50

Chapter 50: Dress Robe

On Christmas Day, the Gray family enjoyed a big meal, watched a musical, and took numerous photos. The old-fashioned camera, a Christmas gift from Ferdinand to Wade, came with a developing potion as a gift from Fiona.

"This is a camera I bought in Diagon Alley. They said it can also be used at Hogwarts," Ferdinand said with a smile. "This way, you can capture your school life."

"The owner of the ice cream shop in Diagon Alley told me that with the right developing potion, the people in the photos will move!" Fiona said excitedly. "So what are we waiting for? Let's take some pictures today!"

However, after taking the photos, they discovered that even something as simple as developing photos required a wand, and Wade couldn't use magic at home.

Seeing Fiona's disappointment, Wade suggested, "We can go to the Leaky Cauldron and stay for a night. There are many adult wizards there. Even if magic is used, the Ministry of Magic can't determine who did it."

Fiona was tempted but shook her head. "Forget it. If we're discovered, it could have a bad impact on you. Anyway, you'll be back to school in a few days..."

She grew sad at the thought of Wade leaving, already missing him before he had even gone.

Ferdinand frowned. "Wade, is the Ministry of Magic's law enforcement really that inaccurate?"

"We can only monitor the use of magic by underage wizards within a general area. As for other things," Wade thought about the Ministry's increasing inefficiency, "they're not very good either."

"Don't underestimate the Ministry of Magic, Wade," Ferdinand warned. "No law enforcement agency is harmless. If you can't respect them, it's easy to make bad decisions."

Wade replied seriously, "I understand, Dad."

Indeed, the Ministry of Magic, despite its incompetence and corruption, could imprison Dumbledore's professors in Azkaban and expel students from Hogwarts. The power it wielded was significant, and corrupt individuals often abused it.

The next day, the Gray family rose early to go shopping in Diagon Alley, a trip that promised to take a long time.

After exchanging money at Gringotts, where Ferdinand had prepared a heavy bag, he explained to Wade, "Goblins prefer gold over paper money. You can only exchange up to 20 Galleons in paper money, but there's no limit with gold. They love gold."

"I don't need that much money, Dad," Wade said. "Hogwarts provides food and housing. Some students get by with just 10 Galleons a year."

"That's because they buy second-hand goods and save on snacks and ink. You're too sensible, Wade. Sometimes you can be a bit more indulgent," Ferdinand said, ruffling Wade's hair.

"And aren't you learning alchemy?" Fiona added. "Don't try to fool me! I know it costs a lot to learn alchemy, and Hogwarts can't possibly provide all the materials you need for practice."

Wade smiled softly. "Thank you, Dad, Mom—I love you."

He had always been introverted and found it difficult to express his feelings. Mr. and Mrs. Gray were pleasantly surprised, sharing a smile.

"I love you too, baby," Fiona said gently.

The rest of the way, Fiona held Wade's hand tightly.

After exchanging for Galleons, Ferdinand left briefly while Fiona accompanied Wade to Madam Malkin's robe shop.

Hogwarts uniforms were loose robes that still fit even though Wade had grown three centimeters taller. But knowing he would likely grow more, Fiona decided to order two more uniforms for him.

"I also need a dress robe," Fiona said while discussing the lining style with Madam Malkin. "Something simple, not too flashy. Wade doesn't like it. We should get it by this afternoon at the latest, or ready-made if necessary."

"Dress robe?" Wade, acting as a mannequin, asked.

"Of course, Wade," Fiona replied softly. "You can't go to Professor Murray's party tomorrow in your school uniform. I wish you had told me earlier so we could have had one made."

Wade thought there was nothing wrong with Hogwarts robes, and the gowns at Madam Malkin's seemed similar. But he knew better than to argue, or Fiona would launch into a lengthy explanation of their differences.

Wade kept quiet as Madam Malkin reassured Fiona. "Don't worry, Mrs. Gray, you'll have his new robe by three o'clock this afternoon. Let's look at styles... This color suits his skin tone well. Your taste is excellent... For boys, accessories should be minimal and elegant."

"Mom!" Wade protested.

Fiona sighed, putting down the flashy items like necklaces and rings. "Just cufflinks, then. Nothing else."

Madam Malkin smiled, not showing any impatience, and spent considerable time helping Fiona choose cufflinks. Once decided, she suggested, "Little Mr. Gray can't wear old shoes with his new dress, can he? How about our latest dragon skin boots?"

Wade stared at the ceiling, wishing he had brought a book. He hoped another customer would come in to distract Madam Malkin. Just then, the doorbell rang, and Wade saw Ferdinand entering with a newspaper.

Ferdinand nodded to Wade. "Haven't bought the clothes yet?"

"Not yet," Wade sighed. "We're choosing shoes."

He resisted the urge to complain further.

"Have you taken the measurements?"

"Yes, as soon as we walked in."

"Good," Ferdinand said. "Fiona, take your time choosing. I'll take Wade to buy other things. We'll meet back here once the clothes are ordered."

Fiona waved them off. "Alright. Don't take too long!"

As Gray and his son left, Ferdinand told Wade, "I've subscribed to the Daily Prophet for you. It will be delivered to the school by owl. You need to start keeping up with current events."

Wade nodded.

They walked around Diagon Alley, quickly buying other necessary items. Wade also left his name and the catalogs of several shop owners so he could order items via owl after returning to school.

Especially potion materials—Hogwarts only provided the most basic ones for free. Rare and expensive materials were only supplied in small quantities during relevant courses, not for practice.

When they returned to the robe shop, Fiona had just finished choosing her shoes and was sipping tea while reading "Witch Weekly." Hearing the doorbell, she turned and smiled brightly.

Wade smiled back. Before he could speak, Ferdinand, following him, approached Fiona. "Finished shopping? Tired?"

Fiona stretched. "Yes, shopping is exhausting. What should we have for lunch?"

"There's a nice French restaurant nearby. How about foie gras steak and grilled cod?"