Hogwarts: Even Voldemort Can't Stop Me From Studying

Chapter 1230 -46: The Edge of Stance

Vid stood by the window, glancing outside.

Harry, Ron, and Hermione were shopping in Diagon Alley, and not far away, he could see the Longbottoms with Neville, just coming out of Madam Malkin’s robe shop.

He smiled, turned around, and said nothing, simply watching Machioni calmly.

In the presence of those overly clear eyes, seemingly capable of seeing through someone’s heart, Machioni felt as though the air had solidified, with fine beads of sweat gradually forming on his forehead.

They had cooperated for so many years without any hierarchical relationship, and usually, it was Machioni who took more care of Vid.

He regarded Vid as if he were looking at his own talented younger brother.

But at this moment, the boy seemed to emit an invisible and calm pressure that made him feel a long-lost tension.

After quite a few minutes, he finally couldn’t withstand the pressure, deflatedly slumping his shoulders, his face pulling into an unnatural smile as he raised his hand and said:

“Alright, alright, I admit… I do know. Can we not be so serious? It’s frightening…”

Vid walked over to sit by the fireplace, hands clasped, asking, “When did you find out?”

“A long time ago, but the professor never explicitly told me.”

Machioni sighed, walked over to sit beside another sofa, pouring tea as he spoke:

“Vid, not everyone is like you, uninterested in cultivating connections and those subtle hints.”

The tea poured into the cup with a gentle sound, its fragrance rising, as Machioni recalled:

“I’ve been good at pleasing people since I was young, often running errands for the professor while in school. By the time I graduated, our communication remained as close, so he sometimes would ask for my help.”

“The professor is usually very busy, you know, always worrying endlessly… So during times when it wasn’t convenient for him, I’d help send some gifts and attended several funerals with a peculiar atmosphere.”

“In those occasions, I recognized a few faces that had appeared in the newspapers. After checking their identities, I understood roughly…”

He paused, his Adam’s apple moving up and down, then said:

“The professor’s old friends are all Witch Pure Party… So his former identity is easy to guess.”

“But you don’t need to overthink it—”

Machioni pushed the teacup towards Vid, his tone shifting as he said lightly:

“The professor never participated in those bloody slaughter activities, he was just… drawn to Grindelwald’s ideology, providing some assistance.”

“Some? I’m afraid it’s more than that,” Vid said. “I heard Professor Morry sold off most of his property?”

Machioni was surprised: “Who told you that?”

Vid let out a soft hum: “I have my sources.”

“Alright… let’s pretend I never asked.”

Machioni rubbed his forehead: “But then was then, and now is now. The professor feels… the current endeavors of the Witch Pure Party are worthy of his investment.”

Vid sensed the subtext in his words, slightly raising his eyebrows:

“So you’re in the know as well? You know what he’s currently doing?”

Machioni was silent for a longer time, cautiously choosing his words:

“I… Indeed, I do know. I believe it’s for the best… From my perspective, that’s indeed the case. But I’m not certain what you might think.”

Recalling Vid’s warning and attitude when they last discussed the Witch Pure Party, Machioni cautiously said:

“I know you’ve interacted with them, Vid… If you don’t agree with their violent methods, or haven’t thoroughly made up your mind about your position, I suggest you don’t delve too deeply.”

“Certain things, once you’re aware of—even just brushing past the edges—are hard to completely shake off.”

His tone carried care, along with a semblance of elder-like worry.

Upon hearing this, Vid’s brow immediately furrowed, his eyes sharpening, asking coldly: “Did they threaten you? Forced you to join?”

Machioni hesitated, his mouth twitching in a fleeting, snug smile, which quickly faded, as he replied gently:

“No, Vid, it’s not like that. No one coerced me, it was myself…”

He gently stroked the ring on his hand, firmly saying softly:

“It was myself who decided to get involved. I believe this matter… is meaningful, the right direction.”

Then he slowed his tone, gazing at Vid as he said: “But on another level, some might consider our ideas as heretical enough to be deemed outright heresy.”

“Vid, this is a path few tread, which inherently invokes controversy.”

“I’m curious to know, what kind of path is it?” Vid said calmly. “I’m not afraid of controversy, but I’d like to see if it’s worth your while.”

“I understand… but I still won’t tell you.”

Machioni smiled warmly: “You’re not even out of school yet, are you?”

“Vid, your wisdom and abilities are rare treasures. Don’t decide too early and tie yourself to any ship.”

