Afterward, Alan bid farewell to Vanessa and Tom and returned to the Longbottom estate. Augusta was still entirely unaware of the day's dramatic events.
"So, in a single day, you defeated five Death Eaters and received a Ministry award?" Augusta stared at Alan, her jaw nearly dropping.
"That's right." Alan stretched his stiff limbs, feeling the weight of the last twenty-four hours settle into his bones. "The Ministry is throwing a celebration for me in a week."
"Merlin's beard, you aren't playing a prank on me, are you?" Augusta's face was a mask of sheer disbelief.
"Haven't you been listening to the Wizarding Wireless? The capture of five Death Eaters is the only thing anyone is talking about," Alan said nonchalantly.
"I didn't realize you were the one behind it! Goodness, are you hurt? Were they terrifying?" Augusta began to circle Alan, fussing over him with intense concern. Having lost so much to Death Eaters in the past, her emotions were a volatile mix of pride and protective instinct.
"Don't worry, I'm perfectly fine. If I weren't, I'd be in St. Mungo's right now. Oh, by the way," Alan remembered, "the Ministry has allowed me to invite guests to the banquet. I want you to come with me."
"Of course, no problem at all." Augusta finally began to process the reality of it, her worry slowly giving way to a deep sense of relief.
After soothing his shocked guardian, Alan excused himself, citing exhaustion, and retreated to his room. He pulled out a fresh stack of parchment and began drafting invitations.
First, he listed his classmates, several professors, and Hagrid. Though he hesitated for a moment, he eventually penned one for Snape as well. Next were his friends outside the castle walls: the Weasleys, Tom, the Diggorys, and the Lovegoods. Once he received their replies, he would need to submit the final guest list to the Ministry.
Moody had been blunt: the banquet was a political stage. Alan didn't need to worry about the Minister's maneuvering with the pure-blood families; he just needed to show up and enjoy the spotlight. With his tasks finished, Alan collapsed onto his bed and fell into a dreamless sleep.
While Alan slept, the news rippled through the wizarding world. People from every corner of Great Britain found their attention fixed on the name Alan Wilson.
Severus Snape, having just heard the rumors, rushed back to Hogwarts and practically burst into the Headmaster's office.
"Did you get the report? Were those five truly captured by Alan?" Snape asked urgently, not even bothering with a greeting.
"Indeed they were." Dumbledore sat calmly at his desk, sipping a cup of tea. "I've just finished corresponding with Millicent. It is an extraordinary piece of news."
"What do you make of it?" Snape pressed.
"What do I make of it? It's marvelous news, isn't it?" Dumbledore replied, his eyes twinkling as if he hadn't caught the subtext.
"Is it that simple? Yaxley was among them. How could Alan just happen to stumble upon him and defeat the entire group without a single scratch?" Snape had sensed something suspicious the moment he saw the names. He had been tracking Yaxley himself, yet Alan had somehow beaten him to the punch.
"I've reviewed the Ministry's incident report. The motive, the timing, and the tactical account of the battle all seem reasonable. There are virtually no holes in the story," Dumbledore said. Even he had been surprised by the efficiency of the report, but the facts were undeniable.
"Virtually? Then you have doubts as well?" Snape asked.
"Not doubts, necessarily. But the description is... complete. Almost too perfect." Dumbledore glanced at Snape. "But why are you so concerned? This is a victory. Are you perhaps overreacting?"
"Overreacting? You know what Alan did to Yaxley at school. His 'escape' was almost entirely orchestrated by the boy. Now, he's caught by that same student? How can I remain calm when the inside story is so convoluted?" Snape asked with visible frustration.
"So what do you propose? Why don't you ask your star Slytherin if this is all some grand conspiracy?" Dumbledore teased.
"You're laughing? I thought you were worried about him going astray," Snape said, finding the Headmaster's levity difficult to stomach.
"Alan possesses incredible potential, a legendary will, and a mind far more mature than his peers. I was indeed worried he might lean toward extremes." Dumbledore looked up, his gaze meeting Snape's. "But because of this incident, I actually feel more at ease."
"Why?"
"Because I realized we don't need to dictate his path. He has a very clear, very firm understanding of where he wants to go. You can see it in his actions."
Dumbledore spread the briefing across the desk. "Alan didn't kill anyone. He knew exactly where to draw the line. He targeted only known Death Eaters, proving his stance remains firm. Even if he played some tricks, he is simply a clever young man with a solid foundation. From the way he treats his friends, I can see he isn't hollow. As long as his heart is in the right place, the rest is just detail."
Dumbledore turned to the second page. "Moreover, he is now a Ministry-certified Combat Hero. He is the pride of Hogwarts—and the glory of your House."
"What?" Snape snatched the brief. He scanned the page, his mind working quickly. "Is Bagnold using him to confront the old families?"
"Precisely. Alan's timing was a gift to her. She's far too cunning to let such an opportunity slip. Oh, and he's invited you to the celebration. Here is your invitation." Dumbledore handed him the letter.
Since Alan hadn't known the private addresses of all the professors, and Shunfeng had been too lazy to fly all over the country, he had sent the faculty invitations to the Headmaster for distribution.
"Hmph. At least he hasn't forgotten his Head of House," Snape muttered, his expression softening as he read the parchment.