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Chapter 539: Farewell
For the next week, reports in the Daily Prophet about the hunt for the Dark Wizard dwindled noticeably. Journalists were ecstatic, documenting the spectacle of magical ministers from various countries bickering, screaming at each other, and even—on one occasion—ripping off their shoes and throwing them in a heated brawl within the conference room.
It was said that the Ministry of Magic in Britain had been overwhelmed by a flood of howling letters. Every day, countless people complained about the safety of the World Cup Stadium and demanded compensation. The image of Minister Fudge, appearing on the Streaming Mirror, grew increasingly haggard with each passing day.
Meanwhile, the long-silent Umbridge had made a sudden and dramatic comeback. Her reputation soared after stepping in bravely during several of the chaotic altercations, defending the Minister’s dignity. As a result, she once again earned Fudge’s trust and favor.
In contrast, the minor incident of the “lost wand’s unexpected return” barely registered. It was briefly mentioned by reporters in The Daily Prophet as a footnote—nothing more than a passing anecdote.
The Ministry of Magic was in chaos, and the entire magical world buzzed with speculation. Yet no matter the turmoil, it couldn’t disrupt the scheduled start of term at Hogwarts.
Before the term began, Remus Lupin accompanied Wade to Diagon Alley to buy supplies and even commissioned a formal robe, complete with matching dragonhide boots.
“The notice said you’d need a formal robe,” Remus remarked, his tone carefully nonchalant, a mysterious smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. “I suppose you might want to find a dance partner. If I were you, I’d start thinking about who to invite—otherwise, you’ll be in a real pickle when the time comes.”
Wade played along with a knowing look. “When? I’m not staying on campus for Christmas.”
“No,” Remus said, “you’ll all be staying at school.” He paused, lowering his voice. “I can’t say more—this is classified intelligence. The Ministry considers it top secret. It’ll only be revealed when the time is right.”
Wade glanced at him, mentally sighing: Strange.
Strange how all the parents, without fail, were so tight-lipped about it. It wasn’t just their own whimsy—it seemed the Ministry of Magic was actively involved in maintaining the secrecy.
Fudge was probably afraid that if the news leaked too early and the tournament couldn’t go ahead, it would be a public embarrassment.
Sure, the World Cup had already humiliated the British Ministry beyond repair. But if Hogwarts performed well in the upcoming tournament, Fudge might just salvage some dignity from the wreckage.
Still… it wasn’t exactly a secret outside Britain. The only people still bound by the Ministry’s confidentiality rules were the students and parents at Hogwarts.
“In any case,” Remus added, “you can’t keep disappearing on your own all the time. I’ve heard even Harry can’t find you half the time. That’s unacceptable.”
As they returned Wade to the house, Remus repeated the warning with a warm, teasing smile. “Otherwise, when everyone else is dancing with their partners, will you really go asking Moaning Myrtle to the ball? James Potter was already chasing Lily Potter for three years by your age!”
Wade blinked innocently. “And you, Remus? With a personality like yours, I’m sure you had plenty of admirers back in school. How many relationships did you have?”
Remus froze. His playful smirk vanished. His eyes darted slightly, as if trying to look anywhere but at Wade. “We were in the middle of a war, you know,” he said, regaining composure. “Who had time for things like that?”
He clapped Wade on the shoulder. “Just pack your things. I’ll come pick you up in a couple of days.”
Wade sighed. “Can’t I just Apparate straight to school?”
Remus exhaled. “You forgot? You haven’t passed the Ministry’s Apparition exam yet. Every Apparition now is illegal.”
“I could go from Hogsmeade,” Wade suggested.
“No,” Remus said firmly. “Riding the train with friends to Hogwarts is part of the experience. You may not feel it now, but you’ll miss it later.” He patted Wade’s shoulder again. “Don’t worry, Wade. You’re in the most wonderful time of your life. Take your time. Savor it. Time flies faster than you think.”
…
The holiday truly did vanish in a flash. Before either of them realized, the day arrived—September 1st, the start of term.
The weather had been dreary for days, and on this particular morning, the rain came down in sheets. The sound of water pounding the rooftops began early and showed no sign of stopping.
Fiona hurriedly pulled out a raincoat and helped Wade put it on. It was bulky and awkward, and sitting in the car only made it worse—water seeped through the seams, soaking everything. Wade preferred an umbrella.
“Still a ways to go to the station!” Fiona insisted. “With a storm like this, a tiny umbrella won’t do a thing. A few steps, and you’ll be soaked through.”
Ferdinand silently handed out two old raincoats—one for himself, one for Remus Lupin.
Dobby scurried down the stairs, clutching the owl cage. “Wade forgot his owl! Eva’s furious!”
“No, don’t bring it,” Ferdinand said. “Leave the suitcase here for now.” He turned to Dobby. “Do you know Hogwarts’ house-elf?”
“Yes!” Dobby chirped, his eyes wide with pride.
“Once the rain stops, can you help deliver these things to school?” Ferdinand asked. “It’s too much trouble dragging luggage in this weather.”
“Of course!” Dobby declared proudly. “Dobby will help!” He loved feeling useful.
So Wade tucked a single Galleon into his pocket, and Ferdinand drove him and Remus to King’s Cross Station.
This time, Ferdinand didn’t get out. He stayed parked on the roadside, watching his son—lightly packed, accompanied by Remus Lupin—walk into the station. A sudden lump formed in his throat. His eyes stung.
“Growing up already…” he murmured, lighting a cigarette. The car windows were blurred with raindrops, making the outside world a smudged, indistinct haze.
After a few minutes, he started the engine and slowly merged into the flickering red glow of the tail lights.
…
Inside the station, the deep red Hogwarts Express was already waiting at Platform 9¾. The air was thick with the sounds of farewells and laughter.
Wade arrived early and found an empty compartment without trouble. He leaned out the window to wave goodbye to Remus Lupin.
Farther down, a first-year student clung tightly to his mother, refusing to let go. When the woman finally pulled him away, he burst into tears.
Wade and Remus exchanged a glance.
Remus hesitated. “Maybe… you could use a hug?”
“Nah,” Wade said. “We’ll probably meet in Hogsmeade next weekend.”
“True,” Remus chuckled. Unlike other parents, he didn’t linger. He waved once, then said, “Take care of yourself. If anything unexpected happens, contact me right away.”
Wade gave a nod. “Got it.”
Then Sirius Black arrived with Harry. He leaned against the train, sighing. “You’ll have a fantastic year. I wish I’d had half as much fun when I was at Hogwarts.”
“What?” Harry asked, bewildered, as his godfather shoved him into the train.
“Hey!” Fred yelled from nearby, furious. “You all know something, and you’re keeping it from us?”
The adults exchanged knowing smiles. Wade remained expressionless, silently rolling his eyes.
Then, suddenly, he spotted Antoine standing near a pillar, dressed in Muggle clothes—dark suit and windbreaker—smiling and waving at him.
The train gave a long, mournful whistle. The wheels clattered against the tracks, carrying the students toward Hogwarts.
(End of Chapter)
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