Once the train finally came to a stop, the doors opened, and students poured out onto Platform Nine and Three-Quarters.
Alexander stepped off the train beside Cho.
They pushed their trolley through the crowd until they spotted their families.
Before separating, Alexander pulled Cho into a tight hug.
Whispered in her ear,
"I love you…"
Cho smiled and whispered back.
"I love you too…"
They stayed like that for a few seconds.
Then slowly let go and smiled at each other.
Before separating, they waved one final goodbye before spending their summer apart.
While the Chen family was walking, Mrs. Chen asked.
"Honey, why are you pushing a trolley? What happened to your briefcase?"
Alexander smiled at her.
"Headmaster Dumbledore has it. We can talk about it later."
Mrs. Chen didn't ask another question, and they continued walking to the car.
With everything loaded, they started their drive back home.
As they drove home, Mrs. Chen turned slightly in her seat.
"Alex, dear, the Weasley family invited us to a cookout tonight."
Alexander raised an eyebrow.
"Oh?"
She nodded.
"They said in a few days they'll be leaving for Egypt to visit one of their sons."
Alexander nodded.
"The twins invited me to Diagon Alley tomorrow morning."
"They're getting Ron a new wand."
Mrs. Chen smiled.
"Have fun tomorrow."
Then she added,
"Do you need any money?"
Alexander thought for a moment.
"No… well… actually yes I do."
"I forgot to take more of my money out of my briefcase before I handed it over to Headmaster Dumbledore."
Mr. Chen glanced at him through the mirror.
"We'll give you your key tomorrow morning, but you are not withdrawing everything."
He gave Alexander a firm look.
"Only take what you need."
Alexander smiled and nodded.
"Got it."
The rest of the drive continued with light conversation.
Once they arrived home, Alexander carried his things upstairs.
He set all his luggage on the ground and looked around.
"…Man."
He sighed.
"Having a briefcase with an Undetectable Extension Charm really did make life easier."
Alexander stared at the suitcases that Dumbledore had given him as a replacement for the briefcase.
"Dumbledore should have at least given me one with an Extension Charm… Stingy old man."
He didn't organize his things, but instead went into his closet.
"Where did I put my old suitcase with the Undetectable Extension Charm?"
After he found it, he opened it up and saw that it was empty.
"Maybe I should ask my parents to learn the Undetectable Extension Charm?"
Alexander called for Don, the house elf. They slowly reorganized his belongings before heading downstairs.
In the dining room, his parents sat at the table with tea and snacks.
He sat down and poured himself a cup of tea.
Mrs. Chen looked at him and asked.
"Was the basilisk the surprise you wanted to show us?"
Alexander looked at her and smiled.
"Yes, I just wanted to surprise you guys with my new little pet."
Mrs. Chen's expression instantly darkened.
"A basilisk is NOT a little pet!"
Her voice rose.
"It is one of the most dangerous magical creatures in existence!"
"Why would you go looking for it?!"
"Why didn't you tell your professors?!"
Alexander stayed calm and replied.
"I didn't know someone would awaken it early…"
"I swear, Mom—I was planning to capture it while it was still sleeping during Christmas."
He sighed.
"But who knew Voldemort was actually Tom Riddle… and inside a diary."
Mrs. Chen stared at him.
Her anger switched to worry when she heard the name Voldemort.
Before she could respond—
Mr. Chen spoke.
"Where did you even learn about the basilisk and the Chamber of Secrets?"
Alexander shrugged.
"I read about it somewhere."
"I don't really remember where."
Mr. Chen nodded slowly.
"Is that why you were raising chickens and built that artificial mountain?"
"If my memory was correct, you had added many magical artifacts surrounding the mountain."
Alexander scratched his head awkwardly.
"…Well."
"Fine, you caught me… I've been planning this for about a year."
He smiled at his parents.
"I just wanted an awesome pet."
"You have to admit—a basilisk is pretty cool."
Mrs. Chen shot him a sharp glare.
"It is dangerous! You are not allowed to keep it!"
Alexander blinked.
"But Mom, Headmaster Dumbledore already said I can—"
"I said no."
Her tone was firm.
"And that is final."
Alexander turned to his father for support.
Mr. Chen simply shook his head.
"Listen to your mother."
Alexander sighed.
"…Can we talk about it again at the end of summer when Headmaster returns my briefcase?"
"Mr. Scamander is checking it and making adjustments so I can raise it safely."
Mrs. Chen looked like she wanted to argue further, but Mr. Chen gave her a look.
Mr. Chen looked at Alexander and spoke calmly.
"We will speak with Headmaster Dumbledore and Mr. Scamander when they come."
"Then we will give you our answer."
Alexander nodded.
He understood that he would have to wait until the end of summer to get his answer.
Mr. Chen continued.
"Also, your Uncle Kenny will be visiting in the next few days."
Alexander's eyes widened.
"Uncle Kenny?!"
"It's been a few years!"
"He usually only comes for Christmas?"
Mrs. Chen glanced at Mr. Chen with a worried expression.
Mr. Chen gently reassured her with a look before turning back to Alexander.
"He just wants to visit."
Alexander noticed the tension.
His father's expression said:
You'll understand later.
Before Alexander could ask more—
Mr. Chen stood up.
"Go wash up and change."
"We're heading to the Weasley home soon."
Alexander immediately smiled.
"Got it!"
He ran upstairs.
Once he was gone—
Mrs. Chen spoke quietly.
"Is it time? Will he be alright?"
"Let's wait until he is an adult!"
Mr. Chen reached over and held her hand.
"Alex is smart and strong."
"He'll be fine as long as they don't push too far."
He paused and smiled at her.
"And she will be there with him."
Mrs. Chen looked down slightly.
"I still don't think it's time…"
Mr. Chen shook his head.
"He'll find out eventually."
"We just have to trust him."
Silence filled the room.
Suddenly—
Footsteps rushed down the stairs.
Alexander appeared, fully changed and ready.
"Well?"
"Are we going or not?"
Mr. Chen laughed.
"Let's go."