Chapter 598: Returning to 12, Grimmauld Place
Dumbledore didn't linger long at the Ministry. After exchanging a few words with Kyle, he left with Professor McGonagall, disappearing into another corridor.
In the elevator, Mr. Weasley swatted away a paper airplane zooming overhead and leaned toward Kyle. "Why don't you come over to Grimmauld Place for a bit?" he said in a low voice. "Everyone's there, and Molly's cooked up a feast to celebrate that everything turned out all right."
"Okay," Kyle agreed.
Diana had previously warned him against going elsewhere, likely because of the Ministry interrogation. Now that it was over, there was no reason to stay cooped up in St. Catchpole Village. Besides, he couldn't remain isolated for two months straight.
Harry's face lit up at Kyle's agreement. He had been beaming ever since learning he wouldn't be expelled from Hogwarts, and anything else seemed to only add to his joy.
When Kyle decided to go to 12 Grimmauld Place, Chris stayed behind as the elevator stopped at the Department for the Control of Magical Creatures.
"Have fun," Chris said with a smile. "If you decide to stay overnight, send an owl to let me know."
"Okay, Dad," Kyle replied with a nod.
As they exited into the main hall, Kyle noticed it was much quieter than it had been in the morning. A single duty wizard sat slouched at his desk, face buried in a copy of The Daily Prophet. It was unclear whether he was reading or napping.
As they walked past the golden fountain, Harry suddenly stopped and turned back.
"Wait..."