A/N: I'm sorry for the long delay. A week is too much. I'll try to get the next chapter up sooner. Thanks for all the reviews. As usual keep them coming. I wanted to post this chapter quickly, so it isn't very well edited. Keep that in mind while flaming me for grammar, spellings etc.
This chapter describes Harry and co.'s last few weeks at Hogwarts. The situation is very similar to mine. I finish college very soon. The official farewell is scheduled for Saturday. The parts in this chapter are derived from my personal experience over the past few days. The few lines at the start is an SMS I received from a friend (with 'college' replaced by 'school')
Chapter Nineteen: Farewell
Few moths to finish sweet school days,
Friend's hearts cry as they depart,
Lovers cry but will find another place to meet,
Love of some which has not been revealed to each other stays unrevealed,
Classes remain empty,
These colorful days will not come back but will bring a tear and joy when we think,
HAPPY FINAL YEAR!
Harry put on the Gryffindor Quidditch robes. This would be his last match for Gryffindor and probably the last official match of his life. He had already given up the option of pursuing a Quidditch career. He looked in the mirror. He was a touch sentimental. But he couldn't think of it at this time. There was a match and a championship to be won. He didn't want to go out as a loser.
"Our last match," said Ron coming up to him.
"We should win it. I am determined to," replied Harry. The rest of the team came into the room. Harry saw the gloomy expressions. This was the last match for Dean as well. The younger ones looked sorry to see the others go. Harry decided to change the mood.
"Attention guys and gals! This has been a great season for us. We've conquered all that came our way. I had full faith in you when I chose you all to represent Gryffindor. Now it is down to this match. We have to win this one to retain the cup. I've full confidence that you all will put in your best. Let's win this for Gryffindor!" he said, feeling every word he said. He put his right hand forward.
"For Gryffindor!" repeated the others and stacked up their hands over Harry. Harry took a deep breath before leading his side into the field.
"Gryffindor are ahead by eighty… Potter is diving for the snitch… He's very close… He catches it and GRYFFINDOR ARE CHAMPIONS!" said Luna. Under usual circumstances he would have been elated. This time it was different. While the excitement of winning the cup couldn't be diminished, this was like the end of a chapter in the story of his life. As his fingers were about to catch the snitch, part of him wanted to allow it to fly off, just to extend the happy chapter. But he realized that if he let it go the happy chapter could have a bitter ending. The entire team got into a celebratory huddle. Luna's booming voice interrupted them.
"May I please request the winning captain Harry Potter, who has played final match for Gryffindor to come up and say a few words," she said. Harry was taken by surprise. He saw Hermione approaching him. She smiled on hearing Luna's announcement. Harry looked at her questioningly.
"Just speak from your heart and you'll be okay," said Hermione, giving him a peck. Harry nervously took the microphone from Luna.
"Good afternoon everyone! I hadn't expected this so I'm totally unprepared. While flying I'm a fish in water. It is something that comes naturally to me and I enjoy every moment of it. Representing Gryffindor for seven years has been a great experience. There is one person I need to thank for helping me realize my abilities in this sport. He was my arch enemy while he was at Hogwarts and we've had several confrontations. Yes it is Draco Malfoy. Had I not chased him, I would probably be sitting in the audience watching this match. I've had the company of some truly players during my time. My first captain Oliver Wood is the best keeper Hogwarts has seen in a long time. There was none better than Fred and George Weasley as beaters. Angelina Johnson apart from being a tremendous chaser was a terrible taskmaster. My best friend Ronald Weasley came back from a shaky start to be an ideal replacement for Oliver. Finally Ginny Weasley substituted for me thrice and never lost a game. She'll be the favorite for captaincy next year. All in all it's a sad day for me to play my last game. I wish I could turn back time just to play another match. I thank all of you for the support I received during these years. I'll miss all this very much. Lastly thank you Gryffindor for giving me such moments in an otherwise turbulent childhood," said Harry and kissed the Gryffindor crest on his robes. The whole stadium stood up to applaud. Some people including Hermione were tearing up.
**** **** ****
It was the last week of April. This was going to be their last visit to Hogsmede. Since the NEWTs were nearing they wouldn't be able to go to Hogsmede after this. Only the seventh years were going. The others would go sometime later. The Gryffindor's had decided to go as a group. There were eight of them.