Those words…

Vid awkwardly turned his gaze away, touching his nose.

He understood; this wasn’t a shirk of responsibility, nor was it a warning.

It was Machioni—or perhaps even Professor Morry—regardless of how much they were invested in their own endeavors, they didn’t want Vid to prematurely take on responsibilities that shouldn’t belong to someone his age, along with the endless troubles that come with it.

He knew very well that all it would take was a simple message with a flick of his fingertip…

Whether Grindelwald, Delaine, or Antoine—even perhaps Hosone—they should all be able to give him an answer, letting him know what exactly happened.

However, Vid also had a clear premonition—the answer to this question was like Pandora’s box. Once opened, he could never return to the past.

Together with the truth, everything he wasn’t ready to face would crawl out.

And the current peace and uncertainty might be a gift from fate.

So they all remained silent, waiting for him to walk forward by himself, to untie the truth and make the final decision.

Vid hesitated for a moment, but ultimately decided to trust his premonition and didn’t continue questioning, instead saying:

“If you guys really need funds…you know, I’m actually pretty wealthy…”

Machioni relaxed a bit and shook his head, saying:

“Although there are many areas that need investment, it’s not yet to the point where you’d need to empty out your pockets. We’re far from reaching that stage.”

“Professor Morry also impulsively donated his family assets, but I reckon he probably regrets it now…”

“He originally planned to prepare a grand wedding for Steven, now it has to be scaled down.”

Vid nonchalantly replied, “Machioni, you probably don’t know how rich I am right now.”

But Machioni laughed and said, “But my dear Vid, some endeavors are like a bottomless pit, no matter how many Galleons you throw in, you hear no echo.”

—Knowing that there’s no echo, why would you still resolutely invest in it?

Vid looked at him, silently pondering.

But Machioni seemed uninterested in continuing this topic. He stood up, took a delicate wooden box from the shelf, and placed it in front of Vid.

“Alright, let’s not talk about those troublesome things anymore. This is a little gift to you, or perhaps…a little ‘trouble.’”

He blinked cheekily with a smile.

Vid opened the box to find twenty to thirty silver shining badges neatly arranged inside, intricately engraved with various plants and insects, with a faint glow swirling over them.

“This is a one-time ticket for ‘Little People Country Adventure,’”

Machioni explained, “The timing is set within the next couple of weeks; you can give them to your classmates or friends. You should know, currently normal reservations at the amusement park have been booked until next year.”

Seeing Vid’s expression showing hesitation, Machioni quickly waved his hand:

“This is not an abuse of privilege, just a few reserved ‘flex slots’ not for sale, kept for emergencies or to reward outstanding employees.”

“I am a businessman with principles.”

He proudly said, “I’d rather make money a bit slower than to let the amusement park become as cramped as Knockturn Alley’s second-hand shops.”

“Everyone should have enough space to explore and be surprised, rather than queue for three hours, and play for five minutes. Exhausting resources is not a long-term business strategy.”

“Your classmates at school almost never get the chance to reserve a slot; arrange them as you see fit. The backside has specific times for play. Rest assured, they’re all during good daytime slots.”

Vid understood the reason behind this all too well.

A long time ago, Machioni had earnestly advised him: no matter how strong your own abilities, never ignore the cultivation of connections.

It’s not only a future resource, but also a safeguard for the “behind-the-scenes.”

Even if it can’t provide strong support, at least don’t let it become an unexpected hindrance or trouble.

Vid looked at the badges, his first thought was trouble, but before the words left his mouth, he suddenly recalled a few classmates who seemed indeed to have expressed yearning for Little People Country before the holidays.

So Vid hesitated for a moment, ultimately closed the lid, nodded to Machioni, and said, “…Thank you, then I’ll keep it.”

“Why be so polite with me!”

Machioni reached out and pat him on the shoulder, looking at the boy’s clear eyes, couldn’t help but remind him again:

“Also, Vid, you must keep what I just said in mind.”

He said with special seriousness:

“Don’t make your stance because of my choice or Professor Morry’s choice; even if certain people from the Witch Pure Party approach you, being good to you, enticing you, pulling you in, don’t make rash decisions.”

“You are still young, and your future holds infinite possibilities. Some things…better to ponder for a longer time, deliberate and deliberate again, than to make a decision that might cause lifelong regret in a moment of rashness.”

He slowly said, “At least, I can definitely say—”

“What we’re trying to push forward, Dumbledore probably won’t like it, might even strongly oppose it.”