Just as Alexander was preparing to leave the dueling hall, a small voice called out behind him.
"Mr. Chen, a moment please."
Alexander turned and saw Flitwick hurrying toward him.
The professor looked extremely pleased.
"Mr. Chen, this ranking system is a brilliant idea. Truly brilliant! I should have thought of something like this myself."
Alexander laughed lightly.
"Professor, with this system, Hogwarts students can now graduate with real dueling experience. They can leave with dreams of becoming professional duelists—or at the very least leave as competent witches and wizards."
Flitwick nodded enthusiastically.
"Yes, yes! Exactly!"
He clapped his hands together.
"For this wonderful contribution, I will award Ravenclaw fifty house points."
Alexander shrugged.
"Thank you, Professor."
"I will also inform the other professors and the Headmaster," Flitwick continued. "They will be very pleased with this development."
Alexander thought for a moment before replying.
"There is one thing we need to work on. We need official judges. Students who will judge duels fairly."
Flitwick nodded immediately.
"Yes, that is very important."
"Can you help organize that tomorrow, Professor?"
"Of course!"
Alexander then added calmly,
"And they will be paid."
Flitwick blinked.
"Paid?"
"Yes," Alexander said casually. "I will offer them a decent monthly salary if they do a good job."
Flitwick burst into laughter.
"Well, I suppose that won't be a problem. Everyone already knows how wealthy you are."
Alexander grinned.
"Yes… they do."
Flitwick smiled warmly.
"Is there anything else, Mr. Chen?"
Alexander shook his head.
"No, Professor."
Flitwick waved his hand.
"Then go get some rest. You deserve it."
Alexander gave a small bow.
"Goodnight, Professor."
He then walked out of the dueling hall.
When Alexander returned to his dormitory, his roommates were already asleep.
He quietly placed his things down.
As his eyes passed over his desk, he noticed something.
The black diary was gone again.
Alexander stared at the empty spot for a moment.
Then he shrugged.
"Tom is busy again…"
He didn't bother chasing the issue.
Instead, he took a quick shower and went straight to bed.
The next morning, during breakfast, the Great Hall was unusually loud.
Alexander walked in and immediately noticed something.
Students everywhere were proudly wearing their new HDC badges.
Some were comparing ranks.
Others were bragging loudly.
"I'm ranked twenty-third overall!"
"I'm already top ten in my fifth year!"
"I'm challenging number four tonight!"
Alexander rubbed his forehead.
"My head already hurts…"
He sighed heavily.
The ranking system had worked too well.
Tonight, even more students would want to join the Dueling Club.
Alexander considered asking Cho to help organize things.
But he quickly dismissed the idea.
She already had Quidditch practice and her classes.
He wasn't going to add more stress to her schedule.
Which meant he needed someone else.
Someone smart.
Someone organized.
Someone reliable.
Alexander smiled.
"I know the perfect person."
During lunch, Alexander sat beside Cho and briefly explained his plan.
Cho listened quietly.
"That's a good idea," she said.
Alexander nodded.
"Just remember I'm not cheating on you," he added jokingly. "I just know how busy you are already."
Cho rolled her eyes.
"I know, silly."
She laughed.
"Besides, Hermione is very smart. She'll be happy to help."
Alexander leaned over and kissed her cheek.
"Thank you. You're the best."
Cho smiled while waving him away.
"Go ask her already."
Alexander stood and walked toward the Gryffindor table.
He quickly spotted the trio.
Hermione was currently lecturing Ron while Harry sat beside them, laughing.
Alexander walked up.
"Hey, Hermione."
She turned.
"Oh, hello Alex."
Alexander got straight to the point.
"Do you want to be the secretary of the Dueling Club?"
Hermione froze.
Her eyes widened.
"Wait… I can?"
Alexander nodded.
"Of course. I picked you, didn't I?"
Hermione looked completely stunned.
"There's also a salary," Alexander added casually. "Not a lot, but about fifty galleons a month."
Ron nearly choked.
"FIFTY GALLEONS A MONTH?!"
Several nearby students turned their heads.
Ron leaned forward excitedly.
"Can I join?!"
Alexander shook his head instantly.
"Sorry. You're not smart enough."
Ron's face dropped.
"Hey!"
Alexander pointed at Ron's badge.
"And look at your rank. You're at the bottom."
Ron groaned.
"That's because I need a new wand!"
Alexander laughed.
"Go ask your brothers. They have money."
Ron slumped against the table in defeat.
Alexander then turned back to Hermione.
"So?"
Hermione was still stunned.
But after a moment, she nodded firmly.
"Yes."
"I'll do it."
Alexander smiled.
"Great."
"I'll introduce you tonight at the Dueling Club."
He then waved casually.
"Alright, time for class. Bye."
The trio waved as he walked away.
And Hermione was already thinking about how to organize the entire club.