The last exam, History of Magic, was easily the dullest hour of the day. Kyle only needed twenty minutes to scribble out the Werewolf Code of Conduct from 1637 and the life story of Uric the Oddball.
When Professor Binns's ghost finally announced they could put down their quills, the entire class erupted in cheers.
Exams were over, and now they had a whole week to relax until the results were announced.
"That was way easier than I expected," Mikel said confidently as they stepped outside into the bright sunlight. "I saw something about Uric the Oddball the other day, and I'm positive he graduated from Gryffindor—so there's no way I got that one wrong."
"Gryffindor…" Ryan muttered absently, then frowned. "Isn't that Slytherin?"
"What a shame," Mikel sighed. "It was definitely Gryffindor."
"Oh, Merlin's beard…" Ryan groaned, clutching his hair. "If only I hadn't wasted time memorizing that wizard who invented the Self-Stirring Cauldron!"
Mikel patted his shoulder consolingly. "Don't worry, it's just one small mistake; it won't cost too many points."
Kyle, amused by their exchange, decided to join in. Slipping over, he whispered to them, "Actually… Uric the Oddball graduated from Ravenclaw."
Mikel's face went blank with shock.
"It's true," Kyle said, grinning. "It's in the third line of Chapter 2. Or you could ask one of the Ravenclaws. They're bound to remember."
Incredulous, Mikel turned and approached a nearby group of Ravenclaws to check. A minute later, he was back, crouched next to Ryan, holding his head in dismay.
"Don't worry," Kyle said, patting his shoulder with a smirk. "It's just one house mix-up—won't cost too many points."
After bidding farewell to his crestfallen friends, Kyle wandered down to the lake. In the warm shallows lay the giant squid, basking in the sunlight while Fred and George Weasley gently flicked its tentacles. Kyle couldn't help but imagine how delicious it might be grilled with cumin and paprika…
"Plop…"
Nope. Better not think about that.
Shaking his head, he turned his gaze away. Not far off, he spotted Kanna sitting under a tree, her arms around her knees, watching Pocky, her pet, sunbathing on the grass. She seemed downcast, lacking the usual post-exam relief.
"What's wrong?" Kyle asked, walking over. "Did the exam not go well?"
Kanna snapped out of her daze, shaking her head. She stroked Pocky's tail and murmured, "Are exams really over? Does that mean the term's over, too?"
"Seven days," Kyle replied, sitting beside her. "We get our results in a week, and then we're off for the summer. By September, we'll be in second year."
"Seven days…" she repeated softly.
At that moment, Fred and George strolled over, catching sight of Kanna's somber expression. Fred grinned and said, "Come on, cheer up! We don't even know our scores yet, so no need to stress."
"Exactly," George added. "It's the best time of the year—no exams, no homework, no classes. What could be better?"
Kanna finally smiled, her mood lifting. "You're right."
The twins then mentioned they were planning to sneak off to Hogsmeade through a secret passage. With their newfound wealth of a hundred Galleons, they had big plans for the day—a shopping spree for Honeydukes sweets, Butterbeer from The Three Broomsticks, and, most importantly, a stash of enchanted joke items from Zonko's Joke Shop.
"We're planning to go through the secret passage behind the mirror on the fourth floor," Fred said with a mischievous grin. "I guarantee Filch has no clue about it."
"Want to come with us?" George added, looking between Kyle and Kanna.
Kyle nodded, about to agree, when an owl swooped down, delivering a note. He unfolded it and read:
'Dear Kyle,
I know you've finished your exams. Could you come over to my place? Fluffy seems to be sick lately.
– Hagrid'
Kyle's expression shifted with concern. "Sorry, I need to go see Hagrid. He says Fluffy isn't feeling well."
"Alright," Fred replied. "Want us to bring you back anything?"
"Honeydukes sweets—the good stuff," Kyle said with a grin.
"Good call," the twins chuckled as they headed off toward their adventure.
Kyle turned to Kanna. "Not joining them?"
Kanna shook her head. "I don't really need anything from Hogsmeade. It's nice here, soaking up the sun with Pocky."
"Sunbathing can wait," Kyle said, glancing at her pet rat, Pocky. "Want to come with me to Hagrid's? Fluffy's sick, and we could go check on him."
Kanna's eyes brightened. "Can I? Sure!"
Since she'd met Fluffy before, Kyle saw no problem bringing her along. As he started down the grassy slope, Kanna quickly tucked Pocky into her pocket and hurried after him.
Crossing the field, they arrived in front of Hagrid's hut, only to find someone already there.
"Professor Oren?" Kyle asked in surprise, seeing him standing by Hagrid's door. "Are you here to see Hagrid too?"
"In a way," Professor Oren replied with a smile. "Actually, I was waiting for you two. Hagrid wrote to me, mentioning Fluffy's illness and asking if I knew any treatments for magical creatures. So here I am."
"You know about Fluffy?" Kyle asked, intrigued.
"Yes, Hagrid told me about the Three-Headed Dog when we were having drinks one night. Nearly scared me out of my wits—didn't think he'd actually keep such a dangerous creature here!"
Kyle nodded, thinking Typical Hagrid—he can't keep a secret after a drink or two.
"Is Hagrid inside?" Kyle glanced toward the hut, which appeared empty.
"Oh! I almost forgot," Professor Oren said, smacking his forehead. "Hagrid was worried, so I suggested he go ahead to the Forbidden Forest to check on Fluffy while I waited here for you two."
"Come along, then. I'll take you to him now."