Snape scowled at her. "What the hell is that supposed to mean?"
She sighed, frustrated. Even if she wanted to tell him, the Tacere Veritas prevented
her from doing so. "You'll figure it out. One day."
"Everything all right?" Lily asked, looking wary as she approached Mia from the
side, briefly casting a glance at Snape, who averted his gaze, clearly unable to stare into her
eyes. Mia understood why.
"Everything's good. I was simply saying goodbye to Snape," Mia explained with a
smile. "Seven years in a classroom together merits at least that, don't you think?" Lily
frowned and looked down at Mia's forearm, knowing the word that was hidden beneath
the robes. The same word that had severed her relationship with the wizard in question.
Eventually, Lily looked up, schooled her expression and nodded thoughtfully.
"Goodbye, Severus. Good luck on your N.E.W.T.s and... and whatever you decide to do
with your life."
Snape maintained a stony mien, but Mia saw the very briefest of emotions in his
expression as he nodded to his former best friend, still unable to meet Lily's gaze.
June 24th, 1978The grounds were opened up to family and friends of the graduating class of 1978.
It was a beautiful day, so the staff opted to forego tents and have the ceremony under the
open sky. Rows and rows of colourful chairs had been transfigured, and parents were
escorted to the seats supporting the Houses that their children belonged in.
Mia escorted her father to a golden chair with his name on it. He kissed her
forehead, laughing when he looked up. She turned to see James waving dramatically while
Sirius was subtly shortening his trousers and robes with a wandless charm until James's
knees were revealed. Likely feeling the sudden draft, James spun and hit Sirius in the
shoulder before turning to have Lily fix his robes and trousers.
The rest of the little band of misfits, all dressed in scarlet and gold, were standing
in a line waiting to receive their certificates of completion.
"Better get in line, love," Charlus said.