As the day unfolded after the dramatic events of the flying lesson, Alex found himself spending the remainder of the day with Hermione. The Great Hall was abuzz with speculation during dinner, and Alex couldn't help but notice the clandestine conversation between Harry and Ron. The air was charged with excitement, and Alex couldn't resist nudging Hermione, pointing towards Harry with a bemused expression.

"Looks like he's not expelled. Rather, it seems he got a Christmas gift," he mused, his eyes reflecting the curiosity that lingered in the hall. Hermione, however, wore a frown, perplexed by Harry's unexpected behavior. Before she could voice her thoughts, the atmosphere took a sudden turn as Malfoy approached them.

Sensing potential trouble, Alex and Hermione exchanged a knowing glance and decided to eavesdrop on the impending conversation between Malfoy and the Gryffindor duo.

Malfoy, ever the provocateur, taunted Harry about his upcoming departure to the Muggle world.

"Having a last meal, Potter? When are you getting the train back to the Muggles?" Malfoy sneered, attempting to provoke a reaction.

Harry, however, remained calm and collected. "You're a lot braver now that you're back on the ground and you've got your little friends with you," he retorted coolly. Despite the fact that Crabbe and Goyle were far from "little," the High Table's watchful gaze kept them in check, limiting their response to menacing gestures.

Undeterred, Malfoy proposed a wizard's duel, a concept that intrigued Harry but left him with questions. "I'd take you on anytime on my own," Malfoy boasted. "Tonight, if you want. Wizard's duel. Wands only - no contact. What's the matter? Never heard of a wizard's duel before, I suppose?"

Ron, overhearing the challenge, interjected confidently, "Of course, he has. I'm his second, who's yours?" Ron's nonchalant demeanor belied the seriousness of the situation. Malfoy, after a brief appraisal of Crabbe and Goyle, decided on Crabbe as his second.

"Midnight, all right? We'll meet you in the trophy room; that's always unlocked," Malfoy declared before disappearing down the corridor. Left alone, Ron and Harry exchanged uncertain glances.

"What is a wizard's duel?" Harry inquired, seeking clarification.

Ron, already engrossed in his cold pie, explained casually, "Well, a second's there to take over if you die. But people only die in proper duels, you know, with real wizards. The most you and Malfoy'll be able to do is send sparks at each other. Neither of you knows enough magic to do any real damage. I bet he expected you to refuse, anyway."

Concern etched Harry's face as he considered the implications. "And what if I wave my wand and nothing happens?"

Ron's response was delivered with a hint of mischief, "Throw it away and punch him on the nose."

"Excuse me," Hermione began, and both Harry and Ron looked up with varying degrees of annoyance.

"Can't a person eat in peace in this place?" Ron grumbled.

Ignoring Ron's complaint, Hermione focused on Harry. "I couldn't help overhearing what you and Malfoy were saying—"

"But you could," Ron muttered under his breath.

"—and you mustn't go wandering around the school at night. Think of the points you'll lose for Gryffindor if you're caught, and you're bound to be. It's really very selfish of you."

Harry, not one to appreciate unsolicited advice, retorted, "And it's really none of your business."

"Good-bye," Ron added dismissively.

As they left, casting a dirty look at Alex, he raised his eyebrows mockingly. "Well, that went nicely," he said with a hint of sarcasm, attempting to inject some humor into the tense situation.

Hermione rolled her eyes at Alex's comment and expressed her concern. "They are going to get Gryffindor in trouble again. In this way, we will never catch up with Slytherins."

Thinking ahead, Alex disagreed, "No, they won't." He suspected that Malfoy had set a trap, using Harry's and Ron's animosity to lure them into a situation where they could lose points for Gryffindor. It was a cunning and cowardly move, precisely what he would expect from a Malfoy.

Observing Hermione's determined expression, Alex asked, "You are going to stop them, aren't you?" He felt a mix of exasperation and admiration for Hermione's unwavering commitment to rules and order.

Hermione lifted her head confidently and affirmed, "Yes, I will."

Alex sighed and, after a moment of contemplation, warned her, "You know it's a trap, right?"

Hermione met his gaze and replied, "I considered it, but what makes you so sure?"

"It's Malfoy," Alex explained. "If he beats Harry Potter in a wizard duel, he would want the whole school to see."

