"I'm just doing this for self-preservation." Kael continued, "After all, I'm still just a student who hasn't graduated yet. Facing Death Eaters is quite dangerous."
Dumbledore's hand froze for a moment as he was about to pour tea.
Kael facing the Death Eaters, dangerous?
He thought the Death Eater who was engulfed by hellfire might have a different opinion... What was his name again? Oh, yes, Theodore Nott.
"Of course, one or two wouldn't be a problem, but what if more of them come?" Kael continued, "I only have one wand, it's not enough to face a dozen of them."
"Hogwarts is very safe," Dumbledore said softly, "As long as I am alive, there is no way I'll let Death Eaters into the school... not even if Tom comes."
"There are always special situations..." Kael's voice became softer, "Like today, if a member of the Order of Phoenix is in danger, surely you'd go to help them."
"If that's the case, I can return at any time." Dumbledore glanced at Kael, "That reason won't convince me."
"But I can't stay at the school all the time." Kael sighed and said, which is also the main reason why he brought along the Basilisk.
He understood Dumbledore wanted him to leave the Basilisk with Newt while at school and take it back during holidays.
But the Death Eaters wouldn't confront them openly either; no one knew what schemes they might come up with.
Just like last year, wasn't Harry taken out of the school?
In case of an emergency, the Death Eaters definitely wouldn't let him fetch the Basilisk from Newt, so carrying it around was safer.
Dumbledore hesitated further; he knew this was a critical time when Voldemort was gathering strength, aligning with the Giants, and inviting Werewolves, which meant he had many tasks, unable to stay at the school.
Although from his understanding of Voldemort, the latter wouldn't come to Hogwarts while he was still alive... but that was the Voldemort from over a decade ago.
After the Soul Artifacts were destroyed, his soul was completely incomplete, making it unpredictable how it might affect his temperament.
Even if the likelihood is slim, it isn't entirely impossible.
Seeing Dumbledore's hesitation, Kael perked up and seized the moment to press,
"You just said, magic is unknown, and since the Basilisk can save people, it can also be used against Death Eaters.
"Like a wand of great power, whether it's dangerous still depends on who wields it."
Dumbledore was taken aback; he hadn't expected Kael to use his offhand remark against him.
But he had to admit, Kael made sense... Deciding whether a powerful weapon is dangerous depends on its wielder.
However...
"Even so, you forgot an important prerequisite." Dumbledore raised his head, "The wielder must be able to completely control the weapon to avoid being backlashed."
"I assure you, I can control the Basilisk," Kael stated confidently.
He wasn't without preparation.
As he took the Basilisk, Newt had found over a hundred roosters and placed them in a cave near the Basilisk. At any time, he could cancel the protective magic at the cave's entrance and release the roosters.
There were also other things in the box.
A Fire Dragon, Nundu, patches of Mandrake and Chomping Cabbage; even if the Basilisk didn't behave, it was almost impossible for it to break out of the box.
Seeing Kael's full confidence, Dumbledore hesitated once more.
"If you're still worried, Professor..."
Kael cleared his throat and casually added, "Having Fawkes watch the Basilisk is also fine; I can set up a perch for Fawkes inside the box. With a Phoenix helping keep watch, the Basilisk won't likely escape, right?"
Dumbledore couldn't help but look up.
Kael's reasons were solid and seemed impeccable.
As a Phoenix, Fawkes wouldn't be affected by the Basilisk's gaze, and his presence indeed provided much reassurance.
But intuition told Dumbledore that Kael surely had other motives, not solely to put him at ease.
"'Watch' is too severe a term; of course, I trust you," Dumbledore began, "There have been countless instances proving you aren't one prone to exaggeration."
"No problem, Professor. This is to be expected." Kael earnestly said, "I fully understand and won't have any objections.
"Besides, you've been quite busy with Voldemort recently, haven't you? I can help take care of Fawkes."
Dumbledore looked into Kael's eyes and, unusually, noticed a flicker of evasion.
If there had been any doubt before, he was now certain that Kael was aiming for his Phoenix.
This left Dumbledore both amused and exasperated.
He had come to confront Kael about taking the Basilisk without permission, but somehow, amidst the discussion, it seemed he was about to lose his Phoenix too, yet everything appeared sensible.
Because, besides returning the Basilisk to Newt, it was the best solution.
A Phoenix wouldn't be affected by the Basilisk's gaze, its tears could heal poisons, it can fly, and in the case of emergencies, could alert everyone instantly.
Having Fawkes watch the box containing the Basilisk was like adding an extra layer of security, granting Dumbledore much more peace of mind.