CHAPTER 16: CELEBRATION AND REFLECTION
The NEWTs had finally arrived, and the exam schedule was intense. Spanning over two weeks, the exams began on a Monday with the Theory of Transfiguration. The students faced a rigorous start with Transfiguration's practical exam later that same afternoon. Harry, Hermione, and Ron, along with their peers, settled into the grueling routine, balancing their stress and fatigue with determination.
The following Tuesday morning brought the Theory of Defense Against the Dark Arts exam, which was followed by the practical test in the afternoon. Wednesday was dedicated to the Theory of Charms in the morning, with the practical examination scheduled for the afternoon. Thursday provided a much-needed respite, a brief day off to recharge before the final exams of the first week.
The first week culminated with Potions on Friday, capping off a demanding period of assessment. Although the seventh years were granted a break over the weekend, the respite was short-lived. They spent their time revising and preparing for the second week's exams, knowing that the remaining subjects would be just as challenging.
Harry was somewhat taken aback to find that many of the examiners were familiar faces from their OWLs. Professors Griselda Marchbanks and Tofty were among them. To Harry's surprise and embarrassment, when Professor Tofty saw him, he loudly declared that Harry would not need to take the Defense Against the Dark Arts exam and that he would automatically receive full marks. The old professor's declaration was met with a mix of astonishment and discomfort from Harry.
Professor McGonagall quickly intervened, her voice firm but calm. "Professor Tofty, please proceed with the examination as you would for any other student. Mr. Potter will take the exam like everyone else."
Tofty, with a somewhat deflated demeanor, complied. Harry took the exam, though he couldn't shake the feeling that Professor Tofty had already awarded him full marks before the test even began. Despite the oddity of the situation, Harry approached the exam with his usual focus and determination.
As the two weeks of exams drew to a close, Harry felt a sense of accomplishment. The rigorous schedule had tested his limits, but he managed to navigate through it with a mixture of confidence and diligence. He was satisfied with his performance, feeling that he had handled both the theoretical and practical components effectively.
Though he knew he had made a few mistakes, Harry was confident that he had performed well enough to achieve the grades he aimed for. The exams had been challenging, but he faced them with the same resilience and resolve that had seen him through so many trials before.
As Harry left the examination room for the last time, he shared a relieved smile with Hermione and Ron. The intense preparation and study sessions were behind them, and now all that was left was to wait for the results. They had endured the grueling tests together, and the support of his friends had been invaluable throughout the process.
The atmosphere in the common room that evening was a mix of exhaustion and elation. The seventh years gathered, sharing stories and decompressing from the demanding weeks. The break after the exams was a welcome relief, and they planned to make the most of it.
Harry sat by the fire, reflecting on the exams. He felt a deep sense of satisfaction, knowing that he had given his best. The next step was to wait for the results, but for now, he allowed himself a moment of relaxation and enjoyment, grateful for the support of his friends and the end of a challenging chapter.
The days following the end of the NEWTs exams were a mix of relief and restlessness. With the pressure of the exams behind them, Harry, Hermione, and Ron finally had the chance to unwind and enjoy some well-earned downtime.
The common room was abuzz with conversation as students shared their experiences of the exams. Laughter and chatter filled the space, providing a welcome distraction from the tension that had hung over them for weeks.
"Can you believe it's finally over?" Ron said, flopping into an armchair with a satisfied sigh. "I thought I'd never see the end of that Potions exam."
Hermione smiled, though she looked a bit weary herself. "It feels surreal, doesn't it? All that preparation, and now it's done. I think I'm actually going to miss the routine of studying—just a little bit."
Harry chuckled, sitting across from them with a mug of butterbeer. "I doubt I'll miss the exams themselves, but I will miss the camaraderie. It's been quite a journey."
Ginny joined them, her face showing the same mixture of relief and exhaustion. "I don't know about you lot, but I'm looking forward to a proper break. Maybe even a trip to Hogsmeade to celebrate."
"That sounds like a great idea," Harry said, nodding in agreement. "It'll be nice to get out of the castle for a while."
