The night was falling in Hogsmeade, and from the Hog's Head Pub came a shrill burst of laughter, laden with schadenfreude.
Afterwards, Dumbledore stepped out of the pub with a conflicted expression, his face looking as if he'd drunk expired Butter Beer.
"Kai, is it really necessary?"
He looked at Kai beside him and cautiously said, "In fact, Voldemort needs time to recuperate, and we actually don't need to be in such a hurry to solve the issue with the Ministry of Magic.
"I believe, during this period, you can devise a more suitable plan entirely."
"Thank you for your compliment, Professor," Kai said calmly. "That's right, I do have a backup method right now."
"Let's hear it," Dumbledore's eyes lit up.
"How about a sudden Dementor revolt, attacking the Ministry of Magic," Kai said earnestly. "And then by sheer coincidence, one or two happen to break into the Minister's office and even engage in some friendly exchanges with Mr. Minister.
"In this way, not only do we solve some people's obstructive problems, but we can also make everyone pay attention to the Dementors, killing two birds with one stone."
Dumbledore turned his head, stayed silent for a long time before he said with a complex expression, "Dementors won't revolt, at least not now."
"I never said they would definitely revolt," Kai shrugged, "I just provided a possibility."
Dumbledore said nothing more, and just walked forward until he reached the door of Zonko's Joke Shop, and then he finally spoke again with a slightly hoarse voice, "Creating illusions, right, I got it... but I've never done anything like it, can't guarantee Fudge will believe..."
"It's alright, Professor," Kai smiled. "It's not difficult, you just need to occasionally get in touch with a few Ministers, like Lady Amelia Bones of the Law Enforcement Department, or Mr. Barty Crouch, either will do...
With Fudge's personality, he certainly won't remain indifferent."
Dumbledore opened his mouth as if he wanted to say something more, but in the end, he silently shook his head.
He was a bit regretful now. Earlier, on the mountaintop, he should have let go and disregarded any costs to kill Voldemort once more.
The two then walked on for a stretch, and Kai, who was pondering something, suddenly felt his arm being grabbed.
Then, in a whirlwind of motion, he was brought to the hallway of No. 12 Grimmauld Place.
Mrs. Weasley was startled by the sudden appearance of the two, nearly dropping the plate in her hand.
But she soon realized.
Being able to Disillusion oneself from outside to the house protected by a Fidelius Charm, no one else but Dumbledore could achieve.
Of course, Fred and George didn't count; they Disillusioned only within the house and not from outside.
"You all..."
She had just started talking when there was another crisp sound.
After bringing Kai back, Dumbledore left again without even staying for a second longer.
"What's up with Dumbledore?" Mrs. Weasley asked curiously. "He seemed to look a bit unwell."
"Probably he's hungry," Kai said, "after all, he hasn't eaten much all day."
"Oh, Merlin's beard, you've been busy all day?" Mrs. Weasley hurriedly took Kai to the kitchen, muttering, "Dumbledore, why didn't he stay for a meal before leaving."
"Maybe he had other matters to attend," Kai said casually.
"Eating should be prioritized though," Mrs. Weasley said. "Wait a moment; dinner will be ready soon."
Kai nodded.
Honestly, he was a bit hungry too.
Although the Hog's Head Pub provided a somewhat clean lunch, the taste was quite awful—the potatoes weren't cooked, still hard inside.
At this time, there weren't many people in the kitchen, but within a few minutes, everyone gradually arrived.
"Kai... when did you return?" Ron couldn't help asking, "Where were you today?"
"Hogsmeade," Kai replied.
"What were you doing there?" Ron wanted to ask further, but was interrupted by Mr. Weasley.
"That's enough, Ron," he approached from behind. "Dumbledore surely advised him not to disclose, so don't ask so much."
"Alright," Ron mumbled.
Ten minutes later, Mrs. Weasley brought over whole roast chicken and fried fish.
But not many came for dinner today, only Tonks and Moody, with Tonks looking a little listless, her hair color turning straw-like yellow.
Due to Auror duties these days, she hadn't slept in two days, and today it was her turn to watch the night again, she was naturally in a poor mood.
Lupin noticed this and said, "Tonks, after dinner, you can rest. I can take over tonight."
"Really?" Tonks' hair quickly turned a bright red, but she soon thought of something, "But yesterday was your watch, two nights in a row, can you handle it?"
"I'm fine," Lupin said, "I can rest during the day anyway."
"That's a huge relief," Tonks yawned widely, "I've just been exhausted these days."
"It's fine," Lupin said.
...
For the next few days, Kai was, as usual, staying in the library every day.
Until the day before the school term started.
"You're going back?"
In the kitchen, Mrs. Weasley couldn't help asking, "Is it Dumbledore coming to see you again?"
Others also looked involuntarily.
"No," Kai shook his head, "I haven't seen him lately."
"Can't you stay another day?" Mrs. Weasley asked, "Then tomorrow, we can let Sirius take you all to King's Cross Station."
"No," Kai replied, "I came here from the Ministry of Magic, holiday assignments and textbooks are still at home, school starts tomorrow, I must go back and bring these."
Upon hearing Kai's explanation, Mrs. Weasley understood; if it was assignments and textbooks, they certainly should be brought back to school.
After breakfast, Mrs. Weasley took Kai to the street in front of Grimmauld Place.
Mr. Weasley was already waiting in the car.
"Get in, I'll take you back to the village," he said.
"There's no need, Mr. Weasley," Kai said, "I can return on my own."
"That's not possible; the distance from Grimmauld Place to Ottery St Catchpole isn't close," Mrs. Weasley shook her head nearby. "Moreover, it's a special time now, no one knows where Death Eaters are hiding, what if you meet an attack halfway."
"They won't have the chance," Kai smiled, opened the door and sat in, saying, "Remember to keep it secret for me."
With a crisp sound, Kai took advantage of the car's cover and instantly disappeared from the spot.
And this scene was just seen by the others in the house.
For safety reasons, Mrs. Weasley didn't let everyone go out, so they could only look outside through the window.
And it just so happened that, from their position, they could exactly see the situation in the car.
"Disillusionment?" Ron blurted out, "Kai is only starting sixth year now, he can do that already?"
"Only you think he couldn't," Hermione said bluntly.
Harry also nodded beside her, "I bet he's been able to do that magic long ago."
"At least a year ago," Sirius added, "at this time last year, I watched him use it, and quite skillfully."
"Last year," Ron said, "That's when he was just in fifth year..."
"Exactly, at your age, he could already use Disillusionment proficiently," Sirius said.
Perhaps feeling it sounded discouraging to Harry and the others, he quickly added, "Of course, among your peers you're quite outstanding too."
"No wonder Professor Dumbledore only brought him to Hogsmeade," Harry said softly.
Then he turned his head and asked, "Sirius, can you teach us Disillusionment?"
Ron and Hermione also looked over, eyes full of hope.
"Can we learn too?"
"Learning Disillusionment can be dangerous," Sirius said, "According to regulations, before sixth year, learning Disillusionment is not allowed."
"Please," Harry's eyes burned as he looked at him.
"Don't look at me like that..." Sirius hesitated for a moment, then succumbed, "Oh, alright, I agree, but remember, don't tell anyone, especially Remus."
"We promise!" they said in unison.
"When do you plan to teach us," Harry asked.
"It's too late now," Sirius thought for a while, "How about once school starts, during weekends, or Christmas holidays."
"No problem."
...