The next day, I heard rumors about what had happened the night before.
"Professor Quirrell was what?!" Draco yelled in shock at our lunch table. Crabbe hunched over with a grin, whispering the gossip once again.
"Harry Potter killed Professor Quirrell while he was possessed by You-Know-Who. That's what I heard."
I noticed that Professor Quirrell was absent today, and my stomach dropped. I froze. I glanced at Pansy, who was already staring at me. She was the only one who knew about my private lessons with Quirrell. We locked eyes, and everything fell into place.
I had taken private lessons from the darkest of dark wizards—gotten close to such a monster. A monster who had killed the most majestic creature I had ever seen. I felt sick. The realization that I had begun to enjoy the company of a wolf in sheep's clothing terrified me. I gulped in disgust, trying to keep my lunch down.
I managed to hold myself together through the meal, though I didn't eat another bite. Fortunately, there were no more tests, leaving us free to pack our things before the big end-of-year feast. Since I was mostly packed, I went down to the lake again to say goodbye to Abarrane. The farewell was drawn out, made even harder by how she used her suckers to try and cling to me for more hugs.
Finally, I made my way back to my room to finish packing the last of my belongings.
Afterward, I spent some time with Pansy and Draco, trying to distract myself from the awful truth—I had grown close to the most evil wizard in history. Their company helped, but certain topics inevitably brought my thoughts back to the horrific reality of my former tutor.
Eventually, we all got ready for the celebration dinner and took our usual seats. The hall quieted as Dumbledore stood from his throne at the head of the teachers' table, notably missing Professor Quirrell.
"Another year is gone! And as I understand it, a House Cup needs awarding!" Dumbledore chuckled, earning some laughter from the students.
"The points stand thus…" he continued once everyone settled.
"In fourth place… Gryffindor, with 332 points!" he announced.
Plenty of students at our table smirked and snickered at Gryffindor's last-place position, clapping sarcastically along with the rest of the school, who applauded out of obligation.
"In third place… Hufflepuff, with 364 points!"
There was polite clapping again. The strange girl I had gotten to know a little seemed genuinely happy despite her house's low placement.
"In second place… Ravenclaw, with 437 points!" Dumbledore declared next.
Everyone at our table clapped louder, already knowing who had won by process of elimination. Draco could barely contain his excitement.
"And in first place… with 497 points… Slytherin!"
Our table erupted into cheers. Most of the first years congratulated Draco, Pansy, and me for earning so many points to help secure the win. I nodded silently with a smile, not really caring about the cup. Not after everything that had happened over the last few days.
As the hall roared with celebration, Dumbledore raised his voice, cutting through the noise.
"Yes… well done, Slytherin. Well done, indeed! However…" He held up a finger, silencing the last few lingering cheers. "Recent events must be taken into account. And I have a few last-minute points to award!"
He turned to the Gryffindor table with a warm smile.
"To Miss Hermione Granger! For the cool use of intellect while others were in grave peril—50 points!"
The Gryffindors clapped happily, congratulating her. Hermione smiled at her friends, then glanced briefly at me. I clapped for her out of politeness.
"Next! To Mr. Ronald Weasley! For the best game of wizard's chess this school has seen in many years—50 points!"
The Gryffindors cheered and clapped while those closest to Ron patted his back.
"And third! To Mr. Harry Potter! For pure nerve and outstanding courage—I award Gryffindor House… 60 points!"
Their table roared with excitement, while Draco embodied the dread that swept over the Slytherin table. We were now only ahead by five points.
I already knew the rumors were true—Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, and Ron Weasley had kept something safe from Voldemort's clutches. It was obvious they would be rewarded for it.
I barely paid attention as Dumbledore handed out more points, ensuring Gryffindor's victory. Their triumphant cheering became a dull buzz in my ears.
"However!" Dumbledore's voice rang out again, snapping me from my daze. I had already heard him award Longbottom ten points, so I wondered what more he could possibly give them before Gryffindor claimed the cup.
"There is one last award I must give!" he announced, his gaze shifting from the Gryffindor table to ours.
"For his readiness to teach his fellow students and for achieving the highest scores on the first-year exams… I award Lucas Peterson… 5 points!"
The Slytherin table cheered. Draco casually hit my shoulder in celebration of my small contribution. Pansy, however, wasn't so convinced.
"If my math serves me correctly, it appears we have a tie!" Dumbledore announced, altering the banners overhead to alternate between Slytherin and Gryffindor.
While the Gryffindors and Slytherins cheered, and Dumbledore declared the feast open, Pansy and I exchanged glances. We both knew I had mostly tutored students in our own house—not nearly as many as any of the Ravenclaws might have.
As the feast began, I glanced over at Dumbledore, raising his chalice. He subtly gestured toward me with a knowing smile. It wasn't for my studying or my grades—it was for my compassion toward the dying unicorn. An event that could never be spoken of publicly, yet still earned me points.
He had it planned from the start… I thought with a slight, defeated smile, nodding in thanks for keeping my secret.
Pansy noticed my smile toward the headmaster and then saw me briefly grasp at my chest—the spot where the unicorn's blood had stained me. It was becoming a habit whenever I thought of that night. She smiled faintly, glad to see me getting the recognition I deserved, even if it was a secret only she shared.
But then, a sinking feeling crept into her chest. She turned sharply toward the Gryffindor table, her eyes landing on Hermione Granger.
Pansy watched as Hermione occasionally glanced at our table while laughing and smiling with her friends. The knot in Pansy's stomach tightened.
She realized Hermione had figured it out too.
Pansy didn't like it. She didn't want Hermione to know more about Lucas—didn't want her to have any reason to grow closer to him. She frowned at Hermione's smile before finally lowering her gaze to her plate, the lingering anxiety still gnawing at her.
I ate my fill, enjoying the feast spread before me. Silently, I celebrated surviving my first year at Hogwarts. I had made good memories, met new and amazing creatures, and had some fun along the way.
But my thoughts drifted to the future. I felt anxious about what my next year might bring—or if Voldemort would try to find me again. A shiver ran down my spine. I took another sip of my drink, hoping to calm my nerves.
Just six more years… and I can disappear.
End of Year 1