"Filius, it seems you’re quite fond of our young champion," came a familiar voice. Alex turned to see Headmaster Dumbledore and Professor McGonagall approaching.
"Well, isn’t it obvious?" Flitwick said with a chuckle.
Alex quickly straightened up, offering a polite nod to both professors. "Alex," McGonagall began, her tone a mix of sternness and concern. "You’ve been involved in far too many dangerous situations. Taking on Death Eaters, challenging others recklessly—it’s astonishing! If I were still at Hogwarts, I’d have docked so many points, your house wouldn’t know what hit it."
"Minerva, let’s not be too harsh," Dumbledore said, a twinkle in his eye. "Youth is a time for bravery, wouldn’t you agree?"
McGonagall huffed. "Bravery is one thing, Albus. Recklessness is another. The proper response to encountering Death Eaters is to retreat and wait for Ministry assistance, not to charge in like some foolhardy Gryffindor."
"You’re absolutely right, Professor," Alex replied. "In an ideal situation, engaging an enemy with superior numbers is indeed unwise."
McGonagall gave a satisfied nod, but Alex wasn’t finished. "However," he continued, his voice steady, "the circumstances didn’t allow for retreat. The Death Eaters could Apparate—I couldn’t. Running wasn’t an option." "And as for the Ministry…" Alex cast a pointed look at Moody, who grinned unapologetically. "Let’s just say their response time isn’t exactly what one would call swift. If I hadn’t acted, I doubt I’d be standing here to hear this lecture."
"You don't have to worry about me," Moody grunted, clearly annoyed. "When the Ministry detected a high-energy magical signal, the folks in the Department of Magical Accidents and Catastrophes were still fast asleep. If I hadn’t checked it myself, nothing would have been done. Alex’s quick response was the right call."
Professor McGonagall frowned at Moody’s blunt statement, her lips pressed tightly together. While she disagreed with Alex’s recklessness, it seemed Moody’s perspective had some merit. "But, Professor McGonagall," Alex interjected with a small smile, "you’ve reminded me of something important."
"Oh? And what might that be?" she asked, her tone cautious.
"In light of the... mobility challenges during these kinds of encounters—and the fact that I might now be a target for several Death Eaters—I’d like to apply to learn Apparition early," Alex said, flashing a playful wink at both McGonagall and Professor Flitwick.
"Apparition?" McGonagall repeated, startled.
"That’s right," Alex confirmed. "I know it’s usually an elective for senior students, but given the circumstances, I’d like to learn it under proper supervision. I know how dangerous it can be, so I’d prefer to train with guidance rather than try anything reckless on my own."
Flitwick nodded thoughtfully. "I think that’s reasonable. Alex has proven himself capable and has already earned the Ministry’s recognition as a ‘battle hero.’ Considering the risks he’s facing, mastering Apparition would certainly be a useful skill."
"That’s true," McGonagall conceded after a moment of thought. "I have no objections."
"Then it’s settled," Dumbledore said, his tone light yet decisive. "Next semester, Filius, I’d like you to guide Alex. As a certified ‘Wizard hero,’ I think he’s entitled to some special tutoring." He chuckled, his eyes twinkling.
As the professors conversed, a team of Aurors finished repairing the venue, smoothing over the damage left by the duel. Minister Bagnold soon stepped onto the stage, casting a Sonorus Charm to amplify his voice. "Everyone," the Minister began, his voice booming across the venue and capturing everyone’s attention. "Today, we gather to honor a young wizard who bravely faced overwhelming odds. Mr. Alex Wilson stood against the Death Eaters and successfully apprehended five of them, setting an example for all of us."
The audience broke into scattered applause, but the Minister raised his hands to quiet them as he continued. "This banquet is also a commemoration of all the heroes who have given their lives and shed their blood in the fight against He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named and his followers. Let it be known: the Ministry of Magic remains steadfast in its resolve. We will never compromise with those who seek to spread fear and chaos!"
The Minister’s passionate words ignited a wave of enthusiasm. Wizards, Aurors, and reporters alike erupted into cheers, chanting slogans like, "Never compromise!" The pure-blood family representatives and Wizengamot members, some of whom were less enthusiastic, reluctantly joined in, muttering the words with forced smiles.
Alex observed the crowd, noting the mix of emotions. Had he lost the earlier duel, the atmosphere would have been entirely different. Instead of cheers, there might have been whispers of doubt or worse. His victory had not only bolstered the Ministry’s morale but had also silenced his detractors—at least for now.
Still, some pure-blood representatives glared at Alex with thinly veiled resentment. He met their stares with a calm, unflinching gaze, the corner of his mouth curling slightly. They averted their eyes, unable to hold his gaze. ‘Why are they afraid of a student? Pathetic,’ Alex thought with a smirk.
"Thank you," Minister Bagnold said, satisfied with the crowd’s reaction. Her eyes softened as she turned to Alex. "And now, let us welcome our young hero, Alex Wilson. This brave wizard not only faced five Death Eaters but captured them alive, earning him a place as a shining example for us all."
The audience turned their attention to Alex, erupting into sincere applause. Unlike earlier in the day, the claps were genuine, a reflection of their awe after witnessing his incredible duel. Alex nodded politely, his demeanor poised but humble, as he stepped onto the stage.
Minister Bagnold greeted him with a warm smile. "It is my great honor to present Mr. Alex Wilson with the Order of Merlin, Third Class, and the ‘Wizard Hero’ Medal of Honor." Taking the medals from Barty Crouch, the Minister placed them around Alex’s neck. "Mr. Wilson," she said solemnly, "may you always hold steadfast to your principles and continue to fight against the forces of darkness."
"I will, Minister Bagnold," Alex replied just as solemnly. "I have no allegiance to evil." ‘Though I’ll fight it in my own way,’ he added silently.
At the Minister’s request, Alex delivered a short speech, full of praise for the Ministry and their efforts to combat dark magic. It was exactly what the crowd wanted to hear, and the banquet concluded on a high note, exceeding even Minister Bagnold’s expectations. Afterward, as the crowd began to disperse, Dumbledore approached Alex, casually grabbing a handful of sweets from a nearby table and popping one into his mouth. "Alex," Dumbledore began between bites, "the Aurors mentioned you’d need to attend a trial soon."
"Yes, Vanessa mentioned it earlier," Alex said, wiping his mouth with a napkin. "Do they need me as a witness?"
"Not quite," Dumbledore replied, smiling knowingly. "This trial is more of a retrial for a Death Eater. Your role will be more symbolic—a hero’s presence, you might say."
"Ah," Alex muttered, scratching the back of his neck. "So, I’m just part of the show?"
Dumbledore chuckled. "After defeating ten adult wizards in public, you’ve become more than just a student. By tomorrow, your name will be on the front page of every wizarding newspaper. Aren’t you going to celebrate?"
"That’s just a flashy title," Alex said, shaking his head. "Real ability isn’t something you can measure by headlines. I’d rather spend that time reading more books or conducting a few new experiments."