"Actually, I hadn't come for Sirius or Harriet. It was just that everyone had gathered here, and I happened to be free, so they drafted me as security," Kayson explained.
"All right, I hope so," Neville said resentfully.
"Then why does it seem like all the other adults have things to do, while you're the only one sitting around here?" Ron asked from the other side.
"I originally wanted to help in the kitchen, but your mother obviously preferred Lupin and Mrs. Longbottom's help. Maybe she thought I was too clumsy," Kayson explained somewhat awkwardly.
"Um... by the way, Professor, I remember there used to be a house-elf here. Why haven't I seen him this time? I've already looked all around the place." Harriet came down from upstairs, holding onto the banister as she asked Kayson.
"You should be asking your godfather that question," Kayson replied.
"Oh, that old thing couldn't stop talking trash whenever it saw me, so I gave it to Hogwarts. Work was work, no matter where it was, right?" Sirius suddenly poked his head out from behind a bookshelf and explained.
"That's how it is... Luckily Hermione and her parents got out of here. Otherwise, she definitely would've had plenty to say," Ron said with a laugh.
"Oh, talking badly about someone behind her back isn't a very good habit," Kayson teased with half-lidded eyes.
Ron's face turned bright red. Embarrassed, he said, "I was only telling the truth. It's a matter of principle."
Kayson rolled his eyes. "But Hermione turned down Krum, who had asked her before you did, because of your invitation. She did something that could practically be called breaking an agreement for you, so surely you can go against your true feelings a little for her too, right?"
The moment Kayson finished