[The order for Chapter 42 and 43 was swapped /(ㄒoㄒ)/~~]
After the petrified victims and Hermione were restored, the school year at Hogwarts drew to a close.
The Great Hall of Hogwarts was brightly lit for the end-of-term feast.
Green and silver banners representing Slytherin hung from the ceiling; the students of the Snake House held their heads high, their faces filled with the arrogance of certain victory.
Harry and Ron were a bit dejected; even though they had broken into the Chamber of Secrets and faced the memory of Lord Voldemort, they still hadn't brought enough points to their house.
Dumbledore stood up, and the clamor in the Great Hall instantly quieted.
"Another school year has passed," he said, his voice resonant and carrying a hint of a smile. "Before the House Cup is awarded, I have a few points to add."
He first looked toward Ron. "...For his bravery in directly defeating an adult Wizard, I award Gryffindor twenty points!"
Scattered applause and cheers erupted from the Gryffindor long table.
"Next, Mr. Harry Potter," Dumbledore's gaze turned to Harry, "...For his calm and correct decision-making in a moment of peril for his companions, I award Gryffindor fifty points!"
The applause grew more enthusiastic, but it was still far from overtaking Slytherin.
Hermione nervously gripped Lia's hand, while Lia curiously observed the magical starry sky on the ceiling, having no concept of points or the House Cup.
"Finally," Dumbledore cleared his throat, and the bustling Great Hall fell silent once more.
His gaze swept across the room, finally fixing precisely on the silver-haired Cat-girl beside Hermione.
The eyes of the entire Great Hall followed his focus.
"We must thank a special hero."
Dumbledore's voice became solemn and grave, echoing in every corner of the Great Hall.
"She has no magic wand, yet she faced a beast unseen for a thousand years; she knows no spells, yet she destroyed our darkest enemy."
"She risked her life for her friends."
"In the darkest hour, she protected our most precious treasure and guarded the peace of Hogwarts."
Lia blinked her azure eyes blankly; she tugged on Hermione's sleeve and whispered, "Who is he talking about?"
Hermione's eyes were already moist; she shook her head and gripped Lia's hand tightly in return.
"For this loyalty and protection that transcends life and death," Dumbledore raised his voice, making every word count, "I award Gryffindor, for Miss Lia, an additional..."
He paused for a moment, seemingly enjoying the stiffened faces at the Slytherin table.
"Fifty points!"
The moment the words fell!
Boom—!
On the ceiling, the green and silver banners of Slytherin were instantly replaced by the scarlet and gold of Gryffindor!
The entire Gryffindor table erupted completely!
Cheers, screams, and the sound of colliding tables and chairs merged into a wave of sound that almost blew the roof off the Great Hall!
"We won! We won again!"
"Lia! Lia! Lia!"
Amidst the deafening cheers, Fred and George rushed over excitedly, and without a word, one on each side, they lifted Hermione—and Lia, who was being held tightly in Hermione's arms—directly onto their shoulders!
"Ow!"
Lia was startled by the sudden weightlessness and the mountain-shattering commotion. In an ocean of gold and red, she instantly transformed back into her petite cat form, let out a cry of surprise, and buried her face deep into the crook of Hermione's neck, clinging to her neck and refusing to look up.
But her long, fluffy tail betrayed her.
The tip of her tail curled up uncontrollably and happily, giving a gentle wag.
Hermione was dizzy from the massive surprise and glory. She protected the back of Lia's head with one hand and waved the other wildly, her cheeks flushed, smiling like a child.
After the feast ended, the corridors were still filled with a Gryffindor-style carnival atmosphere.
Harry, Ron, and all the Weasley brothers—Percy, Fred, and George—along with a still somewhat pale Ginny, walked solemnly up to Hermione and Lia.
Lia had already climbed down from Hermione, but she still held her hand tightly, hiding behind her and only peeking out half a head to curiously watch these "tall" boys.
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