"Your mother would be proud of you," Snape said in an unusually gentle tone, sitting beside Harry. "Make sure to tell her."
"I will," Harry nodded. Dumbledore choosing this moment to break the news was inconvenient, to say the least. If Professor McGonagall weren't still seated at the staff table, the Gryffindor students below would probably have rushed up and devoured him with excitement.
"I always knew you'd have your day, Harry," Professor Flitwick said cheerfully, patting Harry's arm from the other side. "Ever since your face started appearing in the papers, I wondered if you'd one day become Hogwarts' headmaster. But I never imagined it would happen so soon."
"I suppose it's a reluctant choice," Harry said to Flitwick with a wry smile. "If the world weren't in such chaos right now, I doubt this role would've fallen to me."
Harry had no intention of shirking this responsibility. The world was growing visibly more dangerous by the day—elemental spirits with their own agendas, invading demons… These threats might even be tied to him in some way.
Those with power should stand at the forefront, leading others. That was the duty and burden of a hero—something Harry still firmly believed.
That's why, with Hogwarts under demonic assault, he would step up to protect the young witches and wizards. It was his responsibility to bear.
This also freed Dumbledore to focus on his duties as President of the International Confederation of Wizards—and maybe track down his old flame in the process.
"This tells us that those with ability will always find their rightful place," Professor Sprout said, leaning forward slightly from her seat a bit further down. "Congratulations, Professor Potter—oh, I mean Headmaster Potter now. I believe you'll be a fine headmaster. Listen, the students are all behind you."
"Exactly," Flitwick said with a mischievous grin. "Let me tell you a secret, Harry. No matter who the public elects as headmaster, if the students don't support them, they won't last long."
"Phineas Black, you mean?" Harry chuckled.
"Exactly! You know about him?" Flitwick said, slightly surprised.
"I heard a bit from Dumbledore," Harry nodded. "Even his portrait is insufferable, isn't it?"
"Oh, yes… Ahem, I mean—" Flitwick coughed, then grinned wider. "Let's just say all four houses united to drive him out. Even the Board of Governors couldn't go against the will of so many students."
"After all, it's been a while since anyone thought of Headmaster Potter as just a classmate, right?" Professor Sinistra, one of the younger staff members, said as she dragged her chair over to join the conversation. "Especially after those reports of your speeches at international conferences."
"Oh, you've switched to calling him Headmaster Potter awfully quick, Aurora," Sprout teased. "I just hope Headmaster Potter can increase the greenhouse budget. Between Snape's potions and Madam Pomfrey's remedies, we're always running short on herbs…"
Harry… Harry pretended he didn't hear that.
Budget discussions were a heavy topic in any world, and Harry knew it all too well.
The Great Hall buzzed with lively chatter, from the staff table to the four long house tables below. Close friends like Ron were enthusiastically preaching Harry's greatness to anyone who'd listen, while the more spirited types, like the Weasley twins, were singing songs to celebrate the grand ascension of Gryffindor's "Ragehorn" lion king.
Most students, though, were speculating about what Headmaster Potter's leadership would bring—how Hogwarts might change, what it would become. Some were already imagining their place in magical history as witnesses to this moment.
By now, no one cared about dinner. Hunger seemed to have vanished on its own.
After waiting in vain for the students to quiet down, Dumbledore finally launched a series of fireworks into the air above the Great Hall, which at last hushed the crowd.
"Oh, you lot really know how to wound an old man's heart," Dumbledore said, feigning hurt. "At least for today, I haven't resigned yet."
"Don't worry, Headmaster Dumbledore! You'll always be my favorite headmaster!" Fred shouted.
"At least until Headmaster Potter takes over, you're my favorite!" George added.
Their words sparked another wave of laughter through the hall, and even Dumbledore chuckled heartily.
"Alright, alright. But let's save the popular Headmaster Potter's inauguration speech for when his appointment is officially announced. You'll have to put up with this old codger a bit longer," Dumbledore said with an exaggerated sigh. "In the meantime, while I'm still headmaster, I have some unfinished business to attend to… I've missed too much already. I can't miss the final act as well."
"Quiet, please," Dumbledore's tone turned serious as he addressed the students. "Just over a week ago, Hogwarts faced its most dangerous attack since its founding. I won't make excuses. As headmaster, I failed to be here when the school needed me most. That is my failing, and it's why I've chosen to step down and entrust Hogwarts to someone better suited to protect it."
"Before the feast begins, I ask that we observe a minute of silence for the Aurors and Hit Wizards who gave their lives defending Hogwarts. Their bravery safeguarded this school and our world."
With that, Dumbledore closed his eyes and bowed his head. Even the most mischievous students, and even the Slytherins who often sneered at other bloodlines, joined in the solemn silence.
When demons had attacked Hogwarts, the students had been swiftly evacuated to the relative safety of Hogsmeade under the professors' protection. Though they hadn't witnessed the demons' cruelty firsthand, the castle's damaged state and the sight of the fallen told them enough.
