20th June 1994
The Great Hall
The end-of-year feast at Hogwarts was always something special — the perfect mix of chaos, nostalgia, and way too much sugar.
The enchanted ceiling glowed with soft twilight hues, streaks of rose and gold painting the air above us. The scent of roast chicken, Yorkshire pudding, and treacle tart filled the hall, while the tables shimmered under mountains of food that refilled themselves with impeccable timing.
At the Gryffindor table, Harry, Neville, Ginny, and Rachel were halfway through their second servings. Neville was in full bliss mode over a steak-and-kidney pie, while Ginny and Rachel were locked in what could only be described as a diplomatic war over Quidditch.
"Brazil's taking it this year," Rachel declared confidently, arms folded like a seasoned sports expert.
Ginny rolled her eyes. "Please. Ireland's got the best Chaser lineup in decades."
Harry swallowed a mouthful of mashed potatoes and said, "Still not beating Krum. The bloke flies like he's got rockets for legs."
Neville nodded solemnly. "As long as no Bludger finds his face, yeah."
At the Slytherin table, Daphne and Tracey were locked in heated discussion about dessert hierarchy — treacle tart vs. chocolate mousse — while Astoria was quietly demolishing a strawberry trifle nearly bigger than her head.
Meanwhile, at Ravenclaw, the atmosphere was calm but buzzing in its own way. Hermione was deep into what sounded suspiciously like a PowerPoint-free travel lecture.
"We'll be in the Alps," she said excitedly. "Snow as far as the eye can see. And there's this café at the base of the slope that serves the most divine hot chocolate! I'll bring some back for everyone."
Luna smiled dreamily. "That sounds lovely. Daddy and I are going camping near Ottery St. Catchpole. We're going to look for Crumple-Horned Snorkacks."
I smiled, taking a sip of orange juice from my goblet. "I wish you success on your noble quest, Luna," I said, nodding gravely.
Hermione turned to me, that classic look of curiosity already forming. "You still haven't told us about your vacation plans."
I shrugged casually. "That's because I don't have any. I told you, I'll be quite busy until the World Cup final, I think."
"Yes, you said that," she said, leaning forward. "But you conveniently forgot to mention why you'd be busy." Her eyebrow rose in that dangerously sharp way of hers. "That usually means you're up to something."
I smiled. "That's what I like about you, Hermione. You know me so well."
She gave a soft hmph. "Oh please. By now, we all know that every time you act all sneaky, you're about to drop some major bombshell and shatter our worldview into a million pieces."
I chuckled. "That's an awfully dramatic way to describe innovation."
Before she could retort, Dumbledore stood up. The sound of hundreds of conversations fading at once was almost musical.
He looked particularly radiant that evening — robes like midnight sky embroidered with silver stars, his spectacles glinting in the candlelight. When he smiled, the room seemed to warm a few degrees.
"Another year comes to an end," he began, his voice carrying easily through the enchanted hall. "You have studied, learned, occasionally exploded things — most of them intentionally, I hope — and, to my knowledge, no one has turned into a flobberworm. Progress, I'd say."
Laughter rolled across the tables. Even McGonagall's mouth twitched behind her goblet.
Dumbledore continued, "And now, the moment you've all been waiting for — the final House Cup results!"
Excited murmurs spread like wildfire.
"In fourth place — Hufflepuff, with three hundred and twelve points!"
The Hufflepuffs applauded gamely, though a few made half-hearted booing noises for fun.
"In third — Slytherin, with three hundred and seventy-six points!"
The Slytherins clapped politely, though Draco muttered something that sounded suspiciously like "biased referees."
"In second place — Ravenclaw, with four hundred and ten points!"
Our table cheered. Hermione clapped neatly, Luna smiled serenely, and I tapped my goblet against the table in satisfaction.
"And in first place…" Dumbledore paused dramatically. "…Gryffindor! With four hundred and seventeen points!"
The Gryffindor table erupted. Fred and George launched scarlet fireworks that spelled LIONS RULE across the ceiling before McGonagall shot them a look so cold it could freeze hellfire.
Dumbledore chuckled, letting the uproar settle before raising a hand. "Before you all waddle off to bed in your sugar-induced stupors," he said, eyes twinkling, "we have one final surprise this evening. Mr. Benjamin Carter has something to share with us."
