NEWTs, being the final examination for the vast majority of wizards in their lives, were naturally of immense importance to the students.
Since May, both libraries, one newly built, had been packed to capacity. The school had granted special privileges to fifth and seventh-year students, allowing them to be in reasonable locations after curfew.
On weekends, professors would squeeze out their rest time to offer intensive tutoring, racing against the clock.
One day in early June, as everyone was enjoying dinner in the Great Hall, several dozen elderly wizards entered, led by Griselda Marchbanks.
Everyone knew Marchbanks. She appeared at the castle every year around this time; it was said she had even overseen Dumbledore's examinations. She was estimated to be around 130 or 140 years old.
But the group of elders behind her didn't seem like staff members; each carried an imposing presence.
Wayne, seated at the High Table, found it strange but still rose with Professor McGonagall to greet them. "Damocles, Pius, Sindak... what brings all of you here?"
He knew them all—some were former pen pals, others were academic companions despite the age gap.
For instance, Damocles: together, they had refined the Wolfsbane Potion to the point where it nearly eradicated the werewolf population.
Combined, these individuals' ages could span five thousand years of history.
"These shameless old coots insisted on joining the excitement," Marchbanks grumbled, though a smile played on her lips. "They said this is a moment to witness a miracle—the most unique, most powerful student in history is taking his final examinations, and missing it would be a regret."
Wayne was taken aback; he hadn't expected them to be here for him.
Marchbanks continued, "Originally, given your level, the written exam would be a mere formality, and there's no need for you to participate in the practical at all. After all, none of us are qualified to grade you."
"But after several discussions, we decided you should still take the practical component and pass it using what you consider to be a perfect performance."
"The entire examination will be recorded and preserved as a benchmark for future perfect scores. What do you think?"
Wayne agreed readily. "Having a concrete standard is good; it could also serve as a reference for other magical schools."
Their conversation took place between the four long house tables, and many students overheard. Gabrielle secretly tugged at Wayne's sleeve. "Brother-in-law, tone it down a bit. I still want to score full marks in the future."
"Then work hard," Wayne said with a laugh, patting her head before leading the group of elders to the reception room.
When exam week began, throughout the NEWTs, Wayne answered questions strictly by the book, using no knowledge beyond the curriculum—everything was based on what had been taught over the past seven years.
In the practical exams, he performed according to his own standard of perfection.
Even so, he left the examiners astounded. Marchbanks outright declared, "Even if Dumbledore were here, he wouldn't achieve a perfect score."
Wayne smiled in response. "I believe there will be even more exceptional geniuses in the future."
...
The week passed in a blur. After finishing their final Potions exam, the seventh-year students didn't feel the expected elation; instead, they packed away their books with a sense of loss and quietly returned to their dormitories.
They still had a few days left in the castle. While they had always looked forward to holidays before, now they wished these final days could stretch on longer.
Last year, Wayne had accompanied Cho on a complete tour of the castle. He had thought he wouldn't do the same this year, but it turned out that doing the same thing with different people brought different insights.
He spent a day accompanying Norman, Toby and his other close friends from the castle to the Forbidden Forest.
The next day, he did the same thing alone with Hermione.
Every corner was filled with memories from their years here.
On the penultimate evening before the feast, the final Quidditch match saw Gryffindor defeat Slytherin.
Harry achieved his wish of winning the championship - Gryffindor's second consecutive victory, and his final championship.
When he landed back on the ground, tears had already welled in his eyes.
...
The next day.
Starting from noon, wizards began flocking in from all over the world, all invited guests for the graduation ceremony.
Wayne had invited wizards he was familiar with, even those he'd only met once, and the parents of seventh-year students were also permitted to come to Hogwarts.
Due to the large numbers, both the graduation ceremony and the end-of-year feast were moved to the grassland beside the Black Lake.
Although Wayne sometimes disliked the superficiality of ceremonial occasions, when it came to commemorating his own milestone, he chose to go all out.
Dragon roars occasionally echoed from the Forbidden Forest - the dragons of Nibelung had arrived. Orynix's nearly hundred-meter-long body floated in the air, imposing tremendous pressure on the guests until Wayne appeared in his academic gown, reassuring them.
Even if they were dragons, in Lawrence's presence, no one in the world could harm them.
After announcing that Hufflepuff had won the unprecedented seventh consecutive House Cup, the remaining time was dedicated entirely to the graduates.
House photos, group photos, photos with friends and family.
Finally came Wayne's speech.
He stepped onto the temporary platform, smiling as he made eye contact with each member of the audience below.
Headmasters from other magic schools like Maxime, Lafferty, and Fontaine.
Cross Rosier, Wallow and Mckay, founders of the Firebolt company.
Ministry officials like Crouch, Bones, and Shacklebolt.
The Dumbledore brothers, Grindelwald, Rosier, and former acquaintances from their circle, and the Newt couple were also seated among them. Wayne even spotted Newt's eccentric son - a rare sight indeed.
And his uncle Humphrey, Jim Hacker, Bernard, and other government officials.
The Weasley family, the Diggory family, Sirius, Lupin, former schoolmates and seniors...
The venue was extremely quiet, allowing Wayne to slowly scan the crowd as everyone felt a complex mix of emotions.
Snape watched the young man on the platform, feeling conflicted.
After all the pleading and cajoling, this young master was finally graduating - so why did he feel reluctant to see him go?
Professor McGonagall's lips curved upward unconsciously. Although Wayne wasn't a Gryffindor student, he was her student.
Professor Flitwick was bent over, writing rapidly. After his retirement, he planned to publish a book titled 'My Years as Lawrence's Professor'.
