It was time to announce the winners of the House Cup. All the Hogwarts students were sorted into their houses. They all wore their uniforms including long pointy black hats. Everyone knew that the winners were the Gryffindors (for the 5th time in a row). No one was as excited as they were 5 years ago. Except for the Gryffindors of course.

Nesta could feel Morrigan's smirk from across the Great Hall. She wish she could give her a piece of her mind. "Nes?" Nesta looked up to see Nora. She was in her Slytherin attire like Nesta. "Hey Nora."

"Mind if me and Lily sit?" Nora asked as Nesta shrugged. Nora sat next to her, setting her toad on the table. "Nora, about last night, I'm really sorry."

"I understood why. You had to do what was right." Nora replied. "I'm only sorry that I got in your way." Nesta smiled and chuckled. "If the tables were turned, I probably would've done the same thing." A faint meow in agreement came from Lucky who sat in between the two girls. Lucky rubbed her head against Nora's hand. Nora smiled, petting the cat's ear. "I forgive you too, Lucky."

"Guys, quiet. Kallias is about to speak." Bryce said

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Nesta~

Oh right. The House Cup. I turned to face Kallias like everyone else, my cat Lucky resting on my lap.

"Another year has gone by for all of you students. Thus, it is time to award the House Cup." I sighed through my nose. I hate losing. But I am glad that I defeated Amarantha. For now, at least.

Kallias continued. "In 4th place, with 372 points, Slytherin."

I noticed a few of us clapping for us, but I could tell from the other Slytherins that they were just as disappointed as I was.

"In 3rd place, with 412 points, Hufflepuff." I look at the twins, Gwyn and Catrin who were mopping with their sisters Cerridwen and Nuala. They clapped for their house but even they knew they failed. Well, at least it wasn't as bad as mine.

"In 2nd place, with 420 points, Ravenclaw." The cheers grew a bit louder coming from the Ravenclaws. I smiled a little. At least Emerie was happy. Though I know she would've preferred to be first.

"And in 1st place, Gryffindor with 472 points." I had to cover my ears to block the sounds of the Gryffindors. Mainly from Mor. God, I hate her so much. My cat Lucky hissed in agreement.

I heard Kallias speak again. "Yes, Gryffindor. Very good. However, recent events must be recorded." I look at him with shock and confusion. Last minute events? What the what? Kallias smirked at my interest. "I have a few last-minute points to award."

Emerie~

"To Emerie Stone." I shot my head up, my bony wings flaring up in interest. I looked straight at Kallias before he continued. "For amazing intellect while others were in grave peril. I grant Ravenclaw, 50 points."

The Ravenclaws cheered louder. A few of them congratulated me, making me blush. Nesryn, who was sitting next to me, hugged me from the side. "So awesome!" She said as I hugged her back.

Gwyn~

"Second, goes to Gwyneth Bedara." I heard my twin Catrin spit out a drink of water. She coughed a bit but gave me a thumbs up to say she was okay.

Kallias continued, "For the best-played game of chess that Hogwarts has seen these many years, I grant Hufflepuff, 50 points."

I felt my sisters squeezing me so hard before I heard the cheering of my teammates. Yrene, my Perfect, smiled at me. "Nice job, Gwyn." she said as Catrin ruffled my hair, making me blush, "That's my little sister."

Nesta~

"Third, goes to Ms. Nesta Archeron." This time, both me and my cat perked up.

"For pure nerve and outstanding bravery and courage," I blushed a bit as I heard Nora giggle from beside me. "I award the Slytherin house...100 points." The Slytherins had never cheered louder in their entire lives. Not even at the Quidditch matches.

Aelin, who sat on the other side of me, ruffled my hair like an older sister. "Thanks, kid," she said, smiling from ear to ear. I blushed even more.

"Guys, you know what this means?" Tomas, who sat in front of Nora, smiled in a way of knowing something. And I wanted to find out. "What?"

"We're tied with Gryffindor." Everyone who heard him either gasped with excitement or smiled. One point. We only need one more point.

"And finally, standing up to your enemies takes a great deal. But it takes a greater deal, to stand up to your friends." I gasped under my breath, turning my attention to Nora. She looked at me in confusion. "What?" I didn't have time to answer because Kallias already said it for me. "Which is why I would like to reward 10 points, to Nora Quiver."

Nora gasped, her toad Lily jumping with joy. She looked at me like I was serious. I nodded viciously. "I'm so proud of you," I say, hugging my friend. She hugged me back, laughing happy tears.

"I believe a redecoration is in order." Kallias announced, slamming his hands together. This caused a gust of wind to blow the Gryffindor flags from the ceiling. Instead of red and yellow, it was now green and silver. The colors of the Slytherin.

And then, the words that all the Slytherins were waiting for: "Slytherin wins the House Cup."

I was the first one out of my seat as I cheered along with my Slytherin family. Nora, Bryce, and Tomas hugged me tightly. Aelin and Lorcan gave me a thumbs-up while Rowan hugged me from behind. Or at least I thought it was a hug until the big buzzard picked me up as he did in my first Quidditch game. From this height, I noticed my friends Emerie, Catrin, and Gwyn running towards me and Rowan.

After he finally put me down, my friends hugged me as tightly as the Slytherins did. I take a small glance at the Gryffindors. Mainly Morrigan. She doesn't look back at me, but the sheer disappointment is clearly on her face.

I felt a tap on my shoulder and turned around to see my friend Bryce. "Let's go Nes. Rowan says it's time to pack for the train."