Last Beginning

Last Beginning

"What are you talking about?"

Ron had been boring Harry and Hermione for the past half-hour with details of his summer in Egypt. He'd just finished telling them that he'd managed to get a job with Fred and George for when he graduated from Hogwarts.

"Ron, you are not going to work in a joke shop!" Hermione half shouted.

"The job is only until I get on my feet. Besides, what do you care?"

Hermione rolled her eyes and looked out of the window of the Hogwarts Express. She didn't feel like arguing with Ron about his future. She knew he wouldn't listen to her.

"Hermione!" Harry shouted.

"What?" Hermione answered angrily.

"I asked how your summer was," Harry repeated slightly hurt from her outburst.

"Oh, it was okay, nothing great."

"What did you do?" Ron asked.

"My parents and I went to New York City. We stayed at a hotel called the Plaza," she responded.

There was a knock on the compartment door. Ron opened it.

"Hi! Can I sit with you?"

It was Ginny.

"Sure, Ginny," answered Harry.

He moved so that she could sit next to him. She thanked him and sat down.

"Anyway. Hermione, we should go do our rounds," yelled Ron.

"Oh! Yes, let's go," Hermione squealed.

"Did you guys check in with the Head Boy and Girl?" she asked anxiously.

"Ginny, don't be stupid. You know that 'Mione is Head Girl and that git, Malfoy, is Head Boy!" Ron shouted impatiently.

"Relax, Ron. Ignore him, Ginny," Hermione scowled at Ron.

When Ron and Hermione left, Ginny and Harry spent the rest of the train ride playing a game of Exploding Snap. The train finally came to a stop and Harry and Ginny got off, and shared a carriage. Ron and Hermione joined them as the carriage was about to pull away. Harry and Ginny were enjoying the sight of the bright castle in the distance. They didn't notice the tension between Ron and Hermione.

It wasn't until they'd entered the Great Hall that Harry noticed something peculiar. Hermione was looking over at Ron in a very strange manner. It was almost as if she was longing for Ron to notice. Harry looked away before Hermione could notice that he had seen the way she was looking at Ron.

They walked over to the Gryffindor table and waited for the first years to arrive. Harry secretly wished the Sorting wouldn't take long. He hadn't eaten anything for more than an hour.

Finally, Professor McGonagall walked into the Great Hall with a group of highly excited first years behind her. She lined them up in front of the whole school and waited for Professor Dumbledore to make his start of term announcements.

"Welcome to a New Year at Hogwarts. I'm sure that this year will be a good year for all of us because as you all know, Lord Voldemort has finally been defeated!"

Someone standing outside of the Great Hall would have thought that a bomb had gone off. Every student was on his or her feet clapping ferociously.

"Yes, yes a happy time indeed. Now, I know we are all hungry so let's get these announcements out of the way. First years please note that the Dark Forest is strictly forbidden to all students. Mr. Filch is not going to tolerate any students misbehaving this year, so I strongly advice that you all behave.

"Right. That's all, so let the Sorting begin," and with this he nodded to McGonagall and sat.

"When I call your name, you will put the Sorting Hat on your head and you will be sorted into your house.

"Anderson, Brianna."

A rather scared looking girl stepped forward and placed the Sorting Hat on her head.

"RAVENCLAW!" shouted the Sorting Hat after about 5 minutes.

The Ravenclaw table exploded with applause as Brianna joined them. And so this went on until "Williams, James" was sorted into Slytherin.

To Harry's great relief, the Sorting Hat was taken out of the Great Hall. Dumbledore stood, clapped his hands, and the golden plates in front of them filled with food.

***

"Out of the way now. Excuse me I'm Head Girl," Hermione shouted at the first years gathered in front of the Fat Lady.

She approached the portrait of the Fat Lady and gave her the password (Apopka). She led the talkative first years inside the common room and directed them to the dormitories.

"Hermione, can you please help me?" Ron yelled across the room of excited first years.

He was desperately trying to fight off Ginny who was holding something behind her back.

"No way, Ron. Keep me out of it."

Just then, Parvati came through the portrait hole and threw herself into the nearest armchair. She sighed as though frustrated about something. Without warning, she burst into tears.

"What's wrong, Pavarti?" asked Ginny passing Parvati a handkerchief.

"It's my sister, Padma. She is completely opposed to my relationship with Draco. She's threatened to tell my parents about us. She doesn't believe that Draco has truly changed. I told her that ever since his father was put into Azkaban, Draco has not been the evil git that we all met back in first year. She just won't believe it. She says that she is doing it for my own good, but I just don't see the good in separating me from the love of my life."

