Soon, Vanessa escorted Alex into the ba hall. The space was already bustling with guests. The Ministry had gone all out with a setup, plete with tea breaks and buffet tables. Small groups of wizards and witches were scattered throughout the room, chatting in hushed tones. “Alex, you’re here!” excimed Vivian, practically glowing in her formal dress as she approached him.

  “Long time no see,” Alex replied, a smile tugging at his lips. In truth, it had only been a few weeks sihey’d st met, but Viviahusiasm made it feel much longer.

  Her excmatiotention. The scattered versations quieted as heads turned in Alex’s dire. He felt the weight of tless eyes—some curious, others admiring, and a few scrutinizing. Among the crowd, he also noticed a handful of less-than-friendly gazes. Clearly, his ret as had ruffled some feathers.

  Despite the attention, most guests kept their distance, maintaining a polite reserve. Only a few familiar faces made their way over: Charles, Wilkes, and David, who had arrived earlier via the Floo work.

  “Alex, you’ve really outdone yourself this time,” Vivian said, her voice dripping with pyful exaggeration. “Do you know the papers have been full of your story for days? Even Rita Skeeter—Rita Skeeter—was singing your praises. She didn’t even make anything up this time! It’s like she wao write you into the history books.”

  Alex rolled his eyes. “It’s not as dramatic as you’re making it sound.”

  “Oh, it’s that dramatic,” Whilkes chimed in, shaking his head. “We couldn’t believe it when we first heard—five Death Eaters? Merlin’s beard! And Yaxley of all people? That guy doesn’t know when to quit.”

  “Yaxley didn’t just quit—he escated,” Alex muttered, his tone darkening.

  Charles approached him , his expression sincere. “Alex, thank you. You’ve done so muy family. The Mon name will always stand behind you.”

  “There’s no need for that, Charles,” Alex said with a reassuring smile. “I was just proteg myself. Besides, I promised those Death Eaters would pay eventually. It’s a shame you didn’t get to deal with them yourself.”

  Charles gave him a small, grateful smile. “The Travers bastard got what was ing to him, and that’s enough for now. It’s poetic, really—he dug his own grave.”

  As Charles spoke, Alex noticed something. It seemed like many of the families present already had their own theories about what had happened. Whatever the Ministry was saying, the truth wasn’t lost on those who paid attention.

  Charles leaned in closer, l his voice. “Listen, Alex, not everyohrilled about this award yetting. The title of ‘Wizard Hero’? That’s no small thing. Minister Bagnold’s using this to boost her reputation, and it’s w. But it’s also putting pressure on the old pure-blood families. They’re feeling ered, and some of them aren’t taking it well.”

  Alex’s lips curved into a sly smile. “And what? They think they make the Ministry revoke the award? It’s already pstered all over the news.”

  “Some people say you’re just a Ministry of Magic puppet—a brat paraded around for show,” Charles said hesitantly, gng at Alex. “And some even cim you didn’t really defeat those Death Eaters. They think no one saw it happen, and the fessions from those Death Eaters could’ve been tampered with. They don’t dare question Minister Bagnold directly, so they’re pointing fingers at you instead.”

  Alex let out a sharp ugh, his expression darkening. “s. Let them e and try. Have they fotten so quickly? The Dark Lord hasn’t even been gone for long. In the wizarding world, strength speaks louder than anything else.”

  “Even so, you should watch your back. Minister Bagnold’s tough policies seem to have riled up some of the old pure-blood families. My parents—well, you know they’re both Aurors—say there’s been a lot of quiet backsh tely.” Charles fidgeted, clearly uneasy about sharing insider information.

  Alex smirked, leaning back casually. “Backsh? If they dare push, I’ll push them right back.” He paused, his tone growing colder. “I thought I was here tonight to smile for the cameras and enjoy the food. Maybe there’s going to be a good show after all.”

  Charles sighed but seemed somewhat reassured by Alex’s fidence. “Just be careful. Headmaster Dumbledore’s got your back, and most of this is just gossip. You don’t have to take it to heart.”

  “My bag has always been myself,” Alex replied firmly. “Remember this, Charles: when you rely on others, you’ll always be looked down on. Strength—real strength—es from within.”

  Charles nodded slowly, seeing the determination in Alex’s eyes. “You’re right. I’ll keep that in mind.”

  Before their versation could tinue, a cheerful voiterrupted. “Alex, Charles!” Vivian called, her voice light and teasing.

  “What’s up?” Charles asked, turning to her.

  “The ba’s about to start, and the reporters are already ing in. Don’t you see them?” Vivian poioward the entrance, where a crowd of reporters was filing in. She grinned mischievously. “Let’s go take some pictures with Alex! When they print it, we’ll be the panions of the hero. How cool is that?”

  Charles groaned, rolling his eyes. “You’re hopeless, Vivian.”

  Meanwhile, Alex’s attention shifted to the entrance, where he spotted familiar faces. The Weasleys had arrived—Arthur, Bill, Charlie, and Percy—but not Molly or the younger children. A genuine smile spread across Alex’s face as he walked toward them. “Arthur! Bill! Charlie! Percy! Long time no see!”

  “Alex!” “Brother Alex!”

  Bill grinned. “It’s been ages! You look taller and mrown-up than ever.”

  “Brother Alex, is it true you defeated five Death Eaters on your own?” Charlie asked eagerly, his eyes wide with excitement.

  “Of course, it’s true,” Bill said before Alex could reply. “I’ve seen him in a. Five Death Eaters? That’s nothing for Alex. He could probably take on ten without breaking a sweat.”

  Percy adjusted his gsses, his tone more formal. “Brother Alex, you’re being hailed as a war hero by the Ministry of Magic. That’s incredible.”

  Alex chuckled awkwardly, scratg the back of his neck. “You loing to make my head swell with all this praise.”

  Arthur stepped forward, smiling warmly. “It’s been too long, Alex. Only two years, but you’ve ged so much—taller, sharper, more fident. Molly would’ve loved to be here, but with the little ones, it’s hard to mahem all.”

  “I uand,” Alex replied. “I’ve missed you all. I nning to visit the Burrow, but when I heard about this ba, I thought it’d be a good ce to catch up.”

  “You’re always wele at the Burrow,” Arthur said sincerely. “Molly’s been worried sick about you sihe news of the attack. But when she heard you defeated those Death Eaters, she couldn’t stop smiling.”

  “Yeah, she was so proud!” Charlie chimed in, pulling a lollipop from his pocket.

  Their cheerful versation was suddenly interrupted by a sneering voice. "Lucius, nothing irks me more than someoting on a pompous act to fool others. What’s the matter? ’t people express their opinions anymore?" Avery sneered, fshing a cold smile at Lucius Malfoy, who stood beside him, his long golden hair gleaming uhe lights.