"Now, as I understand it, the House Cup here needs awarding, and the points stand thus: In fourth place, Hufflepuff, with three hundred and fifty-two points; in third, Ravenclaw with four hundred and twenty-six; Gryffindor in second with four hundred and forty-two points. And in first place," the Slytherin table was already beginning their cheers. And Harry knew it was coming. There was nothing Dumbledore could do about it. Sure, the Slytherins were sly and malicious. But people forgot the Slytherins were ambitious. They liked to compete. They liked to win. They were flexible, adaptable, willing to bend if it meant victory. And won they had. Evan was grinning, Dumbledore looked so very bitter. 