When Alexander finally opened his eyes, the first thing he felt was a pounding headache and a dull pain across his chest.
"…Ugh…"
He slowly sat up.
The familiar white curtains and clean smell made him sigh.
Hospital Wing.
Next to him sat Cho Chang.
The moment she saw his eyes open, she leaned forward.
"Are you okay?"
Alexander blinked a few times, then laughed.
"Of course."
He stretched slightly and winced.
"I see we are in the hospital wing."
Cho rolled her eyes but smiled. She picked up a plate from the bedside table and handed it to him.
"Eat slowly. You're still in pain."
She placed a glass beside him.
"I brought juice too."
Alexander grinned brightly.
"You're the best."
He began eating.
After a few bites, Cho spoke again.
"Colin isn't in trouble."
Alexander paused.
"Oh?"
Cho nodded.
"He just received a warning."
She smiled slightly.
"The Sorting Hat did a quick sorting and placed Colin Creevey into Gryffindor."
Alexander chuckled.
"Good."
"He was a brave student to help out."
They both laughed.
Cho continued.
"Fred, George, and Jordan each lost fifty points."
She crossed her arms.
"And you lost one hundred and fifty points."
Alexander nearly choked on his juice.
Cho continued calmly.
"Thanks to you, Ravenclaw is now in the negatives."
She paused.
"Only Gryffindor is lower."
Alexander burst out laughing.
Cho sighed.
"And all of you received one month of detention."
Alexander leaned back against the pillow.
"That means one month of planning."
Cho couldn't help laughing again.
"Oh, and Harry and Ron made it back."
Alexander raised an eyebrow.
"Oh?"
Cho nodded.
"They flew to school in a magically flying car."
Alexander's eyes widened.
"No way."
Cho nodded again.
"They crashed into the Whomping Willow."
Alexander burst into uncontrollable laughter.
Cho shook her head while smiling.
"They both lost fifty points each."
Alexander wiped tears from his eyes.
Cho continued.
"I also heard from the twins that Ron broke his wand."
Alexander leaned back, laughing.
"Just like the canon."
Cho blinked.
"What?"
"Nothing."
Alexander waved it off while finishing the last of his food.
He was going to say something else, but Madam Pomfrey walked in.
She stared at him.
"Mr. Chen."
She sighed.
"Once again, it is nice to see you."
Alexander smiled brightly.
"Madam Pomfrey, you should have expected this."
He laughed.
She did not reply.
Instead, she performed a quick medical check.
A minute later, she returned holding two small potion bottles.
"Drink these."
She placed them on the table.
"Then leave my hospital wing."
She gave him a firm look.
"It is getting late, and I do not want you spending the night."
Then she turned and left.
Alexander and Cho both laughed.
Alexander looked dramatically weak.
"I am still hurt."
He pushed the potions slightly toward her.
"Can you feed me the drink?"
Cho immediately blushed.
"Only this time…"
She glanced around.
"…since no one is here."
Carefully, she lifted the potions and helped him drink them.
The moment he finished, warmth spread through his body.
The pain disappeared almost instantly.
Alexander stretched.
"Ah… much better."
He smiled warmly at her.
"Thank you."
He leaned closer slightly.
"In the future, if I ever get sick…"
"I know you can take care of me."
Cho's face turned bright red.
She nodded quietly.
Alexander stood up.
"Well."
He held out his hand.
"Let's go back to the dormitories. It's getting late."
Cho took his hand.
Together they walked quietly through the dark halls of Hogwarts.
Most students were already in bed.
When they reached the Ravenclaw common room, a few students were still studying.
No one even looked up as they entered.
Alexander quietly raised his wand.
"Disillusionment Charm."
Their bodies shimmered and vanished.
He gently pulled Cho closer and kissed her.
When they separated, Alexander removed the charm.
"Good night."
He smiled softly.
"Thank you for taking care of me."
Cho's breathing was slightly uneven.
"It was nothing."
She smiled shyly.
"I enjoyed the show."
She stepped toward the staircase.
"Good night. See you tomorrow at breakfast."
Alexander watched her disappear up the stairs.
Then he turned and walked to his room.
The moment he opened the door—
His roommates jumped up.
"HE'S BACK!"
Cheers erupted.
"ANOTHER VICTORY OVER THE SORTING HAT!"
Alexander laughed.
They celebrated the legendary beating of the hat for a while longer.
Eventually, the excitement faded.
The lights went out.
And the Ravenclaw dormitory slowly fell asleep.