Lately…
Snape had been acting rather strangely.
Charlie had a vague feeling…
That it was somehow related to him.
Otherwise…
There would’ve been no reason for Snape to explain himself.
Before long…
Charlie finished getting ready and headed for the Old Street Café.
Along the way…
The streets bustled with noise and crowds.
For a moment…
Charlie felt strangely detached from it all.
As though he didn’t quite belong.
Soon…
He arrived at the café.
“Good afternoon, young gentleman.” “Are you here for some coffee?” The receptionist smiled warmly at Charlie’s youthful face.
“I’m here to meet someone.” Charlie didn’t linger.
He walked upstairs on his own.
The upper floor consisted entirely of private rooms.
Normally…
Only wealthy nobles reserved them.
Charlie’s perception spread outward.
In an instant…
He located Snape.
He was sitting in the private room tucked away in the farthest corner.
Oddly enough…
Snape was disguised.
Charlie walked over…
Opened the door…
And calmly took a seat.
At the moment…
Snape appeared as a middle-aged man with a thick beard.
He silently stared at Charlie.
Yet beneath that calm exterior…
His eyes betrayed a flicker of surprise.
In his letter…
He had simply instructed Charlie to wait somewhere until he arrived.
He never expected Charlie to pinpoint his exact location.
Especially when he had altered his appearance.
“Professor Snape.” “Are you planning to talk to me looking like this the whole time?” Charlie smiled faintly.
“Disguise…
dispel.” He snapped his fingers lightly.
Immediately…
Snape’s face began to change.
Within a few breaths…
His original appearance returned.
“You…” Snape’s eyes widened.
He wanted to say something.
But no words came out.
Wandless magic…
Charlie had already mastered it.
How long had it been since they last met?
He was casting spells directly now.
Simply by studying the books Snape had gathered for him…
He had reached this level?
It was terrifying.
“Charlie…” “I honestly don’t know what to say.” “Give me a moment.” “I need to calm myself.” “What you’ve just done…” “Is simply unbelievable.” Even Snape’s normally expressionless face now showed genuine astonishment.
Charlie looked puzzled.
But he quietly waited.
Half an hour later…
Snape finally spoke.
“Charlie…” “The main reason I haven’t come to see you recently…” “Is because of your research manuscript.” “I told you before.” “It was published in Magical Research.” “It’s one of the wizarding world’s most authoritative journals.” “Your research…” “Caused an enormous sensation.” “Considering your age…” “I never revealed your identity.” “However…” “I’ve recently noticed quite a few people attempting to follow me.” “Others have been trying, directly or indirectly, to obtain information about you.” “That’s why I avoided meeting you.” “Even today’s disguise…” “Was simply to conceal my movements.” After explaining everything…
Snape looked at Charlie.
“You aren’t angry with how I handled this…” “Are you?” For some reason…
Even his tone had become noticeably gentler.
He genuinely cared about Charlie’s opinion now.
“No.” “I agree with everything you did.” “I don’t like standing in the spotlight either.” “Uncle Snape…” “You thought everything through very carefully.” Charlie nodded approvingly.
And casually complimented him.
For the first time in ages…
A genuine smile appeared on Snape’s face.
Not his usual cold, sarcastic smirk.
But a smile that came from the heart.
Even Snape himself found it surprising.
Ever since Lily’s death…
He couldn’t remember the last time he’d felt so relaxed.
Or so happy.
“So…” “That’s everything that happened.” “The main reason I wanted to meet today…” “Was to explain the situation.” “Since the research belongs to you…” “If you’d like your name attached to it…” “I’ll find a way.” “There’s something else.” “The editor of Magical Research has already given me your payment.” “When the opportunity comes…” “Or whenever you need it…” “I’ll take you to Gringotts to collect it.” “Oh…” “You probably don’t know yet.” “Gringotts is a rather special bank.” Charlie nodded.
Pretending to look enlightened.
Of course I know.
I also know my parents left Harry and me an inheritance there.
“But putting that aside…” “You’ve surprised me far too many times.” “Today…” “You cast wandless magic…” “And even dispelled my disguise.” “Every time I meet you…” “Or read one of your letters…” “You leave me astonished.” “To be completely honest…” “Your contributions to the wizarding world deserve to be remembered for all time.” “Oh…” “And there are a few more books.” “I couldn’t find them last time.” “They were rather difficult to obtain.” “I’ve brought them with me today.” Snape placed several old books onto the table.
They weren’t especially thick.
Yet each one carried the unmistakable scent of age.
Charlie accepted them gratefully.
“By the way, Uncle Snape.” “Since the payment has already been delivered…” “When can you take me to collect it?” Charlie asked directly.
This was the perfect opportunity.
A chance to visit Diagon Alley ahead of schedule.
Otherwise…
He probably wouldn’t have another chance until shortly before Hogwarts began.
The entrance to Diagon Alley was unique.
It could only be opened by tapping a specific section of the wall with a wand in a precise pattern.
Having Snape accompany him…
Would save a great deal of trouble.
Snape’s eyes narrowed slightly.
“The payment…” “Of course.” “Though if you intend to spend any of it in the Muggle world…” “You’ll need to exchange it first.” “And regarding your parents’…” He stopped himself halfway.
“…Never mind.” “You’ll learn about that soon enough.” After a moment’s thought…
He continued.
“How about this?” “I’ll contact you in a few days.” “Then I’ll take you there.” “Introducing you to these things a little early shouldn’t cause any problems.” After settling the matter…
The two spent the rest of their time discussing various magical theories.
As expected…
Charlie answered every question that had troubled Snape.
By the end…
Snape had completely run out of words.
His remarkable nephew…
Was an absolute monster.
After saying goodbye to Snape…
Charlie returned home carrying his new books.
The next item on his agenda…
Was finally visiting his troublesome little brother.
“Harry…” “Your big brother’s coming to see you.” A violet glow flashed within Charlie’s eyes.
High above the orphanage…
An owl spread its wings and took flight.