Chapter 23

"…and I can't ban you from quidditch. I brought it up but everyone, from the students to the staff, has protested on that front. But now I have to hire yet another Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher since Mr. Wilson has decided to go back to his family," Flitwick mumbled as he paced in front the trio with the teachers standing behind him.

After the Inferi were taken care of, the three students tried to explain the situation to the teachers about Sherlock, but they were quickly taken to the headmaster while they messaged the Aurors that had been guarding Sherlock's cell. Of course they were mad, furious actually, but all Jude cared about was whether or not Sherlock was free.

Flitwick, however, was angry that Hogwarts was once again a place that tragedy struck. James mumbled that he was being dramatic, since no one died and it wasn't as big as the Battle of Hogwarts all those years ago.

Jude was brought back to the present when Flitwick sat down in front of them, his face in a scowl, "As much as I would love to have you three expelled for everything you've done, you're not as bad as the other trio I've had to deal with." He sighed heavily and intertwined his fingers, "And it would be a waste such great magic to let you go."

Professor Alexander smiled as bright as she could, even with the soot on her face, "I've never seen such a powerful display of magic before. What you three did today has changed what we view as true magic."

"And genuine friendship," Meghan added, sipping what Jude assumed was some kind of alcoholic beverage. "Never have we ever thought that you could make a patronus with others, and one as powerful to scare a horde of Inferi away at that. You three aren't wizards and witches to sneeze at."

Flitwick nodded in agreement, "With that said, I'm sure your families will come up with better punishments than I can. For now, the 3 of you will have detention for the first semester of the school year, and you will be helping Professor Harmon with her class in your free time."

The three nodded in relief, accepting anything as long as it wasn't any of the worst case scenarios they had dreaded.

"Dismissed," Flitwick waved his hand while his free hand rubbed his forehead.

Once the three were outside, Jude released a long sigh of relief and placed a hand over his racing heart, "Oh man, I thought that would've been worse. I can't believe we're alive."

"The power of friendship, apparently," James mumbled numbly, tugging on his fingers so as not to show how shaky his hands were.

The two turned to Emma who was still silent. Jude raised a questioning eyebrow, "Emma, you alright?"

Emma's eyes rolled to the back of her head as she fainted. James rushed over quickly, catching her in his arms. He brought his frantic eyes over to Jude, "Okay, so we're not all that fine." He watched as Jude fainted next, hitting the ground roughly. He rolled his eyes with a groan, "Oh come on, mate."

The last day of school found the trio sitting at their house table in the Great Hall along with everyone, minus the 7th years. They had finished their meals; Emma let them feast on whatever they wanted. They assumed it was because she was just glad they made it out alive after everything that happened. Either way, they were happy.

Flitwick tapped his glass, gaining everyone's attention, "Students, it has a been an eventful year, but lately, when hasn't it?" A chuckle came out of the students and staffs' mouths. "Nevertheless, it is always wonderful watching you all learn and grow into yourselves. Like every year, we say goodbye to the eldest students, and the next school year, we will say hello to the new students."

There was a small amount of applause before Flitwick started again, "I know you have heard the rumors concerning the Inferi and Sherlock Smith. I am here to clear your minds. Sherlock Smith, while previously accused of attempting to murder a student, was found not guilty. The dark wizard that roams among us today put him up to it, and so Smith is now free. Unfortunately, with his freedom came the attack of the Inferi."

Murmurs went across the room. Jude licked his dry lips and tried to ignore the stares he was getting from the other students. Flitwick clapped his hands, gaining their attention again, "Luckily, no one was gravely injured and the Inferi were defeated by a beautiful display of friendship."

The trio shared a smile. Another bout of applause came. Flitwick nodded with a small smile, "Yes, yes. It was a sight to see. In all my years of living, never have I ever seen magic this strong, and I applaud these students and am happy they are among us."

He cleared his throat, "That being said, Professor Wilson did quit and is now living peacefully with his family." He waved his hand when there was some sad murmurs going around. "Let us be lucky he is still alive."

Jude nodded at that; too many teachers had died at the hands of Lazarus and his schemes. He was glad Professor Wilson made it out alive. He really liked the now former DADA teacher.

"Now onto the winners of the house cup," Flitwick continued. "In 4th place, we have Slytherin with 558 points." Some of the Slytherin students grumbled at that. Others just looked eager to see who was next.

"In 3rd place, we have Hufflepuff with 752 points." The Hufflepuff students cheered loudly at that which made Jude smile; there was nothing about Hufflepuff that he didn't like.

"In 2nd place, we have Ravenclaw with 884 points." The Ravenclaw house cheered at that. The last time they were this close to winning was 2 years ago. A grin bloomed on the trio's faces as they realized what was coming.

"In 1st place, the winner of the house cup is Gryffindor with 1245 points," Flitwick concluded with an almost begrudging smile. "Congratulations, you've earned it."

Jude cheered with the rest of his housemates. He stood up from the table, hugging those close to him in his excitement. He jumped over the table and hugged his best friends tightly and beaming when they hugged him back.

They had won the cup last year, but with the events that had taken place, Jude hadn't felt like celebrating. While this year had its ups and downs, he was just glad they came out of it together with their friendship stronger than ever.