Adult-FanFiction.org : Harry Potter

...And the 7th Year Student	By : Carfunky Category: Harry Potter > Het - Male/Female Views: 3731 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter or make money off of this story

Chapter List
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Matt and Hermione did not speak of their encounter with Professor Sharp to anyone. Neither of them wanted to repeat the tragic tale of the transfiguration teacher, nor did they want to face his wrath if word of what happened to him got out. It was a terrible secret to hide but the pair kept it, as a way of showing their own trustworthiness and to not humiliate their professor, despite the issues he caused the couple.
As April wore on, the seventh-year students began buckling down harder than ever before in their studies. They all seemed to be collectively driven to succeed. Most evenings were no longer spent cuddling by the fire but rather on testing one another’s acumen on their subjects, filling out essays, and practicing spells. Hermione, who had before often stressed over tests, now was much more confident. Matt kept her on an even keel, offering her comfort when she needed it and grounding her if she went into an anxiety spiral.
Fifth year students were in a similar predicament, however, because of already having achieved a number of O.W.L.s already, the seventh years were not as worried as their younger counterparts. O.W.L.s counted for more than N.E.W.T.s did, however, N.E.W.T.s showed true mastery of a subject and opened additional doors that would otherwise be closed to someone who only achieved an O.W.L. in a subject. Hermione and Matt discovered this piece of information as the end of April drew near and Ginny told them of her latest letter from her mother.
“Apparently, due to Ron not getting anything higher than an ‘E’ on most of his O.W.L.s and not having any N.E.W.T.s, and being fired from the Ministry, he’s having trouble getting a job.” Ginny told them in the common room one evening.
“Couldn’t he go work for Geroge?” Neville asked, as he levitated a pillow and sent it spinning across the common room before returning to him like a boomerang.
“Geroge doesn’t trust him anymore. He’s apparently not even allowed in the shop. They’ve got signs up and everything.” Ginny responded.
“Guess he should have listened to me then, hadn’t he? I doubt McGonagall will allow him to come back at this point.” Hermione said looking up from her essay she was working on for Charms class.
“Yeah…there’s no way that McGonagall lets him return next year. Even after the bad press has died down, he’s been out of school too long, and he’s probably considered untouchable.” Matt said setting his quill down to stretch. “It would make Hogwarts look bad, to take him back. The Ministry might have a shot, to build its own reputation, if they developed a retraining program.”
“I highly doubt that will happen. Aurors spend a lot of time in a training class, years in fact, before they’re put into the field. It’s highly unlikely the Ministry will retrain anyone who does what Ron did. Ron and Harry are a bit of an exception, obviously, given what we went through during the war.” Hermione explained.
“I agree. I think your brother’s screwed.” Matt said bluntly to Ginny. She giggled with laughter over Matt’s rather tactless response.

The following morning the Great Hall flooded with owls delivering mail, almost every student in seventh year received a formal invitation to the upcoming feast commemorating the Battle of Hogwarts the previous year. The only students not to receive an invitation were Slytherin house, although inexplicably, Draco had received one. Even Matt had been granted an invitation.
“Huh, I wasn’t even here for it though…” Matt said looking bemused.
“Technically you were, you were just unconscious in the Hospital Wing.” Hermione corrected.
“True, but I don’t know…it seems like…I don’t deserve it…”
“Of course you do. You defended Ilvermorny. You all but gave your life to stop Dolohov. I would say that absolutely grants you veteran status, just like the rest of us.”
“Hermione’s right, you know.” Neville said, giving Matt a pat on the back. “I’ve seen you in class and that duel with Ron was intense. You can stand on your own as well as any of us.”
Matt felt a swell of appreciation towards Neville and the others for backing him up and bolstering his confidence. He looked sheepishly at them and smiled.
“Thanks guys, I appreciate that.” He replied.
“So, you’ll go with me, then?” Hermione asked, hopeful.
“Of course, anything for you.” Matt said and blushed as Hermione’s hand snaked down and took his into hers and gently squeezed.
“Perhaps, tonight, we can do some extra training, you know, in the Room of Requirement?” she asked.
“So, that’s where you two have been sleeping!” Ginny said with a wry grin. The couple flushed red at their secret being so blatantly revealed.

April turned to May much sooner than anyone was expecting and the banquet on the second of the month was already upon them. The entirety of Hogwarts was escorted from the castle by the staff, Hagrid walking closely with Hermione and Matt. The couple were dressed in their dress robes, a black suit for Matt and Hermione’s white off the shoulder dress robes, the same ones she had worn to the Order of Merlin presentation, albeit repaired and cleaned.
“Yeh two’ve really gotten on haven’ yeh?” Hagrid said as they walked along the path to Hogsmeade.
“Yes, quite so Hagrid, thank you.” Hermione said with a smile.
“Don’ mention it! I knew yeh and Ron had yer issues, but I always thought he was better’n ‘at.” Hagrid replied, shaking his head. “’Specially after I talked ter him ‘n Harry in yer third year, when yeh was helpin’ me with old Beaky’s case.”
