Chapter 53

June 1977

At the end-of-term feast, which also served as a farewell banquet for the graduates, the main participants didn't seem to enjoy the sumptuous spread as much as the younger students did.

"Is this our last meal at Hogwarts?" Lily asked wistfully, as she ate a forkful of roasted potatoes. "I'm really going to miss this place."

"Yes, this should be our last dinner here. Tomorrow morning we have breakfast before we leave on the train," I said, slicing a piece of roast beef and savoring its taste. "If you're talking about the food, I'll miss it too."

"I meant Hogwarts," Lily replied, correcting my misunderstanding. "Tomorrow we leave this place, and unless we plan to apply for teaching positions, we won't be back."

"Well, theoretically, if you become a member of the school board, you could visit. And if your child has a major incident at school, you'll be called here," I concluded with a nod. "That would be a chance to revisit."

Across the table, Remus and Sirius snickered. James—who I had finally started calling by his first name—grumbled, "I'd rather not come back under those circumstances. It sounds like a curse."

"Sawyer, must you ruin the mood?" Lily's lips twitched. "This is our farewell dinner. Let me be sentimental."

I chuckled and continued eating my last meal at Hogwarts.

The atmosphere at the four house tables mirrored our first year. Gryffindor was lively, while Slytherin remained quiet and elegant. But the seventh-year Gryffindors around me had matured. Their straightforwardness and enthusiasm were still there, but they were now more composed, no longer the naive young lions they once were.

What surprised me most was James's transformation over the years. It seemed to start at the end of our fifth year. He became less ostentatious, more thoughtful. Perhaps Lily had said something to him that triggered this change. Unfortunately, I never managed to pry that gossip out of her.

By sixth year, James had toned down his arrogance and pranks. He earned ten O.W.Ls and took all the courses needed to become an Auror. He seemed determined to embody the Gryffindor spirit of justice.

As James matured, he didn't give up on pursuing Lily. He stopped being clingy and showy, becoming more considerate and gentle. Although he didn't constantly proclaim his love, his actions spoke volumes. Even I had to admit he was doing a good job. Lily, who always found James attractive, eventually succumbed to his gentle persistence. They started dating at the end of sixth year and grew closer.

When Lily began dating James, Severus became even more critical of him. It seemed like nothing James did could please him.

I teased Lily, saying Severus acted like a picky father-in-law who thought no one was good enough for his daughter. Lily laughed heartily, not at all annoyed by my joke.

Severus's obvious protectiveness reminded me of a stern father. When I told him this, he gave me a peculiar smile and said, "If she were really my daughter, I'd be even more critical."

I silently prayed for our future son-in-law. Oh no, our future son-in-law. I had to act quickly and secure such a good man as Severus.

Severus and James were never on good terms, and now their interactions were even frostier. With Sirius always stirring the pot, I was grateful they didn't throw curses at each other in front of Lily and me.

I sipped my soup, listening to my classmates discuss their post-graduation plans.

Lily, James, and Sirius planned to join the Auror training program. The three years of rigorous training would hone their combat skills. Remus and Peter were joining the Order of the Phoenix, helping Dumbledore fight the Death Eaters.

During our seventh year, we all joined the Order—James, Sirius, Lily, Remus, Peter, Severus, and me.

After our N.E.W.Ts, Severus and I approached Professor Dumbledore, expressing our desire to join the Order but requesting to keep it a secret. A Slytherin joining the Order would draw Voldemort's attention.

We could be a support force for the Order. Severus's potion-making skills and my medical expertise would be invaluable. His apothecary would prioritize supplying the Order, not for free but as a steady source of potions, a crucial advantage.

I would also be joining St. Mungo's.

Barring any surprises, I expected to get an 'E' in Potions on my N.E.W.Ts. Years of hard work had prepared me for the exams. I was confident in earning 'O's in Charms and Defense Against the Dark Arts.

With Madam Pomfrey's recommendation, if I passed the exams, I would secure an internship at St. Mungo's. After six months of training and another six months of internship, I'd be a certified Healer.

As a neutral institution, St. Mungo's treated everyone, from nobles to commoners, making it a valuable source of information.

