AN: We've reached the end of PART 1! Next up, is 'Confundo' which I'll post sometime over the next few weeks. Let me know what you think of all the characters, and what I can do to improve!

12 - The Aftermath

Levi, Asher and Valerie were sitting in the hospital wing with the petrified students. Madam Pomfrey was brewing the healing potion in a cauldron at the back of the room.
"Nearly finished with the potion, dears. Then we can have these kids awake in time for the end of the year feast."

The three of them smiled, and Madam Pomfrey came walking over with some small glasses.
"I'm sorry, but this is going to be unpleasant. I'm going to need to ask you to leave for the time being."
Asher, Valerie and Levi nodded, and stepped out of the room.

Wandering the halls on their second-last day, the three of them were content. They hadn't needed to take their end-of-the-year exams due the attacks.

"Attention please," the headmistress stood from her chair, "I would like to congratulate the Gryffindor House on winning the House Cup yet another year."
The Gryffindor table burst into shouts and cheers, people cat-calling to the headmistress, and she waved her arms to settle them down.
"I would also like to congratulate Asher Wood, Sean Faulkner, Valerie Baxter, Levi Campbell, and Julian Duval for solving, and fixing, the threat in the school. It is thanks to them that we are able to welcome the petrified students back with us this evening." Headmistress McGonagall raised her arms, and the doors at the end of the Great Hall opened.

In walked Madam Pomfrey, flanked by a group of kids. At the front of the group was Brooke, looking cheerier than ever, followed by Emma and Flint. Behind them, looking tired, was Thad, carrying the pale green textbook he seemed to always have on him, Julian walking quickly beside him. Elizabeth came in next, smiling, and she was followed by Chase and Damon, who were hand in hand.
Following slowly at the back of the group, was Kai.

Thad quietly squished in between Sean and Asher, before placing his book down.
"Thank you," Asher said to him, "for that hint."
Thad tilted his head down, smiling, before looking up at the headmistress.

"I would like to take a moment to inform the petrified students, and those who are unaware," the headmistress began, "of the events that took place."

The room went silent, and the headmistress took a large breath.

"Asher Wood, Valerie Baxter, Sean Faulkner, Levi Campbell and Julian Duval broke school rules, and went into the second floor girl's bathroom using an invisibility cloak," she smiled at Valerie, "which we have recovered."
Valerie blushed, and hid her face in her hands.
"Using intellect, they went into the Chamber of Secrets," there was a gasp, "where they were confronted by two students. The two students had been using a basilisk to attack students, and the five courageous students fought against it."
She walked briefly over to Julian, and placed her hands on his shoulders.
"Unfortunately, Mr. Duval here was unlucky and was petrified in the process, and Mr. Faulkner was locked in the other room. The three remaining students, Levi Campbell, Valerie Baxter, and Asher Wood, sent recurring knockback jinxes, and succeeded in knocking out the beast."

The Ravenclaw and Slytherin tables cheered a little, and the headmistress turned to the others.
"Mr. Campbell then fought off the two troublesome students, and the three of them brought everyone in the Chamber back to the surface. The two students responsible for the attacks were expelled immediately."

The hall cheered, and the headmistress raised her hands again.
"But," she said, "let's ignore all the bad things that have happened this year, and enjoy the feast!"
Food appeared on the tables, and the students began to eat like animals.

"So I guess I won't be seeing you guys until next year then…" Asher said to Valerie, Sean, Levi, Julian and Brooke, who were all sitting in the Great Hall together, laughing.
"Don't forget Thaddy-kins!" Levi shouted, pointing at the doorway, where Thad was walking in with a packed trunk, and his messenger bag slung over his shoulder.
"Hmm." He replied, walking to the other side of Levi and sitting down.

"So, how did it feel to be petrified, Thaddy?" Levi asked, punching him lightly on the shoulder. Thad glared at him.
"Actually, it felt a lot like you were just there. Lying there super bored. Staring at the ceiling wasn't any fun, and I couldn't tell if anybody was there." Julian answered for him, and grinned. Levi turned to him and whispered.
"You were supposed to let him answer, he hasn't been saying anything since he's been back…"
"Sorry, I'll be quiet."

The others ignored their shenanigans, and turned back to talk.
"Write me every week. All of you." Valerie demanded, pointing at everyone who was sitting with them.
"But this means I have, like, nine people to write to this summer!" Levi protested, "I mean, there's you, Brooke, Asher, Liz, Darren, Thaddy-kins, and Julian! Oh, and those two Gryffindors, Emma and Flint."
Thad glared at Levi, and it didn't go unnoticed.
"If looks could kill…" Julian muttered.

"Hey, buddy," Asher's dad came running up to him at the platform, "have fun on the ride back?"
Asher nodded.
"They all got picked up already," he said, "but we're going to write. I'm going to e-mail Thad because he actually knows what it is."
His dad smiled, and ruffled his hair.

"Hey," he noticed, "your hair is turquoise!"
Asher blushed a bit, "Yeah," he muttered, "I found a book by Thad's bed about metamorphmaguses. It was pretty helpful. Plus, I like the colour."
His dad grinned, and ruffled his hair again.
"It's good to know."

The two of them walked together toward Asher's mom and brother, and the four of them took the short car-ride back home.

Well, muggle home.