“Yes, well, what I told Rita was true. It was irreconcilable differences. I’m only glad it happened now, and we weren’t married.”
“I don’t want to think what a wizarding divorce looks like.” Matt said, patting Hermione’s hand.
“Hopefully we’ll never need to know.” Hermione said without thinking. Both Matt and Hagrid looked at her. Matt’s eyes were raised in amusement. “I mean, you know, if we ever did decide to, that is to say…” she fumbled to recover her words. Hagrid chortled with laughter at her blush.
“’Mione, it’s ok. I’m not against the idea…especially if it’s you.” Matt admitted, blushing hard. Hagrid laughed even harder.
“Look at yeh both! Not even graduated yet and yer already talkin’ ‘bout getting’ hitched!” Hagrid’s beetle black eyes shone with mirth. Hermione grinned and blushed, drawing closer to Matt, which he did not object to in the least.
As the group approached the new dining hall, murmurs erupted through the student body. The new event hall was completed and looked incredible from the outside. It was both longer and wider than the Great Hall at Hogwarts, with massive, long, stained-glass windows rising up the walls. The building itself was made from new white marble and looked like an ancient wonder of the world that was freshly built. At the front was a large stone staircase that led up to two sets of double oak doors which were already propped open, awaiting their guests.
Inside, there were dozens of tables set across the hall, four large fireplaces lined each wall, already lit for warmth. Overhead the ceiling was so tall it seemed to disappear out of sight. There were a dozen candlelit crystal chandeliers hanging from the ceiling, lit by hundreds of candles, giving the room a warm yet very bright glow. At the very front of the hall was a raised dais where one long table sat, clearly meant for the guests of honor.
“Damn, I think I’m going to start bringing my homework here from now on…” Matt said looking around. Hermione shook her head, trying to suppress a giggle. The students all spread out and began to sit at the various unoccupied tables at the back of the hall. As Matt moved to sit down, Hermione steered him away.
“We’re up here.” She said and led him up the dais. He could see name plates, in the middle was Harry Potter, immediately to the left of that was Ginevra Weasley, to her left Hermione Granger, and finally to the left of his girlfriend Matthew Santini. Matt could see to his left were places for Luna Lovegood, Rolf Scamander, and Seamus Finnigan. On Harry’s right spots for Ron Weasley, Padma Patil, Neville Longbottom, Hannah Abbot, and Dean Thomas.
At tables near the front were places for most of the remaining members of the Order of the Phoenix, graduated students, such as Oliver Wood, Katie Bell, Alicia Spinnet, and Lee Jordan. The entire Weasley family occupied a table, with Bill and Fleur Weasley having their own separate table, with Charlie the second oldest, and Geroge.
“There’s a lot of people here.” Matt said nervously as he, along with Hermione, Ginny, Harry, Neville, Luna, Rolf, and Hannah took their respective places. Ernie was sitting in conversation with Lee Jordan at his table. Matt recognized some more famous faces in attendance as well, Newt Scamander and his wife Tina were both there, taking up a small table at the back and waving to not only Rolf but Anthony Goldstein as well. The Minister for Magic, Kingsley Shacklebolt was there sitting with Aberforth Dumbledore, Elphias Doge, and Dedalus Diggle. Harry pointed out that his old neighbor from two streets over, Arabella Figg who was a squib, and Hestia Jones were also there with the other Order members.
A second table was sat adjacent to the dais, where the rest of Harry and Hermione’s year were placed. All of them had taken part in the Battle of Hogwarts, but the table was smaller than it should have been, indicating the losses they had sustained during Voldemort’s reign of terror.
As everyone settled into their seats, a quiet descended over the crowded hall. Both Kinglsey and Professor McGonagall stood and gave speeches about the war, their sacrifices, and of course the future of the Wizarding World. At a table in the corner of the hall nearest Seamus’ seat was a planned statue to memorialize those who died during the battle against evil.
Before the food was brought in, everyone was permitted to mingle for a little while. The head table was flooded with well-wishers, many were shaking hands with Harry, Neville, and Ginny. Even Ron, who had managed to show up late with Padma, was enjoying a little time in the spotlight. Neither Matt nor Hermione were sure that he was being straightforward with anyone who wanted to talk to him about their duel, but the couple let it go.
Hermione stood and took Matt over to the table where the miniature memorial was placed. It was a straightforward design, showing the castle itself in all its glory and around the base was to be inscribed with all the names of over fifty wizards and witches who died in the fighting. Around the table numerous photos were placed of those who had fallen in battle.
Hermione pointed out a photo of Remus Lupin, his wife Nymphadora Tonks, and their newborn son Edward Lupin, nicknamed Teddy. Hermione commented that it must have been the last photo taken of Lupin and Tonks prior to the battle and their untimely deaths. Matt saw pictures of Fred Weasley, Lavender Brown, and Colin Creevey.
“He doesn’t look older than Ginny, if that.” Matt said of Colin.
