"Filius, it seems you’re quite fond of our young champion," came a familiar voice. Alex turo see Headmaster Dumbledore and Professonagall approag.

  "Well, isn’t it obvious?" Flitwick said with a chuckle.

  Alex quickly straightened up, a polite nod to both professors. "Alex," Magall begaone a mix of sternness and . "You’ve been involved in far too many dangerous situations. Taking oh 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?"

  Magall huffed. "Bravery is ohing, Albus. Recklessness is ahe proper respoo enterih Eaters is to retreat and wait for Ministry assistanot to charge in like some foryffindor."

  "You’re absolutely right, Professor," Alex replied. "In an ideal situation, engaging an enemy with superior numbers is indeed unwise."

  Magall gave a satisfied nod, but Alex wasn’t finished. "However," he tinued, 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 respoime isly what one would call swift. If I hadn’t acted, I doubt I’d be standio 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 Acts 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."

  Professonagall frow 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, Professonagall," 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 enters—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, fshing a pyful wink at both Magall and Professor Flitwick.

  "Apparition?" Magall repeated, startled.

  "That’s right," Alex firmed. "I know it’s usually aive for senior students, but given the circumstances, I’d like to learn it under proper supervision. I know how dangerous it be, so I’d prefer to train with guidaher than try anything reckless on my own."

  Flitwiodded thoughtfully. "I think that’s reasonable. Alex has proven himself capable and has already earhe Ministry’s reition as a ‘battle hero.’ sidering the risks he’s fag, mastering Apparition would certainly be a useful skill."

  "That’s true," Magall ceded after a moment of thought. "I have no objes."

  "Then it’s settled," Dumbledore said, his tone light yet decisive. " semester, Filius, I’d like you to guide Alex. As a certified ‘Wizard hero,’ I think he’s entitled to some special tut." He chuckled, his eyes twinkling.

  As the professors versed, 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. "Everyohe Minister began, his voiing 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 appuse, but the Minister raised his hands to quiet them as he tinued. "This ba is also a oration 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 promise with those who seek to spread fear and chaos!"

  The Minister’s passionate words ignited a wave of enthusiasm. Wizards, Aurors, aers alike erupted into cheers, ting slogans like, "Never promise!" The pure-blood family representatives and Wizengamot members, some of whom were less enthusiastic, relutly 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 beeirely 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 gred at Alex with thinly veiled rese. He met their stares with a calm, unfling gaze, the er of his mouth curling slightly. They averted their eyes, uo 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 rea. Her eyes softened as she turo Alex. "And now, let us wele our young hero, Alex Wilson. This brave wizard not only faced five Death Eaters but captured them alive, earning him a pce as a shining example for us all."

  The audieurheir attention to Alex, erupting into sincere appuse. Unlike earlier in the day, the cps were genuine, a refle 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 Css, and the ‘Wizard Hero’ Medal of Honor." Taking the medals from Barty Crouch, the Minister pced them around Alex’s neck. "Mr. Wilson," she said solemnly, "may you always hold steadfast to your principles and tio fight against the forces of darkness."

  "I will, Minister Bagnold," Alex replied just as solemnly. "I have no allegiao 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 bat dark magic. It was exactly what the crowd wao hear, and the ba cluded 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 oo his mouth. "Alex," Dumbledore begaween bites, "the Aurors mentioned you’d o attend a trial soon."

  "Yes, Vanessa mentio 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, scratg the back of his neck. "So, I’m just part of the show?"

  Dumbledore chuckled. "After defeating ten adult wizards in public, you’ve beore than just a student. By tomorrow, your name will be on the front page of every wizarding neer. Aren’t you going to celebrate?"

  "That’s just a fshy title," Alex said, shaking his head. "Real ability isn’t something you measure by headlines. I’d rather spend that time reading more books or dug a few new experiments."