The Potter Timeline
Chapter 19 - The End of a Magical Year
The two Seekers faced one another one hundred meters in the air, waiting.
As Harry stared at his Slytherin opponent, Terence Higgs, his thoughts raced back to the match with Hufflepuff and his then opponent Cedric Diggory. Recalling the tense but respectful melee between them, and Cedric's gentleman-like conduct, Harry nodded at Higgs. Higgs did not respond in kind. He threw Harry a fierce glare which had "I will crush you!" written all over it.
Harry smiled.
When the Golden Snitch appeared between them, the Slytherin Seeker shot after it with an even fiercer look.
Harry remained perfectly still.
Inspired by his new study method and by Cedric's behavior, Harry imagined his competition with the opposing team's Seeker as another way to defeat Voldemort and his minions. After all, his play-acting seemed to help him with his exams, why couldn't he do the same with Quidditch? At this thought, Harry recalled Dumbledore's words to him and Hermione in the Hall of Reflection.
"...some of the best weapons against dark wizards are not wands and magic, but rather...discretion and patience..."
Discretion and patience.
As Higgs followed the Snitch, he threw Harry a stunned look as he noticed the eleven-year-old did not move. That's exactly how Harry responded when he saw Cedric fail to move. Nevertheless, the black-haired Slytherin continued his descent after the prize. Realizing he couldn't delay much longer, Harry observed the flight path of the snake and hurtled into a corkscrew to the far right to catch Higgs and cut him off.
Getting hit in the head with a Bludger made Harry extra aware of his surroundings now. The young man kept an eye on Higgs and the Snitch while throwing a glance over a shoulder here and another there, always looking out for the Bludgers and ready to swerve or speed out of their paths if one came too close.
When the Snitch fired through a battle over the Quaffle between Angelina and Marcus Flint, Higgs had to veer out of his captain's way as the fluttering little orb went right between Flint's arms. On the other side, the Snitch leveled and hurtled toward the stands. Higgs grinned. The object was only three meters from his position, and he was closing fast. But before he knew what happened, a larger object came out of nowhere and dropped right between him and the Snitch.
It was Harry.
Pulling a maneuver similar to Cedric's, the boy had followed Terence and stayed just above him and out of sight until the precise moment. When that moment came, the eleven-year-old had his Nimbus drop like rock and take the space between the Seeker and Snitch.
"AARGH!" Higgs screamed in rage, throwing Harry a rather ugly look from behind.
Harry glanced back at him and smiled.
For the next several minutes, Higgs tried everything in his power to outmaneuver Harry. But every time he shifted in any direction, Harry moved with him, keeping the Seeker behind and the Snitch just in front. After the fifth failure to get past the Gryffindor in as many tries, Terence slapped the handle of his broom in frustration, yelling out once more.
In the meantime, Harry was getting closer to the golden ball. When it banked around the oval pitch and shot in a straight path from one end to the other, he willed his Nimbus to take on more speed. He was nearly to it.
10 meters, 5 meters, 3 meters...
The boy with the lightning-shaped scar let go with his right hand and stretched out to grab the Snitch and end the match, Higgs closely on his tail. Victory was now within reach. But in a moment frozen in time, Harry happened to glance to his right and saw a Bludger heading in their direction. But this time it wasn't heading for him, it was heading right at the Slytherin. Harry looked back.
"HIGGS!" he yelled, pointing at the deadly black ball flying at his opponent.
The Seeker ignored him, his face becoming fiercer as he tried to overtake Harry. Perhaps Higgs thought Harry was trying to distract him - the eleven-year-old couldn't be sure. Whatever the case, he seemed oblivious to impending disaster. In that frozen moment, Harry found himself in a dilemma.
He could grab the Snitch and win the match - for the Cup, for his team, for his House, for himself. But a player would get injured and possibly killed in the process - a player who had no idea what was heading for him. Harry knew what Higgs would do if their roles were reversed. But they weren't and the boy felt tremendous responsibility with the knowledge he had in that brief moment. It took him only a fraction of a second to make his decision, however.
The boy regrasped his broom.
The Bludger was almost to Higgs.
Gauging the ball's distance, Harry waited for the right moment, shifted right, and...willed the Nimbus to drop back. Higgs was stunned to find Harry suddenly beside him, but he was even more stunned when he finally saw the Bludger.
Harry braced for impact.
WHAM!
The ball hit him in the side and took his breath away. The force of the impact knocked him right into Higgs, though both Seekers were able to hang on to their brooms. The pain was intense, and Harry had difficulty breathing - he was sure the Bludger had cracked or even broken a few ribs. He winced and gazed at Terence who had a shocked look on his face. The kid couldn't believe that Harry Potter, his opponent and the sworn enemy of every Slytherin at Hogwarts, had just taken a hit...for him!
"...we're not exactly sure what just happened, but it appears Harry Potter has been hit by a Bludger...again!"
