The experiences about Vid that the Kona couple heard from their son were even more bizarre than some legendary tales, making them feel even less real.
This time, accompanying their son to the United States, the couple harbored a bit of a "celebrity encounter" mentality.
Although they couldn't attend the competition, meeting Vid and Harry all at once, and even staying next door, was as exhilarating as Muggles attending an idol's concert.
However, the attack incident outside the White Bridge Inn was like a bolt of lightning, completely waking up Michael's parents.
Unlike the stories seen on the Flow Mirror or read in the Prophet Daily…
This time, the deadly curse truly occurred at the entrance of their hotel, and the target of the attack was their son's best friend.
And Michael was inside the hotel at the time, very close by.
If that day… Michael went out happily to greet his friends returning… or he had some temporary errands that required going out, just passing by that path…
Would the attacker abandon their plan just because he wasn't their target, and destroy the trap they painstakingly set up?
The couple clearly recognized—No!
For those involved in the game, Michael Corner was just a negligible pawn, whose life or death mattered to no one.
No…
Perhaps to some…
To some, his greatest value might lie in… him being alive as a threat, a lure for Vid to step into the trap, and him being dead could be a blow to Vid and others.
But to the parents, their child is a priceless treasure, and they cannot bear any similar "accidents."
This personal fear is utterly different from the feeling of reading the news.
That evening, after calming down from the fright, Madam Kona trembled as she spoke to her son:
"Michael, my dear… you saw how dangerous it was today! If Mr. Moody hadn't discovered it early, the consequences would have been unimaginable!"
"Of course… Vid is a good child, talented, we all know… being friends with him is really an honor… but… but Michael…"
"What kind of things are surrounding him! This is not something an ordinary family like ours should get involved in!"
Mr. Kona said in a heavy tone: "We are not trying to interfere with your friendship, Michael. But… you have to recognize reality—"
"Is continuing a friendship with Mr. Vid Gray really a good thing?"
He rationally analyzed:
"The position he is in is destined to become the center of a storm. I know you may not fear danger for a friend, but if… the danger is brought to them through you?"
"When he left the United Kingdom, there were always people as skilled as Aurors guarding him. If the enemy felt there was no opportunity, choosing to attack you, using Imperio to control you, or reading your memory, transforming into you to attack him?"
"I'm sorry, child… but… facing such danger, neither you… nor we… have the ability to resist…"
Madam Kona sobbed: "I really like Vid, truly… I also like magic…"
"But Michael, you are our only child, and dad and mom can't bear any risk of losing you."
"Can you… in the future… keep a little distance from him? At least… at least don't let people think, you are good friends…"
"Of course, the final choice is still yours." Mr. Kona said, trying to be open-minded: "You have grown up, we respect your thoughts and decisions."
"But… think carefully about what I said, Michael… don't be swayed by emotions, you are a Ravenclaw… think about what I said, if it makes sense…"
…
Michael slightly furrowed his brows, his parents' words intertwining in his mind, causing him much distress.
—Did his father's words make sense?
Of course, they made sense.
But if friendship could be so simply measured by interests and risks, it wouldn't be true friendship.
When he first became friends with Vid, it wasn't for his talent and fame; and if he rationally distanced himself under the flag of "for safety," perhaps their friendship would truly end.
Michael's gaze moved over the noisy crowd, landing on Vid's tall and serene back, his eyes filled with admiration and an indescribable sense of loss.
In first and second grade, they could still discuss coursework together, and he could even sometimes act as a teacher for Vid in Magic History and Astronomy.
However… from an unknown point in time, he could only, like other passersby, hear Vid's stories, watch his back, gradually seeing him as the next "Dumbledore," but never being able to sit together and passionately discuss any issue again.
This sense of loss existed in the hearts of most members of SSC, including the broad-hearted Theo and Leian.
—It seemed they could no longer keep up with Vid's pace, let alone provide any substantial help like before.
That person… was like a star gradually rising into the distant night sky, bright, but destined to become increasingly unreachable.
Is this when it should be like parents said… gracefully creating distance, not becoming a hindrance, is it right?
…
In the waiting area, a clear voice with a slightly electronic tone echoed throughout the hall:
"Attention please. British Airways flight BA 294 to London Heathrow Airport is now boarding at Gate 37. We invite first-class passengers, passengers with infants, or those requiring special assistance to begin boarding..."
The announcement paused for a moment, then repeated.
"Time to go!" Moody stood up first, growling: "Check your belongings, keep up!"
Mrs. Weasley hurriedly urged the children: "Ron, Ginny, get your bags! Fred, George, stop looking around!"
"Economy class will have to wait a while, Mom!" Ginny softly reminded.
The Kona Family and the Weasley Family had bought economy class tickets, watching the group split into two, Mr. and Mrs. Kona couldn't help but quietly sigh in relief.
They watched as Vid and Harry picked up their carry-ons, Zakharov, Victor, and Modis also got up one by one.
Mr. Kona couldn't help but mutter: "The Black Family is one thing, but these Alchemists are so wealthy? Isn't it said… Alchemists are like Gold-Devouring Beasts before they're famous?"
"Having made an appearance at the Alchemy Competition is not considered famous?" Madam Kona retorted: "Or maybe their families behind them are wealthy?"
"True enough." Mr. Kona agreed, laughing relieved: "Maybe I'm just a bit too nervous today, overthinking things."
"We'll be back in the UK soon, and it'll be safe once we are home," Madam Kona suggested: "Why don't we go on a vacation abroad after the kid starts school?"
"Great idea!" Mr. Kona cheered up instantly: "How about going to Greece…"
Beside them, Michael crossed his arms, slightly furrowing his brows, watching those first-class passengers.
Aside from Vid and his group, and the three foreign alchemists, there were six or seven other passengers dragging suitcases to check-in, likely filling up first class.
Mildly unsettling to Michael was… among those passengers, besides Alastor Moody, there wasn't another elderly person.
The remaining unfamiliar passengers were all in their late twenties and thirties, fit, tall and sturdy, no bald heads, no beer bellies, no feeble steps or signs of being eroded by indulgence.
Are Muggle wealthy people… all of such high quality?
A question flashed through his mind, but he wasn't quite sure.
In the magical world, indeed, with enough money, one could appear younger, more fit by taking expensive magic potions, looking more outstanding… perhaps Muggles have similar methods?
As Michael thought this, he quickly opened the Friendship Book, writing down his observations and doubts.
Shortly after, when Michael heard the reminder for their boarding, a line of text also appeared on his parchment:
[Vid: Got it.]