The Order of Merlin is a great honor, an award or medal which is bestowed on wizards who have demonstrated their devotion to the principles of living harmoniously with Muggles. The Order was created by Merlin, the famous wizard of the Middle Ages, to pass laws against using magic against Muggles.
Wizards Awarded the Order of Merlin
1st Class Order of Merlin Wizards
- Albus Dumbledore
- Cornelius Fudge
- Sirius Black's grandfather (though this may have been because he gave a lot of gold to the Ministry of Magic)
2nd Class Order of Merlin Wizards
3rd Class Order of Merlin Wizards
- Gilderoy Lockhart (so he says)