“Yes, well, he was of course, in Dumbledore’s Army. And when they used the coin to let everyone know what was happening, he couldn’t ignore it.” Hermione said, sadness in her voice.
“Brave kid.”
“He was in Gryffindor for a reason.”
“It’s a shame, he didn’t deserve it, none of them did.”
Hermione gave her boyfriend’s arm a gentle squeeze.
“Mr. Santini.” Came a low, slow, voice. Matt turned and was shocked to see Kingsley Shacklebolt standing next to him.
“Minister, to what do I owe the pleasure?” Matt asked cordially.
“I was hoping to speak with you for a moment. I regret what happened at the Ministry. I’ve been working with the Department of Magical Law Enforcement to find out how they got that triple headed thing in there.” Shacklebolt explained. “We have a theory. It’s likely it was brought in as an egg, hatched, and grown in the Ministry in a noticeably abbreviated time. Extremely short, in fact.”
“Unnaturally short, even? I think I know where you’re going.” Matt said. “You think it was it magically, artificially, grown.”
The Minister nodded his confirmation.
“I thought, perhaps, you might know how that would have been achieved?”
Again, Matt nodded.
“Joseph Pachi is who you’re looking for. I was aware, when he and I were at Ilvermorny, that he was working on some, let’s say, questionable potions. He’s a savant with them, almost as good as my friend Cassidy still is. But he wanted to do things, use potions to help go against nature. That dragon, if you can call it that, was proof of concept. I guarantee you, since virtually the entire Wizarding World saw that, or at least the one here in Great Britain, he’s got a backer.” Matt said.
“You think he was using you as a way to prove he can do what he was boasting about being able to do while in school.” Shacklebolt stated.
“I do. I’ve been playing the memory of my last night at Ilvermorny in my head a lot recently. And something bothers me. How did Alan Robertson contact Dolohov? Where was their connection? It makes no sense. There isn’t one there, unless…”
“Unless someone introduced them.” Shacklebolt said and Matt nodded deeply.
“And Pachi’s family has ties overseas.”
“That name does sound familiar, the more you say it.”
“It should. Pachi’s parents are brokers. They make international trade deals all the time for MACUSA and private individuals alike. And they like to brag. Joe told me so many times, about how he had taken trips to Italy, Spain, France, and most often…”
“Great Britain.” The Minister finished. “So, you think both Robertson and Pachi families are blood supremacists and corrupt?”
Matt sighed heavily.
“As much as I don’t want to admit it, because of the considerable influence the Robertson family holds, and I used to have a good relationship with both John and Joe, I would stake everything on it. I would bet they’re connected with more than one of the Death Eater families here.”
“Thank you, Mr. Santini. This has given me everything I need to know. You know you’ve got a decent head on your shoulders. Perhaps a position in the Department of Magical Law Enforcement might not be a bad idea.”
“Is that an offer?”
“Come see me in two months’ time, we’ll discuss your options.” Kingsley said with a smile and moved off.
Hermione was shocked but Matt grinned as they headed back to the dais and took their seats again. Food appeared a few moments later, just like Hogwarts. Hermione momentarily scowled but said nothing. Matt, observant as ever, leaned over to speak with her.
“You seemed perturbed.”
“It’s just, if they’re using House elves…” Hermione started.
“Ah. I get it. We can ask, maybe the ones from the school came down ahead of time. It would make sense, given how many people are here and no one is there.”
“That’s true…thank you.” Hermione said as they began to eat. Matt grinned at her and winked, giving her a playful nudge.
“I know you. You’re welcome.” He said satisfaction written on his face as he began to eat.
“Hey Harry.” Matt whispered as the hall filled with the sounds of quiet conversation and eating, forks and knives scraping on plates.
“Yeah Matt?” Harry asked, leaning back to talk around Ginny.
“I thought you were supposed to be going back to the Auror’s office?”
“It’s just ‘til the end of the year. McGonagall’s still looking.” Harry replied and Matt gave a deep nod of understanding. Hermione looked particularly pleased, and they exchanged a few quiet words.
“This is about that bet, isn’t it?” Harry asked.
“Never you mind that.” Hermione interjected, a smug look she only got when she was completely right about something, plastered across her face. Matt leaned over and whispered something in her ear. Hermione’s face flushed brilliantly red. “Oh, that’s so humiliating!” she gasped. He whispered in her ear again and she bit her lower lip. “Fine, you’re on!”
“Are you two making another bet?” Harry asked, somewhat annoyed.
“Don’t worry about it.” Matt said with a smirk.
As a second round of food began to appear, alongside desserts the hall seemed to really come alive with lively chatter, reminiscing of the war, and how good things had been since Voldemort had been defeated for the last time. Things seemed to be very lively and oddly happy.
Suddenly, the din of the room was stilled, the air turned cold and the light streaming in from the outside was darkened. The fireplaces had gone out, and a fog rolled out of them from the sudden cold. Harry and Hermione looked at one another, only one thing brought that sort of feeling of uneasiness and sadness: Dementors.
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...And the 7th Year Student