The Thestral Carriage sped through large swathes of clouds, quickly leaving the buildings of the village far behind.
Probably because they were familiar with the route, the return trip was much faster than when they came; soon, they had left the area of Devon.
"Are you going back to Hogwarts now?" As they neared London, Kael suddenly asked.
"What do you mean?" Conna looked at him and asked, "Aren't you planning to go back?"
"I need to make a trip to Diagon Alley," Kael said.
"Now?" Conna asked with a frown.
"Yes, now." Kael paused for a moment, seemingly contemplating something.
If they first returned to Hogwarts, it would be a long journey, and by the time he got to Diagon Alley, it would be too late.
And right now, they were near London, conveniently on the way.
However, Kael wasn't very comfortable letting Conna ride the carriage back to school alone.
After all, in the Magic Realm, the Thestral Carriage was rare, considered the most top-notch mode of transportation, and Kael worried it might catch the attention of the increasingly rampant Death Eaters.
"If you have nothing else to do..." Kael thought and said, "How about coming with me? We can stop for lunch in London."
"Sure, of course," Conna said with a smile, without any hesitation.
"Then it's settled."
Kael went outside the carriage and said a few words to the Thestral in a low voice.
The Thestral, initially flying towards Hogwarts, suddenly turned around and headed for London with the carriage.
"Wait..." Conna thought of something, "There are many people in London. What if the Muggles see the carriage?"
"Don't worry," Kael said, "That's another advantage of the Thestral Carriage. Muggles can't see this special magical creature, just like they can't see Dementors. As for the carriage, it's even simpler."
Kael took out his wand and tapped the carriage, and the carriage was instantly cloaked by something.
"Disillusionment Charm, though a bit rough, it's enough for London."
The carriage flew through London's gray clouds, reaching its destination in less than half an hour.
It landed on a plaza that looked somewhat old.
"Prepare yourself," Kael said to Conna, "this place is also protected by the Fidelius Charm."
Conna nodded slightly, a bit nervously.
Once the carriage came to a stop, even before they could jump down, a cold voice came from outside.
"Who is there? Come out, and don't draw your wand."
The voice sounded familiar.
"Don't worry, Charlie, it's me." Kael extended his hand out of the carriage first, indicating he wasn't holding a wand before climbing out.
"Kael?" Charlie exclaimed in delight, "What brings you here?" He quickly ran over, but did not lower his wand.
"I should've realized, this carriage is obviously from Hogwarts. They haven't changed them in decades."
"Yet you still pointed your wand at us," Kael said.
"Can't help it, it's my duty. There's a protocol to follow, after all," Charlie said with a smile, "One more thing, where are you headed?"
"No. 12 Grimmauld Place," Kael said, "That should confirm I'm not someone else using Polyjuice Potion, right?"
"Death Eaters don't know this address," Charlie embraced Kael.
At that moment, Conna also stepped out of the carriage.
Charlie was momentarily stunned but then squinted his eyes, saying nothing, and merely looked at Kael with a teasing expression.
"We just happened to pass by," Kael said, as if oblivious to his expression, "Are Fred and George around?"
"They got back about half an hour ago," Charlie nodded but soon hesitated, pulling Kael aside and asked quietly.
"Not to dampen the mood, Kael, but this is, after all, the headquarters of the Order of Phoenix. Does Headmaster Dumbledore know you brought this girl?"
"I didn't get a chance to tell him," Kael said, "But I assure you, Conna is on our side."
Dumbledore agreeing to Conna visiting Nicolas's estate already indicated his stance. Even if Conna hadn't joined the Order of Phoenix yet, given her connection to Snape, she had the right to know about this place.
"Alright, I have no doubt about that," Charlie hesitated only briefly before agreeing to Kael's explanation.
"Follow me," he waved Conna over and led the way.
"Mom will be so happy to see you here."
Then, under Conna's astonished gaze, a house magically expanded into view, pushing the houses numbered 11 and 13 aside.
"Come on, hurry," Charlie said, leading the way up the stone steps, pushing open the door, and shouting inside:
"Mom, look who's here!"
"Not so loud, Charlie!" Mrs. Weasley said, emerging from a room, "Aren't you supposed to be on guard outside? Why are you back all of a sudden? Lunchtime isn't for a while yet."
"No, Mom, it's Kael," Charlie explained.
"Kael?" Mrs. Weasley was momentarily surprised, then instinctively looked behind Charlie.
"Oh, Kael, dear, this is such a surprise,"
She hurried over, gave Charlie a confirming glance, then embraced Kael warmly.
"What brings you here at this time?" she asked. "I asked Dumbledore earlier, and he said you had other things to do during the holidays and couldn't come here."