Chapter 59: A Sudden Turn of Events
"Slytherin is indeed detestable, but the House Cup hasn't been awarded yet. Slytherin won't win," George said with a faint smile. The Philosopher's Stone had been scattered throughout the school, and the points had not been counted because of it. Silence fell.
After Slytherin, Gryffindor and Ravenclaw were only a few points behind. With just a little more effort, Slytherin's House Cup would change hands. Losing it now would be an even greater humiliation for them.
Just as the Slytherin table grew increasingly lively, Dumbledore arrived, and the noise in the Great Hall gradually subsided.
"Another year has passed," Dumbledore said with a warm smile. "Before we enjoy tonight's delicious feast, I must ask for a moment of your time to summarize this year."
"It has been a wonderful year. Your minds have grown more mature and wiser than last year—I believe you all feel the same. Even better, you now have the entire summer holiday ahead of you to enjoy." At the mention of summer, Dumbledore looked around and saw knowing smiles on the students' faces.
"The summer awaits you. Before next term begins, you may digest what you have learned this year, relax your minds and bodies, and prepare for the year ahead." After encouraging everyone to study diligently, he continued, "And now, as tradition dictates, we shall present the House Cup. The final scores are as follows: Hufflepuff, 400 points; Ravenclaw, 589 points; Gryffindor, 595 points; Slytherin, 599 points."
The moment he finished speaking, the Slytherin table erupted in thunderous cheers and stamping. Harry even saw Draco Malfoy banging his goblet against his plate, creating a clattering din. He was truly irritating.
"All the houses have performed admirably this year," Dumbledore said, raising his voice slightly. "However, recent events must not be forgotten and deserve consideration."
The Great Hall fell silent. The smiles on Slytherin faces turned sharp and tense.
"The show is about to begin," George lowered his head and whispered softly to Kate.
"First," Dumbledore cleared his throat, "there are a few matters to address. Let me see… yes, first: Mr. Ronald Weasley."
Ron turned scarlet at once, his body trembling with excitement. He had never received such recognition before.
"For the best-played game of wizard's chess Hogwarts has seen in many years, I award Gryffindor fifty points."
The Gryffindor cheers nearly lifted the enchanted ceiling; even the stars overhead seemed to tremble. They had quickly overtaken Slytherin. Percy could be heard shouting proudly, "That's my brother! My youngest brother! He passed Professor McGonagall's giant chessboard enchantment with the others!"
When the noise finally died down, Dumbledore continued, "Second: Miss Hermione Granger, for the use of cool logic in the face of fire. I award Gryffindor fifty points."
Hermione's face turned crimson with excitement and embarrassment. She lowered her head and buried her face in her hands. The Gryffindors were already beside themselves, bouncing up and down by the tables. The outcome was clear—they had won.
"Third: Mr. Harry Potter." Dumbledore's voice grew solemn, and the hall fell silent once more. "For pure nerve and outstanding courage, I award Gryffindor sixty points."
The cheers and shouts reached a climax. It was not only because Gryffindor had secured the House Cup, but because they were making history. The total points had reached an unprecedented height.
Dumbledore raised his hand, and quiet gradually returned.
"Fourth: George Soros. He has achieved the highest first-year score in Hogwarts history. At the same time, he has demonstrated the qualities of one of Hogwarts' finest students. Therefore, I award Ravenclaw one hundred and fifty points."
The Great Hall exploded again. Everyone was stunned. The previous bonus points had already been astonishing, yet there was more—
George's score was unprecedented since the founding of Hogwarts. They had witnessed far too much history in a single night.o—even the more level-headed students were overwhelmed. How many points had George earned this year? Over three hundred and fifty?
"Finally," Dumbledore smiled.
There was more? Apart from George, everyone was filled with curiosity about what other incredible event might follow.
"There are many kinds of courage. It takes great bravery to stand up to our enemies. But it takes just as much courage to stand up to our friends. Therefore, I award twenty points to Mr. Neville Longbottom."
Though Dumbledore had finished speaking, the cheers and celebrations showed no sign of ending. The Great Hall resounded like repeated bursts of fireworks. Gryffindor was immersed in a sea of jubilation.
Harry, Hermione, and Ron all stood and cheered. Only Neville remained frozen in astonishment. With the twenty points, he had recovered everything he had previously lost for the house. Such redemption was something he had never dared to imagine.
Harry suddenly nudged Ron with his elbow and pointed at Malfoy. Malfoy's face was pale, as though he had been struck by a Full Body-Bind Curse, stiff as a puppet.
At that moment, all the green banners and silks in the Great Hall transformed into brilliant red and gold. The enormous Slytherin serpent vanished, replaced by a majestic Gryffindor lion.
Snape awkwardly shook hands with Professor McGonagall—Harry saw it clearly. From Snape's expression, Harry understood that their enmity would continue, but he no longer felt afraid.
George continued sipping his juice with elegance. "The weather is lovely tonight, isn't it?" he tilted his head and whispered to Kate.
After dinner, time flew by, and the exam results were soon announced. Harry and Ron passed with excellent marks, which surprised no one. Hermione naturally maintained her usual top-of-the-class standards, ranking only slightly below George. Even Neville performed fairly well, especially in Herbology. By contrast, his Potions grade was somewhat lacking—perhaps because he had taken Professor Snape's class.
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