THE DOLL PEOPLE; Theodore Nott

< XII >

June 8th 1992

The Great Hall was ablaze with color and light as Emery stepped through the towering doors for the End-of-Year Feast. The sky above, enchanted as always, shimmered a deep violet, with the last remnants of the setting sun casting golden hues across the room. Long banners of scarlet, green, yellow, and blue hung proudly over each of the house tables, fluttering gently as if stirred by an invisible breeze.

The year had passed in what felt like the blink of an eye. Emery could hardly believe her first year at Hogwarts was coming to an end. As she took her seat at the Hufflepuff table between Hannah and Justin, she glanced around the Hall, taking in the sights one last time before summer.

Hannah nudged her with a grin. "It's weird, isn't it? To think we'll be leaving soon."

Emery nodded, her eyes drifted to the front of the hall, where the staff sat, Dumbledore smiling benevolently at the students, McGonagall looking proud, and Sprout's face practically glowing. There was a sense of warmth in the air tonight, an air of accomplishment.

The tables were soon laden with a feast even more extravagant than the usual Hogwarts dinners. Platters of roast chicken, sausages, mashed potatoes, and Yorkshire pudding appeared, followed by bowls of bright salads, jugs of pumpkin juice, and plates piled high with sweets. Emery dug in eagerly, laughing with her friends as they recounted their favorite moments from the year.

"I still can't believe we beat Gryffindor in the finals," Zacharias said through a mouthful of roast potatoes. "Maxine knocking Wood down—that was brilliant."

Hannah beamed. "Best match of the year, hands down."

Once the plates had cleared and the students were beginning to settle, Dumbledore rose from his seat at the front of the hall. The room instantly quieted, all eyes turning to the headmaster. His blue eyes twinkled behind his half-moon glasses as he surveyed the room.

"Another year has come and gone," Dumbledore had spoke, his voice warm and full of pride. "We have shared many moments, both triumphant and challenging. But as we look back on this year, we must remember the most important thing—our time together as a school," Emery watched as Hannah flicked some sort of piece of fluff from her robe, sitting up just the little bit straighter.

Dumbledore continued, his voice filled with kindness. "As we prepare to return to our homes for the summer, let us not forget the lessons we've learned and the friendships we've forged. And of course," he added with a playful smile, "let us congratulate the House Cup winners."

The room buzzed with excitement as the banners overhead shimmered, reflecting the house points tallied throughout the year. Emery's heart raced—Hufflepuff hadn't won the Cup in a long time, but they had done well this year, especially with their Quidditch victory.

Dumbledore glanced at the glowing hourglasses filled with gems that represented each house's points.

"In fourth place... Hufflepuff."

Emery's heart sank a little, but she couldn't help but smile at the good-natured applause from the other Hufflepuffs around her. They hadn't won the House Cup, but they had fought hard, and for a first-year, Emery thought that had been enough.

"In third place, Ravenclaw."

Polite applause echoed from the Ravenclaw table, though their disappointment was evident.

"And in second place... Gryffindor," Dumbledore announced, his eyes twinkling as he looked toward the remaining table.

The Slytherins erupted into cheers, their emerald banners glowing brighter as their hourglass of gems sparkled triumphantly. She watched as her cousin Draco, sitting at the far end of the Slytherin table, was grinning from ear to ear, clearly pleased with his house's victory.

Emery watched as the Slytherins celebrated, feeling a little tug in her chest as she caught Draco's eye from across the room. He didn't say anything, just gave her a quick nod, the same unreadable expression he always wore. She nodded back before turning her attention back to her own housemates.

"Yes, yes, well done Slytherin, well done Slytherin. However, recent events must be taken into account." Emery narrowed her eyes, "And I have a few last minute points to award. To Miss Hermione Granger, for the use of cool intellect when others were in great peril, 50 points." Emery and her friends had clapped politely.

"Second, to Mr. Ronald Weasley, for the best played game of chess that Hogwarts has seen these many years...50 points." More applause erupted from the tables, And third, to Mr. Harry Potter, for pure nerve and outstanding courage, I award Gryffindor house 60 points!" Emery watched her cousin's face drop and she offered him a sympathetic smile.

"And finally, it takes a great deal of bravery to stand up to your enemies, but a great deal more to stand up to your friends. I award 10 points to Neville Longbottom." Gryffindor cheers were the loudest as they were awarded the house cup and the feast drew to a close.

Finally, Dumbledore dismissed the students with a final farewell and Emery stood following her classmates out into the halls. She lingered in the hall for a moment watching her friends stroll towards the common room, chatting happily about their holiday plans.

"Emery, we need to pack," Hannah had beckoned her forward and she had followed with a smile. That night, as Emery packed her trunk for the summer, a soft knock came at her dormitory door. She opened it to find Nymphadora standing there, her usual playful smile in place.

"Thought I'd check in before we leave tomorrow," Dora said, ruffling Emery's hair. "How's it feel to have survived your first year?" She slumped onto Emery's neatly made bed, causing a frown from the dark haired girl.

"Fine," She smiled softly, "How was your last year Dora," She remained stood crossing her arms as her cousin continued messing her bed.

She grinned. "Wonderful. It went fast, thank merlin," Her hair deepened in colour until it remained a dark blue, "I'm going to become an Auror, Emmie," She sighed and Emery's eyes widened.

"Really?" Emery crossed her legs as she sat on the ground, causing Dora to sit up so they could see each better.

"Start my training this month, begged Charlie to join me, but the prick is out chasing dragons." She laughed, but Emery could sense a hint of sadness in her expression.

"I quite like Charlie." Emery smiled softly, wringing her hands together.

"I quite like him too." They spent a few more minutes chatting until Emery's face grew weary and Nymphadora left. Soon enough Emery fell asleep climbing into her bed for the last time before she returned home.