Hermione tightened her grip on the Time-Turner.
Even though it had been a significant burden, and secretly using it to attend classes without classmates noticing was exhausting, Hermione had already decided to drop two subjects...
But when the time came to actually hand over the Time-Turner, Hermione still felt a pang of reluctance.
A moment later, under the gaze of several people, she slowly unfastened the device from her neck and placed it in Bode's hand.
"Well... honestly, this thing was driving me crazy," Hermione said with a forced casual shrug. "I really don't know how Percy manages his time."
"Come with me, Miss Granger," Professor McGonagall said, standing up. "We need to rearrange your timetable. Have you decided which two subjects to drop?"
"Of course," Hermione replied, following the professor out the door. "Muggle Studies and Divination."
Professor McGonagall, who had never been fond of Professor Trelawney of Divination Class, smiled approvingly. "A wise choice."
After they left, Bode carefully put away the Time-Turner, then turned his gaze to Wade.
"Mr. Wade Gray, we originally intended to retrieve the Time-Turner you possess as well, but Professor Dumbledore assured us that you are capable of protecting your device and that you genuinely need it. I heard Mr. Johnson originally tried to snatch yours?"
"Yes."
"You tricked him and those Vampires with a Magic Golem, so he only got a fake one?"
"Yes."
"May I see that Magic Golem?" Bode's eyes subtly grew eager. "I've never seen a Magic Golem that could pass for the real thing."
"Sorry, it's not very convenient," Wade said evasively, knowing he couldn't summon Locke. "I sent it to buy something for me; it's not at school."
Hearing this, Bode wasn't disappointed; in fact, he seemed to be in an even better mood.
"It can carry out tasks independently? It seems you're not worried about it causing trouble or getting lost; its intelligence and loyalty make you very confident, and it even has a certain degree of self-preservation."
"But Aslan's shop doesn't sell this type of Magic Golem at all, so it must be your private creation."
Bode asked, "If I wanted to commission one of these Magic Golems, how many Galleons would it cost?"
"It's not a matter of Galleons," Wade politely refused. "It involves certain ethical and legal issues..."
"To be frank with you, I'm an Unspeakable in the Ministry of Magic's Department of Mysteries, and I often conduct very dangerous Magic research. If we had a Magic Golem like that, the possibility of casualties among Unspeakables would be greatly reduced," Bode said seriously.
Wade, thinking of Locke, said with some hesitation, "If it's for research purposes, I'm very willing to help, truly. But Magic Golems have independent thoughts and personalities; to me, they're like my own children... I don't want to see them treated as expendable items that can be sacrificed at will."
Noticing the softening in his tone, Bode revealed a subtle smile. "We will provide Magic Golems with the same protective measures as Unspeakables to ensure their core isn't damaged. But if it's external damage, I presume that can be repaired?"
Wade nodded. "That's correct."
"How many Galleons would it cost to commission such a Magic Golem?" Bode asked again.
Wade calculated in his head, having no intention of saving the Ministry of Magic money, and directly stated a number.
Hearing it was a six-figure sum, Bode's smile froze on his face, and his eyes seemed a bit dazed. "That... that expensive?"
"It's not expensive," Wade said, giving him a sympathetic look. "Think about the prices of Magic Golems in shops... and they're only fist-sized. You're asking for a life-sized Magic Golem with intelligence comparable to a human; this price is merely the cost price."
Bode thought the same, but his expression remained grim.
Fudge didn't prioritize the Department of Mysteries' research as much as previous Ministers of Magic, so it was unlikely he'd approve such a large sum just to buy a "toy."
In comparison, increasing the number of Unspeakables and hiring two more actual Wizards would be cheaper.
Thinking this, Bode's eyes flickered slightly as he looked at Wade and asked, "Mr. Gray, as an excellent Alchemist, are you interested in joining the Unspeakables?"
Wade was silent for a moment, seeing Bode's thoughts almost written on his face, and repeated, bewildered, "The Unspeakables?"
"Yes," Bode said. "Our department, the Department of Mysteries, is the only department in the Ministry of Magic that doesn't have to report to the Department of Magical Law Enforcement; even the Minister of Magic can't interfere at will."
