20demayo Chapter 96 - 96 - Start of Third Year
Chapter 96 - 96 - Start of Third Year
When Alex had to choose electives for his third year, he picked Ancient Runes and Care of Magical Creatures. His prior study of runes practically guaranteed him good grades, and thanks to his time spent with Hagrid, he'd learned a lot about magical creatures. He figured this knowledge might help with his alchemy studies.
For safety reasons, and with approval from Professor McGonagall and Headmaster Dumbledore, Alex decided to stay at Hogwarts during the summer. He settled in a small cabin near the Forbidden Forest. Hagrid was thrilled, and Alex was just as excited to have uninterrupted time to focus on his re
Meanwhile, Alex had returned to his cabin in the Forbidden Forest, sticking to a strict daily routine. He spent his days practicing spells, researching alchemy, tending to a small vegetable garden, cooking meals for Hagrid, and writing letters to friends.
Charles worked hard on his training with Alex's guidance from afar, while Vivian traveled with her parents. Alex also kept in regular contact with Professor Bones, who had resigned, exchanging ideas on alchemy and spell theory.
At the Longbottom home, Augusta kept the family together with her usual steely resolve. She had hoped Alex would visit, especially after they'd spent a summer together before. But Alex declined, worried that his presence might put her in danger. He promised to visit when things calmed down.
The Weasleys also stayed in touch. Molly had grown fond of Alex after his help the previous year. With her son Bill set to start Hogwarts soon, she asked Alex to look after him. She assumed Bill would end up in Gryffindor, and Charles was expected to watch over him too.
Alex smirked at the thought. Should he include Bill in his training regimen? After working with Charles, he realized his intense program could benefit other young wizards who were still growing and developing their magic.
The summer flew by, and soon it was time for the new school year. On the evening before term started, Hagrid prepared to head to the train station to welcome the first-years. Outside the cabin, Alex stepped out in his Hogwarts robes.
He wore polished leather boots with simple black trousers tucked into them, a silver belt buckle engraved with an ouroboros, and a leather bag at his waist filled with potions. His high-collared black shirt was fastened with a tie in house colors, and over it, he wore a silver-and-black waistcoat bearing the school crest and a silver snake-shaped brooch. His shoulder-length black hair was neatly combed back, and a bronze monocle with a thin silver chain rested below his sharp brows. On his hand, he wore a smooth silver ring with faint engravings.
"I'm off to fetch the new students. Make your way to the Great Hall," Hagrid said, lifting his lantern.
"Got it," Alex replied, adjusting his monocle.
He made his way along the familiar paths through the castle's quiet corridors until he reached the Great Hall. Floating candles illuminated the room in a warm glow as Alex took a seat, waiting for the Sorting Ceremony to begin.