I could feel the collective shift in attention.
"Bet it's another one of his animation films," Seamus whispered audibly.
"I hope it's Kung Fu Panda 2," said Ron.
"No, he should play How to Train Your Dragon 2!" Dean shot back.
Fighting a grin, I rose from my seat and made my way to the dias. When I reached the staff table, I gave Dumbledore a nod.
"Good evening, everyone," I began, turning to face the hall. "I'm not sure if any of you noticed it, but I was absent from Hogwarts for most of this school year."
That got a few chuckles — and a lot of curious faces.
"I should probably clear a few things up," I continued. "No, I wasn't kidnapped by Unspeakables or recruited to the Department of Mysteries. And no, I didn't go hunting for Atlantis or join a secret dragon-riding league."
That earned a few laughs, especially from the Gryffindor table.
"The truth is," I said, "I was away on a research trip — to another continent. Important work, fascinating work, but being away so long made me realize how much I missed my friends and family.
It also made me realize how limited our magical communication really is. Owl post is charming, but slow. Floo calls are messy and restricted. So, I decided to fix that."
The murmurs started again — curious, excited.
I reached into my pocket and pulled out the result of months of experimental enchantments and delicate runework — a sleek, slim device of black glass rimmed in enchanted silver. It shimmered faintly, the light from the candles dancing over it like it was alive.
"I present to you - the Wiphone," I said, holding it up. "Short for Witch or Wizard Phone."
Gasps, chatter, and a few skeptical looks rippled across the hall.
"This device," I explained, "lets you talk to anyone else who has one — instantly, from anywhere in the world. You can communicate through voice or even face-to-face. It has tiny, powerful cameras here and here," I turned it to show both sides, "which can record and store images and moving pictures — videos. And you can even send them to others who have one."
That did it. The room buzzed with excited disbelief. Even a few professors leaned forward, intrigued.
I looked toward Dumbledore for permission. He nodded, smiling that slow, knowing smile.
"To show you what this device can really do — and to celebrate the end of another year — I thought I'd share something special," I said, and flicked my wrist.
My silver projector floated out from my Storage ring and hovered gently in the center of the hall. The candles dimmed, their flames bowing low until the room was wrapped in soft shadow.
A curtain of golden light shimmered into being over the great double doors at the far end.
For a heartbeat, the hall held its breath.
Then the glowing letters appeared — bold, radiant, alive.
ZOOTOPIA.
"Zoo—what?" Ron muttered.
The screen came to life — a dusty savanna, a little bunny drinking peacefully from a waterhole. The entire hall watched, entranced. Suddenly, a tiger pounced from the bushes, teeth bared — and the students gasped in unison. Then, the tiger froze midair, stiff as a statue, and the background tore away like paper.
Everyone blinked.
It was a play. A school play.
Children — or rather, young animals — performing on stage, each one dressed in handmade costumes. Rabbits, jaguars, sheep — all walking upright, talking, gesturing.
"Animals?" Seamus spluttered. "Wearing clothes?" He leaned toward Dean, incredulous. "What's next — a toad running for Minister?"
Young Judy Hopps:Ahh! [she draws out long, red ribbons from her costume] Blood, blood, blood! [Judy falls on her back, making choking noises. She reaches for a hidden ketchup bottle and, while still laying on her back, places it upright under her arm and squeezes its contents all over her body while pretending to convulse.] And... death!
The students burst into laughter. Ginny clapped her hands, squealing, "She's adorable!"
Even Professor Sprout and Slughorn joined in, applauding good-naturedly. Across the hall, Dumbledore's eyes twinkled as if he'd just witnessed something both ridiculous and deeply profound.
When young Judy stood and proclaimed, "Anyone can be anything!" with all the flair of an actress born for the stage, the Great Hall erupted into cheers.
In the next scene, Judy confronted Gideon Grey, a fox twice her size. He mocked her, shoved her down, and slashed her cheek with his claws. Several students gasped, but before anyone could speak, Judy got up again.
Young Judy Hopps:Well, he was right about one thing: [Judy picks up her officer hat off the ground and puts it back on, as determination spreads rapidly across her face.] I don't know when to quit!
