Alex returhe smile. “Thanks, Frank. I’ll keep it in mind. And be careful with your work. Stay safe.”

  Frank nodded and watched as Alex walked toward the hidderaween ptforms nine and ten. Alex passed through the barrier and noticed a se unfolding nearby—a heated argument.

  The Mons and the Travers family were at it again—a yearly occurre seemed. This time, though, Alex didn’t keep his distance. He moved in closer, staying about 30 feet back to observe.

  The adult wizards on both sides ignored him, but Sampur Travers, the younger one, noticed him and gred. Charles also saw Alex and gave a slight nod. The look on Sampur's face showed he hadn’t fotten their past run-ins, though he’d never been able to catch Alex.

  Alex studied the Travers family. Besides Sampur, there were three others. A striking blonde woman stood beside a man with a goatee and a sickly plexion—likely Sampur’s parents. Behind them was a grim-looking man with a twisted smile, staring at the Mons with a chilling gaze. The Mons gred back, muttering accusations of murder.

  This man, as Charles had once expined, was Sampur’s uncle and was rumored to be a Death Eater. The Ministry had no proof, so he roamed freely, even showing up here. Sampur noticed Alex and whispered something to his uncle, who then looked directly at Alex, sizing him up with a cold stare.

  Alex returhe look with a irk, his eyes narrowing as he studied the man. Soon, Aurors arrived to break up the tension, separating the families a order. This se was familiar at King’s Cross; the Mons khe Aurors would help but couldn’t act openly without evidence.

  After a final g the Travers family, Alex boarded the train and found ay partment. A few mier, Charles joined him.

  “Did you see them?” Charles asked angrily. “Those smug cowards. I know they’re behind what happeo my aunt.”

  Alex nodded, pulling out his wand and casting a charm around their partment to keep their versation private. “I saw them. By the look on their faces, they don’t regret a thing.”

  “I won’t let them get away with it,” Charles said, his hands ched. “Sampur’s as twisted as they are. I’ll make him pay once we’re back at Hogwarts. Will you back me up, Alex?”

  Alex studied his friend’s determined face. “I uand you want justice, Charles. But charging in won’t end well. Sampur doesn’t fight fair. You could get hurt if you go in recklessly.”

  Charles gred, frustration evident. “So what? Just let them walk free?”

  Alex handed him a small bottle. “Drink this calming potion. Now, think: you’re back at Hogwarts, and Sampur tries to pick a fight. What would you do?”

  Charles took a sip, then replied, “I’d show him what I’m made of, use my best curse on him.”

  Alex sighed. “That’s exactly what he’d want. He’d lure you somewhere dark and have his friends ambush you. He doesn’t want a fair fight.”

  Charles frowned, still angry. “Then what should I do, Alex? Just ig?”

  “Focus oing stronger,” Alex said calmly. “Slytherins look out for each other. Taking on Sampur and his crowd without a pn is asking for trouble.”

  Charles hesitated, then asked, “But I’m only twelve. You’re strong, though. I heard my aunt say you’ve faced Death Eaters. Could you teach me something?”

  Alex nodded. “Meet me after csses at Hagrid’s hut, by the path to the Forbidden Forest. I’ll help you train. Waiting doesn’t mean weakness; it’s about being ready to win.”

  Charles, now calmer from the potion, nodded with determination. “Alright, I’ll follow your lead.”

  Just then, the partment door slid open, and Vivian walked in, her usual cheerful smile lighting up the room. Charles, however, mumbled a quick excuse, saying he needed some time aloer everything that had happened. He squeezed past Vivian ahe partment, leaving Alex aloh her.

  Vivian watched Charles leave with a puzzled look before turning back to Alex. She dropped her bag onto the seat and leaned in with a curious smile. “So, what were you two talking about? It looked pretty serious.”

  Alex’s eyes sparkled with mischief, and he couldn’t resist teasing her. “Oh, not much,” he said, feigning casualness. “Charles was just saying he likes you and isn’t sure how to fess.”

  Vivian’s cheeks turned bright red, and she stammered, “Wh-what? Is that all you boys ever think about? Really!”

  Alex chuckled, clearly amused as he watched her fidget, casting a quice toward the door as if Charles might pop ba at any moment. She looked both embarrassed and annoyed, making her rea even fuo him.

  With a pyful shrug, Alex leaned bad smirked. “Don’t worry. If he ever asks, I’ll deny saying anything.”

  As the Hogwarts Express rumbled along the tracks, Alex tried to expin himself to Vivian. She somehow twisted his joke into a full-blown story. No matter how many times he insisted he was only teasing, she refused to believe him.

  “I swear, Charles didn’t fess to you! It was just a joke!” Alex groaned, running a hand through his hair. But Vivian pouted and gred at him.

  “Hmph! You’re lying, Alex. You probably put the idea in his head! Otherwise, why does he always run away when he sees me?” She folded her arms, looking smug. “Just tell him to talk to me already! I don’t need a go-between!”

  Finally, after what felt like an endless ride, they arrived at Hogwarts. Now that they were older, they skipped the ke crossing in little boats and headed straight for the carriages, where bck-skinned, wihestrals waited.

  Alex paused, staring at the creatures’ thihery bodies and pale, pierg eyes. He could see Thestrals now, ever sinessing Evan Rozier’s death st year. The memory always drew him to these mysterious creatures, making him wonder what their ski like to the touch.

  Vivian snapped him out of his thoughts. “Why are you staring into thin air? e o in already!”

  Relutly, Alex climbed into the carriage, giving the Thestral a final gnce as they rode up to the castle. The grand stone walls of Hogwarts loomed above them as they ehe bustling hall, where the first-years lined up, wide-eyed and fidgeting, for the S Ceremony.