All of them sat at Three Broomsticks sipping butterbear. It was a large round table. Rarely did all of them spend time like this.
"We can all meet at Hogsmede after school finishes, can't we?" asked Parvati.
"It's not the same. One or more of us will always be busy. No one knows where we'll be after school ends. We may be spread all over the country or even the world. No one would have the time for such social gatherings. We would have made new friends. So old friendships will be forgotten," replied Seamus.
"Don't be so pessimistic Seamus. All it requires is an effort on our part. If we want to keep in touch, we will. Our couplings work out very well. At least none of us will be totally alone. Harry and Hermione are already living together. The others I'm sure will follow the suit," said Lavender.
"I don't know how I'm going to control myself at the farewell party. I'd be crying buckets," commented Hermione.
"All of us are sure to shed a few tears. That is unless we keep cracking poor jokes to prevent ourselves from crying," said Ron.
"There is nothing shameful about crying on farewell night. We've spent the best years of our lives at Hogwarts. It's going to be hard saying goodbye. Especially for me, coming to Hogwarts was a lifeline. Otherwise I'd probably been starving at the Dursleys," said Harry.
"I agree with you Harry. I'm not a very emotional person but just thinking of all this ending is killing me," added Neville.
"Stop these sob stories now. We are here to enjoy. Let's go and visit each shop. That'll be a nice final tour of Hogsmede," suggested Ron. The others agreed. They went into all their favorite shops. They bought plenty of goodies from Honeydukes. Ron and Neville specially bought some for their girlfriends since they weren't present. The boys also bought some tricks from Zonko's.
They had a heavy lunch. Even some of the other students joined. They spoke about the time they had spent together at Hogwarts. There seemed to be plenty to talk about. Many secrets were revealed. Neville admitted that he had a crush on Hermione during fourth year. Ernie McMillan of Hufflepuff told about his escapades to steal food from the kitchen. Terry Boot told about the time he'd mixed a sleeping potion into Snape's pumpkin juice. Everyone laughed. The day was a memorable one for all of them.
**** **** ****
Before the NEWTs started the seventh years would be given preparation leave starting from the third week of May. The NEWTs would be starting in the second week of June and continue for two weeks. Before the leave started each Professor was to give a farewell lecture. Harry looked forward on hearing from all of them. Professor Sprout and Professor Flitwick were the only ones to have taught him through the seven years. Professor Sprout spoke in a very kind voice.
"It has been an absolute pleasure teaching this batch of students. I've learned a great deal from teaching all of you. Most of you have done well in my class. If I had to pick up the best Herbology student in the class, it would be Neville Longbottom. I wish you all the best for the NEWTs and also for the future. Make full use of the leave. Only the seventh years have this privilege," she said. The students applauded. Professor Flitwick wasn't much different.
"Many people think Charms is a poor man's Transfiguration. Especially at NEWT level, it is widely believed that those people, who don't qualify for Transfiguration, opt for Charms. However that is not true. Charms is an independent subject. I'm glad you all have given the subject the respect it deserves. Miss Granger and Mr. Boot have been the star students. I hope at least a few of you would continue with this subject, in the later part of your life. I'll be retiring from my position in a few years time. Maybe one of you could take my place," he said. Hermione's ears had perked up at the last sentence. Perhaps she could be Flitwick's replacement. Harry understood Hermione's thoughts. He gave her an encouraging smile.
They had a quiet lunch break. Most students never enjoyed lessons. But when you were about to attend your last few classes at school, it felt different. What Sprout and Flitwick had said touched them deeply. Suddenly they didn't want classes to end. They had the three remaining subjects after lunch. That would be the end. First up it was Transfiguration.
"Since I've taught you all for just a year, it's not my place to give you a farewell. I wish to invite Minerva McGonagall, who's taught you this subject for the past six years," said Professor Tonks. Everyone clapped as McGonagall walked into the class.
"It's nice to be back in the classroom again. I've missed this. Transfiguration, as you know is a pure branch of magic. Whichever field you choose, you'll need Transfiguration. So take it very seriously. Between me and Nymphadora, we've tried to make things clear for you. I'm confident that all of you will succeed in life," said McGonagall. Professor Longbottom refrained from saying anything. Since she'd been teaching only for a year, she didn't know the students inside out. She gave them a general idea about career options involving Potions. She pinpointed Hermione as the most talented potion brewer. Everyone expected Professor Lupin to follow the suit but were proved wrong.
