Hierarchy of Need [t.r]

Chapter Twenty Nine

They had been so close.

"But endings are vital, or else nothing would ever get started. Endings give everything meaning. I've come to understand this more than ever. I state this, today, to remind us time is a privilege."

Tom couldn't help it as his eyes latched onto golden blonde hair. His time with Delilah was a privilege, he understood that now. Seeing as he's almost lost her a handful of times due to his own errors in judgment.

"Don't waste your life to fulfill the expectations of those around you. Make your life amount to something. Never give up, never give in, fight for what you hold dear. I stress this, now is more important than ever."

He knew his wording had to be careful, considering a few choice guests were Grindelwald supporters. A fact unknown to most. Of course Tom knew, though.

"We've come of age, and we will be greeted by a world filled with turmoil and lack of filter. For the past seven years we've been protected, but now that shield is lifting. My understanding is, we're all ecstatic to immerse ourselves in the world that's awaiting us. I encourage this, wholeheartedly."

Delilah felt her mind go numb for a moment as Tom looked at her. She didn't understand what she was feeling or why. Part of her didn't mind, seeing as it felt euphoric. The other half was terrified.

"But I also caution, as it can be cruel. Do not go into your life ignorant. Be ready with an open mind and awareness when you step off that glittering crimson Hogwarts Express for the last time. Because in the end, reality hurts without discrimination."

"I recognize some might not grasp this, or some might blindly nod along. It's easy to feel a sense of optimism on a day such as this. There will be dark days however, its inevitable."

Delilah suddenly felt cold as his words sunk it. He'd be the root cause for those dark days. The darkest of which the Wizarding world had ever seen. He'd be the cause for so much pain.

"Latch onto those memories, tether yourself to them. No matter how repressed they become, you must keep them alive. They are what guide us. We must be greater than that of which we've suffered."

"As I look around here today, at all the people who've shaped me into who I am today, they also help me recognize who I am meant to be. Some might say the future Minister."

There was a sudden fit of laughter and eyes turned to Slughorn, who was wiping tears away from his eyes and wiping at a running nose. He looked so proud of Tom, it was almost endearing.

"Some a professor, and for some, simply a good man."

Delilah and Tom's eyes latched onto one another, and within a second it was as if they were the only two in existence. White noise surrounded their bodies, forming tunnel vision on one another. It was nearly an out of body experience.

"Our time together is up, and I am grateful for each second. As we get into those boats, the very vessels that started our journey, I want to thank you for making these years some of the best. I will not forget one line of it, I swear."

His lips formed into a closed mouthed, almost somber smile as his eyes trailed up to the sky. Observing the clouds for a moment, watching how they formed such peculiar shapes, "I'd like to personally thank Aaron Cloverfield. You led me to the true enlightenment."

Turning his eyes back onto the crowd, his charming smile grew again, bright white teeth shining. "Thank you," he bowed his head in benediction as he was met with a loud round of applause.

Delilah joined in, though she was sure over half of his speech was utter bullshit. Tom had a way with words, that didn't mean a word he spoke was true. To him at least, did he even grasp the concept of what he was talking about?