Fudge's original plan had been to hand out a few awards and send these students on their way.
What remained was the game between him and Dumbledore.
But with the emotions so thoroughly stirred and the atmosphere built up, he no longer had the nerve to brush them off.
Since Voldemort's matter had to be covered up anyway, he might as well make a big show of it and promote them all as young heroes of the Wizarding World.
"I can understand how you feel."
Fudge placed both hands on Vincent's shoulders with deep emotion. "No matter what, Quirinus was stopped by all of you.
No matter how painful it is, you must accept this cruel fact."
He gave Umbridge a meaningful look.
As though she understood at once, she squeezed out a few tears.
"Oh, heavens, you children must be heartbroken!"
She pulled a pink handkerchief from the pocket of her pink blouse. "Minister Fudge, I believe they should all receive an Order of Merlin."
As she spoke, she even choked back a sob and wiped away the tears at the corners of her eyes.
Fudge's voice trembled slightly. "This spirit of daring to resist the forces of darkness deserves such a lofty honor."
Faced with such masterful acting, the six children could only concede defeat.
"Thank you, Minister Fudge!"
The Order of Merlin had originally been an organization founded by Merlin during the Middle Ages.
At the time, Merlin believed that wizards should coexist peacefully with Muggles, so the order also forbade the use of magic against Muggles.
In memory of Merlin, the Wizengamot began awarding the Order of Merlin in the fifteenth century to recognize wizards who had made outstanding contributions to the Wizarding World.
The order was divided into three classes.
First Class recognized exceptional bravery