The Great Hall was decorated in the red and gold of Gryffindor once again as, once again, they had won the House Cup. The points that Dudley and his friends had earned had been enough for them to leapfrog Slytherin into first place.
Before the end of year feast, Dumbledore stood up to make a speech. "You have all heard the rumors I'm sure of the events that took place, and I believe it is important for you all to know the facts, not the fiction. Yes—the monster of Slytherin is dead. Hogwarts is safe once thanks to the actions of our Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher …"
Lockhart pushed his chest out, proudly.
"… our potions master …"
Snape acknowledged the applause from the Slytherin table with a small wave of the hand.
"…and a group of brave students."
The hall applauded loudly. Dudley looked across at Ron and Dean and grinned.
"You may also have heard rumors about who the heir of Slytherin was," Dumbledore continued, once the applause had died down.
"The truth is, there was no heir. Lord Voldemort lied to, manipulated and possessed an innocent, 110year-old girl to do his dirty work," Dumbledore's voice had turned cold. "She is not at fault for what happened. I also ask that you do not ask her about it. At all."
His voice made it clear that he meant business.
"Now, I also have to sadly inform you that Professor Lockhart is leaving us to continue his career as a writer."
The applause for Lockhart was polite and respectful but not enthusiastic. While his work in defeating the monster was known throughout the school, many of the students recalled that he wasn't a very good teacher and so were glad to see him leave.
At the Gryffindor table, the applause was more enthusiastic. Especially among Dudley and his friends.
"I still think he's a prat," Ron said to Dudley. "But he came through for us. He stopped that monster and got you out of trouble by wiping Mr. Malfoy's memories. He's alright. He's an alright prat."
Dudley laughed.
"But, we shall see a returning member of staff. Our gamekeeper Rubeus Hagrid has been cleared of all charges and will grace our school again next year."
The hall applauded politely once again.
"Now," Dumbledore said, "It is time to award the House Cup.
"In fourth place, with 267 points is Hufflepuff."
There was polite applause from Ravenclaw and Gryffindor. Dudley clapped twice and then stopped—he still hadn't forgiven Hufflepuff for spreading rumors.
"In third place, Ravenclaw, with 315 points."
More applause. Dudley applauded fully—he had no problems with the Ravenclaws, even though they were nerds.
"In second place we have Slytherin, with an impressive 420 points,"
The applause was light. Dudley didn't clap at all.
"Finally, in first place for the second year running, we have Gryffindor with 470 points!"
The Gryffindor table erupted in cheers. The Weasley twins were stomping their goblets onto the table.
Dumbledore held up his hand for silence.
"Finally—I know this has been a tough year for all of you. And it gives me great pleasure to announce that the mandrake restorative draft has been a huge success, and all of your friends who were paralyzed by Slytherin's monster will be with you again tomorrow morning."
The applause that greeted those words was thunderous.
