https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-597-Using-Technicalities-to-Gain-the-Upper-Hand-Who-Wouldn-t-Do-the-Same-/12538937/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-599-Auxiliary-Members-of-the-Order-of-the-Phoenix/12538939/
Chapter 598: Back to Number Twelve, Grimmauld Place
Chapter 598: Back to Number Twelve, Grimmauld Place
Dumbledore didn't linger long at the Ministry of Magic. After exchanging a few words with Kyle, he departed, accompanied by Professor McGonagall.
In the elevator, Mr. Weasley shooed away a paper airplane buzzing overhead and extended an invitation to Kyle.
"Why don't you come join us?" he said in a lowered voice. "Everyone's there, and Molly has prepared a feast to celebrate your safe return."
"Alright then," Kyle agreed.
Diana had previously asked him not to go elsewhere, most likely due to the impending interrogation. Now that it was over, there was no reason to remain in St. Kachibol Village any longer.
Besides, he couldn't stay holed up for two whole months.
Harry seemed pleased by Kyle's decision, and ever since learning that he wouldn't be expelled from Hogwarts, even the smallest things seemed to bring a smile to his face.
Since Kyle decided to head to Grimmauld Place, Chris parted ways with them at the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures, as the elevator stopped there.
"Have fun," he said with a laugh. "If you decide to stay the night, remember to send an owl to let me know."
"Will do, Dad," Kyle nodded.
The trio then made their way to the atrium. There were significantly fewer people there compared to the morning, and a duty wizard had his face buried behind a copy of the Prophet, either reading or dozing off.
As they strolled past the golden fountain, Harry suddenly doubled back.
"Wait a moment..."
He pulled out his money bag, without a second thought, emptied its contents into the fountain, creating a jingling clatter.
"I thought about it on my way here," Harry explained as he tucked away the now-empty bag. "I promised myself that if I got out of this mess, I'd donate all the money I had on me."
"In that case, maybe I should contribute something too," Kyle said as he joined Harry by the fountain.
He rummaged through his pockets and finally produced a single Sickle.
Most of his money was stored in Snuffles' vault, inaccessible at the moment, leaving him with just this meager amount...
But it was the thought that counted.
Kyle tossed the Sickle into the fountain, creating a splash slightly more impressive than a Knut.
He looked up at the inscription on the fountain.
"All proceeds from the Fountain of Magical Brethren go to St. Mungo's Hospital for Magical Maladies and Injuries."
"This is all I have on me today," Kyle muttered. "I'll make up for it next time if all goes well..."
Subsequently, the trio traveled to the Leaky Cauldron via the fireplace.
Perhaps due to the rarity of such an opportunity, or maybe because of Kyle's presence, Mr. Weasley opted against using Disapparition and instead chose to experience Muggle transportation...
During the journey, Mr. Weasley was exuberant, exclaiming at each stop, attracting odd looks from fellow passengers who seemed to view them as country bumpkins witnessing the wonders of the big city for the first time.
To be fair, Mr. Weasley's current appearance did fit that description, especially with his mismatched clothing.
However, the journey was a bit trying for both Kyle and Harry.
Even though Harry had experienced it earlier that day, he still found himself lowering his head, avoiding conversation with Mr. Weasley.
Kyle, too, quietly moved to a more distant spot, effectively blending in as a bystander.
Upon arriving at their destination, the two boys were the first to exit the station, leaving behind a Mr. Weasley who was still shouting instructions at the ticket machine.
"I've never felt more eager to learn Disapparition," Harry muttered. "Fred and George already know how to do it, and they're itching to use it every chance they get.
"Kyle, you'll be learning that spell this year, right?"
"Yep," Kyle replied. "We get to choose to learn that spell in our sixth year."
Perhaps due to it being work hours, there weren't many people around, but even so, it was much livelier than the last time they had visited.
"Oh, dears, I knew you'd be alright."
Mrs. Weasley rushed over and embraced both Harry and Kyle affectionately.
"Welcome, Kyle." Hermione also hurried over, looking rather anxious.
"Harry, what happened...?"
"Young Master Kyle!"
Before she could finish her sentence, a tiny figure rushed forward from behind, nearly knocking her over.
"Welcome, Young Master Kyle," the house-elf, Kreacher, said respectfully. "Would Young Master like some biscuits? Perhaps some raspberry biscuits or butterbeer first?"
Everyone stared wide-eyed at the house-elf's behavior.
Especially Ron and Harry, who simultaneously pinched themselves on the thigh, wondering if they were dreaming... Otherwise, why was this house-elf being so cordial?
They had been staying here for quite some time, yet they had never received such a warm reception from this elf, who was usually respectful only to Sirius and dismissive or rude to the rest of them.
Harry was well aware that Kreacher often badmouthed them behind their backs and was often insolent or neglectful.
But now...
Watching the house-elf's respectful demeanor, Harry faintly saw a shadow of Dobby.
"Are you sure this is Sirius' house?" Ron muttered. "I feel like Kyle is the master here."
"I'm not so sure myself," Harry said subconsciously.
He fully understood what Ron was hinting at, and in fact, even Mrs. Weasley, who was standing beside them, looked a bit incredulous.
"Don't be surprised," Sirius said as he stepped out of the house. "Kyle did the Black family a huge favor, which has made Kreacher much more respectful towards him than me."
Walking past the excited house-elf, he joined the two boys and asked, "So, how did it go? Everything's alright, I hope?"
"Better than alright!" Harry exclaimed happily. "I wasn't expelled! The charges were dropped!"
"Yeah," Kyle confirmed.
"Ha, I knew it!" Ron jumped up from where he stood. "I knew you'd be fine!"
"Yes, you didn't do anything wrong. They couldn't possibly convict you," Hermione said, heaving a sigh of relief. Her hands had been shaking ever since they arrived.
Although she said this, everyone's faces showed their relief, and Mrs. Weasley even wiped her eyes with her apron.
However, this atmosphere was soon shattered by a sudden explosion.
It was Fred and George, who suddenly appeared behind Kyle, their abrupt arrival startling everyone.
"Actually, we knew you'd be fine, too," Fred said, slinging an arm around Kyle's shoulder.
"Yeah, we weren't worried at all," George added.
"I think the Ministry should compensate you, though," Fred continued.
"Now, you're thinking too much," Kyle laughed. "They won't give me a knut."
"Wait..." As she listened to their conversation, Hermione seemed to realize something, and she stared at the two boys in disbelief.
"Do you mean... Was Kyle also interrogated by the Ministry?"
"Oh, yeah," Kyle shrugged. "And like Harry, it was for underage magic outside of school..."
Hermione was left stunned by this revelation.
She could understand Harry breaking the rules, even if it wasn't his intention, as this was the third time he had been caught using magic outside of school.
But for this to happen to Kyle as well... Didn't he live in a village with many wizards?
(End of Chapter)
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