"What are your plans for after school?" The four friends were sitting in a circle by the Lake. Exams had just finished, and they were taking a well deserved rest. The question was brought up by Hermione, who was getting nervous about the real world.

"Oh, you know, settling down in a steady career, possibly getting married, the usual stuff. What about you?" Ron asked.

"I don't know....probably find out more about my parents lineage....possibly go into their careers." Candi said quietly. Harry looked at her.

"Archeology? They don't offer it at Hogwarts..."

"So that means I'll be leaving this school. And going to a muggle school. So I can continue my education." Candi murmered.

"You're.....going to leave Hogwarts?" Ron asked. Candi nodded. "But...." His voice trailed off. They couldn't think of Hogwarts without Candi, now that they were friends.

"Ron, I feel like I have to. That I should. I think it's the one thing my dad would have been proud about me."

They were all silent for a few minutes. Leave Hogwarts, the whole Wizarding world...what a horrific thought!

"I plan on opening my own wizarding shop for bookworms, like me." Hermione broke the silence. "I'm going to travel all over the world, collecting rare and valuable books, and auction them offf, then give half the money to charities."

"Nice idea. But I just plan on seeing the world. I could do that with you...if you'd want me to." Ron said to Hermione. She smiled.

"We'll see what happens big boy. What about you Harry?"

"I'm going to teach at Hogwarts someday. I'm going to apply for a job here when I'm old enough." He said, looking at the school. "Hogwarts is...my home."

"What would you teach?" Candi asked, taking his hand.

"Defense Against the Dark Arts, what else is there?" They all burst out laughing.

"But we'll still be friends, right?" Hermione asked suddenly. "I mean, we'll keep in touch?"

"I will. I mean, I'll try. What about you two?" Candi asked Harry and Ron.

"I'm hoping on keeping close touch with you Candi." Harry put his arm around her. She blushed slightly, but you could see it was there.

"And I with you Hermione. I'm not afraid to say that I love you." Ron held Hermione's hand and kissed her cheek. Hermione smiled and squeazed his hand tightly.

"Then it's settled. We'll all keep in touch." Candi said. The four friends held out their hands, and shook on it.

Whew! Yea, it was a short story, but it was worth it, right? Thanks for all who helped the characters along on their way!

Katie