Chapter 744
The Final Bonus
Chapter 744 The Final Bonus
"Another year has come to an end!" Dumbledore said. "Before we enjoy the sumptuous dinner, I have a few words to say."
"Over the past year, Hogwarts has hosted a grand Magical Schools Tournament, and our campus has seen many guests, as well as some...unexpected visitors."
His gaze lingered on a few people, including Harry, Wade, and Filch, who stood by the Great Hall door with his chest puffed out.
Dumbledore continued, "What makes me proud is that our teachers and students have shown extraordinary courage and wisdom in the face of competition and challenges! But in the end, we proved that no matter how dark the situation, as long as we are united, nothing can truly defeat us!"
Most people clapped enthusiastically, their faces showing pride, as if they were the ones who had defeated the Dark Lord.
Then, at the principal's signal, everyone quieted down again, and heard him say:
"Before the Academy Cup awards ceremony, we want to give extra credit to a few exceptional warriors—"
The Slytherins' faces immediately darkened. Many exchanged glances, while others straightened their backs even more, their faces as cold as frost.
“First, it’s Cedric Diggory!”
The Hufflepuff students sat up straight, their eyes sparkling with anticipation.
"He demonstrated the true Hufflepuff spirit in the competition—fair play, humility, and a deep understanding and skillful application of magic."
Dumbledore looked at the young man whose face was slightly flushed, his eyes filled with approval:
"His performance reminds us that victory is not everything; character and intelligence are equally important! Therefore, I have decided to award Hufflepuff Academy fifty points!"
Instantly, the Hufflepuff table erupted in thunderous cheers and applause. Many students jumped up excitedly, and Cedric was overwhelmed by several boys' breathtaking hugs.
Although Cedric didn't win the championship, Hufflepuff's students didn't blame him at all.
The fact that he made it to the final stage is enough to make the Badger Academy students proud. In the final stage of the competition, they were fighting against monsters, and it would be difficult to come back alive if they actually made it in.
The Ravenclaw and Gryffindor students also applauded excitedly, not only because Cedric was a good person and most people liked him, but also because they all foresaw that their house's bonus points would only be higher.
Michael clapped while winking at Wade.
Wade asked, puzzled, "...What's wrong?"
"Haven't you noticed?" Michael said with a mysterious smile, lowering his voice as he leaned closer, "Fair play, humility and politeness... character is just as important..."
Wade's brow twitched, and he narrowed his eyes, looking at Michael with hostility.
Michael, unfazed by his threatening gaze, continued explaining his earlier thoughts: "I have a feeling that Professor Dumbledore is hinting at someone... don't you think so? Lord Grey Lord?"
Wade: "...Shut up!"
It's unclear who it was, but after the puppets used violence to eliminate several warriors, they gave him the title "Grey Demon King."
Afterwards, the scenes of the puppets relying on their "numerous strength" to fight against Voldemort and the Death Eaters did not help him regain his reputation; instead, they spread the title of "Grey King" even further.
Although they said it with a mocking tone, and even a hint of admiration, Wade felt a pang of sadness every time he heard it.
He couldn't imagine what kind of expressions some people would make after hearing this joking nickname...
After everyone had finally quieted down, they heard the principal continue:
"Second... Harry Potter."
The auditorium instantly became so quiet you could hear a pin drop, as countless eyes turned to the "surviving boy."
If many people used to dislike Harry's fame, after that night, they could no longer say anything strange.
Just as recently, none of the Slytherins went to cause trouble for Voldemort because their fathers were in prison, not even Draco Malfoy dared to provoke him. Honestly, if they were facing Voldemort, they probably wouldn't even have the courage to stand up, let alone confront him.
Even though Harry "died" at Voldemort's hands, his subsequent resurrection added an air of mystery to his status as the "savior."
Considering that Voldemort publicly stated that his several failures were all because of Harry Potter...
The students of Slytherin, and even the long-established dark wizards, felt a sense of dread towards this seemingly weak and unintelligent savior boy.
Dumbledore raised his voice slightly and said:
"He confronted the darkness that many adult wizards dared not mention, and not only did he never back down, but he also chose to sacrifice himself to save others in times of danger—such courage, selflessness and justice are the qualities we cherish most."
He paused for a moment, his gaze sweeping across the entire auditorium, as if to make sure everyone remembered the significance of this moment.
"Therefore, I have decided to add eighty points to Gryffindor House!"
In an instant, the cheers at the Gryffindor table were deafening. The students pounded on the table excitedly, and the Weasley twins even jumped on it!
As for Harry, needless to say, he was the eye of the storm, the focus of the galaxy, with many people shouting, "Harry Potter! Harry Potter!"
At the Slytherin table, Daphne quickly did some mental calculations and hurriedly said to the person next to her, "Three hundred and fifty-five plus eighty, that's four hundred and thirty-five points! They didn't surpass us!"
"Don't rush!" Pansy said, pinching her palm. "The points haven't been added yet! Don't get too excited and make a fool of yourself in front of those guys!"
Upon hearing this, Daphne's smile vanished, and her feet tapped rapidly on the floor under the table.
Before the cheers had subsided, Dumbledore raised his voice again and said loudly:
"The third one... Wade Gray."
The noise was barely suppressed once again.
"His wisdom and perseverance earned him the respect of everyone, including his opponents; he also demonstrated genius-level alchemical and magical skills that amazed everyone; and when faced with temptation, he did not hesitate to uphold his beliefs!"
"For this, Ravenclaw School... adds eighty points!"
The loudest cheers yet erupted from the Ravenclaw table, and even the stars overhead seemed to tremble slightly. The shouts echoed, and even at the Slytherin table, someone clapped their hands discreetly.
Professor Flitwick stood on his chair, trying to make himself stand out in the line of teachers. He waved his short arms vigorously toward Wade, a bright smile spreading across his face.
At the end of the long table, Professor Morrie also clapped slowly, his gaze never leaving Wade, his eyes filled with both the pride of a teacher and a touch of fatherly love.
Wade nodded to them, also showing a joyful smile—though he wasn't really that excited inside.
“Now,” Dumbledore waved his wand, “let’s look at the scores for each house—”
"Ravenclaw, 421 points;"
"Gryffindor, 435 points;"
"Hufflepuff, 436 points;"
"Slytherin, 507 points!"
"Without a doubt, this year's House Cup belongs to—Slytherin!"
This time, the screams from the Slytherin table nearly lifted the roof off. Many students who usually valued elegance and manners were banging their wine glasses on the table, and some even jumped off their seats and danced, looking just like the boisterous Gryffindors.
"Huh?" Anthony was dumbfounded: "So...we're still in last place?"
“What’s wrong with that?” Wade said with a laugh. “Tonight, everyone has a reason to celebrate—including Slytherin.”
(End of this chapter)