Hogwarts slowly returned to normal, and everyone was preparing for exams.
The hallways were lively again.
Students talked excitedly about the strange events of the year, though most only knew the official story: a dangerous magical artifact had been discovered and destroyed.
The Chamber of Secrets incident was considered resolved.
During dinner one night, Dumbledore announced no exams this year.
Allowing most students to relax during the final days of the term.
The fifth-year students remained busy as they prepared for their O.W.L. exams.
The sixth-year students had an Apparition test.
The seventh-year students had the N.E.W.T and preparations for graduation.
Everyone else was in a festive mood.
Students were excited for summer.
Professors were more relaxed.
And in the background, Alexander had quietly made a few last-minute plans with Fred and George.
The plans had surprisingly received Dumbledore's approval.
On the final evening of the school year, the Great Hall was packed.
Long banners hung from the ceiling.
Candles floated overhead.
Students filled every table, talking loudly while waiting for the feast to begin.
At the Ravenclaw table, Alexander sat beside Cho.
Cho leaned slightly toward him.
"You look suspiciously happy."
Alexander smiled innocently.
"I have no idea what you mean."
Cho narrowed her eyes but laughed.
Before she could say more, Headmaster Dumbledore stood.
The hall quickly grew quiet.
"My dear students," Dumbledore began warmly.
"This has been… quite an unusual year."
A few students chuckled nervously.
Dumbledore continued.
"First, I would like to thank Mr. Chen."
Alexander smiled.
Dumbledore smiled kindly toward him.
"For providing the Restorative Draught used to cure the petrified students and Nick."
Many students turned to look at Alexander in surprise.
Dumbledore continued.
"And of course, Madam Pomfrey, whose dedication ensured that every student recovered fully."
The hall applauded.
Madam Pomfrey gave a modest nod.
Dumbledore raised his hand again.
"And now…"
The doors of the Great Hall suddenly opened.
A huge figure walked inside.
"Please welcome back our Keeper of Keys and Grounds…"
"Rubeus Hagrid."
The hall exploded into cheers.
Students stood up, clapping loudly.
Hagrid looked embarrassed but happy as he waved.
"Tha—thank yeh…"
Hagrid quickly walked over to his seat next to the High Table.
Dumbledore smiled.
"Next, I must make an announcement."
His eyes twinkled slightly.
"Professor Lockhart will unfortunately not be returning to teach at Hogwarts next year."
A few students laughed.
"Due to… personal issues."
More laughter spread through the hall.
Once the laughter stopped, Dumbledore continued.
"However, several students displayed exceptional courage this year."
He looked toward the Gryffindor table.
"Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, and Hermione Granger…"
"They will each receive Special Awards for Services to the School."
The Gryffindor table erupted in cheers.
Harry turned bright red.
Ron gave an ugly smile.
Hermione smiled proudly.
Everyone applauded.
Cho leaned toward Alexander.
"What about you?"
Alexander shrugged casually.
"I'll probably receive the Order of Merlin."
Cho gasped.
"Really?!"
Alexander nodded.
"That's what the Headmaster told me."
Cho quickly kissed his cheek.
"I'm proud of you."
Alexander smiled slightly but kept listening.
Dumbledore raised his hands again.
"Finally…"
"The House Cup."
Students leaned forward.
Dumbledore smiled mysteriously.
"Thanks to the heroic actions of Mr. Potter, Mr. Weasley, and Miss Granger…"
He paused.
"It has been many years since this house has won."
"But this year..."
"Gryffindor wins the House Cup."
The Gryffindor table exploded into cheers again.
Some students even jumped onto the benches.
Dumbledore waved his hand, and all the banners changed to Gryffindor banners.
At the Ravenclaw table, several students groaned.
"We were winning!"
"Unfair…"
Alexander chuckled.
Cho elbowed him.
"You don't seem upset."
Alexander shrugged.
"We already won last year."
"Also, we won the Quidditch cup last year."
Cho laughed.
Dumbledore clapped his hands.
The Great Hall became silent again.
"And now…"
"With the formalities concluded…"
He waved his hand again.
"Let the feast begin!"
Instantly, the tables were filled with food.
Roasted meats.
Fresh bread.
Desserts.
Everything imaginable.
Alexander and Cho laughed while enjoying the meal together.
Students talked loudly about summer plans.
Hagrid wandered around, greeting everyone.
The mood was brighter than it had been all year.
Eventually, after everyone finished eating—
Dumbledore waved his hand once more.
The food disappeared.
The tables became spotless.
Alexander leaned toward and kissed Cho.
"Enjoy the show."
Cho looked curious.
"What show?"
Alexander smiled mischievously.
Then he raised his wand and flicked it several times.