"Congratulations, Sean. You're the top student in our year," Hermione said, her voice sincere but her face betraying a flicker of frustration.
A week after the exams, the results were out. Thanks to his stellar scores in Potions and Transfiguration, Sean had edged out Hermione to claim the top spot among first-years across all four houses.
Hermione stood before him, her congratulations genuine, though her competitive streak was plain to see.
Comforting someone like Hermione now would only sting her pride, so Sean grinned and said, "I'll be waiting for you at the end of second year. Then we'll have a real showdown."
Hermione's eyes sparked with determination. "Next year, I'll beat you and take the top spot!" she declared.
"Bring it on," Sean replied, smirking.
Hermione spun on her heel and marched off, joining Harry and Ron, who were waiting nearby.
Sean nodded back at Harry and Ron's friendly waves, then turned and headed to the Slytherin common room with Blaise, the dungeon's chilly air nipping at their robes.
The Slytherin common room was buzzing with excitement. Young wizards were celebrating Slytherin's seventh straight House Cup win, their cheers echoing off the stone walls.
Tonight was the end-of-term feast, where the House Cup would be awarded. Slytherin led with 436 points, followed by Ravenclaw at 409, Hufflepuff at 352, and Gryffindor trailing at 296.
Sean couldn't recall the original house scores from the stories, but he was sure Slytherin and Gryffindor's totals were lower than they should've been. Early in the year, he and Malfoy had cost Slytherin 110 points, while Harry and Ron had docked Gryffindor 40.
On the Gryffindor side, Sean had heard Hermione earned back a chunk of points after the Halloween troll fiasco. For Slytherin, Sean had clawed back 50 points and then some, but Malfoy and his cronies had barely contributed. Useless, Sean thought, stifling a groan.
If Dumbledore planned to shower Harry and his friends with extra points for the Philosopher's Stone business, he'd likely toss some to Sean too. With those points and Slytherin's lead, Sean figured they still had a shot at the House Cup. If only Malfoy hadn't fumbled Quidditch, Slytherin's seventh title would've been a lock.
Flying on Nimbus 2000s and still losing? Come on, Malfoy, Sean thought, shaking his head.
As dusk fell and the feast drew near, Slytherin's young wizards strutted to the Great Hall, decked out in silver and green. Flushed with excitement, they sneered at students from other houses, especially Gryffindors, tossing insults that stopped just short of "losers." The other houses bristled, their glares sharp enough to spark a duel.
Sean caught Malfoy, usually eager to needle Harry, holding back for once. Resisting the urge to roll his eyes and break his cool, Sean slid into a seat at the Slytherin table beside Blaise.
These days, Sean and Blaise could claim spots in the table's center, their status and popularity soaring since the school year began. Still, they stuck to their usual seats on the side, preferring the quieter vibe.
Though house tables were meant to be arranged by year, the rule was loosely enforced outside the opening feast. Students mingled freely, and the Great Hall hummed with chatter.
As time ticked by, professors trickled to the staff table, their robes swishing. Dumbledore arrived last, his silver beard gleaming under the enchanted ceiling. He tapped his goblet gently and began his speech.
"Another year has passed, and I'm delighted to see you all here," he said, eyes twinkling. "Before we enjoy this splendid feast, indulge an old man's usual speech. This year has been thrilling, and your minds must be brimming. The holidays will give you time to sort your thoughts and make room for next year's lessons.
Now, to the House Cup! The scores are: fourth place, Gryffindor, 296 points; third, Hufflepuff, 352 points; second, Ravenclaw, 409 points; first, Slytherin, 436 points!"
The Slytherin table erupted in deafening cheers. Students clapped wildly, some stomping the floor, the bangs echoing like thunder.
Sean clapped lightly, his eyes on Dumbledore. He knew this wasn't the end.
Sure enough, as Slytherin's cheers faded, Dumbledore spoke again. "Well done, Slytherin, but recent events must be accounted for, yes?"
He turned to the Gryffindor table, and under Slytherin's wary stares, he continued, "Mr. Ron Weasley won the most thrilling chess match Hogwarts has seen in years. Gryffindor earns 50 points! Miss Hermione Granger kept her cool, unraveling the truth amid Devil's Snare and flames. Gryffindor gains 50 points. Mr. Neville Longbottom stood firm against his friends, showing true courage. Gryffindor receives 10 points."
Sean tallied the numbers in his head. Gryffindor now had 406 points. He vaguely recalled Harry earning 50 or 60 points in the original story. If Harry got 60, Gryffindor would hit 466. If Slytherin added Sean's points—say, 50—they'd reach 486, enough to clinch the Cup.
Sean exhaled, hopeful. Then Dumbledore's gaze landed on him. "Mr. Sean Bulstrode, facing an unbeatable foe, used his sharp mind and unyielding bravery to prevail. Slytherin earns 50 points!"
Slytherin roared again, fists pumping.
But Dumbledore wasn't done. "Finally, Harry Potter showed fearless courage and extraordinary bravery. He uncovered the truth behind a hidden secret and protected something precious. For this, I award Harry Potter… 100 points!"
Slytherin's cheers stopped dead.
Snape's faint smile froze, his eyes narrowing.
Sean stared at Dumbledore, his mouth twitching. Seriously? One hundred points for Harry, just to make him Gryffindor's hero? That's not bias—it's a glowing neon sign of favoritism!
Sighing, Sean dropped his gaze, resigned.
Dumbledore beamed at the Gryffindors, who mobbed Harry like he'd slain a dragon. Nodding with satisfaction, he'd gotten his hero moment.
"The bonus points are tallied," Dumbledore announced. "Slytherin has 486 points, Gryffindor 506. This year's House Cup goes to Gryffindor!"
Before he could finish, a piercing eagle cry cut through the hall. A snow sculpture, its wide wings and snowy feathers gleaming, swooped into the Great Hall, diving straight for Sean.