{Great Hall, Hogwarts}
{29th June 1992}
{Harry's POV}
The Great Hall was resplendent with emerald and silver banners draped from the enchanted ceiling, which tonight reflected a serene, star-studded sky. The air buzzed with excitement as students settled at their house tables, the end-of-year feast about to commence. At the head of the room stood Narcissa Malfoy, the new Headmistress of Hogwarts, her poise and elegance commanding the attention of all.
Clad in deep green robes trimmed with silver accents, Narcissa exuded an aura of dignified authority. Her platinum blonde hair was styled in an intricate twist, and her piercing blue eyes surveyed the room with a mix of pride and formality. As she raised a slender hand, the murmurs and whispers among the students hushed into silence.
Harry looked at her as well. The rest of the year hadn't been as fun as the beginning. His eyes swayed toward the dark-haired professor who had made it his mission to torment him and his friends, and with Dumbledore out of the castle, Gryffindor suffered a lot.
'Quite a lot of the upper years are pissed about it. Percy told Ron that some of the Ravenclaws and Hufflepuff purebloods also want to try and influence their parents to do something about this situation.' Harry thought as he looked at the points; the closest hourglass to Slytherin was Ravenclaw, but even they barely made it close to their halfway mark.
"Good evening, students," the Headmistress began, her voice clear and carrying an unmistakable note of command. Somehow, she and Professor McGonagall seemed so similar. Harry grimaced at that thought as he listened to her speech, "Another year at Hogwarts comes to a close, and what a remarkable year it has been."
She paused, allowing her words to sink in. The students watched her intently, the flickering candlelight casting a warm glow over their unamused faces.
"We have witnessed exceptional achievements—in academics, in magic, and in character. Each house has contributed to the rich tapestry that is our beloved school. However, as tradition holds, one house has risen above the rest in the pursuit of excellence."
A ripple of anticipation swept through the Slytherin table. The students at the other end of the hall exchanged excited glances, their emerald ties and silver badges gleaming proudly.
"This year's House Cup goes to…" Narcissa's gaze swept across the hall before landing on the Slytherin table. A faint smile curved her lips. "Slytherin."
The Slytherin table erupted in applause and cheers, students rising to their feet in excitement. The emerald and silver banners shimmered even more brightly as they fluttered along a silent breeze, and the Slytherin serpent emblem on their robes seemed to come alive, coiling gracefully across the fabric.
In sharp contrast, the rest of the tables were silent; no one made a move, as the isolation was silently glaring at everyone. Harry's eyes found Rigel, but other than the amused smile on his face, his cousin didn't seem to care about the ongoing situation around him. A slight nod was thrown Harry's way, and he barely had the time to respond with one of his own before his attention shifted to the pretty blonde girl ever-present beside him.
"There he goes again..." Harry heard Ron grumble. His friend didn't really approve of him, thinking that Rigel was an okay guy. At least after Halloween, the pointed glares and sharp barbs stopped.
Harry looked back at Narcissa, ignoring Ron. She was looking around at the contrast in the Great Hall, but it seemed like she didn't care about what was going on. The celebration continued for a few moments before she raised her hand once more. "Congratulations to Slytherin House for demonstrating outstanding dedication, cunning, and resourcefulness—the qualities Salazar Slytherin himself valued."
Ron couldn't contain his frustration as he heard Narcissa's words. Harry was even surprised he was listening, but it seemed he wasn't distracted, likely due to the absence of a feast in front of him. He leaned toward Harry and whispered harshly, eyes fixed on the Slytherin table.
"Honestly, it's all Snape's fault," Ron muttered, his face reddening slightly with anger. "He's been handing out points like there's no tomorrow. If it weren't for him screwing us over all year round, Slytherin wouldn't have come out on top this time."
He threw his hands up in exasperation. "It's just not fair! Gryffindor worked their tails off, and Snape decided to play favorites again. It's enough to make you want to pull your hair out!"
Harry exchanged a sympathetic glance with Hermione while Ron grumbled under his breath, clearly still upset about the outcome.
"...Your hard work and unity have brought honor not just to your house but to Hogwarts as a whole. May you carry this spirit of excellence into your future endeavors." Narcissa continued, unbothered by the clearly divided student populations.
She continued shifting the topic, "To all our students, whether you are returning or venturing beyond these walls, remember that the choices you make shape not only your destiny but the world around you. Strive for greatness, uphold our traditions, and never underestimate the power of your potential."
The hall went a little quiet now. Even if the rest of the student body didn't like her as much, her words caused some of the upper years to share sad smiles. Her last statement resonated deeply, with a gravity that transcended house rivalries.
"As we conclude this feast, let us not forget the bonds we've formed and the lessons we've learned. Hogwarts is not just a school; it is a home, a sanctuary, and a foundation upon which you will build the rest of your lives."
Harry looked around him; even without the ups and downs, it had been a fun year. He had gotten to know some cool people, found a family who didn't hate his guts, and had even learned magic.
"Enjoy your evening, and safe travels to all as you depart for the summer holidays." With that, she gracefully stepped down. Harry's eyes locked onto her bouncing breasts for a moment as she stepped down from the podium, which disappeared, and she settled down in her chair.
As the tables magically filled with an abundance of dishes—roasted meats, savory pies, fresh vegetables, and an array of delectable desserts—the hall filled with the sounds of clinking goblets and lively conversation. Harry looked over at Ron, and as expected, the earlier anger was now replaced by an eager gleam in his eyes as he eyed the countless dishes spread in front of him.
Shaking his head, he turned to Hermione, "So you are going to France this summer, any special plans?"
An excited gleam erupted in Hermione's eyes as she began her tirade about the old libraries and museums in Muggle, France.
'Should I go somewhere as well? Maybe Sirius and Rigel would have some ideas...'
...
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AN: 50+ advanced chapters on P.atreon!