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Leaving the Headmaster's office, Wayne had no fear that his actions would be noticed by Dumbledore. In various theories from his past life, many regarded Dumbledore as a great conspirator. However, this conclusion is mostly baseless. If Dumbledore were truly ruthless, Tom would never have become the Dark Lord. He would have been subdued by Dumbledore while still at Hogwarts.
Perhaps Dumbledore changed after encountering Voldemort. However, his primary principle remained guidance. He believed that if he gave his students enough care and education, they wouldn't repeat past mistakes. Even if Malfoy had plans to kill him, Dumbledore would try to change him and awaken the good in his heart. Wayne was far from being that bad. He went to the restricted section to read books, focusing on white magic, alchemy, and potions. Although there was dangerous information in these books, it was nothing compared to true dark magic.
Old Dumbledore was so strict that even the Polyjuice Potion was in the restricted section. It wasn't entirely Wayne's fault; it was all due to Voldemort.
Back in the dormitory, Wayne sorted the materials he bought from Diagon Alley. He put them into a small bag that had been enchanted with a traceless extending spell. He wasn't worried that his two roommates would steal it. Rather, he worried they might think there was food inside and eat something dangerous by mistake.
As soon as he entered, he saw Cedric still holding the broom and admiring it. Cedric saw him and reluctantly returned the Nimbus 2000 to Wayne. "The Nimbus 2000 is amazing in workmanship and texture, but I wonder how well it works," Cedric said.
"You didn't try it?" Wayne asked, looking at him doubtfully.
Cedric shook his head. "Didn't I say I'd just look at it? This is your new broom. I didn't dare try it. If it broke, I couldn't afford to replace it."
Wayne patted him on the shoulder. "You underestimate yourself. Being the only son of the Diggory family, you are valuable."
There was laughter in the lounge. Many in Hufflepuff had parents working in the Ministry of Magic and knew how precious Cedric was to Mr. Amos. Cedric blushed and playfully punched Wayne's arm. "Stop it. Don't tease me."
"Okay." Under Cedric's puzzled gaze, Wayne threw the broom back to him. "I'll let you have it for two days. You can use it for the Quidditch match."
Before Cedric could respond, Quidditch captain Whateley jumped up. "Really, Wayne?"
"If Cedric uses a Nimbus 2000 as Seeker, our chances for the Academy Cup will be much better!"
"Why would I lie?" Wayne replied nonchalantly. "Harry has joined Gryffindor's Quidditch team, and Professor McGonagall gave him a Nimbus 2000."
"What?!"
Whateley was startled. Then he thought of something and suddenly realized. "No wonder Wood has been as happy as if he found 10 Galleons and is doing some secret training."
"It's so gloomy!" Cedric tightened his grip on the broom and burst into tears.
"Say nothing more, Godfather!"
There was another burst of laughter, and Wayne was also amused. He enjoyed this harmonious atmosphere very much. Compared with other houses, Hufflepuff felt more like home and he felt very relaxed here.
However, the broomstick he planned to lend Cedric was not this customized model. Wayne was going to buy another one and donate it directly to Hufflepuff Academy. He would not be taken advantage of like Malfoy and donate six handfuls, but he was willing to give one to the academy.
Money couldn't buy it, but I'm happy with it. He would deduct points from Hufflepuff in many places in the future. Although no one cared about it, Wayne couldn't help but take it as compensation in advance.
After receiving permission, Cedric didn't even eat. He picked up the bag and rushed out of the lounge to go to the Quidditch pitch for a try. Several team members and the little wizard who joined in the fun also followed. Wayne came to the auditorium, had something to eat, and planned to find Hermione.
As soon as he came in, he attracted a lot of attention. Now all the teachers and students in the school knew that Wayne had a phoenix as a pet and even took advantage of the school rules to buy a Nimbus for two thousand. No matter which thing it was, it was extremely enviable.
At the guest of honor seat, Snape cut off a piece of steak and stuffed it into his mouth, chewing it hard as if he was biting Wayne. This kid would rather deduct points than make a deal with him. So annoying. Second only to Potter!
"Wayne..." Hearing a soft voice behind him, Wayne put down his knife and fork and turned around.
"What's wrong, Cho?" Since many people went to the Quidditch pitch to look at the brooms, there were a lot of seats at Hufflepuff's dining table. Cho simply sat next to Wayne, her eyes full of curiosity.
"I heard... you have a phoenix and bought Nimbus 2000?" She came late in the morning. She only heard others talk about it and didn't see the specific situation.
"Right."
"It's true." Cho's eyes widened slightly. "I thought it was a rumor."
"I picked up the phoenix, and I bought the broom after taking flying lessons," Wayne said with a smile. "One more confidential message for you. I lent my broom to Cedric."
"Huh?!" Cho was shocked at first, and then her mouth bulged like a small puffer fish. "Aren't you bullying others?"
Because he joined the Quidditch team, Cho's family gave him a Sweeping Seven Stars as a reward, which was also a good broom. But compared to Nimbus 2000, it is one or two grades behind.
"How can this be called bullying? I'm just helping my house," Wayne defended himself.
"Hmph." Cho snorted angrily. "If you join the Quidditch team next year, I will switch to a beater and knock you off the broom."
"Then just wait." Wayne shrugged. He didn't have much interest in Quidditch, and he just bought a broom to enjoy the feeling of flying. Cho's wish may come true.
"What about your bird? Can I see it?" Cho blinked. He had never seen a real phoenix in his life.
"I don't know where it's having fun. I'll call it over later. Hermione wants to see it too."
"How about you two come together?"
"OK."