Chapter 290: I'm a Werewolf Too
Chapter 290: I'm a Werewolf Too
In less than ten minutes, Machione had transformed into a disheveled figure with an additional dark circle under his eye.
"Stop grinning like a fool," said the white-haired automaton sternly. "When you mock others, be prepared to take a beating."
"I wasn't mocking Professor Morrow," Machione protested. "I was just stating a fact..."
Before Machione could finish his sentence, he witnessed the automaton revert to its original form with varying finger lengths and being pocketed by Professor Morrow.
Machione fell to the ground with a loud thud and muttered, "What's the point of explaining to an automaton?"
Professor Morrow nudged his calf with her toe and said, "Or perhaps you should explain why you can't even beat an automaton?"
"Is this an ordinary automaton?" Machione asked, narrowing his eyes at the professor. "The automatons produced in our workshop aren't nearly as agile or powerful! This must be a special product that Vold secretly gave you!"
Professor Morrow squinted and asked, "How so? Do you think it's unfair?"
"It's unfair to begin with," Machione grumbled. "But I finally understand why you favor Vold so much..."
"Oh?"
"That kid has been sheltered too much by his parents and Hogwarts... He lives in an ivory tower, innocent and kind, standing out in this cruel world."
Machione spoke with a deep tone.
Professor Morrow fell silent for a while.
He thought of certain individuals...
People like Peter Pettigrew, Lockhart, Kilow, students being chased by insects in the maze, the busy Madam Pomfrey, and Dumbledore, who was worried about his students turning bad.
Professor Morrow examined Machione with an odd look, wondering how he had arrived at such a unique conclusion.
...
Vold descended to the first floor and saw the floating mirror displaying a new scene—a recent match between Braga Broom Fleet from Portugal and Kafeili from Wales.
In reality, Vold knew nothing about these two teams, but the mirror was broadcasting the passionate commentary of the announcer, and there were Quidditch enthusiasts among the first-floor spectators.
The small mirrors on the shelves were quickly snatched up, and despite the staff constantly restocking, the shelves remained unfilled.
Harry finally managed to extricate himself from the crowd, standing in the corner with his hood up, staring intently at the enlarged screen.
Sirius directly chose two of the best small mirrors and lined up to pay.
Vold casually wandered around the store. Most of Aslan's best-selling items had been developed with his involvement, and he owned the best samples.
Consequently, Vold quickly became bored. He greeted Lupin, put on his hood, and squeezed his way out of the store.
Since it wasn't the time for students to gather and buy new books before the start of school, the number of customers in Diagon Alley had significantly decreased, except for the area near Aslan Magical Workshop.
Vold planned to visit the old bookstore to search for a few books and occasionally purchase old wizarding notes—of course, most of them were dross, but occasionally, he would stumble upon a delightful surprise filled with valuable insights.
"I'm sorry, Wil can't make it. He's too busy... If you agree, I can take his place..."
A faint, trembling voice reached Vold's ears.
For a moment, Vold thought someone had called his name, only to realize that the person was referring to Wil.
It was a peculiar feeling to hear about someone he had just met from someone else's mouth.
Perhaps the speaker's voice trembled a little, and Vaid hesitated before turning towards the direction of the sound.
As he passed by a shop sign, he tapped his wand on his head, and a chilling sensation instantly enveloped his body.
The boy seemed to merge into the air, his figure swiftly disappearing from his original spot.
Vaid used two more spells in succession, concealing his footsteps and scent. Turning the corner, he finally caught sight of the speaker in a narrow alley.
His guess was correct—it was the girl who had been talking to Wil at Aslan.
The girl was very thin, with a petite figure, silky golden hair that was fine and soft, a pale complexion, and rather plain features.
She looked like a child who hadn't grown up.
In front of her was a person in a black cloak, their figure completely hidden. They seemed to be examining the golden-haired girl with cold eyes.
"Do you know what we're going to do, Claire?" the person asked in a low voice.
The golden-haired girl, Claire, nodded vigorously and said, "I know... it's about testing potions, right? Wil can, and I can too. I... I'm also a werewolf."
The person suddenly let out a cold laugh.
Vaid's eyes widened in surprise.
The voice of the black-robed wizard was unfamiliar, but the laugh was very familiar.
"Do you have magical powers too?" the black-robed wizard asked again.
Claire was startled, then lowered her head and shook it dejectedly.
"I... I can't..."
The black-robed wizard paused for a moment before asking, "So, you were originally a Muggle?"
"Yes," Claire said, biting her lip.
"When were you bitten?"
"When I was seven years old."
"Most Muggles who are attacked by werewolves end up dying from their injuries. How did you survive?" the black-robed wizard asked again.
"I... luckily, there was a wizard in our village. He heard the commotion and came to treat me in time..." Claire gathered her courage and asked, "Does this... have anything to do with the potion testing too?"
"No," the black-robed wizard said. "Just curious."
"Then I..."
"No," the black-robed wizard said lazily. "The potion must be tested on someone with magical powers to get accurate results. Even if you're a werewolf, you're not qualified. Only Wil can do it."
"But... but..." Claire clenched her teeth. "Wil has already found a job. He doesn't have to risk his life to test potions for you anymore!"
The black-robed wizard looked her up and down and said with a smile, "If Wil says so himself, then we won't bother him. But your words don't count."
"But..."
"You don't understand the situation, so don't make decisions for him, Claire."
Claire wanted to say something more, but the black-robed wizard seemed to have lost patience with her. With a wave of his hand, he turned and left, leaving behind only one sentence—
"Tell Wil for me—if he wants to find us, meet at the usual place tomorrow night at 11 o'clock."
Claire stood there in a daze, looking as if she might shatter.
Vaid thought for a moment, then took out a bottle of compound potion from his bag and drank it in one gulp.
The invisible figure began to grow taller, and his black hair turned gray. His facial features also changed.
Soon, the wizard Vendar reappeared.
Vaid switched to a backup wand, dispelled the Disillusionment Charm, and walked out from the corner.
(End of Chapter)
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