The next morning, Kael came downstairs for breakfast and saw that Newt had already arrived, sitting at the dining table chatting with Diana.
House-elf Dobby was busy in the kitchen, constantly bringing over fried eggs, sausages, and toast…
"Good morning, dear."
Diana helped Kael tidy his collar,
"Hurry up with breakfast, you're about to set off."
"Good morning..."
Kael greeted them, picked up a slice of bread, and asked, "Are we leaving this early?"
"It's not early. In ten minutes, we have to head out."
Newt smiled, "They sent me another letter last night, saying Pino—that Ukrainian Ironbelly—had its wing broken, and the Dragon Tamers had to send it somewhere else.
The Reserve is nearly chaos right now, even the usually gentle Fire Dragons have been swept up in it."
Kael quickly sped up eating.
While he ate, Newt and Diana continued their previous conversation.
"It's really surprising. Tell me, how do you suppose that person, Black, managed to escape?"
"I think he must have found some weakness of Dementors... They sense everything by emotions. Not many ways to hide from them, but it's not impossible."
Diana poured Newt a cup of tea, "And people in the Ministry of Magic trust Dementors too much—such a huge island, but just two Beaters."
"Right." Newt drank some tea, "But it's still amazing. Nobody's ever escaped before."
"Perhaps." Diana glanced out the window, "Who knows..."
Kael ate his breakfast quietly by the side, not speaking a word.
A week ago... The Daily Prophet, to encourage more people to join the lottery, reported on the Weasleys again.
In the photo, they stood in front of a massive Pyramid, every family member was there—including Ron's half-alive rat…
By the time Kael finished breakfast, it was just about time.
Newt took out a glass bottle.
"Portkey. I suppose you know how to use it, right?"
Kael nodded and placed his hand on the bottle.
Newt glanced at the time.
Seconds later, with a rush of wind, both of them vanished from the room.
Honestly, after getting used to Apparition, Portkey travel feels remarkably gentle.
When the trip ended, Kael landed steadily, straightened the jacket and hair messed up by the wind.
"Welcome, Mr. Newt Scamander—oh, Kael, I just recognized you." A voice came from nearby.
Kael looked up to find himself in a wide valley, with a burly man staring at him in surprise.
"Charlie!"
Kael was a bit surprised, too.
The man before him was Charlie Weasley. He looked sturdier than two years ago, and a big burn scar marked his exposed arm.
The two hugged briefly, and Kael blurted, "What are you doing here."
But as soon as he asked, he regretted it... Charlie worked at the Fire Dragon Reserve; it was like asking Professor McGonagall why she was at Hogwarts.
But Charlie understood what Kael meant and laughed, "I'm here to greet Mr. Scamander... So, are you his assistant now?"
He glanced at Newt.
No one replied…
From the start, Newt had been fixated on the massive shapes flying overhead.
Charlie didn't feel awkward—he'd hosted Newt here twice before, was used to his ways by now.
Thankfully, there was someone else this time.
"That's right, I'm Mr. Scamander's assistant."
Kael stretched out his hand, "That shouldn't be a problem, right?"
"Of course not, Mr. Assistant."
Charlie shook his hand with a smile, "You're already fourteen, aren't you... Did you get my present?"
"It was fantastic—I've never seen a Fire Dragon Tooth so huge."
"Old Pino has been shedding teeth fast these years, I picked out the biggest one for you."
Charlie led Kael to a field nearby, where several people had gathered.
Kael spotted Professor Kettelburn, who'd lived in Hogsmeade since retiring, and was invited here as well.
Standing beside him was a tall wizard with a thick beard.
Professor Kettelburn was already tall, but only reached the man's shoulder.
The guy looked to be over two meters tall.
"Edward Lima," Charlie said quietly, "A famous Master of Fantastic Beasts from Peru, he lived with Peruvian Vipertooths for ten years."
Hearing the name, Kael paused in surprise.
He remembered: this was the author of The Monster Book of Monsters—he'd seen it in the book.
Seems this guy, like Hagrid, had a passion for beasts that looked especially ferocious.
"Hey, Newt, you're here!"
Professor Kettelburn walked over, laughing from afar, "I knew you'd bring the kid... Long time no see, Kael."
"Long time no see, professor."
"Don't call me that, I'm no longer a professor." Professor Kettelburn waved dismissively, "Just a regular retired old man now."
"Ordinary retirees don't travel this far to see Fire Dragons," Kael joked.
"Hello."
Now, the tall Edward Lima came over, greeting Kael warmly.
"I've heard of you, youngest member of the Merlin Knight Order—didn't expect you'd be interested in Fire Dragons too."
His accent was perfect, not a hint of strangeness.
No doubt, traveling Masters of Fantastic Beasts are all good with languages.
"Pleasure to meet you, Mr. Lima," Kael said. "I've read your book."
"Oh?"
He looked surprised, "You read even such obscure books?"
In Britain, his book was quite niche; wizards there prefer Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them.
"Actually, The Monster Book of Monsters is this year's Hogwarts textbook," Kael explained.
"Really..." He shot Newt an amused look, saying with pride, "Seems you've got a professor with taste."
"That taste isn't much," Newt replied with a laugh.
The two hugged briefly, clearly old friends.
After meeting them, Newt became much chattier, having a great time with the group.
Charlie took Kael for a walk around, introducing him to the Fire Dragon Reserve's situation.
"Closest to us are the Swedish Short-Snouts—seven in total. It's the only quiet spot around.
But that won't last..."
He pointed at a column of fire shooting up nearby.
"Last night was way more chaotic, the fire lasted all night...
I have just one request for you: don't let your legs go weak later. If you accidentally sit on the ground, it'd be embarrassing."
"That won't happen," Kael said.
"Hope so..." Charlie laughed, patting Kael's shoulder. "Honestly, I'd love to see that moment—Merlin Order Medal, Second Class winner, gets weak-kneed from Fire Dragons.
Unbelievable! Last year, when Mum's letter arrived, I thought she was joking.
Merlin Order Medal... I'd only just graduated and you've achieved something huge."