Professor Bones likely never imagined that the information Alan provided would, in turn, save his own life.
"The glory of the pure-bloods will not fade. Every tainted bloodline that dares to challenge our authority must be purged, along with the filth that has defiled Slytherin. I've just had a brilliant idea—one I can plan meticulously for the coming school year," Yaxley said proudly, his head held high. He then gathered his followers closer, laying out his arrangements in hushed, methodical detail.
On the other side of the grounds, after returning to the Forbidden Forest cabin, Alan resumed his disciplined existence. He spent his days practicing spells, developing new charms, researching alchemy, and tending the vegetable garden with Hagrid. He maintained a steady correspondence with his friends; under his remote supervision, Charles continued his training diligently, while Vivian went abroad to travel with her parents once again.
After Professor Bones resigned, he fell slightly ill. Though he was loath to admit it, it was likely the position's curse at work. Fortunately, he recovered fully during the break. The Professor continued to correspond frequently with Alan, discussing academic theories; the two still had many unresolved topics in alchemy and charms they wished to explore.
As for the Longbottom family, Augusta bravely supported the household alone. She had initially invited Alan to spend the summer with them, as she admired his self-reliance and meticulous nature. Unfortunately, Alan, wary of safety risks and fearing he might bring trouble to her doorstep, had to decline. He promised to visit the moment he had settled his affairs at school.
The Weasley family also remained in frequent contact. Molly had a great fondness for Alan, and after his help to their family the previous year, she often wrote to inquire about his well-being. Furthermore, Bill Weasley was due to enroll at Hogwarts this year, and Molly had specifically asked Alan to keep an eye on him.
By tradition, Bill would likely be sorted into Gryffindor, meaning Charles could assist in looking after him. *Should I include Bill in the training program?* A wicked thought crossed Alan's mind. After a year of working with Charles, Alan realized his curriculum was replicable; the high-intensity training significantly improved a wizard's core qualities. With his data source limited to just one subject, it seemed time to expand the roster. The foundational practice was most effective while a young wizard was still in their growing years.
The days passed until the peaceful life at the cabin drew to a close. The new school year was about to begin. As evening approached, Hagrid packed his gear to welcome the new students at the station, while Alan emerged from the cabin dressed for the term.
Alan wore dark, short leather boots with his black trousers neatly tucked into the shafts, cinched by a belt with a silver Ouroboros buckle. A dark utility pouch hung from the belt, subtly revealing several potions tucked inside. He wore a plain black high-necked shirt paired with an impeccably neat house tie, topped with a silver and black waistcoat. Beside his house crest, a silver serpentine brooch adorned his chest. With his house robes draped over him, he looked solemn and elegant.
His black hair now reached past his shoulders, though he kept it combed back in a neat, disciplined style. A bright bronze monocle was clipped beneath his eyebrows, connected by a thin chain to a pocket on his chest. A smooth silver ring, engraved with faint, intricate patterns, adorned his hand.
"Alan, I'm off to pick up the first years. You head to the Great Hall," Hagrid said, lifting his kerosene lamp.
"Mm," Alan responded, adjusting his monocle.
Following the familiar path, Alan walked through the deserted corridors and was the first student to arrive at the Great Hall. The floating candles illuminated the space brightly as he found a seat at the Slytherin table and waited in the silence.
Soon, the professors began to enter through the side door. Seeing Alan already seated, several offered a nod of acknowledgment. After two years, many faculty members admired the rigorous and pragmatic young man. Though they found him introverted, he excelled in both academics and discipline.
When Snape entered, his eyes immediately found Alan. When the boy offered a respectful nod, Snape merely gave a cold, dismissive tilt of his chin. In his eyes, Alan was an arrogant, aloof, and conceited fellow—outwardly respectful but inwardly dismissive of authority. If it weren't for the fact that he had saved... well, he wouldn't have given the boy a second look.
"Severus, I envy you! You have such an excellent young man in your house," Professor Flitwick said, accosting Snape as he sat. "You wouldn't believe it, but Alan submitted a research paper on a new spell recently. Although it hasn't been condensed into a spoken incantation yet, the underlying structure is incredibly powerful!"
Flitwick explained that at the end of the last term, Alan and Professor Bones had finally organized their findings on the development and application of the Echo Charm. Flitwick was happy to see Alan learning from a master like Bones, but the paper itself had exceeded his expectations. The application prospects were broad enough that he had taken the liberty of submitting it to Century Charm Studies on Alan's behalf.
Although the charm was co-developed, most in the academic community assumed the primary credit belonged to Bones, and that Alan's top billing was merely a humble gesture from the senior professor. Nevertheless, it was a remarkable achievement for a student.
Both Bones and Flitwick had recently received numerous letters from scholars across the globe discussing the Echo Charm. Assuming Alan played only an assisting role, most scholars bypassed him to communicate directly with the masters. However, ever since Bones and Flitwick began informing their correspondents that Alan was the primary conceiver and developer of the spell, he had officially entered the radar of the academic elite. It wouldn't be long before Alan began receiving his own share of persistent letters from inquisitive scholars.
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