Chapter 15

Farewell

Silently, Perce ventured towards his favourite abode. As it had many a time before when he thought about it, a tinge of disappointment rose. It had proven almost impossible to find Hadner free. As a fifth year, he had the great weight of the upcoming O.W.L.s upon him, along with Quidditch. 'Quidditch,' thought Perce, 'is an absolute waste of time. That is, of course, when it begins — invading — into the time that should be spent for magic.' He sighed. The past few matches had not turned out to be of very much interest to him. There were no close calls, no intelligent moves — it was almost mechanical.

Slytherin won all the matches it played, and Hufflepuff was next on the table. Hadner, of course, was pleased, extremely so, along with Carlson Bletchley, and all other Slytherins. Perce simply did not comprehend what pleasure people gained from a repetitive series of scores and tackles. The fact was true that he enjoyed the first game thoroughly — it was certainly memorable. The quality of the game seemed to drop after that. Very easily, it seemed, people were satisfied.

The arrival of the Hogwarts library broke this chain of thought, and he stepped in, taking a dramatic deep breath. The silence was magical.

He began hunting through the shelves for the sight of grey hair. After a good five minutes did he notice that Hadner Greyfall was sitting on the floor, leaning on a shelf, writing feverishly on a piece of parchment placed beside him.

"Ahoy," said Perce in a low voice. "I've been trying to find you free, but you've been literally busier than the Minister."

The fifth year sighed. "The O.W.L.s... well, you'll know in a few years. The teachers show no mercy. What did you want me for?"

"You said Dumbledore wouldn't give ordinary detentions, didn't you?" He asked, sitting down in front of him. He noticed this was an odd way to be seated in a library that had numerous tables and chairs.

"Well yes, was I wrong?" He turned to Perce.

"He made us write our understanding after reading an entire shelf of books in two weeks."

"Odd," said Hadner, frowning. "Probably he was pretty angry at the both of you," he said, with a small smile. Perce chuckled.

"Oh yes, that might be true," Perce said. He had a sad smile.

The final Quidditch match was to take place between Slytherin and Hufflepuff. Expectations were broken when Hufflepuff, notorious for ending last in the table, rose gracefully to the second place within a matter of six months. Least expected, however, was an event in the match between Hufflepuff and Gryffindor, where the Hufflepuff Seeker caught the snitch within ten minutes. Clearly visible after the match was the Gryffindor Seeker throwing his broom a few feet away just as he landed. This surprise retained its position in the daily buzz of conversation for nearly a week.

Robin Selwyn grandly began his commentary with a burst of light, the colour of green and yellow. It promptly disappeared a moment later when Professor McGonagall waved her wand and gave him a pleasantly vicious warning. Grinning sheepishly, he moved on to the updates of the match.

The air was soon bearing the fourteen Quidditch players. Perce raised his eyebrows as a Hufflepuff Chaser snatched the Quaffle. Bletchley could be seen with a baffled and enraged expression, and began screaming directions to his teammates. Perce knew intuitively that this was to be a very interesting match.

The first score was by Hufflepuff, leaving the Slytherins on the pitch and in the stands to stare in confusion, and the Hufflepuffs, along with the other two Houses, to cheer and shout for their team. Two, and next, three scores were made by Hufflepuff within the next twenty minutes. An enraged Carlson Bletchley approached Madam Hooch and called for a break. Perce had his eyebrows raised in surprise.

Subash was silent during the proceedings of the match, his lips parted.

"Interesting match, isn't it?" Perce asked, with a small smile.

With identical resigned looks, both Subash and Roger turned to him.

"There's nothing interesting about the match. Slytherin is being thrashed by Hufflepuff — Hufflepuff, out of all Houses!" Exclaimed the former.

"Bletchley will probably come back with a better plan. There isn't a doubt our folks were overconfident…" Said the other.

Perce sighed. There was nothing to say to them.

A few minutes elapsed before the green-clad team swarmed the pitch again. There was the screech of Madam Hooch's whistle and fourteen brooms rose into the air again, and the atmosphere was gripped with tension.

"Quaffle taken almost immediately by Greengrass — finally she announces that she's dating Abbott, I tell you I knew it —" Robin was heard saying. There was the sound of a smack and Professor McGonagall could be seen with a rolled copy of The Daily Prophet raised in the air, and an exclamation of surprise from Robin.

"Sorry Professor, sorry, I'm sorry — and SLYTHERIN SCORES!" He said, which was followed by a shriek from the stands of Slytherin. "Impressive," said Robin. "Bletchley turned the tables during that break!"

