Until Lin Yue and Hermione's conversation ended, Qiu Zhang, Marietta, Penelope, Harry, and Ron had been waiting cautiously outside the door before they finally pushed open the door to the hospital wing and walked in.

The three girls politely hugged Hermione and congratulated her on her recovery.

Harry and Ron stood by the bedside, keeping a certain distance while smiling and greeting Hermione.

"Hermione, you finally woke up," Harry said with a sincere smile, looking at his close friend whom he had made last year.

"Congratulations on your recovery, Hermione," Ron added with a smile from the side.

Hermione raised an eyebrow and waved at Harry and Ron.

Seeing that expression on Hermione's face, Harry and Ron's smiles slightly stiffened, and they reluctantly walked over.

Their past experiences told them... when Hermione showed such an expression, it was not a good sign for them.

Sure enough...

Hermione glanced at the two boys in front of her, leaning against the headboard with a smile as she asked, "How did you both do on your final exams? I was counting the time while I was petrified, so the results must be out by now."

Hearing Hermione's question, Harry and Ron felt a wave of relief, grateful that they had studied hard. They silently thanked themselves for choosing to study instead of going out to play. Fortunately, they had chosen to study diligently; otherwise, facing Hermione's questions now... they would definitely be in for a scolding.

Despite Hermione's reluctance to be harsh on Lin Yue, she would not hesitate to reprimand the two of them.

"We did pretty well," Harry and Ron said proudly, sitting up straight, feeling quite pleased with their results. Although they couldn't compare to Lin Yue, who was the top of their year, or Hermione, who truly loved studying and worked hard, their scores had indeed improved significantly compared to last year, placing them in the upper-middle range at Hogwarts.

Seeing the small pride on her two friends' faces, Hermione was happy to praise them. Covering her mouth with a light laugh, she nodded, "You did really well. It seems you two can learn well on your own."

"Then in the future, I..." Before she could finish her sentence, Harry and Ron each grabbed a corner of Hermione's blanket.

"In the future, you'll help us study, as our good friend."

"Help us check our homework and highlight the key points for finals, as our reliable support."

"Hermione, we can't do without you!"

"Puhahaha..." ×4

The two boys played off each other, making the four girls present, excluding Lin Yue, burst into laughter. The atmosphere in the infirmary was relaxed and cheerful, showcasing the vibrant energy of youth.

Lin Yue's eyes wandered over the faces of Hermione and the others, and this was the smile...

So, is this the expression I showed during Christmas?

As her gaze lingered on Hermione's face, Lin Yue calmly made a judgment in her mind.

Hmm, Hermione's smile is very beautiful.

Since she woke up early enough, Hermione was just in time for this year's end-of-year banquet.

When Lin Yue and Hermione walked into the hall together before the banquet started, the Gryffindors spontaneously broke into applause upon seeing their "own person" return.

Because it was Hermione, the Ravenclaws also generously applauded, clapping loudly to welcome her back.

The Hufflepuffs were also enthusiastically clapping, as they had learned quite a bit about Defense Against the Dark Arts in Lin Yue's study group over the past year.

They had learned much more than in Lockhart's class, so seeing Lin Yue and Hermione, they naturally gave their applause.

"I’m riding on your coattails."

Hermione leaned in with a smile and whispered something in Lin Yue's ear.

Lin Yue turned her head and shook it, "Everyone is welcoming you back; it has nothing to do with me."

"It is a welcome for me, but it's also because of you that so many people are welcoming me back."

Pinching Lin Yue's cheek, Hermione looked at the three houses that were applauding enthusiastically and for the first time had a deeper understanding of Lin Yue's charisma.

Not to mention, Hermione glanced at the Ravenclaw long table; no matter what Lin Yue wanted to do, at least the students of Ravenclaw would support her.

The students of Hufflepuff would surely have at least half of them supporting her without hesitation.

She could only say, "Fortunately, you are a gentle and kind person," Hermione muttered softly.

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"What?"

Lin Yue turned her head, asking in a calm voice, as if she hadn't heard Hermione's words because they were too quiet.

