Wade, of course, understood the significance of a "phone." But he thought that once the Muggle world had mobile phones and the internet, an instant communication device appearing in the Wizarding World shouldn't be cause for such a fuss.
Besides, Wizards already had tools like two-way mirrors for "video calls." The parchment's only advantage was its lower cost, and the spells were simple and easy to understand. One could say that Wizards had possessed the prerequisite conditions for its creation centuries ago; it was just that, for some reason, no one seemed to have thought in that direction.
Wade kept a smile on his face, hoping Professor Murray would understand his meaning: If you want the research findings, we can discuss it. We can share the glory. Just don't get impulsive and turn against me, and certainly don't resort to violence.
Otherwise, he'd have no choice but to retaliate.
Wade didn't truly believe that Hogwarts, with Dumbledore there, was absolutely safe. Obliviate and the Imperius Curse weren't that difficult to cast.
But Professor Murray didn't seem to get it. He retorted without hesitation, "Why wouldn't it count? The American continent existed thousands of years ago, but Columbus, who discovered it, is still called a hero! Dumbledore discovered twelve uses for dragon's blood. Does that mean people hadn't studied dragon's blood before? Of course not! Child, there's no shame in standing on the shoulders of giants—what's important is that you are the first to invent it! Wait, I need to write two letters!"
Wade's wildly beating heart calmed down.
He suddenly realized that Professor Murray had no intention of monopolizing his alchemical achievements at all; he was simply genuinely happy for Wade.
It was just that Professor Murray's expression was too overt, his eyes too excited, which inadvertently made Wade feel threatened.
He slowly adjusted his breathing and heart rate, realizing that his current state of mind was somewhat problematic.
—Because of Quirrell and... Dumbledore, his trust in the school's professors was extremely low, and he subconsciously interpreted their actions with the worst possible intentions.
But in reality, Professor Flitwick was gentle and enthusiastic, and Professor Murray had been helping and guiding him ever since they met. His suspicion was truly unwarranted.
Professor Murray, oblivious to Wade's thoughts, wrote a few lines and then suddenly asked, "Oh, by the way, Wade, what's the name of your invention—it should have a name, right?"
Wade said as calmly as possible, "Yes, I call it—the Book of Friends."
He wrote "Book of Friends" on the paper, then felt it lacked a certain charm, so he wrote the three Chinese characters "Yūjin-chō" underneath it.
"What's this?" Professor Murray curiously poked the three characters that looked as elegant as a painting.
"The Chinese characters for 'Book of Friends'," Wade explained, and then pronounced them in Chinese.
Professor Murray clumsily mimicked the pronunciation, mused for a moment, and then smiled. "Excellent. This could become your unique mark."
He bent his head back to writing his letter. "Wade, did you apply to stay at school for the holidays?"
"No," Wade said, sitting down beside him. "My parents have been looking forward to me coming home."
"On the third day after Christmas, I'm hosting a small party at my house. Make sure you set aside time that day," Professor Murray said. "I can introduce you to some... well... some very helpful friends."
"Of course, it would be my honor, Professor."
Because of his guilt, Wade was now unusually agreeable.
"Also, keep your 'Book of Friends' a secret for now. Don't publicize it," Professor Murray said, winking and smiling. "I'll give you a surprise during the holidays."
Lingering suspicion still smoldered within him. Wade instinctively became wary, hesitating as he said, "Uh... actually, I was planning to give it to my friends as a Christmas present—and if it was well-received, then sell it in small quantities among classmates to earn some pocket money—"
"Oh—Wade—Wade—"
Professor Murray looked up at him, his gaze like he was looking at a young child, and chuckled softly. "My child, you are still young, so you don't understand that there are two kinds of alchemists in the world. One kind has learned a bit of Alchemy and works for the Ministry of Magic or various companies. They are called alchemists, but in reality, they are just labor for capital. The other kind of alchemist is me—"
He tapped his finger on his chest, then pointed at Wade.
"—and you."
Wade's eyes widened slightly.
"Surprised? Do you think this is too early for you to hear?" Professor Murray asked, as if he could read minds.
Wade nodded. "I thought... it was just a simple little thing... I'm just starting out in Alchemy."
Professor Murray smiled and shook his head. "The person who invented the Quill must have also thought it was just a simple little thing, but we've been using it for over a thousand years."
He finished his letter, stamped it with his seal, and sent it off with an Owl. Finally, he admonished Wade, "Small gifts exchanged between friends are fine, but selling it yourself—just forget about it. Your time should be spent on more useful things, not on being a peddler or a craftsman."
...
That evening, after finishing all the Books of Friends he planned to give away during the holidays, Wade returned to his common room. He lay exhausted on his bed, thinking about everyone he had met there.
Quirrell and Voldemort, roaming the castle.
And Dumbledore, who coldly placed the lives of all students and teachers on a chessboard, yet was also the school's protector.
"Don't you feel wronged?" Michael asked him.
Ryan said, "I thought these things were supposed to be far away from us."
Fred said, "Dumbledore really does know everything."
Hermione said, "Dumbledore is right... the heavy reality and hatred will suffocate him."
And Harry Potter... the Boy Who Lived...
Wade covered his eyes with his hand, looking as if he were asleep.
Suddenly, a soft "pop" echoed in the room, like a bubble bursting.
Wade immediately opened his eyes and turned to look. Zoe, the House-elf, stood in the center of the dormitory.
"You're here, Zoe," Wade said, smiling. "Thank you for agreeing to my request earlier."
Zoe said in a soft voice, "Wade Gray needs help, and Zoe is of course willing to help him. But Zoe hasn't received a signal, so Zoe came to check on him."
"Because I wasn't in danger today. Professor Murray is better than I thought."
Wade took a green Magic Bean from his pocket and showed it to Zoe.
This was their communicator; Zoe had one too.
After completing the Book of Friends, Wade also created these small Magic Beans, using a Connection Charm and a Transfiguration Charm. If he squeezed his bean, the one in Zoe's hand would heat up.
Ever since his "chance encounter" with Quirrell, Wade had been thinking about how to ensure his own survival. Dumbledore had his own plans, and the professors at the school wouldn't act as his bodyguards against Dumbledore's orders. The only ones he could rely on, who would help him unconditionally, were the school's House-elves.
Luckily, he had a good relationship with the House-elves responsible for the Ravenclaw tower.
These peculiar creatures could Apparate to any corner of Hogwarts, and their magic was even more powerful than some adult Wizards. Although they couldn't defy the school's professors, helping a student escape danger didn't violate their duties.
So, Wade made an agreement with Zoe—as soon as the Magic Bean in her hand warmed up, Zoe would come to him immediately and quickly transport him to a safe place.
Wade had brought the Magic Bean with him before going to see Professor Murray today. He had prepared for the worst, but fortunately, he didn't need to use it.
-----------
Machine Translation by: https:// randomtranslator.com/
Read ***+ original & fanfic translations in English, Español, Português, Deutsch, Français, or Русский
Or Translate for free at : https:// randomtranslator.com/translate
Join our Discord: https:// discord.com/invite/XXUR9nkjwa
-----------