Over the next few days, the atmosphere in the castle was noticeably lighter. Students took advantage of the break from their studies to relax, socialize, and enjoy the approaching end of the school year. The grounds of Hogwarts were filled with students lounging in the sun, playing games, and catching up on the latest gossip.
One sunny afternoon, Harry, Hermione, and Ron decided to take a stroll around the lake. The weather was perfect, and the serene setting provided a pleasant contrast to the intensity of the recent exams.
As they walked, Hermione reflected on the exams. "You know, I think we did really well. I hope all that studying pays off."
Ron nodded enthusiastically. "Me too. I'm just glad it's over. And if we did well, it'll be nice to have a bit of peace before we get our results."
Harry looked out over the lake, the gentle ripples glistening in the sunlight. "I'm more interested in what comes next. The exams are behind us, but we still have decisions to make about our futures."
Hermione looked thoughtful. "Yes, there's a lot to consider. Do you think you'll join the Auror Academy, Harry?"
Harry shrugged. "I'm not sure yet. I want to take some time to think it over after the results come in. For now, I'm just focusing on enjoying the break."
As they continued their walk, the conversation turned to lighter topics. They reminisced about their time at Hogwarts, shared their favorite memories, and talked about their plans for the summer.
Eventually, they reached the edge of the lake, where they found a secluded spot to sit and enjoy the view. The tranquility of the setting was a welcome change from the stress of the exams.
Later that week, the students gathered for a celebratory feast in the Great Hall. The atmosphere was festive, with enchanted candles floating above and an array of delicious food laid out on the long tables.
As they enjoyed the feast, Professor McGonagall made a surprise announcement. "Before we all start celebrating too much, I'd like to take a moment to commend each of you for your hard work and dedication throughout the school year. Your efforts have been truly commendable."
The hall erupted in applause, and Harry, Hermione, and Ron joined in, their faces beaming with pride.
As the feast continued, Harry reflected on the journey that had brought him to this point. The challenges, the friendships, and the experiences had shaped him in ways he hadn't fully appreciated until now. The future was still uncertain, but for the first time in a long while, he felt a sense of peace and anticipation.
As the night wore on and the festivities began to wind down, Harry felt a deep sense of gratitude for the friends and experiences that had defined his time at Hogwarts. The exams were behind them, but the memories and bonds forged during their years at the school would remain with them forever.
With the promise of new adventures and the anticipation of what lay ahead, Harry felt a surge of optimism. He knew that whatever the future held, he was ready to face it, bolstered by the unwavering support of his friends and the strength he had forged through his time at Hogwarts.
Saturday arrived, bringing with it a rare moment of respite. It was the first time the seventh years had been given a break after enduring two grueling weeks of exams. Professor McGonagall, showing a rare gesture of leniency, had granted every student permission to visit Hogsmeade. Harry and Ron, eager to seize the opportunity, woke up early, their spirits high with the promise of relaxation.
They had promised Hermione they would visit the small wizarding village together right after breakfast. Their plan was to celebrate the end of the exams at the Three Broomsticks with the rest of the Gryffindor seventh years.
As they arrived at the Three Broomsticks, they were greeted by a lively, boisterous scene. The inn was already packed with students from various houses, all buzzing with the same sense of relief and celebration.
"Harry! Ron! Hermione! Over here!" Seamus Finnegan's voice cut through the noise as soon as he spotted them at the door. He waved enthusiastically from a corner table, where a cluster of Gryffindors were already gathered.
Navigating their way through the crowded room, Harry, Ron, and Hermione made their way to the table, exchanging smiles and nods with familiar faces. They finally settled in, and within moments, the drinks arrived—flasks of butterbeer and jugs of pumpkin juice.
"To the end of the exams!" Seamus raised his glass, his eyes gleaming with enthusiasm. "And to the bright future that awaits us all! And let's not forget Harry, who made all of this possible!"
"To Harry!" the group chorused, raising their glasses in unison and clinking them together with a hearty cheer.
