Chapter 39: A Conclusion to the Year

It was summer. The days were long, hot and, appropriately for Britain, wet. After the events of early May, nothing much had happened of note to Harry. It was now the day before the first of June, and everyone, even the students, was obsessed with getting good marks in the all-important end-of-year exams.

Harry's first exam was due to happen that afternoon: Spell Creation. They had spent the morning revising with Professor Gabriel, who had stolidly refused to give away anything about what they were doing. His sly smile had caused everyone to think it was going to be ultra-difficult: in fact, for Harry at least, it was reasonably easy.

First thing on Tuesday they had Care of Magical Creatures. Again, Harry did well, far better than it previous tests. He fell apart slightly in Transfiguration that afternoon, but luckily did well on the theory.

Charms on Wednesday morning was a disaster. Harry had had his wand treated and its poor condition improved, but it played up and would not perform the spells Harry wanted. At least, he told himself, he managed to do some of the simpler ones.

Then there was Herbology. Once again, Harry did badly, though not nearly as bad as some other people. Rudolf, for one, nearly lost his sanity after eating Alihotsy. If it hadn't been for Professor Potts, he'd have been in hysterics for the rest of the exams, and would probably have been forced to leave the college.  

Curses went excellently. The exam took the form of a duelling tournament, like the lesson back in February. Harry won, beating all challengers. Then there was Concealment and Disguise. The students had to sneak past a dummy undetected. Harry was caught, but succeeded on his second attempt.

The final exam, on Friday morning, was Stealth and Tracking. Harry did well, managing to track down a fictional killer in the second fastest time. There was no exam as such in Physical Training, but the students did have to undergo a fitness test.

There was just one week of term left. It went by peacefully, broken only by the twice daily receiving of exam results. Harry was top in four subjects, second in three and third in two; out of the five students in the year, he was joint top overall, together with Rudolf.

The first three periods on Friday were taken up by sports. Quidditch, Swivenhodge, Battemarie, Withersball, Quodpot, racing: they did everything. Pegasus Equiner excelled, taking first place in nearly every event, and concluded with an announcement that he was planning to take up Withersball professionally.

There were yet more announcements in the final assembly and feast of term that afternoon. When everyone had finished eating, Professor Confessus stood up.

"I have a few – no, a lot – of things to say," he boomed. "Firstly, well done to everyone for an excellent year here at Andros."

Everyone clapped. The Headmaster continued: praising the teachers and the students one by one.

"Unfortunately," he continued. "Certain people are leaving. Our entire third-year, for instance. Goodbye to James Taylor, Pegusus Equiner and Alex Ramsbottom."

There was more cheering. "What about Sam?" hissed Ron in Harry's ear.

Professor Confessus had not left Sam Mesalla out on purpose. He had not decided to drop out, or failed his exams, and had become an Auror. An official ceremony would take place at the Ministry of Magic, but for now the Headmaster shook his hand and awarded him "something useful" in a box.

"Of course, some other students are leaving us for other reasons. They have decided they wish to take a career path other than the difficult one of the Auror. So can we also say goodbye to Hannah Brittain and Tessa Robinson."

Everyone clapped politely as Hannah and Tessa were also given smaller leaving presents.

"Thankyou, everyone. Now, we have the awarding of the personal points trophy. The winner gets to take the cup home, as our older students will know. I'm going to read out the scores in reverse order, starting with fourth place. Pegasus Equiner, with 414."

Pegasus stood up, and everyone clapped. He didn't receive a prize, but had still done very well.

"In third, Lyra Macmillan with 429."

Lyra did receive a prize. She went up to Professor Confessus, who awarded her with a bronze medal.

Harry realised that he had no idea how he was doing in his own personal points. He had gained fifty for his fight with Amarenox: would it be enough to get him first place?

"In second, Harry Potter with 453."

Harry couldn't help but feel disappointed, but collected his silver medal and shook hands with the teachers all the same. Second-place wasn't bad, especially for a first-year.

"And the winner – Sam Mesalla."

Sam stood up and came forward for the second time. The Headmaster gave him a gold medal and a large silver cup. He held it above his head, and everyone applauded.

So the year finished. The first-years climbed once again into Professor Confessus' car and they drove south to London. Hedwig sat on Harry's shoulder and nibbled his ear; the students talked: about their results, about what they were going to do over the holidays, about Quidditch …

It was all over to quickly. They seemed to have been driving for barely any time when they were climbing, out the car.

"Bye."

"See you."

"I'll try and write to you."

"Auf Wiedersehen."

"Going home, Harry?"

THE END OF THE FIRST INSTALLMENT

A/N: Finally. It's taken seven months, over forty thousand words and a lot of cups of orange juice, and I've done it. Completed. Finished.

And now I've got to start the sequel. Harry Potter and the Kingdom of the Mountain, that's what I'm going to call it, and hopefully I won't decide to change it halfway through this time. Look out for it. For all I know, the first chapter could be up in the next couple of hours. I was originally going to take a break, but I've taken such huge amounts of time off in Last Hope and am looking forward to getting started so much, I may as well do it now. Again, look out for it. If you've read this far another forty thousand won't hurt.

Thanks to everyone who's reviewed (nicely), at present or in the past. I hope you'll all continue to help me improve my work. Here's the list, and I'm sorry if I've missed anybody out: Ailene, Anonomyus, Astronut, B125, Cool Like Ice (Aurelle), dnd4ever, dramatic-dreamer, Dumbledore, Grim Seeker, kellyidol2000, Kitty McGonagall, kraeg101, LadyTigerJade, Makotochi, Ms. Padfoot, Zelda.

Oh, and the Ginny's baby thing. It's OK, I haven't forgotten it. It's another story really, but I needed to put it in here so that it all fits together when I come to write that story in three years time. Look out for that as well. :-)

Arrows' Biggest Fan.