In the following week, news about the hunting of Dark Wizards became scarcer on the newspapers, and reporters were immensely excited to jot down the dramatic scenes of various Ministry of Magic officials from different countries bickering and shirking responsibilities, hurling insults, and even taking off shoes to fight in meeting rooms.
It was said that the British Ministry of Magic was already overwhelmed by Howlers, with countless people complaining about safety issues at the World Cup stadium and demanding compensation, making Fudge appearing in the Flow Mirror look more and more haggard by the day.
Surprisingly, Umbridge, who had been silent for a long time, suddenly rose again. Thanks to her actions in bravely protecting the Minister during several brawls, she finally regained Fudge's trust and favor.
Compared to these news, the "lost magic wand unexpectedly returned" could only be casually mentioned in the Prophet Daily by a reporter, attracting little attention.
The Ministry was burnt out lately, and the entire Magic World was abuzz about it, but no matter what, it wouldn't affect the normal start of school.
Before school started, Lupin accompanied Vid to Diagon Alley to shop, and they took the opportunity to customize a robe dress along with matching dragon hide short boots.
"The notice says you need a robe dress... I suppose you'll have to find a dance partner for yourself by then. If I were you, I'd think about who to invite in advance, otherwise it'll be quite troublesome."
Lupin said, like many British parents, with a mysterious smile at the corner of his mouth.
Vid, understandingly, asked in return, "By then? When? I'm not planning to stay for Christmas."
"No, you'll all be staying at school by then." Lupin said, "I can't say much more because the Ministry of Magic considers it top secret, and it must be released at an appropriate time."
Vid glanced at him, thought to himself: No wonder!
No wonder all these parents unanimously decide to keep it a secret from their kids. Turns out it's not just for fun, but the face-loving Ministry also has a hand in it.
Fudge is probably worried about the embarrassment if the tournament cannot be held smoothly after an early announcement.
Although the World Cup already caused the British Ministry of Magic to lose face utterly, if Hogwarts performs excellently in the tournament, it could help Fudge pick his face up from the ground.
The problem is, it's not much of a secret outside the United Kingdom, is it? Probably only the students and parents of Hogwarts are still abiding by the Ministry's confidentiality regulations.
"In any case, this semester, you shouldn't always be alone; I heard that even Harry and the others often can't find you, that won't do."
When sending Vid home, Lupin couldn't help but remind him again, smilingly saying, "Otherwise, when others are turning in circles with their dance partners, are you going to invite Moaning Myrtle? At your age, James had already been pursuing Lily for three years!"
"What about you, Remus?" Vid blinked curiously and asked, "You have such a good personality, you must have been chased by many girls when studying at school, right? How many relationships have you had? "
Remus: "..."
His teasing smile froze, his eyes subconsciously darting left and right, pretending to be calm, he said: "We were in wartime back then, who had the heart to care about such trivialities ... Go pack your luggage, I'll come over to take you to the station in a couple of days."
Vid sighed: "Can't I just Apparate directly to school?"
Lupin also sighed: "Did you forget? You haven't passed the Ministry's exam yet; right now, every Apparition is illegal ..."
Vid said: "I can go to school directly from Hogsmeade."
Lupin didn't agree: "Going to Hogwarts by train together with friends is a wonderful experience. You might not see it now, but you'll definitely miss it in the future."
He patted Vid's shoulder, saying: "Don't rush, Vid. You are in the most beautiful time of your life, slow down, even slower ... Enjoy it well; time passes way faster than you think."
…
The holiday indeed ended quickly, and in a blink of an eye, it was back-to-school day.
It had been raining continuously recently, and on the day of school opening, it poured down heavily. The sound of rain started early and looked like it would last until the evening.
Fiona hurriedly pulled out a raincoat and draped it over Vid.
This thing was a bit cumbersome, and sitting in the car would get water everywhere. Vid rather wanted to take an umbrella.
"There's quite a distance to walk after getting off the car until you reach the station!" Fiona insisted, "In such heavy rain, what use can a small umbrella be? Just a few steps, and it's enough to soak your clothes!"
Nearby, Ferdinand silently handed over two old raincoats, one for himself and one for Lupin.
Dobby hurriedly brought the owl cage downstairs, shouting, "Vid forgot the owl, Eva is super angry!"
"No, don't bring it; leave the luggage at home first." Ferdinand said, "Dobby, I remember you know the House-Elf of Hogwarts?"
"Yes!" Dobby said.
"Then, can you help Vid send these things to school when the rain stops?" Ferdinand said, "It's so inconvenient dragging the luggage box outside in this rain!"
"Okay, Dobby can help!" Dobby immediately said loudly, very gladly.
He really liked the feeling of being needed.
Vid just packed a handful of Galleons into his pocket, then Ferdinand drove, taking Vid and Lupin to King's Cross Station.
This time, Ferdinand didn't get off the car, he stopped by the roadside, watching his lightly-packed son walk into the station accompanied by Lupin, suddenly feeling a bit emotional, with his eyes becoming slightly red.
"All grown up..."
Ferdinand said to himself, lighting a cigarette, the car window covered in water droplets which made it hard to see people outside.
After a few minutes, the man started the vehicle, driving slowly into the river of flashing taillights.
…
Entering the station, the deep red train had already stopped at the platform, crowded with people seeing off their loved ones.
Luckily, Vid arrived quite early; he smoothly found an empty compartment and leaned out of the window to bid farewell to Lupin.
Not far away, a freshman clung to his mother unwilling to let go, crying loudly as they were separated.
Vid and Lupin exchanged glances.
Lupin hesitatingly said: "Perhaps you need a hug?"
"No need, right?" Vid said, "Maybe by next weekend, we'll already meet in Hogsmeade."
"Makes sense." Lupin laughed, unlike other parents who were reluctant to part. He waved his hand and said, "Take care of yourself, contact if something unexpected happens."
Vid pointed at his ear and said, "Understood."
Sirius also brought Harry to the station, leaning against the car regrettably saying, "Your year is going to be really interesting, I wish my time at Hogwarts was as exciting."
"What?" Harry asked blankly as his godfather stuffed him into the train.
"Hey, what exactly is happening?" Not far away, Fred shouted frantically, "All of you know but keep it from us?"
The adults revealed knowing smiles, Vid kept a straight face, feeling speechless inside.
Suddenly, he saw Antoine standing by the nearby pillar, dressed in a Muggle suit and trench coat, smiling and waving over.
The train let out a long whistle, wheels clanking against the rails, carrying the students toward Hogwarts.