No. 12 Grimmauld Place.
Since everyone went to attend Lupin’s wedding, nobody is here for now. But Kael knows it won’t be long before Mrs. Weasley and Sirius come back, so he doesn’t go in recklessly and instead supports Dumbledore into a nearby alley.
Dumbledore’s condition is not good at this moment; he’s completely drained of energy and only manages not to fall with Kael’s support. Yet, his expression remains calm, seeming utterly unconcerned.
“How are you, Professor?” Kael takes out a bottle of Vitality Tonic, and after drinking it, Dumbledore finally regains some strength.
“I initially wanted to see if I could kill Tom directly, but I overestimated myself.”
Dumbledore wobbly stands up, “The magic potion Nicolas gave me only temporarily suppressed the effects of time rejection. In my current state, it’s difficult to cast magic that can kill Tom.”
“It’s okay, this is already quite good,” Kael says, “Besides, it’s impossible for you to kill You-Know-Who; I’ve seen him before.”
“That’s why it’s regrettable,” Dumbledore says as he looks around at the surroundings.
“Grimmauld Place, why did you bring me here? You can’t appear in front of them right now; it’s better to go somewhere else.”
“I suggest going to Nicolas’s manor, or Hog’s Head Pub will also do.”
“Fawkes thought the same,” Kael laughs, “After rescuing people, it tossed them into Hog’s Head Pub. Abeforth initially thought you were dead.”
“He must be quite happy.” Dumbledore’s eyes dimmed.
“No, quite the opposite, he actually cares about you,” Kael says, “Not only did he provide a safe place, but he also personally sent people over to inquire about your news.”
“Oh, look, here he comes.”
Following Kael’s finger, Dumbledore indeed sees Abeforth apparating over, carrying two people: Mrs. Weasley and Sirius.
However, they both look in poor condition, their faces ghostly pale, and as soon as they land, they collapse to the ground, appearing as if they might vomit endlessly.
“What happened to them?” Dumbledore asks in confusion.
“Professor, did you forget what I just said?” Kael whispers, “They were rescued by Fawkes.”
“Oh!”
In an instant, Dumbledore understands—being carried by a phoenix during apparition, no wonder.
He recalls how, during his first attempt at this mode of travel, he went an entire day without eating anything.
That was truly a terrible memory.
But when such things happen to others, it’s different. Seeing Sirius and Mrs. Weasley’s condition… Dumbledore tries hard to suppress the corner of his mouth from curling up.
No, he mustn’t laugh; that’s too impolite.
But Kael has no such concerns, his shoulders shake with laughter.
Although he’s seen it once before, standing from an observer’s standpoint this time feels completely different… maybe it also has to do with knowing in advance that they’re all safe.
Kael takes out a camera and clicks the shutter under Dumbledore’s incredulous gaze.
“Just a record.” Kael smiles, “Such scenes are rare to see, aren’t they?”
Dumbledore raises an eyebrow, instinctively glancing at the camera.
His intuition tells him there’s definitely something extraordinary inside, and it’d be best to wreck it and use magic to shred all the film into pieces.
And this urge is strong.
Dumbledore doesn’t know why this is, but it’s Kael’s belonging, and he’d previously saved him and Arianna; it would be too much to destroy his things without rhyme or reason.
Dumbledore can only force down such impulses and turn his gaze elsewhere.
“Hide it well, don’t look around,” he reminds.
Because at this moment, another Kael arrives, and the three enter No. 12 Grimmauld Place together.
“We should leave here quickly.” Dumbledore says, “In case Alastor comes, his Magic Eye might notice us.”
“Don’t worry, he has other matters and won’t be coming,” Kael says, in his recollection, Alastor Moody hasn’t appeared.”
“Plus, I came here for another reason.”
“What’s that reason?”
“Not now,” Kael shakes his head, “Be patient, Professor, you’ll soon find out.”
Though Dumbledore is curious, seeing Kael put it this way, he doesn’t ask again and waits quietly nearby.
Before long, someone comes out of the house.
“I’m going to pick up other people now, they’re all at Hog’s Head Pub,” Kael explains.
“It is indeed a very safe place,” Dumbledore nods silently.
Though Abeforth hasn’t given him a good face over the years, in his heart, Abeforth is the most trustworthy person, much like how Fawkes instinctively sends people over.
The two continue waiting.
“Oh, by the way.” Kael suddenly remembers something and says, “Professor, while rescuing people, I also bought some drinks and spirits, to help them adapt more quickly to the discomfort brought by Fawkes.”
“You did right,” Dumbledore says, “Spirits are indeed a good choice.”
“But Abeforth didn’t sell them to me,” Kael continues, “I had to use your name to get some.”