Forbidden Love
Chapter 35
Hermione fiddled anxiously with her sleeves as the students got ready to walk out of the school courtyard and to the lake where the graduation ceremony would be taking place.
"Cut it out Hermione, you're making me nervous," Ron hissed from next to her.
"Then stop watching me you git," she responded throwing him an aggravated look.
"How can I? You're right in my bloody line of sight -and if you adjust that stupid cone on your head one more time then I'm going to go bleedin' mental."
She looked at him and smirked before once again adjusting her small black hat.
When Ron growled Harry stepped in.
"Look you guys we're almost done, so give it a rest will you?" he whispered, looking around the crowded area. "You guys only have one more day with the hats anyway, so Ron come on and give her a break. You know as well as I do it takes a lot of maneuvering to get these stupid things to look right," he finished adjusting the cone on his head also. "I feel like a ruddy elf with this thing on."
Ron gave him a curious look, "Elves don't wear these kinds of hats…"
Harry rolled his eyes, "You know what I mean."
Grudgingly the redhead nodded in agreement, "Prat," he commented.
Following his gaze, Harry and Hermione noticed that he was glaring at Malfoy.
"Don't worry Ron," Hermione said touching his arm lightly. "Whatever game they're at, it'll be over when he graduates."
"I still can't believe he's graduating," muttered Harry.
His mates nodded in agreement as the blond Slytherin pushed one of his cronies into the other because they had accidentally brushed his robes.
"Alright everyone," Professor McGonagall called coming into the courtyard, "it is now time, please get into order," she clapped several times. "Hurry, we don't have a moment to waste, everyone is waiting."
Hermione gave Ron a quick hug and Harry a swift kiss before hurrying to her spot between Slytherins Gregory Goyle and Daphne Greengrass, ignoring their dirty looks. When the professor gave the signal the group proceeded out into the bright sun, along the grassy knoll and past their families to the seats waiting for them. Hermione smiled and took a deep breath inhaling the fresh crisp morning air.
As she made her way forward she waved happily at her mum and dad who were grinning widely from the sidelines. Ella Granger was practically glowing as she watched her only child proceed past in her little hat and huge robes. When they made it to the cluster of chairs designated for the graduates, Hermione broke away from the group and continued to the front with Zach Smith. Together they stood patiently next to the pond waiting for the signal to proceed.
The brunette smiled and threw an excited look to her parents when a bridge materialized out of water and the professor walked on it to the floating platform located in the middle of the lake. The other teachers along with the Headmaster were all already situated on the area with some wearing looks of exhilaration; like Professors Hagrid and Sprout and others wearing looks of boredom, like Snape and Cypher. Ella and Dan Granger, along with several other muggle parents were wearing expressions of total shock at the materialization of the bridge. Hermione chuckled when her dad wiped his eyes and squinted as if to check what he was seeing.
Turning forward once more, she too gave an astounded look when Professor McGonagall placed a stool at the front of the stage. A surprised murmur rippled through the students as the professor grabbed an old floppy brimmed hat and placed it on the stool. Silence reigned when it began to sing.
In times of old, when I was new,
And Hogwarts barely started,
The founders of our noble school
Thought never to be parted.
"Together we will build and teach"
The four good friends decided.
And never did they dream that they
Might some day be divided.
Such good friends I'd never seen
So how could it go wrong?
But wrong it went and that way it stayed
For what was much to long
However now I'm pleased to see
A bond is newly forming
But more must be done to speed things up
Though some aren't quite as charming
In times of strife and great unease
We have a journey to take
Not of leisure, not of rest
But of the highest of stakes
So my dear houses `tis you I beseech
To look amongst your lot
Take the time to band together
And use friendships once forgot
For the road ahead brings rocky times
Which will be hard to scale
If you do not take heed to my warning
And let unity prevail
Come together as a school, as you were meant to be
Make this class the very start for all around to see
That one plus one plus one plus one, four does not this equal
But all these numbers make only one of unity with no sequel
Ravenclaw, Slytherin, Hufflepuff, Gryffindor
Four houses you are no longer
For now you are just alumni of Hogwarts
A house that is much stronger
So to those out there that to look to harm
I warn you now to run
For the mighty alumni of Hogwarts will triumph
And they'll do it all as one.