Harry blushed, feeling a mix of gratitude and embarrassment. "Thanks, everyone. But we couldn't have done it without all of you."
The rest of the morning passed in a blur of laughter and animated conversation. The seventh years shared stories of their exams, swapped plans for the future, and discussed the idea of establishing an alumni association for former Gryffindors. The idea quickly gained traction, and Seamus was enthusiastically appointed as the one to spearhead the project.
By fifteen minutes past eleven, the trio left the Three Broomsticks, their spirits buoyed by the camaraderie of the morning. Hermione and Ron decided to visit Honeydukes, while Harry chose to give them some privacy, preferring a solitary stroll through Hogsmeade.
As he walked along the main street, Harry marveled at the hustle and bustle of the village. He paused several times to chat with fellow students and shop owners, many of whom greeted him warmly. The shopkeepers were eager to offer him their products, often insisting that he take them as a token of gratitude for his role in defeating Voldemort.
"Harry, you must take this!" a smiling shopkeeper from Gladrags Wizardwear said, pressing a stylish pair of socks into his hand. "It's the least we can do!"
Harry hesitated, his hands soon burdened with an assortment of gifts and trinkets. "Thank you so much, but I really don't want to impose…"
"It's no imposition at all!" another shopkeeper, from the Magical Menagerie, chimed in. "You've done so much for all of us."
Eventually, Harry found himself overwhelmed by the generosity and was forced to politely decline further offers once his hands were full. He continued his walk, feeling a mix of appreciation and awkwardness.
Everything had been going smoothly until he reached Madam Puddifoot's Tea Shop. A flood of memories came rushing back. He remembered his first, disastrous date with Cho Chang and couldn't help but smile at the thought. Despite the awkwardness of that day, he and Cho had moved on, as had he from the memories of their failed romance.
Curious, Harry peered through the glass window of the tea shop. That's when he saw her. Ginny. She was sitting at a table with someone he didn't recognize, laughing softly as they shared a pot of tea. His heart sank slightly as he observed them, realizing that Ginny had made her choice.
As he watched, lost in thought, a familiar voice interrupted his reverie. "Harry? Is that you?"
He turned to find Seamus standing beside him, his brow furrowed in concern. "Everything alright?"
Harry forced a smile. "Yeah, Seamus. Just... taking in the sights."
Seamus glanced in the direction of the tea shop and then back at Harry. "It's a big day for all of us. Don't let it get you down. Come on, let's catch up with Ron and Hermione."
With a nod, Harry followed Seamus, but his mind remained preoccupied. The sight of Ginny had stirred a whirlpool of emotions, and he knew he would need time to process it all.
Flashback to be continued...
Present…
"Oi, Weasley! Hey, Weasley!"
Harry and Ron turned to see Draco Malfoy, accompanied by his usual cronies, Crabbe and Goyle, standing nearby and brandishing a copy of the Daily Prophet. Malfoy looked unusually smug, clearly relishing whatever he was about to reveal.
"What is it, Malfoy?" Ron asked, his voice edged with irritation.
Malfoy grinned widely, reveling in the moment. "Your dad's in the paper, Weasley!" he said loudly, drawing the attention of nearby students. "Listen to this!"
He unfolded the newspaper and began to read aloud, his tone dripping with mockery:
FURTHER MISTAKES AT THE MINISTRY OF MAGIC
It seems as though the Ministry of Magic's troubles are not yet at an end, writes Rita Skeeter, Special Correspondent. Recently under fire for its poor crowd control at the Quidditch World Cup, and still unable to account for the disappearance of one of its witches, the Ministry was plunged into fresh embarrassment yesterday by the antics of Arnold Weasley, of the Misuse of Muggle Artifacts Office.
Arnold Weasley, who was charged with possession of a flying car two years ago, was yesterday involved in a tussle with several Muggle law-keepers ("policemen") over a number of highly aggressive dustbins. Mr. Weasley appears to have rushed to the aid of "Mad-Eye" Moody, the aged ex-Auror who retired from the Ministry when no longer able to tell the difference between a handshake and attempted murder. Unsurprisingly, Mr. Weasley found, upon arrival at Mr. Moody's heavily guarded house, that Mr. Moody had once again raised a false alarm. Mr. Weasley was forced to modify several memories before he could escape from the policemen, but refused to answer Daily Prophet questions about why he had involved the Ministry in such an undignified and potentially embarrassing scene.
