Chapter 83: 83
Chapter 83: Badge, Approval
Wade took note of McGee's warning, though it wasn't an immediate concern.
He used to practice potions in the classroom during free periods and might have been seen by Slytherin students a few times. However, since discovering the Room of Requirement, Wade rarely went there.
He knew well who those students were.
Deciding to leave them be for a few days, but not too long—lest the Slytherins give up altogether.
After class on Thursday, Wade headed to the Astronomy Tower as usual to find Professor Murray. Along the way, he unexpectedly encountered several seventh-year students. Towering over him, they all seemed unusually somber, making them appear shorter than they were.
One girl was saying to the person beside her, "I could strangle Jennifer! She said before that Alchemy was super interesting and Professor Murray isn't that strict—isn't this a bit too much?"
"Professor Murray used to be so easy to talk to! Remember? Back in our sixth year," another student sighed. "It's just this year, since he took on that new student, suddenly he's not fond of us anymore—he used to really like me."
The girl in front snapped, "Teaching oneself runes in first year? That's insane! If we weren't at school, I'd think it was a joke!"
Some students grumbled, "Why doesn't he spend more time on Quidditch?"
"Any of you tackled the Book of Friends?" a boy suddenly interjected.
"I tried."
"It's tough."
"No breakthrough in sight."
"Using a Transfiguration spell for heat or to display text is easy, but on something as fragile as parchment..."
Before the boy could finish, someone poked his arm, abruptly silencing him.
Turning a corner, Wade unexpectedly crossed paths with them.
Both sides stared at each other. Seeing Wade Gray, still youthful, and recalling their earlier conversation, everyone felt incredibly awkward. After a tense moment, they stiffly nodded and passed by.
After walking a distance, voices resumed.
"—Is that Wade Gray?"
"Yes."
"—He's... quite good-looking."
"Mhm."
"...He probably didn't hear us, did he?"
"—I think he did."
"Ugh... why'd you have to say it? Can't you lie to me?"
"I'm shaking... I could die right now... seriously."
...
"Huh?" Professor Murray scrutinized Wade. "Are you... a bit different today?"
Wade smiled, asking, "What do you think is different about me, Professor?"
"It does seem like there's been a change..." Professor Murray rubbed his chin, studying Wade carefully. After a pause, he ventured, "You seem... more handsome than before? But it's not a Beauty Potion effect..."
Wade smiled and unpinned a badge from his chest.
Suddenly, the impression of flawless, radiant skin seemed to vanish. Though his features remained exquisite and his appearance handsome, the aura of brilliance faded, drawing attention to him involuntarily.
"Oh?"
Professor Murray took the badge, examining it with interest—it was the item Wade had shown him earlier, devoid of any anti-detection spells.
"Glamour spell... light reflection... and solidification..." Professor Murray regarded Wade with a gleam in his eye. "You used light?"
"Yes," Wade explained. "As you know, I've been involved in photography lately. Through that, I've discovered that lighting is key—using it properly can mask facial imperfections, slim down appearance, and accentuate facial contours for a more striking look."
In essence, it was a wizarding version of beauty enhancement filters.
"Your ideas never cease to impress," Professor Murray praised. "Many would resort to a Beauty Potion for a fleeting effect, but you achieve it with a small badge—how long does it last?"
"About ten days," Wade replied.
"Not bad." Professor Murray didn't dwell on such minor items, saying casually, "Young girls will love this—so you're planning for Marchionne's Magical Workshop to produce and sell these?"
"Yes," Wade confirmed, producing a permission slip for Hogsmeade Village from his pocket. "Actually, I came to seek your approval to visit Hogsmeade on Saturday. I need to discuss alterations to the Book of Friends and the production of these light-enhancing badges with Mr. Marchionne."
"Just for that?" Professor Murray seemed unconvinced.
By now, he had gotten to know Wade quite well—knowing Wade's character, matters that could be resolved via correspondence wouldn't necessitate a special visit.
"Well... I also need to meet someone," Wade admitted awkwardly. "You know how restricted my movements are while at school. My father isn't suitable for frequent dealings with wizards, and I'm concerned for his safety. So, I've found an intermediary—I intend to meet with him this Saturday."
"An intermediary?" Professor Murray frowned slightly, his expression tinged with melancholy and reminiscence.
"Do you know him?" Wade asked, curious.
"Yes," Professor Murray replied softly, looking away. "He and his three friends were once Hogwarts celebrities. They made quite a stir in their time. Few didn't know of them. It's a shame..."
"A shame?"
"Some died, some turned traitor—it was a time of many such stories during the war. No more needs to be said," Professor Murray changed the subject. "You mentioned meeting him on Saturday?"
"Yes."
"I'll grant approval," Professor Murray said seriously, crossing his arms. "But I will accompany you."
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone