Chapter 31: The Medal of Uncommon Valor
The assembled crowd was watching and listening intently at the prospect of finally learning whom the special guests were that McGonagall had mentioned. They all immediately recognized Harry Potter, and a few Bill Weasley, but they could tell that there were more special guests than just the two of them. McGonagall began to speak after a brief pause.
"I would like to tell all of you about something that you may have heard before that you thought was a myth."
After this, McGonagall shared the story of the Order of St. George with the students. She spoke of St. George and the Dragon, about the forming of the Order and how it was a fond wish of the late Albus Dumbledore to see the Order of St. George reunited with the Magical World in harmony and cooperation towards the safety of both their worlds.
"Sadly," McGonagall said, "due largely to corruption in the Ministry and their constant hounding of the former headmaster. He was unable to forge strong relations with the Order. But, Minister Moody and myself wish here and now to proclaim that alliance reformed."
McGonagall gestured to her right to the older man sitting there.
"This is Priest Michael O'Connell of the Order of St. George and he is in charge of the Ireland branch of the Order."
After finishing this introduction, Moody stood up so that he and McGonagall were facing the Priest. Moody held a fairly large hand mirror in his hand and began to speak.
"On behalf of the Ministry of Magic and the wizard world. I wish to present you with this mirror. When you speak a name into it, it will immediately show you where they are. And when they are by their own mirror, your image will appear and the two people will be able to converse. I have one in my own office, as does Headmistress McGonagall. We will be arranging to have a full-sized mirror like this sent to your monastery in Ireland. Now, let us make it official, may this alliance between the Order of St. George and the world of magic last forever."
The Priest paused for a moment, not out of hesitation but to show emphasis for what he was about to do, then took the mirror from Moody and shook his hand.
Those in attendance, including the ghosts and figures in the paintings, applauded as the two men shook hands, showing the fulfillment of the dreams of Dumbledore and so many of the past leaders of the Order of St. George.
Collin Creevy and several photographers for The Daily Prophet and other wizard publications were in front with their cameras and taking pictures, every one of the photographs were worth far more than a thousand words as they embodied so much. After standing and shaking hands for a few moments, the new Minister of Magic and the Priest of one of the more powerful of the St. George Monasteries returned to their seats as the applause died down.
McGonagall again rose to her feet and began to speak. As she spoke, Minister Moody could be seen handling some kind of elaborate looking box.
"That was only the first part of this special ceremony" McGonagall began, "for the next part, Minister Moody and I will be making some very special presentations."
There were whispers around the Great Hall after this wondering what presentations would be made and whom the recipients would be. Hermione especially lit up thinking that her Harry was about to be honored in some way--which he absolutely deserved. The Weasleys also realized that this was probably why they had been invited, that Bill would be honored. Moody stood up and held the box in his hands.
"Inside this," Moody began, "is the Medal of Uncommon Valor. This is the highest honor that the wizarding world bestows upon witches or wizards who perform acts so selfless, brave, and noble, that they are considered above any kind of duty that one can aspire to. The Ministry has not awarded this medal in over two-hundred years, so it would be good for all of us to mark this day as one very special and truly monumental."
When Minister Moody finished, he paused to allow the reporters to take notes and for the photographers to prepare for what was to come. All the students were now quietly buzzing among themselves, for they were about to be witness to something truly monumental, this would be a night to remember. After a few moments of pause as Moody held up the case for the Medal of Uncommon Valor, McGonagall arose and took the case from Moody and also held a couple of rolled-up scrolls which she placed on top of the case.
"Now," Moody began, "we will be presenting this medal, and I ask that you please wait for me to applaud before joining in. For bravery above and beyond anything ever asked, for brilliant planning and execution, and for willingness to do whatever necessary for the protection of the wizarding world, even to the sacrifice of his own life. I present Mister William Arthur Weasley with the Medal for Uncommon Valor and a promotion to the Order of Merlin, First Class."
Bill stood up straight and tall, turned, and made his way to Minister Moody. Mrs. Weasley shed tears of joy as she watched her oldest son, the first to receive the Medal in over two hundred years, walk to where the Minister of Magic and Headmistress of Hogwarts now stood.
McGonagall handed Moody the medal, which consisted of an elaborate golden chain attached to a majestic solid gold talisman an inch and a half thick in the shape of a circle with a majestic Phoenix engraved in the center and the words, For Uncommon Valor, Bravery, and Courage In the Fulfillment of Duty engraved along the sides around the Phoenix.
When Bill approached Moody, he stopped and Moody raised the medal up into the air. Bill gave a half bow as Moody put the medal around his neck, then Moody one of the scrolls from McGonagall and handed it to Bill. The two of them then shook hands, with several cameras flashing as they did so. Moody whispered something to Bill, who nodded and took a couple of steps backward, standing up straight and facing the assembled crowd.
