AN: Sorry for the delay everyone. My life has suddenly gotten so much busier than before. It's becoming difficult to squeeze in time to write with school and all of the other things I'm involved in. I will not fail you guys though. I'll continue to make time for myself to write. Your reviews are incredibly encouraging and I wrote this Epilogue because of you guys. Hopefully it'll appease your hunger for a little more fluff. I sure hope it's not too sappy. This chapter is just closing up the entire story. The sequel to this story is being considered, but I'm not sure if where else I can go with this. I'll keep thinking about it though. Thanks again for all of your wonderful positive support.
Spoiler Alert: You're safe. Read on! The graduation was made up by me. I've never graduated before so I just invented something that hopefully isn't too far off from what it's supposed to be.
Disclaimer: J.K. Rowling still owns the credit for the wonderful idea of Harry Potter. I'm sure that deep in her heart, she believes that Harry and Hermione belong together though.
Cheers!
Epilogue
Graduation, an epic event of grand proportions. This year's would be without a doubt just as spectacular as the last. Hundreds of cheery bodies congregated outside of Hogwarts castle, simply chatting and relaxing in the festive air. A large platform was set up outside and the Hogwarts House Colors were draped elegantly over the stage. Dumbledore's podium was moved outside for this occasion and was situated at the center where everyone could easily view the speaker. Balloons hung transfixed in the air accompanied by a plethora of colorful streamers. Even nature was in a celebratory mood!
Birds twittered happily in the lush boughs of sturdy trees. Insects darted to-and-fro while small rodents raced through the tall, orderly, grass. Gentle winds swept out of the bright clear sky while the sun shone magnificently in its place. It was a truly wonderful day to hold such an event and the weather brought good omens.
Harry stood with his circle of friends, Ron, Ginny, Luna, and of course, Hermione. They were wearing their school robes (for the last time for Harry, Ron, and Hermione, at least) while they chatted before the event began. Hermione stood at Harry's side and the couple held hands lightly as they reminisced upon old school memories (of which Hermione didn't have nearly as many of). Other students milled about and talked in their own circles. Parents walked around leisurely and caught up with long-time schoolmates and age-old friends.
It was another thirty minutes past when Dumbledore made his way up to the podium. Sensing that the commencement was about to begin, everyone made their way to their seats and settled in for a number of longwinded speeches. Harry sat with Hermione in the front row with Ron and his other classmates sitting in subsequent rows. Harry and Hermione had briefly spoken with Hermione's parents and they were sitting farther on back in the sea of bodies. To no surprise, Hermione was asked to deliver a speech for the award of 'Brightest Witch of the Age' and she gratefully accepted the honor. That would be farther on down the line though. As of that moment, Dumbledore was just beginning.
"Welcome to Hogwarts, parents and guardians! And for many of you, should I saw, 'Welcome back'!" Dumbledore smiled widely and his eyes twinkled as much as ever. "A great deal has happened for us to arrive at this point, and honestly, I'm truly grateful that we are here. We, as a community of witches and wizards, have just recently won a most terrible war. The second and final war with the one Lord Voldemort is now over. This was made possible by a collection of brave witches and wizards that dared to fight back against the twisted mind of Voldemort. Regrettably, a great many lives were lost throughout the long battles. At this point, we should all take a moment of silence to think of and thank those that are no longer here with us today. None of the future that we now share would have been possible without their ultimate sacrifice." Every person present sat respectfully silent and many bowed their heads to think of past friends and what they might be doing at that very moment were they alive. Even the birds paused their singing and the squirrels stopped their playful chatter momentarily to allow for this momentary lapse in sound. After several moments, Dumbledore looked up again and cleared his throat to gain the attention. "This is not a time to be sad and dreary though. Today, something very wonderful indeed will happen. We are gathered here today to witness the graduation of a collection of some of Hogwarts's very best students!" Dumbledore paused momentarily, "Now, I will keep my speech short because I am positive that you will all be quite tired of hearing speeches by the end of this, but allow me to elaborate on some of the experiences that I have had with these marvelous people. Your children-with few exceptions, of course-all came here to Hogwarts when they were but eleven. At that ripe young age, I could tell that this was indeed a special group of kids. Despite a war escalating around them, they continued to find and explore the finer points of life and-I should hope so, at least-experienced Hogwarts to its fullest capacity-"
Regardless of his disclaimer, Dumbledore's speech-eh, rant-continued on for a good deal of time. It was an enrapturing story though, and even the students-who lived the experiences-marveled in exactly how much they had been through in their years at Hogwarts.
