Chapter 303: It Has Finally Come
With a loud thud, Professor Mor arrived at the Gray residence, bringing Wade with him.
The sudden explosion-like sound immediately triggered alertness in the retired Auror. Moody’s house lights went out instantly, and a dark silhouette flashed past the window.
Otherwise, the street remained calm as ever. From within the Gray home, faint voices drifted out from the television.
"Fred—have you seen my hairpin? The one with the pink gemstones?" Fiona called out.
Through the window, Wade could see the household’s male master rising from the sofa and pacing around, searching for something.
Seeing that his parents’ lives were undisturbed by the intruders, Wade exhaled softly in relief.
Professor Mor, as always, made no move to knock on the front door or visit the Gray couple.
"Wade, go back home and stay put," Professor Mor said, placing a hand on Wade’s shoulder. "For the next few days, try not to leave the house at all. If you must go to Diagon Alley, make sure Moody goes with you."
"What about you, Professor?" Wade asked.
"I’ll contact Dumbledore…" Professor Mor paused, then added, "and a few old friends. We’ll be looking into Gul’s rescue and investigating this incident. Until we confirm everyone’s safety, you must stay on guard."
"Alright," Wade hesitated, then asked, "Should we report this to the Ministry of Magic?"
"The Ministry of Magic?" Professor Mor scoffed coldly. "It’s a bloated, useless institution. Once Fudge gets involved, they’ll make a massive scandal—loud and chaotic, but ultimately nothing will be accomplished."
Seeing Wade still looking up at him, Professor Mor felt a flicker of paternal affection. He swallowed the biting sarcasm, then spoke more gently: "The Ministry’s structure is too complex to keep anything secret. If the incident leaks, even if we don’t catch the perpetrators, the real danger is that Gul might still be in their hands."
He paused, the image of friends lost to fate flashing in his mind. A deep worry welled up inside him.
"If the message gets out, Gul will be in real danger. So I’ll contact Dumbledore and a few trusted Aurors. We’ll conduct a secret investigation. I suspect most of us would do the same."
Wade remained silent for a moment, then whispered, "Professor… please be careful."
Professor Mor smiled and ruffled his shoulder. "You take care of yourself too. Now go back inside."
Wade turned and walked away. As he opened the front door, he glanced back.
The white-haired man gave a soft, approving nod.
Wade returned the gesture with a small nod, then stepped inside. When he looked back through the window, the street was empty.
Professor Mor’s words echoed in Wade’s mind—because that was exactly what he was afraid of.
He worried that once the alchemists were released, they’d rush to the Ministry of Magic, shouting for help, broadcasting the incident everywhere.
The moment they stepped into the Ministry, the other side would learn of the failed kidnapping almost instantly.
And if they realized the operation had failed, Freckled Driver’s group might scatter immediately, hiding separately—rather than regrouping and returning to their base.
That would render Rita Skeeter’s long-term eavesdropping completely useless.
But the longer they delayed, the later they’d learn—giving Wade more time to gather intelligence.
In fact, he’d originally considered keeping everyone hidden in the Closet Space until the matter was resolved.
Even in unconsciousness, magic could sustain life signs.
But he couldn’t know when this would end. And he was also worried—long exposure to the gold powder might cause unknown harm to their bodies.
After weighing the risks, he decided to release them.
Wade had written the message in Gul’s voice, hoping to slow the spread of the news.
But now, Professor Mor’s words made him realize: even without the message, they probably wouldn’t dare make a public outcry.
So… when he thought back to how everyone had hastily fled and returned home—was it because they feared an unknown enemy?
Or did some of them already suspect… the message’s author was among them all along?
"Wade!"
A surprised voice rang out from behind him. Fiona came rushing down the stairs, hairpin in hand. "When did you get back? Why didn’t you say anything? Did you eat breakfast?"
Wade only answered the last question. "No, Mom."
"I’ll prepare something right away!" Fiona didn’t ask further. She rolled up her sleeves and headed straight for the kitchen, the three small magic puppets bouncing after her.
Wade watched them go, his gaze lingering until Coco, the last one, hopped through the kitchen door.
He turned his head again. Ferdinand, still in his robe, gestured toward the balcony.
"You came back so quickly—did something happen?" Ferdinand asked.
"Dad…" Wade paused, torn between confession and concealment. His voice wavered.
Ferdinand looked at him, then suddenly smiled and ruffled his hair. "It’s been years since I’ve seen that look on your face. Mom and I can’t do magic, and we can’t be a solid shield for you. But if you ever need to talk… or just some advice from an adult… you know I’m always here."
"Yes," Wade finally decided. "Something did happen at the exhibition. Someone inside tried to kidnap the alchemists. I was one of their targets. They didn’t succeed, but I’m worried they might come after you."
"Understood," Ferdinand said calmly, leaning against the railing. "Fiona and I will avoid going out as much as possible. I’ll handle my job from home. If we must go out, I’ll convince Moody to come along."
Wade blinked, surprised by his father’s calm demeanor. Then guilt washed over him. "I’m sorry, Dad. I brought danger to you because of me."
"No need to apologize, Wade," Ferdinand shook his head. "There are people who die in their sleep when a plane crashes on their house. Our danger isn’t because of you—it comes from those with ill intentions. Don’t forget that."
"I… after breakfast, I might have to leave for a few days. I need to meet a few friends who can help sort this out."
"Will it be dangerous?"
"If things get rough, I can vanish or turn into a falcon and escape. Don’t worry."
"Alright. Just promise me you’ll come back safe."
"Got it. And don’t tell Mom the truth—just say a classmate invited me to hang out for a couple of days."
"Understood."
At that moment, Fiona called from the dining room. Wade replied, then turned toward the house.
Ferdinand stayed a moment longer, then followed.
As he passed the giant mirror still showing the TV program, and the open Book of Friends on the coffee table, he saw Magic Puppet Ari carefully placing a plate that could fit it.
When Wade had first left with Professor Mor, Ferdinand had been unable to sleep, consumed by fear.
But now, he was surprised to find himself utterly calm. Perhaps because he had rehearsed this moment in his mind so many times before.
Now, only one thought remained.
It has finally come.
(End of Chapter)
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