Hogwarts, Class of 1976
June 23rd, 1976
- Can you believe it? Asked Agnes' roommate while putting on her uniform.
- It's the last time we ever put this on! Added another one.
Agnes smiled, a little nostalgic. She didn't disliked her Hogwarts uniform, she had even come to like it. It felt weird knowing she would never wear the Ravenclaw colors again. She would never attend a Quidditch game supporting her House, and participate in the inter-house duelling competition. Everything was about to change, as well as everything she knew and had built between these walls, came to dust and she would have to re-make her life and comfort zone somewhere else.
The five girls in the room finished to get ready, adding a little bit of makeup to look more presentable. Indeed, today was their graduation, and they had to look their best because the whole school would be attending the 'casual' ceremony, and applauding the end of their school days.
Agnes knew how important it was, and felt excited about it. Although it was not a proper graduation ceremony like they had in Beauxbatons, the school organized a banquet for the 7th year to attend, and at the end, all graduates would hop on the small boat they had taken when arriving at Hogwarts in their first years and depart symbollically, waving goodbye to everyone.
Although Agnes had not attended her 7 years in this school, she was attached to the place, to its people, and even to the professors. It was quite sad leaving behind Joshua and Jimmy behind, as well as her other Gryffindor friends, and her classmates from the duel club.
But it was time to become adults, to enter the real life outside of the magical walls of Hogwarts.
They hurried down the stairs, in direction of the Training Grounds, where tables had been decorated with all sorts of food and flower bouquets. When they finally reached the ground floor, all of their younger classmates clapped to welcome them, leading them towards the garden.
There, a crowd of students and professors were waving and applauding, Mr Flitwick being in the first row to welcome the Ravenclaws.
Agnes felt gladly overwhelmed by this comforting and emotional moment. She shook a few hands, and many applauded harder when she passed by them, commenting on her victory at the various duelling championships and wishing her good luck for the Worlds. When she finally reached her little brothers, she hugged them tight to thank them for being here.
She had learnt to love them, although they could be sometimes annoying. They were good young lads and she was proud to now call them her brothers. Her family. Both boys then went to congratulates the graduates from their own house, and Agnes walked up to professor Flitwick who seemed happy to see her.
- Now, now! Has the time for your graduation already come? Agnes Lenoir, you joined Hogwarts later than your peers, but the imprint you willl leave on each and everyone of us is forever memorable. Thank you for your hard work as a Ravenclaw and as an incredible duellist. The little professor said, tapping gently on the young witch's arm.
- Thank you professor! Agnes answered, truly grateful.
She looked around, and everyone looked so happy and relaxed. Some 7th year girls from Hufflepuff were crying, knowing this was their last moment together. Agnes felt a little ache in her heart. She would miss Hogwarts. Dearly.
Her eyes locked onto darker ones, slightly hidden behind long jet black hair. Severus was standing near the Slytherin graduates, and was staring at her, with his usual undescribable expression.
In the end, she had never really got to know Snape, and had to admit he did not seem to want to get to know her either. Maybe it was better this way, she could not be friends with every single one of the students, could she? She smiled quickly at him before turning her attention to Hassan Shafiq who was stuffing all sorts of sweets in his mouth, inviting Agnes to do the same.
A few minutes later, she looked around, searching for the marauders. She would have hoped for them to attend the banquet, so she could say goodbye. She would miss them too. Although she might see some of them this summer, it would be their last moment at school together, and she wanted to cherish it all.
Agnes was eyeing Professor Dumbledore, who had done a quick speech before chatting with a few other teachers. She wanted to talked to him. Asking him about her powers and what would become of her now. Did she have to be careful about something? Or someone? Had he found out who was (maybe or maybe not) after her?
A girl suddenly bumped into Agnes, on her way to the castle. she tripped and almost fell down, but Agnes grabbed her just in time. She was from Gryffindor, and had a really sad expression on her face. After a second, Agnes recognized the ginger hair girl who she had seen a few times with Severus Snape.
- Hi, everything okay? Agnes asked, still holding the younger student.
- I... I'm fine. I am sorry for not being careful, I wasn't looking.. The young girl answered, not daring locking eyes with her.
- It's all good. Are you hurt anywhere? You look pale.
- I'm fine! Sorry..
And the girl ran away. Strange. Maybe something had happened to her, maybe she'd just got dumped or something? Or just having a bad day... But Agnes did not have the time to further her investigation that the marauders erupted from nowhere, and ran towards her.
- We will get our revanche, there is no way I am letting this slide. Have you seen Evans' face? almost shouted James to his friends.
- Snivellus will pay. Added Sirius, a dark look on his face.
- Hey, Agnes. Interrupted Remus with a smile.
- Hi.. What.. is happening? She asked, hesitant.
- Nothing that you should worry about. It's your last day! How do you feel? Continued her friend.
- Well, good and sad at the same time. I thought you guys weren't going to make it!
- Sorry about that, added Sirius. We encountered an... unexpected problem.
- Have you seen Lily Evans anywhere? said James, a serious tone in his voice.
- Lily Evans? Who's that? Agnes asked.
