Alexander leaned back in the chair across from Dumbledore, crossing one leg over the other.
"So," Alexander said casually, "I guess I should explain a few things."
Dumbledore nodded patiently.
Alexander began recounting everything.
How he first obtained the diary.
Gilderoy Lockhart wanted power after being humiliated by him earlier in the year.
Lockhart secretly used the diary to gain strength and eventually kidnapped Cho Chang as leverage.
"And then Tom decided to make his move," Alexander finished. "But now teenager Tom is gone…"
He tapped the briefcase lightly beside his chair.
"…and I gained a new pet."
Dumbledore sat quietly, fingers steepled, thinking deeply.
After a moment, he spoke.
"You knew who Tom was from the beginning."
Alexander shook his head.
"Not at first."
Dumbledore raised an eyebrow.
Alexander shrugged.
"I simply wanted Ginny Weasley to have new books."
Dumbledore looked mildly surprised.
Alexander smirked.
"The twins have made a lot of money over the years."
"They should at least treat their little sister to something."
He smiled at Dumbledore.
"And I like to read."
"So when I found the diary… I was amazed."
His eyes brightened slightly.
"Tom was very helpful."
Dumbledore nodded slowly.
Alexander continued.
"But once I got to Hogwarts and received detention…"
He tapped his finger on the armrest.
"…I finally remembered who he was."
Dumbledore continued to stare at him.
Alexander continued to smile at Dumbledore.
"Just like me, Tom also received a Special Award for Services to the School."
Dumbledore's eyes twinkled faintly.
Alexander gestured toward the air as if pointing to an invisible trophy case.
"Our trophies are sitting right next to each other."
Dumbledore sighed softly.
"Why didn't you say anything?"
Alexander shrugged.
"I didn't know he was Voldemort at the time."
He raised his hand and pointed to his brain.
"And besides… Tom was very knowledgeable."
Dumbledore's expression turned slightly troubled.
Alexander quickly waved his hand.
"Nothing too dangerous."
"I didn't learn the Unforgivable Curses."
"It was tempting, but I have a stronger willpower than most people."
Dumbledore let out a breath of relief.
Alexander smiled and explained.
"He mostly helped me understand magic better."
"Along with runes."
He leaned forward slightly.
"I'll never become a dark wizard."
Dumbledore raised an eyebrow.
Alexander laughed.
"Too much work... and too much hiding."
Dumbledore chuckled.
Then his expression turned serious again.
"About the basilisk—"
Alexander immediately cut him off.
"We had a deal."
Dumbledore blinked.
Alexander crossed his arms.
"If I found it… I get to keep it."
The room fell silent.
Dumbledore studied the determination in Alexander's eyes.
After a few minutes of staring at each other, Dumbledore sighed.
"Fine."
He leaned back in his chair.
"We did make that deal."
Then he added calmly,
"However… I would like my friend Newt to examine it first."
"Is that possible?"
"I know you trust him."
Alexander tapped his chin, thinking.
After a minute or so, he said.
"If Professor Snape teaches me his spell."
Dumbledore paused.
His eyes became focused.
He replied calmly.
"No attacking the Sorting Hat next year."
Alexander considered it seriously.
"…Fine."
Alexander immediately grabbed a piece of parchment and a quill from his briefcase.
He began writing the contract.
After a moment, he signed it and handed it over.
Dumbledore read it carefully and chuckled.
"You truly are thorough, Mr. Chen."
He signed it and returned it.
Alexander folded the contract carefully and placed it into one of his pouches.
"Give me a second."
He opened the briefcase.
"Silver, come out."
The house elf came out.
"Yes, Young Master?"
Alexander explained.
"Headmaster Dumbledore will take the briefcase to Mr. Scamander for the summer."
Silver nodded seriously.
"Silver understands Young Master."
Alexander told her some other things, and Silver jumped back inside the case.
Alexander closed the briefcase and looked back at Dumbledore.
"I'll have Silver bring you the briefcase later."
Dumbledore nodded.
Alexander smirked.
"Just don't be too surprised by what you see."
He shrugged.
"I acquired everything legally."
Dumbledore chuckled softly.
"Everything I see inside will remain confidential."
"I will not speak a word of it to anyone."
Alexander nodded approvingly.
"In a few days," Dumbledore continued, "Severus will find you."
"He will happily teach you the spell."
Alexander nodded.
"Perfect, I can't wait."
"Anything else, Headmaster?"
Dumbledore smiled.
"Yes."
"Your name, along with the others, will appear in the newspapers."
Alexander shrugged.
"Fine with me."
"I will also apply for an Order of Merlin on your behalf," Dumbledore added.
Alexander's eyebrow rose slightly.
"However," Dumbledore added, "in exchange…"
"Harry, Ron, and Hermione will receive Special Awards for Services to the School."
"And Gryffindor will win the House Cup."
Alexander immediately nodded.
"That's fine with me."
He waved his hand dismissively.
"I only won the House Cup last year because Cho really wanted to win."
Dumbledore smiled.
"You may go now, Mr. Chen."
Alexander stood up and adjusted his robes.
"Good day, Headmaster."
He turned and walked toward the door.
The office closed behind him.
Dumbledore sat quietly for a moment.
Then he chuckled softly.
Immediately, several of the headmaster portraits began arguing loudly.
"That boy is dangerous!"
"Nonsense!"
"Brilliant, I say!"
"Absolutely reckless!"
Dumbledore leaned back in his chair, smiling.
"Hogwarts has certainly become interesting again."