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Chapter 178

I'll take care of you

– Beach House, Take Care

. . . .

"You have everything, right? Your gown, cap—everything's there?" Dad asks me while we stand in my apartment, doing a rundown of everything I have to have for my graduation today.

"Yep," I respond. "Everything's here."

He holds onto my upper arms, a glaze covering his eyes. His lips flatten and the corners curve.

"Come here," he says, pulling me into a hug. "You have no idea how proud I am of you. You've been incredible these last six years at Oxford. You've gotten grades I could have only wished for. You've done a great job at your placements. I'm so happy you're graduating, but you're growing up so quickly. It feels like just yesterday when I was holding you in my arms after you were born."

"Oh, come on, Dad. Don't get all mushy on me now."

"You're right. We have a graduation to get to."

We have one last once-over before the two of us head downstairs to drive over to the Sheldonian Theatre where the ceremony is held. Bonnie's currently waiting there for our arrival. When we get there, we manage to find parking before heading over to the rest of the family. The twins are talking to their mother while Mason has two small trains in his hands.

Mason's the first to pounce onto me when we approach and Dad has to ease his grasp on me so the child doesn't rip anything. He plays with the black tassels hanging from the mortarboard atop my head. We talk amongst ourselves before I have to leave to stand with the rest of the graduates. I wave goodbye then make my way to the building.

With about twenty minutes to spare before we head in the direction of the theater, I get a text from Harry.

Harry: We just got here and we're in our seats. I can't wait to see you. Good luck today!

I respond to him quickly before we begin getting ushered into our designated line. Standing amongst my peers and walking over to the theater is like a whirlwind of overwhelming emotions. In a way, it's almost bittersweet. Yes, I'm happy to finally be graduating, but I've also grown to love this place and some of the people I've met along the way. I wouldn't be here if it weren't for the support of everyone out there waiting for me.

When the graduates are led into the theater, I look around for my family and friends in the seats. Sitting on the first tear to the left of the stage is a chunk of seating taken up by my family, then below them sits Harry's family, Alec and Noel, then finally, Lilly and Harry. I see his bright smile first, and everything else just fades into the background.

We get to our seats and sit when we are instructed to do so. Being that my last name is towards the end of the alphabet has typically been a disadvantage growing up, and today is no different. Towards the end of the S category, my line is instructed to stand then moves out of our row. I'm sixth to go up from our row, but the applause coming from my section specifically is immense when I ascend the stage. I take the picture with the presenter, collect my diploma, get my second picture taken on the edge of the stage, and wave up towards my family. Harry's cheering and holding up his phone. Mason's clapping wildly while being held up by our father. Seeing everyone I care about here today means more to me than they will ever know.

When the end of the ceremony approaches, we're escorted out of the building, and despite the awful swarm of people moving in every direction, I maneuver my way back into the theater to get to my family and friends. I'm nudging my way past people without completely trying to body slam them out of the way. I eventually make it to that section and notice Bonnie coming down the stairs first with Mason. The two of them wrap me up in a hug first with Dad trailing behind and the twins being pulled in last. The hug is broken away first when I admit that I can't breathe. Then I finally see Harry descending the steps. His gaze hasn't broken from me for one second, and when he gets to the floor, his arms around me don't break either.