Book of Friends

Wade naturally understood the importance of a "telephone." But he had thought that, now that the Muggle world already had mobile phones and the internet, the appearance of an instant communication device in the Wizarding World was nothing worth making a fuss over.

Besides, wizards already had tools like Two-Way Mirrors that could make "video calls." Parchment was simply cheaper, and the spells were simple and easy to understand. It could be said that wizards had possessed all the prerequisites for it centuries ago; no one simply seemed to have thought in that direction.

Wade kept a smile on his face, hoping Professor Murray would understand what he meant—if he wanted the research results, they could negotiate; they could share the glory. He just hoped the professor would not impulsively turn hostile, much less attack him.

Otherwise, he could only fight back.

Wade did not truly believe that Hogwarts with Dumbledore there was absolutely safe. Obliviate and the Imperius Curse were not that difficult.

But Professor Murray seemed not to have understood. Without a moment's thought, he retorted, "How could it not count? The Americas had existed for thousands of years, but Columbus, who discovered them, was still called a hero! Dumbledore discovered the Twelve Uses for Dragon's Blood—did no one study Dragon Blood before him? Of course they did! Child, there is nothing shameful about standing on the shoulders of Giants—the important thing is that you are the first to invent it! Wait, I need to write two letters!"

Wade's wildly pounding heart gradually calmed.

He suddenly realized that Professor Murray had no intention whatsoever of claiming Wade's Alchemy results for himself. He was simply happy for Wade.

It was just that Professor Murray's manner was too exuberant, his gaze too excited, and that had made Wade feel threatened instead.

He slowly adjusted his breathing and heartbeat, realizing that his current mindset was somewhat problematic.

Because of Quirrell and... Dumbledore, his trust in the school's professors was now extremely low. Instinctively, he interpreted them with the greatest possible malice.

But in truth, Professor Flitwick was gentle and enthusiastic, while Professor Murray had been helping and guiding him ever since they met. It was truly wrong of him to be so suspicious.

Professor Murray knew nothing of Wade's thoughts. He wrote a few lines, then suddenly asked, "By the way, Wade, what is this creation of yours called? It should have a name, right?"

Wade said as calmly as he could, "Yes. I call it... 'Book of Friends.'"

He wrote "Book of Friends" on the paper, then felt it lacked some of the charm, so he wrote the three Chinese characters for "友人帐" beneath it.

"What is this?" Professor Murray curiously poked at the three characters, which flowed across the page like a painting.

"The Chinese writing for Book of Friends," Wade explained, then pronounced it once in Chinese.

Professor Murray clumsily imitated him. After pondering it for a moment, he smiled. "Not bad. This can become your distinctive mark."

He lowered his head and continued writing. "Wade, have you applied to remain at school over the holidays?"

"No." Wade sat down beside him. "My parents have been looking forward to me coming home."

"On the third day after Christmas, I'll be holding a small party at my home. Be sure to keep that day free," Professor Murray said. "I can introduce you to some... well... friends who will be very helpful to you."

"Of course. It would be my honor, Professor."

Because of the guilt in his heart, Wade was especially agreeable now.

"Also, keep your Book of Friends confidential for now. Don't make it public." Professor Murray winked and said with a smile, "Over the holidays, I'll give you a surprise."

The remnants of suspicion still smoldered in his heart. Wade instinctively became wary and said hesitantly, "Uh... actually, I had originally planned to give it to my friends as a Christmas gift. If the response was good, I'd sell it on a small scale among my classmates and earn a little pocket money—"

"Oh, Wade—Wade—"

Professor Murray raised his eyes to look at him, his gaze seeming to regard him as a small child. He chuckled softly. "My child, you are still young, so you do not understand. There are two kinds of Alchemists in this world. One kind has learned a little Alchemy and works at the Ministry of Magic or various companies. They are called Alchemists, but in reality, they are merely labor for capital. The other kind of Alchemist is me—"

His finger tapped his own chest, then pointed at Wade.

"—and you."

Wade's eyes widened slightly.

"Surprised? Do you think it is too early for you to be described that way?" Professor Murray asked, as though he could read minds.

Wade nodded. "I thought... it was just a simple little thing... I've only just begun in Alchemy."

Professor Murray smiled and shook his head. "The person who invented the quill must have thought it was merely a simple little thing too, yet we have been using it for over a thousand years."

He finished the letters, sealed them with his own stamp, and had an owl deliver them. Finally, he reminded Wade, "Small gifts exchanged between friends are fine, but forget about selling them yourself. Your time should be spent on more useful things, not on being a peddler or a craftsman."

That night, after Wade finished making all the Books of Friends he planned to give away during the holidays, he returned to his Common Room. Exhausted, he lay on his bed and thought about everyone he had met here.

Quirrell and Voldemort, wandering all over the castle.

Dumbledore, who coldly placed the lives of all Teachers and students upon a chessboard, yet was also the guardian of this school.

"Don't you feel wronged?" Michael had asked him.

Ryan had said, "I thought things like this should be very far away from us."

Fred had said, "Dumbledore really does know everything."

Hermione had said, "Dumbledore is right... the harsh reality and hatred would crush him until he could barely breathe."

And Harry Potter... The Boy Who Lived...

Wade covered his eyes with one hand, looking as though he had fallen asleep.

A soft pop suddenly sounded in the room, like a bubble bursting.

Wade immediately opened his eyes and turned his head. Zoe, the House-elf, stood in the middle of the Dormitory.

"You came, Zoe." Wade smiled. "Thank you for agreeing to my request before."

Zoe said in a small voice, "Wade Grey needed help, so Zoe was naturally willing to help him. But Zoe had not received a signal, so she came to check on him."

"Because I didn't encounter any danger today. Professor Murray was better than I thought."

Wade took a green "Fava Bean" from his pocket and showed it to Zoe.

This was their communication device. Zoe had one as well.

After completing the Book of Friends, Wade had also made these tiny Magic Beans using the Connection Charm and the Transfiguration Charm. As long as he squeezed his bean hard, the Fava Bean in Zoe's hand would grow hot.

Ever since that "chance encounter" with Quirrell, Wade had been thinking about how to ensure his own survival. Dumbledore had his own plans, and the school's professors would not disregard Dumbledore's instructions to act as his bodyguards. The only ones he could rely on, and who were willing to help him unconditionally, were the school's House-elves.

Fortunately, he had a very good relationship with the House-elves responsible for Ravenclaw Tower.

These strange creatures could Apparate into any corner of Hogwarts, and their Magic Power was even stronger than that of some adult wizards. Although they could not disobey the school's professors, helping a student escape danger did not violate their duties.

Thus, Wade made an agreement with Zoe—whenever the Magic Bean in his hand grew hot, Zoe would immediately come to his side and swiftly take him somewhere safe.

Wade had carried the Magic Bean with him before going to see Professor Murray that day. He had prepared for the worst, but fortunately, he had not needed to use it.