"And there's Pansy and Millicent," Susan added.
Alright, the truth is out, and the people are the same.
When Voldemort's return was first announced, these few were the most smug, laughing the loudest.
It was because of this behavior that Mikel and Susan were so furious, even considering whether to hoodwink them and give them a beating.
Kael glanced again at the few people wrapped up tightly... In this situation, it counts as them fulfilling their vow.
Meanwhile, Ron and Harry, who had come over to check things out, couldn't stop laughing.
"I bet Lucius was there at the Ministry of Magic that day also."
When Kael returned to the compartment, Harry and the others followed him inside. He stated firmly, "I saw it—a platinum blonde just like Malfoy's."
"Malfoy must be trying to get revenge on you because of this... that coward," Ron said.
"I actually want him to come find me," Kael said, "but he won't."
"Unless Malfoy's gone mad." Harry couldn't help but laugh, instinctively glancing at the luggage rack in Kael's compartment, but didn't see the familiar suitcase.
It made sense—such a dangerous item, Kael certainly wouldn't casually leave it to the side.
"Speaking of which, what exactly happened that day?" Ron asked curiously, "Why do I feel like Malfoy and his group have been avoiding Kael these days."
That day when Kael rushed over, he and Hermione had already fainted, saw nothing, and when he woke up again, he was in the Hospital Wing.
"Nothing much..." Harry sneaked a glance at Kael, "It's just that the Headmaster and Kael arrived in time to save us."
It's not that he wanted to hide it from Ron and Hermione, but mainly because Kael didn't allow him to speak. Besides, if Ron knew he spent so much time with a Fire Dragon and a Three-Headed Dog while being unconscious, he might faint again.
"I see." Ron nodded, "Too bad Dumbledore couldn't catch Malfoy, or we'd have sent him off to Azkaban."
"It's useless," Hermione shook her head, "The Dementors can't be trusted anymore; many of them have sided with You-Know-Who."
"Even a few days would be nice," Ron said. At this moment, he suddenly noticed the new clothes Fred and George were wearing.
"Wait, what are these made of?"
"The finest Fire Dragon Skin," Fred raised an eyebrow and lightly tugged the zipper.
The scale-like pattern glittered under the Sun, making Ron envious once more.
With a few more people, the journey back became even lively.
Kael noticed that whenever Harry was playing Wizard Chess with Cedric, he would inadvertently glance at Cho, but would reel back his gaze a second later each time.
It was clear he seemed not to have completely given up.
Kael rubbed his chin thoughtfully, contemplating whether to remind Cedric that someone intended to steal his girl.
But Kael soon dismissed the thought.
Though it felt unfair to Harry saying this, he really couldn't find any area where Harry seemed better than Cedric.
Perhaps being the Savior counts as one, but Cho evidently didn't care much about that.
Meanwhile, Hermione, holding a thick "Advanced Potion Making" and a bottle, found Conna to inquire about some Magic Potion related issues.
Conna merely glanced and pinpointed her problem.
"You added too few Sun petals and didn't brew long enough; it's short by a minute."
"But the book says adding three Sun petals is enough," Hermione said puzzled, "I counted them; they're right."
"Oh, the book's missing a step." This time Conna didn't even look at the book before saying, "You ought to crush the petals first so the juices blend faster into the Magic Potion; if not crushed, adding an extra petal works the same."
Hermione glanced at the book again, frowned, but didn't speak.
"Aren't you exaggerating?" Ron couldn't help saying, "It's already vacation, why are we still reading?"
"Why not," Hermione retorted, "even the Headmaster Dumbledore said we need more knowledge to protect ourselves.
During vacation, we can't use Magic; Magic Potions are the only choice. Preparing more Healing Potions will surely come in handy."
"I doubt my mom would agree to me mingling with Cauldrons at home," Ron mumbled.
"No, you're wrong," Fred chimed in, "If you even have the notion, mom would be thrilled."
"She'd even tear down the kitchen to make room for Cauldrons," George said.
Ron muttered a few excuses, but no one heard what he said.
Nearby, Harry lowered his head, pretending to ponder the next move to make.
If there was any classes at Hogwarts they disliked most... Umbridge's Defence Against the Dark Arts was on top, followed by Snape's Potions Class.
And this vacation he needed to stay at Privet Drive for a while, too.
Though he didn't quite understand, both Dumbledore and Sirius said so, there wasn't much Harry could do.
He must stay at Privet Drive for a full month before moving to No. 12 Grimmauld Place; his aunt and uncle surely wouldn't fancy having Cauldrons and Magic Potions around the house.
After some time, the train finally began to slow down.