SNAKE

16 | leaving hogwarts

A couple of days passed and Cora was enjoying the time she had left with her friends and at Hogwarts, but she was also sad to leave for the summer, knowing she had to go back to her stupid muggle family.

She was also angry Dumbledore hadn't let them stay in Hogwarts or go somewhere else, even after knowing that their relatives hurt them.

"You could come stay with me", Pansy had offered, but Cora declined because she didn't want to be rude or something by staying the whole summer at her house. Even if she was upset with Harry, she also didn't want him to be alone with their aunt, uncle and annoying cousin.

Cora had made up with Harry. After getting out of the hospital, he went straight to her to apologize and say how much he loved her. He had also apologized for every moment he had treated her badly throughout the year and promised to never ever do it again.

~

It was the End-of-the-Year Feast. Slytherin flags were hanging from the ceiling all over the Great Hall, signaling that they had the most points and were about to win the House Cup.

"Uh-huh, oh yeah, we won, uh-huh, oh yeah", sang Pansy and Daphne. Cora and the boys laughed.

"Well, we are the best house after all. Winning the cup only proves it more", proudly said Draco.

"Look at how miserable the Gryffindorks seem", said Theo amused. They all laughed and continued to talk excitedly.

Their conversation was interrupted when Professor McGonagall called on everyone's attention and the hall went quiet. Dumbledore then stood up to give his end of the year speech.

"Another year gone. And now, as I understand it, the House Cup needs awarding. The points stand thus: in fourth place, Gryffindor with 312 points." Draco smirked and so did his friends while a few people clapped.

"In third place, Hufflepuff with 352 points. In second place, Ravenclaw with 426 points. And in first place, with 472 points, Slytherin House."

People clapped after each house was announced, the cheers being loudest after announcing Slytherin had the most points. Cora and her friends cheered loudly.

"Yes, yes, well done, Slytherin. Well done. However", said Dumbledore. This grabbed Professor Snape's every single Slytherin's attention. "Recent events must be taken into account, and I have a few last minute points to award."

"Ugh, no", whined Cora silently. Only her friends heard and frowned, not understanding what was happening.

"For miss Hermione Granger, for the cool use of intellect while others were in grave perrel, 50 points", said Dumbledore. Gryffindors cheered loudly and some of the other houses cheered a bit. Slytherins were completely silent and frowning.

"Second, to mister Ronald Weasley, for the best played game of chess that Hogwarts has seen this many years, 50 points." Again, Gryffindors cheered.

"If he's so good at chess then why are his grades so bad?", snickered Blaise. The rest of the group chuckled a bit.

"And third, to mister Harry Potter, for pure nerve and outstanding courage. I award Gryffindor House 60 points." People cheered again while Slytherins frowned even more.

"We are now tied", said Theo while rolling his eyes.

"And finally, it takes a great deal of bravery to stand up to your enemies, but a great deal more to stand up to your friends. I award 10 points to Neville Longbottom." Gryffindors cheered once again.