With a loud "pop", Professor Murray Apparated with Wade to a spot near the Grey household.
The balloon-like burst of sound immediately alerted the retired Auror, Moody. The lights in his house were extinguished at once, and a shadowy figure swiftly flitted past the window.
Apart from that, the street remained as calm as ever, with the faint sound of a television program drifting from the Grey household.
"Fredie—have you seen my hairpin? The one with the pink gem—" Fiona called out.
Through the window, Wade could see his dad rise from the sofa and pace around, helping her search.
Seeing that his parents' lives had not been disturbed by those people, Wade felt a subtle sense of relief.
As always, Professor Murray showed no intention of visiting the Grey couple.
"Wade, stay home and keep yourself safe. It's best not to go out for the next couple of days."
Professor Murray placed his hand on Wade's shoulder and advised:
"If you need to go to Diagon Alley for anything, have that guy Moody go with you."
"What about you, Professor?" Wade asked.
"I'll contact Dumbledore…"
Professor Murray paused before continuing:
"…and some of my old friends, to arrange a rescue for Gull and investigate this matter thoroughly. Until we're sure it's safe, you must stay vigilant."
"Alright." Wade hesitated for a moment before adding, "Should we report this to the Ministry of Magic?"
"The Ministry of Magic?"
Professor Murray let out a derisive snort:
"That bloated, incompetent institution? The moment Fudge gets involved, it'll become a public spectacle, and they'll end up with nothing to show for it."
Noticing Wade still gazing up at him, Professor Murray softened slightly. He suppressed the biting sarcasm on the tip of his tongue and explained gently:
"The Ministry is full of leaks and internal complications; it's impossible to keep anything secret. If word gets out, failing to catch the culprits will be the least of our worries. The real concern is that Gull might still be in their hands…"
He paused, and worry gripped his heart at the thought of his friend's uncertain fate.
"If this leaks, Gull will be in danger. That's why I'll be reaching out to Dumbledore and some trusted Aurors to conduct a discreet investigation—I believe others will feel the same way."
Wade stayed silent for a while before saying softly, "Professor, please take care of yourself."
Professor Murray smiled and then patted him on the shoulder. "You take care of yourself too. Go on, head inside now."
Wade turned and walked toward his house. As he opened the door, he glanced back.
The white-haired professor smiled and nodded.
Wade nodded and went back inside his house. When he looked out the window again, the street was empty—no one else was in sight.
What Professor Murray had said echoed Wade's own concerns.
He worried that after the alchemists were released, they might start spreading the news, drawing public attention and seeking help from the Ministry of Magic.
If they stepped into the Ministry one moment, the next moment Will and his group would likely be alerted.
In such a scenario, Will's team would immediately realize the kidnapping attempt had completely failed. The freckled driver and the others might disband and go into hiding rather than attempting to return to their base.
This would render Rita Skeeter's covert eavesdropping utterly meaningless.
Conversely, the longer the news was delayed, the later Will and his team would find out. The more time Wade had, the more intelligence he could gather.
For this reason, Wade had initially considered keeping everyone in the wardrobe space until the matter was resolved.
Even in a comatose state, magic offers many ways to maintain vital signs.
However, Wade couldn't be certain when this matter would "end."
He also worried that prolonged exposure to the golden dust might cause unknown harm to their bodies. Weighing the pros and cons, he ultimately decided to release everyone.
When Wade carved that message using Gull's tone, his intention was to delay the spread of the news for as long as possible.
But Professor Murray's words made him realize that, even without the message, the others might still avoid publicizing the matter.
Thinking back to the way the group had hastily fled home...
Was it purely out of fear of unknown enemies, or had some of them already guessed that the one who left the message might actually be among them?
"Wade!"
A delighted voice called from behind. Fiona, who came downstairs with her hairpin in hand, walked over quickly and asked:
"When did you get back? Why didn't you say anything? Have you had breakfast yet?"
Wade only answered the last question: "No, Mom."
"I'll make it right away!"
Fiona didn't ask anything further. She rolled up her sleeves and headed straight to the kitchen, with three little magical dolls hopping along behind her.
Wade's gaze followed them until even Coco, the last one, had bounced into the kitchen.
He shifted his gaze as Fred, who was still in his pajamas, gestured for Wade to join him on the balcony.
"You came back in such a rush—did something happen?" Fred asked.
"Dad…"
Wade hesitated, torn between the urge to be honest and the desire to conceal the truth.
Fred looked at him and then smiled as he gently ruffled his hair.
"It's been so many years since I've seen this expression on your face…
Wade, your mom and I can't do magic, and we're not equipped to be some solid backing for you.
But if you need someone to talk to, or some advice from an adult… you know I'm always here."
"Yes." Wade finally made up his mind and said softly,
"There was indeed an incident at the exhibition—someone attempted to kidnap the participating alchemists. I was one of their targets. Of course, they didn't succeed, but I'm worried they might come after you and Mom."
"I see."
Fred leaned against the railing and listened calmly, and then nodded without showing much reaction.
"Fiona and I will try to stay home as much as possible for now. I can handle work from here. If we do have to go out, I'll make sure to convince Mr. Moody to come along."
Wade blinked, surprised by his father's composure. He felt a pang of guilt and said,
"I'm sorry, Dad. Because of me, you're now in danger."
"No need to apologize, Wade," Fred replied as he shook his head.
"There are people in this world who've been minding their own business at home only to be struck by a falling plane. The danger we face doesn't come from you, but from those malicious individuals. Don't confuse the two."
"I understand… After breakfast, I might need to go away for a few days to find some friends who can help resolve this," Wade added.
"Will it be dangerous?" Fred asked.
"If it is, I can turn invisible or transform into a peregrine falcon to escape. Don't worry," Wade reassured him.
"Good… Just make sure you come back safely," Fred said. "Don't tell Fiona the truth—just say that a classmate invited you to hang out for a couple of days."
"Understood."
At that moment, Fiona's voice called from the dining room. Wade responded and walked back inside.
Fred stood there for a while longer before following.
As he passed the giant mirror broadcasting a show and the coffee table with an open Book of Friends, he noticed the magical doll, Ari, arranging a plate it could fit into.
Years ago, when Wade first left with Professor Murray, Fred had worried so much that he couldn't sleep at night.
But now, he was surprised to find himself feeling so calm. Perhaps it was because he had rehearsed this moment countless times in his mind. Only one thought remained—
It's finally here.
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