Dinner in the Great Hall was louder than usual.
The Ravenclaw table was celebrating loudly after their third straight Quidditch victory. Students laughed, clapped, and replayed moments from the match over and over.
Across the hall, the Slytherin table looked far less cheerful.
Many of them glared toward Alexander.
Normally, the Slytherin team was known for playing dirty during matches. But this time, Alexander had beaten them at their own game.
The Ravenclaw students found it hilarious.
In the middle of the celebration, Fred and George walked over with wide grins.
Fred pointed at Alexander.
"When we play over the summer," he declared dramatically, "you will not be the Keeper."
George nodded seriously.
"You're too scary."
Fred leaned closer.
"Seriously though… why are you so good?"
George added,
"And great job taking out the competition!"
Alexander laughed.
"It wasn't my fault they kept charging at me."
The twins burst out laughing.
"Oh sure."
"Totally an accident."
The group joked and laughed until dinner finally ended, and students began leaving the hall.
Later that night, Alexander returned to the Room of Requirement.
Inside, he sat at a desk surrounded by rune diagrams and spell notes.
On the table lay his mysterious diary.
The voice of Tom Riddle echoed quietly from it.
"You are a quick learner."
Alexander smiled confidently.
"Of course. I'm a star student."
Tom's voice grew quieter.
"I need more blood."
Alexander sighed.
"I just gave you blood."
"I am feeling weak," Tom insisted.
Alexander leaned back in his chair.
"Stay strong. I'm already decent at rune combinations now."
He tapped one of the parchment sheets.
"The last thing I need to master is rune carving."
Tom fell silent for several seconds, and he spoke again.
"I still need more blood."
Alexander thought for a moment.
"I'll try to get you dragon blood."
Tom sounded satisfied.
"Okay."
The two continued discussing rune carving techniques while Alexander practiced spell movements with his wand.
The night passed quickly.
The next morning at breakfast in the Great Hall of Hogwarts Castle, an owl landed beside Alexander.
It dropped a letter in front of him.
Alexander immediately recognized the handwriting.
His parents.
He opened the letter and began reading.
Dear Our Lovable Son,
We have been meaning to write to you.
We love the stories and enchanted photos you have sent.
We are sorry we didn't write sooner. We have been very busy with work.
We heard about the attacks happening at Hogwarts.
Stay safe.
Your dad says you will be fine, but as your mother, I will always worry about you.
Keep Cho safe, too.
We will talk more during Christmas.
Love,
Your busy Mom and Dad
Alexander laughed softly and handed the letter to Cho Chang.
She read it and then laughed.
"The same thing again."
She shook her head.
"Why does everyone want you to protect me?"
Alexander puffed out his chest dramatically.
"Because I'm a star student."
He turned towards her and smiled.
"I'm also a very strong wizard."
Cho rolled her eyes and laughed.
"Sure you are."
The two spent some time writing letters back to their parents before sending them off with the school owls.
Later that night, Alexander met with the twins and Lee in the hidden classroom.
Fred rubbed his hands together excitedly.
"So… what's the next event?"
George leaned forward eagerly.
"A Thanksgiving show?"
Alexander laughed.
"Everyone has been scared lately."
He crossed his arms thoughtfully.
"We need to cheer them up."
With an evil smile, Alexander said.
"The Attack of the Turkey King."
Lee immediately stood up straight.
"Lee, you will be the Turkey King."
Lee saluted dramatically.
"Yes, sir!"
Fred and George burst out laughing.
Alexander began explaining the plan step by step.
Illusions. Decorations. Timing. Chaos.
When he finished, he looked at them.
"Everyone understood the plan?"
The twins grinned.
"Oh yes."
"This will be brilliant."
Jordan nodded enthusiastically.
"Yes!"
Alexander clapped his hands once.
"Alright."
The group split up to begin preparing.
And while the others left to organize their parts of the plan, Alexander headed back toward the Room of Requirement.