Harry Potter: I Am Big D

Chapter -106.

As the end-of-year feast unfolded, students from every year filled the Great Hall, arranged at the long tables designated for each of the four houses.

Today marks the announcement of the final exam results and the determination of who would claim the House Cup, an award that may not hold much actual weight but carries immense significance for Hogwarts' young wizards.

Unsurprisingly, the top scorers of the first-year exams were Dudley, followed by Hermione, Harry, Malfoy, and then Ron and Neville, with Ron and Neville emerging as unexpected contenders.

The Great Hall was bedecked in green and silver in honor of Slytherin's seventh consecutive triumph in the House Cup, with a massive banner illustrating the Slytherin serpent adorning the wall behind the head table.

True to form, Slytherin easily outperformed the other houses to seize the Cup once again. The final standings were as follows:

- 4th place: Gryffindor with 111 points

- 3rd place: Hufflepuff with 352 points

- 2nd place: Ravenclaw with 406 points

- 1st place: Slytherin with 609 points

Slytherin's score was nearly equivalent to the total of the other three houses combined, largely due to Dudley's impressive performance, consistently racking up points in every class with alarming proficiency.

Gryffindor's results weren't completely dismal; Hermione had added several points to their total. However, they suffered a 200-point deduction from Professor McGonagall for a group brawl, along with a further 50-point penalty for an altercation with a fellow student, and Hermione had stopped accruing points later in the term. Despite their strong performance in Quidditch, Gryffindor found themselves at the bottom.

Finishing with single digits would already be considered generous.

Yet, the Gryffindors seemed unfazed, as they were accustomed to not being at the top.

"Before we dive into the dinner, we must first hold the award ceremony for the House Cup. I'm sure everyone is aware of the scores," Dumbledore remarked from the head table, his voice deliberate.

Instantly, a thunderous cheer erupted from the Slytherin table.

The House Cup result was clearly a foregone conclusion.

With 609 points, what could anyone possibly do to challenge that?

As the saying goes, "Never relax until the very end, even when victory seems guaranteed."

"Indeed, Slytherin has had an outstanding year," Dumbledore stated with a knowing tone, "but I believe some recent events should also be factored into the outcome."

The hall fell silent, and the Slytherin students appeared to grow uneasy, their overblown grins waning.

"Ahem." Dumbledore cleared his throat, and then amplified his voice to fill the hall: "There are still additional points to be distributed."

"Let's see."

He retrieved a piece of parchment from his robes and donned a pair of glasses, appearing to scrutinize the contents.

"Ah, the first recipient—Mr. Ron Weasley."

"For one of the most remarkable chess games seen at Hogwarts in many years, he will be awarded 100 points."

Cheers erupted from the Gryffindor table.

As Ron was a Gryffindor, his points would undoubtedly contribute to their total.

"The next recipient—Mr. Neville Longbottom. His adeptness with the Devil's Snare and clever application of the Fire-Producing Spell earns him 100 points."

'Who's Neville? Oh, that awkward first-year from the Longbottom clan.'

"The third recipient—Miss Hermione Granger. Her calm logical reasoning has earned her 100 points."

'Miss Know-It-All does have her moments, I suppose.'

These accumulated points led to a total increase of 300 points, sending Gryffindor's score from 111 to 411 points, propelling them from the bottom to just below Slytherin's total of 609 points.

The hall buzzed with conversation, as Hufflepuff students grew confused about how they dropped from what they thought should be third place down to last. Ravenclaws whispered amongst each other, while Gryffindor rejoiced in their newfound score, leaving Slytherin with an air of stoic composure.

"Don't forget, that's still 609 points. Even adding 100 leaves you far behind. You really think you can add 200 more and outpace us?"

Dumbledore seemingly overlooked this and continued.

"Our fourth recipient—Harry Potter."

"For showcasing immense bravery and exemplary courage, Harry earns an additional 200 points."

At this announcement, the hall fell completely still. All the students stared in disbelief at Dumbledore.

611 points—two points above 609.

This indicated a shift in the championship of the House Cup.

After a brief pause, explosive cheers erupted, and Gryffindor exploded into celebration.

Red fireworks illuminated the ceiling, transforming Slytherin's green decorations into bright red.

The Weasley twins' fireworks were in full effect.

Older students sprang up, wands drawn, and through their combined magic, the massive Slytherin serpent was replaced with a grand Gryffindor lion.

"Glory to Gryffindor! The House Cup is ours!"

It was unclear who initiated the rallying cry, but soon the entire Gryffindor table was in a frenzy, reveling in their victory over Slytherin.

Although many, aside from Harry, might not have recognized the names Dumbledore mentioned, their joy remained undeterred, especially from outpacing Slytherin.

In stark contrast, the Slytherin students appeared pale and bewildered.

How could they lose, despite their overwhelming lead?

Was it due to unfair play?

They outright refused to accept the points! This victory wasn't achieved through honorable means!

Yet, these words came from the most esteemed wizard of the age, and even with hundreds of grievances, Slytherins could do nothing but bite their tongues.

"Hey Slytherin, you lost the House Cup!"

It was impossible to determine who among the jubilant students made the taunt, but it prompted the Slytherins, who had only just regained their composure, to erupt in anger.

"We are Slytherin; we must stay sharp!"

Together, the Slytherins faced Gryffindor, glaring fiercely like predators.

However, the ecstatic Gryffindors failed to notice that those whom Dumbledore had acknowledged appeared unfazed, and Professor McGonagall, head of Gryffindor, the one who should have been most elated, displayed no emotion whatsoever.

Dumbledore merely sat back, observing the scene with quiet patience.

With a loud boom, the windows and doors rattled slightly, captivating the attention of every young wizard present.

A figure stepped into the center of the hall.

Though not loud, his voice carried with piercing clarity throughout the room.

"I believe Gryffindor does not deserve to win the House Cup!"

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Note : Guys, some power stones will be really motivating.