Chapter 84: 84
Chapter 84: Danger and Warning
"Professor?" Wade was taken aback.
"Some people's dangers aren't visible on the surface," Professor Murray intertwined his fingers, studying Wade intently. "How much do you know about curses and magical contracts?"
Wade pondered for a moment. "I've read about the Unbreakable Vow and the Fidelius Charm in books. I've also seen the magical contract you and Mr. Marchionne prepared for me, but I haven't delved into this area systematically."
Being relatively new to magic, Wade had a vast amount to learn. With each passing year promising increased chaos and danger, his focus remained on enhancing his survival skills. He no longer placed his safety solely in others' hands but aimed to equip himself to handle any crisis.
Professor Murray nodded, not disappointed—rather, finding Wade's gaps in knowledge gave him a professorial sense of accomplishment.
"The Unbreakable Vow is an immensely powerful oath. Breaking it results in death, hence its use is extremely rare and akin to a blood oath—a commitment few would dare to make," Professor Murray explained, brushing off further discussion for now.
"A blood oath?" Wade's curiosity was piqued.
"The Fidelius Charm is equally intricate and potent. It hides secrets, but the choice of Secret Keeper is crucial—if the Secret Keeper betrays, the charm fails; if they die, another becomes the keeper," Professor Murray continued. "This spell places all trust in one person—"
He paused, adding gravely, "Harry Potter's parents died due to a flawed Secret Keeper."
Though Wade knew of this, he asked, "And that person was—"
"Sirius Black."
Professor Murray spat the name with disdain. "He and James Potter, Remus Lupin, and Peter Pettigrew were once close friends. However, Sirius betrayed them, leading to the deaths of the others while he was imprisoned in Azkaban. Remus Lupin is the only one still active, though it's been years since I've heard from him..."
Wade nodded thoughtfully. "Are you concerned that he's a concealed dark wizard who might pose a threat to me?"
"More than that, he's also..."
- A werewolf
Professor Murray hesitated, swallowing his words.
While having a few Death Eater students was commonplace—given that nearly all British wizards attended Hogwarts and varied in background—the notion of Dumbledore harboring a werewolf at the school, mingling with children for seven years, even staunch Dumbledore supporters might question his judgment.
Aware of the potential danger to Wade if he remained unaware, Professor Murray considered carefully. "He transforms on full moons—you're sharp; you understand what that means."
Wade nodded, stating plainly, "In Defense Against the Dark Arts class the other day, Professor Quirrell discussed treatments for werewolf bites, so I'm somewhat informed."
"Knowing this, do you still wish for him to be your agent?" Professor Murray inquired. "You understand, his condition exposes him to uncontrollable danger. I could introduce you to reliable, safer alternatives if you wish."
Wade was genuinely touched; he knew Professor Murray's offer meant he would vet any introduced person for reliability. After a brief pause, Wade replied, "Thank you, Professor. But I've already promised him this opportunity... It's a matter of personal honor. Unless he proves unworthy, I'd rather not break that promise."
Professor Murray looked concerned but unsurprised.
"In that case," he said, summoning several books, "let's set aside Alchemy for today and delve into magical contracts—often the foundation of trust between strangers."
...
Time flowed quietly, swiftly ushering in Saturday.
With no Hogsmeade weekend scheduled this week, most students remained in their dormitories. Wade rose early, donned a blue scarf, and made his way to the Great Hall on the first floor.
It was a rare sight to find Professor Murray seated among the teachers in the Great Hall for breakfast, surprising Professor McGonagall. She cast cautious glances at him, as if scrutinizing whether this was indeed Professor Murray or an impostor.
"Don't look so surprised, Minerva."
Professor Murray smiled, nodding at Wade, and remarked to Professor McGonagall, "Sometimes, I yearn for the lively atmosphere created by the children."
Wade greeted Professor Murray with a nod and settled at the long table. His plate had been replaced with his favorite foods, accompanied by a few familiar candies.
Picking up a candy and tasting it, Wade found it sweet and not overly rich—a taste identical to what his mother used to send him.
The house-elves' culinary experiments seemed to be a success.
After breakfast, Wade made his way to the castle gates. After a short wait, Professor Murray emerged, remarking with a smile, "The Hogwarts kitchens are expanding their menu, and the flavors are delightful. It's been a while since I've been here; I seem to have missed many interesting changes."
Wade chuckled, commenting casually, "Some house-elves don't just cook; they immerse themselves in culinary arts, don't they?"
"An intriguing thought—quite intriguing," Professor Murray glanced at Wade. "Most would assume a wizard provided them with better recipes, not that house-elves would independently study cooking."
"Why?" Wade asked, puzzled. "They're intelligent and possess rich emotions. It's natural for them to have personal interests and strive to excel in them."
Professor Murray was taken aback, then chuckled, "Wade, despite your vast knowledge, you grew up in the Muggle world... There are things that are common knowledge to others but unknown to you. It's normal—quite normal."
He affectionately tousled Wade's hair, regarding him with fondness as one would a curious child.
"House-elves lack personal ambition, Wade," Professor Murray explained gently. "Or rather—house-elves with personal ambition pose a significant danger to wizards... Remember that, my boy."
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