Chapter 391 - Order of Merlin (1/2)
The usually ornate Minister of Magic's is still plain as usual despite having successfully been reelected as Minister of Magic. The incumbent Minister Eugene Jenkins office is filled with bookshelves filled with neat, orderly shelved books. There was a feminine touch here and there such as a potted plant or the landscape painting hanging on the wall. But beyond simple furnishings, Minister Eugenia Jenkins naturally showed her Ravenclaw tendencies by placing knowledge above all else.
At present the stout witch with thick bobbed hair kept glancing at the clock. Minister Eugenia Jenkins was well aware exactly to whom she owed everything too, Reginald Prince. Not only had the purebloods and the wizarding masses surged around him, but the Slytherins were shocking the masses as well.
For one of their own, Alphard Black had heroically spied and died for the wizarding world on Christmas Day. Black was to be awarded postmortem a medal of the Second Order of Merlin. Reginald Prince personally would be doing the honors as well as presenting the rest of the medals including the First Order of Merlin to Damocles Belby.
Minister Jenkins is awoken out of her revive to see the fireplace turn green as a tall, thin, stern silver-haired man emerged. Reginald Prince looked as impeccable as ever as he walked forward. ”Good Evening, Minister Jenkins, I hope you are well,” Reginald said. ”And congratulations on winning the election and remaining the current Minister of Magic.”
”Thank you for belated congratulations, Sir Prince,” Minister Jenkins politely answered. ”I must also thank you for agreeing to presenting these medals tonight.”
”It will be my upmost honor,” Reginald sincerely said.
Minister Jenkins nods her head and says, ”I am aware that you've been somewhat worried this year since your granddaughter was made to participate in the Triwizard Tournament this year.”
”The issue has already been addressed and her brother will be suitably punished over the summer break,” Reginald cryptically answered refusing to speak more on the subject.
”I understand,” Minister Jenkins quickly replied getting the hint. ”If it is any consolation, I have been personally reassured that there she will be in no danger.”
”Is that so?” Reginald frostily said. ”I read about the dragon used for the first task, Minister Jenkins. And believe me, I do not feel worry-free whatsoever.”
”Understood,” Minister Jenkins hurriedly said understanding that the subject was now completely off-limits. ”If you would please follow me, Sir Prince, I'd be honored.”
”Lead the way, Minister,” Reginald firmly said as he followed after the much shorter witch.
The minute they stepped out of her office; Minister Jenkins guards moved around them as they made their way to the lift that takes them to the main lobby where the ceremony was to take place. The reporters, guests, and those to be honored were already waiting in attendance.
Those to be receiving medals were sitting in the first row including a stern dark-haired woman with gray eyes, Walburga Black. She'd be receiving a medal in place of her deceased brother, Alphard Black since her father was severely ill, possibly near death. It was rumored that Pollux Black would not live to see summer. And Walburga wasn't sure if to hope that indeed be the case as he was all the family she had left as her two younger brothers and mother were dead.
Those seated at her side were the first four former werewolves now cured, Twizzle, Banks, Smythe, and Glackin. The four of them would be receiving the medal of the Third Order of Merlin for their bravery in contributing to a medical magical miracle. At the very end of the row was the sharp figure of Damocles Belby in emerald robes to receive the First Order of Merlin.
The cameras suddenly began to flash as the Minister of Magic stepped onto the stage with Reginald Prince. The tall, stern silver-haired man possessed an aura few men of his age could possess. It was one that was no less strong than that of Albus Dumbledore, who was universally acknowledged to be the strongest wizard of the present days. But then again, neither the Prince nor Dumbledore had ever gone up to bat. There was no telling if that truly would be the case if they ever crossed wands.
Minister Jenkins steps in front of the podium with a magical old-style megaphone. ”Welcome Wizards and Witches,” Minister Jenkins said as the room feel silent. ”I am pleased to see you all present at this solemn occasion where we award the Order of Merlin to our most valiant members of wizarding society.” The crowd applauds as the cameras go off in dizzy bright blasts.
Blinking the spots out of her eyes, Minister Jenkins says, ”Here at my side, I have Reginald Prince, a direct descendant of Merlin Ambrosius himself. Today, Reginald Prince will be doing the honors that his forefather began so very long ago.” The crowd applauds once again as the photographers blast them with flashes of lights.