Breakfast at Hogwarts was loud.
Plates clinked, owls swooped, students argued over pumpkin juice versus milk as it mattered. Alexander was halfway through buttered toast when a familiar shadow passed over the Ravenclaw table.
An owl landed neatly in front of him.
American postage charm.
Definitely his parents.
Alexander squinted at it suspiciously before taking the envelope.
"Brace yourself," he muttered.
He opened it.
From: Mom
Alex,
We're so relieved you made it to Hogwarts safely and in one piece.
Your father and I are very proud of you—even if you caused a scene on your first night (we heard).
Alexander scowled. Traitors.
Please behave yourself. Hogwarts is not Ilvermorny, but that doesn't mean it can't be home too.
Make friends. Eat properly. Sleep more than four hours.
And remember—just because you're clever doesn't mean you have to prove it all the time.
She added a little heart charm at the bottom.
Alexander softened for exactly half a second.
From: Dad
Alexander,
Being placed in Ravenclaw does not automatically mean the Sorting Hat is racist.
Alexander rolled his eyes so hard that Cho noticed.
You should slow down, observe, and gather facts before jumping to conclusions.
If—and this is a big if—the Sorting Hat demonstrates actual bias, I will personally bring the matter to the Hogwarts Board of Governors and Professor Dumbledore.
Alexander scoffed. Coward.
Until then, focus on your studies. Stop wasting energy on arguments with magical artifacts.
You are capable of much more.
Signed neatly. No hearts.
Alexander folded the letter.
Considered it.
Then flicked his wand.
A small, controlled flame appeared.
The parchment went up in a quiet whoosh, burning cleanly to ash in his hand.
Several students gasped.
One Ravenclaw dropped their fork.
Cho stared. "You just—"
Alexander shook the ash off his fingers calmly. "Therapeutic."
He finished his breakfast, stood, and adjusted his robes like nothing unusual had happened.
"Time for class," he said, walking away as whispers followed him.
Behind him, the ashes drifted harmlessly to the floor.
Alexander had read the advice.
He simply chose not to follow it.