The Order of Merlin Ceremony
Chapter 8
August 16th, 1998, Granger Residence
“Good Morning.”
“Morning, dear.” Hermione's mum and dad said.
“Do we have anything going on today other than church? I have to be ready by 5:00pm, for the ceremony.”
“Just the service today darling." Her mum stated. "The hairdresser and makeup artist are slated to be here around 1:30.”
“Thank you mum.” She hugged her mum, sincerely thankful for the help she was giving.
“This arrived for you earlier this morning.” Her dad handed her a letter.
H,
Girl, I know you're happy to be with your parents, but In the future, please take me with you. Don’t leave me with the boys. All they have done since you left is bitch about anything and everything they can. This includes having to dress up for the Order of Merlin Ceremony tonight.
Also, YOU ARE MY BEST FRIEND, HOW DARE YOU LEAVE ME ALONE TO FIND A DRESS FOR THIS EVENT. Now, that is out. What the hell are you wearing? The last time we talked about fashion you said your sense of fashion was equivalent to the ghoul in our attic, so you didn’t leave me with much confidence in your ability to dress yourself…
Mum didn’t throw a hissyfit when I found a dress that actually makes me look like a woman. It’s royal blue, and made of beautiful silk. It shows off my curves in a demure way, I think that’s why mum likes it. I can’t wait to see you, and your dress tonight. Don't worry about the boys, mum, and I have threatened them with bodily harm if they are late.
See you tonight!
G
Ginny had a way of writing that made it feel like she was in the room with her. She was more excited to see Ginny tonight than any of the boys, as Ginny loved fashion, and would likely be very impressed with Hermione's dress. Hermione penned a quick note back, using pen and paper, because who had time for a quill and parchment when it wasn’t required.
G,
Try being on the run with both the boys. Sometimes it was more torture than the horcrux… No surprise they are being difficult?
Gin, anytime you want to come with me, all you have to do is ask. Sometimes I worry that my parents think my friends are fake, as they’ve never spent time with you all.
So I’ll save the details of my dress for you to see tonight, but I got it in Paris with my mum, and I’ve never been more in love with a dress than I am with this one. It’s an older dress but the deep bordeaux red that nearly looks black in some lighting, and like your dress it’s also silk. That’s all I’m saying, you’ll have to see it tonight, it’s a really special dress.
See you tonight!
H
She sent the letter off with the waiting owl once she finished breakfast. The family then went to church, which passed quickly much to Hermione's thanks. They were home by 1:00pm, like her mum predicted, she immediately ran upstairs to shower. Meanwhile, Emma had the drawing room set up as the dressing room.
Hermione finished her shower, and threw on a simple button up shirt dress. She made her way into the drawing room, the normal space she and her mum would get ready for formal events. She described how she wanted to look for the event, to the hairdresser, and makeup artist. Her goal was understated 1950's glamor. She requested an elegant french twist, and makeup showcasing a red lip.
Before she knew it, her makeup and hair were finished. Her mum helped her into her dress, and helped her pick out jewelry. For jewelry she picked a diamond tennis bracelet, teardrop diamond and pearl earrings, and a necklace matching earrings. They helped her put on her shoes, and led her to the full-length mirror to see herself all put together for the first time.
"Thank you all so much, everything is perfect." She said. Her mum also shared her thanks, and quietly showed everyone out.
Hermione was impressed by the beauty of the woman staring back at her in the mirror. After ten months on the run, she had forgotten how it felt to feel beautiful. Honestly, she had forgotten how to be the girl she loved being. She instead had been so caught up being the magical world expected her to be. She decided from this moment on, she would be her true and genuine self, regardless of the world she was in, and if people didn't like it they could frankly piss off.
Her mum came back into the room. " Sweetheart, you look amazing. Let me snap a few photos!"
Hermione thanked her mum and gave her a huge hug. She checked the time and noticed it was already 4:55pm. She applied a few spells to her dress, and hair before leaving precisely at 5:00pm.
Earlier at the Ministry:
Kingsley apparated into the ceremony space, in full dress robes, at 4:30pm. He hoped by arriving early he could minimize the ministry being the cause of any catastrophes. That's how Kingsley found himself, and his secretary in a quiet hallway verifying everything from seating plans, to the award ceremony.
