Detention with Professor McGonagall had officially become a routine.
After dinner, Alexander sat at a familiar desk in her classroom, hands folded, posture unusually proper. McGonagall stood nearby, reviewing parchment while delivering what had become her standard lecture.
"Patience," she said, pacing slowly. "A wizard's power is meaningless without restraint. Thoughtfulness separates recklessness from responsibility."
Alexander didn't argue.
He didn't complain.
He didn't even sigh.
He listened.
McGonagall noticed—and quietly approved.
Perhaps he's finally understanding, she thought.
Meanwhile, Alexander was reorganizing the shelves beside him with near-obsessive neatness. Books aligned perfectly. Papers are stacked by size. Ink bottles grouped by color.
Listening and multitasking.
Detention passed in rare, peaceful silence.
"Very well, Mr. Chen," McGonagall said at last. "You may go."
Alexander stood. "Good night, Professor."
She paused, watching him leave.
Progress, she decided.
The moment Alexander stepped into the corridor, his calm expression vanished.
He checked the time.
History of Magic first thing tomorrow, he realized.
Absolutely not.
Decision made, he turned and slipped deeper into the castle.
The halls at night were alive in a different way. Torches flickered. Portraits whispered. Staircases shifted just enough to keep things interesting.
Then—
A pair of glowing eyes.
Mrs. Norris.
"Oh," Alexander whispered cheerfully. "You again."
Before the cat could so much as inhale—
"Silencio."
Mrs. Norris opened her mouth.
Nothing came out.
Alexander bolted.
Footsteps echoed. Corners turned sharp. He ducked behind statues, counted steps, and memorized angles. When Filch finally appeared, wheezing and confused, the silence spell wore off just in time for Mrs. Norris to hiss angrily.
Alexander was already gone.
The game repeated itself throughout the night.
Silence. Run. Hide. Observe.
He counted portraits. Timed staircases. Learned which corridors connected fastest, which shortcuts existed behind tapestries, which statues almost moved when no one was looking.
Hide-and-seek with Filch and Mrs. Norris turned out to be incredibly educational and fun.
By the time morning light crept through the windows, Alexander strolled into the Great Hall like he'd slept eight hours.
His roommates stared.
"Where were you?" one asked, yawning.
Alexander grabbed breakfast and shrugged.
"Out," he said casually. "Having fun."
They decided not to ask.
Some mysteries were better left unexplored.