Chapitre 51: Voldemort!?

Edgar Bones, Emmeline Vance, and Gideon Prewett stood nearby, along with his brother Fabian and another woman who carried a similar confident demeanor—Marlene McKinnon, Charles's aunt.

Sirius and Peter sat with a crowd around them, both looking a little worse for wear. Peter was animatedly recounting his "heroic" roll to dodge a spell, which left a cut on his right hand. Sirius, obviously more injured, just chuckled, wincing as he tried to wave at Alex with a bandaged arm.

"Thanks for everything, Sirius, Peter—you two were heroes today," Lily said, giving them each a hug.

Sirius laughed, then winced. "It's nothing, really. Just a few scrapes. But we only managed to catch three Death Eaters—the others got away, unfortunately."

Augusta, standing nearby, grinned. "Not quite. There are four more lying unconscious in the basement."

"What?" Everyone turned to look, surprised to learn that more Death Eaters had broken into the house.

James's face went pale as he turned to Lily. "Four Death Eaters? In the basement? Are you alright?"

Augusta shook her head. "Of course we are! You don't know how dangerous it was fighting those lunatics in the basement."

Lily, sensing everyone's worry, quickly explained. "Don't worry, James. We'd prepared the safe house with protective spells, and thanks to Alex's idea, we managed to hold them off. We were able to handle it."

She downplayed the fight, not wanting to alarm anyone further, though she knew how close the encounter had been. Augusta noticed but chose to stay quiet, only giving her son Frank a sharp look. He had been hovering protectively over Alice, fussing over every scratch, while she had been fighting alongside him the entire time.

Just then, Moody entered with the captured Death Eaters in tow. Three were still unconscious and floating in a binding spell, while the fourth—Rosier—was lifeless, suspended by Moody's charm.

"Lily, you might recognize this one," Moody said, motioning to Rosier. "An old classmate of yours, Evan Rosier."

"What?" The group was stunned.

"He resisted," Moody explained. "When I got down there, he tried one last desperate spell. If Alex hadn't acted so quickly, the curse he threw would've hit Harry."

James looked stricken, gripping Lily's shoulder. "Merlin… Alex, you saved Harry?"

Alex nodded, feeling a bit overwhelmed by the gratitude from everyone. "I just acted on instinct, honestly." In that moment, his life had been on the line; if he hadn't been the one targeted, Alex wasn't sure he could have reacted that quickly.

As he spoke, the door opened. Dumbledore entered, accompanied by the Minister of Magic, Millison Barnold, and Barty Crouch, head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement. The room fell quiet as they entered.

Moody nodded in greeting. "Dumbledore, Minister Barnold, Director Crouch."

The Minister gave a gentle nod, his voice calm and warm. "Thank you all for your bravery. Tonight is a victory. Two Death Eaters killed, and one officially captured."

Moody gave a chuckle. "Sir, it's even better than that. We got one more Death Eater down here who was taken out in defense and three more unconscious."

Barnold's eyes widened as he saw the four Death Eaters lined up at Moody's feet. "More? This is quite the haul."

Barty Crouch stepped forward, frowning as he took a closer look at Rosier's face. "This… Evan Rosier?"

When Dumbledore took in the scene, he gave the group an approving smile, noting the resilient looks on Lily and Augusta's faces. "It seems some remarkable adventures unfolded down below. Mrs. Longbottom, would you mind telling us more?"

Augusta glanced at Lily, who gave her a nod of encouragement. With a hint of pride, Augusta recounted the battle in the basement. "When we realized the safe house defenses were being attacked, Alex suggested we build an inner line of defense… and under his direction, we managed to take down that madman who'd taken a dangerous potion."

Minister Millison Barnold, listening intently, looked concerned. "It's disturbing that Death Eaters would sneak in to target women and children. But tell me, how did one of them end up dead?"

