Chapter 31: Christmas
Unknowingly, it was already December 12th—Christmas—and Alexander's previous training at St. Mungo's had come to an end. His healing spell progress had been remarkable, especially in the environment of St. Mungo's and with the boost of his Level 25 Spell Learning skill.
His Christmas appointment with Penelope and Kate was set for six o'clock that evening, at Madam Puddifoot's Teahouse.
"Healed as before!"
It was another pig meant to be sent to the kitchens. As Alexander cast the spell, its visible wounds faded like a retreating tide. He nodded in satisfaction within the practice room.
"It seems I made the right decision. St. Mungo's really is the perfect place."
Calming himself, Alexander once again answered the call of the times, dancing in this strange country. The swirling wind flowed with his unrecognizable movements—his expression both sad and joyful—as crimson magical light blazed around him like a flame. He vanished and reappeared from place to place unpredictably.
Taking a deep breath, he inhaled the phoenix feathers lit by Gubler fairy fire. The mingling sensations of cold and warmth stirred his racing heart, and the phoenix tattoo on his chest glowed with a holy red light.
Without speaking aloud, Alexander communicated telepathically with the house elf Jack: "Jack, is my outfit ready?"
Jack, used to such exchanges, bowed slightly. "Master, the outfit is prepared. Will you be going now?"
"I'll shower first. Just have everything ready," Alexander replied.
He exited the practice room and walked through the corridor lit by softly burning Gubler fairy fire on both sides. Entering the elevator—one of his newest magical inventions—he pressed the button for the first floor. The door, made of strange, shadowy metal, opened to reveal a luxurious bathroom directly ahead.
Ignoring the flirtatious mermaids in the magical paintings, Alexander slowly slipped into the enchanted bath, letting his mind go quiet for the first time in days. He entered a state of complete peace—thinking of nothing at all.
Before he realized it, it was already 5 p.m.
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Race: Wizard
Strength: 19 (Normal human limit: 10)
Constitution: 31
Magic Power: 26
Skills:
Cognition Lv.4 (21%)
Body Modification Lv.4 (2%)
Alchemy Lv.3 (24%)
Spellcasting Lv.4 (2%)
Potions Lv.2 (21%)
Transfiguration Lv.3 (6%)
Magical Creatures Lv.2 (55%)
Gun Combat Lv.3 (5%)
Martial Arts Lv.2 (26%)
Investigation Lv.2 (49%)
Phoenix Incarnation Lv.2 (1%)
Telepathy Lv.1 (44%)
...and more.
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This time, Alexander directly Apparated to Hogsmeade Village. He landed in front of the Fengya Wizard Clothing Store, just off Central Avenue. This shop, along with the Literary Residence Quill Shop, Post Office, Zuko's Joke Shop, The Three Broomsticks, Honeydukes, and even the Shrieking Shack, were all part of the same festive street.
Alexander entered through a discreet side door of the clothing store, blending into the crowd unnoticed.
Hogsmeade was bustling—holiday cheer thick in the air as many young witches and wizards returned for the break. Laughter and joy echoed from every direction. Smiling faintly, Alexander adjusted his white wizard's robe trimmed with gold. The accompanying hood concealed his features, revealing only his eyes.
He made his way toward Madam Puddifoot's Teahouse—a place known for being filled with third-years and older couples on romantic outings.
The teahouse was small and cozy, filled with lace, frills, and steam. Every round table was adorned with a green Christmas tree, and each snowman centerpiece would occasionally toss white confetti into the air like falling snow.
Alexander nodded politely to Madam Puddifoot and settled into a pre-reserved corner seat. He pulled out A Year with the Tibetan Snowman, noting that the usually flamboyant Gilderoy Lockhart on the cover had vanished—replaced by a furry, gentle snowman.
Reading about snowmen on a snowy day while sipping tea was oddly comforting, especially without Lockhart's smug face. Though the book still featured Lockhart's magic, Alexander could discern which parts were genuine from the original author.
Fifteen minutes later, a familiar magical aura approached. Alexander closed his book and looked up. Two hooded figures approached—Penelope and Kate.
As Alexander looked up, the shorter of the two—clad in a blue robe—waved enthusiastically. That had to be Kate. Oddly, Alexander could never detect her magical signature in advance. Nor could he hear her approaching. Was she simply... too small?
Penelope, in a green robe, gracefully poured black tea for Kate as they sat down.
Kate sipped the tea and immediately devoured a green bean cake. "Mmm! I'm alive again. Penelope, try this—it's amazing!"
Penelope took a small sip of tea, not bothering to respond.
"Alexander, about the 'Healed as Before' spell you mentioned last time—I'm still confused on part of it," Penelope asked with a furrowed brow.
"It's the mindset. You need to treat yourself like a true healer. The more vividly you can picture the wound, the better the effect." Alexander took her hand and demonstrated, suggesting she reference Simple Spells for Healing Wounds. "It's not about the text, really—it's about the illustrations."
Kate pouted from boredom, munching sweets like she was exacting revenge on the pastries. But soon, even she joined the conversation, offering her Ravenclaw insights. Penelope was sharp and methodical, while Kate was creative and unpredictable. Their thoughts helped Alexander see things from perspectives beyond textbooks.
After exchanging personal updates and daily musings—such as Kate accidentally walking into Myrtle's bathroom and being splashed—they noticed that most of the other customers were now in couples, holding hands or kissing.
Among them, the trio looked like scholars in a lovebird sanctuary.
Alexander couldn't help but wonder—why did Penelope choose this place?
Suddenly, warm lips brushed his cheek.
He could've dodged, but he didn't.
"It's getting late. Time to head back to the Christmas party," Penelope whispered, ears red with embarrassment as she quickly turned away.
Kate, pretending to shield her eyes with a grin, laughed and followed after her.
Alexander remained seated. Snowflake confetti drifted slowly onto the spot where Penelope had kissed him.
He smiled faintly. The bill was already settled.
And then—he vanished from the teahouse.
---
Was this a step forward?
Is this what being in love feels like?
Why... why does it feel so wonderful?
Back home, Alexander couldn't stop the happiness blooming from within. The magic of his joy overflowed, bringing life to the training field—flowers blossomed, greenery returned.
Youth is beautiful.
Penelope—who was once just a tool in his study of love magic—had unknowingly carved out a place in Alexander's heart.
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