"Bang," with a sound like a balloon bursting, Professor Morry arrived near the Grey residence with Vid.
This sudden noise immediately alerted the retired Auror. The lights in Moody's house went out instantly, and a dark figure swiftly passed by the window.
Other than that, the street remained as calm as ever, and the faint sound of a TV show could be heard from the Grey's house.
"Ferdinand—have you seen my hairpin? The one with the pink gemstone—" Fiona asked.
Through the window, the male owner of the Grey house could be seen getting up from the sofa and pacing around to help look for it.
Seeing that his parents' lives were undisturbed by those people, Vid let out a faint sigh of relief.
As usual, Professor Morry had no intention of visiting the Greys.
"Vid, stay well at home, and it's best not to go out these days."
Professor Morry placed his hand on Vid's shoulder and advised:
"If you have to go to Diagon Alley to buy something, make sure that guy Moody goes with you."
"And you, Professor?" Vid asked.
"I'll contact Dumbledore…"
Professor Morry paused, then continued:
"And some of my old friends to find someone to rescue Gul and get to the bottom of this matter. Until it's confirmed safe, you must also be vigilant at all times."
"Okay." Vid hesitated for a moment, then asked, "Should we report to the Ministry of Magic?"
"The Ministry of Magic?"
Professor Morry snorted disdainfully:
"That's just a bloated, incompetent organization. As soon as Fudge gets involved, they'll undoubtedly make a fuss but end up with nothing."
Seeing Vid still looking up at him, Professor Morry felt a bit of parental affection for him, swallowing back the sarcastic remarks he held on his tongue, he explained softly:
"The Ministry of Magic is such a complex organization with a mixture of different people, it's hard to keep anything secret. If the matter leaks out, not catching the culprits is secondary; the important thing is that Gul might still be in their hands…"
He paused, and thinking of his friend whose fate was uncertain, felt continuous worry in his heart.
"If the information gets out, Gul will be in danger… So I'll contact Dumbledore and a few friends among the Aurors for a secret investigation—I think others might think the same."
Vid remained silent for a while before he said in a low voice, "Professor, you all must be careful."
Professor Morry smiled and patted his shoulder, saying, "You also need to keep yourself safe. Alright, go home now."
Vid turned back, and when he opened the front door, he looked back.
The white-haired old man nodded with a smile.
Vid nodded back, returned home, and when he looked out the window again, there was no one else on the street.
What Professor Morry said was actually what Vid was worried about too.
He was concerned that after releasing these alchemists, they would go everywhere to publicize it, making a grand show of asking for help from the Ministry of Magic.
Possibly, the moment they step into the Ministry of Magic, Will and his group would get wind of it.
This way, they would immediately realize the kidnapping attempt had completely failed, Pockmarked Driver, and others might disperse and hide rather than trying to return to their lair.
This would make Rita Skeeter's hidden eavesdropping meaningless.
In contrast, the longer the delay, the later they receive the news, and the more intelligence Vid could gather.
Thus, he originally thought of keeping everyone in the wardrobe space until this event was resolved.
Even in a state of unconsciousness, magic has many ways to sustain vital signs.
However, Vid couldn't confirm when this matter would "end."
He was also concerned that prolonged exposure to Gold Powder might cause some unknown harm to the body, so after weighing the options, he finally decided to release everyone.
Vid inscribed that message using Gul's tone, with the intention of slowing the spread of the information.
But Professor Morry's words made him understand that perhaps even without the message, they wouldn't make a big deal out of it.
Looking back now, and thinking of how everyone rushed home...
Was it out of fear of an unknown enemy, or had some among them already guessed that the message bearer was actually among them?
"Vid!"
A joyful voice came from behind him as Fiona, holding her hairpin, quickly walked over and asked:
"When did you get back? Why didn't you say something? Have you had breakfast?"
Vid only answered the last question, "No, Mom."
"I'll get it ready right away!"
Fiona asked no questions, immediately rolling up her sleeves and heading to the kitchen, with three little puppets jumping and following along.
Vid's gaze followed them until it landed on Coco, who also jumped into the kitchen last.
He turned his view and saw Ferdinand, still in his robe, gesturing for Vid to join him on the balcony.
"Did something happen for you to rush back so hurriedly?" Ferdinand asked.
"Dad…"
Vid paused, as the impulses to confess and conceal alternately controlled his voice.
Ferdinand looked at him, then suddenly smiled and ruffled his hair.
"It's been many years since I've seen that expression on your face… Vid, Mom and Dad don't know magic or have the skills to back you up. But if you need to talk, or want some adult advice… you know I'm always here."
"Yes." Vid finally made up his mind and said in a low voice, "There was indeed an incident at this exhibition—some intended to kidnap the alchemists attending, and I was one of their targets. Of course, they didn't succeed, but I'm worried they might go after you."
"Got it."
Ferdinand, leaning against the railing, listened without much change in his expression, nodded calmly, and said:
"Lately, Fiona and I will try to stay indoors, handling work from home. If we really have to go out, I'll persuade Mr. Moody to come along."
Vid blinked in surprise at his father's remarkably composed attitude, and then, feeling guilty, said:
"I'm sorry, Dad. Because of me, you are in danger."
"No need to apologize, Vid."
Ferdinand shook his head and said:
"There are even people who stay home and unexpectedly get hit by a plane! Our danger doesn't come from you, but from those with ill intentions; don't get that mixed up."
"Right… after breakfast, I might have to leave for a few days… to meet some friends who can help sort this out…" Vid continued.
"Will there be danger?" Ferdinand asked.
"If there's danger, I can turn invisible or transform into a Peregrine Falcon to escape, no need to worry," Vid said.
"Good… make sure you return safely," Ferdinand said. "Don't tell Fiona the truth, just say one of your classmates has invited you over for a couple of days."
"Understood."
At this moment, Fiona's voice calling from the dining room sounded, Vid responded and went inside.
Ferdinand stood by for a while longer before following him.
As he passed the large mirror playing the show and the Friendship Book spread across the coffee table, he saw the puppet Ali arranging plates that could fit it.
When Vid first left with Professor Morry, Ferdinand was so worried he couldn't sleep at night.
But now, he was surprised at how calm he felt, perhaps because he had rehearsed it in his mind many times before—at this moment, he had just one thought—
It finally came.