Matt began to feel increasingly like he could deal with what he had done. He was feeling out his new ability during the brief moments of peace between studying and classes. Truth be told most of his, Hermione, Neville, Ginny, and the others free time was spent revising. They would often be seen testing each other on spells. It had been Matt's idea to bring much of the former Dumbledore's Army group as possible back to the Room of Requirement to test one another. Cushions and objects flew across the room, some being shot intentionally, other items accidentally but it all proved good practice.
They would break off into pairs, testing spells and charms, making sure that any of them could do it without speaking if possible. On more than one occasion, one person, usually Hermione would charm a random object one way then launch it to another person, usually Matt and he would transfigure what she had done and pass it to the next person. The goal being to get whatever they were spelling to go through as many different spells, charms, and transfigurations as possible and when passed back to the very first person, undoing them all and returning said object to its original and unaltered form.
The group worked tirelessly, between practical spellcasting and quizzing each other on knowledge, doing short form essays and looking over each other's work, (which Matt thought Hermione enjoyed the most), they were going to be well prepared for the two weeklong examination period. As it was with the O.W.L. exams, the theoretical portion of the exams occurred in the morning and the practical was in the afternoon.
Matt was thankful that Hermione had been his closest friend and biggest supporter since waking up. They were never seen apart while cramming for the exams, often times working late into the night. Most of the time after their visit to the Forbidden Forest, the couple were found sleeping together on the largest couch near the fireplace. Most of the time one or the other fell asleep and the one who had not merely conjured a blanket and passed out next to them. Some nights, Hermione was the first asleep, other times, Matt would curl up with his head on an armrest and Hermione would snuggle under his arm.
Neville and Ginny were always kind enough to wake the couple so they could change before the lower years would come in and rouse them. The last thing either needed with the stress of the exams, was a bunch of first years teasing them about sleeping beside each other on the couch.
As it was before, when it was time for the examiners to arrive, Hermione was watching out of the common room windows or sitting at the end of the Gryffindor table nearest the doors to see who was coming in. Hermione said she recognized Professor Tofty, who they overheard had taken over the position as head of the Wizarding Examination Authority, following Professor Griselda Marchbanks retirement. She also pointed out Wilkie Twycross who had now switched departments and held the official title of professor, assisting Professor Tofty. Several other examiners whom Hermione did not recognize were also there. She told Matt that most likely the main staff would be assisting the examiners as they had last time. Usually, switching around which subjects they were invigilating.
"Hermione, don't be nervous, you'll be fine." Matt said the day before the exams were due to take place. He took her hands in his, his thumbs rubbing the backs of her hands. She looked down at them and then back up to Matt.
"You think so?" she asked timidly.
"Of course! Hermione, you've done things no one else would or could do. You fought in a major war, battled Death Eaters, dodged giants, fought evil creatures and survived! A little exam to prove who you are and what you can do will be a breeze."
There was such assurance in Matt's voice. Hermione could hear and read the conviction he held, as if it were an absolute law. There was no doubt in his mind about her capabilities. He reminded her that every exam, no matter how hard they crammed, she never failed. She was not going to here, either.
"You're right, I can do this." She said and stood up, Matt following her. He grinned at her and then embraced her, holding her tightly against himself. She took a moment to breathe slowly and enjoy the feeling of being held. It oddly reassured her.
"I think we should go to bed early tonight, you, know, our spot?" he said, and Hermione's brow furrowed.
"You're serious?" She was not sure why he had that on his mind.
"Yes. I think it will actually help." He said "And besides…" he reached into the pocket of his robes and produced a familiar glass bottle. Hermione blushed and pushed his hand back into his pocket. "I ordered this because we were almost out and it's a little different, it's got a special tingling charm on it." Hermione blushed redder.
"You're sure it will help?" she asked, dubious.
"Yeah, because we'll get a good night's sleep. Besides, bullfighters do it, they claim it helps with keeping them focused, sharp, and on target. We need that with an exam."
"Well, alright." Hermione agreed and Matt leaned down to kiss her. She returned the kiss with a surprising enthusiasm. Apparently, she needed it herself. It occurred to Hermione that they had not been active since they had really buckled down on their work and she herself was feeling a little pent up. A release would do her good, she decided.
