Wizette's Animagus-related paper published in Transfiguration Today—almost without suspense—won Most Promising Newcomer Award.
Presenting Animagus certificate just an excuse—this so-called "Most Promising Newcomer Award" true purpose of Ministry's visit.
"Feels still too exaggerated..." Wizette speculated. "Headmaster Dumbledore, is Ministry here to repair relationship with you?"
"Perhaps? Rubber band stretched too long, always snaps back." Dumbledore blinked noncommittally. "Not exactly bad thing—moreover don't need us to arrange venue."
"After Fudge took office, Ministry hired many special effects wizards. These people very good at arranging award ceremonies. Fred and George if they meet them, should be able to chat."
Wizette frowned slightly. "Ministry plus special effects wizards has feeling of not doing proper work. Doesn't anyone have opinions about this?"
"At least these two years not exactly improper..." Dumbledore smiled slightly. "Next year's Quidditch World Cup finals location right in England."
"Then need to build venue and arrange stadium. As quadrennial grand event, wanting to achieve ideal effect must have special effects wizards' participation—still worth anticipating..."
Sure enough, Fred and George appeared at Great Hall entrance eloquently promoting their fireworks.
Fred waved arms. "Sir, we can go outside see effects—won't lose to Zonko's Joke Shop, definitely won't disappoint you!"
"Key is cheap! Quality and affordable!" George patted chest. "Plus reveal business secret! Person Minister Fudge awarding today—our technical consultant!"
Middle-aged man asked doubtfully. "That Wizette? Doesn't he research Transfiguration—how can he also make fireworks?"
Fred waved hand. "He's Ravenclaw—conducting multi-faceted magical research very normal thing!"
George nodded. "Actually we're same—we don't only make magical fireworks but also develop other novelties!"
Fred followed up. "Exactly! Exactly! Magical items we also have—want us to demonstrate?"
Wizette followed Dumbledore into Great Hall—hall already completely transformed with ten-some wizards busy working, striving to make hall more magnificent.
From hall entrance to staff table walkway laid bright red carpet.
Mid-air flew many fairies—these magical creatures when flapping wings had snowflake-like light spots fall onto carpet.
One wizard raised small crystal dome while another wizard cast Levitation Charm making it rise into air.
After proper placement, next wizard raised wand and used Engorgement Charm to enlarge crystal dome—finally another wizard cast Illumination Charm making final light adjustments.
Through series of cooperative spellcasting, crystal dome refracted gentle rays—hall even brighter than usual and looked somewhat dreamlike.
Principle not complicated, but these special effects wizards when casting all showed high control and coordination—worth Wizette carefully observing and learning.
Peeves floated down window, tone full of mockery. "Oh my, such grand display! Look who's here—I seem to recognize you!"
He suddenly lunged at a wizard—just about to collide face-on, made ninety-degree turn and barely flew aside, gave that wizard huge fright.
"Last time you came, didn't you show off arrogantly? Quickly recover that, otherwise too unfamiliar! I'm even a bit scared!"
He floated around mid-air chasing flying fairies and also put hand in pocket fumbling for something.
Those special effects wizards arranging had to spare people and try to make Peeves leave hall.
"Yay! Come chase me! I'll treat you to Bertie Bott's Every Flavour Beans!" Peeves pulled out handful of chalk from pocket, while laughing, while throwing chalk at pursuers.
"Exactly! Exactly! Very good question! Animagus is dangerous Transfiguration magic, but I believe difficulties must be overcome..."
"Right right right! Exactly! Ministry put in much effort in this area... What? Of course not! Our relationship with Hogwarts always been good!"
Voice approached from distance—Wizette saw flashes appear at hall entrance.
Cornelius Fudge surrounded by flashbulbs entered hall triumphantly.
Wizette moved beside Dumbledore. "Headmaster Dumbledore, if they ask me questions later, I just need to answer truthfully?"
"Of course!" Dumbledore smiled and nodded. "When carriage goes downhill, always needs someone and always will be someone raising whip making horses speed up more."
Behind Cornelius Fudge besides reporters also followed several frowning wizards.
"I've always respected Headmaster Dumbledore!" Cornelius Fudge walked over making handshake gesture. "About Daily Prophet situation, involves many things..."
He shook hands with Dumbledore. "During my tenure, Dumbledore gave me much help—he told me to enforce law impartially..."
"That's why I cared about students and wrote letters overnight making Ministry Aurors end vacation, made them come investigate Hogwarts through wind and snow..."
He looked at Wizette beside. "Everyone! This is Hogwarts' rising star who published Animagus-related paper—Wizette Lovegood..."
Facing extended hand, Wizette stepped back.
Cornelius Fudge's expression hadn't time to change—a chalk piece suddenly appeared and directly drilled into his nose.
"Huh? My aim actually that good now?" Peeves looked at own hand surprised. "Actually hit that?"
While Cornelius Fudge picked at chalk, Dumbledore helped introduce wizards beside him.
"Madam Griselda Marchbanks, Head of Wizarding Examinations Authority, Transfiguration Today judge..."
"Ms. Sophia Cliona, Transfiguration Today editor..."
"Chris Gamp, Gamp's Law of Elemental Transfiguration research scholar..."
"Emeric Switch, author of A Beginner's Guide to Transfiguration..."
Wizards beside Cornelius Fudge not only famous scholars in Transfiguration field but also Transfiguration Today judges responsible for evaluating whether papers could be published.
Wizette maintained smile and politely greeted.
Several people didn't exchange pleasantries long—Cornelius Fudge rubbing nose and grimacing interrupted. "Dolores, come here and chat with Mr. Lovegood about later's process..."
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