"Huh?" Neville looked at Kayson in bewilderment.
"How did that saying go again? Those who would accomplish great things must learn to endure humiliation. Besides, this flying broom really needed a proper repair."
Naturally, their morning trip through Diagon Alley had involved more than just pets and brooms. Kayson's next destination, for instance, was Flourish and Blotts.
"Um... sir, have we met somewhere before?"
A bookstore employee who had been arranging books on a shelf suddenly stiffened for some reason.
"No, no, no, of course not... Anyway, I've never met you."
"Really?"
"Really."
Kayson nodded, carried the books he had bought to the counter to pay, and only after the two of them left the bookstore did the employee finally let out a breath of relief.
At the same time, a pitch-black anvil appeared above his head at some unknown moment.
"Heh heh, you offended a professor and still thought you could get away unscathed? Not a chance!"
At noon, the two flew back to Hogwarts. Neville excitedly carried the big-faced cat out of the office, while Kayson headed toward Professor McGonagall's office.
"Professor McGonagall, do you know what happened to Neville's parents?"
Professor McGonagall placed her quill into its holder. "Why are you suddenly asking about that? Did Neville ask you to ask for him?"
"Not exactly. I happened to learn before that Neville's parents are still alive, but I heard they're at St Mungo's, so I came to ask."
Kayson asked.
"Mr. and Mrs. Longbottom are a pitiful pair as well. On the eve of Voldemort's death, all the Death Eaters began their final madness, and a large group of them broke into the Longbottoms' home."
"They cruelly tortured Mr. and Mrs. Longbottom with the Cruciatus Curse. Since then, both of them have suffered mental breakdowns and have