Chapter 290: Celebration and Recognition
"No way. The headmaster is announcing Hogwarts is closing?" When students first saw Dumbledore, they all wore surprised smiles. His appearance meant Hogwarts would be fine. However, they quickly noticed that Professor Dumbledore's arm seemed severely injured, covered in strange dark-red liquid. His expression didn't look good either, appearing much more haggard than their previous impression of him.
Considering that Professor Dumbledore might also have been attacked and injured, the possibility of Hogwarts closing seemed even greater.
For a moment, the Great Hall filled with various speculative voices. Everyone discussed what had happened to the school and whether Dumbledore's sudden appearance meant that Hogwarts was about to be closed.
Ting, ting...
Dumbledore tapped his wine glass with a spoon, producing a clear ringing sound that instantly silenced the entire Great Hall. All eyes focused on Dumbledore.
"I've gathered everyone here today to announce an important matter," Dumbledore spoke in a sorrowful tone.
"Oh no!" Upon hearing Dumbledore's sad voice, some students who had guessed what was coming paled considerably. Several girls even shed tears. Though they didn't like classes, when faced with actually leaving the school, they realised how much it meant to them.
"I regret to announce..." Dumbledore's voice was heavy, like he was conducting a grand funeral.
In the Gryffindor section, Harry and the others exchanged confused glances, unable to determine what had happened. Had they missed some crucial information? The Chamber crisis had already been resolved, so why was Dumbledore acting as though the school would close?
Could it be something had happened to Dumbledore himself, perhaps requiring him to resign as headmaster due to his injuries?
At that moment, Dudley carefully observed Dumbledore, especially his eyes, and could clearly sense that the headmaster harboured no sadness. Instead, there was a hint of mischievous cleverness.
He's doing this intentionally, Dudley thought to himself.
Just as the sorrowful atmosphere reached its peak and everyone believed Hogwarts would truly close, Dumbledore said, "The basilisk in the Chamber of Secrets is dead."
"No, we don't have to leave Hogwarts..."
The Weasley twins began cheering. They had only shouted halfway before realising something was wrong.
"The basilisk is dead?" Everyone froze in confusion at this statement.
Clap!
Dumbledore clapped his hands gently, and the entire Great Hall instantly became brightly lit, decorated with beautiful ornaments.
"The crisis of the Chamber has been resolved. The basilisk is dead. Hogwarts will not close. Let us celebrate joyfully!"
As Dumbledore's words fell, deafening cheers erupted throughout the Great Hall.
"Ahhhhh...!!!!!!!"
Many people wept with joy, shrieking continuously.
This headmaster is truly... interesting, Dudley showed a helpless smile.
Though one had to admit, Dumbledore had indeed manipulated everyone's emotions brilliantly, letting them experience both the despair of losing Hogwarts and the joy of keeping it, heightening their appreciation for the school's value.
"Furthermore, I must thank four people. It was they who killed the basilisk, sealed the Chamber, and saved Hogwarts from closure," Dumbledore continued.
Upon hearing this, everyone's gaze immediately swept around, searching for who had accomplished this feat. Most people's first instinct was to look at the professors on the podium, assuming that among Hogwarts' inhabitants, only teachers possessed such power.
However, when their eyes passed over them, they noticed that everyone except Lockhart showed no signs of delight.
This left many people uncertain about who had accomplished such a remarkable deed.
"In recognition of their contributions to Hogwarts, I have decided to grant them the Special Contribution Award from Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry," Dumbledore announced.
"They are: Dudley Dursley, Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, and Ron Weasley."
"Let us congratulate them!"
Dumbledore led the applause.
However, everyone remained in shock, so only scattered clapping sounds filled the Great Hall initially. They couldn't believe that four second-year students had accomplished this feat.
But soon, as people recovered from their astonishment, they joined the applause and cheering. Suddenly, the ceiling of the Great Hall seemed ready to collapse from the noise.
Only then did they truly comprehend Dumbledore's words. It was truly Dudley and his friends who killed the basilisk and saved Hogwarts.
At that moment, they suddenly realised Dudley had already saved Hogwarts before last year, riding a Hungarian Horntail dragon to repel a dark wizard.
And now, he had directly killed the basilisk.
This was something many adult wizards couldn't accomplish.
The Weasley brothers stared in disbelief at their youngest brother, unable to believe Ron could accomplish such things. Ginny also stood with her mouth open in shock, unable to produce a sound.
Percy, after recovering from initial astonishment, continuously told the surrounding people who were cheering that Ron was his brother, their family's youngest boy.
Harry and his friends' faces were full of smiles. The suffering and dangers they had endured during this investigation now seemed insignificant. With their help, Hogwarts would no longer face closure risks.
"Additionally, this school year has brought everyone much hardship," Dumbledore continued.
"The Chamber incident caused anxiety and fear, preventing everyone from studying with full focus. Therefore, I have decided to cancel this year's examinations!"
Dumbledore announced with a smile.
"Excellent! Long live Hogwarts!" The crowd's frenzied cheering seemed ready to explode the Great Hall.
"Oh! No, I studied so much," Hermione said with a difficult expression.
For her, nothing was worse than cancelled exams.
"Furthermore, the weather is splendid today, and Hogwarts has restored its peace and safety," Dumbledore continued.
"So..."
Dumbledore paused mischievously at this point.
"Holiday! Holiday! Holiday!" All the students shouted in unison.
"Then, rest today and enjoy your holiday properly," Dumbledore said with a smile, no longer teasing.
Amidst the cheers, Dumbledore looked over everyone's heads toward Dudley. The two smiled at each other and exchanged a knowing nod.