Ron cleared his throat while searching his mind for some words but couldn't think of anything. Hermione had tears running down her cheeks. As Parvati cried in her seat, Ginny stood and gave her a sisterly hug. Hermione joined her. They whispered for Parvati not to worry about it, that Padma would come around.

"How could Padma be so heartless?" asked Ginny returning to her seat.

"Why don't you go up to bed, Parvati? You should rest and try not to think about Padma."

Parvati nodded at Hermione's suggestion. She climbed the stairs to the girls' dorm. Ron looked after her with a hurt expression.

"Poor Parvati, I can't believe Padma would do that to her," said Ginny sympathetically.

Hermione nodded. She looked over at Ron was looking rather pensive. He suddenly stood and ran to stairs. Hermione was going to call after him to ask what was wrong, but Ginny stopped her with a significant look.

*Christmas Week*

A few months ago Harry would have jinxed himself if he had ever wanted to leave Hogwarts. Yet, there was something about this year that made him extremely uncomfortable in the castle. Wherever he went, his classmates would point and murmur as he passed. He guessed that they were probably still talking about his participation in the war against Voldemort. He wanted everyone to disappear. He wanted to be left alone. He wanted all the staring and whispering to stop. In fact, the only person that saved him from his unusual desires to leave Hogwarts was strangely Ginny. In her, Harry had found a new friend. A friend that could understand him, that listened to what he had to say without doubting his sanity. Whenever he talked to her, he felt like time didn't exist. He felt without worries, the world was his and no one could change that. Then, he'd go to class and once again feel the stares and hear the whispers. To save himself from cursing everyone in the hall at times like those, he'd think about his most recent conversation with Ginny.

He found himself thinking about her one particular morning in the Great Hall during breakfast. He had awoken from his dreamy state in only enough time to hear Professor Dumbledore wish everyone a Merry Christmas.

"Those of you who are going to stay at Hogwarts during the holidays be sure to sign up with Professor McGonagall. However, for those of you leaving, I want to wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year."

After Dumbledore had finished, Harry looked around for Ginny. He found her sitting with Dean. At first, he didn't know why it bothered him so much. Then he thought of the time on the train after his fifth year. Ginny had mentioned something about thinking of dating Dean. Without any explanation that he could think of, Harry found himself burning with anger at the sight of them together. Ron noticed that Harry's face had gone slightly red. He stared at Harry in bewilderment.

"Harry, what's wrong with you?"

"What? Oh, nothing. Nothing at all Ron," Harry lied.

He stared down at this bacon. He looked at them again. This time Ginny smiled at Harry. She turned to Dean and said bye to him. Next minute she was walking over to Harry.

He watched her walk over to him with a look of concern on her beautiful face. 'Stop it!' Harry said to himself. 'She's Ron's little sister. Don't think of her that way!'

"Hey, Harry!"

"Hello," he said harder than he meant to.

"What's wrong? You seem angry. Are you angry with me?"

"Are you dating Dean?" he asked before he could stop himself.

"No, Harry! Are you mad? He was just telling me about his moving to Paris after he graduates. Why do you ask?"

"Oh. Never mind."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes."

"Okay, then. I'm bored. Take a walk with me, please Harry," she said while pulling on his arm.

Harry smiled. "Sure."

"I knew you couldn't say 'no' to me. Follow me, Mr. Potter!" she said while snickering in a Malfoy-manner.

Harry laughed at her silliness and allowed her to pull him outside.

Their laughter subsided when they reached the cold air outside the castle. They hadn't brought their cloaks. Harry pulled Ginny to him when he saw that she was shivering. Ginny looked up at him and whispered a drowned "thank you". As they passed by the lake (which was now frozen solid) Ginny noticed Harry's uncomfortable silence and once again asked what was wrong.

"I don't know. I guess I'm a bit confused because it bothered me to see Dean look at you like he wanted you."

"What!? Harry, are you mad? Dean and I are just friends. Besides he's dating Lavender. I would never be interested in anyone who has a girlfriend."

Harry kept quiet. Ginny stepped in front of him and looked into his eyes. Harry felt as though he was being read.

"Why would my talking to Dean bother you so much?" she asked curiously.

"I don't know. I'm really confused."

"Let's see if I can clear things up for you."

