Ron shoved Neville forward from behind, undisguised excitement on his face.
"Don't be shy, Neville. You earned this!"
Without a word of argument, Fred and George "snatched" the practice sword from Neville's hands.
Standing on either side of him, they raised the sword high above their heads in an exaggerated pose, as though holding up a crown.
"Let us welcome-King Neville Longbottom!"
"Roar!"
The entire Common Room drowned in earth-shaking cheers.
Countless hands reached out, lifted the still somewhat dazed Neville, and tossed him into the air.
Once.
Twice.
Three times.
The candlelight flickering overhead became patches of flowing golden light in his eyes.
Neville felt as though he were having a warm, unreal dream.
The boy who had once blown up a feather just trying to cast a Levitation Charm, the self who had hidden in corners, afraid of everything, seemed to belong to a previous lifetime.
The revelry spread from the crowded Common Room to the Swiftwind Sword Club's spacious clubroom.
It had now become the center of celebration for the entire house, and even the entire school.
Led by Cedric, the Hufflepuff students brought large bowls of fruit and piles of still-steaming pastries.
Hannah Abbott and Ernie Macmillan were animatedly boasting to everyone about their extraordinary experience the night before.
"You lot didn't get to taste yesterday's Dragon Blood Hot Pot!"
Hannah spread her arms wide in an exaggerated gesture, indicating the size of the enormous pot.
"Professor Holmes mixed the broth base himself. That flavor-oh, you have no idea! I felt like my magic was burning in my veins!"
Ernie nodded vigorously beside her, adding with a serious expression:
"Exactly! Casting spells felt much smoother this morning! It was definitely a powerful tonic!"
Several Gryffindors gathered around, their faces full of unconcealed envy and curiosity.
"Seriously?