Professor Sprout's voice suddenly choked.
She looked at those little figures who had once dared to walk only in the shadows, at the light shining in their eyes now, and her eyes instantly reddened.
"For many years, they have been silent heroes, supporting every Hogwarts feast with their loyalty."
"Today, they will be silent no longer!"
She took a deep breath and spoke loudly, as though using every ounce of her strength:
"Look at them!"
"Under Mr. Dobby's guidance, what they represent is more than just a kitchen!"
"It is the glorious heart of Hogwarts, unyielding, asking for nothing, yet always there!"
"Now, please give our artists, our firmest foundation, your warmest applause!"
Silence.
After a brief silence, thunderous applause erupted.
The Hufflepuff students were the first to rise as one. They clapped hard, some even whistling as they cheered for the little beings they had once seen only in the kitchen.
The applause spread rapidly, with Gryffindor and Ravenclaw following close behind.
At the Slytherin table, Pansy Parkinson wrinkled her nose in disgust and folded her arms across her chest.
"Applauding House-elves? Has Sprout gone mad?"
Beside her, however, Blaise Zabini began clapping at an unhurried pace.
Pansy stared at him in disbelief. "Zabini, you?"
"What?"
Blaise could not even be bothered to lift his eyelids, his gaze resting on the formation onstage.
"Their roast lamb chops really are a hundred times better than what my family's House-elves make, aren't they? I'm only acknowledging the facts."
Another Slytherin lowered his voice and said excitedly:
"I almost forgot until you mentioned it! My mother told me to find a chance to see if I could lure a Hogwarts House-elf home. She said that would be more prestigious than any magical item!"
Blaise gave a soft snort, his applause growing a