Harry Potter : Cael Vale’s journey to Hogwarts

Three days after waking in the hospital wing, Madam Pomfrey finally gave Hermione and Cael the all-clear.

"You're both fit to return to classes," she said crisply. "But no late nights, dueling, or saving the school for the next week—understood?"

Two days later, they resumed their studies.

The atmosphere in the castle had changed. Everywhere Cael and Hermione went, eyes followed. Students whispered behind hands, nudged each other, and stole glances as they passed. Cael, in particular, had become something of a celebrity. Stories spread like wildfire—how he and Harry Potter had descended into the Chamber of Secrets, how he had dueled a dark wizard and survived curses that should have ended him. In the first week, it was all anyone talked about.

But as Hogwarts often did, the school slowly moved on. The gossip cooled, the awe faded, and by the time June neared its end, most students had returned to their usual routine of complaining about homework and discussing summer plans.

That evening, the Great Hall glittered with floating candles and shining plates, ready for the final feast of the year. All the students gathered, murmuring with excitement and anticipation. The golden plates gleamed beneath the enchanted ceiling, which shimmered with the warm glow of a summer sunset.

Professor Dumbledore stood at the podium, his long silver beard glinting in the light as he raised his hands. The hall slowly quieted until only the soft rustling of robes remained.

"Welcome, welcome, everyone," he began, his voice carrying across the hall with ease. "I hope this year, despite its challenges, has treated you with health and courage. I know it has not been an easy one. This year brought fear, uncertainty, and for some of our dear students… great danger."

His eyes briefly flicked toward the Gryffindor table, where Hermione and Cael sat.

"Thanks to the efforts of Professor Sprout and her Mandrakes, and to Professor Snape's potions, those who were attacked have made full recoveries. They sit here among you today. Please give them your respect and support—not pity. They have endured more than most their age should."

Polite applause filled the room.

"As for the truth behind the attacks," Dumbledore continued, "it was determined that a dark magical object had infiltrated the school—a relic from a time long past, corrupted by a dark wizard's power."

Hermione remained still, her expression unreadable. Dumbledore had chosen to omit her role in the events, a decision made to protect her. If the pure-blood families learned she had been manipulated by dark magic—even unknowingly—it could make her life at school unbearable. Only a handful of professors and close friends knew the full truth.

"It saddens me deeply," Dumbledore went on, "that during my absence, so many were harmed—not only by dark forces, but by each other. I ask you all again, as I did last year: do not bring the politics of the outside world into this castle. Here, you are students first—equals, friends, brothers, sisters. Do not let names or bloodlines divide you."

His gaze lingered on the Slytherin table, where some students shifted awkwardly.

"And finally, I must thank those who stood against the darkness when it mattered most. Mr. Potter. Mr. Weasley. Miss Granger. And Mr. Cael Vale. Their courage helped save Hogwarts."

The hall erupted into applause. Some students stood to cheer. Cael blinked, caught off guard by the wave of admiration, while Hermione lowered her head slightly, trying to disappear into her seat. Harry gave them both a grin from across the table.

Dumbledore raised his hands again for silence.

"Now," he said with a twinkle in his eye, "in light of the… unique stress this year has caused, the staff and I have come to a decision. For all students except those taking O.W.L.s and N.E.W.T.s, final exams are officially canceled."

A second, louder wave of cheers shook the Hall. Students leapt to their feet, high-fived each other, and grinned from ear to ear. Even the sternest Ravenclaws allowed themselves a sigh of relief.

Cael glanced at Hermione, who let out a breath she hadn't realized she was holding.

"No exams," she whispered, almost in disbelief.

Cael smirked. "Guess you'll have to wait until next year to stress yourself to death."

"Ha. Ha," she muttered, but smiled anyway.

Dumbledore wasn't finished.

"You will all return home ten days earlier than scheduled. Tomorrow morning, the Hogwarts Express will depart as usual. I suggest you take tonight to write your parents or guardians so they may meet you at King's Cross Station."

He paused, clapped his hands once—and the golden plates immediately filled with roast chicken, potatoes, pies, puddings, and every treat imaginable. Students dug in with glee.

But before anyone could finish dessert, Dumbledore stood again.

"Ah, one final announcement. It concerns Professor Lockhart."

The mood shifted. A few students paused mid-bite.

"It is with regret that I inform you he suffered an… unfortunate accident. Due to a miscast Memory Charm, he has lost all of his memories and is now receiving long-term treatment at St. Mungo's Hospital."

Gasps and murmurs rippled across the hall. Some of the younger girls looked close to tears. Others sat stunned. And then—

"YES!" Ron shouted from the Gryffindor table, pumping his fist into the air.

Laughter broke out—mostly from the boys—while Lockhart's devoted fans sent him scathing glares. Fred and George leaned over and mimicked swooning Lockhart poses, to the delight of several students nearby.

Cael leaned toward Hermione.

"Aren't you… heartbroken? Your charming idol's now a vegetable."

Hermione rolled her eyes. "Alright, alright. I admit it. I was wrong. I idolized a fraud."

Cael smiled, content to let her have the last word.

By the time the feast drew to a close, students were full, exhausted, and buzzing with conversation. Slowly, they filtered out of the Great Hall toward their common rooms, ready to pack for the journey home.

As they walked together through the corridors, Cael looked up at the towering ceilings of the castle, the ancient stones warm with torchlight. Another year at Hogwarts was over.