014 - Last Minute Points
Alex settled into his seat at the Ravenclaw table, a satisfied smile tugging at his lips.
He glanced over at Beth, catching her eye just in time to see her wink at him before blowing him a playful kiss.
He chuckled softly to himself, feeling a surge of warmth in his chest. It had been a long and grueling term, filled with challenges he hadn't anticipated, but now, sitting here at the culmination of it all, the weight of his efforts felt lighter.
Across the table, Victor was still staring at Alex with a dumbfounded expression, as though he were trying to process something unbelievable.
"Blimey mate! what the hell did you eat before giving those exams?" Victor asked, his tone one of sheer disbelief.
Alex leaned back in his chair, eyes glinting with amusement.
"Food," he replied simply, grinning.
Victor rolled his eyes, clearly unimpressed. "You just pulled off a bloody Merlin here, and all you've got to say for yourself is 'food'?"
Alex shrugged casually, keeping the details of his performance vague. He knew what Victor was referring to, but he wasn't ready to reveal the full extent of his success just yet. Let the evening unfold on its own.
The hall buzzed with energy, students chattering away, and the smell of roasted meats, buttered bread, and sweet puddings wafted through the air.
Despite the festive atmosphere, everyone was waiting for the grand finale – the announcement of the House Cup winner.
As the evening feast progressed, the clinking of cutlery and bubbling conversations gradually began to die down. It was clear that something was about to happen.
At the head of the hall, Dumbledore rose to his feet.
The usual twinkle in his eyes was ever-present, but there was an added sense of gravity in his demeanor tonight. He raised his hand for silence, and within moments, the hall fell still.
"Good evening, students," Dumbledore's voice rang out, gentle yet commanding as it echoed through the high ceilings.
"As another term comes to a close, it is time to celebrate the remarkable achievements of our students this year."
His gaze swept the hall, lingering briefly on each house table, and Alex could feel the anticipation mounting.
The Ravenclaws sat upright, eyes fixed on their headmaster, while the Gryffindors seemed to be holding their breath. The Slytherins wore expressions of quiet confidence, and the Hufflepuffs, while more relaxed, were still eager to hear what Dumbledore had to say.
"Tonight," Dumbledore continued, "I would like to begin by acknowledging some truly exceptional accomplishments."
The students leaned forward in their seats, eager to hear the announcements.
"First, I would like to commend a seventh-year student from the Slytherin House, Johnathan Wick," Dumbledore said, his gaze shifting toward the Slytherin table.
"Johnathan's performance in the Under-18 European Dueling Championship has been nothing short of exemplary. Winning the tournament as a whole. For demonstrating not only extraordinary skill but also courage and strength in his duels, Johnathan Wick is awarded seventy-five points for Slytherin."
The Slytherin table exploded with cheers, their green and silver banners seeming to glow brighter as the enchanted ceiling above reflected their joy. Their house had taken a substantial lead in the points, and it showed.
Slytherin: 460
Ravenclaw: 430
Gryffindor: 373
Hufflepuff: 355
The Slytherins were smug, high-fiving one another and casting victorious glances at the other house tables. But the celebrations were far from over.
"For Gryffindor," Dumbledore's voice cut through the noise, "I would like to recognize seventh-year William Arthur Weasley. William's brave actions in breaking the curse on the fourth vault and his skill in protecting his peers in the face of great danger have earned him sixty points for Gryffindor."
The Gryffindor table erupted in applause, and a few cheers echoed through the hall as their house banners waved proudly.
The updated point tally displayed Gryffindor closing the gap on Slytherin, the competition becoming more intense by the second.
Gryffindor: 433
Slytherin: 460
Ravenclaw: 430
Hufflepuff: 355
"And for a courageous act of comradery, fifth-year Gryffindor student, Sebastian Stan, is awarded twenty-five points."
Now, with Gryffindor only two points shy of Slytherin's lead, the entire hall was on edge.
Gryffindors buzzed with excitement, and Slytherins exchanged nervous glances. Even the Ravenclaws and Hufflepuffs could sense the rising tension.
Dumbledore, however, was not finished.
