Everyday Life of a Top Student at Hogwarts

Chapter 124 The Dust Settles Down and Preparations for Leaving School

Chapter 124 The Dust Settles Down and Preparations for Leaving School

The final whistle of the last exam seemed to break the magical chains that bound Hogwarts. The laughter and joy that had been suppressed for two weeks once again filled every corner of the castle.

"It's over! It's finally over!" Wesley burst out of the Quidditch pitch, raising his arms in triumph, his reddish-brown hair bouncing in the sunlight. "Free! Merlin! I feel like I could fly three times around the Black Lake!"

Fabian took off his glasses, rubbed his eyes vigorously, and a genuine, relieved smile appeared on his face: "Finally, I don't have to face Snape anymore!" He let out a long sigh of relief.

Ernesto maintained his usual calm expression, but his tense shoulders visibly relaxed, and a hint of relief appeared in his eyes: "Until the results come out, let's consider this a bit of a relief. At least I don't have to stare at the star map anymore."

Karen felt the warmth of the sun on her face; the suffocating weight of exam week completely vanished, even the clamor of the Quidditch season faded into the background. A pure, holiday-like relaxation began to spread.

On the grass outside the castle, groups of students lay, sat, chased, and played casually. Some stretched out their limbs to sunbathe.

As if trying to make up for the sunshine missed during the exam period; some people were enjoying pies they had taken from the kitchen; by the Black Lake, several daring students even took off their shoes and socks and played in the shallow water, the splashes of water sparkling in the sunlight.

Karen and her three companions found a shady spot on the grassy area by the lake and sat down. Wesley eagerly pulled out the snacks he had prepared and generously shared them with everyone.

"Phew!" Fabian took a bite of chocolate, his eyes squinting with satisfaction. "It feels like I've been reborn. Now all I have to do is wait for the results, and then it's vacation!"

"What are your plans for summer vacation?" Ernesto asked casually, leaning against a tree trunk and watching the shimmering waves on the lake.

Wesley immediately perked up: "Soccer! Muggle soccer! I've contacted my old friends, and we're going to spend the whole summer on the field! Of course, we'll also study Quidditch tactics! I'm definitely going to try to get on the college team next year!" He waved his fist.

"I want to help my dad," Fabian said, adjusting his glasses. "He runs a dental clinic in the Muggle community, and he gets a lot of patients during the summer. I'll help him organize the equipment, sterilize things, and so on. I can also learn more about the new things in Muggles, especially in the medical field, which might inspire my Potions studies." His eyes sparkled with curiosity.

Ernesto thought for a moment: "The observatory at Griffin Manor. The facilities at home are much better than at school. Besides, my father promised to take me to a magical stargazing spot in the Alps for a week. It's said that the starry sky there is extremely pure." His tone was calm, but one could detect a hint of anticipation.

"That all sounds good," Karen smiled. "I should be going to France for a while. There are some study arrangements with Professor Victor and Mr. Nicolas Flamel."

"Oh! Right! You said you were going." Wesley's eyes lit up. "By the way, is Professor Victor feeling any better? Karen, remember to bring us back some French magical specialties when school starts! Last time it was an Easter special, this time you can bring some everyday French snacks."

"I'll keep an eye on it," Karen replied with a smile.

"Give my regards to Professor Victor," Fabian said earnestly. "I hope he recovers soon. Mr. Nicolas Flamel would love to ask him about the combination of Muggle technology and magic if he has the chance."

Ernesto nodded. "Give my regards to Professor Victor. Thank him for the knowledge he has imparted to us this semester."

Back in the Ravenclaw Tower, the portraits in the corridors seemed to sense the holiday atmosphere, humming cheerful tunes. The common room was relaxed; older students discussed their NEWTs score projections, while younger students excitedly shared their summer plans.

Karen returned to the dormitory and found Phoebus standing on the perch by the window, a small roll of parchment tied to his foot. He went over and untied the first letter; the handwriting was strong and forceful, exuding a concise and cold quality:

Karen:

The exams are over. Take a good rest first. There's no need to rush to France right away.

Go home first, reunite with your family, and take care of all the things that need to be done at home.

Wait until everything at home is settled before you set off to come over.

I'm fine, don't worry.

Castor Grindelwald's letter was extremely brief, without any unnecessary words, but Karen could feel the concern between the lines—a reassurance to go home first. He carefully put the short message away.

