As Dumbledore finished announcing the result, crack! Professor McGonagall finally snapped her spoon in two.
The little snakes immediately abandoned all restraint. They tossed their wizard hats into the air, sprang up excitedly to applaud, and hugged one another in celebration.
They had won the House Cup again!
"Yeah!"
Clap, clap!
"Brilliant!"
The young witches and wizards from the other houses gave a few token claps as well.
Whoooo!
As the Hogwarts Express pulled into Platform Nine and Three-Quarters, countless young witches and wizards surged out with their suitcases the moment the train stopped.
The platform was also packed with parents who had come to collect their children.
For a while, voices rose from every direction, filling the place with a lively clamor.
Just then, a squad in matching uniforms approached from one end of the platform, marching in step.
All the parents fell silent. They pulled their children aside and offered the patrol team sincere smiles.
One curious, restless young wizard asked a question.
"Dad, are those Aurors? Why do they look a bit different? Why are you all making way for them and bowing?"
The child's father rubbed his head and explained patiently.
"They aren't Aurors, but they're even better. Since this patrol team was established, the wizarding world has become much safer. They put far more effort into fighting criminals than the Aurors do.
So there's nothing wrong with showing them a little courtesy and respect. Your dad just doesn't have the skills, or I'd want to join the patrol team too. Not only do people respect them, but the benefits are great."
"Really? Dad, I already know loads of useful spells. Could I join the patrol team after I graduate?"
The patrol squad had merely happened to pass through on its rounds, so once they