Chapter 232: The Merlin Knight Order Second-Class Medal
Chapter 232: The Merlin Knight Order Second-Class Medal
The unexpected arrival of guests immediately caught the attention of everyone present.
The cheers and celebrations quieted down, and the young wizards turned to look at the visitors, recognizing only Minister of Magic Cornelius Fudge among them, while the others remained unfamiliar.
Even Dumbledore, seated at the Guest of Honor's table, momentarily paused in surprise.
But he quickly approached them:
"Oh, Doug, Cornelius, Pegasi..."
Dumbledore greeted each of them, "It's wonderful to see you all here at Hogwarts. I thought you'd only arrive tomorrow."
"We were supposed to come tomorrow..."
Doug McKeefer, the elderly wizard leading the group, smiled and explained, "But Nicole felt that this was an opportunity that shouldn't be limited to just a few people.
And I personally agree. After all, there has never been a young wizard as young as twelve who has received the Merlin Knight Order Medal.
It's an extraordinary achievement, and that child has broken the age record by eight years."
"Indeed, it's worth celebrating," Dumbledore said with a smile.
"So, we slightly expedited our journey and managed to arrive before Hogwarts' vacation," Doug said.
"Conducting the ceremony with everyone at Hogwarts will undoubtedly be meaningful for the child," Doug added with a laugh.
Upon hearing his words, the entire Great Hall fell silent, and everyone's eyes widened in disbelief, as they had a suspicion but dared not believe it.
A twelve-year-old young wizard receiving the Merlin Knight Order Medal... How is that possible?
At the Gryffindor table, Fred glanced at George with a stiff expression.
"Twelve years old, probably a second-year student," Fred whispered.
"It could also be a first-year," George replied.
George's expression changed as he said, "Maybe it's Harry. Everyone knows he defeated the Dark Lord, and receiving a Merlin Knight Order Medal wouldn't be surprising."
"But... Harry's birthday is in July, so he's still eleven now," Fred said.
George fell silent, as a name suddenly popped into his mind, and he believed Fred must have thought of it too.
"No way..."
"It can't be..."
The two exchanged glances and then looked towards the Hufflepuff table.
The distant Doug, no longer engaging in small talk, said:
"Let's begin, Dumbledore. The youngest member of the Merlin Knight Order... I'm eager to get started, and we shouldn't keep the child waiting."
"Of course, but will you still be presiding over the ceremony?" Dumbledore asked.
Doug shook his head, "Of course not, we have a more suitable candidate."
Upon hearing this, Cornelius cleared his throat instinctively and took a small step forward, seemingly eager to take on the task.
But Doug continued as if he hadn't noticed, "Since we're at Hogwarts, it should be you, Albus.
After all, this is your duty as the Chief Wizard of the Wizarding Council. You can't keep passing it on to me... Remember, I've been retired for a long time."
"But you're more capable than I am, Doug," Dumbledore smiled.
Dumbledore turned and walked towards the Guest of Honor's table.
"Today is a joyous day," he announced loudly, "Allow me to introduce these distinguished guests..."
"Doug McKeefer, a wise and steady sage, who led the Ministry of Magic through a pleasant period of calm during the turbulent times of the Muggle Parliament."
Doug waved and greeted everyone.
The Great Hall erupted in enthusiastic applause.
"I know him," Hermione said excitedly, "Remember when we were searching for Niccolme?
Doug McKeefer, who served as the Minister of Magic in 1858, is one of the most trusted ministers."
"1858?!?" Ron exclaimed in disbelief, "Isn't he over a hundred years old now?"
"133 years old," Harry whispered.
"You two..." Hermione frowned, "To be precise, at least 133 years old. He couldn't have been the Minister of Magic since birth, right?"
"He sure knows how to live..." Ron muttered, "I mean, he doesn't have the Elixir of Life, does he?"
Meanwhile, Dumbledore had already moved on to introduce the next guest.
"And our Minister of Magic, Mr. Cornelius Fudge..."
Fudge removed his hat, revealing a warm smile.
The audience below erupted in applause once more, especially those near the Slytherin table, their claps filled with enthusiasm.
"And Pegasi Sasia, the Dean of St. Mungo's Hospital for Magical Maladies and Injuries, a revered master of potion-making..."
"Newt Scamander, the renowned magical zoologist and author of Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them..."
As Dumbledore introduced the individuals on stage, Kyle's gaze remained fixed on the last two.
They were his parents, Chris and Diana.
Diana wore a large, dark hood that concealed her well.
And for some reason, her presence was barely noticeable. If she hadn't been standing next to Chris, Kyle might not have even noticed her.
It felt like she was under the Muggle-Repelling Charm...
As these thoughts crossed his mind, Kyle suddenly felt a strange sensation in his palm. He instinctively glanced down and noticed a few small words that had appeared on his hand...
"Don't look around, focus on the task!"
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Kyle's mouth twitched slightly.
It was clear that his mother had probably taken leave during her mission and was here, but due to the sensitive nature of the Department of Mysteries, she had to conceal her identity.
After receiving the reminder, Kyle nodded slightly and refrained from looking at them again.
He was content knowing that his parents were present.
For such an important occasion, Kyle felt something was missing if his parents weren't involved.
"Kyle, why are you smiling so happily?" Cedric looked at him quizzically, then seemed to realize something. "Wait. Could this Merlin Knight Order Medal...be for you?"
Like George, he had also assumed it was for Harry Potter.
Kyle spread his hands, not speaking, but Cedric's expression grew increasingly astonished.
And within his astonishment, there was a hint of stupor.
Soon, Dumbledore finished introducing the last person.
Damocles Bellby, the inventor of the Wolfsbane Potion.
Apart from Fudge, the other four were all recipients of the Merlin Knight Order Medal, some first-class and others second-class.
As for Chris and Diana...they had found a spot near the entrance and sat down.
Dumbledore seemed to sense something and didn't mention the couple.
"You may find it strange, wondering why these well-known wizards have come to Hogwarts..."
Dumbledore stood before the Guest of Honor Seat and spoke in a clear, booming voice, "It's simple...they're here to bestow a student with the Merlin Knight Order Medal."
After receiving Dumbledore's confirmation, a buzz of whispers filled the Great Hall.
Everyone was guessing who it could be...and the name mentioned most was Harry Potter.
"Harry, is it really you?" Ron asked excitedly.
"Impossible," Harry shook his head. "I've never heard of it, and I'm not even twelve yet, as you know."
"I know, but who else could it be? Don't forget you defeated the Dark Lord and saved the wizarding world." Ron said, "Maybe they just got your age wrong."
Harry furrowed his brows, still feeling something was amiss.
If it was indeed because of Voldemort, why wait until now to award the medal, and why let him stay with the Dursleys for eleven years?
If Hagrid hadn't taken him from that seaside hut, he might never have known about Hogwarts.
The Great Hall buzzed with noise and chatter...everyone was debating who the recipient could be.
But soon, Dumbledore revealed the answer.
"Kyle Joab!" he shouted.
The Great Hall seemed to freeze, instantly becoming quiet. Instinctively, they looked towards the Hufflepuff table and Kyle standing there.
"Come here, child," Dumbledore said gently.
Kyle walked forward.
Dumbledore spoke with a solemn expression, "At St. Mungo's Hospital, you successfully subdued an out-of-control werewolf, saving an entire floor and the lives of 57 patients.
To honor your brave and fearless actions, I, Albus Dumbledore, on behalf of the International Wizard Federation, the Merlin Knight Order, the Wizarding Council, and the wizarding community, bestow upon you the Merlin Knight Order Second-Class Medal!"
(End of Chapter)
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