Hogwarts: The Exemplary Wizard I Am Chapter 774: The Plan - Novel Cool

Chapter 774: The Plan

Chapter 774: The Plan

"Honestly, I was terrified back there." Newt patted his chest as they left Knockturn Alley, his face still bearing a hint of fear.

"It wasn't that bad," Kyle glanced at him, "Just a bunch of Dark Wizards, and while there were quite a few of them, I don't think we'd necessarily lose if it came to a fight."

Kyle's tone was calm, as if they were discussing what to have for lunch. And there was something he left unsaid.

When it came to Newt Scamander, the numerical advantage was a joke. If he were to open his case, those fantastic beasts wouldn't even need to lift a finger; a couple of laps around the alley would be enough to flatten Knockturn Alley by a few inches.

So Kyle couldn't understand what Newt had to be afraid of.

"If it comes to that, we could always fly away on Norbert," Kyle suggested.

"It's not that," Newt looked at Kyle, "I'm worried about you."

"Me?" Kyle pointed at himself, "I'm not afraid of them either, but..."

Suddenly, Kyle seemed to realize something, "You don't think I'm going to have Norbert deal with those shop owners, do you?"

Newt didn't say a word, but his fleeting gaze confirmed this assumption.

"No way... There's no need for that," Kyle shook his head.

Knockturn Alley had existed for so long, and there must be a reason for it. Even Professor Dumbledore and the Ministry of Magic hadn't destroyed it, so why should he worry?

"Besides, those shop owners were quite sincere," Kyle continued, "Despite their harsh tone, they helped me with the werewolf problem... It was like they said, a gift for our first meeting."

"If they're willing to back down, why would I want to create unnecessary enemies?"

"I'm glad you see it that way," Newt smiled, "If you really want to deal with them, I'll help, but after that, I'll have to take back the Erumpent and the Catoblepas."

"No, it's not that..." Kyle waved his hand dismissively, "But I can't understand why you'd think that. Has my reputation outside really gotten that bad?"

"It shouldn't be," Kyle muttered, looking down, "I think I'm quite amiable, and on the train back, I was quite popular too."

Newt cleared his throat twice without speaking.

It was Kyle's actions over the past few days that had led Newt to this conclusion.

In the Black Forest, he had killed seven or eight werewolf wizards without blinking an eye, and the same had happened in Knockturn Alley, where Norbert had swiftly taken down the man who had mocked him at the mere snap of his fingers.

It was only natural for Kyle to have some negative thoughts.

However...

If Kyle knew what Newt was thinking, he would feel completely innocent.

Hadn't they gone to the Black Forest to deal with the werewolf problem? In Kyle's mind, "solving a problem" meant taking action; it wasn't like he could reason with the werewolves... That was absurd.

In the end, he had even let the surviving werewolves go, remembering a conversation with Professor Dumbledore from long ago, and simply left them in the Black Forest, not exterminating them completely.

To be honest, even now, Kyle felt a bit soft-hearted. After all, if their positions were reversed, those werewolves wouldn't spare him, no, they definitely wouldn't.

As for what happened in Knockturn Alley, that was purely Norbert's doing, and Kyle had nothing to do with it. He had only wanted to teach the arrogant man a lesson, but he hadn't expected Norbert to be so forceful.

So, this truly wasn't Kyle's doing.

Soon, Kyle and Newt returned to the deserted Cauldron Ale Pub. Old Tom was still polishing the same cups he had cleaned countless times, for there were no other customers in the pub, and this was the only task he had left.

The two didn't greet him and walked straight out of the pub.

It was already late, and the streets outside were deserted.

"Should we go and say hello to everyone?" Kyle asked.

Although he didn't specify where, Newt knew he was referring to the headquarters of the Order of the Phoenix.

"I'll pass on the excitement," Newt shook his head.

Newt had never been fond of crowded places, and this trip had been about the werewolf issue, which was now resolved. Naturally, he wanted to return.

Kyle understood Newt's preference and didn't insist after his refusal.

The two parted ways at the pub's entrance, with Newt apparating away, his destination unknown, whether it was back to Dorset or to find Professor Dumbledore.

Kyle also apparated, but instead of appearing directly at Grimmauld Place, he chose a location a street away and walked the remaining distance in about fifteen minutes.

