The final week before the end-of-term exams flew by in a blur.
Despite the grueling revision that had left the quartet utterly exhausted, for most students, life at Hogwarts remained as normal as ever—except for the startling revelation that their school had once harbored a Basilisk and a Chamber of Secrets.
The only notable change was the cancellation of their last Defense Against the Dark Arts class. Gilderoy Lockhart had been escorted out of the school by a team of Aurors in front of the entire student body.
At dinner, Dumbledore announced that the professor would not be returning next year. The news was met with cheers from many of the faculty, and even Snape managed a few claps.
Students who were still in the dark about the details whispered and speculated among themselves. But this lasted only until the next morning when a flock of owls delivered copies of the Daily Prophet to the Great Hall. The truth about Gilderoy Lockhart was revealed to all.
The front page featured a large photo of Lockhart being held by two Aurors. He glared venomously at the camera, his once-glorious golden hair now a disheveled mess plastered against his forehead. His lips bore an unhealed cut, and the former winner of the Most Charming Smile Award looked as though he'd forgotten how to smile.
Beneath two lengthy articles titled "The Life and Lies of Gilderoy Lockhart" and "From Heartthrob Professor to Disgraced Fraud", journalist Rita Skeeter laid bare how Lockhart had illegally used memory charms to steal others' achievements and shamelessly claimed them as his own. He had even deceived his way into earning a Merlin Medal.
Outraged letters from wizards flooded the Ministry of Magic, leaving Minister Cornelius Fudge overwhelmed. The Ministry acted swiftly, sending Lockhart to Azkaban the very next day. Ron quipped that the Ministry had never been so efficient.
The rest of the summer term passed under bright sunlight and thinning mist. Finally, all the exams were over. Orli was particularly thrilled with her "Outstanding" in Potions, even more so than the "Outstandings" she had earned in Charms and Transfiguration.
Before anyone could fully process it, the day to board the Hogwarts Express home arrived. Orli, Harry, Ron, Hermione, Fred, George, and Ginny squeezed into the same compartment. They made the most of their final hours together, setting off countless of the twins' newly improved fireworks and taking turns eating Canary Creams to transform into birds.
Orli was immensely grateful for the small enchanted bag with spatial magic she had exchanged from the system before leaving. It allowed her to pack everyone's luggage inside; otherwise, the compartment would have been bursting at the seams.
Ginny gleefully shared a juicy bit of gossip about catching Percy kissing the Ravenclaw female prefect in an empty classroom. Fred and George were so delighted by the story that they looked as if it were their birthday.
It wasn't until the train was nearing London that Orli remembered something important.
"Ron, can I borrow Scabbers for potion testing over the holidays? You're going to Egypt anyway," Orli asked.
In the original timeline, Mr. Weasley had won a 700-Galleon prize from the Ministry during the summer, so the family didn't leave for Egypt until late July. But with their current financial stability, they had planned the trip well before the holidays began.
She didn't want Sirius Black breaking out of Azkaban after spotting Scabbers in the newspaper. It was better to let her godfather stay in Azkaban for two more months. Once the new term started, she would find a way to help him get out openly—far better than living as a fugitive.
"Are you sure? Scabbers is getting old. He needs special rat food and a weekly dose of vitality tonic. Honestly, I think you'd be better off just buying a new rat," Ron replied.
He pulled Scabbers out of his pocket. The rat, now plump and dark, was clutching half a Chocolate Frog and snoring away.
"But I'm used to using Scabbers. Don't worry; I'll take good care of him, I promise. And he still earns three Sickles a day," Orli said confidently as she placed Scabbers into the small cage she had prepared.
"Let's meet in Diagon Alley during the last week of the holidays. I think it's time you got a new wand," Orli added.
"Alright, if you insist," Ron agreed after considering the prospect of a new wand.
The Hogwarts Express began to slow down and eventually came to a stop. Scabbers groggily glanced at Orli, rolled over, and fell back asleep. Over the past few months, thanks to Orli's deliberate efforts, Scabbers had almost completely dropped his guard around her.
"Alright, see you in Diagon Alley during the last week of the holidays. Don't forget to write!" Hermione said, giving Orli a reluctant hug. She would be spending the summer in France and wouldn't be able to hang out with them.
Harry tore off a small piece of parchment, scribbled a few numbers on it, and handed it to everyone.
"These are phone numbers. You can try calling me. I can't bear the thought of spending the summer only talking to Dudley," Harry said.
Orli retrieved everyone's luggage from her small bag and distributed it. Dryncorpse and Hedwig chirped at each other from their cages, while Fred pulled out a large bag of colorful candies and stuffed a handful into everyone's pockets.
Amid the bustling crowd on the platform, they stepped into the Muggle world together.
Awaiting them was a long, sunlit summer holiday.
~~~~❃❃~~~~~~~~❃❃~~~~
"8 amazing fanfics available on my Patreon.
Support for 250+ advance chapters:
patreon.com/DarkGolds"
PS:"Sorry for keeping everyone waiting. I took a few days off for myself, haha. Moving forward, updates will be stable. The new book will also be launched within three days. Wishing everyone a pleasant weekend."