(Y/N) hadn't ever been to a Hogwarts feast as grand as the one at the end of her second year. Students filled up the great hall, chattering eagerly to each other about what they'd heard. Some were still in their pajamas, as it was still quite late when Dumbledore made the announcement, but no one seemed to care.

Seamus and Dean rushed to get a seat with (Y/N) and, of course, wanted a full story of what transpired in the Chamber. Lavender, Parvati, and Padma tried to eavesdrop, but they weren't as subtle as they thought, for they were uncharacteristically quiet until they broke
to whisper to one another after (Y/N) told them a very brief rendition of events.

Justin Finch-Fletchley was the first of the petrified students to return and he went first thing to Harry, shaking his hand fervently and apologizing profusely. (Y/N) was quite pleased to see his change of heart, and how his friends crowded behind him, looking quite sheepish. It took everything in her to not be snarky when they thanked her; Ron seemed to be fighting the same battle.

As soon as Justin and his friends left to find their seats, Neville pointed over countless heads to the Great Hall doors. "Look! It's Hermione!"

(Y/N) propper herself up on her knees to see, and sure enough, Hermione was racing down the aisle, straight to (Y/N), Harry, and Ron. (Y/N) hurried out of her seat and before either of the boys could get to their feet, she was running right into Hermione's open arms.

"You're alright!" (Y/N) said happily. "Oh, I've missed you so much!"

"I missed you!" said Hermione. "How's Harry and Ron? They didn't give you too much trouble, did they?"

"Oi!" Ron looked rather displeased. "What makes you think we'd do anything to her?"

"Because you two give me trouble every day," Hermione teased, moving to hug Harry.

When she went to hug Ron, the two froze for an awkward moment. Ron went for a handshake instead. "Um," he cleared his throat. "W-welcome back, Hermione."

"It's good to be back," she beamed. "Congratulations! I can't believe you solved it!"

"Well, we had loads of help from you," said Harry. "We couldn't have done with without you."

Hermione's eyes sparkled with gratitude. "Thanks,"

"Well, come on," said (Y/N), tugging on Hermione's arm. "I have so many questions. How did you figure out about the pipes?"

But just as they sat down, McGonagall tapped her chalice. "Could I have your attention please?"

Everyone quieted down at once, turning their gaze to the table at the front of the room. Dumbledore stood with a delighted smile on his face. "Before we begin the feast, let us have a round of applause for Professor Sprout and Madam Pomfrey, whose Mandrake juice has been so successfully administered to all who had been Petrified."

Professor Sprout looked quite flustered, but also quite pleased, to be recognized in front of the entire school. Madam Pomfrey sat up tall, a blithe smile on her lips as the Great Hall filled with cheers.

"Also," Dumbledore continued. "In light of the recent events, as a school treat, all exams have been canceled."

Dean and Seamus cupped their hands around their mouths, cheering loud enough to rival Fred and George further down the table. (Y/N) was delighted with the news, as well, but Hermione looked incredibly disappointed.

As the applause died down, the Great Hall doors opened again, and in marched a very tall, hefty man. (Y/N) was absolutely overjoyed. In all her excitement, she gave little attention to the silent hall and exclaimed, "Hagrid!" She leaned out into the aisle just so he'd know where she and her friends were.

Hagrid looked relieved. Even from a distance, she could see the red of his face peeking out from behind his scraggly beard. "Sorry I'm late." Hagrid started toward them, his voice booming throughout the hall. "The owl that delivered my release papers got all lost and confused. Some ruddy bird called Errol."

Ron hid his red face.

Hagrid reached where they sat, peering gratefully down at the four students beaming up at him.

He spoke just loud enough for them to hear. "I'd just like to say that uh, if it hadn't been for you lot," he sniffed, voice wavering. (Y/N) felt her eyes well with tears and just then, Hagrid reached up to wipe his own away. "I would- uh- still be you-know-where, so..." He sniffed again, trying to sound strong. "I-I'd just like to say thanks."

(Y/N) nodded, unable to speak for crying. But Harry stood, grinning up at him. "There's no Hogwarts without you, Hagrid," And he gave him a hug, looking exceptionally small.

Dumbledore began to clap, and McGonagall rose beside him, clapping along and looking cheerful. By the time Harry had begun to celebrate as well, the rest of the hall joined in. Hagrid looked incredibly overwhelmed to be welcomed back so generously with a standing ovation from the entire student body and staff, but (Y/N) couldn't think of a single person more deserving.

***

The rest of the term passed by in a blur. Everything had returned back to normal, with the exception that Defense Against the Dark Arts classes were canceled on the account that they no longer had a professor. Ginny Weasley was back in better spirits and even whispered to (Y/N) and Hermione one evening about Percy's new girlfriend, a Ravenclaw named Penelope Clearwater.