My first task would be to gather intel. Even seemingly trivial information could be critical.

The Order would need to protect me because the Bellatrix incident in fifth year left a mark. They had targeted several Order members and barely escaped. I might still be on their radar.

After the kidnapping incident, I convinced Hughes to change jobs and move to a busy area in London. That's when I learned about a substantial savings account, enough to buy a shop in a pricey part of town.

Hughes explained that the savings were from their early career days. Both he and Isaya had been high-ranking bank employees with good salaries. Isaya had encountered the robbery while on a work inspection. After the incident, they both resigned and moved to a modest area in Spiders End.

Hughes found a new job at a bank and bought a high-security apartment. The Order helped set up the defenses. Isaya stayed home, enjoying her peaceful life.

Hiding a tree in a forest was the best strategy. In a bustling city, it's hard to find someone among the masses. For added safety, a young wizard from the Order moved into the same building.

Two years passed peacefully. I was grateful to Dumbledore and the Order for protecting my parents. Joining the Order was not just for safety but also out of gratitude.

"Sawyer, do you and Severus have plans this weekend?" Remus asked, pulling me out of my thoughts.

"The weekend? No special plans. Why?"

"I'd like to invite you both to dinner at my place. I need to properly thank you," Remus said sincerely.

"I'd love to! But you should thank Severus and Damocles. I didn't do much to solve your little problem." I made a face.

The Wolfsbane Potion had shown promising results in the past month, allowing werewolves to retain their human mind during transformation. This made werewolves like Remus less dangerous. They planned to refine it further and apply for a patent as a new potion.

"No, if it weren't for your efforts, they wouldn't have prioritized this research. Finding a test subject isn't easy. Someday, someone would have developed it, but who knows when. So," he raised his glass of pumpkin juice, "here's to you!"

I sighed theatrically, "Alright, if you insist." I raised my glass of orange juice and clinked it with his.

"By the way," I said after finishing my drink, leaning forward eagerly, "any special celebrations with Dumbledore?"

Remus looked embarrassed. "We, uh, nothing special…"

I grinned mischievously.

On the day the Wolfsbane Potion succeeded, we had a small celebration at Dumbledore's place. I accidentally walked in on Remus and Damocles passionately kissing in the kitchen, which led to a lot of teasing from the rest of us.

So, the Marauders, Lily, Severus, and I knew about their secret relationship.

Sirius had dramatically shouted in surprise, interrupting their kiss and earning a scolding. Interrupting a romantic moment is punishable by being kicked by a horse. Lily and I gladly played the horse's role.

Initially, I was shocked by their relationship, as same-sex love isn't widely accepted. But they looked so in love that I was happy for them.

Sirius later told us that same-sex marriages among wizards were recognized by magic just like heterosexual marriages.

"So why did you act surprised? You ruined the moment!" Lily and I scolded him together.

"But Remus kept it a secret from us! That's not being a good friend!" Sirius retorted, earning another round of eye rolls from us.

After dinner, Lily and I headed upstairs. Severus had already gone to our base.

"James invited me to spend the summer at his place. We might discuss getting married soon," Lily said casually, but I sensed a deeper meaning.

"Soon? How soon?"

"This year. His parents are a bit anxious. So, well?" Lily stopped and raised an eyebrow.

"…Ahem," feeling challenged, I muttered, "Don't be too smug…"

Lily smirked, satisfied. I felt a bit flustered.

Some things needed to be addressed sooner rather than later.

That night, we packed our things at the base, preparing to leave. We decided to spend our last night in the common room.

I let Lily go ahead and stayed back with Severus.

Standing at the door, I held his hand, intertwining our fingers.

"Severus, I need to talk to you." I looked seriously into his eyes.

"?" Severus raised an eyebrow, urging me to speak.

I felt nervous, my mouth dry, heart pounding. I heard myself swallow.

"Let's get married!" As soon as the words left my mouth, my heartbeat returned to normal, and I eagerly awaited Severus's reaction.

He looked surprised, then his face darkened, showing displeasure.

My heart sank, and the smile on my face started to falter.