It would be a lie to say that Allen didn't resent Percy, after all, to deal with the unpredictable threat that was Voldemort, Allen had practically exhausted all his available funds. On top of that, the legacies he had inherited were now destroyed beyond repair. Even though he managed to kill Voldemort, the heroic fragments remained sealed, and he could no longer access the knowledge from the ancient monoliths.
This wasn't a small loss, what he had given up in just a few days amounted to nearly all of his current heroic inheritances.
But even with all this, Allen never intended to place the full blame on Percy. If he hadn't let his guard down and assumed the area was completely secure, Percy would never have been able to come into contact with the Horcrux so easily.
However, hearing Charlie and the others speak with quiet sorrow was enough for Allen to give up pursuing accountability. Percy had already returned to the Burrow.
According to professional Healers, he needed absolute rest.
The damage caused by the Horcrux went far deeper than anyone expected. Percy's magical core had been nearly shattered, and his mind suffered serious trauma. It would take at least six months of recovery before he could even consider returning to his studies.
"The Healer said his magical level now is comparable to a first-year student's, and the damage is irreversible. From now on, his magic will always lag behind his peers by at least two years. But… he's still alive, isn't he? That's something."
"Even though Dumbledore said it wasn't entirely his fault, Dad still made Percy apologize to the witch whose husband was lost in the incident. Fortunately, that kind-hearted woman forgave him. Thank Merlin, her injured child finally woke up."
"So I guess it's settled now. Mum's still heartbroken, of course… but Percy's like a completely different person. He's not so arrogant anymore. Honestly, I think he might end up more like Bill from now on."
"Well, enough about that." Charlie raised his glass. "Everything will pass, in the darkest of nights, the dawn will always come."
"To Percy's recovery," everyone echoed, lifting their glasses.
••┈┈┈┈┈༓┈┈┈┈┈•••
While Charlie didn't go into full detail, likely due to Dumbledore's arrangements, Allen had already pieced everything together. Charlie had only mentioned Percy was "slightly involved," but Allen, who understood the entire story, knew that wasn't the whole truth.
Just as Charlie had said, Percy might never be able to live up to his once-exceptional academic reputation again. With such weak magic, simply keeping up with his classmates would be a challenge.
This was bittersweet news. Allen's anger had mostly faded, and Percy, stripped of his unattainable pride, might finally learn humility.
With that thought, Allen stretched his arms and stepped into the Hufflepuff common room.
The room was as lively as ever, it was the weekend, and the Hufflepuffs were feasting happily.
"Allen, want some roast meat?" called a senior Hufflepuff who was casting a cooking spell mid-air.
"Of course! Owen, your roast spells are the best in the whole school!" Allen praised, quickly squeezing himself into a seat at the long table.
••┈┈┈┈┈༓┈┈┈┈┈•••
Life at Hogwarts was truly relaxing without any looming threats. Eat, study, sleep, maybe mess with Slytherin from time to time, and that was it. Nothing major happened for days.
Everything was peaceful… until the eve of Halloween.
The decorations were the same as always, the professors unchanged, though there was one new addition: a Defense Against the Dark Arts professor who loved to drink, had a magnetic personality, and whose hands-on teaching style had quickly become a student favorite.
During the recent Hogwarts crisis, this professor had taken his responsibilities seriously, he even patrolled the castle at night. Thankfully, he was never attacked.
Yes, thankfully, because even an incomplete version of Voldemort was far beyond the reach of an average wizard.
Even Allen had learned countless battle techniques in this professor's class. He had a knack for teaching just to the edge of danger, at most, his lessons left students with a few minor injuries. But the joy of real spell combat made everyone forget the pain.
Even the Slytherins, who usually sided with their Head of House, couldn't help but admire this professor. The mock-duel format was just too exciting.
In fact, the only person who didn't appreciate him, besides Professor Snape, was Madam Pomfrey. And understandably so. After all, this was the only class that consistently sent students to the hospital wing every week.
Still, that didn't stop her from sharing a friendly toast with him during the Halloween banquet.
Now, under the glow of floating candles, Dumbledore stepped forward for his customary speech. Everything seemed perfectly normal, until the end.
His final words made Allen feel like Voldemort had just walked up and challenged him to a duel.
"Thanks to the success of last year's exchange program, the Ministry of Magic has arranged for a new school exchange. I believe this will be a journey both unfamiliar and familiar."
"Just like before, interested students may register with their Heads of House."
"And, in response to some student feedback, we'll be holding the annual Quidditch Cup early this year."
Allen glanced toward the Gryffindor table, where cheerful chatter had abruptly turned into looks of panic. Their team had just taken in a group of fresh recruits and barely had time to train!
The other Houses, however, were clearly thrilled, especially Hufflepuff. They were the only house without any roster changes!
As the saying goes, "your seat decides your stance." Allen grinned.
Sorry, Gryffindor. I really do feel for you… but let me enjoy this moment for my own house.
"Since this exchange is Ministry-funded," Dumbledore continued, "our budget is slightly more generous this year."
A ripple of amused laughter spread among the students.
"So, aside from the usual support for prefects, the entire winning team of this year's Quidditch Cup will also receive free exchange admission."
Instantly, the tension between the houses skyrocketed. Allen even saw the twins' eyes gleam with a burning thirst for victory.
A free trip abroad? Count them in.
"Given the excellent performance of Allen and Charlie in the last exchange, both will receive automatic qualification again. In addition, this year's top-performing first-year, Annoe of Slytherin, will also join them."
Clearly, with the Ministry footing the bill, Dumbledore was feeling generous. This came as a huge relief to Allen, he had no idea how he was going to afford Annoe's exchange fees.
The announcement drew little opposition. Charlie and Allen had both made impressive contributions in the previous exchange, Gryffindors praised Charlie's Seeker skills, while Hufflepuffs celebrated Allen's game-winning goal. And as for Annoe? No one questioned her title as best newcomer, especially not after she publicly tackled several Slytherins who dared to badmouth Allen in front of the whole school.
Funny how things worked out. Allen had also knocked out a group of Slytherins once, yet he got attacked in return, while she gained admiration from within their own house.
Yep, it's a face-driven society.
But Allen's smile slowly faded when he heard Dumbledore's final announcement:
"Now then, let's all prepare well, we have plenty of time this year. Our exchange destination is none other than North America's Ilvermorny School of Witchcraft and Wizardry."
==========
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