Cho's earlier worries soon came to pass.
With the school term approaching, most visitors to Diagon Alley were students who had spent their summer holidays in wild revelry. Thus, Wayne's group easily ran into many familiar faces.
Slytherin students wore complicated expressions upon seeing Wayne and promptly turned to flee, while students from other houses also seemed ill at ease.
Wayne, however, paid it no mind. After greeting a few familiar Hufflepuffs, he began purchasing the required textbooks for the term under Hermione's guidance.
His casual demeanour reassured the little badgers, who huddled together to whisper.
"Was it really Wayne who did... that thing the other day? He doesn't seem the type..."
"Definitely. The Daily Prophet had photos and interviews with loads of witnesses."
"Wayne's just... down-to-earth. He's always been like this—never acted superior just because he's a genius. We're Hufflepuffs, not Ravenclaws."
This statement met with unanimous agreement.
Wayne's ability to command such loyalty in Hufflepuff stemmed from his consistent fairness—he never treated anyone differently.
Not even Zacharias Smith, that envious schemer who harboured petty grudges against him, had ever been singled out.
At this point in the conversation, the little badgers' dislike for Smith grew even stronger.
However, they wouldn't deliberately target Smith anymore. The man had no friends left in Hufflepuff, and among other houses, apart from a few Slytherins, no one was willing to acknowledge him. He lived like a wandering ghost, making him utterly unworthy of their attention.
...
"Is the school running short on funds?"
In the potion ingredients shop, Wayne asked, bewildered as he watched Hermione load boxes of supplementary potion materials into a trolley.
Lionfish spine powder, belladonna essence, dried bay leaves...
Weren't these materials supposed to be provided free by the school? Why were they having to purchase them this year?
"Perhaps. Offering everything for free must be quite expensive," Cho remarked, adding a jar of toad eyes to the cart.
Wayne's eyelid twitched.
Currently holding two school governor seats through Nicolas Flamel and Madam Greengrass, he knew precisely how much Hogwarts spent annually.
The twelve governors donated between two thousand and three galleons each year. The Ministry of Magic matched the governors' contributions pound for pound—meaning if the governors donated over twenty thousand, the Ministry would contribute the same amount.
Additionally, the school sold some raw materials, bringing in fifty to sixty thousand galleons annually. With many ingredients being self-sufficient, this was more than enough to support a thousand students.
He had reason to suspect Snape was secretly lining his pockets.
No, as the school's future successor, how could he allow such a thing?
Wayne perked up, excitement surging through him.
If he could prove Snape was behind this, he'd make sure to splash it across the newspapers and ruin the old bat's reputation.
Heh heh heh...
Far away in a small house on Spinner's End, Snape sneezed inexplicably, feeling a sudden chill. He silently draped a robe over his shoulders and continued his research...
"We've got almost everything. You don't need to buy parchment or quills, so that just leaves the cauldrons. Yours should still be usable, right?"
Hermione reviewed the list before speaking.
"Actually, I do need a new cauldron," Wayne said. "Mine's nearly worn out, and Gardevoir needs a few too. Might as well stock up."
What followed was a demonstration of what Wayne meant by "stocking up."
At Mikaelis Cauldron Shop, he bought over half the inventory of suitable models—hundreds of cauldrons in total.
Jerry's private savings were wiped out on the spot, leaving the shopkeeper grinning from ear to ear as he threw in brass scales, beakers, and small containers for ingredients.
After shopping, the group headed to Celia Store to check on business.
With the recent surge in customers, Nagini had been worried about being overwhelmed and had stayed at the shop these past few days.
As they passed Madam Malkin's Robes, several people trying on clothes inside spotted Wayne and called out excitedly:
"Wayne! Over here!"
The boy turned to see George and Fred waving at him, dressed in wine-red dress robes.
Not just them—Ron and Harry were there too, and even Cedric poked his head out from behind the twins, grinning foolishly.
Fifteen minutes later, the group of young people sat together under the awning of Florean Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlour, enjoying cold treats.
"Just you lot came?" Wayne asked.
"Ginny's shopping with Mum at Madam Primpernelle's Beautifying Potions," Fred said, taking a massive bite of the chocolate topping his ice cream. "We took too long trying on clothes, so they couldn't be bothered to wait."
