"The renowned Magizoologist and author of Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, Mr. Newt Scamander!"
A brief silence fell over the Great Hall, only to be followed by the most enthusiastic applause yet.
The Hufflepuff table, in particular, erupted into chaos.
That unassuming old man was actually Newt Scamander!
Newt was practically the idol of every Hufflepuff. Many students were already eager to find an opportunity to ask for his autograph once the ceremony was over.
Lucien was clapping as well.
He was not surprised by Newt's arrival, because in a letter a few days earlier, he had mentioned something that Newt would definitely be interested in: a certain enormous serpent lurking in the Albanian forest...
"We have all gathered here today for an even more joyful occasion—"
As soon as Dumbledore spoke, the Great Hall fell silent once again.
"Let us first invite Mr. Lucien to the stage!"
Under everyone's gaze, Lucien stood up.
His school robes instantly transformed into a luxurious formal suit. The dark blue attire resembled the night sky itself, understated yet elegant.
Lucien walked with steady steps, passing between the long tables toward the staff table.
The flickering candlelight shone down, casting a soft glow over his dark golden hair.
"Mr. Grafton published a paper that pioneered an entirely new path in Transfiguration... and will therefore receive the award bestowed by the Transfiguration Association, the Ring of All Things!"
The woman named Celer Verista stepped forward. The small box in her hand opened automatically, revealing a silver ring set with a crystal-clear emerald. She smiled at Lucien.
"An extraordinary achievement. The future belongs to you young people."
Lucien replied politely:
"I could only see farther because I stood on the shoulders of giants."
Taking the Ring of All Things, Lucien placed it on the index finger of his left hand.
Some of the Young Wizards below were simply enjoying the spectacle, some were asking what kind of award the Ring of All Things was, while others were shocked that someone their own age had already attained the highest honour in the field of Transfiguration...
Susan lightly nudged Hannah beside her and whispered:
"It's not over yet. There's something even more exciting!"
Just as Susan finished speaking, Madam Celer stepped back into the group of guests, and Fudge took her place, carrying a small box and wearing his usual affable smile.
Dumbledore's voice rang out once more:
"I believe everyone still remembers the events of last term, and also remembers the contributions made by Mr. Grafton. To honour his bravery in slaying the Basilisk, protecting the students of Hogwarts, and safeguarding the future of the Magical World..."
"The Wizengamot has decided to award him the Order of Merlin, First Class!"
In an instant, the entire Great Hall erupted.
The Ring of All Things, after all, belonged solely to the field of Transfiguration and was an award that leaned heavily toward academic achievement.
But the Order of Merlin was different.
It could be said to be the most famous honour in the British Magical World!
Especially the Order of Merlin, First Class. Receiving this honour was enough to secure one's place in the history books!
Fudge had already opened the box, revealing the gold medal inside, attached to the green ribbon unique to the First Class Order.
After pinning the Order of Merlin to Lucien's chest, Fudge gently patted him on the shoulder.
In truth, the award could have been presented by Dumbledore, the Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot, but Fudge simply could not pass up such a rare opportunity to stand in the spotlight. After all, opportunities to present the Order of Merlin, First Class, to the youngest recipient in history did not come often.
He then gestured for Lucien to face the cameras, and the sound of clicking shutters became incessant.
Under the glare of the camera flashes, Lucien's dark green eyes shone brilliantly. The Order of Merlin on his chest and the Ring of All Things on his left hand glittered brightly, yet neither could outshine the youthful spirit radiating from the young man himself.
The students in the audience reacted in different ways, but they all shared the same thought:
"Someone has already received the Order of Merlin, First Class, at the age of twelve, while I'm still losing sleep over exams and finding a job after graduation."
At this moment, the Slytherin table had the strongest reaction. After all, Slytherins possessed an innate longing for glory; otherwise, they would never have been sorted there.
The Order of Merlin, First Class!
Draco stared at the medal on Lucien's chest, his eyes gleaming. He couldn't help imagining what it would feel like if he were the one standing on that stage. That would truly bring glory to the Malfoy family!
As the heir to a pure-blood family, Draco understood the true value of Lucien's medal. Unlike the customary awards given to retiring Ministers for Magic or the "donations" made by certain Black family ancestors, Lucien had earned this honour through genuine accomplishments.
At the neighbouring table, Harry was whispering to Ron:
"Ron, does this mean Lucien is going to become a huge celebrity in the Magical World?"
Ron nodded vigorously in agreement and gestured with his chin toward a certain spot at the Gryffindor table.
"Look, look at Percy's expression. He's practically dying of envy."
Hearing this, Harry turned to look and saw Percy staring fixedly at the staff table, his cheeks flushed. He was looking not only at Lucien, but also at the important figures surrounding him.
Percy was immensely ambitious, and because of that, he was always eager to make a good impression on influential people.
Yet Lucien, who was the same age as Percy's younger brother, was already chatting and laughing with the most important figures in the British Magical World.
This sense of absurdity, brought about by the enormous gap between age and achievement, struck many people deeply.
As time passed, the unforgettable award ceremony finally came to an end.
...
Inside Newt's suitcase world.
Standing beside what resembled a gigantic water tank, Lucien raised his wand. The deeper blue, wave-shaped Elemental Magic Pattern on his little finger emitted a faint glow.
After completing another loan following Christmas, the Water Pattern had now advanced to the advanced level.
With his affinity for the water element further enhanced, Lucien manipulated an enormous sphere of water. A Kelpie thrashed violently inside it, agitated and restless, yet unable to break free from the sphere's restraints.
"I can't believe I still have to trouble you for help. It's the mating season for Kelpies lately, and their tempers have become especially bad..."
Newt tapped his wand, causing the moisture on his clothing to drain away automatically.
Lucien channelled his Magic, and the Elemental Magic Pattern on his finger shone with a blue light. A stream of azure water shot from the tip of his wand, swimming through the sphere like a fish toward the Kelpie's mouth.
After swallowing the stream of water, the previously agitated Kelpie gradually calmed down and stopped struggling so violently.
It was rather similar to the Thunderbird's affinity for the lightning element; Magic imbued with the aura of the Elemental Magic Pattern could also soothe Kelpies.
"Don't mention it. It's only a small favour."
"Mr. Newt, during our conversation earlier, I noticed that those guests didn't seem particularly fond of Headmaster Dumbledore?"
Lucien asked curiously.
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