
"Yeah Ron, that was real smooth!" Harry joked, "Hermione would have loved to see that." His facial expression turned a gloomier shade at the mention of her.
"Come on mate," Ron clapped Harry on the back, "the sooner we get back to the common room, the sooner I can beat you."
They had continued on their way but had to stop and wait for a staircase to finish shifting. "I can't believe we are going to have our own flat. I bet Gin and my mum are going to want to decorate it for us. There better not be any bloody flowers or frilly things!" Ron groaned, stopping short because Harry was glaring at something or someone rather. He turned to look and saw a skinny pale faced boy with his blond hair and scowl walking towards them. That was definitely someone he wasn't going to miss and was sure Harry felt the same.
"Well look at who it is, my two favorite people, Potter and Weasley. Planning your flat are you? Maybe even a wedding since you're living together?" Malfoy said with an evil smirk on his face. "Hopefully you'll do the world a favor and not release any Potter-Weasley spawn onto the world. At least Granger was smart enough to get away from you while she had the chance."
When he mentioned Hermione, Ron had to hold Harry back because there would have been some nasty consequences. "Save it Malfoy. We have three hours until dinner and I'm rid of you," Harry retorted, "unless of course you'd like a goodbye present." His hand was fingering the wand in his robes. "You did look smashing as a bouncing ferret."
Ron let out a nervous chuckle, unsure of what would happen if someone didn't stop them. "Why don't you go run along Malfoy? Your jealousy is going to get you in trouble. We all know you're not going anywhere. Daddy has big plans for you I'm sure. I'm sure a little body art is in order." Harry spat out the words with a nasty glare.
"Oh don't you worry about me Potter, you should be more worried about yourself. You've got a lot coming for you. You just wait. As for me? This won't be the last you see of me. I can promise you that." The two of them were merely inches apart when Lupin came strolling around the corner.
"Hello boys, what's going on here?" Lupin said looking from Draco to Harry. He knew that Harry must be grasping at his wand just by the look on his face. "Nothing too serious I imagine?" Lupin looked a little worse for wear as the full moon just passed.
'No sir." Draco spat with a sarcastic tone and roll of his grey eyes. He had been against Lupin since the third year. He knew of Lupin's werewolf nature. It didn't get any better since Lupin had returned as the Defense Against Dark Arts teacher the previous year.
"That's what I thought," Lupin continued to stare directly at Malfoy. "Harry, Ron, you were just the two I was looking for." Ron nodded with a thankful look, while Harry continued to place Draco under his murderous stare. "Oh and Mr. Malfoy? Even though you graduate in a few hours, you can still get into trouble, so I suggest you be on your best behavior."
Malfoy gave Harry one last sneer before turning away down the hall. "I can't wait till we don't have to see him anymore. He sure is an annoying little bugger!" Ron muttered trying to lighten the mood.
"I know what you mean. He sure can be obnoxious. Good thing you came around Lupin…I might have done something I could have regretted." Harry said appreciatively. "Or maybe there wouldn't be regrets."
"Anyways you two, I came to let you know that after the graduation dinner you're free to leave. The carriages will be taking you back to the train station. You're going to the Weasley's until you get your flat?" Both boys nodded in agreement. "That's perfect then because I believe there is going to be an Order meeting tomorrow morning. You both will finally be able to go and not sit outside with the twins' extendable ears." Lupin smiled, knowing that everything he was saying was true to form. The boys weren't allowed into Order meetings until they graduated. This had annoyed them to no end. Luckily, with the help of the extendable ears and the fact that the twins were apart of the Order, they still had an idea of what was going on for the past two years.
"Well I had better be going; I need to speak with Dumbledore about the ceremony. I will see you two in a few hours." Lupin said with a wink and turned to walk away. "And Harry, stay out of trouble." Lupin had taken over the role of surrogate father since Sirius had gone through the veil third year.
"Yeah see you later…and thanks." Harry shouted after Lupin. "How about we go play some chess now?"
"Sounds like a plan." Ron said a little too eagerly. He was looking forward to a good whooping over Harry.
Harry and Ron finally made it to the Fat Lady's portrait in front of the Gryffindor's common room. "Ahh hello boys. I am so proud of you both, and to think no more sneaking in late and waking me up." The Fat Lady said with an annoyed smile and twinkle in her eye.
"Yeah, yeah, what's the password again?" Ron said looking at Harry. "Oh wait, I remember...pixie dust."
The portrait swung open to reveal a burst of scarlet and gold. There were streamers and remnants of the twins' new firework line. Empty butterbeer bottles were strewn all over the place. Obviously the house elves were busy with other things and hadn't had a chance to clean up last night's farewell party to the seventh years. It was such a fun evening, never to be forgotten. "Last night was bloody brilliant! I still can't believe that we had OUR farewell party."
