"Ready, Kael?"
From a distance, Newt watched Kael and said, "If we set off now, we should just make it in time for the feast."
That's what he said, indeed...
Kael looked up at the gradually darkening sky. If nothing unexpected happened, it indeed was the time for the train to arrive.
But there was one thing he couldn't figure out.
Wasn't Newt supposed to send him to Hogwarts... Then why was he standing so far away!
Also, why did Fawkes suddenly perch on his shoulder?
Kael's throat moved slightly, as if he had thought of some possibility.
He looked at Newt and tentatively asked, "It's you who's sending me to Hogwarts, right?!"
"In fact, I just received a letter."
Newt turned his head, avoiding Kael's eyes, "Something's wrong with the Hebridean Black Dragon, and I need to rush over there."
"Since it's urgent, Fawkes will have to take you back to school."
After hearing Newt's words, Kael felt uneasy and looked at Newt with a gloomy expression.
"Ahem, I know, the Disillusionment by the Phoenix isn't exactly comfortable, but... hmm... it's not that bad."
Seeing Kael's gaze, Newt felt even guiltier, but he still braced himself and said, "Besides, apart from Dumbledore, you're probably the only wizard favored by a phoenix. This is a rare opportunity..."
"If it's this kind of opportunity... then forget it." Kael thought to himself.
The Phoenix's means of travel isn't just "uncomfortable"; it's quite explosive in the entire magical realm.
Every time he thought about yesterday's experience, his legs would tremble, and he hadn't recovered yet.
"I can go back myself."
Kael extended his hand and looked at the ring on it.
He could still use Disillusionment twice, so he could definitely get back to school on his own.
Or rather, as long as Fawkes would leave his shoulder, it wouldn't matter if he used up both chances.
But unfortunately, Fawkes didn't give him this opportunity.
Perhaps it was the first time it was being so disliked, Fawkes was a bit displeased. It tightened its claws without warning and then spread its wings.
Kael was again met with that familiar red light... He only saw Newt rushing over at an astonishing speed, tossing a handful of fruit into his pocket.
And then... nothing more.
He was rolled into a "Bludger" again, being relentlessly whacked with a stick...
At the same time, in Hogwarts' underground classroom.
Harry and Ron shrank in the corner, filthy as if they had just rolled in mud.
And the truth was far worse... Instead of entering the station, they flew over from King's Cross Station in Mr. Weasley's modified Ford Anglia.
After flying to Hogwarts, the car crashed into a Whomping Willow. If it weren't for the car miraculously starting again at the last moment, they might've been smashed into a pulp by those mad branches.
The journey could only be described as thrilling, as nerve-wracking as last year's encounter with Voldemort.
At least, that's how it was for Harry.
Right now, both were nervously eyeing the row of professors in front of them, especially Headmaster Dumbledore, waiting for the final verdict.
"We've been expelled, haven't we..." Ron asked despairingly.
"Not today, Mr. Weasley."
Dumbledore looked sternly at them, "But I must make you recognize the seriousness of your actions.
I'll write to your families tonight, and I must warn you, another incident like this and I'll have no choice but to expel you."
Snape's expression was as if he had heard a Troll was coming to attend his class, his face longer than a Thestral's.
"Headmaster Dumbledore, these two students disregarded the 'Restraint Law on Underage Wizards' and severely damaged a precious ancient tree. Such behavior definitely requires..."
"Boom!"
His words were interrupted by a sudden explosion of firelight in front of him.
The next moment, a man and a bird appeared in the underground classroom out of nowhere.
"It's you..."
When Snape saw who it was, his expression changed again... becoming very pleased.
Great, the Troll for class just left!
"Another young wizard who didn't take the school train..." Snape drawled, "It seems this year's expulsion list at Hogwarts might be quite long."
"Oh, what in the world is going on."
Professor McGonagall was also startled, looking at Kael leaning against the wall, holding his head with one hand and his belly with the other, as if he'd drunk fake wine.
"What's wrong with him?"
"It's alright, Minerva, no need to worry." Dumbledore first hesitated, then said cheerfully, "He just hasn't gotten used to the Phoenix's Disillusionment yet; he'll be fine in a while."
Disillusionment...
Professor McGonagall then realized they were within the castle, where Disillusionment was prohibited.
But, after looking at Fawkes on Kael's shoulder, she said nothing further.
Evidently, Phoenixes, like House-elves, were not subject to such rules.
"Oh, Fawkes... I'm so glad to see you." Dumbledore said happily, "I was just wondering where you went."
Fawkes turned its head arrogantly to the side, ignoring him.
Dumbledore wasn't upset either.
The fact that Fawkes came directly to him in the underground classroom said a lot already.
At this point, Kael had taken the fruit Newt had given him and stuffed two into his mouth.
As soon as he bit into one, the sour taste exploded in his mouth, bringing him some relief.
He confusedly looked at the familiar faces before him, "Is this... Hogwarts?"
"More precisely, it's the underground classroom." Dumbledore explained, "Fawkes came looking for me, and I just happened to have some matters to settle here."
Right...
Kael looked around at the shelves filled with various jars and containers... only Snape's underground classroom would have these things.
...Oh, he was here too.
Kael saw Snape, who seemed to have encountered something amusing and was smiling.
"Let Professor McGonagall decide the punishment for these two students, Severus." Dumbledore said to Snape.
Then he walked over to Kael,
"Although you missed the Sorting, the food at the feast should still be good. Come along; your friends must be worried sick."
"Wait, Professor Dumbledore... Haven't you forgotten something?" Snape suddenly frowned, "What about the punishment?"
He also realized by now that Dumbledore likely wouldn't expel anyone, but they couldn't just let it slide either, right?
"He hasn't violated any school rules, Severus."
Dumbledore said calmly, "Hogwarts allows students to return via other methods, provided too many Muggles don't see."
Dumbledore glanced at Harry and Ron, then continued, "Come along, Severus, leave this to Minerva.
There's an eggnog pie that looks quite good, and I want to give it a try."
Snape wanted to say more, but was pulled out of the office.
His feelings were complicated,
The Troll just left... and it brought back a whole family of its kind.