~<>~
The sun had just begun its decent from the highest point in the sky and the ceremony was nearly over. Besides the official graduation, only Hermione was left to deliver a final speech from the "Brightest Witch of the Age". Hermione's hands shook in anticipation as she waited to be called up. Dumbledore was thanking the student that was at the podium right now and chances were, if the past three hours were any indication, he would launch off on a random tangent for a few more minutes. Harry smiled at his girlfriend kindly, he leaned over to whisper into her ear, "What's up?"
"I'm nervous, Harry." She responded quietly.
"Why?"
"What if I forget what was going to say?"
"You won't."
"That's easy for you to say, I'm the one that's up there, not you."
"Now honestly Hermione, first off, you're not going to forget your speech. Second of all, no one will know that you forgot what you were going to say anyways, unless you plan to pass out the three rough drafts, the revised version, and all four copies of your final edition."
Hermione rolled her eyes, "I'll try not to be long, Mr. Potter, I want you to properly meet my parents after all of this."
Harry's eyes widened, "Take your time, Hermione, there's no hurry, right?"
Hermione giggled and noticed that Dumbledore had finished his digression and was turning the floor over to her. Harry kissed her quickly on the cheek and gave her a thumb up and a big smile.
"I now present you with our next speaker, Hermione Granger who is undoubtedly the Brightest Witch of the Age!"
Hermione smiled appreciatively at Dumbledore and made her way up to the stage. Standing before the crowd, Hermione carefully made eye contact with her parents who nodded approvingly. Next, Ron and Ginny who both gave her encouraging grins, and finally, at Harry was just smiled widely at her. Hermione took a deep breath and started to speak.
"I came here to Hogwarts only this past year. With all of the problems here, it just wasn't safe enough to be able to fully immerse myself into my studies so I went off to the Americas to study until things died down. Of course, it wouldn't have made a difference in the long run if Voldemort had succeeded, but sometimes, running away from things just make them go away, at least temporarily. Fortunately for some very brave people here, Voldemort was defeated and so I returned. Regardless of past decisions, I am truly gratefully that I had at least one year here at Hogwarts. These past several months have impacted my life in ways that I had never thought possible. Back at my old school, I was sunken completely into my studies and didn't spare anything else a second thought. Here at Hogwarts though, my eyes were opened to a world outside of books. I finally noticed another world, a world where the members could actually talk back. Here at Hogwarts, I learned to open up to more people, and now I have so many friends that are simply just better company than books. Of course, unlike books, people aren't always so predictable, and I was subject to some unpleasant surprises though. There is no journey without some bumps though and it's part of life to get through the more difficult times. With the help of my friends, I made it through those times, and now I honestly feel like I'm a better person because of it. I am up here right now accepting the title of 'Brightest Witch of the Age', but honestly, it's not nearly as important as having good friends. I learned here at Hogwarts that there are more important things than books, grades, and avoiding detentions. There is friendship and also a little bravery. Without those things, all of the books and O's in the world couldn't make life worth living. I guess what I'm trying to say is that I learned a very important lesson here at Hogwarts and I'm thankful for that. I might know a lot, textbook wise, but now, I also know a little more about myself as a person. Thank you, Hogwarts, for giving me this unforgettable opportunity!"
The crowd leapt up in applause as Hermione descended from the stage. Although the speech had less to do about the award, its meaning was clear. There is clearly more to life than first meets the eye. Hermione returned to her seat next to Harry and let out a big sigh.
