A temporary platform had been set up at the front of the hall, and the members of the Wizengamot were already in place.
Professor Dumbledore, as the Chief Wizard, stood in the center of the platform.
Charlie was guided to a specific spot below the platform, surrounded by Wizards who had come to witness the ceremony.
"Ladies and gentlemen." Professor Dumbledore's voice echoed through the hall.
"Today we are gathered here to honor the outstanding contributions of a young Wizard."
"Mr. Charlie White has developed the revolutionary Soul-Healing Potion, saving countless lives in the future from suffering due to soul damage."
Warm applause erupted from below the stage.
"Now, I invite Mr. Charlie White to come to the stage to receive his medal."
Charlie walked onto the platform, and the applause below grew even more enthusiastic.
Professor Dumbledore held a beautiful medal in his hand, engraved with the image of Merlin and intricate magic runes.
"Charlie White, for your outstanding contributions to Potions, all members of the Wizengamot have unanimously decided to award you the order of merlin, second class."
Someone in the audience gasped.
"An order of merlin, second class, if only I could get a Third Class in my lifetime."
"You might as well go to bed."
"If you ask me, a Second Class is too much. Even a great Wizard like Lockhart only received a Third Class."
"Don't compare, if you can do it, you go up there! Developing such a great Potion, a Second Class is well deserved."
Ignoring the chatter below.
Professor Dumbledore pinned the medal to Charlie's chest, then said softly.
"Congratulations, Charlie."
Below the platform.
Lucius patted Draco's shoulder, lowering his voice to instruct him.
"Remember what I just said, you need to interact more with Charlie. Sending you to school is to interact with talented people. Since you don't get along with Harry Potter, change your target to other talented people."
Draco nodded with a bitter face.
So, interact then, what else can he do, it's just his father's task.
The award ceremony ended, and Charlie quickly slipped away.
He didn't want to be surrounded by those overly enthusiastic Wizards.
The next morning, the entire Wizarding World exploded.
The Daily Prophet's front-page headline: "The Youngest Recipient of the order of merlin, second class, is Born!"
Wizard Weekly followed closely: "Genius Young Man Charlie White, the New Star of the Potions World!"
Even The Quibbler rarely published a positive report: "Perhaps the Wizengamot didn't mess up this time."
At the Weasley family breakfast table.
Ron held The Daily Prophet, his mouth wide open in exaggeration, almost revealing his throat.
Charlie's photo on the newspaper waved at him, the Merlin medal on his chest sparkling in the magical photograph.
"Is this real? I'm not dreaming, am I?"
Ron's voice trembled slightly.
Fred and George exchanged glances, both their expressions complex.
They knew Charlie was extraordinary, but they hadn't expected him to even get a Merlin medal.
It should be known that the previous recipient of a Second Class Merlin medal was the legendary Wizard: Newt Scamander.
The textbook for Hogwarts' Care of Magical Creatures Class was written by him.
"I think we need to get to know Charlie again," Fred said slowly.
"An order of merlin, second class."
George shook his head, then peeled an egg and stuffed it into Ron's throat.
Percy put down his teacup and cleared his throat.
"As Charlie's friends, you should learn from him."
His tone carried his usual lecturing flavor.
"Look at him, he has achieved such an honor at a young age. Look at you two, all you do is play pranks all day."
Fred rolled his eyes.
"Right, right, Prefect Percy, we should learn from you."
His tone was full of sarcasm.
"After all, you are a Prefect, much more impressive than a Merlin medal."
George frantically winked at him, signaling him to stop talking.
But Fred apparently didn't notice.
"Maybe one day you'll even become Minister for Magic. Remember to promote us foolish younger brothers then."
As soon as he finished speaking, a hand suddenly reached out and accurately grabbed Fred's ear.
"Ah, ouch, ouch!"
Fred let out a scream.
Mrs. Weasley stood behind him, her face ashen.
"What did Percy say wrong?"
Her voice held a dangerous calm.
"Is there anything wrong with telling you to learn from good students?"
Fred was as still as a quail, not daring to move.
Normally, bickering was fine, but he also didn't dare to move when facing his mother's scolding.
"Look at you two, not serious about studying, not doing chores."
Mrs. Weasley's voice grew louder and louder.
"Charlie must have studied hard and worked hard on chores to achieve what he has now."
Ron's eyes widened.
Are they talking about the same person?
"Starting today, you must prepare well for next semester's lessons."
"As Charlie's classmates, you cannot fall behind!"
"Ah? No, Mom!"
This summer, the good days for the Weasley family were over.
-------------------------------
I've already uploaded 70 chapters of this story on Patreon!
If you enjoy it, come check out the latest chapters in advance.
Here's the link:
[patreon.com/Greyhounds]
Thank you so much for your support!!
"And If you're enjoying it, drop a Power Stone for me!"