The clock chimed on time.
Loren and Dumbledore turned and walked toward the Great Hall.
Crookshanks watched their retreating backs. At times like this, if he went to lounge beside the Hufflepuff table in the Great Hall, he could usually scrounge up chicken legs, ribs, and the like. But Crookshanks had a better option.
He pressed his front paws together, stretched lazily, then padded lightly toward the underground staircase.
He could go straight down to the Kitchen. The House-elves there knew their master's pet, and he could pick whatever food he wanted. Sometimes, he could even pack a portion for Fang.
"Actually, Mr. Kowhaug and I do not have any deep friendship. Nor do American Magical Congress officials have the authority to demand student information from Hogwarts. But out of courtesy, perhaps I could write him a less detailed reply and include some files. As for the adventures we experienced together, there is no need to tell him about those. What do you think?"
"What files?"
"I asked Professor McGonagall for your Grade Reports and commendation certificates from the past few years. I planned to copy them and send them to Mr. Kowhaug."
"What commendations do I have?"
"It was proposed at the staff meeting before the holidays. Severus believed that you would certainly make a name for yourself in the wizarding world after graduation, so Hogwarts ought to give you some commendations while you were still here."
"Distinguished alumnus, then?"
"In fact, we unanimously agreed. Over the past few years, you have more than proven yourself. You have repeatedly thwarted Dark wizard plots, improved and optimized the Wolfsbane Potion, achieved excellent grades, and helped your classmates. In view of your outstanding performance during your time at school, several professors agreed to award you the Outstanding Character Award and the