Chapter 42 - Muggle-born Wizards

While McGonagall patiently answered the Grangers' questions, Hermione also approached them.

"Dad, mom!"

"Hello, sweetheart, how are you at school?"

"Very well, my friends will be here soon. Oh, here they are."

At this moment, the Grangers saw another group of people moving toward them. It was the Diggory family.

"Cedric, we're here!" Hermione waved to them.

"Hello, Hermione!"

While Hermione and Cedric chatted, Mr. and Mrs. Diggory introduced themselves to the Grangers.

"Good day, I'm Amos Diggory, Cedric's father, and this is my wife, Lisa."

"Hello, it's a pleasure to meet you. We're very glad that Hermione has friends in the wizarding world."

"I think we should thank your daughter. Cedric says she regularly helps him with Transfiguration assignments."

Their conversation was interrupted by the Weasley twins, who greeted Hermione and Cedric.

"Hermione, Cedric, hi! Where are the others?" they asked, slightly surprised.

"Cho Chang and her parents will be here a bit later; they wanted to bring her grandfather. Penello and her parents were supposed to be picked up by Professor Flitwick... and here they are," said Cedric, seeing Professor Flitwick approaching with Penello and a Muggle behind her.

Penello's mother died when she was very young, and her father didn't know she was a witch until Penello's acceptance to Hogwarts. Therefore, Penello's father, who loved his wife very much, wanted his daughter to become a witch too.

"Hello, Minerva! Can I entrust Mr. Clearwater to your care? I saw representatives of the wizarding dueling community and want to talk to them! Thanks to Asmodeus and the glory he brought to the school, I'm sure I can convince them to hold this year's competitions at Hogwarts!"

"Of course, Filius, don't worry. I'll help Mr. Clearwater get home and assist him in understanding the magical world today," said McGonagall with a smile, looking at the eager Flitwick.

Seeing Professor Flitwick leave, Mr. Granger asked McGonagall, "Professor McGonagall, who is he?"

"Professor Filius Flitwick, teaches Charms and is the head of Ravenclaw house, where, by the way, Asmodeus studies. People often underestimate him due to his peculiarities, but he's the best spellcaster among the living. He's a former World Dueling Champion with magical wands."

Hearing this, the Muggles nodded. Honestly, Flitwick initially seemed like a clumsy and kind old man due to his short stature. But upon hearing his titles, all parents understood that in the magical world, judging people by appearance wasn't wise.

"Penello, where's Cho Chang?"

"She's on the third floor of the Ministry right now, said she would find us soon."

After a couple of minutes, Zhou joined them, accompanied by her mother, as her father and grandfather had business in another department of the Ministry.

Hermione's parents and Penello's father regularly asked McGonagall about the magical world and Hogwarts. In turn, she patiently answered all their questions with a smile.

"...flying brooms aren't the only flying instrument for wizards. There are flying motorcycles and flying carpets. They're just prohibited from importing to England..."

Time flew during their conversation, and the award ceremony began.

"Mr. and Mrs. Granger, as well as Mr. Clearwater and the children, let's proceed to our seats," said McGonagall, leading the crowd like a mother duck guiding her ducklings.

Watching Asmodeus take his seat, everyone from Hogwarts also settled in.

Grindelwald sat next to the Hogwarts students. The poor kids and parents sank into their chairs. Only the Muggle parents didn't understand why their children were scared until they saw who sat beside them and heard the journalists' exclamations.

"Nicholas Flamel!!! Nicholas Flamel is present at the award ceremony!!!"

"Who? Where? Oh, God, Nicole Flamel!!!"

"Wait, who's beside Nicole?!"

"It's Grindelwald!!!"

"Could the Quibbler be right?! Morningstar and Grindelwald planning something together??"

"Oh my, this is big news!! Flamel and Grindelwald sitting together!!! Doesn't Flamel hold a grudge against Grindelwald for attempting to burn Paris?"

Hearing the journalist's last exclamation, the Granger couple and Mr. Clearwater were in shock.

What did they hear? The person beside them tried to burn Paris???

Muggles moved away from Geller.

Grindelwald: (￣□￣」)

Nico chuckled: "HAHAHAHA, You're literally a terrorist just released from prison; sit quietly and don't scare people."

Grindelwald: (╥﹏╥)

While Nicolas Flamel taunted Grindelwald, the Muggle parents decided to ask their children who these two men were.

"Hermione, who are those men next to us?" whispered Wendell.

"Gellert Grindelwald and Nicolas Flamel."

"I know, but what have they done, and why are they so famous?"

"Oh, well, one of them initiated the First Wizarding War and is considered somewhat of a magical Hitler who didn't attempt mass killings, and he's also one of the most powerful wizards of the century. The other has been alive for 600 years and was in charge of defending Paris during the war started by the first one."

Upon hearing this casual response, the trio of Grangers and Clearwater lost their ability to speak. It seemed like they heard something unbelievable. Why did they hear something about 600 years? But most importantly, why are these people here today? And how can they be so friendly with each other?

Before they could ask again, the door to the hall opened. Cornelius Fudge, the Minister of the British Ministry of Magic, led the way, followed by teachers invited to participate in the ceremony. Also there were Reporters who couldn't get inside earlier came last.

Asmodeus spotted many familiar faces in the crowd. Bathilda Bagshot and Newt Scamander smiled and nodded at Asmodeus.

Asmodeus glanced at "Fudge" and said directly, "There is no need to waste time! Can we start the ceremony?"

"Fudge," with a smile on his face, nodded; he genuinely didn't care. He wasn't Fudge, and Lord Grindelwald had already declared that Asmodeus's orders should be regarded as important as his own.

Minister "Fudge" obediently stepped onto the stage upon hearing Asmodeus's words.

"Welcome everyone to the award ceremony of the Order of Merlin, First Class, for Sir Asmodeus Noren Morningstar!"

"Today's honor for Mr. Morningstar will be presented by the Chief Wizard of the Wizengamot: Mr. Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore!"

"The honor of Mr. Morningstar is the honor of the entire British wizarding community!"

"Mr. Morningstar and Mr. Dumbledore, please come onto the stage!"

After Minister "Fudge" finished speaking, Asmodeus walked onto the stage accompanied by Dumbledore.

Then, Minister "Fudge" took a copper box from under his robe, and Dumbledore took the box, pulling out a green medallion from it.

Dumbledore looked at Asmodeus, winked, and said, "Congratulations!"

Saying this, Dumbledore attached the medal to Asmodeus's magical robe.

The next moment, the hall erupted in enthusiastic applause!

Everyone at Hogwarts cheered for Asmodeus!

Asmodeus's friends stood up excitedly, happily watching him on stage!

The Saints led by John Ryan chanted "Morningstar!" to set the atmosphere.