Afterwards, all the students returned to their dormitories, except Kyle.

The banquet is just a process in the honoring ceremony, and the most important content comes after that.

"Would you like to have a cup of tea together?" Dumbledore suggested with a smile.

"Of course, I do need something to drink right now."

McPhail nodded. "To be honest, this castle seems to have some incredible magic. Even my appetite has improved a lot since I came here."

Of course he was joking when he said he wanted to go back quickly, and it was impossible for Dumbledore to really invite old guys like them to be professors of Defense Against the Dark Arts...that was a treatment only for young guys.

"Albus, do you have any whiskey? I'd really like some right now."

"How about Firewhiskey? I just got a bottle for Christmas."

"That's perfect."

…

There is a long table and several soft chairs with backrests in the principal's office on the eighth floor.

There were also a variety of drinks on the table, including steaming tea and whiskey, as well as mead, butterbeer, and lemonade.

These should be the ones the elves just bought from the Three Broomsticks. Their magic is different from that of wizards, and they can use Apparition even in the castle.

A few people sat down casually, drinking and chatting happily.

As the protagonist of this event, Kyle is naturally a topic that they can’t leave out.

Although Fudge tried to divert the topic several times, Dumbledore always discovered his intention and subtly turned the topic back to Kyle.

Kyle also understood his intention.

On the way to the eighth floor just now, Dumbledore hinted in a voice that only he could hear, saying that this was a rare opportunity to meet famous wizards outside the school, which would be of great help to him in expanding his network.

Kyle naturally understood this principle.

In the wizarding world, connections are also very important. For example, if Dumbledore didn't know Nicolas Flamel, how could he have borrowed such a useful "bait" as the Philosopher's Stone?

There is also the Malfoy family. The reason why their family is so influential is also because they have a complex network of relationships with most people in the Ministry of Magic.

Although this network of relationships is made of gold Galleons, it will fall apart if this most important material is missing.

But it is undeniable that before this network is broken, it can indeed help Malfoy solve many big and small troubles he encounters in life or business.

This is also the main reason why he can still thrive despite being a "suspected Death Eater".

In addition, even Mr. Weasley is the same. Although his position is very insignificant, most people in the Ministry of Magic have a good relationship with him, including some directors of various departments.

Such as Ludo Bagman (Department of Sports and Physical Education), Barty Crouch (Department of International Magical Exchange and Cooperation), and Amelia Bones (Department of Law Enforcement).

Chris doesn't count, he's the deputy.

And a few days ago, Chris inadvertently said that Mr. Weasley was preparing to draft a new bill, which seemed to be about protecting Muggles and strengthening the management of dark magic items.

And judging from Chris's tone, it seems that this new bill is about to be passed.

If Mr. Weasley was really just an ordinary employee of the Misuse of Muggle Artifacts Department, given Fudge's personality, he probably wouldn't even look at him, let alone pass the bill he proposed.

As for McPhail and his companions, they also wanted to meet Kyle, the youngest member of the Merlin Jazz Band.

The two sides can be said to have hit it off immediately and had a very pleasant chat.

Except for Fudge and Newt.

Therefore, Fudge wanted to talk to McPhail or Sassia about his ideals and ambitions to leave a good impression on them.

As for Newt, it’s much simpler... he’s socially anxious.

The last time he was in a room with so many people was twenty years ago, so the scene in front of him was a little unfamiliar to Newt.

Fortunately, this situation did not last long.

Because it was already very late, the conversation ended in less than half an hour.

Newt was the first to leave the principal's office.

McPhail and Belby did not move. Dumbledore had just said that he could arrange for them to stay in the castle for one night so that they could go to present the Order of Merlin to another person tomorrow.

The two of them accepted it with pleasure.

For some reason, Fudge stayed as well.

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After leaving the headmaster's office, Sassia set off back to St. Mungo's... She came here on her own initiative to support Kyle and did not need to attend the honoring ceremony tomorrow.

After saying goodbye to her, Kyle found Newt waiting at the corner of the stairs.

The two of them came to an empty room next door, and Kyle said with some surprise, "I didn't expect you to come."

"Didn't you write to me before and ask me to help take care of some troublesome little animals?"

Newt sighed, "As it happens, they sent me an invitation, asking if I want to come to Hogwarts with them."

"So you agreed?"

"Yeah." Newt nodded. "Your winning of the Order of Merlin is something worth celebrating. I should come over as well. Oh, Tina thinks so too."

"Thank you..." Kyle said sincerely.

Normally, Newt rarely even attends gatherings with old friends, but today he was able to appear in an auditorium with hundreds of people... This was a huge test for him as a person with social phobia.

But Newt waved his hand and stopped Kyle from continuing:

"So, the little animal you were talking about in the letter is the Niffler?"

"Those little guys are indeed a bit naughty. You need to be a little patient to get along with them."

"No, not the Niffler." Kyle smiled. "The little guy is very cute and not a bit of trouble at all."

"What is that?" Newt was stunned.

Apart from the Niffler, Newt couldn't think of any other magical animals that Kyle needed his help to take care of.

"They were all smuggled here. I took care of them for a while after I found them... Never mind, you should just look at them yourself."

Kyle took out his box, opened it and put it on the ground.

"But before you go in, you have to be prepared that they might be a little different than you think."

"Now that you mention it, I'm suddenly a little bit looking forward to it." Newt smiled and shook his head, but he didn't take Kyle's words to heart.

He has seen all kinds of magical animals, so why would he need to prepare himself mentally?

(End of this chapter)