After hearing Alan's account of the battle, Moody had no doubt the boy was capable of defeating those Death Eaters; he was far more preoccupied with Alan's ingenious equipment.
After reprimanding his subordinates, Moody barked, "What are you standing around for? Secure the prisoners and seal the perimeter! Can't you see the state of this place? Deploy Muggle-Repelling Charms and Shield-Blocks immediately. We wait for the Accidental Magic Reversal Squad to finalize the cleanup!"
Many of the Hit Wizards had been jolted out of bed and hadn't fully grasped the gravity of the scene upon arrival. Moody's roar acted like a bucket of ice water. They snapped into professional form, weaving a shimmering barrier of protective enchantments around the clearing.
In terms of raw combat will and technical competence, these wizards were reliable enough. Alan watched them work, quietly assessing the Ministry's front-line strength.
"Alan, I'm taking you to the hospital wing first. You've just fought a high-stakes duel; you need a full diagnostic and some proper rest. Don't worry about the cost—the Ministry is picking up the tab," Moody said. He turned to Alan, his expression fierce as ever but his tone uncharacteristically gentle.
When it came to catching people off guard, Moody was always several steps ahead.
Alan composed himself, then shook his head. "It's all right, Alastor. I'm well aware of my condition. You haven't forgotten I'm an alchemist, have you? I carry my own diagnostic tools."
He pulled out a heavy pocket watch, flipped it over, and pressed a concealed stud on the back. The casing clicked open to reveal four 90-degree fan-shaped displays divided by a cross. Each segment glowed with a different color: red, yellow, blue, and green, marked with concentric scales.
"Solid red indicates no internal hemorrhaging or muscle tears; yellow confirms the skeletal structure is intact; blue shows normal body temperature and hydration; and green means there's no trace of magical or chemical toxins in my system," Alan explained calmly.
"Merlin's beard, how many more toys do you have hidden in those robes? Are you planning to put this on the market too?" Moody stared at the device, genuinely impressed.
"This prototype isn't perfectly stable yet—a strong enough Shield Charm or a targeted Confusion Hex could throw off the readings. I built it as a hobby, but if there's a demand for it, I wouldn't mind a production run," Alan said with a shrug.
"Haha! If you do, save one for me. Half the time I can't tell if I've lost another bone or if it's just the weather," Moody joked, his voice like grinding stones.
Soon, members of the Accidental Magic Reversal Squad began to arrive. Upon learning that a single student had neutralized five high-profile Death Eaters, they couldn't help but steal frequent glances at Alan. Such a haul was nearly unheard of.
The specialized teams took over the scene; the Restoration specialists began knitting the landscape back together, while the Obliviators swept the surrounding park for any Muggles who might have witnessed the flashes. Once the handoff was complete, the Hit Wizards regrouped around Moody.
"Since you're refusing the hospital, you're coming back to the Ministry with me. we need formal statements to compile the report. Besides, you've done a massive service for the country—Minister Bagnold will likely want to see you personally," Moody proposed.
"Very well," Alan agreed. He paused, remembering the confiscated wands, and handed them over to the Auror. He leaned in to whisper a final warning into Moody's ear, nodding toward the prone form of Torquil Travers.
Moody's eyebrows shot up. His magical eye whirled, and he let out a short, sharp chuckle. "You have a point, lad. Don't worry, I'll keep this one under a tight watch. I'll make sure no one gets a word to him. This might be the opening we need to finally dismantle the Travers influence."
"Fall in!" Moody commanded the squad. "Escort the prisoners. Once we're inside, they are to be held in isolated confinement. No visitors without my express written order—and that includes other Department Heads. Now, Alan, stay close."
"As you wish." Alan placed a hand on Moody's shoulder. With a collective crack, the group Apparated.
Alan felt the familiar, sickening squeeze of space before his vision opened onto a magnificent, sprawling hall. The floor was polished dark wood, reflecting the peacock-blue ceiling above, which was inlaid with shimmering golden symbols that shifted like a celestial newsfeed. Gilded fireplaces lined the walls.
In the center of the Atrium stood a grand fountain featuring a group of golden statues: a Wizard, a Witch, a Centaur, a Goblin, and a House-Elf, all shimmering under arcs of enchanted water.
Ministry employees were already streaming out of the fireplaces for the morning shift. The sight of Moody and the Hit Wizards—especially with five bound Death Eaters in tow—caused an immediate stir. Gasps of shock rippled through the crowd.
The Hit Wizards marched with stoic expressions, staring straight ahead as if the onlookers' admiration was beneath them. However, their puffed chests and elevated chins betrayed their immense pride; one would have thought they had made the arrests themselves.
"Move it! What are you lot posing for? You had nothing to do with these captures!" Moody shouted, impatiently shooing the guards forward.
At his roar, the Hit Wizards lowered their heads and hurried the prisoners along. The surrounding crowd grew even more curious. Five Death Eaters in a single morning? It was a massive victory. They whispered frantically, eyes darting through the group to find the hero. Many noticed Alan, looking disheveled and out of place, but no one suspected the boy.
Moody turned to Alan as they reached the security desk. "This is your first time here, I expect? Welcome to the Ministry Atrium. Once we pass security, Apparition is blocked. We'll have to walk the rest of the way."
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