Hogwarts: I'm Truly a Model Wizard

"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.

But unfortunately, Fawkes wasn't about to give him that opportunity. Perhaps it was the first time someone had treated him so dismissively, but Fawkes seemed a bit perturbed. Without warning, he tightened his talons and flared his wings.

Kyle saw the familiar red light flicker in front of his eyes once more… All he caught was Newt, moving with incredible agility, darting over to toss a handful of fruit into his pocket. And then… there was nothing more.

He was once again transformed into a Bludger and found himself mercilessly swung around like a bat...

Meanwhile, in the underground classroom at Hogwarts, Harry and Ron were huddled in a corner, dirty as if they had just rolled around in the mud.

The truth was far worse… They hadn't gone to the station; they had flown all the way from King's Cross in Mr. Weasley's nine-handled modified Ford.

After soaring to Hogwarts, the car had crashed into a Whomping Willow, and if it hadn't magically restarted at the last minute, they would have been crushed by the branches.

The experience could only be described as thrilling, comparable in intensity to their encounter with Voldemort the previous year. At least that was how Harry felt.

Now, the two of them nervously watched the row of professors in front of them, with Headmaster Dumbledore at the center, waiting for the final verdict.

"We're expelled, aren't we…" Ron asked miserably.

"Not today, Mr. Weasley." Dumbledore looked at them sternly. "But I must make you understand the seriousness of your actions. I'll be writing to your families tonight, and I must warn you—any more behavior like this, and I will have no choice but to expel you."

Snape's expression was as if he'd just learned a Troll would be joining his class—his face was longer than a Thestral's.

"Professor Dumbledore, these two students blatantly ignored the Decree for the Reasonable Restriction of Underage Sorcery and caused considerable damage to a rare, ancient tree. Behavior like this certainly deserves..."

Before he could finish, a sudden flash of light exploded in front of him. In the next instant, a figure and a bird appeared in the underground classroom.

"It's you..."

Snape's face shifted yet again, his scowl melting into a look of unexpected satisfaction. Good, the Troll that had just shown up in his class was apparently leaving again!

"Another young wizard who didn't take the Hogwarts Express..." Snape drawled. "It seems the Hogwarts expulsion list is getting rather long this year."

"Oh, what on earth is going on?" Professor McGonagall exclaimed, visibly startled. She looked at Kyle, who was leaning against the wall, clutching his head with one hand and his stomach with the other, as if he'd just swallowed something foul.

"What's wrong with him?"

"It's nothing to worry about, Minerva," Dumbledore said, momentarily taken aback but then chuckling. "He's just not used to the Phoenix's Apparition. He'll be fine in a moment."

Apparition… Professor McGonagall suddenly realized that they were indeed inside the castle, where Apparition was strictly forbidden. However, when she glanced at Fawkes perched on Kyle's shoulder, she said nothing more. Clearly, Phoenixes, like House-elves, were exempt from this restriction.

"Oh, Fawkes… I'm delighted to see you," Dumbledore said cheerfully. "I was wondering where you'd gone."

Fawkes, however, pointedly turned his head away. Dumbledore wasn't offended; the fact that Fawkes had brought Kyle straight to him in the underground classroom spoke volumes.

Meanwhile, Kyle fished the fruit Newt had given him out of his pocket and popped two pieces into his mouth. The sour flavor exploded on his tongue, bringing him a bit of relief. He looked around at the familiar faces before him, blinking.

"Is this… Hogwarts?"

"The Dungeons, to be precise," Dumbledore explained. "Fawkes brought you straight to me, and I just happened to be handling a matter down here."

Yes… Kyle noticed the jars and bottles filled with various parts lining the shelves around him. Only Snape's classroom would have items like these. Ah, and there he was—Snape himself, looking uncharacteristically pleased, as if he'd just encountered something delightful.

"Let Professor McGonagall decide on the punishment for these two students, Severus," Dumbledore said to Snape. He then turned to Kyle. "Although you missed the Sorting Ceremony, the feast is still going. Come along—your friends must be worried sick."

"Wait, Professor Dumbledore… haven't you forgotten something?" Snape's frown deepened. "What about the punishment?"

It was clear to Snape now that Dumbledore had no intention of expelling anyone, but surely they couldn't let this slide so easily?

"He hasn't broken any school rules, Severus," Dumbledore replied calmly. "Hogwarts allows students to return to school through alternative means, provided they aren't seen by too many muggles."

Dumbledore glanced at Harry and Ron, adding, "Come, Severus, leave this to Minerva. There's a quiche lorraine that looks quite delicious, and I'd like to try some."

Snape opened his mouth to protest further, but McGonagall tugged him out of the classroom. He walked away feeling decidedly conflicted.

The Troll he thought had left was now back… and had brought along an entire family of them.