When the Longbottoms left Madam Puddifoot's Tea Shop, Neville had yet to recover from his confusion. Wearing a bewildered expression, he followed them outside.
Kyle remained seated in the shop until their figures had completely vanished down the street, then he finally burst out laughing.
It couldn't be helped. Just as planting potatoes required digging holes first, those scars were traces left behind by making Horcruxes. They were unavoidable.
As for why they were lightning-shaped, it was mainly because Kyle had instinctively thought of Harry's forehead at the time.
But it wasn't without its benefits. At the very least, Mr. Longbottom would draw plenty of astonished stares the next time he vacationed at the seaside.
After all, not everyone had over a dozen perfectly lightning-shaped scars on their body. If he were a bit more fashionable and painted them all gold, that would be even more interesting.
Perhaps Kyle could even open up a new line of business.
But given Frank Longbottom's personality, he probably wouldn't do that... Fred, on the other hand, might.
After returning to Hogwarts, Kyle immediately sought out Kanna and told her what had just happened.
"Are you going?"
"Yes, I've already promised Falkland," Kyle said. "But I still need a date. If you're willing, that would be perfect."
Unlike Hogwarts' simple dinner banquets, the Christmas dinners hosted by wizarding families could basically all be called Yule Balls...
Aside from those who were genuinely too young, most invited wizards attended with a partner, just like the ball during the Triwizard Tournament.
"Is this you inviting me?" Kanna asked with a smile.
"Of course," Kyle said.
"Fine." Kanna raised an eyebrow. "Then I accept. But I need to buy a new set of Dress Robes. My old ones are a little too small."
"You can ask Fleur