bookbashuk Chapter 125 Year-End Feast and the Journey Home
Chapter 125 Year-End Feast and the Journey Home
Chapter 125 Year-End Feast and the Journey Home (Bonus Chapter for Yu Tuo Ji Ran, the Alliance Leader!)
The second week after exams ended, when the final exam results for all subjects were finally posted on the huge bulletin board in the center of the hall, it instantly became the focus of the entire school. The results for grades 1-4 were announced first, and students flocked there, tiptoeing and craning their necks to find their place among the densely packed names and subject abbreviations. The air was filled with excited chatter, tearful sighs, and relieved cheers.
Karen and his roommates were also squeezed into the crowd. The Ravenclaw freshman roster was prominently displayed. Wes pushed his way to the front, his fingers scurrying eagerly across the parchment.
"Merlin's Beard! Cullen!" Wesley whirled around, his eyes wide, his face filled with disbelief. "You—your name is followed by nothing but '0's! A whole row of 'Excellent's'! And that '1'! You're number one in the grade!" His voice rose with excitement, drawing a chorus of murmurs of astonishment and envy towards Cullen. Professor Flitwick had somehow squeezed in as well.
Standing on the outskirts of the crowd, looking at his star pupil's report card, his mustache twitched with excitement, and his face beamed with undisguised pride. He kept muttering, "Great! Excellent! I knew it! Ravenclaw's pride!"
Karen's gaze swept over the long string of conspicuous "0"s after her name and the "1" at the top. As expected, she simply nodded slightly in the direction of Professor Flitwick.
"Look at yours!" Wesley urged, nervously swallowing as he continued his search. "Oh, found it! Ernesto! You're all '0's too! Merlin, tied for third! Fabian! You're all '0's too, and after Herbalism, there's 'Outstanding Practice'! Fantastic! Wait... what about me? Wesley Cruz—here I am!"
Wesley's voice instantly lowered, tinged with a cautious nervousness: "Charms 0, Transfiguration 0, Defense Against the Dark Arts E, Herbalism E, Astronomy A." He licked his lips, his gaze quickly sweeping over the last two lines: "History of Magic A, Potions A."
"Phew—" He let out a long breath, his face showing a look of relief, but then his expression collapsed again. "The theory section, History of Magic and Potions, were only passable, as expected. Professor Binns' voice was more effective than a lullaby, and Snape's gaze... every time I stirred the cauldron, I felt like I was about to be thrown into the pot as an ingredient! I'm just thanking my lucky stars for passing!"
"But your practical results are quite good," Karen pointed gently, indicating the subjects marked "good" and "excellent" on his report card. "You got good or even excellent in the practical sections of Charms, Transfiguration, Defense Against the Dark Arts, and Herbalism, right? Your practical application of Defense Against the Dark Arts was particularly outstanding." Fabian also leaned closer to look and added sincerely, "Yes, Wesley, you really have a talent for handling dangerous plants, and your Herbalism practice was also excellent. As for Potions practice, although it was a second retake, passing is still considered a pass."
Ernesto looked at his straight A's report card, a reserved but satisfied smile playing on his lips. He nodded slightly, as if he had expected this result. However, when his gaze swept over the "1" after Karen's name, he pursed his lips. Hearing Karen and Fabian's evaluation of Wesley, he also gave a somewhat objective affirmation: "Karen is right. Your performance in Defense Against the Dark Arts in combat deserves that 0. But as for theory... next semester, you need to focus more on History of Magic and Potions theory, and pay more attention to other theoretical courses as well."
"Next semester we can help you study potions and the history of magic together, Wesley," Karen suggested again.
"Oh, have mercy on me, Karen!" Wesley exaggeratedly clutched his head, but his previous dejection had been largely washed away by his roommates' excellence and comfort, and a smile returned to his face. "We'll talk about it next semester! Let me enjoy this vacation first!" His mind was obviously already flying to Quidditch magazine and broom models.
The four of them put aside their own feelings and left the still noisy bulletin board. Karen's shining report card became another thing worth celebrating in Ravenclaw Tower, and also added some confidence to the upcoming House Cup banquet. Although Slytherin was basically confirmed to be first, at least in terms of academic performance, Ravenclaw was indisputable.
The Great Hall's dome was magically painted to resemble a deep night sky, and the decorations were changed to the green and silver colors representing Slytherin. The long tables were laden with delicious food, and the air was filled with mouthwatering aromas, the excited chatter of students, and the clinking of cutlery.
The enormous hourglass of house grades stood behind the faculty benches, its gems motionless, awaiting the final verdict. But the number of gems in the hourglass, the undisguised smugness around the Slytherin table, and the Great Hall's decorations had already silently foreshadowed the outcome.
