"Of course…"
Even Dumbledore was taken aback for a moment by Wayne's surprising thought process. After a lengthy pause, he smiled and said, "This school rule was originally established to prevent students from losing control of their pets and causing trouble."
"You and your… Phoenix? That's what it's called, right? You seem to have a great bond. Phoenixes are known to be kind and highly intelligent magical creatures, so I won't deduct any points for that."
"Well, that's a relief," Wayne pretended to sigh in relief.
"However, your current attire is rather inappropriate for a conversation," Dumbledore said, looking at his own clothes with a smile. "Would you care to join this talkative old man for a cup of afternoon tea? We can schedule it right after your classes this afternoon."
"Perhaps I can share some experience regarding Phoenix care."
Dumbledore found himself increasingly impressed by Wayne. Originally planning to observe from a distance for a while longer, Dumbledore realized he needed to change his plans. A closer interaction would provide a more concrete understanding of Wayne.
"It's my honor," Wayne readily accepted the invitation, which made Dumbledore very pleased.
"The password is 'Cockroach Pile.' The headmaster's office is on the eighth floor." With that, Dumbledore prepared to leave.
As for Fawkes, the two Phoenixes had already flown away from the castle during their conversation. Let them have some fun together; after all, Fawkes had been lonely for so long and had finally found a companion. Dumbledore understood Fawkes' excitement.
Wayne, meanwhile, was gearing up to store his packages back in his dorm before heading to class.
"Hold on, Lawrence."
Snape's cold voice drifted in. He had silently entered the Great Hall and had been watching without speaking. As soon as Snape called out to Wayne, the little wizards surrounding him, eager to ask about the Phoenix, quickly backed away. Cedric shot Wayne a pleading glance before making a hasty retreat.
Ugh, scoundrel.
Wayne shot a disdainful look at Cedric before turning his attention to Snape. "Professor, is there something you need?"
"What are these two packages?" Snape asked, glancing at the parcels in Wayne's hands—one square and one long and narrow.
Wayne answered honestly, "Some materials and a flying broom."
Snape was taken aback. Is this what Hufflepuff is like? So straightforward?
Seeing the shape of the packages led him to speculate, which is why he had waited until Dumbledore left to stop Wayne. He had imagined countless excuses Wayne might use, but he had never expected him to simply admit it.
For a moment, Snape felt a twinge of doubt. Inside… is it really a flying broom?
"Open both of them; I need to check," Snape demanded. "As a professor, it's my duty to prevent students from bringing hazardous items into the castle."
Snape decided he would check first.
Wayne felt helpless. He had already been honest with Snape, yet here they were, stuck in this situation. With no hesitation, Wayne opened both packages.
Inside the square box were various types of magical inks, different grades of parchment, and several vials of potions. Inside the rectangular box was indeed a flying broom—specifically, the latest customized model of the Nimbus 2000 that lights up while flying, engraved with Wayne's name.
While the specifications were identical to the standard version, the price was nearly doubled. Don't ask; it's simply a matter of faith. Do you understand the value of being a prodigal?
Cedric's eyes turned red once again.
The twins hiding at a distance jumped up with excitement. "Nimbus 2000! Wayne bought a Nimbus 2000!"
"Merlin's beard, where did he get this much money?"
Hermione frowned, visibly unhappy. Why did Wayne go and waste his money again?
"Lawrence…" Snape took a deep breath after examining the contents. "You should know that first-year students are not allowed to bring flying brooms to school, right?"
"Of course," Wayne replied nonchalantly. "It was stated in the acceptance letter."
"Then you clearly understand you are breaking the rules," Snape sneered. "How many points should I deduct from you… however…"
Before Snape could finish his thought, Wayne interrupted him.
"Professor," the young boy looked at him curiously, "how did this flying broom come to be?"
Snape frowned. "Of course, it was your Phoenix that delivered it. Don't say it's not yours; your name is engraved on it."
"It is mine," Wayne repackaged his things. "You just said it was sent by the Phoenix, and I didn't bring it to school myself."
"So tell me, which school rule did I actually violate?"
Snape was momentarily at a loss for words, while the surrounding young witches and wizards suddenly brightened.
Smart move. The school only prohibits bringing brooms to school, so having an owl deliver it doesn't seem to violate any rules, right? Many first-year students were suddenly itching to write letters home.
Snape, enraged and humiliated, retorted, "Clever arguments! Defying a professor! Hufflepuff loses five points!"
At the same moment, Wayne's system emitted a timely notification sound.
[Host has lost points for the house; points gained +25]
Wayne's pupils dilated slightly.
This was the first time he had lost points for Hufflepuff, and this ratio was exactly the same as gaining Galleons! Losing two hundred points equated to a ten-roll.
In an instant, Wayne's gaze towards Snape changed entirely.
Snape mistakenly believed Wayne was scared; his lips curled slightly into a rare smile. "Of course… if you're willing to share some materials from your Phoenix, I can cancel that penalty."
Yes, Snape had set his sights on Wayne's bird. The reason he sought out trouble specifically was to acquire materials from the Phoenix. Phoenix tears, feathers, and even blood are essential ingredients for many advanced potions, making the creature a treasure trove.
As a potions master, encountering a Phoenix was akin to seeing a gourmet pig. Unfortunately, Fawkes ignored him, and Dumbledore would never go against his pet's wishes.
Now, with Wayne suddenly revealing his own Phoenix… Snape couldn't sit still any longer.
"Professor…" Wayne gazed at him eagerly.
"Have you agreed?" The old bat smiled.
Wayne shrugged, "No, I just think you're deducting points a bit too lightly, don't you think? I don't really feel it."
Snape: …
Wait a minute, are you out of your mind!?
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