《Hogwarts: I Am Such a Model Wizard》


 Chapter 1: Mysterious Magic

    A small, three-story building stood near the village of Ottery St. Catchpole. Inside, eleven-year-old Kyle Chopper was standing by the window, staring intently at the parchment in his hands.


    It was an acceptance letter from Hogwarts.


    Kyle had been waiting for this moment ever since his transmigration eleven years ago. Why had he been so sure? It was simple: several notable magical families lived nearby, confirming his suspicions about the world he had been reborn into.


    Among them was the Lovegood family, where the editor-in-chief of lived. He frequently argued against the school''s policies. Then there were the Weasleys¡ªa family with an impossibly strange house and a lot of redheads, immediately cementing this world''s identity for Kyle.


    Moreover, the fact that he lived in this area also confirmed that Kyle, in this life, came from a wizarding family. His father, Chris, worked at the Ministry of Magic as the Deputy Director of the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures, specifically heading the Beast Division. With a family talent for communicating with magical creatures, Chris was also a famous magizoologist and one of the few students of Newt Scamander.


    Kyle''s mother, Diana, worked at the Ministry too, but in the Department of Mysteries. He didn''t know exactly what she did there¡ªhis attempts to find out had all failed. His parents were excellent at keeping secrets, never revealing a single detail.


    As for his family''s social standing... it was, well, mediocre. They had no famous ancestors or prestigious history, nothing compared to names like Dumbledore or Grindelwald. But even so, Kyle was more than satisfied. At least both his parents were wizards, and he was sure to attend Hogwarts. Unless, of course, he turned out to be a Squib.


    But that concern had been laid to rest when his first bout of accidental magic occurred at age three.


    Still, even though Kyle had known this day would come, he nearly jumped out of his skin when the owl pecked at his window with the letter in its beak. He had been clutching the parchment like a precious treasure ever since, even sleeping with it and rereading it obsessively.


    ...


    "Honey, you''ve been staring at that letter for three days now. Can you put it down? I promise you, it''s real!" Chris said, looking at his grinning son with a hint of exasperation. "Don''t forget, we¡¯re meeting the Weasleys today to go to Diagon Alley. Don¡¯t keep them waiting."


    "Okay, Dad, I¡¯m coming!" Kyle replied, quickly tucking the Hogwarts acceptance letter away¡ªthough not without one last glance¡ªbefore jumping to his feet. He rapped a knuckle on a nearby stake and called out, "Groot, I¡¯m heading out!"


    At his words, a small green Bowtruckle leaped out and waved goodbye to him.


    The Chopper family didn¡¯t have many magical creatures¡ªonly Groot and a Kneazle named Tom. Despite his role at the Ministry, Chris didn''t keep large numbers of magical creatures. Even Groot and Tom had only stayed because they refused to leave.


    It wasn¡¯t that Chris disliked magical creatures¡ªfar from it. He just believed they shouldn''t be kept by witches and wizards unless they were truly pets. This belief was firm, even though Chris was known as a gentle, agreeable man at the Ministry. Newt Scamander had the same view, always advocating that magical creatures belonged in the wild.


    In fact, Kyle had met Newt Scamander several times, and he noticed something interesting about the legendary magizoologist. Magical creatures seemed to flock to him.


    Kyle remembered clearly the day he had witnessed a Diricawl, a bird known for its natural camouflage and flighty nature, diving headfirst into Newt''s arms. It was absurd, considering that Diricawls usually kept their distance from humans.


    Over the years, Kyle had encountered magical creatures around Newt time and again¡ªSalamanders, injured Unicorns, even a Fire Crab that had narrowly escaped being used in potion-making.


    Some creatures were smuggled into Britain and escaped, while others seemed to find Newt by sheer coincidence. They appeared by his side in the most unbelievable ways, and Newt''s peculiar bond with magical creatures was undeniable.


    This talent had earned Newt a blacklist from many Ministries of Magic, since injured or protective magical creatures were prone to sudden, dangerous outbursts. Just imagine sipping afternoon tea when a wild Manticore or Nundu suddenly lunged at you! It was enough to make anyone sweat. S~ea??h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Why would dark wizards like Voldemort bother causing havoc when Newt could do it simply by taking a holiday? Kyle thought with a grin. Newt didn¡¯t even need to lift a finger.


    It was a wonder that Tina, Newt''s wife, had managed to "seal" him away at home. The entire wizarding world probably owed her a First-Class Order of Merlin for that.


    Still, Newt¡¯s presence had undoubtedly made life hectic for the Ministry¡¯s Magical Creature division. Smugglers had turned the British wizarding world into their favorite marketplace. Even so, most incidents remained minor, with only a few wizards suffering injuries over the years. It seemed that Newt¡¯s residence added an odd sort of protective charm to the area.


    But Chris wasn¡¯t as lucky. His job often meant working overtime, yet Kyle could tell his father secretly enjoyed it.


    ...


    As Kyle headed for the door, he noticed his mother, Diana, had come home early from work. She was smiling at him, her long black hair impeccably styled, and her elegant black robes with white trim accentuated her dignified appearance. Her light blue eyes glowed with affection as she looked at Kyle.


    , Kyle thought, admiring his mother as always. Then he glanced at his father¡ª, he mused, noting how the two made a good pair. Most importantly, Chris wasn¡¯t balding yet, which put him ahead of Mr. Weasley in the looks department.


    With such strong genes, it was no surprise that Kyle had turned out well, too. In fact, among his peers, he was considered quite striking, though he hardly paid it any mind. Looks weren''t something he cared about.


    "Sorry I¡¯m late," Kyle said as he joined his parents by the door.


    "If you had put the letter down earlier, maybe you wouldn''t have been, Hogwarts isn''t going to leave the United Kingdom just because you let go of the letter," Chris joked, grinning at his own remark.


    Kyle didn¡¯t quite get the joke, but he offered his father a polite smile for his effort.


    "Alright, let¡¯s go. We¡¯ve got a lot to buy, and we shouldn''t keep the Weasleys waiting," Diana said, ending the awkward exchange as she gently took Kyle¡¯s hand. With a loud , she Disapparated, taking Kyle with her.


    Seeing them vanish, Chris quickly followed suit.

 Chapter 2: Leaky Cauldron

    The Leaky Cauldron, established in the early 16th century, is a favorite haunt of witches and wizards. It also serves as the entrance to Diagon Alley, the only magical street in the wizarding world.


    As Diana led Kyle through the door, the previously bustling bar fell silent, as if someone had hit the pause button. The sudden quiet was as eerie as a late-night study session before a final exam.


    The strange atmosphere lingered until Chris followed them inside. Even then, the room didn¡¯t return to its usual energy, with everyone seemingly keeping their voices intentionally low.


    There was, however, one exception.


    The bar owner, Tom, approached with a look of surprise. "Diana! Long time no see. Fancy a drink? It''s on me."


    "Maybe next time, Tom," Diana replied with a smile. She patted Kyle on the shoulder and pointed towards the Weasley family, who were approaching. "We need to head to Diagon Alley to buy a few things, so we¡¯re a bit pressed for time."


    "Oh, of course," Tom said, realizing the situation. "Time flies, doesn¡¯t it? Kyle¡¯s already eleven, so you''re here for his Hogwarts supplies?"


    "Yes," Diana confirmed with a smile.


    "You¡¯re cutting it close! Better get going, you know where to head." Tom stepped aside to let Kyle pass but then glanced down at him, adding with a playful sternness, "And Kyle, if you mess with that bin again, I¡¯ll be writing a letter of complaint to Hogwarts. By Merlin''s beard! Do you know how frantic the new students get when they can¡¯t find their way into Diagon Alley? Don¡¯t make an old man with bad legs do unnecessary work!"


    Kyle felt a little embarrassed being called out like this. Clearly, this wasn¡¯t his first time in Diagon Alley. But honestly, what kind of transmigrator would he be if he didn¡¯t mess with a few things now and then? Moving the trash cans was practically a rite of passage.


    Still, with his parents around, he couldn¡¯t admit that, so he just grinned awkwardly. "Promise I won¡¯t do it again."


    Tom waved it off, not too bothered, but Diana raised her eyebrows, casting a thoughtful look at her son. Her intuition told her something was off about that promise, but with the Weasley family now arriving, she let it go.


    "Oh, Kyle, dear!" Mrs. Molly Weasley greeted him with a warm hug, then pulled Diana aside for a chat.


    Meanwhile, Mr. Weasley made his way over to Chris, immediately striking up a conversation.


    The two families were close. Diana and Molly were best friends, able to talk about anything, and Chris and Arthur had also developed a strong bond. After Kyle was born, they had even moved in with the Weasleys for a while, accepting their generous invitation. Kyle had heard the adults mention these things many times during meals.


    Because of the friendship between their parents, Kyle naturally became friends with the Weasley children as well.


    As soon as the adults wandered off, Kyle felt two arms drape across his shoulders¡ªone on each side.


    ¡°Hey, Fred, look who it is,¡± said George with a grin.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you Hogwarts¡¯ newest student this year?¡± Fred chimed in, drawing out the word "new."


    "Hogwarts can be pretty dangerous, especially for a newbie like you," George continued with mock concern.


    "Of course, if you¡¯re nice to us, we be able to help you out," Fred added with a wink.


    Kyle rolled his eyes at their antics but ignored them, greeting the other Weasley children instead. ¡°Long time no see, Percy, Ron, Ginny.¡±


    They each smiled warmly and nodded back.


    ¡°Long time no see, Kyle,¡± the trio said in unison.


    The Weasley family had seven children in total, but today only five were present. Bill was off in Egypt, and Charlie had left a month ago for parts unknown.


    As the group chatted, they made their way to the back courtyard of the Leaky Cauldron, the entrance to Diagon Alley. Mr. Weasley, leading the way, quickly located the correct brick and tapped it with his wand.


    Meanwhile, at the back of the group, Fred and George exchanged knowing glances. They''d been waiting for Kyle to respond to their teasing but, seeing that he hadn¡¯t, they silently decided to teach the impolite first-year a lesson.


    In their pockets was the latest creation from their mischief-making minds: a special powder that, when sprinkled lightly in someone''s hair, could produce an unbelievable level of grease. It was as if you hadn¡¯t washed your hair in ten days¡ªtruly a marvel of grossness.


    The twins had tested it on themselves and the results had been spectacular. If things went well, they might even unlock a hidden bonus effect, giving Kyle a glimpse of what middle-aged wizards often had to deal with.


    Grinning, they carefully took out the powder, ready to strike. But just as they were about to put their plan into action, Chris¡¯s voice came from ahead.


    ¡°Hagrid? What are you doing in Diagon Alley?¡±


    Chris''s voice, usually calm, now carried a sharp note of alarm that instantly caught the attention of the twins. They had heard that tone far too often not to react instinctively. Something was up.


    ¡°It¡¯s nothing, really,¡± Hagrid stammered. The three-meter-tall, two-meter-wide half-Giant actually shivered slightly when he spotted Chris. His eyes darted nervously for a moment. But then, as if he¡¯d suddenly remembered something, he visibly relaxed and pulled out a small package from his coat pocket. ¡°I, uh, I¡¯m just here buyin¡¯ some berry seeds. Harry Potter¡¯s goin¡¯ to Hogwarts next year, and I thought I¡¯d bake ¡®im a birthday cake. Wanted it to be special.¡±


    ¡°Really?¡± Chris¡¯s voice didn¡¯t soften, his eyes narrowing at the small package. ¡°If I recall correctly, the Hogwarts kitchen has enough ingredients to make ten cakes. Why the extra seeds?¡±


    Chris''s tone was sharp, almost accusatory. To an outsider, he might have appeared hostile, the sort of man you¡¯d mistake for a villain in the wrong setting. But Kyle, the twins, and even the Weasleys¡ªall of whom were on good terms with Hagrid¡ªwatched silently, their expressions unchanged. This was just how things were.


    And indeed, it was. As the deputy director of the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures, and head of the Beast Division, Chris had seen Hagrid''s antics far too many times to count. S§×arch* The Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    In fact, if Chris had to name the one person who caused him the most headaches, it would undoubtedly be Rubeus Hagrid, the beloved yet notorious Keeper of Keys and Grounds at Hogwarts.


    The man was an endless source of work for him. Hagrid¡¯s obsession with magical creatures¡ªespecially cross-breeding them¡ªdrove Chris mad. Just last month, he¡¯d had to deal with the aftermath of one of Hagrid¡¯s creations: a Runespoor hybrid, a two-tailed snake that Hagrid had somehow bred by crossing a Crup with a Runespoor.


    Merlin knows where Hagrid even finds these creatures. Chris had been a student at Hogwarts, and he certainly didn¡¯t remember any Runespoors in the Forbidden Forest. It wasn¡¯t like you could just stumble upon one there.


    As a traditional Magizoologist, Chris considered such hybrid creations unnatural, even heretical. In his eyes, these sorts of magical experiments were dangerous and should be banned. He had tried to pass legislation several times to regulate these kinds of activities, but the Ministry never took him seriously. After Cornelius Fudge became Minister of Magic, Chris had even visited his office to push for change, only to be met with delays and empty promises. Fudge clearly didn¡¯t see magical creatures as a priority, preferring to focus on maintaining good relations with the more powerful wizards at Hogwarts.


    Because of this, Chris¡¯s hands were tied. He couldn¡¯t stop Hagrid from creating these magical hybrids, no matter how reckless they were. Instead, he was left to clean up the mess, recording, categorizing, and monitoring Hagrid¡¯s creations. Over time, Chris had built up a considerable amount of frustration and resentment toward Hagrid. The only reason he didn¡¯t confront him outright¡ªperhaps even physically¡ªwas because children were present.


    And make no mistake, Chris could handle himself. Despite his bureaucratic role, he spent much of his time in the field dealing with dangerous magical creatures. He wasn¡¯t worried about taking on a half-Giant, especially one like Hagrid, who didn¡¯t have his wand.


    Hagrid, knowing he was on thin ice, hurriedly opened the package to reveal nothing but a handful of seeds. ¡°By Dumbledore¡¯s name, I swear, I only came to Diagon Alley to buy these seeds.¡±


    Chris, hearing the name of the revered headmaster, visibly relaxed. He trusted Hagrid¡¯s respect for Dumbledore and knew the half-Giant wouldn¡¯t lie about something so trivial. After a moment, Chris offered a few quick instructions, then let him go without further questioning.


    Kyle, meanwhile, watched Hagrid¡¯s retreating figure thoughtfully. ¡°Not this time,¡± he muttered to himself. ¡°But what about all the other times?¡±


    Kyle remembered well that in the first film, Hagrid had bought a Three-Headed Dog¡ªFluffy¡ªfrom a mysterious Greek in a bar.


    Was it the Pig¡¯s Head? Or perhaps the Leaky Cauldron? He wasn¡¯t sure. But what he did know was that the Leaky Cauldron, for all its respectability, wasn¡¯t exactly clean. A lot of grey-market deals happened here, especially since it was the only place that provided accommodations without checking IDs. Many smugglers with small, easily hidden items would choose to stay at the Cauldron, conducting their business in plain sight.


    And it was no secret among the magical underworld that Hogwarts had a gamekeeper with a deep passion for magical creatures. It wouldn¡¯t be hard for someone like Hagrid to acquire rare and dangerous beasts.


    ¡°Tsk, who said Hagrid¡¯s simple-minded?¡± Kyle mused. ¡°The guy¡¯s got more going on than people realize.¡±


    Kyle suspected his father, Chris, didn¡¯t know about all of Hagrid¡¯s dealings yet. But Kyle had no intention of ratting him out. After all, who wouldn¡¯t want to own a Three-Headed Dog?

 Chapter 3: Diagon Alley

    After careful consideration, Kyle decided it was best to play a trick on the twins and keep the news about the Three-Headed Dog to himself.


    Who said he didn¡¯t have a fondness for magical creatures? Sure, he wasn''t Newt Scamander and didn¡¯t have that unique touch, but creatures like the Three-Headed Dog were rare, even in Greece. If he missed this opportunity, it would be hard to see one again. All things considered, it was better to have some fun with Fred and George.


    But to ease his conscience, Kyle slipped out of the twins'' hold as quickly as possible and gave Chris an apologetic look. Chris, understandably, was baffled. One of the twins had the same confused expression.


    They had been just about to carry out their plan¡ªsprinkling some confetti-like powder over Kyle¡¯s head for a little mischief¡ªbut Kyle ducked and ran at the last second. Unfortunately for the twins, they had already thrown the confetti! It could have happened a second earlier or later, but of course, it landed at the worst possible moment.


    The twins stood there, dumbfounded, watching the confetti make a perfect arc through the air¡ªonly to fall on the other twin¡¯s head.


    "Shh..."


    Suddenly, both Fred and George were furiously scratching their heads like agitated baboons. Their already messy hair became even wilder, a true bird''s nest of confetti and chaos. Honestly, even the Sorting Hat looked more dignified at this point.


    "Oh, Fred, George, what are you up to now!" Mrs. Weasley¡¯s voice rang out, clearly embarrassed as more people began to stare at the scene. Her cheeks flushed, and she marched over to the twins, grabbing each of them by the ear and dragging them away, her face red with both anger and humiliation.


    At least in the alley, away from the main street of Diagon Alley, fewer people could see them. On the main road, it had been mortifying¡ªher sons imitating baboons in front of everyone.


    "By Merlin¡¯s beard!" she muttered under her breath. ''If this keeps up, the Weasley family¡¯s reputation will be ruined! Ruined!''


    Her actions were swift, and the twins, though grinning at first, were soon breathing heavily, their earlier bravado crushed. Kyle swore he saw tears welling up in their eyes, and if that was true, he could only marvel at how alike they were¡ªeven their tears appeared in the same spots.


    On the other side, as Mrs. Weasley escorted the twins away, Mr. Weasley looked visibly relieved. He hid his embarrassment with great difficulty, urging the rest of the group to move ahead and start their shopping without waiting for the twins.


    At the back of the group, Kyle had positioned himself beside Ron, struggling to suppress his laughter. However, the moment he looked up and caught his mother¡¯s gaze, his whole body tensed. He forced a grin, an awkward and polite smile plastered on his face.


    Diana had an uncanny sixth sense¡ªnothing ever escaped her notice. Since childhood, Kyle had learned that he could hardly ever get away with anything. His only saving grace with his transmigration secret was that she hadn¡¯t given birth to him for five or six months after he arrived in this world. If not for that, he was convinced his secret would¡¯ve been discovered long ago.


    Kyle scratched his head, thinking to himself.


    Diana, sensing his guilt, didn¡¯t say a word but gave him a warning look before turning her attention elsewhere. It wasn¡¯t all that serious¡ªMrs. Weasley was just overly worried.


    Fred and George¡¯s antics were notorious at Hogwarts, and word of their exploits had spread through the wizarding world, even reaching Diana¡¯s ears. She had heard stories of exploding toilet seats, sneaking a sack over Mrs Norris during a nighttime stroll, and throwing rotten eggs under Slytherin freshmen¡¯s seats, accusing them of having accidents in class. Compared to all that, imitating baboons in the street seemed minor. sea??h th§× NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    People who witnessed the scene would probably just laugh it off. There was no real threat to the Weasley family¡¯s reputation¡ªunless you asked a certain pureblood with long blonde hair, but he wouldn¡¯t be named here.


    Mrs. Weasley¡¯s strong reaction came from her not yet being accustomed to the twins'' troublemaking. After all, Bill, Charlie, and even Percy had been outstanding students, and in her mind, she still saw Fred and George through that lens. She couldn¡¯t quite reconcile their behavior with the image of her older children.


    Granted, Bill and Charlie hadn¡¯t been entirely well-behaved at home or in their early school days, but no one could deny that they were top students at Hogwarts. For Mrs. Weasley, it was as if she couldn¡¯t let go of the expectation that Fred and George would follow in their older brothers¡¯ footsteps.


    To put it in perspective, imagine the prim and proper Percy suddenly imitating a baboon in the street. That would give anyone pause.


    But this phase wouldn¡¯t last forever. Give it a year or two, and after more news about the twins¡¯ escapades from Hogwarts, Mrs. Weasley would grow accustomed to their ways. And, in time, she¡¯d learn to handle their antics with far more composure.


    ...


    Not long after the little episode with the twins, the group split up. Since Ron and Ginny were not yet old enough to attend Hogwarts, the Weasleys only needed to buy schoolbooks for Fred, George, and Percy. However, as a new student, Kyle had a long list of supplies to get, with the most important item being his wand.


    Kyle didn¡¯t need directions¡ªhe knew Diagon Alley like the back of his hand. Before long, he reached his destination: the small, slightly run-down shop.


    Kyle stood in the doorway, a bit speechless, as he always was when he visited the place. The shop looked so neglected, with thick layers of dust on the windows. You could practically scrape the grime off and mold it into a sculpture right outside the door. Did wizards have a preference for old, worn-out things?


    Kyle thought.


    Then again, Ollivanders was the most renowned wand shop in the wizarding world, and maybe that was part of the charm¡ªexclusivity wrapped in mystery and age. he mused. But Gringotts, also an exclusive business, didn¡¯t look like it was falling apart. He had wondered about this for a long time, even asking Chris and Mr. Weasley in the past, but neither had given him a clear answer.


    Standing there now, Kyle could only shrug, deciding to chalk it up to the eccentricity of a master craftsman. After all, Ollivander¡¯s reputation was unparalleled, and it was important to maintain good relations. Asking why his shop was so rundown might offend the legendary wandmaker. That was a conversation best left untouched.


    However, Kyle did consider a different option: since Ron would be starting school next year, he could discuss it with Fred and George and see if they¡¯d be willing to poke around for an answer.


    Kyle thought, smirking to himself.

 Chapter 4: The Wand Chooses the Wizard

    In any case, Kyle still had a wand to buy, so he carefully pushed open the door and stepped inside.


    Diana and Chris hadn¡¯t followed him in; they probably assumed the process of choosing a wand would take a while. After hearing that Kyle needed to visit Ollivanders first, they had decided to head to Gringotts instead.


    ...


    The inside of the shop, while still old and cluttered, was much cleaner than the exterior. Shelves stacked high with narrow, dusty boxes lined the walls, and though the items appeared haphazardly arranged, there was a certain order to the chaos.


    With a soft chime from the door, an elderly man¡¯s graying head popped up behind the counter.


    "Good afternoon, my boy," said Ollivander, his sharp eyes glinting with curiosity as he examined Kyle. Then, as if struck by an odd thought, he asked, "Are you here alone?"


    "Yes," Kyle replied, feeling puzzled. "Is there a problem?" S§×arch* The Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Ollivander shook his head. "No, of course not." But as he spoke, Kyle caught a fleeting look of disappointment in his eyes.


    Kyle thought, shaking his head to clear the feeling.


    "Alright then, young wizard," Ollivander continued, stepping out from behind the counter. "May I ask your name?"


    "Kyle Chopper," Kyle answered promptly.


    "Chopper..." Ollivander repeated, his brow furrowing slightly. "And Mr. Chris is...?"


    "My father," Kyle clarified.


    "Ah, of course..." Ollivander muttered, glancing briefly toward the door before quickly turning back. "The name Chopper isn¡¯t one I often hear in the British wizarding world, you see."


    Now it was obvious¡ªOllivander disappointed. Kyle couldn¡¯t deny it. The old wandmaker¡¯s face practically screamed it when he learned Chris was his father. Not only that, but Ollivander had started muttering something about "Willow wood" or "Hornbeam wood" under his breath, though Kyle couldn¡¯t quite make it out.


    Still, Kyle was more interested in getting his wand than worrying about why Ollivander seemed so bothered. After all, he was here for business.


    "Mr. Ollivander, I¡¯m right-handed," Kyle said, extending his arms straight out to make the measuring process easier. He knew the drill. Measurements were taken, then came the long process of testing wands, which could take quite a while. With so many wands in the shop, it was unlikely Ollivander would find the perfect match in one go. The usual method involved trying wands one by one.


    Kyle braced himself for what he expected to be a lengthy search.


    But Ollivander¡¯s next words took him by surprise.


    "Oh, my boy, if it¡¯s you, there¡¯s no need for that."


    Before Kyle could even react, Ollivander bypassed the usual measuring entirely. He walked straight to the counter, pulled out a wand box from the most prominent spot, opened it, and placed it in front of Kyle with swift precision, as though he had known all along which wand would suit him.


    "Well? What are you waiting for? Try it!" Ollivander urged when Kyle hesitated.


    "Huh? Oh, right," Kyle replied, snapping out of his confusion. He picked up the wand from the box.


    It was a simple wand, gray-black in color, with a smooth surface free of any elaborate decorations or engravings. Aside from the standard handle, there were no frills¡ªjust an ordinary, unassuming wand.


    But the moment Kyle held it, before he had even attempted to cast a spell, a bright white light shot out from the wand¡¯s tip, flooding the entire shop with light. The previously dim and dusty room felt instantly transformed, as if a skylight had been opened, bathing the shop in warmth and brightness.


    "Good, excellent," Ollivander exclaimed, clearly thrilled. Without waiting for Kyle to ask, he continued speaking to himself, "Thirteen and a half inches, cedar wood, phoenix feather core. I must say, this is a rather magical combination."


    "A magical match?" Kyle echoed, a little confused.


    "Yes, magical," Ollivander said with a patient smile, looking directly at Kyle. "A cedar wand usually chooses a wizard with great wisdom and keen insight. These wizards are calm by nature, and every choice they make is carefully considered. As my father used to say, you can never fool a wizard who carries a cedar wand. I wholeheartedly agree with that."


    He went on, explaining, "Cedar wand owners tend to favor the stability and loyalty of unicorn tail hair cores. Phoenix tail feathers, by contrast, are known for their fiery and independent nature¡ªsometimes too aggressive. In fact, I¡¯ve crafted and sold 36 cedar wands in total. Of those, 30 contained unicorn tail hair, and five had dragon heartstrings. The last one..." Ollivander paused, smiling broadly as he pointed at Kyle, "... is the one you''re holding now."


    Kyle, still puzzled, asked, "But sir, didn¡¯t you say those materials don¡¯t typically go well together? Then why did you make it?"


    "Not make it because the materials don''t usually pair well? Oh, no, no, no, that would be quite wrong," Ollivander chuckled, shaking his head. "You see, the wand chooses the wizard, my boy. From the moment they are created, each wand knows exactly who its wizard will be. It¡¯s not that the materials don''t work together; rather, they only find harmony in the hands of their destined owner."


    He gestured to the stacks of dusty wand boxes behind him. "Those wands over there, still waiting for their owners... They¡¯re not here because they¡¯re bad wands, but because their time hasn''t come. Their wizards are simply waiting for their letters from Hogwarts."


    Ollivander paused for a moment, then continued with a gleam in his eye. "And you see, even the most seemingly opposite wands and cores can work perfectly together in the hands of the right wizard. That''s the beauty of wandlore. Take the wand you¡¯re holding now. Your father, Chris, tried it. Your mother, Diana, tried it. But it wasn¡¯t a perfect match for either of them¡ªthey were close, but not quite right. And so, after I learned of your birth, I¡¯ve been waiting for this day. It¡¯s truly perfect, isn¡¯t it?"


    Kyle nodded slowly, still absorbing the moment. The feeling of control and connection with the wand in his hand was powerful, almost addictive. He couldn¡¯t imagine parting with it now.


    Though the process had been different than expected, the result was better than he could have hoped for. Kyle was very satisfied with his new wand.


    "Well then, my boy, seven galleons," Ollivander said, smiling even more brightly now.


    "Okay," Kyle replied, pulling out the seven gold galleons he had prepared in advance and placing them on the counter. The price for a first-year student¡¯s wand was always seven galleons, a reasonable deal for such a crucial item. This discount only applied to young wizards enrolling at Hogwarts for the first time.


    After Kyle paid, Ollivander bowed slightly in gratitude. He watched Kyle leave the shop before turning his attention to the next young wizard who had just stepped inside, accompanied by an adult.


    "Oh, we meet again, Mr. Thomas. Eleven inches, hawthorn wood..."

 Chapter 5: Shopping

    "It seems you''ve got the cedarwood wand," Chris remarked the moment they met up outside Madam Malkin''s Robes for All Occasions. He immediately recognized the wand Kyle was holding.


    It was a rather unusual match, and Chris had always been impressed by it. In fact, it was this very type of wand that had led him to first meet Diana. Now, unexpectedly, it was in Kyle¡¯s hands.


    Chris looked at Kyle with a hint of emotion, but his expression soon shifted as if a thought had just struck him. He patted Kyle¡¯s shoulder heavily and said, "My dear, I regret to inform you that with this wand, you¡¯re probably not going to end up in Gryffindor."


    "Not in Gryffindor?" Kyle¡¯s mouth twitched slightly. He already had an idea of what his father meant. Ollivander had mentioned that cedar wands chose wizards with sharp insight and a natural calmness. Gryffindor, on the other hand... well, calmness wasn¡¯t exactly their defining trait.


    Kyle hadn¡¯t even started school yet, and he was already being rejected by a house. It was kind of disheartening news.


    "What are you two laughing about?" Diana asked curiously as she walked over, her arms full of supplies. She had gone to buy Kyle a cauldron and had also stopped by the stationery shop to pick up some quills and parchment, so she hadn¡¯t heard the conversation.


    "Nothing much, just that Dad said I won¡¯t get into Gryffindor if I carry this wand," Kyle explained, holding up his new wand for Diana to see.


    Diana, recognizing the cedar wand as well, laughed along with Chris. "I¡¯m sorry, dear, but I think your father might be right."


    Neither Chris nor Diana seemed to care much which Hogwarts house Kyle would be sorted into. To them, as long as it was Hogwarts, the house didn¡¯t really matter. Kyle felt the same way.


    ...


    Like choosing a wand, getting fitted for school robes was a time-consuming task. Mrs. Malkin, a true professional, took her time measuring Kyle, but even so, it took over twenty minutes just to get the basic measurements. Since Kyle was a bit taller than most boys his age, the shop didn¡¯t have his size in stock, meaning the robes would need to be custom-made. That would take around two hours.


    Kyle thought it over and decided it would be more convenient to leave his home address and have the robes delivered by owl. It was already 5:00 p.m., and two hours later it would be 7:00 p.m.¡ªtoo late to wait around. Express delivery seemed like the best option.


    Their next stop was , the bookstore.


    This time, the shopping was much quicker. It took Kyle less than five minutes to gather all his required textbooks for the upcoming school year. In addition to the standard set, he also picked up two extra books for leisure reading.


    The first was by Newt Scamander. Although his family already owned nineteen copies of the book, Kyle couldn¡¯t resist supporting Newt by buying the latest version. The new edition had thirty extra pages and introduced seven new magical creatures. It was a great deal and a worthy addition to his collection.


    The second book was something Kyle stumbled upon by accident. While heading to the checkout, he kicked a dusty book out of a corner.


    .


    As the title suggested, it contained an assortment of common spells like the Lighting Charm, the Levitation Charm, and the Scouring Charm. What made the book appealing was its thoroughness¡ªthere were a ton of spells packed into it. It was like the spell version of , and at just one galleon, it was a bargain.


    Kyle flipped through it briefly before deciding to buy it. It might not be all that useful in the long run, but it seemed like good entertainment for when he had time to kill.


    In truth, there were many more books Kyle wanted to read¡ªbooks on charms, potions, transfiguration, and more. The list could probably fill an entire parchment. However, he refrained from purchasing them for a simple reason: he would soon be at Hogwarts, home to one of the oldest and largest libraries in the wizarding world.


    Why spend money on books when you could borrow them from the school¡¯s vast collection? Unless it was a textbook required for class or a book he was particularly fond of, Kyle didn¡¯t see the need to buy them. After all, galleons didn¡¯t grow on trees, and he wasn¡¯t about to spend frivolously when better resources were available at school.


    ...


    After leaving , Kyle had nearly finished shopping for the school year. In fact, he had already bought everything he needed. The only thing left on the typical Hogwarts list was a pet, but Kyle didn¡¯t need one.


    Chris had rescued many injured owls over the years, so the Chopper family had earned a strong reputation in the owl community. As a result, Kyle had more than enough owl assistance at his disposal. Whenever he stood by the window with a letter or package, a whole flock of owls¡ªmany from Hogwarts¡ªwould eagerly compete to deliver it for him. All he had to do was offer a few snacks as a reward. It was incredibly convenient and, more importantly, saved him the trouble of buying a pet.


    Kyle thought with satisfaction. S~ea??h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Kyle had originally planned to use the money he¡¯d saved to buy a broomstick. He didn¡¯t need one of the newest models¡ªsomething simple like the Nimbus 1500 or a Cleansweep Seven would do just fine.


    These older brooms were cost-effective, and while they didn¡¯t have the shine of newer models, their performance wasn¡¯t all that different. Plus, the price was less than a third of the latest brooms.


    Take, for example, the Nimbus 1500, which had been all the rage two years ago. Back then, it had sold for 300 galleons, but now, it was available for just 80 galleons¡ªpractically a steal. Kyle had been saving his pocket money for years, and he was almost ready to afford it.


    The Cleansweep Seven, another model he had his eye on, was a bit more expensive at around 100 galleons, but it was still within reach with a little help from Chris.


    Excited about the prospect, Kyle had brought up the idea of buying a broomstick. However, Diana shot the suggestion down in an instant. Her reasoning was simple: Hogwarts rules strictly prohibited first-year students from bringing their own broomsticks. Buying one now would be pointless, and there was already a broom at home he could use during the holidays.


    Chris, trying to remain neutral, could only give Kyle a helpless shrug, signaling that he had no choice but to side with Diana on this one. Still, wanting to lift Kyle''s spirits, Chris made sure to take him to the window of the Flying Broomstick Shop, letting him admire the brooms on display for a few moments before they headed toward the Leaky Cauldron.


    ...


    The Weasleys, who had accompanied them earlier, had already left while Kyle was getting his robes fitted. Mrs. Weasley needed to return home to prepare a large dinner, a task that took considerable time given the size of the Weasley family. Cooking for six children was no small task, even with the aid of magic, and it would take her more than an hour to get everything ready.


    Kyle regretted two things that day. First, he hadn¡¯t been able to buy the flying broomstick he had wanted so badly. And second, he had missed out on the chance to see the twins embarrass themselves again, a sight he had been looking forward to almost as much as the broom.

 Chapter 6: Before the Start of the Semester

    The days leading up to the start of the school year were busy and exciting for Kyle. He spent every waking moment in his room, experimenting with a variety of charms and spells. Although he came from a magical family, his opportunities to practice magic before now had been limited.


    For starters, neither Chris nor Diana treated their wands like ordinary tools¡ªthey considered them almost like an extension of themselves. Their wands were precious, and it wouldn''t be an exaggeration to say they viewed them as their second lives. As a result, Kyle was only allowed to hold their wands twice a year, on Christmas and his birthday.


    Kyle understood the significance of these moments. He made sure to keep things simple, using basic spells like the Wand-Lighting Charm or the Unlocking Charm, both of which had minimal risks even if they failed. But there was another challenge: wand compatibility.


    Even though Kyle was their son, both of his parents'' wands showed no affinity for him. The rejection was clear. Diana¡¯s wand, in particular, felt completely inert in Kyle¡¯s hands, no different than holding a regular stick. No matter how many times he recited the incantations, the wand refused to respond.


    Due to these limitations, Kyle had spent most of his pre-Hogwarts years focusing on non-magical subjects like Quidditch, Herbology, and Magical Creatures. He had very little actual practice with Spells. But now, at eleven years old, with his very own wand in hand, he could finally cut loose and explore his magical potential.


    Chris didn''t mind this at all. In fact, he enjoyed it, often offering Kyle enthusiastic advice and relishing his brief moments of playing the teacher. As a result, Kyle¡¯s room became a small haven of flickering light as he practiced spell after spell.


    At first, things went smoothly. Kyle was practicing basic charms that didn¡¯t cause much trouble for anyone else. But as he mastered more and more advanced spells, complications inevitably arose.


    ...


    One afternoon, as Chris sat at the dining table enjoying a cup of black tea, the teacup across from him suddenly lifted off the table and began to float slowly upstairs.


    Chris, unfazed, tapped his wand and gently guided the cup back down to the table. "Kyle," he called out, "you must always know exactly where you want the object to go when using And I suggest starting with a quill or parchment¡ªat least they won¡¯t break."


    "Okay, Dad," Kyle¡¯s voice echoed from upstairs, though Chris wasn¡¯t entirely convinced he was listening. After all, this wasn¡¯t the first time something like this had happened. In fact, Chris had used more Mending Charms in the last few days than he had in the past ten years. He had even been forced to apply Anti-Summoning Charms to every fragile object in the house.


    Just as Chris was lost in thought, a loaf of bread whizzed past his head and smashed into the ceiling with a loud .


    "..." S~ea??h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    To be fair, Kyle was improving¡ªthe bread had flown much faster this time.


    With a sigh, Chris waved his wand to send the loaf back to the kitchen, all while silently praising Diana¡¯s foresight. She had confiscated Kyle¡¯s cauldron on the very first day. If not for her quick thinking, Chris shuddered to imagine what state the house might have been in by now.


    After all, eleven-year-old wizards, especially new ones, were notorious for causing a bit of chaos. The Weasleys next door had proven that much. And their own family was no exception.


    But fortunately, those chaotic days were almost over. Hogwarts was starting tomorrow, and that thought filled Chris with relief.


    Finally, a break.


    With a contented sigh, Chris lifted his cup of black tea and took a long, satisfying sip.


    ...


    As evening approached, time passed quickly. Diana hadn''t returned home yet due to a task she had to finish, so Chris, who was utterly useless in the kitchen, eagerly accepted Mrs. Weasley''s invitation to bring Kyle over for dinner at The Burrow, which was just a short walk away. He brought along some ingredients, but his gesture wasn¡¯t met with the warmest reception.


    Mrs. Weasley, unsurprisingly, was not pleased. She scolded Chris for bringing food when he was supposed to be a guest, telling him it was a sign of distrust in their friendship. Chris didn¡¯t argue, though. He simply tossed the ingredients into the kitchen with a laugh and allowed her to vent, knowing this routine all too well.


    Meanwhile, Kyle had naturally blended in with the Weasley children. This was nothing new for him¡ªwhenever Diana was off on an errand and couldn¡¯t make it back, he and Chris often had dinner with the Weasleys. This familiar scene played out every time, making it a regular part of their lives.


    Not far from the house, Kyle and the Weasley kids were "cleaning up" the gnomes from the garden. The term "cleaning" was used loosely¡ªthey were really just playing a game. The rules were simple: one person grabbed a gnome by the legs and flung it into the air, while the other used a wooden bat to hit it like a hacky sack. Whoever sent the gnome the farthest won the game and earned the grand prize¡ªa box of Bertie Bott''s Every Flavour Beans.


    Initially, Chris didn¡¯t approve of the game. He thought tossing the gnomes out of the garden should be enough, without the added element of batting practice. But his perspective shifted when, one day, he discovered that the gnomes had dug up the Scurvy- he¡¯d been carefully cultivating for a year.


    After that, he stopped objecting. In fact, he even gifted Kyle a top-quality bat for Christmas, signed by the batsmen of the Wimbourne Wasps. It was well-crafted, perfectly balanced, and ideal for smacking gnomes. Since then, Kyle had won five consecutive gnome-batting championships.


    Today was no exception.


    "It''s not fair," Ron complained, glancing at Kyle''s signed bat and then at the stick he''d picked up from the ground. "The equipment gap is too big."


    "It''s not that big," Kyle said, smiling. "Equipment is secondary. What''s important is having the belief in your heart that you can win. I don¡¯t win because my bat is better¡ªI win because I want it more than you do."


    Kyle tossed Ron a bright red Bertie Bott¡¯s bean. ¡°By the way, Ron, before you start grumbling about equipment, you might want to focus on beating Ginny first. Her stick is way smaller than yours, and she¡¯s still ahead of you.¡±


    There were five players in today¡¯s game, and Ron had landed in last place, even several meters behind his younger sister, Ginny.


    Kyle¡¯s words made Ron¡¯s face flush with embarrassment. Losing to Ginny wasn¡¯t exactly something he could brag about.


    But his attention was quickly drawn to the bean Kyle had tossed him. It was bright red and looked tempting. He cautiously popped it into his mouth, hoping for a decent flavor. As soon as the taste hit, Ron''s face lit up¡ªit was raspberry! He chewed happily, savoring the sweet flavor. Somehow, Kyle always managed to pick out the best Bertie Bott¡¯s beans.


    Ron couldn¡¯t help feeling envious. He had never figured out how Kyle did it. Every time Ron picked a bean, it was something awful like liver or spinach. Once, he even had the misfortune of eating one that tasted like dragon dung. The mix of fishy, rotten berry with fermented undertones had been enough to make him gag. The mere thought of it made his stomach churn all over again.

 Chapter 7: Dinner

    Kyle, Ron, and the rest of the Weasley children had spent the evening throwing gnomes in the yard, but now it was time for dinner. After playing for a while, Mrs. Weasley''s familiar voice called out from The Burrow, announcing that the meal was ready. The group, already hungry, quickly abandoned their game and made their way back to the house.


    As they walked, Kyle casually handed out the remaining Bertie Bott''s Every Flavour Beans from the prize box he had won earlier. He gave Ron one and popped one into his own mouth, leaving the rest for Ginny. The young girl, wary of the dreaded dragon dung flavor, hurried over to Kyle, hoping he''d help her avoid any unpleasant surprises.


    Kyle understood her request, but he resolutely refused, saying, "Young people need to try new things, Ginny. After all, the whole point of Bertie Bott''s Beans is the surprise. If there were no risks, they''d just be called sugar beans."


    Ginny pouted, but Kyle stood his ground. He wasn''t being lazy¡ªhe was just encouraging her sense of adventure. After all, the tagline was "Every bite is a new adventure!"


    A few minutes later, the group started toward the house, Kyle leading the way with Ron close behind. But before they got far, Fred and George came barreling forward, shoving Ron to the side as they hurried past. Ron stumbled, nearly falling into a nearby gnome hole, and shot the twins an angry look. His face turned red with frustration, clearly ready to lash out at them if they didn¡¯t apologize.


    Unfortunately for Ron, Fred and George didn''t even notice. Their attention was completely focused on Kyle. They''d been scheming ever since their mishap in Diagon Alley, which they considered one of the most embarrassing moments of their lives. The twins had been waiting for the perfect opportunity to get back at Kyle, and now that they were back at The Burrow, that chance had arrived.


    Ron fumed silently behind them, but he knew from experience that confronting his older brothers would only lead to a tussle he couldn''t win. Fred and George had bullied him plenty of times before, and things usually worked themselves out after a few days and a shared snack. For now, however, Ron had no choice but to accept that they were too focused on Kyle to care about his grievances.


    As everyone made their way to the dining area, Mrs. Weasley set up a cozy table outside in the yard to accommodate the larger group. Once Kyle sat down in his usual spot, Fred and George quickly flanked him, sitting on either side with suspicious grins. Kyle raised an eyebrow, immediately sensing that something was up.


    ¡°Huh?¡± he muttered to himself, a little surprised. He had never seen the twins sit apart like this. Their sudden positioning was far too deliberate. "This doesn''t bode well," Kyle thought.


    Their intentions were clear enough, but without knowing what they had planned, Kyle decided to act normal and helped Mrs. Weasley finish setting the table. As he arranged the last dish, his nose was met with the mouthwatering aroma of hearty home-cooked food: fluffy, crispy buns, soft roasted potatoes, fragrant roast chicken, golden fried chicken nuggets, and tender veal steaks. It was a feast fit for a family, as always at the Weasleys'' table.


    Once the food was served and everyone had taken their seats, dinner officially began. Kyle remained cautious throughout, keenly aware that the twins were likely planning some kind of mischief. He carefully examined every bite, not wanting to accidentally eat something strange. He''d rather not suffer any public embarrassment, especially with Fred and George sitting so close, clearly plotting something.


    Though the food was delicious, Kyle couldn¡¯t help but wonder about Hogwarts'' meals. He wasn''t expecting Chinese food, but maybe he could hope for some good French cuisine¡ªor at the very least, a decent pasta or pizza. For now, though, he kept his focus on his plate, determined not to fall into whatever trap Fred and George had prepared. Sear?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ...


    With Kyle on high alert, the twins'' plan seemed to stall. Throughout dinner, Fred and George behaved as usual, cracking jokes and making everyone laugh without showing any signs of mischief. Kyle''s suspicion began to wane as the meal progressed.


    However, just as the table reached its liveliest point, Fred struck. After telling a particularly funny joke about a Slytherin student with greasy hair, he turned to George and said, "Hey, George, Kyle¡¯s going to Hogwarts tomorrow. Should we give him some advice? You know, for his own safety. After all, it can be pretty dangerous."


    George, who had been struggling to swallow a large bite of steak, caught on immediately. He pretended to consider the suggestion for a moment before responding, "Hmm, I don¡¯t think it¡¯s necessary, Fred. We should trust Kyle¡ªhe¡¯s very capable. It¡¯s only an adult Troll after all. He¡¯ll definitely be able to take it down and pass the House sorting without any problems."


    Fred nodded solemnly. "You¡¯re right, George. And Mr. Kyle Chopper, with his pride, surely wouldn¡¯t want to rely on us for help. He doesn¡¯t even call us seniors."


    Their plan was simple: scare Kyle with exaggerated stories about Hogwarts'' House sorting, making him lose sleep the night before his big day. Fred, grinning with satisfaction, was certain this would be the perfect revenge for what had happened in Diagon Alley.


    As if on cue, the adults joined in, their eyes gleaming with mischief. The topic of the ¡°New Students House Sorting,¡± or more specifically, terrifying new students before they entered Hogwarts, had always been a popular pastime among older wizards. It was now Kyle¡¯s turn to be the victim of their well-practiced prank.


    "My dear, don¡¯t believe them," Mrs. Weasley said, scolding the twins with a tone that was only serious. She turned to Kyle, smiling reassuringly. "It¡¯s really not that scary, just a little test involving some ghosts. There¡¯s no real danger at all."


    "Molly, how can you lie to the boy?" Mr. Weasley chimed in, faking outrage as he shot a mock-glare at his wife. "Kyle¡¯s a smart lad. We should be honest with him. I¡¯m sure he could handle taming a Hippogriff by himself."


    "A Hippogriff? I thought it was a Dragon?" Chris said, pretending to be confused before turning to Kyle with absolute certainty. "Son, trust your father. It''s definitely a Dragon. And I bet this year it''ll be a Hungarian Horntail."


    The chaotic back-and-forth continued, with each adult throwing in their own ridiculous version of what Kyle might face at Hogwarts. Fred and George sat back, pleased that their prank was gaining momentum, sure that Kyle would fall for it.


    But Kyle, already onto them, played his part perfectly. He nodded along seriously to each ridiculous claim, responding with phrases like, "Oh, I see," "Yes, I can," and "I trust you, Dad," all while keeping a straight face.


    Mrs. Weasley looked relieved. Mr. Weasley appeared more determined than ever. And Chris, though still uncertain, seemed to take some comfort in Kyle¡¯s unwavering agreement.


    The truth was, Kyle knew what this was¡ªa ritual of sorts, a kind of playful hazing. The wizarding world had limited sources of entertainment: Quidditch, some minor festivities, and, of course, fooling young witches and wizards. It was tradition, and Kyle had no reason to spoil their fun. He played along with enthusiasm, finding it amusing rather than nerve-wracking. , he thought, .


    As laughter and banter filled the table, no one seemed to notice two small, helpless figures trembling in the far corner¡ªtwo garden gnomes who had wandered too close to the festivities, caught in the crossfire of the night''s lighthearted pranks.

 Chapter 8: Mr. Weasley’s Dream

    Kyle may not have been fooled by the adults'' usual tall tales, but they had definitely done the trick for Ron and Ginny. Ron, in particular, had been listening intently, eager to gather some inside knowledge for when he started Hogwarts the following year. But as the conversation progressed, his face turned a sickly shade of pale.


    Trolls, ghosts, and Hippogriffs were extreme, sure, but Ron figured he could manage to escape if things got really bad. The Hogwarts professors wouldn¡¯t let students face anything truly deadly... right? But a ? That was another matter entirely. Dragons were classified as XXXXX-level magical creatures, dangerous even to fully trained adult wizards. For an eleven-year-old, facing a dragon sounded like certain death. By the time the professors had cast their protection spells, Ron feared he''d already be a pile of ash from a single sneeze of dragon fire.


    "Is this seriously what school is like?" Ron thought, his heart sinking. He felt an overwhelming urge to run away from home and never look back. Hogwarts sounded less like a place of learning and more like a death trap.


    Ginny wasn¡¯t faring much better. Her usually vibrant red hair seemed to have lost its shine, and her face was pale as she stared down at her plate, visibly shaken.


    Kyle, noticing her distress, leaned over with concern. "What''s wrong, Ginny?" he asked softly. "Why aren''t you eating? Are you feeling unwell?"


    Ginny shook her head quickly, not wanting to admit her fear in front of her brothers. "No, I''m fine," she said, forcing a smile. "I¡¯m just... full."


    Given that she was only nine and had already eaten half a box of Bertie Bott¡¯s Every Flavour Beans, it wasn¡¯t entirely a lie¡ªher appetite wasn¡¯t large to begin with. The sudden talk about dragons and sorting, however, had sapped the rest of her hunger.


    "I see, that¡¯s a shame," Kyle replied, accepting her explanation without much thought. He calmly reached over and took the grilled fish from Ginny''s plate, placing it onto his own. Grilled fish was one of Mrs. Weasley¡¯s specialties, and it was best eaten fresh. He¡¯d been craving it for a while, so he wasn¡¯t about to let it go to waste.


    Ginny didn¡¯t stop him, though she watched with a sad expression as Kyle devoured the fish she had been saving. The thought of having to face a dragon in two years had killed any remaining desire for food. In the end, she simply turned her head away, hoping to forget about it.


    Fred and George, seated next to her, sighed dramatically in unison. They had also been eyeing the grilled fish, but Kyle had beaten them to it.


    Undeterred, the twins shifted their focus to Ron. Unfortunately for them, Ron¡¯s plate had already been picked clean. His fish was long gone, the bones gnawed so thoroughly that even a Flobberworm would have trouble finding anything left to slide across.


    Seeing their chance for mischief, Fred leaned in with a grin. "What¡¯s wrong, Ron? Scared of the dragon?" he teased, patting Ron on the shoulder in a rare display of brotherly concern. "Don¡¯t worry, the dragon¡¯s only there for one year. By the time you get to Hogwarts, they¡¯ll probably replace it with another creature."


    "Yeah," George chimed in with perfect timing. "I think it¡¯ll be spiders next year. I saw some in the Forbidden Forest¡ªabout the size of gnomes. Maybe Hagrid¡¯s getting them ready for the Sorting Ceremony."


    At the mention of spiders, Ron¡¯s face went from pale to ghostly white. His eyes widened in sheer terror. "No!" he screamed, throwing his cutlery down and bolting from the table, sprinting back toward The Burrow without a second thought.


    Fred and George burst out laughing, watching with wicked delight as Ron dashed away in pure panic. They¡¯d succeeded in scaring him senseless, and the way he had reacted was everything they had hoped for.


    But despite their victory, the twins didn¡¯t entirely escape consequences for their mischief. As they laughed, Mrs. Weasley¡¯s sharp voice rang out from across the table.


    ¡°George, why were you in the Forbidden Forest?¡± Mrs. Weasley¡¯s sharp question cut through the twins¡¯ laughter like a blade. She fixed them with a stern gaze, her keen eyes narrowing. ¡°I don¡¯t recall Hogwarts allowing first years into the Forbidden Forest.¡±


    Fred and George froze in their tracks, realizing they¡¯d said too much. ¡°Mum, I can explain...¡± Fred started, but it was too late.


    The twins attempted to make a break for it, but having only just begun their second year, they were no match for Mrs. Weasley. She quickly caught them, and what followed was the familiar scene of motherly scolding and the twins¡¯ attempts at half-hearted apologies.


    Though Kyle had witnessed this ritual countless times over the years, it never ceased to entertain him. He watched with interest, and his appetite even improved as he enjoyed the show. S~ea??h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Kyle didn¡¯t doubt that the twins had ventured into the Forbidden Forest¡ªthey were known for their reckless behavior. However, he was pretty sure the part about the spiders was just a ploy to scare Ron. Kyle thought, The Acromantulas in the forest were far from harmless, and if Fred and George had really encountered one, they''d likely have set up a permanent residence there by now.


    Kyle recalled that the Acromantula colony was deep within the forest. Fred and George, adventurous as they were, wouldn¡¯t have ventured that far in. They might have been troublemakers, but they weren¡¯t suicidal. They didn¡¯t have Harry Potter¡¯s luck¡ªor his knack for getting into life-threatening situations.


    After another twenty minutes or so, dinner began to wind down. Despite a few interruptions, the evening had been lively and enjoyable for everyone. Kyle, especially, had a great time.


    Once dinner ended, Percy went upstairs to review his homework, ever the diligent student. Meanwhile, Ron¡ªcarrying a small bundle in a bid to run away from home¡ªwas caught and was now taking the twins¡¯ place, being chased around the yard by a determined Mrs. Weasley.


    As this chaotic scene played out, Mr. Weasley and Chris continued their conversation in a quieter corner of the Burrow.


    ¡°Chris, what you did earlier was a bit much,¡± Mr. Weasley said, shaking his head with a smile. ¡°It¡¯s just the sorting, after all¡ªno one actually faces a dragon! Kyle¡¯s clever; I¡¯m sure he realized we were pulling his leg.¡±


    ¡°No, Arthur, you¡¯ve got it wrong,¡± Chris replied, shaking his head. ¡°The plan was never going to work. You see, Kyle has spent at least two months every year with Newt Scamander since he was three. Do you really think he¡¯s afraid of trolls or Hippogriffs?¡±


    Mr. Weasley blinked, momentarily thrown off by the information. ¡°Oh... I suppose that makes sense. But wait¡ªare you saying Kyle can, well... communicate with Magical Creatures? Like you?¡±


    Chris nodded with a small smile. ¡°Exactly. So, it¡¯s impossible for him to be afraid of a Hippogriff. He¡¯s used to dealing with creatures far more dangerous than that. Honestly, the only thing that might give him pause is a full-grown dragon.¡±


    Mr. Weasley glanced at Chris, a hint of envy creeping into his expression. ¡°That¡¯s an incredible ability. If only I could communicate with Muggle objects the way you do with magical creatures...¡±


    ¡°Wait¡ªwhat?¡± Chris was caught off guard by the sudden shift in conversation. He stifled a laugh, realizing where Arthur¡¯s thoughts had wandered. ¡°It¡¯s not as impressive as it sounds, Arthur. My ability is limited to magical creatures¡ªmice, toads, owls, that sort of thing. Regular animals don¡¯t respond. You can only figure out what they¡¯re thinking through experience.¡±


    Chris¡¯s point was clear: even if Mr. Weasley magically changed his surname to Chopper, he wouldn¡¯t suddenly be able to have meaningful conversations with everyday objects like toasters or cars.

 Chapter 9: The Hogwarts Express

    In the wizarding world, September 1st is a very important day, especially for witches and wizards over the age of eleven who have not yet graduated. On this day, Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry begins its school year. Young witches and wizards who have just turned eleven eagerly await this day, counting down with anticipation, hoping it will come quickly.


    However, for those aged twelve to seventeen, it''s not necessarily a day of excitement. The start of the school year marks the end of a carefree summer holiday, bringing with it the realization that all the work they had blissfully forgotten about is now waiting for them. And that, of course, is not good news.


    This feeling was especially true for Kyle and the Weasley twins. In the front yard of The Burrow, Kyle, standing in front, looked excited, while Fred and George, who were behind him, seemed nervous, whispering to each other occasionally as if they were first-years heading to Hogwarts for the very first time. Yes, Kyle was here too.


    Chris had planned to Disapparate with him directly to King''s Cross, but just before they could leave, Mrs. Weasley had appeared at the door. She seemed to know exactly what Chris had in mind and, without missing a beat, told him that there were too many Muggles at King''s Cross for it to be safe to Disapparate. She insisted that Kyle should travel with them instead. Chris, seeing Mrs. Weasley''s determined expression, swallowed his objections and simply nodded in agreement.


    Meanwhile, Kyle rubbed his forehead in mild frustration. He wanted to point out to Mrs. Weasley that, in the eyes of Muggles, seeing nine people pile out of a Ford would be far more conspicuous than two people suddenly appearing out of thin air. After all, they weren¡¯t in India, and the Ford wasn¡¯t some sacred vehicle with a diamond-shaped logo allowing infinite passengers. But, at eleven years old, his opinion didn¡¯t carry much weight, so he stayed quiet.


    Just then, Mrs. Weasley approached Kyle and asked kindly, "Dear, have you packed everything?"


    ¡°Of course,¡± Kyle replied, giving a light kick to the large suitcase at his feet. ¡°I checked it three times before we left. Everything¡¯s in there.¡±


    "That''s good," Mrs. Weasley said with a smile and a nod.


    While they were talking, Mr. Weasley arrived, pulling up in an old, vintage car. It was their mode of transport for the day¡ªa Ford that had passed through at least nine different owners and been bought from who knows where. Yet Mr. Weasley adored it and treated it with great care.


    ¡°What are we waiting for? Get in the car,¡± Mr. Weasley said, ushering Chris to get in first.


    At that point, Kyle realized it was too late to object, so with a resigned sigh, he climbed into the car, followed by the rest of the Weasley family.


    The inside of the car had been enchanted with an Undetectable Extension Charm, so despite squeezing in nine people and a hefty amount of luggage, it didn¡¯t feel cramped at all. Mr. Weasley, a skilled driver, kept the ride smooth, with no noticeable bumps, sudden braking, or awkward starts¡ªcertainly better than a ride on the Knight Bus.


    They arrived at King''s Cross Station at around ten o''clock, right on schedule. Thankfully, Kyle''s earlier fears didn¡¯t come true; in fact, the people around them paid no attention to the old, rickety Ford. The group made their way seamlessly to the barrier between platforms 9 and 10.


    Once they reached this spot, they no longer had to worry about being noticed by Muggles. A nearby Muggle-Repelling Charm ensured that ordinary people would instinctively avoid the area. Even in rare instances when something unusual did catch a Muggle''s eye, members of the Ministry of Magic stationed nearby would handle it swiftly. It was a very secure process.


    Under Mrs. Weasley¡¯s guidance, the group lined up and, one by one, passed through the seemingly solid barrier, emerging on the other side at Platform 9?. The platform was bustling with life, much busier than the area outside. Next to it stood a dark red steam train, proudly displaying a sign that read:


    ¡°Looks like I¡¯m not late after all,¡± came a gentle voice from behind Kyle.


    Hearing the familiar tone, Kyle spun around quickly and saw Diana smiling warmly at him.


    ¡°Mum?¡± Kyle exclaimed in surprise. ¡°You had an errand to run earlier¡­¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s already taken care of,¡± Diana replied, kneeling down to straighten his clothes. ¡°Today is your first day at school. I wouldn¡¯t miss such an important day for anything.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s great,¡± Kyle beamed. It would have been a real shame if only Chris had been there to see him off to Hogwarts.


    Diana spent a few more minutes chatting with Kyle, making sure he was ready. She didn¡¯t let him board the train until it was almost time for it to depart. Just before he left, she said, ¡°I¡¯m sure Chris has given you the full Hogwarts lecture, so I won¡¯t repeat it.¡±


    Diana¡¯s deep blue eyes locked onto Kyle¡¯s, and her tone became serious. ¡°Dear, your father and I graduated a long time ago, and we don¡¯t want to relive our school days by hearing from your professors¡ªespecially Dumbledore. So, please, no letters from Hogwarts, okay?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Mom,¡± Kyle grinned. ¡°I¡¯ll follow the rules, there¡¯s no reason for them to send any letters to the family.¡± sea??h th§× NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°Of course, dear,¡± Diana replied, kissing Kyle lightly on the cheek and watching him step onto the train. ¡°And don¡¯t forget to let us know which house you¡¯re sorted into.¡±


    ¡°I won¡¯t,¡± Kyle nodded before boarding the train.


    A few minutes later, the train slowly began to pull away from the platform. Only then did Diana finally turn her gaze away.


    Not far behind her, Chris had just finished talking to a middle-aged man and walked over to her.


    ¡°Mr. Diggory showing off his son again?¡± Diana asked with a laugh.


    It was clear that the person Chris had been speaking with was someone she knew well. Amos Diggory, like Chris, worked in the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures at the Ministry of Magic. He also had a son attending Hogwarts, though his son was a year older than Kyle and in the same year as the Weasley twins. However, unlike the mischievous twins, Cedric Diggory was outstanding in every way¡ªmuch like Percy Weasley had been in his early years at Hogwarts.


    Amos, being a bit of a braggart, took every opportunity to boast about his son¡¯s accomplishments. If he¡¯d only done it once or twice, people would praise him in return, but since he went on and on about it, it had become tiresome. Eventually, Amos earned a reputation as one of the more unpopular people in the Ministry, especially among parents whose children had more average achievements at Hogwarts. Many avoided him whenever possible.


    If they happened to cross paths, they would quickly look away and try to avoid conversation, speaking only if absolutely necessary. When avoidance was impossible¡ªlike when trapped together in an elevator¡ªor if they worked in the same department as Chris, they would exchange a few polite words before quickly finding an excuse to leave, never giving Amos a chance to turn the topic toward Cedric.


    This time, Chris hadn¡¯t been able to dodge him.


    ¡°Cedric very talented,¡± Chris admitted with a weary smile. ¡°But never mind that. Is your task really complete?¡±


    Though Chris wasn¡¯t privy to the details of Diana¡¯s work in the Department of Mysteries, he knew that missions originating from there usually took at least a month to finish. It was hard to believe it had been wrapped up in just two days.


    ¡°Of course not,¡± Diana said, narrowing her eyes playfully. ¡°But my colleagues are quite laid-back. They won¡¯t make a fuss about me taking a little time off.¡±

 Chapter 10: Cedric

    Kyle boarded the train, only to find that most of the first few carriages were already full. He couldn¡¯t help it¡ªhe had boarded late, and it was hard to find an empty seat by this time. With a sigh, he used the Floating Charm to lift his luggage and made his way toward the back of the train, hoping for better luck. Eventually, he found a relatively spacious compartment near the end.


    Inside, there was only one other boy, about his age. Although the boy wasn¡¯t quite as handsome as Kyle, he was certainly better-looking than the Weasley twins.


    "Knock, knock..." Kyle rapped lightly on the door and asked politely, ¡°Hello, may I sit here? All the other seats are taken.¡±


    ¡°Of course, go ahead and sit down,¡± the boy replied quickly.


    ¡°Thanks.¡±


    After entering the compartment, Kyle placed his luggage on the shelf, then turned to introduce himself, extending his hand. ¡°Hello, I¡¯m Kyle Chopper, a new student this year.¡±


    The boy seemed distracted and didn¡¯t respond right away. When he finally snapped out of his thoughts, he reached out to shake Kyle¡¯s hand. ¡°Oh... sorry, Cedric Diggory, second year at Hogwarts.¡±


    Kyle was a bit taken aback. He hadn¡¯t expected to meet such a well-known figure as soon as he boarded the train. Cedric Diggory¡ªthe future Triwizard champion and one of Hogwarts'' brightest students. No wonder he looked so handsome.


    Kyle recalled that their families both lived near the village of St. Catchpole, but for various reasons, the two had never crossed paths. Not even once. Kyle had tried to meet him a few times in the past, but the Diggory family had always kept their doors closed. Eventually, Kyle had given up. How strange that their first meeting would happen on the Hogwarts Express.


    However, it was clear that Cedric had something on his mind, so Kyle didn¡¯t push the conversation any further. After their brief exchange, Kyle pulled out that he¡¯d bought from Flourish and Blotts and began reading. Cedric, meanwhile, continued staring off into space.


    Outside the train window, a light drizzle began to fall without warning. It was typical of the weather here¡ªrain that came suddenly and without notice. Kyle glanced at the rain but quickly returned to his book, unfazed. He was used to it, and in fact, he rather enjoyed reading in this kind of weather.


    Under Kyle''s influence, Cedric seemed to snap out of his daze and pulled out a book of his own. Kyle glanced at the title¡ªThe . It was common for Hogwarts students to preview their Defence Against the Dark Arts lessons on the train, especially since no one ever knew how long the professor for that subject would stick around. Better to be prepared in case the teacher quit halfway through the term.


    For a while, the only sound in the compartment was the soft rustling of parchment pages turning, a peaceful contrast to the noise and bustle outside in the corridor. But the quiet didn¡¯t last long.


    Cedric had barely turned two pages when the compartment door slid open again.


    ¡°Finally, I¡¯ve found you, Kyle.¡±


    ¡°We saved you a seat, but you stood us up and made us wait like idiots.¡±


    ¡°I think you owe us an apology.¡±


    Fred and George Weasley stood leaning against the doorframe, interrogating Kyle one after the other. They both looked rather annoyed, as if Kyle had committed some great offense.


    ¡°I can apologize,¡± Kyle said, calmly closing his book, ¡°but only if you swear on your Dungbombs that what you just said is true.¡± S§×arch* The n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Fred''s expression instantly shifted from anger to confusion. ¡°Well, can I swear on the headmaster''s name?¡±


    George was equally perplexed. ¡°Or Professor McGonagall¡¯s name, maybe?¡±


    ¡°No!¡± Kyle shook his head firmly. ¡°It has to be on your Dungbombs.¡±


    ...


    ¡°Oh, George, I think Kyle was riding the Hogwarts Express for the first time and didn¡¯t know his way around. That¡¯s why he couldn¡¯t find us,¡± Fred said, his tone mockingly sympathetic.


    ¡°Yes, Fred, we can¡¯t blame him for that. We should¡¯ve been more aware of what was happening outside,¡± George replied with exaggerated seriousness.


    The twins exchanged a quick glance, silently agreeing to drop their previous accusations, and squeezed into the compartment as if nothing had happened. As they settled in, their eyes inevitably landed on Cedric.


    Fred flashed a mischievous grin and said, ¡°Well, look who it is... though I can¡¯t seem to remember why.¡±


    George raised an eyebrow, catching on. ¡°Oh, of course! It¡¯s our dear Cedric Diggory, the shining beacon of Hufflepuff¡ªThe Brightest Light of Hogwarts.¡±


    As soon as the words left their mouths, Cedric¡¯s face flushed a deep red. The embarrassing titles made him want to disappear into the floor. But, unfortunately, he couldn¡¯t deny them. After all, the nicknames "Good Boy" and "Light of Hogwarts" had been circulating all summer¡ªthanks to his father¡¯s endless bragging¡ªand had become notorious within the Ministry of Magic, spreading even to families like the Weasleys.


    During the holiday, nearly half of Cedric¡¯s letters had been signed off with ¡°Light of Hogwarts,¡± sent as teasing notes by friends and colleagues alike. The other half came from classmates from Muggle families who were blissfully unaware of the nickname.


    He had chosen this corner compartment in the hopes of hiding from the ridicule, but fate had other plans¡ªand he had been discovered by the worst people possible.


    ¡°Please, just leave me alone!¡± Cedric pleaded, folding his hands as if in prayer. ¡°I¡¯ll even lend you my homework.¡±


    As he spoke, he placed a neat stack of parchment on the table.


    The twins were tempted to keep teasing him, but Cedric¡¯s offer was too good to pass up. This was, after all, the top student¡¯s homework¡ªsomething they couldn¡¯t ignore.


    George straightened up, adopting a more serious tone as he quickly scooped up the parchment. ¡°Cedric, what are you talking about? We were just kidding. We¡¯d never laugh at you.¡±


    Fred nodded in agreement. ¡°Exactly. Don¡¯t worry, we wouldn¡¯t dream of making fun of you over something like this.¡±


    ...


    With that, Fred and George left the compartment, beaming as if they¡¯d just struck gold.


    Once they were gone, Cedric let out a long sigh of relief. He looked at Kyle with a sheepish expression. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, I...¡±


    ¡°I should be the one apologizing,¡± Kyle interrupted. ¡°They came to see me. If it weren¡¯t for that, you wouldn¡¯t have been discovered.¡±


    Cedric shook his head with a rueful smile. ¡°It would¡¯ve happened sooner or later.¡±


    Though he could hide on the train for a while, he knew there was no avoiding it once they reached Hogwarts. Eventually, he¡¯d have to face the teasing head-on. But, in a strange way, the Weasley twins¡¯ sudden appearance had given Cedric an idea for how to handle the situation.


    Homework.


    As the top student in his year, Cedric¡¯s summer homework was highly coveted, as the twins'' reaction had just proven. If he offered his homework to his classmates, it might be enough to keep both Hufflepuff and Gryffindor quiet. If he could manage to keep those two houses in check, he¡¯d have solved 80% of the problem.


    As for Ravenclaw and Slytherin, Cedric reasoned that their more reserved nature meant they were unlikely to get involved in this kind of teasing¡ªat least, not most of them. Even if a few decided to join in, it wouldn¡¯t be too difficult to handle.


    If his own house didn¡¯t stir up trouble, and if he could keep Gryffindor¡¯s notorious pranksters at bay, the whole issue would likely blow over in a few days.


    Cedric thought to himself, feeling a sense of relief wash over him. With that plan in mind, he suddenly didn¡¯t feel quite so bad.

 Chapter 11: I’m Not a Weasley, So How Could I Break Any Rules?

    Once Cedric¡¯s worries were behind him, his mood lightened considerably. He put down his book and, with a newfound cheerfulness, struck up a conversation with Kyle. ¡°Hey, can I call you Kyle?¡±


    ¡°Of course,¡± Kyle nodded. ¡°Actually, my father works in the Department for the Control and Management of Magical Creatures, just like your father. They¡¯re colleagues.¡±


    ¡°Your father?¡± Cedric¡¯s eyes widened in surprise. He hesitated for a moment before asking, ¡°Is it... Mr. Chris Chopper?¡±


    ¡°Yes, that¡¯s him,¡± Kyle confirmed.


    Cedric¡¯s face lit up with realization. ¡°Your last name is , and you know the Weasley twins¡­ Oh! I should have figured it out¡ªwe¡¯re neighbors!¡±


    With this revelation, the two boys quickly grew comfortable with one another, their conversation flowing naturally, as if they were old friends catching up after a long time apart¡ªeven though they had only just met.


    After a moment, Cedric¡¯s curiosity seemed to get the better of him. ¡°By the way, Kyle,¡± he began, his voice tinged with excitement as something came to mind, ¡°I remember trying to visit you once, but you weren¡¯t home. My father mentioned that you¡¯d been studying under Mr. Scamander since you were young, and that you were going to do great things in the future. Is that true? Did you really learn from Mr. Scamander?¡±


    Cedric¡¯s curiosity was palpable. After all, this was . There were many well-known figures in the wizarding world, but most of them were famous only within their own countries¡ªtextbook authors, Order of Merlin recipients, and the like. These figures might be recognized at Hogwarts, but go to a place like Ilvermorny or Castelobruxo, and few would know their names.


    Only a select few wizards were truly famous across the entire magical world, with their portraits printed on Chocolate Frog cards while they were still alive. Scamander was one of those rare individuals.


    It was Cedric¡¯s first time hearing about someone being so close to such a legendary figure, and his curiosity was understandable.


    ...


    On the other side, Kyle was staring at Cedric in disbelief. The coincidence was almost too much to believe.


    And Mr. Diggory¡ªwasn¡¯t he in the same department as Chris? How had he come up with such a wild story? Where did he hear that Kyle had been with Newt Scamander all this time?


    Rubbing his head, Kyle thought for a moment before explaining, ¡°Well, it¡¯s true that I have a bright future ahead,¡± he said with a grin, ¡°but as for Newt Scamander¡­ my father was actually his student. I¡¯ve only been to his place a few times to hang out.¡±


    Kyle¡¯s thoughts drifted to Newt. Unlike Dumbledore, Newt had a serious case of social anxiety. In his younger years, it hadn¡¯t been as bad. Though he was reserved and preferred solitude, he still managed to make a few friends, help defeat Grindelwald, and take on a couple of students to share his knowledge of magical creatures.


    But ever since Grindelwald¡¯s imprisonment in the high-security tower of Nurmengard, Newt had withdrawn from public life. He devoted himself entirely to his magical creatures, and over the past 30 years, he had hardly spoken to strangers. His social anxiety only deepened as time passed.


    Kyle couldn¡¯t imagine Newt becoming a teacher, much less lecturing young wizards every day and grading their homework like a professor at Hogwarts. That just wasn¡¯t him. Newt was well aware that his personality wasn¡¯t suited for teaching. In his mind, a proper teacher needed to be someone like Dumbledore.


    Chris, Kyle¡¯s father, had been Newt¡¯s last formal student, and although many had tried to follow in Chris''s footsteps over the years¡ªsome even asking Dumbledore to intervene as a mediator¡ªNewt refused every request. He was convinced that teaching would only do the students a disservice, and despite others'' willingness to overlook his quirks, he couldn¡¯t get over the hurdle of his own self-doubt.


    Kyle¡¯s visits to Newt¡¯s home had started by chance. Both Chris and Diana were incredibly busy at the time and needed someone to watch over their young son. It was around then that Newt¡¯s wife, Tina, learned about their predicament and offered to take care of Kyle.


    Tina had been eager to help out, and perhaps also, in a way, to find something to occupy herself. Living with Newt, who preferred the company of magical creatures to people, could be quite isolating. If she hadn¡¯t found some way to engage herself, she might have gone stir-crazy long ago.


    Kyle had just turned six at the time, a notoriously energetic age in Tina¡¯s experience. She had hoped Kyle might even help draw Newt out of his shell a bit, much like their grandson had when he was that age¡ªtalking non-stop and driving Newt slightly mad with questions.


    Kyle didn¡¯t disappoint. While he wasn¡¯t a troublemaker, he was incredibly curious, especially when surrounded by so many fascinating magical creatures. He couldn¡¯t help but ask endless questions, which, to Tina¡¯s surprise, Newt patiently answered. Even though Newt rarely initiated conversations, whenever Kyle asked something about magical creatures, he would respond earnestly.


    Before long, Newt was talking more than usual, though only because Kyle¡¯s questions gave him something meaningful to focus on. This arrangement satisfied everyone: Newt got to share his knowledge, Tina found purpose in managing the household, and Kyle had an extraordinary education in magical creatures.


    And even after Chris and Diana¡¯s work schedules became less hectic, Kyle continued to visit the Scamanders every year, if only for a short time.


    ...


    Of course, Kyle had no intention of sharing any of the real details with Cedric. After all, Newt Scamander''s reputation as a reclusive Master of Magical Creatures was far more impressive than the truth of him being a socially awkward older man. It was better to leave that image intact. So, after offering a brief explanation, Kyle decided to steer the conversation away from any further discussion that might expose the reality of his visits to Newt¡¯s home.


    ¡°By the way, Cedric,¡± Kyle said, changing the subject smoothly, ¡°what do you think of the Hogwarts professors? Are they easygoing? You know, this is my first time going to school, so I don¡¯t know much. What if I accidentally make one angry? Could I get expelled?¡±


    Cedric, completely unaware of Kyle¡¯s earlier deflections, smiled reassuringly. ¡°Oh, you don¡¯t have to worry about that. The professors are generally quite nice... well, most of them,¡± he added with a slight grin. ¡°Even the strictest ones won¡¯t expel you unless you do something that really breaks the school rules.¡±


    Cedric¡¯s expression grew more serious as he mentioned breaking rules, and his mouth opened slightly, as if he wanted to say more but wasn¡¯t sure how to put it into words.


    Sensing what was on Cedric¡¯s mind, Kyle quickly waved his hand to dismiss any concerns. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯m not a Weasley¡ªI¡¯m not going to break any rules.¡±


    Cedric let out a sigh of relief, looking slightly embarrassed. ¡°Sorry... that wasn¡¯t what I meant.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s okay, I get it,¡± Kyle reassured him.


    The topic of Hogwarts piqued Cedric¡¯s interest, and he began sharing more about the school and its professors. He explained that the Defence Against the Dark Arts professor seemed to change every year, so no one took that class too seriously in terms of long-term expectations. Then there was the Transfiguration professor, who had a reputation for being strict but fair¡ªand who, apparently, had an obsession with turning into a cat, which amused the students endlessly. But the most notorious of all was the Potions professor, who had a habit of deducting points from students for the most trivial of reasons, including not washing their hair properly.


    Kyle listened attentively, but most of what Cedric told him was information he had already picked up from other sources. Nothing Cedric said was particularly new, though hearing it from a current student made it feel more real.


    Still, Kyle felt relieved that Hogwarts, while daunting, seemed manageable. The way Cedric described the professors painted a picture of a school that, despite its challenges, was welcoming enough¡ªunless you happened to cross paths with a certain Potions master, of course. S§×ar?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Chapter 12: Scabbers and the Rat Tonic

    For Kyle, who was used to traveling by airplane or high-speed trains, the journey on the Hogwarts Express, a vintage steam train, was turning into quite the ordeal. At first, the excitement of riding the legendary train and the aura of Hogwarts helped keep his spirits high, but after a few hours, the novelty wore off, and the train¡¯s limitations became glaringly obvious.


    It was slow¡ª slow. Kyle figured the train could barely reach 80 kilometers per hour, which didn¡¯t even compare to modern cars. The ride wasn¡¯t smooth either. After a while, Kyle felt nauseous, as if his breakfast might make a return appearance. Reading to pass the time became impossible.


    Thankfully, Cedric¡¯s presence made the trip more bearable. Cedric was chatty, and once the conversation about professors had wrapped up, Kyle asked him about other aspects of Hogwarts. Cedric eagerly answered every question, even volunteering to share funny stories and pointing out some quirky portraits Kyle would encounter at school. A lot of what Cedric shared was new to Kyle, and his curiosity was piqued.


    In return for Cedric¡¯s company, Kyle offered to pay for snacks for the rest of the trip¡ªbiscuits, chocolate frogs, cauldron cakes, the works.


    Cedric happily accepted, and they enjoyed the food together. However, one topic made Kyle silently shake his head in disbelief¡ªCedric, like many other wizards, couldn¡¯t resist teasing about how students were sorted into houses.


    ¡°You¡¯ve got to catch a Golden Snitch in the Great Hall within ten minutes to get sorted,¡± Cedric said with a straight face.


    Kyle pulled the corners of his mouth into a polite smile and decided not to respond. he thought. Cedric¡¯s mischievous sense of humor was on full display.


    ¡°By the way, Kyle, have you thought about which house you¡¯d like to be in?¡± Cedric asked, popping a Bertie Bott¡¯s Every Flavor Bean into his mouth. ¡°I hope you¡¯ll get into Hufflepuff, but a clever wizard like you might be more suited for Ravenclaw.¡±


    Before Cedric could finish his sentence, his face contorted in disgust. ¡°Oh no¡­ ox liver,¡± he muttered, barely managing to swallow the offending bean.


    Kyle chuckled, taking a flavored bean for himself. ¡°I¡¯ve thought about it, but I don¡¯t have a strong preference for any particular house,¡± he said casually. ¡°And I¡¯m not great at finding balls, so I¡¯m not sure I could catch the Golden Snitch in ten minutes. I¡¯d just be happy if any house would take me.¡±


    Kyle thought after chewing the bean.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry,¡± Cedric laughed. ¡°You¡¯ll manage just fine. It¡¯s really not that hard.¡±


    Just as they were chatting, the compartment door slid open. Both Kyle and Cedric turned their heads, expecting to see Fred or George, but instead, it was another Weasley¡ªPercy.


    Percy stepped into the compartment, his usual air of seriousness about him. ¡°Kyle, Fred told me you were here. Ah, you must be Cedric Diggory. I¡¯m Percy Weasley, nice to meet you.¡±


    Cedric, slightly puzzled by Percy¡¯s formal introduction on the Hogwarts Express of all places, nodded politely. ¡°Yes, it¡¯s nice to meet you too, Percy Weasley,¡± he replied, though he clearly felt like they were at some kind of official event rather than on a school train.


    Kyle had to suppress a laugh at the awkwardness of the situation. He waited for Percy and Cedric to finish their polite small talk before asking, ¡°Percy, what can I do for you?¡±


    Although Kyle knew all the Weasley children fairly well, he and Percy didn¡¯t interact as much. But Percy wouldn¡¯t seek him out for no reason.


    "I''m sorry to bother you, but I do have something on my mind," Percy began, reaching into his pocket and pulling out a scruffy, old rat. ¡°Scabbers hasn¡¯t been himself lately, so I wanted to ask if you still have some of that rat tonic you gave him before. I¡¯d like to buy some, if possible.¡±


    ¡°Rat tonic?¡± Kyle looked at the mangy rat in Percy¡¯s hand, missing a front paw, and smiled, narrowing his eyes. ¡°Of course I have it. Just a moment.¡±


    Kyle rummaged through his suitcase and pulled out a small bottle filled with red liquid. He handed it over to Percy. ¡°You know the drill¡ªthree drops once a week. This should last a while.¡±


    ¡°Thank you,¡± Percy said, accepting the bottle eagerly. He hesitated for a moment, then pulled out three silver Sickles from his pocket, his face turning red as he offered them to Kyle. ¡°I know this might not be enough, but it¡¯s all I have right now. I¡¯ll pay you back the rest as soon as possible.¡±


    Kyle waved off the concern, taking just one Sickle and pushing the others back toward Percy. ¡°One is more than enough. It¡¯s just rat tonic, nothing special. How could it be so expensive?¡±


    Percy looked down at the single Sickle in his hand, his face flushing even more as he alternated between gratitude and embarrassment. After a long pause, he sighed softly. ¡°Thank you, Kyle.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s just a normal transaction,¡± Kyle replied casually. S§×ar?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°No, I understand,¡± Percy said with a bitter smile. ¡°If it were just an ordinary rat tonic, it wouldn¡¯t have kept Scabbers alive for eleven years. This must be something special from Mr. Scamander. Only someone as skilled as him could keep a common field rat alive for this long. If this tonic were on the market, it¡¯d probably sell for at least ten Galleons.¡±


    Kyle inwardly grimaced. He really wanted to tell Percy that Scabbers¡¯ longevity had nothing to do with the rat tonic, and that the concoction wasn¡¯t worth anywhere near ten Galleons. In fact, it wasn¡¯t even made by Newt Scamander¡ªit was his own creation, and a relatively simple one at that. But revealing too much could raise unwanted questions, especially about Scabbers¡¯ true identity as Peter Pettigrew. Kyle had no desire to attract attention from Dumbledore or anyone else just yet.


    Still, he hadn¡¯t been entirely idle when it came to Percy¡¯s pet. Aside from providing the tonic, Kyle had once warned Percy that rats exposed to too much magical energy would eventually be rejected by their own kind. Percy, initially skeptical, had believed the advice once Kyle attributed it to Scamander, and had since adopted it as gospel. Percy clearly cared deeply for Scabbers. He¡¯d even built a special little den for the rat in his room and avoided handling him too often. Unless he had no choice¡ªlike today¡ªScabbers was usually allowed to roam freely.


    Noticing Kyle¡¯s silence, Percy decided not to linger. ¡°Anyway, thank you, Kyle. If you ever have any academic questions, feel free to ask me. And after graduation, I¡¯ll repay you with more supplies.¡±


    With that, Percy hurried out of the compartment, leaving Kyle and Cedric sitting in awkward silence. Eventually, Cedric broke the ice.


    ¡°So... can you still get rat tonic from Mr. Scamander?¡± he asked, raising an eyebrow.


    Kyle shrugged, not making a big deal of it. ¡°I make it myself. Not just rat tonic, either¡ªpretty much all types of pet tonics. It¡¯s not hard, just a bit of a hassle, so most people don¡¯t bother learning how.¡±

 Chapter 13: The Little Witch and the Rat

    ¡°Wait, you can also brew others pet tonics?¡± Cedric¡¯s eyes lit up at Kyle¡¯s revelation. ¡°Then could I leave my owl¡¯s tonic to you in the future?¡±


    ¡°Of course,¡± Kyle replied, glancing at the gray wood owl perched on the shelf. ¡°But owls need more complex tonics than rats. I¡¯d have to charge nine Sickles. And don¡¯t say it¡¯s too expensive¡ªthat¡¯s the market price. My recipe comes straight from Newt, and the tonic is much better than what you¡¯d find in Diagon Alley. It¡¯s definitely worth it.¡±


    ¡°Hmmm...¡± Cedric nodded thoughtfully. It was true that in Diagon Alley, even the cheapest owl tonic cost around nine Sickles, with higher-quality ones reaching a Galleon. If Kyle¡¯s tonic was really based on a recipe from Scamander, it was certainly a fair price.


    But still...


    ¡°Can¡¯t you make it a bit cheaper?¡± Cedric asked, a little sheepishly. ¡°We¡¯re friends, right? There¡¯s got to be a discount.¡±


    Truth be told, Cedric really wanted to buy several bottles right away, but as a second-year student with limited pocket money, he was strapped for cash. While Hogwarts covered room and board, the cost of school supplies like quills, ink, and parchment added up. Throw in personal expenses, and there wasn¡¯t much left by the end of each term. Sure, he could scrimp and save, but no one wanted to be known as the cheapskate.


    Facing Cedric¡¯s hopeful gaze, Kyle rubbed his chin, pretending to think. ¡°Well, you¡¯re right. We¡¯re friends, so I can¡¯t exactly charge you the full market price.¡±


    Cedric¡¯s eyes sparkled with anticipation. ¡°Right?¡±


    ¡°Tell you what...¡± Kyle paused dramatically, holding up one finger. ¡°You only have to pay this much.¡±


    ¡°One Sickle?¡± Cedric asked, eyes wide with hope.


    Kyle shook his head. ¡°No, one Galleon.¡±


    ¡°...¡±


    Cedric¡¯s smile froze, and his tone became incredulous. ¡°One ?! Is that supposed to be a discount?¡±


    ¡°Yep, a 20% discount,¡± Kyle said, completely serious. ¡°Think about it¡ªapart from those rich Slytherin kids, who else at Hogwarts is willing to pay Galleons for owl tonic? My market¡¯s small, Cedric. Now that I¡¯ve got a loyal customer, I¡¯m sure to rake in some real profit.¡±


    Cedric stared at Kyle, dumbfounded. His eye twitched as he tried to process the sheer audacity of the situation. How could Kyle be so shameless? And say it so boldly, with justification? Did he even a moral compass as a wizard?


    Cedric was trembling with frustration. He took a deep breath and said through gritted teeth, ¡°Kyle, you¡¯ll end up in Azkaban someday.¡±


    ¡°I hope so,¡± Kyle replied, completely unfazed, raising an eyebrow. ¡°So, do you still want the owl tonic?¡±


    ¡°Yes...¡± Cedric muttered, nearly choking on the word.


    Just as he was about to pull out the money, the carriage door slid open once more.


    A small figure entered the compartment nervously¡ªa very pretty young girl with brown hair tied into two pigtails. Her round face still had a touch of baby fat, and she looked like a fellow first-year student.


    Kyle and Cedric exchanged glances.


    Cedric''s expression seemed to ask.


    Kyle¡¯s look answered back.


    Without saying a word, they somehow managed to communicate perfectly, as their thoughts mirrored one another.


    After catching on to Cedric¡¯s teasing look, Kyle turned his attention back to the girl and asked doubtfully, ¡°Did she get on the wrong train?¡±


    The girl seemed nervous, visibly shrinking back at the question. For a moment, it looked like she was about to run off, but she held her ground, shaking her head. ¡°No, I didn¡¯t get on the wrong train. I... I was looking for you.¡±


    ¡°For me?¡± Kyle was even more confused now. He was sure he had never met the girl before. Ignoring Cedric¡¯s growing amusement, Kyle asked, ¡°What do you need me for?¡±


    He took a closer look at her, still trying to figure out if there was any chance he knew her. She didn¡¯t resemble anyone from his family, especially not Chris, so he quickly ruled out any wild ideas¡ªlike suddenly discovering he had a younger sister he didn¡¯t know about.


    The girl¡¯s voice was soft and hesitant. ¡°I overheard your conversation in the hallway just now¡­¡±


    Her cheeks flushed as she hurriedly continued, ¡°I didn¡¯t mean to eavesdrop! It was an accident¡ªthe red-haired senior forgot to close the door.¡± sea??h th§× nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Kyle waved it off. ¡°It¡¯s fine. Go on.¡±


    The Hogwarts Express wasn¡¯t exactly known for its soundproofing. Even if the door had been closed, you could still hear the noise from the corridor, and they hadn¡¯t been particularly quiet when Percy had shown up. It wasn¡¯t surprising at all that someone might overhear them.


    The girl sighed in relief, then reached into her pocket and pulled out a large, gray rat.


    Kyle blinked, feeling a sudden sense of d¨¦j¨¤ vu. It was exactly how Percy had pulled out Scabbers a few minutes ago. The same movement, and even the same species of rat.


    he wondered, his thoughts spinning as he instinctively inspected the rat to make sure it wasn¡¯t another Animagus. Thankfully, it had all its paws and seemed like a regular rat, so he relaxed.


    Kyle mentally shook himself. he reminded himself.


    After calming down, Kyle had a pretty good idea of why the girl had come. He tentatively asked, ¡°So, you¡¯re looking to buy some rat tonic from me?¡±


    The girl¡¯s face lit up with hope as she nodded. Her large, watery eyes looked at Kyle expectantly. ¡°I¡¯ve tried all kinds of remedies from Diagon Alley, but... none of them seem to work.¡±


    ¡°Of course, I can help with that,¡± Kyle said, flashing a friendly smile now that he realized she was a potential customer. ¡°Just give me a second.¡±


    He turned to rummage through his bag for the tonic. ¡°By the way, I¡¯m Kyle Chopper, first year. You can call me Kyle.¡±


    ¡°K... Kanna,¡± the girl stammered softly, her round face flushing slightly. ¡°Kanna Prince.¡±

 Chapter 14: Closing the Door Is a Good Habit

    In the wizarding world, mice are the cheapest of the designated pets at Hogwarts, so they naturally attract a wide range of young witches and wizards. However, most people opted for more charming varieties, like hamsters with their soft, beautiful fur and friendly temperaments, or black mice, known for their longer lifespan, and the white mice, which gave off a clean, pristine look.


    But Kyle had never encountered anyone like this girl before¡ªsomeone who favored a plain, common field mouse. What made it more puzzling was that she didn¡¯t appear to be short of money. After spending eleven years in the magical world, Kyle had learned to pick up on subtle details. The girl¡¯s clothes, while not flashy, were made from exceptionally fine fabrics, with intricate workmanship. The subtle but recognizable pattern on her cuff marked them as being from a extraordinary wizard wear shop, where even the simplest item started at twenty Galleons. It was far more expensive than Madame Malkin¡¯s, where most students shopped for their robes.


    Clearly, this girl had no need for a ¡°cheap¡± pet, yet here she was, devoted to her little field mouse. Kyle thought, amused by the contrast.


    The rat tonics from Diagon Alley were little more than glorified sugar water¡ªessentially wizarding energy drinks for pets. They might give a small boost, but they weren''t reliable for treating any real health problems. Considering her likely wealth, Kyle could only conclude that she had a genuine affection for her pet mouse. he mused, though he kept his expression neutral.


    After all, Kyle had seen much stranger things. The wizarding world was home to wizards who loved creatures far more terrifying than mice. For instance, some wizards favored enormous eight-eyed spiders¡ªAcromantulas¡ªthat could grow to a horrifying size. Kyle had seen one of those creatures in Newt¡¯s trunk once, and it had nearly traumatized him. The thing was a walking nightmare, and it took Kyle a year to get over the shock enough to venture back into Newt¡¯s magical menagerie.


    In comparison, it seemed perfectly reasonable for a young witch to be fond of a simple field mouse. As eccentric as her choice was, it paled next to the scarier creatures some wizards adored.


    ...


    Kyle quickly retrieved a thumb-sized bottle from his suitcase and handed it over. ¡°This one¡¯s on the house. If it works, come back for more, but I¡¯ll have to charge you then. It might be a bit pricey¡ªone Sickle¡ªbut trust me, it¡¯s worth it.¡±


    ¡°Thank you.¡± Kanna took the bottle, but instead of leaving, she lingered, staring at the bottle in her hand and then back at Kyle, her face full of conflict.


    Kyle raised an eyebrow, thinking she might be dissatisfied with the amount. ¡°What¡¯s the matter? Do you think it¡¯s not enough?¡± he asked, explaining, ¡°I¡¯m not being stingy¡ªit¡¯s just that we need to test it first. You only need two or three drops at a time, so this small bottle should last you about a month.¡±


    ¡°No, that¡¯s not it,¡± Kanna quickly replied, shaking her head. She hesitated for a moment, then, under Kyle and Cedric¡¯s curious gazes, whispered, ¡°It¡¯s just... I wanted the red kind.¡±


    ¡°The red kind?¡± Kyle repeated, puzzled.


    At that moment, Cedric, who had been silently observing, realized what Kanna meant. The rat tonic in her hand was a cloudy orange-yellow, a little like mashed orange pudding, while the one Kyle had given Percy earlier had been a clear, brilliant red. It was the same tonic, but the difference in appearance was obvious¡ªanyone could tell that the red one looked far superior.


    Cedric¡¯s expression shifted as he glanced at Kyle, his suspicions confirmed. he thought,


    Meanwhile, Kanna seemed to come to a decision. She nervously reached into her small handbag and pulled out an ornate pouch. With a soft clink, a pile of gold Galleons tumbled onto the table¡ª33 in total, along with a few Sickles.


    Cedric¡¯s eyes widened in disbelief. He barely had ten Galleons to last him the entire term, and this girl casually dumped out three times that amount! His stomach churned with envy, though he tried to suppress it. After all, Cedric wasn¡¯t the type to obsess over money.


    But Kanna¡¯s next move made it impossible for him to stay calm.


    ¡°Is that all I have?¡± Kanna murmured, looking disappointed as she bit her lip. ¡°It¡¯s okay, I can always get more from Gringotts. As long as it helps keep Pocky alive a little longer, no amount of Galleons is too much.¡±


    Cedric¡¯s jaw nearly dropped. Hearing such words from a first-year student felt surreal. Was this normal for someone from Slytherin? He was genuinely stunned by how casually she mentioned such a massive sum.


    On the other hand, Kyle had no time to think about Cedric¡¯s reaction. His head was spinning as he looked at Kanna, who clearly believed in his supposed "miracle tonic." The real problem lay in her misunderstanding. he thought in frustration.


    The bottle he had given Percy was different for a reason¡ªit had been "spiked" with something special. A regular mouse would have probably keeled over if it drank from that bottle. But how could he explain that to Kanna without revealing the truth? She seemed to have taken Percy¡¯s words to heart, convinced that Kyle had some magical life-extending potion for rats.


    Kyle was stuck. Unless he came clean about everything, there was no way he could explain why he didn¡¯t have the "red tonic" she was after.


    "Well... Kanna, here''s the thing," Kyle began, thinking quickly. "That special rat tonic¡ªthe red one¡ªis actually too strong to be given directly. You need to strengthen the rat''s constitution with regular tonic first before moving on to something like that."


    Kyle thought. It was the only strategy he could think of for now. If he outright said he didn''t have the red tonic or couldn¡¯t make it, there was a risk that Kanna might go looking for Newt Scamander herself. And with Newt being difficult to track down, but Dumbledore conveniently stationed at Hogwarts, things could spiral out of control. Everyone in the wizarding world knew how close Dumbledore and Newt were.


    Given that Kanna was wearing high-end wizarding robes from Gladrags Wizardwear, there was no doubt she wasn¡¯t Muggle-born. If she went to Dumbledore with her request, she¡¯d probably be able to meet Newt. That would open a can of worms Kyle wasn¡¯t prepared to deal with.


    Kyle sighed inwardly.


    Luckily, this wasn¡¯t an unsolvable problem. Kyle just needed to stall for time until the next Hogwarts holiday, when he could head to Dorset and visit Newt.


    He recalled that Newt had once brewed a tonic for Murtlaps, magical creatures quite similar to field mice. Many of the mice sold in wizarding pet stores even carried traces of Murtlap blood, much like how cats and Kneazles shared a similar lineage. With a bit of dilution, the tonic could likely extend the lifespan of an ordinary mouse by a few years¡ªenough to satisfy Kanna.


    ¡°I''ll make sure to feed Pocky the tonic on time,¡± Kanna replied, her expression full of trust and determination.


    Kyle smiled reassuringly, trying to ease any lingering doubts. ¡°Don''t worry, everything will be fine.¡± He reached into his bag and handed her a chocolate frog. ¡°Here, have some chocolate¡ªit''ll make you feel better.¡±


    Kanna glanced at the chocolate frog, then quickly looked away, her hands clutching the hem of her robe nervously. She looked like a child receiving a gift at a holiday, clearly tempted but too shy to accept it.


    "It''s okay, take it,¡± Kyle encouraged her with a laugh. ¡°Consider it a little gift for meeting you. I hope we end up as classmates."


    "Thank you..." Kanna whispered, blushing as she took the chocolate frog, though instead of eating it, she carefully tucked it away.


    S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Chapter 15: Hogwarts

    Kanna soon left, and Kyle, ever principled, didn¡¯t touch the pile of Galleons on the table. Instead, he used a simple Floating Charm to return the money to Kanna¡¯s pocket as she walked away. Even though she seemed wealthy, Kyle had no intention of cheating an eleven-year-old out of her money. It was a matter of principle.


    he thought with a hint of humor.


    Cedric, who had been watching the entire scene unfold, turned to Kyle with a look of mild disbelief. ¡°Well, since I¡¯m kind of your first customer, can I try the tonic?¡± sea??h th§× NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°What are you talking about? You¡¯re my friend, my brother, not a customer,¡± Kyle responded seriously, waving off the suggestion with dramatic flair.


    Cedric nodded, catching on quickly. ¡°Mm-hm. So the trial tonic¡­¡±


    ¡°No, that¡¯s only for customers,¡± Kyle cut in, smirking.


    Cedric stared at him, his eye twitching. This was the first time he¡¯d seen someone treat acquaintances so differently while sounding completely justified. Cedric thought, feeling a wave of exhaustion.


    Deciding to change the subject, Cedric brought up Hogwarts again, and soon enough, their conversation veered toward Quidditch. It was inevitable¡ªboth of them were passionate about it. But that¡¯s where the disagreement began. Kyle was a proud fan of the Wimbourne Wasps, while Cedric staunchly supported the Chudley Cannons.


    Suddenly, the atmosphere shifted. The air between them grew tense, as they locked eyes, sparks of rivalry flying between them. Once a dispute over Quidditch teams started, neither side could afford to back down. They stared each other down for a good ten minutes, the temperature in the compartment seeming to drop with the tension.


    Their standoff was abruptly interrupted by a sudden jolt, followed by an announcement. ¡°The train will arrive at Hogwarts in five minutes. Please leave your luggage on the train, and it will be delivered to the school for you.¡±


    Kyle and Cedric broke eye contact at the same time, and without a word, began changing into their Hogwarts robes. Kyle glanced out the window. The sky had grown dark, and the cold he¡¯d felt earlier now made sense. Thankfully, the rain had stopped.


    The train slowed down and came to a halt. After a ten-hour journey, they had finally arrived. Kyle checked his robe and wand one last time before joining the crowd as they exited the train onto a small, dark platform.


    The platform was run-down, overgrown with weeds. The sign was so faded that the words ¡°Hogsmeade Station¡± were barely legible. Mud squelched beneath Kyle¡¯s feet as soon as he stepped off the train.


    ¡°¡± Kyle muttered, cleaning his shoes with a wave of his wand as he moved to a relatively dry spot. he thought with a smirk.


    In the crowd, Kyle noticed Kanna. The little girl stood shivering, her face pale and eyes wide with fear at the chaotic scene around her. As if sensing his gaze, Kanna turned and spotted Kyle. Her expression shifted to one of relief, and she stumbled toward him.


    Kyle reached out just in time to catch her before she fell. Without a word, he took out his wand again and waved it over her robes.


    "," Kyle muttered as he cleaned the mud off Kanna''s robes. She had been so panicked when running toward him that she hadn¡¯t noticed the puddles.


    Once he finished, he gave her a reassuring smile and gently patted her shoulder. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. It¡¯s safe here. Someone will come to pick us up soon.¡±


    Kanna nodded softly, still looking down, her nerves clearly not settled yet.


    Just then, an oil lamp appeared above their heads, casting a dim but warm glow.


    ¡°First-year students! First-year students, come over here!¡± a booming voice called out.


    It was Hagrid, towering over the small crowd of first-year wizards. His wild hair and large, unkempt beard gave him a rather intimidating appearance, causing a few of the younger wizards to start crying at the sight of him.


    Kyle noticed Kanna wasn¡¯t crying, but she was clutching his arm with surprising strength¡ªso much so that it hurt. He winced but refrained from pulling away, not wanting to upset her further.


    Kyle grimaced through the discomfort, thinking,


    Hagrid waved to the group, introducing himself. ¡°My name¡¯s Rubeus Hagrid, Keeper of Keys at Hogwarts. First-years, follow me. Watch your step¡ªI¡¯ll be takin¡¯ yeh to Hogwarts by boat.¡±


    Leading the way, Kyle gently guided Kanna through the crowd of nervous students, following the light that Hagrid carried. Slowly, the group of first-years stumbled along the narrow, steep path for about 20 minutes.


    When they finally reached a bend in the path, Hagrid stopped, grinning widely as he turned to the group. ¡°All right, yeh lot, we¡¯re almost there. Get ready¡ªyeh about to see Hogwarts for the first time. It¡¯s the best view in the whole wizarding world!¡±


    As they rounded the final bend, gasps of awe echoed through the group. Kanna, standing beside Kyle, stared ahead with wide eyes, her voice barely a whisper. ¡°It¡¯s so beautiful¡­¡±


    Before them lay the famous Black Lake, with the towering silhouette of Hogwarts Castle perched high on a hill on the opposite shore. The castle¡¯s many spires glowed softly under the light of the full moon, giving it the illusion of being suspended among the clouds. The windows sparkled like stars, casting a warm, inviting glow across the dark water. It was breathtaking, like something out of a dream.


    Even Kyle was transfixed. For a brief moment, he wondered if the dilapidated state of Hogsmeade Station was intentional¡ªdesigned to make the sight of Hogwarts all the more striking.


    ¡°Come on, new students, time to board the boats,¡± Hagrid called, pointing to a fleet of small boats docked along the lake¡¯s shore. ¡°Remember, no more than four to a boat.¡±


    Kyle and Kanna quickly climbed into the nearest boat, joined by two other first-year students they didn¡¯t know¡ªa boy and a girl, both of whom were buzzing with excitement. The two kept chattering away about how they couldn¡¯t wait to write home about the experience.


    ¡°Is everyone on board?¡± Hagrid called, seated in a boat of his own, checking to make sure all the students were accounted for. ¡°All right... off we go!¡±


    With a gentle push, the boats glided smoothly across the lake, the water rippling in their wake. They floated past low cliffs, through ivy-draped rocks, and eventually into a dark tunnel carved beneath the castle itself.

 Chapter 16: If You Can’t Beat Them, Join Them

    Kyle had always been curious about how the boats transporting first-year students across the Black Lake actually worked. He had assumed it was magic, but now he wasn¡¯t so sure. Despite observing the boats closely for a long time, he hadn¡¯t detected any obvious magical traces.


    What puzzled him even more was Hagrid¡¯s boat. Despite the half-giant''s massive size, his boat floated just as effortlessly as the ones carrying four much lighter first-years. That was clearly abnormal.


    Kyle thought, But deep down, he was beginning to suspect that something might be supporting the boats from beneath the surface of the lake.


    Kyle wondered, leaning over the side of the boat to peer into the water. Unfortunately, the visibility was too poor in the dark, moonlit lake to see anything below the surface. All he could make out was his own reflection.


    ...


    Soon, the boat exited the tunnel and docked at what appeared to be an underground pier. One by one, the students disembarked and followed Hagrid up a cobblestone path. They eventually arrived at a flat, damp meadow beneath the looming silhouette of Hogwarts Castle. From there, they made their way up a flight of stone steps to a massive oak door.


    ¡°Welcome to Hogwarts,¡± Hagrid said, before pounding on the door with his huge fist.


    The door creaked open to reveal a tall, stern-looking witch in a green robe, her black hair pulled back in a tight bun. Professor McGonagall had an air about her that immediately commanded respect, much like a strict homeroom teacher suddenly appearing in the back of the classroom. The chatter among the first-year students fell into an instant hush.


    Even Hagrid straightened up a bit as he spoke. ¡°The first-year students have arrived, Professor McGonagall.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Hagrid. I¡¯ll take it from here,¡± she replied curtly, glancing over the group of new students before leading them into the castle.


    As they stepped inside, the warmth of the torches lining the stone walls enveloped them, melting away the cold they¡¯d felt outside. The flickering light cast long shadows, adding to the castle¡¯s sense of grandeur. To their right, Kyle could hear the low hum of voices coming from behind a closed door, clearly the sound of the older students waiting in the Great Hall.


    However, Professor McGonagall didn¡¯t lead them into the Great Hall just yet. Instead, she guided the group into an empty chamber at the other end of the hall.


    ¡°First, welcome to Hogwarts,¡± she began, her voice precise and commanding. As the first-year students gazed around in awe, Professor McGonagall delivered her well-practiced speech. ¡°The feast will begin shortly, but before you take your seats in the Great Hall, we must first determine which House you will join. House divisions are an important ritual, as your House will serve as your family here at Hogwarts for the duration of your stay...¡±


    Even though Kyle already knew everything she was about to say, he listened attentively. After all, he was standing in the front row, right under Professor McGonagall¡¯s watchful eye. Daydreaming now could mean trouble later, and Kyle had no intention of making his Hogwarts experience difficult. Plus, this was a famous moment in wizarding life, a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and Kyle didn¡¯t want to miss a single detail.


    Professor McGonagall moved on to explain the House Cup and then introduced the four Houses: Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and Slytherin. Or, as Kyle humorously thought of them, the brave, the hearty, the brainy, and the purebloods.


    Around him, the other first-year students listened eagerly, their eyes gleaming with anticipation. Some even sneaked glances toward the direction of the Great Hall, clearly itching to rush inside and experience the Sorting for themselves. It was obvious that this was the moment they had all been waiting for, the one that would define their next seven years at Hogwarts. S~ea??h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ...


    ¡°In a few minutes, the ceremony will begin in front of the entire school. I suggest you tidy yourselves up while you wait so that you look presentable,¡± Professor McGonagall advised, giving the group of first-years a final glance. ¡°Please be quiet while you wait.¡±


    The moment Professor McGonagall left the room, however, it was as though her words had flipped a switch. The silence was quickly replaced by a buzz of chatter as the students huddled together, all eager to speculate on what the Sorting Ceremony would involve.


    ¡°How are we going to be sorted? Do we get to choose our own house?¡± a young witch asked nervously, voicing the question on everyone¡¯s mind.


    ¡°I bet it¡¯s some kind of test,¡± a Muggle-born girl chimed in confidently. ¡°I almost got into a Middle School when I received my Hogwarts letter, but I decided to come here instead¡­ I mean, Professor McGonagall convinced my mum that Hogwarts was better.¡±


    She was clearly trying to impress, but her story didn¡¯t have the intended effect. Most of the students were too focused on the impending Sorting Ceremony to care about her mention of ¡°Middle School,¡± which left a few of them puzzled.


    ¡°I think the heads of the houses choose us,¡± said another student with conviction. ¡°At Ilvermorny, they use statues to pick students. My father is friends with someone in the Department of International Magical Cooperation at the Ministry of Magic, and he told me all about it.¡±


    This Bragger Dad''s story was much more convincing, and he immediately attracted a crowd of followers and basked in their attention. He continued to brag about his father as if he were the Minister of Magic himself.


    Kyle, standing off to the side, suddenly felt a tug on his sleeve. He turned to find Kanna looking up at him, her face filled with worry.


    ¡°Kyle, is it really the headmaster who chooses?¡± Kanna asked anxiously, her voice trembling. ¡°What if no house wants me? Will I be expelled?¡±


    Kyle smiled, trying to reassure her. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, there¡¯s no way that¡¯ll happen. Think about it¡ªHogwarts and Ilvermorny are completely different schools. They wouldn¡¯t use the same sorting method. That¡¯d be way too boring.¡±


    Kanna exhaled a sigh of relief, but she still looked a little unsure. ¡°So¡­ do you know how we¡¯re sorted?¡±


    Kyle hesitated for a moment, then leaned in and whispered with a mischievous glint in his eyes, ¡°Well¡­ the professor hits each student with an . The ones who survive get to enroll. Don¡¯t worry¡ªyou¡¯ll be fine.¡±


    Kanna¡¯s eyes widened in horror, but before she could react, a ghost drifted through the room, floating eerily past them.


    Kyle, acting as if everything was perfectly normal, waved casually. ¡°Hello there, senior! We¡¯re about to be sorted. Wish us luck!¡±


    The ghost, though clearly baffled by Kyle¡¯s greeting, gave a nod before continuing to glide away.


    Seeing the ghost respond so casually, the light drained from Kanna¡¯s eyes, and she stood frozen, looking utterly defeated.

 Chapter 17: Sorting Hat

    A few minutes later, more and more ghosts began to appear in the small room, each one with a different shape and size¡ªsome tall, others short, some thin, and others rather rotund. The sight of so many ghosts took the new students by surprise. At first, many of the young witches and wizards were frightened, but they soon realized that the ghosts were quite friendly, greeting everyone with cheerful enthusiasm.


    One ghost, eager to ease the students'' nervousness, decided to put on a little show, performing a "ghostly" talent¡ªremoving his head and holding it above his body as it dangled in the air.


    "Cool..." someone whispered, watching the ghost''s head bob up and down.


    "Thank you," the ghost replied, clearly in the mood for more. "But I can do something even cooler."


    With a grin, the ghost tossed his head high into the air. What followed was an impressive acrobatic display: a front somersault followed by a triple-and-a-half aerial spin. The ghost¡¯s body reached up just in time to catch his head smoothly, reattaching it without a hitch. sea??h th§× N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The performance was flawless. The crowd, including Kyle, erupted into applause. It was truly impressive¡ªafter all, a talent like that wasn¡¯t something you saw every day.


    "Thank you, thank you!" the ghost beamed as he took a bow, circling the group of students with pride. "Oh, and did I mention? It was with this very routine that I joined the Headless Hunt. Not to brag or anything, of course¡ªjust letting you know you¡¯ve got good taste!"


    His smug air only made the students laugh harder, and soon the atmosphere was buzzing with excitement. Everyone urged him to perform more tricks, which he happily obliged, though none quite as difficult as his first routine. Even so, the continuous tricks had the first-years laughing and cheering.


    "Hmph," came a sneering voice from the side. "What''s so impressive about that?"


    The group turned to see another ghost, this one wearing a distinctive wrinkled collar.


    "I''m sorry, Sir Nicholas de Mimsy-Porpington," the headless ghost quickly responded. "I was just trying to entertain the children."


    "You''d better be," Nearly Headless Nick said coldly.


    The headless ghost, unfazed, added, "Of course, I sincerely hope that you''ll finally join the Headless Hunt this year."


    Nick gave him a blank look before turning and walking through a nearby wall without another word. The interruption left an awkward silence hanging in the air, and the headless ghost shrugged, looking around at the students. ¡°Well, it''s time for the Sorting Ceremony, anyway. Get ready, kids, and I''ll see you later!¡±


    With that, the headless ghost drifted through the wall, heading for the Great Hall.


    Though the crowd felt a slight pang of disappointment at the abrupt end of the performance, their excitement for the Sorting Ceremony kept the mood high. Most of the students were buzzing with anticipation, eagerly whispering to each other about what was to come.


    Except for Kanna.


    Unlike the others, she hadn¡¯t paid attention to the ghost show at all. Instead, she had retreated into a corner, her face pale and her posture tense. She radiated an air of quiet despair, though, unfortunately, no one seemed to notice.


    Moments later, Professor McGonagall returned, her expression stern.


    ¡°I was only gone for a moment, and you¡¯ve already made such a mess!¡± she scolded, her voice cool but firm. ¡°Your laughter could be heard all the way in the Great Hall. Was something really that funny, or do you think the house system is a joke?"


    Though her voice wasn¡¯t loud, the effect was immediate. The room fell silent, and every head bowed as the students tried to avoid her sharp gaze.


    After a tense minute, Professor McGonagall continued, ¡°The House system is a very serious matter. I expect you to treat it with the respect it deserves. Now, form a single file and follow me.¡±


    In less than a minute, the students scrambled to form a neat line, quiet as mice. They were ready to follow Professor McGonagall, the laughter from earlier now a distant memory.


    Kanna also shuffled forward like a zombie, her pale face and stiff movements making her look more like one of the ghosts than a first-year student.


    ...


    They walked out of the room, passed through the foyer, and through another pair of double doors, finally entering the luxurious auditorium.


    Compared to the hall, the auditorium was even more magnificent. It was so vast that it was almost overwhelming. Even with four long tables filled with students, the space didn¡¯t feel crowded at all. The tables were adorned with golden plates and goblets, and thousands of floating candles illuminated the room.


    Above them, the velvety black ceiling was dotted with stars and drifting clouds, mesmerizing everyone who looked up. Someone whispered to their companion, ¡°It¡¯s like magic in here. It looks just like the sky outside. I read about it in .¡±


    Kyle glanced in the direction of the voice but quickly lost interest when he saw it was a boy speaking. A shame. If he had started at Hogwarts a year later, he could have been friends with Hermione.


    The group moved to the front of the auditorium and came to a stop. Higher up was the teachers'' bench. In the middle sat Dumbledore, dressed in a purple robe, his silver-white hair and beard neatly groomed. He wore his signature half-moon glasses and gazed warmly at each new student.


    Seated next to him were the four Heads of House.


    Slytherin¡¯s Head, Severus Snape, with his greasy, slick hair. Ravenclaw¡¯s Head, Filius Flitwick, who was notably short. Hufflepuff¡¯s seemingly kind Head, Pomona Sprout and the Head of Gryffindor, Professor McGonagall, whose seat was temporarily empty since she was overseeing the House Sorting.


    In total, there were nearly twenty professors present for the opening banquet, but Kyle recognized fewer than ten of them, either from guesswork or intuition. He had no recollection of the others, but that was understandable. Hogwarts was so large, and if only a handful of professors were memorable, it wouldn¡¯t have been enough. Moreover, half of the ones he did recognize were already quite old, making that number even smaller.


    Kyle turned his attention away. Just then, Professor McGonagall placed a small square stool in front of the new students and set a patched, brown wizard¡¯s hat on it. Well, brown was an approximation¡ªthe hat was so filthy that a small cloud of dust puffed up when McGonagall lightly placed it down.


    In the candlelight, the hat gleamed with a worn, dull shine. It was impossible to tell its original color under such conditions. Kyle was sure that if this hat wasn¡¯t the Sorting Hat and somehow ended up in his house, either he or Chris would meet their end. Or maybe Diana would kill them both.

 Chapter 18: Heavenly Music

    The entire auditorium fell silent.


    The older students from the other grades eagerly watched, waiting for the show to begin, while the new students nervously eyed the dirty, tattered hat as if a troll might leap out of it at any moment. Then, without warning, the hat began to wriggle. Its tip swayed side to side, while the brim undulated up and down, as if it were attempting to dance.


    But the more Kyle observed, the more he felt that something was off.


    Whoever had designed this sequence of movements clearly had no idea what they were doing. It reminded him of a flounder¡ªa particularly unattractive one at that¡ªflailing around awkwardly. And unlike the more graceful, fluid movements he¡¯d expect, this one was stiff, clumsy, and lacking any sense of finesse.


    It was also considerably uglier.


    The Sorting Hat, apparently aware that dancing wasn¡¯t its strong suit, soon stopped its movements. Instead, it split open a mouth-like gap and began to hum softly before launching into its song:


    When the song ended, thunderous applause erupted throughout the auditorium. It was clear that the students in the wizarding world were quite polite when it came to tradition.


    The Sorting Hat bowed deeply toward each of the four tables, then remained still, no longer moving.


    Although the Sorting Hat''s song was a bit difficult to understand, the new students gradually figured out that the "Sorting" simply involved wearing the hat. This realization brought a sense of relief to many. Compared to the wild rumors they''d heard, just wearing a hat seemed easy enough. Sure, the hat was dirty, old, and not particularly appealing, but it would only be for a brief moment¡ªthey wouldn¡¯t have to wear it for long.


    Professor McGonagall stepped forward, holding a parchment in her hand. ¡°When I call your name, you will put on the hat, sit on the stool, and wait to be sorted.¡±


    She glanced at the parchment. ¡°Thomas Albright.¡±


    A blond boy with his head held high strode confidently over to the stool, placed the hat on his head, and, after a few moments, the Sorting Hat announced: ¡°Ravenclaw!¡± S~ea??h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The boy looked pleased as he removed the Sorting Hat. Despite being sorted into Ravenclaw, he couldn¡¯t resist walking over to the Gryffindor table, where the applause was the loudest at that moment.


    ¡°Marietta Edgecombe!¡±


    A little girl bounded up excitedly, grabbed the Sorting Hat, and placed it on her head.


    ¡°Ravenclaw!¡± the hat declared.


    ¡°Oh, that''s great!¡±


    The first new student being sorted into Gryffindor had already thrilled the Gryffindors, and the young eagles were ecstatic, cheering so loudly it seemed like the ceiling might lift off.


    ¡°Katie Bell!¡±


    This time, a nervous young girl rushed up, hurriedly jamming the Sorting Hat onto her head. In her fluster, she pushed it down too hard, causing her head to poke out of the hat, with only her neck exposed.


    ¡°Hahaha!¡±


    The entire hall erupted in laughter.


    Professor McGonagall sighed and quickly stepped forward to adjust the hat for her.


    ¡°Thanks, Professor McGonagall, I thought I was going to suffocate,¡± Katie said with relief.


    The Sorting Hat gave a nod to Professor McGonagall. ¡°Without a doubt, Gryffindor!¡±


    A deafening cheer burst from the Gryffindor table at the far left of the hall. Fred and George Weasley stood on their stools, whistling in excitement¡ªit was clear they had taken an instant liking to Katie Bell. She rushed down the stairs, her face flushed with embarrassment.


    The Sorting continued, but Professor McGonagall decided it was best to oversee it more closely, just in case there was another mishap. Instead of stepping aside as she had earlier, she stood behind the stool, holding the Sorting Hat in one hand and the parchment in the other.


    ¡°Cho Chang!¡±


    An Asian girl calmly walked up to the stool and sat down. Professor McGonagall carefully placed the Sorting Hat on her head.


    ¡°Ravenclaw!¡±


    ¡°Oh!¡±


    For the third time, the Sorting Hat called out the name of Ravenclaw, sending the young students of that house into a frenzy. Some stood on their stools, kicking their feet in excitement, while others grabbed flowers from the table decorations and tossed them into the air. Their usual reserved demeanor vanished as they erupted into wild cheers.


    ¡°Three! We¡¯ve already got three new students, and the Sorting¡¯s just begun!¡±


    ¡°Ravenclaw¡¯s going to rise this year!¡±


    ...


    The professors on stage didn¡¯t intervene at first, simply watching the excitement with smiles on their faces. However, when the students began tossing plates in their enthusiasm, Professor McGonagall stepped forward, her expression stern.


    The effect was immediate. The young eagles, who had been full of wild energy moments ago, instantly quieted down, as though they¡¯d been doused with cold water. Their transformation from jubilant eagles to meek quails was almost comical as they sat back down at their table, behaving once again.


    Seeing the effect of her presence, Professor McGonagall¡¯s expression softened, and she returned to the parchment in her hand.


    ¡°Omidyv Rowle!¡±


    After a brief pause, the Sorting Hat announced, ¡°Slytherin!¡±


    The new students were slowly being sorted, and the crowd of first-years was thinning out. Kyle stood among them, waiting patiently for his name to be called. But for some reason, he felt an irritating itch between his shoulder blades, as if someone were poking him.


    Instinctively, he turned his head and found Kanna glaring at him, her face flushed with anger. This wasn¡¯t the usual shy look she wore¡ªthis time, her fury was unmistakable. Her usually timid demeanor had transformed into something far more intense, her teeth grinding together as if she might pounce on him at any moment.


    ¡°Ahem... Lovely weather, isn¡¯t it?¡± Kyle muttered, clearing his throat as though he hadn¡¯t seen her, trying to act nonchalant. He turned back around and casually edged forward, hoping to put some distance between them.


    But his attempt to escape was futile. There was only so much space in the room, and the crowd had thinned out too much for him to hide. No matter where he moved, Kanna¡¯s eyes followed him, her gaze making him feel like a rat trapped on a hot tin roof.


    Just as the tension became unbearable, a voice rang out.


    ¡°Kyle Chopper!¡±


    For the first time in his life, Kyle found Professor McGonagall¡¯s voice to be the most beautiful sound in the world, like music from heaven, offering him salvation from his predicament. To be honest, if there were ever another election for headmaster, he would vote for Professor McGonagall without hesitation.

 Chapter 19: Hufflepuff

    Kyle didn¡¯t waste a second. With three quick strides, he was up on the stage, escaping the tension he¡¯d felt under Kanna¡¯s watchful glare. Once on the stage, he let out a sigh of relief, patting his chest. He turned to Professor McGonagall and said sincerely, "Thank you, Professor."


    His sudden show of politeness seemed to catch her off guard. It took her a moment to react, but then she gave a small shake of her head, saying, ¡°It¡¯s my duty.¡± Still, her stern expression softened noticeably. Before placing the Sorting Hat on Kyle¡¯s head, she even took the extra step of brushing off some of the dust from the hat.


    she thought, Gryffindor was in desperate need of more model students like him. Last year, she had secretly wished to bring Cedric Diggory into her house, but both Professor Sprout and Dumbledore had objected. This year, she was hopeful again.


    As she placed the Sorting Hat on Kyle¡¯s head, McGonagall looked at him intently, silently hoping the Sorting Hat would finally make the right call.


    ...


    ¡°Strange, very strange,¡± a soft voice whispered in Kyle¡¯s ear as soon as the hat was on. ¡°You sincerely thanked her? That''s unusual. Are you really one of those good kids?¡±


    ¡°Of course I am!¡± Kyle responded seriously. ¡°You can ask around. The Weasley family and even Mr. Scamander have said I¡¯m the most polite and well-behaved child they¡¯ve ever met. So please, don¡¯t slander me. Otherwise, I¡¯ll complain about you, even if you are just a hat.¡± sea??h th§× nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The Sorting Hat fell into a rare silence. Its brim wobbled back and forth, as if unsure how to respond or perhaps struggling with a decision.


    After a long pause, the hat finally spoke again. ¡°Your shamelessness reminds me of the old days, a thousand years ago, back when I was just an ordinary hat on Godric¡¯s head. Well then, how about Gryffindor? I feel like that''s where you should be... But no, it''s not quite right for you.¡±


    ¡°I think¡ª¡± Kyle began, but the Sorting Hat cut him off.


    ¡°Let me think,¡± the hat interrupted, mulling over its options. ¡°Maybe Slytherin would be better. You could achieve great things there, no question about it.¡±


    ¡°That...¡±


    ¡°Hold on, hold on,¡± the Sorting Hat interrupted him again. ¡°No, Slytherin doesn¡¯t feel quite right either. Besides, if I send you there, Snape will probably pour some strange potion on me later. Let me think... Dumbledore¡¯s put me in a difficult spot this time... If only Azkaban or Nurmengard were part of Hogwarts...¡±


    ...


    The Sorting Hat sounded like it was joking, but Kyle couldn¡¯t find it funny at all. He hadn''t done anything that bad¡ªat most, he''d just scared Kanna a little earlier. Could that really get him sent to Nurmengard? How was that fair? Plenty of wizards did far worse things, and they weren¡¯t being shipped off to wizarding prisons!


    Kyle realized he needed to do something, fast. If the Sorting Hat actually shouted out ¡°Nurmengard,¡± it¡¯d be a disaster. Azkaban was at least under Ministry control, and you couldn¡¯t just be sent there on a whim. But Nurmengard... that was different. Dumbledore had connections, and if anyone could pull some strings, it was him.


    Deep down, Kyle suspected the Sorting Hat¡¯s remarks were simply a jab at him for his earlier comment about filing a complaint. But still, what if... What if the hat, with its thousand years of history and independent consciousness, decided to make things interesting and call out something ridiculous, just for a laugh? Who knew what went on in that ancient mind?


    ¡°That...¡± Kyle began, putting on his most harmless smile. ¡°That was a fantastic song you sang earlier. Especially the first few lines¡ªconcise lyrics, light tone. Way better than the clich¨¦s from the Weird Sisters.¡±


    The Sorting Hat immediately perked up. ¡°You think so too? I¡¯ve been saying that for ages! It took me a whole year to come up with it. But Dumbledore never appreciated it. He even tried to get me to sing the school song. That old bee!¡±


    Kyle didn¡¯t feel comfortable badmouthing the headmaster, even if he wasn¡¯t around to hear it. Clearing his throat awkwardly, he decided to steer the conversation in a safer direction. ¡°By the way, that song of yours¡ªthere¡¯s something about it that sounds familiar. Is it, perhaps, in the rap style?¡±


    ¡°Rap style?¡± The Sorting Hat sounded curious. ¡°What does that mean?¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t know? You¡¯ve invented it yourself¡ªimpressive!¡± Kyle exclaimed, feigning shock. ¡°Rap is a style of Muggle music that¡¯s very popular.¡±


    ¡°Muggle music...¡± The Sorting Hat seemed even more intrigued.


    ¡°Yes, I think it would suit you perfectly. If you want, I could get you something related to it for Christmas,¡± Kyle offered sincerely.


    ¡°Okay... wait, no!¡± The Sorting Hat caught itself. ¡°We¡¯ve got to focus. It¡¯s already been a while, and you must be hungry. Let¡¯s not keep dinner waiting.¡± Clearing its imaginary throat, the hat resumed, ¡°Now, where were we?¡±


    Kyle grinned and reminded it, ¡°You said I was polite and well-behaved, but that neither Gryffindor, Slytherin, nor Ravenclaw felt quite right.¡±


    ¡°Huh? Did I mention Ravenclaw?¡± the hat murmured, sounding momentarily confused. ¡°Oh, right! You¡¯re absolutely correct. In that case, the decision is obvious...¡±


    ¡°Hufflepuff!¡±


    The moment the Sorting Hat announced Kyle¡¯s house, the hall erupted into applause. Even the teachers at the staff table joined in. The Sorting, which had taken a record-breaking twenty minutes¡ªeasily the longest in Hogwarts¡¯ history¡ªwas finally over. And not a moment too soon, as everyone was starving by now. Normally, the feast would have already started by this time.


    The Hufflepuff table was especially lively. Cedric Diggory, grinning broadly, rushed over to give Kyle an enthusiastic hug. ¡°Great, Kyle! I knew you¡¯d end up in Hufflepuff.¡±


    Kyle laughed. ¡°The Sorting Hat got great tastes.¡±


    ¡°Huh?¡± Cedric looked momentarily puzzled, unsure of what Kyle meant.


    But Kyle just smiled and didn¡¯t elaborate. At that moment, several older students approached to shake Kyle¡¯s hand. Judging by the badges on their robes, they were Hufflepuff prefects. It was a tradition to welcome new students, while also helping prefects get to know the incoming first-years.


    Kyle greeted them warmly and then took the empty seat next to Cedric. The prefect who had been sitting there graciously offered up his spot after realizing Kyle and Cedric were already acquainted.


    Once seated, Kyle joined the rest of the hall in looking back at the Sorting Hat. But deep down, his decision had already been made. He had always wanted to be in Hufflepuff. After all, Newt Scamander had been a Hufflepuff, and so had his father, Chris. As someone who loved magical creatures, Hufflepuff was the natural choice. Plus, Kyle wasn¡¯t interested in dwelling on dark wizards or Voldemort right now. He wanted to fully embrace the joy and magic of Hogwarts life, and there was no better place for that than Hufflepuff, with its enthusiastic and loyal community.


    Besides, the Hufflepuff dormitory was conveniently located right next to the kitchen¡ªan undeniable bonus.

 Chapter 20: A Failed Prank

    After taking his seat at the Hufflepuff table, Kyle felt an overwhelming sense of relief wash over him. Before the Sorting Ceremony, he''d been anxious, uncertain about where he might end up. But now, with everything settled and him officially a part of Hogwarts, a true sense of belonging took hold. It was a wonderful feeling.


    Kyle rested his chin in his left hand, leaning his arm casually on the table as he watched the rest of the Sorting Ceremony unfold. The anticipation for dinner was growing, but he felt at ease, leisurely enjoying the moment.


    Because his sorting had taken so long, many students around the auditorium were curiously glancing in his direction. Several witches, noticing Kyle sitting and chatting with Cedric, exchanged frustrated looks with their classmates.


    they seemed to think, grinding their teeth in envy.


    Meanwhile, over at the Gryffindor table, Fred and George Weasley were similarly upset.


    ¡°Why did Kyle go to Hufflepuff?¡± Fred groaned, pounding his thigh in frustration. ¡°Now we can¡¯t use the welcome ceremony we prepared!¡±


    ¡°Shut up, Fred. I need a moment to process this,¡± George muttered, scratching his head. ¡°Honestly, even if Kyle had gone to Slytherin, I could¡¯ve handled it. But Hufflepuff? How¡¯s that even possible?¡±


    ¡°Yeah!¡± Fred agreed. ¡°Kyle? Loyal? Kind? The Sorting Hat must¡¯ve gone senile!¡±


    Before they could continue lamenting, a newly sorted Gryffindor sat down in the empty seat next to them.


    The next moment, a loud yelp pierced the hall.


    ¡°Oww!¡±


    Everyone¡¯s heads turned as the new Gryffindor student leapt into the air, clutching his bottom and looking like a startled Wiggentree Bowtruckle. He bolted from his seat, running around in circles, wailing in pain.


    It was only then that the hall realized what had happened. A small, round object¡ªabout the size of a Quidditch snitch¡ªwas attached to the back of the student, biting down on his bottom with a set of sharp teeth.


    ¡°Wait, that ball looks kind of familiar...¡± Fred mumbled as the scene unfolded. He glanced at George, a sudden realization dawning on him. ¡°George, didn¡¯t you put the biting ball away?¡±


    George, wide-eyed, replied, ¡°No... I thought you did!¡±


    The twins exchanged a horrified look before both turned to the seat where the student had been sitting. Sure enough, it was empty.


    ¡°Oh, damn it,¡± Fred muttered, scratching his head in distress. ¡°That was our entire savings!¡±


    The biting ball was a new prank item Fred and George had purchased from the Zonko''s Joke Shop at a steep price. It could disguise itself as a cushion, lying in wait for an unsuspecting victim to sit on it. The problem? It cost them three galleons¡ªa hefty sum for the mischievous pair.


    But they had been determined to make Kyle¡¯s sorting memorable. They had pooled all their savings to buy the biting ball, preparing an unforgettable surprise for their younger ¡°brother.¡± During the Sorting Ceremony, they¡¯d stealthily set it up on an empty seat nearby, confident Kyle would be sorted into Gryffindor. Once he was, they¡¯d lead him to sit on the disguised cushion, delivering the perfect prank.


    Everything had been set up flawlessly. Even if Kyle were sorted into another house, they could simply retrieve the cushion afterward without much fuss.


    But fate had other plans. Kyle had been sorted into Hufflepuff, the last house they ever expected. The shock of it had left Fred and George too stunned to retrieve the cushion in time.


    And now, instead of pranking Kyle, they watched helplessly as the biting ball caused chaos in the hall, gnawing at the rear of an innocent Gryffindor first-year.


    "Fred, do you think we can get the Biting Ball back?" George asked, his eyes fixed on the back of the unfortunate new student. He felt a pang of regret. Three Galleons¡ªthat could have bought an entire box of Dungbombs. How could he not feel sad?


    Fred glanced over at Professor McGonagall, who was already heading toward the new student, and sighed. "I don''t think we can get it back." S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The two brothers sighed in unison, their hopes deflated.


    Meanwhile, Professor McGonagall reached the new Gryffindor, casually removed the Biting Ball from his robe, and checked him over. Fortunately, the young wizard was unharmed, and his robes weren¡¯t damaged either. It was a standard harmless prank, after all. Recognizing the familiar tricks and the tools used in this sort of mischief, McGonagall didn¡¯t need to guess who the culprits were. She shot a piercing glare straight at Fred and George.


    However, since the Sorting Ceremony wasn¡¯t yet over, she said nothing more than, "Twenty points deducted from Gryffindor," before turning around and heading back to the stage.


    The new student, still shaken, was escorted back to the table by Percy. After checking his robes three more times to ensure he was truly safe, he cautiously sat back down.


    Across the hall, Kyle, seeing the miserable expressions on Fred and George¡¯s faces, couldn¡¯t resist a smirk. He extended a middle finger in their direction, his amusement plain.


    Kyle knew without a doubt that the Biting Ball had been meant for him. The twins had been planning to prank him for ages, and now their mischief had backfired, caught by Professor McGonagall. he thought smugly.


    "No, George, Kyle¡¯s too arrogant," Fred muttered, his face flushing red with anger. While many at Hogwarts wouldn¡¯t understand Kyle¡¯s rude gesture, Fred knew all too well what it meant. After all, every time Kyle had gotten the upper hand on them, this had been his signature insult.


    "Don''t worry, Fred. As long as Kyle¡¯s at Hogwarts, we still have a chance," George said, equally furious. His ears had turned red with frustration. But there was nothing they could do at the moment. Professor McGonagall¡¯s warning glare was enough to make them hold off on any retaliation for now. They could only respond by flipping Kyle off from across the room, a small act of defiance.


    For the moment, they suppressed their desire for revenge and tried to avoid looking at Kyle¡¯s smug face.


    Kyle didn¡¯t care about their gestures. To him, it was just the final, pitiful resistance of two sore losers. He didn¡¯t take it seriously.


    He knew Fred and George wouldn¡¯t let this go easily. Even now, they were probably plotting how to get back at him. But so what? In their eleven-year war of pranks, Kyle had almost always come out on top. The only times he¡¯d lost were back when he was younger, and Charlie Weasley, with his seniority and size, had tipped the balance in the twins¡¯ favor.


    But now Charlie was occupied with his graduation exams and Quidditch, leaving Fred and George without their strongest ally. Without him, they had no real backup.


    Kyle thought with a chuckle. If that was the case, defeating them would be even easier.


    With his near-flawless record against the twins, Kyle was unafraid of whatever they might come up with next.

 Chapter 21: Is the Sorting Hat This Brave?

    After the unexpected chaos caused by the biting ball, the Sorting Hat quickly returned to its efficient pace, sorting the remaining students as soon as it touched their hair. With this newfound speed, they were soon down to the last two new students.


    ¡°Kanna Prince!¡±


    The familiar name caught Kyle and Cedric¡¯s attention at once. Both of them looked over at the girl from the train.


    ¡°That¡¯s the girl we saw earlier, right?¡± Cedric asked curiously. ¡°Where do you think she¡¯ll end up¡ªSlytherin?¡±


    ¡°Probably,¡± Kyle replied, scratching his back out of habit. ¡°Judging by her fancy clothes, she¡¯s likely a pureblood. Slytherin makes the most sense...¡±


    But then, Kyle suddenly froze. Something seemed off. Just after Professor McGonagall called Kanna¡¯s name, he noticed that Snape¡ªwho had been sitting with a bored, disinterested expression throughout the ceremony¡ªhad leaned forward, focusing on the Sorting Hat with unusual intensity.


    Kyle thought, a chill running down his spine.


    It wasn¡¯t completely impossible. Despite Snape¡¯s reclusive tendencies and his general avoidance of social gatherings, he was still a well-known figure in the wizarding world, especially as a Potions Master and one of Hogwarts¡¯ Heads of House. He was bound to have connections, and it wouldn¡¯t be shocking if Kanna¡¯s family was among them.


    A sinking feeling took hold of Kyle. If Snape really had ties to Kanna''s family, and he found out that Kyle had tricked her on the train, things could get messy. Knowing Snape¡¯s personality, Kyle feared he might be in for some unpleasant "protagonist treatment" far sooner than he¡¯d like.


    Kyle thought nervously, feeling the back of his neck prickle. He had just been gloating about the Weasley twins getting what they deserved, and now it seemed like retribution was already headed his way.


    As he anxiously watched the platform, Kyle noticed something strange. When it came time for Kanna''s sorting, the usually fast Sorting Hat seemed to slow down, as if it had returned to its earlier indecision. The entire hall waited, and waited. A minute passed before the Sorting Hat finally called out:


    ¡°Hufflepuff!¡±


    Huh?


    A wave of enthusiastic cheers erupted from the Hufflepuff table, and the prefects jumped up to welcome Kanna. Kyle, however, was left staring in confusion as she passed by him, question marks practically floating above his head.


    Purebloods rarely ended up in Hufflepuff, and while it wasn¡¯t completely unheard of (after all, Newt Scamander was a famous Hufflepuff), it was still uncommon. Purebloods were typically sorted into Slytherin, and Kyle had assumed Kanna would follow that path.


    Kyle dismissed the thought quickly. The Sorting Hat didn¡¯t play games. It had the responsibility of determining a student¡¯s best path, one that would influence their future. No matter how young or naive Kanna might be, the hat wouldn¡¯t let her personal whims affect its judgment. Otherwise, her family wouldn¡¯t take it lightly.


    Kyle recalled something his father, Chris, had once told him. When Sirius Black was sorted into Gryffindor instead of Slytherin, the Black matron had thrown a fit at Hogwarts. If it weren¡¯t for Dumbledore stepping in, the Sorting Hat might have been destroyed by Fiendfyre. The incident had caused quite a stir, and for a time, there were serious discussions within the Ministry of Magic about replacing the Sorting Hat with a different method for sorting students.


    The idea had even garnered a surprising level of support. Many pureblood families, especially the most traditionalist ones, didn¡¯t want their children sorted anywhere but Slytherin. For them, having a Gryffindor¡ªor any other house¡ªmember in the family was a mark of disgrace.


    Of course, the proposal never went through. Dumbledore, who had been far less lenient back then, had firmly opposed it, and pureblood families were too intimidated to challenge his authority. The matter had been dropped, but since that time, no member of the pureblood families involved had been sorted anywhere but Slytherin.


    Kyle couldn''t resist a glance toward the teachers'' table to gauge Snape''s reaction. If Snape had a connection to Kanna''s family, it would be easy to tell by his response to her sorting.


    Kyle was wrong. Snape''s face was as dark as a storm cloud, and he looked as if he might start dripping with rage at any moment. He was deep in conversation with Dumbledore, occasionally glancing over at the Hufflepuff table, where Kanna had just taken her seat. S~ea??h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Kyle quickly lowered his head, trying to make himself as inconspicuous as possible. His heart pounded a little faster.


    Meanwhile, the final new student had been sorted and took their place at the Gryffindor table. Dumbledore stood up, smiling warmly at the students, and spread his arms wide. "Welcome, welcome to another new year at Hogwarts! There¡¯s nothing more delightful than seeing you all here once again. What are you waiting for? Eat!"


    At once, the empty tables before them filled with steaming dishes. Mountains of beef, roast chicken, pork chops, sausages, and steaks appeared, along with boiled potatoes, pea shoots, and French fries for those who preferred something lighter. The smell of the feast filled the air, making everyone¡¯s appetite grow.


    Kyle shook his head, trying to push all the Snape-Kanna worries out of his mind. he thought. Whatever came next, he wouldn¡¯t be the first to suffer. The Sorting Hat was the one who made the final call, after all. And if Snape really wanted to make his life difficult, it wouldn¡¯t last forever. Kyle reassured himself.


    He pushed the thoughts aside and focused on the meal, reaching for a fried chicken leg and biting into it. The skin was perfectly crispy, the meat tender and juicy, filling his mouth with a burst of flavor.


    The baked potatoes were equally delicious, simple but perfectly cooked. He liked that there wasn¡¯t too much seasoning, allowing the natural flavor of the potatoes to shine. For an extra kick, he added some black pepper and ketchup from the side and found the combination surprisingly good. He reached for another potato, ready to enjoy it in peace.


    But just as Kyle cut into the potato, Cedric leaned over, lowering his voice. "Have you noticed that she keeps staring at you?"


    "Staring at me? Who?" Kyle asked, not looking up as he reached for the black pepper.


    "Kanna Prince, the girl from the train," Cedric said, raising an eyebrow and pointing mockingly across the table. "Look¡ªshe¡¯s doing it again."

 Chapter 22: Poor Choice of Friends

    Kyle glanced up, following Cedric''s finger, and was surprised to find Kanna sitting diagonally across from him on his left, focused on cutting into a steak. However, every time she made a slice, her eyes flicked up to meet his, as if her plate held not a steak, but Kyle himself.


    The sight made Kyle grit his teeth in discomfort.


    "Wait a minute," Cedric said, his voice tinged with curiosity. "Her eyes don''t look too friendly. She wasn''t like this on the train, right?" He thought for a moment before adding, "I remember all the new students were together before the division. Did something happen between you two?"


    "Yeah, it''s weird," Kyle agreed with a shrug, giving a quick summary of the incident.


    By the end, Cedric was speechless, a stunned expression on his face.


    "An Avada Kedavra to sort us into houses? Seriously, who would even think of that?"


    "Did she actually believe it?" Cedric asked cautiously.


    Kyle sighed bitterly. "What do you think? If she didn''t, do you think she''d be staring at me like that?"


    Huh...


    Someone bold enough to make up such a story, and someone bold enough to believe it. Cedric couldn''t decide whether to laugh or cry. He blinked in disbelief, looking back and forth between Kanna and Kyle before giving a thumbs-up.


    "Wow, Kyle. You two are for each other."


    Kyle''s patience wore thin. "I''m only eleven, okay? You want me thrown into Azkaban or something?" he retorted. "And by the way, don''t say things like that again. If Professor Snape hears you, you''re done for."


    "Wait, she knows Snape?" Cedric asked, eyebrows raised.


    Kyle nodded. "I''m not sure, but it seems like she does."


    "..." S~ea??h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Cedric''s expression shifted instantly. He stared at Kyle with a newfound look of disdain. "That''s just low. How could you pull such a nasty prank on a first-year? If I were the prefect, I''d dock your points for sure."


    Kyle gaped at him, utterly stunned. He had switched sides the moment he heard Kanna and Snape might be connected, and the speed of his change in attitude was astonishing. Was this really the Cedric he knew?


    But Cedric stayed stone-faced under Kyle''s gaze, even scooting slightly away from him, as if he didn''t want to be associated with whatever trouble Kyle had stirred up.


    Kyle could only respond with a silent middle finger, frustrated. , he thought.


    But the tense atmosphere made it impossible to focus on the food. Kyle eventually set his knife and fork down, his attention fully on Kanna.


    The little witch didn''t avoid his stare. They locked eyes, neither one willing to back down. Her round face puffed up, but it was unclear whether it was from the steak she was chewing or from the anger boiling beneath her calm exterior.


    They sat there, silent and unmoving, as if the school banquet had become their personal battlefield, each refusing to lose the unspoken challenge of who would look away first.


    At first, both were resolute, determined to keep up this silent duel indefinitely. But Kanna had clearly overestimated her stamina.


    It wasn''t long before her confidence began to falter. Her gaze shifted ever so slightly, and a pink blush spread across her once-pale face. As seconds ticked by, her eyes darted nervously, her breath quickened, and her entire face turned crimson.


    In the end, she couldn''t hold out any longer. With a swift motion, she dropped her head, her nose nearly touching the steak on her plate, as though she wished she could disappear into it. All that was visible were her two bright red ears.


    ...


    Kanna¡¯s personality hadn¡¯t changed at all. She was still just as shy and socially anxious as before. Her intense expression earlier had only been a result of the anger and embarrassment she felt after realizing she''d been tricked. It was similar to how a normally quiet and calm girl might curse at the keyboard after being cheated in her favorite game¡ªsame principle.


    Kyle had been avoiding her, which only made things worse. She had bottled up her frustration with nowhere to release it, allowing the tension to simmer until now. Once her anger began to fade, she quickly reverted back to her usual self¡ªthe shy, socially awkward little witch she¡¯d always been.


    Kyle''s eye contact had inadvertently provided her an outlet, though not a very effective one. After all, locking eyes with someone is a form of communication, even if it''s a silent, indirect way of venting. What surprised Kyle, though, was how fast her anger dissipated. Within just a few minutes, she was back to her old self. Her personality was just that mild.


    Kyle thought about it: Ginny Weasley was already considered pretty easygoing compared to the people he knew, but even when she was angry, she''d at least confront him and argue for a good half hour. Kanna, on the other hand, was far too meek. Her kind nature, while admirable, wasn''t necessarily a good thing in the wizarding world.


    At Hogwarts, it wasn¡¯t such a big deal. Hufflepuff was known for its honesty and friendliness; no one in their house would exploit someone for being too nice. But once they graduated, Kanna¡¯s soft nature could become a liability. Out in the real world, especially among darker forces, such traits could be dangerous.


    Kyle couldn¡¯t help but think about the grim realities beyond Hogwarts. Grogan Stump, a famous Minister of Magic, once said that Hogwarts was a fairy tale, but outside its walls was an abyss where people waited to devour you. For dark wizards on the edge of ruin, a shy, introverted witch from a pure-blood family was like a walking golden carrot. They would swarm like hyenas, eager to strip her to the bone.


    Kyle wasn¡¯t exaggerating. There were precedents, particularly during the chaotic period after Voldemort¡¯s defeat. With the Dark Lord gone, his followers¡ªthe Death Eaters¡ªlost their protection and were hunted by the Ministry''s Aurors. In their desperation, they went into hiding, leaving a vacuum that predatory wizards quickly filled.


    These opportunists targeted the pure-blood families in disarray, robbing them or using the Cruciatus Curse to extract secrets. For them, any pure-blood wizard traveling alone was easy prey. They didn¡¯t care how prestigious or powerful a family was, nor did they worry about future reprisals. As long as there was profit to be made, and as long as the family wasn¡¯t protected by someone like Dumbledore or Voldemort, they would pounce, tearing chunks out of whatever remained.


    Many pure-blood wizards fell during that time, leading to the decline and eventual disappearance of several families. This dark period only ended when most of the Death Eaters were captured, and the Ministry''s focus shifted toward dismantling these predators. But the threat was always there, lurking, waiting for another moment of weakness.


    Kyle glanced at Kanna, who was now pretending not to see him. After a moment¡¯s pause, he reached for the black pepper, sprinkled it over the diced potatoes on his plate, and took a bite.


    he thought.

 Chapter 23: A Wild Bunch

    Half an hour later, the banquet was winding down, and the main dishes had been replaced with an array of tempting desserts. Kyle, after surveying the options, picked a serving of maple pudding. Bill and Charlie had raved about this particular dessert, insisting that nowhere else could replicate its authentic taste quite like Hogwarts.


    Kyle took a bite and immediately understood the hype. The sweetness was perfectly balanced, the fragrance rich and inviting, and there was just the right hint of acidity to round it all out. It was the ideal way to finish off the meal.


    As the last bites were savored and the remaining desserts cleared away, the long tables returned to their spotless state. The Great Hall grew quiet as Dumbledore stood up, signaling that it was time for his traditional speech.


    ¡°Now,¡± he began, his voice commanding immediate attention, "I trust you are all sufficiently full, but before you go to your dormitories, I have a few words to say."


    The hall was silent, every student now focused on the headmaster. Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°First-year students, please note that the forest area on the school grounds is off limits to all students,¡± Dumbledore said, his tone serious.


    ¡°And...¡± he paused briefly before continuing, ¡°Professor McGonagall has asked me to remind you that the use of magic in the corridors or any public area will not be tolerated and will be severely punished.¡±


    As soon as he finished, nearly half the room instinctively turned to look at Fred and George Weasley, the infamous Gryffindor twins. Far from looking abashed, the twins stood up and began bowing theatrically to their peers, their grins wide as though Dumbledore had just honored them.


    Professor McGonagall, on the other hand, looked as though she was barely holding back her fury. Her lips were pursed so tightly they had nearly disappeared. Kyle had little doubt the twins would be in for some serious detention, and it certainly wouldn¡¯t be a short stint.


    Dumbledore remained unfazed by the twins¡¯ antics and smoothly continued, ¡°The Quidditch tryouts will be held during the second week of the term. Any second-year students or above who are interested in playing for their house team should contact Madam Hooch.¡±


    As expected, Kyle thought. He had already known that first-year students wouldn¡¯t be allowed to try out for the Quidditch teams, so he wasn¡¯t surprised by Dumbledore¡¯s words. The restriction wasn¡¯t entirely rigid, though¡ªafter all, exceptions could be made for extraordinary talent, like what would happen with Harry Potter a year later.


    The rule was primarily there to level the playing field for Muggle-born students, who had never been exposed to Quidditch before attending Hogwarts. After a year, they¡¯d be more familiar with the wizarding world, and it would be a fairer time for team selection.


    Kyle, however, wasn¡¯t planning to wait a whole year. He was determined to speak to Professor Sprout in a few days and see if she might allow him to join the tryouts with the second years. The thought of not being able to fly for an entire year felt like torture.


    ¡°Quiet, please¡­¡± Dumbledore¡¯s voice rose slightly to regain control over the excited murmurings about Quidditch that had erupted among the students.


    ¡°Finally, I am pleased to introduce you to our new professor of Defence Against the Dark Arts.¡± Dumbledore gestured to the staff table with a welcoming smile, directing attention to the figure seated there.


    "Professor Oren, say hello to everyone," Dumbledore announced warmly.


    The man seated next to Snape¡ªa rather plain-looking, middle-aged wizard¡ªstood up with a polite smile and waved to the students. The response was underwhelming. Aside from the first-year students who clapped a bit more enthusiastically, the rest of the hall only offered scattered, half-hearted applause. For the older students, the excitement of a new Defense Against the Dark Arts professor had long worn off.


    Kyle thought to himself,


    Professor Oren didn¡¯t seem bothered by the lackluster reception, as if he had expected it. After giving his brief greeting, he sat back down. However, as he shifted his chair, it slid a little too far. His elbow accidentally jabbed into Snape¡¯s lower back.


    "Ssshh!" Snape hissed, gripping the armrests of his chair tightly to stifle a cry of pain.


    Oren immediately turned to him, concern evident in his voice. "I''m sorry, Severus. Are you all right? Do you need to see Madam Pomfrey?"


    "I don''t believe we''re on a first-name basis, Professor Oren," Snape responded icily, clearly irritated. "And no, I don¡¯t need the hospital wing for a mere bump. Save your energy."


    Snape moved his chair further away, his expression revealing his disgust, as if Oren were an unpleasant sight, like a Flobberworm drained of its slime and rendered useless.


    Professor Oren looked a bit embarrassed and opened his mouth as though to say something more, but Dumbledore had already moved on, discussing the rules about Hogsmeade Village. Soon, he transitioned to leading the students in the school song.


    A long golden ribbon floated above the hall, and soon the students began singing, each to their own melody. The hall filled with a chaotic mix of different tunes, transforming the school song into a medley of competing sounds.


    The most popular tunes included "Do the Hippogriff" and "Symphony of Fate," which many of the young wizards favored. Kyle, however, opted to sing it to the tune of "The Wide and Broad Aisle."


    But no one was enjoying it more than Fred and George Weasley. Arm in arm, they belted out the song to the tune of "Flight of the Bumblebee" while dancing energetically, creating a joyful scene that soon caught the attention of other Gryffindors. Before long, many students joined in, turning what was supposed to be a solemn school song into a spontaneous, lively dance party.


    Even Dumbledore, standing on the stage, couldn''t resist moving to the beat for a moment, a smile lighting up his face.


    When the song finally ended, the entire hall burst into applause, with the loudest cheers going to Fred and George. Dumbledore, still adjusting his crooked wizard''s hat, chuckled and said, ¡°That was beautiful. what school songs are for!¡±


    "Now," he continued, "it''s time for bed. Everyone, back to your dormitories."


    The banquet came to an end, and students began rushing toward the doors of the Great Hall. The prefects quickly sprang into action, trying to round up the first-year students.


    "First-year students, over here!" one called out.


    "Don''t push, let the first-years through!"


    "Freshmen, hurry up, we need to get moving!"


    "Is everyone here? Remember to follow me closely and don''t fall behind!"

 Chapter 24: Not Even a Crup Would Want This

    Hufflepuff¡¯s common room was nestled deep within the underground passages of Hogwarts Castle. The entrance, cleverly hidden in a pile of large barrels located in the kitchen corridor¡¯s right-hand corner, was both inconspicuous and charming in its simplicity. Gaining entry was straightforward: students had to follow the rhythm of Helga Hufflepuff¡¯s name, tapping the bottom of the second barrel in the second row. The lid would then rotate, revealing a passageway leading into the cozy common room.


    Unlike the other houses, which relied on frequently changing passwords or riddles, Hufflepuff had the most practical system. Their fixed entrance sequence meant once you learned it, you were set for all seven years. No need to worry about keeping up with new passwords every week, which was certainly a relief for many students.


    ¡°Remember, it¡¯s Helga Hufflepuff. The order must be exact,¡± Hufflepuff¡¯s prefect, Harris, reminded the cluster of nervous first-years, slowing down the demonstration to ensure they memorized it correctly.


    A small boy in the crowd raised his hand, his voice quivering with anxiety. ¡°What if I get it wrong? I¡¯m not good at remembering things. Will I be stuck outside the dormitory?¡±


    Harris smiled reassuringly but walked over to the barrel, ready to make a point. "It¡¯s worse than that." He tapped the barrel twice, deliberately wrong, and quickly stepped back.


    In an instant, a torrent of sour-smelling vinegar sprayed from the neighboring barrel, drenching the space where he had stood just moments before.


    ¡°As you can see,¡± Harris said, waving his wand to clean up the mess, "if you get the sequence wrong, the other lid bursts open, and you¡¯ll be covered in vinegar. If you don¡¯t want to smell like a vinegar bottle for the rest of the day, I suggest you practice. It¡¯s not that hard once you get the hang of it."


    The group chuckled nervously, but the message was clear. Harris ran through the correct sequence a couple more times, ensuring everyone understood before leading them through the now-open passage into the common room.


    At the end of the tunnel, the new students were greeted by a large, circular room that exuded warmth and simplicity. This was the Hufflepuff common room. The low ceiling, only about three meters high, made the space feel intimate, while the cozy black and yellow armchairs scattered around the room invited relaxation. The walls were alive with a variety of fascinating plants, adding a touch of nature to the underground setting.


    Kyle¡¯s eyes scanned the room with interest. Beyond the usual decorative plants, he spotted several rare species that he knew were valuable. He recognized a Rue plant, Dittany, and even the prized Hydrangea. His gaze then fell on the most striking plant of all: a Wind Chime Sunflower placed right in the center of the lounge.


    If I¡¯m not mistaken, Kyle thought, that Wind Chime Sunflower alone is worth about 300 galleons.


    Beside it stood the Golden Hydrangea, slightly less expensive but still a luxurious 279 galleons at Diagon Alley. It was clear to Kyle that Professor Sprout, renowned in the wizarding world for her expertise in Herbology, had handpicked these plants for the common room. The subtle display of rare and valuable plants, arranged with casual elegance, reflected a certain low-key luxury.


    Kyle suppressed the temptation to snatch one of the prized plants, turning away with effort. His attention shifted to a large honey-colored wooden mantelpiece, carved intricately with badgers, the Hufflepuff house emblem. On it sat several jars, which, according to Head Boy Harris, were filled with various snacks¡ªsweets and treats that the students could enjoy at their leisure.


    Above the fireplace hung a portrait of Helga Hufflepuff herself. She was depicted as a kind-faced witch, holding a golden cup and smiling warmly down at the students. The cheerful expression of their house founder added to the comforting and welcoming atmosphere of the common room, making it feel like a true home for Hufflepuff students.


    ...


    At that moment, more Hufflepuff students began entering the common room one by one. They greeted the new students warmly and offered them small snacks as gifts.


    Kyle received quite a bit, and his robe pockets were soon stuffed with colorful candies and preserves¡ªenough to last him more than a month.


    ¡°What do you think? Pretty cozy, isn''t it?¡±


    Cedric approached Kyle, giving him a friendly pat on the shoulder. ¡°No other house has such a comfortable environment.¡±


    ¡°Oh, it¡¯s you, Mr. Diggory,¡± Kyle replied, clearly unimpressed, as he brushed Cedric''s hand off his shoulder. ¡°What, not worried about being misunderstood by Professor Snape at a time like this?¡±


    ¡°Come on, Kyle, that¡¯s just for show,¡± Cedric responded with a smirk. ¡°Our friendship is unbreakable, I swear.¡±


    Kyle found Cedric¡¯s explanation even more irritating and quickly stepped away from him, though he knew Cedric was only teasing. He wasn''t truly angry¡ªjust annoyed by the remark.


    Besides, Cedric had said it was all for appearances. Did he really think he was Harry Potter, constantly catching Snape¡¯s attention? What was going on in his head?


    Kyle shrugged it off. He couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that Cedric''s behavior seemed oddly familiar, particularly the way he deflected blame so smoothly. He had definitely seen that style before.


    But who was it? S§×arch* The N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Kyle racked his brain, but couldn¡¯t pinpoint the person. Finally, he gave up, figuring it was probably¡ªmaybe¡ªthe Weasley brothers.


    ...


    As the common room filled with more people, Harris, one of the prefects, gestured for the newcomers to sit on the sofas. He explained that the professors had asked him to inform the first-years about Hogwarts¡¯ rules and help everyone get to know each other.


    He and the other female prefect soon returned from the nearby kitchen, carrying biscuits and large glasses of fresh juice. This was one of the perks of Hufflepuff being so close to the kitchens¡ªsomething the other houses didn¡¯t enjoy.


    Soon, the tables in the common room were piled high with all kinds of snacks.


    ¡°Welcome to Hufflepuff,¡± Harris said cheerfully. ¡°There aren¡¯t too many rules at Hogwarts, but make sure to remember the following¡­¡±


    While Harris spoke, Kyle scanned the room and spotted Kanna sitting on the outer edge of the crowd. Without drawing attention, he moved over to her.


    ¡°I was out of line earlier,¡± Kyle whispered, ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    Kanna looked startled. When she realized it was Kyle, she whispered back, ¡°No, it¡¯s okay. It was partly my fault too. I¡¯m so dumb¡ªI should¡¯ve guessed you were joking. There¡¯s no way Hogwarts uses spells like that to sort students.¡±


    Kyle shook his head, his expression serious. ¡°It¡¯s not the same. A joke is only funny if both people find it funny. I was definitely wrong for scaring you like that, so I needed to apologize.¡±


    Seeing how earnest Kyle was, Kanna bit her lip, then looked up and said sincerely, ¡°Alright, I accept your apology.¡±


    After saying that, she gave him a light slap on the arm. ¡°Now we¡¯re even.¡±


    As for the force of that slap... It was barely enough to knock off any dust.


    ¡°Not quite, just a second.¡±


    Kyle smiled and took out a handful of the prettiest brown-wrapped candies from his pocket. Handing them to her, he said, ¡°This is your compensation. We¡¯re only even if you accept them.¡±


    ¡°Well, okay...¡±


    Kanna accepted the candies, popped one in her mouth in front of Kyle, and then extended her hand with the remaining ones toward him, smiling. ¡°Here, I¡¯ll buy you a candy.¡±


    ¡°No, no,¡± Kyle quickly shook his head, mumbling, ¡°Who in their right mind eats Licorice Snap? Not even a Crup would eat this stuff.¡±


    "Crunch!"

 Chapter 25: Roommates

    "In short, these are the main things you need to keep in mind. As long as you pay attention to them in your daily life, you won''t lose house points. But even if you do lose points once in a while due to negligence, it''s no big deal. Here in Hufflepuff, we don¡¯t worry too much about that. The most important thing is that everyone enjoys their time at Hogwarts."


    Head Boy Harris was speaking confidently to the group, while Kyle sat at the very edge, silent with his head down.


    ¡°Kyle, what are you doing here? I¡¯ve been looking for you everywhere.¡±


    Cedric approached and casually handed Kyle a glass of juice. ¡°Fresh orange juice¡ªdefinitely a good choice before bed.¡±


    Kyle didn¡¯t take it, nor did he lift his head. He just waved Cedric off to show he didn¡¯t want it.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong? Are you not feeling well?¡± Cedric asked, his voice tinged with concern.


    ¡°No, I¡¯m just feeling a little sleepy,¡± Kyle responded hastily, still avoiding eye contact. ¡°I don¡¯t like drinking anything before bed. You can offer it to someone else.¡±


    This odd behavior only heightened Cedric¡¯s curiosity. He took a step to the left, trying to get a better look at Kyle¡¯s face. But Kyle turned away at the same time, dodging him.


    Something was definitely off.


    ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll ask some of the other first-years then,¡± Cedric said, pretending to walk away. But instead, he moved lightly, circling around and then quickly dropping to the ground near Kyle.


    Kyle, lost in his thoughts about when he could return to the dormitory, suddenly found himself face to face with a furry head appearing right in front of him.


    Their eyes met.


    ¡°Kyle, what happened to your eye? Why do you have such a huge black eye?¡±


    ¡°Nothing!¡± Kyle immediately raised his hand to cover his left eye and answered seriously, ¡°I just accidentally hit the table. It¡¯s perfectly normal to have bruises from something like that.¡±


    ¡°How do you end up with a bruise that round?¡± Cedric sat down, stroking his chin thoughtfully. ¡°It looks more like you got punched.¡±


    ¡°No way, you¡¯re imagining things!¡± Kyle shot back. ¡°Even if you don¡¯t believe me, surely you believe in Hufflepuff! This is the warmest house at Hogwarts. How could there be anyone violent here?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re right... could it really just be a bruise?¡± Cedric nodded, partially convinced.


    He didn¡¯t think anyone from Hufflepuff would punch a first-year on their first day of school either¡ªthat was more of a Slytherin thing. But still, it puzzled him. If Kyle had simply fallen, how could his black eye be so perfectly round? Was he exceptionally clumsy?


    As Cedric pondered this mystery, Harris finished his speech.


    ¡°From today onwards, we¡¯re all classmates. If you need help, don¡¯t hesitate to ask. Hufflepuff is one big, warm family, and every upperclassman, myself included, will support you. Now, you all must be tired, so I¡¯ll take you to your dormitories. Patty, you¡¯ll handle the girls.¡±


    Kyle sprang to his feet as if he''d been released from a burden and followed the rest of the group without so much as a goodbye to Cedric.


    Under Harris¡¯s guidance, Kyle soon arrived at his dormitory.


    Like the common room, the dormitory was dominated by warm yellow and black tones. Copper lamps cast a cozy glow over the room''s four-poster beds, while brass bed warmers hung on the walls, ensuring each bed remained at the perfect temperature.


    There were two other boys in his dormitory. S§×arch* The n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    One, Mikel Derrick, was a small, dark-haired boy. The other, Ryan Baggins, was stockier with blonde hair.


    Neither of them were particularly remarkable, just two fellow students.


    The last bed in the room was empty, likely because there weren¡¯t enough new students.


    Kyle tilted his head, gave the boys a brief greeting, then climbed into bed without further conversation.


    "Hey, this is amazing, isn''t it? I''m a wizard!" Mikel exclaimed, sitting on the edge of his bed, beaming with excitement. "No one in my family can do magic. My dad sells drilling rigs, and my mum works in a bank, so when I first got the letter, I thought it was a joke. Haha, Hogwarts... I still can''t believe it."


    "I''m half-and-half, what wizards call ''half-blood,¡¯" Ryan chimed in, running a hand through his blonde hair. "My dad''s a wizard, but my mum¡¯s a Muggle. She was completely shocked when she found out."


    "Of course she was. Anyone who hasn¡¯t had contact with magic would be," Mikel agreed. "You wouldn¡¯t believe it¡ªwhen the Professor came to our house, my parents almost called the police. He just in front of us and started talking about some kind of displacement... Locomotor?"


    "Apparition," Kyle corrected quietly from his bed.


    "Yeah, that¡¯s it¡ªApparition!" Mikel said, looking over at Kyle with sudden recognition. "Hey, I remember you! You''re Kyle Chopper, the one whose Sorting took twenty minutes, right?"


    "That¡¯s right," Kyle nodded. "Nice to meet you both."


    "So, what happened?" Mikel asked curiously, leaning in. "Why did your Sorting take so long¡ªlonger than all the other first-years combined?"


    "It¡¯s nothing," Kyle said after a brief pause. "The Sorting Hat just couldn¡¯t decide where to send me, that¡¯s all. It was torn."


    "I see," Mikel said with awe. "For the Hat to take that long... you must be really talented."


    Kyle smiled but didn¡¯t respond. He was talented, sure, but that had little to do with the Sorting Hat¡¯s dilemma. If Mikel knew the real reason for its hesitation, he probably wouldn¡¯t have been so impressed.


    For the next several minutes, Mikel kept up a stream of enthusiastic chatter. He jumped from talking about his first visit to Diagon Alley to Gringotts, and then from Gringotts to choosing a wand, barely pausing for breath in between. It was clear that becoming a wizard had made him incredibly happy.


    At first, Kyle and Ryan managed to join in here and there, but eventually, the only voice in the dormitory was Mikel¡¯s. The other two just couldn¡¯t keep up. After a long day of travel and excitement, exhaustion had finally caught up with them.


    Kyle wanted to keep talking with his new roommates and get to know them better, but the bed was so comfortable that he fell asleep without even realizing it. Next to him, Ryan had drifted off even faster and hadn¡¯t stirred for the past five minutes.

 Chapter 26: Ratton

    Early the next morning, Kyle was forced out of bed by the bright sunlight streaming through the dormitory¡¯s round window. Since he hadn¡¯t drawn the curtains the previous night, the sunbeams hit him squarely in the face like a spotlight.


    How was anyone supposed to sleep like that?


    Grudgingly, Kyle got dressed and stretched, then walked over to the window. Although Hogwarts Castle is partly underground, the dormitory was situated in a sunny part of the structure. From the circular window, he could see the grass and dandelions swaying outside in the morning breeze.


    Kyle glanced at his two roommates, who were still fast asleep, and without a second thought, opened the window as wide as it would go.


    There were only five years until the OWLs exam¡ªhow could they still be sleeping at a time like this? Besides, it was already half past seven, which might as well have been eight-fifty in his mind, with only a few minutes left before classes began at nine o¡¯clock. Since this was their very first day of lessons at Hogwarts, they couldn¡¯t afford to make a bad impression on the professors by being late.


    And what better way to wake up than with the fresh morning air, with its hint of moisture?


    "I''m really considerate," Kyle nodded to himself in satisfaction.


    He was genuinely thinking of his roommates. It wasn¡¯t that he wanted them to get up early with him¡ªafter all, a Hufflepuff like him would never do something like that.


    After a quick wash, Kyle left the dormitory and made his way through the passage toward the common room. As everyone knows, the stairs at Hogwarts have a mind of their own. They seem to move at the most inconvenient times, often leaving students stranded or extending to unexpected floors, all while silently enjoying the wizards¡¯ despair.


    Kyle was ready to make several trips around the castle, anticipating that the stairs might cause trouble. But, much to his surprise, the stairs stayed in place the entire time. He walked from the common room to the Great Hall without a single shift or jolt. The entire journey was eerily quiet.


    To be honest, Kyle was a little disappointed. He had kind of been looking forward to experiencing the infamous moving stairs for himself.


    Even though it wasn¡¯t yet eight o¡¯clock, the Great Hall already had quite a few students seated for breakfast. The Ravenclaw table, in particular, was nearly full, while a few older students from other houses were scattered around. Only the Hufflepuff table remained mostly empty¡ªexcept for Kyle.


    As soon as he sat down, a steaming breakfast appeared on the plate in front of him: a glass of milk, two sausages, and a piece of bread. It wasn¡¯t much, but it was just right, and he could always have more if he wanted.


    Kyle ate his breakfast slowly, savoring the quiet. Before long, two familiar figures appeared in the doorway of the Great Hall, walking in one after the other.


    ¡°Hey, Kyle, what are you doing up so early?¡± Mikel and Ryan hurried over to join him.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t want to get up early either,¡± Kyle said calmly, cutting into his sausage. ¡°But the window in our dorm room was open, and the wind was blowing in, so it got too cold to sleep.¡± Without missing a beat, he asked, ¡°What about you two? Why are you up so early?¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re in the same boat,¡± Mikel said with a bitter expression. ¡°I was wondering if you were the one who opened the window.¡±


    ¡°The window was open when I left,¡± Kyle emphasized the words ¡°when I left.¡± S§×ar?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°Oh, I see. Then it must¡¯ve been the wind,¡± Mikel said, taking a large bite of bread. ¡°But I guess it was a good thing in the end. I didn¡¯t fall asleep until the early hours of the morning. If the window hadn¡¯t been open, I definitely wouldn¡¯t have woken up before nine. Imagine being late for the first class... I shudder to think what would¡¯ve happened. I probably would¡¯ve been expelled right on the spot.¡±


    Ryan, who was eating beside him, nodded in agreement. He usually got up around eight at home, but only because his mother dragged him out of bed. If he¡¯d slept in until he naturally woke up, he likely wouldn¡¯t have made it to their first class either.


    Kyle smiled slyly and said, ¡°Then you two should really thank the kind person who helped open the window.¡±


    ¡°Yes, definitely,¡± Mikel said, nodding sleepily as he chewed on his breakfast, not noticing anything unusual in Kyle¡¯s comment. ¡°It really helped a lot.¡±


    Kyle took his final sip of milk, then stood up. ¡°Well, you two enjoy your breakfast. I¡¯m going to go explore the area a bit.¡±


    ¡°Okay,¡± they both replied in unison, still groggy.


    ...


    After bidding farewell to his roommates, who were still focused on their breakfast, Kyle made his way straight to the castle gates. It was just past eight o''clock, so he had plenty of time before class started. While he still had some time, he decided to deal with his "pet problem" first. There was already a cat and a toad in the dormitory, and he couldn¡¯t afford to be the only one without a companion.


    Stepping out through the castle gates, Kyle raised his arm skillfully. In an instant, seven or eight owls swooped in from all directions, landing neatly on the stone steps in front of him.


    ¡°This time, it¡¯s not about sending a letter,¡± Kyle said, addressing the group of owls. ¡°I¡¯m going to be at Hogwarts for quite some time, and I¡¯d like to hire one of you as my personal messenger during my stay. In return... well, meals will be included¡ªat least one package of owl nuts per day, three packages of Murtlap-dried rat meat per week, and one bottle of owl tonic per month... for now. If you need anything else, just ask. Oh, and this arrangement will continue even after I graduate, until the day you can no longer lift your wings.¡±


    Kyle paused, letting his offer sink in. ¡°So, how about it? If any of you are interested, just fly up onto my shoulder.¡±


    Owls in the wizarding world had a natural affinity for magic, especially those trained to be special messengers. With a bit of body language and Kyle¡¯s clear instructions, the owls were able to understand about 70 to 80 percent of what he said.


    Almost immediately, chaos broke out. The owls scrambled to reach Kyle¡¯s shoulder, with some of the slower ones even attacking the others in their haste. Feathers flew everywhere as the owls fought for position, and Kyle found himself scratching his head, trying to calm the frenzy. But it was too late¡ªthe situation had spiraled beyond his control.


    Thankfully, the chaos didn¡¯t last long. A large brown fishing owl, towering over the others with its imposing size, easily overpowered the competition. It stood proudly on Kyle¡¯s shoulder, victorious.


    Kyle recognized the owl immediately.


    About three years ago, Chris had found this owl near death, battered and covered in wounds, clutching an undelivered letter in its claws at the entrance of the Ministry of Magic¡¯s mail collection counter. Chris had acted quickly, taking the owl home and nursing it back to health over the course of more than half a month. Despite his best efforts, however, the owl was left with a long, narrow scar across its face¡ªa permanent reminder of the dark magic that had injured it. Neither Chris nor Newt had been able to remove or conceal the scar, which made the owl look somewhat...ugly compared to its peers.


    But Kyle didn¡¯t care about appearances. He reached out and scratched the brown fishing owl¡¯s neck feathers, grinning. ¡°Hello, Ratton.¡±


    The owl tilted its head, gently rubbing Kyle¡¯s finger with its beak.


    Ratton was the nickname Kyle had given him early on, back when he didn¡¯t know the owl¡¯s real name. It had stuck, and Ratton had even come to recognize it. Kyle remembered when Hagrid came to fetch him one time and had spent over half an hour calling ¡°Saban, Saban¡± in the nearby woods without getting a response. But the moment Kyle quietly whispered ¡°Ratton,¡± the owl had flown out leisurely, much to Hagrid¡¯s shock.


    Hagrid had been so stunned that he stood there, speechless, unable to recover for a long time. It was as if Kyle had stolen the owl that Hagrid had worked so hard to care for, leaving the gentle giant looking thoroughly devastated.

 Chapter 27: First Class

    Although Kyle never had to worry about delivering letters personally, having his own owl at Hogwarts was still a good idea. In the wizarding world, owls served a similar function to phone numbers in the Muggle world¡ªthey often represented the identity of their owner. And that was still quite important.


    Take, for instance, Kyle¡¯s mother, Diana, who worked in the Department of Mysteries at the Ministry of Magic. This department had very strict security protocols, and letters sent there were meticulously screened. The Ministry would check everything¡ªfrom the identity and status of the owl, to the sender¡¯s details, and even the letter itself, ensuring there were no hidden Jinxes or magical substances. Only after everything was confirmed would the letter be delivered to the Department of Mysteries, often in the form of a paper airplane. Even Kyle¡¯s letters weren¡¯t exempt from this process, though they were expedited due to his connection.


    With the efficiency of the Ministry of Magic, this entire screening process could take at least a day. But with Ratton, things were different. Diana could apply to have him registered as a special owl. This status would grant priority processing, and the screening could be simplified. Instead of the full inspection, they would only need to verify the owl¡¯s status, the sender¡¯s identity, and perform a basic check for Jinxes, all of which could be done on the spot.


    Diana had reminded Kyle of this when they were at Platform 9?, telling him to use the same owl consistently for his letters, or else he¡¯d need to buy one from Diagon Alley. Naturally, Kyle had no intention of buying an owl when he already had Ratton. Problem solved. S~ea??h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Kyle took some owl nuts from his Mokeskin pouch, along with a few bags of Murtlap-dried rat jerky, and offered them to the group of owls.


    He also grabbed some water, added two bottles of owl tonic, stirred it well, and poured the mixture into a stone trough nearby. This was their payment for the trouble¡ªthey couldn¡¯t be expected to lose their feathers for nothing.


    While the owls feasted, Kyle took Ratton back to the castle and headed straight for the Hufflepuff common room. Passing the barrels in the kitchen corridor, he returned to the dormitory, but Mikel and Ryan were already gone, likely off to class. Not giving it much thought, Kyle placed Ratton on the shelf beside his bed, grabbed his textbooks, and left.


    In the common room, he ran into Cedric, who was also getting ready to head out.


    ¡°Kyle, I was just about to look for you,¡± Cedric said, approaching quickly. ¡°What¡¯s your first class?¡±


    ¡°Charms,¡± Kyle replied, shaking the in his hand. ¡°Why do you ask?¡±


    ¡°Oh, right! Here,¡± Cedric said, handing Kyle a piece of parchment. ¡°This is a map of Hogwarts that the class rep gave me when I first enrolled. It marks the classrooms and some of the stairway changes. I don¡¯t need it anymore, so I figured you could use it.¡±


    Hogwarts was impressive in many ways, but it was undeniably huge and confusing. The interior was like a maze, and it wasn¡¯t uncommon for first-years to get lost. Being late to class, as a result, was a common issue. Fortunately, most professors were understanding of this, and aside from one strict dean, they tended to either turn a blind eye, give a light verbal warning, or deduct a point or two, without taking it too seriously.


    Kyle unfolded the parchment and examined it closely. Though it was just an ordinary map, it was incredibly detailed. It clearly marked all the routes from the Hufflepuff common room to each classroom and even indicated where to wait for the stairs to shift before continuing. It was like a simplified version of a live map, but good enough for Kyle¡¯s needs.


    ¡°Thanks, I really needed this,¡± Kyle said as he tucked the map away. ¡°By the way, what class do you have first?¡±


    ¡°I have Potions... Wait, Potions!¡± Cedric¡¯s eyes widened in sudden realization, and before Kyle could say anything more, Cedric took off running. ¡°I¡¯ll go ahead, Kyle! Just remember¡ªnever be late for Potions class! That¡¯s the most important thing at Hogwarts!¡±


    Cedric¡¯s voice faded as he disappeared down the corridor, his panic clear from his hurried departure. Kyle couldn¡¯t help but think Snape must have left a deep psychological scar on Cedric¡ªor perhaps on many young wizards. He suspected he might not be able to escape Snape¡¯s wrath either.


    ¡°Too bad Harry Potter didn¡¯t enroll a year earlier. That would¡¯ve been great,¡± Kyle muttered to himself, shaking his head. With that, he left the common room, heading to his first class.


    ...


    Charms Classroom was on the third floor, and it was easy for Kyle to find, thanks to the map Cedric had given him. As he entered the classroom, the first thing he noticed was a stack of books arranged in the shape of a staircase, with four portraits of wizards hanging on the wall. Though they were likely famous figures, Kyle didn¡¯t recognize any of them. On either side of the room, the emblems of the four Hogwarts houses were displayed, while further inside were long tables for the students.


    When Kyle arrived, there were still five minutes before class began. He wasn¡¯t early, but surprisingly, there weren¡¯t many students in the room yet, and even Professor Flitwick was nowhere to be seen. Kyle found a seat, noting that the room was divided between Hufflepuffs and Ravenclaws, with the latter sitting opposite him.


    As nine o''clock approached, more students rushed in, panting from their sprint to class. Kyle spotted Kanna among them, but unfortunately, she stormed past him without a word. At exactly 8:59, Mikel and Ryan stumbled in, just barely on time.


    ¡°Thank goodness, we¡¯re not late,¡± Mikel panted as he collapsed into his seat next to Kyle. He was out of breath, but that didn¡¯t stop him from launching into a complaint. ¡°We got lost.¡±


    ¡°My goodness, Hogwarts is a real maze,¡± he continued, shaking his head. ¡°We were supposed to head to the third floor, but the stairs shifted when we were on the second floor, and somehow, we ended up on the fifth floor!¡±


    Ryan nodded in agreement, chiming in, ¡°Then we started walking back down, but it took us forever to realize we were still stuck on the fifth floor.¡±


    Mikel threw his hands up in frustration. ¡°We finally made it down, but we ended up back on the second floor! Kyle, we climbed those stairs for thirty whole minutes¡ªmy legs are about to give out!¡±


    As Mikel became more and more agitated, he was practically on the verge of tears.


    ¡°Wait a minute, this doesn¡¯t make sense. Give me a second,¡± Kyle said, rubbing his forehead, trying to make sense of their story. Even if someone was lost, it should still be easy to tell whether they were going up or down. What they were describing seemed more like some bizarre metaphysical phenomenon than magic. And there hadn¡¯t been anything about this in the map Cedric gave him.


    ¡°Forget it, never mind,¡± Kyle eventually said, giving up on figuring out the mystery. ¡°So how did you guys end up here?¡±


    ¡°We were brought here,¡± Mikel admitted, his face turning red as he pointed across the room. ¡°We bumped into a first-year Ravenclaw on the fifth floor. She helped us down the revolving staircase and asked if we were headed to the Charms Class. She said we could follow her.¡±


    Kyle glanced in the direction Mikel was pointing and saw the student sitting with her classmates and realized Mikel was referring to Ravenclaw''s Cho Chang.

 Chapter 28: Lighting Charm

    Kyle didn''t know much about Cho Chang, Cedric''s future girlfriend and Harry Potter''s unattainable crush, besides the fact that she was in Ravenclaw. But now, there was something new he could add to that: she was helpful.


    After all, not every Ravenclaw would go out of their way to help others; many preferred to immerse themselves in their own thoughts, often revolving around schoolwork or intellectual pursuits. That didn¡¯t mean they were indifferent¡ªthey just tended to be more reserved. If someone asked them for help, they would usually oblige, but they rarely took the initiative.


    Cho Chang was chatting with her friends nearby, so Kyle simply glanced at her and then looked away.


    ¡°It¡¯s only the first class, and we barely made it,¡± Mikel groaned, clutching his hair in frustration. ¡°What are we going to do for the rest of the year? We can¡¯t leave an hour early for every lesson! If this keeps up, I¡¯m bound to be late one day.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, the professors at Hogwarts won¡¯t expel you for being late,¡± Kyle reassured him, giving him a comforting pat on the shoulder. ¡°At most, they¡¯ll just deduct some house points. Speaking of which, I¡¯ve got something that might help you out.¡±


    ¡°Something good?¡± Mikel and Ryan leaned in with curious expressions.


    Kyle pulled out the map Cedric had given him and spread it across the table. ¡°You can thank Cedric for this. Without it, you¡¯d have been lost for much longer.¡±


    Mikel was still trying to figure out what it was, but Ryan, whose father was a wizard, immediately recognized it. ¡°A map of Hogwarts?¡± he gasped. ¡°Where did you get this? Can I make a copy? I swear I¡¯ll return it after class.¡±


    ¡°Of course, we¡¯re roommates!¡± Kyle grinned, then turned to Mikel. ¡°What about you? Want to copy it too?¡±


    Mikel was tempted, but after some thought, he shook his head. This was his first time in the magical world, and he didn¡¯t want to miss any opportunity to learn, especially during an important class like Charms.


    ¡°Can I wait until after class to copy it?¡± Mikel asked.


    ¡°Sure,¡± Kyle nodded, tapping his wand lightly on the map. ¡°¡±


    In an instant, a perfect duplicate of the map appeared beside the original. Kyle picked up the copy, gave it a quick once-over, and then handed it to Mikel.


    ¡°Here you go. The magic on this should last about a week, so you can copy it whenever you¡¯re ready.¡±


    Mikel took the map with a puzzled look, then glanced over at Ryan, who appeared equally confused. Ryan shifted awkwardly, glancing between Kyle and the duplicated parchment, his face growing warm. He was about to say something when a voice interrupted them from the front of the room.


    ¡°Nice Doubling Charm, Hufflepuff. Five points!¡±


    Kyle jumped in surprise and looked up, his eyes locking on Cho Chang across the table. She was smiling slightly, but it wasn¡¯t her who had spoken. Upon closer inspection, Kyle realized there was someone standing right in front of him. The person was so short that they had been completely hidden behind the table.


    ¡°Thank you for your praise, Professor Flitwick,¡± Kyle replied with a polite nod.


    Flitwick smiled warmly. ¡°I¡¯m just being honest. Mr. Chopper, is that your name?¡±


    Kyle nodded again. ¡°Yes, Professor.¡±


    ¡°Well, it seems my memory hasn¡¯t failed me yet,¡± Flitwick chuckled, then turned his attention to Mikel. ¡°May I take a look at that map?¡±


    Mikel, initially unsure of who the small wizard was, quickly realized after hearing Kyle¡¯s address. He handed over the map with both hands, stammering slightly. ¡°Yes¡­ yes, Professor.¡±


    ¡°Thank you.¡± Flitwick took the map and examined it carefully, sensing the magic within. After a moment, he handed it back to Mikel with a satisfied nod. ¡°Ah, the magic is stable. If nothing unusual happens, this copy should last until noon in about eight days.¡±


    He winked at Kyle before adding with a slightly regretful tone, ¡°If the end-of-term exam was on the Doubling Charm, I would have given you an Outstanding. But for now, I can only award Hufflepuff three more points.¡±


    ¡°Professor!¡± A young Ravenclaw witch raised her hand, looking curious. ¡°Can¡¯t objects created with the Doubling Charm exist permanently?¡±


    ¡°No, Miss Mittal,¡± Flitwick replied. ¡°If that were possible, we wouldn¡¯t need so much parchment in Muggle stores. Copies made with the Doubling Charm eventually fade.¡±


    ¡°And Dumbledore can¡¯t make permanent copies either?¡± another witch asked.


    Flitwick shook his head. ¡°Not even the headmaster can make them last forever. Even if the copies could last a hundred years, they would still eventually disappear.¡±


    ¡°Now, that¡¯s enough about the Doubling Charm,¡± he said, clapping his hands to refocus the class. ¡°It¡¯s a bit advanced for you at this stage. Let¡¯s begin today¡¯s lesson.¡±


    Turning to the class, Flitwick addressed the room. ¡°Today, we¡¯ll be learning one of the most basic and essential charms¡ªthe . The incantation is . Everyone, pay close attention¡­¡±


    Kyle wasn¡¯t surprised that their first lesson in Charms involved the . It was considered one of the simplest and most fundamental spells in the wizarding world. There were no complex hand movements involved¡ªjust a wand, the correct incantation, and focus.


    Historically, the was even used to differentiate wizards from Squibs due to its simplicity and near-perfect success rate. If a person couldn¡¯t perform this charm, they likely weren¡¯t a wizard at all. S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    After demonstrating the casting process, Professor Flitwick encouraged the young wizards to try it for themselves. The room soon flickered with lights of various brightness as students attempted the spell.


    Kyle wasn¡¯t the first to succeed, but when his wand lit up, the glow was steady and consistent. The light resembled a soft, steady electric bulb, shining with a calm, white glow. Unfortunately, there were no extra points for this, as Kyle wasn¡¯t alone in mastering the charm¡ªseven Ravenclaw students across the room had also managed to produce stable lights with their wands.


    Hufflepuff wasn¡¯t far behind, though. They had six successful wizards, making the competition between the two houses fairly close.


    ¡°Don¡¯t forget what I said earlier¡ªstay calm,¡± Flitwick reminded the class in his high-pitched voice. ¡°You must remain steady, just like when holding something fragile. And remember, pronunciation is crucial! Don¡¯t mispronounce the incantation.¡±


    With the professor¡¯s encouragement, more students began producing steady, glowing lights with their wands.


    Kyle glanced over at his two roommates¡ªMikel and Ryan were still struggling to get their wands to light up properly.

 Chapter 29: The Charms Professor Who Questions Life

    Ryan was making some progress. He had switched from the weak, intermittent flickers to a steady flashlight mode, and the frequency of fluctuations was steadily decreasing. It seemed like he was close to achieving success.


    Mikel, however, was struggling. The light on his wand was wildly unstable. At its brightest, it was blinding like a searchlight, but at its weakest, it barely glowed like a firefly and looked as if it might go out at any second. The more erratic the light became, the more anxious Mikel grew. And the more anxious he became, the less control he had over the spell. It had turned into a vicious cycle. S~ea??h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°Hey, um...¡± Kyle tried to offer some help, but before he could say anything, he noticed Mikel suddenly take a deep breath and sharply raise his wand.


    For reasons Kyle couldn''t explain, a sense of foreboding rose in his chest, as if something terrible was about to unfold. The feeling hit him so suddenly that he didn¡¯t even have time to process it. Almost instinctively, he turned away, bowing his head and squeezing his eyes shut.


    At that exact moment, a blinding flash of light filled the Charms Classroom, as if a flashbang had just gone off. The burst of light was intense but brief, disappearing after a second, though its effects were catastrophic.


    The unexpected brilliance caught most of the young wizards off guard, blinding them. Cries of pain and panic quickly filled the room as students clutched at their eyes, stumbling, pushing, and trying to escape the classroom in disarray.


    Even Professor Flitwick wasn''t spared, though his years of experience kept him calmer than the frantic students. Fighting off the discomfort, he called out in his high-pitched voice, ¡°It¡¯s okay, everyone, don¡¯t panic! Stay calm, you¡¯ll be able to see in a moment!¡± Despite his reassurances, his words did little to quell the pandemonium. The classroom remained in chaos, filled with the sounds of panicked students. If anyone had walked in just then, they might¡¯ve thought Voldemort himself had stormed the school.


    To make matters worse, Flitwick had been turned in the wrong direction the entire time, his back facing the students as he yelled his comforting words at the wall.


    The four wizards in the painting behind him were thoroughly unimpressed. Although they had been startled by the sudden flash, as portraits, they weren''t affected by the aftermath. To them, Flitwick''s current behavior seemed as ridiculous as a Tebo warthog with a lump on its head.


    ...


    At that moment, in the Charm classroom, the only ones who managed to stay unaffected were Kyle¡ªwho had instinctively dodged the risk¡ªand a few other fortunate students. Despite their own good fortune, there wasn''t much they could do to fix the situation. Instead, they focused on comforting their fellow students and helping those who had fallen in the chaos, trying to prevent a stampede from happening.


    After several tense minutes, the blinding aftereffects of the light finally began to wear off, and the students¡¯ vision slowly returned.


    ¡°Oh, Merlin''s beard, what a disaster,¡± muttered Professor Flitwick as he rubbed his eyes, shakily climbing down from behind his desk. In his attempt to reassure the young wizards, he had inadvertently gone the wrong way, tripped, and taken a tumble.


    Now, Professor Flitwick was furious. In his decades of teaching, he''d witnessed countless magical mishaps¡ªstudents getting hit by a misfired Accio, cows summoned with the Levitation Charm, locks exploding under a faulty Unlocking Charm. None of these things fazed him because they were expected in a classroom filled with students still learning magic.


    But never, in all his years, had he imagined that a simple Lighting Charm could cause such chaos.


    Gritting his teeth in frustration, Professor Flitwick led the now somewhat recovered students toward the culprit, both angry and curious to confront them.


    Mikel, however, was lying motionless on a desk. Professor Flitwick called his name several times, but there was no response¡ªMikel remained still, looking oddly peaceful. Sensing that something wasn¡¯t right, the professor hurried over to check on him.


    After a quick examination, he delivered his verdict: ¡°He¡¯s fine, but he¡¯s in a coma due to magical exhaustion¡­¡±


    Hearing this, Kyle let out a sigh of relief. By "magical exhaustion," the professor didn¡¯t mean that Mikel had drained his magical reserves entirely, but that he had overextended himself¡ªlike an ordinary person who hadn¡¯t slept for two days and nights.


    Professor Flitwick¡¯s gaze became distant, unfocused. Magical exhaustion? From a Lighting Charm? This was the second time in a matter of minutes that he found himself questioning everything he knew. Could he really have been at Hogwarts for so long that he was out of touch? In all his knowledge of wizarding history, spanning thousands of years, he had never heard of anyone collapsing from casting a Lighting Charm.


