Chapter 57: Rewards and Trials
Chapter 57: Rewards and Trials
"Can Mr. Culpepper withdraw galleons directly from your vault?"
While waiting for Professor Mori in the lobby, Ved whispered to Machioni.
"Don't worry," Machioni knew what he was thinking and whispered back, "Goblins—they can put galleons into the vault, but they can't withdraw them at will—unless authorized by the vault owner. The Ministry of Magic established a contract with the goblins long ago—a very ancient and powerful contract. Because goblins would never steal, people are accustomed to storing their valuables in Gringotts."
"But I heard that Gringotts was broken into this summer?" Ved recalled a news report he had heard before.
"Yes, that's true."
The goblin, La Huan, who was accompanying Professor Mori, overheard Ved's words and immediately emphasized, "But he didn't steal anything. Gringotts is still the safest place in the wizarding world."
Professor Mori, who had gone to retrieve something, returned empty-handed, and Machioni didn't ask further questions. After exiting Gringotts, he bid farewell to the two of them, "Sorry, Professor, Ved. I have to hurry and arrange for the new product to be put on the shelves. There are only a few days left before the start of the school year, and there are still many business matters to coordinate!"
Professor Mori nodded, "You go ahead, Machioni."
"See you, Mr. Machioni," Ved also bid his farewells.
Machioni pressed his hat with one hand and bowed slightly before hurrying off. Ved noticed that he seemed to be heading towards the office of the Daily Prophet. Although he had marveled at it several times in his heart, he couldn't help but say it again, "Mr. Machioni is really a man who doesn't waste a single moment."
"When it comes to money, he's always more enthusiastic than anyone else." Professor Mori said as he led Ved down the stairs, "But he is an excellent businessman—I'm not saying he's more trustworthy than others, but he has a more long-term vision. For greater profits, he's willing to spend years, even decades, building a solid foundation."
He looked at Ved with appreciative eyes and said, "If you were in your thirties or forties and suddenly had a flash of inspiration to create the Friend's Account, then I would advise you to be careful—Machioni might try to scheme and squeeze more benefits out of you. But you're only eleven years old—
He paused and laughed for no reason.
Ved guessed, "Isn't it easier to be deceived when you're younger?"
"No, Ved," Professor Mori sighed, "Your age is currently a weakness, but it's also your strength—Machioni, like me, believes in your potential and looks forward to your future brilliance. Therefore, he will help you as much as possible now, investing his time, resources, and energy, and he's even willing to give up some extra benefits to support your growth, expecting that you will bring him greater returns in the future."
Ved frowned slightly.
Without looking down at him, Professor Mori seemed to know what he was thinking and smiled, "Not happy? Do you think he's too pragmatic?"
"I wouldn't say I'm unhappy," Ved didn't admit it, "I understand that most relationships between people come from being needed and utilized. But Mr. Machioni is so enthusiastic... it's hard to accept that his true motives are so—"
He hesitated, unsure how to politely describe the contrast.
Professor Mori smiled, "—Cold-hearted? Too focused on practical benefits?"
Ved silently nodded.
Professor Mori said, "Ved, in this world, the scariest thing is not being used by others—because being 'used' also means your abilities and value are recognized. Those who have no value at all are the truly pitiful ones, like a speck of dust, unnoticed whether they disappear or exist."
"So, don't be afraid or resentful of others wanting to use you. You must learn to navigate these relationships of interest and need, harnessing your talents and overcoming obstacles with the resources at your disposal. But always maintain a clear head and protect your interests. Don't become a tool for others; be your own master."
Lowering his head, Professor Mori saw the boy's gray eyes looking at him seriously, and although he didn't speak, the professor knew that the child would take his words to heart and reflect on them thoughtfully.
A complex mix of emotions stirred within him.
On one hand, Terence Mori felt a sense of fulfillment and contentment in sharing his wisdom and experience, witnessing his student's journey from ignorance to knowledge and from immaturity to maturity.
On the other hand, he felt as though he was imparting the cruelty, ruthlessness, and complexities of the adult world to an innocent child, and he worried that the negative influences might lead the youngster astray. A sudden twinge of regret and guilt washed over him.
Changing the subject, Professor Mori said in a lighthearted tone, "But all of that is too distant for you now, and you don't need to worry about it just yet. Just remember not to make promises lightly—and if you ever don't know what to do, come to me."
Professor Mori made a promise he would never normally make.
"Thank you, Professor," Ved said, looking up. "You've helped me a lot since we met, and I'm truly grateful. How can I repay you?"
"Then, Mr. Gray, continue to nurture your passion for learning and your relentless curiosity for the unknown," Professor Mori said with a smile. "For a professor, what could be a better reward than seeing the fruits of their labor flourish?"
...
Professor Mori once again used the Floo Network to send Ved home. However, since his acquaintance at the Floo Network Administration had already gone home for the day, they were unable to temporarily connect the fireplace in the Gray household to the network. They had to use the Floo Network to get close and then walk the rest of the way.
"Professor?"
"Hmm?"
"I heard that Apparition can instantly transport you to another location?" Ved asked, brushing the soot from his hair. "Why do we need to use the Floo Network?"
"Because Apparition is not a suitable mode of travel when accompanied by a child," Professor Mori said gently. "It is an advanced and dangerous form of magic, and one wrong step can lead to catastrophic consequences. Children are especially vulnerable to harm. So, when we don't need to flee, we should opt for a safer means of transportation."
By the time they returned, it was already late, and Mr. and Mrs. Gray were anxiously waiting, one at the door and the other by the fireplace. Fiona, standing at the window, caught sight of the approaching pair and exclaimed joyfully, rushing out of the house with her skirt held high.
Professor Mori stopped and looked at Ved with a smile. "You've been through a lot today, and you must be exhausted. Although, as your teacher, I shouldn't be saying this—but go and get some rest. Don't stay up reading tonight, all right?"
"Yes, Professor," Ved replied respectfully and gratefully.
Seeing that the pair had more to discuss, the Gray couple waited by the door, giving them a moment.
"Lastly," Professor Mori said, "because I am very pleased with your first piece of work, I want to give you a small reward." He took out a tiny box from his pocket and handed it to Ved.
Ved immediately guessed that this was what the professor had specifically retrieved from Gringotts—how valuable must it be if the professor kept it in his vault? Though he didn't know, Ved refused instinctively, "No, Professor, I—"
"Don't refuse, Ved," Professor Mori interrupted, pushing the box into his hand. "This is not just a reward, but also a test—use it well, Ved."
(End of Chapter)
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