Kyle arrived at the house marked with the number twelve. Knowing the address beforehand, he could clearly see inside, where the lights were on, indicating someone's presence.

"Fred and George must have just returned, or maybe it's the night watch," Kyle thought as he knocked on the door.

Before long, the door opened from the inside.

"Kyle? Oh, you're finally back."

To Kyle's surprise, it wasn't Fred and George who opened the door, but Mrs. Weasley.

She hugged Kyle, looking emotional, "Fred told me he met you, and that you went to Knockturn Alley. I've been worried sick about you. Thank goodness you're safe."

"There was no need to worry at all," Kyle said with a smile.

"How could I not worry?" Mrs. Weasley said. "You don't know how evil the people in Knockturn Alley can be. If it were me, I would never agree to you going to such a place."

"I think they're quite simple and honest," Kyle muttered quietly, too low for Mrs. Weasley to hear.

She enthusiastically invited Kyle into the house.

It was then that Kyle realized it wasn't just Mrs. Weasley; other members of the Order of the Phoenix were also awake, all gathered around the dining table.

Of course, they weren't waiting specifically for his return; Kyle was aware of that. They were gathered here to discuss the plan to rescue Harry.

As Kyle entered, he immediately felt a piercing gaze upon him.

It must be Moody, he thought, as the magical eye on his back was already looking at him even before he turned around.

"Prove your identity!" Moody turned and said in a gruff voice, "Molly, you're being too careless. What if it's a Death Eater using Polyjuice Potion to impersonate him?"

"That's impossible, Alastor. Put your wand down," Mrs. Weasley said with displeasure. "He knows the location and even knocked on the door."

"It's better to be cautious," Moody said, still staring at Kyle. "Prove your identity... When did Dumbledore last visit here?"

"The third day after Hogwarts' holiday," Kyle replied casually. "And he only stayed for half an hour."

Hearing this, Moody nodded and lowered his wand. "Sorry, it's a sensitive time, so we must be cautious."

"I understand," Kyle said. "If it were me, I'd ask you to prove your identity too."

"That's the right way," Moody said.

Kyle then sat down at the dining table, and Mrs. Weasley quickly went into the kitchen, returning with a large plate of steaming sandwiches and fried sausages.

"I bet you're hungry. Have something to eat."

"Thanks," Kyle said, grabbing a sandwich and taking a bite.

After a long night, he was indeed getting hungry, but it was too late, and he felt awkward asking.

"Hey, Mom, why does Kyle get sandwiches and fried sausages when he comes back, but George and I get nothing?" Fred complained.

"Yeah," George nodded in agreement. "We want sandwiches too."

"Don't you dislike beef?" Mrs. Weasley said without turning her head.

"But we like it now," Fred said, looking at Kyle.

Coincidentally, Kyle was also looking at him and slowly extended a finger.

"Beef sandwich, want one? One Galleon each, two for three Galleons."

"How much?" George blinked, thinking he misheard. "Two... three Galleons?"

"Yes," Kyle nodded calmly. "Is there a problem?"

"You're such a profiteer," Fred said through gritted teeth.

"Same to you," Kyle laughed.

Hearing their conversation, those who were initially hungry suddenly felt less so.

Two sandwiches for three Galleons... too expensive, too expensive.

Mrs. Weasley didn't say anything, just chuckled beside them.

Of course, Kyle wouldn't actually charge them, and after a few jokes, he pushed the plate to the center.

This chapter is brought to you by Liu Jiu Book Bar.

Mrs. Weasley had prepared a large number of sandwiches, clearly more than enough for one person.

Everyone took the opportunity to have a quick late-night snack.

...

Soon, the plate of sandwiches and fried sausages was emptied, and the topic returned to the previous matter.

"We must be cautious during tomorrow's operation," Kingsley said. "I've noticed some unfamiliar people loitering near Little Hangleton recently. I suspect they're Death Eaters, keeping an eye on the Dursleys."

"We must not alert them when we go there."

"How about luring them out?" Tonks suggested. "I can transform into Harry's appearance and walk out from that street. It should attract their attention."

"No, that's too dangerous," Mrs. Weasley shook her head.

"It should be fine if we're quick," Tonks said. "I can transform into someone else before more Death Eaters arrive. As long as you act fast, we'll make it in time."

"Okay, let's do that," Moody nodded. "By the way, I recall there are three Muggles in that house too, right? Are they taken care of?"