Suddenly, Ginny grabbed Harry by the neck and placed her lips on his. His lips were strangely warm, while the rest of his body was rigidly cold. Harry found himself returning the kiss. He placed his hands around her waist and brought her closer to him. They lost themselves in the kiss. They didn't feel the snow that had started to fall, they only felt each other's spirits.

*Meanwhile, back inside*

Ron felt someone look at him and looked around trying to find the person. He was surprised to find Hermione staring at him almost dreamlike.

"Hermione, why are you looking at me like that?"

"Oh, sorry, Ron. I didn't realize that I was staring," said Hermione slightly embarrassed.

Her eyes filled with tears. Ron had no idea that Hermione's heart was breaking as each day she became more and more convinced that Ron would never know that he loves her as she loves him. Ginny had awakened her true feelings over the summer.

"Hermione, I'm telling you. I've never seen Ron look at anyone the way he looks at you. I think he has feelings for you and frankly I don't think he even knows it yet. "

"Well, let's hope he never finds out because I don't have those kind of feelings for him."

"Oh, please, Hermione. You may be able to fool yourself and Ron, but I think you feel the same for him. You both love each other and you don't even know it yet. Harry and I have talked about it for about a month. We even made a bet of when you two would finally wake up...."

"Hermione! What's wrong?" Ron asked while wiping the tears from her cheeks.

"Nothing, I just need some air. Let's go outside for bit, please, Ron."

They stood from the breakfast table. Once outside, they walked towards the lake. Hermione, who had been walking behind him, bumped into Ron. Ron had stopped abruptly and was staring towards the lake.

"Ron, what in the world?!"

All Ron could do was point at two figures standing by the lake. Hermione suddenly realized what had shocked Ron so much. Harry and Ginny were kissing by the lake.

Before Hermione could stop him, Ron let go of her hand and bolted to the lake. Hermione ran after him to make sure that he didn't do anything he would later regret.

When Ron reached the lake, he turned Harry around, and before Hermione could stop him, punched Harry with all of his might.

"RON! What the fuck are you doing?!" Ginny asked in a shocked voice.

Hermione grabbed Ron's arm before he could swing again. Harry got up and wiped his bleeding nose.

"What was that for?"

"You were snogging my sister. How could you?"

"First of all, Ron, she kissed me. Second, she's not a baby anymore! She's sixteen!" Harry shouted at Ron.

Ron made to swing again, but Hermione stopped him.

"Ron, Ginny has the right to kiss whomever she wants. Besides, Harry is your best friend and he would never hurt Ginny. What were thinking?" said Hermione trying to calm Ron down while tears ran down her face.

"I'm sorry, Ron, but I'm not going to keep my feelings bottled up inside like you!" Ginny yelled.

"What are you talking about?"

"You and Hermione have had all this sexual tension ever since your fourth year and you are so thick you can't even realize how you feel for each other. I had to open Hermione's eyes this summer, because I'm frankly sick of the tension. Open your fucking eyes and realize that you love each other! Then maybe Harry and I can live without this conflict!"

Ginny was furious. Her face was as red as her hair. Harry merely looked at his shoes waiting for Ron to explode.

Ron, however, had a dazed expression of his freckled face. He looked at Hermione was still crying. His eyes bulged as he stared at Hermione. At that moment, he realized what he had hidden from himself for so long. He took Hermione's face in his hands and wiped the tears from her face. He braced himself and slowly lowered his face to hers. He gently placed his lips on hers. She received the kiss. They felt their hearts burst open and suddenly everything seemed so clear, so obvious. Their kiss ended and Ron simply stared into Hermione's brown eyes. He saw himself reflected in them.

"Oh, my God," he whispered in realization.

Hermione smiled. Ginny let out a sigh of relief.

"I'd been waiting so long to finally say that," she said to the air.

Harry grabbed her hand and led her back to the castle. Hermione and Ron stayed outside, lost in each other's kiss.

*Month's later*

Ron was extremely annoyed. Valentine's Day was less than a week away and he still hadn't found the perfect gift for Hermione. How could Hogsmeade be so cruel to him? He hadn't been able to find anything good enough for Hermione in any of the shops in Hogsmeade.

He walked down to dinner with Harry, Hermione, and Ginny in a rather bad mood. He had decided, the only gift good enough for Hermione was one you can't buy. He knew what he wanted to do, but didn't know how to do it. He spent the whole time at dinner plotting how to go about making everything perfect.

