Chapter 94 Honor Ceremony

July 7th.

In the wizarding world, this is a special day when Bridget Wenlock, a famous 13th-century arithmetician, discovered that the number 7 actually had magical properties.

This day this year is also a day worth remembering for the British wizarding community. The Wizengamot broke past tradition and decided to award a 14-year-old boy the Order of Merlin, a third-level knight. This boy will become the youngest knight in history, become a legend, and be honored like the "Boy Who Lived". Enter the annals of history.

In the magnificent hall, neatly dressed wizards walked around the banquet. The wizards and witches behaved appropriately, like the upper class celebrities in Muggle society.

This is the hall of the Wizengamot, and everyone present is a member of the Wizengamot. The so-called Sir Merlin Order is actually just a name, to commemorate Merlin's contribution. Since the establishment of the Ministry of Magic, the Wizengamot has been responsible for awarding medals in the name of the Order of Merlin.

Xie Lin was wearing the robe of the Supreme Wizard. He inspired the aura of charm on the robe. The robe had a faint dark green luster, which covered his whole body with a mysterious and charming temperament.

Schelling first greeted Amelia, Rufus Scrimgeour, and Tiberus McLaggen. After some conversation, his interpersonal skills were recognized by the three of them. Amelia even introduced him to Barty Crouch, Director of the Department of International Cooperation. This is a very serious-looking old man. He has short gray hair, an unnaturally straight middle parting line, and a narrow toothbrush mustache on his lips.

Xie Lin naturally knew this character. He was a shrewd careerist. It was a pity that he was tricked by his own son. Otherwise, he would have been the Minister of Magic.

The Crouch family was a star on Schelling's list, and Schelling had already investigated all eighteen generations of his ancestors.

Since his son Barty Jr. was imprisoned, he is now the only direct descendant of the Crouch family.

(Note: In the original book, after Barty Jr.’s death, Dumbledore said that this ancient family had died out. However, according to the Black family tree, Barty Sr. actually had two sisters. The author assumed that both sisters had married and changed their surnames. , so it belongs to the family branch)

Xie Lin could see that the sharpness in old Batty's eyes was no longer there. Under the bright and tidy appearance, in fact, the ambition of the past had been worn away. Xie Lin couldn't help but secretly sigh that it was a pity that this man was originally a powerful person, but he collapsed under a single blow.

Old Batty actually still has many followers behind him. If the International Cooperation Department he holds is operated properly, it will also have a lot of power. It's just that he is frustrated. Of course, Schelling still seized the opportunity to talk to him and tried to leave an impression on him, at least to make him remember his name. After all, he can't even remember his assistant's name now...

The two chatted for a few words, and after leaving an impression on each other, they separated again.

Then, Dumbledore, dressed in a conspicuous purple robe, and the Minister of Magic, Cornelius Fudge, arrived. Fudge was a little short and a little chubby. He always had a kind smile on his face, but Sherlin didn't see much smile in his eyes.

This is a hypocritical and cunning man, Schelling commented in his mind.

Xie Lin suddenly thought of something. Today, he seemed to be able to see every detail and observe every detail. When talking to everyone, every move and change in the eyes of the other person were automatically taken into Xie Lin's mind, and he analyzed the meaning in these words. How much sincerity, how much moisture. It seems that Aquila is not talking nonsense, Ravenclaw's secret god Peeping Amaterasu is really extraordinary.

"Oh, Xie Lin, my good boy, do you remember Uncle Kang? Your father Lucius and I have been good friends for many years!" Fudge greeted Xie Lin warmly.

It was true that Fudge and Lucius had a close personal relationship, but in fact, Fudge had never visited Malfoy Manor, and this was his first meeting with Sherrin.

When Arthur Weasley went to Malfoy Manor with a search warrant, didn't you stand up to defend his so-called long-time friend? Xie Lin secretly sneered.

Schelling can't say that he has much affection for Fudge. This is a figure who wants to have both sides of the pure-blood family and the pro-Muggle camp. It is impossible to say that he is completely unaware of Arthur's actions. The most likely reason is that he first Letting the whole operation go was a way of giving Dumbledore face, and then pretending to interfere so that the operation would not cause serious harm to the pure-blood family, thus earning the favor of the pure-blood family.

