Chapter 624 Medal of Merlin and Contribution Award

"It's finally over. How many people have passed the assessment now?"

"As of last night, a total of 275 students have passed the customs. It's a pity that there is not enough time, otherwise the number may be at least doubled. I have even received a few requests to apply for delayed vacation... Incredible."

In the principal's office, Dumbledore said with a smile, a pleasant reflection flashing on his lenses.

Sitting on a soft armchair not far from the old wizard, Elena stretched hard, ignoring the expectant eyes of Fox on the bird stand next to her, and casually grabbed a handful of fragrant fried fish and rice and threw it into her mouth. Shaked his head.

"Too much is not enough. Appropriate regret is more conducive to continuing the enthusiasm for learning——"

"Yes, I think so too, so I rejected these applications righteously and let them prepare to enjoy their summer vacation. But I must say again, will the bonus be a bit too much?"

"Are you worried that people will spend too much pocket money? Don't worry, this is my field."

Elena smiled slightly, took out some parchments from her chest and spread them on Dumbledore's desktop.

[Hogwarts Round-Faced Fat Chicken Summer Takeaway], [Hogsmeade Business Center Renovation Plan]...

"How to recycle excess gold coins is not a complicated matter, right? The house elves are happy to serve everyone during the holidays. As for the messengers, it is said that there are many more little lives in the owl loft this year—— "

"Yes, I finally made up for last year's losses. This time I will consider adding prohibited edible and poisonous labels."

"...Ahem, that was all a long time ago."

Elena coughed slightly in embarrassment, ignored Dumbledore's teasing, and continued.

"In addition, as we discussed before, after everyone returns home, the school will send an owl messenger to the home of each student who passed the test to tell their parents that they passed the final assessment and received a sum of money. Good news about a nice bonus... Of course, this may require you as the sender.”

"Oh, this is really bad news." Dumbledore shook his head and sighed helplessly, "Of course, if I refuse, I guess you can find someone to imitate my signature, right? I hope it doesn't happen. I still get gifts at Christmas during term time.”

"It doesn't matter, I can publish a special issue of "The New Quibbler" for you to ask for gifts, if you need..."

Elena shrugged her shoulders unmoved, grabbed a handful of small fish rice and threw it into Fox's trough, while touching the warm and soft feathers of the golden-red bird, she asked casually.

"But speaking of it, I originally thought you would object to my arrangements for the sixth level. If my guess is correct, the school must have received a lot of complaint letters in the past few weeks, right? It is said that a few days ago, Cornelius... Fudge even came to Hogwarts himself."

"In fact, on the contrary, everyone agrees with this attempt..."

Dumbledore smiled, fumbled around the table, and handed Elena a small box.

With a click, the box opened slightly, revealing its contents.

Two exquisite golden medals flowing with magical light lay quietly in the center of the red cushion.

"As for Connelly, he actually came to school for another thing - congratulations, you have received a Merlin Order of Merlin Level 2 and a Merlin Order of Merlin Level 3. The reason is that he successfully seized the opportunity for the Ministry of Magic. Peter Pettigrew provided important intelligence and proposed constructive practical assessment plans in the educational reform of Hogwarts."

After taking a look at the strange expression on Elena's face, Dumbledore couldn't help but smile a little thicker.

"I know that to you, these two medals are probably nothing; but this is a mark of life worth remembering. Its significance does not lie in what level of medal it is, nor in who issued it. It What’s more important is that it records the correct and memorable things you did at a certain point. Perhaps it will take many years later, when you start to look back at the footprints you have left in your life, that you will realize their significance. Precious place.”

The Order of Merlin originated in the fifteenth century and was awarded uniformly by the Wizengamot. It usually consists of a golden medal with a ribbon of the corresponding color. It is the most widely recognized social contribution medal in the wizarding world today.

Each level of medal represents a different meaning, and the importance is not strictly determined by the size of the number.

The Order of Merlin, First Class, is awarded to those who "exhibit particularly outstanding courage and talent" in the magical and social fields. The medal is accompanied by a green ribbon. Dumbledore has received the Order of Merlin, First Class, several times.

Of course, Peter Pettigrew and Tom Riddle also once held the Order of Merlin, First Class.

The Order of Merlin, Second Class, is awarded to people with "outstanding achievements or efforts". The medal is accompanied by a purple ribbon. The Order of the Third Class is usually awarded to those "for meritorious services in scholarship or entertainment" and is accompanied by a white ribbon.

Over a long period of time, usually only a few medals are awarded in one generation.

As bureaucratic thinking gradually spreads in the Wizengamot, there have been significantly more new recipients of the Order of Merlin in recent years, especially the number of high-level medals, which are far more than ordinary people imagine. For this For a coveted award, it is not unusual for the number of first-level medals to be greater than the number of second- and third-level medals combined.

Even so, it was not easy for Dumbledore to make an exception and apply for two medals for an eleven-year-old Elena, especially when the reasons he gave were not very convincing.

"...I really don't understand your thoughts. Anyway, thank you."

Glancing at Dumbledore who was serious, Elena didn't know what to say for a moment.

Even if the old wizard didn't say anything, she could guess that these two medals were definitely not brought to her on her own initiative. This was not the first time for Elena to deal with Albus Dumbledore's unusual stubbornness. Saw it.

"To be honest, Professor," Elena curled her lips, "Compared to these two inedible medals, actually I -"

"At the same time, you will also get this..."

Before Elena could finish her words, Dumbledore, like Santa Claus handing out gifts at Christmas, took out another small box from the edge of the table and handed it to Elena, and another golden medal.

[Hogwarts Special Contribution Award——Elena Kaslana]

"First of all, I must state solemnly that this is in no way a reward for mortgaging your school."

Dumbledore said half-jokingly, stroking the golden shield-shaped medal with his fingers. His blue eyes stared at the silver-haired little witch in front of him through the lenses, and his tone gradually became more formal.

"Elena Kaslana, during the 1991-1992 school year at Hogwarts, you made an extremely outstanding contribution in breaking the long-standing invisible barriers between the four houses and uniting and uniting the students of the school. Therefore, as the Headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, I award you the Hogwarts Special Contribution Award in recognition of your contribution to the school."

"Oh, of course, the formal awarding ceremony will be held at the end of school ceremony tomorrow."

At this moment, Dumbledore suddenly winked mischievously and quickly put the medal back.

"You have to understand, because I need to decide how many points should be added to Hufflepuff based on the scores of the four houses tomorrow to ensure that you, as the winner of this year's Special Contribution Award, can help your house win the House Cup."

"...Wouldn't it be inappropriate for you to speak directly about such a behind-the-scenes matter?"

The corner of Elena's mouth twitched slightly, and the excitement in her heart instantly subsided by half.

"No, I must explain it in advance, otherwise..."

Dumbledore shook his head and said meaningfully.

"If Hufflepuff House's scores do not meet the standard tomorrow, I'm afraid that some weird things will happen in the school on the last day of this school year, right? Miss Kaslana..."

"Uh... don't worry, Gryffindor and Slytherin won't have a group fight tomorrow! I promise!"

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