Unlike Slytherin, Gryffindor House was known for its cheerful and straightforward atmosphere, free from the scheming and plotting often associated with the Snake House. The students got along well and tended to act on impulse, caring less about House points and more about following their whims. Charles was well-liked in Gryffindor for his friendly nature, making him popular among his peers. Early in his Hogwarts days, he'd openly talked about his friendship with Alex, a Slytherin. Surprisingly, no one held this against him, given the overall camaraderie in the Lion House. But Charles, being Charles, took it a step further. He became Alex's unofficial hype man, often boasting about his friend's accomplishments in Slytherin.
At first, everyone treated Charles's tales as lighthearted jokes. After all, exaggeration was practically a sport in Gryffindor, and who wouldn't play along with a bit of friendly banter? But two years ago, things took a dramatic turn. Two key events changed everything.
First, Bill—another Gryffindor and a self-proclaimed Alex devotee—joined Hogwarts. Bill practically idolized Alex, calling him his big brother and defending his reputation with unshakable loyalty. Bill's academic prowess only added credibility to his claims, making everyone take notice.
The second event cemented Alex's legend: his feat of single-handedly defeating five Death Eaters, earning him the title of "Battle Hero." This, coupled with his performance at the honor banquet where he bested ten opponents in a duel, left the Gryffindors awestruck.
In a House that revered bravery and heroism, Alex became a living legend. Gryffindor students loved their heroes, and Alex fit the mold perfectly—powerful, low-key, and a staunch opponent of dark forces like the Death Eaters. His reputation soared even higher when word spread that he had defeated multiple werewolves while rescuing magical creatures. Though the story grew increasingly exaggerated—thanks in part to Pascal's loose lips and Charles and Bill's enthusiastic embellishments—Alex's status as a Gryffindor idol was undeniable.
Alex found the rumors amusing, especially since they weren't entirely inaccurate. Still, the unintended consequence was a surge in respect and admiration for him among Gryffindors. Younger students idolized him, while Charles and Bill basked in the reflected glory as his closest friends. Charles's appointment as prefect was no doubt influenced by his association with Alex; having Charles in charge felt like having the protection of an unseen yet formidable ally.
Even Pascal, a seasoned prefect with an OWL in Care of Magical Creatures, couldn't help but feel intimidated by Alex. Pascal had learned of Alex's werewolf encounter directly from Professor Kettleburn, who had described Alex's bravery in detail. The story had since taken on a life of its own, further solidifying Alex's legendary status.
Meanwhile, Alex's position as Slytherin prefect only added to his mystique. To Gryffindors, the idea of Alex leading Slytherin felt as strange as seeing a ghost in the middle of the night. Charles and Bill had always claimed that Alex didn't get along with his Slytherin peers, and many Gryffindors had seen him challenge the Snakes on several occasions. Seeing him in the prefects' carriage alongside other Slytherin leaders had been a shock for everyone except Charles.
For most Gryffindor prefects, the news that Alex had summoned them tonight was downright unsettling. Louis, the sixth-year prefect, had delivered the message that morning, leaving Pascal and the others in a state of quiet dread. The idea of meeting Alex in the dead of night felt less like a casual discussion and more like preparing for a duel with a legend. Pascal wiped his forehead again as they reached the Astronomy Tower. "I just hope this isn't a trap. You really trust him that much, Charles?"
Charles smiled. "Relax, Pascal. Alex is fair and straightforward. You'll see." Pascal had been on edge since morning, his nerves rattled by the anticipation of meeting his idol and the dread of confronting Alex Wilson, the Slytherin prefect whose reputation preceded him. But why had Alex chosen such a late hour for their meeting? Could it mean something ominous? Would Alex cast aside decorum and personally deal with Gryffindor? Could he be planning to ally with Slytherins to pressure Gryffindors into submission?
These thoughts sent another wave of sweat trickling down Pascal's forehead. "Charles," Pascal whispered, swallowing nervously, "look, I'm not trying to be dramatic, but if Alex does something crazy tonight, you can't just stand by and do nothing!"
"Prefect, calm down. I told you before—there's no need to be this nervous. Alex probably just needs to talk to us about something," Charles replied, though even he felt uneasy from Pascal's contagious anxiety.
"What I'm afraid of is what that 'something' could be!" Pascal shot back, his voice tinged with frustration. He was sweating now not just from his forehead but down his back, as though he were already in the middle of a duel.
When they finally arrived at the Astronomy Tower, Pascal spotted two figures standing under the moonlight. Alex stood facing away from them, bathed in the silvery glow of the moon. The light cast an ethereal sheen over him, making him appear enigmatic, almost otherworldly.
Pascal's uneasiness grew stronger. That calm, solitary figure couldn't possibly mean good news. His instincts screamed that something was amiss. He scanned their surroundings carefully, reaching out with his magic to check for hidden presences. He shook his head at himself. Why was he thinking Alex would use such underhanded tactics? Alex wasn't the kind to stoop so low.
Focusing on the meeting ahead, Pascal forced himself to straighten up. As a Gryffindor prefect, he couldn't afford to show weakness, especially not in front of a Slytherin. He schooled his features into what he hoped was a serious and composed expression and stepped forward.
Alex had arrived at the tower earlier and had been idly musing about the chilly weather when he sensed Pascal and Charles approaching. He noted Pascal's careful scanning of the surroundings and the controlled fluctuations of magic in the air. Pascal's vigilance and magical strength impressed him—he was indeed worthy of being the Gryffindor prefect. A small smile tugged at Alex's lips, though he didn't mean to show it. Pascal, however, caught the expression and froze.
Why is he smiling at me like that? Is this some kind of trap? Pascal thought, panic rising again. But he knew there was no turning back now. He gritted his teeth, steeling himself. When they finally stood before Alex, Pascal forced himself to speak, though his words came out clumsy and stiff.
"You… hello, Prefect Alex. It's… nice to meet you. I've, um, heard a lot about you." As soon as the words left his mouth, Pascal wanted to disappear. His awkward delivery only deepened his embarrassment, making his expression even stiffer.
Alex, however, interpreted Pascal's demeanor differently. Even while stammering, Pascal seemed to maintain a sense of composure. His mental resilience was remarkable. Alex's impression of him improved further. Pascal, meanwhile, was desperate to end the small talk and get straight to the point. He stiffened his posture and said brusquely, "Prefect Alex, why did you call us here? Please explain yourself."
Alex noted the abrupt shift in Pascal's tone and expression but didn't dwell on it. He answered simply, "I called you here for two reasons: one is about Quidditch, and the other concerns the ongoing tension between our houses."