This hand balance is really good!

It's a pity that this is no longer the ancient imperial period. If you don't have the strength yourself, nothing you say will be in vain when you encounter someone like Voldemort who doesn't follow the rules.

A smile appeared on Xie Lin's face, "Hello, Uncle Kang, I often hear my father mention you. I believe that my uncle has done a lot for Xie Lin to win this honor this time! Xie Lin will still be here. Thank you uncle in advance.”

"No, no, this is what it should be. Don't talk about the friendship between me and your father. Just based on the glory you have won for the British wizarding world, this reward is well-deserved for you. Uncle is just taking advantage of the situation. That's all." Fudge smiled, "By the way, how is the business at Miracle Alchemy Workshop? If you need anything, please speak up, but don't be polite to me!"

"Thanks to my uncle's care, the business is not bad, and Xie Lin has earned a little pocket money. Finally, I don't have to look at his father's face when he takes money from him, haha." Xie Lin made a little joke.

"Haha," Fudge laughed twice with Xie Lin, "Xie Lin, uncle, there is something else I want to ask you for a favor?"

Sure enough, here comes the main topic. Xie Ling sneered in his heart, but still had a smile on his face, "Uncle, just say it, Xie Ling will do his best."

"You also know that there was a serious criminal who escaped from Azkaban last year, that madman Black. God knows how he did it. For a whole year, the Ministry of Magic has not even caught him, let alone a shadow. I have to say that Black is really a difficult person. The problem now is that the masses who don't know the truth think that the Ministry of Magic is incompetent, so they are a little dissatisfied with uncle..."

Xiling showed an indignant expression, "Ah, how can they do this? Uncle is the Minister of Magic. He can't personally catch such a dangerous person, right?"

"Yes, but the masses don't think so..."

Xiling's expression immediately turned into confusion, "Then, what can Xie Ling do for uncle?"

"It's like this," Fudge said quickly, "The Ministry of Magic is in urgent need of some good news to inspire people, so uncle hopes that you can make some outstanding performances as soon as possible, and then, then, tell uncle, uncle will let the Ministry of Magic invite you again to join the Wizengamot reserve seat..."

Then he changed the subject, "It doesn't matter if there is no big, dazzling performance. Do you know how high your reputation is in the hearts of the public now? It is almost on par with the 'Boy Who Lived'. People believe that you are a future star, or even the next Dumbledore--" Fudge quickly looked around. At this time, Dumbledore had walked a little further away and was chatting enthusiastically with his old friends Griselda Marchbank, Tiberius Ogden, and Elphias Doge.

"Your name itself is a positive symbol. I can't help but think--" Fudge lowered his voice and said, "Maybe you can cooperate with the Ministry of Magic to give the public confidence?"

Huh? Such a familiar dialogue, isn't this the conversation between Scrimgeour and Harry two years later? How did it happen to me?

Xie Lin said slowly: "Uncle Kang, what does 'cooperate with the Ministry of Magic' mean?"

"Oh, it's not a problem at all, I promise you. For example, if you can go in and out of the Ministry of Magic from time to time, it will give people a favorable impression. When you are there, you can chat with Scrimgeour and learn about the daily work of the Aurors... or talk to Senior Deputy Minister Dolores Umbridge, assuming that you are interested in working in the Ministry of Magic in the future... or if you are more interested in doing business, you can also get in touch with people from the Magic Equipment Control Bureau or the International Trade Standards Association... These are all good for you."

(Note: Magic Equipment Control Bureau The Bureau of Equipment Control comes from the Daily Prophet and is affiliated with the Department of Law Enforcement. It is responsible for supervising the safety of all magic items in the country. Only magic items with the certification seal of the department can be sold publicly in the country; the author privately added the function of registering patents to it in the front)

(Note: The International Trade Standards Association comes from the original book and is affiliated with the International Cooperation Department. It is the first department Percy entered in the Ministry of Magic. It is responsible for setting up qualified standards for import and export goods, such as the thickness of crucibles and the classification of prohibited trade goods)

Shelling pondered for a while. It really did not cause any loss to himself. In addition to giving Fudge a favor, he could also take the opportunity to establish connections in the Ministry of Magic. He agreed without hesitation.

