Chapter 232: Order of Merlin, Second Class
The unexpected arrival of the guests instantly captured everyone's attention. The cheers and chatter faded as students turned their heads, recognizing only Cornelius Fudge, the Minister of Magic, among the newcomers. The others were unfamiliar to most.
Even Dumbledore, seated at the Head Table, looked momentarily surprised but quickly rose to greet them.
"Oh, Dugald, Cornelius, Pegasia..." he addressed them warmly, naming each in turn. "It's wonderful to see you all here at Hogwarts. I thought you weren't scheduled to arrive until tomorrow."
"It was indeed supposed to be tomorrow..." replied Dugald MacPhail, the elderly wizard at the front, with a smile. "But Nicolas thought this moment was too rare to keep between just a few of us, and I happen to agree. After all, no young wizard has ever received the Order of Merlin at the age of twelve—that's a record-breaking achievement."
"It's certainly something to celebrate," Dumbledore replied, smiling broadly.
"So we hurried along and managed to get here before term ended," MacPhail continued with a laugh. "This way, the boy can receive the award with his peers here at Hogwarts... which must mean the world to him."
At his words, the hall fell into absolute silence. Everyone's eyes were wide with disbelief and curiosity. A twelve-year-old wizard receiving the Order of Merlin? It seemed almost impossible.
At the Gryffindor table, Fred glanced stiffly at George.
"Twelve years old... that means he's got to be a second-year, right?"
"...Or maybe even a first-year," George muttered, his expression just as puzzled. "Could be Harry. Everyone knows he defeated Voldemort, an Order of Merlin—it's not too far-fetched."
"But... Harry's birthday is in July. He's still eleven."