The Hogwarts Express finally came to a stop at Platform 9¾.
Students poured out of the train, laughter and chatter filling the cold winter air as families waited for them.
Alexander stepped off alongside Cho and the twins.
It didn't take long for them to spot their parents waiting.
Before leaving, Alexander turned toward Cho.
He stepped forward and pulled her into a warm hug.
"I'll miss you," he said softly. "Expect a great gift from me."
Cho with a smile, hugging back just as tightly.
"Same. I'll miss you too… and I already picked yours out."
Behind them, fake gagging sounds.
"Ugh, romance."
"Disgusting."
"Love birds in the wild."
The twins stood a few steps away, cracking jokes as usual.
Cho's face turned red instantly.
Alexander just rolled his eyes.
"Get lost."
They laughed, waved goodbye, and finally split off with their families.
Once home, the Chen residence was warm and lively.
The smell of Mrs. Chen's cooking filled the house.
Mrs. Chen prepared a full meal, clearly happy to have her son home.
During dinner, Mr. Chen and Alexander talked nonstop.
Mostly about spells, dueling techniques, and magical theory.
Alexander explained the dueling club, advanced shields, layered casting, and combat movement.
Mr. Chen listened carefully, occasionally nodding in approval.
"You've improved," he said. "Your foundation is getting sharper."
Mrs. Chen finished setting the table and said, "Why are you in charge of Dueling Club?"
Alexander said, "It is because I am a Start Student!"
They all laughed and enjoyed the delicious food.
After dinner, Alexander brought out his early Christmas gift.
Stacks of photos, along with enchanted photos.
Carefully crafted enchanted frames.
Snow War battles.
Castle-wide chaos.
Christmas illusions.
Two frames stood out the most.
One — Alexander floating in the sky, background with snow ravens flying during the Snow War.
The other — Him and Cho sitting side by side, watching the Christmas show together beneath enchanted snowfall.
Mr. Chen examined them closely, clearly impressed.
"Hogwarts allowed all this?"
Alexander shrugged slightly.
"They didn't stop me."
Mr. Chen chuckled.
"Still… well done."
Mrs. Chen looked through the photos next.
She smiled warmly.
"It looks like you're enjoying your time at Hogwarts."
Alexander answered casually.
"Hogwarts is fine."
She laughed softly.
"I'm just glad you didn't get hurt."
Alexander smiled.
They spent the rest of the evening chatting about the semester — classes, friends, events, and upcoming plans.
Eventually, his parents mentioned:
"We'll be spending Christmas dinner with the Weasley family."
Alexander didn't mind at all.
Then he asked the one thing he cared about most at the moment.
"My gift for Cho… did it come in?"
Mrs. Chen nodded.
"It's in your room."
Alexander stood up immediately.
"Goodnight."
He didn't even walk; he ran up the stairs.
Inside his room, the packaged gift was already waiting.
He opened it, inspected every detail, then began preparing it further — adding personal enchantments and finishing touches.
He worked late into the night.
And he didn't stop until her Christmas gift was perfect.