The following morning after breakfast, Matt, Hermione, Neville, Ginny, Luna, Draco, and all the other seventh year students waited in the entrance hall as the Great Hall was being prepared for the examinations to begin. At nine o'clock sharp they were called in to sit and begin their first round of theoretical examinations. They were given enchanted parchment and anti-cheating quills with two and a half hours to complete their work. It seemed to take them that long, and Matt and Hermione seemed to be racing against one another, attempting to see who could put more information on the parchment. Draco was right behind the couple as well. After the time limit was up the group shuffled out, stretching having completed their Herbology portion of the theoretical.
"Matt you were right, that was not as bad as I was expecting." Hermione said with a smile.
"I told you so!" he said in a sing-song voice and kissed her. They milled around the entrance hall until the Great Hall had been put back and the bell rang, signaling lunch.
Their afternoon was spent in the hot Greenhouses, wrestling with Snargaluff plants, and properly feeding the Venomous Tentacula. Matt had no difficulty with either of them, considering his past at Ilvermorny. Hermione and the others seemed to handle things well, Neville made everything in the practical look like a total breeze.
Potions was their second exam the following day. Matt had no problems reciting Golpalott's Third Law or brewing the immensely challenging Draught of Living Death. Hermione managed a series of perfect poison antidotes for a number of deadly poisons, even deciding to take a page out of Harry's book, by presenting a bezoar as an antidote for one she struggled with.
Their Ancient Runes exam on Wednesday was challenging, but the couple had worked hard on translations. Matt had picked it up a little easier as Hermione had shown him some corrections and one from a particular night in the library stuck with him. Sure enough, those runes had shown up on the written exam. They were allowed to work as a pair to translate a set of ancient stone tablets discovered in South America, both Matt and Hermione managed an intelligible translation before their time ran out.
In their final exam for the week, Defense Against the Dark Arts, the entirety of the seventh-year class seemed to effortlessly complete their exams in far less than the allotted time. This led to several surprised looks from Professor Twycross, but Professor Tofty assured him that this class was likely never going to struggle with the subject, having administered most of their O.W.L.s two years prior, three for Hermione. Their practical was just as simple, doing a slew of non-verbal spells, counter-jinxes, and counter-curses. Hermione had chosen to produce her Patronus as well, using it to send a message to Headmistress McGonagall, who was not watching this particular exam, only to return with a reply messenger. Professor Tofty also took note of the fact Matt did the same thing, albeit sending a message to Harry instead, and that his Patronus now matched Hermione's.
"You aren't by chance the romantic partner of anyone here at the school, are you?" Professor Tofty asked, a note of surprise in his voice.
"Yes, as a matter of fact I am. Hermione Granger, actually." Matt said, blushing.
"I thought as much…" Tofty replied with a sly grin and approving nod.
Transfiguration was the first exam on Monday the following week. Matt had never been pushed or hated a class as much, but it would seem to him that Professor Sharp, for all his faults, had been beneficial. Hermione and he had no issues with the written portion of the exam and when it came to practical, the couple had no trouble turning vinegar to wine. Matt had asked the examiner if he could do human transfiguration on Hermione, to which she agreed. He completely altered her appearance, changing her hair to a much shorter, straight pitch black, with matching dark purple makeup. He even risked altering her nose and chin a bit, converting her to a gothy exaggerated version of herself. She squeaked in shock at the change in her appearance. But Matt impressed them when he had made the changes to her individually, however, he undid them with a single flick of his wand.
"So, are you saying you prefer a gothic version of me?" Hermione asked him afterwards.
"Nope! I prefer you just the way you are." He said with a grin and kissed her.
The couple sat Arithmancy the following day. They both agreed beforehand they were going to include a section in their written essays, about looking backwards at past events using the technique Matt had suggested and perfected with Hermione's help. They were sure that would earn them some raised eyebrows for sure.
The Seventh-Year students all finished their exams except for Matt. Thanks to Professor Sharp, he was forced to do the flying exam that all First-Year students are required to do. There was a large series of hoops that were slightly larger than the Quidditch goals, set up on the Quidditch Pitch. The students taking the exam had to fly through each hoop, in succession. All the hoops had colored banners attached to them, the colors indicated what order the students had to fly through. Each student was given a distinct set of colors to complete.