"Did someone remember to set the awards up on the stage?" He asked his secretary in a panic. He could now hear the tell tale signs of apparition and floo activation, guests were starting to arrive.
"Kingsley, look at the stage. We've done everything we can to make sure everything goes off without a hitch. Now go enjoy yourself!" His secretary said.
Kingsley nodded his head, and started making his way back to the main event area. He looked at his watch, 4:45pm, prime arrival time for those purebloods who were showing up to boost their reputation. Taking a quick look around the room, he noticed Narcissa and Draco Malfoy already seated. With Lucius in prison, it would be interesting to see if the young Malfoy and his mother could rebuild the Malfoy family name.
He continued towards the entrance, where he was immediately distracted by the arrival of the Weasley family. He was pleased to see, the infamously late Wesley's had arrived ten minutes early!
"Molly, Arthur! It's lovely to see you all again." He was pulled in for his usual hug by the Weasley matriarch.
"Minister, Thank You for making sure our whole family had an invitation."
"Absolutely! I see you also have Harry with you. Thank you for making sure he got here safely."
"Don't mention it!" Arthur added. "Harry is family at this point. Have you seen Hermione? She owled Ginny she would meet us here."
"Not yet, but I'm sure she will be here soon." Kingsley looked at his watch again, 4:53pm. He grimaced, Hermione was generally always early.
The Weasley's parted ways with the minister to make their way to their table. Kingsley recognized the arrival of many Hogwarts professors, and Order of the Phoenix members, including Remus Lupin and his wife Tonks. At 4:58pm, Kingsley still hadn't seen Hermione, and was growing concerned. He went to follow up with the Weasley's to see if they had anything else.
In a back corner of the ballroom, Draco Malfoy excused himself from the table where he sat with his mother, and other social climbing, disgraced, purebloods hoping to rewrite their position in history. Thankful for a table near the exits, he made his way out the door for some fresher air. Looking at his pocket watch he was thankful for the two minutes he had to get his head together.
Azkaban had been difficult, but he fully understood he deserved punishment for what he did, regardless of being under duress. He didn't know how to move forward with life but he was hopeful the next year would help. He started some deep breathing exercises his mind healer had discussed with him, thankful they helped him get out of his head.
He checked his watch again, noting it was 5pm. As he went to take his first step towards the ballroom, he heard the crack of apparition. Involuntarily he looked in the direction of the sound, and noticed the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. Like a man possessed, his feet took him to the beautiful, unknown woman in the dark red dress.
"Good evening. I don't mean to be rude, but I just wanted to tell you that you are beautiful." Draco said to his mystery woman.
"Thank you. No one other than my family has told me that before." The mystery woman said.
"I'm Draco Malfoy, may I walk you into the ballroom?" He was amazed when his mystery woman allowed him to walk her to the ballroom entrance. Once at the entrance she thanked him, then made her way toward the front of the ballroom alone. This mystery woman was completely unaware that every single eye in the room was now focused on her.
Hermione apparated into the ministry at exactly 5pm as she intended. The lobby was empty except for one man who started walking in her direction immediately. That's when the inner monologue started. Holy fuck, thats Malfoy. Why is the ferret walking towards me, smiling?
"Good evening. I don't mean to be rude, but I just wanted to tell you that you are beautiful." He said to her, leaving her inner monologue to continue. What the fuck is happening, did I hit my head? Don't be rude, say something idiot.
"Thank you. No one other than my family has told me that before." She responded. The inner monologue wasn't done yet. You dumbass. Not like that. Why the fuck would you respond like that. You should just stop talking. So she did.
"I'm Draco Malfoy, may I walk you into the ballroom?" He asked kindly, and for some reason she accepted and let him walk her to the door of the ballroom, where they parted ways.
As she walked to the front, where she was sitting with the Weasley's, she was very confused about the interaction she just had. The ferret acted like he had never met her before, that's when it hit her. Malfoy couldn't recognize her. As she looked around the room, she recognized the many order members, Dumbledore's Army members, and even some of her professors. The one thing that was consistent was everyone looking at her like they didn't know who she was. This might be fun.
Arriving at her table, she was thankful a seat had been saved between Ginny and George. Everyone was deep in conversation, she could hear Mr and Mrs Weasley talking to Kingsley.
"Has Hermione arrived yet?" Kingsley asked.
"We haven't seen her yet." Mrs Weasley replied.
