Harry rode on a Firebolt, soaring upwards at an incredible speed, going higher and higher, and suddenly, with a "bang," it was as if he had burst out of a gigantic soap bubble.
In an instant, the surrounding sky changed from azure to a star-studded pitch black, the burning hot sun on his left hand, and the moon on his right, unbelievably large, covered with crater marks.
"Oh my..."
Harry gazed in awe at the sun and moon within reach, unable to resist pulling his broom higher, fearing he might accidentally get roasted dry.
Yet the terrifying heat didn't harm him in any way, and Harry only felt an unparalleled sense of freedom and peace enveloping him.
Suddenly—
"Wake up, Harry, wake up..."
A distant yet familiar voice penetrated the silence of the universe, ringing in his ear, while Harry also felt his body being gently shaken.
Harry jolted awake, opened his eyes, and saw Lupin's somewhat blurred face.
"...Remus?"
Harry rubbed his eyes and mumbled, "When did you get here? Wait... didn't you fly off the plane?"
Harry suddenly remembered the previous events, fully waking up and asked in shock.
"The plane has landed, we're at the airport now," Lupin said tersely. "Let's go, we need to leave."
Harry, confused by the abruptly shifting time, muddledly stood up, reaching for his luggage.
"Harry, your luggage is here!"
Hermione's voice came from ahead, as she anxiously stomped her feet, pointing to the backpack by her feet, saying:
"I've packed everything for you! Hurry up, everyone else has left!"
Harry picked up his backpack, filled with a stomach full of confusion, followed Lupin and Hermione, stumbling out.
"Where's Vid?" he asked drowsily, "Isn't he coming with us?"
"Vid has other matters," Lupin said. "He's going to meet Dumbledore."
"Oh..."
Harry responded, not feeling surprised inwardly.
As he passed by other passengers, he saw some Wizards scattering around, pointing their Magic Wands at the temples of sleeping passengers, chanting complex spells in low voices.
A weak silver glow flickered as some moonlight-like, ethereal things were drawn out, swirling in the air momentarily, then returning to everyone's mind.
This scene resembled the kind of evil and mysterious experiments conducted by scientists on TV.
Harry held his breath and whispered, "What are they doing?"
"Modifying memories," Lupin quickly said. "We can't have so many Muggles walking off the plane with memories of Magic."
Harry nodded, and under Lupin's lead, they quickly left along a pre-arranged path.
The surrounding was unusually quiet, those Wizards busy at work seldom spoke, their faces showing deep fatigue, as if they had been working for a long time.
Harry noticed a Witch with bright pink hair spotting them and immediately flashing a radiant smile, waving her arm.
Harry recognized her, knowing she was called Tonks.
He was somewhat bewildered by Tonks' enthusiasm when Lupin beside him coughed awkwardly and waved his hand carelessly, turning his head unnaturally.
Tonks' smile became even more radiant, as if all her fatigue had vanished.
Passing through a long gangway, they boarded a pre-arranged shuttle bus, and before stepping onto the platform, Harry heard the voices of the Weasley Family:
"...launching Illusion Gummies into the guy's mouth, it would be hilarious if he turned into a slug just as he was about to cause trouble!" Fred said loudly, waving his arms.
George said, "That would waste an Illusion Gummy; I'd say, just feed a Vomiting Candy, I've never seen anyone able to stand up straight while vomiting endlessly!"
Ron laughed loudly in agreement, and Ginny rolled her eyes, muttering, "Childish!"
And Mrs. Weasley's sensitive nerves were suddenly triggered as she turned sharply, her voice raised instantly:
"Wait... what Vomiting Candy? You two! What have you concocted now?"
The smiles on the twins' faces froze instantaneously, exchanging a "Uh-oh" glance.
The next second, the shuttle bus resonated with Mrs. Weasley's angry roar:
"I warn you, Fred! George! Do not sneak those mysterious things into people's stomachs! Don't make your dad's garage look like a horrific accident scene! And do not use your brother... or any living being for your so-called tests!"
"If I get another letter from Professor McGonagall this year saying you've caused mischief again, I will throw all your 'precious collection' along with the Cauldron into the back garden pond to feed the Goblins! I mean it! Understand?!"
The twins immediately wailed, their familiar family storm stirring up the previously subdued atmosphere in the bus.
At the end of the shuttle bus, the Kona couple were nestled together, quietly sitting in the corner.
The bruises caused earlier by pushing and trampling had disappeared under the effect of Magic Potions, but their faces still bore unmistakable fatigue and paleness.
They lacked the energy to speak, merely watching the airport lights outside the window, still digesting the harrowing experience of the journey.
Michael silently accompanied his parents, turning to the runway's dense flashing red and blue police lights, faint police sirens audible from afar.
"Quite a scene..." Harry randomly found a seat to sit, saying, "Looks like the hijacking incident drew some attention."
"Of course, it was broadcast globally," Hermione tossed herself into her seat, rubbing her sore neck, expressing concern. "I hope my mom and dad didn't watch TV today, or they'd be very worried."
Harry felt a faint trace of envy, suggesting, "Why not use the Friendship Book to let them know you're safe?"
"Burned it." Hermione sighed. "I packed it into my suitcase last night to bring two more books."
Harry: "..."
Though empathizing, he couldn't fathom Hermione's reasoning—
During the long flight, Hermione didn't think to chat with friends to pass the time but aimed to squeeze in as much book reading as possible.
His gaze swept around the bus, suddenly spotting an incongruous sight:
Aside from those familiar to him, the only Outsider was Lev Zakharov, sitting alone in the back corner, enigmatic in demeanor.