Chapter 45: 45
Chapter 45: Friends' Account
Wade understood the significance of the "communicator." Yet, he couldn't help but feel that with mobile phones and the Internet already established in the Muggle world, the introduction of instant communication devices in the wizarding world shouldn't be such a big deal.
Moreover, wizards had long possessed two-way mirrors capable of "video calls." Parchment offered the advantage of affordability, simplicity in spells, and ease of understanding. Wizards had laid the groundwork for such creations centuries ago, yet for some reason, no one had explored this direction until now.
Maintaining a smile, Wade hoped Professor Murray grasped his intent—to discuss research outcomes, share the glory, and avoid impulsive actions.
Otherwise, he might be forced to push back.
Wade harbored doubts about Hogwarts' absolute safety under Dumbledore's watch, given the possibilities of using spells like Obliviate and Imperius.
However, Professor Murray seemed oblivious. He countered impulsively, "Why not? The American continent existed millennia before Columbus, who's celebrated as a hero! Dumbledore uncovered twelve uses of dragon's blood—hadn't others studied it before him? Of course not! There's no shame in standing on the shoulders of giants—the crucial thing is being the first to invent it! Write those letters!"
Wade's racing heart steadied.
He suddenly realized Professor Murray harbored no designs on claiming credit for his alchemical achievements. The professor was genuinely celebrating Wade's success.
It was Professor Murray's exuberance and overly eager gaze that unsettled Wade.
He adjusted his breathing, recognizing the flaw in his current mindset.
—Due to Quirrell and... Dumbledore, Wade's trust in Hogwarts' professors had plummeted, leading him to speculate with suspicion.
Yet, Professor Flitwick proved kind and enthusiastic, and Professor Murray had mentored him from the start. Wade shouldn't harbor such doubts.
Unaware of Wade's internal turmoil, Professor Murray continued writing, then asked suddenly, "By the way, Wade, what have you named this work of yours—it must have a title?"
Wade replied calmly, "Yes, I call it—'Book of Friends.'"
He wrote the English words and then added a stylish logo for elegance.
"What's this?" Professor Murray queried, touching the logo delicately, intrigued.
"The logo for 'Book of Friends,'" Wade explained, reading them aloud.
Professor Murray attempted to mimic them, then nodded thoughtfully. "Not bad. This could become your unique trademark."
He returned to writing. "By the way, have you applied to stay at school over the holidays?"
"No," Wade replied, seated beside him. "My parents are eagerly anticipating my return home."
"On the third day after Christmas, I'm hosting a small gathering at my home. You must set aside time that day," Professor Murray said. "I can introduce you to... um... some very helpful acquaintances."
"Of course, Professor. It'd be my pleasure," Wade said, feeling unusually at ease.
Due to lingering guilt, Wade found himself unusually open.
"Also, keep your 'Book of Friends' confidential for now. Don't publicize it," Professor Murray added with a smile. "I have a surprise planned for the holidays."
Despite his reservations, Wade hesitated. "Um... Actually, I had planned to gift it to friends for Christmas—if the response is positive, perhaps sell it among classmates to earn some pocket money—"
"Oh, Wade, Wade," Professor Murray interrupted gently, meeting his eyes with a soft smile. "My boy, you're young and might not understand. There are two types of alchemists in this world—those with basic knowledge who work for the Ministry or various companies, mere labor for capital, and then there's us—"
He tapped his chest, then Wade's.
"—you and me."
Wade's eyes widened.
"Surprised? Perhaps it's premature for you," Professor Murray said, as though reading his mind.
Wade nodded. "I thought... it was a simple thing... I've only just begun in alchemy."
Professor Murray chuckled, shaking his head. "The inventor of the quill probably thought it a mere trinket, yet it's been in use for over a millennium."
Having finished writing, he sealed the letter with his personal stamp and sent it off with an owl. Finally, he advised Wade, "Friendship gifts matter, but forget about selling them yourself—your time should be spent in more worthwhile pursuits than peddling wares."
...
That evening, Wade completed all the "Books of Friends" intended as holiday gifts and returned to his dormitory. Exhausted, he collapsed onto his bed, contemplating the people he'd encountered here.
Quirrell and Voldemort lurking within the castle.
Dumbledore, who viewed all teachers and students as pawns on a chessboard, yet remained the school's guardian.
"Don't you feel aggrieved?" Michael asked him.
Ryan replied, "I thought these matters were distant from us."
Fred remarked, "Dumbledore truly knows everything."
Hermione added, "Dumbledore's right... the weight of reality and hatred can be suffocating."
And Harry Potter... the Boy Who Lived...
Wade covered his eyes with his hands, feigning sleep.
A soft "pop" echoed in the room, as if a bubble had burst.
Wade snapped awake, turning to see the house-elf Zoe standing in the middle of the dormitory.
"You're here, Zoe," Wade smiled. "Thank you for agreeing to my request earlier."
Zoe whispered, "Wade Grey needs help, and Zoe is eager to assist him. But Zoe hasn't received a signal, so I came to check on him."
"I was safer than expected today, thanks to Professor Murray."
Wade retrieved a green "bean" from his pocket, showing it to Zoe.
This was their means of communication; Zoe held a matching bean.
Following the creation of the Book of Friends, Wade had fashioned this small magical bean using linking and transformation spells. A firm squeeze would heat Zoe's bean.
Since his encounter with Quirrell, Wade had pondered methods to ensure his survival. With Dumbledore devising his own plans, and the school's professors bound to follow, his only reliable allies, willing to assist him without question, were the Hogwarts house-elves.
Fortuitously, he had fostered a strong rapport with the Ravenclaw Tower house-elves.
He struck a pact with Zoe—if his magic bean warmed, she would come swiftly to his aid, whisking him to safety.
Ahead of his meeting with Professor Murray that day, Wade had kept the magic bean close, preparing for the worst—but fortunately, it hadn't come to pass.
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone