Chapter 73: Seven Consecutive Championships

"A snowy eagle? A package from the Wizengamot for Mr. Bulstrode? Severus, do you know what this is?" Dumbledore asked, his curiosity piqued.

Snape stood up, gave Dumbledore a rather disgusted look, and, paying him no mind, left the staff table and walked directly towards the Slytherin table.

Seeing Snape's actions, Dumbledore was not put off. He also stood up and followed.

The snowy eagle left immediately after delivering the package. Unlike owls, these birds were faster, stronger, and did not need to rest. They departed as soon as their delivery was complete.

Sean looked at the package. It was a flat, rectangular box, and he could see that there was probably a book inside.

Opening the box, Sean took out a sample of the latest issue of The Golden Cauldron. The cover featured a moving photograph of a middle-aged wizard brewing a potion, who even greeted Sean as he looked at it. Sean didn't know him, but he knew the wizard must be famous in the world of Potions; otherwise, he wouldn't be on the cover.

In addition, the cover also listed the titles, authors, and page numbers of many articles, which were all likely highly regarded papers. But there was an exception, which was Sean's own submission.

In the lower-left corner, a line of small text contained the title of Sean's paper, his name, and the prefix "Hogwarts Slytherin First-Year Student." It seemed to be used as a novel selling point. Thinking of his grandfather's position in the Wizengamot, it was hard for Sean not to feel that his influence was involved.

Of course, Sean was not someone with a puritanical sense of fairness. He thought this was quite normal. Seeking some benefits for himself within the rules was a perfectly acceptable way to operate.

Putting down the journal sample, Sean did not pick it up to read immediately. He took out an exquisite parchment certificate from the package. On it were some official congratulations and thanks for his submission and selection. Finally, there was a palm-sized gold note worth thirty Galleons, which was quite a generous sum.

After pocketing the gold note, Sean looked up and was about to say something to Blaise but suddenly found that the entire Great Hall had become quite quiet. Turning around, he immediately saw Snape and Dumbledore standing behind him. Some of the other professors had also come to stand behind Dumbledore. When the young wizards saw the actions of the Headmaster and professors, they all looked at Sean quietly. Although they did not know what was happening, it didn't stop them from watching the unfolding excitement.

"Sean, were you selected?" Snape asked, his voice low.

"I was, Professor."

In response, Sean immediately handed the journal sample and the acceptance certificate to Snape. As for the gold note, Sean stuffed it directly into his pocket. There was no need to show that to others.

Snape held the journal and certificate in his hands. Dumbledore and the professors beside him also saw what was in Snape's hands. Snape had been blocking their view, but now they saw it clearly.

"Oh, my goodness!" Professor Sprout, the Head of Hufflepuff and the Herbology teacher, saw The Golden Cauldron and the selection certificate. When she saw Sean's name on the certificate, she couldn't help but exclaim and look at Sean with surprise.

It had been many years since a Hogwarts student had a paper selected for a top academic journal. Now, this record had been broken by a first-year student.

Snape looked at the journal and certificate, a hint of pride subtly showing on his face. In his Potions Club, there were many incredibly talented students. They could brew difficult potions at a young age and recite the recipes of many rare concoctions. But only Sean had managed to write a paper published in The Golden Cauldron while still at school. Moreover, among these talented students, Sean was definitely the youngest. He was only in his first year.

Just as Snape was considering whether he should praise Sean a little, he suddenly felt his robes being tugged by the boy.

Frowning slightly, Snape looked down at Sean. Subconsciously, he felt that Sean was likely about to cause some trouble again.

"Professor," Sean whispered, "my paper being published in The Golden Cauldron, does it count as a contribution to Hogwarts? After all, the name of Hogwarts is written on the cover."

Although Sean only whispered, the professors behind Snape heard it clearly. Strange expressions appeared on their faces, and some of them were already looking at Dumbledore. Unfortunately, they still did not see a flicker of annoyance on their Headmaster's face; he still looked kind and gentle.

Snape's eyebrows raised slightly. He turned to look at Dumbledore and said, "Being selected for the Wizengamot's top journal, The Golden Cauldron, shouldn't be considered less of a contribution than a certain Gryffindor's chess game, would it?"

Following Snape's words, some students in Slytherin were already looking at Ron on the Gryffindor side. The look of contempt made Ron's face turn red, but he couldn't say anything.

Dumbledore looked at Snape, still speaking gently and unhurriedly. "The chess game Mr. Weasley played, Severus, you should have seen it. The reason for rewarding Mr. Weasley was not just for winning a chess game, but for the courage and spirit of sacrifice he showed. I think, Severus, you should understand, right?"

Having said this, Dumbledore looked at Sean again and continued, "Of course, Mr. Bulstrode's achievements are also beyond doubt. He broke a record that has stood at Hogwarts for many years and created a new piece of history. The mastery of Potions he has shown is also worthy of being remembered by Hogwarts."

"Therefore, Mr. Sean Bulstrode will receive the Hogwarts Special Contribution Award, and he will add fifty points to Slytherin as an encouragement!"

"So, the winner of this year's House Cup is Slytherin. And Slytherin has also achieved the honor of seven consecutive championships. Let's cheer for Slytherin's seven consecutive championships!"

With a wave of Dumbledore's right hand, green and silver fireworks immediately exploded on the ceiling of the Great Hall. A large number of silver and green light spots fell from above like snowflakes, celebrating Slytherin's victory.

At the tables of the four houses, the young wizards of Slytherin cheered loudly, in stark contrast to the silent Gryffindors and the less-than-enthusiastic cheers of Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff.

Turning the tables in adversity, the young wizards of Slytherin were almost crazy.

Especially those in their seventh year. Their eyes towards Sean were full of gratitude and excitement. They knew very well that at least half of the credit for their seventh consecutive championship belonged to Sean.

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