Although its prestige has diminished considerably, the Order of Merlin remains the highest honor in the British Wizarding World.
Almost simultaneously, wizarding news outlets around the world reported the news.
France: The youngest recipient of the Order of Merlin in history!
Germany: Vincent Wayne, a new legend!
Russia: * Nicolas Flamel's Apprentice, Dumbledore's Successor!?*
In Europe, all I hear are praises, but coming to America makes me a little envious.
United States: "An In-Depth Review of the Sorcerer's Stone Incident: All the Details You Might Have Overlooked!"
Brazil: "As everyone knows, the Britain are the biggest braggarts!"
Of course, the Asia region remained impartial, offering neither excessive praise nor targeted criticism.
After receiving their medals, all seven recipients gave interviews to various magazines and newspapers.
Vincent was very lucky; it just so happened that Rita was the one who interviewed him.
"Long time no see, renowned reporter."
"Ah—yes, Mr. Wayne."
She seemed quite reserved. "Having received the Order of Order of Merlin, Third Class, what are your thoughts now?"
What do you think I should have?
Vincent chuckled after she became nervous, "I'm still young, and I won't stop at my current achievements."
"An admirable idea!"
Feeling extremely uncomfortable, Rita asked two more questions and then fled as if she were on pins and needles.
Even if you manage to get some information out of them, it's all for nothing.
A year ago, she was still thinking about getting revenge.
Now they're different; they can even cripple Quirrell.
She absolutely did not want to experience that miserable state.
Vincent's ease in dealing with the famous reporter made the other six people extremely envious.
Lockhart, in particular, was constantly bombarded with questions about the details in the book.
Since Rita came to him, she's been like a completely different person.
Not only was the tone unfriendly, but the attitude was also extremely unfriendly.
"Mr. Lockhart, may I ask why you are late?"
"Um—I already explained that earlier."
"But that's no excuse for being late."
Lockhart looked up at the sky and exclaimed, "Ah—the sun is shining so brightly today!"
Are you avoiding the question?
"Of course not." He smiled wryly, casting an admiring glance at Vincent.
Rita stared at him, her quill pen scribbling a long passage. "What are your thoughts on that group of children?"
This is a difficult question to answer.
Lockhart stammered for a long time, "We need more heroes!"
Do you feel inferior to them?
He tried to maintain a bright smile, saying, "Our achievements are completely different and cannot be compared."
"Are you feeling guilty?"
"No, no, I'm just happy for them."
"Can I interpret this as jealousy?"
Just as Lockhart was about to burst into tears, Dumbledore came over with a plate of snacks.
"Oh—are you still doing interviews?"
Rita stiffened her neck and looked at him. "Professor Dumbledore, do you need to speak with Mr. Lockhart?"
"No, no." Dumbledore placed the small dish on the table between them. "Really, I was just wondering why no reporters came to interview me."
As the first Black Dumbledore in the Wizarding World, she has always adhered to this original intention.
"Professor, what are your thoughts now?"
"I'm proud, I'm very proud."
What are your thoughts on the future of Mr. Wayne and his team?
"I hope they can surpass me and turn a new page in the Wizarding World."
Rita already had countless ways to phrase these two questions alone.
What behind-the-scenes manipulation? It's gone from Level 1 to Level 2!
There are also those who refuse to accept getting old, planning to wait another hundred years before retiring, and so on.
Before answering the next question, Dumbledore winked at Lockhart.
This is a sign that you're being watched, and it also symbolizes that something bad is about to happen.
Unfortunately, Lockhart was completely unaware of this, and his eyes were still full of gratitude as he looked at him.
"Mr. Wayne —Mr Wayne— "
Vincent withdrew his gaze and looked at Xenophilius in front of him. "I'm very sorry, Mr. Lovegood."
"It's alright, let's talk about that weapon in more detail."
"Okay, it's an Alchemical Item I designed that combines blades and firearms, called the SuperHighPowerPlus."
"SuperHighPowerPlus?"
"That's right, it's a pity I didn't bring the actual item here."
Xenophilius slightly disappointed and changed the subject to an extremely sensitive one, "Mr. Wayne, I want to know whether Mr. Flamel actually destroyed the Sorcerer's Stone or not."
Vincent looked at Fudge was chatting happily with the guests in the distance.
The sales of the magical magazine "The Quibbler" are higher than those of the semi-official "Daily Prophet".
Wizards are human too, and they also have a sense of curiosity.
Although most people just laugh it off, quite a few are drawn to its content.
"He destroyed the Sorcerer's Stone with his own hands." Vincent shook his head. "Professor Dumbledore and I witnessed it with our own eyes."
It's regrettable, but that's the truth.
"Then Mr. Flamel's manuscript?"
"The teacher isn't planning to teach it to me yet."
Those who truly know the "truth" are like the pyramids in the Wizarding World.
Through Xenophilius, he could send a vague signal to the outside world.
Whether Nicolas Flamel is dead or not, she will eventually die.
Keeping the news under wraps for a year or two makes no difference whether it's made public or not.
Even if the manuscript is threatened and stolen, its unique encryption method is sufficient to ensure its safety.
This elaborate scheme is very much like Dumbledore's work.
Vincent felt a chill run down his spine for no apparent reason.
It's alright while he's studying at Hogwarts, but once he graduates, dark wizards will definitely come looking for him.
Given his personality, he'll probably hate them to the core for the rest of his life.
"Mr. Wayne —Mr Wayne— "
"Ah—sorry, I just remembered something very important."
While discussing something with Lockhart Dumbledore, while trying to be as wary of Grindelwald as possible, also wanted to force him to stand on the opposite side of the dark wizards.
It's fortunate that I knew Trelawney's Prophecy; otherwise, without knowing anything, I would probably have had to obediently follow this pre-designed path.
The being capable of defeating the first Dark Lord and forcing the second Dark Lord to keep his head down is clearly more than just what it appears to be.
After apologizing to Xenophilius, Vincent went straight to the table next to Dumbledore and sat down.
The other party didn't hold back and extended an invitation to Lockhart directly.
"Gilderoy, the children at school all like you very much, and we happen to have a vacancy right now."
"Oh? There's such a good thing—" Lockhart nodded quickly. "I mean, I feel very honored. Returning to teach at Hogwarts has always been one of the top three things on my wish list."
"In that case, I will send you the official documents as soon as possible."
"I can't wait."
Vincent was stunned for the third time.
The eccentric Principal Deng actually intended to make Lockhart the unlucky guy.