Chapter 1101 - 803: The Start of Term, Dumbledore’s Letter_2
Previously, he was the one being sent, but now his role suddenly changed, and it feels a bit novel.
Once the last one, Ron, was seated, Mr. Weasley, accustomed to the process, stepped on the gas and drove the car out.
For some reason, whenever the Weasleys were rushing for the train, time was always tight, and this instance was no exception.
They arrived at the station ten minutes before departure.
The group pushed their luggage, scrambling towards the direction of the platform pillar, amidst the chirping of owls that piqued a lot of Muggles’ curiosity, drawing their attention.
Nevertheless, they were already used to this.
There is a Muggle Repelling Spell around Platform 9¾, ensuring quiet once reaching there.
"Quickly, Ron, you’re first," Mr. Weasley said.
Ron immediately charged headlong towards the entrance’s pillar.
"Harry, follow, then Ginny, Hermione..."
As they entered the platform, Kael stood at the end, observing the surroundings.
This led him to spot a few suspicious individuals, but they were not Death Eaters; rather, they seemed to be Aurors from the Ministry of Magic, all wearing ID badges.
That thing was his design, so naturally, he recognized it at a glance.
There weren’t many students this time; once Hermione vanished, Kael followed Mr. Weasley onto the platform.
Behind the pillar was a different scene.
No matter how tense the situation was, the platform was lively at the start of the school year.
The deep-red Hogwarts Express was stationed at the platform, surrounded by students and the parents there to see them off.
Watching the scene before him, Kael couldn’t help feeling a bit sentimental.
"What are you thinking?" Mr. Weasley came over and asked.
"Finally seeing light at the end of the tunnel," Kael grinned.
Mr. Weasley was taken aback; this answer was quite different from what he expected.
"Won’t you miss your days at Hogwarts?" he asked.
"Missing those days would be a matter for a decade later," Kael laughed and said, "I’m just glad I no longer have to sit on a train for hours, have to wake up on time every day for classes, or do homework... ha ha."
Thinking this, Kael burst into laughter.
"I plan to sleep until eleven tomorrow..."
"I’m sorry."
As he was thinking, suddenly, a familiar voice came from behind.
"Oh, Minerva," Mr. Weasley said, "So glad to see you here."
"Likewise, Arthur," Professor McGonagall said, then glancing at Kael, "Although I don’t wish to dampen your spirit, I’m sorry, you’ll be joining us this time."
"Joining you?" Kael blinked, "What... does that mean?"
"It means taking the train to Hogwarts." Professor McGonagall said calmly.
"Wait a minute." Kael instinctively stepped back, "Professor, I’ve graduated, and didn’t repeat a grade."
"I know, but this is Dumbledore’s idea." Professor McGonagall said.
"Professor Dumbledore." Kael asked, "Has he returned... I mean, is he back at school?"
"Not at all." Professor McGonagall shook her head, "I haven’t seen him in a month; no one knows where he’s gone."
"Then why did you say..."
"He left a letter." Without waiting for Kael to speak, Professor McGonagall handed him a letter.
Looking at the envelope, Kael felt an inexplicable trap, wanting to toss it aside.
If he accidentally dropped the letter and while picking it up accidentally used a Fiendfyre Curse to destroy it, would that mean he wouldn’t have to go?
But Professor McGonagall seemed to guess his thoughts.
"No worries, I’ve already read the content, and if necessary, I can also recount it for you."
"I..." Kael just felt a toothache, "Is it possible not to go?"
"No, this is important." Professor McGonagall shook her head.
"I shouldn’t have come today." Kael sighed.
"It’s alright." Professor McGonagall continued, "I originally planned to pick you up, but Molly said you’d come to the station to see people off, so I didn’t go."
"Alright..." Kael let out a soft sigh.
"So what exactly is the matter... wait." Suddenly, Kael thought of something, twitching his mouth as he asked, "Surely Dumbledore doesn’t want me to be this year’s Defense Against the Dark Arts professor!"
It’s not impossible.
Every year, Dumbledore struggled to find a new Defense Against the Dark Arts professor for the school, who knows if he found one this year.
If he hadn’t, would he be pulling Kael over to save the day...
Besides, what else could a graduate return to Hogwarts for other than being a professor?
At this thought, Kael felt even more anxious, instinctively drawing his wand.
If Professor McGonagall dared to claim the envelope contained a job offer for a professor, he dared to destroy it on the spot.
"Is that what you’re thinking?" There seemed to be a slight smile at the corner of Professor McGonagall’s eyes.
"Although we’ve already found a suitable Defense Against the Dark Arts professor, if you wish, I can decide to let you join as well.
"Honestly, I believe you would do a great job, even as Hogwarts’ youngest professor."
"No, no, I don’t want to..." Kael waved his hands frantically, rejecting Professor McGonagall’s kind offer, while also feeling relieved inside.
Alright then, as long as it’s not being the Defense Against the Dark Arts professor, everything else seems manageable.
"So what exactly is the matter..."
"Woo woo!"
The sound of a whistle interrupted Kael’s words, signaling it was time for everyone to board.
Mr. Weasley ran off to say goodbye to Ron and the others.