As for the N.E.W.T. certificates, he didn't particularly value them; he would likely take a few symbolic exams for the sake of appearances. If his alchemy business took off as expected, or if his research priorities shifted, graduating without taking the final exams was a distinct possibility. After all, those certificates were primarily for job hunters, and he had no intention of working for anyone else.
Once he finished school, Alan planned to travel across continental Europe. Many Death Eaters were still hiding there, and his policy remained the same: nip the threat in the bud. Moreover, seizing resources from hidden enemies was a much faster way to build capital than legitimate trade. Most of those families were old blood and certainly weren't poor; they were the perfect targets for a bit of unsanctioned redistribution.
Then there was Fenrir Greyback. The fact that the werewolf was still at large occasionally kept Alan awake at night. Insomnia carried a risk of health complications, and he couldn't abide someone who indirectly endangered his life by ruining his sleep. He also kept the Longbottoms in mind. Traveling abroad would give him the chance to hunt for obscure mind magic or experimental cures that might help Neville's parents.
But now was not the time for fantasies. Arriving at King's Cross, Alan glanced at his appointment letter. It stated that all House Prefects were required to report to a specific carriage at the front of the Hogwarts Express for a briefing from the Head Boy and Head Girl.
He had noticed the door to that carriage in previous years; it was always locked, accessible only to those who displayed a Prefect's badge. "I never thought I'd be part of the privileged crowd," Alan chuckled self-deprecatingly as he stepped inside.
The interior was unlike the rest of the train. Instead of long rows of cramped compartments, it featured a large, open-plan meeting area with a rectangular mahogany table and two rows of high-backed chairs. Beyond that were four oversized private compartments, one for each House. These were luxuriously decorated with velvet seating arranged in a circle, warm blankets, and beautifully carved central tables. They even had cabinets stocked with snacks and non-alcoholic beverages.
Each year, Hogwarts selected one male and one female fifth-year from each House to serve as Prefects, a role they held until graduation. Theoretically, this meant twenty-four Prefects in total, plus the Head Boy and Head Girl. With only twenty-six people sharing such a large space, it felt remarkably roomy.
Though Alan had arrived early, a male student was already seated at the head of the meeting table. It was Marin McMillan, a seventh-year Hufflepuff who had been a member of the Charms Club for two years.
"Alan! You're early. I'm glad to see you've joined the ranks," Marin said with a bright, honest smile.
"I could say the same to you. Congratulations on the presidency, Mr. Head Boy," Alan replied with a grin.
"Don't tease. If I were in your year, I wouldn't be sitting in this chair," Marin admitted modestly. Hufflepuffs were nothing if not grounded. "I came early because I'm nervous about getting the logistics right."
Alan took a seat and chatted with Marin as the other Prefects began to arrive. They were a disciplined group, most arriving well before departure. Many were familiar faces from the Charms Club, and they greeted Alan with polite nods. He saw Charles had been made a Gryffindor Prefect, and Aliana had taken up the mantle for Ravenclaw.
"Everyone," Marin said, standing to draw their attention. "Please take your seats. We need to have a short briefing before the train departs."
He opened a notebook and spoke with Hufflepuff efficiency. "I am Marin McMillan, Head Boy. I'll keep this brief. First, congratulations to our new colleagues. Regarding our immediate duties: once the train is in motion, we will begin corridor patrols. Two Prefects will rotate every half hour."
"Secondly, upon arrival, the Slytherin and Gryffindor Prefects must immediately obtain the common room passwords from their Heads of House. After the feast, you are responsible for leading the first-years back. Keep a sharp eye on them; remember the 'little lion' who nearly ended up in the kitchens last year?"
A ripple of laughter went through the older students.
"Finally, the night patrol schedule will be finalized tomorrow morning. We will meet in the sorting waiting room at 8:00 AM. It's close to the Great Hall, so it won't interfere with your breakfast," Marin concluded, pointing to the schedule in his notes.