    Sensing the professor¡¯s confusion, Kyle hesitated for a moment before offering, ¡°Professor, should I take him to Madam Pomfrey? It¡¯s probably not a good idea to just leave him lying here like this. She should check him out.¡±


    ¡°Yes... yes, you¡¯re right,¡± Flitwick said, snapping out of his daze. ¡°Take him quickly. Madam Pomfrey will know what to do.¡±


    ...


    After receiving Professor Flitwick''s permission, Kyle quickly cast a Floating Charm on Mikel and guided him out of the classroom. Normally, Professor Flitwick would have awarded extra credit for such quick thinking, but given the current situation, Kyle was lucky not to have points deducted. A reward was out of the question. After all, who needed extra credit at a time like this?


    Not long after leaving the classroom, Kyle spotted a cat sitting at the corner¡ª a cat girl, but an actual cat, with two amber eyes staring at him intently.


    ¡°Mrs. Norris? That''s great!¡± Kyle exclaimed, recognizing Filch¡¯s infamous companion. ¡°A student¡¯s hurt. I need to get to Madam Pomfrey, but I don¡¯t know the way. Could you help me?¡±


    Although Cedric had given him a map of Hogwarts that marked the hospital wing, Kyle had never actually been there and wasn¡¯t familiar with the exact route. But Mrs. Norris was different¡ªshe had roamed Hogwarts alongside Filch for years and knew the castle better than most. Surely, she¡¯d know the quickest way to the hospital.


    The cat tilted her head slightly, taking a glance at Kyle and the levitating Mikel behind him. Without a word, she stood up and began walking toward the stairs on the right.


    Was that a yes?


    Kyle wasted no time in following her.


    The three of them¡ªKyle, Mikel, and Mrs. Norris¡ªmade their way through the school, zigzagging between staircases, and at one point even cutting through a hidden passage behind a statue. Within a few minutes, they arrived at a courtyard outside the Great Hall. In the center stood a massive clock, which gave the courtyard its name: Pendulum Clock Courtyard.


    When they arrived, Mrs. Norris crouched near the base of the clock, her tail pointing toward a staircase behind her as if instructing Kyle to head up.


    ¡°Thank you! I¡¯ll bring you some dried fish,¡± Kyle said gratefully, extending his hand to pat the cat¡¯s head. But Mrs. Norris skillfully avoided his touch, her ears flattening back like tiny airplane wings as she gave Kyle a warning look. With a flick of her tail, she darted away and disappeared, as if she''d cast her own Vanishing Charm.


    ¡°Huh, arrogant,¡± Kyle muttered, withdrawing his hand in frustration.


    He had no choice but to shrug it off and continue up the stairs with Mikel in tow. The staircase was a fixed one, so there was no risk of it shifting unexpectedly. All he had to do now was follow it straight to the hospital wing.

 Chapter 30: The Potions Professor and the Magic Suppressing Potion

    Madam Pomfrey, a tall witch renowned for her expertise in healing, potions, and medicinal herbs, was a figure of both respect and mystery at Hogwarts. Rumor had it that St. Mungo''s Hospital for Magical Injuries had extended an invitation to her three times, offering her the role of vice-president if she accepted. However, she had always refused, insisting on staying at Hogwarts. Though the rumor was widespread, neither she nor St. Mungo''s had ever confirmed or denied it, leaving it as one of Hogwarts'' minor unsolved mysteries. S~ea??h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    As Kyle entered the hospital wing, he saw Madam Pomfrey bustling around, tending to her patients. She handed a green potion to a young wizard in one of the beds. ¡°This is the last bottle of scabies medicine. Apply it regularly, and stop drinking any more potions,¡± she instructed sternly before turning to another bed.


    Muttering under her breath, she complained, ¡°Why are so many young wizards getting sent here this time of year? What are those professors doing? So irresponsible!¡±


    It was clear she was in a foul mood, and Kyle hesitated, unsure how to approach her with Mikel¡¯s condition. But Madam Pomfrey caught sight of them before he could decide what to say.


    ¡°By Merlin¡¯s beard! What happened to this child?¡± she gasped, rushing over to gently place Mikel onto an empty bed. Without looking up, she asked briskly, ¡°Potions mishap? Defense Against the Dark Arts? Why is he unconscious?¡±


    ¡°Neither, Madam,¡± Kyle replied quietly. ¡°It happened during Charms class. Mikel cast a Lighting Charm, and... that was it. Professor Flitwick said he must have overused his magic.¡±


    ¡°Yes, clearly he¡¯s drained... Wait, what did you say?¡± Madam Pomfrey suddenly spun around, staring at Kyle in disbelief. ¡°A ?¡±


    Her expression was one of utter incredulity, as though she had just witnessed Dumbledore pole dancing on the Astronomy Tower. The absurdity of what Kyle had said made her doubt the truth of it.


    , she seemed to think. If they were going to make up a story, at least they could have come up with something believable. Overdraft from a Lighting Charm? Why not just say Filius Flitwick had been knocked out by it as well?


    ¡°It¡¯s true! The first-years from Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw all saw it happen, and Professor Flitwick can confirm it,¡± Kyle explained earnestly, giving her a brief account of the incident in the Charms classroom.


    Hearing this, most of Madam Pomfrey¡¯s doubts subsided. If both houses had witnessed the event, word would soon spread throughout the school. It wouldn¡¯t make sense for Kyle to lie about something so easily exposed, especially when he brought Professor Flitwick¡¯s name into it.


    Still, she turned to look at Mikel with a mix of bewilderment and curiosity, as though he were some rare magical creature. Never before had she seen a young wizard with such poor control over his magic. From Kyle''s description, the magnitude of the Lighting Charm resembled something closer to accidental magic¡ªpowerful but entirely unrestrained.


    Yet, as she examined Mikel earlier, she had found no evidence of accidental magic. His condition seemed to be nothing more than simple magical exhaustion.


    "It''s really... an eye-opener," Madam Pomfrey muttered, almost unconsciously.


    Kyle nodded vigorously in agreement, fully understanding her disbelief. He felt the same way. If casting a charm were like driving a car, Mikel had essentially floored the gas pedal, burning through all the fuel in a matter of seconds, sending the car rocketing off at 200 kilometers per second. It might seem impressive, but it was anything but good.


    It was fortunate that Mikel had only cast a . Kyle shuddered at the thought of what might have happened if it had been . He made a mental note to sit as far away from Mikel as possible in future classes¡ª. The explosive genius who would be joining Hogwarts next year seemed outrageous enough, but now they had a "forbidden spell wizard" already in their midst.


    , Kyle thought.


    A few minutes later, Dumbledore arrived, having been informed of the incident, and with him was Professor Snape, who had been pulled out of his lesson. Madam Pomfrey guided them to Mikel''s bedside, whispered a few words to them, and then stepped aside.


    Dumbledore leaned in to inspect Mikel, tapping him lightly with his wand here and there as he assessed the situation. After a while, he put his wand away and turned to Kyle. ¡°Good morning, Kyle. You brought him to Madam Pomfrey, correct?¡±


    ¡°Yes, Professor,¡± Kyle confirmed with a nod.


    ¡°You did well,¡± Dumbledore said with a warm smile. ¡°I¡¯ve heard what happened. If you hadn¡¯t helped those students who fell, there would be more than just Mr. Mikel lying here.¡±


    Kyle waved his hands in protest. ¡°It was the right thing to do, Professor, and I wasn¡¯t the only one who helped.¡±


    ¡°But you were the first to act,¡± Dumbledore winked. ¡°Many older students¡ªand even adult wizards¡ªstruggle to remain calm in an emergency. You did, and you did a fine job. Your bravery and humility have earned Hufflepuff twenty points.¡±


    As soon as Dumbledore finished speaking, Snape, who had been inspecting Mikel up until that point, suddenly turned his gaze toward Kyle, as if only just noticing him standing there.


    Kyle, however, didn¡¯t notice Snape¡¯s shift in attention. Instead, he looked at Dumbledore and asked, ¡°So, Professor, how is Mikel? Will he be able to continue his lessons?¡±


    Dumbledore smiled reassuringly. ¡°Yes, of course. There¡¯s a bit of an issue, but it¡¯s easily handled. A potion to suppress his magical overload should do the trick. Our Potions professor will be able to prepare it in no time.¡±


    ¡°One day,¡± Snape interjected coldly, stepping closer. ¡°I¡¯ll have it ready before tomorrow¡¯s Potions class for the Hufflepuffs. But before I go, Mr. Chopper, there¡¯s something you should remind your friend about.¡±


    Snape paused, his lips curling into a mocking smile. ¡°Tell him to keep his feeble brain and his wand in check. Frequent magical overdrafts can leave a wizard severely weakened, almost like a Squib. And I believe you know what that is, don¡¯t you?¡±


    ¡°I do, Professor,¡± Kyle replied quickly, his tone respectful but uneasy.


    ¡°Good,¡± Snape said, without further comment. He turned and left the hospital wing without another glance at Kyle.


    Dumbledore watched him go, then turned back to Kyle. ¡°I think we should leave too. Mikel needs to rest. I suggest you visit him later this afternoon,¡± he said, his usual twinkle in his eye as he guided Kyle toward the door.

 Chapter 31: Snape’s Dark Past

    Dumbledore spoke with Madam Pomfrey for a few more moments before leaving the hospital wing with Kyle. As they walked through the castle, Kyle seized the chance to ask Dumbledore about some issues he¡¯d encountered while practicing magic. Dumbledore, ever patient, answered each of Kyle¡¯s questions generously.


    ...


    Since they were headed in different directions, they soon parted ways, and Dumbledore made his way back to the Headmaster¡¯s Office. When he arrived, Snape was already waiting for him.


    ¡°These are the ingredients for the potion,¡± Snape said, drawing out the words as he slapped a long piece of parchment onto Dumbledore¡¯s desk. ¡°Our Deputy Headmistress mentioned that it contains a lot of rare ingredients and requires your signature.¡±


    Dumbledore raised an eyebrow as he picked up the parchment, speaking casually. ¡°Minerva is far too conventional at times. I did tell her long ago that she could handle all of this on her own. After all, it¡¯s only a simple Magic Suppressing Potion. How expensive could it really be...?¡±


    As his eyes scanned the list, Dumbledore¡¯s expression shifted from indifference to surprise.


    The list began: S§×arch* The NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Mandragora juice: 50 ounces.Horklump juice: 50 ounces.Antipodean Opaleye eggshells: 5.Erumpent explosive liquid: 10 ounces.Graphorn horns: 5.Aconite: 100.


    ...


    This was just a partial list. Numerous other ingredients, totaling around 30, were scribbled beneath.


    After reading through the parchment, Dumbledore could feel a headache coming on. Of the top six ingredients listed, only one¡ªMandrake Root Juice¡ªwas actually required for the potion. The rest had absolutely no relevance. And ? That was a key component for the Strengthening Solution! How had Snape slipped that in, thinking no one would notice?


    And the quantities! Fifty ounces of Mandrake Juice? If that much were brewed into the potion, it could supply the entire school¡ªincluding the faculty¡ªfor a whole week.


    Then there were the Erumpent horns. The market generally sold them as a powdered ingredient, but Snape had listed , in their raw, most expensive form. The cost of such an order would be astronomical.


    Dumbledore blinked, his brow furrowing.


    At this point, Dumbledore fully understood why Snape had come directly to him for a signature. With such an outrageous list of ingredients, there was no way Professor McGonagall would have approved it¡ªor perhaps Snape hadn¡¯t even bothered going to her, knowing she would reject it outright.


    "Severus..." Dumbledore deliberated for a moment, deciding to give Snape the benefit of the doubt. He tentatively asked, "Are these really all the ingredients needed for the Magic Suppressing Potion?"


    Snape nodded, his expression calm. "Yes, Headmaster."


    Dumbledore raised an eyebrow. "And what about the Antipodean Opaleye eggshells?"


    Snape''s tone remained neutral. "A new recipe I''m experimenting with."


    "But the quantity seems... excessive."


    "Forgive me, Headmaster," Snape responded matter-of-factly, "It''s been quite some time since I brewed a Magic Suppressing Potion. Minor miscalculations are to be expected, so I need to ensure we have sufficient ingredients."


    Seeing no immediate reason to argue further, Dumbledore sighed and picked up a scarlet quill, signing the parchment with a couple of swift strokes. "Very well. There seems to be no reason for me to object."


    Snape¡¯s eyebrows lifted slightly, a hint of satisfaction crossing his face. "Mr. Mikel will surely appreciate your generosity, Headmaster."


    With the parchment full of extravagant ingredients now in his possession, Snape could hardly contain his eagerness. He was more than ready to "prepare" the potion¡ªor perhaps, as Dumbledore suspected, replenish his private stores. Just as he was about to leave, Dumbledore spoke again, his tone seemingly casual.


    "Severus, what do you think of young Kyle?"


    "Kyle?" Snape''s smirk faltered, replaced by a flicker of mockery. "Is there yet another scheme in the works, Great Headmaster Dumbledore?"


    "No, no, Severus, you''ve misunderstood." Dumbledore smiled mildly. "It¡¯s just the natural curiosity of a headmaster who sees promise in an outstanding student. You needn¡¯t answer if you don¡¯t wish to."


    Dumbledore then casually grabbed a cockroach-shaped candy from his desk and popped it into his mouth. He held out one to Snape, adding playfully, "Care for one? They¡¯re quite delicious."


    Snape recoiled slightly, his face twisting with disgust. "No, thank you." He could never comprehend Dumbledore¡¯s peculiar taste for such bizarre sweets, especially when there were so many more palatable options in the wizarding world. The candy looked even more revolting than Flobberworm slime.


    Unperturbed by Snape¡¯s reaction, Dumbledore continued, as if speaking to himself, "Kind, brave, honest, unflappable in a crisis¡ªHogwarts hasn¡¯t seen such an exceptional first-year in quite some time. I remember his mother, Diana, was also in Slytherin. She was only a year ahead of you, if I recall."


    "Shut up!" Snape¡¯s face twisted in sudden fury, his eyes darkening. "Never mention that name in front of me again, "


    His last words were practically shouted, causing the portraits of past headmasters to grumble in irritation. They chastised Snape for his outburst, scolding him for his disrespect toward the current headmaster. But Snape ignored them completely. If he had no qualms about yelling at Dumbledore, he certainly wasn¡¯t going to worry about the opinions of a few paintings.


    He only called them ¡°headmasters¡± out of courtesy; to him, without that respect, they were just pieces of canvas, no more useful than paper to wipe a cauldron.


    Dumbledore, unfazed by Snape¡¯s outburst or the chattering portraits, sighed softly. "I didn¡¯t expect that, after all this time, you would still hold onto those memories. But Severus, I still believe you were in the wrong. Diana was a wonderful girl, with a good heart. If you hadn¡¯t used that word to insult Chris, she wouldn¡¯t have hounded you in the common room day after day..."


    A deafening door slam cut Dumbledore off mid-sentence. The noise startled Fawkes, the phoenix, from her nap, prompting her to flap her wings in displeasure at Snape''s retreating figure.


    "Pfft..." A rotund portrait of a past headmaster suddenly let out a chuckle, unable to hold back. But when Dumbledore cast a playful glance in his direction, the painted figure quickly covered his mouth and scampered off to another frame, clearly embarrassed.


    Dumbledore, shaking his head slightly, soothed the ruffled portrait and muttered to himself, "Really, the older I get, the more I seem to enjoy reminiscing about the past..."


    ¡°Hmph, hypocrite,¡± came a sneering voice from the wall. The portrait of Phineas Nigellus Black, a former headmaster with a goatee, glared at Dumbledore. ¡°Don¡¯t think I don¡¯t know what you¡¯re up to. You to provoke him. All Snape wanted was a little extra potion ingredients. What¡¯s the big deal? Back in my day as headmaster, this sort of thing was routine. But you¡ªwait! Dumbledore, what are you doing? I¡¯ll stop, don¡¯t come over here!¡±

 Chapter 32: The Helpful Hufflepuff

    On the other side of things, since it was already the end of the lesson when Kyle left the school hospital, he decided not to return to Charms class and headed directly to the library instead. Dumbledore had recommended two books to him earlier, suggesting that they would be highly beneficial for mastering basic Charms¡ªperfect for a young wizard just starting out. Kyle was eager to borrow them and get reading.


    The library was on the second floor, easy to find as all it took was climbing a set of stairs.


    "Two books? Absolutely not!" Madam Pince, the stern librarian, greeted Kyle with a disapproving look, her feather duster in hand. "Unless you have a professor''s note, you may only borrow one book at a time." S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Kyle didn¡¯t dwell on it and quickly responded, "If it''s just one book, then I''ll take ."


    What he hadn¡¯t anticipated was Madam Pince¡¯s reaction. At the mention of , her expression immediately twisted into one of pure disgust, as though Kyle had just uttered a curse word.


    "Another Lockhart book," she muttered under her breath.


    Madam Pince harbored a strong dislike for Gilderoy Lockhart, or more specifically, his writing style. She found it excessively self-centered and pandering. Though many biographies were written in a similar vein, Lockhart¡¯s works in particular left her unsettled. There was something off about the narrative flow in his books¡ªdetails seemed to be missing, making parts of the story feel incoherent. It wasn¡¯t enough to ruin the reading experience for most, but it left her feeling distinctly uncomfortable.


    Her already poor impression of Lockhart''s books now seemed to extend to Kyle. After a brief silence, her expression stern, she announced, " has been checked out. If you register for it now, you might be able to borrow it... in about two years."


    "Two years... never mind," Kyle said with a shrug. "What about ?"


    Madam Pince''s demeanor softened noticeably at this request. "We have that," she said, her tone far more pleasant. She instructed Kyle to wait and headed toward a nearby shelf.


    As she disappeared among the rows of books, Kyle couldn''t help but observe the infamous librarian with curiosity. Madam Pince was a thin, elderly woman with a vulture-like appearance, as though she had been malnourished. The young wizards quietly reading nearby seemed terrified of her, not daring to make the slightest sound as she passed. One unfortunate student, too nervous to control himself, let out a sneeze¡ªand was promptly expelled from the library for it.


    Kyle smirked to himself. It was no wonder people rumored that she and Filch were a perfect match. They were both sticklers for rules and seemed to share a mutual disdain for students.


    Before long, Madam Pince returned, handing Kyle a thick, hardcover book along with a note.


    "It must be returned within a week," she warned in her stern voice. "If it''s overdue, or if there¡¯s any damage to the book, you will be able to borrow anything from this library again."


    "I''ll remember that," Kyle promised, tucking the book under his arm and heading out.


    ...


    Since there was only one morning class for first years, Kyle decided to head straight back to the Hufflepuff common room after leaving the library. He was eager to find a quiet, comfortable spot to dive into the book he''d just borrowed. But the moment he stepped through the barrel door, he was surrounded by a crowd of his fellow Hufflepuff first-years.


    Nearly all of them had gathered in the common room, anxiously awaiting Kyle¡¯s return.


    ¡°What¡¯s up, Kyle?¡± Ryan rushed over first, concern etched on his face. ¡°Is Mikel okay? We tried to visit him in the hospital, but Madam Pomfrey threw us out as soon as we got there!¡±


    The other young wizards nodded in agreement. Even though they had all suffered from the accident in Charms class, their concern for Mikel¡¯s well-being was evident. This was typical of Hufflepuff¡ªloyal and always looking out for one another.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry,¡± Kyle reassured them, smiling as he patted Ryan on the shoulder. ¡°Professor Dumbledore has already seen him. He¡¯ll be discharged tomorrow after taking some medicine.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s a relief,¡± Ryan said, visibly relaxing. After a moment of thought, he added, ¡°Has Mikel woken up yet? Has he said what he¡¯d like to eat? We can¡¯t take him anything now, but we could prepare it in advance so he¡¯ll have it when he¡¯s discharged. He¡¯d love that!¡±


    The idea quickly gained approval from the rest of the group. Generously, they began offering up their most treasured treats.


    ¡°I¡¯ve got some candied raspberries!¡±


    ¡°I can bring nougat!¡±


    ¡°How about some cookies? My mum made them herself¡ªthey¡¯re delicious.¡±


    ¡°I think he¡¯d like some liquorice...¡± another suggested.


    ...


    For a moment, Kyle was deeply moved by the overwhelming sense of camaraderie among his classmates. With their eager eyes on him, he lowered his voice and said, ¡°Mikel didn¡¯t mention what he wanted to eat, but I don¡¯t think snacks are what he needs most right now. What he really wants is to keep up with his studies!¡±


    ¡°Keep up with his studies?¡± Ryan scratched his head, clearly puzzled by Kyle''s words.


    ¡°Exactly,¡± Kyle replied seriously. ¡°You all saw what happened in Charms class. Mikel was falling behind and got impatient, which led to the accident, right?¡±


    Ryan nodded slowly. Though he hadn¡¯t fully understood how the blinding flash occurred, he did recall that Mikel had struggled with the spell. Kyle¡¯s reasoning seemed solid enough.


    ¡°That¡¯s right,¡± Kyle continued. ¡°Mikel¡¯s really competitive. There¡¯s no way he¡¯d want to miss two lessons. So, here¡¯s what we need to do: in this afternoon¡¯s Transfiguration class and tomorrow morning¡¯s History of Magic, we need to pay close attention, write down everything the professor says, and compile it into detailed notes for Mikel. I¡¯m sure he¡¯ll be moved to tears!¡±


    A hush fell over the Hufflepuff common room. The young badgers looked at one another, then back at Kyle, unsure of what to say. The idea that anyone might prefer study notes over snacks was hard to believe. But after considering Kyle¡¯s argument, they realized they couldn¡¯t find any flaws in his logic. It was structured, logical, and entirely plausible.


    , they thought to themselves, gradually convincing themselves that Kyle was right.


    Soon, volunteers stepped forward to take on the task of note-taking. Some offered to take notes in Transfiguration, while others would handle History of Magic. A few took on the responsibility of organizing the notes into a comprehensive format for Mikel.


    The few students who didn¡¯t manage to grab a task but were eager to help huddled together and began brainstorming. After some discussion, they realized there was one important thing Kyle had overlooked: .


    At Hogwarts, homework was a crucial part of every subject, and they knew Mikel wouldn¡¯t want to fall behind on that either. So they decided to make sure Mikel received all the homework assignments from each class. Not only that, but they also resolved to inform their professors that Mikel, despite being in the hospital, was still dedicated to his studies. They would proudly tell the teachers that Mikel was an exemplary Hufflepuff who wouldn¡¯t let his hospitalization stop him from completing his homework.

 Chapter 33: Retiring After Success

    In a corner of the Hufflepuff common room, Cedric watched in disbelief as the enthusiastic first-years hung on every word. He couldn''t understand what was wrong with them this year. Could they really not tell that Kyle was just spouting nonsense? And yet, they were so cooperative.


    This is Hufflepuff, not Ravenclaw, he thought, shaking his head.


    Cedric had no idea what anyone else was thinking, but if he ended up in the hospital wing, the last thing he would want would be class notes or¡ªMerlin forbid¡ªhomework. Especially not homework.


    Cedric mused. S§×ar?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    His conscience nagged at him, telling him he should expose Kyle and save the innocent Mikel from this madness. But he couldn¡¯t bring himself to do it. Because, in a way, Kyle¡¯s ridiculous claims made the Hufflepuff badgers pay more attention in class. And that, Cedric had to admit, was definitely a good thing.


    He wrestled with his decision for what felt like forever. In his twelve years, he had never faced such a tough choice. On one hand was his conscience, and on the other was his responsibility as a senior student. He didn¡¯t want to give up either, so he found himself caught in a frustrating loop, torn between the two.


    Not far from Cedric sat Kanna, equally bewildered but for different reasons. She was the only other freshman who had remained clear-headed through Kyle''s absurdity. Unlike Cedric, Kanna''s thoughts were much simpler.


    she resolved firmly.


    Kanna promised herself that once she got the special rat tonic, she would steer clear of him at all costs. Even if she couldn¡¯t transfer to another house, she would make sure to avoid any possible encounters.


    Meanwhile, on the other side of the room, the little badgers, brimming with a sense of mission, were still deep in discussion, planning their next steps. Kyle, having successfully planted his idea, quietly slipped out of the group. Now that their focus had shifted to what they should do next, he was no longer the center of attention.


    He found a sofa away from the crowd and sat down, flipping open . It was a book published fifty years ago, chronicling the adventures of a wandering poet and the various troubles he encountered on his travels. The style reminded Kyle of Lockhart''s work, but this book focused less on the poet himself and more on the things he saw along the way.


    It also contained many Charms unique to different regions, which Kyle found refreshing.


    He reluctantly closed the book when Cedric came over to call him to lunch.


    ¡°What are you reading?¡± Cedric asked, curiosity evident in his voice. ¡°I called you a few times, but you didn¡¯t respond.¡±


    ¡°,¡± Kyle replied, handing Cedric the book. ¡°Dumbledore recommended it. It¡¯s a really interesting biography.¡±


    ¡°The headmaster recommended it?¡± Cedric¡¯s eyes lit up, immediately expressing his desire to read it too.


    ¡°No problem,¡± Kyle said, thinking for a moment, ¡°but I¡¯ve only just started, so you¡¯ll have to wait a few days. Or, you could check the library to see if they have another copy.¡±


    ¡°No need,¡± Cedric returned the book and shook his head. ¡°Just let me know when you¡¯re done, and I¡¯ll borrow it then.¡±


    From his experience with the school library, Cedric knew they rarely had multiple copies of the same biography. Going to check would likely be a waste of time, and besides, he wasn¡¯t in a rush to read it. Waiting a few more days didn¡¯t matter to him.


    After leaving the Hufflepuff common room, the two quickly made their way to the Great Hall. By now, the morning''s big news¡ªabout a Hufflepuff blowing up the Charms classroom¡ªhad already spread throughout Hogwarts.


    In the hall, almost every group of students seemed to be buzzing with excitement, talking about the incident.


    ¡°Hey, look who¡¯s here!¡± came a voice as Kyle and Cedric entered.


    Before Kyle could react, Fred and George blocked his path, having clearly been waiting for him.


    ¡°I knew Hogwarts wouldn¡¯t stay peaceful with you around,¡± Fred grinned, grabbing Kyle by the shoulders. ¡°Tell us, how did you manage to blow up the classroom?¡±


    George chimed in, ¡°Yeah, we heard even Professor Flitwick limped out of there.¡±


    ¡°Blowing up a professor in your first lesson...,¡± Fred and George exchanged glances before declaring in unison, ¡°Kyle, you¡¯re definitely going down in school history!¡±


    Their voices weren¡¯t loud, but they still caught the attention of nearby students, who began gathering around, curious about the commotion.


    Kyle sighed, feeling a bit helpless. ¡°First of all, the Lighting Charm blow up a classroom. That¡¯s just common sense. Professor Flitwick hurt his leg because he tripped and fell. Secondly, the wizard who caused all of this is in the hospital wing, and it has to do with me. If you keep spreading this, I¡¯m writing to Mrs. Weasley.¡±


    ¡°Not you?¡± The twins blinked, clearly surprised.


    ¡°Of course not. Why would you even think that?¡± Kyle gestured to Cedric beside him. ¡°If you don¡¯t believe me, ask Cedric.¡±


    ¡°I can confirm,¡± Cedric nodded firmly. ¡°It really wasn¡¯t Kyle.¡±


    ¡°There you go,¡± Kyle said, pushing Fred and George aside. ¡°Where did you even hear this? It¡¯s completely unreliable.¡±


    ¡°We got it from some Ravenclaw first-years,¡± Fred shrugged. ¡°They said you sent your classmates to the hospital wing.¡±


    Kyle was exasperated. ¡°I was helping! Dumbledore even gave me twenty extra points. Did they say anything else, or was that it?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± George shrugged back, nonchalantly. ¡°That¡¯s all we caught when we walked past.¡±


    Kyle shook his head, unable to believe what he was hearing.


    ¡°I¡¯m done with you two,¡± he muttered, taking a deep breath. He¡¯d initially thought Ravenclaw students had a knack for twisting the truth, but Fred and George were on a whole other level.


    ¡°When you¡¯re asking for information,¡± he said, glaring at them, ¡°at least listen to the end. Who hears just half a story and thinks they¡¯ve got the whole picture?¡±


    Luckily, Fred and George had come to him directly instead of spreading the half-baked rumor. If they had, his reputation would¡¯ve been in ruins by now.


    Kyle sighed dramatically and clapped them both on the shoulders. ¡°You two are wasting your talents at Hogwarts. Honestly, you should go work for . Rita Skeeter would you.¡±

 Chapter 34: The Well-Behaved Hufflepuffs

    ¡°Rita Skeeter? The reporter from ?¡± Fred asked with a puzzled expression. ¡°What does she have to do with this?¡±


    George added with a grin, ¡°And we¡¯re not interested in her anyway. She¡¯s doomed to unrequited love.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s a real shame,¡± Kyle replied, not wanting to continue the conversation. After a quick, half-hearted exchange of words, he walked between the two of them.


    Lunch was already underway, and all Kyle wanted was to sit down and enjoy his tender steak and pumpkin juice instead of standing awkwardly in the doorway of the Great Hall. However, Fred and George had other plans. They followed him all the way to the Hufflepuff table.


    ¡°Even though there¡¯s no solid proof,¡± Fred said as he sat down next to Kyle, pushing Cedric aside, ¡°I can¡¯t shake the feeling that the Charm classroom exploded because you were there.¡±


    He took a large gulp of pumpkin juice before continuing, ¡°Why else would everything be fine before, and then boom¡ªthe moment you show up, the classroom blows up? You must¡¯ve influenced it.¡±


    Kyle nearly choked on his own pumpkin juice, feeling the weight of Fred¡¯s insinuation. He¡¯d been helping the whole time! Did he really have to take the blame for this?


    Without saying a word, Kyle turned and gave Fred the finger.


    But Fred, pretending not to notice, carried on. ¡°It¡¯s a pity you¡¯re not in Gryffindor.¡±


    ¡°We already checked,¡± George added, laughing. ¡°Gryffindor¡¯s first lesson was Potions. If you were there, and the first-years cooperated, Snape would probably be the one in the hospital.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, such a shame,¡± Fred lamented, putting down his glass. ¡°If you could¡¯ve managed to send Snape to the hospital, you¡¯d be a hero¡ªnot just of Gryffindor, but of all Hogwarts!¡±


    Fred was so lost in his excitement that he didn¡¯t even notice Cedric subtly tugging at his robes from the side, trying to get him to stop. His body shook with glee, completely unaware of Cedric¡¯s attempts to calm him down.


    ¡°Seriously, Kyle, I still think you belong in Gryffindor. Hufflepuff doesn¡¯t suit you.¡±


    ¡°You might be right, Fred, but¡­¡± Kyle cleared his throat and flashed a smile. ¡°Why do you think the Gryffindor first-years would cooperate with me against Professor Snape? From what I can tell, Gryffindor students are all very polite and respectful. The headmaster¡¯s kind, and surely Gryffindors wouldn¡¯t be so... unruly.¡±


    ¡°What nonsense are you spouting, Kyle? Honest, rule-following kids don¡¯t get sorted into Gryffindor,¡± Fred said, momentarily taken aback. Then, raising an eyebrow, he added, ¡°Oh right, that¡¯s true¡ªwe do love taking risks¡­¡±


    ¡°So¡­ Mr. Weasley, is this why you¡¯re not eating at your own house table?¡±


    An icy, emotionless voice came from behind them.


    Fred and George¡¯s smiles vanished instantly as they turned their heads with great difficulty.


    ¡°Professor McGonagall! When did you¡ª¡± Fred forced a smile, one that looked even more pitiful than if he were crying. ¡°I think you might¡¯ve misunderstood something. I can explain!¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s no need, Mr. Weasley. I understand perfectly, and there¡¯s no misunderstanding,¡± Professor McGonagall said, her expression calm as always. ¡°You should count yourself lucky that it¡¯s me standing here and not Professor Snape.¡±


    Her tone remained steady as she continued, ¡°For your lack of respect towards a professor, Gryffindor will lose ten points¡ªten points each.¡±


    Fred and George let out a collective sigh of relief. It could¡¯ve been worse. After all, it was only the start of the school year, and Gryffindor still had plenty of time to make up the points. Losing twenty points wasn¡¯t too bad¡ªmanageable, at least. S§×arch* The N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°And¡­¡± Professor McGonagall continued, giving the twins a sharp look, ¡°in light of your poor performance at the Sorting Ceremony, you will both be confined to your rooms every night for the next week.¡±


    It was as if Fred and George had been struck by lightning.


    The Sorting Ceremony? They had thought that was ancient history, a forgotten event. Losing points? That was nothing to them. But confinement? Especially for an entire week? That meant no night-walking for seven long days. The two were already sinking into despair.


    ¡°Professor, please...¡± Fred and George looked at McGonagall with pitiful expressions, hoping for a shred of mercy.


    Unfortunately, Professor McGonagall remained unmoved. Her voice remained steady and firm: ¡°Detention begins at 11 pm. You will report to Mr. Filch, who will escort you to the trophy room. There, you will find an album listing all the names and accomplishments of Gryffindor¡¯s most outstanding students since the house was founded.¡±


    The twins exchanged horrified glances, sensing what was coming next.


    ¡°You will transcribe the entire book,¡± she continued, ¡°by hand, until it is complete. No magic, no Auto-Answer Quills. You will write every word yourselves.¡±


    Professor McGonagall then pointed toward the Gryffindor table. ¡°Now, Mr. Weasley, hurry back to your seats!¡±


    Fred and George, utterly defeated, slumped their heads and trudged back to their table, their faces full of despair.


    Kyle, watching their misery, barely managed to hold back his laughter until they were out of earshot. Then, acting as if nothing had happened, he turned to Professor McGonagall with a polite smile. ¡°Good afternoon, Professor McGonagall. I¡¯m glad to see you.¡±


    For the first time, McGonagall¡¯s stern voice softened a little. ¡°Good afternoon, Mr. Chopper.¡±


    ¡°Kyle, please,¡± he corrected her with a grin. ¡°Have you had lunch yet, Professor? If not, you should join us here.¡±


    Cedric, realizing what Kyle was doing, quickly moved over, making space at the table.


    Professor McGonagall¡¯s expression softened further. ¡°I would love to, but I¡¯ve already eaten.¡±


    She usually avoided dining in the Great Hall with the students, either arriving before mealtimes or eating in her office to maintain her authoritative image.


    ¡°That¡¯s a pity,¡± Kyle sighed dramatically, and the other Hufflepuffs immediately chimed in, showing similarly disappointed expressions, as if they had all been looking forward to sharing a meal with Professor McGonagall.


    Everyone remained polite and well-behaved.


    Professor McGonagall looked around at the Hufflepuff table, comparing it to the chaos happening over at the Gryffindor table next door. A wave of exhaustion washed over her. she wondered.


    she sighed inwardly.

 Chapter 35: Deal

    Professor McGonagall didn¡¯t linger for long and soon left the Great Hall to return to her office. But as soon as she was out the door, the Hufflepuff badgers couldn¡¯t hold it in any longer. The previously quiet table erupted into laughter, transforming into something more akin to a bustling food market.


    Small groups of students gathered, mimicking the pitiful expressions Fred and George had worn just moments earlier, slapping the table as they laughed uncontrollably. Even Kanna, normally shy and reserved, couldn¡¯t suppress her amusement, her small shoulders shaking as she laughed quietly to herself.


    Kyle watched in disbelief. He thought. Of course, he excluded himself from that judgment.


    ...


    After lunch, the students began leaving the Great Hall in small groups, but Kyle found himself stopped again at the door. This time, it wasn¡¯t Fred or George¡ªit was a familiar-looking Asian girl.


    ¡°Hello, I¡¯m Cho Chang from Ravenclaw. Can I have a moment of your time?¡± she asked politely, extending her hand.


    ¡°Kyle Chopper,¡± Kyle responded, shaking her hand.


    Out of habit, he glanced at Cedric, who stood nearby but didn¡¯t seem to notice anything out of the ordinary. Cedric simply introduced himself, then stepped aside to wait for Kyle, much like when they had encountered the Weasley twins earlier.


    Of course, Cedric and Cho Chang didn¡¯t seem to know each other yet¡ªafter all, Cho Chang was only eleven, and Kyle couldn¡¯t imagine Cedric being interested in her at this age. he thought with a wry smile.


    Shaking off the thought, Kyle turned back to Cho Chang. ¡°What can I do for you?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯d like to copy your map,¡± Cho said, her tone straightforward. ¡°I can pay you for it.¡±


    ¡°Map?¡± Kyle raised an eyebrow and glanced at Cedric, silently asking for his opinion.


    Cedric, who clearly hadn¡¯t mastered the art of non-verbal communication, simply shrugged, indicating that the map wasn¡¯t his concern and Kyle could do as he pleased.


    Kyle thought, inwardly scoffing at Cedric¡¯s ¡°uneducated¡± ways. But his expression remained unchanged.


    ¡°No need to pay,¡± Kyle said, pulling the map from his robes and handing it to Cho. ¡°You helped Ryan and Mikel earlier, and they¡¯re my roommates. Consider this a small token of appreciation.¡±


    ¡°So they¡¯re your roommates?¡± Cho remarked, recalling the two first-years she¡¯d helped earlier. As she accepted the map, she couldn¡¯t help but smile. ¡°I have to admit, your roommates are... unique. They somehow managed to miss every single correct staircase.¡±


    She laughed lightly, covering her mouth. ¡°I watched them for five minutes, and they just kept going in circles on the wrong staircases. Not once did they pick the right one.¡±


    Kyle flushed slightly, embarrassed for his roommates. He hesitated to keep the conversation going, so instead, he awkwardly pointed to the map. ¡°Well, most of the routes on here are connected to the Hufflepuff common room. I¡¯m not sure how useful it¡¯ll be for Ravenclaw.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s alright,¡± Cho said, shaking her head. ¡°As long as I know where the classrooms are, it¡¯ll be easier to figure out the route from Ravenclaw Tower.¡±


    "he pulled out her wand and, though her movements were a bit clumsy, cast the spell, successfully creating a copy of the map.


    ¡°Phew, thank goodness. I thought I was going to make a fool of myself,¡± she said with a touch of smugness as she handed the original map back to Kyle. ¡°I kept failing when I practiced before, so I didn¡¯t think it would work this time.¡±


    Kyle mused. If Ryan had been here¡­ well, he didn¡¯t need to be. Ryan had been pestering Kyle since dinner about wanting a map replica instead of copying it by hand. Kyle thought. Ravenclaws seemed to embrace challenges, while many Hufflepuffs took a more straightforward approach.


    Before Kyle had arrived, Cedric had been the only standout in Hufflepuff, the one everyone could look up to. Kyle suspected Professor Sprout had made some kind of deal with the Sorting Hat last year to bolster Hufflepuff¡¯s ranks. Perhaps it was paid in herbs.


    But speaking of Cedric...


    Kyle glanced at Cho, who was glowing with satisfaction now that she had the map. Casually, he asked, ¡°Do you Ravenclaws have similar maps?¡±


    Cho thought for a moment. ¡°Maybe, but I¡¯ve never seen one.¡±


    ¡°Same here,¡± Kyle said, deliberately glancing to the side. ¡°Cedric gave me this one. So, do any other Ravenclaws need a map like this?¡±


    Cho caught on quickly, her eyes narrowing as she tentatively asked, ¡°Are you thinking of selling them?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, I was considering it,¡± Kyle said, getting straight to the point. ¡°What do you think? Is it feasible?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s definitely feasible, but you¡¯ll have to keep the price low,¡± Cho said, holding up her hands. ¡°Ten Sickles, max. If it¡¯s more than that¡ªeven by a knut¡ªI won¡¯t buy it, and I bet the other first-years would feel the same.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s fine. Ten Sickles it is,¡± Kyle said, shrugging. ¡°It doesn¡¯t take much effort, so why not make a little pocket money?¡±


    ¡°Then you need to hurry,¡± Cho advised. ¡°The map will only be useful to Ravenclaws for about a week at the start of the year. The longer you wait, the less it¡¯ll be worth. If you wait until tomorrow, it might only go for nine Sickles.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s fair,¡± Kyle said with a grin. He extended his hand to Cho. ¡°Interested in joining in? I¡¯ll provide the map, you handle the publicity and the transactions, and we¡¯ll split the profits¡ªfifty-fifty.¡±


    Cho seemed a little surprised at the offer, but quickly recovered. She shook Kyle¡¯s hand and said, ¡°Of course, I¡¯m interested.¡±


    She did some quick mental calculations. There were 16 new students in Ravenclaw, and excluding herself, that left 15. Even if only a third of them bought the map, she¡¯d still walk away with 25 Sickles. For a first-year, that was a considerable amount of money, and it wasn¡¯t something she was about to pass up. Plus, it was easy work¡ªjust a few conversations and running around. S~ea??h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Kyle nodded. ¡°Great, it¡¯s a deal. You take care of Ravenclaw.¡±


    ¡°No problem,¡± Cho agreed. ¡°I¡¯ll head back now. There should be quite a few first-years in the common room at this time.¡±


    Cho, eager to earn her pocket money, quickly said her goodbyes to Kyle and Cedric and hurried back to Ravenclaw Tower.

 Chapter 36: The Good Person Card

    ¡°Kyle, are you sure this is okay?¡± Cedric whispered as soon as Cho left, finally breaking his silence. He had been standing there, listening to everything. ¡°I mean, do Ravenclaw first-years really pay for maps?¡±


    ¡°Who knows,¡± Kyle shrugged casually, ¡°but we¡¯ve got nothing better to do, so why not try?¡±


    Though Kyle played it off, he was confident this plan would work. Hogwarts had no road signs, and new students had to find their way around by either figuring it out themselves or asking older students, which often led to them getting lost on a daily basis. A map could save them a lot of hassle. And at just ten Sickles¡ªless than a Galleon¡ªit was affordable for most.


    Kyle thought about first-years from Muggle families. They would usually have around six Galleons left after buying their school supplies, so ten Sickles for a map, especially one that showed the tricky moving staircases, would be a worthwhile trade for many. Of course, there would always be exceptions¡ªlike a certain red-haired freshman who, in the future, might balk at the cost.


    ¡°Oh, by the way, this is for you,¡± Kyle said, tossing the map to Cedric as they walked back to the dormitory. ¡°You¡¯re in charge of making copies from now on.¡±


    Cedric blinked in confusion. ¡°Me? Why?¡±


    ¡°Nonsense, you gave it to me, so of course you should get a share. Cho handles sales, and we¡¯ll split the other half between us.¡±


    Kyle continued matter-of-factly, ¡°Besides, I¡¯ve just started school. I¡¯m not that skilled with the Doubling Charm yet. If I mess up and sell a faulty copy, I¡¯ll get an earful. So, it¡¯s best you handle it. We don¡¯t want anyone thinking Hufflepuffs are shady businesspeople, do we?¡±


    ¡°Well... okay,¡± Cedric agreed after a moment¡¯s thought, realizing Kyle had a point. There was no harm in taking on the task, and it seemed fair enough.


    ¡°Great, then it¡¯s settled,¡± Kyle grinned. ¡°I¡¯ll tell Cho to come to you directly. Let¡¯s meet in the Great Hall this afternoon.¡±


    With a meaningful look, Kyle turned and headed toward his dormitory, leaving Cedric standing there, deep in thought. The more Cedric considered it, the more something seemed off. Cho would handle the sales, and Cedric would make the maps... but what was Kyle doing? Apart from those tasks, there didn¡¯t seem to be much else to handle.


    Cedric realized.


    Cedric fell into contemplation, while Kyle headed back to the dormitory, took a refreshing nap, and showed up at the Transfiguration classroom just in time for the afternoon lesson. To avoid another incident, and spare himself the embarrassment of Cho witnessing it again, Kyle made sure to bring Ryan along, despite Ryan''s insistence that with a map, he wouldn¡¯t get lost.


    Transfiguration was once again with Ravenclaw, and because they arrived early, only a few students were scattered around the classroom¡ªnone of them Hufflepuffs, of course. Kyle didn¡¯t even need to look; he just knew.


    At the front of the room, perched on the teacher¡¯s desk, sat a beautiful tabby cat. Kyle instinctively reached into his robe pocket and felt the packet of dried fish he had stashed away.


    Feeding was an achievement he had always wanted to unlock. He had even prepared for it, bringing the dried fish in advance, much like how he used to move the rubbish bins in Diagon Alley. There was no reward, but it felt good¡ªa small, personal sense of accomplishment.


    Trash cans could be moved anytime, but there was only one chance to feed Professor McGonagall when she appeared in her Animagus form during the first Transfiguration lesson of the year. And Kyle, as a first-year, could play innocent¡ªafter all, how was he supposed to know that Professor McGonagall could turn into a cat?


    As for the dried fish in his pocket, well, that had been prepared for Mrs. Norris to thank her for guiding him to the hospital wing yesterday.


    ... S~ea??h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Everything was set, just waiting for the right moment. The classroom was still too empty, and if Kyle approached the tabby cat now, it would be too obvious. Professor McGonagall would easily catch on. He needed to wait for the room to fill up, and Kyle was patient. He knew this was his only shot at pulling off his little plan.


    He sent Ryan into the classroom first, giving some excuse to linger by the door. It worked out perfectly when Cho appeared around the corner, waving enthusiastically.


    ¡°Kyle, I knew you¡¯d be here!¡± she called.


    Ryan didn¡¯t think much of it and said, ¡°I¡¯ll save you a seat,¡± before disappearing into the classroom.


    Panting a little from her rush, Cho beamed as she reached Kyle. ¡°You have no idea how well things are going! I showed the map to the other first-years, and in just one hour, twelve of them already want to buy it!¡±


    Kyle, unsurprised by the success, responded calmly, ¡°Not bad. You¡¯ve worked hard.¡±


    ¡°It wasn¡¯t hard at all,¡± Cho said, still catching her breath. She looked Kyle up and down before asking, ¡°Did you bring the map? I promised I¡¯d have it after class.¡±


    ¡°Cedric has it,¡± Kyle explained, shrugging slightly. ¡°He¡¯s the second-year boy I was with at lunch. He was worried we couldn¡¯t guarantee the quality of the map, so he volunteered to make the copies for us. You can find him in the Great Hall after class. He¡¯s top of his year and really good with Doubling Charms.¡±


    ¡°Cedric?¡± Cho said, thinking back. ¡°Right, you mentioned he gave you the original map.¡±


    Kyle nodded. ¡°Exactly.¡±


    ¡°He really is a good guy,¡± Cho remarked, but then she paused, frowning as something occurred to her. ¡°In that case, I don¡¯t think I should take half. We should split the profits three ways.¡±


    ¡°If you insist, you can talk to him after class,¡± Kyle said with a helpless shrug. ¡°I¡¯m fine with my share. I already told Cedric we should split it evenly, but he refused, saying he only did a little. I couldn¡¯t convince him, but maybe you¡¯ll have better luck.¡±


    ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll try!¡± Cho said with determination. In her mind, since she was part of the project, the profits had to be shared equally.


    Kyle chuckled. ¡°Good luck with that.¡±


    Cho looked at him suspiciously. ¡°Why do I feel like there¡¯s something strange about your smile?¡±


    ¡°Is there?¡± Kyle asked, trying to look innocent. ¡°Maybe I¡¯m just excited about the Transfiguration class. We should head in before we¡¯re late.¡±


    Kyle''s serious tone was enough to divert Cho¡¯s attention, and she nodded. ¡°You¡¯re right, let¡¯s go.¡±

 Chapter 37: Surviving the Calamity

    As a group of Ravenclaw witches entered the shape-shifting classroom, Kyle hurried after them, blending in naturally as they made their way to the front. By the time they reached the second row, only a small witch stood between Kyle and the front of the room, just a step away from his goal.


    Kyle''s hand, hidden in his pocket, was clenched tightly around a bag of dried fish. He was nervous, but on the outside, he managed to appear carefree. However, just as he was about to pull out the fish to unlock his plan, he noticed something unsettling: the Ravenclaw witch in front of him seemed to have the same idea. Because she was ahead of him, Kyle could clearly see a green object slowly emerging from her pocket.


    A cat toy?


    ¡°Oh no, someone else beat me to it!¡± Kyle''s thoughts went dark, and his body went numb. He didn''t even need to think it over¡ªonce the little witch revealed the cat toy, Professor McGonagall would instantly transform back into her human form. All of Kyle''s careful planning had been for nothing.


    ¡°Damn it! Why did I overthink everything? Why didn¡¯t I just act sooner?¡± Kyle angrily stamped his foot, wishing he could use a time-turner to go back five minutes and give himself a good slap. But it was too late for regrets. With a sigh, Kyle moved to the left and took a seat in the front row, as if that had been his intention all along.


    Meanwhile, the witch who had unwittingly foiled Kyle''s plan reached the front of the class, her hand fully out of her pocket. But just as she was about to pull out the toy, the tabby cat perched on the lectern smiled. With a light tap of her hind legs on the table, the cat transformed back into Professor McGonagall in the blink of an eye.


    ¡°Miss Lianna, it¡¯s kind of you to want to play with animals, but as a witch, it¡¯s more important to maintain sharp insight,¡± Professor McGonagall said, suddenly appearing beside the student. With a gentle pat on Lianna¡¯s shoulder, she pushed the hand holding the cat toy back into the girl¡¯s pocket.


    ¡°Pr-Professor McGonagall,¡± the young witch stammered, clearly shaken.


    ¡°It¡¯s me. If you look closely, you¡¯ll notice the lines around the cat¡¯s eyes match the square frames of my glasses,¡± Professor McGonagall said dryly. ¡°Now, please return to your seat. The lesson is about to begin.¡±


    There were no points deducted, nor was there a harsh rebuke. In Professor McGonagall¡¯s eyes, Lianna¡¯s actions were no more disruptive than any other behavior she had come to expect from first-year students. She had been at Hogwarts for many years, and her tradition of demonstrating her Animagus transformation in the first lesson had been ongoing for seven or eight of them. Over that time, she had seen countless students like Lianna¡ªthose who tried to tease the cat, feed it, or even pet it. None of them ever succeeded.


    After all, McGonagall''s reputation as a master of Transfiguration wasn''t earned easily. Without real skill, how could she have maintained this tradition for so long? And besides, cats are naturally quicker than wizards. If she were to be caught off guard by these first-years, she¡¯d be too embarrassed to keep teaching at Hogwarts.


    After Lianna was helped to her feet by her Ravenclaw classmates, Professor McGonagall deftly waved her wand and cast a simple healing charm to calm her down.


    "Calm your mind."


    The charm worked instantly. Lianna stopped trembling, and the color returned to her face.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Professor McGonagall, I didn¡¯t realize it was you.¡±


    ¡°See that it doesn¡¯t happen again,¡± Professor McGonagall replied before turning and heading back to the podium. As she passed the first row, she cast a deliberate glance at Kyle. She had suspected that he, like Lianna, had been planning to test her Animagus form. But she quickly noted that Kyle hadn¡¯t reacted with surprise after she had transformed back. It seemed he had recognized her Animagus form from the start and had simply wanted to sit in the front row.


    Indeed, she should never have trusted Weasley''s gossip. Kyle was clearly a bright and studious boy.


    ...


    Back at the podium, Professor McGonagall surveyed the young wizards before her and said sternly, ¡°Transfiguration is the most complex and dangerous of the spells you will learn at Hogwarts. Anyone who dares to misbehave in my classroom will be asked to leave and never allowed back in. I have warned you.¡± S~ea??h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The moment Professor McGonagall spoke, the entire classroom fell into silence. Meanwhile, Kyle¡¯s heart, which had been anxiously waiting for the worst, finally settled. He had escaped. Thanks to Lianna¡ªif not for her, it would have been him publicly facing humiliation.


    Kyle resolved that after class, he would go and talk to Cho. Whether or not Lianna wanted to buy the map, he would make one and give it to her. He couldn¡¯t let a kind person be discouraged.


    The relief of surviving the disaster made Kyle take notes more cheerfully, and the dull Gamp''s Law of Elemental Transfiguration now sounded far more pleasant.


    However, unlike him, Kanna, who was also sitting in the front row, was now on edge. She couldn¡¯t understand how she ended up next to Kyle when she had already taken her seat at the front. Didn¡¯t the first-year student he came with sit in the back row?


    Could it really be a coincidence that they were sitting together?


    But no, that didn¡¯t make sense. She distinctly remembered they were roommates. If she hadn¡¯t known that, she would never have chosen to sit in the front row, given her personality. But now, here she was, sitting in the front row... and Kyle was right beside her. The worst possible situation.


    Kanna was so lost in thought that she was mechanically scribbling notes without even realizing she had written a string of meaningless words ages ago.


    At the lectern, Professor McGonagall continued to talk about the precautions of Transfiguration, unaware that the two students right under her nose were entirely distracted.


    ¡°Alright, that covers the basic laws of Transfiguration. Everyone must remember these¡ªthey are the foundation of everything you will learn in this subject,¡± she said, glancing at the students with a final reminder.


    ¡°Transfiguration is a rigorous discipline. When you wave your wand, you must focus with absolute precision, like this¡­¡±


    Professor McGonagall waved her wand, and the lectern transformed into a pig.


    It looked like any ordinary pig¡ªable to run, jump, and squeal with all the proper features. When it noticed that everyone was staring, it let out a startled squeal.


    The demonstration left the first-year students completely awestruck.


    Especially those new to magic¡ªthey could hardly believe that such a lifelike creature could have been conjured from a simple table.


    Every student¡¯s eyes were now glued to Professor McGonagall, eager to begin learning.

 Chapter 38: Are You Serious?

    It was clear that the new students wouldn''t be learning how to transform living creatures in their first lesson. Professor McGonagall used a single match to demonstrate that it would take considerable time to move from turning simple objects into animals.


    Despite their best efforts, the young wizards waved their wands with all their might, but the matches in front of them stubbornly refused to change. Sometimes, that''s just how it is¡ªothers can make it look easy, but when it''s your turn, everything goes wrong. And that ¡°other¡± was undoubtedly Professor McGonagall.


    ¡°Careful, it''s supposed to turn into a needle, not a silver wand,¡± Professor McGonagall instructed, walking up and down the classroom aisles, constantly correcting their mistakes.


    As time passed, half the lesson slipped by, and yet the matches remained unchanged, still ordinary matchsticks. No one had succeeded in turning them into needles.


    The Hufflepuff students had managed to turn their matches into lumps of charcoal, but this wasn¡¯t good enough for Professor McGonagall, and they lost a point for destroying the teaching aid. S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Ravenclaw, being the resourceful lot, tried a different approach. Seeing little progress, they altered their strategy. Rather than trying to transform the matches into needles, they changed the color of the matchsticks or sharpened one end in an attempt to fool the professor. Some even went so far as to bring their own needles, claiming they had completed the transfiguration.


    But, of course, Professor McGonagall saw through all of these attempts and promptly deducted twenty points from Ravenclaw for cheating.


    ...


    As Professor McGonagall glanced around the room, she couldn''t help but feel a little disappointed. There didn¡¯t seem to be many exceptionally talented students in this year¡¯s class. The only one who had made any progress was...


    Her eyes drifted to the front row. There sat Kyle, resting his chin on one hand while lazily waving his wand with the other. To her surprise, the matches in front of him were actually changing. Though they hadn¡¯t fully transformed into needles, they were halfway there¡ªquite literally.


    Kyle had conjured a needle, but only half of it. The transformation wasn¡¯t in a fixed position, either. Sometimes the needle would appear at the top of the matchstick, sometimes at the bottom, and sometimes it seemed stuck right in the middle.


    How to describe this? Was it a needle? What exactly was it?


    Professor McGonagall was momentarily stunned. She had witnessed students fail an entire lesson and seen others succeed flawlessly. But this? She had never seen anyone fail so successfully. Still, Kyle had managed to conjure a needle, which was more than any of the others could claim at this point.


    Thus, the lesson continued until, finally, just before the end, one young wizard succeeded in turning their match into a needle.


    ¡°Look, Professor McGonagall, someone from Hufflepuff has succeeded!¡± cried an excited voice from the front row, drawing the attention of all the students.


    Professor McGonagall turned toward the sound and, to her surprise, smiled. What she hadn¡¯t expected was that the first student to succeed wasn¡¯t Kyle, whom she had been keeping an eye on, but Kanna Prince, the quiet Hufflepuff sitting next to him.


    Kanna was a low-profile student, rarely noticed by others, but today she had beaten everyone else.


    Still slightly surprised, Professor McGonagall quickly regained her composure. She picked up the shiny silver needle that Kanna had conjured and held it up for the class to see.


    ¡°Look, everyone, Miss Prince has succeeded. As a reward for being the first, Hufflepuff will earn three extra points!¡±


    The room broke into applause, especially from the Hufflepuff students. They weren¡¯t just pleased about the points but genuinely happy for Kanna.


    All eyes were now on the shy young witch, who had never been the center of attention before. Her face turned bright red, and a faint puff of white smoke seemed to rise from her head. She desperately wished she could disappear.


    As soon as the class ended, Kanna dashed out of the room, clutching her textbooks tightly.


    Kanna was filled with regret. She knew sitting so close to Kyle would bring her nothing but trouble! If she had known it would turn out like this, she would have switched seats earlier, even if it meant risking a scolding from Professor McGonagall!


    ...


    On the other side, the innocent Kyle had no idea he had unknowingly taken the blame for Kanna¡¯s discomfort. As soon as he stepped out of the classroom, Cho came over and invited him to join her in the auditorium to meet Cedric.


    ¡°Sorry, I just remembered I have something to do soon. Could you go on your own?¡± Kyle said, gesturing toward Ryan, who was approaching. ¡°We planned to visit Mikel together. If we¡¯re late, Madam Pomfrey will kick us out.¡±


    ¡°¡­Alright then,¡± Cho replied, a little disappointed but understanding. After all, visiting a sick friend was more important than looking at a map. She had already met Cedric and was impressed. He was the second-best-looking boy she had ever seen at Hogwarts.


    The first? Well, that was Kyle.


    Not wanting to waste time, Cho bid Kyle farewell and headed straight to the auditorium. Kyle watched her disappear around the corner of the corridor and had the nagging feeling he¡¯d forgotten something important.


    What was it¡­?


    He couldn¡¯t quite recall at that moment.


    Just then, Ryan arrived, looking slightly irritated. ¡°Kyle, I saved you a seat, but you went and sat in the front row. What gives?¡±


    Hearing Ryan¡¯s words, Kyle¡¯s mind flashed back to the nerve-wracking scene before class, and suddenly, he remembered what he¡¯d forgotten. He hadn¡¯t told Cho about giving the map to Lianna.


    What a mess¡­ Never mind, I¡¯ll just tell her next time, he thought.


    Kyle sighed and replied, ¡°Sorry, Ryan. I got caught up in something and didn¡¯t notice. I¡¯ll sit with you next time for sure!¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not what I meant,¡± Ryan waved dismissively. ¡°I¡¯m just surprised you were brave enough to sit in the front row. I heard from some upperclassmen that the first row in Transfiguration is practically always empty. No one dares to sit that close to Professor McGonagall during her lessons. You¡¯ve got guts!¡±


    ¡°Haha¡­yeah,¡± Kyle chuckled nervously. If he¡¯d had any choice, he wouldn¡¯t have sat there either.


    Oblivious to Kyle¡¯s discomfort, Ryan continued, ¡°So, should we head back to the dormitory now? Or wait for the others?¡±


    Wait for them? Kyle glanced around and realized that all the Ravenclaw students had already left. Only the two of them remained from Hufflepuff.


    ¡°Where is everyone?¡± Kyle asked, puzzled.


    ¡°They stayed in the classroom to review their notes,¡± Ryan replied casually. ¡°Oh, and they reminded Professor McGonagall not to forget Mikel¡¯s homework.¡±


    Seriously? You guys are something else.


    Kyle¡¯s eye twitched slightly, but after a moment of thought, he said, ¡°Forget it. Let¡¯s just head back to the dorms.¡±


    He had originally planned to take Ryan to the hospital wing, but now he thought it was best to skip that plan.


    ...


    A few minutes later, in the classroom, Professor McGonagall saw off the last of the Hufflepuff first years with a look of relief. She hadn¡¯t encountered such diligent students in a long time. Even after class, they stayed to review their notes, helping each other fill in the gaps and even requesting homework on their own.


    , she thought approvingly.


    Rubbing her slightly sore eyes, Professor McGonagall began collecting the matchsticks that had been used as teaching aids. It was only then that she noticed Kyle¡¯s match had also successfully transformed into a shiny silver needle.


    He must have been inspired by Kanna Prince.


    Professor McGonagall didn¡¯t dwell on it, but she was pleased. Two students in the same house showing promise in Transfiguration? That was something to be proud of.

 Chapter 39: How to Properly Feed Mrs. Norris

    Kyle didn¡¯t know what Cedric and Cho had talked about in the hall earlier, but he returned to the Hufflepuff common room with a smile on his face. As he sat down to read, a bulging bag suddenly dropped onto the open pages of his book.


    ¡°What the¡ª,¡± Kyle exclaimed, startled, before turning to see Cedric grinning widely. ¡°What¡¯s gotten into you? Why are you smiling like that?¡±


    ¡°This is way faster than picking up money,¡± Cedric said, squeezing onto the sofa beside Kyle. ¡°Guess how much we made from selling the maps in Ravenclaw¡­ Fifty-two sickles, !¡±


    Although Cedric phrased it as a question, he didn¡¯t wait for an answer and continued excitedly, ¡°A few sheets of parchment, five knuts worth of materials, and a couple of simple incantations, and we made so much money¡­¡±


    ¡°Wait a minute.¡± Kyle, confused by Cedric¡¯s enthusiasm, interrupted. ¡°Shouldn¡¯t there only be forty sickles? And what¡¯s this about parchment?¡±


    ¡°Well, here¡¯s what happened,¡± Cedric explained, settling in. ¡°I went to the Ravenclaw Tower at noon and adjusted the routes to better suit their needs. Cho saw the revised map and suggested raising the price a bit, so that¡¯s how we ended up with fifty-two sickles instead of forty.


    As for the parchment¡ªit¡¯s a little trick with the Doubling Charm. For stuff like notes or maps, you can skip duplicating the complex parts of the parchment itself and just copy the content. It makes the spell easier to cast, and the replicas last longer.¡±


    After hearing this, Kyle understood why they¡¯d earned twelve more sickles than expected. The quality of the map had been improved, so naturally, the price had gone up. However, he thought using parchment was a bit excessive. In his view, those maps would probably become obsolete in about a month, so Cedric had really gone the extra mile.


    Fortunately, parchment wasn¡¯t expensive, costing less than two sickles overall, which was nothing compared to the profit. Plus, Cedric had paid for it himself, which Kyle appreciated the most.


    Kyle stashed away his share of the sickles and casually asked, ¡°By the way, what¡¯s your impression of Cho?¡±


    ¡°Cho?¡± Cedric thought for a moment before responding, ¡°I think she¡¯s a very smart witch, has integrity, and a good personality. She seems like she¡¯d be a good friend.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s it?¡± Kyle frowned.


    ¡°Well¡­ big-hearted and generous?¡± Cedric ventured, trying again.


    ¡°Forget it, don¡¯t say any more,¡± Kyle sighed, rubbing his forehead. It might be a bit early to expect much, but Cedric¡¯s first impression of Cho being that she was wasn¡¯t what he anticipated.


    Who describes a girl as ?


    Kyle closed his book and stood up, heading towards the common room corridor.


    ¡°Going somewhere?¡± Cedric asked.


    ¡°I¡¯m going to feed the cat,¡± Kyle replied.


    ¡°Alright,¡± Cedric muttered, already distracted as he counted his earnings. ¡°Haha, who knew I¡¯d be making pocket money? I¡¯ll have to write to Dad and tell him the news.¡±


    As Kyle walked into the wooden corridor, he felt a moment of silent sympathy for the Ministry staff. Mr. Diggory had something new to brag about, and Kyle just hoped they¡¯d get used to hearing about Cedric¡¯s latest achievement soon.


    ...


    Leaving the Hufflepuff common room, Kyle deliberately made a lot of noise as he walked down the corridor. He had a promise to keep. Since he¡¯d told Mrs. Norris he would bring her a small dried fish, he wasn¡¯t going to back out now. Plus, there was the lingering disappointment of the failed "Professor McGonagall Feeding Project." Kyle had tried to convince himself it was a ridiculous plan from the start, but after hoping for so long, the letdown still stung.


    No matter. He was determined to feed the cat today¡ªeven if Dumbledore himself showed up, it wouldn¡¯t stop him. Mrs. Norris might not be a tabby like McGonagall¡¯s Animagus form, but at least she was a cat, and that was good enough for Kyle.


    Within three minutes of Kyle¡¯s purposeful ruckus, Mrs. Norris appeared, as expected, with Filch trailing behind her.


    ¡°Aha, caught you!¡± Filch said with a sinister smile. ¡°The little wizard making noise in the hallway. I¡¯m going to ground you!¡±


    ¡°Sorry, Mr. Filch, but I think you¡¯re mistaken,¡± Kyle replied calmly. ¡°School rule 22 clearly states that making noise in the hallway outside of curfew hours only results in a verbal warning. Only after three offenses do you get detention.¡±


    ¡°I know the rules! I don¡¯t need a student to remind me!¡± Filch snapped, his face darkening. ¡°Reciting rules won¡¯t save you if you deliberately break them. I¡¯ll be watching you, and you better not slip up, or I¡¯ll catch you.¡±


    ¡°That day will never come,¡± Kyle said with a smile. ¡°And by the way, Mr. Filch, the reason I was making noise is because I was looking for Mrs. Norris. Hogwarts is so big, and this is the quickest way to find her.¡±


    ¡°What do you want with my cat?¡± Filch¡¯s eyes narrowed suspiciously. ¡°I warn you, if you try anything, I¡¯ll make sure you pay!¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ve misunderstood,¡± Kyle explained. ¡°I just wanted to thank her. My roommate had an accident this morning, and Mrs. Norris led me to the hospital wing. This is my way of showing gratitude.¡±


    With that, Kyle pulled out a small bag of dried fish and offered one to Mrs. Norris. Unfortunately, she didn¡¯t even glance at it.


    Filch sneered. ¡°Don¡¯t bother, she only eats what I give her.¡±


    ¡°Then you feed her,¡± Kyle said, handing Filch the bag. ¡°It¡¯s just regular dried fish, but feel free to ask a professor to check it if you¡¯re worried.¡±


    ¡°No need, we don¡¯t want it,¡± Filch replied coldly.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be so quick to refuse,¡± Kyle said casually. ¡°It¡¯s a small thank-you gift, and this isn¡¯t just any dried fish. It¡¯s dried long-whiskered barracuda, top-quality stuff. A bag like this costs ten galleons and is hard to come by. It¡¯s considered one of the best cat foods in the wizarding world. I went through a lot of trouble to get it.¡±


    Filch hesitated. If it had been ordinary dried fish, he wouldn¡¯t have even considered it. But long-whiskered barracuda? Kyle wasn¡¯t exaggerating¡ªit was indeed premium cat food, and Filch had once thought about giving Mrs. Norris some for Christmas. But he hadn¡¯t been able to buy it, not because of the cost, but because it was always out of stock in Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade. No matter how much money he had saved, he simply couldn¡¯t find it.


    Filch carefully sniffed the dried fish in his hand, checking for anything unusual. After a moment, he looked up at Kyle. ¡°You¡¯d better not be lying to me.¡±


    ¡°Poisoning the caretaker¡¯s cat would be no small matter,¡± Kyle said calmly. ¡°I¡¯m only a first-year, and I don¡¯t want to get expelled so soon.¡±


    Filch considered this and realized Kyle was right. If anything happened to Mrs. Norris, the consequences for Kyle would be severe.


    ¡°Fine. This time, I¡¯ll pretend I didn¡¯t see you,¡± Filch muttered.


    ¡°Thank you,¡± Kyle said, walking past them. As he passed Mrs. Norris, he tossed the dried fish in his hand toward her. ¡°Oh, and you can keep this, too.¡± S~ea??h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    This time, Mrs. Norris didn¡¯t refuse. After receiving a slight nod from Filch, she quickly snatched up the dried fish and devoured it in two or three bites.

 Chapter 40: Did the Sorting Hat Drink Fake Alcohol?

    The next day, Kyle joined the new Gryffindor students on their way to the second floor of the castle for. To say the class was dull would be an understatement, and Kyle spent most of the time dozing off. He couldn¡¯t believe a lesson could be this boring.


    Professor Cuthbert Binns, the ghost who taught the class, didn¡¯t seem to care much about keeping the students engaged. There were no quizzes or discussions. After gliding through the wall, his milky-white form began reading monotonously from a textbook in a single, droning tone.


    Ten minutes in, Kyle had had enough. It felt like a swarm of bees was buzzing relentlessly in his ears, making it impossible to focus on what Professor Binns was saying. He glanced around to see how everyone else was holding up.


    The Gryffindors had completely surrendered. They were slumped over their desks, drooling, grinding their teeth, and even muttering in their sleep. The Hufflepuffs, on the other hand, were doing slightly better. Some, driven by a sense of duty (likely instilled by Mikel), tried valiantly to stay awake and take notes on every name and date mentioned. But soon, even they succumbed to the sheer boredom of the class. One by one, they rolled up their parchments and joined the rest in slumber.


    ...


    If there was a class more dreaded by the students than, it was Potions.


    In the afternoon, Kyle and his classmates faced the torturous Potions lesson, notorious for being ruled by the severe and biased Professor Snape. While might have been excruciatingly boring, at least the students could nap without consequence. Potions, however, was an entirely different beast.


    Snape¡¯s blatant favoritism toward Slytherin made the class unbearable for everyone else. Gryffindor, in particular, bore the brunt of his unfairness. While other Houses were merely overlooked when it came to earning points, Gryffindor students had points deducted for the smallest infractions¡ªwhether it was taking notes too slowly, failing to read during class, or even reading the wrong book. It was no wonder that Gryffindor always had the lowest House points by the end of each year, a fact that had fueled Fred and George¡¯s desire to send Snape to the hospital wing.


    That afternoon, Hufflepuff had their first Potions class, paired with Slytherin. After repeated warnings from the prefects, the young Hufflepuffs made sure to leave their common room early and arrived at the underground Potions classroom a full ten minutes ahead of time. Well, all of them except for Kyle.


    Kyle had been summoned to the hospital wing by none other than Dumbledore.


    ¡°Kyle, you''re finally here!¡± Mikel exclaimed as soon as he saw him, looking as if Kyle was his long-awaited savior. ¡°You¡¯ve come to pick me up, right? Please tell me you''re here to get me out of this place!¡±


    Mikel was clearly desperate. ¡°You have no idea what I¡¯ve been through,¡± he continued, his eyes wide with indignation. ¡°This place is a nightmare! That nurse practically strapped me to the bed, wouldn¡¯t let me move, and refused to give me snacks. Then this greasy-haired man came in and forced me to drink some weird potion! I didn¡¯t want to, but he used his wand to make me swallow it! Ugh, it tasted worse than... well, worse than !¡±


    Er¡­


    Kyle looked from Madam Pomfrey, whose chest was heaving in anger, to Snape, who was standing in the doorway on the verge of losing his temper. He realized, with no small amount of regret, that he had severely underestimated Mikel. In front of Madam Pomfrey, Mikel had insulted the hospital, claiming it was "no place for humans," and had just referred to Snape as an "oily freak." Kyle couldn¡¯t help but wonder if the Sorting Hat had been drunk when it sorted Mikel¡ªsomeone this bold seemed more suited for Gryffindor.


    Without a second thought, Kyle let his instincts take over: he shut up, bowed his head, and quietly shuffled over to Dumbledore, trying to make himself as small and invisible as possible.


    The atmosphere in the hospital wing immediately turned frigid.


    Mikel, however, remained blissfully unaware of the tension and continued rambling about his unpleasant experiences. It wasn¡¯t until he turned to grab some water that he finally noticed Madam Pomfrey standing there with a strained, forced smile.


    ¡°Yaaahhh!¡± Mikel screeched, diving under the covers and pretending to be dead.


    "Ahem... this weather, terribly cold for September," Dumbledore said, rubbing his arms, breaking the icy tension. He turned to Kyle with a calm smile and said, "As you can see, Mr. Derrick has taken the Magic Suppressing Potion and will soon be ready to leave the hospital. Afterward, I¡¯ll ask Professor Sprout to help him learn to better control his magic. But Kyle, the professor¡¯s time is limited. The help of his friends will be even more important."


    ¡°I understand, Professor Dumbledore,¡± Kyle responded seriously. ¡°I promise what happened in Charms class won¡¯t happen again.¡±


    Kyle didn¡¯t need to be told twice. Mikel was his roommate, practically like a brother to him. There was no way he¡¯d stand by and let Mikel risk becoming a Squib from magical exhaustion. Hogwarts didn¡¯t need a second caretaker.


    ¡°Don¡¯t look so grim, Kyle,¡± Dumbledore said with a twinkle in his eye. ¡°Our Potions professor may seem severe, but he¡¯s more than capable. As long as Mr. Derrick takes his Magic Suppressing Potion regularly, magical exhaustion won¡¯t be an issue. Though,¡± Dumbledore added with a smile, ¡°you might want to stock up on candy for him. I recommend Cockroach Clusters.¡±


    Kyle remained silent, his attention drawn to Snape, whose scowl had deepened at Dumbledore''s last remark.


    ¡°Alright, take Mr. Derrick back,¡± Dumbledore continued. ¡°You should get to class as well¡ªdon¡¯t be late.¡±


    ¡°Wait a moment, Headmaster,¡± Madam Pomfrey interrupted. ¡°This young wizard¡¯s treatment isn¡¯t finished yet. It¡¯ll only take a little while longer.¡±


    Dumbledore hesitated. ¡°But¡­¡±


    ¡°I said, it¡¯s not over yet!¡± Madam Pomfrey said, smiling but firm. ¡°It¡¯s just a quick check-up. Don¡¯t worry, they won¡¯t be late for class.¡± S§×arch* The novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Dumbledore nodded quickly, saying, ¡°I¡¯ll leave it in your capable hands, Poppy,¡± before striding out of the hospital wing.


    Snape followed, muttering a snort as he passed.


    Kyle wished he could leave too, but since he had to take Mikel back, he retreated to the corridor to wait. As he stood outside, he suddenly heard a loud, desperate wail from inside the hospital.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to drink this¡­ Ugh¡­ It¡¯s even worse than that blue potion¡­ Ugh¡­ Help... Ugh¡­¡±


    Kyle winced at Mikel¡¯s cries of protest. His heart ached for his friend, but there was nothing he could do. If even Dumbledore had fled the scene, what could a mere first-year like him do? Resigned, Kyle quietly closed the door of the infirmary.


    The corridor instantly fell silent.

 Chapter 41: Potions Class

    When the door to the hospital wing finally opened again, it marked Mikel¡¯s official discharge. He had at last fulfilled his wish to escape, but his current state left much to be desired. His footsteps were unsteady, and he was constantly retching, looking far from well.


    Kyle, standing nearby, had never thought it possible for a person¡¯s face to turn blue, but here was Mikel, proving him wrong. Even the boldest portraits in Hogwarts hadn¡¯t dared to paint their subjects in such a shade. Mikel¡¯s entire head was blue¡ªhis forehead, nose, lips, and even his hair and teeth shared the same alarming color. From a distance, he resembled a large, blue dandelion.


    ¡°Kyle¡­¡± Mikel croaked, extending a shaky hand. ¡°What are you smiling about? Help me up.¡±


    ¡°Nothing, just thinking about something happy,¡± Kyle replied, stepping forward to assist Mikel while making a conscious effort to avoid looking at his face. ¡°I added twenty points to Hufflepuff yesterday.¡±


    ¡°That is something to be happy about,¡± Mikel nodded, deciding not to ask any further questions. He wasn¡¯t in the mood for conversation. Whatever Madam Pomfrey had poured down his throat had left a burning sensation, and his voice felt raw.


    They began the slow walk toward the underground Potions classroom. As they crossed the courtyard by the pendulum clock, Mikel¡¯s blue complexion gradually faded, returning to a more normal hue. Although his appearance wasn¡¯t fully restored, the dim lighting of the castle masked most of it. Kyle realized that Madam Pomfrey hadn¡¯t intended for Mikel to embarrass himself too badly in public.


    Despite their steady pace, Mikel''s sluggish walking meant that by the time they reached the classroom, they were late. Snape had just finished calling roll when his eyes landed on them standing at the doorway.


    ¡°Late to your first lesson? Are the new students this year all so incompetent?¡± Snape¡¯s voice dripped with disdain. ¡°Ten points from Hufflepuff.¡±


    Mikel¡¯s eyes widened in recognition as he stared at Snape. Without thinking, he blurted out, ¡°Huh? You''re the one who¡ª¡±


    But before Mikel could finish, Kyle reacted quickly, delivering a swift nudge to his back, cutting him off mid-sentence. A catastrophe was narrowly avoided.


    Kyle seized the moment. ¡°Sorry, Professor Snape, it won¡¯t happen again.¡±


    Snape¡¯s cold gaze lingered on them. ¡°Hmph, if there is a second time, it won¡¯t be as simple as deducting ten points. Now, why are you still standing there? Get to your seats. Five more points from Hufflepuff!¡±


    Not wanting to risk Mikel saying anything else that might get them into even more trouble, Kyle hurriedly pulled him to an empty table at the back of the room.


    Snape returned his focus to the class, his voice softening into a more ominous tone. ¡°Potions is a profound and important subject. I don''t expect you will really understand the beauty of the softly simmering cauldron with its shimmering fumes, the delicate power of liquids that creep through human veins, bewitching the mind, ensnaring the senses. Nor do I expect you to understand the miraculous transformations that occur when common ingredients are slowly elevated into something greater.¡± S§×ar?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He continued, his voice almost gentle now. ¡°I can teach you how to bottle fame, brew glory, even stopper death¡ªif you aren''t as big a bunch of dunderheads as I usually have to teach.¡±


    Snape¡¯s words cast a heavy silence over the room. The Slytherins, heads held high, sat straighter, eager to prove they were not among the fools Snape referenced. In stark contrast, the Hufflepuffs exchanged uneasy glances, afraid to meet their professor¡¯s eyes.


    Mikel, in particular, looked like he wished he could disappear beneath the table. His face, although no longer blue, had paled considerably. But there was no avoiding it¡ªwhat was coming was coming, and they could only brace themselves for Snape¡¯s inevitable scrutiny.


    ¡°Mr. Derrick!¡± Snape''s sharp voice suddenly rang out. ¡°For the preparation of a Boil-Cure Potion, do you add the Stewed horned slugs or the porcupine quills first?¡±


    Mikel stared up at Snape, his face blank. He carefully ventured, ¡°The porcupine quills, professor?¡±


    ¡°Tsk,¡± Snape scoffed, his tone dripping with disdain. ¡°If you had even glanced at your textbook before the start of term, you would know that the first ingredient for a Boil-Cure Potion is powdered snake fangs, not porcupine quills. How dare you come late with such an appalling lack of preparation? Hufflepuff loses another point.¡±


    A chorus of scribbling immediately filled the room as students scrambled to take notes.


    ¡°Open your books to page one!¡± Snape commanded, returning to the podium. ¡°Today, we will be learning how to brew a basic Boil-Cure Potion. Although it is simple enough that anyone with the intelligence of a Troll should manage it, I remind you to be cautious¡ªunless you wish to cover yourself in painful boils.¡±


    He continued, ¡°The ingredients for this potion are in the storage cupboard. Work in pairs... Oh, wait!¡±


    Snape paused, his eyes narrowing as he approached Mikel again. ¡°Given your current state, Mr. Derrick, and for the safety of everyone else, I believe it''s best if you sit this one out.¡± Snape removed the cauldron from Mikel''s desk, sneering slightly. ¡°No need for you to wave your wand around incompetently today.¡±


    Then, turning to Kyle, Snape ordered, ¡°You¡ªteam up with Miss Prince. And don¡¯t bother Derrick while he''s reading.¡±


    In the crowd, Kanna looked up in disbelief. Her face went blank as she watched Kyle make his way over to her. She had been so busy trying to avoid Kyle earlier that she ended up sitting alone, while everyone else had already formed pairs. Now, there was nowhere left to hide.


    Kanna thought, eyeing her roommate behind her. Just as she was about to suggest switching, Snape¡¯s voice cut through the air once more from the lectern.


    ¡°What are you waiting for? Shall I brew the potion you?¡± Snape snapped angrily, causing the entire class to bustle into action.


    With no choice left, Kanna sighed and resigned herself to her situation. She watched her roommate rush to the cupboard to gather ingredients while she stayed at the table, already grinding the snake fangs that had been left in front of her.


    Earlier, when Snape had passed by her desk, he had casually placed a small bag of ingredients on it. Curiously, there were three times more than she needed, meaning Kanna didn¡¯t have to go to the cupboard like the others.

 Chapter 42: Potion Fountain

    Kyle had never expected Kanna to be so skilled at potion-making. Every step, from boiling the nettle solution to grinding the snake''s teeth, was executed with precision. He found himself unable to contribute much and sat idly by, watching the cauldron with growing boredom.


    Unlike the other young wizards who were flustered and rushing around, Kyle appeared to be on a break. There really wasn''t much for him to help with, as potions, like many other classes, involved more waiting than practical work. Most of the time, they simply waited for the potions to brew, much like preparing a soup¡ªten minutes of preparation followed by two hours of simmering.


    That was assuming everything went smoothly, of course. For some students, creating a basic nettle infusion could turn into a drawn-out struggle. Take the two Slytherin first-years on their left, for example. They had already gone to fetch nettles from the storage cupboard seven times, which earned them several disapproving glares from Professor Snape.


    Kyle watched as one of them stood up to go to the cupboard again.


    ¡°Flada, Walker, use your brains for once,¡± Snape finally snapped, his cold gaze fixed on them. ¡°If you don¡¯t produce a proper yellow-green solution this time, I¡¯ll put your heads in the cauldron!¡±


    The two Slytherin students were dumbstruck, especially the unlucky one heading back to get more nettles. He looked like he was walking to his doom. After glaring at them, Snape dramatically swept his robes aside and moved on to another pair of unfortunate students.


    ¡°What is this, licorice syrup? Pour it out and start over!¡± he barked. ¡°It¡¯s not yellow enough¡ªpour it out and start again!¡±


    ¡°Pour it out!¡±


    Snape prowled around the classroom like a menacing bat, leaving a trail of misery in his wake. Wherever he went, there were cries of anguish.


    The repeated instructions to ¡°pour it away and start over¡± had everyone on edge, making them more cautious with their potions. Yet, Kyle remained unfazed. He kept his focus on the cauldron, waiting for the solution to shift from yellow-green to pale yellow before reducing the flame to its lowest setting.


    At the same time, Kanna successfully added the ground snake tooth powder to the mixture. A sweet but unpleasant odor soon wafted from the cauldron.


    ¡°Perfect,¡± Kyle said with a nod, turning the heat back up. Now came the long wait once more.


    Kyle glanced over at Kanna, curiosity getting the better of him. ¡°Did you brew potions before coming to school?¡±


    ¡°No,¡± Kanna replied, taken aback. She shook her head. ¡°Why do you ask?¡±


    ¡°You seem really talented in Potions,¡± Kyle remarked. ¡°Usually, when first-year students start brewing, it''s a disaster. Sometimes, the cauldrons even explode.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s impossible,¡± Kanna said skeptically.


    Kyle didn¡¯t press the matter, merely gesturing for her to look around.


    Kanna, puzzled, glanced up and finally noticed the chaotic state of the Potions classroom. Young witches and wizards were darting between cauldrons and storage cabinets, their once-tidy robes now torn and disheveled. Some even had smoke rising from their hair.


    If someone were to walk in at that moment, they might think a Exploding Charm had gone off.


    Thick, multicolored smoke drifted above many of the cauldrons, slowly merging into a strange gray-brown cloud near the ceiling. The air was filled with a peculiar odor¡ªpart rotten eggs, part burning wool.


    Kanna only needed a second or two of breathing it in before her stomach began to churn. She muttered to herself, ¡°How is this possible? Potions are so simple¡­¡±


    Her gaze shifted toward the Slytherin side of the room. They were all purebloods, and with Snape as their head of house, surely they¡¯d be fine...


    Just as she thought that, she witnessed something unforgettable.


    The cauldron at the table next to hers exploded.


    No, not the cauldron itself¡ªthe potion inside it did.


    Without warning, the liquid began to foam violently and expand at an alarming rate, filling the cauldron within moments.


    But that wasn¡¯t the worst part.


    In the next second, foam erupted from the cauldron, shooting straight up and hitting the ceiling with force.


    The scene was nothing short of spectacular.


    ¡°Flada! Walker! You two idiots!¡± Snape¡¯s furious voice rang out, though he didn''t immediately punish the two culprits. His professor''s instincts kicked in, and he swiftly drew his wand to contain the bubbling disaster.


    ¡°! !¡±


    ...


    Under Snape''s charm, the cauldron and foam were quickly cleaned up. After confirming that no students had been harmed, Snape stormed over to the two Slytherin first-years. He didn¡¯t bother scolding them or deducting points; instead, he grabbed them by their collars and unceremoniously threw them out of the Potions classroom.


    ¡°Get out and find Filch. Detention!¡± he roared.


    The room fell into an eerie silence as everyone immediately shut their mouths, making sure not to draw any further attention to themselves. The tension was palpable.


    Kyle, having little to do, decided to look busy by preparing ingredients in advance. Although this particular step wasn¡¯t in , Snape required them to make a long slit along the side of the porcupine quills, and the slugs had to be boiled beforehand. The exact reason was never explained, but when Ryan had been bold enough to ask, he was docked three points for his curiosity. Since then, no one else had dared to question the instructions.


    Kyle took out a bag of ingredients and selected a porcupine quill that looked suitable. Wanting to pass the time, he cut it extremely slowly, taking over ten minutes to slice through a quill that was less than 30 centimeters long. sea??h th§× N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    His obvious attempt at dragging things out, however, didn¡¯t go unnoticed.


    Snape appeared silently beside him, like a shadow, picking up one of the quills from Kyle¡¯s table. He examined the uneven cut before sneering.


    ¡°I recall instructing you to cut a straight line. What is this? A dried Flobberworm caterpillar? Or do you simply not understand what ¡®straight line¡¯ means?¡±


    Kyle blinked, caught off guard. He glanced at Snape, then down at the porcupine quill in his hand, which he hadn¡¯t yet finished cutting. It looked fine to him.


    Or maybe Snape had deliberately picked up someone else''s quill just to find a reason to scold him? That didn¡¯t seem likely, though. While Snape had a reputation for being ruthless when it came to deducting points, this level of pettiness seemed out of character¡ªespecially considering Kyle¡¯s last name wasn¡¯t Potter.


    Before Kyle could say anything, Kanna, who had been standing next to him, timidly raised her hand. Her voice wavered, on the verge of tears.


    ¡°Professor... I cut that one,¡± she admitted shakily.

 Chapter 43: Major Event at Hogwarts

    "It doesn''t matter who it is, Miss Prince."


    Snape''s expression remained unchanged as he frowned. "Irregular cut marks might improve the effect in some potions, but this is just a boils potion. Doing it here is a complete waste of time. However, given your serious attitude... five points to Hufflepuff."


    The entire class froze in shock, eyes wide in disbelief. Some Hufflepuff students even patted their ears, as if doubting their own hearing.


    It was only halfway through the lesson, but everyone had already witnessed firsthand the infamous cruelty of the Potions professor. As the prefects had warned, in Snape''s class, the only students who earned extra points were the Slytherins. The other houses merely hoped to escape without losing any.


    Take the two Slytherins who had nearly blown up the classroom earlier. While Snape had furiously assigned them detention in the dungeon, he hadn''t deducted a single point from their house. And yet... here they were, hearing him award points to Kanna¡ªa Hufflepuff.


    The shock was palpable. This incident would surely become the talk of the entire school.


    If Hufflepuff was stunned, Slytherin was outright indignant. The Slytherins exchanged resentful glances, almost on the verge of crying out in frustration.


    they wondered. They were the ones who typically earned extra points. Why should a Hufflepuff benefit now?


    Their head of house had changed. He hadn¡¯t been like this before.


    But Snape, indifferent to the turmoil around him, simply placed the porcupine quill back on the table. "Don''t do anything like this again," he said coolly.


    "Yes, yes... Professor," Kanna mumbled meekly.


    Snape nodded before turning his gaze toward Kyle. His expression twisted into one of instant disgust.


    "Look at the others, and then look at you. It''s taken you this long to cut a single quill, and you can''t even manage that properly. What a waste of time. Five points from Hufflepuff!"


    Kyle was left speechless. "..."


    He had been cutting slowly, sure, but five points deducted for that?


    Snape¡¯s blatant double standards were maddening, and it seemed that no one at Hogwarts would intervene. Even the other students in the classroom didn¡¯t seem too concerned about Kyle¡¯s plight. Most let out a collective sigh of relief, while the Slytherins hugged each other in joy.


    This was the Snape they knew. The professor who had just awarded points to Kanna had to have been some sort of impostor. Maybe, just maybe, Professor Dumbledore himself hadn¡¯t wanted Slytherin to win the House Cup for the sixth year in a row and had secretly controlled Snape with the Imperius Curse.


    The Slytherins comforted themselves with this thought.


    ...


    After that, Snape rarely ventured near Kyle¡¯s workbench again. It wasn¡¯t until the end of class that he began his usual inspection of the potions brewed by the students. As expected, Kyle and Kanna¡¯s Boil Cure Potion was a resounding success. Pink smoke gently wafted from their cauldron, and even Snape, with his famously critical eye, couldn¡¯t find a single flaw.


    ¡°Five points to Hufflepuff,¡± Snape muttered, glancing at Kyle with disdain before walking away.


    Though he had quickly reclaimed those five points earlier in class, the fact that Snape had awarded points to Hufflepuff in one lesson caused a stir at Hogwarts. By dinner, the news had spread like wildfire, and once again, Kanna became the topic of conversation.


    This time, it wasn¡¯t just a few first-years gossiping about the remarkable events in Transfiguration class¡ªnearly the entire school was buzzing with curiosity. Who was this first-year witch who had managed to catch Snape''s attention in such a dramatic way?


    As Kyle sat down to dinner, Fred and George Weasley risked detention by sneaking over to the Hufflepuff table, looking far worse for wear. Dark circles under their eyes, they struggled to hold their cutlery steady, their hands shaking as they attempted to cut into their pork chops.


    ¡°Thank goodness, Kyle, you¡¯ve finally come out of that cursed common room,¡± Fred greeted him, looking exhausted.


    Kyle took in the twins¡¯ haggard appearances with concern. ¡°What¡¯s wrong with you two? You¡¯re young, but you still need to be careful. If you keep going at this pace, your bodies won¡¯t hold up.¡± S~ea??h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    George groaned, ¡°You have no idea how bad this detention was. Do you know how thick that book was? It was 15 inches tall¡ªtaller than a wand! And McGonagall wants us to copy the entire thing in a week. I swear she¡¯s trying to kill us.¡±


    Fred gave his brother a pat on the shoulder. ¡°At least, until we finish copying that wretched book, McGonagall won¡¯t let us die of exhaustion.¡±


    Kyle wisely chose not to ask what might happen they finished the task.


    Suddenly, George slapped his forehead. ¡°Oh, right! You distracted me. I almost forgot why we came over.¡± He scanned the Hufflepuff table. ¡°So, who¡¯s the hero named Kanna? Introduce us¡ªI¡¯m waiting for her autograph.¡±


    Fred nodded eagerly. ¡°Yeah, yeah. A Hufflepuff who can actually score ten points from Snape is practically a miracle.¡±


    George grinned. ¡°Dumbledore should give her a special contribution award for curing Snape¡¯s bias. That¡¯s a far greater achievement than anything written in that stupid book.¡±


    Kyle shook his head with a shrug. ¡°If you¡¯re looking for Kanna, you¡¯ll be disappointed. She didn¡¯t come to the Great Hall for dinner today.¡±


    George raised his eyebrows in surprise. ¡°She¡¯s not eating?¡±


    ¡°Not in the hall,¡± Kyle explained, giving him a strange look. ¡°Don¡¯t forget, our common room is next to the kitchen. She can get whatever she wants whenever she feels like it.¡±


    ¡°Oh, right!¡± George said, slapping his forehead again. ¡°How could I forget that? There¡¯s so much swirling around in my head right now¡ªit¡¯s messing with my brain.¡±


    Fred sighed, shaking his head. ¡°Guess we¡¯re not getting any autographs today. Shame we¡¯ve got detention again tonight. Waiting in the kitchen would''ve been a good idea otherwise.¡±


    Kyle opened his mouth to suggest that Kanna probably wouldn¡¯t want to give them autographs anyway, but he thought better of it and stayed quiet.


    With their hopes dashed, Fred and George quickly stuffed a few more bites of food into their mouths before heading out. On their way, they filled their pockets with baked potatoes, muttering something about needing them after their grueling detention.


    Kyle, puzzled, asked why they didn¡¯t just go to the kitchen later for something warm.


    Fred shot him a pained look. ¡°Two in the morning...¡± he said mournfully, ¡°It¡¯ll be a miracle if we can even walk back to the dormitory alive!¡±

 Chapter 44: Chomping Cabbage

    The third day of Hogwarts was likely the most anticipated day of the year for new Hufflepuff students. Not only was it a Friday, but it also featured the classes they were most excited about.


    In the morning, they had Herbology with Professor Sprout, and in the afternoon, Defence Against the Dark Arts and Flying lessons. Early that morning, the students gathered outside the greenhouse along with Gryffindor.


    ¡°Good morning, students, and welcome to Herbology class,¡± greeted Pomona Sprout, the Herbology professor.


    She was a short, gray-haired witch, and because she spent most of her time in the greenhouse tending to the plants, her clothes were always covered in dust. Compared to the high-ranking headmaster, Professor Sprout looked more like a humble gardener. But she didn¡¯t mind. Standing at the entrance to the greenhouse, she carefully surveyed the young wizards before her.


    ¡°Before we enter the greenhouse, I need to tell you something very important. First of all, the plants grown in the greenhouse are all magical and often dangerous. Even the common Dittany has sharp thorns, so do not touch any plants without my permission.


    Also, once inside, no loud noises or shouting. I¡¯ve recently received some new plants that are still acclimating to their environment. Loud sounds might upset them. Do you all understand?¡±


    ¡°Yes!¡± everyone replied in unison.


    ¡°Very good,¡± Professor Sprout nodded.


    Once inside, she arranged everyone on the left side of the greenhouse, leaving the right side completely empty. In fact, even without her doing so, none of the students would have ventured over there.


    ¡°Professor, what are those things?!¡± a first-year Gryffindor asked, his face pale with fear as he stared at the strange yellow plants on the opposite side.


    By Merlin''s beard! It was the first time he had seen cabbages with sharp teeth, and their mouths were nearly as big as his head. Just thinking about getting bitten made him shuffle further back.


    ¡°Chomping Cabbages,¡± Professor Sprout said with a casual air. ¡°You¡¯d best keep your distance. But don¡¯t be too nervous. They might look frightening, but they¡¯re well-behaved as long as you don¡¯t provoke them. And in a few days, they¡¯ll be moved to a larger greenhouse, so you won¡¯t see them next time you come to class.¡±


    ¡°All right, let¡¯s get started,¡± she clapped her hands. ¡°Turn to page one in your books. Today, we¡¯ll be learning about Dittany. Does anyone know what Dittany is...?¡±


    If you ignored the terrifying Chomping Cabbages, the Herbology class was practically perfect. Professor Sprout¡¯s deep knowledge of magical plants, combined with her clear explanations and real-life examples, made it easy for the students to learn.


    By the end of the lesson, nearly everyone could answer her questions flawlessly, which pleased Professor Sprout immensely. She awarded three points to each House and handed out fresh Dittany leaves to all the students.


    Dittany leaves, as Kyle knew, were like the magical world¡¯s version of a ¡°band-aid.¡± He¡¯d used them many times before, and they worked wonders. After cleaning a wound and applying the leaf, the injury would usually heal by the next day.


    Of course, Dittany leaves were only suitable for minor cuts and scrapes from daily life. For more serious injuries, Dittany essential oil was required.


    After class, everyone walked out of the greenhouse together. Mikel spotted Kyle in the crowd and quickly ran up to him, curiosity shining in his eyes.


    ¡°What were you picking up just now?¡± Mikel asked.


    ¡°What do you mean?¡± Kyle looked at him suspiciously. ¡°I was just loosening the soil for the Dittany.¡± sea??h th§× ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°I saw everything,¡± Mikel said firmly. ¡°You ran across the room when Professor Sprout turned around to get a shovel, and you picked something up from under those flower pots.¡±


    ¡°Oh, that!¡± Kyle said, realizing what Mikel was talking about. ¡°It''s nothing. The professor dropped a bag of fertilizer, so I went to pick it up.¡±


    ¡°A bag of fertilizer?¡± Mikel looked at him skeptically, clearly not convinced. The bag had looked small and light, not at all like something that would have fallen so far. It didn¡¯t even seem round enough to roll.


    ¡°Well, maybe I accidentally kicked it over. I was pretty shocked when I found it,¡± Kyle replied with an exaggerated look of fear. ¡°Those Chomping Cabbages are terrifying. Honestly, if I wasn¡¯t worried about losing points from Professor Sprout, I wouldn¡¯t have gone near them.¡±


    ¡°Is that so?¡± Mikel¡¯s doubts began to fade as he listened to Kyle. Nodding, he said, ¡°Those Chomping Cabbages do look scary. I definitely wouldn¡¯t have gone over there if I were you.¡±


    ¡°Who¡¯s to say?¡± Kyle shrugged. ¡°By the way, did Professor Sprout mention when she''d teach you to control your magic?¡±


    ¡°Well, she told me to meet her on Saturday and Sunday mornings,¡± Mikel said, his voice tinged with frustration. ¡°It¡¯s the first weekend at Hogwarts, and I¡¯ve got to go to class...¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s nothing you can do about it,¡± Kyle said, giving him a sympathetic pat on the shoulder. ¡°You can¡¯t keep taking the Magic Suppressing Potion.¡±


    At the mention of the potion, Mikel shuddered and quickly shook his head. ¡°You¡¯re right, I¡¯d rather give up weekends forever than drink that stuff again.¡±


    ¡°Exactly.¡±


    When they reached the castle, Kyle told Mikel and Ryan to head back to their dormitory without him. Claiming he was going to the library, he instead made his way straight to the eighth floor. There, he found the tapestry depicting a troll beating up Barnabas the Barmy, the wizard who had foolishly tried to teach six trolls how to dance ballet. Judging by the artwork, the trolls had certainly given him a rough time.


    Satisfied he was in the right place, Kyle took a deep breath and walked back and forth in front of the tapestry three times, mentally repeating,


    On his third pass, a circular archway appeared on the wall across from the tapestry. Without hesitation, Kyle grabbed the brass handle and pushed open the door.


    A wave of earthy fragrance greeted him, and though he had been prepared for what might lie ahead, the sight still took his breath away. The room was enormous, almost as big as the Great Hall, with rich soil beneath his feet and a bright sun overhead. Kyle figured it was all some kind of charm.


    Curious, he whispered, ¡°I need rain.¡±


    Immediately, a downpour began inside the room, yet the rain fell only on the soil. The magical water seemed to avoid Kyle entirely, leaving him completely dry.


    ¡°This is incredible,¡± Kyle said, truly amazed. It was, without a doubt, the Room of Requirement.


    Using it for storage? What a waste.

 Chapter 45: Farming and Professor Oren

    It felt like finding a long-lost toy. Kyle was having the time of his life in the Room of Requirement, experimenting with its magic. With just a flick of his fingers, he turned the gentle rain into a fierce blizzard, and with another flick, he conjured hailstones the size of eggs. The power to alter his surroundings with a wave of his hand was exhilarating.


    After indulging in the magical weather changes for a while, Kyle suddenly remembered he had actual work to do. Reluctantly, he changed the room back to a sunny, serene atmosphere. he thought.


    Squatting down on the ground, Kyle carefully pulled two fava bean-sized seeds out of his pocket, handling them as if they were made of glass. They were incredibly precious, and, more importantly, they weren''t even his. They had come from the herbology class, where he had... them up. Really, he had just picked them up.


    Earlier that day, during Herbology, a Gryffindor student had been so excited after successfully answering one of Professor Sprout¡¯s questions that he accidentally flung the shovel he was holding straight at the Chomping Cabbage on the other side of the classroom. Predictably, the Cabbage had reduced the shovel to a mangled piece of metal in seconds, and the student had been docked a point for his blunder.


    That would have been the end of it, but Kyle noticed something curious. After spitting out the remains of the destroyed shovel, the Chomping Cabbage had spat out two small seeds. Professor Sprout, busy fetching another shovel at the time, hadn¡¯t seen a thing.


    As a good Hufflepuff, Kyle naturally wanted to help his Head of House, so he¡¯d picked the seeds up for her. But, distracted by the lesson on Dittany, he had completely forgotten about them... until now.


    Kyle dug two small holes in the soil, just the right size for the seeds, and gently placed them inside. After covering them with a thin layer of soil, he stood up and nodded, feeling satisfied with his work.


    ¡°Very good,¡± he muttered to himself. ¡°I¡¯ll keep them here for now, and I¡¯ll take them to Professor Sprout next time we have class.¡±


    ... sea??h th§× N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    After leaving the Room of Requirement, Kyle returned to the common room before heading to the Defence Against the Dark Arts class with the other Hufflepuff first-years for their afternoon lesson. The atmosphere on the way to the classroom was charged with excitement.


    It was hard to tell whether they were more eager about the lesson itself or curious about the legendary "One-year Professor".


    The Defence Against the Dark Arts classroom, located on the second floor, greeted them with a surprise. When they pushed open the door, they noticed that all the desks had been pushed to the walls, leaving the room feeling oddly empty.


    "One Year Professor" Oren, their teacher, was already present, standing behind the lectern and fiddling with a cage that was partially covered. Kyle, upon seeing the setup, was a little surprised. He hadn¡¯t expected their Defence Against the Dark Arts professor to be a realist like Lupin, preparing practical lessons from day one.


    ¡°Good afternoon, everyone,¡± Professor Oren greeted them warmly once everyone had gathered inside. ¡°Put away your books. We won¡¯t need them¡ªnot just for today, but for every lesson in the future.¡±


    That single sentence won the favor of many young wizards. What could be more delightful than not needing to bring books to class? And not having to bring them to class? Professor Oren had managed to do both.


    ¡°This professor must be great!¡± one of the students exclaimed. ¡°He¡¯s definitely going to get re-elected!¡±


    ¡°I hope you¡¯re right, Mr. Borg,¡± Professor Oren replied with a smile, ¡°but sadly, I can¡¯t give Gryffindor extra points for that.¡±


    He continued, ¡°In my opinion, theoretical knowledge is the easiest part of this course, and you can learn that on your own, so there¡¯s no need to waste valuable class time on it. Instead, I¡¯d rather focus on teaching you how to protect yourself in dangerous situations¡ªwhether it¡¯s from dark magic or a dangerous Magical Creature. Either could cost you your life.¡±


    The room grew a little tense, as the seriousness of the subject settled in. Sensing this, Professor Oren added, ¡°But it¡¯s too early for you to learn about dark magic, and the headmaster wouldn¡¯t allow it anyway. So we¡¯ll start with something simpler: Magical Creatures.¡±


    With that, Professor Oren gently nudged the cage, and a low buzzing noise came from inside. The cloth covering it began to tremble, as though whatever was inside might burst out at any moment. Some of the students standing closest to the cage instinctively backed away, startled.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry,¡± Professor Oren said reassuringly. ¡°This little guy may be dangerous, but as long as I¡¯m here, you won¡¯t be harmed. Just stay calm and pay close attention to every word I say.¡±


    With that, he removed the cloth, revealing the creature inside: a tiny, blue insect, about an inch in size. The buzzing noise came from its rapidly flapping wings, which were situated on top of its head, making it look like it was wearing a little bamboo dragonfly. As it hovered in place, its body rotated slightly, giving it a rather cute appearance.


    Katie Bell couldn¡¯t help but laugh. ¡°Professor, it doesn¡¯t seem as dangerous as you said.¡±


    To her, it was hard to believe this tiny creature posed any real threat. It was so small, she figured she wouldn¡¯t even need a wand to swat it away.


    ¡°Really?¡± Professor Oren raised an eyebrow, smiling. ¡°I hope you¡¯ll feel the same way later, Miss Bell.¡±


    He turned to the rest of the class. ¡°Now, does anyone know what it is? The first person to name it will earn five points for their house.¡±


    In the midst of the murmuring crowd, Mikel caught a faint whisper, like the name of the creature. Motivated by the chance for bonus points, he blurted out, ¡°Billywig!¡±


    ¡°Excellent, Mr. Mikel!¡± Professor Oren said, clearly pleased. ¡°Five points for Hufflepuff!¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right, this is a Billywig, a level XXX Magical Creature,¡± Professor Oren explained. ¡°Take a close look. It has a long, thin stinger at the base of its body. Anyone stung by a Billywig will feel dizzy at first, and then they¡¯ll begin to float. If someone is stung multiple times, they may even float uncontrollably for several days.¡±


    He turned back to Katie Bell. ¡°Now, Miss Bell, do you still think it¡¯s not dangerous?¡±


    Katie shrugged, saying nothing, but the skeptical look on her face made it clear she wasn¡¯t entirely convinced.


    At this point, another student eagerly asked, ¡°So, Professor, is this lesson going to be about how to deal with this Billywig?¡±


    ¡°Not quite,¡± Professor Oren replied with a smile. ¡°First, you need to learn the proper spells for dealing with it. I won¡¯t let you face any magical creatures in combat until I¡¯m sure you¡¯re ready.¡±

 Chapter 46: Billywig

    "The charm to deal with a Billywig is very simple, but it requires your full concentration. You must be completely focused when reciting the charm, clear about your goal, and not careless in the slightest. You should know that Billywigs fly very fast, and they won¡¯t give you a second chance to cast the charm."


    After carefully explaining the key points, Professor Oren continued, "Let''s not practice with our wands just yet. Repeat after me¡ªRelashio!"


    "Relashio!" the young witches and wizards echoed in unison.


    "Very good," said Professor Oren, clearly satisfied. "Now, we¡¯ll test the effectiveness of your charm."


    He instructed the class to line up and take turns casting the charm on the Billywig inside the cage. Kanna was the first in line, though she hadn¡¯t started there. Originally in the middle of the group, she had been nudged to the front by the enthusiastic Gryffindors surrounding her.


    Ever since Professor Oren had called out her name, the Gryffindors had been whispering, curious as to what made this small witch so special¡ªhow had she managed to win over someone like Snape?


    "A brave girl," Professor Oren smiled warmly. "I remember your name is Kanna, correct?"


    "Yes, Professor," she replied.


    With two previous experiences under her belt, Kanna felt more prepared than before. Though still nervous, she was now capable of holding a normal conversation, and instead of her instinct being to flee, her first thought was to answer the professor¡¯s question.


    "Don¡¯t be afraid; it¡¯s just a simple spell," Professor Oren encouraged patiently. "Remember what I told you¡ªfocus, concentrate. You can do it. Believe in yourself."


    Kanna took a deep breath, closed her eyes briefly, and thrust her wand forward with all her strength. Sear?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Relashio!" she shouted.


    There was a loud as the air seemed to part with the force of her spell. Professor Oren instinctively took a small step back, impressed. The power behind her casting was enough that, had anyone been close enough, no charm would have been necessary to deal with the Billywig¡ªit would have been taken out by sheer force.


    Fortunately, the result was what mattered. As the spell ended, the Billywig in the cage collapsed to the ground.


    "Not bad, Hufflepuff. One point," Professor Oren praised, already preparing a second cage.


    The day before, out of inexperience, he had only brought three Billywigs to the Ravenclaw and Slytherin classes. He had assumed that would be enough, but he was wrong. Sometimes the first Billywig hadn¡¯t even recovered before the third one had fallen.


    And each time, the students would stare at him expectantly, leading to some rather awkward moments. Today, however, he had come better prepared, bringing ten Billywigs¡ªenough to ensure there wouldn¡¯t be a repeat of yesterday¡¯s embarrassment.


    "Next up, Santos," Professor Oren called.


    Santos stepped forward nervously, raised his wand, and attempted the charm. "Relashio..." he muttered.


    Nothing happened. The Billywig inside the cage continued to spin merrily in circles.


    "Relax, don¡¯t be so tense," Professor Oren said gently, walking over to him. "You need to pronounce the incantation clearly. The last sound was too soft. Try again."


    Santos nodded, took a deep breath, and raised his wand once more. "Relashio!"


    This time, the spell worked.


    "Very good. Next!" Professor Oren said, switching out the cage once again.


    With two successful attempts in a row, the other students felt their confidence grow. They eagerly awaited their turn. However, their newfound confidence led some to become careless. As their turns came, a few completely forgot the instructions and, without even aiming at the cage, simply shouted the charm.


    The result? The Billywig remained unharmed, but the cages fell apart instead.


    Professor Oren, now forced to be on high alert, had to constantly repair the cages, casting the Mending Charm over and over. But soon, he realized he had underestimated just how chaotic things could get.


    Near the back of the line, a Gryffindor student, unable to see past the taller students in front of him, muttered the charm under his breath, practicing in advance. He wanted to be ready to impress everyone when his turn came... but in his excitement, he forgot that he was still holding his wand.


    Over by the lectern, Professor Oren, in the middle of repairing yet another cage, suddenly felt his legs give way as he collapsed to the floor.


    If it had just been a simple fall, it wouldn¡¯t have been much of a problem. After all, Professor Oren was a strong adult wizard, and at worst, he would have grazed himself¡ªan injury easily remedied with a quick Dittany Band-Aid.


    The real issue, however, was that his Mending Charm had been interrupted.


    A Billywig escaped from the broken cage, buzzing furiously toward the students in front of it.


    For a long time now, the Billywig had harbored resentment. It had been made to feel weak and powerless since yesterday. Now, it was ready for revenge.


    Chaos ensued. Some of the young witches and wizards panicked and began running around the classroom, while others raised their wands, shouting desperately.


    "Relashio!"


    "Relashio!"


    ...


    A dozen Charms flew through the air, not quite hitting the Billywig, but effectively stopping it from advancing. The young wizards, now more excited than ever, acted as if they''d stumbled upon a thrilling new challenge. With their wands raised high, they prepared to target the Billywig again, eager to repeat their near-success.


    "Stop right there!" Professor Oren, still on the ground, suddenly shouted, his voice full of frustration.


    As the Billywig buzzed over his head, he whipped out his wand and bellowed, "Petrificus Totalus!"


    The spell hit its mark, and the Billywig stiffened in midair before tumbling to the floor. Professor Oren reached out just in time to catch it. With some effort, he placed the immobilized creature back into its cage and slowly stood up, wincing as he rubbed his aching back.


    he thought bitterly.


    Gritting his teeth, Professor Oren turned to the class, his concern evident despite the obvious pain. "Are you all right? Did anyone get stung?"


    "No, Professor," the students responded in unison, shaking their heads.


    "That''s good," he sighed in relief, using his wand to fix the damaged podium. "Now, let''s continue with the lesson. But... except for the one in first place, put your wands away."


    The students, though slightly disappointed, followed his command without protest. Having witnessed the professor¡¯s anger moments before, none of them dared to test his patience again. The last thing anyone wanted was for that petrification spell to be directed at them.


    With that understanding in place, the lesson progressed much more smoothly. Almost everyone succeeded on their next try, and the pace picked up significantly. However, Professor Oren didn''t appear any more relaxed¡ªin fact, he seemed even more on edge.


    When the class finally ended, Professor Oren left without assigning any homework, walking out of the classroom as fast as he could, not even sparing a backward glance. The lesson had utterly drained him, and he wasn¡¯t keen on staying a moment longer than necessary.


    Once back in his office, Oren closed the curtains and sank into his chair with a sigh of relief. He took a well-deserved sip of his black tea, savoring the peace at last.


    he thought, There had been a few close calls, but nothing catastrophic had happened, and all ten Billywigs were¡ªwait.


    Oren¡¯s eyes widened.


    He quickly set down his teacup and counted the cages on his desk. Nine. He counted again, twice. Still nine.


    His eyes darted to one of the cages, which had a fist-sized hole in its side.


    "By Merlin''s beard..." Oren muttered in disbelief. Panic rising, he hurried back to the Defence Against the Dark Arts classroom, frantically searching for the missing Billywig. But there was no sign of it.


    he realized grimly. His gaze shifted to the open window at the far end of the room.


    Oren groaned, rubbing his temples. ¡°Fifty galleons... gone!¡±

 Chapter 47: Physical and Mental Health Issues of Teenage Wizards

    What happened in the Defence Against the Dark Arts class spread like wildfire, but to everyone''s surprise, it didn¡¯t stir much interest. Normally, a freshman injuring a professor would be the talk of the school for days. For instance, people were still gossiping about the mishap during the first day of Charms class. But when it came to Defence Against the Dark Arts? Not so much.


    To put it in perspective: their previous professor had been a dark wizard with powers so well concealed that he was only discovered and taken away by Aurors during a lesson. The professor before that was obsessed with potions, constantly experimenting with bizarre concoctions. In one infamous class, he presented his latest creation, the All-Knowing Potion, boasting that it could rival the Love Potion and solve all problems with just one sip. And then... there was no "then." He drank it in front of everyone, and he''s still lying in St. Mungo¡¯s Hospital.


    Compared to those incidents, Professor Oren¡¯s little mishap barely seemed worth mentioning.


    And so, the first weekend at Hogwarts arrived quietly.


    Kyle, having enjoyed a lazy morning, slept until nearly 9 o¡¯clock, only to be awakened by Cedric pounding on his door.


    "What do you want to wake me up so early for?" Kyle groaned after washing up and flopping onto a sofa in the common room, stretching comfortably.


    "Early?" Cedric raised an eyebrow in disbelief, handing him a warm pie fresh from the kitchen. "Lunch will be served soon!"


    Kyle took a bite of the pie, savoring the taste of beef, potatoes, and onions. It was delicious. While Kyle ate, Cedric continued, "The Quidditch tryouts start today, and I''m heading over to try out. What about you? Want to come along? We can totally win the Quidditch Cup this year."


    "I''ll pass," Kyle replied, shaking his head. "First-year students aren¡¯t allowed on the school team. It¡¯s a rule."


    Kyle had abandoned the idea of joining the Quidditch team after flying class the previous day. Since his mother Diana had forbidden him from buying a broom during his first year, he¡¯d be stuck using one of the school¡¯s ancient brooms, and that just didn¡¯t sit well with him.


    The school brooms were terribly outdated, lacking even the most essential functions. For example, the crucial Lifting Charm, which was engraved on broom handles after the 1930 Quidditch World Cup final¡ªa match that lasted seven days. Following that ordeal, eleven players were forced into early retirement for the same reason. The addition of the Lifting Charm became a necessity after that, but the school¡¯s brooms clearly predated 1930.


    Riding those old brooms occasionally was fine, but relying on them long-term? That could seriously affect the physical and mental well-being of young wizards. Kyle simply couldn''t accept that. As for Cedric...


    Kyle patted Cedric on the shoulder and said seriously, "If you make the team, I suggest you save up for a new broom."


    Cedric nodded. "Yeah, the school brooms are way too slow. But if I make the team, my dad could probably get me a Cleansweep."


    "That should work," Kyle agreed.


    The Cleansweep VII was about a decade old, but it had all the necessary features and was still a solid choice for the school team.


    "Oh, by the way," Cedric added, pulling out two maps, "I¡¯ve finished the Gryffindor and Slytherin maps. What¡¯s our next step? Should we advertise ourselves, or look for partners?"


    "Let¡¯s find partners," Kyle said after thinking for a moment. "If we advertise ourselves, it¡¯ll take too long and won¡¯t be efficient."


    "That¡¯s what I was thinking," Cedric nodded. "We could ask the Weasley twins from Gryffindor for help. They¡¯d probably be up for it. But what about Slytherin? Do you know anyone there?"


    Kyle shook his head. Coincidentally, Slytherin was the house he knew the least about, and he¡¯d had very few interactions with any of its students.


    "That¡¯s a problem," Cedric sighed. "I don¡¯t know anyone either."


    Having recently earned his first bit of gold, Cedric was in an excellent mood and didn¡¯t want to lose Slytherin as a potential market. He had even gone out of his way to make the Slytherin map extra special, using high-quality parchment and adding a gold border to appeal to their taste. Naturally, the price for this map would be a little higher¡ªquality came at a cost, after all.


    The only issue now was how to sell them. If they relied solely on themselves, two Hufflepuffs, it was unlikely they¡¯d make many sales in Slytherin. Worse yet, if Snape found out about their little business venture, he would likely confiscate the maps and deduct points from Hufflepuff.


    After thinking it over, they concluded they¡¯d need a middleman.


    They discussed the matter for a while but didn¡¯t come up with a solid solution. Cedric suggested asking the Weasley twins if they knew anyone in Slytherin. Kyle was skeptical, but since they didn¡¯t have any better ideas, it was worth a shot.


    When it was close to ten o¡¯clock, the two left the Hufflepuff common room together. Cedric headed off to the Quidditch Pitch for the tryouts, while Kyle made his way to the library to return a book. He had finished reading the night before and was planning to borrow something new.


    As they parted near the Great Hall, Kyle smiled and said, "Good luck with the Quidditch tryouts. Hope you make the team." S~ea??h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Don¡¯t worry!" Cedric replied with confidence, flashing a thumbs-up. "I¡¯ve got this."


    And with that, they went their separate ways.


    In the library, Madam Pince carefully inspected the book Kyle returned, ensuring it was in pristine condition before handing him the new one he had requested.


    "The usual rules apply¡ªyou know them," she said in her strict, no-nonsense tone.


    "Of course, no damaging the books," Kyle replied with a chuckle. "I know."


    "Good," she responded, satisfied.


    After receiving the book, , Kyle decided not to head straight back to the dormitory. Instead, he found a quiet spot in the library to read. The book, focused on herbal medicine, was a detailed reference on various magical plants native to Asia. Kyle scanned the pages quickly, searching for something specific.


    Soon, he found what he was looking for: ¡°Chinese Chomping Cabbage, an extremely dangerous and aggressive plant, was first discovered¡­¡±


    He pulled out a piece of parchment and, using the Doubling Charm, neatly copied down the relevant information. Satisfied with his notes, Kyle packed up his things and left the library.


    However, rather than returning the book immediately, Kyle decided to hold onto it for a little while longer. He figured it might come in handy again, especially if Professor Sprout introduced any new plant species in class. It would be a hassle to have to borrow the book again later.

 Chapter 48: Mooncalf

    Cedric''s performance at the Quidditch tryouts had been outstanding. He managed to catch the Golden Snitch in just five minutes, securing his position as the new Seeker for Hufflepuff. After that, his entire afternoon was spent on the Quidditch Pitch, as he joined his first training session with the team. Kyle only had a brief moment to catch up with him during lunch.


    "Fred and George don¡¯t know anyone from Slytherin either, but they said they¡¯d help think of something," Cedric said through a mouthful of steak. "We¡¯re going to talk it over this afternoon. Want to come?"


    "I¡ª" Kyle began to reply, but before he could say anything, a commanding voice echoed from the far end of the Hufflepuff table.


    "Hurry up, Cedric, we need to start training!" Sear?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Yes, Captain!" Cedric called back.


    In a rush, Cedric struggled to swallow his mouthful of steak, then quickly gulped down a large glass of pumpkin juice. He turned to Kyle with a grin. "I¡¯ll head off to train first. This year¡¯s Quidditch Cup is definitely going to Hufflepuff!"


    And with that, Cedric sprinted off toward the Quidditch Pitch, clearly excited for the training session ahead.


    "Hmph..." Kyle shrugged, not feeling particularly envious. he thought. Not only did they have to train on weekends, but they couldn¡¯t even enjoy a proper meal. Meanwhile, Kyle had plenty of time to savor his lunch in peace.


    Knocking on the table, Kyle ordered himself a glass of lemonade to cleanse his palate and enjoyed the rest of his meal at his own pace.


    Later that afternoon, Kyle left the castle, carrying the parchment he had copied from the library. Growing Chomping Cabbage turned out to be much more complicated than he had initially imagined. The plant was notoriously picky about its environment and climate, and only a few skilled Herbology masters had ever managed to successfully transplant it outside its native habitat.


    Fortunately, the Room of Requirement could solve most of these issues. Kyle¡¯s only real challenge now was dealing with the fertilizer.


    According to , Chomping Cabbage took fifty days to germinate in the wild and required two to three years to reach maturity. Kyle didn¡¯t have that kind of patience, so his plan was to speed up the growth of the seeds.


    After leaving the castle, Kyle walked across the meadow and made his way to a small wooden cabin near the edge of the Forbidden Forest. The cabin looked weathered, its roof and walls a patchwork of different shades of brown, evidence of many repairs over the years. A crossbow and a pair of large rubber boots hung by the door.


    Kyle stepped up to the door and knocked.


    "Who is it... Oh, Silly Hagrid, stand back, you''ll scare the others," came a familiar voice, followed by a low growl. The wooden door creaked open just a crack, revealing Hagrid¡¯s bearded face.


    "Little wizard? What¡¯re you doing here?" Hagrid asked with a stern expression. "First-year students aren¡¯t allowed near the Forbidden Forest. Go on, back to the castle with you."


    He was about to close the door when Kyle quickly spoke up.


    "Hagrid, it¡¯s me. Remember? We met before."


    "Huh?" Hagrid paused and squinted at Kyle, taking a closer look. As he studied the boy, his expression softened. The more he looked, the more familiar Kyle seemed to him.


    ¡°I remember!¡± Hagrid suddenly exclaimed, clapping his hands together. ¡°You¡¯re that little troublemaker from the Chopper family. Thanks to you, Saban doesn¡¯t even recognize its own name anymore.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s because it doesn¡¯t like it, Hagrid,¡± Kyle replied seriously. ¡°You really should ask owls for their opinion when naming them.¡±


    ¡°I... well, I can¡¯t argue with that,¡± Hagrid admitted, looking a little flustered. Then, in a more hurried tone, he asked, ¡°So, what brings you here?¡±


    Instead of answering directly, Kyle glanced around and asked, ¡°Can we talk inside?¡±


    ¡°No!¡± Hagrid quickly replied, growing even more nervous as he leaned against the door. ¡°I mean... it¡¯s just that my place is a bit of a mess right now. And, well, Fang doesn¡¯t like strangers. I¡¯m afraid he might scare you.¡±


    ¡°Oh? Who''s Fang?¡± Kyle asked, intrigued.


    ¡°He¡¯s my hunting dog,¡± Hagrid explained. ¡°Bigger than you are. Really tall, you know.¡±


    Kyle raised his eyebrows, then shrugged. ¡°Okay, forget it. I just wanted to ask if there are any Mooncalves in the Forbidden Forest.¡±


    Hearing the mention of the Forbidden Forest, Hagrid¡¯s expression shifted to one of alarm. ¡°First-years are absolutely not allowed in the Forbidden Forest! It¡¯s dangerous in there, and if I catch you sneakin'' in, I¡¯ll have to tell Professor Sprout!¡±


    ¡°Relax, Hagrid,¡± Kyle said calmly. ¡°I¡¯m not planning to go into the Forbidden Forest. That¡¯s why I came to ask you instead.¡±


    ¡°Really?¡± Hagrid still seemed skeptical.


    ¡°Of course. I just planted a couple of new magical plants and need some fertilizer for them,¡± Kyle explained.


    ¡°Ahh, that¡¯s why you¡¯re asking about Mooncalves,¡± Hagrid said, visibly relaxing. He squeezed his large frame through the doorway and quickly shut the door behind him.


    Hagrid led Kyle over to his pumpkin patch, where he picked up a metal bucket from the corner. ¡°Here, help yourself,¡± he said, offering the bucket full of Mooncalf droppings¡ªsilver, ping-pong-ball-sized spheres. There were probably two or three hundred of them inside.


    Kyle, however, frowned as he inspected them. The color was off¡ªthey were too dark, indicating they were at least a month old.


    ¡°Do you have any fresh ones?¡± Kyle asked.


    Hagrid hesitated for a moment, then said, ¡°I¡¯m not sure, but we can check. Come with me.¡±


    They walked along the edge of the Forbidden Forest for a short while before Hagrid stopped and told Kyle to wait while he ventured inside alone. Kyle agreed but silently memorized the route and surroundings, just in case.


    Since Mooncalves weren¡¯t particularly dangerous and didn¡¯t live deep in the forest, Hagrid returned within ten minutes, holding a small bag.


    ¡°Here you go,¡± Hagrid said, handing Kyle the bag. ¡°Since Mooncalves usually stomp their droppings into the ground at sunrise, this is all I could gather. If you need more, you should send me an owl next time, and I¡¯ll collect them for you.¡±


    Kyle weighed the bag in his hands¡ªit held about seven or eight fresh droppings. It wasn¡¯t much, but it would suffice.


    ¡°Thank you, Hagrid,¡± Kyle said, smiling.


    ¡°Don¡¯t mention it,¡± Hagrid replied, scratching his head a little sheepishly. ¡°Just... try not to go renaming any more owls.¡±


    ¡°That was just an accident.¡±


    When they arrived back at Hagrid¡¯s cabin, Kyle once again casually suggested they go inside, but Hagrid quickly blocked the door.


    ¡°There¡¯s really nothing to see in there, Kyle,¡± Hagrid insisted, his eyes darting nervously. ¡°You¡¯d best head back to the castle.¡±


    Kyle glanced at him and nearly laughed. Hagrid¡¯s poor attempt at deception made it obvious something was going on inside the cabin.


    ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll head back then,¡± Kyle said, turning to leave. As he walked away, he called over his shoulder, ¡°By the way, Hagrid, just a friendly reminder... you really shouldn¡¯t keep a Three-Headed Dog inside a house.¡±

 Chapter 49: Finding a Wife for Scabbers

    "What Three-Headed Dog? I''ve never owned Fluffy!" Hagrid burst out, sounding agitated, as if someone had pressed the accelerator on his temper. Even the roots of his beard seemed to tremble. Pointing at Kyle, Hagrid jumped up and down in a fluster, exclaiming, "How can you go around slandering someone''s good name for no reason!"


    "Oh," Kyle said, as if a sudden realization dawned on him, "so his name Fluffy. That¡¯s not a bad name, actually."


    Hagrid¡¯s expression froze for a moment before he quickly denied it. "I didn¡¯t... I didn¡¯t say anything. You must¡¯ve heard wrong."


    He was clearly rattled and didn¡¯t dare admit the truth. Out of everyone at Hogwarts, Kyle was the last person Hagrid wanted to discover Fluffy¡¯s existence¡ªeven more so than Dumbledore. The reason was simple: Kyle''s father, Chris, worked as the deputy director of the Magical Creatures Management and Control Department Beast Division.


    His office was in charge of regulating magical creatures of unknown origin, like Fluffy. If Kyle sent word home about the three-headed dog, Fluffy would certainly be confiscated, and Hagrid had no idea what would happen to him after that. Worse still, Hagrid himself might end up in Azkaban.


    The thought of Fluffy being taken away, possibly killed, combined with the terrifying prospect of Azkaban, made cold sweat break out on Hagrid¡¯s forehead. "No, I absolutely can¡¯t admit it," he resolved, trying to remain calm.


    Hagrid put on what he thought was a stern, intimidating face, hoping to scare Kyle away. Given his towering height of over three meters, his burly frame alone could be quite menacing. Unfortunately, his darting eyes and the obvious sweat dripping from his brow undermined the effect.


    Kyle had to suppress a laugh. he thought.


    "Alright, I must¡¯ve heard wrong, and obviously, you don¡¯t have a three-headed dog," Kyle said with a dismissive wave of his hand. "Let¡¯s just consider this a bit of trivia. Goodbye, Hagrid."


    He turned to walk away, but after a few steps, he stopped, glanced over his shoulder, and said, ¡°Oh, by the way, if your starts showing signs of loss of appetite, irritability, or depression, don¡¯t worry. Just let him roam the Forbidden Forest for a bit. That should do the trick.¡±


    Kyle¡¯s words hit Hagrid like a ton of bricks, and though Kyle didn¡¯t push the subject further, Hagrid¡¯s face paled. Still, Kyle wasn¡¯t in a hurry¡ªhe could always meet Fluffy next year when the creature would be locked up on the fourth floor. And then, he could observe the beast as much as he liked, maybe even pull a hair or two for good measure. He could knit a sock with it, for all he cared.


    Leaving the edge of the Forbidden Forest behind, Kyle leisurely strolled across the grassy grounds toward the castle. As he neared the gate, he spotted a familiar figure darting by, crouching low among the bushes. Curious, Kyle wandered over to see who it was.


    ¡°Kanna? What are you doing here?¡± Kyle asked, puzzled.


    "Who¡ª!" Kanna jumped at the sudden sound of Kyle¡¯s voice, clearly startled. It took her a few moments to compose herself.


    "I-I¡¯m looking for something," she mumbled, glancing up briefly at Kyle before returning to her search through the bushes.


    Kyle observed her for a moment before taking out his wand. ¡°You won¡¯t find anything this way. Let me help you.¡±


    Kanna, realizing what he was about to do, quickly shook her head. ¡°No, it¡¯s not going to work. I dropped a galleon. The Accio spell won¡¯t work on it.¡±


    Kyle nodded in understanding. Magical currency, whether it was a galleon, sickle, or knut, was all imbued with an Anti-Theft Charm, preventing them from being summoned by magic. It was a basic protective measure.


    With a sigh, Kyle put away his wand and knelt down to help her sift through the undergrowth. Kanna hesitated, clearly not wanting to inconvenience him, but after a moment of deliberation, she whispered, "Thank you."


    ¡°Don¡¯t mention it,¡± Kyle replied casually. ¡°We¡¯re friends, after all. How much did you lose, anyway?¡±


    ¡°Twenty,¡± Kanna whispered quietly.


    Kyle paused, thinking he had misheard. ¡°How many?!¡±


    ¡°Twenty,¡± Kanna repeated, her voice soft. ¡°Maybe even more. I¡¯ve been losing galleons since the start of term, and these are the last of them.¡±


    Kyle stared at her, at a loss for words. Twenty galleons? That was no small sum. If he had lost that much money, he would¡¯ve been ready to tear the whole school apart looking for it. With a sigh, he lowered his head and continued combing through the bushes, muttering under his breath about the absurdity of losing so much money at once.


    ...


    The undergrowth in front of the castle was dense, and it took the two of them more than an hour to search through it. But the result was disappointing.


    Not only had they not found a Galleon, they hadn¡¯t even come across a Knut.


    Kyle stood up, rubbing his back, and asked, ¡°Are you sure it fell here?¡±


    ¡°I... I don¡¯t know,¡± Kanna said after a moment of hesitation. "It was still here before herbology class yesterday, but this morning it was suddenly gone."


    ¡°Could it have fallen during flying lessons?¡± Kyle mused for a moment before suggesting, ¡°Have you checked near the Quidditch Pitch?¡±


    ¡°I checked this morning,¡± Kanna replied. ¡°There¡¯s nothing at the Quidditch Pitch or in the castle. If it¡¯s not here, then the only place left is the greenhouse.¡±


    ¡°The greenhouse? There¡¯s nothing there,¡± Kyle said decisively.


    He was completely certain. No one else had been around, and as for the greenhouse... Kyle was 100% sure that there hadn¡¯t been a trace of anyone there either. The floor had been spotless. He had checked thoroughly at the time.


    ¡°How about we check the other side?¡± Kyle suggested. ¡°Maybe we missed something earlier.¡±


    ¡°No need,¡± Kanna shook her head. She hadn¡¯t found any of the galleons she¡¯d dropped in the past, and she figured it would be the same this time. In truth, how often did someone recover their galleons after dropping them?


    ¡°Alright,¡± Kyle didn¡¯t press the matter. In his mind, families like Kanna¡¯s, purebloods who could afford to wear such exquisite robes, probably never worried about running out of galleons. Twenty or thirty galleons seemed like nothing to someone like her.


    Brushing the dust from his robes, he asked casually, ¡°Need me to lend you some until your owl arrives?¡±


    Kanna¡¯s eyes flickered slightly, and after a brief pause, she said, ¡°It¡¯s fine. Galleons aren¡¯t really necessary at Hogwarts. I¡¯ll just head to Gringotts after the holidays. I just need the rat tonic in the meantime... Can I pay you after Christmas?¡±


    Kyle paused mid-motion as he brushed off his robes, glanced at Kanna, and said, ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it. You can pay me next year if you like.¡±


    After making sure his robes were clean, the two of them began walking back toward the castle.


    On the way, Kyle asked curiously, ¡°By the way, where¡¯s your rat? I don¡¯t see you carrying it.¡±


    ¡°Pocky?¡± Kanna broke into a rare smile at the mention of her pet. ¡°It¡¯s playing with Delina¡¯s hamster in the dormitory.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s a field mouse doing playing with a hamster?¡± Kyle said with a mocking sneer. ¡°I have a friend, Percy Weasley from Gryffindor, who also has a field mouse. I¡¯ll introduce them to each other later. By the way, is your Pocky male or a female?¡±


    Kanna blushed slightly but whispered in response, ¡°Female, she¡¯s female.¡± S§×ar?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°Perfect,¡± Kyle said, his eyes lighting up mischievously. ¡°Percy¡¯s Scabbers is a male. How about we pair them up and have a litter of baby mice next year?¡±

 Chapter 50: I Have a Way

    Kyle was not someone who liked to waste time. Once he had an idea, he acted on it immediately. Without further ado, he told Kanna to head back to the dorms while he made his way straight to Gryffindor Tower.


    Unfortunately, when he arrived, Percy wasn¡¯t in the dormitory. After asking around, no one seemed to know where he had gone. With no leads, Kyle had no choice but to set the matter aside for the time being. It seemed Scabbers wouldn¡¯t be as lucky as he''d hoped.


    When Kyle returned to the Hufflepuff common room, he found Kanna curled up on a sofa in the corner, clutching her pet rat nervously. Across the room, perched on the windowsill, a large owl was staring at her menacingly, occasionally clicking its beak.


    Ratton, the owl, had never seen such a fat, shiny mouse before. To its hungry eyes, Pocky looked like the perfect snack¡ªplump and gleaming. However, Ratton knew that this mouse belonged to the little witch and was definitely off-limits, so it was content to simply observe.


    The problem was that Kanna had no idea what the owl was thinking. When Kyle entered the room, he saw her pale and tense, gripping the hem of her shirt in sweaty hands. Oddly enough, she hadn¡¯t even been this nervous when she realized her galleons were missing earlier.


    It wasn¡¯t until Kyle distracted Ratton with a piece of Murtlap jerky that Kanna finally began to regain some color. As the owl''s attention shifted to the jerky, Kyle walked over and shrugged. S§×ar?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°I couldn¡¯t find Percy. He¡¯s not in Gryffindor Tower.¡±


    ¡°Hm,¡± Kanna responded, not giving it much thought. In her eyes, all field mice were rather ugly, and she doubted Pocky would be interested in Scabbers. After all, her pet spent most of its time playing with a hamster, so it didn¡¯t seem likely. Besides, Kyle had rushed off so quickly earlier that she hadn¡¯t had a chance to refuse his idea in the first place. As far as she was concerned, the current situation was ideal.


    She returned Pocky to her dormitory, and when she came back out, she seemed much more at ease. She even gave Ratton a defiant grin.


    The owl flapped its wings and flew out the window, throwing her a disdainful glance as if she were an idiot before it left. This, of course, made Kanna furious.


    ¡°Why are you mad at it?¡± Kyle asked with a faint chuckle, shaking his head. He then pulled out ten galleons and set them on the table.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want it!¡± Kanna immediately shook her head, rejecting the offer firmly. ¡°Thank you for your kindness, but I really don¡¯t need it.¡±


    ¡°But Christmas is still a long way off,¡± Kyle pointed out, frowning slightly. ¡°Even if you don¡¯t need to worry about food, what about parchment and ink? Those cost galleons too, and you can¡¯t avoid buying them. Or did you bring enough with you when term started?¡±


    At Hogwarts, parchment and ink were used up quickly. The supplies listed on the acceptance letter barely lasted a month, and students usually asked their prefects to bring more back from Hogsmeade. While not expensive, parchment still cost a few sickles, and no one was going to give it away for free.


    ¡°I¡­¡± Kanna fell silent. Kyle¡¯s words had clearly reminded her that even at Hogwarts, money was necessary. However, despite the logic, she shook her head again and said, ¡°I¡¯ll figure it out.¡±


    Kyle tried to reason with her, pointing out the practicalities, but Kanna remained surprisingly stubborn on the matter. She refused all his offers except the rat tonic, even declining the parchment he tried to give her.


    "You''re really nice to that rat," Kyle remarked, rubbing his forehead thoughtfully. Then, almost out of the blue, he asked, "By the way, do you know any of the Slytherin first-years?"


    Kanna paused to think. "I think so. A few years ago, I met Rowle and Yaxley at a banquet. They''re in Slytherin, and they''re first-years as well. But I don''t know if they''d remember me¡ªI haven''t been to that kind of event in a long time."


    "That''s fine, just knowing who they are is enough," Kyle said, considering something. "Kanna, do you want to make your own galleons?"


    "Make my own galleons?" Kanna blinked, still processing what he''d said.


    "Yes, earn them yourself, just like adults do," Kyle explained, tapping his finger on the table. "I know a way you can do that here at Hogwarts. It might be a bit challenging, but the profit is high. Once you''re done, you won''t have to worry about parchment, ink, or anything else. You could even buy yourself plenty of snacks. What do you think? Want to give it a try?"


    Kanna didn''t reply immediately, but her interest was clearly piqued. She had considered helping other students with their homework in exchange for parchment and ink, but that felt wrong¡ªlike cheating¡ªand she feared the professors might catch on. Kyle''s offer presented an alternative, and she was tempted to hear more.


    Seeing her interest, Kyle continued, not wasting time. "Do you remember the map Cedric gave you yesterday?"


    Kanna nodded. "Yes, I remember."


    After the flying lesson the previous day, Cedric, a second-year student, had handed out maps of Hogwarts. Kanna recalled it clearly. She had also heard that Ravenclaw had their own version of the maps, but those had to be bought.


    "Well, that''s what this is about," Kyle said, pulling out the gold-trimmed map Cedric had given him and placing it on the table. "This is the Slytherin version. The only thing we''re missing is someone to sell them. Do you want to try? Five galleons each, and we split the profit fifty-fifty."


    "Five galleons?!" Kanna looked at Kyle in shock, her expression mirroring the one she had just given Ratton. "How could these maps be worth five galleons? That¡¯s way too much¡ªno one would buy them!"


    "Ravenclaw¡¯s only cost a few sickles," she whispered, still in disbelief.


    "Those are just ordinary maps. This is a limited edition from the ''Golden Triangle,''" Kyle said, raising an eyebrow. "We used top-quality materials and craftsmanship. These were handmade, and it took three whole days to make just ten of them. Not a single one more. Think about it¡ªout of the hundreds of students at Hogwarts, only ten people can own this exclusive map. It¡¯s a status symbol. Isn¡¯t that worth five galleons?"


    Kanna felt a bit overwhelmed, but Kyle''s explanation did make it seem like the maps were worth the steep price. After thinking for a moment, she asked, "But it''s already been three days since classes started. Will anyone still need these maps?"


    "Don¡¯t worry about that," Kyle replied confidently. "Hogwarts isn¡¯t just about classrooms. There¡¯s the library, the hospital wing, the professors'' offices... And don¡¯t forget, the staircases in the main building keep changing. Who knows where they¡¯ll be tomorrow? You might end up on a path you¡¯ve never taken before. Standing around trying to figure it out wastes time, but walking around blindly can get you lost¡ªand that means you''ll be late. That¡¯s where these maps come in handy, especially since they show the patterns of how most of the stairs move."


    Kyle leaned back, his voice full of certainty. "Trust me, someone will definitely buy it."

 Chapter 51: Limited Edition

    Kanna wasn''t entirely sure why she had agreed to Kyle''s plan. Maybe it was because she really did need some galleons, or perhaps it was the way Kyle had framed it: a chance to prove to everyone that she could handle things on her own, that she had the ability to survive. Whatever the reason, she had found herself reluctantly agreeing.


    After dinner, the three of them¡ªKyle, Cedric, and Kanna¡ªgathered around a table in the common room to go over their strategy for the next day.


    "Anyway, Gryffindor has the Weasley twins helping them, so they¡¯re covered. The main focus is Slytherin," Kyle said, turning his attention to Kanna. "Tomorrow, find an opportunity to bump into that Rowle... what¡¯s-her-name."


    Kanna, quietly attentive, whispered, "Rowle and Yaxley."


    "Right, those two," Kyle nodded. "Try to casually run into them and say hello."


    Kyle thought for a moment before continuing, "The first-floor corridor would be ideal. Both Hufflepuff and Slytherin use it to get to the Great Hall, so it''s easy to make it look like a coincidence. Just find an excuse to walk with them."


    Kanna nodded, her expression serious as she scribbled down notes.


    Once she finished writing, Kyle went on, "I¡¯ll be ahead, talking to Cedric, complaining about how difficult it is to find my way around the castle and how easy it is to get lost. Cedric will pull out the regular map to show me. At that point, you step in. Show some disdain for our map and pull out the limited edition."


    "Disdain?" Kanna put down her quill and tried a few unimpressive facial expressions, which made Kyle rethink that part of the plan.


    "Forget the disdain," he said with a sigh. "Just pull out the map and casually mention that it¡¯s a limited edition and that there are only ten of them available. Got it? Make sure to remember that line."


    "And if they ask for more details," Kyle added, "tell them you have connections that can get you these maps. Offer to help them out as a friend if they''re interested."


    "Okay," Kanna said, repeating the instructions silently to herself to commit them to memory.


    At that moment, Cedric chimed in, curiosity getting the better of him. "What if they don¡¯t ask?"


    Kyle shrugged casually. "Then we sell to someone else."


    The whole idea of turning regular goods into exclusive, limited-edition items had been Kyle¡¯s brainchild, and he knew it would appeal to pureblood families. Adding Kanna to the equation only made the plan more convincing. Rowle and Yaxley, being purebloods themselves, would likely show off the maps if they got them, making them ideal spokespersons for the product. And if they didn¡¯t bite, they¡¯d just revert to the original plan¡ªrelease the limited edition maps and let word spread. Soon enough, the Slytherins would come looking for them.


    "The only risk is attracting a professor¡¯s attention," Kyle explained. "The maps aren¡¯t exactly dangerous, but selling them for five galleons each is bound to get noticed. If it gets too much attention, it might get banned before we can sell them all."


    "So we do it quietly," he continued. "Once we have the galleons, it doesn¡¯t matter if we get caught. The worst they''ll do is dock some points."


    Cedric, hearing this, was almost in awe. "Can it really work like that?"


    Kyle grinned. "Of course."


    Cedric had always understood that pureblood families loved distinguishing themselves from ordinary students. That was why he had gone through the effort of tracing the maps with gold edges. His original plan had been to sell them for just one galleon, but Kyle¡¯s idea of multiplying the price by five had suddenly given the maps a whole new allure.


    Even if the Slytherin first-years figured out they didn¡¯t need the map itself, they wouldn¡¯t care. What they truly craved was the prestige of owning a "limited edition." Sear?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    It wasn¡¯t that purebloods were gullible¡ªthey were just rich and enjoyed having something different, something special. Cedric himself had always wanted to replace his Fwooper quill with a nicer one, not because it was any more practical than an ordinary quill, but because it was more beautiful, more eye-catching. Besides, it could write an extra two lines before needing to be dipped in ink again.


    Cedric smacked his lips thoughtfully and asked, "Kyle, are you sure there are only ten?"


    "Yeah, just ten," Kyle nodded confidently. He had done his homework, asking around. Although there were thirteen Slytherin first-years, not all of them came from wealthy pureblood families, so ten seemed like the perfect number. Those who didn¡¯t manage to buy one would have a solid excuse to justify why they missed out.


    With that confirmed, Cedric and Kyle shifted the conversation to that afternoon¡¯s Quidditch tryouts. As expected, Fred and George Weasley had joined the Gryffindor team as Beaters. Additionally, a second-year witch named Alicia Spinnet had secured a spot as a reserve player.


    ¡°This year''s Gryffindor team is going to be tough to beat,¡± Cedric said, his expression serious. "Their lineup is just too strong. I¡¯ve seen Alicia train, and she¡¯s on par with our Chaser, Matt Brinton. Plus, there¡¯s Oliver Wood¡ªthe best Keeper in Hogwarts right now. His save rate is the highest among the four Keepers. It¡¯ll be hard for us to get past him."


    "Really?" Kyle responded nonchalantly. "Then I guess you¡¯ll have to cheer up."


    Kyle¡¯s lack of interest didn¡¯t go unnoticed, but Cedric didn¡¯t dwell on it. As a first-year without a broom, Kyle wasn¡¯t part of the team, so he wasn¡¯t as invested. He could only be a spectator, cheering from the stands.


    Cedric continued discussing Slytherin¡¯s team, this time focusing on the brooms. The Slytherins had five Nimbus 1700s, which gave them a significant edge on the field. When the topic shifted to Ravenclaw, Cedric paused briefly before moving on without much comment.


    "We have to give our best in every match going forward, without any mistakes," Cedric said, his tone growing more determined. "Nobody wants to end the semester in third place. That¡¯s why Harris has increased our group training sessions from three times a week to five."


    His voice grew louder with passion, but Kanna, who sat nearby, seemed entirely unaffected. She stared at the parchment in front of her, lost in thought. The idea of having to approach someone tomorrow made her so nervous that she hadn¡¯t absorbed a single word Cedric had said.


    In fact, during the planning session earlier, Kanna had thought about quitting countless times. Each time, though, just as the word "quit" reached the tip of her tongue, a quiet voice inside her urged her not to speak it. She didn¡¯t understand why, but in the end, she chose to listen to that voice.


    Before long, Kyle and Cedric yawned and decided to head back to their dormitory for the night, leaving Kanna alone in the common room. She continued flipping through the parchment, still deep in her thoughts about the upcoming day.

 Chapter 52: They Gave Too Much

    The next day, at the same time, in the same Hufflepuff common room, Kyle, Cedric, and Kanna sat together again.


    Only this time, there was a pile of golden galleons on the table in front of them.


    ¡°One, two, three...¡± S~ea??h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°No need to count...¡± Kyle glanced at Cedric, raising an eyebrow. ¡°Exactly sixty galleons.¡±


    ¡°That much...¡± Cedric¡¯s mouth hung open, his whole body feeling dizzy, as if he were in a dream.


    ...


    In fact, it really did feel like a dream. Today¡¯s plan had gone surprisingly well.


    Kanna had been so nervous that she¡¯d completely forgotten the specific process and, like a salesperson, pulled out the map as soon as they met. No, even a salesperson would at least say hello and make small talk, not jump straight to the point like Kanna did. This left Kyle and Cedric standing there, unsure if they should continue with the performance.


    But soon enough, they had their answer.


    Rowle and Yaxley''s reaction was just as unexpected. Without even waiting for Kanna to speak, they eagerly asked where she got the map as soon as they noticed its gold border. After learning that only ten copies had been made, they dropped their previous haughty demeanor and eagerly struck up a conversation with her. They took Kanna¡¯s arm, laughing and reminiscing about the banquet from a few years ago, acting like they¡¯d been best friends forever.


    Kanna just went along with it, stumbling her way through the whole interaction. By the time she made it back to the Hufflepuff table, she had ten galleons in her hand. She had only a vague memory of when she received the galleons. It might have been while they were in the corridor, or maybe at the entrance to the Great Hall.


    Rowle and Yaxley were great conversationalists. On the way, they had seamlessly shifted the topic from the feast to the complex structure of Hogwarts Castle and, just as naturally, had asked Kanna if she could help them get a map. After she agreed, the conversation smoothly returned to the original topic without any awkwardness.


    Though Kanna''s goal aligned with theirs and the two sides were mutually benefiting, Kyle had to admit that Slytherins did possess a unique knack for socializing.


    At the table, the first thing Kyle said to Kanna was, ¡°Remember to stay away from Slytherin in the future, or you won¡¯t even know when you¡¯ve been sold out.¡±


    Cedric, sitting beside him, nodded in agreement.


    To avoid further trouble, after lunch, two gold-edged maps were handed over to Rowle and Yaxley. After their ¡°publicity,¡± it took less than two hours to sell all nine remaining maps, leaving only the sample in Kanna¡¯s hand. Some of the smaller houses even requested their family crests be printed on the maps. Kyle initially resisted, but they offered so much money that he couldn¡¯t refuse.


    The price doubled... who could resist?


    And that¡¯s how they ended up with sixty galleons.


    ¡°Sharing the spoils... ahem, sharing the galleons.¡± With everyone watching expectantly, Kyle pushed half of the galleons in front of Kanna. ¡°As agreed, we¡¯ll split it equally.¡±


    ¡°No, you¡¯ve counted it wrong,¡± Kanna shook her head, counted ten galleons from the pile, and placed them back. Then she looked at Kyle, puzzled. ¡°Three people should split it equally, so it should be twenty galleons. Are you that bad at arithmetic?¡±


    ¡°I...¡± Kyle opened his mouth, but a lump formed in his chest.


    ¡°Just let it go. As long as she¡¯s happy,¡± Cedric said, laughing so hard he nearly passed out.


    Kyle, bad at arithmetic? Cedric could laugh about that for the entire school year.


    Kyle grumpily shoved the twenty galleons over to her. He couldn¡¯t understand how Cedric, who¡¯d always been so kind, had become like this. Good grief, does he not even have the decency to gloat behind my back?


    Cedric, completely unfazed by Kyle¡¯s bad mood, picked up one of the galleons and rubbed it between his hands.


    ¡°So many galleons, I can buy ten Fwooper quill pens with this.¡±


    ¡°Fwooper quill pens?¡± Kyle frowned. ¡°What¡¯s so special about those? And why are they so expensive?¡±


    ¡°They¡¯re pretty,¡± Cedric said matter-of-factly. ¡°I¡¯ve had my eye on the yellow one for a while. That color really suits Hufflepuff.¡±


    Kyle thought of something, and his lips curled up before he quickly suppressed the smile. He replied calmly, ¡°Then you should buy a few more, so you can switch them out in the future.¡±


    ¡°No, just one for now,¡± Cedric said after a moment of thought. ¡°The rest will go to my father.¡±


    Hearing this, Kyle couldn¡¯t help but glance at him. Just as he was about to say something, Cedric continued, ¡°Maybe if he¡¯s happy, he¡¯ll upgrade the broom he got me from the Cleansweep VII to the Nimbus 1700.¡±


    Kyle swallowed the words that had been on the tip of his tongue.


    The Nimbus 1700 was 200 galleons more expensive than the Cleansweep VII. Twenty galleons to two hundred? Cedric¡¯s hopes were wildly optimistic.


    But then again, knowing Mr. Diggory¡¯s personality, once he learned that Cedric had made the academy team and earned a full twenty galleons, he might just get him that Nimbus after all.


    Kyle¡¯s eyes lit up as a sudden idea crossed his mind, but it was too late to act on it now. He¡¯d have to wait until tomorrow.


    ...


    After dividing up the galleons, Cedric went to the kitchen and returned with biscuits, desserts, and other snacks, along with a large pot of pumpkin juice. The three of them decided to have a small celebration in the common room.


    Kyle lifted his glass of pumpkin juice and was just about to take a sip when he noticed Kanna across from him. She was pulling out seven or eight small bags and putting two galleons into each one.


    ¡°???¡±


    Seeing Kyle¡¯s confused look, Kanna explained, ¡°I¡¯m afraid I¡¯ll lose them again, so it¡¯s better to keep them separate.¡±


    Cedric, astonished, asked, ¡°Kanna, you lost galleons?¡±


    ¡°Hmm,¡± Kanna nodded and briefly explained what had happened.


    After hearing her explanation, Cedric smiled and thought carefully. ¡°There shouldn¡¯t be any on the Quidditch Pitch. After every flying lesson, Madam Hooch inspects the pitch, so if anyone dropped something, it would be found quickly. And when I was training yesterday, no one mentioned finding twenty galleons. How about this¡ªtomorrow I¡¯ll ask around to see if anyone¡¯s seen them.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s okay, I don¡¯t mind anymore,¡± Kanna said, pointing to the small pile of bags in front of her, her eyebrows curving as she smiled. ¡°These will last me a long time.¡±


    ¡°Er...¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re just going to lose twenty galleons and not care?¡±


    Cedric didn¡¯t respond, but somehow, the pumpkin juice in his hand suddenly tasted like bitter lemonade.

 Chapter 53: Hagrid’s Letter

    Selling the map had undoubtedly been a success. The young wizards were thrilled, the professors were pleased because no one was late to class anymore, and Kyle and his friends had made a tidy sum. If anyone was unhappy, it was probably Filch. S§×arch* The N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Ever since Fred and George became wealthy, the smell of Dungbombs often filled the corridors. Filch was furious and determined to catch the twins in the act, following them around all day. But Fred and George always found clever ways to lose him, leaving him more frustrated than ever.


    Meanwhile, Cho and Kanna got to know Kyle better through all of this, especially Kanna. She no longer hid from Kyle in class, and her social anxiety seemed to have improved. Now, when she earned extra points from a professor, she could even manage a ¡°thank you,¡± just like everyone else.


    Hogwarts¡¯ first-year curriculum remained relatively light, with usually only three classes a day. But if you counted the homework, it was a different story. The young wizards had to spend all their spare time in the library just to finish the feet-long essays assigned to them. And they had to be careful not to increase the font size¡ªanyone who tried that trick learned a harsh lesson. The last student who attempted it not only lost five points, courtesy of Professor McGonagall, but also saw his workload doubled, earning him a black eye from the resulting sleepless nights. In the end, McGonagall canceled the punishment out of fear that the student might collapse from exhaustion, but since then, no one dared to play that game again.


    Well, almost no one.


    While homework was a nightmare for most students, it was a breeze for Kyle. To him, writing essays was easy. And since there was no plagiarism check for first-years, he could write almost anything. He would borrow a few sentences from relevant books, add in a few more for good measure, and then summarize everything neatly. In less than twenty minutes, he would have a polished essay, earning praise from professors for his ¡°extensive reading.¡±


    Except for one professor. In Potions class, Professor Snape¡ªwho preferred not to be named¡ªseemed to grow more displeased with Kyle by the day. Snape always found reasons to deduct points from him. Kyle could do nothing about it, so he tried to avoid Snape as much as possible. After each point deduction, he would buy a bottle of Sleekeazy''s Hair Potion, planning to one day send an entire case to Snape anonymously.


    On Halloween, Kyle was sitting in the library as usual, engrossed in a book. It wasn¡¯t until dinner was about to start that he brought the unfinished book, , to Madam Pince.


    ¡°How many days this time?¡± Madam Pince muttered without looking up.


    ¡°One day,¡± Kyle replied.


    ¡°Mm-hm,¡± she murmured.


    Madam Pince remembered Kyle well, since he borrowed books frequently. After a brief note of his name and the time, she handed the book over.


    Since it was Halloween, the Great Hall had been decorated with colorful adornments earlier that day. Pumpkins carved into all sorts of shapes floated above the hall, creating a festive atmosphere. A thousand bats flapped against the walls and ceiling, and a large cloud of them hovered over the dining tables.


    When Kyle entered, it was still early, but the hall was buzzing with excitement. Nearly half the students had gathered around the Gryffindor table, where Fred and George were putting on a show. Each wearing a pumpkin head, they imitated the signature move of the Headless Hunt, drawing laughter from the crowd.


    Even the professors didn¡¯t stop them, enjoying the spectacle as much as the students. Dumbledore, always in good spirits, even pulled out sweets and tried to trade them with the other professors. Unfortunately for him, no one seemed interested. Even the ever-polite Professor Sprout declined the Cockroach Clusters he offered with a smile.


    ¡°You were in the library again?¡± Cedric poked his head over as Kyle sat down at the Hufflepuff table. ¡°Books on duels... what are you reading that for?¡±


    ¡°Charms homework,¡± Kyle replied, handing the book to Cedric. ¡°I need to make up for the points I lost in Potions class. Professor Flitwick loves to see practical applications of basic spells.¡±


    Cedric, aware that Snape had been targeting Kyle recently, gave him a sympathetic look. ¡°So, did you learn anything useful?¡±


    ¡°Forget it,¡± Kyle sighed. ¡°Obviously, no wizard would use the Unlocking Charm in a duel.¡±


    Cedric bit his lip to keep from laughing out loud. He had thought Kyle might have used something like the Floating Charm in class, but the Unlocking Charm? That was just too much. Even first-year students knew better than to try that in a duel.


    His mouth tightened further, trying to suppress the laughter.


    Kyle shot him a suspicious look, sensing that Cedric was probably thinking something rude. But before he could say anything, an owl landed nearby, extending its talon and dropping a note onto Kyle''s tray.


    ¡°For me?¡± Kyle muttered, opening the note curiously. The handwriting was messy, but he could still make out the words:


    Kyle blinked, surprised. He hadn¡¯t expected Hagrid to invite him to his cabin. Still holding the note, he stared blankly ahead.


    By this time, Cedric had stopped laughing and asked curiously, ¡°Who sent you a letter?¡±


    ¡°Hagrid,¡± Kyle said.


    Cedric thought for a moment. ¡°Th Keeper of Keys in the Forbidden Forest?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± Kyle confirmed.


    ¡°What does he want with you? Did you know him before?¡±


    ¡°The letter says he¡¯s collected some Mooncalf manure,¡± Kyle explained. ¡°I visited him once when I needed fertilizer for a couple of ornamental plants I was growing.¡±


    ¡°Can I come with you?¡± Cedric asked, intrigued. ¡°I¡¯ve always been curious about his place.¡±


    ¡°Sure, why not?¡± Kyle shrugged. ¡°It¡¯s no big deal.¡±


    He took out the quill he always carried and scribbled on the back of the note: He fed the owl a few nuts and watched it fly away.


    After that, the dinner began. Since it was Halloween, the feast was more elaborate than usual. There was a whole aromatic roast beef leg, pumpkin pie, caramel apples, and a variety of sweets. Kyle scanned the selection and was relieved to see there were no Cockroach Clusters¡ªthankfully, the headmaster¡¯s peculiar tastes hadn¡¯t reached the kitchen yet.

 Chapter 54: Humble Kyle

    After the Halloween feast, the little wizards, full and happy, made their way back to their dormitories in groups. Once the students were gone, the professors also departed one by one.


    In the headmaster¡¯s office, Dumbledore looked calmly at Snape, who stood before him with a grim expression.


    ¡°Severus, what can I do for you?¡± Dumbledore asked, his voice gentle.


    ¡°It¡¯s still about what happened two weeks ago, Dumbledore,¡± Snape said, his face emotionless as he placed a gold-framed map on the headmaster¡¯s desk. ¡°That Kyle Chopper selling maps at school... There should have been results by now.¡±


    ¡°So, that¡¯s what this is about,¡± Dumbledore responded, taking a measured sip of his black tea. ¡°May I hear your thoughts?¡±


    ¡°People like him, who blatantly ignore school rules, should be expelled!¡± Snape burst out, his tone sharp.


    ¡°That¡¯s not a very good joke, Severus,¡± Dumbledore said, shaking his head slightly. ¡°You know that Hogwarts¡¯ school rules do not prohibit students from selling items on campus.¡±


    ¡°And, as far as I understand, this particular map was originally sold by Miss Prince to Slyther¡­¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s abetting!¡± Snape interrupted, his voice rising in frustration. ¡°I investigated¡ªKyle gave her all the maps!¡±


    His voice grew so loud that even the surrounding portraits, which had been pretending to sleep, couldn¡¯t ignore the outburst. One portrait, depicting a big-nosed wizard, angrily chimed in.


    ¡°Watch your tone, young man. This is the headmaster¡¯s office.¡±


    Snape, however, paid the portrait no mind and pressed on. ¡°I should have insisted that Kanna be transferred to Slytherin instead of listening to you and leaving her in Hufflepuff.¡± sea??h th§× nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°I think it¡¯s for the best,¡± Dumbledore said with a gentle smile. ¡°Don¡¯t you think Kanna¡¯s former personality was a bit too withdrawn? As the last descendant of the Prince family in the wizarding world, that¡¯s not a good thing. And, Severus, you can¡¯t protect her forever.¡±


    Snape was silent for a moment, his jaw tightening before he impatiently changed the subject. ¡°We¡¯re discussing Kyle Chopper here. If he¡¯s bold enough to sell a map for five galleons today, what¡¯s next? Robbing Gringotts tomorrow? Even if he can¡¯t be expelled, there must be some form of punishment.¡±


    Dumbledore considered this, swirling his tea thoughtfully. ¡°You have a point. Five galleons is a bit steep for a first-year. But tell you what¡ªI¡¯ll speak to the students myself. If they feel they¡¯ve been cheated, I¡¯ll take appropriate action.¡±


    ...


    Snape fell silent once again. In truth, he had already asked around when he confiscated the map, and Rowle¡¯s response at the time had been...


    ¡°Cheated? Professor, you''re joking. It''s only five galleons. What''s the big deal?¡±


    Even if Dumbledore went to ask the students, the answer would likely be the same. Snape knew he could easily persuade the Slytherins to change their minds and denounce Kyle in writing. But doing so would be too underhanded, even for him. He was biased, yes, but not shameless. Besides, hiding such manipulation would be difficult. If exposed, it could lead to significant trouble.


    "Kyle also has problems with his character,¡± Snape suddenly added, his voice sharper. ¡°I¡¯ve observed that he''s talented, but his performance in class is very average. At such a young age, he¡¯s already so hypocritical. Aren¡¯t you afraid he could become the next Dark Lord?¡±


    ¡°I would call that humility, Severus,¡± Dumbledore replied calmly. ¡°It is easy for a person to shine, but much harder to restrain that light. That is a rare and valuable quality.¡±


    ¡°So...¡± Snape glared at Dumbledore. ¡°You¡¯re not going to punish him?¡±


    ¡°Not if he hasn¡¯t made a mistake.¡±


    ¡°Very well!¡± Snape''s expression darkened further. With a dramatic swirl of his robes, he turned and stormed out of the headmaster''s office.


    As he left, whether by accident or design, the hem of Snape¡¯s robe flicked the portrait of the big-nosed wizard, hitting him squarely on the nose. The wizard shouted after Snape, ¡°Come back and apologize, you impolite Slytherin brat!¡±


    Snape ignored the outburst, but Phineas Nigellus Black, another portrait nearby, could no longer hold back. He stormed over, grabbing the big-nosed wizard by the collar. ¡°What did you just say about Slytherin?¡± he demanded.


    ¡°What, do you want a fight?¡± the big-nosed wizard retorted angrily, punching Phineas in the face without another word.


    Phineas, unwilling to back down, quickly engaged him, and the two portraits began wrestling furiously.


    The other portraits, seeing the commotion, gathered around with snacks, watching the fight with interest.


    ¡°Stop fighting, you two!¡± one portrait called out. ¡°You¡¯re both grown men¡ªwhy are you pulling his hair?¡±


    ¡°That knight over there, put away your sword!¡±


    ¡°Oh no, that Sir is reaching for his sword!¡±


    ¡°Someone fetch the hunter in the corridor, he still has his axe!¡±


    The headmaster¡¯s office quickly became lively, filled with shouting and laughter. More portraits crowded into their frames to watch, their collective excitement turning the room into quite the spectacle.


    Behind his desk, Dumbledore cheerfully added sugar to his tea, unfazed by the scene. Fighting portraits were nothing new; it was one of their few forms of entertainment, and as long as no damage was done to the frames or canvases, he saw no reason to intervene.


    However, the sudden sound of Professor McGonagall¡¯s voice outside the door made the portraits freeze in place.


    ¡°Minister, are you here to see Albus at this hour?¡±


    The portraits¡¯ ears twitched, and they quickly abandoned their brawl. In a flash, they fled the headmaster¡¯s office, with the Fat Lady and two knights dragging the bruised and battered combatants, Phineas and the Knight, away. They couldn¡¯t be seen in their current state by the Minister of Magic¡ªit would be a disgrace to Hogwarts.


    Just then, the door to the headmaster''s office swung open.


    ¡°It happened so suddenly, Minerva. There was nothing I could do,¡± came a low voice.


    Cornelius Fudge, the Minister of Magic, walked in, a strained smile on his face. ¡°Albus, long time no see. How are you?¡±


    ¡°Long time no see, Cornelius,¡± Dumbledore said, rising to embrace him. ¡°Would you like a cup of tea? Or perhaps some pumpkin juice?¡±


    ¡°Tea would be great,¡± Fudge replied, still looking a little nervous as he rubbed his bowler hat in his hands and glanced at McGonagall, who stood nearby.


    Dumbledore snapped his fingers, and a steaming cup of tea appeared on the table. ¡°Sugar?¡±


    Fudge shook his head, sitting down. His unease was palpable, and he kept glancing at McGonagall.


    Sensing that Fudge wanted to speak privately, McGonagall made her way to the door. ¡°Albus, I¡¯ll be off then,¡± she said, leaving the office.


    The moment she left, Fudge leaned in closer. ¡°Albus, I can¡¯t hide it anymore. Those smuggled magical creatures...¡±


    As the door closed behind her, Fudge¡¯s voice was cut off, but Professor McGonagall could guess the reason for his late-night visit. Cornelius Fudge, like many politicians, had a habit of hiding inconvenient information until it could no longer be suppressed. Only then would he seek out Dumbledore for advice.


    With a heavy sigh, McGonagall pursed her lips. Cornelius Fudge¡¯s lack of responsibility was far worse than Millicent Bagnold¡¯s ever had been.

 Chapter 55: The Plight of Magical Creatures

    After Halloween, November arrived, bringing cold weather that made the young wizards even less inclined to get up in the mornings. At eight o''clock, Kyle, wrapped in a thick robe, yawned as he entered the Great Hall for breakfast. As usual, owls swooped into the hall, delivering letters and packages. Among them was a much-anticipated package for Cedric: his new broomstick, a Nimbus 1700, just as he''d hoped.


    ¡°Excellent, Cedric, excellent!¡± an older Hufflepuff player said, slapping Cedric on the shoulder. ¡°You¡¯re the Seeker, and with this Nimbus 1700, the gap between us and Slytherin just got a lot smaller. I¡¯ve seen their Seeker in action¡ªhonestly, he¡¯s little more than a Troll who can ride a broomstick.¡±


    Hufflepuff¡¯s first Quidditch match was against Slytherin, and they had been worried about the equipment gap. But with Cedric¡¯s new Nimbus 1700, their morale soared. The broom alone might not have been enough, but with Cedric as Seeker, it was a different story. In training matches, Cedric had caught the Golden Snitch in just five minutes, coming within seconds of breaking the Hogwarts record for fastest Seeker.


    With a top-class broom and a talented Seeker, the Hufflepuff team couldn¡¯t see how they could lose. The idea of Slytherin scoring 150 points in five minutes was laughable.


    Kyle was also excited, even though he wasn¡¯t part of the team. It would be great if Hufflepuff could win the Quidditch Cup. He glanced admiringly at Cedric¡¯s new Nimbus until he felt a sharp tingling in his fingers¡ªan owl had landed in front of him.


    ¡°Sorry, little guy, I didn¡¯t notice you,¡± Kyle apologized, quickly feeding the owl a piece of dried Murtlap rat meat before taking the letter it had delivered.


    The letter read:


    After reading the letter, Kyle¡¯s mood deflated. He had suspected his mother wasn¡¯t as easy to persuade as Mr. Diggory, but he was still disappointed. And the letter had taken so long¡ªhe¡¯d sent it in early September, and now, in November, he was finally getting a response. What could Chris have been so busy with that he hadn¡¯t been to his office in two months? Was Mr. Newt Scamander off traveling again?


    Before Kyle could ponder further, Cedric slapped a copy of in front of him. ¡°Kyle, check this out! No wonder it took my dad so long to send me the broom.¡± S§×arch* The Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    On the front page was a picture of numerous magical creatures, all caged. Next to the image, the bold headline read:


    Kyle read the article:


    Kyle¡¯s eyes widened as he finished reading. Now he understood why his father had been so busy. From the looks of it, over 50 to 60 magical creatures had been captured, making this one of the largest magical creature smuggling cases in the last 30 years.


    But that wasn¡¯t the point. The point was the Nundu.


    Kyle couldn¡¯t help but wonder how the smugglers had managed to capture such a dangerous creature. Not only is a Nundu incredibly agile, but its breath is lethally poisonous, capable of wiping out entire villages. The Ministry of Magic¡¯s description clearly states that under normal circumstances, it would take more than 100 skilled wizards to subdue a Nundu. Even if there was some exaggeration in that claim, it still demonstrated just how dangerous the creature was. For comparison, it only takes ten wizards to subdue a dragon.


    ¡°Fortunately, it was the Swooping Evil that got away,¡± Kyle remarked with genuine relief.


    It wasn¡¯t that Kyle underestimated the Swooping Evil. While it, too, was classified as XXXXX, it had barely reached that level of danger. The Nundu, on the other hand, was rated 5X only because the Ministry of Magic¡¯s scale didn¡¯t go any higher. The two creatures weren¡¯t even in the same league.


    Cedric and the older students, or anyone with a basic knowledge of magical creatures, nodded in agreement when they heard Kyle¡¯s words. They understood the magnitude of the difference between the two.


    The younger students, however, were far less concerned about the Nundu. Most of them didn¡¯t know much about magical creatures, and their focus was on the escaped Swooping Evil. The phrase ¡°highly dangerous¡± printed in certainly caught their attention, and it didn¡¯t seem like an exaggeration.


    "Luckily, we''re at Hogwarts," someone said with relief. "With Dumbledore here, we¡¯re definitely safe."


    The others quickly echoed this sentiment. Yes, with Dumbledore at the school, what could possibly go wrong?


    The mood around the table lightened immediately, and the students started chatting more cheerfully.


    But the liveliness didn¡¯t last long. The realization soon hit them that a dangerous creature was still at large, and their initial confidence in Hogwarts¡¯ safety was soon replaced by more pressing concerns.


    Suddenly, a young wizard stood up, abandoning his breakfast, and sprinted toward the owl shed. His reaction reminded the others of something important¡ªsending letters to their families. Several students jumped to their feet, following suit and running either to the owl shed or back to their dormitories to fetch parchment and quills.


    In a matter of moments, the previously bustling Great Hall had emptied, with only a handful of students remaining at the Hufflepuff table.

 Chapter 56: A Bet with Hagrid

    Because of the news in , the young wizards were distracted and found it difficult to focus during their lessons. This was especially true for students from Muggle families, who, after quickly gathering as much information as they could about the Swooping Evil, began to worry intensely about the safety of their loved ones. The Swooping Evil, after all, was one of the most dangerous creatures in the wizarding world, known to feed on human brains. The thought of it potentially roaming free in a Muggle community made them even more anxious.


    Even while sitting in class, many kept glancing nervously toward the windows, hoping that an owl would soon bring reassuring replies from home. The professors did their best to comfort the students, slowing down the teaching pace and offering words of reassurance, but there wasn¡¯t much else they could do.


    It wasn¡¯t until the second class of the morning that the atmosphere began to improve.


    ¡°Cheer up, children,¡± Professor Sprout said as she walked into the greenhouse for Herbology class. She saw the young witches and wizards looking glum and gave them an encouraging smile. ¡°Just now, Mr. Newt Scamander issued a statement confirming that no traces of the Swooping Evil have been found in either the wizarding or Muggle world. So, it has probably flown to another place, and you don¡¯t need to worry about the safety of your families.¡±


    As she spoke, Professor Sprout took out a collection of briefings she had saved for years and began telling the class about Newt Scamander¡¯s many accomplishments. Kyle noticed that some of the briefings were quite old, with the oldest one faded and worn. It detailed Newt¡¯s significant contribution to defeating the Dark Wizard Grindelwald, complete with a photograph of a young and dashing Scamander.


    The students, after hearing about Scamander¡¯s achievements, felt a great sense of relief. If the most renowned expert on magical creatures was confident, then they trusted his word. The fact that Scamander was a close friend of Headmaster Dumbledore made him even more reliable in their eyes.


    By the time lunch rolled around, the atmosphere in the Great Hall was much livelier.


    ¡°I can¡¯t believe I forgot I had classes this afternoon,¡± Cedric grumbled, disappointed, as he picked up a potato still in its skin. ¡°Looks like I can¡¯t go with you to visit Hagrid. What a shame.¡±


    Second-year students had more homework than first-years, and rarely had afternoons off except on weekends or during holidays, so Cedric couldn¡¯t join Kyle for the visit.


    "It''s just to get some Mooncalf manure. What''s so bad about that?" Kyle asked, taking a bite of his bread. "What, are you going to keep ornamental plants too?"


    "No, I''m more interested in Mooncalves," Cedric replied. "I''ve heard they perform a complicated dance in the moonlight. It sounds amazing, but I¡¯ve never seen one in real life."


    "You probably won''t get to see the dance," Kyle shrugged. "That only happens at night, and by then it''ll be past curfew, unless you''re up for a nighttime adventure."


    "I know," Cedric sighed. "That''s why I just want to see a Mooncalf, even if it''s during the day."


    "That''s still possible," Kyle nodded. Although Mooncalves sleep during the day, they usually stay in caves, and you can still catch a glimpse of them¡ªassuming Hagrid keeps them near the edge of the Forbidden Forest.


    Kyle put down his pumpkin juice and said, "How about this: let''s go right after lunch. We¡¯ve got over an hour before class, so we should have time."


    Cedric¡¯s eyes lit up. "Really? Is that okay?"


    "Of course, there''s no set time for it."


    At that moment, Kyle noticed Kanna sitting next to them, showing interest. Casually, he asked, "Do you want to come along?"


    "Hm!" Kanna hesitated briefly before nodding.


    Thanks to Professor Sprout¡¯s stories about Newt Scamander, Kanna had developed a fascination with magical creatures and was eager to see them up close.


    After lunch, the three of them headed to Hagrid¡¯s cabin by the Forbidden Forest. This time, they didn¡¯t bother knocking. When they arrived, they found Hagrid watering his pumpkin patch. After Halloween, the massive pumpkins had disappeared, leaving behind small seedlings.


    "Go into the Forbidden Forest?" Hagrid asked, shaking his head vigorously after hearing Kyle''s request. "No, no, no. First-year students aren¡¯t allowed in there¡ªit¡¯s too dangerous."


    "It¡¯s fine, Hagrid," Kyle said with a smile. "No one knows the Forbidden Forest better than you. Besides, the Mooncalves are at the safer edge of the forest, and with you guiding us, we¡¯ll be perfectly safe."


    "Even if you say that, I still..."


    "By the way," Kyle interrupted smoothly, "you know so much about magical creatures. I bet you¡¯ll be the next Care of Magical Creatures professor when Professor Kettleburn retires."


    "Me, a professor? No way. I¡¯m not nearly as good as Professor Kettleburn," Hagrid mumbled, looking flustered even through his bushy beard. sea??h th§× Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Cedric noticed Hagrid¡¯s discomfort but pressed on gently. "We trust you, Hagrid. You know the Forbidden Forest and its creatures better than anyone."


    Hagrid hesitated for a moment, then sighed. "Alright, but you have to promise to stay close to me and not wander off. If you do, I¡¯ll send you back immediately, and you won¡¯t be allowed near the Forbidden Forest again!"


    "We promise, Professor Hagrid!" the three of them said in unison, grinning.


    Hagrid blushed at the title, but his expression darkened slightly as he muttered, "I can''t be a professor... don¡¯t say that where others might hear."


    "You need to have a little more confidence in yourself," Kyle said seriously, stepping forward to pat Hagrid on the back of his hand. "Give it four years, and I¡¯m sure you¡¯ll be a professor."


    "Impossible," Hagrid shook his head. "You don¡¯t need to comfort me."


    Kyle¡¯s eyes twinkled as he proposed, "How about we make a bet? If you¡¯re not a professor in four years, I¡¯ll arrange for Newt Scamander to let you take care of his dragon for two months during the summer holidays."


    Hagrid froze mid-step, turning toward Kyle with disbelief. "Mr. Scamander has a ?"


    "Yes," Kyle confirmed with a nod. "It¡¯s been sent back three times by the Romanian Dragon Sanctuary because of its terrible temper. It attacks anything that moves after it leaves Newt. After the third time, they refused to take it back. It can¡¯t be released into the wild, so it¡¯s kept in a box."


    Hagrid¡¯s eyes widened with excitement. "I agree!" he said immediately, unable to resist the allure of spending time with a dragon.

 Chapter 57: What to Do When the Dog Has No Appetite

    Who in the wizarding world would refuse to raise a dragon? Hagrid certainly wouldn''t. And as for his grumpy disposition... so what? Children are supposed to be a little mischievous, after all. Being sent back by the Romanian Dragon Sanctuary only proves those people are incompetent. Just look at how scrawny they are, like walking twigs¡ªhow could they possibly manage to raise a dragon properly?


    "Alright, if you become a professor..." Kyle began.


    "No problem!" Hagrid interrupted before Kyle could finish. With a wave of his hand, he said, "I agree to the bet."


    He didn''t even stop to consider whether Kyle could actually convince Newt, or whether Dumbledore would allow a dragon at Hogwarts. He just agreed right away.


    It almost seemed like Hagrid was worried Kyle might change his mind, as he quickened his pace, leading the three of them¡ªwho had to jog to keep up¡ªtowards the Mooncalf''s cave.


    "You lot stay here, don¡¯t go any further," Hagrid said seriously, turning back to the group. "Mooncalves tire themselves out when they dance, so they need plenty of rest during the day. You¡¯ve got to be as quiet as possible."


    Kanna and Cedric nodded quietly, their eyes curiously fixed on the cave entrances that looked like tents.


    But where was Kyle?


    The Mooncalves didn¡¯t interest him; he¡¯d seen them countless times with Newt. His attention had shifted to the Wiggentrees surrounding them.


    Compared to other places, the Wiggentrees here were tall, thick, and stretched high into the sky. Kyle approached one and knocked on its trunk, which sounded solid and firm.


    Noticing Kyle''s actions, Hagrid whispered an explanation. ¡°Because Mooncalves stomp their droppings into the ground, Wiggentrees grow really well around them. By the way, this is also a Bowtruckle¡¯s nest.¡±


    Kyle glanced up and soon spotted countless "little green seedlings" scattered throughout the Wiggentrees. It was exactly like what Newt had shown him. In that magical suitcase, the Bowtruckles and Mooncalves were neighbors.


    Kyle picked up a branch from the ground. ¡°Hagrid, can I collect some branches?¡±


    ¡°You can, but what do you need them for?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve got some ideas.¡±


    ...


    When they emerged from the Forbidden Forest, Hagrid was carrying a large bundle of dead branches in his hands. Kyle had wanted to use the Floating Charm to help, but Hagrid found that unnecessary and insisted on carrying them himself.


    Once they exited the forest, Cedric headed back to the castle for his classes, leaving Kyle and Kanna behind. Unlike their previous visit, Hagrid warmly invited the two of them to stop by his cabin.


    As soon as they entered, a big black dog came bounding toward them, tongue hanging out and tail wagging furiously like a fan. Kyle reached down and gave the dog''s head a good scratch, nearly rolling his eyes in pleasure. It felt great.


    ¡°Alright, Fang, come here,¡± Hagrid called, placing a greyish pot on the floor. Fang immediately rushed over, diving into the pot with excitement. Hagrid patted his head and said, ¡°Eat slowly, there¡¯s more if you need it.¡±


    As they chatted, Kyle glanced around the cabin. The space was small, consisting of a single room. A ham hung from the ceiling, along with a pheasant, and a brazier with a copper kettle sat boiling water. In one corner was a large bed covered with ragged quilting. The room looked rather shabby, inconspicuous at best.


    But Kyle noticed something else. The ham was made from Tebo warthog, and the ¡°rope¡± used to hang it appeared to be a shiny, white silk¡ªlikely from an Acromantula spider. And the cushion they were sitting on? It was made from Unicorn hair. Though not entirely tail hair, it was still an impressively luxurious cushion¡ªthe most expensive one Kyle had ever sat on.


    Once Hagrid sat down, Kyle introduced them. ¡°This is Kanna, and the one who just left is Cedric. They''re both Hufflepuffs like me, but Cedric¡¯s a second year.¡±


    ¡°Hello,¡± Hagrid greeted Kanna warmly. He then handed both her and Kyle a piece of rock cake from the plate next to him. ¡°You must be hungry. Try some of my cooking.¡±


    Kanna picked up the rock cake, only to feel its unexpected weight, as though she were holding a brick. She blinked, wisely choosing not to take a bite. Kyle refrained from eating as well, but he cleverly asked Hagrid for another piece, saying he would share it with Cedric later.


    Hagrid, delighted by this, generously handed Kyle the entire plate of rock cakes and encouraged him to come back for more anytime. Kyle, of course, didn¡¯t want them, so he took only two and stuffed them into his pocket. He wasn¡¯t planning on eating them either; even if they tasted decent, without a Giant''s teeth, they were practically inedible. However, they might prove useful for self-defense.


    Lately, Snape had been pushing him to his limit, and Kyle felt on the verge of a breakdown. If worse came to worst, the rock cakes would make an excellent tool for self-preservation. He could always claim he offered Professor Snape a rock cake, but Snape had simply failed to catch it.


    After handing back the plate, Hagrid looked at Kyle, an awkward expression on his face. ¡°Well, I¡¯ve got this dog, but he¡¯s been a bit sluggish lately, not eating much. What do you think could be wrong?¡±


    Kyle instinctively glanced at Fang, who was eagerly devouring his second bowl of food. Lacking energy? No appetite?


    It couldn¡¯t be Fang, so Kyle looked back at Hagrid, puzzled.


    Hagrid quickly clarified. ¡°Not Fang, the other dog.¡±


    ¡°Oh...¡± Kyle realized Hagrid was talking about the Three-Headed Dog. S§×arch* The nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Kyle looked around the cabin but didn¡¯t see any sign of the creature. ¡°Didn¡¯t I tell you before?¡± Kyle said, turning back to Hagrid. ¡°You just need to let him loose in the Forbidden Forest.¡±


    ¡°I did, but it didn¡¯t work,¡± Hagrid replied, sounding a bit frustrated. ¡°He perked up while he was out there, but as soon as I brought him back to the cabin, he became sluggish again.¡±


    Kyle was momentarily speechless. Hagrid¡¯s unique way of thinking never failed to amaze him. Did he really believe he was just walking a regular dog¡ªand then bringing it back here?


    ¡°Hagrid, the Three-Headed Dog...¡± Kyle began.


    ¡°Just one head! Just one head!¡± Hagrid interrupted, denying it frantically.


    Kyle took a deep breath, ignoring Hagrid¡¯s protests, and continued, ¡°The Three-Headed Dog is a large magical creature that naturally prefers open, spacious environments. If they¡¯re kept in a small, low-ceilinged space for too long, they start to feel depressed.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not small in here,¡± Hagrid muttered defensively.


    ¡°Well, it¡¯s fine for you,¡± Kyle explained patiently. ¡°But within a year, a Three-Headed Dog can grow to three meters tall, and its body can stretch over five meters in length. By then, it¡¯ll barely be able to turn around in here.¡±

 Chapter 58: What an Ugly Dog

    Kanna was completely dumbfounded during the entire exchange between Kyle and Hagrid.


    she wondered.


    ¡°Kyle¡­¡± Kanna quickly interrupted while Hagrid was deep in thought. ¡°What were you talking about just now?¡±


    But Kyle didn¡¯t answer her directly. Instead, he turned to Hagrid and motioned with his head. ¡°Come on, don¡¯t hide it. I¡¯m not a professional veterinarian¡ªI need to see it for myself.¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t¡­¡± Hagrid started to protest, but after a moment of hesitation and remembering the sorry state of his furry friend, he sighed in defeat. ¡°Alright, but you can¡¯t tell anyone.¡±


    ¡°Of course,¡± Kyle nodded. ¡°I swear on Cedric¡¯s character.¡±


    Hagrid, too wrapped up in his own thoughts, didn¡¯t quite catch what Kyle said and stood up to leave the room. But Kanna heard it loud and clear.


    ¡°Why did you swear on Cedric¡¯s character?¡± she asked, confused.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about the details,¡± Kyle replied with a dismissive wave. ¡°If I had one, I would¡¯ve sworn on mine.¡±


    Kanna fell silent and moved aside, not sure what to make of that.


    Hagrid returned shortly afterward, and it was clear the place where he had hidden Fluffy wasn¡¯t far from the cabin. Once back inside, Hagrid hurriedly drew the curtains and lifted the moleskin coat draped over his arm, revealing Fluffy, the infamous Three-Headed Dog, tucked beneath it.


    Fluffy was now almost as big as a cow. Realizing he¡¯d been brought into the cramped room again, he quickly lowered his heads and lay flat on the floor, trying to make himself as small as possible.


    Kanna was utterly shocked. She had never imagined Hagrid would actually bring out a dog with three heads, and¡­ it was so ugly!


    The Three-Headed Dog, like many large magical creatures, was not what one might call cute. Fluffy¡¯s giant mouth, packed with sharp teeth, took up nearly half of each head. His nose was wrinkled up, with folds of flesh that resembled a washboard.


    ¡°Does the Three-Headed Dog have Shar-Pei blood or something?¡± Kyle mused, scratching his head. He wasn¡¯t entirely sure. He had never seen one before, and even Newt''s magical suitcase didn¡¯t have everything.


    In fact, even in Greece, the Three-Headed Dog was an exceptionally rare magical creature, almost as rare as a Basilisk. Kyle figured that whoever sold Fluffy to Hagrid must have been an outsider.


    ¡°What luck,¡± Kyle said to himself, reaching out to stroke Fluffy¡¯s rather unattractive head. The fur was stiff, feeling almost like a well-worn shoe brush left out in the elements¡ªdefinitely not as pleasant as Fang¡¯s soft coat.


    Fluffy, ever the feisty one, didn¡¯t appreciate the gesture. Realizing one of his heads was being petted, he opened his mouth and tried to bite Kyle¡¯s hand.


    Kyle dodged quickly and gently patted the middle head. ¡°Don¡¯t be naughty. I¡¯ll give you a treat later.¡±


    At this, Fluffy calmed down instantly and responded with a couple of soft ¡°woofs¡±.


    ¡°How about some Murtlap dried rat meat?¡± Kyle suggested after a moment¡¯s thought. ¡°It¡¯s tougher than beef, and I bet you¡¯ll like it.¡±


    ¡°Woof¡­¡± came Fluffy¡¯s response.


    ¡°Thirty?¡± Kyle frowned. ¡°No way, that¡¯s too much. I only have nine. You three can split it.¡±


    Kyle was busy haggling with Fluffy when Hagrid, who had been observing the whole exchange, nearly jumped out of his skin in disbelief. Looking from Kyle to Fluffy, he asked, ¡°Did Mr. Scamander teach you that as well?¡±


    Kyle just smiled and didn¡¯t answer. In the wizarding world, many knew that Kyle had a knack for communicating with magical creatures, but the explanation given to the public was simple:


    Since Newt had never denied this, most people accepted it as the truth. After all, as the greatest Magizoologist of the century, Newt Scamander was expected to know some tricks that others didn¡¯t.


    However, only a select few knew the real story: the Weasleys, Newt himself, and Dumbledore. But Hagrid certainly wasn¡¯t one of them.


    ¡°By Merlin¡¯s beard!¡± Hagrid said, looking at Kyle with awe and a hint of envy. ¡°It seems Mr. Scamander thinks very highly of you. I begged him for ages, but he never agreed to teach me how to talk to Magical Creatures.¡±


    ¡°These are just little tricks, Hagrid,¡± Kyle replied, smiling as he fed some dried Murtlap meat to Fluffy. ¡°Besides, you already understand what Fluffy¡¯s saying, even if you don¡¯t speak his language.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I do!¡± Hagrid said proudly. ¡°I always know what Fluffy wants, and he knows me too. He was a real handful when he was little, but if I sing, he always falls right asleep.¡±


    To demonstrate, Hagrid began singing softly while gently patting Fluffy. Kyle could hear Fluffy''s thoughts loud and clear.


    As Hagrid sang, all three of Fluffy¡¯s heads gradually drooped, and within moments, they were snoring loudly. Their synchronized, well-practiced slumber made Kyle feel almost sorry for the poor creature. S§×ar?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°See? He¡¯s asleep,¡± Hagrid said, beaming with satisfaction.


    Kyle laughed awkwardly, glancing at Hagrid¡¯s happy face. After a moment of thought, he decided against revealing what Fluffy had actually been thinking and shifted the conversation back to a more pressing issue.


    ¡°He¡¯s getting really big now, Hagrid,¡± Kyle said, stroking one of Fluffy¡¯s heads. ¡°You must have noticed he¡¯s been in a low mood ever since we brought him into this room. You need to let him loose in the Forbidden Forest as soon as possible.¡±


    ¡°I know,¡± Hagrid sighed, looking troubled. ¡°But I¡¯m just not comfortable with it¡­ Fluffy¡¯s still so young. What if something happens to him without me around?¡±


    Kyle raised an eyebrow. He had a strong suspicion that Hagrid should be more concerned about the well-being of the other creatures in the Forbidden Forest.


    Hagrid hesitated for a moment before continuing, his eyes darting around the room. ¡°And if I put him in the Forbidden Forest, Dumbledore might see him. What if he decides to send Fluffy away?¡±


    ¡°Then put him deeper into the Forbidden Forest,¡± Kyle suggested. ¡°Don¡¯t forget, this is a delicate time. The Ministry¡¯s Aurors are tracking down every unknown magical creature. It¡¯s better if Dumbledore finds Fluffy than them.¡±


    ¡°But he¡¯s not one of those creatures,¡± Hagrid protested, his face flushed with excitement. ¡°I checked thoroughly! The Greek who sold him to me wasn¡¯t in any of the photos the Ministry released.¡±


    ¡°The Aurors won¡¯t care about that,¡± Kyle said calmly. ¡°What they¡¯ll care about is the fact that you happened to purchase an unknown Three-Headed Dog right before that group was arrested. That¡¯s enough to make them suspicious.¡±

 Chapter 59: The Headmaster’s Office

    Kyle and Kanna returned to the castle shortly after leaving Hagrid¡¯s hut. Once they were gone, Hagrid sat alone, pondering until evening. In the end, he decided to follow Kyle¡¯s advice and release Fluffy into the Forbidden Forest that very night. Although reluctant, he knew there was no other choice¡ªfirst and foremost, it would make Fluffy happier. And if Fluffy was happy, Hagrid would be too.