Stunned gasps went up from the spectators as Lee Jordan's words echoed across the pitch. Chasers, Beaters, and Keepers on both sides immediately froze and stared at the two Seekers still side by side, the Snitch only a few meters ahead. Every eye in the stadium was now on Harry and Terence. Madam Hooch and Professor Snape, already mounted on their broomsticks, each pulled their wands and moved toward the Seekers.
But for Harry, the match was over. He tried breathing slowly to minimize the pain, but with each breath, a fierce ache would shoot across his chest. Looking at the pitch floor, the only thing he wanted to do was get to the ground and lay down. Struggling to remain conscious, Harry expected Higgs to advance and take the Snitch - this time, Slytherin would win legally. Harry's Nimbus started to slow, and he was about to fall back. But suddenly, a hand reached over and grabbed the handle of Harry's broom. Harry looked to his left and was stunned to see Higgs holding onto the Nimbus, his eyes communicating puzzlement and yet...respect. Terence looked ahead. Harry followed his gaze. The prize was only three meters off. The Slytherin Seeker lowered himself, still holding Harry's broom, and helped pull him toward the Snitch.
Harry was astonished.
When the gold ball was only a couple of feet away, Harry again looked at Higgs. The young man nodded at Harry, just the way Harry nodded at him near the beginning. Realizing what he was implying, Harry let go of the Nimbus with his right hand, intense pain shooting through him as he did. Then, Higgs let go of the Nimbus and fell away. Still in disbelief, Harry reached out and...grabbed the Snitch.
The match was over.
By the strangest of events, Gryffindor had won.
An explosion of cheers erupted from the stands as though Gryffindor had won the Quidditch World Cup instead of the Hogwarts Cup. But Harry didn't feel like cheering - his side was hurting badly, and his breathing was erratic. Not paying any attention to the flurry of activity around him, he flew to the pitch floor. When his Nimbus was only a couple of feet from the grass, Harry bowled over and fell off. Hitting the ground, a shock of incredible pain coursed through his body, and he blacked out...
~HP~
He awoke to the familiar smell of the hospital wing, opening his eyes and staring up at the ceiling. Recalling what happened during the match, Harry reached up with his left hand and felt bandages wrapped around his chest. But then he felt his right hand wrapped in something else. Looking over, the boy smiled. Hermione was sitting in a chair next to the bed, holding his hand while talking to someone.
Harry squeezed her hand and the girl spun to face him wide-eyed.
"Harry!" she uttered, now adding her other hand to his and staring down at him with a teary-eyed face full of worry. Harry noticed several dozen others standing around the bed, but he couldn't see them clearly without his glasses.
"Hi," he said to the girl with fluffy brown hair.
"Hi," she replied brokenly.
"Well...here we are again," he muttered with a smile.
Hermione chuckled in relief.
"Yes! Because you keep doing stupid things!" she complained before her eyes softened at him, "stupid...but very brave things."
Harry chuckled. He sat up and was surprised to find only a dull ache in his side. Hermione handed him his glasses and after putting them on, he looked at the crowd of people gathered around his bedside.
The Gryffindor Quidditch team stood at the end. Behind and around them were Harry's House mates: Seamus, Neville, and Dean, along with the Patil twins. Other students from Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw stood behind, including Ron Weasley and his buddies. Towering behind them all was the big form of Hagrid. Professor McGonagall was on the opposite side of the bed from Hermione and Madam Pomfrey appeared as it became clear Harry was awake.
"How are you feeling there, Seeker?" Wood asked with a smirk.
Harry smiled at him.
"Not bad. I actually expected to feel worse. That Bludger really hurt."
Everyone looked at the nurse.
"I kept you under, Harry, and administered some Skele-Gro along with a healing spell," Pomfrey told him, "you tossed and turned last night, but your ribs should be mended by now."
"Thank you...madam," Harry said before turning back to his team.
"So...we won," he said somewhat somberly.
Wood nodded.
"Yes, Harry, we did."
"Great job there, Harry!" Fred threw in.
"Yes, were all proud of you, as always!" Katie told him.
The boy grimaced and shrugged.
"It just doesn't feel like we won, I guess."
"Maybe not," Angelina stated, "but Higgs told us what happened."
"Yeah," George added, "he said you were just about to grab the Snitch before you saw the Bludger heading for him. Technically, it was all you!"
Harry nodded. Hermione squeezed his hand and Harry threw her a smile. Professor McGonagall placed a hand on Harry's shoulder.
"Young man, in all my years as not only a teacher at Hogwarts, but also as a student and a Quidditch player for a brief time, I've never witnessed something so selfless and noble as what you did out there. Whether Gryffindor won or not, you have gained the respect and admiration of your teachers and fellow pupils. We're all simply astonished. Well done, Harry. Well done."
