Homeless? Special Circumstances Can Be Handled Exceptionally
Aaron sighed slightly as he watched everyone else being picked up and dropped off by their elders.
In the past, Jeans would definitely have taken the box from his hands immediately, but this time he didn't come at all, and it felt quite strange to see him standing here all alone.
"Um... should I have my dad take you to the Leaky Cauldron first?" Hermione asked, her voice soft as if she was worried about hurting Aaron's pride. "He has a car, so it'll be more convenient for him."
"No need." Aaron pursed his lips. "Taking the Knight Bus is fine too."
"Are you... sure?" Hermione asked in surprise. She had ridden in that car before and knew what it was like.
"I'm sure, but I have to go home first." Aaron shrugged and took off the ring on his left hand. "I have to return some magical items."
"Young Master's decision is truly gratifying!" Jeans chuckled as he walked over.
"Mr. Jeans," Hermione said excitedly, "Now that you're here, does that mean he can go home?"
"Not quite, but pretty much, Miss Granger."
"Young Master violated the Gaius family's ancestral rules, and by rights he should not be allowed to leave the family, but this time the situation is special..."
"Now that you mention it, I suddenly don't want to carry it anymore." Aaron awkwardly took a step back, then pulled two spellbooks from Abei's pocket. "Since you're here, you can carry the Demon Sealing Ring and the spellbooks!"
"Young Master, there's really no need to be nervous."
"Don't be nervous! Who knows if you're bringing me along to be punished?"
"Punished?" Hermione's eyes widened immediately. "Really?"
"Not at all." Jeans said, both amused and exasperated. "It is true that the young master violated the family precepts, but in certain circumstances, he can be forgiven, as long as he is willing to accept the arrangements."
"I won't accept it," Aaron said decisively. "It's not like I haven't been put on a show before. Those two trips I took were incredibly miserable."
"This has nothing to do with travel, and you don't even need to attend tutoring classes."
"That's even more surprising. It just means that the arrangements at home are more complicated than I thought."
"Alright! Since you've made up your mind, Young Master, I won't force you."
However..."Jeans paused for a moment, then turned to look at the distance not far away, and said meaningfully, " Mr. Malfoy has been looking this way several times since just now."
By the way, there have been more strangers in Diagon Alley lately. Although they seem a bit gloomy, business at their young master's shop has improved considerably thanks to them.
Gollum!
Aaron swallowed hard, cursing inwardly.
What is this? Coercion and bribery?
He had truly underestimated Voldemort's attention to him. He had originally thought Voldemort would wait a year or two before making a move against him, but now it seemed he didn't have that patience. Voldemort had already prepared surveillance and ambushes against him.
If I don't agree to go with Jeans, he'll probably run away as soon as he leaves the station.
Moreover, Diagon Alley is absolutely out of the question; it's more dangerous than he thought. Does he really have to go after the Ministry of Magic?
Hermione seemed to understand the seriousness of the situation and pondered, "I think it would be better for you to stay with the Order of the Phoenix Society for the time being."
This time Aaron did not refuse immediately, but when he turned his head and looked at Lupin and the others who were chatting happily with the Dursley, he couldn't help but feel a toothache.
The Phoenix Society should not be used unless absolutely necessary.
Unless Dumbledore dies, who knows when he might be sold out.
That old man is heartless; he's absolutely capable of doing something so despicable.
"Phew!" Aaron took a deep breath and looked at Jeans apologetically. "Could you tell me the specific reasons so I can be somewhat prepared?"
"It's the old patriarch," Jeans said hesitantly.
"My grandfather?" Aaron was surprised for a moment, then his expression became incredibly interesting. "It must have been ten years since I last saw my grandfather!"
"It hasn't been that long. It's only been five years," Jeans explained. "He also came to the station to see you off the year you started school at Hogwarts, but you didn't see him."
"That's long enough," Aaron said with a hint of complaint, though he was secretly relieved.
Vico and Lisana might blame him, but his grandfather truly loved him unconditionally. Even if he couldn't make an exception and bring him home to protect him during the holidays, he would still catch up with him.
In a sense, this also saved him from a predicament. As long as Jeans could lead him away, the Death Eater would not dare to attack him on the way.