    Kyle had made a valid point: the situation was tense. Just earlier, Professor Oren from Defense Against the Dark Arts had complained to Hagrid while gathering materials in the Forbidden Forest. The professor had been frustrated that, due to the day''s report, the Ministry of Magic had deployed most of their best teams to track down any Magical Creatures with uncertain origins, to show they were handling the matter seriously.


    This crackdown made it nearly impossible for Oren to buy the supplies he needed; instead, he was forced to catch them himself in the forest. Hagrid chuckled, remembering how Oren had cursed Fudge as an ¡°idiot¡± in his frustration. At the time, it had seemed amusing, but now Hagrid regretted not joining in the cursing. S§×ar?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The truth was, Hagrid had bought Fluffy in a pub, and there had been quite a few witnesses. Even though they didn¡¯t know what exactly he had purchased, if any of them were caught, they might try to save themselves by reporting that Hagrid had been buying Magical Creatures.


    After all, for those people, a correct guess could help them avoid punishment, and a wrong one wouldn¡¯t hurt them. So, for Fluffy¡¯s safety¡ªand to avoid causing Dumbledore any unnecessary trouble¡ªHagrid had no choice but to release Fluffy. Surely, those Aurors wouldn¡¯t dare search the Forbidden Forest, right? But if they did, Hagrid wasn¡¯t too concerned.


    After all, the forest¡¯s depths were home to Werewolves and Manticores, so what was one more Three-Headed Dog?


    Meanwhile, back at the castle, Kyle was sitting in a corner of the common room, sorting through the bundle of Wiggentree branches he¡¯d collected. Kanna watched curiously as he worked. ¡°I was going to ask you,¡± she said, eyeing the branches. ¡°Why are you messing with those dead sticks when there are plenty of branches in the kitchen that you could just grab anytime?¡±


    ¡°These aren¡¯t just ordinary branches. They¡¯re from Wiggentrees,¡± Kyle explained. ¡°Wiggentrees are magical Rowan trees. Anyone touching their trunks is protected from attacks by dark creatures.¡±


    Kanna blinked. She knew that much¡ªbut what did that have to do with the branches? After all, branches and trunks weren¡¯t the same thing.


    Kyle, noticing her confusion, sighed. ¡°I... never mind, you¡¯ll understand later.¡± He picked out a particularly straight stick and set it aside. Then, as if the thought just occurred to him, he asked, ¡°By the way, how did you know there are branches in the kitchen? Have you eaten there?¡±


    The kitchen was located close to the common room, and Kyle had been there a few times. However, every time he approached the door, he was promptly swarmed by House-elves. The kitchen stove was farther inside, and the only way to fully see it was to sit at one of the long tables.


    Considering how enthusiastic the House-elves were, Kyle mused, it was impossible to visit the kitchen without getting roped into a meal. And halfway through, they¡¯d probably try to serve you an entire cow!


    ¡°I¡¯m not, I¡¯m not¡­ Don¡¯t say things like that...¡± Kanna¡¯s face suddenly turned beet red as she stammered, ¡°I-I was just curious and went to take a look in the kitchen!¡±


    ¡°I see,¡± Kyle replied nonchalantly, focusing on sorting the Wiggentree branches. By the time he finished, he realized Kanna had quietly returned to the dormitory, leaving him as the only one still in the common room.


    Remembering that tomorrow was the weekend, Kyle decided to pack up and head to bed early¡ªhe had no intention of staying up late. After all, the next day was important for Hufflepuff. The Quidditch tournament was starting, and their first match was against Slytherin.


    ...


    The next morning.


    The Hufflepuff students were up bright and early, energized for the big game. After breakfast, they donned their uniforms and grabbed the cheer flags they''d made, heading to the Quidditch Pitch to support their team.


    Kyle was supposed to join them, but after finishing breakfast, a plump ghost suddenly floated toward him.


    ¡°Hello, Kyle! I hope I¡¯m not interrupting your breakfast,¡± greeted the Fat Friar.


    ¡°Hello, Friar,¡± Kyle replied politely. ¡°Care to watch the Quidditch match with us? Hufflepuff has a good chance of winning this year.¡±


    ¡°I prefer Gobstones, I¡¯m afraid,¡± the Friar said with a hint of regret. ¡°Unfortunately, Hogwarts canceled that game decades ago.¡±


    ¡°Oh, I see. Sorry to hear that,¡± Kyle said quickly, not wanting to make the ghost feel bad. ¡°I hope I haven¡¯t ruined your day.¡±


    ¡°Of course not, my boy,¡± the Friar smiled warmly. ¡°The best part about being a ghost is that nothing ever really goes wrong. But speaking of things, I¡¯m afraid you¡¯ll have to delay your plans to watch the game. Dumbledore wants to see you in his office¡ªeighth floor. The password is Butterfinger.¡±


    "Dumbledore wants to see me?" Kyle was caught off guard. Curiosity piqued, he asked, ¡°Do you know why the Headmaster wants to see me, Friar?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m just the messenger,¡± the Fat Friar shook his head with a gentle smile.


    ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll go now. Thanks, Friar.¡±


    After saying goodbye, Kyle immediately made his way to the eighth floor. It wasn¡¯t every day the Headmaster requested a meeting, and Kyle wondered what it could be about. Hopefully, he wouldn¡¯t miss the Quidditch match.


    Thanks to his familiarity with the castle¡¯s layout, Kyle quickly found the ugly stone gargoyle guarding the entrance to the Headmaster¡¯s Office.


    ¡°Butterfinger,¡± Kyle said aloud.


    With a jump, the gargoyle moved aside, and the wall behind it split open to reveal a set of revolving stairs, slowly ascending like an escalator. Kyle stepped on and rode the stairs up to a large oak door with a griffin-shaped knocker.


    He hesitated for a moment before giving the door a gentle tap. The griffin knocker came to life, flapping its wings as the door slowly opened.


    Kyle stepped into the Headmaster¡¯s Office and couldn¡¯t help but look around with wide-eyed curiosity. The room was spacious and circular, filled with odd, fascinating little noises. Various strange silver devices cluttered the desk, spinning and emitting wisps of smoke, their purposes entirely unknown to Kyle¡ªbut he was certain none of them were mere humidifiers.


    Along the wall stood a stone basin engraved with mysterious symbols, and next to it was a colossal mirror. The mirror towered to the ceiling, framed in gleaming gold, with two claw-shaped feet supporting it on the ground.

 Chapter 60: Helping the Headmaster Soothe His Pet

    The Mirror of Erised, a legendary alchemical artifact, had the power to reveal a person¡¯s deepest desires¡ªwhatever their heart most longed for would appear before them when they stood in front of it. It was a mesmerizing and magical object.


    ¡°Is this some kind of... mirror of the mind?¡± Kyle mused, resisting the temptation to take a peek. He deliberately looked away, knowing the allure could be overwhelming.


    ¡°It seems you recognize the Mirror of Erised,¡± Dumbledore¡¯s gentle voice came from behind Kyle. The Headmaster had appeared without Kyle noticing. ¡°I¡¯m glad you were able to resist its temptations. This is something many adult wizards find difficult to do. People often waste away in front of it, entranced by their own visions, sometimes even driven to madness.¡±


    ¡°I just don¡¯t want to add to my worries, Headmaster,¡± Kyle replied with a chuckle as he turned around. ¡°I¡¯m quite content with my life as it is.¡±


    ¡°A very wise choice,¡± Dumbledore nodded approvingly. He stepped closer to the mirror, his fingers brushing the ornate golden frame. ¡°I must admit, you¡¯ve already surpassed me in this regard. Even I find it hard to resist looking at the mirror from time to time.¡±


    Curious, Kyle asked, ¡°So, what do you see when you look in the mirror, Headmaster? The true meaning of magic? Or perhaps a deeper, more profound theory?¡±


    Dumbledore smiled warmly, his eyes twinkling. ¡°You¡¯ve made me blush, Kyle. I¡¯m afraid I¡¯m not as great as you imagine. What I see is myself holding a pair of thick, woolen socks.¡±


    Kyle raised an eyebrow in surprise, but Dumbledore winked. ¡°There are never enough socks, you see. Christmas comes and goes, and I haven¡¯t received a single pair in ages. People always insist on giving me books.¡±


    Kyle couldn¡¯t help but suspect that Dumbledore might be dropping a subtle hint, especially since Christmas was only two months away. As Kyle briefly considered whether he should take the hint and give socks as a gift, Dumbledore had already returned to his desk. He summoned a cup of black tea for himself and a plate of sweets appeared alongside.


    ¡°Would you like something to drink, Kyle?¡± Dumbledore offered.


    ¡°Lemonade, please,¡± Kyle replied.


    With a nod, a large glass of lemonade materialized on the table. Kyle took a sip and found that it tasted exactly like normal lemonade¡ªnothing extraordinary, despite being in the headmaster¡¯s office.


    Dumbledore, meanwhile, was leisurely sipping his tea, showing no urgency to speak. The room was quiet, the portraits of previous headmasters hanging on the walls softly snoring in their frames. Occasionally, one would half-open an eye and sneak a glance at Kyle, but they remained silent.


    The atmosphere was becoming a bit uncomfortable for Kyle, who wasn¡¯t used to the quiet stillness. Just then, the whistle of the Quidditch match echoed faintly from outside the window, signaling the start of the game.


    Finally gathering his thoughts, Kyle asked, ¡°Headmaster, what can I do for you?¡±


    ¡°Ah, look at me,¡± Dumbledore laughed softly, patting his forehead. ¡°I¡¯ve been so distracted by my tea that I almost forgot the reason I asked you here.¡±


    Dumbledore stood up and motioned for Kyle to follow him. They moved to a tall, gilded perch behind the door, where a magnificent fiery-red bird was perched. It was Fawkes, the Headmaster¡¯s phoenix.


    ¡°The Phoenix has been sulking with me for a while now,¡± Dumbledore said, looking rather distressed. ¡°But I can¡¯t figure out what the problem is. Could you ask him for me?¡±


    ¡°Is that so?¡± Kyle turned to Fawkes, who had already heard what Dumbledore said. The majestic bird glanced briefly at Kyle, then shot a displeased look at Dumbledore, chirping in clear frustration.


    Kyle nodded knowingly. ¡°No wonder you¡¯re so upset.¡±


    ¡°What did it say?¡± Dumbledore asked, intrigued. Despite his remarkable linguistic abilities, including mastering the languages of snakes and goblins, Phoenix-speak remained elusive, especially since Fawkes, when irritated, seemed to speak with an accent that made it even more difficult to understand.


    With some discretion, Kyle responded, ¡°Headmaster, Fawkes says he doesn''t want you putting Cockroach Clusters in its food anymore.¡±


    Dumbledore blinked, clearly surprised. ¡°I always thought it¡¯d enjoy those.¡±


    Fawkes immediately turned its back to Dumbledore in anger, making it very clear that it did appreciate the misunderstanding. It was a Phoenix, after all¡ªnot a chicken! Worms were the furthest thing from its preferred diet.


    Realizing his error, Dumbledore quickly began apologizing, but Fawkes continued to snub him, turning away every time Dumbledore tried to speak, even covering its head with its wings as if to block out its owner¡¯s words.


    In the end, it was Kyle who managed to calm the fiery bird down. He offered Fawkes a leaf of Dittany and a bluebell, which Fawkes swallowed in two quick bites, finally appeased.


    For the record, Kyle hadn¡¯t snatched the bluebell from the common room. It had been his reward for helping Professor Sprout clean the greenhouse. Watching it disappear into Fawkes'' beak so quickly left Kyle feeling a bit dejected. He hadn¡¯t even gotten the chance to warm himself with it.


    ¡°I knew I could count on you,¡± Dumbledore said, patting Kyle''s shoulder happily. ¡°If it weren¡¯t for you, I might not have been able to calm it down for quite some time.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s nothing, Headmaster,¡± Kyle replied, though his smile was a bit weak. ¡°Is there anything else? If not, I¡¯d really like to go watch the Quidditch match.¡±


    Kyle touched his Mokeskin pouch, feeling a bit uneasy about staying much longer. If Fawkes got upset again, he didn¡¯t have any more herbs to offer, and as a first-year, he wasn¡¯t exactly stocked up on such things. Besides, Fawkes wasn¡¯t Phoenix¡ªbetter to let Dumbledore handle it from here on out.


    ¡°There is one small matter,¡± Dumbledore said, turning to retrieve a potion bottle from a drawer. ¡°This is a Magic Suppressing Potion for Mikel. I was going to have Madam Pomfrey deliver it, but I suspect he¡¯s avoiding the infirmary. So I thought, since you¡¯re here, you could take it to him.¡±


    Kyle accepted the bottle, but couldn¡¯t help asking, ¡°Hasn¡¯t Mikel learned to control his magic yet?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not easy,¡± Dumbledore replied after a thoughtful pause. ¡°But Pomona says he¡¯s making good progress. By the time he reaches his second year, he likely won¡¯t need the potion anymore.¡± Sear?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Kyle nodded in understanding.


    ¡°Remember,¡± Dumbledore added, ¡°this potion is important for Mikel, even if it¡¯s not the most pleasant-tasting. Make sure he drinks it¡ªdon¡¯t let him just toss it away.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Headmaster,¡± Kyle smiled, ¡°Mikel¡¯s my roommate. I¡¯ll make sure he drinks it.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s reassuring to hear.¡± Dumbledore raised his cup of black tea. ¡°Now, go enjoy the match. It should still be going on.¡±

 Chapter 61: Conflict

    When Kyle emerged from the Headmaster''s Office, he was holding a feather along with the Magic Suppressing Potion. It was a warm Phoenix tail feather¡ªa gift from Fawkes. The Phoenix had plucked it off right in front of Kyle¡¯s eyes as if sensing his departure.


    Kyle hadn¡¯t just broken even¡ªhe had profited, trading a simple bluebell for a fresh Phoenix tail feather. he thought.


    After leaving the 8th floor, Kyle hurried towards the Quidditch Pitch. But upon arriving, he was greeted by a group of young Hufflepuffs carrying Cedric and rushing towards the Hospital Wing, all while cursing angrily.


    ¡°The shameless scum from Slytherin!¡±


    ¡°Rude and dirty, they don¡¯t deserve to play Quidditch!¡±


    ¡°Slytherin should be disqualified!¡±


    Cedric, being carried by the young badgers, clutched his head with one hand while holding his right leg with the other, his face twisted in pain.


    Seeing this, Kyle quickly followed. From their heated conversation, it wasn¡¯t hard to guess that Cedric had been injured¡ªand that the Slytherin players were responsible.


    Spotting Ryan and Mikel in the crowd, Kyle rushed over, patting one of them on the shoulder. ¡°What happened on the pitch?¡± he asked.


    Ryan, startled, turned around in surprise. ¡°Kyle... where have you been? Why are you only just getting here?¡±


    ¡°The Headmaster called for me, so I went to his office,¡± Kyle replied briefly, before asking again, ¡°Never mind me, how¡¯s Cedric?¡±


    At this, Ryan¡¯s face flushed with anger. ¡°It¡¯s those shameless Slytherins again. You don¡¯t know, Cedric was about to catch the Snitch¡ªjust a little more and we would have won. But then the Slytherin captain took advantage of Cedric focusing on the Snitch and , knocking him clean off his broom.¡±


    ¡°Yes!¡± Mikel added, equally outraged. ¡°And do you know what that git said to Madam Hooch? He actually claimed he thought Cedric¡¯s head was a !¡±


    ¡°That rude, stupid, underdeveloped gorilla doesn¡¯t deserve to play in a tournament like this! He should be sent off!¡± Mikel fumed.


    ¡°It¡¯s not football, Mikel,¡± Ryan reminded him. ¡°You can¡¯t send someone off in Quidditch...¡±


    Mikel jutted his chin out stubbornly. ¡°But it¡¯s still unfair to just give Hufflepuff a free shot!¡±


    As Ryan and Mikel went back and forth in their outrage, Kyle quickly pieced together what had happened. Just as he had suspected¡ªSlytherin had resorted to dirty tactics after realizing they couldn¡¯t win the game fairly.


    Soon, the group arrived at the Hospital Wing.


    ¡°By Merlin''s beard! What on earth happened!¡±


    Madam Pomfrey was furious. ¡°A broken nose and a complete break of the right leg. I don''t understand why Hogwarts organizes such dangerous games. Every year someone is brought in, every single year...¡±


    She wasted no time in mending Cedric''s leg, casting her healing spells with practiced precision. Once his leg was set, she sent everyone else away, but kept Kyle behind. With other patients to attend to, she couldn¡¯t watch over Cedric herself, and since she vaguely remembered Kyle, the responsibility fell to him.


    As she closed the door, she muttered under her breath, complaining about the dangers of Quidditch and the incompetence of the teachers who allowed it. S~ea??h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Kyle sat down by Cedric¡¯s bedside and poured him a glass of water. ¡°How are you feeling?¡±


    ¡°My leg still hurts a bit,¡± Cedric admitted, shifting slightly in bed, ¡°but it¡¯s already much better.¡±


    There was never any doubt about Madam Pomfrey''s skill. If it had been Cedric¡¯s arm instead of his leg, he would likely have been discharged already.


    ¡°It¡¯s a pity about the game, though. We were 30 points ahead.¡± Cedric sighed in frustration as he sank back into his pillow. ¡°If only I¡¯d paid more attention to what was happening around me.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s okay, it¡¯s just one game,¡± Kyle reassured him. ¡°Winning or losing isn¡¯t important. Besides, it¡¯s practically Slytherin tradition to foul during the match. Even if you dodged them this time, they¡¯d come after you again. And if you keep avoiding them, you¡¯ll never be able to catch the Golden Snitch.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re right,¡± Cedric admitted, scratching his head in frustration. ¡°But what about the rest of the games?¡±


    Hufflepuff and Slytherin would face each other more than once during the season, and Cedric had no desire to end up in the Hospital Wing three more times.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry,¡± Kyle said after a moment¡¯s thought. ¡°You just focus on getting better, and leave the rest to me.¡±


    ¡°Wait, are you joining the Quidditch team?¡± Cedric asked in surprise. ¡°What position would you play¡ªBeater?¡±


    Kyle snorted. ¡°You¡¯re thinking too much. Once the competition has started, it¡¯s impossible for me to join, even if I wanted to, unless someone withdraws voluntarily.¡±


    Hogwarts¡¯ rules on Quidditch were clear: each House had only one opportunity to recruit new players, and it was limited to the second week of the school year. In reality, the captains often selected their teams by the end of the first week and submitted the names to Madam Hooch at the beginning of the second. This gave new players time to train with the team before the matches began, and saved the professors any hassle. After that, no substitutions were allowed unless a player left school, dropped out, or could no longer play for medical reasons. And Madam Hooch was firm on this.


    ¡°Then what did you mean by taking care of it? Wait, you¡¯re not thinking of going after Slytherin, are you?¡± Cedric¡¯s expression turned serious as he realized what Kyle might be implying. ¡°Don¡¯t do anything that breaks school rules. I just broke a leg, it¡¯s not serious. And you¡¯re only a first year. Most of the Slytherin players are third years or older. They¡¯d be happy to take you on, and Professor Snape won¡¯t...¡±


    ¡°Hey, hold on a minute,¡± Kyle interrupted, raising an eyebrow. ¡°What¡¯s all this talk about first years and third years? You don¡¯t think I¡¯m planning to duel them, do you?¡±


    Cedric froze. ¡°Aren¡¯t you?¡±


    ¡°You wish,¡± Kyle replied, giving him a disgusted look. ¡°I think Madam Pomfrey should check your head again.¡±

 Chapter 62: The Tense Atmosphere in the Hospital Wing

    In the Hospital Wing, Cedric and Kyle locked eyes, an awkward silence filling the air. It was Cedric who felt the weight of the moment more. If he weren¡¯t lying in bed, he might have tried to dig a hole right there to escape the embarrassment.


    ¡°I¡¯m glad that¡¯s not the case,¡± Cedric muttered, turning his head to the side in an attempt to appear calm.


    Kyle cleared his throat, his tone suddenly serious. ¡°Cedric, why on earth would you want to duel them? We¡¯re Hufflepuffs, the most honest and model students at Hogwarts. That kind of thinking is dangerous.¡± He leaned in slightly. ¡°Think of Professor Sprout¡ªhow disappointed she¡¯d be if she found out you¡¯d become so impulsive, reckless, and disobedient.¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t, I haven¡¯t thought about it!¡± Cedric shot back, annoyed.


    The truth was, when he was brought to the Hospital Wing, he¡¯d overheard some of the others talking about confronting the Slytherins for a proper one-on-one fight. Quite a few were fired up about it. At the time, his head and leg had hurt too much for him to protest, and he had been too out of it to stop them. Now, as Kyle spoke, he¡¯d assumed his friend was thinking the same way.


    ¡°You don¡¯t need to explain,¡± Kyle said, not even glancing at him, his voice calm and reflective. ¡°I understand. You were seriously hurt, and it¡¯s only natural to say something rash when you¡¯re emotional. Just be more cautious next time. Here, have a Chocolate Frog.¡±


    Before the young badgers left the Hospital Wing, they had left some snacks¡ªmostly treats they¡¯d brought to enjoy during the game. Kyle picked up a Chocolate Frog, unwrapped it, and handed it over.


    ¡°I¡¯m telling you, I didn¡¯t think like that! You¡ªwait a second.¡± Cedric paused mid-sentence, suddenly noticing the card in Kyle¡¯s hand. ¡°What are you holding?¡±


    Kyle calmly slid his hand into his pocket. ¡°Just an ordinary card. Nicolas Flamel. I don¡¯t have him yet.¡±


    ¡°No,¡± Cedric said, sitting up straighter. ¡°That¡¯s not Nicolas Flamel¡ªit¡¯s Agrippa!¡±


    Though he¡¯d only caught a glimpse, Cedric had seen the golden sheen of the card, something that made it unmistakable. The Chocolate Frog Company had commissioned a renowned alchemist to create a unique protection for this rare card. It was a failsafe against people using Doubling Charms to duplicate it or Accio to steal it. The protection charm was far superior to the one on Galleons.


    There was only one card in the entire Chocolate Frog set that used this enchantment¡ªCornelius Agrippa, the rarest of them all.


    Realizing this, Cedric immediately reached out. ¡°Give it back! That was my Chocolate Frog, so the card inside is naturally mine too!¡±


    Kyle, seeing he¡¯d been caught, stopped pretending. ¡°But I¡¯m the one who opened it! If it had been yours, you¡¯d have gotten a Dumbledore at best.¡±


    ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter who opened it! The card is Cornelius Agrippa, and it¡¯s mine!¡± Cedric retorted, getting increasingly frustrated. ¡°I just need this one to complete my collection!¡±


    Kyle clutched his pocket defensively. ¡°I need this one too!¡±


    Just like on the train, they were back to staring each other down, the tension in the air thick. But this time, Kyle clearly had the upper hand. He shot Cedric a defiant look, then walked toward the door of the Hospital Wing, opened it... and stepped outside.


    But then he came back in.


    Out again.


    Then in once more.


    Cedric was at his wit¡¯s end, staring incredulously as Kyle teased him. He couldn¡¯t believe his friend would stoop so low as to taunt a patient with a broken leg.


    "Okay, no more jokes." Seeing Cedric practically gasping for breath from frustration, Kyle walked back to his bedside and pulled the Agrippa card from his pocket. "I really can''t give it to you. I need it," Kyle said, his expression unusually serious. "I have to admit, Slytherin is really lucky. I was wondering what to do next, and then this card showed up right on time."


    "Slytherin?" Cedric put down the shoe he''d been holding threateningly and gave Kyle a puzzled look. "What does your plan have to do with this card?"


    Kyle nodded gravely.


    ¡°This is Agrippa,¡± Cedric muttered, his face filled with longing and worry. "If I could get my hands on an Agrippa, I''d be willing to fall off my broom a few more times."


    Kyle shot him a look of disdain. "It''s just a card. Look at you¡ªcompletely hopeless. This isn''t about a card. We''re talking about venting your frustration. On a small scale, sure, but on a larger scale, it could decide whether Hufflepuff wins the Quidditch Cup. Now tell me¡ªwhat''s more important: an Agrippa card or the Quidditch Cup?"


    Cedric paused, Kyle¡¯s words sinking in. "That''s true..." he mumbled, feeling torn between his collection and his House''s victory.


    "Exactly!" Kyle declared, sensing he was making headway.


    But Cedric couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that something was off. Kyle was acting way too serious for his usual self. The more Cedric thought about it, the more convinced he became that Kyle was pulling one over on him¡ªthat the Agrippa card had nothing to do with Kyle''s so-called plan.


    "Why don¡¯t you just let me have the Agrippa, even for just one night?" Cedric suggested cautiously. "That way, I can at least say I had him once. I¡¯ll give it back to you tomorrow when I¡¯m discharged, or we could carry out the plan together."


    Kyle shook his head, standing tall as though he were preparing for battle. "No, no, leave the dirty work to me," he said with exaggerated bravado, patting his chest. "Your task right now is to rest and heal properly."


    Cedric just stared, deadpan. He was now¡ªKyle was definitely fooling him.


    Narrowing his eyes, Cedric bent down to pick up his shoes again, intending to confront Kyle. But by the time he looked back up, Kyle had already darted out of the Hospital Wing, quick as lightning. Cedric fumed, watching as Kyle made his escape. At that moment, Madam Pomfrey appeared, carrying a tray.


    ¡°What are you doing with your shoes?¡± she asked, frowning at him. ¡°Your bones need time to heal properly. You¡¯ll be staying here overnight.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Madam,¡± Cedric mumbled, forcing a smile as he sheepishly put his shoes back down.


    Madam Pomfrey sighed, shaking her head as she began rebandaging Cedric¡¯s leg. ¡°Honestly, young wizards these days are so unreliable.¡± She finished up and then reached over, placing something on his bed. "I found this by your bedside. Remember to keep your belongings tidy."


    Cedric''s heart skipped a beat, his eyes widening in surprise. He looked down at the card Madam Pomfrey had placed in front of him.


    It was a bearded old man, gazing kindly at him from the card.


    Cedric¡¯s heart, which had been burning with excitement moments earlier, sank like a stone as he read the description: sea??h th§× novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°Nicolas Flamel, widely regarded as the most famous living alchemist, is known for his contributions to...¡±


    ¡°Kyle!¡± Cedric growled, gritting his teeth as he glared at the Hospital Wing''s entrance. He desperately wanted to leap out of bed, track Kyle down, and give him a well-deserved punch. But one glance at Madam Pomfrey bustling nearby quickly put an end to that thought.


    Resigned, Cedric sighed heavily and reached for the two remaining Chocolate Frogs. Maybe there was still hope of finding another Agrippa. He unwrapped them with growing anticipation... but a minute later, he sighed again. Two Dumbledores stared back at him. Defeated, he slipped the cards under his pillow.

 Chapter 63: Why Does It Leave a Sweet Aftertaste?

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Cedric¡¯s fine. Madam Pomfrey said he¡¯ll be discharged tomorrow morning,¡± Kyle announced as soon as they returned to the Hufflepuff common room.


    The young badgers, who had been anxiously waiting ever since leaving the Hospital Wing, perked up at the news. Even the Quidditch players, who had arrived earlier but were clearly disheartened, looked a bit relieved. Seeker Cedric¡¯s injury had been a huge blow to team morale. Although a substitute had taken over the Chaser position, they still lost the match, 60-220¡ªa crushing 160-point gap.


    At least Cedric¡¯s condition wasn¡¯t too serious, which was a small comfort.


    Beater Jazer, a seventh-year student, exhaled in relief. ¡°If that¡¯s the case, he¡¯ll be back in time for practice tomorrow afternoon.¡±


    Jazer, who was in his final year, had one goal before graduating: winning the Quidditch Cup for Hufflepuff.


    ¡°Damn it!¡± Captain Harris slammed his fist against the wall in frustration. ¡°This can¡¯t just be left like this.¡±


    ¡°Yes, we can¡¯t let this slide,¡± someone chimed in angrily. ¡°Slytherin hit our Seeker so blatantly! They¡¯re showing they don¡¯t respect you as Captain, and I can¡¯t stand it.¡±


    ¡°Captain,¡± another voice spoke up quietly, ¡°I heard some of the Slytherin players are going to Hogsmeade tomorrow. Maybe we could¡ª¡±


    ¡°Shut it, Henry,¡± Harris interrupted sharply, turning to glare at him. ¡°Remember, no one lays a hand on any Slytherin players. I¡¯ll deal with this.¡±


    ...


    Kyle, who wasn''t far away, glanced back at Harris after hearing what he said. Kyle thought.


    At the moment, Hufflepuff¡¯s house points were only about ten points behind Slytherin¡¯s¡ªa very narrow gap. If Snape got the chance, he wouldn''t hesitate to dock Hufflepuff a hundred points. And while losing that many points wouldn¡¯t normally bother Hufflepuff, there was a real fear that they wouldn''t get the satisfaction of hitting back, and they''d still lose the points. That would be truly frustrating.


    The chance of that happening wasn¡¯t small either. Kyle suspected that a certain professor was keeping a close watch on them and might even be the one who leaked the news about the Slytherin players heading to Hogsmeade Village.


    Shaking his head, Kyle stopped paying attention to the conversation. He called Mikel and Ryan over, and the three of them returned to the dormitory together.


    ¡°Kyle, what was so important that you couldn''t say it outside?¡± Mikel asked, a bit reluctant as he¡¯d been discussing Quidditch with the others when Kyle called him back to the dorm. He glanced at the Wimbourne Wasps poster on Kyle¡¯s bed and sighed. ¡°I¡¯ve just started to realize how interesting Quidditch actually is. Too bad first years can¡¯t join the team. But I¡¯m definitely signing up next year! What about you guys? Want to come along?¡±


    Mikel closed his eyes, already imagining himself soaring across the Quidditch pitch on his broomstick. He envisioned catching the Golden Snitch, with the crowd roaring his name in deafening cheers. It was a wonderful feeling...


    ¡°Wake up first, sleep later!¡±


    An indifferent voice snapped him out of his daydream.


    ¡°Quidditch can wait until next year. You have more important things to take care of right now.¡±


    Kyle waited until Mikel opened his eyes before reaching over and handing him a blue bottle of potion. ¡°Time to take your medicine, buddy.¡±


    Mikel¡¯s smile instantly vanished when he saw the Magic Suppressing Potion.


    ¡°No way! I just took it the other day!¡± Mikel protested firmly.


    ¡°Sixty days ago,¡± Kyle corrected him. ¡°You know you¡¯re supposed to take it every two months.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s been two months already? That fast?¡± Mikel still couldn''t believe it. The foul taste of the potion was so unforgettable, it felt like he had just taken it yesterday. sea??h th§× ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°Hey, did you forget?¡± Ryan whispered from the side. ¡°Halloween was just a few days ago.¡±


    Hearing this, Mikel quickly snapped back to reality. he thought. So, two months really had passed.


    ¡°Okay, fine, you¡¯re right,¡± Mikel admitted, his eyes darting around. ¡°But I¡¯ve got stuff to do later. Just leave it on the table, and I¡¯ll drink it when I get back tonight.¡±


    ¡°Okay, don¡¯t forget,¡± Kyle said as he placed the potion on the table.


    Mikel let out an audible sigh of relief. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I won¡¯t. I¡¯m heading to the library to finish my homework. See you tonight.¡±


    As Mikel turned to leave, Kyle quietly drew his wand.


    ¡°Incarcerous.¡±


    Thick ropes shot from the tip of Kyle¡¯s wand, binding Mikel tightly.


    ¡°What are you doing? What are you doing?¡± Mikel struggled frantically, but it was no use. He could only watch helplessly as Kyle approached with the potion in hand.


    ¡°Don¡¯t come any closer! Don¡¯t come any closer!¡± Mikel pleaded.


    ¡°Don¡¯t blame me. I¡¯m upset about this too,¡± Kyle said sincerely as he knelt down beside him. ¡°But I have a job to do. Dumbledore gave me the task, and I have to see it through.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m fine, really!¡± Mikel insisted, trying to salvage the situation. ¡°Professor Sprout said I¡¯ve improved a lot. There¡¯s no way I¡¯ll have accidents like before.¡±


    ¡°That was the Levitation Charm, and we¡¯ve all learned the Floating Charm by now,¡± Kyle reminded him.


    ¡°Then I don¡¯t need a wand!¡± Mikel cried out, still struggling. ¡°I can do it without a wand, right?¡±


    Kyle shook his head. ¡°Doing Charm class without a wand is like playing Quidditch without a broom.¡±


    Kyle gave Ryan a subtle signal, and Ryan immediately caught on. Rolling up his sleeves, he stepped forward.


    Together, the two of them managed to get the Magic Suppressing Potion down Mikel¡¯s throat without spilling a single drop.


    Ryan, holding the now-empty bottle, asked curiously, ¡°What exactly is this stuff?¡±


    ¡°Magic Suppressing Potion. It¡¯s pretty rare,¡± Kyle explained.


    ¡°Rare?¡± Ryan asked.


    ¡°Yeah,¡± Kyle replied, pausing to think. ¡°Let me put it this way: if you weren¡¯t at Hogwarts, you¡¯d need at least fifty Galleons to get your hands on a potion like this. And that would be for the lowest quality version.¡±


    ¡°Fifty Galleons?!¡± Ryan gasped. His wand had only cost seven Galleons, and this one potion was worth seven wands?


    ¡°Yep. But the one you just saw was made by Professor Snape himself,¡± Kyle continued. ¡°A potion brewed by a master like him would sell for double that in Diagon Alley¡ªaround 100 Galleons.¡±


    Even Mikel, who had been lying on the floor pretending to be a limp fish, suddenly sat up when he heard that number.


    He had just swallowed something worth 100 Galleons?


    Mikel smacked his lips, trying to catch the sweet aftertaste.

 Chapter 64: The Freely Floating Bottom Line

    It was evening in an empty classroom at Hogwarts. The flickering light of an oil lamp cast the shadows of the three figures present obliquely onto the wall. Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "I''m glad you came to us, Kyle, but we can''t do this," Fred said, lowering his head and hiding his face from the light.


    "We''ve known each other for years, but this is the first time you''ve asked for our help since you got to Hogwarts," he continued. "I can''t even remember the last time we had dinner together."


    "Last Wednesday," Kyle, sitting across from him, paused briefly to think. "You tried to sell my homework to the Gryffindor first years."


    "My friend, you were firm in your refusal," George chimed in indifferently. "You have no idea how heartbroken we were when we had to walk away."


    "I just didn¡¯t need detention from Professor McGonagall," Kyle replied. "Selling homework in bulk? You two will come up with anything. Do you really think Professor McGonagall wouldn¡¯t notice something like that? She¡¯s not Ron, you know."


    "Ahem... well, maybe you''re right," Fred said, looking up at Kyle. "But why aren¡¯t you worried about getting caught by McGonagall today? It¡¯s not that difficult¡ªyou could¡¯ve done this yourself, or asked someone in Hufflepuff for help, right?"


    "We¡¯re being watched closely by Snape," Kyle explained.


    "Oh, I see. So you''re coming to us for the dirty work," George sighed. "You¡¯ve found your place in Hufflepuff. You like it there, the professors and students like you. Honestly, you probably don¡¯t even need us anymore, and you¡¯ve never even called us ¡®seniors!¡¯"


    "Enough with the dramatics. Are you in or out?" Kyle¡¯s patience was running thin. "Mr. Weasley, I¡¯m going to count to three. If you don¡¯t answer, I¡¯ll go find someone else."


    "One!"


    ...


    "George, look, he''s even threatening us."


    "Yeah, Fred, we¡¯re scared."


    "Two!"


    ...


    "I think you can count faster."


    Kyle didn¡¯t bother responding. Instead, he reached into his pocket and pulled out a golden card, waving it in front of Fred and George¡¯s faces.


    "...three."


    "We¡¯ll do it!" Fred and George exclaimed simultaneously, suddenly appearing on either side of Kyle, grinning broadly.


    "Kyle, that card you were holding... was that Agrippa?" Fred asked eagerly.


    "Mm-hm," Kyle nodded.


    Fred leaned in, his voice full of anticipation. "Can I see it again? Just for a second?"


    Kyle, smirking, pulled out the rare card once more and waved it in front of them. Their eyes widened with awe, following the card¡¯s every movement as Kyle swung it back and forth.


    After about ten seconds of teasing them, Kyle tucked the card away. "See this Agrippa? After we finish the job¡ª"


    "You¡¯re going to give it to us?" George interrupted, eyes wide with excitement.


    "You wish," Kyle said flatly. "I¡¯ll it to you for ten minutes after the job¡¯s done."


    "Ten days!" Fred countered, frowning.


    "Nine minutes," Kyle shot back.


    "No way! A week at the very least," George jumped in.


    "Five minutes."


    "One day, that¡¯s our final offer!" the twins said in unison.


    "Deal."


    Kyle extended his hand, and the three of them high-fived.


    The agreement was sealed, and now it was time to iron out the details.


    "Actually, we weren''t planning on saying no," Fred said with a grin, patting Kyle on the shoulder. "We''re always happy to do anything to make Slytherin''s life difficult."


    "But you''ll have to provide the props," George added. "That thing needs to be custom-made, and it''s very expensive. We can''t afford it."


    "Of course. I''ve already got it ready." Kyle pulled out a stack of gold Galleons and placed them on the table. "There should be enough for the two items. It''s twenty Galleons in total."


    "More than enough," Fred said, picking up the Galleons and rubbing them in his hands. He had never seen so much money before. Though he knew Kyle had made a fortune from selling the map a while back, seeing all these Galleons stacked together was a whole different experience.


    "Kyle, we..." George glanced at the pile of gold in front of him, seeming like he wanted to say something more.


    Kyle looked at him, puzzled.


    "Never mind, we''ll talk about it later," George said after a moment''s thought, shaking his head. "If it''s twenty Galleons, Zonkos will definitely be able to deliver what you want on time."


    Kyle didn''t seem too concerned, and after discussing a few more specific details with them, he prepared to leave.


    "I can''t wait," Fred said excitedly. "Slytherin really messed up this time by messing with you."


    Kyle glanced at him and reminded, "Don''t say anything. What do I have to do with it? I don''t know anything."


    "Ha, cunning Chopper."


    "Heh, stupid Weasley."


    ...


    After parting ways with Fred and George, Kyle didn''t head back to the Hufflepuff Common Room right away. Instead, he wandered aimlessly along the third-floor corridors of the castle. He needed to find a particular ghost¡ªthe Fat Friar had mentioned someone who liked to linger near the Defence Against the Dark Arts classroom.


    But after ten minutes of wandering, Kyle hadn''t found anyone.


    Just as he was about to head back and try again in the morning, a balloon filled with liquid suddenly flew toward the back of his head. Kyle tilted his head slightly, narrowly avoiding it. The balloon hit the ground with a splat, releasing an unpleasant smell.


    "Ho ho ho, pesky first-year brats, wandering around at night instead of sleeping. Tsk tsk tsk, naughty, you''ll get caught," came a voice.


    A small figure appeared in midair¡ªa Dwarf with evil black eyes and a wide grin, his legs crossed as he floated. In his hands, he clutched two more balloons.


    "Should I tell Filch, you big idiot and brat? That was so much fun."


    Kyle stood still, watching him with interest. "Are you Peeves?"


    For a moment, doubt flashed in Peeves'' small black eyes, but it quickly turned into anger.


    "Yes, I am the great Peeves!" Peeves hurled the two remaining balloons at Kyle. "I''ll tell Filch about your nighttime wanderings, and he''ll lock you up!" he said with exaggerated seriousness. "I''m going to tell him, for your own good, okay?"


    Kyle flicked his wand, easily deflecting the balloons aside. Unfazed, he replied, "I agree with you, but it''s still five minutes before curfew, so it''s not technically a nighttime stroll. Besides, I came here specifically to see you."


    "Come to see me on purpose?" Peeves was taken aback. It was rare for any student to willingly seek him out.


    "Yes," Kyle said, lowering his voice as he looked around. "I have an idea. I''m not sure if you''re interested in getting involved..."

 Chapter 65: New Broomstick, the Nimbus 2000?

    The following evening, to celebrate Cedric''s discharge from the hospital, the Hufflepuff Quidditch team threw him a small party in the common room after their training session. Cedric was doing well, which was excellent news for the team, and their captain, Harris, had even managed to bring back some Butterbeer from Hogsmeade Village to share with everyone. Mainly, though, he wanted a drink for himself.


    As captain, Harris was under tremendous pressure. Ever since the first round of matches, he had been losing hair by the handful. The competition was fierce. Gryffindor had a top-tier team, with hardly any weaknesses. Slytherin, well-equipped and notorious for bending the rules, made them a nightmare to play against. And Ravenclaw, though often underestimated, was a strong, well-balanced team.


    For Hufflepuff, Cedric, their talented Seeker, was almost their only hope of winning the championship.


    Harris lifted his Butterbeer and clinked glasses with Cedric. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, it won¡¯t happen again. I¡¯m going to assign one of the Beaters to protect you. Next time Slytherin tries anything dirty, that Beater¡¯s bat will land on their face first.¡±


    Cedric frowned, clearly not thrilled with the idea. There were only two Beaters on the team, and if one of them was assigned to protect him, it would leave the Chasers at a disadvantage. If the other team built up too big of a lead, even catching the Golden Snitch might not be enough to win. After mulling it over, Cedric decided the plan wasn''t worth the risk.


    He explained his concerns to Harris.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about that,¡± Harris replied, after thinking it over. ¡°This is just a preliminary plan. We can tweak it during our training sessions.¡±


    Cedric tried several more times to convince Harris to drop the idea, but no matter how well he argued, Harris always responded with the same line: ¡°We¡¯ll talk about it after the training match.¡±


    Realizing that Harris wasn¡¯t going to budge, Cedric gave up for now. he thought,


    Kyle, who wasn¡¯t part of the team, also attended the feast but didn¡¯t have to worry about any of the tactical discussions. Instead, he simply focused on enjoying the food. He was tempted to try some Butterbeer, but before he could reach for a mug, an older student stopped him, reminding him that under-fifth-years weren¡¯t allowed to drink. That put a damper on Kyle¡¯s excitement, but there wasn¡¯t much he could do about it. Even Cedric, the guest of honor, was drinking pumpkin juice instead.


    Once the feast ended, everyone headed back to their dormitories.


    The following days unfolded like any other. Kyle attended classes, ate meals, and spent time in the library doing his homework, just like the rest of the young wizards. It was as if the party and all the earlier drama had never happened. Even Fred and George, notorious for their pranks, seemed to have calmed down a bit. They had only lost Gryffindor ten points in the past few days, much to Professor McGonagall''s delight. She had stopped being as strict with them, and the atmosphere in the school seemed more relaxed.


    This peace lasted until mid-November, when the second Quidditch match of the season arrived.


    It was a weekend, and early that morning, a rumor began to spread through Hogwarts like wildfire.


    ¡°Have you heard? There¡¯s a new broom on the Gryffindor team.¡±


    In the Great Hall, a Slytherin first-year eagerly shared what he had just overheard.


    ¡°A new broom?¡± Sevyn Rosier, the seventh-year Slytherin team captain, scowled as he heard the news. His team was set to face Gryffindor in the afternoon, and the idea of Gryffindor getting an advantage from a new broom just before the match wasn¡¯t sitting well with him.


    But the news got worse.


    ¡°I heard it¡¯s not just any broom. It¡¯s the Nimbus 2000, and it hasn¡¯t even been released yet.¡±


    ¡°Nimbus 2000?!¡± someone gasped in disbelief. ¡°That¡¯s impossible! My uncle works in the Department of Magical Games and Sports at the Ministry of Magic, and even he can¡¯t get his hands on a Nimbus 2000. How would the Gryffindors get one?¡±


    At this, another student chimed in, ¡°I heard Bill Weasley brought it back from Egypt. Apparently, he did Nimbus Racing Broom Company a huge favor once.¡±


    ¡°Damn Weasley,¡± someone muttered, slamming their fist on the table. ¡°What does this mean for the match? The Nimbus 2000¡¯s performance has to be miles ahead of the Nimbus 1700 we¡¯re using.¡±


    The Slytherin who had first spoken stood up abruptly. ¡°I¡¯m going to write to my uncle and see if he can get us a Nimbus 2000 too.¡±


    ¡°Will it arrive in time?¡± another student asked, sounding skeptical.


    ¡°It should be fine,¡± he replied.


    ...


    Next to them, the Slytherin team members wore dark, brooding expressions after hearing the news, their meals left unfinished. Rosier, their captain, was especially furious. He slammed his fist on the table, knocking his plate over in frustration. "Damn it, why of all times?" he growled.


    Slytherin and Gryffindor had been bitter rivals for as long as anyone could remember, and Rosier couldn''t bear the thought of losing to Gryffindor in a match¡ªespecially not like this.


    ¡°Don¡¯t panic just yet,¡± one of his teammates said, trying to sound calm. ¡°The news hasn¡¯t been confirmed. The Nimbus 2000 isn¡¯t some toy they can just hand out to anyone. Besides, this came out of nowhere¡ªit could just be a rumor to throw us off...¡±


    "Wow!"


    Before he could finish, a collective gasp rose from the Great Hall. Heads turned toward the entrance.


    ¡°Look, what¡¯s that?¡±


    As if mocking Rosier¡¯s words, six long-eared owls swooped in, carrying an elongated package and landing right on the Gryffindor table. From the shape of the package, it was unmistakable¡ªa broomstick.


    Even though it was tightly wrapped, everyone could tell that it was longer than a Nimbus 1700, and its design was unlike any of the brooms currently available on the market. The Weasley twins eagerly grabbed the package, grinning from ear to ear, and began talking excitedly with their teammates.


    Though it was difficult to hear what they were saying from across the hall, the excitement on the Gryffindor side was palpable. Their Quidditch players exchanged glances, their eyes gleaming with excitement¡ªand maybe even a hint of smugness.


    Rosier¡¯s face twisted into a grimace as he watched them, feeling as though their excitement was a direct taunt aimed at him and his team. His frustration boiled over, and, with no food left on his own plate to flip in anger, he instead knocked over the plate of a nearby first-year who was unfortunate enough to be sitting next to him.


    "Everyone, go find out what''s going on," Rosier ordered through clenched teeth. "We need to know if that broom is really the Nimbus 2000." S§×ar?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "And what if it is?" someone asked nervously.


    ¡°Then write home and get one for yourself!¡± Rosier snapped, his temper flaring. ¡°What are you waiting for? Go!¡±


    The Slytherin team members scattered at his command. Other Slytherins in the hall, noticing the tension, quietly slipped out as well. No one wanted to stick around and risk being the next target of Rosier¡¯s foul mood.

 Chapter 66: Art is Explosion

    Compared to the distracted Slytherins, the atmosphere on the Gryffindor side was much more cheerful, and their laughter grew even louder after watching Rosier storm out of the auditorium.


    "George, is this the Nimbus 2000?"


    After the Slytherins had all left, a boy with dark skin and long hair couldn''t wait to get to the twins, urging, "What are we waiting for? Show us!"


    His words were immediately echoed by others.


    "Yeah, open it up and show us."


    "By Merlin''s beard! This has to be the best broomstick ever. Even the professional teams probably don¡¯t have Nimbus 2000s."


    But despite the crowd''s urging, Fred and George didn¡¯t seem in any hurry to open the package.


    George glanced sideways with a look of disgust and said, "Hey, Lee Jordan, I¡¯m Fred. Don¡¯t you recognize us yet?"


    "Sorry, Fred, can I see¡ª"


    "No, I¡¯m Fred."


    Next to him, the real Fred hooked an arm around George''s shoulder and said, "Seriously? You fell for such a simple trick? I¡¯m starting to question whether you''re really our best friend."


    Poor Lee Jordan looked completely lost. He stared at the two identical faces next to him, unable to find any difference between them. They were practically duplicates.


    "Okay, Fred, George, I¡¯m sorry," Lee Jordan sighed, shaking his head before taking a deep breath. "Whoever you are, can I please just have a quick look at the Nimbus 2000? Please?"


    Under normal circumstances, Lee would have pointed a finger in the twins'' faces, mocking their silly sense of humor and throwing in some colorful slang to insult them. But this time, he didn''t. He even apologized, bowing slightly.


    He really had no choice. As a massive Quidditch fan, the temptation of seeing a brand-new broomstick, one not even released yet, was far too great. He wouldn''t be able to sleep at night if he didn¡¯t get a glimpse.


    "What Nimbus 2000?" Fred gave him a puzzled look. "I don¡¯t know what you¡¯re talking about. The broom we use is obviously the old Cleansweep Five."


    "I get it, you¡¯re trying to keep it secret," Lee Jordan said, glancing around before lowering his voice. "But now that the Slytherins are gone, we¡¯re all on our own. It¡¯s fine, just a quick peek..."


    Fred and George remained silent.


    "Why don¡¯t we head back to the common room?" someone suggested. "It¡¯ll be safer to look there."


    "You can¡¯t do this," objected some small witches and wizards from Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw. "We want to see it too!"


    But no one really paid attention to their protests. The Gryffindors crowded around the twins and rushed out of the auditorium.


    However, when they reached the portrait of the Fat Lady, they realized Fred and George had disappeared.


    "They must¡¯ve snuck away while we were upstairs," Lee Jordan said, feeling deeply aggrieved. "Can you believe it? They turned on their own people!"


    By noon, the atmosphere at the Slytherin table was still heavy.


    All morning, they had scoured Hogwarts, but there wasn¡¯t a single trace of Fred or George. It was as if the two had vanished into thin air. Additionally, those who had sent letters home didn¡¯t have any luck either. Some of the more temperamental parents had even scolded them in their replies, telling them to focus on their studies and stop daydreaming about impractical things.


    Rosier was one of them.


    He crumpled the letter in his hand into a ball and was about to toss it aside when he suddenly reconsidered, lowering his hand and angrily asking, "Still no news?"


    The students around him exchanged glances, but no one spoke a word.


    "Useless!"


    Just as Rosier was about to flip over his plate in frustration, a Slytherin player came rushing over.


    "Captain, I found something out!"


    Marcus Flint grinned, revealing a row of large teeth. "When I passed by the Quidditch Pitch, I saw the Gryffindor team there. They must¡¯ve been trying to secretly test the performance of their broomsticks while we were eating in the Great Hall."


    Rosier looked up. Sure enough, none of the Gryffindor team members were in the Great Hall.


    "Captain, should we go take a look?" Marcus asked cautiously.


    "Let¡¯s go!"


    Without hesitation, Rosier led the group towards the Quidditch Pitch.


    As Marcus had said, the Gryffindor team was indeed there, but instead of training or testing their broomsticks, they were... fighting?


    More precisely, the Weasley twins were fighting each other, while the rest of the team struggled to break them apart.


    Seeing this, Marcus exclaimed in excitement, "Internal conflict in Gryffindor?"


    With the match scheduled for the afternoon, internal discord among their rivals was great news for Slytherin.


    Rosier also noticed that the package delivered by owl in the morning was placed near the passage. And there wasn¡¯t anyone around guarding it.


    ... S§×arch* The N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    A minute later, the Slytherins left the Quidditch Pitch, huddled closely together, shielding someone in the center of their group. They didn¡¯t return to the Great Hall to continue eating, nor did they go back to their common room. Instead, they found an empty classroom and quickly slipped inside.


    Once the door was shut behind them, they spread out, revealing the person in the middle¡ªRosier¡ªholding a long, slender package tightly in his arms.


    "Captain, are you sure it''s okay to hide here?" Marcus asked nervously. "I still think it¡¯s safer to put it in the common room..."


    Before he could finish, Rosier silenced him with a sharp kick.


    He wasn¡¯t planning on stealing the broom for himself; he simply wanted to keep it hidden before the match to ensure Gryffindor couldn¡¯t use it. What sense would it make to store it in the common room, where anyone might accidentally spill the secret? If word got out that a Slytherin had swiped a broom, Professor Snape would never forgive him.


    Rosier scanned the room. The thick layer of dust on all the desks made it clear that the space hadn¡¯t been used in ages.


    "This¡¯ll do," he said, nodding. "Make sure you hide it well."


    But no one moved. The group just stood there, staring at the person holding the package.


    After an uncomfortable silence, someone finally spoke up. "Why don¡¯t we open it and take a look? What if it¡¯s not even a broom inside? We¡¯ll have wasted our time."


    The others nodded in agreement.


    "No, we can¡¯t open it," Rosier decided, snatching the package from the boy¡¯s hands and setting it aside.


    He knew Gryffindors too well to fall for their tricks. If the rumor about the broomstick was fake, the package probably contained something unpleasant. It was safer to leave it untouched.


    "Ho ho ho, clever boy," came a sing-song voice from outside the window.


    The group turned to see Peeves, the mischievous poltergeist, floating just outside, his face twisted in a gleeful grin.


    "Get lost, Peeves!" Rosier snapped.


    "Rude boy, you¡¯ll pay for that!" Peeves sneered, his eyes narrowing.


    Without warning, he smashed the window and lobbed a balloon filled with some strange liquid into the room.


    The balloon didn¡¯t hit anyone, but landed perfectly on the package. For reasons unknown¡ªwhether it was the liquid or some other force¡ªthe package began to swell rapidly, like it was filling with air.


    "I knew it... damn Peeves!" Rosier cursed under his breath, already turning toward the door.


    But when he grabbed the handle, the door wouldn¡¯t budge. It was jammed shut, trapping them all inside.


    Desperate, Rosier pulled out his wand. "¡ª"


    "Boom!"


    Before he could cast his spell, the package erupted with a deafening explosion. A foul, noxious stench instantly filled the room, making everyone gag.


    The smell was so overwhelming that even Peeves, still hovering outside the shattered window, cackled as he drifted away, leaving the Slytherins stuck in the stinking mess.

 Chapter 67: Snape’s Reaction

    Since it was only halfway through lunch, many students were still in the Great Hall, chatting with friends and enjoying the delicious pork cutlets and roast potatoes. But suddenly, an overpowering stench began to waft in from outside.


    The young wizards sitting closest to the doors were the first to suffer, nearly gagging as the smell hit them. Some of them barely managed to avoid vomiting onto their plates.


    "Ugh... Who threw a Dungbomb in the corridor?!" a Gryffindor with a Prefect badge yelled out, his voice carrying across the hall.


    His shout served as a warning for the others sitting deeper inside. Moments later, they too caught a whiff of the foul odor.


    The entire hall erupted into chaos. Students abandoned their meals and scrambled to leave the hall, rushing outside in a desperate bid for fresh air. But once they were outside, they realized the stench was even stronger. Still, there was no turning back now. Gritting their teeth, they hurried toward their respective common rooms, trying to escape the pervasive smell.


    Amid the confusion, Percy Weasley noticed something odd. His twin brothers, Fred and George, were conspicuously absent.


    "Fred, George... it to be you..." Percy muttered to himself, convinced he had figured out who was behind the chaos. Determined, he pushed through the crowd and made his way toward the Gryffindor common room, fuming with anger. "I write to Mum!"


    "My dear brother, what are you planning to tell Mum?"


    Percy stopped in his tracks. Rounding the corner in front of him were two identical figures, blocking his path.


    George chuckled, "Before you write that letter, can you tell us what exactly happened in the Great Hall? We were only gone for a moment, and now it¡¯s so... lively."


    "Don¡¯t pretend like you don¡¯t know what you¡¯ve done," Percy snapped, his face red with frustration. "Throwing Dungbombs around the castle? You''ve affected nearly every student, and Gryffindor¡¯s sure to lose loads of points because of this!"


    "Wait, Percy," Fred interrupted, equally angry. "Even if you are our favorite brother, you can¡¯t go around slandering us like that."


    "Exactly," George added with a serious nod. "We were at the Quidditch Pitch the entire time. How could we have thrown Dungbombs in the castle?"


    "Don¡¯t try to make excuses," Percy began, but Fred cut him off.


    "You can ask anyone, Percy. Every member of the Quidditch team can vouch for us," Fred insisted.


    George sighed, looking disappointed. "Percy, I can¡¯t believe you¡¯d slander your own brothers just to take credit for something we didn¡¯t do."


    "I¡¯ll definitely be writing to Mum about this," Fred added as they both turned to leave.


    Percy watched them walk away, doubt creeping into his mind. Had he been wrong? Could Fred and George really have been innocent? He scratched his head, anxiety building at the thought that they might tell on to their mother. He wanted to catch up with them and apologize, but he couldn¡¯t muster the courage, so he just stood there, wringing his hands nervously.


    Meanwhile, Fred and George had barely contained their laughter until they were safely out of sight. Once they were sure Percy couldn¡¯t see them, they burst out laughing.


    Fred took a deep breath, savoring the memory. "No wonder that special Dungbomb cost twenty Galleons. The smell was absolutely unmatched."


    "Actually, it was nineteen Galleons and ten Sickles," George corrected with a grin. "And don¡¯t forget about the large bag of Exploding Balloons."


    "Oh, right, sorry. But I still don¡¯t get why Kyle wanted those balloons. They pop at the slightest touch. They¡¯re probably the weakest prank prop out there."


    "Who knows?" George shrugged. "Maybe he has something else in mind for them."


    The two continued walking, blending seamlessly into the chaotic crowd.


    On their way, they spotted Kyle, and the three of them exchanged knowing glances without saying a word. A silent agreement passed between them to stay quiet about their involvement.


    By the time Kyle returned to the common room, a large group had already gathered inside.


    ¡°It was the Slytherin Quidditch team¡ªRosier and Marcus Flint,¡± a senior said, lounging on a sofa. ¡°They were fooling around with Dungbombs in an empty classroom on the second floor. The door blew off, and Peeves saw everything. He started shouting in the corridor, drawing a crowd. Now Rosier and the others have been dragged to Professor Snape¡¯s office by Filch. But they¡¯re claiming to be the victims." Sear?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Most of the students believed this explanation. After all, Rosier was a seventh-year, and even though he was known for causing trouble, it seemed highly unlikely that he¡¯d lock himself in an abandoned classroom just to mess around with Dungbombs.


    But it didn¡¯t really matter to them.


    Harris, sitting nearby, took a satisfied sip of pumpkin juice and said with a smirk, "Serves them right."


    Someone in the crowd voiced a concern. "Do you think Professor Snape might suspect us?"


    "So what if he does?" Harris replied nonchalantly. "We didn¡¯t do anything. Besides, our conflict with Rosier and his lot was a week ago. Gryffindor is far more suspicious right now."


    ...


    ¡°It¡¯s definitely Gryffindor!¡± Rosier said shakily, standing in the corner of the Potions Office.


    Marcus and the others had already been taken away by Filch to be confined to their rooms, but Rosier had been left behind. He stood there, his face black and blue from bruises, looking utterly miserable.


    Getting hit in the face with Dungbombs was one thing, but he was also freezing. When Filch had dragged him to the office, Professor Snape had sprayed him down three times with plain water, refusing to let him use any drying Charms. It was the only way to keep the stench from becoming bearable in the confined space of the Potions Office.


    Unfortunately for Rosier, the office was located near the dungeon cells, which were naturally cold. And since it was still November, the wind cutting through the stone halls made it even worse. In no time, a thin layer of ice had formed on his soaked clothes, making the freezing sensation all the more unbearable.


    ¡°You don¡¯t need to tell me that,¡± Snape replied icily, casting him a sharp look. ¡°What I can¡¯t fathom is how you could be so idiotic as to activate the "Nimbus 2000". Have you lent your brain to a troll?¡±


    ¡°Professor, I didn¡¯t mean to turn it on,¡± Rosier stammered, his teeth chattering from the cold. ¡°I was just... I was trying to hide it, but I didn¡¯t realize Peeves was there...¡±


    Rosier quickly explained the entire sequence of events, conveniently omitting some minor details and making himself out to be a responsible Slytherin captain, only concerned with protecting the honor of his house.


    Snape listened silently, his expression unreadable. When Rosier finished, he was met with the same cold stare.


    ¡°Is what you said true?¡± Snape asked, his voice dripping with skepticism.


    ¡°It¡¯s all true, Professor. I guarantee it,¡± Rosier answered firmly, trying his best to sound convincing.


    Snape gave a slow, measured nod. ¡°Very well. You¡¯re not entirely brainless.¡±


    He tossed a small bottle of potion at Rosier, who caught it with trembling hands.


    ¡°Now get out and find Filch,¡± Snape ordered without looking at him.


    Rosier felt an overwhelming sense of relief, as if he had just been handed a great mercy. He immediately uncorked the bottle and gulped down its contents.


    The moment the purple potion hit his throat, his face contorted into a grimace, turning an even more unpleasant shade of green. He doubled over, coughing violently as the foul taste overwhelmed him.


    To be honest, it wasn¡¯t much better than the Dungbombs he¡¯d just been hit with.

 Chapter 68: Snape’s Intuition

    Before the afternoon Quidditch match was set to begin, Professor Snape approached Madam Hooch, requesting a postponement on the grounds that the physical and mental health of his house¡¯s players had been affected.


    Madam Hooch, already aware of the chaos that had unfolded at noon, didn¡¯t question his request. Without further discussion, she agreed and began preparations to have Ravenclaw replace Slytherin in the match.


    However, Snape wasn''t done. ¡°Madam Hooch, I don¡¯t think Gryffindor is fit to compete today either,¡± he added, glancing toward the Gryffindor team. ¡°There¡¯s something urgent I need to discuss with the Weasleys.¡±


    Madam Hooch frowned in frustration. "Can¡¯t it wait until after the match?"


    If both teams were replaced, it would throw the entire tournament into disarray, making the rescheduling process a nightmare.


    ¡°It¡¯s urgent,¡± Snape replied, his voice unwavering. As a full professor and head of Slytherin, Snape had enough authority to intervene, and Madam Hooch reluctantly agreed. S§×arch* The N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°All right, but let¡¯s hope this doesn¡¯t happen again,¡± she warned him. ¡°Rescheduling matches is a serious inconvenience.¡±


    Snape, with his usual cool tone, replied, ¡°Believe me, I don¡¯t want this to happen either, but I can¡¯t fathom what they were thinking...¡± With that, he strode toward the Gryffindor team and, without hesitation, pulled Fred and George away.


    Charlie Weasley quickly stepped forward, trying to intervene, but Snape shut him down immediately. ¡°Disobeying a professor? Ten points from Gryffindor, Weasley,¡± Snape said coldly. "If you don¡¯t step aside, I¡¯ll dock twenty next time."


    Charlie clenched his fists, his face turning red with anger. The veins in his arms bulged as he considered arguing further, but after taking a deep breath, he grudgingly stepped aside. ¡°Professor Snape,¡± he said tersely, ¡°take care.¡±


    Snape, his grip on his wand slightly loosening, gave a derisive snort before leading Fred and George away from the Quidditch Pitch. As he did, Charlie cursed under his breath, his frustration boiling over. Without wasting another moment, he stormed off, heading straight for Professor McGonagall¡¯s office.


    The Slytherins had gone too far this time, not only setting them up but also throwing around insults. But in Charlie''s mind, Gryffindor had a trump card¡ª Deputy Headmistress, McGonagall, who outranked Snape. He¡¯d make sure she heard about this.


    Meanwhile, Snape led Fred and George back to the castle, taking them straight to the Potions Office. But the twins, far from nervous, seemed more amused than anything, taking in the surroundings with curious eyes.


    The office was unimpressive. It felt cramped, with old-fashioned desks and creaky floorboards. If it weren¡¯t for the shelves of potion ingredients lining the walls, the room might have been mistaken for a second-hand furniture shop. Compared to Professor McGonagall¡¯s elegant office, Snape¡¯s workspace was disappointingly ordinary.


    ¡°Professor Snape, what can we do for you?¡± Fred asked, breaking the silence.


    Snape didn¡¯t answer immediately, his voice slow and deliberate as he finally spoke. ¡°What¡¯s the story with the package you received this morning?¡±


    ¡°We don¡¯t know, Professor,¡± George replied smoothly, pulling a crumpled piece of paper from his pocket and placing it on the nearby table. ¡°There was no signature. We assumed the owl delivered it to us by mistake.¡±


    Fred nodded in agreement. ¡°We searched for the rightful owner, but we couldn¡¯t find them. We were actually about to hand it over to Professor McGonagall when it disappeared.¡±


    George leaned forward slightly. ¡°Professor, do you happen to know who the package?¡±


    He placed deliberate emphasis on the word , pausing for effect. But Snape, unfazed, ignored the bait and continued his interrogation.


    ¡°So, you didn¡¯t purchase the package yourselves?¡± Snape asked, his voice sharp. ¡°Don¡¯t try to fool me. I know it came from Zonko¡¯s. I¡¯ll be heading to Hogsmeade later to ask around.¡±


    Fred remained calm, his expression unchanged. ¡°That¡¯s your prerogative, Professor.¡±


    George added with a polite smile, ¡°But if you happen to find out who the package, we¡¯d appreciate you letting us know. After all, it was lost while in our possession, and we¡¯ll have a hard time explaining that to the owner if they come asking for it.¡±


    Snape¡¯s eye twitched ever so slightly at George¡¯s not-so-subtle dig, but once again, he pretended not to notice, maintaining his cold demeanor.


    "Weasley, you¡ª"


    "Knock, knock, knock..."


    At that moment, a knock sounded on the door. Professor McGonagall entered from outside.


    "Severus, I heard you took Fred and George with you," Professor McGonagall said, lips pursed and expression serious. "Did they do something wrong?"


    "We didn''t, Professor McGonagall!" Fred protested loudly.


    George quickly followed, "Professor Snape asked us about the package."


    Professor McGonagall paused, thinking for a moment. "Is it the one you told me about earlier? The one without a signature?"


    "Yes, that''s the one," Fred replied. "But it''s gone, and we suspect someone may have stolen it."


    "Stolen? At Hogwarts?" Professor McGonagall''s lips pressed into an even tighter line. "If I find out who it was, I''ll deduct a hundred¡ªno, two hundred points."


    "Ahem..." Snape coughed twice, interrupting. "Actually, it belonged to one of our Slytherin students. He brought it to me after he found it."


    Professor McGonagall looked momentarily surprised. "From your house?"


    "Yes, from our house," Snape confirmed, his face taking on a slight greenish tint as he gritted his teeth. "I called the Weasleys here just to confirm the situation."


    "I see..." Professor McGonagall''s face softened somewhat, though she still appeared displeased. "You could have explained this at the pitch. Why did you have to interrupt the match?"


    Snape remained silent, cursing Rosier inwardly for his foolishness.


    After that, Professor McGonagall left, taking Fred and George with her. Snape didn''t stop them.


    In fact, he had never really suspected the Weasleys. The style didn''t match. He had only wanted to gather some information from them and maybe dock 30 or 50 points to lighten his mood. He hadn¡¯t expected McGonagall to show up so quickly, and Fred and George had been well-prepared, turning the situation into a "theft" right in front of her.


    He couldn''t even dispute it. After all, it was the truth. If the Slytherins hadn¡¯t stolen the package, the rest of the incident wouldn''t have occurred.


    "Rosier, that idiot is practically related to a troll!" Snape cursed in his mind once more.


    Still, the whole exchange left Snape more certain that the Weasleys had nothing to do with the theft, or at the very least, they weren¡¯t the masterminds. The Weasleys just weren¡¯t clever enough for something like this.


    As he stood there, lost in thought, a sly, hypocritical face suddenly flashed in his mind, replacing the honest and trustworthy image he''d first considered.


    "Kyle Chopper..." Snape muttered to himself.


    Even though, by all accounts, Kyle had nothing to do with the situation¡ªnot even remotely¡ªSnape''s instincts screamed otherwise. He was sure Kyle wasn''t entirely innocent.


    Yes, it was intuition¡ªand it had nothing to do with Kyle corrupting Kanna.

 Chapter 69: What Would You Do?

    "Mr. Chopper, why didn''t you grind the lionfish spines into a powder before adding them to the cauldron, as the book instructs?" Snape''s voice was sharp, dripping with condescension as he stared at Kyle during Potions class. "Do you think you''re some sort of Potions genius, tampering with the textbook?"


    "Because of your arrogance, Hufflepuff will lose five points."


    Kyle glanced up at the blackboard. Written in large, clear letters were the instructions:


    The words were huge, unmistakable, and written by Snape himself. How could this possibly be considered tampering with the textbook?


    "Professor..." Kyle took a deep breath, trying to keep his voice as calm and steady as possible. "That''s what it says on your blackboard."


    "Oh, then I made a mistake," Snape replied coolly, waving his wand with a detached air and erasing the sentence from the blackboard.


    "Does that mean I''m always right? What about your judgment? If I told you to add your own heart tendon, would you do it?"


    Snape sneered, his tone biting. "Because you have no mind of your own, Hufflepuff lose three more points."


    ...


    Until the end of class, Kyle''s hand remained clenched around the rock cake in his pocket, torn between the temptation to throw it at Snape''s back and keeping it there. Although Snape had been deducting points for no good reason for as long as Kyle could remember, today had crossed the line. Snape had stooped to new lows, even going as far as to lose face just to dock points. How could he write something on the board himself and then erase it with his own hands?


    This level of manipulation was truly eye-opening for Kyle.


    Of course, the effect was immediate. In just one class, Kyle had lost over 30 points. Since starting at Hogwarts, no other class had ever deducted that many points from him.


    Afterward, the other young Hufflepuffs came over to console him, even Kanna, who kindly offered him a liquorice sweet. Kyle glanced at it but chose to ignore it.


    During dinner, word of what had happened in Potions class spread, and Fred and George Weasley made their way over to Kyle. They patted him on the shoulder sympathetically.


    "It''s okay, mate, Snape''s always docking points from us too. It''s nothing new," Fred said, trying to reassure him.


    "Yes, poof... I mean, you just have to let it go," George added, his words meant to comfort, but the smirks on their faces betrayed them. It was clear they had come to laugh at the situation more than to sympathize.


    Just as Kyle was about to brush them off, Fred leaned in closer and whispered, "Come on, stop dwelling on the bad stuff. Let me show you something cool."


    He glanced around cautiously before pulling a square piece of parchment from his pocket.


    "Remember the other day when I said I wanted to show you something? Well, this is it." George leaned in too, his voice low. "A magical object. Bet you won''t guess what it is."


    "Could it be...?" Kyle raised an eyebrow, pretending to think deeply before saying, "Parchment that automatically writes homework?"


    "..."


    The twins¡¯ previously smug expressions faltered, their faces suddenly stiff.


    "If only..." Fred said, his eyes lighting up at the thought. "I really wish it was."


    "But the actual function is still pretty amazing," George continued. "It¡¯s a map of Hogwarts. But not just any map¡ªyou can''t buy one like this."


    "It''s called the Marauder''s Map," Fred explained as he took out his wand and tapped the parchment gently.


    "I solemnly swear..."


    Instantly, thin lines of ink spread across the parchment like a spider''s web, connecting and stretching to the edges. Large green letters appeared at the top:


    Kyle took the parchment from Fred and examined it. The famed Marauder''s Map displayed Hogwarts Castle in intricate detail, far beyond that of any ordinary map. It was almost like a miniature of the entire castle. Every painting, carpet, and vase was marked on the map.


    But what stood out most were the numerous tiny black dots moving about on the map, each labeled with a name in small print. Kyle spotted Dumbledore in the Headmaster''s office, and he also saw Filch and Peeves darting through the corridors from the fifth to the sixth floor.


    However, in more crowded areas like the Great Hall, the map was less helpful¡ªthere were so many names overlapping that it was hard to make anything out.


    Kyle also noticed that some secret passageways seemed to be missing. For instance, the location of the Whomping Willow was blank, with no markings at all.


    He handed the map back to Fred and asked, "How did you get it?"


    "We were in first year," Fred began, his eyes narrowing with nostalgia, "young, carefree, innocent..."


    "For some trivial thing, Filch dragged us into his office and threatened to..." George added.


    "Detention," Fred interjected.


    "Tear us apart," George continued dramatically. "And while we were there, we happened to notice one of his filing cabinet drawers labeled ¡®Confiscated Items¡ªHighly Dangerous.''" sea??h th§× n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Fred suddenly chuckled. "Kyle, what would have done?"


    Kyle thought for a moment. "I''d have lured Peeves there with a bunch of Dungbombs or Pepper Imps and used the chaos to grab whatever was in the drawer."


    "..."


    Fred and George stared at him, speechless for a long moment. Finally, Fred shook his head and said, "Kyle, you deserve to lose 30 points from Snape. Really, you do."


    "Don''t remind me of that," Kyle glared at him. "So, this map is what you took from that drawer?"


    "Yep," George replied, smacking his lips. "We didn¡¯t have your nerve, so we just took this."


    "But how did you know how to use it?" Kyle asked, flipping through the parchment. "It¡¯s not written anywhere."


    "Ah, that¡¯s thanks to Moony, Wormtail, Padfoot, and Prongs," Fred sighed. "Those four were geniuses when it came to pranks."


    "They hid the password in various corners of the castle," George added. "If you find all the clues, you can piece it together."


    "Unfortunately, we¡¯ve been searching for a year now," Fred said, looking disappointed. "But we still haven¡¯t found the full password."


    "They hid the password in various corners of the castle," George added. "If you find all the clues, you can piece it together."


    "So we can only use the map five times a day, and only for half an hour each time," George added with a smile. "It¡¯s a big task, and we¡¯re prepared to spend the next three years completing it."


    "And if you don¡¯t find it in three years?" Kyle asked.


    "Then we don¡¯t deserve it," George shrugged. "And we¡¯ll pass it on to a new owner."


    "Really," Kyle said with a hint of amusement. "So, you¡¯re showing it to me to recruit me into your quest for clues?"


    "No, Kyle," Fred said, shaking his head. "The password is a test from the Marauders, and we have to solve it on our own."


    "Then what¡¯s this about?" Kyle asked.


    "Simple," the twins said in unison, grinning widely. "We¡¯re going on a night tour!"

 Chapter 70: Why Are You Wearing Slytherin’s Clothes?

    ¡°I can¡¯t believe it, Kyle,¡± Cedric said, his voice filled with dismay, as he stood near the barrel at the entrance to the Hufflepuff common room late at night. ¡°You actually agreed to go on a nighttime tour with the Weasley brothers!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve thought about it, and they¡¯re right,¡± Kyle replied, rummaging through his Mokeskin pouch without looking up. ¡°I really need to do something fun to cheer myself up.¡±


    ¡°But you can¡¯t go on a nighttime tour¡­¡± Cedric said, clearly distressed. ¡°That¡¯s against the rules! If you get caught, you¡¯ll not only lose points, but you¡¯ll also be put in detention! You¡¯re only a first-year, Kyle¡ªyou can¡¯t start breaking school rules like this.¡±


    Cedric¡¯s concern was evident. He spoke earnestly, as if he truly feared that Kyle might be led down the wrong path by Fred and George.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Cedric. With the Marauder¡¯s Map, no one can catch us,¡± Kyle said confidently, finally finding what he was looking for in the pouch. He glanced up at Cedric and added with a smirk, ¡°Besides, before lecturing me, take a look around. This is the castle corridor, not the common room. You¡¯re part of this night tour too.¡±


    ¡°I, I don¡¯t want to go on a night tour!¡± Cedric protested, sticking his neck out. ¡°I¡¯m just coming along to keep an eye on you, to stop you from breaking more rules!¡±


    Kyle raised an eyebrow and snorted, ¡°As you wish. We¡¯ll turn back now and forget about going to the Forbidden Forest to watch the Mooncalves dance.¡±


    ¡°Er, well¡­¡± Cedric¡¯s resolve wavered. His eyes darted, suddenly a little unfocused, as he mumbled, ¡°No, that¡¯s not what I meant. I just want to¡­¡±


    ¡°You to go to the Forbidden Forest, don¡¯t you?¡± Kyle interrupted bluntly, pointing at Kanna, who stood silently beside them. ¡°You should learn from her. If you want to go, just wait quietly. Say one more word, and I won¡¯t take you.¡±


    Cedric chuckled awkwardly, immediately silencing himself.


    Earlier in the Great Hall, although Kyle and the Weasley twins had spoken in hushed tones, Cedric and Kanna¡ªwho had been seated nearby¡ªhad inevitably overheard part of their conversation.


    When Kyle snuck out of the dormitory later that night, he had turned around to find two pairs of eyes fixed on him in the moonlight. The sight startled him, sending a shiver down his spine. Any sleepiness he had left vanished, replaced by cold sweat.


    The two figures, of course, were Cedric and Kanna, and their intentions were clear: they wanted to join him on his adventure to the Forbidden Forest.


    And so, the scene that was unfolding now had come to pass.


    After Cedric finally quieted down, Kyle pulled a bundle of long, striped items from his pouch and handed them over. ¡°Pick one.¡±


    Cedric squinted at the bundle in Kyle¡¯s hands. Something about it seemed familiar. When he looked more closely, he realized they were scarves from the other three houses¡ªGryffindor¡¯s scarlet and gold, Slytherin¡¯s silver and green, and Ravenclaw¡¯s gray and blue. There were about a dozen scarves in total, so tightly bound together that at first glance, one could mistake them for a log.


    Confused, Cedric blurted out, ¡°Kyle, why are you giving me this? I already have my own scarf.¡±


    ¡°These aren¡¯t for warmth,¡± Kyle replied, still focused on his pouch. ¡°They¡¯re just in case. If you get spotted, toss it on the ground as you run.¡±


    ¡°...¡±


    Cedric and Kanna exchanged bewildered glances, unsure of what to do.


    When they didn¡¯t move for a while, Kyle simply took two silver-green scarves and draped them around their necks, matching the one he wore himself.


    Properly equipped, the trio left the kitchen corridor and made their way to the agreed meeting spot¡ªthe entrance of a hut near the Great Hall, where the first-year students would wait. It was a place rarely noticed by anyone, save for the occasional pile of branches, and even Filch seldom patrolled the area.


    When they arrived, Fred and George were already there.


    "Wow, look who''s here," George said with a mischievous glint in his eye. "The Golden Boy Cedric, and the warrior who conquered Snape, Kanna."


    Fred joined in, grinning widely. "I didn''t realize our nighttime patrol team was so luxurious. This is really... wait!" His eyes suddenly widened as he noticed something unusual. "Why are you all wearing Slytherin scarves?"


    Kyle sighed and explained the plan once more.


    "What a genius idea..." Fred and George were clearly impressed. "Do you have more?" Fred asked eagerly. "Get us one, quick!"


    Kyle shrugged and handed them two more silver-green scarves. All of them were Slytherin, purely out of convenience¡ªdefinitely not because Snape had been particularly hard on him recently.


    The twins donned their scarves immediately. Fred admired his new look and asked curiously, "Kyle, I don¡¯t remember you ever leaving Hogwarts. Where did you get these?"


    "My mum sent them," Kyle said casually. "Along with the scarves, there was also a master key and an Invisibility Cloak with a Disillusionment Charm cast on it. I¡¯m not sure why she sent them, but it turned out to be perfect timing."


    Kyle said this lightly, but he didn¡¯t notice the astonished looks on the twins'' faces, their eyes practically glowing red with envy.


    "A ..." Fred breathed in disbelief. "An ..." S§×arch* The n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    George swallowed, then said earnestly, "Mrs. Chopper is simply the greatest mother in the world."


    "Agreed," Fred added, nodding solemnly. "Her deeds and thoughts deserve to be written down and put in a book, placed in the most prominent spot in Flourish and Blotts. And in the school library too."


    "If that day ever comes, I swear I''ll buy it," George vowed.


    "Even if it bankrupts me."


    "And put it in the kitchen..."


    "Or in Mum''s room!"


    "If that day ever comes..." Kyle grinned, shaking his head. "You''ll probably end up hung up and beaten by Mrs. Weasley."


    "No," Fred replied seriously. "Mum would never hang us up and beat us."


    "She just twists our ears," George laughed. "I think she''s trying to twist them off so she won''t get our names wrong anymore."


    "Though, to be fair, she''s never mixed them up."


    As Kyle and the twins bantered and laughed, Cedric and Kanna stood frozen, nervous and stiff. They were far too anxious to join in, terrified that Filch might appear out of nowhere and drag them off to the professor''s office.


    Noticing their discomfort, Fred unfurled the Marauder¡¯s Map with a flourish. "Don¡¯t worry, we¡¯ve been watching the map the whole time." He pointed at the parchment. "Filch and Mrs. Norris are on the fifth floor. As long as we don¡¯t make too much noise, they won¡¯t¡ªoh no, the cat¡¯s coming down!"


    On the map, the name was speeding towards them.


    George reacted quickly, pulling out his wand and aiming it at a nearby tapestry. "!"


    The tapestry split down the middle, revealing a hidden passage.


    "Quick, get in there!" Fred urged, his voice hushed but urgent. "We¡¯ve got to move before that cat gets here!"


    Without hesitation, the group hurried into the secret passage. George, the last to enter, slipped through just as the tapestry closed back up, restoring the corridor to its original appearance.


    A second later, Mrs. Norris arrived. She sniffed around the now-empty hallway, lingering in confusion for a moment before eventually wandering off, leaving the corridor as silent as before.

 Chapter 71: The Happy Pet Owner

    The secret passage seemed designed for night owls, its exit tucked away behind some bushes near the Quidditch Pitch, just a short distance from the castle. Once everyone had emerged, Fred and George took the lead, walking a few steps ahead before turning around and spreading their arms wide.


    "Welcome to Hogwarts at night," Fred declared with a grin.


    "This feels completely different from the daytime. Enjoy it," George added.


    Cedric and Kanna, both a little excited, exchanged glances. This nighttime adventure was entirely new for them. The sense of novelty filled them with a mixture of thrill and nervousness.


    Kyle, on the other hand, wasn¡¯t feeling particularly emotional about it, but it was still his first time seeing Hogwarts under the night sky. Curiosity got the better of him, and he began to take in the surroundings.


    Hogwarts at night was serenely quiet. The stars twinkled above, casting a gentle glow that felt like little nightlights scattered across the sky, illuminating the castle¡¯s silhouette. The scene was both beautiful and dreamlike, exuding a sense of calm and peace that was different from the bustling energy of the day.


    They stood there for a moment, taking it all in, until Fred reminded them that they had business to attend to. The group then began heading towards the Forbidden Forest. Along the way, they made a wide detour, purposely avoiding Hagrid¡¯s hut.


    Fang, despite his timid nature, was still a trained hunting dog with sharp senses. If they wandered too close, he might notice them, and the last thing they wanted was for Hagrid to drag them all back to the castle.


    After safely passing Hagrid¡¯s cabin, the group found themselves in front of a vast expanse of woodland. With Kyle¡¯s guidance, they soon came upon a lush Wiggentree¡ªthe home of the Mooncalves.


    As luck would have it, the Mooncalves were already emerging from their lair. These shy magical creatures looked up at the night sky, their long necks extended, with their large, round heads contrasting comically with their slender, spindly legs. They almost resembled mini alpacas, and their awkward proportions made them oddly endearing.


    Under the moonlight, the Mooncalves began to raise their front legs, while their slightly thicker hind legs swayed in a quirky, irregular rhythm.


    "The Mooncalves are dancing!" Cedric whispered excitedly. "I¡¯ve only seen this in books before, but seeing it in person is so much better!"


    "Keep it down," Kyle whispered back, "or they¡¯ll notice us and stop." S§×ar?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Mooncalves were notoriously shy, and if they became aware of people watching, they¡¯d retreat back into their nests.


    But Cedric was right¡ªthe live performance was far more captivating than any pictures from a textbook. Of course, that wasn¡¯t a surprise. Kyle silently mused that Newt Scamander, though an expert in magical creatures, probably wasn¡¯t much of a photographer. His passion lay in studying the creatures, not capturing perfect shots.


    The Mooncalves continued their dance, and as they warmed up, their movements became more complex and mesmerizing. With each graceful step, tiny silver-white lights began to appear on the ground behind them, trailing their movements. These glowing specks multiplied and gradually spread across the ground, creating what looked like a shimmering stage beneath the Mooncalves'' feet.


    The silver-white "stage" twinkled under the moonlight, elevating the Mooncalves'' dance to an almost ethereal level.


    ¡°So beautiful...¡± Kanna''s eyes sparkled with wonder as she watched in awe.


    ¡°Ahem...¡±


    Kyle debated for a moment before leaning in and whispering to her, ¡°That silver stuff is actually their feces.¡±


    ¡°...¡±


    The stars in Kanna¡¯s eyes vanished almost instantly. She turned to Kyle in disbelief.


    ¡°It¡¯s true,¡± Kyle said nonchalantly. ¡°If you don¡¯t believe me, check It¡¯s written in there.¡±


    Kanna: ¡®...¡¯


    After learning that the Mooncalves danced on their own droppings, she knew there was no going back. The graceful, mesmerizing dance she had just witnessed lost all its charm in an instant.


    Kanna felt a wave of frustration wash over her.


    The more she thought about it, the angrier she became. She turned around and punched Kyle in the arm.


    Fred and George, standing nearby, felt similarly. They each gave Kyle a punch, muttering for him to shut up when he should.


    Only Cedric seemed less bothered, likely because he already knew this little fact.


    Seeing that he¡¯d upset everyone, Kyle quickly raised his hands in surrender. ¡°Okay, okay, I was wrong!¡±


    But it didn¡¯t work. The group continued to glare at him, even Cedric.


    Realizing he had to salvage the situation somehow, Kyle changed his approach. ¡°Alright, how about this? That stuff is silver, and so is Sickles. You know what that means? If you''re quick, you could probably gather five in one night.¡±


    Fred and George gasped, and instead of scolding Kyle further, they huddled together to do some quick calculations.


    Their minds raced. They couldn''t keep up with the sums, but they knew it was a lot of money.


    And with six more years at Hogwarts ahead of them, the possibilities seemed endless. Even if they split the profits with Kyle and the others, they could open their own joke shop before graduation!


    Tears welled up in the twins¡¯ eyes, and they embraced each other, nearly jumping with joy at the thought that their dream was within reach.


    From then on, they ignored everything else and stared intently at the Mooncalves, waiting for the silver droppings to stop multiplying before springing into action.


    The Mooncalves, startled by the sudden enthusiasm, bolted for their burrows. Fred and George, undeterred, quickly began gathering the droppings.


    Fred even waved at Kyle and the others to join them, perhaps thinking they were moving too slowly.


    However, Kyle and Cedric remained where they were, and though Kanna hesitated, she was eventually dragged along by Kyle.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you going to tell them the truth?¡± Cedric, ever the honest one, looked conflicted.


    Mooncalf droppings were valuable, yes, but only when fresh. Unlike more common magical substances, they couldn¡¯t just be sold anywhere. A stable sales channel and customers were needed for such goods, and Fred and George weren¡¯t exactly in a position to transport the droppings beyond Hogwarts¡¯ grounds.


    Besides, this was Hogwarts. Both Hagrid¡¯s pumpkin patch and Professor Sprout¡¯s greenhouse needed plenty of fertilizer. They almost certainly weren¡¯t purchasing it from elsewhere.


    ¡°What truth? I have no idea what you¡¯re talking about,¡± Kyle replied innocently. ¡°Everything I said was true. That stuff really expensive.¡±


    Cedric pressed his lips together, casting a sympathetic glance at the twins, who remained blissfully unaware of the complexities.


    A while later, Kyle began to feel sleepy. He walked over to Fred and George, who were still enthusiastically shoveling, and despite their protests, he and Cedric forcibly dragged them out of the Forbidden Forest.

 Chapter 72: Why Couldn’t It Be You?

    As they neared the edge of the Forbidden Forest, Fred and George finally gave in and stopped resisting, though they still had plenty of energy left to grumble about Kyle''s extravagance.


    ¡°There¡¯s still loads left. We¡¯ve wasted at least a Galleon,¡± Fred muttered, holding the hem of his robe like a makeshift pouch, filled to the brim with silver sand.


    George, similarly dressed, stood next to him, making them look like a pair of overgrown kangaroos.


    Kyle, on the other hand, didn''t respond much, only mumbling something under his breath. He was running low on energy, and the late hour was catching up with him. The initial excitement of watching the Mooncalves dance had worn off, and now fatigue was setting in. All he could think about was getting back to the dormitory and sinking into a warm, comfortable bed for a good night''s sleep.


    As the group reached the forest''s edge, the sound of barking and heavy footsteps echoed from a short distance away.


    Hagrid!


    Everyone froze, immediately dropping to the ground. Kyle swiftly pulled out his invisibility cloak. Though the cloak was a bit small for five people and couldn¡¯t cover them entirely, the dense underbrush of the Forbidden Forest helped conceal them further. S§×arch* The Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The footsteps drew closer, and soon Hagrid''s enormous figure came into view. Kyle clutched the cloak tightly, lying flat on his stomach, barely daring to breathe.


    ¡°Who¡¯s there? Show yourself!¡± Hagrid called out, his dim oil lamp casting a flickering glow around him. "I can see you!"


    Behind Hagrid trailed Fang, the large black hound. The dog lowered its head and began sniffing the ground, inching closer to their hiding spot.


    Everyone¡¯s hearts pounded in their chests, and they instinctively covered their mouths to avoid making any noise. Fang crept nearer, until he was less than a meter away. Kyle could make out the dog''s small black eyes and the drool dripping from its mouth.


    "Did you catch a scent, boy?" Hagrid asked, noticing Fang''s unusual behavior. He moved closer with the lantern, his voice growing more forceful. ¡°I don¡¯t know who you are, but this is Hogwarts, not a place for sneaking around! Get out before I lose my patience. If I catch you, you¡¯ll be in trouble!¡±


    For a tense moment, it seemed like Fang would expose them. But after Hagrid¡¯s warning, the hound hesitated, then abruptly turned and trotted off deeper into the forest. Hagrid followed closely behind, walking right past where Kyle and the others lay hidden.


    They waited, breath held, until the sound of Hagrid¡¯s footsteps faded completely. Finally, they exhaled and collapsed onto the ground, breathing heavily with relief.


    ¡°That was close!¡± Cedric exclaimed, his face flushed with excitement. ¡°By Merlin''s beard, I could¡¯ve touched Hagrid¡¯s boot! He nearly stepped on my hand!¡±


    ¡°Oh, gross!¡± Fred cried, getting to his feet and inspecting his hand with a look of disgust. ¡°I think I touched the dog''s drool.¡±


    ¡°You should be grateful it was only drool,¡± George said, still rattled. ¡°Hagrid looked terrifying. If he''d caught you, it wouldn¡¯t have been just detention.¡±


    He shuddered as he spoke, recalling the intimidating sight of an angry Hagrid. It was the first time George had seen him so furious, and the memory still sent a chill down his spine.


    ¡°Thanks to you two,¡± Kyle said, giving Fred and George an appreciative pat on the shoulder. If they hadn¡¯t brought along all that Mooncalf dung to throw off Fang¡¯s sense of smell, they wouldn¡¯t have escaped so easily.


    After this close call, none of them dared to linger. With Hagrid still in the Forbidden Forest, they quickly gathered themselves and hurried back toward the castle.


    When they reached the exit of the secret passage, the group paused. Rather than rush inside, they pulled out the Marauder¡¯s Map and checked to make sure Filch wasn¡¯t lurking on the first floor. Once the coast was clear, they slipped through the passage one by one and returned to the castle.


    Since their routes back to their dormitories were different, they parted ways shortly after emerging from the passage. The recent encounter with Hagrid had left everyone a bit shaken, and they were all on edge as they made their way back.


    Cedric felt his heart racing and couldn¡¯t help but ask, ¡°Kyle, you don¡¯t think we¡¯ll get caught, do you?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, if we get caught, we¡¯ll just split up,¡± Kyle whispered. ¡°That way, he won¡¯t know who to chase.¡±


    ¡°But...¡± Kanna¡¯s voice trembled. ¡°I¡¯m slow, what should I do?¡±


    Kyle paused for a moment, considering. ¡°That¡¯s true, that a problem. How about this: if we get caught, you run upstairs.¡±


    ¡°Running upstairs won¡¯t get us caught?¡± Kanna asked, puzzled.


    ¡°No, running upstairs isn¡¯t safe,¡± Kyle shook his head, then explained, ¡°But Felch will chase after you, and Cedric and I will use the chance to run back to the common room.¡±


    "..."


    Kanna''s eyes gradually dulled, then quickly flashed with anger.


    Kyle, oblivious to the shift in her mood, continued muttering, ¡°Catching one while two escape¡ªsounds like a good deal to me.¡±


    Kanna gritted her teeth. ¡°Then why am the one who has to get caught?¡±


    ¡°Well... it¡¯s simple,¡± Kyle replied after a brief moment of thought. ¡°If someone¡¯s going to get caught, why not you?¡±


    For some reason, Kanna suddenly felt oddly calm. Without a word, she pulled out her wand, eyeing Kyle''s back as if searching for the perfect spot to jab him.


    The most notable feature of a serpentine wand is its toughness. According to Ollivander, in extreme situations, it could even serve as a melee weapon.


    Kyle felt a sudden chill creeping up his spine and instinctively quickened his pace.


    ...


    Luckily, no mishaps occurred, and the three of them returned to the common room without any trouble.


    Of course, that had been expected.


    Kyle had checked the Marauder¡¯s Map at the entrance to the secret passage and noticed that all the professors were asleep in their quarters. Filch, who was on his night patrol, was on the eighth floor.


    The distance from the Great Hall to the Hufflepuff Common Room wasn¡¯t far, and if you walked quickly, it would only take a few minutes.


    There wasn¡¯t enough time for Filch to catch up.


    So, Cedric and Kanna¡¯s worries during their trek back had been entirely unnecessary.


    ¡°Good night, see you tomorrow,¡± Kyle yawned as he headed to the dormitory.


    Originally, he had planned to stop by the kitchen for a snack when they got back, but as soon as he stepped into the common room, he couldn¡¯t fight it anymore.


    His eyelids grew heavy, his head felt light, and all he wanted was a good night¡¯s sleep.


    ¡°Good night.¡±


    ¡°Hmph...¡±

 Chapter 73: The First Snow at Hogwarts

    For some time now, Kyle had become increasingly fascinated with nighttime activities that nurtured both body and soul. In recent weeks, he¡¯d been sneaking out nearly every night, even more frequently than Fred and George, likely due to the twins'' recent misadventure.


    The pile of Mooncalf dung the twins had painstakingly gathered had, unsurprisingly, found no takers. No one in the wizarding world wanted it. The shops in Diagon Alley refused to touch it, but the twins weren''t about to give up so easily. Finally, for reasons known only to them, they tried to offload it at a steep discount to Professor Sprout by bringing it to the greenhouse.


    Predictably, their nighttime escapade was discovered, and the consequences were severe. Professor Sprout only needed one look to figure out the source of the droppings. With such a large quantity, it could only have come from the Forbidden Forest. And, of course, she knew well the time required to collect it. Being caught sneaking into the Forbidden Forest at night was bad enough, but flaunting it in front of her was unthinkable. This blatant provocation was too much for even the usually mild-mannered Professor Sprout. She promptly marched them to Professor McGonagall¡¯s office.


    Despite their best efforts to claim they¡¯d found the droppings near Hagrid''s pumpkin patch, no one bought their story. Hagrid had been busy with other matters and hadn¡¯t tended the patch in weeks. Disappointed and angry, Professor McGonagall punished them by assigning a week¡¯s worth of bathroom cleaning. Filch even voiced his desire to move his office next to Gryffindor Tower to keep an eye on them.


    However, this all worked in Kyle''s favor. Once Mikel and Ryan were asleep, Kyle slipped out of bed and crept out of the common room. As usual, he wrapped his silver-green scarf around himself, drew his wand, and tapped it lightly to his forehead. ¡°,¡± he whispered.


    A chill washed over him, spreading from his head down to his toes, as if he¡¯d been doused with ice water. His body took on the color of the wall behind him¡ªa result of the Disillusionment Charm. Kyle had been practicing this spell since his last venture into the Forbidden Forest. While he owned an Invisibility Cloak, it had limitations. Move too quickly, and your feet might stick out. The Disillusionment Charm, by comparison, was more reliable, though mastering it had taken him three days. His body¡¯s coloring wasn¡¯t as seamless as it should have been, but Hogwarts Castle was so dark at night that the imperfection barely mattered.


    Once fully prepared, Kyle made his way with ease to the library door on the second floor. This was his latest nighttime haunt. He loved reading, but certain books weren¡¯t suitable for daylight. They were best savored in secret, alone, under the cover of darkness.


    The library doors were shut, with a heavy brass lock between them. Kyle took out his master key and unlocked it with a single twist. He pushed one of the doors open just enough to slip inside.


    The library at night was dark and eerie. ¡°,¡± Kyle murmured, holding his wand aloft as he navigated past the rows of shelves to the back of the library, where he stopped before a sign. ¡°Restricted Section,¡± it read, and Kyle couldn¡¯t help but feel the allure of the forbidden books before him.


    He carefully stepped over the cord that marked the section boundary and illuminated the titles with his wand. Kyle was selective about his choices, determined to avoid any risks. Anything with a picture on the cover¡ªwhether portraits, Magical Creatures, or various symbols¡ªwas out. Books without covers were also avoided, as were thick, oversized, or suspiciously marked ones. Anything too old was a no-go; he didn¡¯t want to damage fragile pages and risk leaving irreparable traces.


    He wandered through the Restricted Section for a while before finally reaching the sixth row of shelves. From the top, he pulled down a thin black book with gold letters, their intricate design worn with age. Kyle could just make out the last two words: ¡°Explore...¡±


    This one would do.


    As he¡¯d done on previous visits, Kyle sat cross-legged on the floor, opened the book, and began reading. Compared to the general collection, the content here was much denser and more obscure. Whenever he came across something he couldn¡¯t understand, he¡¯d take out his quick-writing quill and transcribe it carefully.


    While this method was slower and more tedious than using a Doubling Charm, it was also safer. Who knew what kinds of strange protections or curses were hidden in these books? Best to be cautious and avoid casting any spells on them at all.


    ...


    By the time Kyle left the library, two hours had passed. On his way back, he unexpectedly encountered Peeves, but thanks to the Disillusionment Charm, Peeves didn¡¯t notice him.


    The next morning, Kyle had planned to sleep until 8:50, but his two roommates had other ideas. At 7:30, they yanked him out of bed.


    ¡°Wake up, Kyle, wake up!¡±


    Ignoring Kyle¡¯s groggy protests, they each grabbed an arm and hauled him to the window.


    ¡°Look, it¡¯s snowing!¡± Mikel exclaimed, throwing the window open. A gust of cold wind mixed with snowflakes hit Kyle square in the face.


    ¡°Hiss¡­¡± Kyle shivered, instantly wide awake.


    Rubbing his face, he felt a strange sense of d¨¦j¨¤ vu, as if he¡¯d seen this scene somewhere before. S§×arch* The nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°Come on, let¡¯s go outside and see it!¡± Mikel urged excitedly. ¡°This is the first snow at Hogwarts!¡±


    Kyle shook his head, declining. he thought. He had stayed up late the previous night, and it wasn¡¯t even the weekend. He didn¡¯t want to feel sleepy during classes.


    But Mikel and Ryan wouldn¡¯t take no for an answer. They kept pressing him to wash up and get dressed, making it clear they weren¡¯t leaving without him.


    ¡°This is our first snow since arriving at Hogwarts¡ªit''s special!¡± Mikel insisted. ¡°Sleeping now is a waste of time, and you can catch up on sleep in History of Magic later.¡±


    Kyle sighed. With that thought, he relented, got dressed, and followed them out of the dormitory.


    Overnight, the snow had piled up more than a foot deep. By the time they reached the open area outside Hogwarts Castle, it was already bustling with people. Among them, Kyle spotted Fred and George, surrounded by a few Gryffindors, building a snow lion in the middle of the courtyard.


    At least, it was supposed to be a lion. In reality, it looked more like a very peculiar Flobberworm caterpillar attempting yoga.

 Chapter 74: Christmas Eve

    ¡°Kyle, come build a Yeti with us!¡±


    Fred and George called out enthusiastically, inviting Kyle to join their snowy creation. S~ea??h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    But Kyle declined without hesitation. Their artistry was on another level¡ªabstract, with free-flowing lines that gave their work a mysterious, avant-garde charm. Kyle thought,


    No, he didn¡¯t deserve to be part of it.


    ...


    A bit further on, a group of young Hufflepuffs had gathered around the Black Lake, marveling at the way the heavy snowfall had caused it to freeze over. They were debating whether to drill a hole in the ice to catch a few fish, dreaming of a fresh stargazy pie.


    Nearby, other students were engaged in a spirited snowball fight. Kyle spotted an older Gryffindor student slyly stuffing a stone into a snowball, intending to aim it at a Slytherin.


    Unfortunately, his aim was a little off. The ¡°special¡± snowball traced an arc through the air and nearly struck Professor Oren, who happened to be passing by.


    ¡°Young man, you must take more care during a snowball fight,¡± Professor Oren said calmly, flicking the snowball aside with his wand, ¡°and avoid mixing in stones. I¡¯ll let you off without deducting any points this time, but don¡¯t let it happen again.¡±


    The Gryffindor nodded emphatically, relieved.


    The students had a fantastic time¡ªeveryone, that is, except Filch. He was visibly irritated. The young wizards didn¡¯t seem to care much about polishing their shoes, leaving muddy footprints everywhere as they tramped back into the castle. This oversight significantly increased Filch¡¯s workload. Eventually, he set up a chair by the castle entrance and wouldn¡¯t let anyone inside until they polished their shoes.


    Later that morning, in History of Magic, Kyle managed to fall asleep within thirty seconds, achieving a quality of rest far better than he¡¯d gotten in the dormitory. Had Kanna not nudged him at the end of class, Kyle reckoned he¡¯d have slept until noon.


    ¡°Half the students are dozing off,¡± Kanna remarked, rubbing her slightly reddened eyes, as if she¡¯d just woken up herself. ¡°Why can¡¯t the school just hire a new History of Magic professor?¡±


    ¡°Probably because Professor Binns doesn¡¯t need a salary,¡± Kyle shrugged. Not to mention, Professor Binns worked year-round. Unlike other professors who were often called away by personal matters, his attendance was impeccable.


    Besides, the History of Magic exam was notoriously straightforward. As long as you read the textbook before the test, an ¡®E (Exceeds Expectations)¡¯ grade was nearly guaranteed. Neither the school board nor Dumbledore himself would likely ever agree to replace such a instructor.


    ¡°That stingy old bee,¡± Kyle scoffed, expressing his disdain for Dumbledore¡¯s relentless exploitation of senior faculty.


    ...


    As December arrived, the weather grew colder, but the students'' spirits only seemed to rise. It was a complete transformation from their drowsy mood the previous month. Christmas break was around the corner, and they were eagerly counting down the days to two full weeks of freedom. In such an atmosphere, focusing in class became nearly impossible, and they spent more time daydreaming than listening.


    Initially, the professors tried to rein them in with point deductions, hoping it would keep them in line, but it had little effect. The students would shape up for a few minutes, only to drift off into distracted reverie shortly after. Realizing this, most professors eventually gave up. They were used to this pre-holiday restlessness¡ªevery year, it was the same. Since they weren¡¯t teaching anything new in these last few classes, they turned a blind eye to minor lapses, so long as they didn¡¯t go too far.


    Well, all except for two professors, of course.


    Professor Binns, entirely indifferent to Christmas, continued his History of Magic lecture in his usual monotone, recounting the invention of the Self-Stirring Cauldron as if it were a tragic ballad.


    ¡°The Self-Stirring Cauldron,¡± he intoned, ¡°enchanted to stir potions on its own, was invented by Gaspard Shingleton in the late 20th century. For this reason¡­¡±


    The other was Professor Snape. He didn¡¯t care why students were unfocused, and unlike his colleagues, he had no leniency to offer. Any non-Slytherin caught not paying attention lost three points immediately. Thanks to his vigilant efforts, Slytherin¡¯s house points surged ahead, nearly a hundred points higher than second-place Ravenclaw by the day before break. Professor Snape was very pleased with the result. Slytherin¡¯s six-year winning streak looked secure.


    The evening before the holiday began, Kyle ran into a somewhat frazzled Hagrid in the Great Hall. This was the first time Kyle had seen him since that late-night escapade in the Forbidden Forest. Out of guilt, he and his friends had been avoiding Hagrid for the past month. But now that they were face-to-face, Kyle couldn¡¯t ignore him.


    ¡°Hagrid! How have you been?¡± Kyle called, waving.


    Hagrid looked down at him with a distracted smile. ¡°Kyle, hello there! Sorry, can¡¯t stop to chat. I¡¯ve got loads left to prepare¡ªby Merlin¡¯s beard, I nearly forgot Hogwarts is on holiday tomorrow. Seems like Halloween was just the other day!¡±


    Even as he spoke, Hagrid didn¡¯t slow his pace, striding toward the castle in a rush. Kyle had to jog to keep up.


    ¡°Need a hand?¡± Kyle offered.


    ¡°Well, if you¡¯re not too busy¡­¡± Hagrid thought for a moment. ¡°Could you fetch some mistletoe for the decorations? The feast¡¯s about to start, and I¡¯m worried I won¡¯t get everything done in time.¡±


    ¡°Of course,¡± Kyle agreed, and together, they made their way to Hagrid¡¯s cabin by the edge of the Forbidden Forest.


    Outside the cabin stood two massive fir trees, each with a trunk around 60 to 70 centimeters wide, along with a small pile of holly and mistletoe.


    ¡°Just grab some of that holly and mistletoe, and I¡¯ll take care of the rest,¡± Hagrid instructed, bending down to hoist the two fir trees.


    Kyle could see the strain on Hagrid¡¯s face as he struggled to lift them both. His cheeks flushed from the effort; it was clear even for him that lifting both trees at once was a challenge. Just then, Hagrid heard a voice behind him.


    ¡°¡±


    Suddenly, the weight of the trees vanished. Startled, Hagrid turned to see Kyle, wand outstretched, casting the levitation charm.


    ¡°Blimey! Impressive bit of charmwork!¡± Hagrid exclaimed.


    ¡°Oh, it¡¯s nothing, really,¡± Kyle shrugged modestly. ¡°Anyone can do it.¡±


    ¡°Really?¡± Hagrid blinked, puzzled.

 Chapter 75: Kyle’s Flower Garden

    With Kyle¡¯s help, Hagrid managed to bring the final Christmas trees to the Great Hall just before dinner. Professors McGonagall and Flitwick were already waiting.


    ¡°Hagrid, there you are¡ªthese must be the last two... Oh!¡± Professor Flitwick¡¯s eyes lit up as he noticed Kyle beside Hagrid, wand in hand. ¡°Excellent Levitation Charm, Mr. Chopper. Five points to Hufflepuff.¡±


    Realizing Kyle¡¯s spell had made the task much easier for Hagrid, Professor Flitwick smiled at him. ¡°If the final exam were on the Floating Charm,¡± he said with a wink, ¡°I¡¯d give you an ¡®O¡¯ right now.¡±


    Flitwick raised his own wand, smoothly guiding the two fir trees into their designated spots. Meanwhile, Professor McGonagall wove the mistletoe into a hanging garland, filling the last empty space on the wall.


    Minutes later, students began flooding into the hall, and the festive Christmas dinner commenced.


    At the Hufflepuff table, Cedric glanced at Kyle in surprise. ¡°You¡¯re not going home for Christmas?¡±


    Kyle nodded. ¡°Yeah. No one¡¯s at home right now, so it wouldn¡¯t make much sense to go back. I might as well stay at Hogwarts.¡±


    Chris was traveling the world with Lord Newt, helping return captured Magical Creatures to their natural habitats. His mother Diana, from the Department of Mysteries, had recently written to him, saying she wouldn¡¯t be home for Christmas but had already sent his presents.


    With both of them away, Kyle felt there wasn¡¯t much point in going home. At Hogwarts, he¡¯d at least have things to keep him busy. He could check in on Fluffy or water the two ornamental plants he¡¯d been tending to.


    ¡°Why don¡¯t you come to my house?¡± Cedric suggested. ¡°My dad would really like to meet you.¡±


    Kyle shook his head with a polite smile. ¡°Maybe next time. I¡¯ve already promised Hagrid I¡¯d help him look after his animals over the holidays.¡±


    Cedric looked a little disappointed. Kyle, however, was secretly relieved. The idea of meeting Mr. Diggory¡ªlet alone spending two weeks with him¡ªwas a bit much. Just the thought made Kyle¡¯s head spin; he figured it was enough that his mother had to deal with Mr. Diggory alone.


    To shift the conversation, Kyle turned to Kanna, who was sitting nearby. ¡°What about you? Are you going home for the holidays?¡±


    Kanna simply shook her head, not saying a word. Kyle took the hint and didn¡¯t press further. S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ...


    With the semester over after the Christmas feast, students began boarding the train back to King¡¯s Cross Station. Mikel and Ryan had also gone home, leaving Kyle alone in the dormitory. The once lively common room was now far quieter¡ªa solitude Kyle found rather pleasant.


    He sat on one of the sofas near the fire, roasting a potato in its skin, surrounded by some flatbread, mushrooms, and thinly sliced beef. When he¡¯d gone to the kitchen for ingredients, the House-elves had offered to help, but Kyle had refused. The enjoyment was in the process; eating was secondary.


    After patiently waiting for the potato to blacken slightly, Kyle took it off the skewer. Once it cooled, he peeled the skin and took a bite. The potato was sweet and soft, though he discovered the center was still a bit raw. Using a spoon, he scooped out the undercooked part and tossed it toward a mouse not far away.


    ¡°Kyle¡­¡± Kanna glared at him. ¡°Don¡¯t give Pocky that strange stuff!¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s just a potato. What¡¯s strange about that?¡± Kyle shrugged. ¡°Besides, who doesn¡¯t like potatoes?¡±


    But as if deliberately mocking him, Pocky the mouse sniffed the undercooked potato and turned away, not even tempted to try it.


    ¡°Good grief, a picky mouse,¡± Kyle muttered, a bit embarrassed. ¡°You should try starving it for a few meals,¡± he suggested to Kanna.


    Kanna ignored him, taking Pocky and leaving the common room. Since it was holiday break and Filch¡¯s cat wouldn¡¯t be lurking about, she figured it was a good time to let her pet explore the castle freely. After all, it had been cooped up in the dormitory for ages.


    With Kanna gone, Kyle was the only one left in the common room. Feeling a bit restless, he finished his food, then decided to head up to the Room of Requirement on the eighth floor.


    Over the past three months, Kyle had transformed the room into a miniature greenhouse. Alongside Chomping Cabbage, he had cultivated Dittany, Rue, Belladonna, Mistletoe, Sneezewort... and even a beautiful Golden-banded Hydrangea. The first three were common magical plants, and he had easily procured their seeds from Hogsmeade. The Golden-banded Hydrangea, however, had been a little trickier to obtain.


    One night, he couldn¡¯t resist and snipped a tiny branch from the lush golden hydrangea plant in the Hufflepuff common room. It had been a mere inch long, and he doubted anyone would miss it. To his surprise, the cutting had taken root and was now growing steadily, albeit still small. Kyle was satisfied; as long as it survived, it would flourish.


    He went straight to the center of the room, where his Chomping Cabbage plants had grown significantly. In just three months, they had shot up from seeds to the size of a Bludger, each with a mouth lined with two rows of sharp teeth that looked strong enough to snap anything unfortunate enough to get too close.


    Kyle loosened the soil around the plants, shooing away a Billywig that had been buzzing around his head. ¡°Busy right now¡ªgo play over there,¡± he told it.


    A few days ago, he¡¯d rescued the little Billywig from Mrs. Norris, who had nearly turned it into lunch. It still had a faint scar from where the cat had grabbed it. After Kyle treated the wound with Dittany, the little creature had started following him everywhere. Thankfully, it was well-behaved, and at Kyle¡¯s words, it fluttered off to a corner of the room where it could explore in peace. The room¡¯s spaciousness and the lack of that leaping, lurking cat seemed to be a paradise for the little creature.


    Once Kyle finished with the Chomping Cabbage, he looked around the room. Although he had quite a few Dittany and Rue seeds left, he thought it would be a waste to fill this remarkable space with only the more common magical plants.


    He rubbed his chin thoughtfully as he gazed at the large empty area he¡¯d purposely left on one side of the room. If he remembered correctly, they¡¯d soon be learning about Devil¡¯s Snare in Herbology class.

 Chapter 76: Unboxing Christmas Gifts

    The next morning, Kyle awoke to find a small mountain of presents at the foot of his bed. Most were snacks¡ªchocolates and sweets¡ªand there were quite a few more than he¡¯d expected.


    ¡°Being a good student really does have its perks,¡± Kyle murmured, setting the snacks aside and eagerly moving on to the rest.


    Hagrid¡¯s gift was the largest, resembling a small wooden barrel wrapped in thick brown paper. ¡°Could it be¡­ a Mooncalf?¡± he wondered with a mix of hope and dread as he carefully unwrapped it. Thankfully, it wasn¡¯t. Hagrid had given him a Lady''s Mantle, the barrel serving as a makeshift planter filled with soil. Fresh dew on its leaves suggested Hagrid had just dug it up in the Forbidden Forest.


    In return, Kyle had gifted Hagrid a model of the Dragon used during the Triwizard Tournament¡ªa little figurine that could fly low, spit fire, and even move around. He was sure Hagrid would love it.


    Cedric¡¯s gift was a signed copy of with signatures from the Chudley Cannons. Kyle took one look at the team¡¯s signature and promptly set it aside with a grimace. he thought with mild disdain.


    Cedric, on the other hand, would likely be thrilled with Kyle¡¯s gift to him: his prized, autographed bat from the Wimbourne Wasps. He had even sent a special request to Mrs. Weasley, asking her to mail it for him. Mrs. Weasley had sent a reply scolding him for not coming home over the holiday and promising a good telling-off come summer. Kyle wasn¡¯t worried. A handmade apron and a stellar report card would ensure she forgave him without a fuss.


    Kanna had knitted him a pair of wool mittens, each bearing his initials, and her knitting skill was surprisingly refined. They fit perfectly and would go well with the sweater Mrs. Weasley had given him. For Kanna, he¡¯d picked out a handbag enchanted with an anti-theft charm¡ªpractical and stylish.


    Fred¡¯s gift was a bottle of disappearing ink, and George¡¯s was a collection of Chocolate Frog cards, neatly stored in a transparent card holder. For them, Kyle had chosen a textbook from Beauxbatons¡¯ alchemy course, hoping it would aid them in their recent experiments with playful inventions.


    His roommates hadn¡¯t forgotten him either: Mikel gifted him a finely crafted gold brooch, while Ryan presented him with a wizard chess set.


    To his surprise, Kyle also found a present from a professor. Professor Flitwick had given him two thick notebooks filled with meticulous notes from Flitwick¡¯s own first through third years, detailing his understanding of Charms¡ªa treasure for any magic student. Kyle felt a twinge of guilt, as he¡¯d only gifted Professor Flitwick a simple amulet carved from mountain ash.


    In fact, he¡¯d given small presents to every professor. Professor McGonagall received a Golden Snitch hat ornament; Professor Sprout, a tool maintenance kit; Professor Oren, an elegant walking stick; and Professor Binns, a humorous newspaper clipping titled For Headmaster Dumbledore, he¡¯d chosen


    And then, of course, there was Professor Snape. Kyle had felt it necessary to show his appreciation for Snape¡¯s recent¡­attention, so he had sent him a crate of ¡°Sleekeazy''s Hair Potion.¡± He hadn¡¯t signed the gift and had gone through some effort to ensure it was anonymous, using a school owl to send it to the Owl Post Office in Diagon Alley, which would then deliver it to Snape¡¯s quarters.


    Though the process had been a bit complex, Kyle was sure it was well worth it. He could just imagine how deeply moved Professor Snape would be by such a thoughtful gesture.


    After carefully storing Professor Flitwick''s notes, Kyle opened the last present, which was from Diana.


    Inside was a silver ring adorned with a crescent moon, and beneath it lay a short note:


    Kyle slipped the ring onto his finger, and it automatically adjusted to fit snugly against his skin. He flexed his fingers and found it entirely comfortable, without a trace of tightness.


    Kyle was delighted with the gift. He¡¯d long wanted to learn Apparition, but since he was still too young, neither Chris nor Newt had been willing to teach him. This ring was easily the best Christmas present he¡¯d received in his eleven years.


    After tidying up his dorm room, Kyle made his way to the common room, where he spotted Kanna standing on tiptoe, rummaging around in a large planter.


    ¡°What are you looking for? Need some help?¡± Kyle asked.


    ¡°No, I found it,¡± Kanna replied, pulling a dirty cloth bag out of the planter. Turning to Kyle, she added, ¡°Thanks for the Christmas present. I really needed it.¡±


    Kyle watched as she retrieved two Galleons from the bag and then tucked them back into a small clutch. He frowned, puzzled.


    ¡°Have you been losing Galleons lately?¡± he asked.


    ¡°No,¡± Kanna said, shaking her head. ¡°But I lost two Sickles yesterday afternoon.¡±


    Kyle frowned. ¡°Where¡¯s your roommate? Has she gone home?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, they all went home. I¡¯m the only one left in the dorm now,¡± Kanna said, a bit giddy. ¡°But they did send me a gift¡ªsome hair clips from the Muggle world. They¡¯re so pretty!¡±


    Kyle rubbed his forehead. He was about to respond when Kanna dashed back to her dorm. When she returned, she held a small wooden box in her hands.


    ¡°Look, aren¡¯t they beautiful?¡± Kanna said, handing the box to Kyle.


    Inside were seven or eight colorful hair clips, each with a unique and distinctly Muggle style, unlike anything seen in the wizarding world. Kyle, however, wasn¡¯t particularly interested. He gave them a quick look and was about to hand the box back to Kanna when something caught his eye¡ªa tiny bottle nestled beneath the hair clips.


    Curious, he reached in and moved one of the clips aside.


    ¡°What... what is this?¡±


    Kyle¡¯s hand jerked, and he almost dropped the box. A cold sweat broke out on his forehead as he quickly set the box down on the wooden table beside him. Taking a deep breath to steady himself, Kyle reached out and gingerly picked up the small bottle. S§×arch* The n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Chapter 77: Bitter Taste

    The bottles were about the size of a thumb, each filled with a golden potion that shimmered like molten gold. After a moment of careful observation, Kyle became certain: the bottle contained Felix Felicis.


    Felix Felicis, also known as the "Liquid Luck", was arguably the most complex potion in the wizarding world. The rare ingredients were only part of the challenge. It took half a year to brew, with each step requiring painstaking precision¡ªany slip-up, and you''d have to start all over again. Each vial was worth a fortune.


    ¡°Where did you get this?¡± Kyle asked, turning toward her.


    ¡°Professor Snape gave it to me for Christmas,¡± Kanna replied, a bit unsure. ¡°Why, don¡¯t you have one?¡±


    Hearing this, Kyle¡¯s heart sank with a twinge of envy. Snape hadn¡¯t even given him an empty bottle, let alone Felix Felicis.


    He swallowed his jealousy and, with a slightly complicated expression, asked, ¡°Did you know Professor Snape before?¡±


    Kanna shook her head at first, then nodded slightly. ¡°I¡¯ve heard my mother mention his name before, but I hadn¡¯t met him before coming to Hogwarts.¡±


    Kyle studied Kanna thoughtfully. Prince?


    When Snape first gave Kanna extra points, Kyle had felt something was off. He¡¯d assumed they simply knew each other, so he hadn¡¯t thought much more of it. But now, it seemed he had misjudged. If they merely knew each other, even as friends, Snape would hardly gift Kanna something as valuable as Felix Felicis. Malfoy never received such treatment.


    This hinted at a deeper connection to the name Prince.


    Kyle pondered this for a moment, feeling he¡¯d heard the surname somewhere before. It was so familiar, but he couldn¡¯t place it. The only thing that came to mind was Princeton University, which had no relation to the wizarding world at all.


    After thinking on it for a while, Kyle gave up. He held up the small glass bottle and asked, ¡°Do you know what this is?¡± S§×ar?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°Cold medicine?¡± Kanna guessed uncertainly.


    Kyle shook his head and decided to be direct. ¡°No, it¡¯s Felix Felicis.¡±


    ¡°¡­Pfft¡­Kyle, you¡¯re still half-asleep.¡±


    For some reason, Kanna burst into laughter. ¡°It might look like Felix Felicis, but I don¡¯t even know Professor Snape. Why would he give me something so precious? It¡¯s impossible.¡±


    ¡°Why not?¡± Kyle said, giving the bottle a gentle shake. ¡°Is there any other potion that looks as much like liquid gold as Felix Felicis?¡±


    Kanna shook her head again. ¡°Professor Snape is a Potions master. It wouldn¡¯t be hard for him to change the color of a potion. Maybe it¡¯s a Christmas prank, and this really is cold medicine.¡±


    Kyle tried to explain further, but Kanna found a reason to disagree each time, until eventually even Kyle began to doubt himself.


    He could understand Kanna¡¯s reaction. If he¡¯d found this bottle among his own presents, he¡¯d have trouble believing it was Felix Felicis too. He¡¯d likely think Snape had brewed some unusual poison, dressed it up to resemble Felix Felicis just to trick him.


    In the end, it seemed that Kanna was convinced, deep down, that the potion was Felix Felicis¡ªeven as she kept finding reasons to argue otherwise. Somehow, it made sense.


    So Kyle let it go and didn¡¯t press the matter further.


    Determining whether the bottle held Felix Felicis or not was actually quite straightforward, or at least convincing Kanna of it could be. All Kyle needed was to uncover the connection between the surnames Snape and Prince.


    But first, it was probably best if he held onto the bottle. Kanna had a tendency to lose things, and this bottle might be next in line. If it really was Felix Felicis, she¡¯d regret losing it. He glanced over at Kanna and asked, ¡°Can I hold onto this for now?¡±


    Kanna clapped her hands indifferently. ¡°Sure, you can have it.¡±


    Kyle shook his head quickly. ¡°Forget it. You¡¯d end up crying and regretting it.¡±


    Just kidding. He wasn¡¯t the kind to actually take advantage of a situation like this. He was just a tad less scrupulous than most people.


    ¡°I won¡¯t cry...¡± Kanna wrinkled her nose in defiance, sounding annoyed with Kyle¡¯s comment. ¡°If I say you can keep it, then you can. I won¡¯t regret it, and I definitely won¡¯t ask for it back, even if you try to return it.¡±


    Kyle shrugged nonchalantly. If he had a recording device, he¡¯d have captured her words for later. He¡¯d play it back in the common room on repeat when the timing was just right.


    After leaving the common room, Kyle headed to the library and stayed there until noon.


    The Christmas feast was lavish, with tables piled high with plump turkeys, mounds of roast meat and potatoes, platters of little sausages, buttered peas, and, oddly enough, stacks of pancakes. Scattered every few feet along the tables were magical holiday crackers in vibrant colors, a festive staple, like the Christmas tree itself.


    Kyle picked up one of the crackers in front of him and gave it a pull. With a loud pop, a lacy, tassel-adorned lady¡¯s hat drifted down in front of him. He glanced around, then casually slipped the hat into his Mokeskin pouch. Next year¡¯s Christmas gift for Professor Snape, sorted.


    Kyle continued to pull on several more crackers. Each explosive crack felt like a small burst of joy, with no worry of accidental injury, making it all the more fun. By the time the feast truly began, he had a small mountain of items piled next to him. There were six hats of various styles, two sets of Wizard Chess, three rubber wands, a collection of odd trinkets¡­ and Cockroach Clusters (?).


    To be honest, Kyle wasn¡¯t sure if the Cockroach Clusters were real or not, so he kept them sealed in a clear box, well away from his other items.


    The House-elves had, as always, worked culinary magic. Eyeing the enormous turkey, Kyle carved off a little drumstick, then used some stuffing and sausages to make himself a festive pizza.


    After the turkey, the Christmas pudding arrived, which held a small surprise of its own. Kanna¡¯s pudding came wrapped with a glint of silver sequins. Kyle eagerly sliced into his own pudding, only to find a hint of yellow inside¡­


    He put down his knife. No more cutting¡ªit was mango sauce inside, and he didn¡¯t want it spilling everywhere.

 Chapter 78: New Members of the Flower Garden

    In the afternoon, Kyle made his way to Hagrid''s cabin.


    ¡°Kyle, what are you doing here?¡± Hagrid greeted him warmly, handing over a plate of rock cakes. ¡°Thanks for the gift! I like it a lot.¡±


    On the small table in the cabin, the models of the dragons were displayed carefully, and Hagrid had even set up a little fence around the table, as if worried they might fall. It was clear he was quite fond of them.


    Kyle shook his head, declining the rock cake. ¡°Hagrid, I don¡¯t think I can eat another bite right now.¡± Sear?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°Right, I reckon you¡¯re already stuffed with turkey and sausages,¡± Hagrid chuckled, taking a bite of one of his rock cakes. ¡°So, what brings you here? I¡¯ll tell you now, though, I¡¯m not taking you to the Forbidden Forest.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not here for the Forbidden Forest,¡± Kyle replied. ¡°I just wanted to ask if you know wizards with the surname of Prince.¡±


    ¡°Prince?¡± Hagrid repeated, scratching his head as if the name rang a bell. He paused, then gave his head a tap. ¡°Sorry, Kyle. I¡¯ve had a bit of a cold these past few days; my head¡¯s all fuzzy. Can¡¯t seem to remember much of anything right now.¡±


    Suddenly, he brightened. ¡°Oh, right... Poppy asked me to go see her in the Hospital Wing after the feast.¡± He stood up in a hurry. ¡°Sorry, Kyle, I¡¯ve got to go now. I¡¯ll send you an owl if I remember anything.¡±


    ¡°Alright,¡± Kyle replied, a bit disappointed, as he followed Hagrid out of the cabin. It seemed he¡¯d have to wait until the holidays were over and write to Chris to see if he knew anything about the surname "Prince."


    Kyle wasn¡¯t planning on asking any other professors. Aside from Hagrid, he suspected Professor McGonagall and the others wouldn¡¯t share anything on this topic. If ¡°Prince¡± really had some connection to Snape, they¡¯d likely stay tight-lipped.


    ...


    Back in the castle, with little else to do, Kyle headed to the library and resumed reading the hardcover book he¡¯d borrowed earlier that morning. It was a biography of a legendary duel master whose life was nothing short of astonishing. According to the book, he had never lost a duel since his first, and held the record for 200 consecutive wins, including eleven straight dueling championships. To this day, no one had broken his record¡ªnot even Professor Flitwick, who¡¯d once managed a streak of 115 consecutive wins in his youth.


    However, despite the impressive subject matter, the biography itself left much to be desired. Complex aspects of magical theory, which should have been explained step-by-step, were glossed over in a few brief sentences. It felt like trying to solve a math problem where, instead of showing the steps, the author simply handed over the answer without any explanation.


    The book¡¯s vague language extended to the master¡¯s dueling advice. Though it claimed to offer helpful tips, the guidance was frustratingly ambiguous:


    ''For moving targets, lightly twist your wrist at the right moment when casting a spell.''


    ''To extend the spell''s range, tilt the wand slightly upward, but not too high, or it will go off course. Just follow your instinct.''


    ''If you feel lost in a duel, ask your wand; it will guide you on the next move.''


    ...


    ¡°¡®Appropriate¡¯ means finding the right timing... ¡®Trust your instincts¡¯...¡± Kyle pondered, replaying the vague words over and over in his head. Though the phrases made his head spin, he was determined not to give up. Instead, he pushed himself to grasp what the author might be implying. With renewed focus, he practiced repeatedly in the Room of Requirement, hoping to make sense of the cryptic advice.


    This was, by far, the most time-consuming part of his training. Sometimes, Kyle would spend an entire day¡ªor even longer¡ªtrying to understand a single ambiguous sentence. Despite the book¡¯s thinness, it took him until the end of the holiday to finish it.


    The day before classes resumed, Kyle headed to the library to return the book. Madam Pince took it from him, checked its condition, and set it aside, satisfied. As Kyle turned to browse the shelves for another book, a cool voice interrupted him from behind.


    ¡°I¡¯d suggest you stop borrowing these kinds of biographies.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Kyle spun around, puzzled.


    Madam Pince sat at her desk, expressionless as she flipped through the pages of the book he¡¯d returned. ¡°This book¡¯s content isn¡¯t particularly complex, yet you¡¯ve been reading it for two whole weeks. Clearly, it¡¯s not the right choice for you.¡±


    Kyle was taken aback. This was the first time he¡¯d seen Madam Pince go out of her way to address a student, especially about a topic outside her usual library responsibilities. Regaining his composure, he asked, ¡°Are you saying my foundation is weak?¡±


    ¡°No. Your foundational knowledge in magic is strong. Judging by the books you¡¯ve borrowed, you¡¯re already ahead of many third-years,¡± she replied, her gaze steady. ¡°But understanding the life and techniques of a legendary wizard requires both experience and depth of knowledge.¡±


    Kyle bit his lip, realizing he had no real counterargument. He was only in his first year, and aside from his knowledge of magical creatures, his practical experience was admittedly limited.


    ¡°If you truly want to learn something useful, don¡¯t waste your time on biographies like this one.¡± Madam Pince gestured toward a nearby shelf. ¡°I recommend you look over there.¡±


    Kyle nodded and, without hesitation, headed toward the indicated shelf. If Madam Pince had gone to such lengths to guide him, it was probably worth a look. Besides, he hadn¡¯t decided on his next book yet¡ªwho knew what he might find?


    ...


    He soon found that taking her advice had been a good decision. Five minutes later, he returned to the counter with a thick tome entitled .


    Madam Pince¡¯s expression shifted subtly before returning to her usual neutral demeanor. After recording the loan, Kyle decided to bring the book back to his dormitory to read later; today was the last day of the holiday, and he still had a few things to do.


    His first stop was the Room of Requirement. As soon as he entered, a group of soft, furry creatures crowded around him. Five Mooncalves gazed up at him, their big, round eyes fixed on him.


    Kyle petted each one in turn and asked, ¡°It¡¯s daytime¡ªwhy aren¡¯t you sleeping?¡±


    One of the Mooncalves tilted its head and let out a soft coo.


    ¡°Oh, you¡¯re afraid someone might come, so you don¡¯t dare sleep?¡± Kyle chuckled. ¡°Don¡¯t worry; no one comes here except me.¡±


    Reassured by his words, the Mooncalves returned to the little cave Kyle had created for them in the Room of Requirement.

 Chapter 79: This Is All Your Fault

    Gazing at the five Mooncalves, Kyle¡¯s mind drifted back to the events of last night.


    He¡¯d been practicing Charms in the Room of Requirement, and time had slipped away unnoticed. By the time he left, it was already late, and feeling a bit frustrated by the slow progress and repetitive motions, he decided to take a walk before bed to clear his mind. Exiting the castle through the tapestry-covered secret passage on the first floor, he initially intended to stroll over to the Quidditch Pitch. But, lost in thought, he wandered in the wrong direction without even noticing. When he finally looked up, he realized he¡¯d somehow ended up near the Mooncalves¡¯ den.


    Perhaps this was meant to be, he thought.


    Since he was already there, it made no sense to leave empty-handed. These were the same Mooncalves he¡¯d carefully snared from the Forbidden Forest before, so catching them again wouldn¡¯t be difficult.


    Mooncalves, gentle and magical creatures, had been wary of Kyle at first, retreating into their burrows upon seeing him. But when Kyle began to dance awkwardly in the moonlight, they couldn¡¯t resist their curiosity and started poking their heads out, one by one. Seeing this, Kyle only wriggled around more enthusiastically.


    He¡¯d learned this technique from Newt, and while he wasn¡¯t nearly as skilled, his imitation of the Mooncalves¡¯ dance was convincing enough to earn their trust. Kyle was only a beginner at this, so his performance was passable at best. If Newt had been the one dancing, he would have charmed a whole herd of female Mooncalves¡ªit was almost ridiculous how talented he was. But Kyle had to admit, this kind of dancing was embarrassingly silly, which was exactly why he¡¯d waited until it was late and there was no one else around. Otherwise, he would never have done it.


    Absolutely never.


    After dancing for a short while, Kyle saw the Mooncalves warming up to him, coming out of their burrows, one after the other. He offered them some herb leaves and gently coaxed them. Maybe because they were used to Hagrid, the Mooncalves in the Forbidden Forest were far less skittish. Once Kyle promised them all the Dittany leaves they could eat, the five little gourmands trotted over, unable to resist.


    Kyle had originally intended to take just two, but as he looked at their big, shiny eyes, he felt it would be wrong to leave any of them behind. In the end, he simply decided to take them all. After all, it was just a bit more herb leaves¡ªhe could handle that.


    The whole process went surprisingly smoothly. With a few whispered reminders, the Mooncalves kept quiet and followed him obediently out of the Forbidden Forest. The real challenge, however, was getting them back into the Room of Requirement.


    Kyle¡¯s invisibility cloak was only big enough to cover one Mooncalf at a time, so he had to lead them in one by one through the tapestry¡¯s secret passage. By the time he¡¯d delivered the last Mooncalf, dawn was approaching, and his legs felt like jelly. He sank to the floor for a moment, catching his breath.


    But it had all been worth it. With five Mooncalves in tow, the problem of fertilizer for his plants was solved.


    Kyle took a moment to observe the five little creatures. Although they seemed slightly nervous, that was to be expected. As long as they didn¡¯t start pining to return to the forest, they¡¯d likely settle in just fine.


    ...


    After leaving the Room of Requirement, Kyle headed to the kitchen to pack some food for Hagrid, who still hadn¡¯t shaken off his cold and looked worn out.


    ¡°I brought you some scones and sausages,¡± Kyle said, setting the food on a shelf.


    ¡°Thanks, Kyle,¡± Hagrid replied gratefully.


    He lifted a brass kettle to pour Kyle a cup of water but spilled about half of it, a little frown crossing his face.


    ¡°Never had a cold before,¡± he muttered, handing Kyle the cup. ¡°Yesterday, Poppy gave me a huge bucket of potion to drink, and it tasted awful.¡±


    ¡°Nothing you can do about that; it¡¯s all part of being sick,¡± Kyle replied, taking a sip. ¡°How¡¯re you feeling? Any better?¡±


    ¡°Worse,¡± Hagrid said, shaking his head.


    Yesterday, he¡¯d only felt slightly dizzy, but after drinking the potion, he felt achy all over and had barely any energy left. It was clear that this state was getting to him.


    Kyle, looking at him in confusion, asked, ¡°Didn¡¯t Madam Pomfrey give you a Pepperup Potion?¡±


    Pepperup Potion was the go-to cold remedy in the Hospital Wing. He remembered Cedric and Ryan taking it when they had colds a while back. Though it made white smoke come out of their ears, it kept them alert and strong enough to keep up with classes.


    ¡°Pepperup Potion? No, that¡¯s not what she gave me,¡± Hagrid said after a pause. ¡°Poppy said it wouldn¡¯t work right for me. She gave me some other sort of magical potion, but I don¡¯t know what it was.¡±


    Realization dawned on Kyle. Of course, with Hagrid¡¯s massive build, a standard Pepperup Potion or any regular cold remedy wouldn¡¯t work effectively.


    As he thought this over, a curious idea came to mind, and he glanced again at Hagrid. The dazed, sluggish way he looked reminded Kyle of something¡ªsomething he¡¯d seen about a year ago. An Erumpent in Newt¡¯s case had caught a cold, and after Newt gave it a specialized potion, the creature had displayed a similar groggy state.


    This¡­


    Kyle pressed his lips together thoughtfully. He had the distinct feeling he¡¯d stumbled upon something quite remarkable.


    ...


    The train arrived as scheduled, pulling into Hogwarts just before dinner. The castle was lively once more.


    As soon as Fred and George returned, they tracked down Kyle.


    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you tell us you weren¡¯t going home for the holidays!¡± Fred demanded, fists clenched. ¡°Mum took her anger out on us when she didn¡¯t see you!¡±


    ¡°She thought we were bullying you,¡± George added, his expression sour. ¡°She didn¡¯t even look at us kindly the whole holiday.¡±


    ¡°Do you have any idea how we spent the past two weeks?¡± Fred continued, his voice growing more indignant. ¡°On Christmas Day, even Ron got to have turkey and sausage, but George and I had to make do with dry sandwiches!¡± Sear?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°This is all your fault!¡±


    With mock-serious faces, the twins cornered Kyle, their expressions implying,


    ¡°I told you before break,¡± Kyle said, raising his hands defensively. ¡°It was the day before we left school! You two were on the fifth-floor corridor, looking at a suit of armor.¡±


    ¡°The day before we left school?¡± Fred echoed.


    ¡°The fifth floor?¡± George repeated, their faces showing a sudden flicker of guilt.


    They recalled that they¡¯d indeed been on the fifth floor just before break¡ªand they had run into Kyle there. But at that moment, they¡¯d been more focused on the password clue for the Marauder¡¯s Map they¡¯d discovered behind the armor and hadn¡¯t given Kyle¡¯s words much attention.


    The two exchanged a glance, as if silently reaching an agreement.


    ¡°It¡¯s still your fault¡ªyou could¡¯ve written!¡±


    ¡°Yeah, two weeks of sandwiches can¡¯t be forgotten that easily!¡±

 Chapter 80: Sweet-Talk

    Faced with the ¡°threat¡± of two second-year students, the not-so-formidable Kyle had no choice but to verbally agree to a series of one-sided ¡°agreements¡± to avoid any potential campus ¡°bullying.¡±


    ¡°Remember what you promised, Kyle,¡± Fred said with a grin. ¡°You¡¯re going to be our technical support for the Weasleys'' Wizard Wheezes products.¡±


    ¡°And provide storage,¡± George added. ¡°We need a safe place to keep it over the holidays¡ªsomewhere Mum won¡¯t find it.¡±


    ¡°Of course, I¡¯d be happy to help,¡± Kyle replied with a smile. ¡°I¡¯ll even help you work on the products. And as for the storage¡­ how about my room? Mrs. Weasley will never think to check there.¡±


    ¡°Perfect,¡± Fred and George nodded approvingly, relaxing their ¡°hold¡± on him.


    ¡°If you ever try to double-cross us¡­¡± Fred warned with mock menace, ¡°you won¡¯t like the consequences!¡±


    With that, the twins simultaneously held up a thumb and made a mock slashing motion across their necks before heading off.


    Once they¡¯d left, Kyle casually made his way to the Hufflepuff table, as if nothing out of the ordinary had just happened.


    ¡°How was your holiday?¡± Cedric asked as Kyle sat down.


    ¡°Not bad,¡± Kyle replied, glancing at Cedric. ¡°No early mornings, no homework¡ªjust reading, gardening, petting animals, that sort of thing. Basically, the life I¡¯ve always dreamed of.¡±


    Cedric sighed a little enviously. ¡°If I¡¯d known, I wouldn¡¯t have gone home. My dad promised to take me to France over the holidays, but he¡¯s been so busy, working overtime almost every day. He¡¯s barely even home for five hours at a time.¡± S§×ar?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Kyle was surprised to hear this. It didn¡¯t add up; hadn¡¯t Chris and Newt successfully handled the smuggled magical creatures? And he hadn¡¯t heard of anything major happening in the wizarding world recently. In fact, the front page of had recently featured only trivial things¡ªlike that spat between Mr. Weasley and Lucius Malfoy at the Ministry of Magic. In a time of relative calm, Mr. Diggory should have had time off unless there was some kind of emergency involving magical creatures. And if there had been such an incident, surely would have reported it.


    Cedric noticed Kyle¡¯s confusion and, after a quick glance around to make sure no one was eavesdropping, leaned in and whispered, ¡°It¡¯s about the Swooping Evil¡­ My dad¡¯s been searching for signs of it.¡±


    ¡°Swooping Evil¡­¡± Kyle frowned, whispering back, ¡°Didn¡¯t that thing leave already?¡±


    ¡°No, the Ministry is lying,¡± Cedric said. ¡°Dad had a few drinks on Christmas Day and, thinking I was one of his workmates, let slip quite a few things. He said the Ministry never actually found any evidence of the Swooping Evil¡¯s departure.¡±


    Kyle shook his head. ¡°But that¡¯s not what Newt said.¡±


    He¡¯d believe Newt over anyone else on matters involving magical creatures. Newt was the last person who would lie about something like that. The only conceivable reason Newt might withhold information would be if it were a serious threat to the safety of the wizarding world. And even if pressured, neither Fudge nor Dumbledore would likely ask Newt to withhold the truth¡ªwell, at least Dumbledore wouldn¡¯t. Fudge¡­ that might be a different story.


    Unless, of course, Fudge happened to be Dumbledore¡¯s own son.


    "I asked about that too," Cedric said. "My father told me Mr. Scamander''s exact words were, but the Ministry only gave the the first half of the quote and left out the second half."


    "Huh?" Kyle raised an eyebrow. "To avoid panic?"


    "Yes, to avoid panic," Cedric replied with a shrug. "They even found a way to get rid of Mr. Chris and Mr. Scamander, who had both always opposed this kind of thing."


    Kyle rubbed his chin thoughtfully. His earlier doubts were starting to make sense now. No wonder he¡¯d felt something off about Chris¡¯s mission this time around. So that was the issue. After all, if it was just about transporting a few magical creatures, why would Chris and Newt both need to go?


    Sure, handling creatures like the Nundu or the Antipodean Opaleye would be tough for most wizards, but for those two? It seemed excessive.


    But what about the other creatures? The simple ones, that could be released in any secluded forest¡ªor handed off to a couple of hired hunters for transport. Yet, somehow, it had to be Chris and Newt handling them.


    Think about it: a deputy director from the British Ministry of Magic and a renowned magical creatures expert traveling halfway across the world... just to return an ordinary Bowtruckle to its home? That was absurd. Under normal circumstances, not even a Bowtruckle belonging to Grindelwald himself would get such treatment.


    After considering this, Kyle asked, "So did your father actually find the Swooping Evil?"


    "No," Cedric shook his head. "He and the others have been searching for over a month without finding a single clue. But Minister Fudge keeps pushing them and even lost his temper recently. What a jerk."


    Though Cedric usually maintained a polite demeanor, he only mouthed the last word silently, demonstrating all the restraint expected of an exemplary young wizard. However, his lip movements were distinct enough that Kyle could tell Cedric was expressing his opinions about Fudge¡¯s family line in some rather language.


    After indulging in that small rebellion, Cedric felt a bit better. He cast a quick glance at the staff table and said, "Anyway, never mind all that. Have you noticed that Professor Snape seems especially irritated today?"


    "Really?" Kyle picked up a chicken leg, not even looking up. "Maybe it''s just your imagination. He''s mad every day."


    "True, but..." Cedric glanced again toward the staff table. "I still think he¡¯s even worse than usual."


    On the stage, Snape indeed looked as if he¡¯d drunk the wrong potion, his expression dark as a storm cloud. His eyes swept ominously across the four tables, narrowing slightly as if in search of some wrongdoing.


    Suddenly, as if sensing Cedric¡¯s gaze, Snape turned sharply toward the Hufflepuff table, causing Cedric to drop his head immediately. Meanwhile, Kyle calmly continued to eat his chicken leg, occasionally chatting with Mikel, who was seated on his other side.

 Chapter 81: Hufflepuff’s Unconventional Group Activity

    After dinner, everyone headed back to their common rooms. On the way, Cedric was still puzzling over the evening¡¯s events. ¡°Why was Professor Snape so angry, I wonder,¡± he muttered, rubbing his chin. ¡°Could someone have broken into his storage room over the holidays?¡±


    It was widely known at Hogwarts that Snape kept a private storage room stocked with extremely rare potion ingredients. Rumor had it that even the carpet was made of dragon skin and that just blindly grabbing anything from the shelves could earn a small fortune in Galleons at Diagon Alley. Judging by Snape¡¯s mood earlier, if his storage room really had been raided, he must have lost something significant.


    ¡°Don¡¯t overthink it,¡± Kyle said, pulling out his wand and tapping a barrel near the common room door. ¡°Maybe he just got a Christmas gift he didn¡¯t like.¡±


    Cedric gave him a sideways glance, eyebrows slightly raised. ¡°That miser¡ªnever satisfied with anything he gets.¡±


    The passage opened, and they stepped into the Hufflepuff common room, which, despite being only a little past dinner, was already packed with people huddled over wooden tables, furiously working through their holiday assignments. Not only were the tables crowded, but the floor was practically covered with students, more arriving every few minutes. The entire room was overflowing, leaving barely any space to stand.


    Kyle blinked in surprise. Was this some kind of Hufflepuff group tradition? Wouldn¡¯t it be odd if he didn¡¯t join in? But he¡¯d already finished his homework ages ago, and he couldn¡¯t very well redo it.


    ¡°Don¡¯t look so surprised; it was like this last year, too,¡± Cedric said, patting Kyle¡¯s arm. ¡°Our prefect always tells us that holiday time is too precious to waste on homework.¡±


    Cedric¡¯s prefect, ironically, was himself among the ¡°homework army,¡± hunched over a desk in the corner, scribbling madly. He¡¯d had a desk to himself earlier but had just relinquished it to a couple of desperate first-years.


    Kyle thought.


    If the common room was this packed, the library must be absolutely bursting. Carefully sidestepping scattered parchments and inkpots on the floor, Kyle made his way toward the dormitory entrance. Just as he was about to push open the door, Cedric¡¯s voice stopped him.


    ¡°Kyle¡­¡± Cedric called, standing in front of the second-year dormitory door and looking at him from a distance. ¡°I really liked the Christmas present you gave me.¡± S~ea??h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°Yours was pretty great too!¡± Kyle replied, grinning.


    The two exchanged a long look before breaking into matching polite, standard-issue fake smiles.


    ...


    The first class after the holiday break was Professor McGonagall¡¯s Transfiguration. Unfortunately, Hufflepuff had already lost twenty points within the first five minutes. Clearly, their ¡°one pen, one light, one night, one miracle¡± approach to last-minute homework had not paid off. Even Kyle had lost two points¡ªthanks to lending his homework to Mikel and Ryan, who¡¯d copied it word for word, including his name.


    ¡°If you lend them your homework again, I¡¯ll deduct twenty points from you!¡± Professor McGonagall glared at Kyle before returning to the podium.


    ¡°The holidays are over, so it¡¯s time to pull yourselves together,¡± she said. ¡°Today we¡¯ll be learning how to turn a mouse into a snuffbox. This is one of the most important skills you¡¯ll need this year, and I¡¯ll warn you now: it will definitely be on the final exam. Don¡¯t say I didn¡¯t tell you.¡±


    The mention of finals made everyone sit up straighter. Students leaned in, taking detailed notes. Grades were everything at Hogwarts, and some¡ªlike Fred and George¡ªwere allowed a full, carefree summer so long as they managed two ¡°O¡±s on their report cards. For students from Muggle families, grades were even more critical since their parents only understood traditional report cards. A poor performance would be hard to explain.


    After class, Professor McGonagall kept behind everyone who hadn¡¯t finished their homework, while the rest hurriedly left. They had homework to catch up on for other subjects, and time was tight. Kyle had wanted to go to the library before lunch, but when he arrived, it was packed. The common room wasn¡¯t any better, leaving him no choice but to settle in the Great Hall to wait for lunch.


    For lunch, Kyle chose pancakes and pork chops, a combination he rather liked, but he¡¯d barely taken a couple of bites when Mikel and Ryan appeared.


    ¡°Kyle, about your Charms homework¡­¡±


    ¡°No, no borrowing!¡± Kyle took another bite of his pancakes and shot them a look. ¡°I don¡¯t want to be lectured by Professor Flitwick too.¡±


    ¡°Come on, it won¡¯t happen again!¡± Mikel promised, raising a hand as if making an oath. ¡°We were just really tired last night, but we¡¯ll revise it before handing it in today.¡±


    Kyle was doubtful. Last night, he¡¯d lent them all his assignments, but they¡¯d only managed to copy his Transfiguration homework. And when they¡¯d come back to the dormitory, they¡¯d been wide awake, playing Wizard¡¯s Chess with enthusiasm until Kyle eventually fell asleep. Given that, how could he trust them again? There was no way he was making the same mistake twice.


    Besides, there were less than two hours until Charms class, and even if they copied it, they¡¯d only have time to change their names. ¡°Revising¡± likely meant nothing more than that.


    After lunch, Mikel and Ryan still wouldn¡¯t give up and continued to shadow him. Finally, Kyle spotted an opportunity and cast a Disillusionment Charm, slipping away unseen. Watching his friends wander off in search of him, Kyle felt immense gratitude for mastering the spell. Forget Avada Kedavra or Expelliarmus¡ªinvisibility was truly the ultimate charm.


    Once Mikel and Ryan turned the corner, Kyle considered his options. The dormitory was a no-go, so he made his way to the Charms classroom instead. After all, he only needed somewhere quiet to read, and any empty space would do. Plus, unlike other places, the Charms classroom was guaranteed to be safe. When there wasn¡¯t a lesson scheduled, Mikel and Ryan would never think to look there.

 Chapter 82: The Dueling Master

    A good professor needs to know what their students are thinking and how to keep them engaged. Professor McGonagall was particularly skilled at this; just a mention of the final exam, and the students instantly forgot their holiday mindset, snapping back to focus on their studies.


    As her colleague, Professor Flitwick was equally perceptive. ¡°Today, we will learn the Softening Charm,¡± he announced from atop a stack of books, his voice high and cheerful. ¡°As the name suggests, this charm can instantly soften hard objects. It¡¯s very practical and widely used by adult wizards. For example, in Quidditch¡ªwhich I know many of you love¡ªthe Softening Charm often cushions players who fall off their broomsticks.¡±


    The students perked up at the mention of Quidditch.


    ¡°You can also use it in duels,¡± Professor Flitwick continued. ¡°Softening the ground can throw your opponent off balance, giving you an opening to strike.¡± With a twinkle in his eye, he added, ¡°Back when I competed in dueling tournaments, I used this very charm to make my opponent surrender. And that year, I won the championship.¡±


    The room buzzed with excitement; Quidditch and daring duels had captivated the students.


    ¡°Professor, you won the Dueling Competition?¡± asked Katie Bell from Gryffindor, raising her hand. She looked doubtful¡ªafter all, Professor Flitwick was barely as tall as she was.


    ¡°Oh, that was long ago,¡± Professor Flitwick chuckled, ¡°but yes, I won, and not just once. Anyone interested can read more in It¡¯s in our library.¡±


    ¡°Wow¡­¡± murmured the students. They had never imagined that their gentle, unassuming Charms professor was such a powerful duelist.


    ¡°Professor, please teach us!¡± one Gryffindor exclaimed eagerly.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I will,¡± Professor Flitwick replied with a grin. ¡°This is a practical charm, and it¡¯s often on the final exam, so pay close attention.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Professor Flitwick!¡± came the enthusiastic reply.


    For the rest of the class, the students practiced with unprecedented focus, eager to master the Softening Charm under Professor Flitwick¡¯s watchful guidance. Each one seemed to envision themselves as the next dueling champion, squaring off against the stone in front of them as if it were a real opponent. By the end of the lesson, they reluctantly set down their stones and filed out of the classroom, still talking animatedly.


    Kyle, who hadn¡¯t rushed out like the others, lingered to ask Professor Flitwick some questions about a library book he¡¯d been reading.


    ¡°I read this book years ago, and it taught me a great deal,¡± Professor Flitwick said, his fingers brushing the cover with a nostalgic smile. Then he carefully answered each of Kyle¡¯s questions.


    When Kyle finished, he closed the book and said, ¡°Thank you, Professor Flitwick. That¡¯s all for now¡ªI haven¡¯t gotten through the rest of it yet.¡± S§×arch* The n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°No rush,¡± Professor Flitwick said warmly. ¡°A good book is best enjoyed slowly. And if you have more questions, you¡¯re always welcome to visit me in my office on the eighth floor.¡±


    ¡°Oh, and thank you for the Christmas gift. I haven¡¯t received a Rowan amulet with a dueling badge engraved on it in thirty years¡­it brought back many fond memories.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m glad you liked it.¡±


    With a final farewell, Kyle left the Charms classroom. Little did he know, his two roommates were lurking around the corner, watching and waiting.


    ¡°Mikel, are you sure Kyle¡¯s coming this way?¡± Ryan whispered, peeking out cautiously. ¡°It¡¯s been ages¡ªmaybe he¡¯s already left?¡±


    ¡°He¡¯ll come,¡± Mikel insisted. ¡°Our next class is Defense Against the Dark Arts, and this is the only way to the second floor. Trust me, he¡¯ll be here.¡±


    ¡°But¡­¡± Ryan started, only for Mikel to cut him off.


    ¡°Stop worrying. Just be patient if you want his help with homework.¡±


    Ryan glanced nervously down the hall. ¡°Professor Flitwick just left¡ªand he locked the door!¡±


    In sudden panic, Mikel bolted to the Charms classroom, pulling the door open to find it completely empty.


    Mikel¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°What on earth¡­?¡± He scratched his head. ¡°This corridor is the only way to the second floor. How did Kyle leave without us seeing him?¡±


    He glanced at the wall opposite and muttered, ¡°Ryan, do you think Kyle can walk through walls?¡±


    ...


    The final class of the day was Defense Against the Dark Arts, and it didn¡¯t disappoint. Professor Oren, though still new to teaching, had quickly become one of the most popular instructors. On the first day back, he had brought a cage full of Cornish Pixies to the classroom and encouraged the students to use any Charm they¡¯d learned to handle the mischievous creatures.


    With no restrictions on spells, the young Hufflepuffs couldn¡¯t contain their excitement. It felt like a friendly duel, and they eagerly took turns practicing their spells, relishing the chance to feel like ¡°Master Duelists.¡± Although most of their spells went wide, under Professor Oren¡¯s watchful eye, the Pixies couldn¡¯t cause any harm, even as they screeched and flailed in mid-air, furious at being contained. The Pixies¡¯ helpless outrage only added to the laughter filling the room.


    To the students'' delight, Professor Oren hadn¡¯t even checked their homework, making him a hero in their eyes. By the time the class ended, Hufflepuff students were practically singing his praises. After all, with more than half of them yet to complete their assignments, they¡¯d just avoided losing valuable house points. On the contrary, Hufflepuff managed to earn at least 30 points simply from enthusiastic participation, leaving the students in high spirits.


    For Kyle, however, the points situation had lost some of its thrill. Despite the minor boost from Defense Against the Dark Arts, Hufflepuff still remained in an awkward position in the house rankings: they were solidly in third, trailing Ravenclaw by nearly 100 points and holding a comfortable 100-point lead over Gryffindor in last place. Moving up seemed unlikely, and dropping down didn¡¯t seem probable either.

 Chapter 83: Be Careful When Walking at Night

    Professor Oren hadn''t just skipped marking the new students'' assignments¡ªhe¡¯d bypassed grading for all year levels. Overnight, this decision transformed him into Hogwarts'' most beloved professor, hands down.


    "He might actually break the Curse and become the first Defense Against the Dark Arts professor to return next year¡ªalmost fifty years later!" Jordan Lee, a well-known Quidditch enthusiast and second-year Gryffindor, declared openly in the Great Hall. "If someone as brilliant as Professor Oren can¡¯t break the Curse, then there¡¯s no hope for the course. Might as well cancel it."


    His sentiment was quickly echoed by both Hufflepuff and Gryffindor. But, naturally, where there¡¯s support, there¡¯s opposition.


    Just as Jordan Lee was voicing his opinions, a sudden burst of laughter erupted from the Ravenclaw table.


    "Tsk, are you really that thrilled just because you don¡¯t have to do homework?¡± A moderately handsome Ravenclaw student shot Jordan a disdainful look. ¡°In my opinion, this decision is unbelievably irresponsible¡ªa complete dereliction of duty. We¡¯ve already discussed it, and we¡¯re going to file a complaint with Headmaster Dumbledore about it.¡±


    ¡°What did you say?¡± The Gryffindors turned to him with expressions darkening.


    After all, at Hogwarts, a professor who skips marking holiday homework is as rare as a Troll performing ballet. Now that they''d finally encountered one, not only did these Ravenclaw nerds fail to appreciate him, they were even planning to report him?


    Unacceptable. Nearly growling, the Gryffindors stood, one of them calling out, ¡°Want to repeat what you just said?¡±


    ¡°I know who you are¡ªRavenclaw¡¯s Roger Davies,¡± Jordan said, hands in his pockets, looking down his nose at the other boy. ¡°You¡¯re the one who mocked us in Charms class a while back¡­ You¡¯re pretty bold. Better watch yourself walking around at night.¡±


    Seeing their own housemate being threatened so blatantly, the Ravenclaws couldn¡¯t stay silent.


    ¡°Roger, don¡¯t be intimidated,¡± said a senior student with a prefect badge on his chest, stepping forward and sneering at Jordan. ¡°Gryffindor, you trying to pick a fight?¡±


    ¡°Oh, Prefect, you shouldn¡¯t say that,¡± Fred chimed in, waggling a finger. ¡°My friend here was just concerned that your first-years might trip and fall. How did that turn into wanting a fight?¡±


    ¡°Oh, I get it,¡± George added, grinning. ¡°You¡¯re going to tell Professor McGonagall we tried to start a fight, hoping she¡¯ll dock our house points, right?¡±


    Fred raised an eyebrow. ¡°And that way, you¡¯ll edge closer to winning the House Cup.¡±


    ¡°And no one will stop you from reporting Professor Oren, either,¡± Jordan said, picking up where they left off.


    ¡°As expected from Ravenclaw, always full of clever schemes,¡± he added, voice dripping with mock admiration.


    Hearing the three of them carry on in unison, the prefect¡¯s face turned green. The House Cup¡­ As if the Gryffindors had any standing to brag about with their dismal two-digit house points.


    ¡°We¡¯re not going to the professors,¡± the Ravenclaw prefect said, exhaling deeply. ¡°What I mean is, the path to Hogwarts is smooth enough¡ªRoger won¡¯t trip. But if anyone were to try something malicious, we won¡¯t sit idly by.¡±


    His words rallied the Ravenclaws.


    ¡°Yeah, we¡¯re not afraid of Gryffindor!¡±


    ¡°Come on, who¡¯s going to tell the professors who is the true Crup here?¡±


    ¡°Roger, don¡¯t worry. With Head Boy Edward here, they won¡¯t be able to do anything.¡±


    ...


    With his housemates backing him, Roger Davies felt a surge of confidence, holding Jordan Lee¡¯s gaze without flinching. The tension between the two groups thickened by the second.


    ¡°Kyle, what do you think?¡± Cedric asked, looking a bit concerned from the Hufflepuff table. ¡°Do you think they¡¯ll actually end up fighting?¡±


    Kyle, unbothered, took a hearty bite of steak and shrugged. ¡°Nah, it¡¯s just talk. As long as they¡¯re not completely out of their minds, they¡¯re not going to fight.¡±


    It was a classic Hogwarts scene¡ªGryffindor and Slytherin bickered daily, yet they rarely actually came to blows. Besides, Ravenclaw wasn¡¯t about to jeopardize its standing as the second-best house, and Gryffindor wasn¡¯t going to let Slytherin profit from a needless fight. Trash-talking was probably as far as this would go.


    As for anything more underhanded, like plotting against each other? Kyle thought it unlikely. Unless someone wanted detention, neither side would risk doing something so brazenly obvious. The entire castle knew about the tension between the two houses¡ªanything too blatant would have them caught in no time.


    Of course, this logic held true for Ravenclaw. If it had been Slytherin in the mix, that might have been a different story.


    ¡°What is going on here?¡±


    Professor McGonagall suddenly swept into the hall, lips pursed as she scanned the group at the center of the commotion, her gaze sharp.


    ¡°I do hope none of you are fighting, gentlemen. Because if you are...¡±


    ¡°Of course not, Professor McGonagall,¡± Fred quickly answered, stepping forward with a perfectly innocent look. ¡°We were just having a friendly discussion about Quidditch.¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± George added, nodding eagerly. ¡°We were all just saying what a shame it was that Ireland lost to Canada this year.¡±


    Jordan Lee, who¡¯d been slower on the uptake, caught on only after George gave him a swift kick. ¡°Right! But Ireland will definitely win the championship in four years.¡± sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Roger Davies snorted, apparently unable to resist, and shot back, ¡°That¡¯s one of the dumbest things I¡¯ve ever heard. Everyone knows the Bulgarian team is the strongest. Ireland can¡¯t even hold a candle to them.¡±


    ¡°Oh, and what exactly did your Bulgarian team achieve this year?¡± Fred retorted, raising an eyebrow.


    With a grin, George chimed in with a mocking tone, ¡°Fred, have you forgotten? They didn¡¯t even make it to the semi-finals!¡±


    Roger¡¯s neck craned, his voice rising as he defended his team. ¡°That¡¯s only because their Seeker is weak! If they¡¯d just replace him, Bulgaria would easily be the best team in the world.¡±


    Kyle couldn¡¯t help but smirk slightly, noticing that Roger seemed even more worked up now than before.


    The whole standoff fizzled out in an oddly amusing way. Professor McGonagall, satisfied that no rules had actually been broken, simply gave them a stern reminder not to cause a ruckus in the Great Hall. Then, with a brief glance in Kyle¡¯s direction, she added, ¡°Mr. Chopper, Dumbledore would like to see you. If you¡¯re finished eating, could you please head to the Headmaster¡¯s Office?¡±


    ¡°Yes, Professor McGonagall.¡±


    Kyle swallowed the last bite of his steak and followed her out. Just as they stepped into the corridor, he heard her mutter under her breath, ¡°Honestly... everyone knows Scotland is the strongest team.¡±

 Chapter 84: Dumbledore’s Wool Socks

    Professor McGonagall left Kyle at the eighth-floor entrance, right by the Dripping Stone Gargoyle, and helped him with the password before departing.


    ¡°Sherbet lemon.¡±


    ¡­


    The Headmaster''s Office looked exactly as Kyle remembered. Fawkes lay peacefully on his perch, and upon seeing Kyle, he raised his head slightly, as if in a casual greeting.


    Kyle took out a handful of Dittany leaves, a small gift, and placed them near Fawkes''s shelf. Dumbledore, unlike last time, was present¡ªsitting in his chair, smiling warmly, with a familiar bottle set on the table in front of him.


    ¡°I hope I''m not disturbing you,¡± Dumbledore said, rising from his chair and handing Kyle the bottle of Magic Suppressing Potion on the table. ¡°You know, just like last time.¡±


    ¡°Of course, Headmaster,¡± Kyle nodded, taking the bottle. ¡°I¡¯ll deliver it to Mikel right away.¡±


    ¡°Well... there¡¯s no rush. If you¡¯re not busy, would you like to keep an old man company for a chat?¡±


    Seeing Kyle hesitate, Dumbledore added, ¡°Don¡¯t be nervous; just a casual chat, like when you were at Newt¡¯s place.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m just... a little surprised,¡± Kyle admitted, scratching his head. ¡°But, Headmaster, um¡­ I only have Dittany leaves on me. I really don¡¯t have anything else.¡±


    ¡°¡­"


    ¡°Fawkes has a forgiving nature; he won¡¯t stay angry forever.¡± Dumbledore¡¯s face froze momentarily, but he quickly returned to his usual self. ¡°I received your Christmas gift,¡± he said, gesturing for a fresh glass of lemonade to appear for Kyle. ¡°I finished reading it that very day, and I¡¯ve reread it many times since... it¡¯s truly fascinating.¡±


    At first, Kyle thought Dumbledore was simply being polite, but the next moment he realized he¡¯d been mistaken.


    Dumbledore reached into a drawer and took out not one, but two pairs of woolen socks.


    One pair was red with gold trim, while the other was a smaller, blue-pink pair. Both were embroidered with a large letter ¡°A.¡±


    Surprised, Kyle looked up and asked without thinking, ¡°Did you¡­ knit these?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± Dumbledore replied, clearly pleased. ¡°I¡¯m actually rather good at knitting socks. Managed to get it right on the first try.¡±


    Kyle opened his mouth to reply but found himself at a loss for words.


    What was going on in the wizarding world? The Supreme Mugwump of the International Confederation of Wizards, Grand Sorcerer and First Class Order of Merlin, Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot, and the world¡¯s most powerful white wizard, Dumbledore, proudly showing off his hand-knit socks?


    Judging by the delighted expression on Dumbledore¡¯s face, he was genuinely proud of his handiwork.


    ¡°You knit very well, Headmaster,¡± Kyle managed to say.


    ¡°Thank you.¡±


    Dumbledore put away the two pairs of woolen socks and then, with a sudden sigh, said, ¡°I think the one regret I have this year is that I didn¡¯t get you a Christmas present. It¡¯s truly disappointing.¡±


    Kyle waved his hands quickly, wanting to assure Dumbledore he¡¯d never expected a gift.


    But then again, as the model student he was, Kyle didn¡¯t want Dumbledore to be weighed down by guilt. Seeing an elderly wizard, especially one as revered as Dumbledore, tormented by a feeling of guilt was more than Kyle¡¯s heart could bear.


    ''Why don''t I just ask for a gift myself?'' Kyle thought, running his hand along his chin. Sear?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    It felt a bit shameless, but he didn''t mind suffering a little embarrassment for the headmaster¡¯s sake. His eyes drifted around the office and landed on a dusty mirror in the corner¡ªsomething that didn¡¯t look valuable. Or perhaps the rough stone basin beside it would work just as well. It was just a decoration anyway, so choosing something cheap and replaceable seemed perfect.


    ''I¡¯m really being considerate,'' he thought.


    Kyle made no effort to hide his appraisal. Nearby, Dumbledore seemed to pick up on his thoughts, his mouth twitching slightly.


    Just then, Kyle turned to him. ¡°Headmaster, perhaps you could give¡­¡±


    ¡°Give you a glass of lemonade? Certainly,¡± Dumbledore said, tapping the table to summon another glass.


    ¡°No, I meant maybe today¡­¡±


    ¡°Today is indeed a beautiful day.¡±


    Beautiful day? Kyle glanced at the window, noting that it had been snowing all day and hadn''t stopped yet.


    Before he could respond, Dumbledore looked outside as well and remarked, almost wistfully, ¡°I hadn¡¯t realized it was already so late.¡±


    Kyle understood. Though he regretted he couldn¡¯t ease Dumbledore''s concerns, he replied, ¡°I¡¯ll be on my way then. Mikel is waiting for his potion.¡±


    ¡°Would you like to take some snacks with you?¡± Dumbledore opened a drawer, revealing a collection of sweets and candied fruits.


    Kyle was about to decline, but then noticed the candies were all high-end, including many types he¡¯d never even seen before. ¡°I thank you on behalf of Mikel.¡±


    By the time Kyle left the headmaster¡¯s office, his pockets were stuffed with sweets. The heavy oak door closed behind him.


    Inside, Snape appeared from the shadows, eyeing the spot where Kyle had been sitting, his gaze narrowing thoughtfully.


    ¡°I¡¯m curious, Severus,¡± Dumbledore remarked, closing the drawer and adding a small golden lock. ¡°You specifically asked me to call Kyle here, yet you remained hidden.¡±


    ¡°You dismissed him too early,¡± Snape replied flatly. ¡°By our agreement, he should have stayed for at least thirty minutes.¡±


    ¡°Students have things of their own to attend to,¡± Dumbledore said, taking a sip of his tea. ¡°Severus, we can''t monopolize their time.¡±


    ¡°Oh? Is that your view¡­¡± Snape glanced at the Mirror of Erised in the corner before making his way toward the door.


    ¡°Severus,¡± Dumbledore called out, ¡°I think you may have a bias against Kyle.¡±


    Snape halted and turned back. ¡°What are you implying?¡±


    ¡°Kyle is a very thoughtful young man,¡± Dumbledore said evenly. ¡°As I understand it, he gave gifts to every professor on Christmas, even extending a packet of dried fish to Mrs. Norris, who is not particularly popular.¡±


    ¡°Oh ~ ~¡± Snape drawled, narrowing his eyes. ¡°And what is your point?¡±


    ¡°I think it¡¯s possible he simply overlooked his potions professor for the moment,¡± Dumbledore replied, a small smile playing on his lips. ¡°Even I, on occasion, make such simple oversights. It¡¯s perfectly normal. You shouldn¡¯t hold it against him.¡±


    ¡°Perhaps he didn¡¯t forget,¡± Snape retorted, before flinging the door open and leaving without looking back.

 Chapter 85: Begin Slacking

    This time, administering the medicine went surprisingly smoothly. Mikel took the potion bottle labeled with the correct number and drank it all at once without needing any prompting.


    From his gradually contorted expression, it was obvious that the potion¡¯s taste remained indescribably awful, yet Mikel didn¡¯t let a single drop go to waste. Even after he finished, he smacked his lips a bit and sighed, ¡°Good medicine.¡± Of course, it would have been more convincing if his expression had been a little less strained; as it was, his face looked almost bruised, his features scrunched together. Paired with his earlier comment, ¡°Good medicine,¡± anyone unfamiliar with him might have mistaken him for some kind of poison tester.


    Kyle struggled to understand what was going through Mikel''s mind at that moment. Perhaps it was a blend of both pain and satisfaction. S§×ar?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ...


    As the weather warmed, the Quidditch season was already halfway through. Gryffindor held the lead with the most wins and points, closely followed by Hufflepuff. Slytherin, however, lagged far behind in third place. Ever since they were showered with Dungbombs in the last game, just the sight of a broomstick seemed to make them dry heave. But after the Christmas break, they gradually recovered and had been scoring points like mad in recent matches, fighting to close the gap with the top two.


    Being Slytherin, though, they weren¡¯t about to avoid underhanded tactics in their quest for victory. In a recent game, they even knocked Gryffindor Chaser Angelina off her broom.


    ¡°This isn¡¯t over, Rosier,¡± Charlie growled as he escorted Angelina off the field. ¡°We¡¯ll see about this.¡±


    Rosier merely shot Charlie a mocking look, as if entirely unfazed.


    That evening, during dinner, more than twenty broomstick-shaped packages were dropped by owls onto the Slytherin table. Rosier¡¯s face turned a vivid shade of green on the spot. Gryffindor students, led by Fred and George, loudly urged him to open the packages and enjoy the "surprise" they¡¯d prepared.


    The commotion quickly drew Professor Snape¡¯s attention. Cloak billowing, he stormed over after learning the details from a Slytherin informant.


    ¡°What Dungbomb? I have no idea what you¡¯re talking about, Professor,¡± Charlie said innocently. ¡°They¡¯re just fireworks we had specially made to congratulate the Slytherin team on their well-deserved victory in today¡¯s match.¡±


    ¡°Just fireworks?¡± Snape¡¯s tone was skeptical.


    ¡°Absolutely. Rosier is a worthy opponent. He won fair and square, so of course, we wanted to congratulate him,¡± Charlie grinned. ¡°What, doesn¡¯t Rosier like the gift?¡±


    With his graduation approaching and plans to head off to Romania, Charlie was notably less anxious in the face of Snape than most students. Snape¡¯s expression darkened, and he drew his wand, flicking it to open the packages in front of everyone. Sure enough, the packages contained nothing but fireworks. Once unwrapped, the golden-red fireworks shot toward the ceiling, where they exploded with a loud , spelling out the word ¡°Victory¡± in blazing letters.


    Despite finding no Dungbombs, Snape docked Gryffindor ten points¡ªfor creating a disturbance in the Great Hall and for disrespecting a professor. But Gryffindor took it in stride. With their house points reduced to single digits, they¡¯d all but given up on winning the House Cup that year. They figured they¡¯d need at least five hundred points at the term¡¯s end to stand a chance, so they collectively decided: might as well party!


    After all, if they were destined to lose, why not enjoy it? The Gryffindors were starting to see Hogwarts life in a new light¡ªone filled with unexpected freedom and fun. Even Snape¡¯s ten-point deduction, which was patently unfair, didn¡¯t faze them in the slightest.


    George, putting on an exaggeratedly earnest expression, even suggested, ¡°I think disrespecting a professor is a pretty grave offense. You should really take thirty points from us, Professor.¡±


    His reasoning was simple: if they couldn¡¯t be at the top, they might as well aim for rock bottom.


    ...


    Snape¡¯s expression grew even darker.


    He genuinely wanted to fulfill George¡¯s request, but unfortunately, the Gryffindor hourglass held only a thin layer of sand¡ªprobably no more than twenty points. He couldn¡¯t just drain them all. Professor McGonagall¡¯s authority still needed to be respected. Besides, the potion ingredients list required the Deputy Headmistress¡¯s signature, and he had to consider his own private stockroom too.


    ¡°You¡¯re right, Mr. Weasley,¡± Snape said, giving George a sinister look. ¡°But there¡¯s no need to deduct points; a detention will do.¡±


    He paused, letting the silence settle before continuing. ¡°Tonight, you¡¯ll report to the Potions classroom and clean all the old cauldrons by hand. No wands allowed. Filch will supervise to ensure you don¡¯t miss a spot.¡±


    George¡¯s grin froze. He stood there in a daze even after Snape had left the Great Hall.


    ¡°By Merlin¡¯s floral socks! Detention? For what?¡±


    ¡°Because he¡¯s a professor,¡± Fred said, patting George¡¯s shoulder with exaggerated sympathy. ¡°Look on the bright side; the night will pass quickly.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ll help me, right?¡± George asked hopefully.


    Fred fell silent, clearly reluctant.


    ¡°Percy?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    ¡°Charlie?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    No one answered him.


    At the prospect of detention, a brotherhood built over more than a decade suddenly seemed rather flimsy. George felt close to tears, as though the world had turned cold and grey.


    ¡°Ahem¡­¡±


    Just as George was perfecting his tragic expression, Charlie gave him a disgruntled tap on the head.


    ¡°Oh, knock it off with the dramatics! Don¡¯t think I don¡¯t know you and Fred have a self-cleaning kit tucked away somewhere.¡±


    The tears about to fall vanished instantly as George¡¯s familiar grin returned, any trace of sorrow or frustration gone.


    ¡°You¡¯re no fun, Charlie.¡±


    As the two most frequent recipients of detentions, Fred and George had come prepared. The self-cleaning kit was a reliable tool they¡¯d devised specifically to deal with ¡°scrubbing¡± duties¡ªespecially for cauldrons.


    ¡°But really,¡± said Charlie, looking at some torn packaging left behind, ¡°that trick of yours was brilliant. I didn¡¯t expect Rosier to get so freaked out he¡¯d drop his plate. What was that about?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s a secret,¡± George and Fred chimed in unison, sharing a mischievous wink.


    Luckily, Charlie wasn¡¯t the curious type. Satisfied with knowing that this strategy could rattle Slytherins, he didn¡¯t press for details.

 Chapter 86: Devil’s Snare

    With the automatic cleaning set in place, Snape¡¯s detentions became much easier to handle. That night, George spent just over an hour polishing all the cauldrons in the Potions classroom.


    He did it so skillfully that Filch, who was standing nearby, didn¡¯t notice anything unusual¡ªalthough he did find it a bit odd. He simply assumed that George, with all his detention experience, had gotten exceptionally good at it. Not that Filch was bragging, but he figured he could clean a few cauldrons himself in about half an hour.


    Satisfied that everything was in order, Filch eventually left with George.


    The next morning, George made a point of sharing his story with everyone. At the Gryffindor table, he recounted his late-night escapades in the Potions classroom, claiming he¡¯d discovered a letter addressed to Snape in one of the abandoned cauldrons, only for Filch to confiscate it. While he never explicitly said it, George¡¯s hints were clear¡ªthe letter was supposedly a love letter. This bit of innuendo sent the Gryffindor girls into a frenzy; they didn¡¯t care if it was true, as long as it was entertaining.


    Meanwhile, Kyle, over at the Hufflepuff table, was delighted too, though his happiness had nothing to do with Snape gossip. His excitement stemmed from the fact that they had Herbology class that day. Professor Sprout had announced at the end of their last lesson that they were wrapping up the study on rue and would soon begin learning about Devil¡¯s Snare. Nothing could be better news.


    After breakfast, Kyle and the other Hufflepuffs joined the Gryffindors on the way to the greenhouses outside the castle.


    ¡°Why do I get the feeling you¡¯re unusually excited?¡± Kanna asked, glancing at Kyle. ¡°The book says Devil¡¯s Snare is a very dangerous plant. Aren¡¯t you worried?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s fine,¡± Kyle quickly hid his grin. ¡°Devil¡¯s Snare might sound scary, but it¡¯s really not that dangerous. If you know how to handle it, it¡¯s tamer than a Puffskein.¡±


    ¡°Exactly,¡±


    Just then, Professor Sprout appeared behind them with a smile. ¡°Don¡¯t mind me¡ªgo on, share what you know.¡±


    ¡°Right,¡± Kyle cleared his throat. ¡°According to Devil¡¯s Snare was once very popular, and many witches and wizards kept one or two plants at home. It helped keep underground storerooms free of mice and spiders. But once the Ministry of Magic classified it as dangerous and banned private cultivation, Devil¡¯s Snare gradually disappeared from most wizarding households.¡±


    ¡°I couldn¡¯t have explained it better myself,¡± Professor Sprout said warmly. ¡°Five points to Hufflepuff.¡±


    ¡°As Kyle mentioned, Devil¡¯s Snare isn¡¯t as dangerous as its name suggests, but¡­¡± She paused, her expression growing serious. ¡°The key is understanding it. If you¡¯re unfamiliar with Devil¡¯s Snare, it can indeed become very dangerous¡ªeven deadly.¡±


    The students grew noticeably quiet at this caution, and Professor Sprout nodded in satisfaction.


    Today, they were in Greenhouse Two. Upon entering, they immediately noticed how dark it was¡ªthe ceiling and walls were completely covered, with only two dim oil lamps providing light. Fortunately, the greenhouse wasn¡¯t very large, and once their eyes adjusted, they could make out their surroundings.


    Compared to Greenhouse One, the plants here were far stranger. In addition to the Devil¡¯s Snare on the table, Kyle noticed Puffapods and poisonous plants like Poison Ivy and Belladonna. The only disappointment was the absence of any Mandrakes.


    ¡°This is the Devil¡¯s Snare,¡± Professor Sprout announced, standing beside a stool and pointing to the sprawling mass of vine-like tendrils at the center of the floor. "It¡¯s quite beautiful, isn¡¯t it? But also very dangerous. Can anyone tell me why?¡±


    Everyone turned to look at Kyle in perfect unison.


    ¡°Devil¡¯s Snare can extend its tendrils like snakes to wrap around anyone nearby, causing injury or even death,¡± Kyle blurted out.


    ¡°Exactly right. Five more points for Hufflepuff,¡± Professor Sprout replied, gesturing towards the Devil¡¯s Snare¡¯s roots. ¡°Notice that the Devil¡¯s Snare here is still quite young.¡±


    In the dim light, everyone moved in closer, squinting to see what she meant, but nothing about the plant looked particularly ¡°young¡± to them. After all, the thing was nearly two meters long.


    To demonstrate, Professor Sprout tossed an empty flowerpot towards the Devil¡¯s Snare. The moment it hit the ground, the plant¡¯s tendrils shot out, ensnaring the pot tightly before crushing it into fragments with a loud ¡®pop.¡¯


    The students gasped and instinctively stepped back, eyeing Kyle and Professor Sprout as if they¡¯d just seen ghosts.


    How could this thing not be dangerous?


    ¡°Pay attention to the color of the tendrils¡ªthey¡¯re still a light green,¡± Professor Sprout explained calmly as she swept up the remains of the flowerpot. ¡°Mature Devil¡¯s Snare is a dark green. So while getting tangled in it might not kill you, it certainly wouldn¡¯t be pleasant.¡±


    ¡°Now, can anyone tell me what should be done to escape from Devil¡¯s Snare?¡±


    Everyone looked at Kyle again.


    ¡°If you get tangled, don¡¯t panic,¡± Kyle responded. ¡°By relaxing and staying still, the Devil¡¯s Snare will eventually loosen its hold. It also hates light and fire, so sometimes just a simple Lighting Charm can make it release its grip.¡±


    Hearing this, Mikel, standing next to him, let out a proud chuckle and puffed out his chest. The Lighting Charm? He knew it like the back of his hand. Without exaggeration, there was probably no young wizard here more skilled at it than him.


    ¡°Correct. Hufflepuff earns three more points.¡±


    ¡°Today, we¡¯ll be learning how to fertilize the Devil¡¯s Snare,¡± Professor Sprout said, producing a small wooden bucket filled with tools and compost. ¡°Handle it gently, and if you get tangled, remember to relax completely. Now, who¡¯d like to go first?¡± S§×ar?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    For the third time, Kyle felt everyone¡¯s gaze fixed on him, including an encouraging one from Professor Sprout.


    ¡°I¡¯ll go first,¡± Kyle offered, stepping forward.


    ¡°Take your time,¡± Professor Sprout encouraged.


    Kyle took the small shovel she handed him and carefully reached for the Devil¡¯s Snare¡¯s roots. Everyone held their breath as they watched.


    Kyle¡¯s hand remained steady as he managed to avoid every writhing tendril of the Devil¡¯s Snare. He dug a small hole near the roots, then, using tweezers, he plucked a silver pellet the size of a soybean from the compost bucket and gently placed it in the hole. Finally, he filled it in and pulled his hand away from the plant.


    ¡°Ten points to Hufflepuff,¡± Professor Sprout announced, her tone pleased.

 Chapter 87: The Hit Wizards and Hagrid

    Fertilizing the Devil¡¯s Snare was nearly the toughest part of first-year Herbology. Kyle, however, found it manageable, simply because he had prior experience. After all, he¡¯d been tending to Chomping Cabbages for months. The Chomping Cabbage, especially after its teeth sprouted, was far more dangerous than the Devil¡¯s Snare, which only tried to bind you. One wrong move with the cabbage, and Kyle might have ended up in the Hospital Wing with a glass of Skele-Gro... or some other healing potion.


    After surviving those high-stakes encounters, returning to something as straightforward as Devil¡¯s Snare felt almost relaxing to him.


    For the others, though, it was a different story. Coming into contact with the Devil¡¯s Snare for the first time left them shrieking as the tendrils coiled around them in tight binds. Some panicked the moment they were entangled, instantly forgetting Professor Sprout¡¯s instructions and thrashing instinctively. If not for Professor Sprout¡¯s watchful eye, they might have ended up as tightly wrapped as dumplings.


    Kyle, meanwhile, stayed busy. When Professor Sprout was occupied, he took the initiative to help his classmates untangle themselves from the Devil¡¯s Snare. His assistance earned Hufflepuff another ten points, courtesy of Professor Sprout.


    ¡°Thanks, Kyle,¡± said Ryan, rubbing his arm, which was still sore from the strangling tendrils. ¡°When I watched you do it earlier, it looked easy. I had no idea it would be so tough¡­ I can¡¯t even get close to the roots.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t be discouraged,¡± Kyle replied, giving him a reassuring pat on the shoulder. ¡°Just focus and avoid the tendrils. You¡¯ll be fine.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll give it my best shot,¡± Ryan sighed, adding, ¡°but it would¡¯ve been way easier if Professor Sprout let us use the Lighting Charm.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re overthinking it,¡± Kyle said with a shake of his head. Using the Lighting Charm would make the Devil¡¯s Snare bloom immediately, defeating the purpose of the lesson. If all they had to do was dig a hole and add fertilizer, even a toddler could manage it, so why dedicate an entire lesson?


    ¡°Just wishful thinking,¡± Ryan muttered before making another cautious attempt.


    The rest of the class¡¯s efforts mirrored Ryan¡¯s, with a few notable exceptions. Kanna managed to successfully complete the task, becoming the second student to fertilize the Devil¡¯s Snare. Her movements weren¡¯t as fluid as Kyle¡¯s, and she paused often, but overall, she passed on her first try.


    Then there was Cormac McLaggen from Gryffindor. He was slower and only managed to finish halfway through the lesson. By then, the Devil¡¯s Snare was clearly fatigued, moving its tendrils sluggishly, which gave the other students more chances to succeed.


    By the end of class, more than half of the students had managed to fertilize the Devil¡¯s Snare, though they were exhausted and drenched in sweat, eager to get back to the castle for a shower. Professor Sprout instructed them to line up in two rows. Once everyone was in place, she opened the greenhouse door slowly.


    Sunlight flooded the greenhouse instantly, and the Devil¡¯s Snare in the center, seemingly overwhelmed by the brightness, froze completely.


    Kyle, who had intentionally lined up at the back of the crowd, seized the opportunity. While Professor Sprout was preoccupied, he quickly pulled out a small pocket knife he had prepared beforehand. In one swift motion, he cut off a tiny piece of the Devil¡¯s Snare root and tucked it into his pocket.


    The sunlight had rendered the Devil¡¯s Snare immobile, and even when cut, it remained perfectly still.


    Kyle left the greenhouse with the rest of the students as if nothing unusual had happened, even giving Professor Sprout a casual wave as he passed by.


    ¡°Goodbye, Professor.¡±


    ¡°Goodbye, Kyle,¡± she replied, smiling and waving back. ¡°I remember you have a fondness for plants. How would you like to care for a Puffapod? You could take a cutting when you return to class.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯d love that, Professor,¡± Kyle replied, surprised but delighted by the unexpected bonus.


    After saying his goodbyes, Kyle made his way quickly toward the castle. While he was interested in the Puffapod, his priority was to get the Devil¡¯s Snare cutting to the Room of Requirement on the eighth floor. With prompt planting, the resilient vine segment would soon grow into a full Devil¡¯s Snare.


    As he hurried along, a commotion caught his attention. Looking up, he saw a crowd forming near Hagrid¡¯s cabin, including many students who had just been in Herbology with him.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on? Has Hagrid been found out for keeping the Three-Headed Dog?¡± Kyle muttered to himself, frowning as he decided to head over to investigate.


    Sure enough, it was just as he had suspected. Hagrid had indeed been discovered keeping the creature, and three Ministry of Magic officers, looking very much like hit wizards, were standing at his doorstep, wands pointed at him with clear hostility. S§×arch* The n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°We received a report that you acquired a Magical Creature of unknown origin in September,¡± said one of the officers firmly. ¡°Hand it over and come back to the Ministry with us.¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t!¡± Hagrid replied, his face flushed red. ¡°The only thing I bought then was some potion to deal with the Flesh-Eating Slugs!¡±


    But the officer didn¡¯t relent. ¡°Yet witnesses saw you dealing in Magical Creatures.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s just rubbish!¡± Hagrid protested, now visibly flustered. ¡°And you¡¯ve already searched my place! There¡¯s nothing here but Fang and me!¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re not the judge of that,¡± the officer sneered. ¡°We¡¯re not obligated to just take your word for it. If you¡¯re truly innocent, the Ministry will clear you. So, what are you afraid of? Or is there something you¡¯re hiding?¡±


    The officer¡¯s accusatory tone stirred anger among the students gathered around. Although they didn¡¯t know Hagrid very well, many remembered him as the kind giant who had guided them from the train station to the castle on their first day. To them, Hagrid was a part of Hogwarts, and they naturally sided with him.


    A chorus of boos and shouts filled the air as the students called for the officers to leave. A few clever first-years, realizing they couldn¡¯t confront the Ministry enforcers directly, sprinted towards the castle to seek help.


    The Ministry wizards glanced at one another, noting the unrest around them, and raised their wands simultaneously, as if ready to forcefully remove Hagrid. Just as Kyle was preparing to intervene, another figure stepped forward.


    ¡°Don''t be so glib,¡± came a calm voice from behind the three enforcers. It was Professor Oren, who had quietly arrived on the scene. ¡°Are you really basing your actions here solely on someone¡¯s one-sided accusation?¡±

 Chapter 88: Risking Your Life for Just a Few Hundred Galleons a Month?

    After seeing Oren, the expressions on the hit team members'' faces grew much more serious. The appearance of an adult wizard at Hogwarts suggested he was most likely a professor, and that authority held far more weight than students who only knew how to make noise. They couldn¡¯t help but regard him warily.


    Not recognizing the man before them, one of the team members cautiously asked, "Who are you?"


    "Morris Oren," he introduced himself. "Professor of Defence Against the Dark Arts at Hogwarts." S~ea??h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°Defence Against the Dark Arts?¡±


    The hit wizards raised their eyebrows. They knew the position all too well. Since they had turned to this line of work, they¡¯d already arrested three or four Defence Against the Dark Arts professors from Hogwarts. It had nearly become a steady source of income for them.


    So, upon hearing Oren¡¯s identity, the three of them relaxed slightly. With a businesslike tone, one of them replied, ¡°Professor Oren, we are here by order of the Ministry of Magic to arrest Hagrid, and you have no authority to interfere.¡±


    "Liar! I haven¡¯t heard of the Ministry of Magic issuing any such order.¡±


    At that moment, Professor McGonagall appeared, striding over from the castle with a fierce expression, her pursed lips resembling those of a lioness about to roar.


    ¡°Fudge is still in the headmaster¡¯s office, and you won¡¯t be taking Hagrid anywhere until he comes out.¡±


    ¡°P-Professor McGonagall¡­¡±


    The three officers instinctively straightened up. Despite having graduated years ago, they couldn¡¯t suppress the nervousness they felt when faced with Professor McGonagall again.


    But they didn¡¯t want to back down so easily. Fudge seemed particularly invested in this case, and before they¡¯d set out for Hogwarts, he had emphasized repeatedly that the investigation must be thorough, without a trace of negligence. This was a rare chance to impress the Minister, and they were determined to handle it just right.


    When they hadn¡¯t found any valuable clues in Hagrid¡¯s cabin, they¡¯d decided it might be worth taking Hagrid back for questioning¡ªjust in case they stumbled upon something useful. Hardened by thoughts of promotion and a pay raise, McGonagall¡¯s fierce presence didn¡¯t seem quite so daunting anymore.


    ¡°Professor, you misunderstand. We¡¯re just doing our job,¡± the lead officer said smoothly. ¡°It¡¯s just a formality. If there¡¯s nothing wrong, he¡¯ll be back tomorrow. Rules are rules¡ªthey apply to everyone. Don¡¯t make this difficult.¡±


    ¡°No, that¡¯s not right¡­¡±


    A voice suddenly cut through the crowd.


    ¡°I thought the Ministry of Magic¡¯s rules required concrete evidence before taking anyone away.¡±


    ¡°Who said that!¡± Hadd, the leader, barked angrily. ¡°This doesn¡¯t concern you¡ªback to the castle!¡±


    ¡°I think I¡¯m the professor of Hogwarts here, Hadd,¡± McGonagall said, her frown deepening.


