The Hogwarts Express came to a slow, hissing stop beneath the dark Scottish sky.
Lantern light flickered along the platform as doors slid open one after another. First years stepped down nervously, clutching trunks and owls, eyes wide as they took in the towering silhouette of Hogwarts Castle in the distance.
As tradition demanded, Hagrid's booming voice rose above the noise.
"Firsssst years! First years over here!"
The massive half-giant gathered the new students, his lantern swaying as he led them toward the boats waiting at the lakeside.
Meanwhile, the older students moved toward the horseless carriages lined along the road.
Alexander stepped down from the train beside Cho. The cool autumn air brushed past them, carrying the scent of pine and lake water.
Before they could head for the carriages, two familiar redheads flanked them.
Fred slung an arm over Alexander's shoulder.
"So," he said, grinning, "big year ahead."
George mirrored Cho's side.
"We've been waiting all summer," he added. "You promised chaos."
Cho sighed softly, already sensing trouble.
Alexander adjusted his robe calmly.
"What exactly are you three planning?" she asked.
Fred and George spoke in unison.
"He's planning something for the Hat."
Cho blinked. "The Sorting Hat?"
George nodded solemnly. "The very same. The racist old rag."
Cho covered her mouth, half shocked, half amused.
Alexander simply walked forward toward the carriages.
Fred leaned closer. "So? What are you doing to it?"
Alexander's lips curved faintly.
"Wait."
The twins exchanged delighted looks.
"Oh, it's bad," Fred whispered.
"It's definitely bad," George agreed.
As the carriage continued rolling along the winding path toward the castle.
Cho glanced sideways at Alexander.
"You're not actually going to assault the Hat again, are you?"
Alexander rested his chin lightly on his knuckles.
"I never assaulted it."
Cho raised a brow.
Alexander shrugged.
"Just a factual assessment."
She laughed despite herself.
"You're impossible."
Finally, the carriage arrived, and Alexander, along with Cho and the twins, got off.
The massive oak doors opened as students filtered inside.
At the top of the steps stood Professor McGonagall — posture straight, expression sharp as ever.
Her eyes immediately found Alexander in the crowd.
"Mr. Chen."
Students nearby slowed slightly.
Alexander stepped forward.
"I trust," McGonagall said, voice measured, "that you will be more… respectful this year."
A faint pause.
Cho held her breath.
The twins, standing behind, looked ready to explode.
Alexander smiled — calmly and completely unreadable.
"Of course, Professor."
He gave a slight bow.
"I am a star student."
McGonagall stared at him for a long second.
"…Indeed."
She turned crisply.
"Inside, all of you."
As they passed, she continued watching him — suspicion clear in her eyes.
The doors opened to the full brilliance of Hogwarts.
Candles floated beneath the enchanted ceiling. The night sky shimmered overhead. House tables stretched long across the hall.
They split naturally at the front.
Fred and George peeled off toward Gryffindor.
Fred shot a grin back.
"Don't start without us!"
George added, "Actually, do. Makes it funnier."
Cho and Alexander continued toward Ravenclaw.
Students greeted Alexander with nods of respect as he sat.
Some whispered:
"That's Chen…"
"Hogwarts Hero Who Defeated the Racist Hat…"
"Top of Year Perfect Couple…"
Cho was already embarrassed walking next to Alexander.
Before she could say anything—
A sudden burst of wind swirled overhead.
Poltergeist laughter echoed through the hall.
Peeves.
He spiraled downward, bells jingling on his hat, hovering directly in front of Alexander's seat.
Students nearby groaned.
"Oh no…"
"Not him…"
But Peeves did something unexpected.
He bowed mid-air.
Deeply.
"Welcome back, Young Master Chen!"
The table fell silent.
Cho blinked.
Alexander inclined his head politely.
"Hello again, Peeves."
Peeves grinned wickedly, floating closer.
"Did you have the cameras ready?" Alexander asked quietly.
Peeves saluted.
"Yes, Young Master! Everything is ready! Hidden, floating, enchanted — oh, I shall be watching with great excitement!"
A few Ravenclaws choked on their drinks.
Cho slowly turned toward Alexander.
Peeves cackled and shot upward, vanished.
Cho stared.
"…What do you have planned?"
Alexander folded his hands calmly on the table.
"Just wait."
The hall doors opened again.
Professor McGonagall led the line of first years inside.
They walked in small, nervous steps — gazing up at the enchanted ceiling, the floating candles, the endless tables.
Whispers rippled across the hall.
Among the staff table, several professors glanced — not at the children—
But at Alexander.
Flitwick looked curious.
Snape looked suspicious.
Dumbledore… looked amused.
Alexander smiled back innocently.
Cho noticed.
"…Why are the professors watching you?"
"Professional interest," he said.
McGonagall placed the three-legged stool at the front.
Then set the ancient Sorting Hat on top of it.
The hall quieted.
Students leaned forward.
First years trembled.
And then—
The Hat's brim twitched.
Its mouth opened.
But instead of the usual beginning speech…
It burst into song immediately.
A loud, theatrical, magically amplified song.
One it had not sung in ages.
As the Sorting Hat sang.
Students thought the melody was familiar.
Then they realized it was the Hogwarts school tune, but the rhythm was… exaggerated.
Dramatic.
Almost forced.
Students blinked in confusion.
The professors exchanged looks.
Tiny enchanted cameras hovered invisibly.
All pointed at the Hat.
And Alexander, sitting calmly at the Ravenclaw table…
…was smiling.
The fun is about to begin.