Blue and Bronze

"This year has been a brilliant show of triumph!" Albus grinned. "I am so very proud of all of you. Your tenacity and resilience to work hard when things aren't always easy is a gift. Before we can have our fantastic feast, the House Cup needs to be awarded…"

Everyone burst into applause.

Grinning, Albus used his hand to quiet them down with a chuckle.

"In fourth place, with 304 points goes to Slytherin." He waited for the clapping to settle and Hope couldn't help but notice the sullen look on Sarah's face.

Hope smiled softly, clapping. It had been a rough year for them thanks to a couple of students who didn't seem to mind losing points for everyone.

"In third place with 398 points goes to Gryffindor."

Another pause.

"In second place with 486 points goes to Hufflepuff."

"And with that said…with 532 points, this year the House Cup belongs to Ravenclaw!" Albus beamed proudly. "Well done!"

The Great Hall erupted into cheers as Albus waved his hands, setting the banners above to the colors of Blue and Bronze.

Hope and Newt clapped enthusiastically along with the other teachers, grinning broadly. It seemed as though the year flew by. September 1st felt like just yesterday, and now all the students would be saying goodbye to each other. 

Granted, Hope had spent much of the year with one issue after another. Researching her past, saying goodbye to Wingedback, being taken by the Poachers. It all had gone by in the blink of an eye. While she was sad to say goodbye, she also knew a grand adventure came with summer.

New Orleans.

Tonight, she, Newt, and Albus would begin packing to travel to America tomorrow morning after the students departed on the Hogwarts Express. Unsure how long they'd be visiting, they would pack as much as possible.

Food suddenly appeared on the tables, and the feast began. Hope, as usual, smelled each bite of food before letting it pass her lips. 

Better to be safe than sorry. 

"Are you excited?" Newt asked as he chewed a bit of a steamed potato.

Glancing over at him, she nodded eagerly before swallowing her mouthful. "Very. Nervous, though. I mean, we could find something, and we could find nothing. Either way, it's a bit overwhelming. Everything could change, or nothing will; both sides of the coin are a bit scary."

Newt nodded, squeezing her hand lightly with a small smile. "We'll be with you every step of the way."

With a soft smile, Hope leaned against him and sighed. Happily watching the students laugh and chatter. Everyone had been so stressed with the end of year O.W.L.S and N.E.W.T.S that they could finally relax and enjoy the room's ambiance.

Hope thought back over the year and smiled. How could she ever leave this place now? She was sure she never could.

Glancing over at Albus, a blush crept up her neck as she caught him watching her. His eyes twinkled as he raised his goblet and took a drink. Giggling, Hope did the same.

After checking the contents, of course.