Aurora and the Boy Who Lived

Chapter 18 Graduation

Minutes of Friday May 29, 1998 meeting, called to order at 7:30 a.m.

Written by Marauder Mouse

Today is The Day. Every possible ward and protection spell has been cast. The Order and Ministry Aurors are on alert. Red posted the list of squadrons and their duties.

Squad 1, Defensive Shields/Patronus Charms, etc.: Professors Dumbledore, McGonagall, Snape, Trelawney, and Flitwick

Squad 2, North Perimeter Defense: Gryffindor 6^th and 7^th years led by Professor Sinistra

Squad 3, South Perimeter Defense: Ravenclaw 6^th and 7^th years led by Professor Vector

Squad 4, East Perimeter Defense: Slytherin 6^th and 7^th years led by Professor Firenze

Squad 5, West Perimeter Defense: Hufflepuff 6^th and 7^th years led by Professors Sprout

Squad 6, Booby Traps: Fred and George Weasley and Peeves

Squad 7, Front line Defense: The Marauders; Dancer, Dragon, Fly Boy, Freckles, Hunter, Mouse, and Red

Squad 8, Front line Offense: Moony, Padfoot, Tonks, Shacklebolt, Molly and Arthur Weasley, and Hagrid

Squad 9, Front line Offense: Charlie, Percy, and Bill Weasley, Fletcher, and D.A. members

Squad 10, 1^st-5^th year student protection: All other staff and ghosts and 5^th year House prefects led by Professor Grubbly-Plank

Meeting adjourned at 10:00 a.m.

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"Are you anxious?" Ginny asked.

"About what? Graduation or The Battle? Because to tell you the truth, I'm nervous about The Battle and terrified of getting my diploma," I admitted to the younger girl.

"Why? I can't wait to graduate!"

"You know what you want to do with your life, Freckles. You've already decided to be an at home mum. Dancer isn't sure," Hermione divined.

"How the hell do you do that?"

"Talent," she said with a mischievous grin.

We continued to dress. Ron had told us to wear our most comfortable clothes under our graduation dress robes in anticipation of the attack. I slipped into my favorite Sky Ball outfit once again and covered it with my scarlet Gryffindor robe.

"Any job offers yet?" Ginny asked.

"Invitations to Puddlemere, Cannon, and Harpie tryouts. I haven't heard back from the Ministry about the others."

"I'm sure you'll get the one you want."

"That's just what I mean when I said I was terrified. I don't know what I want!"

"Calm down. I'm in the same position. I'm not sure if I should pursue my Healer or law degree. I may try for both but then maybe something in research..."

"She's gone all spacey on us again, Gin."

"Ron!"

"Where?"

"Thought that'd do it," Ginny giggled.

"You're horrible."

"Well, I'm hungry. Let's go grab lunch before the ceremony starts."

Luncheon ate, Professor Dumbledore told the students to vacate the hall so the staff could get it ready for graduation. "Seventh years, your parents are waiting in the entry."

I spotted Dad next to Uncle Arthur and his brood, a hooded wizard standing beside him. I walked quickly to Dad and gave him a big hug and kiss.

"Hey, Pumpkin. Are you sure you want to do this? It's going to be dangerous."

"Yes, I'm sure. I know the risks."

"I'm proud of you, honey."

I beamed.

"I have a little surprise for you. Close your eyes."

"Okay now open."

"Shawna!" I screamed. I pounced on my best friend and the two of us jumped up and down talking a mile a minute.

"Girls! Girls, quiet down," Aunt Molly fussed.

"Are they always like this, Uncle Riddick?"

"Yes, Ron, they are."

I finally noticed we'd attracted everyone in the hall's attention and stopped bouncing.

Shawna grinned and said, "Are you going to introduce me to your friends or should I guess?"

I introduced her to the Marauders.

"It's nice to met you all."

"You too," they agreed.

"Shawna, what are you doing here?"

"School let out four weeks ago in Australia. Did you really think I'd let you do this alone, Rory?"

"Rory?" Draco smirked.

"Only Shawna calls me that, Dragon. Watch it."

Dad drifted off to speak with the adults. "Seriously, Shawna. You shouldn't be here."

"Rory, I know what I'm getting into. I can help. Mom's been teaching me Healing. Y'all might need another."

"We'll put her in the Infirmary with Madam Pomfrey," Ron said.

"But..."

"We've always fought our battles together, Rory. We can't stop now."

"I knew there was a reason I loved you so much. Man, I've missed my shadow."

"Me too," she said both of us close to tears.

The loud voice of Professor McGonagall broke up the reunion. "Friends, families please take your seats. Graduating class remain here."

"I'll see ya, Rory." She followed Dad into the Great Hall.

"That's Shawna?" Draco whistled. "I think I'm in lust."

"Pervert. Don't play with her, Dragon. If you hurt her, I hurt you."

"Down, Sis. I don't even know her. Well, not personally anyway." He appeared thoughtful.

'Draco and Shawna? Hmm.'

Before I was ready we were being ushered into the Great Hall. Harry squeezed y hand and I smiled back. As we walked single file, sorted by House, then rank and name, I looked around the Hall. The Enchanted Ceiling showed a beautiful clear blue sky with large fluffy clouds. Banners hung magically in the four House colors. A large tapestry depicting the Hogwarts founders and crest was plastered to a wall, a podium before it. Professor Dumbledore stood behind it.

He looked quite elegant in robes of swirling red, green, yellow, and blue. The colors danced before my eyes. He cleared his throat as we sat. "Another year has passed. Another batch of students stand before us waiting both scared and anxiously to begin life after Hogwarts. None know what the coming hours and days will bring. We can only hope goodness and justice triumph in the end." His eyes held a mad twinkle as they passed over the class, silently encouraging and giving us strength and resolve. "You have been one of my favorite groups of students. You all have shown great character and I am proud to have been a part of your lives. If ever you need me, I will be here for you. Now enough of an old man's rambling."

He started to call our names. I watched as Draco, Harry, Hermione, and Neville walked across the stage and received their certificates of completion. Dimly I heard, "Aurora Dawn Weasley," called. In a daze I felt my feet move of their own accord and take me to the podium.

"Congratulation, Miss Weasley," the Headmaster said smiling.

"Thank you, sir." I remember the applause from my family and friends. I felt so loved in that moment I could have conquered the world. Then Ron's name was called and I returned to my seat. I scanned the crowd and wondered at the lack of children. Even the younger students were absent. 'Of course,' I mentally berated myself, 'safety precautions.'

Ron had barely taken his seat when the alarms went off. It had begun. The Final Battle was here. At least they let us finish the ceremony.