Just like that, the term came to an end, and all the exam results were released before Harry and his friends left school. Happily, everyone passed their final exams without a hitch. To Hector's surprise, he did not take first place in the year; Miss Hermione Granger claimed the crown. Hector was far ahead in Transfiguration and Charms, but he only managed an "A" in Snape's Potions class—that old bat's way of expressing his dissatisfaction with Dumbledore. Combined with Hector's similar Waterloo in History of Magic, he had little choice but to reluctantly hand over the title of top student of the year.
Harry and Rons had far fewer burdens. Embracing the motto that a passing sixty is as good as a hundred, they were thoroughly satisfied with their grades. Neville's Herbology grade was remarkably brilliant, which nicely made up for his shortcomings in Potions. Everything was fine, though it was somewhat regrettable that even Malfoy's two thick-headed sidekicks, Crabbe and Goyle, had passed their finals. Harry had figured that, given their appalling practical performances and mediocre theory scores, they would at least be held back a year, if not outright expelled. Still, things never turned out entirely the way he wanted; life could never go smoothly in every single aspect. Both Hector and Ron comforted him with this thought.
Harry and his friends did not spend much time packing their luggage. Hector's housekeeping magic was top-notch; changes of clothes and various daily neces…
Chapter 70