บท 57: banquet
Shortly after, students from the four colleges and the entire school staff gathered in the auditorium. Hundreds of students congregated, reminiscent of the Halloween banquet just over a month ago, brimming with joy and excitement. They chattered loudly, as if revelling in newfound happiness.
Today, the professors set aside their usual discipline, joining in the lively discussions, praising Dumbledore's strength, Ciaran's bravery, and Harry's courage!
Indeed, it was widely recognized that the resolution of the Chamber of Secrets incident was chiefly attributed to Dumbledore, Ciaran, and Harry.
"Professor Frémont, you truly outdid yourself!" exclaimed one professor, giving Ciaran a thumbs up before raising their wine glass high, leading a toast.
"For Hogwarts!"
Ciaran reclined in her chair, relieved that the Chamber of Secrets ordeal was behind her for the next year or so. Sirius Black's innocence remained known only to a select few, including Ciaran herself, who vehemently dismissed the notion of him being a dark wizard. To her, there was no one but Sirius on the side of innocence.
During the following school year's Prisoner of Azkaban escapade, Sirius wandered around Hogwarts, posing no threat to anyone but Peter Pettigrew, now Ron's pet rat.
As for dealing with Peter Pettigrew, that wasn't on Sirius's agenda yet. Keeping Pettigrew alive was imperative to clearing Sirius's name. Ciaran didn't want to tip off the serpent just yet.
Peter Pettigrew's actions led to Voldemort's resurrection, a mere historical inevitability. Without destroying the Horcruxes, Voldemort remained immortal, his return unaffected by external factors. It was merely a matter of time.
Since Harry himself was a Horcrux, Voldemort's complete demise required his own intervention to extract the soul fragment from Harry's body. Voldemort's resurrection was therefore inevitable.
"Will Sirius manage to escape from prison again?" Ciaran pondered as she sipped her wine.
In the original timeline, Sirius spotted Peter Pettigrew in Azkaban Prison through a "Daily Prophet" article about the Weasley family's lottery win. Recognizing Pettigrew, Sirius transformed into an Animagus, evading the dementors' search as a large black dog and successfully breaking out of prison.
But that was a tale for another semester. It was currently the end of Harry's second year's first semester, with the next semester yet to begin.
Harry and the Weasley family exited the school hospital and arrived at the Great Hall. Only Ginny remained hospitalized, per Madam Pomfrey's orders.
"I'm sure Ginny will be fine," George remarked.
"She should have been here for this grand celebration," Fred lamented.
Mrs. Weasley interjected, "Ginny must follow Madam Pomfrey's orders and stay in the hospital. And you two..." She glared at Fred and George. "Don't even think about sneaking her out!"
The twins exchanged looks, then diverted their attention to the lavish spread on the table.
"It's been ages since we've had a feast in the Great Hall," Mr. Weasley remarked nostalgically. "I haven't experienced one since I graduated. It's quite the reunion."
At Dumbledore's signal, the chatter in the hall subsided, all eyes turning to him.
Clearing his throat, Dumbledore cast a sonorous charm on his voice.
"Today is a day for celebration! The Chamber of Secrets and the Basilisk have been vanquished, and Miss Weasley is safe and sound. Those students who were petrified will be restored to full health in a few months, once the mandrakes mature. They will return to us unharmed."
The crowd erupted into cheers.
Dumbledore waited for the jubilation to quiet before continuing, "I have a few more announcements."
"Firstly, in recognition of Mr. Harry Potter's bravery and his vital role in solving the Chamber of Secrets, particularly his Parseltongue ability, I have awarded Gryffindor two hundred points!"
The Gryffindor table erupted into cheers, delighted by the sudden boost to their house's score.
As handshakes and congratulations flooded towards Harry, Ciaran couldn't help but smile inwardly. Dumbledore's investment in Harry was justified; his Parseltongue had indeed been crucial in the chamber's resolution.
"I've contributed significantly as well. Perhaps it's time to negotiate a reward with Dumbledore," Ciaran mused. What points could he earn as a professor? After all, he had awarded extra points to students from all four houses.
However, monetary rewards held little appeal. Ciaran's inheritance, combined with savings from his tenure at the Ministry of Magic and his current Hogwarts salary, ensured financial security for life. What he truly desired were books on magic. Hogwarts boasted an extensive collection, managed personally by the headmaster to safeguard against dark magic.
"The postponed Quidditch matches will resume next semester. Each house's team must commence training promptly. Madam Hooch will officiate, as usual," Dumbledore announced.
Madam Hooch, seated at the staff table, nodded in agreement. Despite being a flying instructor, her classes were limited to first-years.
Amidst the lively discussions, Ciaran found himself less interested in Quidditch than some of his colleagues.
"We will continue with our academic pursuits. Let us strive for excellence by year's end. The few students who were petrified will be exempt from end-of-year exams," Dumbledore concluded.
This time, the auditorium erupted into groans and complaints.
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