Graham Bulstrode thought his chest would burst from the pride he felt for his family, his wife was on his arm as their daughter with her betrothed walked in front of them while the entire great hall of Hogwarts was on it's feet cheering for Millicent.
He noticed that neither his wife or daughter paid any attention to the dignitaries who were waiting for them at the top table but instead concentrated on the group at the end of the Gryffindor table which currently had a young black haired child bouncing up and down on top of it from excitement.
They had barely taken their reserved seats when the minister rose and approached the podium.
"I am aware it's customary for the presentation and speeches to take place after the feast but we're breaking with that tradition tonight so the young lady being honoured can get it out of the way and enjoy her meal."
This drew a few laughs from the hall.
"At Halloween both Millicent and her betrothed Ronald Weasley were kidnapped by a death eater while visiting Hogsmead. Miss Bulstrode awoke to find herself bound, without a wand and in the middle of a graveyard. Hearing cries as her betrothed underwent torture she firstly freed herself then looked for a weapon, using the branch of a tree she firstly killed the magically enhanced poisonous snake that was Voldemort's familiar before seriously injuring Bellatrix Lestrange. Freeing her unconscious betrothed she proceeded to carry him away from there while being pursued by Lord Voldemort himself. The courage and fortitude this young witch displayed that night more than earned her the right to become the youngest ever recipient of our nation's premier award, The Order of Merlin - First Class!"
The hall erupted in cheering as Millicent made her way forward and had her medal placed round her neck by the minister before being invited to say a few words.
Millie took a deep breath and began her speech, "I feel a bit of a fraud standing here accepting this award but when I mentioned my concerns to Harry he just laughed. He pointed out that I chose to do what was right rather than what was easy, something if I may say he has plenty experience with. I've also noticed when he makes his choices it usually leads to one of two consequences with people either wanting to kill him or kiss his arse, since it would appear that nobody is about to kill me and my arse is already claimed then I should be ok."
The great hall reverberated with laughter and Millie would swear she could feel the heat coming off Ron's blushing face behind her.
"Seriously though I wouldn't be standing here now if Lord Potter's party hadn't turned up at that precise moment and blasted that demented squirrel tit over tail to allow us to escape. Circumstances have conspired against them receiving the awards they so richly deserve, not least of which is the fact that they are now all Italian citizens but if I may I would like to accept this award on behalf of everyone who was in that graveyard and fighting against the dark side that night."
The applause was thunderous and continued for about five minutes with only Millicent's pleading restoring order to the hall.
"This award comes with a cheque for five thousand galleons which I feel unable to accept, instead I would like the gold to be donated to the Granger Foundation to aid with the construction of the new orphanage as both my betrothed and I wish to help these children any way we can."
Ron shot to his feet but this was not the boy of a few months ago who would have been ranting about throwing gold away, this Ron was applauding her decision like a maniac with tears running unashamedly down his cheeks with the pride he felt for his Millie.
After the feast Millicent introduced her father to the Potter party, Graham was as unsuccessful as his wife in trying to thank lord Potter for everything that he'd done for his family and asking how he could repay the debt of honour owed.
Harry held out his hand, "Mr Bulstrode all I ask is your hand in friendship, there can be no debts of honour amongst friends."
Hermione was trying not to laugh as the sight of Victor Krum with two hangers-on for back-up heading towards the Gryffindor table, it reminded her so much of the ferret and his fawning followers who used to make the same journey with the exact same 'you should be bowing in my presence' attitude.
Victor was not a happy world-renowned seeker, he'd been upstaged just as thoroughly tonight as on his first visit to this blasted school. Didn't these people know that he was the main attraction and automatic centre of attention wherever he went?