    ¡°Sorry, Professor McGonagall, I just¡ª


    ¡°But the student is correct,¡± she interrupted, continuing, ¡°Where¡¯s the evidence that Hagrid¡¯s been purchasing magical creatures?¡±


    ¡°Someone saw it with their own eyes,¡± Harder replied gruffly.


    ¡°A baseless accusation,¡± McGonagall¡¯s lips tightened even further. ¡°If someone saw it, why didn¡¯t you bring that person along?¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll naturally find that person and have them testify after we take Hagrid back,¡± Harder muttered, his gaze shifting uncomfortably.


    ¡°So you don¡¯t even know who this person is?¡± Professor McGonagall couldn¡¯t help but laugh bitterly.


    With no evidence, just the unverified word of some stranger, they wanted to take Hagrid from Hogwarts? It was, to her, completely unacceptable.


    If they could take Hagrid today, what would stop them from accusing Professor Snape of researching dark arts tomorrow? Or Dumbledore, the day after that? Hogwarts would end up shut down entirely.


    The Hit Wizards knew they were in the wrong but didn¡¯t back down a bit.


    ¡°Professor, it¡¯s just a question. We promise we won¡¯t...¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m reporting him!¡±


    At that moment, another voice rose from the crowd.


    ¡°I saw Professor Snape at the Hog¡¯s Head pub yesterday. He bought a baby dragon. Maybe you should take him to the Ministry as well. Oh, and Headmaster Dumbledore too¡ªhe purchased a Lethifold.¡±


    Hadd¡¯s words caught in his throat, a blow he hadn¡¯t anticipated. This turned everything on its head; if he wanted to take Hagrid, he¡¯d have to take Dumbledore too. He was backed into a corner.


    Hadd scanned the crowd angrily, trying to locate the speaker.


    Professor McGonagall¡¯s mouth curled into a slight smile as she stepped in front of the students. ¡°I¡¯ve thought about it, Hadd, and I think you¡¯re absolutely right.¡±


    ¡°The Potions classroom is on the first basement floor, and the Headmaster¡¯s office is on the eighth. Shall I show you the way?¡±


    Hadd¡¯s face turned crimson, and he stammered, ¡°Professor McGonagall, I... I mean, surely you know that a student¡¯s words aren¡¯t...¡±


    ¡°I saw it too,¡± said Professor Oren quietly from the side, adding the final blow to Hadd¡¯s resolve.


    ¡°I see...¡± Hadd muttered through clenched teeth. ¡°We¡¯ll come back with more evidence.¡±


    He wouldn¡¯t dare confront Dumbledore. Hadd knew that if he even tried, he¡¯d be dismissed from the Ministry by the next day, probably for something as trivial as stepping through the door with his left foot first.


    Unwillingly, he began to make his way out of Hogwarts when his gaze landed on the Forbidden Forest.


    ¡°Professor McGonagall, do you mind if we take a look in the Forbidden Forest?¡± Hadd turned back, grasping at straws. ¡°It¡¯s vast; it wouldn¡¯t be hard to hide a magical creature in there, right?¡±


    ¡°Are you sure?¡± Professor McGonagall¡¯s expression shifted, faintly amused. Initially, she had thought they were just here to cause trouble, but now she realized they were here for sheer comedy.


    Searching for magical creatures of ¡°unknown origin¡± in the Forbidden Forest? The absurdity of it bordered on entertainment for the entire wizarding world. Everyone knew the forest was teeming with magical creatures, all of mysterious origin. It was hardly likely they¡¯d find anything groundbreaking.


    Since when had the Ministry¡¯s standards for Hit Wizards dropped so low?


    Hadd noticed Professor McGonagall¡¯s expression and realized how ridiculous his suggestion had sounded. But with the words already out, he couldn¡¯t afford to backtrack without losing face.


    ¡°I¡¯m sure, Professor McGonagall,¡± Hadd replied, trying to sound calm, and gestured for the other two Hit Wizards to follow him into the Forbidden Forest.


    Regardless of what they found¡ªor didn¡¯t find¡ªthey¡¯d at least be able to report back. They couldn¡¯t be accused of failing to investigate thoroughly.


    ¡°I remember what¡¯s in the Forbidden Forest... Chimaera, Manticore, and, oh yes, there are werewolves too, aren¡¯t there...¡± Professor Oren said nonchalantly. ¡°Tsk, risking your life for a few hundred Galleons a month.¡±


    ¡°Wait... I just realized, that¡¯s my salary. What¡¯s a Hit Wizard¡¯s salary again¡ª70? 80?¡± He shook his head, sighing. ¡°Tsk...¡±

 Chapter 89: Hehehe

    ¡°Sorry, Albus, I didn¡¯t think they¡¯d be so rude,¡± Fudge said, fidgeting with his top hat in the headmaster¡¯s office at Hogwarts. ¡°I¡¯ve spoken to them about it before, but, as you know, the Hit Wizards have been tied up for months with that Swooping Evil incident. Sometimes they act impulsively; it¡¯s hard to avoid.¡±


    ¡°I understand, Cornelius,¡± Dumbledore replied calmly. ¡°But I trust Hagrid. There¡¯s certainly no Swooping Evil involved here.¡±


    ¡°Yes, well, personally, I trust Hagrid too,¡± Fudge replied, glancing away and avoiding Dumbledore¡¯s gaze. ¡°But you must see my position¡ªhe has a record, and we¡¯ve received reports. The Ministry has to investigate, for the safety of the students.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not stopping you from investigating Hagrid,¡± Dumbledore said, crossing his arms and resting his fingers on his chin as he spoke slowly. ¡°And even Minerva only intervened when you were about to take Hagrid by force. I assure you, Cornelius, you¡¯re welcome to bring your witnesses here to Hogwarts, now or in the future, to question Hagrid. We have an excellent Potions Master who can easily determine whether he¡¯s telling the truth. And if you can¡¯t come yourself, send word, and I¡¯ll personally bring Hagrid to the Ministry for questioning.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s no need for that, Albus,¡± Fudge replied, sounding slightly unnatural. ¡°I trust you completely, and the investigation into Hagrid is closed. His room shows no trace of any Swooping Evil.¡±


    ¡°Thank you for your confidence, Cornelius,¡± Dumbledore said warmly. ¡°I didn¡¯t expect you to come all the way to Hogwarts in person over this.¡±


    ¡°Oh, it¡¯s nothing, Albus,¡± Fudge said, taking a sip of his black tea. ¡°It was our mistake to begin with, so I felt I should handle it myself. I only hope Minerva isn¡¯t too upset. Speaking of the Swooping Evil, something else just came to mind.¡±


    ¡°Oh?¡± Dumbledore raised his brows slightly, looking intrigued.


    ¡°It¡¯s just that¡­¡± Fudge absentmindedly straightened his collar. ¡°Recently, someone at the Ministry has been using the Swooping Evil incident to tarnish my reputation, claiming I¡¯m too ineffective. They think my decision to release those magical creatures was a mistake and that I shouldn¡¯t have held onto Newt and Chris for so long. Even foreign Ministries have sent letters, saying I shouldn¡¯t have let Newt visit their countries.¡±


    Fudge leaned forward. ¡°But Albus, I just want to show that I take this seriously¡ªmy intentions are good.¡±


    ¡°I understand entirely,¡± Dumbledore nodded. ¡°It can be deeply frustrating not to be understood.¡±


    ¡°I knew you¡¯d get it.¡± Fudge sighed, taking another sip of tea. ¡°These days, all I hear are complaints, and it¡¯s making my work nearly impossible. Had it been otherwise, I¡¯d have sent you a note before the Hit Wizards came to Hogwarts.¡±


    Dumbledore¡¯s gaze flickered for a moment as he looked at Fudge, but he remained silent.


    ¡°If you were in my shoes,¡± Fudge continued, trying to sound casual, ¡°how would you handle this sort of trouble¡­¡±


    No one knew the full extent of Fudge and Dumbledore¡¯s conversation that day, but many saw Fudge leave Hogwarts with a downcast expression. It was clear he hadn¡¯t left pleased.


    After Fudge¡¯s departure, Hagrid caught up with Professor Oren and invited him to share a large barrel of Pure Malt Firewhiskey. As a token of thanks for his support, Hagrid gifted Oren a big bag of Rock cake.


    This kindness resulted in Professor Oren¡¯s speech sounding a bit slurred during Defense Against the Dark Arts the following day.


    ¡°I was trying out a new Charm,¡± Professor Oren explained, ¡°and let¡¯s just say there was a small hiccup in the process. Just a minor injury¡ªnothing serious.¡±


    Kyle couldn¡¯t help but wonder what kind of charm would make someone lose a tooth.


    Kyle was equally puzzled by Professor McGonagall¡¯s behavior in Transfiguration class. She unexpectedly tapped him with her wand while checking homework and then posed a simple question. When Kyle answered correctly, she awarded Hufflepuff an unprecedented 20 points.


    The sudden reward stirred excitement among the younger students, with some speculating that Professor McGonagall might be trying to rally support for Hufflepuff in their ongoing rivalry with Slytherin for the House Cup. But they soon realized they were mistaken.


    Professor McGonagall remained her usual self¡ªserious and fair, with no intention of favoring any particular house. That substantial bonus was a one-time occurrence, and by third year class, she was back to her regular approach, even deducting ten points from Hufflepuff over an incomplete homework assignment.


    Only Kyle likely knew the reason behind this.


    As he stirred up excitement among the younger students, he noticed Professor McGonagall casting deliberate, or perhaps unintentional, glances in his direction. Despite Kyle''s efforts to disguise his voice, it seemed only to fool the Ministry of Magic and the younger wizards around him. Professor McGonagall, however, was not so easily deceived. Still, judging by her demeanor, it appeared she didn¡¯t intend to pursue the matter.


    Meanwhile, Kyle had planted Devil¡¯s Snare roots in the Room of Requirement, placing them in a corner near the Mooncalves¡¯ lair¡ªa completely shaded area. After two weeks of meticulous care, the roots, initially just small cuttings, had grown into a new Devil¡¯s Snare plant, even sprouting finger-thick tendrils. As soon as Kyle touched the tendrils, they wrapped themselves around his wrist. Still young and tender, the plant¡¯s embrace felt like a gentle massage, quite relaxing in its own way. After entertaining himself with the Devil¡¯s Snare for a bit, Kyle released it.


    Nearby, the Mooncalves had settled comfortably into their surroundings, sleeping soundly in their burrows. Both Dittany and Rue were thriving, and if used as feed, there was more than enough to sustain the Mooncalves for several months. Recently, though, Kyle had considered enhancing their diet by introducing Bubotuber. S~ea??h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    A whole Bubotuber, mashed and mixed with Dittany and Rue leaves, rolled into small balls, was a treat the Mooncalves relished. But Bubotuber wasn¡¯t available in Hogsmeade, nor was it easy to source from the school¡¯s greenhouse. Kyle would likely have to wait until the holidays to visit Diagon Alley¡­ and to see Newt.


    The Chomping Cabbage was also nearing maturity, its rows of teeth as sharp as razors. Kyle tossed it a stone, which the cabbage promptly chewed through as though it were a mere chickpea, making a satisfying crunching sound. Now, Kyle found himself eagerly awaiting the Devil¡¯s Snare¡¯s full growth so it could interact with the Chomping Cabbage.


    The scene he imagined brought a mischievous smile to his face.

 Chapter 90: Kyle, Do You Have Rat Poison?

    Over the next few weeks, Kyle visited the Room of Requirement almost daily. Besides tending to the new Devil¡¯s Snare, he also had to monitor the Chomping Cabbage. Once fully matured, the Cabbages could temporarily free themselves from the soil, moving about using their broad outer leaves. Kyle wasn¡¯t too concerned about this; the Chomping Cabbage preferred the soil and wouldn¡¯t stray without provocation.


    What did worry him, however, was the fact that these mature Cabbages could launch their seeds at any moment, with the range depending on their mood. The Room of Requirement wasn¡¯t particularly large, so if any of these seeds took root too close to the Mooncalves or the Devil¡¯s Snare, it would create a mess. Chomping Cabbages were notoriously difficult to transplant, especially in their initial sprouting phase. Even slight environmental changes could make them lash out. Only an expert like Professor Sprout had the skill and experience to transplant these finicky plants successfully. Kyle wasn¡¯t quite at that level yet, so he opted for the simplest solution: gathering the seeds before they sprouted and planting them in controlled spots.


    After over a month of diligent care, by the time the Easter holidays arrived, there were now five Chomping Cabbages in the Room of Requirement¡ªtwo fully matured and three newly sprouting. Kyle was relieved to know there were no more rogue seeds, which meant he didn¡¯t have to visit the Room every single day anymore.


    Meanwhile, Cedric and the other Hufflepuff Quidditch players had been keeping busy as well. Harris, their captain, was pushing them harder than ever, his enthusiasm unshaken even through the ongoing rains and cold that had followed the last snowstorm. Yet no one on the team complained. If they won their next match against Slytherin, Hufflepuff would surpass Gryffindor in points, taking the lead. After that, they¡¯d only need one more win or simply to avoid being overtaken by another house to clinch the Quidditch Cup and bring it back to Hufflepuff. Driven by this goal, the whole team had become training fanatics, practically ready to eat and sleep on the Quidditch pitch.


    Of course, Gryffindor was training just as intensely. Slytherin, however, took a more relaxed approach, practicing their usual amount each day but calling it quits at the appointed time. That was no surprise, as they would need to beat Hufflepuff by an improbable 300 points to claim the championship. Such a score was far more feasible against Ravenclaw¡¯s scoring-centered team, but not Hufflepuff.


    During Defense Against the Dark Arts the following morning, Kyle thought ahead to tomorrow¡¯s game while he jotted down notes on different treatments for werewolf bites.


    "Remember," Professor Oren said sternly from the lectern, "a mixture of Dittany and silver powder can seal the wound, but it won¡¯t prevent werewolf transformation. If you¡¯re not certain you can win against a werewolf, your best option is to run as fast as you can. Use charms to create obstacles and buy yourself time to escape rather than attempting to kill them. And it¡¯s a good habit to always have a broomstick with you¡ªit could save your life in a pinch.¡±


    After emphasizing this, Professor Oren transformed the lectern into a werewolf using a Transfiguration spell, then instructed the students to come forward for hands-on practice. sea??h th§× Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    While waiting in line, Kanna leaned over to Kyle and whispered, "Do you have any rat poison with you?"


    "Rat poison?" Kyle blinked, puzzled. "Why, has Pocky fallen out of favor? But even if she has, you don¡¯t have to go that far. Just give her to Percy¡ªScabbers is always on the lookout for a new wife."


    "What are you talking about? I¡¯d never give Pocky away," Kanna said, pushing Kyle in annoyance. "I meant a potion for treating sick rats. Pocky''s been under the weather lately, with no energy at all."


    "Sick?" Kyle frowned. "Have you been giving him the mouse tonic regularly?"


    Kanna nodded. "Of course! I¡¯ve given it to him every month on schedule, not missing a single dose."


    "That¡¯s strange," Kyle murmured, scratching his head. "Did I get the wrong ingredients?"


    The tonic Kyle sold her was no ordinary concoction from Diagon Alley. It was a special elixir Newt had developed for Murtlap rats. For a regular field mouse, it was basically a "Fountain of Life." A small bottle each month should have kept Pocky in perfect health for his whole lifespan.


    "Are you certain it''s sick?" Kyle asked again.


    "Yes, it sneezed last night," Kanna recalled. "I think it might have something to do with the heavy rain during the flying lesson the other day. Everyone in our dorm caught a bit of a cold then."


    "Hmm...maybe."


    Kyle noticed the line was getting shorter and pulled Kanna to the back, allowing more time for their conversation. "I do know a recipe for a rat remedy, but I''m missing some ingredients," he said, rubbing his fingers as he thought it over. "How about this: give Pocky another dose of the rat tonic tonight and see how he is by morning. If it doesn¡¯t work, I¡¯ll send an owl to Hogsmeade after tomorrow¡¯s Quidditch match to pick up the ingredients."


    He paused, then asked, "By the way, have you lost any Galleons lately? Sickles and Knuts count too."


    "Not since I got the handbag you gave me," Kanna replied, confused. "Why?"


    "Oh, nothing," Kyle laughed. "I just wanted to be sure you¡¯d be able to cover the cost."


    "Uh¡­ is it expensive?" Kanna asked nervously, pulling out the little pink handbag. "I only have a dozen Galleons left."


    "That''s more than enough," Kyle assured her. "The ingredients are common, just a few Sickles."


    Kanna sighed in relief. "Thank goodness."


    As they chatted, the line dwindled, and soon it was their turn for practical training. The younger students had limited Charms knowledge, so when they faced Professor Oren¡¯s werewolf, they barely lasted a few seconds before being "captured."


    Kanna held out longer than most, lasting nearly a full minute before succumbing to the "Wolf''s bite."


    Then it was Kyle¡¯s turn. Instead of fleeing like the others, he pulled out his wand and pointed it toward the classroom door.


    ¡°!¡±


    A few seconds later, an old-fashioned Comet broomstick burst through the door. Kyle grabbed it and zipped into the air, evading the werewolf with ease.


    "Correct answer," Professor Oren said. "If you¡¯d been paying attention, you might have noticed I left a broom outside the door. Even if you didn¡¯t know how to fly, you could have summoned it and used it."


    With a slight look of disappointment, Professor Oren released the levitation spell on the lectern and announced, "Ten points to Hufflepuff!"

 Chapter 91: The Quidditch Match

    The next morning, before the Quidditch match began, Kyle caught up with Cedric outside the Hufflepuff changing room. Cedric looked noticeably thinner and exhausted compared to just a week ago, but his eyes shone with determination.


    "We¡¯re going to win for sure!" he said confidently, gripping his Nimbus 1700 before resolutely turning toward the changing room. Kyle could tell Cedric was still a bit nervous; he could tell by the slight limp in his usually steady walk.


    When Kyle made it to the stands, they were already packed with students. Quidditch matches were some of the most anticipated events at Hogwarts, and today¡¯s decisive game was no exception. Kyle squeezed through the crowd to the front row, where Mikel and Ryan had saved him a prime spot. Next to him, Kanna handed him a homemade banner embroidered with a small badger and the words "Hufflepuff Forever," crafted with Developing Solution. The badger stitched on the banner waved its front paws cheerfully. Kyle smiled, charmed it to float in the most visible spot nearby, and propped it up.


    ¡°We¡¯re going to win for sure!¡± Mikel said, his voice bursting with excitement. "I can just feel it¡ªHufflepuff¡¯s going to take the Quidditch Cup this year!"


    "Of course," Kyle replied, grinning. "With intuition like that, maybe you have a future as a Seer, Mikel."


    ¡°Haha, I think so too,¡± Mikel chuckled.


    Just then, the teams entered the stadium.


    "Look, here they come!" announced a seventh-year student with long blonde hair, holding a microphone charm-enhanced for the whole stadium to hear. "First to enter is the Slytherin Quidditch team! After suffering a big point loss due to an accident last game, they didn¡¯t let it crush them. Instead, under the leadership of their captain, Rosier, they rallied and defeated both Ravenclaw and the top-seeded Gryffindor. Will they manage a miracle and pull off the triple win? We¡¯re about to find out!" S§×arch* The N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The commentator¡¯s voice climbed in excitement. "Oh, and here come the Hufflepuffs!"


    The stands burst into cheers as he continued. "Leading the team is the captain, Harris! He¡¯s an outstanding Chaser, holding the record for the most goals scored, and has been instrumental in Hufflepuff¡¯s rise. Following him are the Beaters... and last but not least, there¡¯s Cedric Diggory, their Seeker, who¡¯s strengthened Hufflepuff¡¯s only weak spot!"


    The two teams were well-matched, and the commentator¡¯s excitement was infectious as he leaned out of the commentator¡¯s box. Energized by his enthusiasm, the crowd¡¯s cheering grew even louder, with yellow and green flags waving like ocean waves across the stands.


    About three-quarters of the stadium seemed to be cheering for Hufflepuff. Gryffindor students had little interest in supporting Slytherin, and while Ravenclaw''s loyalty wasn¡¯t as decided, the Hufflepuff team was generally well-liked. Harris¡¯s sportsmanship and restraint in matches had made a favorable impression on many Ravenclaws, so a majority of the Eagles also joined in supporting Hufflepuff today.


    "Both sides have taken their positions, the game is about to begin!"


    Madam Hooch, mounted on her broomstick, flew to the center of the pitch as the referee. ¡°Listen up, I expect everyone to play fairly and honestly. Now, captains, shake hands.¡±


    Harris and Rosier stepped forward, each giving a firm handshake before promptly returning to their positions. Then, with everyone on their broomsticks, Madam Hooch blew her silver whistle loud and clear.


    Fifteen broomsticks shot into the air¡ªthe game had begun.


    "The Quaffle is first claimed by Harris of Hufflepuff, demonstrating his usual consistency¡­¡± the commentator called out. ¡°Marcus Flint is closing in, trying to intercept¡­ Harris with a fantastic feint, avoids him and heads straight for the Slytherin goalpost. Keeper Black dives¡­ can he hold it? No, he¡¯s missed! The Quaffle is in, and Harris scores! Ten to zero, Hufflepuff leads!¡±


    A wave of cheers erupted. Kanna, in her excitement, squeezed Kyle''s arm with surprising force, making him grit his teeth at the unexpected pain. How was it that someone as slender and unassuming as Kanna could have such a strong grip? He rubbed his arm and edged slightly away as her attention returned to the match.


    On the pitch, the play shifted rapidly. Marcus Flint seized the Quaffle, and with the superior speed of their brooms, the Slytherin players surged toward the Hufflepuff goal before Harris and his teammates could catch up.


    "Marcus goes for the shot¡­ no, it¡¯s a pass! A brilliant feint, he¡¯s fooled everyone, even the Hufflepuff Keeper! Rosier scores, and Slytherin evens it up! Ten to ten!¡±


    Now, the Slytherin supporters roared in celebration.


    ¡°Two goals in under a minute, each with an impressive feint,¡± the commentator said, his voice brimming with excitement. ¡°Absolutely amazing! This game is fantastic!¡±


    The match intensified, with both teams keeping the score tight and trading goals. During the first twenty minutes, Hufflepuff managed to maintain a slim ten-point lead despite their best efforts. Meanwhile, the Slytherin players charged around as if possessed. Marcus Flint, in particular, was relentless¡ªeven diving at the Hufflepuff Keeper when he missed a save, blocking a potential goal with his face. The crowd roared in appreciation, with even the Gryffindors, including Charlie, giving him a thumbs-up for his sheer grit. For a moment, whatever dirty tactics Marcus might have used in prior games were forgotten; his commitment was undeniable.


    But thirty minutes into the game, the tide began to turn. The Slytherin team¡¯s speed visibly slowed, and they started to falter, both offensively and defensively. In a matter of minutes, Hufflepuff scored three successive goals, widening the lead to 90-50.

 Chapter 92: I Solemnly Swear That I Am Up to No Good

    "The game is over," Kyle muttered to himself, observing the shift on the pitch.


    He could guess what was going on. Maybe it was the commentator''s enthusiasm or the fact that Snape had shown up to watch, but for those first twenty minutes, the Slytherin team had given it everything, hoping for a miracle. They played with unrestrained intensity, holding onto their ambition tightly. But once they realized they couldn¡¯t outscore Hufflepuff, no matter how hard they pushed, that intense drive seemed to vanish.


    It became clear to them that their own house wouldn¡¯t win the championship, but they were even less willing to see Gryffindor take the cup. Since Slytherin couldn¡¯t surpass Hufflepuff¡¯s 300 points, they chose to give Hufflepuff an easier win. If Hufflepuff could rack up more goals now, those points might be the very thing to shatter Gryffindor¡¯s championship dreams in the final match. That, for Slytherin, was a victory in itself.


    But Slytherin was subtle. They weren¡¯t outright throwing the game, just easing up at critical moments. Most of the younger wizards in the stands didn¡¯t catch on; to them, it looked like Slytherin had just run out of steam or hit a streak of bad luck. But a few sharper eyes saw through the act.


    "From the Gryffindor stands, Charlie angrily pounded his fist against the stairs. ''Curse you, Rosier! I thought they¡¯d learned a bit of integrity!''


    ¡°It¡¯s rigged!¡± Fred and George yelled, their faces red with frustration. ¡°They¡¯re throwing the game! Slytherin should be disqualified!¡±


    Despite their loud protests, their voices were lost amid the thunderous cheers filling the stadium. Only a few students around them could hear their complaints. Realizing that yelling wasn¡¯t getting them anywhere, Fred and George exchanged a look and started toward the commentary booth. They couldn¡¯t stop the game, but they hoped they could at least get the commentator to expose Slytherin¡¯s blatant cheating.


    As they neared the booth, they were intercepted. sea??h th§× novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°Weasley, what are you doing here?¡± Professor McGonagall¡¯s stern voice halted them. ¡°This isn¡¯t the place for you. Go back and watch the match.¡±


    ¡°But Professor McGonagall,¡± Fred protested, ¡°Slytherin is cheating! They¡¯re deliberately throwing points!¡±


    George chimed in, ¡°They¡¯re doing this to keep Gryffindor from winning the Quidditch Cup, and you¡¯re just going to let it slide?!¡±


    Professor McGonagall paused, her face unreadable. ¡°That is only your assumption, Mr. Weasley. There is no evidence to prove they are deliberately losing.¡±


    ¡°But¡ª¡±


    Fred tried to say more, but Professor McGonagall cut him off firmly. ¡°Return to your seats and watch the match. Only the commentator may use the microphone during a Quidditch game¡ªthat¡¯s the rule.¡±


    Fred opened his mouth to argue, but George tugged on his robe, sighing. ¡°Forget it, Fred,¡± he murmured. Then he looked to Professor McGonagall, ¡°We¡¯re sorry. We¡¯ll go back now.¡±


    Professor McGonagall simply gave a curt nod.


    Before they left, the twins threw a last glance at the commentator. They¡¯d spoken loudly enough that he must have heard every word. If only he would say something¡­


    They waited for a minute, hoping he¡¯d address Slytherin¡¯s underhanded tactics. But he simply kept up his animated commentary, focusing on the action on the pitch, with no indication of changing course.


    Disheartened, Fred and George made their way back to their seats in silence. They understood now: anyone with the expertise to commentate a Quidditch match would surely recognize the signs of a fixed game. Yet, just like Professor McGonagall, he chose to stay silent.


    Once Fred and George returned to the Gryffindor stands, Lee Jordan rushed up to them, visibly agitated. ¡°What happened?¡±


    Fred and George shook their heads in unison, frustration clear on their faces.


    "Those Slytherins are despicable, and the commentator¡¯s too spineless to call it out. How could they let this slide?¡± Lee fumed. ¡°I was thinking of trying out for Seeker next year, but now? I¡¯ve changed my mind. I want to be a commentator.¡±


    ¡°Go for it!¡± Fred and George both clapped a hand on Lee¡¯s shoulders, encouraging him. ¡°We need to have our own voice up there!¡±


    Meanwhile, on the pitch, the Hufflepuff players had picked up on Slytherin¡¯s unusual strategy. Harris glanced at the opposing goal, a flicker of indecision crossing his face. After a moment¡¯s pause, he took a deep breath, his expression steeling with resolve. Under his leadership, the Hufflepuff team adjusted their approach, slowing their pace. They stopped pressing the attack, pulling back to a defensive formation instead.


    ¡°These idiots!¡± Rosier muttered angrily as he launched the Quaffle at Hufflepuff¡¯s goalpost, only for it to bounce off the rim with a sharp clang. Harris retrieved the ball, casually drifting back down the pitch, and took a relaxed shot at the Slytherin goalpost, missing intentionally.


    ¡°What a shame,¡± the commentator chimed in, barely hiding his amusement. ¡°It seems that after such a long game, Hufflepuff has started making mistakes as well. Now it¡¯s all down to the Seekers¡ªthe first to catch the Golden Snitch will take the game.¡±


    Kyle, however, had lost interest in the game¡¯s theatrics. He quietly slipped to the last row of the stands and pulled out a piece of parchment from his robe¡ªthe Marauder¡¯s Map, which he¡¯d borrowed from Fred and George before the game.


    Taking out his wand, he tapped it lightly against the parchment and recited, ¡°I solemnly swear I¡¯m up to no good.¡± Unlike Fred and George, who only knew part of the incantation, Kyle had memorized the complete phrase.


    In fact, Fred and George had already discovered most of the password. If they¡¯d wanted, they could have easily pieced together the entire phrase. But they¡¯d been firm about solving it the ¡°proper¡± way, finding each word as it revealed itself. Kyle, though, had no such reservations.


    As ink spread across the parchment, the Marauder¡¯s Map came to life. Kyle quickly noted down the locations of several secret passages, including one leading to the eighth floor and another connecting to the Honeydukes¡¯ cellar¡ªuseful information he might need later.


    Once he had the passage details recorded, Kyle directed his attention to the Hufflepuff common room.

 Chapter 93: The Last Celebration

    Though Quidditch was the most popular sport at Hogwarts, not every student chose to attend the match. In each common room, a handful of students stayed behind. Gryffindor had the fewest¡ªaround five or six¡ªwhile Ravenclaw¡¯s common room held over ten. Most were fifth or seventh years, their focus on exams overshadowing any interest in Quidditch. They preferred to spend their time studying in the library or nestled in the common room with their books.


    Kyle turned his attention to the Hufflepuff common room on the Marauder¡¯s Map. Unlike other areas of Hogwarts, the map displayed the dormitory area in a simpler layout, distinguishing only between the boys¡¯ and girls¡¯ sections, each separated from the main common room by a thin ink line.


    He noted down the names of everyone in the Hufflepuff common room¡ªonly six in total. Satisfied, Kyle considered closing the map and rejoining the game, but something urged him to glance at the underground classroom area. There, he spotted Snape¡¯s private storage room.


    Kyle promised himself that he had no intention of sneaking in to ¡°borrow¡± (or take) anything¡ªat least, not yet. While Snape¡¯s storage room certainly held its share of valuable potions ingredients, Kyle¡¯s current interests leaned more toward Charms. Nevertheless, since he was already looking, he took a moment to trace the route to Snape¡¯s room, marking the entrances and exits of the nearby secret passages purely out of curiosity.


    "Look! Cedric¡¯s speeding up!" A deafening cheer erupted from the stands, jolting Kyle back to reality.


    He quickly closed the Marauder¡¯s Map and tapped it with his wand. ¡°Mischief managed,¡± he murmured as the ink vanished, leaving the parchment blank.


    On the Quidditch Pitch, Cedric was diving at an incredible speed.


    "It¡¯s the Golden Snitch!" the commentator shouted, his voice rising with excitement. "It¡¯s by the Slytherin goalpost, less than twenty feet off the ground!"


    Higgs, Slytherin¡¯s Seeker, had spotted it too and accelerated, hot on Cedric¡¯s trail. The crowd held its breath, watching as the two Seekers hurtled toward the Snitch, their competitive energy filling the stands with tension.


    And then, just seconds later¡­


    "Cedric¡¯s got it!" the commentator yelled. "Cedric Diggory, the youngest Seeker ever, has caught the Golden Snitch!"


    The stands exploded with cheers, a sea of yellow flags waving jubilantly in the air. Students screamed and hugged each other in celebration, their voices blending into one triumphant roar.


    ¡°We won! We won!¡± The young wizards around Kyle beamed and embraced in excitement.


    ¡°Thanks to Hufflepuff for a truly splendid Quidditch match,¡± the commentator concluded, his voice filled with admiration.


    ...


    An hour later, Cedric was carried back to the Hufflepuff common room by a jubilant crowd of students, receiving the hero¡¯s welcome reserved for Quidditch champions. To Kyle, though, he looked more like a hapless creature being paraded before its fate. Victory celebrations were essential, and that evening, a few older students raided the kitchen, returning with an impressive spread of meat loaf, biscuits, and more. Soon, the common room was brimming with the aroma of the freshly prepared feast.


    ¡°Kyle, where were you?¡± Kanna asked, puzzled, as she approached with a large, bone-in steak. ¡°I didn¡¯t see you at the end of the game.¡±


    ¡°I was in the bathroom,¡± Kyle replied.


    ¡°That¡¯s too bad,¡± Kanna whispered, ¡°you missed the best part.¡±


    Kyle smiled. ¡°Not really. I came back just in time to see Cedric catch the Golden Snitch.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s good,¡± Kanna said, grinning before taking a hearty bite of her steak.


    Kyle looked at her in mild bewilderment. ¡°You¡¯re going to bed soon¡ªare you sure it¡¯s okay to eat so much now?¡±


    Kanna froze mid-bite, a little embarrassed. She averted her eyes and mumbled, ¡°I¡­didn¡¯t eat much at dinner.¡±


    ¡°Is that so?¡± Kyle replied, frowning slightly. ¡°Funny, I thought I saw you¡­ never mind, I must¡¯ve remembered wrong.¡±


    Relieved, Kanna quickly excused herself before Kyle could ask anything further.


    Everyone was in high spirits, though they didn¡¯t realize this would be their last carefree evening for a while. Final exams were fast approaching, and the professors seemed intent on preparing them with more homework than ever. Even their Wizard Chess games were abandoned as each day became a battle to tackle the stacks of blank parchment piling up around them. S§×ar?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The Easter holiday, less celebrated than Christmas, saw most students opting to stay on campus. With their heavy workloads, they spent countless hours sighing and yawning in the library, working through endless assignments. On top of the assignments, they also had to memorize the ¡°essential content¡± flagged by their professors and practice wand movements for practical exams. The hallways echoed with the constant complaints of weary students.


    ¡°This is impossible!¡± Mikel groaned halfway through the holiday, throwing down his quill in frustration. ¡°Who in Merlin¡¯s name discovered the twelve uses of Dragon¡¯s blood? It¡¯s too much to remember!¡±


    ¡°Dumbledore,¡± Kyle answered from across the table, not even glancing up. ¡°Care to duel him? Not a bad idea, actually. Beat him, and Snape might stop forcing us to memorize everything.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    Mikel stared blankly for a moment, then sheepishly picked up his quill again. ¡°What was the twelfth use of Dragon¡¯s blood¡­? Oh, right, an oven cleaner.¡± He sighed. ¡°Should¡¯ve just paid attention.¡±


    Kyle grinned but didn¡¯t comment further.


    An hour later, he finally put down his own quill and closed his well-worn copy of


    ¡°Kyle, are you finished with your homework?¡± Mikel and Ryan asked, looking at him like hopeful Nifflers spotting a Galleon.


    Kyle rolled his shoulders and nodded. ¡°Yes, it¡¯s all done.¡±


    Mikel¡¯s eyes lit up. ¡°Do you think¡­we could borrow it, just to take a look?¡±


    After a pause, Kyle nodded, handing over his homework without his usual hesitation. He knew Mikel and Ryan had already completed a decent portion on their own¡ªabout a third¡ªso he wasn¡¯t as worried about them copying it word by word. The Easter assignments were unusually heavy, and a bit of help seemed fair.


    ¡°Just remember, don¡¯t copy,¡± Kyle cautioned.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry!¡± Mikel patted his chest confidently. ¡°We won¡¯t make the same mistake twice.¡±

 Chapter 94: A Big Opportunity

    During the second week of the Easter holidays, Kyle settled into a routine. Each morning, he left the Hufflepuff common room right after breakfast and wouldn¡¯t return until evening. But instead of heading to the library or the Room of Requirement, he spent his days in an abandoned classroom on the castle''s third floor, working on a secret project.


    He wasn¡¯t alone. Fred and George from Gryffindor, Cho Chang from Ravenclaw, as well as Kanna and Cedric joined him. The six of them were busy working in the small, dusty classroom.


    ¡°Kyle, can you check this pattern? Did I get it right?¡± Cho asked, setting down her pocketknife and wiping sweat from her brow. ¡°Something feels a bit off.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about small flaws,¡± Kyle said without looking up. ¡°No one¡¯s going to examine these too closely. As long as it captures the general idea, it¡¯ll be fine.¡±


    He continued working with a knife in his left hand and a branch in his right¡ªa branch from a Rowan tree he¡¯d brought back from the Forbidden Forest. Carefully, he stripped off the bark and smoothed the surface before etching a series of irregular lines. Soon, he¡¯d finished an oval wooden pendant, its surface engraved with a pattern of intersecting lines surrounding a carved wand and quill. Nearby, a growing pile of pendants took shape in various shapes¡ªoval, triangular, and square.


    Fred, looking at his own morning¡¯s work, dusted woodchips off himself, squinting critically at his creation. ¡°Kyle, are you sure anyone would want to buy these?¡±


    At Fred¡¯s words, everyone else looked up, visibly curious. They¡¯d all been roped into this by Kyle two days ago, who had mentioned something about ¡°a big opportunity.¡± After the success of their previous venture selling enchanted maps, everyone had been eager to join in without much question. But after two days of chopping and carving branches without magic, they were starting to feel a little puzzled.


    ¡°It¡¯ll be fine,¡± Kyle assured after a moment¡¯s thought. ¡°Rowan tree amulets are still quite popular in the wizarding world.¡±


    ¡°Wait¡­ we¡¯re making amulets?¡± George asked incredulously.


    His reaction was understandable. None of them had much experience with woodworking, and the odd shapes they¡¯d carved were, to put it mildly, quirky. Even George couldn¡¯t, in good conscience, call these crude creations ¡°amulets.¡±


    ¡°What you and Fred made may just look like lumps of wood now,¡± Kyle replied, ¡°but they¡¯ll look different after Kanna and the others carve the patterns.¡±


    The group exchanged skeptical looks. Unless these patterns were magical symbols, like ancient Runes or something, even a hundred carvings wouldn¡¯t make these look like proper amulets. Sear?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°By the way¡­¡± Cedric asked, unable to contain his curiosity, ¡°What exactly does this pattern mean? I¡¯ve never seen it before.¡±


    ¡°It represents success in exams,¡± Kyle explained, ¡°or more specifically, passing every exam. Back in 1790, the Wizarding Congress established the Wizarding Examination Authority, and Hogwarts held its first N.E.W.T.s that same year. Students who passed received letters with this exact symbol on the envelope¡ªa crossed quill and wand. That symbol became a good-luck charm for exams, and graduating students would draw it on their belongings before exams. But after Professor Marchbanks took over as the Wizarding Examinations Authority, it was removed and replaced with an ordinary envelope.¡±


    Fred and the others stared at Kyle in disbelief. ¡°1790? That¡¯s two hundred years ago! How do you know all this?¡± they asked.


    ¡°Read a book,¡± Kyle said with a shrug. ¡°If you¡¯ve read , you wouldn¡¯t be so surprised.¡±


    Fred and George glanced at each other, then gave Kyle a thumbs-up. was so thick it could double as a shield; the idea of actually reading the whole thing seemed absurd. Even Cedric hadn¡¯t read it all.


    But that wasn¡¯t the point. After Kyle¡¯s explanation, they saw his angle. While these carved bits of rowan wood weren¡¯t ¡°real¡± amulets, they would undeniably be appealing, especially around exam season. Even Fred and George felt a twinge of interest. If someone had been selling these before last year¡¯s final exams, they might have actually bought one themselves.


    ¡°But Kyle,¡± Cho asked, her brow furrowed, ¡°can¡¯t we just use the Doubling Charm? It¡¯d be so much easier, like with the maps.¡±


    ¡°We could, but that would put us at a different price point.¡± Kyle shook his finger, explaining, ¡°This time, I¡¯m planning three product tiers: high-end custom amulets for ten Galleons, handmade ones like we¡¯re making now for two Galleons, and finally, disposable mass-produced amulets for five Sickles.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s pretty cheap,¡± Cho said, looking a little perplexed. The enchanted map they¡¯d sold was ten Sickles each, and duplicating carvings was even harder than maps.


    Before Kyle could respond, Cedric seemed to catch on and asked, ¡°How much pocket money do you have left?¡±


    ¡°Pocket money?¡± Cho thought for a moment. ¡°I spent a lot recently¡­ but I think I still have about a Galleon left¡­¡±


    Her eyes widened in realization.


    ¡°Exactly,¡± Kyle said with a grin. ¡°It¡¯s the end of the semester, so most people don¡¯t have much money left. If the price is too high, they can¡¯t afford to buy even if they want one. And this time, our market isn¡¯t just first-years; we¡¯re targeting the whole school, which is many times larger. So five Sickles is fair¡ªand besides, it¡¯s a way to make friends.¡±


    The others exchanged knowing glances. Kyle had used the same ¡°make friends¡± line when they sold the map, yet somehow he managed to make a tidy profit anyway. Five Sickles might make friends, but what about the other price points¡­?


    Fred and George glanced down at the twigs in their hands, suddenly seeing them as potential Galleons in the making.


    ¡°Oh, and one more thing,¡± Kyle added, as if remembering, ¡°for the ones we make by hand, be sure to engrave the year on the end.¡±

 Chapter 95: Trendy Accessories

    Tempted by the lure of Galleons, Kyle and the others spent the entire week holed up in a small, stuffy, abandoned classroom. By the end, they¡¯d produced more than 300 ¡°Exam-Passing Amulets.¡±


    Of these, over 100 were meticulously hand-carved by the six of them, each one crafted with a steady hand and undiluted concentration. The other 200 were made assembly-line style: first, the patterns were carved, and then the Doubling Charm was used to transfer them onto the Rowan branches. The quality of these was admittedly less refined, but they still looked convincingly authentic.


    After a week of effort, the group had become quite adept at using the Doubling Charm¡ªa spell not usually taught until the sixth year.


    "I¡¯ll leave the rest up to you," Kyle said, his expression serious, at dinner on the evening before the school year officially began. He looked at the other five intently. "You all know the process, so just handle it like you did when you sold the maps."


    Fred and the others nodded with equally serious expressions. Though they¡¯d done this sort of thing before, this venture was on a much larger scale, covering the whole school, and they were understandably a bit nervous.


    ¡°Kyle, should we really charge Hufflepuffs, too?¡± Cedric asked, hesitating. He was, after all, the nice one of the group.


    Kyle clapped him on the shoulder. "It¡¯s a necessity, Cedric," he reassured him, ¡°but we can offer Hufflepuff a special discount."


    "Fifty percent?"


    "No, 5 percent!" Kyle replied. After a moment''s thought, he added, "But we¡¯ll round down a Knut."


    Cedric¡¯s mouth twitched slightly. He wanted to protest, but with Kyle firmly holding the reins on pricing, it wouldn¡¯t make much difference if he argued.


    After exchanging a few more words, everyone went off to finalize the plans for the next day.


    To drum up interest, Fred and George even stayed up late to create a large flyer, which they posted prominently in the Gryffindor common room:


    The flyer didn¡¯t originally include the last line, but when Kyle found out, he insisted they add it to convey ¡°stability¡± and avoid any potential refunds.


    Fred and George were initially concerned that the disclaimer might deter potential buyers, but after only half a day, they realized they had nothing to worry about.


    As soon as the first student picked up on the hint in ¡ªa reference to the illustration of a wand and quill¡ªstudents began flooding into the boys¡¯ dormitory with Sickle and Galleon in hand, each one anxious they¡¯d miss out on the ¡°.¡±


    The dormitory door was pushed open so many times that, by the end, Fred gave up on using the Mending Charm and simply took it off with a flick of his wand.


    In Hufflepuff, it was a similar scene, with students crowding Cedric¡¯s dormitory. Though no flyers were posted in Slytherin, word spread quickly, and Kanna became their go-to contact.


    Only Cho, who handled Ravenclaw, had a slightly easier time. Most of the academically focused Ravenclaws were confident in their abilities and felt they didn¡¯t need the amulet.


    ...


    One afternoon, a few days later, they gathered in the same old, abandoned classroom. The sawdust and pocket knives that had once littered the floor were gone, replaced by a square table stacked with piles of gleaming gold Galleons and silver Sickles.


    Fred swallowed hard. "How much is here?"


    "Altogether, 709 Galleons, 15 Sickles, and 5 Knuts," Cho announced. "I didn''t expect so many people to buy the custom model, so it''s a lot more than we anticipated."


    "More than 700 Galleons..." George¡¯s eyes were glazed over in disbelief. "This has got to be a dream."


    Fred sighed beside him.


    Kyle picked up a gold Galleon from the table and laughed. "Well, you better hold on to that thought because there are seven years of dreams like this waiting for us."


    "Then maybe I''d better wake up fast," Fred chuckled.


    But as he laughed, his expression suddenly fell. He had just remembered he was a year ahead of Kyle. By the time Kyle was in his seventh year, Fred would already have graduated and wouldn¡¯t get any of the profits for that year. The idea of letting hundreds of Galleons slip away filled Fred with distress. He looked at Kyle with a pained expression. "Why couldn¡¯t you have enrolled a year earlier?"


    Kyle, feeling slightly uncomfortable under Fred¡¯s gaze, stepped aside in mock disgust. "Not my call when I start school; you¡¯d have to take that up with Dumbledore."


    "Actually, it¡¯s the Book of Admittance that decides," Cedric mumbled from the sidelines, "so it really has nothing to do with the headmaster."


    But Fred and George were too busy to hear him, already engrossed in a discussion about ways they might be able to delay their graduation by a year.


    When they finally left the classroom, each of them had an extra hundred gold Galleons jingling in their pockets. The remaining money was entrusted to Kyle as start-up capital for their next venture. S§×arch* The ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Kyle gladly agreed. He¡¯d have liked to invest some of the money in the Weasley brothers¡¯ joke product ideas, but they were too preoccupied at the moment, focusing on trying to decipher the complete password for the Marauder''s Map. That, he figured, could wait until next year.


    ...


    In the weeks that followed, the professors at Hogwarts noticed a curious trend: nearly everyone seemed to be wearing a particular style of wooden ornament. The pieces varied¡ªsome were simple, undecorated circles or squares, while others were more intricate, decorated with gold paint and finished with a layer of wax for a polished look. None of them had any magical properties.


    Normally, the professors would overlook such fads; every year brought some new craze among the students, as long as it wasn¡¯t harmful. But this time was different. Ever since the ornaments gained popularity, they noticed the students seemed more relaxed in class, with an overall improved attitude.


    To be honest, the professors weren¡¯t quite sure if that was a good thing or not.

 Chapter 96: The Entry List and Albania

    On the eighth floor, in the Headmaster''s Office, Dumbledore sat calmly, sipping his tea sweetened with three lumps of sugar, watching with interest as Snape and Professor McGonagall argued.


    It was entirely coincidental. Professor McGonagall had only come to see Dumbledore about something else, but as soon as she entered the room, she heard Snape shouting about his intent to expel a certain student.


    "It''s that Kyle Chopper again. Over the past few days, he''s managed to con at least 500 Galleons out of other students."


    "I told you then that he ought to be expelled for encouraging his classmates to break the rules with such boldness."


    ...


    After listening for a moment, Professor McGonagall seemed to piece together the situation. She frowned and said, "Severus, we don¡¯t expel students for trivial matters like selling a few items."


    "Trivial?" Snape raised an eyebrow, shifting his gaze from Dumbledore to Professor McGonagall.


    "With all due respect, Minerva, he''s now attempting to organize students to cheat on exams."


    "Cheat? Are you serious?" Professor McGonagall replied incredulously. "I''ve seen those items. They aren¡¯t even magical; they¡¯re just the most ordinary decorations."


    "So Mr. Chopper was selling fake items?" Snape drawled, his tone heavy with implication. "Ordinary decorations aren''t worth ten Galleons. Selling fake items at Hogwarts to swindle other young wizards is definitely grounds for expulsion!"


    "Calm down, Severus."


    At this point, Dumbledore finished his tea, set down the cup, and pulled out a large piece of parchment, placing it on the table.


    "This is one of their product leaflets, which you may not have seen yet," he said, pointing to the large, bold text at the bottom of the page. "They¡¯ve actually made everything quite clear, so it isn¡¯t really deceptive."


    Snape squinted at the flyer, the flashing words causing his eyes to ache.


    "And furthermore," Dumbledore added after a moment¡¯s consideration, "from what I understand, most of the decorations purchased by students cost five Sickles, with only a few... well, the more eye-catching ones, priced at ten Galleons."


    Upon hearing this, Snape''s expression twisted, as if he¡¯d just swallowed something foul. So, it was the Slytherins who had bought the ones for ten Galleons.


    "And what about this part?" Snape demanded, scowling as he held up the flyer. "They mentioned you by name. Isn¡¯t that misleading?"


    "Well... what they said is technically true," Dumbledore admitted, a slight flush coloring his face. "I did wear something similar during my graduation exam, but Professor Marchbanks confiscated it afterward."


    "By Merlin¡¯s beard, I always assumed no one remembered that."


    Snape''s face darkened like the bottom of a cauldron. Without another word, he snatched up the flyer and stormed out of the Headmaster¡¯s Office.


    ¡°Bang!¡±


    The loud slamming of the door startled Fawkes, who had been dozing peacefully, and the phoenix fluttered up onto Dumbledore¡¯s shoulder, pecking his beard in irritation.


    "Sorry, Fawkes. Severus didn¡¯t mean it," Dumbledore murmured, trying to soothe him.


    But Fawkes, thoroughly annoyed, kept tugging at his beard. With no other option, Dumbledore pulled out some Mandrake leaves from a drawer to calm the phoenix.


    Then, looking up at Professor McGonagall, who seemed astonished, he said, "Don¡¯t look so surprised, Minerva. I was only seventeen then, and it¡¯s perfectly normal to do things that defy logic at that age. It was an exam in History of Magic, Professor Binns¡¯s class¡­ You should understand."


    Professor McGonagall¡¯s mouth twitched. She almost laughed¡­ but managed to hold back.


    "Alright¡­" Dumbledore smoothly changed the topic. "What did you come to see me about?"


    At the mention of business, Professor McGonagall¡¯s expression grew a bit more serious.


    "Ahem, here are the entry lists you requested, from June to August last year," she said, placing a small stack of parchments on the table. "The Ministry sent them to me yesterday when the owl failed to locate you."


    "Thank you, Minerva. I need them now."


    Dumbledore took the parchments and skimmed through them, then reached for another stack of similar-looking documents from the bookshelf behind him.


    Curious, Professor McGonagall tried to catch a glimpse of the top page, but her eyesight only let her make out the first few words:


    As Dumbledore began comparing the two sets of lists, Professor McGonagall quietly left the room.


    With the door clicking shut once more, silence returned to the Headmaster''s Office. The portraits on the walls, who had been feigning sleep, opened their eyes and gathered closer, eagerly discussing the topic at hand.


    "It¡¯s that young wizard, Kyle, again," said a witch. "How many times has that name been mentioned in the Headmaster''s Office?"


    "At least three," replied a gaunt old man. "That potions professor has been complaining about him every time he''s been here lately. Quite the troublesome student." Sear?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "I disagree," said the witch who¡¯d spoken earlier, shaking her head. "I¡¯ve seen the boy in the corridor. He¡¯s smart, humble, polite¡ªeven greets the portraits."


    "Maybe he¡¯s just putting on an act," a caustic voice chimed in. "Just like that student back then¡­ all hypocrisy."


    "Enough, Phineas," said a bearded wizard in irritation. "This is different¡ªhe¡¯s a Hufflepuff!"


    "True," Phineas Black muttered, wrinkling his nose. "He¡¯s from that foolish House, probably doesn¡¯t have much depth¡­"


    "What did you say about Hufflepuff?" the bearded wizard shot back angrily, striding right into Phineas¡¯s frame and grabbing him by the collar.


    Underneath the bearded wizard¡¯s original frame, it was clearly noted that he had graduated from Hufflepuff.


    "Let go! Do you want to fight me?" Phineas shouted, struggling as he was held by the collar.


    "I¡¯ve wanted to for ages!"


    With one swift punch, the bearded wizard knocked Phineas to the ground, then stomped on his face.


    "Fool¡¯s House, is it? Ha! I¡¯ll show you the strength of Hufflepuff today!"


    The other portraits rushed over at the sight, quickly setting up snacks, drinks, and little stools in the front row as they settled in. Watching Phineas get a thrashing had long been their favorite form of entertainment.


    The Headmaster¡¯s Office couldn¡¯t do without Phineas any more than the Merpeople of the Black Lake could go without their broomsticks.


    At that moment, Dumbledore, who had been engrossed in the parchments, finally looked up.


    He adjusted his glasses, ignored the commotion among the portraits, got up, and walked over to the window, where he stood, staring out into the distance, lost in thought.

 Chapter 97: The Forbidden Forest

    ¡°Detention?¡± Kyle asked innocently, standing in Professor McGonagall¡¯s office. ¡°But Professor McGonagall, we only sold a few things. We didn¡¯t break any school rules.¡±


    ¡°This is at the Headmaster¡¯s request,¡± Professor McGonagall replied sternly. ¡°He believes you should be focusing more on your studies or practicing your wand techniques in preparation for exams, rather than diverting your energy elsewhere.¡±


    ¡°Well¡­ alright, I understand,¡± Kyle sighed, deciding not to argue further.


    It was only detention, and as long as they weren¡¯t being asked to refund anyone, things could have been worse.


    After leaving McGonagall¡¯s office, the six students exchanged resigned looks and sighed.


    ¡°Cheer up, everyone,¡± said Fred and George, who were well-acquainted with detention and the first to regain their spirits. Sear?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°With Professor McGonagall, it¡¯s a blessing she didn¡¯t ask for a refund or dock points from us,¡± Fred said with a grin. ¡°That¡¯s pretty rare.¡±


    ¡°Yeah,¡± George chimed in, clapping Cedric on the shoulder. ¡°For you guys, this is a great chance to experience detention for the first time.¡±


    ¡°By Merlin¡¯s beard!¡± Fred gasped, feigning shock. ¡°George, I just realized¡ªapart from us, everyone here is a model student!¡±


    ¡°Indeed, Fred,¡± George replied, squeezing out a pretend tear. ¡°Compared to them, we who frequent detention must seem quite out of place.¡±


    ¡°They won¡¯t look down on us, will they?¡±


    ¡°Maybe we should go back to studying now, while there¡¯s still time?¡±


    ¡°Maybe we can try for more ¡®O¡¯s on our final exams!¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s a bit ambitious¡­ maybe ¡®E¡¯s will do.¡±


    The twins¡¯ antics, complete with exaggerated expressions, quickly lifted everyone¡¯s spirits, and soon the group was laughing.


    Kyle chuckled. ¡°Thanks, but you¡¯re overthinking it.¡±


    ¡°Yeah,¡± Cedric added with a shrug, ¡°if I could get a hundred Galleons for every night in detention, I¡¯d make sure to show up in front of Filch on time every evening.¡±


    Cho and Kanna nodded, both agreeing.


    ¡°Yes, absolutely.¡±


    ¡°Mhm.¡±


    As Cedric had said, for a hundred Galleons, a little detention was hardly a big deal.


    Fred¡¯s smile faltered briefly before he shot Kyle a mock glare. ¡°So that¡¯s it¡ªyou dared to trick us!¡±


    Kyle shook his head, grinning. ¡°Don¡¯t look at it that way. You just didn¡¯t catch on quickly enough.¡±


    He had to admit, though, that he hadn¡¯t expected Dumbledore to assign detention over something so minor. It didn¡¯t seem like his usual style.


    After passing the corridor leading away from Professor McGonagall¡¯s office, they split up and returned to their respective Houses.


    Later that evening, during dinner, they each received a note from Professor McGonagall.


    ¡ªProfessor McGonagall.


    ¡°When did you end up with detention?¡± Mikel, sitting next to Kyle, asked with a frown. ¡°Maybe Professor McGonagall put the note in the wrong place?¡±


    To him, Kyle didn¡¯t seem the type to break any rules, let alone end up with detention. It was hard to believe.


    Kyle calmly tucked the note away and said, ¡°It wasn¡¯t a mistake. The detention note is really mine.¡±


    ¡°Well...¡± Mikel thought for a moment, then said uncertainly, ¡°Could it be that you got caught for night-wandering... but that was during the Easter holiday, wasn¡¯t it?¡±


    Kyle had been busy until midnight on the last two nights of Easter break, working on something before finally returning to the dormitory. Mikel and Ryan both knew about this.


    Kyle neither confirmed nor denied it. Instead, he gave Mikel a knowing pat on the shoulder and said, ¡°So, remember, don¡¯t go night-wandering, even during holidays.¡±


    Mikel and Ryan exchanged glances, seeming to gain a new understanding of Hogwarts¡¯ rules.


    they thought.


    That night at eleven o¡¯clock, Kyle, Cedric, and Kanna gathered in the entrance hall, where Filch was already waiting, along with Fred and George Weasley and Cho Chang.


    ¡°Follow me,¡± Filch grumbled, lighting a lamp as he led them out. ¡°I expect you¡¯ll think twice before breaking any more school rules, hm?¡±


    He gave them all a sidelong glare. ¡°A shame they did away with the good old punishments¡­ suspending you from the ceiling by your wrists for days¡­¡±


    Filch¡¯s sinister mutterings drained the color from Cho and Kanna¡¯s faces, and even Cedric swallowed nervously. But Fred and George barely reacted, even sneaking grins and making faces at the others when Filch wasn¡¯t looking. They¡¯d heard this spiel so often it barely registered.


    ¡°Here we are,¡± Filch finally said after a short walk, stopping before a door. He pulled out a key and unlocked it. ¡°In you go. You¡¯re to clean the Trophy Room.¡±


    He shook his head, muttering, ¡°I really don¡¯t understand what Professor McGonagall was thinking, making all of you clean the Trophy Room¡­ This punishment is too easy.¡±


    Hearing that, Cho and Kanna relaxed visibly, relieved that it was only cleaning duty. They filed into the room one by one, but when it was Kyle¡¯s turn, Filch blocked his way, saying flatly, ¡°Your punishment isn¡¯t here.¡±


    Leaving Mrs. Norris to keep an eye on the others, Filch guided Kyle back to the foyer and led him outside the castle. They walked in silence across the dark grounds, with Filch uncharacteristically refraining from his usual jibes. As they continued, Kyle realized they were headed toward the Forbidden Forest.


    ¡°Hurry up, Filch!¡± called Hagrid from the doorway of his hut, waving as they approached. ¡°We need to get movin¡¯!¡±


    Filch stopped and said to Kyle with a sneer, ¡°The Forbidden Forest is dangerous. Stick close to that oaf, or no school rules will save your life.¡±


    ¡°I know,¡± Kyle replied calmly.


    Pretending not to hear, Filch kept walking until they reached Hagrid, who was fully prepared with his giant crossbow and a quiver of arrows. Fang trotted alongside him.


    ¡°Are you ready, Kyle?¡± Hagrid asked with a warm smile.


    ¡°He¡¯s all yours,¡± Filch said coldly. ¡°I¡¯ll be back at dawn. Let¡¯s hope there¡¯s something left of him by then.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about that,¡± Hagrid snapped, giving Filch a dark look. ¡°No need for you to come back¡ªI¡¯ll see that Kyle makes it safely back to the castle.¡±


    With a scowl, Filch turned and headed back toward the castle, his lantern swinging as he disappeared into the dark.


    ¡°Finally got rid of ¡®im. That old vulture,¡± Hagrid muttered. He adjusted his crossbow and winked at Kyle. ¡°It¡¯s good to see yeh¡­ Well, not that I¡¯m glad you¡¯re in detention, but tonight¡¯ll go a lot smoother with yeh here.¡±


    Kyle eyed Hagrid¡¯s heavy crossbow and fully stocked quiver, asking with a hint of concern, ¡°What exactly happened in the Forbidden Forest?¡±


    ¡°An unicorn''s cub gone missin¡¯,¡± Hagrid replied, his eyes dark with anger. ¡°We need to search the forest for any clues. And if I find out who¡¯s behind it, believe me, I won¡¯t let ¡¯em off easy!¡±

 Chapter 98: The Centaur

    The Forbidden Forest was dark and eerily silent. Moonlight filtered down through the branches above like shattered crystal, scattering silver-white fragments across the fallen leaves below.


    After walking for a short while, Kyle began to notice that the surroundings felt strangely familiar. Just a few yards away, a group of Mooncalves gazed at them with wide, curious eyes, peeking through the trees.


    At that moment, Hagrid commented, ¡°Besides the Unicorn cub, it seems there are far fewer Mooncalves here as well.¡±


    Kyle¡¯s heart skipped a beat, but he maintained a calm expression as he asked casually, ¡°Are we searching for them tonight, too?¡±


    ¡°No, no need,¡± Hagrid replied, shaking his head. ¡°The other Mooncalves don¡¯t seem to be actin¡¯ differently. I reckon they¡¯ve probably just wandered south to the woodlands where the larger herd roams.¡± S§×ar?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°That¡¯s¡­ good to know,¡± Kyle murmured, feeling relieved as he followed Hagrid deeper into the forest. Before moving on, he discreetly tossed a handful of Dittany leaves near the Mooncalves, a small snack to tide them over.


    Hagrid noticed but was too preoccupied with the missing Unicorn to question it, assuming Kyle had simply grown the Dittany himself.


    As they continued their search, Hagrid¡¯s expression grew more anxious with each step. Kyle noticed and, after a moment¡¯s thought, asked, ¡°Could another creature have taken the Unicorn cub?¡±


    ¡°No way,¡± Hagrid said firmly. ¡°Unicorns are fiercely protective of their young, and they¡¯re powerful magical creatures. Even a Dragon wouldn¡¯t be able to snatch a cub without some kind of trickery.¡±


    They wove through a patch of moss-covered ground, with mushrooms sprouting around their feet, until they came upon a winding stream.


    ¡°Ow-oooh¡­¡± Fang suddenly howled.


    The loud bark pierced the quiet of the Forbidden Forest, echoing through the trees.


    ¡°Fang, did yeh find somethin¡¯?¡± Hagrid hurried over, fitting an arrow into his crossbow and scanning the area with a keen eye.


    Fang was pawing at a branch nearby, where a small, palm-sized piece of black fabric was snagged.


    ¡°Well done, Fang, well done!¡± Hagrid exclaimed, grabbing the rag. He rubbed it between his fingers, then held it up to his nose, inhaling deeply.


    ¡°It¡¯s rough... and there¡¯s a distinct smell,¡± Hagrid muttered, almost to himself. ¡°This means someone from outside¡¯s been in the Forbidden Forest.¡±


    ¡°Isn¡¯t it just an ordinary rag?¡± Kyle asked, frowning.


    ¡°No,¡± Hagrid replied confidently. ¡°This cloth¡¯s made from a special kind o¡¯ rattan. It¡¯s tough, but uncomfortable to wear. Only certain folks wear this sort of material¡ªAurors who go on long assignments, and dragon keepers mostly. That¡¯s ¡®cause it¡¯s durable and can handle rough conditions.¡±


    This scrap of cloth was their first solid clue. Hagrid encouraged Fang to track the scent, but after sniffing around and circling a bit, Fang simply returned to his original spot, tail drooping.


    Hagrid¡¯s face fell slightly, but he straightened up and nodded for them to keep going.


    They continued their path along the stream, both carefully scanning the surroundings for further signs of the intruder.


    Suddenly, a dark shadow flitted through the trees.


    "Who''s there!" Hagrid shouted, raising his giant crossbow protectively in front of Kyle. "Come out, I can see you."


    A soft echoed through the clearing, accompanied by the sound of hooves. Emerging from the shadows was a creature that was half-human, half-horse. From the waist up, he had a human torso, with red hair and a beard, while his lower half was that of a reddish-brown horse, with a long red tail.


    "Oh, it¡¯s you, Ronan," Hagrid said, relaxing. "Are you all right?"


    He stepped forward to shake the centaur''s hand.


    "Good evening, Hagrid," Ronan greeted in a low, mournful voice. "You almost shot me with an arrow."


    "Had to be sure, Ronan," Hagrid replied, patting the quiver slung over his shoulder. "Got a young wizard with me tonight, so I¡¯m just being extra careful. Ah, this here is Kyle Chopper, one of Hogwarts¡¯ students."


    Then, turning to Kyle, he introduced, "And this is Ronan, a centaur."


    Kyle¡¯s interest waned somewhat upon seeing that the centaur was male, but he nodded politely and said, ¡°Hello.¡±


    Ronan studied Kyle, then placed an arm around his shoulder, his front legs bending slightly. "Good evening, young one. It¡¯s a pleasure to meet you."


    Kyle felt slightly perplexed. There was something odd about this centaur; he seemed unusually formal. Centaurs were known for their pride, and they rarely showed much regard for strangers, typically offering a brief nod at best. A bow¡ªlegs bending like this¡ªwas usually reserved for someone of Dumbledore¡¯s stature.


    "Ronan, I''m glad we ran into you," Hagrid said, putting his crossbow away. "An unicorn''s cub has gone missing. Have you seen anything unusual?"


    Ronan didn¡¯t respond right away, his eyes fixed on the night sky.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry,¡± he finally said. ¡°Mars is behaving as it always do.¡±


    "Right¡­," Hagrid muttered, glancing up at the sky with little interest. "But Ronan, did you see anything down here? Maybe strangers, or anything out of place?"


    "You¡¯re acting strangely," Ronan observed, looking at Hagrid with mild confusion.


    "I¡¯m perfectly fine!" Hagrid replied, growing a bit impatient. "I just need to know if you saw anything unusual."


    Ronan paused, then glanced at them both. "Follow me."


    He led them through a thicket of low-growing bushes. Hagrid and Kyle hurried after him, their steps muffled on the thick forest floor. Soon, they came to a halt before a massive, ancient tree, but Ronan was gone.


    "Odd, he brought us here and then just vanished," Hagrid murmured, looking around. "Centaurs know a lot more than they let on, but they rarely share what they know. Most of the time, they¡¯re only interested in whatever¡¯s happening up by the moon."


    Just then, Fang bolted forward, barking at something at the base of the tree.


    ¡°Found something already?¡± Hagrid asked, moving quickly to join Fang with Kyle close behind.


    There, at the tree¡¯s base, was a large hollow, almost as if a chunk had been bitten out of the trunk. The edges of the hollow were uneven and showed signs of corrosion.


    Hagrid knelt beside it, an unsettled look crossing his face. "This is dark magic, no doubt about it."


    Kyle, unable to see the hollow from his angle, decided to circle around the massive tree. It was nearly five meters in diameter, an impressive size even by the standards of the Forbidden Forest. Compared to it, the surrounding plants seemed stunted and starved, dwarfed by its imposing presence.

 Chapter 99: Footprints in the Forbidden Forest

    Kyle, who had been searching in vain for clues, returned to the large tree. Just as he was wondering how to get a closer look at the gap, Fang suddenly trotted over and grabbed onto his robe with his mouth.


    ¡°Cut it out, Fang,¡± Kyle said, patting the dog¡¯s head. ¡°This is no time to play.¡±


    But Fang ignored him, tugging Kyle over to Hagrid, who was crouched nearby. Once they reached him, Fang used his front paws to push aside a layer of fallen leaves, revealing something underneath.


    Two rows of footprints were clearly visible in the soil beneath the leaves.


    ¡°This is¡­¡± Kyle took a deep breath. ¡°Hagrid! Look! There are footprints here!¡±


    Hearing Kyle¡¯s voice, Hagrid quickly leaned over to look. He saw the same two rows of footprints.


    ¡°Well done, Fang!¡± he praised, petting Fang''s head. ¡°But why didn¡¯t you tell me sooner?¡±


    Fang, looking quite put out, gave Hagrid a reproachful stare and swatted his trousers with his front paws. There, on Hagrid''s pant leg, was a damp circle marked by a distinct set of teeth marks. Evidently, Fang had already tried to get his attention, but Hagrid had been too focused on the tree trunk to notice. With no other option, Fang had gone to Kyle for help.


    ¡°Oh, sorry, Fang. That¡¯s my fault,¡± Hagrid said, quickly apologizing.


    Unlike Fawkes, it seemed, not every pet¡¯s attempts at communication were so obvious. At Hagrid¡¯s words, Fang''s mood lifted, and he happily lay down, tail thumping the ground. Kyle reached into his pack, took out a piece of Murtlap-dried rat meat, and offered it to Fang as a reward before crouching down to examine the footprints.


    The two rows of footprints were jumbled, suggesting a fierce struggle had taken place. The prints on the outer edge looked like those of an adult but of normal size. However, the footprints closer to the large tree were different. sea??h th§× n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    They were huge¡ªalmost twice the size of a regular footprint¡ªand looked just like Hagrid¡¯s own¡­


    No, these Hagrid¡¯s footprints.


    Kyle suddenly remembered seeing similar prints in the pumpkin patch¡ªidentical in size and with the same tread pattern. He furrowed his brow and said, ¡°Hagrid, were you here before?¡±


    ¡°No way,¡± Hagrid replied, certain. ¡°If I¡¯d been here, I¡¯d definitely remember, but I have no memory of this at all.¡±


    ¡°Then how do you explain this?¡± Kyle pointed at the oversized footprint. ¡°The pattern on it is exactly like the one on your boot.¡±


    ¡°What are you talking about?¡± Hagrid leaned closer, examining the footprint with growing alarm. His eyes widened, and he gasped as if he¡¯d just seen a ghost. ¡°This is impossible! I swear, I¡¯ve never been here before!¡±


    Then, as if struck by a thought, he added, ¡°Could I have left them just now without realizing?¡±


    ¡°Unlikely,¡± Kyle replied, shaking his head. Footprints just made wouldn¡¯t be hidden beneath fallen leaves.


    And... Kyle touched the soil at the edge of the footprints. It was already firm. If these had been made recently, the ground would still be soft.


    "That''s enough for today," Kyle said, standing up. "Let''s go back and ask Headmaster Dumbledore. He might know what''s going on."


    Hagrid, who was completely bewildered, only began to regain his senses upon hearing Dumbledore''s name. He nodded vigorously. "Yes, Dumbledore must know."


    Kyle drew his wand and used a Severing Charm to carefully remove the footprints along with the soil around them. He then took a decayed piece of the tree trunk and used a Levitation Charm to carry both the soil sample and the wood away from the Forbidden Forest.


    As they made their way back, Hagrid led the way, but his mind was clearly elsewhere, and he seemed a bit distracted.


    ¡°By the way, Hagrid,¡± Kyle asked curiously, ¡°how did you know the unicorn''s cub was missing?¡±


    ¡°Professor Kettleburn told me,¡± Hagrid explained. ¡°He was supposed to come this time, but the unicorn who lost the foal was in a terrible mood. He needed to stay with it to keep an eye on the others unicorns, so he couldn¡¯t come.¡±


    Kyle nodded, understanding at once. Professor Kettleburn was a well-known Magizoologist and one of Newt Scamander''s few close friends. Knowing he was involved reassured Kyle. However, unlike Newt, Professor Kettleburn was notoriously reckless, a trait that had left him with only one arm and half a leg.


    Kyle still couldn¡¯t fathom why Kettleburn had been assigned to Hufflepuff. With his daring spirit, Gryffindor seemed a far better fit. , he thought.


    As they continued, they encountered a Centaur, but not Ronan this time. Instead, a young Centaur with platinum-blond hair appeared.


    ¡°Hagrid, you look distracted,¡± the Centaur observed. ¡°That¡¯s not wise; the Forbidden Forest is dangerous at night. And don¡¯t forget you¡¯re with a young one.¡±


    ¡°Oh, Firenze¡­ yes, you¡¯re right,¡± Hagrid said, patting his own head as if to clear it, then turned to Kyle. ¡°Sorry, Kyle, I got a bit lost in thought.¡±


    ¡°No worries,¡± Kyle replied with a smile. ¡°I trust the creatures here won¡¯t harm us as long as you¡¯re with us.¡±


    ¡°Thanks,¡± Hagrid said, returning the smile.


    ¡°A bit distracted, are we?¡± Firenze¡¯s gaze focused on Hagrid, his striking blue eyes full of curiosity. ¡°Are you in trouble?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not sure if it¡¯s trouble or not,¡± Hagrid admitted, scratching his head. ¡°Firenze, have you seen me around here in the Forbidden Forest recently?¡±


    ¡°Many times,¡± Firenze replied. ¡°I see you nearly every week.¡±


    ¡°No, I mean, over there by the big chestnut tree.¡± Hagrid pointed back in the direction they¡¯d come from.


    ¡°Ah,¡± Firenze nodded, glancing up at the sky. ¡°Today, Mars is calm.¡±


    ¡°Right. Knew it,¡± Hagrid muttered, sounding mildly frustrated. ¡°Couldn¡¯t you just say so outright¡­ oh, never mind. Let¡¯s go.¡±


    As Hagrid moved past Firenze, Kyle gave the Centaur a pensive look. Ronan had said something similar earlier. Was that supposed to be reassuring?


    Firenze didn¡¯t leave immediately but followed them at a distance until they reached the edge of the Forbidden Forest. There, he finally stopped.


    ...


    Just ahead lay the Mooncalves'' lair. Watching them dance in the moonlight, Kyle couldn¡¯t help but think back to his first late-night adventure, when he¡¯d almost been caught by Hagrid...


    Wait.


    Kyle suddenly paused, a thought striking him. If he remembered correctly, Hagrid had also gone into the Forbidden Forest along this same path.

 Chapter 100: A Place Beyond Memory

    ¡°Why aren¡¯t we moving¡­?¡± Hagrid noticed Kyle had stopped and turned around, asking, ¡°Did you spot something?¡±


    Kyle was lost in thought and didn¡¯t answer immediately. Hagrid, curious, followed his gaze and soon noticed the Mooncalves dancing in the distance.


    ¡°Oh, that¡¯s what caught your attention,¡± he said, understanding. ¡°Yes, their dance really is something special. But we¡¯re¡­ well, since it¡¯s a rare sight, we can head back to the castle a bit later if you want.¡±


    Though anxious, Hagrid didn¡¯t press Kyle to hurry, seeing how captivated he was. With Hogwarts¡¯ curfew in place, young wizards were normally forbidden from leaving the common room after 10 p.m., so he figured Kyle didn¡¯t often get the chance to see something like this.


    ¡°No, Hagrid, let¡¯s stick to business. We should get back quickly.¡± Kyle shook himself out of his thoughts and continued walking toward the edge of the Forbidden Forest.


    As he walked past Hagrid, he suddenly asked, ¡°By the way, did you come to the Forbidden Forest before Christmas?¡±


    ¡°Before Christmas?¡± Hagrid repeated, puzzled. ¡°Why do you ask?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s nothing,¡± Kyle replied. ¡°I was just curious. Do you need to come to the Forbidden Forest every day?¡±


    ¡°No, not every day¡ªmaybe twice a week,¡± Hagrid said, thinking it over. ¡°As for before Christmas¡­ I don¡¯t recall anything out of the ordinary. I think it¡¯s been the same.¡±


    ¡°No unusual occurrences?¡± Kyle frowned. ¡°Like, if you noticed something wrong, would you have come to check on it in the middle of the night?¡±


    Hagrid shook his head firmly. ¡°The Forbidden Forest has been quiet. I only come out at night if I¡¯m collecting Mooncalf droppings or visiting Fluffy.¡±


    ¡°Got it.¡± Kyle gave Hagrid a thoughtful look but said nothing more.


    The two walked across the dark grounds back to the castle and headed straight for the Headmaster¡¯s Office on the eighth floor. As they climbed the stairs, Hagrid muttered, ¡°I hope Dumbledore isn¡¯t asleep yet, or we¡¯ll have to wait until tomorrow.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry,¡± Kyle reassured him. ¡°Elderly people are light sleepers¡ªa little knocking should be enough.¡±


    When they reached the second floor, they ran into Filch and Mrs. Norris descending the stairs. Filch had clearly been patrolling the Trophy Room on the fourth floor and looked less than pleased to see them. S~ea??h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°Why are you back so soon?¡± Filch¡¯s face was dark with anger. ¡°This is against school rules.¡±


    ¡°Move aside, Filch,¡± Hagrid said impatiently, pushing past him. ¡°I¡¯ve got to see Dumbledore right now, no time for your nonsense.¡±


    Filch, scrawny and frail compared to Hagrid, was no more trouble than a feather. Red-faced with anger, he momentarily looked as though he might try to grab Hagrid, but quickly reconsidered upon glancing up at the half-giant¡¯s towering three-meter frame.


    Filch, though thoroughly indignant, felt he was a reasonable man. He stepped back, waving his arms and launching into a lecture about school curfew rules, trying to use his words to shoo Hagrid and Kyle from the castle. In his zeal, he didn¡¯t notice his arm hitting the portrait beside him.


    "Thud!"


    "Ouch! Who hit me in the face?" The portrait awoke, clearly unhappy about being slapped for no reason. His eyes snapped open as he scolded, "What do you think you''re doing? It¡¯s bedtime!"


    Filch muttered an apology, then turned back, only to find that Hagrid had already gone up the stairs and disappeared around the corner of the corridor.


    "Stupid oaf!" Filch grumbled as he straightened the portrait, which he¡¯d knocked askew, and then stalked off with Mrs. Norris down the opposite stairs.


    Meanwhile, Hagrid, who had made it past the second floor, couldn¡¯t help but mutter, ¡°That cranky old coot! Every time I come to the castle, he makes that cat tail me. I¡¯d like to see what happens if I introduced her to Fang.¡±


    Kyle shrugged nonchalantly. Truthfully, Fang¡¯s timid nature would make him no match for Mrs. Norris.


    They soon arrived at the gargoyle statue on the eighth floor. Hagrid cleared his throat and said, "Iced lemonade."


    With the correct password, the statue jumped aside, revealing a staircase behind it.


    "Dumbledore told me to inform him as soon as I had any news," Hagrid whispered as they ascended the stairs.


    When they reached the top, Hagrid began knocking¡ªor rather, banging¡ªon the door. Despite his best efforts to be gentle, the heavy oak door resounded with loud thumps. Kyle doubted he could make such a sound even if he tried kicking the door.


    ¡­


    Inside the Headmaster¡¯s Office, Dumbledore, dressed in light pink pajamas covered with a strawberry pattern, sat behind his desk. With a wry smile, he said, "Hagrid, I won¡¯t be going to bed anytime soon, so you could try knocking a little softer."


    ¡°Sorry, Professor Dumbledore,¡± Hagrid said sheepishly. ¡°I¡¯ll be more careful next time.¡±


    "No scolding intended, Hagrid. It¡¯s just that I don¡¯t have the time to find a new door right now," Dumbledore replied with a smile. "Now, what brings you here so late at night?"


    ¡°Well, we found something really strange in the Forbidden Forest,¡± Hagrid began. ¡°I found my own footprints in a spot where I know I¡¯ve never been.¡±


    Kyle stepped forward, setting the soil sample with the footprint and the piece of decayed tree trunk on Dumbledore¡¯s desk, then described the discovery in detail.


    Dumbledore bent over, peering closely at the items on the table. His crooked nose was almost touching the soil as he examined it. Then, he ran his hand thoughtfully over the decaying tree trunk.


    "So¡­ you found evidence of your presence somewhere beyond your memory?" Dumbledore murmured. "A peculiar situation, indeed. But not beyond the realm of possibility¡­ it might only need a small¡­ push."


    Hagrid¡¯s eyes lit up, and he asked eagerly, "Do you know what¡¯s going on, Professor?"


    "Not just yet," Dumbledore replied, straightening up and gazing thoughtfully around the room. "I¡¯ll need some time to think about it." He turned to Kyle with a gentle smile. "But, Kyle, it¡¯s time for you to head back and rest. I hope this time spent in detention proves fruitful."


    "Alright¡­" Though Kyle felt a pang of disappointment at not learning more, he respected Dumbledore¡¯s words. He nodded and said, ¡°Well¡­ goodnight, Headmaster. Goodnight, Hagrid.¡±


    ¡°Goodnight, Kyle.¡±

 Chapter 101: Memories and Letters

    The common room was quiet and dark. It seemed Kanna and Cedric¡¯s detention wasn¡¯t over yet. Kyle didn¡¯t bother turning on the lights; instead, he sank into one of the sofas, mulling over the night¡¯s events. So much had happened, and he needed to piece it all together.


    Firstly, he was certain that the figure they¡¯d seen during the nighttime walk was Hagrid. There was no way it could have been someone else disguised as him. Even if someone could look like Hagrid using a Polyjuice Potion, Fang, who had been by his side, couldn¡¯t have been an Animagus and Polyjuice Potion didn¡¯t work on animals.


    But if that really had been Hagrid, why did he insist he hadn¡¯t been in the Forbidden Forest? And then there was Dumbledore¡¯s cryptic remark. Kyle considered. Or maybe¡­ the venom of the Swooping Evil.


    He reached into his pocket, pulling out a small piece of wood with signs of corrosion and rubbed it thoughtfully between his fingers. He¡¯d secretly cut it from the tree trunk earlier when Hagrid wasn¡¯t looking. In the moonlight streaming through the window, the wood emitted a faint blue glow. The color seemed right, but Kyle recalled that Swooping Evil venom wasn¡¯t known to be corrosive.


    Just then, the door to the common room opened, and two figures entered quietly.


    ¡°Kyle, I knew you¡¯d be here,¡± Cedric said in a low voice. ¡°Filch left on some errand earlier and came back furious. He must have been looking for you.¡±


    Kyle tucked away the wooden block and nodded. ¡°I ran into him on the way back.¡±


    ¡°What did you do to make him so mad?¡± Cedric asked, intrigued.


    ¡°It wasn¡¯t me; it was Hagrid,¡± Kyle said, holding back a laugh. ¡°Filch ended up getting a bit¡­ roughed up by him.¡±


    ¡°No wonder he was fuming!¡± Cedric grinned. ¡°I remember Filch and Hagrid have never been on good terms.¡± Then he asked, ¡°By the way, what was your detention? I thought for sure we¡¯d be back first. Fred said cleaning the Trophy Room was a breeze compared to anything we¡¯ve done before. Filch agreed¡­ until he made us do it three times over before he finally let us go.¡±


    ¡°Same here, sort of,¡± Kyle replied. ¡°I was taken to the Forbidden Forest. Hagrid and I went in to search for something.¡±


    ¡°The Forbidden Forest? At night?¡± Cedric looked stunned. He¡¯d considered plenty of possibilities¡ªcopying lines, scrubbing classrooms, polishing armor¡ªbut it hadn¡¯t crossed his mind that Kyle¡¯s detention would take him to the Forbidden Forest. That was on a completely different level!


    They had only ventured into the forest once at night and had barely crossed the outer edge. There hadn¡¯t been any real danger. But going in to search for something with Hagrid? That wasn¡¯t just a stroll in the woods.


    ¡°Were you hurt?¡± Kanna asked, her voice filled with concern.


    ¡°Of course not. If I had been, I¡¯d be in the infirmary now,¡± Kyle assured her, grinning. ¡°Actually, I even saw a Centaur while we were there¡­¡±


    Kyle recounted his experience in the Forbidden Forest. Cedric and Kanna listened in rapt attention, their expressions shifting from initial worry to outright envy. They, too, wanted to see the depths of the Forbidden Forest for themselves.


    As dawn crept closer, the three of them finally grew drowsy and stopped talking. Kyle returned to his dormitory, but despite his tiredness, he couldn¡¯t fall asleep. Sitting up, he took out a piece of parchment and a quill and began writing a letter by the light of the moon.


    When he¡¯d finished, he sealed the letter, addressed it, and placed it in front of Ratton, his trusty messenger.


    ¡°I¡¯ll need your help with this one,¡± Kyle whispered. ¡°Deliver this letter to Newt first thing in the morning. If he hasn¡¯t returned yet, leave it at the entrance to the largest tree. There¡¯s a Bowtruckle there¡ªit¡¯ll look after it.¡± S§×arch* The n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Kyle had decided to reach out to Newt, just in case. If Swooping Evil venom really was corrosive, it might be due to a magical mutation. He wasn¡¯t sure if Newt had returned yet, but it was worth a try. If Newt was back, great; if not, Kyle knew Dumbledore would handle things from here.


    Ratton opened one eye, placed a paw on the envelope, and gave a faint nod. With that settled, Kyle lay back on his bed, and this time, sleep came easily.


    ...


    After that, neither Dumbledore nor Hagrid reached out to Kyle again, and he was content to be left to his own devices. Resisting the urge to delve into the mysteries of the Forbidden Forest, he focused on preparing for the final exams instead.


    As exam week approached, the castle seemed to transform overnight. Everywhere he looked, younger students were walking around practicing wand movements, their spells muttered under their breath. This was also one of the most hazardous times of year at Hogwarts, as countless students subconsciously chanted incantations while gesturing with their wands. Kyle had barely made it from the common room to the Great Hall before witnessing two unfortunate students accidentally hit by stray Charms.


    Luckily, the mishaps only required a quick Levitation Charm or Mending Charm, so no one needed a trip to the Hospital Wing this time.


    Kyle navigated cautiously, dodging the ¡°spell-slinging assassins¡± hiding among the bustling crowd, and finally made it to the Great Hall without incident. The professors, too, were well aware of the chaos, as every class seemed to have two or three students absent due to spells gone wrong, most of them directed straight to the Hospital Wing.


    In Transfiguration, Professor McGonagall addressed the issue sternly. ¡°Where were your wands this morning?¡± she asked, her lips pressed thin. ¡°From now on, if you must practice, find an empty classroom. Anyone caught improperly handling their wand will receive a week¡¯s detention.¡±


    Professor Snape, in his usual no-nonsense style, was even more severe. He announced in potions class that if any student missed his class due to injuries from spell accidents, they would fail, whether they were absent or had been the cause of the mishap. There would be no exceptions.


    Kyle couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that Snape had cast a pointed look his way as he said it.


    Thanks to these strict warnings, the ¡°castle assassins¡± all but vanished within half a day. By dinnertime, Hogwarts had returned to its usual calm, as if nothing had ever happened.


    At dinner, Kyle cut his steak distractedly. His mind wasn¡¯t on Snape or spell accidents but on Ratton. Five days had passed since he¡¯d sent his letter, yet Ratton hadn¡¯t returned.


    That was more than enough time for several round trips from Dorset to Hogwarts, even if Ratton had traveled by train.

 Chapter 102: Final Exams

    A few days before exams, Ratton finally returned to Hogwarts. When Kyle returned to the common room after dinner, he saw his owl perched on the windowsill. Ratton looked exhausted¡ªits eyes drooping, its body visibly thinner, and its once-lustrous feathers dull and gray.


    Upon spotting Kyle, Ratton lifted its head and attempted to fly over to him, flapping its wings weakly. But midway, its strength gave out, and it began to fall. Kyle quickly stepped forward, catching it just in time.


    ¡°I recognize this owl,¡± Cedric said, glancing at Ratton, who had promptly fallen asleep in Kyle''s arms. ¡°Why does it look so worn out? Has it been delivering letters non-stop?¡±


    ¡°Just one¡­ but I think he misunderstood my instructions.¡± Kyle gently placed Ratton on the sofa beside him and removed an envelope from its talons. It was a reply, and the handwriting on the envelope was Newt¡¯s. Apparently, Ratton hadn¡¯t returned to Dorset after delivering the letter but had flown directly to Newt and then come all the way back. No wonder it had taken so long to return. Kyle shook his head, amused and exasperated.


    With exams starting the next day, the young wizards went to bed early, hoping to be well-rested. Kyle sat beside Ratton, rubbing its neck feathers softly before opening Newt¡¯s letter. The reply was brief.


    After reading the letter, Kyle closed his eyes, thinking quietly. The pieces finally started to fit together.


    Hagrid hadn¡¯t gone to the Forbidden Forest that night because he¡¯d spotted them during a nighttime walk, but because he¡¯d been drawn there by someone¡ªor something¡ªelse. Likely, he had encountered that person deep in the forest, leading to a struggle and the two messy rows of footprints by the tree. But the opponent must have had a Swooping Evil.


    Its venom had likely affected Hagrid, causing him to forget the entire encounter. This would explain why he didn¡¯t show up with the Christmas tree at the assembly hall on Christmas Day¡ªhe believed it was still autumn.


    Everything made sense now. And that Swooping Evil was likely the one the Ministry of Magic had been searching for.


    The only mystery left was who had poisoned Hagrid. Could it have been one of the hooded wizards at the Hog''s Head pub? Or perhaps someone hiding in the castle?


    Half an hour later, Kyle gave up his musings. Sometimes, mysteries could only be solved by letting them go. As Newt¡¯s letter reminded him, Dumbledore was already involved. Kyle could let this matter rest and focus on enjoying his holiday soon enough.


    With that comforting thought, he picked up Ratton and headed back to the dormitory.


    ...


    The next day, exams began. The first one was the Magical Theory exam¡ªalso known as the written exam. To prevent cheating, students were forbidden from bringing their own quills and ink, instead using school-provided stationery. But this didn¡¯t stop some young wizards from trying their luck.


    Katie Bell from Gryffindor entered the exam room nervously. Shortly after sitting down, Professor McGonagall strode over, reached out, and pulled off the large red hair accessory Katie was wearing. ¡°Miss Bell,¡± she said coldly, ¡°that¡¯s not how Transfiguration works.¡±


    The ¡°hair accessory¡± squirmed in McGonagall¡¯s hands, transforming into a piece of parchment covered with tiny writing. Kyle, watching this unfold, gave Katie a discreet thumbs-up. Cheating with transfiguration in front of ? That took a level of courage fitting of Gryffindor House.


    Other students with cheat sheets written on their clothing didn¡¯t escape her scrutiny either. As McGonagall patrolled the classroom, she seemed to have an instinct for finding guilty expressions, deftly pulling each cheater out of their seats. A seasoned professor and Deputy Headmistress at Hogwarts for over three decades, McGonagall needed no magical aids to spot nervous students.


    As students began answering questions, McGonagall muttered that Dumbledore really shouldn¡¯t have put her in charge of the first-year exam room. It simply wasn¡¯t challenging enough; she would have preferred supervising fifth years and above, where the cheating techniques were far more sophisticated.


    With older students, professors had to contend with creative tactics like potions, enchanted objects, coded hand signals, and subtle Charms. Particularly in Potions, items like Baruffio¡¯s Brain Elixir and Waking Potion were common, with whispers of students attempting to sneak in Felix Felicis for N.E.W.T.s. There were even instances of attempted Polyjuice Potions and Disillusionment Charms, turning exam supervision into a ¡°war without smoke¡± for the professors.


    For most, it was a nuisance, but McGonagall thrived on the challenge of outwitting students. Unfortunately, this year she¡¯d been assigned to supervise the ¡°Novice Village,¡± as she put it, a simple group of first-years. An hour into the exam, she glanced at the dutiful students and sighed, ¡°Really, Albus¡­ why assign me to the first years? Even third years would be a step up.¡±


    After the written test came the practical exam. Professor Flitwick had each student attempt to make a pineapple ¡°ride¡± a makeshift broomstick¡ªjust a wooden rod with a feather attached¡ªfor a lap around the room. This task was no issue for Kyle. Not only did he complete the assignment flawlessly, but he even managed to make the pineapple execute a classic Quidditch trick, which earned him an immediate perfect score from Professor Flitwick. S~ea??h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Next up, Professor McGonagall tested their Transfiguration skills by asking each student to transform a rabbit into a brooch.


    The more detailed the brooch, the higher the score, with deductions if the brooch retained any rabbit-like features. Kyle, recalling a brooch he¡¯d received as a Christmas gift from Mikel, created an exact replica, and McGonagall awarded him a perfect score.


    Finally, the Potions exam required students to brew a simple boil-cure potion. Kyle carefully followed each step, resulting in a flawless potion. Yet he wasn¡¯t optimistic about his score; throughout the entire exam, Professor Snape loomed over him, watching intently and shaking his head with apparent disapproval. Kyle could already imagine Snape deducting points wherever possible, just for the sake of it.

 Chapter 103: Hagrid and Professor Oren

    The last exam, History of Magic, was easily the dullest hour of the day. Kyle only needed twenty minutes to scribble out the Werewolf Code of Conduct from 1637 and the life story of Uric the Oddball.


    When Professor Binns¡¯s ghost finally announced they could put down their quills, the entire class erupted in cheers.


    Exams were over, and now they had a whole week to relax until the results were announced.


    ¡°That was way easier than I expected,¡± Mikel said confidently as they stepped outside into the bright sunlight. ¡°I saw something about Uric the Oddball the other day, and I¡¯m positive he graduated from Gryffindor¡ªso there¡¯s no way I got that one wrong.¡±


    ¡°Gryffindor¡­¡± Ryan muttered absently, then frowned. ¡°Isn¡¯t that Slytherin?¡±


    ¡°What a shame,¡± Mikel sighed. ¡°It was definitely Gryffindor.¡±


    ¡°Oh, Merlin¡¯s beard¡­¡± Ryan groaned, clutching his hair. ¡°If only I hadn¡¯t wasted time memorizing that wizard who invented the Self-Stirring Cauldron!¡±


    Mikel patted his shoulder consolingly. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, it¡¯s just one small mistake; it won¡¯t cost too many points.¡±


    Kyle, amused by their exchange, decided to join in. Slipping over, he whispered to them, ¡°Actually¡­ Uric the Oddball graduated from Ravenclaw.¡±


    Mikel¡¯s face went blank with shock.


    ¡°It¡¯s true,¡± Kyle said, grinning. ¡°It¡¯s in the third line of Chapter 2. Or you could ask one of the Ravenclaws. They¡¯re bound to remember.¡±


    Incredulous, Mikel turned and approached a nearby group of Ravenclaws to check. A minute later, he was back, crouched next to Ryan, holding his head in dismay.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry,¡± Kyle said, patting his shoulder with a smirk. ¡°It¡¯s just one house mix-up¡ªwon¡¯t cost too many points.¡±


    After bidding farewell to his crestfallen friends, Kyle wandered down to the lake. In the warm shallows lay the giant squid, basking in the sunlight while Fred and George Weasley gently flicked its tentacles. Kyle couldn¡¯t help but imagine how delicious it might be grilled with cumin and paprika¡­


    ¡°Plop¡­¡±


    Shaking his head, he turned his gaze away. Not far off, he spotted Kanna sitting under a tree, her arms around her knees, watching Pocky, her pet, sunbathing on the grass. She seemed downcast, lacking the usual post-exam relief.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Kyle asked, walking over. ¡°Did the exam not go well?¡±


    Kanna snapped out of her daze, shaking her head. She stroked Pocky¡¯s tail and murmured, ¡°Are exams really over? Does that mean the term¡¯s over, too?¡±


    ¡°Seven days,¡± Kyle replied, sitting beside her. ¡°We get our results in a week, and then we¡¯re off for the summer. By September, we¡¯ll be in second year.¡±


    ¡°Seven days¡­¡± she repeated softly.


    At that moment, Fred and George strolled over, catching sight of Kanna¡¯s somber expression. Fred grinned and said, ¡°Come on, cheer up! We don¡¯t even know our scores yet, so no need to stress.¡±


    ¡°Exactly,¡± George added. ¡°It¡¯s the best time of the year¡ªno exams, no homework, no classes. What could be better?¡±


    Kanna finally smiled, her mood lifting. ¡°You¡¯re right.¡±


    The twins then mentioned they were planning to sneak off to Hogsmeade through a secret passage. With their newfound wealth of a hundred Galleons, they had big plans for the day¡ªa shopping spree for Honeydukes sweets, Butterbeer from The Three Broomsticks, and, most importantly, a stash of enchanted joke items from Zonko¡¯s Joke Shop.


    "We¡¯re planning to go through the secret passage behind the mirror on the fourth floor," Fred said with a mischievous grin. "I guarantee Filch has no clue about it."


    "Want to come with us?" George added, looking between Kyle and Kanna.


    Kyle nodded, about to agree, when an owl swooped down, delivering a note. He unfolded it and read:


    Kyle''s expression shifted with concern. "Sorry, I need to go see Hagrid. He says Fluffy isn¡¯t feeling well."


    "Alright," Fred replied. "Want us to bring you back anything?"


    "Honeydukes sweets¡ªthe good stuff," Kyle said with a grin.


    "Good call," the twins chuckled as they headed off toward their adventure.


    Kyle turned to Kanna. "Not joining them?"


    Kanna shook her head. "I don¡¯t really need anything from Hogsmeade. It¡¯s nice here, soaking up the sun with Pocky."


    "Sunbathing can wait," Kyle said, glancing at her pet rat, Pocky. "Want to come with me to Hagrid¡¯s? Fluffy¡¯s sick, and we could go check on him."


    Kanna¡¯s eyes brightened. "Can I? Sure!"


    Since she¡¯d met Fluffy before, Kyle saw no problem bringing her along. As he started down the grassy slope, Kanna quickly tucked Pocky into her pocket and hurried after him.


    Crossing the field, they arrived in front of Hagrid¡¯s hut, only to find someone already there.


    "Professor Oren?" Kyle asked in surprise, seeing him standing by Hagrid¡¯s door. "Are you here to see Hagrid too?"


    "In a way," Professor Oren replied with a smile. "Actually, I was waiting for you two. Hagrid wrote to me, mentioning Fluffy¡¯s illness and asking if I knew any treatments for magical creatures. So here I am."


    ¡°You know about Fluffy?¡± Kyle asked, intrigued.


    "Yes, Hagrid told me about the Three-Headed Dog when we were having drinks one night. Nearly scared me out of my wits¡ªdidn¡¯t think he¡¯d actually keep such a dangerous creature here!"


    Kyle nodded, thinking


    "Is Hagrid inside?" Kyle glanced toward the hut, which appeared empty.


    ¡°Oh! I almost forgot,¡± Professor Oren said, smacking his forehead. ¡°Hagrid was worried, so I suggested he go ahead to the Forbidden Forest to check on Fluffy while I waited here for you two.¡±


    ¡°Come along, then. I¡¯ll take you to him now.¡± Sear?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Chapter 104: Not A Chapter

Sear?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Chapter 105: Animagus

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Professor Oren,¡± Kyle said, standing his ground. ¡°First-years aren¡¯t allowed in the Forbidden Forest. I think we¡¯d better go back to the castle.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s good to follow the rules,¡± Professor Oren replied with a calm smile, ¡°but sometimes, you don¡¯t need to be overly disciplined, Kyle. That can make you miss out on a lot of interesting things.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not possible,¡± Kyle insisted. ¡°If Professor McGonagall finds out, we¡¯ll be expelled.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not as serious as that. Minerva was only trying to scare you. Besides, I¡¯m right here, aren¡¯t I?¡± Professor Oren said, placing one hand on his hip and gesturing toward the forest with the other. ¡°As the Hogwarts professor of Defence Against the Dark Arts, I¡¯m allowing you to join me in the Forbidden Forest today. Think of it as an educational experience.¡±


    Kyle¡¯s heart sank, but he tried to keep his face neutral. , he thought. It explained a lot. If Oren didn¡¯t have a hidden agenda, why else would he take up a teaching post at Hogwarts?


    Kyle had had his suspicions for months¡ªever since he¡¯d first read about the incident in the newspaper. He¡¯d even asked Professor McGonagall indirectly about Oren¡¯s arrival. She¡¯d told him Oren took the post in July, while the smuggling group had entered the country in late August, giving Oren a solid alibi.


    Kyle wondered. But he held his tongue. Oren¡¯s hand, resting on his wand, was poised to draw it in a heartbeat, a subtle threat that made Kyle sure he was dealing with the ¡°mysterious person¡± behind Hagrid¡¯s memory loss.


    ¡°Fine,¡± Kyle said, shrugging as casually as he could. ¡°If the professor allows it, then I suppose it¡¯s alright.¡±


    ¡°A wise choice,¡± Professor Oren said, one eyebrow arched approvingly.


    Kyle took a few steps forward, then paused as if suddenly remembering something. Turning to Kanna, he said, ¡°Oh, I just realized¡ªI forgot to bring the jerky for Fluffy. Could you go grab it for me? It¡¯s on the common room table, right by the door.¡±


    ¡°Um¡­ okay,¡± Kanna replied, giving him a curious look. She didn¡¯t seem to find his request too odd and turned back toward the castle.


    Professor Oren didn¡¯t seem concerned. It was clear that his target had always been Kyle, and he made no attempt to stop Kanna. Kyle felt a small measure of relief¡ªat least she would be safe.


    But at that very moment, an unexpected accident happened.


    The rat, Pocky, suddenly leaped out of Kanna¡¯s pocket and bolted toward the Forbidden Forest at top speed.


    ¡°Pocky¡­ come back!¡± Kanna cried, instinctively chasing after her pet.


    The incident happened so quickly that Kyle couldn¡¯t stop her. In mere moments, Kanna had followed Pocky straight into the depths of the Forbidden Forest.


    "I...!" Kyle¡¯s eye twitched, but it was too late to argue now. Kanna was already deep in the Forbidden Forest, so he had no choice but to go after her to prevent any accidents.


    The forest was thick with trees, making it nearly impossible to track a small creature like a mouse. Soon, Pocky disappeared from sight, and Kyle caught up to Kanna, grabbing her to stop her from running further.


    ¡°Go back to the castle!¡± he said urgently.


    ¡°But Pocky¡ª¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s no time to worry about him now! Just get back to the castle!¡± Kyle began to pull her along, intending to leave, but then he noticed Professor Oren standing just behind them.


    ¡°I must say, Kyle, it¡¯s quite rude to handle a young witch so unkindly,¡± Professor Oren remarked with a bland smile. ¡°Let¡¯s all help Miss Prince find her pet, shall we?¡±


    Kyle tensed, and as he was about to protest, Professor Oren stepped closer, bending down and adding lightly, ¡°We shouldn¡¯t waste time. That¡¯s a magical mouse, after all¡ªlosing it would be a shame.¡±


    From Kyle¡¯s angle, he could see that Oren¡¯s wand was subtly trained on Kanna. He clenched his jaw, forcing himself to stay calm.


    ¡°You¡¯re right,¡± he said, exhaling and managing a dry smile. ¡°We¡¯ll do as you say.¡±


    ¡°Good boy,¡± Professor Oren said with a faint smirk. He led the three of them further into the depths of the Forbidden Forest, glancing around as if genuinely searching for Pocky.


    Along the way, Oren even drove off a few aggressive creatures and spiders that crossed their path, playing his role as protector to perfection. Kyle followed, increasingly certain that this was no ordinary stroll.


    After a long walk, Professor Oren broke the silence. ¡°Kyle, Minerva mentioned you¡¯re quite skilled in Transfiguration. Have you considered becoming an Animagus?¡±


    ¡°No, Professor,¡± Kyle replied, keeping his tone even. ¡°Animagus is an advanced form of Transfiguration. It requires extensive knowledge, as well as precise magical control. I¡¯m still a long way from that.¡±


    ¡°Oh?¡± Professor Oren said, removing a fallen tree from their path with a flick of his wand. ¡°You seem quite well-informed about Animagus.¡±


    ¡°Professor McGonagall demonstrated it during our first lesson. I found it fascinating, so I looked it up in the library,¡± Kyle explained.


    ¡°Yes¡­ it¡¯s truly a remarkable magic, transforming oneself into an animal,¡± Oren murmured, almost to himself.


    ¡°Many wizards who operate in the shadows dream of mastering it. Animagus can make things very convenient when certain¡­ tasks arise. After all, who would suspect a cat, an insect¡­ or a mouse? That¡¯s why the Ministry requires Animagi to register under their real names.¡±


    He paused, looking at Kyle with a knowing gleam. ¡°Of course, if you do pursue to become an Animagus one day, I wouldn''t suggest registering.¡±


    At that moment, Professor Oren¡¯s voice sounded more like that of a teacher sharing personal wisdom than an instructor imparting a lesson. Kyle narrowed his eyes.


    ¡°Professor, isn¡¯t it a bit early for this advice?¡± he said, his tone calm but wary. ¡°I¡¯ve only just started learning Transfiguration, so at this rate, I wouldn¡¯t even consider becoming an Animagus until fifth year.¡±


    ¡°No, I think you¡¯ll be ready by next year,¡± Oren replied, giving him a sidelong glance. ¡°Talent is hard to hide, Kyle. Especially for a young wizard like yourself with very¡­ distinctive abilities. You may not realize it, but while you¡¯re an average student in my class, I¡¯ve noticed your magical control is highly precise, with a rare level of stability.¡±


    He continued smoothly, ¡°To put it another way, if the Charms of other young witches and wizards are like cotton thread, yours are more like steel wire. Even if you limit your magic, it¡¯s just thinner steel¡ªbut steel all the same. Cotton and steel, you see¡­ those aren¡¯t hard for the trained eye to distinguish.¡±


    Professor Oren chuckled lightly, watching Kyle¡¯s reaction. ¡°Perhaps you didn¡¯t realize, but we professors have actually mentioned you quite a few times in private. We¡¯ve all shared stories of your ¡®underwhelming¡¯ classroom performance and, well, even made bets on how long you could keep it up.¡±


    Kyle felt as though he¡¯d been struck by lightning. A powerful wave of embarrassment washed over him.


    ¡°Everyone had their own predictions,¡± Oren went on, smirking. ¡°Apart from Professor Aurora, who opted out, Minerva and Filius thought you¡¯d reveal yourself by third year, Pomona placed her bets on fifth, and Severus¡­ well, let¡¯s just say he left it open-ended, possibly even seventh year.¡± S§×ar?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Kyle felt his cheeks heat up in silent humiliation. He¡¯d genuinely thought he¡¯d hidden his abilities well.

 Chapter 106: The Battle in the Forbidden Forest

    ¡°Modesty is good, and caution is wise, but those are skills for later in life. Right now, you could certainly afford to be a bit more daring,¡± Professor Oren said with an air of amusement, as though continuing a lecture. ¡°At your age, no one would take an eleven-year-old as a serious threat.¡±


    Kyle kept walking, his expression blank.


    Unfazed, Professor Oren pressed on, ¡°Well, now it¡¯s your turn. Tell me, Kyle¡ªwhen did you realize?¡±


    Kyle blinked, feigning innocence. ¡°Realize what? I¡¯m not sure what you mean, Professor.¡±


    ¡°If that¡¯s your answer¡­¡± Professor Oren stopped abruptly, his tone turning icy, ¡°then we have no reason to go any further.¡± S§×arch* The n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The air grew tense, and even Kanna, focused on finding Pocky, sensed something was wrong, moving instinctively closer to Kyle.


    ¡°As a Defence Against the Dark Arts professor, of course you¡¯d be suspect,¡± Kyle shrugged, keeping his voice steady. ¡°Everyone knows the position is cursed. Professors end up in St. Mungo¡¯s or Azkaban¡ªor worse. The ones who make it through a term unscathed have to resign for one reason or another. But here you are, near term¡¯s end, without so much as a scratch. If that doesn¡¯t look suspicious, what does?¡±


    ¡°Well observed,¡± Professor Oren sighed, as though disappointed in the ¡®curse¡¯ himself. ¡°I enjoyed being a professor, but unfortunately, my true identity was uncovered. I just received word that the Ministry of Magic is on its way to Hogwarts. Fools¡ªthey never imagined I¡¯d hide in plain sight here. Took them long enough to figure it out.¡±


    Kyle¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°Wait¡­ the Ministry isn¡¯t after the Swooping Evil¡ªthey¡¯re after ?¡±


    ¡°Of course it¡¯s me.¡± Oren scoffed. ¡°Do you think the Ministry would be interested in a mere magical creature? No, they¡¯re after something far more valuable¡ªsomething have.¡±


    Kyle couldn¡¯t help but ask, ¡°What is it?¡±


    ¡°Are you sure you want to know?¡± Oren raised an eyebrow, smirking. ¡°I¡¯d be happy to tell you.¡±


    ¡°On second thought¡­ no.¡± Kyle quickly caught himself, forcing a dry laugh. ¡°I¡¯m actually not that curious.¡±


    Oren¡¯s smirk deepened. He glanced at Kanna, whose face now showed a mixture of confusion and horror as she finally grasped the situation. She drew her wand, her hand trembling.


    ¡°Oh, no need to be anxious, Miss Prince,¡± Professor Oren said calmly, not at all phased by her wand. Instead, he looked off to the side, under a tree. ¡°Oh, what have we here?¡±


    With a flick of his wand, the fallen leaves began writhing, forming coils that twisted around a gray mouse nestled in the roots.


    ¡°Pocky!¡± Kanna gasped, extending her wand shakily. ¡°Let her go!¡±


    Oren, ignoring her, continued in his cool, professorial tone, ¡°Allow me to teach you something useful. If you want to determine whether the animal in front of you is an Animagus, the Animagus Reversal Spell is your best option.¡±


    He pointed his wand at the mouse and muttered, ¡°¡±


    A blue light shot from his wand, and the mouse froze midair, writhing in distress. With another flick, the leaves uncoiled, and the mouse fell to the ground. A bright flash of magic followed, and before their eyes, the mouse¡¯s form distorted and expanded as though sped up through time. In seconds, the mouse had become a hunchbacked, unsightly witch.


    The witch was hunched over, her sparse, stringy hair partially covering her sharp, hooked nose. Kanna stared at her in horror, stammering, ¡°She¡­ Pocky¡­ P¡­¡±


    ¡°Ah, so your name is Pocky?¡± Oren said brightly, as though delighted by the discovery. ¡°Lovely to meet you.¡±


    ¡°Curse you!¡± the witch rasped, her voice as harsh as metal scraping against stone. She pulled out a short, thick wand and aimed it at Oren, her eyes filled with venom. ¡°I¡¯ll kill you for this¡ªI¡¯ll kill you!¡±


    A blast of purple light erupted from her wand, hurtling toward Oren¡¯s chest.


    Taking advantage of the distraction, Kyle swiftly pulled two broomsticks from his Mokeskin pouch and thrust one into Kanna¡¯s hands. ¡°Go! Find Professor McGonagall!¡±


    Realizing the urgency, Kanna hesitated only for a second before mounting the broom and taking off into the sky.


    As she rose above the treetops, Kyle didn¡¯t follow. He tossed his own broken broom aside, its snapped shaft useless in his hands.


    ...


    On the other side, as the witch¡¯s curse flew toward him, Professor Oren sidestepped it with ease. With a small, almost mocking snort, he raised his own wand.


    ¡°¡±


    A sickly green light shot past the witch¡¯s ear, narrowly missing her and striking a small spider on the ground behind her. The unfortunate creature froze instantly, dead on the spot.


    The witch, terrified, collapsed to the ground, her body trembling uncontrollably. Oren, meanwhile, turned his gaze toward Kyle just in time to see him toss the broken broom aside.


    ¡°You never cease to amaze me,¡± Oren said, an amused smile flickering across his face.


    ¡°You were the one who said it¡­¡± Kyle replied with a grin, ¡°Always have a broomstick handy¡ªit might just save your life.¡±


    ¡°Fifty points to Hufflepuff,¡± Oren laughed, his tone dripping with irony. ¡°That¡¯s the highest mark I can give.¡±


    He made no attempt to stop Kanna, letting her vanish into the sky without a second glance.


    ¡°Kyle, you didn¡¯t seem surprised at all just now. Did you already know the rat was an Animagus?¡±


    With Kanna safely gone, Kyle relaxed a little, rolling his stiff shoulders. ¡°I¡¯d had my suspicions.¡±


    He explained how he¡¯d become suspicious ever since Kanna mentioned that Pocky had been ¡°sick.¡± Then, during a Quidditch match, he¡¯d used the Marauder¡¯s Map to take note of who was still in the Hufflepuff common room. Among the names, one didn¡¯t belong to any known Hufflepuff.


    But even with that clue, Kyle had hesitated. The idea of two rat Animagi at Hogwarts seemed a bit too far-fetched. So he¡¯d been quietly comparing rosters from the other houses, only missing Slytherin¡¯s list.


    ¡°But¡­ I guess I don¡¯t need it anymore,¡± Kyle finished.


    ¡°If you knew, why didn¡¯t you report it?¡± Oren raised an eyebrow. ¡°Weren¡¯t you worried about that little girl¡¯s safety?¡±


    ¡°And why did you bring us to the Forbidden Forest?¡± Kyle shrugged. ¡°This is Hogwarts; I didn¡¯t think she¡¯d actually dare do anything.¡±


    Oren chuckled lightly. ¡°You¡¯re even sharper than I expected.¡±


    His expression quickly hardened as he turned to the witch slumped on the ground. ¡°Kill the boy, and you¡¯re free to go.¡±


    Kyle thought, a faint smile touching his lips as he reached for the ring on his finger.


    But Oren¡¯s voice cut in. ¡°You might have some tricks up your sleeve, but I¡¯d advise against using them. Remember, I have a Swooping Evil¡ªwant to guess where it is right now?¡±


    Kyle¡¯s eyes narrowed as realization struck him. ¡°You¡­¡±


    In that split-second of hesitation, the witch¡¯s curse was already upon him. Kyle dropped backward, managing to dodge the spell, albeit with little grace. The deep purple Charm struck a tree behind him, instantly corroding a large section of the trunk.


    Oren set down an hourglass on a nearby stone, its sand beginning to trickle downward. ¡°Ten minutes,¡± he said, almost to himself. ¡°After that, the Swooping Evil will be back. Good luck.¡±


    Kyle thought, gritting his teeth. He saw a massive fireball hurtling toward him and bolted deeper into the Forbidden Forest, hoping the thick underbrush would help shield him from the witch¡¯s attacks.


    As he dodged through the trees, frustration boiled inside him. he thought bitterly. Why did Harry Potter get villains like the forgetful Lockhart or bumbling Quirrell, while he had to face someone like Oren, whose mind was sharper than a bag of enchanted needles?


    ...


    On the other side, the witch grew frantic as her spells continued to miss Kyle. Oren¡¯s ultimatum hung over her head¡ªif Kyle was still standing in ten minutes, her life would be forfeit.


    ¡°¡±


    ¡°¡±


    ¡°¡±


    Her spells flew wildly as she chased after Kyle, who weaved through the forest with quick, unpredictable turns. Suddenly, her steps faltered; the ground beneath her feet felt soft and strange, like stepping into mud. She lost her balance and tumbled forward, landing with a painful thud.


    Kyle had stopped a short distance away, and he quickly turned, aiming his wand at a nearby tree.


    ¡°Spongify¡± he incanted, and the towering tree beside the witch began to sway. Its trunk, softened by the spell, drooped under its own weight and toppled toward her like a thick rope of spaghetti.


    Though softened, the tree¡¯s mass hadn¡¯t changed, and its thick canopy, as wide as a millstone, plummeted straight for the witch. Her face blanched, and she scrambled to get out of the way.


    Without missing a beat, Kyle levitated several sturdy branches from the forest floor. With a flick of his wand, he transfigured the branches into sharp, stone-tipped stakes and launched them at the witch.


    Seeing the incoming spikes, the witch screamed, ¡°¡± Desperation tinged her voice, but her Shield Charm was only half-formed when¡ª


    The massive tree finally crashed to the ground, the impact so thunderous it sent flocks of birds scattering from the trees.


    When the dust settled, a large crater lay where the tree had landed. Inside, the witch lay trapped, groaning in agony. Her arm was pinned beneath the tree¡¯s trunk, and a stone stake protruded from her leg, rendering her completely immobile.


    The skirmish had unfolded quickly and ended even more swiftly, leaving Oren standing there, momentarily stunned. He¡¯d expected Kyle to rely on higher-level spells to subdue her, but the boy had used only the simplest of charms¡ªa pair of Softening Charms, a Levitation Charm, a Basic Transformation, and a Locomotion Charm.


    Yet with creativity, Kyle had turned them into a devastating attack.


    ...


    Kyle wasn¡¯t surprised at how quickly the witch went down. After all, he¡¯d spent two weeks studying the biography of a Duel Master¡ªhe had to have gained something from it. Using traps, leveraging the terrain, and finishing off an opponent already disadvantaged were dueling basics. Besides, the witch was a terrible fighter. Her spell choices spoke for themselves: aside from the Corrosion Curse, her repertoire consisted of , , and the Blasting Curse. Most of those were standard spells for third-years, with the Blasting Curse being only slightly more advanced.


    And she had fallen for a simple bait tactic. Kyle couldn¡¯t help but wonder if she¡¯d somehow bought her Animagus ability¡ªif such a thing was even possible.


    ¡°¡±


    Kyle walked up to the witch and confiscated her short wand, tucking it into his robe pocket.


    ¡°Well done, fifty points to Hufflepuff,¡± Oren applauded, though his voice was laced with sarcasm as he pointed his own wand at Kyle. ¡°So, do I need to give you a head start?¡±


    Kyle didn¡¯t budge. ¡°Professor Oren¡­¡± he asked, genuinely puzzled, ¡°why are you targeting me? Even if I took one of your Billywigs last month, it¡¯s hardly worth all this¡ªI could give you ten in return if you like.¡±


    Oren¡¯s expression darkened, and his hand trembled slightly, grip tightening on his wand.


    ¡°This isn¡¯t about that,¡± he replied through clenched teeth. ¡°You¡¯re Chris¡¯s son. If he hadn¡¯t interfered with my affairs all those years ago, I wouldn¡¯t be in this mess.¡± His eyes narrowed suddenly, suspicion dawning. ¡°Wait¡­ you¡¯re stalling for time, aren¡¯t you? You don¡¯t really expect those Ministry fools to rescue you, do you?¡±


    ¡°I stalling, but not waiting for a rescue,¡± Kyle said, holding Oren¡¯s gaze. ¡°I wanted Kanna to leave, but not just for her safety.¡±


    ¡°Oh? So-called friendship, then?¡± Oren scoffed.


    ¡°Partially,¡± Kyle replied with a shrug, ¡°but mainly because there are things on me she shouldn¡¯t see.¡±


    Before Oren could retort, he screamed, his face contorting as he looked down to see two green, spherical cabbages biting into his leg. A sudden wave of numbness washed over him, momentarily robbing him of his senses.


    ¡°¡±


    A jet of red light flew from Kyle¡¯s wand, but Oren managed to roll out of the way, though his leg throbbed painfully where the cabbages had bitten him. Glancing down, he cursed.


    ¡°Chinese Chomping Cabbages?! In the Forbidden Forest?!¡± he snarled through gritted teeth.


    ¡°I brought them,¡± Kyle replied coolly, sending another Disarming Charm his way. ¡°Hogwarts is dangerous. Even Hagrid¡¯s been attacked, so it¡¯s only reasonable for an ¡®unarmed¡¯ young wizard to carry a little protection.¡±

 Chapter 107: Apparition

    As Kyle had planned, after learning of Hagrid¡¯s attack, he¡¯d gone to the Room of Requirement to retrieve the two Chomping Cabbages, storing them in his modified Mokeskin pouch. This pouch¡ªan upgrade of the one Newt had gifted him¡ªallowed him to carry both Magical Creatures and plants, albeit in limited quantities.


    He¡¯d originally intended to use the cabbages to ambush the witch, but they¡¯d ended up coming in handy against Oren instead, a satisfying turn of events.


    Meanwhile, Oren was in a grim struggle on the ground, rolling around to avoid both the Chomping Cabbages gnawing at his legs and Kyle¡¯s relentless stream of Disarming and Stunning Charms.


    ¡°Enough!¡± Oren spat, deflecting yet another Disarming Charm. He took a swift bite from one of the cabbages and finally managed to cast his own spell.


    ¡°¡±


    Scarlet flames erupted from his wand, blackening the cabbages until they fell still. Breathing heavily, Oren straightened, his expression steely.


    ¡°I admit it¡ªI underestimated you.¡± Oren raised his wand, and the surrounding fallen leaves transformed into sharp, whirling blades that hurtled toward Kyle.


    ¡°¡± Kyle aimed his wand at the ground, setting off an explosion that cloaked the area in dust.


    ¡°Blinding me? Not a bad strategy,¡± Oren sneered, eyes narrowing as he unleashed the leaf-blades into the smoke. ¡°But where can you hide?¡±


    The blades rained down over the area, scattering through the dust. Oren smirked, satisfied.


    ¡°¡±


    A voice rang out suddenly from behind, sending a jolt of alarm through Oren. It was Kyle¡¯s voice¡ªbut how?


    Before he could react, he felt a weight against his back, and then¡ª


    The spell had hit, but the Swooping Evil unfurled from behind him like a shield, blocking the Stunning Spell just in time. Kyle staggered as pain surged through him, fighting to keep his focus. ¡°The Swooping Evil¡­ it didn¡¯t go after Kanna,¡± he rasped.


    Oren turned, a mocking smile on his face. ¡°Who said it was ever after the girl? I simply asked you to where it was.¡±


    He chuckled, amused. ¡°First the Chomping Cabbages, now Apparition mid-battle¡­ you¡¯ve impressed me today, Kyle.¡±


    ¡±Compared to you, I¡¯ve wasted my first year here. How about I let you go as a reward?¡±


    ¡°Oh? Letting me go? Don¡¯t flatter yourself,¡± Kyle replied, defiant. ¡°Do you think you can kill me?¡±


    Oren hesitated. He didn¡¯t believe Kyle could best him outright, but he¡¯d lost the element of time. The Ministry was closing in, and every second he wasted here brought him closer to capture. But to walk away after being matched by an eleven-year-old? It would ruin him.


    ¡°You¡¯re really not leaving?¡± Oren asked, trying to mask his frustration.


    ¡°Nope.¡± Kyle shrugged, idly scratching a Billywig perched on his shoulder.


    Five minutes earlier, Kyle would have turned and run without a second thought, but not now. He had been threatened, deceived, and mocked. He wouldn¡¯t let that go unchallenged.


    Besides, this was the Forbidden Forest. Kyle wasn¡¯t the one who had to hurry now.


    ¡°You want to die!¡± Oren¡¯s face twisted in fury, realizing that the Billywig resting on Kyle¡¯s shoulder was the very one he¡¯d lost.


    Raising his wand, he began to gather a sickly green light at its tip. ¡°Avada¡ª¡±


    An arrow sliced through the air, forcing Oren to retract his arm to avoid being hit. The pounding of hooves grew louder, and a group of Centaurs burst from the trees, longbows drawn, arrows aimed at both Kyle and Oren. Though their eyes narrowed particularly on Oren, some of the Centaurs recognized Kyle.


    Firenze stepped forward cautiously, addressing Kyle. ¡°You¡¯re a student from the castle. What are you doing here? And who is this?¡±


    ¡°A Dark Wizard!¡± Kyle said urgently. ¡°He¡¯s the one who stole the unicorn''s cub¡ªand he used Unforgivable Curses!¡±


    In an instant, all the Centaurs shifted their aim squarely onto Oren.


    Suddenly, explosions sounded all around them¡ªthe Ministry had arrived.


    ¡°You¡¯re in luck!¡± Oren said, a bitter smile stretching across his face. ¡°Alright, I give up.¡± He tossed a cloth bag to Kyle. Inside was the unicorn''s cub, its small golden body curled up peacefully, appearing as though it were asleep.


    ¡°It¡¯s him!¡± a voice called out. A Hit Wizard stepped forward, teeth clenched in recognition. ¡°Morris Oren!¡±


    The wizard was Hadd, the same captain of the Hit Wizards who had previously tried to arrest Hagrid.


    ¡°We meet again, Mr. Brave Hit Wizard,¡± Oren mocked with a twisted grin. ¡°You had a chance to arrest me before, but you failed. I should thank you for letting me slip away¡­ Oh, wait,¡± he sneered, ¡°you fools only knew about the Swooping Evil¡ªyou never figured out who I was. So, thanks for absolutely nothing.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re not getting away this time!¡± Hadd snapped, aiming his wand at Oren. ¡°I¡¯ll personally escort you to Azkaban. We¡¯ll see if you¡¯re still smiling when the Dementors get to you.¡±


    ¡°Sorry, I¡¯m not a fan of Dementors,¡± Oren replied with a sigh. ¡°Could I stay at Hogwarts instead? Being a Defence Against the Dark Arts professor has been quite¡­ educational.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not up to you!¡± Hadd barked, gesturing to the other Hit Wizards, who swiftly raised their wands in unison.


    ¡°¡±


    ¡°¡±


    ¡°¡±


    A flurry of spells shot towards Oren.


    ...


    A dozen charms shot toward Oren from every direction. Sear?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "What a shame¡ªI haven''t even graded the exam yet..." Oren sighed, and the platform of fallen leaves beneath him instantly gave way.


    With no footing, Oren started to fall, letting him evade every charm aimed at him.


    The next moment...


    A familiar popping sound echoed through the Forbidden Forest as Oren vanished from sight.

 Chapter 108: Teasing Kids Out of Boredom

    The Hit Wizards scoured the pile of leaves for ages but, in the end, only found half of a shoe sole, marked with teeth.


    Oren must have damaged his shoe earlier when he was kicking a Chomping Cabbage, which had clearly gnawed at it. Perhaps he had dropped it while escaping, or maybe he''d left it there on purpose.


    Hit Wizard Hadd stood nearby, his expression dark as storm clouds. He knew exactly what awaited him next. Failing to apprehend anyone would be seen as a grave oversight, and coupled with Oren''s parting words, Hadd was practically the obvious choice to take the fall. The Ministry would surely blame him for letting Oren escape, especially that meddlesome pink toad¡­ A demotion would likely be the severe punishment to quell the anger back at the Ministry.


    Furious, Hadd bellowed orders, commanding the Hit Wizards to search the vicinity for any trace of Oren. The Centaurs tried to stand in their way, but Hadd brandished his wand, forcing them back.


    ¡°That¡¯s an important prisoner of the Ministry of Magic. If any of you dare obstruct this search, you¡¯ll all be considered accomplices!¡±


    Under his threat, the Centaurs kept silent.


    But none of this concerned Kyle anymore.


    Professor McGonagall had arrived.


    Her face was a sight Kyle had never seen¡ªpale with tightly pressed lips, an anger that chilled to the bone. The idea that the Defense Against the Dark Arts professor would attempt to a student was beyond her worst fears. Had Dumbledore completely lost his senses when he hired Oren?


    Taking a quick glance around, Professor McGonagall hurried over to Kyle, her voice low but tight with worry. ¡°Are you alright, Kyle? Are you hurt?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m fine, Professor,¡± Kyle replied. ¡°Thanks to the Centaurs and the Hit Wizards, Oren didn¡¯t get a chance to do anything before they drove him away.¡±


    The nearby Hit Wizards looked momentarily stunned, but soon their relief was palpable, as if a great weight had lifted. With Kyle¡¯s casual remark, the entire situation shifted. No longer was this a failure, with a dangerous prisoner on the loose; instead, they had successfully saved a student from a dark wizard.


    What had started as a botched capture was now... well, a of sorts. And if they hadn¡¯t made a mistake, then all the better.


    One by one, the Hit Wizards approached Kyle, asking after his health with exaggerated concern, each trying to seem like a caring adult neighbor. Hadd was the most enthusiastic of all, and, after confirming that Kyle was unharmed, he assured him that the Ministry of Magic would take full responsibility for any impact and losses from the incident, with compensation to follow.


    He gave Kyle a meaningful wink as he said this.


    Kyle got the message immediately but remained calm on the surface. It seemed his garden could stand to expand a bit next year.


    Unlike the Hit Wizards, Professor McGonagall was clearly unconvinced by Kyle¡¯s words. The area around them in the Forbidden Forest was a wreck, with magic scorch marks everywhere and fallen trees littering the ground. It hardly looked like ¡°nothing¡± had happened. Yet McGonagall said nothing more, focused only on ensuring Kyle was truly unharmed.


    At that moment, Professors Flitwick and Sprout arrived.


    Taking in the scene, Professor Flitwick clenched his fists, and Professor Sprout¡¯s eyes glistened with unshed tears.


    Professor McGonagall dismissed the Hit Wizards, then turned to take Kyle back to the castle.


    "Oh, Professor McGonagall," Kyle said, pointing to a spot nearby before they left, "there''s a witch trapped under that tree. She''s an illegal Animagus who''s been lurking around disguised as Kanna''s pet."


    Professor McGonagall froze in her tracks. "Animagus?"


    "Yes," Kyle continued. "She tried to attack me after I uncovered her identity. She¡¯s the one responsible for most of the charms around here."


    "By Merlin¡¯s beard¡­" Professor McGonagall muttered, overwhelmed by the information. They still hadn¡¯t sorted out what had happened with Oren, and now there was an illegal Animagus to deal with. This year at Hogwarts was like no other.


    Still, now that she knew, Professor McGonagall wouldn¡¯t let it go unchecked. She led Kyle, along with Professors Flitwick and Sprout, to the place he indicated. By now, the witch had fainted, and two Hit Wizards were pulling her out from under the fallen tree.


    Professor Flitwick gasped at the sight of her. "My boy, did do this?"


    "I didn¡¯t mean to," Kyle replied, looking down. "I just didn¡¯t realize she was so¡­ fragile."


    Kyle then gave a brief rundown of the events, though he purposely left out the beginning, skipping directly to when he had released the first Softening Charm. From that point on, he explained everything truthfully.


    As Professor Flitwick listened, his eyes sparkled, watching Kyle as if seeing a young prodigy in the dueling world. Though the moment wasn¡¯t right to show his excitement, he patted Kyle encouragingly on the arm. Restarting the Dueling Club was already on his mind.


    Professor McGonagall, on the other hand, was focused solely on getting Kyle and the witch back to the castle. The idea of an Animagus hiding among the students needed urgent investigation, and she felt strongly about handling it herself rather than involving the Ministry. She approached Hadd and stated firmly, "This witch is connected to our student, and I¡¯ll be taking her with me."


    Hadd frowned, reluctant to let the witch go. She was, after all, the only catch they had, and if he let McGonagall take her, he¡¯d be left with little more than half a shoe sole to hand in. But with all three Hogwarts professors present, he couldn¡¯t argue, especially considering what had just transpired.


    After a moment¡¯s hesitation, Hadd agreed. "Only until morning, Professor McGonagall," he said, adding, "We¡¯ll come to Hogwarts first thing to retrieve her."


    Professor McGonagall nodded, then took out her wand and levitated the witch, preparing to leave. S§×ar?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ...


    Meanwhile, a large crowd had gathered at the edge of the Forbidden Forest, their eyes fixed anxiously on the trees, awaiting any sign of movement.


    "Look, Professor McGonagall is coming out!" someone shouted.


    Two figures, one tall and one shorter, emerged from the depths of the forest. Kanna broke away from the crowd and rushed toward Kyle, her eyes red and swollen from crying.


    "Are you¡­ are you okay?" she asked, voice trembling.


    "Oh, I¡¯m fine," Kyle replied with a playful grin. "Though, now that I¡¯m a ghost, I feel quite at ease."


    "Huh!?"


    Kanna¡¯s eyes widened, and fresh tears began to stream down her cheeks.


    "What nonsense!" Professor McGonagall chided, giving Kyle a light tap. Then, with a soft, comforting hand, she wiped Kanna¡¯s tears away and said gently, "Take a good look. Does he look like a ghost?"

 Chapter 109: Special Award for Services to the School

    Despite Kyle¡¯s repeated reassurances that he was fine, Professor McGonagall insisted on taking him to the Hospital Wing.


    Madam Pomfrey, after a thorough examination, found nothing physically wrong with him, but after hearing what he¡¯d been through, she insisted he stay the night.


    Once Professor McGonagall had left, Madam Pomfrey went to her cupboard, took out a bottle, and poured Kyle a generous glass of light blue liquid.


    ¡°Drink it!¡±


    Kyle, lying on the bed, grimaced. ¡°That¡¯s really not necessary, Madam Pomfrey.¡±


    The potions in the Hospital Wing were renowned for their effectiveness¡­ and for their dreadful taste. He remembered Cedric once taking a Pepperup Potion for a cold, and, according to him, it had tasted like dishwater left out in the sun for days. It had taken all Cedric¡¯s willpower just to choke it down. Kyle had no interest in drinking something just as vile.


    Besides, the worst he had was a tooth mark on his arm¡ªhardly something that warranted a potion.


    But Madam Pomfrey was unmoved. With a stern look, she declared, ¡°This restorative potion will help you quickly regain your energy and strength. You will drink it all, or you can forget about leaving the Hospital Wing!¡±


    Kyle¡¯s face fell. Everyone knew the Hospital Wing was Hogwarts¡¯ ultimate authority. Even Dumbledore yielded to Madam Pomfrey¡¯s judgment here. If she decided Kyle wasn¡¯t leaving, then he really wasn¡¯t going anywhere.


    Resigned, Kyle lifted the cup and downed the potion.


    After Kyle drank the potion, Madam Pomfrey left. Lying on the bed, he couldn¡¯t tell if it was exhaustion or the effects of the potion, but soon his eyelids grew heavy, and he drifted into a deep sleep.


    He had no idea how long he slept. In a daze, he heard a faint rustling near his ear, like someone munching on something. As the thought registered, a wave of hunger hit him, growing stronger by the second.


    With some effort, Kyle cracked his eyes open, squinting against the blinding sunlight. Slowly, he adjusted, taking in the familiar ceiling of the Hospital Wing¡ªand then the smiling face of Albus Dumbledore.


    "Good afternoon, Kyle," Dumbledore greeted him, his words slightly muffled as he chewed. An open box of Bertie Bott''s Every Flavour Beans sat beside him.


    Kyle blinked, now fully alert. The greatest wizard of all time, the headmaster of Hogwarts, was


    "The table was simply overflowing," Dumbledore said, as if reading Kyle''s thoughts. "And I would suggest you avoid this box. I¡¯ve tried three beans, and each was dreadful. I suspect they¡¯ve been jumbled together haphazardly."


    "Headmaster, you could try the golden brown one," Kyle suggested, glancing toward the table, which was stacked high with snacks¡ªa literal mountain of sweets. And there wasn¡¯t just one table. Someone had pulled over the table from the adjacent bed to help hold the stash.


    "All gifts from your friends," Dumbledore explained with a smile, popping the bean Kyle recommended into his mouth. "They may have cleaned out Honeydukes just for you. Ah, champagne flavor¡ªa rare find."


    "Headmaster, how long have I been asleep?"


    "Three hours shy of a full day," Dumbledore replied.


    Kyle sat up, stretching his stiff neck. He hadn¡¯t realized he¡¯d slept so long. It was already the afternoon of the following day. No wonder he was hungry...


    "Headmaster, the Quidditch match!"


    "Ah, yes," Dumbledore nodded. "You missed it, I¡¯m afraid. But Hufflepuff took the victory. They wanted you to know that they played with extra spirit, hoping the win would speed your recovery."


    "Curse that Oren!" Kyle muttered, pounding his pillow in frustration. He¡¯d looked forward to that match all year. Sear?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Speaking of Oren¡­" Dumbledore began thoughtfully, "Kyle, do you have any idea why he¡¯s targeting you?"


    "He said it¡¯s because of my dad," Kyle replied.


    "But as I understand it," Dumbledore¡¯s blue eyes twinkled, "twelve years ago, if it weren¡¯t for Chris, Oren would¡¯ve died at the hands of Death Eaters. It was your father who saved him."


    "That¡¯s impossible! If Dad saved him, then why did he do it¡ªrepaying a favor?" Kyle said firmly. "He to kill me. If the Centaurs hadn¡¯t arrived in time, he¡¯d have used the Killing Curse on me."


    "This is indeed perplexing. I¡¯m afraid only Oren himself knows the reason," Dumbledore replied softly. "But he¡¯s already on the run, and catching a bard is no easy feat."


    "Bard?"


    "Yes," Dumbledore explained. "After that close encounter with the Death Eaters, he left and traveled to France, wandering the world as a troubadour. As for when he got involved in Magical Creatures smuggling, I couldn¡¯t say."


    "Then why did he come to Hogwarts?" Kyle asked, puzzled. "To try to kill me?"


    "Certainly not, my boy," Dumbledore shook his head. "As I understand it, the Ministry received an anonymous tip in mid-August with details about smugglers'' routes. Thinking back, the sender was likely Oren himself, which is why he applied for the Defense Against the Dark Arts position two months early. But his reasons remain unclear. Perhaps he sought Hogwarts as a sanctuary, or maybe he needed the funds. It¡¯s hard to say¡ªbards are notoriously unpredictable."


    Hearing all this, Kyle felt even more at a loss about Oren. All he could do was plant more Chomping Cabbage, and if he ever saw Oren again, he¡¯d make sure the man got a nice, thorny bath in them. This was the first time he¡¯d ever endured such humiliation, and he¡¯d almost uncovered the truth, too. A hundred Chomping Cabbages would be a fitting present for Oren.


    "Now," said Dumbledore brightly, "let¡¯s move on to something cheerier. For keeping your head in a crisis, using a Broomstick to get Kanna Prince out of the Forbidden Forest at a critical moment, and for your noble spirit in facing two dark wizards alone to buy her time, we have unanimously decided to give you a Special Award for Services to the School."

 Chapter 110: The Vault Key

    Kyle was genuinely taken aback by Dumbledore''s words. Only students who have made notable contributions to Hogwarts are eligible for the Special Award for Services to the School, the highest honor a young wizard can achieve during their school years. Fifty years ago, the infamous snub-nosed wizard¡ªthe originator of the Defense Against the Dark Arts Curse, none other than Tom Riddle¡ªhad received this award in his fifth year. Yet Kyle was only a first-year, a whole four years behind him.


    In that regard, Kyle could almost imagine pointing at Tom¡¯s face... or, at least, his nose... and saying quite frankly, ¡°You suck.¡± What might happen afterward was another story.


    ¡°Thank you for your kind words, Headmaster,¡± Kyle said with a smile. He wasn¡¯t expressing gratitude for the award itself, but rather for what Dumbledore had just said. Especially the words ¡°noble spirit.¡± Dumbledore was indeed a remarkable headmaster, able to perceive the inner qualities of a person at a glance. You couldn¡¯t argue with that. S§×ar?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°You truly deserve this, Kyle,¡± Dumbledore said with a wink. ¡°Very few people would have the courage to face two adult wizards alone in their first year, let alone manage to defeat one. The board of directors agreed that giving you the Special Award for Services to the School was the best decision I made this year.¡±


    They probably just didn¡¯t want any complications, Kyle thought to himself. He doubted that the school board members had noble intentions in mind. Unlike Dumbledore, who was genuinely dedicated to Hogwarts, the board members were more concerned about protecting their own interests. Had Kyle actually perished in the Forbidden Forest, word would have spread quickly that Hogwarts'' Defense Against the Dark Arts professor was responsible for the death of a student. By then, Hogwarts would either have to shut down or face severe trouble, which the board, naturally, did not want.


    Luckily, Kyle had survived. The board was likely using the Special Award to rid themselves of Chris and Diana. But Kyle didn¡¯t care about their motives; he was satisfied with the result.


    ¡°Headmaster, there¡¯s one other thing,¡± Kyle began.


    ¡°Ask away.¡±


    ¡°Where¡¯s Hagrid? I noticed he wasn¡¯t in the room.¡±


    ¡°In fact, Hagrid was the first one attacked yesterday,¡± Dumbledore explained. ¡°Oren tricked him into drinking undiluted Swooping Evil venom, then hid him in the Forbidden Forest while he was unconscious.¡±


    ¡°So¡­ where is Hagrid now?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Kyle. Hagrid is in much better shape than the average wizard; his life isn¡¯t in danger,¡± Dumbledore reassured him. ¡°I¡¯ve obtained the antidote for the Swooping Evil venom from Newt, so he should be able to return from St. Mungo¡¯s soon.¡±


    Kyle breathed a small sigh of relief, realizing he¡¯d nearly forgotten that Hagrid¡¯s half-Giant lineage granted him thick blood and a higher resistance to harm. And since the Swooping Evil venom was less harmful if ingested than if spilled on the skin, it was a relief that the incident hadn¡¯t been as severe.


    ¡°Headmaster, I have one last question.¡±


    ¡°Go ahead.¡±


    ¡°That witch¡­¡± Kyle began, ¡°why is she hiding near Kanna?¡±


    ¡°Ah, I wondered when you¡¯d bring that up,¡± Dumbledore replied. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Kyle. This situation involves the Prince family, so I can¡¯t share much. All I can tell you is that the witch has sinister intentions, and her goal is a key.¡±


    ¡°A key?¡± Kyle asked, frowning.


    ¡°Yes, a key to a vault at Gringotts,¡± Dumbledore said, almost dreamily. ¡°She occupies a very unique position. If she gets hold of this key, she can legally claim all of the Kanna family¡¯s remaining inheritance.¡±


    The word ¡°inheritance¡± triggered something in Kyle¡¯s mind, and he looked at Dumbledore, seeking confirmation. But Dumbledore offered no further response, as if he had no intention of continuing this discussion. Instead, he placed a box of Bertie Bott¡¯s Every Flavour Beans on the bedside table and, with a smile, said, ¡°That¡¯s enough questions for now. I suggest you start enjoying these sweets. And look, there are Mint Flavoured Cockroach Clusters inside¡­ these are a limited edition.¡±


    ¡°If you like, I¡¯d be happy to give them to you,¡± Kyle offered sincerely. He wasn¡¯t kidding; he genuinely wanted to hand over those Cockroach Clusters.


    But Dumbledore politely declined. Rising from his seat, he said, ¡°Finally, I must ask for your forgiveness. Due to certain obligations, I wasn¡¯t at the castle yesterday, and I couldn¡¯t come to your aid when you were in the most danger. This was a failing on my part as Headmaster.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s all right; you don¡¯t need to worry about it,¡± Kyle replied reassuringly.


    ...


    Kyle didn¡¯t spend much time in the Hospital Wing. Shortly after Dumbledore left, Madam Pomfrey, somewhat reluctantly, agreed to his request to be discharged.


    As soon as he returned to the Hufflepuff common room, Kyle¡¯s usual popularity ensured he was surrounded by a crowd of concerned friends, each eager to check on him. He responded to their questions one by one, taking his time to reassure everyone.


    About an hour later, he found himself back in the familiar, empty classroom.


    ¡°Kyle, I heard you took down an adult wizard?!¡± Fred exclaimed the moment they met. ¡°Is it true?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t even think about denying it,¡± added George. ¡°Someone overheard the Hit Wizards talking as they left the Forbidden Forest. Apparently, the witch Professor McGonagall brought back was roughed up pretty badly by you.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡± Kyle rubbed his forehead, exasperated. The Hit Wizards¡¯ sense of secrecy left a lot to be desired. Why hadn¡¯t they just sent Aurors for such a sensitive task?


    ¡°Well, I¡¯m lucky,¡± he said, deciding he didn¡¯t mind confirming it. ¡°Honestly, she was just weak. I doubt she even went to Hogwarts.¡±


    ¡°Oh, come on, that was a full-fledged witch using dark magic. Don¡¯t downplay it,¡± Cedric teased. ¡°You¡¯re making the rest of us look useless.¡±


    ¡°All right, then,¡± Kyle conceded with a grin. ¡°Let¡¯s say I barely survived a life-or-death duel with a dark wizard, clinging to life by a thread until help finally arrived.¡±


    George nodded, deadpan. ¡°Much more comforting.¡±


    ¡°But I didn¡¯t expect it at all. Professor Oren¡ªa dark wizard?¡± Cedric shook his head, almost in disbelief. ¡°And his class was actually really good, way better than last year¡¯s.¡±


    ¡°Watch it, Cedric,¡± Fred reminded him, ¡°Oren isn¡¯t a professor anymore. He almost killed Kyle.¡±


    ¡°Sorry, just a force of habit,¡± Cedric said quickly, looking sheepish.


    ¡°No one would¡¯ve guessed,¡± Cho Chang chimed in from the side. ¡°Even Davies couldn¡¯t believe it. He thought someone else had used a Polyjuice Potion to impersonate Oren.¡±


    ¡°Right, Davies¡ªthe one who tried to file that complaint about Oren. He almost got into a fight with you Gryffindors over it,¡± Kyle added.


    ¡°I remember him,¡± Fred sighed. ¡°Turns out, he was right. We all misjudged Oren.¡±


    The mention of Oren brought a somber tone to the group. Even Fred and George, usually the life of the party, went quiet. They had liked Oren at first, hoping he might break the curse on the position and stay on as their Defense Against the Dark Arts professor. But now, everything had changed. Oren was a dark wizard. They¡¯d likely never meet another Defense Against the Dark Arts professor as entertaining and lenient with homework.


    For a moment, silence filled the room, each of them lost in thought. There were only five of them here this time. The missing person was Kanna.


    The recent events involving Pocky¡ªor rather, the witch¡ªhad affected her deeply. She¡¯d been staying in her dorm room the past few days, coming out only briefly when Kyle returned from the Hospital Wing and appeared in the common room.


    The others didn¡¯t know this. Cedric and the rest assumed Kanna was simply frightened by what had happened and was staying in her dorm to recover.

 Chapter 111: Dumbledore’s Crooked Nose

    News of Oren''s disappearance quickly spread throughout the wizarding world. The portrayed him as a deranged dark wizard of the utmost evil, devoting an entire page to his wanted poster. The rest of the paper praised the Ministry of Magic for successfully rescuing two students during the operation¡ªthough few actually read that part.


    Many parents wrote to the school, requesting an early holiday. What if Oren was still lurking in the Forbidden Forest? The idea of leaving their children at Hogwarts unsettled them. Dumbledore agreed, and arrangements were made for the students to leave early on the Hogwarts Express that day, with report cards to follow by owl in the coming days.


    In just a single day, Hogwarts lost a third of its student body, and the castle felt strangely empty. Yet Kyle remained, as did Cedric and a few others. Chris returned from his travels and, after a long journey, finally arrived at Hogwarts. He looked Kyle over multiple times before he let out a sigh of relief. Taking Kyle to an empty classroom, he spoke in a stern tone.


    ¡°I told you not to get involved in this!¡±


    ¡°It was an accident,¡± Kyle replied honestly. ¡°I¡¯ll be more careful next time.¡±


    Chris, clearly unsatisfied, lectured him at length. Kyle, however, didn¡¯t argue. He simply nodded, accepting his mistake with a calm demeanor.


    As they left the classroom, they happened to see Newt coming out of Dumbledore¡¯s office. Chris asked Kyle if he wanted to return together, but Kyle declined, saying he wanted to take the train back with his friends. Chris considered this for a moment, then agreed.


    The next day, Kyle didn¡¯t expect Diana to show up as well. Unlike Chris, Diana went first to the Forbidden Forest, then directly to the Headmaster¡¯s Office on the eighth floor. No one knows what transpired after that, but soon after, students noticed unfamiliar faces in some of the portraits along the castle corridors¡ªfigures who claimed to be former Heads of Hogwarts. And most notably, the gargoyle on the eighth floor was gone.


    ...


    Kyle didn¡¯t know when Diana had left. That night, he and Cedric attended the end-of-year banquet together. The Great Hall was divided into two sections: the left side was adorned in green and silver for Slytherin, while the right side gleamed in yellow and black for Hufflepuff.


    Remarkably, the extra points Oren had given in the Forbidden Forest still counted, and together with the Quidditch championship, Hufflepuff''s house points were exactly the same as Slytherin''s, tying them for first place.


    Kyle and Cedric walked over to the Hufflepuff table and sat down. Kyle noticed that Kanna wasn¡¯t there either. After a short wait, Dumbledore arrived. Kyle couldn¡¯t help but think that Dumbledore¡¯s nose looked a little more crooked than before.


    The noise in the hall gradually faded as Dumbledore raised his voice to speak.


    ¡°Another year has passed!¡± he said enthusiastically. ¡°Before you indulge in these delicious delicacies, I must trouble you all to listen to the musings of an old man. Despite the minor mishaps at the end, it has undoubtedly been an excellent year, and I suspect your young minds are fuller than ever before. You¡¯ll have the whole summer to digest it all before the new term begins.¡±


    ¡°And now, let us proceed to the House Cup awards ceremony. The scores are as follows: fourth place, Gryffindor, with one hundred and one points; third place, Ravenclaw, with three hundred and thirty-two points; and in a tie for first place, Slytherin and Hufflepuff, both with four hundred and ninety-seven points.¡±


    But the expected cheers didn¡¯t come. Both Hufflepuff and Slytherin tables fell silent, each side casting dissatisfied glances at the other. There was only one House Cup, and it couldn¡¯t be awarded to two Houses at once. Students from Gryffindor and Ravenclaw settled back to enjoy the spectacle.


    ¡°Yes, both Houses have done exceptionally well,¡± Dumbledore continued, clearing his throat. ¡°But there¡¯s another recent event we must consider. Mr. Kyle Chopper¡­¡±


    Every head in the hall turned toward Kyle.


    ¡°Not only did he save a first-year student in the Forbidden Forest, but he also identified and helped apprehend the dark wizard hiding on the grounds, showing great bravery and courage. For this, I have decided to award him the Special Award for Services to the School and an additional 200 points to Hufflepuff!¡±


    Though attendance was lower than usual, the cheers were deafening. Anyone standing outside the hall might have thought something had exploded. There was no need to calculate any further; Hufflepuff had broken Slytherin¡¯s six-year streak and won the House Cup. And Kyle had earned the all-important Special Award for Services to the School.


    Fred and George stood on their bench, shouting to Kyle, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Kyle, when we get you into detention later, we¡¯ll make sure to polish your trophy real good!¡±


    ¡°And shinier than all the rest!¡± George added, grinning.


    Professor McGonagall shot them a withering glare, suddenly feeling weary.


    ¡°Which means,¡± Dumbledore bellowed, ¡°we need to make a few changes to the decorations here.¡± He clapped his hands, and the green streamers transformed into yellow, the silver turned black, and a huge banner featuring the Hufflepuff badger appeared behind the guest of honor¡¯s seat. S§×arch* The Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Meanwhile, Snape was shaking Professor Sprout¡¯s hand, his expression calm, his trademark smile plastered on his face as if nothing were amiss.


    Before term ended, exam results were released. Kyle had performed exceptionally well, earning the highest grades in his year.


    Cedric glanced over Kyle¡¯s report card in surprise. ¡°Merlin, your scores are even higher than mine were last year, and you only missed a perfect score by one point¡ªit¡¯s such a shame¡­¡±


    Kyle felt a twinge of regret himself. He¡¯d been writing so fluently during the exam that he didn¡¯t notice he¡¯d listed thirteen uses for Dragon¡¯s Blood instead of twelve, which had cost him that single point. Apparently, the professors didn¡¯t agree that Dragon¡¯s Blood could be used in cooking.


    Aside from this small oversight, he¡¯d received perfect scores in all his other subjects, including Potions. Snape had even awarded him full marks for his Boil-Cure Potion, a rare honor, even among Slytherin students.


    Kanna had come in second in their year, and with Cedric leading his own year as well, Hufflepuff had clearly excelled. Professor Sprout, delighted, hardly went to the greenhouse anymore, instead spending her time proudly lingering around the other professors whenever she had a free moment.

 Chapter 112: The Rat Witch

    In what felt like an instant, the students¡¯ wardrobes were emptied, and the dormitories fell silent, no longer filled with the chatter and laughter of young wizards. Yet, unlike at the beginning of the school year, the walls now displayed photos the students had chosen to leave behind. The Quidditch players in these pictures continued their routines, repeatedly throwing the ball, celebrating, and cheering, as though they knew their owners would be back soon.


    Each student received a notice warning them not to use magic over the holidays. With Hagrid still at St. Mungo¡¯s, Professor McGonagall took over the duty of leading the students onto the flotilla that would ferry them across the lake.


    On the Hogwarts Express, Kyle politely declined the Weasley twins¡¯ invitation to join them in their compartment. They wanted to discuss future plans¡ªhow to earn Galleons next term and brainstorm ideas for selling their products outside Hogwarts. Enchanted by the prospect of making even more money after their recent windfall of a hundred Galleons, the twins hadn¡¯t even bothered looking for the password to the Marauder¡¯s Map in the last days of term. They¡¯d been too busy planning.


    Kyle thought.


    As he walked along the train, he reached the last compartment and pushed the door open. Inside, there was only one person. Kanna was curled up on a seat, gazing out the window at the orderly wheat fields passing by. Kyle sat down across from her as if it were the most natural thing in the world.


    ¡°Are you still upset about Pocky?¡± he asked gently.


    ...


    ¡°Her name wasn¡¯t Pocky,¡± Kanna replied softly after a long silence. ¡°Her name was Rattrey, and she was sort of my great-aunt.¡±


    ... sea??h th§× n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Kanna seemed ready to talk, and she shared a great deal. Outside, the countryside grew greener and more orderly as the train passed through one Muggle town after another. Gradually, Kyle pieced together what had happened.


    It was, in essence, a story he¡¯d heard versions of before.


    Eleven years ago, Kanna¡¯s father had carelessly uttered Voldemort¡¯s name while drunk, and Death Eaters had arrived in response, killing him. Fortunately, Kanna and her mother hadn¡¯t been home at the time and had escaped. However, shortly before the school year began last year, Kanna¡¯s mother had died in an accident, leaving Kanna as the last member of the Prince family. Although the Prince family wasn¡¯t as prominent as the Sacred Twenty-Eight, it was still a distinguished Pureblood family, and this turn of events drew considerable attention.


    That was when Rattrey, or ¡°Pocky¡± as Kanna had known her, appeared.


    After arriving, Rattrey quickly discovered that the Prince family¡¯s estate had long since been divided among other Pureblood families. So, she turned her attention to the family¡¯s Gringotts vault, aiming to steal the key by using her Animagus form. She planned to find a way to eliminate Kanna afterward and claim the vault¡¯s contents as a distant relative of the Prince family.


    Rattrey did manage to locate the key. However, like many Pureblood families, the Princes had hidden treasures that were heavily protected, and the box containing the vault key could only be opened by a direct descendant. To complicate matters further, Rattrey didn¡¯t know the Imperius Curse, nor did she dare seek a partner for fear of betrayal.


    Just as she was struggling to figure out a solution, Kanna¡ªlonely and grieving¡ªgrew attached to the rat that had always been around, taking it to Hogwarts as her pet. Seeing this as an opportunity, Rattrey manipulated Kanna, subtly encouraging her to withdraw money from the vault and attempting to make her leave Hogwarts at the first opportunity.


    The plan might have succeeded; if nothing had interfered, Kanna would have gone home over Christmas to access the vault. But Kyle¡¯s intervention had saved her life.


    According to Kanna, after Rattrey was given Veritaserum, she had spent the entire interrogation muttering curses about ¡°the meddling boy.¡±


    Kyle stroked his chin thoughtfully. ¡°So, I saved your life?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right,¡± Kanna nodded, feeling noticeably lighter after getting it all off her chest.


    ¡°Then you really should thank me,¡± Kyle said with a grin. ¡°And now that you don¡¯t have a pet mouse, I¡¯ve lost a big tonic order, you know.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll just buy more,¡± Kanna replied, reaching into her Mokeskin pouch and placing it on the table. ¡°Same deal as before¡ªone bottle a month until it¡¯s used up.¡±


    The pouch was filled with Galleons. In addition to the original 100, it contained the stolen ones that had been recovered, totaling around 150.


    ¡°And the mouse?¡±


    ¡°I can just go to Diagon Alley and buy another one.¡±


    ¡°Are you sure¡­you still want a mouse?¡± Kyle asked, giving her a doubtful look.


    ¡°What does it matter to you?¡± Kanna¡¯s face darkened slightly, clearly reminded of what had happened in the Forbidden Forest. ¡°Are you taking the deal or not? Otherwise, I¡¯m not buying it!¡±


    ¡°Who¡¯d turn down Galleons if they¡¯re offered?¡± Kyle said quickly, slipping the pouch into his pocket. ¡°By the way, like with Ra¡ªuh, your previous mouse¡ªare there a lot of people after your family¡¯s vault?¡±


    Kanna turned her head to the side, remaining silent, but her expression gave Kyle all the answer he needed. In a world as small as theirs, any Pureblood family had no shortage of distant relatives eyeing their wealth. No wonder Kanna seemed reluctant to go back after exams.


    ¡°Tell you what,¡± Kyle began thoughtfully, tapping his fingers on the table. ¡°Forget the tonic. Since you¡¯re paying me anyway, how about I help you handle this little¡­situation?¡±


    ¡°What do you mean?¡± Kanna tilted her head, looking puzzled.


    ¡°Leave it to me,¡± he replied confidently. ¡°I promise, no one will bother you over the summer.¡±


    ¡°Really¡­¡± Kanna eyed him skeptically, clearly doubting he could deliver. ¡°You don¡¯t have to try to reassure me; I can deal with them.¡±


    ¡°Just wait and see. I won¡¯t let you down.¡± Kyle didn¡¯t elaborate further. Instead, he pulled out a pile of snacks, placing them on the table. He was starting to get hungry, and with little else available on the train, he had to make do.


    At that moment, Cedric and Cho Chang appeared, pushing open the compartment door.


    ¡°Kanna, I¡¯ve been looking for you,¡± Cho said as she sat down beside Kanna, her tone full of concern. ¡°Are you alright? Feeling any better?¡±


    ¡°Much better,¡± Kanna replied with a small smile.


    Actually, Cedric and Cho had been by earlier but hadn¡¯t come in.


    ¡°Kyle, what are your plans for the summer?¡± Cedric asked, opening a bag of Chocolate Frogs. ¡°My dad¡¯s taking me to France. You should come along.¡±


    France? Kyle considered the idea. It was a tempting thought¡ªhe¡¯d always been curious about Beauxbatons Academy. But it was quite far.


    After a moment, Kyle shook his head. ¡°Maybe next time, Cedric. I¡¯ve got other plans this summer.¡±


    ¡°Shame,¡± Cedric said, sounding disappointed. ¡°I¡¯ll bring you back a present.¡±

 Chapter 113: Kyle, Run Quickly!

    A little while later, Fred and George arrived, making the compartment feel quite cramped.


    ¡°Why can¡¯t Hogwarts get bigger compartments for the train?¡± Fred complained.


    ¡°I heard the prefects¡¯ compartment is bigger and more comfortable,¡± George added with a grin. ¡°Unfortunately, none of us are prefects.¡±


    ¡°Speaking of prefects, Percy will be a Head Boy next year, won¡¯t he?¡± Kyle noted.


    Fred pulled a face as though Kyle had just announced that Quidditch was canceled for next season.


    ¡°As much as I hate to admit it, that¡¯s probably true,¡± George sighed. ¡°And I bet he¡¯ll be wearing that prefect badge the entire holiday.¡±


    With that, he stuck a Chocolate Frog card to his chest, puffed out his chest, and strutted down the corridor outside the compartment, mimicking Percy¡¯s mannerisms. His exaggerated expressions and pompous walk had everyone laughing.


    The Weasley twins always knew how to lighten the mood. After a few rounds of Exploding Chewing Gum, Cho brought up the Ministry notice again, wondering if they really couldn¡¯t use any magic over the holidays.


    ¡°Well, technically you can,¡± Fred replied, ¡°as long as there¡¯s an adult wizard nearby. That way, the Ministry can¡¯t tell who actually cast the spell.¡±


    Cho frowned. ¡°Forget it, then.¡±


    ...


    As the train passed through more towns, Kyle and his friends took off their wizard robes, swapping them for jackets and short-sleeved shirts. Finally, the Hogwarts Express pulled into King¡¯s Cross Station, Platform 9?. A shriveled old guard stood at the partition to manage the flow, allowing only two or three people through at a time to avoid drawing attention from Muggles. Thankfully, with fewer students aboard this time, Kyle and his friends soon crossed the barrier after saying goodbye to Kanna, who would be catching the Knight Bus home.


    The group made their way toward the station exit. Cho¡¯s father was there waiting for her¡ªa kind-looking Eastern man who greeted everyone warmly and invited them to visit over the summer. Kyle, however, caught a trace of apprehension in his gaze, especially when directed toward him and Cedric.


    ¡°Kyle, run!¡± a familiar voice called out. Ginny Weasley, the youngest Weasley, dashed over, her expression urgent. ¡°Did you get into trouble at school? Mum was furious on the way here. You¡¯d better run while you can!¡±


    ¡°Thanks for the heads up, Ginny,¡± Kyle replied, ruffling her hair with a smile. ¡°But I¡¯m afraid it¡¯s too late now.¡±


    As Ginny had warned, Mrs. Weasley approached in a fury. S§×ar?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°Good luck, mate,¡± Ginny whispered as she stepped aside.


    ¡°We¡¯ll remember you fondly,¡± Fred and George chimed in with mock solemnity, their grins betraying their delight at the unfolding scene.


    ¡°You actually went into the Forbidden Forest¡ªwith a dark wizard, no less!¡± Mrs. Weasley said, her voice sharp with anger. ¡°Do you have any idea how dangerous that was?¡±


    Behind her, Diana stood with a stern expression.


    Kyle didn¡¯t hesitate, nodding and saying, ¡°You¡¯re right; I was wrong. I promise I won¡¯t do it again.¡± As he spoke, he swiftly pulled out his report card.


    ¡°No matter what you pull out, this time you won¡¯t¡ª¡± Mrs. Weasley¡¯s words trailed off as she glanced at his grades.


    Full marks¡­ full marks¡­ nearly every subject was full marks, with only a single deduction in one. It was a report card to rival Bill¡¯s in his best years.


    ¡°Oh, Merlin¡­¡± Mrs. Weasley murmured, wiping her hands on her skirt as she accepted the report card with great care. ¡°Kyle, you¡¯re destined to be Head Boy one day!¡± she said proudly, her relief evident.


    She turned to Fred and George. ¡°And where are your report cards? Let¡¯s have a look.¡±


    The twins¡¯ faces froze in forced smiles, clearly wishing they could say they¡¯d ¡°lost¡± them. They knew better, though; Mrs. Weasley would simply write to Hogwarts if they didn¡¯t hand them over. But if they presented them now, they might not make it out of King¡¯s Cross in one piece.


    Seeing their hesitation, Mrs. Weasley¡¯s gaze turned steely.


    ¡°Our report cards are in the suitcase, Mum,¡± Fred blurted. ¡°It¡¯s not convenient here. We¡¯ll show you at home.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, plus there are newspapers in there too. What if a Muggle accidentally sees?¡± George added quickly.


    Mrs. Weasley looked around at the Muggle crowd and, after a moment¡¯s thought, nodded. ¡°Alright, then. We¡¯ll head home.¡±


    At that point, Kyle walked over to Diana. Though her expression was stern, she didn¡¯t scold him outright. Instead, she glanced at his hand.


    ¡°How many times have you used it?¡± she asked, indicating the ring on his finger.


    Kyle knew she was asking about his Apparition ring, so he held up one finger. ¡°Only once.¡±


    Originally adorned with a crescent moon design, the ring now showed one missing piece. Diana¡¯s face softened. If it had only been used once, it meant the situation hadn¡¯t been too dire.


    Kyle asked tentatively, ¡°Can it be fixed?¡±


    He recalled Diana mentioning in a letter that he could use the ring for direct travel if he didn¡¯t feel like taking the train. If it could be used as a regular means of transport, then it must be repairable.


    Just as he¡¯d hoped, Diana nodded. ¡°Yes, but it¡¯s a bit of a hassle and will take about a week.¡±


    Kyle sighed with relief. A week, a month¡ªeither was fine. He didn¡¯t need it anytime soon.


    ...


    Just as when they¡¯d arrived, Mr. Weasley drove them all back to Ottery St. Catchpole Village in the magically extended car. During the drive, Fred and George¡¯s grins had vanished; they looked as if they were heading not home, but straight to the gallows.


    Once they returned to The Burrow, Percy proudly presented his report card. Unsurprisingly, he¡¯d earned the top marks in his fourth year. Mrs. Weasley gave him an enthusiastic hug, though her joy was a touch tempered by the memory of Kyle¡¯s near-perfect grades.


    Then her gaze shifted to Fred and George¡­


    Kyle crossed his arms, anticipating the scene to come, but before he could watch it unfold, Diana quietly tugged him away. As they made their way home, two distinct, anguished cries rang out, echoing over the rooftops of Ottery St. Catchpole, lingering in the village air for a long while.

 Chapter 114: The Special Letter

    In the living room, Chris sat on the sofa, chatting with Mr. Weasley. On the way back, Mr. Weasley had noticed the glum expressions on Fred and George¡¯s faces and knew trouble was brewing. Rather than heading home, he¡¯d hopped out of the car and headed straight to Chris¡¯s house, where he could avoid the scene and give Molly some space.


    Molly had been on edge for days, worried sick over the news of a dark wizard sighting at Hogwarts. She hadn¡¯t eaten or slept well, and it pained him to see her so strained. Now that it was over, perhaps she could let off steam by giving the twins a firm talking-to. Given their antics, it was an opportunity he wasn¡¯t about to disrupt.


    When Mr. Weasley saw Kyle enter, he greeted him warmly. ¡°Ah, Kyle! I never got around to asking, how¡¯s school been?¡±


    ¡°Honestly, it¡¯s been great,¡± Kyle replied. ¡°The professors are easygoing, and the students are friendly. It¡¯s just what I¡¯d hoped school life would be.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s wonderful,¡± Mr. Weasley said, taking a sip of Firewhiskey. ¡°Time flies, doesn¡¯t it? Soon, you¡¯ll be starting your second year¡­and Ron will be starting his first!¡±


    Chris laughed. ¡°That¡¯ll lighten the load for you and Molly, won¡¯t it?¡±


    ¡°Yes, true enough,¡± Mr. Weasley chuckled. ¡°Though Ginny¡¯s still at home, and she¡¯s no easier than her brothers.¡± He proceeded to tell a few tales about Ginny¡¯s feisty personality and the ongoing battles between her and Ron.


    Kyle wasn¡¯t especially interested in these stories, so he took his luggage upstairs. By the time he came back down, Mr. Weasley was making his farewells.


    ¡°Are you sure you won¡¯t stay for dinner? Molly¡¯s made plenty,¡± Mr. Weasley offered.


    ¡°Maybe next time Arthur,¡± Chris replied with a smile. ¡°Besides, you may be eager to catch up with Charlie now that he¡¯s graduated.¡±


    ¡°But I¡¯ll come over for a drink later,¡± Chris said. ¡°I¡¯ve brought back some Gigglewater from North America. It¡¯s the real deal.¡±


    Mr. Weasley¡¯s face lit up. ¡°Now that¡¯s something I¡¯ve been wanting to try for ages!¡±


    The two shared a parting grin. Both Chris and Mr. Weasley enjoyed a drink in their free time, though they always kept their indulgence in check¡ªunless something truly special happened, like the day Ginny was born. That night, Mr. Weasley had gotten so joyfully drunk he¡¯d stopped every passerby to share tales of his romance with Mrs. Weasley. It remained his most embarrassing memory, one he¡¯d tried to erase from everyone¡¯s mind.


    Not long after Mr. Weasley left, the sounds of dinner preparation filled the kitchen. Drumsticks lined up to be coated in egg and breadcrumbs, while a knife floated in the air, shredding cabbage into precise, even strips. The pasta shells, already stuffed, scooted into the oven, greasing themselves with oil as they went.


    Diana never liked using magic for directly cooking food, feeling it lacked a certain something. Soon enough, though, a delicious meal was ready. Coincidentally, she and Chris had both completed their work just in time to celebrate Kyle¡¯s return from his first school year.


    The three of them gathered at the table, eating and chatting, with Kyle doing most of the storytelling about his school adventures, which Chris and Diana were most eager to hear.


    Kyle picked some of the more amusing highlights: his quirky roommate, who seemed to be an expert on ¡°forbidden spells,¡± the thrills of the Quidditch season, and the fun he and his friends had selling maps and small trinkets.


    However, he wisely left out certain stories, like his ventures into the Room of Requirement or sneaking into the Restricted Section after hours¡ªhe had no intention of joining the Weasley twins in the chorus of anguished yells that had just echoed through the village.


    Chris and Diana listened quietly as Kyle spoke, but soon their expressions shifted. S§×ar?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Wait..." Chris raised an eyebrow, unable to stop himself from interrupting. "You sold seven hundred Galleons¡¯ worth of Rowan twigs?"


    "That''s just the raw material," Kyle replied seriously. "From gathering¡ªwell, selecting¡ªthe right branches to completing the finished product, it took all six of us six months. Seven hundred Galleons is barely a fair fee for all our hard work."


    "Really..." Chris looked at him skeptically. Something about Kyle''s story didn¡¯t sit right with him, though he couldn¡¯t pinpoint exactly what. It seemed almost impossible that six young wizards could earn 700 Galleons in just six months. He certainly hadn¡¯t pulled off anything like that during his school days.


    If Chris was merely suspicious, Diana was sure Kyle wasn''t telling the whole truth. In her view, Kyle would never spend six months of his life for only 100 Galleons. The story sounded bloated¡ªmaybe more like half a month¡¯s worth of effort.


    "Oh, by the way, Dad," Kyle said, as though suddenly remembering something, "I''m not sure if Fred and George have mentioned their earnings to their family. So when you¡¯re having a drink with Mr. Weasley later, maybe don¡¯t let that slip."


    Kyle genuinely had forgotten to mention it, and it had nothing to do with their earlier boasting at the station.


    Chris took a sip of Butterbeer, muttering a barely discernible response.


    After dinner, Chris helped clear the table before grabbing an elegant bottle of wine and heading off to see Mr. Weasley. Kyle, meanwhile, returned to his room.


    Though he hadn¡¯t been home for most of the year, the room was spotless and didn¡¯t have any stale odor, suggesting it had been cleaned in advance. His suitcase lay on the floor, so he unpacked a bit and took out a stack of parchment, setting it on the desk.


    Before going to bed, he had one last task to complete¡ªthe one he¡¯d promised Kanna on the train. He¡¯d been paid 150 Galleons to take care of the issue, and if he didn¡¯t follow through, he risked getting a bad reputation.


    Kyle picked up a quill and ink, and soon, the sound of his writing filled the room.


    He wrote steadily, finishing two full pages on the parchment before stopping. After checking over his work to ensure it was satisfactory, he placed it in an envelope. Just then, Ratton flew in through the window and lifted one leg instinctively.


    ¡°Just like before,¡± Kyle instructed, glancing at the name on the envelope. ¡°Head to the Owl Post Office in Diagon Alley and send it from there.¡±

 Chapter 115: Werewolf

    Chris and Diana only stayed home for one day before returning to the Ministry of Magic early the next morning. They had plenty to catch up on, especially Chris, who had been away for half a year and was facing a mountain of paperwork.


    Left alone, Kyle decided to visit Hagrid.


    St. Mungo''s Hospital for Magical Maladies and Injuries was located in London, disguised as an old department store. Much like the Leaky Cauldron, it was protected by a Muggle-Repelling Charm, so Muggles only saw a "Closed for Renovation" sign on the door and couldn¡¯t enter.


    In front of the display window, Kyle spotted an ugly mannequin. Leaning close, he whispered, ¡°I''m here to see a patient.¡± The doll nodded slightly and waved its joined fingers, signaling him to go inside. Just as one must go through the wall to reach Platform 9 ?, entering St. Mungo¡¯s required passing through the glass window.


    It was Kyle¡¯s first time at St. Mungo¡¯s, and, as the wizarding world¡¯s most famous hospital, it was bustling with unusual patients. Not long after he entered, he spotted an elderly wizard with a leg on his head, skipping toward the information desk in the waiting room. The sight was so strange that others in line stared, quickly offering him their place.


    ¡°No, no, please, you go first,¡± said the elderly wizard politely. ¡°I just feel a bit dizzy¡­ if someone could hold my head steady, that would be great.¡±


    But no one dared to help¡ªnot out of distrust, but because the leg on his head was kicking wildly in every direction, making it impossible to approach. Eventually, a heavyset blonde witch from the information desk came out and escorted him away. As they left, his head-leg swung aggressively, seemingly trying to kick her.


    Kyle was directed to the second floor¡¯s Creature Induced Injuries Ward, where a curly-haired Healer told him where to find Hagrid.


    ¡°The big fellow? He¡¯s in Janus Thickey¡¯s Ward, opposite the Specimen Room. Actually, I¡¯ll just show you.¡±


    The Healer led Kyle to a door painted a deep red.


    ¡°This is it,¡± he said, pushing the door open. ¡°Rubeus Hagrid, you have a visitor.¡±


    ¡°Hmm?¡± came a low, muffled grunt from inside.


    Kyle stepped into a spacious room with six beds, though only three were occupied. Aside from Hagrid, there were two other wizards present, one of whom was asleep. The other, to Kyle¡¯s surprise, was someone he recognized.


    ¡°Professor Kettleburn...why are you here?¡±


    ¡°Huh?¡± A bald wizard with a white beard looked up at Kyle, squinting in confusion. ¡°Are you¡­ a student from Hogwarts?¡±


    ¡°Yes, Professor,¡± Kyle replied. ¡°I¡¯m in my second year.¡±


    ¡°Ah, that explains it¡­¡± Professor Kettleburn said, suddenly understanding. Second-years didn¡¯t yet take Care of Magical Creatures, so naturally, he hadn¡¯t met Kyle before.


    ¡°Um¡­ why are you here?¡± Kyle asked, glancing at the professor¡¯s remaining arm and half a leg. He looked intact enough, but if any more limbs went missing, the professor might soon have to retire. S§×arch* The N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°It¡¯s nothing,¡± the old professor said dismissively, adjusting his bandages and waving a hand. ¡°Just got hit by a unicorn, is all. Just a scratch¡ªnothing serious. Now go on and see Hagrid.¡±


    Kyle held back a smile. The horn of a unicorn wasn¡¯t just for show¡ªit could pierce even dragon scales. Getting hit by one was no small matter. But for Professor Kettleburn, this sort of thing was routine.


    Hagrid was seated to the right of Professor Kettleburn, sprawled across three beds that barely contained him.


    When Hagrid saw Kyle, his eyes were a bit unfocused. ¡°You¡­ Kyle, why are you here? Shouldn¡¯t you be in class?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s summer vacation, Hagrid,¡± Kyle replied, placing a box of wrapped sweets on the table beside him. ¡°How are you feeling?¡± He made sure to offer a sweet to Professor Kettleburn as well.


    ¡°Summer vacation already?¡± Hagrid muttered, rubbing his head. ¡°I feel awful. It¡¯s like I¡¯ve forgotten so much.¡±


    ¡°Mr. Scamander came by two days ago and said it¡¯ll take at least a month of treatment before I get my memories back,¡± he added, looking frustrated. ¡°I don¡¯t want to stay here. I need to get Harry to Hogwarts.¡±


    He shifted irritably, tugging at the hospital gown he¡¯d pieced together with whatever fabric he could find¡ªthough even then, it was still a size too small. Hagrid had spent the entire year preparing to get Harry to Hogwarts, and now he feared Dumbledore might not let him go because of his condition. The thought was unbearable to him.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay,¡± Kyle reassured him. ¡°It¡¯s only the start of summer. The acceptance letters won¡¯t be sent out for another month and a half, so you¡¯ve got plenty of time.¡±


    ¡°I hope you¡¯re right,¡± Hagrid sighed, fiddling with his clothes again.


    ¡°Have faith, Hagrid. I¡¯m sure the headmaster will let you go and fetch Potter,¡± Kyle said, handing him a Chocolate Frog. ¡°Have some chocolate. It might cheer you up.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Kyle.¡± Hagrid¡¯s eyes grew misty. ¡°I never thought anyone but Dumbledore would come visit me here.¡±


    ¡°Wait¡­ your name is Kyle?¡± Professor Kettleburn, who¡¯d been quietly observing, suddenly perked up. ¡°That unicorn cub¡ªyou didn¡¯t happen to find it, did you?¡±


    ¡°Sort of,¡± Kyle replied calmly. ¡°But Oren only gave the cub back once he saw someone from the Ministry show up. It just ended up with me.¡±


    ¡°The Ministry, huh¡­ Ha!¡± Professor Kettleburn scoffed. ¡°Didn¡¯t expect those clowns to be of any help.¡± He made no effort to hide his disdain for the Ministry of Magic. Turning to Kyle with interest, he asked, ¡°You¡¯re a second year, right? Would you be interested in taking the Care of Magical Creatures course next year?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s the course I¡¯m looking forward to the most, Professor,¡± Kyle answered with a smile.


    From the neighboring ward, an argument could be heard. The voices were loud, and there was shouting, but Kyle couldn¡¯t make out what they were saying over the sound of a nearby patient snoring.


    After saying his goodbyes to Hagrid and Professor Kettleburn, Kyle stepped out into the corridor. The argument was louder here, accompanied by the sounds of objects breaking, as if a patient inside was resisting treatment and struggling violently.


    Unperturbed, Kyle closed the door and turned toward the stairs.


    Suddenly¡ª¡°Boom!¡±


    Before he could take a step, a fist burst through the door of the neighboring room, stopping right in front of Kyle. The arm was covered in coarse gray hair, and its claws were long, black, and curved.


    Before Kyle could process what was happening, a tall figure crashed through the door and dashed out into the corridor. The figure landed on its back legs, baring a long, wolfish snout that opened and closed with a snarl.


    ¡­A werewolf?


    Kyle couldn¡¯t believe his eyes. It was broad daylight¡ªhow could there be a werewolf?

 Chapter 116: The Battle at St. Mungo’s

    The last Defence Against the Dark Arts class of Kyle''s first year had covered werewolves, so he was no stranger to the creature.


    It looked like a wolf but could stand upright, with a slightly shorter muzzle, gray fur covering its body, and sharp, hook-like claws on its front paws. The creature in front of him was unmistakably a werewolf. But weren¡¯t they only supposed to transform during a full moon?


    What was this, then¡­ a daytime werewolf?


    Kyle had no time to ponder further. He raised his arm, and his wand slipped smoothly from his sleeve into his hand.


    Everything he¡¯d learned about werewolves emphasized one common trait: their minds were a mess; they had no reason, attacking anything that crossed their path. The werewolf before him was no exception. Its gaze was locked on Kyle, eyes brimming with cruelty and bloodlust.


    There was nothing he could do to avoid it; he was the closest target. The werewolf bared its teeth, a row of sharp fangs at least two inches long. Milky saliva slowly dripped from between the teeth, splattering onto the brownish-red floor.


    ¡°Pat-ta...¡±


    ¡°Roar!¡±


    As the werewolf lunged, Kyle was quicker, reciting the spell first.


    With a dull thud, the werewolf lost its footing, tumbling sideways uncontrollably.


    Thanks to Professor Oren, who had thoroughly explained werewolf behavior in their last class, Kyle knew what to do. According to Oren, werewolves typically attacked by pouncing, a behavior that made them vulnerable if they lost traction. A softened floor worked perfectly to trip them up.


    Although the werewolf quickly scrambled to its feet, that brief pause was all Kyle needed. He couldn¡¯t risk retreating into Hagrid¡¯s room; there wasn¡¯t enough time, and turning his back to open the door would expose him to attack.


    Without hesitation, Kyle took two quick steps back to create more distance, keeping his wand at the ready. The floor in front of him began to rise, forming a row of stone cones, each only a few inches high but sharp and solid. Even the werewolf¡¯s thick hide would feel the sting if it stepped on them.


    The creature tried to leap over the barrier¡ª


    ¡°Pop!¡±


    Just then, a door further down the hallway burst open, and Hagrid¡¯s massive form appeared. He¡¯d rushed out upon hearing the ruckus. He froze for a split second when he saw the werewolf, but then his eyes landed on Kyle, who was only a few feet away.


    Hagrid¡¯s face flushed red with fury.


    ¡°You filthy beast, attacking a young wizard, will you?¡±


    With a roar, he ripped the door off its hinges and hurled it like a discus.


    ¡°Bang¡­ ow!¡±


    Hagrid¡¯s aim was true; the door struck the werewolf with a satisfying crash, making it howl in pain. Even Kyle winced at the impact, sure he¡¯d heard bones snap.


    Though the werewolf was down, its primal survival instincts kicked in, and it glanced at Hagrid in terror before limping off down the corridor.


    Kyle¡¯s eyes narrowed as he followed the creature¡¯s path and shouted, ¡°Hagrid, there are stairs down that way¡ªit can¡¯t be allowed to escape!¡±


    ¡°I know!¡± Hagrid called, hurrying after the creature.


    But he was too slow. The tight hospital gown he wore wrapped around him like bandages, making it nearly impossible for him to move quickly, let alone keep pace with a fleeing werewolf.


    Kyle easily overtook him.


    ¡°Kyle, come back!¡± Hagrid called, ripping at the restrictive gown as he ran. ¡°Damn it, where are the St. Mungo¡¯s staff when you need them!¡±


    Meanwhile, as Kyle pursued the werewolf down the hallway, a gnawing unease crept over him. This was a werewolf, after all¡ªand if it managed to bite him, he could pretty much say goodbye to Hogwarts forever. Unlike Lupin¡¯s situation, where secrecy was carefully maintained, here at St. Mungo''s, there were too many people around. If he got infected, hiding it would be impossible.


    But he couldn''t just stand by and watch the creature reach the ground floor, where it could attack the unsuspecting.


    Kyle reassured himself, feeling a bit steadier as he heard Hagrid¡¯s heavy footsteps trailing close behind.


    The werewolf, now nearing the end of the corridor, started to slow down. Kyle seized the moment, raising his wand.


    Two Charms struck the werewolf in quick succession. It staggered before slamming against the wall behind it.


    Kyle looked over his shoulder and saw Professor Kettleburn lying on his side in the corridor, wand in his remaining hand. He¡¯d just cast the Knockback Jinx.


    ¡°What are you... doing?¡±


    A young voice cut through the tension.


    Kyle spun around to see a round-faced boy standing nervously at the top of the stairs, clutching a lunchbox. His wide, terrified eyes were fixed on them. S~ea??h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Both Kyle and the werewolf noticed the boy¡¯s sudden appearance. The werewolf¡¯s eyes glinted with fresh bloodlust, and it struggled to leap at the boy.


    The werewolf, barely upright, stumbled and fell again. Kyle then waved his wand, transfiguring an iron frame from the corridor into a sharp spear. He threw it at the creature with all his strength.


    The spear only managed to pierce the werewolf¡¯s skin lightly; it didn¡¯t go deep. Kyle had anticipated this, though, and without missing a beat, he cast another spell.


    As if driving in a nail, the spear, now powered by the Knockback Jinx, plunged deeper into the werewolf¡¯s chest, pinning it to the floor.


    ¡°Kyle, you need to get out of here¡­ Ugh!¡±


    Hagrid finally caught up, taking in the scene. Seeing the werewolf immobilized, he silently lowered his raised arm. It looked like he wouldn¡¯t be needed after all.


    ¡°Could you please go get someone from the hospital?¡± Kyle called to the boy. ¡°Tell them there¡¯s an out-of-control werewolf on the second floor.¡±


    The boy, pale and frozen from shock, stared blankly at the scene. It took Kyle raising his voice twice more before the boy finally snapped to attention.


    ¡°O-okay¡­ okay¡­¡± He cast one last, fearful glance at Kyle before dashing downstairs as fast as he could.


    ¡°Poor kid; he¡¯s probably scared stiff,¡± Hagrid muttered beside him.


    ¡°Nothing we can do about it,¡± Kyle replied with a shrug. ¡°Better he¡¯s scared than bitten and turned into a werewolf.¡±


    By now, Professor Kettleburn had managed to strap on his prosthetic leg and limped over to join them.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, boy. I was careless,¡± he said regretfully. ¡°I should¡¯ve put up an extra Charm.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not your fault, Professor,¡± Kyle replied, shaking his head. The werewolf had been weak already; it was the sudden appearance of the boy that triggered its final, desperate attack. And from where Professor Kettleburn had been lying, he wouldn¡¯t have seen the boy coming around the corner.

 Chapter 117: Expelled?

    The team from St. Mungo¡¯s arrived swiftly.


    Several witches in Healer robes, wands at the ready, rushed in alarm to the second floor.


    ¡°Merlin¡¯s beard... a werewolf! What on earth is happening here?¡± exclaimed an older witch, clutching her chest in disbelief.


    ¡°That¡¯s what we¡¯d like to know,¡± said Professor Kettleburn, stepping forward with a stern expression. ¡°It nearly attacked two young wizards, right here at St. Mungo¡¯s. Ha, this has to be the biggest scandal in the wizarding world.¡±


    "Sir... we..." A middle-aged wizard wiped the sweat from his forehead, looking anxious. "There must be some misunderstanding here. We''ll certainly get to the bottom of this."


    "Misunderstanding?" Kyle scoffed. "That¡¯s your explanation?"


    If he hadn¡¯t reacted quickly, along with the presence of two other professors nearby, who knows what this incident could have turned into? Even if he was lucky enough to escape, what about that boy? And all the patients in the nearby rooms¡ªcould they have all escaped?


    "I¡¯ll be reporting today¡¯s events to the Ministry of Magic," Kyle said coldly. "If there is any misunderstanding, let them investigate."


    ¡°The Ministry of Magic... this...¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s no need!¡±


    At that moment, a tall, thin witch with a serious demeanor stepped out from the crowd. She cast a sharp look at the middle-aged wizard, who immediately averted his eyes.


    ¡°I¡¯ve already notified the Ministry of Magic. Their representatives will arrive shortly. Additionally, I will personally see to it that an explanation is provided.¡±


    ¡°You are¡­?¡± Kyle asked, uncertain.


    For a moment, he thought it might be Professor McGonagall, as she bore a striking resemblance, both in appearance and in her no-nonsense expression.


    ¡°Allow me to introduce myself: Pegasia Sykes,¡± the witch said solemnly. ¡°I am also the Director of St. Mungo¡¯s Hospital for Magical Maladies and Injuries.¡±


    Director Sykes was clearly a capable witch. Once she made her decision, she immediately ordered the removal of the wounded werewolf.


    Despite its grievous state, the werewolf was still alive, saved only by its fierce vitality. ¡°For certain reasons, it holds more value to us alive,¡± explained Director Sykes. ¡°I trust you understand.¡±


    Kyle nodded. With Hagrid and Professor Kettleburn at his side, he wasn¡¯t worried about any potential trickery.


    ¡°Thank you for your understanding.¡±


    ...


    Three minutes later, the Ministry arrived.


    Leading the group was Cornelius Fudge, the Minister of Magic, accompanied by a team of Aurors and a witch clad in a bright pink coat. Fudge''s gaze fell on the large pool of blood on the floor, and a flash of panic flickered in his eyes.


    "Goodnes... a werewolf that can change form at will... by Merlin''s beard... how is this even possible... I mean, why is this happening?"


    "We¡¯re still investigating, Minister," replied Director Sykes, his tone steady. "If you¡¯re uneasy, you¡¯re welcome to join us."


    "Yes, yes... we¡¯ll help."


    "Where is the werewolf?"


    Just then, an Auror stepped forward, bearing the look of an old lion. His tawny hair and thick eyebrows were streaked with gray, and behind his gold-rimmed glasses shone a pair of sharp, penetrating eyes. Director Sykes signaled to a nearby Healer and led him towards the room where the werewolf was being held.


    Fudge drifted over to Kyle, his demeanor slightly distracted. "How are you, my boy?"


    "I¡¯m fine. Two professors happened to be nearby," Kyle replied, noting how Fudge¡¯s eyes kept shifting sideways, as though preoccupied with some private thought.


    "Son, there¡¯s a chance you could still be... mistaken," Fudge said, picking his words with care, as though concealing something. "Perhaps what attacked you was merely an Animagus in wolf form, not an actual werewolf..."


    "You want me to lie?" Kyle asked flatly.


    "Lie... no, no, nothing like that!" Fudge protested, removing his top hat as a glint sparked in his eyes. "You''re young, after all, and you¡¯ve never seen a werewolf before. It¡¯s perfectly reasonable that you might¡¯ve made a mistake."


    "I didn¡¯t make a mistake," Kyle replied, his expression resolute. "We covered werewolves in detail last semester."


    "Then perhaps you¡¯re just remembering it wrong."


    Kyle¡¯s face remained unchanged. "I came first in my year on the final exam, with full marks in every subject. I¡¯m certain I didn¡¯t remember it wrong."


    Fudge gripped the brim of his hat tightly, his tone now tinged with impatience. "But everyone knows that werewolves only transform during a full moon, never in daylight. If this... incorrect information spreads, it will only cause widespread panic."


    Kyle thought to himself. But before he could respond, the witch in the pink coat behind Fudge stepped forward, joining the conversation.


    "My boy, I have found you in violation of Ministry regulations for using magic outside school grounds."


    Umbridge cast a sugary smile at Fudge, her voice oozing with fake sweetness. "According to the rules, we have no choice but to punish you."


    "In violation?" Kyle repeated, incredulous.


    "Isn''t it obvious?" Umbridge''s gaze lingered meaningfully on the wand in Kyle''s hand. "My dear, there''s no point in arguing. The Aurors will soon be able to determine precisely which spells you''ve cast. If the number exceeds three... well, I¡¯m afraid you won¡¯t be attending Hogwarts this year."


    Kyle''s face registered shock, which only made Umbridge''s smile broaden. Inside, she felt a thrill of satisfaction. She relished these moments of control and aspired for even more power, intent on proving her value to the Minister in any way she could. After all, it was only a young wizard she was dealing with. There were things Fudge might hesitate to do, but she was more than happy to handle them on his behalf.


    Kyle could barely contain his anger. His expression turned icy as he asked, "You¡¯re trying to expel me?"


    "It¡¯s simply Ministry policy," Umbridge replied with a forced smile, as if the rules were regrettably out of her hands.


    Meanwhile, Fudge stood nearby, seemingly absorbed in examining his hat, avoiding eye contact.


    Kyle''s face grew colder, his eyes narrowing. "So, what the Ministry of Magic is suggesting is that I should¡¯ve just stood there and let the werewolf bite me, is that right?"


    "You could have run," Umbridge replied with a falsely sweet smile. "The stairs were right there. You could have run to where there were people, sought help¡ªwhy use magic?"


    Kyle clenched his wand, taking a deep breath to calm himself and resisting the urge to unleash a curse on her. A foot race with a werewolf? Even Lockhart couldn¡¯t have penned something so ridiculous.


    Seeing Kyle''s silence, Umbridge''s smugness grew. She cleared her throat, preparing to continue. "Of course, if you¡ª"


    "I''m not late, am I?"


    Footsteps sounded on the stairs, and Dumbledore appeared, ignoring Umbridge entirely as he strode straight to Kyle. "I was about to head to France, but I came as soon as I heard the news. Are you hurt?"


    "No, Headmaster," Kyle replied with a smile. "But this... nameless Ministry passerby insists I used magic outside school and wants to expel me."


    "Don''t worry, Kyle. Expulsions are a matter for the Headmaster to decide," Dumbledore said gently. "If they insist, I''ll attend the hearing with you. I recall quite clearly that in life-threatening situations, even young wizards who haven¡¯t graduated are permitted to use magic. What you did was entirely justified."


    "I¡¯ll go, too," said Professor Kettleburn.


    "And me," Hagrid added.


    "Count me in," said Director Sykes, stepping forward with a playful glint in her eye. She turned to Umbridge. "Madam Passerby, if the werewolf wakes up, would you care to race it to demonstrate what you just suggested? If you can escape it without using magic, there¡¯ll be no reason for Albus to stop you from expelling this student." sea??h th§× Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Chapter 118: The Greatest Potioneer

    If there was one thing Umbridge couldn¡¯t stand, it was being ignored.


