Hogwarts had resumed classes, and the very first day back was an exam cram session.
To be honest, for a moment, when owls delivered the news to every young witch and wizard's home, the resentment that gathered was so strong that it nearly overshadowed the joy of defeating Voldemort.
To the students, Voldemort might have been terrifying, but assignments several feet long were even more frightening.
Especially for fifth-years and seventh-years.
"We defeated... Voldemort." In the Hogwarts Great Hall, Ron could not help complaining. "Isn't that brilliant achievement enough for the professors to give us an O on our N.E.W.T. certificates?"
Though his voice lacked a little conviction, Ron had indeed managed to say Voldemort's name in full.
Harry was delighted by that change. He had always believed that if they wanted to defeat Voldemort, they first had to overcome their fear of him.
Previously, Ron would shudder at even hearing the name, let alone saying it.
This was a very positive change.
Of course, being happy did not stop Harry from pouring cold water on Ron.
"I have to be fair," he said, patting his friend on the shoulder. "We didn't defeat Voldemort. Kyle and the professors were the ones who fought him."
"Yes, that's true... but we took part too... that took courage..." Ron said stubbornly, counting up how many Death Eaters he had defeated in that battle and how many close calls he had survived.
He made it sound thrilling and perilous, but Harry and Hermione beside him both looked utterly uninterested.
Even Neville, who was usually the most supportive, turned his head away.
After all, they had heard it more than a dozen times over the past few days. Anyone would have gotten tired of it. Hermione could even recite the whole thing from beginning to