Chapter 303: It's Finally Here
Chapter 303: It's Finally Here
With a loud "Bang," Professor Morrow arrived with Vold, near the Gray residence.
The sound, like a bursting balloon, immediately caught the attention of the retired Auror, Moody. The lights in the Moody residence went out instantly, and a dark figure swiftly darted past the window.
Apart from this, the street remained as peaceful as ever, with the faint sound of a television program coming from the Gray house.
"Ferdy—have you seen my hairpin with the pink gemstone?" Fiona asked.
Through the window, they could see the male owner of the Gray residence getting up from the sofa and pacing around to help search for the item.
Seeing that his parents' lives hadn't been disturbed by those people, Vold felt a sense of relief.
As usual, Professor Morrow had no intention of visiting the Gray couple.
"Vold, stay at home and don't go out for the next few days," Professor Morrow instructed, placing a hand on Vold's shoulder.
"If you need to go to Diagon Alley for shopping, take Moody with you."
"What about you, Professor?" Vold asked.
"I'll contact Dumbledore..." Professor Morrow paused, then continued, "and some of my old friends, to rescue Gor and investigate this matter. You must also be careful at all times until we ensure safety."
"Okay." Vold hesitated and then said, "Should we report this to the Ministry of Magic?"
"The Ministry of Magic?"
Professor Morrow scoffed disdainfully, "That's just a bloated and incompetent organization. Once Fudge gets involved, they'll make a big fuss and end up with nothing."
Seeing Vold still looking up at him, Professor Morrow felt a surge of affection for his child. He swallowed the sarcasm that had been on the tip of his tongue and explained in a gentle voice, "The Ministry of Magic is a complex organization with a diverse staff, making it difficult to keep secrets. If the news leaks out, the most important thing is that Gor might still be in their hands, even if they don't catch the culprits."
He paused, thinking of his friend whose fate was unknown, and couldn't help but feel worried.
"If the news gets out, Gor will be in danger... So, I'll contact Dumbledore and some friends among the Aurors for a discreet investigation. I think others will probably have the same idea."
Vold remained silent for a while, then spoke softly, "Professor, please be careful."
Professor Morrow patted his shoulder with a smile and said, "You must also protect yourself. Alright, go home."
Vold turned back and opened the front door, glancing back at the white-haired old man, who nodded with a smile.
Vold nodded in return and returned home. When he looked out the window again, there was no one else on the street.
What Professor Morrow said was also what Vold was concerned about.
He worried that the alchemists, once released, would spread the word and seek help from the Ministry of Magic in a grand manner.
The moment they stepped into the Ministry of Magic, Will's group might receive the news.
In that case, they would immediately know that the kidnapping operation had completely failed, and the speckle-faced driver and the others might disband and hide separately instead of trying to return to their hideout.
Rita Skeeter's eavesdropping mission would become pointless.
On the contrary, the longer the delay, the later they would receive the news, and the more intelligence Vold could gather.
Therefore, he had initially considered keeping everyone in the closet space until this matter was resolved.
Even in a state of unconsciousness, there were many magical ways to maintain vital signs.
However, Vold couldn't be sure when this matter would "end."
He was also concerned that prolonged exposure to the golden dust might cause unknown harm to his body, so after weighing the options, he ultimately decided to release everyone.
Vaid spoke in Gor's voice, leaving a message with the intention of slowing down the spread of the news.
But Professor Morrow's words made him realize that even without the message, they might not have made a big deal out of it.
Thinking back to that moment, he wondered if the crowd's hurried return home was due to fear of an unknown enemy or because some of them had already guessed that the messenger was among them.
"Vaid!"
A surprised voice called from upstairs, and Fiona, with a hair clip in her hand, hurried over.
"When did you get back? Why didn't you say anything? Have you had breakfast?"
Vaid only answered the last question, "No, Mom."
"I'll go prepare it right away!"
Without asking any questions, Fiona rolled up her sleeves and headed to the kitchen, followed by the three little automatons jumping behind her.
Vaid's gaze followed them until even Cocoa, the last one, hopped into the kitchen.
He turned his attention to Ferdinand, who was still in his robe, gesturing for Vaid to go to the balcony.
"What's the rush? Did something happen?" Ferdinand asked.
"Dad..."
Vaid hesitated, torn between the urge to confess and the impulse to keep quiet.
Ferdinand looked at him and suddenly smiled, ruffling his hair.
"It's been many years since I last saw that expression on your face... Vaid, your mother and I don't have magic, and we can't provide you with a solid support. But if you need someone to talk to or some advice from an adult... you know I'm always here for you."
"Yes," Vaid finally made up his mind. He spoke softly, "Something did happen at the exhibition. Someone tried to kidnap the participating alchemists, and I was one of their targets. Of course, they didn't succeed, but I'm worried they might come after you as well."
"I understand."
Ferdinand leaned against the railing, listening without showing much change in his expression. He nodded calmly, "Recently, Fiona and I will try to avoid going out. I can work from home. If I must go out, I'll convince Mr. Moody to accompany me."
Vaid blinked, surprised by his father's composed attitude. He felt guilty and said, "Sorry, Dad. Because of me, you're in danger."
"No need to apologize, Vaid," Ferdinand shook his head.
"There are people who stay home and suddenly get hit by a plane! Our danger doesn't come from you, but from those with ill intentions. Don't get that wrong."
"After dinner, I might have to go out for a few days... to find some friends who can help with this matter..." Vaid added.
"Is it dangerous?" Ferdinand asked.
"If there's danger, I can turn invisible or transform into a peregrine falcon to escape," Vaid assured him.
"Okay... Just make sure you come back safely," Ferdinand said. "Don't tell Fiona the truth. Just say your classmates invited you for a couple of days."
"I understand."
At that moment, Fiona's voice called from the dining room, and Vaid responded, heading towards the house.
Ferdinand stood there for a while before following.
He passed by the grand mirror that was playing a program and the Friend Ledger spread out on the coffee table, seeing Automaton Ali placing it into a dish that could contain it.
When Vaid first left with Professor Morrow, Ferdinand had been so worried that he couldn't sleep at night.
But now, he was surprised to find his heart so calm, perhaps because he had rehearsed this moment in his mind many times. At that moment, he had only one thought—
It's finally here.
(End of Chapter)
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