"Fancy dress robes on the essentials list – we nearly missed it," Ron grumbled. "I almost wondered if Lockhart had been resurrected and become next term's Defence Against the Dark Arts professor."
Everyone laughed, and Wayne had to admire Ron's teasing skills – his angle was truly bizarre.
Still, they were all puzzled about why the school had suddenly made such a demand.
Those in the know, like Hermione, exchanged knowing smiles but didn't reveal anything.
The conversation inevitably drifted back to the World Cup finals. Mr Weasley had been working overtime for half a month, only wrapping up yesterday – though he was thoroughly exhausted.
That's why he hadn't joined them today.
"My dad's still on overtime too," Cho complained. "His hearing's gone rubbish lately. Mum and I have to shout for him to understand us properly."
"Why?" Hermione asked, puzzled.
The girl shrugged helplessly. "They've been communicating with other countries' Ministries of Magic lately – all via Howlers."
Imagining the scene, several of them shuddered.
Wayne felt a twinge of guilt.
He'd accidentally screwed over his future father-in-law again.
Young Cedric had been making faces at Wayne all this time. "Wayne, my dad got promoted."
"What position?" Wayne asked curiously.
"Deputy Head," Cedric said gleefully.
"Still just deputy?"
"That's already amazing," Cedric rolled his eyes. "But we owe you for this. Otherwise, he'd have had to wait years for the previous deputy to retire."
"He asked me to invite you for dinner when you're free."
"Term's starting soon – maybe next holiday," Wayne waved it off, changing the subject.
With Cedric around, he didn't need to deliberately maintain relations with Mr. Diggory. The ultimate show-off parent would always prioritise his son – they were natural allies.
If he didn't cooperate, Wayne could just beat up young Cedric.
George said mockingly, "So should we call you Young Master Head now?"
"No need for such formality," Cedric pretended to be modest. "Just 'Young Master Cedric' will do amongst friends."
Fred said viciously, "Then, Young Master Cedric, your birthday present this year will be Dungbombs."
Cedric's expression changed. "No! We agreed—" He trailed off awkwardly.
Noticing his odd behaviour, Wayne immediately sensed something was up. He leaned towards Fred. "Agreed on what?"
"Don't!" Cedric stood to stop him, but it was too late. Fred cackled and whispered in Wayne's ear.
After hearing it, Wayne looked at Cedric with disdain. "Pathetic. Just some adult magazines – why the big secret?"
The girls immediately glared at Cedric with looks of utter contempt.
Young Cedric looked ready to cry. With a roar, he lunged at Fred: "Let's both die together!"
...
September 1st, the first day of term.
The temperate maritime climate was making its presence known again. Since last night, vast swathes of dark clouds had gathered over London, bringing relentless rain.
By morning, when it was time to depart, the sky remained a dull, oppressive grey.
Faced with this dreadful weather, Wayne had invited both Cho and Hermione to his house, while Astoria and Daphne arrived via Floo Powder.
Placing their hands on Wayne's, the group Apparated into King's Cross Station.
Wayne had deliberately chosen a secluded cleaning cupboard, but as luck would have it, a staff member happened to enter to rinse a mop, witnessing their sudden materialisation.
Left with no choice, Wayne performed a Memory Charm.
Entering Platform Nine and Three-Quarters, they found the Hogwarts Express already waiting, billowing thick smoke as crowds scrambled aboard.
One Slytherin parent paled upon spotting Wayne, hastily warning his son: "Cassian, remember - don't provoke Lawrence, or you'll be on your own."
With that, he immediately Apparated away, leaving Cassian standing bewildered.
Wait... Dad, fine if you're leaving, but at least leave me the luggage!
Wayne remained oblivious to this amusing incident. While the girls went ahead to find a compartment, he chatted with the Weasleys.
"I might be seeing everyone again quite soon," Charlie said with a smile, hands behind his head.
"Why?" Fred demanded eagerly.
"You'll find out," Charlie winked at Wayne before addressing the twins and Ron: "And don't tell Percy I mentioned this... It's 'top secret' information."
"I do wish I could return to Hogwarts this year," Bill added with a sigh, his large earrings jingling.
"What's going on?" Ginny nearly pounced on them in frustration.
