The Wizengamot Council
Professor Dumbledore had Harry wait for all of his other friends to go into the Wizengamot Chamber room first to get seated. After a minute passed the doors opened again and a very old wizard that went by the name Edwin Ivanisanco greeted Harry.
"Please won't you come in Mr. Potter," The old wizard said motioning Harry forward.
Harry walked into the room and saw that it was half as big as the previous room but twice as tall. The room was circular in shape and had rows of seats going to the ceiling along the entire wall. Harry looked back at the door he just came through and saw that even the wall above the door was covered in rows of seats. What really amazed Harry was that the entire Chamber was full of wizards and witches, he didn't think it possible for anymore people to fit. He saw Professor Dumbledore sitting directly ahead of him in the lowest row of seats, the Professor motioned for Harry to approach the large thrown like chair in the center of the room. As Harry walked forward he finally saw his friends sitting in the lowest row to his right. Sitting in Dumbledore's section, Harry assumed was the entire Wizengamot, all wearing deep blue robes trimmed in gold. Harry reached the center of the room and every person in the room rose to their feet and began applauding Harry. After a minute of applause Professor Dumbledore rose his right hand and the room fell silent and sat back down, Dumbledore remained standing. Harry took a seat in the thrown.
"Ladies and Gentlemen," Dumbledore's voice boomed with the help of a volume charm, "we are gathered here today to celebrate Mr. Harry James Potter and his accomplishments," the crowd gave a polite applause. "Harry has been a student of mine for the last five years, and in that time I have learned that he, as well as his friends are some of the bravest and brightest wizards and witches I have ever known. Harry you have been through some very difficult times and rose to the occasion every time. I will give us all a short list of these achievements before I continue. The first was in your first year at Hogwarts, you defeated Quirell and Voldemort, second year you defeated the giant Basilisk and Tom Riddle also while saving another student. Fourth year you won the Triwizard Tournament in outstanding fashion, and also once again escaped Voldemort to tell us he had returned. And last year even though certain people tried to ruin your credibility you stuck by your word that Voldemort was back. You helped defend the Ministry of Magic and the Department of Mysteries just last week against a direct attack from Voldemort himself. You have accomplished so much at such a young age, that is why, the Wizengamot has voted unanimously that you should be honored today," Professor Dumbledore and the five Wizards sitting directly behind him walked out of the stands and over to Harry.
"Harry please stand up," Dumbledore asked kindly, Harry slowly rose to his feet. The reminder of all he had done reminded him also of all the deaths he had seen, and his legs trembled beneath him. "Harry we today on behalf of The Ministry, the Wizengamot, and the entire wizarding world, Confer upon you, Order of Merlin 3rd Class. Congratulations Harry," as Dumbledore said this last part he handed Harry a small box that had a bronze medallion inside of it with the same statue of Merlin chiseled into it. Edwin had slipped a gold V-shaped sash over Harry's head that he now saw many other wizards and witches wearing. At the bottom of the V Harry saw his name embroidered on it and below the words Order of Merlin 3rd Class. He smiled and looked at Professor Dumbledore as if to ask help on what to say next. Professor Dumbledore seemed to read his mind. /p p "Ladies and Gentlemen, Harry Potter, Order of Merlin 3rd Class," Dumbledore said and the entire audience exploded into cheers and applause, Harry not sure what to do bowed to the four general sides of the Chamber. When he got to the fourth side he saw all of his friends, each one of them had a smile from ear to ear. He put himself in position in front of Ron and Hermione and gave a long low bow to them, when he stood he told them thanks, that he couldn't have done it without them. They both turned a deep shade of red, Harry then winked at Ginny.
After what seemed like at least an hour of Harry accepting congratulations from wizards and witches he didn't know he was finally able to escape to his friends sides. Professor Dumbledore had excused himself early so the rest of the group made their way to the elevator and went back the Ministry Atrium.
When they stepped out of the elevator they were greeted by Dumbledore. The atrium was bustling with activity as witches and wizards were coming and going through the Floo network and the room was full of pops and cracks as even more were Apparating and Disapparating from the room. Professor Dumbledore pulled Mr. Weasley away from the group and Harry could see them talking with a large group of other wizards and witches. Harry, Ron, Hermione and Ginny all stood together in front of the golden statue fountain in the middle of the room.
"I want you all to know that I couldn't have done any of those things that Professor Dumbledore mentioned without you," Harry said to the three of them, "this is as much my reward as it is yours."
"Thanks mate," Ron replied as he slapped him on the back, "you have been through loads more than us though, its all yours."
"Yeah Harry," Hermione said, "you did all the really hard stuff."
"Harry," Ginny said blushing, "we don't care if we don't get the reward too. We just want you to be safe."
Arthur had left the group that he was talking to and came back to the others with a look of deep thought on his face. He stopped in front of the group and didn't say a word, finally Mrs. Weasley got worried and spoke up.
"Come on Arthur dear tell us what is wrong," Molly said with her voice trembling, "is everything all right?"
"Oh yes, yes," Arthur said quickly, "everything is fine dear. Albus just informed me that he is going to nominate me to succeed Fudge as Minister of Magic."