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The Christmas holidays passed quickly in laughter, like a biscuit under a Vanishing Spell.
The whistle of the Hogwarts Express once again pierced the quiet countryside sky, carrying a train full of chattering students back toward the familiar castle.
Hogwarts, which had seemed empty during the holidays, instantly regained its usual hustle and bustle.
The start-of-term feast was held in the Great Hall as scheduled.
At the Gryffindor table, Harry, Ron, and Hermione were gathered together once more.
Hermione looked at Harry.
"Harry, are you sure? Did Mr. Newt Scamander, the author of Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, really visit Hogwarts during Christmas?"
Ron was busy constructing a precarious tower out of sausages and mashed potatoes, answering without even looking up:
"Hermione, you've asked that at least three times. We confirmed it with George and Fred, with Nearly Headless Nick, and even from Peeves' rhymes! He really was here!"
"So," Hermione set down her fork, her gaze moving back and forth between Harry and Ron, "don't you think we… or rather, you, have forgotten something very important?"
Ron froze mid-motion, his face going blank.
He carefully replayed the conversations from the holidays, Hermione's reminders… aside from homework, eating fewer sweets, and not forgetting Quidditch practice times, what else was there?
He looked at Harry in confusion.
Beside him, Harry's expression had already begun shifting the moment Hermione asked the question.
First came a frown of concentration, then—
"If any of you get the chance to meet Mr. Scamander, you must get an autograph for me! Preferably a personalized one! He's a legend!"
—The memory surfaced instantly.
Harry's expression went from thoughtful… to realization… to guilt.
"Remember now?" Hermione caught the change immediately.
Harry stammered, "I think… maybe… possibly… it's… the autograph?" His voice trailed off, lacking confidence.
"The autograph!" Ron slapped his forehead. "Right! The autograph! Hermione, you did say that! Merlin's beard, we completely forgot!"
Only then did the weight of their mistake sink in.
The two of them fell silent.
Hermione: "You two… honestly… (a long string of interrogation ensues)"
Over at the Hufflepuff table, a completely different kind of chaos was unfolding.
Lynn's seat had practically turned into a press conference.
He was surrounded several layers deep by enthusiastic and gossip-hungry Hufflepuff students, with questions raining down like hail from all directions:
"Lynn! Quick, tell us—why did Newt Scamander come to Hogwarts? Was it really because of the legendary Slytherin Chamber of Secrets?"
"I heard you stayed in that out-of-order girls' bathroom on the second floor for a long time! What's actually in there?"
"What's Mr. Scamander like in person? Is he as gentle as he looks in the photos? Did he talk about any magical creatures?"
"Did you help him with some secret research? It's about the Chamber of Secrets, right?"
"Can you get me an autograph? My cousin is a huge fan!"
Lynn felt his scalp go numb under the barrage of questions, while internally he complained bitterly:
If I'd known the feast would be like this, I would've stayed in the dormitory and never come out!
Outwardly, he could only respond with vague, noncommittal answers:
"Mr. Scamander was invited by Professor Dumbledore for some academic exchange… The bathroom? Oh, just some ancient plumbing issues that needed professional evaluation… As for autographs, his schedule was very tight, and he's already left Britain…"
But the students' curiosity was far from satisfied. The questions kept coming.
Just as Lynn felt he was about to drown in gossip—
A savior appeared.
Ding~ Ding~ Ding~
A crisp clinking sound rang out from the staff table.
Headmaster Dumbledore stood, lightly tapping his crystal goblet with a silver spoon, a warm smile on his face.
Seeing this, the students crowding around Lynn—though clearly reluctant—quickly returned to their seats. The Great Hall soon fell silent as all eyes turned toward the headmaster.
Dumbledore cleared his throat, his voice echoing clearly throughout the hall:
"Welcome! Welcome back to Hogwarts.
Before these delicious delicacies begin to attack us—or rather, be attacked by us—allow this old man to take a little of your time to announce two pieces of news."
His humorous opening drew a wave of light laughter.
Still, many students couldn't help but mutter to themselves—this kind of setup felt suspiciously like the end-of-term House Cup ceremony.
"First," Dumbledore continued, "regarding the girls' bathroom on the second floor, which has long been marked 'out of order' and has caused some inconvenience. After a thorough inspection during the Christmas break… it will officially reopen tomorrow.
However, its current appearance and function may differ somewhat from what you remember.
I assure you, it will be an interesting new destination. Interested students may wish to 'explore' it in their free time."
Dumbledore gave a playful wink, leaving the rest to their imagination.
Students immediately began whispering, curious about what had become of the infamous bathroom haunted by Moaning Myrtle.
"Second," Dumbledore's gaze swept across the hall before settling on the Hufflepuff table, "is a commendation.
Lynn of Hufflepuff House, during the recent Christmas holidays, demonstrated extraordinary courage, wisdom, and a strong sense of responsibility toward the school. He assisted in resolving a hidden matter vital to Hogwarts' safety, preventing what could have been a serious crisis."
A wave of murmurs spread through the Great Hall.
Countless eyes turned toward Lynn, filled with surprise, admiration, and a distinct sense of I knew something was going on!
"Therefore," Dumbledore raised his voice slightly, "I am pleased to announce that Lynn will be awarded the Special Award for Services to the School.
At the same time, in recognition of his outstanding contribution—and for Hufflepuff House—"
He paused deliberately, building suspense.
The Hufflepuff students held their breath.
"—one hundred points!"
"WOOO!!!"
The Hufflepuff table exploded into cheers and applause. Students pounded the tables, exchanged high-fives, and a few seventh-years even leapt to their feet in excitement.
One hundred points!
The House Cup suddenly seemed within reach!
Dumbledore waited patiently for the noise to subside before spreading his arms in a welcoming gesture.
"And now… I suspect everyone is quite impatient—tuck in!"
As his words fell, the long tables instantly filled with mountains of food: roast chicken, steaks, pork chops, Yorkshire pudding, rich gravy, fries, peas and carrots…
However—
Before Lynn could even begin to enjoy the points his house had gained, he realized something horrifying:
The "crowd" that had just dispersed… was coming back.
And this time, it was even bigger.
It wasn't just Hufflepuff students anymore—curious students from other houses had joined in as well, crowding around to offer congratulations, pry for details, and express their admiration.
Lynn: This feast… it really would have been better to skip it.