Everyone present nodded while gazing at the embarrassed boy and nearly all were teary-eyed, none more so than the stern professor in the emerald-green robes.
"And no one's more astonished than the Slytherins, Harry. You wouldn't believe how shocked they are right now," Ron Weasley uttered while stepping forward.
"Yeah, I've never seen such stunned looks on those snakes before!" Dean mentioned.
"Me neither!" Seamus added.
"Some of them are already wearing those 'Potter for President' badges again," Hermione told him.
"Really?" he asked with a sour look.
"Yes," Parvati threw in, "but instead of you getting hit in the head with a Bludger over and over, you're holding up the Snitch and knocking a Bludger away with your other hand."
"Wow," the boy uttered wide-eyed.
"Yes, young man, well done," Madam Pomfrey now intoned, "but you need a little more rest. Remaining here in the ward today should do the trick."
"I'll be able to attend the feast tonight, won't I?" he asked the woman.
She gave him a firm smile.
"I think so. But for today, rest. You don't need any excitement."
"Yes, ma'am."
Pomfrey went off to attend another sick student. McGonagall gave the boy a motherly expression.
"Yes, Harry. Mind Madam Pomfrey and rest. Everyone's expecting you to show tonight and I know you don't want to miss out. We'll all see you in the Great Hall later."
Harry nodded at her.
At this, the professor motioned for everyone to leave. The well-wishers waved, smiled, or gave the boy a few words of encouragement.
"Good job, Harry!"
"See you tonight, Harry!"
"We're proud of you!"
Once everyone had departed, the only two left were Hermione and Hagrid. The giant, with watery eyes stepped over to Harry's bed.
"Glad teh see yer okay there, Harry," he told the boy with solemn expression.
"Thanks, Hagrid," he replied with a grin.
"An' what I heard you did out there on that pitch, I tell yeh, makes ol' Hagrid prouder than a mother hen. None o' them Slytherins would have done the same fer you, mind yeh. But you showed them and everyone what's in that heart o' yers - somethin' good and right. Yer parents would be mighty proud."
Harry's cheeks turned pink, and Hermione squeezed his hand again, giving him a glowing look.
"Thanks. I'm glad to know that," he said, thinking again about the image of his mother singing to him. He continued.
"So...you weren't at the match yourself?"
Hagrid leaned in toward the first-years and threw Madam Pomfrey a quick glance to make sure she couldn't hear him.
"No, Harry," Hagrid spoke quietly, "sorry 'bout that. Norbert was makin' a lot o' trouble an' I was tryin' to keep him under control while waitin' fer the twins to show up later."
"So, the three of you saw him off successfully?" Hermione asked in a whisper.
Hagrid nodded.
"Yep, thanks teh them an' you two. Yer potion worked great there, Hermione - little Norbert slept like a baby while we carried him to the glen in the forest. That's where Charlie's friends met us a bit after midnight last night. I'm glad Norbert's gonna have a proper home now, but...I do miss the little bugger."
The giant wiped his eyes. Harry and Hermione exchanged amused looks. Hagrid straightened up and took on a more serious look.
"Well, I better be off. Need teh fix me hut back. It's a right mess cause of Norbert, as you can imagine. And maybe I can finally get Fang out from under the bed. He's been hidin' under there for three days straight, the big scaredy cat."
The first-years chuckled.
"Alright, Hagrid. We'll see you at the feast tonight," Harry said.
"Right there, Harry, Hermione. See you two then," he replied. With a big smile, the gamekeeper lumbered out of the hospital wing.
Harry and Hermione looked at one another.
"I'm sure you're anxious to start packing, but will you stay with me for a little while?" Harry asked.
Hermione's face brightened.
"Of course! In fact," she started while reaching down into her satchel by the chair, "I brought a book with me."
She held it up. It was Oddlum's Oddities of the Wizarding World. They both laughed, though Harry realized he had to be careful not to make his side hurt too much.
"Great," Harry uttered with a grin, "will you read it out loud, like last time?"
"Sure," the girl said with a smile while cracking the book open, "now, where did we leave off?..."
~HP~
Harry and Hermione left the hospital wing late that afternoon. After packing most of his belongings in his trunk, ready to head out in the morning, Harry went down to the common room where he and Hermione left with nearly all their Gryffindor House mates for the Great Hall. Along the way, the cheery lot laughed at Fred and George's jokes and talked about the match with Slytherin.
As they encountered fellow pupils from Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw in the main corridor, Harry received numerous smiles and accolades for his brave, selfless act on the Quidditch pitch. The boy had never received so much attention from his fellow students since arriving at the school. It was overwhelming and the kid didn't think he could blush any harder. Now, the Boy Who Lived would be famous at Hogwarts for more than just his scar, it seemed.