"I'm the most appropriate person to bid you farewell. I've taught you for two years, which is the maximum for anyone in my subject. The threat of Dark forces has reduced considerably since Voldemort's demise but defense against them cannot be ignored. Mr. Potter here by far the best in this subject. This subject will be used only if you go in for an Auror training program. If you're not this is the last time you'll need it. But be warned, spells can always come handy and get you out of a difficult situation. Anyway, all the best for the NEWTs, I won't keep you long. You'd better go and work," he said. That was the end of it. They weren't going to have anymore classes at Hogwarts. It felt strange. In a way their school life was already over.
The sole motive over the next three weeks was studying for the NEWTs. The only time Harry and Hermione got with each other was when they were in their bed. But they were so tired by then, that they could hardly talk. Ron, Neville and Seamus had become night buffs. They studied throughout the night and slept during the morning. Ron said the quietness helped him concentrate better.
There were two or three day gaps between each exam. The first exam was that of Potions. It was followed by Transfiguration, Herbology, Charms and Defense against Dark Arts. Harry's best exam was as usual Defense against Dark Arts. He did well in the others to. He was slightly disappointed with Herbology but didn't bother much. Hermione came out with a smiling face after each exam. All her examinations had gone off really well.
Unlike their previous years, this time their results would be coming out in a couple days. This was to help them decide on career options. So by the time they had just about recovered from the exams, it was time for the results. Hermione was the most nervous. She kept pacing up and down waiting for the owls to arrive. Harry tried cooling her down but was pretty nervous himself. Ron was chewing his nails.
"There they come!" shouted Lavender and Parvati together. All of them had their envelopes dropped right next to them.
Harry tore open the envelope and sighed in satisfaction. He'd secured an O in Defense against Dark Arts and E's in the rest. He looked at Hermione who was smiling.
"No need to ask you what you got," said Harry.
"All O's," she boasted. Harry thumped her back.
"That has got to be the biggest surprise of my life," he said sarcastically. Ron came up to them.
"I got an O, two E's and two A's," he said. Harry congratulated him. The others had done as per their expectations, though some of the Hufflepuff's didn't do well.
Now that their results were out, it was time to decide on their futures. One evening Harry, Hermione and Ron, along with Luna were sitting in the fields. They were discussing their career options.
"My marks are good enough for getting into academics. In fact I can even apply for a scholarship though I don't need one. EIWE only demands academic excellence," said Hermione.
"What subject will you be majoring in?" asked Ron.
"My choice was between Transfiguration and Charms. Initially the scales were tilted towards Transfiguration but after hearing Professor Flitwick's retirement plans, I've decided to go for Charms. Transfiguration will be one of my subsidiary subjects. The other would be Potions. That's the temporary plan," said Hermione.
"Don't you think going for Charms is a risk? What if Flitwick retires before you are through? Majoring in Transfiguration is a bigger accomplishment. That may be more useful if you can't land Flitwick's job," said Harry.
"I'd thought about that. So I spoke to Flitwick. He said he would be retiring in about four years. That leaves me more than enough time to complete my degree. I've given this a great deal of thought. I'm confident that what I'm doing is right," said Hermione determinedly.
"And I trust your judgment," said Harry. "What about you Ron?" he asked.
"Well my grades aren't good enough for academics. I'd never wanted to get into that anyway. I'm thinking of business. Like Fred and George I plan to open a shop. Since Dad's promotion money is not a problem. Exactly what I'd be dealing in, I'm not sure. I'll discuss things with my parents. They might have some good ideas," said Ron.
"Wow! I think you'll be a great businessman. Will you have time for other things?" asked Luna.
"I'll always have time for you, if that's what you mean. You are bigger than any business," replied Ron. Luna blushed.
"What about you Harry? You still on for the Auror program?" asked Luna.
"Oh yes! My grade in Defense against Dark Arts has once again proved that, it is the only option for me. With recommendations from Lupin, Tonks and McGonagall I'll have no trouble getting into the Ministry Auror training program, which is the best. The admission into that is only through recommendations. You can actually interact with professional Aurors there. That's fixed for me," replied Harry.
