[188] A Rose in Winter

After handing things over to Russell, Hall went off to take his exams completely satisfied. Final exams were a breeze for him. Transfiguration, Potions — he handled them all with ease.

"Finally, it's vacation time again!"

Hall wore a wide smile. Another perfect year. The Triwizard Tournament Championship Cup. The Quidditch Cup. The House Cup. He'd almost lost count of how many trophies he'd won this year.

Ron and Harry, thoroughly amused, said, "Hall, we suggest you keep quiet right now. Your smile is really irritating."

Hall and Slytherin's success was a testament to Gryffindor's defeat. They didn't care... well, they cared a lot.

Hermione, looking like a ghost, walked past them. "Hall's ability to earn extra points is already strong... not to mention those trophies almost all have additional points..."

Even if Dumbledore wanted to find an excuse to give the House Cup to Gryffindor, he couldn't.

Hall winked at them. "Let's not talk about that. You can try again next year. I fully support you challenging me. So — have you thought about how you're going to spend this summer?"

Speaking of summer vacation, Hall thought of his miserable summer last year. Everything was fine at first. He even reached a cooperation agreement with Gringotts. He could just sit back and collect the money. Who could've imagined he'd run into that old devil Grindelwald?

Hall had no choice. He sacrificed last year's summer vacation. This year, he must plan ahead.

"You can come to my house to play," Harry said first, smiling at everyone. Since he no longer had to live with his aunt, holidays were Harry's most anticipated time. Every day spent with Sirius was incredibly fun.

Ron grinned. "You can come to my house too!"

Draco's ears perked up at that.

Hall glanced at Draco. "Don't worry about me. Maybe we'll see each other a lot during the holidays. You'll be very happy to see me then, Draco, right?"

Draco shuddered. Great. Hall's words reminded him of the horrific first half of last year's summer vacation.

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But... "I'll welcome you!" Draco thought about everything that had happened this school year. He'd be a third-year this year. Becoming a fourth-year meant being a senior. Draco didn't want to be a child anymore. He wanted to be truly involved in the affairs of his father and Hall — those adults!

Draco nodded emphatically. He could do it. He was capable.

Hall smiled.

The group parted ways. Lucius and Narcissa came to pick up Draco. The Grangers were also waiting at the platform. Sirius immediately put his arm around Harry's shoulder and pulled out his modified motorcycle.

Arthur, standing next to Molly, found himself walking toward Sirius. Molly hadn't noticed yet. She was excitedly waving to Hall and Ron.

"Oh! Ginny, you've grown up!" Molly looked Ginny up and down. Hogwarts really did provide excellent food — various meats and sweets. Ginny had grown quite a bit taller.

"Looks like I'll have to get you some nice clothes this year!" Molly said, half-hugging Ginny.

Fred shrugged beside her. "When Mum sees her little sister, she completely forgets about us boys. Hall, you've been forgotten too."

Hall gave the twins a look. Don't drag him into this.

Molly finally looked at the twins. "What are you complaining about? Do you want Mummy to hug you like babies? Look how tall you are now!"

Fred and George shrugged in unison, then stepped forward and put their arms around Molly's shoulders. When they were deliberately trying to please someone, they could do it exceptionally well. Molly was quickly charmed and revealed some news she planned to share later.

"Your dad got a raise. Your father and I discussed it — we're planning to take you on a trip this holiday. We can also visit Bill and Charlie!"

Ron's eyes lit up instantly. "A holiday?"

"Yes!" Molly nodded firmly. "A holiday!"

Ron was as excited as a happy dog, spinning around.

Fred looked at Ron with an almost benevolent gaze. "Buddy, our little Ronnie is so cute."

"You tell me?" George slung his arm around Fred's shoulder. "Looking at Ronnie's silly face, I can already picture Hall doing the same thing."

The twins burst into laughter.

Hall stood to the side, expressionless. Would he offer himself up to be teased by these two? No need. He and Ron looked alike, that was just how it was. But anyone even slightly familiar with the brothers would never mistake Hall for Ron.

They said their final goodbyes at the station. Everyone went home. They made plans to hang out together during the holidays.

Hall nodded in agreement. Although he had quite a few things to do this holiday season.

Hall took stock of the work he'd saved for the holidays. He smiled.

"All this work is worth it for me to become the richest man in the world as soon as possible."

Especially Russell. His work ability was even stronger than Hall had imagined. Within just a few days, he'd compiled a list of Ministry of Magic personnel who met Hall's requirements.

Hall was currently reviewing this list.

"Corey Richardson, ordinary wizarding family, Department of Magical Transportation — oh, same department as my father." Hall passed on this person. He'd better stay in Magical Transportation. That department also needed talent.

"Taylor Kingsley, Department of Magical Motion Management and Control... forget this department too."

Hall sifted through the already short list. Finally, he settled on two people.