The Adventures of the Half-Blood Princess

Part 12

In the Great Hall, all the students were seated for the end-of-the-year feast. Green banners with snakes hung from the ceiling. Dumbledore, seated at the Head table, nodded to Professor McGonagall who dinged her glass for silence.

Everyone quieted down.

"Another year gone. And now as I understand it, the House Cup needs awarding and the points stand thus: in fourth place, Gryffindor with three hundred and twelve points; in third place, Hufflepuff with three hundred and fifty-two points; in second place, Ravenclaw with four hundred and twenty-six points; and in first place with four hundred and seventy-nine points----Slytherin!"

There was immense cheering from the Slytherin table. Anne didn't join in the celebration. She felt bad for her friends who lost their chance of winning the House Cup. Once again, Slytherin won.

"Yes, yes, well done, Slytherin, well done, Slytherin. However, recent events must be taken into account. And I have a few last minute points to award."

"First, to Miss Hermione Granger, for the use of cool intellect when others are in peril. I award Gryffindor fifty points."

Everyone clapped. A few Gryffindors cheered. Anne clapped heartily and smiled at Hermione who looked surprised and a little bashful, not used to being the center of attention.

"Second, to Mr. Ronald Weasley, for the best played game of wizard's chess Hogwarts has seen in may years. Fifty points. Third, to Mr. Harry Potter, for pure nerve and outstanding courage. I award Gryffindor sixty points."

The Hall was deafening. "We're tied with Slytherin!" Hermione said, barely containing her excitement.

"Fourth, to Miss Anne Borden, for quick action and resourcefulness used in the face of danger. I award Slytherin twenty points."

Once again, the Slytherins erupted in applause. Anne sat still surprised, her face red. Glancing over at the Head table, she could see her father who looked just as surprised as her, but clapping along with everyone else.

"Good job, Anne!" Gemma shouted, clapping her on the back.

She saw Draco give her a smile of pride as he raised his goblet to her as though giving her a toast.

"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 twenty points to Mr. Neville Longbottom."

Neville sat dumbstruck as another wave of clapping erupted.

"Assuming that my calculations are correct, I believe a change of decoration is in order," Dumbledore said clapping his hands together. One set of banners changed to Gryffindor red and yellow. Another set stayed green and silver.

"Gryffindor and Slytherin win the House Cup."

Everyone from all the houses stood up and cheered except for some of the Slytherins who weren't thrilled about sharing the House Cup with Gryffindor. They all threw their hats up in the air as they celebrated. Anne rushed over and threw her arms around each of her friends while chanting, "We did it! We did it!"

The next day, students were boarding the Hogwarts Express to go home for the summer. Hagrid was there to see them off. Before boarding, Harry had a private word with Hagrid as Anne and her friends waited.

"Feels strange to be going home, doesn't it?" Hermione said when Harry climbed aboard.

"I'm not going home. Not really," Harry said.

"We'll keep in touch over the summer," said Anne trying to cheer him up.

"I'd like that, thanks," replied Harry smiling.

The train whistled as it pulled away taking them on the trek back to London.