Sirius Black's daughter - Athena Black (Book 1)

Twenty

Athena woke up the next morning with Madame Pomfry pacing around with potions in her hands. Athena sat up and took a deep breath as the memories of last night were etched in her brain.

"Oh... your awake Athena." Pomfry exclaimed. "Dumbledore told me about yesterday night. I also see that you can go to the end of term feast, but come back so that I can check if you are well enough to ride back on the Hogwarts express."

Athena nodded. She was happy to get out of there. It drives her crazy if it's silent.

When Athena walked in there was a sudden hush, and then everybody started
talking loudly at once. It was decked out in the Slytherin colors of green and silver to celebrate Slytherin's winning the house cup for the seventh year in a row. A huge banner showing the Slytherin serpent covered the wall behind the High Table. She slipped into a seat between Harry and Hermione at the Gryffindor table and tried to ignore the fact that people were staring at her.

Fortunately, Dumbledore arrived moments later. The babble died away.

"Another year gone!" Dumbledore said cheerfully. "And I must trouble you
with an old man's wheezing waffle before we sink our teeth into our delicious feast. What a year it has been! Hopefully your heads are all a little fuller than they were... you have the whole summer ahead to get them nice and empty before next year starts.... Now, as I understand it, the house cup here needs awarding, and the points stand thus: In fourth place, Gryffindor, with three hundred and
twelve points; in third, Hufflepuff, with three hundred and fifty-two;
Ravenclaw has four hundred and twenty-six and Slytherin, five hundred and two."

A storm of cheering and stamping broke out from the Slytherin table. Athena could see Draco banging his goblet on the table. She couldn't hide a little snort.

"Yes, Yes, well done, Slytherin," said Dumbledore. "However, recent events must be taken into account."
The room went very still. The Slytherins' smiles faded a little.

"Ahem," said Dumbledore. "I have a few last-minute points to dish out. Let me see. Yes...
First -- to Mr. Ronald Weasley..." Ron went purple in the face. "...for the best-played game of chess Hogwarts has seen in many years, I award Gryffindor house fifty points."

Gryffindor cheers nearly raised the bewitched ceiling; the stars overhead seemed to quiver. Percy could be heard telling the other prefects, "My brother, you know! My youngest brother! Got past
McGonagall's giant chess set!"

At last there was silence again.

"Second -- to Miss Athena Black... for the use of cool logic in the face of fire, I award Gryffindor house fifty points." Athena smiled.

"Third -- to Miss Hermione granger for her high intelligence and understanding what is of up most need. I award thirty points."

Hermione buried her face in her arms; Athena strongly suspected she had burst into tears. Gryffindors up and down the table were beside themselves -- they were a hundred and thirty points up.

"Fourth -- to Mr. Harry
Potter..." said Dumbledore. The room went deadly quiet "for pure nerve and outstanding courage, I award Gryffindor house sixty points."

The din was deafening. Those who could add up while yelling themselves hoarse knew that Gryffindor now had five hundred and two points -- exactly the same as Slytherin. They had tied for the house cup. Dumbledore raised his hand. The room gradually fell silent.

"There are all kinds of courage," said Dumbledore, smiling. "It takes a great deal of bravery to stand up to our enemies, but just as much to
stand up to our friends. I therefore award ten points to Mr. Neville Longbottom."