"...Thank you, thank you, everyone."
Professor Dumbledore waved to those around him. Only after the atmosphere in the Great Hall had calmed slightly did he speak again. "Thank you to the Ministry of Magic and the Wizengamot for their recognition. Thank you to the Minister for personally coming to Hogwarts to announce this wonderful news... I never expected that, after so many years, I would receive a second First Class Merlin Medal. It truly moves me."
He took out a handkerchief and dabbed at the corners of his eyes, looking deeply moved.
Then his tone shifted.
"...However, in my view, this First Class medal does not belong to me."
The moment those words left his mouth, the entire Great Hall fell silent. Even Hagrid, whose nose was red with excitement, and Snape, who wore a rare hint of a smile, went still. Dumbledore was Hogwarts's headmaster and the central figure in this award. If he declined his medal, Snape and Hagrid would find it difficult to keep accepting theirs without feeling ashamed.
Clearly, Dumbledore knew that as well.
So he immediately added, "...Of course, Severus and Rubeus are different from me. Bound by the Fidelius Charm, I cannot reveal the price they paid, but there is no doubt that their contributions deserve these two medals."
At those words,
not only the students and teachers present, but even Fudge and the senior Ministry of Magic officials who had accompanied him to Hogwarts Castle showed curious expressions.
"...As for me."
Dumbledore happily continued his earlier topic. "Those who know me know that I am not a humble man... I cannot shamelessly accept a medal that does not belong to me in front of all your vibrant young faces. There were others who defeated Voldemort. They are the true owners of this medal."