Ferdinand sat there for a while, unable to speak, feeling stiff all over, even his tongue seemed frozen.
What Landon said, what Carrel encountered, was it not what he had been most worried about all along?
Fortunately, they had some shallow understanding of the Magic World and didn't encounter people in black robes who specialize in deception...
Otherwise, what would happen to Vid, what would happen to the Grey Family, he truly dared not imagine...
Fiona had been well protected and it was the first time she heard about such things. Landon's despair and regret seemed to infect her too, making her feel chilly all over and she couldn't help but wrap her arms around herself.
"You... did you just believe whatever he said?" Fiona asked, "Why didn't you verify?"
Landon looked at her with vacant eyes and asked, "How could we verify? We hadn't even heard of Magic before!"
Fiona was speechless.
Diagon Alley was no longer a strange place for her. She had completely forgotten about the impassable barrier between the Magic World and the ordinary world.
Vid noticed Ferdinand's unusual expression, walked over to pat his shoulder, and softly said, "Dad."
Ferdinand shivered and turned to see his son standing next to him, his limbs gradually warming up.
Indeed, he shouldn't imagine how his family would fare under the same misfortune... Vid was fine... he had learned Magic and had the power to protect himself, even more exceptional than most...
He took a deep breath and cautiously asked, "And now Annie..."
"I sent her to a sanatorium."
Landon lowered his head and said guiltily, "She forgot a lot of things and can't live normally... and I still have to look for Carrel, I really can't take care of her..."
"It's understandable, if Annie regains her memory, she'll surely understand your choice."
Ferdinand was silent for a while, then asked, "What are your plans now?"
Fiona tried to speak several times, surprised by Ferdinand's words, she glanced at her husband and then closed her mouth, quietly holding the teacup.
Upon hearing this, Landon raised his head, suddenly leaned forward, tightly grasped Ferdinand's hands and earnestly said:
"Ferdinand, I'm your friend, right? We were once as close as brothers, even during business disagreements, I've never let you suffer, right?"
"That's true."
Ferdinand reassured him, looking into his eyes, and said, "You've always been my friend, I've never denied that."
"Then tell me frankly... you know people who can use Magic, don't you? Are you on the same side as them?"
Landon stared at Ferdinand intensely, gripping his hands tightly.
Looking into his bloodshot eyes, faintly indicating madness, Ferdinand felt both sympathy and apprehension.
He softly said, "I don't know who 'they' refer to, but my parents were once Wizards. So... yes, I know people from the Magic World."
Seeing his honest and gentle eyes, Landon's grip gradually loosened.
"Your parents were Wizards... so are you?" he asked hoarsely.
"No." Ferdinand shook his head and said, "I'm a Dud—someone born into a Wizard family but without any Magic talent. Traditionally, I was sent to a Muggle family from a young age, almost severing ties with the Magic World. So I'm no different from ordinary people."
"Then your parents... they still visit you, right?" Landon pursued.
"There was once a brutal war among Wizards... they're both gone..."
Ferdinand said, enduring the pain.
"Sorry, sorry..." Landon released his palm and pleaded:
"Then can you help me inquire? Maybe among the Wizards, someone knows who took Carrel away... whether my son is still alive..."
Ferdinand patted his hand and said:
"Of course I'm willing to help you, but at least tell me the name and features of the person who took Carrel away? You didn't let him take your son without even asking his name, did you?"
"Of course not." Landon recalled, "The man in black robes claimed to be Maye Baird, a Frenchman. He was somewhat thin, with curly hair, and his skin was pale as if sick... his eyes were deep blue, his appearance wasn't remarkable, but he had a conspicuous tattoo on his face..."
...
Ferdinand repeatedly promised to help Landon inquire about Carrel or Byrd's whereabouts before sending off his long-lost friend.
Before stepping out the door, Landon suddenly turned around.
"Ferdinand, since you know the Magic World... do you know Hogwarts?"
He asked timidly.
"...Yes, I do know." Ferdinand said.
"Then..." The muscles on Landon's face twitched slightly, he asked with difficulty, "Hogwarts... is it really like he said..."
Ferdinand originally didn't want to answer, but after hesitating for a long time, he finally said:
"To my knowledge... it's a good school."
"It is, it really is..."
Landon didn't pursue further, repeating tremulously several times, then turned and staggered out the door.
The roar of the car engine sounded, the Grey Family stood at the door, watching as the car suddenly lurched and hit a tree. After a pause, it suddenly reversed and bumped into the curb.
"Wait, Landon! I'll take you to the hotel!"
Ferdinand hurriedly ran out, but the car had already decisively turned a corner and drove away.
"Will he really be alright like this?" Fiona murmured.
"Let's hope he doesn't get into trouble."
Ferdinand said as he called his police friend, advising him to intercept Landon Johnson's car.
Not long after, Ferdinand received a call from his friend, saying that Landon's car hit the outer wall of a bakery and was detained by traffic police. Fortunately, the speed was slow and no one was injured.
When he closed the door and returned to the living room, the three of them simultaneously breathed a sigh of relief.
"Are you going to help inquire, Ferdinand?" Fiona asked worriedly, "This matter sounds very complicated."
"Of course." Ferdinand loosened his tie, poured himself a glass of rum, and said after downing it: "Landon is my friend, after all."
After a pause, he added: "And Carrel's child is still missing... I can't turn a blind eye to this."
"Then why didn't you say Vid is studying at Hogwarts?" Fiona asked puzzledly.
Looking at his innocent wife, Ferdinand couldn't help but smile wryly: "Because I'm afraid, Fiona."
"I'm afraid the person who took Carrel will also target Vid."