Hagrid Missed Out on a Fortune
With Dumbledore's arrival, the memorial hall fell completely silent, and everyone took their seats.
Dumbledore stepped to the front of the stage and said in Sonorus, "Good morning, ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the Merlin Memorial Hall for this important award ceremony."
"In the past year, some wizards have made remarkable contributions to the Wizarding World —their courage and wisdom have brought about significant changes to our world," Dumbledore a long manuscript, which was mostly a eulogy and recounting of the achievements of the laureates.
"Everything is ready. Wizards, please proceed to your respective awarding positions."
William left his seat and strode over. Among the group of older and even elderly wizards, a child stood out remarkably.
There weren't many wizards in the United Kingdom to receive medals this year; besides William, Damcos Belby, and one third-class honoree.
--Gilderoy Lockhart.
The citation was intended to commend his courage in the face of the dark creatures and his description of methods of resistance in his autobiography.
Dumbledore, and soon it was William's turn.
"On behalf of the Order of Merlin and all wizards," Dumbledore said, picking up the exquisite silk ribbon, "I hereby award the Order of William Stark Merlin, Second Class."
The Order of Merlin consists of a grand gold medal and a ribbon, with the green ribbon for First Class, the purple ribbon for Second Class, and the white ribbon for Third Class.
It is said that the green ribbon on the First Class Order is a tribute to Slytherin House at Hogwarts, where Merlin studied.
At least that's how the little snakes advertise every year, I don't know if it's false advertising.
However, according to convention, the Order of Merlin, First Class is very difficult to obtain and is usually awarded posthumously to wizards who have died or are nearing their death from old age.
Or they are people who have made exceptionally significant contributions, such as Dumbledore who defeated Grindelwald in 1945 and was awarded the Order of Merlin, First Class.
Most others received second- or third-class medals.
Therefore, Umbridge's suggestion that Fudge should receive the Order of the Rising Sun is an absolutely shameless one.
Dumbledore pinned the purple ribbon on William's neck, slinging it across his body from his left shoulder to his right leg.
"Thank you, Professor." William shook hands lightly with Dumbledore, the ring on his finger making his hand ache.
William suspected that Dumbledore had cast a spell on the ring, otherwise the diamond would have surely disappeared after he gripped it once.
"Child," Dumbledore whispered, "Thank you for what you did earlier."
"It was all thanks to your help, Professor."
The two exchanged a knowing smile.
"Oh, by the way, come with me after the ceremony, and I'll introduce you to some wizards," Dumbledore whispered.
After saying that, he walked toward the next person.
As the ceremony concluded, the atmosphere reached its peak, with thunderous applause and cheers erupting from the crowd. The magical ceiling twinkled with stars, and countless dazzling fireworks rose into the sky.
The cheers lasted for several minutes until people felt their hands were too numb to continue, at which point they gradually calmed down.
Each winner delivered a speech.
William was encouraging people to eliminate discrimination against Muggle-born wizards and promote harmony among wizards.
This is also the current political correctness.
Of course, William added a little something extra: he hoped that the United Kingdom Wizarding World would soon eliminate poverty, achieve a moderately prosperous society, and attain common wealth.
Such a profound topic was naturally beyond the comprehension of most people; apart from Mr. Weasley, who was interested, everyone else looked completely bewildered.
During the meal, wizards kept coming over to congratulate William, especially Dumbledore, who showed him around and introduced him to other wizards; the two appeared extremely close.
Seeing this, Fudge became even more enthusiastic and even hinted that William would nominate him as the United Kingdom Youth Wizard Representative Wizengamot.
The United Kingdom Youth Wizard Representative is a title bestowed by Wizengamot upon certain underage wizards in the United Kingdom during specific events.
When Dumbledore graduated, he was the United Kingdom representative for that year.
According to custom, this title is only given to outstanding wizards between the ages of sixteen and seventeen, but William received the Order of Merlin at the tender age of twelve, which was more than enough for him.
William was also pestered by Lockhart, who took many photos of him and promised to send him a set of his books.
Lockhart was once Ravenclaw student, but when Dumbledore invited him to take the position of Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor the following year, he excused himself to go to the bathroom.
"William, did you bring any Clear Mind Potion?" Dumbledore suddenly asked.
"Yes, I brought it, what's wrong, Professor?" William asked.
When he had been studying for too long, William would use Clear Mind Potion to help him eliminate all distractions and concentrate.
"I think you'll need to use some," Dumbledore said as he walked away.
William pulled a red bottle from a small bag that had been enchanted with Undetectable Extension Charm.
"Just one drop?" That's the dosage he usually uses.
"One drop won't do, hmm... I'm afraid three drops will be needed." Dumbledore blinked.
"Oh, okay." William readily agreed.
Just then, a Giant approached from afar, wearing black high heels—the shoes were as big as small sleds, with heels a full fifty centimeters high—but on that woman's feet, they looked almost like flat shoes.
With the support of high heels, that woman was at least five meters tall; if Hagrid were here, he would be a head shorter.
Unlike Hagrid, this woman was beautiful. She had a delicate olive-colored face, large, dark, watery eyes, and a very pointed nose.
Her hair was combed back and tied into a shiny bun at the base of her neck.
She was dressed head to toe in a black satin garment, and her neck and large fingers were adorned with numerous exquisite opals.
Hagrid missed out on a fortune!
Dumbledore led William over, and she smiled gracefully, extending a Winky hand.
Although Dumbledore was also tall, he hardly bent over when kissing this hand.
"My dear Madame Maxime," said Dumbledore, "It's been a long time. You are as elegant as ever."
"You too, Professor Dumbledore, still as radiant as ever," Madame Maxime said in a low voice. "I hope you are well."
"Very good, thank you," said Dumbledore. "This is William, my student, I think you already know him."
William stepped forward and nodded slightly in acknowledgment. "Hello, Madame Maxime."
"Hello, child," Madame Maxime glanced at William, "I think you must be the best student at Hogwarts, so..."
A barely perceptible sly smile flashed in her eyes, and she waved her enormous hand behind her.
A girl of thirteen or fourteen walked out from behind Maxime. She was wearing a gorgeous silk robe and had long, cascading silver hair that reached her waist.
To be honest, she was the most beautiful girl William had ever seen. Her deep blue eyes seemed to possess a special magic that urged him to do something "daring".
Maxime laughed; she was waiting for the boy to embarrass himself.
But William's dazed state lasted less than a second before his eyes cleared, and he smiled in French, "Hello, beautiful lady."
Maxime's smile froze.
Dumbledore revealed a cunning smile.
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