For over a minute after the last note rang silence prevailed until the graduating class -minus the Slytherins and led by Ron Weasley, began to clap, first hesitantly then enthusiastically. Most of the families quickly joined in and thunderous applause reigned for the next several minutes. When Professor McGonagall removed the hat and placed it on a seat of honor next to the Hogwarts Professors Hermione smiled. A moment later the older woman made a small motion with her hand and the Head Boy and Head Girl quickly made their way over the bridge and to the stage, taking seats just in front of the professors as Headmaster Dumbledore took the podium.
"Hello one and all I'm very pleased that you could be here to join us for this year's graduation ceremony. There are a lot of bright," he threw a glance to Hermione "… and mischievous," he looked at Harry and Ron, "students in this year's graduating class that I know myself and the staff will miss upon their departure." Several of the students smiled, "But it is on to bigger and better things they go. Their futures await and I, at least, am not at all interested in taking that from them. However, others may not be so considerate," his gaze scanned the crowd. "Over the next year or so, hopefully no more-" Hermione saw Harry fidget as several people turned to look at him "-things may get a bit harder for some of you to handle. Nonetheless I am sure that all if not most of you will have no problem doing what is asked of you. Your time at Hogwarts as a whole has been filled with adventures to get you ready for what is to come." He smiled softly, "Mountain trolls, Basilisks, Dementors, wizarding tournaments with dragons and even an attack on our very own grounds by Voldemort himself…"
A murmur rippled through the crowd at the mention of he-who-must-not-be-named's name. Hermione took a deep breath and looked at her boyfriend. She had the overwhelming feeling that most of Dumbledore's speech was for him. Harry was staring intently at the Head Master a small frown marring his handsome features. Feeling her gaze upon him, his eyes flicked to hers and Hermione offered him a minuscule smile. The dark haired boy returned it with one of his own before directing his gaze back to the Headmaster, who had once again begun to speak as the conversation died down.
"Keep in mind that though times may get hard and you may loose ones you love… if you haven't already, there is still a brighter day ahead. A future on the horizon that I know you will not only one day experience but also deserve. So no matter how hard it gets, how impossible or imposing the task seems to be, you will make it though. You will triumph because you have gifts, talents that Voldemort," a lower ripple went through this time, "does not. You see Voldemort," lower still, "does not understand you, how you fight or what it truly is that you fight for. And it is this lack of understanding, this lack of perception that will ultimately be his downfall and your upsurge. So when that day comes, when that time is here and Voldemort is breathing down your neck," Hermione gave a subtle smile at the silence that greeted Voldemort's name this time around, knowing that whatever his point Dumbledore had made it. "Don't fear him… don't cower before the self proclaimed `Dark Lord' in terror. Stand before him as the wizard you are and the man that you have become and show him that for all his talk of his infinite powers and all his wishes for destruction there is one power more unbounded than he has ever possessed and more potent than he has ever known. And that power is good old fashioned love." He smiled at Harry for a moment longer before pulling his gaze away and scanning the audience. "I also wish for you all to be aware that the words I have spoken, though they did put him on the spot, were not just for Harry." He gave a subtle smile, "They are for you all. Voldemort seeks to ruin, to destroy and to invoke fear and panic into you all. Tear to shreds your beliefs and your faith in mankind. What I want to say to each and every one of you," he eyes momentarily paused on the Slytherins, "is that no matter what happens in the days and weeks to come, you are loved and that love has no boundaries, no limits, you will always be alumni of Hogwarts and welcome here be it to seek refuge from Voldemort himself… or just from overzealous parents with twisted views and dangerous whims."
Hermione's mouth dropped a bit and she flicked a glance to Draco Malfoy who shifted uncomfortably in his seat, an unreadable expression flashing across his face. She then hazarded a look at Narcissa and Lucius Malfoy, the latter's face was a blotchy red his fingers curled roughly around the head of his silver walking stick. Hermione put a hand over her mouth to stifle the giggle that wanted to erupt turning her attention back to the Headmaster, who was finishing up his speech.
"-and they will not." He sighed "So now that my longwinded drabble is out of the way, what do you say we head on to less heavy things and the reason for this wonderful celebration? If the Head Girl and Head Boy will come over to assist, then may the graduation ceremony commence." He gave a wide grin and the audience was pulled out of their stupor caused by his speech and into a seemingly rehearsed applause. Professor McGonagall stood once more, unrolling a large parchment as the students stood from their seats and proceeded single file to the water bridge.
"Abbott, Hannah," Professor McGonagall called in a clear concise voice.
