Kapitel 108: Chapter 108: Hagrid Misses Out on a Fortune

As Dumbledore took his place on the stage, a hush fell over the hall. Everyone took their seats, giving the headmaster their undivided attention.

"Good morning, ladies and gentlemen," Dumbledore began in his clear, ringing voice. "Thank you all for gathering here today at the Merlin Memorial Hall for this very meaningful ceremony.

"In the past year, a number of remarkable witches and wizards have contributed to our world in extraordinary ways—their courage and wisdom have brought about lasting change." He continued, reading from a long scroll, giving praise and recounting each honoree's achievements.

"We are ready to begin, so I would like to ask each of you to come forward to receive your medals."

William rose from his seat and strode forward. Among the group of middle-aged and elderly wizards, he was a standout—a single child among them.

This year, the Order of Merlin ceremony honored only a few British wizards, including William, Damocles Belby, and a Third-Class awardee—none other than Gilderoy Lockhart.

According to his citation, Lockhart was being honored for his courage in facing dark creatures and for sharing defensive techniques in his autobiographical works.

Dumbledore went down the line, awarding each medal in turn. Finally, he reached William.

"On behalf of the Order of Merlin and the wizarding community," Dumbledore said, lifting a beautifully crafted silk ribbon, "I award William Stark the Second-Class Order of Merlin."

The Order of Merlin medal itself was a grand gold medal attached to a colored ribbon—green for First-Class, purple for Second-Class, and white for Third-Class. It was said that the green ribbon of the First-Class medal honored Merlin's affiliation with Hogwarts' Slytherin House.

This notion was something Slytherins promoted every year in their welcome speech, though whether it was actually true remained unknown.

First-Class medals were rare, typically awarded posthumously or to wizards on the brink of old age, unless the honoree had achieved something extraordinary, like Dumbledore's 1945 defeat of Grindelwald.

The majority of honorees received Second- and Third-Class medals.

Umbridge's suggestion that Fudge might receive a First-Class Order of Merlin was absurdly audacious, bordering on delusional.

Dumbledore draped the purple ribbon over William's shoulder, allowing it to fall diagonally from his left shoulder to his right hip.

"Thank you, Professor," William murmured as they shook hands. The gemstones on Dumbledore's rings pressed painfully into his hand.

William suspected that Dumbledore had enchanted the rings; otherwise, after a few handshakes, the jewels would surely disappear.

"Thank you, my boy," Dumbledore said in a low voice, "for all you've done."

"It was with your guidance, Professor," William replied, each fully aware of the other's meaning.

They shared a knowing smile.

"Oh, and find me after the ceremony," Dumbledore added. "There are some important people I'd like you to meet."

With that, Dumbledore moved on to the next honoree.

When the ceremony concluded, the hall erupted in cheers and applause, the celebratory mood reaching its peak. The enchanted ceiling sparkled with stars and was soon bursting with colorful fireworks.

The applause continued for several minutes until hands began to ache and gradually died down.

Each honoree gave a short speech.

William's focused on promoting unity within the wizarding world and addressing prejudice against Muggle-born wizards. It was a highly diplomatic stance and aligned with the current era's sense of political correctness.

And, with a sly grin, he added a brief message about hoping the British wizarding world would someday eliminate poverty, achieve prosperity, and bring about common wealth.

Most listeners were puzzled by such lofty ideas, except for Mr. Weasley, who nodded with interest.

As they sat down for the meal, a steady stream of well-wishers approached William to offer their congratulations.

With Dumbledore introducing him to various wizards and the two appearing quite close, Fudge became increasingly enthusiastic and hinted that he intended to propose William as Britain's Youth Wizard Representative for the Wizengamot.

The position of British Youth Wizard Representative was an honorary title awarded by the Wizengamot to exemplary young wizards aged sixteen to seventeen during certain special events.

Dumbledore himself had held the title upon graduating.

Although this title was generally reserved for older students, William's achievement in earning the Order of Merlin at just twelve made him an obvious exception.

Gilderoy Lockhart, meanwhile, had taken up much of William's time, insisting on multiple photo ops and promising to gift him an entire set of his books.

Lockhart, who had also been in Ravenclaw, seemed to vanish, however, when Dumbledore approached and invited him to teach Defense Against the Dark Arts the following year, offering a weak excuse about needing to use the restroom.

"William, did you bring a bottle of Calming Draught?" Dumbledore asked unexpectedly.

"Yes, Professor, I did," William replied.

The Calming Draught helped him clear his mind and concentrate when he'd studied for long hours.

"I think you might want to use some now." Dumbledore said as they strolled through the hall.

William reached into the magically expanded pocket of his small bag and pulled out a bottle of red liquid.

"One drop?" he asked, which was his usual dosage.

"One won't be enough," Dumbledore advised with a twinkle in his eye. "I'd suggest three."

"Oh, all right," William agreed readily.

As he took his Calming Draught, a giant woman entered the hall. She wore high heels the size of small sleds, with five-inch platforms that made no difference to her massive frame, towering over five meters.

Unlike Hagrid, however, she was stunningly beautiful, with olive skin, large dark eyes, and a sharply defined nose.

Her hair was tied back, coiled elegantly into a shiny chignon at the nape of her neck. She wore a black satin gown adorned with opals on her neck and thick fingers.

Hagrid would be devastated to know he'd missed this!

Dumbledore led William over to her, and the woman greeted them with a gracious smile, extending a hand that sparkled with jewels. Dumbledore, though tall himself, barely had to bend as he kissed her hand.

"Madame Maxime, my dear," Dumbledore greeted her warmly. "It's been too long. You're as elegant as ever."

"As are you, Professor Dumbledore," she replied in a deep, velvety voice. "I trust all is well with you."

"Very well, thank you," Dumbledore replied, and he introduced William. "This is William, one of my students. I believe you've already heard of him."

William stepped forward and nodded politely. "Good day, Madame Maxime."

"Good day, young man," she responded, studying William keenly. "You must be one of Hogwarts' most outstanding students."

A glint of mischief flashed in her eyes as she raised a hand and beckoned someone forward.

From behind her stepped a girl, around thirteen or fourteen, dressed in an elegant satin gown with long, silvery hair that cascaded down to her waist.

She was, without a doubt, the most beautiful girl William had ever seen. Her sapphire-blue eyes seemed to hold an inexplicable charm that urged him to do something daring.

Madame Maxime waited, an amused smile on her face, ready to watch the boy fumble.

But William's trance lasted barely a second before he regained his composure. With a polite smile, he greeted her in fluent French, "Hello, mademoiselle."

Madame Maxime's smile faltered.

Dumbledore, on the other hand, looked immensely pleased, a cunning smile on his face.

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