Morning light streamed through the hospital wing windows, casting golden rays across Harry's bed. Lennon sat beside him, her feet curled beneath her on a stool, watching him breathe.
Madam Pomfrey bustled between beds, clucking her tongue and muttering about children getting themselves nearly killed. Hermione had returned earlier to check on both boys, and Ron—his arm in a sling—had taken to retelling the story of the chessboard challenge to anyone who would listen. Fred and George had already visited twice, sneaking in Chocolate Frogs and making dramatic gestures about Lennon's "knightly heroism."
Mattheo hadn't shown up again, but Lennon wasn't surprised. Their last conversation had been short, heavy. He wasn't the kind of boy to linger in the light.
Harry stirred.
"You're awake," she said gently.
His eyes blinked open slowly. "Did we stop him?"
She nodded. "You did. Dumbledore said the Stone's been destroyed."
Harry's brows furrowed. "What about Voldemort?"
Lennon hesitated, then said, "Gone. But not for good."
They sat in silence for a few moments. Finally, Harry said, "I'm glad you came with us."
She smiled. "I told you—I always will."
---
A few days later, the Great Hall was resplendent with silver and green—Slytherin colors draping the banners and columns. The end-of-year feast had arrived, and with it, the final tally of House points.
Lennon sat beside Fred and George, across from Hermione, Ron, and Harry—who'd finally been discharged from the hospital wing that morning. Ron was still a bit pale, but his appetite remained unaffected.
"It's an outrage," George grumbled. "Every year, they win."
"They've got Snape counting beans," Fred agreed.
"Leave it," Lennon said, nudging them. "You'll get your prank war next year."
Suddenly, the doors opened. Dumbledore entered, resplendent in deep purple robes, his silver beard trailing behind him. He raised his hands, and the chatter died instantly.
"Another year gone," he began. "And once again, Hogwarts is stronger for it."
He looked down at the Slytherin banners above. "But before we begin our feast, I believe a few last-minute points must be awarded."
A ripple of murmurs spread.
"To Miss Granger," Dumbledore said, "for cool logic in the face of fire—50 points."
Hermione gasped, hand flying to her mouth. The Gryffindor table exploded with cheers.
"To Mr. Weasley," Dumbledore continued, "for the best-played game of chess Hogwarts has seen in many years—50 points."
Ron turned scarlet as his name echoed around the hall.
"To Mr. Potter," he said next, "for pure nerve and outstanding courage—60 points."
The cheers were louder now. Slytherins began to shift uncomfortably.
"And to Miss McCauley," Dumbledore finished, his eyes twinkling as they met Lennon's, "for loyalty, bravery, and guidance beyond her years—50 points."
Lennon's heart skipped. The Great Hall erupted. Fred and George were hooting. Oliver pounded the table. Even Percy gave a reluctant smile.
Dumbledore waited for the noise to settle, then added, "Which gives Gryffindor…exactly 482 points. We win."
The banners overhead changed with a whoosh, from green and silver to red and gold. The Gryffindor lion roared proudly.
Harry grinned at Lennon. "You're the reason we made it this far."
"No," she said, smiling. "We made it together."
---
That evening, as trunks were packed and farewells exchanged, Lennon stepped out onto the grounds one last time before summer.
Mattheo stood at the edge of the lake.
"You came to say goodbye?" she asked.
He glanced at her. "No. I came to say thank you."
"For what?"
"For not giving up on me."
Lennon looked at him for a long moment. "Just don't make me regret it."
He smiled faintly, something softer behind his eyes. "I won't."
They stood quietly until the whistle of the Hogwarts Express echoed across the valley.
"It's not over," he said.
"No," she agreed. "But we've still got time."
With one last look between them, Lennon turned and walked back toward the train, where her friends waited.
The first chapter of their story had come to an end.
But the war was only just beginning.
*End of Year One.*