Karen sat at the Ravenclaw table, surrounded by her roommates. Wesley was engulfing a large plate of mashed potatoes, his cheeks bulging; Fabian was focused on his steak; Ernesto was also enjoying his chosen food, his gaze sweeping over the faculty table, where the seat that had once belonged to the Defense Against the Dark Arts professor was now empty. It was a pity that Professor Castor was still recuperating in France and wouldn't be able to witness the end of the school year. Thinking of this, Karen took out the memory builder the professor had given her, deciding to use it to witness the ending in his place!
In the center of the teachers' seating area, Albus Dumbledore stood up. His long, silvery-white beard and crescent-shaped spectacles gleamed in the candlelight.
His face wore his usual kind smile, but when he gently tapped his wine glass, the crisp "tinkling" sound seemed to possess a magical power, instantly silencing the noisy auditorium and drawing all eyes to him.
"Another year has passed," Dumbledore's voice boomed and clear throughout the Great Hall, "an academic year filled with learning, growth, and perhaps a little adventure, is drawing to a close." His blue eyes swept across the four long tables. "I saw your focus in class, your diligence in the library, your hard work on the Quidditch pitch, and the courage and wisdom you displayed in the face of unexpected situations." His gaze seemed to linger briefly, almost imperceptibly, in Cullen's direction. "All of this is commendable. Hogwarts is proud of each and every one of you."
He paused, and the auditorium was so quiet you could hear a pin drop. Everyone's eyes were focused on coloring the hourglass.
"Now then," Dumbledore said, opening his arms wide, his voice tinged with celebratory joy, "let us reveal the winners of this year's House Cup! The final scores are as follows—"
Above the scoring hourglasses of the four academies, numbers composed of golden light appeared.
"Fourth place, Hufflepuff, 362 points!" A polite but slightly disappointed round of applause erupted from the Hufflepuff table. Cedric sat among them, smiling as he applauded for his school.
"Third place, Gryffindor, 398 points!" The red and gold table erupted in even louder cheers and whistles.
"Second place," Dumbledore's voice rose slightly, "Ravenclaw, four hundred and thirty-five points!"
"Wow!" The Ravenclaw table erupted in cheers. Although they hadn't come in first, Wesley jumped up excitedly, nearly spilling Fabian's pumpkin juice. Fabian quickly steadied his glass, and even the usually reserved Ernesto had a noticeable smile on his face, clapping enthusiastically. Karen, sitting among them, clearly felt the joy and pride surrounding them. They weren't first, but there was no doubt they had put in the effort.
"And first place," Dumbledore's voice boomed, drowning out Ravenclaw's cheers, carrying the solemnity of announcing the final result, "Slytherin House! Four hundred and eighty points!" Before he finished speaking, a massive, silver-green banner covering the entire dome of the Great Hall crashed down, a menacing serpent coiled upon it. A deafening roar of screams, kicks, and cheers erupted from the Slytherin table, nearly lifting the roof off the Great Hall. Several Slytherins even stood on the table, waving their silver-green scarves, looking triumphantly towards the other houses, especially Ravenclaw.
"The Slytherin Quidditch team's brilliant performance earned them a decisive bonus!" Dumbledore added, his voice still clear amidst the Slytherin clamor.
A low murmur arose at the Ravenclaw table, filled with obvious resentment.
"A brilliant performance? Was it due to the referee's blindness and malicious collisions?" Wesley muttered under his breath, rolling his eyes.
"That elbow to Charlie Weasley was blatant!" Fabian pushed up his glasses, his tone filled with displeasure.
"And before the Seeker caught the Thief, he deliberately rammed into Hufflepuff's Chaser, almost breaking his neck!" another Ravenclaw student said indignantly.
Ernesto snorted, his voice not loud but clear: "An unfair victory. The Quidditch Cup's prestige cannot conceal the dirty tricks used."
Dumbledore gestured for silence again. "Congratulations to Slytherin! A brilliant victory. And congratulations to all the houses, you have all brought glory to Hogwarts!" He raised his glass. "Now, let us enjoy this feast and celebrate this year we have spent together! Have a wonderful holiday, my children! The train will depart promptly at nine o'clock tomorrow morning, so please don't miss it. Also," he winked, "remember to pack your socks."