"Nothing," Hermione shook her head and pushed Lin Yue toward the Ravenclaw long table, "Hurry and sit down; it's time for dinner."

"Okay." Lin Yue nodded and walked to her seat at the Ravenclaw long table.

All the Ravenclaws' gazes only shifted away from her after she sat down, looking towards Professor Dumbledore at the staff table.

Hermione quickly walked back to the Gryffindor long table and sat down opposite Harry and Ron, also directing her gaze towards Professor Dumbledore.

Under the watchful eyes of the students, Dumbledore stood up gracefully and walked to the front of the staff table, raising his hands to signal for silence.

The chatter among the students in the hall instantly ceased, and everyone, including the professors, focused their attention on him.

They gazed at this respected headmaster, the pillar of support for everyone at Hogwarts.

"Another year has passed, and I’m sure your little minds have absorbed quite a bit of knowledge."

Dumbledore said cheerfully as he looked at the students below, who were in their youth, vibrant and full of life—what a wonderful age it was.

"Before you enjoy your dinner, I must first announce the winner of the House Cup, as is customary."

As soon as he finished speaking, students from the other three houses turned their attention to the Ravenclaws.

With Lin Yue's daily points surpassing everyone else, no one would dispute the final outcome of the House Cup.

Moreover, in their view, unless something particularly significant happened in the future, the House Cup would likely belong to Ravenclaw for the next five years until Lin Yue graduated.

"This year's House Cup goes to Ravenclaw!"

Dumbledore said loudly while applauding, "Congratulations to Ravenclaw."

All the houses in the hall applauded, even the Slytherins clapped symbolically to congratulate Ravenclaw on winning the House Cup.

Although they had developed a rather negative impression of Lin Yue and the Ravenclaws due to the earlier wand-pulling incident, they still acknowledged their victory in the House Cup.

"Additionally," Dumbledore waited for a good ten seconds before signaling for everyone to stop the prolonged applause.

"Miss Lin Yue from Ravenclaw," he looked at Lin Yue with a warm and affectionate gaze, "provided clues about the Chamber of Secrets and protected her fellow students."

Ginny was at the Gryffindor long table, her face full of admiration as she recounted to her friends how reliable and strong Lin Yue had been when she saved her.

"I killed the basilisk in the Chamber of Secrets, so I am awarding Miss Lin Yue an additional five hundred points and announcing that she has received the Hogwarts Special Contribution Award."

The announcement of the five hundred points left everyone in the hall stunned for two seconds, and two seconds later, the Ravenclaws collectively stood up and cheered.

The Hufflepuffs clapped friendly and joined in the celebration.

At the Gryffindor long table, Hermione clapped with mixed feelings of joy and heartache, her eyes slightly red as she looked at Lin Yue at the Ravenclaw table.

Everyone had heard about the points she had just received and the award she had won.

But what she thought about more was the injuries Lin Yue had endured behind those points and that award.

"Lin Yue! You are now the only person in nearly fifty years to receive the Hogwarts Special Contribution Award!"

Cho Chang pulled Lin Yue, who was still seated, up and looked at her with excitement.

Lin Yue blinked, showing no signs of happiness, "I just did what I was supposed to do, protecting my classmates within my capabilities and helping those I could help."

"Be proud of yourself, Lin Yue," Marietta said, putting her arm around Lin Yue's shoulder, "let's say together, 'I am proud of myself.'"

Lin Yue was taken aback; she shouldn't have said such a thing, as it didn't align with the principles of humility.

"I... I can't say that; it doesn't conform to the etiquette of modesty, and I should hold myself to a higher standard."

"You really, really deserve to be proud of yourself, Lin Yue."

Penelope walked over from beside Marietta, bent down, and looked Lin Yue in the eye.

"Say it out loud, take the first step towards being proud of yourself."

"It's not just others' praise that matters; your own praise for yourself is equally important."

"Come on, affirm yourself!"

Penelope straightened up, rubbed Lin Yue's hair, and the Ravenclaws seemed to sense something, stopping their cheers and turning their attention to Lin Yue.

