Chapter 293: Before the Awards
Griselda Marchbanks.
Tiberius Ogden.
These two were senior Wizengamot members and also Dumbledore's friends in the Wizengamot.
As early as the 1890s, Marchbanks held a position at the Wizarding Examinations Authority, where she had the privilege of examining young Dumbledore's exceptional N.E.W.T. performance in Transfiguration and Charms.
At that time, Dumbledore had displayed extraordinary talent and incredibly amazing magic. Even then, Marchbanks already held great respect for Dumbledore.
Ogden was also a wizard with considerable credentials. He had extensive social connections and close relationships with many wizards, including but not limited to Marchbanks and Dumbledore.
The three of them were absolutely veteran members within the Wizengamot. Especially Dumbledore. He was not only a Wizengamot member but also Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot, holding a lofty position.
As soon as the three entered, they attracted the attention of most people present.
Dumbledore looked around, occasionally waving to old friends he spotted. When he saw Sean and Snape surrounded by people, he immediately smiled and whispered something to Marchbanks and Ogden, causing them to look toward Sean together. Then all three walked toward Sean.
Seeing the arrival of Dumbledore's group, even Andy's father, Old Morgan, no matter how unwilling, could only make way for the three. He had come here intending to find Sean and, leveraging Andy's relationship, request that the Morgan family obtain management rights for the new mental restoration potion. If he could obtain those management rights, the Morgan family would surely rise to another level.
However, before he could speak, Dumbledore and the others arrived, forcing Old Morgan to temporarily step back.
Dumbledore, Marchbanks, and Ogden came before Sean, and then Dumbledore directly began introducing Sean to his two old friends.
"Marchbanks, Ogden, this is Sean, whom I mentioned to you before. He's a very talented wizard, especially in Potions. He's the most gifted child I've ever seen, even surpassing Severus in his youth."
Regarding excellent students, Marchbanks' interest far exceeded Ogden's. Perhaps because Marchbanks herself was in education, she naturally knew how rare an excellent, talented child was, especially one recognised as a genius by Dumbledore.
"Sean, I've seen your exam papers from the past three years. You have quite amazing talent. As for your Potions talent, being able to stand here already proves the point. I look forward to you winning an award."
Sean looked at Marchbanks. A somewhat thin and short elderly woman. She had an aura belonging to educators, spirited and looking very similar to Professor McGonagall. They were the same type of person.
Ogden carefully observed Sean, nodded lightly, and smiled: "Seeing you, I finally understand why that fellow Gavin has been in such good spirits these past few years. If I could have a descendant like you, my mood would also remain in a high state. Rest easy, young man. I can assure you that your talents won't go unrewarded tonight."
At this point, Ogden winked at Sean, then looked back at Dumbledore. The three said their farewells and left the hall, heading deeper to the awards ceremony organising committee to handle their own related matters.
Watching the departing trio, Damocles immediately smiled and congratulated Sean: "Sean, with Mr. Ogden's guarantee, you should be certain to win an award this time. You should know that even within the Wizengamot, Mr. Ogden's network is absolutely the most extensive, and his information is very accurate."
After what had just happened, the people around became even more enthusiastic toward Sean.
Now hearing Damocles' words, these people began congratulating Sean on his award in advance, while Sean handled the thanks with ease, simultaneously expressing appropriate modesty about his award news. His grasp of proportion was just right. Watching this version of Sean, Snape was truly surprised by Sean's social abilities.
Such a person. Not only outstanding in professional talent but also so excellent in social skills. He was only in fourth year. What level would he reach after graduation?
With this thought, Damocles' attitude became even more enthusiastic, already treating Sean like his own junior and beginning to help Sean socialise with others everywhere.
Instead, Snape, who had accompanied Sean here, was now completely idle.
After an unknown amount of time, Shaun was starting to feel his feet becoming uncomfortable when the formal awards ceremony venue finally opened. Everyone searched for their assigned seats according to their names on the seating chart at the entrance, then entered the venue and sat down after finding their designated positions.
As an award recipient, Sean's seat was in the first row. As the guardian of the minor Sean, Snape's seat was also beside Sean's. Damocles, though also in the first row, was seated quite far from Sean, so the three had to separate when entering.
"Finding their front-row seats proved simple enough. Sean and Snape had barely taken their places when a beloved couple approached and claimed the seats directly next to Sean.
"Grandfather! Grandmother!" Sean exclaimed. "What are you doing here?"
Elena sat right beside Sean. She reached out to hold Sean's arm, her eyes full of loving affection. Gently stroking Sean's cheek, Elena smiled: "My little Sean has become an important figure now, achieving things that many adult wizards cannot accomplish. You must have worked very hard along the way, right?"
Hearing this, Sean's expression immediately became gentle.
Today he had heard countless flattering words. They were all celebrating the award Sean was about to receive, envying the glory Sean was about to obtain. Only Elena expressed concern for Sean's past efforts, caring whether he was tired.
Sean tenderly placed his hand over Elena's where it rested on his arm, offering her his first truly genuine smile of the day. "I'm not tired, Grandmum," he said softly.
Though "grandmum" was simply another word for grandmother, something in Sean's voice and the way he looked at her told Elena this wasn't just casual address—it came from deep affection."
Hugging Sean's arm tighter, Elena nodded gently: "With such remarkable achievements under your belt, you can afford to take things a bit easier now. Don't be so hard on yourself." Today I want to personally watch you go on stage to receive your award. Watch my grandson receive his award on stage!"