A young woman, somewhat resembling the first year from seven years past strode confidently across the water bridge a large smile on her face as bright eyes, scanned the crowd. Two people that Hermione assumed to be the Hufflepuff girl's parents stood from the crowd clapping loudly and grinning madly.
"Ms. Abbott has passed her N.E.W.T.s with grades qualifying her for jobs in both the Muggle-Worthy Excuse Committee and the Accidental Magic Reversal Squad. Each positions being located high on Ms. Abbott's potential job list." Headmaster Dumbledore announced with a smile. "Congratulations Ms. Abbott and job well done."
Hannah nodded excitedly to the Headmaster and taking his hand she shook it enthusiastically before turning to Professor McGonagall. The older witch nodded at the younger one accepting a roll of parchment containing her certifications from Zach while Hermione stepped forward and removed the small cone from atop Hannah's head. After the hat was removed, she then turned and faced Headmaster Dumbledore once more. He then took the time to place a brand new witches hat upon her head and pointed his wand at the Hufflepuff crest on her chest. With a small `whoosh' the insignia spun, coming to a halt a moment later now the crest for Hogwarts as a whole instead of just her house. Hannah gave one last wide smile to the professor, waving her certifications for the two previously mentioned positions at her parents she practically skipped off of the platform.
"Bones, Susan," Professor McGonagall called as soon as Hannah headed for the exit bridge.
Susan Bones looking just as excited as her best friend hurried onto the stage, her hair flying behind her in her rush and stumbling somewhat on her robes. She gave an embarrassed smile to the crowd before coming to a halt in front of the Headmaster.
"Ms. Bones has passed her N.E.W.T.s with grades qualifying her for jobs in the Muggle-Worthy Excuse Committee, the Accidental Magic Reversal Squad and the Improper Use of Magic Office. Each position, like her friends," he gave her a smile as Susan's flush rose once more, "being located high on Ms. Bones's potential job list. Congratulations Ms. Bones and job well done."
"Thank you Headmaster," she mumbled with a smile before turning to Professor McGonagall for her certifications.
The ceremony continued in the same fashion with Terry Boot following Susan and Mandy Brocklehurst following him.
*************
Harry gave a large smile when his girlfriend's name was called. Wincing slightly as though she had gone under the impression that handling cone hats had exempted her from being put on the spot like everyone else, Hermione hesitantly stepped from the side of the Professor and approached Headmaster Dumbledore. The older man gave a jovial smile at her obvious discomfort before turning slightly to face the crowd.
"Normally this is the part where, as you've seen I list the jobs that the student has qualified for," he gave Hermione a look. "However with Ms. Granger I find myself unable to complete this task," a chorus of talking rose from the crowd and the students shared mystified looks. Hermione's panicked gaze flew to Harry and he offered her his most comforting smile, though he too was at a loss as to what was going on. "Now do not fret," he said, catching the dark haired witches bewildered look. "For you see this lack of list is not due to the fact that Mrs. Granger did not qualify for any jobs, but rather is due more to the fact that she was overqualified." Several people chuckled while Hermione's mouth dropped. "I am proud to say that for the first time in a very, very long time, we've had a student do so well on their N.E.W.T.s that they've meet the criteria for every position from Ministry janitor…" he grinned, "to Minister of Magic." Most of the audience and students laughed and Hermione's blush intensified as she put one dainty hand over her mouth in shock. "A very hearty and much deserved congratulations Ms. Granger," the Headmaster said, removing her cone shaped hat and replacing it with her new one. "I hope you do not mind if we don't have your certificates here. However I believe that it is imperative to be able to continue on with the ceremony with as little disruption as possible. And having to have our dear Professor McGonagall take leave to be patched up by Madam Pomfrey due to the strain of lifting such a sizable object would be most detrimental to what we are trying to accomplish." Hermione joined in on the laughter at this comment. "So once more, kudos Ms. Granger," he turned her pin to the Hogwarts crest, "and I am most proud to be able to call you Hogwarts alumni."
Hermione smiled at the Headmaster, dipping her head slightly she took a step back to her original place. Looking out at the audience she waved to her parents and the Weasley's who were all clapping excitedly. Harry grinned as he caught sight of Ella Granger dabbing tears from her eyes an intensely happy and contented expression on her face as she watched her baby graduate. A small pain went through his heart as he realized that he had no one to look at him that way. Quickly brushing off the feeling and mentally admonishing himself for stealing Hermione's moment, even if it was only internally, he looked back at his girlfriend. When their gazes connected he gave her a mock bow and when she laughed he mouthed the words `I love you' and she responded in kind.
