Having mastered Muffliato and the reted runes, he sees exg potential in sound-based spells. Professor Quirrell, for instance, developed a listening spell that extends one's sehrough sound—a skill Alex thinks he could build on.

  He’s expl troaches for sound spells.

  The first is ultrasound, known for its dire and high frequency. Inspired by how bats navigate, Alex aims to create a spell for echolocation, turning magito a type of radar to detect illusions and hidden enemies.

  The sed approach is infrasound, which has a low frequend be intense enough to cause nausea or eveh at high levels. This could bee a powerful area spell for disorienting or injuring oppos.

  Without a rune disk, Quirrell used a basic method, bining runes on paper to test his spells. Alex, however, has a major advantage: his strong trol ic, his ability to cast spells silently, and his access to a rune disk. This allows him to work faster a spells directly without needing to say the runes aloud.

  Over Easter break, Alex spent nearly all his time studying the rune disk and writing out rune formus. He also started taking “Baruffio's Brain Elixir” regurly. The effects were immediate; his thoughts felt sharper, his memory improved, and his learning speed increased overall.

  Acc to potion books, Baruffio's Brain Elixir works best during intense mental effort. When the mind is actively learning, the potion’s effects st longer. But if someoakes it without challenging their mind, its effects gradually fade—simir to protein powder that only builds muscle when bined with exercise.

  As summer approached, Alex read in the Daily Prophet about skirmishes in the ongoing magical war, which seemed to be getting worse. He wondered about his holiday pns. Sirius Bck earing more frequently, as Death Eaters were after him. The Potters, however, were unreachable, and with Diagon Alley being unsafe, Alex was hesitant to stay at the Leaky Cauldron.

  Just whehought about asking Professonagall if he could stay at Hogwarts, a letter arrived from Augusta Longbottom, inviting him to stay with the Longbottoms over the summer. Alex remembered Augusta as a strict but g woman and thought this could be a good option.

  He quickly wrote back, expressing his gratitude and his willio visit. Augusta’s reply came quickly with her address aails, noting that since she cared for young Neville alone while the Longbottoms worked at the Ministry, Alex would o travel there on his own.

  With his summer pled, Alex began preparing gifts. He spent 50 gold Galleons on a rge ham and two bottles of Ogden’s Old Firewhiskey, and also packed a few bottles of euphoria potion he had made himself.

  The school term passed quickly, and Alex received his final grades: five "(E) Exceeds Expectations" and two "(A) Acceptable" in History of Magid Astronomy. Most of his focus had been on spell practid rune research, leaving him just enough time to pass these subjects.

  After finals, Alex spent a week tut Vivian, helping her pass all her exams, including History of Magic. The Transfiguration exam rofessonagall had hiransf a mouse into a snuffbox. Alex was surprised to see that some students still struggled, despite knowing what the exam would cover.

  At the farewell feast, Professor Dumbledore annouhat Ravencw had won the House Cup. Slytherin and Gryffindor, who had been ned-neck all year, ended up at the bottom of the points board. Vanessa, a fellow Slytherin, was clearly disappointed. Alex figured that at this rate, Slytherin might not win a House Cup duriime at Hogwarts.

  In the Great Hall, draped in blue banners, Alex reflected on his first year. It hadn’t been peaceful, but it had definitely been memorable.

  After a long, bumpy train ride, Alex stepped off, said goodbye to Vivian and Charles, then pulled out Augusta's letter to check the address.

  "Ottery St. Catchpole Vilge? Guess it’s time for the Knight Bus," he decided, gng around for a quiet spot.

  Once he found a secluded area he station, he raised his wand. Within moments, a massive, purple, three-story bus came to a screeg halt in front of him. The Knight Bus was infamous for its wild driving, and as Alex boarded, he braced himself for a rough ride.

  By the time he arrived at Ottery St. Catchpole, he stumbled off the bus, feeling a bit shaky from the stant jolts and sudden stops. Alex took a moment to steady himself and then followed Augusta's dires to the Longbottoms’ home.

  As he approached the house, the door swung open, revealing Augusta in an apron, holding a spoon. She grinned warmly, her sharp eyes softening. "Alex! It’s been half a year since Christmas. Look at you! Your hair's grown so long!"

  Alex ughed, brushing his hair back. "I haven’t cut it all year. Thanks for inviting me, Mrs. Longbottom. With things so tense, I wasn’t sure where I’d stay. If you hadn’t taken me in, I’d probably be at the Leaky Cauldron."

  "Nonsense," she said, waving her spoon. "You're more than just a friend—you’re family. It’s good to have pany for the summer, so e on in!" Augusta led him inside, and as they entered, a warm, savory aroma filled the air.

  "Make yourself fortable. Dinner’s nearly ready. Frank and Alice will be home soon. Do me a favor and keep little Neville pany, will you? He might not remember you, but it would be good for him to get familiar again."

  Alex smiled and aking in the umosphere of the Longbottom home. The living room had a sense of history, filled with sturdy, well-worn furniture that looked like it had been passed down through geions. Rich, antique carpets, eborate paintings, and family heirlooms gave the space a dignified feel.

  On one wall, there were several animal spes in gss cases, including a vulture perched atop an ornately decorated hat o rack. Alex raised his eyebrows, thinking with a smirk, ‘Definitely not Alice's touch.’

  He spotted a small crib by the firepce, where little Neville y, staring up at the ceiling with a bored expression. As Alex approached, Neville’s eyes went wide. His face twisted, looking like he might cry, but then he seemed tnize something familiar in Alex's face, so he simply blinked and stared.

  "Hey, little Neville," Alex greeted softly, reag down to squeeze Neville’s tiny hand. "Remember me? We fought Death Eaters together!" he teased pyfully.

  The poor baby’s face sched up, and he began to wail, startling Alex, who froze awkwardly. "Okay, okay, no teasing. Why the tears?" Alex muttered to himself, gently patting Neville’s tiny hand.