July 10, 1992, Friday, Sunny.
Led by Edgar, Lynn and William stepped into the British Ministry of Magic for the first time.
After descending through the telephone booth and actually standing in the Atrium of the Ministry of Magic, even with Lynn's broad experience, he couldn't help but be shocked by the sight before him.
As far as the eye could see was an extremely high ceiling, painted with patterns that slowly and constantly changed. Stars flowed, runes glowed, and occasionally soft magical lights streaked across the ceiling like meteors before disappearing into the walls.
Beneath their feet was a polished marble floor, so shiny that it faintly reflected their silhouettes.
On both sides of the long corridor where they stood were dark stone walls several stories high, built from smooth, polished stone.
The walls were embedded with many fireplaces carved with intricate patterns, forming a giant Floo Network hub wall.
Almost every few seconds, a fireplace would erupt with green flames with a whoosh, and then a wizard in robes would step out, hurrying into the crowd.
Passing through the corridor, they reached an even more open and grand circular atrium. Here stood a set of giant golden statues—the Fountain of Magical Brethren.
Soon, the time for the award ceremony arrived.
Guided by Edgar's father, they entered the hall where the Order of Merlin award ceremony was being held.
Gradually, the audience seats filled up.
Then a group of about a dozen serious-looking wizards entered in single file and walked toward the podium at the front.
They all wore uniform plum-colored robes, with a delicate letter "W" embroidered in silver thread on the left side of their chests.
Walking at the very front was Albus Dumbledore, who today wore a rare set of moon-white robes.
As the members of the Wizengamot took their seats, the originally noisy hall instantly fell silent.
Dumbledore stepped up to the podium, his voice carrying clearly throughout the hall.
"Ladies and gentlemen, colleagues, welcome to this year's Order of Merlin award ceremony."
Then Dumbledore began a speech that sounded rather lengthy to Lynn.
He reviewed the history of the Order of Merlin, emphasized the importance of unity and cooperation in the wizarding world, spoke about the bright future of magical civilization, and finally offered earnest encouragement to the young wizards present—to cherish time, be brave in exploration, and contribute to the progress of the magical world.
Blah blah blah…
Lynn began to feel restless in his seat and whispered to Edgar and William beside him.
"First time I've felt Professor Dumbledore is this talkative… Who wrote this speech? It's way too wordy!"
"I'm almost falling asleep…" Edgar yawned while trying to keep his eyes open.
"Mm," William agreed succinctly.
Ollie inside the mobile phone also nodded.
After an unknown amount of time, Dumbledore's speech finally ended amid warm applause.
He handed the podium over to Cornelius Fudge, the wizard Lynn had met once before in Dumbledore's office.
Only now did Lynn realize that this man was the current British Minister for Magic.
Fudge, with a glowing face, began to read the award list.
The first to receive their awards were the recipients of the Order of Merlin, Third Class.
"Mr. Harper Moon!" Fudge read aloud.
A somewhat shy middle-aged wizard walked onto the stage.
"In recognition of his bravery in Surrey, saving an innocent Muggle child from a rampaging werewolf, demonstrating the responsibility and courage of a wizard!"
Applause rang out. The award was presented, the sash was placed over his shoulder, and photographs were taken.
"Next, Mr. Lauren Goods!"
"In recognition of his successful improvement of the Cheering Potion formula, significantly reducing side effects and improving the safety of the potion, making an outstanding contribution to magical medicine!"
More applause followed, and the process repeated.
"Next—Mr. Lynn!"
Hearing his name, Lynn immediately straightened up.
He adjusted his robes and calmly walked onto the stage.
A wizard in formal attire draped a white sash symbolizing the Order of Merlin, Third Class across his chest. Then Minister Fudge pinned a medal engraved with Merlin's profile onto the sash.
Lynn smiled, posed for several photos, and then stepped down from the podium.
After that, several more recipients came up to receive their awards—some receiving the Second Class and others the First Class.
But Lynn barely paid attention.
His mind had already drifted elsewhere.
As soon as the ceremony officially ended, reporters who had been waiting for a long time immediately rushed forward.
They surrounded the award winners—especially the youngest one, Lynn.
Quick-Quotes Quills pointed at him like spears, and magical cameras flashed constantly.
One reporter was the first to ask,
"Mr. Lynn! Congratulations! As one of the youngest recipients of the Order of Merlin, Third Class in history, how do you feel right now?"
Lynn had already prepared a standard response.
He smiled humbly and replied,
"I am very grateful to the Order of Merlin and the Ministry of Magic for granting me this honor. First, I would like to thank Hogwarts… thank Professor Dumbledore… thank the Alchemy Competition… and of course, I would also like to thank—"
The reporter, hearing this perfectly official answer with no exciting highlights, clearly wasn't satisfied.
His eyes rolled slightly, and he changed the question.
"Mr. Lynn, as far as we know, some people question whether that alchemical item called a 'mobile phone' is simply novel in appearance but actually flashy and impractical, lacking real utility value?"
Hearing this question, Lynn didn't get angry.
Instead, his eyes lit up instantly.
Wasn't this the perfect opportunity for advertising?
Without hesitation, Lynn immediately pulled his luxurious-looking mobile phone from the inner pocket of his robe and began demonstrating it in front of the reporters.
He deliberately raised his voice so everyone nearby could hear clearly.
"This reporter's question is excellent! Regarding doubts about its utility—please take a look, everyone!"
Lynn raised the phone high.
"Look at these smooth lines and this exquisite appearance! Of course, that's actually its most insignificant advantage!"
As he spoke, he quickly demonstrated its functions.
"Its true value lies in its revolutionary instant communication capability!
Think about it—no matter how far apart you are, as long as you have this device, you can contact family and friends anytime and clearly transmit information instantly!"
Blah blah blah…
"Isn't that an epoch-making convenience?"
Lynn paused and swept his gaze across the reporters and onlookers whose attention had been completely captured.
Then his tone became even more dramatic.
"Now then! I believe many of you must be asking yourselves right now—where can such a novel, practical, and epoch-making product be purchased?"
He deliberately stopped speaking and looked around.
Sure enough, one reporter who had been drawn into the rhythm subconsciously asked,
"Yeah… where can we buy it?"
That was exactly the line Lynn had been waiting for.
"Right in Diagon Alley!"
"The newly opened 'Epoch-Making Alchemy Shop'!"
"This shop will officially open soon, and we welcome everyone to visit! The first batch of products will be available in limited quantities!"
The moment he finished speaking, the area fell silent for a brief second.
Then came a loud buzz of discussion and the frantic scratching of reporters' quills.
Who could have imagined that after the solemn and dignified Order of Merlin award ceremony, someone would suddenly deliver such a bold advertisement?
Lynn looked at the scene with satisfaction.
This trip to the Ministry of Magic—winning a medal and running an advertisement.
Two birds with one stone.
Perfect.
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