When dinner finished, Dumbledore made an announcement that caused Ron to get even more nervous.

"As you all know, Valentine's Day is approaching. This year at Hogwarts we have decided to have a Valentine's Day ball. Make sure to look your best for the ball. It will take place on February 14th at 7:00 PM and will end at midnight. Thank you and good night."

'How am I supposed to make everything perfect if there is going to be a ball?' Ron asked himself when they had reached the common room that night.

"I'm going to place a charm on it so that the heart will say 'we love you'," said Ginny, who was making a valentine for Mrs. Weasley with Harry's help.

"What about you Hermione, are you going to send your parents a valentine?" asked Harry.

"I already sent it," she answered with a smile on her face.

'Well that settles it,' thought Ron, 'I know exactly what I'm going to do.'

"Harry, I need to talk to you," Ron said.

Harry followed Ron to a corner of the common room. He listened in awe as Ron explained the gift he had planned for Hermione. In the end, Harry agreed to help Ron with the most important detail of the gift as they both prayed that everything would go smoothly.

*The next day*

"Students, If I can have your attention please?" Professor Dumbledore said from the front of the Hall. "I am inviting an American musical group to play at the Valentine's Day Ball. Their name is Cornerstone. They are very popular in the muggle world and I will ask you to please keep and open mind. Lessons will end early that day so enjoy yourselves."

"I'm so excited! I've never heard muggle music before!" Ginny exclaimed as they left the Great Hall.

*Valentine's Day*

"Hermione, hurry up! We're going to be late!" Ginny shouted up the stairs.

"I'm coming!" Hermione yelled back down.

The day of the ball had finally arrived. Ginny was sitting cross-legged in an armchair wearing robes of light pink. Harry was sitting next to her wearing his bottle green dress robes. Ron was wearing brand-new maroon robes and sitting impatiently in his usual chair. After another five minutes, they heard footsteps at the stairs and turned to see Hermione descending the stone steps. She was wearing silver robes and had placed her hair in an elegant, but modern bun.

"You look dashing, my darling!" said Ron as if bowing to a queen.

"Why thank you, my dear," Hermione answered in the same imperious voice.

Harry and Ginny laughed at their stupidity. They headed down to the Great Hall. Harry spotted Pavarti with Malfoy when they reached the Great Hall. He was glad to see that Padma wasn't with her sister. He wanted everyone to have a great night without any drama.

The house tables were once again replaced with a hundred small round ones. Harry, Ginny, Ron, Hermione, Pavarti, and Malfoy all sat at the same table.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, I give you CORNERSTONE!"

Clapping rang out throughout the Great Hall as a young group of muggles went up to the stage. They grabbed their instruments.

"My name is Joel and we are Cornerstone! We hope you enjoy your night! This first song is called "Love of my Life". I hope you like it," he said before he started singing. The song was rather catchy.

"I never thought that someone could love me like this,

to you my flaws don't matter, you'd give yourself for me.

With no regrets you said, 'I love you. I want you with me.'

You didn't care about my past, you gave me love.

Your light shone through my darkness and you made me strong.

Today I walk with open eyes, you are with me, nothing is missing.

I don't fall because you are my light.

Love of my life, who would've guessed,

You have made my sadness into song.

Love of my life, who would've guessed,

You who has loved me so, who would die for me.

Thank you for being the love of my life.

If I live it is because of you.

When you came into my life, I was reborn.

I am the evidence that you are liberty.

You the answer, oh the answer, to my prayers."

One by one the couples at each table started to get up and dance. Harry took Ginny's hand and took her out to the dance floor. Everyone else at their table followed suit. Ron took Hermione's hand, kissed it and said, "May I have this dance?" Hermione nodded and got up with Ron.

When the song ended, everyone clapped. Joel signaled to the band and a new song started. The beat of this new song was extremely slow with only a piano and a guitar supplying the music.

"If you feel like you're alone,

Stop pretending (stop)

Look into my eyes, I will make you smile

I'll care for you, I'll never leave you

Don't doubt (don't) I love you

I'll care for you, I'll never leave you

Don't doubt (don't) I love you

I'll care for you

You looked in many places,

for happiness, (never found it)

Don't think about falling,

I'll always love you (always)

I'll care for you, I'll never leave you

Don't doubt (don't) I love you

I'll care for you, I'll never leave you

Don't doubt (don't ) I love you"

During the song, Ron decided that this was the perfect time to give Hermione his gift. He looked into her eyes and stopped dancing. She looked confused and simply stared at him. As she stared him, he knelt on one knee. Hermione gasped. Harry and Ginny stopped dancing and Harry gave Ron the thumbs up. Ron had taken out a small figurine of an angel. The tiny angel held a ring in its tiny hands.

