[HPforGrownups] Re: Lupin's Briefcase (was Hogwarts Express and the Magic Compartment)

[Hollydaze]

No: HPFGUIDX 31690

Mahoney wrote:
<SNIP>
> I think we have to assume that there cannot therefore be a PhD or 
> equivalent qualification for advanced wizards and witches. Perhaps 
> this explains the existence of "Orders of Merlin" awards, which
> would otherwise be unusual in a civilian arena.
<SNIP>

I have always thought of the OfM as begin something similar to the CBE (Commander of the British Empire) MBE (Member of the British Empire) and OBE (Order of the British Empire). With the Order of Merlin you can get 1st class and second class (do we know if there is a 3rd class?) and I have always thought about these in the same way:
OoM 1st=CBE
OoM 2nd=MBE
OoM 3rd (if it exists) = OBE.

The C/M/O BE are honours that are given for being of service to society. They can be given to citizens of the UK and the British Commonwealth countries and even to members of other countries (although that countries government has to give permission) and I always thought of them in this way. 

Medals/Honours etc (whatever you wish to call them) for services to your country and people within your country.

HOLLYDAZE!!!


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