The Ring of Myriad Phenomena and the Merlin Medal
After a busy and fulfilling Christmas holiday, Lucien returned to Hogwarts.
Great Hall.
The start-of-term dinner.
"... Hogwarts will be hosting Alchemy Exchange Tournament in conjunction with Beauxbatons and Durmstrang. Further details will be announced later..."
Dumbledore, dressed in a magnificent purple robe, announced the start of the Triwizard Tournament.
This sparked whispers among the young wizards in the audience, who were quite curious about the matter, since many of them had never heard of the other two magic schools.
As the dinner party came to an end, Dumbledore rose again.
A group of special guests will be visiting today.
Most of the young wizards looked at each other, wondering who this so-called special guest was.
A very few well-informed young wizards understood the headmaster's meaning and gradually turned their attention to the Ravenclaw Table, searching for the protagonist of the evening.
A dull sound suddenly echoed in the Great Hall.
The heavy oak doors were pushed open, and a dozen wizards entered the Great Hall.
Soon, a young wizard called out one of their names: Cornelius Fudge, the Minister for Magic who frequently appeared in the newspapers and was hard not to recognize.
When Dumbledore and Fudge shook hands to greet each other, there were reporters specifically assigned to take photos and record the event.
"Let me introduce you to our Minister for Magic, Mr. Cornelius Fudge!"
Dumbledore's Sonorus, carrying to every corner of the Great Hall.
Applause erupted, and Fudge waved to the young wizards with his signature politician's smile.
"Association of Modern Transfiguration, Ms. Selene Velista!"
"Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, Madam Bones!"
"..."
Some of the young wizards recognized some of the people there, and some were even quite familiar with them. For example, Susan Bones was the niece of the Chief Justice, so Susan knew which awards would be presented and to whom. She was whispering to Hannah, who was narrating the story.
Each time Dumbledore made an introduction, it was met with applause. The young wizards rarely saw so many important figures at once, and the atmosphere was lively.
Looking at the curly-haired old man who was trying to hide himself, Dumbledore raised his voice slightly:
"Newt Mr. Scamander, the renowned Magizoologist and author of * Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them *!"
A brief silence fell over the Great Hall, followed by the loudest applause yet.
The Little Badger were especially excited at Hufflepuff's long table; the seemingly most unassuming old man was none other than Newt Scamander!!!
Newt is practically an idol to all Hufflepuff, and many young wizards are already itching to get his autograph after the event.
Lucien was also clapping, not surprised by Newt's arrival, because he had mentioned something in a letter to Newt a few days ago—something Newt would definitely be interested in: a large snake that roamed the Albanian Forest...
"We've gathered here for something even more joyous—"
As soon as Dumbledore spoke, the Great Hall fell silent once more.
"Let's invite Mr. Lucien Grafton to the stage first!"
Under everyone's gaze, Lucien stood up.
The school uniform robe instantly transformed into a magnificent formal dress; the dark blue dress resembled the night sky, understated yet elegant.
Lucien walked with steady steps across the long table toward the High Table.
The flickering candlelight cast a soft glow on her dark golden hair.
"Mr. Grafton has published a paper outlining a new path for Transfiguration... and will receive the ' Ring of Myriad Phenomena ' award from the Transfiguration Society!"
The woman named Cyril Velista stepped forward, and the small box she was carrying opened automatically, revealing a pure silver ring with a sparkling emerald set in it. She smiled at Lucien.
"Extraordinary achievements, the future belongs to you young people."
Lucien replied politely:
"I only saw the distance by standing on the shoulders of Giant."
Taking the Ring of Myriad Phenomena, Lucien put it on the index finger of his left hand.
Some of the young wizards in the audience were simply enjoying the lively atmosphere, some were asking what kind of award the Ring of Myriad Phenomena was, and some were shocked that their peers had already received the highest honor in the field of Transfiguration...
Susan nudged Hannah beside her and whispered:
"It's not over yet, there's more to come!"
As soon as Susan finished speaking, Ms. Sayler on the stage retreated back into the group of guests, Fudge stepped forward with a small suitcase, wearing a friendly smile.
Dumbledore's voice rang out again:
"I believe everyone remembers the events of last semester, and also remembers Mr. Grafton's contributions. To honor his courage in slaying the Basilisk, protecting the students of Hogwarts, and saving the future of the Wizarding World..."
"Wizengamot will award him the Order of Merlin, First Class!"
In an instant, the entire audience erupted in uproar.
The Ring of Myriad Phenomena belongs to the single field of Transfiguration and is more of a high-end academic award.
But the Order of Merlin is different.
This can be considered the most prestigious honor in the Britain Wizarding World!
Especially since it's the Order of Merlin, First Class; receiving this honor is enough to be written into the History of Magic!
Fudge had already opened the box, revealing the gold medal inside, complete with the green ribbon reserved for First Class Order medalists.
Fudge pinned the Order of Merlin to Lucien's chest and gently patted Lucien on the shoulder.
The award could have been presented by Dumbledore, the Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot, but Fudge really didn't want to miss this rare opportunity to show his face. After all, there aren't many opportunities like this to present the award to the youngest recipient of the Order of Merlin, First Class.
He then gestured for Lucien to face the camera, and the sound of camera shutters clicking incessantly filled the air.
Under the flash of the camera, Lucien's dark green eyes shone brightly, and the Order of Merlin on his chest and the Ring of Myriad Phenomena on his left hand shimmered with light, yet they could not conceal the youthful spirit of the boy!