The Year-End Gathering

June 19, 1993. The grand halls of Hogwarts were adorned with banners of the four houses, floating candles illuminating the year-end feast. Laughter and chatter filled the Great Hall as students eagerly anticipated the announcement of the House Cup winner. However, a sudden, deep knock at the massive dining hall doors silenced the crowd.

The doors creaked open, revealing a tall figure draped in a flowing cloak. At more than two meters tall, nearly as tall as Hagrid, the man was strikingly slender yet exuded grace. His azure eyes gleamed beneath golden brown and silver hair loosely tied at his back, a contrast so unique that murmurs spread like wildfire among the students.

"Look, he's like Alex," a student whispered.

"Is he his father?" another chimed in.

"Who is Alex?"

"Did you forget that transfer student?"

"Oh, that Alex. I haven't seen him in so long I almost forgot."

"Look at how handsome and young his father is. No wonder Alex was so good-looking as well," a Slytherin mumbled absentmindedly.

The Great Hall grew even quieter as the cloaked figure stepped confidently into the center. His eyes found Luna Lovegood, who lit up with delight at the sight of him, and then turned to Harry and his friends with a smile.

They had been wondering about Alex for months, his absence a mystery. Every time they asked Luna, she would only smile and say, "Alex is at his country."

Alex's voice transmitted into their minds, including Ginny Weasley's. "See me at Professor Dumbledore's office later. I have some gifts for you all."

At the high table, Professor Dumbledore stood, his eyes twinkling. "I've read your letter, Alex. Come, join us, and momentarily, we shall begin the feast."

Alex nodded and took a seat beside Professor Flitwick, exchanging greetings with the other professors. His initial intention upon arriving at Hogwarts had been to blend in, learn magic, and establish connections. But maintaining appearances took too much time, and frankly, there were far more interesting things to pursue than entertaining an old, nearly senile headmaster.

He had already gained everything he needed from Hogwarts. Now, it was time to fulfill his promises and set the school on the path to dominance in the wizarding world.

Dumbledore announced the house points, revealing Gryffindor as the House Cup winner. Cheers erupted as the feast commenced, filling the hall with the aroma of delicacies.

As the last of the feast ended, Alex made his way to the headmaster's office, where Dumbledore sat behind his desk, a knowing smile on his lips.

"Long time no see, Professor. You look older than before," Alex teased with a chuckle.

"You impudent child," Dumbledore huffed, though amusement lingered in his eyes. "I know I'm old; no need to remind me."

Alex smirked. "Do you still have the remnant souls?"

Dumbledore's expression grew serious as he reached into a drawer, withdrawing three vials containing a squirming, black tar-like substance. "Yes, I kept them safe."

"Good. Let's wait for Harry. I'll extract the remaining fragment from him, then I'll proceed to Gringotts."

A knock sounded at the door. Moments later, Harry, Hermione, Ron, Ginny, and Luna entered.

"Hello, guys. Long time no see," Alex greeted.

"Surely has been. Where have you been?" Hermione grumbled, crossing her arms.

Alex smiled but merely reached into his coat, producing several small, ornate boxes. "Here, help yourselves. Your names are labeled."

The group hesitated before opening their gifts. Ron's eyes widened as he pulled out a sleek broomstick.

"Holy! A broom! I always wanted one!"

"Use it wisely," Alex advised. "It's the fastest ever built. Give the other ones to your brothers."

"Thanks, Alex!" Ron beamed.

Hermione held up a bottle of shimmering liquid, recognizing it instantly after reading the instructions. "Thank you, Alex," she said sincerely.

Alex's gaze flicked toward Ginny, offering a knowing nod before glancing at Harry. Ginny blushed and lowered her head, fidgeting with her gift.

Luna, too absorbed in her present, had momentarily forgotten the others.

Harry, however, sat quietly, watching the excitement with a hint of envy.

Alex turned to him. "Come, Harry, this one's for you."

Harry took the box hesitantly, opening it to reveal a key. He frowned. "A key?"

"You remember Mr. Weasley's flying car?" Alex asked.

Harry nodded.

"This is a key to your own flying car, far more advanced than the Weasley version. The key has a dimensional storage function. To summon or store the car, channel your magic into it like you do with the expanded pouch I gave you."

Harry's face lit up. "Thank you, Alex!"

Dumbledore, though intrigued, raised a brow. "Isn't it a bit early for him to drive a car?"

Alex shrugged. "Maybe, but who cares? It's perfectly safe, and far superior to that piece of junk Mr. Weasley made. Anyway, let's get this done, Professor."

With that, Alex withdrew his silver wand, twirling it expertly.

Dumbledore rummaged through his shelves, retrieving another empty vial Alex had given him earlier. "Right. Now, hold still, Harry."

Kneeling before Harry, Alex pressed the wand tip to his forehead. The room fell silent as he delved into Harry's consciousness, seeking the fragment of Voldemort's soul. The moment he found it, he wrapped it in energy and extracted it slowly. Harry winced but remained steadfast.

As Alex pulled back his wand, a glowing, writhing mass of darkness emerged, struggling against his grip. Encasing it in the prepared vial, he sealed it and lifted it for all to see.

"This is Voldemort. One of his remnant souls, the foundation of his Horcruxes. After tonight, I hope none of you speak of this."

The five nodded, their expressions solemn despite their shock.

Shortly after, Professors McGonagall, Snape, Flitwick, and Sprout entered the office at Dumbledore's request.

Alex presented the four vials containing Voldemort's soul fragments. Snape, with his knowledge of dark arts, narrowed his eyes. "What abomination is that? I can sense nothing but malice."

"That, Professor Snape, is Voldemort. Or rather, pieces of him. Horcruxes," Alex explained.

The room fell into stunned silence as Alex detailed the origins of the vials. McGonagall looked distraught, her voice barely above a whisper. "To think... Harry was one of them, poor child."

"Exactly. But he is weak now, and I intend to solve this once and for all." Alex reached into his coat, withdrawing four vials of potion. "Drink these. They will triple your magical power, probably as strong as this candy-loving geezer."

The professors exchanged glances before hesitantly accepting them.

"Wait here. I'm retrieving the cup." With that, Alex gestured, and a glowing portal appeared, revealing a vast cavern with towering vaults and a slumbering dragon.

Dumbledore smirked. "Brazen as ever."

Alex grinned. "Oh, please, Professor. As if I'd do this without a reason."

And with that, he stepped into the portal arriving at Gringots lowest floor.