Vid stood at the bedroom door of his parents, hand raised to knock, but then put it down.
After arranging everything, he hesitated, pondering how to tell his parents.
Originally, after that league game ended, he promised he wouldn't run around during this holiday and would spend time with his parents. However, July wasn't over yet, and he was about to break that promise.
Just as Vid hadn't figured out how to start the conversation, he heard his parents talking through the door:
"Why isn't this coat packed?" Ferdinand said, "Didn't you specifically take it out and wash it yesterday?"
"Ah, no, we can't take this." Fiona said fretfully, "I forgot to check the weather there yesterday... it's thirty degrees in New York these days! Much hotter than here!"
"New York?"
Vid was moved, knocked on the door, then walked in, and saw his mother Fiona standing with her back to the door packing clothes into an open suitcase.
His father Ferdinand was helping on the side, neatly folding and stacking robes and clothes from inside out. Fiona was loading various household items into a tin box.
"Mom, are you... are we going on a trip?" Vid noticed those clothes were his, and tentatively asked.
The couple exchanged a knowing glance, both showing a smile of understanding.
Fiona turned sideways, sat on the bed, patted the bed to signal Vid to sit down, then touched his hair and smiled:
"So, have you thought about how to persuade us?"
Vid asked in surprise, "Looks like you guys already know?"
"Of course." Ferdinand said, "When Alastor came in, he stated his intent."
Vid was a bit annoyed – he had been fretting over how to start the conversation, completely forgetting about this matter.
As a neighbor, Moody had a good relationship with Vid's parents, so naturally, he wouldn't stay silent when visiting and preparing to take someone else's son away.
"And Dobby." Fiona said softly, "When he's going out, can he really not say goodbye to us?"
Vid lowered his head: "Sorry, I should have told you earlier... There's an Alchemy Competition in New York, and I've been invited as a judge. Originally, I planned to refuse... but there's someone there waiting to meet me."
"She?" Fiona's eyes lit up slightly, and she instantly perked up: "Is it that girl, Natalia? I've always noticed she has a special interest in you..."
"No, no, it's not."
Before she could drift off topic, Vid interrupted her with a chuckle, saying: "It's... an elderly lady, she's also one of the judges in the competition."
"Oh..."
Fiona's shoulders drooped in disappointment, and she lost further interest in pursuing it.
In her view, it was perfectly normal for a master in alchemy to appreciate Vid and want to meet him. Perhaps, like Nicolas Flamel, she might intend to entrust her research and legacy in alchemy to him!
Speaking of Nicolas Flamel, before the Philosopher's Stone was destroyed, he had saved an unknown amount of Elixir of Life and still quietly lives in some corner of the world, maintaining written contact with Vid.
Except, in this last part of his life, Nicolas Flamel only wants to be with his wife, revisiting places they once walked through, hoping not to be disturbed by the trivialities of the Magic World, and has cut off ties with most people.
Thus, in many hearts, people believe Nicolas Flamel is already "dead."
Ferdinand walked around from the other side of the bed, holding the blue coat Fiona vetoed, and said:
"I think you should take this coat... even if New York is hotter than here, what if the weather changes? It's better to be fully prepared."
Fiona hesitated, then said unsurely: "But in that case, the suitcase will be very heavy... and Vid didn't bring his magical space."
Ferdinand sighed in agreement and said to Vid: "We should have asked Dobby to leave after organizing your things."
Vid: "... Actually, the weight doesn't matter. No matter how many things are packed, a Small Magic can make the suitcase very light."
"Really? That's great." Fiona said happily: "Magic is really useful!"
Then she not only stuffed the blue coat into the suitcase but also put back all the items she painstakingly filtered out earlier.
Vid watched as umbrellas, cameras, water bottles, flashlights, and cold medicine occupied a space in the suitcase. Fiona even prepared to stuff tissues and travel guides into it and said with a chuckle:
"Mom, there are stores in New York too, I can buy all these things."
Moreover, he can solve many small daily problems with magic, not needing these items at all.
"Oh, you're thinking too simply. In such unfamiliar places, how do you know you can immediately find a safe store to buy things? What if you come across a scammer or a robber?"
Fiona said worriedly, as if Vid wasn't a wizard who had almost killed Voldemort again, but a child who had never left his parents' side.
Ferdinand also continuously packed items, then looked silently at the suitcase's thickness, eventually saying:
"It won't fit, Fiona."
Fiona wasn't worried about this at all, gestured for her son and said: "Come quickly, Vid, use your magic to make the suitcase a bit bigger... just a little is enough, don't make it too exaggerated to avoid getting noticed during airport security."
Vid was surprised: "Airport?"
As he spoke, he drew out his Magic Wand and waved it twice at the suitcase. The excess items on top of the suitcase abruptly sank down, as if a large hole had been dug out at the bottom.
"Yes, Moody said you all will fly to the United States." Fiona was also surprised: "Didn't he mention it to you?"
"... No." Vid was silent for a moment, seeing his parents discussing which items couldn't be taken on the plane, he couldn't help saying: "I thought... you didn't want me to travel far."
Fiona paused, and the constant chatter stopped as well.
Ferdinand smiled, walked over, placed his hand on Vid's shoulder, and said: "You've grown up, Vid... Although we hope you can stay with us forever, it's impossible to really do so..."
His gaze on his son was filled with pride and deep understanding: "Even a young eagle grows up to fly and see a broader sky. We won't and can't keep you tied to us forever."
Fiona also turned around, hugged Vid gently, hesitation and concern in her eyes, but her words carried a smile:
"It's false to say we're not worried, but I know you have your own things to do... Since you've decided, don't hesitate or regret it!"
She reached out to touch Vid's cheek, smiled, and said: "We're already very satisfied and happy that you could stay home for so long this time."
Ferdinand said solemnly: "So... when you're out in the world, always remember that there are two people at home constantly worrying about you, thinking of you... For our sake, you must be cautious in everything and take good care of yourself."
He gazed deeply into his son's eyes and said:
"Then... return home safely."