    She had climbed the Ministry ladder step by step because she loved the spotlight and the awe in people¡¯s eyes when they looked at her. Now, she was just one step away from the role of Deputy Minister¡ªsoon, she could become the second most powerful figure in the Ministry of Magic. Yet, these people had the nerve to call her ¡°the Ministry of Magic¡¯s nobody¡±? Didn¡¯t they realize who they were dealing with?


    Umbridge could not tolerate such an insult, and her whole body trembled with rage.


    ¡°I am Dolores Umbridge!¡± she shrieked, her voice sharp, ¡°Director of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, and a member of the Wizengamot!¡±


    ¡°Oh, so you¡¯re a director?¡± Kyle asked, appearing slightly uneasy as he shifted his weight. ¡°Then, you¡¯re responsible for those statements you made, aren¡¯t you?¡±


    Umbridge raised her chin defiantly. ¡°When I¡ª¡±


    ¡°Ahem, I don¡¯t think Dolores meant it quite that way,¡± Fudge interrupted with a forced cough, attempting to smooth things over. ¡°She¡¯s simply very concerned for the boy¡¯s well-being. After all, wouldn¡¯t it be wiser for a young wizard to avoid a werewolf rather than attempting to defeat it?¡±


    ¡°Of course, I completely agree with you, Cornelius,¡± Dumbledore said with a serious nod. ¡°Then, regarding her talk of expulsion...¡±


    ¡°Oh, that was just a joke!¡± Fudge laughed, waving his hand. ¡°The Ministry wouldn¡¯t expel a young hero who¡¯s just saved so many lives. Dolores was only trying to give him a reminder, so he wouldn¡¯t be reckless next time, right?¡±


    Fudge gave Umbridge a quick, meaningful glance. Catching on, Umbridge immediately plastered on a sugary smile and added, ¡°Yes, Minister, thank you for understanding. These young wizards are so arrogant these days. Just because they score well on an exam, they think they¡¯re ready to take on a werewolf! He needs a lesson in humility to help him live a little longer.¡±


    ¡°Oh, I¡¯ll remember that, Madam,¡± Kyle replied with a polite, if insincere, smile. ¡°And by the way, wearing an outfit like that really makes you look younger.¡±


    Umbridge glanced down at her pink cardigan, took it as a compliment, and walked away with her head held high. Director Sykes, however, noticed the slight edge in Kyle¡¯s tone and glanced at him with a glimmer of amusement, recognizing the boy¡¯s jab at Umbridge¡¯s attempts to appear youthful.


    Just then, the Aurors returned.


    ¡°Rufus, what do you make of it?¡± Fudge asked.


    ¡°It¡¯s a werewolf,¡± Rufus Scrimgeour murmured. ¡°He was admitted to St. Mungo¡¯s only yesterday.¡±


    ¡°A werewolf, indeed¡­¡± Fudge frowned, anxiously gripping his hat. The thought of the panic that could ensue if people discovered a werewolf had transformed during daylight was a nightmare. The backlash would certainly fall on him, the Minister of Magic.


    Fudge¡¯s expression shifted as an idea formed in his mind.


    ¡°Minister, I¡¯ll take the boy to rest now,¡± Director Sykes interjected, stepping forward. She gestured to a young Healer beside her, adding, ¡°Any Aurors with questions can consult Healer Helbert here, and he will assist them however necessary.¡±


    Fudge glanced between her and Dumbledore, then nodded. ¡°Yes, of course. Go on ahead.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, then excuse us.¡±


    ...


    The sixth floor of St. Mungo''s is home to the tea room and shop. Director Sykes led Kyle and Dumbledore to a booth and ordered each of them a cup of black tea.


    Dumbledore took a sip and said, surprised, ¡°This is my favorite blend. I thought you might have forgotten.¡±


    ¡°Five sugar cubes. I never forget,¡± Director Sykes replied with a hint of lightness. ¡°If everything goes as planned, the Minister will likely take the werewolf with him.¡±


    Dumbledore set down his cup. ¡°Cornelius can be a bit... intense at times.¡±


    ¡°Never mind that. Let me tell you what I know,¡± Director Sykes continued. ¡°The man arrived at St. Mungo''s yesterday afternoon, claiming he¡¯d been scratched by a werewolf. The Healers, as a precaution, placed him in a special ward under close observation.


    ¡°Last night happened to be a full moon, but he didn''t transform. So, he was moved back to a regular ward.¡±


    St. Mungo¡¯s has a well-defined protocol. In cases involving werewolves, they would never allow the patient to be around others unless it could be confirmed he wasn¡¯t infected.


    That was why the werewolf had managed to escape from the adjacent room.


    Kyle nodded in understanding.


    A werewolf who didn¡¯t transform on a full moon but did so during the day¡­ it was, admittedly, hard to believe. The Healers likely hadn¡¯t expected such an unusual case either.


    ¡°Could this be some kind of mutation?¡± Kyle asked.


    ¡°Probably not.¡± Director Sykes looked thoughtful. ¡°When I arrived, I noticed a distinctive potion scent in his blood.¡±


    ¡°A potion?¡±


    ¡°Yes, and it was remarkably similar to Wolfsbane Potion.¡± Director Sykes frowned. ¡°But this version has more Mandrake leafs in it... along with something else.¡±


    Mandrake...


    Kyle knew about it. Just as there is a branch of magic called Charms, there is a branch of herbalism for powerful substances. Mandrake is one of those powerful substances.


    Regular charms can¡¯t incorporate it; only curses and poisons can.


    If an Auror finds a whole Mandrake in a potion bottle, the wizard or witch who made it will spend at least a year in Azkaban.


    Kyle looked at Director Sykes in amazement. ¡°You can tell what potions he¡¯s been taking just by smelling it?¡±


    ¡°Wolfsbane Potion and Mandrakes are rather unique,¡± explained Sykes. ¡°They seep into the soul, leaving a lingering trace.¡±


    ¡°Kyle, you might not know, but Pegasia is one of the greatest Potioneers of the last two hundred years.¡±


    At this, Dumbledore leaned over to Kyle and whispered, ¡°I¡¯ve always wanted her to teach Potions at Hogwarts, but she feels she¡¯s needed here at St. Mungo¡¯s.¡±


    Though Dumbledore spoke quietly, in the close quarters of the booth, it was impossible for his words to go unheard. Sear?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°Albus... must you say that?¡± Director Sykes said with a hint of exasperation. ¡°Slughorn is also one of the greats¡­ and that young man Snape¡ªhis talent isn¡¯t far behind mine.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s different, Pegasia,¡± Dumbledore replied, taking another sip of his black tea. ¡°You can never have too many good professors.¡±

 Chapter 119: Compensation, Order of Merlin

    Director Sykes was silent for a moment and didn¡¯t continue with the topic.


    ¡°Let¡¯s get down to business,¡± she said, looking at Dumbledore. ¡°I suspect someone is making a potion that can influence the transformation of werewolves. The one we encountered today was most likely deliberately released into St. Mungo''s. I don¡¯t know the reason for these actions¡ªit could be a test of the potion¡¯s effectiveness, or maybe it¡¯s simply to incite panic. But in any case, this behavior is a blatant desecration of St. Mungo¡¯s, and I will find the person responsible.¡±


    ¡°Do you need any help?¡± Dumbledore offered. ¡°I happen to know a friend who is a werewolf.¡±


    ¡°Thank you for the offer, but no, I have some connections with a werewolf pack,¡± Director Sykes replied thoughtfully. ¡°Having them is enough.¡±


    Her eyes turned cold. Whoever had dared to do such a thing at St. Mungo''s had crossed her line. Fortunately, nothing serious had happened today; otherwise, the hospital''s reputation would have suffered greatly. She needed people to understand that Potioneers also had their limits. Whether it was intentional or not, both she and Dumbledore refrained from mentioning the Ministry of Magic.


    Dumbledore, accepting her decision, remained silent. A pack of werewolves... it really didn¡¯t matter if there was one more or one less involved.


    ¡°There is one last thing, and that is about compensation.¡±


    Kyle couldn¡¯t help but lean forward a bit; he had been waiting for this since the start.


    ¡°I am deeply sorry that our mistake put you in such danger. St. Mungo''s will take full responsibility for this,¡± Director Sykes said, pausing to think. ¡°One thousand Galleons is our compensation to you. I hope you can forgive our error.¡±


    ¡°In addition, because you stopped the werewolf from harming anyone and helped protect the reputation of St. Mungo''s, we will reward you with an additional two thousand Galleons.¡±


    Three thousand Galleons in total?


    Kyle raised an eyebrow. To be honest, it was a little less than he¡¯d expected. Those few seconds facing the werewolf had been even more dangerous than his encounter with Oren in the Forbidden Forest. From drawing his wand to casting the first Softening Charm, it had taken only a split second, and one small mistake could have led to him being bitten.


    When it came to matters of life and death, three thousand Galleons didn¡¯t feel like much. But since she was clearly connected to Dumbledore and had vouched for him¡­ three thousand Galleons it was. Dumbledore¡¯s standing must be preserved. Besides, Kyle wasn¡¯t one to haggle; he had a bit of a thin skin for it. S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    When someone had gone to such lengths to make amends, he really didn¡¯t want to speak up and ask for the remaining 997,000 Galleons.


    Kyle was just about to agree when he heard Director Sykes continue.


    ¡°And the Order of Merlin!¡±


    ¡°What...¡± Kyle was momentarily at a loss, certain he¡¯d misheard.


    ¡°The Order of Merlin,¡± Director Sykes repeated, smiling. ¡°I will personally nominate you, though I can¡¯t guarantee whether it will be second or third class.¡±


    This was her real compensation¡­ or rather, her heartfelt thank-you.


    In her eyes, the lives of those patients were more important than St. Mungo¡¯s reputation. Nearly fifty patients were lying in beds across the entire second floor, and if a werewolf had broken into their rooms, they would have been utterly defenseless. Kyle had indirectly saved the lives of fifty wizards¡ªan act fully deserving of an Order of Merlin medal.


    It was just his age¡­ Director Sykes frowned. Kyle was too young, not even twelve yet. If he were just a little older, even of age, there would be no issue with awarding him a second-class medal. For now, though, she would make the best of it.


    Director Sykes looked at Kyle and asked, ¡°So, are you satisfied?¡±


    ¡°Of course I am,¡± Kyle replied with a smile. ¡°But... could I exchange the Galleons for something else?¡±


    ¡°Oh? What would you like to exchange them for?¡±


    ¡°An equivalent amount of potions,¡± Kyle said impulsively. ¡°If possible, I''d love them to be made by you¡ªany type would be fine.¡±


    This answer caught Director Sykes off guard. She raised an eyebrow and asked, ¡°Why would you want potions instead of Galleons?¡±


    ¡°Because I really enjoy Potions class,¡± Kyle answered without hesitation. ¡°Having a bottle crafted by a master like you would remind me of how much I still have to learn.¡±


    ¡°Pfft¡­¡±


    Nearby, Dumbledore, who had been sipping his tea, suddenly choked, nearly dropping his cup. He hurriedly dabbed at his beard and murmured, ¡°My apologies, the tea is a bit hot.¡±


    Kyle kept a straight face, pretending not to notice, and continued, ¡°And I also have a slightly selfish reason. A master potion-maker¡¯s work is certainly worth far more than the Galleons would be.¡±


    ¡°¡­Alright,¡± Director Sykes agreed after a moment¡¯s thought. ¡°I¡¯ll prepare the seven potions that you¡¯ll need to learn over the next few years, in sequence. But I¡¯m not sure how much they¡¯ll be worth¡ªthey may fall short of 3,000 Galleons. Are you sure about this?¡±


    ¡°Yes, absolutely,¡± Kyle nodded enthusiastically.


    The idea to trade Galleons for potions had come to him on the spur of the moment. He didn¡¯t need extra Galleons right now, and even if he took the 3,000, they¡¯d just sit untouched in Gringotts. This seemed like a far better exchange. From Dumbledore¡¯s earlier comments, it sounded like Director Sykes¡¯ potions skills were even a notch above Slughorn¡¯s. It was a rare opportunity, and missing out on the work of a master potion-maker like her would be a true loss.


    After concluding their discussion, the group left the tea room. The Ministry of Magic was still on site, and they were there to assist. As the Director of St. Mungo¡¯s, Sykes couldn¡¯t simply ignore their presence. There were also two other injured people in the werewolf¡¯s room on the second floor. Although they were fortunate enough not to have been bitten, she still needed to check on them.


    As they walked down the stairs to the fifth floor, Kyle spotted the round-faced boy again. He was still standing at the corner of the stairs, clutching his lunchbox. This time, though, an older woman stood behind him, who Kyle guessed to be his grandmother. She was dressed in a long skirt, carried a large red handbag, and wore a hat adorned with a stuffed vulture.


    A round-faced boy at St. Mungo¡¯s, and a lady wearing a vulture hat¡­ Kyle was beginning to guess who they were.


    ¡°Speak up, Neville!¡±


    Mrs. Augusta gave the boy an encouraging nudge from behind when she noticed Kyle and his companions approaching. The boy set his lunchbox down, walked over to Kyle, and, visibly nervous, said, ¡°Thank you¡­ thank you for saving me¡­ I was¡ªI was so scared earlier. I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s alright, I understand.¡± Kyle looked at him kindly and asked, ¡°What¡¯s your name?¡±


    ¡°Neville, Neville Longbottom.¡±

 Chapter 120: Speculations About Horcruxes

    Mrs. Longbottom and Neville had waited there on purpose. sea??h th§× n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Ten minutes earlier, Neville had misunderstood Kyle¡¯s instructions. Instead of going to find a Healer, he had rushed downstairs, shouting about a werewolf and trying to rally others to help on the second floor. But no one believed him, despite the commotion they had just heard above. After all, werewolves don¡¯t typically appear during the day¡ªa fact so basic it¡¯s common knowledge in the wizarding world. And this was St. Mungo¡¯s, filled with magical experts and unusual cases. Only twenty minutes prior, someone had claimed to have seen a dragon upstairs. A werewolf sighting was simply par for the course.


    The Healers had also dismissed Neville, the chubby, round-faced boy. They only ended up on the second floor thanks to someone else entirely¡ªthe curly-haired trainee Healer who had shown Kyle the way. He had been in the same room as the werewolf and witnessed the transformation firsthand. Thankfully, he had escaped a bite; the werewolf, dazed from the transformation, had merely slammed him into a wall. Once he pulled himself together, the trainee used St. Mungo¡¯s unique internal communication methods to alert his colleagues, leading to the swift response they¡¯d seen.


    When Mrs. Longbottom found Neville and heard his account, she immediately decided they should thank Kyle. However, by the time they tracked him down, he was already headed to the sixth floor with Director Sykes and Dumbledore. So, Mrs. Longbottom decided to wait with Neville at the stairwell until Kyle returned.


    When they did meet, Mrs. Longbottom invited Kyle to visit a room on the fifth floor. Inside, Neville¡¯s parents lay in their beds, their gazes vacant and unfocused as they looked toward Kyle.


    ¡°You saved Neville, and they would want to thank you, too,¡± Mrs. Longbottom said, her voice carrying a slight tremor. She turned to the beds and spoke gently, ¡°Frank, Alice, the boy is here.¡±


    But Frank and Alice showed no sign of understanding; their eyes remained blank, unresponsive to her words.


    ¡°Please don¡¯t mind them, my dear,¡± Mrs. Longbottom explained softly. ¡°I can feel that they would thank you if they could, but they simply can¡¯t find the words.¡±


    While she spoke, Neville stood nearby with his head down, staring at his shoes as though he found them fascinating. His posture, however, clearly irritated his grandmother.


    ¡°Look up, Neville!¡± she scolded firmly. ¡°There¡¯s no shame in what happened to your parents. You should be proud!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not ashamed...¡± Neville mumbled in a small but steady voice.


    Mrs. Longbottom then turned to Kyle, her posture straight and her voice filled with pride. ¡°They were tortured by the Cruciatus Curse at the hands of Death Eaters. Those wretched cowards thought they could force Frank and Alice to betray their allies, but they couldn¡¯t have been more wrong. The Longbottoms would never yield to the Dark Lord!¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s truly admirable,¡± Kyle said, his voice filled with respect.


    ¡°You¡¯re admirable too, young man,¡± Mrs. Longbottom replied. ¡°There are few at your age who could face down a werewolf. I hope Neville will show the same courage one day and, after he graduates, become an Auror to restore the Longbottom family¡¯s honor.¡±


    She glanced over at Neville, who was still slouching, and frowned. ¡°Stand up straight, Neville! How many times have I told you¡ªkeep your back straight!¡±


    As Kyle left the ward, he could still hear Mrs. Longbottom¡¯s voice echoing down the hallway, sternly instructing Neville to hold himself tall.


    Kyle looked over at Director Sykes and asked, ¡°Is there truly no cure for the damage caused by the Cruciatus Curse?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s difficult,¡± she replied. ¡°Anything that affects the soul is incredibly hard to heal, whether it¡¯s the Cruciatus Curse or Lycanthropy.¡±


    She paused thoughtfully before adding, ¡°The Cruciatus Curse doesn¡¯t just inflict physical harm; it inflicts a pain that tears at the soul. Wizards'' bodies are fragile¡ªlike trying to fix a broken mirror on a balloon that¡¯s tightly inflated. If you¡¯re not careful, the balloon will burst. Right now, all we can do is patch together a faint outline of that mirror and wait for a more effective solution¡ªone that doesn¡¯t risk bursting the balloon.¡±


    ¡°Like the Wolfsbane Potion?¡± Kyle wondered aloud.


    ¡°Precisely,¡± Director Sykes replied with a slight laugh. ¡°We¡¯re waiting for the ¡®Wolfsbane Potion¡¯ that will someday cure the damage caused by the Cruciatus Curse. Many of us have been working tirelessly toward that goal.¡±


    Kyle fell silent, deep in thought as they walked. Mentioning fractured souls had sparked a memory of something dark and twisted: Horcruxes. Yes, Horcruxes¡ªthe most malevolent magical creation, devised by the sinister Herpo the Foul. Kyle recalled that to create a Horcrux, a wizard must first tear their soul by committing murder, then seal that fragment within an object.


    But what if a soul was already shattered? Could that initial step¡ªthe deliberate act of splitting¡ªbe bypassed? Take the Longbottoms, for instance. Their souls had been torn by the relentless torment of the Cruciatus Curse. Didn¡¯t that, in theory, fulfill the conditions for forming a Horcrux?


    A troubling thought crept into Kyle¡¯s mind: since it was impossible to repair the soul completely, as Director Sykes had described, would it be possible instead to simply stabilize the fragments by sealing them away?


    A Horcrux was a peculiar creation, almost like an alternate body or a bridge, connecting broken parts of a soul. The interesting thing was that once this bridge existed, each soul fragment could function as if it were whole. That was why Voldemort, even after creating six Horcruxes, hadn¡¯t descended into insanity. This feature of the Horcrux allowed him to maintain his own twisted form of immortality.


    So, could something similar be done with the fractured souls of the Longbottoms? If they could be made into Horcruxes, might that spare them from the curse¡¯s relentless grip on their shattered psyches?


    Of course, this was just a speculative idea forming in Kyle¡¯s mind. He hadn¡¯t read any books on Horcruxes, and his knowledge on the subject was limited to vague recollections. He had no way of knowing whether this theory held any merit.


    Kyle glanced over at Dumbledore, who stood not far away, his sharp gaze noticing the brief, thoughtful look. Dumbledore¡¯s eyes met his with a hint of curiosity.


    Quickly, Kyle averted his gaze. No, that would be a disaster. As soon as he so much as mentioned the word ¡°Horcrux,¡± he was sure Dumbledore¡¯s wand would come out and pin him to the nearest wall. And extracting himself from that situation would be beyond embarrassing.


    If he couldn¡¯t ask, he¡¯d simply have to research it himself. Once the school year began, he planned to visit the Restricted Section in the Hogwarts library. If he couldn¡¯t find the information there, he¡¯d wait. After all, the diary would resurface next year.


    As for the Ravenclaw''s Diadem in the Room of Requirement¡­ Kyle shuddered. He had no desire to go near it unless absolutely necessary. That Horcrux was dangerous, far beyond anything he could gain from it at this stage.

 Chapter 121: Skiving Snackbox Series

    Unsurprisingly, once the werewolf was no longer at risk of dying, the Ministry of Magic came to take him away. Director Sykes didn¡¯t attempt to stop them, and after they left, she returned to speak with Healer Helbert.


    In the Director''s office, she asked calmly, ¡°How did it go?¡±


    ¡°Very well,¡± Helbert replied. ¡°I managed to keep them occupied during treatment for about five minutes.¡±


    ¡°How much Veritaserum did you use?¡±


    ¡°Three drops. With a werewolf¡¯s enhanced recovery abilities, the Ministry won¡¯t be able to detect it,¡± Helbert replied. ¡°I also asked all the questions you instructed. The werewolf was following Fenrir Greyback until about a month ago, when he moved to Knockturn Alley¡­¡±


    While Director Sykes was debriefing Helbert, Dumbledore was just returning Kyle to his home.


    ¡°That¡¯s enough for now, Kyle,¡± Dumbledore said. ¡°I have to head to France to meet a friend¡ªI only hope he forgives me for breaking our appointment.¡±


    Kyle barely had time to recover from the discomfort of Apparition before Dumbledore disappeared. He realized he¡¯d been dropped near The Burrow.


    ¡°Is the headmaster directionally challenged?¡± Kyle muttered, scratching his head.


    Not long after he returned home, his parents, Chris and Diana, hurried in.


    ¡°We received a letter from Dumbledore.¡± Chris, visibly anxious, pulled Kyle close to examine him. ¡°You encountered a werewolf at St. Mungo¡¯s?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± Kyle replied smoothly, having already crafted an alibi. ¡°But Hagrid and Professor Kettleburn were right there with me, and they handled it quickly.¡±


    ¡°But Dumbledore mentioned in his letter that were the one who dealt with the werewolf,¡± Diana said, drawing out her words. ¡°Was he lying?¡±


    ¡°Well¡­ I didn¡¯t think just standing there was a good idea, so I offered a little help,¡± Kyle replied, holding up his hand with his fingers pinched to show just how little he¡¯d done. ¡°Really, just a tiny bit of help.¡±


    Diana raised an eyebrow. ¡°And this little bit of help is why Sykes applied for the Order of Merlin, Second Class, on your behalf?¡±


    ¡°Maybe Hagrid and Professor Kettleburn didn¡¯t need it, so they passed it to me instead,¡± Kyle replied, though he could see she wasn¡¯t buying it.


    Diana narrowed her eyes. ¡°First, you were taken into the Forbidden Forest by Oren, who was posing as a Defense Against the Dark Arts professor. Now, just days later, you encounter a werewolf at St. Mungo¡¯s? Perhaps Hogwarts isn¡¯t the right school for you. How about transferring to Beauxbatons? I happen to know Madame Maxime¡ªshe¡¯d take good care of you.¡±


    "Ilvermorny is also an option," Chris added at this point. "Scamander and his wife are both professors there, and I remember they were quite fond of you when you were young."


    ¡°Uh¡­ I don¡¯t think I¡¯d like to transfer,¡± Kyle said, suddenly uneasy. ¡°It sounds like a lot of trouble.¡± sea??h th§× nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°It¡¯s not that much trouble,¡± Diana countered. ¡°And at least you¡¯d be safe from these constant dangers.¡±


    ¡°These are just accidents, really,¡± Kyle mumbled. ¡°And what happened at St. Mungo¡¯s had nothing to do with Hogwarts, right?¡±


    Diana replied briskly, ¡°How is that unrelated to Hogwarts? Hagrid is the Gamekeeper, and Kettleburn teaches Care of Magical Creatures.¡±


    Kyle struggled to respond, but then inspiration struck. His eyes brightened as he said, ¡°Maybe it¡¯s because of Hagrid! Both times, the incidents were connected to him. He¡¯s probably just unlucky and dragged me down with him. I¡¯ll keep my distance from him once term starts, and I¡¯m sure I¡¯ll be fine.¡±


    This excuse seemed to work, and Chris and Diana didn¡¯t bring up transferring again. However, they insisted that Kyle not go anywhere alone¡ªnot even to Diagon Alley¡ªunless an adult was with him. Since Kyle didn¡¯t have plans to go out much anyway, he readily agreed.


    For the next few days, to reassure his parents, Kyle stayed home, focusing on his schoolwork. Perhaps because the exams had just ended, the Hogwarts professors hadn¡¯t assigned much summer homework¡ªabout the same amount as they had for the Easter holidays. Kyle finished his assignments in just a week, though this speed was in part thanks to frequent interruptions from Fred and George.


    The twins had turned Kyle¡¯s attic into their unofficial headquarters. They showed up almost daily while Kyle tried to work, experimenting with bizarre sweets they¡¯d concocted. By now, they¡¯d nearly exhausted the stock of candy they¡¯d bought in Hogsmeade before the break.


    When Kyle entered the attic after finishing his last assignment on, he heard voices inside.


    "Fred, diluting the Swelling Solution just thickens the tongue a bit¡ªdefinitely not the effect we''re going for."


    "Ooooh..."


    "Yes, this is the closest we''ve come to success. If we don''t dilute it, even a tiny amount will make the whole mouth swell up."


    "¡­"


    Kyle pushed open the door and stepped in. As soon as he saw them, he couldn''t help but burst out laughing.


    "Pffft..."


    George looked fine, with no visible changes.


    But Fred looked entirely different. His face was swollen and round, as if he had a pineapple jammed into his mouth. Anyone who didn''t know him would think he''d been stung by a wasp.


    Trying his best not to stare at Fred¡¯s face, Kyle suppressed his laughter and asked, "What on earth are you two up to?"


    "Something that¡¯ll help young wizards stay out of class," George said with a wink and a grin. "We¡¯re calling it the Skiving Snackbox."


    Fred: "Ooooooh..."


    Kyle tried to understand, but he really couldn¡¯t make out what Fred was saying, so he looked to George for a translation.


    "Fred said this line is going to be a huge hit," George interpreted, then continued to explain, "We¡¯re aiming to make a candy that¡¯ll only swell your tongue. The trouble is, we can¡¯t quite control the Swelling Solution to affect just the tongue."


    While making someone¡¯s entire head or mouth swell could also help with ¡®skipping class,¡¯ it lacked the subtle touch of fun they wanted.


    That wasn''t the Weasley brothers¡¯ style.


    "Have you tried Shrivelfig?" Kyle asked after thinking it over. "I remember it can counteract the effects of Swelling Solution. It should work better than diluting it."


    "Yes, how could I forget about that¡­" George slapped his thigh, causing Fred to wince in pain.


    "Sorry, Fred, didn¡¯t realize it was your leg," George said, jumping up. "I''ll head to Diagon Alley¡ªback in a jiffy!"

 Chapter 122: Fat-Tongued Toffee

    George left in a rush.


    Since Kyle¡¯s family wasn''t connected to the Floo Network, he needed to return to The Burrow first, and then travel to Diagon Alley via their fireplace at home.


    Fred initially wanted to go with him, but as they passed a mirror, he reconsidered and headed back to the attic instead. Although usually easygoing, Fred wasn¡¯t completely indifferent to his appearance. Going to a crowded Diagon Alley with his face like this? He¡¯d definitely end up as the first joke of the new school year.


    Back in the attic, Kyle began examining the results of the twins'' recent work. A large box held more than a dozen types of candies, all popular varieties on the market¡ªFizzing Whizzbees, cream fudge, toffees, and chocolates.


    Kyle picked up a piece of cream fudge. As he brought it closer, he caught a faint bitter smell, oddly out of place with the candy''s sweetness.


    ¡°Ooooo....¡±


    ¡°This one¡¯s a flop. We found that only toffee can really cover the smell of Swelling Solution,¡± Fred explained.


    Kyle nodded, lifting a piece of toffee to his nose. The bitterness was much milder; you wouldn¡¯t notice it unless you were really paying attention. However, their method of infusing the solution seemed crude¡ªjust poking a hole in the candy and stuffing the Swelling Solution inside. With a bit more care, they could probably conceal the scent entirely. Then again, maybe they hadn¡¯t bothered. After all, until they perfected the dosage, it wasn¡¯t even halfway complete.


    Fred handed Kyle a notebook containing all their previous experiment records, with detailed notes on each failure and its adverse effects. The journal spanned nearly ten pages, surprisingly thorough.


    As Kyle flipped through it, George returned, holding a paper bag full of Shrivelfigs.


    "No need to buy so many, George,¡± Kyle remarked, holding out his hand. ¡°Shrivelfigs are only meant to be supplementary; one or two would have been enough.¡±


    ¡°Better safe than sorry,¡± George replied, handing over the bag with a grin. "So, you joining us?"


    Kyle shrugged. ¡°After a week of nonstop homework, I need a little fun.¡±


    ¡°Speaking of that¡­¡± George sighed, ¡°I can¡¯t believe you¡¯re spending your whole break on homework. Percy¡¯s the same way. When I came back, he was complaining that I¡¯d disturbed him¡ªjust because I opened the door! And he wasn¡¯t even working in the living room!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll give you this: you¡¯re way better than him in that respect. At least you never blame us if you can¡¯t get your work done.¡±


    Kyle, used to the Weasleys¡¯ daily bickering, didn¡¯t mind and simply took out two Shrivelfigs, peeled them, and squeezed out their juice. While he worked, George took a half-full bottle of Swelling Solution from the box, paused to think, then poured half of it into an empty bottle.


    Fred and George were only average at potion-making, and since Mrs. Weasley didn¡¯t allow potion-brewing equipment in the house, they¡¯d had to buy the Swelling Solution directly from Diagon Alley¡ªa five-Galleon pint they were determined to use sparingly.


    As they added the Shrivelfig juice, the Swelling Solution¡¯s color began to shift, going from its original sky blue to a lighter hue. Kyle nodded; as long as the color didn¡¯t shift entirely, it meant the solution¡¯s properties hadn¡¯t changed.


    He picked up the bottle and prepared to drip a bit onto his hand to test the effect.


    George quickly stopped him.


    ¡°No, no, no, Kyle, you can''t do that,¡± he said, looking unusually serious. ¡°The goal is to make the tongue swell, not the hand.¡±


    He pulled out a fresh piece of candy from his pocket, dabbed some of the solution onto it, and popped it straight into his mouth. ¡°I really shouldn''t talk with my mouth full,¡± George muttered, wrinkling his nose. ¡°This tastes¡­ oooh¡­ oooh¡­¡±


    Slowly, his cheeks began to puff out, and his words turned into muffled groans as his tongue expanded, thickening visibly. Beside him, Fred was practically jumping with excitement, his own tongue-tied whimpers sounding almost celebratory.


    George¡¯s tongue continued to swell rapidly, soon protruding from his mouth like an enormous, slimy python.


    ¡°Looks like it worked,¡± Kyle observed, examining George¡¯s appearance. The Shrivelfig had successfully neutralized part of the Swelling Solution, slowing down its potency so that only the tongue¡ªwhich had come into direct contact with the most solution¡ªwas affected. Now, all they needed was a way to mask the potion¡¯s distinct flavor, so young wizards wouldn¡¯t detect it. Then the ¡°Skiving Snackbox¡± would be ready for launch. S~ea??h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Fred and George were thrilled.


    ¡°Well done, Kyle! Ha ha, Shrivelfig to the rescue,¡± Fred said, laughing.


    Once the swelling subsided, George, looking relieved, said, ¡°You have no idea¡ªwe were actually on the verge of giving up.¡±


    ¡°Swelling Solution is so expensive,¡± Fred added with a shrug. ¡°We¡¯d already gone through an entire bottle before this.¡±


    ¡°Five Galleons¡¯ worth,¡± George said, still looking pained. ¡°We really should¡¯ve waited for you, Kyle.¡± The thought of those wasted Galleons made him wince. If they had spent it on Dungbombs instead, they¡¯d have enough for a small war with Slytherin.


    ¡°But aren¡¯t you guys loaded?¡± Kyle asked, grinning. ¡°A hundred Galleons each¡­ you can¡¯t have spent it all already.¡±


    ¡°Being rich and being wasteful aren¡¯t the same thing,¡± Fred sighed. ¡°And we only have thirty Galleons left¡ªthat¡¯s all we managed to keep.¡±


    On the first day of the holidays, Mrs. Weasley had caught them hiding their hefty wallets and accidentally knocked them over while scolding Fred and George. Golden Galleons scattered all over the floor, nearly causing her to faint from shock. She¡¯d thought the twins had robbed some poor Slytherin at school.


    Though Fred and George quickly explained the source of the Galleons, Mrs. Weasley didn¡¯t believe them at first. It wasn¡¯t until Chris vouched for them that she finally accepted their story. Still, she confiscated their Galleons, fearing they might be up to some grand mischief.


    Now, the thirty Galleons Fred and George still had were what they¡¯d managed to hide in their trunk¡ªa modest sum, enough for their immediate needs, but not much more.

 Chapter 123: The Wizarding World Is Full of Treachery

    In the following days, Fred and George continued to come over occasionally, focused on perfecting the first product in their Skiving Snackbox line¡ªthe Fat-Tongued Toffee. Kyle, however, found the process unbearably tedious and opted not to join them, choosing instead to stay in his room and read.


    Fred and George were speechless; they couldn¡¯t help but see a budding Percy in Kyle. But they couldn¡¯t say much¡ªKyle was, after all, their landlord and a valuable partner. It was also the only place where they could experiment freely and openly with their inventions.


    Of course, this didn¡¯t mean they stayed entirely silent about his absence.


    After one of their invitations was declined, George drawled dramatically, ¡°Fred, I think it¡¯s time we put in an order for some fireworks to celebrate Kyle¡¯s early promotion to prefect.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯d be celebrating for four years, then,¡± Fred replied in the same mocking tone. ¡°After all, Hogwarts doesn¡¯t make students prefects until fifth year, and he¡¯s only in second year.¡±


    ¡°True, it could even be six years.¡± George raised an eyebrow, smirking. ¡°Let¡¯s not forget about the position of Head Boy.¡±


    ¡°Yes¡­ goodness, six years¡¯ worth of celebratory fireworks. That¡¯s a fortune,¡± Fred agreed, their exaggerated tone and demeanor perfectly mimicking a certain Potions professor¡¯s. If someone had overheard, they might¡¯ve thought there were two Snapes standing outside Kyle¡¯s door.


    Kyle simply responded by flipping them off without a word, then turned back to his desk.


    There, a stack of parchment filled with careful writing awaited him. The text was a transcription he¡¯d copied from a book in the Restricted Section titled , a work on alchemy. Though Kyle hadn¡¯t been particularly interested at the time, he¡¯d decided to transcribe the information anyway and had left it untouched for ages.


    Now, however, he felt differently.


    Helping the Weasley twins with their Snackboxes had been a mild diversion after finishing his homework, but his real interest lay in learning about Horcruxes. He sifted through the parchment, focusing on the sections concerning the embedding of magic within ordinary objects. This was the closest thing he¡¯d found that might connect to Horcruxes.


    Although it was a bit of a stretch and Kyle wasn¡¯t entirely certain Horcruxes had anything to do with alchemy, it didn¡¯t hurt to gather knowledge. After all, both alchemy and Horcrux creation involved complex fusions, and there was always the chance of some crossover.


    The soul and magic might be quite different, but he knew it wasn¡¯t entirely impossible that there might be a connection.


    ...


    Kyle hadn¡¯t noticed anything unusual at first, but as he studied the book more closely, he realized just how dense and intricate the content was. Determined to fully understand these concepts, he ordered several foundational books on alchemy from Diagon Alley, learning the subject from scratch. S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Alchemy proved to be an expensive hobby. Even the most basic books cost at least ten Galleons each¡ªmore costly than even Lockhart¡¯s famous series. Kyle ended up spending a small fortune to build his collection. For almost a month, he immersed himself in reading, gradually piecing together the basics of this ancient craft.


    One night, a month later, Kyle sat at his desk as usual. But this time, instead of reading, he took out a wand and tried to levitate a piece of toffee in front of him, making it float gently upward.


    Ottery St Catchpole, being a largely magical village, effectively rendered The Trace useless, making it difficult for the Ministry of Magic to detect any underage magic.


    Still, Kyle was careful; he only used his wand at night, when Ministry offices were closed and most villagers were active, creating ample magical interference. And rather than using his own wand, he used one he¡¯d taken from the witch who had once pursued him.


    When he first found it, he¡¯d slipped it straight into his robe and decided not to hand it over to Professor McGonagall or anyone from the Ministry. Although the Hit Wizards had briefly asked him about the missing wand, they hadn¡¯t pursued it much further. In the vast expanse of the Forbidden Forest, they likely assumed it had been lost or spirited away by some magical creature.


    Now, the wand served as Kyle¡¯s personal trophy. It didn¡¯t feel quite right in his hand¡ªlike eating spaghetti with a spoon¡ªbut he couldn¡¯t complain about something he¡¯d obtained for free.


    Under his control, the toffee gradually began to peel away, layer by layer, until it transformed into a thin ¡°candy paper.¡± The wrappers were extremely thin, and on closer inspection, each layer bore a unique pattern.


    Next, Kyle took a small vial of light blue Swelling Solution and, with another wave of his wand, guided two drops of the potion into the air. The drops divided and stretched, forming countless thin, nearly invisible lines that perfectly aligned with the patterns on the candy paper. As he completed this process, the wrapper reformed, pulling together into a seemingly ordinary piece of toffee.


    This accomplishment marked Kyle¡¯s progress over the past month¡ªmastering how to change matter¡¯s form and then fuse it together. It reminded him of the enchanting process in games, but with a significant difference: instead of embedding magical gems into items, his alchemy method involved grinding down the gems and recasting them directly into the object. This complexity was exponentially higher, which likely explained why such content was restricted to the banned section.


    Kyle held the toffee up to the light. It looked identical to any ordinary piece of candy, indistinguishable even if it were broken open.


    ¡°Should I find someone to test it out?¡± Kyle muttered to himself.


    This was his first attempt at something like this, and he wasn¡¯t entirely certain of the outcome. The only way to confirm its success would be to try it on someone. He mentally reviewed potential test subjects.


    Fred and George were ideal candidates, and he was sure they¡¯d be enthusiastic about trying it. But he quickly ruled them out. He wasn¡¯t doing this to refine their product, and if they discovered he could fuse toffee and Swelling Solution perfectly, they¡¯d never let him focus on anything else for the rest of the summer.


    Ron seemed like a promising option: obedient, trusting, and usually willing to go along with things. He was also convenient when it came to taking the blame. There was also Potter, Hogwarts¡¯ new star student and ¡°savior,¡± who rarely left his comfort zone. He had no idea how devious people in the wizarding world could be, and this could be an excellent opportunity to give him a valuable lesson. Kyle had good intentions, after all.


    Both were decent candidates, but who should he choose?


    Kyle weighed his options, feeling a bit torn.

 Chapter 124: Two Cakes

    At the end of July, St. Catchpole Village received a special guest.


    Hagrid, finally discharged from St. Mungo¡¯s, had pieced together everything that had happened with the help of Newt and a Healer. From the professors, he¡¯d learned about the events in the Forbidden Forest at the end of the semester. It shocked him to hear that Kyle had been in mortal danger twice, both incidents indirectly caused by him.


    ¡°It¡¯s all... my fault... I¡¯m such a... stupid idiot!¡±


    In Kyle¡¯s living room, Hagrid covered his face with his hands and sobbed. ¡°I almost got you killed in the Forbidden Forest, an¡¯ then¡­ because of me, you met a werewolf in St. Mungo¡¯s. I shouldn¡¯t be allowed to stay at Hogwarts¡ªI should spend the rest o¡¯ me life as a Muggle!¡±


    Hagrid¡¯s grief and remorse shook him visibly, the nearly four-meter-tall giant weeping like a scolded child. Thick, heavy tears disappeared into his beard.


    ¡°Hagrid, calm down.¡± Kyle handed him a tablecloth. ¡°Here, dry your face. Don¡¯t forget, you were a victim in the whole Oren mess too. And I¡¯m positive you didn¡¯t write that note, right?¡±


    Kyle shot a glance at his poor sofa. Supporting Hagrid was a struggle on its own, but each shudder and shake from Hagrid made the sofa groan ominously, the wood creaking as if about to give way.


    ¡°But yeh could¡¯ve died!¡± Hagrid sniffled, wiping his face. ¡°I told Oren about Fluffy, only then he could trick you into goin¡¯.¡±


    ¡°He¡¯d have found a way anyway, Hagrid. Don¡¯t forget he was my Defense Against the Dark Arts professor; he was always cooking up reasons to take me to the Forbidden Forest.¡±


    ¡°But you would¡¯ve been on yer guard against any other excuse!¡± Hagrid¡¯s shoulders were still trembling. ¡°An¡¯ if you hadn¡¯t come to see me, yeh wouldn¡¯t have met the werewolf at St. Mungo¡¯s.¡±


    ¡°It was an accident, Hagrid,¡± said Kyle, shaking his head. ¡°And thankfully, I was there. Do you realize how many innocent patients could have been killed that day¡­ or turned into werewolves? We managed to stop a major crisis.¡±


    Kyle paused, then continued with a slight smile. ¡°In fact, I should be thanking you¡ªbecause of the werewolf incident, I¡¯ll probably be getting an Order of Merlin soon. Director Sykes promised she¡¯d nominate me.¡±


    ¡°Gulpin¡¯ gargoyles¡­ the Order of Merlin¡­¡± Hagrid finally lifted his head, awestruck. ¡°Kyle, you¡¯ll be the youngest recipient ever.¡±


    ¡°Who knows,¡± Kyle shrugged. ¡°Have a toffee; it might cheer you up a bit.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Kyle,¡± Hagrid said, taking the toffee Kyle handed him and wiping his nose with the back of his hand. ¡°Oh, and that reminds me¡ªI¡¯ve got a gift for you too.¡±


    Kyle felt a bit uneasy. ¡°It¡¯s¡­ not a new flavor of ferret sandwich, is it?¡±


    Hagrid managed a forced smile. ¡°If that¡¯s what you like, I can make it next time. But no, not today.¡± He pulled a large box from behind his back. ¡°I just found out yer birthday¡¯s tomorrow. So, happy birthday in advance, Kyle. Made you a cake m¡¯self.¡±


    Kyle opened the box to reveal a large chocolate cake thickly covered in icing, with the words spelled out in green.


    The words were misspelled, but the intention was clear. That, however, wasn¡¯t the issue.


    Kyle¡¯s eyes narrowed, his face a mixture of confusion and disbelief. ¡°This is¡­ for me?¡±


    When had he changed his name? Did Chris and Diana know about this?


    ¡°Of course, you don¡¯t like¡­ wait, sorry, I grabbed the wrong one.¡± Hagrid, noticing the writing on the cake, gave Kyle a hearty pat on the head¡ªhard enough to knock over an ox¡ªthen reached into the other pocket of his coat and pulled out a second box.


    ¡°This one¡¯s yours.¡±


    Inside was another frosted chocolate cake, identical to the first except that the icing was yellow, and this time it read ¡ªstill misspelled, but it was the thought that counted.


    ¡°Your birthday¡¯s the same as Harry¡¯s, so I mixed up the cakes.¡±


    ¡°Thanks, Hagrid. I really like it,¡± Kyle said sincerely. He cut a small slice and took a bite, only to be overwhelmed by the intense sweetness that hit him like a wave of pure sugar. It was as if he¡¯d downed a mouthful of syrup.


    He should have known better than to eat anything homemade from Hagrid.


    Kyle gritted his teeth and forced himself to swallow, fighting through the saccharine overload.


    ¡°How does it taste?¡± Hagrid asked, looking hopeful.


    ¡°It¡¯s amazing!¡± Kyle replied, managing a thumbs-up. ¡°I¡¯ve never had a cake this sweet before.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m glad you like it,¡± Hagrid beamed. ¡°Would you like some more? There¡¯s plenty left.¡±


    ¡°No, no, I¡¯ll wait until tomorrow and share it with my friends,¡± Kyle said quickly, shaking his head. ¡°Fred and George would be sorry to miss out on such a¡­ delicious cake. Cedric¡¯s coming back soon too, and I want to save him a slice.¡± S~ea??h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°Yes, good things are meant to be shared,¡± Hagrid chuckled. ¡°Feel free to visit me anytime after school starts.¡±


    ¡°Uh, sure, sure.¡± Kyle cleared his throat, feeling the sugar settle heavily, and hastily changed the subject. ¡°So, you¡¯ve got a cake for Harry too?¡±


    ¡°Yes. Dumbledore agreed to let me take him to Diagon Alley,¡± Hagrid replied, frowning. ¡°I was supposed to go tomorrow, but his acceptance letter hasn¡¯t reached him. Dumbledore asked me to go earlier to make sure there aren¡¯t any problems.¡±


    Kyle raised an eyebrow. ¡°That¡¯s odd.¡±


    ¡°Exactly, so I¡¯ll head to Surrey this afternoon and deliver it myself. Can¡¯t have Harry missing his start at Hogwarts,¡± Hagrid said, nodding firmly.


    ¡°Oh, don¡¯t worry too much. Sometimes it¡¯s the owls¡¯ fault,¡± Kyle replied, looking out the window thoughtfully. ¡°Some Muggles don¡¯t like birds¡ªmaybe they shooed away the owl with the letter. How about this: you give me the letter, and I¡¯ll have Ratton deliver it. Then you can take him straight to Diagon Alley.¡±


    ¡°Wouldn¡¯t that be too much trouble?¡± Hagrid hesitated, reluctant to let go of delivering it himself.


    ¡°No trouble at all,¡± Kyle said, waving him off. ¡°It¡¯s a Hogwarts tradition for new students to get their acceptance letter from an owl. It¡¯s a once-in-a-lifetime moment for a young wizard¡ªmiss it, and there¡¯s no second chance.¡±


    Hagrid paused, Kyle¡¯s words striking a chord. Yes¡­ how could he have forgotten that?


    After a moment¡¯s hesitation, Hagrid pulled out a pale yellow envelope and handed it to Kyle. ¡°Alright. Then I¡¯ll leave it to you.¡±


    ¡°Not a problem,¡± Kyle replied, taking the envelope.


    Hagrid lingered a while longer but eventually headed to the door. Just before he left, Kyle called out, ¡°By the way, Hagrid, what did you think of that toffee you tried earlier?¡±


    ¡°Toffee? I haven¡¯t eaten it yet,¡± Hagrid said, smiling. ¡°I¡¯m taking it to Harry¡ªhe¡¯s never had magical sweets before.¡±


    ¡°...¡±


    Kyle could only nod. ¡°Safe travels, Hagrid.¡±


    After Hagrid left, Kyle called Ratton over, handing him the acceptance letter and the enchanted toffee, which he secured next to the envelope¡¯s wax seal.


    ¡°Be careful,¡± he warned Ratton. ¡°That family isn¡¯t exactly friendly, and they might be armed.¡±

 Chapter 125: Harry – Hagrid Must Be a Very Powerful Wizard

    The weather in Britain is always fickle. It had been bright and sunny in the morning, but by evening, the skies opened up in a downpour.


    Far from London, out on the open sea, a massive reef jutted up from the waves, topped by a small, rickety shack that looked ready to collapse under the weight of the storm. Inside, the biting wind whistled through cracks in the wooden walls, sending shivers down the spines of the four people huddled together in the cramped, dim room. Despite the freezing cold, tension thickened the air.


    "You¡¯re looking at a pack of stupid lies!" Vernon Dursley roared, his face purple with rage. "Now, hand over that blasted letter!"


    Opposite him stood a skinny boy with round glasses and a lightning-shaped scar on his forehead. In his hands, he clutched an opened envelope bearing the Hogwarts crest.


    Harry Potter¡¯s expression was one of shock and bewilderment. "Is this what you''ve been hiding from me?" he asked, frowning as he reread the letter. "A... letter of admission to a school of magic?" S§×ar?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Shut up!" Uncle Vernon shrieked, his voice strained and unnatural. His face turned a darker shade of purple as he glared at Harry. "There is no such thing as magic in this world!" He took a step forward, holding out a meaty hand. "Give me that bloody letter, and we¡¯ll go home. Now!"


    "No!" Harry shook his head firmly, clutching the letter to his chest. "It''s mine!"


    Uncle Vernon¡¯s fury boiled over. No matter how far he dragged them, that wretched owl had managed to find them. Worse, it was unlike any owl he¡¯d ever seen. Enormous, scar-faced, and with wings that spread wide like some monstrous creature, it had landed directly on their boat. Vernon had barely managed to keep from screaming. He¡¯d tried to shoo it away, even reaching for the rifle he¡¯d bought for protection¡ªbut before he could aim, the owl seized the gun in its sharp talons and tossed it into the sea. It had then settled on the boat, staring them down with its scarred face, talons digging deep, menacing scratches into the wood.


    That owl was as much a freak as these unnatural people Vernon despised. His mind reeled. But thankfully, it had flown off after Harry took the letter. If he could just destroy it¡­ if he could just rip it up, it wouldn¡¯t be too late.


    "Give it to me!" Vernon roared, lunging at Harry, desperate to snatch the letter from him.


    Harry turned and bolted around the small room, evading Vernon¡¯s grasp with surprising agility. Vernon, red-faced and stumbling, found himself unable to catch the smaller boy, who darted through the cramped space with ease. But the room was small, and as soon as Aunt Petunia and Dudley joined in, the numbers soon overwhelmed Harry. Within moments, they¡¯d managed to pin him down.


    "Give me the letter!" Vernon growled as he tried to pry Harry¡¯s hands open. Panting and furious, he struggled to pull Harry¡¯s arm down. Just as he felt his fingers closing around the parchment¡ª


    A deafening bang on the door shook the entire shack, freezing everyone in place. They stared at the door, terror etched across their faces.


    Another powerful blow rattled the door on its hinges.


    Dudley whimpered, clutching Aunt Petunia in terror. "Something¡¯s trying to get in!"


    "Who¡¯s there?" Uncle Vernon called out, his voice shaking despite his attempt at anger. "I¡¯m warning you¡ªI¡¯ve¡­ I¡¯ve called the police! You¡¯re trespassing!"


    Silence fell outside, followed by the sound of a bolt sliding back.


    The door creaked open, and a towering figure filled the doorway.


    ¡°Could I trouble you for a cup of hot tea? This was a long trip¡­¡± Hagrid asked as he ducked into the tiny shack, struggling to fit his massive frame inside. He carefully set the door back on its hinges as he entered. ¡°Pouring with rain out there. If I¡¯d listened to Kyle, I would¡¯ve just taken the Knight Bus¡­ Anyway, what are you doing on the floor?¡±


    He bent down, offering a hand to Harry with a warm smile. ¡°You must be Harry.¡±


    Harry looked up into Hagrid¡¯s rough, unshaven face and couldn¡¯t help but smile back. He sensed right away that this man was friendly.


    ¡°The last time I saw you, you were just a baby,¡± Hagrid said, grinning. ¡°You look a lot like your dad, but you¡¯ve got your mum¡¯s eyes.¡±


    Uncle Vernon let out a strangled noise, as if he¡¯d stepped on something sharp, and his face turned a blotchy shade of purple. He glared at Hagrid, clearly wanting him out of the shack, but realizing he had no way of forcing him to leave.


    ¡°Get out, you great oaf!¡± he shouted.


    Hagrid ignored Vernon¡¯s shouting and, with a casual flick of his hand, lit the fireplace. No one saw how he did it, but in an instant, flames roared to life, casting a warm glow across the room and banishing the damp chill.


    ¡°Feels better, eh, Harry?¡± Hagrid asked, his smile softening as he looked at Harry. ¡°Much warmer, yeah?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± Harry said, his cheeks flushing a bit. ¡°Thank you. But¡­ I¡¯m sorry, I don¡¯t know who you are.¡±


    ¡°Just call me Hagrid, everyone does,¡± he replied kindly. ¡°I¡¯m the Keeper of Keys and Grounds at Hogwarts. You know about Hogwarts, don¡¯t you?¡±


    ¡°The wizarding school?¡± Harry asked, glancing down at the letter still clutched in his hand.


    ¡°Exactly! So, you¡¯ve already got your letter.¡± Hagrid reached into his coat, feeling for an identical envelope, though there was no longer any need to pull it out.


    ¡°It was delivered by an owl. The biggest bird I¡¯ve ever seen,¡± Harry said, eyebrows raised. ¡°Landed right on our boat.¡±


    ¡°Oh, that¡¯s Sa¡ªwell, he¡¯s called Ratton now,¡± Hagrid said with a chuckle, pulling a greasy, slightly charred sausage off the fire poker and offering it to Harry.


    ¡°Ratton? That¡¯s the owl¡¯s name?¡± Harry asked, taking the sausage. He took a tentative bite, then his eyes widened as he tasted the rich, savory flavor. He couldn¡¯t remember anything ever tasting so good.


    ¡°Yes, he¡¯s quite fond of it,¡± Hagrid said, his expression briefly tinged with a hint of sadness. But just as quickly, he snapped back to his usual cheer, so that no one¡ªnot even Harry¡ªnoticed the momentary lapse.


    ¡°Oh, nearly forgot... Happy birthday, Harry!¡± Hagrid reached into his coat and pulled out a slightly squashed brown paper box. ¡°I¡¯m afraid it might be a bit flattened, but it still tastes delicious.¡±


    ¡°For me?¡± Harry asked, astonished. Was he actually receiving a birthday gift?


    He carefully opened the box to reveal a large slice of buttercream cake. The cake was a bit flattened, the green icing on top smudged against the box, but he could still make out ¡°Happy Birthday¡± and his name in faint letters.


    ¡°Go on, give it a try,¡± Hagrid encouraged, watching him closely.


    Harry took a small bite of the cream and treacle filling, and a burst of sugary sweetness exploded on his tongue. It was overwhelmingly sweet¡ªsweeter than anything he¡¯d tasted before, almost like a jar of sugar condensed into a single bite.


    ¡°And here,¡± Hagrid added, placing a toffee beside the cake, ¡°a little something extra.¡±


    ¡°Candy?!¡± Harry¡¯s eyes brightened, though he set it aside for later, having already been hit with enough sweetness. Dudley, who was sitting close by, stared at the cake with longing, his stomach audibly growling.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you dare let him eat anything, Dudley!¡± barked Uncle Vernon, his eyes narrowing suspiciously at Hagrid. ¡°Listen here¡ªI¡¯m not spending good money to send him off to learn card tricks and juggling!¡±


    Hagrid let out a low, mocking laugh. Harry Potter missing out on Hogwarts because of a lack of Galleons? The idea was absurd.


    But Uncle Vernon, unaware of Hagrid¡¯s amusement, continued his tirade, railing on and on. Meanwhile, Harry noticed something he hadn¡¯t realized before: his aunt and uncle had known about the wizarding world all along, yet they¡¯d kept it hidden from him.


    Suddenly, a strangled scream shattered the room.


    Aunt Petunia was clutching Dudley tightly, eyes wide with horror as his tongue began to swell uncontrollably. In seconds, it stretched to a grotesque length, flopping out of his mouth, nearly four feet long.


    Uncle Vernon, forgetting his argument with Hagrid, rushed over to Dudley, frantically trying to shove the swollen tongue back into his mouth. Dudley groaned and covered his mouth, writhing in pain as his family descended into panic.


    Hagrid looked from Dudley to his pink umbrella, completely baffled.


    But no¡­ he hadn¡¯t done anything at all. So how had the boy¡¯s tongue started swelling like that?


    Could it be that the broken wand inside his umbrella had somehow backfired? That had never happened before!


    Meanwhile, Harry watched the scene in utter amazement. There was no denying it now; magic was real. He hadn¡¯t even seen what Hagrid had done, yet here was Dudley, transformed and helpless.


    Magic was incredible¡ªand in that moment, Harry was sure of it. And this towering, kind man who was Keeper of Keys at Hogwarts? He had to be a truly powerful wizard!

 Chapter 126: Learning Occlumency

    In that shabby little house on the sea, Harry had experienced the most magical night of his life. The next morning, he lay in bed as long as he could, reluctant to open his eyes, almost afraid that it had all been a dream.


    In that dream, a massive owl had delivered his acceptance letter to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Then a giant named Hagrid arrived, told him he was a wizard, and even used magic to punish Dudley, his bully of a cousin. He worried that if he woke up, he¡¯d find himself back in the tiny cupboard under the stairs at home. If he could, he¡¯d stay in this dream forever.


    But then Hagrid¡¯s voice broke through.


    ¡°Up and at ¡®em, Harry. Now¡¯s not the time for sleeping in.¡±


    Harry rubbed his eyes, watching as Hagrid opened the window and released an owl that had just delivered a newspaper, which Hagrid bought for five Knuts.


    ¡°What¡¯s that?¡± Harry asked curiously. Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°The , our wizarding newspaper,¡± Hagrid explained as he stretched. ¡°Wizards read it to stay informed.¡± He added, ¡°We¡¯d better get going, Harry. We¡¯ve got a full day ahead. Off to London to get your school supplies¡ªand pick out two birthday presents.¡±


    ¡°Birthday presents?¡± Harry asked, surprised.


    ¡°One for you and one for Kyle.¡± Hagrid grinned. ¡°Strange coincidence¡ªhis birthday¡¯s today too.¡±


    A birthday present? Harry¡¯s heart leapt with excitement. But then he remembered the name Hagrid had mentioned and asked, ¡°Who¡¯s Kyle?¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s another young wizard at Hogwarts¡ªone year ahead of you,¡± Hagrid replied, already pulling on his boots. ¡°A good kid. Kind-hearted, friendly to everyone, and the professors and students all like him.¡±


    Hagrid continued as they left the hut, making their way to the outer reef. ¡°He¡¯s sharp too. The only student in 300 years to get a Special Award for Services to the School in his first year. If all goes well, he¡¯ll likely be the youngest recipient of the Order of Merlin.¡±


    Harry blinked, taking in all these impressive-sounding titles. Though he didn¡¯t recognize any of them, he could tell from Hagrid¡¯s tone that they meant Kyle had accomplished some incredible things.


    ¡°If you ever need help or run into trouble at Hogwarts, you can go to him,¡± Hagrid added. ¡°He¡¯ll look out for you.¡±


    As they walked, Harry muttered the name to himself, ¡°Kyle¡­¡± imagining what this other young wizard might be like. Not knowing any wizards, he naturally envisioned something from TV and mashed it together with Hagrid¡¯s appearance. In his mind¡¯s eye, Kyle was a serious-looking boy wearing a tall, pointed hat and a deep black (or maybe blue or red) cloak, clutching a thick wooden staff with a jeweled tip. And maybe he even had a dead ferret looped around his waist as some strange magical token¡­


    ¡°Achoo!¡±


    Kyle, seated at breakfast in St. Catchpole Village, sneezed suddenly.


    ¡°Dear, are you getting a cold?¡± Chris asked, looking concerned.


    ¡°No, I just felt an itch in my nose,¡± Kyle replied, rubbing his nose. He figured it must¡¯ve been from all the owls he¡¯d come into contact with recently.


    He had no idea who¡¯d spread the word about his birthday, but as soon as daylight broke, a steady stream of owls began flying into his room, each carrying beautifully wrapped gifts. The deliveries nearly filled half his room with brightly colored boxes and ribbons.


    Just as Kyle was mulling this over, another owl swooped in through the open window, placing a large box on the table beside him.


    ¡°It seems you¡¯re quite popular at school,¡± Diana said with a smile. ¡°Receiving so many gifts!¡±


    ¡°Mum, have you forgotten which house I¡¯m in?¡± Kyle asked, reaching for a piece of bread. ¡°Hufflepuffs are known for their connections. Naturally, I have plenty of friends.¡±


    Diana chuckled, saying nothing more.


    Kyle glanced at the newest package, which he recognized as coming from Lee Jordan. Judging by its shape, it was likely another cake. This seemed to be the most popular gift he¡¯d received¡ªthere were already over a dozen cakes stacked in his room upstairs. Barring any unexpected surprises, these cakes would be his main source of food for the next few days, and he knew the Weasley kids would likely be sharing in them, especially Ginny, who would be thrilled.


    With a wry smile, Kyle shook his head and took another bite of sausage.


    After breakfast, Chris called Kyle aside. ¡°We¡¯ve given some thought to what you asked us yesterday,¡± he began.


    Kyle¡¯s eyes lit up with anticipation. ¡°You¡¯re going to teach me?¡±


    ¡°Of course,¡± Chris replied, nodding. ¡°We have no reason to object. But¡­ could you tell us why you¡¯re so determined to learn Occlumency? It¡¯s no easy skill, after all. Even many adult wizards struggle with it, so for a young wizard like you, this is quite ambitious.¡±


    Kyle hesitated briefly before answering, ¡°Because of Oren. Back in the Forbidden Forest, I had the feeling he could read my thoughts. It felt¡­ invasive, and I don¡¯t want to experience that again.¡±


    Though Oren was a convenient excuse, Kyle¡¯s reasons went far beyond him. Occlumency was the only known magic that could guard against external mental infiltration¡ªan essential skill if he wanted to delve into the mystery of Horcruxes. He knew he would inevitably need to interact with enchanted objects like the diary and the diadem, both of which could pose serious risks without Occlumency to shield his mind. With Voldemort¡¯s proficiency in soul magic, Kyle knew he would be dangerously exposed if he handled those Horcruxes unprotected.


    Kyle had attempted to teach himself Occlumency last year, but, as Chris had pointed out, it was notoriously challenging. Trying to learn without guidance had been painstakingly slow; after half a year, he¡¯d barely managed to reach the beginner¡¯s level. At this stage, he knew his skills were nowhere near strong enough to contend with the mental intrusion of a Horcrux.


    ¡°Oren?¡± Chris repeated, grimacing at the name. For over a month, he had pondered the connection but could recall nothing apart from that rescue mission ten years ago that might link him to Oren.


    After a sigh, Chris said, ¡°If you¡¯re truly certain, we can make arrangements for your training.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m certain,¡± Kyle affirmed eagerly. ¡°When do we start? After work?¡±


    Chris shook his head, a mysterious smile forming. ¡°No, you won¡¯t be learning from us. For Occlumency, we¡¯ve actually found the ideal teacher, and he¡¯s agreed to instruct you.¡±


    ¡°A teacher?¡±

 Chapter 127: My Teacher Is Not Human!

    Kyle frowned slightly. To be honest, he wasn¡¯t exactly thrilled about someone else teaching him a branch of magic as personal as Occlumency, especially if it involved exploring his mind and memories. He wouldn¡¯t want even Dumbledore involved in something that sensitive. In fact, most wizards felt the same way about Occlumency, and Kyle was sure Chris understood that.


    But Chris¡¯s expression suggested he had great faith in this teacher. Kyle hesitated, not wanting to refuse outright. He decided he¡¯d go see for himself first; if he didn¡¯t feel comfortable, he could always think of an excuse to bow out.


    After some discussion, Chris had initially suggested they wait until Kyle¡¯s birthday celebration, but Kyle felt otherwise. Birthdays came every year, and he was far more curious about the identity of this Occlumency teacher. He wanted to confirm if this arrangement would work for him as soon as possible.


    Since Kyle was so eager, Chris agreed without hesitation. They headed to an open area outside the house, where Chris extended his arm.


    ¡°We¡¯ll Disapparate there. Just grab my arm.¡±


    Taking a deep breath, Kyle clutched his father¡¯s outstretched arm.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go!¡±


    With a loud crack, they both vanished, reappearing moments later in front of a charming wooden cabin with a red roof. The cozy little house, impeccably neat and surrounded by a low fence, looked warm and inviting. Outside stood an elderly couple, smiling in greeting.


    ¡°Grandpa Newt? Grandma Tina?¡± Kyle¡¯s eyes widened in surprise.


    He hadn¡¯t expected Chris¡¯s teacher to be Newt and Tina Scamander. But if it was them, he could hardly ask for better.


    ¡°Kyle, aren¡¯t you here to learn Occlumency?¡± Tina Scamander said with a laugh, pinching his cheek gently. ¡°What are you waiting for? Come on inside.¡±


    Tina led him into the cozy house, showering him with biscuits and freshly baked buns. Though he¡¯d just finished breakfast, he couldn¡¯t resist and managed to eat quite a bit more.


    Finally, feeling thoroughly full, Kyle rubbed his stomach and asked, ¡°Grandma Tina, are you the one who¡¯ll be teaching me?¡±


    Of everyone here, Tina had the most advanced Occlumency skills. Her younger sister Queenie was a natural Legilimens, and if Tina hadn¡¯t developed strong Occlumency, she¡¯d have had no way to keep any secrets.


    But Tina only smiled and shook her head. ¡°I¡¯ll help you with the foundational theory, but after that, it¡¯s out of my hands.¡±


    ¡°Not you?¡± Kyle looked confused, glancing over at Newt for clarification.


    ¡°Not me either, kid,¡± Newt said with a smile, placing an open crate on the ground. ¡°Come with me. I¡¯ll show you who.¡±


    Kyle¡¯s stomach tightened with apprehension as he eyed the crate. But Newt had already stepped inside, so Kyle followed.


    The crate was astonishingly large on the inside, resembling a vast ecosystem of trees, rivers, and lakes¡ªa forest in its own right. They walked until they reached a clearing by a lake, where an elegant creature awaited them.


    Gracefully approaching was a Wampus Cat, its sleek form moving with the silent confidence of a predator. Its piercing blue eyes fixed on Newt and Kyle, and it lowered its head slightly in acknowledgment.


    ¡°This is Natali,¡± Newt said, gently scratching the Wampus Cat under her chin. ¡°Remember, Kyle, every Wampus Cat is a natural Legilimens.¡±


    ¡°Of course¡­ I remember,¡± Kyle replied, though his enthusiasm was quickly turning into unease.


    Chris walked over, clapping Kyle on the shoulder with a grin. ¡°So, what do you think? Pretty impressive teacher I found for you, right?¡±


    ¡°So¡­ my teacher really is the Wampus Cat, Natali?¡± Kyle asked, eyebrows raised.


    ¡°Exactly,¡± Chris said. ¡°If you want to master Occlumency quickly, you¡¯ll need to feel enough pressure to trigger intense emotions. We discussed it and agreed that Natali is best suited for the job¡ªand she¡¯s already agreed.¡±


    Chris continued, ¡°Once you¡¯ve learned the basics, we¡¯ll send you here. Natali will try to break into your mind, and your job will be to keep her out and avoid getting hurt. If you can last five minutes, it¡¯ll mean your Occlumency is strong enough.¡±


    ¡°Wait¡­ five minutes?¡± Kyle looked incredulous. ¡°This is a Wampus Cat. Even if I manage some level of Occlumency, I¡¯d still stand no chance against her.¡±


    The Wampus Cat was a six-legged magical creature renowned for its speed. To be blunt, if Natali wanted to best him, she wouldn¡¯t even need Legilimency¡ªit was practically overkill.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry,¡± Newt said, his voice calm. ¡°Natali¡¯s smart. She knows what to do.¡±


    ¡°But¡­¡± Kyle began, but he was cut off as Natali stepped forward, rubbing her face against his cheek with a gentle purr.


    ¡°Meow¡­¡±


    ¡°Of course I trust you,¡± Kyle said, scratching her under the chin. ¡°I just think this method might be a bit¡­ intense.¡±


    ¡°On the contrary,¡± Chris said, his tone serious. ¡°If we were to teach you, we¡¯d need to use Legilimency to challenge you as well, just like Natali. But unlike us, Natali can practice with you anytime. And she won¡¯t spill any secrets from your head.¡±


    Kyle paused, realizing Chris had a point. Being subjected to Legilimency was unnerving, but if it was Natali, it somehow felt a bit more bearable.


    ¡°Okay, I agree,¡± Kyle said, nodding.


    Natali purred approvingly, then lifted her front paw and gave him a swift, surprisingly firm kick right on the backside.


    ¡°Whoosh!¡±


    Without a moment to react, Kyle was launched into the air, spinning as he went, before splashing down into the lake nearby.


    Chris and Newt, momentarily taken aback, quickly exchanged a knowing look.


    ¡°Looks like she¡¯s already set on starting his training,¡± Newt chuckled. ¡°I¡¯ll be heading over to check on Anair?. She recently had a litter of Nifflers and could use some help recovering.¡±


    ¡°And I¡¯ll go with you,¡± Chris replied, shaking his head in amusement. ¡°I¡¯m off today anyway.¡±


    Newt nodded, and they began walking toward another section of the sanctuary. But after a few steps, Chris turned back and shouted, ¡°Remember, no Charms allowed!¡±


    A single hand rose from the lake, waving in reluctant acknowledgment. S§×arch* The N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Chapter 128: Newt, Danger!

    No one knew better than Kyle what it was like to face an adult Wampus Cat without a wand or any other form of magic. He had been in Dorset for a week now, and apart from eating and sleeping, he spent nearly every moment getting thoroughly pummeled by Natali.


    The Wampus Cat¡¯s piercing blue eyes could see directly into Kyle¡¯s thoughts. No matter how he tried to hide, her paw would appear right in front of him¡ªsoftly if he managed to block her Legilimency, or with enough force to send him flying if he failed. If she saw only blurs in his mind, he¡¯d get a gentle tap, but if his mind was an open book, she¡¯d mercilessly knock him into the lake.


    The first few days, Kyle took more dives than he cared to count, his clothes perpetually soaked. But gradually, as he focused and improved, the incidents lessened, and after a week, when Natali¡¯s paw struck him, it was light enough that he only stumbled before regaining his footing.


    ¡°Very good, Kyle,¡± Tina called encouragingly from the sidelines. She held a small Niffler in her arms, her tone firm. ¡°Keep your mind free of those wandering thoughts. Don¡¯t think about what¡¯s coming next; just stay in the moment!¡±


    Unlike Chris and Newt, who mostly left him to his own devices, Tina visited regularly. When she sensed Kyle¡¯s focus wavering or his anxiety rising, she¡¯d offer him gentle reminders. Hearing her now, Kyle turned and gave her a thumbs-up.


    Natali, watching him from across the clearing, tilted her head, surprised. It seemed she hadn¡¯t ¡°seen¡± his reaction; otherwise, she¡¯d have given him a sharp tap for letting his guard down.


    Tina raised an eyebrow, noticing this subtle change. Later, when she returned to the house, she found Newt working over a bubbling cauldron.


    ¡°I think you can go ahead and write to Chris,¡± she said with a slight smile.


    ¡°So soon?¡± Newt looked up, clearly surprised. ¡°It¡¯s only been a week. Has he already managed to resist Natali¡¯s Legilimency?¡±


    ¡°More or less,¡± Tina replied, setting the little Niffler down. ¡°Natali¡¯s no longer as relaxed as she was at the start¡ªshe¡¯s moving faster now, and I¡¯d say she¡¯s mostly reacting by instinct rather than using Legilimency. Neither Kyle nor Natali has noticed it yet, but I believe he¡¯s made enough progress.¡±


    Wampus Cats were, after all, magical creatures with highly refined instincts. Even if Natali was no longer using Legilimency directly, her body was conditioned to behave as if she were, following vague impressions rather than specific thoughts.


    ¡°Dumbledore was right. Kyle¡¯s a remarkably talented boy,¡± Newt remarked, standing and dusting off his robes. ¡°I thought he¡¯d need at least a couple of weeks. I¡¯ll write to Chris and ask him to come pick Kyle up.¡±


    Tina thought for a moment, then said, ¡°Wait¡­ are Chris and Diana planning anything over the next few days?¡±


    Newt paused, considering. ¡°I don¡¯t think so. Chris mentioned he¡¯d take Kyle shopping in Diagon Alley for his school supplies before term starts.¡±


    ¡°Well then, there¡¯s no rush,¡± Tina said, smiling slightly. ¡°Let¡¯s let him stay a few extra days. It¡¯s been ages since I¡¯ve seen him.¡±


    Newt scratched his head, puzzled. ¡°Didn¡¯t you just tell me to write the letter?¡±


    Tina only shot him a knowing look.


    Newt chuckled, relenting. ¡°Alright, whatever you say.¡± He returned to his cauldron, adding a pinch of white powder to the mix. The liquid shifted to a light yellow, and wisps of pink smoke wafted out, filling the air with a sweet scent.


    The little Niffler, who had been surreptitiously stuffing a silver spoon into his pocket, froze, his nose twitching as he sniffed the air. His eyes fixed on the cauldron, and he licked his lips, looking utterly captivated.


    The Niffler glanced around, then waddled over to a nearby shelf, angling himself for a leap toward the cauldron. With a small hop, he launched himself forward.


    But before he could reach the pot, Newt caught him mid-air. ¡°Not so fast! Patience, now,¡± Newt scolded gently, giving the Niffler a soft pat. ¡°And no hiding that spoon. Hand it over.¡±


    The Niffler tried to cover his pockets with his front paws, attempting a quick getaway on his remaining three legs.


    ¡°Oh no, you don¡¯t,¡± Newt said, holding the Niffler by his hind legs and giving his belly a gentle scratch. With a defeated jingling sound, several objects tumbled from the Niffler¡¯s pocket: the silver spoon, three Knuts, a button, and a small whistle.


    Newt blinked, chuckling in amusement at the pile of trinkets. He wasn¡¯t quite sure when or where the little creature had managed to squirrel all those things away.


    ...


    At dinner, Kyle dragged himself out of the box, visibly exhausted.


    Tina handed him a towel. ¡°How are you feeling?¡± she asked gently.


    ¡°Not so great,¡± Kyle admitted, wiping his face. ¡°Honestly, I don¡¯t feel any improvement from yesterday.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s perfectly normal,¡± Tina replied with a warm smile. ¡°Occlumency can¡¯t be rushed. You¡¯ve been at it non-stop for a week; it¡¯s a good idea to take a break.¡±


    Kyle nodded in agreement. After days of relentless training, a change of pace sounded refreshing.


    ¡°How about baking cookies with me tomorrow?¡± Tina suggested. ¡°We¡¯ll start with that in the morning and practice Occlumency in the afternoon.¡±


    ¡°Sure,¡± Kyle agreed readily. Although he¡¯d rather explore the other magical creatures in Newt¡¯s sanctuary, baking cookies was a welcome distraction¡ªas long as it didn¡¯t involve Natali¡¯s watchful eyes.


    At that moment, Newt wandered over. ¡°Do you think we could make them grapefruit-flavored?¡± he asked.


    ¡°Of course,¡± Tina replied, a bit taken aback. She hadn¡¯t expected Newt to remember her grapefruit-flavored cookies from when they first moved to Dorset.


    ¡°Thanks,¡± Newt said as he washed his hands and sat down at the table, reaching for a slice of bread. ¡°I remember Anair? loved grapefruit.¡±


    Silence fell over the room. Tina¡¯s smile vanished instantly.


    ¡°Oh, right¡­¡± she said in an uncharacteristically flat tone, setting down her spoon. ¡°I just remembered¡ªwe¡¯re out of grapefruit. Butter cookies it is.¡±


    Newt blinked, confused. ¡°But didn¡¯t you just say¡ª¡±


    Tina snapped the spoon in her hand, her expression severe. ¡°Let me be clear,¡± she said sharply. ¡°We don¡¯t have any grapefruit.¡± S~ea??h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Chapter 129: The Suitcase and the Niffler

    In the days that followed, Kyle¡¯s routine shifted. At Tina¡¯s suggestion, he began spending mornings baking cookies and bread with her. Sometimes he even helped Newt care for the other magical creatures in the sanctuary. In the afternoons, he continued his Occlumency training with Natali, the Wampus Cat, though progress was still frustratingly slow. It felt as if he was perpetually just short of a breakthrough.


    Another week passed, and when Kyle arrived at the clearing by the lake, he was surprised not to see Natali waiting for him. S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°Am I early?¡± he muttered.


    ¡°No, your training is complete,¡± Tina said, walking over with Newt, who was carrying a bucket of apples, and the Wampus Cat at their side.


    ¡°In fact, Natali hasn¡¯t been able to read your thoughts for a few days now,¡± Newt explained. ¡°Her recent attacks were purely instinctual.¡±


    Kyle frowned. ¡°Instinctual?¡±


    Newt nodded. ¡°If you don¡¯t believe me, let¡¯s test it.¡±


    He pulled two apples from the bucket¡ªone large and one small. ¡°Choose an apple. Together.¡±


    Natali glanced at Kyle, and both pointed to the larger apple.


    Kyle turned his head, puzzled, as Newt¡¯s face turned slightly pink. ¡°Ahem¡­ Just a coincidence,¡± he mumbled, dumping the remaining apples onto the ground. ¡°Let¡¯s try it a few more times.¡±


    The Wampus Cat looked at Kyle again, and this time, they chose different apples. The same thing happened in subsequent attempts. Satisfied, Newt pocketed his wand and returned the apples to the bucket.


    ¡°Now do you believe me?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± Kyle nodded, convinced. If Natali had still been able to read his mind, they¡¯d have picked the same apple each time.


    As they headed back to the house, Kyle asked, ¡°Did you know I¡¯d completed Occlumency for a while?¡±


    ¡°For about a week,¡± Tina replied. ¡°Wondering why we didn¡¯t tell you?¡±


    Kyle nodded, curious.


    ¡°At first, we wanted to be absolutely sure,¡± Tina explained. ¡°But as the days went on, I realized you were managing well. Besides¡­¡± She chuckled, a twinkle in her eye. ¡°You¡¯ve always performed so well; it was a bit fun watching you look a little lost now and then.¡±


    Kyle¡¯s mouth twitched as he glanced at Tina, who, despite her ninety years, still seemed to have a mischievous side.


    But, regardless, learning Occlumency was a worthwhile achievement.


    Kyle stayed with the Scamanders for another three days, finally departing a week before the start of the school year. Newt didn¡¯t write to Chris about his return; instead, he personally saw Kyle off. Just before he left, Newt handed him a small box.


    "Your birthday present," Newt said, handing Kyle the box. "I¡¯d prepared it earlier, but since you were busy learning Occlumency, I had to wait until now. Hope it¡¯s not too late."


    Kyle took the box eagerly. It was slightly smaller than Newt''s own well-traveled suitcase, but it was modern and freshly crafted, clearly made recently.


    "The space inside isn¡¯t enormous, but it should be just right for you," Newt said with a smile. "Make good use of it¡­ and don¡¯t go putting any magical creatures in there, alright? I¡¯d rather not hear you got expelled from Hogwarts one day."


    Kyle grinned, knowing Newt¡¯s own Hogwarts career had ended abruptly over someone else¡¯s crime. Once Newt left, Kyle hurried home, carrying the box with anticipation.


    With Chris and Diana both out, the house felt empty. He went straight to his room, set the suitcase on the floor, opened it, and jumped inside.


    The space below was indeed small¡ªa cozy room with only a basic shelf. But outside the room was a vast, open meadow, nearly as large as two Quidditch pitches, with a tranquil lake in the middle. Though smaller than Newt¡¯s sprawling menagerie, the area felt huge to Kyle. At twelve, still a student at Hogwarts, this was more than enough for his needs.


    He wandered around, mentally mapping out spots for various projects and creatures.


    ¡°This area¡¯s good¡­ Once I learn the Atmospheric Charm, I could make a rocky den here for Mooncalves. I¡¯ll put Devil¡¯s Snare nearby.¡±


    "Close to the lake would be perfect for the Chomping Cabbage,¡± he mused.


    ¡°For simpler plants like Dittany, I¡¯ll set up a spot near the Mooncalves, easy access.¡±


    "And those trees over there¡­ perfect for Bowtruckles. They¡¯ll love it.¡±


    Walking along, Kyle eventually reached the lake. He hesitated slightly as he looked into the sparkling water but quickly reminded himself there was no Wampus Cat here to toss him in. He looked down into the clear depths, spotting a few lionfish drifting lazily near the bottom.


    Just as he was about to move on, he felt a small poking sensation at his shirt pocket.


    Startled, he looked down to see a tiny creature the size of his palm. It had soft black fur, a small, flat nose resembling a duck¡¯s bill, but otherwise looked like a miniature mole.


    "Niffler¡­?¡± Kyle whispered in surprise. He hadn¡¯t expected another gift hidden in the box.


    The tiny Niffler, clearly very young, clung to his robe with its tiny paws, fiercely gripping a gold Galleon that it was trying to stash in its pocket.


    Kyle watched, amused, as the Niffler attempted to complete its "heist," slowly managing to tuck the Galleon into its pocket. But just as the coin was nearly hidden, Kyle gently plucked it out, lifting the determined little creature along with it. The Niffler clung to the Galleon, its little paws gripping it as tightly as it could even as Kyle gave it a gentle shake.


    ¡°How did you end up here?¡± Kyle asked, amused.


    Since Newt hadn¡¯t mentioned a Niffler as part of the gift, it was likely this little one had snuck in on its own.


    The Niffler, still clinging to the Galleon, tilted its head as if it hadn¡¯t understood a word. Then, undeterred, it tried to stuff the coin into its pocket once again, managing the feat with a kind of mini pull-up.

 Chapter 130: The Weasley Brothers’ Interrogation

    Nifflers have an innate love for anything that glitters. From the moment they¡¯re born, they seem to spend every waking hour either searching for treasure or preparing to do so. They¡¯re rarely ever still.


    The young Niffler in front of Kyle was barely a month old, just slightly larger than a Galleon, and had likely snuck into his trunk when Newt wasn¡¯t looking. Kyle had already noticed, during his time in Dorset, that Newt spent hours each day tracking down runaway Nifflers. If anyone else had been in Newt''s shoes, Kyle thought they would have given up long ago.


    But having only one Niffler around shouldn¡¯t be a problem. To ease Newt¡¯s worry, Kyle quickly wrote a note explaining the stowaway, handed it to Ratton, and watched as the owl flew out of the window with the letter.


    "This communication system is so inconvenient," Kyle muttered, scratching his chin thoughtfully. While the wizarding world had its charms, communication methods felt downright primitive. A single letter, even with an owl, took at least half a day for round-trip delivery¡ªnothing like the instant convenience of a phone call.


    He knew Newt wouldn¡¯t have minded using Muggle devices, but the Scamanders lived too remotely, nearly in the mountains and surrounded by Muggle-Repelling Charms. Installing a phone or answering machine there was unlikely.


    After seeing Ratton off, Kyle placed the Niffler back in his trunk, then took a quick shower and changed into fresh clothes. It was worth noting that the clothes Chris had sent him in Dorset were from last year. Kyle had grown so much this year that he could barely fit into them, so Tina had made a few adjustments to make them wearable, at least for now.


    Not long afterward, the Weasley twins arrived. As soon as Kyle opened the door, Fred and George barreled in like bandits.


    ¡°We saw your owl flying off and figured you¡¯d finally returned,¡± Fred announced, draping an arm around Kyle¡¯s shoulders with a mock-serious expression.


    ¡°I can¡¯t believe you vanished for half a month without a word!¡± George added, blocking Kyle on the other side.


    ¡°Even worse, we didn¡¯t get a single letter from you the whole time¡­ Do you have any idea how worried we were?¡± Fred added, turning up the dramatics.


    Kyle, however, wasn¡¯t buying it. ¡°Worried about me? I¡¯d expect that line to work only on Ron.¡±


    ¡°Really now¡­ because if I remember correctly, neither of you has written to me in over half a month, either.¡± Kyle raised an eyebrow, looking between them. ¡°Are you sure this is about worrying over me?¡±


    The twins exchanged a panicked glance, their serious facades crumbling almost instantly.


    ¡°You didn¡¯t write to Kyle?¡± Fred whispered to George.


    ¡°No, I thought you did.¡±


    ¡°Well, so did I.¡±


    ...


    In truth, the twins had known about Kyle¡¯s trip to Dorset from the day he¡¯d left¡ªChris had told them himself¡ªso they weren¡¯t worried in the least. They¡¯d only concocted this line to give Kyle a hard time, hoping to mess with him a bit. Unfortunately, their carefully crafted plan, put together the night before, had fallen apart almost immediately.


    Their excuse, about sending letters with Errol, was weak at best. They¡¯d been so absorbed in Skiving Snackbox research that they hadn¡¯t even thought about writing to Kyle.


    ¡°Ahem¡­ Of course we were worried about you,¡± Fred stammered, sounding anything but convincing. ¡°But you know, Errol¡¯s getting pretty old, and we just couldn¡¯t bear to make him fly that far with a letter.¡±


    ¡°Fly that far?¡± Kyle raised an eyebrow. ¡°Sounds like you knew exactly where I was.¡±


    The twins¡¯ faces grew even more awkward.


    ¡°...Just a guess. You know, an educated guess,¡± Fred said, trying to salvage the moment. ¡°But now that we see you¡¯re fine, we¡¯re quite relieved.¡±


    ¡°Is that so¡­¡± Kyle drawled with a skeptical look. ¡°You¡¯re quite the fortune-tellers, then. Maybe you two should sign up for Divination this semester¡ªyou¡¯d be the stars of the class.¡±


    With his narrowed eyes and slow drawl, he looked just one greasy lock of hair away from a certain potions professor.


    ¡°Er¡­ we¡¯ll think about it,¡± George said sheepishly, eager to change the subject. ¡°By the way, we¡¯ve got good news! Over the past couple of weeks, we not only wrapped up the Fat-Tongued Toffee but also developed a second product for the Skiving Snackbox.¡±


    He pulled a small, orange fruit jelly from his pocket. It was translucent, looking almost like a shiny pea.


    Fred winked at Kyle. ¡°Care to guess what it does?¡±


    Kyle took the jelly and inspected it. Unlike the Fat-Tongued Toffee, this piece had no detectable potion smell, suggesting that the twins had perfected its creation. Taking a wild guess, he said, ¡°Does it make people¡¯s noses bleed?¡±


    Fred and George¡¯s faces lit up simultaneously. S~ea??h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°Nosebleeds!¡± Fred exclaimed, eyes wide with excitement. ¡°Kyle, that¡¯s brilliant!¡±


    ¡°Why didn¡¯t we think of that?¡± George slapped himself on the forehead in a dramatic show of frustration. ¡°A nosebleed¡ªwhat a perfect excuse to skip out of class. Kyle, you¡¯re a genius!¡±


    Kyle grinned. ¡°Thanks. It¡¯s nice to know my brilliance is appreciated.¡±


    ¡°Too bad school¡¯s starting soon,¡± Fred sighed, looking deflated. ¡°We won¡¯t get a chance to test it out this year.¡±


    ¡°Maybe over Christmas break,¡± George suggested wistfully. ¡°Or next summer¡­¡±


    Watching them lament as if they¡¯d just lost a hundred Galleons, Kyle chuckled, holding up the gummy. ¡°Alright, so what this one actually do?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s a Puking Pastille,¡± George explained, shrugging. ¡°Makes you throw up. Handy, right?¡±


    ¡°But this one¡¯s still a prototype,¡± Fred added. ¡°We¡¯re working on a quick antidote. Vomiting non-stop doesn¡¯t quite do the trick.¡±


    ¡°Do you need any help?¡± Kyle asked.


    ¡°Not this time,¡± Fred replied, shaking his head. ¡°The main ingredient in the Puking Pastille is diluted sneezewort juice. Combine it with rue and daisy root, and you have a perfect counter, and we¡¯re close to nailing it.¡±


    Kyle nodded in understanding. Sneezewort and rue were a classic pairing¡ªideal for antidote-making.

 Chapter 131: Ron’s Wand

    Chris and Diana had been called to the Ministry unexpectedly, so Kyle ended up having lunch at the Weasley residence. Mrs. Weasley, who hadn¡¯t seen him for over two weeks, was delighted to have him over and insisted on piling his plate high with seven or eight sausages and filling his bowl three times with rice. By the end of the meal, Kyle was too full to move.


    ¡°Fancy helping us de-gnome the garden?¡± Fred asked enthusiastically. ¡°We¡¯re official Quidditch Beaters now, so we can definitely beat you at it.¡±


    ¡°Maybe next time,¡± Kyle replied, shaking his head as he pulled a yellow envelope from his pocket. ¡°I¡¯ve got to head to Diagon Alley to pick up supplies for the new semester.¡±


    ¡°Oh, that¡¯s right¡ªyou haven¡¯t gotten your school things yet!¡± Mrs. Weasley exclaimed, bustling over from the kitchen. ¡°Just a moment, dear. We¡¯ll come along with you.¡±


    ¡°No need, Mrs. Weasley,¡± Kyle said with a smile. ¡°Most of the second-year supplies are the same as the first year¡¯s. I only need a few things like parchment and ink, so I¡¯ll be back quickly.¡± S~ea??h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Mrs. Weasley hesitated, glancing at him with slight concern.


    ¡°It¡¯s fine, Mum,¡± Fred reassured her. ¡°We¡¯ll go with him.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Mum,¡± George added. ¡°We¡¯ll make sure he¡¯s all set.¡±


    ¡°All right, then,¡± Mrs. Weasley relented. But she shot the twins a warning look. ¡°Come straight back once you¡¯re done, and don¡¯t go wandering into any shady places with Kyle.¡±


    Fred gasped, feigning shock. ¡°Shady places? Mum, you know nothing about us.¡±


    ¡°To be honest, it¡¯s as if you hardly know us at all,¡± George chimed in, putting on a look of injured innocence.


    ...


    While the twins were talking to Mrs. Weasley, Kyle suddenly noticed Ron sitting nearby... and the wand he kept holding in his hand.


    He had seen this wand last semester at Charlie''s, and it was very worn, with even the unicorn hair exposed. Kyle suddenly remembered something and looked up, saying, ¡°Mrs. Weasley, you''ve misunderstood Fred and George.¡±


    The twins nodded vigorously at Kyle''s words, giving a silent thumbs-up behind their backs. But Kyle, acting as if he hadn¡¯t seen their gesture, continued, ¡°They followed me to Diagon Alley because they actually wanted to buy Ron a new wand.¡±


    ¡°Hmmm... hmmm?¡± Fred and George nodded halfway through, then suddenly froze, turning to look at Kyle in disbelief. Ron, who was sitting nearby, was also stunned.


    ¡®Merlin, Fred and George... want to buy me a new wand?¡¯ Ron thought, hardly able to believe what he was hearing. But then, a wave of elation washed over him. He wanted a new wand so badly that he had even been dreaming of shopping for one at Ollivander''s over the past few days.


    Unfortunately, despite the family''s recent increase in wealth, Mrs. Weasley had refused to let him buy a new wand, insisting that the Galleons belonged to the twins and she was merely holding them for safekeeping. Unexpectedly...


    Ron looked at his two brothers with red-rimmed eyes, his face brimming with emotion, as if he might burst into tears at any moment. Fred and George, meanwhile, looked utterly dazed. When had they ever said they¡¯d buy Ron a new wand? Wasn¡¯t this a pure waste of Galleons? Ron was only in his first year; surely he could make do with Charlie¡¯s old wand.


    However, out of trust in Kyle, the twins hesitated and refrained from contradicting him.


    ¡°Yes... yes, Mum,¡± said Fred, gritting his teeth. ¡°We did want to get Ron a new wand.¡±


    George took a deep breath and forced a dry smile. ¡°We just didn¡¯t say anything because we were afraid you¡¯d object.¡±


    ¡°My dear, why would I object?¡± Mrs. Weasley¡¯s eyes grew a bit misty as she stepped forward and hugged Fred and George warmly. ¡°I¡¯m so glad you feel that way. George is right; I don¡¯t know you nearly as well as I should.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m Fred, Mum,¡± George corrected, blushing slightly. ¡®You¡¯ve got us wrong again.¡¯


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Fred, dear,¡± said Mrs. Weasley, releasing him and smiling. ¡°By the way, would you wait a moment?¡± With that, she went upstairs.


    The twins immediately turned to Kyle, their expressions full of confusion. Kyle shook his head imperceptibly, signaling for patience.


    Soon, Mrs. Weasley returned, holding a small bag. ¡°Here are your Galleons,¡± she said, handing it to George, who was closest to her. ¡°I was worried you were still too young and might spend all your Galleons in a hurry, but now it seems you¡¯ve really grown up. Take it; you can¡¯t buy a wand without it.¡±


    George couldn¡¯t resist opening the bag and found nearly thirty golden Galleons inside. A flicker of disappointment crossed the twins¡¯ faces¡ªthey had expected all the Galleons, not just thirty.


    Mrs. Weasley immediately caught on to George¡¯s expression and said sternly, ¡°What, not enough? Forget it, then.¡± She made as if to take the bag back.


    George stepped back quickly, shaking his head. ¡°Of course not, Mum, how could we possibly say that¡¯s not enough?¡±


    As if afraid she might change her mind, George walked straight up to the fireplace, clutching the bag with one hand and a handful of Floo powder with the other. ¡°We¡¯re running out of time; we have to go.¡±


    With that, he threw the Floo powder into the fireplace and stepped in. ¡°Diagon Alley!¡± he announced, vanishing in a whirl of green flames.


    In a flash, Fred and Kyle followed right behind him.


    ...


    When Kyle opened his eyes again, he found himself standing in front of the fireplace in the Leaky Cauldron. Fred and George flanked him on either side, both speaking in hurried, indignant whispers.


    ¡°When did we say we were going to buy Ron a wand?¡± Fred hissed.


    ¡°We need an explanation, Kyle,¡± George added, his face pinched with disbelief. ¡°Seven Galleons for a wand¡ªthat''s enough to buy a hundred fat-lipped Toffees!¡±


    ¡°Calm down! But aren¡¯t you at least a bit curious?¡± Kyle said, leaning in conspiratorially. ¡°Have you ever wondered why Ollivander''s Wand Shop is so... messy?¡±


    The twins exchanged a quick glance, their initial irritation slowly giving way to intrigue. Kyle leaned closer and whispered something into their ears. As they listened, their eyes began to gleam with interest, though a trace of doubt lingered.


    Fred frowned, still hesitant. ¡°But seven Galleons for a wand... Isn¡¯t that a bit of a waste?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it,¡± Kyle replied with a grin. ¡°I¡¯ll cover the cost¡ªas a going-away present for Ron¡­¡±


    ¡°Puff¡­¡±


    Just as Kyle finished speaking, a rotund figure tumbled out of the fireplace, landing in a cloud of soot. Ron picked himself up, ignoring the dust clinging to his clothes, and scanned the room anxiously. His face brightened with relief when he spotted Kyle and the twins standing nearby, and he jogged over with an eager smile.

 Chapter 132: Teaming Up to Deceive

    ¡°You said you were going to buy me a new wand...¡± Ron¡¯s gaze shifted between Fred and George, his eyes a mixture of hope and worry. After his initial excitement, a nagging fear crept in¡ªwhat if this was just another one of their pranks?


    After all, Fred and George had pulled stunts like this before. It wouldn¡¯t be the first time.


    ¡°Of course, my dear brother,¡± Fred said with a grin, clapping Ron on the shoulder. ¡°Do you doubt your own flesh and blood?¡±


    Beside him, George put on a pained expression. ¡°Ron, you¡¯re breaking our hearts.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry... I didn¡¯t mean it like that.¡± Ron¡¯s face turned crimson, and he stammered, ¡°I just... well, I got a bit nervous. No, not nervous. I have complete faith in you¡ªreally, I...¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Ron,¡± Kyle said with a reassuring smile. "They''re not joking this time. You will definitely get a new wand today, I promise."


    Ron let out a sigh, visibly relaxing. Normally, he wouldn¡¯t be this jumpy... Well, maybe just a little. But when it came down to trust, he found Kyle more reliable than his mischievous brothers.


    ¡°Thank you, Kyle,¡± Ron said, some of the redness finally fading from his cheeks. His nerves still showed, but at least he looked a bit more at ease.


    Fred and George, however, looked decidedly unimpressed.


    ¡°Why are you thanking Kyle?¡± Fred asked, raising an eyebrow.


    ¡°Guess you still don¡¯t trust us,¡± George added.


    ...


    Ron started to feel nervous again. ¡°No, it¡¯s not that. Thank you too,¡± he mumbled, glancing at his brothers.


    Fred and George exchanged satisfied nods. With that settled, the four of them left the chaotic Leaky Cauldron and headed toward Diagon Alley.


    As they approached the entrance, Kyle, who was lagging behind on purpose, extended his leg to kick a rubbish bin out of the way.


    ¡°Thud!¡±


    The bin didn¡¯t budge an inch.


    ¡°Huh?¡± Kyle turned, examining the bin more closely. To his annoyance, he saw that the bottom had been glued to the ground with a Fixing Charm.


    Kyle¡¯s face darkened. The more Kyle thought about it, the more his irritation grew. Glancing at his friends to make sure they weren¡¯t watching, he quickly pulled out his wand and pointed it at the bin.


    The bin expanded slightly, growing about the thickness of a brick taller. Satisfied, Kyle stashed his wand and caught up with the Weasleys.


    George glanced at him curiously. ¡°What were you doing back there? Why so slow?¡±


    Kyle shrugged casually. ¡°Oh, I accidentally dropped a Sickle earlier.¡±


    ¡°Found it?¡±


    ¡°Yes, found it.¡±


    George nodded, not thinking much of it.


    Their destination was clear, and they headed straight for Ollivander¡¯s. Ron led the way, looking excited, while Kyle and the twins trailed slightly behind, whispering amongst themselves.


    ¡°What do you think would happen if we just walked off right now?¡± Fred muttered with a grin.


    ¡°Little Ron would collapse,¡± George replied with a chuckle, ¡°and Mum would tan our hides.¡±


    ¡°Not to mention,¡± Kyle added with a smirk, ¡°you wouldn¡¯t be able to keep those thirty Galleons.¡± S§×ar?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°Fine, fine, forget it,¡± Fred shrugged. ¡°For the sake of Galleons.¡±


    Ron, walking ahead, seemed to catch a snippet of their conversation. He glanced back quickly, then relaxed when he saw they were still there.


    ¡°By the way, do you actually have a plan?¡± George asked in a low voice once Ron turned back around. ¡°Little Ron might not be a genius, but he wouldn¡¯t ask about Ollivander¡¯s for no reason.¡±


    Fred nodded thoughtfully. ¡°Yeah, he¡¯s probably so caught up in getting a new wand that he wouldn¡¯t even notice if Ollivander¡¯s was covered in dirt.¡±


    ¡°If he doesn¡¯t ask, we can give him a little nudge,¡± Kyle suggested, stroking his chin as he whispered.


    Fred frowned, uncertain. ¡°You think he¡¯ll go for it?¡±


    ¡°Worth a shot,¡± Kyle replied with a shrug. ¡°Even if he doesn¡¯t, I¡¯m just curious¡ªdoesn¡¯t have to work out perfectly.¡±


    ¡°Tsk, your curiosity comes with a price tag, you know,¡± George snorted. ¡°Seven whole Galleons.¡±


    Kyle just smiled, saying nothing.


    Ollivander¡¯s was just around the corner. As the group reached the small, shabby shop, Ron¡¯s eyes shone with excitement. He moved toward the door eagerly, but Fred stepped in front, head down, as if lost in thought.


    ¡°Careful, Fred!¡± Ron warned, "You¡¯re going the wrong way¡ªthat¡¯s not the door."


    ¡°Bang!¡±


    Before Ron could finish, Fred walked straight into the shop¡¯s grimy window.


    ¡°Oh, for Merlin¡¯s sake! Why is this shop so dirty?¡± Fred muttered, brushing the dust off his new robes, clearly annoyed. "Knew I shouldn¡¯t have worn these today¡ªthey¡¯re brand new."


    George hurried over to help, patting at the robes, but the dust only seemed to settle in deeper.


    ¡°Fred, you¡¯re so careless,¡± George teased. ¡°Mum¡¯s definitely going to scold you when she sees this.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s nothing I can do! This place feels like it hasn¡¯t been cleaned in centuries,¡± Kyle added, coming over with a serious expression. ¡°But you know, you could ask Ollivander for compensation. My roommate Mikel once got his robes filthy at the pet shop, and they gave him an extra bag of pet food to make up for it.¡±


    ¡°Unfortunately... we¡¯re not here to buy wands ourselves,¡± Fred replied with a disappointed sigh. ¡°Otherwise, I¡¯d be asking Ollivander for a free wand maintenance kit.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, what a shame,¡± George chimed in, shaking his head. ¡°Those maintenance kits go for seven Sickles each.¡±


    ¡°Nothing to be done about it, I suppose,¡± Fred sighed. ¡°Anyway, let¡¯s just get Ron inside.¡±


    ¡°Right.¡± George nodded, pulling open the door to Ollivander¡¯s and stepping in. ¡°Come on, Ron!¡±


    Ron, who seemed lost in thought, snapped back at George¡¯s call and hurried over. Kyle noticed that as he walked through the doorway, Ron rubbed his robes deliberately against the frame, as if hoping to pick up some dust.


    Once they¡¯d gone inside, Fred turned to Kyle eagerly. ¡°So, do you think he fell for it?¡±


    Kyle grinned. ¡°Looks like it.¡± He pulled out his wand and pointed it at Fred¡¯s robe.


    With a swift flick of his wand, the dust vanished instantly from Fred¡¯s robes.

 Chapter 133: Professor Snape, Are You Taking the Kids Shopping?

    ¡°Ah, a Cleaning Charm,¡± Fred muttered, eyeing his freshly cleaned robe with a resigned sigh. "Mum has to use it almost three times a day. How come Ron can¡¯t remember it?"


    Kyle shrugged. "Who knows."


    Kyle¡¯s plan had been cobbled together on the spot and was riddled with potential pitfalls. The biggest issue was the Cleaning Charm itself, which Fred and George believed was precisely why Ron wouldn¡¯t fall for the scheme. In a wizarding household, this spell was among the most commonly used, and they couldn''t imagine Ron being unaware of it.


    Kyle had thought the same thing. In fact, when he¡¯d noticed Ron¡¯s suspicious glances back at the Leaky Cauldron, he¡¯d already started considering letting him off the hook. But since he¡¯d come this far¡­backing out now felt wrong. Instead, he made the scheme as straightforward as possible for Ron. After all, he could¡¯ve simply told Ron to ask about it. With Ron¡¯s eagerness to get a new wand, he wouldn¡¯t have refused.


    Kyle¡¯s plan was simple: all Ron had to do was say, ¡°Why don¡¯t you just use a Cleaning Charm?¡± At that point, Kyle would¡¯ve admitted to the ruse and bought him the wand. But¡­Ron didn¡¯t say it. Not only that, he actually fell for the ploy! It was unbelievable.


    ¡°Ollivander seems to be away,¡± Fred noted, raising an eyebrow. ¡°Let¡¯s head in soon; I can¡¯t wait to see the show.¡±


    ¡°Are you sure that¡¯s fair?¡± Kyle teased. ¡°Ron is your brother, after all.¡±


    Fred smirked mischievously. ¡°Thanks for the reminder; I almost forgot.¡± He swung open the shop door and stepped inside.


    Kyle moved to follow, but he suddenly spotted a familiar figure around the corner. A black cloak hung dramatically, defying the windless air, greasy hair gleaming faintly as sharp eyes scanned the surroundings like a large bat stalking the shadows. The figure stood out, a jarring contrast to the bustling crowd. And behind him, barely visible, was a pair of short, stubby legs, partially hidden by the sweeping cloak.


    ¡°Long time no see, Professor Snape,¡± Kyle greeted, stepping forward. ¡°What a coincidence¡ªout shopping with your daughter...oh, it¡¯s Kanna.¡±


    Only as he got closer did Kyle realize that it was Kanna following Snape.


    Snape¡¯s eyes narrowed, his expression twisting as if he¡¯d just swallowed a Dungbomb, his face darkening in an instant.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be ridiculous, Kyle,¡± Kanna said, poking her head out from behind Snape. ¡°Uncle Snape hasn¡¯t¡ª¡±


    ¡°Silence, Kanna!¡± Snape snapped, cutting her off.


    Kyle¡¯s gaze flickered with curiosity at the change in Kanna¡¯s address to Snape. But before he could dwell on it, Snape spoke up, a hint of sarcasm in his voice.


    ¡°What brings you here to Ollivanders? Did your wand break?¡±


    ¡°No, Professor. I take very good care of my wand.¡± Kyle¡¯s expression remained calm as he replied. ¡°I¡¯m here with Fred and George to help their younger brother buy a new wand. Ron Weasley¡ªhe¡¯s starting at Hogwarts this year.¡±


    Snape¡¯s face fell slightly, showing mild disappointment.


    ¡°And I thought I¡¯d pick up a few potion ingredients too,¡± Kyle added with a polite smile. ¡°I can¡¯t wait to attend your potions class.¡±


    Snape let out a short, derisive noise. His expression soured even further, as though he¡¯d swallowed another Dungbomb, but he merely shot Kyle a contemplative look and held back any further remarks.


    ¡°Come along, Kanna,¡± he said shortly.


    Without another glance at Kyle, Snape turned and continued walking. Kanna hesitated, clearly wanting to linger. So much had happened around her that summer¡ªmore excitement packed into two months than in her past two years combined. She longed to share it all with Kyle. But Snape had other ideas. He shot Kyle a look of deep distaste, grabbed Kanna firmly by the collar, and marched her away, despite her gesturing protests.


    ¡°Don¡¯t associate with Kyle in the future,¡± he muttered, making no effort to hide his words. ¡°He¡¯s a bad influence.¡±


    Kyle watched as they disappeared into the Crucible Shop. He then turned and entered Ollivander¡¯s Wand Shop, thinking he might have missed the best part of the show thanks to Snape¡¯s interruption. However, as soon as he stepped inside, he heard Ollivander¡¯s voice, sounding rather exasperated.


    ¡°We don¡¯t include wand maintenance kits with the wands, young man. You have to purchase those separately. And I¡¯d have thought a Weasley would know the Cleaning Charm by now.¡±


    By this point, the dust that Ron had purposely smeared on his arm had disappeared. He stood there, his face flushed red, staring down at the floor as if he were searching for a crack to crawl into.


    ¡°As for why I don¡¯t clean the shop¡­¡± Ollivander paused, his face growing stern. ¡°It¡¯s for the ash balance. Dust can insulate the magic, protecting the wands from external disturbances. It¡¯s a delicate art, understood only by us wandmakers. You wouldn¡¯t comprehend it even if I tried to explain.¡± Sear?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°So¡­which hand do you use to hold your wand?¡± Ollivander prompted.


    Ron extended his right hand, trembling slightly.


    A tape measure promptly floated over the counter and began to measure him in quick, sharp movements. Fred and George, standing nearby, had both lowered their heads, hands pressed to their stomachs, shaking with barely restrained laughter. If Ollivander weren¡¯t present, they likely would¡¯ve burst out.


    Once the measuring was complete, Ron moved on to trying out different wands, but the process did not go smoothly. By the time he reached the seventh¡ªor perhaps it was the eighth¡ªwand, it rejected him so forcefully that the moment he picked it up, a jet of water shot from its tip, drenching him from head to toe.


    Now thoroughly soaked and shivering in the cool air, Ron stood there, looking more miserable than ever.


    ...


    An hour later, the stack of boxes on the counter had grown into a small mountain. George and Kyle were slumped nearby, playing a lackluster game of Wizard Chess, while Fred watched and occasionally threw in his opinions, though neither of them paid him any mind.


    ¡°An excellent choice,¡± came Ollivander¡¯s voice at last. ¡°Fourteen inches, willow, with a unicorn hair core. It suits you perfectly, Mr. Weasley. That¡¯ll be seven Galleons.¡±


    Finally finished? Kyle perked up and stood, which immediately earned an indignant look from George.


    ¡°Hey, I was about to win!¡±


    Ignoring him, Kyle pulled out his wallet and grabbed a handful of Galleons. But just as he was about to hand them over, Fred slung an arm around his shoulder with a mischievous grin.


    ¡°Kyle, you sure you don¡¯t need anything else?¡± he asked.


    George quickly stepped forward and handed Ollivander the seven Galleons himself.


    ¡°Next year, Ginny¡¯s going to need a new wand too¡ªor at least a new robe from one of us,¡± Fred added with a wink.


    Kyle laughed. ¡°Not feeling the pinch now?¡±


    ¡°Oh, I felt it alright,¡± Fred sighed. ¡°Especially since Ron¡¯s so stupid¡ªit almost feels like a waste giving him a new wand.¡±


    ...


    After they left Ollivander¡¯s, the whole group stretched simultaneously, easing the stiffness from standing around for so long.


    ¡°Kyle, we really need to hurry,¡± Fred said. ¡°Mum¡¯s probably already getting impatient. Any later, and she might come down here to find us.¡±


    ¡°What else do you need to buy?¡± George asked.


    ¡°Just some parchment,¡± Kyle replied, ¡°and a bottle of Sleekeazy''s Hair Potion.¡±

 Chapter 134: The New Student Asking for Directions

    After returning from Diagon Alley, Kyle put his worries aside and enjoyed the last stretch of his holiday, eagerly testing out his new broom. Finally, after a year, he had his own. It wasn¡¯t the outdated Nimbus 1700 or a budget Cleansweep model, but the Nimbus 2000¡ªa sleek, cutting-edge broom that had only been on the market for a month and was already a sensation across the wizarding world.


    The Nimbus 2000 was a birthday gift from Diana and Chris, though Kyle had only recently retrieved it from his room, where it had waited for him during his stay in Dorset. And as soon as he took it for a flight, he could see why professional teams had scrambled to acquire it. Fast, stable, and extraordinarily responsive, it moved with a mere touch, shifting smoothly in whatever direction he needed. With the Nimbus 2000, Kyle even managed to beat the Weasley twins in the St. Catchpole Village Quidditch Tournament¡ªdespite being outnumbered two to one.


    On the second day, Cedric finally returned from France and eagerly joined Kyle¡¯s team. Now it was two against two. Needless to say, Fred and George suffered an inevitable defeat.


    ¡°This isn¡¯t fair!¡± George groaned, eyeing the old Cleansweep in his hands. ¡°The broom difference is just too big! If we had a Nimbus 2000¡­ or even a Nimbus 1500, you wouldn¡¯t stand a chance.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not the main problem, George,¡± Fred said, patting his twin on the shoulder. ¡°We¡¯re starting school soon, and this year, Kyle will definitely be on the Hufflepuff Quidditch team. Not exactly good news for us Gryffindors.¡±


    ¡°Yeah¡­ you¡¯re right.¡± George slumped onto the ground, visibly deflated. He understood all too well what Fred meant.


    With Kyle on board, Hufflepuff¡¯s team could easily maintain its strength. But Gryffindor faced a different situation. With Charlie¡¯s graduation, they had struggled to find a skilled Seeker to take his place. The Seeker position was unique¡ªit required extraordinary talent, a rare quality not easily found. Cedric, for example, had shown exceptional promise as early as his second year¡ªa rare case even in all of Hogwarts.


    Lee Jordan had some potential, though not at Cedric¡¯s level. But Lee was set on becoming a Quidditch commentator, leaving Gryffindor without a replacement Seeker. Sharing a glance, Fred and George let out a mutual sigh, resigned to the challenges that lay ahead.


    And with that, summer vacation sped by in no time. On September 1st, Mr. Weasley was once again there to see them off to King¡¯s Cross Station. Amid the bustling platform, Kyle cast a few glances around, as if searching for someone specific. He hadn¡¯t spotted any bespectacled boys, though. Had he come at the wrong time? He wondered for a moment, then dismissed the thought.


    Just then, Mrs. Weasley spoke up. ¡°Alright, now, which platform is it?¡±


    ¡°9 ?!¡± Ginny answered eagerly before anyone else. ¡°Mum, can I go?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re still too young, Ginny. Let¡¯s not get ahead of ourselves,¡± Mrs. Weasley chided gently before glancing to her side. ¡°Percy, you go first.¡±


    Percy gave a curt nod and strode confidently toward the platform entrance, disappearing without a word.


    ¡°Kyle, your turn.¡±


    Kyle nodded and followed them onto the platform, which was already bustling with people. Groups of friends had gathered, chatting in clusters about their summer adventures.


    ¡°Sorry, Kyle,¡± Percy, who was leading the way, turned back to him. ¡°I need to head to the prefects¡¯ compartment right away. Prefects are responsible for maintaining order on the train, and there¡¯s plenty of preparation to do.¡± As he spoke, he adjusted the gold-and-red badge pinned to his chest with a touch of pride. Percy had achieved his ambition of becoming a Gryffindor prefect, and he¡¯d been talking about it non-stop for weeks.


    ¡°Of course, go ahead,¡± Kyle replied. ¡°I¡¯ll wait here for Fred and George.¡±


    ¡°See you at school,¡± Percy said, giving his badge one last polish before heading off toward the train with his luggage in tow.


    Kyle waited, glancing around the platform. For some reason, Fred and George were taking longer than expected. When they finally appeared, Fred had a broad grin on his face.


    ¡°We got delayed by a young witch who was completely lost,¡± he explained. ¡°Right after you and Percy went through, Mum spotted her asking a Muggle where platform nine and three-quarters was.¡±


    George added, ¡°She was absolutely insistent. Kept saying there to be a platform with a ¡®nine¡¯ on it.¡±


    ¡°The Muggle was livid,¡± Fred chuckled. ¡°When we came through, he was muttering about people wasting his time.¡±


    A young girl asking for platform nine and three-quarters? Kyle¡¯s mind paused, wondering if Harry Potter could be here too. But just then, two more people entered the platform, one after the other.


    The first was a man who looked about the same age as Chris. He wore a well-tailored dark suit, his hair meticulously styled, and he surveyed the platform with curiosity, finally settling his gaze on the gleaming red Hogwarts Express. A girl followed him, dragging a large suitcase behind her. She had a mane of thick, slightly untidy brown hair.


    The moment he saw her, the man held out his hand. ¡°Here, dear, let me take your case.¡±


    ¡°No, Dad, I¡¯m fine,¡± she replied, shaking her head. ¡°I cast a spell on it before we left. It¡¯s not as heavy as it looks. I mean, I did pack all my textbooks in here.¡± S§×arch* The ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°Yes, Hermione, but¡­¡± The man glanced at the suitcase, clearly unconvinced. After all, he¡¯d carried it down the stairs at King¡¯s Cross, and from the weight of it, it didn¡¯t seem her spell had lightened it much.


    ¡°Just a sec, Dad.¡± At that, the girl noticed Kyle and the twins nearby. She walked over and smiled at Fred and George. ¡°Thanks for helping me find the platform.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re welcome,¡± Fred replied with a grin.


    ¡°No problem at all,¡± George added, shrugging as if it were nothing.


    ¡°No, really, if you hadn¡¯t helped, I¡¯d probably still be wandering around,¡± the girl insisted, shaking her head. ¡°I¡¯ve memorized all my textbooks, but there¡¯s no mention anywhere about how to find the platform. Anyway, I¡¯m Hermione Granger. What are your names?¡±


    ¡°Fred Weasley.¡±


    ¡°And George Weasley.¡±

 Chapter 135: Wealthy Snape

    The new student, Hermione, soon left with her father. As soon as she was gone, Fred pulled a strange face.


    ¡°She finished all her textbooks¡­¡±


    ¡°Yes, Fred, you heard right,¡± George said with a smirk. ¡°We¡¯ve just met another Percy.¡±


    Percy had also completed all his textbooks before starting school, which earned him a reward from Mrs. Weasley: a brand-new set of robes.


    ¡°What house do you think she¡¯ll be sorted into?¡± George wondered aloud.


    Fred raised an eyebrow. ¡°Isn¡¯t it obvious? Ravenclaw, of course.¡±


    ¡°I think so too.¡±


    ¡°No, I think it¡¯ll be Gryffindor.¡± Kyle, who had been quiet until then, spoke up. ¡°Don¡¯t forget, Percy¡¯s in Gryffindor.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s different, Kyle,¡± Fred shook his head. ¡°Our whole family¡¯s in Gryffindor.¡±


    George added, ¡°In fact, we think Percy would prefer to be in Ravenclaw, but the Sorting Hat placed him in Gryffindor.¡±


    Kyle rubbed his chin thoughtfully. ¡°Why don¡¯t we make a bet?¡±


    At the word "bet," Fred and George immediately perked up.


    ¡°What¡¯s the wager?¡±


    ¡°A Galleon, maybe?¡± Kyle suggested, taking a gold coin and twirling it between his fingers. ¡°If she¡¯s sorted into Ravenclaw, I¡¯ll owe each of you a Galleon.¡±


    Fred and George exchanged a quick glance.


    They soon reached an agreement.


    Fred gave Kyle a mischievous grin. ¡°That¡¯s a bit tame¡ªlet¡¯s make it more interesting.¡±


    ¡°How about¡­¡±


    ¡°We bet on this!¡± George pulled out a Toffee from his pocket. ¡°If that girl ends up in Ravenclaw, you¡¯ll have to eat this Ton-Tongue Toffee at the opening banquet.¡±


    ¡°Are you sure?¡± Kyle¡¯s expression turned a little odd. ¡°And if she¡¯s sorted into Gryffindor?¡±


    ¡°Then we¡¯ll eat it,¡± the twins replied in unison.


    Kyle¡¯s expression grew even stranger. He stifled a laugh as he took the Toffee from George.


    ¡°Tsk, fine. Deal.¡±


    Fred and George extended their hands. ¡°It¡¯s a deal!¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s a deal,¡± Kyle said, shaking hands with them.


    He had just been looking to make a bit of pocket money, but since Fred and George were so keen, he didn¡¯t mind letting the twins add a twist to the fun.


    After they shook on it, they shared a sly grin, and none of them brought it up again.


    Kyle glanced over at the platform entrance and asked curiously, ¡°It¡¯s been a while now¡ªwhy haven¡¯t Ron and Mrs. Weasley come through yet?¡±


    ¡°Not sure,¡± Fred replied. ¡°Maybe they ran into some lost first-years.¡±


    ¡°That happens all the time at King¡¯s Cross,¡± George added, looking toward the train. ¡°Forget it; let¡¯s get on board. Lee Jordan wrote earlier that he¡¯s got a huge tarantula as a pet. Have either of you spotted him yet?¡±


    Speaking of pets¡­


    Kyle¡¯s eyes drifted to the unremarkable-looking box he was holding. Newt¡¯s reply had come in just that afternoon, and he¡¯d agreed to let Kyle adopt a Niffler.


    Now, Niffler was in the box, and Kyle had even given him a fitting name: .


    After boarding the train, Fred and George quickly disappeared in search of Lee Jordan, while Kyle hauled the luggage toward the back. He hadn¡¯t gone far when a compartment door nearby slid open, and a small head peeked out.


    ¡°Kyle, over here!¡± Kanna waved.


    Kyle hurried over, and as soon as he entered, Kanna closed the compartment door eagerly.


    Eyeing her cautiously, Kyle instinctively took two steps back. ¡°What do you want?¡±


    ¡°I want to tell you something.¡±


    Kanna didn¡¯t seem to notice Kyle¡¯s wariness. After shutting the door, she said excitedly, ¡°Guess what? Professor Snape is actually related to me!¡±


    ¡°Yeah, I know.¡± S§×ar?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Kanna blinked, stunned. ¡°You...you knew?!¡±


    Kyle laughed. ¡°Yep. I also know that Professor Snape¡¯s mother¡¯s last name was Prince.¡±


    Kanna¡¯s entire expression froze as if she¡¯d gone numb.


    This didn¡¯t make sense¡ªthis wasn¡¯t how she expected things to go. Shouldn¡¯t Kyle have been shocked? Yet here he was, just... amused.


    Her mouth opened slightly, and she asked in disbelief, ¡°How do you know?¡±


    ¡°My dad told me,¡± Kyle said, lifting the suitcase onto the shelf. ¡°He was in school with Professor Snape and happened to know a bit about it.¡±


    Chris had, in fact, told him during a visit just before the holidays. Kyle had only asked on a whim, not expecting Chris to actually know.


    Kanna frowned. ¡°Then why didn¡¯t you tell me sooner?¡±


    Kyle raised an eyebrow. ¡°Would you have believed me if I had?¡±


    Kanna hesitated, feeling a pang of frustration. Before what happened over the summer, she probably wouldn¡¯t have believed something so far-fetched.


    ¡°Oh, right¡­¡± Suddenly recalling something, Kanna asked suspiciously, ¡°Did Professor Snape come to see me because of you?¡±


    Kyle didn¡¯t deny it.


    ¡°You were paid to help me, so what was the deal? Were the... problems solved?¡±


    Kyle had written to Snape on the first day of the holiday, detailing Kanna¡¯s situation. Though he¡¯d added a few dramatic touches, the account was mostly accurate.


    ¡°Yes, it was taken care of,¡± Kanna said, giving Kyle a pointed look. ¡°The day after the holiday started, Professor Snape came to my house, introduced himself, and took me to Gringotts.¡±


    Kyle, in the middle of digging through his snacks, paused. ¡°What did he take you to Gringotts for?¡±


    ¡°He asked the goblins to repossess our old vault and transfer its contents to his vault.¡±


    ¡°Wait... Are you saying Snape took everything from your vault and moved it to his?¡± The more Kyle listened, the stranger it sounded. What was Snape up to? Afraid someone else might take it, so he took it all himself?


    Picking up on Kyle¡¯s thoughts, Kanna hurried to explain. ¡°He didn¡¯t take it for himself; he¡¯s just holding it for me.¡±


    Kyle rolled his eyes. ¡°Yeah, I¡¯ve heard that one before. Who¡¯d actually believe it?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s true,¡± Kanna insisted seriously. ¡°There wasn¡¯t much left in our vault anyway. The only thing valuable was probably the deed to our land. And Professor Snape has loads of Galleons¡ªhe doesn¡¯t need to lie to me.¡±


    ¡°I hope so...¡± Kyle sighed. ¡°Besides that, did he do anything else?¡±


    ¡°He bought the house next to ours and stayed there all summer.¡± Kanna couldn¡¯t help but smile at the memory. ¡°For two months, he chased off anyone who tried to visit.¡±


    ¡°Snape bought the place next door?¡± Kyle¡¯s mouth twitched.


    Okay, he admitted to himself, maybe his initial suspicions were a little off.

 Chapter 136: New Ideas, Exploding Bonbons

    Before long, Cedric and Cho arrived one after the other, and the compartment became lively. Everyone was thrilled to see each other again after two months.


    Kyle couldn¡¯t be sure, but Cho seemed taller than before. As soon as she entered, she set a large package on the table filled with snacks she¡¯d brought from the Muggle world. She thought Kyle, Cedric, and Kanna, who all came from pure wizarding families, might not be familiar with Muggle snacks, so she had carefully picked out what she thought were the tastiest options for them to try.


    Everyone was quite interested in what she¡¯d brought. Cedric took a liking to a black fizzy drink; though a bit odd at first, he quickly found that its unique texture was even better than pumpkin juice, giving him a strange sense of delight. If he didn¡¯t know it was a Muggle drink, he¡¯d have thought it had an Elixir to Induce Euphoria mixed in.


    Kanna was particularly fond of the triangular corn chips and the berry-filled cookies. Midway through the snacking, Fred, George, and Lee Jordan popped by, immediately taking a liking to a kind of candy that popped and fizzed in their mouths.


    ¡°I just had a fantastic idea,¡± Fred said thoughtfully, licking the candy wrapper. ¡°What if we created an exploding candy ourselves?¡±


    ¡°And put it on Slytherin¡¯s table,¡± George suggested with a grin. ¡°That might keep Marcus Flint quiet for a bit¡­ Found out he¡¯s Slytherin¡¯s Quidditch captain this year.¡±


    ¡°That might be tricky,¡± Cedric said, shaking his head as he opened another bottle of fizzy cola. ¡°Slytherins probably won¡¯t eat sweets from a suspicious source.¡±


    ¡°What if we put them in the kitchen?¡± Lee Jordan pondered. ¡°If they appear with the regular food, they wouldn¡¯t be suspect.¡±


    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t recommend it,¡± Cedric said, frowning. ¡°The House-elves would never agree, and if anything went wrong, they¡¯d be the ones in trouble.¡±


    ¡°Hmm... then let¡¯s forget that idea,¡± Lee shrugged.


    ¡°Or you could try something different,¡± Kyle suggested. ¡°Maybe candy that just pops in your mouth¡­ and only explodes when you spit it out.¡±


    Fred and George¡¯s eyes lit up at the same moment. In unison, they exclaimed, ¡°Kyle, has anyone ever told you¡­¡±


    ¡°¡­You¡¯re a genius!¡±


    Kyle raised an eyebrow. ¡°Of course, plenty of people say that.¡±


    Silence fell over the compartment as everyone looked at Kyle with expressions of mild disgust.


    Unbothered, Kyle continued eating a piece of chocolate. Through the train window, he spotted Neville, who was scanning the platform as if looking for something, while his grandmother stood beside him, sternly chastising him.


    Further off, he also saw Mrs. Weasley walking toward the train with three children in tow: Ron, Ginny, and a thin boy with round glasses, messy hair, and bangs cut unevenly to hide his forehead.


    ¡°Mrs. Weasley!¡± Kyle leaned out the window and waved.


    ¡°Oh, dear, there you are!¡± Mrs. Weasley hurried over. ¡°Have you seen Fred and George?¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re here, Mum,¡± the twins called as they made their way to the car.


    After they¡¯d left, Cho picked up a Chocolate Frog and looked at Kyle. ¡°So, what were you up to over the summer holidays? I wrote you in August, but it took more than half a month for you to reply.¡±


    Kyle gave an apologetic smile. ¡°Well¡­something came up, and I had to take a long trip.¡±


    In truth, he¡¯d received her letter the day after arriving in Dorset, but between all the activities¡ªmostly involving getting roughed up¡ªhe¡¯d completely forgotten to write back. By the time he remembered, he was already back home.


    Cho didn¡¯t seem suspicious; she just assumed Kyle had been traveling, like Cedric. ¡°I¡¯m really envious,¡± she said with a hint of wistfulness, nibbling on her Chocolate Frog. ¡°I¡¯ve always wanted to travel abroad, too. By the way¡­how was Paris?¡±


    She directed the question to Cedric.


    ¡°It was wonderful,¡± Cedric said after a moment¡¯s thought. ¡°We went to the opera and even met an old wizard who immediately recognized us and shared stories about interesting places. If you¡¯re planning a trip there, I can draw you a map later.¡±


    ¡°That would be amazing!¡± Cho said, surprised and delighted. ¡°I¡¯ve always wanted to go to Paris. Did you visit Beauxbatons Academy of Magic, by any chance?¡±


    ¡°Yes, we did,¡± Cedric nodded. ¡°But Beauxbatons isn¡¯t in Paris¡ªit¡¯s down in the Pyrenees, as the old wizard told us.¡±


    ¡°How was it?¡± Cho asked, her curiosity piqued.


    ¡°We didn¡¯t go inside, just saw it from the outside,¡± Cedric replied. ¡°It¡¯s a bit smaller than Hogwarts, but the buildings are more delicate and very beautiful.¡±


    Cho¡¯s eyes sparkled with excitement. She had a weakness for beautiful architecture, especially if it was from a renowned magical school like Beauxbatons.


    As Cho and Cedric continued chatting, Kyle glanced out the window again. Mrs. Weasley was dabbing a handkerchief to clear some soot off Ron¡¯s nose. Meanwhile, the boy with glasses had vanished, and Percy was now standing beside her.


    George noticed Percy and suddenly frowned. ¡°Percy, why does your robe look different from ours?¡±


    He gestured toward Percy¡¯s chest. ¡°They¡¯re all new robes, but why do I see a round badge there? Did Madam Malkin give you special treatment?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s a Prefect badge, dear,¡± Mrs. Weasley explained with a proud smile.


    ¡°So that¡¯s why you¡¯ve been wearing it all summer!¡± Fred said with exaggerated surprise. ¡°Good thing you didn¡¯t get the Special Award for Services to the School.¡±


    ¡°I think that one¡¯s a trophy,¡± George added, grinning.


    ¡°You couldn¡¯t exactly pin it to your chest¡­¡±


    ¡°But you could wear it on your head¡­¡±


    ¡°Like a shiny gold hat!¡±


    Fred and George shared a mischievous look, and, as if on cue, pulled out a small trophy from their robes and set it atop their heads, bowing to each other in an exaggerated imitation of Percy.


    ¡°Stop it!¡± Percy turned red, looking furious. sea??h th§× n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Chapter 137: The Sudden Sound of Banging on the Door

    Mrs. Weasley gave Fred and George a firm but gentle twist on their ears.


    ¡°If you two ever manage to win the Special Award for Services to the School, you¡¯ll be carrying that trophy down Diagon Alley yourselves.¡±


    Then she turned to Percy with a softer expression. ¡°All right, dear, I hope you have a good term. When you arrive, please send an owl with a letter for me.¡±


    She kissed Percy on the cheek, and he walked off, his face faintly pink.


    ¡°Now it¡¯s your turn.¡± Mrs. Weasley gave the twins a pointed look. ¡°I expect you two to behave this year, and don¡¯t even think about corrupting Kyle.¡±


    ¡°Corrupt Kyle?¡± Fred¡¯s voice rose in protest. ¡°Mum, are you joking?!¡±


    ¡°Not at all,¡± Mrs. Weasley replied firmly.


    A whistle sounded as the train slowly began to move.


    ¡°Hurry now, get on board¡ªand make sure you take care of Ron.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Mum. Ron¡¯s perfectly safe with us,¡± Fred assured her before he, George, and Ron scrambled onto the train.


    Kyle leaned out the window, waving. ¡°Bye, Mrs. Weasley!¡±


    ¡°Goodbye, dear,¡± Mrs. Weasley called back. ¡°And if they get into any trouble, write to me right away!¡±


    With a rumble, the train picked up speed. Ginny ran alongside it, waving until they were out of sight, disappearing as the houses whizzed by.


    Kyle turned back to the compartment, settling into a game of Wizard Chess with Cedric, while Kanna and Cho huddled over a magazine, whispering conspiratorially. After one match, Cedric leaned over to see what they were reading, only to be playfully shooed away by Cho. With a good-natured sigh, he refocused on the chessboard for another couple of games.


    Then the compartment door slid open, and Fred and George burst in, visibly excited. ¡°Guess who we just ran into on the train?¡±


    Cedric barely glanced up. ¡°Who could you possibly run into? It couldn¡¯t be Harry Potter.¡±


    Fred¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°How did you know?! Yes, it Harry Potter!¡±


    Cedric¡¯s hand froze mid-move, his surprise evident. ¡°Are you serious?¡±


    ¡°I asked him myself,¡± Fred confirmed, ¡°and I saw his scar. It was right there¡ªlike a bolt of lightning.¡±


    Now intrigued, Cedric leaned back thoughtfully. ¡°That actually makes sense. Judging by his age, he¡¯d be starting Hogwarts this year. The Dark Lord fell about ten years ago, after all, so the timing fits.¡±


    ¡°But do you think he remembers what the Dark Lord looked like?¡± George asked curiously.


    ¡°Unlikely,¡± Cedric replied. ¡°He was only a baby. How could he remember?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s true.¡±


    Kyle chuckled. ¡°What¡¯s this, you¡¯re all curious about what the Dark Lord looked like?¡±


    ¡°A bit, yeah,¡± Fred admitted, lounging against the carriage wall. ¡°I mean, he¡¯s the Dark Lord¡ªaren¡¯t you curious too?¡±


    ¡°Not really,¡± Kyle said with a shrug. ¡°He was just another powerful wizard, right? What¡¯s there to be curious about? For all we know, he didn¡¯t even have a nose.¡±


    Fred burst out laughing. ¡°Oh, come on, that¡¯s impossible! No nose? Ridiculous!¡±


    Kyle¡¯s joke had struck a chord, and Fred, along with the others, found it hilariously far-fetched. None of them believed in such absurdities.


    After a while of laughing, Cedric wiped his eyes and asked, ¡°We¡¯ll be arriving at Hogwarts soon. Are we still selling maps this year?¡±


    ¡°Absolutely,¡± Fred replied, nodding enthusiastically. ¡°This is serious business¡ªworth more than ten Galleons! And we only get one chance each year, so there¡¯s no way we¡¯re missing it.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right,¡± George agreed with a grin, casting a sly look at Kyle. ¡°As older students, we simply can¡¯t stand by and let those innocent first years get lost.¡±


    Kyle raised an eyebrow. That was clearly line, and George had swiped it.


    ¡°What¡¯s everyone¡¯s plan for now?¡± Cedric suggested. ¡°If you¡¯re free, why not make the maps here?¡±


    The train ride to Hogwarts would still take hours, giving them plenty of time to produce a batch of maps. Cho and Kanna agreed without hesitation; they had nothing else to do, weren¡¯t keen on Wizard Chess, and liked the idea of doing something useful.


    Fred and George considered it and agreed too. Although they¡¯d told Lee Jordan they¡¯d join him in the Slytherin compartment to prank with his spider, they figured that compared to earning a stash of Galleons, that could wait.


    All eyes turned to Kyle.


    ¡°No objections here,¡± Kyle shrugged. ¡°Since we¡¯re all in, let¡¯s clear the table. We¡¯ll need space for the parchment with all these snacks lying around.¡±


    At that, everyone jumped up and started packing away the snacks on the table.


    Kyle took this chance to grab two stacks of parchment from his box. The thicker stack was standard scholarly parchment, sold in packs of ten for a sicco, with discounts for larger bundles. Kyle pulled out around seventy or eighty sheets. The other stack was much smaller, with only a dozen sheets of higher quality parchment¡ªsoft, pristine, and bordered with golden threads at the top and bottom. This was real gold, not the cheap paint they¡¯d used the previous year, and each sheet cost a full Galleon.


    Kyle set both stacks, along with the original map, on the table. ¡°Well then, what are we waiting for? Let¡¯s get started.¡±


    The group simultaneously reached for the regular parchment, each grabbing a dozen sheets.


    Seeing their quick reflexes, Kyle sighed. ¡°You all have a real knack for taking the easy option, don¡¯t you?¡±


    While everyone¡¯s Doubling Charm would do the job, his more expensive stack required a bit of decorative work and added detailing, making it much more time-consuming. He¡¯d been polite in offering first choice, but he hadn¡¯t expected everyone to snatch up the easier task. If he¡¯d known, he would¡¯ve chosen first himself.


    Kyle sighed again, thinking how, thanks to the Weasley twins, even Cedric and Kanna had picked up some sly habits. Those two brothers were a bad influence, no doubt.


    With a resigned sigh, Kyle pulled out his wand and tapped it on the parchment. ¡°¡±


    The map lines gradually appeared on the blank parchment. This time, Kyle estimated he could stretch the Doubling Charm to last through the entire semester.


    Soon, the compartment was bustling with activity. Blank sheets turned into maps one by one, with each of them focused on duplicating as quickly as possible.


    ¡°Bang!¡±


    Suddenly, a loud knock echoed from outside, right against their compartment door.


    S~ea??h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Chapter 138: You Want to Blackmail Me?

    ¡°Bang!¡±


    The compartment door shook violently as it was struck from the outside, causing the door frame to creak with a teeth-grating noise. Kyle, focused on maintaining the Doubling Charm, was startled and accidentally jerked his wrist upward.


    ¡°Ssshh¡­¡±


    A long tear appeared on the map he¡¯d just finished duplicating.


    ¡°I¡­¡± Kyle stared at the ruined map, his eye twitching. That was a whole Galleon wasted¡­


    The others were similarly rattled by the sudden noise. Fred, who¡¯d just completed his own Doubling Charm, accidentally stamped the map¡¯s image directly onto George¡¯s brand-new robe.


    ¡°By Merlin¡¯s beard! This was my new robe, just bought this year!¡± George exclaimed, inspecting the map print now adorning his sleeve with dismay. ¡°Kyle, is there any way to remove this?¡±


    ¡°Of course there is, and it¡¯s very simple,¡± Kyle replied coolly, glancing at the door. Through the glass, he could see three boys standing outside in the corridor.


    ¡°That Harry Potter, giving up Malfoy¡¯s friendship for that miserable Weasley. Utterly foolish, just like his parents¡ªungrateful,¡± Draco Malfoy sneered to himself, punctuating his words with another slam against the neighboring compartment door.


    ¡°And that Weasley,¡± grumbled Goyle, Malfoy¡¯s burly sidekick, nursing his sore fingers. ¡°That scrawny rat of his actually bit me! I¡¯ll make him pay.¡±


    Despite his thickset frame and stump-like appearance, Goyle¡¯s scowl had a bit of intimidation to it.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Goyle. There¡¯ll be time enough,¡± Malfoy assured him, rubbing his wrist and sneering coldly. ¡°My father¡¯s on the school board, and once we¡¯re at Hogwarts, I¡¯ll have plenty of ways to make them regret today.¡±


    Straightening his slightly tousled hair, Malfoy turned to leave with Crabbe and Goyle, intending to join the other Slytherins. But before he could take a step, the adjacent compartment door swung open.


    ¡°Hold it right there, gentlemen,¡± Kyle said, stepping into the doorway, his face expressionless as he looked over the three boys. His gaze settled on the pale-faced boy at the center.


    After a brief pause, Kyle asked, ¡°You were the one who slammed the door just now, weren¡¯t you?¡±


    ¡°Er¡­yes, that was me.¡± Malfoy, caught off guard, quickly recovered his composure. ¡°My name is Draco Malfoy, and I apologize if I disturbed you.¡± S~ea??h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Though his words and posture were polite, the arrogant glint in Malfoy¡¯s eyes was unmistakable, particularly when he introduced himself.


    Kyle, unfazed by Malfoy¡¯s smugness, replied evenly, ¡°Your apology is noted. Here¡¯s the thing: if you compensate us for the damage you caused, we¡¯ll call it even.¡±


    ¡°Damage?¡± Malfoy¡¯s face briefly registered surprise before he spotted Fred and George standing just behind Kyle. Instantly, his polite fa?ade evaporated, replaced by a sneer.


    ¡°Red hair¡­ It¡¯s the Weasleys again, with their band of freak friends,¡± he muttered in disdain.


    Without a word, he reached into his pocket, tossed a Galleon at Kyle, and said with a smirk, ¡°Keep the change. Oh, and just in case you didn¡¯t know what it looks like¡ªit¡¯s a Galleon.¡±


    As Malfoy moved to leave, Kyle¡¯s hand reached out, blocking his path.


    ¡°Wait...¡± Kyle said calmly, shaking the Galleon in his hand lightly. ¡°This isn¡¯t enough.¡±


    Malfoy paused, clenched his teeth, and angrily tossed another Galleon in Kyle¡¯s direction, his throw forceful, as if he wished the coin itself could drive Kyle away. But Kyle caught it with ease and shook his head.


    ¡°Sorry, still not enough¡­¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t push it!¡± Malfoy¡¯s face flushed with anger. ¡°If you keep harassing me, I¡¯ll tell my father you¡¯re extorting me! He¡¯s on the Hogwarts Board of Governors¡ªhe has the power to get you expelled!¡±


    Kyle raised an eyebrow. ¡°I think you might be mistaken. I¡¯m a well-behaved student who¡¯s earned the Special Award for Services to the School. I would never stoop to blackmail. I¡¯m simply requesting fair compensation for the damage caused. Even the Board of Governors or the Minister of Magic couldn¡¯t object to that.¡±


    ¡°Special Award for Services to the School?¡± Malfoy scoffed, then paused as something clicked. ¡°Wait¡­ are you that new student, Kyle?¡±


    He recalled that his father had mentioned a first-year who¡¯d won the Special Award for Services to the School¡ªa rare achievement, though he hadn¡¯t given much thought to it before now.


    ¡°To be precise, the first-year. I¡¯m a second-year,¡± Kyle corrected him smoothly. ¡°Now, back to the compensation?¡±


    Malfoy scowled, calculating his options. He didn¡¯t know the specifics of Kyle¡¯s demands, but given that Kyle was associating with the Weasleys, he assumed they were far from wealthy. In his mind, two Galleons was already more than generous.


    But he felt a growing sense of intimidation as he looked at the group of six standing in the compartment¡ªall second-years or older¡ªwhile he only had Crabbe and Goyle beside him, both fresh-faced first-years like himself. They didn¡¯t stand a chance in a scuffle.


    ¡°How much do you want?¡± Malfoy muttered through gritted teeth, resigned to paying his way out.


    Kyle thought for a moment, then replied, ¡°Not much. Two hundred Galleons. Including what you¡¯ve already paid, that leaves one hundred and ninety-eight Galleons due.¡±


    ¡°Two hundred Galleons?!¡± Malfoy¡¯s face turned pale as he yelled, ¡°That¡¯s outrageous! Not happening!¡±


    ¡°Relax, I can break down the math for you¡­¡± Kyle began.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to hear it!¡± Malfoy¡¯s face had gone crimson with fury. He yanked out his wand and pointed it straight at Kyle. ¡°This is extortion! You¡¯re blackmailing me, plain and simple!¡±


    Two hundred Galleons was an absurd amount, more than most Ministry of Magic employees earned in a month. To Malfoy, it didn¡¯t matter how many times he¡¯d banged on their door¡ªhe wouldn¡¯t even owe that much if he¡¯d barged in and hexed the lot of them.


    He might have wealth, but he wasn¡¯t foolish enough to part with two hundred Galleons over something so trivial.

 Chapter 139: The Bottom Line of a Conscientious Shop

    Malfoy glared at Kyle with fury, his wand raised. Without another word, he cast, ¡°¡±


    Aiming the Leg-Locker Curse at Kyle, Malfoy hoped to immobilize him just long enough to make a quick escape and find the protection of his fellow Slytherins. But Kyle reacted just as quickly.


    ¡°¡± he called, a transparent shield appearing before him, deflecting Malfoy¡¯s spell right back.


    The next moment, Malfoy¡ªwho had turned to flee¡ªwas struck by his own spell. ¡°Plop...¡± He toppled forward, landing on the floor with his legs locked together, groaning in frustration.


    Crabbe and Goyle finally grasped what was happening. Seeing Malfoy down, they lunged at Kyle, fists clenched. Fred and George moved to intercept them, but Kyle swiftly tossed a few licorice candies their way. Mid-air, the candies transformed into slender ropes, wrapping tightly around Crabbe and Goyle, leaving them unable to move.


    ¡°Stop!¡± came a furious shout from down the corridor, where a group of older Slytherin students were approaching, scowling. The commotion had drawn a crowd, and among the onlookers were several Slytherins glaring at Kyle and his friends.


    ¡°Kyle, how dare you bully our first-years!¡± one of them accused, stepping forward protectively as he glanced at Malfoy, assuming he was one of their own. This was Draco Malfoy, after all¡ªit was obvious he¡¯d be sorted into Slytherin.


    The fourth-year leading the group raised his wand without hesitation. ¡°¡±


    ¡°¡± Kyle¡¯s shield flickered up again, deflecting the spell. But the older Slytherin, more experienced than Malfoy, sidestepped the rebounded spell.


    Kyle, holding back his friends, raised his voice to ensure the gathered students heard him clearly. ¡°I see your underhanded attacks, but I accept your challenge nonetheless.¡±


    The older Slytherin sneered. ¡°Challenge you? That¡¯s a joke. You were just lucky to save some failure last year, which is the only reason you got that ¡®Special Award for Services to the School.¡¯ Don¡¯t fool yourself into thinking you¡¯re special. Anyone who dares challenge Slytherin will pay the price!¡±


    He lifted his wand again, clearly eager to teach Kyle a lesson.


    Kyle, with a hint of admiration in his gaze, gave him a silent thumbs-up. This guy actually had the guts to insult Kanna as a ¡°failure¡± in front of a crowd¡ªa blatant insult to Snape¡¯s own kin. With courage like this, it was almost a shame he wasn¡¯t in Gryffindor.


    But despite his grudging respect, Kyle wasn¡¯t about to just stand by. Raising his wand, he cast two quick spells. ¡°¡± followed by ¡°¡±


    The older Slytherin tried to raise a Shield Charm to deflect, but as his feet unexpectedly softened and slipped beneath him, he stumbled. The half-formed Shield Charm fizzled, and Kyle¡¯s Levicorpus hit him squarely.


    In an instant, he was yanked off his feet, suspended upside down from the train¡¯s ceiling. To his horror, a long, sharp needle-like object hovered just inches from his eyes, seemingly appearing out of nowhere.


    ¡°I advise you not to move,¡± Kyle said calmly, ¡°or you¡¯ll be spending your first day of school in the Hospital Wing.¡±


    The Slytherin hanging from the ceiling remained completely still, his eyes fixed in terror on the sharp needle in front of him, not daring to even breathe.


    Satisfied, Kyle turned to the stunned Malfoy. ¡°So, are we ready to have a civil conversation?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not afraid of you,¡± Malfoy said, though his voice quivered. ¡°If this is blackmail, I¡¯ll tell Professor Snape.¡±


    ¡°I already explained, it¡¯s a fair claim,¡± Kyle replied, setting a stack of damaged maps on the floor. There were ten in total, all made from high-quality parchment threaded with gold.


    Picking one up, he pointed to a long, visible tear running across it. ¡°Because you banged on the door, it disrupted my Charm, ruining the maps I¡¯d just completed. I¡¯m requesting compensation¡ªnothing unreasonable.¡±


    ¡°They¡¯re not worth two hundred Galleons!¡± Malfoy protested angrily. ¡°They¡¯re just a few pieces of parchment! The two Galleons I gave you already should cover it ten times over.¡±


    ¡°No, no, no,¡± Kyle said, holding a map up to Malfoy¡¯s face. ¡°Look closely. This parchment alone costs one Galleon. The intricate design at the top? That¡¯s woven from Unicorn hair. And those gems lining the border? Fire Crab shell fragments. Each of these maps is worth quite a lot, so the two hundred Galleons is practically wholesale price.¡±


    Behind Kyle, Cedric and the others fought to keep straight faces, all biting their lips to suppress their grins.


    Malfoy, meanwhile, looked taken aback. He reached out to touch the map, recognizing the Unicorn hair pattern by its distinctive feel; his family owned a tapestry made from Unicorn tail hair, and this felt identical. Kyle wasn¡¯t lying¡ªthe materials were genuinely valuable.


    Malfoy¡¯s confidence faltered. ¡°Then¡­ why not just use a Mending Charm?¡± he stammered. ¡°A simple spell will fix it. If you don¡¯t know how, I can¡ª¡±


    ¡°Mending Charm? Are you serious?¡± Kyle interrupted, his tone suddenly indignant.


    Malfoy recoiled at the unexpected outburst. ¡°Uh... yes? Why, is that a problem?¡± S§×arch* The ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Kyle fixed him with a stern gaze. ¡°Do you understand what it means to sell a ? It means not a single flaw is acceptable¡ªnot even the slightest crease, let alone a long tear like this.¡±


    Seeing Malfoy¡¯s bewildered expression, Kyle continued, ¡°And in our line of work, integrity is everything. Selling repaired goods as new? That¡¯s unthinkable. Our shop stands by its reputation; we¡¯d never sell a product that¡¯s been patched up, no matter how perfect the repair. It¡¯s a principle of an honest business, and it¡¯s a responsibility to every customer who trusts us.¡±


    ...


    Kyle spoke with righteous indignation, and Malfoy, sitting there bewildered, somehow found himself swayed. Even the Slytherins around them, who had been watching with hostility, listened in a daze. Gradually, some of their animosity toward Kyle faded, and instead, they glanced at Malfoy with a mix of curiosity and judgment.


    After a moment of silence, with everyone¡¯s eyes on him, Malfoy finally looked up and said, ¡°Two hundred Galleons, right?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s correct,¡± Kyle replied with a nod.


    Without another word, Malfoy removed a badge from his collar and handed it to Kyle along with his wallet. ¡°I only brought 150 Galleons this trip, so I¡¯ll send the rest in a few days. This 100-Galleon Quidditch Championship commemorative badge can serve as collateral.¡±


    Malfoy hadn¡¯t wanted to seem as if he was giving in to blackmail, but now that the ¡°misunderstanding¡± was cleared up, he felt justified. Two hundred Galleons was a hefty amount, but nothing his family wouldn¡¯t provide with a quick letter home.


    Kyle took Malfoy¡¯s wallet but, after a brief look at the badge, handed it back with a neutral expression.


    ¡°Keep the collateral,¡± he said evenly. ¡°I trust the Malfoy family wouldn¡¯t dishonor themselves by failing to keep their word.¡±


    Malfoy puffed out his chest, his expression softening. His opinion of Kyle had improved. No wonder this student had received the Special Award for Services to the School in his first year; clearly, he had an eye for quality.

 Chapter 140: The Trio’s First Meeting Is Not Pleasant

    After pocketing the money, Kyle lifted the Leg-Locker Curse from Malfoy and untied Crabbe and Goyle, who stumbled back to their places behind Malfoy, trembling. Their faces looked like rippling puddles, clearly rattled, yet staying put out of loyalty to Malfoy.


    Malfoy, frowning with some disappointment at his lackeys'' poor display, lifted his head and addressed Kyle in a lofty tone. ¡°Once again, I apologize, Kyle. See you at school.¡±


    His dignified tone and composed expression suggested well-bred confidence¡ªthough it was somewhat undercut by the dust and grime covering his robes. His earlier struggles had inadvertently polished the train compartment floor with his robe, even picking up a piece of Drooble¡¯s Best Blowing Gum on the hem.


    Kyle, noting the gum with mild amusement, chose to ignore it. For the sake of the 150 Galleons, he overlooked these minor details and responded smoothly, ¡°See you at school, Draco. I can already tell that Slytherin will be welcoming an exceptional new student this year.¡±


    Malfoy¡¯s face practically glowed with restrained pride, as if he¡¯d been given a large dose of Elixir to Induce Euphoria. Though he¡¯d heard similar words before, praise from Kyle, Hogwarts'' youngest recipient of the Special Award for Services to the School, felt far more sincere.


    However, Malfoy kept his cool, downplaying his pleasure. ¡°Well, I still have a long way to go,¡± he replied modestly. ¡°You¡¯re the truly remarkable one. Few can earn that Special Award in their first year¡ªnot even Headmaster Dumbledore did.¡±


    ¡°Oh, don¡¯t say that. I was just lucky,¡± Kyle replied with a smile, preparing to head back to his compartment.


    ¡°Wait¡­¡±


    Kyle turned back, curious. ¡°Anything else?¡±


    ¡°That map¡­¡± Malfoy hesitated for a moment. ¡°Could I place an order?¡±


    ¡°Oh, right!¡± Kyle feigned realization and handed Malfoy the damaged stack of maps. ¡°These are all yours.¡±


    ¡°No, I don¡¯t mean ,¡± Malfoy said, wrinkling his nose in distaste. ¡°I¡¯m interested in the high-end ones¡ªthe very best. Can I order one?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯d be happy to accommodate,¡± Kyle replied with an even more genuine smile. ¡°For an additional Galleon, you can choose a custom pattern¡ªsay, your family crest, also in Unicorn hair. And for five Galleons more, you¡¯ll get a map with a lifelong enchantment, framed in an exquisite handmade case.¡± Sear?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Malfoy¡¯s eyes gleamed as he slowly closed his open palm into a fist. ¡°I¡¯ll take it all.¡±


    Kyle grinned, giving him a thumbs-up. ¡°The Malfoys truly have impeccable taste.¡±


    ...


    Draco Malfoy left with a smug smile, as if he¡¯d just gained 200 Galleons rather than lost it. What had started as a tense confrontation had somehow transformed into a cheerful business deal.


    The surrounding students, watching the scene with interest, saw nothing odd about it. If anything, they were simply amazed at the wealth on display. For most young witches and wizards, even ten Galleons was a considerable sum, enough to get them through a school term comfortably. Twenty Galleons? That was a luxury they couldn¡¯t even imagine.


    ¡°By Merlin¡¯s beard,¡± Ron muttered, poking his head out of a nearby compartment, his eyes wide with astonishment. ¡°No wonder Fred and George are suddenly so flush with Galleons. A map going for twenty Galleons? That¡¯s practically highway robbery.¡±


    Beside him, Harry stretched his neck to get a better view, though his curiosity lay elsewhere.


    ¡°Who is that?¡± Harry asked, intrigued.


    ¡°Who?¡± Ron looked confused.


    ¡°The one talking to Malfoy.¡±


    ¡°Oh, that¡¯s Kyle,¡± Ron replied eagerly. ¡°He started last year and was top of his class. He even won the Special Award for Services to the School, which is pretty amazing. That¡¯s better than Percy¡¯s prefect badge. My mum always says I should try to be like him, but honestly, it¡¯s impossible. I doubt even Bill and Charlie could match him.¡±


    ¡°Kyle, really?¡± Harry¡¯s voice grew louder in surprise.


    ¡°You know him too?¡± Ron asked, surprised.


    Harry quickly shook his head. ¡°No, not exactly. But Hagrid mentioned him. When he picked me up in Diagon Alley, he said that Kyle might end up as the youngest recipient of the Order of Merlin.¡±


    ¡°Oh my God, the Order of Merlin?!¡± Ron¡¯s eyes bulged in disbelief. ¡°That¡¯s...wow. I mean, I¡¯ve never even heard of that happening!¡±


    ¡°What exactly is the Order of Merlin?¡± Harry pressed, his curiosity piqued even further.


    Before Ron could respond, a high-pitched voice came from nearby. ¡°The Order of Merlin was founded in the Middle Ages by the greatest wizard of all time, Merlin himself. Over centuries, it¡¯s become the largest organization of esteemed wizards in the magical world. Only those who make significant contributions can receive the Order of Merlin medal, and it¡¯s the highest honor any witch or wizard can earn.¡±


    Harry and Ron turned to see a young witch with thick, bushy brown hair, her head held high and her tone both proud and slightly challenging.


    ¡°I read about it in extra reference books,¡± she added matter-of-factly, ¡°like and They all mention it.¡±


    ¡°Of course I knew that,¡± Ron mumbled, looking annoyed. This was his chance to impress Harry, and it had been stolen.

 Chapter 141: Cedric, You Ruthless Merchant

    Ron¡¯s small outburst seemed to go unnoticed as the girl continued on. ¡°I remember you, Ronald Weasley. Your mother helped me find the platform.¡±


    ¡°Uh, yes, but most people just call me Ron,¡± he muttered.


    ¡°Okay, Ron. I¡¯m Hermione Granger,¡± she said, giving him a brisk nod before turning her attention to the other boy. ¡°And you are?¡±


    ¡°Harry Potter,¡± Harry replied.


    At the name, Hermione¡¯s eyes widened, and she quickly rattled off a list of reference books, proving she knew quite a bit about him. This left Harry feeling a bit dazed, considering he didn¡¯t know much about his own story himself¡ªand he certainly hadn¡¯t read any of the books she mentioned.


    ¡°You really don¡¯t know?¡± Hermione said with surprise. ¡°If it were me, I¡¯d have found every book that mentions me.¡±


    Then, looking back at Ron, she asked, ¡°Oh, and did you say that Kyle is first in his year?¡±


    ¡°Er¡­ yes,¡± Ron nodded reluctantly.


    ¡°No wonder he was recognized by the Order of Merlin,¡± Hermione said, sounding impressed. ¡°I hope I¡¯m not too far behind him. I¡¯ve already memorized all our textbooks, so that should help.¡±


    Ron¡¯s expression soured further. This girl was starting to remind him too much of Percy, with her eager tone and relentless talk of studying.


    But Hermione, oblivious, continued. ¡°By the way, do you know which house Kyle¡¯s in? Is it Gryffindor? I¡¯ve been asking around, and everyone says that¡¯s the best. But if he¡¯s that smart, he might be in Ravenclaw.¡±


    ¡°Neither,¡± Ron replied, a hint of satisfaction in his voice. ¡°Kyle¡¯s a Hufflepuff.¡±


    ¡°Hufflepuff¡­?¡± Hermione¡¯s brow furrowed. ¡°But I heard that Hufflepuff¡¯s full of, well, students who aren¡¯t exactly¡­ the best at academics.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not true,¡± Ron replied, enjoying her surprise. ¡°Besides Kyle, there¡¯s also Cedric Diggory, who¡¯s top of his year¡ªand he¡¯s a Hufflepuff too.¡±


    Hermione looked slightly offended, as if she¡¯d been misled. How could the top students from two different years be in Hufflepuff, of all places? If they were the ¡°dull ones,¡± what did that say about everyone else?


    Next to her, Harry was feeling a bit down. When he¡¯d first talked to Ron about the houses, he¡¯d considered Hufflepuff a fallback choice. But if Hufflepuff was home to the top students¡­ well, it seemed less like an ¡°easy¡± house after all. Being first in the year? He could hardly imagine himself achieving that.


    Hermione seemed lost in thought as well, so Ron took the chance to ask, ¡°So, is there anything else you wanted to ask us? If not, we¡¯d like to get back to our compartment.¡±


    ¡°Yes, actually,¡± Hermione said, snapping back to attention. ¡°I wanted to ask if you¡¯d seen a toad. Neville¡¯s lost his.¡±


    ¡°A toad?¡± Ron sighed. ¡°We already told him we haven¡¯t seen it.¡±


    Neville had just been by earlier, nearly in tears over the lost toad, and it had left an impression on Ron.


    Harry chimed in, ¡°Maybe Kyle could help find it?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s a good idea,¡± Hermione agreed, casting them a final, assessing look. ¡°But you two should hurry and change into your robes. We¡¯ll probably be arriving soon.¡±


    With that, she turned and left.


    ¡°I really hope we don¡¯t end up in the same house as her,¡± Ron muttered, shutting the compartment door behind him with a scowl. ¡°Gryffindor¡¯s got enough Percys already.¡±


    Harry gave a distracted nod, still processing the whirlwind of information he¡¯d absorbed in the last few minutes.


    Meanwhile, Hermione made her way to Kyle¡¯s compartment. Through the glass, she saw him gesturing with his wand over a piece of parchment. Her hand, raised to knock, froze. She remembered how Malfoy¡¯s abrupt knock had disrupted Kyle¡¯s work, leading to that entire confrontation. She certainly didn¡¯t have the money to pay for ruined maps¡ª200 Galleons was unfathomable, let alone 20. Reluctantly, she decided to check another carriage.


    Inside the compartment, Kyle lowered his wand once Hermione had gone.


    ¡°Malfoy¡¯s family crest is ridiculously intricate,¡± Kyle said, rubbing his eyes. ¡°Snakes, dragons¡ªwhy couldn¡¯t they just settle for a simple ¡®M¡¯?¡±


    ¡°Hey, patience with our ¡± Fred joked. ¡°Nothing easier than tweaking a design to pocket an extra Galleon, right?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re not wrong,¡± Kyle agreed, sliding the half-completed parchment over to Cedric to finish the map manually. Since it was a permanent commission, he couldn¡¯t rely on the Doubling Charm.


    Then Kyle pulled out the bag Malfoy had handed over. ¡°One hundred and fifty Galleons. So, do we split this now or wait until he sends the rest?¡±


    The others exchanged glances and shook their heads in unison.


    ¡°Look, Kyle,¡± George said seriously, ¡°you earned this through¡­well, your talents. It doesn¡¯t involve us, so no need to split it.¡±


    ¡°Remarkable talents?¡± Kyle shrugged. ¡°I¡¯m no Ravenclaw. Besides, this is money from selling the map, so we split it equally.¡±


    ¡°This was hardly the usual sale, though,¡± Cedric pointed out. ¡°From Malfoy¡¯s door-smashing to the entire ¡®negotiation,¡¯ you handled all of it on your own. We didn¡¯t lift a finger.¡±


    Cedric¡¯s words echoed the others¡¯ thoughts; they each declined to touch the bag. Finally, after Kyle¡¯s insistent urging, they agreed to take just ten Galleons apiece. George ended up with fifteen, the extra five compensating him for his defaced robe¡ªwhich he accepted with no complaint.


    ¡°By the way,¡± Cedric said, gesturing toward the damaged maps on the table, ¡°should we use the Mending Charm to fix these up?¡±


    ¡°Huh? Why would we do that?¡± Kyle asked, raising an eyebrow. S~ea??h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Cedric blinked, looking puzzled. ¡°I mean, they¡¯re made from pricey Galleon parchment. We can¡¯t just throw them out.¡±


    Kyle narrowed his eyes, his tone skeptical. ¡°You¡¯re not planning on restoring them and selling them again, are you?¡±


    ¡°Not exactly,¡± Cedric replied, though he looked sheepish.


    Kyle sighed, eyeing him with mock disdain. ¡°Keep that up, and you¡¯ll end up in Azkaban for cunning business practices, mark my words.¡±

 Chapter 142: Throwing Galleons Away

    As soon as Kyle finished speaking, everyone in the compartment turned to Cedric with amused, suspicious expressions.


    Fred, sitting beside him, slid away theatrically and said in an exaggerated tone, ¡°Well, well, Cedric, I didn¡¯t expect it¡ª of all people, with those bushy eyebrows and big, innocent eyes, actually thinking like ¡±


    Fred, who had been entertaining the same idea as Cedric, couldn¡¯t resist the chance to add fuel to the fire. After all, long train rides called for some fun, and it was always better when the laughs came at someone else¡¯s expense.


    ¡°Oh, stop that, it¡¯s not like that!¡± Cedric protested, squirming uncomfortably as the others stared at him. ¡°I was just saying what you all were probably thinking too.¡±


    Kyle¡¯s tone took on a teasing drawl. ¡°Fred, George, were you two thinking that?¡±


    ¡°Absolutely not!¡± Fred replied, with feigned indignation.


    George nodded, looking mock-serious. ¡°I¡¯m an upstanding businessman; I¡¯d never dream of doing such a thing.¡±


    ¡°Kanna, what about you?¡± Kyle asked, turning to her.


    ¡°No way!¡± Kanna said, shaking her head emphatically, her hair accessory nearly coming loose.


    ¡°And you, Cho?¡± Kyle asked, keeping up the act.


    Cho quickly shook her head. ¡°No¡­ I would never.¡±


    ...


    ¡°See? No one else,¡± Kyle said, raising an eyebrow. ¡°It¡¯s just you, Cedric, our unscrupulous merchant.¡±


    Cedric¡¯s face turned red as he stared at his friends, feeling utterly betrayed. he thought, dismayed, as if his world had suddenly shifted.


    ¡°Give it up, you greedy merchant,¡± Kyle teased, then handed the stack of damaged maps to Fred. ¡°When we arrive, you¡¯ll dispose of them in front of everyone.¡±


    Fred took the stack solemnly, adopting the serious expression of someone accepting a high office, as though he¡¯d just been appointed Minister of Magic.


    ¡°Make sure you do it before Hagrid arrives,¡± Kyle reminded him. ¡°That way, the first-years can witness it too.¡±


    Fred, initially agreeing out of habit, suddenly sensed something amiss. Kyle¡¯s expression hadn¡¯t changed; he looked entirely serious.


    ¡°Wait a second¡­¡± Fred hesitated, licking his lips nervously. ¡°Kyle, we were just kidding around with Cedric. Look, he¡¯s embarrassed enough.¡±


    Kyle shook his head. ¡°No, I¡¯m not joking. They have to be destroyed¡ªevery last one.¡±


    Seeing the serious expression on Kyle¡¯s face, the laughter evaporated, and the others fell silent. George muttered, ¡°But... these are worth Galleons.¡±


    ¡°I know,¡± Kyle replied, shrugging. ¡°But I¡¯ve already committed, and if we don¡¯t want any trouble, we need to see it through.¡±


    He continued, ¡°Besides, the actual cost is minimal. Unicorn hair is easy enough to come by, and the Fire Crab fragments were just leftovers from a fight. Including the parchment, each one costs less than two Galleons.¡±


    Fred and George exchanged a look, barely containing their exasperation. they thought incredulously.


    ¡°Can¡¯t we find another way?¡± Cho asked, clearly uncomfortable with the waste. ¡°Maybe we could just Transfigure ordinary parchment¡­¡±


    But Kyle cut her off. ¡°No, it needs to be convincing. Just hearing my words won¡¯t convince everyone. Destroying these is the only way to make people genuinely value the 20-Galleon maps.¡±


    ¡°I get the logic,¡± Fred said with a sigh, staring at the stack in his hands. ¡°But it still feels wrong to destroy something worth over ten Galleons.¡±


    He felt like he was about to toss Galleons to the wind¡ªan unbearable thought after a childhood of scrimping.


    At that moment, Cedric, who¡¯d been uncharacteristically silent, leaned over and looked directly at the maps in Fred¡¯s hands. ¡°If it¡¯s too hard for you, I¡¯d be happy to handle it myself.¡±


    ¡°No, I¡¯ll do it,¡± Fred said quickly, clutching the maps protectively. Though he was struggling to accept the decision, he wasn¡¯t about to let someone else take over this peculiar and valuable task.


    ...


    In a few short minutes, the mood in the carriage had taken a complete shift. Everyone sat listlessly, lamenting the ten Galleons they¡¯d be sacrificing. Only Cedric seemed immune, grinning as if he¡¯d downed a bottle of Elixir to Induce Euphoria.


    As evening settled in, the passing villages and fields gave way to mountains and forests. They were nearing their destination. After changing into their robes, Fred seemed to grow more and more anxious, rummaging through his suitcase as if searching for something to steady his nerves.


    At that moment, two new students knocked on their compartment door¡ªit was Hermione, whom they¡¯d met earlier, accompanied by a nervous-looking Neville.


    After listening to their request, Kyle asked, ¡°So, you¡¯re asking me to help find your toad?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± Hermione replied earnestly. ¡°We¡¯ve searched the whole train, and it¡¯s nowhere to be found. Do you have any ideas?¡±


    ¡°Not too difficult,¡± Kyle said thoughtfully. ¡°If you haven¡¯t left it on the platform, all it needs is a simple spell.¡±


    With that, he raised his wand. ¡°¡±


    A croak sounded from a luggage rack down the hall, and in a flash, a toad soared into the compartment.


    ¡°Trevor!¡± Neville exclaimed in relief, reaching out to catch his lost pet.


    ¡°Neville, I¡¯d suggest learning the Summoning Charm yourself,¡± Kyle said with a smile. ¡°That way, you won¡¯t have to worry about misplacing keys, books¡­ or toads.¡±


    Neville nodded, sniffling slightly. ¡°Maybe, but I don¡¯t know if I can learn it. I¡¯m¡­not exactly the best student. I mess things up all the time.¡±


    ¡°Give yourself some credit,¡± Kyle encouraged him. ¡°You never know until you try, and I¡¯d be glad to help.¡± sea??h th§× Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°And me too,¡± Hermione chimed in. ¡°Learning charms isn¡¯t too difficult¡ªI even picked up a few over the summer.¡±


    ¡°Thank you,¡± Neville mumbled, his face pale but relieved.


    Just then, the train came to a gradual stop. Fred took a deep breath, stepped around Hermione and Neville at the doorway, and announced with a determined expression, ¡°All right, I¡¯m off.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t dawdle,¡± Kyle reminded him. ¡°Make sure you¡¯re done before Hagrid takes the new students away.¡±

 Chapter 143: The Ministry of Magic’s Compensation

    The train finally stopped at the Hogsmeade platform, and everyone spilled out onto the platform. Chaos reigned everywhere: owls were hooting, cats were meowing, and toads were croaking in unison, creating a cacophony that filled the small space.


    Suddenly, a lion-shaped firework burst across the sky, capturing everyone¡¯s attention at once.


    Another firework soared up with a trailing plume of smoke.


    The young wizards quickly noticed Fred, who was at the center of it all, calmly setting off more fireworks. With everyone¡¯s eyes on him, he wrapped a parchment edged in gold around one of the fireworks and lit it.


    Fireworks exploded one after another, forming lions, badgers, and dragons that leaped and swirled across the sky, holding their shapes for a surprisingly long time before fading.


    ¡°Is this Hogwarts¡¯ welcome ceremony?¡± one of the first-years asked, clearly excited.


    Unaware of the actual reason behind the display, they assumed Hogwarts was putting on a grand show just to welcome them. And truthfully, the fireworks were mesmerizing. Watching the animal shapes sparkle overhead, many of them felt their nervousness begin to fade.


    But others had different reactions.


    ¡°See, Zabini?¡± Malfoy said with a smug smile to the other first-years. ¡°I told you Kyle would destroy the maps. You didn¡¯t believe me, ha¡­¡±


    He let out a mocking laugh, clearly pleased with himself.


    Next to him, a freckled boy stuck out his neck defiantly. ¡°Who knows if that¡¯s true? Maybe it¡¯s just a transfiguration spell.¡±


    ¡°Absolutely not!¡± Malfoy scoffed. ¡°I trust Kyle. He won the Special Award for Services to the School. He¡¯s definitely not that kind of person.¡±


    ¡°Who knows?¡± the freckled boy retorted, smirking. ¡°Don¡¯t forget, all those students were second-years. It¡¯d be easy for them to pull something like this.¡±


    The two of them were firm in their beliefs, each refusing to budge.


    Just then, Crabbe, the tallest of the group, noticed something fluttering down and reached out to grab a fragment of parchment.


    ¡°Draco, look at this.¡±


    Malfoy, momentarily distracted from arguing with Zabini, turned around. His eyes lit up as he took the fragment from Crabbe.


    ¡°Aha!¡±


    He held up the parchment, pointing excitedly at the faint gold lines still visible. ¡°Look at this¡ªit¡¯s real gold! Do you still think it¡¯s just a transfiguration spell? And¡­¡±


    He brought the fragment closer to his face, inhaling near a burnt spot on the paper.


    ¡°I accidentally burned a hole in the Unicorn''s Tail Tapestry at home once, and it smelled exactly like this.¡±


    Zabini¡¯s face flushed, as if he¡¯d just been smacked.


    Seeing this, Malfoy became even more pleased with himself, his grin widening. ¡°I get it¡ªyou probably can¡¯t afford the twenty Galleons for the map. That¡¯s why you¡¯re making excuses. No worries, though. I asked around, and they have a few maps left for a Scrooge like you. You can always buy one of those.¡±


    ¡°Who are you calling Scrooge?¡±


    Zabini¡¯s temper flared. He could handle losing an argument, but Malfoy¡¯s mocking tone was too much. Twenty Galleons¡ªdid Malfoy think he couldn¡¯t afford that? Just who did Malfoy think he was?


    ¡°Just you wait. I¡¯ll buy the most expensive map they have!¡± Zabini declared, sticking his neck out defiantly. ¡°It¡¯ll be better than yours!¡±


    ¡°Tut tut, that¡¯s impossible,¡± Malfoy replied with a smug look. ¡°I¡¯m buying the most expensive one, and Kyle promised my number would be at the front. So even if you get the same map, you¡¯ll still be behind me.¡±


    ¡°You... hmph!¡± Zabini fumed, glaring at Malfoy before turning on his heel and stomping off.


    Malfoy watched him go with a triumphant air, clearly relishing his victory.


    Just then, a light appeared above their heads.


    ¡°First-year students! First-years, come this way. Harry, are you alright?¡±


    Hagrid¡¯s towering figure emerged on the platform, calling out to the new students, just as he had the previous year. Meanwhile, Kyle and the other second-years began walking in the opposite direction, heading toward the carriages that would take them up to Hogwarts.


    On the rough, muddy path, over a hundred empty carriages stood waiting, each pulled by Thestrals¡ªthough only those who had seen death could see them. Kyle couldn¡¯t see them.


    He¡¯d once come close. There¡¯d been an incident with a werewolf at St. Mungo¡¯s, but the werewolf had been too resilient and had ultimately been saved by the Healers. Half-death wasn¡¯t enough to see the Thestrals.


    Kyle approached a carriage, reaching out and feeling the bony, invisible head with his hands. The Thestral nudged him gently in return.


    Once they were seated, the Thestral pulled the carriage toward Hogwarts Castle. The interior had a faint musty scent, mingled with the dry smell of straw, reminiscent of an unused broom cupboard.


    The carriages rolled forward, passing through two grand wrought-iron gates flanked by stone pillars, each topped with a winged warthog. The warthog wasn¡¯t a magical creature itself, but it was inspired by a dream of Rowena Ravenclaw, who had envisioned a flying warthog leading her to a clearing by the Black Lake¡ªwhere she then saw Hogwarts Castle. Sear?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Beyond the gates, the carriage picked up speed as it rolled along the road leading up to the castle. Through the windows, they could see the tall towers and turrets growing closer with each moment.


    At last, the carriage came to a slightly bumpy stop. The young wizards climbed out, still chatting excitedly about their journey, and made their way up the stone steps toward the castle¡¯s great oak doors.


    Torches flickered in the vast, dim foyer. To the right, the doors to the Great Hall stood open, waiting for the students to enter before the first-years arrived. Kyle followed the flow of students into the hall. After two months away, he¡¯d missed this place, and he cast a fond look at the enchanted ceiling, which mirrored the clear night sky, dotted with shining stars.


    Just as he was reaching the Hufflepuff table and about to sit down, he heard a voice call out:


    ¡°Kyle, could you come here a minute?¡±


    Surprised, Kyle looked up to see Professor Sprout, the Head of Hufflepuff, waving at him from the VIP section.


    ¡°I¡¯m coming, Professor,¡± he replied quickly, weaving his way through the bustling crowd toward her.


    ¡°What can I do for you, Professor?¡± he asked when he reached her.


    ¡°The Ministry sent something here a while ago. They said it was compensation for the incident in the Forbidden Forest two months ago,¡± Professor Sprout said with a warm smile. ¡°I have a feeling it¡¯s meant for you.¡±

 Chapter 144: The New Hogwarts Rap

    Kyle and Professor Sprout walked through the foyer, up the Marble Staircase, and down a winding corridor. Professor Sprout¡¯s office was modest in size, filled with the earthy, sweet scent of soil. A warm fire crackled in the fireplace, and lush vines adorned the walls, giving the space a cozy, greenhouse-like atmosphere. Magical plants were scattered all around, making the room feel like a miniature version of the greenhouse outside.


    Near the window sat a small desk, and on it was a brown box. Professor Sprout pointed to it.


    ¡°I received this package two days before the start of the school year. It came from the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, along with a letter saying it was compensation for the damage done to the Forbidden Forest,¡± she explained. Her expression grew a little strange. ¡°But as far as I know, Minerva didn¡¯t request any such compensation, so I believe it¡¯s meant for you.¡±


    ¡°Ahem, yes, Professor,¡± Kyle replied, a bit sheepishly. ¡°I did write a letter to the Ministry of Magic¡ªbut only because the Hit Wizards asked me to. They knew I¡¯d used some rare magical items in the Forbidden Forest, and that¡¯s how I managed to survive Oren. So, they generously decided to send some compensation.¡±


    ¡°Did they, now?¡± Professor Sprout remarked with a smile. ¡°But the letter also said they¡¯d soon be sending someone to construct a new greenhouse for Hogwarts. Did you request that as well?¡±


    ¡°Er... no,¡± Kyle answered after a brief pause. ¡°I only mentioned that the excessive use of dark magic in the Forbidden Forest had destroyed many rare magical plants and trees that were centuries old. I guess that¡¯s their way of compensating the school.¡±


    Professor Sprout¡¯s expression grew even more peculiar. She flushed slightly and looked out the window, knowing well what plants were actually in the Forbidden Forest. Most of the rare and precious ones had been moved to the greenhouse ages ago. What remained were mostly common species like dittany and puffapods. And as for the so-called ancient trees... after the Hit Wizards left, it had only taken her and Filius five minutes to restore the forest to its former state with a simple General Counter-Spell.


    Clearing her throat, Professor Sprout spoke with feigned outrage, ¡°Yes, it¡¯s a shame about those plants. It¡¯s rare for the Ministry to consider these things and offer to build a new greenhouse for their protection.¡±


    Looking quite pleased, she added briskly, ¡°So, why don¡¯t you stay here and inventory their compensation to see if anything¡¯s missing? But don¡¯t take too long; I believe the Sorting Ceremony will start soon.¡±


    With that, Professor Sprout left the office, closing the door behind her.


    Kyle approached the table and opened the box. Inside, he found a small collection of items, starting with a neat stack of fifty Galleons labeled ¡°Broom.¡± He remembered throwing a broom into the Forbidden Forest during the encounter, but it had been destroyed when a tree fell on it during the battle. Unable to replace such an old model, the Ministry had likely decided to compensate him with a monetary equivalent.


    Setting the Galleons aside¡ªthey technically belonged to the school, after all¡ªhe turned his attention to the remaining items, the true focus of his interest. After removing the Galleons, he uncovered five tightly sealed glass bottles. Each one held seeds of a different magical plant, with their names labeled on the bottles.


    Chomping CabbageMandrakeLovageVenomous TentaculaFanged Geranium


    Kyle picked up the bottles and carefully placed them into his Mokeskin pouch, feeling a sense of satisfaction. To make the compensation more plausible, he had listed these plants as ¡°lost items¡± in his letter to the Ministry. This was why they had sent him such dangerous species. Nearly all of them were classified as ¡°highly hazardous,¡± especially the Chomping Cabbage and Venomous Tentacula, which were banned from private cultivation and trade.


    Kyle hadn¡¯t been sure how this would play out, but he had taken a gamble that the professor who received the package wouldn¡¯t look too closely at its contents. If she had, the seeds would likely have ended up in the new greenhouse instead of his pouch.


    Fortunately, luck had been on his side. Professor Sprout¡¯s primary concern was for the plants she already tended in the greenhouse.


    After gathering up the bottles, Kyle let out a long, relieved sigh. He couldn¡¯t help but feel grateful that the Ministry had packaged everything so securely. Managing to get the seeds past a master botanist had certainly been an adventure.


    After leaving Professor Sprout''s office, Kyle headed down the stairs and back into the Great Hall. The new students had already arrived, filling the hall with a sea of black hats and pointed ears. Every long table was packed with students, buzzing with excitement and anticipation.


    Up near the VIP section, the worn and tattered Sorting Hat sat prominently on its stool. This year, though, it sported some new accessories¡ªa red and blue cloth wrapped around its brim, which might have been a tea towel or a bandana, and a pair of tiny sunglasses perched jauntily on top. S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Kyle entered the hall just in time to hear the Sorting Hat¡¯s song. The Hat seemed more animated than ever, wriggling on its triangular stool as it sang in a lively, nontraditional tune.


    The Sorting Hat finished with a flourish, and the hall instantly burst into applause, the cheers so thunderous it seemed they might lift the ceiling.


    Kyle smiled, then made his way over to the Hufflepuff table. Cedric had saved him a spot right between him and Mikel.


    ¡°Kyle, if only you¡¯d arrived a bit earlier,¡± Cedric said with a touch of regret. ¡°The Sorting Hat¡¯s song was completely different from previous years.¡±


    ¡°Well, I managed to catch a bit of it,¡± Kyle replied with a grin.


    It seemed the Sorting Hat had received the Christmas present he¡¯d sent it last year. He just hadn¡¯t expected Hogwarts to still be playing those tapes.

 Chapter 145: Sorting

    Once Kyle had settled into his seat, Professor McGonagall walked over to the triangular stool, and the cheers in the Great Hall gradually quieted down. She held up the Sorting Hat.


    ¡°When I call your name, you will put on the hat and sit on the stool to be sorted into your house,¡± she announced.


    ¡°Hannah Abbott!¡±


    A young girl with rosy cheeks and two golden braids stepped out of the line, stumbling a bit as she approached the stool. She put on the hat, and after a moment¡¯s pause¡ª


    ¡°Hufflepuff!¡±


    The Hufflepuff table erupted in applause, welcoming Hannah enthusiastically. Susan Bones, who had just been sorted into Hufflepuff as well, hurried over to sit beside her amid the cheers.


    The sorting continued in an orderly fashion. Hermione and Neville were both placed in Gryffindor, Malfoy was sorted into Slytherin just as he¡¯d hoped, and Harry and Ron, unsurprisingly, joined Gryffindor as well.


    Kyle noticed Dumbledore seated at the head table, looking particularly pleased. Dumbledore clapped energetically and even picked up a cup, giving it a celebratory wave in Harry¡¯s direction.


    Kyle muttered to himself, feeling a mixture of amusement and irritation. He¡¯d long suspected that Dumbledore would do whatever it took to support Harry, but such a blatant display was a bit much, wasn¡¯t it?


    In stark contrast, Professor Snape looked anything but pleased. Rather than glaring at Harry, however, he was eyeing the Sorting Hat intently, as though he might pull out a potion bottle and douse the tattered old hat at any moment.


    As soon as the last new student was sorted into Slytherin, Snape rose swiftly, ready to assist Professor McGonagall with returning the Sorting Hat. But she waved him off.


    ¡°Thank you, Severus, but the list of new students needs to be placed in a designated spot, and I don¡¯t believe you¡¯d know where to find it,¡± she said, giving him a mildly perplexed look before rolling up the parchment and leaving with the Sorting Hat.


    Dumbledore then rose, his face alight with joy as he spread his arms toward the crowd.


    ¡°Welcome!¡± he called out warmly. ¡°Welcome to Hogwarts and the start of a new school year! Before we begin the feast, I would like to say a few words.¡±


    He paused, then declared, ¡°Nitwit! Blubber! Oddment! Tweak!¡±


    ¡°Thank you all!¡±


    With that, Dumbledore sat down, and the empty plates before the students instantly filled with food.


    ¡°Oh, I hate carrots...¡± Mikel muttered, staring down at the vegetable soup in front of him. He turned to Ryan, who was gnawing on a corn cob, and asked, ¡°Wanna switch seats?¡±


    Ryan, who wasn¡¯t a picky eater, shrugged and got up to swap places with Mikel.


    ¡°Kyle, do you have any idea what the headmaster meant just now?¡± Cedric asked, frowning slightly. Dumbledore¡¯s words had sounded odd, almost as though he were an eccentric old wizard on the brink of losing his mind.


    Kyle thought for a moment. ¡°Not really,¡± he admitted. ¡°But maybe he was making a comment about how each house views the others. Like how clever Ravenclaws might look down on everyone else, thinking they¡¯re all a bit slow, right?¡±


    ¡°Oh, I see¡­¡± Cedric nodded thoughtfully, piecing together the other words to fit the various houses. Kyle¡¯s interpretation seemed to make sense.


    Still, despite all the theories and interpretations, no one really knew what Dumbledore was thinking. The only person who might have had a clue was still locked away in Nurmengard.


    ...


    Everyone enjoyed their meal until the last crumbs of pumpkin pie vanished from the golden plates. With the feast over, Dumbledore rose once more.


    ¡°Now that everyone has eaten their fill, I¡¯d like to say a few words to you all,¡± he began.


    ¡°First, we have Professor Quirrell, whom many of you know, taking on the position of Defence Against the Dark Arts professor. And joining us as the new Muggle Studies professor is Professor Burbage.¡±


    Two figures rose from the staff table¡ªa man and a woman. Quirrell looked nervous and uncertain, while Professor Bubaji exuded a bright confidence. The hall broke into applause, though most of it was directed at Professor Burbage, who outshone Quirrell considerably. As for Quirrell, he barely drew a response¡ªhis yearly appearances were hardly worth a fuss.


    Nearby, an upperclassman muttered in disbelief, ¡°Volunteering to be Defence Against the Dark Arts professor... I never knew Professor Quirrell was so brave.¡±


    As the applause settled, Dumbledore continued, ¡°First years, please remember that the forest on the school grounds is off limits to all students. This rule is very important, and if anyone suggests going there¡ªeven if it¡¯s a professor you know well¡ªdo not agree.¡±


    Kyle felt several pairs of eyes fall on him, making him wince.


    Thankfully, Dumbledore didn¡¯t linger on this point for long. ¡°Also, the caretaker, Mr. Filch, has asked me to remind everyone not to practice magic in the corridors between classes. And please do not bring any magical plants from the greenhouse back to the castle, especially the dangerous ones.¡±


    Dumbledore¡¯s twinkling gaze settled on Kyle, whose mouth twitched slightly before he quickly composed himself. he thought,


    ¡°The Quidditch player review will be held in the second week of term. Anyone interested in joining a House team should contact Madam Hooch.¡±


    Finally, Dumbledore¡¯s expression turned serious. ¡°Lastly, I must tell you all that anyone who wishes to avoid a painful death should stay clear of the corridor on the right side of the fourth floor.¡±


    Kyle snickered quietly. The bait was so obvious it was practically bait on a hook¡ªbut Voldemort, apparently, had taken it seriously. Then again, Voldemort was only a spectral presence right now, clinging to Quirrell¡¯s mind.


    ¡°He can¡¯t be serious, can he?¡± Mikel whispered, looking pale.


    ¡°Unlikely,¡± Cedric replied, shaking his head. ¡°If Hogwarts had somewhere truly that dangerous, it would¡¯ve been completely sealed off ages ago.¡± S§×ar?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Once the school song had been sung, Dumbledore announced it was time to head to the dormitories. But Kyle stayed put, glancing over at the Gryffindor table. After all, he was due a certain payment.


    ¡°Oh¡­ that!¡±


    ¡°I thought he¡¯d forgotten,¡± Fred and George sighed. Amid curious looks from Harry and Ron, they each popped a toffee into their mouths with a resigned expression.


    ¡°Wow¡­¡±


    ¡°Oh¡­¡±


    Laughter erupted as Fred and George¡¯s tongues stretched out to an absurd length, flapping like ribbons as they broke into an awkward, tongue-dragging tap dance around the table. This part hadn¡¯t been in the original bet¡ªthey¡¯d added it themselves. Trying to avoid tripping over their own tongues, the twins moved in a spasmodic, almost slapstick rhythm that was oddly mesmerizing.


    ¡°Ohhh¡­¡±


    The hall broke into another round of applause and laughter, with even Dumbledore watching them with delighted interest. Only Professor McGonagall looked less than amused, her lips pursed so tightly they almost formed a straight line. she seemed to be thinking.

 Chapter 146: Cedric the Great Savior

    On the first day of the new school year, Fred and George were the undeniable center of attention. Even back in the Hufflepuff common room, students couldn¡¯t stop talking about their antics.


    ¡°Do you really think the Weasley twins can actually sell that candy?¡± Cedric asked doubtfully, sinking into the sofa. ¡°Professor McGonagall won¡¯t approve.¡±


    ¡°They probably won¡¯t make a big fuss,¡± Kyle replied thoughtfully. ¡°As long as they¡¯re careful not to get caught, they¡¯ll be fine. Technically, the rules do forbid Dungbombs and fireworks in the castle, but we still see those all the time. The professors have too much on their plates to worry about every little thing.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s different,¡± Cedric argued, frowning. He remembered Fred and George mentioning that those sweets could help students skip class. Could the professors really overlook that?


    Kyle shrugged, not entirely certain. But he was pretty sure the twins already had a plan up their sleeves. As long as they didn¡¯t get caught in the act, the professors would likely just assume the sweets were from Zonko¡¯s or another joke shop. Worst case, they¡¯d add Fat Tongue Toffee to the list of banned items.


    As was tradition in Hufflepuff, the first week back meant a scramble to catch up on unfinished summer homework. With the common room growing more crowded, Kyle and Cedric gave up their seats to students hoping for some last-minute miracles and headed back to their dorm.


    The dorm looked just as it had last year, except for a new sign on the door reading ¡°Second Year.¡± The room was spotless, as if the house-elves had given it a thorough cleaning before term started. Kyle lay back on his bed, gazing at the familiar surroundings until he drifted off.


    Because he¡¯d turned in early, Kyle woke before dawn the next day and decided to visit the eighth floor alone. When he reached the Room of Requirement, he found the flowerbeds in good shape, thanks to the Room¡¯s natural environment simulation and the Mooncalves¡¯ regular soil fertilization¡ªeven after two months without tending.


    But there were definite changes. The Devil¡¯s Snare, closest to the Mooncalf¡¯s lair, had grown substantially. Its tendrils were now as thick as Kyle¡¯s wrist, darker in color, and more imposing. The Chomping Cabbages he¡¯d planted before the holidays had also sprouted. Their fist-sized mouths opened and closed, and Kyle guessed they¡¯d start growing teeth in another week or two.


    Nearby, the Dittany and Rue had spread into a dense, lush carpet of green.


    The Mooncalf was sound asleep, while the Billywig zoomed around joyfully. As soon as it spotted Kyle, it zipped over, its propeller-like wings buzzing with excitement. Kyle took a cautious step back, greeting it briefly before making his exit.


    The little creature seemed especially lively today, darting around Kyle with abandon, oblivious to the poisonous stinger it carried. Kyle wasn¡¯t about to risk getting stung.


    After leaving the Room of Requirement, Kyle made his way down to the Great Hall. It was already packed with students, who sat in clusters, whispering and sneaking glances toward the Gryffindor table.


    ¡°There, look!¡±


    ¡°Where?¡±


    ¡°Next to the tall red-haired boy¡ªthe one with glasses.¡±


    ¡°Harry Potter!¡±


    ¡°Did you see his scar?¡±


    Harry looked distinctly uncomfortable under the scrutiny, keeping his head down as he hurried through his breakfast.


    Kyle joined the Hufflepuff table, where he found Fred and George in deep conversation with Cedric.


    ¡°Cedric, please, you have to help us,¡± Fred pleaded dramatically. ¡°We didn¡¯t realize we¡¯d have Potions on the first day back, and if we don¡¯t hand in our homework on time¡­¡±


    ¡°Snape will kill us,¡± George finished, shuddering at the thought.


    Cedric chuckled. ¡°I can lend you mine, but class starts soon. Are you sure you¡¯ll be able to finish it in time?¡±


    Fred nodded quickly. ¡°Our Potions lesson isn¡¯t until second period, so we¡¯ll finish it during Divination.¡±


    ¡°Alright, then,¡± Cedric said, shaking his head with a smile. ¡°I¡¯ll get it for you after breakfast.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re a lifesaver!¡± Fred and George beamed gratefully. ¡°You¡¯ve saved our lives!¡±


    Kyle took a seat beside them and asked curiously, ¡°So, you both chose Divination?¡± S§×ar?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°Divination and Care of Magical Creatures,¡± Fred replied. ¡°Divination¡¯s a must. Charlie says it¡¯s an easy O.W.L., and the class is relaxed.¡±


    ¡°Yep,¡± George added. ¡°Professor Trelawney loves it if you make your predictions sound a little dramatic. That way, you can do whatever you like. You should consider it next year¡ªit¡¯s practically paradise.¡±


    ¡°Sounds tempting.¡± Kyle nodded thoughtfully, then added, ¡°But if you can, I¡¯d recommend taking Study of Ancient Runes as well.¡±


    Fred looked puzzled. ¡°Why¡¯s that? Isn¡¯t that class notoriously difficult?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s worse than difficult,¡± George said with a grimace. ¡°Percy spent his entire holiday studying for it.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s true,¡± Kyle agreed, ¡°but since you¡¯ve both got your sights set on opening a joke shop, Ancient Runes would help a lot with alchemy.¡±


    ¡°Alchemy?¡± Fred and George exchanged glances, starting to catch on.


    Magical joke products were a type of alchemical creation, and if they wanted to make their own, Ancient Runes would indeed be valuable.


