February was fast approaching, and along with it were crates.
Large enchanted crates stamped with foreign ministry seals, merchant crests, and Chen family markings arrived in waves at Hogwarts.
Some came through official owl post, others through international portkeys authorized under "educational supplies."
In reality?
It was the foundation of Alexander's second Valentine's Operation.
Down in their hidden preparation room, Alexander stood beside the twins as they opened the final shipment.
Inside were:
Potion vials
Enchanted parchment rolls
Miniature fireworks capsules
Tattoo charm inks
Custom delivery boxes
Fred let out a low whistle.
"Blimey… this is bigger than Christmas."
George grinned.
"Bigger than the Snow War."
Alexander adjusted his robe calmly.
"This year we scale production."
They did some minor adjustments and waited.
On the very first morning of February, the twins started their Valentine's Day operation.
And just like last year, business exploded.
Their biggest success returned.
A refined batch of Courage Potions.
Golden liquid swirled inside heart-shaped vials, glowing faintly.
Fred stood on a crate yelling:
"Step right up! Liquid bravery! No love potion nonsense!"
George added:
"Not illegal! Not regulated! Just courage!"
And it was true.
The potion simply:
Calmed nerves
Gave the illusion of boosted confidence
Resulting in reduced fear
Similar in sensation to Felix Felicis, but focused purely on emotional courage.
Students flooded them.
Within hours, half their first batch sold out.
Portable, palm-sized capsules.
Activated by wand tap.
Effects included:
Heart explosions in mid-air
Name initials forming in sparks
Pink aurora mist
Confetti bursts
Popular uses:
During confessions
If the girl said yes
Public declarations
One Hufflepuff boy bought twelve "just in case."
The next item came from Alexander.
Parchment sheets enchanted with skin-binding ink.
Students could press them onto their skin before confessing.
Design options:
Hearts
Initials
Roses
"Will You Go Out With Me?"
The tattoos glowed faintly for 24 hours.
Long enough for dramatic effect.
Alexander expanded logistics.
He personally bribed the school owls.
Extra owl treats.
Premium owl snacks that were imported from overseas.
In exchange:
Priority delivery
Confidential handling
Timed releases
The twins collected letters.
Alexander organized delivery routes.
Last year's photos were small-scale.
This year?
Professional.
They hired students as assistants:
Camera operators
Illusion stabilizers
Pose coordinators
They built designated Couple Photo Locations:
Courtyard heart arch
Snowflake garden
Floating candle bridge
Star backdrop wall
Customers were promised:
"Developed and delivered the next day."
Demand exceeded expectations.
They had to open a waiting list.
After one week of selling.
Their courage potion stocks were running low.
Fireworks on backorder.
Enchanted Tattoos sheets sold out more than twice.
With students asking for more.
Alexander could only try his best to order more.
On the day of Valentine's Day.
The Owls were overworked, but from their eyes, Alexander could see they were enjoying the treats he had given them.
Fred wiped tears from his eyes.
"Look at them, George…"
George sniffed dramatically.
"Our little customers… becoming romantically successful."
Alexander ignored them while counting the money.
Despite the business chaos.
Alexander had his own plans.
While the twins handled sales, he worked nights alone.
Designing.
Enchanting.
Layering spells.
Because this wasn't just another Valentine's Day.
It was Cho's and his 2nd Valentine's Day.
And their 1st Anniversary.
The castle buzzed with confessions, fireworks, and screaming students.
The twins were drowning in customers.
Alexander helped when he could:
Restocking potions
Managing payments
Directing hired helpers
Near the end of lunch, he stepped away.
Cho sat waiting.
Smiling the moment she saw him.
Alexander slid into the seat beside her and placed a small box and card in front of her.
Simple.
Elegant.
She opened the card first.
Inside:
"Year One — Still my favorite person."
Her smile softened instantly.
Then she opened the chocolate box.
Inside were custom chocolates shaped like:
Tiny Alexander figures
Tiny Cho figures
Holding hands
Sitting together
She covered her mouth.
"They're too cute to eat…"
She lasted ten seconds before eating one.
Alexander chuckled.
She placed a carefully wrapped sphere in front of him.
He opened it.
A magical snow globe.
Inside…
A miniature illusion battlefield.
The Snow War.
Tiny students are fighting.
Tiny snow explosions.
And at the center—
A tiny Alexander leading the charge.
Summoning snow ravens.
On the glass base were engraved words:
"Happy 1st Anniversary."
He smiled softly.
"I like it."
Cho beamed.
Before leaving to help out the twins again, Alexander leaned closer.
"I have something prepared for tonight."
Her eyes lit up instantly.
She didn't even hesitate.
"Astronomy Tower?"
He paused, then smiled slightly.
"…You already knew?"
She laughed.
"You always pick somewhere high, quiet, and dramatic."
He couldn't deny that.
As Valentine confessions exploded across the castle…
The twins laughed as they counted the small mountain of gold.
Another successful Valentine's Day operation.