There is a time skip to the end of the year because nothing exciting happens.
I walk with pansy and draco down to the great hall and for once I feel happy. Slytherin managed to beat out Ravenclaw for the house cup.
As I sit down, I stick my tongue out at Ron. The hall is alive with the usual chatter and excitement as people gather for the year-end feast. Everyone around me is smiling and laughing, but I can't bring myself to enjoy the meal before me. I can't shake the feeling that something bad is going to happen.
My suspicions are proved correct a few moments later, during Dumbledore's speech.
“Well done Slytherin, however I have a few last minute points that need to be awarded.”
He then proceeds to award Gryffindor just enough points so they win the house cup.
The buzz of excitement around me feels like static, an irritating hum in my ears. My eyes flicker over to the Gryffindor table, where Ron is celebrating along with the rest of his housemates. He is smiling, his face flushed with pride. It should make me happy, but instead I feel sick.
I clench my fist under the table, glaring at the empty plate before me. It’s one thing to give points, and another to allow a House to think they won, only to snatch it away. It shouldn't be allowed. But here I am, sitting in Slytherin, watching as Gryffindor claims another victory, while my own house is dismissed with barely a whisper.
My hands tremble with fury, and I can't help myself. I stand up suddenly, knocking over my goblet with a loud clunk. My actions draw the attention of the entire hall, and I feel every eye on me as I walk towards the front of the room, my mind spinning with a mix of frustration and bitterness. The Gryffindors Turn, their eyes widening in confusion as I move to Dumbledore, who has paused mid-sentence to regard me with his ever-calm gaze.
“Professor Dumbledore,” My voice rings out, my tone sharp and unyielding. “I need to speak with you.”
The room falls silent. All the students stop talking, and a few Slytherins glance nervously at one another.
Dumbledore’s eyes twinkle, his calm demeanor refusing to falter.
“Ah, Miss Weasley. It seems we have a disagreement. What can I do for you?”
My pulse races.
“You’ve given the House Cup to Gryffindor. Why? Why does Gryffindor win? They broke so many rules, and yet they win. Why?”
Dumbledore’s face softens, though his eyes don't lose their twinkle.
“Miss Weasley, I understand your frustration. The House Cup is not a matter of who deserves it the most—it is a matter of the students’ behavior, their efforts, and their growth. And this year, Gryffindor has shown great courage and spirit.”
My lip curls with disgust.
“Courage? Courage isn’t breaking every rule in the book, sneaking around the school, and cheating their way through tasks. How many times did Harry Potter get away with things he shouldn’t have? You’re blind if you think Gryffindor ‘earned’ that cup.”
“Miss Weasley,” Dumbledore interjects, his voice calm but firm, “you may feel that your house was overlooked, but I assure you, the points system is designed to be fair. The students in all houses are rewarded for their efforts. And Gryffindor’s efforts have been exemplary.”
“Exemplary?” I repeat, my voice rising. “Don’t you see it, Professor? You favor them! You always have! Every time something happens, you look the other way. You give them extra points for saving the day, while Slytherin has to follow every rule to the letter. And even then, we still come up short. It’s not fair!”
I can feel the heat rising in my chest, threatening to spill over.
Dumbledore regards me with a steady gaze, his voice kind yet unyielding.
“I understand that you feel as though things are unfair, Miss Weasley. But I assure you, the House Cup is not awarded lightly. It’s about the overall character of the students in each house. It’s not about individual actions—it’s about the house’s contributions to the school community as a whole.”
My mouth goes dry.
“So, you’re telling me that cheating and lying, breaking the rules, and only ‘winning’ because of a few key moments is more valuable than effort, hard work, and loyalty? Is that what you’re saying?”
The crowd goes silent, waiting for Dumbledore’s response. For a moment, it seems like he isn’t going to say anything. But then, he speaks softly, his tone filled with a quiet wisdom that makes me feel small.
“No,” he says gently. “I am telling you that courage, loyalty, and friendship are what hold a house together. Yes, there are mistakes. Yes, there are flaws. But it is the heart of the house that matters, not the rules that are broken or the points that are lost. And in that regard, Gryffindor shone this year.”
I turn on my heel and return to the Slytherin table. The second I’m out of earshot I mutter, “Bullshit.”
TO BE CONTINUED•••
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and then Add to home screen.