End of Term

Professor Dumbledore suddenly stood up from the faculty desk, interrupting Skylar and the others' conversation, and indirectly freeing Skylar from the predicament.

The Great Hall was already much quieter than usual for a farewell banquet, but now it was completely silent, with countless eyes focused on the principal.

Since the Triwizard Tournament ended, there has been much chaos and confusion among the students. Even now, rumors are still circulating and speculating about the truth behind what happened during the Third Task. Dumbledore, however, forbids anyone from questioning Skylar and Harry. The oppressive atmosphere in the school is nearing its limit; everyone wants to know what happened, rather than continue to suffer like this.

"Another year has passed," Dumbledore said, looking at everyone. "It's over."

"Tonight, I have much to say to you all," Dumbledore said. "Perhaps it all begins with the Third Task of the Triwizard Tournament, the moment you all witnessed the vanishing of the Champion."

Harry felt the air thicken, as if everyone was holding their breath, waiting for Dumbledore to reveal the truth.

At this moment, Harry felt a sense of relief, as if he didn't care about the matter anymore. He knew that Dumbledore would tell the truth, so all the slander and even the stupid talk about him going crazy during this time became insignificant.

"The reason the Champion disappeared is because someone tampered with the Goblet of Fire..." Dumbledore's words brought Harry back to his senses, and he looked up at Dumbledore.

"The person who did this was a Death Eaters named Barty Crouch Jr. Crouch Jr."

A faint whisper filled the Great Hall. Harry saw Moody, sitting behind the faculty desk, slam his cane down hard, his face turning purple. He must hate Barty Crouch Jr.. to the core.

His purpose in doing this was to resurrect Voldemort—

The murmurs grew louder, Harry could clearly feel Ron beside him shudder involuntarily when he heard the name of the Mysterious Man.

The rest of the Gryffindor were in no better shape than Ron, all with ashen faces, and Neville Longbottom looked like he was about to faint.

Most remarkably, there was absolutely no commotion at Slytherin's place; the entire long table remained perfectly still.

Harry couldn't help but think viciously, these people must know about Voldemort's return, and might even be eager to join the Death Eaters. More likely, they might be plotting some evil scheme...

It wasn't until he looked at the Ravenclaw Table that he realized the students from Beauxbatons didn't react much. Even Phoebe Delacour, the most beautiful girl in the entire school, was elegantly sipping her red wine. Harry thought to himself, these foreigners probably don't know how terrifying the Dark Lord is.

When his gaze fell upon the adorable Chaser Cho Chang, he realized something was amiss.

There was not a trace of fear on Cho Chang's face. She listened calmly and attentively to Dumbledore's speech, and beside her was Luna Lovegood, Ravenclaw's most famous "Loony," who even had a faint smile on her face.

What's wrong with these people?

Could it be that he's been scared out of his wits by the name Voldemort?

Upon hearing the Dark Lord's name, they showed no fear on their faces; in fact, Harry noticed a faint hint of anticipation in their eyes.

"Yes, I must tell you, he succeeded," Dumbledore paused, then, as everyone held their breath, uttered a few words, "Voldemort has risen from the dead."

A tense murmur filled the Great Hall. Many students stared at Dumbledore in horror and disbelief, mostly Gryffindor, followed by Hufflepuff, then Ravenclaw, while Slytherin were almost entirely silent.

Harry remained calm, muttering to himself as he watched them before falling silent.

"The Ministry of Magic doesn't want me to tell you this," Dumbledore continued. "Some of your parents may be shocked by my actions, either because they can't believe Voldemort has really returned, or because they think I shouldn't tell you, given your young age. However, I believe that the truth is always better than a lie. If we continue to conceal the truth, no one will stand up to fight Voldemort, and the Wizarding World will have no future!"

"Speaking of which, I have to mention two more people: Skylar Malfoy and Harry Potter!"

Many people turned their heads toward Skylar and Harry, then quickly turned back to look at Dumbledore.

"Skylar and Harry have successfully escaped Voldemort's clutches!" Dumbledore said. "They have set an example for others, demonstrating fearlessness in every way, a spirit rarely seen in wizards facing Voldemort's tyranny. For this, I express my respect to them."

He turned solemnly to Skylar and Harry, raising his wine glass. Many others followed suit, raising their glasses in respect to Skylar and Harry.

Hearing that the two of them were able to fight Voldemort, most of the students were incredibly shocked and admired their courage.

"The purpose of the Triwizard Tournament is to enhance and promote mutual understanding within the Wizarding World. Given what is happening now—given Voldemort's resurrection—this connection is more important than ever." Dumbledore glanced at Madame Maxime and Hagrid, at Phoebe Delacour and her Beauxbatons classmates, and at Viktor Krum and Durmstrang's classmates at the Slytherin table.

"Every guest in this Great Hall," Dumbledore said, his gaze lingering on Durmstrang's students, "Is welcome at any time, whenever they wish to return. I repeat to you all—given Voldemort's resurrection, we are strong only when united; divided, we are vulnerable. Voldemort's methods of creating conflict and hostility are very sophisticated. We can only fight him to the end by showing the same unbreakable friendship and trust. As long as we share the same goal and are open-minded, differences in customs and languages will not be obstacles."

"I truly hope I'm mistaken—but I still have to say, dark times have arrived, and we face a difficult and gloomy period. Please remember that unity is most valuable in times of difficulty. When you have to choose between the right path and shortcuts, perhaps you should look at your family and friends who stand by you—and think about what they have been fighting for all this time."

Harry glanced at the whispering young wizards around him, finally feeling a sense of satisfaction.

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These days, the various attacks and smears against him have made him feel very depressed. Now that Dumbledore has finally cleared his name and made everyone believe that he is a hero who escaped from Voldemort, he is filled with pride.

He cast a defiant glance at the Slytherin table, only to find Skylar, Draco, and the others engaged in a lively discussion, their expressions filled with excitement and anticipation.

Harry felt a sudden surge of burning anger rising within him.

Voldemort has risen from the dead, and everyone is immersed in fear, dread, and a sense of self-admiration. Why are the Slytherin students so nonchalant about it? Harry is almost certain that these people are connected to the Death Eaters, especially that Skylar Malfoy...

"Harry, that's great! Now all the rumors have been cleared up, and no one will be able to smear you and Skylar anymore," Hermione said happily.

Before Harry could react, Ron frowned deeply and said with slight displeasure, "Harry is one thing, but when did Malfoy start being slandered and defamed?"

Hermione glared at Ron like an enraged lioness and said, "Didn't you hear what Dumbledore? Skylar and Harry, they are both heroes of Hogwarts!"

Ron stood up from his chair, his face flushed red.

Harry, who had been feeling quite uncomfortable, quickly regained his composure as the atmosphere grew increasingly tense. He hurriedly pulled Ron to sit down, but inexplicably, he recalled Dumbledore's words—

"You are welcome to come back anytime. We are strong only when we are united. If we are divided in the face of Voldemort, we will be no match for him."