Lucius Malfoy stared at the young man before him with visible surprise.
The boy had a striking European look—refined features, silver-blond hair, crisp posture. But his accent was what stood out: English, precise, but laced with a distinct Germanic sharpness.
His tailored suit and aristocratic bearing spoke of old wealth, perhaps even older blood.
A German, Lucius thought, eyes narrowing. Of course. One of those shadowy continental families. Always so smug about their ancient spells and "lost" bloodlines.
"And who might you be?" Lucius asked coolly.
Kai adjusted the cuff of his sleeve. "Just an incoming student, Mr. Malfoy. Though I'd appreciate it if you clarified what you meant by 'that kind of person.'"
Lucius sneered. "A pure-blood wizard family lowering themselves to mingle with Muggles is nothing short of disgraceful. It's filth, pure and simple."
Hermione's eyes flashed with fury. Her parents, standing close by, looked deeply offended.
Kai tilted his head slightly.
"So in your view, bloodline determines one's worth?"
"Naturally," Lucius said, lifting his chin. "Breeding defines strength. Culture. Legacy."
Kai gave a soft, thoughtful chuckle. "We have a saying in Germany that fits your views quite well."
Lucius arched an eyebrow. "Oh? Do enlighten me."
Kai's smile widened, faintly amused. "We Only care about Dog's bloodlines."
He tugged gently at his sleeve. "Because purebred dogs fetch higher prices. Makes them valuable. Good pets."
Hermione burst into muffled laughter, and even Mr. Granger let out a stifled snort. Mrs. Granger covered her mouth, her shoulders shaking.
Lucius's pale face flushed.
"You impudent little—" He stopped, teeth gritted, then spat with disdain, "No wonder. All that rigid formality. So typically German. No soul behind the manners. Just cold-blooded breeding experiments."
Kai's gaze shifted—cool, sharp, and suddenly dangerous.
The atmosphere thickened in an instant. The air became heavier, tighter. People in the crowd instinctively took a step back.
BOOM.
A wave of unseen force erupted like a shockwave. The entire front of Flourish and Blotts shattered—glass, wood, and stone splintered in every direction. A thunderous silence followed.
Lucius Malfoy was hurled backward and landed hard on the cobblestones across the street. His pristine robes were in tatters. Dust clung to his silver hair. His expression was one of stunned disbelief and unhidden fear.
He stared at Kai, eyes wide. "Vol… Vol—"
Screams erupted. Several people Disapparated on the spot. Others fled down the alley.
Kai blinked once and looked around, suddenly feigning disorientation.
"I think… my magic just surged," he said softly.
The crowd stilled. The explanation, as absurd as it sounded, was familiar enough. Powerful magical children occasionally lost control in stressful moments. It wasn't impossible.
Even if this boy seemed a little too composed. And a little too old for a magic surge.
Hermione quietly reached out and grabbed his sleeve. Kai looked down at her and offered a calm smile.
"I'm fine."
Ron and Harry rushed over, their expressions torn between awe and disbelief.
"When my magic surged, I just shattered a window," Ron said, gawking. "You just blew up half a street and humiliated Malfoy. That was wicked!"
Kai didn't reply. In his mind, he wasn't recalling the storefront—he was remembering a stone hall, cold chains, and Grindelwald's amused expression.
"Still alive. Excellent. You'll need to withstand worse."
Ron jabbed him in the arm. "Mate, did you see his face? Malfoy looked like someone hexed his liver out!"
In the distance, Draco ran to his father, horrified. Lucius was still on the ground, dazed, but slowly sitting up. His eyes flicked toward Kai—not with rage, but with something closer to caution.
Arthur Weasley stepped between them quickly. "Lucius, you're not seriously about to retaliate against a boy for accidental magic, are you?"
Lucius said nothing.
For a long moment, he simply stared at Kai, his jaw tight.
Then, with a derisive snort, he grabbed Draco by the shoulder and turned to leave.
"Wait," Kai said quietly.
Lucius paused.
A small black-covered notebook dropped to the ground between them.
"You seem to have left something behind, Mr. Malfoy."
Lucius stared at it. His fingers twitched—but he bent, picked it up, and left without another word.
Arthur turned, puzzled. "How did you know that was his?"
Kai's voice was calm. "I saw him slip it into someone's cauldron when he thought no one was looking."
Ron's ears turned red. "Probably some cursed Dark object. Figures he'd try something like that."
Arthur put a hand on Kai's shoulder. "Well done. You may have just spared someone a lot of trouble."
Kai didn't respond right away. His eyes followed the Malfoys until they vanished from sight.
The trace of Dark Magic on that diary was unmistakable. Slippery. Whispering.
He exhaled quietly and looked down at Hermione's hand, still holding his sleeve.
Then he smiled again.