This exam, while largely for fun, had become something of a rite of passage for all students at Hogwarts. A fun little break from the harshness of studying for the older students. The stands were packed with students and staff, although there was no commentary this time. Matt could see from where he stood with the other first years everyone was watching, and some were pointing and laughing. Pansy and her Slytherin gang were the most vocal about their sneers toward Matt.
Matt could see Hermione perched on the second to highest row, Ginny, Luna, Neville, and the rest of their friends were in the surrounding seats. Harry had elected to sit behind them, away from the other teachers and staff. As each student performed their course, Matt was required to wait until the end, he kept glancing up to his friends. Hermione had given him a good luck kiss just before they had separated.
As he looked up, Matt's eyes grew wide. Ginny had Hermione's attention, and they were in discussions about something. They were too far away for Matt to read lips. But that was not what caused him to blanch. Above Hermione's head a large metal bucket hovered. Harry had his wand out and was clearly manipulating it. He locked eyes with Matt and the bucket tipped dangerously forward but did not spill its payload. Matt could see it was full of bright green slime. Harry had talked to Cassidy and Geroge Weasley in Hogsmeade. The message was also clear. 'Don't Fail Her'.
It was all the motivation Matt needed. He was prepared, Harry had almost given him his Firebolt to use but knew that Madam Hooch would not have liked that and might not have allowed it. First-Year students were required to use the school brooms for their test as they had been in flying class. Not even Harry Potter had been allowed his Nimbus Two Thousand in his first year for the flying test.
When it was finally his turn, Matt mounted the broom and prepared to kick off. Suddenly, a bright light flashed beside him, and a glowing white otter appeared.
"I'll be right beside you." It spoke in Hermione's voice. Matt grinned and with a flick of his wand, his own otter Patronus was with Hermione's. Madam Hooch blasted her whistle and Matt was off. There was a murmur that ran through the crowd as Matt was escorted by his own Patronus on one side and Hermione's on the other. Not everyone knew who the other otter belonged to, but anyone who was in Dumbledore's Army knew exactly to whom it belonged. Matt decided to try a few rolls, even though he was not incredibly confident, he hung on. The crowd gasped and cheered as he finally went through the final hoop and landed on the ground.
"That'll be one exam everyone will be talking about forever!" Ernie said to Neville as they filed down to the pitch, each house gathering around their youngest students to congratulate them.
"Yeah, I never expected Matt to fly on a broom whilst casting a Patronus!" Neville said, amused.
Matt got a number of pats on the back and a few hugs from the girls before he managed to get to Hermione. She had a look of utter pride on her face as Matt pulled her into a hug and spun her around. She giggled as he set her back down and kissed her.
"Not that I'm complaining, but what was that for?" Hermione asked when they finally separated.
"For being you and giving me the confidence to do that." He said, his arms pulling her close. Hermione blushed.
"Oh Matt…" she said and hugged him close.
"Well done!" came Harry's voice, he and Ginny were arm in arm as they approached.
"Thanks, Professor. For everything." Matt said and shook Harry's hand. Harry returned his grateful smile.
"No problem. Just one more thing…"
Matt looked confused, still holding Hermione in his arms. Harry flicked his wand and before the glowing couple could react, the bucket rose out of nowhere and tipped over them both. Hermione squealed and Matt groaned.
"Oh, not again!" she moaned, as the slime coated her bushy hair and slipped inside her robes, staining them green and making her shiver.
"Well, I had to get rid of it somehow. And I read somewhere that Americans do that to each other when they win at Muggle sports." Harry replied.
"That's the coach Harry…not the players. And it's usually Gatorade or water…" Matt said, annoyed that for the second time in less than six months slime was crawling down his back and sliding into his underwear.
"Oh. Well, you did a fantastic job, think of it as a reward: you get to spend more time together." Harry grinned. Matt rolled his eyes as he and Hermione trudged back to the castle, heading for the bathroom again.
"You know, this stuff does feel kinda weird in a good way." Matt observed as they climbed the staircases.
