https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-232-The-Merlin-Knight-Order-Second-Class-Medal/13007804/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-234-Preparing-for-the-Unexpected/13007806/
Chapter 233: My Thanks to You
Chapter 233: My Thanks to You
It was at this moment that the audience in the Great Hall finally realized what they had just heard.
What had they just heard... an out-of-control werewolf?
Even the first-years, after a year of study, were well aware of the dangers posed by werewolves.
During their lessons on werewolf behavior, they had learned that werewolves were Level 5X creatures, extremely dangerous to wizards due to their ferocity, agility, and immense strength when transformed.
Even many adult wizards, and even the Ministry's own Hit Wizards, struggled to handle werewolves, and it was always the job of the Aurors.
They couldn't imagine how Kyle had managed it...
At the Gryffindor table, Ron and Harry had already widened their eyes in disbelief.
Ever since the truth had come out, they had been wearing this expression.
They were still studying the rules of werewolf behavior, and Kyle had already learned to tear werewolves apart with his bare hands. The gap between them seemed too great.
Hermione, on the other hand, was a bit more composed. She had previously considered the possibility that Kyle might be the one to receive the medal, so she wasn't entirely surprised.
Regardless of what others thought, at the Guest of Honor seat, Dumbledore had already received and opened the box that Doug McKeefer had handed to him.
Inside was a finely crafted golden medal and a purple ribbon.
The colors of the ribbons for the different levels of the Merlin Order of Chivalry medals varied; green for first-class, purple for second-class, and white for third-class.
However, this particular medal seemed to be a standard size, and it looked a bit oversized on Kyle, almost hanging diagonally from his left shoulder to his calf.
If it had been red... it would have been too festive.
Dumbledore gently moved his finger, instantly shrinking the medal to a more appropriate size.
"Thank you for everything you've done, child," Dumbledore said solemnly as he presented the golden medal to Kyle.
"Thank you for your teachings, Professor," Kyle said, reaching out to gently shake Dumbledore's hand.
...
If someone had been standing outside the Great Hall at that moment, they might have thought an explosion had occurred within.
The cheers from the four houses filled the air, and at the Hufflepuff table, Mikel and Ryan stood on their chairs, cheering loudly, wanting to tell everyone that Kyle was their roommate.
Even the usually composed Cedric and Conna were excitedly jumping up and down beside their table.
This time, Dumbledore didn't interrupt them.
It wasn't until everyone's hands were numb from clapping and their voices hoarse from shouting that the deafening cheers finally began to subside.
"As the Headmaster of Hogwarts..." Dumbledore continued, "I award two hundred points to Hufflepuff House, and Kyle will once again receive the Special Contribution Award for his outstanding service to the school."
The crowd, which had just quieted down, erupted into noise once more.
The decorations in the Great Hall returned to their previous state, but not many from Gryffindor felt any regret.
Just as Harry and his friends had added one hundred and fifty points to Gryffindor, Kyle's extra points were well-deserved.
Some even felt that two hundred points were too few, considering it was the Merlin Order of Chivalry medal, and a second-class one at that... at least five hundred points should have been awarded.
Headmaster Dumbledore was being too stingy.
At the end of the ceremony, Dumbledore also invited Kyle to stand in his place and deliver a speech.
Clearing his throat, Kyle began,
"Then I'll just say a few words..."
Eager to eat, Kyle didn't go into lengthy details. He only shared some tips on improving study efficiency and suggestions for fostering a harmonious campus environment at Hogwarts.
However, most students weren't interested in these topics, and only a small portion listened attentively.
Hermione, for instance, listened intently and even took notes on everything he said.
Neville also wanted to take notes, but by the time he finished writing the first sentence, he had forgotten the rest of the speech.
During his speech, Kyle also expressed a small wish.
Everyone present, including the visiting wizards, laughed knowingly, some shaking their heads in amusement.
It was no secret in the magical world that the Hogwarts Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor encountered mishaps every year, and they were well aware of this fact.
This time of year was also when Dumbledore was least welcome.
He was like a mountain troll emitting a foul odor, disliked and unwelcome wherever he went, always turned away.
Some people, to prevent Dumbledore from visiting, would even flee to other countries for refuge before Hogwarts' vacation ended, only returning when the new term started in September.
"Oh, it seems we should head back soon; it'll be terrible if he catches us."
McKeefer laughed and half-jokingly said to Saxia, who was sitting beside him, "I'm getting old; helping to award medals is fine, but being a professor is out of the question."
"That's right, this job is too dangerous."
Saxia covered her mouth and chuckled, "We even considered setting up a separate area for the Defense Against the Dark Arts professors."
Dumbledore's face turned red, and he glared at Kyle.
This little brat, why say such things!
After Kyle finished speaking, the long-delayed banquet finally began.
Back at the Hufflepuff table, Kyle became the center of attention, with young wizards constantly coming over to congratulate him on receiving the Merlin Knight Order Medal.
So much so that Kyle barely ate, but he was almost full from drinking pumpkin juice.
"You even kept it from us..."
After a long while, the congratulatory crowd gradually dispersed. Cedric, with a straight face, said, "Before this, we didn't even know you had been to St. Mungo's!"
"I didn't know I'd receive the Merlin Medal either," Kyle explained. "And now that it's over, telling you would only cause you worry."
"You're wrong there; we're friends," Conna said, wrinkling her nose. "Isn't it normal to worry about a friend?"
"You're right, so even if you say that, I can't forgive you," Cedric said coldly. "Unless you swear that you won't hide dangerous situations from us again!"
"You're going too far," Kyle glared at him, "as if I often encounter danger."
"Hmm... Isn't that so?" Cedric raised an eyebrow.
"Besides St. Mungo's... the incidents with the Defense Against the Dark Arts professors these past two years also involve you. And every time there's a Quidditch match, you disappear, and..."
"Alright, I promise you!" Kyle interrupted him hastily and vowed, "I swear on Dumbledore's beard!"
Only then did Cedric smile again.
"That's more like it... Congratulations on receiving the Merlin Medal." He raised a cup of pumpkin juice.
"Congratulations!" Conna also raised her cup.
Seeing the significantly larger cups in their hands compared to others, and the abundance of pumpkin juice within, Kyle's face turned green, and he felt a churning in his stomach.
"You did this on purpose!"
"Hahaha!"
Cedric finally laughed heartily, "You hid things from us, so this is your punishment."
Conna laughed, "But considering you won the House Cup for us, we'll let you drink later."
"Hehe..." Kyle rubbed his stomach,
"Thank you!"
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
Report