Hermione considered Alex's insight, and after a moment of contemplation, she acknowledged, "That makes sense. You're good at reading people."

Caught off guard by the unexpected compliment, Alex blushed slightly and stammered in reply, "I was just alone most of the time and never integrated with any of them, so I observed them instead. Tammy also helped a bit."

Hermione nodded, recognizing the value of Alex's unique perspective. "Observation is a valuable skill, and having someone like Tammy to guide you must have been quite an advantage."

Alex, still feeling a bit flustered by the compliment, managed a shy smile. "Yeah, she's been a good friend."

As they continued their conversation, Hermione couldn't help but be impressed by Alex's analytical abilities. Despite being in a world of magic, she appreciated the practicality of having someone who could navigate the complexities of human behavior.

Hermione, with a thoughtful expression, asked, "Why did you give me that warning? It would have been advantageous for Slytherin house if Harry and Ron are caught, won't it?"

Alex responded, "Because you are going to stop them, and it can put you in trouble too. I don't particularly care if Potter or Weasley are in trouble, but I won't let them drag you down with them. You don't deserve that."

Touched by Alex's protective stance, Hermione smiled gratefully and said, "Thanks, Alex. That means a lot."

"Okay, here's the plan," Alex explained in a hushed tone, glancing around to ensure no one was eavesdropping. "You try to keep them occupied for as long as you can. Engage them in conversation, ask about their day, whatever it takes. When they make a move to leave the common room, I'll intercept you all on the way."

Hermione nodded, absorbing the details of the plan. "And what's your role in all of this?"

Alex grinned slightly, revealing the mischievous side of his personality. "I'll play the part of Malfoy's errand boy. I'll come bearing a message – a message from Malfoy, stating that he wants to postpone the wizard duel until further notice. That way, none of you will be caught, and you can safely return to the common room."

Hermione's eyes widened in realization, appreciating the cleverness of the plan. However, she couldn't help but voice a concern. "But why not just tell them it's a trap?"

Alex leaned in, his expression serious. "Do you think they'll believe a word from our mouths given our past interactions? This way, we use their expectations against them."

Hermione nodded in understanding, acknowledging the difficulty of conveying trust in such circumstances. "Good point," she conceded.

As they concluded the discussion, Alex said, "Okay, I will see you tonight."

Hermione replied with a determined expression, "See you tonight," and raised her hands to wave goodbye as they parted ways to prepare for the evening's events. The plan was set in motion

Later that night, as darkness enveloped Hogwarts, the plan unfolded. Hermione, ever the vigilant Gryffindor, managed to keep Harry and Ron occupied within the common room, engaging them in conversation and diverting their attention. Meanwhile, Alex, donning a Slytherin cloak, discreetly positioned himself along the route where Harry and Ron would likely venture for the supposed wizard's duel.

As he intercepted them, he could see from the expression on Hermione's face that she genuinely tried to stop them. Gryffindor didn't deserve her in his house, he mused. He was also surprised to see Neville with them. When Harry and Ron saw him, they immediately went on guard and were about to pull out their wands when Alex put his hand up in surrender. Both Harry and Ron were confused by his action, caught off guard.

"I'm not here to fight," Alex said quickly, "and I'm not alone. Filch's cat, Mrs. Norris, is lurking nearby. We don't want to attract attention."

The mention of Mrs. Norris seemed to make Harry and Ron more cautious. Alex continued, "I have a message from Malfoy. He wants to postpone the wizard's duel tonight, something about an unforeseen circumstance. It's crucial, he says, and can't be helped. Better not risk getting caught tonight."

Then a noise in the next room made them jump. Harry had only just raised his wand when they heard someone speak -and it wasn't Malfoy.

"Sniff around, my sweet, they might be lurking in a corner."

It was Filch speaking to Mrs. Norris. Horror-struck, Harry waved madly at the other three to follow him as quickly as possible; Alex decided to join them as they scurried silently toward the door, away from Filch's voice. Neville's robes had barely whipped round the corner when they heard Filch enter the trophy room.

"They're in here somewhere," they heard him mutter, "probably hiding."

"This way!" Harry mouthed to the others and, petrified, they began to creep down a long gallery full of suits of armor. They could hear Filch getting nearer. Neville suddenly let out a frightened squeak and broke into a run -he tripped, grabbed Ron around the waist, and the pair of them toppled right into a suit of armor.

