Although Vid quickly learned Apparition, Dumbledore did not end their lessons.
For the next two days, they continued to practice every afternoon in the forest clearing.
Of course, there was still a Vid attending classes at school, so no one noticed his secret lessons.
No matter the spell, the more skilled you become, the simpler it is. Like when Vid needed to turn a button into a beetle, he no longer needed to construct any image in his mind; a slight tap of his magic wand was all it took.
The same was true for Apparition.
Initially, Dumbledore greatly admired his diligence, but later he tried to dissuade him, and finally, he said nothing, just silently offered help and support.
But after Vid returned to school, Dumbledore couldn't help but sigh deeply.
Professor McGonagall, who was reporting on the holiday arrangements, paused and asked in confusion, "Is there something wrong with these procedures?"
"No, I was just thinking..." Dumbledore paused, then said with a wry smile, "When did... Hogwarts become a place where students don't feel safe?"
Professor McGonagall frowned and said seriously, "Who says that? Everyone knows Hogwarts is the safest place in the world."
Her expression all but spelled out "nonsense" on her face.
But Dumbledore did not explain. He picked up the list of those staying over the break to take a look, and not seeing Harry's name, he casually asked, "Is Harry still going to Hogsmeade for the holiday?"
"I heard Vid invited him," Professor McGonagall said. "He should be staying at the Gray's for the holiday."
"Hmm..."
Dumbledore thought for a moment, set the list down, and said with a smile, "The friendships formed during school days are always particularly precious, but the closeness between Gryffindor and Ravenclaw is a rare sight in my memory."
"Yes," Professor McGonagall said emotionally. "The study group led by Vid Gray is remarkably effective, and everyone in it is excellent—even Neville has improved a lot—I really wish other children could do the same."
"These things can't be forced; having a good leader is very important."
Dumbledore took off his glasses to clean them and said, "I'll need to go to the Wizengamot in the coming days, so I'll leave the holiday arrangements to you."
"Alright... When will you be back?" Professor McGonagall asked.
"Christmas," Dumbledore replied with a smile. "I wouldn't want to miss the school's Christmas feast."
...
On the last day before the holiday, the school arranged for a Hogsmeade weekend.
But this time, that small wizard village held little allure for Vid; he needed to confirm the production of the Anti-Curse Vest with the Weasley Twins one last time, and then conserve his energy to practice Apparition in the afternoon.
In the evening, an exhausted Vid sat at the dining table. Just after eating for a while, someone appeared next to him.
He thought it was Michael, but suddenly heard the person ask, "Vid, why didn't you go to Hogsmeade today?"
Vid paused, turned his head, and saw that it was Carrel, beaming brightly.
Come to think of it, Dumbledore even gave Vid the task of looking after Carrel!
But Vid was so busy that, even with the Time Turner, he felt there wasn't enough time, let alone cross a house to look after Carrel.
And Carrel's attitude made Vid feel somewhat strange; he was enthusiastic and cheerful... but Vid felt as though he was intentionally or unintentionally avoiding him.
Afraid that Vid might notice something off about him, or...
Vid had many thoughts running through his mind, but outwardly, he only gave a slight pause and then said:
"I already bought what I wanted, and Diagon Alley has a richer selection."
"Diagon Alley..." Carrel said dreamily, "I've heard about that place for a long time, but haven't had the chance to go yet!"
"If you're staying at school, you'll have to wait until the summer vacation to go," Vid said.
"I'm not staying; I'm going home!" Carrel said.
Vid was taken aback: "Going home?"
"Yeah!" Carrel said naturally, taking a roast potato, peeling it while happily saying, "I'll be like you guys, take the train to King's Cross Station, and then my dad will pick me up!"
"Mr. Johnson... you got in touch?" Vid slowly asked.
He remembered Dumbledore mentioning that Landon Johnson had disappeared—how had he gotten in touch with Carrel at Hogwarts?
"Of course!" Carrel said, then as if suddenly remembering something, he winked and said, "Don't tell the others! You know, my parents don't like wizards."
"Hmm... alright," Vid agreed.
After everything that happened, it was understandable for Mr. Johnson not to like wizards. The fact that he allowed Carrel to study at Hogwarts was already very open-minded.
But Vid still felt something wasn't quite right... The strange feeling was giving him a slight shiver.
"By the way, come to my house for the holidays!" Carrel suddenly said. "My parents were just saying they wanted to visit yours!"
Vid had not yet thought it through, but he instinctively refused: "That might not be possible. I expect to be very busy this holiday... also, my parents plan to vacation in Australia."
"Oh... too bad. Then maybe in the summer, when the vacation is longer."
Carrel didn't seem disappointed, dipped ketchup and quickly finished the roast potato, then returned to the long table on the Gryffindor side.
At this moment, the late-arriving Michael finally sat down next to Vid.
"Was that Carrel earlier? Did he have something to discuss with you?"