"You were fantastic!" Harry said energetically while Dumbledore droned on.
"Thanks, I decided to go with the abridged version since I doubt anyone could sit through another speech." Harry laughed lightly.
Dumbledore clapped energetically, "Now, for the final speech of the day. Although I have yet to ask for his consent, I am sure that we would all be delighted to hear from one very special member of the crowd today. May I take this moment to ask for Harry Potter to come up to the stage?"
Harry was dumbstruck. This wasn't in the plan. What was going on? Hermione clapped loudly with the rest of the audience and lightly pushed Harry towards the stage. The young hero looked around incredulously at Dumbledore, and then the crowd. He honestly had no idea what he was doing. Dumbledore nodded encouragingly and Harry turned back to his audience. "Er… hi." He started out lamely. Students and parents alike chuckled. "Well, I wasn't really ready to give a speech today, and I honestly don't like the attention, but I'll see what I can do for you." Harry paused to collect his thoughts, "It's been a long time since I've seen my parents. They were killed by Tom Riddle, also known as Voldemort, when I was just a baby. In the end, I was left with my aunt and uncle who treated me horribly. At grade school, no one wanted to be my friend because my stupid cousin scared them all away. Then, I discovered the wizarding world. When I was eleven, I came here to Hogwarts with no idea as to what magic even was-even less as to why I was so famous. And so, from there, it was painfully obvious that it would be difficult to find real friends. Most people just wanted to befriend me because of my fame, but that's not what I'm looking for. If I can take this time to extend on Hermione's speech, friends are definitely the most important things in our lives. Sometimes we take them for granted though. If you will all take a moment to look around at your friends here with you today, make sure that you let them know how much you appreciate them. Life has a funny way of taking things away when you least expect it and need them the most. At this point, I would like to pick out of the vast crowd several people that I would consider my closest friends and companions. I want to extend a hand of thanks and gratitude to the Weasley family, some of the first people that really cared for me as a person and welcomed me into their household time after time again. In particular, I want to thank Ron and Ginny Weasley for sticking with me all of these years. I know it must be difficult to have me as a friend and I want to let you know that I appreciate that. Also, all of the teachers here at Hogwarts have been learning experience indeed. Although I may not have liked some of them, (more laughs here) every single one of them was integral in my life and they helped teach me and nurture me into the person that I am today. Lastly, I want to thank Hermione Granger. Even though you just came this past year, you've grown to be a big part of my life. I am proud to call you my best friend and I hope that no matter what happens, that never changes. Everyone, without friends, nothing in life has any meaning. Money and power sound nice, but they can't help you when you're down, and they can't support you when you're chasing your dreams. That's why everyone needs a friend. Erm… that's all I have to say. Thanks everyone!"
The crowd leapt up in applause and immediately gave Harry a standing ovation. Harry waved and made his way back down to his seat. Hermione was clapping energetically and beamed at her boyfriend.
"You were fantastic!" she said with a grin.
"Thanks." Harry smiled, "I had no idea what I was doing."
"It sounded fine from here." She replied. Harry grinned and Hermione quickly took his hand and turned back to listen to Dumbledore.
"Thank you, Mr. Potter for that inspiring speech. I for one will be keeping your words close to heart and mind. Now, we will carry on with the official graduation! Shall we start? Aaron, Kylie…"
Polite applause carried each student from the stage after they received the official documentation of their graduation and a few friendly words of advice from Dumbledore.
"Gadden, Laura."
Harry squeezed Hermione's hand supportively as another girl made her way up to the stage to graduate.
"Granger, Hermione."
Harry grinned at Hermione and nudged her to set her in motion. Hermione took a nervous breath and made her way back up to the stage. She accepted the roll of parchment from Professor Dumbledore who then pulled her into a hug. "You've learned a lot here at Hogwarts, Ms. Granger. Do not be afraid to continue learning from your experiences." He whispered into her ear.
