Throughout the day, the atmosphere in Hogwarts Castle became increasingly chaotic.
At first, students were scared.
But slowly… everyone got used to the pranks.
The whispering pumpkins continued spreading ridiculous gossip.
Peeves flew through the corridors laughing as he shot small harmless fireworks at random students, and threw pumpkin-smelling water balloons at first years.
Illusions of bats flew through the hallways and staircases.
Even the castle ghosts joined the fun.
Nearly Headless Nick and several others drifted through the corridors, suddenly appearing behind students to scare them.
Screams and laughter echoed throughout the castle.
After finishing his training, Alexander returned to the Great Hall for dinner.
But something new caught his attention.
Students were showing off strange appearances.
Some had long vampire fangs.
Others had suddenly grown thick beards.
A few students had brightly colored hair styled into ridiculous shapes.
Alexander laughed as he watched the other students.
"The twins must be selling the candy and potions by now."
He sat down beside Cho, waiting for dinner to appear.
Suddenly—
Cho leaned over and gently bit his neck.
"I want your blood," she whispered playfully. "Your blood is very delicious."
Alexander froze as he stared at her.
Then he burst out laughing.
"I didn't know you were into vampires."
Cho smiled mischievously, showing off the small vampire fangs she had.
"Vampires are cool and very charming."
She tilted her head slightly.
"Hey… can you do a vampire theme for Halloween this year?"
Alexander thought about it for a moment.
He realized he hadn't actually planned the main Halloween event yet.
He had been too busy training and studying runes.
Finally, he nodded.
"Alright."
"I'll plan something with the twins later."
Cho leaned forward and bit his neck again.
"Thank you."
"Delicious blood indeed."
They both started laughing.
Soon dinner appeared, and they began eating while enjoying the lively chaos around the hall.
After dinner, Alexander went to freshen up quickly.
Then he returned to the Great Hall again.
By now, everything had been cleared away.
In the center of the hall stood a raised dueling platform.
Students from every house gathered around excitedly.
Alexander calmly floated onto the stage.
The room quickly went quiet.
"Welcome everyone!" he shouted.
"Welcome to the Dueling Club."
He glanced around the room.
"I see many first-year students this year…"
"And many upperclassmen as well."
He clasped his hands behind his back.
"Well, first, I would like to apologize for starting late this year."
"As you all know, I was serving detention…"
"For educating a certain hat."
Standing near the stage, McGonagall coughed loudly.
Alexander cleared his throat.
"Anyway…"
"Let's start by splitting the class up now. Let—"
Suddenly, someone interrupted him.
"Well!"
A loud voice echoed across the hall.
"I do have a lot of experience dueling other wizards and witches."
Students turned to see Lockhart jump onto the stage proudly.
"After all," Lockhart continued, "I am an honorary member of the Dark Force Defence League."
Alexander laughed.
"Sorry Professor, but this is my club."
"Usually, the professors just support me."
"They don't lead my club."
Lockhart chuckled confidently.
"Well, my experience could be helpful."
Alexander pointed casually toward the small professor standing nearby.
"Professor Flitwick is a dueling champion."
"But he doesn't interrupt me."
"He lets me teach my club my way."
Lockhart's smile tightened.
He clearly didn't like losing the spotlight.
"Since this is a dueling club," Lockhart said loudly, "why don't we duel?"
The hall erupted into excited whispers.
Lockhart pointed at Alexander.
"If you win, I will step back and allow you to continue your lesson."
"But if I win…"
His smile widened.
"Then I will lead the club."
Alexander laughed again.
"Professor… are you sure?"
"I'm really strong."
Lockhart waved his hand confidently.
"Yes, yes."
Then he turned to Professor Flitwick.
"You can be the referee."
Flitwick glanced at Alexander.
Alexander simply nodded calmly.