Chapter 28
When I was well enough to be out the infirmary, Charlie, Tonks, and I were called down to Dumbledore's office. Heather was still no better.
It was quite a surprise to be sent to the Headmaster's office. What would he say? Would he be upset? Would we be punished? Would we be expelled? I couldn't imagine having to leave here and never become a true wizard. I wouldn't be able to bear it.
All of this was running through my mind, and surely Tonks' and Charlie's minds as well, when Tonks knocked on the door and we were told to enter.
When I walked into Dumbledore's office, I saw magic that I could've never imagined. There were many paintings surrounding the walls of elderly wizards and witches sleeping, many silver whirling objects in the corner, and the most beautiful thing of all, a red fiery bird. It was just like the one that saved me from the dementors.
"Good afternoon children," he said very calmly to us. Like before, Dumbledore looked just like Gandalf. The only difference between the two was that there was much more patience in his blue eyes than Gandalf's gray.
After we all chorused back "Good morning" to him, he smiled at us.
"I thought I was the one supposed to be teaching you, but it seems to be the opposite. All three of you; Miss Tonks, Mr. Weasley, and Mr. Gardner; have made me realize that the dementors are not to be trusted. That they can change whims as soon as the wind blows. You have also taught me of another branch of magic and species that I have never heard of before. Of elves and Ringwraiths, and magic Rings."
"How did you figure that out sir?" I had to ask.
"I must admit, Mr. Gardner, that I discovered while I visited you in the Infirmary that you talk in your sleep."
"Oh."
"Finally," he continued, "you have taught me that children are more than expected, and that they can do anything with the combination of knowledge and bravery. And I thank you."
We were all scarlet at that point. "Thank you sir," I muttered.
"And as for your reward," he said with a grin, "for all the years you are here, Gryffindor will get an extra 100 points at the beginning of the year, and for Hufflepuff an extra 200."
"Thank you sir," we all said together, much more ecstatic.
"But what about Jen sir?" Charlie asked cautiously. "I mean, she's the bravest of all of us, perhaps the bravest Slytherin ever." Tonks and I nodded in agreement.
"I was just getting to that Mr. Weasley. I know how important that subject is to you." At that point, Charlie was even more red than usual. "I have thought Miss Kulwiak since that night in the forest, and we do not know when she's coming back. We don't know how long her quest will take nor the time difference between here and the Undying Lands. 50 years there might be a day here, or vice versa. But when she does get back, I promise you she will receive an Order of Merlin Second Class, First Class if I can scrape it. Does that suit you Mr. Weasley?"
"Yes sir, thank you sir."
I was surprised, yet happy. The last descendant of Merlin receiving his own medal of honor, just like she was meant to. And this time, unlike some of her ancestors, she deserved it.
"Have a good summer my students," he called out to us as we left.
"You too sir," I murmured as I closed the door behind us.