"Hermione, I know that it took me a long time to realize that what I felt for you was love. I know that Ginny had to practically jolt me into reality, but now that I'm in reality, I never want to let that go. I love you with all of my heart and I want to spend the rest of my life by your side. I want to wake up to your beautiful face everyday of my life. I want to know that as long as I live we'll be together. Hermione, will you make the happiest man on Earth? Will you marry me?"

The angel figurine flew up to Hermione and held the ring to her. Tears rolled down her face as she took the ring from the small angel and helped Ron to his feet.

"YES! Yes, I'll marry you, Ron! YES, YES!"

Ron smiled through happy tears as he placed the ring on her finger. It was a perfect fit. They embraced and finally kissed. Their kiss sealed their promise. Everyone in the Hall was applauding their engagement. Harry and Ginny both hugged and congratulated Ron and Hermione.

"Congratulations to the happy couple!" shouted Joel from the stage.

Pink and white confetti dropped from the ceiling, engulfing everyone in the Hall. No one was happier than Ron was at that moment.

***

Ron jumped around the common room like a maniac scaring the first years into corners.

"Ron!" Ginny yelled at him.

Ron ignored her. He just kept shouting and jumping.

"It's no use, Ginny. He's way too happy to calm down," Hermione told Ginny.

Soon Harry, Ginny and Hermione began to ignore Ron and started talking about the wedding. It took several minutes for Ron to calm down and join them in their discussion. After about an hour of wedding plans, Ron looked at his at his watch and began to yawn.

"Maybe we should go to bed, guys. There are lessons tomorrow, you know."

"Yeah, Ron's right. Let's go to bed. We'll have plenty of time to plan the wedding, plus we still haven't told our families," agreed Hermione yawning slightly.

*Months later*

"Seniors, please stay a little longer after dinner. I have something to talk to you about," said Dumbledore's powerful voice from the staff table.

Harry, Ron, and Hermione looked at each other.

"Relax guys. I don't think you should worry. He gives that announcement every year. I bet it's something about graduation," Ginny reassured them.

"You're right, baby," said Harry.

When they were done eating, Harry, Ron, and Hermione stayed at Gryffindor table waiting for the first through sixth year students to leave the Great Hall. It took longer than usual or maybe it was because they were so anxious to hear what Dumbledore was going to say to them. Ginny kissed Harry one last time and left with Luna Lovegood.

"Now that you're all settled I want to ask you to please come sit at the Ravenclaw table so that I can speak to you more directly," said Dumbledore.

Harry and Ron looked at each other, shrugged, and moved with Hermione to the Ravenclaw table. Ron sat next Hermione while Harry sat next to Seamus.

"Now, as you all know, graduation is merely three weeks away. On that day, your families are invited to come to Hogwarts to attend the ceremony."

Seamus suddenly raised his hand.

"Yes, Mr. Finnigan?" asked Dumbledore politely.

"Where will the ceremony take place?"

"The ceremony will take place on the Quidditch pitch. It is the only suitable place where we could fit so many people. It will take place on June 30th at 9:30 AM.

"You are all to dress in your Hogwarts robes and wear your school hats. Please be on your best behavior. Thank you, you may all leave now. Have a good night," Dumbledore finished.

*Later*

"What's wrong, Harry?"

"It's just that I can't believe I'll be leaving Hogwarts forever. It's the only place that's ever been home for me," Harry replied.

"But Harry, you'll get your own flat when you graduate and you'll never have to see the Dursleys again." said Hermione.

"The Dursleys don't bother me anymore. Ever since Dudley was killed they're really quiet and they keep to themselves most of the time. You're right, I will get my own flat, but I'll still miss Hogwarts," Harry answered.

Ron and Hermione nodded in agreement. It was clear that they would also miss Hogwarts.

Ginny sighed.

"It'll be so boring here without you. I'll miss you guys being here," Ginny confided to them.

Harry smiled and said, "hey, let's stop putting ourselves down."

They spent the rest of the afternoon playing a game of Exploding Snap.

*Graduation Day*

June 30th finally arrived. The Gryffindor seniors were waiting patiently but nervously in their common room. Hogwarts was pretty empty since the only students there were the seventh years (first through sixth year students had gone home the previous day).

