The second week of June arrived, bringing the long-awaited final exam results.
Ted, unsurprisingly, excelled in every subject, securing the top spot in their year. Hermione came in second, her expression a mix of pride and determination to reclaim the top position next year.
Harley's grades were solid, while Ron and Jerry performed better than expected. Even Neville, who had struggled throughout the year, finished with above-average marks—earning an Outstanding in Herbology, one of only five students to do so.
Ron puffed out his chest. "Did you see that? I actually got a Good! Hahaha!"
Hermione crossed her arms. "If you study properly next year, you might even get an Outstanding."
Ron smirked and nudged Jerry. "You see that? Just copying homework is enough to get a Good! Why even bother studying?"
Jerry chuckled. "You know what? That actually makes sense, Ron."
Hermione sighed, rolling her eyes. "Unbelievable."
A few days later, Neville was summoned to the Headmaster's office, where Dumbledore finally explained everything.
Dumbledore praised Neville's bravery and revealed why his touch had reduced Quirrell to ashes—it was an ancient magic cast by his mother at the cost of her life, protecting him until adulthood.
Commonly referred to as the "Underage Neville Protection Act."
Dumbledore had taken a few days before calling Neville in, not just to consider his words carefully, but also because he had been thinking about Ted.
Although Dumbledore had seemed distant from Neville before he started Hogwarts, he had always been watching.
As someone who had witnessed the prophecy firsthand, he had initially believed that guiding Neville to face his fate would take great effort.
However, Neville had grown in ways Dumbledore had not anticipated—becoming more confident, courageous, and resourceful.
And the biggest factor in that growth was Ted.
Ted had changed everything.
If Ted had been any ordinary wizard, like Ron, Harley, Hermione, or Jerry, Dumbledore would have simply been happy for Neville.
But Ted was different.
From the moment Dumbledore had encountered Ted outside the Room of Requirement during Christmas, he had sensed something unusual.
The boy was far too mature for his age. And then there was his magical ability.
The more Dumbledore observed, the more concerned he became.
Ted was already inventing his own spells. That level of talent, at such a young age, was unheard of.
And it reminded Dumbledore of someone—the face that had once been hidden on the back of Quirrell's head.
Tom Riddle.
Dumbledore had been the one to bring young Tom to Hogwarts.
Even as a child, Tom had displayed a maturity beyond his years, but there had been darkness in him too—bullying other orphans, stealing, even harming animals.
Every small act of cruelty a child could commit, Tom had done it.
Back then, Dumbledore had used force to subdue Tom, igniting the wardrobe where the boy had hidden stolen items to teach him a lesson.
Tom had feigned obedience, but Dumbledore had often wondered—if he had been more patient, if he had guided Tom differently, could Voldemort have been prevented?
And now, another orphaned genius had appeared.
What path would he take?
How much influence did Ted have over Neville, and what should Dumbledore do about it?
For now, Dumbledore set those thoughts aside and shared another piece of news.
"Nicolas Flamel has decided to destroy the Philosopher's Stone," he told Neville.
Later, Neville relayed this to Ted. "But Dumbledore said if we're interested in alchemy, he could introduce us to Flamel."
That meant, at least for now, Dumbledore was handling Ted gently.
Or was this a subtle test?
Neville continued, "He also said Voldemort isn't gone. Even without the Stone, he has other ways to return. Our fight isn't over."
Ron paled. He instinctively reached for his ankle, as if feeling the lingering pain from their last battle. "No way. He's still around?!"
With exams over, Hogwarts slipped into a state of pure chaos.
The last few days before summer break were spent goofing off.
Students abandoned their books in favor of games, dueling practice, and sneaking in extra visits to Hogsmeade.
The weekend marked the official last day of school, with students preparing to leave the next morning.
That night, Hogwarts held its traditional End-of-Term Feast in the Great Hall.
At five o'clock, the hall filled with students, the golden candlelight reflecting off the enchanted ceiling.
Laughter and chatter filled the space, and the delicious aroma of roast chicken and pumpkin pasties drifted through the air.
Dumbledore stood and tapped his goblet with a fork. The hall gradually quieted.
"Students, today marks the end of another school year. I wish you all a wonderful holiday," he said, his twinkling eyes scanning the room. "But before we enjoy this magnificent feast, it is time to award the House Cup!"
At this moment, the four massive hourglasses near the entrance shimmered under the Great Hall's light, their sands marking the final House points tally.
Ravenclaw led with an impressive 486 points!
Even though Ted had lost some points thanks to Snape's usual antics, Ravenclaw had a secret weapon—Hermione.
With her now in Ravenclaw instead of Gryffindor, her brilliance helped rack up points without the usual Gryffindor deductions. That boost secured their first-place standing.
