"Can Mr. Kuler directly take the Galleons from your vault?"
While waiting for Professor Morry in the hall, Vid quietly asked Machioni.
"Don't worry," Machioni knew what he was thinking, and quietly said, "Goblin—they can put Galleons into the vault, but can't take them out at will—unless authorized by the owner of the vault. The Ministry of Magic made a contract with goblins long ago—a very ancient and powerful contract. Because goblins absolutely won't indulge in betrayal, people are accustomed to storing precious things in Gringotts."
"But I heard—Gringotts was broken into this summer?" Vid recalled a news report someone had mentioned.
"Yeah, that did happen."
Ring Pull, the goblin bringing Professor Morry over, heard Vid's words and immediately emphasized, "But he didn't steal anything, and Gringotts remains the safest place in the Wizarding World."
Professor Morry, who went to collect something, was still empty-handed, and Machioni didn't ask further questions. After leaving Gringotts, he said to the two, "Sorry, Professor, Vid, I have to quickly arrange for the new products to be launched; there are only a few days left before school starts, and many business matters need coordination!"
Professor Morry nodded, "You go ahead, Machioni."
"See you next time, Mr. Machioni." Vid also bid farewell.
Machioni adjusted his hat with one hand and quickly departed. Vid saw the direction he headed seemed to be the Prophet Daily's office—though he had admired this several times inwardly, he couldn't help but say again at this moment, "Mr. Machioni truly utilizes every minute."
"As long as it involves money, he's more proactive than anyone," Professor Morry said while leading Vid down the steps, "But he's a very excellent businessman—I'm not saying he's more honest than others, but he's more foresighted. To gain greater profits, he's willing to build foundations for years, even decades."
He looked at Vid with appreciation and said, "If you were already in your thirties or forties and only occasionally had a flash of inspiration to create the Friendship Book, I'd advise caution—you might find Machioni will try to extract more benefits from you. But you're just eleven—
He paused for a moment, smiling inexplicably.
Vid speculated, "Doesn't being younger make one more easily deceived?"
"No, Vid—" Professor Morry remarked thoughtfully, "Being young is currently your weakness, but also your strength—Machioni and I alike believe in your potential, anticipating your future brilliance. Therefore, he will now help you as much as possible, investing time, resources, and energy, even willing to give up some extra benefits to support your growth, hoping you'd bring greater returns later."
Vid slightly frowned.
Professor Morry didn't look down but seemed to know Vid's thoughts, smiling as he said, "Not happy? Feeling he's too pragmatic?"
"—Not exactly unhappy," Vid didn't admit, but said, "I understand most relationships stem from being needed and utilized, but Mr. Machioni is very personable... making it hard to accept his internal considerations as so—"
He hesitated, unsure how to tactfully describe that contrast.
Professor Morry smiled, "—Ruthless? Prioritizes actual benefits?"
Vid silently nodded.
Professor Morry said, "Vid, in this world, the scariest thing isn't being used—because 'being used' is also an acknowledgment of your talents and value. It's those with absolutely no value who are pitiful, like dust, ignored whether existing or disappearing. So don't fear or resent others wanting to use you; you must learn to shine in these needs-driven relationships, leveraging resources to promote your growth, but always keep a clear mind and protect your benefits, not becoming others' tools, but your own master."
He lowered his head, seeing the boy's grey eyes attentively watching him. Though silent, Morry knew that this child would remember his words and think thoughtfully and learn.
A complex tide surged in his heart.
On one hand, Terence Moray felt fulfilled and gratified sharing wisdom and experience, seeing his students grow from ignorance to knowledge, from naivety to maturity;
On the other hand, he felt as though he was transferring the cruelty, ruthlessness, and complexity of adult society to an innocent child, worrying the child might be negatively influenced and trod down an erroneous path, suddenly feeling regretful and guilty.
Thus Professor Morry switched gears, saying in a light tone, "However—those concerns are too distant for you to consider now. Just remember not to make commitments easily—if unsure how to proceed, come find me."
Professor Morry made a promise he normally wouldn't state.
"Thank you, Professor," Vid looked up and asked, "Since knowing you've offered me much help, I'm truly grateful—how shall I repay you?"
"Then, please continue maintaining your enthusiasm for learning and unceasing curiosity towards the unknown, Mr. Gray," Professor Morry smiled cheerfully, "For a professor, what greater reward—could there be than seeing their diligent cultivation bear fruit?"
...
Professor Morry once again used the Floo Network to send Vid home. Since their familiar contact in the Floo Network Administration had gone home, they couldn't temporarily connect the Gray's fireplace to the network and had to Floo nearby and walk the rest.
"Professor?"
"Hmm?"
"I heard that Apparition allows instantaneous travel?" Vid asked, dusting coal soot from his hair, "Why do we use the Floo Network then?"
"Because Apparition isn't suitable for traveling with children," Professor Morry said warmly, "It's a highly advanced and dangerous magic, careless usage can lead to disastrous consequences, especially harmful to kids. So unless it's an emergency, we should opt for safer transportation."
Upon returning home as night fell, the Greys were anxiously waiting, one watching the door and the other staying by the fireplace. Seeing the two approaching, Fiona standing by the window excitedly exclaimed, lifted her skirt, and dashed out.
Professor Morry paused, looked at Vid with a smile, "Kid, you've been through a lot today and should be very tired. Though as a teacher I shouldn't say this, but—go home and rest well, maybe skip the books tonight, okay?"
"Yes, Professor." Vid replied respectfully and gratefully.
Seeing they still had things to say, the Greys waited at the door, letting them finish their conversation.
"Finally, since your first work impressed me immensely, I want to give you a little reward." Professor Morry pulled out a very small box from his pocket and handed it to Vid.
Vid instantly guessed this must be what Morry specifically went to retrieve at Gringotts—just how valuable was something Morry kept in a vault? He didn't know, but instinctively refused, "No, Professor, I—"
"Don't refuse, Vid." Professor Morry pressed the box into his hand, "This isn't merely a reward, but also a test—use it well, Vid."