#181 - Awards

"Well, well, aren't you lucky? Most people only get a few Galleons from Death Eaters, but you got a property in Diagon Alley." Vanessa said with some envy, knowing that their Greengrass family didn't even own property in Diagon Alley.

"Just luck, maybe you'll run into something like that someday. Oh, right, after I finish the property transfer, I'll treat you to dinner," Anduin said with a smile.

"Okay, that's a deal." In Vanessa's eyes, Anduin had already transformed into a little nouveau riche, so naturally, she wouldn't refuse.

"The procedure is simple. How about I take you to complete the property transfer first, and then we'll go see the Minister? She might be busy right now." Vanessa said, returning the deed to Anduin.

"Sounds good to me," Anduin replied with a smile.

Afterward, Anduin followed Vanessa to the fifth floor and completed the procedure at the 'International Magical Trade Standards Association' office of the 'Department of International Magical Cooperation.' The procedure was quite simple; they didn't even need to replace the deed. They simply added three official seals and recorded the file.

Anduin also discovered that almost all trade and commercial matters had to go through the 'Department of International Magical Cooperation.' He had always thought it was just an organization for communicating with other countries' ministries of magic, and he found this very puzzling. After inquiring with Vanessa, he understood it was because of the goblins.

Since almost all trade required the use of Galleons minted by goblins, and goblins were heavily involved in commerce, and goblins were inherently an internationally neutral faction, many commercial activities and transactions had to comply with international magical laws, so the Ministry of Magic simply centralized all trade operations there.

"Knock, knock, knock."

Having completed the business, Anduin knocked on the door of the Minister of Magic's office.

"Come in."

Walking into the office, Anduin found Barty Crouch Sr., the Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, and Moody were present, and it seemed they had just finished discussing something, as Barty Crouch was sorting through some documents.

Seeing Head Crouch, Anduin thought of the confessions of those Death Eaters; it seemed his son was a Death Eater, so he wasn't entirely confident in the Head's stance.

"Just in time, Anduin, we were just talking about you. How was your rest?" Minister Bagnold asked with a rare gentle expression, smiling.

"Hello, Minister Bagnold. The rest room Moody arranged was very comfortable, and I rested very well," Anduin replied with a smile.

"That's good. Regarding the battle this morning, Moody has written a very detailed report. As an underage wizard, you fought bravely and independently defeated five Death Eaters led by Thorfinn Rowle, making outstanding contributions to the entire British wizarding world, so we should reward and encourage you." Millicent Bagnold was as efficient as ever, getting straight to the point.

Moody, on the other hand, kept winking at Anduin with a cheerful smile, as if he knew some good news in advance. Of course, with his appearance, making such frivolous gestures was still quite frightening.

"You flatter me. I was just protecting my own safety, not for any reward. Besides, those Death Eaters have always threatened the safety of the wizarding world and hindered the peace process. Any wizard with a sense of justice has the responsibility and obligation to fight against them, and I just happened to be there," Anduin said, standing straight with a serious expression.

If Yulia were here and heard Anduin say such words, she would probably be so angry that she would vomit blood on the spot. This boy was more hypocritical and insidious than any Slytherin she had ever seen.

However, the three people present couldn't help but nod after hearing Anduin's words, further solidifying their thoughts. This young man had a heart of justice, was humble and cautious, had excellent character and academics, behaved appropriately, and had a good image. He was truly a very high-quality candidate.

"Well, you don't need to be too modest. We won't forget your outstanding contributions, and we have already discussed your reward." Millicent Bagnold opened a document in her hand and glanced at it.

"First, Mr. Anduin Wilson, the Department of Magical Accidents and Catastrophes detected that you performed underage magic outside of school at Regent's Park at 6:00 AM today and in downtown London at 3:00 PM yesterday. I hereby declare that all your previous underage magic was legal."

"Secondly, in view of your courageous resistance to the violent actions of five Death Eaters this morning, you fearlessly resisted and subdued them all, and then immediately handed them over to the Department of Magical Law Enforcement to assist the Ministry of Magic in combating evil. In view of your heroic performance, the Ministry of Magic intends to give you the following awards."

"First, the Ministry of Magic will award you a gold medal for bravery."

"Second, the Ministry of Magic will award a bonus of 1,000 Galleons to encourage you."

"Third, the Ministry of Magic will award you the title of 'Combat Hero' and an honorary medal."

"The Ministry of Magic will hold a public celebration banquet for you in a few days and award you the medal in public, and the 'Ministry of Magic Public Information Office' will also prepare a personal interview for you. Remember to prepare for it when the time comes." After Millicent Bagnold finished reading the award order, she returned to a gentle expression and smiled at Anduin.

Combat Hero? Anduin was stunned after hearing the content read by Minister Bagnold. He knew that this fair and shrewd Minister of Magic would definitely not treat him unfairly, and he could have imagined the medal of valor and the bonus, after all, he had experienced it once before.

But he didn't expect that this Minister would actually award him the title of Combat Hero. He wasn't a civil servant, or even an adult wizard. How could they suddenly put such a big hat on him, and even arrange a celebration banquet and an interview? This was really unexpected.

Seeing Anduin standing there in a daze, Moody laughed and said, "How about it, didn't expect it? You're going to be in the limelight this time."

"But, Combat Hero? Me?" Anduin pointed at himself, looking at everyone uncertainly.

"What's wrong? Others can't wait to be a hero, what are you being shy about?" Moody stood up and teased.

"I think Anduin is asking why we are giving you such a high honor with such fanfare," Barty Crouch, who had not spoken, said with a smile.

"Yes, I'm just an underage wizard, and I'm not an Auror of the Ministry of Magic. I can't bear such a high honor," Anduin said in confusion.