"Actually, I was thinking earlier—" Vid sighed and said, "One of the conditions for my return is that I can't disrupt the Witch Pure Party's publicity plan."
"I guessed that," Machioni said. "Actually, it's a good thing for me too. If all the voices in the Magic World come from the FMC, I'd be worried I don't have long to live."
"Then why are you blocking various national Ministries of Magic from broadcasting their programs?"
Sirius asked irritably, "I've heard that many people have tried to negotiate with you, but the talks are difficult. Do you know how many people bombard Remus with messages every day, asking him to help lobby?"
"That's a bit extreme!" Machioni said seriously. "How could you miss the chance to make big money over a small safety issue?"
Sirius: "..."
He rolled his eyes, ignoring this guy who would risk his life just to make money.
The one being pestered with messages, Mr. Lupin, understood Machioni's approach better. He said, "If you yield too easily, they'll just take advantage. But don't make things too rigid either..."
Mr. Lupin turned and fixed his gaze on Machioni, advising, "At least leave a gap for them to break through themselves... Otherwise, I'm really worried about reading news of you lying dead on the street someday."
"Rest assured, I know what I'm doing." Machioni put down his wine glass and donned his soft hat. As he passed by Vid, he stopped and instructed, "Stay at Hogwarts for now, don't leave the school."
"I understand," Vid replied softly.
Machioni nodded to everyone and hurried out, as if the sole purpose of his visit was to see Vid and make sure he was safe.
"That guy..." Sirius leaned crookedly on the sofa, frowning. "He's already extremely wealthy, why is he still so greedy? Can Galleons be taken to the grave?"
"For him, money is the ultimate pursuit, and making money is the greatest joy, right?" Vid said. "It's like me; no matter how much magic I learn, I never feel like I've learned enough."
Sirius squinted at him, with a hint of teasing in his tone: "How old are you? When you turn fifty, I doubt you'll still be just dumbly learning."
Vid just smiled and didn't argue.
"I'm going to check on Mabel," he said. "My mom made some snacks and asked me to bring them to her."
Although Fiona saw the introduction of the Obscurus in the newspaper, she believed that anyone who could travel thousands of kilometers to save Vid could not possibly be a bad person.
Vid went upstairs and knocked on the door, and Mabel's voice came from inside: "Come in."
Entering the room, Mabel stood in the middle, focused on practicing spells.
On the table in front of her were five or six candles. The girl pointed her Magic Wand at each candle, softly chanting, "Incendio!"
No roaring flames appeared.
A thin flame puffed from the Magic Wand, lighting one of the candles.
Then the second, the third... until all the candles were lit, and the room was instantly filled with warm candlelight.
"Remus, I learned the Flagrante Curse!" Mabel said.
"Hmm, your control is very precise." Vid's voice came from the door as he asked, "But aren't you worried about setting the table on fire?"
Upon hearing his voice, Mabel turned around abruptly, exclaiming in surprise, "Vid!"
After a pause, she added a little awkwardly, "... Mr. Gray."
"Just call me Vid." Vid walked over, his eyes falling on her right hand, and asked, "You have a Magic Wand?"
"Yes, Mr. Lupin took me to Diagon Alley to buy it," Mabel said gratefully, softly. "I used the money you gave me and some Polyjuice Potion."
"Your pronunciation and gestures for the Flagrante Curse are very standard," Vid said with a hint of admiration in his eyes. "You're learning fast, Mabel."
After a pause, he added, "I'm planning to go back to school today. Seeing that you're adapting well, I feel reassured."
"Mr. Lupin and Mr. Black are good people; they've been taking care of me."
Mabel smiled, then hesitated, swallowing back what she wanted to say.
Vid noticed her expression and asked, "Are you facing any difficulties? Oh..."
He suddenly realized that although Mabel appeared young, she was actually thirteen or fourteen, entering adolescence. Perhaps she had some... special troubles that the two adult wizards might not notice or be able to help with.
"Madam Rosmerta at the Three Broomsticks Inn is warm and kind. You can also consult her if anything comes up—she's a trustworthy person and could certainly give you some useful advice."
Vid said, "Nearby is Hogwarts. This village is basically safe. You... um... you don't have to stay cooped up in the house all the time. You can occasionally go out, buy some things you like, relax... This is an interesting place, and you'll like it."
"Mr. Lupin said the same thing. I just..." Mabel's voice trailed off, showing a hint of hesitation and unease in her eyes.
She remained silent for a long time before finally speaking softly, "I want to know how Hayley is doing. If possible, I'd like to see her."
The girl's voice trembled slightly, filled with extra caution.
"Of course!" Before Vid could reply, she added anxiously, "I know the Ministry of Magic might still be watching her. I won't meet her; I just want... to see her from afar, to confirm she's safe, and then I can be at ease."