Chapter 360: Transfer Student
Dumbledore gave a gentle nod. "He is still a child. Even if he has made mistakes, I believe he deserves a chance to correct them... and he was always meant to be a student at Hogwarts."
Wade had already anticipated the headmaster’s words. Kariel was only thirteen. Dumbledore had given Voldemort countless chances—how could he deny the same to a child who had been manipulated and taken?
"But..." Wade frowned slightly. "Mr. Johnson has been searching for him. Shouldn’t we let them reunite? I think Mr. Johnson might not want Kariel to attend any magic school again."
"That is another troubling message, Wade," Dumbledore said. "Mr. Landon Johnson has vanished. I checked the last place he stayed—it’s been abandoned for months."
Wade froze. "He... you mean he might be...?"
Dumbledore shook his head slowly. "I don’t know. But the boy has nowhere else to go—except Hogwarts."
"For over two years, he’s been exposed to harmful influences within that organization, Wade. I need you to keep an eye on him. Guide him in learning to distinguish right from wrong."
---
As Wade left the Headmaster’s office, his mind was heavy. He couldn’t refuse Dumbledore’s request—especially not when the man looked so weary. But the thought of seeing Kariel again made him frown instinctively.
Wade’s friends understood boundaries. When he wanted to be alone, no one would recklessly pull him into their circle.
But Kariel? He clearly had no concept of personal space.
Yet, no matter how much Wade disliked the idea, Kariel appeared—boldly and without hesitation—right in front of him.
Dinner time arrived, and Wade entered the Great Hall. To his surprise, all four house tables were nearly full—something rare on a normal evening.
"What’s going on?" Wade asked as he sat down, having been given a seat by Michael.
"Who knows?" Michael shrugged. "Professor Flee sent word through the prefects—everyone’s supposed to be here on time tonight."
Several older students glanced toward the staff table.
"Professor Abigail’s still here," Penelope exhaled in relief. "Good. That means the Defense Against Dark Arts professor hasn’t been attacked again."
"Who even could?" Marietta said. "You forget how powerful Professor Abigail is. I doubt she’d need a wand to take down a Giant."
"Still," Penelope said, "Defense Against Dark Arts is a dangerous position. Who knows what could happen?"
The chatter continued, and latecomers trickled in.
Suddenly, someone tapped Wade on the shoulder.
He turned—and stared in surprise. It was Percy Weasley. They hardly ever spoke.
Percy’s tone was unusually polite, though still tinged with that familiar air of authority. He managed a small smile.
"Gray," Percy said. "I heard you signed up for Twelve Courses?"
"Yes," Wade replied, unsure of the purpose behind the conversation.
"So you’ve gotten... that?" Percy gestured subtly with his fingers.
"Of course," Wade said.
"Be careful with it. Remember the professor’s warnings. Don’t break any rules."
Percy sounded exactly like Professor McGonagall—solemn, authoritative, like an elder lecturing a child. "It’s all for your safety."
"Uh... thanks?" Wade replied, utterly bewildered. Michael beside him rolled his eyes so hard it was almost audible.
Percy continued walking slowly—then was suddenly called out by a group of girls.
"Weasley, what did you just say to Gray? Was that a secret?"
They giggled, watching him closely. Percy’s freckled face flushed slightly, but he played it cool.
"Just some necessary guidance," he said smoothly. "About how to manage your time across multiple course choices."
Marietta nodded slowly. "Makes sense. You did get twelve OWLs, after all."
Qiu Zhang beside her smiled faintly, saying nothing.
Percy cleared his throat and adjusted his Student Council President badge, angling it toward the light so it sparkled.
"Ahem. I’m not showing off—truly. But very few students manage to achieve this. I just hope Gray can stay persistent, like me. Not give up halfway through."
Wade stared at Percy, then at Michael, eyes wide. "What was that about? Does he have a problem with me?"
"What else could it be?" Michael sneered. "He’s just using you as a way to talk to Penelope. Ignore whatever he says—it’s all just noise."
Wade glanced again. Sure enough, when Penelope started talking to Percy, his expression lit up instantly—completely ignoring everyone else.
"Talking in code like that... you’d think they’re being subtle," Wade said, incredulous. "But honestly, how can they not see how obvious it is?"
"Not everyone has our level of clarity," Michael said, lifting his chin slightly. "Look—over there. Someone’s completely missed it."
He meant Marietta.
While Percy and Penelope talked, Marietta kept inserting herself into the conversation. Qiu Zhang tried to cut her off a few times, but she didn’t get the hint.
Percy didn’t stay long. He had to head toward the front of the Gryffindor table, glancing over at Fred and George, who were quietly watching their younger brothers.
The twins weren’t causing trouble—just eagerly waiting for something unusual to happen tonight.
The staff table filled up gradually. Only one seat remained empty—Professor McGonagall’s place beside Dumbledore.
With the students nearly all present, Dumbledore raised his fork and tapped his glass.
Clink. Clink.
The clear, ringing sound echoed through the Great Hall. Everyone fell silent.
"Good evening, students," Dumbledore stood, smiling. "I hope you all had a pleasant weekend."
"Tonight, we gather not just for dinner, but to welcome a new transfer student—Kariel Johnson!"
The Great Hall erupted into murmurs.
"Who’s that? Have you heard of him?"
"Johnson? Any known pure-blood family by that name?"
"Hey, Angelina, is he related to your family?"
"No, I’ve never heard of him."
"Wasn’t there an old alliance between the Evrillys and a Johnson? Not sure if it’s the same branch..."
The doors at the far end of the hall swung open.
Professor McGonagall entered, accompanied by a young boy—a stranger to everyone in the hall. He stood tall, eyes sharp, staring coldly at the whispering students.
But no one cared about fear. All eyes were fixed on the new arrival.
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
Report
