Chapter 829
Return to Hogwarts
Chapter 829 Return to Hogwarts
Dumbledore and Wade walked out of the bustling terminal, surrounded by a surging crowd, their faces filled with anxiety, worry, and fear.
People were either dragging their luggage and running quickly, or clutching their phones and talking incoherently, or looking around blankly for relatives and friends.
They hurried past, looking flustered, as they brushed past two wizards with steady steps and calm expressions.
The crowds surged like a rushing river, while the wizard stood like a reef within it; in that fleeting moment of intersection, it seemed as if two completely different worlds had been created—
On one side is the chaos and haste of the ordinary world, and on the other side is the detached calm of the mysterious world.
When the two left the tall building and walked behind a huge load-bearing column, it was like a drop of water merging into the ocean. If someone had been watching them closely, they would have noticed that they never emerged from the other side of the column.
……
During this Apparition, there was none of the signature popping sound of air being forcibly compressed and then suddenly released, typical of ordinary wizards. The entire process was quiet, smooth, and completed silently, without attracting the attention of any Muggles.
Their figures flashed briefly in the shadows before disappearing completely.
The next moment, the two were enveloped in the cool, damp air of the Scottish Highlands, and the familiar outline of Hogwarts Castle was faintly visible against the backdrop of the night and the lake in the distance.
Dumbledore turned his head and looked at Wade, who seemed to be just returning from a walk, with undisguised admiration in his eyes.
"Your Apparition has become even more refined, Vader. I bet you haven't shown this exquisite skill to anyone else yet, have you?"
Wade shrugged and said, "Of course, unlicensed teleportation is illegal, and I have no plans to get a certificate for the time being."
The only time he Apparated in public was when Dumbledore fought Grindelwald. But at that time, dust filled the air, and the Mughals were too busy escaping to pay attention to Vader.
Moreover, at that time he was wearing a cloak and a hood, so his figure and appearance were not revealed at all.
Afterwards, when Wade talked to Antoine about what happened, he discovered that both Antoine and De Laine believed that one of the two big shots had intervened to protect Wade at the time.
As for who it was... the two of them wisely refrained from asking further, and Wade naturally wouldn't step forward to reveal the truth.
Dumbledore's smile deepened.
Although he knew very well that Vader always hid his Apparition and Animagus abilities, the main reason was that he didn't want others to see all his cards.
However, firstly, Wade did not hide anything from him, and this openness itself is the most precious form of trust;
Secondly... Hearing the words "unlicensed teleportation is illegal" come so naturally from Vader's mouth inexplicably made Dumbledore feel gratified.
Even if only one or two tenths of the reason is due to legal regulations, it is enough to touch the hearts of the elderly.
At this moment, he felt the same indescribable emotion that Arthur Weasley felt when he first saw how Wade cleaned up the mess he had created.
Power often breeds lawless arrogance.
Leaving aside Grindelwald and Tom Riddle, even ordinary wizards always regard laws and rules as obstacles that restrict their abilities, unwilling to understand them, much less obey them.
What truly prevents them from acting as recklessly as Voldemort is not rules or laws, but their limited abilities.
but……
Even though the Ministry of Magic sometimes makes mistakes, the various laws of the wizarding world are ultimately designed to maintain the stability and peace of the wider community. Behind every seemingly complicated law often lie countless bloody lessons.
These rules, bought with blood, have built a barrier to protect ordinary families. Many people admire those who voluntarily break the rules and violate the law at will, unaware that they themselves may also become part of the price.
That is why it is so admirable that Vader, with his extraordinary talent, is still willing to respect this order that protects the majority of people, which makes Dumbledore even more confident.
He often felt as if he were walking on the edge of a cliff, with the students beside him, though young, already showing an unstoppable brilliance.
Dumbledore genuinely admired Wade's unparalleled talent and his pure and resilient nature, but he also felt a constant sense of unease—worried that his intelligence might lead to fanaticism, that his perseverance might crumble when faced with injustice or greater temptations, and that when he reached the end of a certain path, he might develop the same delusions as Voldemort.
Even more frightening is the fear that, in places he cannot see, this talented young man might stray down the wrong path and slide down the road whose devastating consequences he has witnessed firsthand.
He carefully nurtured this precious spark, yet he was keenly aware that he could not confine it to his own field of vision, lest it be unable to grow.
Because... true strength cannot be born from the protection of elders who follow one's every step; it can only come from a free will and an unwavering heart that withstands trials.
This profound realization made Dumbledore even more silent and restrained; his deliberate handling of the situation was far more cautious than when dealing with any powerful dark wizard.
……
No matter how intelligent Wade was, he couldn't possibly read Dumbledore's relief and worry from his back.
Seeing that the principal had suddenly fallen silent, he assumed that the other party was contemplating some important changes in the situation.
So Wade said no more. He lagged slightly behind the headmaster and walked along the familiar path toward the magnificent gates of Hogwarts, his mind replaying the thunder and rain that seemed to threaten to destroy the world.
Weather spell...
Throughout the history of the magical world, wizards have rarely used such spells in actual combat. It was only during the honeymoon period with the Muggle government that they would use them to change the weather to give their armies a certain advantage.
Because these spells are all area-of-effect, it is difficult to target a specific individual.
but if……
Can it be locked?
Wade was lost in thought when he unknowingly arrived at the door and heard the clinking of keys.
Filch's hunched figure appeared behind the door, carrying an oil lamp and a keychain, limping along and muttering complaints about having work so late.
When he picked up the oil lamp, his bulbous eyes clearly paused for a moment when they saw Dumbledore and Wade outside the door.
"Good evening, Argus," Dumbledore greeted gently, as if returning to school so late was perfectly normal.
"Good evening, Professor Dumbledore."
Filch stammered as he opened the door, his eyes still fixed on Wade.
Wade also looked at Filch and asked, "Mr. Filch, how is your injury healing?"
Filch's previously gloomy and weary expression suddenly brightened; he revealed a sinister smile and raised his voice:
"Thanks to you, it couldn't be better! Lady Pomfrey's healing magic is as excellent as ever!"
Then, he lowered his voice and asked, "Um... Mr. Gray, after you finish your business with the principal, could you spare a few minutes? I have... something I'd like to discuss with you..."
“Of course.” Wade nodded. “Then I’ll come to the administrator’s office to find you later, okay?”
"Yes, yes, of course!" Filch nodded repeatedly, saying happily, instantly becoming more energetic.
(End of this chapter)