Hogwarts Great Hall — Morning
The Great Hall buzzed louder than usual.
Not gossip-loud.
Not breakfast-loud.
This was anticipation-loud.
Keith Argus Runcandel entered with his usual calm stride, Rias beside him, Susan and Helana close behind. The moment he stepped in—
Whispers erupted.
"He's here."
"That's him."
"Order of Merlin… First Class…"
"He's only twelve—"
Keith paused, eyes drifting toward the staff table.
Ministry robes.
Too many.
Cornelius Fudge stood out like a badly dressed pink balloon among scholars.
Keith sighed internally.
Why does he really look like a pig today…
The Announcement
Dumbledore rose first, tapping his goblet.
"May I have your attention, everyone."
The hall slowly quieted.
Fudge waddled forward, clearing his throat theatrically.
"On behalf of the Ministry of Magic—"
Keith stepped forward first.
He extended a hand.
"Minister Fudge. Welcome to Hogwarts."
Fudge blinked, surprised.
Then hurriedly shook Keith's hand.
"O–of course, of course! A pleasure, Mr. Runcandel."
Keith smiled politely.
The handshake photo moment Fudge wanted?
Already ruined.
Fudge Tries to Take Control
Fudge turned to the students.
"The Ministry is proud to announce its full support of young Keith Argus Runcandel—"
Keith tilted his head slightly.
"—and his continued cooperation with Ministry initiatives—"
Several professors frowned.
Snape raised an eyebrow.
Amelia Bones, present as Head of the DMLE, crossed her arms.
Keith said nothing.
He didn't need to.
Fudge lifted the medal.
"For his contributions to spellcraft and wizarding safety, the Ministry formally awards—"
He pinned the medal.
"The Order of Merlin, First Class."
The Hall Explodes
For half a second—
Silence.
Then—
ROAR.
Hufflepuff exploded to their feet.
"KEITH!"
"HOUSE PRIDE!"
"THAT'S OUR KING!"
Cedric Diggory was grinning like an idiot.
Professor Sprout wiped her eyes openly.
"That's my student…"
Flitwick clapped enthusiastically.
McGonagall nodded, sharp pride in her eyes.
Even Snape gave a barely perceptible nod.
Dumbledore's smile was gentle—and deeply proud.
Keith Speaks (Briefly)
Keith raised a hand.
The hall quieted almost instantly.
"I didn't do this for medals," he said calmly.
"I just wanted spells that don't kill people unnecessarily."
A pause.
"If that helps the wizarding world—then I'm happy."
That was it.
No grand speech.
No politics.
The applause doubled.
International Fallout
Later that day.
Owls flooded Hogwarts.
France.
Germany.
Japan.
MACUSA.
Requests for spell adaptation rights.
The spell Keith created was officially:
Adopted into Auror training Added to international dueling regulations Classified as a Non-Lethal Restraint Spell (Advanced Tier)
Fudge tried to attach the Ministry's name to it.
The international journals credited:
"Developed independently by Keith Argus Runcandel."
Fudge screamed internally.
Private Celebration — Runcandel Style
That night.
Portable Dimension.
A long table appeared under a glowing void-sky.
Rias pulled Keith into a hug.
"I told you," she teased.
"You're trouble."
Susan beamed proudly.
"They were all staring!"
Daphne and Astoria sat close, clearly pleased.
"That's our fiancé," Daphne said calmly.
Astoria nodded enthusiastically.
Amelia raised a glass.
"To the youngest Order of Merlin recipient in history."
Bellatrix laughed.
"Lucius must be choking."
Narcissa smiled sweetly.
"I hope so."
Luna simply rested a hand on Keith's head.
Proud. Silent. Absolute.
Keith sighed contentedly.
Fudge Loses Control (Again)
Daily Prophet headline the next morning:
"TWELVE-YEAR-OLD GENIUS OUTSHINES MINISTRY"
Subheading:
"Sources confirm the spell was created without Ministry involvement."
Rita Skeeter's article ended with:
"One wonders—does the Ministry follow progress… or chase it?"
Fudge threw the paper.