"Of course..."
Even Dumbledore was momentarily stunned by Wayne's bizarre train of thought. After a pause, he chuckled and said:
"That school rule was originally created to prevent students from causing trouble when they can't control their pets."
"You and your... Ho-Oh? That's its name, right? You seem to have a great bond. A phoenix is a kind and highly intelligent magical creature. I won't deduct points for that."
"That's good." Wayne pretended to breathe a sigh of relief.
"It feels a bit improper to chat with you while dressed like this," Dumbledore said, glancing at his clothes and smiling. "Would you like to have afternoon tea with a talkative old man like me? After your afternoon classes."
"Perhaps I can share some experience on raising phoenixes."
Wayne kept surprising him more and more.
Originally, Old Dumble had planned to observe Wayne quietly for a while longer, but now he had no choice but to adjust his approach.
He needed closer contact first in order to gain a better understanding of the boy.
"It would be my honor," Wayne didn't refuse, and Dumbledore looked very pleased.
"The password is 'cockroach cluster.' The Headmaster's office is on the eighth floor."
With that, Dumbledore prepared to leave.
As for Fawkes, both phoenixes had already flown off together during their conversation, vanishing from sight.
Let them enjoy themselves.
After being alone for so long, Fawkes had finally found a companion.
Dumbledore understood Fawkes's excitement.
Wayne also planned to return his packages to the dormitory before heading to class.
"Wait, Lawrence."
A cold, sneering voice came from behind. Snape had somehow entered the Great Hall unnoticed and had been silently observing the entire time.
The moment Snape stopped Wayne, all the little wizards who had been crowding around him, eager to ask about Ho-Oh, immediately scattered.
Cedric shot Wayne a look that said, Good luck, and slipped away in a flash.
Tch, coward.
Wayne gave him a scornful glance, then turned to Snape.
"Professor, is there something you need?"
"What are in these two packages?" Snape asked, lowering his eyes to the items in Wayne's hands.
One box was square and sturdy, the other long and narrow.
Wayne answered honestly, "Some supplies—and a broomstick."
Snape was taken aback.
So this was what a Hufflepuff was like?
So honest?
He had suspected something the moment he saw the shape of the packages, which was why he waited until Dumbledore left before stopping Wayne.
He had imagined a thousand excuses the boy might use—but he hadn't expected him to just admit it outright.
Now Snape was suspicious again.
Could it really be just a broomstick?
"Open both. I need to inspect them," he said.
"As a professor, I have an obligation to ensure no dangerous items are brought into the castle."
Snape decided to see for himself.
Wayne sighed. He had already told the truth, and Snape still wanted to check. Truly had too much time on his hands.
Without arguing, Wayne unwrapped both packages.
The square box contained a variety of magical inks, parchment of different grades, and several potion bottles.
The long rectangular box, just as he had said, held a broomstick.
It was the latest custom-made Nimbus 2000, capable of glowing while in flight, and engraved with Wayne's name.
Compared to the standard version, the custom edition had identical specs—but the price was nearly double.
Meanwhile, Cedric's eyes turned green with envy again.
The Weasley twins, who had been watching from a distance, jumped up with excitement.
"Nimbus 2000! Wayne bought a Nimbus 2000!"
"Merlin's beard! Where did he get all that money?"
Hermione frowned, clearly unhappy.
Why is Wayne wasting money again?
"Lawrence…" Snape took a deep breath and said after inspecting the package, "You should know that first-year students are not allowed to bring broomsticks to school, correct?"
"Of course I know," Wayne replied as if it were obvious. "It was written in the acceptance letter."
"Then you knowingly violated the rules," Snape sneered. "How many points should I deduct for that… but—"
Before Snape could finish, Wayne interrupted him.
"Professor," the boy looked at him curiously, "how did this broomstick get here?"
Snape frowned. "Obviously your phoenix brought it. Don't try to say it's not yours—your name is engraved on it."
"It is mine," Wayne replied, repacking the parcel. "And like you said, it was delivered by the phoenix. I didn't bring it to school myself."
"So, may I ask, which school rule did I break?"
Snape was momentarily at a loss for words, while the gathered first-years all lit up with realization.
Smart.
The rule only says you can't bring a broomstick to school. If it's delivered by owl—or phoenix—it doesn't count as breaking the rules, right?
Several new students were already itching to write home with the idea.
Snape, flustered and angry, snapped: "Don't twist words! Talking back to a professor—five points from Hufflepuff!"
Just then, the system in Wayne's mind chimed in with a prompt:
[Host deducted points from their House: Points +25]
Wayne's pupils dilated slightly.
This was the first time he had lost points for Hufflepuff—and the points earned were in the same ratio as earning Galleons.
If he lost 200 points… that would be enough for a ten-pull!
In that moment, the way Wayne looked at Snape changed.
Snape thought the boy was finally afraid. A rare smile curled on his lips.
"Of course… if you're willing to share some materials from your phoenix, I could cancel the punishment."
Yes, Snape had his eyes on Wayne's bird.
The only reason he had come looking for trouble was to get his hands on some materials from the phoenix.
Phoenix tears, feathers, even blood—these were all prime ingredients for many advanced potions. The creature was a walking treasure trove.
To a Potions Master like Snape, seeing a phoenix was like seeing a prize hog.
Unfortunately, Fawkes never paid him any attention, and Dumbledore would never go against his pet's will.
Now that Wayne had revealed he owned a phoenix too… how could Snape sit still?
"Professor…" Wayne looked at him expectantly.
"You agree?" the old bat smiled.
Wayne shrugged. "No. I just think five points is way too little. I barely felt it."
Snape: "…"
What is wrong with you?!