While the students remained lost in the afterglow of the spectacle, the High Table told its own quiet story.
At the center, Dumbledore sat in thoughtful silence, his twinkling eyes reflecting the fading golden sparks still drifting through the Great Hall.
A slow, knowing smile spread across his face.
His gaze lingered on Alexander with clear acknowledgment.
Another magical show… masterfully done.
Beside him, McGonagall dabbed gently at the corner of her eye, quickly composing herself before anyone could notice.
But she still whispered, voice with emotion:
"The most beautiful Christmas Hogwarts has seen in decades…"
Her gaze swept across the hall—students of all four houses laughing, trading sweets, wrapping scarves around one another's necks.
Happy and United.
Exactly what she had always wished to see.
Further down the table, Flitwick was practically vibrating with delight.
He clapped enthusiastically, eyes shining behind his spectacles.
"The spell layering… the sequencing… the harmonic enchantment timing…"
He shook his head in amazement.
"To think I had the honor of guiding such talent…"
Then there was Snape.
Arms crossed as always.
Expression guarded.
Yet for the briefest second—
A grin.
Gone almost instantly.
He muttered under his breath:
"Excessive… but technically brilliant."
High praise, by Snape's standards.
As the final echoes of celebration settled, Dumbledore rose slowly from his seat.
The hall quieted almost instantly.
He looked across the sea of students—smiling faces, glowing scarves, lingering stardust still drifting in the air.
"Before we depart for the holidays," he began warmly, "I would like to wish every one of you a very Merry Christmas…"
He paused, eyes twinkling again.
"And I look forward to seeing you all next semester."
Cheers erupted across the hall once more.
Students lingered long after dinner ended—laughing, exchanging gifts, reliving moments from the Snow War and the Christmas show.
Eventually, the crowd thinned as students returned to their dormitories.
Cho walked beside Alexander, their hands gently intertwined.
Neither spoke at first.
The castle corridors were warm, lit by soft torchlight reflecting off the enchanted scarves students wore proudly.
Cho's thoughts drifted.
She realized something.
Alexander didn't just create chaos…
He created memories.
Moments people would carry with them forever.
She squeezed his hand tighter without thinking.
Alexander noticed—but said nothing.
They spent hours by the Ravenclaw fireplace, talking quietly about the Snow War, the show, the reactions, and the twins' antics.
Time slipped by unnoticed.
Finally, Alexander spoke softly:
"Cho… you should sleep."
She leaned slightly closer.
"Just a little bit longer…"
He smiled faintly.
"You need your beauty sleep."
He paused, then added casually:
"Also… I need to prepare a small gift for you tomorrow."
Cho's eyes lit up.
Her smile returned instantly.
"Goodnight, Alexander. See you tomorrow."
He waved as she headed toward the girls' dormitory.
Once she disappeared—
His expression shifted.
He raised his wand.
"Disillusionment."
His body shimmered and vanished from sight.
Deep within the castle, he slipped through hidden passages until he reached a familiar meeting point.
The twins were already there waiting.
The moment he appeared, they started talking over each other.
"That was brilliant!"
"Planning sounded cool—"
"—but seeing it actually happen—"
"—absolute masterpiece!"
"We did a great job this year!"
They all laughed quietly.
Then the air warped slightly.
Peeves appeared upside down, grinning mischievously.
"Young Master Chen," he said with theatrical flair. "I am happy to have received the early Christmas gift from you."
He snapped his fingers.
Stacks upon stacks of photographs spilled into the air—perfectly captured moments:
Snow War battles.
Flying ravens.
Santa's sleigh.
Couples under starlight.
Cho's fairytale smile.
Alexander stored them all in an enchanted pouch.
"Good work, Peeves. I'll keep bringing more supplies for you."
Peeves' grin widened.
"Anything for you, Young Master Chen. Merry Christmas. I shall see you next semester."
With a cackle, he vanished.
Alexander exhaled softly.
The twins stretched their shoulders.
"Alright," Fred said.
"Let's go," said George. "We already got people ready to help."
Alexander rubbed the bridge of his nose.
"Another long and sleepless night…"
The three of them exchanged glances.
Then, in unison—
"Worth it."