Chapter 57: Reward and Test
“Can Mr. Kule simply take Galleons straight out of your Treasure Vault?”
While waiting in the hall for Professor Mor, Wade whispered to Machionni.
“No need to worry,” Machionni replied in a hushed tone, knowing exactly what Wade was thinking. “Goblins—they can put Galleons into a Treasure Vault, but they can’t take them out unless authorized by the Vault’s Master. The Ministry of Magic made a Covenant with the goblins long ago—a very ancient and powerful one. Because goblins would never steal from their own vaults, people have always trusted Gringotts Wizarding Bank with their most precious things.”
“But I heard—Gringotts was broken into this summer?” Wade recalled a news report he’d once read.
“Yes, that’s true,” said Lahuan, the goblin who had just approached with Professor Mor, his voice sharpening immediately. “But he took nothing. Gringotts remains the safest place in the wizarding world.”
Professor Mor returned empty-handed. Machionni didn’t ask any questions. As they stepped out through the grand door of Gringotts, he turned to the two and said, “Sorry, Professor, Wade—I must head straight to arranging the launch of new products. Only a few days until school starts. So much business coordination still needed!”
Professor Mor nodded. “Go ahead, Machionni.”
“See you next time, Mr. Machionni,” Wade said politely.
Machionni gave a brief bow with one hand on his hat and hurried off. Wade watched him go—toward the offices of The Daily Prophet. Though he’d thought it a hundred times already, he couldn’t help but mutter again: “Mr. Machionni truly is someone who never wastes a second.”
“Whenever money’s involved, he’s always the most eager,” Professor Mor said, leading Wade down the staircase. “But he’s an excellent businessman—not necessarily more honest than others, but his vision is far clearer. To gain greater rewards, he’s willing to build foundations over years, even decades.”
He looked at Wade with warm admiration. “If you were thirty or forty and had just invented the Book of Friends in a flash of inspiration, I’d warn you to be careful—Machionni might try every way possible to extract more benefits from you. But you’re only eleven. That’s a pause in his voice. A faint, thoughtful smile crossed his lips.
Wade guessed, “Being young makes one more easily deceived, doesn’t it?”
“No, Wade,” Professor Mor said gently. “Age is your current weakness—but also your strength. Machionni and I both see your potential. We’re watching for the day you’ll shine. That’s why he’s helping you now—giving you time, resources, energy. He’s even willing to give up some extra benefits to support your growth, hoping that one day, you’ll return far greater rewards.”
Wade frowned slightly.
Professor Mor didn’t look down at him, yet seemed to read his thoughts perfectly. “Not happy? Do you think he’s too calculating?”
“It’s not that I’m unhappy,” Wade said carefully, not quite admitting it. “I understand that most human relationships are built on being needed and being useful. But Machionni is so warm—so eager—it’s hard to believe his motives are so… practical.”
He hesitated, searching for the right word to describe the contrast.
Professor Mor smiled. “Cold-heartedness? Too much focus on practical interests?”
Wade nodded silently.
“Wade,” Professor Mor said, “in this world, the worst thing isn’t being used. Being useful is actually a sign of your talent and value. The truly pitiful are those with no utility at all—like a speck of dust, unnoticed when gone, unnoticed when present. So don’t fear or resent someone wanting to use you. Learn to thrive within such relationships—use their interest to fuel your own growth. But always keep a clear mind. Protect your own interests. Never become someone else’s tool. Become your own master.”
He glanced down at the boy—his grey eyes fixed on him with quiet intensity. Though Wade said nothing, Mor knew he was absorbing every word, already turning it over in his mind.
A complex current stirred within him.
On one hand, Terence Mor felt the deep satisfaction of sharing wisdom, watching a student grow from ignorance to knowledge, from inexperience to maturity.
On the other, he felt a sudden pang of regret—was he, in teaching this child about ambition and strategy, passing on the harshness, coldness, and complexity of the adult world? Was he risking corrupting a pure, innocent mind? For the first time, he felt a flicker of guilt.
So he shifted his tone—lighter now.
“Still, all of this is far too distant for you right now. No need to think about it yet. Just remember one thing: never make promises lightly. If you’re ever unsure, feel free to come to me.”
Professor Mor made a promise he’d never have uttered before.
“Thank you, Professor,” Wade said, looking up. “You’ve helped me ever since we met. I’m truly grateful. How can I repay you?”
“Then continue to maintain your academic enthusiasm, and your relentless curiosity toward the unknown, Mr. Gray,” Professor Mor said with a warm, twinkling smile. “What could be a better reward for a professor than seeing his own efforts bear fruit?”
…
Professor Mor used the Floo Network to send Wade home. But since the Floo Network’s contacts had already gone home for the evening, they couldn’t connect the Grays’ fireplace to the system. So they had to floo to a nearby station and walk the rest of the way.
“Professor?”
“Hmm?”
“I heard Apparition lets you teleport instantly to another place?” Wade asked, brushing soot from his hair. “Why are we using the Floo instead?”
“Because Apparition isn’t a suitable method for transporting children,” Professor Mor said gently. “It’s an advanced and dangerous magic. One mistake, and it can lead to disaster—especially for young ones. So unless we’re fleeing for our lives, we should choose a safer way to travel.”
When they arrived, it was already late evening. Mr. and Mrs. Gray were waiting anxiously—one peering from the doorway, the other seated by the fireplace.
Fiona, standing by the window, spotted the two figures approaching and let out a joyful cry. She quickly lifted her dress and rushed out.
Professor Mor stopped and smiled at Wade. “You’ve had a long day, child. You must be exhausted. Though as your teacher, I shouldn’t say this—still… go home, rest well. Tonight, don’t read books, all right?”
“Yes, Professor,” Wade replied respectfully, with heartfelt gratitude.
The Grays stayed by the door, waiting quietly until the conversation ended.
“Finally,” Professor Mor said, “since your first work left me extremely satisfied, I’d like to give you a small reward.”
He reached into his pocket and pulled out a tiny box, handing it to Wade.
Wade instantly guessed what it was—the very thing he’d gone to retrieve from Gringotts. Whatever could be valuable enough to be kept in a vault, even by Professor Mor? He didn’t know, but instinctively shook his head. “No, Professor, I—”
“Don’t refuse, Wade,” Professor Mor insisted, pressing the box firmly into his hand. “This isn’t just a reward. It’s a test. Use it well.”
(End of Chapter)
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