Chapter 027 "Our greatest happiness does not depend on the condition of life in which chance has placed us, but is always the result of a good conscience, good health, occupation, and freedom in all just pursuits". -Thomas Jefferson

After dinner Soon the relatives began to depart one after the other. In the end, only the Granger family and the Ashbridge siblings were left. Mr Granger insisted that they spend the night there, but Alex refused to intrude any longer. "Alex! Nicole said that you are going back to school the day after tomorrow. Shall I join you guys?" Hermione asked Alex. "No need there is still some time left before the vacation comes to an end. I am going because Professor Snape needs me for something". Alex refused right away. "Ohhh... he sure treats you differently". Hermione said enviously. Though she has some doubts about him, there is no mistaking that he is the only teacher who never appreciated Hermione or anyone except for Alex. "Mr Granger, I know it's a bit sudden and unexpected, but I have a favour to ask of you". Alex said to Mr Granger. "Go on, don't hesitate". "I am going back early because I have something to attend to at the school, but Nicole is just tagging along with me. If you..." Alex wanted to ask if they could allow her to stay with them for the time being. It would help them bond with Nicole if they were to take care of her in the future. "Sure, no problem. She can spend the rest of her vacation here. Hermione will also have someone to spend her time with". Mr Granger said as he understood what Alex wanted. "Thank you, Mr Granger". "Brother, there is no need to trouble Mr and Mrs Granger". Nicole unaware of the understanding between Alex and Mr Granger said. "Foolish girl, there is no trouble at all. And to be honest, I have kind of grown tired of Hermione. She is too smart for me to handle like her mother". Mr Granger said. "Dad..." Hermione whined. "Darling..." Mrs Granger said with a highly sugarcoated yet threatening tone. "Ah... Ahhahahaha... just joking. But yeah there is no trouble at all. And like your brother said, what will you do there when your brother will be busy working for his professor". Mr Granger said taking a 180-degree turn over his statement. "Yeah, Nicole just say yes. We can use this time to go through all the books I have here". Listening to Hermione Nicole felt even more that she should not stay here, but looking at the expectant face of her brother she finally gave in. "Then I will come back tomorrow". Nicole said giving in to his brother's request. "There is no need for that, now that you are staying here, I will be going back tomorrow morning. So you just stay here". Alex said. "But I don't have any clothes here". she said in a low tone but everyone was able to hear that. "You can have Hermione's dresses," Mrs Granger said. It was no big deal to share each other's clothes. "There is no need to worry about that, I should have some of your clothes here with me". As Alex said he grabbed the pouch he always carried around with him and took out a bag with the initials 'N.A.' from it. Mr and Mrs Granger looked amused while looking at the pouch. "It sure is convenient," Mrs Granger said. "Do you like it, Mrs Granger"? Alex asked. "No... no... I am just saying that it's convenient to carry this around instead of large bags". Mrs Granger tried to explain. "I have an extra with me, although it's not as large as mine, it should be sufficient". Alex said as he grabbed another pouch from the depths of his own. "Thank you, Alex, but don't we need magic to use it?" Mr Granger pointed out the most basic question. "No, Mrs Granger, you need magic to make it, but anybody can use it". "It's the best Christmas gift one could hope for". Mrs Granger said feeling elated to grab hold of such a rare treasure. "Now, I should get going, Thank you for everything Mr and Mrs Granger". Alex said as he stood up and walked towards the door. "Come visit us soon". Mrs Granger said. Alex nodded towards Nicole and left. Nicole watched Alex until he was no longer in sight. "Come dear let's go in, Hermione take Nicole to your room". "Come Nicole". Hermione said as she grabbed Nicole's hand and took her to her room. * * * * * Here Alex came back to the orphanage only to be greeted by the sight of kids squirming around. As Alex walked the young ones made way for him while some of the other boys made faces. Their leader who once had an argument with Alex was standing beside the stairs leading to the church. As Alex approached the orphanage those boys followed their leader and blocked his way. "Isn't he the mighty Alex? Sir, where are you coming from so late at night? Don't you know that children going out should be back by seven o'clock?" The fatty leader in the front said. "Are you an idiot?" Alex asked. "What did you say?" "Are you deaf too?" "You..." "All those present here know that I can come and go as I please. Do you need such a dumb excuse to pick a fight with me?" Alex asked. It is a known fact that none of the restrictions of the orphanage seems to apply for Alex. "Good... good, so you don't even have any regards for your elders. I need to discipline you on behalf of the Reverend Mother". The fatty said with a scorn on his face. "Don't use her name to justify your actions. Just be straightforward and get on with it. I don't have time to spare on you". "You asked for it" The boy moved forward and swung his arm towards Alex. Alex casually leaned backwards and ducked it. The boy then tried to hit Alex's calf with his leg. Alex just lifted his leg to avoid it. This went on for a while where the boy tried to hit Alex, but Alex would avoid each strike with minimal effort. The years of fighting in the wilderness helped Alex a lot. Not always he was able to defend himself with the help of magic. He was hit, bruised, bled multiple times before he was able to hold his ground in front of all those magical creatures. Soon the boy was holding his waist gasping for air. He looked towards Alex with rage as if someone made him eat shit. He looked towards his lackeys and gestured them to pounce on Alex all together. Now Alex was standing against seven individuals, but he was not worried at all. The odds were still better than what he faced in Hogwarts[ 'The Brawl']. And as expected within all of them were lying in the dirt groaning with pain. One of the young ones who were there started crying at the top of his voice and soon as if a chain reaction, cries could be heard from every corner of the ground. Nuns gathered around trying to pacify the kids. Alex looked towards a certain window of the orphanage. The Reverend Mother was looking at him from there. He left the ground and walked towards her office. He knocked once before entering. "This is the first time I have seen you get violent". The Reverend Mother said breaking the ice. "I am sorry". Alex apologized with his head hung low. "No... no... no... it's a good thing. At least you are expressing yourself". Contrary to Alex's expectation, the Reverend Mother didn't scold him but even looked a bit relaxed. "I will be going back tomorrow". Alex said. "So soon?" "I have something to do". "What about Nicole? I didn't see her coming with you". "She will be staying with a friend of hers for the rest of the vacation". "Friend?" "A classmate". "Ohh..." "I am going back to my room now, I need to pack for tomorrow" The Reverend mother nodded and saw Alex out. Alex went back to his room packed his stuff and soon went to sleep.

The next Morning Alex bid his farewell to the Reverend Mother and was on his way to King's Cross. He left the orphanage a bit early to buy a few things from the market on his way. After shopping for a while Alex was done with his shopping when he walked by a pet shop, but there was something there that drew his attention. He walked into the store and soon came out with a small cage in his hand. By half-past ten, Alex was in the Hogwarts express, on his way back to Hogwarts. The train was mostly empty, except for a few students. Alex would constantly look at the cage and smile with satisfaction. At Eleven o'clock sharp, the train began his journey to Hogwarts... * * * * *