### Chapter 255: A View from the Owlery
Wade didn't actually have anything particularly important to do in secret; he just wanted some alone time after finishing his work.
He'd spent so long leading the development of this magical version of television, and he understood better than anyone the vast potential of Streaming Mirror.
After all, even Muggle television stations didn't have high-definition broadcasting yet!
Streaming Mirror not only offered clear visuals and stereo sound, but it could also be magnified or shrunk to fit in a pocket—though, of course, only Wizards who mastered the relevant Spells could change its size.
Marchioni saw business opportunities in Streaming Mirror, the Weasley brothers saw Alchemy techniques, and audiences saw unprecedented entertainment. As for the contestants, they probably saw their brief, socially awkward futures.
But Wade knew that from now on, Streaming Mirror would claim half—or even more—of the Wizarding World's public opinion.
Don't be fooled by the Daily Prophet constantly criticizing the Ministry of Magic and mocking government officials.
But when it came down to it, they were completely the Ministry of Magic's mouthpiece, shamelessly charging into battle for Fudge.
They could portray a respected old Headmaster as a scheming old lunatic; they could describe an underage Savior as a vain, pretentious little swindler; they could even fabricate facts and weave lies to whitewash the Dark Lord.
However, once Streaming Mirror became widely popular, the Daily Prophet's position would undoubtedly face a huge challenge. It might even become uncertain if anyone would bother reading newspapers anymore.
At that point, public opinion would have a new helmsman.
And the public was always ignorant, easily deceived and led.
Wade didn't know if Dumbledore foresaw such a future, but he said nothing.
...
Wade avoided the crowds and came to the Owlery.
The environment here wasn't great, but it offered a wide, clear, and quiet view of most of the maze.
Most of the owls stood on their perches, half-asleep.
Some were sprawled out flat, both eyes closed, their long, furry, thick legs stretched out straight, sleeping as if dead.
Some owls were startled by the sound of footsteps and suspiciously opened their eyes to look at him. Their eyes followed Wade's figure for a moment, and seeing that he wasn't "offering" any treats, they ignored him.
Wade suddenly noticed an owl with a bald spot on the back of its head. He walked over, suppressing a laugh, and stroked it.
The owl tilted its head, looking at him curiously, and let out a "hoo-hoo" sound from its throat. But it didn't shy away, nor did it tilt its head to peck his hand.
It seemed very well-behaved.
It showed none of the fierceness of owls that called for fights at night.
After teasing it for a moment, Wade reached the platform on the Owlery roof, surprised to find someone already sitting there.
"—Professor?"
Wade said in surprise.
The person sitting there was Professor Murray, who rarely came to Hogwarts.
"Oh—Wade."
Professor Murray turned and smiled, saying,
"Looks like you've found this secret spot too—the view is quite good, isn't it?"
"Of course."
Wade felt curious, and after some thought, he directly asked:
"Professor, weren't you supposed to attend the European Alchemist Association banquet?"
This was an itinerary booked more than six months in advance, and Professor Murray should have left for Luxembourg yesterday afternoon.
Because of this, they had even postponed an Alchemy class.
Professor Murray spread his hands helplessly and said:
"The banquet had just begun when the organizers started fighting with the guests, and one embarrassing fellow even made his pants disappear... I knew today was the day of Streaming Mirror's first public appearance, so I thought about it and rushed back using a Portkey."
"Then why didn't you go down below? It's still a bit smelly here."
Professor Murray's expression changed slightly, and he quickly said:
"Don't tell Dumbledore I'm back, or he'll definitely send me to work! Just look at your poor Head of House, he's so busy!"
In the distant maze, Professor Flitwick was flying on a Flying Broomstick near the walls. He probably hadn't ridden a Flying Broomstick in a long time, as his movements were a bit awkward.
While Professor McGonagall maintained order outside the maze, Professor Flitwick was inside, magically throwing out students who had fallen into traps, students who were cornered by magical creatures, and students who had already been carried back to nests as trophies.
The professor, who was about the size of a child, was incredibly busy but dared not relax for a moment.
Of course, Professor Sprout, Snape, Madam Hooch, Madam Pomfrey, and others were also busy working. Filch and Hagrid, needless to say, were even busier.
Perhaps only Professor Trelawney of Divination Class could sit comfortably in her chair, leisurely watching the challenge show, laughing so hard she was shaking, with tears nearly streaming down her face.
But this wasn't because Dumbledore particularly favored her; it was because even Dumbledore, who trusted his staff, wouldn't dare assign this professor any difficult or important tasks.
Wade twirled the Wand in his hand, and a small whirlwind conjured out of thin air, sweeping the balcony outside the Owlery clean.
Professor Murray even lifted his leg to let the dust roll off the floor with the wind.
Then, Wade sat down beside him and apologized, "I'm sorry, Professor... I seem to have caused you a lot of trouble."
Professor Murray laughed. "How could this be trouble?"
"Seeing the students at school bloom with a vitality not seen in a thousand years, happily learning to use magic while playing, that sight is better than anything else."
"I guess Professor McGonagall and the others feel the same way, which is why no one has ever blamed you for it, right?"
"—I suppose so."
Wade was silent for a moment, then chuckled. "It's our students' good fortune to have excellent teachers like you and Professor McGonagall. I'll never forget the help the professors at school gave me."
He reminisced, recalling, "In my first year, I used the wrong spell and injured myself. If you hadn't found me, Professor, I almost died."
Professor Murray thought for a moment, then asked, confused,
"Didn't you have a fever then? And were injured? What spell did you use incorrectly?"
Wade blinked, meeting the white-haired professor's gaze.
A moment later, he suddenly said, "Ah... I think I got it mixed up."
"You can even get that wrong," Professor Murray said, shaking his head helplessly. "You've never once mixed up Ancient Runes pronunciations or symbols."
"Because my brain is occupied with more important things, so it's easy to forget other matters."
Wade explained, pulling out the omnioculars he had prepared from his pocket and replicating one to hand to Professor Murray.
"Use this to watch! You can zoom in and out, and even replay and pause. It's super clear!"
"Thank you."
Professor Murray chuckled, accepting the omnioculars without much thought.
Wade watched, and only when Professor Murray began to observe the maze with the omnioculars did he raise his own.
On the screen, Harry and Michael, among others, had just entered the maze.
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