Promise

Chapter Three

The following months were certainly grueling--especially for the seventh years. Between taking their N.E.W.T.'s, Quidditch, The House Cup, and Interhouse activities, everyone had a busy schedule. In spite of all this, Harry couldn't help thinking about that night with Ginny. "Why had I been so quick on acting on my emotions?" Harry thought miserably. "I should have given it more time." The guilty, embarrassed look Ginny put on every time he came near was nearly more than he could take. He didn't blame her for turning him down.

June came, and along with brilliant weather and high temperatures, so did their graduation. Standing in line with his fellow classmates, Harry looked at the family and friends sitting in audience under a bewitched tent that stood up on its own. Raindrops scattered the sweeping Hogwarts landscape, but despite the change in weather, everyone was beaming at one another. Harry couldn't help but forget about Ginny for one day. He knew a relationship with her was impossible, and was ready to let go. At least that's what he thought until he caught sight of eight red heads sitting together, sticking out like sore thumbs. There she was, sitting in the middle of them all. Dressed in periwinkle blue dress robes, gorgeous curls swept up into a French twist, with a few stubborn strands escaping blowing in the breeze. Waving eagerly at Seamus, Ginny was unmistakably noticeable. Her large, almond shaped brown eyes danced along the line of students, smiling at them all as if saying "Congratulations!" Harry gritted his teeth. She was so beautiful, yet so forbidden. He was sick of the situation he was in.

Dumbledore approached the podium, and smiled cheerfully at them all. "Welcome, family and friends, to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry's annual seventh year graduation. I have no doubt all of you are as proud of this graduating class as I am," he said cheerily, his blue eyes twinkling beneath his half moon spectacles. Harry could vaguely hear him in the background as his eyes wandered over to Ginny. His gaze lingered over her and drilled the image of appearance in his mind. He needed to remember her as she is today. He didn't know when he would see her again...he didn't know if he could. The ceremony ended and the students threw up their hats in rejoice. "We did it!" many exclaimed. Harry snapped out of his melancholy mood and grinned. Hermione ran over to Harry and gathered him into a tight embrace. Harry awkwardly hugged her back. She didn't let go until Ron walked over and remarked,

"Uh, 'Mione, I think you're strangling him."

"Oh, right! Sorry Harry, I'm just so emotional!" she apologized as she straightened his robes for him, wiping bittersweet tears from her eyes.

No sooner had she let go of him, she was doing the exact same thing to Ron. When she finally let go, Ron looked flushed and rather sheepish.

"Hermione, I think I need to tell you something..." Ron began

Harry stifled his laughter, and decided it was best if he left them alone. 'It's about time!' he thought to himself. Ron had long felt for Hermione in a way that was more than just friends, and Harry was happy that he was finally telling her. He craned his neck over the crowd of happy parents and students, and saw Sirius, Hagrid, and Professor Lupin waving at him.

"Hiya 'arry!" Hagrid boomed, certainly overjoyed by this celebration.

"Hi Hagrid! Sirius, Professor Lupin! I didn't think you'd be able to make it!" Harry exclaimed.

"Are you kidding? And miss my only godson's graduation? I wouldn't even think of it Harry!" said Sirius, smiling one of the first real smiles Harry had ever seen him wear since the old pictures of his parent's wedding.

They engaged in merry conversation for minutes until Hagrid had to leave.

"Good luck 'arry! Stay in touch! I trust ya won' ever ferget this day. It only rolls round once, so make tha bes' of it. I know ya, and you'll turn out ta be a great wizard, no doubt abou' it. Jus member' that yer molded by tha choices ya make. I lerned tha hard way."

And with that Hagrid made his way down to his hut, his huge form disappearing in the distance.