Chapter 353: Nymphadora Tonks
Ever since Sirius Black escaped from prison, everyone had been busy, including Diana. Today, she wasn't home, and the house was empty.
As soon as Chris returned, he went straight to the study to continue working on his report. Judging by the look on his face, he was likely planning to stay up all night.
A "tree branch" wobbled over to Kyle's shoulder...
"Long time no see, Groot."
"And you, Tom... Wait, I swear you've gotten even fatter than a month ago."
The Kneazle, Tom, had wanted to come over and greet him, but upon hearing this, he huffed, turned away, and left, flicking his tail in the air as he went. Kyle didn't mind. After greeting the two animal members of the family, he went upstairs to his room, opened his suitcase, and emptied some of its contents onto the table.
This was one of the reasons he didn't want to stay at the Leaky Cauldron. Aurors had all sorts of abilities—like Mad-Eye Moody, who had a magical eye that could see through almost anything. Although Moody had long since retired, there was no telling if other Aurors had similar skills. To be cautious, Kyle had set his suitcase to "muggle mode" after they'd been discovered at the Leaky Cauldron. It had been so inconvenient.
Here, at least, he didn't have to worry about someone barging in and rummaging through his things.
Newt had dealt with similar situations when he was young. Though it happened in a different country, it was a reminder to stay vigilant. After all, Kyle's suitcase held a Dragon, and if that were discovered, he could end up in the same trouble as Sirius Black.
Kyle sat down at the table and began emptying the dragon blood he'd harvested in Romania into smaller bottles he'd bought at Diagon Alley. The larger bottles he'd used before had been cumbersome; these smaller ones would be more practical. He then sorted the other materials, herbs, and magical items like charms before returning them all to his suitcase.
With so much to organize—and with a Bowtruckle and a Niffler constantly getting underfoot—he didn't finish until late into the night. After a month away from home, lying down on his familiar bed felt like bliss, and a drowsy sleep soon overtook him.