We continue. Dumbledore waved his wand, and the banners turned red and gold. How could anyone not know that the House Cup had gone to the Lions?
Slytherin looked as if they were in mourning. Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw were ecstatic, looking even happier than Gryffindor.
In moments, Percy returned from McGonagall, holding the House Cup. He swayed as he walked, as if he were stepping on soft clouds; it felt as if he'd drunk three pounds of wine, a pleasant warmth spreading through his bones.
When he sat down, the others snatched the cup from him, passing it around, cheering.
Harry didn't care for the cup itself; he had only wanted to unite his comrades. After eating for a while, he noticed Hermione staring into space. He asked, "Big Sister, why don't you go admire the cup? If it's too crowded, this one will fetch it for you."
Hermione quickly waved her hand. "No, Harry. I was just thinking about Professor Dumbledore... Don't you think it's strange that he suddenly added those points today?"
It had been half a month since the slaying of the two-faced man. In all that time, not a single point was added, not a word was said. Yet he chose tonight, at the feast, to add them. Was it not strange?
Hearing her suspicion, Harry said, "Big Sister, why do you overthink? If you want to know, just ask." With that, he pulled her toward Dumbledore.
Hermione said, panicked, "Harry, this isn't appropriate..."
Before she could finish, they were standing in front of Dumbledore.
The professors on either side looked at them, their gazes like needles. The students below stared, their eyes like thorns in her back. Hermione felt completely uncomfortable, not knowing where to put her hands or feet.
"My two little lions," Dumbledore smiled. "Do you have a question?"
Harry clasped his hands. "This one does have a question. Why bring up an old account from half a month ago today? Are you, scoundrel, harboring some other filthy motive?"
Hermione was stunned. Could one speak to the Headmaster that way?
"Harry, don't think so badly of me. I am just an old man who wishes for the wizarding world to be stable."
Dumbledore sighed. "I was busy handling the aftermath of Quirrell's death those few days. I had to give his parents some closure, after all."
Harry was slightly taken aback, a trace of admiration rising in his heart.
This old fellow, though he doesn't speak pleasantries, acts with lightning speed and clear judgment. He truly deserves the name 'White Wizard.'
As the verse says:
Greed for long life led to murder's cost,
Instead, he was beheaded, his blood lost.
The Headmaster blames not the youth's fierce hand,
But retrieves the body, a just and noble stand.
The day after the feast, the four houses posted the exam results.
Harry and the other two went to see. When the other students saw the scarred lad, they showed their respect by moving aside.
The three squeezed to the front and saw Hermione's name at the top of Gryffindor, and at the top of the entire year. She was the top female scholar of the first years.
Harry clasped his hands. "Congratulations, Big Sister, on topping the list. You are truly a star of literature descended to earth."
This was a high compliment, and it filled Hermione's heart, a smile spreading on her face.
"Ahem, it was nothing... Anyway, where are you two?"
The three looked again. Harry was ranked seventh, while Ron was much further down.
"Seventh?" Hermione's eyes widened. "Harry, how did you do that?"
She knew Harry practiced his saber and martial arts day and night, barely scraping by in his usual classes. She hadn't seen him study much, yet he had achieved such a good rank.
Harry smiled. "Just lucky."
Though he said this, it was not the truth.
He retained the wisdom of his past life, his worldly experience, and his sharp mind.
Even though he had never touched magic before, once he saw it, he learned it much faster than ordinary people.
After the rankings were posted, the students packed their luggage and flocked to the Hogwarts Express, pouring out of Platform Nine and Three-Quarters.
The wizards emerged through the wall, three by three, where many parents were already waiting.
Ron had sharp eyes and spotted Mrs. Weasley from afar. "Mum, I'm over here!"
Mrs. Weasley followed the voice. Before she could speak, a high-pitched voice cried out, "Mum! It's Harry Potter! I see him!"
"Ginny, don't point. It's rude!" Mrs. Weasley scolded, then looked at Harry with a smile. "Long time no see, Harry. You've been busy this year, I imagine?"
Harry performed a martial salute. "Madam, if I may say, although it was tiring, I was fortunate to have Brother Ron with me. We gained much experience."
"The sweater you gifted at Christmas, Madam, was as warm as the spring sun, as soft as goose down. It was truly fine craftsmanship. When I have time, I will certainly visit to thank you!"
Harry's words were flawless, leaving Mrs. Weasley beaming.
"Ron, you really must learn from Harry."
Ron stuck out his tongue but said nothing.
After seeing Ron off, Hermione's parents also arrived. She left her phone number and address and hurried away.
After those two had left, the Dursleys finally arrived late.
After a brief greeting, Vernon and Petunia, their lips pressed tight, stuffed the luggage in the car and drove Harry to Privet Drive.
When they arrived, Harry took out a wad of pounds. "This is for the trouble of food and lodging. Take it. And then carry my luggage to my room."
With that, he tossed the roll of cash and headed straight upstairs.
We'll speak no more of that. Harry settled in at Privet Drive and immediately wrote a letter to Ron to arrange a date to visit.
He sent the letter, but Hedwig did not return with a reply. Harry assumed she was lost. He confirmed the address and sent her again. She returned several days later, still with no reply.
A thing cannot happen three times without reason. Harry grew suspicious. He sent letters to Hermione, Hagrid, and others. After several days of waiting, it was the same story.
Harry pondered: Not a single reply, nor any letter from them. This is not their usual way. Could someone be watching me and intercepting my mail?
That night, Harry prepared himself, took the owl cage, and went to an open field to release Hedwig.
The owl was an intelligent creature. Knowing Harry wanted to catch the culprit, she circled a few times and then flew toward a main road, easy to follow.
Harry, under his Invisibility Cloak, followed her for several miles. As she turned into an alley, Hedwig suddenly froze, as if hit by a spell, and slowly drifted to the ground.
Then, from the shadows of a street corner, a filthy creature, less than three feet tall, emerged.
Behold: A pair of large, bat-like ears; two protruding, grotesque green eyes, like copper bells; a bald head with a few sparse, curly hairs, like dead grass; wrinkled, pink-brown skin, wrapped in a greasy, torn rag that reeked.
Harry, watching from under the cloak, was astonished. I thought goblins and trolls were strange-looking, but this scoundrel makes them look mundane.
Though the short creature was vile, his methods were surprising. With a wave of his bony fingers, Hedwig floated toward him.
Harry was shocked. Without a wand, a goblin is like a tiger without claws. But this scoundrel can use magic without a wand?
As he watched, the short creature untied the letter from Hedwig's leg and tucked it into his filthy rag.
And so it was:
The white owl delivers a letter, but in vain;
A filthy dwarf intercepts the mail.
Harry witnesses the theft, his killing intent rising.
Join my patreon For Early access to Chapter : patreon.com/TheWorldGod
Tiamat 200 Chapter (Final)
Honkai 560 Chapter
Lobotomy 110 Chapter
MushokuTensei 360 Chapter
'Pure Evil' Simulator Chapter Ending
Crossover Fic Blapterue-Eyes Chapter Ending
Harry want to be Hero 120 Chapter