A small meeting room next to the school hall.
When Isaline arrived with Audrey, several Muggle-born young wizards were already gathered around the door.
"I'm so glad I haven't left for Hogsmeade yet! Otherwise, I would have missed MJ!"
"I heard from Glenda Chittock long ago that MJ was actually a wizard, but I never expected it to be true!"
"When I was still at Muggle school, Michael was my favorite! He's better than all the singers in England!"
"Better than Audrey too?"
"Oh, I misspoke. He's better than all the Muggle singers in England!"
"Like Audrey, he's someone whose voice possesses real magic!"
"Look! Audrey is here! So Michael came to our school just to see her?"
Audrey smiled as she parted the chattering young wizards, nodding to greet them.
"Hello, Senior Audrey!"
"Hello, Professor Astley!"
Passing through the enthusiastic crowd of students, Audrey arrived at the door of the meeting room.
Opening the door, she saw a young man with brown skin and long curly hair sitting quietly by the window.
"Hello, Miss Astley,"
His voice was as gentle as a spring breeze by a stream.
He stood up, his slender limbs making a lasting impression.
Although Audrey knew the term might not be suitable for a man,
the idiom 'gracefully slim' involuntarily popped into her head.
"I am Michael Jackson. It is a pleasure to meet you."
"I am very happy to meet you too, Michael,"
She made a gesture inviting MJ to sit,
and then took a seat on the small sofa opposite him.
"Oh, it's our fault for not providing you with any refreshments!"
"Don't worry about it, please don't trouble yourself..."
Before Michael could finish, with a snap of Audrey's fingers, house-elves appeared with tea and snacks.
"Are these house-elves?"
Michael laughed.
"I've heard of them, but as you know, I didn't attend a magic school and my relationship with the MACUSA isn't exactly close, so I haven't had much chance to see these magical little creatures."
—His relationship with the MACUSA was more than just 'not close'; as a wild wizard, he was under their strict surveillance—they were terrified he might lose control of his magic and cause a riot among Muggles, especially given his status as a global superstar!
"You can stay at Hogwarts for a few more days. I'm sure it will make up for your regret of not attending a magic school."
"Is that really alright? I haven't spoken with your headmaster yet, so I'm not sure if it's allowed..."
"Of course, Michael," Audrey said with a smile. "While Professor Dumbledore is the headmaster, I am the owner of this castle!"
"Oh, that's incredible!"
Michael exclaimed, his eyes full of brilliance.
"Thank you, Audrey. Please, let me call you that."
After Audrey nodded with a smile, Michael continued.
"I feel that here, my inspiration will flow endlessly! Yes, yes, magic is so wonderful! My heart will no longer be bound!"
Audrey tilted her head.
A genius singer-songwriter like him would enter a state others couldn't comprehend once inspiration struck.
But she wanted to get back to her dormitory to sleep; she certainly wasn't going to sit here and watch MJ compose on the spot.
"Michael, surely you didn't travel all the way to England just to experience magic school life? I'm sure Ilvermorny wouldn't refuse you a visit!"
"I'm sorry, Audrey, I lost myself for a moment."
A gentle smile is heart-warming anywhere.
Faced with someone like Michael, Audrey was completely powerless to be annoyed.
"I came this time regarding your album,"
Michael pulled out the latest album by the Astley siblings; in the top right corner, the ATV logo was printed.
"Since you terminated your contract with Mr. Waterman and signed with ATV... as you know, ATV is a distribution company under my wing, so I wanted to confirm your future plans in person."
"The future..."
To be honest, Audrey hadn't thought about it at all.
Previously, she entered show business because she loved singing, it made money, and it helped conceal her identity.
Chapter 164: MJ (2 / 2)
But now that she lacked neither money nor worries about her identity being exposed, she suddenly didn't want to stay in the entertainment industry anymore.
Sleeping peacefully within the hidden depths of a castle, unconcerned with the trivial matters of the world.
Wouldn't such an easy life be wonderful?
"Honestly, Michael, I haven't decided yet,"
Audrey said quite frankly.
"I've earned enough money now, and my drive for a singing career isn't as strong. Perhaps I'll gradually fade out of the spotlight."
"That would be such a pity,"
Michael said, placing his right hand over his heart.
"A genius like you stopping would be a loss to the entire world!"
Audrey could tell MJ meant it. The man before her was pure, kind, and hated forcing others.
He was a truly good person!
Faced with such a person, Audrey inexplicably didn't want to disappoint him.
"But it's not set in stone,"
Audrey said.
"Singing is a passion of mine. Maybe if the mood strikes, I'll hold a few concerts just for the fun of it!"
Michael broke into a brilliant smile.
"That's wonderful! Whenever you want to hold a concert, just let me know!"
"I certainly will!"
Satisfied with Audrey's affirmative answer, Michael happily took a sip of black tea.
His posture wasn't perfect; his body hunched slightly, and his head leaned forward to prevent tea from dripping onto his clothes—this was a mark left by his early life.
"By the way, Audrey, have you seen Glenda Chittock recently?"
Audrey paused, then shook her head.
"Glenda? I haven't seen her in a while. Why?"
"She was supposed to come to America early last month to record some of my new songs with magical recording equipment, but over a month has passed, and it's like she's vanished into thin air. I can't reach her at all!"
"I'll ask some acquaintances and get back to you soon,"
It was a minor matter; she could just mention it to Old Barty later.
Audrey took out a two-way mirror and handed it to Michael.
"We can use this two-way mirror to stay in touch from now on!"
"Oh, thank you so much, Audrey!"
"Don't mention it. To be friends with you has always been a dream of mine!"
...
...
The Glenda Chittock that MJ mentioned as missing was currently within the borders of France.
She was making her way through a forest, followed by Bode Gray and several others.
"Miss Chittock, where are you taking us?"
Layers of bandages were wrapped around Glenda's chest. Her left hand trembled slightly, the skin there charred black. The terrifying black aura from a month ago was now reduced to just a few faint wisps drifting around her.
"Just hold on a bit longer, we're almost there! Up ahead is an ancient magic teleportation circle left behind by Merlin. It can transport us to the Scottish Highlands!"
"You're going to Hogwarts?"
"Yes, we'll be safe once we reach Hogwarts!"
Bode Gray snorted. "I don't think Dumbledore can stop that monster-like guy! Hogwarts is called the safest place, but in my opinion, it's nothing special!"
"Ignorance!" Glenda gritted her teeth, pushing herself to keep running.
"Hogwarts is the crystallization of ancient magic! You don't understand its true power at all!"
"BOOM!"
An explosion sounded from behind.
Magni's booming voice drifted from the distance.
"You can't run, rats! I will catch you and twist your heads off one by one! I'll use them as a sacrifice for my son!"
Glenda's expression tightened.
"Shh, stop talking and keep up!"
The group traveled silently; no one dared to use Apparition.
They had tried it before, but the magical fluctuations of Apparition had exposed them instead, allowing Magni to catch up and nearly wipe them all out!
As dusk fell, under the cover of the forest, they should be able to reach the teleportation circle before Magni caught up!
Hogwarts, Hogwarts!
This group had very complex feelings toward Hogwarts.
Some felt nostalgia,
some resentment,
some enmity,
and some longing.
Everyone was different.
But no matter who they were, only one thought filled their minds at that moment.
Hogwarts is the safest place!
[Reviews - Power St0nes - Comments are highly appreciated to keep me going.....(+50 chapters) patre0n.c0m/talecrafter]