A Certain Magical Hogwarts

Chapter 108 Hagrid missed out on a billion dollars

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 a loud voice, "Good morning, ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Merlin Memorial Hall for this momentous investiture ceremony."

"In the past year, some wizards have made remarkable contributions to the magical world—their courage and wisdom have brought about significant changes to our world—" Dumbledore read from a long manuscript, which was mostly a eulogy to the laureates and a retelling of their deeds.

"Everything is ready. Wizards, please proceed to your 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 Britain to receive medals this year; besides William, Damcos Belby, and one third-class honoree.

—Gidro 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 presented the medals one by one, and soon it was William's turn.

"On behalf of the Order of Merlin and all those in the wizarding world," Dumbledore said, picking up the exquisite silk sash, "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 the first class, the purple ribbon for the second class, and the white ribbon for the 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 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 particularly 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 extremely shameless one.

Dumbledore put the purple ribbon on William, 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 hand making his hand ache.

William suspected that Dumbledore had put a spell on the ring, otherwise the diamond would have surely fallen out after he clenched his fist around it.

"My child," Dumbledore said softly, "thank you for what you did before."

"It was all thanks to your help, Professor."

The two exchanged a knowing smile.

"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 British magical community would soon eliminate poverty, achieve a moderately prosperous society, and attain common prosperity.

Such a profound topic was naturally not understood by many, and apart from Mr. Weasley, who was interested, everyone else was completely baffled.

During the meal, wizards kept coming over to congratulate William, especially Dumbledore, who took him around and introduced him to the wizards; the two appeared extremely close.

Seeing this, Fudge became even more enthusiastic and hinted that William would nominate him as the representative of British youth wizards in Wizengamot.

The title of British Youth Wizard Representative is a title bestowed by Wissengamo upon certain underage wizards in the UK during specific events.

When Dumbledore graduated, he was the British 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 works.

Lockhart was once a 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 calming potions?" Dumbledore suddenly asked.

"Yes, I brought it, what's wrong, Professor?" William asked.

When he had been studying for too long, William would use a calming potion to help him eliminate all distractions and concentrate.

"I think you'll need some," Dumbledore said as he walked away.

William pulled a red bottle from a small bag that had been enchanted with the Invisible Stretch spell.

"Just one drop?" That's the dosage he usually uses.

"One drop won't do, um... I'm afraid it'll have to be three drops." Dumbledore blinked.

"Oh, okay," William readily agreed.

Just then, a giant walked in from afar, wearing black high heels—the shoes were as big as a small sled, with heels a full fifty centimeters long—but on that woman, they looked almost like flat shoes.

Supported by her high heels, the woman seemed enormous; even Hagrid would be a head shorter if he were there.

Unlike Hagrid, this woman was beautiful. She had a handsome 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 from head to toe in a black satin garment, and her neck and large fingers were adorned with many exquisite opals.

Hagrid missed out on a fortune!

Dumbledore led William over, and she smiled gracefully, extending a shimmering hand.

Although Dumbledore was also tall, he hardly bent over when he kissed this hand.

"My dear Mrs. Maxim," said Dumbledore, "it's been a long time. You are as elegant as ever."

"You too, Professor Dumbledore, still as radiant as ever," Mrs. 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, Mrs. Maxim."

"Hello, child." Madam Maxim glanced at William. "I suppose you must be the best student at Hogwarts, so..."

A barely perceptible sly smile flashed in her eyes as she waved her enormous hand behind her.

A girl of thirteen or fourteen walked out from behind Maxim. 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 have a special magic that urged him to do something "daring".

Maxim laughed, waiting for the boy to embarrass himself.

But William was only dazed for less than a second before his eyes cleared, and he smiled in French, "Hello, beautiful lady."

Maxim's smile froze.

Dumbledore revealed a cunning smile.

……

……

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(End of this chapter)