Chapter 49 – The House Wins

Harry decided that he wanted to get an early seat for the feast. That way he didn't have to meet many people in the halls or hopefully give a lot of explanations. Ginny went out to check and make sure that the NEWTs were finished and to check on the waiting line in the hall.

Hermione got annoyed that there seemed to be a lot of girls of various ages still waiting to see Harry. She printed up a sign to hang on the doors. It basically said that Harry hadn't made his mind up about showing up for the leaving feast. He wasn't going to sign autographs or have his picture taken with anyone. AND he was already spoken for! That seemed to discourage most of the female well-wishers. Harry only met a few students that wanted to shake his hand when they finally made their way to the Great Hall later. Hermione had relented and let Ginny and Harry use a little bond magic to finish healing her.

There was a new posting on the bulletin board outside the main hall. Harry groaned as he saw that it was a signup sheet for a new club; the Harry Potter fan club. Ginny immediately tore the sheet down and incinerated it with her wand. "You don't need any more attention Harry. Especially that kind. You have us now."

Harry found his usual seat near the front of the Gryffindor table and promptly covered himself in his invisibility cloak. He didn't want a lot of attention. Especially with the way the Hall was decorated now. Slytherin had a huge lead in house points and the green and silver banners were hung everywhere. Harry felt bad that he had been responsible for losing so many demerits during the year. Somehow it didn't seem right that in spite of what had just happened to him and the girls, Malfoy would be gloating all the way home on the Hogwarts Express.

Students drifted in over the course of the next half hour to fill in the benches and tables. The Slytherins came in together led by Professor Snape and the look of triumph on their faces was almost too much for Harry to take.

Harry finally pulled off his cloak and a lot of people were surprised at his sudden appearance. Most of his Gryffindor housemates came down to congratulate him but Susan Bones and a few of the other Hufflepuffs left their table to wish him well. A few Ravenclaws weren't far behind in coming over and visiting Harry. Ginny pointed out that the Slytherins had lost their smiles and composure after their staged entrance. Harry shrugged his shoulders and tried to look more composed than he actually was.

When the crowd had cleared a bit, the twins pushed and carried Ron to where Harry sat. Ginny and Hermione stood up and backed up Harry. They were still mad at Ron for attacking Harry.

Harry looked at the scared and embarrassed look on Ron's face and just pointed to the bench next to him. "Well?"

Ron sat down and a very small voiced answered Harry's question. "I'm sorry for attacking you and yelling at Hermione and Ginny. It wasn't a very good thing to do to people that were supposed to be my friends and family."

Harry waited a second as he thought about what Ron had said and done. "That's twice you've hurt me rather badly Ron. I'm not sure we'll ever be close again as I'm not sure I can trust you. You're too jealous and very quick-tempered. I'm going to forgive you for what you've done to me but I'm not going to forget what you've done to Ginny and Hermione."

"That's about the best I could have hoped for Harry. I'll try to keep from disappointing you or my sister and Hermione again." Ron made to get up but Harry held on to his arm. "Patching this up totally may take a long time Ron. If you are at all interested in Luna, please treat her better than you've treated us. She's our friend too."

Ron smiled a bit at the mention of Luna's name and nodded. He held out his hand and Harry took it very seriously. Hermione nodded at him but Ginny stepped close to look up to her brother. She slugged him on the arm gently and then gave him a hug. Ron smiled down at her and quickly went back to his seat.

Hermione and Ginny sat down flanking Harry as Dumbledore and the rest of the staff filed in to sit at the head table. Ginny stood up to join the rest of the staff but was waved back to her seat next to Harry by Madame Pomfrey.

Harry was surprised to see Madame Bones take the seat that was normally used by Professor Quirrell. Professor Snape looked very puzzled as he sat down next to the head Auror. There was another Auror standing by the door leading away from the hall. Harry looked at the older female and was astonished to see her discreetly wave back as her hair flashed a vivid pink and then back again. Harry waved back and told the friends around him that the Auror standing guard was named Tonks.

Dumbledore stood up and raised his hands for attention. "Another year has come and gone. It seems like I just welcomed the new group of students in here for their sorting only a few weeks ago. There have been many surprises, accomplishments and some failures for the students under this roof this year. I hope you will all have a good time this summer and look forward to coming back for your ongoing education this fall."

"It would be remiss of me not to congratulate the class of seventh years who have studied and toiled many years to get to this important point in their lives. To never have to take another History or Potions class again."

