https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-232-The-Second-Class-Merlin-Order-of-the-Merlin/12538348/
Chapter 233: Your Gratitude
Chapter 233: Your Gratitude
It was at this moment that the crowd in the Great Hall finally realized what was happening.
What had they just heard... about an uncontrolled werewolf?
Even the first-years, after a year of learning, knew how terrifying werewolves could be.
The Werewolf Code of Conduct mentioned that werewolves were 5X-level dangerous creatures—deadly to wizards due to their ferocious nature, agility, and immense strength after transformation.
Even many adult wizards and Hit Wizards from the Ministry of Magic were no match for werewolves; dealing with them had always been the responsibility of the Aurors.
They couldn't fathom how Kyle had accomplished such a feat...
At the Gryffindor table, Ron and Harry were already staring with their eyes wide open.
Ever since the truth had come out, they had been wearing this expression.
While they were still learning the Werewolf Code, Kyle had already reached the level of tearing werewolves apart with his bare hands. The gap between them seemed a bit too wide.
Hermione, on the other hand, was doing slightly better. She had previously suspected that Kyle might be the one who received the medal, so she wasn't as surprised.
Regardless of what others thought, Dumbledore, at the head table, had already received and opened the box passed to him by Dugmacfil.
Inside was a finely crafted gold medal and a purple ribbon.
The Merlin Knight Order medals had different ribbon colors for each level: green for the first level, purple for the second, and white for the third.
However, the medal seemed a bit oversized on Kyle, hanging from his left shoulder almost to his calf.
If the ribbon were red... it would be too festive.
Dumbledore gently moved his finger, instantly resizing the medal to fit Kyle perfectly.
"Thank you for all that you have done, child," Dumbledore said solemnly as he presented the golden medal to Kyle.
"Thank you for your guidance, Professor," Kyle replied, reaching out to shake Dumbledore's hand lightly.
...
If someone had been standing outside the Great Hall at that moment, they might have thought an explosion had occurred within.
Cheers and applause erupted from the four houses, with Michael and Ryan from Hufflepuff standing on their chairs, cheering loudly and wanting to tell everyone that Kyle was their roommate.
Even the usually calm Cedric and Connor were jumping up and down excitedly next to the Hufflepuff table.
Dumbledore didn't interrupt them this time.
It wasn't until everyone's hands were sore from clapping and their voices hoarse from shouting that the deafening applause gradually subsided.
"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 exceptional service to the school."
The previously quiet crowd erupted into chatter once more.
The decorations in the Great Hall returned to their original state, but not many from Gryffindor felt disappointed.
Just as Harry and his friends had earned one hundred and fifty points for Gryffindor, Kyle's additional points were well-deserved.
Some even felt that two hundred points were too few, considering it was the Merlin Knight Order medal, a second-level honor at that... It should have been at least five hundred points!
Headmaster Dumbledore was being stingy.
At the end of the ceremony, Dumbledore invited Kyle to stand at his side and deliver a speech.
Clearing his throat, Kyle began, "Then I'll just say a few words..."
Eager to start the feast, Kyle kept his speech brief, sharing some tips on improving study efficiency and promoting a harmonious environment at Hogwarts.
However, most students weren't particularly interested, except for a small group who listened attentively.
Hermione was one of them; she listened intently and took meticulous notes of everything Kyle said.
Neville Longbottom wanted to do the same, but after writing down the first sentence, he forgot the rest of the speech.
Everyone present laughed knowingly, and even the visiting wizards couldn't help but shake their heads, amused.
It was no secret in the wizarding world that the Defense Against the Dark Arts professor at Hogwarts always ended up in some sort of trouble. Of course, they were aware of this.
This time of year was also when Dumbledore was the least popular.
He was like a mountain troll emitting a foul stench, disliked and shunned by all. Wherever he went, people would refuse to see him.
Some people even went as far as to flee to other countries for refuge before Hogwarts finished for the holidays, just to avoid a potential visit from Dumbledore. They would only return when it was time for the start of the new school year in September.
"Oh, it looks like we should head back soon. It would be terrible if he catches us lingering here."
Macnair laughed and joked with Sascia, who was sitting next to him. "I'm getting on in years. Helping to present an award is fine, but I'll pass on being a professor."
"You're right, it's too dangerous a job."
Sascia covered her mouth and laughed softly. "We were thinking of preparing a separate area for those Defense Against the Dark Arts professors."
Next to them, Dumbledore's face turned red, and he glared at Kyle, annoyed.
That little rascal, why did he have to bring that up!
After Kyle finished speaking, the long-delayed feast finally began.
Back at the Hufflepuff table, Kyle became the center of attention, with many young witches and wizards coming over to congratulate him on receiving the Order of Merlin award.
So much so that Kyle barely ate, but he did drink quite a lot of pumpkin juice.
"You even kept this from us..."
After a long while, the crowd of well-wishers finally dispersed. Cedric scowled and said, "Before this, we didn't even know you had been to St. Mungo's!"
"I didn't know I would receive the Order of Merlin either," Kyle explained. "And since it's all over now, telling you would only have made you worry."
"That's not right," Connor frowned. "As friends, isn't it normal for us to worry about each other?"
"Yes, so even if you say that, I can't forgive you," Cedric said coldly. "Unless you promise that from now on, you won't hide any dangerous situations from us again!"
"That's too much," Kyle retorted, giving him a look. "As if I encounter dangerous situations all the time."
"Hmm... isn't that the case?" Cedric raised an eyebrow.
"Aside from St. Mungo's... the incidents with the Defense Against the Dark Arts professors these past two years are also related to you. And during Quidditch matches, you always disappear somewhere, and..."
"Okay, okay, I promise!" Kyle quickly interrupted him, making a decisive promise. "I swear on Dumbledore's beard!"
Only then did Cedric smile again.
"That's more like it... Congratulations on receiving the Order of Merlin." He raised a cup of pumpkin juice.
"Congratulations!" Connor also raised her cup.
Seeing the size of their cups, which were significantly larger than those of the other students, and the amount of pumpkin juice they contained, Kyle turned green, feeling his stomach churn.
"You're doing this on purpose, aren't you?!"
"Hahaha!"
Cedric finally burst into laughter. "You kept things from us, so this is your punishment."
Connor also smiled. "But since you won the House Cup for us, we'll let you off the hook for now. You can drink it later."
"Hehe..." Kyle rubbed his stomach.
"Thank you so much!"
(End of Chapter)
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