Chapter 268: A Disappointed Snape
"Are you ready, Kyle?" Newt called out, glancing at Kyle from a distance in an open area outside the room. "If we leave now, we should just make it in time for dinner."
That was true. Kyle looked up at the gradually darkening sky. If there hadn't been any special circumstances, it would indeed be the time for the train to arrive.
But one question lingered in his mind. Didn't Newt say he was going to send him to Hogwarts? Then why was he standing so far away? And why had Fawkes suddenly landed on his shoulder?
Kyle's throat tightened as a possibility occurred to him. He looked at Newt and tentatively asked, "You are sending me to Hogwarts, right?"
"Actually, I just received a letter." Newt looked away, avoiding Kyle's gaze. "Something's wrong with the Hebridean Black in the Hebrides Islands, and I'm heading there right away. Because of the urgency, Fawkes will have to take you back to school."
After hearing Newt's words, Kyle felt terrible and gazed at him with a pensive expression.
"Ahem, I know that the Phoenix's Apparition isn't very comfortable, but... well, it's not that bad," Newt added, his voice trying to remain upbeat.
Looking into Kyle's eyes made Newt feel even guiltier, but he pressed on, "And besides Dumbledore, you're probably the only wizard favored by the Phoenix. This is a rare opportunity..."
"If this is the kind of opportunity... then forget it," Kyle muttered under his breath.
The Phoenix's method of travel was not just "not very comfortable." It was also quite notorious throughout the wizarding world. Each time he thought about yesterday's experience, his shins trembled uncontrollably, and the memory hadn't faded yet.
"I can go back by myself." Kyle extended his hand and glanced at the ring on it. He could still use Apparition twice, so he could definitely return to school on his own. Or, as long as he could get Fawkes off his shoulder, he could utilize both chances even if he had to.