That comment brought a round of laughter to almost everyone in the hall. Even Professor Binns chuckled his approval. Professor Snape resumed his usual scowl.

Dumbledore called for all the seventh years in all the houses to stand and led the professors and remaining students in giving them a round of applause. When that settled down, the Headmaster waved his hands and the tables all became laden with food. Harry and the rest of the Gryffindors dug into to the wonderful feast.

xxxx xxxx

Many plates of delicious food later, everyone had started to settle back and prepare for the final event of the feast. The students at the Slytherin table began prepping for their seventh House Cup win in a row. Harry tried to avoid looking at the smug and self-righteous smirk on Draco Malfoy's face.

Professor McGonagall tapped her goblet with a knife to get everyone's attention. When the hall had quieted down, Dumbledore rose from his chair to speak.

"As I understand it, the house cup here needs awarding and the points stand thusly: In fourth place, Gryffindor, with three hundred and twelve points; third, Hufflepuff, with three hundred and fifty-two; Ravenclaw has four hundred and twenty-six points and Slytherin, four hundred and seventy-two." (direct quote : Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, Chapter 17)

The groans and moaning from the various tables were followed by the cheering from Slytherin as they saw the list Dumbledore had created in midair. "Congratulations Slytherin on your usual fine showing. There are of course, some last minute adjustments and awards to take into consideration."

A variety of whispers and buzzing went around the hall at Dumbledore's pronouncement. Professor Snape straightened up in his seat and Harry saw the smile waver on Malfoy's face.

"The Quidditch Cup was won by the team from Gryffindor this year. This carries an automatic bonus of twenty-five points."

Everyone took a look at the fire writing over the head table as the scores changed:

Slytherin 472

Ravenclaw 426

Hufflepuff 352

Gryffindor 337

Dumbledore continued on. "As all of you have noticed, we no longer have Professor Quirrell here. His services have been regrettably terminated."

Almost all eyes in the hall turned to look at Harry. His heart began thumping in his chest with nervousness. He was afraid the whole story would be coming out next! Ginny and Hermione both held his hands underneath the table. Feeling their calming presence, Harry never let his eyes stray from the headmaster's face.

"After an intensive study by the Law Enforcement Branch of the Ministry, it was discovered that Mr. Quirrell had neither the qualifications nor the degree to teach in England!"

A gasp of shock ran through the students. What about their tests? And grades?

Dumbledore made a calming motion with his hands. "Have no fear of your marks. The head of the Aurors, Madame Bones, has taken it upon herself to have a small team of Aurors, including herself, to go over the homework assignments and tests that everyone has taken. The team will grade everyone fairly on their knowledge of the subject."

Harry felt Hermione let out a breath of relief at that statement and Ginny leaned over to whisper that she really didn't want to take a make-up final!

"Madame Bones has also volunteered to take a good look at all the final exams offered this year. She wants to ensure that the students that are interested in becoming Aurors in the future have sufficient knowledge in the basics."

Everyone saw Professor Snape's jaw drop at this turn of events. He made to get up and leave the table but Madame Bones smiled as she took hold of his elbow and forced him to sit back down.

'Gotcha!' came from Ginny.

'I wonder what Madame Bones will make of two versions of our test?' came back from Hermione. Harry smiled as he 'heard' both girls giggle. Merlin, how he liked that sound!

Dumbledore continued on with his announcement about Quirrell.

"As Quirrell did not technically qualify as a teacher, all points that he awarded or took during the year have been cancelled." The eyes of the students automatically returned to the updating tally.

Slytherin 446

Ravenclaw 439

Hufflepuff 378

Gryffindor 381

"In light of recent events, certain awards also need to be given out at this time." Harry and Hermione turned to look at the Slytherin table. Everyone there looked extremely nervous and the sneer had fled from Malfoy's face.

"Miss Ginerva Weasley." Ginny tried to hide but Harry and Hermione prodded her to her feet. She looked very scared as she wondered what Dumbledore was going to say to her.

"For bravery, ingenuity, and loyalty - a special citation for services to the school has been entered into your file and signed by myself, Professor McGonagall and Madame Bones. Congratulations!"

A round of applause from three of the houses caused Ginny to blush and sit quickly. Harry and Hermione sent their approval through their connection as the twins quickly left their seats to come hug their sister.

