LAST DAY AT HOGWARTS
- We won't be able to move him by ourselves… - Hermione said. – Maybe we could try the reviving spell?
- Yeah, let's try. – Alex took her wand out and pointed at Ron. Before saying the spell, she looked at Hermione, who nodded at her. – Rennervate. – Ron started to open his eyes slowly.
- It worked! – cheered Hermione.
With Ron awake, even if he was dizzy, which he was, both girls were able to walk out of there dragging him. They arrived at the trap. Before climbing up, they made sure Fluffy was still asleep. Then, they helped each other climb out. As soon as they were out, they took Ron to the hospital wing, where Madam Pomfrey attended him. Lucky for them, she didn't ask any questions. When they made sure he was in good hands, they headed to the owlery to send the message to Dumbledore, like Harry had requested. Now, whatever it was, it was up to him. They couldn't do anything else, except wait. Hermione suggested they go back to their common rooms and get some rest. Alex agreed with her.
When the next morning arrived, both girls went to the hospital wing, where Ron was already awake and well, and Harry was sleeping, with a broken arm or so it seemed.
- I guess he made it! - Hermione said.
- I guess so… - Alex was relieved.
Madam Pomfrey told Ron he could leave the hospital, and she told the students that Harry was fine, he just needed some rest. Eventually, some other students heard the rumours about what had happened last night, and headed to the hospital wing to leave Harry candies and chocolates.
It was in the afternoon, when Alex, Hermione and Ron saw Harry walking out of the hospital wing. They were on a stairwell balcony talking, when they saw him, with his arm still bandaged.
- All right there, Ron?
- All right! You?
- All right. Hermione?
- Never better
- Alex?
- I'm reconsidering my current friendships… - she said with a grin on her face. They all laughed together.
Harry explained to them everything that happened. It was Quirrell and not Snape the one who wanted to steal the stone, and somehow, Harry managed to find it. He defeated Quirrell and Voldemort and then collapsed. He also told them what Dumbledore told him. The stone would be destroyed, but that wouldn't keep Voldemort from coming back.
And just like that, the last day of the year at Hogwarts arrived. Everyone was gathered at the great hall. Alex was sitting next to Draco, at the Slytherin table. There were green and silver banners with the Slytherin symbol above their heads, already indicating the house with the most points. Dumbledore gave a slight nod to professor McGonagall, who clinked her spoon to her glass, to ask attention from the students. The crowd fell silent. Dumbledore stood up.
- Another year, gone! And now, as I understand it, the house cup needs to be awarded and the points stand thus. In fourth place: Gryffindor, with 312 points! In third place: Hufflepuff, with 352 points! Second: Ravenclaw, with 410 points! And in first place, with 422 points: Slytherin house! - A loud roar rose from the Slytherin table, as students stood up and clapped for themselves. Hermione scowled with her hand to her cheek; Snape applauded the students of his house.
- Nice one, mate. - said Draco to Ron, making fun of him. Dumbledore kept on going with his speech.
- Yes, well done Slytherin, well done Slytherin. However, recent events must be taken into account and I have a few last-minute points to award. To Miss Alexa Black, for the knowledge of advanced spells in a critical moment: fifty points. - Alex smiled as everyone around cheered for her - To Miss Hermione Granger, for the cool use of intellect while others were in grave peril: fifty points! To Mister Ronald Weasley, for the best played game of chess that Hogwarts has seen these many years: fifty points! And to Mister Harry Potter, for pure love and outstanding courage, I award Gryffindor house: sixty points!
The Gryffindors cheered. Draco had a cringing look on his face, while Alex saw a proud, smiling professor McGonagall at the teacher's table. Hermione, who had done some quick maths, whispered to her fellow students, and the Slytherins heard.
- We're tied with Slytherin!
- And finally! - Professor Dumbledore continued - It takes a great deal of bravery to stand up to your enemies, but a great deal more to stand up to your friends. I award ten points to Neville Longbottom! Assuming that my calculations are correct, I believe that a change of decoration is in order!
He clapped his hands towards the Slytherin banners, where they flap heavily, until the banners changed completely to red and gold with the Gryffindor symbol.
- Gryffindor wins the House Cup!
Everyone at the great hall exploded with applause. For the first time in seven years, someone other than Slytherin won the House cup. Alex was happy for her friends. And after all, she had won fifty points for her house. And the difference was small. Next year the House cup would be theirs, she was convinced to make it happen. Draco, on the other hand, was grumpier than usual. All the students threw their hats in the air, while Draco threw his hat on the table in defeat.
- Hey! I promise you, next year, we'll win those cocky lions. - Alex whispered to him, which made him lightly smile.
- You better be serious.
- Cross my heart.
They were at the outdoor train station at Hogsmeade. Students were walking around, getting on the train. Alex said her goodbyes to all of her Gryffindor friends, and headed towards the waggon where Draco was waiting for her.
- Are you sure you don't want to travel back with your friends?
- I want to travel back with my best friend, and that's what I'm doing! - Draco smiled at her. Before going on the train, she waved goodbye to Hagrid, who waved back.
- So, ready to go back home with my parents?
- One can never be ready for that. But at least I learned a lot of spells to mess around with your dad. – she laughed.
- I'll brag with him about how you won so many points for Slytherin. Maybe that way he won't be that hard on you.
- I doubt that works but, thank you…For everything, really. - she looked him right in the eyes. - I don't think I would have made it through this year without you…with everything about my parents…
- You're welcome. I should be thanking you for putting up with me.
- Yeah, try not to be that mean next year, okay?
They laughed together as the train started to leave. Alex couldn't wait for next year.