"Because Unspeakables research the most mysterious and dangerous Magic in the world. The Time-Turner is one of the Unspeakables' research achievements, along with thought, space, death, prophecy, and so on. You must understand, our research has profound impacts on the entire world!"
"Only by joining the Unspeakables can you research these things... What do you say, will you accept my invitation?"
Wade looked into his eyes and slowly said, "It certainly sounds tempting."
"Of course!" Bode said excitedly. "Joining the Unspeakables is very difficult, and you've earned this opportunity with your talent. Just provide a small Magic Golem..."
"Hold on a moment, Mr. Bode," Wade said. "Leaving aside whether you even have the authority to let me directly join the Unspeakables, I haven't even fully grasped basic Magic yet. Researching those advanced mysterious Magics is too early for me."
"Hmm... For a young Wizard like you, I believe those above wouldn't refuse. You could start by reading and organizing documents..." Bode said, lacking confidence.
"Whether or not I join, let's discuss it after I graduate from school," Wade deflected. "I think by then, I'll have a clearer idea of my path."
The research of the Department of Mysteries was indeed fascinating, but in the original story, the mysterious Unspeakables were utterly unable to prevent Voldemort from controlling the Ministry of Magic, and Mr. Bode here, unfortunately, seemed to have been killed.
These people were like the mathematicians, theoretical physicists, or cosmologists of the Wizarding World; what they researched was profound and captivating, touching the boundaries of human cognition, but it seemed to offer little help for the impending war or for protecting themselves and others.
Why should Wade be eager to join such an Organization? His current professors were Dumbledore, McGonagall, Flitwick, Snape, Murray... even Grindelwald!
Bode looked at the young Wizard's polite, practiced smile, was silent for a moment, and tentatively asked, "Then the Magic Golem..."
Wade blinked and asked, "You don't mean... I'd have to pay for it myself, do you?"
"Of course... of course not." Bode blushed slightly, cleared his throat, and after a moment's thought said, "The funds I can apply for are only about half... If there could be a discount..."
Bode looked at Wade and added:
"Of course, I wouldn't let you contribute for nothing. Carlyle Johnson's unauthorized use of the Time-Turner will be dropped; we won't pursue it further. Also..."
Thinking of Wade's identity as an Alchemist, Bode gritted his teeth and said, "I can give you an ancient Alchemy artifact... Of course, it's broken. But it came from a very old tomb, and the runes on it are also very ancient, making it very valuable for research."
"What is it?" Wade asked curiously.
"A necklace."
Bode tapped his wand on the table, and a ghostly image of a necklace appeared. It looked like it was strung with oddly shaped stones, and ancient, mysterious runes were indeed carved upon it.
Just as Wade was about to examine it closely, the apparition dissolved into mist and vanished. Bode looked at him and said, "Deal?"
Wade smiled. "Deal."
Though he suspected the necklace was likely something gathering dust in the Department of Mysteries' warehouse, something nobody really cared about, Wade was indeed very interested in such ancient artifacts.
Generally speaking, technology always moves forward. For example, many modern spells for daily life, healing, or curses were completely unheard of by ancient wizards.
But Magic wasn't entirely like that.
A long time ago, perhaps there was an era when even gods walked the earth, or perhaps magical energy was so abundant that some wizards were as powerful as terrestrial deities.
Whichever the possibility, wizards back then were more connected to the world's fundamental essence, and thus they wielded immense power. The objects they created also possessed various astonishing functions.
…
Creating a Magic Golem that could assist with magical research wasn't something that could be done in a day or two. Especially since Bode hoped this Magic Golem would possess relevant knowledge and research qualities, it would require an Unspeakable to personally imbue it with thought.
Therefore, Wade set the delivery date for the Magic Golem for the last Hogsmeade Weekend of the semester. Before that, he also chose a pleasant afternoon to accompany Mabel to see Hailey.
Hailey had been adopted by Professor Sprout's relatives and lived in a Muggle town. When Wade and his companions arrived, they saw a group of children calling out to their friends, running down the street, seemingly playing cops and robbers.
