Chapter 813: Chapter 706: Birthday Gift (Part 3)
"Because they couldn’t bear being shut in with the Dementors, most of them chose to buy back their fakes with Galleons, and then that money was used for the reward."
"Every day?" Hermione asked curiously, "But don’t people in Knockturn Alley warn each other?"
"In fact, no." Lupin said, "Some people even brag about how they tricked others out of Galleons after spending the money, enticing more people to come."
"What?" Hermione stared in bewilderment, not quite understanding.
"It’s not hard to understand." Mr. Weasley said, "In a place like Knockturn Alley, there are no friends, only interests. After suffering a loss personally, they naturally don’t want others to fare well either.
"Especially for those who have already been fooled, they will work even harder to deceive others."
"That’s how it is." Lupin said with a smile, "The Galleons they’ve contributed in the past few days almost surpass Sirius’s."
Hermione didn’t know what to say. She found it hard to comprehend such behavior, but everyone else seemed unfazed.
Knockturn Alley, after all, it’s quite normal.
...
Everyone enjoyed the meal immensely, with whisky and brandy being opened bottle after bottle. Even Kael drank quite a bit, now being of age to partake in such strong spirits.
It wasn’t until nearly ten o’clock that the adults contentedly put down their glasses and stood up, swaying slightly.
Because there was still a lot to do the next day, most people chose not to stay overnight and went their separate ways.
Diana also needed to return to the Department of Mysteries.
Kael originally thought she would say something to him, at least inquire about the attack situation, but Diana didn’t.
She just hugged Kael with a smile, whispering, "I know everything, you did well. Sometimes Fantastic Beasts are more useful than a wand.
"But next time, you’d better not rely solely on the Fire Dragon; the Basilisk is a safer bet. Also, remember to finish reading what I gave you as soon as possible."
"Okay." Kael nodded.
By ten thirty, most of the guests had left.
Mrs. Weasley, Bill, and Charlie were tidying up the dining room in the kitchen.
Lupin, Sirius, Chris, and Mr. Weasley gathered together, opened a new bottle of brandy, and drank leisurely as they chatted.
"Kael, how’s Cedric doing?" Fred came over, draping an arm around his shoulders and asked quietly.
"How did you know he was injured?" Kael asked.
"We heard from the Ministry of Magic, of course," George said, "Don’t forget, we’re Ministry employees now, and we’ve gotten to know quite a few people."
"But Mum doesn’t know yet," Fred glanced towards the kitchen, "It’s your birthday today, and we thought it’d be best not to tell her."
"That’s the right call," Kael said with a smile, "Cedric should be fine by now." Kael said, "Didn’t you go see him?"
"We did," George said, "But it was a wasted trip; the Healer at St Mungo’s said he’s already been discharged and gone home."
The three of them went into the living room, planning to head upstairs,
Perhaps wanting to chat with Mr. Weasley for some reason, Chris and Kael decided to stay overnight and head home the next day.
But just as they reached the stairway, they noticed there was an extra person in the living room.
Dumbledore was standing there, smiling warmly at them.
"Professor Dumbledore?"
"Coming of age for a wizard is a big day. I thought it necessary to drop by." Dumbledore took out a box.
"Thank you, Professor."
"No," Dumbledore shook his head, "In fact, I forgot to prepare you a gift. Old age really affects memory. I hope you don’t mind; I’ll make it up to you later."
"Then what’s this..."
"It’s Miss Prince’s gift." Dumbledore said with a smile, "When I arrived, I saw a seagull circling aimlessly nearby, and I guessed it was sent to deliver your gift, but it couldn’t find the place."
"A seagull?" Fred asked in confusion, "Shouldn’t it be an owl?"
"The messenger isn’t always an owl," Dumbledore explained, "In other countries, seagulls are also used as messengers and are better at crossing the sea."
"Oh, Dumbledore!"
At this time, Sirius and the others, having heard the commotion, came over. They were equally delighted to see Dumbledore.
"So glad you came too, Professor Dumbledore," Mrs. Weasley said, "Did you eat dinner? If you don’t mind, you can eat here. I’ll make you some orange syrup pie."
"Though I’d like to say not to trouble yourself, it’s hard to refuse a hot pie."
Dumbledore followed Mrs. Weasley into the kitchen.
"Professor Dumbledore, would you like a glass of brandy?" Sirius lifted the bottle, "Authentic Fire Dragon Brandy."
"Oh, then I’ll have a glass."
...