Too soon, it was time to go back home. (Y/N) and her friends got a compartment all to themselves. They spent the last few hours they were allowed to use magic before the holidays playing Exploding Snap – Seamus was particularly unlucky with it. Harry had written down something he called a telephone number and given one to (Y/N), Hermione, and Ron. As he explained it to them, (Y/N) knew she wouldn't be using it (the Malfoys would never have a piece of Muggle technology in their home) but she tucked it safely in her pocket anyway.

They gathered their things as the train approached the station. Seamus was just helping (Y/N) pull Alcestis' cage from the wrack when Dean said, "Tell me when you two are headed to Diagon Alley to get your school things, okay?" He slung his bag over his shoulder. "Maybe we can meet and go to Fortescue's!"

"Yeah," Seamus said eagerly. "And (Y/N), don't forget you're still invited when we go to London!"

"Thanks," she tried to smile. She didn't have the heart to tell them her godparents wouldn't allow it. "I'll let you guys know. Remind me, okay?"

"'Course," nodded Seamus.

Once they had all their things, they joined Harry, Hermione, and Ron in the line toward the enchanted barrier. Fred and George seemed to have found out about Percy's girlfriend, for they were just ahead giving him grief. Ginny looked up at (Y/N) as soon as she fell in line and eagerly asked, "You will be coming to visit at the Burrow this summer, won't you?"

"Ginny..." Ron groaned in annoyance, pushing her away. "Sorry, (Y/N),"

They crossed through the barrier into the Muggle world. Mrs. Weasley was already there to sweep everyone into hugs. Dean and Seamus said goodbye and went off to find their parents, and Hermione left after making (Y/N), Harry, and Ron each swear to write.

(Y/N) knew she should go to find her godparents and Draco, but she didn't want to say goodbye for an entire holiday just yet. She turned to Harry, trying to think of something to say.

Harry beat her to it. "I know calling probably won't work," he said apologetically. "But I swear to write this year. Now that things are back to normal, I don't think Dobby will be stopping our letters anymore."

(Y/N) smiled. "I hope not," she said. "We've barely left and I already can't wait to go back,"

"Me neither,"

"Harry!" said a harsh, angry voice. They looked to see his uncle, still as mean-looking as the year before. "Don't keep us waiting, let's go!"

Harry looked disappointed. "I'll see you next year,"

(Y/N) gave Vernon Dursely a disapproving once-over. "Good luck," she said, pulling Harry into a hug.

He laughed. "You, too."

Just when they parted, (Y/N) heard a familiar voice call her name. Narcissa Malfoy was moving as quickly as she could through the crowd of Muggles and wizards alike. (Y/N) thought she was done for, and at once went to apologize, but before she could, Narcissa crouched down and wrapped her in a warm hug.

"Oh, it's so good to see you, dear. I'm so glad you're alright."

(Y/N) was astounded. Never had her godmother been so relieved to see her. With how nicely and normally her school year ended, (Y/N) had nearly forgotten all about Narcissa's distress when she found out she'd gone into the Chamber.

"You," she said, turning to point at Harry, who'd already gone halfway to his uncle. "Come here,"

Harry blinked in surprise, looking to (Y/N) for help. She could offer him none; she was just as shocked as he was.

When he'd come back, Narcissa fixed him with a stern stare. "It's because of you my daughter's life was put in danger–"

Harry looked mortified. "I didn't–"

"Quiet," she said firmly. (Y/N) and Harry shared a terrified look. Narcissa continued on. "You nearly got her killed. I should think to never have you near her again."

(Y/N) could have sworn her heart stopped. "Mother–"

"But you also saved her life," Narcissa said. "And from what I've heard, she saved yours. Now I know how my husband can be, and while I don't want you thinking I approve of whatever it is you two get up to at school," she stood up straighter, looking at Harry down the bridge of her nose. "I do want to thank you."

(Y/N) and Harry both stared dumbly.

"However," she said sharply. "I never want to hear another word of her life being put in danger because of you. You'll have more than my husband to deal with, then."

And with that, Narcissa turned to go.

Harry looked still quite shocked, and even more confused. But (Y/N) had felt herself smile.

"She likes you!"

"Likes me?" Harry didn't look convinced.

"(Y/N)," Narcissa called. "Come,"

She gave Harry one last hug, feeling quite thrilled. "I'll see you at school! I'll write, too! Loads!"

And just like that, (Y/N) was gone. Harry was left behind, still incredibly confused. Mrs. Malfoy had left Harry standing alone in the station with a threat.

"She likes me?" He repeated under his breath.

If (Y/N) was right, he thought Mrs. Malfoy had a funny way of showing it.