"How so?" Hermione asked, trying to keep her eyes clear of the slime.
"Well, it might make, you know, a good…" Matt cleared his throat "Substitute for those bottles…"
Hermione's cheeks, barely visible from the splotches of slime staining them, turned bright red.
"I suppose we could try…" she admitted as Matt paused their walk to kiss her. The couple hurried to the bathroom.
After a grueling week of examinations, the seventh-year students were finally free. Things this time around were decidedly less than exciting. There were no attacks on teachers from ministry officials, no staff members knocking aurors unconscious before fleeing, or students passing out in the middle of exams (although Hannah Abbott did make several trips to see Madam Pomfrey for Calming Draught for her anxiety between exams).
The warm June sun was out, and Matt found himself down by the lake, his shoes and socks off, resting his feet in the warm shallows. Hermione grinned at him as she sat down next to him.
"Hey." He said beaming up at her from his back in the grass.
"Hey yourself." She replied and sat down.
"It's all done now, isn't it?" he asked.
"I'm afraid so." Hermione said and Matt's hand found hers with ease, his fingers intertwining with hers.
"What in the universe will we do until the final feast?" Matt asked as Hermione stretched her legs out next to him. He leaned back and she hovered over him, her hair forming something of a privacy curtain around them. Matt smiled and leaned up, their eyes closing and their lips touching. The kiss could have lasted for the rest of eternity for all either of them cared.
After they came up for air, Matt grinned cheekily at Hermione and scooped a handful of water in his hand and splashed her. She squealed and immediately retaliated, splashing him back. Soon, both were on their feet, chasing one another through the shallows, water spraying everywhere from their play fighting. Ginny and Neville were surprised to see Hermione letting loose so much, the pair having gone searching for the wayward couple. Ginny cleared her throat and looked less than amused at her friends, doing the best imitation of her mother she could muster.
"And just what do you both think you're doing?" she asked.
Matt looked at Hermione and she returned the mischievous smirk he gave her. With a slight nod between the two of them, Matt turned to Ginny.
"This." He said and dove his arm into the water as far as it would go before hitting the rocky bottom. He motioned it forward as hard as he could, sending a wave of cool water splashing over Ginny and Neville. Her stern expression broke and Matt and Hermione laughed.
"You're dead Santini!" Ginny said and ploughed forward into the shallows, Neville right behind her. The four were having too much fun splashing and playing, eventually dragging Draco, Ernie, Rolf, Luna, Hannah, Astoria, and Daphne in as well. Ginny had even pulled Harry over, not letting their teacher off the hook, despite his protests of having to grade papers.
It had become an all-out water war with everyone splashing, spraying, and occasionally dunking everyone else indiscriminately. Although no wands were ever drawn, it was just pure non-magical fun. And more than once Matt had grabbed Hermione and dunked her under the water, to which she would immediately tackle him and force him down. He came up sputtering and kissed her, which usually earned the couple an extra splash from the nearest person.
As the afternoon wore on the whole group climbed out of the shallows of the lake and lay out in the sun, soaking wet and panting. The couples all lay next to each other, Ginny tucked under Harry's arm, Hermione draped over Matt, Neville holding Hannah's hand while Luna lay with her head in Rolf's lap. Draco sat with his back against a nearby tree, Astoria by his side. Ernie and Daphne had gotten closer over the year and Daphne had her legs stretched out in front of her, Ernie resting his head on her thighs.
The warm summer sun and light breeze helped dry out the students and their teacher and Matt sighed, looking between Hermione and Harry who was lying next to her, Ginny on the opposite side.
"You know, I can't remember the last time I did this." Matt said.
"It felt good." Hermione said with a smile.
"Like we were kids again." Harry added.
"And that we weren't about to go off and become adults." Ginny said.
"We'll always have Hogwarts though, won't we?" Neville responded.
"For better or worse." Draco replied.
"May I have your attention please!" came Professor McGonagall's voice. Everyone was gathered for the final feast of the year the night before they were due to go home. Gryffindor had won the house cup one more time, thanks to Ginny's Quidditch skills and some well-earned points for Matt and Hermione.
