Chapters 91-100

Remembrance

Suddenly Hermione’s first school year as Severus’ apprentice was over. She sat next to her husband and her master at the High Table and clapped enthusiastically, as one student after the other climbed up on the dais to accept their NEWTs certificates from Headmistress McGonagall.

A sideways glance at Severus reassured her that he had donned his customary scowl. When she leaned forwards a little, she could glimpse Neville’s grin at the far end of the table. Neville had changed so much. He’d already been different after the war, bolder and not quite as timid. But the months since he had started his apprenticeship with Professor Sprout had had even more impact. Neville would never be the typical extroverted, brash Gryffindor, but by now he was very much the self-confident young teacher and herbologist with a very promising academic future.

It’s good to see how we’re finding our ways into the future at last, Hermione mused. I wasn’t really sure for a while, how things would turn out for us after Voldemort’s defeat. But now…

Her thoughts strayed to her other friends.

Harry was doing well, both as an Auror and at the Wizengamot. Draco was perfectly poised for a Ministry career, now that Andromeda had been made judge of the Probations Court. Luna was happily researching the flora and fauna of South America at the Newt Scamander Foundation. Ron was keeping Weasleys Wizard Wheezes on an even keel. Lavender was quite content at ‘Madam Malkin’s Robes for All Occasions’. Dean Thomas had sent her an Owl from his internship with the International Confederation of Wizardry only a few days ago. Seamus Finnigan was about to enter his second year as a curse-breaker for Gringotts, specialising on fake valuables. Parvati and Padma were in India, taking a course in Ayurvedan magic. She couldn’t wait to meet up with them on their return. Ayurvedan potions were fascinating. And Hannah Abbott had just started her half-year on the Spell Damage Ward at St. Mungo’s.

Then it was Ginny Weasley’s turn to receive her NEWTs certificate from Headmistress McGonagall as the last student of her year.

Where did those silly tears in her eyes come from? Hermione blinked quickly and was glad that cheers from all four Houses masked her undignified sniffle.

oooOooo

The applause died away and Headmistress McGonagall stepped to the rostrum. She moved slowly and a little stiffly.

Hermione suppressed a sigh. While she and her friends had grown up, Minerva McGonagall was growing older. And the last few weeks had been stressful. For once Headmistress McGonagall looked as if she really could be a seventy-five years old woman, though very well-preserved.

‘Another year is gone,’ she said, and gazed down at the students. ‘Before I award the House Cup for this year, let us take the time and look back at what this year has brought us, both the good and the bad things.

‘This year we have welcomed thirty-six new students in our midst. Two new teachers have joined us, and have proven to be invaluable assets to the staff.”

Both Professor Weasley and Professor Hitchens rose quickly and nodded politely to Minerva.

‘For the first time in many years Hogwarts is also the home of apprentices again. I am proud and happy that we have been able to continue this time-honoured tradition of further magical education with Madam Snape and Mr. Longbottom.

‘Both Professor Snape and Professor Sprout assure me that the academic work of their apprentices will contribute to Hogwarts’ reputation as not only one of the finest wizarding schools in the world, but also as one of the premier research facilities of Great Britain.

‘Madam Snape is currently working on a project about reducing side-effects and adverse drug reactions. Mr. Longbottom is working on a joint project with the Newt Scamander Foundation, researching the introduction of exotic magical flora into Great Britain.

‘Apart from that, both apprentices have provided invaluable support for the staff as assistant teachers.’

Heat flooded Hermione’s face as she staggered to her feet. The applause was enormous and she knew that her cheeks were bright red by the time she slumped back down on her seat again.

When the Hall quieted again, Minerva continued, ‘Forty students should be sitting here tonight with happy smiles, their NEWT certificates in their hands and a bright future ahead of them. Only thirty-five students are here.

‘I ask all of you to rise now and remember three young men and two young women who should have been here tonight to celebrate his graduation. Please let us share a moment of quiet remembrance for Colin Creevey, Abaegayle Gibbs, Patricia Michaels, Brennan Stringer and James Tyler who sacrificed their lives for our future.’

With a rustle of robes and a scraping of heels, everyone rose to their feet.

Silence filled the Great Hall.

‘Thank you.’

When everyone was seated again, Minerva McGonagall’s expression grew stern, and her piercing gaze made the students sitting at the front ends of the tables cower.

‘You should never forget the message their lives and deaths have bequeathed unto you. It fills me with deep regret and shame, when I look back at the past weeks and I am forced to find that you are already beginning to forget the lesson the war should have taught you.’

She fixed the Slytherin table with a steely gaze. A wave of low whispers flowed around the other tables.

‘If we turn upon each other with cruelty and malice, all is lost.

Now she glared at the Gryffindors.

‘Likewise I am appalled that some of you believe that manipulation and deception are appropriate strategies in a game based on fairness.’

‘Either occurrence is not a behaviour true to the spirit of Hogwarts. I tell you now, if we are not able to live up to the spirit of unity that the Hogwarts of old was founded upon, the victory over Voldemort will prove nothing but an illusion. Do not forget that during your summer holidays.’