Breaking the shadows

Graduation

1999

Friday June 10th.

The Great Hall at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry was abuzz with anticipation as I stood among my fellow graduates, Hermione and Ginny, ready to embark on our next chapter. My heart raced with a mix of excitement and nerves, knowing that this moment marked the end of our time within these enchanted walls.

As the familiar sights and sounds surrounded us, the air crackled with magic and the scent of anticipation. The Great Hall, adorned with house banners and vibrant flowers, seemed to come alive with the energy of celebration.

Ginny, my girlfriend, stood beside me, her presence grounding me amidst the whirlwind of emotions. We exchanged nervous smiles, our hands finding each other's, offering comfort and support. We had faced countless trials together, growing closer as we overcame each one.

The doors to the Great Hall swung open, revealing the gathered crowd of parents, faculty, and students. Applause erupted as we made our entrance, walking down the aisle with our heads held high. The sound swelled, carried by the enchanting melodies played by the magical instruments.

Taking our place at the front, I glanced out at the sea of faces, and my heart swelled with gratitude for the journey we had completed. Professor McGonagall, the Headmistress, stood tall and proud, ready to address the graduating class.

As Professor McGonagall spoke, her words resonated within me, emphasizing the values we had come to cherish: knowledge, compassion, and the pursuit of truth. She inspired us to use our magic for the betterment of the wizarding world, reminding us of the power we held within ourselves.

Once the Headmistress concluded her speech, the moment we had all been waiting for arrived—the awarding of the diplomas. One by one, names were called, and the room erupted in applause and cheers.

When my name was called, the room erupted in applause and cheers. As the Head Girl of Gryffindor, I had dedicated myself to fostering a sense of unity and camaraderie within our house. The faculty recognized my leadership and commitment, honoring me with the prestigious Gryffindor House Cup for my unwavering dedication and exemplary service.

Tears welled up in my eyes as I accepted the award, grateful for the opportunity to have made a positive impact on my fellow Gryffindors. The applause reverberated through the Great Hall, a testament to the strong bonds we had formed over the years.

As I stood there, holding the cup, I glanced at Ginny, whose eyes sparkled with pride. She reached out and squeezed my hand, silently conveying her admiration and love. In that moment, our shared accomplishments and unwavering support for each other became even more evident.

With the Gryffindor House Cup held high, I joined Ginny in the center of the room. Our lips met in a celebratory kiss, a testament to the love that had blossomed within these castle walls. It was a culmination of our journey together, a symbol of our unwavering support for one another.

As we broke apart, a wave of applause and cheers greeted us. We shared a knowing smile, both aware that this was just the beginning of our adventures together.

Hermione, brilliant and diligent, was recognized with the prestigious Hogwarts Scholar Award, leaving no doubt of her exceptional intellect. The hall erupted in a standing ovation, a testament to her remarkable achievements.

And then, it was Ginny's turn. As her name resounded through the hall, my heart swelled with admiration for her. Her Quidditch prowess, sportsmanship, and leadership on the field were honored with the Golden Snitch Award. The room erupted in applause, celebrating her accomplishments.

As the ceremony neared its end, the exhilaration and bittersweetness intertwined within me. We were leaving Hogwarts, bidding farewell to this sacred place. But the friendships we forged and the memories we created would remain etched in our souls forever.

As we threw our caps into the air, a rush of joy and nostalgia filled the Great Hall. Amidst the cheers and laughter, I found myself drawn to Ginny. We met in the center of the room, our eyes locked, knowing that this was a moment we wanted to cherish.

In that instant, surrounded by the cheers and applause, our lips met in a tender kiss. The world around us seemed to fade, and for that brief moment, it was just Ginny and me, our love encapsulated in that single gesture.

As we pulled away, our foreheads leaned together, and we shared a smile filled with love and promise. The journey ahead may be uncertain, but we knew we would face it together, hand in hand.

Walking out of the Great Hall, hand in hand with Ginny, I felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude. Hogwarts had shaped us, nurtured us, and now it was time to carry its spirit with us into the wider world.

A new chapter awaited us—one filled with adventure, growth, and the enduring love that we had found in each other. As we stepped into the unknown, we did so with the knowledge that the bonds we forged at Hogwarts would forever guide and inspire us.

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Puplished: 16-07-23