Time dragged on, and morning finally gave way to noon. The bells tolled through Hogwarts Castle, signaling lunchtime—and the official end of exams.
High above the Forbidden Forest, four house crests shimmered into view: a serpent, a lion, an eagle, and a badger.
Erwin glanced up, then flicked his wand. The surrounding vines retracted and vanished.
"Right, everyone," he announced, "head back to your territories. Thanks for clearing out—your spots should be spotless by now!"
The magical creatures rose, offering slight bows before departing—some scampering, others soaring away.
Once they were gone, Erwin snapped his fingers. Dobby popped into existence beside him.
"Master Erwin!" the house-elf chirped.
Erwin nodded. "Handle the cleanup, Dobby. Make it thorough, or the stench will keep the others away."
"Yes, sir! No worries!" Dobby saluted and got to work.
Ever the responsible sort, Erwin couldn't leave the Forbidden Forest's ecosystem in ruins after the chaos. It was a haven for magical creatures, after all.
With a crack, he Apparated away, reappearing just outside the treeline. Murmurs of excited chatter greeted him, and the professors shot him warm smiles.
Erwin returned their greetings.
Professor McGonagall clapped him on the shoulder. "All yours now, Erwin. We're off to the Great Hall—don't dawdle!"
He nodded, and the staff filed away. Turning to the students, Erwin scanned the crowd. Expressions ranged from exhilarated to exhausted, but he zeroed in on the Slytherins.
This trial had tested them all—solo or in teams, they'd battled magical creatures, even slain Acromantulas. The wide-eyed innocence had sharpened into something fiercer.
Erwin smiled inwardly. Blood and battle were the quickest teachers.
His gaze swept the other houses. The Gryffindors looked roughed up, their robes torn and faces smudged. Ravenclaws huddled in clusters, dissecting the ordeal like a puzzle. Hufflepuffs beamed with modest grins, but Erwin knew better—these little Hufflepuffs hid steel beneath their cheer.
Take Cedric Demos, the picture of boy-next-door charm amid his housemates. Yet Erwin had seen him dispatch over five Acromantulas single-handedly, his strikes precise and merciless. If not for the evidence of his own eyes, Erwin might've pegged him for just another easygoing badger.
"Everyone performed brilliantly," Erwin said. "Results drop tomorrow with the finals. Any issues, come see me."
His lips curved into a grin, but the students shivered. Approach Erwin? Even if he didn't hex them senseless, the Slytherins lurking nearby would.
The Hufflepuffs' old rep for solidarity had been hijacked by Slytherin unity. Hogwarts whispered it: Trashing the house was fine—plenty did—but badmouthing Erwin? Good luck navigating the castle unscathed. Even family ties wouldn't save you.
Ron's hasty "illness" and early exit with Ginny proved it. Without that, he might not have survived the forest.
Of course, most chalked it up to flu season. But insiders like Erwin and Charlotte knew the truth.
"Off to the Great Hall, then," Erwin added. "Holidays loom—savor the feasts while you can!"
The crowd dispersed, Slytherins bowing to him before prefects herded them toward the castle.
Erwin snapped his fingers again. Why trek when you could Apparate? The distance was a slog, and he wasn't one for needless misery.
He materialized in the Great Hall alongside the professors, already tucking into lunch by the time the students trickled in.
Dobby's cooking had reached new heights. Rumor had it the house-elf had sought out another from his kin during last year's break—one who'd served a wizarding family in the Far East—and picked up tricks that elevated everything.
Erwin never dreamed Dobby could coax such subtle flavors from simple boiled greens, rich broth simmering beneath.
He savored the taste, eyes half-closing. If Hogwarts held any draw for him anymore, the food was it.
...
The next morning, final results plastered the notice board. Hermione hauled a yawning Draco and Harry there at dawn.
"Blimey, Hermione," Draco grumbled, "what's the fire? You'll tie with Erwin for top marks at worst."
Harry rubbed his eyes. "Yeah, couldn't wait? Draco and I queued up ranked Wizarding Duels last night—ran into a Durmstrang squad. Went hours, total all-nighter."
Hermione huffed. "You two are impossible. Wizarding Duels build real skills, but you're treating it like arcade fun. Battling Durmstrang that long? Erwin always says it demands tactics, not just brawn—you lot charge in blind!"
Draco smirked. "They're worse. Enough nagging—results await."
Hermione rolled her eyes and elbowed through the throng, eyes locking on the second-years' list.
Top spot: Erwin Cavendish / Hermione Granger!
Both scored straight Outstandings.
Draco peered over. "Told you. Tied with the prefect at best—no need to rush."
...
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