When everyone arrived in the Hall, the Gryffindors, Hufflepuffs, and Ravenclaws were stunned. Banners and flags along the walls were colored green and silver. An enormous banner behind the High Table displayed the badge of Slytherin House with its silvery serpent. It had been rumored that Slytherin earned enough House points during Second Term to actually overtake the other three and win the House Cup, for the seventh year in a row, apparently.
From what was said, a big meeting of the snakes had been held at start of term after their disappointing loss of points at Christmas. Snape apparently scathed his House and warned them they better get their act together or face total humiliation. His stern words clearly got through as the Slytherins suddenly became a beacon of good behavior, both socially and academically. Nearly all of them set to work improving their poor lot among the Houses and avoided confrontation with the lions, badgers, and eagles as much as possible. A few exceptions to this by students like Draco Malfoy still occurred, but for the most part, Slytherin House seemed to change overnight. It was also rumored, however, that Professor Snape had been extra generous to the snakes and gave away points liberally for even the most trivial of acts.
But despite this unfortunate turn of events, the Great Hall was abuzz with conversation and good cheer. Students were thrilled the school year was at an end. The staff at the High Table were also in good spirits. Nearly all were seated just as they were during the start-of-first-term banquet, minus Professor Quirrell, of course. When Harry and Hermione looked at the empty seat where the professor once sat, a pall of sadness came over them. Despite the horrifying encounter they had gone through with the man and his evil master, his absence seemed very sorrowful. But the sorrow wouldn't last.
Hogwarts ghosts entered the Hall en masse and immediately began cheering the students. Sir Nicholas wound his way among the Gryffindors wishing them all a grand holiday. Peeves teased students here and there, but nothing so mischievous as to be annoying. The Fat Friar laughed and joked at the Hufflepuff table and even the Bloody Baron seemed in a better mood than usual. But soon, the banquet began proper.
There was the clinging of a glass at the High Table and silence fell across the Hall as everyone now gazed at the headmaster. Dumbledore rose from his seat and threw a sweeping gaze at the students.
"Alas, another year of school has come and gone!" he uttered.
The four tables clapped and cheered. After letting them celebrate a few moments, the man finally raised his hand, and they went silent.
"Before we begin our final feast, a few announcements are in order. First, exam results will be posted in the main corridor tomorrow morning for your perusal. Please take note of them before leaving the castle. All seventh years who are graduating will receive their diplomas from Professor McGonagall and myself as we will be on hand. Do not fail to see us on your way out. We wish to congratulate you and also wish to congratulate those of your fellow pupils who will be returning Fall term. Next, will the Gryffindor Quidditch team please step forward. Professor McGonagall?"
At this, the woman in green robes stood and moved around the High Table. Harry rose and felt his heart thumping. Before he moved to join his teammates, Hermione grabbed his hand and squeezed it, giving him a comforting smile. He beamed back at her. He then walked to the front and stood with Angelina, Katie, Alicia, Fred, George, and Oliver. Angelina placed an arm around Harry's shoulders. Professor McGonagall looked very proud and smiled at her team while reaching for something behind her.
"Oliver Wood, as captain for the Gryffindor Quidditch team, I hereby present you with the Hogwarts Quidditch trophy. Congratulations to you and your team for winning the 1991-1992 Season Cup!"
She then handed the large trophy to Oliver who stood red-faced while holding it up. The Hall erupted in cheers from all but the Slytherin table. The lions were ecstatic. After several moments of applause, the team left the front and took their seats. McGonagall took hers and Professor Dumbledore rose once more.
"Yes, congratulations Gryffindor. Well done. Now, I'm sure you're all eager to hear the final tally of House points. As you can see by the decorations in the Hall, a certain House is in the lead presently. Professor Flitwick?"
The little man rose and with a flick of his wand, the same large banner unfurled along the East wall just like it did at Christmas. The names of the Houses were emblazoned across the top and their respective House points from the Christmas banquet were still shown below.
"Since our Christmas break, we've had a few significant developments and the final tally is as follows. In last place, Hufflepuff has 273 points..."
Hufflepuff's number changed from 93 to 273.
"...In third, Ravenclaw has 390 points..."
Ravenclaw's changed as well.
"...In second, Gryffindor holds 414 points. And finally, in first place, Slytherin leads with 465 points."
The snakes burst into tremendous cheers and shouts, many of them jumping up and down in triumph. Professor Snape seemed pleased while gazing at his House from the High Table. But the eagles, badgers, and lions were silent with glum faces expressing disappointment.
"Yes, Slytherin House, well done," Dumbledore told them, "you are to be commended, overcoming your deficit from Christmas break with such amazingly good comportment and camaraderie. However, before I officially announce the winner of the House Cup, there is one recent event of which you all are aware and about which I wish to make a few comments."
To everyone's surprise, the headmaster left the High Table and walked to the open space in front of it. Hands clasped behind his back, he gazed at the pupils for several moments in silence. Everyone held the old wizard with rapt attention. He then continued.
