After dinner, the castle buzzed with Valentine confessions, fireworks, and laughter echoing through the halls.
But Alexander had already slipped away.
He had preparations to quickly finish.
And someone very important to escort.
When he met Cho outside the Ravenclaw common room, he immediately frowned slightly.
"This winter's colder than last year."
Before she could protest, he began layering warming charms onto her cloak and scarf, adjusting them carefully so no cold air slipped through.
Cho giggled.
"You're treating me like I'll freeze to death."
He gave a small shrug.
"Precaution."
Then he reached into his coat and pulled out a folded cloak.
She blinked in surprise.
"Is that—?"
"Invisibility cloak," he said casually.
Not the legendary one Harry owned, but still rare and powerful.
He draped it over both of them.
Then added a Disillusionment Charm on top.
Double concealment.
Cho's eyes sparkled.
"You're serious about secrecy."
He smirked faintly.
"I prefer uninterrupted evenings."
They walked unseen through the corridors, past students, ghosts, and patrolling prefects.
When they stepped into the Astronomy Tower.
Music greeted them first.
A self-playing violin set floated gently near the wall, performing a soft romantic melody that echoed through the circular chamber.
Alexander removed the cloak and the heating charm from Cho.
Cho stepped forward slowly.
Then she looked up and froze.
The entire tower ceiling had been transformed.
An illusionary sky dome stretched endlessly above them.
Shooting stars streaked across the darkness
Constellations shimmered in deep blue light
Their initials formed in starlight: A.C ♥ C.C
Words slowly appeared:
"Happy 2nd Valentine's Day & 1st Anniversary"
Then snow began to fall, but halfway down.
The snowflakes transformed into cherry blossoms.
Pink petals drifted around them, glowing softly before dissolving into light.
Cho covered her mouth.
Her eyes filled with tears.
Alexander noticed instantly.
He stepped closer and gently wiped the tears from her cheeks.
"Don't cry. We're just starting."
She shook her head softly.
"I'm just… really happy."
Her voice trembled, but her smile was brighter than any spell in the world.
In the center of the room stood a candlelit table.
Soft golden flames floated above enchanted candles.
Several gift boxes rested beside a large parchment.
Cho walked forward slowly and opened it.
Written elegantly:
"Happy 365 Days With You
You're Still My Favorite Distraction."
She laughed through her tears.
"You wrote this?"
He nodded once.
"No regrets."
She opened the first box.
Inside rested a silver necklace.
A delicate chain holding a silver locket with a glowing blue gem at its center.
Engraved on top:
A.C — C.C
Engraved on bottom:
1st Anniversary
Cho looked up at him, speechless.
Alexander said, "My mom helped me pick it."
She smiled warmly.
"Open it," he said.
She did.
Inside was a tiny enchanted photo timeline.
Images of them together:
Early study sessions
Dueling practice
Snow War moments
Christmas night
Candid laughing shots
But then the sound started to play.
Their laughter.
A recording of them laughing together from a voice-capturing spell.
Cho's smile turned radiant.
She put it down and opened the second box.
Inside was a small rectangular magical device.
Smooth, silver, and warm when touched.
"A voice box," Alexander explained.
"Whenever you miss me… or you're angry at me… talk to it."
Curious, she spoke:
"I'm very happy today, Alex."
The box glowed.
Then replied in his voice:
"Of course you are. You're dating a star student. I would never make you sad."
Cho froze.
Stunned.
Then she turned and kissed his cheek.
Alexander blinked in surprise before wrapping an arm around her shoulders and hugging her close.
He spoke lightly.
"One year down. Lifetime to go… unless you break up with me."
She looked up at him and laughed.
"If you break my heart, maybe."
They both laughed quietly under the illusionary stars.
Alexander gently took her hand.
"Come. I want to show you the fireworks from the tower window."
But before they could move—
Cho noticed something.
"There's one more box."
He frowned slightly.
"I don't remember preparing another gift."
She tilted her head playfully.
"Maybe you forgot?"
He doubted that, but said.
"Open it."
She lifted the lid.
POP!
Confetti exploded everywhere.
Pink. Gold. Heart-shaped.
It rained onto her hair, her shoulders, and the table.
Cho burst into laughter.
Alexander froze.
Then slowly closed his eyes.
He already knew.
Inside the box sat a letter:
"To Our Favorite Lovebirds — The Perfect Couple."
Unsigned, but completely obvious.
He sighed deeply while carefully picking confetti from Cho's hair.
"Of course it's them…"
She laughed cheerfully.
"It's okay! It's funny."
He brushed more confetti off her robe.
"As long as you think it's fine."
Then his eyes narrowed slightly.
"I'll help you get revenge."
She smiled mischievously.
"How dare they ruin the mood," he added.
But despite his words…
He couldn't hide the small smile on his face.
Because even with the interruption…
Even with the confetti ambush…
The night was still perfect.
And far from over.