The Great Hall was alight with a warm, golden glow, the flickering candles floating overhead casting gentle, shifting light across the room. The final feast of the school year was in full swing, the four long house tables laden with steaming dishes, glittering goblets, and piles of mouthwatering desserts. Laughter and lively chatter filled the air, a vibrant mix of relief and excitement as students celebrated the end of exams.
Ethan sat quietly at the Ravenclaw table, his fork spearing a roasted potato as he listened to the joyful chaos around him. For the first time in months, he felt a quiet calm settle over him. The relentless pressure of exams, the long nights of study, the intensity of his rivalry with Hermione, all of it was over. At least for now.
He looked around, watching his fellow Ravenclaws animatedly discussing their summer plans. Some were planning to travel, others were eager to return home to their families. Ethan planned to spend his summer relaxing and playing around with magic.
But even as he enjoyed the cheerful atmosphere, his gaze inevitably wandered to the enchanted hourglasses that tracked house points. Slytherin's hourglass was filled almost to the brim with brilliant emeralds, their lead unmistakable. Their table was practically buzzing with anticipation, many of them already wearing victorious smiles.
Ethan suppressed a faint smirk, already knowing how this night would end. It was one of the rare advantages of his knowledge, though he hadn't been able to change the main events, he was at least prepared for their outcomes.
At the staff table, Dumbledore rose from his seat, his hands raised slightly, and the hall's lively chatter died down almost instantly. His presence commanded attention with a calm yet undeniable authority.
"Another year gone," Dumbledore's voice was warm, carrying effortlessly across the hall. "And what a year it has been."
Ethan leaned back slightly, watching with faint amusement as Dumbledore's blue eyes twinkled over the gathered students.
"Now, as you all know, the House Cup must be awarded," Dumbledore continued, his tone light. "And I must say, the standings are… rather interesting this year."
He gestured toward the hourglasses. "In fourth place, Gryffindor, with 312 points."
The Gryffindor table clapped, but there was a faint sense of tension in the air.
"In third place, Hufflepuff, with 426 points."
A round of polite applause came from the Hufflepuff table, the students smiling despite their position. Hufflepuffs were nothing if not good sports
"And in second place, with 452 points… Ravenclaw."
Ethan's housemates clapped, some sighing in disappointment, others glad with not being in last place.
"And so, in first place, with 472 points… Slytherin."
Cheers erupted from the Slytherin table. Draco Malfoy's smug grin was nearly blinding, and the emerald and silver banners overhead seemed to shimmer even brighter in victory.
But Dumbledore wasn't finished.
"However," Dumbledore's voice cut through the celebration like a gentle breeze, and immediately the hall fell silent once more. "Recent events must be taken into account. And I must appoint a few more final points."
Ethan's faint smirk returned. He knew exactly what was coming, and yet he still found it entertaining to watch.
Dumbledore turned to the Gryffindor table, his gaze resting on a particular trio. "To Miss Hermione Granger, for the use of cool logic in the face of danger, I award fifty points."
The Gryffindor table exploded with cheers. Hermione's face went bright with delight, and she sat a little straighter, pride and excitement clear in her expression.
"To Mr. Ronald Weasley," Dumbledore continued, "for the finest game of chess Hogwarts has seen in many years, I award fifty points."
The cheers grew even louder. Ron looked absolutely stunned, his ears turning red as his friends patted him on the back.
"And to Mr. Harry Potter," Dumbledore said, his tone turning almost reverent, "for his bravery and courage, I award sixty points."
The Gryffindor table was now practically vibrating with excitement. Harry looked a little embarrassed by the attention, but he smiled shyly, clearly pleased.
Ethan watched the points shift, Gryffindor now tied with Slytherin at 472. But it wasn't over yet.
"It takes great courage to stand up to our enemies," Dumbledore said, his voice softer now. "But just as much to stand up to our friends. I award ten points… to Neville Longbottom."
A hush fell over the hall. Then the explosion of sound was deafening. Gryffindor had won. Red and gold banners unfurled from the ceiling, replacing Slytherin's colors. The cheers were wild and deafening, Gryffindor students practically leaping from their seats in celebration.
Ethan merely took another bite of his food, his expression amused. He could see the storm of emotions on the other side of the hall, Slytherin students were furious, Draco's face an amusing mix of shock and rage. Some were grumbling, others simply glaring at the Gryffindor table.
Helena, one of the older Ravenclaws seated across from Ethan, leaned over with a bemused smile. "I suppose it was too good to last for them."
Ethan shrugged, sipping his pumpkin juice. "A bit theatrical, but that's Dumbledore for you."
"You don't seem too bothered. Most Ravenclaws are upset we didn't place higher," she noted, raising an eyebrow.
"House points are just a game," Ethan replied evenly. "I care more about what I've learned this year than a bit of colored glass in an hourglass."
Helena chuckled. "Spoken like a true Ravenclaw." She leaned back, watching the ongoing chaos. "Still, it's quite the show."
The feast continued, Gryffindor's table almost riotous with celebration. Harry, Ron, and Hermione were being practically mobbed with congratulations, while Neville looked overwhelmed.
Ethan continued to enjoy his meal, carefully selecting a piece of treacle tart and savoring it. Around him, Ravenclaws were either sulking over their third-place position or joining in the general atmosphere of excitement.
For Ethan, it was all just a well-expected play coming to its final act. He had watched it unfold with amusement. More importantly, it meant the school year was officially at an end. Soon, he would be leaving the castle along with everyone else.
He had already talked with his mother about summer. She would be picking him up from the station before heading to the Wright's family manor.
As the hall gradually began to settle, Dumbledore clapped his hands, and the golden plates were cleared away, leaving the tables spotless.
"Congratulations to Gryffindor," Dumbledore called out warmly. "And to all our students, for a wonderful year. May your summer be filled with joy and rest. And remember, Hogwarts will always be here to welcome you home."
With that, the students began to rise, the rush of excited chatter filling the hall once more.
Ethan stood, calmly making his way toward the doors, his mind already moving past the celebration.
The next year awaited, yet it would be playing out slightly different than it should.
~
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