"Backlash? If they push, I'll just press them back down," Alan sneered. He had originally expected a day of bland food and tedious photography, but it seemed there might be a more entertaining show on the horizon.
"Just be careful. With Headmaster Dumbledore here, he'll have your back. Besides, these are likely just rumors; there's no need to be nervous," Charles said, thinking of the Headmaster's presence and deciding he might be overthinking things.
"My only true backing has always been myself," Alan said, shaking his head. "Charles, remember this: relying on others eventually leads to being looked down upon. A person must rely on their own strength."
Seeing Alan's resolve and remembering his actual capabilities, Charles nodded in agreement.
"Alan! What are you two doing huddled in the corner? Come over here!" Vivian's voice cut through their conversation.
"What is it?" Charles asked, turning around.
"The banquet is starting! Haven't you seen the reporters being let in?" Vivian gestured toward the doors where a stream of journalists was entering the hall. "Come on, Alan, take some photos with us. When this makes the papers, we'll be seen as the hero's companions. Imagine how impressive that will look."
Vivian's eyes sparkled with excitement, while Charles simply rolled his eyes in exasperation.
Alan looked toward the entrance and spotted more familiar faces—the Weasleys. Arthur was there with Bill, Charlie, and Percy, though Molly, the twins, and the younger children hadn't made the trip. Aside from Bill, Alan hadn't seen the rest of the family in two years. He walked forward, happy to reconnect.
"Alan!" "Brother Alan!" the younger boys chimed in unison.
"Arthur, Bill, Charlie, Percy—it's been too long," Alan said with a warm smile.
"Is it true, Brother Alan? Did you really take down five Death Eaters all by yourself?" Charlie asked, his eyes wide with the curiosity of an eager child.
"Of course he did! I know what Alan is capable of. Five Death Eaters are nothing to him—he could have handled ten," Bill declared, stepping forward to brag on behalf of his friend. Having spent a year working alongside Alan, he considered himself an authority on the matter.
"I heard you're a certified Combat Hero now. That's incredible," Percy added, clearly more impressed by the official recognition.
The younger Weasleys began chattering all at once, firing questions so fast Alan could only chuckle.
"Alright, settle down. This is a public event; don't make such a scene," Arthur admonished his sons before turning to Alan. "It has been a long time. You've changed so much in two years—taller, and certainly more distinguished."
"You're too kind, Arthur. How are Molly and the others?"
"The little ones are still quite handfuls. I was worried they'd cause a stir here, so Molly stayed behind to mind them. I was out on a Ministry assignment the day you first arrived, so I missed you. Thank you for the invitation."
"It's my pleasure. I've missed you all. I intended to visit The Burrow as soon as I settled in with the Longbottoms, but then this banquet came up and I thought it would be a perfect chance to catch up," Alan said. He felt a genuine affection for the family; Ginny had practically been born under his watch.
"You're welcome at The Burrow anytime, Alan. Molly is always asking after you. The news of the attack nearly scared her to death," Arthur said, his expression grave.
"But once she heard that Brother Alan was safe and had thrashed them, she was all smiles again," Charlie added, licking a lollipop he'd produced from nowhere.
"Thrashed them? How touching. Only a Weasley would swallow such a fairy tale."
A mocking voice interjected from the side, cutting through their laughter. Arthur and Alan both frowned, turning to find the source of the comment.
"Avery, what is that supposed to mean?" Arthur asked with clear displeasure. He leaned in to whisper to Alan, "That's Avery. He avoided Azkaban by claiming he was under the Imperius Curse. He was a close friend of Torquil Travers."
Alan nodded, recalling Charles's earlier warning. *So, looking for trouble, are we? Good. You're on the list now.*
Avery scoffed. "I know how those arrests actually went down. No one with a grain of sense believes an underage wizard bested five seasoned men."
"Now, Avery, if the Ministry wants to put on a little play, why spoil the fun? You'll only offend the directors," another voice chimed in. It was Lucius Malfoy, his long blonde hair shimmering as he stepped forward, his tone dripping with sarcasm aimed directly at Alan.
Arthur's face flushed with indignation as the two men exchanged knowing smirks. Nearby, reporters sensed the brewing conflict and began to gather. Cameras were aimed and quills were poised; no one wanted to miss a public spat involving the "Combat Hero."
"Alan is a hero recognized by the Ministry, and his actions have been verified by Minister Bagnold herself," Arthur countered, stepping forward to defend the boy. "Are you suggesting the Minister's judgment is flawed?"
"Oh, I wouldn't dream of questioning the Ministry," Avery said, a mock-sorrowful sigh escaping his lips. "I simply feel pity for Minister Bagnold. To think she was so easily deceived by a boy's clever words. It's tragic, really."
A collective gasp went up from the reporters. They began to murmur, their eyes darting back to Alan with newfound suspicion.
"I see," Lucius added smoothly. "You suspect the boy shamelessly lied to the Ministry?"