Chapter 544: Anthony's Request
The feast ended, and Wade’s first priority was still the same—finding Professor McGonagall to retrieve the Time-Turner.
The fire in the fireplace flickered gently. Professor McGonagall sat in her chair, her expression far softer than it had been in the Great Hall.
“Sit down, Wade,” she said.
From a cabinet, she retrieved the box that housed the Time-Turner. She opened it, but didn’t hand it over immediately.
“I know your class schedule is much more flexible now. Even without the Time-Turner, you could manage your time just fine… but I still applied for it on your behalf.”
She looked directly into Wade’s eyes, her voice serious and earnest: “Because I know you’ve piled on more tasks than anyone else. Even doubling your time wouldn’t be enough. You really need this device.”
Wade smiled. “That’s true. Thank you for your help, Professor.”
“Still,” she asked, “do you remember the rules for using the Time-Turner?”
Wade nodded. “No direct interference with events that have already happened. No more than five hours. No frequent use within the same time frame. It’s only for study—never for personal gain. And… absolutely never tell anyone about it.”
A faint, almost imperceptible smile tugged at the corner of Professor McGonagall’s lips before she resumed her composed expression. She pushed the box toward him.
“Good. Remember to follow the rules strictly.”
“I will.”
Wade reached in, took out the device, and slipped the long golden chain around his neck. He tucked the hourglass deep into his robes.
“One more thing,” Professor McGonagall added. “If you’re planning to join the tournament, remember—under no circumstances are you to use the Time-Turner to influence the outcome of a match. Understood?”
“Of course,” Wade replied. “If victory requires cheating, I’d rather lose honorably.”
A barely-there smile touched her lips. “Good. You may go back now.”
…
Watching her most proud student leave her office, Professor McGonagall slowly unclasped her tight bun, then touched her left ear.
Almost instantly, Filius Flitwick’s eager voice crackled through the earpiece:
“Well? Well? Minerva, did Wade go to get the Time-Turner? What did he say?”
“He just left,” she replied, pouring herself a Butterbeer and stepping to the window to gaze at the distant Black Lake. “You were wrong. He’s already preparing to enter the tournament.”
A pause. Then Flitwick shrieked: “Are you sure? He’s really going to compete?”
“Yes. I’ve spoken with him myself.”
“Brilliant!” Flitwick’s voice rose with excitement. “I thought he’d hate anything that drew attention! I’ve been trying to convince him for days!”
Professor McGonagall chuckled. “Seems this child is more eager than you thought…”
“Ha! Maybe he’s doing it for Hogwarts’ honor,” Flitwick chirped, bobbing his head. “If Wade’s in, the trophy’s ours for sure!”
But McGonagall wasn’t so optimistic. She sipped her drink, her eyes shadowed with concern.
“I have no doubt of his talent. But compared to adults, Wade’s magic is still… not quite there yet. Other schools will have their own exceptional students.”
She exhaled. “And this tournament is unprecedented—eleven schools competing. The danger level will be far higher than ever before. Anything could happen during the matches…”
“Besides,” Flitwick added cheerfully, “Dumbledore’s watching. The Ministry learned from the last World Cup. They’ll be taking safety very seriously.”
“Still,” McGonagall said softly, “even if the spells are flawless, a tournament isn’t just about magic. It’s about trusting your teammates. Knowing when to ask for help. And… being ready for tricks beyond the stadium.”
Flitwick rubbed his chin thoughtfully. “I see. I’ll talk to him again. Thank you, Minerva. That warning was a real help.”
The connection ended with two soft beeps. Professor McGonagall blinked, confused.
—Filius… exactly what did he understand?
…
When Wade returned to the common room, everyone else had already gone to bed. Only Anthony Goldstein remained, seated by the fireplace, reading a copy of Practical Defense Magic.
A cat—belonging to someone in the house—lay on the mantelpiece, its tail swaying lazily.
Wade glanced at it, confirmed it was just an ordinary pet, then walked over and sat across from Anthony.
“Is there something I can help with, Anthony?”
Anthony closed his book, hesitated, then asked, “Wade… are you going to enter the tournament?”
Wade nodded. “Of course.”
Anthony let out a breath, relief spreading across his face. “Good. That puts my mind at ease.”
“At ease?” Wade raised an eyebrow. “Why?”
“Because now I don’t have to lie awake wondering how I’d respond to fan letters if I somehow won,” Anthony said seriously.
Wade stared. “You came to me for that?”
“Ha! Of course not.” Anthony chuckled, set the book aside, and rubbed his face. “My aunt lives in Russia. She told me the students at Kodostoriz received messages months ago. They’ve already selected their top performers and have been training for at least two months.”
Wade said nothing. He already knew all this.
“Magic Institute, Ilvermorny, Durmstrang… most schools are preparing early. And Durmstrang—well, you know what they teach their students, don’t you?”
“I’ve heard.”
“Which is why I’m worried,” Anthony admitted. “I asked Professor Flitwick if Hogwarts had a training plan. He said no.”
He sighed. “But he also said we could organize our own training and studying—Hogwarts wouldn’t stop us.”
At that point, Wade understood exactly why Anthony had sought him out.
Sure enough, Anthony continued: “Wade, I know your time is tight. But if we don’t want to embarrass Hogwarts in the tournament, we need someone inside to lead the training. And that person… has to be you.”
(End of Chapter)
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