Millit leaned forward slightly, her gaze soft but resolute. "Your humility is endable, Alex, but let me expin."

  Barty cleared his throat and took over. "The wizarding world is still reeling from the aftermath of the war. While Voldemort has beeed, mah Eaters remain at rge, hiding in the shadows and causing u. People are caught in a mix of relief and fear—relieved that the Dark Lord is gone, but anxious about the dahat still linger."

  Millit Bagnold spoke pinly, her tone firm yet ear. "The truth is, you're a Muggle-born wizard, and with the turmoil caused by the Dark Lord, many Muggle-borns have been living in fear. A lot of them even migrate seeking refuge abroad. The number of wizards in the try has signifitly decreased sihe war, and this arra is meant as a reassurance—a signal to those wizards that they are valued and safe."

  She paused, gng at Alex. "I hope you uand. Speaking so directly may e off as too utilitarian, but the British wizarding world is in the process of rebuilding. We need positive o restore fiden the Ministry of Magic."

  Millit’s fht expnatio no room for misinterpretation. Her hoy was refreshing, showing the minister’s did side—or perhaps her disdain for deception, even when addressing a young wizard like Alex. Alex houghtfully. "I uand, and thank you for your hoy. If that's the case, I’m hoo accept this award from the Ministry of Magic."

  He reized the reasoning behind it. To him, it was a strategic move—setting an example and creating a role model. It was remi of his past life, where govers often made symbolic appois for the sake of appearances. It didn’t hurt him to go along with it; in fact, it portunity.

  Millit seemed pleased with his response. Alex, after all, was an ideal didate. His involvement in battles against Death Eaters with the Order of the Phoenix proved his unwavering stance. He had earhe respect of individuals like Mad-Eye Moody and other members of the Order, showg his strength and resourcefulness, whether through personal skill or alchemical tools.

  The minister herself had initially sidered pushing Moody for this role. However, his intimidating appearance might have sent the wrong message. Alex, with his image, was simply a better fit for the task at hand.

  “In that case,” Millit tinued, “you should go bad prepare. The celebration is scheduled for week. We’ll annou in the Daily Prophet and The Wizarding Times shortly. If you need anything, feel free to tact Moody.”

  She g Moody, who gave a quiod aured for Alex to follow him. “e on, d, let’s talk.” Moody cpped a hand on Alex’s shoulder and led him out of the minister’s office.

  Ohey reached Moody’s office, the grizzled Auror id out the details of the uping celebration. Alex listened carefully, though the sheer grandeur of it left him uneasy. “Isn’t this a bit over the top?” Alex finally asked. “They’re inviting so many important people—even most of the Wizengamot. Isn’t that excessive?”

  Moody chuckled dryly. “To be blunt, the award and the celebration are sedary. The real aim is to put pressure on the pure-blood families. If only Torquil were still alive, we wouldn’t need all this fuss. We’d just use the Travers family as an example, take their seat in the Wizengamot, and watch the rest of them fall in line.”

  Alex tilted his head, intrigued. “Torquil? What happeo him?”

  “Dead,” Moody growled, his face darkening. “We were gearing up for his interrogation when he suddenly dropped dead. Could’ve been cursed or poisoned—my money’s on poison. But no one’s found any evidenot even a clue. Damn frustrating.”

  Alex felt a wave of relief wash over him. Moody’s sharp instincts were spot on, but he had no way of knowing about the ide Alex had cleverly used. Still, he kept his expressioral. “If Torquil oisoned, doesn’t that make me a potential target?”

  “Ha! They wouldn’t dare.” Moody’s magical eye swiveled toward Alex, his regur one narrowing. “You’re under Dumbledore’s wing, and you’ll soon be a decorated war hero. They’d need nerves of steel and a death wish to e after you.”

  Despite his fidence, Moody’s protective instincts kicked in. “Still… let’s not take ces. I’ll get you a double-sided mirror—one of those we use to unicate instantly if there’s trouble.”

  Alex waved off the offer, pulling out a small, intricately designed charm. “No need. I’ve got this.”

  Moody’s brow arched. “What’s that, then?”

  “Messaging Amulet 2.0,” Alex said with a grin. “It’s an improved version of my old design. This one has a built-in locator. If I’m in danger, it’ll emit red light, a loud arm, and show my location. Fur messages, it glows blue and sends a signal without the location.”

  Moody examihe charm, clearly impressed. “Brilliant. Alright, if I get ynal, I’ll know where to find you—or I’ll head straight to Longbottom’s if it’s a regur call.”

  After a quick test to e worked, Alex bid Moody farewell auro the Leaky Cauldron via Floo. Ohere, he treated Vanessa to a hearty meal, sav the rare moment of peace amidst the whirlwind of preparations. He than bid farewell to Vanessa and Tom auro the Longbottom house. Augusta, pletely unaware of what had transpired that day, greeted him at the door with her usual posed demeanor.

  “So, let me get this straight—today, you took down five Death Eaters and even received an award from the Ministry of Magic?” Augusta stared at Alex, her expression osciltiween shod disbelief.

  “Not too shabby, right?” Alex stretched, feeling the weight of the day’s events catch up to him. “Oh, and the Ministry is throwing a celebration ba for me week.”

  “Merlin’s beard! Are you serious, or is this one of your jokes?” Augusta’s voice was filled with both worry and amazement.

  “Didn’t you listen to the wizarding radio? It’s all over the news. The arrest of five Death Eaters is a pretty big deal,” Alex replied nontly, as if it were just another day.

  Augusta’s face turned pale as she examined him closely, her worry evident. “But you weren’t hurt, were you? Weren’t they dangerous? I meah Eaters! They’re terrifying.”

  “Rex, I’m fine. If I wasn’t, I’d be at St. Munght now,” Alex reassured her. Then, remembering something, he added, “By the way, the Ministry is allowio invite guests to the ba. You’re ing too.”

  “Of course, of course. I wouldn’t miss it.” Augusta finally seemed to calm down as she processed the news. “But goodness, Alex, you o be more careful iure.”