Chapter 303: Finally Here
With a *bang*, Professor Murray and Wade arrived near House Gray.
The balloon-popping sound immediately alerted the retired Auror; Moody's house lights instantly went out, and a dark figure swiftly darted past the window.
Other than that, the street remained as peaceful as ever, and faint sounds of a TV program could be heard from inside the Gray home.
"Ferdi—have you seen my hairpin? The one with the pink gem—" Fiona asked.
Through the window, Wade could see the patriarch of House Gray rise from the sofa, pacing around to help search for it.
Seeing that his parents' lives hadn't been disturbed by those people, Wade felt a subtle sense of relief.
As usual, Professor Murray had no intention of visiting Mr. and Mrs. Gray.
"Wade, go home and stay put. It's best not to go out these next two days."
Professor Murray placed a hand on Wade's shoulder and instructed,
"If you absolutely have to go to Diagon Alley to buy something, make sure Moody goes with you."
"What about you, Professor?" Wade asked.
"I'll contact Dumbledore…"
Professor Murray paused, then continued,
"And some of my old friends. We'll find someone to rescue Gull and thoroughly investigate this matter. Until it's confirmed safe, you must remain vigilant."
"Alright," Wade hesitated, then added, "Should we report it to the Ministry of Magic?"
"The Ministry of Magic?"
Professor Murray scoffed disdainfully,
"That's a bloated, incompetent organization. If Fudge gets involved, they'll surely make a huge fuss and end up with nothing."
Seeing Wade still looking up at him, Professor Murray felt a surge of paternal affection. He swallowed the cynical remarks on the tip of his tongue and explained slowly,
"The Ministry of Magic is a complex organization with many people, making it difficult to keep secrets. Once the matter leaks, catching the culprits is secondary; the important thing is that Gull might still be in their hands…"
He paused, thinking of his friend whose fate was unknown, and couldn't help but feel worried.
"If the news leaks, Gull will be in danger… So I'll contact Dumbledore and a few friends among the Aurors to investigate in secret—I imagine others are thinking the same thing."
Wade was silent for a moment, then whispered, "Professor, please be careful."
Professor Murray smiled and patted his shoulder, saying, "You protect yourself too. Alright, go on home."
Wade walked back, and as he opened the front door, he glanced back.
The white-haired old man smiled and nodded.
Wade nodded and went inside. When he looked out the window again, the street was empty.
What Professor Murray said was also what Wade had been worried about.
He was concerned that once released, these Alchemists would spread the word everywhere, making a big show of asking the Ministry of Magic for help.
The moment they stepped into the Ministry, Will and his group might receive the news.
In that case, they would immediately know that the kidnapping had completely failed, and the freckled driver and others might disband on the spot and hide, rather than trying to return to their hideout.
Rita Skeeter's stealthy eavesdropping would then become meaningless.
Conversely, the longer the delay, the later they received the news, and the more intelligence Wade could gather.
Therefore, he had originally considered keeping everyone in the Wardrobe Space until this matter was concluded.
Even in a comatose state, magic offered many ways to maintain vital signs.
However, Wade couldn't be sure when this matter would "end."
He also worried that prolonged exposure to the gold dust might cause unknown harm to their bodies, so after weighing his options, he ultimately decided to release everyone.
When Wade inscribed that message in Gull's tone, his original intention was merely to slow down the spread of the news.
But Professor Murray's words made him realize that even without the message, they might not have made a big deal out of it.
Thinking back now, the way everyone had rushed home…
Was it out of fear of an unknown enemy, or because some of them had already guessed that the message's sender was actually among them?
"Wade!"
A delighted voice came from behind him. Fiona, who had come downstairs with her hairpin, quickly approached and asked,
"When did you get back? Why didn't you say anything? Have you had breakfast yet?"
Wade only answered the last question: "No, Mom."
"I'll go prepare it right away!"
Fiona asked nothing else, immediately rolled up her sleeves, and went to the kitchen. Three small Magic Golems also bounced along behind her.
Wade's gaze followed them until Coco, the last one, also hopped into the kitchen.
He shifted his gaze. Ferdinand, still in his bathrobe, gestured for Wade to come to the balcony.
"You came back in such a hurry, did something happen?" Ferdinand asked.
"Dad…"
Wade paused, the urge to be honest and to conceal alternating in his voice.
Ferdinand looked at him, then suddenly smiled and ruffled his hair.
"It feels like it's been years since I've seen that expression on you… Wade, your mom and I don't have magic, and we can't really be a strong backing for you. But if you need to talk, or some advice from an adult… you know, I'm always here."
"Yes." Wade finally made up his mind. He said in a low voice:
"Something did happen at this exhibition—someone intended to kidnap the participating Alchemist, and I was one of their targets. Of course, they didn't succeed, but I'm worried they might come after you."
"Understood."
Ferdinand leaned against the railing. After listening, his expression hadn't changed much; he nodded calmly and said:
"Fiona and I will try to avoid going out recently. I can handle work from home. If I have to go out, I'll persuade Mr. Moody to come along."
Wade blinked, surprised by his father's composed attitude, then said apologetically:
"I'm sorry, Dad. I've brought danger to you because of me."
"No need to apologize, Wade."
Ferdinand shook his head and said:
"There are people in this world who stay safely at home and suddenly get hit by a falling plane! Our danger isn't from you; it's from those with ill intentions. Don't get that wrong."
"Yes… After dinner, I might have to leave for a few days… to find some friends who can help resolve this…" Wade added.
"Is it dangerous?" Ferdinand asked.
"If I encounter danger, I can turn invisible, or transform into a Peregrine Falcon and escape. Don't worry," Wade said.
"Alright… Just make sure you come back safe," Ferdinand said. "Don't tell Fiona the truth. Just say your classmates invited you to play for a couple of days."
"Understood."
Just then, Fiona's call rang out from the dining room. Wade responded and walked inside.
Ferdinand stood for a moment longer before following him.
He passed the giant mirror playing a program, the Book of Friends spread out on the coffee table, and saw the Magic Golem, Ari, arranging plates that could fit it.
The first time Wade left with Professor Murray, Ferdinand had been so worried he couldn't sleep.
But now, he was surprised to find his mood so calm. Perhaps it was because he had mentally rehearsed this moment many times, and now he only had one thought—
It's finally here.
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