    ¡°Kyle, why did you wait until now to tell us something so important?¡± George groaned, scratching his head.


    Now that the course selection deadline had passed, adding Ancient Runes would mean going to Professor McGonagall to request an extra course. It would be a big commitment¡ªtaking a fourth elective would take up their free time, cutting into their hours for mischief.


    But opening a joke shop was their dream, and if the class could really help with alchemy, they couldn¡¯t ignore it. Fred and George suddenly found themselves in a tough spot.


    ¡°Maybe we should just go talk to Professor McGonagall,¡± George suggested after a moment. ¡°Do you think she¡¯d let us replace Care of Magical Creatures with Ancient Runes?¡±

 Chapter 147: The Lost Harry and a Bag of Cat Food

    If it had been just one more class, Professor McGonagall would probably have said yes. But another one¡­? Honestly, Kyle didn¡¯t think it was likely. Still, seeing Fred and George¡¯s hopeful faces, he just shrugged and stayed silent.


    It wouldn¡¯t hurt to let them try. Maybe if Professor McGonagall was in a good mood, she''d agree.


    The first class of the year was Charms, and after leaving the lecture hall, Kyle said goodbye to the Weasley twins and Cedric, heading alone to the castle''s fourth floor.


    While passing the second floor, Kyle suddenly spotted two first-year students spinning helplessly on the stairs¡ªHarry and Ron. They were stuck, circling around two trick steps, hovering on the second floor, looking increasingly anxious.


    Kyle watched for a moment before he couldn¡¯t resist commenting, "What are you doing¡­ getting in some exercise?"


    Ron¡¯s head whipped around, and seeing Kyle, he looked as if he''d spotted a savior. He grabbed Harry¡¯s arm and pulled him over.


    ¡°We were trying to get to the Transfiguration Classroom, but we got lost,¡± Ron said breathlessly. "Could you tell us how to get there?"


    ¡°Just follow me,¡± Kyle replied. ¡°I¡¯m headed to the fourth floor too.¡±


    ¡°Thank goodness!¡± Ron sighed in relief.


    ¡°Thanks,¡± Harry added, looking a bit embarrassed.


    ¡°It¡¯s no trouble. It¡¯s on my way.¡±


    Leading them toward the correct staircase, Kyle asked, somewhat puzzled, ¡°Didn¡¯t you two buy a map of Hogwarts?¡±


    At this, Ron¡¯s face flushed, and he dropped his gaze, silent. S§×arch* The N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Harry, also embarrassed, admitted, ¡°Twenty Galleons is way too expensive. I¡­ we couldn¡¯t afford it.¡±


    Although he had a good amount of gold in his vault, he hadn¡¯t brought much to school. After paying for his wand and books, he only had twenty Galleons left. With the whole school year ahead, he wasn¡¯t keen on spending all his money on a map.


    ¡°That¡¯s not what I meant,¡± Kyle explained as they rounded a corner. ¡°There are two kinds of maps. Besides the twenty-Galleon one, there¡¯s a cheaper version for ten Sickles¡­ What? Fred and George didn¡¯t tell you?¡±


    Harry and Ron froze.


    At Kyle¡¯s words, Harry suddenly remembered that there had indeed been a map flyer pinned to the common room door. He and Ron had both assumed it was like the pricey ones they¡¯d seen on the train and hadn¡¯t looked closely at it. Now, thinking back, Harry¡¯s face crumpled with regret. If only he¡¯d taken a closer look, he could still have managed ten Sickles.


    ¡°Here we are. The Transfiguration classroom is that way,¡± Kyle said, pointing, before slipping something from his pocket into Harry¡¯s hand. ¡°Consider this a little something for our first meeting.¡±


    Harry looked down and saw that he was holding two maps and¡­ a bag of dried fish?


    ¡°What¡¯s this?¡± Ron asked.


    ¡°It looks like cat food,¡± Harry replied, puzzled. ¡°Does Kyle have a cat?¡±


    Ron thought for a moment. ¡°Yeah, I think he does.¡±


    Harry quickly looked up and called after him, ¡°Kyle, you gave us a bag of cat food by mistake!¡±


    ¡°You can have it too!¡± Kyle replied, already halfway down the hall and not looking back. ¡°I¡¯ve got loads. You can feed it to the owls if you like.¡±


    And with that, he disappeared around the corner at the end of the corridor.


    Harry stood there, stock still, holding the bag of dried fish.


    "Come on, Harry, class is about to start."


    Ron suddenly tugged at him, his voice hurried. "And it¡¯s Professor McGonagall''s class¡ªwe really shouldn¡¯t be late."


    "Okay, okay."


    Snapping out of his daze, Harry stuffed the dried fish into his pocket and rushed after Ron toward the Transfiguration classroom.


    Meanwhile, Kyle had already entered the Charms classroom. For the first lesson of the new school year, Professor Flitwick didn¡¯t jump into new material but instead reviewed the Charms they''d learned last year. He spent the first half of the lesson checking everyone¡¯s Levitation Charm and Softening Charm. Once he was satisfied that most students could cast these Charms confidently, he returned to the platform where their textbooks were stacked.


    "Today, we will be learning the General Counter-Spell, which can cancel the effects of ordinary Charms. Watch my movements closely. When you wave your wand, do it firmly, and enunciate clearly... "


    After Charms, Kyle headed to his History of Magic class. The afternoon was dedicated to two consecutive Potions lessons with Professor Snape. As before, Snape didn¡¯t have a positive impression on Kyle.


    ¡°You were talking while brewing your potion,¡± Snape said, his tone sharp and his expression grim as he loomed over Kyle. ¡°If you don¡¯t care to learn, at least don¡¯t disrupt others. One point from Hufflepuff.¡±


    Then he turned to Kyle¡¯s partner, Kanna.


    ¡°Excellent job preparing the lionfish spines, Kanna¡ªone point to Hufflepuff.¡±


    Kyle regarded Snape with a calm expression, already accustomed to his blatant double standards. Compared to last year, when Snape had deducted five points on the first day, this was almost an improvement.


    ...


    The first day of the new school year passed like that. Some classes were less enjoyable than others, but overall, it felt fulfilling.


    That night, the library on the second floor of the castle was silent, not a single sound breaking the stillness. Tall shelves lined the room, casting long shadows that blocked out the faint moonlight slipping through the windows. It was much darker here than in the rest of the castle.


    The door suddenly cracked open, just enough for someone to slip through.


    As the door closed, a series of clear, quiet footsteps sounded within the library.


    ¡°Filch is way too dedicated, isn¡¯t he?¡± muttered Kyle, lifting his Disillusionment Charm and patting his chest in relief.


    On the stairs earlier, Filch had appeared out of nowhere, passing close by Kyle. He had also noticed that Mrs. Norris, Filch¡¯s cat, had paused as she passed him, her gaze fixed on his spot with a suspicious expression.


    Kyle guessed she¡¯d sensed something was off but couldn¡¯t quite place it. Fortunately, Filch seemed preoccupied with chasing someone else and urged Mrs. Norris to keep moving.


    "It seems relying solely on the Disillusionment Charm for night-walking isn¡¯t foolproof. I¡¯ll need to look into a spell that can mask scents," Kyle thought, steadying himself before heading toward the Restricted Section of the library.


    He remembered that the book he was looking for, the one detailing Horcruxes, was titled . But the thought of finding it gave him a headache.


    Though the Restricted Section only occupied a small part of the library, it still contained thousands of books. Without magic to assist him, locating would be no easy task.


    ¡°Hopefully, I can find it tonight,¡± Kyle sighed, lighting his wand and stepping into the rows of shadowy bookshelves.

 Chapter 148: The Brave Savior

    The next morning, Kyle entered the Great Hall with a yawn, faint dark circles shadowing his eyes. In his daze, he even headed toward the Slytherin table and almost took a seat there. Luckily, his friend Mikel stopped him just in time.


    "Kyle, what¡¯s up with you?" Cedric asked, handing him a glass of milk. "Didn¡¯t sleep well last night?"


    Kyle sighed. He hadn¡¯t just slept well; he hadn¡¯t slept at all. He¡¯d spent the entire night in the Restricted Section and hadn¡¯t even come close to finding . Not a single mention of ¡°Horcrux¡± had appeared in any of the texts he scanned.


    The closest he¡¯d come was a vague line in a book titled :


    Other than that, it was a dead end. Some ¡°restricted¡± section, he thought with annoyance. False advertising!


    Though he hadn¡¯t had enough time to search the entire section in one night, Kyle was already discouraged. It was clear that Dumbledore must have removed anything too telling about Horcruxes, leaving only scraps too vague to be of any use.


    Looking up, he saw the concern on his friends¡¯ faces. Forcing a smile, he shook his head. ¡°It¡¯s nothing. I just had some weird dreams last night. Guess I¡¯m just not used to them yet.¡±


    "Weird dreams?" Cedric¡¯s brow furrowed. "Hufflepuff has Divination today, doesn¡¯t it? Want me to ask Professor Trelawney?"


    Cedric had also opted to take Divination, thanks to some nudging from Fred and George.


    "No," Kyle said with another yawn. "I was just reading all night in my dream. I think it¡¯s just the start-of-term excitement. I¡¯ll probably be fine tomorrow."


    The others glanced at each other before awkwardly turning away. Reading all night, even in his dreams? was a level of dedication they couldn¡¯t quite relate to.


    Even Cedric couldn¡¯t help a slight twitch at the corner of his mouth but chose not to say anything further.


    ¡°Hey, let me tell you something interesting,¡± Mikel chimed in, leaning closer with a mischievous glint in his eye. ¡°Last night, I heard from some first-years that Harry Potter and Ron Weasley from Gryffindor actually tried to feed Professor McGonagall dried fish during Transfiguration class.¡±


    ¡°Feed ?¡± Cedric repeated, intrigued and clearly amused. ¡°Seriously?¡±


    He knew that Professor McGonagall liked to demonstrate her Animagus form in the first class of the year, but he never imagined someone would be bold enough to provoke her. In Cedric¡¯s mind, it had to be deliberate. After all, who would just bring dried fish to class for no reason? They must have known in advance about her transformation into a cat.


    ¡°Yes, really!¡± Mikel said, trying to keep a straight face. ¡°It¡¯s all over the school by now. That first-year, Justin Finch-Fletchley, said they were practically chucking dried fish across the room like they were feeding strays. Professor McGonagall¡¯s face went green, and she made them¡­ pfft¡­ stand and listen to the whole lecture as punishment.¡±


    Mikel finally lost control, bursting into laughter until he was nearly doubled over, clutching his stomach. Cedric also couldn¡¯t resist laughing, though not quite as uproariously as Mikel.


    Kyle, curious, glanced over at the Gryffindor table. There, Harry and Ron sat huddled in the corner, looking embarrassed, while Fred and George stood beside them, laughing heartily and clapping them on the shoulders. They seemed to view the incident as a legendary prank, one worthy of admiration.


    ¡°These new first-years sure have some nerve,¡± Kyle remarked, turning back to his breakfast. He picked up a piece of toast, layered it with fried egg and ham, and took a bite.


    When he¡¯d finished eating, he tapped his fingers on the table and said softly, ¡°Could I have a cup of black tea?¡±


    As he finished speaking, a steaming cup of black tea appeared in front of him, accompanied by a small jar of sugar. Kyle lifted the cup, tested its temperature, and found it just right before taking a long drink.


    ¡°Please, another cup.¡±


    ...


    After downing two cups of black tea in a row, Kyle finally started to shake off his drowsiness. Just to be safe, though, he ordered a third cup. Today was the first Transfiguration class of the term, and he knew that if he dozed off, his fate might be even worse than Harry¡¯s.


    After leaving the Great Hall, the group bid farewell to Cedric and made their way to the Transfiguration classroom on the fourth floor. Kyle couldn¡¯t help but notice that Professor McGonagall seemed even stricter than usual¡ªmaybe because of what happened yesterday.


    Unlike Professor Flitwick, McGonagall didn¡¯t allow time for students to review last year¡¯s spells. She dove straight into the new lesson: transforming a beetle into a button. This spell was more challenging than anything they¡¯d done last year. Not only was it a detailed transformation, but the beetles themselves were constantly on the move¡ªand not slowly, either.


    Mikel gave it a go, waving his wand carefully, but after several attempts, all he managed to accomplish was making his beetle move around a bit more.


    Ryan, however, thought he¡¯d found a shortcut and pinched his beetle between his fingers to keep it still. But just as he raised his wand, Professor McGonagall appeared beside him, her voice stern. ¡°I already told you¡ªdidn¡¯t you hear me? You are allowed to touch the beetle with your bare hands. Or are you looking to lose a few fingers?¡±


    The beetle, so small between his fingertips, would be easy to miss with the spell, and misfires could end poorly. Last year, a similar mistake had left one unfortunate student with fused fingers, resulting in a two-day stay in the Hospital Wing. S§×ar?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Ryan winced, muttering, ¡°Professor McGonagall, I... I forgot.¡±


    ¡°Three points from Hufflepuff,¡± she replied with a disapproving look before moving on.


    After witnessing that exchange, the others quickly abandoned any ¡°creative¡± ideas, sticking to simply chasing their beetles around the table. They weren¡¯t having much luck, though.


    The beetles were far more nimble than expected, and as the students grew increasingly frustrated, their wand movements became sharper and more forceful. The classroom filled with the sounds of crackling spells and occasional misfires, and sparks shot off in all directions as impatience took hold.


    One by one, the beetles met unfortunate ends. Some were flattened by overly aggressive wand taps, while others were blasted into bits. Professor McGonagall¡¯s expression grew darker with every casualty, her displeasure palpable as the ¡°beetle casualties¡± continued to mount.

 Chapter 149: The Dark Wizard and the Fraudulent Professor

    Kyle chuckled at Kanna¡¯s Transfiguration attempt, her beetle-turned-button still sporting tiny beetle legs, making it look like a peculiar, stubby tortoise.


    ¡°Pfft¡­¡±


    Kanna quickly covered the half-transformed beetle, scowling at him. ¡°What are you laughing at? You¡¯re probably not any better than me!¡±


    Kyle just shrugged and silently waved his wand over his own beetle. In an instant, it transformed into a neat, button-like shape, complete with a delicate turtle pattern engraved on top.


    A murmur of admiration spread through the class as other students noticed his success; none had expected anyone to master the spell so quickly. Even Professor McGonagall seemed surprised, but she gave a small nod of approval, holding up Kyle¡¯s button for everyone to see.


    ¡°Ten points to Hufflepuff!¡± she announced with a rare smile.


    Kyle glanced over at Kanna, giving her a casual shrug. She flushed with annoyance, turning her head away in silent frustration.


    By the end of class, Kanna had finally succeeded in turning her beetle into a button, too. As a reward, Professor McGonagall exempted both Kyle and Kanna from the assignment, while the rest of the class groaned under the weight of a two-foot essay on Transfiguration theory, due before the next lesson.


    Outside the classroom, Mikel¡¯s face was pale as he muttered repeatedly, still in shock. A typical ten-inch essay was grueling enough, but two feet? It felt like torture. Mikel turned to Kyle, eyes pleading. ¡°Help me¡­ please, just this once. Let me copy your assignment¡­¡±


    ¡°Sorry,¡± Kyle replied, patting his shoulder sympathetically. ¡°You forgot¡ªI don¡¯t have to write it.¡±


    The hope in Mikel¡¯s eyes vanished instantly.


    After Transfiguration, everyone eagerly anticipated their Defense Against the Dark Arts class. Oren was a dark wizard, but his practical lessons had captivated the students, sparking a genuine interest in the subject within just one school year.


    Professor Quirrell¡¯s classroom was on the third floor. It was a cramped, dimly lit room, far smaller than last year¡¯s, with only one small window that barely let in any daylight, making the space feel even gloomier.


    As they entered, a strange unease settled over the students, deepened by Professor Quirrell''s arrival. Who could make a room smell so strongly of garlic? The stench was overwhelming, almost as if the garlic were somehow alive. Several students instinctively covered their noses and attempted to open the window, but Professor Quirrell stopped them.


    ¡°N-no¡­ we can¡¯t open the window,¡± he stammered. ¡°I... I was attacked by a Zombie over the summer and cursed. I c-can¡¯t be exposed to the wind.¡±


    He gestured to his oversized scarf. ¡°This is a gift from an African prince I saved. It... it protects me.¡±


    A Zombie? The students were instantly intrigued.


    Katie Bell from Gryffindor couldn¡¯t resist asking, ¡°Professor Quirrell, what does a reanimated Zombie look like?¡±


    ¡°It has¡­ inch-long fangs, a body like steel, and is immune to Charms¡­ utterly terrifying!¡± he replied.


    ¡°Wow~~¡± gasped the students, looking at Quirrell with newfound respect. A creature immune to Charms and tough as steel? Even an Auror would struggle against something like that. Suddenly, Professor Quirrell¡¯s unassuming demeanor took on a heroic air, and even the strong smell of garlic didn¡¯t seem so bad.


    ¡°He must have encountered a Vampire on his journey and uses the garlic to keep it away, afraid it might return,¡± someone whispered confidently. ¡°Garlic is a vampire''s worst enemy.¡±


    Professor Quirrell looked at the student in surprise, then nodded silently. It was a much better explanation than he¡¯d managed to come up with.


    ¡°Professor Quirrell,¡± Katie asked eagerly, ¡°if the Zombie was so powerful, how did you defeat it? Can you tell us?¡±


    ¡°Well¡­ I¡­¡± Quirrell¡¯s face reddened as he stammered, ¡°It was... like this, and then... like that. It involved very advanced magic, so even if I told you, you wouldn¡¯t understand.¡±


    Seeing him struggle to explain, the students exchanged doubtful glances. His stammering only made him seem less believable.


    Katie was relentless, pressing further, ¡°It¡¯s all right, Professor! Even if we don¡¯t understand, we can look up any advanced Charms in the library.¡±


    The others chimed in eagerly.


    ¡°Yes, Professor!¡±


    ¡°Just tell us, please!¡±


    ¡°A few words will do!¡±


    ...


    Professor Quirrell¡¯s face flushed even redder. After an awkward silence, he avoided their questions entirely, glancing out the window instead.


    ¡°I don¡¯t like¡­ the weather in England,¡± he mumbled. ¡°Too much rain¡­ Romania is very nice.¡±


    This confirmed everyone¡¯s suspicions. Clearly, Professor Quirrell had made up the story¡ªhe hadn¡¯t encountered any zombies. Disappointment washed over the students. While they had worried that this year¡¯s Defense Against the Dark Arts professor might be less than competent, they hadn¡¯t expected he¡¯d turn out to be a liar. And a liar who reeked of garlic, no less. S§×arch* The NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    This was even worse than Oren.


    Interest in the lesson vanished. The students began amusing themselves with quiet distractions. Some were writing letters, others catching up on homework, while a few entertained themselves by playing with toads.


    Professor Quirrell noticed but said nothing. Instead, he merely opened and began to read aloud in a monotonous drone. Anyone observing would have thought Professor Binns had possessed him.


    Kyle struggled to keep his eyes open, the drowsiness almost overwhelming. For a moment, he found himself actually missing Oren. Both had been dark wizards, but how could there be such a difference between them?


    Forcing himself to stay alert, Kyle finally made it to the end of class.


    ¡°That was awful,¡± Kanna complained over lunch. ¡°I really don¡¯t understand why the headmaster would let him teach Defense Against the Dark Arts.¡±


    ¡°Maybe they really couldn¡¯t find anyone else,¡± Cedric suggested after a thoughtful pause. ¡°As you know, it¡¯s always been hard to find professors willing to take that position.¡±


    ¡°But that doesn¡¯t mean they should just read from the textbook,¡± Kanna protested. ¡°If that¡¯s all they¡¯re going to do, they might as well hire a ghost like Professor Binns. At least then they wouldn¡¯t have to worry about the curse.¡±


    Cedric opened his mouth to respond, but paused, considering her point. For once, it actually seemed to make a lot of sense.

 Chapter 150: Cedric’s Unbearable Memories

    The incident with Professor Quirrell didn¡¯t keep them distracted for long. Cedric recounted that the previous Defense Against the Dark Arts professor, the one before Oren, was actually even worse than Quirrell. Sear?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Back then, Cedric had just started at Hogwarts¡ªa first-year student brimming with dreams and endless expectations. Unfortunately, that excitement faded in less than two days. In their first Defense Against the Dark Arts class, the professor cast a series of vicious jinxes on the students under the guise of teaching.


    There was the Vomiting Jinx, the Horn-Growing Hex, the Hair-Thickening Jinx, the Jelly-Legs Jinx, and the Swelling Head Jinx... Cedric had experienced them all.


    While the professor always managed to reverse the effects in time, ensuring no lasting harm, the experience of being jinxed was extremely unpleasant. The Swelling Head Jinx, in particular, left him with a dizzying discomfort he remembers all too vividly.


    To make matters worse, the professor pitted classmates against each other, dividing them into two groups from different houses and forcing them to duel with jinxes. For Cedric, each Defense Against the Dark Arts class felt like torture, leaving him needing days to recover afterward.


    Thankfully, these ordeals didn¡¯t last long. Cedric explained that on Halloween, a large group of heavily armed people stormed into Hogwarts and took the professor away. Initially, everyone assumed he was some dark wizard. But a few days later, The Daily Prophet revealed that he was actually an escaped patient from St. Mungo¡¯s Hospital¡ªone from the psychiatric ward.


    ...


    After Cedric finished, Kyle and Kanna stared at him in disbelief.


    ¡°It¡¯s true,¡± Cedric said, shrugging as he caught sight of their shocked faces. ¡°If you don¡¯t believe me, you can ask the Weasley brothers. They know, too.¡±


    Kyle shook his head, feeling a pang of sympathy for Cedric and the Weasley brothers. Truly, anyone bold enough to apply for the position of Defense Against the Dark Arts professor at Hogwarts had to be extraordinary.


    With Cedric¡¯s experience as a benchmark, Professor Quirrell''s classes suddenly didn''t seem so bad anymore.


    But by the time Herbology class rolled around in the afternoon, any lingering thoughts about Defense Against the Dark Arts had completely faded. The magical greenhouse number three was an absolute paradise for magical plants.


    Mandrakes, Venomous Tentacula, Snargaluff¡ªplants they had only read about or heard of before¡ªwere all right here.


    ¡°Today, we¡¯re going to repot Mandrakes,¡± announced Professor Sprout, pointing to a row of deep-bottomed trays beside her. ¡°Now, can anyone tell me the properties of Mandrakes?¡±


    Cho, who was in their class, raised her hand first.


    ¡°Mandrake is a powerful restorative,¡± she answered confidently. ¡°It¡¯s used to return deformed people or those under a Charm to their original state.¡±


    ¡°Very good. Ten points to Ravenclaw,¡± said Professor Sprout, nodding in approval. ¡°Mandrake is indeed essential in many antidotes. But it¡¯s also quite dangerous. Can anyone tell me why?¡±


    ¡°The cry of a Mandrake root can kill a person,¡± blurted out a boy in the middle of the class.


    ¡°Exactly right. Ravenclaw, another ten points,¡± said Professor Sprout.


    At that moment, she glanced at Kyle with a hint of regret. she thought.


    Just as she was thinking this, Professor Sprout noticed that Kyle¡¯s hand was still raised.


    ¡°Oh, Kyle, did you have something to add?¡± she asked.


    ¡°Yes, Professor,¡± Kyle replied. ¡°In addition to its cry, dried Mandrake leaves are also dangerous for Animagi.¡±


    ¡°Yes, you¡¯re correct,¡± Professor Sprout said, though she quickly shook her head slightly. ¡°But not as dangerous as you might think. In fact, the effects of dried Mandrake leaves on Animagi are quite weak and only cause irreversible harm if taken consistently in animal form over a long period¡ªabout three years, at least. And if the wizard reverts to human form during that time, the negative effects disappear instantly.


    ¡°Furthermore, there aren¡¯t many Animagi in the wizarding world. Only seven are registered with the Ministry of Magic. As far as I know, none of them spend extended periods in animal form, much less consume Mandrake leaves. So, although Mandrake leaves do affect Animagi, the likelihood is extremely slim. In fact, aside from one a hundred years ago, there¡¯s no other recorded case.¡±


    ¡°Oh, I see,¡± Kyle nodded thoughtfully. ¡°I guess I was just being paranoid.¡±


    ¡°No, I¡¯d say you¡¯ve just been reading a lot,¡± Professor Sprout remarked with a smile. ¡°I remember only one rather obscure herbalism book that mentions that incident. What was it called?¡±


    ¡°A Selection of Medieval Herbs,¡± Kyle answered. ¡°I read it at Mr. Scamander¡¯s.¡±


    ¡°Yes, that¡¯s the one,¡± Professor Sprout chuckled. ¡°Everyone knows Mr. Scamander as a brilliant Magizoologist, but few realize he was also a master of Herbology.¡±


    ¡°Ten points to Hufflepuff,¡± Professor Sprout added with a clap of her hands. ¡°This is just a bit of extra information for you all. Don¡¯t worry about memorizing it.¡±


    She then pointed again to the row of deep trays and began explaining the precautions for repotting Mandrakes.


    ¡°Four to a tray. And remember, you must wear earmuffs,¡± Professor Sprout reminded them. ¡°While the Mandrakes here are still young and their cries aren¡¯t fatal, they can make you faint for several hours. I don¡¯t think any of you want to miss the first day of classes, so make sure to wear your earmuffs while working. When it¡¯s time to pack up, I¡¯ll find a way to get your attention.¡±


    With their earmuffs on, repotting the Mandrakes wasn¡¯t difficult as long as they were careful to keep fingers and hands away from the plants¡¯ mouths. Though the Mandrakes lacked teeth, their mouths were lined with hard keratin, making bites painful.


    Kyle grabbed a bunch of leaves and expertly yanked the Mandrake out of its pot. The little creature immediately let out a loud wail, wriggling its light green body in resistance.


    It seemed much louder than the others, and it was clearly not happy with Kyle.


    ¡°You¡¯re such a fuss, it¡¯s barely worth it to pull a few leaves off,¡± Kyle muttered as he took a large flowerpot from under the table and stuffed the Mandrake into it.

 Chapter 151: There Can’t Possibly Be a Troll at Hogwarts

    Kyle arrived early to the Great Hall on Saturday. He hadn¡¯t gone exploring the night before but had gone straight to bed after dinner and slept through until dawn.


    Breakfast that morning included sausages, corn soup, and a big plate of baked potatoes. Kyle was halfway through eating when the others joined him.


    ¡°Looks like you got a good night¡¯s sleep,¡± Cedric said, sitting across from him. ¡°No more strange dreams?¡±


    Kyle smiled. ¡°No, I slept soundly.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s good.¡± Cedric picked up a baked potato and began peeling it. ¡°Oh, by the way, I told Professor Trelawney about your situation yesterday. Want to hear what she said?¡±


    Kyle shook his head without hesitation. ¡°No, thanks. I¡¯ve heard her predictions rarely turn out well.¡±


    ¡°Yeah¡­ you¡¯re right,¡± Cedric nodded, conceding.


    According to Professor Trelawney, Kyle would have recurring dreams for seven days, then suffer a nervous breakdown that would land him in the Hospital Wing. After being discharged, he¡¯d supposedly encounter a troll and be sent back to the infirmary with one hit.


    In short, it was a pretty bleak prediction.


    But from the looks of it, Professor Trelawney had been wrong right from the start, and the rest sounded like nonsense. Encountering a troll in the castle? Impossible! If a troll could break into Hogwarts, Cedric might as well eat his entire plate of baked potatoes on the spot.


    Cedric rubbed his forehead, feeling a pang of regret. Just as everyone had said, Professor Trelawney was a complete fraud. He should never have listened to the Weasley twins and signed up for Divination. Wasn¡¯t Arithmancy a perfectly good option?


    But it was too late to switch now. He¡¯d have to stick it out until next term. Cedric sighed as Fred and George showed up, looking even more sleep-deprived than usual.


    They¡¯d been short on sleep before because of their late-night outings, but today seemed different. Professor McGonagall had denied their request to switch classes and had only agreed to let them add Ancient Runes. With three electives, their schedules were packed. They¡¯d stayed up until the early hours of the morning, working on their Ancient Runes assignment.


    ¡°By Merlin¡¯s beard, you actually did your homework early?¡± Cedric exclaimed in surprise, dropping his half-peeled potato, which rolled under the table.


    ¡°You two can¡¯t be real,¡± Kyle added suspiciously. ¡°Did one of you drink Polyjuice Potion? Quick, what¡¯s your opinion on Percy?¡± Sear?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    George frowned. ¡°Of course, we¡¯re real.¡±


    ¡°Percy¡¯s a big prat who¡¯s obsessed with tattling,¡± Fred added, with an annoyed look.


    ¡°Well¡­ that checks out,¡± Kyle admitted, still suspicious. ¡°But seriously, why did you do your homework early?¡±


    ¡°For the sake of our dreams!¡± Fred replied with a serious expression. ¡°Ancient Runes is actually really helpful for studying magical artifacts. We came up with two great ideas just during yesterday¡¯s class.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s just¡­ it¡¯s really tough,¡± George groaned. ¡°The characters are constantly changing, and different combinations mean different things. No wonder Percy spent the entire summer studying them.¡±


    Cedric nodded in agreement¡ªhe¡¯d also chosen Ancient Runes and knew they weren¡¯t exaggerating. It was genuinely hard work.


    "Forget it, let''s talk about something else," Fred said with a yawn. "Kyle, you¡¯re joining the Quidditch team, right?"


    "Yes," Kyle replied. "I talked to Harris the other day, and I''ll take the final assessment next week. How about you guys¡ªhave you decided on a new captain and Seeker yet?"


    "Oliver Wood''s the captain. He''s definitely the best fit," Fred said. "But we haven¡¯t found a Seeker yet."


    Kyle noticed the weariness on Fred and George¡¯s faces grow more intense. Finding a skilled Seeker was proving nearly as challenging as mastering Ancient Runes. There were plenty of candidates, but none were up to par. Many couldn¡¯t even spot bludgers zooming by, which didn¡¯t bode well for the season ahead. If things continued this way, Gryffindor might end up competing with Ravenclaw just to avoid last place.


    In recent days, Wood had been so stressed that his hairline seemed to be receding prematurely, despite his youth. With grim resolve, Fred and George finished breakfast at top speed, then trudged off to the Quidditch Pitch, looking completely drained. They were continuing their Seeker trials that day, not expecting a star like Cedric but hoping for someone at least capable.


    Even Professor McGonagall planned to attend, as she was deeply invested in Gryffindor¡¯s success. At her suggestion, Lee Jordan had also held off on applying to be the commentator, just in case they couldn¡¯t find anyone suitable and he had to step in.


    Once Fred and George left, Cedric gave Kyle a mischievous look and whispered, "Looks like Hufflepuff has a good shot at winning the championship for the second year in a row."


    "Not necessarily," Kyle said after a moment¡¯s thought. "They could still find a Seeker in the next few days."


    "It won¡¯t make a difference," Cedric replied confidently. "Even if they bring Charlie back, I¡¯m certain I¡¯ll catch the Golden Snitch first."


    Kyle chuckled. Cedric was always modest in most things, but when it came to Quidditch, he became a different person, refusing to back down against anyone. And that fierce determination was something Kyle admired.


    On that first weekend of the new school year, Kyle and Cedric planned to visit Hagrid¡¯s hut. Kanna wanted to join them, but just as they were about to set off, Professor Snape appeared seemingly out of nowhere and whisked her away for reasons unknown.


    Meanwhile, Cedric, like the Weasley twins, headed over to the Quidditch Pitch. All four houses were holding their initial team selections over the weekend, and Cedric wanted to scout for any promising new talent. He¡¯d heard Cho Chang had also signed up for the Quidditch team this year, aiming for the position of Seeker.


    Cedric wasn¡¯t sure how skilled she was, but he was eager to find out. Last year, Ravenclaw had fielded such a weak team that the games felt more like a chore than a challenge, with no real excitement. If Ravenclaw had a dependable Seeker this season, it might make for a more interesting match.


    As for the possibility of losing to Ravenclaw¡­ Cedric hadn¡¯t even entertained the thought. After all, Hufflepuff had been champions last year, and with Kyle joining the team this year, they were only going to get stronger.

 Chapter 152: A Conflicted Hagrid

    After saying goodbye to Cedric, Kyle left the castle and made his way toward the Forbidden Forest. Hagrid was standing in his vegetable garden outside his cabin, watering pumpkins the size of wheels.


    ¡°Kyle, come on in and have a seat.¡±


    The two entered the cabin, where Hagrid cheerfully set down a plate of Rock Cakes and a teapot for Kyle.


    ¡°How¡¯s the new school year treating you?¡± Hagrid asked. sea??h th§× N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°Not bad.¡± Kyle didn¡¯t touch the Rock Cakes but took a sip of tea instead. ¡°It¡¯s just that there are a few more classes each week than last year.¡±


    ¡°Yes, second year is a bit tougher than the first,¡± Hagrid said with a warm smile. ¡°But you¡¯ll be fine, I¡¯m sure of it. Harry was here yesterday and mentioned you, actually.¡±


    ¡°Potter?¡± Kyle was surprised. He and Harry hadn¡¯t had much interaction; other than a brief meeting in the corridor, they hadn¡¯t spent any time together. Back then, he¡¯d given Harry a map and a bag of pet treats, so he doubted Harry had said anything unkind about him.


    ¡°Harry said thanks to that map you gave him, he hasn¡¯t been late once these past few days,¡± Hagrid chuckled.


    Hagrid¡¯s face lit up as he thought back to Harry¡¯s visit. The boy had sat in the hut, eagerly sharing amusing stories about school. Hagrid¡¯s heart warmed at the memory. Although, Harry¡¯s curiosity about the Philosopher¡¯s Stone had been a bit of a challenge. Dumbledore had repeatedly stressed its secrecy, and as Hogwarts'' most loyal keeper of secrets, Hagrid would never reveal it. But he hadn¡¯t wanted to mislead Harry either, so he¡¯d had to come up with excuse after excuse to avoid answering. It had been quite a mental workout.


    ¡°I see¡­¡± Kyle nodded, choosing not to ask any more. He figured Harry had probably mentioned it casually, as one would talk about the weather, with no particular significance. Had he come a few days later, Hagrid might have already forgotten.


    Seeing Kyle¡¯s silence, Hagrid picked up the brass pot beside him and poured him another cup of tea. As he did, he couldn¡¯t help but think to himself:


    ¡°Try this,¡± Hagrid said, smiling as he pushed the plate of Rock Cakes closer. ¡°Baked ¡¯em yesterday¡ªthey¡¯re still nice and crisp. By the way, where¡¯re your friends? Why didn¡¯t they come along?¡±


    ¡°Oh, sorry, I just had breakfast and really can¡¯t eat anything more,¡± Kyle replied politely, declining the Rock Cake that might very well leave his teeth sore. ¡°The others are all at the pitch. Cedric and the rest are holding tryouts for new Quidditch players.¡±


    ¡°Ah, Quidditch¡­¡± Hagrid sighed. ¡°Time does fly, doesn¡¯t it? I can¡¯t believe it¡¯s time for tryouts again. I remember you like Quidditch too, right?¡±


    ¡°Yeah,¡± Kyle nodded. ¡°I¡¯ve already signed up, but I can¡¯t try out until next week.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ll pass, I¡¯m sure of it.¡±


    ¡°I think so too,¡± Kyle smiled. ¡°And maybe Potter will make the team this year as well.¡±


    ¡°Harry? Not a chance,¡± Hagrid shook his head. ¡°First-years aren¡¯t allowed to play Quidditch¡ªthat¡¯s the rule.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s true, but Gryffindor really needs a Seeker this year,¡± Kyle replied. ¡°If Potter inherited his father¡¯s talent, Professor McGonagall might just make an exception.¡±


    ¡°James¡­¡± Hagrid mused, and then his face brightened as he remembered. ¡°Oh, yes, James was a fantastic Seeker. He even led Gryffindor to several Quidditch Cup victories.¡±


    The thought made Hagrid chuckle. If Harry truly did join the Quidditch team as a first-year, Hagrid knew he¡¯d be thrilled. After all, who didn¡¯t love Quidditch?


    But soon, Hagrid thought of something that wiped the smile from his face. If both Kyle and Harry made their house teams, then when Hufflepuff played Gryffindor¡­ who would he cheer for?


    Hagrid¡¯s face gradually crumpled, and he tugged at his beard in indecision. Kyle called out to him three times before Hagrid snapped out of his thoughts.


    ¡°What were you thinking about just now, so intently?¡±


    ¡°Oh, nothing. Just suddenly remembered I haven¡¯t finished watering the pumpkin patch,¡± Hagrid fibbed. He¡¯d just decided he would cheer for both teams, applauding for whoever scored next, but he definitely couldn¡¯t say that out loud.


    Hagrid returned to watering his pumpkin patch, and Kyle followed him outside instead of heading back to the castle. None of his friends, including Mikel and Ryan, were at the Quidditch pitch, so there was no reason to go there.


    Looking around, Kyle found a flat spot and began digging through his bag. Out came a portable stove, a cauldron, various herbs¡­ soon a small pile was assembled.


    ¡°Kyle, what are you doing?¡± Hagrid asked curiously.


    ¡°Brewing some potions¡ªactually, a pet tonic,¡± Kyle replied.


    With a flick of his wand, Kyle lit the stove and placed the cauldron on it.


    Hagrid was initially quite interested when he heard Kyle was making remedies for pets, but after watching for a few minutes, he turned back to his pumpkins. he thought. Hagrid couldn¡¯t understand why Kyle had to add the powdered ingredients in three separate doses at varying intervals instead of just pouring them all in at once. He¡¯d started jotting down notes to remember the steps, but the intervals alone made his head spin, and the notes he¡¯d just taken seemed to vanish from memory instantly.


    Deciding it was pointless to try learning anything useful from this, Hagrid returned to watering his pumpkins. Meanwhile, Kyle was fully absorbed in his work, not noticing Hagrid¡¯s retreat. He carefully held his wand and stirred the potion in the cauldron at regular intervals. Potion-making required precision; even a simple task could go wrong with a single misstep, and he didn¡¯t want to start over.


    Time crept by slowly.


    When Hagrid finished watering all his pumpkins, Kyle was nearly done as well. He added a final scoop of dark green powder and stirred the mixture counterclockwise. The orange-yellow liquid in the cauldron gradually turned a beautiful red, clear as crystal, like melted rubies.


    Kyle turned off the stove and, after the cauldron had cooled, carefully poured the potion into a small bottle he¡¯d prepared. It was precisely one bottle¡¯s worth.


    ¡°Is this the pet tonic?¡± Hagrid asked, eyeing the bottle with interest.


    ¡°Yes,¡± Kyle replied, handing it over with a smile. ¡°Though, more precisely, it¡¯s a special tonic for rats.¡±

 Chapter 153: I Have a Friend

    Hagrid held the bottle up to eye level, squinting at the ruby-like liquid with mild skepticism. ¡°Special rat tonic?¡± he muttered, still wrapping his head around the idea. He¡¯d only just learned today that there was such a thing as a tonic specifically for pet rats¡ªand apparently, it was .


    He glanced again at the bottle. Hagrid didn¡¯t doubt Kyle¡¯s skills; it had taken nearly half an hour to brew this single bottle, which spoke to its quality. He just couldn¡¯t help wondering why anyone would go to the trouble. After all, rats were the cheapest and most common pets around. In Diagon Alley, they cost less than half as much as a toad, and not even as much as a decent bag of owl treats.


    Plus, pet rats didn¡¯t live very long¡ªonly about seven years, which happened to match the time a young wizard spent at Hogwarts. Other pets, like toads and cats, could live for decades, and owls even longer. Because of this, very few wizards valued their pet rats enough to invest in special remedies.


    ¡°Yes,¡± Kyle said, packing away the stove and cauldron. ¡°This tonic¡¯s for the Weasleys'' pet rat. It¡¯s been with them a while now, and each year, before the start of term, Percy Weasley comes by to get some. But since the rat¡¯s now Ron¡¯s pet, I think Percy forgot to let him know about it.¡±


    ¡°The Weasley rat?¡±


    Hagrid didn¡¯t know Percy all that well, but he did know Ron, the youngest Weasley, who had visited with Harry the day before. But he had a pet rat?


    Hagrid thought back, vaguely recalling Ron¡¯s pockets looking unusually full when they arrived, though he wasn¡¯t completely sure. His focus had been almost entirely on Harry, so he hadn¡¯t paid much attention to Ron.


    Returning the bottle to Kyle, Hagrid asked, ¡°Apart from rats, can you brew tonics for other pets?¡±


    ¡°Of course. I can handle tonics for the four types of pets allowed by Hogwarts.¡±


    ¡°What about others, like Magical Creatures?¡± Hagrid asked, curiosity sparking again.


    ¡°Magical Creatures are possible,¡± Kyle answered after a brief pause, ¡°but it depends on the type. Large Magical Creatures, like Fluffy¡­ well, they don¡¯t really need any tonics.¡±


    ¡°What about spiders?¡± Hagrid blurted out before he could stop himself.


    Kyle gave him a curious look. ¡°What kind of spider?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s, er¡­ an eight-eyed giant¡ªum,¡± Hagrid hesitated, suddenly scrambling to cover his tracks, ¡°no, I mean, just a regular spider, you know, only¡­ a little bit bigger.¡±


    Kyle raised an eyebrow. ¡°A little bit bigger?¡±


    Hagrid nodded with conviction. ¡°Yes¡­ just a little bit bigger!¡±


    Kyle gave him a long, skeptical look, until Hagrid¡¯s confidence wavered. Finally, Kyle said, slowly, ¡°No¡­¡±


    Hagrid¡¯s face dropped in disappointment, but then he heard Kyle add, ¡°But¡­ I can try to work something out.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Hagrid said, a bit dazed, not yet processing Kyle¡¯s words.


    ¡°I can experiment and see if I can develop a suitable tonic for them,¡± Kyle clarified. ¡°I¡¯ve done similar things before; if you need it, I could give it a shot.¡±


    Coming to his senses, Hagrid beamed with excitement. ¡°That¡¯s fantastic! I mean, if it¡¯s not too much trouble.¡±


    ¡°No problem,¡± Kyle replied with a shrug, ¡°but I can¡¯t say how long it¡¯ll take. Could be a month¡­ or maybe a year.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s fine,¡± Hagrid said cheerfully. ¡°Need any help? Just say the word, and I¡¯ll fetch whatever herbs you need from the Forbidden Forest.¡±


    Though Professor Sprout had moved most of the rare herbs to the greenhouse, the Forbidden Forest was vast enough that with a bit of wandering, Hagrid could usually find what was needed.


    ¡°I have plenty of herbs here, so no need to look for more, but¡­¡± Kyle frowned thoughtfully. ¡°You¡¯ll need to get me a sample. I need it to test the potion¡¯s efficacy.¡±


    Hagrid¡¯s eyes shifted, and he muttered, ¡°Er¡­ can¡¯t you just use a regular spider?¡±


    ¡°No!¡± Kyle shook his head firmly. ¡°Different species react differently to herbal mixtures. Even a small difference can turn a tonic into a poison. Take Belladonna root, for example¡ªit¡¯s a great tonic for Murtlap rats, but if you give it to an ordinary rat, it¡¯ll kill it instantly.¡±


    ¡°Oh¡­¡± Hagrid hesitated, growing concerned. He wanted the spider tonic to help Aragog, an Acromantula he¡¯d raised as a pet fifty years ago. Now, with Aragog growing old, Hagrid had been hoping to find a way to extend his lifespan. But Acromantulas weren¡¯t ordinary Magical Creatures¡ªthey were classified as XXXXX, extremely dangerous, and their ownership was strictly forbidden. No way could he let Kyle know about Aragog.


    He could try to persuade Aragog or its descendants not to harm Kyle, but if anyone found out, Kyle would be expelled, just as he had been. Worse, Aragog and his colony in the Forbidden Forest wouldn¡¯t escape eradication.


    Hagrid¡¯s face grew determined as he wrestled with his decision. But just as he was about to abandon the idea of the spider tonic, Kyle said thoughtfully, ¡°Wait¡­ if it¡¯s a poisonous spider, we could just use its venom.¡±


    Hagrid¡¯s emotions surged, his mood swinging wildly as he looked at Kyle and said, slightly exasperated, ¡°Could you please say everything at once next time?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯d like to,¡± Kyle said, scratching his head, ¡°but I¡¯m not too keen on spiders, so my knowledge is limited to a book I read a few years ago. It¡¯s been so long that I really have to dig through my memory to recall things accurately.¡±


    Hagrid started to feel nervous again. ¡°So¡­ this venom you mentioned¡­¡±


    ¡°Yes, exactly,¡± Kyle said, locking eyes with Hagrid and smiling suddenly. ¡°Sounds like you might have access to a poisonous spider.¡± S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°Not me, no! I don¡¯t have one,¡± Hagrid protested, his voice rising as he shook his head vigorously. ¡°I, uh¡­ I have a friend¡ªyes, a friend who¡¯s fond of poisonous spiders. I¡¯m just asking on his behalf.¡±


    ¡°Ohh~~,¡± Kyle said with a knowing look, ¡°so it¡¯s for your , then.¡±


    ¡°Er¡­ yes, that¡¯s right.¡± Hagrid¡¯s ears turned red, and he quickly looked away, eager to change the subject. ¡°So, uh, how much spider venom would you need? I¡¯ll¡­ I mean, I¡¯ll have him prepare it for you.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not sure yet,¡± Kyle replied, considering the question. ¡°It depends on the potency, but to be on the safe side, the more, the better.¡±

 Chapter 154: Good Roommates at Hogwarts

    Kyle stayed with Hagrid until noon, but when lunchtime drew near, he had to head back to the castle. Hagrid invited him to stay for a meal, but Kyle quickly declined after only a moment¡¯s hesitation. He had just seen Hagrid pull two long, odd-looking creatures off a shelf, make a few quick cuts, and toss them into a basin, topping them with a thick, slimy green-and-yellow substance. If he stayed, he feared he¡¯d end up spending the first weekend of the new school year in the Hospital Wing. S§×ar?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Ignoring Hagrid¡¯s protests, Kyle made his way briskly across the grounds and back to the safety of the castle.


    By now, the Great Hall on the first floor was already packed, and the lively chatter was even more intense than usual, thanks to the excitement of the Quidditch tryouts.


    ¡°If only I¡¯d flown a bit lower,¡± groaned a Gryffindor student at the entrance. ¡°You have no idea¡ªthe Golden Snitch flew right under me, and I didn¡¯t even see it!¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s too bad¡­¡± his companion said sympathetically. ¡°So, do you think you¡¯ll still make the team?¡±


    ¡°I think so,¡± the boy replied confidently. ¡°The other Seeker candidates weren¡¯t all that great, honestly. Some even fell off their brooms. Compared to that, I did pretty well.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s fantastic!¡±


    ...


    As Kyle walked through the Great Hall, he overheard similar conversations all around. At the Gryffindor table, nearly everyone who had tried out for the team seemed confident about their chances¡ªeven those who had taken tumbles off their broomsticks.


    When Kyle finally reached the Hufflepuff table, he spotted Cedric coming over.


    ¡°How did the tryouts go?¡± Kyle asked.


    Cedric shook his head, taking a long drink of pumpkin juice before answering. ¡°A lot of people signed up, but most weren¡¯t qualified. Some couldn¡¯t even manage basic aerial turns.¡± He paused, then added, ¡°Oh, and I saw your two roommates there.¡±


    ¡°Mikel and Ryan?¡± Kyle asked, curious. ¡°How¡¯d they do?¡±


    Cedric¡¯s expression turned slightly awkward, as though he were carefully choosing his words. After a long pause, he said, ¡°I¡­ don¡¯t think they¡¯re quite suited for Quidditch.¡±


    ¡°That bad?¡± Kyle was taken aback. For Cedric, who was always kind-hearted, to say that someone wasn¡¯t suited for Quidditch¡­ their performance must have been really poor. Kyle recalled they¡¯d done decently in flying lessons¡ªnothing extraordinary, but at least they could stay steady in the air.


    ¡°Maybe they were just too nervous to fly well,¡± Kyle suggested.


    ¡°That¡¯s not it,¡± Cedric sighed. ¡°The main problem was that they don¡¯t know the rules of Quidditch at all. Ryan just bolted around the pitch without paying any attention to his teammates or opponents. He passed the ball to the other team ¡±


    Kyle winced, but Cedric wasn¡¯t finished.


    ¡°Mikel was even worse. He mistook a Bludger for a Quaffle and tried to score with it.¡±


    ¡°Uh¡­¡± Kyle was speechless. After a moment, he added, ¡°Well, at least he¡¯s got spirit.¡±


    ¡°If only that were the case,¡± Cedric said, sighing again. ¡°He barely got ten feet before losing control of the Bludger. If the others hadn¡¯t reacted fast, he¡¯d probably be in the Hospital Wing by now.¡±


    Kyle was left at a loss for words, and he noticed Cedric giving him a sympathetic look that seemed just a bit amused.


    ¡°Look, it was just an accident,¡± Kyle said, trying to defend his roommates. ¡°They¡¯re usually quite normal outside of Quidditch.¡±


    ¡°Really?¡± Cedric raised an eyebrow. ¡°Wasn¡¯t it one of them who accidentally blew up the Charms classroom with a simple Lighting Charm last year?¡±


    ¡°That was¡­ well, Mikel has trouble with magic control. It wasn¡¯t his fault,¡± Kyle replied firmly. ¡°It was practically an act of fate.¡±


    Cedric chuckled but went on. ¡°What about the time they copied your homework but put your name on it?¡±


    ¡°Er¡­¡±


    Kyle had barely opened his mouth before Cedric continued, ¡°Or when one of them asked Professor Snape to add water to their potion during the exam¡­¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    ¡°Or when one of them managed to dye himself blue¡­¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    ¡°Wait a minute,¡± Kyle interrupted, his expression growing alarmed. ¡°How do you know about that?¡±


    ¡°Well,¡± Cedric said, grinning, ¡°the History of Magic classroom overlooks Pendulum Courtyard. You can see the Hospital Wing entrance from the windows.¡±


    ¡°¡­Right.¡± Kyle went silent for a moment before adding with exaggerated seriousness, ¡°Cedric, you¡¯re starting to sound like a gossip. That¡¯s not the Hufflepuff way.¡±


    Cedric gave him an amused look but said nothing.


    ¡°Alright, alright,¡± Kyle conceded, grabbing a piece of toast. ¡°Let¡¯s get back on topic. Any other team changes this year?¡±


    Cedric looked at him, sensing the abrupt change of subject, but went along. ¡°Slytherin did a full revamp, though the only thing I know for sure is that their new captain is Marcus Flint. Gryffindor, on the other hand, kept the same team as last year. They didn¡¯t find any promising newcomers, and Oliver Wood¡¯s been stressing about it all morning. Ravenclaw, however, found themselves a fantastic Seeker, and¡­ I bet you can guess who.¡±


    ¡°Cho, right?¡± Kyle guessed. ¡°She told me last year she wanted to try out for Seeker.¡±


    ¡°Exactly,¡± Cedric replied, grinning. ¡°She was the first one to catch the Golden Snitch during tryouts. The Ravenclaw captain was so pleased, he¡¯d probably have made her the team¡¯s Seeker on the spot if it weren¡¯t so early in the season.¡±


    Kyle chuckled as Cedric added, ¡°You should¡¯ve seen it. Wood was so envious his eyes nearly turned green. He ran straight to Professor McGonagall to ask if first years could join the team but got a good scolding instead.¡±


    ¡°Hey, sounds like someone¡¯s talking about our esteemed captain,¡± a voice said behind them.


    ¡°Wood¡¯s that popular now?¡± added another voice.


    Kyle turned to see Fred and George Weasley strolling over. They took seats on either side of him and asked, ¡°What are you all chatting about?¡±


    ¡°The Quidditch trials,¡± Cedric answered, smiling. ¡°So, did Professor McGonagall agree to let you recruit from the first years?¡±

 Chapter 155: Plotting and Preparation

    At this, the grins on Fred and George''s faces faded.


    Fred covered his face dramatically and groaned, ¡°Forget it¡ªlet¡¯s try to stay friends.¡±


    ¡°Wood must have loaned his brain to a troll,¡± George muttered, shaking his head. ¡°He actually believes our little brother Ron inherited Charlie¡¯s Quidditch skills and wants to make him Seeker.¡±


    ¡°Merlin help us¡ªRon as Seeker¡­¡± Fred shuddered as if envisioning a disaster. ¡°If that happened, we might as well forfeit every game just to spare ourselves the humiliation.¡±


    ¡°Luckily, Professor McGonagall shot that idea down,¡± George said with relief. ¡°Even Harry Potter¡¯s a better option.¡±


    Kyle gave them a curious look.


    ¡°Anyway,¡± Fred said, picking up a drumstick and chewing on it between words, ¡°we¡¯re planning an expedition to the fourth floor. You want to come?¡±


    Cedric raised his eyebrows. ¡°You don¡¯t mean the room at the end of the fourth-floor corridor, do you?¡±


    Fred gave him a conspiratorial wink. ¡°Is there any other part of the fourth floor worth exploring?¡±


    ¡°But¡­¡± Cedric hesitated. ¡°Didn¡¯t Headmaster Dumbledore say we¡¯re forbidden from going there?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t be silly,¡± George replied, wagging a finger with an air of knowing authority. ¡°It¡¯s only the forbidden places that are worth exploring. No one¡¯s sneaking out at night just to visit the Transfiguration classroom.¡±


    ¡°The Potions classroom could be interesting,¡± Fred added.


    ¡°We tried that in our first year,¡± George said, ¡°and tossed a couple of Dungbombs in there for good measure¡­¡±


    ¡°Sadly, the smell was gone by the next day,¡± Fred finished.


    Kyle¡¯s eyes lit up with interest. ¡°Night-walking to the Potions classroom... not a bad idea.¡±


    ¡°No, Kyle,¡± Fred said, shaking his head. ¡°We already scoped it out. There¡¯s nothing worthwhile in there.¡±


    ¡°The fourth floor¡¯s the real prize,¡± George said, grinning. ¡°Dumbledore¡¯s a legend, setting up something like this right at the start of term.¡±


    ¡°So, are you in or not?¡± Fred asked again, leaning in. S§×ar?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°But¡­¡± Cedric still looked hesitant. ¡°It¡¯s dangerous there. Aren¡¯t you worried?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s because you don¡¯t know Dumbledore well enough,¡± Fred replied, putting on a serious expression. ¡°If it was truly dangerous, he¡¯d never have mentioned it.¡±


    ¡°Well¡­¡±


    Sensing Cedric¡¯s uncertainty, Fred and George exchanged glances before pressing on.


    ¡°Actually, we took a quick look before term started,¡± Fred whispered. ¡°There¡¯s just one door¡ªno portraits, nothing.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s got to be some kind of test,¡± George said, his voice persuasive. ¡°Pass it, and our house could earn a hundred points.¡±


    ¡°Or even better, a Special Award for Services to the School!¡± Fred added with a gleam in his eye.


    Cedric looked intrigued. The Weasley twins had a point. Hagrid guarded the Forbidden Forest to keep students out, but no one seemed to be watching the supposedly dangerous fourth floor. That was certainly odd.


    ¡°Alright¡­ I¡¯m in!¡± Cedric finally agreed, though he added, ¡°But I¡¯m keeping an eye on you two to make sure you don¡¯t get into too much trouble.¡±


    ¡°I see¡­ Then we¡¯ll be counting on Mr. Diggory¡¯s supervision,¡± Fred said with mock seriousness, bowing slightly.


    Then they turned to Kyle expectantly.


    Kyle blinked, neither agreeing nor disagreeing, and instead asked directly, ¡°When are you planning on going?¡±


    ¡°Anytime is fine, but we need to solve two issues first,¡± Fred began. ¡°We¡¯ve tried, and the Unlocking Charm doesn¡¯t work on that door¡­ Kyle, didn¡¯t you say you have a master key?¡±


    Kyle nodded. The master key had arrived with his invisibility cloak, though he hadn¡¯t had much use for it until now.


    ¡°Then that¡¯s covered,¡± George said. ¡°But we still need to figure out how to distract Filch. He¡¯s been lurking around the fourth floor every night, so we¡¯ll need to draw him off somehow.¡±


    ¡°What if we just dropped a few Dungbombs somewhere else right before we head to the fourth floor?¡± Cedric suggested.


    ¡°That was our first thought too, but no,¡± Fred said, shaking his head. ¡°The Dungbombs would only get us inside the room, not out again. If Filch sticks around near the door and there¡¯s no other exit, we¡¯ll be trapped.¡±


    ¡°Filch can¡¯t stay there all night,¡± Cedric replied, doubtful.


    ¡°He can and he will,¡± Fred and George said together, shaking their heads. They had been keeping an eye on Filch¡¯s movements with the Marauder¡¯s Map for the past few nights, and every time they checked, Filch was stationed on the fourth floor.


    ¡°Maybe we could ask someone to help,¡± Cedric suggested. ¡°Agree on a time, say an hour or two in, and have them set off a distraction to pull Filch away.¡±


    ¡°Are you sure they¡¯ll be awake and able to do it exactly on time?¡± Fred asked, sounding uncertain.


    Cedric hesitated, realizing he couldn¡¯t guarantee perfect timing. If Filch wasn¡¯t properly distracted or they didn¡¯t get out quickly enough, their plan would fail.


    ¡°Let¡¯s check Zonko¡¯s,¡± Kyle suggested suddenly. ¡°They should have something that¡¯ll let us distract Filch whenever we want.¡±


    ¡°Haha, you¡¯re on the same page as us!¡± Fred and George said, grinning as they quickly finished dinner. They took Kyle and Cedric through a secret passage to Hogsmeade and returned with a familiar-looking book in their hands.


    ¡°?¡± Cedric asked, puzzled. ¡°Why would you buy that?¡±


    ¡°This isn¡¯t your average book,¡± Fred said mysteriously as he led the group out of sight of the castle. He took out a quill and held it up. ¡°Watch this.¡±


    With a quick snap, Fred broke the quill in half. Instantly, the book began to shake violently, its pages scattering as a series of loud, crackling explosions rang out.


    ¡°It¡¯s Zonko¡¯s latest prank item,¡± Fred explained with a grin. ¡°Perfect for young wizards looking for an excuse to skip class. It¡¯s kind of like an early version of our Skiving Snackbox but with a bit more¡­ impact.¡±


    ¡°With this, we can pull Filch away anytime we like,¡± George said, pulling two more identical books from his pocket.


    ¡°What¡¯s the range?¡± Kyle asked, examining the fake book.


    ¡°Not too far,¡± Fred replied, ¡°but it¡¯s more than enough to lure Filch to another floor.¡±

 Chapter 156: Dumbledore Means Business!

    The group managed to complete all their preparations in just half a day. They set the exploding books on the fifth and sixth floors, perfectly positioned to lure Filch away from the fourth-floor corridor whenever they needed.


    With everything ready, they planned to head out together that night for a ¡°collective night tour¡± of the forbidden corridor. But things took an unexpected turn.


    Some older Gryffindors, too impatient to wait for curfew, sneaked up to the fourth floor during the evening meal. Unlike Fred, George, and the others, these students had no plan, no props, and no Marauder''s Map¡ªjust pure impulse. Predictably, they didn¡¯t even manage to get the door open before Filch, lying in wait, caught them red-handed and promptly marched them to Professor McGonagall¡¯s office. Gryffindor¡¯s hourglass soon lost fifty points. sea??h th§× n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    But that was just the beginning.


    Soon afterward, students from Ravenclaw, Slytherin, and Hufflepuff started slipping out of their common rooms, each hoping to get a look at the mysterious fourth-floor corridor. Fred and George, who were monitoring the Marauder¡¯s Map, were stunned as they watched a steady stream of names appear in the once-quiet corridor.


    The situation quickly spiraled out of control. With so many students trying to sneak onto the fourth floor, the professors took action. After a brief discussion, several of them took shifts patrolling near the fourth floor, ready to catch any late-night explorers. Those caught faced the strictest punishment: detention.


    The professors turned out to be far more troublesome than Filch.


    George attempted to create a distraction by setting off enchanted fireworks on the first floor¡ªfireworks that would bloom when they came into contact with water. Filch, predictably, went storming downstairs at the noise, and Professor McGonagall soon followed, looking severe.


    However, as Fred observed the Marauder¡¯s Map from the shadows near the second-floor staircase, he sighed. ¡°Professor McGonagall is really going too far.¡±


    On the map, McGonagall¡¯s name remained stationed on the fourth floor, even though they¡¯d just seen ¡°her¡± head downstairs with Filch. Realization dawned: the McGonagall they¡¯d spotted was an illusion or a clever bit of Transfiguration.


    With such high-level magic being used against them, the group knew their chances of exploring the fourth floor were slim. After a quick discussion, they reluctantly decided to wait until things settled down. One by one, they each slipped back to their dormitories, abandoning the night¡¯s adventure for another time.


    ...


    The four students waited patiently for three days. Late on the third night, they slipped quietly from their dormitories and crept through the dimly lit corridors.


    ¡°Fred, George¡­¡± Cedric whispered from the back, sounding a bit anxious. ¡°Are you sure the professors aren¡¯t patrolling the fourth floor anymore?¡±


    ¡°We kept an eye on it last night,¡± Fred whispered back confidently. ¡°None of the professors have been near the fourth floor since the weekend. I don¡¯t think they¡¯ll start tonight.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re nearly there,¡± George added as they paused on the third floor. He pulled out the Marauder¡¯s Map to double-check. ¡°We¡¯re in luck¡ªno professors around, and Filch is gone too. Oh, Merlin¡­ guess who I see on the map!¡±


    ¡°Who?¡± Fred grinned, ¡°Don¡¯t tell me it¡¯s Percy.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not Percy,¡± George replied, eyebrows raised in surprise. ¡°It¡¯s Ron¡­ and Harry, Hermione, and Neville. They¡¯re all in the Trophy Room.¡±


    ¡°Aha!¡± Fred chuckled. ¡°Look at Ron, already dragging his friends into trouble at the start of the school year. Just like our little brother¡­¡±


    ¡°Clang!¡±


    The sudden clatter of metal reverberated down the hallway. Someone had knocked over a suit of armor, and the echoing clang of metal in the quiet night was as loud as a firecracker.


    ¡°Oh, Merlin¡ªthey¡¯ve been caught!¡± George whispered. ¡°Two pieces of news: the good news is that Filch is now focused on Ron and his friends, so this is our best chance to check the fourth floor. The bad news is that the noise could attract a professor any second.¡±


    ¡°Then we¡¯d better hurry,¡± Fred said, glancing at the map and picking up the pace toward the fourth floor.


    On the map, Harry, Ron, and the others were indeed heading in their direction, with Filch in hot pursuit. If they didn¡¯t move quickly, Filch would be led right to them.


    They rushed down the corridor, finally reaching the mysterious door at the end of the fourth-floor corridor, following the map¡¯s directions.


    ¡°Students out of bed!¡± came a sudden, screeching cry. It was Peeves, his voice gleefully echoing from a nearby corridor. ¡°Students not sleeping, in the Charms corridor!¡±


    ¡°I take back everything¡ªI think Ron an idiot,¡± George muttered, putting down the Marauder¡¯s Map. He reached into his pocket and pulled out the bronze master key. ¡°Thanks, Kyle¡­¡±


    George inserted the key and turned it gently. With a soft click, the door swung open.


    ¡°Hurry inside¡ªwait, what in Merlin¡¯s name is ?¡±


    George froze in the doorway, staring into the dark corridor beyond. Three pairs of bright, green, bug-like eyes stared back at him.


    Standing guard just inside the room was a massive, monstrous dog. Its body filled the entire space from ceiling to floor, its three heads looming in the darkness, each mouth open and dripping saliva, revealing rows of sharp, yellowed teeth.


    ¡°Damn it¡ªDumbledore wasn¡¯t kidding this time¡­ run!¡± George gasped, spinning around in an instant.


    Fred and Cedric had caught sight of the creature, and as the Three-Headed Dog lurched forward with a roar, any lingering curiosity or thoughts of adventure vanished. They had no doubt what that sound meant: they were in serious danger.


    Without a word, they bolted down the hallway, running for their lives. Getting caught by Filch was infinitely better than ending up as dog food.


    The three of them didn¡¯t stop until they reached the door to the kitchens, gasping for breath.


    ¡°Headmaster Dumbledore is serious!¡± George wheezed. ¡°By Merlin¡¯s beard! He actually put an adult Three-Headed Dog in the school¡ªwhat could he possibly be thinking?¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s definitely something hidden under that thing,¡± Fred said, catching his breath. ¡°Did you notice? That dog was standing right over a trapdoor.¡±


    ¡°Doesn¡¯t matter,¡± George said, shaking his head. ¡°There¡¯s no way that dog¡¯s moving aside for us.¡±


    ¡°Wait¡­¡± Cedric said suddenly, glancing around. ¡°Where¡¯s Kyle?¡±


    Fred¡¯s eyes widened as he finally realized there were only three of them. Kyle had somehow disappeared without them noticing.

 Chapter 157: A Phoenix Feather as a Token of Authority

    On the fourth floor of the castle¡­


    Neither the Weasley twins nor Cedric realized that, in their haste to escape, the door, which had been left ajar, had quietly swung shut.


    ¡°Click¡­¡±


    The sound of the door closing cut off Fluffy''s growls, and silence settled over the corridor once more.


    Inside, Hagrid''s three-headed dog stood, each of its noses sniffing eagerly toward something in the corner. Fluffy edged closer, inch by inch, until it looked like its nose was about to touch the spot when, suddenly, an arm shot out of thin air.


    ¡°Snap!¡±


    The arm, apparently irritated by Fluffy¡¯s curiosity, smacked one of its heads.


    ¡°Back off!¡±


    ¡°Ooh!¡± Fluffy whimpered softly but didn¡¯t seem angry; instead, he wagged his tail and, with all three heads, eagerly moved closer. He recognized that voice and that scent. It was the person who could understand him and always had tasty jerky on hand when they met.


    Fluffy approached joyfully, the three large heads nudging each other in anticipation.


    ¡°Alright, Fluffy¡­ settle down.¡±


    With a sigh, Kyle pulled off his invisibility cloak, patted Fluffy on one of his massive heads, and took three large bags of treats from his pocket, placing them on the ground. There was plenty for all three heads, so no one would need to fight over it.


    Fluffy instantly lowered his heads and began to devour the treats. This jerky was the best thing he¡¯d ever tasted, though Hagrid never made him anything like it.


    As Fluffy ate, a clatter of hurried footsteps came from outside the door.


    ¡°Clang¡­¡± Someone tugged frantically at the door.


    ¡°Oh no, it¡¯s locked,¡± came Ron¡¯s panicked voice from outside. ¡°We¡¯re doomed! We¡¯re finished!¡±


    ¡°Come on¡­ hurry!¡± a gruff voice urged.


    Kyle glanced at the door, frowning, and pulled his invisibility cloak back on.


    ¡°Alohomora!¡±


    The lock clicked, and the door swung open. A second later, four frightened young wizards burst in, quickly shutting the door behind them and pressing their ears against it.


    After a moment, Ron whispered, ¡°He thought it was locked, so¡­ maybe we¡¯re okay¡­¡±


    ¡°Ron, I have a bad feeling about this.¡±


    Harry took a deep breath. ¡°Remember those growls we heard earlier? I think they came from this room¡­ Neville, what¡¯s wrong?¡±


    Harry turned to find Neville tugging at his sleeve, his face suddenly pale and glistening with sweat.


    Without needing to ask, Harry soon realized what had made Neville so terrified.


    He had seen the Three-Headed Dog.


    Having been interrupted during his meal, Fluffy was not pleased. All three heads fixed a furious gaze on the young wizards and emitted a growl that shook the room.


    Ron and Neville froze in terror. Their minds screamed at them to run, but their legs refused to obey.


    In that tense moment, Harry reacted the quickest. He reached behind him, found the door handle, and, with Hermione''s help, dragged Ron and Neville out of the room.


    Fluffy didn¡¯t pursue them, merely letting out a couple of warning growls before turning back to his meal.


    But Harry and his friends weren¡¯t aware of that. Just like the other students who had fled before, they ran from the fourth floor without looking back, finally coming to a stop, gasping for air, in front of the Fat Lady¡¯s portrait.


    "Where have you all been?" asked the Fat Lady, glaring at them. "What day is it today? Including those two earlier, there are now six little wizards out for a midnight stroll!"


    "Don¡¯t ask¡­¡±


    ¡°Pig Snout, Pig Snout¡­¡±


    ¡°Pig Snout¡± was the password. The Fat Lady didn¡¯t ask anything else and swung forward, allowing them to stumble into the common room. They collapsed shakily into the armchairs.


    For a long time, no one spoke¡ªespecially not Neville, who looked as though he might never speak again.


    ¡°That was strange¡­¡± Hermione, who had calmed down first, finally broke the silence. ¡°Did you all notice that the dog was eating?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, it almost ate us,¡± Ron replied, still shaken. ¡°It was probably figuring out how to eat all of us in one gulp.¡±


    ¡°What are you even looking at?¡± Hermione snapped. ¡°I mean, it was already eating before we went in, and it was eating three meals, meals in packaging.¡±


    ¡°What does that prove?¡± Harry asked.


    ¡°Does no one here think?¡± Hermione said, exasperated. ¡°Remember the growling we heard on the way in? That means someone else had been in that room before us, and they gave the Three-Headed Dog food to keep it calm. Whoever it was must have had a reason for doing it.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re overthinking it. We should be grateful to him,¡± Ron said, patting his chest. ¡°If he hadn¡¯t brought that food for the Three-Headed Dog, we¡¯d all be¡­¡±


    ¡°Didn¡¯t you notice where the Three-Headed Dog was standing?¡± Hermione interrupted. S§×ar?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°On the floor?¡± Ron answered, shrugging. ¡°I wasn¡¯t looking at its feet, I was looking at its heads. And if you didn¡¯t notice, it has three heads.¡±


    ¡°Not the floor, the trapdoor. It¡¯s obviously guarding something.¡±


    ¡°Guarding something?¡±


    ¡°Yes!¡± Hermione got to her feet and glared at them. ¡°If you two don¡¯t mind, I¡¯m going to bed now¡­ before one of you comes up with a brilliant plan to get us killed¡ªor worse, expelled!¡±


    Ron stared at her retreating back, his mouth agape. ¡°Which is worse, she really ought to figure that out¡­¡±


    On the other side of the castle¡­


    After Harry and the others had left, Kyle lifted his invisibility cloak again. He walked over to Fluffy and tried to open the trapdoor under the enormous dog.


    At first, Fluffy pressed down firmly on the trapdoor, refusing to let Kyle through.


    It was only when Kyle took out one of Fawkes¡¯s feathers that Fluffy reluctantly moved his paw aside.


    ¡°See? I told you I¡¯m here on behalf of Dumbledore, but you wouldn¡¯t believe me,¡± Kyle said, putting on a stern face. ¡°As punishment, you¡¯re not getting any Murtlap jerky next time.¡±


    At this, Fluffy grew frantic, rolling around on the ground and whimpering. Then he looked up at Kyle with all three heads, each giving him the most pitiful look it could muster.


    If it were a tabby cat giving him that look, Kyle would have caved instantly. But Fluffy was far too ugly for that approach, and one look at those faces just made Kyle¡¯s head throb.


    To get some peace¡ªand spare his eyes¡ªKyle sighed and pulled out a large bag of Murtlap-dried rat meat, tossing it aside. Fluffy bounded over, delighted.


    Ignoring him, Kyle opened the trapdoor himself and took a look down. But it was pitch black down there, and he couldn¡¯t see a thing.

 Chapter 158: The Lazy Professors

    Kyle took out his wand and reached under the trapdoor.


    With a burst of white light, Kyle could just make out a mass of green vines coiled directly below the trapdoor.


    ¡°It really is Devil¡¯s Snare,¡± he muttered, putting his wand away. Then he called to Fluffy. ¡°Alright, you stay here. If Dumbledore comes with someone, you bark¡ªloudly.¡±


    ¡°Woof¡­¡± Fluffy, having just finished his jerky, nodded obediently.


    Kyle gave the dog¡¯s massive head a final pat, then jumped down through the trapdoor.


    ¡°Plop¡­¡±


    The soft Devil¡¯s Snare caught him like a hammock, tendrils snaking around him. Kyle didn¡¯t struggle; instead, he lay still. Sure enough, after three seconds, the tendrils released him, and he dropped softly to the ground. Standing up, he eyed the Devil¡¯s Snare with an odd look.


    Kyle mused.


    Devil¡¯s Snare sounded intimidating, but its weaknesses were obvious: it feared light and fire, and a simple Lighting Charm rendered it completely harmless.


    he thought, shaking his head.


    Kyle looked up, scanning the silent surroundings, and took a deep breath. Then he shouted:


    ¡°Whose Devil¡¯s Snare is this?¡±


    ...


    Silence filled the room, broken only by the faint echoes.


    Hearing Kyle¡¯s voice, Fluffy curiously poked his head through the trapdoor and looked down.


    ¡°Not your business¡ªback up!¡± Kyle called out.


    With a soft whimper, Fluffy reluctantly retracted his head.


    Kyle cleared his throat and shouted again, ¡°Ahem¡­ whose Devil¡¯s Snare is it? If no one¡¯s claiming it, I¡¯m taking it!¡±


    ...


    Still no response.


    Satisfied, Kyle pulled a small box from his leather bag, unfolding it on the ground. Ten seconds later, he had carefully packed the entire Devil¡¯s Snare plant, pot and all, into the box.


    Dusting off his hands, he tucked the box under his arm and walked toward the next level. He followed a narrow stone corridor that led to a brightly lit room. Strangely, the room was empty. Continuing forward, he came upon a heavy wooden door.


    He grabbed the handle and pulled. The door creaked open, revealing¡­ nothing. Just a dark, empty room.


    ¡°¡­¡±


    Kyle thought.


    He stared at the dark room ahead, debating whether to continue. Judging by the lack of obstacles, it was clear that, apart from Fluffy and the Devil¡¯s Snare, the other checkpoints hadn¡¯t been set up yet.


    he thought, frowning at the empty room. S§×ar?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°Forget it, I¡¯ve already come this far; I might as well take a look,¡± Kyle murmured, shaking his head as he stepped forward.


    As soon as he entered, the previously dark room instantly brightened. Glancing down, he saw an enormous chessboard beneath his feet, with towering chess pieces all around him. Kyle¡¯s spirits lifted at once.


    he thought.


    To proceed, he¡¯d need to win the game of Wizard Chess. he admitted to himself,


    He hadn¡¯t played much Wizard Chess, only dabbling occasionally with Fred or George. It was enough for a bit of fun, but he¡¯d never gone up against a real opponent. Still, Kyle wasn¡¯t one to back down easily. He casually walked over to a black rook and reached out to touch its stone surface, ready to take its place.


    ¡°Might as well give it a go. Worst case, I head back the way I came.¡±


    He waited five minutes, but the piece remained still. Confused, he walked to the knight¡ªno response. The bishop, the pawn, even the king¡ªnone of them moved. Kyle strolled all the way to the exit, but the pieces were completely unresponsive.


    It dawned on him that these were simply mock pieces. Professor McGonagall hadn¡¯t yet finished setting up her challenge.


    The next few rooms were similarly empty, void of any obstacles. Disappointed, Kyle turned back the way he came. he thought, a bit deflated. Perhaps Dumbledore and the professors felt that one Fluffy was enough to deter any intruders for the time being.


    After leaving the fourth floor, Kyle made a quick detour to the underground classrooms before returning to the Hufflepuff common room.


    ¡°Thank goodness, you¡¯re finally back!¡± Cedric had been waiting in the common room, his curiosity piqued the moment he saw Kyle enter. ¡°Where were you?¡±


    ¡°On the fourth floor,¡± Kyle replied. ¡°Didn¡¯t we just come from there together?¡±


    ¡°I mean after we ran back from the fourth floor.¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t run¡­¡± Kyle said, after thinking for a moment. ¡°Actually, I first met Fluffy last year when Hagrid introduced us. Oh, and Fluffy is the name of the Three-Headed Dog we saw tonight.¡±


    Kyle settled into a chair and placed a jug of pumpkin juice and a plate of biscuits on the table in front of him, snacks he¡¯d brought from the kitchen. Although it was late, the kitchen had been bustling with house-elves, as active as they were during the day. They had even offered to prepare a full meal, but Kyle had declined, only wanting a quick snack.


    Cedric blinked, processing this new information. ¡°Wait¡­ did you just say you the Three-Headed Dog?¡±


    ¡°Yep, I¡¯ve known him for about a year now,¡± Kyle said casually. ¡°He¡¯s still a puppy, not even two years old.¡±


    ¡°But¡­ why didn¡¯t you say anything earlier?¡±


    ¡°I did,¡± Kyle shrugged. ¡°But you all ran off so fast, and the next thing I knew, you were gone.¡±


    Cedric¡¯s face flushed a little. Seeing the Three-Headed Dog had been a shock, and his first instinct was to flee, leaving little room for listening to what anyone else was saying.


    Kyle nudged the plate of cookies toward him. ¡°Want a cookie? They¡¯re cheese-flavored¡ªnot bad.¡±


    ¡°Yeah¡­ thanks.¡± Cedric, feeling a bit hungry, took one and popped it into his mouth. ¡°So, you were on the fourth floor the whole time?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± Kyle confirmed with a nod.


    Cedric picked up another cookie, still curious. ¡°Did you happen to notice the trapdoor under the Three-Headed Dog?¡±


    ¡°I did, but unfortunately¡­¡± Kyle sighed. ¡°I guess we came too early. The professors haven¡¯t set everything up yet. For now, it¡¯s just a few empty rooms.¡±

 Chapter 159: Veritaserum Mixed into the Potions

    "What did you say... an empty room is located beneath the trapdoor?"


    The next morning, when Fred and George heard this from Kyle, their faces mirrored Cedric¡¯s from the night before¡ªshock, doubt, and disbelief.


    Because of the trapdoor, neither of them had slept well. Every time they closed their eyes, the terrifying image of the Three-Headed Dog loomed in their minds. They had spent half the night speculating about what treasure was valuable enough to warrant the dog¡¯s protection.


    The final exam papers, maybe? Or even the Gryffindor sword?


    They guessed endlessly, finally dozing off just before dawn. And now Kyle was telling them that the rooms beneath the trapdoor were... empty?


    Fred and George were struggling to accept it. Where was the adventure, the thrill of discovery? Had Dumbledore simply designated an empty corner of the castle to keep his oversized guard dog? This was too simple, even disappointing.


    ¡°Those rooms probably haven¡¯t been there for long,¡± Kyle said, giving Fred a reassuring pat on the shoulder. ¡°It¡¯s just that, with the start of the school year, the professors are busy. They likely haven¡¯t had time to set up the challenges yet. We can always check back later, around Halloween or the Christmas holidays.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re right,¡± Fred sighed. ¡°It looks like we¡¯ll have to hold off. But that might give us more time to search for the last clue for the password.¡±


    Cedric, who had been sipping his pumpkin juice, set down his cup. ¡°I really think you should forget about it. Hogwarts is so big, you¡¯ll never find it¡ªeven if you stay until graduation.¡±


    ¡°No,¡± George countered, shaking his head. ¡°The creators of the Marauder¡¯s Map wouldn¡¯t have hidden the clues in random places that didn¡¯t make sense.¡±


    ¡°Yeah! The first clue we found was on the door to Filch¡¯s office¡ªsomewhere only someone in detention would go,¡± Fred added.


    ¡°Then on the wall of the Trophy Room¡­¡±


    ¡°The four House common rooms¡­¡±


    ¡°And the tallest tower in the castle¡­¡±


    ...


    "In short, they¡¯re all places that are significant or unusual in some way," George mused, thoughtfully stroking his chin. "And it feels like we¡¯re so close to the final answer¡ªlike there¡¯s just a thin layer of parchment between us and the solution.¡±


    ¡°Really¡­¡± Cedric shrugged, looking doubtful. He thought that this last clue for the password might not even exist or that it was likely just a prank.


    Fred and George, however, weren¡¯t swayed. They refused to believe it was all for nothing.


    Just then, the morning¡¯s mail arrived.


    A large group of owls swooped into the hall, drawing everyone¡¯s attention to six long-eared owls carrying an elongated package. They flew directly over the tables to deliver it to a Slytherin student, who eagerly unwrapped it right there. Inside was a brand-new Nimbus 2000.


    ¡°Yes, a new broom¡ªNimbus 2000, the same model the professional Quidditch teams use!¡± He announced this with unmistakable pride, clearly enjoying the envious looks from the other students. ¡°My father sent it as a gift to celebrate my joining the Slytherin team this year. Not that I need it¡ªbecause even without the best broom in the wizarding world, I¡¯d still beat everyone else hands down.¡±


    He spoke loudly enough that half the hall could hear.


    Kyle glanced over at him.


    ¡°Hey, look at Marcus Flint,¡± Fred whispered.


    Kyle noticed that Marcus¡¯s face looked rather grim¡ªas did the faces of the entire Slytherin Quidditch team. The mention of the Nimbus 2000 seemed to bring up some bad memories, and every Slytherin player had stopped eating to glare at the boy with the broom.


    There was a stir at the Gryffindor table as well. Neville had just received a Remembrall¡ªa rare alchemical item. The problem was that it was notoriously frustrating; all it did was remind you that you¡¯d forgotten something, but never what. To make matters worse, Remembralls weren¡¯t cheap, costing over a hundred Galleons, enough to dissuade most people from buying one.


    Just then, Kyle received his own package. It was a small, hand-sized box wrapped in brown paper. After the owl delivered it, it also dropped a letter.


    ¡°.¡±


    Kyle¡¯s eyes lit up. The Director of St. Mungo¡¯s had sent him potions?


    ¡°What¡¯s that?¡± Fred asked, noticing Kyle¡¯s expression. ¡°Did you buy something?¡±


    ¡°No, it¡¯s a potion someone sent me.¡±


    ¡°A potion?¡± Fred sounded curious.


    ¡°Yes.¡± Kyle hesitated briefly before explaining. ¡°I ran into some trouble at St. Mungo¡¯s¡­ These potions are compensation from the Director.¡± S§×arch* The n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Because of the Ministry¡¯s intervention, had avoided mentioning any details about a werewolf, reporting only that there had been a disturbance at St. Mungo¡¯s. As a result, neither Cedric, the Weasley twins, nor Kanna knew about Kyle¡¯s encounter with a werewolf over the summer. Not wanting to worry them, he had decided to keep that part quiet.


    ¡°I see¡­¡± Fred quickly lost interest in the potions and returned to his copy of


    Cedric and Kanna, however, were intrigued and came over for a closer look.


    By now, Kyle had unwrapped the brown paper, revealing a wooden box. It was charmed with a Undetectable Extension Charm for easy transport, making it appear no larger than the palm of his hand from the outside.


    But once opened, it revealed a spacious interior filled with potions. Large and small bottles, nearly fifty or sixty in total, were neatly arranged inside. One side of the box was set aside for potion ingredients.


    ¡°These are Ashwinder egg shells¡­ and Staghorns!¡± Kanna whispered in amazement. She recognized these from Professor Snape¡¯s office, where they were stored on the top shelf. Such rare ingredients could easily sell for hundreds of Galleons in Diagon Alley.


    Kyle glanced briefly at the ingredients before focusing back on the potions themselves. As he surveyed them, he noticed something odd: there were far more than he had expected. In addition to those that had been agreed upon, Director Sykes had included some extras.


    To his surprise, he even spotted a small vial of Veritaserum tucked away in the corner of the box.

 Chapter 160: Felix Felicis and the Crup

    ¡°What is this...?¡±


    Cedric looked on curiously as Kyle stood there, staring blankly at a thumb-sized bottle in his hand.


    ¡°Strange, there¡¯s no label on it,¡± Cedric frowned, wondering aloud. ¡°Could it be that someone from St. Mungo¡¯s misplaced it by accident?¡±


    ¡°With eyesight like yours, it¡¯s a wonder why you¡¯re a Seeker,¡± Kyle teased, holding up his hand and pointing at the bottle. ¡°Look closely, the label is right here¡­ Hmm?¡±


    Kyle¡¯s words trailed off as he suddenly froze. He realized there was nothing where his finger pointed; the label he had clearly seen moments ago had vanished without a trace.


    ¡°There¡¯s nothing here... You must have seen it wrong,¡± Cedric said, looking again. After confirming there truly was no label, he smiled. ¡°By the way, the final Quidditch tryouts are in a few days, so you might want to stop wandering around at night. Otherwise, you¡¯ll be too groggy to even throw the Quaffle through the Goalpost¡­¡±


    With that, Cedric turned his attention to George, starting a new conversation.


    ¡°Strange¡­¡± Kyle muttered, gazing down at the bottle in his hands. He was certain that when he¡¯d first picked it up, the words had been clearly written in golden block letters. But in the blink of an eye, the label had disappeared entirely.


    Kyle thought, shaking his head. He slipped the bottle back into his pocket and continued sorting through the potions in the box.


    Compared to Veritaserum, the remaining potions were fairly ordinary. Some were quite costly but could generally be found in stores. Before long, only one potion remained, resting in the far corner of the box. Its bottle was even smaller than the Veritaserum¡¯s.


    When Kyle carefully took it out, there was an audible intake of breath around him. S§×ar?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°No way¡­¡± Cedric¡¯s eyes widened in disbelief. ¡°This is Felix Felicis?!¡±


    The golden liquid in the bottle swayed gently with Kyle¡¯s movement, and Cedric¡¯s eyes tracked its shimmering motion.


    ¡°What? Felix Felicis!¡± Fred and George crowded closer, eyes widening with curiosity. ¡°Is this the legendary luck potion?¡±


    ¡°It can¡¯t be wrong,¡± Cedric replied, nodding seriously. ¡°I¡¯ve never seen a real Felix Felicis before, but I¡¯ve read about it. This looks exactly as described. And look¡ªthere¡¯s a label, right here.¡±


    Cedric pointed to a tiny label on the bottle, no bigger than a grain of rice.


    ¡°It really is Felix Felicis!¡± Fred said, smacking his lips in amazement. Like Cedric, he¡¯d never seen a real Felix Felicis before. Until now, it had felt more like the old, enchanted wands from storybooks¡ªstuff of legend.


    The three of them stared, entranced by the Felix Felicis in Kyle¡¯s hand, unable to look away. They only tore themselves away reluctantly when there were five minutes left until class.


    Kanna also took a curious look, though the longer she stared at the little bottle, the more familiar it seemed...


    ¡°Still can¡¯t remember? You¡¯ve probably already forgotten.¡± On their way to Charms class, Kyle took out the Felix Felicis bottle again and waved it in front of Kanna¡¯s eyes.


    ¡°Just a hint: it was a Christmas gift last year.¡±


    ¡°Christmas...yes, I remember!¡± Kanna paused, looking slightly dazed. ¡°I remember Professor Snape gave me a bottle of this potion back then. So this really is Felix Felicis.¡±


    ¡°Not cold medicine anymore?¡± Kyle¡¯s tone drew out, clearly teasing her.


    Realizing what Kyle meant, Kanna¡¯s face flushed. She turned her head away, speaking softly in embarrassed explanation. At the time, she hadn¡¯t known about Professor Snape¡¯s connection to the Prince family, so it was natural she hadn¡¯t believed it. After all, what professor would gift a student Felix Felicis? It sounded utterly ridiculous, no matter how you thought about it.


    ¡°Now you believe me, right?¡± Kyle asked with a smile.


    Kanna was about to nod, but something seemed to occur to her. She looked up at him with a slightly annoyed expression. ¡°Wait, back then you didn¡¯t know Professor Snape knew me, did you? Have you been laughing at me this whole time?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re overthinking it; that¡¯s not it at all,¡± Kyle replied, shaking his head. ¡°I didn¡¯t find out until a few days before the holidays.¡±


    Kanna wrinkled her nose. ¡°Then how were you so sure the potion he gave me was actually Felix Felicis?¡±


    Kyle shrugged casually. ¡°Because that¡¯s what Felix Felicis looks like.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s that simple?¡±


    ¡°Of course¡­¡± Kyle chuckled. ¡°But it also has to do with the professor¡¯s personality. Professor Snape would never play a joke like that.¡±


    Hogwarts professors each had their quirks. If the gift had come from Professor Flitwick, for example, it might actually have turned out to be cold medicine. He¡¯d done something similar before. Trelawney had once mentioned that Professor Flitwick gave all the students staying at school for Christmas a ¡°Ravenclaw''s Diadem,¡± but the students soon discovered it was actually chocolate magically shaped to look like a Diadem.


    ¡°I see¡­¡± Kanna nodded thoughtfully. The more she considered it, the clearer it became. Professor Snape really wouldn¡¯t bother with a meaningless prank.


    ¡°Oh, by the way, I¡¯m returning this to you.¡± As they neared the Charms classroom, Kyle pulled a small bottle from his pocket and held it out. It was the Felix Felicis Snape had given to Kanna. He hadn¡¯t dared leave it unattended and had kept it on him the entire time.


    Kanna glanced at him but made no move to take it.


    ¡°Are you seriously giving it to me?¡± she asked, raising an eyebrow.


    ¡°What do you mean? It¡¯s yours.¡± Kyle chuckled. He¡¯d only held onto it because Kanna used to lose things all the time. It hadn¡¯t felt safe to leave Felix Felicis in her care back then. Now, with the ¡°Rat¡± that used to swipe her things out of the picture, he figured it was finally safe to give it back.


    Still, Kanna didn¡¯t reach for it.


    ¡°What are you waiting for? Take it,¡± Kyle urged. ¡°Class is about to start.¡±


    ¡°No.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Kyle blinked, thinking he¡¯d misheard. This was Felix Felicis...


    ¡°I said, I don¡¯t want it.¡±


    Kanna suddenly grinned. Standing in the doorway of the Charms classroom, she crossed her arms. ¡°Since I¡¯m giving it to you, it¡¯s yours now. I don¡¯t want to turn into a Crup.¡±

 Chapter 161: Charms Class is Never Short of Surprises

    The Kyle-ites stood frozen, watching in stunned silence as Kanna turned and walked into the Charms classroom. They hadn¡¯t expected her to actually follow through on what she¡¯d said earlier.


    If it had been the Weasley twins in her place, they probably wouldn¡¯t have cared if they really turned into Crups, much less thought twice about joking around with it.


    Kyle opened his mouth, about to say something, but Kanna was already seated in class, chatting with her roommate. Seeing this, he had no choice but to pocket the bottle of Felix Felicis for now and follow her inside.


    Today¡¯s lesson was on the Engorgement Charm, a handy household spell that Hagrid frequently used. The massive pumpkins in his garden? All thanks to the Engorgement Charm. The most amazing thing about this spell was that while magic couldn¡¯t conjure food out of thin air, it could increase the size of existing food without altering its taste. Oddly enough, though, no one ever actually ate anything charmed this way; Hagrid¡¯s pumpkins, for instance, were mostly used as Halloween decorations.


    ¡°Now, gesture is crucial¡­¡± Professor Flitwick said earnestly from the front of the class. ¡°Remember what I just explained. Keep your arms steady, use your wrist, draw a downward circle¡­ and don¡¯t forget the incantation¡­¡±


    Although the Engorgement Charm was part of the second-year curriculum, it wasn¡¯t difficult¡ªcertainly simpler than the Levitation Charm. Kyle focused on the button lying on the table in front of him, giving his wand a gentle twirl.


    Immediately, the button began to swell like a balloon, growing until it was about the size of a plate.


    ¡°Oh, well done!¡± Professor Flitwick exclaimed, clapping enthusiastically. ¡°Everyone, take note¡ªsomeone has already succeeded! Five points to Hufflepuff!¡±


    While Kyle made it look easy, it was another story for the rest of the class. Mikel and Ryan tried to mimic his movements, rotating their wrists again and again, but the buttons before them stubbornly remained unchanged. Frustrated, Mikel gave his button a jab with his wand¡ªand with a loud pop, it flew off, whizzing past Professor Flitwick¡¯s hair and bouncing off the wall.


    Across the room, Gryffindor students were having just as much trouble.


    ¡°Engorgio¡­ Engorgio!¡± one Gryffindor student shouted, clearly forgetting Professor Flitwick¡¯s instructions as he wildly swung his arms like a windmill. His button didn¡¯t budge, but he was so into it that he accidentally jabbed Katie Bell, who stood beside him.


    ¡°By Merlin¡¯s beard¡­¡± Professor Flitwick sighed, face in hands as though bracing for what would come next.


    A second later, Katie began to swell into a round, floating ball, drifting slowly up toward the ceiling. Her eyes wide with terror, she flailed her arms, letting out a piercing scream.


    ¡°Don¡¯t panic, Miss Bell, don¡¯t panic!¡± Professor Flitwick reassured her as he rushed over, quickly reversing the charm. Once she was back to normal, he sent the shaken Katie off to the Hospital Wing. Charms accidents were nothing new to him, and he had become quite adept at handling them.


    ¡°Mr. McLaggen, your arm movements were far too wild, which is extremely dangerous,¡± Professor Flitwick admonished, casting a stern look at the Gryffindor student. ¡°That will be ten points from Gryffindor!¡±


    After Charms, Kyle tried to catch up with Kanna, but she had already left. From that day on, she never brought up the incident again, as if the bottle of Felix Felicis had been nothing more than an ordinary bottle of pumpkin juice sitting around.


    ...


    There were no secrets at Hogwarts.


    By the next day, news had already spread of McLaggen from Gryffindor accidentally inflating his classmate like a balloon in Charms class. S~ea??h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°That¡¯s incredible,¡± Harry said, eating toast at the table, looking curiously at Ron beside him. ¡°How did he even manage that?¡±


    ¡°Never mind that,¡± Ron muttered, clearly not wanting to dwell on it. Instead, he looked eagerly at Harry. ¡°Is it true what you just said¡ªthat Professor McGonagall really made you Seeker?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s what she said,¡± Harry replied. ¡°She even took me to meet a fifth-year named Wood, who¡¯s going to train me.¡±


    ¡°Oliver Wood?¡± asked Ron, wide-eyed.


    Harry nodded.


    ¡°He¡¯s Gryffindor¡¯s Quidditch captain. I can¡¯t believe it¡ªyou¡¯re only a first year!¡± Ron, with a forkful of pie poised halfway to his mouth, added, ¡°Harry, you¡¯re probably the youngest Quidditch player in years!¡±


    ¡°Wood told me I¡¯d be the youngest in a century,¡± Harry said, taking a bite of pie.


    ¡°A century¡­¡± Ron repeated, staring blankly at Harry.


    ¡°I start training tomorrow,¡± Harry added. ¡°But don¡¯t tell anyone¡ªWood wants to keep it a secret.¡±


    Just then, Fred and George entered the hall. They spotted Harry right away and came over, grinning.


    ¡°Nice going!¡± George whispered. ¡°Wood told us. We¡¯re on the Quidditch team too, as Beaters.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re definitely going to win the House Cup this year,¡± Fred said excitedly. ¡°You wouldn¡¯t believe how surprised Cedric and Kyle were when they heard.¡±


    ¡°They¡¯re on the Hufflepuff team,¡± George added. ¡°Before this, they were convinced Gryffindor was doomed. Ha¡­ two silly prefects.¡±


    ¡°Kyle¡¯s trying out for Quidditch?¡± Harry asked, surprised. He¡¯d assumed that students like Kyle, who were as academically gifted as Hermione, wouldn¡¯t be interested in Quidditch.


    ¡°Not officially yet,¡± Fred explained. ¡°But he¡¯s in the final tryouts tomorrow. If he makes it, he¡¯ll be on the team.¡±


    ¡°You should come watch,¡± George suggested. ¡°Get a sneak peek at the competition.¡±


    ¡°Really?¡± Harry¡¯s eyes lit up. ¡°But isn¡¯t it for Hufflepuff?¡±


    He was suddenly eager to learn more about Quidditch in any way he could. Observing the Hufflepuff team tryouts sounded like the perfect opportunity.


    ¡°Oh, go ahead,¡± Fred assured him. ¡°Slytherin might mind, but Hufflepuff won¡¯t care.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ve got to run,¡± George added. ¡°Lee Jordan thinks he¡¯s found a new secret passage out of the school.¡±


    ¡°Behind the statue of Gregory the Smarmy?¡± Fred grinned. ¡°We found that one on our first day.¡±


    ¡°Good luck. See you later.¡±


    ¡°Bye!¡± Harry called, turning back to Ron. ¡°I¡¯m going to check out the tryouts tomorrow. Want to come?¡±


    ¡°Sure,¡± Ron agreed after a moment. ¡°Though I should warn you, I¡¯ve seen Kyle play Quidditch with Fred before, and he¡¯s really good. It might not be great for morale.¡±


    ¡°Really¡­¡± Harry¡¯s curiosity only grew stronger, a flutter of excitement making him even more eager for tomorrow.

 Chapter 162: Human Bludger

    The next day was a weekend, so there were no classes.


    When Kyle opened the dormitory door that morning, he found Cedric waiting for him with his arms stretched out.


    ¡°What¡¯s with that pose¡­ trying to be a lucky cat?¡± Kyle asked suspiciously.


    ¡°What cat¡­? Never mind, it¡¯s not important,¡± Cedric said, dropping his arms. ¡°I¡¯m here to get you. Did you forget that today is Quidditch tryouts? Why are you only coming out now?¡±


    ¡°No, I just woke up¡­¡± Kyle said, rubbing his face. It was a rare weekend with beautiful weather, so he¡¯d taken the chance to sleep in.


    Cedric sighed, rubbing his forehead. ¡°The tryouts start at ten, and it¡¯s already half-past nine¡­ how can you sleep through that?¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s still half an hour. Plenty of time,¡± Kyle replied, grabbing his Nimbus 2000 and following Cedric out of the common room.


    Outside, they were joined by Kanna, who had been waiting while Cedric fetched Kyle. Together, they headed across the grounds to the Quidditch Pitch.


    Though the selection hadn¡¯t officially started, the area was already buzzing with activity. Even Professor Sprout, who rarely left the greenhouse, was on the pitch, talking with Madam Hooch. The stands around the field were packed with students, including Hufflepuffs and those from other houses. Judging by the anxious faces, at least half of them were here to gather intel on the competition.


    But Harris, the team captain, didn¡¯t seem to mind; he had no intention of shooing anyone away. When Kyle and the others arrived, he was even enthusiastically explaining the basics of Quidditch to a group of younger students.


    ¡°Quidditch is really quite simple,¡± he said. ¡°The Chasers score by throwing the Quaffle, while the Beaters protect their teammates from the Bludgers and hit the Bludgers toward the opposition.¡±


    In the stands, Harris leaned toward a bespectacled boy and continued, ¡°But you don¡¯t need to worry about all that, Potter. As Seeker, your job is to catch the Golden Snitch as quickly as possible.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s a Golden Snitch?¡± Harry asked, curious.


    ¡°A very tricky little creature,¡± Harris replied. ¡°But catching it ends the game and adds 150 points to your team¡¯s score.¡±


    ¡°Golden¡­ Snitch¡­¡± Harry murmured, trying to remember. Suddenly, he looked at Harris, puzzled. ¡°Wait¡­ how did you know I was the Seeker?¡±


    ¡°It was easy to figure out,¡± Harris said, shaking his head. ¡°Wood¡¯s been grinning nonstop the past few days, even eating two extra spoonfuls at meals. The only thing that could make him that happy is finally finding a Seeker.¡±


    ¡°So Wood told you?¡± Harry let out a sigh of relief. At least it hadn¡¯t leaked from his side.


    ¡°Not at all,¡± Harris replied with a laugh. ¡°Wood actually tried to keep it secret, saying he¡¯d only be that happy if his owl had a second baby. So, I went straight to Professor McGonagall. She¡¯s the one who told me you¡¯re Gryffindor¡¯s new Seeker.¡±


    ¡°Professor McGonagall?¡± Harry sat in stunned silence, feeling a pang of sympathy for Wood. He¡¯d planned to keep his position a secret weapon to surprise the other teams, but in less than a day, the information had come straight from McGonagall herself.


    This was hardly a secret.


    ¡°You¡¯ll do great, Harry. I¡¯m looking forward to the day we play against you,¡± Harris said, patting him on the shoulder before heading toward the field. He greeted Kyle and the others as he passed by.


    ¡°Looks like it¡¯s about to start,¡± Kyle said, taking his Nimbus 2000 and settling into a seat at the front of the bleachers.


    Kanna glanced up at the field and asked, ¡°How many players are we picking this time?¡±


    ¡°Two¡ªa Beater and a Chaser,¡± Cedric replied. ¡°Kyle¡¯s trying out for the Chaser spot.¡±


    ¡°Hm,¡± Kyle nodded beside him.


    He much preferred the thrill of scoring goals to the constant dodge and counter-attack of the Beaters or the endless search for small, elusive Snitches. Sure, each goal was worth only ten points, but with enough goals, a Chaser could easily add up to 150 points¡ªor even more.


    Right at ten o¡¯clock, the tryouts began.


    The Beater selection was first, with three candidates competing. Under Harris¡¯s direction, the three of them mounted their broomsticks and took their positions at the center of the pitch. For Beaters, accuracy and swing strength were key, and Harris had brought the box containing the Bludgers out in advance. All they had to do was stay on their brooms as long as possible, with the last one remaining being awarded the team spot.


    As Harris opened the box, the two Bludgers shot out like cannonballs, immediately wreaking havoc in the air. S§×ar?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The three candidates took turns using their bats to deflect the Bludgers aimed at them. Having passed initial tryouts, they were no pushovers, and it would take more than a stray Bludger to knock any of them off their brooms. The crowd watched in silence, fully absorbed in the contest.


    About five minutes in, the first elimination happened. It was the youngest player, a second-year. He¡¯d grown impatient after no one had faltered and tried aiming a Bludger at the other two to throw them off balance. But he overextended, and his bat slipped from his grasp, flying out of his hands. He barely had a moment to react before a Bludger zoomed past and knocked him clean off his broom.


    ¡°Oh¡­ that must have hurt,¡± Harry muttered, wincing as he subconsciously touched his shoulder, feeling a twinge of imagined pain.


    ¡°That¡¯s the life of a Beater,¡± Ron said knowingly. ¡°George told me his arm was broken three times by Bludgers when he first joined the team. Fred wasn¡¯t much better¡ªhe broke his leg.¡±


    Kyle, overhearing, looked at Cedric with disbelief. ¡°Fred and George got injured by Bludgers?¡±


    ¡°Absolutely not!¡± Cedric replied with certainty. ¡°Other Beaters have gotten injured, sure, but Fred and George? As far as I know, they went through their entire first year without a single Bludger even grazing their robes.¡±


    He smirked, ¡°Honestly, they¡¯re like Bludgers themselves.¡±

 Chapter 163: Goal, Goal, and More Goals!

    On the field, with the first player eliminated, the pressure on the remaining two increased significantly. They had to keep 120% of their focus, dodging both Bludgers while looking for any chance to unseat their opponent.


    After over ten minutes of intense back-and-forth, the match finally came to a close. To everyone¡¯s surprise, the winner turned out to be the underdog third-year student, who used his agility to gain the upper hand against his taller, stronger fifth-year opponent at a crucial moment.


    The crowd burst into applause and cheers.


    Harris walked over, smiling as he extended his hand. ¡°Willard, welcome to the team.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s an honor, Captain,¡± the third-year replied, shaking Harris¡¯s hand, and another round of applause filled the stands. S§×ar?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Next up was the selection of the Chasers. Kyle got to his feet, grabbed his broom, and made his way onto the field.


    ¡°Go, Kyle!¡± Cedric shouted from the stands, setting off a firework. It exploded overhead, forming a massive banner of a running badger with the words ¡°Go Kyle¡± emblazoned across it in shimmering letters.


    Kyle wondered as he arrived at the center of the pitch, trying not to look too embarrassed by the dramatic display.


    He would be competing against two fifth-years for the Chaser position.


    ¡°As a Chaser, accuracy is key,¡± Harris explained, holding the Quaffle. ¡°I¡¯ll be playing Keeper, and you¡¯ll be responsible for scoring. The one who scores the most points within the time limit makes the team. So¡­ who wants to go first?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll go,¡± Kyle volunteered, stepping forward. Going first would mean facing Harris¡¯s goalkeeping style with no prior knowledge, but Kyle figured his Nimbus 2000 would help balance the odds.


    ¡°Great. Don¡¯t overthink it¡ªjust play as you usually would,¡± Harris encouraged him as he headed to the Goalpost.


    Kyle mounted his broom and pushed off lightly, hovering in the air.


    ¡°Ready to begin?¡± Harris called from the goal.


    ¡°Absolutely,¡± Kyle replied, and at that moment, someone tossed the Quaffle up to him from below.


    Kyle caught it deftly, then surged forward, speeding toward the goal at an impressive pace. Before Harris had fully processed what was happening, Kyle was already at the Goalpost, where he casually tossed the Quaffle through the open hoop.


    ¡°Ten points!¡± someone in the crowd cheered, then called out teasingly, ¡°Captain, what was that? Were you taking it easy on him?¡±


    ¡°Shut it!¡± Harris¡¯s face flushed with embarrassment. He hadn¡¯t been taking it easy¡ªhe¡¯d simply been caught off guard by the speed of the Nimbus 2000. He had known it would be fast, but the difference between the Nimbus 1700 and the Nimbus 2000 was like night and day, despite only two years separating them.


    ¡°Again!¡± Harris called out, steeling himself. This time, he wasn¡¯t about to let himself be caught off guard.


    Another Quaffle was thrown up, and Kyle repeated his previous move, catching the ball and charging straight toward the goal. Now prepared, Harris quickly maneuvered to block him.


    Kyle feigned a throw with the Quaffle in his right hand. Harris thought, darting to the right side. But the Quaffle didn¡¯t fly to the right. Instead, it spun in the air for a moment, then returned right back to Kyle, who easily scored in the now wide-open center hoop.


    ¡°Twenty points!¡±


    ¡°Look, Harry! It¡¯s a backhand throw!¡± Ron tugged Harry¡¯s arm, grinning with excitement. ¡°Merlin, I never thought I¡¯d get to see one of the Chaser¡¯s classic feints up close!¡±


    ¡°Is that move hard to do?¡± Harry asked, still puzzled. He was new to Quidditch, and his knowledge was limited.


    Ron nodded, ¡°It¡¯s not too hard to throw a backhand pass, but the trick is fooling the Keeper. And keep in mind, Harris isn¡¯t just any Keeper¡ªhe¡¯s the Hufflepuff captain and probably the most experienced player at Hogwarts.¡±


    Harry didn¡¯t fully understand, but the roar of cheers around him made it clear that Kyle¡¯s move had been impressive. So, he joined in, cheering along.


    he thought, grinning.


    Meanwhile, Harris¡¯s face flushed even redder at the lighthearted jeering from the stands. Of course, he knew the backhand pass; he¡¯d used it to score the final goal in the Quidditch Cup two years ago, helping Hufflepuff win by a ten-point margin. He never imagined he¡¯d be the one falling for the move one day.


    Harris thought.


    ¡°If I¡¯d known, I would¡¯ve had our regular Keeper play today,¡± Harris muttered. He¡¯d stepped in to avoid discouraging the tryouts, thinking a seasoned Keeper might lower morale. Now, it seemed that decision had backfired. He couldn¡¯t swap mid-tryout, so he had no choice but to grit his teeth and carry on.


    Kyle had taken only about a minute to score twice, with plenty of time left in the ten-minute trial.


    In the minutes that followed, he continued to show off the full speed of his Nimbus 2000, catching the Quaffle effortlessly and zooming to the goal. Each score showcased a new technique¡ªsometimes a feint, sometimes relying solely on the broom¡¯s sheer speed to dart past Harris. And each time, Harris found himself struggling to keep up.


    Gradually, Harris¡¯s frustration began to transform into admiration. Sitting on his broom, he watched Kyle with a newfound respect.


    Harris felt a grin forming as he finally understood why Wood had been so uncharacteristically joyful.


    he thought, barely holding back a laugh.

 Chapter 164: The Damned Sorting Hat

    Ten minutes had flown by in a flash. As the final whistle blew, Kyle raised his arm high and, with his last ounce of energy, flung the Quaffle through the air.


    But it was too far. Harris intercepted it, breaking his own ¡°zero¡± streak in the process.


    On the sidelines, the scoreboard froze at 210 points¡ªmeaning Kyle had scored a total of 21 goals in those ten minutes. Scoring two goals a minute, even while racing across the pitch to retrieve the Quaffle each time, was nothing short of incredible.


    The three Quaffles they¡¯d used hadn¡¯t been enough to keep up with his speed; by the end, Professor McGonagall, observing from the edge of the field, had conjured two more with her Transfiguration Charm just to keep the match running smoothly to the end.


    "By Merlin''s beard, I never want to be Keeper again!"


    Back on the ground, Harris let out a deep sigh of relief. Those ten minutes had been a whirlwind of joy and frustration for him.


    The joy? Hufflepuff had found a gifted Chaser. If all went well, this second-year named Kyle would be the key to winning the Quidditch Cup. Harris himself was one of the best Chasers at Hogwarts, responsible for most of Hufflepuff''s points each game. But the issue was, his fellow Chasers fell short, and they struggled to work well as a team. Harris often ended up scoring alone, which placed a heavy demand on his stamina. This was why Hufflepuff wasn¡¯t known for lasting in prolonged matches.


    The other concern was that if he were heavily guarded or injured, Hufflepuff¡¯s chances would plummet. Fortunately, Cedric¡ªa talented Seeker¡ªhad joined last year. With Cedric on the hunt for the Golden Snitch, it was hard for other teams to draw games out for too long. And now, with Kyle¡¯s arrival, Hufflepuff¡¯s main vulnerability had been instantly strengthened.


    Harris could almost see the Quidditch Cup within reach, and that filled him with exhilaration.


    The frustration? Well, that was simple.


    Anyone would feel humiliated after being turned into a laughingstock for ten straight minutes.


    ¡°Captain, good thing you didn¡¯t sign up to be Keeper,¡± one teammate joked. ¡°Otherwise, we might never see the Quidditch Cup!¡±


    ¡°Shut it, Farrell!¡± Harris shot him a glare. ¡°Actually, I¡¯ve noticed your skills slipping lately. Special training tomorrow at eight.¡±


    ¡°Eight?!¡± Farrell¡¯s grin vanished. With a long face, he protested, ¡°I¡¯m fine with special training, but could we make it ten... or maybe nine?¡±


    Hufflepuffs weren¡¯t as studious as Ravenclaws or as hyperactive as Gryffindors. On weekends, they tended to sleep in. Eight o¡¯clock sounded brutal.


    ¡°No chance!¡± Harris retorted. ¡°Be there at eight sharp, or every minute you¡¯re late means an extra hour of training.¡±


    With that, Harris strode confidently toward the middle of the pitch.


    Despite Kyle¡¯s flawless performance, the selection process had to continue.


    He turned to the remaining two candidates and asked, ¡°Who¡¯s next?¡±


    The two fifth-year students exchanged looks and shook their heads casually.


    One raised his hands in surrender. ¡°No need. I¡¯m forfeiting.¡±


    Even though Harris might have been playing it a bit safe, it was clear that halving Kyle''s score wouldn¡¯t have made a difference. There was no point in dragging it out.


    The other student silently agreed, and the matter was settled.


    "I abstain as well¡­ And don¡¯t hold back, laugh if you want to,¡± he said, breaking into hearty laughter himself. Hufflepuff had produced another prodigy, and he was genuinely thrilled.


    ¡°Ahem... The professors are watching¡ªtry to keep it together,¡± Harris said, feigning sternness. Celebrating was all well and good, but they¡¯d need to save it for the common room. With so many professors around, it wasn¡¯t the place to show too much pride; they didn¡¯t want to invite any unnecessary scrutiny.


    Harris held back his own excitement, forcing himself to look serious. ¡°Since you¡¯ve both decided to abstain, then¡­¡±


    He stepped up to Kyle and extended his hand. ¡°Congratulations, Kyle. You¡¯re officially the team¡¯s new Chaser.¡±


    ¡°My pleasure, Captain,¡± Kyle replied, shaking his hand firmly.


    From the stands, Professor Sprout watched them, her face beaming like a blooming Chomping Cabbage. Beside her, however, Professor McGonagall looked anything but pleased. She clutched her so tightly her hands were trembling.


    she thought.


    McGonagall was certain that with Kyle and Harry Potter on the same team, Gryffindor would be unstoppable. But alas, Kyle was a Hufflepuff.


    On the eighth floor in the Headmaster¡¯s Office, the Sorting Hat, busy composing a new tune, suddenly sneezed.


    "How curious," Dumbledore remarked, glancing at it. ¡°Do you catch colds too?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t think so,¡± replied the Sorting Hat, perplexed. ¡°After all, I am just a hat.¡±


    It tried to rub its nonexistent head with its brim but ended up merely wiping its mouth.


    ¡°Albus, I have a feeling someone¡¯s cursing me,¡± it muttered.


    ¡°I¡¯d sooner believe you¡¯ve caught a cold,¡± Dumbledore said with a chuckle. ¡°From what I¡¯ve seen, no student resents their house enough to hold a grudge against you.¡± S§×arch* The Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°You¡¯re right¡­¡± The Sorting Hat nodded, reassured. Its choices were flawless.


    ¡°Could it be that I actually have a cold?¡±


    The Sorting Hat wavered, a rare bout of self-doubt overtaking it. Yet, it knew Godric Gryffindor hadn¡¯t programmed it for such trivial things!


    ¡°I¡¯m not certain if a Pepperup Potion would work on you,¡± Dumbledore mused, ¡°but would you like to give it a try?¡±


    He stepped up to the Sorting Hat, and with a small wave, a tiny vial appeared in his hand.


    ¡°This is the most potent remedy for a cold.¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s give it a go,¡± the Sorting Hat replied after a moment¡¯s consideration. ¡°By the way, Albus, your magic¡¯s gotten even sharper.¡±


    ¡°Oh, just a few small tricks,¡± Dumbledore said, smiling as he poured the Pepperup Potion carefully into the Sorting Hat¡¯s brim.


    Since the hat couldn¡¯t swallow, the potion was simply applied externally, sinking into the fabric little by little and leaving a dark brown stain, making it look even grubbier.


    Neither of them seemed bothered by that.


    ¡°Well, how do you feel?¡± Dumbledore asked.


    ¡°I think¡­ it¡¯s helped,¡± said the Sorting Hat, tipping its brim. ¡°At least I¡¯m not sneezing anymore.¡±

 Chapter 165: The Brawl Incident

    Quidditch, as Hogwarts¡¯ most beloved sport, always drew passionate interest. Shortly after the selection trials, the news that Kyle had scored 21 goals in ten minutes spread like wildfire. Over the following days, it became the hottest topic of conversation, with reactions ranging from shock and excitement to outright disbelief.


    ¡°This is totally exaggerated,¡± Zabini scoffed at the Slytherin table. ¡°I¡¯ll admit, Kyle is decent, and that map he made is respectable enough for me to approve of it, but there¡¯s no way he¡¯s that good at Quidditch. Twenty-one goals in ten minutes? Even I can¡¯t do that, so how could he?¡±


    ¡°Are you saying you¡¯re better than Kyle?¡± Malfoy asked, giving him a sidelong glance.


    ¡°Do you doubt it?¡± Zabini replied smugly. ¡°My fifth stepfather was a professional Quidditch player. He said I¡¯m a rare Quidditch prodigy, and that the moment I graduate, professional teams will be clamoring to sign me.¡±


    Several students nearby couldn¡¯t help but stifle their reactions, some twitching the corners of their mouths. Mrs. Zabini was famously beautiful, and she¡¯d had seven husbands¡ªall of whom had died mysteriously, leaving her substantial inheritances.


    ¡°I¡¯ve heard things like that before, more than once,¡± Malfoy sneered. Since childhood, he¡¯d recognized such praise as hollow flattery, and he couldn¡¯t believe anyone actually took it seriously.


    ¡°It¡¯s true! He wouldn¡¯t lie to me!¡± Zabini protested, his chin jutting out defensively.


    ¡°In that case¡­¡± Malfoy replied, eyeing him with a hint of challenge, ¡°why don¡¯t you try out for the school team?¡±


    ¡°What are you talking about, Draco? I¡¯m only a first-year; I¡¯m not even allowed to play.¡±


    ¡°But Pot¡ª¡± Malfoy started, then clamped his mouth shut. He knew perfectly well that Harry Potter had joined the team, and every time he thought about it, it irritated him to no end. Even worse, he was the one who had inadvertently set it in motion. Just thinking about Potter and Weasley¡¯s smug faces this morning made him feel queasy, like he¡¯d eaten a spoiled Cockroach Cluster. If he¡¯d known things would turn out this way, he would never have grabbed that oaf¡¯s Remembrall.


    Zabini, unaware of Malfoy¡¯s discomfort, thought Malfoy was conceding his point. His confidence swelled, and he announced, ¡°Just wait. Next year, I¡¯ll definitely join the team, and I¡¯ll show Kyle what real Quidditch looks like.¡±


    ¡°But, Draco¡­ you definitely won¡¯t make the team.¡± Suddenly, he looked at Malfoy with a sneer. ¡°I saw you on a broom once. How can I put it¡­ you¡¯re not even as fast as my grandmother.¡±


    Malfoy¡¯s face flushed red. As far as he was concerned, he was a Quidditch genius. After all, he¡¯d once thrilled his family by skillfully dodging Muggle helicopters! When had he ever faced such an insult?


    ¡°Oh?¡± Malfoy replied slowly, a smirk spreading on his face. ¡°Which grandmother are you talking about? The third one¡­ or the seventh?¡±


    Zabini¡¯s face reddened as well. He despised it when people brought up his mother¡¯s many marriages. ¡°How dare you! You¡¯ll regret that!¡±


    Furious, he threw a punch that landed squarely on Malfoy¡¯s face.


    ¡°Aah!¡± Malfoy cried out, clutching his face in shock. ¡°You actually hit me! My own father has never hit me! What are you waiting for? Get him¡ªI want him pulverized!¡±


    At Malfoy¡¯s command, his two loyal lackeys, Crabbe and Goyle, immediately sprang into action. Both were half a head taller than their peers and built like boulders. In moments, they had Zabini pinned, delivering swift blows that quickly subdued the wiry boy.


    Malfoy stood up, prepared to step in and finish things himself, when Professor McGonagall suddenly appeared by their side. S§×ar?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°A fight?¡± Professor McGonagall¡¯s voice was steely, her expression severe. With a swift wave of her wand, she separated the brawling boys, who were now sprawled on the floor, tangled in each other¡¯s limbs.


    ¡°Nothing this disgraceful has ever occurred at Hogwarts before,¡± Professor McGonagall declared, her tone icy.


    ¡°Malfoy insulted me first, Professor!¡± Zabini mumbled in a weak attempt to defend himself. His face was bruised and swollen from Crabbe and Goyle''s punches, and he had even lost a few teeth, making his words barely coherent.


    ¡°Save your explanations for Professor Snape; he¡¯ll determine your punishment,¡± Professor McGonagall said sternly. ¡°Now, all four of you¡ªfollow me!¡±


    ¡°Pardon me, Professor¡­ I might have misheard,¡± Malfoy interjected, stepping forward with a pained expression. He covered his face, looking innocent as he protested, ¡°Everyone here can confirm I didn¡¯t start the fight. I was the victim.¡±


    ¡°You heard me perfectly well, Mr. Malfoy,¡± Professor McGonagall replied, unfazed. ¡°Follow me¡­ and don¡¯t make me repeat myself.¡±


    Malfoy, realizing further protest was useless, lowered his head and trudged after her out of the Great Hall.


    Harry Potter, watching the scene, barely contained his excitement. ¡°Look, Ron! Malfoy¡¯s finally going to get it!¡±


    Ron, clutching a chicken leg, grinned widely. ¡°About time! Serves him right!¡±


    They exchanged gleeful high-fives, celebrating Malfoy¡¯s impending punishment as if it were more thrilling than scoring points for their house.


    The Slytherin drama did nothing to quell the school¡¯s enthusiasm for Quidditch¡ªespecially not for the Hufflepuffs. Harris, for one, seemed as if he¡¯d downed an extra-strong potion. Whether in the common room or in class, he¡¯d burst out laughing randomly, startling everyone around him.


    One day, on his way to class, he bumped into Oliver Wood from Gryffindor in the corridor. Oddly, both began chuckling the moment they saw each other.


    ¡°Wood! Hello!¡± Harris greeted with enthusiasm.


    ¡°Harris! Good to see you!¡± Wood replied, grinning as if they hadn¡¯t crossed paths in years.


    ¡°What class are you off to?¡±


    ¡°History of Magic. You?¡±


    ¡°Defense Against the Dark Arts.¡±


    ¡°Ah, not too different, I suppose.¡±


    They exchanged a few more pleasantries before, simultaneously, they both asked, ¡°So, what¡¯s got you laughing?¡±


    They both paused, suddenly uncertain.


    ¡°Well, you know,¡± Wood broke the silence first. ¡°My owl¡­ she just had twins. There¡¯s something about new life¡ªit¡¯s a beautiful thing, and every time I think of it, I feel a warm glow inside.¡±


    ¡°Ah, I can relate,¡± Harris said, nodding seriously. ¡°My owl found its mate here at school. It¡¯s a beautiful love story, really. I¡¯m just so happy for it.¡±


    ¡°Is that so?¡± Wood replied, feigning surprise. ¡°Then congratulations to you.¡±


    ¡°Haha, same to you!¡± Harris answered quickly.


    An awkward silence followed, during which each mentally cursed the other¡¯s shamelessness.

 Chapter 166: Not as Good as the Fish in the Black Lake

    The Quidditch frenzy at Hogwarts showed no sign of waning. The library¡¯s Quidditch books were all checked out, with a waitlist stretching until after Christmas.


    ¡°If I¡¯d known, I would¡¯ve come sooner,¡± Harry muttered in frustration as he stood at the second-floor library entrance. Tomorrow night at 7:00 p.m. was his special training session, and he¡¯d hoped to study up beforehand. But Madam Pince, the librarian, informed him there were no more Quidditch books available and that he¡¯d need to wait until after the holidays.


    ¡°Nothing we can do about it,¡± Ron said with a shrug. ¡°Quidditch is all anyone¡¯s talking about right now. If you¡¯re clueless about it, people will make fun of you.¡± He grinned, feeling proud. His own popularity had soared recently, thanks to his Quidditch knowledge and his two brothers on the Gryffindor team. Everywhere he went, younger students flocked to him for his insights¡ªa new, exhilarating experience.


    ¡°What if we ask Hermione?¡± Harry suggested cautiously. ¡°She borrowed once¡­ maybe she hasn¡¯t returned it yet.¡±


    At the mention of Hermione, Ron¡¯s grin instantly faded. His face fell, and he frowned. ¡°I don¡¯t think so, Harry. She hasn¡¯t said a word to us since that day we came back from the fourth floor. And everyone knows Hermione never keeps a library book for more than three days.¡±


    Harry remembered now¡ªHermione was indeed that way. Since the start of term, she always carried two books: her class textbook and one borrowed from the library. She wasn¡¯t one to just lug books around; she read them too. She rarely socialized in the common room, often sitting alone in a corner with her nose in a book. Somehow, it had become common knowledge in Gryffindor that she exchanged her library books every three days.


    Seamus Finnigan had even bet the two of them that she wouldn¡¯t keep it up for a month. Judging by things now, though, he was likely to lose that bet. If she borrowed another book tomorrow, Seamus would owe everyone in the dorm a box of Bertie Bott¡¯s Every Flavour Beans.


    Harry didn¡¯t mind the sweets, but he couldn¡¯t quite grasp how Hermione managed to finish a book in only two or three days. For him, even finishing one in two weeks felt like a struggle.


    ¡°Forget it,¡± Harry sighed. He didn¡¯t really want to face Hermione, either. The quiet authority of her academic reputation always made him uneasy.


    ¡°Why not ask Kyle?¡± Ron suggested suddenly. ¡°I heard Fred and George mention he has a collection of Quidditch books¡ªmore than one, even.¡±


    Harry was intrigued but hesitant. ¡°But I don¡¯t know Kyle. Do you think he¡¯d actually lend me a book?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ll handle it,¡± Ron assured him, clapping a hand on his shoulder. Taking Harry¡¯s arm, he started down the stairs. ¡°You won¡¯t know unless you try¡­ Come on, let¡¯s go find him.¡±


    The two of them searched every corner of the castle, from the underground classrooms to the Astronomy Tower, but Kyle was nowhere to be found. Even the twins and Cedric seemed to have vanished.


    Finally, while scanning the Astronomy Tower, Harry glanced out the window and spotted the group down by the Black Lake, fishing.


    ...


    ¡°So, you¡¯re looking to borrow a Quidditch book?¡± Kyle asked, glancing at the panting pair who¡¯d just arrived by the Black Lake. ¡°Isn¡¯t there one in the library? Their collection¡¯s way more extensive than mine. You could just borrow it there.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s already been borrowed,¡± Harry replied, catching his breath and feeling a bit nervous. ¡°Madam Pince said nothing would be available until after Christmas.¡±


    On the way over, Ron had offered to do the asking, but Harry thought it best to make the request himself¡ªafter all, he was the one who needed the book, not Ron.


    ¡°Quidditch books are that popular these days?¡± Kyle said, noting Harry¡¯s anxious expression. Without another word, he took out his wand and cast, ¡°¡±


    In moments, a hefty book flew through the air, landing lightly in Kyle¡¯s hand.


    ¡°Here, you can start with this one,¡± Kyle said, holding out the book. ¡°It has some flying instructions included¡ªbetter suited for someone new, like you.¡±


    ¡°Thanks,¡± Harry said gratefully, taking the book. ¡°I¡¯ll bring it back as soon as I can.¡±


    Kyle waved him off. ¡°No rush. I don¡¯t need it at the moment, so take your time.¡±


    After thanking Kyle again, Harry and Ron headed back to the castle.


    As they walked away, Kyle turned to Fred and George, who were sitting beside him, looking unusually subdued. ¡°What¡¯s up with you two?¡±


    When Ron greeted them earlier, the twins hadn¡¯t even turned around¡ªsomething uncharacteristic for them. Although they loved teasing Ron, they¡¯d never outright ignored him; at the very least, they¡¯d usually give him some kind of response.


    ¡°It¡¯s nothing. We just don¡¯t feel like talking to him,¡± Fred replied with a sigh.


    ¡°We always thought Ron was a bit dense, but we didn¡¯t think he was ,¡± George added, shaking his head.


    ¡°What do you mean¡­¡± Kyle raised an eyebrow, sensing there might be a story behind this.


    ¡°Remember the last time we ran into them on the fourth floor?¡± George asked.


    Kyle nodded; he did remember. He¡¯d even seen them there himself. S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°Well, we asked around,¡± Fred said. ¡°Turns out they went there because they¡¯d agreed to a wizard¡¯s duel with Malfoy.¡±


    ¡°A wizard¡¯s duel?¡± Cedric, who¡¯d been listening, looked surprised. ¡°Slytherins don¡¯t throw those around lightly. Sounds like a trap.¡±


    ¡°Exactly.¡± George sighed. ¡°Curfew time, on the fourth floor where they¡¯re bound to be spotted¡ªa wizard¡¯s duel? Add it all up, and even a garden gnome would see it¡¯s a setup.¡±


    ¡°But Ron actually fell for it¡­¡± Fred shook his head. ¡°Merlin, is he even a real Weasley?¡±


    Cedric opened his mouth, as though to say something in Ron¡¯s defense, but no words came out. With Charlie, Percy, and the twins all being clever in their own ways, Ron did look rather dim by comparison.


    ¡°He takes the bait like it¡¯s nothing,¡± Fred said, waving his hand dismissively. ¡°Honestly, he¡¯s not even as sharp as the fish in the Black Lake!¡±

 Chapter 167: Hogwarts’ Darkest Hour

    Fred and George didn¡¯t truly dislike Ron; they were just exasperated. If they genuinely didn¡¯t care, they wouldn¡¯t have gone on about him like this.


    ¡°You can¡¯t put it that way,¡± Kyle said thoughtfully. ¡°At least Ron is honest. That¡¯s a virtue. But why¡¯d they end up dueling Malfoy in the first place?¡±


    ¡°It was apparently over that first-year, Neville,¡± Fred explained. ¡°Malfoy hid Neville¡¯s Remembrall and mocked him for having a terrible memory. Ron and Harry stood up for him, which led to the challenge¡ªa three-on-three wizard duel. Who comes up with that?¡±


    ¡°Having a sense of justice and loyalty¡­those are two more points in his favor,¡± Kyle nodded, genuinely. ¡°So, Ron isn¡¯t as bad as you¡¯re making him out to be. At least he¡¯s got more to him than the fish in the Black Lake.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re not criticizing his intentions.¡± Fred shook his head, smiling a bit ruefully. ¡°If he¡¯d acted out of cowardice or shame, we wouldn¡¯t care. We¡¯re just questioning his common sense. I mean, even complaining to Professor McGonagall would¡¯ve been smarter than sneaking to the fourth floor after hours.¡±


    George sighed. ¡°And after all that, he just slept it off and let it go!¡±


    Kyle raised an eyebrow, seeming to pick up on their underlying frustration. After all, the rivalry between Gryffindor and Slytherin ran deep, and if Slytherins pulled a dirty trick, you didn¡¯t just drop it¡ªyou at least returned the favor.


    ¡°Now, if it had been me,¡± George went on, ¡°I¡¯d have five ways to make Malfoy regret it.¡±


    ¡°Like arranging for an owl to deliver a Dungbomb at breakfast that¡¯d explode the moment he opened it,¡± Fred suggested.


    ¡°Or slipping the contents of a failed potion into his shoes,¡± George added, eyes glinting.


    ¡°That might be tricky,¡± Kyle observed, rubbing his chin. ¡°Snape usually disposes of the failed potions himself. But if you¡¯re willing to risk losing points and detention, you could try causing an ¡®accident¡¯ in Potions.¡±


    Fred and George looked at Kyle in surprise.


    Even if it looked accidental, Snape would dock at least a hundred points¡ªand that was on a good day. Kyle must¡¯ve been mad to think they¡¯d go that far. Gryffindor might come last in the House Cup every year at this rate, which was a humiliation they weren¡¯t eager to live down.


    Rolling their eyes, Fred and George decided to ignore Kyle¡¯s suggestion.


    ¡°We¡¯ve come up with something better,¡± George said, exchanging a mischievous glance with Fred.


    ¡°To increase Ron¡¯s sense of caution¡­¡±


    ¡°¡­and ensure he doesn¡¯t fall for such a flimsy trap again¡­¡±


    ¡°¡­we¡¯ve decided to put him through some special training.¡±


    ¡°Special training?¡± Cedric asked, looking puzzled. ¡°But this isn¡¯t Quidditch¡ªhow do you train for something like this?¡±


    ¡°We call it ¡± Fred replied with a wicked grin. ¡°We stayed up all night perfecting it.¡±


    ¡°But it¡¯s all for Ron¡¯s own good¡ªhe¡¯s still our favorite little brother,¡± George added.


    ¡°Of course, it might cause him a little pain,¡± Fred said, feigning innocence. ¡°But he¡¯ll be better for it in the end.¡±


    ¡°At the very least, we know our limits and won¡¯t do any real damage,¡± George assured.


    ¡°In the future, he¡¯ll definitely thank us,¡± Fred concluded.


    ... S§×arch* The Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Kyle wasn¡¯t sure if future Ron would thank Fred and George, but he knew that Ron¡¯s days were about to get a lot rougher. ¡ªthe name alone sounded ominous. Though Kyle had no idea what the plan entailed, he knew it wouldn¡¯t be pleasant. Poor Ron¡ªtwo unpredictable brothers were more than enough to handle.


    ¡°Need any help with it?¡± Kyle asked, a little intrigued.


    ¡°Not yet,¡± Fred replied, shaking his head. ¡°The plan¡¯s perfect already; we¡¯ll start tomorrow.¡±


    Kyle nodded, slightly disappointed. ¡°All right, but let me know if anything comes up.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry¡ªwe¡¯ll go all out when the time comes,¡± George assured him.


    Just then, Kyle felt a sudden, powerful tug on his fishing rod, so strong it nearly yanked him into the Black Lake.


    ¡°Crack!¡±


    The rod snapped in half with a sharp sound. Kyle forgot all about the Weasley twins and immediately gripped the remaining half of his fishing rod, pulling back with all his might.


    ¡°Quick, Cedric, reinforce it!¡±


    The fishing rod they¡¯d been using was makeshift, cobbled together from rowan branches and spider silk, so this kind of breakage was inevitable if they hooked a particularly big catch.


    ¡°I¡¯m coming¡ªjust hang on!¡± Cedric shouted, tossing aside his own rod to help.


    But before he could draw his wand, Kyle stumbled back as his rod jerked sharply, flinging a silvery-white fish onto the grass nearby.


    Ignoring the grass and leaves stuck to him, Kyle jumped up and ran over. The fish was about a foot long, weighing roughly two pounds¡ªa wide-back catfish, typical of the Black Lake.


    Kyle frowned. The wide-back catfish in the lake were usually smaller, so two pounds was considered sizable. Yet the tug he¡¯d felt was far too strong for a fish this size to cause. Rowan wood wasn¡¯t especially strong, but even so, a two-pound fish shouldn¡¯t have snapped it clean in two.


    ¡°That¡¯s odd¡­¡±


    Nearby, Cedric, who¡¯d crouched to inspect the fish, pointed at its belly. ¡°Kyle, look at this.¡±


    Kyle leaned over and froze. The fish didn¡¯t have a hook in its mouth; instead, it was tied up. The thin, spidery fishing line had wrapped around it twice, tied neatly in a bow.


    ¡°Kyle¡­¡± Fred asked uncertainly, ¡°does your fishing rod have some charm that ties knots by itself?¡±


    ¡°Of course not!¡± Kyle snapped, exasperated. It was just a casual fishing setup; who would go to such trouble as to enchant it to tie knots automatically? Besides, he¡¯d never even heard of such magic.


    Seeing the fish tied up so securely, Kyle had a pretty good idea of what might have happened.


    Someone¡ªprobably one of them¡ªhad taken the time to tie this wide-back catfish to the fishing line and send it back.


    As if on cue, the others¡¯ fishing rods began to tug. When they pulled them up, each one had a neatly tied wide-back catfish on the end.


    Kyle¡¯s face darkened.


    Really? They¡¯d spent over an hour with no luck, only to have their ¡°catch¡± handed to them like this. Sending fish up as a joke felt like a bit much.

 Chapter 168: A Thousand Sheets of Parchment

    Since joining the Quidditch team, Kyle¡¯s schedule had become a constant juggle. Days were packed with classes, library sessions, nighttime ventures into the Restricted Section to copy notes, and squeezing in assignments¡ªwhich seemed to have doubled in length this year. Professors had apparently conspired to change their paper requirements from inches to feet just last week.


    To top it off, Quidditch training consumed three evenings each week, with Harris keeping everyone on the pitch for at least three hours per session, often until curfew. But the intense regimen had its benefits; after just a few practices, Kyle and his teammates were noticeably more in sync. Today, he and Harris had successfully executed the two-way attack¡ªa classic maneuver adapted from the Wimbourne Wasps¡¯ Eagle¡¯s Head formation. They¡¯d fly together toward the center goalpost, passing the Quaffle back and forth before splitting at the scoring zone to throw off the Keeper.


    In their latest match, Kyle and Harris managed to score a total of 60 goals, leaving Hufflepuff¡¯s Keeper, Farrell, thoroughly overwhelmed. The poor boy had to be carried back to the dorm by his teammates, his eyes glazed over.


    ¡°Cheer up, Farrell,¡± Harris encouraged, hauling Farrell¡¯s right leg, his face flushed with enthusiasm. ¡°You¡¯re one of the best Keepers in school. If you¡¯re struggling, no one else has a chance either! We¡¯re going to have our name on the Quidditch Cup again this year, I¡¯m telling you!¡±


    ¡°Why do I already want the tournament to start, and it¡¯s not even November yet?¡± he laughed as they trooped back into the castle, with Kyle bringing up the rear on his broomstick.


    Just as they passed the Great Hall, they crossed paths with Fred and George, who were descending the stairs with pockets suspiciously full.


    When Harris and the rest had gone, Cedric raised an eyebrow, grinning as he asked, ¡°Almost curfew¡ªis this a little nighttime stroll, or¡­?¡±


    ¡°Nope, just back from Hogsmeade and heading to the kitchens for a midnight snack,¡± George said, patting his stuffed pockets with a sly grin. ¡°Zonko¡¯s latest¡ªgrabbed them just before closing.¡±


    ¡°All for our dear little brother,¡± Fred added with a wink, tossing a leather pouch to Kyle. ¡°Here¡¯s what you asked for.¡±


    ¡°Thanks,¡± Kyle said, taking the bag. sea??h th§× N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Fred¡¯s eyes lit up with curiosity as he looked at Kyle. ¡°Any fresh money-making schemes in the works? If so, don¡¯t hold back!¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Kyle blinked, caught off guard. He¡¯d barely had a minute to think about anything beyond Quidditch and homework lately, let alone concoct new business ideas.


    ¡°Don¡¯t play coy¡ªwhat are you hiding from us?¡± George grumbled. ¡°If you didn¡¯t have some new idea, then why¡¯d you order so much parchment?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, don¡¯t tell us it¡¯s for making maps. The map-selling craze ended almost a month ago,¡± Fred said, slinging an arm around Kyle¡¯s shoulders with an expression that clearly said, ¡°If you didn¡¯t have a new scheme, there¡¯s no way you¡¯d buy .¡±


    ¡°A thousand sheets? That¡¯s practically the entire stock,¡± George said. ¡°We almost couldn¡¯t get it all.¡±


    ¡°Almost not enough?¡± Kyle repeated, glancing into his Mokeskin pouch, where he could see a thick stack of parchment, though it was hard to tell how many sheets there were.


    ¡°Yup, 1,063 sheets,¡± Fred said with a smirk. ¡°The extras were a bonus.¡±


    ¡°We even got the scribes to close shop twenty minutes early to make it happen. So, come on, tell us what this plan is.¡±


    Fred stroked his chin thoughtfully, speculating. ¡°If it¡¯s parchment, it¡¯s probably not a map¡­ Or are you planning to start charging for homework answers?¡±


    ¡°Neither!¡± Kyle replied, shaking his head. ¡°Honestly, it¡¯s just for me.¡±


    ¡°Come off it,¡± George said, rolling his eyes. ¡°A thousand sheets of parchment just for homework? Cedric, could you even use that much in a whole semester?¡±


    Cedric shook his head. To be honest, a thousand sheets would probably last him through all seven years at Hogwarts.


    ¡°I know it sounds ridiculous, but it¡¯s true,¡± Kyle insisted. ¡°I¡¯ve just been copying a lot lately and need the extra parchment, that¡¯s all.¡±


    Seeing the sincerity in Kyle¡¯s expression, Fred and George¡¯s persistence began to wane.


    ¡°Are you absolutely sure?¡± George asked, still skeptical.


    ¡°Absolutely,¡± Kyle shrugged. ¡°And if I¡¯m lying, Cedric here will start losing his hair from this year on.¡±


    ¡°Hey! What¡¯s that got to do with me?¡± Cedric protested, scowling at Kyle.


    ¡°Oh, don¡¯t be petty,¡± Kyle said with a smirk. ¡°Don¡¯t you trust me?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not the point!¡± Cedric muttered, looking uncomfortable. His father had always struggled with hair loss, and he certainly didn¡¯t want to share that fate.


    At that, Fred and George finally let go of their suspicions. They exchanged glances, a bit deflated.


    With a sense of disappointment hanging over them, they turned and headed back toward Gryffindor Tower. All along the way, they¡¯d been hyped, imagining all sorts of grand plans Kyle might be cooking up, only to discover there was none. The letdown stung.


    ¡°Oi, you¡¯re going the wrong way,¡± Cedric called after them. ¡°The kitchens are downstairs.¡±


    ¡°Thanks,¡± Fred said glumly, ¡°but suddenly, we¡¯re not that hungry anymore.¡±


    ¡°And we don¡¯t feel like eating,¡± George added with a sigh.


    ...


    After the twins left, Cedric ran a hand through his hair, frowning. ¡°What¡¯s gotten into them?¡±


    Kyle shrugged. ¡°Who knows¡­ maybe it¡¯s puberty.¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°Nothing,¡± Kyle replied quickly. ¡°Anyway, curfew¡¯s coming up¡ªlet¡¯s head back.¡±


    ¡°Right.¡±


    Late that night, once his roommates were fast asleep, Kyle quietly got out of bed, slipped out of the dormitory, and made his way to the library for his usual late-night visit. Navigating straight to the third bookcase in the Restricted Section, he opened his leather bag, pulled out a quill and a fresh stack of parchment, and laid them on the nearest table.


    ¡°,¡± he whispered, lighting the tip of his wand. Then, after selecting a book with careful precision, he took a seat and began flipping through the pages.

 Chapter 169: Fortified Pumpkin

    This hectic pace continued until the eve of Halloween. That morning, Kyle woke up to the sweet, mouthwatering aroma of roasted pumpkin wafting through the hallways. Even better, Harris announced in the common room that there would be no Quidditch practice for the following week. He admitted the recent training sessions had been a bit intense, and with Kyle and the other new player¡¯s impressive performances, he decided to give the team a breather before the official matches began.


    Kyle was thrilled with this unexpected break, grateful for the chance to relax a bit. To his delight, in honor of Halloween, the school seemed filled with extra pumpkins¡ªseveral new ones were scattered across the classrooms.


    During Transfiguration class that morning, Professor McGonagall used pumpkins as teaching props, instructing the students to transfigure them into anything they liked, as long as the end result was no longer a pumpkin.


    Kyle was, as usual, the first to complete the task, transforming his pumpkin into a miniature replica of the stone statue guarding the castle entrance. The tiny statue took two steps across his desk and then swung its oversized sword in a wide arc, unintentionally smashing Kanna¡¯s pumpkin nearby, scattering pumpkin seeds all over her desk¡ªand her face.


    Kanna, clearly unamused, wiped the seeds off her face and shot Kyle a furious glare, her teeth clenched in frustration as if she might pounce and take a chunk out of him.


    ¡°Oops! That was an accident!¡± Kyle hurriedly apologized, realizing he¡¯d forgotten the sword was merely a conjured illusion.


    Professor McGonagall, whose rare smile hinted at mild amusement, said, ¡°Hufflepuff loses one point for your ungentlemanly behavior. A bit of recklessness there, and it could¡¯ve been dangerous.¡±


    ¡°Understood, Professor,¡± Kyle muttered sheepishly.


    She nodded approvingly at his lifelike stone statue. ¡°Very well, Hufflepuff¡ªeleven points for excellent transfiguration.¡±


    Since there were no specific requirements for the transfiguration, the exercise was simpler than usual, and most students completed it successfully. By the end of class, the transfiguration room had turned into a bizarre storage area, filled with everything from stakes and buckets to pillows and lamps.


    Among those who partially succeeded, some students¡¯ transformations still showed hints of their pumpkin origins. Ryan, for instance, had reshaped his pumpkin into a Quaffle, but the ¡°Quaffle¡± remained bright yellow, with the unmistakable texture of pumpkin skin.


    Despite this, Professor McGonagall considered him to have met the requirements. However, for the students who¡¯d lazily carved a few holes in their pumpkins and claimed they¡¯d made jack-o¡¯-lanterns, she wasn¡¯t as lenient¡ªassigning them an extended three-foot essay instead of the standard one-foot assignment.


    And those who hadn¡¯t managed to meet even the basic requirement didn¡¯t escape her displeasure; each faced a similarly stern punishment.


    ...


    That afternoon, Herbology class brought an unusual surprise. Professor Sprout set a pot of unfamiliar plants¡ªones not usually kept in the greenhouse¡ªon the front bench.


    ¡°Fortified Pumpkins!¡± Professor Sprout announced with a smile. ¡°Can anyone tell me what they are?¡±


    When no one raised their hand, Professor Sprout¡¯s gaze shifted directly to Kyle.


    ¡°Fortified Pumpkins, also known as the Iron Pumpkins, is extremely hard and often used in alchemy,¡± Kyle explained. ¡°The vines can also be combined with Gillyweed to make a potion that lets people breathe underwater.¡±


    ¡°Very good, one point to Hufflepuff!¡± Professor Sprout said happily. ¡°Fortified Pumpkins are indeed rare, and because of their hardness, they grow in a very unique way¡ªthey shed their skin each time they grow.¡±


    She pointed to the pot on her desk, where the group noticed a shed pumpkin shell resembling a gauntlet lying beside the plant.


    ¡°Now, does anyone know what this shell is used for?¡±


    Kyle raised his hand again. ¡°People often place these shells on delicate plants to protect them from Gnomes and other pests. That¡¯s actually where the name ¡®Fortified Pumpkins¡¯ comes from.¡±


    ¡°Precisely right, ten points to Hufflepuff!¡± Professor Sprout beamed. ¡°The shell of the Fortified Pumpkins provides exceptional protection for fragile plants. In fact, even an adult Dragon would have a hard time breaking through it.¡±


    A hush fell over the greenhouse as the students stared in awe at the unassuming pumpkin shell. Dragons were known as some of the fiercest magical creatures, so learning that even they couldn¡¯t bite through this shell underscored just how tough it was.


    ¡°Now, let¡¯s get started,¡± Professor Sprout said, clapping her hands to refocus everyone¡¯s attention. ¡°Additionally, I¡¯ve decided to award the pumpkin shell as a prize to the student who performs best in today¡¯s lesson.¡±


    Everyone glanced toward Kyle. Judging by his impressive answers so far, it seemed nearly impossible for anyone else to outperform him.


    But Professor Sprout, reading their thoughts, added with a smile, ¡°Remember, class hasn¡¯t officially started yet. What I said was just an introduction and doesn¡¯t count toward your performance.¡± S§×ar?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    With that, she led them over to a nearby row of stakes. ¡°Last week, we learned how to fertilize Leaping Toadstools. Today, we¡¯ll be learning how to collect their spores. Remember, Leaping Toadstools are very sensitive to noise, so you¡¯ll need to stay as quiet as possible.¡±


    The students nodded, silently crouching down beside the stakes and reaching out with paintbrushes to gently collect the spores, each one careful to avoid making a sound.


    By the end of class, Professor Sprout was visibly pleased. She¡¯d never had such an easy time¡ªno one prodded the plants, no one messed with the Venomous Tentacula, and everyone seemed serious and focused, eager to win the prize.


    ¡°Today may be the best Halloween yet!¡± she declared, awarding each house two extra points. As promised, she handed the shell of the Fortified Pumpkin to Kyle, who had finished half a class early by using a carefully controlled mini-cyclone to collect his spores.


    As the students left the greenhouse, Kyle lingered at the door, glancing back one last time at the Fortified Pumpkin in the corner. He thought it would make a perfect companion for the Chomping Cabbage, and if possible, he¡¯d love to take some back to add to his collection. But unfortunately, with only one pot and Professor Sprout keeping a close eye on it, he hadn¡¯t found a suitable opportunity during class.

 Chapter 170: Quirrell, Why Haven’t You Arrived Yet?

    Kyle was just about to head back to the dormitory after returning from the greenhouse when he was intercepted by the duo as he stepped into the castle.


    "Thanks for the book, Kyle," Harry said with a touch of excitement, handing back to him. "You were right¡ªit¡¯s just perfect for me. I''ve been studying the techniques carefully, and at my last practice, Wood said I¡¯d improved a lot, like I was a whole new player."


    "You finished reading it so quickly?" Kyle asked, taking the book back with a smile. "No wonder Professor McGonagall thinks so highly of you, Harry¡ªyou really are talented."


    "No, no, I just skimmed it," Harry replied, scratching his head, looking a bit embarrassed. "Maybe it¡¯s just because I didn¡¯t know much about Quidditch before, so any improvement seems big."


    "Don¡¯t be modest, Harry," Kyle shook his head. "It took me over a month to fully absorb all the techniques in that book, and you managed it in half that time."


    "Oh, is that so..." Harry¡¯s face froze as he gave a strained laugh, his gaze shifting guiltily away from Kyle¡¯s.


    Seeing this, Kyle raised an eyebrow, as if he¡¯d picked up on something.


    "Do you need any other books?" Kyle offered. "I¡¯ve got and . I can bring them to the Great Hall if you want."


    "No, that¡¯s alright!" Harry blurted out, then quickly added, "I mean, with homework and training, I¡¯m just too busy right now¡­ not much time for reading."


    "Alright, just let me know if you change your mind," Kyle nodded, likely guessing what was really going on.


    If he was right, Harry probably hadn¡¯t even finished , likely only making it halfway through at best. But that was perfectly normal¡ªpicturing Harry Potter actually sitting down and reading a book in full was almost funny.


    Still, seeing the thoughtful look on Kyle¡¯s face only made Harry feel guiltier.


    ...


    In truth, Kyle didn¡¯t understand Harry as well as he thought. Harry hadn¡¯t even made it halfway through the book.


    When he first started reading, Harry was genuinely interested. The first night, he¡¯d even stayed up until the early hours, falling asleep on the table with the book still open in front of him. But that enthusiasm only lasted a day. Once the initial excitement faded, the long paragraphs and complex vocabulary started to wear on his patience. Around that time, Wood had praised him for his noticeable improvement¡ªsaying he was almost on par with Charlie. Figuring he¡¯d done enough, Harry read only about a third of the book before he couldn¡¯t bear to continue.


    Kyle chatted with them a little longer before taking his leave.


    As he walked away, Ron suddenly turned to Harry. ¡°If only Hermione were more like Kyle.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Harry asked, not following at first.


    ¡°Haven¡¯t you noticed? Hermione talks to everyone like she¡¯s giving a lecture. It drives people crazy. Honestly, she¡¯s like a nightmare sometimes,¡± Ron said. ¡°Kyle¡¯s nothing like that. He¡¯s top of the year, won that Special Award for Services to the School, and yet, he¡¯s always patient with us¡ªwhether he¡¯s showing us around before term started or lending you a Quidditch book, he doesn¡¯t lecture us.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t say that, Ron,¡± Harry whispered. ¡°Hermione can be nice sometimes.¡±


    ¡°Oh really? When?¡± Ron asked, dubious.


    Harry hesitated, then murmured, ¡°Well, the other day when Filch was chasing us, she was the one who opened that door at the end of the corridor so we could escape.¡±


    ¡°Yes, and led us straight to the Three-Headed Dog for dinner,¡± Ron replied with a shudder, the memory sending chills down his spine. ¡°I¡¯d have rather faced Filch any day.¡±


    Harry fell silent, privately agreeing. While Filch was terrifying, at least he wasn¡¯t likely to eat them like snacks.


    ¡°The Halloween feast is about to start, so let¡¯s head to the Great Hall,¡± Harry said, eager to change the subject. ¡°I heard it¡¯s supposed to be as good as the opening feast. Is that true?¡±


    ¡°Even better,¡± Ron replied with a grin. ¡°George told me that last Halloween, Dumbledore had the Headless Hunt perform. I wonder who he¡¯s invited this year. Maybe it¡¯ll be the Weird Sisters¡ªthey¡¯re super popular.¡±


    Harry perked up at this. He¡¯d never heard of the "Weird Sisters," but he understood what a band was. Growing up with the Dursleys, he¡¯d never been to a concert, or even watched one on TV¡ªDudley didn¡¯t like music much.


    The two made their way downstairs to the Great Hall, eager for the feast. S~ea??h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Meanwhile, Kyle passed through the barrels in the kitchen corridor and entered the Hufflepuff common room. Only a few students were still there, heading out to the Hall as he arrived. One of them noticed him.


    ¡°Kyle? You coming to the feast?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯d like to, but I¡¯ve got to grab something from the dormitory first,¡± Kyle replied. ¡°You go on ahead¡ªI¡¯ll be there in a minute.¡±


    ¡°Alright, but you¡¯d better hurry,¡± said an older student. ¡°The Halloween feast is about to start.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ve been looking forward to the food all day.¡±


    But despite his words, Kyle had no intention of going to the feast tonight. He had something more pressing to attend to.


    Once the common room was empty, he settled on a sofa and pulled out a large piece of parchment. It was the Marauder¡¯s Map, borrowed from Fred and George before Herbology that day.


    Kyle recited, and lines of ink spread across the parchment, forming the layout of the castle. As he studied it, he noted that almost everyone was either in the Great Hall or headed there. Only a handful remained scattered around.


    He scanned the map carefully but didn¡¯t see Quirrell¡¯s name.


    A few minutes later, the feast had officially begun. Aside from himself, the only people who hadn¡¯t gone to the Great Hall were Hermione, who was still on the first floor, and Filch, who was on the eighth.


    ¡°Still no sign?¡± Kyle frowned, puzzled.


    Could it be that Quirrell wasn¡¯t planning anything tonight?


    No, that didn¡¯t seem right. Kyle quickly dismissed the thought. The feast had only just begun¡ªperhaps it was still too early to see any suspicious movements.

 Chapter 171: Remember, There Are No Trolls at Hogwarts

    Kyle remained in the Hufflepuff common room, closely watching the Marauder¡¯s Map. About ten minutes later, Quirrell¡¯s name finally appeared, and Kyle¡¯s eyes lit up. He stood up, left the common room, and began following Quirrell¡¯s path.


    On the map, he could see that Quirrell hadn¡¯t gone to the Great Hall but was making his way around the castle in a large loop. Kyle trailed behind carefully, staying a corridor apart to avoid being noticed. With the Marauder''s Map in hand, he wasn¡¯t worried about losing him; he could keep tabs on Quirrell¡¯s exact location.


    After weaving through the castle, Quirrell finally stopped. Kyle quickly ducked into an empty classroom nearby to stay out of sight. A few minutes later, Quirrell¡¯s name began moving rapidly in the direction of the Great Hall. Once Kyle was certain he was a safe distance away, he slipped out of the classroom, dashed down an empty side corridor, and headed straight for the spot where Quirrell had stopped earlier.


    Rounding a corner, a revolting stench assaulted his nose. It was even worse than any potion Mikel had ever brewed, and even though Kyle had steeled himself for something unpleasant, he was nearly overcome by the foul smell.


    Then he heard a low growl and the sound of huge, shuffling footsteps. Not far ahead, a towering twelve-foot creature lumbered into view. Its skin was dull, gray like weathered granite, and its small, walnut-shaped head sat atop a massive, clumsy body. Thick, trunk-like legs supported it, ending in broad, rough feet with calloused soles. The unbearable stench was coming directly from the creature.


    Kyle recognized it immediately: a Mountain Troll¡ªthe largest kind of troll there was.


    "I''m rich!" Kyle murmured excitedly, taking a few steps forward.


    The movement caught the troll¡¯s attention. It let out a roar and lumbered forward, raising the enormous club in its hand, preparing to smash the tiny figure in front of it.


    ¡°Wait, I can take you to eat!¡± Kyle shouted.


    The words seemed to have an effect; the troll paused, lowering its club slightly. It tilted its walnut-sized head, struggling to comprehend what Kyle had said.


    ¡°You¡¯re hungry, right? I¡¯ll take you to eat!¡± Kyle repeated. ¡°Eat! Meal!¡±


    This time, the troll seemed to understand. It dropped the club and grunted in a strange, guttural way, almost like a chant.


    ¡°Yes, eat!¡± Kyle managed a smile despite the horrible smell, trying to appear friendly. In as firm a voice as he could muster, he said, ¡°Follow me, I¡¯ll take you there!¡±


    He took a careful step backward, and the troll immediately followed, much to Kyle¡¯s delight.


    ¡°Yes!¡± he thought triumphantly. He quickly took out a suitcase, placed it on the ground, and opened it, positioning it as if preparing for something. Now he just needed to find the right moment to get the troll to step onto it.


    Holding his breath against the stench, Kyle took two more steps backward, keeping his eyes on the troll as it moved closer.


    ...


    But then, an unexpected accident occurred. Sear?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Ah!"


    A shrill scream pierced the air, causing the troll to freeze, its foot dropping instantly mid-step. It turned clumsily, blinking in confusion as it searched for the source of the sound. It didn¡¯t take long to spot a small, trembling figure at the end of the corridor¡ªa brown dot against the dim background.


    "Ahhh!" Hermione¡¯s scream grew louder when she realized the troll had noticed her.


    The troll, seemingly distressed, thumped a massive palm against its head, as if trying to knock sense into itself. In its befuddled gaze, Hermione¡¯s terrified form morphed into something that looked, at least in its eyes, like a round, colorful Fwooper bird.


    In that moment, any reason the troll had vanished. It completely forgot about Kyle and began lumbering toward Hermione.


    "I... ***!" Kyle was dumbfounded. Just one more step¡ªone step, and the troll would have been his. Who would have guessed Hermione would show up and ruin everything?


    She was supposed to be in the bathroom... Why now, of all times, did she have to come out? Couldn¡¯t she have stayed there just a little longer?


    Frustrated, Kyle pounded his fist against the wall, then dashed after the troll, shouting words like "dinner" and "food" in a desperate attempt to catch its attention again. He couldn¡¯t just stand by and let Hermione get hurt.


    But for some reason, the troll had locked onto Hermione, ignoring Kyle¡¯s calls entirely.


    To make matters worse, Hermione''s legs had buckled under her, and she¡¯d collapsed onto the floor, her back pressed against the wall, pale and paralyzed with fear. She looked as though she might faint at any moment.


    The troll, now only a few paces away, raised its massive club, advancing step by thundering step toward the trembling girl.


    ¡°What on earth is going on here?¡± Kyle sighed and lifted his wand.


    ¡°Expelliarmus!¡±


    The club flew out of the troll¡¯s hand, soaring high into the air before arcing back down and thumping onto its owner¡¯s head with a resounding crack. The troll wobbled slightly, then crashed face-first onto the floor, the impact reverberating through the corridor.


    Hermione stared, stunned. ¡°Is it¡­ dead?¡±


    ¡°Bah, bah, bah, now why would you repay evil with evil like that?¡± Kyle muttered, hurrying over to check on the troll. Thankfully, he could still feel a faint heartbeat, and he let out a sigh of relief.


    If he¡¯d had any other choice, he wouldn¡¯t have used such a method. The troll might be dim-witted, but it could understand him well enough. Who knew if that blow had damaged what little intelligence it possessed? That wasn¡¯t the outcome Kyle had hoped for.


    But there was no time to dwell on it. He summoned his suitcase and prepared to maneuver the troll into it. Then, considering the stench, he paused and took out his wand.


    he muttered, casting a series of Scouring Charms that left the troll somewhat cleaner, and, thankfully, less foul-smelling. Kyle was about to continue when the sound of hurried footsteps echoed down the corridor. Quickly, he shoved the troll into the suitcase.


    ¡°Remember,¡± he said to Hermione with a grave expression, ¡°you didn¡¯t see anything. There was no troll. You just tripped and fell, understand?¡±


    Hermione nodded numbly, still in shock.


    ¡°Good.¡± Kyle picked up the suitcase and helped her to her feet, acting as if nothing had happened.


    ¡°Hermione! Thank goodness, there you are!¡± Harry and Ron came sprinting down the corridor.


    ¡°There¡¯s a troll in the dungeons!¡± Harry panted. ¡°Headmaster Dumbledore told everyone to go back to their dormitories. And you¡ªwait, Kyle, you¡¯re here too?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I was on my way to the Great Hall and just happened to run into Miss Granger here.¡± Kyle smiled innocently. ¡°Did you say there¡¯s a troll in the dungeons? How could that happen? Why would there be a troll at Hogwarts?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s true, I swear,¡± Ron interjected quickly. ¡°Professor Quirrell burst into the Halloween feast and told us. He fainted right after he announced it.¡±


    ¡°Really¡­ That sounds dangerous,¡± Kyle replied, feigning concern. ¡°Trolls are not something we can handle ourselves. I¡¯ll be off now; you three should get back to your dormitory quickly.¡±


    Hermione stayed silent, staring at Kyle in stunned disbelief. His calm expression, his even tone¡­ if she hadn¡¯t just witnessed everything herself, she would have believed every word he said.


    How was he so skilled? Was this guy really just the top student in their year?

 Chapter 172: The Change of Heart of Snape

    When Hermione finally came to her senses, Kyle was already gone, leaving Harry and Ron standing there, looking at her with worried expressions.


    ¡°Are you alright, Hermione?¡± Harry asked. ¡°Did you see the troll just now?¡±


    ¡°What¡­ I mean, of course not,¡± Hermione replied, shaking her head. ¡°Trolls are at least ten feet tall and smell absolutely awful. If I¡¯d seen one, I¡¯d have run for sure.¡±


    ¡°True,¡± Harry said, scratching his head, feeling a little silly for asking. If they had actually come across a troll, Hermione and Kyle wouldn¡¯t be acting so casually. No matter how talented they were, they couldn¡¯t have faced a ten-foot monster without showing some sign of it. It was impossible.


    ¡°Good thing you¡¯re alright,¡± Harry added, sniffing the air uneasily. ¡°Let¡¯s get out of here quickly.¡± He thought he could smell a faint stench lingering, which made him feel unsettled. Maybe the troll was nearby and could come at any moment.


    ¡°I think you¡¯re overreacting, Harry,¡± Ron said, more relaxed. ¡°Maybe there¡¯s no troll at all. This could just be a prank from Professor Quirrell to spice things up. I bet the professors will come around soon and tell us to go back to the Great Hall. Remember, this is Hogwarts¡­ with Dumbledore.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re right,¡± Harry said, feeling a bit more reassured at the mention of Dumbledore¡¯s name, though a lingering sense of unease remained. ¡°But let¡¯s still hurry back,¡± he added. ¡°If the professors find us wandering around here, we¡¯ll definitely get demerits.¡±


    The three of them quickly made their way toward Gryffindor Tower. Along the way, Harry and Ron talked about what they¡¯d just seen, speculating that Snape was heading toward the restricted area. Hermione, however, stayed silent, following behind, seemingly deep in thought.


    As they approached the corridor leading to the common room, she suddenly asked, ¡°Did you two come looking for me on purpose?¡±


    ¡°Yeah,¡± Harry said. ¡°Parvati Patil told us you were locked in the bathroom. You weren¡¯t at the feast, so you hadn¡¯t heard about the troll. We just wanted to let you know.¡±


    ¡°But it seems like it was a false alarm,¡± Ron added with a shrug.


    Hermione nodded slightly, and after a moment¡¯s hesitation, she whispered, ¡°Thank you¡­¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s nothing; that¡¯s what friends do,¡± Harry said.


    ¡°Just try not to lecture us next time,¡± Ron teased, giving her a light nudge.


    ¡°Hey, Ron¡­¡± Harry said, shooting him a look. S§×arch* The ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°Alright, I''ll stop.¡±


    ...


    The three continued toward the stairs, but as they rounded a corner, voices drifted toward them.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t see any trolls, Professor,¡± said Kyle, who was now standing among a group of professors, his expression the picture of innocence. ¡°And I had a good reason for missing the party.¡±


    ¡°Then enlighten us,¡± Snape drawled, his voice laced with skepticism. ¡°What was so pressing that it made you forget the Halloween feast?¡±


    Harry froze at the sound of Snape¡¯s voice, which felt like a nightmare come to life. He instinctively wanted to turn and run, but there was no escape.


    ¡°You three, come here!¡± Professor McGonagall called out sternly. ¡°The headmaster¡¯s instructions were perfectly clear. Why aren¡¯t you in your dormitories?¡±


    Snape¡¯s piercing gaze flicked over to Harry, who immediately lost the excuse he¡¯d been working up, his mind going blank. At this rate, he¡¯d be lucky to escape without a pile of demerits or detention.


    Just then, Hermione stepped forward and murmured, ¡°Please don¡¯t be too harsh, Professor McGonagall. They were looking for me.¡±


    ¡°Miss Granger?¡± Professor McGonagall¡¯s brow furrowed as she eyed her.


    Hermione took a step closer, head lowered. ¡°I... I came out to see the troll. I¡¯d only read about them in books, and I was curious what one looked like.¡±


    Ron¡¯s eyes nearly popped out of his head. Hermione Granger, the girl who never broke a rule, was lying to a professor?


    ¡°They came looking for me because they were worried about my safety,¡± she added.


    Harry and Ron did their best to look as if this was, indeed, exactly what had happened.


    ¡°If that¡¯s true¡­¡± Professor McGonagall surveyed them thoughtfully. ¡°Miss Granger, you foolish girl. Trolls are far more dangerous than you realize. You¡¯re fortunate you didn¡¯t find it.¡±


    ¡°Yes, you¡¯re right¡­¡± Hermione mumbled, her head hung low.


    Harry could barely believe it. Hermione had lied, claiming she¡¯d broken the rules just to get them out of trouble. It was as surreal as imagining Snape handing out sweets.


    ¡°Miss Granger, Gryffindor will lose five points for this,¡± Professor McGonagall said. ¡°I¡¯m very disappointed in you. Now, hurry back to Gryffindor Tower.¡±


    She turned to Harry and Ron. ¡°You two again. I recall your last detention for breaking into the armory on the eighth floor in the middle of the night to dismantle the armor. Is this another infraction?¡±


    ¡°No!¡± Ron flushed, stammering, ¡°I swear, I saw something hidden in that armor, so I was just¡ª¡±


    ¡°All I saw,¡± Professor McGonagall interrupted, ¡°was you dismantling it, and there was nothing inside.¡± She shook her head. ¡°This time, however, I¡¯ll let it go. Because of your actions today to help Miss Granger, your previous detention is canceled. Now, off with you.¡±


    Harry and Ron exchanged a joyful look and, without another word, slipped behind the professors and headed up the stairs.


    Kyle tried to follow, but Snape moved in front of him, blocking his path.


    ¡°I believe I¡¯m still waiting for your explanation,¡± Snape said, looking down at Kyle with his usual suspicion.


    Kyle glanced at Snape, wondering why he was so intent on holding him up. Harry had left¡ªwasn¡¯t that his primary focus?


    Seeing no alternative, Kyle returned to his spot and replied, ¡°Professor Sprout awarded me a Fortified Pumpkin shell as a prize, so I stayed in my dormitory studying it. That¡¯s why I missed the feast.¡±


    ¡°A Fortified Pumpkin¡­?¡± Snape repeated, giving a sardonic sneer. ¡°If you were in your dormitory this whole time, why do you smell like a troll?¡±


    ¡°Do I?¡± Kyle asked, keeping his tone even. ¡°That¡¯s likely the smell of compost from the greenhouse¡ªit tends to linger. But if you¡¯d like, I could lend you my robe so you can examine it thoroughly.¡±


    As he spoke, he reached for his robe, pretending to remove it. He knew he¡¯d thoroughly cast cleaning spells on himself beforehand, so there was no way any lingering troll stench remained. Snape was simply testing him.

 Chapter 173: The Parchment Booklet in the Hut

    Snape¡¯s expression darkened when he looked at the robe Kyle handed him, his face hardening as if he''d just been insulted. What did Kyle mean by needing to "identify it more carefully"? Did he think Snape enjoyed sniffing unpleasant things?


    Snape shot Kyle a frigid look, refusing to take the robe, remaining silent.


    "I believe Professor Snape is simply being cautious," Professor McGonagall interjected diplomatically, stepping in to diffuse the tension. "It''s fortunate you didn¡¯t encounter the Troll. You should return now¡ªthe students are enjoying their Halloween dinner back in their houses."


    "Yes, Professor McGonagall."


    Snape glowered at Kyle''s retreating back, his eyes full of resentment. Then, he turned sharply and spotted Quirrell cowering in the background.


    "Quirrell, where is this Troll you keep going on about?" he demanded.


    "It¡¯s... it¡¯s in the... dungeon." Quirrell stammered, leaning against the wall, clutching his chest. "It¡¯s really... fifteen feet tall... so high..."


    "But Dumbledore already looked, and there''s nothing in the dungeon!" Snape said impatiently. "Do you think it''s funny, making everyone abandon the Halloween feast to chase after a Troll that doesn¡¯t even exist?"


    "I... I didn¡¯t... Severus... I didn¡¯t..." Quirrell murmured, slowly sinking down along the wall, sobbing. "I don¡¯t know... it must have gone somewhere..."


    "It¡¯s possible it wandered off," Professor Flitwick chimed in after a moment''s thought. "For the students'' safety, we should conduct a thorough search. I¡¯ll check the third floor."


    "I¡¯ll take the fourth floor, then."


    "I¡¯ll search the fifth."


    ...


    The professors quickly decided on their respective floors and dispersed to continue the search.


    "If I find out you¡¯re lying or pulling some kind of stunt... you know what I¡¯ll do." Snape gave Quirrell a frosty glare. "I¡¯ll be seeing you."


    With that, he limped away.


    Quirrell said nothing, remaining seated on the floor, his sobs continuing, as if paralyzed by fear.


    In truth, Quirrell was utterly disoriented and didn¡¯t even register Snape¡¯s threat. Where was his Troll? His big, lumbering Troll? How had it disappeared in an instant?


    He even began to question whether he¡¯d actually released the Troll at all.


    ...


    After leaving the professors, Kyle headed straight back to the Hufflepuff Common Room. The moment he stepped inside, a crowd of students gathered around him.


    "Thank Merlin, we were just about to go look for you!" Cedric exclaimed. "Brown said you''d been in the common room earlier, but when we got back, you were already gone."


    "Why didn¡¯t you go to the feast today?"


    "Thank goodness you''re safe."


    "You don¡¯t know¡ªthere was a Troll in one of the dungeon classrooms! My goodness, the books say they¡¯re over ten feet tall!"


    Everyone spoke at once, each one worried about Kyle''s safety.


    "Thanks, everyone¡ªdon¡¯t worry, I¡¯m fine," Kyle replied with a reassuring smile. "I ran into the professors, and they escorted me back."


    "The professors?" Mikel asked, his curiosity piqued. "Did they catch the Troll?"


    "I don¡¯t think so," Kyle shook his head. "Honestly, I doubt the rumor is even true. How could there be a Troll at Hogwarts?"


    "But Professor Quirrell saw it himself!"


    "He probably made a mistake," Kyle shrugged casually. "After all, the Defense Against the Dark Arts professors at Hogwarts have never been very... reliable."


    Mikel seemed about to add something, but Kyle cut him off. "Can we talk later? I¡¯m starving."


    He hadn¡¯t had even a sip of water, keeping an eye on Quirrell the whole time, and now his hunger was catching up with him.


    "Alright..." Mikel scratched his head, a bit embarrassed.


    The tables in the common room were laden with an array of food. Although it wasn¡¯t quite as abundant as the feast in the Great Hall, they could ask the house-elves for anything they needed, making it feel like a magical buffet.


    Kyle walked over to the table, took a bite of a Pumpkin Pasty, and then requested a large steak, which he devoured in just two bites. Cedric and Kanna sat on either side of him, and though they hadn¡¯t eaten much earlier due to worrying about him, their own hunger was now catching up.


    After some thought, Cedric requested an apple pie, while Kanna ordered the same steak as Kyle¡ªthree servings of it, in fact. sea??h th§× N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    After dinner, no one felt like going to bed just yet. Professor Quirrell¡¯s collapse and the Troll incident made for lively conversation, and the young wizards stayed in the common room chatting over dessert, not heading to their dormitories until quite late.


    Late that night¡­


    Kyle slipped out of the dormitory as usual. But tonight, instead of heading to the library, he made his way to the Room of Requirement on the eighth floor. It had been a while since he last visited.


    First, Kyle inspected the plants he¡¯d been cultivating, confirming that everything was growing normally. Satisfied, he took out a small box from his Mokeskin pouch and opened it, stepping inside.


    The box had changed quite a bit. The small room below the entrance now held a wooden bed, a table, and a large wooden bookshelf. Kyle had crafted these himself, so they looked somewhat plain, even a bit abstract. But he didn¡¯t mind. Looks and luxury didn¡¯t matter here, as long as they were functional.


    The bed and table were empty, but the bookshelf was filled with parchment-bound volumes, all except for the last row.


    "I didn¡¯t realize I¡¯d accumulated so much," Kyle murmured to himself, a bit surprised. Next time he went to the library, he¡¯d have to look for a book on the Undetectable Extension Charm. Although he could just place a Mokeskin pouch here, it would be a little inconvenient.


    After leaving the room, Kyle quickly found the Troll, lying on the ground and snoring. It still showed no signs of waking up.


    Kyle placed a few large buckets filled with oatcakes and meat beside it, supplies he¡¯d brought up from the kitchen. Then, he took out his wand and directed some lake water around the Troll. This wasn¡¯t to contain the creature¡ªthe Mountain Troll was unlikely to go far, as it tended to stay in areas with plenty of food. Kyle had brought enough provisions to keep it satisfied for a long time.


    His main concern was the Chomping Cabbage. He had previously moved some mature Chomping Cabbages to the room, and the best way to prevent these creatures from wandering over and nibbling at the Troll¡¯s salty skin out of boredom was to create a barrier of water around it.


    After all, it was common knowledge that Chomping Cabbages would never approach a river or lake on their own.

 Chapter 174: Do You Dare to Accept?

    The professors spent the entire night searching the castle, opening every door and investigating every hidden passage. They scoured every corner of Hogwarts, but no trace of the Troll was ever found.


    With no Troll to be seen, Quirrell became the target of everyone¡¯s frustration. Under the professors¡¯ scrutinizing gazes, he cowered in a corner, muttering through choked sobs, ¡°I... I might have made a mistake. You know... the underground classroom is very dark... maybe it was just armor... or a statue¡­¡±


    ¡°There is no Troll in the underground classroom,¡± Snape snapped coldly, his face twisted in displeasure. ¡°And I don¡¯t think any normal person would confuse armor with a Troll.¡±


    ¡°But... but I... no... I don¡¯t¡­¡± Quirrell stammered, struggling to find the words. He truly didn¡¯t know what had gone wrong. The Troll had been right there, and he¡¯d let it go! How could a Troll, over ten feet tall, simply vanish without a trace or a sound? Was Hogwarts truly so dangerous?


    ¡°Perhaps you¡¯ve been overthinking things lately, and your mind is playing tricks on you,¡± Snape said suddenly, a sinister edge to his tone. ¡°I recommend a potion. How about tomorrow? I¡¯ll bring it to you personally, and I guarantee you¡¯ll feel 100% better.¡±


    ¡°No¡­ Severus¡­ no¡­¡± Quirrell shook his head furiously, stammering, ¡°I¡ªI have some potions myself... so I wouldn¡¯t want to trouble you¡­¡±


    The last thing Quirrell wanted was to drink something Snape handed him. Who knew if he¡¯d add Veritaserum or some other sinister ingredient?


    ¡°It¡¯s no trouble at all, just a refreshing potion,¡± Snape continued, not letting him off so easily. He seemed to relish the opportunity to be


    ¡°N-no... really...¡± Quirrell stammered, cold sweat breaking out as he looked at Snape¡¯s unyielding expression. He worried Snape might actually try to force-feed him the potion.


    Luckily, Professor Flitwick interrupted just in time, asking, ¡°Minerva, what now?¡±


    Quirrell took the opportunity like a pardon, shrinking back further behind the other professors. Professor McGonagall cast an irritated glance his way before replying, ¡°Notify the prefects and have the students gather in the Great Hall. This farce has gone on long enough.¡±


    ...


    Soon, the students gathered in the Great Hall, led by their respective heads of house. All the professors were waiting there¡ªexcept for Snape. He had been bitten by Fluffy the previous night and had barely managed to keep going on a bit of Essence of Dittany before finally retreating to his office to recover.


    At the front of the hall, Professor McGonagall announced that the Troll was no longer in the castle. The crisis was officially over. Sear?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The young wizards broke into cheers.


    "I told you... there was no Troll," Ron said excitedly from the Gryffindor table. "Honestly, I have to deal with stuff like this at least twice a week, and you all doubted me!"


    But everyone was too busy celebrating to notice him. Only Harry gave him a smile and a friendly clap on the shoulder. "I owe you an apology, mate."


    Hermione heard them but didn¡¯t correct them. Instead, she stood on tiptoe, trying to see over to the Hufflepuff table. She spotted Kyle, clapping along with the others, looking completely unfazed.


    Hermione found herself doubting again.


    Kyle, however, had no idea what Hermione was thinking¡ªand even if he did, he wouldn¡¯t have cared, as long as she kept quiet.


    In the days that followed, Kyle spent time each day inside his trunk, working to tame the Troll. Though the creature was dim-witted and clumsy, unable to perform magic, it was a formidable fighter. With its thick hide and brute strength, Kyle figured it would make an excellent front-line ¡°meat shield.¡± Its lack of intelligence also made it easy to control.


    For Kyle, the task was straightforward. Each time the Troll displayed any aggression, he would promptly deliver a few firm blows¡ªnot too hard, but enough to cause discomfort. Before leaving, he always rewarded it with some food.


    Through a mix of discipline and treats, the Troll quickly became more compliant. Soon, whenever it saw Kyle, it no longer acted hostile but simply giggled in a simple, harmless way.


    ...


    Within a few days, rumors spread, and soon everyone knew about Professor Quirrell¡¯s blunder¡ªthat he¡¯d been too scared to face the Troll and mistook its shadow for the real thing, turning the Halloween feast into a joke. Already unpopular, Professor Quirrell quickly became the laughingstock of the school. Students found it unbelievable that someone so timid could teach Defense Against the Dark Arts.


    Fred and George seized the opportunity, launching a betting pool on when Professor Quirrell would leave Hogwarts and what might happen to him in the end. Initially just a lighthearted prank, it quickly gained traction. Students from every house were happy to spend a few Knuts or Sickles to join in the fun, and within days, the twins had raked in nearly a dozen Galleons.


    This unexpected success went to the twins¡¯ heads a bit, and one day, during a meal, they excitedly shared their triumph with Kyle.


    ¡°This is way faster than selling products!¡± Fred exclaimed, shaking his jingling coin pouch. ¡°It¡¯s like picking money off the ground!¡±


    Kyle tilted his head. ¡°How many people are in on it now?¡±


    ¡°One hundred and twenty-nine so far,¡± George said proudly. ¡°From all four houses.¡±


    Cedric¡¯s eyes widened in disbelief. ¡°That many? I thought it would be twenty or thirty at most.¡±


    ¡°Professor Quirrell¡¯s quite the hot topic these days,¡± Fred said with a grin. ¡°Anything about him is bound to get attention.¡±


    Turning to Kyle, Fred added, ¡°So, how about it? Want to join in?¡± He shook his coin pouch enticingly.


    Cedric and Kanna shook their heads in unison, uninterested in the game. But Kyle gave a thoughtful rub to his chin.


    ¡°That does sound interesting,¡± he said. ¡°What are the rules?¡±


    ¡°Simple!¡± Fred¡¯s grin widened. ¡°Two options: guess the time Professor Quirrell leaves Hogwarts and predict his ultimate fate. If you guess right, we¡¯ll pay back double.¡±


    ¡°How about that¡ªpretty generous, huh?¡±


    Kyle nodded thoughtfully.


    ¡°So,¡± George prompted, ¡°which one do you want to guess?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll guess both,¡± Kyle replied, pulling out Galleons and slapping it on the table. ¡°Here¡¯s twenty Galleons. Do you dare take them?¡±

 Chapter 175: No Hurt Without Comparison

    "Twenty Galleons..."


    Fred and George looked up at Kyle, exchanging a hesitant glance.


    To take it or not to take it... that was the question. If they accepted and Kyle guessed correctly, they¡¯d not only have to forfeit all the money they''d previously earned but even more on top of that.


    Yet, with twenty gleaming Galleons lying temptingly before them, the thought of refusal hardly seemed possible.


    Licking his dry lips, George asked, "Twenty Galleons... are you sure?"


    Kyle raised an eyebrow. "It''s a risk worth taking. Besides, I can tell you what I think it is right now."


    He leaned in, whispering a few words into their ears.


    "Quirrell will stay until after the final exams. The ending..."


    Upon hearing Kyle¡¯s prediction, the twins gasped, then exchanged a wide-eyed look.


    "You¡¯re not going to tell our mum about this, are you..." Fred asked, eyeing Kyle suspiciously.


    Kyle¡¯s words sounded like an unexpected windfall, almost too good to be real, and Fred couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that there must be a catch.


    "Of course not, I promise," Kyle replied with a reassuring smile.


    George took a deep breath. "Alright, we¡¯ll take it!"


    "A wise choice," Kyle said, giving them a meaningful look before taking a leisurely sip from his glass of pumpkin juice.


    Cedric and Kanna, who had been watching the scene unfold, stood in disbelief. Only now did they fully grasp what had just transpired. Twenty Galleons was no small sum; it was more than many students¡¯ pocket money for an entire school year.


    Cedric was about to advise Kyle against being so impulsive when Fred and George, as if sensing a change of heart might be looming, quickly scooped up the Galleons from the table and dashed back to the Gryffindor table.


    "Kyle, you¡¯re being impulsive..." Cedric began.


    But before he could finish, an unfamiliar voice interjected.


    "What you¡¯re doing is wrong!"


    A young girl with bushy brown hair stood not far away, watching them sternly.


    Cedric recognized her vaguely and, after a moment of thought, asked, "Are you... a new Gryffindor?"


    "Yes, I¡¯m Hermione Granger."


    "Cedric Diggory, nice to meet you!"


    Hermione gave him a brief nod, then fixed her gaze on Kyle, her voice firm. "What you just did was wrong. Gambling is forbidden at Hogwarts."


    "I know..." Kyle replied casually. "That¡¯s why I¡¯m helping them quit."


    "What?"


    Hermione looked momentarily thrown off, clearly not understanding what Kyle meant.


    "But you just¡ª"


    "Don¡¯t worry about the details; it¡¯s complicated to explain. Just know that I''m helping them," Kyle interrupted, smoothly changing the subject. "So, what brings you here?"


    Hermione didn¡¯t press further on Fred and George¡¯s matter. Instead, she looked at Kyle with a serious expression. "I¡¯ve been thinking about it for days and felt I had to come thank you." S~ea??h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Kyle raised an eyebrow as she continued, "Thank you for saving my life that day."


    "It wasn¡¯t that big of a deal, I just... Well, if you insist, I¡¯ll accept," Kyle said, feigning helplessness.


    He had been trying to avoid Hermione as much as possible lately and was surprised she¡¯d remember the incident after all this time.


    "Is there anything else?"


    "Yes!" Hermione replied without hesitation. She pulled out her and opened it.


    Kyle noticed her book was filled with notes, with every blank space crammed with scribbles. Hermione pointed to several particularly marked passages and asked, "Can I ask you some questions?"


    Kyle nodded, and he and Cedric took turns answering Hermione¡¯s questions in detail. Hermione listened with rapt attention. These were concepts she hadn¡¯t fully grasped in class, and although she¡¯d initially planned to consult Professor McGonagall, somehow she had ended up asking Kyle and Cedric instead.


    Yet, the result was just as good. Kyle and Cedric managed to clear up her confusion with just a few explanations.


    Once they¡¯d answered her last question, Hermione reluctantly closed her book. Her earlier doubts about Kyle had completely vanished by now. No wonder he was top of the class; material that had troubled her for so long had been explained so effortlessly. Cedric, a third-year, was just as impressive.


    For a moment, Hermione felt a pang of regret for being sorted into Gryffindor. Hufflepuff seemed like a haven for learning. Their combination was like having personalized tutoring from a professor. And then she thought about her own house...


    The memory of two particular Gryffindor voices popped into her head, and she shivered involuntarily.


    Forget it, best not to think about it.


    After thanking them once again, Hermione hurriedly left with her book.


    Watching her walk away, Cedric asked curiously, "Why did she say you saved her life just now?"


    "It was a while back," Kyle shrugged, his tone casual. "I didn''t do much¡ªjust helped her out a bit. She''s making a fuss over nothing."


    Cedric nodded, sensing that Kyle didn¡¯t want to elaborate, so he didn¡¯t press further.


    "By the way, Harris told us to meet at the Quidditch Pitch today. You¡¯re aware of that, right?"


    "Yeah, he told me last night."


    Kyle perked up at the mention of Quidditch. After Halloween, the Quidditch season would begin, which meant their break was over, and training would start again. Luckily, their first match was against Ravenclaw, so neither Harris nor the team was feeling too tense.


    This showed in today¡¯s practice session. With the match drawing near, the other houses were doing everything they could to maximize their time on the Quidditch Pitch. Slytherin¡¯s Marcus Flint had even gone to Snape and shamelessly reserved the Pitch for the whole weekend, allowing them ample practice time.


    Wood would have liked to do the same for Gryffindor, but Professor McGonagall wasn¡¯t as indulgent. Of the four houses, only Hufflepuff kept to their regular schedule, with Harris arranging their standard two-hour session.


    While this approach might seem a bit unfriendly to Cho, it was how things were. Quidditch was a team sport, relying heavily on coordination to secure a win. Ravenclaw, who had languished at the bottom of the standings for so long, wasn¡¯t likely to rise simply because they had a new Seeker.


    Their odds of victory remained slim, unless Cho could catch the Golden Snitch within five minutes. Of course, if that happened, no amount of training could make a difference.


    After leaving the Great Hall, Kyle and Cedric returned to their dormitory, grabbed their broomsticks, and headed to the Quidditch Pitch.

 Chapter 176: Ten Points from Gryffindor

    As November began, the weather turned bitterly cold, and every morning a layer of frost covered the ground. Overnight, it seemed the Black Lake had developed a thick, hard layer of ice, and many students were already venturing onto it to play.


    The moment they stepped out of the castle¡¯s warmth, Kyle and Cedric felt a biting wind whip against their faces.


    "Ahh... it¡¯s freezing!" Cedric shivered. "Good thing I switched to my heavy robes a few days ago; otherwise, I¡¯d probably catch a cold just walking out here."


    Last year, he''d waited too long to swap robes and had ended up spending three days steaming from the effects of Madam Pomfrey¡¯s potions. Her remedies worked fast, but they always came with odd side effects.


    "We''ll probably warm up once we start training," Kyle said, pulling his collar tighter as he quickened his pace against the chill.


    "You¡¯re probably right."


    ...


    The two walked across the field to the Quidditch Pitch. They were early, and on the pitch, Harris was busy moving boxes of Quidditch balls to the side. Kyle also spotted Hagrid, bundled in his long moleskin coat, de-icing the broomsticks.


    When Hagrid saw Kyle, he waved enthusiastically and called out, ¡°Hey, Kyle! Training today, are you?¡±


    ¡°Yes, Hagrid,¡± Kyle replied, walking over and pulling out his wand.


    In an instant, all the frost on the broomsticks disappeared.


    "That''s handy..." Hagrid said, eyeing Kyle¡¯s wand with a hint of envy, his gaze drifting to the small pink umbrella in his pocket. His wand was concealed inside it, but for some reason, he couldn''t openly use it around others.


    ¡°Anything else I can help with?¡± Kyle asked.


    ¡°No, thanks.¡± Hagrid picked up the brooms and added with a grin, ¡°If you ask me, you ought to train after lunch when it¡¯s a bit warmer.¡±


    ¡°Nothing we can do about it,¡± Kyle sighed. ¡°Today¡¯s the last weekend before the competition, and all three houses want to practice.¡±


    If he had a choice, he¡¯d prefer to train in the warmer hours, but unfortunately, Harris was too agreeable; with just a bit of flattery, he had accepted the earliest time slot.


    As a result, Ravenclaw reserved the pitch for four hours starting at ten, and Gryffindor claimed it afterward, leaving Hufflepuff with only the early morning hours.


    ¡°Looks like everyone¡¯s taking this year¡¯s matches seriously,¡± Hagrid observed. ¡°But I¡¯m sure you¡¯ll win¡ªyou lot were last year¡¯s champions, after all.¡±


    ¡°Of course, I think so too,¡± Kyle said with a confident smile.


    Around then, the other team members arrived at the pitch. Kyle bid Hagrid farewell and soon joined his teammates for training.


    Since today''s practice was just routine and not a tactical drill, Harris didn¡¯t close off the pitch. About half an hour later, spectators began trickling into the stands. Most were Quidditch enthusiasts who, upon seeing they could come and go freely, were eager to catch some action before the season officially started.


    Right on the dot at ten, Harris, who¡¯d been leading the practice for two hours, signaled the end. The team descended from the air and handed the pitch over to the Ravenclaw team, who had been waiting eagerly.


    Kyle followed his teammates back to the castle. After a short while, the spectators reluctantly filed out of the stands, clearly annoyed at having to leave the match¡¯s atmosphere behind. But as it was nothing new, after a few quiet grumbles, they wrapped their arms around themselves against the cold and trudged back toward the warmth of the castle.


    Noticing their shivering forms, Kyle¡¯s face grew thoughtful.


    ¡°What are you thinking about?¡± Cedric asked, noticing Kyle¡¯s faraway look.


    Kyle replied, ¡°What would you say to making a warming charm device?¡±


    ¡°A warming device?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡± Kyle gestured toward the students rubbing their arms for warmth. ¡°The temperature¡¯s dropped fast lately, and it¡¯ll probably be colder on the day of the Quidditch match. If we could create a portable warming device, it¡¯d be a hit.¡±


    Cedric hesitated, mulling over Kyle¡¯s idea. ¡°What you¡¯re saying makes sense, but there¡¯s something you might not know.¡±


    ¡°Last year, during the match, we used the Hot-Air Charm and the Warming Charm to deal with the bad weather. Both of those spells are covered in third year.¡±


    Kyle, however, was unfazed by Cedric¡¯s concerns. His target audience wasn¡¯t the older students, but rather those in the first and second years who hadn¡¯t learned those charms yet. That would be enough.


    With their plan in mind, the two quickly found Kanna and the twins to discuss the idea.


    Cho couldn¡¯t join them as she had her own practice to attend. The five gathered in an empty classroom and brainstormed until noon.


    ¡°It¡¯s a deal, Kyle!¡± Fred said excitedly, standing in the doorway.


    ¡°Two months of waiting¡­ Finally, we can get started.¡± George waved a hand with enthusiasm. ¡°You know, I¡¯ve been looking forward to this since the start of the school year.¡±


    ¡°It seems I overheard something interesting.¡±


    A cold, sinister voice suddenly echoed from down the corridor.


    Fred and George froze, turning around quickly to see Snape and Filch standing at the corner, both eyeing them with ill intent.