During the whole conversation, Dumbledore had been standing nearby. Although he had been socializing with different people, his deep eyes had been lingering on Schelling. He did not show a thoughtful expression until Fudge left.

Dumbledore had very complicated feelings about Schelling, his student.

To be honest, in his eyes, Schelling is absolutely impossible to become the next Voldemort. Although Tom Riddle was good at deceiving people when he was young, he was too superstitious about power and acted in a straightforward, simple and rough style. Such a person may be able to destroy order and gain superficial rule by creating terror, but he will never be able to conquer the hearts of the public.

He also saw the shadow of Gellert Grindelwald in Schelling, but even Grindelwald, who had been entangled with him for half his life, never gave him such a difficult feeling.

If he had to say it, he only knew one such terrible person, and he could only see this person in the mirror-himself, Albus Dumbledore.

Schelling is too much like his young self-talented, thirsty for knowledge, obsessed with truth, with the same vision and ambition as Grindelwald, good at seeing through people's hearts like Riddle, and has a personality charm similar to the two Dark Lords that unites people's hearts... However, his style of doing things is completely different from the two Dark Lords.

He had been watching Schelling for a long time. This student chose to follow the rules of the weak when he could have crushed him with force. He did not have the vigor and vigor of a young man, but had the forbearance of an old fox. The most important thing was his eyes. Even though Dumbledore could not control Schelling, it did not prevent him from reading his eyes, because this look was too familiar to him...

Whenever he looked in the mirror, he would see this look - always full of strategizing and controlling the overall situation, like a puppeteer, watching each character act like a puppet according to his script from a distance...

There were several times when Dumbledore almost couldn't help interfering with Schelling's actions. He was almost sure that Schelling would be the next White Lord - yes, the term White Lord was the most appropriate.

Once he has power that can match his own, he does not need to use force to convince others, nor does he need to use coercion to rule. His existence itself is already the biggest variable. Even if he does nothing, the world will They will not escape his control at will, everything is under his control - the Dark Lord may conquer the world, but the White Devil can conquer people's hearts!

There was only one reason for Dumbledore to stop, and that was Voldemort, who was still alive. Although I have made various arrangements for him and left a backup plan, who knows if there will be any eventuality? No matter how powerful I am, I am still a mortal and will always make mistakes. What if my plan ultimately fails?

In fact, Harry's growth has been much slower than he originally planned. In the first year, he successfully built Harry's reputation through cheating bonuses. In the second year, he originally hoped that Harry could become Of the hero who killed the basilisk.

For this matter, he specifically told the Phoenix Fox and the Sorting Hat, and even waited for the mandrake to mature under great pressure. The purpose was to make Harry the key to uncovering the identity of the basilisk, but he did not expect that at the last moment, he would suddenly appear. He killed Schelling and replaced Harry as the hero in one fell swoop.

(Note: Mandrake is not only grown in Hogwarts. Dumbledore can buy mature mandrakes from outside, or even prepared antidotes. He does this just because he doesn’t want the victims to suffer. They just revealed the identity of the basilisk. Even Hermione could deduce it. How could Dumbledore not guess the identity of the basilisk? He knew that Harry heard the voice of the monster behind the wall, because he heard it at that time. Used Legilimency on Harry)

In Dumbledore's opinion, Schelling was a good insurance policy. If the savior in his plan fails in the end, then the task of dealing with Voldemort will be left to Schelling.

The White Devil is better than the Dark Lord, right?

The original text of Chapter 36 of Part 4 of the original work: "Cornelly, you are too obsessed with your official position, which makes you lose your due judgment." Dumbledore said, his voice gradually increased, and people could feel that he was With the aura of power surrounding him, his eyes were shining brightly again, "You attach too much importance to the so-called pure blood! You have always been like this! You don't realize that a person's origin is not important, what is important is his What a man he has grown into! Your dementors just killed the last member of a very ancient pure-blood family—"

————We agreed that he is the last (paternal) member of the family, but I don’t know why there are still so many classmates named Crouch appearing in fan fiction.