#183 - rest assured

Afterward, Anduin bid farewell to Vanessa and Tom and returned to the Longbottoms' residence. Augusta was unaware of the day's events.

"So, in the course of a single day, you defeated five Death Eaters and received commendation from the Ministry of Magic?" Augusta asked, staring at Anduin in disbelief.

"Indeed," Anduin said, stretching languidly, exhausted from the day's activities. "Furthermore, the Ministry of Magic will host a celebratory banquet for me in a week."

"Merlin's beard, are you sure you're not joking with me?" Augusta asked, her face filled with incredulity.

"Haven't you been listening to the Wizarding Wireless Network? The capture of five Death Eaters is a significant event," Anduin replied casually.

"I didn't realize you were responsible for that. Heavens, are you injured? Were those Death Eaters terrifying?" Augusta asked, anxiously examining Anduin. She was highly sensitive to Death Eater attacks and felt a mix of emotions.

"Rest assured, I'm fine. Otherwise, I'd be in the hospital right now. Oh, right," Anduin said, remembering something. "The Ministry of Magic has permitted me to invite my friends to the celebratory banquet. Please accompany me as well."

"Alright, no problem," Augusta said, gradually processing the news and finally sighing in relief.

After dealing with the astonished Augusta, Anduin excused himself, claiming exhaustion, and returned to his room. He then pulled out parchment and began writing invitations for the banquet.

First and foremost, he had to invite his classmates, along with his professors and Hagrid. Although somewhat reluctant, he also wrote a letter to Snape.

Next were his friends outside of school. He didn't have many close friends in the wizarding world: the Weasley family, Tom, and he also included the Diggorys and the Lovegoods. That was it.

Once he received confirmations, Anduin would have to report the attendees to the Ministry of Magic.

Moody had told him that the banquet was essentially a show, and he didn't need to concern himself with the Minister's power struggles with those families and council members. He should just enjoy himself.

Having finished all this, Anduin collapsed into bed. He hadn't rested properly in a long time and quickly drifted off to sleep.

While Anduin was sound asleep, a major news story that shook the entire wizarding world rapidly spread.

The British wizarding community instantly focused their attention on a young man named Anduin Wilson.

Snape, having just learned the news, rushed back to Hogwarts and barged into Dumbledore's office.

"Have you heard? Anduin really captured those five Death Eaters?" Snape asked anxiously as he entered the office.

"Indeed," Dumbledore replied, sitting leisurely at his desk and sipping tea. "I just corresponded with Millicent. It's quite remarkable news."

"What do you make of it?" Snape asked pointedly.

"What do I make of it? Isn't it good news?" Dumbledore asked, as if he didn't understand.

"Is it that simple? Yaxley was one of those five Death Eaters. What are the odds that Anduin would just stumble upon him and defeat them all without a scratch?" Snape had suspected foul play as soon as he heard the news. He had finally pinpointed Yaxley's location and hadn't even begun his operation before Anduin intervened.

"I've reviewed the Ministry of Magic's incident report. The motive, timing, and course of the battle all seem logical and reasonable. There are virtually no apparent issues," Dumbledore said. He had been surprised when he saw the report, but facts speak louder than words.

"Virtually? Do you have doubts as well?" Snape asked.

"Not exactly doubts, but the account of events is almost too complete, practically flawless." Dumbledore then glanced at Snape. "Why are you so concerned about this matter? Regardless, it's a positive development. Are you being overly sensitive?"

"Overly sensitive? You know what Anduin did to Yaxley. Anduin was largely responsible for his escape. Now, he conveniently captures him. How can you expect me, who knows the inside story, to remain calm?" Snape asked, somewhat displeased.

"Then what do you intend to do? Why don't you ask this top student of your house if this was all part of his little scheme?" Dumbledore asked, teasing Snape.

"You're in the mood to joke? Aren't you always concerned about whether he might go astray?" Snape suddenly found Dumbledore incomprehensible.

"Yes, Anduin possesses exceptional potential, unwavering determination, strength far exceeding his peers, and a very mature mind. I'm actually quite fearful that he might head down an extreme path." Dumbledore looked up and met Snape's gaze. "But precisely because of this incident, I feel more at ease about him."

"Why?" Snape asked, puzzled.

"Because I've realized that we don't need to worry about him going astray. He has a very clear and firm understanding of the path he should take. You can see that from this incident."

Dumbledore opened the report and continued, "Anduin didn't kill anyone from beginning to end, proving that he knows his limits. He only targeted Death Eaters, demonstrating that he's still very clear about his stance. Even if he pulled some tricks, he's just a clever individual with a steadfast position.

Moreover, from his attitude toward his friends both inside and outside of school, I can tell that Anduin isn't being insincere. As long as his position is sound, I don't think the rest matters."

"Besides," Dumbledore said, flipping the report to the second page, "he's now a Ministry of Magic-certified war hero, the pride of Hogwarts, and the glory of your Slytherin house."

"What?" Snape quickly took the report and began reading, soon realizing something. "Minister Bardot is preparing to confront those families?"

"Indeed. The timing of Anduin's arrest of these Death Eaters is too perfect. It's given her a major boost. Do you think she wouldn't seize this opportunity? When it comes to scheming, our Ms. Bardot is second to none."

"Oh, by the way, Anduin invited you to his celebratory banquet. Here's your invitation." Dumbledore handed Snape a letter.

Because Anduin didn't know where some of the professors lived, and 'Shunfeng' was too lazy to deliver them one by one, he simply sent all the professors' invitations to Dumbledore, asking him to take care of it.

"Hmph, it's good he still remembers his head of house," Snape said, his expression finally softening slightly after reading the invitation.