My One and Only

Chapter 11 - Year 1

MAIA SAT IN BETWEEN FRED AND HARRY AT THE END-OF-YEAR FEAST, both her hands clutched tightly in one of theirs. Since being released from the Hospital Wing, the Potter twins have stayed glued to each other, worried they might blink and the other will disappear. Every so often Maia would catch Harry glancing at where she'd split her head open, his face twisted up with guilt. Whenever she caught him, she'd run her fingers through his hair affectionately, a gentle smile on her face and tell him; "I've always wanted a battle scar, and now I have one." It didn't make him feel any less guilty, but it would manage to bring a smile to his face, which was enough for Maia at the moment.

Fred had stayed close to Maia as well, escorting her to the Great Hall once Madam Pomfrey deemed her well enough to leave the infirmary. Maia didn't mind. There were some moments shared between friends that would always be cherished, and she could feel their bond strengthen as they walked side by side.

Hagrid had bounded up to Maia in the entrance hall, a blubbering mess, crying about how it was his fault she was hurt because he had told Quirrell how to get past Fluffy. It took Maia nearly fifteen minutes to calm the half giant down and assure him that she was fine and didn't regret a thing. Her experiences beneath the trap door made her stronger. Afterwards, he'd handed her a leather bound book full of pictures of her parents, sheepishly explaining that he'd given Harry a similar one and thought they'd like to have a piece of their parents with them. Maia nearly broke down in the middle of the corridor.

"Oh how time flies!" Dumbledore stood before the students, his arms spread wide, eyes crinkled into a grin. "Before we all dig into yet another delicious feast, we must address the matter of the House Cup."

Maia felt Harry stiffen next to her and she squeezed his hand, sending him a soft smile.

"In fourth place, Gryffindor, with three hundred and twelve points. In third, Hufflepuff, with three hundred and fifty-two. Ravenclaw is in second with four hundred and twenty-six, and finally, Slytherin, with four hundred and seventy-two points."

Harry looked absolutely miserable as cheering and stamping broke out from the Slytherins, and he laid his head down on the table, afraid to look up and catch anyone glaring at him. Maia wanted to tell him that no one minded anymore, not since they stopped Voldemort from getting the Philosopher's stone, but now wasn't the time.

"Excellent job, Slytherin." Dumbledore began, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "However, due to recent events I believe we have a few last minute points to award."

In an instant, Slytherin fell silent and the entire room drew in a collective breath. The rest of the staff looked just as confused as the students, and Maia had to stop herself from laughing at Snape's scowl.

"First, to Mr. Ronald Weasley."

All eyes snapped to Ron, who's face burned almost as red as his hair.

"I award Gryffindor fifty points, for the best played game of chess Hogwarts has ever seen."

Gryffindor broke into cheers, and a few people reached over to pat Ron on the back. Fred and George snickered as he sunk down in his chair, a proud smile on his face, and Maia bit down on her tongue to hold her laugher in as Percy's voice rose above the clamor.

"That's my brother, you know! He got past Professor McGonagall's giant chess set!"

Dumbledore held up a hand and the hall fell silent once more, each student eagerly (or not, in Slytherin's case) to hear who else would be awarded points.

"Next, for the use of cool logic in the face of fire, I award Miss Hermione Granger of Gryffindor house fifty points." Dumbledore's eyes twinkled as his wording and Maia giggled, cheering loudly for her best friend, who had buried her face in her arms.