The Hufflepuff team gave a surprisingly tough competition. There wasn't time to breathe. Perce was getting involved in the game. The Quaffle was shuffling between the Chasers faster than anyone had seen before, and Professor McGonagall had to smack Robin another time for him to begin commentating, for he was staring with an open mouth.

"Oh yes, Professor, it's just that I was — err — baffled. See the look of determination on their faces! This is the best match I've seen since the time of the legendary Harry Beckerman!"

The silent crowd erupted into cheers at the mention of the name. Perce was quite confused.

Nevertheless, the match brought him back to the present — Slytherin scored just then. Hufflepuff scored twice. His two friends were torn between jumping with excitement and groaning with irritation. The atmosphere had an extremely high energy; it was filled with excitement and anticipation. The third consecutive score of Hufflepuff had brought an exclamation of annoyance from Perce, which went unnoticed. Roger and Subash were busy screaming their own suggestions to the team.

The Hufflepuff Captain, Myler Gordon, was indeed seen working tremendously hard throughout the year. Almost every alternate day had hosted a Hufflepuff team's practice. Tirelessly the team had worked, executing strategies, repeating moves, and, of course, being audience to many motivational lectures of their captain. Remarks of pity, and scoffs, had passed through the other Houses, but truly remarkable the expressions had been when Hufflepuff had won against Gryffindor in a matter of but ten minutes. Notable also was Hufflepuff's spectacular victory against Ravenclaw a few weeks previously. The students clad in yellow and black had been celebrating for a week post the matches.

And here, Perce thought, was an interesting game, with competition at its peak.

A sudden hush fell on the entire crowd.

A spot of green and silver, or so it seemed, dived at great speed, followed closely by another spot of yellow and black. Robin announced that both the Seekers had caught sight of the Golden Snitch, the game-changer. The scores on the board could be seen to be with little difference, Slytherin leading by one goal. Everyone froze for those few seconds. Perce rose from his seat, his mouth open.

Next to the Headmaster, a shining silver cup could be seen, waiting to be lifted by those of green or yellow, depending on the outcome of those few seconds.

Hadner Greyfall, the Slytherin Seeker, had an expression of agony, because the victory or defeat of the Slytherin House, and as a result the sustenance of their streak, now rested solely upon his shoulders.

Edward Pattinson (or rather, Eddie), the Hufflepuff Seeker, was closing in the gap, with a face of great anxiety. It was time for the payoff for all those annoying days of practice.

Pattinson swore loudly, beckoning his broom to move faster. For a fraction of a second, Hadner glanced sideways at the unexpected exclamation, and that sealed the fate of the game.

The much practiced hand of Eddie Pattinson zoomed through the air, his fingers closed around the little golden ball. Hadner Greyfall swore, as he pulled up along with his Hufflepuff counterpart, and the loudest cheers from three fourths of the school filled the stadium. Perce then realised that everyone, save the Slytherins, had been desiring the defeat of Slytherin, to break the green team's streak.

Perce was watching, with polite amusement, his two friends shouting in dejection and despair. He would have preferred Slytherin to win, of course, but he found their behaviour ridiculous. It was a game, and, he agreed, a very good one. He shook his head, looking at them. Then he saw Hadner, walking out, having abandoned his broom on the field. He felt a rush of pity and affection, and watching him then hurt more than seeing Slytherin lose. There were identical dejected and irritated expressions on all the seven players' faces.

On the other hand, Hufflepuff lifted the enormous silver Quidditch Cup, and was subject to screeching cheers from everyone else. Armando Dippet, alongside Albus Dumbledore, was smiling widely, and clapping politely. The Hufflepuff team was being hugged indiscriminately, and there were announcements of a party in the Hufflepuff common room. There were many 'ooh's when Victoria Parker, a Ravenclaw Prefect, marched up to Eddie Pattinson and kissed him in full view of the entire school. Amongst the grinning faces could be seen a few sour expressions of some Hufflepuff girls. Pattinson was clearly popular among the Hufflepuff students.

The Slytherins were leaving the stands slowly. The teams shook hands once again, with the Slytherin team grinding their teeth, maintaining a dignified pose. Carlson Bletchley ordered the his team to congregate in the changing rooms.

Perce was forced to entertain the same melancholy tone of his friends' voices throughout the journey back to the dungeons. Along with that was also some bitterness, behind which Perce could sense carefully hidden awe. The efforts the Hufflepuff team put in were worthy of great praise. Perce also knew that talk about this match wouldn't end at least for a month. And he sighed. The game was absorbing, interesting, caused the gush of adrenaline — but eventually, he thought, it was bound to get boring. He was the only one who thought so.

