Harry froze in his seat as though petrified, the tips of his ears instantly turning scarlet.
Ron's knife and fork clattered onto his plate, and Neville slapped a hand down on Trevor, who was about to jump onto the table again.
Their dear Potions Class professor's spoon-stirring hand paused as well, though whether it was because Sirius had publicly docked Harry's points or because he wanted to know how Harry had insulted him in private was unclear.
Stifled snickers came from the Slytherin table.
Draco tapped the rim of his pumpkin juice goblet with a silver spoon and said snidely:
"Well, well, even the Chosen One breaks the rules? Is Director Black putting justice above family, or protesting too much?"
Goyle and Crabbe let out ugly laughs beside him.
But when Sirius read out the name of Draco Malfoy of Slytherin, Draco could no longer laugh.
"Quiet." Though Sirius's voice was soft, it carried unquestionable authority. "The violations are proven. Everyone must accept their punishment."
As Sirius's words fell, the rattle of the House Point Hourglasses rang through the silent hall.
He waved his wand, and the parchment split into four before floating toward the Four Houses' tables.
"The details have been distributed to your prefects. Anyone who objects to this ruling may submit an appeal to their house prefect."
Sirius raised his voice again, his wand tracing a silver-blue arc through the air.
"I must also announce a new policy from the Academic Affairs Office: effective immediately, all staff members will lose the authority to award or deduct points at will. All point awards and deductions must be recorded by a prefect on a 'Conduct Record Form,' reviewed by the Academic Affairs Office, and then publicly posted.
"I will announce the specific details to everyone at the start of