"Sirius, what's going on? There was a sudden magical reaction here, so I brought the team over immediately." The leader, leaning heavily on a cane, spoke with a gravelly voice. His face was a map of scars, and one fake eye rolled around in its socket with a life of its own, independent of his natural one.
Alan looked at the figures that had suddenly appeared, realizing they were almost certainly Aurors. They're so slow; you guys really took your time, he muttered to himself.
Upon seeing the arrivals, Sirius led Alan forward to meet them.
"It was two Death Eaters. I recognized them—Snape and Avery. Unfortunately, they were wearing masks, so we probably can't make a formal accusation. Those two bastards targeted me, and they chased me into Knockturn Alley. Thankfully, Alan stepped in and helped me in time, otherwise I might not have lasted until you arrived."
After explaining, Sirius introduced the two parties.
"This is Mad-Eye Moody, a senior Auror and Hit Wizard from the Department of Magical Law Enforcement. This is Alan Wilson, a young wizard I just met. He's incredibly capable; he gave that bastard Avery a real thrashing. And by the way, he's a student just about to start at Hogwarts this year." Sirius laid out the introductions and explained the skirmish to Moody.
Moody listened to the account, fixing his mismatched eyes on Alan. "Kid, what you did was brave, but this kind of business isn't for a young wizard to be showing off in. Don't be so reckless if this happens again. If you get hurt, those close to you will be the ones left suffering."
"Mr. Moody, such a thing will not happen again."
If you had arrived earlier, it wouldn't have been up to me, Alan thought, but he still gave an honest admission of his mistake to Moody. He didn't want to argue with a man who looked like he had walked out of a nightmare.
"Alright, I won't file a report on your use of magic outside of school this time. I'll get the details from Sirius for the follow-up. Go home quickly. Frank, you're in charge of seeing him back." Mad-Eye Moody handled the situation efficiently, not pressing Alan further. He called over Frank Longbottom and tasked him with escorting Alan.
"Mr. Moody, I'm an orphan. I'm currently staying at the Leaky Cauldron. I can find my own way back."
"What? Even so, let Frank take you." Mad-Eye Moody re-examined Alan, realizing why an underage wizard would be in the area—he was living right in Diagon Alley.
Alan followed Frank out of the alley without complaint. Today had been a run of terrible luck, stumbling into the middle of a wizarding duel.
"Alan, thank you! I'll come to find you when I have a moment!" Sirius shouted after the retreating boy.
Shouting so loudly in the middle of the night, with no regard for anyone's sleep; Alan turned around and gave a silent, weary wave to Sirius.
Back at the Leaky Cauldron, Alan thanked Frank Longbottom for the escort and returned to his room. The events of the night played over in his mind like a film loop.
"Death Eaters are far too dangerous. What kind of spell did that Snape guy use? Its penetrating power is astonishing; even two layers of shielding couldn't stop it. It seems my practice isn't enough; the magical density of my barriers needs to be strengthened significantly."
Alan resolved to be even more rigorous with his training. He decided he wouldn't leave the Leaky Cauldron until the term started, choosing to seclude himself in study and cultivation.
He took out the amulet again. Looking at the copper piece that had saved his life, Alan decided to write to Lily the next day to thank her formally.
In the weeks that followed, Alan remained highly disciplined, following his established study plan. He had essentially mastered all the spells in his introductory and defensive textbooks and began to preview the material for Transfiguration, Herbology, and Potions.
Sirius visited Alan once shortly after the incident. They talked at length about the conflict with the Death Eaters and the inner workings of the Order of the Phoenix. It seemed the general public knew of the Order's existence but few knew its membership, though Sirius was an openly defiant member.
It was no wonder he was a target. In Alan's eyes, Sirius was a man who loved to be the center of attention—loyal and cheerful, but certainly a show-off. Still, Alan liked him.
The two became friends and began to exchange regular letters. Alan's correspondence with Lily continued as well.
After Alan explained the situation and thanked her, Lily wrote back saying she was delighted her alchemical trinket had been of use. She thanked him in return because Sirius Black was one of her closest friends. She admitted the amulet was actually an experimental piece and was glad the enchantments had held up.
Alan was momentarily speechless; giving a protective item away without being certain it worked was a bold move. They began to discuss the mechanics of the amulet. He was fascinated that a spell capable of slicing through standard shields could be halted by this copper piece, and his curiosity drove him to explore its mysteries.
Lily was generous in her explanations, though much of the advanced theory went over Alan's head. He understood that the amulet utilized two primary layers: a responsive charm that activated automatically upon detecting a threat, and a protective spell that utilized Lily's own unique modifications.
Lily mentioned she had learned the foundation from an old book at school which detailed methods of casting spells using emotional intent. Alan asked for the title, planning to find it once he arrived at Hogwarts.
The correspondence with Sirius was different. One day, Alan received a package containing two hundred Galleons—a thank-you gift for his intervention. In the accompanying letter, Sirius claimed he could have handled the Death Eaters himself but wanted to show his appreciation regardless.
Alan had already liked the man, but seeing this, his opinion of Sirius improved even further. This man was a benefactor, throwing gold around with casual ease.
Alan hadn't originally intended to write to him often, but he decided it was wise to keep in touch with such a generous figure. If he received a few more gifts like that, he would be well-off indeed. So, he continued to communicate, occasionally flattering the man's ego while enduring Sirius's replies, which were always brimming with tall tales and bravado.