Chapter 289: Wade: Can Love?
Wade watched as Will glanced left and right, seemingly convinced no one was paying attention. He pulled the girl into the Horn corner, then fished a wad of money from his pocket and shoved it into her hands.
The blonde girl shook her head, refusing, still clutching his sleeve as she spoke—pleading, almost.
Will shook his head firmly, pressing the money into her palm, then gave her a gentle push toward the signal to depart. Only then did he return to his post.
Just then, a new customer entered the door. Will immediately stepped forward, greeting them with enthusiastic energy as he began pitching the workshop’s latest product.
The girl stood frozen, staring after him. After a long moment, she slowly lifted her scarf and pulled it over her face, slipping sideways through the edge of the crowd.
Wade paused, thinking. “That Will…” he murmured, thoughtful.
“You noticed him?” Machionni poured himself a cup of coffee, shrugging casually. “He’s a Werewolf too.”
Wade frowned slightly. “You don’t mind?”
Machionni raised an eyebrow, amused. “Wade, you’re not the only one who’s taken on a Werewolf as a teacher, are you?”
“Remus is different,” Wade said. “I trust him.”
“Oh, I’m not saying I trust Will. But he’s cheap, effective, and he brings me profit. That’s all that matters.” Machionni smiled warmly. “As for his fur problem—there’s Wolfsbane Potion, isn’t there? And he doesn’t even come in during the full moon. Perfect.”
Wade relaxed slightly. “As long as you know what’s going on.”
Then Machionni tilted his head, curious. “But you… Wade. Why can you trust Remus, yet feel wary of Will? Did you notice something strange?”
Wade froze.
—How could they be the same?
Remus Lupin had been a man who stood by justice until his last breath.
But he couldn’t say that aloud. After a beat, he replied carefully, “I’m worried you might trust Remus just because of me. And then, because of Remus, you hire Will… What if he’s a bad man? What if he’s done something in Aslan… I’d feel responsible.”
Machionni stared at him, stunned—like he’d just seen a rare creature he’d only read about in books.
Long silence.
Then, suddenly, he burst into thunderous laughter.
“Hahahaha—HAHAHAHA!”
His laughter shook like drums deep in his chest. Heads turned from below. People looked up, bewildered but drawn in by the sheer infectious joy of it. Machionni leaned against the railing, laughing so hard he waved one hand in the air, trying to calm himself.
No one below knew what had happened—but laughter is contagious. Soon, the whole shop was chuckling along.
Only Wade felt his face grow hot.
When Machionni finally managed to catch his breath, he wiped his eyes and looked straight at Wade.
“My thoughts… are they really that funny?”
“No—no, of course not,” Machionni gasped, still trembling. “It’s not funny, Wade. I’m just… this is just so damn loveable—HAHA!”
Wade narrowed his eyes. “Excuse me. That doesn’t sound like a compliment.”
Machionni clutched his face, shoulders shaking, until the laughter finally subsided.
“Look,” he said, voice soft now, “in our world, people with too high a moral standard usually get burned. It’s the ones who get hurt who end up being… loveable.”
“But today… today isn’t like that.”
He paused, smiling gently.
“I’m calling you loveable not because I want something from you—no, not at all. I’m saying it because… you’re still just a kid, Wade. A real kid.”
“Thirteen!” Wade insisted, a flicker of unease beneath his voice.
(Well… technically, yes. He had just turned thirteen today.)
“Of course, of course,” Machionni cooed, still grinning like a doting parent. Wade glared until the man finally wiped the smile from his face.
“Don’t worry,” Machionni said, voice suddenly serious. “Remus didn’t recommend Will. He didn’t even know him. He only helped by providing part of the funding—just enough so they could buy Wolfsbane Potion at a fraction of the cost. And he helped them look presentable, like proper individuals.”
Machionni leaned back. “He wanted a good image. Easier to find work that way.”
He paused. “As for hiring Will? That had nothing to do with Remus. It was purely practical.”
He gestured toward the door. “Will earns one salary but does three people’s work. He takes on all the dirty jobs without complaint. And when the moon is full? He’s gone. No one sees him. He’s perfect.”
Wade blinked, then flushed. “I… overthought it.”
Machionni grinned again. “You really overestimate me. If someone doesn’t bring value, I don’t care who they are—Remus himself wouldn’t be safe. Even if he were my closest friend.”
He leaned in, voice low. “I’m that kind of man. And if you or I ever lose our usefulness… he wouldn’t hesitate to let us go.”
A cold voice cut through the air from behind.
“Exactly.”
Machionni jumped, instantly turning into a picture of eager servility. “Oh! Professor! You’re here? You’re always my most grateful teacher!”
Professor Mor gave a curt grunt and sat down in Machionni’s usual chair, placing a small box onto the table.
Machionni waved his wand, and an empty chair slid smoothly into place behind him.
“Professor,” Wade asked, curious, “did you buy a Streaming Mirror?”
Professor Mor’s Alchemy Artifact had made Machionni a fortune. So even before the mirrors went on sale, Aslan Magical Workshop had gifted Professor Mor the most beautiful one.
“This one’s fascinating,” Professor Mor said. “I want to buy a few more—send them to some old friends.”
He turned to Wade, his tone soft now. “You know how some elders haven’t left their homes in years? They’re practically rotting inside. This mirror… it brings them joy. Keeps their lives from becoming too dull.”
Machionni sighed from the side. “Oh, you’re giving one to Nicolas Flamel, aren’t you? Just to show off how brilliant your student is. Honestly, Professor… a little childish.”
Professor Mor’s eyebrow twitched. Then, suddenly, he smiled at Wade.
“Wade. You came with friends, didn’t you?”
Wade blinked. “Uh… yeah.”
“Then go find them,” Professor Mor said gently. “Don’t leave them waiting. It’s not polite.”
“Oh. Right.” Wade hesitated, glancing at Machionni before bowing slightly and stepping away.
He hadn’t even reached the stairs when he heard Professor Mor’s voice again.
“Come on, Machionni. As your teacher, let me test your magic level—see if it’s declined.”
Machionni groaned. “No way, Professor. I’m so busy today…”
“Hmph.”
A cold laugh. Then, with a flash of light, a pale-haired, golden-eyed magic puppet suddenly grew to full size, grabbing Machionni by the collar and dragging him off his feet.
Machionni screamed in pain. “Professor! Professor, I’m sorry!”
(End of Chapter)
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