Kael always hoped he was just overthinking it.
Because later, news came that both Little Whinging and Privet Drive only ever had two Death Eaters from the start, the same two that Tonks had lured away… or rather, they didn't even count as Death Eaters.
After everyone left, Tonks brought some Aurors back to Privet Drive and captured them without any Death Eaters showing up to help.
Through interrogation, it was revealed that just days ago, they were still in Cornwall, and later, due to their admiration for Voldemort, they wanted to join the Death Eaters.
And watching Harry Potter was their first assigned task, which means these two were essentially unpaid cannon fodder; they knew nothing and didn't even know who to report to if any sudden situation arose.
Ever since they came to Privet Drive, no one had contacted them.
No wonder everyone was safe; the Death Eaters never even showed up… Whether it was planning routes or using the Portkey to return, it was all just a strategic skirmish with thin air.
At this point, not just Kael, but others also sensed something was off, and the previously lively atmosphere turned cold immediately after Tonks finished speaking, with everyone deep in thought.
"Isn't that a good thing?"
Ron didn't mind at all, happily saying, "It means the false information we put out worked. You-Know-Who must think we'll only come to take Harry on the 30th."
Mundungus nodded alongside him, thinking the same; in his view, not facing danger was good enough, and who cared about anything else?
But apart from Mundungus, no one else responded to him.
Everyone present had almost dealt with Death Eaters at some point, so they knew very well that if Voldemort were truly planning on acting against Harry, there couldn't possibly be no stir by now.
Even if fooled by the early false information, they'd react immediately in no time.
After all, Death Eaters are bad, but they're not dumb.
Half an hour had passed since the operation ended; if their response time were truly this slow, they'd have already been captured by the Ministry of Magic and kept company with Dementors.
"No matter what, Harry is safe and that's good." Mrs. Weasley quickly said, seeing the atmosphere becoming tense.
She glanced at the time, "Goodness, it's so late already? I guess you're all starving!"
Then she led everyone to the dining room to divert attention with dinner.
But before this, she hadn't really had the mind to prepare dinner, the time was tight so she could only simply make some sandwiches.
However, no one really had an appetite; Mr. Weasley, Kingsley, and Mad-Eye Moody were sitting there, drinking cup after cup, their eyes filled with shared concern.
Though nothing was being said, Kael knew what they were thinking.
… Dumbledore.
The Death Eaters abandoned this action for more important reasons, like ambushing a lone Dumbledore.
Currently, Dumbledore is abroad with nearly no assistance, the best opportunity to kill him.
If they manage to kill him, Voldemort will have no opponent left and can freely rampage here, whether controlling the Ministry of Magic or attacking Hogwarts, without any concerns.
From this perspective, Harry's situation truly seems irrelevant.
…
Truthfully, Kael really wanted to help, but he didn't know where Dumbledore had gone, and neither did Professor McGonagall nor other members of the Order of Phoenix.
The only consolation now was that Dumbledore still had Fawkes with him.
The Phoenix can help Dumbledore withstand a Killing Curse and, in dire moments, instantly take him away from the battlefield; even if they can't win, escape should be achievable… hopefully achievable.
For some reason, Kael suddenly thought of Nimongard…
He shook his head, stuffed a piece of sandwich into his mouth, attempting to calm down.
If Voldemort truly went to Nimongard, then there's even less need to worry. Grindelwald and Dumbledore teaming up would likely hang all the Death Eaters and Voldemort on the tower for decoration.
Thinking of this, Kael drew a deep breath and began eating dinner.
But the others still weren't in the mood; a bottle of Flaming Whiskey was quickly emptied, and Sirius was about to open a second when Mr. Weasley stopped him, shaking his head, "Forget it, we need to stay clear-headed."
Sirius reluctantly obliged.
He made a valid point; whatever the Death Eaters' plan is, they must remain clear-eyed to respond to anything that might occur at any moment.
Since they can't drink, they substituted with beverages like hot cocoa, pumpkin juice, milk, and so on.
Everyone sat around the dining table, but no one knew what they were waiting for, maybe Dumbledore or something else, yet no one proactively sought news.
Time ticked away, baneful guesses pressed on their hearts like frost, the chilling dread increasingly unbearable.
Until a flippant voice came from behind them.
"You all seem very relaxed."
Phineas Black appeared in his portrait somehow, leisurely watching everyone.
"Speak, is there any news?" Sirius asked urgently.