The End Of The Year

A week later, the results were posted.

The castle buzzed with excitement as students crowded the noticeboards in the Great Hall, whispering, pointing, and comparing scores. Among the sea of curious faces, Cael stood calmly, his eyes scanning the parchment.

There it was. First Place: Cael Vale (Gryffindor).

He allowed himself a small, satisfied smile. Second place, predictably, belonged to Cassandra Vole of Slytherin. Third was Cho Chang from Ravenclaw, and fourth — to his mild surprise — was Katie Bell, grinning ear to ear across the room when she spotted her name.

The morning passed in a flurry of packing trunks, last-minute goodbyes, and scribbled notes exchanged between friends. By noon, the students gathered for their final meal of the year — a tradition to mark the end of term and the beginning of summer.

At the staff table, Professor Dumbledore rose, his blue robes shimmering beneath the enchanted ceiling as sunlight poured into the hall.

"Another year draws to a close," Dumbledore announced, his voice carrying across the chatter. "I trust you've all learned something valuable — be it charms, potions… or how to survive a Quidditch match with Dunk bombs breathing down your nostrils ."

Laughter rippled across the Gryffindor table. Dumbledore's eyes twinkled behind his spectacles as they lingered — purposefully — on the Weasley twins, Lee Jordan, and… Cael himself.

"And of course, for our little troublemakers…" Dumbledore continued, his gaze resting firmly on the Weasleys. George stood abruptly and gave an exaggerated bow, earning roars of laughter from the hall as Percy groaned, grabbing his brother by the arm and yanking him back into his seat.

Once the laughter settled, Dumbledore smiled warmly. "Next year will bring new students, new challenges, new lessons — and, no doubt, more mischief." His eyes sparkled as he spoke. "But for now… let us eat."

With a clap of his hands, the long tables filled with steaming plates of roast beef, Yorkshire pudding, piles of roast potatoes, and treacle tarts. Students dug in, the hall erupting with happy conversation.

After lunch, the first-years were summoned to the front to sign the standard Ministry document — the familiar parchment warning them against underage magic outside Hogwarts. Cael scribbled his name, amused by the number of students squinting nervously at the fine print.

Back in the dormitory, Cael packed quickly, his trunk neatly arranged, his stuff wrapped and secured for the journey. The castle grounds were bustling as students prepared to leave, trunks rolling behind them, chatter filling the air.

As Cael stepped outside toward the boats, he spotted Cassandra near the courtyard, deep in conversation with a Slytherin girl. The moment her eyes found him, she abruptly excused herself, striding over with that familiar, proud expression.

"I'll admit," she began, arms crossed, voice cool, "I didn't expect you to be smart enough to take first place." Her tone wavered, caught between reluctant admiration and sheer competitive spirit. "But… congratulations."

Cael smirked, hands casually in his pockets. "I knew I'd get first place. No surprise there." He tilted his head playfully. "And since I won our little rivalry — even if we didn't officially set the terms — I should claim my reward."

Cassandra narrowed her eyes. "We didn't agree on a reward," she snapped, though the faintest flush of frustration crept up her neck. "If I didn't win this year… I will next year. And then, we'll settle the stakes properly."

Cael grinned wider, lowering his voice in mock seriousness. "Forget the complicated wagers. I'll settle for hearing you call me 'big brother.'"

Her eyes widened in disbelief — the composed, unshakable Cassandra Vole momentarily stunned. "You—" she spluttered, glaring at him. "You're such an asshole."

In response Cael said " language girl , language " 

She stormed off before he could say more, leaving Cael chuckling quietly to himself. He always did enjoy teasing her.

As tradition dictated, the first-years boarded the small boats for their final ride across the Black Lake, bound for Hogsmeade Station. But as Cael approached the docking area, a familiar figure stepped into his path.

Frey.

The older Slytherin leaned casually against a post, his expression twisted with bitterness. His voice was low, venomous. "Don't think this is over," he sneered. "I don't care what tricks you pulled — I'll find you, in your filthy little mudblood world."

Cael met his glare without flinching, tilting his head in mock pity. "Funny. You didn't sound so tough when you were trembling in front of the professors."

Frey's face flushed scarlet, fury radiating from him. His fists clenched at his sides. "You've made an enemy you can't shake," he hissed. " You should have left at the getting punished for your stunt you pulled on me and I reclaimed my honor but you didn't stopped you again attacked me , you filthy muddblood , Enjoy your summer. When you come back — I'll make your life here a living hell."

Cael's eyes gleamed, his voice cool as he brushed past. "Two months of peace? You're far too generous, Frey."

Without another glance, Cael boarded the boat, joining the other Gryffindors. Hagrid waved them off as the boats drifted toward the train station. The carriages were already bustling with students — laughter, chatter, and the clatter of trunks echoing across the platform.

Inside one of the compartments, the Weasley twins, Lee Jordan, Angelina Johnson, Katie Bell, and Alicia Spinnet were gathered, sharing snacks and jokes. Katie spotted him and patted the seat beside her.

Cael slipped inside, the warm hum of friendship and the promise of summer wrapping around him. For now, his first year at Hogwarts was done .