The last days before summer break at Starwhisper Academy had a strange energy—tense, restless, and buzzing with quiet anticipation. The usual chaos of the Great Hall had faded into low conversations and last-minute predictions, all centered around one thing: exam results.
In their usual corner, Harper Quinn sat with Asher Reed, Nova Revira, and Luna Evergreen. They weren't cramming or panicking anymore—just sitting with that in-between feeling, suspended between what had been and what might come next.
"I feel like my brain's still stuck on the last question of the Transfiguration paper," Luna mumbled, fidgeting with her bracelet. "The one with the reversing spells and emotional modifiers? Total chaos."
Nova smirked. "You mean the question that made everyone in the back row accidentally start crying during the exam?"
"Accidentally?" Asher said, deadpan. "I cried on purpose. It was strategic."
Harper laughed, then looked around. "Whatever happens, we made it through. That's what counts."
The heavy wooden doors creaked open, and the Hall stilled. Headmistress Elara stepped forward, scrolls in hand, expression unreadable but eyes warm.
"Students of Starwhisper Academy," she began, "it is my pleasure to share the results of your examinations. You have each grown in skill, courage, and spirit. Your progress this year has been nothing short of remarkable."
Cheers broke out as names were called and scrolls handed out. Every time someone jumped up in joy or let out a relieved sigh, the tension melted a little more.
Then it was their turn.
Harper, Asher, Luna, and Nova walked up together—heartbeats loud, expressions unreadable, trying to play it cool. When the scrolls hit their palms, they hesitated. Then, together, they opened them.
Harper blinked.
She'd done it. Higher than she expected in Magical Theory. A perfect score in Defense. Even her weakest subjects had pulled through. Asher glanced over at her and grinned, holding up his own scroll. Luna was speechless for a second—then burst out with a squeak that made them all laugh. Nova scanned hers twice, her eyes wide, before pulling the others into a tight, surprised hug.
Headmistress Elara smiled at them. "Your growth this year has not gone unnoticed. You've each shown strength—not just in your studies, but in who you've become. Well done."
They returned to their seats, adrenaline still buzzing in their veins, the applause around them a blur of sound. But none of them cared about the noise. They had made it through. Together.
That evening, the four of them wandered out to the balcony outside the Astronomy Tower, the sun dipping behind the distant trees, casting golden light across the school.
"It's weird," Nova said, arms folded. "It doesn't feel like an ending. Just... a pause."
"Yeah," Harper agreed. "We'll be back. After summer, after everything. This place—it's not done with us yet."
Luna leaned against the railing, watching a few students say goodbye below. "What do you think summer's going to be like?"
"Hopefully boring," Asher said. "I could use some boring."
They laughed again, but the truth was there—this wasn't a farewell. Just a breath before the next step.
As students packed up for the break, the school remained alive with plans—talks of letters, reunions, summer projects, and whispered theories about next term's challenges. No one really said goodbye. They said see you soon.
Harper's parents arrived near sunset, their familiar smiles grounding her. Her mother hugged her tightly. "You look so grown up," she said. "I knew you'd do well."
Harper grinned. "You didn't see me during the Charms exam."
Nova, Luna, and Asher came to say a quick goodbye—not dramatic or teary, just a lot of "message me as soon as you get home," and "we're meeting up this summer, no excuses."
And that was that.
As Harper climbed into the car, she glanced back—not with sadness, but with a flicker of excitement. Because whatever waited outside those gates, she knew one thing for sure:
She was just getting started.