The clanging and crashing were enough to wake the whole castle.

"RUN!" Harry yelled, and the five of them sprinted down the gallery, not looking back to see whether Filch was following - they swung around the doorpost and galloped down one corridor then another, Alex and Harry in the lead, without any idea where they were or where they were going - they ripped through a tapestry and found themselves in a hidden passageway, hurtled along it and came out near their Charms classroom, which they knew was miles from the trophy room.

"I think we've lost him," Harry panted, leaning against the cold wall and wiping his forehead. Neville was bent double, wheezing and spluttering.

I - told -you," Hermione gasped, clutching at the stitch in her chest ,leaning on Alex, "I - told - you."

"We've got to get back to Gryffindor tower," said Ron, "quickly as possible."

"Malfoy tricked you," Hermione said to Harry. "You realize that, don't you? He was never going to meet you - Filch knew someone was going to be in the trophy room, Malfoy must have tipped him off."

Hermione's words hung in the air, a stark realization settling over Harry. Ron, always quick to lash out, turned his accusatory gaze toward Alex. In an attempt to provoke, he sneered, "Or maybe your boyfriend here tipped him off or maybe led them here." Ron squared up to Alex, his posture emphasizing the attempt to be intimidating.

Alex, however, remained unflustered. He met Ron's scathing remark with a cool expression. "Are you really that stupid? If I did that, I would have done it with me not being here," he retorted, his tone carrying a touch of sarcasm. Ron, lacking a substantial comeback, flushed red in response to Alex's dismissive insult.

But Alex wasn't finished. He continued, "And Hermione was right about Malfoy tricking you. She tried to help you, and you still ignored her. Both of your stupidity astounds me." He delivered the last words with a mocking tone, emphasizing the foolishness he perceived in their actions.

Harry, growing increasingly irritated because Alex's words rang true, demanded an explanation, "Then why did you come here then?"

A smirk played on Alex's lips as he replied, "Because I was not going to let Hermione pay the price for your stupidity." The emphasis on "your" was deliberate, a final jab at their poor judgment. Harry, now furious, couldn't hold back, "Don't call us stupid." Ron, equally angered, matched the fiery tone with his flaming red hair.

Alex maintained his composure, unfazed by Harry's fury and Ron's reddening face. He raised an eyebrow and calmly responded, "Well, your actions tonight spoke louder than words, didn't they? You were about to walk into a trap, and your first reaction is to blame others for your own gullibility."

Hermione, frustrated with the tension, interjected, "Enough, both of you! We avoided trouble tonight, and that should be the end of it. Alex helped us, whether you like it or not."

Ron grumbled something unintelligible, still seething with anger, while Harry, recognizing the truth in Alex's words, simmered down. Alex, enjoying the upper hand, gave them a knowing look.

"If you're done accusing me, I'll be on my way. Just remember, not everyone is as forgiving as I am," Alex said cryptically before turning on his heel and disappearing into the shadows of the castle, leaving Harry and Ron to digest the unexpected turn of events. Hermione, torn between her two friends, sighed and followed Alex, leaving behind a tense atmosphere in the dimly lit corridor.

It wasn't going to be that simple. They hadn't gone more than a dozen paces when a doorknob rattled and something came shooting out of a classroom in front of them.

It was Peeves. He caught sight of them and gave a squeal of delight.

"Shut up, Peeves - please - you'll get us thrown out.", said Harry.

Peeves cackled.

"Wandering around at midnight, Ickle Firsties? Tut, tut, tut. Naughty, naughty, you'll get caughty."

"Not if you don't give us away, Peeves, please.", pleaded Harry.

"Should tell Filch, I should," said Peeves in a saintly voice, but his eyes glittered wickedly. "It's for your own good, you know."

Alex's irritation flared as Ron, in a moment of recklessness, took a swipe at Peeves. The mischievous poltergeist was already a source of annoyance, and Ron's impulsive action only escalated the situation.

"Get out of the way," snapped Ron, attempting to clear a path through the chaotic corridor.

"STUDENTS OUT OF BED!" Peeves bellowed, seizing the opportunity to cause havoc. "STUDENTS OUT OF BED DOWN THE CHARMS CORRIDOR."