All the Weasleys were on the verge of tears of joy, even Percy. Fleur was especially emotional seeing her husband, the man she loved, being honored in such a way. Fred and George were making comments to each other.
"Our older brother a hero" Fred said. "I always knew he had it in him" George said. "To think," Fred began, "after all the flack that we got…" "…from the bloody ministry…" George interjected, "…they go and give our dear elder brother…" "…the most prestigious medal in the wizard world" they ended together.
Bill smiled at his family from his place behind the Head Table, he was still clearly visible though, so his family could see and return the smile. Mr. Weasley was very proud of his son, but he kept himself together emotionally despite the huge grin of fatherly pride on his face as he put his arm around his sobbing wife. Charlie had a look that suggested he was saying "well done mate" on the inside. Ginny was very proud of her big brother as well, she had always looked up to him, and now the rest of the wizard world would to.
After a moment, Moody began again. "For the second recipient," there were almost audible gasps from around the room at the thought of not one, but two people receiving this most prestigious medal.
Moody continued after things quieted down a bit, "I wish to announce first off that he has showed the valor embodied in this medal since the first day he stepped foot on these grounds. Knowing of his past and that he would be hunted, he chose to fulfill his destiny and live up to what his parents were and what he is. For uncommon bravery, valor, courage, and for outright integrity at all times and in every aspect of his life. I, on behalf of the Ministry of Magic and the entire wizarding world, award the Medal of Uncommon Valor and the rank of Order of Merlin First Class…to Harry James Potter.
Harry was very surprised at this; he had not expected to be honored like this. He had been so focused on fulfilling his destiny and on protecting Hermione and the others he cared about, that he had failed to see that what he had done really was a brave thing.
"Go on up" Sean said to Harry, bringing him out of his shock.
Harry stood up straight and looked as dignified as he could as he approached Moody. McGonagall beamed with pride as she handed Moody the medal, which Harry bowed down to receive.
As Moody handed Harry the scroll and shook his hand, he whispered in his ear "I always knew you had it in you my boy…your parents are very proud of you."
The cameras of the photographers flashed to no end as Harry went through the process of receiving the medal and induction into the Order of Merlin. Harry choked back tears as he turned to the assembled audience and stepped back to where Bill was standing. Tears welled up in Hermione's eyes as she saw the man she loved being honored like this in front of the wizarding world.
"He deserves this so much" she thought to herself, "he is my hero."
The Weasleys, who were Harry's surrogate family, were also beaming with pride and joy at his and Bill's accomplishment.
Ron was particularly proud of his best friend, the boy he first met on the Hogwarts Express so long ago. He was on the verge of tears when Demelza, who was sitting next to him, gently held his hand in hers. After she had made a summer visit to the shop, she and Ron had talked and had discussed dating once the school year started, now they looked at each other and both could see that dating would be a good thing--to start with.
Ginny was also proud of Harry, but her eyes traveled to the young Knight who was now sitting by himself and beaming with pride at his young protégé.
Ginny sighed, "It's not right that he can't be recognized for all he did."
After Harry had taken his place next to Bill, and the photographers had been given ample opportunity to photograph the two of them together, Moody once again began to speak.
"While it has been more than two centuries since the Medal of Uncommon Valor has been awarded to a wizard or witch. It has never been awarded--to a Muggle."
There was even more buzzing among the students and the press at this, "a Muggle will be receiving the award?" some of them said to themselves, "no that's impossible," "but then what is the Minister implying?"
Ginny also tensed up and her heart immediately began to race. "Oh my God" she said to herself "are they really going to…" After a few seconds, the Minister continued.
"So, in recognition of his bravery, courage, uncommon valor, selfless actions, and at least a score of other attributes that embody everything that this medal stands for and that he has practiced all his life. It gives me great pleasure to award the Medal of Uncommon Valor to the first ever non-wizard or witch recipient. Knight of the Order of St. George, Sean Alexander O'Sullivan."
This took Sean completely by surprise. For a moment, he didn't know which way was up. But it only took him a moment to realize what this meant and that it was his duty to accept.
He stood up straight and tall, as if he had rehearsed this or knew that it was coming. Many people looked at the Muggle clothing he was wearing. His dark coat reflected the light from the ceiling of the Great Hall, and it made the brass buttons shine. He stood resolutely, proudly sporting the colors of his clan on his kilt. He turned and walked to where Moody now stood and bowed to receive the medal that was placed around his neck.
As he bowed, Sean moved his crucifix to the side so that the medal would not go over it. The Sagart looked like he was about to burst with pride as he watched the boy he had loved and raised as his own son accept this great honor.
Sean arose, the first Muggle to ever receive the highest honor in the wizarding world, and shook Moody's hand. As he did, Moody whispered to him, "I would be honored if you would step back with the other recipients for a moment."
