After the banquet ended, Kael glanced at the place where Chris and Diana had been sitting... it was empty, they had obviously left early.
Afterwards, all the students returned to their respective dormitories, only Kael was asked to stay behind.
The banquet was just part of the knighthood ceremony, the most important content would come afterwards.
"Would you like to have a cup of tea together?" Dumbledore suggested with a smile.
"Of course, I really could use a drink now."
McPhail nodded, "Honestly, this castle seems to have an incredible magic to it. Ever since I got here, even my appetite has improved a lot."
What he said earlier about wanting to leave quickly was naturally a joke, and Dumbledore certainly wouldn't invite these old folks to be professors of Defence Against the Dark Arts... that's a privilege for the young lads.
"Albus, do you have any whiskey? I'm really in the mood for some now."
"How about some Flame Whiskey? I just received a bottle for Christmas."
"That would be perfect."
...
The headmaster's office on the eighth floor had a long table and several cushioned chairs added to it.
On the table were various beverages, besides the steaming tea and whiskey, there was Honey Wine, Butter Beer, and Lemonade.
These were likely just brought back from the Three Broomsticks by the little elves. Their magic is different from that of wizards, even in the castle they can use Disillusionment.
The few people sat down casually, sipping and chatting happily.
And as the protagonist of this occasion, naturally their topic often turned to Kael.
Though Fudge tried several times to steer the conversation elsewhere, Dumbledore always noticed and subtly redirected the topic back to Kael.
Kael understood his intent as well.
On the way to the eighth floor just now, Dumbledore hinted in a voice only he could hear that this was a rare opportunity to meet famous wizards outside of school, which would greatly help in expanding his network.
Kael naturally understood this reasoning.
In the magical realm, connections are equally important. Like Dumbledore, if he didn't know Nicolas Flamel, how could he have borrowed such a useful "bait" as the Philosopher's Stone?
And the Malfoys, their influence is so vast also because they have a complicated network of relationships with most people in the Ministry of Magic.
Although this network is woven with Galleons, and once it lacks this most crucial material, it would collapse suddenly.
But undeniably, before this network breaks, it indeed helps the Malfoys solve a lot of minor or major troubles in life or business.
This is also the main reason why Malfoy can thrive despite being suspected as a Death Eater.
Moreover, even Mr. Weasley is the same, although his position seems insignificant, most people in the Ministry of Magic have quite a good relationship with him, including several department ministers.
For example, Ludo Bagman (Department of Magical Games and Sports), Barty Crouch (from the Department of International Magical Cooperation), and Amelia Bones (Law Enforcement Department).
Chris doesn't count, he's a deputy.
Moreover, a few days ago Chris inadvertently mentioned that Mr. Weasley is planning to establish a new law, seemingly about protecting Muggles and enhancing the management of Dark Arts Items.
And judging from Chris's tone, this new law seems to be about to pass.
If Mr. Weasley were really just an ordinary employee in the Department of Prohibition of Misuse of Muggle Items, with Fudge's character, it's unlikely he'd spare him a glance, let alone pass the law he proposed.
And for McPhail and the others, they were also keen to meet Kael, the youngest member of the Merlin Knight Order.
Both sides could be said to hit it off, chatting very happily.
Except for Fudge and Newt.
Fudge had other matters on his mind... In his view, Kael had great potential, but by the time he graduated from Hogwarts, Fudge's term would probably be over, making it hard for them to have any connection.
Therefore, Fudge preferred to talk to McPhail, or Cecily, about his aspirations and ambitions, to leave a good impression on them.
As for Newt, it was simpler... he had social anxiety.
The last time he was in a room with this many people was twenty years ago, so the scene before him was quite unfamiliar to Newt.
Fortunately, this situation didn't last long.
Because it was already quite late, in less than half an hour or so, the conversation ended.
Newt was the first to leave the headmaster's office.
McPhail and Belby remained, as Dumbledore had just offered to arrange for them to stay a night in the castle, making it easier for them to go present another Merlin Medal the next day.
The two gladly accepted.
For some reason, Fudge also stayed behind.
Leaving the headmaster's office, Cecily headed back to St. Mungo's... she was there to support Kael and didn't need to participate in the knighthood ceremony the next day.
After saying goodbye to her, Kael found Newt waiting at the corner of the stairs.
The two entered an empty room nearby, and Kael said somewhat surprisingly, "I really didn't expect you to come."
"Didn't you write earlier saying you wanted me to help take care of some troublesome little animals?"
Newt sighed, "Coincidentally, they sent me an invitation too, asking if I'd like to come to Hogwarts."
"So you agreed?"
"Yes." Newt nodded, "Your receiving the Merlin Order Medal is something worth celebrating. I should come, oh, Tina thinks so too."
"Thank you..." Kael said sincerely.
Newt rarely attended gatherings with old friends, but today he appeared in an auditorium with hundreds of people... for someone with social anxiety, this was quite a significant challenge.
But Newt waved his hand, stopping Kael from continuing:
"So, the little animals you mentioned in the letter were Nifflers?"
"Those little guys are indeed a bit mischievous, and you need some patience to get along with them."
"No, not Nifflers." Kael laughed, "The little guy is cute and not troublesome at all."
"Then what is it?" Newt was taken aback.
Besides Nifflers, Newt really couldn't think of any other fantastic beasts that Kael would need help taking care of.
"They were smuggled in, and I took care of them for a while... forget it, you better see for yourself."
Kael took out his suitcase, opened it, and placed it on the ground.
"But before you go in, be mentally prepared, they might be a bit different from what you imagine."
"Now that you've said it, I'm kind of looking forward to it." Newt chuckled and shook his head, but didn't take Kael's words to heart.
He had seen all sorts of fantastic beasts, why would he need to be mentally prepared?