    ¡°It¡¯s you two again, and this time I¡¯ve caught you¡­¡± Filch said with evident satisfaction, glaring at the twins. ¡°Time and again, breaking school rules, and still you show no remorse.¡±


    He looked over to Snape with a grin. ¡°How about we throw them in the dungeon to teach them a lesson? Those chains I¡¯ve got down there are in prime condition, just waiting to be used.¡±


    Snape said nothing at first, but his expression darkened as he noticed Kanna standing beside Kyle. His gaze became even more severe. S§×arch* The N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°Making a lot of noise in the hallway¡­ ten points from Gryffindor,¡± Snape snapped, approaching with a pronounced limp. His icy glare landed on Kyle. ¡°Now, tell me what foolish scheme you¡¯re all planning.¡±


    If looks could cast spells, Kyle would probably be surrounded by a swarm of Sectumsempra Curses right now.


    ¡°I think you¡¯ve got the wrong idea, Professor,¡± Kyle replied, shifting uncomfortably under Snape¡¯s gaze. ¡°We were just talking about next week¡¯s Quidditch match.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯d better be,¡± Snape said, his eyes narrowing. ¡°Because if I find out you¡¯re lying, or breaking any school rules, I¡¯ll see to it you¡¯re expelled.¡±


    Kyle forced a thin smile, feeling a dull ache in his jaw. He couldn¡¯t understand it¡ªshouldn¡¯t Snape be focusing his attention on Harry? Why did he keep singling him out?


    ¡°Well? Why aren¡¯t you talking?¡±


    Snape¡¯s frown deepened as he looked at Kyle in silence. ¡°No respect for a professor¡­ Gryffindor will lose ten more points!¡±

 Chapter 177: The Bluebell Flames Charm

    Snape limped away, and Filch, noticing, could only follow with a sigh of disappointment. He had hoped, just this once, that he''d get the chance to restore the dungeons, but it seemed like another false hope.


    ¡°This isn¡¯t fair!¡± Fred exclaimed, scowling in the direction Snape had gone. ¡°There were three Hufflepuffs there, but he only docked points from Gryffindor!¡±


    ¡°It probably just slipped his mind¡ªdon¡¯t worry about it,¡± Kyle said, patting Fred¡¯s shoulder.


    Fred placed a hand on Kyle¡¯s arm, mimicking his serious tone.


    ¡°Not a chance,¡± Kyle replied without hesitation.


    ¡°Hey, I haven¡¯t even told you what it is¡­¡±


    ¡°Doesn¡¯t matter.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll get to that later¡­¡± Cedric interjected, frowning. ¡°Did anyone notice that Professor Snape seems to have a leg injury?¡±


    ¡°We figured that out days ago,¡± George replied with a shrug. ¡°During Potions, he barely moved at all, and he usually walks around a lot. This time, he just stood there.¡±


    ¡°From that, we guessed something must¡¯ve happened to his leg,¡± added Fred. ¡°And we even saw blood traces on the floor of the Potions classroom, but no one had been hurt that day.¡±


    Fred and George quickly shared the clues they¡¯d noticed.


    ¡°No wonder he¡¯s been scarce lately,¡± Cedric said, puzzled. ¡°But doesn¡¯t it seem odd? This is Hogwarts. Why would Professor Snape be so badly injured?¡±


    ¡°Who knows,¡± Fred mused. ¡°Maybe he went to the Forbidden Forest. I heard he goes there often to collect ingredients for potions. Could¡¯ve run into a dangerous magical creature.¡±


    ¡°Or he went to the restricted area,¡± George suggested. ¡°Remember on Halloween, when all the professors were hunting down that Troll? Maybe he got too close to the Three-Headed Dog.¡±


    As they talked, the group made their way down the corridor. Snape and Filch were already gone, but none of them wanted to risk them suddenly doubling back. To avoid any unnecessary trouble, they decided to head in different directions.


    The twins turned toward Gryffindor Tower, while the others split up at the stairwell. Kyle and Cedric headed downstairs to the Hufflepuff common room, while Kanna, mentioning something she needed to do, peeled off to the library.


    ...


    The following week, Kyle became even busier, as did the others, who were now spending at least an hour a day in an empty classroom, working on their new products. Finally, by the second week, the Quidditch tournament began.


    That morning, the weather was clear and cold, and the dining hall was filled with the tantalizing smell of sizzling sausages. Everyone was excitedly chatting about the upcoming match, anticipation buzzing through the hall. sea??h th§× Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°The first match is Gryffindor against Slytherin,¡± Cedric said, munching on his toast as he checked the schedule he¡¯d made. ¡°They¡¯re the opener, and then we play Ravenclaw.¡±


    ¡°Gryffindor...¡± Mikel, seated next to him, mused. ¡°Their Seeker is that first-year, Potter, isn¡¯t it?¡±


    Hogwarts was never short of secrets, and despite Wood¡¯s best efforts to keep it under wraps, word had spread that Harry had been made Seeker. The news that a first-year, the youngest in a century, had been given such a coveted position had made Harry a school-wide topic of conversation.


    But opinions were mixed. While some thought Harry would excel, others were skeptical. Malfoy, from Slytherin, had repeatedly sneered that Gryffindor would have to follow Harry around with mattresses to catch him when he fell.


    Everyone else was curious if Harry would succeed, but Malfoy seemed only concerned about him falling. Either that, or Malfoy and Harry had a peculiar affection for each other.


    The group looked over to the Gryffindor table, where Harry sat with a frustrated expression, surrounded by a group of students trying to get him to eat. Each was offering him a sausage, toast, or something else, as though to make sure he didn¡¯t face the match on an empty stomach.


    ¡°He looks really nervous,¡± Mikel observed.


    ¡°That¡¯s how it is for first-time competitors¡­ well, for most of them,¡± Cedric said, breaking off mid-sentence as he noticed Kyle, calmly eating toast as usual. He was also a first-time competitor, yet he looked entirely unfazed.


    Just then, Fred and George strode into the hall. Rather than sitting down to eat, they wandered about for a bit before leaving. Noticing this, Kyle, Kanna, Cedric, and Cho from Ravenclaw quickly finished their breakfasts and followed them.


    They tailed Fred and George to the entrance of the Quidditch Pitch, where a wooden shelf had appeared, lined with all sorts of cheering props, each glowing blue. The display included bottles that emitted a lion¡¯s roar and snake-shaped glow sticks that floated in the air. The pulsing blue light seemed to radiate warmth, dispelling the morning chill. The closer they got to the shelf, the cozier it felt.


    ¡°Bluebell Flames Charm¡­ brilliant idea,¡± Fred remarked, touching the shelf. ¡°At least the younger kids won¡¯t have to freeze while watching the game.¡±


    The Bluebell Flames Charm was a special spell. Despite having ¡°flames¡± in its name, it was only about fifty degrees Celsius, warm enough to hold comfortably. The flames themselves looked like delicate, glowing bluebells.


    ¡°Everything¡¯s set,¡± George said. ¡°We need to get to the stadium early, so we probably won¡¯t be able to help out here.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s fine, leave the rest to us,¡± Cedric said with a grin.


    Fred and George weren¡¯t expected to help today anyway, as they¡¯d already turned down that role.


    Cho took a seat next to the shelf, sighing contentedly. ¡°Honestly, it¡¯s really comfortable here.¡±


    Only now did Cho understand why Kyle had chosen this spot for their sales. The warm, flickering blue flames created an oasis of comfort, transforming the cold, drafty corridor into something entirely different.


    Soon, the match was about to start. Fred and George were called to the changing rooms by Wood, and students began trickling out of the Great Hall and toward the pitch, eager to watch the game.

 Chapter 178: Hermione’s Frustration

    This year¡¯s Quidditch season caused a stir twice before the first match had even started.


    The initial buzz came when Kyle set a new record, scoring twenty-one goals in just ten minutes, sparking a fresh wave of enthusiasm for Quidditch across Hogwarts. Before that excitement could die down, even more sensational news broke: Harry Potter, the famed "Boy Who Lived" and the one who had defeated the Dark Lord, had been made the youngest Seeker in a century. Harry was already popular, and with this new role, it was clear this year¡¯s Quidditch matches would be livelier than ever.


    Half an hour before the game, the stands were already packed, with students filling every seat. Not even the biting wind could dampen their excitement.


    ¡°This thing actually works¡­¡± Malfoy remarked in surprise from the Slytherin stands. He looked down at the little ¡°snake¡± wrapped around his arm, glowing blue and radiating a pleasant warmth. And each time he lifted his arm, the snake would hiss toward the Gryffindor stands. The only problem was the sound¡ªsoft enough to be drowned out by the cheers around him.


    Across the pitch, Gryffindor¡¯s roar was so loud that it could be heard even from within the castle.


    ¡°Why isn¡¯t there a premium version?¡± Malfoy grumbled.


    Beside him, Goyle quickly chimed in, ¡°Kyle said there wasn¡¯t enough time to make it.¡±


    Goyle had a small glowing snake wrapped around his arm as well.


    ¡°I heard you, no need to remind me,¡± Malfoy snapped, then said loudly, ¡°And he promised he¡¯d bring what I wanted for the next Slytherin match. It¡¯ll be bigger, more flexible, and in the Slytherin colors¡ªsilver and green.¡±


    Hearing this, the young wizards around him grew excited. Many of them came from wealthy families and would gladly pay for better cheering gear.


    ¡°Draco, isn¡¯t this kind of thing a lot more complex than a map¡­?¡± one of them asked doubtfully. ¡°Can Kyle really pull it off? He¡¯s only a second-year.¡±


    ¡°Of course he can,¡± Malfoy replied confidently, raising an eyebrow. ¡°He already promised me.¡±


    ...


    Meanwhile, not far off in the Hufflepuff stands, Cedric found himself asking the same question.


    ¡°Kyle, can you really pull off what Malfoy¡¯s asking for?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s a bit of a hassle...¡± Kyle replied, frowning, ¡°but it¡¯s doable. It¡¯ll just take some time.¡±


    The things they had sold before were mostly just glass bottles with a few sound effects¡ªnothing overly complicated. But Malfoy¡¯s list of demands couldn¡¯t be met with Transfiguration alone; these would have to be crafted as genuine magical items.


    Still, for a hundred Galleons, Kyle figured the extra trouble was worth it.


    Cedric caught Kyle¡¯s drift, whistling in admiration. The wealthy Malfoy family didn¡¯t hesitate to shell out a hundred Galleons for a cheering prop, an amount that exceeded Cedric¡¯s father¡¯s monthly salary.


    Soon after, the professors arrived¡ªProfessor McGonagall, Professor Snape, and even Professor Sprout, who typically stayed in the greenhouses. Nearly the entire school, aside from Headmaster Dumbledore, was gathered around the Quidditch Pitch. Students in the back rows clutched binoculars, and some seats had been magically lifted to give better views.


    When the two teams finally emerged from the tunnel onto the field, the Gryffindor stands burst into cheers at the sight of Harry Potter in his team uniform, followed by thunderous roars from enchanted lion heads.


    ¡°That thing is amazing¡­¡± Ron muttered to Hermione, casting an envious look at the blue lion heads held by Neville and Seamus. ¡°You should really get one of those.¡±


    ¡°No need, Ron,¡± Hermione replied, shaking her head. ¡°It¡¯s just a simple Bluebell Flames Charm and a Transfiguration Spell. Not worth fifteen Sickles. Besides, I already made you one, didn¡¯t I?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s different,¡± Ron mumbled, looking down at the jar Hermione had crafted for him. It gave off a comforting warmth but couldn¡¯t make a lion¡¯s roar. Kyle had said the heating function was just an added perk that ¡°didn¡¯t even count as money.¡±


    Seeing Ron¡¯s dissatisfied expression, Hermione¡¯s temper flared. She snatched the jar from his hand. ¡°If you don¡¯t want it, give it back!¡±


    A gust of cold wind swept past, and Ron, too surprised to react, shivered violently. ¡°Blimey, it¡¯s freezing!¡±


    ¡°Hermione¡­¡± Ron began.


    ¡°Hmph!¡± Hermione turned away, still fuming.


    In truth, Hermione knew that the heating jar she had made was nothing like Kyle¡¯s creations. She had tried multiple times on the way here, and while she could manage the Transfiguration Spell, her jar lacked Kyle¡¯s finesse and couldn¡¯t produce any lion¡¯s roar. The gap in skill was already disheartening, and Ron¡¯s ungrateful look felt like salt in the wound.


    With no other option, Ron scooted as close as he could to Neville and Seamus to catch some warmth from their lion heads.


    The game began with the referee¡¯s whistle.


    ¡°Look, the Quaffle has just been seized by Gryffindor¡¯s Angelina Johnson¡­¡± announced Lee Jordan from the commentator¡¯s box, having been chosen as this year¡¯s new Quidditch commentator.


    However¡­ after just one sentence, Lee veered off-topic.


    ¡°What an outstanding Chaser that girl is, and she¡¯s also very attractive¡­¡±


    ¡°Jordan!¡± came Professor McGonagall¡¯s stern reminder. S§×arch* The nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°Sorry, Professor,¡± Lee replied, and the crowd burst into laughter.


    Kanna, watching from the stands, glanced over at the commentary box. ¡°This year¡¯s commentary seems a bit¡­ different, doesn¡¯t it?¡± she remarked.


    ¡°Can¡¯t say I¡¯m surprised,¡± Kyle chuckled. ¡°Lee¡¯s friends with Fred and George, so you can¡¯t expect a typical commentator.¡±


    Cedric nodded in agreement, then paused as a thought struck him.


    Back in the stands, Lee Jordan continued his commentary, skillfully balancing humor and play-by-play. Though he occasionally threw in flirtatious remarks, his commentary was lively and engaging, adding a new flavor to the match. The audience quickly warmed to his style¡ªit may have been less traditional, but it certainly made the game all the more entertaining.

 Chapter 179: The Frenzied Fluffy

    Five minutes into the game, the first goal finally arrived.


    It was Angelina from Gryffindor¡­


    The cheers from the stands exploded like thunder, echoing through the cold air.


    Kyle joined in with the applause, just like everyone else. As Lee Jordan had said, Angelina was an excellent Chaser. She¡¯d just broken through Slytherin¡¯s defense as if she could actually soar, making it look effortless.


    But just as Kyle was about to clap again and refocus on the match, a large, fiery red bird suddenly appeared, gliding through the crowd and landing on his shoulder.


    ¡°Fawkes?¡±


    Kyle looked at the Phoenix on his shoulder, surprised.


    What was going on? Did the Headmaster''s bird enjoy watching Quidditch too? He¡¯d never heard of that.


    The young wizards around him were equally stunned.


    Cedric¡¯s mouth hung open in awe, as if he might start drooling as he stared at Fawkes.


    ¡°This¡­ this is a Phoenix?!¡±


    ¡°Yes, yes!¡± Cedric suddenly exclaimed, springing up excitedly and gesturing with his hands. ¡°It¡¯s a Phoenix! It looks exactly like the one in the book!¡±


    ¡°Calm down. Look at you, you¡¯re such a dork,¡± Kyle muttered, giving Cedric a disdainful look. ¡°It¡¯s just a Phoenix. What¡¯s the big deal?¡±


    Cedric shrugged. Easy for you to say¡­ This was his first time seeing a live Phoenix.


    Kyle, meanwhile, had taken out a handful of Dittany leaves and offered them to Fawkes.


    Can¡¯t watch a Quidditch match without snacks.


    But to Kyle¡¯s surprise, Fawkes didn¡¯t eat them. Instead, he shook his head and whispered something into Kyle¡¯s ear.


    ¡°What the¡­¡±


    Kyle frowned.


    Fawkes wasn¡¯t there to watch the match; he was there to deliver a message. Dumbledore wanted to see him.


    But the match had just started¡­


    Seeing Kyle hesitate, Fawkes gave him a sharp peck on the head.


    ¡°All right, all right, don¡¯t pull my hair¡ªI¡¯m coming!¡± Kyle said, standing up.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Kanna asked, curious.


    Kyle leaned over and whispered, ¡°The Headmaster wants to see me. I have to go back to the castle.¡±


    ¡°The Headmaster?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, this Phoenix belongs to him¡­¡±


    ¡°Do¡­ do you need any help?¡± Cedric offered.


    ¡°No, you guys keep watching the match.¡±


    Kyle gave the pitch a reluctant glance before making his way through the crowd and heading quickly toward the castle.


    The path was empty, and as they walked, Fawkes relayed the reason Dumbledore had sent for him.


    Once back at the castle, Kyle went directly up the stairs to the restricted fourth floor. S§×arch* The Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Dumbledore was already waiting for him there, along with Hagrid.


    ¡°Professor, Hagrid,¡± Kyle greeted them, frowning. ¡°Fawkes told me that Fluffy went berserk?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m afraid so,¡± Dumbledore said gently. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Kyle; this may mean missing part of the match, but right now you¡¯re the only one who might understand why this happened.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s all right¡ªFluffy¡¯s my friend, too,¡± Kyle replied, shaking his head. ¡°Can I see him now?¡±


    ¡°Of course.¡±


    Dumbledore opened the door, leading Kyle inside.


    In the room, Fluffy lay sprawled on his back over the trapdoor, sound asleep.


    ¡°Some necessary measures,¡± Dumbledore explained. ¡°If he were awake, he''d attack everything around him like a mad creature, and keeping this door closed would be nearly impossible.¡±


    ¡°I understand,¡± Kyle nodded, then approached to carefully examine Fluffy''s massive, unconscious form. He noted that there were no wounds; Fluffy''s fur was intact, which ruled out any external trauma.


    Kyle frowned, beginning to sense why Dumbledore had called him here. ¡°Professor, can you wake Fluffy up?¡± he asked.


    ¡°You¡¯d best prepare yourself, Kyle,¡± Dumbledore replied, his expression serious. ¡°Trust me, a frenzied Three-Headed Dog is far more terrifying than you might imagine.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s fine¡ªas long as you''re here, I''m sure I won''t get hurt.¡±


    ¡°That may be the finest compliment I''ve received,¡± Dumbledore chuckled. ¡°The last time I felt this proud was when I became headmaster of Hogwarts. Now, step back¡­¡±


    Dumbledore raised his wand and tapped its knobby end. Fluffy¡¯s eyes snapped open.


    ¡°ROAR¡­¡±


    The furious roar thundered through the room, making the ceiling tremble and sending dust raining down. Muscles tensing, Fluffy sprang up, lunging directly at Kyle, who stood nearest. In an instant, Fluffy¡¯s three massive jaws were open, revealing rows of yellowed teeth, each head snarling with raw fury.


    But then, suddenly, chains appeared out of thin air, binding Fluffy¡¯s neck. Another chain materialized, then another, until a total of six chains had wrapped around Fluffy, securing him tightly. No matter how hard he struggled, he couldn¡¯t move an inch further. The violent thrashing caused the chains to cut into his flesh, embedding deeply.


    ¡°Oh¡­¡± Hagrid clutched his chest with a groan, as if he could feel the chains tightening on his own body. ¡°Please¡­ Dumbledore, please!¡±


    Dumbledore remained resolute, his gaze fixed on Kyle. Fluffy continued to snarl, and Kyle tried to speak to him, though it seemed futile. With no other option, he focused intently on the sounds of Fluffy¡¯s growls. Because Fluffy was only semi-conscious, his growls were disjointed, but Kyle noticed certain words repeated.


    Fluffy''s desperate struggles intensified, staining the chains red as the room filled with the metallic scent of blood. Hagrid clamped a hand over his mouth, tears streaming down his face. He seemed to want to approach and comfort Fluffy, but as soon as he moved closer, Fluffy snapped at him, nearly catching his arm in a vicious bite. Dumbledore pulled Hagrid back just in time.


    As Fluffy¡¯s injuries worsened, Kyle finally spoke up. ¡°That¡¯s enough, Headmaster!¡±


    A dazzling flash lit up the room, and in a blink, the chains vanished. Fluffy crashed into the wall behind him, sliding down before collapsing with a heavy thud. Hagrid rushed over, applying Essence of Dittany to Fluffy¡¯s wounds, his face lined with worry.


    Dumbledore looked at Kyle. Before he could ask, Kyle spoke up.


    ¡°If I¡¯m correct, Fluffy¡¯s acting this way because he wants revenge¡ªfor Hagrid.¡±


    Dumbledore¡¯s blue eyes flashed with understanding. ¡°Revenge? For Hagrid?¡±


    Hagrid turned around, looking startled, his tear-streaked face confused. ¡°But¡­ I¡¯m fine. He even tried to bite me just now¡­¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s what¡¯s so strange,¡± Kyle said, frowning. ¡°It¡¯s as if Fluffy believes you¡¯re dead and sees us all as your murderers.¡±

 Chapter 180: Fear Curse

    A heavy silence settled over the restricted area. Dumbledore appeared deep in thought, his head lowered, while Hagrid instinctively touched his chest, as if to reassure himself that he was indeed still alive.


    ¡°You¡¯re saying¡­ Fluffy thought I was dead, and that¡¯s why he went berserk?¡± Hagrid asked, scratching his head in confusion.


    ¡°Yes, that seems likely,¡± Kyle replied, then turned to Dumbledore. ¡°Professor, could it be that someone used the Confundus Charm on Fluffy?¡±


    Given the Three-Headed Dog''s high resistance to magic, a typical charm would be as effective as a tickle. But it all depended on the caster. For instance, under Dumbledore''s magic, Fluffy was no stronger than a rag doll¡ªa simple Stunning Spell had easily put him to sleep.


    ¡°It¡¯s possible,¡± Dumbledore replied after a pause. ¡°But I don¡¯t think it¡¯s a simple Confundus Charm.¡±


    Kyle frowned. ¡°You mean there¡¯s another charm on Fluffy besides the Confundus Charm?¡±


    ¡°Yes¡ªand it¡¯s dark magic,¡± Dumbledore confirmed, stepping forward to examine Fluffy more closely, his nose almost brushing the dog¡¯s fur. Then he tapped his wand gently on Fluffy¡¯s middle head, muttering, ¡°Just as I thought¡­ the Fear Curse.¡±


    ¡°The Fear Curse?¡± Hagrid gasped, clearly unfamiliar with the term. S~ea??h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°Yes. Technically, it¡¯s not considered classic dark magic; it only appeared about fifty years ago, so it¡¯s understandable that you haven¡¯t heard of it.¡± Straightening up, Dumbledore asked, ¡°Kyle, do you know what a Boggart is?¡±


    ¡°Of course, Professor,¡± Kyle responded. ¡°It¡¯s a magical creature that shapeshifts to match the worst fears of anyone facing it.¡±


    Dumbledore nodded. ¡°Precisely. This dark magic is inspired by the Boggart¡¯s nature,¡± he explained, a grim edge to his voice. ¡°It creates illusions, trapping the victim in a constant vision of their greatest fear.¡±


    ¡°It seems someone cleverly combined the Confundus Charm with this dark magic, inducing Fluffy¡¯s current state,¡± he added.


    Kyle nodded thoughtfully, beginning to understand. The Fear Curse had made Fluffy see Hagrid¡¯s ¡°death¡± over and over, tormenting his mind, while the Confundus Charm made him perceive everyone else as a ¡°murderer.¡±


    Kyle felt a flicker of relief. If Dumbledore hadn¡¯t detected Fluffy¡¯s condition in time, and if Fluffy had managed to escape into the castle¡­ Kyle shivered, unwilling to imagine the potential disaster. Almost all the professors were at the Quidditch Pitch; only a few students, disinterested in the match, remained in the castle. Encountering a crazed Fluffy would have meant an instant and brutal danger. Hogwarts itself might have been forced to close.


    Thankfully, Dumbledore had intervened in time, preventing the worst from happening.


    Kyle exhaled deeply and asked, ¡°Professor, do you have a way to lift the curse?¡±


    ¡°A solution?¡± Dumbledore¡¯s eyes glinted briefly. ¡°It¡¯s actually quite simple. Just¡ª¡±


    ¡°No, Dumbledore!¡± Hagrid suddenly burst into tears, rushing toward him. ¡°Please¡­ don¡¯t kill Fluffy. He¡¯s a good boy¡­ please¡­¡±


    ¡°Hagrid, you¡¯ve misunderstood,¡± Dumbledore said, looking up at the sobbing Hagrid and patting his arm comfortingly. ¡°I never intended to kill Fluffy.¡±


    ¡°Really¡­ truly?¡± Hagrid asked, clutching his chest as he choked back sobs.


    ¡°Absolutely,¡± Dumbledore chuckled, ¡°I promise.¡±


    Though killing Fluffy would indeed have been the simplest solution, it was never in Dumbledore¡¯s plan. In this entire situation, Fluffy was the most innocent party.


    Once Hagrid had calmed down, Dumbledore continued, ¡°As it happens, before I became headmaster, I spent some time studying the Fear Curse and understand it quite well.¡±


    Turning to Kyle, he added, ¡°But for now, Kyle, would you mind taking Hagrid to the Hospital Wing?¡±


    Dumbledore winked. ¡°I believe he could use a good night¡¯s sleep.¡±


    Kyle nodded and led Hagrid from the room. It was clear Dumbledore didn¡¯t want them around for what was to come next. Hagrid kept glancing back every few steps, reluctant to leave.


    ¡°Oh, and one more thing,¡± Dumbledore called from inside the room. ¡°Hufflepuff earns 50 points.¡±


    ...


    Once they left the restricted area, Kyle accompanied Hagrid to the Hospital Wing. Hagrid was hesitant to go but didn¡¯t put up much resistance. His thoughts lingered on Fluffy¡¯s suffering, leaving him so distracted that he nearly stumbled down the stairs several times. Dumbledore was right; he really did need a good night¡¯s rest.


    When they reached the Hospital Wing, Kyle briefly explained Hagrid¡¯s condition to Madam Pomfrey, though he chose not to mention the details of what had happened in the restricted area, only saying that Hagrid was deeply shaken. Madam Pomfrey took one look at Hagrid, who was standing with his head bowed, and without pressing for more information, she pulled out her wand and enlarged a bed in a quiet corner.


    Then, she retrieved a bottle labeled ¡°Draught of Living Death¡± from a cupboard, pouring its contents into a wooden bucket about the size of a Quaffle. She repeated this twice more until she had filled the bucket, then handed it to Hagrid.


    ¡°Lie down on that bed over there and drink this,¡± she instructed.


    Hagrid took the bucket and, as he lumbered over to the bed, managed to knock over a few others along the way, earning a disapproving look from Madam Pomfrey. Fortunately, Kyle hurried to set the beds back in place, so she held her tongue and simply gave him a brief, pointed reminder before heading off.


    Not long after, the sound of Hagrid¡¯s snores filled the Hospital Wing, and Kyle exhaled in relief, drawing the curtain around Hagrid¡¯s bed to give him some privacy.


    Leaving the Hospital Wing, Kyle made his way quickly across the courtyard. Looking in the direction of the Quidditch Pitch, he sighed softly. The sky above the pitch was empty now, and he could see a large crowd of students heading back toward the castle. Clearly, the match had ended.


    Kyle rubbed his forehead. He had anticipated this outcome. It seemed that ever since last year, every time there was an important Quidditch match, he was destined to be swept up in some sort of chaos. He¡¯d hoped this year might be different, but it appeared things would remain the same.

 Chapter 181: Debut Match – The Game Ended Before There Was Time to Hold Back

    "That was incredible... I can''t believe Harry Potter actually caught the Golden Snitch with his mouth!"


    "Potter really is an excellent Seeker. I thought Gryffindor was done for when his broom broke..."


    "I''m certain Gryffindor is going to win the Quidditch Cup this year!"


    ...


    Everyone in the castle was buzzing with excitement, talking non-stop about the dramatic events of the match. Kyle made his way through the crowd without a word, finally slipping back to the Hufflepuff common room, where he found Cedric and Kanna waiting.


    As soon as they saw him, Cedric couldn''t hold back. "What on earth happened? Why are you just getting back now? And what was that about a phoenix?"


    "The phoenix belongs to Professor Dumbledore¡ªit''s, well, sort of his pet," Kyle explained. "But it mostly stays in the Headmaster''s office, so you rarely get to see it."


    Kanna thought about this for a moment. "So the Headmaster was the one looking for you earlier?"


    "Yes."


    Kyle glanced around to ensure no one else was listening, then lowered his voice and told them what had happened in the restricted area.


    "The Three-Headed Dog went completely berserk..."


    Cedric blurted out in surprise, then clamped a hand over his mouth, realizing he¡¯d spoken too loudly. "Are you serious?" S§×ar?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Of course," Kyle replied. "Do you think I''d have just left the match and not come back until now?"


    "But who would do something like that?" Cedric asked, frowning. "Using a Confundus Charm and dark magic on a Three-Headed Dog¡ªwhat good would that do?"


    "I don¡¯t know..." Kyle shook his head. "Professor Dumbledore hasn¡¯t had time to investigate yet."


    Despite his words, Kyle¡¯s thoughts turned to Quirrell. The restricted area, Fluffy, the guard of the Philosopher¡¯s Stone... This all pointed to Quirrell, but Kyle couldn¡¯t piece together the man''s goal. If Quirrell wanted to get past the trapdoor, angering Fluffy seemed like a pointless move; it would only make things more difficult. And if Fluffy escaped, Hogwarts could be forced to close, ruining any chance Quirrell would have of getting to the Philosopher''s Stone.


    I just can¡¯t figure it out...


    "Anyway, it¡¯s best if we steer clear of the restricted area for a while," Cedric suggested, a shiver running through him as he imagined the Three-Headed Dog. "If we need to go to the fourth floor, we should avoid that part as much as possible."


    "There¡¯s no need to be that nervous," Kyle reassured them. "Professor Dumbledore¡¯s handling it. Just be careful and stay away from there if you don¡¯t have to go."


    Hearing Kyle¡¯s words, Cedric and Kanna lost all interest in discussing Quidditch, and the three soon went their separate ways.


    It wasn¡¯t until Kyle had left that Cedric remembered something he hadn¡¯t asked. Why had the Headmaster sent for Kyle and not Professor McGonagall when something so dangerous was happening? Could it be because Kyle had worked with Mr. Scamander before and had some knowledge of the Three-Headed Dog?


    Cedric looked up.


    But by then, Kyle was already gone, out of the common room, and Cedric had missed his chance to ask.


    For the next while, Kyle didn¡¯t return¡ªnot even for dinner. No one knew where he was; it was as if he¡¯d vanished without a trace.


    It wasn¡¯t until the next afternoon, just before the game, that Cedric finally spotted him again in the changing rooms. Kyle was holding his broom and chatting with Harris.


    "Very good, Kyle."


    Harris gave him a friendly pat on the shoulder, smiling as he said, "I was starting to think you''d be too nervous to sleep, and I¡¯d have to get you a Pepperup Potion."


    After some encouraging words from Harris, the team checked their brooms and uniforms one last time before lining up for the start of the match.


    The stands were packed as usual, and as last year¡¯s champions, Hufflepuff¡¯s team was greeted with deafening cheers when they took to the pitch. Kyle noticed, however, that there were far fewer professors in the commentary box than the day before. Apart from Professors McGonagall and Snape, most of the seats were empty.


    Kyle thought as he walked with the others to the center of the field.


    Madam Hooch delivered her usual pre-match pep talk before blowing her whistle.


    Fifteen broomsticks soared into the air.


    "It¡¯s Kyle from Hufflepuff¡ªhe¡¯s the first to grab the Quaffle!"


    Lee Jordan shouted from the commentary box. "He¡¯s a newcomer, only joining the team this year, and rumor has it he scored spectacularly in the selection match. I just don¡¯t know if he¡¯ll be able to... Oh, he passed the ball to the team captain, Harris..."


    For some reason, Lee Jordan suddenly adopted a more serious tone. Murmurs of discontent floated up from the stands... the commentary, without any hint of his usual flattery, was not what the crowd wanted to hear. But Lee Jordan ignored them.


    After all, he had just spent the entire previous night, until dawn, under Professor McGonagall¡¯s strict supervision, copying out an entire book on proper Quidditch commentary. He had nearly collapsed in her office.


    It had only been one night; he had to rein it in a bit.


    "As we all know, Hufflepuff¡¯s Harris is one of the best Chasers, and his coordination with Kyle... Oh my goodness, am I really seeing this? It¡¯s a dual attack! Ravenclaw¡¯s Keeper misjudged the block, and Kyle has the Quaffle... Goal! Hufflepuff scores! Less than ten seconds into the game... they¡¯ve set a new record for fastest goal!"


    The stands erupted with cheers as fans leaped to their feet, hands in the air.


    ¡°Well done!¡±


    On the pitch, Harris flew over and gave Kyle a light slap on the back.


    ¡°Perfect teamwork,¡± exclaimed Lee Jordan. ¡°Ravenclaw is in trouble.¡±


    As if to prove his point, the rest of the game was soon dominated entirely by Kyle and Harris. Like two unstoppable scoring machines, they sent the Quaffle through the goalposts time and again.


    Ravenclaw¡¯s Beaters did their best to stop them, but Hufflepuff had anticipated every move, and the Bludgers never even came close to Kyle or Harris.


    After just half an hour, the score had reached a ludicrous height.


    Hufflepuff: 170. Ravenclaw: 0.


    Even Lee Jordan began to feel a little dazed, and as he commented on Ravenclaw¡¯s performance, a note of sympathy crept into his voice.


    ¡°Poor Wiesner... he¡¯s as clueless as the Keeper for the Chudley Cannons. Let¡¯s hope he can hang on.¡±


    It was at that moment that Kyle and Harris realized they might have taken things a bit too far. Harris gave the dazed Ravenclaw Keeper a slightly apologetic look and offered a silent wink.


    Kyle nodded, understanding. They planned to ease up a bit and let Ravenclaw score a few points.


    But just then¡­


    ¡°Wait a minute, is that the Golden Snitch?¡±


    A glint of gold flashed near the bottom of the pitch. Cedric and Cho both sped downward in unison, racing toward the ground at a breathtaking pace.


    But Cedric¡¯s broom was just a bit faster than Cho¡¯s, and he reached the bottom first.


    ¡°I¡¯ve caught the Snitch!¡± He raised his arm high, a golden object glinting between his fingers.


    The game was over...

 Chapter 182: I Shouldn’t Have Told You This

    Nothing at Hogwarts was easy¡ªexcept for the Quidditch match, where Hufflepuff had swept Ravenclaw effortlessly.


    The moment Cedric captured the Golden Snitch, the Ravenclaw students in the stands were left utterly stunned. They sat there in silence, lost in their thoughts, unable to say a word. Professor Flitwick had made an appearance during the game but had only stayed a few minutes before leaving with his arms crossed tightly over his chest.


    Less than half an hour later, the scoreboard read 320 to 0. Although Ravenclaw was used to finishing at the bottom in Quidditch year after year, such a drastic score was still hard for them to accept. That glaring "0" on the board stung¡ªjust one goal would have made a difference.


    "Why were you in such a rush, Cedric?" Kyle whispered after they returned to the ground. "We were going to win anyway, so there was no need to catch the Golden Snitch."


    "I¡¯m a Seeker, Kyle," Cedric replied, shooting him a disgruntled look. "My job is to keep an eye out for the Golden Snitch constantly. How could I focus on the score at the same time? And have you ever seen a game where the Seeker just the Snitch go? Giving up on it means giving up on honor¡ªno Seeker would ever do that!"


    "But you guys..." Cedric¡¯s voice lowered as he grit his teeth. "I took my eyes off the field for just a moment, and by then it was already 17¨C0! This score is absurd. Couldn¡¯t you have let up a little... What, are you guys not planning to go the Charm Class anymore?"


    "I didn¡¯t mean to either," Kyle said with a wry smile. "It was just too easy, and before I knew it, the game was over."


    They exchanged a look and sighed in unison.


    In the days that followed, Ravenclaw¡¯s morale was at an all-time low. The friendly relationship they once shared with Hufflepuff had shifted dramatically. Although there were no outright conflicts, tension hung heavily between the two Houses. Even when a Hufflepuff student occasionally tried to greet them, the Ravenclaws would turn away as if they hadn¡¯t heard.


    In this atmosphere, Kyle and Cedric found themselves actively avoiding Cho, too embarrassed to speak to her. But Cho herself didn¡¯t seem too bothered, and as the days went on, any hard feelings she might have had gradually faded. In her view, Hufflepuff had won fairly, and Ravenclaw¡¯s loss simply reflected their own lack of skill.


    After a Transfiguration class, Cho spotted Kyle, who was just about to dash out of the room. She rolled her eyes with a sigh and called out, ¡°Hey, Kyle!¡±


    "Uh..." Kyle froze mid-step, turning stiffly as though he had only just noticed her. ¡°Oh, Cho¡­ Ahem, I didn¡¯t realize you were here.¡±


    Cho laughed at his awkward excuse, shook her head, and took a deep breath. ¡°I missed some notes in class¡ªcould I copy yours?¡±


    ¡°Sure, of course!¡± Kyle quickly pulled a black notebook from his bag and handed it to her. ¡°Take as long as you need...or you know, you could just keep it if you want.¡±


    ¡°Thanks,¡± Cho replied, taking the notebook.


    ¡°No problem,¡± Kyle said, smiling sheepishly before hurrying off.


    After he left, Cho slipped the notebook behind her textbook. As a Ravenclaw, she hadn¡¯t really forgotten to take notes; she¡¯d just made up an excuse to spare Kyle and Cedric from feeling awkward around her.


    Watching Kyle¡¯s obvious relief as he left, Cho rolled her eyes with a sigh. ¡°Honestly¡­ silly boys.¡±


    Kanna, who sat beside her, nodded in agreement.


    ...


    Across the Great Hall at lunchtime, Kyle recounted his encounter with Cho to Cedric. Once they finished eating, he left the castle and made his way toward the Forbidden Forest.


    Yesterday, Dumbledore had successfully healed Fluffy, the Three-Headed Dog, and Kyle had visited the restricted area to check on him.


    The moment he entered, Fluffy bounded over, all three heads eagerly nuzzling into his arms, showing no signs of his recent ordeal with dark magic. The dog was carefree, as if nothing had happened¡ªa likely benefit of not being particularly bright. Sear?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Today, Kyle wanted to see how Hagrid was doing. While Fluffy was under treatment, Hagrid had faithfully guarded the entrance to the restricted area, barely eating and keeping everyone away. Each day, Kyle had brought him food, but it was always left untouched. Kyle figured that if Dumbledore had delayed much longer, Hagrid might have starved himself.


    When Kyle reached the hut, he saw Hagrid cooking something over the fire. Though he looked thinner, he seemed well.


    ¡°Kyle, you¡¯re here!¡± Hagrid greeted him warmly.


    ¡°I just finished class and thought I¡¯d stop by to check on you.¡± Kyle smiled, then glanced toward the fire. ¡°Are you making lunch?¡±


    He leaned over to peek inside the pot but instantly regretted it. Inside was a thick, strange-looking soup¡ªa murky brown with hints of red and purple. Bubbles surfaced occasionally, and as he got closer, a strong, fishy odor wafted up.


    ¡°Hagrid, are you¡­making potion?¡± Kyle asked hesitantly. He had only ever seen liquids of this color and texture in Potions class, or more specifically, in Mikel¡¯s cauldron during his failed attempts.


    ¡°Potion? Not a chance,¡± Hagrid replied, shaking his head. ¡°This here¡¯s for Fluffy! Got dragon¡¯s blood and dragon liver in it¡­all his favorites. Poor little thing must be shaken after all he''s been through, so he needs some proper nourishment.¡±


    Realizing it was for Fluffy, Kyle said nothing more. Judging by the tastes of the massive, three-headed creature, this failed potion¡ªor rather, soup¡ªwas probably quite the feast.


    Hagrid gave the pot a few vigorous stirs, then brought out some rock cakes and tea, placing them in front of Kyle.


    ¡°Fluffy¡¯s all right now. Livelier than ever. I couldn''t be more grateful,¡± Hagrid said, wiping away a tear. ¡°That poor little fella! If I ever find out who used dark magic on him, they¡¯ll regret it!¡±


    As he spoke, Hagrid¡¯s grip on a rock cake tightened, crushing it in his hand. The larger crumbs fell into the pot, clinking against the side.


    Kyle laughed awkwardly. Only Hagrid would call a terrifying, ten-foot-tall, three-headed dog a ¡°little fella¡±¡­


    Ignoring Hagrid¡¯s affectionate wording, Kyle asked, ¡°So, has Professor Dumbledore found out who¡¯s responsible?¡±


    ¡°No,¡± Hagrid replied with a sigh, ¡°but he will. There¡¯s nothing that happens at Hogwarts that Dumbledore doesn¡¯t find out about. Otherwise, he wouldn¡¯t have put the Philosopher¡¯s Stone in¡ªoh, I shouldn¡¯t have said that.¡±

 Chapter 183: The Unique Abilities of Unicorns

    "Philosopher''s Stone?" Kyle raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. "The one made by Mr. Nicolas Flamel¡­ Hogwarts is hiding something like that here?"


    "Don¡¯t ask, Kyle. I¡¯m not saying anything more." Hagrid¡¯s face turned serious. "This is top secret, not something for young wizards like you to worry about."


    "Top secret, huh?" Kyle shrugged nonchalantly. "In that case, I won''t ask."


    Hagrid froze, taken aback by Kyle¡¯s easy compliance. He¡¯d expected a round of relentless questioning¡ªHarry had certainly pestered him long enough on the topic.


    They continued chatting for a while, and true to his word, Kyle didn¡¯t bring up the Philosopher''s Stone again. This seemed to relax Hagrid, who let out a sigh and, almost without thinking, said, "To be honest, I wish Harry could be a bit more like you."


    "Potter? What about him?"


    "Nothing, nothing..." Hagrid quickly shook his head. "I just mean, he was here earlier."


    "Well, that¡¯s a good thing, Hagrid," Kyle said with a grin. "It means he cares about you too."


    "Yeah..." Hagrid nodded thoughtfully. It was nice to feel cared for, though he couldn¡¯t help but wish Harry¡¯s curiosity was a bit less intense, so that every visit didn¡¯t involve questions about Fluffy or the Philosopher''s Stone.


    "By the way, when did Potter come by?" Kyle asked.


    "About an hour ago," Hagrid replied after thinking for a moment. "They only had one class this morning, so they came a bit early."


    "They?"


    "Yeah, Harry, Hermione, and Ron," Hagrid said. "The three of them have been spending a lot of time together lately."


    As he spoke, Hagrid stood up and stirred the pot with his spoon, then ladled up a bit to taste. Kyle felt his stomach churn at the thought, but he kept his discomfort in check.


    "By the way, Hagrid, has anything strange been happening in the Forbidden Forest recently?" Kyle asked.


    "The Forbidden Forest?" Hagrid looked thoughtful, spoon in hand. "I don¡¯t know, honestly. I haven¡¯t been inside the forest for days, what with Fluffy needing my attention. Why do you ask?"


    "Oh, it just occurred to me," Kyle said casually. "The person who used dark magic on Fluffy must¡¯ve had a reason. But now that Professor Dumbledore¡¯s on alert, he probably won¡¯t try anything with Fluffy again. I was just wondering if he might shift his focus to the Forbidden Forest instead."


    "You think he¡¯d target the Magical Creatures in the forest?" Hagrid¡¯s eyes widened, and he dropped the spoon with a loud "clang."


    "It¡¯s only a guess," Kyle replied, keeping his tone calm. "But there are plenty of dangerous creatures in the Forbidden Forest¡ªWerewolves, Acromantulas, Unicorns¡­ If someone provoked them, they could cause serious trouble if they ventured out of the forest and got too close to Hogwarts."


    Hagrid picked up the fallen spoon and paced back and forth, clearly concerned. Finally, he nodded with a determined look. "You¡¯re right. I¡¯d better go have a look in the Forbidden Forest soon."


    "Be careful," Kyle warned. "Whoever used dark magic on Fluffy must be powerful¡ªpossibly as strong as a professor. So just¡­ make sure you¡¯re cautious in there."


    "Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ll be careful," Hagrid said, unconsciously patting his pink umbrella before walking over to the rack by the door. He took down a crossbow hanging there and gave it a couple of twirls. S§×ar?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "In the Forbidden Forest, this thing¡¯s often more useful than magic."


    "But you''re wrong about one thing, Kyle," Hagrid said with a smile as he returned the crossbow to the shelf. "Unicorns aren¡¯t dangerous. They¡¯re pure, gentle Magical Creatures, and their attacks are simple. Even if they somehow went berserk, they couldn¡¯t do much harm. You¡¯d just have to be careful to avoid the horn."


    "That¡¯s not entirely true," Kyle countered. "Don¡¯t forget Professor Kettleburn¡ªhe was only sent to St. Mungo¡¯s last summer after a Unicorn horn pierced his stomach."


    Hagrid hesitated. He wanted to argue that Professor Kettleburn was a special case¡ªafter all, any reasonable person wouldn¡¯t try to hug an angry Unicorn¡¯s head. According to Kettleburn, he¡¯d only been attempting to calm the creature down. Hagrid never quite understood that logic. He wasn¡¯t sure if the Unicorn was calmed, but Kettleburn was calm enough during treatment¡ªhe¡¯d even fainted.


    "And remember, a Unicorn¡¯s threat isn¡¯t just from its horn," Kyle continued. "Its blood is also deadly. If it somehow ended up in a crowded place and, say, exploded, it could splatter blood on people¡¯s faces. They wouldn¡¯t even need to drink it¡ªjust a touch to their lips would be enough. That curse is near impossible to break."


    Hagrid was left speechless once again. Unicorns ? It seemed even more unlikely than Kettleburn''s unfortunate encounter.


    "Think of Fluffy, Hagrid," Kyle added, his tone serious. "Whoever hurt him was willing to harm a gentle creature like that¡ªimagine what they¡¯d do to a Unicorn."


    "Ah¡­ yes, you¡¯re right." Hagrid¡¯s expression turned solemn, and he nodded thoughtfully. "I¡¯ll keep a close eye on the Unicorns. I know the spots where they like to gather."


    Kyle stayed a while longer, chatting with Hagrid, but soon he said his goodbyes and headed back to the castle. The strange smell from Hagrid''s pot was getting stronger, and Kyle feared that if he stayed any longer, he¡¯d lose the lunch he¡¯d just eaten.


    The afternoon brought Defense Against the Dark Arts. As Professor Quirrell entered the classroom, everyone noticed a bandage on his arm.


    "Professor, are you hurt?" one student asked.


    "A¡­ a little injury," Quirrell stammered. "At the Quidditch match¡­ s-someone accidentally pushed me off the bleachers, and I broke my arm¡­"


    "But Professor, that was days ago," someone else pointed out. "When I broke my arm during flying lessons, Madam Pomfrey healed it instantly."


    "It¡¯s¡­ d-different," Quirrell replied, blushing. "I was cursed¡­ by a Vampire. Very hard to heal¡­"


    "But Professor, last time you said the Vampire¡¯s Curse just made you afraid of drafts," another student interjected.


    "Ah¡­ perhaps¡­ I forgot to mention¡­ additional symptoms," Quirrell mumbled, clearly uncomfortable, and quickly redirected the class to avoid further questioning.


    Today''s lesson was on how to identify and deal with Red Caps¡ªvicious creatures that look like goblins and lurk where blood has been shed. They haunt places like castle dungeons and battlefield trenches, lying in wait to ambush lost travelers.


    Lacking a Red Cap for demonstration, Professor Quirrell had substituted it for a large lizard. The lizard was somewhat of a veteran in Defense Against the Dark Arts classes; it had previously served as a Hinkypunk and now seemed almost like an assistant professor.


    "Imagine¡­ imagine this is a Red Cap¡­" Quirrell said, settling the lizard on his shoulder as he began to stammer through the reading.

 Chapter 184: The Odd Trio

    Professor Quirrell''s Defense Against the Dark Arts class was as dreadful as always, and with his injured arm, the job of handling the "teaching assistant" fell to the students. A Gryffindor boy at the front of the class had the dubious honor of holding the large lizard, though he looked more like he was clutching a venomous snake. His face went pale as he stood there rigidly, as if he were cradling Professor Snape¡¯s Animagus form rather than a harmless reptile.


    ¡°I¡¯ve had it with this¡­¡± Kyle overheard him muttering to a friend as they left the classroom. "That lizard reeks like Professor Quirrell! It must eat garlic daily¡­ and now I smell like it, too! Ugh¡­ I hope a cleaning spell works; otherwise, I¡¯ll need a new uniform."


    Kyle instinctively sniffed his own robes, picking up a faint trace of garlic, though it was far less potent than Quirrell¡¯s. Having just left the Defense Against the Dark Arts room, he figured no one else would likely notice. Still, it was enough of a smell to make anyone consider fresh clothes.


    As they made their way down the corridor, Kyle suddenly stopped on the second floor and turned to his friends. "I¡¯m heading to the library. Anyone want to come along?"


    "Nope, not me," Mikel and Ryan both shook their heads quickly.


    Kyle had expected as much¡ªthey only ever ventured into the library for last-minute homework. Otherwise, they steered clear.


    "I¡¯ll pass too," Kanna said after a moment. "I''ve been reviewing the notes Professor Snape gave me, and I need to go over them by Christmas. No extra reading for me."


    "Snape¡¯s notes?" Kyle¡¯s eyes lit up. "Can I borrow them? Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ll just make a copy so it won¡¯t take up your time."


    Last year, he had received Professor Flitwick¡¯s Charms notes, which contained unique insights and practical tips not found in any textbook. That knowledge had proven invaluable, the kind of treasure money couldn¡¯t buy.


    "Of course, you can," Kanna replied without hesitation. "Head to the library first, and I¡¯ll go back and make a copy for you. But¡­ be careful with them. Professor Snape made me promise not to share them."


    As she spoke, Kanna¡¯s expression turned a bit awkward. When Snape had given her the notes, he had specifically mentioned someone¡¯s name¡ªthough she hadn¡¯t had the nerve to bring it up with the person in question.


    "Don¡¯t worry," Kyle assured her, giving his chest a confident pat. "I¡¯m Hogwarts¡¯ best-kept secret."


    "And¡­" Kanna continued, "my Doubling Charm isn¡¯t as good as yours. It¡¯ll only last a week, so you¡¯d better read them quickly."


    Kyle waved off the concern. With his Self-Writing Quill, he could copy the notes in half a day; a week was more than enough time. Sear?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    After finalizing their plans, Kanna, Mikel, and Ryan returned to the common room, while Kyle took a detour to the library.


    The library was bustling, packed with students despite class having just ended. Kyle quickly spotted the Gryffindor trio sitting at a table near the entrance, with a stack of books towering beside them. He took a quick, curious glance their way.


    It was no surprise to see Hermione, who practically lived in the library. But Harry and Ron were a different story¡ªthey were more like his roommates, the type who rarely set foot here. And oddly, they had no parchment or quills, suggesting they weren¡¯t there to do schoolwork.


    Kyle didn¡¯t linger on it. He simply gave them a quick nod of greeting before heading off to find Madam Pince.


    "Harry¡­" Ron whispered, watching Kyle¡¯s retreating figure. "What if we just ask Kyle? If anyone knows who Nicolas Flamel is, it¡¯s probably him."


    "No way!" Hermione interjected before Harry could even respond. "It¡¯s too dangerous. Don¡¯t forget, Snape already tried to kill Harry. We can¡¯t involve Kyle."


    "Yeah¡­ Hermione¡¯s right," Harry agreed after a moment¡¯s hesitation. He, too, felt it was best to keep this secret to themselves for now; after all, Ron¡¯s suggestion was only a hunch. Just because Kyle was clever didn¡¯t mean he¡¯d know about Nicolas Flamel. Hermione¡¯s extensive research hadn¡¯t turned up anything, after all.


    "Fine, it was just an idea," Ron muttered, shrugging. "If you two don¡¯t think it¡¯s a good one, that¡¯s that."


    While the trio whispered together, Kyle had already borrowed the book he wanted and was about to leave. As he passed them, he noticed all three looking at him with odd expressions¡ªoverly bright smiles and a hint of awkwardness.


    Kyle thought, raising an eyebrow. He quickly left the library, deciding it was better to steer clear of them. He had no idea what was going on, but it seemed wise to keep his distance. Hermione, especially, had become a little strange since spending more time with Harry and Ron. It was almost¡­ unnerving.


    Back in the common room, Kyle found Kanna, who handed him Snape¡¯s notes. The notebook wasn¡¯t very thick, about the same size as Professor Flitwick¡¯s Charms notes, and didn¡¯t look like it covered everything Snape knew.


    "Just remember," Kanna warned, "don¡¯t let Professor Snape find out you¡¯re reading this, or I¡¯ll be in serious trouble."


    "No worries," Kyle replied as he took the notebook, then found a quiet spot to settle in.


    But instead of opening Snape¡¯s notes first, he took out the book he had borrowed from the library, Opening it, he skimmed past the early entries: the Self-Stirring Cauldron, a device that had been briefly mentioned in last year. Its invention had dramatically improved potion-making by reducing accidents and increasing success rates.


    After the Self-Stirring Cauldron, there were entries on the Broomstick, Sneakoscope, the Time-Turner¡­


    Kyle wasn¡¯t interested in these, however. Flipping through the pages quickly, he soon reached what he was looking for.


    The Philosopher¡¯s Stone!

 Chapter 185: The Senior’s Old Textbook

    After finding the page on the Philosopher''s Stone, Kyle carefully placed the book on the table and read through it thoroughly:


    Below the text was an illustration of the Philosopher¡¯s Stone: a brilliant red, irregularly shaped stone, resembling an uncut ruby. S~ea??h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Kyle stared at the image for a while, examining its details closely. He was still deep in thought when Cedric came to remind him it was time to eat. On the way to the Great Hall, Kyle managed to return the book just before the library closed. Madam Pince raised an eyebrow but didn¡¯t comment, assuming Kyle had been doing research for an assignment.


    For the next few days, Kyle didn¡¯t think much about the Philosopher¡¯s Stone, instead directing all his attention to Snape¡¯s notes. Despite Snape¡¯s disheveled appearance, his notes were meticulously organized. They contained detailed annotations and explanations, making even the most complex ideas easy to follow.


    Inspired by these notes, Kyle remembered something else he had stumbled upon during one of his nighttime excursions. He had discovered an old copy of in a forgotten closet of the underground classroom. It was tattered, but on the inside cover, there was a small handwritten note:


    Kyle thought with amusement as he tucked the book under his arm. He decided he¡¯d buy a new copy soon to replace it.


    Time passed quickly, and soon it was December. Hogwarts was blanketed in a thick layer of snow, and the lake had frozen over. With Christmas just around the corner, the students were more excited than usual, and it took every professor ten points or more per class just to keep their attention.


    Of course, a few professors were exceptions to this rule. Professor Binns never docked points for inattentiveness, and in Potions, no one dared daydream with Professor Snape at the helm¡ªeven if Christmas were the very next day.


    Today was no different. In the dimly lit underground classroom, everyone was focused on the careful steps required to brew their latest potion, and even the whispered exchanges were kept barely audible.


    At the moment, Snape stood behind Kyle, observing him with a curious expression as Kyle used the flat of his knife to crush Sopophorous beans, expertly extracting their juice.


    ¡°What on earth is going on? I really don¡¯t know what to think¡­¡± Snape muttered under his breath.


    He¡¯d noticed Kyle¡¯s rapid progress in Potions over the past few days. The improvement was far too substantial to have happened naturally, especially since Kyle was already one of the most proficient students in class. Snape suspected that Kyle had somehow peeked at the notes he¡¯d given to Kanna, which only covered content up to fifth year.


    To test his theory, Snape had abandoned the planned lesson on the Hair-Raising Potion and opted for the more challenging Draught of Living Death, a potion not typically taught until sixth year.


    His plan was simple: if Kyle attempted to make this advanced potion, his unfamiliarity with sixth-year techniques would expose him.


    Snape had already decided to deduct fifty points, whether Kyle¡¯s attempt was successful or not. After all, the Draught of Living Death was notoriously difficult, requiring painstaking precision and a high level of skill. Snape was certain that Kyle¡¯s attempt would reveal evidence of unauthorized access to his notes.


    But now¡­ Snape found himself uncharacteristically stumped. Kyle¡¯s method of extracting the juice from the Sopophorous beans was flawless¡ªeven Snape himself couldn¡¯t have done it more efficiently. And this technique wasn¡¯t in the notes; it was clearly something Kyle had learned independently. Next to him, Kanna struggled to slice the slippery beans, barely managing.


    Snape thought, frowning.


    He decided to keep a close watch, positioning himself right behind Kyle for the entire lesson. When a cauldron exploded across the room, Snape didn¡¯t even move¡ªhe simply flicked his wand to clear the mess and ejected the unfortunate student from the classroom, all while keeping his gaze fixed on Kyle¡¯s work.


    By the end of class, Snape stared at the cauldron containing Kyle¡¯s perfectly brewed Draught of Living Death. For a moment, he opened his mouth, as if about to deliver a scathing critique, but the words failed him. Instead, he let out a sharp, annoyed huff.


    ¡°How did you do that?¡± he demanded, voice tense.


    ¡°Pardon?¡± Kyle looked up, clearly confused.


    ¡°I mean,¡± Snape continued, his face hardening, ¡°why has your potion-making improved so drastically?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not sure, sir,¡± Kyle replied with a friendly smile. ¡°It might be due to my time with Director Sykes at St. Mungo¡¯s. She taught me a lot over the summer and let me study many of her potions.¡±


    ¡°Pegasia Sykes?¡± Snape¡¯s eyes narrowed. He knew of Sykes, one of the most accomplished Potioneers of the generation, though he doubted that this fully accounted for Kyle¡¯s recent skills. If Sykes¡¯s influence were the reason, Kyle¡¯s improvement would have been evident at the start of the school year, not months in.


    ¡°Tell the truth!¡± Snape demanded, staring intensely into Kyle¡¯s eyes.


    ¡°I am, Professor,¡± Kyle replied, his face a picture of sincerity. ¡°If you don¡¯t believe me, you could write to Director Sykes yourself¡ªshe¡¯d confirm it. Oh, and I recently ran into an older student who lent me some of their old textbooks. They¡¯ve been really helpful.¡±


    Snape¡¯s expression darkened further. He cast Kyle one last, piercing look before turning and leaving the Potions classroom without a word.

 Chapter 186: Holiday Catch-Up Lessons

    "This is unbelievable."


    While eating in the Great Hall, Cedric had already heard from Kanna about the events that unfolded in Potions class.


    He smacked his lips, then asked with a curious gleam in his eye, "I thought the Draught of Living Death was only taught in sixth year. How did you manage to... Wait, don''t tell me you''ve already finished all the Potions textbooks!"


    Kyle, who was slicing a sausage, looked up and chuckled. "What if I did?"


    Cedric froze for a moment, then half-joked, "Then I''d have to quit Quidditch and spend more time studying... Being friends with a future Potions Master is a lot of pressure."


    "Seems like I just saved my life from Harris," Kyle patted his chest dramatically. "If you quit the team because of me, he¡¯d definitely come after me!"


    "Alright, alright, I was only joking."


    Under the curious stares of others nearby, Kyle continued, "Let''s just call it luck. The other day, I picked up to pass the time and happened to see the process for brewing the Draught of Living Death."


    It really was luck. If he hadn¡¯t learned Occlumency over the summer, he wouldn¡¯t have dared to pull a stunt like that in front of Snape. Though that kind of behavior was a bit reckless, it was definitely thrilling.


    Especially when he saw Snape¡¯s expression¡ªclearly itching to deduct points, his face contorted in disbelief. Kyle had nearly burst out laughing right then.


    If only he¡¯d managed to snap a picture of Snape¡¯s face at that moment. Kyle would have used the finest Developing Solution to turn it into a ghastly moving portrait and plaster it in every corner of Hogwarts.


    If he ever got the chance to capture such a moment again, maybe he could enlist Peeves to help...


    "Still, that was pretty incredible."


    Mikel, who was seated on the other side of Kyle, sighed, "Professor Snape clearly wrote down the process, but I just couldn¡¯t get it."


    Mikel had been the unfortunate soul who''d blown up his cauldron. After stirring, the potion had started evaporating rapidly, and in the end, the cauldron exploded, sending out a pool of black, gelatinous substance.


    In a way, it might have had an even better sleep-inducing effect than the actual Draught of Living Death¡ªexcept no one would ever dare test it.


    After dinner, the group returned to the common room and found seats near the fireplace. The blazing fire quickly chased away the chill from outside, and they all leaned back on the sofas, closing their eyes with contentment.


    With Christmas vacation around the corner, the young wizards in the common room were buzzing with excitement, and almost everyone was chatting about their holiday plans.


    Cedric, listening to their conversation, turned his head and asked, "By the way, Kyle, are you really not going home for Christmas this year?"


    "Mm," Kyle nodded. Diana hadn¡¯t been home recently, and Chris had gone to Albania with Newt, so he''d be home alone for Christmas.


    The previous week, Professor Sprout had come by to register students staying over the holidays, and Kyle had immediately signed up, as had Kanna.


    According to Kanna, Snape seemed interested in giving her extra lessons over the Christmas holidays, so she¡¯d have to stay at school.


    This made Kyle a bit envious; he¡¯d have liked to sit in on those lessons himself. But he knew all too well that Snape would never allow it.


    Fred and George were also staying at Hogwarts this year since the Weasleys were off to Romania to visit Charlie and hadn¡¯t planned to take them along.


    "Why is everyone staying at school this Christmas..." Cedric said helplessly, scratching his head. "It¡¯s no fun being the only one going home."


    In fact, he¡¯d wanted to stay at school too and had written to his family about it, but Mr. Diggory had firmly refused. Cedric didn¡¯t want to defy him, so he gave up on the idea.


    At least Cho was also going home, so he wouldn''t be the only one leaving.


    The group lingered in front of the fireplace until late in the afternoon, before finally getting up to leave the common room.


    Cedric had to head to his last Charms lesson before the holidays, while Kyle and Kanna were off to Herbology.


    After the Fortified Pumpkin from Halloween, Professor Sprout had prepared another festive magical plant for their final lesson before the Christmas break: Snow-Capped Toadstools. Sear?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    It was a fungus over half a meter tall, with a ring of white streaks on the cap, looking just like a snow-dusted Christmas tree.


    Unsurprisingly, Kyle earned Hufflepuff another 20 points. Whether to spare others¡¯ feelings or in the spirit of Christmas, Professor Sprout ended the class by giving each student a pot of Snow-Capped Toadstools as a gift.


    However, Kyle wasn¡¯t too enthusiastic. Snow-Capped Toadstools were a type of non-toxic ornamental plant that only grew on snow-covered mountaintops, and most young wizards had never seen one.


    In fact, you could buy a pot of Snow-Capped Toadstools in Diagon Alley for three Sickles, or even cheaper if you bought the seeds¡ªa small spoonful cost twenty Knuts.


    Planting it in a garden would only make for a more exciting meal for the Mooncalves.


    ...


    As Kyle, Kanna, and the others emerged from the greenhouse after their last Herbology class, excitement rippled through the crowd. Tomorrow marked the start of the long-awaited holiday, and if not for the evening banquet tonight, many of them would have boarded the train home without hesitation.


    At the back of the group, Kanna leaned in and whispered, ¡°Kyle, what are you planning to do over the holiday?¡±


    Kyle thought for a moment before replying, ¡°Probably just nothing much.¡± He grinned. ¡°I¡¯ve been so busy lately, so I¡¯m going to take advantage of the vacation to relax. I¡¯ll explore Hogwarts a bit, maybe even try out that secret passage the Weasley twins recommended.¡±


    Hearing this, Kanna couldn¡¯t help but look a little envious. For her, this holiday would look quite different.


    She had only three days to get through all her homework for each of her subjects; the rest of her time would be dedicated to intense studying. According to Professor Snape, ¡°Your foundation is so poor, you¡¯re wasting a perfectly good talent. Tutoring, you must be tutored!¡±


    Initially, she¡¯d had a week set aside to finish her homework, and if she worked efficiently, she might have been able to spare a few days for herself. But for some reason, just this morning on the way to class, she had received an unexpected note from Professor Snape. It announced that her extra lessons had been moved up by four days, and she was instructed to complete her homework as soon as possible.


    Now, she had no choice. With only three days left, she could barely manage to finish her assignments, let alone carve out any time for herself.

 Chapter 187: After All, He Is a Slytherin

    Kyle and Kanna were making their way toward the castle when they spotted Hagrid carrying a fir tree through the grounds.


    ¡°Finished with class?¡± Hagrid called out with a smile, poking his head out from between the branches. ¡°Go on, have a look in the Great Hall¡ªit''s a real treat this year.¡±


    ¡°No rush,¡± Kyle replied, walking up to examine the tree. ¡°Are there more? We can help carry some in if you¡¯d like.¡±


    ¡°Thanks, but this one¡¯s the last,¡± Hagrid winked at Kyle. ¡°And I didn¡¯t forget Christmas this year.¡±


    ¡°Forget Christmas?¡± Kanna asked, confused. ¡°How could you forget Christmas? Last year, the hall looked amazing¡ªI saw twelve Christmas trees, just like the one you¡¯re holding.¡±


    ¡°Well, yes¡­ for some reason¡­ that was, uh, a bit of a blunder on my part,¡± Hagrid stammered. ¡°But, thanks to Kyle here, we got it all sorted in the end.¡±


    Losing his memory was an embarrassing story that Hagrid preferred to keep under wraps, so he mumbled an excuse and quickly changed the subject. Fortunately, Kanna didn¡¯t press him for details.


    As the three of them continued toward the castle, they suddenly stopped when voices called out ahead. It was Harry and Ron.


    ¡°Hey, Hagrid! Need any help?¡± Ron asked.


    ¡°Where¡¯re you taking that massive tree?¡± Harry added.


    ¡°No, no, I¡¯ve got it, thanks,¡± Hagrid answered, poking his head out between the branches. But just then, a slow, sneering voice sounded from behind them.


    ¡°Would you get out of the way, please?¡± drawled Malfoy. ¡°Earning some pocket money, Weasley? Maybe you fancy yourself as a future Gamekeeper at Hogwarts?¡±


    Ron''s face went red, and he balled his fists, turning toward Malfoy with a look that suggested he was ready to throw a punch.


    Crabbe and Goyle took a few menacing steps forward, emboldening Malfoy, who seemed to revel in Ron¡¯s anger. Just as Malfoy opened his mouth to add more insults...


    ¡°I think you owe Ron an apology, Draco,¡± said Kyle calmly. ¡°And, by the way, you don¡¯t need to drawl out your words like that¡ªit just makes you sound nasty.¡±


    ¡°Who... dares to tell me what to do!¡± Malfoy snapped, frowning as he looked behind Hagrid in annoyance.


    He wanted to see who had dared to tell him to apologize to Weasley¡ªand to call him right in front of Harry Potter, no less! Malfoy had actually picked up that particular drawl from Professor Snape himself, so calling him nasty was practically an insult to Snape, too. How dare they!


    ¡°Crabbe, Goyle, give me¡­¡±


    But as Malfoy looked at the speaker, his words trailed off, and his tone softened. ¡°...give our friend Kyle here¡­ some snacks.¡±


    Malfoy¡¯s bravado faded instantly; he hadn¡¯t expected Kyle to be there, nor Kanna Prince, standing just beside him.


    He vividly recalled how, only a week earlier, Marcus from the Slytherin Quidditch team had been whisked away by Professor Snape and given detention on the spot simply for calling Kanna ¡°Kyle¡¯s little follower¡± during dinner. The poor boy had spent three days scrubbing Flobberworm cages in the dungeons.


    Not wanting to meet a similar fate, Malfoy had discreetly asked around and discovered that Snape had been awarding this Hufflepuff girl extra credit in every Potions class. Just for that reason alone, it was worth showing a bit of caution.


    Next to Malfoy, Crabbe and Goyle, who had rolled up their sleeves at the start of the confrontation, quickly froze at Malfoy¡¯s sudden shift. Realizing they wouldn¡¯t need to throw any punches, they quickly moved their hands to cover their pockets, as if keeping the ¡°snacks¡± safe from Kyle. S§×arch* The n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "No more snacks, Draco," Crabbe muttered, looking uncomfortable.


    "Yeah, yeah, we''re all out," Goyle added, clutching his pockets defensively.


    "You¡¯re..." Malfoy¡¯s expression twisted in anger. He knew that most of the fancy sweets his father sent had already disappeared into Crabbe and Goyle¡¯s pockets, and now they dared to claim they were out? And the way they were covering their pockets¡ªdid they think he was completely blind?


    "Just hand them over," he said in irritation, "or you won¡¯t be getting any more next time."


    With grimaces, Crabbe and Goyle reluctantly pulled out a single candy each, offering them to him with trembling hands.


    "You..." Malfoy¡¯s face grew even sourer at their stinginess. Stepping up to them, he dug his hands into their pockets and grabbed as many sweets as he could carry, then turned around and dumped them all into Kyle¡¯s hands.


    Crabbe and Goyle stood frozen, as if petrified. Their mouths hung open, and their eyes looked dull and empty. For them, the world had just collapsed the moment Malfoy seized the sweets.


    "Thanks, Draco..." Kyle said with a smile, taking the sweets from Crabbe and Goyle as well. "And thank you, too, Crabbe, Goyle... Oh, Pepper Imps! I''ve been wanting to try one of those."


    ¡°Ooh!¡± Crabbe squeaked, nearly fainting on the spot.


    As for Goyle... he had already passed out by the time Kyle took his last candy.


    Malfoy ignored his two disheartened cronies, straightening his robes and striding up to Kyle with a polite smile. "It¡¯s nice to see you here, Kyle. Oh, and Miss Prince, a pleasure to meet you. I¡¯m Draco Malfoy, Slytherin."


    "Hello," Kanna said politely, then fell quiet, as she often did with strangers.


    "Actually, Draco, I was just coming to find you," Kyle said, stepping forward and producing a stunning, crystal-clear snake-shaped bracelet that glowed a brilliant green. "Here¡¯s the item you requested. I went ahead and engraved the Malfoy family crest on it¡ªhope that¡¯s alright? I can change it if you don¡¯t like it."


    "Like it... Of course I like it!" Malfoy¡¯s irritation vanished as he caught sight of the bracelet. He¡¯d only intended to brush Kyle off, but now he forgot about Harry entirely, his attention locked on the beautiful craftsmanship. The bracelet was more magnificent than he¡¯d imagined, with exquisite detailing and the Malfoy family crest skillfully engraved onto the snake.


    "How much extra is it for the crest engraving? I can pay you now."


    "No need, Draco. The 100 Galleons you paid earlier covers it," Kyle said with a grin. "Consider it a bonus for being a repeat customer."


    "Thank you... This is amazing!" Malfoy¡¯s eyes sparkled with admiration.


    "Why don¡¯t you try it out at the pitch?" Kyle suggested with a knowing smile.


    "Ah, yes¡­" Malfoy snapped back to attention, then, without a second thought for Crabbe and Goyle, who were still rooted in place, he dashed off towards the Quidditch pitch, eager to test his new treasure.


    It wasn¡¯t until Malfoy had disappeared from sight that the others seemed to fully register what had just happened.


    "Kyle¡­ you actually get along with Malfoy?" Ron asked in disbelief. "But¡­ he¡¯s a Slytherin."

 Chapter 188: The Exorbitantly Priced Toy

    Ron knew Kyle was popular at school, but he never imagined he¡¯d actually be friends with someone like Malfoy. It was a bit hard to stomach.


    Kyle noticed Ron¡¯s look of bewilderment and knew exactly what he was thinking, but he didn¡¯t care. Malfoy¡¯s feud with Harry and Ron didn¡¯t concern him; he was a Hufflepuff, after all. Besides, his mother Diana had graduated from Slytherin¡ªwhy should he hate the house?


    Kyle glanced at Ron and shrugged. ¡°What¡¯s so strange about it? Salazar Slytherin and Godric Gryffindor were once best friends, just like you and Potter. What¡ªif Potter had been sorted into Slytherin, would you have stopped talking to him?¡±


    ¡°Of course not!¡± Ron said quickly. ¡°But¡­ that¡¯s different¡­¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s just your opinion,¡± Kyle replied, a slight frown crossing his face. ¡°Don¡¯t forget, I¡¯m a Hufflepuff, and we get along with every house. Oh, and another thing¡ªhalf of your new wand was funded by a Slytherin. If that bothers you, I can always write to Mrs. Weasley and ask her to send you Charlie¡¯s old wand instead.¡±


    Ron¡¯s mouth twitched. He felt Kyle was wrong, but he couldn¡¯t find a way to argue back. Hufflepuffs did indeed get along with everyone. Even Ravenclaw, who¡¯d been given zero points in the last competition, only stayed distant for a couple of weeks before they made up.


    And the wand? That was even harder to argue. It was his only new possession this year, and he wasn¡¯t about to give it up.


    Without looking back at Ron, Kyle turned and walked with Kanna toward the Hufflepuff common room, calling to Hagrid as he passed, ¡°Hagrid, we¡¯ll head back. See you later.¡±


    ¡°Go on ahead,¡± Hagrid replied with a grin. ¡°Tonight¡¯s feast won¡¯t disappoint.¡± Then, turning to Harry, he added, ¡°Sorry, but I¡¯ve got to go too¡ªProfessor McGonagall¡¯s waiting for me to help set up the last Christmas tree.¡±


    After Kyle, Kanna, and Hagrid left, Ron let out a long sigh. ¡°Did I¡­ just sound like an idiot?¡±


    Harry and Hermione exchanged glances before both shook their heads.


    Ron¡¯s reaction wasn¡¯t unusual¡ªthey¡¯d been just as surprised when they learned Kyle and Malfoy were on friendly terms. They just hadn¡¯t said anything about it.


    ¡°Kyle actually helped us out back there,¡± Harry said quietly. ¡°I noticed Snape was standing not far behind us the whole time, just waiting for us to clash with Malfoy so he could dock points.¡±


    Ron quickly glanced around, but apart from a few students heading to the Great Hall, there was no sign of Snape.


    ¡°Trust me, he was there,¡± Harry insisted. ¡°He was right behind us, around the corner. Ask Hermione if you don¡¯t believe me!¡±


    ¡°Yes, Harry¡¯s right,¡± Hermione nodded absently. Given that the path from the dungeons led directly to the Great Hall, it wasn¡¯t unusual to see Snape there.


    ¡°Never mind that,¡± Hermione said with a frown. ¡°Aren¡¯t you curious? What was that thing Kyle gave Malfoy that cost a hundred Galleons?¡±


    ¡°Wait, what?¡± Ron¡¯s eyes widened in disbelief. ¡°A hundred Galleons?¡±


    He had been too preoccupied with other thoughts to pay attention earlier.


    ¡°Yes, a hundred Galleons,¡± Harry added, also remembering the detail. ¡°The Malfoys must be rolling in gold.¡±


    Though Harry had inherited a sizable fortune from his family¡¯s vault, he had never spent that much in one go. So far, his biggest expense had been seven Galleons for his wand.


    ¡°Merlin''s beard¡­¡± Ron murmured, suddenly feeling weak in the knees. A hundred Galleons... he¡¯d never even seen what ten Galleons looked like all at once. Maybe he understood Kyle a bit better now.


    Harry glanced at his watch. ¡°There¡¯s still some time before the feast begins, right?¡± S§×ar?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°Thirteen minutes, to be precise,¡± said Hermione, eyeing him skeptically. ¡°You¡¯re not thinking of¡­¡±


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you curious what that thing actually ?¡± Harry whispered. ¡°The Quidditch Pitch isn¡¯t that far away¡ªwe should have time to check it out.¡±


    Without hesitation, Ron was already on his feet. ¡°What are we waiting for¡­?¡± He darted out of the castle doors, racing toward the Quidditch Pitch, with Harry and Hermione close on his heels.


    The three reached the pitch in record time but, not wanting Malfoy to see them, crouched near the entrance to sneak a peek inside. After ten minutes, they hurried back to the castle, just in time for the Christmas feast.


    The Great Hall was splendidly decked out, with wreaths of mistletoe and holly draped along the walls. The twelve Christmas trees sparkled with all kinds of ornaments: shimmering icicles, twinkling snowflakes, candles, golden baubles, and boxes containing tiny enchanted surprises. Oddly enough, one of the trees even had a ghost as a decoration. Familiar ghostly faces floated among the branches, including Nearly Headless Nick and the Fat Friar, who warmly greeted every student passing by.


    Under normal circumstances, Harry would have been enchanted by these unique decorations, but now he barely glanced at them. Hermione and Ron were equally distracted, and the trio hurried to the Gryffindor table.


    The moment they sat down, Harry whispered, ¡°Did you see that snake? It was spitting fireworks and must have been ten feet long¡ªhow does it do that when it¡¯s only the size of a fist?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know, Harry,¡± Ron said, shaking his head. ¡°All I know is that Malfoy actually paid a hundred Galleons for a toy¡­¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve told you a thousand times¡ªit¡¯s not a toy!¡± Hermione snapped, giving Ron a sharp look.


    ¡°It¡¯s a magical object that combines the Engorgement Charm, the Bluebell Flames Charm, and advanced Transfiguration!¡±


    ¡°Okay, fine¡­ a toy,¡± Ron muttered under his breath.


    No matter what Hermione said, it didn¡¯t change the fact that this was nothing more than a showy gadget. A hundred Galleons for a toy¡­ the world had to be mad. Or maybe it was just Malfoy who was mad.


    Hermione heard Ron¡¯s grumbling but chose to ignore him. She fidgeted absently, scratching her head. The entire way back, she¡¯d been wondering how the Bluebell Flames Charm could change color like that. But as far as she knew, it was impossible. She¡¯d never read anything like it in any of her books.

 Chapter 189: Niffler Fishing

    Hermione recalled how, in their very first Charms lesson, someone had asked Professor Flitwick if they could change the color of the Wand-Lighting Charm to make it glow red. Professor Flitwick had replied that it wasn''t possible; altering the color would change the charm¡¯s nature entirely, making it a new spell altogether.


    It seemed impossible that Kyle, just a second-year student, could have created a new charm. Yet here he was, casually doing things even Flitwick had deemed unfeasible. Hermione¡¯s gaze drifted over to the Hufflepuff table, where Kyle was laughing and chatting with his friends.


    she thought, feeling a small pang of discouragement.


    The feast soon began, but Hermione was so absorbed in her thoughts that she hardly noticed what she was eating. At one point, she even came close to putting a candle into her mouth, mistaking it for food¡ªfortunately, Harry noticed in time and nudged her back to reality.


    ...


    After a sumptuous dinner, the next morning arrived, and everyone packed their bags for the train ride back to King''s Cross Station. Mikel and Ryan left as well, making Kyle the only one staying behind in the Hufflepuff dormitory for Christmas.


    The sudden silence after the usual morning bustle felt strange and uncomfortable for him. With the castle so empty, Kyle skipped breakfast in the Great Hall, choosing instead to grab a quick bite in the kitchen and eat in the common room.


    When Kanna entered the common room, she found Kyle intently studying a small stone.


    ¡°What are you up to so early in the morning?¡± she asked, leaning over with curiosity.


    Kyle was waving his wand over a white pebble on the table, and with each motion, tiny pieces chipped off.


    ¡°Are you¡­ carving the stone?¡± Kanna asked, puzzled.


    ¡°Something like that,¡± Kyle replied, his focus fixed on the pebble.


    Kanna watched for a moment but couldn¡¯t discern what he was trying to carve. The pebble looked irregular and rough, like a random pile of chipped rocks.


    she thought with a little satisfaction. She patted his shoulder in a consoling gesture and left the room, trying to stifle her laughter. As much as she wanted to stay and watch him struggle, she had to finish her homework. The workload for second-year students was much heavier than before, and with only three days left, time was running short.


    Meanwhile, Kyle was entirely absorbed in shaping the stone, unaware that Kanna had left. With careful precision, he ground away the last few excess bits, then held it up to inspect it in the sunlight.


    ¡°Perfect, it¡¯s done!¡± he exclaimed, brushing off the stone dust before tapping the pebble with his wand. In an instant, it transformed into a brilliant, translucent red, glittering in the sunlight like a ruby.


    Kyle stood up, flexing his wrists with satisfaction. ¡°What do you think? Isn¡¯t it beautiful¡­?¡± He looked around, only then noticing that Kanna was no longer in the room. ¡°Already gone off to do homework?¡±


    Shrugging, Kyle headed back to his dormitory to grab his suitcase. Since he hadn¡¯t bothered to secure the entrance to the hidden passage inside it the last time he opened it, the moment he cracked the suitcase lid, a fluffy black shape leapt out, disappearing in the blink of an eye.


    But Kyle remained calm. He took out the ruby he''d just enchanted and shook it lightly, silently counting down in his head.


    ¡°One¡­ two¡­¡±


    Before he reached three, Kyle felt his arm grow heavier as a small, fluffy creature perched itself on his arm, its eyes glued to the ruby in his hand. This the Niffler Kyle had brought with him from Newt¡¯s.


    Knowing full well a Niffler¡¯s love for shiny things¡ªand its propensity for theft¡ªKyle had kept it safely locked away to prevent it from raiding Hogwarts. Now, with the castle nearly empty for the holiday, he was finally letting it roam free for a bit.


    Over the months, it had grown considerably, his fur darkening to a rich black, and he was now about the size of a small, polished Bludger.


    Kyle tried to lift it off his arm, but the Niffler clung tightly, its short little legs waving insistently toward the ruby.


    ¡°Pretty fast, aren¡¯t you? No wonder Newt had to chase after you every day,¡± Kyle chuckled, scratching it under the chin. ¡°So, do you like it?¡±


    The Niffler nodded excitedly, pointing his tiny paw at the ruby, his eyes pleading.


    ¡°You¡¯ve got good taste! Take a nice, long look if you want.¡±


    At this, it froze momentarily before letting out a howl and struggling with all his might, the sound a mix of disappointment and frustration.


    ¡°Whoa, calm down! I never said I was giving it to you,¡± Kyle said, raising an eyebrow. ¡°You¡¯ve got some nerve. This is the Philosopher¡¯s Stone¡ªI still need it. You can only look.¡±


    ¡­Well, it was a magically conjured stone he¡¯d just called the Philosopher¡¯s Stone for fun¡ªnothing wrong with that, right?


    But the Niffler didn¡¯t care. All it saw was the sparkliest treasure it had ever laid eyes on. It quickly rummaged in its pouch, pulling out an assortment of tiny trinkets: a button, a broken shard of glass, a few shiny candy wrappers, a couple of Knuts, and¡­ a golden Galleon.


    ¡°Ah, so that¡¯s where my missing Galleon went,¡± Kyle chuckled, gently rubbing its head. He¡¯d noticed it missing a few days ago but hadn¡¯t realized the little thief had snatched it.


    And the button¡ªit was the exact type the House-elf had sewn onto the Troll¡¯s clothes.


    With a reluctant look, the Niffler extended the items to Kyle, offering them as a trade. Kyle laughed. ¡°Oh, so you¡¯re trying to bargain with me?¡±


    It nodded eagerly. S§×arch* The nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°Sorry, but I¡¯m not interested. This is the Philosopher¡¯s Stone, after all¡ªno small trinkets will do.¡±


    The Niffler squeaked in protest, struggling in Kyle¡¯s grip, but Kyle only shook his head, finally setting the little creature down on the floor. It darted away, only to rush back and hop onto Kyle¡¯s arm once more.


    Kyle tossed him off again, and once again, it bounded back with determination. Amused, Kyle eventually tied a rope to a small rock and began ¡°fishing¡± for the Niffler in the dormitory. To his surprise, this impromptu game turned out to be more entertaining than any regular fishing.

 Chapter 190: Snape’s Well-Intentioned Efforts

    Just like the Niffler, who could always snatch shiny objects without a sound, owls seemed to possess the same stealthy skill.


    On Christmas morning, Kyle opened his eyes to find a small mountain of presents piled up by his bed. It was almost comical how he hadn''t noticed all those gifts being delivered.


    Rubbing his eyes, Kyle muttered to himself, ¡°Ratton, do you owls have some sort of secret ability¡­?¡±


    Ratton, who was perched on the wooden shelf with his eyes closed, lifted a wing and gave a weak hoot. Although most of Kyle''s Christmas gifts were delivered through the owl post office, he had sent Ratton with the gifts he wanted to give his family, friends, and professors.


    It was just that Kyle had a few too many friends.


    Ratton had flown almost nonstop all night to deliver the gifts on time, only just returning. He was so tired he could barely keep his wings up and had no patience for Kyle¡¯s idle musings.


    ¡°Sorry, it¡¯s been a rough day for you,¡± Kyle said apologetically as he approached Ratton, pouring an owl tonic from a bottle into his bowl and adding a small piece of marinated dragon liver.


    Dragon liver was a top-tier pet treat compared to Murtlap-dried rat, but it was extremely expensive. A tiny piece, about the size of a Felix Felicis bottle, cost sixteen Sickles. It was practically daylight robbery.


    The piece of dragon liver Kyle had prepared was a Christmas gift for Ratton, costing a full ten Galleons. Truthfully, Kyle himself had never eaten anything so extravagant.


    Ratton took a few bites of the dragon liver, drank some tonic, and finally began to feel a bit more energized.


    Satisfied, Kyle returned to his bed and began unwrapping his own presents, most of which were sweets and chocolates¡ªan even bigger stash than he¡¯d received last year.


    ¡°Kyle, something¡¯s wrong!¡±


    Ten minutes later, a loud shout echoed from the common room. It was Kanna¡¯s voice.


    Kyle quickly set down the half-unwrapped chocolate and rushed out of the dormitory.


    In the common room, Kanna was standing with a distressed look, clutching an open box in her arms. Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°W-what¡¯s wrong?¡± Kyle asked, a bit alarmed.


    Kanna bit her lip, looking worried. ¡°I¡­ I¡¯ve lost my Galleons again. Could it be Pocky¡­?¡±


    Remembering what had happened last year, Kanna immediately suspected the witch-turned-mouse after realizing her Galleons were missing.


    ¡°What are you thinking? That¡¯s impossible,¡± Kyle said, waving his hand to reassure her. ¡°She¡¯s probably busy making breakfast for the Dementors right now; she doesn¡¯t have time to sneak back to Hogwarts. Maybe you just forgot where you put the Galleons.¡±


    ¡°Well¡­¡± Kanna sighed in relief at Kyle¡¯s words, patting her chest. ¡°I¡¯ll look for it again. The Galleons aren¡¯t really important, but I quite liked that crystal hairpin¡­¡±


    ¡°Wait¡­ a crystal hairpin?¡±


    Kyle suddenly froze, his brows furrowing. ¡°Have you lost anything else?¡±


    ¡°Not much¡­¡± Kanna tilted her head, thinking. ¡°Some Galleons, a crystal hairpin¡­ oh, and a silver brooch. It was a gift I¡¯d just unwrapped, and then it disappeared in an instant.¡±


    Galleons¡­ crystal¡­ silver brooch¡­


    Kyle¡¯s eye twitched slightly, as if he had already figured out what was going on.


    "Just a minute."


    Kyle took a deep breath and pulled out the Philosopher''s Stone. The next moment, a black fur ball sprang from the corner of the common room, hurtling toward him.


    Timing it perfectly, Kyle grabbed the little creature by the scruff, then quickly scratched its belly twice. With a satisfying clinking sound, Galleons, hair clips, brooches, stones, flower pots¡­ an assortment of items tumbled out of the Niffler¡¯s pouch like a cascade, causing it to squeal in protest.


    ¡°Is that a Niffler?¡± Kanna exclaimed, amazed.


    She had seen these magical creatures a few times before¡ªblack, fluffy, with a flat, duck-like snout, and that telltale pouch... It was unmistakably a Niffler.


    ¡°That¡¯s odd,¡± Kanna said, puzzled. ¡°Aren¡¯t Nifflers supposed to live in the Forbidden Forest? Why is one in our common room?¡±


    ¡°Uh¡­ his name is Jerry, and he¡¯s mine,¡± Kyle said, gathering up the pile of items from the floor. ¡°I guess I wasn¡¯t paying attention last night, and he snuck out of the dorm.¡±


    It was unbelievable! Kyle could¡¯ve sworn he¡¯d put the little rascal back in his box before going to bed. How had he managed to escape? Maybe the lid hadn¡¯t been closed properly?


    In any case, he was lucky to have found him so quickly; if Jerry had been out any longer, who knew how much more would have disappeared.


    This was the first time Kanna had been up close with a Niffler. She came over, eyes wide, and asked hopefully, ¡°Can I pet him?¡±


    ¡°Of course,¡± Kyle said, casually handing Jerry over to Kanna, though he reminded her, ¡°But watch out for anything shiny you¡¯re wearing, and be careful he doesn¡¯t try to pocket it.¡±


    ¡°Okay, okay,¡± Kanna replied absently, then eagerly began stroking the Niffler¡¯s head.


    The fluffy, soft feel made her eyes close contentedly.


    Seeing she was happily occupied, Kyle returned to his dorm to finish unwrapping his presents. Notably, aside from candy, he had received more books this year than anything else.


    The collection was quite varied, ranging from highly technical Magical Theory texts to detailed guides on Quidditch techniques, and even biographies. One particular book caught his eye¡ªa copy of , which he realized, with a chuckle, was from Newt.


    Dumbledore¡¯s gift, meanwhile, was a pair of hand-knitted wool socks with striking gold and red stripes and Kyle¡¯s initials stitched into them. Kyle squinted and, after careful inspection, realized that the stripes were made from Fawkes¡¯ tail feathers.


    Socks crafted with the rare, fiery feathers of a Phoenix¡­ Kyle wasn¡¯t sure what Dumbledore had been thinking. It might have been more practical if they¡¯d been mittens¡ªat least then people could see them.


    As for the gift he¡¯d chosen for Dumbledore, it was decidedly more practical. was an advanced version of last year¡¯s book, with 200 additional knitting patterns, enough to keep Dumbledore busy for quite a while.


    But the biggest surprise was the gift Kyle received from Snape¡ªa piece of moldy parchment.


    Kyle understood the message loud and clear: Snape was reminding him to focus more in class and to take better notes. After all, if one¡¯s mind wasn¡¯t filled with knowledge, it would grow as empty and useless as the old parchment.


    Kyle couldn¡¯t help but feel touched by Professor Snape¡¯s good intentions¡­


    Only a professor as thoughtful as Snape deserved two gifts from him this year. Besides the usual bottle of Sleekeazy''s Hair Potion, Kyle had carefully chosen a second present that had topped wizarding bestseller lists several times¡­

 Chapter 191: First Entry into the Chamber of Secrets

    Late at night.


    On the third floor of the castle, laughter and a piercing scream suddenly echoed from the girls'' bathroom down the hallway on the left side of the stairs. A ghost with glasses bolted through the wall in a flurry, glancing back in distress.


    A moment later, the bathroom door creaked open from the inside, and Peeves emerged, cackling wildly, holding a water balloon. His waist was decked out with a brand-new bag stuffed with balloons of every color, ready for more mischief.


    After the two ghosts finally vanished from the corridor, a shadowy figure emerged from the corner, the air shimmering as if twisted.


    "Phew¡­ they''re finally gone," Kyle muttered, lifting the Disillusionment Charm. He walked over to the bathroom door, pushing it open. The neglected wooden door groaned loudly, as if protesting.


    Inside, the small bathroom was thick with dust, abandoned and bleak.


    Ignoring the grime, Kyle approached the line of sinks, his eyes scanning over them until he found what he was looking for: a faucet with a tiny snake engraved on its side.


    "This should be it..." Kyle murmured, running his fingers over the little snake. "The entrance to the Chamber of Secrets."


    Kyle had wrestled with the decision of coming here for quite a while. He knew that with his current abilities, he stood no chance against the Basilisk lurking inside. And unlike Harry, he wouldn¡¯t have the aid of Fawkes or the Sorting Hat.


    Still, he had come anyway.


    If only for a scrap of the Basilisk¡¯s shed scales, this trip was worth it. Basilisks, much like dragons, were almost made of treasure¡ªevery part of them valuable. Basilisk skin, in particular, was a highly prized potion ingredient; even a palm-sized piece fetched ten Galleons on the black market, if one was lucky enough to find any.


    The Basilisk in the Chamber of Secrets was nearly twenty feet long, enough to yield a small fortune in scales. Kyle had barely managed to hold himself back this long.


    He traced his finger over the snake and made a strange hissing noise. "Open¡­¡±


    Although Kyle didn¡¯t need Parseltongue to communicate with snakes and other magical creatures, the faucet didn¡¯t respond to his natural ability. So, during his stay with Newt, Kyle had made a point of finding a Runespoor and learning a few phrases in Parseltongue from it.


    His pronunciation might not have been flawless, but it was convincing enough.


    Sure enough, the faucet glowed with a brilliant white light and started spinning rapidly. As it rotated, the sink began to shift, eventually revealing a thick pipe, wide enough to fit a person.


    Kyle touched the suitcase strapped to his side and took out his broomstick, then climbed inside the pipe without hesitation.


    The dim light in the pipe revealed layers of slimy residue coating the walls. Riding his broomstick, Kyle navigated downward, twisting through seven or eight turns until he finally exited the pipe.


    Dismounting from the broom, he found himself in a vast, dark stone tunnel, large enough for a person to stand in comfortably.


    Kyle¡¯s wand flared to life, casting a faint glow in the tunnel as he walked carefully forward. The darkness was so thick that his wand illuminated only a small area ahead, while his shadow stretched long, distorting into monstrous shapes along the damp, uneven walls.


    The ground was littered with mouse bones, scattered across the moist floor¡ªbones that Scabbers would probably find to his taste. Kyle moved slowly, eyes scanning his surroundings, prepared to bolt at the first sign of movement.


    After a few minutes, Kyle rounded a dark corner, and there it was¡ªa huge, coiled shape lying motionless in the distance.


    Quickening his pace, he approached, lifting his wand higher. The light fell upon a massive snake skin, green with a glossy sheen and shimmering with golden highlights. Without hesitation, Kyle opened his trunk and carefully stashed the precious find inside.


    He examined the area a bit more but only came across a few small fragments of snake skin¡ªthis one was the only complete piece. Relieved, Kyle relaxed a little. The single intact skin suggested that the Basilisk rarely frequented this part of the tunnel. If his guess was right, this skin had been shed fifty years ago¡ªwhen Tom Riddle first opened the Chamber of Secrets.


    Kyle continued forward, though still gripping his broomstick tightly, keeping his senses sharp just in case. On the way, he collected every fragment he encountered, determined to make the most of his trip.


    At last, Kyle reached the tunnel¡¯s end, where a solid stone wall barred his way. Engraved into the wall were two intertwined snakes, their eyes inlaid with large, gleaming emeralds.


    He reached out, pressing his hand against one of the gems.


    With a small grin, Kyle tried to pry one loose, but no matter what he tried¡ªmagic or brute force¡ªthe gem wouldn¡¯t budge. It felt fused with the wall itself, as if it were an inseparable part of the stone. After several attempts, he was out of breath and slightly frustrated.


    ¡°Forget it,¡± he muttered, giving up with a sigh.


    He looked into the emerald-eyed snakes and let out another low, rasping hiss. Immediately, the two snakes slid apart, and the stone wall cracked down the middle, slowly splitting and sliding aside.


    Kyle took a deep breath, braced himself, and reached into his box to ensure his supplies were in order, then stepped through the doorway.


    Beyond the wall lay a long, dimly lit chamber, lined with towering stone pillars coiled in relief with carved serpents. As he entered, he noticed that there was no trace of snake skin here; the path ahead was completely bare.


    With his wand in one hand, a rooster in the other, and the broomstick tucked under his arm, Kyle made his way slowly between the serpent-emblazoned columns. Each step echoed in the vast, shadowed space, reverberating off the stone walls like a ghostly whisper.


    He scanned the room thoroughly, confirming there were no other exits or air ducts aside from the one he¡¯d come through. Finally reassured, he walked forward confidently.


    At the end of the chamber, standing against the darkened back wall, was an immense statue. It depicted a figure with the face of a weathered old man, his features almost simian, with a sparse, twisted beard that nearly reached the floor.


    ¡°Salazar Slytherin¡­¡± Kyle murmured, narrowing his eyes. ¡°He doesn¡¯t look too impressive¡­ Lady Hufflepuff looks far more like a legendary wizard.¡± S~ea??h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Kyle tilted his head thoughtfully. He knew that if he spoke the final command in Parseltongue, the statue¡¯s mouth would open, and the Basilisk would be summoned from its slumber.


    ¡°Waking the Basilisk?¡± Kyle hesitated, weighing his options.

 Chapter 192: The Chaotic Castle

    After a long hesitation, Kyle ultimately chose not to open the Slytherin statue to awaken the Basilisk. His reluctance wasn¡¯t out of fear that the Basilisk might kill him. Though the Basilisk¡ªone of the deadliest Magical Creatures, able to kill with a single glance¡ªwas terrifying, it also had a peculiar and very pronounced weakness: it would flee in terror at the sound of a rooster¡¯s crow, a noise fatal to it.


    It might sound absurd, but an ordinary rooster could indeed kill one of the wizarding world''s most fearsome creatures.


    Kyle had come well-prepared. Before this expedition, he had gone to Hogsmeade, where he ordered over a hundred roosters through the Owl Post Office, each one fortified with a potion to boost its vitality. The roosters were now cramped in his suitcase, full of energy and raucously crowing. Even a slight crack in the lid unleashed a deafening burst of clucks and crows that echoed furiously through the Chamber of Secrets.


    In this silent, echoing chamber, the cacophony of a hundred roosters would be amplified tenfold. If Kyle were to release them all, the Basilisk wouldn¡¯t stand a chance. It would be lucky to survive even a second.


    But Kyle didn¡¯t want to kill the Basilisk, nor did he want it reduced to a one-time treasure trove. What he needed was a way to make the creature obey him¡ªsomething that was proving to be quite a challenge. Unlike Riddle, he had no connection to Slytherin, nor any inkling on how to control the Basilisk.


    he thought, his eyes narrowing. He suddenly considered a particular ghost¡ªRavenclaw¡¯s Grey Lady, also known as Helena Ravenclaw. As the daughter of Rowena Ravenclaw, one of Hogwarts¡¯ Four Founders, she might know something.


    Reluctantly stifling the urge to unleash the Basilisk, Kyle turned and exited the Chamber of Secrets, glancing back every few steps. Thankfully, with Voldemort currently preoccupied by his pursuit of the Philosopher''s Stone, Kyle still had time to make his next move.


    Once he¡¯d left the Chamber, he mounted his broomstick and retraced his path to Moaning Myrtle¡¯s bathroom. As he hopped off the broom, the sink that concealed the entrance smoothly slid back into place, sealing the passage.


    The bathroom was quiet, and Myrtle hadn¡¯t returned yet. Not wanting to linger, Kyle quickly erased any traces of his presence and slipped out of the bathroom under a Disillusionment Charm.


    The castle corridors were silent in the early hours, less eerie than the Chamber of Secrets but still shrouded in darkness. He gave a quick glance toward the library door but decided against detouring for any late-night book copying and instead headed straight back to his dormitory.


    He¡¯d barely taken a few steps when a piercing, spine-chilling scream shattered the silence.


    Startled, and fresh out of the Chamber of Secrets, Kyle instinctively thought of the Basilisk. His hand jerked, and before he realized it, he¡¯d accidentally opened the suitcase.


    A torrent of roosters, energized and raring to go, exploded out of the suitcase, spilling like a feathery fountain into the corridor. Kyle, regaining his senses, snapped the suitcase shut, but it was too late¡ªmore than half the roosters had escaped.


    Instantly, the hallway came alive. The eerie scream from the library mingled with the crowing of dozens of roosters, creating a symphony of chaos that echoed through the castle like a bizarre concert.


    "By Merlin''s beard! What are you doing in the library in the middle of the night instead of sleeping!" Kyle slapped his forehead, muttering a curse under his breath. A young wizard brazenly breaking school rules like that deserved to be docked a hundred points!


    But before he could stew any longer, the sound of hurried footsteps echoed from downstairs¡ªit was Filch, holding a dim oil lamp as he approached quickly.


    ¡°Damn it!¡± Kyle cursed, frowning. He hadn¡¯t brought his Invisibility Cloak. While the Disillusionment Charm was effective, it still cast a faint shadow that would be revealed by the lamplight. Seeing Filch nearing the stairs, Kyle didn¡¯t hesitate; he turned and bolted up to the next floor.


    He remembered a secret passage on the fourth floor, hidden behind a suit of armor, which led directly to the underground classroom corridor.


    ¡°Come out, I can see you!¡± Filch¡¯s irate voice rang out behind him, harsh even against the chorus of crowing roosters echoing through the corridors.


    When Kyle reached the fourth floor, something bumped into him, though when he looked back, he saw nothing.


    No one was around.


    ¡°Potter?¡± Kyle muttered, narrowing his eyes as he considered who the unfortunate soul in the library might have been. Just then, he felt a soft, silken touch brush his hand¡ªa sensation he recognized instantly. It was the Cloak of Invisibility.


    Kyle quickened his pace. Soon, he spotted Snape up ahead, alongside Professor McGonagall, still in her nightdress. The incessant clamor of crowing had alerted every professor in the castle, and McGonagall and Snape were the first to respond.


    Kyle pressed himself against the wall, holding his breath. Getting caught now would spell disaster.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on, Severus?¡± Professor McGonagall demanded.


    ¡°Someone apparently found Christmas a bit dull and decided to create some excitement,¡± Snape replied coolly. ¡°It¡¯s hilarious, really. Keeping everyone awake¡ªwhoever¡¯s responsible, I¡¯ll have them in detention for a hundred years!¡±


    ¡°Professors...¡± Filch¡¯s voice broke through as he finally reached them on the stairs. ¡°There was someone in the library, in the Restricted Section. I found a broken oil lamp there!¡±


    "Nighttime, in the restricted area, disturbing the entire castle¡­ 200 points and a month of detention!" Professor McGonagall¡¯s eyes blazed with fury.


    ¡°Restricted area?¡± Snape sneered. ¡°Then they can¡¯t have gone far. We¡¯ll catch them for sure.¡±


    ¡°Leave the catching to Argus,¡± McGonagall replied sharply. ¡°Severus, first we have to handle the chaos here, or the students won¡¯t get a wink of sleep. Good heavens, how did they even get into the castle in the first place!¡± sea??h th§× N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Kyle¡¯s pulse quickened as the two professors drew closer, knowing the Disillusionment Charm wouldn¡¯t fool their sharp eyes. If they turned the corner, he¡¯d be spotted instantly.


    Taking a deep breath, he began stepping backward, inching quietly away from their voices. He glanced around frantically, his eyes lighting up as he spotted a slightly open door on his right. Without a second thought, he squeezed himself through the narrow gap and shut it softly behind him.


    Almost simultaneously, McGonagall and Snape appeared in the corridor he had just vacated.


    ¡°Students these days are really out of control!¡± McGonagall huffed.


    ¡°Minerva, I suggest we go check the dormitories to see who¡¯s missing tonight,¡± Snape said with a dark glint in his eyes.

 Chapter 193: Doing Good Deeds Anonymously

    Kyle leaned against the wall, listening as the footsteps outside gradually faded away.


    ¡°Ssshh...¡± a soft intake of breath sounded from a distance.


    Harry lifted his Cloak of Invisibility and, as if by magic, suddenly appeared in the room. Oblivious to the fact that he wasn¡¯t alone, he let the cloak slip away and began to survey the room. His gaze soon landed on an imposing mirror, and with piqued curiosity, he approached, wanting a look at his reflection.


    As Harry stepped up to the mirror, he found himself unable to move, captivated by what he saw.


    Not far away, Kyle, who had witnessed everything, rubbed his forehead. He had seen this mirror last year in the Headmaster''s office¡ªit was The Mirror of Erised. Kyle knew the pull it would have on Harry, but now was not the time to be lost in its allure.


    Snape had just mentioned he was going to check the dormitories; surely Harry hadn¡¯t forgotten?


    Fine. I¡¯d better give him a nudge.


    As Kyle left the room, he made a loud noise on purpose and tossed a Knut. As a skilled Chaser, his aim was spot-on; the Knut arced through the air and landed precisely on Harry''s forehead.


    Hopefully, that will snap him out of it.


    By then, there were no professors patrolling the fourth floor. After leaving the room, Kyle quickly ducked behind a suit of armor and slipped into a secret passage that led to the underground classroom.


    In the kitchen corridor, a few students had gathered, looking groggy but curious about the commotion and too nervous to leave the area. Using the Disillusionment Charm, Kyle blended into the crowd and returned to the common room with them once Professor Sprout arrived.


    ¡°Kyle, did you sneak out?¡±


    In the common room, Kanna, hugging a pillow, asked sleepily, ¡°What on earth happened outside?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± Kyle replied calmly, shaking his head. ¡°I went out after I was woken up, but it was pitch dark, and I didn¡¯t see anyone.¡±


    Kanna nodded, looking dazed and only half-listening.


    The next day, all of Hogwarts was abuzz with talk about the previous night¡¯s events, and nearly half the students were yawning over breakfast.


    ¡°That was close,¡± Ron mumbled, sleepily poking at a piece of fried egg on his plate. ¡°Professor McGonagall almost caught you out of bed last night. How did you manage that...¡±


    ¡°For the last time, Ron, it wasn¡¯t me!¡± Harry said, sounding frustrated. ¡°I was just at the library!¡±


    ¡°But¡ª¡±


    ¡°There was someone else!¡± Harry insisted, recalling the details. ¡°Remember that mirror I told you about? I was completely absorbed in looking at it when someone threw something and hit me. If they hadn¡¯t, McGonagall would¡¯ve definitely caught me.¡±


    ¡°Well, that was actually kind of decent of them,¡± Ron murmured thoughtfully. ¡°They could¡¯ve ignored you, and then any points lost or detentions would¡¯ve been yours alone. They would¡¯ve stayed out of it completely.¡±


    ¡°Exactly. But who could it have been...¡±


    Harry glanced around the Great Hall. ¡°Ron, do you think someone else has a Cloak of Invisibility like mine?¡±


    He hadn¡¯t noticed anyone else nearby last night, just as Filch hadn¡¯t seen him. And, as far as Harry could tell, only the Cloak of Invisibility could accomplish that.


    "I don''t think so..." Ron mused, shaking his head. "The Cloak of Invisibility is a rare item, even among wizards. But... maybe Malfoy might have one."


    He recalled Malfoy spending a hundred Galleons on a toy just before Christmas. If he wanted a Cloak of Invisibility, it wouldn¡¯t be out of reach.


    "Yeah, you¡¯re right," Harry nodded, guessing Ron''s line of thought. "But Malfoy went home for the holidays. He wasn¡¯t at school yesterday."


    "True, that''s a pity..." Ron sighed.


    After a quiet moment, Harry¡¯s thoughts returned to the mirror and the image he¡¯d seen. The figures from the mirror lingered in his mind¡ªcould they have been his parents? The glimpse had been too brief for him to be sure, and he resolved to return that night.


    Unbeknownst to them, Fred and George, who were nearby, overheard their conversation.


    "Did you catch that, George? Cloak of Invisibility..." Fred raised an eyebrow, intrigued.


    "Of course, Fred," George replied in a low voice, grinning. "There aren¡¯t many around here with a Cloak of Invisibility, and one of them happens to be our dear friend."


    "Lucky we stayed at school over Christmas, or we¡¯d have missed all the fun."


    "True," Fred nodded with a smirk. "Kyle¡¯s a legend, getting everyone up five hours early¡­ Brilliant idea!"


    Fred glanced toward the Hufflepuff table and wondered aloud, "But why isn¡¯t Kyle in the hall yet? I¡¯m itching to ask him what happened."


    "Probably still sleeping," George replied. "Hufflepuff¡¯s common room is next to the kitchen, so he can grab a bite whenever he wants."


    "That¡¯s convenient..." Fred sighed. "If only we could move Gryffindor¡¯s common room closer." sea??h th§× nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Yeah... then we wouldn¡¯t have to trek downstairs every night."


    Meanwhile, the professors at the head table were having a similar conversation. They had combed through each house¡¯s dormitories the night before, only to find no students missing.


    "We must¡¯ve gone too late," Snape muttered, glancing toward Harry. "I suggest we ask the Fat Lady if any young wizards slipped out in the middle of the night."


    Professor McGonagall pursed her lips, giving Snape a thoughtful look.


    "Severus, we don¡¯t consult the Fat Lady about our own students." Dumbledore, seated beside her, shook his head. "And it wouldn¡¯t be fair to the other three houses. But you could try asking the portraits in the corridor."


    "I will..." Snape¡¯s expression darkened slightly as he shot another look toward Gryffindor before leaving the head table.


    "Actually, I already have." After Snape had gone, Dumbledore winked at Professor McGonagall, chuckling. "But they didn¡¯t see a thing. Quite a clever little wizard¡­"


    Professor McGonagall frowned slightly, appearing unconvinced by Dumbledore¡¯s praise for "cleverness."


    Unaware of her expression, Dumbledore continued slicing a piece of bacon. "It¡¯s been a long time since Hogwarts was this lively. I¡¯d bet Hagrid is thrilled. He¡¯s been fretting over the Flesh-Eating Slugs in the vegetable garden, and now, that problem¡¯s taken care of."

 Chapter 194: Harry Entranced by the Mirror of Erised

    For a while, every night after curfew, a professor patrolled the castle grounds. Filch, who was driven nearly mad by the endless cock feathers scattered everywhere, had already cleaned them up five times. Still, every now and then, he would spot more. Sometimes they were around a corner in the corridor, sometimes by the archway... There seemed to be no end to them.


    This ordeal had made Filch even grumpier than usual, and he glared fiercely at everyone he encountered. If anyone so much as raised their voice, they became his target, scolded relentlessly. The students who bore the brunt of his frustration loathed it, but had no choice but to steer clear of him. Filch¡¯s behavior was implicitly sanctioned by a certain Potions professor, and any show of dissatisfaction risked costing them house points.


    Kyle, too, had been keeping a low profile lately. Every day, he diligently went to the library to work on assignments and read, returning to his dorm on schedule. He¡¯d put his late-night swims on hold for the time being. Fred and George had warned him that Filch prowled the second floor most of the night, while patrolling professors often popped into the library to check for stragglers. Under such close watch, sneaking around to copy books was far too risky, so Kyle decided to wait until the situation blew over.


    But not everyone was willing to wait. Harry Potter, for instance, had been obsessed with returning to the mirror ever since he realized who the people he saw in it were. He didn¡¯t intend to do anything when he went¡ªjust sit there, captivated, for hours. Ron tried to talk him out of it, but Harry wouldn''t listen to a word.


    On the third night, he finally ran into Dumbledore in the room.


    ¡°I... I didn¡¯t see you, sir!¡± Harry stammered, his hands and feet icy with nerves. Only then did he remember that the professors had been cracking down on nighttime wandering. What if Dumbledore suspected he¡¯d been the one causing trouble lately?


    The thought that Gryffindor could lose two hundred points over this left Harry feeling hollow, as if he¡¯d turned to ice inside.


    ¡°It¡¯s odd that you became nearsighted the moment you became invisible,¡± Dumbledore said with a smile.


    Seeing the smile on Dumbledore¡¯s face, Harry exhaled a sigh of relief. Thankfully, Dumbledore didn¡¯t seem to be planning on taking any points. There was a patience and kindness about him, like a muggle gentleman who often walked his dog in the mornings back in Little Whinging.


    From Dumbledore, Harry also began to understand the purpose of the Mirror of Erised.


    ¡°This mirror shows us the deepest and most desperate desires of our hearts,¡± Dumbledore said softly. ¡°Many have wasted away before it, entranced by what they see, even going mad¡ªbecause they can¡¯t tell if what they see is real or even attainable.¡±


    Harry lowered his head, silent for a moment, before mumbling, ¡°Sir... Professor Dumbledore, have you looked into the mirror, too?¡±


    ¡°Yes, more than once,¡± Dumbledore replied with a smile. ¡°I must admit, the mirror¡¯s magic is hard to resist... Although, there is one exception.¡±


    ¡°Who¡¯s that?¡± Harry asked, intrigued.


    ¡°A second-year student.¡±


    Harry¡¯s eyes widened in surprise, and Dumbledore, noting his expression, gave a playful wink. ¡°Why? Can¡¯t you believe it?¡±


    Harry shook his head. If Dumbledore had named some famous wizard or even a professor, he could have accepted it. But a second-year student, accomplishing something even Dumbledore couldn¡¯t manage... That seemed impossible.


    "Just as you think, in this regard, he is indeed better than me,¡± Dumbledore mused after a moment¡¯s pause. ¡°He had two chances to gaze into the Mirror of Erised, but he walked away without hesitation each time.¡±


    ¡°Professor Dumbledore, could it be that he mistook it for an ordinary mirror?¡± Harry asked.


    ¡°At first, I thought so too, but soon I realized that wasn¡¯t the case.¡± Dumbledore shook his head. ¡°He knew exactly what the Mirror of Erised was and fully understood its purpose.¡±


    ¡°Who is he?¡± Harry pressed. ¡°Do I know him?¡±


    But this time, Dumbledore didn¡¯t answer.


    ¡°That¡¯s enough for tonight, Harry,¡± he said, rising to his feet. ¡°Tomorrow, the mirror will be moved to a new location. I ask you not to go searching for it again. Losing yourself in illusions, forgetting the reality of life¡ªit¡¯s no help to you. Now, why don¡¯t you put on that remarkable Invisibility Cloak and return to bed.¡± S~ea??h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Harry left the room still full of questions. Back in his dormitory bed, his mind kept returning to the mysterious second-year student Dumbledore had mentioned. But the only second-years he knew were a few from Gryffindor and, of course, Kyle.


    Harry wondered, unsure.


    The next day, during lunch, Kanna nudged Kyle, who was sitting across from her, and whispered, ¡°Have you been up to anything lately, like going to the Quidditch pitch to practice?¡±


    ¡°Of course not,¡± Kyle replied, puzzled. ¡°I¡¯ve been in the library these past few days. I haven¡¯t gone anywhere else. Besides, the rest of the team is gone¡ªit¡¯d be pointless to train alone. Why do you ask?¡±


    ¡°Oh, it¡¯s nothing,¡± Kanna whispered, nodding subtly in the direction of the Gryffindor table. ¡°It¡¯s just that Harry Potter keeps glancing over at you. I thought maybe you¡¯d come up with some new Quidditch tactics, and he¡¯d noticed.¡±


    ¡°Huh?¡±


    Kyle turned instinctively, just in time to catch Harry looking away hurriedly.


    ¡°It wasn¡¯t just this time,¡± Kanna went on. ¡°I¡¯ve seen him sneaking looks at you a few times now.¡±


    Kyle¡¯s stomach dropped. Could Harry have figured out that he¡¯d also been in the room on the fourth floor that night? No, that was impossible¡ªhe¡¯d been using a Disillusionment Charm the entire time. There was no way Harry could have seen him. And as for guessing¡­ Harry wasn¡¯t that clever.


    ¡°It¡¯s probably just about Quidditch,¡± Kyle replied flatly. ¡°Our match against Gryffindor is right after Christmas, after all. He might just be thinking up strategies and seeing me as some sort of imaginary rival.¡±


    ¡°Thinking up strategies?¡± Kanna frowned. ¡°But he¡¯s the Seeker. Does he even need tactics?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s probably another one of Wood¡¯s grand plans. Who knows?¡± Kyle shrugged. ¡°Forget about him. Aren¡¯t you supposed to be going to Snape¡¯s lessons today? How¡¯s your prep going?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve got everything ready¡ªbooks, quills, parchment, ink¡­¡±


    Kanna¡¯s nerves flared at the mention of the lessons, and she couldn¡¯t help but cast a glance toward Harry again. In a quiet voice, she asked, ¡°Kyle, do you think I should bring my cauldron?¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s no need,¡± Kyle replied, reassuringly. He¡¯d never had to attend the potions class by himself, but he was certain Snape kept more than enough cauldrons on hand.

 Chapter 195: The Way into the Headmaster’s Office

    The holiday period had passed in the blink of an eye, like dog food disappearing in front of Fluffy.


    Kyle felt as though he¡¯d only just been in the library, flipping through books about Basilisks, and then suddenly, he looked up and realized there were only a few days left until the start of term.


    On the morning of the third-to-last day before term started, Fred and George found him, bursting with excitement.


    ¡°Kyle, we have some great news for you!¡± Fred announced, his face glowing with enthusiasm. ¡°We¡¯ve found the final clue for the Marauder¡¯s Map password!¡±


    ¡°So... the complete password is really hidden in the castle?¡± Kyle asked, surprised.


    Like Cedric, he had always thought the last word of the password might not exist. If he had been one of the Marauders, he wouldn¡¯t have left the full password behind. Besides, the hint had always been clear enough from the start. If someone couldn¡¯t figure out the full password, then maybe they weren¡¯t meant to have the Marauder¡¯s Map.


    No one would ever think the password was,


    And if someone got too obsessed with finding the complete password, like Fred and George, then that missing word would make for a perfect prank. After all, someone who constantly breaks school rules isn¡¯t likely to be great at following instructions.


    Fred and George hadn¡¯t found it until now, so Kyle thought he had guessed right.


    ¡°You¡¯ll never guess where it is,¡± George said impatiently. ¡°It¡¯s right above the railing near the school entrance. You can see it if you look up as you walk by.¡±


    ¡°We should have thought of it sooner,¡± Fred said, a little annoyed. ¡°Every graduate eventually leaves Hogwarts through the main gates, so it¡¯s the perfect spot to symbolize both a beginning and an ending.¡±


    ¡°Why didn¡¯t we think of it sooner...¡±


    ¡°So, how did you find it?¡± Kyle asked.


    George shrugged. ¡°We were going to explore the Forbidden Forest, but Hagrid chased us out, so we stopped by Hogsmeade.¡±


    ¡°It was still too early; most of the shops hadn¡¯t opened yet.¡±


    ¡°We couldn¡¯t use the shortcut through the secret passage, so we had to go back the long way.¡±


    ¡°When we passed the school gates, we saw the words on the wall immediately.¡±


    George sighed suddenly. ¡°Maybe we shouldn¡¯t always sneak back through the secret passage after visiting Hogsmeade.¡±


    ¡°But speaking of secret passages...¡± Fred said, his eyes lighting up as he patted Kyle on the shoulder and whispered, ¡°After getting the complete password, we discovered two new secret passages.¡±


    ¡°One¡¯s on the fourth floor, behind the statue of the hunchbacked one-eyed witch. Her hunchback is the entrance.¡±


    ¡°The other one is even more hidden...¡± Fred added, with a mysterious glint. ¡°Want to guess where it is?¡±


    ¡°Er... behind the bookshelves in the Headmaster¡¯s Office?¡± Kyle guessed with a serious expression, stroking his chin. ¡°If that¡¯s the case, I¡¯d bet the exit leads to a shop¡¯s common room in Hogsmeade¡ªmaybe The Three Broomsticks, or Madam Puddifoot¡¯s Tea Room...¡±


    Fred and George were stunned.


    Not because Kyle had guessed correctly¡ªin fact, there was no secret passage in the Headmaster¡¯s Office at all.


    But Kyle¡¯s words had sparked their imaginations.


    Just picture it: the greatest headmaster Hogwarts had ever seen secretly linked to a shopkeeper...


    Who doesn¡¯t love a bit of headmaster gossip? Fred and George couldn¡¯t help but dive in.


    They debated from every angle where the exit would be if there really were such a passage, finally deciding that it could lead to any shop in Hogsmeade.


    Even the Hog¡¯s Head.


    "If Dumbledore weren¡¯t backing him up, that old goat would have been thrown out ages ago," Fred said with conviction.


    They¡¯d known Hogsmeade well for years, and many shopkeepers had shared in hushed tones that the chaotic Hog¡¯s Head pub was seriously tarnishing the reputation of Hogsmeade. It was even the reason they hadn¡¯t been named "Most Worthwhile Wizarding Village of the Year" for more than a decade.


    "Unfortunately, there are no secret passages marked in the Headmaster¡¯s Office on the Marauder¡¯s Map," Fred continued, sounding disappointed. "We only know it¡¯s on the eighth floor, but we¡¯ve never set foot in there, not once."


    "After all, it¡¯s the Headmaster¡¯s Office¡ªone of the most mysterious places at Hogwarts," George said, shaking his head. "I¡¯d bet even the creators of the Marauder¡¯s Map barely got in there, let alone had the chance to search for hidden passages."


    "I¡¯d love to sneak in for a look, even if just for a few minutes," Fred mused wistfully.


    ¡°Want to go into the Headmaster¡¯s Office?¡± Kyle thought for a moment before saying, "That¡¯s easy."


    Fred and George''s eyes lit up, and they eagerly slung their arms around Kyle¡¯s shoulders.


    "Kyle, I knew you¡¯d have an idea! Tell us!"


    "If you get us in, Fred and I will be your most loyal minions!"


    "We¡¯ll save seats for you..."


    "Provide meal deliveries..."


    "And take care of anyone who gives you trouble."


    "But only on the condition that we don¡¯t get demerits¡­ or detention." S§×arch* The Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Don¡¯t worry, you won¡¯t," Kyle replied calmly. "All you have to do is win a Special Award for Services to the School, and that¡¯ll earn you 100 points."


    Fred and George¡¯s smiles froze. They looked at Kyle in disbelief, as if he¡¯d turned into a Three-Headed Dog that could tap dance.


    To Fred and George, finding a Three-Headed Dog that could tap dance would be easier than winning a Special Award for Services to the School.


    At least that seemed remotely possible.


    "If you find that too troublesome," Kyle continued, noting their expressions, "the Order of Merlin would do just as well. That should net you an extra 200 points."


    ¡°Huh¡­¡± George and Fred let out identical groans, then turned and walked away.


    "Hey, you haven¡¯t told me where the last secret passage is," Kyle called after them.


    But the twins pretended not to hear, quickening their pace.


    The last secret passage they¡¯d been about to tell him about was actually just beneath the Whomping Willow. Originally, they¡¯d come over to invite Kyle to join them in figuring out a way to dodge the Willow¡¯s vicious branches. Now, however, they just wanted to be anywhere Kyle wasn¡¯t.


    If it were that easy, he¡¯d have one himself!

 Chapter 196: Kanna Torment

    "I told you, it¡¯s much better to go fishing at the Black Lake. Why don¡¯t you just leave the Niffler alone?¡± Kanna said, watching Kyle as he dangled a stick with a red stone in front of the eager creature.


    In the common room, Kyle grinned, unfazed. ¡°It¡¯s not just any stone; it¡¯s a Philosopher¡¯s Stone!¡± he corrected her. S§×arch* The n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°Yeah, right, a magic rock...¡± Kanna rolled her eyes. ¡°I saw you drop it last night. It¡¯s just an ordinary pebble. Is this how you usually trick the Niffler?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t put it that way,¡± Kyle replied, smirking. ¡°It¡¯s just a bit of fun. Look how happy he is.¡±


    Kanna raised an eyebrow, glancing at the Niffler. The little creature was practically panting with excitement, hopping around on its stubby legs. She sighed, unable to see any "happiness" in his frantic excitement.


    Shaking her head, Kanna pulled out a golden Galleon, waving it to try and catch Niffler¡¯s attention. But to her surprise, the Niffler¡ªwho normally couldn¡¯t resist the sight of a Galleon¡ªignored her, his eyes glued to the red stone in Kyle¡¯s hand. Unwilling to give up, she tried a second Galleon, but it was no use.


    ¡°Save your breath. My stone is way shinier than a Galleon,¡± Kyle boasted, grabbing Niffler by the scruff and gently tossing him back into his box. ¡°Besides, you¡¯ve already given him fifteen Galleons over the past few days. I should remind you¡ªa Niffler really can¡¯t be used as a wallet.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s none of your business!¡± Kanna retorted, her cheeks turning pink. ¡°And, for the record, I gave those Galleons to the Niffler; you can¡¯t just take them!¡±


    ¡°Ahem... I¡¯m not that kind of person.¡± Kyle¡¯s face twitched before he added, ¡°But, on another note, shouldn¡¯t you be with Professor Snape right now for tutoring? What are you still doing here in the common room?¡±


    ¡°I passed Professor Snape¡¯s test yesterday and successfully brewed the Draught of Living Death... so tutoring¡¯s over.¡±


    ¡°So, you¡¯re free now?¡± Kyle asked, pulling out a chessboard and setting it on the table. ¡°How about a game of Wizard Chess?¡±


    ¡°Alright,¡± Kanna agreed.


    She didn¡¯t have many friends at Hogwarts, and with both Cho and her roommate away, she was feeling bored. Chess would be a nice way to pass the time.


    ¡°But let¡¯s be clear¡ªI¡¯m not very good at chess, so you can¡¯t blame me if I mess up¡­ Wait, is this Wizard Chess?¡±


    Kanna, who was about to set up the pieces, froze as she looked down. Instead of the familiar chess pieces, she saw tiny figures of different Magical Creatures. At the front row were Nifflers, while the back row featured a Troll, a Hippogriff, a Swooping Evil, a Three-Headed Dog, and even a Dragon.


    ¡°It¡¯s a little custom version,¡± Kyle explained. ¡°I had nothing to do after finishing my homework, so I gave them a makeover. Just changed their appearances, really. Wasn¡¯t too hard.¡±


    Kanna looked up at him with an incredulous expression. Did he even realize what he¡¯d just said? She had been catching up on ten whole days of classes, with homework on top!


    Did Kyle have any idea how heartless that sounded?


    ¡°What are you staring at? You¡¯re the black pieces, so you go first,¡± Kyle urged.


    Kanna glared at him before looking back at the chessboard. By now, the Magical Creatures had taken their positions on the board, and Kanna quickly guessed what each one represented.


    ...


    The two of them played three long games of chess in the common room, after which Kyle was desperate to escape.


    Kanna¡¯s earlier claim about her chess skills being ¡°average¡± was a massive understatement. Her skill level was, in truth, painfully average. And while playing against an inexperienced opponent could be fun every now and then, Kanna''s style came with a unique torture: she took an eternity to make each move. What could have been a five-minute game dragged on for over half an hour.


    By the end, Kyle was beyond frustrated, trapped in a game that had long since lost its appeal. He would have gladly rewritten his homework¡ªtwice¡ªif it meant escaping another game with Kanna.


    But Kanna wasn¡¯t having it, and she insisted he stay until noon.


    Finally, as soon as lunch was over, Kyle made a break for it. He left the castle and headed straight for Hagrid¡¯s hut, determined to spend the rest of the afternoon somewhere chess-free.


    At Hagrid''s, he ran into Harry and Ron. Ron explained that Harry had been plagued by nightmares lately, and they¡¯d come to see if Hagrid might be able to help.


    ¡°So, why didn¡¯t you just go to Madam Pomfrey in the Hospital Wing?¡± Kyle asked, baffled.


    He couldn¡¯t fathom Harry and Ron¡¯s logic. As far as he could see, the only way Hagrid could ¡°solve¡± Harry¡¯s nightmares was by knocking him out with a well-placed punch. Or was it just that all first-years were unusually reckless?


    "I-I don¡¯t want to go to the Hospital Wing..." Harry mumbled, averting his eyes.


    Of course, he knew Madam Pomfrey was more qualified than Hagrid. But if he went to the Hospital Wing, he worried she might press him to reveal the details of his dreams¡ªsomething he wasn¡¯t ready to share with anyone else.


    ¡°Sorry, Harry, I can¡¯t help you,¡± Hagrid said, filling their mugs with tea and passing around his infamous rock cakes. ¡°Kyle¡¯s right; you should go straight to the Hospital Wing. I went there myself once when I couldn¡¯t sleep, and Madam Pomfrey sorted me out in a minute. The potion she gave me wasn¡¯t the nicest smellin¡¯, but it worked like a charm.¡±


    ¡°...Alright,¡± Harry replied, a bit crestfallen. Even though Hagrid had recommended it, he still had no intention of going to the Hospital Wing. Maybe once the term started and things got busier, his nightmares would naturally fade.


    He sighed and took a small bite of a rock cake.


    ¡°If you really don¡¯t want to go to the Hospital Wing, I have an alternative you might want to try,¡± Kyle said, pulling out a small bottle of potion and placing it on the table.


    ¡°What¡¯s that?¡± Ron asked curiously.


    ¡°Draught of Living Death¡ªthe same potion Hagrid used,¡± Kyle replied. ¡°Just a tiny sip sends you into a deep, dreamless sleep. You won¡¯t wake up even if a dragon¡¯s dancing right next to you.¡±


    Harry picked up the bottle, eyeing it with uncertainty. ¡°Will this stop the nightmares?¡±


    ¡°It should,¡± Kyle nodded. ¡°Or at least you could try it and see. Just take a tiny sip, enough to let you sleep for about an hour. It won¡¯t mess up your rest tonight. But one thing¡ªit¡¯s really strong, so you¡¯d better wait until you¡¯re back in the dormitory...¡±


    But before Kyle could finish, Harry tipped the bottle and took a small sip.


    ¡°What did you say?¡± Harry asked, putting the bottle back down.


    ¡°Nothing, never mind.¡± Kyle sighed, looking at Ron. ¡°You¡¯d better be ready to help. I don¡¯t think Potter¡¯s going to make it back to the dormitory on his own.¡±


    And sure enough, just as Kyle spoke, Harry¡¯s head drooped, and he slumped forward in his chair, completely motionless.

 Chapter 197: The Promise of the Weasley Brothers

    Cedric and Cho returned only as evening fell.


    Fred and George had gone to Hogsmeade to buy several large bottles of Butterbeer to celebrate their return to school. Each person in the group of six¡ªor rather, the team¡ªreceived a bottle, with only Kyle left out.


    ¡°You guys are holding a grudge a little too long,¡± Kyle said, eyeing the Butterbeer in everyone else''s hands, his lips pursed. "It was just a joke, and you¡¯re still mad about it?¡±


    ¡°Oh, if it isn¡¯t Kyle, the new Order of Merlin recipient,¡± Fred said in an exaggeratedly surprised tone. ¡°You should¡¯ve told us sooner. I assumed someone of your noble rank wouldn¡¯t lower themselves to drink Butterbeer.¡±


    ¡°Wait a minute, I don¡¯t think he¡¯s actually a Order of Merlin recipient,¡± George added. ¡°In the Trophy Room, he only has a trophy for the Special Award for Services to the School.¡±


    ¡°And it¡¯s from last year¡­¡±


    ¡°Practically ancient history¡­¡±


    ¡°I said that¡¯s enough!¡± Kyle sighed, rubbing his forehead. ¡°It¡¯s just one Order of Merlin. Believe me or not, I¡¯ll be knocking some sense into your heads with it every day.¡±


    After a brief, strange silence¡­


    ¡°Ha¡­¡± George let out a strange snort, then burst into laughter, clutching his stomach. ¡°I can¡¯t take it¡­ hahaha¡­ Fred, did you hear that?¡±


    ¡°Loud and clear, George,¡± Fred replied, wiping away tears of laughter. ¡°Quick, let¡¯s get the last bottle of Butterbeer out. He¡¯s starting to lose it.¡±


    ¡°I thought the same thing¡­¡±


    ¡°Knocking us with Orders of Merlin¡ªnow, that¡¯s the best joke I¡¯ve heard all year¡­¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll be laughing about that for ages¡­¡±


    Kyle raised an eyebrow as they finally handed him a bottle. He took a calm sip and asked, ¡°What if I actually could?¡±


    ¡°Then we¡¯ll be taking your Butterbeer every single time!¡± Fred replied nonchalantly.


    ¡°If someone could really get an Order of Merlin in the second year, I¡¯d fly around the school tap-dancing while balancing three trophies,¡± George chimed in.


    ¡°Count me in!¡±


    The two of them could hardly keep from laughing at their own jokes.


    Kyle merely raised an eyebrow and took another sip of his Butterbeer without a word. It was indeed delicious, a bit like hot cocoa, rich with the taste of butter, but not too heavy¡ªno wonder it was so popular. Perhaps they could make this a daily ritual¡­ though he wasn¡¯t sure if the Weasley twins¡¯ wallets could keep up.


    ...


    Not long after the students returned to Hogwarts, dinner began.


    Hermione frowned as she watched Ron piling food onto a large plate. ¡°What are you doing? And where¡¯s Harry? Isn¡¯t he going to eat?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s what I¡¯m saying,¡± replied Ron, holding a chicken leg in his hand. ¡°Harry¡¯s asleep in his dorm. I called and called, but he¡¯s out cold. If we don¡¯t bring him some food now, he¡¯ll wake up starving.¡±


    ¡°Asleep... now?¡± Hermione looked even more puzzled. She knew Harry was prone to dozing off, often falling asleep in the library, but why would he be sleeping at a time like this? sea??h th§× nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°Wait¡ªyou¡¯re not planning on sneaking out tonight, are you?¡± Hermione asked suspiciously.


    ¡°Of course not, we stopped doing that ages ago!¡± Ron¡¯s face reddened. ¡°It was Kyle. He gave Harry some Draught of Living Death, saying it would help with his nightmares.¡±


    Then Ron explained what had happened earlier that afternoon in Hagrid¡¯s hut.


    ¡°...except Harry drank a bit too much and has been asleep for four hours.¡±


    ¡°How much did he drink?¡±


    Ron thought for a moment. ¡°I don¡¯t know, maybe a small glass. It wasn¡¯t much, really.¡±


    ¡°A glass?¡± Hermione¡¯s frown deepened. ¡°I¡¯ve read in books that just a small spoonful of Draught of Living Death can put someone to sleep for two hours, and he drank a whole glass?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, I know; Kyle said the same thing,¡± Ron sighed. ¡°So, what do we do now?¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s not much we can do,¡± Hermione replied. ¡°We¡¯ll just have to wait until he wakes up on his own, but that might not be until late tonight or even early morning.¡± She eyed the massive plate in Ron¡¯s hands. ¡°Are you sure you need to bring that much?¡±


    ¡°Of course. What if he¡¯s really hungry when he wakes up?¡± Ron said casually. ¡°It takes a bit longer, but if you toast them in the fireplace, they¡¯ll taste as good as fresh. That¡¯s what we always did on holiday.¡±


    Hermione gave him a hard look, a dangerous glint in her eyes. ¡°So you spent the whole holiday figuring out how to toast food instead of looking for Nicolas Flamel, is that it?¡±


    ¡°We did look!¡± Ron protested quickly. ¡°We even snuck into the Restricted Section! Just so you know, the books there scream when you open them. We almost got caught by Filch.¡±


    Hermione raised a skeptical eyebrow. This was the first she¡¯d heard of books that screamed, and she couldn¡¯t help doubting Ron¡¯s story. But Ron patted his chest in assurance, insisting it was true. After all, Harry had told him so himself, and Ron seemed absolutely certain.


    After the opening dinner, everyone returned to their dormitories.


    Hermione was right: it was late at night before Harry finally stirred and opened his eyes. He tried to speak but felt his throat was dry. Thankfully, there was a half-full glass of pumpkin juice beside him. Not knowing whose it was, Harry took a big gulp without a second thought.


    ¡°This is¡­ the dormitory?¡± He set down the glass and took in his surroundings. Beside the pumpkin juice, there was a plate full of hearty food.


    A wave of hunger hit him, and Harry¡¯s stomach rumbled painfully, a feeling he hadn¡¯t experienced since leaving the Dursleys¡¯ house. He grabbed a baked potato, eating it skin and all in just a few bites, which made him feel considerably better.


    He noticed Neville and Seamus asleep, while Ron was sitting at the table, chin propped on his hands, nodding off. Harry walked over and gave him a nudge. ¡°Ron, what are you doing sleeping here?¡±


    Ron blinked groggily, then, seeing Harry, exclaimed, ¡°Hm... Harry¡­ Oh, thank goodness you¡¯re awake¡­¡±


    ¡°How long was I asleep?¡± Harry asked.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know¡­¡± Ron rubbed his eyes. ¡°But it must¡¯ve been more than eight hours. How do you feel?¡±


    ¡°Fantastic!¡± Harry said with enthusiasm. ¡°That¡¯s the most restful sleep I¡¯ve ever had, and I didn¡¯t dream a single thing.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s great¡­¡± Ron yawned, stumbling over to his own bed. He looked like he wanted to say more, but he was so exhausted that he fell asleep before he could utter another word.

 Chapter 198: An Unexpected Gain

    Once the semester began, the professors¡¯ patrols of the library and nightly rounds relaxed quite a bit; after all, they were now busy grading assignments and had little time to monitor students at night.


    That night, Kyle, who had been laying low for two weeks, eagerly crept to the library with the Marauder¡¯s Map in hand. The shelves in his magically-expanded box had been installed, but they couldn¡¯t stay empty forever. Kyle planned to fill them by the semester''s end. It was a daunting task, but if he cut back an hour of sleep each day and worked a bit harder, he was confident he could manage it.


    Wand in hand, Kyle made his way skillfully to the Restricted Section. This time, instead of methodically taking books off the shelves as before, he examined each title carefully, only selecting those he actually needed.


    After half an hour, Kyle had collected three books, all dealing with the subject of Basilisks:


    One, however, seemed oddly out of place.


    Kyle inspected the last book, which had a black cover and was about as thick as a notebook. He couldn¡¯t quite understand how it ended up in the Restricted Section. Still, he thought Newt and Hagrid might enjoy it, so he decided to copy it for them as a Christmas present next year.


    Since it had been a while since he last ventured out at night, and because he¡¯d found so many books this time, Kyle stayed in the library until dawn. In the following days, he returned to his usual busy schedule.


    Quidditch practice was in full swing again. Luckily, Harris¡¯s coaching was more relaxed than other captains¡¯, so even as the competition approached, they were only practicing three times a week. Gryffindor, however, was a different story. Wood was almost fanatical about winning the next game and had the team training nearly every afternoon.


    Even during the string of rainy days following heavy snowfall, Kyle could see them out on the Quidditch Pitch. Fred and George had complained multiple times that Wood was turning into a training tyrant and didn¡¯t seem to care about their well-being.


    ¡°If this keeps up, we¡¯ll be living in the Hospital Wing before the match even begins,¡± Fred joked. Kyle, however, suspected they might be exaggerating a bit, especially since Hufflepuff¡¯s next opponent was Gryffindor.


    Besides Quidditch training, Kyle found time each weekend to visit Hagrid¡¯s hut. Ever since Hagrid had started looking after the Magical Creatures in the Forbidden Forest, his hut was full of surprises.


    ¡°Here you go, Kyle¡ªUnicorn tail hair,¡± Hagrid said one day, pouring Kyle a cup of tea and handing him a small bag. ¡°I remember you¡¯re fond of this stuff, so I saved some for you¡ªall naturally shed.¡±


    Kyle opened the bag and peered inside. It was filled with a dozen or so long, silvery hairs in perfect condition.


    ¡°This many?¡± Kyle asked in surprise. ¡°Did you collect all these recently?¡±


    Unicorns don¡¯t shed nearly as much as Crups, especially not their tails. Without a wizard¡¯s intervention, a single hair might take six months to fall. The fact that Hagrid had collected so many in just a few weeks was remarkable¡ªwas there another herd of Unicorns in the Forbidden Forest?


    ¡°Nah, most of them are from a while back,¡± Hagrid replied, placing a copper pot on the stove. ¡°I¡¯d planned to weave them into a cushion, but the tail hair¡¯s color is too bright. It just looked odd mixed with the rest, so I picked ¡¯em out.¡±


    ¡°There were actually more, but I didn¡¯t find them. The rest are all here, so you can have ¡¯em.¡± Sear?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°Uh¡­ thanks,¡± Kyle said, smiling awkwardly.


    Only Hagrid, Kyle thought with a chuckle, would attempt to make a cushion out of Unicorn tail hair and then complain it was He was definitely living up to his reputation.


    ¡°Oh, Kyle¡­¡± Hagrid said, his face suddenly reddening. ¡°How¡¯s that Spider Tonic you were brewing for me coming along? Not that I¡¯m rushin¡¯ you¡ªI¡¯m just curious¡­ yeah, just curious.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s almost ready,¡± Kyle replied after a moment¡¯s thought. ¡°I tested it on Lee Jordan¡¯s Tarantula, and it worked pretty well. All that¡¯s left is to add a Eight-Leaf Flower, but that plant¡¯s rare. It¡¯ll take about two weeks to get here from Diagon Alley.¡±


    The Eight-Leaf Flower is a delicate ingredient that only works effectively when it¡¯s fresh. It¡¯s very particular about its environment¡ªjust the wrong light or temperature can cause it to wither. For this reason, potion shops don¡¯t typically stock it and only harvest it on demand.


    And it doesn¡¯t come cheap. At 29 Galleons per plant, with payment required in advance and no refunds, it¡¯s quite an investment. Still, Kyle hadn¡¯t hesitated to place the order. Considering the Unicorn tail hairs Hagrid had given him, now numbering over ten, along with nearly two pints of Acromantula venom from before, the cost seemed minimal.


    ¡°Eight-Leaf Flower¡­¡± Hagrid mused, thinking aloud. ¡°Is that the plant with eight leaves, purple in the middle, and either yellow or red on the edges?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right. When it ripens, the petals turn from red to yellow,¡± Kyle said. ¡°Is there a chance you¡¯ve seen it in the Forbidden Forest?¡±


    ¡°Actually, yes.¡± Hagrid nodded. ¡°I saw some just yesterday while I was out on patrol, near where the Unicorns live.¡±


    ¡°Could you take me there?¡± Kyle asked eagerly. ¡°I promise I won¡¯t wander off.¡±


    ¡°No!¡± Hagrid refused without hesitation. The Unicorns lived deep within the Forbidden Forest, and it was too dangerous for him to let Kyle go anywhere near there.


    ¡°If you like, I can gather some for you in a few days,¡± Hagrid offered.


    ¡°Of course, I¡¯d love that!¡± Kyle nodded enthusiastically. ¡°When you do go, could you dig them up with as much soil as possible? The more soil, the better. And, if you could, let me know ahead of time¡ªI¡¯ll wait for you here at the cabin.¡±


    Hagrid nodded, taking Kyle¡¯s instructions to heart. ¡°Dig them up with plenty of soil, got it. Oh, by the way, do you still need any more venom from the eight-eyed giant spider?¡±


    ¡°The batch you gave me last time is more than enough,¡± Kyle said, shaking his head. While Hagrid might not mind sharing, Kyle felt guilty about taking too much. Besides, Acromantula venom wasn¡¯t something he¡¯d need often; what he already had would last him well past graduation.

 Chapter 199: Who Is Snape’s Most Hated Person

    After two days of rain, the castle was buzzing with excitement as everyone anticipated the second Quidditch match.


    ¡°Our next opponent is Gryffindor,¡± Harris told the Hufflepuff team earnestly during a practice session. ¡°They¡¯re nothing like Ravenclaw¡ªthey¡¯re a very strong team with virtually no weaknesses. Their new Seeker, Harry Potter, is every bit as skilled as Cedric, and he has a knack for spotting the Golden Snitch quickly.¡±


    ¡°Dean, Ronny¡­¡± he addressed the team¡¯s Beaters, ¡°don¡¯t worry about Angelina; just keep an eye on Potter.¡±


    ¡°What about you and Kyle?¡± one of the Beaters asked with a frown. ¡°The Weasley twins are sharp players. They¡¯ll definitely try to use the Bludgers to throw you off.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s fine,¡± Harris replied calmly. ¡°We have two Chasers, so even if we¡¯re dodging Bludgers, we won¡¯t lose any points.¡±


    ¡°But then we won¡¯t be able to score quickly,¡± another player pointed out.


    ¡°To be honest, it¡¯s unlikely we¡¯ll score quickly anyway,¡± Harris admitted after a moment¡¯s thought. ¡°Wood isn¡¯t like other Keepers. He¡¯s got professional potential and is incredibly strong. Our tactics against Ravenclaw won¡¯t fool him.¡±


    Harris paused, looking around at his team. ¡°I¡¯m sure the key to victory will come down to the Golden Snitch.¡±


    He turned back to his Beaters. ¡°So, do whatever it takes to support Cedric. If Potter spots the Snitch first, you¡¯ll need to find a way to stop him. If necessary, use a Bludger to divert the Snitch.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Captain,¡± Cedric assured him. ¡°I¡¯ll catch the Snitch first.¡±


    ¡°I have complete confidence in you,¡± Harris said with a smile, patting Cedric on the shoulder. ¡°That¡¯s why I¡¯ve asked everyone to play around you.¡±


    Just then, a stir came from the passageway. Several heads turned to see Wood approaching with the Gryffindor team.


    ¡°Oliver, it¡¯s our training time. What are you doing here?¡± Harris asked, his tone sharp. Although he and Wood had been on good terms in the past, there was no love lost between them now.


    ¡°Not anymore,¡± Wood replied, striding up to him. ¡°I timed it to be here right as your session ended.¡±


    ¡°Wait¡­¡± Harris glanced up at the darkening sky, realizing what Wood meant. ¡°You¡¯re not seriously planning to train this late, are you?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it,¡± Wood replied curtly.


    Harris frowned, disapproving of Wood¡¯s relentless training schedule. But since none of Gryffindor¡¯s players had openly objected, he held his tongue. ¡°Just be careful not to push them too hard, Wood,¡± he murmured in a quiet warning, then turned and led the Hufflepuff team off the Quidditch Pitch.


    As they walked away, Fred and George exchanged helpless looks, shrugging at Kyle in silent commiseration as he left.


    Once Hufflepuff was gone, Wood jumped right into action. ¡°We¡¯ve got an hour left¡ªlet¡¯s make the most of it!¡±


    ¡°Oh¡­¡± the team responded with unenthusiastic groans. Even Harry couldn¡¯t summon much enthusiasm. With Wood¡¯s relentless schedule lately, it felt like he was either in class or on his broom, with barely any time for meals. He just wanted to crawl into his warm bed and get some real rest.


    But at Wood¡¯s urging, the team reluctantly took to the air. Fred and George, however, had other ideas. Ignoring Wood¡¯s commands, they began diving at each other, pretending to slip off their broomsticks.


    "Will you stop messing around!" Wood snapped angrily. "If you keep this up, you''ll lose us the match! Snape¡¯s the referee this time, and you know he¡¯ll find a way to deduct points from Gryffindor.¡±


    George practically fell off his broom when he heard that. "Snape as referee?" he sputtered, spitting out a mouthful of mud. "I thought he didn¡¯t care about Quidditch¡ªhe barely even shows up to watch!¡±


    The other players landed beside George, voicing their own concerns. Harry, in particular, looked pale, his whole body trembling. He remembered Ron and Hermione¡¯s warning that Snape had cast a spell on his broom during the last match. If he did it again, there¡¯d be no way to stop him¡ªHermione wouldn¡¯t be able to rush onto the pitch.


    "Harry, you look awful," Angelina said, concerned.


    "No, I¡¯m fine¡­¡± Harry mumbled, though his voice was shaky. ¡°Wood, in the next game, don¡¯t worry about me. Just focus on scoring as many goals as you can.¡±


    ¡°No, that won¡¯t work,¡± Wood replied, frowning. ¡°Catching the Snitch is worth 150 points. You think we can just score that many goals?¡±


    ¡°But Snape¡¯s definitely going to target me,¡± Harry said nervously. "I¡¯m¡­ I¡¯m worried¡­¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s no reason to worry, Harry,¡± George chimed in, patting Harry on the shoulder with a grin. ¡°Remember, we¡¯re playing Hufflepuff. What¡¯s there to be nervous about?¡±


    Harry blinked, a bit confused, wondering if George had hit his head when he fell and was confusing Hufflepuff with Ravenclaw.


    ¡°I¡¯m serious¡ªSnape will target me,¡± Harry insisted. ¡°He hates me. I don¡¯t even have to do anything wrong in Potions, and he still finds a reason to take points.¡±


    "Don¡¯t sweat it; everyone¡¯s lost points to Snape,¡± Fred laughed. ¡°So, how many points has he taken from you at once?¡±


    ¡°Fifteen,¡± Harry whispered, almost feeling guilty. He worried that maybe his potions blunders were partly why Gryffindor was trailing in the House standings. But to his surprise, Fred didn¡¯t look bothered in the slightest.


    ¡°Only fifteen?¡± Fred said, sounding amused. ¡°I thought it would be more.¡±


    Harry stared at him, stunned. fifteen points? That sounded like a lot! Maybe George¡¯s fall had actually affected Fred, too. But then, that didn¡¯t make sense¡­ he¡¯d never heard of twins sharing concussions. S§×arch* The N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Fred chuckled and went on. ¡°Do you have any idea how many points Kyle¡¯s lost in Potions?¡±


    Harry shook his head, puzzled. He¡¯d assumed that someone as accomplished as Kyle would probably earn extra points rather than lose them.


    ¡°Fifty¡­¡± George held up a hand, dead serious. ¡°Once, Snape took a full fifty points from him.¡±


    ¡°And on any normal day, Kyle usually loses around twenty points for all sorts of reasons,¡± Fred added. ¡°If it weren¡¯t for Kanna earning points back, Hufflepuff would be right down at the bottom of the House standings with us.¡±


    Harry was speechless. The thought of someone like Kyle losing so many points was beyond belief. It was almost as unthinkable as Hermione forgetting to do her homework.


    Fred continued, ¡°So you see, Harry, compared to Kyle, you¡¯re practically safe from Snape¡¯s wrath.¡±


    ¡°With him around,¡± George added, grinning, ¡°we¡¯ve got nothing to worry about.¡±


    The twins exchanged a look and burst into a wicked laugh.

 Chapter 200: Neville, You Need to Be More Confident

    Meanwhile, Kyle and the rest of the Hufflepuff team had just returned to the castle after leaving the Quidditch Pitch when Harris stopped them.


    ¡°Wait a moment,¡± Harris said, patting his head. ¡°Wood interrupted me earlier, and I almost forgot to mention something important.¡± His tone grew serious. ¡°We need to be on alert. The referee for our next match is going to be Professor Snape¡­¡±


    The moment he said it, everyone¡¯s gaze landed squarely on Kyle. Thanks to Mikel and Ryan¡¯s chatter, nearly every Hufflepuff knew about Professor Snape¡¯s tendency to single Kyle out. Hearing this news, the team''s first thought was that Snape had grown tired of mere point deductions and wanted a new way to cause trouble for Kyle. And Quidditch, they figured, was the perfect opportunity.


    ¡°Are you certain, Captain?¡± one of the players asked, frowning. ¡°Professor Snape¡¯s never been a referee before. Are you sure this isn¡¯t some prank?¡±


    ¡°Madam Hooch told us herself,¡± Harris confirmed. ¡°All four team captains were informed.¡±


    ¡°Then why don¡¯t you just skip this game?¡± Cedric blurted out. Realizing what he¡¯d said, he quickly looked at Harris, embarrassed. Urging Kyle, one of their key players, to bow out of the match right in front of their captain... such a suggestion would be enough to stir up the whole Quidditch world. Harris was easygoing, but if it had been anyone else, Cedric might have found himself in the Hospital Wing already.


    Cedric laughed awkwardly, trying to explain. ¡°What I meant was¡­ if Snape targets Kyle during the match, we¡¯ll effectively be down a player, which will make things even harder for us.¡±


    To Cedric¡¯s surprise, Harris didn¡¯t look upset; instead, he turned to Kyle with a serious expression. ¡°Cedric has a point. If you don¡¯t want to play in this match, I¡¯d support that decision.¡±


    Harris had thought it over carefully. Hufflepuff was already leading in the House points, well over a hundred points ahead of Slytherin in second place, so even if they lost this game, it wouldn¡¯t jeopardize their overall standing.


    Encouraged by Harris¡¯s words, the rest of the team chimed in.


    ¡°Then we¡¯ll just need a reason for Madam Hooch to allow a substitution.¡±


    ¡°How about pretending to break your leg?¡±


    ¡°Or actually breaking your leg!¡±


    Everyone began offering their ideas, each more extreme than the last. Kyle felt increasingly uneasy. If they kept going, he¡¯d probably be stuck in the Hospital Wing for the rest of the term.


    ¡°Hold on¡­¡± Kyle interrupted, exasperated. ¡°When did I ever say I was quitting?¡±


    ¡°But¡­¡± someone started to protest.


    ¡°There¡¯s no ¡®but,¡¯¡± Kyle insisted, shaking his head. ¡°If I sit out this time, what¡¯s to stop Snape from being the referee again in the next match, and the one after that? Should I just stop playing altogether?¡±


    Harris looked thoughtful, frowning slightly.


    ¡°So, there¡¯s no need for all this worry,¡± Kyle said, smiling. ¡°Besides, Snape might not even focus on me. Don¡¯t forget, Gryffindor has Harry Potter on their team, and he¡¯s probably even less popular with Snape than I am.¡±


    ¡°Harry Potter?¡± Harris paused, looking surprised. He hadn¡¯t heard anything about that.


    ¡°Yes,¡± Kyle confirmed. ¡°You can ask around¡ªeveryone in his year knows it.¡±


    Harris¡¯s expression softened, clearly reassured. ¡°Alright, if you¡¯re sure it¡¯s okay¡­ then it¡¯s settled.¡±


    Back inside the castle, Kyle parted ways with his teammates and headed to the library to finish his Transfiguration homework before curfew.


    In the second-floor corridor, Kyle ran into Neville, who didn¡¯t appear to be in great shape. Someone had cast the Leg-Locker Curse on him, causing his legs to stick together so tightly that he could only hop along the corridor like a rabbit.


    ¡°What happened?¡± Kyle asked, frowning as he helped Neville break the charm.


    ¡°Malfoy¡­¡± Neville replied in a shaky voice. ¡°I ran into him outside the library. He said he¡¯d always wanted to try that charm on someone.¡±


    ¡°You didn¡¯t resist?¡± Kyle asked, and Neville shook his head.


    ¡°No¡­ there were too many of them.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not good, Neville,¡± Kyle said, ¡°You need to try to be braver.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, you¡¯re right¡­¡± Neville said, choking back tears. ¡°Malfoy said I¡¯m too weak to be in Gryffindor.¡± He wiped his nose. ¡°But I just¡­ I can¡¯t do it. I can¡¯t even manage the most basic charms, and they¡¯re right¡ªI don¡¯t deserve to be learning magic.¡±


    ¡°No, Neville, you have to believe in yourself.¡± Kyle gave his shoulder a reassuring pat. ¡°Getting an acceptance letter to Hogwarts means you have the potential to become a wizard.¡±


    ¡°Thank you for saying that, Kyle,¡± Neville replied, his voice quavering. ¡°But I¡¯m just hopeless. I can¡¯t learn anything.¡±


    ¡°Maybe you just haven¡¯t found the right direction yet.¡± Kyle smiled, then added, ¡°Could you do me a favor?¡±


    ¡°Of course!¡± Neville answered quickly. ¡°But¡­ I don¡¯t know if I¡¯ll mess it up. I mess up everything¡ªeven the simplest stuff.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s fine; I believe in you,¡± Kyle said, handing Neville a few seeds.


    ¡°What are these?¡± Neville asked, staring at the tiny seeds in his hand.


    ¡°Lady¡¯s Mantle seeds,¡± Kyle explained. ¡°I¡¯ve been meaning to grow a few of these, but with all the Quidditch practices, I haven¡¯t had the time to care for them.¡± He paused. ¡°Could you help me with that?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know if I can¡­¡± Neville said nervously, holding the seeds as though they might break. ¡°I¡¯ve never grown anything before, and I even forget to feed Trevor sometimes.¡±


    ¡°Just give it your best shot,¡± Kyle replied with a shrug. ¡°Anyway, they¡¯re not very costly¡ªjust ten Galleons each.¡±


    Neville¡¯s hands shook, and he almost dropped the seeds. ¡°How¡­ how much?¡± he stammered.


    ¡°Ten Galleons,¡± Kyle repeated.


    Neville¡¯s trembling intensified. He looked down at the five seeds in his hand, realizing he was now holding fifty Galleons¡¯ worth. Fifty Galleons¡­ more than he could imagine repaying.


    ¡°Oh, and one more thing,¡± Kyle added casually. ¡°These seeds have been with me a while, and they got a bit soaked during Quidditch practice, so they¡¯re not in the best shape. You¡¯d better plant them quickly if they¡¯re going to have a chance.¡±


    At this, Neville¡¯s eyes widened, near tears. Regret surged through him as he clutched the seeds, hoping he could just hand them back and pretend nothing had happened. But when he looked up, Kyle was already halfway down the corridor, standing on a moving staircase, being whisked to the other side.


    Neville hurried after him, but he was too afraid to run fast while holding the precious seeds. By the time he reached the corridor, Kyle was already gone. Sear?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Just as Neville stood there, bewildered and uncertain, he heard faint voices from a nearby room. Without a second thought, he opened the door¡­ only to find no sign of Kyle, just two older students huddled together, whispering.

 Chapter 201: The Interrupted Match

    On Saturday, the Quidditch match was finally about to begin. The first game would pit Slytherin against Ravenclaw.


    As the Slytherin team strode into the stadium, loud cheers erupted from the far-right table, as though their supporters were already celebrating a win. Even the players themselves looked relaxed, showing not the slightest hint of pre-match nerves. To them, last season¡¯s game against Ravenclaw¡ªwhere they¡¯d shut them out¡ªhad been nothing more than a practice round for the other teams. Winning today seemed inevitable. What could possibly go wrong?


    Marcus had even started rehearsing a victory dance with his teammates. He swayed clumsily in the center of the hall, resembling a baboon under the effects of an Elixir to Induce Euphoria.


    ¡°Don¡¯t let it get to you, Cho,¡± Cedric reassured the girl beside him. ¡°Believe me, you¡¯re not weak.¡±


    Cho gave him a look but said nothing. She knew Cedric meant well, yet hearing him say things like that always felt a bit off. It was like a straight-A student telling someone who¡¯d flunked a test that they weren¡¯t unintelligent¡ªjust that the questions had been particularly tough. However well-intentioned, it made her want to punch him.


    ¡°To be honest, your Chasers are really just average,¡± Kyle said suddenly. ¡°So the key to this game is you. You have to catch the Golden Snitch before Ravenclaw falls 150 points behind.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll try my best,¡± Cho sighed. She knew it all too well, but the Golden Snitch wasn¡¯t like Bertie Bott¡¯s Every Flavour Beans¡ªshe couldn¡¯t just catch it whenever she felt like it.


    ¡°Kyle¡¯s right,¡± Cedric nodded. ¡°And there¡¯s also the issue of your broom¡ªit¡¯s too old. Even if you spot the Snitch first, you¡¯ll still be at a disadvantage. If you don¡¯t mind, I could lend you my¡­¡±


    He was cut off by a large group of owls that swooped in, their flapping wings and hoots drowning out the rest of his sentence. Kyle noticed that six long-eared owls were carrying an elongated package, which they deposited right in front of Cho.


    ¡°Could it be¡­¡± Cho¡¯s heart skipped a beat. She reached out, her hand trembling, to touch the package.


    ¡°You guessed right¡ªit¡¯s a broomstick! I remember those owls; they¡¯re the same ones that brought Cedric¡¯s broom last time,¡± Kyle said, smiling. ¡°Why don¡¯t we open it and have a look?¡±


    ¡°But¡­ I¡¯ve never bought a broom before,¡± Cho said nervously. ¡°I wanted to get a Nimbus 1700, but I was still a few Galleons short.¡±


    ¡°What if it¡¯s for someone else? Maybe the owls just made a mistake.¡±


    ¡°No way,¡± Kyle shook his head, chuckling. ¡°Owls don¡¯t make mistakes that basic.¡±


    Just then, another owl flew over, dropping a letter onto the package. Cho anxiously tore it open.


    ¡°This is your new broomstick, a Nimbus 2000. Have fun at the match. ¡ªProfessor Flitwick¡±


    Cho¡¯s face lit up as she read the note. She handed it to Kyle, who was already eagerly unwrapping the package. Sure enough, inside lay a gleaming new Nimbus 2000.


    Forgetting all about dinner, Cho grabbed the broom and bolted toward the Quidditch Pitch, with the other Ravenclaw team members hurrying after her.


    After Cho left, Kyle and Cedric returned to the Hufflepuff table. Kyle looked down at the letter in his hands and shook his head, smiling. It seemed Professor Flitwick had been a bit rattled by the last match, deciding to equip Cho with a new broom to avoid another shutout.


    Back at the Hufflepuff table, Kyle handed the letter to Cedric again and asked, ¡°By the way, what were you about to say?¡±


    ¡°Oh, nothing,¡± Cedric replied, shaking his head. He had intended to offer Cho his own broom, but clearly, that was no longer needed. S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    As he glanced at the letter, his eyes drifted toward the Slytherin table. By now, everyone had noticed Cho¡¯s new broomstick, and the Slytherins were no exception. The cheering had stopped, Marcus had quit his dance, and the entire team was looking rather grim.


    ...


    The game had barely begun when excitement filled the air. The stands were packed, with Kyle and Cedric front and center, holding up a banner and cheering loudly for Cho. Slytherin seemed determined to get their score past the crucial 150-point mark and went on the offensive right from the start.


    Marcus flew recklessly, ramming into one of Ravenclaw¡¯s Chasers and knocking him off his broom. Madam Hooch¡¯s whistle blared through the stadium, ruling the play invalid and awarding a penalty to Ravenclaw. Roger Davies, undeterred, remounted his broom and, with a fierce throw, sent the Quaffle straight through Slytherin¡¯s goalposts. Instead of gaining the lead, Slytherin had lost ten points, which only seemed to make Marcus angrier.


    The match was intense, with both teams scoring back and forth. Despite their goals, Slytherin couldn¡¯t build the lead they¡¯d hoped for. After their previous shutout, Ravenclaw had undergone rigorous training, toughening their resolve and significantly boosting their skill. This, combined with Cho¡¯s new broom, filled Ravenclaw with hope and determination. Whenever Slytherin scored, Ravenclaw quickly matched, keeping the score close.


    Although Slytherin¡¯s superior broomsticks gave them a slight edge, they were only 30 points ahead¡ªnowhere near the 150 points they needed. Spectators speculated about the game¡¯s outcome, their excitement growing, when Professor McGonagall unexpectedly arrived at the pitch. Amplifying her voice with her wand, she commanded, ¡°The game is suspended. Everyone return to the castle immediately!¡±


    Other professors soon joined her. Many in the stands were confused, but the prefects and professors began guiding everyone away. The Quidditch players hovered uncertainly in mid-air, looking down at the scene below, unsure of what was happening.


    ¡°Everyone, without delay, follow the professors and prefects away from the Quidditch Pitch!¡± Professor McGonagall repeated firmly.


    ¡°We were about to win!¡± Marcus complained bitterly, frustrated by the interruption. He had just managed to score a few more goals, but the scoreboard hadn¡¯t registered them.


    ¡°If you¡¯d like to remain here indefinitely, that¡¯s entirely up to you¡­¡± Snape¡¯s cold voice cut in as he appeared beside Professor McGonagall.


    Marcus looked at Snape and thought better of protesting. He quickly dismounted, his head bowed, and followed the others off the pitch.


    The exit passage was enchanted to accommodate any number of people without feeling crowded, and under the professors¡¯ guidance, it only took minutes to clear the pitch entirely.


    As they made their way back to the castle, they spotted Professor Flitwick on patrol, his wand drawn, carefully scanning the grounds. A tense silence spread through the crowd as the urgency of the situation began to sink in. A sense of unease grew, and many found themselves unconsciously quickening their pace.

 Chapter 202: The Dark Wizard in the Forbidden Forest

    Professor Flitwick looked unusually serious, his tension so palpable that it seemed as if an out-of-control dragon might appear at any moment. Some older students approached him to ask what was happening, but he remained tight-lipped, urging everyone to return to the castle quickly.


    As the students moved back toward the castle, whispers filled the air. Most speculated that the source of trouble had something to do with Professor Quirrell, the Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher.


    ¡°It must be him!¡± declared Gemma Farley with conviction. ¡°Nearly every major incident at Hogwarts has something to do with the Defence Against the Dark Arts professor.¡±


    ¡°And Quirrell didn¡¯t even show up to watch the match today,¡± someone added. ¡°Last time, he said he loved Quidditch, so it¡¯s strange he wasn¡¯t there!¡±


    ¡°Do you think Professor Quirrell might be like that dark wizard, Oren, who was here last year?¡± someone asked nervously.


    ¡°Or maybe he¡¯s a Death Eater!¡±


    ¡°Stop it, you¡¯re giving me the chills¡­¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s hurry back to the castle,¡± said another, trying to reassure the group. ¡°Professor Dumbledore¡¯s there, so even if it a Death Eater, we¡¯re safe.¡±


    With that thought, the young wizards felt somewhat comforted as they crowded into the castle.


    Kyle was also in the crowd, but instead of heading back to the common room, he slipped away from Professor Sprout¡¯s sight and moved closer to the Gryffindor team.


    ¡°Kyle?¡± Fred and George noticed him instantly, eyes lighting up with excitement. ¡°Do you know something?¡± George whispered. ¡°If you¡¯ve got a plan, don¡¯t forget to include Fred and me!¡±


    ¡°Sorry, Fred, George¡­¡± Kyle replied in a low voice as they climbed the stairs. ¡°I need to check on something right now. Could you cover for me?¡±


    The twins frowned, curious about Kyle¡¯s intentions but didn¡¯t hesitate. They positioned themselves on either side of him, stretching their shoulders just enough to shield him from view.


    ¡°Thanks,¡± Kyle whispered. He bent down, cast the Disillusionment Charm on himself, and slipped quietly out of the group on the third floor.


    ¡°By Merlin¡¯s beard¡­ that was the Disillusionment Charm!¡± Fred gasped in amazement. ¡°I¡¯ve been wanting to learn that spell forever.¡±


    George waved his hand in front of the empty space where Kyle had just stood but felt nothing. ¡°He¡¯s only a second-year and he can already do that! What else is he hiding from us?¡±


    Meanwhile, Kyle moved silently along the walls, his presence hidden as he carefully made his way to the door of Moaning Myrtle¡¯s bathroom. He checked the quill he¡¯d wedged in the crack of the door as a marker, relieved to see it was still intact. Good¡ªit wasn¡¯t a Basilisk.


    ¡°Whoever¡¯s there, come out. I can see you,¡± came a voice from behind the door. A round head suddenly poked through the wood.


    ¡°It¡¯s me, Myrtle.¡± Kyle removed the Disillusionment Charm, appearing in front of her.


    ¡°Oh, it¡¯s you, Kyle,¡± Myrtle said with a broad smile. ¡°Have you finally decided to share a bathroom with me?¡± Sear?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°Sorry, no plans for that yet,¡± Kyle replied with a shake of his head. ¡°I just came to ask if anyone else has been around here lately.¡±


    ¡°You?¡± Myrtle asked with a disappointed pout.


    ¡°No, I mean anyone me.¡±


    ¡°No one,¡± Myrtle replied, her expression crumpling. ¡°No one ever comes here. Who would want to visit ugly, miserable, moaning Myrtle? They won¡¯t even stand near the door for a second.¡±


    Kyle shifted awkwardly. ¡°Well¡­ at least Peeves seems to like you.¡±


    But this only made Myrtle wail louder, her mournful sobs echoing down the corridor. Kyle shivered as a chill ran down his spine.


    To avoid drawing attention, Kyle quickly changed the subject. ¡°By the way, how¡¯s the Peeves protection device I installed in your bathroom working out?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not sure. That horrid ghost hasn¡¯t been around lately,¡± Myrtle replied, her mood shifting as quickly as a turned-off tap. She glanced back into the bathroom, a bit doubtful. ¡°But do you really think it works? Just setting a dozen books on the floor to scare away that pesky spirit?¡±


    ¡°Of course!¡± Kyle grinned. ¡°And those weren¡¯t just books¡ªthey were special fireworks. The moment Peeves opens the door, the entire castle will hear the noise, and he¡¯ll be scared off for good.¡±


    ¡°Oh... all right, then,¡± Myrtle said with a pout.


    Satisfied that whatever had happened in the castle wasn¡¯t Basilisk-related, Kyle was ready to head back. He didn¡¯t want Professor Sprout realizing he¡¯d slipped away.


    ¡°By the way,¡± Myrtle called out wistfully, ¡°if you change your mind, you¡¯re welcome to move in here anytime.¡±


    At that, Kyle¡¯s pace quickened as he hurried back toward the Hufflepuff common room entrance, where he nearly bumped into Professor Sprout, who was just coming out.


    ¡°Kyle¡­ thank goodness you¡¯re safe,¡± she said sternly, her expression severe. ¡°Where were you, and why didn¡¯t you come back with the others?¡±


    Kyle had never seen Professor Sprout look so upset. Feeling sheepish, he tried to come up with an explanation. ¡°Professor, I was just¡­ a little worried, that¡¯s all¡­ so I stayed outside a bit longer to see if I could help.¡±


    As he struggled to find an excuse, Professor Sprout sighed and asked, ¡°Who told you this¡ªwas it Minerva?¡±


    ¡°Um, told me what?¡± Kyle stammered, utterly confused by the question.


    Professor Sprout seemed to misinterpret his response, her tone softening. ¡°I know you¡¯re close to Hagrid, and of course you¡¯d be concerned if you heard he¡¯d been seriously injured. But you¡¯re only a second-year student, Kyle, and your priority is to keep yourself safe. Madam Pomfrey will take good care of Hagrid.¡±


    ¡°Hagrid? He¡¯s¡­ hurt?¡± Kyle blurted out, shocked. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Professor¡ªcould you tell me how he is now?¡±


    Professor Sprout hesitated, choosing her words carefully. ¡°He¡¯ll be fine,¡± she finally said. ¡°When we found him near the Forbidden Forest, there were signs of dark magic all over him. If he weren¡¯t so strong¡­ he might not have survived. But don¡¯t worry; he¡¯s in the Hospital Wing now, receiving the best care.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Professor. I understand,¡± Kyle replied. ¡°Could I go see him, then?¡±


    ¡°Not right now!¡± Professor Sprout¡¯s tone turned stern again. ¡°Until Professor Dumbledore returns from the Forbidden Forest, everyone is to remain in the common room. No exceptions.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Professor,¡± Kyle said, realizing she meant it.


    ¡°Now, off you go¡ªback to the common room.¡±

 Chapter 203: Mars Is Very Bright

    In the Forbidden Forest, Dumbledore stood quietly amidst the ruins. His face was expressionless, a terrifying calm that seemed to chill the air.


    "Dumbledore..." Snape approached him, speaking in a low tone. "The students have all returned to the castle. No one was hurt."


    "Thank you, Severus," Dumbledore replied.


    Snape''s eyes flashed with frustration. "What on earth happened here?"


    "Apparently, someone was trying to use Unicorn blood to extend their life..." Dumbledore bent down, looking at the dying Unicorn at his feet. "If Hagrid hadn¡¯t found the other one in time, it would probably be dead as well."


    "Yes, and now that big oaf is the one nearly dead," Snape sneered, disdain filling his voice. "Was it really worth it... for just a beast?"


    Dumbledore''s gaze softened, though his voice held firm. "Everyone has their convictions, Severus, and those convictions are not so easily measured by worthiness. Just as when you did it... for Lily."


    "Dumbledore!" Snape''s voice rose in fury. "Don¡¯t you ever mention that name again!"


    He took a deep breath, struggling to regain his composure. After a long pause, he continued in a hard tone, "Do you know who it was that attacked Hagrid?"


    "I believe so."


    Dumbledore stepped forward, approaching a charred patch of earth. He bent down and ran his hand over the blackened ground.


    "Fiendfyre... such troublesome dark magic. If it had spread, I fear we might have lost the entire Forbidden Forest." S§×ar?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He straightened and walked a few paces to the side, where two Centaurs lay motionless, surrounded by chaotic footprints.


    "The Killing Curse..." Dumbledore murmured. "Their quivers are half-empty; it seems they weren¡¯t killed by the curse immediately. Whoever did this is very weak. Unicorn blood may prolong his life, but it cannot restore his strength."


    With each revelation, Snape''s face grew darker.


    "You said before... he doesn¡¯t dare kill anymore."


    "Fear and inability are two very different things," Dumbledore replied calmly. "It doesn¡¯t matter how many Centaurs die; it won¡¯t affect Hogwarts, nor will Hagrid¡¯s fate. He knows the parents and Governors don¡¯t care about them. As long as no students die, Hogwarts won¡¯t close, and he still has a chance at the Philosopher''s Stone."


    "That''s just your speculation," Snape said coldly.


    Dumbledore nodded. "You¡¯re right. None of us truly know his thoughts, which is why I¡¯ve decided to temporarily halt the Quidditch matches."


    A tense silence fell between them, and then Snape, grasping at a slim hope, asked, "What if it was Oren who returned? He, too, can cast Fiendfyre and the Killing Curse."


    "From what I know, he''s hiding in the North, avoiding the Aurors. He won¡¯t be back anytime soon. And if it were him, Hagrid would likely not have left the Forbidden Forest alive."


    Silence settled over them again until the muffled sound of hooves echoed from the distance.


    "Keep an eye on him for me, will you? You know who I mean..." Dumbledore said softly.


    Snape didn¡¯t respond. Without a word, he turned and left.


    The sound of hooves grew closer, and soon, a group of powerful Centaurs, armed with bows and arrows, appeared around Dumbledore, their expressions fierce and watchful.


    "Don''t move!"


    "...Mr. Dumbledore?" The lead centaur quickly signaled the others to lower their weapons upon recognizing him. He approached, asking, "Why are you here, and what on earth is going on...?"


    "As you can see, Magorian," Dumbledore replied, "someone attempted to kill a Unicorn, and Hagrid, along with two of your Centaurs, were caught in the crossfire."


    Only then did Magorian notice the two fallen Centaurs lying nearby.


    Suddenly, the sound of hooves surrounded them as more Centaurs arrived. Magorian approached the fallen with a choked voice. "Druji... Lyra... they were both brave warriors."


    "Ronan, Firenze," he continued, "take them back to the tribe. I think they would want to rest where the irises bloom."


    The two Centaurs solemnly lifted their fallen comrades and left.


    When Magorian looked back at Dumbledore, his demeanor had steadied, and he spoke calmly. "Dumbledore, Mars has been burning brightly¡ªvery brightly. Be prepared. This is only the beginning, and it is far from over."


    Dumbledore nodded slightly. "Thank you for the warning, Magorian."


    "I only wish to see no more Centaurs lost in this tragic way." Magorian paused. "Good luck to you, Mr. Dumbledore, and... Mr. Scamander."


    With that, he and the other Centaurs retreated into the forest.


    Dumbledore remained still, tilting his head slightly toward the injured Unicorn. An elderly figure had appeared there at some point, gently stroking the Unicorn''s bruised body. A Phoenix perched on his shoulder.


    "How is she?" Dumbledore asked.


    "Not well," Newt replied, looking up with concern. "She¡¯s lost a significant amount of blood, and dark magic has left her terribly weakened. But fortunately, we found her in time¡ªher life isn¡¯t in danger."


    "That¡¯s a relief," Dumbledore said. "She protected Hagrid from two deadly curses. If she hadn¡¯t made it, I don¡¯t know how I would¡¯ve broken the news to him."


    "No," Newt murmured, carefully feeding the Unicorn a potion and applying another to her wounds. Under his calming influence, the once-terrified Unicorn gradually relaxed and fell asleep. Only then did Newt take out a suitcase and carefully place her inside.


    After they left the Forbidden Forest, the two returned to the Headmaster''s Office.


    "Thank you for coming all the way here," Dumbledore said, half-jokingly, as he poured Newt a cup of black tea. "I really couldn¡¯t bear the thought of leaving the Unicorns in Professor Kettleburn''s care again¡ªHogwarts might need two new professors by next year."


    Newt chuckled, recalling how Professor Kettleburn had been gored by a Unicorn the previous year. That professor could indeed be somewhat reckless.


    "Oh, and one more thing." Dumbledore¡¯s gaze lingered on the suitcase in Newt¡¯s hands. "Did you happen to give Kyle a suitcase like that?"


    "Puff..." Newt sputtered, accidentally spitting out his tea. True to his reputation, Dumbledore, the greatest white wizard, dodged in an instant¡ªhis long beard remaining unscathed. But Fawkes, perched behind him, was less fortunate. The entire splash of tea drenched him.


    "Don¡¯t get excited; I was merely asking," Dumbledore said with a wink. "I''ve been wondering about it since Halloween, but none of us have seen Kyle carrying a case around."


    "Well... maybe... he left it behind..." Newt muttered, barely audible.


    Luckily, someone¡ªwell, some ¡ªcame to his rescue. Fawkes, after a moment of bewilderment, shook himself dry, then, indignant, began pecking at Dumbledore¡¯s beard.


    "Hey, Fawkes, Newt¡¯s the one who sprayed the tea..." Dumbledore protested, clearly not eager to take the blame.


    But Fawkes ignored him, focused solely on Dumbledore, who had failed to shield him from the tea. And Fawkes showed no mercy, snapping at tufts of silver-white beard with every peck.


    Dumbledore clutched his beard in pain, his voice betraying his discomfort. Taking advantage of the commotion, Newt quietly picked up his case and slipped out of the office unnoticed.

 Chapter 204: Hagrid’s Self-Blame

    When Hogwarts returned to normal the next day, Kyle went straight to the Hospital Wing.


    Almost everyone was buzzing about the previous day¡¯s events, with rumors flying in every direction.


    ¡°A Dark Wizard attacked Hogwarts¡­¡±


    ¡°The Death Eaters are making a comeback¡­¡±


    ¡°Magical Creatures are rebelling¡­¡±


    ¡°The bastard son that Dumbledore abandoned is seeking revenge¡­¡±


    ¡°The bastard son that Snape abandoned to seek justice¡­¡±


    ...


    Kyle had only walked from the common room to the Great Hall and already overheard five or six different versions, each more outrageous than the last. Honestly, if Lockhart had just applied to Hogwarts a little sooner, he wouldn¡¯t have needed to wander around borrowing stories to write his books.


    When Kyle reached the courtyard, it was noticeably quieter. No one was in front of the Hospital Wing; with most students at the Quidditch match, Hagrid had been brought to the Hospital Wing without being seen by any of the young wizards. As a result, hardly anyone knew he had been attacked.


    Kyle knocked on the door, a bit apprehensive. He wasn¡¯t sure if Madam Pomfrey would let him in and had even prepared himself for the possibility of leaving without seeing Hagrid. But, to his surprise, Madam Pomfrey simply stepped aside and let him in without a word.


    ¡°You¡¯d better be able to cheer him up. There¡¯s no magic potion for depression,¡± she said, leading Kyle to the far end of the room, where she pulled back the curtain around a hospital bed. sea??h th§× ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Hagrid lay there, his eyes vacant. Kyle called his name several times, but Hagrid didn¡¯t respond.


    ¡°Is it that serious?¡± Kyle frowned.


    ¡°No,¡± Madam Pomfrey shook her head. ¡°Last night, the headmaster sent over a special potion containing phoenix tears. Once he drank it, his injuries were nearly fully healed.¡±


    ¡°So, what¡¯s wrong with him now?¡± Kyle asked.


    ¡°That¡¯s just it¡ªhe¡¯s deeply depressed. This can¡¯t go on,¡± Madam Pomfrey sighed. ¡°I¡¯ll leave you to it. I¡¯ll go prepare the Elixir to Induce Euphoria¡­ though I hope it won¡¯t come to that.¡±


    After she left, Kyle tried calling Hagrid¡¯s name again, but it was no use. With no other options, he took a deep breath and shouted:


    ¡°Wake up, Hagrid! Two dragons are fighting over a nest of dragon eggs in the Forbidden Forest!¡±


    ¡°Hmmm¡­¡± This time, Hagrid finally stirred. His eyes shifted slightly as he mumbled, ¡°No¡­ don¡¯t fight, the dragon eggs¡¯ll break¡­¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t need to worry at all. There are no dragons at Hogwarts¡­ and no dragon eggs either.¡± Kyle said gently.


    Hagrid turned his head toward him, as if just now realizing Kyle was there.


    "Kyle, why are you here?"


    "Of course, I heard you were hurt and came to check on you." Kyle handed him a large box of chocolates. "Here, have some; it¡¯ll help."


    "I can''t eat..." Hagrid suddenly clutched his hair, his voice breaking as he wailed, "Druji... Lyra... they''re gone, right in front of me. It¡¯s all my fault¡ªtoo slow, too slow... If I¡¯d just gotten there quicker, they''d still be alive..."


    Hagrid¡¯s cries grew louder, his words eventually drowned out by his sobs. Kyle didn¡¯t interrupt; he didn¡¯t try to console him. He simply sat beside Hagrid in silence, unwrapping Chocolate Frogs one by one.


    Only when Hagrid¡¯s sobs finally subsided did Kyle speak softly. "I don¡¯t know how to make you feel better, Hagrid, but at least you saved the Unicorn."


    "Sella..." Hagrid looked up, and for the first time, his face showed something other than sorrow. "Is she... is she okay?"


    "If you mean the unicorn, Sella... yes, she¡¯s alive."


    Kyle handed Hagrid a Chocolate Frog and watched him pop it into his mouth. "Newt Scamander was at Hogwarts yesterday. He¡¯s taken Sella for treatment, and she¡¯s expected to recover well enough to return to the Forbidden Forest by the end of the school year."


    "You really saw Mr. Scamander?" Hagrid''s eyes widened. "You¡¯re not making this up?"


    "Of course not." Kyle nodded, absolutely certain. Newt had told him this himself when he¡¯d managed to slip into the Hufflepuff common room the day before, so he knew it was true. There were just some things they couldn¡¯t tell Hagrid about that conversation.


    Kyle still couldn''t figure it out, though. Not even Cedric or the Weasley twins knew about his suitcase, so how in the world did Dumbledore find out? Could it be Hermione? But that didn¡¯t make sense¡ªshe¡¯d never even met Dumbledore; if anything, she would have gone to Professor McGonagall. Then it hit him:


    "That''s wonderful, just wonderful..." Hagrid began to cry again, though this time out of relief and happiness.


    "So, you see, the Forbidden Forest needs you, Hagrid," Kyle said, handing him the last Chocolate Frog. "And don''t forget¡ªyou didn''t catch the Dark Wizard this time. What if he comes back to the Forbidden Forest while you¡¯re away? Those Unicorns wouldn¡¯t stand a chance."


    "Yeah... you¡¯re right," Hagrid said, rubbing his face and sitting up a bit. "I should get back there."


    "Not so fast," Kyle interjected, reaching into his pocket and pulling out a small, fist-sized sphere. "This is for you."


    "Thanks, Kyle, but I don¡¯t need any more chocolate. You can keep it."


    "This isn¡¯t chocolate; it¡¯s a distress signal I made," Kyle explained. "Just crush the outer shell, and it¡¯ll send a special firework into the sky. As long as Dumbledore and the other professors are at Hogwarts, they¡¯ll see it and come right away."


    Hagrid took the small sphere and shook his head. "I won¡¯t use this."


    Hagrid felt that the deaths of the two Centaurs had only been possible because he¡¯d been caught off guard. If he met the Dark Wizard again, he was determined to strike with everything he¡¯d eaten for breakfast¡­ in any way he could manage. And if all else failed, he could always use the wand concealed in his pink umbrella to send up red sparks for help.


    But that wand was his secret, and no one else could know about it.


    "Keep it, Hagrid," Kyle insisted, pressing the sphere into Hagrid¡¯s hands. "Please, just to be safe. Think of it as doing it for the magical creatures. The sooner we catch that Dark Wizard, the sooner the Forbidden Forest can be peaceful again."


    "Well¡­ alright," Hagrid said after a moment¡¯s thought. "So I just crush it?"


    "Exactly," Kyle confirmed. "Hold onto it whenever you go into the Forbidden Forest, and just squeeze it if you need help. It¡¯s a lot easier than sending up a distress signal by yourself."


    "Hmmm¡­" Hagrid scratched his head and muttered, "I¡­ I don¡¯t have a wand¡­"

 Chapter 205: Hermione’s Intuition

    "Amazing," Madam Pomfrey said, glancing at Hagrid, who had just asked to be discharged from the hospital. She turned to Kyle with a look of astonishment.


    She had only intended for Kyle to help lift Hagrid¡¯s spirits a bit, but she hadn¡¯t expected him to go this far. Hagrid had been so stubbornly resistant, refusing to listen to anyone even when he was on the verge of collapse. Now he was actually begging to be discharged!


    This was almost too good to be true¡­


    ¡°Poppy, is that all right?¡± Hagrid asked again when Madam Pomfrey didn¡¯t respond. ¡°Someone has to guard the Forbidden Forest, and I need to get back there quickly.¡±


    ¡°You may leave, but I need to check you over one more time,¡± she said with a firm tone.


    Although she knew the potion Dumbledore had sent was extremely potent, and Hagrid¡¯s resilience meant he¡¯d likely be fine even if he left immediately, she still needed to perform a final examination. It was a necessary procedure for everyone.


    Setting down the large wooden bucket she held, she turned to gather her tools for the checkup.


    ¡°You may not believe this, but I¡¯ve always been a little scared of her,¡± Hagrid murmured to Kyle. ¡°More than ten years now. Every time I come here, my legs start shaking.¡±


    ¡°I understand¡­¡± Kyle replied with a knowing smile.


    When he was a child, even the Magical Creatures seemed wary whenever he helped Newt with their potions. Even now, years later, a Crup would still bolt with its tail between its legs at the sight of him.


    Madam Pomfrey¡¯s inspection didn¡¯t take long and was soon completed. By the time they exited the Hospital Wing, it was nearly noon.


    Kyle invited Hagrid to join him in the Great Hall for lunch, but Hagrid declined.


    ¡°I need to get back and check on Fang,¡± he said. ¡°He must be worried sick after all this time.¡±


    They said their goodbyes in the courtyard, and Kyle headed back to the castle.


    However, upon returning, he noticed the usual chatter among the students had shifted. The young wizards weren¡¯t talking about yesterday¡¯s events anymore but rather about Quidditch. Due to what had happened yesterday, Ravenclaw and Slytherin were scheduled for a rematch today.


    What Kyle didn¡¯t expect was that the game had already ended while he was with Hagrid.


    ¡°Damn it, didn¡¯t they say the rematch was in the afternoon?!¡± Kyle muttered in disbelief. If he had known¡­ Well, even if he had known, he would have still gone to see Hagrid first.


    ¡°Kyle, have you seen Hagrid?¡±


    Harry suddenly appeared, rushing over with Hermione and Ron close behind.


    ¡°We went to his hut to look for him, but Professor Sprout was there instead,¡± Harry explained.


    ¡°That was awful¡­¡± Ron added, looking glum. ¡°She scolded us for going out there.¡±


    ¡°You must know what happened with Hagrid; can you tell us?¡± Hermione stepped forward, pushing Ron aside and fixing Kyle with a serious look.


    ¡°Why would you think that?¡± Kyle asked.


    ¡°Because I noticed you weren¡¯t at the Quidditch match,¡± Hermione replied, her gaze sharp. ¡°Harry told me that, as a team member, there¡¯s no way you would miss a match unless something really important came up. And since you skipped the match, it must have been something urgent.¡±


    ¡°I think¡­ it was probably about yesterday, something to do with Hagrid!¡±


    Kyle pressed his lips together, impressed by Hermione¡¯s deductive skills. She had nearly pieced together the entire truth.


    Then there were the other two¡­


    Harry was nodding enthusiastically, while Ron simply looked bewildered, as though he hadn¡¯t understood a word.


    The difference was staggering. How had the three of them ended up as friends?


    ¡°Hagrid¡­¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s fine, you¡¯re worrying for nothing,¡± Kyle interrupted Hermione. ¡°Actually, I always thought the match was in the afternoon¡ªthat¡¯s why I didn¡¯t go to watch it. Besides, Hagrid and I were in the Hospital Wing all morning... helping Madam Pomfrey with a small task. Professor Sprout was only covering for him in the Forbidden Forest for a short while.¡±


    ¡°No¡­ if anyone were helping, it would have been Filch,¡± Hermione said, narrowing her eyes in suspicion. ¡°How could a professor find time to go to the Forbidden Forest? And Professor Sprout is the Head of Hufflepuff, so she must be even busier.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know. Maybe she just happened to be passing by and offered to help.¡± S~ea??h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Kyle shrugged. ¡°Or you could ask Hagrid. He should be back at his hut by now.¡±


    Sometimes, being too smart could be annoying. It was easier with Harry and Ron¡ªthey simply believed everything he said and saved him a lot of trouble.


    ¡°Hagrid¡¯s back?¡± Hermione looked surprised; this wasn¡¯t what she¡¯d expected. She had assumed Hagrid was seriously injured and would be stuck in the Hospital Wing, but if that were true, Madam Pomfrey wouldn¡¯t have let him go so soon.


    ¡°Yes, he just went back,¡± Kyle confirmed. ¡°By the way, how did the match turn out?¡±


    ¡°Ravenclaw won!¡± Harry burst out excitedly, his eyes gleaming. ¡°Their Seeker was amazing! She caught the Golden Snitch when Ravenclaw was a hundred points behind!¡±


    ¡°Too bad you missed it,¡± Ron added, grinning. ¡°The looks on the Slytherins¡¯ faces were priceless. They actually lost to the weakest team, and Malfoy¡¯s face turned green.¡±


    ¡°Well, I can picture it,¡± Kyle said with a chuckle.


    After a bit more chat, Harry grabbed Ron and they headed out of the castle to find Hagrid.


    But Hermione didn¡¯t leave. She continued to walk alongside Kyle, her eyes sweeping him up and down with a peculiar look.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you worried Hagrid might say something?¡± Hermione suddenly asked. She had a strong hunch Kyle hadn¡¯t been entirely truthful.


    ¡°What¡¯s there to be worried about¡­ We really were just helping,¡± Kyle replied, keeping his tone casual.


    As long as he made sure his own story checked out, whatever Hagrid said was out of his hands. Besides, he couldn¡¯t keep Harry from going to see Hagrid forever.


    Hermione frowned, continuing to scrutinize him.


    ¡°Harry and Ron have been gone for a while now. Aren¡¯t you going to join them?¡± Kyle said, shifting uncomfortably under her gaze. Hoping to distract her, he pulled a handful of Chocolate Frog cards from his pocket and handed them over.


    ¡°By the way, since Harry was nice enough to tell me the match results, could you give him these too? I remember he was collecting the cards.¡±


    Just as Hermione was about to reply, her gaze caught a line of text on the top card:


    ¡°...and his partner Nicolas Flamel have achieved great things in the field of alchemy!¡±


    Nicolas Flamel¡­ alchemy¡­


    ¡°I know! I know who Nicolas Flamel is!¡± Hermione suddenly shouted, leaping to her feet and sprinting upstairs toward the Gryffindor common room.


    Kyle watched her dash off, then glanced down at the stack of cards still in his hand and slipped them back into his pocket.