"I know what you mean, it was such a blast. Although, it could have been much better if Hermione were here. She would have enjoyed it as well." Harry responded with a look of disappointment on his face.
"Of course she would of. I guess we will just have to owl her when we get to The Burrow with all of the details." Ron said trying to lighten the mood as he started to set up the chess board.
There was the sound of laughter coming from the boys' staircase. Ron and Harry turned around and saw that it was Neville and Seamus bounding down the stairs. "Hey, what are you guys up to?" Neville said while looking over Harry's shoulder. "Oh no, not another round of chess. You guys are bloody obsessed."
"Well what else are we going to do to pass the time? It basically seemed to have stopped since I am so excited for tonight!" Ron interjected looking a little hurt.
"What are you guys up to anyways?" Harry asked trying to change the subject. He did think that they played chess a little too often but Ron was right, it was something to pass the time.
"We were going to just go soak up the sun a bit. We are just too tired and bored so we decided we should just head outside. Try to find Lavender and the girls or something to keep us entertained." Seamus answered with a devilish grin. It was a known fact that Seamus and Neville had been chasing Lavender and Ginny for about a year now to no avail. Both girls had tended to stay pretty single after their flings with Harry. Their breakups had been pretty mutual so they were still on good terms. However once they had broken up, Neville and Seamus seemed to get the green light. "Would you guys like to go with us? Maybe we could find something to do."
"Yeah sure, sounds like a plan." Harry said eagerly, maybe a little too eagerly. He really didn't want to get beat again. They would be living together, so that meant losing to Ron more times than he could count. "What do you say Ron?"
"I would kind of like to play a bit first since I have it set up. Can you guys wait while I beat Harry?" Ron looked at Harry with a big grin.
"Sure, we can wait, it shouldn't take too long," Neville and Seamus said at the same time. Harry shot them a nasty glare, but it only resulted in everyone else laughing.
Ron and Harry had finally finished their game about thirty minutes later. "Wow Harry that was a pretty good show." Neville said with a twinge of astonishment in his voice."
"Yeah well it would have been over much more quickly if Mr. Chess-King over here wouldn't take so bloody long between moves!" Harry grumbled.
"Oh please, cry about it Potter," Ron chuckled and rolled his eyes. "Let's get outside shall we? If we're lucky the girls will be out there." Sensing everyone staring at him, he quickly added, "Not that I care or anything."
"Come on Ron, you think you're just too smooth with the ladies," retorted Seamus. "You'll be lucky to get with anyone here since everyone knows about the whole Patil twin fiasco." Just the mention of the Patil twins was enough to make all the boys laugh even Ron. Ron had successfully managed to date both Padma and Parvati at the same time, granted it only lasted about a month.
"You're just jealous Seamus," Ron responded with a grin. "For being in Ravenclaw, Padma was pretty dumb. It was fun while it lasted anyways."
Everyone but Harry had made their way out of the portrait hole when Hedgwig came flying in through an open window, landing on Harry's shoulder. "Hey girl! Whatcha got here?" Harry ruffled some of Hedgwig's feathers getting a friendly peck in return.
Harry untied the parchment that was attached to her leg. He unrolled it immediately recognizing handwriting. "Hey you guys, I forgot I had something left to pack. I'll catch up with you guys out by the lake when I'm done."
"Alright mate, hurry up will you?" Ron shouted through the portrait before it closed.
Harry made his way over to their favorite couch in front of the fireplace. He carefully read the words written in tiny handwriting down the parchment.
Dear Harry,
I can't believe you guys are graduating already! Have you managed to keep Ron grounded until the ceremony? I really wish I could be there. It was supposed to be the three of us, but things change I guess. We've still got another week until our graduation.
So have you and Ron gotten your flat picked out yet? I'd very much love to join you guys, you know that. It's a shame that my parents are harnessing their "safety net" even while I'm going to college too. You'd think I'd just leave, but I can't. They're my parents. It doesn't help that I can't apparate to you from where I'm at. Otherwise I'd come see you guys all the time.
Maybe you guys can come see me this summer. Alex is really anxious to meet you guys and I know for a fact I'm missing you guys like crazy. I've mentioned Alex before haven't I? Well stay safe Harry and talk some sense into Ron for me will you? Ginny was telling me all about that in her last letter. Give everyone a hug for me.
With love,
Hermione
Harry read and reread the letter a couple more times with a smile. He thought that her idea wasn't too bad about him and Ron going to see her this summer. He had heard little bits and pieces about Alex but they were still pretty much a mystery to him. He stashed the letter away in his trunk along with his invisible cloak, Marauder map, and other letters and made his way out the portrait hole to meet up with everyone else.