The Hogwarts Express clattered along the tracks, its deep crimson iron beast standing out strikingly against the pristine winter snowfields.
Of course, if a Muggle were to see this train, they'd instinctively ignore its existence.
The enchanted compartments were quite warm, and everyone took off their thick cloaks and gathered together to talk.
Vid's compartment was packed with people, all gathered to watch Harry's and Neville's poppets battle.
Harry's poppet was a lion; Neville's poppet was a monkey, both gifts Vid had given them last year.
The professors at school prohibited students from bringing poppets to class or the library, so usually, everyone could only play with them a bit in the dormitories or the common room. But now, on the train surrounded by spectators, even a simple little game seemed to become thrilling.
The lion and monkey were about the same size, with no significant difference in strength, battling each other fiercely. The surrounding crowd erupted with cheers and shouts—
"Go! Go! Bite its back!"
"Toss it out! Throw that big guy out! Go for a slam!"
The lion leaped onto the pile of snacks nearby, pounced, and the monkey swiftly dodged, kicking the lion's nose!
The small animals let out squeaky roars of anger, circling each other, but in the end, the monkey, unable to fully utilize the terrain, fell in defeat.
The compartment echoed with loud cheers, and the Weasley Twins leaped up, shouting, "Lost? Pay up! Lost? Pay up!"
A few supporters cursed under their breath and handed over some snacks, and George even slipped a few to Harry.
"My turn!" Carrel squeezed through excitedly, pulling out a lynx, "Watch closely, my Monica will never lose to anyone!"
Leian smiled, placing a white leopard on the table, gritting his teeth with a smile, "Well, my Oscar is a feline too."
"Let's see who is stronger!" Carrel said, full of fighting spirit.
A new round of matches began, and other students squeezed around the door, craning their necks to see the fight clearly.
Vid leaned against the window, twirling his magic wand, secretly casting The Undetectable Extension Charm on the compartment.
He didn't quite understand how, at first, Harry had merely passed by the compartment and asked casually about holiday plans, which then turned into a battle of his and Michael's poppets, followed by Neville's arrival, and then Carrel showing up…
Although Carrel was a transfer student, his influence was remarkably strong, quickly attracting a crowd, and Vid felt the compartment was nearly bursting at the seams.
Now, unless he transformed into a Peregrine Falcon and flew out the window, squeezing through the doorway was absolutely impossible.
Vid's gaze fell unconsciously on Carrel's flushed face, recalling Dumbledore's earlier words—
…
Yesterday, when practice for Apparition ended, Dumbledore had suddenly asked Vid a question.
"Do you know why I wish to keep Carrel and Abigail at the school? Even though we know they might have issues?"
Vid hesitated for a moment and asked, "For… tolerance and love?"
He couldn't be blamed for sounding naive; Vid's most profound impression of Dumbledore was indeed, "Love is the greatest magic."
Upon hearing this, Dumbledore chuckled silently, then shook his head.
"Don't make me out to be that kind of old fool, Vid. I know when to show tolerance and when to be cautious."
Dumbledore said, "I keep them at school because I am certain that as long as I am here, they can't cause any trouble at Hogwarts."
This statement was delivered by Dumbledore with poise and confidence.
"Abigail is a very excellent professor, and Carrel is a warm-hearted and outgoing child, neither of them is our enemy."
"The true enemies are those who hide behind them while pushing them forward. Don't mistake this point, Vid."
Vid frowned, "But... if we let them operate freely and end up causing harm…"
"Don't worry too much about things that haven't happened yet, Vid."
Dumbledore said, "If you constantly consider the worst outcome for everything, you will worry endlessly."
"And don't drive those who might stand with us to the enemy's side; give others respect and kindness—the connection between wizards is quite wonderful, often changing fate inadvertently."
Vid watched the silver-haired headmaster, but suddenly the fate of Harry's parents flashed in his mind.
His father had considered Peter Pettigrew a friend he could trust with his life, while his mother had supported Snape amid school pressure and opposing stances. And what was the result?
The bond between wizards is indeed quite amazing... But even if the seeds of kindness are planted, they might blossom into something evil.
Dumbledore seemed to notice Vid's disagreement and he shook his head, saying, "Don't trample on your principles out of fear for the future, Vid—the real importance lies in walking the right path without betraying your heart."
…
On the train.
Vid took a deep breath and exhaled slowly.
Losing the advantage of foresight is truly unfortunate. If he knew their hidden plots and hiding places, just as he did with Voldemort, he'd have long devised a way to send people to strike them down.
But for now, they can only patiently investigate.