- Gryffindor, ginger hair, pretty cute, sweet voice and polite manners. Listed James.
- Oh, I think I know. She was there just a moment ago. She left towards the castle.
- Brilliant! Thanks. Oh, and.. Lenoir, I wish you the best, and I'll see you this summer! Congratulations!
And James ran inside, quickly followed by Sirius who swore at his friend for not waiting for him. Remus stayed, looking at his friends, exasperated. Agnes knew that there must be an explanation but did not want to waste her last day for this. It was time to think of herself, and enjoy her last moment at Hogwarts.
Remus smiled softly, looking down at her. He was now way taller and his jaw line was sharper, having lost on some baby fat.
- Promise you'll write. He said, calmly.
- Promise you'll respond. Agnes answered, laughing.
- You know I will.
They shared a smile, and Agnes could not restrain the urge and hugged her friend. She would miss him a lot. They shared common interests and Remus was a grounded soul who always seemed to calm her down, compared to the other marauders who were agitated 24/7, always up to anything that could stimulate their thirst for adventures. She liked that Lupin knew how to balance his moments, and when to stop. He was not a prefect for nothing, and she thought he was very good at it.
She looked around and saw a few people were already getting ready to leave. Agnes saw Dumbledore and hurried to talk to him, waving at Remus goodbye. She couldn't just leave without speaking to the headmaster.
- professor ! She called.
- Agnes, what a pleasure however a little heartaching to see you go. I hope you have enjoyed your stay at Hogwarts. Dumbledore said kindly.
- I really like studying here. I wish I could stay a little longer, if I'm being entirely honest.. But professor, I meant to ask you about something.
- Of course, go on.
- Regarding my.. future as a witch... Do you reckon I should be careful... in any sort of way?
- Danger can appear in different manners, and it is tricky to see it coming. All we can do is train ourselves to be stronger and gather a circle of trustful people.
- I don't know if I'm ready to face whatever is out there, professor..
- Always remember that you are not alone. And that Hogwarts will always have its doors open for you, for you demand shelter later in life. My advice for now, is to keep training. We will meet again, I am sure.
Dumbledore smiled softly before clapping in his hands, announcing the departure of the 7th years. It was time.
The oldest students gathered in the middle of the banquet, ready to say goodbye to their student life, and about to hop on the small boats. Hagrid was leading the way, while everyone was waving, some were even running after the group. The headmaster waved slowly, with his usual smile.
Agnes waved as well, her eyes catching Remus' who stayed a little longer, before finally turning back to the castle, most certainly to join James and Sirius who had ran god knows where.
This was it. She was leaving behind the mysteries, the gossips, the daily adventures and some boring classes. She was waving goodbye to her school days, to her childhood, to her memories made throughout the two years spent here, in this magical place. She was moving away from it all, while going forward to pursue her career elsewhere. She was excited! There was so many things planned for this summer only.
When she hopped on the Hogwarts Express, symbolically taking her last trip to London, she thought about a lot of things. The train was emptier than usual. Some 7th years had decided to hang out a bit longer in Hogsmeade, while others apparated somewhere else and most likely would party until dawn. Agnes had other projects. She was going to France a few days later, and had a lot to prepare.
She could not wait to see Jeanne and the boys, and spend some time at the Delacour. She would also stay a few days longer at the Lenoir manoir, to visit her mother and grandparents' grave, alongside taking some time to train for the world championship.
***
June 28th, 1976
Agnes was already in bed when she heard a loud noise downstairs. Cosmey was already done with her chores for the day, and Mrs Dunbar was most likely sleeping already. As for her father, he was probably working in his office or reading a book in the library.
She had sat on her bed, waiting to see whether she should be alarmed. A few seconds later, voices emanated from the living room, revealing a heated conversation between two people.
Slowly, Agnes took her wand in one hand and silently walked to the set of stairs, to get a better look and listen to what was happening. Hiding as she could, she noticed Mr Dunbar in his night robes, arms crossed on his chest and his face looked unpleased. In front of him, there was a man with a hooded coat. She couldn't see him properly, but managed to hear portions of the conversation.
- You cannot avoid it, Martin. It is bound to happen and HE is waiting for us all to join him in his... in our quest!
- I have already told you I refuse to hear anything about this. And I hope you respect our old memories together and know that I would not take part in this madness.
- You are weak, Martin Dunbar. Being in Slytherin should have forged in you a wish for purity in this world, but see, even your two brats couldn't bother to being sorted in a proper house.
- Do not bring my sons into this, Yaxley.
- The Dark Lord will not be pleased to hear your disdain for our beliefs. You will be damned, fool!
Before Mr Dunbar could say anything, The man disappeared in a second, through the opened window of the living room. Agnes was sitting in the stairs, flabbergasted. What had she just witnessed? Her own father ? With what sounded like... one of those fanatics she had read about in the Daily Prophet. How was it possible? Were they trying to recruit her father? Was he already part of their group?
Her hands were shaking from the shock. She was scared, and so many questions were going through her mind, not knowing which one she should address first. But before she knew it, Mr Dunbar was heading towards her hiding spot, and she had to rush back into her room. She had to process what she had just seen.
A Death Eater. In her own house.