The final witty remark elicited a light laugh, slightly easing the delicate tension brought on by Slytherin's victory at the House Cup. The Great Hall buzzed with excitement once more, the clatter of cutlery and laughter becoming the dominant sounds. The Slytherin banner flew proudly overhead, its silver-green decorations proclaiming their triumph. Cullen picked up a piece of Yorkshire pudding and joined the farewell celebration at Hogwarts. In the teachers' section, Professor Castor's seat remained empty, a reminder to Cullen that his learning journey was far from over.
The morning mist had not yet completely dissipated when the sun pierced through the clouds. The air was filled with the fresh scent of grass and lake water, mixed with a hint of restlessness at parting. The massive oak doors were wide open, and students in colorful school uniforms, carrying suitcases and backpacks, surged out of the castle like a tide, walking along the familiar gravel path toward the Thestrals carriages parked by the Black Lake.
Cullen, Wesley, Fabian, and Ernesto walked side by side, their suitcases floating behind them. Phoebus perched on Cullen's shoulder, occasionally letting out a low growl. Hagrid waved his large, fan-like hands, his rough voice ringing out in the crowd: "Hurry up, kids! Line up! Don't leave your luggage behind! See you at Hogsmeade!" His large hound, Tooth, circled excitedly at his feet, barking at every passing student.
"Goodbye, Hagrid!" Wesley shouted, waving vigorously.
"Goodbye, boys! Have a great holiday!" Hagrid responded loudly, a genuine smile on his face. "Especially you, Karen!"
Please give my regards to your parents! Thank you for the tea and cookies they sent earlier!
Karen nodded. "I will, Hagrid. Thank you for taking care of me this past year." He recalled his first adventure on the edge of the Forbidden Forest.
Hogsmeade Station was even noisier than at the start of the school year, with trains belching white steam and emitting long, loud whistles on the platform, urging students to quicken their pace.
Karen and her three companions dragged their luggage, struggling through the crowd to find an empty carriage. Finally, near the back of the train, they squeezed into a fairly spacious compartment. As soon as the door closed, the noisy world outside seemed to be shut out.
"Phew, finally I can sit down!" Wesley slumped into the soft velvet chair and let out a long sigh of relief. "I feel more tired than after playing a Quidditch final!" He exaggeratedly rubbed his arms.
Fabian carefully pushed his suitcase under the seat, adjusted his glasses, and looked out the window at the crowd of people saying goodbye on the platform: "Every time I leave, I feel like time flies by so fast. School starts, Christmas, Easter, and now the year is over."
Ernesto then took a velvet cloth from his small bag and carefully wiped his brass telescope tube with meticulous movements: "Time is a relative concept. When you are focused on a goal, it passes by faster." Although his tone was calm, it also revealed a hint of lingering affection.
Karen placed Phobos's cage on the luggage rack, and the little snow raven cooed in dissatisfaction, seemingly protesting the cramped space.
He sat down by the window, watching the bustling scene on the platform. Professor McGonagall, with a stern face, directed the order; Professor Flitwick stood to the side, talking to a Ravenclaw student with an encouraging smile on his face; Professor Snape, his black robes billowing like an ominous cloud, was avoided by students wherever he went.
"Ming-ming-ming!"
1
The whistle sounded again, the wheels turned slowly, and the spires of Hogwarts Castle, the Black Lake, and the Forbidden Forest began to move steadily backward outside the window, getting farther and farther away.
A brief silence fell over the cubicle as Hogwarts gradually disappeared from sight. "Remember the first day of school?" Wesley suddenly broke the silence, a nostalgic smile on his face. He magically pulled a bulging paper bag from his backpack. "Fred and George gave me this 'stockpile,' saying it was to celebrate us 'surviving' our first year!" He dumped the contents of the bag onto the small table in the middle—colorful Chocolate Frogs, Spiky Bee Candy, Super Bubble Gum, Bertie Bott's Every Flavor Beans, and even a few bags of Muggle chips, no one knew where they came from.
"Wow!" Fabian's eyes lit up. "Chocolate Frog! I still have a few cards I haven't collected yet, I wonder if they're in here!"
"Beebe Bite-Flavored Beans?" Ernesto wrinkled his nose, clearly disgusted. "They're so unpredictable, I'd rather not." Then he reached for a bubble gum.
Karen smiled too. The memory of Cedric's friendliness and the Weasley twins' appearance on the express train at the start of the semester was still vivid. He picked up a sizzling honey candy. "Of course I remember." He unwrapped it, put it in his mouth, and the familiar sweetness and slight popping sensation spread across his tongue. "It feels like yesterday."
