"Of course..."
Even Dumbledore was momentarily stunned by Wayne's bizarre logic before finally chuckling.
"That rule exists to prevent students from losing control of their pets and causing trouble.
"You and your... Ho-Oh? Is that its name? You share a strong bond, and Phoenixes are benevolent, highly intelligent magical creatures. I won't deduct points for this."
"That's a relief," Wayne feigned a sigh.
"It would be rather impolite to chat with you dressed like this," Dumbledore remarked, glancing down at his pyjamas. "Would you care to join an old man for afternoon tea? Say, after your classes end this afternoon?
"Perhaps I could share some insights on raising Phoenixes."
Wayne had given him more surprises than expected.
Originally planning to observe from the shadows, Dumbledore now had to adjust his approach.
Only by interacting directly could he truly understand Wayne.
"The honour is mine," Wayne agreed without hesitation, much to Dumbledore's delight.
"The password is 'Cockroach Clusters.' The Headmaster's Office is on the eighth floor."
With that, Dumbledore prepared to leave.
As for Fawkes, the two Phoenixes had already flown out of the castle during their conversation, vanishing from sight.
Let him play with Ho-Oh a while longer.
After so many years of solitude, he'd finally found a companion. Dumbledore understood Fawkes' excitement.
Wayne, too, was about to return his belongings to the dormitory before heading to class.
"Wait a moment, Lawrence." Snape's sinister voice rang out. No one had noticed when he'd arrived in the Great Hall, silently observing from the sidelines.
Seeing Snape stop Wayne, the young wizards who had been crowding around him to ask more about the Phoenix immediately scattered to a safe distance.
Cedric shot him a 'you're on your own' look before hastily making himself scarce. Bloody coward.
Wayne gave him a disdainful glance before turning to Snape. "Professor, is there something you need?"
"What are these packages?" Snape looked down at the parcels in Wayne's hands—one square-shaped, the other long and slender.
"Some materials and a flying broomstick," Wayne answered truthfully.
Snape was stunned. Was this typical Hufflepuff behaviour? Such blunt honesty?
The shape of the packages had already given him suspicions, which was why he'd intercepted Wayne after Dumbledore left. He'd anticipated countless excuses Wayne might use—but outright admission hadn't been among them.
For a moment, Snape doubted again. Could there really be a broomstick inside?
"Open both. I need to inspect them.
"As a professor, it's my duty to prevent students from bringing dangerous items into the castle," Snape declared, deciding to verify first.
Wayne sighed. He'd told the truth, yet Snape still wanted to check. The man had too much time on his hands.
Without delay, Wayne unwrapped both parcels. The square box contained magical inks, various grades of parchment and several potion vials. The rectangular box held exactly what he'd said—a flying broomstick. Moreover, it was the latest customised Nimbus 2000 model, which emitted light during flight and bore Wayne's engraved name.
Though identical in specifications to the standard version, the custom edition cost nearly twice as much.
Call it brand loyalty.
The worth of extravagant prestige escaped some people. Cedric's eyes had turned green with envy again.
The Weasley twins, watching from a distance, leapt up in excitement.
"A Nimbus 2000! Wayne bought a Nimbus 2000!"
"Merlin's beard, where'd he get that kind of money?"
Hermione frowned disapprovingly. Why was Wayne wasting money again?
"Lawrence..." Snape took a deep breath after his inspection. "You're aware first-years aren't permitted to bring broomsticks to school, correct?"
"Of course," Wayne said matter-of-factly. "It's written in the acceptance letter."
"Then this is a deliberate violation," Snape sneered. "How many points should I deduct... however—"
Before Snape could finish, Wayne interrupted.
"Professor," the boy looked at him curiously, "how did this broomstick get here?"
Snape scowled. "Your Phoenix delivered it, obviously. Don't claim it isn't yours—your name's engraved on it."
"It is mine," Wayne repacked the parcels. "But as you said, the Phoenix brought it. I didn't bring it to school myself.
"So which school rule have I broken, exactly?"
Snape was momentarily speechless.
The watching students' eyes lit up with realisation. Brilliant loophole.
The school only forbade bringing broomsticks to Hogwarts—having them delivered by owl post technically didn't violate any regulations, did it? Many first-year students were already itching to write letters home.
Snape, flushed with anger, snapped, "Sophistry! Talking back to a professor—five points from Hufflepuff!"
At the same time, the system in Wayne's mind promptly chimed in.
[Host deducts house points. Points earned: +25.]
Wayne's pupils dilated slightly.
This was his first time deducting points from Hufflepuff. The ratio was the same as earning Galleons.
Deduct two hundred points, and it'd be enough for a ten-draw.
In an instant, Wayne's gaze towards Snape changed entirely.
Snape, mistaking Wayne's expression for fear, allowed a rare smirk to curl his lips.
"Of course... if you're willing to share some materials from your Phoenix, I might rescind the penalty."
Yes, Snape had his sights set on Wayne's bird.
The sole reason he'd come looking for trouble was to obtain Phoenix materials—tears, feathers, even blood—all crucial ingredients for high-level potions. The creature was a treasure trove.
To a Potions Master like him, a Phoenix was no different from a prize pig. Unfortunately, Fawkes wouldn't give him the time of day, and Dumbledore wouldn't go against his pet's wishes.
Now that Wayne had unexpectedly revealed he, too, possessed a Phoenix, how could Snape possibly sit still?
"Professor..." Wayne looked at him expectantly.
"You agree?" The old bat smiled.
Wayne shrugged. "No, I just think the points deduction was too light. Didn't even feel it."
Snape: Are you out of your mind?!