Hermione nodded, thanked the headmaster, and made her way back to her seat to the sound of clapping. She waved her parchment in Harry's face cheekily.
Harry rolled his eyes, "Just you wait, Granger. 'P' isn't that far behind 'G'."
The two laughed merrily and waited for Harry's time to come.
"Potter, Harry."
Harry stood up. "Don't trip, Potter." Hermione teased.
"Hahaha." Harry rolled his eyes and made his way up the stage to Headmaster Dumbledore. He didn't trip.
"You have chosen good and loyal friends, Harry. Learn to trust each and every one of them with your secrets and your heart. Only then will they fully trust you in return."
"Thank you, Professor." Harry nodded. This advice didn't quite make sense to him, but surely it would become useful in the future. Harry thanked the professor and his old friend once again before making his way back to his chair. Again, Harry did not trip.
"Congratulations, Harry!" Hermione said excitedly.
"Thanks! I never could have done it without you."
"Psh, I'm sure you would've been just fine without me."
"I doubt that." The two smiled at each other once again and patiently waited for the ceremony to come to an end.
~<>~
"And finally, Weasley, Ronald."
Ron walked proudly up to Dumbledore and shook his hand firmly before accepting his roll of parchment. "Do not jump to conclusions about people. Keep an open mind, Mr. Weasley."
Ron nodded in understanding and made his way back to merge with the crowd.
"And that does it, ladies and gentlemen. I present you now with Hogwarts's newest graduating class! May your lives prove to be abundant with sweet fruit."
Every single member in the excited audience jumped up and cheered loudly. This was it! This was what they had worked so hard for ever since they were eleven. It was a long and eventful journey, but well worth the work.
The new graduates separated into groups again and congratulated each other happily. Professor McGonagall approached Harry with a smile on her face. "Congratulations on graduating, Mr. Potter. I have never doubted your abilities."
"Thank you, Professor McGonagall." Harry turned away from his conversation with Hermione and faced his old professor.
"There is no need, Mr. Potter. You did it all on your own. I simply helped to guide you. However, on the subject of guidance, we are still searching for a permanent Professor of the Defense Against the Dark Arts. Considering your proficiency and experience in the matter, on behalf of the Hogwarts staff, I would like to offer you the job position. You would make an excellent teacher."
Harry was speechless, "Wow, Professor. I don't know what to say. I'll definitely think about it! Thanks!"
McGonagall smiled, "I am no longer your professor, Mr. Potter. You may call me Minerva."
Harry grinned, "That would just be too awkward, Professor. Thank you for everything!"
With another smile, the professor swept off. Harry turned back to Hermione who was beaming proudly at him. "What?"
Hermione rolled her eyes, "Harry, you just received a very prestigious job offer. And you've only been graduated for ten minutes! That's incredible!"
"Well… the Defense Against the Dark Arts has an interesting history of teachers only lasting a year. I dunno if I should take the offer."
"I'm sure that was just because of the teachers. With Voldemort on the loose, they had their own problems or just couldn't handle the pressure of resisting Voldemort."
Harry was silent, "My Defense teacher in Third Year was a man I respected greatly. But I think you're right, every single professor had some personal issue, whether it was being possessed by Voldemort or a Polyjuiced Auror that was really a Death Eater."
"Regardless of your decision, I'll stand behind you 100%, Harry." Hermione said with a smile.
"Thanks, I'll need the support of the people most important to me if this is what I want to spend the rest of my life doing."
Hermione nodded, "Let's go meet my parents now then! I'd like to properly introduce you now considering how you'll be staying at the house until you find another place to stay."
Harry looked slightly panicked, "Really, Hermione, I don't think that's necessary. I wouldn't mind renting a room until I find a flat. It would be no trouble at all."
"Nonsense. I want them to meet the boy that stole my heart."
Harry smiled slightly and sighed dramatically, "Well, let's do this then!"
~<>~
"Mum, dad. I'd like you to meet Harry Potter. Harry, these are my parents, Robert and Jane Granger."
