Finally, the long-awaited morning arrived.
The Chen household was alive before sunrise.
Inside his briefcase, Alexander was making sure he had everything.
Silver and Copper hovered nearby, finishing their own packing.
Before leaving, they made sure to say their goodbyes to Don and Lisa, who had come to see them off.
There were hugs, promises to write, and playful teasing about bringing back souvenirs from Hogwarts.
Soon after, the Chen family car rolled toward the Burrow.
When they arrived, the familiar warmth of the Weasley home greeted them.
The smell of breakfast still lingered in the air, though the family itself seemed mid-rush.
Mrs. Weasley came out, wiping her hands on her apron.
"Arthur's running a bit late with Ministry business," she explained. "You guys go on ahead, and we'll catch up!"
With farewells exchanged, the Chen family set off again—this time toward King's Cross.
Alexander sat by the window, watching the passing scenery blur.
Platform 9¾… just like canon, he thought, excitement building in his chest.
I can't wait to hear about the flying car incident…
A grin tugged at his lips.
Though… I wonder if my 'attack' on the Sorting Hat will outweigh it.
That thought alone made him chuckle.
His parents noticed but didn't question it. They were used to their son's mysterious amusement by now.
King's Cross was bustling as always.
With ease, the Chen family passed through the barrier between Platforms 9 and 10. Steam, owls, trunks, and chatter filled the hidden platform.
And waiting there—
The Chang family.
Alexander's face lit up instantly.
He rushed forward without hesitation and pulled Cho into a warm hug, lifting her slightly off the ground before setting her down again.
"I missed you," he said.
Cho laughed softly. "It's only been a few weeks."
He greeted Mr. and Mrs. Chang respectfully before he and Cho boarded the train together, finding a private compartment near the middle.
They leaned out the window, talking with their parents outside, final reminders, last-minute advice, and waves.
Soon, the whistle warning sounded.
That's when Alexander noticed the Weasley family rushing down the platform—red hair everywhere, trunks bouncing, and owls flapping.
But he noticed Harry and Ron weren't with them.
So it begins.
Alexander thought, barely containing his amusement.
The Weasleys made it aboard just in time, not realizing the absence yet. The train started to take off slightly as goodbyes were shouted.
Alexander leaned out and called to his parents.
"Wait for the great news!"
They blinked in confusion but kept a smile on their faces as they waved goodbye.
Mr. and Mrs. Chen exchanged a look and sighed once the train was gone.
"The Sorting Hat…" Mrs. Chen muttered.
"…Is it really racist?" Mr. Chen asked.
Inside, Alexander sealed the compartment door with a subtle locking charm before pulling out an array of snacks.
Chocolate frogs, enchanted pastries, candied phoenix fruit—Cho's eyes widened.
"Again brought half a bakery."
"Preparation is key," He said proudly.
They ate, talked, and laughed.
Eventually, He slid closer and gently wrapped an arm around her, pulling her into a comfortable cuddle against his shoulder.
Cho relaxed but whispered, "You know they'll be coming soon."
"Yeah," he said softly. "But until then… I want to keep you here."
Minutes passed, and more time passed.
Thirty minutes went by with no interruption.
They didn't realize how much time passed as they were talking quietly and enjoying the rare moment of peace together.
The door suddenly rattled.
Cho immediately sat upright, fixing her hair and robe just as—
"Alohomora!"
The door burst open.
Fred and George Weasley stood there, slightly out of breath.
"We tried giving you more free time this year," Fred explained.
"Really, we did," George said.
"But things are serious!"
"Ron and Harry are missing!"
Cho blinked in shock. "Did they miss the train?"
Alexander waved a hand calmly.
"Don't worry. They'll make it to Hogwarts one way or another."
His confidence settled the room instantly.
The twins exchanged glances.
"…Fair enough."
They shifted topics quickly, chatting about summer chaos, prank ideas, and rumors.
But eventually, they couldn't hold it in.
"So," Fred said.
"What's the plan this year?" George added.
Alexander raised a brow. "What do you mean?"
Fred smirked. "Oh, you know."
George leaned in. "The 'attack the Sorting Hat' plan."
Alexander burst out laughing.
"You two really don't miss anything."
Lowering his voice, he explained the outline of his idea.
By the time he finished, the twins were clutching their stomachs, trying not to laugh too loudly.
"That's brilliant."
"Absolutely brilliant."
They slipped out—only to return a short while later.
George handed over a small box.
"She agreed," he said.
Fred grinned. "And here you go."
Alexander opened it, eyes gleaming as he saw the contents.
He laughed—low and satisfied.
"Excellent."