"This is the end of another year at Hogwarts. I certainly hope that you've all gained some knowledge this year. And for those of us who will be returning next year, you'll have some time to get your heads empty again. And for those of us who will not be returning, I wish to say congratulations. You've made it, your education in all things magical is complete and you're now ready to enter the Wizarding World as fully qualified witches and wizards!" McGonagall gave a round of applause that was met by all the teachers and students alike.
In some ways, Matt felt like the Headmistress speech was directed at his class. He exchanged beaming smiles with Hermione and all their friends. He felt incredibly happy knowing he had come to the school with nothing and left with his heart full of love and friendship.
The following morning Hermione was already packed and ready to go, but Matt seemed to be struggling. She found him in the dorm. Neville had already vacated, it seemed, Matt Santini was the last senior student in Gryffindor tower.
"Matt, why haven't you packed?" Hermione asked, sitting on his four-poster next to him.
"I don't know…I'm a little, scared, I guess?" he admitted.
"Whatever for?"
"Hermione, for the literal last entire year, this castle has been my home. I'm thousands of miles away from anything I know, and I have no place to go. Once we hit London…that's it." He said with a sigh.
"Of course. I know that can be intimidating. But you've got me. And I have plan of sorts." Hermione smiled.
"Of course you do." Matt chuckled and leaned into her, feeling relief wash over him.
"Come on, let's get you packed." Hermione stood and with surprising ease of strength pulled Matt to his feet. The pair drew their wands and with a couple of quick flicks, Matt's things zoomed around the dorm and packed themselves neatly away in his trunk.
The train swayed lightly as Matt sat in the corner of their car, Hermione pressed against his side. As before, Neville, Ginny, Luna, and Draco had joined them. Although they had visits from Rolf Scamander, the Greengrass sisters, Ernie Macmillan, and Hannah Abbott. All saying final goodbyes and well wishes. There was a noticeable absence of Pansy, Goyle, or anyone else besides Draco from Slytherin. Although, Blaise Zabini and Theodore Nott had stopped by to say a few words to Draco.
"You know we can always owl each other." Neville said as Crookshanks jumped into Hermione's lap. He settled down as she stroked his fur. The half-Kneazle pet of Hermione's had spent as much time on her lap as he did Matt's, with occasional visits to Harry's office as well.
"True. Matt, we should look into getting one." Hermione said with looks of surprise all around.
"So, it's true then. You are planning to live together?" Luna asked.
"Well, erm, yes, that is plan." Hermione said, slightly embarrassed.
"Oh yeah. As soon as we find a place and I get my monetary situation figured out." Matt said. He had written to the American branch of Gringotts and discovered that his vault was running dangerously low.
"What on earth…?" Draco was staring out the window at a large brown owl as it flew next to the train car. Ginny got up and let the bird in, the animal landing on Matt's lap and dropping an envelope into his lap. It was sealed on the back with the Ministry of Magic's emblem.
"That's from the Ministry!" Ginny exclaimed. "Go on, open it!"
Matt took a deep breath and broke the seal. He unfolded the paper and held it in front of him. No one could see his face as he silently read, disappearing into the corner as far as he could. After what seemed like a lifetime, he folded the paper and took a deep breath.
"Oh no…what is it? They're going to deport you after all, aren't they?" Ginny asked.
"Deport him! How could they, and on what grounds? My fa-" Draco started in outrage but paused when he realized his family had lost all their influence following the swift trials over the summer. "Well…someone should hear about this…"
"Matt?" Hermione asked, fear in her voice.
"Well…" Matt began his voice heavy. "I've got bad news. It would seem as though, I've grown rather attached to you all, and thanks to the ministry…you're stuck with me!" his face broke out in a massive grin.
Hermione leapt into his arms, peppering his cheeks with kisses. The rest of the car erupted in cheers and applause. The racket caused several people in neighboring cars to look out their doors to see what was going on.
"Matt, you're a git! But I'm glad you're staying." Ginny said, smacking him on the arm from her seat across the car from him.
"Yup, full Visa and everything." Matt said holding up a small card embossed with the Ministry's official seal as well as MACUSA's. "And there's this…" Matt cleared his throat.
