Chapter 37: The Final Journey

                                    

                                          
Disclaimer: I do not own any of the people or places that belong to the wonderful world of Harry Potter, as they belong to J.K. Rowling. The OCs (Katherine, Septimus, Serenity, Helena, Christoph, Elisa, Henry, Nick and any name you don't recognize and isn't from the HP universe) are entirely my own.
                          
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Summer flew by in a whirlwind; days were spent between brewing, gardening and flying, while nights were quiet affairs together as a family. The first week of August brought a new celebration to the family, as Septimus received the news of his new position for his final year of school.
                          
"Head Boy," Katherine smiled brightly, as the four strode down Rynek Lane. "I am so proud of you!"
                          
"Thanks," Septimus breathed, as his fingers ran over the Head Boy badge that was now pinned to his school cloak. "I just hope I can handle it all...you know, between Quidditch and Head Boy duties."
                          
"I am positive that you will be fine," Severus said, placing a hand on Septimus' shoulder. "Who is Head Girl?"
                          
"Carly Wilkins," Septimus replied. "She was a Prefect in our fifth year. She's on the Chess Team and she's also in the running for Salutatorian."
                          
"Sounds like a smart girl," Katherine mused, as they entered Walinska's Wardrobe.
                          
"Smart? Yeah!" Septimus snickered. "The only problem is that she favors Divination above anything else. Believes in all those inner eye things and such."
                          
"Not all Divination is rubbish Septimus," Severus stated as they neared the counter.
                          
"I know dad," Septimus smirked. "I know."
                          
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As always, the night before the children's departure was the night of a celebrated farewell dinner. It would be Septimus and Helena's last one, and a solemn atmosphere hung in the air. The young couple was quiet that evening, favoring a spot on the sofa instead of a walk after the meal was done. And in all of too short of time, they were on their way home again.
                          
Septimus returned to his room after bidding his parents goodnight, and Serenity was put down for the night. The house was silent as Severus and Katherine turned in, and both were lost in their own thoughts about the year to come. By next June, their son would be a New Salem graduate...
                          
The emerald green steam engine's whistle rang across the platform, as the family emerged onto Platform 7 1/4 in Union Station. As usual, the place was brimming with witches and wizards, but it only took them a minute to locate Elisa and Christoph.
                          
Elisa pulled Helena into a tight hug; murmuring in the young girl's ear. Katherine couldn't help but to tear up too, as she drew Septimus in tightly.
                          
"You have everything you need?" Katherine asked softly.
                          
"Yeah," Septimus muttered, holding his mother just as tight. "I'll owl you the Quidditch schedule by the end of the week."
                          
"Alright," Katherine sighed, as she backed up in his arms. "Have a good time and study hard."
                          
"I always do," Septimus smiled softly, before turning towards his father.
                          
Severus stood as stiff as a stone statue with Serenity curled up protectively in his strong arms. At the moment he was unsure of what to say. He never had a parent to offer encouraging words to him on his final year of school, but as he looked at the son he had only met a year before, he somehow knew the right words to say. Carefully, he handed the little girl to Katherine, before guiding Septimus a little way from the group.