Bought a gift for mother, of course, I can't leave father out.
Vid saw a bag made of Transfiguration Lizard Skin, with extended space inside, that could hold quite a lot of things.
Most importantly, only the owner can retrieve things placed inside, making it exceptionally expensive and rare.
However, the Magic Spell on this bag was already damaged, causing it to turn into a bag that only accepts but doesn't release items, which is why it was discarded here, unnoticed.
Vid looked over, knowing he had the ability to repair it, so he decided to purchase it.
In front of his eyes, the damaged Magic Pattern Circuits and Spell were clearly visible, with no hidden Curses or Poisonous Curses able to fool him.
Then Vid found a pair of damaged Two-Sided Mirrors, which he planned to try and fix himself;
A set of Wizard's Chess no longer moving, perfect for him to practice infusing thought into dead objects in Biological Alchemy;
Peeping Mirror and Detector, useful for warning;
Also a similarly damaged Invisibility Cloak, being usable as Alchemy practice material.
Then he picked out some scattered small items like Crystal Bottles, Magic Potion Materials, and went to check out.
Leslie flipped through them, somewhat surprised: "Three Magic Wands?"
"Yes, is there a purchase limit here?" Vid countered.
"Of course not."
Leslie calculated the prices one by one, pausing again upon seeing those Magic Potion Materials.
Most materials could be brewed into very dangerous Magic Potions, or so-called poisons, hence are prohibited items.
But since Knockturn Alley always exists, the so-called "prohibited items" are simply legal stipulations, practically, if no one reports them, Aurors would not bother.
Even some Aurors often come here to purchase dangerous things.
But this person was brought in by Little Theo, which made Leslie pay extra attention.
When Vid checked out and exited the store, Theo was going to leave too when Leslie suddenly said: "Theo."
The young man turned back.
"Go home early." Leslie said with a heavy tone.
His underlying meaning was, naturally—stay away from that wizard.
Whether Theo understood or not was unclear, but he waved with a smile and said: "Got it, Mr. Leslie… goodbye."
The candles in the shop were extinguished in sequence, leaving only the one next to Leslie still burning.
Through the window, he saw Theo running to the wizard's side, chatting and laughing together, making Leslie frown slightly.
...
The topic between Theo and the "Dangerous Wizard" was something Leslie couldn't have imagined.
"Have you finished your holiday assignments?" Theo asked.
"Of course." Vid asked: "How about you?"
"I'm still missing a paper on Transfiguration Technique." Theo sighed, "You know, I'm not very good at it."
"Need a reference?" Vid asked indifferently.
Theo was tempted for a moment but shook his head: "No… I'll write it myself. I still have a week left!"
Even though the paper needs to be a foot long, he could write with larger letters.
"You could look at the book 'Metamorphic Deformation Theory', chapter three's content is quite similar to our paper topic this time." Vid suggested.
"Really? I think my dad has that book on his shelf, I'll check it out when I get home."
Theo said happily, then asked: "Do you have any plans next?"
"Everything I needed to buy has been bought, I'm planning to go home." Vid said.
The two walked to the alley entrance, where they would part ways.
"Vid…"
Theo looked at Vid and said: "Thank you for saving me and my brother. I… um… if there's anything you want to do, I'll do my best to help."
He emphasized seriously: "—no matter what it is."
Vid smiled and pulled up his hood: "Alright… if I need help, I'll definitely find you."
"Don't wait until you think there's a need, accidents always happen when people think nothing will happen."
Theo replied: "I know my Magic Power is still weak but even if it's just keeping watch or helping carry something, having someone with you is better than being alone, right?"
"Vid, no matter what you're doing, I hope I can be part of it, rather than always being helped or saved."
"I want to help you, Vid. I hope you can trust me too."
Vid looked at him, thoughts swirling inside him, after a while he lowered his hood and said:
"Then when it's time to act, I'll look for you… don't let your assignments be unfinished by then!"
He chuckled lightly.
Theo laughed too: "Don't underestimate me! I can finish it by this afternoon."
They said goodbye and headed in different directions.
From start to finish, Theo never asked why Vid chose to appear in his current form, nor did he ask what he needed so many old Magic Wands for.
Vid had secrets, that Theo undoubtedly knew.
But Vid revealed his identity to save them, which Theo was equally clear about.
Consider the consequences of them being captured by a Werewolf together…
Even if the Werewolf didn't kill them, but waited until the full moon to transform the younger brother into a Werewolf… thinking about such an event almost happening made Theo hate his own foolish, credulous self.
Vid saved them.
Theo silently contemplated, his gaze gradually clearing and becoming resolute, his mood even slightly joyful.
Even if Vid might be doing things not allowed by law, so what?
The Ministry of Magic's laws are imperfect, enforcement highly arbitrary, this everyone knows.
While his friend…
Even hiding his real face, was equally upright, strong, and dependable.
Being able to walk alongside him, was his fortune.
...
The summer vacation quickly came to an end.
On the day before the holiday ended, Vid finished repairing the Transfiguration Lizard Skin bag.
For this, he stayed two days at the Leaky Cauldron, as using magic there wouldn't be monitored.
Through the Friendship Book, he also learned that Lupin actually bought a new house in Hogsmeade Village.
[Lupin: So when you and Harry are in your third year, you can come over to my home and play. Though small, I guarantee it'll be fun.]
[Lupin: And… it's my first time having my own home to entertain guests. Thank you for not turning me away just because I am a Werewolf, Vid.]
He wrote this in the Friendship Book.
Since his identity was exposed, Lupin appeared much more composed, and no longer shied away from discussing his past experiences.
He always used a relaxed tone to speak of those deeply painful pasts.
[Lupin: After leaving Dumbledore's protection, it became difficult to find a job. Once people knew I was a Werewolf, they wouldn't even want to talk to me.]
[Vid: Why not seek employment in Muggle Society? With your Magic Ability, survival shouldn't be difficult.]