Snow still dusted the streets of London as families once again gathered at the hidden gateway of Platform Nine and Three-Quarters.
Scarlet steam billowed from the waiting Hogwarts Express, its whistle echoing through the station as students reunited, laughed, and dragged trunks toward the train.
Alexander and his parents stepped through the barrier with the Weasley family following behind.
Not far away, he spotted the familiar Chang family.
Cho's face lit up instantly when she saw him.
She hurried over, cheeks slightly pink from the cold, but her smile was warm enough to melt it.
Without hesitation, the two slipped away from the crowd and boarded the train together, finding an empty private compartment.
The door slid shut behind them, muting the noise of the bustling corridor.
For a moment, neither spoke.
Then Cho's eyes fell on his neck.
Her smile widened—bright, proud, and a little shy.
"You wore it."
Wrapped neatly around Alexander's neck was the scarf she had made him for Christmas.
He adjusted it slightly.
"Of course."
Her expression softened, happiness practically glowing from her.
They spent the next few minutes discussing what they'd done over break, laughing at small stories, and relaxing into each other's presence like it was the most natural thing in the world.
When the final boarding call sounded, they both leaned out the window.
Alexander waved goodbye to his parents.
They waved back, and Mrs. Chen said.
"Stay safe, no danger. Take care of Cho."
Cho waved enthusiastically to her parents.
"Write to us!" her mother called.
"I will!" Cho replied.
The whistle shrieked.
The train started to move forward.
Platform Nine and Three-Quarters slowly slid away as winter scenery replaced the station walls.
The moment the train fully departed…
The atmosphere in the compartment shifted.
Slowly, their shoulders touched, then Cho rested her head on his shoulder.
Then they held hands while talking about random things.
As they talked, Alexander started to pull out neatly packed boxes of sweets, pastries, and imported treats onto the small table.
Cho blinked in surprise.
"You made all this?"
"My mom did for us," he corrected calmly.
She laughed softly, taking a bite from a pastry.
Alexander casually flicked his wand at the door.
A subtle locking charm clicked into place.
Cho tilted her head.
He said, "Preventive measures."
She giggled.
"Against Fred and George?"
He nodded.
Almost immediately—
BANG.
The noise came from the door.
Cho straightened instantly, letting go of Alexander's hand and fixing her hair.
A second later—
"Alohomora!"
The lock clicked open.
The door swung open, and the twins stormed in dramatically.
Fred gasped loudly.
"Well, well!"
George clutched his chest.
"What have we interrupted?!"
Cho tried to look composed.
Alexander didn't even move.
The twins flopped into the seats across from them, grinning like devils.
"So," Fred said.
"What were you two secretly talking about?" George added.
Alexander waved a hand dismissively.
"Nothing relevant to you."
The twins ignored him completely and leaned toward Cho.
"Did he tell you," Fred began, "what happened during break?"
George nodded eagerly.
"Oh yes. Very interesting activities."
They proceeded to dramatically recount the Burrow money incident.
Complete with exaggerated reenactments of ear-pulling and fake crying.
Alexander simply smiled the entire time.
Cho covered her mouth, laughing.
"You guys deserve it!"
The twins looked deeply offended by that statement.
There was a knock on the compartment door, and they turned their heads to look who was knocking.
The door opened, and Hermione stepped in.
Hermione looked slightly nervous.
"I just wanted to say thank you… for the gift."
She held out a neatly wrapped parcel.
"Here is a late Christmas present."
Alexander accepted the present and opened it.
Inside was a well-crafted pair of gloves.
"Thank you, they feel nice and warm," he said.
She smiled, and a sense of relief showed on her face.
"And… thanks again for the help over break."
Cho nodded warmly at her.
"No problem."
Hermione gave a quick goodbye and left the compartment.
The moment the door shut—
The twins leaned forward slowly.
Grinning.
"Ohhh Cho," Fred began.
"He's cheating on you again," George added dramatically.
"Yes, get mad at him," Fred said.
"Break up with him," George piled on.
Fred snapped his fingers. "No, better yet—bankrupt him! Take all his money!"
Alexander laughed and said.
"Cho, explain it to them."
Cho nodded her head calmly.
"I already know."
The twins froze.
"You… do?" Fred asked.
She nodded again.
"It was just a book and shared notes. My idea."
Alexander remained silent, letting her speak.
"During break, Hermione's been sending me letters with questions almost every day. Helping her wasn't a problem."
The twins slumped back in defeat.
"Our scandal… ruined," George muttered.
Fred sighed. "Tragic."
But only for about three seconds.
Then they were back to normal—chatting, joking, and throwing around business ideas like always.
They talked about everything:
Valentine's product rollout
Hogwarts gossip
New prank concepts
Exam shortcuts (theoretical, of course)
Laughter filled the compartment as the snowy countryside rolled past outside.
Eventually, the train began to slow.
Castle spires appeared in the distance.
Hogwarts stood tall and waiting.
Students flooded the corridors, grabbing trunks and robes as excitement returned full force.
Fred stretched.
"Back to school."
George grinned.
"Back to business."
Cho adjusted her scarf, matching Alexander's.
He stood, calm as ever.
"Back to opportunity."
Together, they stepped off the train into the cold Hogwarts air—
Ready for a new term.
Alexander knew it was almost time to meet the noseless parasite.