Dumbledore and Vid walked out of the noisy terminal, surrounded by a surge of people, their faces filled with anxiety, worry, and fear.
People either hurriedly trotted while dragging their luggage, or clutched their phones, babbling incoherently, or looked around in confusion, searching for their relatives and friends.
They hurried past, full of panic, brushing shoulders with the two wizards who walked with calm steps and serene expressions.
The crowd was like a fast-flowing river, and the wizards were like rocks within it, forming two distinctly different worlds in that moment of intersection—
On one side was the chaos and urgency of the ordinary world, and on the other, the calm detachment of the mysterious world.
As the two left the tall building and walked behind a giant supporting pillar, it was like drops of water merging into the ocean. If someone had been watching them closely, they would have noticed that they never appeared on the other side of the pillar.
...
During this apparition, there was none of the usual hallmark explosive sound, like air being forcefully compressed and suddenly unleashed. The whole process was silent, smooth, completed quietly without attracting any Muggle attention.
Their figures just flickered rapidly in the shadows for a moment and then disappeared completely;
In the next instant, they were enveloped by the cold and damp air of the Scottish Highlands, with the familiar outline of Hogwarts Castle faintly visible in the distance against the night and lake light.
Dumbledore turned his head to look at Vid, who seemed like he had just returned from a stroll, with undisguised admiration in his eyes.
"Your apparation has become more mature, Vid. I guess this exquisite skill hasn't been shown in front of others yet?"
Vid shrugged and said, "Of course, unlicensed apparation is illegal, and I have no immediate plans to get a license."
His only public apparition was during Dumbledore's duel with Grindelwald. But at that time, dust was everywhere, and the Witch Pure Party members were too busy escaping, hardly anyone paid attention to Vid then.
Besides, he was wearing a cloak and hood, completely concealing his figure or appearance.
Afterward, when Vid discussed the situation with Antoine, he found that Antoine and Delaine both thought it was one of those two bigwigs who protected him at that time.
As for who specifically... both of them were tactful enough not to ask, and Vid naturally didn't jump out to clarify the truth.
The smile in Dumbledore's eyes deepened.
Although he was well aware that Vid consistently kept his apparation and Animagus abilities hidden, mostly because he didn't want others to see all his cards,
but firstly, Vid didn't hide it from him, and this openness itself was the most precious trust;
Secondly... hearing the words "unlicensed apparation is illegal" coming so naturally from Vid's mouth, inexplicably filled Dumbledore with relief.
Even if only for one-tenth or one-twentieth part of the reason, it was enough to touch the old man's heartstrings.
At this moment, he felt the same inexplicable emotion as when Arthur Weasley first saw Vid clean up the mess he made.
Power often breeds rebellious arrogance.
Not to mention the likes of Grindelwald and Tom Riddle back then, even ordinary wizards always saw laws and rules as obstacles to their abilities, unwilling to learn or abide by them.
What truly restricts them from being as lawless as Voldemort is not rules or codes but their lack of capability.
But still…
Even if the Ministry of Magic sometimes has oversights, the various laws in the magic world are always meant to maintain the stability and peace of the larger community. Behind every seemingly tedious law, there's often countless bloody lessons.
These rules bought at a price build a barrier protecting ordinary families. Many people admire those who break the rules and violate laws at will, yet they don't know they might also become part of the price.
Precisely because of this, Vid's willingness to respect this order that protects most people, even with such extraordinary talent, seemed all the more valuable, making Dumbledore's confidence in him more solid.
He often felt like he was walking on the edge of a cliff, with students by his side who, despite their youth, already exhibited irresistible brilliance.
Dumbledore sincerely cherished Vid's rare talent and his pure and tenacious character, but he also constantly felt an underlying worry—
Worry that his intelligence might become obsessive, that his persistence might collapse when faced with injustice or greater temptation, and that he might develop delusions similar to Voldemort's when he reaches the end of a certain path.
More fear lingered in the places unseen by him, that this talented young man might step towards a path of ruin he once personally saw the destructive consequences of.
He carefully nurtured this precious flame but was clearly aware that he could not confine it within his own range of vision, stifling its growth.
Because… true strength cannot emerge from the protection of elders' close watches, only from free will and an unwavering heart tested through trials.
This heavy understanding made Dumbledore more silent and restrained; the subtlety required was more cautious and meticulous than dealing with any powerful Dark Wizard.
...
No matter how smart Vid was, it was impossible for him to read the relief and concern from Dumbledore's back.
Seeing the headmaster suddenly fall silent, Vid assumed he was contemplating some important change in the situation.
So, Vid ceased talking, falling a step behind the headmaster, walking along the familiar path towards the grand gates of Hogwarts, with echoes of thunder and torrential rain that seemed to want to destroy the world replaying in his mind.
Atmospheric Charm…
In the history of the magic world, wizards rarely used such spells in battle, only using them in the past during a honeymoon period with the Muggle Government to help the military gain certain advantages by changing the weather.
Because such spells are all area-based, it's hard to target a specific individual.
But if…
it could be targeted?
Vid's mind wandered as he unconsciously reached the gates, hearing the clash of keys.
Filch's hunched figure appeared behind the door, carrying an oil lamp and a bunch of keys, limping as he moved, muttering complaints about having duties so late.
When he lifted the oil lamp and saw Dumbledore and Vid outside the door, he was visibly stunned.
"Good evening, Argus," Dumbledore warmly greeted as though returning to school so late was completely normal.
"G-good evening, Professor Dumbledore."
Filch stuttered while opening the door, his eyes still on Vid.
Vid also looked at Filch, asking, "Mr. Filch, how is your injury recovering?"
Filch's previously gloomy and weary expression immediately seemed to come alive, as he gave a sinister-looking smile, raising his voice:
"Thanks to you, it's never been better! Madam Pomfrey's healing magic is as excellent as ever!"
Then he lowered his voice, asking, "Well... Mr. Gray, could you spare a few minutes after you're done discussing official matters with the headmaster? I have a little… matter I'd like to talk to you about…"
"Of course," Vid nodded and replied, "I'll come to the caretaker's office afterward, is that okay?"
"Yes, yes, of course it is!" Filch nodded repeatedly, saying happily, his whole demeanor instantly becoming more spirited.