After Dumbledore finished announcing the points, Eddie couldn't help saying to Scott, "That's not fair! Gryffindor got 400 points in total!"
Scott smiled unconcernedly and didn't tell him that this wasn't over yet.
Dumbledore pressed his hands down to quiet everyone, then continued, "In addition, I've decided to award Harry Potter a Special Award for Services to the School!"
After he spoke, he led the applause once again.
The Gryffindor students cheered even louder this time. They clapped and stamped their feet, looking delighted.
Scott saw Potter excitedly hug his two friends.
He also noticed that Professor Flitwick and Professor Snape at the High Table both looked unhappy.
Roger said indignantly, "You should have received a Special Award too, Scott."
"I don't care," Scott said quietly. "Potter should be You-Know-Who's nemesis."
Eddie's eyes shifted as he sat beside them, and he immediately understood what Scott meant.
"Is that how you see it?" he asked Scott. "I was thinking of quietly publicizing your achievements for you, but I suppose I'll leave it alone."
Scott stared at him expressionlessly.
That guy had almost gotten him into trouble!
Eddie immediately apologized to Scott.
"Sorry, I didn't think of that." He gave an awkward smile. "You're right. Staying safe is what matters most."
Only then did Scott nod in satisfaction.
Once the Gryffindor students had quieted down completely, Dumbledore announced that the feast had officially begun.
But the Slytherin students, who had been displeased all along, made another move.
"Professor."
A Slytherin student suddenly stood up.
Scott looked over and saw that it was the seventh-year wizard who had taken over from Malfoy in attacking the "message" the previous morning: Stryner.
Stryner seemed like a refined, courteous person. He bowed politely to the High Table.
"Stryner sure knows how to put on an act,"