Sean nodded and did so. The cameras were going off wildly at this, the reporters were all determined to find out everything they could about this young man who had been honored so and introduced as a Knight of the Order of St. George. Sean stepped back and ended up between Bill and Harry. The three of them said nothing as they continued looking forward and waiting for instructions.
Moody paused to allow the photographers to take pictures of the three heroes with their medals around their necks.
"I present to you," Moody said after a while, "William Weasley, Harry Potter, and Sean O'Sullivan, the three heroes of Hogwarts."
Moody then stepped to the side so that there was nothing in between those assembled and the three young men they were honoring, and applauded.
The entire assembly, even the press, began to wildly applaud the three heroes. Ginny wasted no time in rising to her feet to applaud Sean, who noticed her for the instant that only she was standing and smirked. An instant after Ginny had risen to her feet, the entire assembly, including the Slytherins, had done likewise and were now applauding and cheering the three men who had done more than any others to eliminate the threat of the Dark Lord.
Bill, Harry, and Sean, just stood there not quite knowing what to do next as the standing ovation and the returning flashes of the cameras greeted them. Harry though, thought of something that he wanted to say to his friend and mentor.
"Well master," Harry said.
"Aye" Sean said back.
"Looks like you're going to have to face it now."
"What do you mean?" Sean asked Harry.
"You really are a hero" Harry answered matter of factly.
"Being a hero is a lot more than receiving a medal Harry," Sean answered immediately.
"I know," Harry answered, "Minister Moody said what it entails when he said why you were being awarded the medal."
Sean didn't know how to respond, he never considered himself a hero, just a Knight who fulfilled his oaths and did what was required of him. Bill then gave his friend a playful slap on the back as his form of congratulations, Sean responded with a slap of his own to Bill and the three of them stood together facing their ovation.
The applause never died down, even with the photographers attempting to get some good shots of the three heroes standing together. After about five minutes of the standing ovation, McGonagall rose to her feet and raised her hand to politely call for a stop to the applause. After the applause had died down, she invited Bill, Harry, and Sean to return to their seats.
"We would like to thank Minister Moody and the three young men we honored here. I would also like to announce to the Hogwarts students and faculties, that these next days before the term starts, and the days after, will be filled with festivities. There will be fireworks, music, dancing, feasts, and many other great events to celebrate the monumental occasion for which we now honor them. I call this ceremony dismissed."
The press figures immediately stood up and waited by the head table for the heroes to come down so that they could get interviews.
Harry turned to Bill; "I'm going to sneak off real quick, cover for me?"
Bill nodded and Harry immediately ducked out through a secret passageway he had found before the ceremony using the Marauder's Map.
Bill immediately made his way to his family. Sean walked over to the Priest and the two of them came together in a very heartfelt embrace.
"I am so proud of you my son," the Priest said to Sean in Irish Gaelic.
"Everything I am," Sean answered in the same language, "I owe to you."
After he said this, Sean began to remove the medal to place it around the neck of his Sagart. But the Priest brought his hands on top of Sean's to prevent him.
"You keep that" the Priest said, "you earned it and deserve to wear it…show it to your own son one day."
Sean paused for a moment after the Priest said the words "your son." Sean had never thought he would have children, and he looked at the Priest. He found that the Priest's eyes were looking past him to a young and beautiful red-haired girl who was staring at Sean despite the fact that her brother was on his way.
"Is that her?" the Priest asked pointing to Ginny.
Sean looked to be sure that he was pointing to Ginny and answered "aye" through a chuckle at Ginny turning away embarrassed after she and Sean's eyes met.
"She is a beautiful young woman," the Priest continued, "go to her, tell her how you feel."
Sean smiled slightly and then hugged the Priest again before moving from the head table and making his way towards the Weasleys. The Priest smiled and began talking to Minister Moody and others at the Head Table. He even diverted the attention of the reporters to himself and began answering questions about the Order and Sean.
Bill made his way past the press and into the arms of his loving wife who held him close and kissed him.
"My 'ero" Fleur said after the two of them came apart.
Next came Mrs. Weasley with a big hug and a kiss on the cheek. She wanted to say how proud she was of her son, but she was so choked up that all she got out was a whispered "I'm so proud of you."
Bill's brothers then all came up to him and shook his hand, Hermione did so as well offering him congratulations, and Ginny gave him a bug hug as they all began eyeing and fingering the medal hanging around his neck.
After a few moments, Percy, Charles, Fred, George, Ron, and Ginny all moved aside as their father approached. Mr. Weasley faced his oldest son, who stood up straight and looked straight back at his dad. Words were not needed between them as their looks spoke volumes.
Eventually, Mr. Weasley extended his hand to Bill and said, "Well done my boy, very well done."
