Chapter 208: Christmas Gift
Stepping out of Number 12 Grimmauld Place, Wade found himself on the bustling streets of London. He signaled a taxi, and Remus Lupin opened the door for him with a gentle pull.
"Are you sure you don’t want me to come with you?" Remus asked, holding the door open.
"No need," Wade replied. "There’s still a lot to sort out after the funeral. I’ll be fine on my own."
"Alright… be careful on the way," Remus said.
"Relax," Wade said with a smile. A small flicker of his wand peeked out from his sleeve before retreating back into the fabric.
With his ability, even without a wand, it would be nearly impossible for an ordinary person to harm him—unless they attacked from behind.
"Stop worrying, Remus!" Sirius Black nudged him aside and leaned in close to Wade. "Stay at home for a few days, then come over. You can practice magic freely here. My study’s full of books—help yourself anytime."
Wade chuckled. "Thanks. I’ve already brought enough books to last me a while."
Everyone knew that using magic at home was restricted. Over the past few weeks, several people had invited him to spend the holidays with them. Steven Mor and Professor Mor, Sirius Black, Remus Lupin, Harry, Michael, Theo—even Machionni had extended repeated invitations, his tone so earnest Wade half-expected him to cry if refused.
But Wade already had a full schedule planned.
The taxi began to move slowly, carefully navigating the snowdrifts. Through the window, Wade watched the two figures fade into the distance.
He smiled, turning back. A quiet, profound sense of accomplishment settled in his chest.
In the original timeline, Sirius Black was still imprisoned in Azkaban, locked away for months. He wouldn’t escape until half a year later, hiding near Hogwarts, surviving by eating rats. Remus Lupin, meanwhile, had been drifting from place to place, impoverished and broken—only returning to the school after hearing news of Sirius’s escape.
Now, he had actually changed their fates.
To witness the ripple of his actions, to see how he’d altered their lives—this satisfaction surpassed even the thrill of watching thousands of Galleons pour into his treasure vault.
…
Christmas morning, Wade stirred awake to a chorus of chirping voices.
He pulled back the curtains and saw several gray sparrows hopping about on the windowsill, pecking at spilled millet and sunflower seeds.
Wade grinned, waved his wand toward his chest, muttered the familiar incantation, then slipped into his fleece-lined pajamas and climbed out of bed.
A mountain of gifts already sat at the foot of his bed. He pulled out a craft knife and began unwrapping them.
New electronic toys, books, feather quills, candies, clothing, hats, wand maintenance oil, alchemy tools—each one sparked delight as he opened it.
Gifts, he knew, often reflected how others saw him.
Someone had clearly thought he was still a child who liked toys—offering a careless, half-hearted present. Another had clearly spent time choosing something thoughtful, carefully prepared.
Halfway through, Wade suddenly heard a sharp cry from his parents’ bedroom. Without hesitation, he bolted down the hall.
He barely pushed open the door when Fiona swept him into a tight embrace.
"Oh my goodness—this is for me? Is this your magic pet?" she gasped, eyes wide with surprise.
"Yes," Wade said. "Do you like it?"
"Of course! It’s the most surprising gift I’ve ever gotten!" Fiona beamed.
Ferdinand raised an eyebrow. "My dear, the best gift should’ve been my engagement ring, shouldn’t it?"
"Oh, hush, Ferdy~" Fiona turned and kissed his cheek. The mock pout on his face melted instantly.
The two of them stepped closer to examine the gift.
Wade had given Fiona a large box, standing nearly half a man’s height. When unfolded, it revealed a miniature dollhouse—exactly the kind a little girl would adore, complete with three hand-sized human figures inside.
At first, Fiona thought Wade might have made a mistake—was this meant for some girl he liked? She was still studying the scene when one of the tiny figures suddenly moved.
That was the source of the scream.
Wade explained to his mother. "This is Coco, Ari, and Rena. They can keep watch, warn you of danger, and help clean. If you’re bored, they’ll keep you company with conversation."
"Hello, lovely lady," Rena said, curtsying with a delicate bow. Her voice was soft and sweet. "I’m so sorry I startled you."
Ari removed his hat and bowed deeply. Coco darted forward, wrapping her tiny fingers around Fiona’s fingertip. "Are you alright? I can sing for you, if you’d like."
"Adorable!" Fiona giggled, her face lit up with delight.
Her pet hamster had entered old age recently—less active, eating less. Though Fiona knew hamsters didn’t live long, she still felt a pang of sadness each time.
These three tiny figures instantly lifted her spirits.
They were carefully selected by Wade—hardworking, kind-hearted, and chatty. Before long, they had captured Fiona’s attention completely, earning her endless praise.
Ferdinand felt a sudden twinge of unease.
He looked at his son, hinting gently: "Your magic pets are usually animal-shaped, aren’t they?"
"Mostly," Wade said. "But human forms are more flexible."
Ferdinand hesitated, then offered quietly: "...They talk a bit too much."
Wade sighed. "They only chat when they’re not working."
Ferdinand seized the opportunity and immediately assigned the three figures to clean the attic.
The Gray family attic was used only twice a year. It was piled high with clutter. The little trio would need at least a week or two to sort through it all.
Satisfied, Ferdinand turned to his own gift.
"—Beetles?"
A few colorful beetles rested quietly inside a transparent case. Though their iridescent hues sparkled like gemstones, their long antennae and three pairs of curved legs confirmed their identity.
Wade tapped the glass. The beetles curled up, appearing almost indistinguishable from precious stones.
"You can wear them as cufflinks," Wade said. "They stay quiet most of the time—but if danger comes, they’ll protect you."
"This one emits toxic gas, rendering an enemy unconscious."
"This one bites, causing intense pain."
"This one makes the skin itch uncontrollably."
"And this one—this black one—is the most dangerous." Wade pointed to the last beetle. "It carries a lethal toxin. Don’t use it unless absolutely necessary. If you accidentally activate it, squeeze a green liquid from its rear—it’s the antidote. You must take it within three minutes."
Ferdinand fell silent.
"…Wade," he finally asked, voice low, "is magic school really that dangerous?"
"No," Wade said. "I just worry about you being in danger when I’m not around."
Ferdinand placed a hand on his son’s shoulder. A mix of pride and sorrow filled his heart.
For the first time, he truly understood: he was no longer the protector, the guide. He had become the one in need of protection.
At least, in Wade’s eyes, that was how it was.
(End of Chapter)
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