Dumbledore calmly presided over the remainder of the trial. With the council's unanimous vote, the verdict was delivered on the spot.
Igor Karkaroff was released in court for providing intelligence of extreme strategic value.
After the proceedings, Alan bid his goodbyes and returned to the Longbottom estate with Augusta. Over the following days, the wizarding world was flooded with news of the celebration and its aftermath.
"The Combat Hero lives up to his name! Alan Wilson bests ten adult wizards in public duel!"
"Minister Bagnold vows: No compromise with the remnants of the Dark Lord!"
"Shocking! Barty Crouch Junior confirmed as Death Eater; captured in the Ministry courtroom!"
"Barty Crouch Senior resigns as Head of Magical Law Enforcement; Amelia Bones takes the helm!"
"Exclusive! The secret life of Alan Wilson: An interview with his close friend, Vivian!"
Alan paused, staring at that last headline while flipping through the Prophet, but he had no time to settle scores with Vivian's loose tongue just yet.
He spent his final days at the Longbottom residence visiting his neighbors. He caught up with the Weasleys, the Diggorys, and the Lovegoods, gifting each family a defensive amulet he had crafted. Finally, he sat for a brief "interview" with Rita Skeeter. In reality, he simply handed her a pre-written draft and allowed her to take a few professional photos. Skeeter was more than satisfied; Alan held her secret, and as the man of the hour, his exclusive was her ticket to a permanent front-page slot.
With his social obligations met, Alan officially moved into No. 277 Diagon Alley. His priority was the house's security system. Although the Ministry's prestige was currently high and Dark wizards were keeping a low profile, Alan's nature demanded a foolproof sanctuary.
He began by engraving a massive defensive array into the very structure of the building. He chose Paracelsus brass—a relatively cheap but highly conductive metal. Using magic to carve intricate rune patterns into the stone walls, he then melted the brass into fine threads and inlaid them along the lines, as if completing a gargantuan piece of cloisonné enamel.
After five days of tireless work, the array covered the walls, floors, the fireplace, and even the sewer pipes. This network served two purposes: as a high-capacity conduit for magical output and as a framework for the coordination runes he had mastered from the Travers book. The heart of the array was anchored in his basement bedroom. Unlike the crude protections used by the previous occupants, which required constant manual refreshing, Alan's system was designed for permanent operation.
To power the fortress, he enchanted Improved Energy Absorption runes across the exterior and interior. The house would now drink in ambient magic from the atmosphere. Furthermore, whenever he conducted experiments or cast spells inside, the dissipated energy would be recycled and funneled into storage runes.
Next came the functional layers. It took three more days to inscribe the specific protective and alert units. The defense suite was comprehensive: Protego Totalum, a localized Fidelius-style concealment, Anti-Alohomora seals, an Anti-Apparition field, and an Anti-Intrusion ward.
For monitoring, he added Tracing and Tracking spells, a Confusion spell to disorient unwanted loiterers, and his prized Malice Perception rune. He had turned the house into a miniature fortress. From the outside, no one could see or hear the interior, and any ill intent directed at the building would trigger an immediate alarm.
"In time, I'll add active traps and defensive constructs," Alan mused, satisfied with the current level of security. "For now, this is enough."
Just then, the alert runes hummed. Someone was at his doorstep. No malice was detected. A moment later, a knock sounded at the front door.
"You finally decided to show up. I thought you might have fled the country," Alan said, smiling at the man standing on the street.
"Master, I have only loyalty to you. I would never defy your command," Karkaroff said, pulling his cloak tight and nervously scanning the street. "It is just... I have only been out of the Ministry's custody for a few days. The Aurors don't trust me, and the Death Eaters want my head. I must move in the shadows."
"Enough talk. Come in," Alan said, stepping aside.
He led Karkaroff up to the second-floor reception room.
"Master, I have delivered the names to the Ministry exactly as you instructed. I have done everything you asked," Karkaroff said, his eyes dropping to his own stomach with visible hesitation. He remembered Torquil's fate—how the man had dropped dead in seconds. He knew the same metal capsule was currently sitting inside him.
"Don't worry. As long as you remain honest, that capsule won't be an issue for a decade or two. I'm not a man who kills without reason," Alan said with a pleasant smile.
*You should tell that to Torquil,* Karkaroff thought bitterly, though he kept his head bowed in silent submission.
<><><><><><><><><><>
POWERSTONES are greatly appreciated. It helps me push this story
For Advanced chapters.(+40)
[patreon .com /daydreamer7] (no blank space)
If you are not capable no worries-you'll get the chapters soon enough. Appreciate you being here!