In the training at Hogsmeade, Vid didn't always go with Harry.
He had too many classes, even with a Time Turner, and even though many of them didn't require homework. Still, Vid needed to study Alchemy, make poppets, train, and keep in touch with many people regularly...
His time always seemed insufficient, and sometimes he wished he had three heads and six arms to squeeze out a bit more time.
As such, when Harry had time to go train, Vid could only manage to go once a week.
The second time he went to Hogsmeade, half of his wardrobe space was empty — apart from a poppet Vise that looked exactly like him, all the other human-shaped poppets had been sent out.
The poppets had no Apparition capability, so for ease of movement, each was equipped with a new model Flying Broomstick;
To allow them to carry the broomstick conveniently, Vid cast the Undetectable Extension Charm on their pockets.
The Disillusionment Charm, Masking Spell, and Ignoring Spell were essential, but considering that if the poppets were attacked, the spells might fail, Vid bought a batch of Invisibility Cloaks.
Then came various Magic Potions, defensive items, communication tools...
While preparing these items, Vid felt like he was sending his kids off to college.
In terms of independence, poppets were not as good as House-Elves. They were meant to be tools from the start, like computers or smartphones.
Poppets had no flesh or blood inside, only various Alchemy Materials and spells bestowed by Vid. Their thoughts, feelings, and anything that seemed living about them all came from their creator.
Yet, watching those figures born from clay and metal soar into the sky, gradually becoming transparent, and soon blending into the night, Vid still felt a hollowness, somewhat melancholic.
He never felt like this before when switching computers.
"They're all gone. The Cube hasn't returned, and the new companions have left," said the Cloak, poking the poppet Vise beside it. "It looks like from now on, it'll just be the two of us."
Vise laughed, "Isn't Mikhail still around?"
"Mikhail hit me yesterday, so it doesn't count!" huffed the Cloak. "Can you join me in hitting it?"
"... I'll also get melted," said Vise.
"What are you afraid of? It wouldn't actually burn you!" the Cloak coaxed. "How about provoking it and then running? I'll cover for you!"
"Hey, hey, hey, from what you're saying, why does it sound like I'm the main force?" Vise wasn't convinced, raising an eyebrow. "It wasn't me who got hit, right?"
The muttering voices of these two fell into Vid's ears, stirring up those choked-up emotions in his throat.
"Alright, hurry back now." Vid urged, "I still need to return to school early."
After sending the poppets back to the wardrobe space, Vid packed up his pen bag and walked towards the brightly lit Hogsmeade. The lights stretched his shadow long, and under different light sources, three or four blurry shadows appeared beside him.
The heads of various Magic Schools were at Hogwarts, and although they couldn't match Dumbledore, they were far superior to ordinary people.
At this time, if Vid still transformed into a Peregrine Falcon coming in and out of Hogwarts, once or twice might be mistaken for a student's pet. But if done frequently, people would eventually notice an unregistered Animagus at the school.
Utilizing a Broom to fly out of school or Apparating outside the range of the school's Defensive spells was not viable; only the Disappearing Cabinet was the most reliable means of entering and exiting the school.
As for the secret passageways of Hogwarts, they were generally not in Vid's consideration — not only were they lengthy and time-consuming, but the entrances and exits were often not concealed.
Becoming a Champion, for Vid, the biggest trouble was the increased attention.
Even though he had been at the school for over three years already, overnight it was as if he'd turned into a newly arrived Unicorn. Along the way, people always seemed eager to shake his hand or ask for autographs.
Other Magic School students also attended classes at Hogwarts, but they were generally not in the same grade. Apart from the Great Hall and the library, Vid rarely encountered them.
…
"Look at this M-shaped Rune, Ansuz, representing divine wisdom and insight, also related to prophecy and communication… Take notes, Mr. Malfoy, there are no Runes on my face… Ansuz is often used in educational and learning rituals, assisting in mental clarity and memory enhancement…"
Professor Basheeda Babulin was lecturing when suddenly there was a knock on the door, interrupting her talk.
Professor Babulin frowned slightly, waved her Magic Wand, and the door opened. She looked at the sweaty student outside and spoke a bit more gently, "What is it?"
Standing outside was Anthony Goldstein. He first found Vid with his eyes, then sighed in relief, saying:
"Sorry to interrupt, Professor." He panted, "Mr. Bagman requires all Champions for a photo, and I need to take Vid Gray there."
A murmur swept through the classroom as everyone's eyes turned to Vid.
Professor Babulin frowned slightly, a bit displeased with the Ministry of Magic officials' timing choice during class, then slightly raised her eyes, saying:
"In that case, you may go, Mr. Gray… remember to take your things, I doubt you'll have time to return to class."
Vid packed his bag and walked out of the classroom.
"I've searched three classrooms, Vid, three whole classrooms. How is your schedule arranged?"
As soon as they stepped out, Anthony couldn't help complaining with a bitter face, "If I hadn't bumped into Professor McGonagall, who said you might be here, I would've gone to ask Professor Dumbledore for help finding you… now we'll definitely be late."
"Don't worry." Vid leisurely said, "Thirty-three Champions in total, just lining up will take at least ten minutes."
"True enough." Anthony relaxed a bit, saying, "Even fitting so many people into a frame is no simple task."
When they rushed to the photo-taking classroom, they indeed became the last ones, yet no one criticized Vid for being late—
Everyone was idly waiting in the classroom, with no organization for the photo-taking. Ludo Bagman, who had summoned everyone, was instead chatting with Rita Skeeter.
Stella proactively greeted Vid and said, "Just wait a bit, the other judges haven't arrived yet."
Vid asked, "Are we taking a photo with the judges?"
"Maybe." Stella said, "They said they also want to inspect the Magic Wands."
"Hello, Mr. Gray." Natalia, originally chatting with companions in a corner, walked over and said, "After we're done with the photos, could I seek your advice on Alchemy?"
"—Alchemy?"
Several students from Salem Academy showed interest, glancing over at them.