Keeping Score

1:1

"There has to be a mistake."

"I'm afraid there isn't any, Ms. Granger."

"Surely you could do a recount?"

"We've already done a recount following the outcome of the tie, Mr. Potter. But the scores remain exactly the same."

"B-but that can't be! There has never been a tie for top mark before!"

Minerva McGonagall frowned at the two students in front of her. Both were looking at her with such distraught expressions on their faces as they clutched the parchment bearing their scores.

It was mid-December and mid-term examinations had just ended to make way for the Christmas holidays. There was a chill in the air and snow was already on the ground. The castle was in full, festive spirit, though one would think someone had died by the look on these two students' faces.

It was true what the sixth-year girl had said. Never had there been a tie for overall top marks in the history of Hogwarts before and what a very long history that was. Usually, it was pretty clear which student earned the first place. More often than not, and much to Minerva's disappointment, it was a Ravenclaw who claimed the top spot.

But not this year, and not for the past five years either. Ever since Harry James Potter and Hermione Jane Granger started school, the coveted place meant only for the best student of Hogwarts had been in contest.

It was almost as satisfying as it was annoying. Satisfying for Harry Potter was a Gryffindor, and Minerva really liked beating Fillius in more things than just Quidditch. It's very pleasing to announce that a Gryffindor had trumped a Ravenclaw on an assignment or an exam. No disrespect to Ms. Granger, of course, but house rivalry was house rivalry and Minerva was a very proud Gryffindor.

It was also annoying, for the two students in question were very passionate people. Frustrated sighs, snide remarks, sassy comments, and even full-on fights would occur when one upped the other. The competition between the two students was intense and all of Hogwarts felt it. No student or teacher liked to get in the crossfire when Potter and Granger were going at it like cats and dogs.

Minerva's frown deepened and her hands went to her waist. She straightened her back even further and regarded the two students with hard eyes and a fierce determination on her face. Potter and Granger stopped glaring at each other long enough to give her their full attention. Minerva McGonagall was not one to be ignored when she took this stance.

"There's a first time for everything," she began sternly as her head swivelled from left to right to look at the students standing five feet apart. "We have done our due diligence and have determined that you two are, in fact, tied."

The sputtering and the indignant cries followed. Minerva internally rolled her eyes and made a mental note to have a stern chat with Albus and the other heads for ways to lessen this ridiculous rivalry.

"Enough!" she cried and the thick, accented brogue cut through the squabbling of her two star students. "You two will accept this outcome whether you like it or not. If I hear anything more about this, both of you will be getting detentions. Do I make myself clear?"

Minerva McGonagall wasn't above making threats.

Harry Potter and Hermione Granger, with great difficulty, clamped their mouths shut. They tore their heated gazes from each other and gave the professor stiff nods.

Minerva nodded back, her lips pursed. "Now, I will see you during tonight's feast where you both will be getting an award. Good day, Mr. Potter, Ms. Granger. And well done." She turned on her heels and walked out of the Transfigurations classroom.