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Chapter 22: Umbrella House and SSC

Until Wade returned to the dormitory that day, his mind buzzed with thoughts of flying on broomsticks. At night, he dreamed of soaring freely like a bird—over Hogwarts Castle, the Quidditch pitch, the Forbidden Forest, and Black Lake.

He circled over the grass, through castle corridors. Onlookers gaped. Michael, half-dead from stair-climbing, stared up, eyes dull. Wade, far from those cursed stairs, gracefully glided through a window, landing softly on his bed.

Upon waking, Wade still felt the exhilaration of flight. He stared at the ceiling, unable to sleep.

First-years couldn't bring brooms to school. And a Nimbus 2000 cost a thousand gold galleons...

Gray's father, Ferdinand, owned a toy factory exporting to the United States, making them relatively wealthy. Wade had ample pocket money for snacks. Yet asking parents for a thousand galleons for a "toy" wasn't feasible.

If only he could achieve financial independence somehow—Wade pondered.

In the Muggle world, he could accumulate wealth quickly with future knowledge. But as a boarding school student, how could he earn money?

Wade couldn't help but wonder...

...

Saturday was a free day. Arriving at the practice room in the morning, Wade found Hermione already there.

Hermione spent the most time in the practice room among them. Wade often read in Ravenclaw's common room or dormitory, avoiding downstairs. Hermione rarely left the practice room in her spare time. Wade suspected she had few friends in Gryffindor apart from Neville. Her dorm mates didn't seem close.

The girls moved in packs—class, meals, bathroom trips—Hermione always alone.

Wade didn't urge her to socialize. Emotional intelligence was innate. Wade wasn't one to compromise himself for others' approval.

Today, Hermione wasn't studying but hammering something on the wall, "Ping-pong-pong."

"What's this?" Wade leaned closer.

The wooden board bore simple patterns and cursive script.

"Umbrella House?" Wade looked puzzled, thinking of Umbrella Corporation, creators of biohazardous viruses.

"Yes." Hermione hammered the last nail. "We have many practice rooms, but this one is ours. I thought it needed a special name. So when we say 'Umbrella House,' others won't know where it is."

"Okay." Wade shrugged. He grabbed a book from a shelf, starting on yesterday's Herbology homework.

Today's Umbrella House had changed. Each had a spot, shelves against walls, tables arranged as they liked.

Hermione's shelf overflowed with books, mostly library loans. She had stacks of parchment, ink bottles, and quills—consumables. Hermione thriftily used Muggle notebooks for notes. The Grangers weren't poor, but Hermione avoided unnecessary expenses.

Wade's shelf held organized notes. Michael often borrowed them. With Wade's notes, missing class wasn't disastrous. Also, props for transfiguration—buttons, matches, chess pieces—decorated his desk. Post-flying lesson, a mini flying broom model joined.

Michael's space was chaotic—perfume, mirrors, chocolates littered his wall. A Quidditch star poster hung. On the table, a dragon model, leftover cookies, and random badges showcased Michael's non-academic Ravenclaw side.

Hufflepuff Theo adored Herbology, especially favored by Professor Sprout. His shelf held small flower pots—white moss, mint, marjoram. An odd plant, Mibu Mibao, resembling a diseased organ, spat smelly liquid—guarded by a glass dome.

Neville admired Theo's setup. Lacking funds, he had few sad-looking flower pots, some fertilizer tucked in a corner to avoid odors.

Ryan shared Theo's Herbology passion but loved astronomy. His desk displayed rotating planetary models, planets orbiting the sun. Various quills and inks sat neatly on his shelf.

Others trickled in. They noticed the practice room's new name, praising Hermione. Michael clapped, feigning admiration habitually. Hermione blushed, pleased.

Theo dropped his bag. "We should name not just the room but ourselves—a collective identity."

"Yes." Ryan nodded. "If we see ourselves as Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff, gaps remain. We should unite beyond houses."

"Sounds formal!" Michael grinned. "So, what's our name? Wade?"

Wade, caught off guard, stammered. "Uh... Study Club After Hours?"

"Please, no suggestions," Michael groaned. He turned to Hermione. "What about you?"

"This—" Hermione hesitated nervously. "Magic Enthusiasts Club?"

Michael sighed. "Hermione, how's that different from Wade's suggestion? Neville?"

Neville faltered. "I... I'm not sure."

"Theo?"

Theo suggested, "How about Sunflower Club? Sunflowers symbolize hope, loyalty, and growth—seems fitting."

"Hmm..." Michael pondered.

It fit perfectly but felt ordinary somehow. If Michael had to name it, he couldn't think of better.

"Ryany?" Michael turned to the last person. If no one had an idea, it'd be the Sunflower Club.

Ryan spun his planetary model. "How about Starry Sky Chasers? SSC for short."

Michael clapped. "Cool!"