Chapter 20

End of the School Year

As the school year ended, everypony entered the Great Hall for one last feast. The Great Hall was decorated with green flags, symbolizing Slytherin's victory over the house cup. Once everypony took their seats, Celestia stood on the podium to make her final speech of the year. "This has been another wonderful year for Canterlot." the headmistress began. "Now, before we start the feast, I would like to announce the winner of the house cup."

Most of the students wanted to move on to the feast as they already knew who won. "First place goes to Slytherin for 472 points." Celestia announced. Cheers erupted from the Slythernins as they celebrated their victory. "However, there are still a few last minute points to award, and they must be accounted for." Everypony, including the Slytherins remained quiet as Celestia made her next announcement.

"First, I would like to award 50 points to Miss Rarity for her use of fire magic to save her friends." Earning the extra points was enough to give the Gryffindors hope. They felt that they still had a chance to win. "I would also like to give 50 points to Miss Applejack for playing the one of greatest matches of Wizard's Chess in Canterlot History." Celestia continued. "The next set of points go to Miss Twilight Sparkle for showing great courage in the face of danger. I award 60 points to Gryffindor."

"We are tied with Slytherin!" Rarity whispered to her friends. The sudden change in events got the Gryffindors more excited than ever. "It takes more courage to stand up to your friends than it does to stand up to your enemies, which is why I will award 10 points to Miss Fluttershy." said the headmistress. It was at that moment when the Gryffindors began to congratulate and cheer for Fluttershy. The timid pegasus was surprised by the amount of praise she received. She never would have thought that she was able to earn points for her house.

"Taking the extra points in consideration, I think we can all agree on who's won this year." Celestia said as she used her magic to replace the green flags with the red Gryffindor flags. "Gryffindor wins the house cup!" This time, it was the Gryffindors' turn to celebrate. It was the perfect end to the school year.

After everypony ate, they returned to the boarding platform to take the Canterlot Express back home. "Are you coming, Twilight?" Applejack asked as she noticed that her friend was still on the platform. "I will be there in a minute. I just need to say goodbye." Twilight explained. Twilight then approached Big Mac who was helping the ponies board the train.

Big Mac gave Twilight a smile and said, "I knew that you weren't going to leave without saying goodbye." "I just wanted to thank you, Big Mac. I would still be living with the Riches if it wasn't for you." Twilight said. "Well, before you go, I have something I want to give you." The stallion reached into his saddlebag and pulled out a photo album.

Curious, Twilight flipped to the front page and saw a picture of herself as a foal. She was being held by her parents back when they were still alive. The lavender unicorn shed a couple of tears before giving Big Mac a hug. "Thank you, Big Mac." Twilight then gathered her belongings and made her way to the train. "Oh, and Twilight, if your cousin gives you anymore trouble, you can always threaten to turn her ears into rat ears."

Big Mac's suggestion surprised Twilight. "But, Big Mac I'm not allowed to use magic outside of school. You know that." "Eeyup, but Diamond Tiara doesn't know, does she?" Big Mac replied with a wink. With a smile, Twilight waved goodbye to Big Mac and joined her friends on the train.

"I can't wait to get back home to Sweet Apple Acres." Applejack said as the train was about to depart. "What about you, Twilight? Are you ready to return home?" Rarity asked. "Not really." Twilight replied. "I already found my home." Once everypony was on board, the train left the platform, and Twilight watched as the castle disappeared into the distance. Twilight knew that one day she would return to Canterlot, her true home.

The End