"Young master, that's all I can say."
If you still refuse, then... I can only wish you good luck.
"Yes, how can I not?" Aaron sincerely handed the box to Jeans, then hugged Abei and greeted Lucius, who had been watching him closely.
The meaning is quite clear: I have someone backing me up, so think twice before you make a move.
Seeing this, Lucius forced a relieved smile and left the station with Draco.
"So... your safety issue is resolved just like that?" Hermione was a little taken aback.
"It's only safe for now, but who knows what will happen afterward." Aaron wiped the non-existent sweat from his forehead. "Uncle Jeans, we can go now."
"Yes, young master," Jeans said with a smile, then pushed the suitcase into the car.
"Goodbye, feel free to call me if you need anything." Aaron waved and turned to follow Jeans.
A moment later, Harry and Ron came over.
As the two watched Aaron's light and agile figure disappear, a deep sense of doubt arose in their hearts.
"Isn't he unable to live at home?" Harry asked, puzzled.
"There were some unexpected events, but it might not be a bad thing," Hermione said thoughtfully.
Aaron was in an incredibly wonderful mood as he rode in the car.
This Summer Holiday will be easier than ever, and Jeans just mentioned that we don't even have to go to tutoring classes this time, which is the best thing ever.
Jeans saw the smile on Aaron's face in the rearview mirror, and a playful smile appeared on his lips.
Do my parents live there?
"Yes," Jeans said. "The old patriarch has come, and the patriarch and his wife are also at home."
"Haha, as expected of my grandfather."
"I usually have to rely on luck to see them, but things change when my grandfather comes," Aaron said gloatingly.
"That may not have anything to do with the old clan chief. The main problem is that you really went too far this time, young master. The clan chief and his wife are also having a lot of headaches."
"Uh... no, how about my grandpa takes a liking to it?"
"The old patriarch is only sixty years old. For Great wizard, this age is nothing. He is in good health."
"I'm asking about his feelings," Aaron asked somewhat nervously. "Is he angry with me?"
"This... I don't think so!" Jeans said uncertainly. "After the old patriarch found out that you had violated the ancestral rules, he just smashed up his study."
Upon hearing this, Aaron's lips twitched involuntarily. "Is it too late for me to get off the bus now?"
"Uh... Young Master, don't worry."
Forget it!
You know how much he loves that study; my dad gets scolded if he goes in without permission.
"I remember that you are free to come and go as you please, young master."
"How can that be the same?" Aaron retorted speechlessly. "In his heart, I'm definitely more valuable than the study and my dad, but what he did proves his anger. If I go back, I'll definitely get a beating first!"
"It's not that serious," Jeans said. "The old patriarch was quite angry at the time, but several days have passed and his anger has subsided."
"The old clan chief received a letter two days ago, and he was very happy about it, which is why he decided to send me to pick you up."
"What letter?"
"I can't say, but what is certain is that the young master can be allowed to go home as an exception, and that letter is indispensable."
Furthermore, the family's arrangements for the young master's future are also closely related to that letter.
Aaron raised an eyebrow, showing some interest in the letter, but he quickly suppressed his curiosity.
What you need to know, you'll find out when you get home.
As for the family's arrangements... well, that depends on your own mood. If you can do it, then do it; if you can't, the worst that can happen is you get kicked out!
But it doesn't matter. As long as we seize the opportunity to buy enough supplies and hide in the Divine Thunder Hall, we don't care about the floods outside before school starts.
Several hours later, the car drove through the castle gates.
The House Elf Yobi quickly ran over, bowed, and took the luggage box from the trunk.
"Young Master, the old master said to go to the living room to find him as soon as you return," Yobi said respectfully.
"Knew."
Aaron nodded dismissively, then walked to the living room door and pushed it open.
Then he was completely stunned. He saw his father and his grandfather, Tepler, a sprightly old man with a goatee, sitting side by side.
The three of them turned to look at him simultaneously, and an overwhelming sense of pressure instantly enveloped him.
Aaron couldn't help but shudder; he swore he had never been so thrilled, not even when facing Voldemort.
"You're back," Vico asked casually.
