The next morning, Alexander noticed that the diary was back.
He ignored it for now and went to eat breakfast. The Great Hall of Hogwarts Castle buzzed with the usual chatter of students enjoying their food.
The moment Dumbledore stood up, the hall quickly fell silent.
His usually cheerful expression looked serious.
"Last night," Dumbledore began, his voice echoing through the hall, "Colin Creevey was attacked."
Immediately, the hall exploded into whispers.
Dumbledore raised his hand for silence.
"As many of you already know, the Chamber of Secrets has been opened."
More whispers spread rapidly among the students.
"Students are to walk in pairs at all times. The school will remain open, and we will investigate this matter thoroughly and find the culprit."
He paused before adding one final announcement.
"Lastly, regarding the Dueling Club. There will be some changes, and for tonight only. It will begin one hour later."
Then he calmly sat back down.
The hall erupted into conversation again.
Students everywhere were talking about the Chamber of Secrets, the attack, and the sudden change to Dueling Club.
Alexander Chen sat quietly at the Ravenclaw table, still slightly confused.
Beside him, Cho Chang leaned closer.
"Do you know what happened?" she whispered.
Alexander shook his head.
"No. Last night, Professor Flitwick woke me up for something, but he didn't explain anything about the Dueling Club. He only said there would be some changes."
Cho frowned slightly.
"That's strange."
Alexander shrugged.
The day moved unusually slowly.
Normally, Alexander would spend free period practicing spells or studying advanced runes.
But today he stayed with Cho most of the time, helping her review homework and going over notes together.
Cho seemed to enjoy the extra company.
After dinner, Alexander made his way toward the Headmaster's office.
He stopped in front of the familiar stone gargoyle guarding the staircase.
Alexander smiled slightly.
"Hello, dear old friend. The Headmaster is waiting for me."
The gargoyle remained silent as always.
But a moment later, it slid aside, revealing the spiral staircase.
Alexander walked up the stairs calmly.
At the top, he stepped into the circular office.
Behind the desk sat Dumbledore, looking noticeably tired.
Alexander stepped inside, glanced briefly toward a corner of the room, then calmly walked forward and sat down.
Dumbledore chuckled softly.
"Mr. Chen… the Sorting Hat is currently on vacation and will need to be enchanted again."
Alexander just smiled at the Headmaster.
"You are costing me quite a lot of money, Mr. Chen," Dumbledore added.
Alexander answered casually.
"That is the price of education."
At that moment, Alexander suddenly felt something brushing against his mind.
His eyes narrowed slightly.
Instantly, his mental defenses rose.
At the same time, he deliberately pushed a vivid image outward of himself standing in the courtyard, flames spreading as Hogwarts was burning to the ground.
Dumbledore blinked and leaned back slightly, clearly confused by what he had just encountered.
Alexander became serious and looked directly into the eyes of Dumbledore.
"Headmaster, Legilimency is illegal."
Dumbledore studied him carefully for a few minutes and finally asked.
"When did you learn Occlumency?"
Alexander laughed lightly.
"Last summer. Write a letter to Mr. Scamander. He was the one who helped me."
Dumbledore slowly nodded.
"I only did that to observe your expressions."
Alexander waved a hand dismissively.
"Headmaster, let's get down to business."
Dumbledore folded his hands together.
"Very well."
He sighed slightly.
"Last night, Mr. Creevey was attacked. Thanks to you, he is recovering—but he does not know who or what attacked him."
Alexander nodded calmly.
"I am glad poor Colin is recovering well. Headmaster, it truly is lucky that I have Restorative Draughts. Otherwise, it would have taken many months to heal him."
Dumbledore stared at Alexander and asked.
"May I ask why you have Restorative Draughts?"
Alexander laughed.
"Headmaster, I simply enjoy collecting things. It also helps improve my potion-making skills. Maybe someday I will become a potion master."
Then he added casually,
"Besides Headmaster, I have more. Just ask if you want to buy some from me."
Dumbledore's eyebrows rose.
"You have more? I will have them all."
Alexander smiled slightly.
"Depends on the price."
Dumbledore leaned forward.
"We can pay in Galleons if you wish."
Alexander chuckled.
"Headmaster, I'm not lacking in money."
Dumbledore studied him carefully.
"What do you want?"
Alexander leaned back comfortably in the chair.
"Quite a few things."
Then he smiled faintly.
"But I'm a reasonable person."
Dumbledore nodded slowly.
"Then… we can talk."