Chapter 24: Chapter 24: Your Contributions to the Wizarding World Will Be Remembered Forever
Snape's recent unusual behavior
Charlie had a vague feeling that it had something to do with him.
Otherwise, there would have been no reason for Snape to leave him a message at all.
Before long, Charlie finished getting ready and headed to the Old Street Café.
The streets were bustling with noise and chatter.
Charlie felt a strange sense of detachment, as if he no longer belonged to this world.
Before he knew it, he had arrived at the café.
"Little gentleman, are you here for coffee?"
The hostess at the front desk smiled at him, amused by his youthful appearance.
"I'm here to meet someone."
Charlie didn't bother explaining further and made his way upstairs on his own.
The second floor was lined with private rooms, typically reserved for nobles and the wealthy.
Charlie expanded his senses
In an instant, he pinpointed Snape's location.
The professor was seated in the most secluded private room in the corner.
What was strange, however, was that Snape had disguised himself.
Charlie walked up, entered the room, and took a seat as if it were the most natural thing in the world.
Snape, now sporting a thick beard, remained silent as he observed Charlie.
However, a flicker of surprise crossed his face.
In his letter, he had simply told Charlie to wait for him at a certain location.
Yet, Charlie had managed to find him directly
Even though he had disguised himself.
"Professor Snape, do you intend to keep talking to me like this?"
"Restore appearance."
Charlie snapped his fingers lightly.
In an instant, Snape's face began to shift and morph.
Within just a few breaths
Snape had returned to his original appearance.
"You..."
Snape's eyes widened, as if he wanted to say something but couldn't find the words.
Wandless magic…
Charlie had already mastered this technique?
How long had it been since they last met?
Charlie was already using magic effortlessly.
And just by relying on the books Snape had provided?
Terrifying.
"Charlie, I don't even know what to say."
"Give me a moment to collect myself."
"Your progress is simply too shocking."
Even Snape, with his usual cold demeanor, showed a rare trace of emotion.
Charlie tilted his head in confusion but didn't interrupt.
After half a minute, Snape finally spoke again.
"It's like this, Charlie. The reason I haven't met with you recently is because of your research manuscripts."
"As I told you before, they were published in Magical Research, one of the most authoritative journals in the wizarding world."
"Your research was too groundbreaking, causing quite a stir in the magical community."
"Since you're still young, I chose not to reveal your identity."
"But recently, I've noticed people trying to follow me, or subtly trying to extract information about you."
"So I decided to keep my distance for now. Even disguising myself today was to avoid attracting unwanted attention."
Snape looked at Charlie.
"I hope you're not upset with me for this?"
For some reason, Snape's tone had softened, almost as if he was being… considerate of Charlie's feelings.
Charlie, however, nodded in understanding.
"Not at all. I completely agree with your approach. I don't like being in the spotlight either."
"Uncle Snape, you're as thoughtful as ever."
Charlie casually threw in a compliment.
To his surprise, Snape's usually stern face actually cracked a smile.
Not a cold, sarcastic one
But a genuine, heartfelt one.
Snape himself was startled.
Ever since Lily's death, he hadn't felt this at ease in a long time.
"That's the situation."
"I came here today mainly to inform you about all this. After all, you wrote that research. If you want your name credited, I can arrange it."
"And one more thing, the editor-in-chief of Magical Research has already sent me the payment for your work."
"When the time comes, if you need it, I'll accompany you to Gringotts to collect it."
"Oh, right. You probably don't know yet, Gringotts is a special kind of bank."
Charlie nodded, pretending to have an aha moment.
Of course, I know that.
I also know that my parents left an inheritance for me and my brother.
"But seriously, you've given me way too many surprises."
"Today, you performed wandless magic and dispelled my disguise effortlessly."
"Every time I see you or read your letters, it shocks me."
"Honestly, your contributions to the wizarding world will be remembered for generations."
"Oh, and here, these are some rare books I wasn't able to get for you last time. They were difficult to find, but I brought them today."
Snape pulled out a few books.
They weren't large, but they radiated an ancient, timeworn aura.
Charlie took them and thanked him.
"Oh, right, Uncle Snape."
"Since the payment has already arrived, when do you think we could go collect it?"
Charlie asked directly.
This was a great opportunity
A chance to visit Diagon Alley ahead of time.
Otherwise, he'd have to wait until just before the school term started.
Diagon Alley's entrance was rather unique
You needed a wand to tap the bricks in a specific pattern to open it.
If Snape took him, it would save him a lot of trouble.
Snape's eyes narrowed slightly.
"The payment? That's fine. But if you plan to use it here, you'll need to exchange it for Muggle currency."
"And your parents'…"
"Never mind, you'll find out in time."
Snape seemed to hesitate before swallowing his words.
"Alright, I'll contact you in a few days. When the time comes, I'll take you there."
"It shouldn't be a problem for you to start learning about these things early."
They finalized their plans.
For the rest of the meeting, Snape and Charlie discussed various magical theories.
As expected
Charlie answered every one of Snape's questions with ease.
Snape was left speechless.
This nephew of his
Was a monster.
After parting ways with Snape, Charlie headed home with his books.
His next plan?
It was time to check on his dear little brother.
"Harry, big brother is coming to see you."
Charlie's pupils shimmered with a purple glow.
A moment later
A barn owl flew out from the orphanage.