"Loyalty to one's House and one's fellow House mates is an honorable thing. Many of you from each House have displayed this loyalty over the course of the past year and demonstrated your willingness to defend your friends and House mates when the occasion arose. Such behavior is expected. But when a person goes beyond House lines, even friendly lines, and is willing to not only help but to lay down their very life for someone who might be considered their sworn enemy, such behavior demonstrates the highest and noblest aspirations of humankind. It demonstrates a selfless kind of love that places others before oneself with or without regard for the consequences. And it is this kind of selflessness that we at Hogwarts not only wish to recognize, but also would commend each and every one of you to follow by example. I refer, as you know, to the astonishing events of the final Quidditch match."
At this, nearly every eye fell on Harry. The really red-faced boy gulped, and his heart hammered. The wizard continued.
"For magnanimous recognition of his peer's regard for his life and the willingness to concede defeat in the face of it, I hereby award 30 points to Mr. Terence Higgs of Slytherin."
Stunned silence followed as every eye shifted to the snake's Seeker. The kid himself was shocked and wide-eyed. After processing this information, the Slytherin table finally exploded. Snape's House was now at an astonishing 495 points, the most the House had ever earned since it was founded. Several from the other three Houses clapped and applauded the Seeker too, recognizing what he'd done. Harry was among them. After nearly a minute of loud whoops from the snakes, Dumbledore held his hand up for silence.
"As for Mr. Higg's peer and Quidditch opponent, I need not say a whole lot more than what has already been said and no doubt what all of us here have been thinking since the match ended. But I will say this: for exceptional bravery and putting yourself in harm's way not for a House mate nor even for a friend, though hopefully through these events that may change, I award...100 points to Mr. Harry Potter of Gryffindor."
The windows inside the Great Hall nearly cracked, the explosion of cheers was so loud. Every last student from Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, and Ravenclaw stood and clapped at Harry along with every staff member at the High Table, Professor Snape included. And to everyone's astonishment, three-quarters of Slytherin stood and clapped as well, all gazing at the Boy Who Lived with a respectful, even admiring look. The few exceptions to this included Malfoy and his gang, though Crabbe briefly stood to applaud Harry and was quickly shut down by a severe glare from Draco.
Harry was more gobsmacked and overwhelmed than he'd ever been in his young life. Not only red-faced, but with tears flowing down his cheeks, the boy could not believe the amount of applause and goodwill expressed toward him. Hermione, tears flowing down her own cheeks, embraced him tightly, sniffling in his ear. This moment was incredible. It was overwhelmingly incredible. And of all the crazy things that had happened during his first year at Hogwarts, this moment topped them all. He was simply beside himself.
The cheers and shouts continued for a solid two minutes, it seemed, Professor Dumbledore himself clapping and smiling at the boy teary-eyed. Harry glanced at Terence Higgs. The Seeker, clapping for him, gave him that respectful nod again to which Harry responded in kind. Harry then saw Cedric Diggory at the Hufflepuff table, and the pair exchanged the same nods. After the noise died down and everyone took their seats, they all gazed back at Professor Dumbledore. Many throughout the Great Hall were wiping their eyes as they waited breathlessly for the next words out of the headmaster's mouth.
"If I am not mistaken," he started while gazing up at the House banner just as Gryffindor's number changed to 514 points, "Gryffindor just beat the record for number of House points earned in a single year. The previous record of 498 points was held by Ravenclaw from the year nineteen hundred and one. But regardless, I believe a change in decoration is needed."
The man clapped twice, and the banners and flags switched from green and silver to maroon and yellow. The large banner behind the High Table also changed as the roaring lion of Gryffindor overtook the silver snake. More cheers and shouts went up from everyone. The headmaster moved back to his seat at the table and after giving the students a stern gaze, the Hall went silent once more.
"And now, before we dive into our magnificent meal, I have a few words to say..."
Harry chuckled, wondering what oddball words the old man would utter this time. But he was surprised when the answer came.
"...let the feast begin!"
At this, more food than any student at Hogwarts could fathom appeared on the tables and the cheery feast truly did begin.
~HP~
An enormous party was held in the Gryffindor common room after the banquet. Fred and George hosted of course, and the pair provided not only a mountain of treats from Honeydukes, but they also managed to provide several kegs of Butterbeer courtesy of The Three Broomsticks. No one asked how the twins accomplished this, as the Weasley family wasn't known for its wealth. However, word got around quickly that the twins were aided by a secret benefactor who wished to remain anonymous. Speculation as to whether it was one of the professors or even the headmaster himself was one of many conversations held by the students in attendance. Professors McGonagall, Flitwick, and Sprout made a brief appearance as well as Hagrid. Even students from other Houses attended as all were invited to celebrate not only end-of-term, but also Harry's accomplishments for Gryffindor.