"That would be my doing, Minister," Moody replied with his characteristic grit, recounting how he'd stepped in just in time. "Rosier went mad, shouting his allegiance to Voldemort and trying to hit Alex and Harry with a Killing Curse. If Alex hadn't reacted quickly and thrown him off, he would have succeeded. I acted on instinct and cast the Killing Curse myself to stop him."

Barnold nodded approvingly. "In a case like this, we can't afford hesitation. I declare that the use of the 'Unforgivable Curse' was lawful enforcement." He then turned to Alex, offering him a nod of respect. "Mr. Alex Wilson, your actions tonight were brave and well-calculated. Protecting your friends and helping capture four Death Eaters at such a young age is admirable. You'll receive a formal commendation."

Alex's spirits lifted. He didn't need fame, but the recognition and a possible reward made him happy.

"Thank you, sir, I was just doing what any friend would do."

Satisfied, Barnold moved on to commend Lily, Augusta, and the others for their courage.

Meanwhile, Dumbledore, watching from the side, kept a thoughtful eye on Alex. From what he had heard, Alex's strategies and calm spellcasting had been vital in their victory. Dumbledore mused that he should look further into Alex's background and abilities—this young man held promise.

As he considered the evening's events, Dumbledore couldn't help but think about Voldemort's intentions. He suspected the Death Eaters had been sent to specifically target Harry or Neville, likely based on the prophecy. If so, he'd need to contact Snape soon.

On the other side of the room, James was embracing Lily, his face lined with remorse. "I'm so sorry, Lily. I should have been there with you."

Lily squeezed his hand gently. "Don't apologize, James. None of us expected this. And instead of apologies, why not thank Alex? He saved Harry tonight."

James glanced over at Alex, who was chatting with Sirius. "I will."

Alex, noticing Sirius sitting nearby with his bandaged chest, walked over with a smile. "Looking a bit rough there, Sirius. Can you still move?"

Sirius scoffed, though he winced. "It's nothing. Just a minor lung wound. I could fight another battle if I needed to."

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Chapitre 52: Severus Snape

In truth, Sirius had taken a nasty hit from a 'Severing Charm' during the fight, which had grazed his chest and made it painful for him to breathe.

Dumbledore approached, looking concerned. "Sirius, you need to head to St. Mungo's for proper treatment. You'll need a few days in the hospital."

Sirius started to protest, but Alex, seeing through his bravado, nudged his shoulder lightly, causing Sirius to cough. "Fine, fine!" Sirius sputtered, shooting a playful glare at Alex. "You're a menace."

Trying to catch his breath, Sirius looked at James. "Just make sure Alex isn't on his own while I'm gone."

James smiled. "Don't worry. He'll stay with us for now. I'll help him gather his things tomorrow."

Seeing he had no choice, Sirius nodded reluctantly, then said to Alex, "Be careful with all this heroics business. You don't want too much attention."

Alex smirked. "Coming from you? Look at the state you're in after all your heroics."

Turning to Dumbledore, he asked, "Professor, could I ask a favor?"

Dumbledore raised his eyebrows slightly and replied, "Please, Mr. Wilson, speak freely. I find it difficult to refuse a hero of today's events."

Hearing Dumbledore call him a hero, Alex grinned awkwardly. "Well, Headmaster, I overheard Minister Barnold mentioning a commendation for me. I'd prefer if it wasn't publicized too widely. You know… too much attention can bring unnecessary trouble."

Dumbledore nodded, immediately understanding Alex's concern. "Very wise, Alex. I'll speak to Minister Barnold about keeping this discreet. In fact, I'll suggest he exchange the public acknowledgment for a tangible reward instead. How does that sound?"

Alex's face lit up. "Thank you, Professor Dumbledore."

Dumbledore smiled warmly, then turned to Sirius and Peter. Before Sirius left for St. Mungo's with Dumbledore, he reminded James to take care of his prized motorcycle. Alex, seeing Sirius's attachment to the bike even in his injured state, could only roll his eyes with a smirk.