The handwriting in the second letter was ancient and elegant, carrying a scholar's composure:

Dear Karen:

Spread the letter good.

I'm delighted to hear that your Hogwarts final exams have concluded successfully, and I imagine you've finally found some respite from your demanding studies. Perena and I extend our warmest greetings and look forward to your summer break. The Alchemy Workshop at Tranquil Abode is ready for you; some new ideas and equipment await your inspiration.

Regarding the scroll left by Lucian Sinclair, I recently consulted some ancient runic systems related to it and discovered that the magic circuit construction of several node runes (especially the "Gaze of the Eye" variant at the intersection of runes 7 and 11) has an interesting correspondence with the records on a fragment of a priest's stone tablet unearthed in the Seis region of Egypt. Enclosed is a preliminary sketch of my analysis of this node rune and a few questions. You may consider them at your leisure:

1. If the "Sunlight Absorption" circuit recorded on the stone tablet is superimposed with the "Gaze of the Eye" variant on the scroll in reverse order of magical flow,

Where might its stable point be?

2. Considering the natural affinity of the scroll carrier material for specific spectral magic, is it possible that this superposition could trigger the 'activation' of the surface runes? What might be the manifestation of this?

No need to rush to reply; consider this a pleasant way to pass the time during your journey. May you enjoy the warmth of family on your return home. We eagerly await your good news.

You are sincere.

At the end of Nicolas Flamel's letter was a sketch filled with intricate runic circuits and calculation formulas.

Karen read Nico's letter intently. The questions about Lucian's scroll runes were like a key, instantly unlocking his exploratory desires that had been temporarily suppressed by the exam. He carefully put away the letter and sketches, preparing to study them more thoroughly later.

He put down the letter and began packing his luggage. His suitcase was opened, and his textbooks, notebooks, and robe were neatly arranged. He deliberately set aside a corner to pack gifts for his family.

His first thought was of his sister Lily. He hoped the sizzling honey candies and chocolate frogs he'd bought at Hogsmeade would be the ones she'd always wanted in this batch! Then there was a box of magical bubble gum that changed colors, and a small, sapphire-encrusted spinning music box he'd carefully selected in Diagon Alley. Winding it up would produce a soft melody, and the little fairy carved on the lid would dance gently to the music.

The gifts for her parents were more practical: a set of magical thermos cups that automatically regulate temperature for her father, a wool shawl with a temperature-regulating and waterproofing charm for her mother, and several interesting popular books about the magical world, introducing magical creatures and daily life, so that Lily could learn about the magical world.

He also packed several packets of top-quality fudge and coconut sorbet from the Honeydukes of Hogsmeade, intending to give them to Cedric and the Weasley twins as a thank you for their care on the train and their everyday friendship.

Wesley was also excitedly packing his Quidditch posters, models, and the thick "Complete Rules of Quidditch," humming an off-key tune as he did so. Fabian carefully packed his potions notebook, Muggle camera, and several books on Muggle medicine, making sure to properly store his Stardust Moss spores. Ernesto's luggage was the least, but the most refined; he carefully packed several sets of casual clothes...

A stargazing log and a brass star tracker that looked quite valuable were placed in the box.

"Hey guys!" Wesley suddenly looked up from the box, his eyes sparkling. "When we get back to school, is our 'Eagle's Nest Expedition' planning something big? We've only explored a small part of the Forbidden Forest! And that Moonmoss area, didn't Karen say there might be more discoveries?"

"Of course!" Fabian responded immediately. "I'll be working on perfecting the plant atlas over the summer, especially those that might have magical properties!"

Ernesto also showed unusual interest: "Perhaps the books at Griffin Manor contain records of those rare magical plants."

I'll try to look for it.

Karen zipped up his suitcase with a crisp "click." He looked at his three roommates; the summer sun streamed through the windows outside the castle, illuminating the dust motes floating in the air and their anticipation of the impending brief separation and future adventures.

"Okay, it's settled then." Karen smiled, her grey-blue eyes reflecting the sunlight and the light of friendship. "See you at the Eagle's Nest after school starts. There are still many secrets waiting for us in the Forbidden Forest." The end-of-term banquet hadn't been held yet, and the sadness of parting hadn't truly settled in.

What fills my heart at this moment is the relief after everything has settled, the anticipation of returning home, and the promise to explore more magical mysteries in the future.