102

Chapter 102: Wardrobe Space

The interior of the wardrobe exceeded Wade's expectations of a small space. It was only slightly larger than the umbrella house, devoid of decoration, a bare room.

Professor Murray wasn't concerned with superficial appearances.

Though lacking Wade's eyes, he had his own method to inspect magical circuit patterns—

Layers of embedded ancient runes formed a structure as intricate and balanced as a honeycomb;

Interlinked extension charms formed a network akin to orderly, complex chains;

Hundreds of spells, like whirlpools, not only ensured structural stability but also provided ample room for expansion.

This was merely a prototype.

Yet, it took root, sprouted, and grew tender leaves in the most perfect posture. Professor Mori scrutinized its veins, envisioning the moment it would blossom into a towering tree.

Exiting the wardrobe, Professor Mori gazed at Wade with emotion. "There's nothing more I can teach you about the interlinked extension charm, Wade."

Wade couldn't hide his joy, smiling broadly.

In that moment, he appeared more his age than ever before.

"What are your plans for summer vacation?" Professor Murray inquired again.

"Reading, studying—nothing else," Wade replied.

Professor Murray paused, his brow furrowed. "Students aren't allowed to use magic during summer vacation; it's too inconvenient for your studies. Living in a Muggle area, any spell you cast would alert the Ministry of Magic immediately..."

"Well—" Wade explained, "I plan to stay home for a few days, then book a room at the Leaky Cauldron to avoid Ministry monitoring spells."

Professor Murray nodded thoughtfully. "It's a plan... but not ideal. Old Tom's a good man, but the place often attracts shady characters. It's not safe for a child like you to reside there, plus the environment isn't suitable."

"Mr. Lupin can accompany me, and he'll teach me Defense Against the Dark Arts!" Wade suggested.

"Lupin?" Professor Murray snorted. "That's precisely what worries me!"

His distrust of werewolves was deeply ingrained, unlikely to change.

"Alright, go home for now—" Professor Murray pondered briefly. "I'll speak with Mr. Scamander. Perhaps he'll agree to let you visit."

"Mr. Newt Scamander?" Wade's eyes lit up. "You mean—"

"Yes, I'm sure you'd like to see his magical suitcase," Professor Murray smiled. "No one's better at space spells and weather charms than him."

Wade's excitement was palpable as Professor Murray continued, "Coincidentally, he holds Steven in high regard, and Steven's spoken highly of you—he's mentioned you several times. Mr. Scamander's taken a liking to you."

Exiting Professor Murray's office, Wade's heart raced, his steps quickened.

Newt Scamander.

Once just a character in the "Fantastic Beasts" movies to Wade—kind, gentle, unassuming, avoiding direct eye contact. A lover of magical creatures, fiercely loyal to Dumbledore, willing to go to any lengths for the old headmaster.

Entering the magical world, Wade discovered that Newt had left an indelible mark on modern magical history. His enchanted suitcase, his pivotal role in both wizarding wars, his lifelong dedication to protecting magical creatures—all written in the annals of history.

He even captured Gellert Grindelwald once.

A man of legends, though likely uninterested in such fame.

…

Exiting the Astronomy Tower, Wade opened his enchanted diary.

Earlier messages had vanished—understandably, given nearly two hours spent in Professor Murray's class.

The latest message was from Padma.

[Padma: They went to the restricted area on the fourth floor.]

[Wade: Padma? Where are you?]

[Padma: Merlin! You finally saw the message!]

[Padma: I'm outside the corridor on the fourth floor.]

[Padma: It's almost curfew. Filch's cat is staring at me. I think I saw Peeves earlier... What should I do? Dumbledore's away... No one's returned...]

From Padma's jumbled words, Wade sensed her fear and anxiety.

[Wade: Wait for me.]

Hurrying to the main tower, Wade detoured through the Great Hall, grabbing bread and barbecue. Filch eyed him suspiciously from the entrance, disgruntled at students still dining.

"Good evening, Mr. Filch," Wade greeted politely, nodding as he passed swiftly.

Approaching the fourth-floor corridor, Padma paced nervously near the restricted area, peeking cautiously around corners, wary of being caught.

A short distance away, Mrs. Norris, scrawny and vigilant, crouched silently. Upon hearing Wade's footsteps, she turned, watching him closely.

Wade tossed two dried fish to Mrs. Norris before approaching Padma.

"Wade!" Padma's eyes brimmed with tears, her clothes rumpled from anxious tugging.

"Don't worry." Wade handed her a sandwich. "Eat something... Have you alerted the professors?"

"Michael found Professor Flitwick, who assured us the Philosopher's Stone is safe. We needn't worry and can enjoy exam-free days," Padma said, her tone tinged with frustration toward the professors.

"Professor McGonagall told Harry the same, warning against causing trouble or losing more points. Professor Sprout's teaching the fifth years, so we couldn't speak with her."

Padma spoke rapidly, clutching the sandwich but unable to eat.

"Where's Professor Dumbledore?"

"He received an urgent letter from the Ministry and went to London," Padma sniffled. "We can only send letters via owls, but we don't know when he'll receive them... Maybe by the time he returns, it'll be too late."

"Don't worry. Remember what we said—Dumbledore knows everything about Hogwarts."

Wade reassured her.

With memories recovered through the Pensieve, Wade now believed Dumbledore had complete control during Harry's first year, and Quirrell's perceived opportunity was merely a deliberate flaw Dumbledore exposed.

—The "game" underground was the real "final exam" Dumbledore left for Harry and his friends.