Over the next few days, Alexander spent nearly all his time in the Hospital Wing.
Whenever someone came looking for him, the answer was always the same.
"He's with Cho."
Alexander didn't mind.
He sat beside her bed, talked with her, and helped her eat.
Anything she needed, he went to get it.
Cho enjoyed that Alexander was doing everything for her. Usually, she was the one taking care of him.
Madam Pomfrey finally declared Cho fully recovered.
"You're free to go, Miss Chang."
Cho stretched slightly as she got out of bed.
Alexander stood nearby, arms crossed.
"Are you sure you don't want to stay longer?"
Cho rolled her eyes.
"No."
She brushed her hair back.
"I don't want to stay in the Hospital Wing any longer."
Then she sniffed her clothes.
"And I want to freshen up."
Alexander laughed.
"You smell fine enough for me."
Cho laughed and lightly pushed his shoulder.
They walked back to the dormitory together.
Alexander said wait.
He handed her the bracelets.
She was surprised, put on the bracelets, and asked.
"You fixed them already?"
He walked behind her and moved her hair to the side.
Alexander placed the necklace around her neck and laughed.
"Of course. I am a talented wizard!"
Cho touched the necklace and quickly turned around and kissed him.
After a quick kiss, she said.
"I'll meet you at lunch."
Alexander nodded.
"Okay."
Later, they two met again in the Great Hall.
They ate together while chatting about classes, when they heard the latest rumors spreading around Hogwarts.
They heard how everyone seemed relieved that the attacks had stopped and Hogwarts was now safe again.
Near the end of lunch—
A familiar shadow appeared beside their table.
Professor Snape, with his dark robe that seemed to swallow the light.
"Mr. Chen."
Alexander immediately looked up.
"Yes, Professor?"
Snape spoke flatly.
"Come to the Dueling Club room immediately after you finish eating."
Alexander nodded.
"Yes, Professor."
Snape turned and walked away without another word.
Cho blinked.
"What was that about?"
Alexander smiled slightly.
"Snape is going to teach me something really cool."
Cho leaned forward curiously.
"What?"
Alexander smirked.
"I'll teach you later."
Cho nodded.
"Deal."
After lunch, they split up.
Alexander headed down toward the Dueling Club room.
When he opened the door, he immediately frowned.
The place looked terrible.
Dust everywhere.
Broken practice equipment was scattered around.
The wooden dummies had been knocked over.
There were even cracks on the floor and walls.
Alexander sighed.
Lockhart really was an idiot.
On the main stage stood Professor Snape, waiting beside several wooden training dummies.
Alexander casually floated up onto the stage.
Snape watched him with mild annoyance.
"I do not know how you managed it…"
His dark eyes narrowed.
"But Dumbledore insists I teach you."
Alexander folded his arms.
"Teach me what?"
Snape's voice lowered slightly.
"Sectumsempra."
Alexander smiled.
Snape continued coldly.
"It is a malicious dark curse."
His expression remained unreadable.
"One that I created."
Alexander's interest immediately spiked. This was a spell he really wanted to learn.
Snape pointed his wand at him.
"You are not allowed to use this spell against students."
His voice became sharper.
"Do you understand?"
Alexander nodded immediately.
"Of course, Professor."
Snape looked around briefly.
"If anyone asks…"
He paused.
"I never taught you this."
Alexander nodded again.
"Understood."
Snape then began explaining carefully.
"The incantation must be pronounced clearly."
He demonstrated the wand movement.
A sharp, precise motion.
Drawing an X in the air.
"Powerful magic is not about shouting incantations, Mr. Chen."
Snape's voice was calm but intense.
"It is about precision and intent."
He gestured toward one of the wooden dummies.
"Curses are not toys for children who enjoy spectacle."
Snape flicked his wand.
"Sectumsempra!"
A sudden invisible force sliced across the wooden dummy.
Multiple deep, violent gashes ripped through the wood.
The damage was clean and brutal!
Alexander stared.
That's… incredible.
He knew the spell was powerful.
But seeing it in person was something else entirely.
Snape continued calmly.
"Miscasting this spell could kill someone instantly."
He looked directly at Alexander.
"So I will warn you again."
"Never use it unless necessary."
Then Snape demonstrated something else.
"This curse reflects the caster's intent."
He cast the spell again.
"Sectumsempra!"
This time—
Only a single blade flew forward.
Alexander could actually see it.
A thin, dark reddish arc slicing through the air.
The dummy was cut cleanly in half.
Snape lowered his wand.
"Depending on your intent…"
"The blades will change."
Then he pointed at Alexander.
"Now you try."
"But only one blade."
Alexander stepped forward.
He raised his wand.
"Sectum—"
Snape immediately interrupted.
"No."
"Your pronunciation is terrible."
Alexander frowned.
Snape sighed impatiently.
"Again."
Alexander tried again.
Still wrong.
Snape smirked slightly.
"Remarkable."
"The famous prodigy cannot pronounce a simple curse."
Alexander glared slightly.
After several more attempts—
He finally succeeded.
"Sectumsempra!"
A single blade shot forward.
It carved a clean line across the dummy.
Alexander grinned.
Snape folded his arms.
"Again."
Alexander repeated the spell but failed.
Then again.
And again.
After a few minutes, he could pronounce the curse correctly.
Snape began to make fun of his wand movement and position.
With every insult from Snape, Alexander improved.
With Snape's approval, Alexander fired two blades.
Then three.
Snape watched silently and only spoke with insults.
Though internally—
He was surprised by how fast Alexander was improving, but he didn't show it.
Hours passed, and Snape spoke again.
"That will be enough."
Alexander lowered his wand.
"Tomorrow afternoon," Snape said, "I will teach you the counter curse."
He waved at Alexander to go away.
"Go! It is nearly time for dinner."
Alexander nodded quickly.
"Thank you, Professor."
He quickly ran out of the dueling room with a big smile on his face.
Cho is going to love this.