History of Magic was the final exam. Harry breathed a sigh of relief when Owen didn't punish Ron by making him take it closed-book. Presumably, this would be the only "Outstanding" Ron would get.
Actually, History of Magic wasn't a core subject. The true core subjects were Potions, Herbology, Transfiguration, Charms, and Defense Against the Dark Arts. Of course, if you wanted extra credit, you could take electives like Alchemy. You could take all twelve subjects if you wanted.
Unless you were driven, people generally didn't take a full course load.
But every year produced academic geniuses. Take Percy Weasley, for example—Gryffindor Prefect and Head Boy. He was one such genius who took every single subject.
The most incredible part was that while taking a full course load, being a Prefect, and serving as Head Boy, he still found time to date!
You tell me if that isn't talent!
Hearing Owen's evaluation of his brother, Ron's face turned red again, then quickly paled, because Owen's words made entirely too much sense!
In comparison, even compared to his younger sister who hadn't started school yet, Ron had to admit he was an academic slacker!
"Mr. Weasley, the summer homework I'm assigning you is very simple. Use this holiday to tutor your sister, who will be starting school soon. If she doesn't earn points in her first class, I will deduct points from you."
"Why me?!"
Ron panicked. He had already planned out how he was going to play all summer. Suddenly getting hit with this "homework" ruined everything!
Most importantly, why him? Why not Fred, George, or even Percy? Wasn't this just targeting him specifically?
"Don't get so excited, Mr. Weasley. In fact, you only have to teach your sister Charms. Your brothers will be teaching her other subjects."
Percy was assigned Herbology. The twins were assigned Transfiguration and Potions theory.
The rule was simple: if their sister started school and failed to earn points in the subjects they taught, points would be deducted from them. And if they lost points, the penalty would be doubled!
Ron wasn't even the worst off. His brothers had it harder. If Ginny's grades were good, everyone was happy. If they were bad, Percy could lose his Prefect and Head Boy status, and the twins would be banned from pulling pranks for a year!
For them, that was a fate worse than death!
"My poor Ginny..."
Actually, it wasn't just the Weasleys. Any student with a younger sibling starting at Hogwarts next year received this "homework."
Magic is a heritage, but a prolonged peace had turned magic into mere schoolwork. That shouldn't be the case.
The ones most supportive of this assignment were the Slytherins. Pure-blood pride comes from lineage, and passing down knowledge was second nature to them. They had just been too busy being proud to remember the actual work involved...
Draco's expression was complicated. He didn't have any younger siblings, so... should he go home and discuss having another one with his parents?
As for the gap in the meantime, maybe he could practice on his younger cousins. Even if they weren't school-age yet, they could start with basic theoretical studies!
---
The end-of-term feast began, marking the moment the House Cup would be awarded. Everyone stared at the hourglasses. In past years, the winner was obvious at a glance, but this year, the points were neck-and-neck—thanks in no small part to a certain young wizard.
Owen was in the Great Hall, but he wasn't sitting at any House table, nor at the High Table with the professors. Instead, he sat at a small table in a corner, enjoying a meal completely different from everyone else's.
No one here was a stranger anymore. After a year, both teachers and students were used to Owen's special treatment, so no one batted an eye.
"After careful calculation, Slytherin holds first place by a narrow margin of twenty-nine points."
The snakes were excited, but they didn't cheer. They restrained their emotions. Owen had taught them that until the result was final, anything could change.
Snape was very pleased with the snakes' composure, but his smile froze on his face as Dumbledore continued. "However, recent events must also be taken into account. Mr. Ronald Weasley, five points for his intellect. Miss Hermione Granger, five points for her courage. And finally, Mr. Harry Potter, twenty points."
That added up to exactly thirty points, allowing Gryffindor to surpass Slytherin and win the House Cup.
Calculated!
The old wizard wasn't even trying to hide it!
Owen had reason to believe that even if the difference had been two hundred and ninety points instead of twenty-nine, the old man would have found a way to boost Gryffindor to first place. Not for fairness, but to boost the Savior's confidence and strengthen his sense of belonging to Hogwarts.
There was disappointment, sure, but the snakes didn't take it too hard. A loss this year could be reclaimed next year. Conversely, the students of Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff, who were also close in points, had a different look in their eyes.
In the past, they never stood a chance because the point gap was insurmountable. But this year, the gap was less than fifty points. If they planned ahead for next year, maybe they had a shot?
In terms of learning ability, Ravenclaw feared no one. In terms of hard work, Hufflepuff backed down from no one. If perennial last-place Gryffindor could do it, why couldn't they?
The students' fighting spirit was ignited. The old wizard cheerfully announced the start of the feast. Owen scooped up some rice, grabbed a piece of smoked pork, then some boiled fish, another bite of rice, and some spicy chicken...
In a few days, he would be traveling. Once he was on the road, he wouldn't have access to food this good. Better eat up now!
Hermione came over, stating that she intended to study during the holidays and wanted to ask him questions if she got stuck. Owen refused, explaining he would be traveling with an uncertain schedule, but she could write down her questions and he would answer them when school started.
The young witch left happily, taking a plate of stir-fried pork with wood ear mushrooms with her.
Snape came over, reminding the young wizard not to forget his promise. He would be testing Owen personally at the start of the term. Owen had no choice but to nod and agree.
Snape left, taking a plate of hot and sour shredded potatoes.
The old wizard came over, saying that traveling during the holidays was fine, but Owen shouldn't go anywhere dangerous. Owen replied he only intended to visit old friends at places he had previously studied.
The old wizard left satisfied, taking the sweet and sour pork.
McGonagall came. The boiled fish disappeared.
Flitwick came. The boiled meat slices disappeared.
Madam Pince came. The stir-fried yam disappeared.
Madam Pomfrey came. The salt and pepper ribbonfish disappeared.
Hagrid came. Not only did the last of the smoked pork vanish, but even the rice bowl wasn't spared. The entire table was wiped clean, leaving Owen holding nothing but a pair of chopsticks.