They were still just children, after all. Even the worst among them weren't that bad.
The minute passed quickly.
"We must never forget those who sacrificed their lives for us, nor should we ever take for granted the peace we enjoy because of them," Dumbledore said, his eyes glistening slightly. But he quickly brightened. "Now, it's time to honor some of those who fought bravely a week ago."
"Ron Weasley."
The sudden mention of Ron's name made the Weasley siblings tense up.
"Before that brutal battle began, Mr. Weasley bravely confronted the demon cultist Lockhart. With extraordinary courage and quick thinking, he used words to provoke and stall Lockhart, buying time until help arrived, saving students who were nearly sacrificed in a dark ritual."
Ron's face turned as red as a monkey's backside, his whole body trembling with excitement.
"For this, Mr. Weasley paid the price of two broken ribs, half his teeth knocked out, and severe injuries," Dumbledore said solemnly. "Not everyone could muster the courage to protect others in such a dire situation, nor endure such pain. Many adults couldn't do what you did, and yet you, a mere twelve-year-old wizard, did."
"Your actions embody true Gryffindor courage. For this, Gryffindor House will be awarded two hundred points."
The moment Dumbledore's words landed, the Gryffindor table erupted. The cheers and whistles were deafening, nearly matching the uproar when Harry's headmaster appointment was announced. Even students from other houses, including some Slytherins, clapped and cheered for Ron.
Especially those who had been lured by Lockhart as sacrificial victims—they came from every house.
"Of course, points alone cannot fully honor such bravery," Dumbledore said, casting a Sonorus charm on his throat to be heard over the din. "Mr. Weasley will also receive a Special Award for Services to the School. May this honor follow him for life."
It was like New Year's for Gryffindor. Their cheers drowned out even Dumbledore's amplified voice, and amidst it all, Harry could hear Fred and George's manic shouts.
"That's my brother! You all know it! That's my brother!"
Percy even ran over and hoisted Ron up, lifting him by the armpits!
"Hero! Hero! Hero!"
Gradually, the cheers coalesced into a single word, and Ron, red-faced, was tossed into the air by his peers.
From the staff table, Harry watched with a smile. He knew this moment would be one of Ron's most cherished memories—far surpassing any tale he'd told before, especially with Dumbledore's personal recognition, two hundred points, and a Special Award. It was beyond cool.
"Of course, we mustn't forget the others who fought bravely," Dumbledore said as the cheers finally subsided. "Hermione Granger, Neville Longbottom, and Luna Lovegood were the first to notice their classmates' disappearance. They courageously sought out Professor Flitwick and used magic to locate Mr. Weasley and the others, leading to their rescue."
"I don't judge individuals by the qualities of a single house. Take Miss Lovegood—though a Ravenclaw, she showed remarkable bravery in saving her peers. For this, Gryffindor House will receive an additional two hundred points, and Ravenclaw House will receive one hundred points!"
Now the excitement wasn't limited to Gryffindor. Ravenclaw students erupted in wild cheers, the usually composed and rational "little eagles" losing all restraint.
Like Ron before her, Luna was swarmed by Ravenclaws, while Hermione and Neville received similar treatment at the Gryffindor table.
"Yes, I know what you're all waiting for," Dumbledore said with a wink. "Miss Granger, Mr. Longbottom, and Miss Lovegood will each receive a Special Award for Services to the School for their heroic actions."
A night of jubilation.
"We're the champions!" The Gryffindor table's shouts were unstoppable, with some students climbing onto the tables to dance tap or other bizarre moves, venting their overflowing excitement. "Four hundred points! Four hundred! The House Cup is ours this year!"
Dumbledore watched the lively scene with a delighted grin, clearly loving the vibrant energy.
"But what about Professor Potter's award, Headmaster?" Roger Davies suddenly shouted. "He's a professor, sure, but he's also a student, isn't he? He fought to protect us, and I think he deserves a Special Award too!"
Roger's words sparked a wave of agreement. Harry gave a wry smile as his apprentice cheekily winked at him, clearly trying to secure some perks for his mentor.
"Thanks, but no need," Harry said, casting a Sonorus charm on himself. "I've already received the greatest reward, haven't I? Becoming headmaster of this ancient school."
"I think Davies has a point, Albus," McGonagall interjected. "Student or not, Potter still holds a student's status, and he did study magic here."
"Tricky, isn't it?" Dumbledore nodded with a smile. "Fortunately, I anticipated this. I'm delighted to announce that our Shamanism professor will be awarded the Order of Merlin, First Class, for his efforts in the Defense of Hogwarts."
"Additionally, all professors who fought in the battle will receive the Order of Merlin, Second Class, as will the participating Aurors and Hit Wizards. I must say, this is likely the first time in centuries that the Wizengamot has issued so many medals at once," Dumbledore said with a chuckle.
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