Bill shook his dad's hand, and then took the medal from around his neck and put it around his father's. Mrs. Weasley couldn't contain herself and began sobbing happily as her husband and first-born went through this exchange.
"I told you before that everything I am I owe to you dad," Bill said. "You deserve to wear that medal more than I do. You've devoted your life to the cause, you embody all the virtues Moody talked about. And without you, I wouldn't know right from wrong or what it means to have integrity and valor."
Mr. Weasley smiled, looked at the medal for a moment, and then took the medal from around his neck and put it back around his son.
"But son," he said, "you are wrong. You earned this medal, now you keep it."
Mr. Weasley and Bill then embraced. Afterwards, Bill stopped and looked around, he noticed that Harry had snuck out like he wanted to, and he noticed Sean apparently finishing talking to the Priest.
Bill called out, "hey Sean" and then waved him over to where he was once he got his attention.
Sean made his way over to where his friend was, Ginny moved behind where Ron and Demelza were standing and attempted to fix herself up a little before Sean came over.
"Sean my old friend" Bill said as he and Sean grabbed each other's left shoulder and simultaneously used their free hands in a handshake. "Congratulations, if anyone in the world deserves that medal, it's you."
Sean smiled slightly at this before saying, "I was just doing my sworn and sacred duty."
Sean was not expecting for all the Weasleys and Hermione, who was looking around for Harry, to then talk to him…but that's just what they did.
First was Mr. Weasley who shook his hand and said "this is a proud day for us all. And we are glad to see you get some recognition for the kind of thing you have been doing all your life." Sean returned the handshake and gave Mr. Weasley a nod.
Mrs. Weasley then came up and hugged Sean in a way that he only remembered his mother doing to him once when he was very young. "We are so proud of you" Mrs. Weasley said, "and so glad to know you. Know that you are welcomed at our home any time, it's an always open invitation."
Sean had met the Weasley brothers at the wedding, they all came over to him and they exchanged greetings and congratulations. Sean was also introduced to Demelza.
He took her hand and kissed it, as was his custom, and then said, "I am very pleased to meet you milady."
After seeing the cavalier young man and hearing his deep, Irish accented voice, Demelza thought that she would melt.
"He is so dreamy" she thought to herself, being careful not to let out too much since Ron was standing next to her. Then Fleur came up and kissed Sean on both of his cheeks and spoke to him in French.
"Thank you so much for all that you have done for my husband and I, and for our world."
Sean merely smiled and then said back to her in French "It was my pleasure Missus Weasley. And I hope to be seeing a lot more of you and your family."
Hermione then came up to Sean and gave him a kiss on the cheek. "Thanks so much for all you have done," she said to him, "and especially for helping Harry. I talked with him a little when he first got back, and I can tell that you did a very good job of teaching him."
Hermione then gave Sean a big hug and got a concerned look on her face. "Where is Harry anyway?" she asked aloud to no one in particular.
Bill spoke at this point and said, "he told me he was going to sneak out for a bit. Had something to do."
"Where would he have gone?" Hermione thought out loud to herself. Sean thought for a minute and then thought of something.
"If I were you," he said with emphasis on the word "you" "I would check at the astronomy tower." Hermione gave a nod and then was off.
Ginny knew that there was no one left between her and Sean now, and she suddenly felt nervous. Their eyes met for a moment, and then Sean turned his back to her.
Ginny's heart sank, "is this him saying that he doesn't want anything to do with me?" she thought to herself as tears threatened to well up in her eyes.
Sean turned to face Mr. and Mrs. Weasley. "With your permission" he said in a very respectful tone, "I would like some time alone with your daughter."
The boys, except Bill, were very surprised, and Mrs. Weasley was so happy with this request that she thought she would faint.
Mr. Weasley was composed enough to look at Sean with a kind, fatherly, and approving expression and say, "of course you may, I'm sure she knows of a place nearby where you can be alone."
Sean gave Mr. Weasley the salute they gave in the Order of St. George, and then gave him and Mrs. Weasley a respectful bow. He then walked over to Ginny, who hoped that she didn't look too ecstatic. He stopped a couple of steps away from where she was and held out his hand, which Ginny took and then Sean bowed to kiss her hand.
Sean then offered Ginny his arm and said, "Hello Ginerva, would you like to go somewhere away from all this for a little while." Ginny's eyes lit up at this and she could only manage a nod.
"If you would please lead the way my lady" Sean said in his cavalier manner. Ginny took Sean's arm and led him out of the Great Hall.
All the Weasleys and Demelza looked after the two of them as they walked off. Mrs. Weasley was ecstatic that her daughter would get to spend some time with the man of her dreams. The boys were all confused about what was going on, and Demelza was still swooning about the young Irish Knight who had made her acquaintance.