Chapter 184 Magical Development Plan Of Hogwarts

The Order of Merlin was founded in the mid-11th century by the renowned medieval wizard Merlin. It was the first organization in the magical world and is highly respected.

Merlin wanted wizards to assist Muggles, hence creating the Order of Merlin.

The Organization of the Order of Merlin was established to aid Muggles, mandating that wizards refrain from using magic against them and that each wizard in the order be accountable for safeguarding the Muggles around them.

By the late 13th century, due to social unrest, most wizards were persecuted by Muggles, and the Order of Merlin was suspended. Merlin himself fell victim to persecution, leading to the dissolution of the organization. Later, with the establishment of Ministries of Magic and the International Statute of Wizarding Secrecy in 1689, all wizards went underground, and the Order of Merlin resumed operations.

The most esteemed wizards have joined the order, bestowing medals upon wizards who have made outstanding contributions to harmonious coexistence with Muggles.

After centuries of development, the Order of Merlin has evolved into the foremost prominent organization of wizards in the magical world, being the only group of wizards in the magical world not under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Magic, recognized as an elite international organization of wizards by it.

In the magical world, the highest honor for a wizard is to be rewarded with the Order of Merlin. There were three different classes of the Order of Merlin awarded: First Class, Second Class, and Third Class. Dumbledore is the recipient of the First Class medal, while Gilderoy Lockhart has received the Third Class medal, enough to make him the boastful figure he was.

Evan had never imagined he would have the chance to win the Order of Merlin, Second Class, which was truly unexpected for him.

For a young wizard like him, born to Muggles and at the mere age of twelve, it is a miracle.

If Malfoy found out, he would be consumed with envy.

"We don't want the Order of Merlin," Fudge hadn't finished his words when he heard Harry enthusiastically say, "Minister, Sirius and Professor Lupin are innocent, they..."

"The case of Black should be settled after the Wizengamot trial. From the current situation, there shouldn't be a problem," Fudge turned to look at Harry and barely smiled. "Regarding Lupin, he is being let go. All accusations against him have been dropped, and you will see him shortly."

"Will he stay and continue teaching?" Harry asked quickly.

"I'm sorry, Harry! Lupin has tendered his resignation to me. He stated he could no longer take such a risk, fearing a similar incident might happen again," Dumbledore said calmly.

"What?!" Harry couldn't believe it.

Professor Lupin was truly resigning.

Dumbledore looked at Harry, turned, and addressed Fudge, "Cornelius, I'm thinking about those Dementors; can they be removed from the school?"

"Oh, yes, they must go," Fudge absentmindedly ran his fingers through his hair. "They have no business here. I never thought they would attempt to kiss an innocent child, that is completely out of control! I'll go out in a moment and tell them to return to Azkaban."

There was a sudden silence in the room, and no one spoke.

Harry also wanted to ask Dumbledore about Professor Lupin, and heard Barty Crouch say solemnly, "Minister, Dumbledore, there should be no more delay. We should return immediately; I want to meet with Peter Pettigrew and Sirius Black. If necessary, I recommend using Veritaserum."

"Veritaserum?" Fudge exclaimed. "Are you out of your mind, Barty?! That is illegal. You know..."

Fudge uttered a few more words, and the five individuals quickly exited the room.

By the expressions on their faces, it was evident that overturning Black's verdict and the new trial for Peter Pettigrew were surely spelling disaster for the Ministry of Magic and the Wizengamot. They hoped to resolve everything before Christmas.

Following that, Evan, Harry, and Hermione discussed the events from some time ago and the previous night, with Dumbledore in attendance. They weren't overly concerned about proving Black's innocence. However, Professor Lupin's resignation was a cause for worry.

"I can't believe it; Professor Lupin is resigning from his post!" Harry said with concern. "We've come so far to prove his innocence."

"If he has made the decision to resign, I don't think there's much we can do..."

"Can't we do anything?" Evan had something in mind as he lifted his head and continued. "I have an idea. After Professor Lupin leaves his job, he surely won't be able to find a new one. No one will be willing to hire a werewolf, even if he is harmless. However, I can always invite him to oversee the daily operations of the 'Hogwarts Magic Gazette.'"

Seeing Harry and Hermione's puzzled expressions, Evan grew more convinced that this idea was viable. Professor Lupin's werewolf identity had become public knowledge, condemning him to not being able to stay at Hogwarts to teach. But he could be hired for a different role!

After over a year of development, the "Hogwarts Magic Gazette" had managed to further increase its sales, expand its commercial reach, and be promoted beyond the school.

Evan didn't have to worry about news sources. Almost all the ghosts from the UK were, in fact, providing news to the Hogwarts Magic Gazette and were proud to see their articles published. Many of the news pieces they provided were from outside the school.

Long had Evan desired to expand his business. The sole impediment being his lack of vigor.

Whether it be himself, Hermione, Fred, George, Harry, or Ginny, all the managers at Hogwarts Magic were students, and it was impossible for them to leave the campus. House-elves were not adept at management, thereby limiting the newspaper's audience to young wizards at the school.

Previously, even with many influential news stories, Evan had to collaborate with the Daily Prophet.

If he were to hire other wizards to handle the publishing and management of newspapers off-campus, Evan would not be at ease. However, Professor Lupin could perfectly resolve this issue.

Evan was preparing the Black and Pettigrew news event as a developmental opportunity to venture into the off-campus market. He planned to rent a house on Diagon Alley as the newspaper's headquarters, gradually expanding copy sales to rival that of the "Daily Prophet."

After the events he witnessed, Evan had fully realized the importance of public opinion. It was absolutely crucial to develop the Magical Newspaper of Hogwarts.

Furthermore, he was also willing to discuss this with Sirius Black. If he was willing to come, it would be even better. But from some words of Fudge, it seemed he wanted Black to become an Auror.

Just as Evan was about to write to Black, Professor Lupin returned to Hogwarts. He looked even more worn out, but mentally stable.