Their bickering painfully sent his mind to the memories of the silent library. He shook his head. With the two of them, who were still engrossed in their talk, he entered the common room.

'More of a melancholy atmosphere,' he thought. He took a deep breath and sat in one of the couches.

Time had, as it always does, passed. The sun was just rising on a fine summer morning. Hogwarts castle bathed in the gentle morning rays, which produced soft shadows at every crevice. Steadily, the fiery golden sun ascended the sky, showering the Hogwarts grounds with warmth of growing intensity. Just then, unceremoniously woken up was Perce, in the Slytherin boys dormitory.

"Wake up, wake up! Happy birthday!" Shouted Subash.

"Happy birthday, Perce!" Added Roger.

Perce squinted, sitting up. He looked at both their smiling faces, and grinned.

"Thank you," he said. "But how did you know?"

"We just do," said Subash a shade quickly. "Anyway, presents!"

A small part of the next hour was spent in unwrapping presents. Most of them were books, and Perce's eyes were twinkling as he unwrapped his third book, given by his father. His two friends grimaced, and gave deliberately strained smiles. After all, an eleven year old boy being excited over receiving books for his birthday was quite abnormal, according to Subash and most other humans.

There was a little gasp of surprise from Perce when he opened Subash's present — it was a hat of invisibility. Roger said that his present was nothing compared to the 'totally awesome' hat of invisibility. Nevertheless, Perce opened it, and was pleased to find a magical watch. Along with two hands like in any muggle watch, it had a small knob, which, as Roger explained, would allow the wearer to access a certain past event — derived from his or her memory. Perce, along with Subash, was incredibly amused, and he thanked them again. Slightly embarrassed, they waved it away, and pointed out that they should head for breakfast. The rest of the presents were reserved to be opened later.

The mood had lightened considerably since the time of the match. All the long faces had disappeared, though there still hung a general air of disappointment. Surprising, it was, the effect a single game could have for weeks at end. It had been awful the first few days after the match — every player wore an expression of depression. The Slytherin common room was duller than before. So much so, that Perce refused to stay in the common room for more than five minutes. But time has always changed things, and the House soon accepted the result of the match. By that particular Tuesday, everything was nearly back to normal.

It seemed that all the Slytherins knew of Perce's birthday, and nobody would tell him who told them. It annoyed him, but he thanked everyone who wished him a happy birthday. It seemed to be every Slytherin who did. During breakfast his hand was taken by Hadner first, then by Robin, who was followed by nearly all Slytherins, except Seventh years. Even Luke Jefferson walked over to their table to convey his wishes — and he was dexterously transferred back to his own table soon after, to prevent a flow of his speech. Perce never realised that he could ever get that well-known amongst students of his House. Just then his owl brought him a small but magnificent cake from home, made specially by Toby. It was shared with his eager friends, more due to the fact that he had no choice than any moral obligations.

The day was passing. Perce was returning to the Slytherin common room after a Charms lesson, when a hand pulled Perce aside.

Perce let out an ejaculation of surprise, and was ready to draw his wand — but it was Jake.

"For Merlin's sake, Jake —" he said, smiling, "You scared me. How are you? We haven't spoken in so long, you just disappear with Fawley after lessons —"

"I'm fine, don't worry," said Jake, with a small smile. "A very happy birthday to you, firstly."

"Well thank you, but surely that can't be the reason for pulling me aside this way. Is everything fine?"

"It's Drake. He isn't fine at all." And he looked around once, before plunging into his talk.

"He didn't do it, he says that every single day, and I — I believe him." He said quickly. Just as Perce was indignantly opening his mouth, he hastily added, "I'm not accusing you either. He might've mistaken someone else for you —"

"Conveniently."

"But you need to understand, Perce, that he hasn't had such a pleasant past, and he's — he's not as mature to understand stuff, and we can't blame him either... You've got to understand. But I'll just say — he didn't do it. I know. Trust me," he finished.

Before Perce could say anything else, he walked away, with an apologetic smile. Perce gave an exasperated sigh before walking into the common room.

"How are you now, Susane?"

"I'm fine, Subash. Well, a bit sad, like some others, but fine. What about you?"

"I'm not happy either. But, oh well," he sighed. "I guess we all knew it was coming."

"Well, we do have the feast to look forward to, if nothing else."

"Of course."

