Chapter 296: Order of Merlin, Second Class Medal
Order of Merlin, Second Class Medal!
Consider that even Peter Pettigrew, when he was thought to have died heroically confronting the 'dangerous' Sirius Black, only earned a posthumous Order of Merlin, Second Class.
Among those currently holding Order of Merlin, First Class medals, Sean knew for certain only Dumbledore.
This showed how precious this Order of Merlin, Second Class medal was.
Looking down at the Order of Merlin, Second Class medal on his chest, Sean knew this was one of the benefits from his previous cooperation with the Ministry on the new Wolfsbane Potion. Without that cooperation, he might not have been able to obtain this.
Originally, as both Wizengamot candidates, the timing of Sean's promotion was uncertain, but with this Order of Merlin, Second Class medal, Sean's qualification for promotion was surely now at the front of the line.
Sean and Damocles walked down from the stage together and returned to their respective seats.
What followed were some closing ceremonies. After these concluded, this Golden Cauldron Awards ceremony was officially over. People could choose to leave directly or attend the banquet outside. The Wizengamot had prepared a very sumptuous lunch.
As the recipient of the biggest award, Sean naturally had to attend the banquet.
Accompanied by Gavin and Elena, many Wizengamot members came to talk with Sean, while Snape and Damocles attracted many professional Potion Masters for exchanges. Throughout the entire banquet, aside from eating a little at the beginning on Gavin's suggestion to stave off hunger, Sean spent the rest of the time only drinking beverages while talking with others. By the time the banquet ended, Sean was so hungry his chest was touching his back.
"Grandmum, I'm going back to school."
"Go ahead, go ahead. Remember to eat something when you get back. Those old fellows kept you chatting for so long without giving you anything to eat. You must be starving."
Watching his wife fussing over Sean, Gavin cleared his throat: "Elena, we should head back too. Let Sean and Professor Snape return to Hogwarts. Using the Floo Network, they can get back to Hogwarts immediately and eat then.
Also, there's the Triwizard Tournament this year. I'll get two tickets to take you to watch. Then you can visit with Sean more."
At this point, Elena finally let go, reluctantly bidding farewell to Sean.
After waving to Elena as she walked away, Sean left the Wizengamot Administration with Snape, heading directly to the first-floor fireplaces. They stepped into the emerald green flames and returned to Snape's office via the Floo Network.
Emerging from the office fireplace, Snape immediately extinguished the flames inside, then cast magic to disconnect his fireplace from the Floo Network before moving the chair back in front of the fireplace.
After securing the fireplace, Snape waved his wand to summon one of the castle's house-elves.
"We need food, and make sure there's plenty of it."
"Yes, Professor Snape."
The house-elf disappeared from Snape's office with a pop. Before long, the office desk was covered with abundant food and drinks, their aroma immediately filling the entire office.
"Eat quickly, then go rest after you're done."
"Yes, Professor."
Sean had no need to be polite with Snape. He sat down directly, tore off half a roasted chicken, and began eating heartily.
Since obtaining the Troll Strength talent, Sean's appetite had remained consistently high. Having been hungry all afternoon, Sean could hardly wait to feast.
A table full of food didn't last ten minutes.
Watching the nearly empty dishes and Sean, who still looked unsatisfied, Snape called the house-elf again for another table's worth. Only after the second table was also cleaned did Sean wipe his mouth, contentedly drink the last large jug of apple juice, and eat his fill. About eighty percent full.
"Are you done eating?"
"More or less. It's already afternoon, so I didn't eat too much. Don't want to affect dinner."
"..."
Without saying much more, Snape waved his hand. Sean immediately understood and disappeared from Snape's office.
When Sean returned to the Slytherin common room, news from the Ministry hadn't yet arrived, so no one knew where Sean had gone. Since it was Saturday, only a few people greeted Sean. He smoothly returned to his room, briefly washed up, glanced at the still-sleeping Kulkan, then lay down for a nap himself.
Sean was awakened by knocking.
Getting up sleepily to open the door, he found many people had gathered outside. Those knocking were Blaise, Andy, and Jensen. Seeing Sean open the door, they pushed into his room despite protests from those outside, then closed the door.
Sean looked at them bewildered, asking confusedly: "What's wrong with you all? Coming to find me suddenly. Is there some urgent matter?"
"Sean, don't you have anything you want to tell us?"
"Tell you what?"
Sean was still somewhat groggy.
Seeing Sean's confused, sleepy appearance, Blaise didn't keep up the suspense: "We just received messages from home. This morning you went to the Golden Cauldron Awards ceremony hosted by the Ministry's Wizengamot. You won the Best Paper Golden Cauldron Award and an Order of Merlin, Second Class medal. Is this true or false?"
Of course it was true.
Actually, Blaise and the others knew this must be true. Otherwise, so many people wouldn't have received messages from home. He just wanted confirmation from Sean.
At this point, Sean also fully awoke. He yawned and nodded: "That's right, there was such a thing. But you woke me up just for this?"
"Just for this? This? That's an Order of Merlin medal! And it's second class! This is the magical world's highest honour, and in your mouth it's just 'this'?"
Sitting in a chair, Sean took his Undetectable Extension Bag from the table, removed the Order of Merlin, Second Class medal from it, and tossed it to Blaise and the others: "The medal itself has no magical properties. What matters to me isn't the decoration, but the opportunities and recognition it represents.
Now I've already received what it brings, so naturally the medal itself isn't that important anymore. Of course, this medal's function can still be utilised a bit. Surely an Order of Merlin and the top Golden Cauldron Award justify a hundred points for Slytherin? I think that's quite modest, actually."