Malfoy sniggered loudly as he finished reading, his face lit up with glee. "Can't even get his name right. It's like your dad's basically a complete nonentity. And look at this," he said, flipping the newspaper over to reveal a picture. "Good grief, Weasley. You call that a house? More like a pigsty, if you ask me. And your mother—she could do with losing a few pounds, couldn't she?"
Ron's face flushed crimson. He clenched his fists, trembling with rage. The other students around them looked on, their eyes darting between Ron and Malfoy, the tension palpable.
Harry scanned the scene with a sense of déjà vu. This situation felt eerily familiar, reminding him of past encounters with Malfoy. The only difference this time was that Hermione wasn't here to defuse the situation. Instead, Harry spotted a figure standing quietly behind Malfoy—Professor Moody, his magical eye swiveling as he observed the scene with keen interest.
Professor Moody's hand was subtly moving towards his wand. Harry hesitated, torn between intervening himself or letting events unfold as they had before. He knew the history well enough to anticipate the confrontation, but the presence of Moody made the situation more unpredictable.
Ron, barely able to contain his fury, took a step forward. "You think it's funny to humiliate my family? You're such a—"
"Ron, don't," Harry said quickly, stepping between him and Malfoy. He turned to face Malfoy, trying to keep his voice steady. "Why don't you just leave it? There's no point in making things worse."
Malfoy's smirk widened. "Oh, I'm just getting started. The whole school's going to see how pathetic the Weasleys are."
As Malfoy raised the newspaper for another round of taunts, Harry caught Moody's eye. The old professor's expression was inscrutable, but Harry could sense the readiness in him. It was clear that Moody was prepared to intervene if necessary, and Harry found himself weighing whether to let the seasoned Auror handle it or to confront Malfoy himself.
Before he could decide, the distant sound of footsteps approached. Hermione, with her book bag slung over her shoulder, appeared. Seeing the commotion, she quickly joined them, her brow furrowing as she took in the scene.
"What's going on?" Hermione asked, her voice calm but firm.
Malfoy's eyes flickered with annoyance at the interruption. "Oh, look who's here. Granger, come to back up your friend? Or are you here to make fun of the Weasleys too?"
Hermione shot a sharp look at Malfoy. "We're not interested in your petty games, Malfoy. Just leave Ron and Harry alone."
The tension in the air was almost tangible. Harry could sense that the situation was reaching a boiling point, and he hoped that the combined presence of Hermione and Moody might defuse the situation before it escalated further.
Malfoy's smirk faded slightly, but he wasn't ready to back down. "Fine. I'll leave you all to wallow in your misery. But don't think this is over."
With a final sneer, Malfoy turned on his heel and strode away, Crabbe and Goyle trailing behind him. The crowd of students began to disperse, murmuring among themselves.
Hermione placed a reassuring hand on Ron's shoulder. "Are you alright?"
Ron's face was still red, but he took a deep breath, visibly calming down. "Yeah. Thanks, Hermione."
Harry glanced at Moody, who gave a curt nod before turning to leave as well. "Thanks for being here, Professor."
Moody grunted in acknowledgment and walked away, his magical eye swiveling back to its normal position.
As the crowd of students finally began to thin out, Harry, Ron, and Hermione regrouped, their expressions reflecting a mix of relief and lingering tension. The confrontation with Malfoy had been unsettling, and Harry couldn't shake the feeling that more challenges awaited them. But for now, the three of them were together, and that offered some comfort.
After a moment of deliberation, Harry felt a sudden surge of nostalgia. He missed the days when Malfoy was just "Malfoy the Cute White Ferret," and he wondered if he might get a chance to see that side of Malfoy again. Maybe, just maybe, he could even get a chance to pet him this time. Determined to make something positive out of the situation, Harry decided to make his move.
