Chapter 578: Farewell
In Hogsmeade’s training sessions, Wade wasn’t always accompanied by Harry.
His schedule was simply too packed—even with the Time-Turner, even though many of his classes didn’t require assignments. Between his ongoing studies in Alchemy, crafting Magic Puppets, regular training sessions, and constant contact with various individuals, Wade’s time always felt stretched thin. Sometimes, he wished he had three heads and six arms, just to squeeze in a little more time.
As a result, when Harry had the chance to run off to training, Wade could only manage a visit once a week.
On his second trip to Hogsmeade, the Closet Space was half-empty—besides his own Magic Puppet, Vesper, all the other Human-Form Magic Puppets had been dispatched.
Magic Puppets lacked Apparition, so for convenient operation, each one was equipped with a brand-new Flying Broomstick. To carry the broomstick on their person, Wade had cast an Invisible Expansion Charm on their pockets.
Disguise Charm, Shielding Charm, and Obliviation Charm were essential—but since a Magic Puppet could be damaged in an attack, potentially breaking the spell, Wade had also purchased a batch of Invisibility Cloaks.
Then came the potions, defensive tools, and contact devices. As he prepared all these items, Wade felt like he was sending his child off to university.
In terms of individuality, Magic Puppets were even less autonomous than House-elves. From the moment of their creation, they existed purely as tools—like computers or mobile phones. Their bodies contained no flesh or blood, only Alchemy materials and the spells Wade had imbued within them. Everything that seemed human in them—thoughts, emotions, expressions—was entirely derived from their creator.
Yet, watching these figures, born from soil and metal, soar into the sky and gradually fade into the night, Wade couldn’t help but feel a hollow ache, a quiet melancholy.
Back when he’d replaced his old computer, he’d never felt anything like this.
"All gone," the Cloak muttered, poking Vesper with its hood. "The Rubik’s Magic Puppets haven’t returned yet, and the new companion has left too. Looks like it’s just us two now, stuck together."
Vesper chuckled. "Not quite. There’s still Mihal."
"Mihal punched me yesterday. So he doesn’t count!" the Cloak huffed. "Can you help me beat him up?"
"...I’d get melted if I did," Vesper replied.
"Who cares? He can’t actually burn you!" the Cloak urged. "Just provoke him, then run. I’ll cover you!"
"Hey hey, what’s with you? It sounds like I’m the one doing all the work," Vesper said, raising an eyebrow. "I didn’t get beaten up, did I?"
The two Home companions’ muffled chatter reached Wade’s ears, stirring up the emotions he’d been holding back—now tangled and chaotic in his chest.
"Alright, enough," Wade said, gently urging them. "Let’s head back. I need to get back to school soon."
He returned all the Magic Puppets to the Closet Space, suppressed his Pencil Case, and walked toward the brightly lit Hogsmeade. The lamplight stretched his shadow long across the cobbled path, and under the different light sources, three or four blurred silhouettes flickered around him.
The heads of numerous magical schools were gathered at Hogwarts—though their magical prowess might not match Dumbledore’s, they were still far stronger than the average wizard.
At such a time, if Wade kept flying around Hogwarts as a Falcon, once or twice people might assume he was a student’s pet. But after repeated sightings, someone would eventually notice that the school had an unregistered Animagus.
Using a Broomstick to fly out, or Apparating beyond the school’s protective wards—both were risky. The only reliable method for entering or leaving Hogwarts was the Vanishing Cabinet.
As for the school’s secret passages? They rarely crossed Wade’s mind. Too long, too far, and the entrances were rarely well-hidden.
Becoming a champion, for Wade, brought one major burden: his visibility had skyrocketed.
Even though he’d already been at school for over three years, overnight he felt like a brand-new Unicorn just stepping onto campus—everywhere he went, people approached him to shake his hand or ask for his autograph.
Other students from foreign magical schools also attended classes at Hogwarts, but they were mostly in different years. Besides the Great Hall and the Library, Wade rarely crossed paths with them.
—
"Look at this rune, shaped like an 'M'—Ansuz. It represents divine wisdom and revelation, closely tied to prophecy and communication. Take notes, Mr. Malfoy. There’s no rune on my face. Ansuz is frequently used in educational and learning rituals. It helps clear the mind and enhances memory retention."
Professor Bathsheba Bablin was lecturing when suddenly, a sharp knock echoed from the door.
She frowned, waved her wand, and the door swung open.
She looked at the breathless student standing in the doorway, her tone softening slightly. "Yes? What is it?"
The boy outside was Anthony Goldstein. He scanned the room with his eyes, found Wade, then exhaled in relief.
"I’m sorry to interrupt, Professor," he panted. "Mr. Bagman needs all the champions to take photos. I need to take Wade Gray with me."
A ripple of whispers spread through the classroom. Everyone’s gaze turned toward Wade.
Professor Bablin’s frown deepened—she wasn’t happy with the Ministry of Magic choosing class time for such matters. After a brief pause, she lifted her eyes.
"Very well, Mr. Gray. You may go. Be sure to take your things—you likely won’t have time to return for class."
Wade packed up his backpack and stepped out.
"I searched three classrooms, Wade. Three! What’s your schedule even like?" Anthony groaned the moment they were outside. "If it weren’t for Professor McGonagall saying you’d probably be here, I’d have had to ask Professor Dumbledore to help me find you. We’re going to be late!"
"Don’t worry," Wade said calmly. "Thirty-three champions. Even with light queues, it’ll take at least ten minutes to get everyone into the frame."
"True," Anthony admitted, relaxing slightly. "Fitting so many people into one photo isn’t easy."
When they arrived at the photo room, they were indeed the last to arrive—but no one blamed Wade for the delay.
Everyone else was just standing around, idle. No one was organizing the photos. Ludo Bagman, who should’ve been leading the group, was instead chatting with Rita Skeeter.
Seraphina approached Wade with a friendly nod. "We’ll wait a bit longer. The other referees haven’t arrived yet."
Wade asked, "Are we taking a group photo with the referees?"
"Maybe," Seraphina said. "They said they need to test the wands first."
"Hello, Mr. Gray," said Natalia, stepping forward from a group of students she’d been talking to. "After the photo, would you mind if I asked you a few questions about Alchemy?"
"Alchemy?" The students from Salem Academy exchanged glances, their eyes flicking toward Wade.
(End of Chapter)
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