Students returned to their dormitories buzzing with excitement, replaying the fireworks, Peeves' performance, and the locked-door pandemonium over and over again.
Laughter echoed late into the night.
For many, it had been the greatest school year of their lives.
The next morning, the castle felt different.
Trunks were packed.
Owls were retrieved.
Robes were folded away as students prepared to leave.
The Hogwarts Express waited, steaming into the cool morning air.
Alexander and Cho boarded together, weaving through the crowded corridors of the train until they found a private compartment.
As soon as the door shut, Alexander pulled open his trunk slightly and began taking things out.
Snacks.
More snacks.
And even more snacks.
Cho blinked.
"…Did you empty Honeydukes?"
Alexander smirked. "Preparation is important."
They sat next to each other, chatting as the train whistle blew.
Slowly, Hogwarts began to move away from the window.
Alexander leaned back, smiling faintly as he watched the castle shrink into the distance.
Thinking Hogwarts wasn't that bad.
It had been an entertaining school year.
Plus, he got himself a girlfriend.
His smile deepened slightly.
Next year will be even more fun.
His eyes glinted mischievously.
Racist Hat… I'll be back for you next year. Just you wait.
As the two "love birds" chatted, laughing over small moments from the year—
The compartment door suddenly slid open.
"Oi! You two hiding from us?"
Fred and George Weasley stepped in without waiting for permission.
Cho coughed, instantly flustered.
Alexander sighed. "You found us anyway."
The twins dropped into the seats across from them like they owned the place.
Soon, the compartment was full of laughter.
They pulled out magical motion pictures — photos from pranks, study sessions, fireworks test runs, and even one blurry shot of Peeves mid-explosion.
They reminisced loudly:
"Remember Filch's face?"
"Or when the rocket chased Percy?"
"That phoenix firework was brilliant!"
Cho added her own memories, laughing far more freely now.
Time passed quickly.
Eventually, the train slowed.
Platform 9¾ came into view.
Students gathered their belongings, saying last-minute goodbyes as they stepped off the train into the familiar London station.
Parents and guardians waited eagerly.
Alexander and Cho walked together until—
They spotted them.
Both families.
Already chatting like old acquaintances while waiting.
Not surprising.
Alexander walked over first, giving his mother a hug.
"Hi, Mom."
Eleanor Chen smiled warmly, holding him tight before letting go.
"Welcome home."
He greeted his father next.
"Hello, Dad."
Jonathan Chen nodded proudly. "You've grown."
Alexander then turned politely to Cho's parents, greeting them as well.
The adults talked briefly while the two students stood awkwardly beside each other.
Then came the inevitable moment.
Before parting ways—
Alexander stepped forward and gave Cho a goodbye hug.
"I'll write to you."
Cho froze.
Both sets of parents were watching.
Her face turned bright red instantly.
"S-Sure… I'll write to you too," she stuttered.
They separated quickly, both slightly embarrassed.
As the Chen family began to leave the platform—
Fred and George suddenly appeared again.
"See you later, Alex!" Fred called.
"Let's plan later. Next year's gonna be legendary!" George added.
Then they turned and ran off before Alexander could respond.
He frowned slightly.
Confused.
But decided not to think about it.
With that, the Chen family left the station and drove home.
Once they arrived, Eleanor immediately began preparing a large meal.
The house filled with the warm smell of a delicious dinner.
Alexander sat with his father, talking casually about school life.
After dinner was finished—
Alexander brought out his motion pictures.
He began telling story after story about Hogwarts.
Classes.
Spells.
Pranks.
Professors.
Friends.
The photos moved as he spoke, acting out the memories.
The final image played—
Alexander is standing in the Great Hall.
Shield raised.
Fireworks exploding everywhere.
Chaos surrounding him—
And a huge smile on his face.
Eleanor laughed softly, clearly happy.
"I'm glad you're enjoying yourself at Hogwarts."
Jonathan crossed his arms thoughtfully.
"Hopefully nothing bad happened."
Alexander just laughed.