Graduating Day

Graduating Day

By Matt Coggins

"And I'd like to congratulate Mr. Harry Potter for everything he's done for this school. He has saved the Sorcerer's Stone, fought the Basilisk in the Chamber of Secrets, stopped Dementors from taking over our school, won the Triwizard Tournament, and many other things. So, here's to you, Harry Potter."

I raised my goblet as I said these words. I really didn't want Harry to leave. I thought that boy to be like a son. Harry was always loyal to me.

I am, of course, Albus Dumbledore, Headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, a school that probably wouldn't live without Harry.

For once, I left my chair during a feast (unless you count the times of peril the school has gone through) and walked to the Gryffindor table. I leaned over to Mr. Potter's ear, and asked, "Harry, if you wouldn't mind, I'd like to keep in touch. An owl or two a week, maybe?"

"That'd be great, Professor!" Harry said. "How would I reach you, though? Do you live at the school?"

The Weasley children laughed, and even Ms. Granger (who I heard will become Mrs. Potter this summer). I can't blame them. I do spend a lot of time at Hogwarts.

"No, Harry. Just tell Hedwig the letter's for me. Oh, and please, call me Albus. You've come to an age where you are one of my peers. I respect you, Harry."

Still, it wouldn't be the same as seeing Harry in person.

***

I'm supposed to be the best man at his wedding. But what'll happen after that? Will we still be friends? Close acquaintances? I really don't know. We've been friends for so long, I just can't think of breaking that friendship.

All though it sounds like it, I'm not gay. I like Harry like a brother (better than the other five I have). Like he's a part of the family, minus the orange hair.

"Ron, are you done packing, yet? The Hogwarts Express leaves in an hour!" Harry yells.

He's planning on ditching the Dursleys. As soon as he gets back, he's going to grab his stuff and Dissaperate. Where to, I don't know.

Then, as if he read my mind, Harry said, "D'ya think I can go to your place when I leave the Dursley's?"

I, of course, said yes, but then I thought of how Mum would take it. She did treat Harry like a Weasley, but was always such a bother about him. She actually tried to comb his hair! Like she could!

But sooner or later, he'll move. He and Hermione are probably going to have a big future ahead of them. I just want to be good friends for a good time.

***

So, Potter's leaving. Big whoop.

But know that I think of it, I might actually miss scarface. I mean, he's saved my ass countless times. One when he was just a baby.

The Dark Lord was furious with my father for quitting the Death Eaters for a while. Father said to He-who-must-not-be-named that he'd be back when I was older.

But a couple of years wasn't enough for You-Know-Who. He wanted the Malfoys dead.

And it was because of Potter that I'm alive.

But damn it! I can't tell him that. He might think I'm sucking up to him.

And Hermione, ooooooooooh she is sexy. I mean look at her! What a fox! And she's marrying Potter? A hotty like that belongs in my arms! Just compare names:

or

Just think who the winner is.

***

One of my greatest students is leaving me. No, it is not Mr. Malfoy. The greatest I ever had was Potter.

Although he wasn't so good at potions, he was a good student at heart.

I felt I should be so cruel to him because of his father. But Harry is nothing like James. Harry actually respects me (when I'm not so mean). I don't think James would ever do that for me.

But Potter did save my life. That's why he hated me. All because he didn't want me to tell anyone.

And I saved him. Then miniature James. At least I tried. I couldn't stop the magic of the Dark Lord. But I tried.

Do you hear me James? I tried to save your son. I distracted the Dark Lord! I helped you, because you helped me. Now, we're even.

***

The love of my life will live with me once we get married. I've talked it over with Mum and Dad, and they've agreed.

But Harry wants to stay with the Weasleys. I don't know what to do! Either make Harry happy or myself.

Good thing this is only temporary. Until Harry and I get enough money, we'll bye our own house.

Listen to me! I make it sound like we're already married! there's still two months to go!

Harry's planning on being an Auror. Not a bad career for him. Although he told me Umbridge said he can't do it, (I think she's a bitch) I really think Harry can.

And he's finally leaving the Dursley's. Good for him!

I think I want to have a child with Harry. He'd be a perfect father. I want to wait a couple of years, but I think we'll pull it off. Harry says he'll be a horrible parent, making mistakes like his father did.

Ron seemed pretty jealous when he got the news Harry and I were engaged. Then, out of nowhere, he asked to be the Best Man! I think I'm out of his mind now. I've seen him eye Lavender Brown.

But Draco Malfoy thinks that he cane be competition for Harry. As if!

I'm going to miss Hogwarts. The way Madam Pince would watch over us like we were up to now good. The way Professor Flitwick would give a small squeak when we entered the class. The good times Harry, Ron, and I had when we were younger are all gone now. I'll miss it all.

***

I'm glad Potter's finally leaving!

Everyday (it seemed like) he would come in with a broken leg, or arm (which ended up with no bones in it at all). And sometimes he just passed out and I'd have to revive him.

Why Dumbledore put Potter in this school is beyond me.

Well, I guess the kid isn't so bad. I lost a couple inches on my butt walking around so much. All the pills and Slimfast I've been taking haven't been working. Even Subway wouldn't help. And that Jared boy is a hunk!

***

WHY? WHY? WHY DOES POTTER HAVE TO LEAVE? He made my Quidditch team so good! He gave my house a lot of points!

And he did so well on his N.E.W.T.S.! Best in my class! Better than Hermione Granger herself!

And what a hunk of a boy he is. If I was a girl his age, I would have been his girl by the first year!

***

Yes! I'm finally leaving Hogwarts! Not that I won't miss it or anything, but I really want to start my career as an Auror. And to get married to the love of my life.

I will miss everything. This is where I first heard of Voldemort, and rescued the Sorcerer's Stone from him.

Where I battled the Basilisk using only a hat and a bird.

Where I met my godfather, god rest his soul, and saved him from the Dementors.

Where I won the Triwazard Tournament and carried Cedric's dead body out of the maze.

Where I had my O.W.L.S and N.E.W.T.S and several other tests. Where I had the vision of Sirius being killed by Voldemort, but really it was my fault he died. And for that, I am sorry.

Where I played Quidditch for seven years, and got to be one of the best Seekers in the world (I received an offer to play for Ireland next year).

Where I met my best friend and my fiance.

Where I will come in my dreams.

So here it ends. I'm on the Hogwarts Express, taking one last look at Hogwarts, my home.