Start of the New Year

Alex returned the 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 hidden entrance between platforms nine and ten. Alex passed through the barrier and noticed a scene unfolding nearby—a heated argument.

The McKinnons and the Travers family were at it again—a yearly occurrence, it 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 glared. Charles also saw Alex and gave a slight nod. The look on Sampur's face showed he hadn't forgotten 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 complexion—likely Sampur's parents. Behind them was a grim-looking man with a twisted smile, staring at the McKinnons with a chilling gaze. The McKinnons glared back, muttering accusations of murder.

This man, as Charles had once explained, 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 returned the look with a cool smirk, his eyes narrowing as he studied the man. Soon, Aurors arrived to break up the tension, separating the families and restoring order. This scene was familiar at King's Cross; the McKinnons knew the Aurors would help but couldn't act openly without evidence.

After a final glance at the Travers family, Alex boarded the train and found an empty compartment. A few minutes later, Charles joined him.

"Did you see them?" Charles asked angrily. "Those smug cowards. I know they're behind what happened to my aunt."

Alex nodded, pulling out his wand and casting a charm around their compartment to keep their conversation 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 clenched. "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 understand 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 glared, 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 ignore it?"

"Focus on getting stronger," Alex said calmly. "Slytherins look out for each other. Taking on Sampur and his crowd without a plan 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 classes 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 compartment 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 alone after everything that had happened. He squeezed past Vivian and left the compartment, leaving Alex alone with 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 confess."

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 quick glance toward the door as if Charles might pop back in at any moment. She looked both embarrassed and annoyed, making her reaction even funnier to him.

With a playful shrug, Alex leaned back and smirked. "Don't worry. If he ever asks, I'll deny saying anything."

As the Hogwarts Express rumbled along the tracks, Alex tried to explain 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 confess to you! It was just a joke!" Alex groaned, running a hand through his hair. But Vivian pouted and glared 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 lake crossing in little boats and headed straight for the carriages, where black-skinned, winged Thestrals waited.

Alex paused, staring at the creatures' thin, leathery bodies and pale, piercing eyes. He could see Thestrals now, ever since witnessing Evan Rozier's death last year. The memory always drew him to these mysterious creatures, making him wonder what their skin felt like to the touch.

Vivian snapped him out of his thoughts. "Why are you staring into thin air? Come on, get in already!"

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