He smiled. The end of term had arrived faster than expected. The time had come for the painful parting from Hogwarts for the summer. And also the time for a break from classes — pleasant to all with an excepted few, who, doubtlessly, included Perce Jordan. Throughout the year the knowledge Perce had amassed exceeded, possibly, that of ten other first year Slytherin students put together. And he had gained the title of the most brilliant student of the year, showing magical ability that had perhaps been shown by an exceptional few first year pupils Hogwarts had ever seen. This was, at least, the general opinion of the Hogwarts staff who had taught him. Some magic he had performed had provoked talk in the staff rooms.

A chain of thoughts occupied Perce's mind. On one hand, of course, he would be meeting his father — he felt a spurt of anticipation in his chest, like any eleven year old boy when he thought about meeting his father.

Yet, there was Hogwarts — with magic in its very air. And the library, the storehouse of seemingly infinite knowledge. And all the professors, who were accomplished witches and wizards, and Albus Dumbledore, Perce's ideal. He would miss it all.

'Poor Charles,' Perce thought, 'who can't attend a school of magic.'

The feast was, needless to say, exuberance in itself. Subash and Susane walked in a little after the feast began. The decorations and banners clearly portrayed who had won the House Cup.

At the end, Professor Dippet announced, without allowing much speculation, that Slytherin had won. Hats rose in the air, to fly amongst the green and silver banners, and three-fourths of Hogwarts looked at the giant snake near the High Table in disgust. Slytherin House rejoiced, and with a higher amplitude of sound, resumed chattering. Perce, though not a participant of the screams, was delighted, and joined in clapping loudly. Finally, warnings were issued to everyone, asking it to be noted that magic was not to be performed outside of the school. Subash scowled and complained that it was unfair. Nobody paid heed to him.

Jake said a quick goodbye to Perce, promising to write. He then trotted away with Drake Fawley. Perce shook his head and sighed. Then, he remembered what Jake had said to him on his birthday. With a sudden decision he turned, and he narrated about the apparent innocence of Drake to Subash and Roger.

"It doesn't matter anymore, Perce," said Subash. "Drop it."

The matter seemed to be of least importance to Roger too. The conversation then slipped to that about the journey back home. They too, like Perce, seemed to be torn between a love for the school, and the excitement of going home and attending no classes or doing no assignments.

"We know that Perce loves the lessons, being the model student," mocked Roger, "So for him it's a lose-lose situation. He can neither be at Hogwarts nor attend classes."

"I'd rather not waste my energy stating the obvious, Roger," remarked Subash.

"Well, I'll just take that as a compliment..." Perce commented. Roger sighed.

The next morning, it was time to say farewell to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry for nearly two months to come. Everywhere, promises to write during the vacations were being made. Subash, too, said he would be a correspondent of Perce and Roger. Quite surprisingly Luke arrived to bid his farewell.

"Here comes your best friend," said Perce to Subash. The latter was slightly confused, but he saw Luke and understood the implication.

"Great year, wasn't it? I think so. I learnt loads. I don't think I'll ever be forgetting that Floating Charm — no, what was it called? The Levitating Charm, I think. It took me a week to learn properly. Oh, I enjoyed it alright. I'll miss the school. And I'll miss all of you, too. Here, greet Longleaf," he said.

Perce pleasantly greeted the cat, who was indifferent. Subash was staring daggers.

"I'll just say goodbye. People say I should shut up a bit. I think I'll do that. I'll just say goodbye to you. So, goodbye! There, now I'll see you later, then! Hope you have a great summer. I surely will, I tell you. I'm going to stay at my aunt's for two weeks, and she cooks just excellent. Well, you wouldn't know —"

"Bye. Now, go." Said Subash curtly. Luke opened his mouth again, but Longleaf escaped his clutches, and he muttered a hurried apology before rushing away.

"Bless that cat," said Subash.

Perce chuckled.

"He's cute."

Subash blanched and turned to stare at Perce.

"The cat, I mean. He's very cute," Perce hurriedly added.

Susane said her goodbye to them, and so did Jake — though only with a small smile. He had Drake by his side, who was looking very nervous. Perce noted that it was completely unlike himself. Nevertheless, everything else was driven out of his mind when he saw Professor Dumbledore smile at him and give a small nod. He grinned back.

They reached the Hogsmeade Station to board the Hogwarts Express. The scarlet engine could be seen distinctly, emitting large amounts of smoke.

It had been a wonderful year.

A/N I thank you, like always, for reading. Reviews, comments, votes are always appreciated. I read all the comments, it would be great to read your thoughts on this!

Also, Eddie Pattinson and Victoria Parker are two characters taken from another fanfiction, whose author is a great friend of mine. The link to that fanfiction is in my profile. It's name is "When Worlds Collide". Do go check that out, it's a fantastic work!