As they kept thinking, everyone felt a chill in their hearts.
"And what I want to say is—" Dumbledore glanced around, speaking as everyone felt an emotional resonance, "Harry once again stopped the conspiracy. He successfully crushed Voldemort's evil plan, eliminating Voldemort's Soul Artifact, and the Snake Monster—"
He didn't say Harry took away the Snake Monster; anyway, there's not much difference between removing it and taking it away.
Upon hearing Dumbledore's words, the students finally breathed a sigh of relief and then started clapping enthusiastically again.
Harry Potter is truly amazing!
"In the third year," Dumbledore spoke again, "we all know Sirius Black was framed by Peter Pettigrew and wrongfully imprisoned in Azkaban... it was Harry who successfully caught Peter Pettigrew and saved an innocent soul... I think no one doubts that he can win the Special Contribution Award to the school in the third year—just think, if Voldemort's loyal servant, Peter Pettigrew, really caused some destruction in the school, and conspired with Voldemort, what a huge impact it would have!"
Dumbledore's assertion indeed held its ground, and everyone once more clapped for Harry.
Three consecutive years of crushing Voldemort's conspiracies, protecting Hogwarts from Voldemort's invasion—Harry, you are our hero!
We are willing to call you—Voldemort's Nemesis!
"And this year." Dumbledore sighed, "Voldemort doesn't just have one Soul Artifact. He has once again returned. His servant, Little Bartie Crouch, attacked Alastor Moody and transformed into Alastor, coming to teach at Hogwarts, intending to sabotage the Triwizard Tournament..."
At this point, Dumbledore raised his head and said with piercing eyes: "It's still the immensely brave Harry Potter who once again thwarted Voldemort's conspiracy, preventing our school from suffering damage from his evil plan. This is also why I am awarding him the Special Contribution Award to the school again this year, not just because he won the Triwizard Tournament trophy!"
"I know the Ministry of Magic won't acknowledge this, because it's incredibly complex, involving a series of interests... but I must remind everyone, Voldemort isn't dead. His shadow is hovering over us. If we don't remain vigilant, I don't know when he will return, but I know he will certainly attack those who are not alert."
The hall began to murmur again, and after a while, Dumbledore spoke once more.
"Let me propose," he said, "to toast to our warrior, our champion, the student who won the most Special Contribution Awards to the school in a century, Harry Potter!"
Dumbledore solemnly turned to Harry, raised his wine glass, and nearly everyone in the hall did the same.
After everyone was seated again, Dumbledore further said: "The purpose of the Triwizard Tournament is to enhance and promote mutual understanding within the Magic World. Considering what has happened now—considering Voldemort's resurgence—this connection is more crucial than ever."
Dumbledore looked at Mrs. Maxim and Hagrid, at Fleur Delacour and her Beauxbatons alumni, and at Victor Krum and the students from Durmstrang beside the Slytherin tables.
"Each guest here in the hall," Dumbledore said, his gaze lingering on the Durmstrang students, "is welcome to return at any time as long as they're willing. I repeat to all of you—given Voldemort's resurgence, we will only be strong if united, but weak if divided. Voldemort is skilled at creating conflict and hostility, and only by demonstrating the same indestructible friendship and trust can we resist him to the end. As long as our goals align and our hearts are open, differences in customs and languages won't be an obstacle."
"I believe—and I sincerely hope I'm wrong—I believe we all will face dark and difficult times. Among you in the hall today, some have been directly harmed by Voldemort's brutality, many of your families have been torn apart..."
"But remember," Dumbledore said loudly, "even in the darkest days, we must remain hopeful!"
Dumbledore's speech did not last long, and after the banquet dispersed, the students were all worried.
They believe, as the headmaster of Hogwarts, the greatest White Wizard of the century, Dumbledore would not deceive them.
But...
Has Voldemort really returned? Why is there no information from the Ministry of Magic?
Everyone, full of questions, waited in the crowded foyer for the carriages to take them to Hogwarts Station.
It was another beautiful and pleasant summer day, and Harry was already thinking about whether to take the newly graduated Cassandra and Pabi to the seaside for a play.
"Harry!"
He turned his head to look.
Fleur Delacour rushed up the stone steps and into the castle.
In the far field behind her, Harry could see Hagrid reluctantly helping Mrs. Maxim harness the two horses.
The Beauxbatons carriage was about to depart.
"I hope we can meet again," Fleur walked to Harry and extended her hand, while her eyes looked at Ron, "I hope to find a job here and improve my English."
"Your English is already great." Ron said with a cheerful smile.
Fleur smiled at him, while Hermione frowned beside him.
"Goodbye, Harry, and Ron," Fleur said, turning away, "It was pleasant meeting you all this time."
"I think she's certainly after Bill." Harry said, seemingly to Ron but actually speaking to Hermione.
Sure enough, at Harry's words, Hermione's frown relaxed.
"Does she like Bill?" Hermione asked, leaning closer.
"Didn't you notice?" Harry looked at Hermione in surprise, "I thought you already knew."
"Oh, I haven't paid attention to them," Hermione waved her hand and said, "Actually, I've been busy reading..."
It was indeed true; Hermione hadn't really noticed the small interactions between Bill and Fleur. She was originally happily immersed in the sea of books.
"What are you planning to do for vacation?" Ron asked again, "I remember Harry said we would gather our Dueling House for special training? Before that? Aren't we going out for some fun?"
Harry thought to himself that even if he went out to play, it certainly wouldn't be with Ron; he'd definitely have to take Cassandra and Pabi.
Vivi is currently very busy and doesn't have time to come out and play, so he'll take those two graduates.
"What are you talking about?"
Harry suddenly felt a soft touch from behind and knew without thinking it was Pabi.
If it were Cassandra, his back would be sore now.
"Talking about vacation plans." Harry said without turning his head, "I'm planning to gather students from the Dueling House at Number Twelve Grimmauld Square for special training, but I think this matter will have to be talked about in two weeks... Before that, it's important to relax well, don't you think, Pabi?"
"Heh heh." Pabi chuckled, her cheeks pressing against Harry, "Of course we need to relax well."
"I think we should go to the seaside to play, don't you think?" Harry said with a cheerful smile, "To cool off, you have to go to the seaside... call up Cassandra, the three of us can go to the seaside, what do you think, Pabi?"
"What about Vivi, isn't she going?" Pabi asked curiously.
"Do you think she has time?" Harry said helplessly, "She's very busy now, I think we should not disturb her."
"No," Pabi said sternly, "I think you definitely need to ask Vivi about this—you whether she goes or not is her business, but whether you ask her or not, that's your business..."