Then I Met You [D.M.]

Year One: End of Year

29th June, 1992, Late Afternoon

Violet couldn't believe that the year was already over. As she was walking out of her last final, which was Charms, she had felt the moment was a little bittersweet. She was ready to go home and see her parents, but she was going to miss Hogwarts. She would miss the magic, her friends, her classes. She didn't know how she'd be able to cope without these things for the next couple of months. 

She decided that it'd been the best year of her life. Despite all the bad things, like bullies and Harry Potter almost dying at the hand of He Who Shall Not Be Named, it had been a really great year. 

It was still hard to believe that actually happened. She'd heard about the attack after the fact, when Harry was laid up in the Hospital wing. She ran there the moment she'd heard, running into Hermione and Ron, who told her the whole story. That they'd been trying to stop someone all year from stealing something called the Philosopher's Stone. They had thought it was Snape, but it was actually Professor Quirrell, who somehow had You Know Who living in the back of his head. She'd gotten lost here, and they tried to explain the best they could. In the end, Harry stopped him from getting the stone, which would've given him the ability to reform and live forever. Quirrell died, and the soul of You Know Who escaped. 

Their year had definitely been more exciting, and dangerous. She finally understood why they'd been so secretive all year, and why they'd often disappear for hours at a time. She couldn't hold it against them that they hadn't told her. After all, they were friends, but only saw each other in classes and sometimes free periods, whereas the trio was together almost all day, every day.

She and the rest of the students were spread out around the lawn and the Great Lake, the weather bordering on almost too warm. It was a nice, sunny day, with a slight breeze rustling the trees. It couldn't have been better.

She exchanged addresses with her friends, ensuring that they'd all trade letters throughout the summer. She didn't want to lose touch with them, fearing that if she did, they might not be as close next year. Aimee and Hannah reassured her that nothing could break them apart.

Later that evening, at the End of Year Feast, Dumbledore made grand theatrics at the announcement of who won the house cup. The quidditch cup had unfortunately been won by Slytherin, as they'd had the most house points and game points by the final tally a few days prior. 

"Another year gone." He began, standing at the head table, "And now, as I understand it, the house cup needs awarded. And the points stand thus-- In fourth place, Gryffindor, with 312 points. Third place, Hufflepuff, with 352 points. In second place, Ravenclaw, with 426 points. And in first place, with 472 points, Slytherin house."

After each house was named, there was a smattering of applause, but after the winner was announced, the entire Slytherin table stood up clapping and cheering. Some other students clapped politely, but didn't join in on their cheers. When Violet turned around to glare at the table, she caught the eye of Draco. She stuck her tongue out at him, but he only smirked before quickly looking away. 

Banners fell along the walls and above the tables, spanning the length of the hall, brandishing the Slytherin colours and house crest. The house only cheered louder.

"Yes, yes, well done, Slytherin. Well done, Slytherin." Dumbledore continued, effectively silencing the hall, "However, recent events must be taken into account, and I have a few last minute points to award." 

At this, whispers broke out around the room, students looking at each other confused. 

Hannah and Violet turned as one to look at Cedric for an explanation, but he only shrugged and murmured, "This hasn't happened before."