"Yesterday?" Wesley's eyes widened dramatically as he tore open a bag of Chocolate Frog cards, frantically grabbing the card of the frog that was trying to escape through the window. "It feels like an eternity! Think of all we've done! Sorting," he grabbed the card, glanced at it, "Ha! Dumbledore again! I have three now! Cullen, I remember your sister wanted this, right? Here you go." He casually shoved the card into Cullen's hands. "Then I was sorted into Ravenclaw, met you guys, and that horrible Potions dungeon! Snape was like a vampire, every time I went in I felt a chill run down my spine! I bet if I had a different Potions teacher, my grades wouldn't have been just passing!"
Fabian continued, "And then there was Professor Flitwick's Charms class, remember how you made the Floating Feather dance the first time you did it, Cullen?" He mimicked Professor Flitwick's high-pitched, surprised tone: "Oh! Perfect control! Mr. Hawthorne, Ravenclaw plus three!"
"And then there's Transfiguration," Ernesto added, reminiscing. "Professor McGonagall turned a match into a silver needle, and Karen, you got two extra points from her on your first Transfiguration class." His tone was calm, but tinged with pride. "The way she looked at you was different."
"The most memorable thing is discovering the 'Eagle's Nest'!" Wesley slammed his hand on the table excitedly, making Candy jump. "That abandoned classroom! And the secret room inside! Merlin's beard, that alchemy experiment table! And that 'Nicholas Flamel II' notebook!" He lowered his voice, filled with the excitement of a successful expedition.
Karen listened as her roommates recounted their experiences, the images vividly replaying in her mind: the precise flow of magic in Charms class, the subtle changes in the internal structure of matter during transformation, the dusty smell and ancient magical aura permeating the abandoned classroom, and the awe-inspiring presence of Professor Castor. "But the most exciting part was the Forbidden Forest!" Wesley exclaimed excitedly. "Those Bowtruckles, and those eight-legged bastards." He vaguely mentioned the perilous encounter with the giant spiders, "But we killed them! And got some venom! Five hundred Galleons!" He rubbed his hands together, his eyes gleaming, as if he could see Galleons dancing before his eyes.
"It was Karen's skillful command and reasonable tactical execution that made the difference," Ernesto objectively assessed, turning his gaze to Karen. "Your spells and precise strikes were key."
"It's because we cooperated well. I couldn't have dealt with so many spiders by myself," Karen said modestly, recalling the moonlight moss deep in the Forbidden Forest that glowed under the full moon, the naturally formed magical resonance loop, a beautiful scene that she never tired of looking at.
"Oh, right, France!" Wesley suddenly remembered something and leaned closer to Karen curiously. "How are those Easter eggs you brought back?"
Karen smiled and said, "It's still in the bag. There's been no news so far. I'll write to let you know if it hatches." He pointed to his backpack.
The conversation naturally turned to summer vacation plans. The train traveled smoothly as the group discussed interesting things that happened in their lives and what their upcoming summer vacation would be like.
As the train moved forward, the towns outside the window grew increasingly dense. Inside the carriage, four teenagers shared their last snacks, their voices mingling with laughter and excited chatter about their future plans. They shared a bag of chips, yelled and shouted over a Bertie Bott's Every Flavor Bean with an unknown flavor, and argued about the merits of different Quidditch teams. Phoebus stood on the luggage rack, occasionally letting out a lazy hoot. Time slipped away quietly in the relaxed atmosphere. The tension, adventure, and gains of a year at Hogwarts had settled into the warm and solid friendship in this compartment, and a small anticipation for the upcoming brief separation and their individual explorations.
As the familiar towering dome of King's Cross Station and the clamor of voices drifted through the train windows, a mix of excitement for returning home and reluctance to part quietly rose within me.
"Platform 9¾ has arrived! All passengers, please take your luggage and pets and prepare to disembark!" the train conductor's voice rang out in the corridor.
"We're here!" Wesley was the first to jump up, frantically grabbing the snack wrappers and magazines scattered on his seat.
"Check that you haven't forgotten anything," Fabian carefully packed his belongings and reminded everyone.
Ernesto had meticulously packed his suitcase and backpack, and polished his brass telescope to a gleaming shine.
Karen stood up, took down Phobos's cage, and the snow raven inside gently flapped its wings. He looked at his three roommates.
"Then," Karen extended her hand, "see you in two months?"
"See you in two months!" Wes shook Karen's hand firmly, then gave Fabian and Ernesto a high-five in turn.
"Keep in touch!" Fabian also reached out and shook hands firmly.
Ernesto stepped forward to join in the farewell, then nodded slightly: "See you at Hogwarts, everyone. Have a good holiday." He picked up his spotless suitcase and walked towards the car door first.
Karen, Wesley, and Fabian exchanged smiles, picked up their luggage, joined the disembarking crowd, and embarked on their journey home.