Harry had many questions, but Dumbledore answered them all patiently.
Not long after their conversation began, Kael found Madam Pomfrey and requested to be discharged.
Although Madam Pomfrey was a bit reluctant, since Kael really had no issue, she agreed after checking him over once more.
After leaving the Hospital Wing, Kael glanced at the soul-lost Niffler, smiled and grabbed a handful of sparkling gem fragments from the Transfiguration Lizard Skin Bag, then scattered them in the courtyard.
They're just Fire Crab gems, he had those too.
In order to make the map look more expensive, after learning Occlumency in Newt's Box, he made a special trip to a Fire Crab's lair and collected a lot of gem fragments.
Although smaller than the ones Dumbledore showed, he had a lot more.
Especially at the moment of scattering, the gem fragments shone brightly under the sun, akin to a starry night sky.
The Niffler's eyes gleamed again, and as Kael released his hand, it eagerly rushed out and excitedly picked up the gems on the ground.
Kael, resting his chin, sat nearby and looked up in the direction of the Hospital Wing.
He hadn't been surprised that he didn't manage to swipe the Philosopher's Stone, or rather, this was the expected outcome.
After all, it was something that could allow Voldemort to regain a body and resurrect; Dumbledore certainly couldn't let it slip from his control.
However, Kael was surprised that Dumbledore agreed to help expand his box.
To be honest, he hadn't held much hope for it, yet Dumbledore hesitated only briefly before agreeing.
It can only be considered an unexpected gain.
This way, Kael wouldn't need to alter the box anymore, saving him plenty of time.
Kael had originally planned to further expand some space in the box during the holidays... The thought of casting the Undetectable Extension Charm continuously for two months was mind-numbingly boring.
Soon, the Niffler had gathered all the gems and returned to Kael's side.
In treasure hunting, the Niffler was a pro; it missed not a single gem fragment and somehow even dug out two Copper Knuts from some corner.
However, it still seemed a bit unhappy until Kael transformed a leaf into a Philosopher's Stone and handed it over, making the little creature happy again.
In a way, the Niffler was easy to pacify.
...
When Kael returned to the castle, he happened to run into Fred and George, who were about to leave, carrying two beautifully packaged big boxes.
"Kael?"
Fred appeared somewhat surprised, "We were just about to visit you."
"How come you're better so soon?" George asked puzzled.
"I was never in any trouble," Kael explained, "Going to the Hospital Wing was just for show; the real issue was with Potter."
"Oh, that's a pity..."
George glanced at the box in his hand, "We even prepared a gift for you..."
"But giving it now is fine too," Fred said, "Open it and see if you like it."
Pity?
Is that even human speech?
Expressionless, Kael looked at them without accepting what Fred handed over.
It wasn't his first day knowing Fred and George; just by their serious demeanor, he could tell there was definitely nothing good inside.
"How did you know I was in the Hospital Wing?" Kael changed the subject.
"Actually, not just us..."
Fred, realizing they couldn't fool Kael, readily took back the box, planning to give it to Harry later.
"It's all over Hogwarts," George explained, "Quirrell tried to steal the Philosopher's Stone but was thwarted by some brave young wizards, who successfully stopped him after passing through many obstacles."
"Kael, you borrowed the Marauder's Map to go to the underground classroom, right..."
Fred dreamily continued, "The Three-Headed Dog... a living Magic Chessboard... Death Eaters... Fiendfyre... Merlin's socks, it's richer than all our past experiences combined."
"You should've invited us!" George lamented, "Even our little brother Ron was involved, but we weren't..."
"Next time, definitely," Kael waved dismissively.
Fred and George couldn't shake the feeling that Kael was just humoring them.
"Alright, next time you must take us," George reminded, "Or else, your Christmas gift every year will be nothing but a quill."
"And the cheapest kind at that," Fred added.
"That's just too much," Kael laughed and shook his head.
Fred and George soon left; they were off to visit Harry and deliver their carefully prepared gift.
After they left, Kael was surrounded again by another group eager to learn more details about the incident in the underground classroom.
Kael barely managed to get away from those curious young wizards.
But upon arriving at the entrance to the Hufflepuff Common Room, he was surprised to find someone waiting for him.
"I knew you'd be returning to the dormitory," Hermione said, "So I waited for you here."
"Too many people earlier, we couldn't squeeze in," Ron muttered softly.
Hermione glared at him.
"Alright... What do you want to know?" Kael asked helplessly, "But make it quick; I really don't want to repeat all of that again."
"How's Harry..."
"How did you get through those obstacles..."
They asked simultaneously.
"Potter is fine," Kael replied to Hermione, "When I left, he was talking to Dumbledore. If you want to visit him, you can now, but Madam Pomfrey might not allow it."
"As for those obstacles..." Kael turned to Ron, "If you find the right method, they aren't hard to pass. Like the key room, you can use a Bowtruckle or a Universal Key without bothering to catch those keys."
"Oh..." Ron murmured; earlier, they'd been proud of finding the Three Broomsticks, only for Kael to tell him there was no need to do that.
"What about the Magic Chessboard..." Ron began to ask but was interrupted by Hermione.
"Stop asking, Ron, Kael surely got through those obstacles," she said urgently, "We need to quickly visit Harry now; if more people show up, Madam Pomfrey might not let us in."
"Yes, you're right, I almost forgot."
After thanking Kael, the two sped off toward the Hospital Wing.
...