Unaware of Alex's inner turmoil, Newt continued earnestly, "To tell you the truth, Alex, Dumbledore, Minister Bagnold, Amelia, and even myself, all of us think you're an ideal candidate. You're smart, brave, and you've shown a clear sense of justice. Being Muggle-born is also a significant advantage, as it aligns well with the Order's ideals."
Alex's internal complaints intensified. 'You're putting me on an impossible pedestal here,' he thought, maintaining a polite smile outwardly. Unfortunately, he'd been too good at projecting a responsible, upright image.
At this rate, people would expect him to fight dark wizards single-handedly every weekend.
Newt didn't notice Alex's mental struggle and continued in a serious tone, "But there's another reason I brought up the Order of Merlin, something even more pressing. You see, the Silver wand organization has caught our attention for quite some time now. They aren't just simple smugglers motivated by money. They've been capturing powerful and rare magical creatures, and we suspect they have other, more dangerous objectives."
Alex leaned forward with genuine interest, his earlier frustrations fading slightly. He remembered clearly the cryptic hints he'd heard from the Silver wand operative he'd fought recently, and Newt's words confirmed there was indeed something sinister behind the scenes.
"The Silver wand currently has an extremely valuable magical creature in their possession, a juvenile Thunderbird they managed to smuggle away about six months ago," Newt continued gravely. "The Ministry lost track of it, and we believe it's still somewhere hidden in Europe, possibly closer than we'd like to think. If your magical connection with the rescued Thunderbird deepens, perhaps you could locate the missing one."
Alex nodded thoughtfully. "But that juvenile Thunderbird was taken months ago, wouldn't it be somewhere far from the UK by now? Perhaps even sold elsewhere in Europe?"
"Normally, yes," Newt conceded, "but the Silver wand has particular goals with powerful creatures like Thunderbirds. They rarely sell such valuable creatures quickly, preferring to keep them hidden for their own purposes."
Alex absorbed this carefully. "Do you mean to say this Thunderbird might still be nearby, hidden somewhere?"
"That's our suspicion," Newt confirmed gravely. "Though we don't know exactly what they're planning, Sir Merlin's Order has been watching them closely. This is a serious matter, and we believe you might help us tremendously."
"Me?" Alex asked, momentarily stunned.
Newt smiled encouragingly. "You've already shown your capability and courage, not to mention your unique bond with the Thunderbird. But let me be clear: helping us would involve great risks. No one would blame you if you turned it down."
Alex hesitated, but only briefly. Despite his reservations, the idea of stopping the Silver wand aligned closely with his own objectives. And besides, he was genuinely curious about this mysterious group.
"Alright," Alex finally replied, suppressing a sigh at his automatic habit of sounding noble. "I'll help you. It aligns with my own goals anyway. But I'm hoping I can count on your support if things get dangerous."
Newt beamed happily, misunderstanding Alex's reluctant acceptance as enthusiastic agreement. "Of course! You'll have our full support. I'm sure Dumbledore and Minister Bagnold will also gladly help you if you need anything."
Alex gave a polite nod, though internally he lamented further. 'Great, now they're definitely convinced I'm some sort of hero. Just my luck.'
After their talk, Alex thanked Newt again and prepared to head home, eager to finally rest after the long, exhausting night. Newt personally escorted him to the fireplace, patting his shoulder warmly. "Thank you again, Alex. Feel free to visit any time."
Alex smiled politely and stepped into the emerald flames, calling out his home address clearly. Moments later, he stumbled slightly as he exited the fireplace, arriving back in his own house in southern England.
Collapsing onto his comfortable sofa with a heavy sigh, Alex felt a sudden pang of relief. He leaned back, closing his eyes, mentally sorting through the day's overwhelming experiences. But just as he relaxed completely, he noticed something distinctly uncomfortable beneath him.
He jumped up with a startled yelp, turning around sharply to see what he'd sat on. "OUCH!" came a muffled, indignant squeak from beneath a cushion.
Alex stared in disbelief as a familiar bat-shaped form wiggled free from under the cushion, glaring at him with large, watery eyes. Shalltear emerged slowly, rubbing her head with a pitiful expression.
"You forgot about me again, my Prince!" Shalltear complained tearfully, flapping her tiny bat wings indignantly. "How could you sit on me? Don't you have a conscience?"
Alex stared at her, completely speechless. "Are you out of your mind? Why do you keep hiding in places people sit? Honestly, next time I'll just let you be squashed flat. Now stop fooling around and turn back into your human form already!"
"But this is clearly a work-related injury, my Prince! How can you still scold me when I'm suffering?" Shalltear continued to grumble pitifully, but still jumped down obediently from Alex's palm, transforming back into her usual appearance, a petite young girl.
Even in human form, she couldn't help but continue rubbing her lower back, looking more like an elderly witch with chronic back pain than a youthful vampire.
After a moment, Shalltear finally settled down, looking around curiously. "So, my prince, this is your home? It's not too bad, I suppose, quite spacious, really. The decor is hideous, of course, but if you could at least keep the curtains closed during the day, it would be perfect."
"I don't recall asking for your opinion," Alex replied dryly, shooting her a pointed glare. This bratty vampire really had no sense of her current situation, did she?
Shalltear didn't seem bothered by his scolding and instead gave him a bright smile, casually settling herself onto the sofa beside him.
"From now on, you'll stay on the third floor. I'll arrange a room for you. Two others live here as well, Wimzy and Fang. You'll meet them soon enough, as they're probably downstairs minding the shop right now," Alex instructed firmly. "And remember, without my permission, you are not allowed to leave the house. Do you understand?"
"Yes, my Prince," Shalltear sighed reluctantly. "But honestly, you don't need to prepare a proper room for me. Just find me a decent coffin to sleep in. A basement without windows would be even better."
"The basement?" Alex raised an eyebrow, giving her an amused look. "Trust me, you wouldn't like it down there."
As Alex said that, he suddenly remembered the experimental materials he'd left lying around his lab. Hopefully, Wimzy had already tidied them away.
Interrupting his thoughts, Shalltear dramatically clutched her stomach and looked up at Alex pitifully. "My Prince, I'm starving! I've had nothing but the single sip of vitality tonic you fed me all day and night. Could you please offer me something to eat before I waste away?"
Before Alex could reply, Shalltear began sniffing the air suspiciously, wrinkling her nose. "Wait a moment… Why does this place smell so strange? It's almost like there's a werewolf here, but it's somehow different."
"That's Fang. You'll meet him shortly," Alex replied calmly. He was mildly impressed by how sensitive her sense of smell was. "Have you ever actually met a werewolf?"