บท 106: 106
Chapter 106: Returning Home
The final week without classes passed swiftly, culminating in the last Quidditch match of the semester held on the weekend.
With Gryffindor lacking a seeker, Ravenclaw secured a decisive victory. Their seeker circled leisurely in the sky, capturing the Golden Snitch only after ensuring Ravenclaw's clear advantage.
Thus, Ravenclaw claimed the Quidditch Cup for the year. Gryffindor felt aggrieved but resigned to their defeat.
Nevertheless, Slytherin maintained the highest house points overall, thanks largely to Professor Snape's exemplary contributions.
At the end-of-term feast, Dumbledore awarded additional points to those who ventured into the Chamber. Each participant earned 20 points for their house, while Harry Potter received an additional 50 points, catapulting Gryffindor into first place and pushing Slytherin to second.
The initial jubilation belonged to Slytherin, followed by Gryffindor. Ravenclaw students, though third before the bonus points, continued to cheer good-naturedly. Hufflepuff, unfazed by the fluctuations, remained indifferent to whether the banners above them were red or green. The emotional rollercoaster of Gryffindor and Slytherin was far more captivating.
In the teachers' section, the nuanced expressions of Professors McGonagall and Snape spoke volumes.
"I still can't believe it," Michael murmured to Wade. "Snape being innocent of Quirrell's conspiracy! He certainly gives off Death Eater vibes... Don't you think?"
"Indeed. But if he were, would Dumbledore allow him to remain at Hogwarts for so long?" Wade pondered aloud.
...
The day after the final feast, the exam results were posted.
Wade ranked first overall in his year, though Hermione topped in History of Magic and Astronomy. Other members of the SSC also performed admirably, nearly sweeping the top spots in each subject.
To those unfamiliar with the SSC, this year's first-years exhibited exceptional talent, evenly distributed across the houses (even Slytherin's Malfoy and Zabini scored highly). Unlike past years, Ravenclaw dominated most of the top ten positions.
Students signed the no-magic-use notice for the holidays, packed their belongings, and boarded the Hogwarts Express. Wade, Michael, Theo, and Ryan occupied one compartment, Hermione sat with the Patil sisters, and Harry and Neville shared a private room with their dorm mates.
"How about visiting my home during the summer break?" Michael suggested enthusiastically. "My family lives by the sea, and we can take a boat to the nearby islands."
"Count me in!" Theo responded eagerly. "Let's make plans to hang out; two months at home will be too dull otherwise."
"Will you be free, Wade?" Ryan asked.
"I plan to study Alchemy with Professor Murray, but I'll make time!" Wade smiled. "I don't want to spend the entire summer just studying."
"Keep in touch through the Floo Network!" Michael urged as the train pulled into King's Cross Station, and students disembarked one by one. Wade spotted Ferdinand and Fiona waiting for him on the platform, beaming with joy.
His mother enveloped him in a hug while his father hoisted his suitcase.
"Let's head to the car first; I've booked a table at the restaurant," Ferdinand suggested.
After settling in and ordering food, Fiona couldn't contain herself. "I heard some outrageous rumors at the Leaky Cauldron—is any of it true? About one of your professors being a puppet for the Dark Lord... and Hogwarts hiding a Stone that grants immortality..."
Wade glanced at Ferdinand, who watched him intently.
"The Philosopher's Stone is real," Wade affirmed. "Mr. Nicolas Flamel and his wife have lived over six centuries thanks to the Elixir of Immortality!"
"Oh my goodness!" Fiona gasped in awe. "I've read about him in fantasy novels! I never imagined he was real... I wonder what it's like to be immortal..."
Her expression turned wistful.
"In reality, it only grants eternal life, not eternal youth... So..." Wade gestured, allowing his mother to contemplate.
The image of an immortal, enigmatic wizard suddenly shattered in Fiona's mind, replaced by a vision of a grey-haired, toothless, frail figure.
The oldest person she had seen barely surpassed a hundred... Fiona couldn't fathom what a man over six hundred and sixty years old might look like... Her imagination veered towards Lovecraftian horrors.
Ferdinand caught the omission in Wade's account, his heart sinking.
Later that evening, as Fiona retired to freshen up, Ferdinand gestured, and father and son stepped out onto the balcony.
"Is... is any of that true?" Ferdinand fidgeted with a lighter, not lighting a cigarette but asking, "About... the rumors of the Dark Lord?"
Wade hesitated, deliberating whether to disclose the truth to his father.
Sensing Wade's hesitation, Ferdinand's expression grew grave. He forced a smile. "Don't tell me... reality surpasses even the rumors?"
Wade finally made his decision.
"The truth is... the intruder at Hogwarts wasn't Voldemort's puppet, but Voldemort himself... He didn't perish completely but existed as a wandering spirit, possessing Quirrell..."
Mindful of the fear surrounding Voldemort's name, Wade chose his words carefully in front of others.
Ferdinand's hand trembled, nearly dropping the lighter.
"He... isn't dead?"
he asked, his face draining of color.
"No. Dumbledore suspected from the beginning and kept the situation under control," Wade reassured calmly. "You must have heard how Quirrell was defeated by first-year Harry Potter. It wasn't Quirrell's failure—it was Voldemort's."
Ferdinand fell silent for a long moment, only stirring when the bathroom door slid open. He turned to return indoors but paused, looking back at Wade. "Wade..."
"Yes?"
"You've learned magic now... you won't become an Obscurus again... have you... have you ever thought..."
Ferdinand struggled to articulate his thoughts.
Wade waited patiently.
"...about going to America? Or Australia?" Ferdinand continued, "I hear there are good magical schools in the United States. Perhaps they'd accept transfer students..."
There was a pause before Wade replied, "...I'm sorry, Dad."
"Alright..." Ferdinand sighed heavily. "I suppose I shouldn't be surprised."
"But do prepare for the possibility," Wade added. "If things ever become too perilous, I hope you and Mum can move there ahead of time."
"Silly boy," Ferdinand chuckled weakly. "How could we leave you... and hide in safety alone?"
"If I'm ever in danger, I'll come to you," Wade assured with a smile. "You know wizards can Apparate. I plan to learn that spell in second year—it'll make escape easier..."
สถานะพลังงานรายสัปดาห์
-- การจัดอันดับด้วยพลัง 
-- หินพลัง