The Forests of Albania

Kyle's first thought upon hearing Oren's explanation was that he didn't believe it.

How could he possibly believe it... Voldemort had only begun making moves after Harry enrolled at Hogwarts, but when Oren came to Hogwarts, Harry had still been an ordinary boy living in the cupboard at his aunt and uncle's house.

"What, you don't believe me?" As though he had seen through Kyle's thoughts, Oren said calmly, "At first, neither did I. But I saw him with my own eyes—less than even the lowliest wandering spirit, barely clinging to life in the forests of Albania."

"Albania!" Kyle froze for a moment, and doubt began to stir in his heart.

Because Quirrell had encountered Voldemort only after making a trip to Albania.

"How did you end up there?"

"Have you forgotten what I did before coming to Hogwarts?" Oren chuckled.

"My profession... a bard. No, a member of a magical creature smuggling ring disguised as a bard."

"The captain," Oren corrected. "The forests of Albania have the most Runespoors. Those magical creatures are worth a great deal, and we'd been there many times."

Kyle frowned.

No, I still want to kill him.

Kyle turned the wand in his hand, but Oren noticed at once.

"Save it. You know you can't kill me." He shifted positions again. "And don't forget, the Dark Lord is nearby."

Kyle looked up toward the distance.

The sky there had been flashing with the green light of Killing Curses since earlier, and the flashes were becoming more frequent. It was clear that Voldemort and Dumbledore's battle had reached its fiercest point.

If he made a move, Oren would most likely run over to ask for help. Then the fight would become two against two.

Voldemort might not care about Oren, but Dumbledore would certainly be