"Greengrass, Daphne," Professor McGonagall called a moment later when the noise quieted down somewhat.
The dark haired Slytherin approached the platform and Harry allowed his mind to wander. As he continuously moved forward with the line, automatically clapping for those he knew like Neville (though he was still a bit peeved at him) Ernie Macmillan and the Patil twins he replayed Dumbledore's speech in his head. He really didn't know if he should be upset with the Headmaster for putting him in the spotlight once again, or relived that he had noticed Harry's distress. Since hearing the sorting hat's song, the dark haired boy had found himself lost in thought over the danger ahead and how, if at all, he could protect the members of his graduating class from having to suffer as he had.
"Potter, Harry."
He shifted his brows furrowed. Sure he had love and Dumbledore says it's enough, it was enough to save him as a child but it wasn't enough to stop Voldemort from resurrecting himself that night in the graveyard. It wasn't enough to save Sirius.
"Potter, Harry!"
He sighed running a hand though is hair. Maybe Dumbledore was right; with them fighting together they would be able to prevail. The problem was that even though, technically, the fight did concern the whole wizarding community Harry couldn't help but feel that the fight was his and only his to have. And that it was between him and Voldemort, no one else. So it was be his fault if-
"Harry!" his thoughts were cut off when he was nudged to the side. His startled gaze flew to his right where Dean Thomas was staring at him. "Mate they're calling you… you're up, go!" he hissed.
Mentally cursing he looked up and noticed every eye trained on him. Several of the Slytherins chortled in amusement while Hermione regarded him worriedly. Flashing her a quick smile and giving everyone else an embarrassed wave, he hurried up the platform coming to a halt in front of the Headmaster.
"Sorry sir," he mumbled with a weak smile.
"No apologies necessary Harry, it's understandable you'd have a few things on your mind," he gave the dark haired boy a meaningful look.
Harry flushed more, once again unnerved by how uncanny Dumbledore's sense of perception seemed to be.
"Mr. Potter," an eerie silence reigned at the mention of his name by the Headmaster, "has passed his N.E.W.T.s with grades qualifying him for jobs in the Department of Magical Law Enforcement including the Magical Law Enforcement Squad and as an Auror," he gave Harry a meaningful look. "Mr. Potter has also qualified for several positions in the Department of Mysteries and a much coveted but hardly retained position as the new Defense Against Dark Arts Professor here at Hogwarts," several surprised exclamations flew through the crowd and students. Harry stared at the Headmaster in shock for a moment before hazarding a glance at Professor Snape. He almost smiled at the disdainful look on the greasy haired mans face and the distinct tick in his right eye. "The position will remain open for as long as Mr. Potter wishes to mull over his options," continued Dumbledore, "with our esteemed Professor Snape filling the opening either temporary or permanently until which time Mr. Potter has decided."
Was he imagining it or did Professor Snape just snarl? Harry fought a laugh.
"I hope Mr. Potter that you will consider my offer, I'm sure that with you in the lead we will be able to actually retain a Defense Professor for more than one year at a time," he gave a kind smile, seemingly oblivious to the dark glare Snape was sending his way. "Once more my utmost congratulations Mr. Potter you are more than ready for what the world has in store for you… even if you don't realize it yet."
As a smiling Professor McGonagall handed him his roll of parchment containing his certifications, Harry gave a surprised look at the pride that shone through in her eyes. When Hermione stepped forward and removed the small cone from his head he gave a small smile when her fingers purposefully grazed the back of his neck in a comforting feather light caress. He then turned and faced Headmaster Dumbledore again, who placed his wizards hat upon Harry's head and quickly changed his crest to a Hogwarts one. Giving the Headmaster a handshake that ended up in more of a half-hug Harry started to make his way off the platform. He was almost to the bridge when a shrill whistle cut though the fog of his thoughts, halting he looked out at the crowd. Almost everyone was on their feet clapping but he noticed with great amusement that the Weasley twins and… he shook his head and grinned Ella Granger, were actually standing on their seats cheering. Harry laughed outright when Mrs. Granger let out another ear piercing whistle that earned her admiring looks from both of the Weasley twins. Seeing his laugh her eyes shone brightly and she waved happily to him, her eyes reflecting with unshed tears and her face about to split from the size of her smile.