"Father, what's going on here?"
"Can't you tell? We've been waiting for you!" Lisana said, somewhat exasperated.
"Alright, alright, let my grandson sit down first!" Tepler looked at his beloved grandson whom he hadn't seen for several years with doting eyes. "Let's talk about business first, otherwise it's quite awkward to see you looking at me with such apprehension."
"Did you hear that?" Vico gave him a wink. "Your grandfather told you to sit down."
Aaron immediately sat down opposite the three of them and, quite sensibly, lowered his head, appearing to humbly accept criticism.
"Ha!" Vico curled his lip in sarcasm. "Who are you trying to impress with this act? You're my son, don't I know you?"
"The damage has already been done; isn't it a bit too late to admit wrongdoing now?"
"Your father and I never realized you were so audacious!" Lisana said wearily. "The ancestral precepts clearly state that members of the Gaius family cannot participate in the conflicts of the Magic World, yet you..."
In short, I almost had a heart attack when I received the message. You've always been so reliable, why were you so troublesome this time?!
"I'm very sorry, it won't happen again."
"You dare to do it again?" Vico was so angry he almost hit someone, but his old man glared at him and stopped him.
"Dad, there has to be a limit to favoritism. You can't keep protecting him."
I'm not angry that he overestimates himself; I'm angry that he dares to violate the Gaius family's ancestral precepts.
This time he dared to get involved in the conflicts of the Magic World; next time he might very well vie for dominance over Magic World. And then..."
"I'll personally cross his name off the family tree when the time comes," Tepler scoffed. "Just don't stop me."
"Uh... that depends on the situation, after all, he's my own son." Vico said with an uneasy expression, then looked at Aaron with anger at his son's lack of ambition, "Did you hear that? I won't be able to protect you then."
"I heard you," Aaron nodded. "I promise there won't be a next time."
"Good to know," Vico said irritably. "Tell me, why?"
"What?"
"Stop playing dumb. Why did you go to the Department of Mysteries?" Tepler looked at Aaron seriously. "My dear grandson, you've gotten yourself into a lot of trouble this time. We need to know why!"
"For the sake of justice," Aaron said righteously. "The battle between the Dark Lord and the Demon Lord has already begun, and if it is not stopped, it will sooner or later affect the entire Magic World."
As a descendant of the Gaius family, how could I stand idly by?
After he finished speaking, the entire living room Silencio.
Jeans smiled without saying a word, Vico shook his head and rubbed his forehead, Lisana rolled her eyes speechlessly, and Tepler, while feeling helpless, revealed a hint of admiration in his eyes.
"Do you even believe that yourself?" Lisana teased.
"I believe it." Aaron knew this reason wouldn't convince them, but even if they argued it out loud, he was doing it for peace and justice.
If I told them it was just a momentary impulse, I'd probably get a double whammy of father and son beatings right away.
"But we don't believe it," Vico said irritably. "You'd better..."
"Never mind," Tepler interrupted. "The child has grown up and has his own thoughts. It's normal that he doesn't want to talk about it."
Vico pursed his lips, immediately suppressing his urge to ask further questions. His father had spoken; he had no choice but to listen.
"Let's get back to the point!" Tepler looked at Aaron. "Do you want to know why we still asked you to come back even though you clearly violated the ancestral teachings?"
"Hmm!" Aaron nodded. "I've thought about whether it's possible that you made an exception for me, Grandpa, but then I realized that's unlikely."
"That's impossible," Tepler laughed. "Violating ancestral precepts is not something a retired clan chief like me can make an exception for."
Upon hearing this, Aaron looked at Vico thoughtfully.
If a retired clan chief is not suitable, then it can only be the current clan chief.
"Why are you looking at me like that?" Vico said unhappily. "Does it sound funny that the current patriarch treats the family rules like a joke for the sake of his son?"
"If I dared to protect you, your grandfather would dare to betray his own family for the greater good."
"Then... it can't really be that letter, can it?" Aaron asked in surprise.
"It seems Jeans told you." Tepler seemed to have expected this, and casually tossed the letter to Aaron. "The Gaius family's ancestral rules are very strict, but special circumstances can be handled on a case-by-case basis."