Harry acknowledged both of them. "Nice to meet you, Mr. and Ms. Granger." Harry extended his hand towards Mr. Granger.
"Likewise, Mr. Potter." Robert said and firmly shook Harry's hand.
"Hermione has told us so much about you through her letters!" Jane said happily.
Harry smiled and looked towards Hermione, "You write to your parents about me?"
Hermione blushed, "Well, I just wanted to tell them a little bit about you. You're going to be living with us, you know."
Reminded of that little fact, Harry turned nervously to look at Hermione's parents again. Jane Granger was smiling amusedly at the couple while her husband looked on calculatingly. "If it's too much trouble," Harry said quickly, "I can rent a place to stay and leave you guys alone. I'm sure you have much to catch up on with Hermione and would hate to intrude."
"Nonsense, Harry. I'd very much like to get to know the boy that my only daughter has been so interested in. I'd hate for anyone to hurt her." Mr. Granger said as he stared sternly at Harry.
"Robert!"
"Dad!" Hermione and her mother cried out frustratingly.
Harry rose to the challenge in Robert's words though. He wasn't going to let anyone think that he would ever hurt Hermione. "I'd really hate for anyone to hurt Hermione too, sir. If you're implying that I might even consider it though. You don't know me at all. I would never hurt Hermione. She's an incredibly important person to me and I wouldn't dare harm her." Harry stood his ground against Mr. Granger and stared firmly back.
Hermione and her mother stared silently between the two men. Mr. Granger seemed taken aback at first at the aspect of anyone talking back to him. (It hadn't happened in a long time) Finally he smiled and extended his own hand towards Harry. "Thank you, Harry. It's good to know that Hermione has picked a boy that will stand up for her."
"Thank you, sir." Harry shook his hand again and smiled.
"Don't think you're off the hook, son. When we get home, there are a lot of things we need to go over." Harry's face fell at the thought.
"Okay, father. Enough of this." Hermione quickly intervened.
"Why don't we go back to the house to continue this conversation?" Jane suggested. "Are you ready to go, Harry?"
"Let me just say goodbye to the Weasleys. Then we'll be off!"
~<>~
"Wow. I never will get used to those Portkey things."
Several Portkeys were set up to quickly return families to their homes. It was moments after the Granger family (plus a Potter) grabbed an innocent-looking tin can that they appeared on their own lawn.
"Well, Harry, this is our house. And yours until you feel like you want to move out." Ms. Granger introduced the Granger house.
"You have a beautiful house, Ms. Granger."
"Why thank you, Harry!"
"So, Harry," Mr. Granger said conversationally, "It is Granger tradition that before entering this house after returning from Hogwarts that we state what we see in our own futures. Would you like to go first?"
"I'm not sure Mr. Granger. I never really planned my future past Hogwarts."
Robert and Jane looked interested but Hermione silenced both of them with a hard stare. That story would be better saved for another time, "Harry's already received a job offer to teach at Hogwarts, though." Hermione supplied helpfully.
"Do you plan to take it?"
"Perhaps. Being 'Harry Potter' there are lots of things I could do, but being a teacher sounds like an excellent plan. I've had enough of the limelight and it's a pretty low-key job. I might just go for it."
"Regardless of what you choose to do, we'll stand behind you." Hermione said confidently and her parents nodded.
Harry paused. "There is one thing that I can see in my future though." Harry looked at Hermione and smiled appreciatively.
Hermione smiled softly in return and took moved up to take Harry's hand. Jane smiled widely at the couple. Even Robert grinned and nodded in satisfaction. Enough was said about Harry's future. It became apparent that he had already arranged his priorities. There would always be a certain brown-haired know-it-all at the top of his mind and the center of his heart.
Fin
AN2: Alright, that's it. I'm not going to be writing an Epilogue to the Epilogue! The sequel is still up in the air. We'll see if I can find some burst of inspiration to write it! As for this story, I'm proud to say that it's officially completed. Thank you so much for all of your support! It's much appreciated indeed!
Cheers!