Alexander stood in the ruined chamber, calm and composed, as the approaching footsteps echoed through the stone corridor
He didn't move.
Moments later, two figures entered.
Albus Dumbledore and Severus Snape.
Both halted briefly at the sight before them—Quirrell's disintegrated remains, the scorched floor, the unconscious Harry… and Alexander standing quietly nearby.
Though surprised, neither let it fully show.
Snape immediately strode toward Quirrell's body and began examining what was left.
Dumbledore's blue eyes, however, scanned the entire chamber before settling on Alexander.
"Mr. Chen," he said gently. "Interesting to see you here."
Alexander inclined his head slightly.
"Well, as a star student, I should help out my classmates and do what I must do. Harry is unconscious. No physical injuries and just exhaustion. He will be fine after one night of sleep."
Dumbledore nodded.
Behind him, Snape finished his inspection and returned, leaning in to whisper something into Dumbledore's ear.
Dumbledore listened silently, then gave the faintest nod.
Snape moved off again, continuing to examine the chamber for traces of magic.
Dumbledore turned back.
"Come, Mr. Chen. We have some things to discuss."
Alexander nodded.
The walk to the Headmaster's office was silent.
No questions.
No accusations.
Just the soft echo of footsteps along the corridors of Hogwarts.
Inside the office, Dumbledore took his seat behind the desk.
Alexander sat across from him, posture straight, expression composed.
Dumbledore folded his hands.
"Tell me everything."
Alexander spoke smoothly.
He explained how he had seen the trio rushing off, speaking loudly about Snape and the Stone. Curiosity had led him to follow. He had remained hidden, observing events unfold.
He even praised their teamwork and bravery.
Dumbledore listened without interruption, absorbing every word.
At the end, Alexander concluded:
"After Harry defeated him, Harry passed out."
Silence settled over the office as Dumbledore processed the information.
Then he asked the question that mattered most.
"Do you know where the Stone is?"
Alexander didn't hesitate.
"No. It got lost during their fight. I was too worried about Harry to notice the Stone."
A pause.
Alexander tilted his head slightly.
"Anything else, Professor?"
Dumbledore's eyes twinkled faintly.
"Yes. Tomorrow, come collect your Troll. I believe you placed first again. As I said earlier this year, you will receive the Troll for ranking number one."
Alexander smiled politely.
"Thank you."
He rose from his chair and turned to leave—
"Ah, Mr. Chen," Dumbledore called.
Alexander stopped and looked back.
"Do you know where the Sorting Hat is?"
Alexander blinked once.
"What? The Sorting Hat is back and missing?"
Dumbledore chuckled softly.
"You can keep the Stone. Just give back the Sorting Hat."
Alexander stood there for a moment, thinking.
Then his expression shifted to sudden realization.
"Oh! Look! I totally forgot what I found down in that chamber. I thought it looked familiar."
He opened his briefcase and pulled out a tattered, beaten, lifeless object.
It was the Sorting Hat.
He held it out.
"Here you go. I think Quirrell did something to it. It was definitely not me."
The Sorting Hat's brim twitched the moment it saw Dumbledore.
It began screaming—
"DUMBLEDORE IT WAS—"
"Silencio."
Alexander cast the spell instantly.
The hat fell silent mid-complaint.
He smiled innocently.
Dumbledore stared at the hat's condition.
But said nothing about the hat.
Instead, he looked back at Alexander with a serious gaze.
"Take good care of the Stone. I trust you know what to do with it. I will inform your parents."
Alexander nodded and waved his hand.
"Goodbye, Professor."
And before any more questions could be asked—
He turned and ran off, robes fluttering behind him.
The Sorcerer's Stone is safely in his possession.