two rings and bad things

8_ slytherin wins... maybe

The end of an amazing year had come, which also meant many exams.

The written ones weren't bad, and neither were the practical ones (such as making a pineapple tap dance), at least for Ed and Malfoy.

Malorie and Lance had studied as well, but their performances weren't as good, in comparison. Then there was Crabbe and Goyle, who were just about as smart as a pair of trolls.

Either way, by the end of the week, students of all ages were thrilled to have completed all of their exams for the year.

Speaking of the end of the year, it was also time for the House Cup to be awarded.

The Slytheirns already knew they won, and made sure everyone else knew this too.

"Thanks Potter, we couldn't have done it without you," Malfoy congratulated Harry for losing all of Gryffindor's points, due to the dragon incident.

Ed couldn't help but clap along with Malorie and Lance, who were also walking along with Malfoy. Crabbe and Goyle were also whistling very obnoxiously.

"Cut it out, already," Ed thought to herself when the whistling got so loud that it hurt her ears.

She was still thrilled that they won though.

The group then made their way to the Great Hall, which was decorated in Slytheirn's colors of dark green and silver.

Ed was beaming. Malorie had informed her that this was Slytherin's seventh year in a row winning the House Cup, which made the success all the more sweeter.

They proudly took their seats at the Slytheirn table, and when the talking finally died down, Dumbledore spoke.

"Another year gone! What a year it has been. Hopefully you have learned much and are a step forward to the achieving greatness."

"And now, the House Cup needs awarding. In last place, Gryffindor, with 312 points; in third, we have Hufflepuff, with 352 points; next, Ravenclaw, awarded 426 points; and lastly, first place goes to Slytheirn, with 472 points."

Ed and her friends cheered very loudly, along with the rest of the Slytheirns. Sometimes, there just wasn't a better feeling than winning.

However, Dumbledore soon interrupted this celebration.

"Well done, Slytherin. However, we mustn't neglect recent events. I may have some last-minute points to award."

The Slytheirn's smiles faded away.

"First, to Mr. Ronald Weasley, for the best-played game of chess Hogwarts has seen in a long time. Fifty points. Second, Miss Hermione Granger, for the use of logic in the face of danger. Another 50 points to Gryffindor," he continued.

Ed couldn't help but wonder what really happened that was so important.

She had heard many rumors around the school, but had a hard time deciphering which ones were true. The most she picked up was something about a sorcerers stone, whatever that was, and You-Know-Who, but had no idea how these were related.

But the most important thing was that they were safe.

Then again, Dumbledore proceeded with the awards.

"Third, to Mr. Harry Potter, for pure nerve and outstanding courage. 60 points. And lastly, it takes a great deal of bravery to stand up to our enemies, but just as much to stand up to our friends. Therefore, I award, to Mr. Neville Longbottom, ten points. If my calculations are correct, I believe we need a change of decoration," he said as he clapped his hands.

Sure enough, the magnificent Slytherin banners soon turned red and an ugly mustard color, leaving all the Slytherins in the greatest disappointment they had ever felt before.

Their jaws dropped in pure shock, especially Malfoy's.

Unsurprisingly, that moment motivated the intense Slytherin-Gryffindor rivalry that would last for many more years.

_______________

The next day, the students packed up to go home, and eventually boarded the Hogwarts Express.

They were also given notes saying they couldn't use magic over the holidays, which made Ed very sad. She thought she would be able to practice what she had learned and even show her family, but it turned out this wasn't going to happen.

Ed then entered the compartment with her friends, who were also still upset that Slytherin didn't win.

"I can't believe they won, it's not fair!" Malfoy complained. Crabbe and Goyle made a noise that sounded like they agreed too.

"We had all the points already," Lance added.

"It's just because Dumbledore favors them. He gave them that many points on purpose," Malorie explained.

"Yeah, we should have won..." Ed agreed.

"We'll show them how it's done next year, mark my words," Malfoy said very confidently.

This remark made them smile. They were determined to win next year, and nothing gets in the way of a Slytherin's ambition.

The subject was dropped soon after, and they went on enjoying the train ride, just as everyone else. They bought sweets from the trolley and talked about all the fun things they had done that year.

Too soon, they arrived back at King's Cross Station, where Ed saw her mom waiting for her from out the window.

Her and her friends stepped out onto the platform, where they sadly had to say goodbye.

"Bye Malorie!" Ed said as she embraced her friend.

"Goodbye Ed! I'll see you soon!" Malorie replied.

Ed quickly said bye and waved to Lance as well, who was being rushed to leave by his parents because he had relatives from out-of-town waiting for him back at home.

Finally, Ed and Malfoy said their farewell.

"See you next year, Koldings," Malfoy stated.

"Bye Malfoy," Ed replied as the two friends smiled at each other. She soon stepped away and walked towards her mother, who was beaming and hugged her tightly.

Ed couldn't wait to tell her family all about the amazing year she had. From spells to potions and everything in between, Hogwarts was even better than she could have ever imagined.