Staying at The Longbottom

Having mastered Muffliato and the related runes, he sees exciting potential in sound-based spells. Professor Quirrell, for instance, developed a listening spell that extends one's senses through sound—a skill Alex thinks he could build on.

He's exploring two approaches for sound spells.

The first is ultrasound, known for its direction and high frequency. Inspired by how bats navigate, Alex aims to create a spell for echolocation, turning magic into a type of radar to detect illusions and hidden enemies.

The second approach is infrasound, which has a low frequency and can be intense enough to cause nausea or even death at high levels. This could become a powerful area spell for disorienting or injuring opponents.

Without a rune disk, Quirrell used a basic method, combining runes on paper to test his spells. Alex, however, has a major advantage: his strong control over magic, his ability to cast spells silently, and his access to a rune disk. This allows him to work faster and test spells directly without needing to say the runes aloud.

Over Easter break, Alex spent nearly all his time studying the rune disk and writing out rune formulas. He also started taking "Baruffio's Brain Elixir" regularly. The effects were immediate; his thoughts felt sharper, his memory improved, and his learning speed increased overall.

According to potion books, Baruffio's Brain Elixir works best during intense mental effort. When the mind is actively learning, the potion's effects last longer. But if someone takes it without challenging their mind, its effects gradually fade—similar to protein powder that only builds muscle when combined with exercise.

As summer approached, Alex read in the Daily Prophet about skirmishes in the ongoing magical war, which seemed to be getting worse. He wondered about his holiday plans. Sirius Black was appearing more frequently, as Death Eaters were after him. The Potters, however, were unreachable, and with Diagon Alley becoming unsafe, Alex was hesitant to stay at the Leaky Cauldron.

Just when he thought about asking Professor McGonagall if he could stay at Hogwarts, a letter arrived from Augusta Longbottom, inviting him to stay with the Longbottoms over the summer. Alex remembered Augusta as a strict but caring woman and thought this could be a good option.

He quickly wrote back, expressing his gratitude and his willingness to visit. Augusta's reply came quickly with her address and details, noting that since she cared for young Neville alone while the Longbottoms worked at the Ministry, Alex would need to travel there on his own.

With his summer plans settled, Alex began preparing gifts. He spent 50 gold Galleons on a large ham and two bottles of Ogden's Old Firewhiskey, and also packed a few bottles of euphoria potion he had made himself.

The school term passed quickly, and Alex received his final grades: five "(E) Exceeds Expectations" and two "(A) Acceptable" in History of Magic and Astronomy. Most of his focus had been on spell practice and rune research, leaving him just enough time to pass these subjects.

After finals, Alex spent a week tutoring Vivian, helping her pass all her exams, including History of Magic. The Transfiguration exam was as Professor McGonagall had hinted: transforming a mouse into a snuffbox. Alex was surprised to see that some students still struggled, despite knowing what the exam would cover.

At the farewell feast, Professor Dumbledore announced that Ravenclaw had won the House Cup. Slytherin and Gryffindor, who had been neck-and-neck all year, ended up at the bottom of the points board. Vanessa, a fellow Slytherin, was clearly disappointed. Alex figured that at this rate, Slytherin might not win a House Cup during her time at Hogwarts.

In the Great Hall, draped in blue banners, Alex reflected on his first year. It hadn't been peaceful, but it had definitely been memorable.

After a long, bumpy train ride, Alex stepped off, said goodbye to Vivian and Charles, then pulled out Augusta's letter to check the address.

"Ottery St. Catchpole Village? Guess it's time for the Knight Bus," he decided, glancing around for a quiet spot.

Once he found a secluded area near the station, he raised his wand. Within moments, a massive, purple, three-story bus came to a screeching halt in front of him. The Knight Bus was infamous for its wild driving, and as Alex boarded, he braced himself for a rough ride.

By the time he arrived at Ottery St. Catchpole, he stumbled off the bus, feeling a bit shaky from the constant jolts and sudden stops. Alex took a moment to steady himself and then followed Augusta's directions to the Longbottoms' home.

As he approached the house, the door swung open, revealing Augusta in an apron, holding a spoon. She grinned warmly, her sharp eyes softening. "Alex! It's been half a year since Christmas. Look at you! Your hair's grown so long!"

Alex laughed, brushing his hair back. "I haven't cut it all year. Thanks for inviting me, Mrs. Longbottom. With things so tense, I wasn't sure where I'd stay. If you hadn't taken me in, I'd probably be at the Leaky Cauldron."

"Nonsense," she said, waving her spoon. "You're more than just a friend—you're family. It's good to have company for the summer, so come on in!" Augusta led him inside, and as they entered, a warm, savory aroma filled the air.

"Make yourself comfortable. Dinner's nearly ready. Frank and Alice will be home soon. Do me a favor and keep little Neville company, will you? He might not remember you, but it would be good for him to get familiar again."

Alex smiled and nodded, taking in the unique atmosphere of the Longbottom home. The living room had a sense of history, filled with sturdy, well-worn furniture that looked like it had been passed down through generations. Rich, antique carpets, elaborate paintings, and family heirlooms gave the space a dignified feel.

On one wall, there were several animal specimens in glass cases, including a vulture perched atop an ornately decorated hat on the hat rack. Alex raised his eyebrows, thinking with a smirk, 'Definitely not Alice's touch.'

He spotted a small crib by the fireplace, where little Neville lay, staring up at the ceiling with a bored expression. As Alex approached, Neville's eyes went wide. His face twisted, looking like he might cry, but then he seemed to recognize something familiar in Alex's face, so he simply blinked and stared.

"Hey, little Neville," Alex greeted softly, reaching down to squeeze Neville's tiny hand. "Remember me? We fought Death Eaters together!" he teased playfully.

The poor baby's face scrunched up, and he began to wail, startling Alex, who froze awkwardly. "Okay, okay, no teasing. Why the tears?" Alex muttered to himself, gently patting Neville's tiny hand.