With the Headmaster finally speaking up, the previously chaotic Great Hall at last fell silent.
"I believe Mr. Crabbe and Mr. Goyle were clearly in the wrong this time," Dumbledore said with perfect composure. "Hogwarts doesn't exist to serve only a select few. The food produced in these kitchens, the long tables and seats in this Great Hall—they exist for all students."
He first worked to uphold the authority of the poor Slytherin Head of House, who was juggling multiple responsibilities while dealing with student brawls:
"Of course, we cannot condone students resolving problems through fighting and violence. Pointing wands at fellow students is extremely serious misconduct.
"I hope you'll learn to seek help directly from your professors. For this reason, Professor Snape's deduction of 150 points is entirely reasonable."
Amid another wave of boos and unrest rippling through the hall—
Dumbledore looked toward Daphne and Astoria, then at Blaise, a glimmer of approval in his eyes as he shifted direction:
"However, these students fought bravely to defend their rightful privileges.
"I'm pleased you recognized the injustice of your situation, acknowledged the bullying within your house, and courageously acted for fairness and justice.
"For this, I'm awarding these brave students 150 points."
The positive and negative canceled each other out—effectively no points lost at all—
This brightened every snake's expression considerably, creating a more relaxed atmosphere among them.
But they didn't stop there, keeping their eyes fixed on Dumbledore, hoping he would also lift Jane Yu's detention.
"Indeed, which brings me to my next point," Dumbledore continued. "To bring everyone hope of resistance, to help everyone realize that efforts to fight darkness are effective—I must offer Miss Yu some encouragement. The detention punishment should naturally be lifted."
Joy immediately bloomed on every snake's face!
Daphne cheered, and the snakes burst into unified applause...
The applause spread wider and wider, gradually filling the entire hall as students from the other three houses stood up once more!
"Merlin's beard, I never thought I'd live to see the day I'd applaud Slytherin not losing points! This is record-breaking!" Ron complained loudly. "My hands feel dirty, but somehow they won't stop clapping together!"
"Yeah." Harry nodded, his face a twisted mix of sadness and joy. "At least Yu's detention is finally lifted, but mate, maybe you haven't realized—I've already cost Gryffindor 150 points."
Ron's expression twisted similarly, his clapping hands finally stopping—but only for a few seconds before coming together again:
"It's fine, Harry. Everyone's used to Snape taking points from you—
"Besides, this won't affect Yu winning the House Cup and Special Award for Services to the School anyway. It's like a mermaid without a flying broomstick."
Harry nodded in agreement, though he felt something odd about Ron's words, but couldn't quite identify the logical problem.
So the Gryffindor table returned to harmony and joy.
But amid all the students' celebration, Snape's face had turned even blacker than when he'd caught the snakes brawling.
Perhaps human joys and sorrows truly don't connect—
His mood was comparable to watching Potter perform the wedding march right in front of him.
Not even Dumbledore forcibly restoring Slytherin's 150 points could salvage his spirits.
First Potter and Jane Yu arriving late together, bringing romantic disaster news about his nemesis Remus Lupin; then Slytherin collectively transforming into Gryffindor for mass brawling and mutual curse-casting; then being forced to dock points publicly to demonstrate his stance; finally watching his cooked apprentice get wings forcibly attached by Dumbledore and fly out of the cauldron...
He felt today was an exceptionally dark day in his life.
This made him glare unhappily at Dumbledore, trying to express his displeasure through gloomy stares and his limited facial expressions.
"I must grant Miss Yu a special privilege."
Witnessing Snape's expression darker than a cauldron bottom, Dumbledore wisely spoke up, committed to preventing his subordinate from throwing in the towel:
"She'll receive an opportunity to study advanced potions under the personal guidance of a master Potioneer.
"Severus, perhaps you'd be willing to exercise your duties as Slytherin Head of House—"
Snape's expression shifted from stormy to clear as he smoothly accepted this offered olive branch.
"Teaching the Headmaster's outstanding students to brew potions is my duty."
Having successfully rebalanced interests between students and professor, Dumbledore breathed a sigh of relief:
"Also, the seating arrangement here needs some reorganization. Severus, perhaps you think—"
"Now, immediately, at once—sit according to surname alphabetically," Snape commanded. "I don't want to see any more ridiculous incidents over food and seats here."
The snakes didn't move, once again turning their gazes to Jane Yu, awaiting her instruction—
Seeing her walk toward the table, they finally sprang into action, lining up front to back by surname alphabetically, standing before half the table.
Only after Jane Yu took her seat did the snakes sit down one by one.
Almost the instant they settled into their seats, their moods became incredibly buoyant!
Though these were just ordinary, hard benches students had sat on for years—
They somehow felt the supreme luxury and nobility of premium leather sofas!
They touched and wiped them left and right, pulling out wands to cast Scourgify on the benches, feeling absolutely delighted.
Perhaps the taste of hard-earned rewards is always especially sweet—these benches had clearly become the fruits of their victory!
This filled every face with undisguised pride!
They knew they'd earned Jane Yu's approval—she'd been quietly observing their spirit of resistance...
And had directly dealt with their most formidable enemy, Nott!
Dragging him under the table for a clean knockout and beating!
Look how effortless she made it seem—spotless and uninjured, her robes immaculate, completely unlike their own black eyes and swollen faces!
But the snakes understood their bruises weren't shameful signs of inadequate strength, but Merlin's own medals!
For the first time, they felt the magic erupting from within their bodies could be so magnificent...
For the first time, they discovered their spells cast so quickly and precisely!
This also made them finally realize that resistance works—the groups oppressing them could be overthrown!
Everyone held their heads high, their triumphant joy nearly infecting the entire hall.
Students at the other three tables couldn't help but look up at them.
...
In any case, this less-than-smooth opening feast still managed to proceed successfully.
Having successfully handled this incident and soothed everyone's emotions, Dumbledore returned to the staff table with a slight smile.
He knew what came next would be the annual routine: Deputy Headmistress Minerva and the Sorting Hat would jointly conduct the Sorting Ceremony, and as Headmaster, he'd deliver the opening address, discuss rules and regulations, introduce the new Defence Against the Dark Arts professor...
After that, he could return to his comfortable armchair in the Headmaster's office to relax properly and prepare mentally for the new school year's challenges.
But ideals are full while reality is harsh—
He hadn't relaxed for even two seconds...
When he glanced over and saw his old friend at the staff table—disguised in altered appearance—
Sitting with fingers interlaced, watching the Slytherin table with great interest for an extended time!
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