The next morning, Alexander woke up feeling still tired and a little bit sore.
Went to breakfast.
Students who remained over break chatted lazily over breakfast — unaware that only hours ago a Death Eater had been uncovered beneath their school.
Alexander sat at the Ravenclaw table, eating calmly as if nothing had happened.
Because officially…
Nothing had.
Dumbledore's orders were clear.
Silence.
Just as he finished his last bite of toast, the familiar rush of wings filled the hall.
Owls swooped overhead, dropping parcels and letters across tables.
One owl — sleek, dark-feathered — glided down and landed directly in front of Alexander.
It released a sealed envelope… then flew off immediately.
Alexander recognized the handwriting at once.
His parents.
He wiped his hands, broke the seal, and unfolded the letter.
Dear Our Son Alex,
We are glad you are safe.
We enjoyed the gifts you sent, and once again, we are sorry for missing Christmas with you.
We have already spoken with Headmaster Dumbledore.
Your father says, "Good job defeating a dark wizard. Everything I taught you was not in vain."
But I disagree!
You should have told the professors instead of getting involved yourself. Safety comes first — no more chasing after your curiosity.
Stay safe.
We will visit before school starts again.
For now, pretend nothing happened.
We will see you soon.
Stay safe.
Love, Mom and Dad.
Alexander read the letter twice.
His father's pride…
His mother's worry…
Both exactly as expected.
He could practically hear their voices layered into the parchment.
He didn't burn the letter.
Didn't crumple it either.
Instead, he folded it carefully and tucked it inside his robe.
A quiet keepsake.
"…Safety first, huh," he murmured.
He understood her point.
But if he hadn't intervened…
Blackwood's ritual might have progressed too far.
He stood up from the table and left the Great Hall.
Students passed him casually in the corridors.
Some nodded.
Some greeted him.
Life at Hogwarts had already begun smoothing the event into obscurity.
Just another quiet winter morning.
Alexander climbed the Ravenclaw Tower steps, entered his dorm, and shut the door behind him.
The room was warm.
Peaceful.
He removed his robe, lay back on his bed, and stared at the ceiling.
Adrenaline from the previous night had long faded…
Leaving only exhaustion.
A nap sounded perfect.
Within minutes, his breathing slowed, eyes closing as winter light filtered softly through the window.
Alexander slept without tension in his chest.
Below the castle, investigations were already underway.
Professors moving.
Protections strengthening.
But up in Ravenclaw Tower…
Alexander Chen rested.