Dollhouse [Rabastan Lestrange]

Chapter 30

"A lover? Maybe.
Something tender,
anyway. But tender like
a bruise."

Every Hogwart's student piled into the Great Hall for their final feast before returning home in the morning. For the seventh years, this would be their final meal at Hogwarts. Callista sat down at the Slytherin Table and waited for Dumbledore to begin hid End-of-Year Speech. He would announce the winners of the House Cup.

Gen sits next to her, hands clenched in her lap as she waits in anticipation. "I can't believe we're really at the end!"

Fallon nods along from opposite her, though her eyes are focused on something behind them. Perhaps a blonde Gryffindor. "I thought it would never end."

Callista tries to feel as excited as her friends, but one glance at Rabastan's grim look fills her with dread at what's to come. Though she loved Rabastan, the thought of their wedding scared her. The war scared her. Rabastan could tell. He wrapped his hand around hers under the table and gave it a light squeeze. It was comforting. He understood her fears.

The Headmaster stepped forward to his podium and opened his arms, taking in all the students sitting in front of him. "Good evening, Hogwarts. Today we celebrate not only the end of another year, but our Year 7s as well. They have completed their NEWTs and will all be entering a new phase in their lives." 

He looked around, picking out the Year 7s amongst them. He spoke directly to us now. "Year 7s, Hogwarts has been a source of comfort for many of you. Though it has been challenging, I hope it has been joyous as well. Most importantly, I hope it has prepared you for what comes now." A grave look passed over his features before he replaced it with his usual smile. "Whether you will seek out a job in the ministry, or perhaps as a healer, you will face even more challenges. As you navigate this new world, know that in Hogwarts you will always find help. All one must do is ask for it."

He nodded and the students clapped their hands. Aidan groaned. "I just want to eat."

Gen shook her head, but her smile stayed on her face. "Don't you want to see who won the House Cup?"

He shrugged and look at Dumbledore.

"Now, for the moment a lot of you have been waiting for. The winners of the House Cup!"

The students cheered and when they quieted down, he continued. "In fourth place, with 327 points, Hufflepuff." He waited for the claps to end before announcing the next place. "Third place with 405 points, Ravenclaw!"

Slytherin or Gryffindor, it could be either. Gryffindor already won the Quidditch Cup. Callista hoped Slytherin could beat them. 

"Now, this one was very close. Second place is 498 points, and first place won by 12 with 510 points." He waved his hands and the house banners above each table began to change. Red and gold peeked through as he shouted, "Gryffindor wins!"

The Slytherins were the least enthusiastic as the other houses cheered for the winners. 

Rabastan muttered, "I don't understand how they win with Potter and Black in their house."

Callista sighed. Though she was happy for James, it was disappointing to lose. She did not hear Dumbledore announce the feast and was shocked when the food appeared in front of her. She was grateful to see it. They could enjoy the meal together as friends.