Chapitre 156: Meeting Friends

Soon, Vanessa escorted Alex into the banquet hall. The space was already bustling with guests. The Ministry had gone all out with an elegant setup, complete with tea breaks and buffet tables. Small groups of wizards and witches were scattered throughout the room, chatting in hushed tones. "Alex, you're here!" exclaimed Vivian, practically glowing in her formal dress as she approached him.

"Long time no see," Alex replied, a smile tugging at his lips. In truth, it had only been a few weeks since they'd last met, but Vivian's enthusiasm made it feel much longer.

Her exclamation drew attention. The scattered conversations quieted as heads turned in Alex's direction. He felt the weight of countless eyes—some curious, others admiring, and a few scrutinizing. Among the crowd, he also noticed a handful of less-than-friendly gazes. Clearly, his recent actions had ruffled some feathers.

Despite the attention, most guests kept their distance, maintaining a polite reserve. Only a few familiar faces made their way over: Charles, Wilkes, and David, who had arrived earlier via the Floo Network.

"Alex, you've really outdone yourself this time," Vivian said, her voice dripping with playful exaggeration. "Do you know the papers have been full of your story for days? Even Rita Skeeter—Rita Skeeter—was singing your praises. She didn't even make anything up this time! It's like she wanted to write you into the history books."

Alex rolled his eyes. "It's not as dramatic as you're making it sound."

"Oh, it's that dramatic," Whilkes chimed in, shaking his head. "We couldn't believe it when we first heard—five Death Eaters? Merlin's beard! And Yaxley of all people? That guy doesn't know when to quit."

"Yaxley didn't just quit—he escalated," Alex muttered, his tone darkening.

Charles approached him next, his expression sincere. "Alex, thank you. You've done so much for my family. The McKinnon name will always stand behind you."

"There's no need for that, Charles," Alex said with a reassuring smile. "I was just protecting myself. Besides, I promised those Death Eaters would pay eventually. It's a shame you didn't get to deal with them yourself."

Charles gave him a small, grateful smile. "The Travers bastard got what was coming to him, and that's enough for now. It's poetic, really—he dug his own grave."

As Charles spoke, Alex noticed something. It seemed like many of the families present already had their own theories about what had happened. Whatever the Ministry was saying, the truth wasn't lost on those who paid attention.

Charles leaned in closer, lowering his voice. "Listen, Alex, not everyone's thrilled about this award you're getting. The title of 'Wizard Hero'? That's no small thing. Minister Bagnold's using this to boost her reputation, and it's working. But it's also putting pressure on the old pure-blood families. They're feeling cornered, and some of them aren't taking it well."

Alex's lips curved into a sly smile. "And what? They think they can make the Ministry revoke the award? It's already plastered all over the news."

"Some people say you're just a Ministry of Magic puppet—a brat paraded around for show," Charles said hesitantly, glancing at Alex. "And some even claim you didn't really defeat those Death Eaters. They think no one saw it happen, and the confessions from those Death Eaters could've been tampered with. They don't dare question Minister Bagnold directly, so they're pointing fingers at you instead."

Alex let out a sharp laugh, his expression darkening. "Clowns. Let them come and try. Have they forgotten so quickly? The Dark Lord hasn't even been gone for long. In the wizarding world, strength speaks louder than anything else."

"Even so, you should watch your back. Minister Bagnold's tough policies seem to have riled up some of the old pure-blood families. My parents—well, you know they're both Aurors—say there's been a lot of quiet backlash lately." Charles fidgeted, clearly uneasy about sharing insider information.

Alex smirked, leaning back casually. "Backlash? If they dare push, I'll push them right back." He paused, his tone growing colder. "I thought I was here tonight to smile for the cameras and enjoy the food. Maybe there's going to be a good show after all."

Charles sighed but seemed somewhat reassured by Alex's confidence. "Just be careful. Headmaster Dumbledore's got your back, and most of this is just gossip. You don't have to take it to heart."

"My backing has always been myself," Alex replied firmly. "Remember this, Charles: when you rely on others, you'll always be looked down on. Strength—real strength—comes from within."

Charles nodded slowly, seeing the determination in Alex's eyes. "You're right. I'll keep that in mind."

Before their conversation could continue, a cheerful voice interrupted. "Alex, Charles!" Vivian called, her voice light and teasing.

"What's up?" Charles asked, turning to her.

