Morning sunlight filtered through the tall, enchanted windows of Ravenclaw Tower as Alexander was violently shaken awake by his roommates.
"Oi, wake up," one of them whispered loudly. "You're trending again."
Alexander groaned, pulling the blanket over his head. "If this is about homework, I refuse."
"It's not about homework," another said. "It's about you… and the Sorting Hat."
That made him pause.
Slowly, Alexander sat up, hair a mess, eyes half-open. "Ah… so the rumors spread already."
They didn't even wait for him to finish dressing before dragging him toward the Great Hall.
The moment they stepped inside, the noise hit him.
Whispers. Gasps. Laughter.
People were staring.
Pointing.
Some even clapped quietly.
Alexander frowned. "Why do I feel like I committed a war crime?"
They sat at the Ravenclaw table. His roommates leaned in immediately.
"Alexander… is it true?"
"You really—beat up the Sorting Hat?"
Before he could answer—
Two loud voices exploded from the Gryffindor table.
"MAKE WAY!"
The Weasley twins stood on their benches like town criers.
"BEHOLD!" one shouted, pointing dramatically. "Our hero!"
"The legend!" the other continued.
"THE BOY WHO DEFEATED—"
Both together:
"THE RACIST SORTING HAT!"
The Gryffindor table erupted in cheers and laughter. A few Hufflepuffs joined in, clapping without even knowing why. Even some Slytherins smirked.
The twins weren't done.
"They say he infiltrated Dumbledore's office!"
"Stole the hat in broad daylight!"
"Dragged it to the Black Lake!"
"Beat it senseless in front of professors!"
"And then—"
They paused for dramatic effect.
"SET IT ON FIRE!"
The hall roared.
Alexander slowly lowered his spoon, staring blankly ahead.
"…They exaggerated," he muttered.
Right on cue, Professor McGonagall stormed into the hall, robes snapping behind her.
"SILENCE!"
"Sit down. Eat your breakfast. And anyone spreading disruptive rumors will answer to me."
Everyone instantly obeyed.
Alexander resumed eating as if nothing had happened.
Students kept sneaking glances. Some whispered. A few Ravenclaws leaned over, clearly wanting details.
Cho sat beside him, eyes wide. "Did you really—"
"All I did," Alexander said calmly, cutting into his eggs, "was have a discussion."
"A discussion?" she repeated.
"Yes. About institutional racism."
Cho choked on her juice.
"And now," he continued, unfazed, "I have a month of detention."
As if the morning wasn't chaotic enough, owls began pouring into the hall.
One swooped down and landed directly in front of Alexander.
Without looking, he raised his hand. The letter dropped neatly into it.
He opened it.
Dear Only Son,
We heard what happened. We told you not to cause trouble. You cannot steal school property—especially not the Sorting Hat—and attempt to punish it. There are rules, and you must follow them.
We have already spoken with Professor Dumbledore. No more accusations about racism, and do not go after the Sorting Hat again. It is not racist.
Take your time and try to enjoy Hogwarts. Write to us if you need anything.
Love, Mom and Dad
Alexander finished reading.
He sighed.
Looked around at the watching students.
Then casually flicked his wand.
"Incendio."
The letter burst into flames midair.
Students yelped. Someone dropped their goblet. A few Ravenclaws hurriedly fanned the smoke away.
Cho stared at him. "You always burn your mail?"
"Only the ones that disagree with me," he replied calmly.
He stood, slung his bag over his shoulder, and stretched.
"Breakfast complete."
Ignoring the stares, whispers, and growing legend around him, Alexander walked out of the Great Hall as if none of it mattered.
Behind him, the rumors only grew louder.