Chapter 80: Letter Exchange
Night had fallen. Harry walked back to the Gryffindor Common Room with Hermione—Neville had accidentally cracked his head during a spell practice and had been sent to the Infirmary to see Madam Pomfrey.
Only a few students remained lounging on the sofas. The fire crackled in the hearth, casting flickering, patchy shadows on the walls—like an ancient, mysterious painting come to life.
"Good night, Harry," Hermione said. "Get some rest tonight."
"Alright, good night," Harry replied, watching her disappear toward the girls’ dormitory. He couldn’t help but bounce slightly on his toes as he climbed the spinning staircase, his heart light with joy.
Today’s study session had been different. For the first time, Harry had been the only one to successfully disarm his opponent. It was his first time mastering a spell faster than Hermione. The others had barely managed to cast anything at all—by the end, Hermione had only made her opponent stumble back two steps. Michael had managed to make his opponent flinch… though that might’ve just been the wand’s beam being unnervingly bright.
He remembered the stunned, admiring glances from the others—not because he was “Harry Potter,” not because he was the “Boy Who Lived,” but because they’d seen raw talent in spellwork.
Each member of the SSC had their strengths. Harry had thought he only had Quidditch to boast about—until now. He realized he might actually be gifted in defensive magic. Even Wade had praised him, calling him a natural in practical spellcasting.
But that joy came to a sudden halt the moment he pushed open the dormitory door.
Ron sat propped against his bed, flipping through a magazine. He didn’t look up when the door creaked open. Seamus and Dean were probably already asleep, their silhouettes hidden behind the curtains, breathing steadily.
Something felt off in the air.
Then it hit him—before leaving, he’d promised Ron: If Wade and the others welcome you into the SSC, I’ll send a message in the Book of Friends. You’ll come right away.
He noticed Ron still wore his outer clothes, not changed into pajamas.
"Hey, Ron," Harry said, voice dry. He almost turned and bolted.
Ron glanced up slowly. "Finished? How was your club meeting?"
"Uh… fine," Harry said stiffly. "We practiced the Disarming Charm."
He didn’t know why he’d added that. The words were already out, and he couldn’t take them back. Instant regret washed over him.
"Did you… ask about me?" Ron asked. "You must have. Even if they say no, it’s not a problem. I can handle the truth."
Harry faltered. "I—I didn’t… I didn’t send anything."
"—Didn’t?" Ron’s eyebrows shot up.
"The SSC has rules," Harry stammered. "No one can join without unanimous agreement. I’m still new too… I couldn’t just—"
He knew how weak it sounded. Even to himself.
"Oh," Ron said coldly. "I see."
He yanked the curtains shut with a snap and lay down, pulling the blanket over himself.
Harry stood frozen in the doorway, heart heavy with guilt and confusion.
…
A white glowing orb drifted slowly into the candle holder and settled there, bathing the entire dormitory in soft, bright light.
Wade sat by the window, flipping open the Book of Friends.
The Book didn’t hold messages long. If read promptly, the words vanished from the page almost instantly. If ignored, they disappeared within half an hour at most. That was why his parents and friends usually waited until bedtime to send letters.
【Zoe: Zoe is so grateful for the candy Wade Gray gave her! She’s sharing it with friends—Mackie and Tess will try to replicate it. Wade Gray will get to enjoy them at breakfast too!】
【Steven Mor: I’ve gathered some research on Bird-Serpent. All sent your way—hope it helps. Oh, and Mr. Scamander replied to me! He invited me to help him! I’m beyond thrilled, Wade! I never thought this day would come. It’s all thanks to you, my friend!】
【Machionni: About the Book of Friends update—I’d like to discuss it in person. Could we meet in Hogsmeade this Saturday? I know third years can’t get permission yet, but maybe Professor Mor could take you out? Also… I know a secret passage leading outside…】
【Ferdinand: Wade, I got the reply from the person you mentioned.】
Wade’s eyes lit up. He scribbled quickly on a fresh sheet of parchment.
【Wade: Remus Lupin?】
【Ferdinand: Yes. Just as you requested—he claims expertise in most defensive magic against the dark arts, including the Patronus Charm. Academic performance is excellent. He’s well-versed in Animagus transformation, and he’s willing to work for ten Galleons per week. Signed: Remus Lupin. I’ve arranged to meet him tomorrow at The Leaky Cauldron.】
Wade exhaled deeply, a smile spreading across his face.
He could ask Professor Flitwick about defensive magic, sure—but he couldn’t rely on him constantly. Professor Flitwick had classes to teach, assignments to grade, Ravenclaw House duties, patrols around the castle, and even nights out at the pub with friends. Wade couldn’t keep monopolizing his time. The same went for Professor Mor.
During the Christmas holidays, Professor Flitwick had gifted him a Compendium of Spells. But Wade soon realized it was a censored version. Most dark magic, curses, and hexes had been removed. Even more troubling, Professor Flitwick had cut out several spells Wade needed—Apparition, Disguise Charm, Animagus transformation, Portkeys—anything deemed too advanced or dangerous for a first-year.
The message was clear: though Flitwick recognized Wade’s exceptional talent, he still believed a first-year should focus on safe, harmless magic. Advanced magic should come later—step by step.
Wade didn’t want to argue. Professor Flitwick was kind, principled, and genuinely concerned. But some things Wade wanted to learn… were things Flitwick would never teach.
And if he tried to practice them on his own—despite his Unique Ability—there was still real danger.
Textbooks were unanimous on one point: failed spells could lead to catastrophic results. Some caused instant death. Others turned wizards into grotesque, non-human creatures. Some injuries were irreversible, even by magic.
He needed a teacher.
One who was highly skilled, available by letter, and willing to bend the rules.
Was there anyone better than Remus Lupin?
(End of Chapter)
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