71

Chapter 71: Rules and Packages

Wade raised an eyebrow and glanced over at the tapestry—it was Silly Barnabas again.

Every time he entered or left the Room of Requirement, this tapestry greeted him. Sometimes he saw Silly Barnabas coercing trolls into ballet skirts, other times trolls whacking Silly Barnabas with sticks. They remained entwined in their antics, never speaking or moving elsewhere.

Initially, Wade assumed the tapestry differed from enchanted portraits...

Now, trolls lay sprawled, snoring. Silly Barnabas sat cross-legged, eyes fixed on Wade, speaking with grave intent.

"Silly... uh... Mr. Barnabas?"

"Call me Silly Barnabas—it's what everyone else does," Barnabas replied casually. "I reckon you've taken something from the Room of Requirement?"

"Yes," Wade confessed candidly. "But it wasn't originally part of the Room—like the broom I took before."

"Doesn't matter if someone else stashed it there," Barnabas said slowly. "In this castle, abandoned items eventually find their way into this room—forgotten, they become part of the Room of Requirement. You can take what you need, like the broom. But don't take what you don't need or use the room for personal whims."

"Personal whims?" Wade inquired. "Like what?"

"Say, selling its contents for profit," Barnabas paused. "If you need coin, scrounge in the junk pile. You'll find Galleons to meet your needs."

"What if I do take something I don't need?" Wade pressed.

Barnabas grew serious. "Then those items will return to Hogwarts in a manner you'd rather not see. You'd violate the room's intended use, inviting magical retribution."

His tone carried sorrow, as if foreseeing Wade's future misfortunes due to disregarding his counsel.

Beside him, a snoring troll stirred, scratched its backside, and rolled over. Its malodorous feet faced Barnabas, prompting him to pinch his nose and shift position. Resuming his focus, he fixed Wade with a somber gaze.

"So," Wade smiled wryly, "if I find a dangerous Dark artifact and take it to prevent harm to other students—would that violate the agreement too?"

"Oh... well... um," Barnabas faltered. After deep contemplation, he stuttered, "That... should be considered a noble act. The castle—will appreciate it. It wouldn't breach the agreement..."

"Thank you for your advice, Barnabas. I'll return this item once I've dealt with its Dark magic," Wade nodded, turning to leave.

After a few paces, Wade sighed softly.

Finding the Room of Requirement, guided by house-elves, Wade had wondered if it could furnish a room with gold Galleons or time-turners upon demand. Could he strip it bare of books and alchemical tools during study sessions, only to find them returned or vanished next visit?

Reflecting, Wade suppressed such musings, avoiding testing the Room's limits. Surely, previous students and even Voldemort, who hid Horcruxes here, knew of its capabilities. House-elves whispered its secrets.

If one could freely take from the Room, hadn't past students discovered this? Not everyone, like Harry Potter, avoided exploiting it for gain.

Tom Riddle, especially, a resourceful Slytherin and curse-master, surely probed its limits. Perhaps Barnabas warned him, but such a cunning mind wouldn't trust a tapestry's advice outright. Tom might have experimented, learning its truth...

"Room of Requirement—assisting those in genuine need."

Wade sensed an unspoken contract upon entering, quelling temptation. Confirmation of this pact disappointed him nonetheless.

Who wouldn't covet such effortless abundance?

He slapped his face, refocusing. The Room had aided him generously. Resist greed, recall true desires.

...

Next morning, the skies cleared after relentless snow and rain, lifting spirits. Students relished the sun, gathering on castle lawns for walks, chats, games.

During breakfast, owls swooped into the Great Hall, delivering parcels despite the advent of Friend Books—wizarding world couriers persisted.

Ava landed beside Wade, bearing Fiona's latest candies and treats. Pecking Wade's arm lightly, she chided him for leaving her behind.

Wade tore a bit of beef for her, appeasing her. Content, Ava cooed twice, spread her wings, and departed.

Sharing candies and treats with nearby students, Wade called out, "Michael—"

"Hmm?" Michael responded, praising, "Mrs. Grey's peanut candy is delicious!"

"I'll stock some in the Umbrella Room later. Help yourself," Wade offered. "Can you take a few photos for me?"

"Sure!" Michael agreed, asking, "Did you get a camera?"

"Got one for Christmas from my dad," Wade replied.

"Take a couple for me too—I haven't snapped photos since school began!"

"Alright."

As they hurried to finish breakfast, two more owls approached Wade—one dropping a letter, the other a large package.

Michael exclaimed, "Your family sends so much?"

"No," Wade noted the sender on the envelope, "Not from my parents."