Alexander began asking questions.
Tom patiently answered each question one by one.
They began with the fundamentals of Ancient Runes.
Tom carefully explained the different runes and their meanings. Each symbol carried a specific magical concept—some represented protection, others strength, knowledge, or transformation. Alexander wrote everything down carefully.
"Pronunciation matters," Tom wrote. "Runes are not merely symbols. They are magical concepts given form."
Alexander practiced pronouncing each rune as Tom corrected him. Some sounds were subtle, and even the smallest mistake could change the rune's meaning.
Once Alexander understood the basic runes, Tom moved on to the next step.
Rune Translation.
Tom wrote several short passages in ancient runic symbols. Alexander read them slowly while Tom explained their meaning and corrected his interpretation.
At first, it was difficult. Many runes looked similar but carried different meanings depending on their placement and surrounding symbols.
But after several attempts, Alexander began to understand the patterns.
Eventually, he could read simple runic messages on his own.
Tom's writing appeared again.
"Learning how to read and understand runes will build a proper foundation. When studying runes, take your time. Understanding matters more than memorizing."
Alexander nodded slightly.
"Thanks. That was really helpful."
Before Tom could bring up the subject of more blood, Alexander quickly changed the topic.
"Let's practice spells."
Alexander pulled out his wand and immediately began practicing. Spell after spell flashed through the empty room as he focused on control, precision, and casting speed.
Hours passed, and morning arrived.
Inside the Great Hall, the atmosphere felt much louder than usual. Many third-year students looked especially excited.
Alexander sat down beside Cho and glanced around the room.
"Hey Cho," he said while grabbing some food. "Why are people getting excited?"
Cho looked surprised.
"You forgot?"
Alexander blinked.
"Forgot what?"
"It's the weekend," Cho said. "That means we can visit Hogsmeade."
Alexander paused mid-bite.
"Oh, right… I completely forgot."
Students who were old enough and had permission from their parents or guardians could visit the magical village on weekends.
Alexander shrugged.
"Can you buy me some sweets on your way back?"
Cho blinked.
"You're not coming?"
"I got detention, so I can't go," Alexander replied.
Cho thought for a moment.
"Why don't you just sneak out and join us?"
Alexander shook his head.
"Sorry, I'm busy this weekend."
"Once detention is over, I will join you."
Cho's smile slowly faded, replaced by a worried expression.
"You shouldn't overwork yourself," she said softly. "Try to relax and sleep more."
Alexander smiled gently and placed his hand on her cheek.
"Don't worry. I'm fine."
"You go have fun."
He quickly cast a Disillusionment Charm, briefly blending into the surroundings.
He leaned forward and gave Cho a quick kiss on the lips before canceling the spell.
Cho's face turned slightly red.
Alexander stood up and stretched.
"Have fun. Don't forget my sweets."
Cho waved as he left.
Alexander ran back to Ravenclaw Tower.
Inside the dormitory, his roommates were already excitedly talking about Hogsmeade.
Once they left the room, Alexander sat down at his desk.
He pulled out parchment and a quill.
Then he gathered all of his textbooks.
Carefully, he began organizing them according to his class schedule.
He wrote down each day, each class time, and short notes about what each class required.
After about an hour, he leaned back and examined the completed schedule.
"I still need to practice Transfiguration," he muttered.
He tapped the parchment thoughtfully.
"So Sundays need extra sleep. I can't slack off or McGonagall will notice."
He continued analyzing the rest of the week.
"Tuesday and Thursday mornings are easy. I can sleep during those classes."
Alexander smirked slightly.
"As long as I ask a difficult question, Lockhart will avoid calling on me."
"After a while, he'll stop bothering me completely."
Alexander studied Wednesday's schedule next.
"Wednesday is rough."
"I need to sleep extra the night before."
He looked at Friday.
"Same problem."
Alexander stared at the schedule for a few more minutes.
Then suddenly he started laughing.
"This is the perfect class schedule."
He pointed at the parchment.
"The only days I really have to worry about are Monday, Wednesday, and Friday."
"Tuesday and Thursday are basically free."
Alexander leaned back in his chair, satisfied.
"If I plan everything properly, I can still get enough sleep and practice."
He folded the parchment carefully.
"Once my sleep schedule stabilizes, Cho will stop worrying."
He smiled slightly to himself.
"And next month…"
"I might even be able to take a full day off and spend it with her."