Hailey was among them, her face flushed from running, constantly out of breath, but still excitedly running with the crowd.
Her vibrant appearance made the frail, pale girl who once lived in an underground cell seem like a mere phantom.
Mabel, having drunk Polyjuice Potion, sat on a bench by the street, watching for a long while before she couldn't help but lower her head and wipe her eyes.
"It's so wonderful… she looks so happy." Mabel smiled and said, "Let's go."
"You're still a child yourself; you could perfectly well join them and play." Lupin reminded her, "No need to rush; we have plenty of time today."
"No, I don't want to." Mabel shook her head and said, "If I see her today, she might always want to see me in the future, looking for me every time she passes this place… but she'll live a better life if she forgets that whole experience."
Most importantly, she already knew that Obscurials often didn't live long; even if she wanted to visit Hailey frequently, she wouldn't be able to.
Rather than enduring the pain of another separation in the future, it was better to completely remove herself from Hailey's life. The child was still young; perhaps as she grew older, she would gradually forget her too.
The girl's mind was made up, so Lupin and Wade said nothing more. They walked to a secluded spot, and Lupin pulled out his Wand, extending it into mid-air. In moments, the Knight Bus, like a giant frog, bounded out of the air with a "thump."
Mabel looked back at Hailey playing in the park before boarding the bus.
In the blink of an eye, the purple bus shot between two large trees and soon arrived in another city.
Lupin paid the fare, and Wade skillfully used Magic to secure him and Mabel in their seats, preventing them from being thrown off by the bouncing bus.
"A magical bus." Mabel clutched the railing tightly and asked, "Can it take us anywhere?"
"Within Britain, it should be able to," Wade said.
"How do you ride it?" Mabel asked again.
"Stick out your Wand, then be ready with eleven Silver Sickles." Wade looked at Mabel and said, "But traveling by it isn't a good idea. You've felt it; the comfort level is about the same as a tumble dryer."
Mabel chuckled twice and said, "Remus took me on the Floo Network, and that was uncomfortable too. Do wizards' modes of transport completely disregard comfort, even though Magic is so amazing?"
"You've got a point," Wade said, stroking his chin. "Portkeys and Apparition aren't pleasant either, riding a broom is too cold, and after a while, your whole body aches. Flying carpets are much better, but they're forbidden within Britain."
Lupin smiled at Mabel and said, "Sirius has a flying motorcycle. When he gets back, I'll have him take you for a ride."
"A flying motorcycle?" Mabel said longingly. "I wish I had that chance."
"Of course you will," Wade said. "Mr. Scamander will be back soon. He'll surely have a solution for your situation."
Even if not, finding a way to suppress the Obscurus should at least prevent Mabel's body from deteriorating too quickly, Wade thought, looking at the girl's pale face.
Mabel actually held no hope, but she pretended to be cheerful, smiling and nodding.
…
The weather gradually grew hotter, and the sun became scorching. But over Britain, a cloud mass perpetually lingered, drifting from south to north, from east to west, for over half a year, never dissipating.
Those were the Dementors out apprehending criminals.
Under the Ministry of Magic's restrictions, Dementors were not allowed to approach humans unless they found their target. They could only occasionally hover over cities, drawing some happy emotions from afar, staying for half a day at most before moving on.
Otherwise, even if the Dementors didn't get close, people within a certain range would become pessimistic and despairing, even to the point of suicide in severe cases.
These Dementors drifted for a long time, then found a place to rest under the watchful eye of Aurors. Through the trees, several hundred meters away, there was an amusement park, and the sounds of screams and laughter drifted over.
However, the Dementors couldn't help but crane their necks, inhaling deeply towards the park, and a layer of white frost formed on the surrounding ground.
The Aurors monitoring from a distance also lowered their brooms. Seeing that the Dementors were behaving and hadn't approached the crowd without permission, they confidently took out their flasks and took a sip.
The stiff, small blades of grass suddenly bent down in patches, forming the shapes of footprints.
Several Dementors turned, facing the direction where the footprints had appeared.
Then, a figure materialized in the air.
Barty Crouch Jr. lowered his hood and smiled, "Good afternoon, friends."
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