Winter break passed far faster than Alexander expected.
With almost no distractions, he spent most of his time studying, training, and experimenting with magic.
The only break he took was during meals, writing letters, or checking on the creatures in his briefcase.
His improvement during those weeks had been incredible.
Spells became smoother, his magic control sharpened, and his rune knowledge continued to grow thanks to long discussions with Tom.
Despite all that progress, something still felt missing.
Humans were social animals by nature.
Alexander realized he missed Cho.
He missed his friends.
He kind of even missed Hogwarts.
Winter break was over and the next morning only his mother accompanied him to the train station.
In the front yard, Silver and Copper quickly ran over to say their final goodbyes to Lisa and Don before jumping into the briefcase.
Alexander double checked his book bag and his briefcase one last time before he sat down beside his mom for the drive.
As soon as she started to drive the lecture began.
"Stay safe."
"And don't go chasing after dangerous curiosities."
Alexander laughed softly.
"I'll do my best."
His mother shook her head with a smile.
She clearly knew that promise had limits.
Their talk about safety lasted until they arrived at Platform 9¾.
The platform was filled with students preparing to board the Hogwarts Express.
Alexander stepped through the wall and immediately spotted someone familiar.
Cho Chang.
His face brightened and quickly ran over.
He pulled her into a deep hug.
Cho laughed softly but hugged him back just as tightly.
Nearby, their families greeted each other politely while the two of them walked toward the train.
They quickly found a private compartment.
Before the train departed, they leaned out the window to say their last goodbyes.
"Write to us!"
"Stay safe!"
The usual family reminders followed and the train whistle blew.
Slowly the Hogwarts Express began moving down the tracks.
Once the platform disappeared behind them, Alexander and Cho relaxed in their seats.
Alexander locked the compartment door and they started talking about their winder break.
He quickly noticed something.
Cho was wearing the enchanted memory bracelet he had given her.
He smiled.
"Let me see what photos you put in it."
Cho instantly looked embarrassed.
But after a moment, she tapped the bracelet with her wand.
A small illusion projection appeared above it.
Most of the photos were of Alexander and Cho together.
A few included her family and Quidditch matches.
Alexander laughed.
"You really filled it with memories already."
Cho covered her face slightly.
"Don't laugh!"
Alexander proceeded to pulled out snacks.
Soon the two of them were in each others arms sharing sweets and talking about everything that happened during winter break.
Little stories.
Funny moments.
Random details.
Once again they slipped into their own little world.
For a moment Alexander honestly wished time would freeze.
Just the two of them.
Nothing else, but reality returned when the train whistle blew.
Signaling they were arriving at Hogwarts soon.
Alexander and Cho quickly fixed themselves and pack away the snacks.
When the train stopped, they stepped outside—
And were immediately greeted by snowballs flying at their heads.
Alexander reacted instantly.
"Protego!"
A shimmering shield appeared and blocked every snowball.
A moment later the twins came running down the platform.
"Crap!"
"He blocked the ambush!"
George stared at him suspiciously.
"Alex… are you a robot?"
Fred leaned forward curiously.
"How fast can you cast Protego now?"
George added eagerly.
"Teach us!"
Alexander laughed.
"You two had all winter to practice."
The twins groaned.
"We tried!"
" We made some improvements!"
"Very small improvements!"
Then Fred suddenly remembered something.
"Did you like our gift?"
Alexander calmly pulled out the photo from his pocket.
He showed it to them.
His calm, handsome expression stood perfectly in the middle of smoke, fireworks, and confetti.
Alexander shrugged.
"Sorry. Try again next time."
The twins stared at the photo.
Then both groaned loudly.
"Our masterpiece failed!"
George sighed dramatically.
Alexander chuckled.
"Still a great idea though."
He tapped the photo.
"You could make a lot of money selling that in the right market."
The twins instantly smiled again.
"That's exactly what we were thinking!"
Soon the group began walking toward the castle together through the snowy grounds.
As they walked, they continued chatting excitedly about everything that happened during winter break.