Chapter 456: Direction-Guiding Fireworks
Kyle was well-practiced in Portkey travel, and when they landed, he was standing firmly on the ground. Harry and Ron, however, stumbled and nearly face-planted into the nearby undergrowth.
"Five minutes and seven seconds from Stoatshead Hill," announced a voice.
Ahead of them stood two weary-looking wizards with dark circles under their eyes, likely in charge of registration.
"Good morning, Basil," said Mr. Weasley, picking up the battered boot and handing it over. Basil tossed it into a large suitcase beside him filled with used Portkeys—discarded items like old newspapers, empty cans, and broken light bulbs.
"Hello, Arthur," Basil replied, looking drained. "Lucky you're not on duty... But you'd better move aside; there's a big group arriving from the Black Forest at a quarter past five. Weasley's camp... here it is, quarter of a mile ahead, in the first field. Caretaker's name is Mr. Roberts..."
"Excuse me," Kyle interjected. "Do you know if Kanna Prince has arrived yet?"
Basil glanced at his thick parchment. "She arrived about ten minutes before you. She's also in the first field."
"Thanks."
Mr. Weasley noticed Basil's exhaustion and beckoned the others to move along. "Looks like they've been here all night, and there are still at least ten hours to go. Not an easy job."
"Are they the only ones on duty?" Harry asked.
"I believe so," Mr. Weasley replied. "The Ministry doesn't have enough staff..."
