Hogwarts: I Am an Exemplary Wizard

Moreover, brewing the antidote takes quite some time. If Dumbledore were to return midway, nothing would change; it would still be the same as it is now.

Kael looked up at Dumbledore once more.

A centenarian, and still the strongest White Wizard in the Magic Realm, he now appeared utterly lost, and Kael truly couldn’t remain indifferent.

After a moment of inner conflict, Kael finally gritted his teeth, opened the box, and placed the Time Turner on the table.

...

Who knows how long had passed when Bathilda came down from upstairs, holding a few moldy parchments, but the room was already empty by then. Sunlight streamed through the curtains, casting its light on the unoccupied sofa.

Bathilda stood in place for a moment until she heard faint sounds of laughter and chatter coming from outside.

She turned her head to look at the blank parchments in her hands, thought for a moment, set them aside, then put on the moth-eaten headscarf and slowly walked out the door.

...

In Godric’s Hollow, the wedding celebration of Lupin and Tonks continued.

Though some had to leave early due to various work commitments, it didn’t dampen the spirits of others.

Everyone treated the wedding as a rare moment of relaxation, allowing their continuously tense nerves a respite.

Fred and George were dancing their best tap dance in the middle of the dance floor, earning a round of applause with the cheerful music.

Cedric glanced at Kael, who was silent beside him.

"What’s the matter with you? You seem troubled," Cedric remarked.

"Nothing, I was just wandering around," Kael sighed.

"Wandering around?" Cedric surveyed the surroundings, "Is there anything to see here?"

"Of course, since this is where Godric Gryffindor once lived, it’s natural to be a bit curious," Kael said softly.

"Is that so? Well, okay," Cedric nodded, not pressing the matter further.

To prevent further questions, Kael casually invented an excuse and moved to the less crowded area behind the house.

Here was only Sirius, staring absentmindedly at a stone, though his vigilance remained sharp.

Upon hearing Kael’s footsteps, he quickly hid the stone behind him.

Kael noticed there were words on it... "Good luck, Harry, wherever you are..."

There was more, but Sirius hid it too quickly for Kael to read.

"Oh, it’s you, Kael. What brings you here?" Sirius asked, feigning nonchalance.

"Nothing, just wandering around," Kael nonchalantly replied, without inquiring about the stone, "And you, why are you here and not dancing with them?"

"Already danced," Sirius said, "I think Lupin and Tonks should have more time to themselves."

"That’s good," Kael nodded.

Both of them had their own thoughts, and tacitly, neither spoke more, making the scene somewhat somber.

"So, have you and Harry discussed the ownership issue here?" Kael changed the topic.

"It’s been decided," Sirius said happily, "It will remain mine, but he will come back occasionally, which I’ve agreed to."

"I’ve always been curious, how did you get the Magic Contract for this place?" Kael asked, "Isn’t it supposed to be left to Harry?"

"Because the Magic Contract was originally with me," Sirius explained, "When James and Lily first settled here, the Death Eaters were hunting them madly. To avoid detection, a great uncle of mine helped buy this place.

"He was a Pure-Blood Wizard from the Black Family and easily evaded the Death Eaters’ search. Later, he gave that contract to me."

"So you kept it all along?"

"Not exactly," Sirius shook his head, "I gave it to James immediately, but when he wanted to pay me, I refused, and he didn’t accept the contract. We were at an impasse until..."

At this point, Sirius abruptly stopped talking and redirected the conversation, "After I was declared innocent, I found the contract in the Vault because it bore my uncle’s name, so it wasn’t hard to claim ownership here.

"However, back then, the house was terribly damaged. What you saw earlier was the result of repairs I arranged, following photos to restore it to its original state."

"No wonder," Kael nodded.

They exchanged a few more words before Fred and George dragged Kael off to the dance floor.

...