A collective gasp swept through the crowd. Reporters, Aurors, and curious wizards all stared in stunned sile the aftermath. Ten adult wizards y defeated, sprawled across the ba hall floor. Alex, untouched and poised, stood victorious. His hair was immacute, and not a single sign of exhaustion showed on his face.

  Whispers of disbelief turned into murmurs of admiration.“Did he just…?”“Ten wizards… just like that?”

  inally, many in the crowd had e expeg to see a young wizard humiliated. No one believed Alex could win. But now, their skepticism was shattered, repced by astonishment.

  Alex had silenced every doubter with his overwhelming strength. Any lingering questions about the legitimacy of the Ministry of Magic awarding him the title of wizard Hero were erased. “What? You think those wizards weren’t trying? Didn’t you see the wall behind him smashed into pieces?” one spectatued loudly.

  As the realization sank iers surged forward, surrounding Alex in a frenzy. Even Vivian and the others couldn’t get through the swarm of people vying for his attention.

  Alex, raised his wand and cast a circur shield using the Obstacle Charm, creating a barrier that kept the reporters at bay. With a practiced smile, he addressed the crowd without actually answering their barrage of questions.“Mr. Wilson, how do you feel after winning this duel?”“When Avery provoked you, what were you thinking? Did you sider bag down?”“How did you achieve such strength at ye?”“Do you have any ents about being awarded order of Merlin by the Ministry of Magic?”“What’s for you? Do you have a girlfriend? Is it true you’re Muggle-born? Were you nervous just now?”The questions came like rapid-fire spells, but Alex’s polite smile remained unged. He didn’t utter a single word, unwilling to waste his energy on the otion.

  “What’s going on here?” A anding voice cut through the chaos, sileng the reporters instantly. All heads turo see Minister Bagnold entering the hall, fnked by Dumbledore, Professonagall, Moody, and Director Barty Crouch. Beside Crouch was a younger man Alex reized immediately—Barty Crouch Jr.

  Vanessa, busy tending to the fallen wizards, quickly stepped forward to report. In a cise summary, she expined everything that had transpired. “So, you’re saying Avery doubted Alex’s strength and instigated this duel?” Minister Bagnold’s tone was sharp, her frown deepening. “Why didn’t aop it?”

  “This is my fault.” Alex stepped out from the crowd, his tone measured and steady. “I initiated the challenge myself. They weren’t just questioning my ability—they were mog the Ministry, doubting your leadership, aling reward.

  “I acted out of anger and pride,” Alex tinued, “but it was for the Ministry’s honor. I refused to let Vanessa or anyone else mediate. If anyone deserves bme, it’s me.”

  Minister Bagnold raised an eyebrow, surprised by Alex’s fhtness. She g Dumbledore, who gave her a subtle nod, as if to say, ‘Do as you see fit.’ Arthur pushed through the crowd, eager to back Alex’s cim. “Minister, what Alex said is true. Avery provoked him first. We all heard it. It was an unfair challenge—one against ten—but Alex accepted it without hesitation.”

  Arthur’s voice grew firm. “They wao humiliate him and tarnish the Ministry’s reputation, but Alex turhe tables. He defeated them all with ease, and we all saw it.”

  Minister Bagnold turo the Aurors and other wizards present. “Is this accurate?”

  “It’s true,” an Auror firmed, his disdain for Avery evident. “Alex proved himself fair and square.”

  “Absolutely!” chimed in Professor Flitwick, his excitement unmistakable. “That duel was extraordinary!”

  Bagnold’s expression softened as she addressed Alex. “You’ve proven your strength, not just in battle, but in character. Well done.” It seemed that choosing Alex had been the right call after all. He was, without a doubt, the Ministry of Magic’s lucky star. inally, she had po front the families after the ba, but Alex had resolved the entire issue on his own. She noticed some wavering members of the Wizengamot nodding in agreement now, clearly impressed. Meanwhile, the representatives from families suspected of aidih Eaters were silent, their usual excuses rendered useless.

  Minister Barnold, who was clearly in a good mood, smiled broadly as Moody strode over to Alex, his limp more pronouhan usual but his face alight with approval. "Good d! We were only a bit te, and you’ve already gone and taken care of ten of them!" Moody said, his scarred face stretg into what could only be described as a terrifying grin. He leaned closer, his magical eye spinning wildly as he added, "You sneaky devil."

  Alex resisted the urge to take a step back. ‘That smile could give anyone nightmares.’ "It wasn’t much," Alex replied, shrugging. "If someone shoves their face at your hand, what choice do you have but to sp it?"

  "Exactly!" Moody barked, his tone equal parts admiration and glee. "That sp wasn’t just for you—it was for the Ministry! Those arrogant fools thought they could ignore us. Well, you taught them a lesson, didn’t you?"

  "Speaking of te," Alex said, tilting his head, "why were you held up? The repot here before you did."

  Moody’s expression darkened. "Barty Crouch Jr.," he growled.

  "Barty Crouch Jr.?" Alex turned, his eyes narrowing as they nded on the younger Crouch. The young man stood a few feet away, his face shadowed by an unmistakable scowl. Alex he uling way Crouch licked his lips as if sav some secret.

  "That’s right," Moody firmed. "We were ready to leave when the brat started arguing with his father. Wasted precious time, he did."

  Alex frowned. It didn’t take much to piece things together. Barty Crouch Jr., a knowh Eater, had likely phis distra. His squabble with his father had deyed the Ministry, giving Avery and the others the ce to provoke Alex.’ Well, let’s see how fident they are after the trial.’

  While Alex mulled over the implications, a familiar low voiterrupted his thoughts. "gratutions, Alex. As expected, a fwless victory."

  Alex turo see Professor Snape approag, his bck robes billowing as usual. Sone was measured, each word precise. "And gratutions to you too, Professor," Alex replied with a wry smile. "I take it your bet paid off?"

  "Indeed," Snape said, his lips curling slightly. Reag into his pocket, he pulled out a folded piece of part and ha over. "As promised, here’s the ter-curse you requested."

  Alex blinked, surprised. "Thank you, Professor. I wasn’t expeg this so soon."

  Snape gave a curt nod, his expression as impassive as ever. "sider it an advance payment for the favor I’ll undoubtedly need from you iure." Without another word, Surned and walked away, leaving Alex staring after him. ‘What could Snape possibly need from me? Whatever it was, it must be important if he was handing over this ter-curse so willingly.’

  Before Alex could dwell on it, Professor Flitwick approached, his cheerful demeanor a stark trast to Snape’s. "Alex! That was araordinary duel! Watg it brought back memories of my younger days."

  "You’re too kind, Professor," Alex said with a grin. "I couldn’t have do without yuidance."

  "Nonsense!" Flitwick waved off the pliment. "You’ve got natural talent, but it’s your diligehat sets you apart. Seeing you use the Fieique so effortlessly—it’s clear you’ve put in the hours. I still remember the first time we met. Your determination was obvious even then, and today’s success is proof of how far you’ve e."