In the morning, when the first ray of sunlight broke through layers of clouds and shone down, Vid opened his eyes.
In the previous school year, he maintained the habit of getting up as soon as the sun rose for a long period, forming a stable biological clock, so he still woke up early now.
Vid closed his eyes for two minutes in bed, then turned over and got up, washed, and went downstairs.
At this time, the Greys were still asleep, but the kitchen was already filled with the aroma of buttered toast.
Passing the stairs, the mirror next to him shook slightly and made a sound:
"Good morning, Young Master Gray. Your outfit today is as casual and free-spirited as always..."
"Thank you, I'm wearing pajamas." Vid answered.
"They're carefully selected printed silk pajamas by the Madam, showcasing your noble temperament; every time I see them, it's a delight to my eyes..."
"Really? But you don't have eyes." Vid said.
"That's just a metaphor, young master. The sunlight is just right today, perfect for wearing a light-colored shirt! Pair it with dark casual pants, it looks clean and neat, very suitable for going out for a walk or meeting friends."
The mirror chattered lively, and even after Vid walked past, its voice could still be heard from behind—
"Even visiting elders would be very appropriate..."
Vid shook his head.
That nagging fellow was a gift he bought for his mother Fiona, and Ferdinand told him that Fiona could sometimes discuss clothing and makeup with this mirror for two hours.
In a way, it freed them father and son from fixed phrase combinations like "whatever," "looks good," but Ferdinand seemed a bit lost, occasionally sneaking over trying to insert himself into the mirror's conversation with his wife.
However, that area is too unfamiliar to him.
Then, he secretly started studying fashion magazines.
Vid: "..."
He really wanted to tell his father that to join their domain, perhaps he should first distinguish between lipstick colors.
Leaving the mirror, Vid came to the first floor. The living room was already cleaned spotless, and several small puppets were making breakfast in the kitchen.
Originally, before Vid went to study at Hogwarts, cleaning staff would come regularly every day to clean and cook, and Fiona only needed to prepare breakfast every day.
Later, as more and more books and items related to magic accumulated at home, to avoid exposing secrets, Fiona took over most of the housework.
Although Ferdinand would help, he also had a lot of work matters, and the trivial and complicated housework still occupied a large amount of Fiona's time.
Vid felt somewhat guilty for this, always contemplating hiring a house-elf for the family, but worried about the Greys' safety.
Don't be fooled, most house-elves are loyal to their wizard masters, but there are rebels among them, and magical creatures have the common problem of looking down on anyone who can't use magic.
Take Kreacher from the Black Family, or Maki from Hogwarts, they are willing to follow Vid's instructions. But if they come to the Grey's house, will they be as obedient to Ferdinand or Fiona?
Vid can't be sure of this.
Even if they are willing to serve his parents because of Vid's relationship, if they harbor any disdain or dissatisfaction in their hearts, the house-elves will be very straightforward in expressing these feelings.
And hiring some stray house-elf that was kicked out by their master... if not well understood, having such a not weak magical creature at home is also a threat to the Greys.
Originally, Vid thought Dobby was a good choice, but later he invented poppets, solving all the problems.
Now, three little demonic puppets handle the majority of the housework, and Fiona only prepares a loving meal when she feels like it or sometimes knits a sweater or gloves for the family to pass the time.
The poppets are now accustomed to the routines of the people at home that as soon as Vid sat down at the dining table, a cup of steaming coffee was delivered. Shortly thereafter, a sumptuous breakfast was also on the table.
Little puppet Coco holding a kettle higher than itself, steadily poured a cup of hot water.
Vid cut a piece of bread, and meanwhile asked: "Have you noticed any strange people lurking nearby recently?"
Coco said: "The strangest person is Alastor Moody, he used the Defodio Charm last night to wreck a bike on the road."
Vid, just about to eat the bread, paused, put down his fork and asked: "Did anyone come from the Ministry of Magic to handle it?"
"No." Coco said: "He didn't attract any attention from muggles, and the bike owner thought it was an accident."
"Hmm."
Vid thought about it, the Ministry of Magic is probably used to Moody frequently causing similar incidents, so unless there's a potential to break the Confidentiality Law, they're too lazy to appear.
If dealing with unexpected circumstances is needed... the person responsible most likely is Arthur Weasley.
After having breakfast, another little puppet Lucy had already placed today's newspaper on the table.
Because she's very short, when she runs over holding a stack of newspapers, it's as if the newspapers are moving on their own.
Vid couldn't help but smile and asked: "Do you need me to make you a bit bigger? It might be more convenient."
Lucy shook her head and said: "No, we've gotten used to it. And this way we can go out with the master."
Vid nodded and didn't say more.
Since the poppets have been imbued with thought, they often feel no different from real humans, able to converse, understand ambiguous commands, and perform various precise and complex tasks.
Apart from reproduction and metabolism, they can do almost everything humans can do.
By comparison, the current AI technology among muggles seems clumsy and mechanical.
After finishing breakfast, Vid saw that it was already about time, greeted Ferdinand, who had just woken up, and prepared to go out.
"When will you be back?" Ferdinand asked.
"It should be in the evening." Vid said: "If I need to stay overnight there, I will send you a message."
"Hmm." Ferdinand nodded steadily, wanting to say something, but swallowed it down, and finally only said: "Don't forget to eat."
Vid naturally agreed, then went upstairs to change clothes.
Ferdinand stood by the window, lowered his head to light a cigarette, suddenly hearing the sound of fluttering.
Looking up, he saw a Peregrine Falcon flying into the distance.
"How can a person over a hundred pounds transform into a one-pound bird?" He lowered his head and said to the puppet beside him: "Is this reasonable? Doesn't matter need to be conserved?"
Coco seemed to daze for a moment, before saying: "This is magic, master."
"Indeed..."
Ferdinand let out a deep sigh: "This is... magic."