Dumbledore's favoritism becomes apparent

There was one last thing Dumbledore wanted to ask, and it was what Oleandra had dreaded the most.

"Ancient runes," he said quietly. "A fascinating subject. I am well versed in them, though I must admit they are not in my area of expertise. From what I know, it is a mostly defunct branch of magic these days, though Hogwarts does offer a class as an elective for third years and above."

"Runesmiths, along with Alchemists and Goblin Silver Enchanters, are the three greatest manufacturers of magical items," he continued. "It takes years of study and practice to imbue even the simplest of effects into an object. And yet, you wield runes in unconventional and inventive ways, as if it were as easy as breathing. If you could share how you accomplish such feats, it would surely revolutionize the field of ancient runes."

Dumbledore paused, peering at Oleandra over his spectacles, waiting for her answer.

"I don't think that's possible," she said slowly. "There can only be one true inheritor at a time. The centaurs told me the magic of the stars was my legacy, so you can ask them for more details. They seem to know more about it than me, anyways."

"I will go pay them a visit, in that case," said Dumbledore. "Oh, before I go. Does the 'Veil' mean anything to you?"

Oleandra froze. How could he possibly have known?

"I see," chuckled Dumbledore. "In that case, I have no more questions."

And he wandered off, whistling a cheery tune.

Dumbledore was in a very good mood, indeed. He had spent his youth searching for ways to conquer death, and thanks to the Veil located in the Department of Mysteries, he had known for a fact that the afterlife was an actual place. Dumbledore had since made his peace with his mortality, but one wouldn't be human if they didn't fear the unknown even a little. 

But now, from Oleandra's reaction and the Ministry's letter about the mysterious being and the runes that had appeared on the archway, there was not even a single shadow of a doubt to be found in his mind! Not only was it all real, but the mysteries of death were hidden deeply in the secrets of ancient runes!

"Just wait for me, Ariana," he whispered to himself, tears glistening in his eyes. "As soon as this is all over, I'll come keep you company. It won't be too long, now."

After Dumbledore left, Oleandra's visitors were allowed to come in and see her. She didn't have many friends, but Draco, flanked by his goons as always, and Pansy's cheerleaders came to see her to wish her a speedy recovery.

"It's not like I was physically hurt," Oleandra remarked. "I was just really drained."

"Why didn't you sisters ask me to come with you? You two are hogging all the glory," moaned Tracey. "Aren't we friends?"

"Well, would you have come if we had asked you?" said Daphne jokingly.

"Certainly not!" gasped Tracey in mock terror. "It's much too dangerous! Still, it's nice to be asked, don't you think?"

They all laughed, though Oleandra wasn't sure if Crabbe knew why they were laughing.

Since they were making too much noise, Madam Pomfrey promptly chased them all off, and Oleandra rested some more.

The next day, Oleandra and Potter were released from the hospital wing, much to Madam Pomfrey's dismay, and they made their way to the feast. The Great Hall was decked out in Ravenclaw's colours of blue and bronze, to celebrate their victory over Slytherin, who had won the last seven House Cups consecutively. All three Houses except for Slytherin were busy celebrating under the backdrop of Ravenclaw's banner, which featured an eagle for some reason.

A sudden hush fell over the Great Hall when the pair walked in. The entire school had heard of their feats, and a great clamour rose from the tables as every student simultaneously started sharing the rumours they had heard. Oleandra and Potter nodded to each other, and left for their respective tables.

Dumbledore soon arrived, and after a short speech, he started the House Cup award ceremony.

"Now, as I understand it, the House Cup here needs awarding, and the points stand thus: In fourth place, Gryffindor, with three hundred and twelve points; in third, Hufflepuff, with three hundred and fifty-two; Slytherin has three hundred and seventy-seven and Ravenclaw, four hundred and twenty-six."

Cheers and hoots broke out from every table but Slytherin's. 

"Yes, yes, well done, Ravenclaw," said Dumbledore. "However, recent events must be taken into account."

The poor Ravenclaw students froze. Now what? They had dutifully studied all year long, and now they dreaded the words that were about to come out from the headmaster's mouth.

"Ahem," said Dumbledore. "I have a few last-minute points to dish out. Let me see. Yes…"

"First, to Miss Daphne Greengrass…"

Daphne looked surprised. What had she done to deserve more points? Her sister had done most of the heavy lifting.

"…for thinking outside the box, and outwitting even the cleverest of teachers, I award Slytherin House fifty points."

Four hundred and twenty-seven points! Slytherin had beaten Ravenclaw by a single point! Cheers rose from the Slytherin table.

"Second, to Miss Oleandra Greengrass…"

"…for taking a step back and doing the right thing, I award Slytherin sixty points! It is difficult enough to make up one's mind to undergo a difficult ordeal, but it is harder still to change one's mind!"

The cheers grew even louder. Even though the Gryffindors had also been there that night, there was no way they could possibly bridge the gap to four hundred and eighty-seven points, right? …Right?

Ron Weasley, Hermione Granger and Harry Potter were awarded fifty, fifty and sixty points respectively, in quick succession, bringing Gryffindor to second place at four hundred and seventy-two points.

The Slytherins were relieved, that concluded the list of people who participated in the scramble for the Philosopher's Stone, they had won the House Cup for the eighth year in a row! 

Dumbledore raised a hand in the air, asking for silence.

"There are all kinds of courage," said Dumbledore, smiling. "It takes a great deal of bravery to stand up to our enemies, but just as much to stand up to our friends. I therefore award twenty points to Mr Neville Longbottom."

A shocked silence fell over the room, and then a great cheer rose from the Gryffindor table! They had won by five points! The Hufflepuffs cheered for them as well, while the Ravenclaws shot the Gryffindors angry looks, and the Slytherins looked glumly at their feet.

"That senile old monster!" swore Oleandra internally. "You raise up our spirits just to dash them across the floor! And whatever did the Ravenclaws ever do to you to warrant such treatment! This is unfair! You just do whatever you want to, do you!"

Dumbledore clapped his hands, turning the blue and bronze Ravenclaw eagle-patterned banner into the red and gold lion of Gryffindor! 

At that moment, Oleandra wasn't even mad. In the grand scheme of things, the House Cup was rather unimportant. She looked back at her school year. It had all begun with her thinking she was a Squib, and it had ended with a grand adventure! Oleandra smiled. She had magic, wasn't that the most important thing, after all?