The dismissal bell rang, and Ernie and the others ran for the exit with a Red Cap chasing after them.
Lupin jumped in front of them and knocked the Red Cap unconscious.
He put away his wand and clapped lightly. "Looks like everyone made it out safely!"
In addition to awarding each House twenty points, he gave Neville and Ron an extra five points each.
The Little Badgers were somewhat disappointed.
But after seeing Neville covered in dirt and Ron's sticky school robes, the tiny bit of dissatisfaction in their hearts vanished.
For the two of them to end up like this, they must have performed beyond all expectations.
On the way back, James and Seamus, the two loudmouths, told the Little Badgers all about their glorious deeds.
Neville's combo attacks,
Ron's brave battle against the Red Cap.
One of the two involved was shy beyond belief, while the other was brimming with confidence.
Not long after they arrived at the Great Hall, their exploits had spread throughout the entire castle.
The Black Swans at the Slytherin table scoffed at it all.
Especially Draco.
"Look at that shabby professor's robes. Even the house-elves my family used to own dressed better than him..."
His voice was not particularly loud; only the nearby Little Snakes could hear him.
Astoria puffed out her cheeks, picked up her lunch, and went to find her sister at the Gryffindor table.
The other first-years did not dare follow her example, but they moved to seats farther away from the Black Swans.
Quite a few Little Snakes from this year had joined the Owl Court, while no one had chosen the Black Swans yet.
Anyone with eyes could see which club held greater value.
Vincent was a living advertisement, attracting nearly all the outstanding students in the