After realizing that Fred and George were just joking, Kael finally handed Ladon over to them.
Ladon, however, was still uneasy, hovering in midair and watching them warily.
"Hey, we really were just kidding." Fred said awkwardly.
But Ladon acted as if he hadn't heard a thing.
"Well, who told you two to say that in front of an owl," Kael said. "But it's already agreed to help you send your stuff."
"So, what does it have to eat every day? Owl Nut?" George asked.
Errol didn't need to eat owl chow or nuts. If he did, they'd have to make a trip to Diagon Alley to buy some.
"No need to feed it. It'll find its own food." Kael reminded them, "Just give it some fresh water after it comes back from a delivery each time."
"I think we should buy some anyway…" Fred said with a wry smile. "As a peace offering, at least."
"That works too." Kael replied with a laugh.
Honestly, talking about having an owl tail another owl, right in front of it—it's no wonder Ladon was so wary of them.
No need to blame Ladon—even Errol would probably give them the silent treatment for a few days.
…
"By the way, when are you coming back?"
Fred glanced longingly up at the attic in Kael's house,
"This week alone, we've already been caught twice by Mum while making Skiving Snackbox… It was an absolute disaster."
"I can't say for sure," Kael thought for a moment. "Probably just a day or two. I'm only going as a guest this time—it shouldn't take long."
"Good, we've still got loads of new ideas we want to try out…"
"Mum would never allow it if we're at home."
…
After seeing off Fred and George, Kael was about to go back inside to finish his breakfast.
But as soon as he walked through the door, he noticed someone had appeared in the living room at some point.
And he actually knew this person.
"Professor Dumbledore?"
Kael blurted out, "When did you get here!"
"Just now, while you were chatting with the Weasley gentlemen."
Dumbledore said with a cheerful twinkle in his eye, "Chris was going to fetch you, but I thought it best to let you all finish your conversation. What we have to do isn't exactly urgent."
"Sorry, Professor, I didn't notice." Kael walked in. "So, you came to pick me up this time?"
"I wish I could, but because of a few other things, I can't leave here just yet."
Kael nodded, not pressing any further.
He knew Dumbledore definitely wasn't here for a friendly chat—he just needed to wait patiently.
Kael sat down nearby, half joking, "Don't tell me it's because of the Defence Against the Dark Arts professor again."
"I have to say, you really are sharp."
Dumbledore let out a sigh, "Finding the right professor is just too hard. I spend so much time on it every year.
These days, I've visited some old friends, but almost none are home—the few that are refuse to open the door.
Honestly, it's a terrible feeling."
"It's only temporary, Albus."
Chris said with a smile, "Come September, you won't have this problem. Would you like a cup of tea?"
He poured Dumbledore a cup of tea, and Kael passed him the sugar jar.
After a sip of tea, Dumbledore's mood was clearly lighter.
"Still, it hasn't been a complete waste—Dugald recommended someone to me, and he seems quite interested in the job."
"Oh?" Kael raised an eyebrow.
"I promise, he's not a Dark Wizard this time." Dumbledore emphasized. "He's very well-known in the Magic Realm, and, just like you, he's a Merlin Medal recipient."
"I never doubted your judgment, sir." Kael joked with an overly serious look. "So, does that mean we finally have a new Defence Against the Dark Arts professor?"
"Not just yet." Dumbledore considered for a moment, "He's asking for quite a few new textbooks, and they're not cheap. I've been hesitating, hoping someone else might take the job."
"And if no one else does…"
"Then it'll have to be him."
Dumbledore finished his tea and glanced out the window.
"Ah, it's about time." he said with a smile. "You might be staying there for quite a while this time—are you all packed and ready?"
"Of course, Professor." Kael patted his Transfiguration Lizard Skin Bag.
He'd given Newt's suitcase to Dumbledore when he left school—now, all it contained was a similarly sized ordinary trunk.
It also had an Undetectable Extension Charm on it. Not huge, but more than enough for his luggage.
"So, is Fawkes taking me there?" Kael asked.
"That's one way," Dumbledore shook his head, "but I don't think you'd enjoy traveling with a Phoenix. To be honest, even for wizards, it's a bit rough. I haven't gotten used to it myself."
"We have a better option."
As he spoke, Dumbledore took out a bright red stone fragment and placed it on the table.
"Philosopher's Stone?"
"A Magic Stone Fragment, Kael," Dumbledore explained. "The Philosopher's Stone has been destroyed—it has no magical properties now.
However, we've found another use for it… a Portkey."
"Amazing, really—a Portkey made from Magic Stone Fragments is extremely stable. It's the best choice for long-distance travel."
Kael's eyelid twitched.
Using a Magic Stone Fragment as a Portkey… how's that any different from skipping gold coins across a pond?
Man, no wonder this guy's lived over six hundred years—he's got style, if nothing else.
Dumbledore glanced out the window again.
"Ready, Kael? You know how to use a Portkey, don't you?"
Kael nodded, reaching for the Magic Stone Fragment on the table.
A chill spread from the palm of his hand.
"Oh, one more thing."
Just then, Dumbledore seemed to remember something, and stuffed an envelope into Kael's pocket.
"Open it after you've arrived in France…"
That was the last thing Kael heard—then everything went blank.
He felt as if someone had shoved him hard from behind; suddenly his feet left the ground, and he was flying forward.
In the blink of an eye, Kael vanished from the living room, swept away like the wind, racing ahead with everything a blur around him.
This was Kael's first time using a Portkey and, unlike Apparition, it felt more like being yanked along at a bizarre and incredible speed.
Though compared with Apparition—that feels like being stuffed into a spin cycle—this method was way more pleasant.
It still wasn't exactly comfortable, but at least it didn't leave you woozy for ages. Totally manageable by comparison.
He had no idea how long it lasted, when suddenly his whole body went light—and then he hit the ground, hard.