With a soft click, the metal lock mechanism turned.
The door was pushed open, and two figures appeared in the doorway.
Grandpa Bates unhurriedly removed the key and placed it on the cabinet behind the door. His legs carried him slowly inside as he muttered Shakespeare's tongue-twisting lines, looking perfectly relaxed and content.
"Grandpa Bates."
"Loren."
Bates looked up at the person sitting on the sofa and could not help smiling. His steps quickened slightly.
"Mr. Morgan!"
The short, thin figure beside him moved even faster, rushing excitedly toward Loren.
The House-elf stopped in front of the sofa. Having come to an abrupt halt after running so fast, he lost his balance and staggered slightly. He took off the sunglasses and newsboy cap hiding his face, wiped his face haphazardly, and said excitedly, "Mr. Morgan, you're finally back!"
"Something unexpected happened, so I was delayed for a few extra weeks."
Loren examined his outfit with interest, from head to toe. It looked like children's clothes on a plastic child mannequin in a shop window, but it suited him surprisingly well. Loren nodded. "Looks like you've learned a lot these past few weeks."
"It was all thanks to Mr. Bates. Mr. Bates took Winky shopping, to the cinema, and taught Winky about the order of Muggle society. Winky is very grateful to Mr. Bates!"
"Looks like you've been having quite a pleasant time. If word gets out and you violate the Statute of Secrecy, you two can go appeal to the Ministry of Magic when the Aurors come after you."
Winky lowered his head in shame.
Crookshanks and Hānhan lay on the sofa cushions, blinking as they watched them.
"Er..."
Bates pondered for a moment, then said in a lofty, peculiar tone, "A man who thinks too much loses the pleasure