After uttering the umpteenth "thank you", Harry sat down with Hermione on a bench near the back and they observed the party together quietly. Everyone was enjoying themselves and merrymaking, something Harry was glad to see. But he was so knackered from the day's events, and all the congratulations he'd received, that he was ready to head to his dorm and go to bed...for the very last time before break.
The boy looked at Hermione with tired eyes and smiled. She smiled back. He then resumed watching the party for a few moments more.
"Harry," Hermione said.
He looked at the girl next to him and found her gazing back with those pretty doe eyes of hers.
"Yes?" he asked. Hermione's face now changed to nervous uncertainty, and he was curious what she was thinking. But it only took a second for her to respond.
"Will you...take me for one last ride...on your broom?" she asked meekly.
Harry's eyes went wide in astonishment.
"Really?" he asked. The girl nodded at him. Harry chuckled.
"Okay. I'll go get it," he told her. The girl smiled at him.
After retrieving his Nimbus, the pair snuck out of the common room with its noisy party, no one even noticing them leave. They headed up several flights of stairs and opened the final hatch, walking out onto the stone floor at the top of the Astronomy Tower.
It was a beautiful, clear Spring night. A full moon illuminated the castle and its grounds in a bluish-white hue and only a few clouds passed overhead. The breeze that blew across the tower was slightly cool, but much warmer than the gusts they remembered from their first Astronomy classes back in winter. Harry readied the broom and mounted it slightly ahead of where he normally sat. Hermione then got on behind him, carefully wrapping her arms around his waist instead of his chest.
"Ready?" he asked while turning his head back.
"Yes," she stated timidly. Harry smiled.
Being cognizant of the girl's fear of heights, he raised the Nimbus and gently flew over the parapet at a slow pace. But immediately, he felt her tighten her grip around his waist, though it wasn't so tight he couldn't breathe. He then slowly descended to a lower height and began a nighttime sweep of the landscape surrounding the castle.
After flying over the large grassy plot on the Southern end, they viewed Hagrid's hut at the edge of the Forbidden Forest. A warm light was on in the giant's house and smoke bellowed out from the chimney peacefully. The forest itself was dark and silent, though with the glow of the moon across its treetops, it didn't seem so foreboding. The pair saw the Whomping Willow, as they recently discovered it was called, as well as the evergreen forest and pine forest on the northern and western sides of the old castle. Finally, the black lake came into view and flying over it gave the pair a great perspective back on the old castle. Its windows and doorways were lit brilliantly, giving it that mystical quality Harry recalled from his first time seeing it at the beginning of previous term.
But as Harry enjoyed this nighttime tour of the school grounds, Hermione was mysteriously silent. As she held onto him, he could tell she had laid her head on his shoulder as though she felt safe and comfortable. Harry had the sneaking suspicion then that the fluffy-haired girl's desire to fly wasn't about the thrill of flight or about seeing Hogwarts grounds. She apparently wanted to spend her final night of term...just being with him.
The boy smiled.
~HP~
"They're up! They're up!" a shout came from a fifth-year Ravenclaw boy standing at the entrance to the Great Hall. Every student from every House gazed up at the boy from their breakfast and then gawked at one another wide-eyed.
Their exam results had been posted!
A mad dash ensued as all the pupils hurried away from their breakfast plates and bowls through the entranceway back into the main corridor. When the Gryffindor first-years arrived nearly last inside the hall, they stared at 400 parchments magically posted against the longest wall. Students flittered around like busy bees trying to find theirs.
The parchments were separated first by House, then by year. After scouring the Gryffindor section, Harry, Hermione, Dean, Neville, Seamus, Parvati, Padma, and Lavender all made their way to the end: the first-year results. The eight began perusing the parchments which were posted alphabetically by last name.
On each, the student's name and their classes were listed followed by a grade. Regular, final exam grading had only three designations: 'O' for Outstanding, 'A' for Acceptable, and 'F' for Failed. The first-years had been puzzled to hear the more advanced students refer to final exam result parchments mockingly as their "OAFs" and now they knew why.
Harry and Hermione saw their respective parchments and glanced at one another nervously. Harry then drew up courage and gazed at his.
STUDENT: Harry James Potter
HOUSE: Gryffindor
CURRENT LEVEL: Year 1
Basic Transfiguration...(O)
Introduction to Potions...(A)
Basic Charms...(O)
Introduction to Herbology...(A)
History of Magic...(A)
Defence Against the Dark Arts...(O)*
Basic Astronomy...(A)
RECOMMENDATION: Advance to Second Year
When Harry read the final line, the boy grinned from ear to ear.
He did it! He passed all his classes!
He then looked eagerly at Hermione and by the bright expression on her face, knew she had done well. He glanced at her parchment.