"Definitely a Gryffindor," Fred and George muttered in unison.
Fifteen years later, Judy was no longer small or timid — she was training at the Police Academy. The hall watched her struggle: too small to climb walls, too slow in snow drills, flung out of obstacle courses again and again. But each time, she got back up.
When Judy finally graduated as valedictorian of her class, the Great Hall broke into applause that rivalled a Quidditch victory.
Then came the song.
As Judy boarded the train, the upbeat tune "Try Everything" filled the hall.
I messed up tonight, I lost another fight
Lost to myself, but I'll just start again
I keep falling down, I keep on hitting the ground
I always get up now to see what's next
The melody caught quickly. Luna swayed gently in her seat, smiling dreamily. Even Dumbledore began tapping his fingers along the table.
Hermione leaned close and whispered, "I like this song. It's… hopeful."
I smiled and gently took her hand. By the second chorus, half the hall was humming under their breath.
When the train reached the glittering city of Zootopia, the air in the hall shifted. The camera swept across gleaming skyscrapers, snow-covered district of Tundratown, the desert landscape of Sahara Square, and the waterfalls of the Rainforest district— a living mosaic of different habitats.
Gasps echoed through the hall.
"Merlin's beard…" Hagrid whispered, his voice trembling with awe. "It's beautiful."
Flitwick was scribbling something furiously, muttering about "runic climate stabilization."
Judy's first day as a real police officer began with her suiting up proudly — only for Chief Bogo to assign her to parking duty. The hall groaned collectively.
"Typical bureaucracy," Hermione muttered, crossing her arms.
The following montage — Judy speeding through the city writing tickets to upbeat music — drew laughter from every corner.
"She's ruthless!" Daphne said approvingly.
"Filch would love her," Tracey quipped.
Then came Nick Wilde.
The sly fox walked onscreen, smooth as polished glass, hustling a hulking elephant for "pawpsicles."
"That fox is trouble," McGonagall said flatly.
Hagrid chuckled. "Reminds me o' Sirius, that one."
When Nick conned Judy into helping him with his scheme, the laughter was uncontrollable.
"Smooth," Fred said.
"Teach me that trick!" George added.
But when Judy realized she'd been tricked — the music softening as she stood in the street, staring at the melting popsicle — the hall quieted.
Nick Wilde:All right, look, everyone comes to Zootopia thinking they can be anything they want. Well, you can't. You can only be what you are. [points to himself] Sly fox, [points to Judy] dumb bunny.
Judy Hopps:I am not a dumb bunny. [She sinks a bit and there is a soft squelch as she sinks to her knees]
Nick Wilde:Right. [points down] And that's not wet cement. [Judy is seen up to her knees in cement; Three construction beavers take notice and glare at her. Nick walks off as Judy struggles to break loose] You'll never be a real cop. You're a cute meter maid, though. Maybe a supervisor one day. Hang in there! [Nick turns a corner, leaving Judy upset.]
Hermione's brow furrowed. "She's too good for that world."
Then came the turning point.
Judy caught her first real case — the missing otter, Emmitt Otterton. But first, she needed some help.
The hall leaned forward, excitement rippling through the air.
When Judy cornered Nick for tax evasion and used his own words against him, the laughter and applause nearly drowned out the dialogue.
Judy Hopps:Actually, it's your word against yours. And if you want this pen, you're going to help me find this poor missing otter, or the only place you'll be selling pawpsicles is the prison cafeteria. [grins] It's called a hustle, sweetheart. [Nick shows a stunned look]
"Brilliant!" Hermione cried. "She outfoxed the fox!"
With Nick's help, Judy finds out that Otterton was last seen entering a limo, and Judy and Nick go to the DMV to run the plates. When the sloth at the counter turned to Judy in painful slow motion and said, "What… can I… do… for you… today?" the Great Hall exploded with laughter.
Fred and George had tears streaming down their faces.
"This—this is every Ministry clerk ever!" George gasped.
Dumbledore's shoulders shook silently, eyes gleaming with mirth.
Even Moody muttered, "Accurate," under his breath.
