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Chapter 45: Book of Friends
Wade knew full well the significance of the "Telephone." But he had assumed—once the Muggle world already had mobile phones and the internet—that the appearance of an instantaneous communication device in the Wizarding World was hardly surprising. After all, wizards had long possessed Double-sided Mirrors, which functioned much like video calls. The Parchment’s advantage was simply that it was cheaper, and the spells involved were straightforward—so simple, in fact, that the prerequisites for such a discovery had existed for centuries. It was as if no one had ever thought to put them together.
Wade kept a polite smile on his face, hoping Professor Mor would understand his unspoken message: The research is yours for the taking—let’s discuss terms. Share the glory. Don’t let pride turn you into an enemy. Don’t even think about drawing your wand.
Because if he had to, Wade would defend himself.
He didn’t truly believe Hogwarts under Dumbledore’s leadership was inviolable. Obliviate and the Imperius Curse weren’t exactly rare or difficult.
But Professor Mor didn’t seem to grasp the warning. Without hesitation, he shot back:
“How isn’t it significant? The Americas existed for thousands of years before Columbus discovered them—yet he’s still hailed as a hero! Dumbledore uncovered twelve uses of dragon blood. Did no one study dragon blood before? Of course they did! But you’re the one who found them. Standing on the shoulders of giants isn’t shameful—what matters is that you were the first to make the leap!”
He paused, then added, “Wait—let me write two letters.”
Wade’s racing heart finally slowed.
He suddenly realized: Professor Mor had no intention of seizing his Alchemical Discovery. He wasn’t even trying to claim it. He was genuinely, unreservedly happy for him.
It was just that Professor Mor’s expression was so wildly enthusiastic, his eyes so bright with excitement, that it had felt threatening—like a storm of energy barely contained.
Wade took a slow breath, adjusting his posture. He realized his own mindset was off.
It was because of Quirrell… and Dumbledore.
His trust in the professors at Hogwarts had plummeted. He instinctively assumed the worst—projecting the worst possible motives onto them.
But in truth, Professor Flitwick was gentle and kind, and Professor Mor had been nothing but supportive and guiding since they’d met. To distrust them so deeply was unjust.
Professor Mor remained utterly unaware of Wade’s inner turmoil. He scribbled a few lines, then paused and asked:
“By the way, Wade—what do you call this work? It needs a name, doesn’t it?”
Wade kept his voice calm.
“Yes. I call it… Book of Friends.”
He wrote the words on parchment, then frowned. It felt too plain. So he added the Chinese characters beneath: 《友之书》.
“What’s this?” Professor Mor leaned in, poking at the elegant, flowing characters like they were a painting.
“Chinese for Book of Friends,” Wade explained, then spoke the words aloud in Mandarin.
Professor Mor tried awkwardly to mimic the pronunciation, then paused, smiled, and said:
“Nice. It could become your signature.”
He bent back to his writing. “Wade, did you apply to stay on campus during the holiday?”
“No,” Wade replied, sitting beside him. “My parents have been hoping I’d come home.”
“On the third day after Christmas, I’m hosting a small party at my house. Make sure you’re free that day.”
He paused, then added with a wink: “I’ll introduce you to a few… let’s say, valuable friends.”
“Of course, Professor. I’d be honored.”
Guilty conscience made him unusually compliant.
“Also,” Professor Mor said, lowering his voice, “keep Book of Friends under wraps for now. Don’t go public with it.” He winked again. “You’ll get a surprise during the holidays.”
A faint ember of doubt still smoldered in Wade’s chest. He hesitated, then said:
“Actually… I was planning to give it as a Christmas gift to my friends. If it’s well received, I thought I might sell a few copies to classmates—just to earn some pocket money…”
“Oh—Wade—Wade—” Professor Mor lifted his eyes, smiling gently, as if looking at a child. “My boy, you’re still young. You don’t yet understand—there are two kinds of Alchemists in the world.”
He tapped his chest, then pointed at Wade.
“One kind learns a little Alchemy, works in the Ministry or some company—called Alchemist, but in truth, they’re just labor for capital. The other kind… is me.”
He paused.
“And you.”
Wade blinked, surprised.
“Shocked? Think this is too much for you?” Professor Mor seemed to read his mind.
Wade nodded. “I thought… it was just a simple little thing. I’ve barely begun in Alchemy.”
Professor Mor shook his head, smiling. “The inventor of the Feather Quill probably thought it was just a simple little thing too. And yet we’ve used it for over a thousand years.”
He finished the letter, sealed it with his personal wax mark, and sent it off with an owl. Then he turned to Wade and said:
“Gifts between friends? Fine. But selling your own creations? No. You’ve got better things to do than be a vendor or a craftsman. Put your time into real discovery.”
…
That night, after finishing all the Book of Friends he’d prepared for holiday gifts, Wade returned to his Common Room. Exhausted, he collapsed onto his bed, staring at the ceiling, thinking about everyone he’d met here.
Quirrell, drifting through the castle like a ghost.
Voldemort—whose presence lingered in the shadows.
And Dumbledore—cold, calculating, placing every student’s life on a chessboard, yet also the guardian of this school.
Michael had asked, “Don’t you feel bitter?”
Liam had said, “I thought things like this were far beyond us.”
Fred had muttered, “Dumbledore really knows everything.”
Hermione had replied, “Dumbledore’s right… the weight of reality and hatred would crush anyone else.”
And Harry Potter—the boy who lived—a name etched in legend.
Wade covered his eyes, pretending to sleep.
Suddenly, a soft pop echoed through the room—like a tiny bubble bursting.
Wade snapped his eyes open.
Standing in the center of the dormitory was House-elf Zoe.
“You came, Zoe,” Wade smiled. “Thanks for agreeing to help me.”
Zoe whispered, “Wade Gray needs help. Zoe will help. But Zoe did not receive the signal… so she came to check.”
“Because today, I wasn’t in danger,” Wade said. “Professor Mor is… better than I thought.”
He pulled out a small green “bean” from his pocket and showed it to her.
It was their communication charm—a magical bean. Zoe held the matching one.
After finishing the Book of Friends, Wade had crafted these tiny Magic Beans, infused with Connection Charm and Transformation Charm.
When he squeezed it hard, hers would grow warm.
Ever since that “accidental” encounter with Quirrell, Wade had been obsessed with survival.
Dumbledore had his plans. The professors wouldn’t protect him unless Dumbledore ordered it.
The only ones he could rely on—truly, without condition—were the House-elves.
And he’d built a good rapport with the few elves who served Ravenclaw Tower.
These strange creatures could Apparate anywhere in Hogwarts, their magic often stronger than that of some adult wizards.
While they couldn’t defy the professors’ orders, helping a student escape danger wasn’t a violation of duty.
So Wade made a pact with Zoe:
If her bean heats up, she’ll appear instantly and whisk him away to safety.
He’d carried the bean with him before meeting Professor Mor.
He’d prepared for the worst.
But thankfully, he hadn’t needed it.
(End of Chapter)
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