2 Gryffindor
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Upon hearing Filch's report, Snape appeared visibly stunned. After confirming that Harry was unharmed and the blood wasn't his own, he promptly arranged for someone to transport poor Ethan to Madam Pomfrey's medical wing.
With these arrangements in place, Snape couldn't wait to metaphorically wring the necks of the two young wizards. He ushered Harry and Ron into his office as if handling unruly chicks. Once inside, Harry and Ron huddled in a corner like frightened quails, while Snape sat behind his desk, his eyes darting between the two like a scrutinizing chainsaw.
"You've been witnessed by at least seven Muggles, not to mention causing serious harm to a wizard. While I never held high hopes for the two of you, I didn't anticipate such depravity. Even the dark wizards in Azkaban refrained from such madness at your age. I suggest you pack your bags immediately and prepare to head home. Perhaps you'll find yourself at Azkaban, wrapped in woolen cloth."
Though Snape knew Dumbledore would never expel Harry, let alone allow his students into Azkaban, this didn't deter him from threatening the two youngsters. Observing Harry and Ron, terror etched on their faces and the verge of tears, Snape's eyes betrayed a hint of satisfaction.
Finally, Snape succeeded in reducing Harry and Ron to tears. Although they had already realized the gravity of their mistake, hearing it directly from Snape intensified their distress. However, the nature of Harry and Ron's sadness differed.
For Harry, who had spent his life in the Muggle world, the mention of Azkaban left him bewildered. The prospect of expulsion didn't just sink in; it meant returning to the Dursleys, a fate he couldn't bear.
On the other hand, Ron, fearing the possibility of Azkaban, had mentally braced himself for the severe punishment of expulsion. However, Snape's mention of Azkaban left Ron stunned. In his mind, Azkaban was reserved for heinous dark wizards and Death Eaters, not to mention the ominous Dementors.
Soon, the low sobbing emanated from Snape's office, escalating in volume over time. Snape regarded the tearful duo with a sense of satisfaction, a glint of happiness emerging in his eyes from the corner of his office.
However, this fleeting joy was abruptly disrupted by the creaking sound of the door being pushed open.
It was Professor Dumbledore, with his flowing white hair and beard, Hogwarts' venerable headmaster, donned in emerald green robes and a black pointed hat, followed by Professor McGonagall. Yet, their expressions were unusually serious. Dumbledore, upon entering, immediately scrutinized Harry from head to toe. Upon confirming that Harry was unharmed, a small sigh of relief escaped him.
Dumbledore's azure blue eyes bore silent reproach. Confronted by his scrutinizing gaze, Harry and Ron instinctively shrank.
Professor McGonagall continued to regard the sobbing duo with disbelief. If Dumbledore's eyes were fearsome, the disappointment in McGonagall's gaze was particularly harsh. Under the watchful eyes of the two deans, every passing second felt like an eternity for Harry and Ron, consumed by extreme sadness.
Breaking the silence, Dumbledore finally spoke, "Can you explain why you engaged in such recklessness?"
Harry was about to respond, but Ron interjected, "It's all my fault. You can't punish Harry. I was driving the car, and this had nothing to do with him. I'll go pack my things. Just please don't send me to Azkaban."
The mention of Azkaban visibly shattered Ron, who cried like a wounded puppy.
"Of course, I won't expel you or send you to Azkaban. I don't even understand why you think I would send two underage wizards to Azkaban," Dumbledore expressed surprise.
"Your punishment will be decided by your Head of House, Professor McGonagall," Dumbledore continued, turning to give space to Professor McGonagall.
"Mr. Weasley and Mr. Potter, each of you will lose 250 house points. I will write to your parents today, Mr. Weasley. I'm afraid your family will need to visit. For your conduct, this punishment is the only option," Professor McGonagall declared seriously, adjusting her slightly askew hat.
Snape's expression resembled someone who had just eaten a fly. He cast a disgusted glance at Ron and Harry, saying, "Professor Dumbledore, these two students have disregarded the laws restricting the use of magic by underage wizards and have even caused serious harm to a wizard. Such behavior, of course—"
"Severus," Dumbledore raised his hand, halting Snape.
"Let Professor McGonagall determine their punishment. After all, they are students in her house, and she should be in charge."
"Also, I believe Mr. Weasley and Mr. Potter have gone hungry for a day. Perhaps you should join the others in the Great Hall for dinner," Dumbledore suggested, giving a wink to Harry and Ron.
Upon receiving this unexpected reprieve, the two youngsters hastily exited Snape's office and headed towards the Great Hall.
As Harry and Ron pushed open the doors to the Great Hall, they were immediately engulfed by the noise. Gryffindor students were feasting and singing when they noticed the ruby hourglass representing Gryffindor had suddenly emptied. Confusion and uproar ensued in the hall, with Gryffindor students suspecting a malfunction, while Slytherins took delight in the unexpected turn of events.
As word spread about the "shocking" escapade of Harry and Ron, buzzing discussions filled the entire Great Hall. The moment Harry and Ron stepped inside, they were met with curious gazes from everyone.
"You guys are so cool" exclaimed the Weasley twins, patting Harry on the back with admiration. "Ron, we didn't know you had such skill. Come and tell us what happened."
The twins, more concerned about the excitement than the House Cup, waved the Prophet in their hands, asking eagerly, "Did you run into a wizard? How is that person? Is he dead?"
Harry noticed that the attention of the surrounding wizards had shifted to him, with Slytherins already singing the newly composed song,
"Murderer Potter"
Finally, Dumbledore, Professor McGonagall, and Snape entered the Great Hall. Under the watchful gaze of the three professors, the once-noisy hall hushed, and the sorting ceremony resumed.