While investigating the limo, Judy and Nick were captured by polar bears and taken to Tundratown, where they met Mr. Big—a tiny, impeccably dressed arctic shrew. The students shrieked with laughter.
"That's… that's the mob boss?" Dean wheezed.
"I like him," Astoria said seriously. "He's got style."
When Mr. Big dramatically declared, "Ice 'em!" and then melted into cooing over his daughter's wedding, Luna sighed, "Such a good father."
Mr. Big explains that Emmitt Otterton unexpectedly "went savage" and mindlessly attacked the limousine's chauffeur Renato Manchas, a black jaguar. Judy and Nick go to the Rainforest district and talk to Manchas. But suddenly Manchas also turns savage and starts chasing them.
Judy traps Manchas and alerts the ZPD, but Manchas vanishes before backup arrives. Bogo demands Judy's resignation, but Nick defends Judy and reminds Bogo that Judy still has ten hours left to solve the case. He then reveals to Judy that as a child, he was bullied by his peers due to their prejudiced beliefs about foxes.
As the flashback unfolded—young Nick, proud in his Junior Ranger uniform, being humiliated by bullies—silence fell.
Nick Wilde: [narrating] I learned two things that day. [the flashback ends and we return the present] One - I was never gonna let anyone see that they got to me.
Judy Hopps: And two?
Nick Wilde: If the world's only gonna see a fox as shifty and untrustworthy, there's no point in trying to be anything else.
The Slytherin table, usually smug, was quiet. Draco frowned. Blaise looked down. Several students of other houses looked uncomfortable.
Neville murmured, "Now I get him."
When Bellwether appeared — the cute, slightly awkward assistant mayor — the Hufflepuffs brightened visibly.
"She's adorable!" said Hannah Abbott.
"She's one of us," Ernie said proudly. "Kind, loyal, hardworking!"
"There's something fishy about her. Mark my words," muttered Moody, "no one's that nice."
Judy and Nick reach Cliffside Asylum where they find all the missing mammals, now apparently gone savage, locked in cells.
Hermione frowned thoughtfully. "Some kind of psychotropic drug, perhaps?"
Judy calls the ZPD, who arrest Mayor Lionheart and the Asylum staff. The students smiled when Judy invited Nick to join the ZPD as her partner. But then, at the press conference, Judy accidentally implies that the predators' physiology might be causing the savageness epidemic. The hall fell silent.
Nick's expression of hurt as he turned and walked away drew a heavy sigh from the hall.
Judy's comment incites fear and discrimination against predators throughout Zootopia. Wracked with guilt, Judy quits her job and returns to Bunnyburrow.
Later, while managing her parents' vegetable stand, Judy learns that Night Howlers are actually Midnicampum flowers, which have severe, lasting psychotropic effects if ingested. Realizing that someone is using the flowers to turn predators savage, she returns to Zootopia and finds Nick.
The apology scene — Judy's trembling voice, Nick's silent hurt, the paw-holding — drew soft sniffles from more than one table. Hermione subtly dabbed at her eyes. McGonagall, pretending not to, smiled faintly.
With Mr. Big's help, Judy and Nick interrogated Weaselton and discovered the ram scientist, Doug, creating a serum from the Night Howlers to use against predators via a tranquilizer dart. Judy and Nick obtain a serum pistol as evidence. The chase through the subway drew cheers, laughter, and gasps in equal measure.
But then came the twist.
Bellwether — the sweet, woolly Hufflepuff of the group — turned, eyes sharp behind her glasses, gun in hand.
"Fear always works," she hissed.
The entire hall gasped.
"She did not just do that!" shrieked Lavender.
Fred clutched his chest. "Evil Hufflepuff alert!"
The Hufflepuffs groaned. "We trusted you!" wailed Ernie.
When Judy's carrot pen replayed Bellwether's confession, the cheers nearly shook the ceiling.
Luna clapped softly. Rachel pumped her fist. Hermione whispered, "You go, girl."
The final montage rolled.
The predators were cured and rehabilitated, and Judy was reinstated into the ZPD. Nine months later, Nick graduated from the police academy, becoming Judy's partner and the first fox police officer.
Zootopia's city skyline glowed as Judy's voice echoed softly through the Great Hall: "Change starts with you."
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