"Apparition?" Professor McGonagall was taken aback.
"That's right. I know it is usually reserved for older students, but I want to learn it ahead of schedule. I am well aware of the dangers involved in practicing this magic, so I want to learn it under a professor's supervision."
Alan had no intention of attempting to learn it secretly on his own; it was far safer and more strategic to apply openly while he had the momentum of his recent achievements.
"I think that is reasonable," Flitwick nodded. "Alan is now a Combat Hero certified by the Ministry. It wouldn't do if those Death Eater remnants targeted him. With Alan's talent, mastering the technique shouldn't be difficult."
"That is true. I have no objections, then," Professor McGonagall agreed after a moment of consideration.
"Then, next semester, I shall trouble Filius to guide Alan. I believe a Combat Hero has earned the privilege of a little special tutoring," Dumbledore chuckled.
While they were chatting, a team of Aurors had already finished repairing the pockmarked venue where the duel had taken place. Minister Bagnold stepped onto the podium at the front of the hall.
"Ladies and gentlemen," Bagnold began, casting a Sonorus Charm on herself. Her booming voice drew every eye to the front. "Today, we gather to bestow an honor upon Mr. Alan Wilson, who bravely confronted and successfully apprehended five Death Eaters. We do this to encourage all wizards to stand tall when facing lawbreakers."
"At the same time, this banquet commemorates all the heroes who sacrificed their lives and shed their blood in the fight against He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named and his followers. The Ministry of Magic will uphold its unwavering belief: against those who have committed countless crimes, we will never compromise!"
Bagnold's passionate speech was deafening. The Aurors in the audience felt their blood boil with pride, while the reporters and guests erupted into enthusiastic applause.
"Never compromise! Never compromise!"
No one knew who started it, but the wizards and Aurors spontaneously took up the slogan as if they were the very bane of evil. The few uncooperative Wizengamot members and pure-blood representatives, swept up in the overwhelming atmosphere, had no choice but to follow the crowd, clapping and muttering the slogan under their breath.
Had Alan lost the previous duel—or had it never happened at all—Bagnold's speech likely wouldn't have carried such weight. The reaction of the room would have been far more skeptical than the current fervor. Realizing this, several pure-blood family members looked at Alan with simmering resentment. However, when they met Alan's cold, snake-like gaze in return, they quickly averted their eyes.
*Damn it,* they thought, *why are we intimidated by a mere boy?*
"Thank you, everyone!" Bagnold was clearly pleased with the reception, and her expression toward Alan became increasingly amiable. "Next, please allow me to welcome our brave young hero, Alan Wilson. When facing five brutal Death Eaters, he showed no fear and captured them single-handedly. He is a truly deserving role model."
As Alan walked toward the stage, the crowd turned toward him with sincere applause. If earlier that day the sentiment had been feigned, it was now entirely genuine after the one-on-ten demonstration. Alan, neither arrogant nor subservient, nodded to the guests as he ascended the stairs.
Minister Bagnold smiled and gave a sharp nod. "On behalf of the Ministry of Magic, I award Mr. Alan Wilson the Gold Medal of Valor and the Combat Hero Medal of Honor."
Bagnold took the medals from Barty Crouch and pinned them to Alan's chest. "Mr. Wilson, I hope you will uphold your true nature in the years to come and continue to contribute your strength to the fight against evil," she said solemnly.
"I will, Minister. I am irreconcilably opposed to evil," Alan said earnestly.
*In my own way, of course,* he added silently.
Following the Minister's invitation, Alan delivered a polished speech, largely focused on praising the efficiency of the Ministry and Bagnold's leadership. The performative banquet concluded shortly after, having achieved an effect even greater than the Minister had anticipated.
"Alan, the Aurors must have mentioned the trial you need to attend later," Dumbledore said, snagging a handful of sweets from a nearby table and popping them into his mouth.
"Vanessa mentioned it. Do I need to testify as a witness?" Alan asked, wiping his mouth and letting out a satisfied burp.
"Actually, no. Today's trial is a special case; it is a retrial for a Death Eater. Your invitation is likely just a formality because of your new status," Dumbledore chuckled.
"Professor, please don't tease me. We both know what this title is for. I'm just playing my part for the Minister," Alan said with a wry smile.
"After you publicly defeated ten adult wizards, it isn't just a part anymore," Dumbledore said, stuffing more sweets into his pocket. "I imagine your name will be on the front page of every major paper for a week. Aren't you going to celebrate?"
"It's just a title. True ability isn't reflected in newsprint. If I have the time, I'd rather read another book or conduct a few more experiments," Alan said, shaking his head.
Dumbledore raised an eyebrow at that. "So, once you've finished your books and experiments, what is the plan?"
"Train, eat well, and do a bit of business, naturally," Alan answered instinctively.
"Business?" Dumbledore looked surprised.
"That's right. I recently acquired a property in Diagon Alley. It would be a waste to leave it empty. Perhaps I'll even rely on you, Professor, to be one of my regulars."
Alan brightened at the thought and began to describe some of the products he planned to mass-produce.
"Hahaha!" Dumbledore laughed heartily. "I shall certainly patronize your shop, Mr. Wilson."
As they were chatting, Moody walked over. "Stop eating. The trial is about to begin. Let's move."
Alan and Dumbledore followed Moody toward the courtroom. Located on the tenth level underground, it was a place the elevators didn't reach; they had to descend the cold stone stairs by foot.