After the banquet ended, Kael cast a casual glance at where Chris and Diana had been sitting earlier... the seats were empty—they had clearly left early.
Afterward, all the students returned to their respective dormitories, with only Kael being left behind.
The banquet was just one part of the medal ceremony; the most important matters were yet to come.
"Shall we have some tea together?" Dumbledore suggested with a smile.
"Of course, I could really use a drink right now."
McPhail nodded. "Honestly, this castle seems to have some kind of incredible Magic Power. Ever since getting here, even my appetite has improved."
What he said earlier about hurrying home was obviously a joke, and Dumbledore certainly wouldn't seriously invite these old fellows to be Defence Against the Dark Arts professors... that's a privilege reserved for the younger lads.
"Albus, do you have any whiskey? I'd quite like a bit at the moment."
"How about some Flame Whiskey? I just received a bottle at Christmas."
"That would be perfect."
...
In the Headmaster's Office on the eighth floor, a long table now stood, surrounded by a few soft, cushioned chairs with backs.
On the table were all sorts of drinks—not just steaming tea and whiskey, but also Honey Wine, Butter Beer, and Lemonade.
These must have just been bought from the Three Broomsticks by the Little Elves; their Magic is unlike wizards', and even inside the castle, they can Apparate.
The group sat wherever they pleased, drinking and chatting away cheerfully.
And, as the star of the evening, their conversation naturally involved Kael quite a bit.
Though Fudge tried more than once to steer the conversation elsewhere, Dumbledore would always catch on and subtly guide it back to Kael.
Kael also knew what he was up to.
On the way up to the eighth floor just now, Dumbledore had quietly hinted—in a voice only Kael could hear—that this was a rare opportunity to meet some famous wizards from outside the school, a chance that would greatly help expand his own network.
Kael understood this perfectly well.
In the Magic Realm, connections are just as important. Think about Dumbledore—if he didn't know Nicolas Flamel, how would he ever have managed to borrow the Philosopher's Stone, such a handy 'bait'?"
And the Malfoys—their influence is so great precisely because of their intricate ties with most people in the Ministry of Magic.
Granted, that particular web is woven out of Galleons, and the moment they lack that essential element, it'll all come crashing down.
But the truth is, as long as the web remains, it helps the Malfoys solve all kinds of little—and not-so-little—troubles, whether in business or daily life.
That's also the main reason he can keep thriving, even with the tag of a 'suspected Death Eater' hanging over his head.
Besides, even Mr. Weasley is a good example. His post may seem unremarkable, but most people in the Ministry of Magic actually get along with him quite well, even including several department Ministers.
For instance: Ludo Bagman (Department of Magical Games and Sports), Barty Crouch (International Magical Cooperation and Exchange Department), and Amelia Bones (Law Enforcement Department).
Chris doesn't count—he's just a deputy.
And a few days ago, Chris accidentally mentioned that Mr. Weasley is preparing to propose a new bill, seemingly about protecting Muggles and strengthening the regulation of Dark Arts Items.
Judging by Chris's tone, it sounds like the bill is about to be passed.
If Mr. Weasley were really just an ordinary Misuse of Muggle Artefacts Office employee, with Fudge's personality, he probably wouldn't even spare him a glance—let alone pass a bill he sponsored.
As for McPhail and the others, they were also keen to get to know Kael, the youngest member of the Merlin Knight Order.
It could be said that both sides hit it off at once and had a wonderful chat.
Except for Fudge and Newt.
Fudge's mind was elsewhere... In his view, Kael had a great deal of potential, but by the time Kael graduated from Hogwarts, his own term would likely be over, and there'd be little chance for them to interact.
So Fudge was more interested in talking with McPhail or Cecily about his ambitions and ideals, hoping to leave them with a good impression.
Newt, on the other hand, was simpler... He had social anxiety.
The last time he spent time in a room with this many people was already twenty years ago, so the situation tonight was rather unfamiliar for him.
Luckily, it didn't last too long.
Since it was getting late, the conversation wrapped up in less than half an hour.
Newt was the first to leave the Headmaster's Office.
McPhail and Belby stayed put—Dumbledore had just offered to arrange rooms for them in the castle for the night, to make things easier for another Merlin Medal ceremony tomorrow.
Both gladly accepted.
For some reason, Fudge also decided to stay.
Upon leaving the Headmaster's Office, Cecily headed back to St Mungo's—she was only here to show support for Kael and didn't need to attend tomorrow's medal ceremony.
After bidding her farewell, Kael found Newt waiting for him by the stairwell's corner.
The two slipped into a nearby empty room, and Kael said in surprise, "I honestly didn't expect you to come, sir."
"Didn't you write me before, asking if I could help look after a few troublesome little creatures?"
Newt sighed. "It just so happened they sent me an invitation, asking if I wanted to join them at Hogwarts."
"So you agreed?"
"Mm." Newt nodded. "Earning the Merlin Order Medal is something worth celebrating—of course I should come. Oh, Tina thought so too."
"Thank you..." Kael said earnestly.
Newt usually rarely even attends old friends' gatherings, yet here he was in a Great Hall full of hundreds if not thousands of people... for someone with social anxiety, that's quite the ordeal.
But Newt just waved him off, stopping Kael from saying more:
"So, the little creatures you mentioned in your letter—are they Nifflers?"
"Those little guys are indeed a bit mischievous. When dealing with them, you need to be patient."
"No, not Nifflers." Kael grinned. "The little ones are adorable, and really not troublesome at all."
"Then what are they?" Newt was momentarily confused.
Aside from Nifflers, Newt couldn't imagine what Fantastic Beasts Kael would need his help to care for.
"They were all smuggled in. I looked after them for a while after I found them... but never mind, you'll see for yourself."
Kael pulled out his suitcase, set it open on the floor.
"But before you go in, you'd best be prepared—they might not be quite what you expect."
"Now that you put it like that, I'm suddenly looking forward to it," Newt said with a laugh, shaking his head, but clearly not taking Kael's words to heart.
After all, is there any Fantastic Beast he hasn't seen before? Why would he need any 'preparation'?