The discussion among the Hogwarts professors about Slytherin made Snape very proud in front of the faculty. Even he hadn't expected that Slytherin, under Alan's management, would become so formidable. Not only had the House atmosphere changed drastically, but everyone's grades had shown a leapfrog improvement. Since the internal grades of the Slytherin students were being displayed openly for the first time, Snape's reaction was a rare moment where he nearly lost his composure.
At that moment, a group of professors rose to leave. Today was the end-of-term banquet, and Snape quickened his steps. He was impatient to take the House Cup back. When the faculty arrived at the Great Hall, they found that most of the students had already gathered. Faces were beaming with joy, as summer vacation would begin after tonight.
In stark contrast were the young wizards at the Slytherin table. They sat upright and solemn. Even achieving such excellent results in the final exams could not break their discipline. The professors exchanged glances as they took their seats. Throughout the entire academic year, Slytherin had maintained this level of order. To be honest, it sent a chill down the spines of the staff, including Snape. They felt a hint of true apprehension toward the current state of Slytherin.
As Dumbledore took his seat, the banquet officially began. Most enjoyed the delicacies of the feast, though they occasionally turned their attention to the Slytherin table. Even on the eve of the holidays, those young wizards maintained strict etiquette while dining. Not a single sound of laughter came from their direction—only the occasional faint scraping of silver against plates. This caused Dumbledore to glance over frequently.
In the middle of the banquet, Professor McGonagall looked to Dumbledore. After receiving a nod from the Headmaster, she raised her spoon and tapped her goblet. The sound drew the attention of everyone in the hall. The students and professors knew it was finally time for the annual announcement of House points.
Dumbledore stood up. "Another year has passed, and now it is time to award the House Cup. The scores for each House are as follows: In fourth place, Gryffindor, with a total of 378 points."
Upon hearing this, the Gryffindors actually smiled. Although they were still in last place, their score was significantly higher than the previous year. Fewer fights meant fewer points deducted. Seeing their carefree expressions, Professor McGonagall couldn't help but roll her eyes. When would they ever bring her, their Head of House, some true honor?
"Third place, Hufflepuff, with 406 points. Second place is Ravenclaw, with a score of 437 points. And this year's top spot goes to..." Dumbledore, with a benevolent smile, tilted his head toward the Slytherin table. He could see joy in the eyes of the wizards looking back, but not a single person lost their composure. Everyone remained restrained; not a sound could be heard from that direction.
"The top spot goes to Slytherin, with a total of 635 points!"
As Dumbledore spoke, the banners fluttering above the Great Hall unfurled, instantly transforming into the green and silver of Slytherin. The students and faculty from the other three Houses were startled by the massive score, but they spontaneously broke into applause. Snape, while maintaining a stern face, was clapping so fast his hands almost blurred.
However, the Slytherin table remained silent. All the young wizards were excited, but they sat perfectly still, looking toward Alan at the center of the table. Their meaning was clear: *Can we applaud now?*
This unusual behavior caught the attention of the entire school. They followed the students' collective gaze to Alan. At that moment, Alan was leaning back slightly, staring intently at the banners. He had noticed that Dumbledore had performed a large-scale Transfiguration to change the flags. To do so over such a distance, silently and without a wand, was something Alan knew he could not yet achieve.
When he snapped back to his senses, he found every eye in the room on him. Combined with the inquiring looks from his housemates, he understood the situation.
"Clap! Clap! Clap!" Alan began to applaud calmly. With his lead, the rest of the Slytherins finally dared to join in the celebration.
As the Slytherins cheered, the members of the other Houses and the professors focused their attention on Alan. Even Dumbledore raised an eyebrow in surprise. Everyone finally had confirmation: every change in Slytherin this year originated from this one young wizard. Alan had always been low-key—so much so that people often forgot he was once a battle hero. This sparked a renewed interest in him, and whispers began to spread across the other tables.
Alan showed no reaction to the whispers or the stares. His mind was already occupied with his plans for the summer vacation. After the banquet ended and they returned to the common room, Alan dismissed everyone early and lifted the discipline requirements for the final two days, allowing them to enjoy their time.
Even so, the young wizards of Slytherin had grown accustomed to the order. Even on the Hogwarts Express the next day, everyone maintained strict standards. After reaching the destination and saying goodbye to the others, Alan rushed toward Diagon Alley. However, he did not go to his home, nor did he enter the magical thoroughfare. Instead, he detoured to the Muggle street nearby and headed straight for a specific shop.