Their obvious secrecy about some major event had turned the girl's face red with agitation.
"Your year's going to be incredibly interesting - unprecedentedly lively," Bill's eyes sparkled. "Might even take leave to visit."
"The pyramids are rather distant," Wayne agreed. "Bill, ever considered transferring back?"
Bill gave a rueful smile. "Of course. I initially thought Egypt would be more exciting, but returning isn't so simple now."
"There are only so many curse-breaker positions. No vacancies in Britain currently."
Wayne nodded, letting the matter drop.
The twins were practically vibrating with impatience when the train whistle interrupted them. Mrs Weasley ushered them along: "Alright, children, time to board."
"You'll probably find out by tonight. Enjoy your term - Your father and I will be travelling at Christmas, so don't bother coming home."
With that, she shooed them onto the train.
George remained indignant. "They all know but won't tell us. What is it?"
Cedric eyed Wayne suspiciously. "I saw Charlie wink at you earlier. And you didn't seem surprised at all - you definitely know something."
All at once, everyone turned to look at Wayne, freezing in the corridor.
"I do know," Wayne admitted frankly. Then, meeting their curious gazes, he smiled and added, "But I'm not telling you."
With that, he dashed off in a flash.
The group ground their teeth in frustration. Fred growled, "If I could beat Wayne in a fight, I'd tie him up and hang him for a thrashing!"
"You'll never get the chance in this lifetime. Better hope for the next," Ron said numbly.
The twins immediately redirected their fury.
If they couldn't touch Wayne, they could certainly deal with Ron.
In perfect sync, they hoisted Ron up and marched off.
Ginny stamped her foot angrily and went to find Wayne.
...
No matter how much she wheedled or pleaded during the journey, Wayne refused to reveal a thing.
"Secrecy is a Hogwarts tradition, just like the Sorting Ceremony," Wayne excused himself. "If I tell you now, there'll be no surprise later."
"But Hermione knows! Even Luna knows!" Ginny protested indignantly.
"Know what?" Luna looked up from her copy of The Quibbler, puzzled.
Ginny faltered, unsure how to explain. "That thing you're all keeping from me!"
Luna shook her head. "I don't know anything. Wayne hasn't told me either."
Ginny eyed her sceptically. "Then why aren't you curious at all?"
"Because we'll find out when we get to school," Luna said matter-of-factly.
This left Ginny speechless.
Suddenly, she perked up. "We're here!"
The train gradually slowed, pulling into the dark Hogsmeade station. They changed into their school robes and stepped onto the platform.
Thunder rumbled overhead. Wayne noted it always seemed to rain at the start of term – rather unusual. Was this Dumbledore's way of intimidating new students?
"First years! Oi, over 'ere!"
Hagrid, still in charge of welcoming newcomers, bellowed while holding an oil lamp. Wayne waved, and the half-giant gestured for him to approach.
When the boy drew near, Hagrid exclaimed excitedly, "Merlin's beard! I finally get what yer meanin'! I'm gonna see Norbert again!"
"Who'da thought they'd manage somethin' this big!"
"Keep your voice down, Hagrid," Wayne warned. "Unless you fancy being invited to the Ministry of Magic for tea over leaking tournament details?"
The half-giant finally noticed his own indiscretion and quickly lowered his voice.
"Yeh'll be competin', right?"
"Afraid not." Wayne shrugged helplessly. "My participation would make this grand event rather dull."
Though somewhat disappointed, Hagrid had to admit the logic was sound.
If Wayne competed, there'd be no point in other schools sending their champions – the Ministry might as well hand him the trophy directly.
"I'll be off then."
"Go on den. See yeh at th' feast… if we don' drown first, eh?" Hagrid waved.
Wayne rejoined Hermione as they boarded a Thestral-drawn carriage. With a violent jolt, the long procession set off down the winding path.
Fierce winds had drawn the curtains on both sides, obscuring the view outside.
After roughly half an hour, the carriages halted, signalling their arrival.
"Merlin's beard!"
"Am I seeing things?"
"Jenny, look at the castle!"
Exclamations erupted outside the carriages. Puzzled, Wayne stepped out and gazed upwards – his expression immediately mirroring the others' astonishment.
Was this... still Hogwarts?