Inside the private compartment, Alexander, Cho, and the Weasley twins laughed and talked nonstop about the school year.
Favorite moments.
Pranks.
Quidditch highlights.
Business profits.
Plans for next year.
Ideas escalated quickly, especially when the twins got involved.
Time passed faster than any of them realized.
Then—
Knock knock.
Alexander already knew who it was.
When the door opened, standing there were:
Harry Potter
Ron Weasley
Hermione Granger
Alexander calmly turned to Cho and the twins.
"Can you guys step out for a moment?"
They didn't question him.
They simply nodded and left, closing the door behind them.
Harry spoke first.
"Thank you… for protecting me from Professor Quirrell… and… Voldemort."
The moment that name was spoken, Ron and Hermione visibly shuddered.
Alexander, however, remained completely calm.
"No problem," he said. "As a star student—and once again number one in my grade. It's my job to help others."
Ron and Hermione exchanged glances.
Then Hermione asked carefully:
"Why didn't you help us though?"
Alexander didn't even hesitate.
"I did."
They blinked.
"How do you think Harry escaped the flying keys so easily? Ron, you only got knocked unconscious with minor injuries on the chessboard. Hermoine, if you had messed up on the potion puzzle. I would have stopped you."
He folded his arms confidently.
"I made sure you three were safe the entire time."
They believed his lie.
Relief washed over their faces.
"Thank you… again," Harry said sincerely.
They left soon after.
Alexander laughed.
I am glad they believed in my lie.
Cho and the twins returned but didn't ask questions.
They understood it was private.
Their earlier conversation resumed with laughter, stories, and summer plans.
Until the train began to slow.
The familiar announcement echoed.
They had arrived at Platform 9¾ once again.
Families filled the platform.
Reunions everywhere.
Alexander met his parents, greeting them warmly.
Before leaving, he turned to Cho.
He pulled her into a big hug.
Then gave her a quick peck on the lips.
"Goodbye. I'll write once I'm back. And I'll bring gifts."
She smiled softly, hugging him one last time.
"I'll see you in a few months."
They separated reluctantly.
Goodbyes were exchanged all around.
When the Chen family returned home, Mr. Chen immediately announced:
"We'll be heading to the Weasley home for a cookout soon. Say your goodbyes properly. We leave tomorrow morning."
Alexander nodded and quickly went to his room.
He let the house-elves organize his belongings and briefcase.
Inside his briefcase, he could hear Silver and Copper happily introducing the new magical creatures to Lisa and Don.
Once finished, they traveled to the Burrow.
The Weasley cookout was already in full swing.
Arthur Weasley proudly showed off his new grilling skills.
The twins entertained everyone with photos and enchanted photos.
Retelling exaggerated stories from the school year.
Laughter filled the yard nonstop.
Good food.
Warm company.
A perfect send-off.
Later that night, once guests left and farewells were said, the Chen family returned home.
Before sleeping, Alexander performed one last check.
Briefcase inventory.
Gifts.
Creature habitats.
Travel supplies.
Everything in order.
Satisfied, he lay down and closed his eyes.
Tomorrow, another journey would begin.