"The banquet's about to start, and the reporters are already coming in. Don't you see them?" Vivian pointed toward the entrance, where a crowd of reporters was filing in. She grinned mischievously. "Let's go take some pictures with Alex! When they print it, we'll be the companions of the hero. How cool is that?"

Charles groaned, rolling his eyes. "You're hopeless, Vivian."

Meanwhile, Alex's attention shifted to the entrance, where he spotted familiar faces. The Weasleys had arrived—Arthur, Bill, Charlie, and Percy—but not Molly or the younger children. A genuine smile spread across Alex's face as he walked toward them. "Arthur! Bill! Charlie! Percy! Long time no see!"

"Alex!" "Brother Alex!"

Bill grinned. "It's been ages! You look taller and more grown-up than ever."

"Brother Alex, is it true you defeated five Death Eaters on your own?" Charlie asked eagerly, his eyes wide with excitement.

"Of course, it's true," Bill said before Alex could reply. "I've seen him in action. Five Death Eaters? That's nothing for Alex. He could probably take on ten without breaking a sweat."

Percy adjusted his glasses, his tone more formal. "Brother Alex, you're being hailed as a war hero by the Ministry of Magic. That's incredible."

Alex chuckled awkwardly, scratching the back of his neck. "You lot are going to make my head swell with all this praise."

Arthur stepped forward, smiling warmly. "It's been too long, Alex. Only two years, but you've changed so much—taller, sharper, more confident. Molly would've loved to be here, but with the little ones, it's hard to manage them all."

"I understand," Alex replied. "I've missed you all. I was planning to visit the Burrow, but when I heard about this banquet, I thought it'd be a good chance to catch up."

"You're always welcome at the Burrow," Arthur said sincerely. "Molly's been worried sick about you since the news of the attack. But when she heard you defeated those Death Eaters, she couldn't stop smiling."

"Yeah, she was so proud!" Charlie chimed in, pulling a lollipop from his pocket.

Their cheerful conversation was suddenly interrupted by a sneering voice. "Lucius, nothing irks me more than someone putting on a pompous act to fool others. What's the matter? Can't people express their opinions anymore?" Avery sneered, flashing a cold smile at Lucius Malfoy, who stood beside him, his long golden hair gleaming under the lights.

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Chapitre 157: Baiting

The two began a theatrical exchange, their exaggerated tones adding to the spectacle. Watching them, Arthur's face flushed red with anger.

Meanwhile, reporters who had already entered the venue perked up at the commotion. Sensing a scoop, they flocked over, their cameras clicking away and enchanted quills scribbling furiously, unwilling to miss this prime piece of drama. "Alex is a hero officially recognized by the Ministry of Magic, and his deeds were personally acknowledged by Minister Bagnold. What's the problem? Are you questioning the Ministry's judgment? Or the Minister's credibility?" Arthur stepped forward, his voice firm as he tried to deflect the accusations.

"Oh, I wouldn't dare question the Ministry or the Minister," Avery replied, feigning a look of innocence. "But facts are facts. It's just sad to see the Ministry and Minister Bagnold being duped by a little wizard. Imagine the Minister being so easily misled by a few pretty words!" Avery sighed dramatically, as though deeply pained.

His statement sent a ripple of gasps through the crowd. The reporters exchanged glances, their curiosity piqued. Could there really be a hidden truth behind the attack a week ago?

Lucius, standing beside Avery, seized the moment. "So, you're suggesting Alex tricked the Ministry and the Minister?" he asked with an arched brow, his tone dripping with condescension.

"Do we even need to ask?" Avery shot back. "A third-year student defeating five fully grown Death Eaters? It's laughable. Only someone as kind-hearted as Minister Bagnold would believe such nonsense."

"But the fact remains—five Death Eaters were captured," Lucius pressed, his tone mockingly curious. "How do you explain that?"

"Who knows?" Avery shrugged theatrically. "Maybe someone else took them down, and this little wizard simply stumbled upon the scene. Or maybe they were drugged, rendered unconscious, and conveniently dumped there. For all we know, those wizards might not even be real Death Eaters. Memory modification spells exist, don't they?"

As Avery spoke, murmurs swept through the crowd of onlookers. Wizards and reporters alike began whispering amongst themselves, their doubts growing. Alex was, after all, just a young wizard. How could he possibly defeat five adult wizards? And what role did Minister Bagnold play in all this? Could the Ministry have tampered with the facts?