"Guys, I'm right here." She announced her presence and everyone looked up. The group reactions made her chuckle. Fred and George told her she looked hot. Mrs Weasley told her she looked radiant.
"Holy shit. Hermione, you look like a whole new woman."
"Thanks Ginny." She replied blushing.
"You look really nice." Harry added.
"Hermione. Y-you're a girl." Ron threw it out there.
"Astute observation Ronald. I thought that was established prior to the Yule Ball in 4th year." She rolled her eyes, while everyone laughed at Ron.
"I saved you a seat over here." Ginny pointed between her and Fred, and started talking to Hermione. "Holy shit Mione. You look Incredible!"
"It's amazing what a stress free week, confidence, a beautiful dress, and a little makeup can do." Hermione laughed.
"Hermione, I'm not kidding. Look around the room, it's like no one realizes who you are."
"If you want to keep that up Mione you can be my date for the evening."
"What the hell Gred, maybe I wanted the mystery lady to be my date."
"Sorry Forge. I asked first. What do you say Mione?"
Hermione laughed, and looked around the room. Ginny was right. These people, many of whom she had known for years, didn't seem to know who she was. This was going to make the evening far more interesting.
"Where did you get your dress Mione?" Ginny asked.
"My mum, and I took a day trip to Paris. We went to a few designers, and I fell in love with this dress. Its 1950's Dior."
"Oh wow, it's beautiful. Fleur is always talking about how much better the shopping is in France. Dior if one of her favorite designers. She said they're one of the best high fashion magical designers."
"I got this from a fully muggle shopping district."
" Fleur said many of the high fashion stores have dual entrances, that allow you to signal If you're magical."
"Oh wow. I had no clue about that. I thought I had seen Narcissea Malfoy there. I wonder if it actually was?"
"It wouldn't surprise me at all." Ginny was looking at Hermione confused. She enjoyed fashion, and knew how expensive stores like Dior were. She wondered how was Hermione able to afford Dior? She was also curious if her friend who never liked talking about fashion knew more about it than She let on. Was there more to Hermione than meets the eye?
On the stage, Kingsley was preparing to officially start the evening. "Ladies and Gentlemen, thank you for joining us this evening. The last few years have been difficult, for all of us. Tonight we come together to celebrate the individuals who helped lead us to victory against Lord Voldemort."The audience applauded.
"We will start with dinner and dessert, before moving to the award ceremony. With that, I won't keep you from your dinner." As Kingsley finished his statement, dinner appeared in front of everyone.
Dinner and drinks provided a fabulous start to the evening. Hermione, Harry, and the Weasley family were having an evening filled with laughter, and good conversation. The twins had doubled down on flirting with Hermione, and had kept her laughing. Before everyone was ready for it, Kingsley was back on stage, preparing to start the ceremony portion of the evening.
"It is now time for the reason we are gathered here this evening." Kingsley took a deep breath before continuing.
"Winning the war against Voldemort was only possible thanks to the efforts of many people. We are fortunate many are still with us, but the losses of our friends and family, who helped us get to this point will always sting. Tonight, we will remember all we have lost, and celebrate everyone who got us to this point." Again the audience politely applauded.
"In addition to giving out awards tonight, we will also be revoking an award that was received under false precedence."
Hermione looked at Harry, and Ron, confused. They both looked back at her, and shrugged their shoulders equally confused by what was happening.
"In November 1981, following the death of Lily and James Potter, an Order of Merlin, First Class, was awarded to Peter Pettigrew. He was given this award after what was believed to be a heroic confrontation with the individual responsible for the murder of James and Lily. In the years since, we at the ministry have learned the true story."
Harry, Hermione, and Ron, were in disbelief. Harry’s eyes were watery as Kingsley turned to look directly at him.
"This is why the ministry is pleased to announce, the Order of Merlin, First Class, given to Peter Pettigrew has been revoked, and stricken from the record books. We are also pleased to announce Sirius Black's innocence. A detailed press release will be in Monday's Prophet."
Applause erupted in the Ballroom. Harry was in complete shock, as was Remus, who was seated at the next table. Hermione was staring at Kingsley in shock, but she led the standing ovation. Noone had expected this. Kingsley thanked everyone for their appreciation, and started with awarding the Third Class Awards.
