The Headmaster's Bonus Points

After speaking with Dumbledore, Evita never went to look at the Mirror of Erised again. Instead, she devoted herself to preparing for her final exams and focused on her classes.

Right now, for instance, Professor Sprout was directing them from the front of the room while Evita concentrated on pruning a Shrivelfig.

Before long, the dull, repetitive task had the Hufflepuff students gossiping. "Evita, did you hear? Professor Snape took points from Gryffindor again today."

"What was it this time?" Evita was immediately cheered up and asked with interest. Although Snape didn't award Hufflepuff points, he took them from Hufflepuff's competitors! How was that not a kind of Schrödinger's point award?

"What a shame our Potions Class was changed so we have it with the Ravenclaw students now," she remarked regretfully at the thought.

"Because some Gryffindors knocked over several cauldrons full of Swelling Solution in Potions Class," another student said, leaning over and struggling to hold back a laugh. "The faces and arms of more than half the students in the classroom swelled up. Professor Snape was furious."

"But he really is scary," said the student who had brought it up, shrugging. "The Gryffindors call him the old bat behind his back."

It really was a fitting nickname. Evita puffed out one cheek to keep from laughing and decided on the spot to relax after class.

The best place to relax was, of course, the Forbidden Forest. Evita knew it so well that she could go wherever she pleased. Besides, her very good friend Hagrid lived nearby, and they both loved animals.

"Thank goodness you're here, Evita," Hagrid said as soon as he saw her. "I found two injured Thestrals in the Forbidden Forest. Want to come?"

"Of course," Evita agreed. "Should I bring anything?"

Hagrid patted the large bucket he was carrying. It held two enormous chunks of dragon meat. "I've got everything ready."

Evita glanced at it and put her hands on her hips. "I think you need something else," she said, displeased. "I just happened to prepare some good Dittany yesterday. Let me find it..."

"Right, right, I never even thought of that. Thanks so much." Hagrid thanked her repeatedly, and the two of them headed into the Forbidden Forest.

A little over ten minutes later, they came upon a herd of Thestrals, their heads lowered as they tore at their prey. They had dragon-like faces and broad, bat-like wings.

"Good afternoon. May I help you?" Evita greeted one. Wizards couldn't hear the Thestrals' language, so Hagrid made no response.

The Thestral swished its long black tail, which seemed to mean it consented.

Evita pressed the large chunk of dragon meat against it to help ease the pain, then took out a bottle of Dittany and poured it on. Finally, she fed the chunk of dragon meat to the Thestral as well.

Hagrid soon finished too. He patted the Thestral's back with his broad, rough hand. "Evita, that Dittany you prepared is really good. Let's go."

Evita looked pleased with herself. "Remember to call me next time something like this happens, too."

The two, one large and one small, were walking back when a figure in black robes suddenly flashed through the trees ahead. Before Hagrid could react, Evita had already fired several jinxes and caught the person red-handed.

"Poacher," Hagrid said in disgust. He held the person in his hand and continued back, encountering a group of centaurs heading their way.

"Oh," he called out, "how are you, Bane, Ronan, Firenze? Evita and I have just been to see those two Thestrals. Where are you off to?"

"Good afternoon, Hagrid, Evita," replied the centaur named Bane. "I hope you're both well."

"So you remember me," Evita said, waving happily. "Your name sounds lovely."

"We've seen you before," Firenze said, walking over, "but you didn't notice us, because you were bandaging a unicorn at the time."

"Yes," Evita replied. "Its leg was a little injured, but I haven't seen it lately."

Ronan said, "Its wound has healed. Look."

A beautiful, sacred creature slowly emerged. Its coat was a pale silver-white, and it was a striking sight when it ran, too.

Evita reached out, smiling as she stroked the unicorn's smooth coat and embraced it. "I'm so glad to see you looking so healthy. I hope everything goes well for you from now on."

"All right," she said softly. "I have to go back to my dormitory and sleep. Goodbye."

As the sun rose and set, the three days of final exams came to an end. The End-of-Year Feast and summer holidays were just around the corner.

The winner of the House Cup had already been announced. The Great Hall had been decorated in black and yellow, and a huge banner bearing Hufflepuff's black badger hung on the wall behind the High Table. As Evita walked toward the long table, everyone smiled and applauded her.

A moment later, Dumbledore appeared at the High Table and raised a hand slightly to quiet the noise in the Great Hall.

"Another year has passed!" he said, looking very happy, almost jubilant. "Before we enjoy the delicious food, please listen to a few words from this old man. The eagerly awaited holidays are almost upon us, and you can all enjoy days without classes or homework to your hearts' content."

"Now, I expect you are even more eager for something else: the upcoming presentation of the House Cup."

"The house points are as follows: Gryffindor in fourth place with three hundred and forty-nine points, Slytherin in third with three hundred and eighty-six, Ravenclaw in second with three hundred and ninety-nine, and Hufflepuff in first with four hundred and ten."

"However, before I announce the winner, I have a few points to award." Dumbledore cleared his throat. "Let me see..."

"Mr. Hagrid, the gamekeeper, has told me that Miss Lorand generously contributed Potions she had brewed herself, helping injured animals recover more quickly. For her exceptional skill in Potions, I award Hufflepuff House fifty points."

Evita looked bewildered and sat frozen in her seat as the students beside her shrieked and threw their arms around her.

"Secondly, Miss Lorand found a special item for me. I personally award her thirty points, which means that Hufflepuff's total should be four hundred and ninety."

"Congratulations on winning this year's House Cup." Dumbledore was the first to applaud, and thunderous cheers erupted from the Hufflepuff table.

Professor Sprout clapped happily as well, unable to stop smiling. If she hadn't been sitting at the High Table, she probably would have hugged Evita at once.

The happiness that nearly overwhelmed her completely held Evita in its grip, and she hardly paid attention to her final exam results. Fortunately, she was still first in her year.