Midnight Visitor

"Emily, what made you want to read a book like this?" Allen was truly curious.

"This book was brought back by Albert a few days ago. I saw him reading it even during meals these past few days, so I was really curious. Today, while he's not home, I asked you to explain it to me. Allen, don't tell Albert!" Emily tilted her little head, her smile sweet enough to melt anyone's heart.

Allen agreed with a smile and brought his sister milk and cake. Emily obediently sat to one side and ate.

Allen opened the book again and found several lines written on the first page: "Now I understand that acting without first considering the cost, rashly making a move without assessing one's own strength, is truly the height of foolishness. But now, regret comes too late." The date beneath the signature was exactly one week ago. This must have been Albert's handwriting. What had happened to him? Wait, these words were very familiar! Weren't they from Robinson Crusoe? What did this have to do with the Moonstone? Allen's mind was full of questions. He was worried about his older brother, because Albert was an Auror who had to carry out all kinds of dangerous missions.

After consulting the relevant books in the Ravenclaw Treasure, Allen grew even more worried about Albert. According to the records, this yellow diamond had suffered countless calamities since the eleventh century. Anyone who coveted or laid hands on the gem had met with misfortune.

Allen's concern reached its peak when Albert failed to appear at dinner. Mr. Harris believed Albert must have had an urgent assignment and had not had time to notify the family. Mrs. Harris was truly worried about her eldest son. Ever since Albert had begun working, he had never disappeared without a word like this.

Knock—knock—knock knock! Who would choose to pay a visit on such a stormy, snowy night? Mrs. Harris motioned for Daisy to take Emily back to her room first. No matter what happened, the little girl ought to go back and sleep.

Mr. Harris drew his wand, walked over, looked outside through the peephole, and immediately opened the door. A tall, bald, dark-skinned wizard entered with the wind and snow. "Sorry, Owen, for disturbing you so late, but I have no choice." A deep, slow voice rang through the room. Allen noticed that the man wore a gold earring in one ear.

"Kingsley, what could make you come all the way here through such a blizzard? Has something happened to Albert?" Mr. Harris was deeply worried. The entire family stared intently at the unexpected guest, while Mrs. Harris even clenched the fabric over her chest.

"Uh, yes." After gathering his thoughts, Kingsley Shacklebolt said, "This is what happened. Last night, I received orders from the Ministry to pick Albert up today and bring him to the Auror Office to report. If I couldn't find him, I was to remain here and wait. But something unexpected has happened, and I need to come in and speak with you."

Allen noticed his hesitation. It seemed that Mr. Kingsley Shacklebolt was hiding something. Mr. Harris noticed it as well. "No matter what it is, we can accept it. But what we most want to know now is whether Albert is safe."

Though Mrs. Harris desperately wanted to know about her son, she still politely poured Kingsley a cup of fragrant tea, steaming with white vapor. Kingsley took a small sip and let out a satisfied sigh. "Thank you, Mrs. Harris. I've been watching outside all day. It's freezing! Owen, Albert should be safe, at least for now. Otherwise, I wouldn't have discovered those people looking for him during the day."

"Someone was looking for Albert? Why?" Mr. Harris sharply seized upon the key point and motioned for Mrs. Harris to prepare some food. Allen stopped Mrs. Harris. As a mother worried about her son's safety, she ought to stay here. Allen rose and headed for the kitchen. Fortunately, ever since practicing the Basic Body Refining Technique, his five senses had become increasingly sharp, so he had no fear of missing the conversation in the living room.

"Albert previously accepted an assignment from the office. As for what it was, I can't say for now." Kingsley saw Mrs. Harris's question. "It's top secret." Allen guessed it was related to the so-called Moonstone.

"Today, in your village, I found three Indians wearing reddish-brown turbans. They wore white linen robes and trousers, and behind them followed a handsome British boy with light-colored hair. The boy seemed to have been coerced and used by them. He didn't look very willing." At that moment, the fragrant scent of frying sausages filled the entire room. Kingsley could not help swallowing. "Sorry, I've been hungry all day!"

"It's all right, sir. You've endured hunger and cold for our sake." Considerately, Allen handed him a plate of fried sausages and toast, then refilled Kingsley's tea.

"What a polite child. I was hiding behind the hedge separating the road from the houses on your street when I saw it. After making sure no one was around, those three Indians stared fixedly at your house. They ordered that little boy to hold out his hand and poured some black, ink-like substance into his palm. Then they touched his head, made several gestures over it, and asked whether Albert lived here, whether he had returned yesterday, when he had gone out today, and so on. Then they made more gestures over the boy's head, and he woke up. He staggered away to a house about three miles from yours. After that, the three Indians muttered among themselves for a while and left. I thought they would return, but there has been no sign of them until now. After consulting with the Ministry, we unanimously believe it would be best for you to leave temporarily. The Ministry has agreed that you may suspend work and take leave first." Kingsley finished by addressing Mr. Harris and Lenn.

"Have any of you noticed anything unusual about Albert recently? For example, anyone he met or books he read?" Kingsley continued.

The Harrises looked at each other, feeling that they had neglected their eldest son too much. After thinking for a moment, Allen handed Kingsley the book he had read to Emily today, the one recording the Legend of the Moonstone. "Albert has been very fond of reading this book lately. I don't know whether it will help you."

"Thank you, Allen. We'll resolve this as quickly as possible and won't delay your return to Hogwarts," Kingsley promised. It seemed this capable Auror had already figured out the family's basic situation.

"I'll stay here tonight to protect you. Mrs. Harris, I'll have to trouble you." Kingsley's courteous manner made it difficult to imagine that he was an Auror hardened by experience.

"Of course. I'd be delighted to help." Allen heard Mrs. Harris reply. If he had not seen her hands clenched tightly beneath the table, Allen would have thought she was still perfectly calm.