The last week without classes passed quickly, and there was one final Quidditch match this term over the weekend.
The Gryffindor Team didn't have a Seeker, and Ravenclaw beat them thoroughly. Especially their Seeker, who leisurely flew in the sky for a long time before catching the Golden Snitch only after ensuring Ravenclaw had completely dominated.
Thus, this year, Ravenclaw finally claimed the Quidditch Cup, leaving Gryffindor feeling disgruntled yet helpless.
However, Slytherin still had the highest house points—thanks to the excellent contribution from Professor Snape.
At the end-of-year feast, Dumbledore finally added points for those who had ventured into the Chamber of Secret: awarding each student twenty points to their house, with an extra fifty points for Harry Potter, instantly propelling Gryffindor to first place while Slytherin fell to second.
The commotion first belonged to Slytherin, and then Gryffindor; Ravenclaw students joined in the applause—before the points were added, they were third, and still remained third afterward, but even if they were last, Ravenclaw wouldn't actually mind.
Whether the streamers were red or green made no difference; the emotional ups and downs among Gryffindor and Slytherin students were far more interesting.
At the teachers' table, subtle expressions from Professor McGonagall and Professor Snape seemed to speak volumes.
"I really can't believe it now," Michael whispered to Vid, "Professor Snape actually isn't an accomplice of Quirrell! He really looks like a Death Eater... Don't you think?"
"He certainly does. But if he was, why would Dumbledore let him stay at Hogwarts for so many years?" Vid said.
...
The day after the end-of-year feast, exam results were finally posted.
Vid had the highest overall score in the entire grade, but Hermione topped in both Magic History and Astronomy. SSC members also had very high scores, dominating nearly all the top ranks in every subject.
Of course, to those unaware of SSC, it merely seemed that this year's freshmen were performing quite well, and each house's distribution of scores was relatively balanced (Slytherin's Malfoy and Zabini also did well). Unlike previous years, where the top ten were mostly Ravenclaw.
Students signed notices again forbidding the use of magic during vacation, packed their bags, and boarded the Hogwarts Express. Vid, Michael, Theo, and Leian occupied a compartment, Hermione was with the Patil sisters, while Harry and Neville were in a compartment with their dorm mates.
"How about coming to my house for the summer?" Michael said enthusiastically, "I live by the sea, and we can take a boat to nearby islands for some fun."
"Sure!" Theo responded eagerly, "Let's set a date and all go together, or it'll be too boring to stay at home for two whole months."
"What about you, Vid? Do you have time?" Leian asked.
"I'm going to study Alchemy with Professor Morry, but if I can find the time, I'll definitely come!" Vid laughed, "Even I don't want a summer with nothing but studying."
"Then wait for my message—don't forget to check the Friendship Book!" Michael reminded them.
The train stopped at King's Cross Station, and students got off one by one. As Vid walked out of the platform, he saw Ferdinand and Fiona standing together, waiting for him happily.
His mother greeted him with the usual hug, while his father helped with his suitcase.
"Let's get in the car; I've already reserved a table at the restaurant."
Ferdinand opened the trunk, stuffing the suitcase inside. Watching him struggle, Vid momentarily wanted to use Levioso, but realizing he was away from school, he suppressed the impulse.
"Vid, I heard some rather outrageous rumors at the Leaky Cauldron—"
After they were full, Fiona couldn't wait to say, "Isn't this true? I mean... about one of your professors being a Dark Lord's puppet... or the stone that can grant immortality hidden at your school..."
Vid looked up to find Ferdinand also silently gazing at him.
"The Philosopher's Stone is real." Vid said, "Mr. Nicolas Flamel and his wife have lived for six centuries thanks to the Elixir of Life!"
"Oh my!" Fiona said, stunned, "I've read about him in fantasy novels! Didn't expect him to still be alive... Can't imagine what immortality feels like..."
She appeared very intrigued.
"Actually, it's only 'immortality,' not 'eternal youth.' So..." Vid shrugged, leaving his mom to imagine.
The image of a mysterious, handsome wizard suddenly collapsed, and Fiona envisioned an elderly person with hair as white as snow, missing teeth and hair.
But the oldest person she had seen was just over a hundred... What would a person over six hundred look like? Fiona didn't know... Her imagination began extending toward a Cthulhu-like figure.
Ferdinand noticed Vid skipping over certain parts, his heart sinking instantly.
When they returned home that evening, Fiona went to freshen up, and Ferdinand gestured for Vid to join him on the balcony.
"So... is that story also true?" Ferdinand fiddled with a lighter, not lighting a cigarette, but asked, "About... the Mysterious Man?"
Vid hesitated, unsure if he should tell his father the truth.
Ferdinand could tell, his mood heavy, forcing a smile, "Don't tell me... the truth is even stranger than the rumors?"
Vid finally made up his mind.
"This is the truth—the one who infiltrated Hogwarts wasn't Voldemort's puppet, but him in person... He didn't completely die but clung to Quirrell as a spirit..."
Considering most people's fear of the name Voldemort, Vid consciously avoided using it around others.
Ferdinand's hand shook, almost dropping the lighter.
"He's... not dead?"
His face turned pale as he asked.
"Yes. But his concealment was inadequate, and Dumbledore detected it from the start, so the situation was always under his control..."
Vid said in a light tone, "You might've heard, it was first-year Harry Potter who defeated Quirrell. Ultimately, it wasn't Quirrell but the Mysterious Man who failed again."
Ferdinand remained silent for a long time, until he heard the sliding door open from the bathroom side. Ready to go to the living room, he suddenly turned back and said, "Vid—"
"Yes?"
"You've learned magic now... Can't become an Obscurus... Have you... Have you ever considered..."
Ferdinand seemed particularly struggling to say it.
Vid waited patiently.
"—Would you like to go to the United States? Or Australia?" Ferdinand said, "I've heard there's a great Magic Academy in America. Maybe they'd accept transfer students..."
Vid remained silent for a moment before saying, "...Sorry, Dad."
"Alright..." Ferdinand sighed, "Not surprised at all."
"But we can prepare ahead of time." Vid added, "If one day the situation becomes dangerous, I hope you and Mom can move there first."
"Silly kid." Ferdinand smiled helplessly, "How could we possibly leave you... hiding alone in a safe place?"
"If I'm in danger, I'll go there too." Vid said with a smile, "You know, wizards can Apparate; I'm planning to learn this magic in second year, making escape easier..."