The day before departure arrived quickly.
Summer had passed faster than Alexander expected.
One day, Alexander showed up at the Burrow with his homework.
Twins were complaining that they could finish it later, but Mrs. Weasley was happy to see someone who actually wanted to do homework.
The next few days, the twins and Alexander finished their summer homework.
Then enjoyed the last few days of their summer.
Between spell practice…
Chaos at the Burrow…
Weekly letters to Cho…
And endless cookouts—
It had been one of the most enjoyable Summers of his life.
So naturally—
Arthur Weasley insisted on ending it properly.
"One last cookout!" he declared proudly in his yard.
"I've been practicin' my grillin' skills!"
The backyard behind the Burrow had been prepared since morning.
Magically extended tables.
Floating lanterns.
Self-cooling drink barrels.
And at the center—
Arthur stood beside the grill like a general before battle.
Wearing an apron that read:
"Kiss the Cook (Muggle Edition)"
Jonathan Chen stood beside him, inspecting the setup.
Arthur flipped a slab of meat with dramatic flair.
"How's that, Jonathan? Proper technique, yeah?"
Jonathan nodded seriously.
"Good heat control. Even seasoning. You've improved."
Arthur beamed as he'd just passed an exam.
Nearby—
Molly and Eleanor arranged side dishes.
Magical salads that refilled themselves.
Roasted vegetables.
Rice dishes Eleanor had prepared.
Molly was fascinated.
"So many spices! Oh, Eleanor dear, you must give me these recipes."
Eleanor laughed.
"Only if you teach me your pies."
"Deal!"
Meanwhile—
The kids occupied the yard.
Fred and George were attempting to teach Ron how to "properly dodge fireworks."
Ginny watched, unimpressed.
Alexander stood nearby, sipping a drink.
As the food finished cooking—
Everyone gathered around the long table.
Plates filled quickly.
Grilled meats.
Corn.
Rice.
Magical sauces.
Arthur puffed his chest proudly.
"Go on then—taste test!"
Everyone took bites.
Jonathan gave a firm nod.
"Approved."
Arthur nearly teared up.
Molly clapped happily.
"You've come so far!"
Fred whispered loudly—
"Dad's finally useful."
George added—
"Took him long enough."
Molly smacked both twins with a dish towel.
"Eat your food!"
Laughter filled the yard.
Stories followed.
Most of them…
Centered around Alexander.
Fred pulled out motion pictures again.
George narrated dramatically—
"And here we see Alexander Chen… heroically assaulting the Sorting Hat—"
Alexander sighed.
"Why is that always the highlight?"
"Because it's legendary," Fred said.
"Historic," George added.
Even the parents laughed watching the moving images.
As dinner wound down—
Molly's tone shifted to motherly seriousness.
She pointed her fork at the twins.
"Now listen here. You two take good care of Ron this year."
"Yes, Mum."
"Keep your grades up."
"Of course, Mum."
"And absolutely no trouble."
The twins nodded obediently.
Then—
Fred grinned.
"If we do get into trouble—"
George pointed at Alexander.
"—Blame Alex. It's always his idea."
Arthur laughed loudly.
Jonathan smirked.
Alexander calmly said.
"How could a star student like me cause trouble?"
The entire table burst into laughter.
Because everyone remembered last year.
The fireworks.
The chaos in the Great Hall.
Peeves.
The pranks.
The Sorting Hat incident.
"Star student," Fred repeated, wheezing.
"Agent of chaos," George corrected.
As night settled—
Lanterns glowed softly.
Plates emptied.
Goodbyes began.
It was the perfect end to summer.
Later that night—
Alexander lay in his bed.
Hands behind his head.
Staring at the ceiling.
Thinking.
Second year.
New classes.
New spells.
More chaos.
More fun.
A slow grin spread across his face.
He whispered into the dark—
"Noseless bastard…"
"I can't wait to play with you."
He chuckled softly to himself.
Because when the dark forces moved in the shadows—
Then so could he.
And this time—
He'd be even more prepared.
Alexander Chen closed his eyes.
Drifting off to sleep—
Already anticipating the chaos and fun waiting for him at Hogwarts.