Chapter 124: Theo's Determine
Having bought a gift for his mother, Wade naturally didn’t forget his father.
He spotted a lizard-skin pouch—an enchanted item with an expanded interior space, capable of holding a surprising amount. Most importantly, only the master could retrieve anything from within, making it both rare and extremely expensive.
But the enchantment on the pouch had deteriorated. As a result, it had become a one-way container—items could be placed inside, but never retrieved. That was why it had been abandoned here, ignored by everyone.
Wade glanced at it. He had the Ability to fix it. So he Determined to buy it.
To his eyes, the damaged magical rune circuit and spell were as clear as day. No concealment curse or hex could fool him.
Then he found a pair of broken double-sided mirrors—something he intended to repair himself.
A set of still, lifeless Wizard’s Chess pieces was perfect for practicing the Biological Alchemy technique of infusing thought into the dead.
A spyglass and a detector—ideal for early warnings.
And, of course, an invisibility cloak in ruined condition—another excellent material for alchemical practice.
He also picked up a few miscellaneous trinkets: crystal vials, potion ingredients, and the like—then headed to the counter.
Lesley flipped through the items, visibly surprised. “Three wands?”
“Yeah,” Wade replied, raising an eyebrow. “Is there a limit here?”
“Of course not.” Lesley calculated the total, then paused again when he saw the potion ingredients.
Most of them were banned—ingredients capable of brewing extremely dangerous potions, or poisons.
But since Knockturn Alley had always existed, these so-called “forbidden” items were merely a legal technicality. As long as no one inside reported it, the Aurors rarely bothered.
In fact, some Aurors even came here regularly to buy dangerous materials.
Still, this was Theo who brought him in. That’s why Lesley was extra cautious.
Once Wade finished paying and stepped through the door, Theo prepared to depart.
Suddenly, Lesley called out, “Theo.”
The boy turned.
“Come home soon,” Lesley said, his voice heavy.
The unspoken warning was clear: Stay away from that wizard.
Theo didn’t know if he understood or not. He waved with a smile. “Got it, Mr. Lesley… See you.”
Inside the shop, the candles went out one by one—until only the single lamp beside Lesley remained lit.
Through the window, he watched Theo run lightly toward the man, chatting and laughing as they walked together. His brow furrowed slightly.
…
Meanwhile, Theo and the “dangerous wizard” were discussing something Lesley could never have imagined.
“Did you finish your holiday assignment?” Theo asked.
“Of course,” Wade replied. “What about you?”
“I’m still missing a Transfiguration essay,” Theo sighed. “You know how bad I am at that.”
“Need a reference?” Wade asked, indifferent.
Theo hesitated for an instant—then shook his head. “No… I’ll write it myself. I’ve got a week.”
Even if the essay required a foot-long parchment, he could just write bigger.
“You could check Theory of Metamorphic Transformation,” Wade suggested. “The third chapter matches our essay topic almost perfectly.”
“Really? My dad has that book on his shelf. I’ll look it up when I get home.”
Theo grinned, then asked, “What’s your next plan?”
“Got everything I needed. Heading back home.”
They reached the alley’s end—time to part ways.
“Wade…” Theo looked up at him. “Thanks for saving me and my younger brother. I… uh… if you ever need anything, I’ll do everything I can to help.”
He emphasized, “—no matter what.”
Wade pulled up his hood with a smile. “Alright… if I need help, I’ll come to you.”
“No,” Theo said firmly. “Don’t wait until you need help. Unexpected incidents always happen when people think nothing can go wrong. I know my magic is still weak. But even if I can only create a little wind or help carry something—having someone with me is better than being alone.”
“Wade… I want to help you. I want to be part of it—not just someone who’s always being saved.”
“I want you to write to me too.”
Wade looked at him, his mind swirling with thoughts. After a long silence, he lowered his hood slightly and said:
“Then when the time comes, I’ll find you. Just… don’t wait until then to finish your essay.”
He chuckled.
Theo laughed. “Don’t underestimate me. I’ll have it done by this afternoon.”
They parted, walking in opposite directions.
Throughout the entire exchange, Theo never asked why Wade had changed his appearance—or why he’d bought so many old wands.
Wade had secrets. He knew that.
But Theo was aware—Wade had taken the risk to save them. That was why he’d detected his identity in the first place.
He thought of what could have happened to his brother—captured by a werewolf.
Even if the beast hadn’t killed them, waiting until the full moon to turn the younger brother into a werewolf…
The thought made Theo want to crush his own foolishness.
Wade had saved them.
Theo silently repeated it in his heart. His gaze grew clearer, firmer. A quiet joy stirred within him.
So what if Wade was doing things that broke the law?
The Ministry of Magic’s legal system was flawed—its enforcement arbitrary. Everyone knew that.
And his friends…
Even when hiding their true faces, they were honest, strong, and dependable.
To walk beside them was his fortune.
…
Summer holidays passed in a blur.
On the last day before the end of break, Wade finished repairing the lizard-skin pouch.
To do so, he stayed two nights at The Leaky Cauldron—where magic use couldn’t be monitored.
Through the Book of Friends, he learned that Remus Lupin had bought a new house in Hogsmeade Village.
> Remus Lupin: That way, when you’re in third year, you and Harry can come stay with me. It’s not much, but I promise it’ll be fun.
>
> Remus Lupin: And… this is the first time I’ve had a home to welcome guests. Thank you for not turning me away just because I’m a werewolf, Wade.
After revealing his identity, Remus had grown far more at ease. He no longer avoided speaking of his past.
He always spoke of painful memories with lightness, as if brushing off dust.
> Remus Lupin: After leaving Dumbledore’s protection, it was nearly impossible to find work. Once people knew I was a werewolf, they wouldn’t even speak to me.
>
> Wade: Why not go to the Muggle world? With your magical ability, you could survive easily enough.
(End of Chapter)
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