Alex shot Ron an exasperated look. It was a clear case of adding fuel to the fire. The last thing they needed was Peeves making a scene and attracting the attention of Filch or any other wandering authority figures. The Slytherin couldn't help but mutter under his breath, "Smooth move, Weasley," as they found themselves caught up in Peeves' uproar.

Ducking under Peeves, they ran for their lives, right to the end of the corridor where they slammed into a door - and it was locked.

"This is it!" Ron moaned, as they pushed helplessly at the door, "We're done for! This is the end!" They could hear footsteps, Filch running as fast as he could toward Peeves's shouts.

"Oh, move over," Hermione snarled. Frustrated by the locked door, she hastily grabbed Harry's wand, tapped the lock, and whispered, "Alohomora!"

The lock clicked and the door swung open - they piled through it, shut it quickly, and pressed their ears against it, listening.

Watching her impulsive move, Alex couldn't help but chime in, "You really should carry your own wand, you know. What if Harry needed it?"

Hermione, now realizing the oversight, looked a bit sheepish. "I know, I know. It's just... in the heat of the moment, I suppose."

Alex sighed, "Just be more careful. You never know when you might need it."

"Which way did they go, Peeves?" Filch was saying. "Quick, tell me."

"Say 'please."'

"Don't mess with me, Peeves, now where did they go?"

"Shan't say nothing if you don't say please," said Peeves in hisannoying singsong voice.

"All right -please."

"NOTHING! Ha haaa! Told you I wouldn't say nothing if you didn't say please! Ha ha! Haaaaaa!" And they heard the sound of Peeves whooshing away and Filch cursing in rage.

"He thinks this door is locked," Harry whispered. "I think we'll be okay- get off, Neville!" For Neville had been tugging on the sleeve of Harry's bathrobe for the last minute. "What?"

Curious, Alex turned around, following Harry's gaze. It didn't take long for him to see what had Neville so bothered.

They weren't in a room, as he had supposed. They were in a corridor. The forbidden corridor on the third floor. And now they knew why it was forbidden.

They were looking straight into the eyes of a monstrous dog, a dog that filled the whole space between ceiling and floor. It had three heads. Three pairs of rolling, mad eyes; three noses, twitching and quivering in their direction; three drooling mouths, saliva hanging in slippery ropes from yellowish fangs.

His brain started working at high speed, his training kicking in as he tried to identify the monstrous dog. Searching through his mental encyclopedia of magical creatures, Alex recalled the creature as a Cerberus—a three-headed dog often used to guard valuable items.

The key, he remembered, was to make it sleep. In the world of magical creatures, it was common knowledge that Cerberus could be lulled into slumber by the enchanting melody of a flute. Alex pondered for a moment, considering whether to transfigure something into a flute or to cast a spell that replicated the same soothing melody. Both options seemed plausible, and he tried to quickly form a plan in his mind.

As the monstrous dog released a thunderous growl, Alex quickly raised his wand in preparation. However, before he could take any further action, Hermione grabbed hold of his other arm, and with a sense of urgency, she pulled him away. Together, they hurriedly ran from the scene, Hermione leading the way, until they reached the entrance to the Gryffindor common room.

They fell backward - Harry slammed the door shut, and they ran, they almost flew, back down the corridor. Filch must have hurried off to look for them somewhere else, because they didn't see him anywhere, but they hardly cared - all they wanted to do was put as much space as possible between them and that monster. They didn't stop running until they reached the portrait of the Fat Lady on the seventh floor.

"Where on earth have you all been?" she asked, looking at their bathrobes hanging off their shoulders and their flushed, sweaty faces.

"Never mind that - pig snout, pig snout," panted Harry, and the portrait swung forward. They scrambled into the common room and collapsed, trembling, into armchairs.

Hermione dragged Alex inside the Gryffindor common room, clutching his arm like a lifeline. The moment they were safely within the familiar surroundings, Hermione released her grip, her chest heaving with a mixture of fear and relief.

It was a while before any of them said anything. Neville, indeed, looked as if he'd never speak again.

"What do they think they're doing, keeping a thing like that locked up in a school?" said Ron finally. "If any dog needs exercise, that one does."

Hermione had got both her breath and her bad temper back again. "You don't use your eyes, any of you, do you?" she snapped. "Didn't you see what it was standing on.