'Additionally, Mr. Santini, the Department of Magical Law Enforcement has reached the determination that on the evening of May 2nd, 1999, you were acting in self-defense and meant no malice or otherwise premeditated or criminal intent with your actions. Therefore, the Department has decided not to press any charges against you at this time.
I, personally, would like to arrange a time for you to come to the Ministry of Magic to discuss your unique abilities, and potentially explore their uses in a legal manner. If this appeals to you, please send me an owl and we will arrange a meeting.
Sincerely,
Kingsley Shacklebolt
Minister of Magic'
Matt read the second half of the letter aloud.
"That's incredible!" Hermione exclaimed and hugged her boyfriend again.
"That, to me, sounds like a job offer Santini." Draco said with an amused smile.
"That'd be great!" Neville replied. "I've been thinking about becoming an auror as well, just for a little while. Professor Sprout says she's getting ready to retire but isn't quite ready to just yet. Might be a few years before she is, but then McGonagall said the position's mine if I want it."
"Hey, alright! Neville, your thumb's greener than grass, that'd be fantastic!" Matt said encouragingly.
"It seems as though we'll all end up going to the Ministry." Hermione joked and wrapped her arm around Matt's. "We definitely need to celebrate. Perhaps we should have a party, around Harry's birthday?"
"That's brilliant Hermione! We can celebrate everything!" Ginny said excitedly.
"We'll owl everyone with the details as soon as they're set." Matt said and looked lovingly at Hermione.
The rest of the train ride was uneventful, the group chatting quietly, or playing Exploding Snap. Matt and Hermione read a book together, the couple sprawled out on the seat with Hermione in Matt's lap, Crookshanks in hers. There were many hugs and well wishes when they arrived in London. Matt promised to buy an owl as soon as things at the Ministry were set up, until then it would be on the others to write to them. Slowly, they slipped through the barrier to King's Cross station, families meeting up.
Draco's mother had come to pick him up, and they Disapparated quickly before anyone noticed her. Luna's father was next to show up, promising to take her very soon, to Africa to see a Yellow-Bellied Double Parked Sap Sucker. He met Rolf as well and the Scamander scion was welcomed by Xenophilius with open arms. He was all too happy to talk with Newt and Tina as well as the two families Disapparated to the Lovegood family home to discuss Africa. Neville's grandmother was exceedingly happy to see Hermione and Ginny. And she even gave Matt an approving nod before she and Neville Disapparated. Ginny gave Matt and Hermione both hugs before she herself turned on the spot and disappeared. Things had been strained at The Burrow and Ginny had decided she was going to Grimmauld Place rather than home. Harry would join her in a couple of days once everything was finished at Hogwarts. With final waves goodbye to the others Matt and Hermione were left alone, walking out of King's Cross station.
"So, now what?" Matt asked, looking out at the street. "I suppose it might not be a bad idea for me to get a driver's license here, would it?"
"Not at all. I'm confident you can do it." Hermione said, her hand intertwined with his.
"Thanks, love. About this plan of yours?" he asked.
"Hold on to me. I know just where to go." Hermione said. Matt looked at her lovely brown eyes and grinned.
"Lead the way!" he said, and they turned on the spot and disappeared with a crack.
A/N: I want to thank you all for coming along with me on this journey. This fanfic took me a year to write as I was reading the books and listening to a podcast on the Wizarding World. I have to give a shout out to my wonderful and supportive fiancée silvermoonshadow. She convinced me to start reading fanfiction again and when I started reading some of the amazing stories on here, it got me thinking, "Well if I were doing this, how would I tell this story?" Combine that with an hour long drive to and from work, plus with driving as my career at the time, it gave me all the time I needed to think on and create the story and chapters as I worked. She was also instrumental in helping me workshop concepts in this story and even beta read some of the earlier chapters. Once again, thank you all for reading and commenting. It's meant a lot to me to see you all in the commenting and engaging with the story. Although, you may be reading this going, "But Carfunky, you're saying this is the last chapter? The site says one more!" and you know something? You're right, there is one more. Even though this is a literal novel length fanfic, and it is drawn more from the books than the movies...well...all good movie goers know, you always stay for the end credits!