"Good heavens, you're incredibly lucky. Most people are lucky to scrounge a few Galleons off a Death Eater, but you've walked away with prime real estate in Diagon Alley," Vanessa said, a trace of genuine envy coloring her tone. Even her own family, the Greengrasses, didn't hold a deed in the Alley.
"It was a fluke, truly. Who knows? Maybe you'll stumble into something similar one day. Once the transfer is finalized, the first meal is on me," Alan said, offering a warm smile.
"It's a deal, then." In Vanessa's eyes, Alan had transitioned from a talented student to a burgeoning tycoon; she certainly wasn't going to turn down an invitation from the man of the hour.
"The paperwork is straightforward. How about this: I'll take you to finish the property transfer first, and then we'll see the Minister? She's likely tied up in meetings at the moment anyway," Vanessa suggested, handing the deed back to him.
"I'll follow your lead," Alan replied.
Vanessa led him to the fifth floor, specifically to the International Magical Trade Standards Association within the Department of International Magical Cooperation. The process was surprisingly efficient; they didn't even issue a new parchment. The clerk simply pressed three official Ministry seals onto the existing deed, recorded the transaction in the ledger, and that was that.
Alan noted with interest that nearly all commercial matters seemed to filter through the International Magical Cooperation Department. He had previously assumed the office only handled foreign diplomacy. When he asked Vanessa, she explained that it was a byproduct of the Goblins' influence. Since almost all trade utilized Goblin-minted currency and the Goblins themselves were considered an international neutral faction, commerce was governed by international magical law. To simplify things, the Ministry centralized all trade business there.
Once the seals were dry, Alan followed Vanessa to the top level. She knocked softly on the heavy oak door of the Minister's office.
"Come in."
Inside, Alan found both Barty Crouch, Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, and Alastor Moody. They appeared to have just finished a briefing, as Crouch was busy gathering a stack of files. Seeing Crouch, Alan couldn't help but recall the fractured confessions he had extracted from the Death Eaters earlier. Knowing the man's son was a radical insurgent made Alan wary of the Director's true stance.
"Perfect timing, Alan. We were just discussing your case. Did you manage to get some rest?" Minister Bagnold asked, her usually sharp features softening into a rare, welcoming smile.
"Hello, Minister. The lounge Alastor arranged was excellent. I feel much better, thank you," Alan said.
"Good. Regarding this morning's engagement, Alastor has submitted a very thorough report. As an underage wizard, you showed remarkable courage in independently neutralizing five Death Eaters led by Torquil Travers. It is an outstanding contribution to the safety of our world, and it is only right that you are rewarded," Millicent Bagnold said, her efficiency on full display as she cut straight to the heart of the matter.
Moody stood to the side, winking and smirking at Alan. Given his scarred face and magical eye, the attempt at a frivolous gesture was more alarming than encouraging.
"You're too kind, Minister. I was simply defending myself; I didn't act with a reward in mind. Those men represent a threat to the peace we've worked so hard to build. Any wizard with a sense of justice has an obligation to stand against them. I was merely in the right place at the right time," Alan said, standing ramrod straight with a look of solemn conviction.
If Julia Travers had been in the room to hear him, she likely would have reached a breaking point. This boy was more hypocritical and tactically silver-tongued than any Slytherin she had ever encountered.
However, the three officials in the room nodded in unison, their admiration deepening. To them, Alan was the perfect candidate: righteous, humble, exceptionally talented, and possessed of an impeccable public image.
"Your modesty is noted, but we will not overlook such service. We have finalized your commendations," Bagnold said, opening a folder on her desk.
"First, the Department of Magical Accidents and Catastrophes recorded magical activity at six o'clock this morning in Regent's Park, and at three o'clock yesterday afternoon in London. I hereby declare that all your recent out-of-school spellcasting was performed in self-defense and is officially sanctioned as legal," she stated, effectively clearing his record of any trace of the Decree for the Restriction of Underage Sorcery.
"Second, in recognition of your bravery in subduing five violent fugitives and assisting the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, the Ministry intends to bestow the following honors: You are to be awarded the Gold Medal of Valor, accompanied by a bonus of one thousand Galleons. Furthermore, the Ministry is bestowing upon you the title of 'Combat Hero,' along with a formal honorary medal."
"In a few days," Bagnold continued, her smile widening, "we will hold a public ceremony to present these awards. The Public Relations Office is also arranging a personal interview to share your story. Please ensure you are prepared."
*Combat Hero?* Alan blinked, genuinely caught off guard. He had expected the Medal of Valor and the gold—he'd walked that path before. But 'Combat Hero' was a grand, public title usually reserved for veteran Aurors. He wasn't even an adult, let alone a public official. Why the sudden push for such a high-profile accolade?
Seeing Alan's stunned expression, Moody let out a gravelly laugh. "Didn't see that coming, did you, lad? You're going to be the talk of the town."
"But... 'Combat Hero'? Me?" Alan pointed to himself, looking at the group with uncertainty.
"What's the problem? Most people would give their left arm for that kind of recognition. Don't go getting shy on us now," Moody teased.
"I think Alan is wondering why we are going to such lengths for someone who isn't even out of school yet," Barty Crouch said, his tone kind.
"Exactly," Alan admitted. "I'm not an Auror. I'm just a student. I'm not sure I'm worthy of such a high honor."