STUDENT: Hermione Jean Granger
HOUSE: Gryffindor
CURRENT LEVEL: Year 1
Basic Transfiguration...(O)
Introduction to Potions...(O)
Basic Charms...(O)
Introduction to Herbology...(O)
History of Magic...(O)
Defence Against the Dark Arts...(O)*
Basic Astronomy...(O)
RECOMMENDATION: Advance to Second Year
Harry beamed at the girl, and she beamed back. She then leaned in closer to him.
"Harry, did you notice the star next to our DADA grades?"
Harry screwed up his eyes at it.
"Yes, I was wondering what it was."
Then, Hermione's eyes went wide, and she pointed at the bottom of their parchments.
"Look!"
Harry stared at a single sentence in neat handwriting next to an identical star.
*Advanced Honors for Exceptional Performance
They gawked at one another and then Harry's face lit up. He recognized the same handwriting from the note attached to his invisibility cloak at Christmas! He turned to the girl.
"The handwriting is Professor Dumbledore's, Hermione. And I think he's sending us a message."
They both stared at their parchments once more, the words of the headmaster returning to them after their ordeal in the Hall of Reflection.
"...if you are able to face terrible things with courage and the right mindset, such experiences can help you grow strong and wise. They can make you a better person...and despite a few missteps and rashness on your part, I am very proud of you both..."
Lost in thought for several moments over this, the pair were suddenly set upon by their fellow Gryffindor first-years, all of whom had passed their classes like Harry and Hermione. The little group then cheerily returned to the Great Hall to finish their final breakfast of term.
~HP~
The castle became a flurry of activity as students finished packing and saying goodbye to their professors and each other. After locking his trunk and making sure Hedwig was secure in her cage, Harry was astonished to see them both suddenly disappear right before his eyes. But then he expected to see them already deposited at Hogsmeade Station.
Harry, Hermione and their fellow first-years met Hagrid in the grand entranceway to the castle where they had first entered its domain over nine months prior. From there, the giant led them back down the rock corridor where they boarded the little boats that would send them back across the Black Lake and back to Hogsmeade. Harry sat right next to Hermione and opposite them was Dean, Seamus, and Neville. The kids all gazed up at the fading sight of the venerable school one last time before exiting the boats and heading to the station.
The five managed to secure a compartment to themselves and helped lug each of their trunks and belongings inside. Harry sat next to Hermione on one side of the compartment, with Hedwig next to the girl, and the three Gryffindor boys sat together on the opposite side. The Hogwarts Express soon got underway, and they were heading back to London.
The five kids had a great time talking and laughing about their adventures at Hogwarts and the many crazy and humorous events that had occurred their first year. Then, Harry broke out the knights and dragons board game for them to play. Hermione joined in and wound up winning...to the boys' chagrin. After, when the old lady came around with her trolley, Harry spent what Sickles and Knuts he had left, buying them all treats.
As the journey continued on, Harry and Hermione became silent and simply listened to Dean, Seamus, and Neville go on about various muggle things they looked forward to once arriving home: playing football, going to a movie, playing video games, etc. Harry looked at Hermione. She returned the gaze and smiled. He smiled back while taking her hand in his. The girl blushed and threw him those doe eyes once more. She then leaned her head on his shoulder, and he rested his head on hers, simply enjoying the moment. Harry thought back to his first ride on the Express to Hogwarts and how lonely he felt. What a contrast now! His dream of making friends, indeed "family", at Hogwarts had come true and he couldn't be happier.
As the British countryside began to fade and the city began making an appearance outside the window, it dawned on the two that their magical journey was coming to an end. Harry heard sniffling and looked at Hermione. She was gazing out the window and wiping tears from her eyes.
"What's wrong?" he asked.
She sniffled once more.
"It's almost over," she said brokenly. The boy smiled at her and wrapped his arm around her shoulders, the girl wrapping hers around his waist. But mere minutes later, the horn from the engine sounded - Platform 9 3/4 was just ahead.
The five got up and began getting their luggage ready just as the train came to a stop inside the station.
"We can share trolleys if there aren't enough for each of us," Dean stated while gazing out the window. At this, Harry thought of something.
"Perhaps that nice man who helped me load my things is nearby. Maybe he can help," he uttered while staring into the crowd of parents and siblings eagerly awaiting their family members from the train.
"What man?" Hermione asked while gazing into the crowd herself.
"The 9 3/4 station attendant," Harry replied.
"Is that him there?" Neville asked while pointing at a man standing next to the barrier. Harry looked and saw an attendant wearing the scarlet-colored uniform, but he was smaller, older, and had white hair sticking out from under his cap.
"No, this one was younger. I met him in the muggle section first, actually. He was wearing the blue uniform in there and was the person who helped me through the barrier. Maybe that's where he is now."
Dean and Seamus threw puzzled looks at one another.
"Harry," Dean said, "there aren't any wizard attendants in the muggle section of Kings Cross. It's too conspicuous."