"This award is given to those who have made spectacular contributions to our store of knowledge or entertainment. These two individuals who went out of their way to keep the Wizarding World informed of news, and the war efforts over Voldemort's reign of terror. I am happy to present the Order of Merlin, Third Class, to Fred Weasley and George Weasley."
Shock was radiating at the Weasley table. They had been under the impression only Harry, Ron, and Hermione would be getting awards. After a brief moment Fred, and George walked up to the stage, and accepted their awards. Kingsley then moved on to the second class awards.
"The Order of Merlin, Second Class, is awarded to those whose achievements or endeavors are beyond the ordinary. I am proud to present this award posthumously to Severus Snape. He started spying on Voldemort in spring of 1981. Through information he shared with The Order of the Phoenix, he was able to save many from Death Eater attacks. The information he was able to share with Harry Potter, directly contributed to the demise of Voldemort."
Applause resonated throughout the ballroom. Kingsley presented of The Order of Merlin, Second Class posthumously, to Sirius Black, and Alastor Moody for their work as Hit Wizards and going above and beyond to keep others safe in times of great peril. Neville Longbottom received his award for the work he did at Hogwarts with Dumbledore's Army, and for destroying the final horoux, or vessel as Kingsley called it.
"Now, the First Class Award." Kingsley said. "This award is given to those who have exhibited outstanding bravery or distinction. This is the magical equivalent to a Knighthood in the Order of the British Empire." Hermione’s jaw dropped. She knew the Order of Merlin was a high award, but she hadn't realized it was that high of an award.
"This evening, I have the pleasure of bestowing five individuals with the Order of Merlin, first class." When Kingsley said five, whispers erupted throughout the ballroom. Everyone present expected the award for the Golden Trio, but didn't know who the other two recipients were.
"For unwavering service to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, in defense of the school, and students during the 1997 Death Eater attack, and again during the Battle of Hogwarts, we are pleased to award Minerva McGonagall with the Order of Merlin, First Class."
The professor was in tears as she went up to collect her award. Everyone in the room was on their feet applauding. Professor Mc Gonnagall accepted her award, and remained on stage as directed by the ministry attendants. Kingsley continued.
"For their acts performed during the first and second wars, and their heroic actions during the Battle of Hogwarts by leading underage students to safety, and saving the lives of multiple compatriots. We are pleased to award Remus Lupin with the Order of Merlin, First Class."
Remus was in disbelief. Tonks had to push him out of his chair. Harry and the twins led the applause for the man who had been there for all of them at one point or another. He accepted his award, and remained on stage next to the professor.
"Its to my understanding, these next three award winners don't need much of an introduction these days!" Kingsley joked. "We are happy and thankful for the acts of bravery and heroism these three have exhibited. They had been fighting Voldemort together since 1991, and together they made it possible for the final demise of Voldemort. Today, we are happy to add Ron Weasley, Hermione Granger, and Harry Potter, to our list of Order of Merlin, First Class winners."
Among racious applause, the trio stood, and made their way to accept their award. Hermione was oblivious to the shock on the faces of those around the room who were only now realizing who she was. Once on stage, the trio were greeted with hugs, and handshakes by Remus, Minerva, and Kingsley. They took their obligatory photos, and all of the winners made their way back to their tables. Kingsley congratulated all of the winners again, and thanked everyone for coming to the ceremony, formally concluding the evening.
Hermione, and the Weasley's socialized with friends, professors, and Order members for the remainder of the evening. Echoes of congratulations, and see you soons were plentiful during their discussions with classmates, and professors. Their friends were all annoyed about repeating their Hogwarts year, but everyone shared the same hope for a quiet and fun year. Hermione left with Ginny, Harry, and Ron around 10pm. They promised to be in touch more during the week before aparating to their homes.
Draco Malfoy had stayed at his table for the duration of the ceremony. He felt awkward being there. It was clear he didn't belong. He was thankful for the distraction of the mystery woman he met. Of course she had to go sit with the Weasley family. If she was friends with them, then he stood no chance, but a man can dream.
His mind stayed with the mystery woman until he heard Kingsley present the final award of the night, and say Granger's name. He hadn't seen her tonight… He looked around the room and noticed his mystery woman was standing with Potter, and the Weasel and walking towards the stage. No way, there's absolutely no way. A stream of curse words was flowing through his mind, as he put it all together.
His mystery woman, who had been obsessing over all night, was Hermione fucking Granger.