"For Hufflepuff," he said, turning to the yellow-and-black table, "I would like to recognize Rita Pinkman, who, through her research, has revived ancient texts that have expanded our understanding of ancient magic. For her contributions, Hufflepuff is awarded forty-five points."
Polite applause followed from the Hufflepuffs, who seemed proud of their contribution to magical scholarship, even if they knew they were not in the running for the House Cup.
Gryffindor: 458
Slytherin: 460
Ravenclaw: 430
Hufflepuff: 400
The hall had gone nearly silent now, all eyes turning to Dumbledore as he looked toward the Ravenclaw table. Alex felt a knot tighten in his stomach. He had a feeling he knew what was coming next.
"And now," Dumbledore said, his voice growing softer but more deliberate, "for Ravenclaw."
A ripple of anticipation coursed through the students.
"This year," Dumbledore began, his eyes twinkling as they landed on Alex, "we have a truly remarkable student who has achieved something extraordinary."
"This student has not only excelled in the core subjects but has also taken on additional electives and extracurriculars. A total of fifteen subjects were studied – an astounding feat in itself."
Whispers of shock spread throughout the hall. Alex could feel the weight of the students' gazes on him, but he remained still, his expression calm though his heart raced.
"And not only did this student take on such a monumental task," Dumbledore continued, "but they achieved an Outstanding grade in ALL fifteen subjects."
The hall fell into stunned silence.
"For this exceptional achievement, I am pleased to present the fifth-year Ravenclaw student, Alex Du Lac with the Medal for Magical Merit."
As Dumbledore called his name, Alex rose slowly from his seat, feeling every eye in the Great Hall follow his movements.
Whispers of disbelief spread like wildfire. It was rare enough for a student to receive the Medal for Magical Merit, but for a fifth-year to earn it – and with fifteen Outstanding grades – was unheard of.
Dumbledore extended the glimmering medal to Alex, and as Alex reached out to accept it, the headmaster's voice grew softer, meant only for Alex to hear. "You have made history tonight, Alex," he said, his eyes twinkling with pride. "This is a feat that has been accomplished only twice before in the long history of Hogwarts."
Alex swallowed, nodding in acknowledgment as he received the medal. He could feel the weight of the award, not just physically, but in the legacy it carried.
Dumbledore's voice rang out once more, loud enough for the entire hall. "For this extraordinary achievement, I award Ravenclaw One Hundred points."
The hall erupted into a cacophony of noise.
Gryffindor: 458
Slytherin: 460
Ravenclaw: 530
Hufflepuff: 400
The banners above the hall changed in an instant, shifting from their neutral state into the brilliant blue and gold of Ravenclaw.
The Ravenclaw table exploded with cheers, students shouting and hugging one another in wild celebration. "Ravenclaw wins the House Cup!" Dumbledore's voice carried over the din, though his words were almost drowned out by the sheer noise of the students' joy.
Alex barely had time to react before his housemates tackled him in a flurry of excitement. Arms wrapped around him, lifting him off the ground as he was hoisted onto the shoulders of his jubilant friends.
The noise was deafening as they began chanting his name.
"Alex! Alex!"
"Alex! Alex!"
Victor, grinning from ear to ear, rushed over and embraced him in a fierce hug before pulling back and raising Alex's arm triumphantly. "That's my boy!" Victor shouted; his voice filled with pride.
Alex, still reeling from a plethora of emotions, allowed himself to be carried away by the euphoria of the moment.
He looked out over the sea of smiling faces, and as his eyes drifted to the back of the hall, he caught sight of Tonks and Beth standing together, watching him with quiet pride.
Beth gave him a soft nod, her eyes shining with emotion, while Tonks offered him a knowing smile, mouthing, "Well done, Alex"
Their silent gestures of support hit Alex harder than any loud cheer could. There, in that small, shared moment, he felt the weight of everything he had accomplished – and everything that still lay ahead.
As his friends carried him toward the Ravenclaw common room, Alex allowed himself a rare moment of peace.
For tonight, he would savor the victory, the warmth of his friends, and the support of those he cared about most.
But in the back of his mind, the weight of his family's legacy, the missions he had, and the challenges he would have to face in the next term loomed.
For now, though, there was only the joy of the moment.
- - - - - - - - -
A/N : Those who give power stones be blessed with big PP.
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