"Yeah, Harry, an uncle of mine used to work as an attendant for 9 3/4," Seamus threw in, "they're actually forbidden by the ministry to cross back and forth."
"Really?" Harry wondered with a furrowed brow, "then who was it that helped me through the barrier?"
The four Gryffindors all shrugged their shoulders and resumed getting their belongings together. Harry shrugged his own shoulders and joined them.
The five kids found themselves among the busy crowd on the platform. Harry and Seamus managed to secure three trolleys and they all piled their things on. Harry and Hermione were then introduced to Dean's parents, Seamus' mum, and Neville's gran. They then headed for the barrier into the muggle section of Kings Cross. The red-uniformed, 9 3/4 station attendant, who was in a foul mood, yelled and fussed while trying to get the students and their family members through the barrier in an orderly fashion. But eventually, everyone departed the magical platform and found themselves between platforms 9 and 10 on the other side.
Harry and Hermione said goodbye to their House mates and the two remained on the platform alone. Muggles whizzed past them going here and there while trying to catch various trains. Harry glanced around to see if the mysterious station attendant was somewhere nearby. But he never saw him.
As Hermione waited for her parents and Harry waited for Uncle Vernon, the pair stood and stared at one another. Both their faces expressed sadness - soon they would be separated for two solid months. Hermione became teary-eyed again, though she managed to smile at Harry. The boy, now fully realizing how much he would miss his best friend, felt teary-eyed himself. But then, he noticed two adults moving in their direction while gazing at the girl with the fluffy brown hair.
"Are those your parents?"
The girl spun around and glanced at the man and woman. She then quickly turned back to Harry.
"Yes..." she managed to eke out.
"I'm really going to miss you!" she uttered brokenly.
"I'm going to miss you too," he replied feeling a lump in his throat, "but...it's only a few months and we'll see each other again."
"I know, but it's still so long."
Silence came over them for a moment, then Harry spoke up.
"Well, write to me as often as you can. Tell me all about your vacation. I'll probably be stuck in the cupboard all summer and reading your letters will make me feel like I'm there with you."
"Okay," Hermione replied sadly, "you'll write to me too, won't you?"
"Of course."
The girl now leapt at Harry and threw her arms around him tightly. The boy smiled and embraced her as well, enjoying these final moments.
The man and woman stopped and stared at the two kids, threw each other a smile, and then glanced back at their daughter. Harry smiled at them and tried to release the girl.
"Your parents are here. You can let go now."
But her embrace tightened even more, and she buried her face in his neck.
"I don't want to," she muttered brokenly. Harry laughed. The girl then let go and stood back from him, laughing herself as tears fell down her cheeks. She turned and ran to her father.
"Hello, sweetheart," the man said while giving his daughter a warm hug. Hermione then did the same with her mother. Mr. Granger looked at the boy with the notable scar.
"You must be Harry," he said pleasantly.
"Yes, sir. Nice to meet you, Mr. Granger, Mrs. Granger," he responded.
"Nice to meet you too, Harry," Hermione's mother replied with a kind smile, "Hermione's told us all about you. You're the one who gave her those nice gifts at Christmas."
Harry nodded with pink cheeks and Hermione beamed at him with doe eyes again.
"Well, perhaps we'll see you again next term, Harry," Mr. Granger stated.
"Yes, sir," Harry answered with a nod.
"Very well. Are you ready dear?" the woman asked her daughter. Hermione nodded. Mr. Granger began pushing her trolley and gave Harry a wave. The boy returned one as well. Harry watched as the three departed, feeling sadness come over him.
But before he knew what happened, the girl spun around and ran back to him, giving him a brief peck on the cheek. His face turned fiery red as her parent's chuckled. Hermione then ran back to her mother and took her hand. As they headed for the station hall, the girl glanced back one last time and waved.
Harry waved back. It would be a long summer indeed.
"There you are, boy!" a familiar voice shot at him from his left. He glanced over to see the frowning face of Uncle Vernon as the big man towered over him.
"Hi, Uncle Vernon."
The man frowned at his nephew.
"Well, come on, then! I haven't got all day! Things to do, you know?"
The gruff man immediately turned and started toward the station hall. Harry frowned and began pushing his trolley, making sure not to knock Hedwig off her perch. As he followed his uncle across the platform, the boy glanced back at the barrier between 9 and 10 and smiled.
It had been an amazing, astonishing, frightening, and yet thrilling year. It seemed as though he'd merely dreamed his time at Hogwarts, the mysterious school with its crazy but lovable inhabitants who existed behind that plain old brick barrier inside an ordinary train station. The boy turned back to his trolley and smiled as he proceeded into the hall.
He looked forward to hearing from his best friend, to finally see her again in two months, and finally see his entire Hogwarts "family" once more.
Harry looked forward to returning...home.
Until then, he simply couldn't wait.