Slytherin was close behind with 472 points, their total bolstered by Snape's relentless favoritism.
Hufflepuff sat in third place with 368 points—respectable but far from the top two.
And, as expected, Gryffindor found itself at the bottom with 312 points.
Losing points was practically a tradition for them.
They usually only paid attention to their score on the last day of the House Cup, reflecting in disappointment before moving on.
Excitement buzzed through the hall, especially among the Ravenclaws, Hufflepuffs, and even the Gryffindors.
After six consecutive years of Slytherin victories—thanks to Snape's creative point-giving—seeing them finally dethroned was a moment of triumph for everyone else.
Dumbledore surveyed the hourglasses and then turned back to the students with a knowing smile. "The results are quite clear, aren't they? However, I believe recent events must also be considered."
Ted immediately felt his stomach drop.
'Oh, come on, old man. Not this again. Is this a canon event or something?'
Sure enough, Dumbledore continued, "In the past few days, something truly extraordinary has occurred. During these events, certain students displayed remarkable wisdom, bravery, and selflessness."
He lifted his goblet slightly before announcing, "Mr. Ted Epifani, for overcoming an enemy of unimaginable power and breaking through numerous obstacles, Ravenclaw earns 50 points!"
The hall erupted into thunderous applause. Cheers and excited whispers spread like wildfire.
Their adventure had already been exaggerated and retold by Ron at least a dozen different ways, with each version more dramatic than the last.
Now, with official recognition from Dumbledore himself, the excitement was at an all-time high.
Ted blinked. 'Wait… points? For us?'
Dumbledore wasn't done. "Miss Hermione Granger, for using her intellect and magical knowledge to complete an incomplete spell ritual, Ravenclaw earns another 50 points!"
Another explosion of applause filled the hall. Ravenclaws beamed with pride, some standing to cheer for Hermione, who sat there stunned before breaking into a sheepish smile.
Ted leaned toward her. "I thought we were done with all this."
Hermione exhaled, still looking dazed. "Apparently not."
Dumbledore then turned his gaze toward the Gryffindor table. "Mr. Neville Longbottom, for facing an unspeakable horror with unwavering bravery and resilience, Gryffindor earns 50 points!"
The Gryffindor table erupted, students whistling and clapping. A few even pounded the table in excitement.
Neville turned bright red, shifting uncomfortably as Seamus clapped him on the back. "That's our fearless leader!" Dean Thomas whooped.
Dumbledore continued, "Miss Harley Potter, for demonstrating exceptional courage and responsibility, Gryffindor earns 50 points!"
The Gryffindor table exploded with even louder cheers, some students standing up and waving their arms in celebration.
Harley gave a modest shrug, clearly enjoying the moment but trying to act unfazed.
As the cheers in the Great Hall gradually settled, Dumbledore's voice carried over the excited murmurs.
"And Jerry, who remained calm and resourceful in the face of the troll, successfully obtained the key to pass the challenge—50 points to Gryffindor!"
A fresh wave of applause rippled through the hall. Jerry puffed out his chest, his face flushed with pride. His round ears seemed to stand even straighter, his excitement barely contained.
"Ron Weasley, who displayed exceptional wizard chess skills and the fearless spirit of self-sacrifice—50 points to Gryffindor!"
Before Ron could fully process the praise, a shrill scream rang out:
"That's my brother! My youngest brother! My God—Ron, you're incredible! I'm so proud of you!"
It was Peggy Weasley, bouncing in her seat with unrestrained enthusiasm.
Ron, who had been basking in the admiration of his peers, instantly turned scarlet. He gave a half-hearted wave before covering his face in embarrassment. "It—it wasn't just me…"
Peggy, however, was having none of it. She launched herself at Ron, wrapping an arm around his head in a dramatic hug. "My goodness! Ron, you've even learned humility! This is a miracle!"
The Gryffindor table erupted in laughter as Fred and George joined in with exaggerated mockery.
"Our little Ronniekins has finally grown up!" Fred announced, wiping a fake tear from his eye.
"We never thought we'd see the day," George sighed dramatically. "Next thing you know, he'll be giving us life advice."
Ron groaned, slumping onto the table. "Alright, alright! I get it! No more bragging! Just—just stop already!"
Gryffindor had just gained a whopping 200 points, and the house table was practically shaking from the sheer volume of celebration.
The students were on the verge of launching themselves onto the tables when Professor McGonagall cleared her throat.
The sound, despite being gentle, carried across the entire hall like an unspoken command.
"I was considering assigning some additional holiday homework…"
Silence.
It was as if someone had cast a powerful Silencing Charm over the entire hall. Every student sat frozen, eyes locked onto McGonagall, their expressions a mix of dread and pleading.
You could hear a quill drop.
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Word count: 1668
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