Professor Sprout was secretly wiping away tears, yet a smile never left her face. Wayne was the pride of Hufflepuff – looking back a thousand years or forward a thousand years, there would never appear another who could surpass him.
Finally, Wayne's gaze settled upon the young ladies fairer than flowers before withdrawing.
"I still remember clearly that summer holiday seven years ago, the day Professor McGonagall brought me to Diagon Alley."
"For me, that day was a turning point in my life. For the wizarding world, it was the dawn of a new era."
Wayne's calm voice reached every ear clearly, making them listen even more attentively.
"I possess some small talent in magic – and I say this without false modesty – from that moment, people should have known I would become the most outstanding student this school has ever seen."
The audience chuckled lightly before breaking into enthusiastic applause.
Dumbledore clapped with particular vigour, his smile radiant. The proudest achievement of his life was placing complete trust in Wayne, never regarding him with the same suspicion he had once harboured toward Tom.
As the applause gradually faded, Wayne continued: "Back then, I was arrogant, believing the school was holding me back, thinking I could become powerful even without professors. But I soon realised my mistake."
"Beyond magic, there are far more important things in the world. This is the most valuable lesson the professors have taught me."
"Professor McGonagall taught me about responsibility. Therefore, I announce that starting tomorrow, Professor McGonagall will become the next Headmaster of Hogwarts."
"Wayne." Professor McGonagall stood up in shock.
"This is what you deserve." Wayne smiled and nodded to her. "For decades, everyone has witnessed the dedication you've poured into Hogwarts. Having a Headmaster like you is the school's good fortune."
Professor McGonagall's eyes reddened, tears rolling down her cheeks in large drops. Enthusiastic applause erupted once more as everyone looked with respect upon this elderly woman who had devoted her life to the school.
She bowed deeply before sitting down, while Wayne inclined his head in return before continuing his speech:
"Professor Flitwick made me understand what it means to be the perfect professor. His wisdom and patience cared for everyone equally, and will influence them throughout their lives."
"Though Professor Snape may lack some patience, he certainly doesn't lack courage when it comes to taking responsibility. I believe that under his leadership, Slytherin House will develop distinctive qualities in the future."
Under the gaze of everyone present, Snape actually blushed. Feeling countless eyes upon him, he barely resisted lowering his head, his gaze towards Wayne growing even more complex.
"Our most beloved Head of House, Professor Sprout."
"She feels more like family than a professor. It's because of her presence that Hufflepuff remains so harmonious. While not every member may be the most outstanding, they undoubtedly form the backbone of the wizarding world."
"Thank you for all your indulgence and care over these years." Wayne bowed slightly.
Professor Sprout covered her mouth, crying and nodding repeatedly.
"Good boy, my dear boy."
"And my predecessor, Professor Dumbledore." At this, Wayne couldn't help but smile, and immediately everyone else joined in the laughter.
"He is a respected elder and a mentor on my path of growth, shielding me from countless troubles. If the Headmaster weren't him but Phineas, the war between wizards and Muggles might have erupted long ago."
Dumbledore gave a wry smile, pressed his palms together, stood up and bowed, begging Wayne to spare him.
"This is the charm of Hogwarts," Wayne concluded. "Professors nurture their students, allowing them to enjoy campus life without worries. That's why everyone finds it so hard to part ways upon graduation."
"Family bonds, friendships, love - you can find them all here. No other school is more perfect than this one."
"Being able to enter this school is my good fortune, and yours too. Please study well when it's time to study, and play heartily when it's time to play. In the future, you'll inevitably look back fondly on your days at Hogwarts, but time waits for no one. Don't leave yourself with any regrets."
"Finally..." Wayne looked up, suddenly revealing a mischievous grin.
"I actually know what you were all thinking before, especially you, Snape. Stop looking at others."
"No need for any begging."
"This young master has graduated today!"
"Wooooohoooooo!"
The seventh-year students rose simultaneously, throwing flowers, books, and caps high into the air, their tears blooming alongside them, forever preserved in this summer.
The sky suddenly filled with colourful fireworks that gathered into smiling faces, lingering for a long time.
...
The next day, Wayne returned to London aboard the Hogwarts Express.
Grace, Fleur, Cho, Penelope, Nagini, Sakura, Tomoyo, and Cassandra were already waiting at the station.
Wayne met up with them, bringing along Hermione, Astoria, Gabrielle, and Ginny.
"Where are we going?" Grace asked curiously.
"Diagon Alley," Wayne replied with a smile.
...
The Leaky Cauldron.
The Leaky Cauldron wasn't open for business today, its main door tightly shut. Wayne gently pushed it open and led the girls to the backyard courtyard.
The Squib who usually guided people to Diagon Alley here had also disappeared.
Facing the girls' puzzled looks, Wayne explained with a laugh: "You know what? I was the one who set this up. By accident, I even created a job position - quite an achievement, really."
Hermione rolled her eyes. "I'd guessed it long ago. Not just me - many people had figured it out."
"No one but you and the twins would have such twisted humour, and the twins don't have your level of magical ability."
The girls all cast disdainful looks at him.
This guy was truly wicked.
Yet they loved him for it all the same.
Instead of feeling ashamed, Wayne wore it as a badge of honour, declaring righteously: "If they can't even solve my first prank in the wizarding world, can you blame me?"
"So why are we here this time?" Cho asked, examining the wall. "Are you going to restore it to its original state?"
"Of course not." Wayne raised his wand with a wicked grin. "Let me add some extra touches. From now on, every young witch or wizard entering Diagon Alley for the first time will be transported to the floating city, arriving ten thousand metres high to give them a good scare first!"
"How awful!"