The morning of Christmas break arrived quickly.
The snowy grounds of Hogwarts Castle were packed with students dragging trunks toward the carriages that would take them to the station.
The Hogwarts Express waited with steam rising into the cold winter air.
Alexander and Cho stood near one of the train doors, watching the twins work.
Across the platform, Fred, George, and Lee were busy shouting to passing students.
"Snow War photos!"
"Best memories of the year!"
"Christmas show pictures! Perfect gifts!"
Stacks of enchanted photos floated around them as students bought copies and laughed at the moving scenes.
Alexander shook his head and laughed.
"They're still working."
Cho giggled.
"They'll probably keep selling until the train leaves."
The twins waved dramatically when they spotted Alexander and Cho.
"See you next year!"
"Don't forget our Christmas gifts!"
Alexander waved back before he and Cho stepped onto the train.
They quickly found an empty private compartment.
Alexander closed the door behind them.
Then he casually waved his wand and locked the door.
The door clicked softly as the spell sealed it.
Cho sat down while Alexander began pulling snacks from his bag.
Chocolate frogs.
Honey candy.
Sugared biscuits.
Cho smiled.
"You prepared well."
Alexander fell into her arms.
Cho smiled, played with his hair, and asked curiously,
"So why aren't the Weasleys going home for Christmas?"
Alexander shrugged.
"They'd rather stay at Hogwarts this Christmas. I think they each got their own reasons."
He looked at her and smiled.
"Let's not talk about them. Let's talk about us."
Cho laughed.
"I think this Christmas I will be going to my grandparents. I will write you a letter as soon as I find out."
Alexander smiled.
"This Christmas will be quiet for me. No Weasly family this year."
For most of the ride, they were in each other's arms, talking, laughing, and looking through the enchanted photos.
They flipped through enchanted photos of the Snow War and the Christmas show, enjoying all the chaotic moments.
Snow golems are marching.
Fireworks exploding.
Lee is flying through the hall dressed as Santa.
Since no one disturbed their compartment, the entire ride passed peacefully.
Eventually, the train slowed and arrived at King's Cross Station.
Alexander removed the locking spell from the door.
They fixed their clothes and hair and stepped off the train to meet their families.
Cho's parents were already waiting nearby.
Alexander hugged Cho gently.
"Wait for my gift."
Cho smiled.
"Same with mine."
They waved goodbye before walking toward their parents.
Alexander soon saw that Mr. and Mrs. Chen welcomed him with warm smiles.
After greeting each other, they drove home together.
During the ride, they talked about school, classes, and the recent events at Hogwarts.
Later that evening, during dinner, Alexander showed them the enchanted photos he brought home.
His parents watched the moving images with fascination.
His mother gasped when she saw the Snow War battlefield.
"Your professors actually helped with this?"
Alexander nodded.
"They were referees this year."
His father laughed at the image of exploding snow cannons.
"These look like a real battle."
After the lighthearted conversation had settled down, Mr. Chen suddenly spoke again.
"Alex."
His tone became more serious.
"Have you considered stopping your studies at Hogwarts this spring?"
Alexander blinked in confusion.
"Why?"
Mrs. Chen answered first.
"We heard it may be dangerous this year."
Alexander laughed lightly.
"Hogwarts is always dangerous."
He shrugged casually.
"I can handle it."
Mr. Chen leaned back slightly.
"What about the Heir of Salazar Slytherin?"
"Do you know who it is?"
He paused.
"I suspect that Draco Malfoy boy."
Alexander immediately laughed.
"Not that coward."
He shook his head.
"I have a clue… but nothing solid yet."
Mrs. Chen frowned slightly.
"Don't go chasing after the heir."
Alexander smiled.
"I won't."
Then he added playfully,
"But who says the heir won't come after me?"
He smiled confidently.
"After all… I'm a star student."
The entire table burst into laughter.
After dinner, Alexander returned to his room.
Since he had discovered that Tom Riddle could project himself from the diary, Alexander never put it inside his briefcase.
He always had his book bag with him, along with other books for camouflage.
Alexander had decided to bring Tom Riddle's Diary home with him.
He would have left it at Hogwarts during winter break, but he didn't want Tom and the rat to secretly plan things while he was not at Hogwarts.
He placed the diary carefully on his desk.
School books surrounded it.
Alexander sat down and opened one of them.
For now, he planned to focus on rune research.
Having Tom teach him will only speed up the process.