Split Second

Chapter 2

    The time had finally come, Harry thought to himself, looking down at the final cloak he would ever wear at Hogwarts...his graduation cloak. Here he was, sitting down with the rest of the seventh years of all four houses at a designated table, in between his best friends, to eat the final feast they’d ever have at Hogwarts as students. It was a bittersweet feeling. He felt accomplished, but he also felt sickened. Hogwarts had been his refuge, practically his home, and it was being snatched away, just like that, by the evil known as reality. He sighed as Hermione placed a comforting hand on his, giving him a sympathetic smile. He looked upwards, inwardly letting go. He’d be okay. Eventually, Mr. Weasley had said he’d even be able to get Harry a job at the Ministry, so Harry wouldn’t be stuck in Dursley hell forever. That in itself was a tremendous relief. It didn’t change the depression of the thoughts of being taken from his friends, though.

    Ron, however, was too busy smirking and eyeing Malfoy, who was seated diagonally to his left, remembering breakfast’s occurrence, to notice Harry‘s demeanor.

    “PSSSST. Hey, Malfoy,” Ron said, more than ready to egg him on. It hadn’t been enough for him earlier when Malfoy tripped. He wanted, no, NEEDED, more action.

    “Ronald, do not even--” Hermione began maternally, as Malfoy turned to face him, eyes flashing in knowing irritation.

    “Have a nice trip!!! SEE YOU NEXT FALL!!!” Ron bellowed, ignoring Hermione‘s warnings. At this, the rest of the table, including Hermione, burst out laughing.

    “Ron!” Hermione exclaimed, still laughing. She didn’t have enough time to finish trying to yell at him, as Professor Dumbledore rose, silencing them.

    “Students, this feast, is your final step into reality. You have spent seven years here. Seven long years, filled with education and new experiences. Seven years filled with new friends (Ron and Hermione each grabbed a hand of Harry‘s), new thoughts, and even new dreams and goals. I hope the seven years you have spent here have prepared you adequately for the life you are about to encounter. You will not be guided in this new life by anyone here, but are guided by the many lessons you received here, both inside of books and out. You are indeed out to face reality on your own. This is what you have been waiting and preparing for. Thank you students for being a tremendous part of the past seven years of my life, and I wish you nothing but the best in the future,” he said, as tears appeared in the corners of his eyes.

    “Oh....” breathed Hermione, tears streaming down her face. Harry sighed. Ron, for the first time that day, looked melancholy.

    “With all that said, let’s start the feast!! you deserve it!!!” Dumbledore waved his wand grandly.

    At that moment, hams, chickens, turkeys, pork, different types of soups, salads, salad dressings, potatoes, noodles, and many different desserts and drinks appeared on the table. Ron switched from melancholy to rabid.

    “Fooooood....” he grinned, snatching up a plate as Harry laughed. He’d miss Ron’s food insanity.

    And so it began, their final feast together as students. Ron sampled just about everything......twice. Hermione stuck mainly with soup, salad, and brownies, sniffling here and there, and Harry ate as much as he could without falling over. Conversation wasn’t much, as many of the students were too busy thinking, whether it be about the past or the future, or settling on Dumbledore‘s words.

    Harry watched Hermione play with her soup and crackers and Ron guzzle down more pumpkin juice. So this is what it’s like, saying goodbye.....he thought. He smiled to himself.

    It was time to let go, to face the future and he’d do just fine, because he wouldn‘t be alone. He had Ron, Hermione, and Ginny to look forward to the rest of his life with, and he wouldn’t exchange it for an eternity at Hogwarts’.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

    After the feast, the new “un-students“ made plans for the party that was shortly to follow in Hogsmeade and went to change and freshen up.

    “Okay, so you’re going by Floo powder?” Hermione asked Ron as they walked back up to the tower.

    “Yeah,” he confirmed. “Harry?”

    “Floo powder for me, too,” Harry told her. He’d mastered the skills of floo powder.....he hoped.

    “Okay,” Hermione said, turning towards her dorm. “Well, Lavender and I are going through the tunnel you showed us, Harry, in that one hallway. Ginny’s got the Marauder’s Map, I’ll get that from her. I’ll meet you guys in Hogsmeade then I suppose.”

    “Okay ‘Mione,” Ron said, he and Harry walking towards their own dorm to get changed. “We’ll see you in a little bit.”