Chapter 124: Theo's Decision
Chapter 124: Theo's Decision
Having bought a gift for his mother, Theo didn't forget about his father.
Vedius spotted a leather bag made from a shape-shifting lizard, its interior expanded to hold quite a lot of things.
Most importantly, only the owner could retrieve items placed inside, hence its exorbitant price and rarity.
However, the bag had a damaged curse, turning it into a one-way bag, which was why it had been discarded and left untouched.
Vedius inspected it and, confident in his ability to repair it, decided to purchase it.
Damaged magical circuits and spells were clearly visible to his eyes, and no hidden curses or poison curses could escape his scrutiny.
He then found a pair of damaged two-way mirrors that he intended to fix himself;
a stationary wizard's chess set, perfect for practicing infusing thoughts into inanimate objects in biological alchemy;
a scrying mirror and a detector for early warning;
and an invisibility cloak in a damaged state, which could also serve as alchemy practice material.
Vedius also picked out some small trinkets, such as crystal vials and potion ingredients, before heading to the counter to check out.
Leslie flipped through the items, a hint of surprise in his voice as he asked, "Three wands?"
"Yes, is there a purchase limit here?" Vedius countered.
"Of course not."
Leslie calculated the prices, his eyes lingering on the potion ingredients.
Most of the materials were prohibited as they could be used to brew highly dangerous potions or poisons.
However, since Knockturn Alley persisted, these so-called "prohibited items" were technically legal, and as long as no one reported it, the Aurors wouldn't go out of their way to intervene.
Even certain Aurors often came to his shop to purchase dangerous items.
It was only because this young customer had been brought by Little Theo that Leslie was being extra cautious.
As Vedius finished paying and prepared to leave, Theo bid farewell as well. Leslie suddenly called out, "Theo."
The boy turned around.
"Go home early," Leslie said gravely, implying that Theo should stay away from the wizard.
Theo either didn't understand or chose to ignore the underlying message, waving casually as he replied, "Okay, Mr. Leslie... See you."
The candles in the shop went out one by one, until only the one beside Leslie remained lit.
Through the window, he watched as Theo ran to the wizard's side, chatting animatedly as they walked together. Leslie couldn't help but furrow his brows slightly.
...
The topic of conversation between Theo and the "dangerous wizard" at this moment was something Leslie could never have imagined.
"Have you finished your holiday homework?" Theo asked.
"Of course," Vedius replied. "What about you?"
"I still have a metamorphosis essay to write." Theo sighed, "You know I'm not good at this."
"Do you need any references?" Vedius asked nonchalantly.
Theo was tempted for a moment but shook his head. "No... I'll write it myself. I still have a week left!"
Although the essay required a foot-long response, he could always write the letters larger.
"You can take a look at the book 'Theory of Metamorphosis'—the content of the third chapter is quite similar to our essay topic," Vedius suggested.
"Really? I think I've seen that book on my dad's bookshelf. I'll take a look when I get home," Theo said happily.
He then asked, "What are your plans now?"
"I've bought everything I needed, so I'm heading home," Vedius replied.
Vedius said.
The two walked to the end of the alley, where they would part ways.
"Vedius..."
Theo looked at Vedius and said, "Thank you for saving me and my brother. I... um... if there's anything you want to do, I'll do my best to help."
He emphasized very seriously, "—no matter what it is."
Vedius laughed and pulled up his hood, "Good... if I need to, I'll definitely come to you."
"Don't wait until you feel the need, accidents always happen when people least expect it."
But Theo said, "I know my magic is still weak, but even if it's just to spread the word or help carry something, it's better to have company than to be alone, isn't it?"
"Vedius, whatever you're doing, I want to be a part of it, instead of always being helped and saved."
"I want to help you, Vedius. I want you to trust me, too."
Vedius looked at him, his mind racing with countless thoughts, and after a long while, he pulled his hood down and said,
"Then, when it's time for action, I'll find you... don't wait until then and still not have your homework done!"
He said with a light laugh.
Theo also laughed, "Don't underestimate me! I'll have it done by this afternoon."
The two bid farewell and went their separate ways.
From start to finish, Theo never asked Vedius why he had changed his appearance, nor did he ask him what he was doing with so many old wands.
Vedius had secrets, and he knew it.
But Vedius had revealed his identity to save them, and he was clear about that, too.
Just think about what would have happened if the werewolf had taken the two brothers...
Even if the werewolf hadn't killed them but had instead turned his little brother into a werewolf on the night of the full moon... Thinking about how close that had come to happening, Theo hated that foolish, gullible self of his.
Vedius had saved them.
Theo silently mouthed to himself, his eyes gradually clearing and firming up, his mood even a little euphoric.
So what if Vedius might be doing something the law doesn't allow?
The laws of the Magic Ministry were far from perfect, and their enforcement was arbitrary, everyone knew that.
And his friend...
Even with his true appearance hidden, he was still upright, strong, and reliable.
Being able to walk with him was his luck.
...
The summer vacation ended in a flash.
On the last day of the holidays, Vedius fixed the lizard skin bag.
For this, he also stayed at the Broken Cauldron for two days, as using magic there would not be monitored.
Through the friend's account, he also knew that Lupin had bought a new house in Hogsmeade Village.
[Lupin: This way, by the time you're in third grade, you and Harry can come to my place to play. It's not big, but I promise it'll be fun.]
[Lupin: And... this is the first time I've had my own home to entertain guests. Thank you for not shutting me out just because I'm a werewolf, Vedius.]
He wrote in the friend's account.
After his identity was exposed, Lupin seemed much more relaxed and no longer avoided talking about his past experiences.
He always spoke of those painful past experiences in a light-hearted tone.
[Lupin: After leaving Dumbledore's protection, I found it very difficult to find a job. Once people knew I was a werewolf, they wouldn't even want to talk to me.]
[Vedius: Why don't you look for a job in the Muggle world? With your magical abilities, you should be able to survive just fine.]
(End of Chapter)
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