Harry felt his heart swell at her enthusiastic response, along with the more subtle eye dabbing and watery smile of Mrs. Weasley and the huge grins by both Mr. Weasley and Mr. Granger. As he made his way to the water bridge once more, he fought contented tears realizing that he was wrong earlier. Between Professor McGonagall, Dumbledore, Hagrid, the Weasley's and the Grangers he had more than enough people who looked at him and truly cared.
As he took a seat with the rest of the students who were done, he gave a large grin when Ron's name was called and joined the twins in their stream of whistles and catcalls to their brother. Ron's face turned bright red under all the attention and he smiled brightly to Dumbledore when the older wizard told him that he had qualified to become a staff member of the Department of Magical Games and Sports.
When Blaise Zabini finally made his way off of the water bridge and to the area where all of the other students were located, Dumbledore took the podium once more. "Everyone I would like to present," the students stood as they had rehearsed. "The Hogwarts graduating class of nineteen-ninety eight!"
Thunderous applause began once more, only slightly drowned out by the fireworks that the students shot from their wands in celebration. Harry laughed heartily when Ron pulled him into a huge bear hug babbling on and on about an interview that his dad had promised to secure if he qualified for the sports department. His laugh turned into a contented sigh as warm arms wrapped around him from behind, shifting around he pulled Hermione into a tight hug and gave her a deep kiss before pulling back and grinning down at her.
"Congratulations Luv," he grinned "I told you, you did smashing."
She blushed prettily in response before giving him another peck. "So did you… Harry, have you considered Dumbledore's offer?"
He chuckled, "I had wondered how long it would take you… zero point four seconds, not bad," he winked, "you lasted longer than I thought you would."
She rolled her eyes and removed one arm from around his neck hitting him playfully in the shoulder. "Ha-ha," she smirked.
"Hermione!" Mrs. Granger called.
Harry and Hermione quickly disentangled themselves and turned to face the families who were approaching. They gave broad smiles to the Grangers who immediately pulled them into hugs, while the Weasley's greeted Ron. Then switched hugging parents.
"Wow Hermione, brilliant job," said George.
"Yeah way to make everyone else feel inadequate," grinned Fred.
Hermione rolled her eyes while Harry and Ron nodded in agreement. As everyone was herded into the Great Hall for the graduation feast the twins jokes continued, added onto by a jaunty Ella Granger.
An hour or so later, Harry frowned a bit as words from a conversation between Bill and Mr. Weasley floated down to his side of the table.
"-emergency," Bill was saying with a frown. "Well this is supposed to be the safest place which is why he insisted upon going himself. He wanted us to say here just in case."
"But wouldn't it have been better for Dumbledore to send one of us? What about Mad Eye?"
"He's on his way too… several people are injured but as far as we know there's only been one fatality."
Harry frowned and looked to his right where is girlfriend was sitting, Hermione was looking down at her plate her brows knitted together in concentration as she strained to pick up the conversation. As he looked across the table at the worried faces of Ron and Luna a tingle began at the nape of his neck. Harry's gaze flicked to the large table at the front of the hall his eyes lingering on the empty seat normally occupied by the Headmaster. Taking a deep breath to try to calm the sudden uneasiness that caused his stomach to flutter he allowed his gaze to scan the hall. As it did he frowned slightly when he noticed Neville and Professor Flitwick near the doors leading to the Great Hall. His frown deepened when a horrified look crossed the dark haired boys face a scant moment before he was forcibly pushed out of the Great Hall by the normally docile and joyous Professor. When Professor Cypher suddenly ran down the isle and out the door in the direction that the two had just disappeared to, Harry quickly stood from the table. The curious gazes of the Weasleys and Grangers flicked to him as he pulled out his wand.
"Something's wrong," he said in a hard tone. Then, without another word he turned and headed towards the exit, vaguely noticing that his girlfriend and best mate were right behind him. As they neared a scream erupted from the entrance to the Great Hall followed by an unmistakable haunting laughter a laughter that seemed to have jumped straight from Harry's nightmares and right back into his reality.
A.N. That's it for this chappy. Trouble is a'brewin ^.^ The sorting hat song was a small mix of pre-written and my own creation (for the rest after the first couple of lines). Thanks for reading, stay tuned and PLEASE REVIEW!!! Ja ne!
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