The Great Hall was filled with warmth and laughter when Jade, Alana, West, and Abigail walked in a few hours later. Abigail's glow was still comically electric, much brighter and more noticeable in the happy light of the hall. West had a bandage made of warped ice on her forehead, icing her concussion. Alana's hands were wrapped in gauze. Jade had a splint on her left arm, and a tiny bandage on the cut her malfunctioning shield spell had caused. They were ragged, yes, but they were triumphant. Like warriors returning after many years, they stood tall and smiled bravely.

West had to go to the Lammasador house table, but Jade gave her a one-armed hug before she and Alana went to the Grizzleheart table. It was comforting now, being somewhere so warm and safe, someplace so bright and populated. Jade never wanted to see another secret passage or blue light or tree shadow again. She was happy here, in a school full of good magic and light, of rooms she loved and friends who felt like family.

She was just taking a bite of potatoes when Headmaster Thornbeck raised his wand in the air and lifted a fork and a glass, clinking them together. The glass hovered for a moment, perfectly steady, before he slowly let it settle to the dais.

"Before we fall too deep into our delicious feast, I think it is time to announce the winner of this month's Inter-House Championship! Before the events of this evening, our winner was Snowbeak!"

The table clad in silver-grey robes cheered and whooped. They were a nice house, but were always trying to make money or get you to collaborate with them on some prank.

"But," the headmaster continued, and the cheering subsided. "There are recent events which cannot go unnoticed. Last night, Miss Jade Pevinsie and Miss Alana Wincastle of Grizzleheart stole out of bed, broke the rules, and saved Miss West Skyfaul of Lammasador. Yes, they were out of line, but they did it to save their friend. The girls were successful, and they also helped us capture the intruder that had been terrorizing the school."

He clapped his hands, and three spotlights appeared. West blew a kiss and laughed. Alana stood up and made a 'V' of victory with her arms. Jade was going to hide in her hood as always, but instead she took a breath and stood up. She threw her hood back and whipped her hair out of its elastic. Her spiralling curls whirled around her face, and she smiled widely for the first real time.

"Due to these actions, I believe some house points are in order. First, to West Skyfaul, for courage in adversity. Rumor has it you fought quite a bit when you were taken. I award Lammasador house twenty points." The table where West sat exploded, and West tried to look humble.

"Second, to Alana Wincastle. Your devotion to your friends shows us all that we can destroy anything that is in the way of saving those who we love the most. I award Grizzleheart house fifty points." Alana made a 'V' of victory again.

"And lastly, to Jade Pevinsie. Your natural inclination is to quiet and being alone. When you saved your friends, you came out of your shell and we saw, for the first time, the true you. It takes courage to save someone, and even more bravery still to become who you truly are. I award Grizzleheart house fifty points."

The Grizzlehearts went wild. Jade was patted on the back so many times by so many different hands, she lost track. Her cheeks were flaming, and she sat down, proud. The only house points she had ever really gotten were for finishing her homework on time or for being courteous to a fellow student. And now here she was, raking in more points in one moment than she had ever gained collectively.

"Which means that the new house champion is...Grizzleheart!"

Anyone who had not been in the room must have been terrified by the noise which ensued. It was a rushing waterfall, an explosion of fireworks, the shot from a confetti cannon, but louder. West covered her ears across the room, and Alana was yelling loudest of all. Jade just closed her eyes and basked in the happy energy of the room. It made her senses tingle, made her feel alive.

She opened her eyes to feel herself being lifted up on a wave of students, all headed down the stairs and to their dormitories for further celebration. As shy as she normally was, sometimes it was nice to be the hero.