Whether the Granger couple truly believed the excuse about a gas pipeline explosion, Kai Adler didn't know—but that's what they told the police who came to investigate.
With two children standing innocently nearby, no one suspected them of causing a crater-sized explosion. And Mr. Granger, being the local dentist, carried enough social credibility that the matter was soon dropped.
The very next morning, just as Kai and Hermione were preparing to head out to Diagon Alley from the backyard, an owl swooped down and dropped a letter in front of Kai before vanishing back into the sky.
They exchanged a look.
Kai picked up the envelope and found, to his surprise, several Muggle banknotes tucked inside. The letter read:
TO, Kai
As your temporary guardian, I must remind you not to use magic in the Muggle world—especially Dark Magic.
I look forward to seeing you at school. We'll find a way to resolve your… situation.
P.S. The money enclosed is for the Granger couple, to compensate for the lawn.
—Albus Dumbledore
Kai handed both the letter and the money to Hermione, who read through it with wide eyes. She turned to him, visibly impressed.
"Dumbledore is your guardian?"
"Apparently so." Kai shrugged. "News to me too, but I can't say I'm shocked. He and my—uh, former teacher—were old acquaintances."
Hermione eyed him curiously. "Then what does he mean by 'your situation'?"
There it was: her classic interrogation mode.
"I just asked him for some magical advice. That's all."
Hermione narrowed her eyes. Her expression looked serious, but on her youthful face, it was more adorable than intimidating. Kai couldn't resist reaching over to pinch her cheek.
Slap!
She swatted his hand away and turned her head, but the bright pink flush creeping up her ears betrayed her.
Thankfully, she dropped the topic. Kai exhaled in relief.
Of course, that had been a lie. The truth was much more complicated.
Although he had full control over the Obscurus within him, for some unknown reason, it became volatile for one or two days each month. On those days, it either had to be unleashed—during which time it would attack anything within ten meters—or he had to suppress it using all his magical energy, rendering him incapable of casting even a basic Levitation Charm.
His former teacher hadn't been able to solve it either, only cautioning him to hide this flaw, as it marked his most vulnerable state.
Kai hadn't told Hermione—not because he didn't trust her—but because he didn't want her to worry.
And besides, Dumbledore had said Hogwarts was the safest place in the world. Worst case scenario, he'd skip class, stay in bed, and let it pass.
He gave Hermione the envelope to deliver to her parents. She came back a few minutes later.
"Mum won't take it. She says we should spend it on a nice treat. But if we do, we'll have to exchange it at Gringotts. I don't like those goblins. They always glare at us like we're criminals."
Kai chuckled. "Then we'll spend it in the Muggle world. Ever heard of ice cream, my little witch?"
Her eyes brightened. "Brilliant idea! Let's feast after we're done shopping!"
He extended an arm like a gentleman. "Your mum's really letting you go to Diagon Alley with me alone?"
"Well, that's thanks to you, actually," she said, raising an eyebrow. "After blowing up a bookstore and cratering our backyard, Mum and Dad are completely convinced no one could hurt me with you around."
Kai smirked. A good sign indeed.
"Let's go, then."
Inside Diagon Alley, the two young figures appeared out of thin air—startling the nearby crowd.
But then again, it was Apparition. People Apparated all the time.
Except…
These were children.
Whispers spread immediately, eyes widening. Who had Apparated whom?
Kai ignored the stares. He focused on Hermione, gently patting her back as she clutched his arm and fought the nausea from side-along Apparition.
"My fault. You didn't react yesterday, so I thought you were fine. But that trip was a bit longer."
"I'm alright," she muttered, steadying herself. "Let's go."
Just as they turned, Kai was bumped into—hard.
Still in an eleven-year-old's body, he staggered and nearly fell. Hermione grabbed his sleeve, steadying him.
"My apologies, truly sorry."
The voice was smooth, polished. Kai looked up to see a man who looked nothing like a wizard.
Wearing a black coat and bowler hat, the man looked like he had stepped out of a Victorian novel. Oddly elegant, oddly misplaced.
"As an apology," the man said warmly, "may I treat the two of you to a dessert?"
Kai immediately pulled Hermione behind him. "No, thank you."
The man smiled politely, nodded, and melted back into the crowd.
Kai didn't look back.
Something was off about that man.
Still, there was shopping to do.
They began at Flourish and Blotts to replace the books Kai had blown up.
Then, to Kai's dismay, Hermione dragged him into Madam Malkin's for a proper set of robes.
Last time, Ron's interference had ruined the fitting. This time, Hermione was determined to pick something "respectable."
He stood there, resigned, as Hermione made him try robe after robe until finally selecting one: a black fitted Wizard's robe, belted in silver, the fabric falling neatly around his frame. He looked like a young aristocrat from a dueling academy.
Hermione looked pleased enough to burst.
Kai raised an eyebrow. "Is this acceptable, Miss Granger?"
"You look brilliant," she said, folding her arms smugly.
"And what happened to our date time?" he said, leaning close.
Hermione's cheeks turned crimson. "W-We're not on a date! This was for shopping!"
"Of course, of course," he said, eyes glinting. "Just browsing with my favorite girl."
She huffed, spun on her heel, and marched ahead, but not before he noticed the tiniest smile tug at her lips.
Maybe he had been teasing her too much lately.
But watching her flustered expression?
Totally worth it.