By midnight, the Grand Library had been fully restored to its former glory.
The crystal chandelier in the central dome burned with warm gold light, illuminating the polished mahogany balconies and clean reading tables.
Students and faculty gathered in the main hall for an impromptu assembly.
Julian stood on the speaker's platform beside Master Vance, with Orion perched proudly on a velvet cushion on the podium.
The small griffin wore a tiny, custom-crafted collar of braided silver thread, featuring a miniature sapphire star that matched Julian's medallion.
"Tonight, Crestfall Academy stands unbroken," Master Vance announced to the assembled crowd.
"We owe the preservation of our ancient knowledge to the bravery of Novice Julian and his companion, Orion the Moonlit Griffin."
The entire hall erupted in thunderous applause.
Students cheered, waving their glowing rune wands into the air and sending showers of harmless blue sparks toward the ceiling rafters.
Orion spread his silver wings, fanning out his crest in delight as he took flight from the podium.
He flew three wide loops around the high library dome, trailing a ribbon of sparkling starlight behind him.
The students gasped in delight as the sparkles drifted down like warm, glowing snow.
Orion landed back on Julian's shoulder, rubbing his beak affectionately against the young mage's ear.
"You're famous now, little guy," Julian whispered with a warm smile.
Orion gave a contented chitter, tucked his head against Julian's neck, and purred.
That evening, a grand celebration was held in the Great Dining Hall of Crestfall Academy.
Long wooden tables were laden with roasted meats, fresh bread, sweet pastries, and bowls of warm honey-berries.
Hundreds of students and instructors sat together, their faces lit by floating magic candles.
At the head table sat Julian and Orion, seated right beside Headmaster Vance.
Orion had his own small wooden perch, complete with a red velvet cushion and a silver bowl filled with his favorite dried river berries.
Master Vance stood up and tapped his crystal goblet with a spoon, silencing the room.
"Through courage and trust, they protected five centuries of arcane knowledge from total destruction!"
The hall erupted in wild cheers and thunderous applause.
He circled the dining hall twice, leaving a trail of shimmering blue starlight that drifted down over the cheering students.
Julian laughed, feeding Orion a ripe honey-berry from his plate.
Orion gave a happy chirp and purred loudly, content in the warmth of his home.
Orion sat on a special velvet cushion, wearing a new collar of braided silver thread with a tiny sapphire star pendant.
He enjoyed a bowl of fresh dried river berries, purring happily as students stopped by to admire him.
"Tonight, we honor Novice Julian and Orion the Moonlit Griffin!" Master Vance announced warmly.
The students erupted in thunderous cheering, waving their wands and sending showers of colorful sparks toward the ceiling.
Orion spread his wings and took flight, executing three graceful loops around the high hall.
A stream of blue starlight followed his path, drifting down over the crowd like sparkling snow.
It was a night no one at Crestfall Academy would ever forget.
The feast in the Great Dining Hall continued late into the night.
Students cheered and clapped as Orion performed aerial loops beneath the high wooden rafters.
Orion landed gently on his shoulder, resting his head against Julian's cheek.
The banquet hall was filled with laughter and music until the late hours of the night.
Every student wanted to see Orion's new silver collar and sapphire star emblem.
Orion purred happily, enjoying a feast of fresh honey-berries.
The midnight bell tolled twelve deep notes from the high academy tower.
The feast slowly came to an end as students began heading back to their dormitories.
Julian carried a sleepy Orion back to his room in the apprentice quarter.
It was a perfect evening for everyone.