After realizing that Fred and George were only joking, Kyle handed Ratton over to them. However, Ratton was still sowhat uneasy, hovering in mid-air and keeping a wary eye on the twins.
“Hey, we were just joking!” Fred said, looking a bit embarrassed.
Ratton, however, pretended not to hear.
“You really shouldn’t make comnts like that in front of owls,” Kyle advised. “But he’s agreed to help deliver your packages.”
“So, what does he eat every day? Owl nuts?” George asked. Errol usually didn’t need special food; if they ever needed supplies, they could easily pick so up in Diagon Alley.
“No need to feed him; he’ll find his own food,” Kyle instructed. “Just give him so water every ti he cos back from a delivery.”
“I think it’s best if we buy him so owl treats as a peace offering…” Fred said, grimacing.
“That’s fine,” Kyle chuckled. After all, discussing tailing another owl right in front of Ratton—it’s no wonder he was suspicious. Even Errol would likely give them the cold shoulder for a few days after a stunt like that.
...
“Oh, by the way, when will you be back?” Fred asked, glancing up at Kyle’s attic with a hint of longing. “We’ve already been caught twice by my mum while making Skiving Snackboxes this week… it was a disaster.”
“I’m not sure,” Kyle replied thoughtfully. “Probably just a day or two. I’m only visiting as a guest, so I shouldn’t be gone long.”
“That’s good,” Fred said, brightening up. “We still have loads of new ideas we want to try out…”
“And at ho, Mum would never allow it,” George finished with a sigh.
...
After seeing Fred and George off, Kyle turned back, intending to finish his breakfast. But as soon as he stepped inside, he noticed soone else had appeared in the living room, seemingly out of nowhere.
“Professor Dumbledore?” Kyle asked in surprise. “When did you get here?”
“Just now, while you were chatting with the Weasleys,” Dumbledore replied with a smile. “Chris was about to call you, but I thought it best to let you finish. After all, there’s no rush.”
“Sorry, Professor, I wasn’t paying attention,” Kyle said as he walked in. “So, are you the one picking up this ti?”
“I’d love to take on the job, but unfortunately, I have a few other trivial matters keeping here,” Dumbledore said, a glint of humor in his eyes.
Kyle nodded, refraining from asking further questions. He knew Dumbledore wasn’t one for casual visits, so he decided to wait patiently. Settling himself nearby, Kyle half-jokingly remarked, “It’s not because of the Defense Against the Dark Arts professor, is it?”
“Ah, Kyle, you’re as perceptive as ever,” Dumbledore sighed. “Finding a suitable professor is always such a challenge—I seem to spend half my life searching. Just this past week, I’ve called on several old friends, but most were ‘conveniently’ not at ho, and those who were wouldn’t let in. Truthfully, it’s a bit disheartening.”
“It’s only temporary, Albus,” Chris said, chuckling. “Once the term starts in September, I’m sure things will be different. Would you like so tea?”
Chris poured Dumbledore a cup of tea, and Kyle offered him the sugar tin. After a sip, Dumbledore’s mood seed to lift.
“But all is not lost,” he said with a faint smile. “Dugald has recomnded soone to , and it seems they’re interested in the position.”
“Oh?” Kyle raised an eyebrow.
“This ti, I can assure you it won’t be a Dark wizard,” Dumbledore emphasized. “He’s well-known in the wizarding world and, like you, holds an Order of rlin.”
“I trust your judgnt, Professor,” Kyle said sincerely. “So, does this an we have a new Defense Against the Dark Arts professor?”
“Not quite,” Dumbledore replied, his eyes twinkling thoughtfully. “The teaching materials this candidate has requested are extensive and costly, which has hesitating. I’m just wondering if anyone else might take the job.”
“And if not?” Kyle asked.
“Then it will have to be him,” Dumbledore said with a resigned sigh, finishing his tea. He glanced out the window and remarked, “Oh, it’s nearly ti. Are you all set for the journey, Kyle?”
“Of course, Professor.” Kyle patted his Mokeskin pouch, which was now carrying a regular bag enchanted with the Undetectable Extension Charm. Though compact, it held more than enough for his trip.
“So, will Fawkes be taking there?” Kyle inquired.
“That’s certainly one option,” Dumbledore said with a smile. “But I don’t think you’d enjoy traveling by Phoenix. It’s a bit… jarring for wizards, and even I haven’t fully gotten used to it.”
“No, we have a better thod.” Dumbledore reached into his pocket, drawing out a small, glimring red stone fragnt and placing it on the table.
“A Philosopher’s Stone?”
“It’s a fragnt of the Philosopher’s Stone,” Dumbledore clarified. “The original Stone was destroyed, and it no longer holds its magical properties. However, we’ve found another use for the fragnts… as Portkeys.”
“Portkeys made from Philosopher’s Stone fragnts are quite stable and ideal for long-distance travel.”
Kyle’s eyelid twitched slightly. A Portkey made from a fragnt of the Philosopher’s Stone? It felt as if he were casually holding a gold coin.
Well, Kyle thought, no wonder he’s been around for six centuries—he certainly knows how to make an impression.
Dumbledore glanced out the window once more. “Are you ready, Kyle? You know how to use a Portkey, don’t you?”
Kyle nodded, reaching out to grasp the Philosopher’s Stone fragnt. The coolness of the stone seeped into his palm.
“Oh, and take this.” Dumbledore suddenly rembered, slipping an envelope into Kyle’s pocket. “Open it once you arrive in France…”
Kyle heard only that final instruction before everything beca a blur. He felt as if soone had given him a strong push, and suddenly he was airborne.
In an instant, he vanished from the living room, whisked away by the Portkey. The world blurred as he was pulled forward at incredible speed, the experience entirely different from Apparition. Yet, compared to the sensation of being twisted inside a washing machine, this journey was surprisingly gentle.
Though not exactly comfortable, it wasn’t unpleasant, and he felt none of the usual dizziness. It was manageable.
After an indeterminate amount of ti, Kyle felt his body lighten, and then, with a heavy thud, he landed on solid ground.
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