"Ron, stop pacing up and down the room. You're making me nervous," Hermione ordered.

"Sorry, hon. It's just that pacing calms me down," Ron replied.

Harry was feeling so sick to his stomach that he feared if he opened his mouth, he might puke. He looked up at the rest of the Gryffindors. They looked just as nervous as he felt.

The portrait hole opened and in came Professor McGonagall.

"Everyone is here. Please follow me, in an orderly fashion, to the Quidditch pitch," she told them which made them even more nervous.

They followed her out of the portrait hole. When they'd all stepped out, McGonagall led the way to the Quidditch pitch. Harry looked back and saw a long line of Ravenclaws followed by Hufflepuffs and Slytherins.

As soon as they stepped onto the Quidditch pitch, Harry saw the bleachers filled with hundreds of witches and wizards. He noticed that there were Hogwarts students below seventh year there no doubt come to watch their older brothers and sisters graduate. He looked at the first row and saw a whole line of redheads.

There were chairs out on the field and in front there was a huge stage with a podium in the middle of it. All of the teachers were sitting on the stage while Dumbledore stood at the podium. The podium had the Hogwarts crest on it. Professor McGonagall told the Gryffindors to sit on the chairs with the Gryffindor lion on them. They all took a seat.

"Welcome to the Annual Hogwarts Graduation Ceremony!" said Dumbledore from the podium as soon as everyone was seated.

Harry noticed that there was no microphone and realized that Dumbledore's voice was probably magically magnified.

"These students have been with us for the past seven years. Some have been made prefects for their outstanding marks and model behavior throughout those seven years. They have all contributed the wonderful memories that my colleagues and I will have forever.

"Whether the student was a Ravenclaw, Slytherin, Gryffindor, or Hufflepuff, he or she has shown what a truly remarkable witch or wizard he or she will be in the future.

"I hope that you are all proud of your sons, daughters, brothers, sisters, and etc. In this group of graduates we will see great aurors, Ministry officials, and perhaps even Hogwarts headmasters and headmistresses.

"At this time, our deputy headmistress will read out the names of the graduates. When your name is called, please step up to the stage, receive your diploma, and take your seat once again. Professor?" Dumbledore said proudly to the enormous audience.

Professor McGonagall stood from her seat and approached the podium.

"Thank you, Professor Dumbledore. We will start with Gryffindor.

"Lavender Brown"

She called names until every Gryffindor was called. One by one the Gryffindors stood and received their diplomas. When Harry, Ron and Hermione were called the Weasleys and the Grangers exploded with applause.

"Hufflepuff," called Professor McGonagall.

"Hannah Abbot."

The same as with the Gryffindors, the Hufflepuffs stood and received their diplomas.

"Ravenclaw, Terry Boot."

"Slytherin, Millicent Bullstrode."

When Professor McGonagall was done calling up all the graduates, Professor Dumbledore stood up and shouted, "Congratulations, Hogwarts Class of 1997!"

The graduates threw their hats into the air. Cameras were flashing everywhere as every parent in the bleachers took pictures.

Harry, Ron, and Hermione said goodbye and congratulations to all their friends before going over to the Weasleys and Hermione's parents.

"Congratulations!" they shouted as Harry, Ron, and Hermione approached them.

"That's for both the graduation and the engagement!" shouted Mr. Weasley.

Hermione was soon in a tight hug with her parents. Mrs. Weasley was crying when Ron went to give her a big hug and kiss. Harry, Ron, and Hermione wandered away from their parents and walked over to the lake. They wanted to walk around the lake for one last time.

Hermione hugged Harry and gave Ron a kiss before she joined her parents. She was going to have dinner with them before joining Ron, Harry, and Ginny for a trip to Venice. After Hermione left, Harry and Ron walked back to the Weasleys. Ginny grabbed Harry's arm and pulled him away from the crowd. She gave him a lingering kiss. Ginny hugged him tightly and they walked back to their families. Harry said bye to all of the Weasleys before he got into his car. He promised them that he'd go visit Lupin before joining them for dinner.

As he drove away, Harry looked through the rearview mirror at the only place he had ever called home. He vowed to someday come back and find a way of thanking Professor Dumbledore for all he'd done for him. He smiled inwardly. Hogwarts had definitively changed his life forever.

'Thank you, Hogwarts.' were his last thoughts before the car left Hogwarts grounds.

THE END