"Miss Hermione Granger!" Hermione squeaked suddenly and hid her head in Harry's shoulder. She would not stand despite the prodding of everyone around her. Dumbledore smiled at her. "For the brilliant use of logic and resourcefulness in the face of danger, I award Gryffindor House – twenty five points." Hermione looked up smiling.

"Mister Harry Potter!" It was Harry's turn to blush as everyone's attention turned his way. Ginny grabbed his collar to keep him from slipping under the table to hide.

"For courage, outstanding inventiveness and unwavering nerve – I award Gryffindor house – thirty five points."

A quick murmur of approval went around the room as the points were granted to Gryffindor. A hush of anticipation hung over the students as they waited for Dumbledore to continue.

'Harry, we're only five points behind Slytherin!'

Dumbledore smiled at Harry and the rest of the students at the Gryffindor table. "There are a number of different types of courage that exist in this world. It takes one kind to face your enemies. It takes quite another level of bravery to take a stand against your family and your friends. I award 10 points jointly to Mr. Neville Longbottom and Mr. Ronald Weasley!"

The hall erupted in cheers as the Gryffindors rushed Neville and Ron. They both looked dazed. Neville never thought he would be called out in the main hall and it was the first points Ron had received all year!

Dumbledore spoke loudly through the celebration. "The House Cup goes to – GRYFFINDOR!" The headmaster clapped his hands twice and the Slytherin banners were quickly transformed into the scarlet and gold of Gryffindor. The Slytherin table and Professor Snape looked on in disbelief.

Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff students quickly joined in the celebration going on at the Gryffindor table. Neville and Ron were hoisted up on shoulders to the cheers of many. Harry, Ginny and Hermione were also congratulated by dozens of their friends. Harry caught Ron's eye for a second and gave him a thumb's up; Ron smiled as he saw that. Harry had no problem with Ron getting some good recognition for a change.

Harry, Ginny and Hermione were watching Susan Bones give Neville a hug and a kiss on the cheek a few minutes later when they heard a small cough besides them.

Professor McGonagall was standing smiling at her three charges. "Very well done! I'm very proud of the three of you for what you have accomplished and I apologize for not paying more attention to your warning. I shall try not to be such a know-it-all in the future."

"Permission to hug our Head of House, ma'am? Harry smiled up at one of the other adults that had tried to help him out all year.

"As long as you don't make a habit out of it, Mr. Potter." Harry wasted no time in leaving his bench and hugging the older witch. He had done that long ago last summer, but this was even better now as he felt some of the affection back from her.

Releasing Harry, Professor McGonagall gave him a little smile. "I also have something for you Harry." She reached into her pocket and held something out for Harry. Harry took it and recognized the horse that was the mount for the Black Knight he had blasted. This was a souvenir that Harry meant to keep.

"You are welcome to come play a game or two of chess with me in the fall Mr. Potter. I'll have another complete set by then as the black pieces that I had refuse to step on the chessboard anymore." Harry could have sworn that the ever serious professor winked at him before she turned and left the Great Hall!

Harry was joined by Hermione and Ginny and they slipped out unnoticed from the celebration in the Great Hall. It had turned out to be a fantastic evening!

Hermione simply couldn't wait still any longer on checking the final test scores that had been posted that morning. Ginny and Harry also wanted to see how they had done, so the three took a quick mini-tour of the castle in looking for their grades.

Hermione had received the highest mark in the History of Magic test with Ginny posting a surprising third. In Transfiguration, Hermione received a score of 122, far ahead of everyone else. She had only the second highest in Charms but was gracious in congratulating Harry. The Astronomy final score was again headed by Hermione even though she had to be prodded to actually look at the score.

Since the Defense against Dark Arts test was being redone by Madame Bones and the Aurors, they decided to skip the list on Quirrell's door. And everyone thought that visiting the dungeons to check their Potions grade was too great a risk in light of the present mood of the Slytherins.

The partying was still going quite well in the Gryffindor tower when Harry and the two girls made their entrance. If anybody had been paying attention, they might have seen a slightly dazed Harry head for his dorm room to start packing as two special girls went smiling up the girls' stairway.

Harry found out on the way back from the Astronomy tower that having official girlfriends brought some new surprises. One or the other of the girls impishly called for a snogging break once or twice along the way. While it went no longer than a few seconds each time, Harry discovered he really liked the new type of interaction with his 'hug buddies'. Harry had the best sleep of the whole year that night.