"Get stuffed, Malfoy!" Harry shouted, grabbing Ron's arm with a firm grip. "Come on, Ron."
Malfoy's sneer grew wider as he saw them walking away. "Oh yeah, you were staying with them for the summer, weren't you?" he taunted. "So tell me, is his mother really that porky, or is it just the picture?"
The bait was set. Harry knew Ron was on the verge of losing his temper, so he kept a firm hold on Ron's robe to prevent him from lunging at Malfoy.
"You know your mother, Malfoy?" Harry called back, his voice dripping with mockery. "That expression she always has, like she's just smelled something awful? Has she always looked like that, or was it just because you were around?"
Malfoy's face flushed a deep red, his anger evident. "Don't you dare insult my mother, Potter!" he roared, his voice cracking slightly.
Harry allowed himself a small, sneering smile. "Keep your fat mouth shut then, Malfoy. Unless you want it transplanted to your arse," he said, turning his back to Malfoy and starting to walk away.
BANG!
The sudden explosion of sound made several students scream in shock. Harry, anticipating trouble, quickly pushed Ron away and ducked. The second BANG came almost immediately, followed by a roar that reverberated through the Great Hall.
Right on cue, Harry thought, his mind racing. "OH NO YOU DON'T, LADDIE!"
Professor Moody came limping towards them, his wand drawn and pointed at the small, shivering white ferret that was Malfoy. "Did he get you?" Moody growled at Harry, his magical eye swiveling to fix on him.
"Missed," Harry replied with a nonchalant shrug.
Moody's gaze shifted to the ferret and then to Crabbe, who was awkwardly trying to pick up the bouncing creature. "Good—leave it!" Moody bellowed, his voice carrying over the din of the hall.
Crabbe fumbled with the ferret, which squeaked loudly and began to scamper away. Moody limped toward Crabbe, Goyle, and the ferret, his anger palpable.
"I don't think so!" Moody roared, pointing his wand at the ferret once again. The ferret shot ten feet into the air before crashing down onto the floor with a thud. It bounced, and then bounced again, each time soaring higher and higher.
"I don't like people who attack when their opponent's back is turned," Moody growled, his voice like gravel. "Stinking, cowardly, scummy thing to do! Never. Do. That. Again."
The bouncing continued, with the ferret squealing in distress as it flew higher and higher. The scene was both comical and chaotic, and Harry couldn't help but feel a twinge of satisfaction at Malfoy's discomfort.
Minutes ticked by until Professor McGonagall arrived on the scene. Her stern expression cut through the chaos like a knife. "Professor Moody, that's quite enough!" she commanded, her voice firm and authoritative. "What on earth is going on here?"
Moody grumbled but lowered his wand, and the bouncing ferret fell to the ground with a final, pitiful squeak. McGonagall's eyes swept over the scene, taking in the bewildered students, the furious Malfoy, and the now very disheveled ferret.
"Detention for all involved," McGonagall declared, her tone brooking no argument. "And a word of advice, Mr. Malfoy—next time you choose to provoke someone, consider the consequences."
Malfoy, looking both furious and embarrassed, grabbed the ferret and stomped away, Crabbe and Goyle following closely behind. The students who had been watching began to disperse, whispering among themselves about the spectacle they had just witnessed.
Hermione turned to Harry and Ron, her expression a mixture of concern and exasperation. "Honestly, you two. You really have a knack for getting into trouble."
Ron, still fuming but slightly calmed by the chaos, gave a small, grudging smile. "At least Malfoy got what he deserved."
Harry nodded, feeling a mix of satisfaction and unease. "Yeah. But let's try to avoid any more confrontations for today, alright? We've had enough excitement for one day."
Hermione nodded in agreement, and the trio began to walk away from the Great Hall, ready to enjoy the rest of their day in Hogsmeade. As they left the hall, Harry couldn't shake the feeling that, despite the chaos, they had managed to come out on top. The future was uncertain, but for now, they were together, and that was a small victory in itself.
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