"Really? That's terrifying," Kael said, "But aren't you worried that person might cause trouble for you after telling me all this?"
"Of course I'm worried, but your safety is more important," the shopkeeper said sincerely.
Kael chuckled, knowing full well that the shopkeeper's warning was not out of kindness, but rather out of concern for receiving the remaining payment.
Nonetheless, he didn't mind. He walked out the door and returned to Diagon Alley.
By now it was close to noon. Kael first went to the Leaky Cauldron for a simple lunch and then booked himself a long-term room.
As for going to Godric's Hollow to find Dumbledore... there was still plenty of time, no rush.
Moreover, he needed a place to stay; he couldn't possibly keep living in that abandoned barn Grindelwald had mentioned.
After tidying up briefly, Kael returned to Diagon Alley in the afternoon to start his treasure hunt, but he did not encounter the so-called Hokuriken, and everything was calm.
A few days later, Kael's reputation in Diagon Alley was growing. No matter where he went now, shopkeepers would welcome him warmly, stuffing free snacks and drinks into his hands.
But Kael had already visited these shops or, rather, he had been to most of the shops in Diagon Alley over the past few days and bought almost everything he needed, so he didn't go inside.
More importantly, he felt embarrassed when he checked his chest at noon and realized he was running out of money. Although prices were cheap, he had been buying so much.
This made Kael a bit regretful; if he had known this would happen, he should have borrowed some money from Sirius before coming.
The shiny pile of Galleons in Norbert's nest had been half replaced by various items. Although plenty was still left, Kael was not planning to use that money to buy things anymore...
At that moment, he was sitting at a table in the Leaky Cauldron, sipping Butter Beer while using Extendable Ears to eavesdrop on two wizards chatting in the corner.
They were likely Ministry of Magic staff, here for a break during lunch and a bite to eat.
When Kael passed by them earlier, he heard an interesting topic and casually dropped a disguised Extendable Ear on the floor.
Now it was coming in handy.
Kael sat down facing away from them, attaching the other end of the Extendable Ear to his clothes.
"What a hassle..." one of them complained, "I haven't slept for two days to keep an eye on those damn creatures. Why can't the Ministry of Magic send more staff?"
"Lower your voice, it's confidential," said the other wizard, glancing nervously around.
Kael pretended to be indifferent, while turning slightly to gaze at the Daily Prophet in front of him.
"They probably think it's unnecessary."
A little while later, the low voice of the wizard came through Kael's ear.
"Once the Fire Dragon Reserve is established, our department can be dissolved."
"It frustrates me— the International Confederation of Wizards passed the bill years ago, yet the Fire Dragon Reserve hasn't shown any progress."
"What else if not lack of funds."
"Wizards capable of it are, to some extent, involved in the Fire Dragon business. Once the Fire Dragon Reserve is established, such businesses can't continue.
"The bill states clearly that all items and potion materials related to Fire Dragons will be taken over by the Reserve. Selling them privately would be illegal. They don't want to give up such a lucrative business, so they won't donate. The Ministry of Magic and the International Confederation of Wizards have no funds, so the matter has been shelved."
"People will get a share from donations, right? I remember the Chief Warlock mentioned something about not making people pay out of pocket."
"That's not much at all. Most of it would be spent on maintaining the Reserve. Moreover, the donations would be divided according to the funding plan in the bill. By rough estimate, it would take about a hundred years just to break even, which is hardly more profitable than doing business independently.
"Also, donations only yield shares and not management rights. If the Fire Dragon Reserve plan ultimately fails, wouldn't the money be wasted? People aren't fools."
"So we'll just wait around? I'm hoping to transfer to the Law Enforcement Department soon."
"There's nothing we can do. I want that too, but it's not our decision... All right, let's get back before that fellow Babbling starts yelling again."
The two hastily finished their bread and left the Leaky Cauldron.
Kael took another sip of Butter Beer, and as he got up, a Sickle accidentally fell. As he picked it up, he discreetly recovered the half of the Extendable Ear from the floor, acting as if nothing had happened, and left the pub.
He returned to the shop he'd visited before, which still displayed a 'Closed' sign; evidently, the owner hadn't returned.
Kael felt somewhat disappointed; he had stayed in Diagon Alley because he wanted to get the Dragon Egg before leaving, but there had been no news, and Kael didn't even know how to contact the person.
"Should have asked for a name," Kael muttered, rubbing his forehead, "At least then I could send an owl to urge them."
With the other party not back yet, all Kael could do was continue waiting. He gathered his robes, preparing to return to the Leaky Cauldron.
By now, the sky was completely dark, and the once lively Diagon Alley had quieted down, with not a single soul in sight.