"Once the protective magic on that house fails, the Dark Lord will surely target them."

"It's been arranged. Dedalus will move them to a safe place beforehand."

"Kingsley spoke up."

"Yes," Dedalo nodded, "The Death Eaters are after Harry Potter, and they won't be too concerned about Muggles. It's not a difficult task."

"Good," Moody said, "Have you decided on the route?"

"I've planned three routes," Kingsley replied, producing a map with over a dozen locations marked in different colors.

He pointed to three red marks, explaining, "First, we have Grimmauld Place. Apparating directly there would undoubtedly be the fastest, but it would also reveal our approximate location.

"Second, there's an abandoned garage in the south. I've observed it, and no one goes there, making it an ideal Apparition destination. We could return within two minutes if someone is there to meet us."

"And across the street, there's a warehouse, which is also a good option. However, it's a bit further away and requires a significant detour. It would take at least five minutes to get there."

"No, five minutes is too long. The Death Eaters could easily catch up," Moody shook his head, his gaze resting on the record store. "Let's prioritize this location. We can have broomsticks ready, which should make it even faster. Charlie, you'll be there to meet us, right?"

"Yes," Charlie replied firmly.

"As for the other locations," Kingsley pointed to the blue marks, "these are to confuse the Death Eaters. We can Apparate together, making it harder for them to pinpoint the real Harry, even if they control the Department of Magical Transportation."

Kyle glanced at the map.

Diagon Alley, Hogsmeade, the Ministry of Magic... these were all seemingly safe locations, and even these false destinations had been carefully chosen to avoid suspicion.

"How many of us are there?"

"Lupin is at St. Mungo's, Tonks will distract the Death Eaters in Little Hangleton, and Charlie will meet us. That makes ten... wait, Kyle, are you going?"

"I can," Kyle replied.

"Then it's ten," Kingsley said.

"No, it's eleven," Mrs. Weasley said.

"It's ten," Kingsley looked up at her, "Molly, you need to stay here to handle any unexpected situations... Ron's Apparition skills... well, they're a bit lacking. If something happens, he might not be able to handle it, so someone needs to stay behind."

Mrs. Weasley's face flushed with embarrassment, despite Kingsley's tactful phrasing.

Hermione, the same age as Ron, was already able to participate in rescue missions, while Ron didn't even have the qualifications to stay behind.

At that moment, she felt like rushing upstairs, dragging Ron out of his room, and giving him a good beating.

"Don't do that, Molly," Mr. Weasley seemed to understand her thoughts and whispered, "Ron hasn't graduated yet. You can't expect too much from him. In fact, he's the one who wants to help the most."

"Yes, that's right," Fred, uncharacteristically, spoke up for his brother, "Haven't you noticed? When we decided to leave him behind, his expression was so dejected."

"I bet he regrets not learning Apparition instead of playing with his toys."

"Or playing Quidditch..."

"Or sneaking around the castle..."

"Or looking at Quidditch albums..."

"Or showing off his Prefect badge in the castle..."

"Or hanging out with Lavender..."

Fred and George were getting more and more excited as they spoke, while Mrs. Weasley's face turned redder and redder. Kyle's mouth twitched.

For a moment, he actually thought Fred and George were speaking up for Ron.

It turned out he was thinking too much; their personalities hadn't changed at all.

They were just teasing, afraid Ron might get a beating.

"Ahem..." Mrs. Weasley was about to rush upstairs, so Kyle quickly changed the subject, "By the way, you said Hermione will also join this operation?"

"Yes, that's right," Mr. Weasley also realized and quickly added, "She wasn't initially included, but she insisted on going, and just recently, Hermione has obtained her Apparition license. She's fully qualified."

"What about my father? Will he join?" Kyle asked, noticing Chris wasn't there.

"No, he has another task."

"Don't forget Lupin is at St. Mungo's, too. His safety is just as important. Originally, Sirius was going to stay there, but he was also worried about Harry Potter, and Tonks' abilities are very helpful for the operation, so Chris replaced him."

"But he's the most suitable choice. As long as it's not the Dark Lord himself, I believe Chris can lead us out of St. Mungo's."

"I see," Kyle nodded, and continued, "What about Professor Dumbledore?"

"There's no news yet," Mr. Weasley thought for a moment, "If everything goes well, he should also join this operation."

...

(End of Chapter)

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