The secrecy surrounding the incident only fueled their suspicions. The Auror Command had kept the details of the attack tightly under wraps, leaving plenty of room for speculation.

Seeing the seeds of doubt sprouting in the audience, Avery and Lucius exchanged satisfied smiles. They knew they couldn't stop Minister Bagnold from awarding Alex the honor, but tarnishing Alex's reputation—and by extension, the Minister's—was just as good.

Alex, on the other hand, found their performance thoroughly entertaining. He stood there with his arms crossed, a faint grin playing on his lips.'If these two formed a comedy duo, they'd make a killing,' he thought. Their expressions, gestures, and tone—it was all spot on.

His gaze shifted to Lucius, and he raised an eyebrow. 'Isn't this fool Yulia's brother? Didn't she warn him not to mess with me? Even if she didn't, surely he noticed that no one from the Travers family dared to show their faces today.'

Amusement danced in Alex's eyes as he chuckled softly. This whole situation was turning out to be more interesting than he'd expected.

Arthur, however, was far less amused. His frustration mounted as the duo's verbal barrage left him unable to get a word in edgewise. He clenched his fists, determined to defend Alex. "You…" Arthur began, but Alex gently tugged on his shoulder, stopping him.

"Arthur, they're targeting me, not you. They've come prepared, so talking won't do much good," Alex said with a calm smile.

"But—" Arthur started to protest, only for Alex to shake his head.

"Trust me." With that, Alex stepped forward, his eyes locking onto Avery and Lucius. The crowd hushed as they sensed a confrontation brewing.

"So, let me get this straight," Alex began, his voice carrying an edge of amusement. "You're questioning my strength? Fine. Why don't I show you?"

"Oh?" Avery's lips curled into a mocking smile. "Are you challenging me to a duel?"

Alex didn't bother to answer with words. Instead, he shook his head, the faintest smirk on his lips. "What's this? Backing down already?" Avery sneered. "Typical. You don't have the courage to face me, do you? Isn't this proof enough that you're a fraud? Ladies and gentlemen, take a good look! The so-called hero who defeated five Death Eaters is nothing but a liar."

The murmurs in the crowd grew louder. Camera flashes lit up the scene as reporters jotted down notes. A headline practically wrote itself: "Ministry's Hero Exposed as a Fraud."

Meanwhile, Arthur, Vivian, and the others stood nearby, restless and anxious. They wanted to intervene but could only watch helplessly under the eyes of the gathered crowd. It was then Alex turned his head with a smirk and spoke again. "Torquil is a piece of garbage."

"What did you just say?" Avery narrowed his eyes, his confusion mingling with indignation. "How does this have anything to do with Torquil?"

"I said," Alex repeated, enunciating each word deliberately, "Torquil is trash. And you? You're not even as good as trash. Why should I prove my strength by accepting a challenge from someone who doesn't even measure up to garbage? I've already taken down five Death Eaters. If we assume they were all judged by Torquil's standard, then what does that make you?" He paused for effect before delivering the final blow. "Even worse garbage."

The crowd stirred as Alex continued, his voice sharp and cutting. "You're pathetic. And I'm afraid…" He let his words hang in the air before smirking. "I'd have to fight ten of you to even break a sweat."

The entire hall erupted in chaos. Reporters, who had been silently observing until now, surged into action, their whispers morphing into a cacophony of excitement, disbelief, and speculation. The scene became as noisy as a marketplace. Avery's face darkened with fury. "Are you serious?" he growled, his voice shaking with rage. "How dare you insult me like this!"

"If you're scared, I'll give you a way out," Alex taunted, his mocking grin widening. "Kneel down, apologize, and maybe I'll let it slide. But if you're feeling brave, bring it on. Get yourself and Lucius, then find eight more like you. I don't have all day."

Avery and Lucius exploded with anger at Alex's words. "Fine!" Avery snarled. "You want this? You've got it. But don't cry when you're begging for mercy later!"

The two stormed off, determined to gather their reinforcements. However, recruiting proved more difficult than expected. Many of the pure-blood families, though present in solidarity with the Death Eaters, balked at the idea of participating. They saw no honor in ganging up on a single young wizard, especially with so many witnesses. To them, joining this fight would be degrading.

After much effort, Avery and Lucius finally convinced eight others—mostly those who had served the Dark Lord or shared their vendetta—to join them. The motley crew assembled, forming a circle around Alex.

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