Shortly after, the Aurors finished their work, restoring the damaged parts of Godric's Hollow and erasing any traces from nearby Muggles. With the help of some powerful repair spells, Lily's home was soon returned to its original state. One by one, the Longbottoms and members of the Order of the Phoenix said their goodbyes, Augusta even inviting Alex to visit sometime, which he gladly accepted.

Soon, only the Potters, Harry, and Alex remained.

"Alex," James said with a smile, "thank you for everything today. You've more than earned a peaceful night's rest. Let me show you to the guest room."

Alex, now standing in the cozy, quiet house, nodded appreciatively. "Thank you, James. I'd be honored."

"Don't say that. After tonight, you're not only our friend but also our comrade and protector." James clapped Alex on the shoulder. Lily, holding Harry, nodded with a grateful smile.

Meanwhile, after dropping Sirius off at St. Mungo's Hospital for Magical Maladies and Injuries, Dumbledore didn't return to Hogwarts. Instead, he made his way to a secluded hill deep within the Forbidden Forest, waiting for someone.

It wasn't long before a figure appeared in front of him with a sharp crack of Apparition. A Death Eater stood there, pulling off his mask to reveal the somber face of Severus Snape.

"It seems Tom took the prophecy to heart," Dumbledore said icily. "Tonight's attack on the Order was merely a cover. Several Death Eaters broke into the Potter home and almost killed Lily and her son. Tell me, is that what you wanted, Severus?"

Snape's face twisted painfully, his usual stoic expression cracking under the weight of Dumbledore's words. "The Dark Lord told no one of this plan—not even me! If I'd known, I would have stopped it, somehow…"

Dumbledore's gaze hardened, his voice cold. "How? Do you still have the courage to stand against Voldemort? The moment you told him the prophecy, Severus, this was set in motion. His target is Lily and her child. You've seen it yourself."

Snape's shoulders slumped, his head bowed as though the weight of his guilt was too much to bear. "But… it could also be the Longbottom boy. I'll persuade him that it's Frank and Alice's son who's the child of prophecy…"

"Severus!" Dumbledore's tone was sharp, his blue eyes flashing with anger.

A wave of powerful magic surged from him, making Snape recoil in shock.

Gathering himself, Dumbledore continued, "Do you know what your old classmate, Evan Rosier, tried to do tonight? He drank a dangerous blood potion that risked his sanity to break into the Potter home and kill Lily and her child. He nearly succeeded. Alex Wilson's quick actions saved Harry. Rosier's fanaticism is proof enough—Voldemort has chosen his target."

Snape, trembling, fell to his knees, covering his face as tears escaped his eyes. He had followed Voldemort's orders without hesitation for years. But now, as he faced the brutal reality that the Dark Lord was targeting the one person he truly loved, his heart crumbled.

"I knew—somewhere in my heart, I knew," Snape whispered, his voice broken. "But I kept lying to myself."

"The prophecy wasn't about a woman, Severus. It was about a boy born at the end of July. But Voldemort won't hesitate to kill his mother as well," Dumbledore said, his tone stern but edged with sympathy.

Snape's face contorted with despair as he admitted, "The Dark Lord… he's been looking for them for weeks. I only learned recently that tonight's plan wasn't aimed at the Order at all but at the Potters. I lied to myself, but deep down, I always knew…" His voice trailed off, lost in grief and guilt.

Dumbledore looked down at Snape, a hint of compassion in his stern gaze. "Then you must choose, Severus. If you wish to make amends, if you truly want to protect Lily, there's a path. But you must commit to it fully."

Snape nodded slowly, a flicker of determination breaking through his despair. "The Death Eaters have a spy within the Order of the Phoenix? Do you know who it is?" Dumbledore asked, his voice calm but sharp as he looked closely at Snape.

Snape shook his head. "No, I don't know. It could be anyone. The Dark Lord… he won't reveal them too easily. He's patient, biding his time. He'll keep trying until he succeeds—I'm certain of it." His voice trembled slightly, betraying his worry as he shared what he knew with Dumbledore.

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