"The floor?" Harry suggested. "I wasn't looking at its feet, I was too busy with its heads."

"No, not the floor. It was standing on a trapdoor. It's obviously guarding something."

As she stood up glaring at them, all of them noticed Alex in the Gryffindor room. Alex, feeling quite awkward, said, "I don't think I am supposed to be here."

Ron then exclaimed, "Why do you always get mixed up with Gryffindor? Go join your snakes."

Hermione then said, "Sorry I dragged him here with me," blushing and acting shy and sheepish.

Alex replied, "It's alright, you got me out of there."

Hermione continued, "Of course, I got you out of there. Ron is right, though. You are not supposed to be here. If any of the other students found out you are here, you will be in big trouble."

Alex nonchalantly shrugged, "I'll manage. Besides, it's not like I haven't been in trouble before."

Ron stood up and exclaimed, "Hey Harry, if we catch him now, we can report him. Neville will help us; it will be three against one. He won't have any chance, mate."

Harry appeared intrigued by the idea but quickly got discouraged, realizing a major flaw in the plan.

Unfazed, Alex and Hermione exchanged glances. Alex then asked, "Is he always like this?"

Ron looked indignant and said, "What are you talking about, calling me stupid again? Guess what, we are in Gryffindor common room, and that greasy git won't come to save you this time."

Unfazed, Alex responded, "You will not do anything."

Ron, feeling challenged and angered, turned red as he thought Alex was underestimating him. He took a threatening step forward and said, "Please enlighten us, why won't I?"

Alex responded, "I think this time even your friend Potter got it, but it seems that you are still quite behind others in terms of intelligence."

Ron, about to throttle him, grabbed Alex's collar. Both Harry and Neville stood up to pull Ron away, while Hermione placed her hand on Alex's wrist to intervene.

With a raised eyebrow, Alex challenged, "Hit me, and I will scream. It will wake up one of the students, and they will question how I got here. Professor McGonagall will get involved, ask me questions, and I will gladly answer. I'll tell them how you and your friend got lured into a trap despite your housemates' warnings, how Hermione and I devised a plan to make you both go back to your common room, and how your friend then dragged us to the forbidden corridor. After I provide these answers with Hermione and Neville backing me, and with your and Potter's reputations, everyone will be inclined to believe our words more than yours. What will you do then, Weasley? Try to punch me again? That will get you into more trouble. Your move now, Weasley."

In that tense moment, Ron, visibly shaken by Alex's words, felt the color drain from his face. He realized the precarious position he was in and attempted to back away, but Alex, surprising everyone, seized the opportunity. Gripping Ron's collar, Alex pulled him closer.

Perplexed, Ron stammered, "What are you doing?"

With a determined gaze, Alex responded, "I've heard from many people that you've been very unkind to Hermione."

Ron, attempting to maintain an air of innocence, shot back, "What are you talking about?" Alex noticed that Ron couldn't meet his eyes, betraying a hint of guilt.

Alex maintained his grip on Ron's collar and declared, "I think you know what I'm talking about. If I hear you doing anything malicious towards Hermione, I will—"

Before he could finish his threat, Hermione interjected, her tone firm, "Leave him, Alex. He isn't worth the trouble."

Reluctantly, Alex released his hold on Ron and took a step back, guided by Hermione's hand. He overheard Ron mutter something about a "crazy git," but noticed that Ron remained somewhat pale and continued to avoid meeting Alex's eyes.

Hermione responded quietly, "You didn't have to do that; I can take care of myself."

Placing a hand on her shoulder, Alex replied, "I know. I'm just looking out for you when I can't," his gaze scanning the Gryffindor common room.

Alex continued, "Tell your prefects that you suspect some Slytherins might know your common room password, that you heard some of them planning to enter your common room. That will raise some concerns, and Professor McGonagall will change the password."

"I won't lie to the prefects, Alex," Hermione said in a scandalized voice.

"You're not technically lying. I am a Slytherin who knows the password, and I was thinking of coming to the common room to check up on you," Alex said, winking at Hermione.

Hermione just rolled her eyes and said, "Fine, I'll tell them."

Alex concluded, "Okay, I'll see you in the morning. Good night."

Hermione replied, "Goodnight, Alex."