The Storm Has Yet to Subside

Wade looked toward the Slytherin table. Beneath the sea of fluttering green banners, even Crabbe and the others, who usually wore gloomy expressions, could not help but curl their lips into rare smiles.

At the Staff Table, Professor Snape's mouth twitched slightly, forming an expression that could barely be called a "smile." It only made him look even more terrifying.

"That's strange," Michael said. "Professor Snape doesn't seem very happy? Slytherin winning the House Cup is the result of everything he's been working for, isn't it?"

Wade fell silent for a moment, then said, "Maybe because... all the points he deducted on a whim were added back by Professor Dumbledore?"

Of course, Wade knew perfectly well that the reason there was no joy on Snape's face was because he knew Voldemort was still at large.

He just did not know whether the Dark Lord had risked summoning this "double agent," who was under Dumbledore's nose every day...

The cheering continued for a long time before Dumbledore spread his hands and pressed them down slightly. The applause gradually died away.

At that moment, the faint hostility and resentment in most Slytherin students' eyes as they looked at the Headmaster had faded. Their faces were still flushed with excitement, and their eyes shone with happiness.

"Congratulations, Slytherin House. Congratulations, children."

Dumbledore said gently, "Over the past year, due to the limited number of places permitted in the competition, Slytherin House had no champions participating in the league."

"However, you displayed extraordinary focus and thirst for knowledge, made remarkable progress in your studies, and earned unanimous praise from your professors. Your first-place House points are proof of your unity and hard work!"

This time, a wave of orderly applause broke out at the Slytherin table. It was not especially fervent, but it was