The unbridled, intoxicating celebrations had almost made the young Ravenclaw wizards forget that the official exam results hadn't even been distributed yet. Whether they were filled with anxious dread or confident excitement, the day of reckoning arrived right on schedule.
Allen achieved a clean sweep, earning perfect grades and securing "Outstanding" marks in all his subjects, easily ranking first in the entire first-year class.
Hermione, the de facto second-in-command of Gryffindor, seemed deeply impressed by Allen's extraordinary performance and could now be seen carrying an even thicker spellbook with her everywhere she went, seemingly determined to close the gap.
Edward's scores in all his subjects were generally excellent, with one notable exception: Potions. He had scraped by with a bare passing grade, yet he was still beaming with genuine relief. "I honestly thought I was going to fail! Professor Snape's expression when he looked at my cauldron made me seriously believe I'd never see you guys again! Clearly, my Potions skills are the next priority for improvement this summer!"
Allen, however, didn't think Edward needed to worry unduly. Even Crabbe and Goyle from Slytherin had managed to pass their final examinations. Who else, then, would realistically be expelled for low grades? Ah, right—Slytherin's former Quidditch Captain, Marcus Flint, who had been temporarily deferred from his studies due to abysmal scores the previous year.
Harry, meanwhile, had quietly impressed his Gryffindor classmates with his solid grades. While the Gryffindors had already forgiven him for the massive point deduction following the end-of-year feast, Harry's recent heroic successes, coupled with Ron and Hermione's subsequent 180-point recovery, had profoundly cemented their standing.
Harry and his friends' popularity within Gryffindor had surged, almost returning to its pre-Hogwarts state. Whether in the wizarding world or the Muggle world, academically gifted and successful children naturally gain attention, respect, and enduring friendship more easily.
"That's probably thanks to your potion, Allen. I honestly slept better and found it much easier to concentrate on my books after taking it," Harry told Allen with genuine gratitude.
Allen, subtly aware of the potion's actual therapeutic effects, believed the academic success was primarily the result of Harry's determined effort under Hermione's relentless guidance. Of course, the potion had certainly helped Harry focus by easing the persistent pain in his forehead and finally stopping his recurring nightmares.
But without Harry's sheer effort and willpower, no magical tonic would have sufficed. And ironically, Allen mused, if Harry hadn't been temporarily ostracized by his Gryffindor classmates after losing all those points, he might never have found the focused time necessary to study so intently in the first place.
Their wardrobes were now suddenly emptied; every item was packed tightly into their trunks. Allen made one final trip to the library, dutifully returning the vast stack of borrowed books. A strict notice was then issued to every departing student, sternly warning them against using magic during the holiday break.
"No way, I was actually hoping to earn a bit of pocket money by performing a few simple magic tricks for my little sister over the holidays!" Fogg complained, sounding genuinely annoyed by the regulation.
Allen privately suspected these archaic rules were primarily maintained by pure-blood families to ensure their children retained a specific social and magical advantage. He decided to offer the students some real-world perspective on returning to the Muggle world:
"Actually, if you're just doing quiet, under-the-covers 'lumos' spells or secretly practicing a few minor enchantments in your room now and then, the Ministry of Magic isn't that strict, especially on first-years. Just make absolutely sure no Muggle sees you. And obviously, don't use them as often as you do at school. For example, Hermione Granger secretly practiced a basic Healing Charm before term started and was able to fix Harry's glasses right on the train."
"That really changes nothing for me," Harry said, a mischievous glint in his eye. "Aunt Petunia and the others already don't know we're forbidden from using magic. I plan on having a lot of fun with Dudley this summer, pretending I have the power."
Edward sat down beside Allen, already engrossed in his reading of The Muggle World as Seen by Me. Allen asked, genuinely bewildered, "Edward, do you really feel the need to study Muggles so thoroughly?"
"Not exactly. Lately, I've been trying to explain the fundamental principles of magic using Muggle scientific theory, trying to conceptualize how magic might be systematically applied to Muggle society in the future," Edward replied without looking up, his tone and focused expression indicating he was entirely serious.
"Then you and Mr. Weasley's father, Arthur, would get along famously," Allen muttered to himself. "He's also passionate about Muggles and tries to combine magic with Muggle artefacts. However, you really should look up the International Statute of Secrecy, Edward."
Before their departure, Allen made one last, crucial trip to the Forbidden Forest. Gaia and the little unicorns greeted him warmly, performing clumsy flying maneuvers and playfully poking him with their newly sprouted horns.
At the Centaur Tribe, after securing Magorian's explicit permission, Allen filled several large buckets with water from the sacred Star Lake. His intention was to perform a gentle, protective baptism ceremony for his family back home.
Although Magorian expressed uncertainty about whether the ritual water would retain its full, intense effect away from the Centaur's sacred grounds, he generously offered Allen the opportunity to bring any trusted friends back to the Star Lake directly, if ever necessary.
Hagrid led the students to the fleet of small boats that would ferry them across the dark lake. Looking back from the water, Allen watched Hogwarts Castle rise silently and majestically over the cliff edge. His year there had instilled in Allen an indelible sense of love and profound belonging for the school. "It will be a long time before I see you again," he thought, sending a silent promise to the ancient stone walls.
They were now on the Hogwarts Express, chatting and laughing all the way, watching the countryside outside their windows transform from wild, untamed wilderness into cleaner, more manicured landscapes.
The train passed through one familiar Muggle town after another. Edward, having finished his book, was now attempting to eat Bertie Bott's Every Flavor Beans with a look of scientific detachment, while Allen quietly changed from his wizard robes into a simple jacket and trousers. Finally, as twilight settled, the train hissed to a halt on the hidden Platform 9 at King's Cross Station.
It took a considerable amount of time for the students to exit the platform. A thin, elderly attendant stood guard at the ticket barrier, only allowing two or three people through at a time, ensuring they did not all pass through the magical barrier simultaneously. A protective charm ensured they remained unnoticed by Muggles passing on the main platform.
Allen could have easily bypassed the queue. His immense excellence and consistency in earning points and honours for Ravenclaw had made him practically the uncrowned king of the first-years. All the Ravenclaws felt Allen deserved special treatment; right now, every first-year Ravenclaw was ready to offer up their spot and insist he go first.
Allen politely declined their offers. He was careful not to become isolated from the other young wizards simply because he had achieved academic success; it wasn't the right time for that kind of separation.
After a long wait in line, Allen finally stepped off Platform 9 and into the bustling atmosphere of King's Cross, where he was met by his older brother, Albert, immediately recognizable by his soft blond hair.
"Edward, this is my oldest brother, Albert! He's an Auror for the Ministry of Magic," Allen introduced him with a trace of proud enthusiasm.
Edward immediately offered a respectful bow, a formal gesture that was quickly copied by Harry and Ron (who, not knowing what an Auror was, simply followed Edward's lead). Allen quickly explained that Albert had once been a high-school science teacher.
After bidding warm farewells to his young wizard friends, Allen followed Albert, dragging his heavy trunk, ready to face the Muggle world and the summer of study and preparation ahead. He would return to the Forbidden Forest for his Centaur lessons in just two weeks, but for now, the quiet discipline of his home awaited.