Mysterious Journey

Chapter 624: The Order of Merlin and the Contribution Award

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"It's finally over. How many people have passed the assessment so far?"
"As of last night, a total of two hundred and seventy-five students have passed. It's just a pity that we didn't have enough time, otherwise the number could have at least doubled. I even received several requests to postpone the holidays... Unbelievable."
In the Headmaster's office, Dumbledore said with a smile, the lenses of his glasses reflecting a pleasant light.

In the soft armchair not far from the old wizard, Aileen stretched vigorously, ignoring Fawkes' expectant gaze from the bird perch beside her, grabbed a handful of fragrant fried fish rice and tossed it into her mouth, shaking her head.
"Too much is as bad as too little. A little regret is more conducive to continuing the passion for learning."
"Indeed, that's what I think too, so I righteously refused these applications and let them prepare to enjoy their summer vacation. But I must say, isn't the bonus a bit too much?"
"Are you worried that everyone will spend it recklessly because they have too much pocket money? Don't worry, this is my domain."
Aileen smiled slightly and took out a few pieces of parchment, spreading them on Dumbledore's desk.
[Hogwarts Round-Faced Chubby Chicken Summer Takeaway], [Hogsmeade Commercial Center Renovation Plan]…
"How to recycle excess Galleons is not a complicated matter, is it? The house-elves are happy to serve everyone during the holidays, and as for the messengers, it is said that many new lives have been added to the owlery this year."
"Yes, it finally made up for last year's losses. This time I will consider adding labels indicating 'not edible' and 'poisonous'."
"... Cough cough, that was a long time ago."
Aileen coughed lightly, a little embarrassed, ignoring Dumbledore's teasing and continuing,
"In addition to this, as we discussed before, after everyone returns home, the school will send owl messengers to the homes of each student who passed the final assessment, to tell their parents the good news that they passed the final assessment and received a substantial bonus… of course, this may require you as the sender."
"Oh, that's terrible 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 I can still receive gifts next Christmas."
"It's okay, I can publish a special edition of *The Quibbler* for you to ask for gifts, if you need it..."
Aileen shrugged indifferently, grabbed a handful of small fish rice and sprinkled it into Fawkes' food trough, while stroking the golden-red bird's warm and soft feathers, and casually asked.
"But speaking of which, I originally thought you would object to my arrangement in the sixth stage. If I guessed correctly, the school should have received a lot of complaint letters in the past few weeks, right? It is said that Cornelius Fudge himself came to Hogwarts a few days ago."
"In fact, on the contrary, everyone agrees with such an attempt..."
Dumbledore revealed a smile, groped around on the table, and handed Aileen a small box.
*Clack*, the box opened gently, revealing its contents.
Two exquisite, magical golden badges lay quietly in the center of the red cushion.
"As for Cornelius, he actually came to the school for another matter—congratulations, you have received a Second Class Order of Merlin and a Third Class Order of Merlin for providing the Ministry of Magic with important information to successfully capture Peter Pettigrew, and for proposing constructive practical assessment programs in the Hogwarts educational reform."
After glancing at the strange expression on Aileen's face, the smile on Dumbledore's face couldn't help but deepen.
"I know, these two medals may not mean much to you; but this is a memorable mark in your life, its significance lies not in which class it is, nor in who awarded it, but more importantly in recording the correct and memorable things you did at a certain point. Perhaps, it will be many years later, when you begin to look back at the footprints you have left in your life, that you will realize their preciousness."

The Order of Merlin originated in the fifteenth century and is awarded uniformly by the Wizengamot. It usually consists of a gold medal with a ribbon of corresponding color and is the most widely recognized social contribution medal in the magical world today.
Each class of medal represents a different meaning and is not strictly determined by the size of the number.
The First Class Order of Merlin is awarded to those who "exhibit particularly outstanding courage and talent" in the magical and social fields. The medal is paired with a green ribbon. Dumbledore has received the First Class Order of Merlin several times.
Of course, Peter Pettigrew and Tom Riddle also had the First Class Order of Merlin respectively.
The Second Class Order of Merlin is awarded to those with "outstanding achievements or efforts", and the medal is paired with a purple ribbon. The Third Class Order of Merlin is usually awarded to those who "contribute to academic or entertainment", and is paired with a white ribbon.
For a long time, there were usually only a few awards per generation.
As bureaucratic thinking gradually spread in the Wizengamot, the number of new Order of Merlin recipients has increased significantly in recent years, especially the number of high-level medals, which is far more than most people imagine. For such a coveted award, it is not uncommon for the number of First Class medals to exceed the sum of the number of Second and Third Class medals.
Even so, it was still not easy for Dumbledore to apply for two medals for an eleven-year-old Aileen, especially when the reasons he gave were not so convincing.
"...I really don't understand your thinking. Anyway, thank you."
After glancing at the serious Dumbledore, Aileen 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 something that she took the initiative to get. Aileen had seen Albus Dumbledore's extraordinary stubbornness more than once.
"To be honest, Professor," Aileen pursed her lips, "compared to these inedible medals, I actually--"
"At the same time, you will also receive this..."
Before Aileen could finish speaking, Dumbledore, like Santa Claus handing out gifts on Christmas, took out another small box from the side of the table and handed it to Aileen, another golden medal.
[Hogwarts Special Contribution Award - Aileen Kaslana]
"First of all, I must solemnly declare that this is definitely not a reward for you mortgaging the school."
Dumbledore said jokingly, stroking the golden shield-shaped medal with his fingers, his azure eyes gazing at the silver-haired little witch in front of him through his glasses, his tone gradually becoming formal.
"Aileen Kaslana, in the 1991-1992 academic year at Hogwarts, you have made extremely outstanding contributions to breaking the long-standing invisible barriers between the four Houses, uniting and uniting all the students of the school. Therefore, in my capacity as Headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, I award you the Hogwarts Special Contribution Award to recognize your contribution to the school."
"Oh, of course, the official awarding ceremony will be held at tomorrow's end-of-term ceremony."
Just then, Dumbledore suddenly winked playfully and quickly took the medal back.
"You must understand, because I need to decide how many points to add 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."
"...Is it appropriate for you to directly say such behind-the-scenes things?"
The corner of Aileen's mouth twitched slightly, and the excitement in her heart instantly subsided by half.
"No, I must explain in advance, otherwise..."
Dumbledore shook his head and said meaningfully.
"If Hufflepuff's score has not temporarily met the standard tomorrow, I am afraid that some strange things will happen in the school on the last day of this academic year, right? Miss Kaslana..."
"Uh... don't worry, Gryffindor won't have a mass brawl with Slytherin tomorrow! I guarantee it!"
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