You Found Me

Chapter Six

3rd POV

The ceremony was wonderful and each graduate was called up one by one to receive their diplomas.
When Hermione went up the school cheered and Ron whistled making her giggle as she blushed accepting her diploma. The whole school also cheered when Ginny, Harry and Ron all got their diplomas too.

However, when other students went up, only their houses cheered for them. This included the time when the Slytherins went to receive their diplomas, though the cheers were less enthusiastic.

At the end of the graduation ceremony McGonnagall stood up and addressed the school.
"Congratulations everyone for completing your studies" she said as she smiled down at the whole school "As most of you know, a new law was put into place at the beginning of the year. So, in accordance with that law I would like to invite each couple up to sign the marriage register." She gave an apologetic smile "sorry its not glamorous or special but it will make you officially married couples as the law requires." She added "I do encourage you all to prepare personalised ceremonies that you can better celebrate with your loved ones"
After that she called out couples by name and each pair went up to sign the registry, officially becoming married couples.

Hermione's POV

The graduation ceremony was nice but the after party was very enjoyable. Everyone was gathering in the great hall celebrating graduation and their marriages.
Hermione stayed by Ron's side, clinging to his arm and laughing at all of his jokes.

Ginny frowned from where she was pouring drinks for herself and Harry, who had gone to the bathroom.
She saw Pansy and gave her a small smile before asking "Is it just me or is something… off about that?" She pointed out her best friend who was not acting at all like herself, but was also in a dress that Hermione would never wear. Yes she looked freaking amazing and any guy would get hot under the collar looking at her, but that was exactly why it was unlike her.

Draco’s POV

The entire ceremony was a nice affair. He was happy to see so many smiles. He himself had a smile on his face, but if anyone looked close they’d see it didn’t reach his eyes. Although Draco knew he should be happy, he just couldn’t. He felt strange. Like something was missing and he had no idea what. He knew he missed Hermione and the deep and intellectual discussions and debates they used to have, but that couldn’t be it. This felt like a part of him was missing.

As he walked up to get his diploma he realized just how alone in the world he was. The only people that cheered were Pansy, Blaise, Neville and Luna. And he was sure the latter two were simply being polite. He heard a few boos and even some threats as he went to take his seat again. It wasn’t anything new, but it cut deeper. For a while he’d begun to believe he deserved to be happy. Hermione had believed in him and shown him that he wasn’t defined by his past. As he glanced at her, he saw her snogging Weasley and although he knew that wasn’t like Hermione, the depressed part of his brain overroad his sense.

When everything was over, Astoria tried to get him to come to the after party, but he told her he wasn’t feeling well and that she should go and enjoy herself. Since she was officially married now, he figured she didn’t care about how he actually felt. 

Grateful that she’d left him alone, he carefully made his way up to the astronomy tower and stood on the edge staring out over the grounds for the last time. His bracelet turned black, including the eyes, showing his despair and dejection. Standing there, he let his defenses down and all the voices started up again. 

“You’re just like your father. You should be locked up too! You’re nothing but a coward. You should just kill yourself and make the world a better place. No one would even miss you. Besides, no one cares about you. No one wants you around. Even Hermione realized you’re not worth it and she cares about everyone. You were a mistake and never should have been born. It would be just like flying and you’d be free. Just jump. It’s not hard.”

These thoughts weren’t new, but as long as he’d been taking his potions, they’d stayed away. Then, hanging with Hermione had kept them away. Now, he had nothing and no one. With a final look at the grounds, he went back to the apartment and grabbed his broom. Sneaking out to the grounds, he mounted and kicked off, not really paying attention to where he was going. Flying always helped clear his mind and made him feel free.

This time though, his spirit and heart were so heavy that even flying felt like a chore. So, he decided to just go back and try to sleep. 

3rd POV

Pansy and Blaise were having a blast, but they kept an eye out for Draco. When Astoria came down without him, they figured he’d be there soon. He still hadn’t come down and Blaise had a bad feeling. He knew what had transpired over the summer even though his god brother didn’t know he knew. He also knew he was out of potions and Hermione had been helping him even without realizing it. Now he didn’t even have her it seemed.

Pansy frowned as she looked at Ginny and shook her head. Something was very wrong. She may not know Hermione as well as the Gryffindors, but she knew better than most would give her credit for that Hermione Granger, wouldn’t dress in a way that showed how gorgeous she truly was. Pansy had always been jealous of her natural beauty and wondered why she hid it, but this was not her at all. “That’s not her at all. And you know how she and Draco have been studying together all year? Well lately she’s either late or leaves early to meet your brother. That’s also not like her to neglect her studies. What is happening? I’m worried about Draco though. He still hasn’t shown up and I know Hermione’s friendship meant more to him than anything.” She chewed her lip as she glanced around again to see if she could find the blonde. Nope. No luck.

Ginny frowned and said "Go find him. Harry and I will look after Hermione. We'll figure out what's going on. I promise" she then hurried away to speak with her husband.