Upon seeing the aftermath, Dumbledore looked at the gathered group with a touch of surprise. Noticing that everyone's eyes were fixed on Lily and Augusta, he smiled. "It seems that in places unknown to us, some people have experienced quite a remarkable adventure. Mrs. Longbottom, would you care to tell us yours?"
Augusta glanced at Lily, who returned a helpless look. With no other choice, Augusta recounted the battle in the basement safe room to the crowd.
"When we realized the protective array was being breached, Alan suggested we establish a secondary defensive line... and then, under Alan's direction, the lunatic who had taken the Blood Rage Potion was struck down," Augusta explained, meticulously detailing the skirmish.
As she spoke, Millicent Bagnold was secretly astonished. It was a vile tactic—Death Eaters slipping past the main line specifically to target the women, children, and elderly in hiding.
The Minister gritted her teeth in anger before asking, "Then how did a Death Eater end up dead? From your account, it sounds as though no one was killed."
"That was me, Minister!" Moody interjected. He recounted his entry into the safe room for the benefit of the newcomers. "Evan Rozier was utterly deranged, screaming about the Dark Lord and casting a Killing Curse at Alan and little Harry. If Alan hadn't moved with such speed to interfere, that curse would have hit its mark. Seeing the urgency, I returned the favor with a Killing Curse of my own."
Moody grinned maliciously, looking every bit the dangerous hunter.
"In a crisis of that magnitude, there is no room for hesitation. I declare your use of the Unforgivable Curse a legitimate act of law enforcement," Millicent Bagnold stated decisively. Then, turning to Alan, she said, "Mr. Wilson, I hereby declare your use of magic outside of school to be a lawful act under the circumstances. Your actions were brave and remarkably astute. Not only did you assist in the capture of four Death Eaters, but you protected a child at a critical moment. I will personally see that you are recommended for commendations and rewards—especially impressive given you are still underage. Please, continue your hard work."
Alan's eyes brightened. He had heard the new Minister was exceptionally capable, and now he understood why. He didn't care much for the fame—that would only make him a target—but the mention of a reward made him ecstatic.
"It was only what I had to do, Minister. I couldn't stand by and watch my friends be harmed," Alan said. He was overjoyed internally, but kept his tone humble and grand.
Bagnold nodded approvingly and offered words of encouragement to Lily and the others before instructing Moody to remove the prisoners and the bodies.
Dumbledore, observing the exchange, smiled to himself. Hearing the details of the basement fight, he looked at Alan with renewed interest. He keenly sensed that their ability to emerge unscathed was largely due to Alan's tactical command and his split-second timing.
*Another young man with a boundless future,* Dumbledore thought. *I must learn more about him. But these Death Eaters... to infiltrate and attack the families while the battle raged? From Rozier's actions, it is highly likely Tom gave the order. It seems the prophecy—whether it concerns Harry or Neville—is Weighing heavily on our Dark Lord.*
Dumbledore pondered the connection between the two children and Voldemort, already planning his next move. The target was clear, but he still needed to know which boy Voldemort feared more. He realized he would have to find a way to contact Snape again.
Nearby, James turned to Lily with a look of deep remorse. "I'm so sorry, Lily. I wasn't there for you or our son when things were at their most dangerous. I failed you."
Lily reached out to comfort him. "Don't say that. No one could have predicted they would get past the perimeter. I didn't tell you immediately because I didn't want you to panic. Instead of apologizing, you should find a way to thank Alan. He saved Harry's life."
James nodded, his eyes searching for the boy. At that moment, Alan was by Sirius's side. James decided he would find a way to properly thank and compensate him later.
Alan looked at Sirius's battered state and offered a small smile. "You look quite a mess. Can you still move?"
Sirius coughed, trying to maintain his bravado. "Hmph. This? I could go another round right now. It's just a scratch on the lung."
In truth, Sirius had charged too recklessly and had been struck by a Sectumsempra curse. It was clearly painful for him to breathe, let alone speak.
Dumbledore walked over. "Sirius, enough. We need to get you to St. Mungo's. Even with field treatment, a wound like that requires professional care."
Sirius tried to protest, but Alan mischievously poked the edge of the bandages. Sirius doubled over in a fit of coughing that left him speechless, glaring at Alan with mock fury.
"Cough... fine. But what about Alan? I'm not sure about leaving the kid at my place alone, though he's more than capable of handling himself."
James stepped in. "Don't worry about it. Go to the hospital. Alan can stay with us for the rest of the break. I'll help him gather his things tomorrow."
Sirius nodded reluctantly. He pointed a finger at Alan. "Kid, don't go showing off like you did today. You'll trip up sooner or later."
Alan looked at the wounded man. "Coming from you, that's rich. You're the one currently bleeding through your shirt." Then, he turned to Headmaster Dumbledore. "Professor, there is something I'd like to ask your help with."