**** **** ****
Only a couple of days remained at Hogwarts. The feeling of this being the end was finally settling in. That made it more painful. Padma Patil of Ravenclaw was found weeping in the common room, at the thought of getting separated from her friends. Similar things happened to a number of students including Hermione.
She was pondering over the years she had spent at Hogwarts. She remembered chasing the Philosopher's Stone, saving Sirius, helping Harry through his tasks, the ordeal at the ministry, a failed relationship, finding her loved one, falling hopelessly in love with him and many more things. Her worst memory was losing fifty points in first year. Her best moment was obviously when Harry confessed his feelings for her. It was said schooldays were a person's best days. These days would never come back. As she thought a few tears slipped out.
Harry saw her crying and knew the reason immediately. It was amazing that without speaking he could understand her. It was a sort of telepathy. He sat down next to her.
"Don't cry Hermione. We'll be in touch with the others. At least we have each other. Think of somebody who will end up living alone in a faraway land. Most of our friends will be near us. We'll manage well. I'm feeling very sad too but let's not spoil the last two says all of us have together," consoled Harry.
"I don't know why this is happening. You know that I've never been very fond of my former roommates. But at the thought of leaving them, I'm feeling like leaving a part of myself behind," said Hermione.
"Everyone who's studied at Hogwarts leaves some part of himself or herself behind. But he or she takes back a mind full of memories. That's a fair exchange I guess," said Harry, trying to cheer her up. Hermione laughed through her tears.
**** **** ****
The official farewell was scheduled for their last night at Hogwarts. Everybody was in formalwear. Despite the gloomy mood, everyone couldn't help enjoying themselves. There were a few moist eyes but they were drowned by feelings of friendship and loyalty. The seventh years were presented a plaque. Harry and Hermione received special plaques for being the Head students. McGonagall addressed the gathering.
"Time has come for us to bid farewell to another batch of students. These students have seen the school in many forms. They've witnessed the rise and fall of Voldemort. They've fought countless battles against evil. They've seen Hogwarts under the charge of two Headmasters. Most importantly they're they have had a Defense against Dark Arts teacher teaching them for two years. This has happened after a very long time. You all share a great bond of friendship and love within yourselves. Keep that up. The doors of Hogwarts are always open for you. It's been a great pleasure for me and my colleagues to have taught you. Lastly I'd like to express my regret that Albus Dumbledore didn't live to see this day. He would have been proud of all of you. His portrait specially asked me to wish you all the best for the future," she said. Everybody applauded.
The food was great. This was their last dinner at Hogwarts. They would miss food appearing by itself on the plates. When it was time for bed, the students hugged each other. Harry and Hermione walked into their quarters for the last time.
"This is where we fell in love," said Harry.
"I know, it'll hold a special place in my heart," replied Hermione.
"If we hadn't been alone here, I may not ever have had the nerves to tell you how I felt," said Harry.
"And both of us would keep getting together and breaking up with the wrong person. You'd probably be Mr. Cho Chang," teased Hermione.
"Don't speak her name in front of me," said Harry seriously. He felt ill, whenever he thought of Cho. If she had succeeded in her plan, his life would have been totally miserable at this point.
"I'm sorry," said Hermione. Both of them got into Harry's bedroom for their last sleep at the Head's quarters.
The morning after was a very emotional one. Even the boys couldn't stop their tears. Harry tried to remain strong for Hermione's sake. But his resolve was weakening by the minute. Finally he couldn't control and broke down like the others. Almost all students were crying. As they got into the Hogwarts Express, they made the usual promises to keep in touch.
In the train Harry took Hermione to the Head's cabin. Ron sat with Luna.
"What did you want to talk about?" asked Ron.
"How do you want to proceed with our relationship? We'll be far away from each other," she said.
"It's only for a year. After that you'd be free too," replied Ron.
"So you want to continue this? I'm sorry for sounding like this but this needs to be cleared. Generally long distance relationships don't work out," said Luna.
"Generally I guy like me doesn't get a second chance after what I did. I'm willing to challenge the impossible to be with you," said Ron. Luna didn't speak for a moment. Ron thought he'd said something wrong.
"That is if you want," he added hastily. Still Luna didn't speak. Ron became confused. He was about to speak but Luna beat him to it.
"I love you."