With their silence, the Hufflepuffs, Gryffindors, and Slytherins also quieted down, and all eyes in the hall were now focused on Lin Yue.

"Go ahead, Lin Yue," Qiu said with a gentle smile.

"Go on, you deserve it," Marietta nodded in agreement.

Lin Yue lifted her head and caught a glimpse of Hermione at the Gryffindor table, who unabashedly gave her a thumbs up.

Maybe… she really did deserve to praise herself.

"I… I am… I am proud of myself."

The Ravenclaw, who knew the truth about Lin Yue's past, couldn't hide their excitement and were enthusiastically nudging each other.

Penelope tried to suppress the smile at the corner of her mouth and steadied her voice, "Say it again, Lin Yue, say it loudly, say it confidently."

"I am proud of myself."

Lin Yue raised her voice, and a calm, steady sound spread throughout the entire auditorium.

In the next moment, Hermione, Harry, and Ron jumped up, cheering and clapping loudly.

The Ravenclaws tossed their hats aside, and several seniors from the seventh year also shouted out loud.

"I have no regrets after hearing Lin Yue say this before graduation!"

"Lin Yue, don’t push yourself too hard; the seniors are paving the way for you!"

Luna wore a dreamy smile, clapping her hands vigorously. "You've let go of a big burden."

Her roommate, standing next to her, suddenly turned to look at her with a jolt in her heart.

"Luna... I think I suddenly understood what you said."

"Really? That's wonderful." Luna smiled gently; her eyes still filled with a misty look.

The other three houses, although unsure why Lin Yue's words elicited such a strong reaction from the Ravenclaws, still joined in the applause, and the professors at the teacher's table also clapped in unison.

Professor McGonagall looked at Lin Yue, who stood still with a blank expression but was already certain of herself, and couldn't hide the smile of relief on her face.

Professor Flitwick laughed heartily, momentarily forgetting his usual elegance; he was genuinely happy for his student.

Professor Sprout looked at Lin Yue with kindness, applauding for this wonderful child, while Professor Snape remained impassive, though his applause was sincere and not perfunctory in the slightest.

Watching the cheering Ravenclaws and listening to the graduates firmly telling Lin Yue not to push herself too hard, assuring her that they would help her carve out her own path, Headmaster Dumbledore's eyes glistened with moisture. "You hold everyone in your heart, and they will surely lift you high."

Even if Lin Yue had not learned about emotions, she maintained true kindness and friendship towards others. She did her utmost to help her companions, and because of this, her companions would spontaneously and tirelessly pull her out of the mire and pave the way ahead for her.

This was something Tom would probably never understand.

An alliance maintained by fear and power would crumble in the face of such unity.

Turning back to sit down, Headmaster Dumbledore stroked his long white beard, a peaceful smile on his lips. "These children are better than us..."

Professor McGonagall glanced at him. "You've done well too, Albus. Don't always blame yourself for everything."

"Miss Lin Yue has learned to affirm herself, and you need to affirm yourself as well."

"Headmaster Dumbledore blinked, 'I am sure of myself; I never doubt my own wisdom, but... wrong is wrong.' He waved his hand, not wanting to continue on that topic. 'In them, I can see the future of the magical world. Minerva, what about you?'

Professor McGonagall also let go of that topic and shifted her gaze to Lin Yue, who was expressionless and surrounded by cheering Ravenclaws.

'Yes, the future of the magical world,' she said, glancing at Hermione, Harry, and Ron at the Gryffindor table. 'I see it too, Albus. They will do better than we did, I am sure of it.'

'On that point, I have no doubt,' Headmaster Dumbledore nodded with a smile.

The cheers lasted a full five minutes, and it was only after that that the students of Ravenclaw slowly sat down.

Mainly because it was time for dinner, and they were worried Lin Yue would get hungry.

Sitting at the Ravenclaw table, Lin Yue, as usual, enjoyed the care of all the Ravenclaws.

As she lowered her head to eat the various foods that had been placed on her plate, Lin Yue instinctively looked up at the Gryffindor table.

At the same time, Hermione, who was also eating, seemed to sense it and looked up to meet her gaze, breaking into a big smile."