An Explanation? Do I Need Words to Prove Myself?

Sirius paused, then went on. "...Many of the people who fought alongside us back then didn't make it out alive."

"If I could, I'd gladly trade the freedom I had for the past ten-odd years, and this medal, to bring all of them back..."

When Sirius stepped down, everyone soothed him with applause.

Next, it was Black's turn.

As he stood on the stage and looked at the people below, Black suddenly felt a strange thrill again...

It was the same excitement he had felt when giving that speech in the Great Hall.

He felt as if every cell in his body were singing with delight.

Was he going to give a speech?

Damn it, I seem to be turning strange...

Ahem...

But really, it was just an acceptance speech. What could he even say?

Black barely suppressed the surging passion in his heart.

No need... no need...

It was only an acceptance speech, not some speech meant to spark a revolution in the wizarding world.

There was no need to get that fired up...

So Black planned to just say a few casual words and leave it at that.

"Ahem... Hello, everyone. Or perhaps all of you find me unfamiliar."

"Or perhaps you think I'm too young to deserve a medal like this..."

"Heh. You really don't deserve it."

A hoarse voice cut Black off.

Everyone turned to look toward the place the voice had come from.

Clarence Shafik was leaning against the wall with a cold sneer.

Clearly, the words just now had come from his mouth.

Fudge turned his head and saw that the speaker really was Shafik.

A wave of regret immediately rose in his heart...

How had he ended up working with an idiot like this?

Now, the matter with Sirius had already been settled.