Overall, the Dragon Reserve's marketplace was quite nice, not nearly as chaotic as Chris had warned. At least, Kyle hadn't run into any peculiar folks. The only oddity was how persistent the shopkeepers were—constantly trying to push overpriced, impractical items on him. Luckily, Charlie was there. Having lived in the area for two years, he was well-acquainted with each shop and its tricks. Many shopkeepers sighed in frustration when they saw him tagging along with Kyle, abandoning their sales pitches for "popular" items and instead bringing out the real treasures from the back.
In the end, Kyle's shopping trip was incredibly productive—he spent nearly 300 Galleons. Charlie was a bit taken aback as he watched Kyle shop. He knew Kyle was well-off, but he hadn't realized quite how well-off. Kyle bought items by the boxful, and when it came to the accessories, he practically cleaned out entire shelves. Even with the discounts, he'd spent over 300 Galleons without hesitation. Charlie tried to convince him to take it easy and save some money, but Kyle only shook his head.
"You don't understand, Charlie—this might not even be enough," Kyle replied.
If Newt hadn't borrowed his suitcase to observe the Norwegian Ridgeback Norbert, or if his Mokeskin pouch had more room, Kyle would have bought 200 Galleons' worth more to take back with him.
"Not enough?" Charlie exclaimed. "Do you have more than a hundred friends?"
"If you're really counting… there are more than that," Kyle said, after a brief pause. "But these aren't for gifts. A lot of my classmates at Hogwarts have never had the chance to come here, let alone see such unique souvenirs. This is a rare opportunity, so I'm getting some for them."
Charlie looked at him, still a bit puzzled, but Kyle didn't elaborate; he knew Charlie wasn't too familiar with this sort of thing.
"Anyway…" Kyle said, packing up the large pile of parcels. "I might write to you later, and when I do, I'll need your help to pick up more things and send them to Hogwarts."
"No problem," Charlie agreed without hesitation. "But it might take time; you know, I only get two days off a month at most."
"That's fine," Kyle said, smiling. "And I'll pay you the regular price. Keep any discounts the shopkeepers give you…"
"Absolutely not!" Charlie interrupted, looking offended. "Whatever you need, I'll get you a good discount. I've got some influence around here, you know."
"No…" Kyle clarified. "I just meant you should keep the discounts as a reward."
"What nonsense is that?" Charlie protested, looking even more offended. "What do you take me for? Talking about rewards over such a small favor!"
"I didn't mean it like that…"
The two argued all the way back to the reserve, failing to reach any agreement. No matter what Kyle said, Charlie was adamant—he'd gladly help with the shopping, but he would never accept any reward for it.
Charlie understood Kyle's plan perfectly. Kyle intended to bring these local items to Hogwarts, mark them up slightly, and sell them to other students. Charlie didn't mind the idea but refused to take any of Kyle's money. Besides, he doubted Kyle could sell very much. After all, Kyle wasn't the first person to try this.
There was a shop in Diagon Alley that specialized in souvenirs from popular magical locations. Last time Charlie had gone home, he'd even seen Old John's handmade dragon-tooth necklaces in that shop. But business there… well, he'd never seen more than two customers in the shop, even during peak times like Christmas or right before the school term started. If a shop in Diagon Alley couldn't move much product, how much luck would Kyle have at Hogwarts, where students rarely had extra money?
Charlie was convinced that everything Kyle had bought today would last him several years. So, as soon as they returned to the reserve, he patted Kyle on the shoulder and walked off without a backward glance.
Kyle could only smile helplessly.
Oh well, he thought. We'll see how things go later.
...
In the last few days of August, those who had come to assist at the reserve began to depart one by one. Professor Lochneal also left, but not before inviting Kyle to visit Beauxbatons—whether to transfer or just as a guest.
Kyle readily agreed.
"Once I finish compiling the information on the new species, I'll send you a copy," Professor Lochneal promised, then disappeared using a Portkey.
Edwardus Lima also made a parting promise, saying he would send Kyle a copy of the new edition of The Monster Book of Monsters before he left.
…
Since Chris needed to complete one last handover with the Romanian Ministry of Magic, Kyle and Newt stayed an extra day to wait for him. The Portkey they would use to return was set to land at the British Ministry of Magic.
Upon arrival, a weary-looking wizard rushed over to greet them.
"New arrivals must register here and have their belongings inspected… Oh, Chris, it's you."
"Arnold?" Chris asked, surprised. "Since when are you working at the Immigration Office?"
"I wasn't transferred," Arnold replied. "I'm just here to help."
"Help?" Chris glanced around and noticed a considerable number of people. A long line snaked through the registration area.
"You're here to help with crowd control?"
"There's no other choice…" Arnold sighed. "With the increased scrutiny since Sirius Black's escape, we're shorthanded all the time."
"Sounds rough," Chris sympathized, stepping toward the line.
"Oh, Chris, you don't need to," Arnold stopped him. "Your Portkey clearly shows you're back from the Romanian Ministry of Magic. No way you're not involved with that business, right?"
"Of course," Chris nodded. "There were at least a dozen of us there."
"Exactly. That's why I'm letting you skip the line," Arnold muttered as he jotted down a few notes. "Besides, the Minister seemed eager to see you—he's been waiting at least half an hour already. If you're delayed, it'll just be my neck on the line."
"The Minister wants to see me?"
"Yeah, he was here about thirty minutes ago." Arnold glanced at Kyle and Newt.
"This is Mr. Newt Scamander, and my son, Kyle," Chris explained. "They're with me."
"Ah, Mr. Scamander…" Arnold looked slightly surprised but continued writing without pausing. "All right, three people registered!"
He snapped the notebook shut and gestured for them to move on. "Quickly now, don't keep the Minister waiting."
A few minutes later, Kyle was walking down the Ministry of Magic corridor, looking perplexed. He'd been wondering how he'd manage to switch his suitcase to muggle mode, only to find they'd bypassed inspection altogether.
"Arnold Peasegood is an Obliviator. We've worked together a few times," Chris explained. "And Romania must have informed the Ministry of our return beforehand. In cases like this, they usually don't bother with registration."
They soon reached the grand main hall of the Ministry of Magic. Here, the group split up. Chris headed toward the elevators to meet with Cornelius Fudge, while Kyle and Newt made their way through the crowd toward the rows of fireplaces used for public transportation.
Since Apparition was prohibited in the Ministry of Magic, Kyle and Newt had decided to use Floo powder to reach the Leaky Cauldron first, where they would then part ways. Kyle intended to head to Diagon Alley, while Newt just needed a location from which he could Apparate.
Despite the numerous fireplaces, the constant stream of visitors kept them all occupied. Each fireplace flared with green flames as wizards and witches emerged or departed, and any empty space was quickly filled.
After waiting a few minutes, Kyle finally spotted an empty fireplace. Moving swiftly, he tossed in a handful of Floo powder.
Kyle stepped into the fireplace, and as the world around him spun, the bustling Ministry of Magic faded, giving way to the equally lively scene of the Leaky Cauldron.