    Thank Dumbledore, he thought with relief¡ªHermione had finally been sent off.

 Chapter 206: How is Quirrell Still Alive?

    ¡°We just went to talk to Hagrid for a bit, and you already know who Nicolas Flamel is?¡± Ron asked, stunned, as he and Harry sat in the Gryffindor common room. Neither of them had expected Hermione to spring such a revelation on them as soon as they got back.


    ¡°Where on earth did you find that out?¡± Harry asked, wide-eyed.


    ¡°On Dumbledore¡¯s Chocolate Frog card!¡± Hermione replied impatiently. ¡°You two go on about how many cards you¡¯ve collected, and yet neither of you noticed this!¡±


    Hearing this, Harry¡¯s eyes widened in realization. No wonder he¡¯d felt like he¡¯d seen the name before! Now he remembered¡ªhe¡¯d seen it on the train. Dumbledore was the first card he¡¯d ever collected.


    ¡°Also, I found this,¡± Hermione continued, pulling out a thick, worn book and flipping through its pages in front of them.


    ¡°Nicolas Flamel¡ªthe only known maker of the Philosopher¡¯s Stone!¡±


    ¡°What stone?¡± Harry and Ron asked at once.


    ¡°Oh, come on, don¡¯t you two ever read... Just look for yourselves!¡± Hermione shoved the book toward them and continued, ¡°I bet that big dog is guarding the Philosopher¡¯s Stone.¡±


    Harry and Ron felt like two novices being guided through a dungeon by an expert player. They had just managed to read through the information she provided when they looked up and realized Hermione had practically solved the whole mystery already. Not only had she found Nicolas Flamel, but she¡¯d even guessed what was hidden under the trapdoor.


    The Philosopher¡¯s Stone... no wonder Snape was after it. A stone that could create gold and grant immortality was something anyone would covet.


    ¡°And what about you two¡­¡± Hermione said, closing the book. ¡°Did Hagrid tell you anything about what happened yesterday?¡±


    ¡°No,¡± Ron replied, sounding frustrated. ¡°Hagrid wouldn¡¯t say a thing. No matter what we asked, he wouldn¡¯t give anything away.¡±


    ¡°But we did find out that Hagrid seemed to be hurt,¡± Harry added, thinking back. ¡°There was a bottle of Essence of Dittany in his room. I remember it from Herbology class; it¡¯s supposed to be good for treating wounds.¡±


    ¡°Essence of Dittany?¡± Hermione frowned, her suspicions deepening. So Hagrid¡¯s reason for going to the Hospital Wing wasn¡¯t to help Madam Pomfrey¡ªhe must have gone because he was injured. She¡¯d been right all along: Hagrid was definitely connected to what had happened yesterday.


    ¡°Maybe we could ask Kyle again,¡± Ron suggested.


    ¡°No use,¡± Hermione shook her head. ¡°If he wanted to tell us, he would have already. Besides, do you really think he¡¯ll slip up like Hagrid might?¡± S§×ar?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°Hermione¡¯s right,¡± Harry agreed. He wasn¡¯t eager to go talk to Kyle, either¡ªespecially with everything going on in Quidditch.


    Since Ravenclaw¡¯s shocking win over Slytherin, Slytherin had no chance of winning the championship anymore. And since Ravenclaw had been shut out in their first match, their overall score wouldn¡¯t be enough to win, even after this victory.


    This meant that the upcoming game between Hufflepuff and Gryffindor was crucial¡ªwhoever won would clinch the championship early. Tensions between the two houses had plummeted to an icy low, and Harris and Wood had nearly come to blows in the corridor.


    With things this tense, even if they went to Kyle, he might not even want to talk to them. Harry had no desire to make matters worse.


    Seeing that Harry and Hermione were against the idea, Ron gave up on it too.


    ...


    When they went to class the next day, everyone was surprised to see Professor Quirrell again. Contrary to the many rumors circulating, he hadn¡¯t fallen prey to the supposed "Curse of the Defense Against the Dark Arts professor" that seemed to strike every year. For many students, this was a huge letdown. They had been hoping that if Quirrell were out, the end-of-term exam might be cancelled.


    Still, some keen-eyed students noticed that Professor Quirrell¡¯s arm was bandaged heavily, including his wrist, and his face looked paler than usual. He explained to the class that he had taken a tumble down the stairs two days prior while rushing somewhere.


    This prompted another round of sighs from the students¡­


    Kyle overheard a nearby Slytherin mutter, ¡°With the mood this dark, all he managed was a broken arm¡­¡±


    Whether because of his injury or another reason, Professor Quirrell didn¡¯t bring his ¡°teaching assistant¡± this time. Instead, he led the class in a simple reading lesson. Anyone who didn¡¯t know better might have mistaken the class for History of Magic.


    But even Professor Binns at least read the passages himself. Quirrell, on the other hand, had the students read aloud while he sat at the podium, appearing to doze off.


    The students were clearly unimpressed. Who couldn¡¯t read? Earning a salary for this was almost scandalous. If there were a "Worst Professor" award at Hogwarts, Quirrell would be the clear champion. Even a Crup as a substitute teacher would have done a better job. Why Dumbledore hadn¡¯t fired him was a mystery to everyone.


    If Defense Against the Dark Arts was becoming dull, Potions class was downright painful for Kyle. Snape¡¯s attitude had soured even further since the Ravenclaw-Slytherin match, almost as if he were taking out his frustrations on Kyle. His point deductions were severe, often starting at five points with no apparent limit.


    Though some of these points were restored later, usually due to Kanna¡¯s intervention, Kyle found himself repeatedly tempted to grab Mikel¡¯s cauldron and drop it on Snape¡¯s head. He refrained, however, since his own potions were precise and wouldn¡¯t have much impact on Snape even if dumped on him. Mikel¡¯s, on the other hand, was another story¡ªhis potions were like Schr?dinger¡¯s concoctions: their effects unpredictable until fully brewed, and hard to remedy.


    Harry was also feeling the sting of Snape¡¯s criticism, though his point deductions were not as severe as Kyle¡¯s. In fact, after hearing about Kyle¡¯s ordeals, Harry¡¯s own grievances with Snape seemed trivial, and his spirits lifted considerably. Now, even if he ran into Snape outside of Potions class, he could keep his composure.


    ¡°Fred and George were right,¡± Harry remarked with a smile while playing a game of Wizard Chess. ¡°It seems like Snape really does dislike Kyle more.¡±


    ¡°If that¡¯s the case, maybe we actually have a shot at winning the House Cup!¡± Ron added eagerly.


    ¡°If Snape keeps bothering the Hufflepuffs, it¡¯ll be perfect for Gryffindor,¡± he went on, his excitement evident.


    ¡°Ron, don¡¯t jinx it,¡± Harry replied, guiding his knight to take a pawn. ¡°We¡¯ll win fair and square, even if Snape isn¡¯t the one refereeing our match!¡±

 Chapter 207: Overwhelming Support Rate

    As the second week approached, anticipation for the match continued to build, and the atmosphere in Hufflepuff became tense. The stakes were high; this game would determine who would claim crucial points and gain a solid lead heading into the final. It was the weekend, but the Hufflepuff common room was unusually quiet¡ªno one even attempted to do their homework.


    Harris, the team captain, was visibly jittery, pacing the common room with a Toy Broomstick in hand and repeatedly going over game-day reminders. Meanwhile, the two Hufflepuff Beaters practiced their swings with intense focus. They knew that the Gryffindor Beaters, Fred and George Weasley, were the best at Hogwarts, and they were determined not to let their team down. Kyle worried they might exhaust themselves and end up in the Hospital Wing from overworking their arms. Thankfully, Professor Sprout had brought in a pot of mood-enhancing herbs to lighten the tension.


    Since Hufflepuff¡¯s victory the previous year, Professor Sprout had taken a keen interest in Quidditch, and these Thymes were a rare type, known for their uplifting effect. Resembling the Three-Headed Dog in rarity, the flowers and leaves also served as key ingredients for the luck-enhancing potion Felix Felicis. Kyle felt a pang of envy at this unique plant, but there was no time to think about it now.


    By the time they reached the Great Hall at noon, they were the center of attention. Surprisingly, almost everyone¡ªaside from the Gryffindors¡ªseemed to be rooting for Hufflepuff. The Slytherins, of course, were thrilled at any chance to see Gryffindor lose. The Ravenclaws¡¯ motivations were more complex. Though they had been shut out in their last match, if Gryffindor performed poorly, it would soften the blow to Ravenclaw¡¯s pride.


    It was like an exam where only one person scores perfectly; as long as everyone else fails, individual scores don¡¯t sting as much. There¡¯s little difference between a failing score and a zero when everyone¡¯s struggling.


    For Gryffindor, it was jarring to face such overwhelmingly lopsided support from the school. Usually, only Slytherin experienced this kind of reception. During dinner, Wood, the Gryffindor captain, was furious, nearly tearing his plate apart in frustration.


    ¡°Forget what they say; we¡¯re the best!¡± Wood exclaimed. Surveying his teammates, who seemed just as dispirited, he pushed his plate aside and raised his voice. ¡°Support doesn¡¯t decide anything. We¡¯re going to win this game and show everyone who the strongest team at Hogwarts really is!¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re right!¡± Chaser Angelina echoed, pushing her plate away and raising her glass of pumpkin juice high. ¡°Let¡¯s show them who¡¯s strongest!¡±


    As she finished, Fred and George raised their glasses as well, adding with a grin, ¡°Hey, don¡¯t forget¡ªwe¡¯re Gryffindor.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, exactly,¡± Harry chimed in. ¡°We can absolutely win this!¡±


    Gradually, everyone around the table lifted their glasses, and a wave of renewed energy washed over them. They laughed, and the previous somber mood evaporated.


    Harry, in the midst of his friends, raised his glass high, his face flushed with excitement.


    ...


    After lunch, the match was ready to begin.


    As students arrived one by one at the Quidditch Pitch, the stands grew increasingly lively. In the team''s Changing Rooms, Harris was delivering his usual pep talk.


    ¡°Captain, you''ve said this like 800 times already. How about we just stay quiet for a bit?¡± Keeper Farrell muttered, peering out the door and taking a deep breath. ¡°The stands are packed with people supporting us. I¡¯m more nervous than I was during last year¡¯s final. What if we don¡¯t do well... Wait, who is that... Oh my goodness, Dumbledore is here too!¡±


    ¡°Dumbledore?¡±


    The room went silent as everyone crowded around the door to take a look.


    ¡°That¡¯s fantastic!¡± Harris exclaimed, waving his arm excitedly when he spotted the silver-white beard. ¡°If Dumbledore¡¯s here to watch, Snape definitely won¡¯t dare mess with Kyle!¡±


    The biggest worry that had been nagging at him suddenly felt resolved... Harris was completely at ease now.


    Soon, the door to the Changing Rooms opened, and the team marched out onto the pitch.


    ¡°Look, the Hufflepuff team is coming in!¡±


    Lee Jordan¡¯s voice echoed from the stands.


    ¡°They¡¯re the favorites, just as strong as Gryffindor. They beat Ravenclaw and Slytherin in the last match and didn¡¯t even let them score a single point!¡±


    Lee Jordan was clearly stirring the pot, taunting both teams to rally behind Hufflepuff. But his words were quickly drowned out by a wave of boos, and snack wrappers, flavored beans, and even a few shoes rained down on him.


    ¡°Jordan!¡± Professor McGonagall¡¯s voice called sharply as she waved her wand, giving him a stern look.


    ¡°Oh, sorry, Professor McGonagall, I was just stating the facts.¡±


    The booing around him intensified. Even Snape, acting as referee, shot Lee Jordan a hard glare, wondering if he should give the boy a taste of what Kyle got last time in Potions class. S§×ar?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Lee Jordan felt a chill run down his spine, as though something dreadful had taken notice of him. Realizing he¡¯d roused the crowd¡¯s ire, he quickly abandoned any attempts at adding personal commentary and started giving the play-by-play properly.


    ¡°This commentary is really getting under people¡¯s skin. If we lose, it¡¯ll look bad, and we¡¯ll just end up as Gryffindor¡¯s stepping stone,¡± Cedric muttered.


    ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter, as long as we win,¡± Kyle replied with a smile. ¡°If we also keep Gryffindor at zero points, he won¡¯t have much to say next time.¡±


    ¡°Then I¡¯d better catch the Snitch quickly,¡± Cedric laughed.


    The two team captains soon shook hands, and Madam Hooch¡¯s whistle signaled the start of the game.


    Kyle, with the advantage of his broomstick, was the first to seize the Quaffle. Harris followed close behind, perfectly in sync, as they streaked toward Gryffindor¡¯s goalpost.


    Angelina and Alicia Spinnet rushed to intercept, but their broomsticks couldn¡¯t match the speed of the Nimbus 2000, and they were forced to trail far behind. Fred sent a Bludger their way, but Kyle smoothly dodged it with a flick of his wrist.


    Reaching the scoring area, Kyle feinted a pass to Harris on his left, then sent a backhanded shot toward the right goalpost.


    The cheering in the stands fell silent, and everyone watched the Quaffle with bated breath.


    Only Lee Jordan kept up his commentary at a breakneck pace:


    ¡°Kyle pitches¡­ another feint¡­ Wood can¡­ beautiful¡ªWood sees right through his move! The ball is intercepted, and now Gryffindor takes the initiative!¡±

 Chapter 208: Snape’s Solo Performance

    As the only Keeper captain among the four teams, Wood¡¯s skill was indisputable. Kyle hadn¡¯t really expected to score right at the start, though¡ªthis opening shot was just to get a feel for the game. Now he knew: this match was going to be a tough one.


    ¡°We¡¯re in trouble,¡± he muttered, his face serious, a flicker of regret passing over him. Shutting Gryffindor out with zero points wasn¡¯t going to be easy... If he¡¯d known, he wouldn¡¯t have bragged to Cedric just now.


    On the other side of the pitch, Wood threw him a smug wink before launching the Quaffle to a teammate downfield.


    ¡°And Gryffindor¡¯s got the Quaffle now¡­ It¡¯s Chaser Alicia Spinnet! A talent discovered by Oliver Wood¡¯s sharp eye¡ªlast year, she was only a reserve!¡± Lee Jordan¡¯s commentary rang out, his voice noticeably louder and more animated than before.


    ¡°The ball is passed to Katie Bell¡­ Oh, but Hufflepuff snatches it back! It¡¯s Kyle again, moving like he¡¯s born to fly¡ªgoodness, he¡¯s incredible at dodging that Bludger without slowing down! Why isn¡¯t he a Seeker¡­ Sorry, Diggory, I didn¡¯t mean anything by it.¡±


    Cedric glanced at the commentary box, mildly annoyed, but he had to admit Lee Jordan was right¡ªKyle was fantastic in the air. As for why Kyle wasn¡¯t playing Seeker¡­ Cedric had once asked him the same thing, even offering to compete for the position fairly if he wanted it. But Kyle had just laughed and turned him down without a second thought, saying, ¡°I love the game of Quidditch, not some silly game of hide-and-seek with a Golden Snitch.¡±


    It was an important position, though¡­ Cedric just shook his head with a sigh and returned his focus to spotting the Golden Snitch in the sky.


    Meanwhile¡­


    ¡°Kyle¡¯s in front of the Goalposts again¡­ This could be it! He goes for the shot¡ªno, he fakes! The Quaffle¡¯s with Harris now¡ªWood¡¯s been tricked! And it¡¯s a score for Hufflepuff!¡±


    ¡°Wow¡­ Was that really a Porskoff Ploy?¡±


    ¡°Jordan!¡± Professor McGonagall¡¯s voice cut sharply through the stands. S~ea??h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°Sorry, Professor McGonagall, won¡¯t happen again!¡±


    With Harris¡¯s goal, the scoreboard flashed 10:0. But just as the crowd was about to break into cheers, a sharp whistle pierced the air. Snape had ruled that Kyle¡¯s maneuver to dodge the Bludger was a foul, and he disallowed the goal, resetting the score to 0:0.


    ¡°This isn¡¯t fair!¡± Harris shouted in frustration. ¡°We already scored¡ªwhy didn¡¯t you say anything then?¡±


    Snape ignored him entirely, his expression indifferent.


    ¡°It¡¯s no use, save your energy,¡± Kyle murmured, familiar with Snape¡¯s underhanded ways. ¡°At least he didn¡¯t give Gryffindor a penalty, so we¡¯re still in the game.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m going to see Professor Sprout and Madam Hooch!¡± Harris fumed, waving his arm angrily. ¡°If he¡¯s the referee for the next match, we¡¯ll refuse to play!¡±


    In the stands, the crowd roared their displeasure, voices rising in protest. But it was pointless; Snape remained unmoved, as if he couldn¡¯t hear a word they were saying.


    In the Gryffindor stands, Ron, struggling to keep his emotions in check, whispered to Hermione, ¡°Looks like Harry was right. Snape really targeting Kyle.¡±


    ¡°But that¡¯s not fair,¡± Hermione frowned. ¡°I¡¯ve read ¡ªKyle hasn¡¯t broken any rules at all.¡±


    ¡°Yes, yes, I know,¡± Ron mumbled. ¡°But that¡¯s actually bad for us... Ouch!¡±


    Someone jabbed Ron in the back of the head. It was Malfoy.


    ¡°Oh, sorry, Weasley, didn¡¯t see you there,¡± Malfoy sneered, grinning at Crabbe and Goyle. ¡°You should be thanking Professor Snape. He probably just doesn¡¯t want you lot to lose badly.¡±


    Ron opened his mouth to argue, but words failed him as Snape awarded yet another baseless penalty against Kyle.


    ¡°Two¡­¡± Malfoy¡¯s grin faded, his tone tinged with envy. ¡°What makes Professor Snape take such good care of your side, just because you¡¯re all brainless?¡±


    ¡°Maybe you should join the team, Neville Longbottom,¡± he mocked. ¡°With an empty head like yours, maybe Professor Snape would just you the Golden Snitch.¡±


    Neville¡¯s face turned red as he twisted in his seat to face Malfoy. ¡°Shut up, Malfoy¡ªI¡¯m not scared of you this time!¡± he stammered.


    Malfoy, Crabbe, and Goyle burst into loud laughter. ¡°Didn¡¯t learn your lesson last time, did you? Want to feel the Leg-Locker Curse again? I bet it¡¯d be loads of fun hopping all the way back to the castle from here.¡±


    Neville¡¯s face flushed even redder, his fists clenched, but Malfoy kept taunting him. Finally, Neville snapped. He swung over the back of his seat, and before Malfoy knew what was happening, he was on the ground.


    Ron saw the scuffle unfold and rushed over to help. Within moments, he, Neville, Malfoy, Crabbe, and Goyle were rolling in a tangled brawl beneath the stands, fighting as fiercely as the players on the pitch.


    But all around them, the crowd¡¯s attention stayed fixed on the game¡ªHermione¡¯s included. Her gaze was locked on the action below.


    Suddenly, Harry, with no warning, dove toward the ground, his eyes locked on what looked like the Golden Snitch. But just at that moment, Snape called yet another foul on Kyle, enraging a Hufflepuff Beater, who swung his bat in frustration. The Bludger, speeding dangerously, grazed Harry¡¯s nose before zooming straight at Snape, making him flinch back in surprise.


    By the time Harry recovered, the Snitch had vanished.


    ¡°Oh, for Merlin¡¯s sake! Why of all times¡­¡± Harry muttered in frustration, pulling his broom back up and returning to the air.


    ¡­


    From that point on, the match felt like a showcase of Snape¡¯s power, his magical whistle stripping Hufflepuff of at least 50 points with repeated calls. Then, at the 30-minute mark, just as both Harry and Cedric charged at the Snitch, Snape inexplicably positioned himself right in front of Harry¡¯s path. Forced to veer away to avoid a collision, Harry lost his best chance to catch it.


    In the end, Cedric caught the Snitch, mere inches ahead of Harry.


    The match was over, with a final score of 180 to 20. Hufflepuff had won.


    As Harry angrily dismounted, he felt a hand on his shoulder. Looking up, he found Dumbledore smiling down at him.


    ¡°You did very well,¡± Dumbledore murmured, his voice gentle, meant only for Harry. ¡°I¡¯m sorry about the outcome, but I¡¯m glad to see you¡¯re not spending your time looking in the mirror¡­ living life to the fullest¡­ brilliant.¡±

 Chapter 209: A Good Place to Relax

    This was probably the most extraordinary Quidditch match Hogwarts had seen in a century.


    Hufflepuff, who had been unfairly targeted throughout the entire match, won the game, yet none of them felt any joy. They celebrated briefly and symbolically before hurrying back to the Changing Rooms.


    Gryffindor, who hadn¡¯t been the target of Snape¡¯s ire, lost once again, and naturally, they weren¡¯t pleased either.


    Even many of the spectators found their enthusiasm dampened by the incessant fouls and sat down in the hope the game would end soon.


    If anyone was satisfied with the match, it was Snape, the referee. With his enchanted whistle, he¡¯d managed to turn the game into a personal show, focusing on Kyle and preventing Harry from seizing the Golden Snitch.


    Snape thought, feeling thoroughly satisfied as he dismounted his broom, especially when he saw the pale faces of Kyle and Harry. He couldn¡¯t remember feeling this pleased, not even the first time he brewed Felix Felicis.


    ¡°He really ought to die!¡±


    In the Hufflepuff Changing Rooms, Harris was pounding the wall in fury.


    ¡°A thirty-minute match, and Professor Snape¡­ he actually called twenty-one fouls on us! I¡¯ve never seen anything so outrageous.¡±


    ¡°Even at the Quidditch World Cup in 1473, the average was only one foul every two minutes!¡±


    ¡°If Snape is refereeing the next match, we refuse to participate!¡±


    Everyone nodded in agreement; they had no desire to endure another match as miserable as today¡¯s. This was especially true for Kyle, who had been the target of all twenty-one fouls¡ªstaying in the game to the end was an achievement in itself.


    Instead of staying with his teammates, Kyle left the Changing Rooms alone, hoping to find somewhere to clear his mind. The Forbidden Forest seemed like a good option, except that Hagrid had been keeping a close watch lately. Kyle was spotted the moment he arrived and was taken straight back to Hagrid''s hut.


    ¡°I watched the match; it wasn¡¯t your fault,¡± Hagrid said, pouring Kyle a cup of tea to comfort him. ¡°Professor Snape doesn¡¯t seem to know Quidditch very well, and everyone could see you didn¡¯t commit any fouls.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve heard that a few times already, Hagrid,¡± Kyle replied, taking a sip of tea. ¡°Are you really not going to let me go to the Forbidden Forest?¡±


    ¡°No, Kyle,¡± Hagrid replied sternly. ¡°The Forbidden Forest is too dangerous right now. If it¡¯d been anyone else, I¡¯d have sent them straight back to the castle and reported them to a professor, costing them quite a few points.¡±


    Seeing Hagrid¡¯s resolve, Kyle decided not to press further. In truth, if he¡¯d really wanted to go to the Forbidden Forest, he could¡¯ve used the Cloak of Invisibility or the Disillusionment Charm, and Hagrid would never have noticed. But there was no need for that. There were plenty of other places he could go for a walk; the Forbidden Forest wasn¡¯t the only option.


    After leaving Hagrid¡¯s hut, Kyle ran into Harry by the Black Lake.


    ¡°Potter, are you here to see Hagrid too?¡±


    ¡°No¡­ well, yes,¡± Harry replied, looking a little uneasy. ¡°I just¡­ don¡¯t want to keep listening to people trying to comfort me.¡±


    ¡°Understandable.¡± Kyle patted him on the shoulder. ¡°Go on, then; Hagrid was just talking about you.¡±


    With that, Kyle turned to leave. But before he¡¯d taken two steps, Harry suddenly called out, ¡°Wait¡­¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s up?¡±


    ¡°Kyle¡­ did you see anyone strange just now?¡±


    ¡°Strange? How do you mean?¡±


    ¡°Well¡­ someone in a hood or something¡­¡± S§×arch* The ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Kyle thought for a moment, then shook his head. ¡°Sorry, I didn¡¯t notice anything like that. But you could ask Hagrid. If anyone strange was headed for the Forbidden Forest, he might have seen them.¡±


    ¡°Okay¡­ thanks.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re welcome.¡±


    After saying goodbye to Harry, Kyle turned and made his way back to the castle.


    Now Kyle finally understood what Harry had meant.


    Almost everyone, whether they knew him or not, would approach him with a few words of sympathy whenever they spotted him. And more and more people were coming his way.


    Kyle quickened his pace and headed to the library for a bit of peace. Madam Pince helped him clear out anyone who wasn¡¯t there to read, giving him a temporary sanctuary. Hiding behind the bookshelves, he cast the Disillusionment Charm on himself, slipped out, and made his way up the revolving staircase to the Room of Requirement on the eighth floor.


    After half a school year of diligent effort, he had gradually moved the mature plants from his flower garden into his enchanted suitcase. However, those that were still growing remained here for the time being.


    The Room of Requirement offered a more suitable environment for magical plants to thrive. After all, creating rain or adjusting the weather within a suitcase wasn¡¯t exactly feasible¡ªat least, not with his current abilities.


    The same went for his Mooncalves. They would need to stay here for a while longer, until he¡¯d fully finished modifying the suitcase for them.


    Because he had planted so many plants at the beginning of the school year, even though he¡¯d moved a batch already, the garden didn¡¯t look empty in the slightest¡ªin fact, it was quite crowded.


    Seeing the plants flourishing in their beds immediately lifted Kyle¡¯s spirits.


    he thought. Whether with plants or magical creatures, watching them grow bit by bit really was deeply fulfilling.


    Kyle made his way through a row of large pots of Chomping Cabbage and reached the back of the room, where a patch of land was dedicated to the Venomous Tentacula.


    This vine-like plant shared some traits with Devil¡¯s Snare, as both had a tendency to wrap around any nearby living things. However, the Venomous Tentacula was far more dangerous. Unlike Devil¡¯s Snare, it thrived in sunlight and was highly toxic; a prick from its barbs or a bite could be deadly.


    This was the primary reason it was classified as a Class C Non-Tradeable Material by the Ministry of Magic.


    Nevertheless, the Venomous Tentacula grew relatively slowly. Even with a daily dose of Mooncalf manure as fertilizer, it had only managed to sprout a thin shoot, and its characteristic spikes were still just a few tiny, black dots.


    The Fanged Geranium on the other side was at a similar stage.


    The Chomping Cabbage, however, was thriving, with a short growth cycle and convenience to boot. Despite being planted on the same day, these had already sprouted sharp teeth.


    Ever since Kyle had arrived at the flowerbed, he could hear their teeth clattering, creating a brisk, fast-paced rhythm.


    Returning to the Chomping Cabbage, Kyle took out his suitcase from the Mokeskin pouch, picked some of the healthiest and most vigorous ones, and carefully placed them inside.

 Chapter 210: What About Your Egg?

    After March, the weather gradually warmed up, and the ice that had blanketed the Black Lake all winter finally thawed last week.


    Lately, the giant squid had taken to occasionally poking its head and tentacles out of the lake''s depths to bask in the warm sunlight on the surface. This sight had drawn a crowd of fascinated students.


    Although many who¡¯d read knew about the giant squid in Black Lake, sightings were rare. With the exception of Slytherins, whose common room was located under the lake, most students didn¡¯t often get a glimpse of it themselves. Now, everyone was eager to see, especially the new students who rushed down to the lake as soon as classes ended.


    Suddenly, the Black Lake had become Hogwarts¡¯ latest hotspot, like an Instagram-worthy attraction.


    Kyle, however, didn¡¯t join the crowd. He¡¯d already seen the squid once at the end of last year. To be honest, it was just like any other squid¡ªjust much larger. And staring at it too long only made him hungry. Since grilling it wasn¡¯t an option, he figured there was no point in watching it again. He might as well spend that time reading a couple more books.


    After months of study, he¡¯d nearly mastered the Undetectable Extension Charm. While he still wasn¡¯t proficient enough to enlarge spaces as much as he¡¯d like, he had finally overcome the hardest part¡ªthe first successful transformation.


    Kyle planned to finish transforming his suitcase before his fifth year. He wasn¡¯t expecting it to be quite as expansive as Newt¡¯s, but he at least wanted it to hold half of the Forbidden Forest.


    Over the past two years, Kyle had accumulated quite a few things. The plants in his flowerbed alone could fill the suitcase as it was, not to mention the designated areas for the Troll and the Mooncalf. And there would be new ¡°residents¡± joining in the future.


    So he got to work.


    Afterward, Kyle spent every spare moment he could inside his suitcase. Thanks to his efforts, he completed the first major expansion by the third day of the Easter holiday. The internal space was now nearly twice as large as it had been.


    Surveying his handiwork, Kyle nodded in satisfaction. The upgrade felt like moving from a cramped apartment to a villa. All his earlier space issues had been resolved at once.


    The Troll now had a much larger area to roam, and Kyle could start preparing a new home for the Mooncalfs. Creating a suitable cave for it would require ample space, but now that he had the room, he could finally begin.


    The only downside was that the expanded area looked a bit monotonous now, as it was wide open and lacked much detail. But that could be easily fixed.


    The next morning, Kyle headed into the Forbidden Forest. He wanted to use the holiday break to find two Rowan trees to transplant into his suitcase. Naturally, he couldn¡¯t do this in broad daylight, since Hagrid would surely notice, so this trip was just for scouting¡ªhe needed to pick his targets so he could come back under cover of night.


    A few minutes later, Kyle arrived at Hagrid¡¯s hut. Oddly, the door was closed, and all the curtains were tightly drawn. Even the small window at the top was covered with an old copy of .


    Kyle knocked on the door.


    ¡°Who is it?¡± came Hagrid¡¯s voice from inside, sounding a bit nervous.


    The door opened just a crack.


    ¡°Phew¡­ it¡¯s you, Kyle. What brings you here?¡±


    ¡°I need your help with something,¡± Kyle replied. ¡°May I come in?¡±


    ¡°Of course¡­¡± Hagrid said, stepping aside to let Kyle in, then quickly closing the door behind him.


    The hut was stiflingly warm, almost like a sauna. Despite the sunny weather, a roaring fire blazed in the fireplace.


    And there, sitting with Hagrid, were three familiar faces: Harry, Ron, and Hermione.


    "Hello," Kyle greeted them.


    ¡°Hello¡­¡±


    ¡°Long time no see... Kyle.¡±


    ¡°Good morning.¡±


    The three stood in front of the fireplace, a bit tense, shifting nervously as they replied. They were like a wall between Kyle and the fireplace, their eyes darting around as they spoke. It was clear to anyone that something unusual was happening with the fireplace.


    Fortunately, Hagrid came over just then, carrying a teacup, a brass pot, and a sandwich filled with ferret meat for Kyle.


    ¡°You said you needed my help?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± Kyle replied, tearing his gaze from the fireplace. ¡°I wanted to go to the Forbidden Forest to collect some Rowan branches. Is that all right?¡±


    ¡°Still making those amulets?¡± Hagrid asked, grinning. Kyle¡¯s Exam-Passing Amulet from last year had been a hit at Hogwarts, and Hagrid had definitely heard about it.


    Kyle nodded. ¡°The final exams are in two months, so we need to prepare early.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s easy,¡± Hagrid said with a chuckle. ¡°I can bring you as many as you need tomorrow.¡± S§×arch* The N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°No need to go to all that trouble. I can pick them myself.¡±


    ¡°But¡­¡± Hagrid hesitated, clearly uneasy with the idea of Kyle going into the Forbidden Forest.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Hagrid,¡± Kyle reassured him. ¡°The Rowan trees are right at the edge of the forest. It¡¯s perfectly safe. Besides, I need to pick as many branches as I can in the right shapes; otherwise, it¡¯ll be a lot of extra work to process them.¡±


    ¡°Well¡­ all right, then!¡± Hagrid finally conceded, though he added, ¡°But you can only go as far as the edge of the Forbidden Forest.¡±


    ¡°No problem,¡± Kyle agreed readily, since that was his plan anyway.


    Hagrid stood up, preparing to go with him.


    ¡°Hagrid, are you coming with us?¡± Kyle asked.


    ¡°Of course, I can¡¯t let you go to the Forbidden Forest alone,¡± Hagrid replied. ¡°Even if it¡¯s just the edge.¡±


    ¡°What about the dragon egg?¡± Kyle asked. ¡°Are you sure you can leave it with Potter and the others?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯ll be fine. The egg¡¯s not that fragile. Just make sure you don¡¯t let the fire¡­¡±


    ¡°Wait¡­¡± Hermione¡¯s surprised voice interrupted him. ¡°Kyle, how did you know there was a dragon egg here? You can¡¯t even see it from where you¡¯re standing.¡±


    Hagrid froze, his eyes widening as he turned to Kyle.


    ¡°You don¡¯t think standing in front of the fireplace will hide it, do you?¡± Kyle said with a grin. ¡°I¡¯d suggest reading the latest edition of It clearly states in the chapter on Dragons that dragon eggs emit a faint sulfur smell when exposed to flames. It¡¯s subtle, and it can blend with the smell of the fire, so it¡¯s easy to miss.¡±


    He paused, then added, ¡°If you don¡¯t believe me, you might want to check on Fang. I think he¡¯s about to pass out.¡±


    Kyle gestured to the side, where Hagrid¡¯s large black hound lay slumped in the corner, his head drooping. He looked nothing like his usual energetic self, seeming listless and worn out.


    ¡°Oh, Fang! What¡¯s wrong with you?¡± Hagrid cried, rushing over to pick up the heavy dog before dashing out of the hut with him in his arms.

 Chapter 211: The Suitcase Is Still Too Small

    After Hagrid left with Fang, Kyle turned to the three of them with a grin. ¡°So, the egg¡¯s in the fireplace... How long were you planning on keeping it hidden?¡±


    ¡°Oh, come on...¡± Ron groaned. ¡°Hermione, didn¡¯t you say you read that book before? How come you didn¡¯t know a dragon egg would give off a smell when it¡¯s in the fire? Or did you misread the title?¡±


    ¡°Shut up! Do you really think I¡¯d miss something like that? I¡¯m not !¡± Hermione snapped. ¡°¡®¡¯ is a required school book, of course I read it¡ªand not just once.¡±


    ¡°Then how come¡ª¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t ask me, I don¡¯t know!¡± Hermione said, scratching her head. ¡°I don¡¯t remember anything about a smell. The book only talks about how to hatch dragon eggs!¡±


    As they spoke, all three turned to Kyle.


    Ron looked at him suspiciously. ¡°You¡¯re not making this up, are you?¡±


    He still trusted Hermione¡¯s memory more than Kyle¡¯s¡ªHermione had never been wrong when reciting from a textbook.


    ¡°What about Fang?¡± Kyle replied. ¡°Do you think he¡¯d fake it for me?¡±


    Harry thought for a moment. ¡°Maybe... he just wasn¡¯t feeling well.¡±


    Kyle raised an eyebrow. ¡°Pretty convenient timing if that¡¯s the case.¡±


    He took a sip of tea from the table, then looked over at Hermione. ¡°I¡¯d guess you bought your copy of the book before the start of term?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I picked it up the first time I went to Diagon Alley,¡± Hermione said, frowning. ¡°Why?¡±


    Kyle spread his hands. ¡° has actually gone through several revisions. I think the person at Flourish and Blotts gave you an older edition.¡± sea??h th§× N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    As he spoke, he pulled out his own copy of the book and handed it to Hermione.


    ¡°Take a look for yourself.¡±


    Hermione took the book and quickly flipped to the section on dragons. Sure enough, just as Kyle had said, the note about the smell was right there. When she checked the publication date, she realized the two editions were more than fifty years apart.


    ¡°This is outrageous...¡± Hermione said indignantly. ¡°That¡¯s practically fraud! How could they do this?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s actually pretty normal,¡± Kyle explained. ¡°Newt¡¯s revised it so many times over the years, but they¡¯ve kept the cover design the same. Unless you open it up, it¡¯s hard to tell which version you have.¡±


    ¡°Plus, the store was packed before term started, so the assistant probably didn¡¯t notice they¡¯d handed you an old copy.¡±


    Hermione recalled her trip to Flourish and Blotts. All the Hogwarts textbooks had been placed near the entrance, but the area where was supposed to be had been picked clean. The assistants had been swamped, and she¡¯d ended up rummaging around in a back corner to find her copy.


    ¡°Oh, for goodness¡¯ sake!¡±


    Now Hermione was mad at herself. Kyle¡¯s book was packed with more detailed information, and if she¡¯d known, she would have held out a little longer to find the latest edition.


    ¡°If it really bothers you, you could always take it back to Flourish and Blotts during the holiday and swap it out. I bet they¡¯d be fine with that,¡± Kyle suggested with a smile.


    Fifty years ago had been Newt¡¯s peak writing period, and new revisions were sometimes released just days apart. Back then, old editions were quickly phased out, so they didn¡¯t circulate much anymore. Now, most bookstores kept an entire set of as a badge of prestige, even if the older versions weren¡¯t useful to most readers.


    ¡°No, it¡¯s fine!¡±


    Hermione handed the book back to Kyle. ¡°It wasn¡¯t that expensive, anyway. I¡¯ll just buy a new one next time.¡±


    With that, she sat back down on a nearby stool. It was far too warm by the fireplace, and since Kyle had already discovered the dragon egg, there was no reason to keep sweating by the fire. Harry and Ron followed suit.


    Now that nothing was blocking his view, Kyle spotted the large, dark egg stashed beneath the kettle. ¡°A Norwegian Ridgeback?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right!¡± said Hagrid, who had just re-entered. He shut the door behind him, practically vibrating with excitement. ¡°What do you think? Pretty rare, isn¡¯t it?¡±


    Kyle nodded. The Norwegian Ridgeback was one of the rarest breeds, just behind the Hungarian Horntail and the Antipodean Opaleye.


    ...


    On the way to find the rowan trees, Hagrid kept glancing anxiously back toward his cabin.


    ¡°You can go back and take care of the dragon egg. I know the way, so there¡¯s really no need for you to come along,¡± Kyle suggested.


    But Hagrid shook his head firmly. ¡°No, I can¡¯t let you go into the Forbidden Forest alone!¡±


    ¡°Alright,¡± Kyle sighed, sounding a bit disappointed. ¡°I¡¯ll just try to pick the quickest route then.¡± After a pause, he added, ¡°But by the way, how did you even manage to get hold of a dragon egg?¡±


    ¡°Didn¡¯t buy it¡ªI won it!¡± Hagrid replied with a hint of pride. ¡°Was pure luck, really. The other day, one of the lads I drink with told me someone down in the village had a dragon egg and was usin¡¯ it in a game of cards. Asked if I¡¯d be interested.¡±


    ¡°So you went to Hogsmeade?¡±


    ¡°I wasn¡¯t keen on goin¡¯, what with the Forbidden Forest actin¡¯ up lately. But it a dragon egg...¡± Hagrid lowered his voice and added excitedly, ¡°The guy was clueless. I tricked him easy with a bit of a bluff.¡±


    Kyle raised an eyebrow at the grinning Hagrid, staying silent. For someone to be outwitted by Hagrid¡­ well, that said a lot about the person¡¯s intelligence.


    ¡°But what¡¯s your plan once it hatches?¡± Kyle asked.


    ¡°Oh, I¡¯ve been readin¡¯ up,¡± Hagrid said, though his gaze drifted once more toward his hut. ¡°When it hatches, you just feed it a bucket of chicken blood mixed with brandy every half hour.¡±


    ¡°Be careful,¡± Kyle advised. ¡°Norwegian Ridgebacks are far from quiet. They¡¯re just as aggressive as Hungarian Horntails, so it¡¯s not exactly easy to keep one under wraps.¡±


    ¡°Well... yeah, I¡¯ll be careful,¡± Hagrid replied, a bit evasively. The excitement of soon raising a dragon seemed to overshadow any concerns he might have had.


    ¡°In that case,¡± Kyle said, patting Hagrid¡¯s arm, ¡°if you ever need help, just ask. Don¡¯t hesitate.¡±


    Dragons grow quickly, and within a month, the Ridgeback would be larger than Fluffy. Kyle figured he¡¯d need to expand the suitcase as soon as he got back.


    ...


    The two eventually arrived near the Mooncalves¡¯ habitat, where the rowan trees thrived best. Kyle walked over and began carefully examining the trunks of the rowan trees, while Hagrid stood guard¡ªbut his mind was clearly elsewhere.


    He couldn¡¯t stop worrying about the dragon egg back in his cabin. One moment, he fretted about whether the fire in the hearth would go out; the next, he worried that Harry and the others might accidentally crack the egg. His anxiety grew, and he kept glancing back, looking as though he¡¯d rather head straight back to his hut.


    Meanwhile, Kyle scoped out the area and quickly identified two young, less dense rowan trees. They would be ideal for transplanting, as they¡¯d be much easier to move and far more likely to survive.

 Chapter 212: Ron’s Illusion

    After committing the location of the two rowan trees to memory, Kyle didn¡¯t linger. He returned to Hagrid, who was standing nearby, awkwardly holding a bundle of branches he''d picked up, all while casting glances back at his cabin.


    ¡°Oh¡­ you picked them out that quickly?¡± Hagrid stammered, turning to face Kyle. ¡°I wasn¡¯t thinkin¡¯ about the dragon egg, honest! Just saw somethin¡¯ runnin¡¯ over there a moment ago¡­ might¡¯ve been a Kneazle.¡±


    ¡°There are still Kneazles in the Forbidden Forest?¡±


    ¡°Oh, yeah.¡± Relieved that Kyle seemed to believe him, Hagrid continued, ¡°Actually, there¡¯s quite a few Kneazles in the Forest, but they don¡¯t usually come out in front of wizards. Even I only catch a glimpse now and then. As you probably know, these Magical Creatures are real sharp and cautious. If they want to stay hidden, no one¡¯ll find ¡®em.¡±


    Kyle nodded. Kneazles were indeed highly intelligent. Newt always believed that, like Wampus Cats, they had a natural talent for Legilimency, although their ability didn¡¯t fit into any known category of magic. One thing was certain: you couldn¡¯t hide your true intentions from a Kneazle, as they could sense what was in your heart.


    Kyle¡¯s thoughts drifted to his own Kneazle, Tom, who spent most of his days eating, sleeping, and occasionally rolling onto his back in utter laziness. That one, Kyle mused, was certainly an outlier¡ªa bit like a carefree Husky in a pack of clever wolves.


    Back at the cabin, Hagrid enthusiastically invited Kyle in once more.


    ¡°Maybe next time, Hagrid,¡± Kyle replied, shaking his head. ¡°I need to finish some homework and get these branches ready over the holiday.¡± S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He added, ¡°By the way, write to me when the dragon egg hatches. I helped care for baby dragons at Newt¡¯s once, so I have a bit of experience.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯d be wonderful...¡± Hagrid started, then cleared his throat, trying to sound casual. ¡°I mean, of course, if you have the time!¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about that. I¡¯m sure I¡¯ll have time,¡± Kyle said with a wave, heading back toward the castle.


    Hagrid watched him go before turning and heading back inside his cabin. Once he stepped in, he found Harry, Ron, and Hermione waiting anxiously. The moment they saw Hagrid, they hurried over to him, their faces full of questions.


    ...


    "Where¡¯s Kyle...?¡± Harry asked.


    ¡°Oh, he had other things to take care of and went back to the castle already,¡± Hagrid replied, setting down the bow and arrow slung over his shoulder and hanging them on the wall. ¡°I think you three should go back and work on your homework, instead of badgering me about Professor Snape. I promise you, he¡¯s definitely not planning to steal the Philosopher¡¯s Stone.¡±


    ¡°But¡ª¡±


    Harry was about to argue, but Hermione cut in first. ¡°Does what Kyle has to do have anything to do with those rowan twigs? And what about that amulet you mentioned earlier?¡±


    ¡°Oh, that¡­¡± Hagrid paused to think. ¡°It¡¯s a little wooden carving about the size of a Galleon¡ªsome kind of, uh¡­ passing charm¡­? I can¡¯t quite remember the name, but it means something like that. Last year it was all the rage at Hogwarts; nearly everyone had one.¡±


    ¡°Passing exams...¡± Harry and Ron¡¯s eyes lit up, and they immediately pressed him with questions.


    ¡°Does it really help people pass their exams?¡±


    ¡°How much does it cost?¡±


    ¡°You two...¡± Hermione huffed angrily. ¡°If you want to pass your exams, read more! Don¡¯t go relying on some amulet. And use your brains¡ªif it really helped everyone pass, do you think Professor McGonagall would allow it at Hogwarts? That¡¯s cheating!¡±


    ¡°Maybe Professor McGonagall doesn¡¯t know,¡± Ron retorted.


    Harry nodded. ¡°Or maybe the professors don¡¯t think it¡¯s cheating. Hagrid did say it only started last year, so it¡¯s pretty new.¡±


    ¡°You¡­ hmph!¡± Hermione snorted in exasperation, choosing to ignore them. She turned back to Hagrid. ¡°Hagrid, do you honestly think that amulet helps people pass exams?¡±


    ¡°Of course not,¡± Hagrid said with a chuckle. ¡°Even last year, there were plenty of P¡¯s (Poor), D¡¯s (Dreadful), and T¡¯s (Troll). Hermione¡¯s right¡ªif you want to pass, you¡¯ll have to study. It¡¯s the only way.¡±


    The hopeful gleam in Harry and Ron¡¯s eyes disappeared instantly.


    ¡°So Kyle was lying?¡± Harry asked, sounding disappointed.


    ¡°Well¡­ that¡¯s not entirely true,¡± Hagrid replied thoughtfully. ¡°Kyle said more than once last year that it was purely symbolic, that it didn¡¯t actually do anything.¡±


    He furrowed his brow as he continued. ¡°What¡¯s odd, though, is that even with that, loads of people still believed it worked. I remember one student saying his Charms grades had always been awful, but he managed to scrape an A (Acceptable) in the final exam.¡±


    Hearing this, Harry and Ron¡¯s eyes brightened again, while Hermione frowned, lost in thought.


    The cabin fell quiet, save for the sound of Hagrid humming to himself as he stacked wood by the fireplace. If Professor Flitwick were there, he¡¯d undoubtedly explain that the student¡¯s A had nothing to do with an amulet and was entirely due to hard work. But Flitwick wasn¡¯t here; he was likely still enjoying a butterbeer at The Three Broomsticks.


    ...


    On the way back to the castle, Harry and Ron were still buzzing about what they¡¯d heard.


    ¡°It helps people pass exams... By Merlin¡¯s beard, that¡¯s more valuable than the Philosopher¡¯s Stone!¡± Harry said earnestly. ¡°Whatever it costs, I have to get one!¡±


    ¡°Yeah... I want one, too.¡± Ron¡¯s mood dimmed as he fished through his pocket, counting a few Sickles and Knuts. He muttered, ¡°Hope it¡¯s not too expensive.¡±


    ¡°I can¡­ uh, lend you some¡­ or maybe you could ask Fred and George?¡± Harry said. He¡¯d been about to offer to buy one for Ron but quickly remembered Ron¡¯s sensitivity about money and switched gears. ¡°They were involved in that map at the start of term, so maybe they¡¯ll be in on this too. They¡¯re your brothers, so they¡¯ll probably give you a good deal.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re right, how could I forget¡­¡± Ron looked up, suddenly excited. ¡°They¡¯ve always been close to Kyle, and they wouldn¡¯t let their little brother fail an exam!¡±


    ¡°Hmph!¡± Hermione suddenly brushed past Ron, bumping into him as she strode ahead.


    The two boys stopped laughing immediately, watching her hurry off.

 Chapter 213: Weasley’s Words of Wisdom

    Back at the castle, Kyle tossed the bundle of rowan branches into the common room before disappearing into his enchanted suitcase to get back to work. In his rush, he managed to finish all his homework within just two days, leaving the rowan branches entirely in Cedric and the others¡¯ hands. They¡¯d done this process the previous year, so he trusted they knew what to do.


    Once everyone had their tasks, Kyle seemed to vanish. He didn¡¯t show up at mealtimes, and no one could find him anywhere in the castle. The only time anyone caught sight of him was briefly in the common room before curfew, and then he¡¯d disappear again early each morning.


    This pattern continued all the way until the start of the school term.


    At breakfast on the first day back, Cedric, noticing the dark circles under Kyle¡¯s eyes, asked curiously, ¡°Where¡¯ve you been these past few days? No one could find you anywhere in the castle.¡± S~ea??h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°The eighth floor¡­¡± Kyle mumbled through a yawn. ¡°There¡¯s a special room down the corridor there, just across from the Troll tapestry. It turns into any room you need, and you don¡¯t have to worry about anyone finding you.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve been using it these past few days.¡±


    ¡°A room like that actually exists in the castle?¡± Kanna exclaimed, wide-eyed.


    ¡°Well, this Hogwarts¡­¡± Cedric replied thoughtfully. ¡°I¡¯ve heard of a mysterious room on the eighth floor that changes unpredictably. Some people said it turned into a fancy bedroom, while others saw it as a storage room filled with junk. It seems everyone who goes in sees something different. I even remember Fred and George talking about a broom cupboard on the eighth floor they used to hide from Filch, but when they tried to go back, it had disappeared. That broom cupboard must be the room you¡¯re talking about, right?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, it¡¯s called the Room of Requirement,¡± Kyle explained, reaching for a pancake. ¡°When Fred and George wanted to hide, the room became a broom cupboard. But if you need a place to practice magic, it¡¯ll turn into a large empty classroom.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s incredible¡­¡± Cedric¡¯s eyes lit up. ¡°Could I go and take a look? Do you think it could turn into a Quidditch training ground so I could practice catching the Golden Snitch?¡±


    ¡°I want to go too!¡± Kanna chimed in. ¡°I¡¯ve always wanted a place to practice potions where I won¡¯t be disturbed.¡±


    ¡°Sure,¡± Kyle said. ¡°All you have to do is walk along the corridor, mentally focusing on what you need, and pass back and forth three times. When you do, the door will appear.¡±


    After a moment¡¯s thought, he added, ¡°But¡­ if someone¡¯s already inside, you won¡¯t be able to use it unless you enter the same room.¡±


    Cedric¡¯s eyes gleamed with excitement, and without another word, he abandoned his breakfast and dashed off toward the eighth floor.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you going?¡± Kyle asked, noticing Kanna sipping her pumpkin juice.


    ¡°Didn¡¯t you say only one person could use it at a time?¡± Kanna shook her head. ¡°Let him go first. I can use the empty classrooms to practice¡ªthere¡¯s no rush.¡±


    ¡°Oh, by the way¡­¡± Kanna suddenly remembered something. ¡°The other day, a new Gryffindor student came looking for you quite a few times.¡±


    ¡°Gryffindor?¡± Kyle frowned. The trio came to mind immediately; they were the only Gryffindor first-years he knew.


    ¡°Yes, a girl named Hermione Granger,¡± Kanna replied slowly. ¡°She seemed pretty upset¡­ You didn¡¯t tell her the Sorting Hat used the Killing Curse to determine her house, did you?¡±


    ¡°Of course not. I went straight to Professor Sprout¡¯s office as soon as I got here. I didn¡¯t even see any first-years,¡± Kyle replied. Then, glancing sideways at Kanna, he muttered, ¡°Not everyone¡¯s as gullible as you are¡ªbelieving everything people say¡ª¡± Before he could finish, a baked potato came flying at him.


    Kyle caught it effortlessly, peeled off the skin, and took a bite.


    ¡°So, did Hermione mention what she wanted to talk to me about?¡±


    ¡°No,¡± Kanna replied, scowling. ¡°But Fred and George said she¡¯s been very outspoken against your Exam-Passing Amulet, so that¡¯s probably why she came looking for you.¡±


    ¡°Oh¡­¡± Kyle nodded, understanding immediately. It was likely another one of Hagrid¡¯s slips, and with Hermione¡¯s personality, her disapproval made sense. Not that it mattered much to him¡ªafter all, he wasn¡¯t responsible for Gryffindor. Fred and George would have to deal with her concerns.


    After breakfast, Kyle and Kanna made their way to Defense Against the Dark Arts. This term, Professor Quirrell looked even worse than before; his face was ashen and hollowed, almost cadaverous. Rumors about him being cursed by a Zombie were growing more believable by the day, and students had stopped making fun of his stutter. Now, they often gave him sympathetic smiles in the halls¡ªeven Fred and George.


    One day, during a gathering in the Room of Requirement, Fred declared, ¡°Imagine the courage he must have¡ªto keep teaching Defense Against the Dark Arts under a Zombie Curse! Quirrell¡¯s the real Gryffindor.¡±


    ¡°His bravery¡¯s thicker than that ridiculous scarf,¡± George agreed solemnly.


    ¡°And dealing with the smell of garlic every day¡­¡± Cho shuddered. ¡°If it were me, I¡¯d have lost my mind ages ago.¡±


    Cedric smirked at the twins. ¡°Funny, considering you two were throwing snowballs at him at the beginning of the year.¡±


    ¡°We feel genuinely guilty about that,¡± George replied, sounding unusually serious. ¡°If Professor Quirrell¡¯s still around at the end of the school year, we¡¯ll apologize for it.¡±


    ¡°Why wait until the end of the school year?¡± Cho asked, puzzled. ¡°Why not now?¡±


    ¡°What if he¡¯s hiding something?¡± Fred shook his head. ¡°Don¡¯t forget, he¡¯s the Defense Against the Dark Arts professor¡ªno one can guarantee he¡¯ll make it to the end of the term.¡±


    ¡°Just like Professor Oren last year¡­¡± George¡¯s face turned somber as he glanced at Kyle. ¡°He was a good teacher¡ªfunny in class, friendly outside of it. I never would¡¯ve guessed it was all an act.¡±


    ¡°We defended him so fiercely, we even argued with Ravenclaw over him,¡± Fred added, sighing. ¡°Turns out it was all just a ruse. He broke our trust¡­¡±


    As Fred and George became more emotional, they looked as though they might actually hug each other and start crying.


    Kyle chuckled, shaking his head. He had a feeling their admiration for Professor Oren had less to do with his personality and more with his tendency not to assign homework. Unlike Oren, who¡¯d been lenient, Quirrell¡ªdespite looking weaker with every passing day¡ªwas meticulous with his assignments and graded with unwavering strictness. Even using larger handwriting didn¡¯t earn students any leniency.

 Chapter 214: Potter’s Law

    The dragon egg hatched much faster than Kyle had expected. Only a few days after the Easter holidays, he received a letter from Hagrid.


    It contained only two words: ¡°Hatching soon.¡±


    The handwriting was even messier and more crooked than usual, and Kyle was certain that Hagrid hadn¡¯t taken his eyes off the dragon egg, not even while scribbling the note. The letters seemed rushed, almost jittery¡ªnothing like Hagrid¡¯s typical scrawl.


    But it made sense. Raising a dragon had always been Hagrid¡¯s dream, and with the egg about to hatch, this was the moment he¡¯d been waiting for. It was impressive enough that he even remembered to send a letter.


    Kyle quickly scarfed down a few bites of grilled sausage before heading over to Hagrid¡¯s hut.


    ¡°You¡¯re just in time. It¡¯s about to hatch.¡±


    Hagrid opened the door, his voice buzzing with excitement. ¡°I was so nervous last night, I didn¡¯t sleep a wink.¡±


    The egg, no longer by the fireplace, sat on the table, trembling occasionally with faint shakes.


    To Kyle¡¯s disappointment, there were no cracks visible in the egg.


    ¡°Judging by how often it¡¯s shaking, it¡¯ll probably take another two hours before it hatches,¡± Kyle sighed. The dragon would likely emerge around 10 a.m., right when he¡¯d be in Transfiguration class on the third floor of the castle.


    If only it could¡¯ve been a day earlier. Yesterday morning he had Herbology in the third greenhouse, which was close enough to slip over during break. But today was different¡ªTransfiguration was followed by Defense Against the Dark Arts, and Kyle didn¡¯t want to risk being late.


    ...


    He was still mulling this over as he made his way back to the castle.


    The first three days after a dragon hatches are the best time to bond with it. In those early days, newly-hatched dragons are like sleepy newborns, their bodies still adjusting. Their aggressive instincts are dulled, and they feel a natural sense of closeness to any living creature they see.


    If you miss that window, getting along with them becomes much harder.


    Looks like I¡¯ll need to visit Hagrid¡¯s more often over the next three days, Kyle thought.


    Of course, gifts would be essential too. Nothing fancy, just dried meat and fish¡ªperfect treats for a Norwegian Ridgeback, ideal for winning its favor.


    In a way, raising a dragon wasn¡¯t all that different from raising a cat.


    In Transfiguration, Kyle was half-listening as Professor McGonagall spoke. With a casual flick of his wand, he turned the rabbit in front of him into a delicate, golden trophy, its surface glinting with polished detail.


    ¡°Perfectly shaped, not a hair out of place. If you¡¯d done that a month ago, I would¡¯ve given you an extra five points¡­¡±


    Professor McGonagall¡¯s voice suddenly sounded close by.


    ¡°I understand your determination to win the competition, but I must remind you that today we¡¯re practicing transfiguring slippers¡­ You can¡¯t go walking around with a Quidditch trophy.¡±


    ¡°Sorry, Professor¡­¡±


    Kyle flushed and quickly waved his wand, transforming the trophy into a pair of fluffy slippers with cat ears.


    Professor McGonagall gave a satisfied nod. ¡°Don¡¯t daydream in class next time.¡±


    ¡°Three points for Hufflepuff.¡±


    ... S§×arch* The nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    As soon as noon arrived, Kyle darted out of the classroom as soon as the lesson ended, eager to get acquainted with the newborn dragon.


    Passing by the entrance to the Great Hall, he caught sight of Harry and Malfoy. But that didn¡¯t surprise him. As long as it wasn¡¯t during class, it seemed like Malfoy could always be found hovering near Harry¡ªsomething of an unspoken rule by now.


    Except today, they looked a bit¡­ different.


    Malfoy was standing with Crabbe and Goyle, laughing loudly, an air of triumph about him. Harry, on the other hand, looked uneasy, almost guilty, as if he¡¯d been caught doing something he shouldn¡¯t.


    They seemed too absorbed in their standoff to notice Kyle walking by.


    Kyle thought, glancing curiously back at them.


    Ten minutes later, though, he had an idea of what was going on.


    ¡°So, Malfoy saw the Norwegian Ridgeback too?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not sure,¡± Hagrid replied, sounding a bit downcast. ¡°I only saw him leaning against the window¡ªI didn¡¯t even notice when he came.¡±


    Kyle looked over at the window Hagrid had indicated, frowning. ¡°I think Malfoy just saw something on the table. He probably didn¡¯t realize it was a dragon.¡±


    Hagrid¡¯s eyes lit up. If Malfoy hadn¡¯t figured it out, maybe they wouldn¡¯t have to send Norbert away after all.


    ¡°It¡¯s just a guess,¡± Kyle added.


    The window wasn¡¯t high, but most of it was covered by curtains, leaving only a small gap, which might have obscured a full view of the table from outside. Still, Kyle couldn¡¯t be certain; he hadn¡¯t been there at the time and had no idea where Harry and the others had been standing.


    But knowing Malfoy, Kyle doubted he¡¯d miss a chance to get Harry in trouble. If he¡¯d truly seen the dragon, he wouldn¡¯t be lingering in the Great Hall right now¡ªhe¡¯d be heading straight to Snape¡¯s office.


    Kyle offered Hagrid a few more reassurances, then took out a dried fish and went over to amuse the baby dragon.


    True to its species, the little dragon¡ªstill small enough to fit in his hands¡ªhad remarkably sharp teeth and promptly bit the dried fish in half.


    ¡°Kyle¡­ are you sure it¡¯s alright to feed it this?¡± Hagrid asked nervously. ¡°I remember reading somewhere that it should be drinking chicken-blood brandy at this stage and not eating solid food for at least a week.¡± He reached for , the worn book he kept under his pillow.


    He¡¯d been studying it closely; although the book was a bit outdated, it provided a thorough guide on dragon care.


    ¡°What you¡¯re talking about is the standard for captive breeding,¡± Kyle explained, pulling out another piece of dried fish. ¡°In the wild, dragons don¡¯t have chicken-blood brandy on hand. For certain species, like the Norwegian Ridgeback or Hungarian Horntail, they¡¯re ready to eat solid food as soon as they hatch. Those sharp teeth aren¡¯t just for decoration.¡±


    ¡°Really?¡± Hagrid blinked, taken aback.


    But seeing Norbert happily munching on the dried fish, he decided to trust Kyle¡¯s advice. Whether it was brandy or dried fish, as long as the little dragon liked it, it should be alright.


    Soon, the bag of dried fish was empty, and Norbert let out a contented burp, sending a small puff of flame from his mouth.


    ¡°Looks like Norbert has a taste for fish¡­¡± Hagrid said, beaming. ¡°Oh, by the way, I almost forgot to tell you¡ªI named him Norbert.¡±

 Chapter 215: Ron’s Breakdown

    Aside from his notorious difficulty keeping secrets, Hagrid''s talent for naming magical creatures was¡­ hard to put into words. This time was no exception.


    ¡°Norbert¡± did have a nice ring to it, but this dragon was a female. It was like calling a little girl ¡°Iron Egg.¡± Fortunately, Norbert couldn¡¯t understand, or she might have already singed Hagrid¡¯s beard with a fiery outburst.


    ¡°Hagrid, I don¡¯t think that name is quite right. It¡¯s¡­¡± Kyle began, but then paused as he noticed Hagrid¡¯s unusual behavior. Hagrid was covering Norbert¡¯s ears, looking at him with alarm.


    ¡°Don¡¯t say it, Kyle. His name is Norbert¡­¡± Hagrid¡¯s voice was almost pleading.


    Kyle had seen this reaction before. Hagrid was thinking of his owl, Ratton, who had refused to acknowledge him after Kyle had suggested a name change. Hagrid was terrified the same thing would happen now.


    ¡°His name is Norbert,¡± Hagrid repeated, clutching the dragon¡¯s head even tighter. But his hand was so large it nearly engulfed Norbert¡¯s whole head, leaving the little dragon bewildered. As soon as she realized what was happening, she began to kick her legs and flap her wings in confusion. In the end, she resorted to a burst of dragon fire, which landed on Hagrid¡¯s hand and made him wince in pain.


    A burnt smell filled the air, but Hagrid didn¡¯t release his grip. He simply continued to stare at Kyle with a desperate look.


    ¡°Alright, I won¡¯t say anything else,¡± Kyle said, picking up on Hagrid¡¯s concern. He wisely held back any further comments, wanting to avoid getting thrown out. he thought.  S§×arch* The NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Hagrid, oblivious to Kyle¡¯s thoughts, finally released Norbert and hurried over to a large tub of water to plunge his hand in, sighing in relief as the burn cooled.


    Kyle chuckled. ¡°You¡¯re so worried, Hagrid. She doesn¡¯t even understand names yet.¡±


    Hagrid, however, changed the topic, looking slightly embarrassed. ¡°I didn¡¯t know dragons liked fish. The book says their favorite food is sheep.¡±


    ¡°The person who wrote that book probably had an Antipodean Opaleye in mind,¡± Kyle explained. ¡°They¡¯re native to Australia and have a taste for local sheep¡ªand brandy, too. Of course, most dragons are like that. Sheep and cattle make up a lot of their diet.¡±


    ¡°But the Norwegian Ridgeback is a little different. Because of their habitat, they¡¯re the only dragons that hunt for food in water.¡±


    Hagrid glanced at , then tossed it aside with a frustrated look. ¡°I really should¡¯ve picked a different book. This one¡¯s full of mistakes.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s only a few parts,¡± Kyle reassured him. ¡°Most of the content is still useful. Or you could borrow a copy of ¡ªthere¡¯s a detailed section on the Norwegian Ridgeback.¡±


    ...


    Hagrid could certainly be said to dote on Norbert.


    In the following days, all the dead ferrets on the shelf outside his cabin disappeared, replaced by whole cow legs and carefully selected fish. And not just any fish¡ªthese were enormous, the smallest of them at least a foot long.


    During this time, aside from Kyle, Harry and his friends also visited frequently, though most of their time was spent inside the dim hut, trying to reason with Hagrid, urging him to send the dragon away.


    ¡°You can¡¯t keep it forever, Hagrid!¡± Hermione repeated, exasperated. ¡°In two weeks, it¡¯ll be as big as the house, and you won¡¯t be able to hide it!¡±


    ¡°I know, I know,¡± Hagrid mumbled. ¡°But it¡¯s still so small. What if it gets bullied in the wild? I won¡¯t be able to sleep at night.¡±


    Norbert looked at them, then tilted her head at Kyle, letting out a curious chirp.


    ¡°Oh, they¡¯re just talking about what to have for dinner,¡± Kyle murmured soothingly as he stroked the scales on her neck. ¡°How about some Tebo warthog leg, with a side of corn and cabbage?¡±


    Norbert barked in displeasure and began rolling around on the floor.


    ¡°No complaints. Even dragons need to eat their veggies, not just meat,¡± Kyle insisted with a grin.


    Meanwhile, on the other side of the room, Hagrid was still locked in debate with Harry and the others over Norbert¡¯s future, oblivious to the playful scene unfolding nearby.


    ¡°Malfoy¡¯s already noticed her,¡± Harry warned. ¡°It¡¯s too dangerous, Hagrid.¡±


    Hagrid shook his head. ¡°But Kyle said the window was small, so Malfoy probably didn¡¯t see anything.¡±


    At that, everyone turned to look at Kyle, who was sitting off to the side.


    ¡°Don¡¯t look at me,¡± Kyle said quickly. ¡°I was just speculating. Knowing Malfoy, if he had actually seen Norbert, he would¡¯ve run straight to a professor to report it. He wouldn¡¯t be sitting on that information.¡±


    ¡°Or,¡± he added thoughtfully, ¡°he might be holding onto it to blackmail Harry later¡­ anything¡¯s possible.¡±


    ¡°You hear that, Hagrid?¡± Harry said, raising his voice. ¡°None of us can guarantee Malfoy didn¡¯t see her. He could go to Dumbledore at any time.¡±


    ¡°And it¡¯s illegal to keep a dragon,¡± Hermione pressed. ¡°If Dumbledore finds out, he¡¯ll be so disappointed¡­¡±


    ¡°Maybe I could keep her in the Forbidden Forest,¡± Hagrid suggested hesitantly. ¡°Just like I did with Fluffy and¡­ and Aragog at first. They¡¯re both fine now.¡±


    ¡°Wait a minute¡­¡± Harry said, frowning. ¡°I know Fluffy¡ªthe Three-Headed Dog in the restricted corridor¡ªbut who¡¯s Aragog? How many creatures have you hidden in the Forbidden Forest?¡±


    ¡°No, no, no, you must have heard wrong¡ªit¡¯s just Fluffy,¡± Hagrid stammered, though his attempt to brush it off was hardly convincing. His insistence that Aragog was a harmless little creature was met with skeptical looks all around.


    Harry and the others knew Hagrid far too well. With his love for creatures like the Three-Headed Dog and the dragon, it was safe to assume any creature he adored was probably dangerous.


    ¡°By the way, Hagrid¡­¡± Kyle interjected suddenly, placing a small bottle of blue potion on the table. ¡°This is the Spider Tonic you asked for. I made it extra potent, just as you requested. Even if the spider¡¯s the size of a car, it¡¯ll be effective.¡±


    ¡°So¡­ Aragog is¡­ a spider?¡± Harry asked, looking wary.


    ¡°It¡¯s probably an Acromantula,¡± Hermione said thoughtfully. ¡°I read in that they¡¯re the only spiders that can grow as large as a car.¡±


    Ron, meanwhile, said nothing. His face had gone ashen, his body stiffening as he began to tremble.


    The once-familiar hut now felt ominous. Every shadow under the bed, every dark corner, and every cupboard seemed to harbor lurking spiders in Ron¡¯s mind.


    ¡°L-let¡¯s go back,¡± he stammered, looking ready to bolt. ¡°I¡­ I haven¡¯t finished my homework yet!¡±

 Chapter 216: I Have a Better Option

    Ron was genuinely terrified. The moment he found out that Hagrid had been keeping an Acromantula, he no longer cared about the dragon and wanted nothing more than to hurry back to the safety of the castle.


    As long as he could leave this spider-infested place, even if it meant spending half the day writing essays, he¡¯d do it without complaint.


    But this simple wish went unfulfilled.


    Harry and Hermione were still deep in conversation with Hagrid, tirelessly listing every reason they could think of to convince him to let Norbert go. Leaving wasn¡¯t an option for them yet.


    Ron briefly considered abandoning Harry and Hermione to return to the castle alone, but he quickly dismissed the thought¡ªit would only make him seem weak. So, stuck in place, he tried to keep his fear in check, standing rigidly, hardly daring to breathe.


    ¡°The Forbidden Forest is too small, Hagrid,¡± Hermione continued, attempting to reason with him. ¡°It might be enough to hide Fluffy, but there¡¯s no way it could keep a dragon hidden. Don¡¯t forget that Norbert can fly. With just a few flaps of his wings, he can reach fifty feet or more. The trees won¡¯t keep him grounded.¡±


    ¡°But¡­ I¡¯ve only just got him,¡± Hagrid murmured, looking torn.


    ¡°Do you really want him to stay grounded in the Forbidden Forest forever?¡± Hermione pressed on. ¡°Norbert¡¯s a dragon, Hagrid. He was born to soar in the skies.¡±


    ¡°I¡­ I know I can¡¯t keep him forever,¡± Hagrid admitted, biting his lip. ¡°But yesterday, while he was eating, he rubbed his head against my hand¡­ like he thinks I¡¯m his mum. I can¡¯t just toss him aside. I just can¡¯t.¡±


    Kyle raised his eyebrows, glancing down at Norbert, who was now lying sprawled across his arm, pretending to be lifeless.


    he wondered. And where did Hagrid get the idea that dragons ¡°recognized their parents by rubbing against their hands¡±? Kyle had never heard of anything like that.


    ¡°Charlie!¡±


    Harry¡¯s sudden shout broke the silence, drawing everyone¡¯s attention.


    ¡°Ron, your brother Charlie studies dragons in Romania,¡± Harry said excitedly. ¡°We could send Norbert to him!¡±


    Ron didn¡¯t say anything, only gave a stiff nod.


    ¡°That¡¯s a great idea!¡± Hermione chimed in, her eyes lighting up. ¡°What do you think, Hagrid? I¡¯m sure Charlie would take wonderful care of him!¡±


    Hagrid fell silent, clearly torn. After a moment, he said he¡¯d think about it but didn¡¯t immediately agree. Despite Harry and Hermione¡¯s continued urging, he remained undecided.


    It wasn¡¯t until they¡¯d left that Hagrid sank into a chair, clutching his hair as he muttered, ¡°Kyle, do you think I should¡¯ve agreed to send Norbert to Romania? Maybe that¡¯s really the best thing for him.¡±


    ¡°To be honest, it¡¯s not necessary,¡± Kyle replied, after making sure Harry, Hermione, and Ron were out of earshot. ¡°Charlie¡¯s trustworthy, but I¡¯ve got a better solution¡­¡±


    Kyle ended up staying in Hagrid¡¯s hut well into the afternoon.


    ...


    The following day, when Harry and Hermione returned to urge Hagrid to send Norbert to Charlie, they received unexpected news.


    ¡°You mean¡­ you¡¯ve already found a solution?¡± Harry asked, sounding astonished.


    ¡°Yes,¡± Hagrid replied, looking far more relaxed as he prepared a large fish for Norbert. ¡°You were right¡ªkeeping a dragon here isn¡¯t feasible, so he¡¯ll be leaving once he¡¯s a bit bigger.¡±


    Harry felt an immense relief at Hagrid¡¯s words. Though he didn¡¯t know exactly where Norbert would be going, it was enough to know he wouldn¡¯t be staying at Hogwarts.


    ¡°By the way, where¡¯s Ron?¡± Hagrid asked, looking up. ¡°Why didn¡¯t he come along?¡±


    ¡°Oh, he had other things to do today,¡± Harry said vaguely.


    The truth was, the moment Ron learned they¡¯d be returning to Hagrid¡¯s hut that day, he¡¯d left the common room and hadn¡¯t returned since. Harry hadn¡¯t been able to find him anywhere.


    ...


    ¡°Hermione, don¡¯t you think this is a bit strange?¡± On the way back to the castle, Harry glanced over his shoulder in the direction of Hagrid¡¯s hut. ¡°It¡¯s only been a day¡ªwhy would Hagrid suddenly agree to let Norbert go? Do you think something happened that we don¡¯t know about?¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s nothing strange about it,¡± Hermione replied, though she looked slightly impatient. ¡°Maybe Hagrid¡¯s just come to his senses and realized there¡¯s no way he could keep a dragon at Hogwarts.¡±


    She quickened her pace, her tone growing brisk. ¡°Besides, we have more important things to focus on right now.¡±


    Harry raised an eyebrow. ¡°More important things?¡±


    ¡°The final exams, Harry!¡± Hermione said, sounding exasperated. ¡°They¡¯re coming up fast, and we need to catch up on our studies. We¡¯ve lost so much time.¡± S~ea??h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°Exams? They¡¯re ages away,¡± Harry replied, shrugging off her concern.


    ¡°Twenty days!¡± Hermione retorted, her eyes widening. ¡°Or did you forget that exam week starts next month? Do you still think it¡¯s early?¡±


    ¡°Twenty¡­ days?¡± Harry stopped, staring at her in shock.


    The last time exams had come up, he could have sworn they were still ten weeks away. But somehow, twenty days were all that remained. Only a few days had passed¡ªor so he thought. Had someone stolen his time?


    Worse, Harry realized he could hardly remember anything from class lately. His mind felt like a blank slate.


    When they returned to the castle and shared the news with Ron, who was waiting by the entrance to the Great Hall, he wore the same bewildered expression. In the blink of an eye, exams were no longer some distant worry.


    For the next while, Harry and Ron didn¡¯t have a moment to think about Hagrid or Norbert. Each night, after tackling the mountain of homework their teachers assigned, they slogged through Hermione¡¯s relentless revision schedule, which drove them nearly to exhaustion.


    ¡°This is awful¡­¡± Ron groaned one day in the library, staring at the towering stack of books before him. ¡°I¡¯m so overwhelmed, I¡¯m dreaming about Self-Stirring Cauldrons.¡±


    ¡°Did you manage to figure out who invented them in your dream?¡± Hermione asked, looking up from her own pile of books, which nearly covered the entire table.


    ¡°All I remember is a line of cauldrons whacking me over the head,¡± Ron said miserably. ¡°But honestly, Hermione, why are still studying? You already know everything.¡±


    ¡°Have those cauldrons knocked your brain loose?¡± Hermione shot back, clearly anxious. ¡°Just knowing things isn¡¯t enough to get an O (Outstanding) on the final exams! What if the questions are tricky? I can¡¯t bear the thought of only getting an E (Exceeds Expectations).¡±


    Harry and Ron exchanged looks. Truthfully, they¡¯d be thrilled if they managed an E.


    ¡°But you¡¯re already the best in our year,¡± Ron muttered. ¡°In class, you¡¯re always the first one done with whatever the professor asks.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s hardly impressive,¡± Hermione said, shaking her head. ¡°Plenty of people can do that¡ªlike Kyle in second year. And I hear he got a perfect score last year.¡±

 Chapter 217: Kyle Misses the Match

    Ron was well aware of Kyle¡¯s impressive academic record, and it made a strong impression on him. In fact, it had caused quite a stir in the Weasley household. Fred and George had endured more than a few scoldings over the holidays, and now they¡¯d take off the moment anyone mentioned the word ¡°results.¡± Even Percy had stayed home more often, heading straight to his room to study after meals.


    For once, there had been no pranks to dodge and no endless bragging from Percy to endure.


    ¡°But, Hermione¡­¡± Ron thought aloud, ¡°I remember Kyle losing a point once, so technically he didn¡¯t get a perfect score.¡±


    ¡°What difference does that make?¡± Hermione huffed. ¡°I asked Professor McGonagall, and the only reason Kyle lost that point was because he listed thirteen uses for dragon blood instead of twelve.¡±


    ¡°Wait¡ªthere are twelve uses for dragon blood?¡± Ron blurted out. ¡°I always thought it was thirteen. Looks like Kyle and I have something in common, then!¡±


    ¡°You think you can just guess your way through an exam?¡± Hermione shot him a pointed look. ¡°Kyle wrote down all twelve official uses for dragon blood and then added an extra one at the end. I¡¯m sure he did it on purpose!¡±


    ¡°But why would he do that?¡± Harry asked, frowning. ¡°Wouldn¡¯t he want a perfect score?¡±


    Hermione shook her head. ¡°Even Professor McGonagall didn¡¯t understand it. But seriously, he suggested dragon blood could be used as food! He must have done it as a joke.¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s even worse than you, Hermione,¡± Ron muttered.


    Hermione looked flustered, rubbing her hair in frustration. ¡°Haven¡¯t you noticed? He hardly ever shows up in the Great Hall for meals anymore. And neither does Cedric Diggory, who came in first in third year. I¡¯ll bet they¡¯re both cramming for exams right now.¡±


    ¡°Just think about it: if someone who nearly scored perfectly is putting in all that effort, how can I not study?¡± she declared, diving back into a book she¡¯d read countless times.


    Despite her skill and knowledge, Hermione couldn¡¯t help but compare herself to Kyle. She knew she couldn¡¯t match him in everything. On the train, he¡¯d effortlessly dealt with Malfoy and his gang¡ªa feat she wouldn¡¯t have managed. And on Halloween, while she¡¯d been frozen with fear, Kyle had taken down a troll in mere seconds. Not to mention those brilliant Quidditch accessories he¡¯d designed¡ªitems she couldn¡¯t even dream of crafting, at least not with the same finesse.


    But when it came to academics, Hermione refused to concede. This was the one area where she was determined to keep up.


    Meanwhile, in the Hufflepuff common room, Kyle was busy playing with a Niffler.


    ¡°Kyle, the exams are just around the corner. Are you sure you don¡¯t want to study?¡± a voice asked.


    ¡°No need,¡± Kyle replied without looking up. ¡°It¡¯s just a final, not an O.W.L. You could scribble your way through it and still pass, so why waste time studying?¡±


    ¡°Am I bothering you?¡±


    ¡°No, not really.¡± Kanna, his friend, shook her head but looked curious. ¡°I¡¯m just wondering why we barely see you at meals lately.¡±


    ¡°I just haven¡¯t been in the common room much,¡± Kyle said. ¡°Our match against Slytherin is coming up soon, so I figure it¡¯s safer to eat here for now.¡±


    The final Quidditch match was only two days away, and Kyle couldn¡¯t understand why Madam Hooch had scheduled it the week before exams, nor why Professor McGonagall had approved it. Hufflepuff was set to face Slytherin first, with Ravenclaw and Gryffindor scheduled to play after exams.


    ¡°Slytherin¡¯s desperate after losing two matches,¡± Kyle explained, shaking his head. ¡°Just yesterday, Harris ended up in the Hospital Wing after eating a chocolate sent by a Slytherin girl. He¡¯s still in there.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s awful!¡± Kanna frowned, visibly angry. ¡°So you¡¯re avoiding the Great Hall because you think they¡¯ll try to poison you too?¡±


    ¡°No, not exactly,¡± Kyle replied, shaking his head. ¡°Their tricks are too crude. Only honest people like Cedric and Harris fall for them. I¡¯m more worried about Snape poisoning me.¡±


    ¡°What nonsense!¡± Kanna scolded, giving him a playful punch. ¡°Professor Snape would never do that.¡±


    ¡°Alright, alright, I take it back,¡± Kyle said, rubbing his arm with a laugh. ¡°It¡¯s not Snape I¡¯m worried about, really. Just being cautious.¡±


    Kanna glanced at him, a faint blush on her cheeks. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. We¡¯ll definitely win the championship.¡±


    Kyle gave her a small smile but didn¡¯t reply.


    Victory was almost certain. Hufflepuff was leading the standings with two consecutive wins and nearly 400 points ahead of the second-place team. Losing wasn¡¯t even a real concern. What bothered him more were the Slytherin team¡¯s antics.


    Kyle definitely didn¡¯t want to end up like Harris, who¡¯d been escorted to the Hospital Wing after being sick from a tampered treat. Harris was in his sixth year, with only one more left before graduation. But Kyle had five more years at Hogwarts, and he was determined to steer clear of that kind of humiliation.


    So, for now, he¡¯d avoid the Great Hall at all costs.


    ...


    And so, two days later, the final Quidditch match of the year finally began.


    For many students, this match was a welcome break, a flash of excitement in the midst of their monotonous exam preparations. On the day of the game, Harry and Ron woke up early, momentarily leaving all thoughts of exams behind as they eagerly headed to the Quidditch Pitch. Hermione followed reluctantly, grumbling that they really shouldn¡¯t be distracted by a game so close to exam week.


    ¡°Just forget about the exams for one day, Hermione,¡± Ron said with a grin as they took their seats in the stands. ¡°It¡¯s the last game of the year! Look, here comes Hufflepuff.¡±


    Cheers erupted from the stands as Harris stepped onto the pitch. Although still looking pale from his recent stay in the Hospital Wing, his eyes shone with determination, and the Hufflepuff supporters cheered him on with even greater enthusiasm.


    Harry watched the Hufflepuff players with mixed emotions. As much as he wanted to see Slytherin lose, Hufflepuff was already 390 points ahead of Gryffindor, and winning this match would only widen that gap¡ªpotentially pushing them past the 400-point mark. Could Gryffindor even catch up at this point?


    With his two options being his old rivals or the dominant Hufflepuff team, Harry found himself torn on whom to support.


    ¡°Wait¡­¡± Hermione suddenly exclaimed. ¡°Kyle isn¡¯t playing!¡± Sear?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Startled, Harry looked closer at the Hufflepuff lineup. Sure enough, Kyle was missing, and a substitute Chaser had taken his place.


    ¡°He must be busy studying for the exams¡­¡± Hermione muttered, shaking her head in annoyance. ¡°I really shouldn¡¯t have come!¡±

 Chapter 218: Where’s My Dragon?

    In truth, Hermione didn¡¯t really know Kyle that well. If she had, she¡¯d realize that nothing¡ªnot even a final exam, and maybe not even the O.W.L.s¡ªcould keep him away from a Quidditch match. The real reason for his absence this time was because he¡¯d received something unusual and urgent.


    Five minutes before the game, an owl had flown into the Hufflepuff Changing Rooms, dropping a chipped teacup at Kyle¡¯s feet.


    ¡°Kyle, someone sent you rubbish!¡± grumbled Keeper Farrell, eyeing the chipped teacup with distaste. ¡°The match is about to start¡ªwho on earth would do this? It can¡¯t be those Slytherins again, can it?¡±


    Kyle said nothing, just stared at the teacup, frozen. He recognized it immediately as Hagrid¡¯s. He had convinced Hagrid to throw it out ages ago and remembered it distinctly.


    ¡°Sorry, Captain, something urgent came up. I might not be able to play in the match,¡± Kyle said abruptly. Without any hesitation, he mounted his broom and flew out of the Changing Rooms, still wearing his uniform.


    His teammates stood there, stunned. By the time they realized what was happening, Kyle had vanished. sea??h th§× Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°Er¡­ that¡¯s the first time I¡¯ve seen Kyle look so serious,¡± Farrell muttered, glancing at the others. ¡°Think he¡¯s going to confront someone about that thing?¡±


    ¡°I doubt it¡­¡± Cedric replied, shaking his head. Kyle¡¯s expression hadn¡¯t looked angry, just¡­ worried.


    ¡°But what about the match?¡± asked Beater Will, looking concerned. ¡°We¡¯re about to go on!¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s fine, we¡¯ll put in a substitute,¡± Harris said, quickly heading off to find Madam Hooch.


    Meanwhile, Kyle was speeding across the grounds on his broomstick, heading straight for Hagrid¡¯s hut. As he landed, he could already hear heavy, labored breathing coming from inside.


    He rushed in to find Hagrid struggling to hold down Norbert, desperately trying to keep the dragon¡¯s mouth and wings under control. Norbert had grown to nearly the size of a Three-Headed Dog, and his strength was immense. Even Hagrid was visibly strained, his arms bulging with effort and his face flushed from exertion.


    Kyle hurried over, speaking to Norbert in soothing tones and feeding him all the dried fish he had. After some coaxing, Norbert finally stopped thrashing, pacified for the moment.


    ¡°Thank Merlin you¡¯re here¡­¡± Hagrid panted, sinking to the floor to catch his breath.


    ¡°What were you thinking?¡± Kyle frowned. ¡°If I¡¯d gotten here a little later, Norbert would have torn this place apart.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s my fault¡­¡± Hagrid mumbled, looking down. ¡°Norbert¡¯s been gettin¡¯ real feisty lately, and today he just wouldn¡¯t stay inside. I tried to keep him in, but he¡­ well, he got mad.¡±


    After a few minutes of conversation, Kyle understood the situation.


    In short, Norbert was no longer the obedient hatchling he¡¯d been in the beginning. As he grew larger and more energetic, Hagrid¡¯s hut was starting to feel more like a ¡°cage¡± than a home. He was desperate to get out and stretch his wings. Today¡¯s incident had been the tipping point. Hagrid, of course, hadn¡¯t dared to let him go, and in trying to hold him back, had pushed the dragon¡¯s patience to the limit.


    Kyle sighed, realizing that anyone would feel frustrated if confined in such a cramped space, especially a young, spirited dragon. Norbert had shown impressive restraint to put up with it as long as he had.


    ¡°You should¡¯ve written to me sooner!¡± Kyle groaned, rubbing his forehead. With his recent workload¡ªpreparing a batch of Exam-Passing Amulets and training for Quidditch¡ªhe hadn¡¯t checked in on Hagrid much, and he¡¯d missed Norbert¡¯s rapid growth.


    he thought,


    Hagrid finally grasped the gravity of the situation and, though reluctant, said, ¡°Alright¡­ you can take him away tomorrow.¡±


    ¡°Not tomorrow, but right now,¡± Kyle replied. ¡°He could throw another fit at any moment, and that would cause even more trouble.¡±


    ¡°Right now?¡± Hagrid frowned, worried. ¡°But how are you going to transport him? The Quidditch Pitch is right across the way, and if Norbert leaves the hut, everyone will see¡­ Oh! I know! We can use a suitcase. Hold on a moment!¡±


    Without further explanation, Hagrid bolted outside.


    As soon as he was gone, Kyle approached Norbert and pulled a suitcase from his Mokeskin pouch. He opened it and set it down on the floor. ¡°Come on in, Norbert. It¡¯s a bit basic, but it¡¯s a lot better than this cramped hut.¡±


    Norbert rotated his wings a little uncertainly, but trusting Kyle, he cautiously put his head inside the suitcase. The next moment, Norbert found himself in an expansive, open space.


    Kyle had been working on this enchanted suitcase for a while now, enhancing its internal space with an increasingly powerful Undetectable Extension Charm. By now, it could hold nearly the size of two full Hogwarts campuses¡ªminus the Forbidden Forest, of course. Though it wasn¡¯t his ultimate goal, it was spacious enough to comfortably accommodate a young dragon.


    Kyle gave Norbert a few final instructions, reminding him not to bully the resident Troll or damage the plants. With a casual snort, Norbert puffed out a small jet of flame in acknowledgment before soaring off within his new surroundings.


    By the time Kyle climbed back out of the suitcase, Hagrid had returned, lugging a large wooden suitcase with Fang trailing behind, whining over his favorite stuffed animal, which Hagrid had borrowed for the move.


    ¡°Kyle, take a look at this suitcase! I¡¯m sure it¡¯ll fit Norbert just fine¡ªwait, where is he?¡±


    Hagrid looked around, confused. Norbert, who had been resting in the corner just moments ago, was nowhere in sight.


    ¡°He¡­ he didn¡¯t fly out, did he?¡± Hagrid¡¯s face turned pale, and he dropped the wooden suitcase to the ground in shock. His worst fear seemed to be coming true: Norbert had escaped.


    He imagined the pandemonium that would break loose if a young fire-breathing dragon suddenly appeared over the Forbidden Forest. With all the professors and students watching the Quidditch match, it would be impossible to keep it a secret.


    ¡°Hagrid, Norbert didn¡¯t run off,¡± Kyle said calmly, closing his own suitcase and slipping it back into his Mokeskin pouch. ¡°You were just outside, right? Did you see him leave?¡±


    Hagrid shook his head, his pulse calming slightly. He hadn¡¯t seen Norbert leave the hut.


    ¡°Relax, I¡¯ve already taken care of him. He¡¯s somewhere safe,¡± Kyle assured him.


    ¡°Safe?¡± Hagrid¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°But¡­ how did you manage that?¡±


    Kyle simply chuckled. ¡°Just a little insignificant trick.¡± He gave Hagrid a reassuring pat. ¡°The crisis is over, so I¡¯d better hurry back to the match. Want to come along?¡±

 Chapter 219: Final Exams

    When Hagrid noticed Kyle in his Quidditch uniform, he suddenly remembered that today was the match between Hufflepuff and Slytherin. But the game had started a long time ago. Since Kyle was one of the team''s Chasers, this meant...


    "I''m sorry, Kyle," Hagrid said apologetically. "It''s my fault you missed the match!"


    "It''s alright..." Kyle waved his hand dismissively. "As long as Norbert stays hidden, we''re already more than 300 points ahead of second place. Winning or losing today doesn¡¯t really matter, so I''ll just treat it like a day off."


    ¡­


    The two made their way toward the Quidditch Pitch, Hagrid following behind Kyle. Due to some inexplicable stroke of fate¡ªsomething that even magic couldn¡¯t account for¡ªby the time they arrived, the match had just ended.


    Kyle looked up at the scoreboard.


    170:70.


    Hufflepuff had won!


    Though the absence of Kyle weakened their offense, and Harris struggled to keep up against Slytherin, they still had Cedric. As Kyle walked through the tunnel onto the field, he saw Cedric standing tall, arms raised high, his fingers clutching the Snitch, which gleamed golden in the sunlight.


    A roar of cheers erupted from the stands, celebrating Hufflepuff¡¯s early-season victory. Five hundred and sixty points¡ªa mountain of a lead over Gryffindor and Ravenclaw. Almost impossible to overcome. Unless they cheated.


    Hagrid joined the crowd, cheering heartily. It felt great to see Hufflepuff victorious.


    Kyle headed alone to the changing rooms. He was already bracing himself to explain his absence, but no one even questioned him. His teammates simply greeted him with a few friendly shoulder taps, treating him as if he¡¯d been there the whole time.


    "Don¡¯t worry about it," Harris leaned over and whispered, "We know you''ve got more important things going on!"


    Then he chuckled. "Cheer up¡ªwe won!"


    "Exactly," Farrell added with a grin. "Unless Gryffindor and Ravenclaw score forty goals in the next match, we¡¯re almost certain to win the championship again this year!" S§×arch* The Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The game was seen as the last celebration before exams started. That night, the festivities in the Hufflepuff common room lasted until midnight. Harris, who had previously bragged about being able to drink a thousand Butterbeers without getting drunk, collapsed onto the table after his third bottle.


    Several senior Quidditch players quietly got up and, with practiced ease, carried him back to the dormitory.


    Kyle watched, baffled. "What happened to him?"


    "Oh, he¡¯s drunk," Farrell said calmly.


    "You can get drunk on Butterbeer?" Kyle asked in disbelief. "There¡¯s real beer in it, then?"


    He had always thought it was a drink like hot cocoa.


    "Yes, but the beer is boiled to add just a bit of flavor."


    At this, a first-year with pigtails piped up, "My family makes Butterbeer, and I¡¯ve seen them do it!"


    "Exactly," Farrell replied with a laugh. "So if someone can¡¯t hold their drink, even Butterbeer will knock them out¡ªlike Harris, who can only manage two bottles before he''s done for."


    "I remember his first trip to Hogsmeade in third year," Farrell continued, chuckling. "He fell asleep right there at The Three Broomsticks. Madam Rosmerta thought something was wrong with her Butterbeer!"


    Kyle laughed. Who knew you could get drunk on boiled beer? Isn¡¯t pumpkin juice good enough?


    Once Harris was carried off, the party quickly wound down, and everyone drifted back to their dormitories.


    ...


    After the revelry, what awaited everyone was endless revision. As exams drew closer, tension in the castle grew thick. There was no time to think about Quidditch, and students were seen everywhere, noses buried in their books. The atmosphere at Hogwarts was more intense than ever.


    Even Harry and Ron set aside their investigation of Snape and followed Hermione to the library, where they buckled down and studied hard. However, while Hermione was meticulously reviewing the material, Harry and Ron were merely skimming through the basics.


    In this tense environment, exam week soon arrived.


    For Kyle, the second-year exams posed little challenge. He finished the written exam in just ten minutes. But Professor McGonagall wouldn¡¯t let him hand in his paper early, insisting it might tempt him to share answers with others.


    This year, Professor McGonagall was especially sour¡ªonce again, she¡¯d been assigned to supervise the lower-year exams rather than the senior ones. She silently cursed Dumbledore for this unwelcome duty. As she looked around the room, her disappointment deepened. The students were almost unnervingly well-behaved. Only five magical cheating devices had been confiscated before the exam, barely half the haul of last year.


    With nothing else to do, she wandered over and began to look at Kyle¡¯s paper. Observing her serious expression and the way she occasionally shook her head, several students glanced at each other, wondering if Kyle had done poorly on the test. The classroom buzzed with mixed reactions¡ªsome students looked anxious, others disappointed, and a few seemed quietly thrilled.


    Kyle, for his part, was completely unfazed, mostly because he couldn¡¯t see Professor McGonagall¡¯s expression from where he was sitting.


    Once the written exams were over, the practical portion proved much more entertaining. For Charms, Professor Flitwick enchanted a pineapple, challenging the students to identify the charm and restore the pineapple to its original state.


    When it was Kyle¡¯s turn, the challenge took a twist. The enchanted pineapple suddenly sprouted legs, leapt off the table, and began scampering across the floor.


    ¡°You have three attempts,¡± Professor Flitwick said with a grin, ¡°but you must stay in one spot.¡±


    The pineapple was impressively nimble, darting in different directions every time Kyle raised his wand and tried to cast. After two failed attempts, Kyle looked over at Professor Flitwick, clearly suspecting him of some mischief.


    Professor Flitwick simply smiled back, looking innocent as ever. ¡°Only one chance left¡­¡±


    Kyle sighed, taking a deep breath as an orange light began to glow from the tip of his wand.


    ¡°Wait, wait¡­¡± Professor Flitwick¡¯s eyes widened, and he quickly stopped him. ¡°The Transfiguration exams are happening in the next room, and this spell might affect the others.¡±


    ¡°What about my exam¡­?¡±


    ¡°You passed,¡± Professor Flitwick said, smiling warmly.


    In truth, he¡¯d already given Kyle full marks from the start and had only been stirring up some harmless fun.

 Chapter 220: Felix Felicis

    For Kyle, the minor mishap during the Charms exam had no effect on his final grade.


    ¡°Impeccable,¡± Professor Flitwick said, smiling. ¡°I¡¯m looking forward to your final score, Kyle. I hope you didn¡¯t intentionally get one question wrong like you did last year. It¡¯s been a long time since Hogwarts has seen a student with perfect marks in every subject.¡±


    Kyle smiled sheepishly. Last year, he hadn¡¯t expected to ace the Potions exam, so he¡¯d jokingly listed the thirteenth use of dragon¡¯s blood, figuring an extra point or two wouldn¡¯t make much difference.


    In the Transfiguration exam, Professor McGonagall tasked them with transforming a rabbit into a trophy. The more intricate the trophy, the higher the score¡ªpoints would be deducted if any rabbit fur remained. Kyle completed the task with ease.


    The last subject, as always, was History of Magic. When Professor Binns told them to put down their quills, it meant the school year was officially over. No more studying, no more early mornings, and no more library visits for homework¡ªthey were finally free to enjoy the summer holiday.


    As Kyle walked out of the classroom, he could hear cheers all around him. Everyone wore smiles, and the air was filled with a sense of relief and celebration. To his surprise, he noticed a few people giving him odd looks. Some offered him encouraging smiles, while others laughed openly, leaving him puzzled. Just as he was about to ask someone what was going on, Cedric approached.


    ¡°I¡¯ve heard about it¡­¡± Cedric said, patting Kyle¡¯s shoulder. ¡°It¡¯s alright¡ªyou didn¡¯t do well in one class, but that doesn¡¯t mean anything. You¡¯re still the brightest student at Hogwarts, no doubt about it.¡±


    ¡°Wait a second¡­¡± Kyle asked quickly, ¡°Why are you saying that? What do you mean I didn¡¯t do well? How could results be out so soon?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t you know yet?¡± Cedric replied. ¡°Someone saw Professor McGonagall shaking her head while looking at your test paper. Rumor has it she was disappointed because you didn¡¯t do well.¡±


    Kyle froze, taken aback. He hadn¡¯t heard anything about this. No wonder Cedric had been so quick to reassure him. Now he understood. But after thinking it over, Kyle shrugged it off. He was sure he¡¯d gotten the answers right. As for why Professor McGonagall had been shaking her head¡­ well, who could understand the mind of an older cat-loving professor?


    ¡°Kyle¡­ we were looking for you,¡± Fred and George appeared, approaching with identical grins. Whether by coincidence or prior arrangement, they both began the same way Cedric had.


    ¡°We¡¯ve heard about it¡­¡±


    ¡°Stop!¡± Kyle interrupted quickly. ¡°I did well on the exam, so I don¡¯t need any sympathy.¡±


    ¡°Oh, so you want us to praise you?¡± Fred said, raising an eyebrow.


    ¡°Let me channel what Mum usually says about Percy¡­¡± George rubbed his chin, adopting an exaggerated tone. ¡°Look, all ¡®O¡¯s¡¯! I knew you could do it¡­ We¡¯re so proud of you, Kyle!¡±


    ¡°Is that good enough?¡± Fred laughed. ¡°But shouldn¡¯t grades be something we think about in a week? Seems a bit early to brag¡­¡± sea??h th§× ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°So, you¡¯re not here to comfort me?¡± Kyle asked, a little thrown off.


    ¡°Are you kidding?¡± Fred gave him a wry look. ¡°If we need to comfort you over grades, what should we do for ourselves, go back to the dorms and have a good cry?¡±


    ¡°We actually came to see if you¡¯d like to join us in the Forbidden Forest,¡± George said. ¡°We heard there are some cat-like creatures in there¡­¡±


    ¡°Maybe we could catch one to give to Ginny as a welcome gift,¡± Fred added. ¡°She¡¯s always wanted a Kneazle.¡±


    Kyle thought about it and then shook his head. ¡°I¡¯ve got something else to take care of. But, by the way, could I borrow your Marauder¡¯s Map?¡±


    At this, the twins, who¡¯d seemed a little disappointed, immediately perked up. They exchanged mischievous glances, clearly intrigued by Kyle¡¯s request.


    ¡°Sure, go ahead and use it.¡±


    ...


    That night, Kyle quietly slipped out of the Hufflepuff common room and made his way to the restricted area alone.


    He had spent countless hours debating whether to get involved with the mess surrounding the Philosopher''s Stone, and only last night had he finally made up his mind. After all, the Stone itself wasn¡¯t his main concern; it belonged to Nicolas Flamel, and as Dumbledore¡¯s prized secret, it was likely out of reach.


    Kyle had come here for a different purpose.


    Of course, he still had to be prepared for a potential encounter with Voldemort, so he¡¯d taken every precaution he could think of. He pulled a tiny bottle from his pocket, no larger than a thumb.


    Felix Felicis.


    Kyle knew he wasn¡¯t Harry¡ªhe didn¡¯t have any mysterious connection to Voldemort. If he was going to come out of this unscathed, he¡¯d need a little luck on his side.


    ¡°Here¡¯s hoping this journey will be worth the price of admission,¡± he murmured, opening the bottle and taking a careful sip of the shimmering golden liquid inside. It would be wasteful to drink it all; he only needed a few hours of luck.


    The moment the potion took effect, Kyle felt an indescribable surge of confidence and clarity. It was as though endless possibilities stretched out before him, and things that had once seemed difficult now felt almost trivial.


    ¡°Why did I waste so much time doubting?¡± he thought with a smile, pushing open the door to the forbidden area.


    Inside, Fluffy lunged at him with a growl, but as soon as the Three-Headed Dog recognized Kyle, he skidded to a halt, wagging his tails with excitement. Two of Fluffy¡¯s heads nodded eagerly, while the middle one looked hesitant.


    ¡°Bored, huh?¡± Kyle chuckled, waving a hand. ¡°How about a little adventure? Just for a while¡ªI promise we¡¯ll be back before Dumbledore notices.¡±


    After a moment¡¯s hesitation, the third head finally nodded in agreement. Kyle packed Fluffy into a magically expanded suitcase, then took out his broomstick and descended through the trapdoor.


    The first room was empty.


    Kyle had removed the Devil¡¯s Snare from it a while back, and apparently, Professor Sprout hadn¡¯t noticed or hadn¡¯t bothered to replace it. It made him suspect there was another entrance the professors used when setting up the protections, one that bypassed the trapdoor entirely.


    Which meant that no one had even realized something was missing from this room.


    This was really¡­irresponsible, Kyle thought, shaking his head. Did no one check these crucial defenses regularly?

 Chapter 221: A Low-Difficulty Quest

    Kyle frowned as he surveyed the empty room. Whether as a Hufflepuff or the one responsible for this situation, he felt it was his duty to help Professor Sprout cover this small oversight.


    However, retrieving the Devil¡¯s Snare from the Room of Requirement up on the eighth floor would waste too much time. By the time he returned, Quirrell might already be nothing but ash. So, Kyle opted for an alternative solution.


    He opened his suitcase and took out all the Chomping Cabbages he had brought, arranging them carefully beneath the trapdoor. There were around thirty in total¡ªenough to fully cover the spot previously occupied by the Devil¡¯s Snare.


    He¡¯d initially ¡°borrowed¡± just two seeds from Professor Sprout¡¯s greenhouse, but now, by placing them here, he was repaying the debt tenfold.


    Kyle nodded with satisfaction at his setup. was the kind of security required to protect the Philosopher¡¯s Stone. His prior use of Devil¡¯s Snare had been a bit of a joke, thrown together without much thought. Now, he hoped Professor Quirrell, who¡¯d soon come through this room, would have an appreciation for Chomping Cabbage and understand their habits and weaknesses. Otherwise... he¡¯d be in for a bit of a surprise.


    As for Harry, Kyle wasn¡¯t concerned. He had a strong hunch that Harry would be just fine.


    With that done, Kyle hopped back onto his broom and flew down the stone corridor, soon reaching Professor Flitwick¡¯s checkpoint. In the brightly lit room, countless winged keys buzzed around under the high, arched ceiling like flocks of little birds. A row of old broomsticks leaned by the entrance¡ªthree in total.


    ¡°Three broomsticks¡­ Clever, but something about Professor Flitwick¡¯s work here doesn¡¯t add up,¡± Kyle muttered.


    Rather than rushing to solve the puzzle, Kyle took out his wand and pointed at the broomsticks in the corner, murmuring,


    The three broomsticks floated up and flew out along the stone corridor, vanishing out of sight. Kyle wasn¡¯t sure where they¡¯d end up, but it didn¡¯t matter as long as they were no longer in the room.


    Once the brooms were out of the way, Kyle hopped off his own broom and walked to the other end of the room. The Winged Keys continued fluttering around harmlessly, and he made it to the door without a hitch. Taking out the master key, he slipped it into the lock and turned it gently. With a click, the door swung open.


    In truth, this level was even more lackluster than Professor Sprout¡¯s Devil¡¯s Snare¡ªit posed no real challenge. Even without a master key, anyone could have grabbed a Bowtruckle from the Forbidden Forest and gotten through with ease.


    The next level, however, was Professor McGonagall¡¯s handiwork, and it was far more intimidating.


    The once-empty chessboard was now filled with looming black and white chess pieces. Each piece stood nearly two meters tall, carved from stone and emanating an intimidating, oppressive presence.


    Kyle frowned, feeling a little uneasy. His skills in Wizard¡¯s Chess were average at best. He found the game entertaining in casual settings but wasn¡¯t confident he could beat McGonagall¡¯s enchanted chessboard.


    Fortunately, he had an alternative plan. It was a bit unconventional¡ªand perhaps a touch impolite¡ªbut he hoped Professor McGonagall would understand.


    With a quick motion, Kyle opened his suitcase and released the Troll.


    ¡°I need to get to the other side.¡±


    The Troll tilted its head, processing Kyle¡¯s request. After a moment, it seemed to understand and lumbered onto the chessboard, brandishing its club. The white chess pieces moved to block its path, but they were no match; they shattered to pieces under the Troll¡¯s powerful swings, crumbling like fragile clay.


    Kyle followed closely behind the Troll, making his way to the door on the far side. Behind him, the shattered chess pieces were slowly piecing themselves back together, but he paid them no mind. He simply stowed the Troll back in his suitcase and continued down the next corridor.


    The following room was also occupied by a group of Trolls, and an overwhelming stench filled the air, far more nauseating than the creatures themselves.


    Kyle held his breath, casting a Disillusionment Charm to make himself less noticeable. The Trolls, oblivious, ignored him as he slipped past and hurried to the final room.


    This room held only a table with seven bottles of various shapes and sizes. As soon as Kyle crossed the threshold, a purple flame flared up behind him, sealing off the entrance. Meanwhile, black flames sprang up at the door ahead, blocking his path forward. He was trapped between the two fires.


    Approaching the table, Kyle picked up the parchment lying beside the bottles. It presented a logic puzzle, the kind that would be easy for a certain detective from Baker Street. Kyle wasn¡¯t quite as fast with deductive reasoning, but he didn¡¯t need it; he simply reached for the smallest bottle.


    He pulled out the cork and peered inside at the dark liquid. After a moment¡¯s hesitation, he decided against drinking it. The liquid¡¯s color was simply too strange¡ªit made him uneasy.


    Besides, he knew one thing about Snape¡¯s potions: they always tasted indescribably bad, unless someone else was the one drinking them. His friend Mikel, who¡¯d sampled Snape¡¯s Magic Suppressing Potion last year, had claimed the greenhouse fertilizer smelled sweeter by comparison. Kyle didn¡¯t know if he was exaggerating, but he figured caution was wise. Knowing Snape, he might have added something¡­extra to the right potion.


    Kyle set the bottle back on the table and raised his wand toward the black flames blocking his way. An orange glow began to pulse from the wand¡¯s tip, spreading until it glowed bright orange. With a quick motion, Kyle plunged his wand into the ground.


    In an instant, both the purple and black flames extinguished, leaving the room in its original state.


    Kyle let out a sigh of relief, silently grateful for Dumbledore¡¯s ingenuity in converting this complex spell¡ªoriginally cast by multiple wizards¡ªinto a single charm over twenty years ago. Without it, an ordinary General Counter-Spell might not have worked here.


    He walked past the doorway and entered the final room.


    Quirrell¡­ or rather, Voldemort, hadn¡¯t arrived yet. The room was empty except for a large mirror standing in the center.


    The Mirror of Erised.


    Kyle approached it, studying it as he walked in a slow circle around the mirror. He¡¯d pondered how Dumbledore had hidden the Philosopher¡¯s Stone within it and still didn¡¯t have a clear answer. Kyle suspected that Dumbledore, an alchemy master, had disassembled the Mirror, embedded the Philosopher¡¯s Stone inside, and reassembled it using advanced techniques. S§×arch* The n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    That level of alchemical expertise was far beyond him, but for someone like Dumbledore, who¡¯d befriended Nicolas Flamel in his youth, it might be child¡¯s play. The silver instruments in the headmaster¡¯s office, constantly emitting mysterious wisps of smoke, were likely Dumbledore¡¯s own creations. Kyle wondered what their functions were, but he had no answers.

 Chapter 222: Quirrell’s Curious Experience

    In the dead of night, in a silent corridor on the fourth floor, a figure in a long black robe slipped past Filch¡¯s patrol undetected.


    Since meeting the Dark Lord in Albania, Quirrell¡¯s once routine life had transformed dramatically. He now had a new, singular purpose: to help the Dark Lord rise again. If he succeeded, Quirrell knew he could achieve power he had only dreamed of¡ªperhaps even replace someone as lofty as Barty Crouch and become the new Director of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement. Or, if he dared to reach higher¡­ the Minister of Magic! Such ambition no longer seemed impossible.


    Though he hadn¡¯t been the first to join the Dark Lord¡¯s followers, he believed he could surpass even the most notorious Death Eaters by stealing the Philosopher¡¯s Stone and enabling the Dark Lord¡¯s resurrection. Names like these held fame, but what good was that? When the Dark Lord needed them most, they were rotting in Azkaban. Now, only he, Quirinus Quirrell, had remained loyal and capable enough to restore his master¡¯s power.


    Why should they get to reclaim glory after they¡¯d been little more than Dementor fodder?


    And the Dark Lord had promised him so much. In return for his success, Quirrell would receive limitless power, unimaginable wealth, and, above all else, immortality.


    Staring at the worn wooden door before him, Quirrell felt a feverish anticipation rise in his chest. If he could pass through the challenges ahead, then power, riches, and eternal life were his for the taking!


    He¡¯d spent all year researching, probing, and observing, learning as much as he could about the obstacles set up by the other professors. The only mystery remaining was Snape¡¯s barrier. He¡¯d even managed to learn how to pacify the Three-Headed Dog¡ªFluffy, that troublesome creature¡ªby bargaining for a dragon egg. Procuring it hadn¡¯t been easy, as the Ministry had ramped up inspections of magical creatures, especially after the chaos with last year¡¯s Swooping Evil. Quirrell had drained nearly all his savings, paying ten times the market price to buy the egg from a European wizard.


    Playing the bumbling fool had been a necessary inconvenience. After all, if he could secure the Philosopher¡¯s Stone, no number of Galleons would matter.


    Now, Dumbledore had been lured away to London by a forged letter, and Snape was off scouring the Forbidden Forest for a Death Eater who didn¡¯t exist. Every detail of his plan was falling into place. Nothing could stop him now.


    Quirrell drew out a large harp and cast a charm to make it play a soft, hypnotic melody. Fluffy¡¯s three heads would soon be lulled to sleep. Taking a deep breath to steady his trembling hands, he pushed open the door.


    ¡°Sleep, big guy, sleep well¡­¡± S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Quirrell, having pushed open the door, suddenly froze. The room was empty¡ªno sign of the Three-Headed Dog, not even a single hair.


    ¡°Did I come to the wrong room?¡± he muttered, stepping back to double-check his surroundings.


    But no, this was definitely the right place. He recognized the stone statue with the axe across the room. He couldn''t be mistaken.


    ¡°Idiot, stop wasting time here!¡± hissed a voice from within him.


    ¡°Forgive me, my lord.¡± Quirrell dared not hesitate further and hurried into the room.


    When he saw the trapdoor, completely unguarded, a pang of regret hit him hard. His savings¡ªGalleons he¡¯d scrimped for over a decade, gone on that dragon egg. If he¡¯d known the room would be empty, he never would have spent so much gold.


    ¡°Hurry up!¡± Voldemort¡¯s voice snapped impatiently. ¡°Dumbledore could return at any moment!¡±


    The mere mention of Dumbledore sent a shiver down Quirrell¡¯s spine. He hastily opened the trapdoor and jumped down, expecting to land in a mass of Devil¡¯s Snare that would cushion his fall. He¡¯d carefully researched its placement and knew that a simple Lighting Charm would handle it. Confident, he braced himself.


    But instead¡­


    With a sickening crash, Quirrell landed on the unforgiving stone floor below.


    ¡°Ah¡­ my leg¡­ ah, my arm¡­ my back¡­¡± he groaned, curling up in agony. The impact had jolted through his body, leaving him with stabbing pain in his limbs and spine.


    ¡°Damn it! Sprout must have tricked me!¡± he cursed internally.


    But before he could explain, Voldemort¡¯s voice snarled furiously. ¡°Fool! Get up! Do you want to die here?¡±


    Quirrell looked up and noticed, in horror, a pile of round, green objects scattered across the floor in front of him¡­ Cabbages?


    he thought incredulously. Just as he was processing this, one of the ¡°cabbages¡± rolled closer, revealing a wide mouth filled with sharp, glinting teeth.


    Then another, and another¡­


    Quirrell¡¯s face turned ashen. He realized these were Chomping Cabbages¡ªplants known to be as deadly as Venomous Tentacula. If two of them were deadly to an adult wizard, what chance did he stand against a swarm of dozens?


    At that moment, Quirrell felt as though the universe itself had conspired against him, maliciously mocking his every move.


    ¡°Sprout¡­ you¡¯ll pay for this!¡±


    ¡°Aaahhh!¡±


    The room filled with Quirrell¡¯s anguished screams. His cries were laced with fury, helplessness, and terror.


    ...


    ¡°Huh?¡±


    Kyle, who had been studying the Mirror of Erised in the last room, looked up, puzzled. ¡°Did you hear something just now?¡±


    There was no response, but that wasn¡¯t surprising. After all, apart from him, the only one in the room was the Niffler, who was currently admiring himself in the mirror.


    ¡°What do you see¡­¡± Kyle asked, approaching.


    The Niffler jumped, startled, and took a few steps back, eyeing Kyle suspiciously as he clutched his little paws over his pockets protectively.


    ¡°Oh, come on,¡± Kyle said, scowling. ¡°It¡¯s not like I¡¯ve ever taken anything from you.¡±


    The Niffler huffed, clearly unconvinced.


    ¡°Fine, fine, except for that time. But honestly, you were stealing from someone else, and I was just giving it back to its rightful owner.¡±


    The Niffler turned his nose up, refusing to acknowledge him. In his mind, anything he¡¯d picked up was fair game.


    Watching his stubborn little friend, Kyle shook his head with a smile. ¡°Alright, that¡¯s enough fun. It¡¯s time to head back.¡±


    The scream he¡¯d heard earlier was definitely real, and it wouldn¡¯t be long before Quirrell¡ªor Voldemort¡ªarrived. He couldn¡¯t let the Niffler stay out here any longer.


    But the Niffler remained motionless, still watching him warily.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯m not going to take anything from you,¡± Kyle reassured him. ¡°Besides, there¡¯s a bad guy coming who loves Niffler sandwiches. His favorite are little Nifflers under a year old, just like you¡­¡±


    The Niffler¡¯s eyes widened in horror. In two or three quick leaps, he was in Kyle¡¯s arms, then wasted no time opening the suitcase and diving back inside.

 Chapter 223: Voldemort’s Recruitment

    After about half an hour, Quirrell finally staggered through the Troll-infested room and arrived at the checkpoint Snape had set up. He looked like he¡¯d aged decades¡ªhis face pale and drawn, his skin wrinkled, and his entire body reeking of blood. Every step he took seemed agonizing, forcing him to grit his teeth.


    Once he entered the room, the extinguished magic flames sprang back to life, encircling him. Quirrell shuffled over to the table with the potions, picked up the parchment, and carefully read Snape¡¯s riddle.


    A small, triumphant smile spread across Quirrell¡¯s face. he thought with contempt, It was laughable. Quirrell was a Ravenclaw alumnus, a top student with eight ¡°O¡±s on his N.E.W.T.s. Compared to battling keys, playing chess, or fending off Trolls, deduction was his specialty.


    He conjured a feather, dipped it in a bloody patch on his robes, and carefully worked through the riddle.


    ¡°I¡¯ve got it!¡± Quirrell announced gleefully. ¡°The smallest bottle¡ªit¡¯ll get me through the black flames to the Philosopher¡¯s Stone!¡±


    Without further hesitation, he picked up the unassuming little bottle and tipped it back, taking a quick gulp.


    The potion hit his tongue, and he gagged immediately. He¡¯d thought nothing could be worse than facing the swarm of Chomping Cabbages. He was wrong. An intense bitterness overtook him, flooding his mouth like a storm. It felt as though hundreds of Trolls were dancing on his taste buds.


    ¡°Ugh¡­ Snape!¡± Quirrell groaned, disgusted, and threw the potion back onto the table after one miserable sip. Covering his mouth and clutching his stomach, he stumbled through the black flames.


    ¡°Just you wait, Snape,¡± he muttered darkly, ¡°when I have the Philosopher¡¯s Stone and bring back the Dark Lord, neither you nor Sprout will escape my revenge!¡±


    Breathing heavily, he staggered into the final room, only to find it already occupied. And the person waiting was neither Snape nor Dumbledore.


    ¡°Harry Potter!¡± Quirrell gasped, utterly shocked.


    ¡°Professor¡­ it¡¯s me,¡± replied the figure, turning around with a nervous look.


    ¡°I was just wondering if I¡¯d run into you here, and here you are¡­¡±


    The boy took a step forward, as if to approach. ¡°Wait, Professor Quirrell, you look terribly hurt! Let me take you to the Hospital Wing¡ª¡±


    ¡°Stay where you are!¡± Quirrell barked, pulling out his wand and pointing it at Harry. ¡°Hand over the Philosopher¡¯s Stone. Now!¡±


    Quirrell¡¯s mind reeled. Of all the scenarios he¡¯d imagined¡ªfacing Snape in a duel, begging for mercy if he encountered Dumbledore¡ªhe¡¯d never once pictured this. Harry Potter, waiting for him as if he¡¯d been there all along. How had the boy even survived the Chomping Cabbages?


    "Philosopher''s Stone? What are you talking about?" said ¡°Harry¡± with a puzzled expression. ¡°Isn''t the final reward here this mirror?¡±


    He gestured to the Mirror of Erised and continued, "Professor, you have to come see this. It''s incredible¡ªI saw myself shaking hands with Dumbledore and becoming Minister of Magic. I think it can show the future!"


    Quirrell looked skeptically at the mirror. Curiosity tugged at him, and he started to take a few steps forward when a shrill, whispering voice interrupted.


    "He''s lying¡­ he''s lying¡­"


    ¡°Potter, enough games!¡± Quirrell raised his wand, his patience clearly wearing thin. ¡°Hand over the Philosopher''s Stone, or else!¡±


    The voice echoed again, icy and sharp. "Fool! Haven''t you realized it yet? That¡¯s not Harry Potter."


    ¡°Not Harry Potter?¡± Quirrell peered at the figure in front of him. The messy black hair, the lightning-bolt scar, the round glasses¡ªthis was Potter, wasn¡¯t it? S§×ar?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°Let me speak to him¡­ face to face,¡± the voice commanded.


    ¡°But, Master,¡± Quirrell protested, ¡°you just used up a lot of strength dealing with those Chomping Cabbages! You need to rest!¡±


    ¡°Thanks to blundering¡­¡± the voice sneered, ¡°But I still have strength left.¡±


    ¡°Of course, Master,¡± Quirrell stammered obediently, bending down to unwrap the scarf from his head. Slowly, he turned around, revealing the ghastly visage on the back of his head.


    The face was chalk-white, with gleaming red eyes and nostrils as thin and slitted as a snake¡¯s.


    ¡°You don¡¯t seem surprised at all,¡± Voldemort rasped, eyes narrowing.


    ¡°Quirrell would never have dared to steal the Philosopher¡¯s Stone alone.¡± ¡°Harry¡± responded calmly, ¡°I just didn¡¯t expect you to appear quite like this¡­ Mr. Voldemort.¡±


    ¡°You know me?¡± Voldemort looked genuinely taken aback.


    ¡°Well, it¡¯s rather obvious, isn¡¯t it?¡±


    ¡°By the way,¡± Kyle added casually, ¡°how did you know I wasn¡¯t Harry Potter? I thought my disguise was quite thorough.¡±


    ¡°The badge,¡± Voldemort replied, his voice a low hiss. ¡°Harry Potter would never wear the Slytherin crest.¡±


    ¡°Ah, a pity. But I couldn¡¯t possibly wear that ridiculous lion badge.¡±


    With that, Kyle took off the glasses, tossing them aside. As they hit the ground, they transformed back into a Bertie Bott¡¯s Every Flavour Bean.


    Director Sykes had provided Kyle with plenty of useful supplies, including a large bottle of Polyjuice Potion. Getting a strand of Harry¡¯s hair had been no trouble at all. If he¡¯d wanted to, he probably could have tricked Harry into giving him his entire school uniform. But that hadn¡¯t been necessary.


    ¡°Who are you¡­¡± Voldemort murmured with interest, ¡°Malfoy? Nott? Perhaps Selwyn¡­¡±


    ¡°No need to guess, Mr. Voldemort,¡± Kyle replied with a wave of his hand. ¡°Since I went through the trouble of using Polyjuice Potion, I¡¯m clearly not keen on revealing my real name.¡±


    ¡°Bold and clever¡­ remarkably level-headed,¡± Voldemort mused, his tone turning to a silky whisper of temptation. ¡°It seems Slytherin has produced another exceptional young wizard. Join me, help me retrieve the Philosopher¡¯s Stone, and I¡¯ll grant you unimaginable power and riches beyond your dreams.¡±


    ¡°Master¡­¡± Quirrell¡¯s face crumpled with a mixture of resentment and desperation. ¡°I am your most loyal servant!¡±


    He¡¯d been the one to find the Dark Lord in Albania, to fight through each perilous trap. And yet, here was this stranger, who had done nothing, receiving the Dark Lord¡¯s admiration.

 Chapter 224: Horcrux

    Facing Voldemort¡¯s offer, Kyle felt no excitement whatsoever. His heart was completely unmoved.


    Just think back to what that other famous ¡°villain¡± had said sixty years ago: It was grand, stirring, almost poetic. But Voldemort? He only spoke of power and status¡ªvague, empty promises that any wise person could see through. Frankly, his old-fashioned rhetoric might fool simple minds like Quirrell¡¯s, but not anyone with an ounce of sense.


    Still, Kyle supposed Voldemort didn¡¯t have much else to offer. Every prized artifact he¡¯d gathered¡ªSlytherin¡¯s Locket, Hufflepuff¡¯s Cup¡ªhad been twisted into Horcruxes, meaning they couldn¡¯t exactly be shared as rewards.


    And if Voldemort did possess a more inspiring slogan, something that rallied others¡ª or ¡ªperhaps Riddle, not Dumbledore, would be headmaster today.


    Protected by Occlumency, Kyle¡¯s thoughts remained hidden, so Voldemort saw only his silence. Interpreting this as hesitation, Voldemort assumed his offer wasn¡¯t enticing enough.


    ¡°What a greedy boy¡­¡± he rasped. ¡°Very well. What if I could offer you immortality¡­ like me? Free from the decay of age, from the fear of death¡ªeternal in this world!¡±


    Now, this was finally something with a bit of substance.


    ¡°That¡¯s actually what I was hoping to ask about,¡± Kyle replied thoughtfully, his gaze steady. ¡°Mr. Voldemort, could you tell me more about making Horcruxes¡­¡±


    ¡°Kill him!¡± Voldemort shrieked, rage and shock lacing his voice.


    The word was his most guarded secret. How this boy knew about it, Voldemort couldn¡¯t guess, but it didn¡¯t matter¡ªKyle had to die.


    Quirrell, clearly eager to obey, spun around and raised his wand, a faint green glow forming at its tip.


    But Kyle was faster. As Voldemort shouted the order, Kyle snapped open his suitcase.


    With a thunderous growl, Fluffy, the Three-Headed Dog, leapt out and clamped his powerful jaws around Quirrell¡¯s arm.


    ¡°Crack!¡±


    A sharp snapping echoed through the room as Quirrell¡¯s arm fractured, his wand clattering to the ground. He scrabbled to retrieve it, but before he could, a blast of searing flames surged over him. Norbert, the Norwegian Ridgeback dragon, had swooped in behind Kyle, sending torrents of dragon fire raging through the air.


    Already weakened from being Voldemort¡¯s host, drained by both the parasitic connection and the vicious Chomping Cabbages, Quirrell had little strength left. His screams were short-lived, snuffed out almost instantly by the relentless fire.


    When Kyle finally extinguished the flames, Quirrell lay gasping, his chest rising and falling faintly. He was barely alive¡ªonly the Unicorn blood he¡¯d consumed had kept him from dying outright.


    With a low growl, Fluffy lunged, sinking his teeth into Quirrell¡¯s side. Norbert, hovering nearby, rumbled and prepared another burst of fire, ready to incinerate what little life was left in him at a moment¡¯s notice.


    "I was going to mention that earlier..." Kyle walked over, shaking his head slightly. "Pointing a wand at someone so carelessly is very dangerous, Professor Quirrell."


    ¡°Who are you?¡± Voldemort¡¯s red eyes blazed with murderous intent. If sheer will could kill, Kyle would have been struck down countless times by now. Of course, Voldemort¡¯s gaze could indeed kill under normal circumstances¡ªbut he was far too weakened to perform wandless magic. And with Quirrell in such a debilitated state, there was no life force left for Voldemort to drain.


    ¡°Mr. Voldemort,¡± Kyle said coolly, ¡°your time is valuable. So if you don¡¯t have anything useful to say, let¡¯s not waste it.¡±


    He paused, eyes unblinking. ¡°Now, tell me¡­ how are Horcruxes made?¡±


    At this, Voldemort seemed to relax, his expression dark but composed. ¡°How did you learn about Horcruxes?¡± he asked.


    Kyle smiled, amused. ¡°It¡¯s actually a funny story. You know the Room of Requirement¡ªthe enchanted room on the eighth floor?¡±


    He chuckled, ¡°Guess what I found in there... Honestly, that plaster bust you hid it on is a bit of an eyesore.¡±


    ¡°Ravenclaw¡¯s Diadem,¡± Voldemort replied in a flat tone.


    ¡°Precisely,¡± Kyle continued. ¡°Of course, since you¡¯re the one who put it there, I figured you¡¯d know. At first, I was thrilled to find it, but then¡­ I realized something was wrong.¡±


    Kyle¡¯s expression grew thoughtful. ¡°I spent the entire school year searching through my family¡¯s library. Eventually, I confirmed that the diadem had been made into a Horcrux.¡±


    ¡°That discovery piqued my curiosity, but none of the books I had went into enough detail about the actual process. I even scoured the restricted section here at Hogwarts, but there was nothing useful.¡±


    ¡°Dumbledore¡­¡± Voldemort sneered. ¡°That hypocrite probably collected every book on Horcruxes himself.¡± S§×arch* The n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°Exactly. So, naturally, I came to ask you. I couldn¡¯t exactly ask the headmaster for help with this topic.¡±


    ¡°But why should I tell you?¡± Voldemort sneered, his eyes narrowing with malicious glee. ¡°You could kill Quirrell right now, for all I care. He¡¯s nothing but a second-rate servant, an ill-fitting tool. Even if he dies, it wouldn¡¯t make a difference to me.¡±


    ¡°I take it you¡¯re not going to tell me, then,¡± Kyle replied with a sigh.


    But Voldemort¡¯s expression suddenly shifted. ¡°No¡­ I¡¯ve changed my mind,¡± he said with a disturbing smile. ¡°As a reward for finding the diadem, I¡¯ll tell you all about Horcruxes!¡±


    His laugh rang out, sharp and derisive. ¡°Hehehe¡­ Dumbledore, my dear professor, would never teach you something like this. But I will. What can you do about that, ?¡±


    ¡°Listen carefully,¡± Voldemort continued in a low, venomous voice, ¡°to create a Horcrux, you must first take a life. But more importantly, you must master a specific spell that allows you to split and manipulate your own soul¡­¡±


    Kyle couldn¡¯t help raising an eyebrow. He had intended to pressure Voldemort into sharing his knowledge, perhaps even by offering him the diadem as leverage. But to Kyle¡¯s surprise, Voldemort agreed readily¡ªsimply out of a desire to defy Dumbledore?


    Kyle thought, half-amused, half-baffled.


    But that was Voldemort¡¯s business, not his.


    With a quick, cautious glance at Voldemort, Kyle took out a Self-Writing Quill and parchment, preparing to take notes. The room shifted in mood, transforming almost into a classroom¡ªthough this ¡°professor¡± was far more dangerous than any Hogwarts instructor.


    To Kyle¡¯s surprise, Voldemort did seem to have a talent for teaching. His explanations were clear and concise, honing in on the key elements and summarizing complex, dark magic into manageable parts. Even a subject as intricate as Horcruxes took only minutes for Voldemort to explain without a single unnecessary word.


    When he¡¯d finished, Voldemort regarded Kyle with a cold sneer. ¡°I look forward to the day when Dumbledore discovers you¡¯ve made a Horcrux¡­ I can only imagine the look on his face¡­ heh.¡±

 Chapter 225: The Destroyed Philosopher’s Stone?

    Voldemort seemed eager for Kyle to be caught by Dumbledore while researching Horcruxes¡ªor perhaps he simply believed it inevitable that anyone foolish enough to pursue this dark magic at Hogwarts would be discovered.


    ¡°You don¡¯t need to worry about that, ,¡± Kyle replied smoothly, carefully tucking the parchment away.


    Of course, Kyle knew better than to trust Voldemort¡¯s words completely. The information might be accurate, but there was no guarantee. Until he could obtain Voldemort¡¯s notes would remain nothing more than a guideline.


    ¡°Did you just call me¡­ Professor?¡± Voldemort¡¯s face twisted slightly in surprise.


    ¡°Well, you did teach me something, after all,¡± Kyle said with a casual shrug. ¡°It seems only fitting.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t play games with me¡­¡± Voldemort sneered, his voice laced with contempt. ¡°Do you really think I¡¯ll let you walk away that easily, you insolent fool? Enjoy every day you have left, because I return.¡±


    He narrowed his eyes. ¡°No matter how many Horcruxes you make, I¡¯ll dig them out, one by one. You¡­ won¡¯t escape.¡±


    ¡°Well then, happy hunting, my dear Professor,¡± Kyle said with a laugh.


    At that moment, the black flames around the entrance sprang to life once more. Someone else had entered the room.


    ¡°Perfect timing.¡±


    Kyle pulled another potion bottle from his pocket, keeping it ready in his hand, and then unfurled his Invisibility Cloak.


    ¡°Tell me¡­ how did you manage it¡­¡± Voldemort¡¯s voice was barely a whisper now, his tone tinged with faint disbelief. ¡°Knowing it was me on Quirrell¡­ and waiting here in advance¡­¡±


    ¡°It wasn¡¯t difficult to figure out, Professor,¡± Kyle replied quietly, slipping on the Cloak. ¡°Horcruxes, Unicorn blood, the Elixir of Life¡­ add them up, and the answer¡¯s pretty clear.¡±


    ¡°As for why I was here before you¡­¡± Kyle gave a brief, amused smile. ¡°That¡¯s thanks to Bella¡ªer, I mean, ¡±


    ...


    Just then, the black flames wavered, and a figure slowly emerged. Harry had expected Snape, or maybe even Voldemort¡ªbut what he saw was something far stranger.


    In the middle of the room was a man crawling on the ground. Beside him lay a familiar scarf¡ªthe same scarf Professor Quirrell always wore.


    "Professor?" Harry called, moving closer cautiously. But as he approached, horror seized him. There, on the back of Quirrell¡¯s head, was a grotesque face¡ªpale, with snake-like slits for nostrils and eyes shut tight.


    A chill ran down Harry¡¯s spine, and he instinctively backed away, his first instinct to flee back to the warmth of the castle. But the thought of Voldemort getting the Philosopher¡¯s Stone kept him rooted in place.


    Quirrell seemed unconscious, and the face on the back of his head¡ªthough its lips moved slightly as if mumbling¡ªmade no sound. Harry¡¯s curiosity tugged at him, but he dared not get any closer.


    Skirting around Quirrell, Harry¡¯s eyes fell on something he hadn¡¯t noticed before: the Mirror of Erised. ¡°So Dumbledore hid it here¡­¡± he whispered to himself.


    Unable to resist, he approached the mirror again. ¡°If the Philosopher¡¯s Stone is hidden anywhere, it has to be in here,¡± he thought as he looked into the glass.


    At first, he saw his reflection staring back at him, pale and wide-eyed with fear. But then, slowly, his mirrored self broke into a smile. Harry¡¯s reflection reached into his pocket, pulled something out, winked, and put it back.


    Confused, Harry frowned. Was his reflection¡­ showing him where to find the Stone? Just then, a glint of red caught his eye¡ªa bright red stone had fallen to the floor behind the mirror.


    ¡°The Philosopher¡¯s Stone!¡± he exclaimed, stooping to pick it up.


    But the moment he said it, Quirrell¡¯s eyes snapped open, and he slowly rose to his feet, swaying unsteadily.


    ¡°The Philosopher¡¯s Stone¡­ the Philosopher¡¯s Stone¡­¡± Quirrell muttered, head bowed, a wild look of triumph in his eyes.


    Harry, startled, took a step back and hid the Stone behind his back. ¡°Don¡¯t even think about it! I won¡¯t give it to you!¡±


    Quirrell laughed darkly, lifting his hand with a crazed look. ¡°Die¡­ you¡¯ll die here with me!¡±


    Sparks erupted from his hand, bursting into flames that coalesced into a massive, fiery eagle, wings spread and flames licking outward. The temperature in the room spiked, and Harry knew that if this continued, the fire would soon engulf them both. sea??h th§× n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°Stop it!¡± Harry shouted, grabbing Quirrell¡¯s arm to try to break his focus.


    Blisters formed on Quirrell¡¯s skin where Harry touched him, but he barely seemed to notice. Instead, he tightened his grip on Harry, trying to drag him closer to the flames.


    ¡°It¡¯s all because of you¡­ die here with me!¡± he hissed, his voice laced with venom.


    Harry¡¯s scar seared in pain, so intense it felt as though his head would split open. His vision darkened, and he could barely make out Quirrell¡¯s voice¡ªmixed with other voices, distant but calling his name. ¡°Potter! Potter!¡±


    His grip on the Philosopher¡¯s Stone loosened, and it fell to the floor, swallowed up by the flames.


    ¡°No¡­¡± Harry murmured weakly as he tried to pull free.


    Just then, he felt Quirrell¡¯s grip slacken, and the pain in his scar receded. He staggered back, trying to make sense of what had happened, only to feel a hand clamp onto his shoulder.


    ¡°Harry, don¡¯t. This is Fiendfyre¡ªyou¡¯ll die if you go in there!¡±


    ¡°Ky¡ªKyle?¡± Harry looked up in shock, recognizing his friend through the haze. ¡°What are you doing here?¡±


    ¡°No time to explain,¡± Kyle replied, eyes narrowing as he took in the situation. He mentally kicked himself for not acting sooner. He¡¯d seen Quirrell stirring but had thought the professor¡¯s only goal was one last attempt to take down Harry, not that he¡¯d be able to conjure Fiendfyre without a wand.


    ¡°Let¡¯s get out of here,¡± Kyle said, gripping Harry¡¯s arm as his wand began to glow with an orange light, preparing to counter the flames.


    But just as he was about to act, the Fiendfyre suddenly extinguished, leaving the room silent and still.


    ¡°Looks like I arrived just in time,¡± came a calm voice from the doorway.


    Dumbledore stood there, his blue eyes twinkling even in the fading glow of the dissipated flames. With a mere flick of his fingers, he¡¯d dispelled the deadly Fiendfyre.


    ¡°Professor Dumbledore¡­ Quirrell¡­ the Philosopher¡¯s Stone¡­¡± Harry tried to explain, still shaken.


    Dumbledore shook his head gently. ¡°We¡¯ll discuss this later, Harry. You need rest.¡±


    But as he spoke, his gaze lingered on Kyle, a look of faint surprise and curiosity flickering in his eyes.

 Chapter 226: Voldemort, Treasure Chest of Dark Secrets

    The small room was in utter chaos, marked everywhere with scorch marks from Fiendfyre. Even the Mirror of Erised hadn¡¯t been spared; its golden frame had melted, its surface now gray and cracked.


    Quirrell was gone.


    When he had touched Harry, his body had begun to blacken rapidly, like a statue melting away, until he was reduced to nothing but ashes. Voldemort, too, had transformed into a ghostly apparition, fleeing the room the instant Quirrell died.


    Now, only Harry, Kyle, and Dumbledore¡ªwho had just arrived¡ªremained in the room.


    ...


    As Dumbledore entered the room, he frowned slightly, casting a thoughtful look in Kyle¡¯s direction. But after a brief pause, he turned away, a gentle smile crossing his face. ¡°If I''m not mistaken, you were about to use just now. It seems Professor Flitwick was right¡ªyou¡¯ve mastered that spell, which is no small achievement.¡±


    ¡°I just happened to read about it in the library over the holidays,¡± Kyle replied, helping Harry up from where he had collapsed on the ground. ¡°I can¡¯t say I¡¯m able to pull it off every time, but I¡¯m glad you¡¯re here...¡±


    ¡°No need to be so modest, Kyle.¡± Dumbledore winked. ¡°Have I ever mentioned that you are one of the finest young wizards I¡¯ve encountered? You never cease to amaze me.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re too kind,¡± Kyle said, a bit embarrassed. "If you hadn¡¯t refined the Charm, I¡¯d never have had the chance to learn it. You¡¯re the true master here."


    Dumbledore chuckled, ¡°Now, now, you¡¯re making me blush¡­ It was more a happy accident than anything else, and not solely my work.¡±


    While they exchanged pleasantries, Harry, still lying on the ground, suddenly extended a trembling arm. He felt like there might still be hope for him, but the lingering effects of Quirrell¡¯s curse left him in searing pain, unable to form complete words. If he could, he would¡¯ve made it abundantly clear that he desperately wanted to go to the Hospital Wing.


    ¡°Oh, Harry... I¡¯m so sorry,¡± Dumbledore said quickly, moving to help him up and guiding him toward the Hospital Wing. Kyle accompanied them.


    As they returned to the castle, Dumbledore suddenly stopped, turning to look at Kyle. ¡°Fiendfyre is a very dangerous form of dark magic,¡± he said, ¡°and its effects go beyond mere burning. If you have no urgent matters, I suggest you stop by the Hospital Wing for a checkup as well.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Professor,¡± Kyle nodded. ¡°But before that, could I go back to the dormitory? Cedric and the others must be worried sick.¡±


    ¡°I understand,¡± Dumbledore replied, ¡°but don¡¯t delay.¡±


    With that, he led Harry away.


    Kyle, however, didn¡¯t return to the dormitory. Instead, he made his way to the second floor, heading toward Myrtle¡¯s bathroom. After facing Voldemort, a thought had struck him.


    Kyle had always believed that only someone with Slytherin blood could control the Basilisk, but now he realized he¡¯d been mistaken.


    If Riddle had controlled the Basilisk through a bloodline fifty years ago, what about fifty years from now? Newt had once told him that all artificially bred creatures shared a unique trait. To control these dangerous creatures effectively and prevent them from turning against their creators, a specific will would be imposed on them from the start. This process often left their minds muddled; the more powerful the creature, the stronger the confusion.


    The Basilisk was no exception. It would be impossible for it to remember a wizard''s face and voice for long. Not to mention, the Basilisk in the Chamber of Secrets had been asleep for fifty years¡ªenough to ¡°reset¡± its memory entirely. If it would forget even after a short five-day sleep, there was no way it could remember Tom Riddle¡¯s commands after half a century. Besides, Riddle didn¡¯t even have a physical form anymore, so how could he control the Basilisk now?


    But if it responded to a soul... why not Harry¡¯s? As the last Horcrux, Harry also carried a fragment of Voldemort¡¯s soul, making him similar to Riddle in a sense. There was no reason it couldn¡¯t work!


    Kyle felt as though he had uncovered the key to the problem. He was eager to confirm his theory, especially while the effects of the Felix Felicis were still in play. It had guided him here for a reason.


    Arriving at the bathroom, Kyle quickly removed the quill wedged between the door and the frame, then stepped inside. Myrtle wasn¡¯t here, and the room was silent. Kyle opened the entrance to the Chamber of Secrets with ease, mounted his broom, and descended.


    The passageway was as dark and damp as ever, but this time, Kyle felt none of the nervousness that had gripped him during his first visit. He flew swiftly down the corridor, reaching the stone wall and entering the Chamber.


    Kyle looked up at the Slytherin statue and thought it seemed subtly different from before, though he couldn¡¯t pinpoint exactly how. It felt almost¡­ more lifelike. But that didn¡¯t seem possible¡ªthe statue had stood here for over a thousand years. Why would it suddenly change?


    He squinted at the statue¡¯s eyes, trying to study them more closely, but a thought of Dumbledore waiting in the Hospital Wing broke his concentration. If he lingered here too long, Dumbledore might come to his dormitory looking for him, which could cause complications.


    ¡°Forget it, I¡¯ll figure it out later,¡± Kyle murmured, snapping back to reality. He shook his head to clear his thoughts, then opened his suitcase. Inside were the remaining dozen roosters, which he placed at the entrance, feeding each a potion to strengthen them.


    Once everything was in place, Kyle turned his gaze back to the statue¡¯s face and let out a hissing sound. This was the critical phrase in Parseltongue he¡¯d learned long ago:


    ¡°Speak to me, Slytherin, greatest of the Hogwarts Four.¡±


    The giant stone face of Slytherin shifted; its mouth began to open wider and wider, forming a vast, dark cavern. From somewhere deep within the statue, a slithering creature began to stir and move upwards.


    ¡°Stop!¡± Kyle commanded, closing his eyes tightly and clutching his suitcase. This was the moment of truth.


    If the Basilisk ignored his command and continued to emerge, he would have to open the suitcase immediately. A dozen roosters weren¡¯t much, but their combined crowing would still pose a deadly threat to the Basilisk. Kyle¡¯s heart raced; he had never felt so tense.


    It felt both like an instant and an eternity, but soon Kyle realized that the faint sound of slithering within the statue had ceased.


    The Basilisk really wasn¡¯t moving. Sear?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    A cold, rasping voice echoed from the statue. ¡°Obey your command¡­ master¡­¡±


    It worked!


    Kyle patted his chest in excitement. His earlier guess was correct¡ªthe basilisk was merely a magical creature; it couldn¡¯t distinguish Slytherin¡¯s bloodline or soul. What truly controlled it¡­ was that phrase in Parseltongue to open the statue!


    That phrase must have been recorded in some special way, perhaps at Hogwarts or somewhere else... but Kyle was certain only a true heir of Slytherin could find it.


    The method for creating a Horcrux, now the Basilisk... Voldemort truly was a ¡°treasure chest¡± of dark secrets.


    That extra effort of calling him ¡°Professor¡± had definitely been worth it!

 Chapter 227: The Cunning Dumbledore

    Kyle arrived at the Hospital Wing as quickly as he could after commanding the Basilisk back to sleep.


    Harry was lying peacefully asleep in one of the beds, while Dumbledore stood nearby, speaking with Madam Pomfrey, who looked distinctly displeased.


    ¡°Last year it was a Dark wizard, and this year it¡¯s the Death Eaters,¡± she said, casting a sidelong look at Dumbledore. ¡°So, what will our Defense Against the Dark Arts professor be next year¡­ Dark Lord himself? I wouldn¡¯t be surprised at all if that were the case.¡±


    Dumbledore merely smiled, offering no rebuttal or defense. Whether it was Oren or Quirrell, he was indeed responsible for their appointments, and he bore much of the responsibility.


    Just then, Kyle stepped into the room.


    ¡°Oh, just in time, Kyle! We were just talking about you¡­¡± Dumbledore said, quickly ending his conversation with Madam Pomfrey as he moved toward Kyle, only to be promptly nudged aside by her.


    ¡°You need to be checked in !¡± she said, glaring at Kyle, her expression so severe that she seemed more intimidating than Voldemort himself.


    Kyle shot a pleading look at Dumbledore, hoping he might intervene, but the headmaster had suddenly developed a deep fascination with a potion bottle on the table and seemed oblivious to Kyle¡¯s silent appeal.


    Madam Pomfrey didn¡¯t dwell on her irritation, though. ¡°All right, stand still!¡± She waved her wand twice in front of Kyle, and a soft white light glowed at its tip, eventually forming a cloud-like mist that wrapped around him.


    She studied the glowing mist intently before finally relaxing a little. ¡°Very well. No trace of dark magic.¡±


    ¡°You should be grateful¡­¡± she said with firm resolve. ¡°When Harry Potter was brought in, he couldn¡¯t even get a full sentence out.¡±


    She handed Kyle a bottle of potion, then guided him to one of the sickbeds.


    ¡°Um¡­ Poppy, might I have a quick word with him?¡± Dumbledore asked gently. ¡°Just a couple of sentences. It won¡¯t take long.¡±


    Madam Pomfrey frowned but nodded. ¡°If you say so, Headmaster. But the boy¡¯s just had an encounter with Fiendfyre¡­ he needs his rest.¡±


    Dumbledore inclined his head, acknowledging her concern without pressing further.


    After drinking the potion, Kyle felt a deep heaviness settle over him, and before long, he drifted into a deep, restorative sleep.


    ...


    When Kyle woke up, it was already the next morning. The noise in the Hospital Wing had stirred him. He could hear Madam Pomfrey angrily scolding, likely shooing Fred and George out.


    ¡°Good morning, Kyle,¡± a familiar voice greeted him. Opening his eyes, Kyle saw Dumbledore standing beside his bed, smiling warmly. The scene felt oddly familiar¡ªjust like last year, and around the same time, too.


    ¡°Good morning, Professor,¡± Kyle replied, sitting up. ¡°How¡¯s Potter?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m glad you asked,¡± Dumbledore said. ¡°He¡¯s out of danger and should be awake by lunchtime¡­ Would you like something to eat? The kitchen is serving pork cutlets this morning.¡±


    ¡°No, I¡¯m not really hungry,¡± Kyle said, shaking his head.


    ¡°That¡¯s a shame, because they¡¯re especially delicious today,¡± Dumbledore replied with a hint of a smile.


    Kyle half-expected Dumbledore to ask why he had gone into the restricted area, but he didn¡¯t. After a casual conversation, Dumbledore finally remarked, ¡°Oh, by the way, remember to return Fluffy to Hagrid later. He was quite worried last night. Funny¡­ at first, I thought Quirrell was the one who hid him. It took me an hour to realize that if Quirrell only wanted to pass the trapdoor, he wouldn¡¯t have needed to hide Fluffy in the first place. Besides, hiding a creature as large as a Three-Headed Dog isn¡¯t exactly easy.¡±


    ¡°Unless, of course, there¡¯s a magical item involved¡­ like a suitcase or a bag of sorts.¡±


    ¡°Er¡­¡± Kyle felt a little embarrassed, realizing his actions had left a trail. In fact, the bit of Felix Felicis he¡¯d used only worked for about an hour.


    ¡°Sorry, Professor.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s quite all right, Kyle. I¡¯m not blaming you. Honestly, even if you hadn¡¯t taken Fluffy with you, Quirrell would have found some other way to get through.¡±


    Kyle nodded. He had already guessed Dumbledore¡¯s intentions. Subconsciously, he glanced around the room. It was just him, Dumbledore, and Harry, who was snoring loudly. The one person he truly wanted to avoid at the moment, Madam Pomfrey, wasn¡¯t there¡ªno doubt busy shooing away more students outside.


    He decided to shift the conversation to lighter topics, steering it from Quidditch to exams, and finally to the House Cup. Dumbledore listened patiently, seemingly happy to indulge him in small talk.


    But, eventually, Dumbledore brought up the inevitable. As soon as Kyle finished talking about the House Cup and was preparing to change the subject again, Dumbledore said, ¡°Speaking of the House Cup¡­ it reminds me, Kyle, did you by any chance see a bright red stone yesterday?¡±


    Kyle thought, muttering under his breath, ¡°Not the easiest subject to dodge¡­¡±


    But when Dumbledore asked, he nodded and said, ¡°Yes, Potter was holding it, but it fell into the Fiendfyre.¡±


    ¡°Yes, that¡¯s what Harry told me,¡± Dumbledore replied, his expression thoughtful. ¡°But it¡¯s quite peculiar¡­ The Philosopher¡¯s Stone is an exceptionally magical artifact¡ªeven Fiendfyre can¡¯t destroy it. I went back later, but there wasn¡¯t a single trace of it left. Quite impossible, really.¡±


    ¡°Did you check carefully?¡± Kyle murmured, ¡°Maybe it rolled into another room¡­¡±


    ¡°I checked thoroughly,¡± Dumbledore said, smiling. ¡°It seems you already knew the Philosopher¡¯s Stone was there.¡±


    ¡°Well¡­ Potter mentioned it,¡± Kyle said, shrugging slightly. ¡°During breakfast, he and Ron were always talking about how to stop Professor Snape from stealing the Philosopher¡¯s Stone from the restricted area.¡±


    This wasn¡¯t entirely a lie; Kyle had indeed heard Harry and Ron discussing the Philosopher¡¯s Stone on several occasions, whether in the Great Hall or in the corridors, ¡°conspiring¡± loudly enough that it was impossible not to overhear. Most people thought they were just spouting nonsense and didn¡¯t pay attention.


    ¡°Sounds like they learned quite a bit from Hagrid,¡± Dumbledore chuckled, shaking his head. He looked at Kyle again. ¡°So, you don¡¯t know where the Philosopher¡¯s Stone is either?¡±


    Kyle remained silent.


    ¡°In that case¡­ it must have been taken by that Niffler,¡± Dumbledore said with a twinkle in his eye. ¡°I reviewed the images from the Mirror of Erised yesterday¡­¡± He winked. ¡°Perhaps I¡¯ll pay Newt a visit; he should recognize that Niffler.¡± sea??h th§× N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Chapter 228: A Reward for the Niffler

    Kyle sensed things were slipping out of his control.


    ¡°Professor...¡± he said with a nervous laugh, ¡°I don¡¯t remember The Mirror of Erised having a replay function¡­ Isn¡¯t it like any other mirror?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s true for most versions of the Mirror of Erised,¡± Dumbledore replied, ¡°but I¡¯ve made a small adjustment. Are you familiar with the Pensieve?¡±


    Kyle nodded. ¡°It¡¯s an alchemical device that lets you view memories.¡±


    ¡°Indeed,¡± Dumbledore said, sounding pleased. ¡°I attempted to connect the Mirror of Erised to a Pensieve, so that whatever appears in the mirror could be preserved as a memory in the Pensieve. To be honest, it was far more complicated than I anticipated¡­ but I succeeded in the end.¡±


    ¡°So you can see everything that happened in the mirror?¡± Kyle asked, his throat feeling suddenly dry.


    ¡°Perfectly!¡± Dumbledore replied, a glint of mischief in his eyes as he seemed to savor Kyle¡¯s reaction. ¡°It¡¯s unusual for a Niffler to be in the castle¡­ and even more unusual that it managed to solve a supposedly foolproof barrier.¡±


    Dumbledore then stood up, preparing to leave. ¡°Well, I won¡¯t disturb you while you rest. The Niffler can¡¯t have gone far, so I should pay Newt a visit to see if he recognizes it.¡±


    ¡°Wait, Professor¡­¡± Kyle blurted, stopping him.


    ¡°Yes? Is there something else?¡±


    ¡°Well, if it¡¯s a Niffler¡­ it just so happens that I have one,¡± Kyle said, reaching into his pocket and pulling out a palm-sized Niffler.


    Dumbledore turned back, looking a little surprised. ¡°So the Niffler was yours all along¡­¡±


    Kyle forced a polite smile, choosing to ignore Dumbledore¡¯s teasing tone. If the headmaster really hadn¡¯t known, he would have gone straight to Hagrid or Professor Kettleburn rather than seeking out Newt. This wasn¡¯t about identification; it was clearly a playful, if pointed, hint.


    ¡°Actually, I just remembered, Professor,¡± Kyle explained. ¡°I let him out to play with me for a while earlier, and he must have wandered over to the mirror during that time.¡±


    The Niffler looked up at Kyle with wide, blank eyes, and seemed to catch on. It quickly moved its little paws protectively over its pouch, but it was too late. Under Kyle¡¯s deft hands, a large pile of shiny objects soon spilled out: Christmas ornaments with sequins, metal clasps, a handful of Galleons, Sickles, and, finally, a bright red gemstone¡­


    ¡°So it was here all along,¡± Kyle said, feigning surprise. ¡°Sorry, Professor, I had no idea¡­¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s quite all right, as long as it¡¯s been found,¡± Dumbledore replied, retrieving the Philosopher¡¯s Stone. At that moment, the Niffler let out a mournful wail, wriggling and clawing at the air in protest.


    ¡°I see I¡¯ve taken something it values¡­¡± Dumbledore murmured thoughtfully. With a subtle twist of his fingers, he conjured several glittering gems in various colors, each roughly the size of the Philosopher¡¯s Stone, and held them out in his palm.


    ¡°How about I trade you these?¡± Dumbledore held out his hand to the Niffler with a smile. ¡°As a reward for passing my test, you may have them.¡± sea??h th§× N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    As soon as he opened his hand, the Niffler stopped his fussing. The Niffler¡¯s eyes widened at the gems, though tears of frustration still glistened at the corners. With a sorrowful cry, he reached for them, but Kyle lifted him up just in time.


    ¡°Professor, he says he doesn¡¯t want those,¡± Kyle said solemnly.


    Dumbledore paused. ¡°He doesn¡¯t?¡±


    ¡°Mhm.¡± Kyle nodded seriously. ¡°You see, I can understand what the Niffler is saying¡­ He¡¯s asking for a real reward.¡±


    The Niffler stared at him in disbelief, then began squirming even harder, letting out increasingly desperate cries. But Kyle ignored him, even covering its eyes.


    Dumbledore¡¯s expression grew curious. ¡°And what reward does he have in mind?¡±


    ¡°Well, he feels his home is a bit cramped and would like you to expand it a little,¡± Kyle explained, holding up the leather suitcase next to him. ¡°He was thinking¡­ maybe as large as the Forbidden Forest during your summer break.¡±


    Dumbledore, who likely already knew that Kyle owned a suitcase like Newt¡¯s, seemed to piece things together. His expression turned even more amused as he looked between Kyle, who was keeping a straight face, and the Niffler, who had gone limp in resignation.


    ¡°Kyle¡­ did he really say that?¡± Dumbledore asked, clearly holding back a laugh.


    ¡°Yes!¡± Kyle said firmly. ¡°I¡¯ll vouch for Potter¡¯s grades as proof.¡±


    By now, the magical creature had completely given up, hanging limp in Kyle¡¯s grasp, defeated.


    ¡°Well, all right, since I promised him,¡± Dumbledore mused. ¡°But the size of the Forbidden Forest¡­ that might be a bit ambitious. After all, I still need to find a new Defense Against the Dark Arts professor during the break, so I won¡¯t have that much time. How about half the size of the Forbidden Forest? That should be enough for it, don¡¯t you think?¡±


    ¡°No problem at all, Professor,¡± Kyle replied, smiling. ¡°I thank you on behalf of the Niffler¡­ Oh, Potter! When did you wake up?¡±


    Harry, who had been lying on the bed across from them, was now sitting up, staring at Kyle and Dumbledore in bewilderment.


    ¡°I thought I heard someone talking about grades, and it woke me up,¡± Harry said, rubbing his face in confusion. ¡°How long have I been asleep? I can¡¯t believe the exam results are out already!¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, you¡¯ve only slept for one day, and the exam results aren¡¯t out yet,¡± Dumbledore reassured him, coming over to his bed. ¡°If you recover quickly enough, you might even be able to make it to the Quidditch match tomorrow.¡±


    ¡°Oh, thank goodness¡­¡± Harry breathed a sigh of relief, then suddenly remembered. ¡°Sir! The Philosopher¡¯s Stone¡ªit fell into the flames! We have to¡ª¡±


    ¡°No need to worry, my boy. What you¡¯re saying is already outdated,¡± Dumbledore said calmly, pulling out the bright red stone and holding it in front of Harry. ¡°The Philosopher¡¯s Stone is perfectly safe, you see?¡±


    ¡°Whew,¡± Harry exhaled, visibly relieved. ¡°I¡¯m so glad I didn¡¯t destroy the Philosopher¡¯s Stone.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s no need to be so nervous. Even if you had destroyed it, it wouldn¡¯t have mattered much, as we never intended to keep it here permanently.¡±


    ¡°Pardon?¡± Harry asked, baffled. ¡°But¡­ your friend Nicolas¡­¡±


    ¡°Oh, so you know Nicolas?¡± Dumbledore¡¯s eyes sparkled with genuine delight.


    In truth, he was quite pleased. Unlike Kyle, Harry¡¯s responses were far more straightforward and didn¡¯t tend to involve unexpected surprises. This was precisely the kind of conversation Dumbledore enjoyed.

 Chapter 229: The Mysterious Gift from the Weasley Twins

    Harry had many questions, but Dumbledore answered each one with patience.


    Before long, Kyle located Madam Pomfrey and requested to be discharged. Although a bit reluctant, she agreed after another examination, confirming Kyle truly had no lingering issues.


    As he left the Hospital Wing, Kyle glanced at the still-soulless Niffler, smiled, and took a handful of glittering gem shards from his Mokeskin pouch. He scattered them across the courtyard, watching as they sparkled in the sunlight. These were the Fire Crab gems he had collected. After learning Occlumency in Newt''s suitcase, he¡¯d ventured into a Fire Crab lair to gather plenty of these smaller gem shards to make his map appear more valuable. Though the shards were smaller than the gems Dumbledore had, Kyle had amassed quite a lot. When scattered, they glittered like stars on a dark night.


    The moment Kyle released the gems, the Niffler, with its eyes fully restored, sprang into action, eagerly gathering every shard from the ground. Kyle sat beside him, resting his chin in his hands, and glanced up in the direction of the Hospital Wing.


    Kyle wasn¡¯t surprised that he hadn¡¯t managed to steal the Philosopher''s Stone. In fact, he had anticipated this outcome. After all, the Stone was the one thing that could allow Voldemort to regain a body, and Dumbledore would never let it slip from his control.


    What did surprise Kyle was Dumbledore¡¯s willingness to help him expand his suitcase. Honestly, he hadn¡¯t expected much; he¡¯d thought Dumbledore would dismiss the idea. Instead, after only a brief hesitation, Dumbledore had agreed. It was an unexpected windfall. This meant Kyle no longer needed to attempt the suitcase expansion himself, which saved him a lot of time. He had originally planned to use his vacation to enlarge the suitcase¡¯s interior a bit more¡ªan endeavor that required releasing the Undetectable Extension Charm for two months in a row, a task he found unbearably tedious.


    Soon, the Niffler finished collecting every gem and scurried back to Kyle¡¯s side. A true treasure hunter, the Niffler hadn¡¯t missed a single gem, and in the process, had even found two copper Knuts hidden in the most unlikely spots. Still, he seemed a bit dissatisfied until Kyle handed him a leaf transfigured into the likeness of the Philosopher''s Stone. The little creature¡¯s face lit up immediately.


    In a way, Nifflers were easy to please.


    ...


    When Kyle returned to the castle, he happened upon Fred and George, who were about to leave and each holding a large, beautifully wrapped box.


    "Kyle?" Fred looked a bit surprised. "We were just about to go see you."


    "How come you''re better so soon?" George wondered.


    "I was never really sick," Kyle replied. "The visit to the Hospital Wing was just a formality. It was Potter who had the real problem."


    "Oh... I''m sorry," George murmured, looking down at the box he was holding. "We got you a present..."


    "It''s fine," Fred said. "Go on, open it and see if you like it."


    Sorry? Did he actually just say that?


    Kyle gave them an expressionless look and made no move to accept the box from Fred. This wasn¡¯t his first encounter with the twins, and he could tell from the mischievous glint in their eyes that whatever was in that box was unlikely to be a genuine gift.


    "How did you know I was in the Hospital Wing?" Kyle asked, changing the subject.


    "Actually, it wasn¡¯t just us¡­" Fred, realizing they couldn¡¯t easily fool Kyle, took the box back, deciding they¡¯d give it to Harry later instead.


    "It¡¯s all over Hogwarts," George explained. "Quirrell tried to steal the Philosopher''s Stone, but a few brave young wizards caught him and managed to stop him after getting past loads of obstacles."


    "Kyle, you borrowed the Marauder''s Map just so you could go down to the underground chamber, didn¡¯t you¡­" Fred mused.


    "A Three-Headed Dog¡­ A moving Wizard Chessboard¡­ Death Eaters¡­ Fiendfyre¡­ By Merlin¡¯s socks! This adventure¡¯s richer than everything we''ve done over the past ten years combined."


    "You really should have asked us!" George said with a touch of regret. "Even our little brother Ron got involved, but we were left out¡­¡±


    "Next time, for sure, next time," Kyle said, waving his hand dismissively.


    Fred and George couldn''t help feeling Kyle was merely humoring them.


    "So it¡¯s settled. You¡¯ll definitely include us next time," George reminded him. "Otherwise, you¡¯re getting the same Christmas present every year¡ªa quill."


    "And it''ll be the cheapest one we can find," Fred added.


    "That¡¯s just mean," Kyle laughed, shaking his head.


    Fred and George quickly headed off; they still wanted to find Harry and give him their carefully prepared present.


    Once they were gone, Kyle was soon surrounded by another group of people who had also heard about what had happened in the underground chamber and were eager for details. Kyle finally managed to slip away from the crowd of curious students, but when he reached the entrance to the Hufflepuff common room, he realized someone else was waiting for him.


    "I knew you''d be heading back to the dorms," Hermione said. "So I thought I''d wait here in advance."


    "There were too many people back there, and we couldn¡¯t get through," Ron muttered.


    Hermione shot him a glare.


    "Alright... what do you want to know?" Kyle asked, sounding resigned. "But make it quick. I really don¡¯t want to keep repeating myself." S~ea??h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "How¡¯s Harry¡­?"


    "How did you get past the barriers¡­?"


    The two asked simultaneously.


    "Potter¡¯s fine," Kyle answered, looking at Hermione. "When I left, he was talking to Dumbledore. You can go see him if you like, but Madam Pomfrey may not be too happy about it."


    "As for the obstacles¡­" Kyle turned to Ron. "With the right approach, they¡¯re not too hard to get through. For instance, about the winged keys, you could use a Bowtruckle or a master key to open the door directly, without having to catch any keys."


    "Oh¡­" Ron moaned, looking disappointed. They had been so proud of their efforts to find the right key, and here Kyle was, telling him it hadn¡¯t even been necessary.


    "And about the Enchanted Chess Board¡­" Ron began, but Hermione cut him off.


    "Don¡¯t ask, Ron. Of course Kyle would have no trouble with those tests," she said, a bit impatiently. "We have to hurry to the Hospital Wing to see Harry, or else Madam Pomfrey might not let us in if there are too many people."


    "Yes, you¡¯re right. I almost forgot."


    After thanking Kyle, the two of them quickly hurried off toward the Hospital Wing.

 Chapter 230: Kyle’s Career

    Hermione was right. By the time she and Ron reached the Hospital Wing, it was packed with students who had come to see Harry. His friends, members of the Quidditch team, and those simply curious were all crowded around. And, of course, there were a few who came to gloat, such as a certain first-year Slytherin who would rather remain unnamed.


    Everyone had some excuse for Madam Pomfrey to let them in.


    "Please, Madam Pomfrey, just let me in¡­ The Quidditch match is tomorrow, and I need to see Harry. It¡¯s important," Oliver Wood pleaded from the front of the line.


    If anyone was desperate to see Harry, it was Oliver. Gryffindor was more than 500 points behind Hufflepuff, but until the last match, there was still a sliver of hope. Miracles happen, after all¡­ But without Harry, their key Seeker, they had no chance. They might even end up in last place, setting a record for Gryffindor¡¯s lowest score in a decade. The thought alone made Wood shiver. If they lost, Professor McGonagall would probably have him hanging from the Astronomy Tower.


    So, despite Madam Pomfrey''s refusals, Wood clung to his request, refusing to budge.


    Nearby, Dumbledore, who had just exited the Hospital Wing, watched the scene with a faint smile. "It seems that Harry is quite popular, with so many people concerned about him."


    Standing beside him was another figure¡ªSnape. Surprisingly, he refrained from his usual snide remarks, instead gazing at Dumbledore with a troubled look.


    "Is this your plan?" he muttered. "Letting Potter face the Dark Lord alone? He could die¡­"


    "Trust me, Severus¡­" Dumbledore replied gravely, "Harry will have to face Voldemort one day. It is unavoidable. He must learn to overcome his fear."


    "Ha, making a child the savior¡­" Snape scoffed, though it was unclear if he meant Harry or Dumbledore himself. "He''s just as mediocre as his father¡ªarrogant, rule-breaking, showing off at every chance, drawing attention to himself¡­ Honestly, I see no chance of him defeating the Dark Lord."


    "You see what you want to see, Severus."


    Without looking back, Dumbledore turned and began walking toward the castle. "Other professors find him humble, friendly, and not without talent. Personally, I find him quite likeable."


    "Not without talent?" Snape¡¯s expression turned incredulous, as though he¡¯d just heard the Ministry of Magic was giving away Felix Felicis for free. If Dumbledore had made that remark about Snape wouldn¡¯t have reacted so strongly. Although he disliked Kyle, Snape couldn¡¯t deny that the boy was rather clever. After all, even Snape himself hadn¡¯t been able to brew the perfect Draught of Living Death in his second year.


    But ? The boy could barely manage the simplest of potions without mistakes, and this was supposed to be


    As Snape thought of Kyle, he suddenly asked, almost to himself, "So, you really don¡¯t know what happened in the underground classroom that night?"


    "Of course, Severus. I have no reason to lie to you," Dumbledore replied, shaking his head. "Hogwarts is vast, and not even I can see everything."


    "What about the mirror¡­?"


    "He has never looked into The Mirror of Erised¡ªnot even once." Dumbledore''s eyes grew distant. "In this, he is more clear-sighted than any of us."


    Snape was silent for a long moment before he spoke again. "And you weren¡¯t worried that Quirrell might get his hands on the Philosopher¡¯s Stone? I assumed you would be watching him closely."


    "Since the day I brought the Stone here, I have been concerned," Dumbledore admitted, looking up. "But even so, Severus, there are always exceptions."


    As he spoke, the two of them reached the restricted area. Fluffy had already been removed, leaving the entrance room empty and quiet. They passed through the trapdoor and descended to the room below.


    Neither Dumbledore nor Snape needed broomsticks; the descent was as effortless for them as walking down a flight of stairs.


    After landing, Snape''s expression shifted, and he bent down to pick up a leaf from the floor.


    "Chomping Cabbage¡­ If I remember correctly, Pomona placed Devil''s Snare here."


    "Perhaps someone thought Devil''s Snare was too easy and decided to add a bit of a challenge," Dumbledore chuckled.


    "I don¡¯t think it was Quirrell," Snape muttered, thoughtfully rubbing the leaf between his fingers. "Casually cultivating dangerous plants and leaving them around the school¡­ If Quirrell hadn¡¯t arrived early, Potter and his friends wouldn¡¯t have needed the Hospital Wing at all. Such reckless disregard for safety¡­ Aren''t you concerned he might become the next Dark Lord?"


    Snape didn¡¯t specify who "he" was, but Dumbledore understood.


    "You¡¯re mistaken," Dumbledore replied, shaking his head. "Harry and the others came down on their broomsticks. Even without Quirrell¡¯s early arrival, they would have been unharmed. And as for Kyle, he cannot, and will not, become the next Dark Lord. He has a warm family and close friends to confide in. He''s passionate about learning magic, but he''s not driven by a need for power. And yes, he even has a career he genuinely enjoys, which makes him fundamentally different from Voldemort."


    "Career? You can''t possibly mean those useless amulets and shoddy maps..." Snape suddenly grimaced, feeling an oncoming headache. If that was Kyle¡¯s idea of a career, then Slytherins had certainly been his main customers.


    Dumbledore''s eyes twinkled. "But the students seem to like them, don¡¯t they?"


    "Fine," Snape grumbled. "Even if you''re right, what about Occlumency? If there¡¯s no ulterior motive, why would he need to master Occlumency in his second year?"


    "You know as well as I, Severus, that we cannot use Legilimency on students." Dumbledore¡¯s tone grew firm.


    "It was merely a test," Snape scoffed. "One he performed so boldly, without a hint of subtlety."


    "But you must understand, Severus, having secrets is not unforgivable. Your prejudice against Kyle, however, might be."


    Snape¡¯s frown deepened, but he held his silence.


    "Ah, yes," Dumbledore added with a sigh as if remembering something. "Due to the Fiendfyre incident, I couldn''t keep what happened in the dungeon from the families of Kyle and Harry. They should be arriving soon."


    "Do you recall, Diana visited the school once last year because of Oren. Despite all these years, she¡¯s still¡­ as spirited as ever."


    Snape¡¯s face darkened visibly. "When?"


    "She should arrive shortly," Dumbledore mused. "Though it may be Chris who comes instead."


    "Very well," Snape said, turning sharply and heading out of the room without another word.


    "Are you going to greet her?" S§×arch* The n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "No¡­ What do I care if she arrives or not?" Snape replied, not bothering to look back. "I just suddenly remembered I forgot to pick up a batch of potion ingredients I ordered in Hogsmeade."

 Chapter 231: The Twists and Turns of the Award Ceremony

    In the end, Diana didn¡¯t show up. Crowded places like Hogwarts weren¡¯t her style. But she still made her presence felt¡ªby sending Dumbledore a Howler.


    No one knew the exact contents of that Howler, but afterward, students spotted a Phoenix circling the Quidditch Pitch, and the castle portraits were abuzz with chatter. In particular, a few older figures in the portraits seemed more boastful than usual.


    "That girl is awful¡­" a big-nosed wizard was overheard muttering to a witch beside him as they strolled down a corridor. "She even insulted ¡­ By Merlin''s socks, what do we have to do with Dumbledore hiring Death Eaters as professors? I''ve been dead for over three hundred years!"


    Dumbledore? Death Eaters? A passing student, thinking he¡¯d stumbled on a juicy bit of gossip, paused to listen. But when he glanced back, the portrait figures were now chasing a dwarf horse and had gone silent. Nearby, two witches sipped their afternoon tea, and he scratched his head in confusion, wondering if he¡¯d misheard.


    That afternoon, Chris did arrive, though he seemed more interested in catching up with old friends than discussing anything serious with Kyle. He chatted warmly with Professor Flitwick, exchanging stories and laughing heartily. Later, Professor McGonagall joined them, and the three seemed to get along so well that they decided to head to The Three Broomsticks for a drink together. Kyle watched them leave the castle in disbelief, giving them an amused, silent thumbs-up as they departed.


    Meanwhile, Harry was still lying dejectedly in the Hospital Wing. He hadn¡¯t expected the Dursleys to visit, of course, but he was disappointed for another reason¡ªhe wouldn¡¯t be able to play in the final Quidditch match. Madam Pomfrey had refused to let him leave, no matter how much he pleaded, and to keep Oliver Wood from sneaking in, she¡¯d even stationed Filch at the door.


    Without Harry as Seeker, Gryffindor¡¯s morale hit rock bottom, and they suffered a resounding defeat at the hands of Ravenclaw. Cho Chang caught the Golden Snitch just seven minutes into the game, ending it before Gryffindor could score a single point. The loss dropped them into a tie with Slytherin, who had also endured a string of losses, for last place.


    In the aftermath, Professor McGonagall¡¯s expression was reportedly a terrifying shade of green. Rumor had it that some younger students saw her leading Wood toward the Astronomy Tower, as if planning to hang him from the castle¡¯s highest point to "reflect on his actions." However, this turned out to be a mere rumor; Professor McGonagall had actually retreated to her office after the game and hadn¡¯t emerged since.


    ...


    And just like that, the final day before the holidays arrived. That evening, everyone gathered for the End-of-Term Feast.


    When Kyle and his friends entered the Great Hall, it was already packed. The hall had been decked out in yellow and black in honor of Hufflepuff¡¯s victory in the House Cup for the second consecutive year. A massive banner featuring the Hufflepuff badger hung proudly behind the Head Table. Their recent Quidditch championship had earned them enough points to narrowly overtake Slytherin and secure first place.


    The hall was buzzing with excitement as everyone anticipated the holiday break. Gradually, the noise died down when Dumbledore stepped forward.


    ¡°Ah, another year has passed¡­¡± he began.


    At the Hufflepuff table, Kyle found himself only half-listening to Dumbledore¡¯s speech. He was more interested in seeing if Hufflepuff would actually keep the House Cup this year.


    It didn¡¯t take long for Dumbledore to address his curiosity.


    ¡°Now, we will first proceed with the presentation of the House Cup. The current standings are as follows: In fourth place, Gryffindor, with 410 points. Third place, Ravenclaw, with 436 points. Second place, Slytherin, with 495 points. And in first place¡­ Hufflepuff, with 500 points!¡±


    Cheers and the sound of feet stomping erupted from the Hufflepuff table. Yet Kyle didn¡¯t join in, knowing full well this wasn¡¯t the end of the tally.


    ¡°Yes, yes, well done, Hufflepuff,¡± Dumbledore said with a twinkle in his eye. ¡°However, recent events must also be taken into account.¡±


    The hall fell into silence, and the smiles at the Hufflepuff table faded slightly as everyone waited.


    Dumbledore cleared his throat. ¡°I still have a few points to award. Let¡¯s see¡­ First, to Mr. Kyle Chopper¡­¡±


    Kyle blinked in surprise, not expecting to be mentioned first.


    ¡°¡­for his exceptional herbology skills, which aided the school by supplying potion ingredients and recovering lost valuables, I award Hufflepuff 50 points!¡±


    Hufflepuff exploded into cheers. Some of Kyle¡¯s friends, like Cedric and Mikel, were so thrilled they began dancing. But Kyle couldn¡¯t muster a smile. he thought. No wonder he hadn¡¯t found any trace of Chomping Cabbage when he¡¯d last visited the restricted area¡­


    ¡°Next, to Mr. Ronald Weasley,¡± Dumbledore continued, ¡°for the most remarkable game of chess Hogwarts has seen in years¡ªI award Gryffindor 50 points!¡± S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Now, it was Ron¡¯s turn to be celebrated, his face flushing as red as a sun-dried carrot. Percy could be heard loudly proclaiming to the other prefects, ¡°That¡¯s my brother! My youngest brother, who beat Professor McGonagall¡¯s giant chess set!¡±


    Once the excitement subsided, Dumbledore continued. ¡°And finally, to Miss Hermione Granger and Mr. Harry Potter¡­¡±


    Both Hermione and Harry received an additional fifty points each for their bravery, bringing Gryffindor¡¯s total up by a full 150 points, putting them at 560¡ªjust ahead of Hufflepuff.


    For a moment, there was stunned silence before the Gryffindor table erupted with such energy that it seemed they might lift the table off the floor. Harry, Ron, and Hermione stood up, cheering, while the Weasley brothers climbed onto their chairs, waving their hats and grinning at Kyle with unabashed triumph.


    ¡°That means it!¡± Dumbledore had to raise his voice to be heard over the cheering. ¡°We¡¯ll need to make a few small adjustments to the decorations!¡±


    With a clap of his hands, the yellow streamers shifted to a brilliant red, the black to a vibrant gold, and the giant Hufflepuff badger was replaced by the majestic Gryffindor lion.


    After many days of tension, Professor McGonagall finally broke into a beaming smile. Just as she reached out to shake Professor Sprout¡¯s hand¡­


    ¡°Knock, knock, knock!¡±


    The heavy doors of the Great Hall swung open, and seven elderly wizards with gray hair stepped inside, looking weary. The one at the front held an ornate box in his hands.


    Taking in the lively atmosphere of the Great Hall, he smiled and said, ¡°Thank Merlin, Hogwarts isn¡¯t on holiday yet. It seems we¡¯ve arrived just in time.¡±

 Chapter 232: Order of Merlin, Second Class

    The unexpected arrival of the guests instantly captured everyone¡¯s attention. The cheers and chatter faded as students turned their heads, recognizing only Cornelius Fudge, the Minister of Magic, among the newcomers. The others were unfamiliar to most.


    Even Dumbledore, seated at the Head Table, looked momentarily surprised but quickly rose to greet them.


    ¡°Oh, Dugald, Cornelius, Pegasia¡­¡± he addressed them warmly, naming each in turn. ¡°It¡¯s wonderful to see you all here at Hogwarts. I thought you weren¡¯t scheduled to arrive until tomorrow.¡±


    ¡°It was indeed supposed to be tomorrow¡­¡± replied Dugald MacPhail, the elderly wizard at the front, with a smile. ¡°But Nicolas thought this moment was too rare to keep between just a few of us, and I happen to agree. After all, no young wizard has ever received the Order of Merlin at the age of twelve¡ªthat¡¯s a record-breaking achievement.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s certainly something to celebrate,¡± Dumbledore replied, smiling broadly.


    ¡°So we hurried along and managed to get here before term ended,¡± MacPhail continued with a laugh. ¡°This way, the boy can receive the award with his peers here at Hogwarts¡­ which must mean the world to him.¡±


    At his words, the hall fell into absolute silence. Everyone¡¯s eyes were wide with disbelief and curiosity. A twelve-year-old wizard receiving the Order of Merlin? It seemed almost impossible.


    At the Gryffindor table, Fred glanced stiffly at George.


    ¡°Twelve years old¡­ that means he¡¯s got to be a second-year, right?¡±


    ¡°¡­Or maybe even a first-year,¡± George muttered, his expression just as puzzled. ¡°Could be Harry. Everyone knows he defeated Voldemort, an Order of Merlin¡ªit¡¯s not too far-fetched.¡±


    ¡°But¡­ Harry¡¯s birthday is in July. He¡¯s still eleven.¡±


    George fell silent, and a name popped into both their minds at the same time. They exchanged an incredulous look before glancing over at the Hufflepuff table.


    Meanwhile, McPhail, who had clearly traveled far, seemed eager to proceed. ¡°Shall we get started then, Dumbledore? The youngest recipient of the Order of Merlin¡­ I think we¡¯ve kept everyone waiting long enough.¡±


    ¡°Of course,¡± Dumbledore agreed, ¡°but are you still planning to preside over the ceremony?¡±


    McPhail shook his head. ¡°No, no, we have someone even more fitting.¡±


    At this, Cornelius Fudge, the Minister, cleared his throat and took a small step forward, as though ready to volunteer. But McPhail barely glanced his way.


    ¡°Since we¡¯re at Hogwarts, it has to be you, Albus,¡± he said. ¡°As Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot, it¡¯s only right. You can¡¯t keep pushing this onto me¡ªI retired long ago, remember?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re much better at this than I am, Dugald,¡± Dumbledore replied with a grin, then turned his attention to the students.


    ¡°What a wonderful day,¡± he began. ¡°Allow me to introduce you to our esteemed guests.¡±


    ¡°First, Dugald MacPhail, who guided the Ministry of Magic with a steady hand through a time of turmoil in the muggle world, bringing a period of calm.¡±


    McPhail gave a small wave, and the students clapped enthusiastically in response.


    ¡°I him!¡± Hermione whispered excitedly. ¡°Remember when we were researching Nicolas Flamel? Dugald MacPhail became Minister for Magic in 1858. He was one of the most trusted ministers.¡±


    ¡°1858?!¡± Ron blurted out, eyes wide. ¡°Then he must be over a hundred years old now!¡±


    ¡°133,¡± Harry murmured.


    Hermione frowned at them. ¡°Think, you two¡­ He has to be at least 133. He wouldn¡¯t have been Minister for Magic the moment he was born, would he?¡±


    ¡°He can really live¡­¡± Ron muttered. ¡°Wonder if he¡¯s been using the Elixir of Life.¡±


    Meanwhile, Dumbledore continued his introductions.


    ¡°And our Minister of Magic, Cornelius Fudge¡­¡± Fudge tipped his hat and offered a friendly smile. Applause rippled through the hall, especially from the Slytherin side, where the students clapped more enthusiastically.


    ¡°Next, we have Pegasia Sykes, the Head of St. Mungo¡¯s Hospital for Magical Injuries and a master of Potions¡­ And Newt Scamander, the renowned Magizoologist and author of ¡­¡±


    As Dumbledore introduced each person, Kyle¡¯s gaze kept drifting toward the last two figures standing quietly at the back: his parents, Chris and Diana. His mother wore a large black hood that concealed her features, and somehow her presence felt muted, almost as though she¡¯d cast a Muggle-Repelling Charm on herself. Standing next to Chris, she was barely noticeable.


    As Kyle was pondering this, he felt a tickling sensation on his palm. Glancing down, he saw small letters forming on his skin: Kyle¡¯s mouth twitched. Apparently, his mother was here on official business from the Department of Mysteries and had to keep a low profile.


    Kyle gave a small nod, acknowledging her silent message, then turned his attention back to the ceremony. Just knowing his parents were present was enough. This was an important moment, and it wouldn¡¯t have felt complete without them.


    ¡°Kyle, why are you smiling so much?¡± Cedric asked suspiciously. Then a thought seemed to strike him. ¡°Wait¡­ This Order of Merlin¡­ it¡¯s for you, isn¡¯t it?¡±


    Kyle only shrugged, saying nothing, but Cedric¡¯s expression shifted from curiosity to stunned realization. He looked slightly dazed, as though he couldn¡¯t fully process what he¡¯d just guessed.


    Dumbledore moved on to the final introduction. ¡°And lastly, Damocles Belby, the brilliant inventor of the Wolfsbane Potion.¡± Another round of applause followed as Belby, alongside the other guests, nodded to the students.


    Except for Fudge, all the honorees had been recipients of either the Order of Merlin, First Class or Second Class. Kyle¡¯s parents, however, took seats near the entrance, maintaining their quiet distance. Dumbledore, sensing their intent to stay unobtrusive, did not introduce them.


    ¡°You may be wondering,¡± Dumbledore began, his voice clear and resonant over the crowd, ¡°why such distinguished guests have come to Hogwarts¡­¡±


    He turned toward the honoree. ¡°The reason is simple. They are here to present a student with the Order of Merlin.¡±


    A collective gasp rippled through the hall, and students started whispering excitedly. Most guesses settled on Harry Potter.


    ¡°Harry, is it you?¡± Ron asked, his voice filled with excitement.


    ¡°No way,¡± Harry shook his head, frowning. ¡°I¡¯ve never heard anything about this, and I¡¯m still eleven.¡±


    ¡°Well, who else could it be?¡± Ron pressed. ¡°Don¡¯t forget, you defeated You-Know-Who and saved the wizarding world! Maybe they just got your age wrong.¡±


    But Harry was skeptical. If this was about Voldemort, why wait until now to give him an award? Why let him live with the Dursleys all those years? He wasn¡¯t convinced.


    The hall was in a frenzy of guesses and chatter, but Dumbledore soon silenced them with the answer.


    ¡°Kyle Chopper!¡± he announced. sea??h th§× novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    A stunned hush fell over the room as if someone had pressed pause. All eyes turned toward the Hufflepuff table, where Kyle was standing.


    ¡°Come here, my boy,¡± Dumbledore said kindly.


    Kyle rose and walked up to Dumbledore, feeling all eyes in the hall on him.


    Dumbledore¡¯s expression was solemn. ¡°At St. Mungo¡¯s Hospital for Magical Injuries, you successfully subdued a rogue werewolf, saving the lives of fifty-seven patients across an entire floor. In recognition of your courageous and selfless actions, I, Albus Dumbledore, on behalf of the International Wizarding Community, the Order of Merlin, the Wizengamot, and the Wizarding World, hereby award you the Order of Merlin, Second Class!¡±

 Chapter 233: I Really Thank You All

    Only then did the crowd in the Great Hall finally react.


    What had they just heard¡­ an out-of-control Werewolf?


    Even as first-years, they knew quite well how terrifying Werewolves could be, having already studied them for a year. They recalled learning about the Werewolf Code of Conduct, which labeled Werewolves as Level 5X creatures¡ªextremely dangerous, capable of causing fatal harm to witches and wizards when transformed. Werewolves were fierce, agile, and enormously strong.


    Many adult wizards¡ªand even Ministry Hit Wizards¡ªfound Werewolves beyond their capability to handle. Taking them down had always been the Aurors'' responsibility.


    How, then, could Kyle have managed such a feat?


    At the Gryffindor table, Ron and Harry¡¯s eyes were wide, and they had been frozen in that expression since learning the truth. They were still struggling to memorize the Werewolf Code of Conduct, while Kyle, somehow, had already managed to take on a Werewolf.


    Hermione, however, seemed less surprised. She had guessed Kyle might be the one to receive the medal and had been prepared for this reveal.


    Whatever others might be thinking, Dumbledore, seated at the place of honor, had already accepted the box Dugald McPhail handed him and opened it. Inside lay a beautiful gold medal with a purple ribbon.


    The Order of Merlin ribbons for First Class, Second Class, and Third Class were all different colors¡ªgreen, purple, and white, respectively. However, the ribbon seemed almost too large for Kyle, crossing diagonally from his left shoulder down to his calf.


    If it were red, Dumbledore thought, it would look almost too festive.


    With a slight movement of his fingers, Dumbledore instantly adjusted it to fit Kyle¡¯s frame.


    ¡°Thank you for everything, my boy,¡± Dumbledore said solemnly, handing Kyle the gold medal.


    ¡°Thank you for your teachings, Professor,¡± Kyle replied, extending his hand and giving Dumbledore a light handshake.


    ...


    If someone had been standing outside the Great Hall at that moment, they might have thought an explosion had just gone off.


    The cheers from all four houses grew louder and louder. At the Hufflepuff table, Mikel and Ryan were standing on their stools, practically shouting themselves hoarse in excitement, eager for everyone to know that Kyle was their roommate. Even Cedric and Kanna, usually so composed, were jumping up and down beside the table in exhilaration.


    Dumbledore didn¡¯t interrupt them this time either.


    The thunderous cheers finally started to die down only when everyone''s hands were numb and their voices had grown raspy.


    ¡°As Headmaster of Hogwarts,¡± Dumbledore continued, ¡°I award Hufflepuff House two hundred points, and Kyle will once again receive the Special Award for Services to the School.¡±


    The crowd, which had just quieted, erupted again. The decorations in the Great Hall reverted to their previous state, but few in Gryffindor were disappointed. After all, Harry and his friends had won Gryffindor 150 points last year, so there was no question that Kyle deserved extra points this time. In fact, some felt that 200 points was too little¡ªthis was the Order of Merlin, after all, and it was Second Class! Surely at least 500 points would have been appropriate. Headmaster Dumbledore was far too stingy, some murmured.


    As the ceremony wrapped up, Dumbledore invited Kyle to step forward and give a speech. Clearing his throat, Kyle said, ¡°Then I¡¯ll just say a few words¡­¡±


    Eager to move on to dinner, Kyle kept it brief. Instead of a long speech, he shared a few tips on improving study habits and some ideas for making Hogwarts an even more harmonious school. Most of the students, however, weren¡¯t particularly interested in this topic, though a few listened intently. Hermione not only paid close attention, but also took notes on every word, while Neville¡­ well, he tried to take notes too, but after the first sentence, he couldn¡¯t keep up and quickly lost track.


    As he wrapped up, Kyle made a small wish: he hoped that next year¡¯s Defense Against the Dark Arts professor at Hogwarts would make it through the entire school year without any harm befalling them.


    Everyone burst into laughter, even the visiting wizards shaking their heads with a knowing smile.


    It was, after all, common knowledge in the wizarding world that something happened to the Defense Against the Dark Arts professor every single year.


    This time of year was also Dumbledore¡¯s least favorite. He was treated like an unwanted Mountain Troll, shut out wherever he went. Some wizards even fled to other countries before Hogwarts¡¯ holiday break, just to avoid Dumbledore showing up at their door, and they wouldn¡¯t return until September, after the start of term.


    ¡°Oh, looks like we¡¯ll have to hurry back soon. Wouldn¡¯t want him bothering us,¡± McPhail chuckled, half-joking as he spoke to Sykes, who was sitting beside him. ¡°I may be fine with handing out medals in my old age, but taking up a teaching position? No, thank you.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re absolutely right, it¡¯s far too risky,¡± Sykes replied, covering her mouth as she laughed. ¡°We even considered setting up a special wing just for the Defense professors.¡±


    Beside them, Dumbledore¡¯s face flushed slightly, and he shot a glare at Kyle.


    This little rascal¡ªjust what was he thinking, saying all that?


    As Kyle finished his speech, the long-awaited banquet finally began. Returning to the Hufflepuff table, Kyle found himself the center of attention, with students constantly coming over to congratulate him on receiving the Order of Merlin medal. He barely managed to get a bite of food, his stomach soon filling up on pumpkin juice instead.


    ¡°You kept it a secret from us this whole time...¡± Cedric grumbled once the crowd of well-wishers started to disperse. His face was a mix of mock annoyance and genuine concern. ¡°We didn¡¯t even know you¡¯d been to St. Mungo¡¯s!¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t know if I¡¯d actually get the Merlin medal,¡± Kyle explained. ¡°And I figured telling you after the fact would just save you all from worrying.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not a reason,¡± Kanna replied, wrinkling her nose. ¡°It¡¯s only normal to worry about your friends.¡±


    ¡°Yes, so don¡¯t think you¡¯re off the hook that easily,¡± Cedric said sternly. ¡°Unless you swear that you¡¯ll never keep anything dangerous from us in the future!¡±


    ¡°Oh, come on, that¡¯s hardly fair,¡± Kyle groaned, giving him a disgruntled look. ¡°It¡¯s not like I¡¯m constantly getting into danger.¡±


    ¡°Really?¡± Cedric raised an eyebrow. ¡°So, besides the St. Mungo¡¯s visit, there was the Defense Against the Dark Arts professor incident, the times you disappear during Quidditch matches, and¡ª¡±


    ¡°All right, all right, I get it!¡± Kyle cut him off, throwing up his hands in surrender. ¡°Fine, I swear it¡ªon Dumbledore¡¯s beard!¡±


    Cedric¡¯s expression finally softened into a grin. ¡°Now that¡¯s what I wanted to hear. Congratulations on the Merlin Medal,¡± he said, raising his glass of pumpkin juice.


    ¡°Congrats!¡± Kanna chimed in, lifting her glass as well.


    Kyle eyed their oversized cups, both filled to the brim with pumpkin juice. His stomach churned just looking at them, feeling the weight of the drink he¡¯d already downed.


    ¡°You did this on purpose!¡±


    Cedric burst out laughing. ¡°Serves you right for hiding it from us.¡±


    Kanna joined in, smiling mischievously. ¡°But since you won us the House Cup, we¡¯ll let you off the hook¡­ a little later.¡±


    ¡°Haha¡­¡± Kyle chuckled weakly, rubbing his stomach as he looked at his friends. ¡°Thanks, you two.¡±


    S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Chapter 234: You Need to Be Mentally Prepared

    After dinner, Kyle¡¯s gaze drifted to where Chris and Diana had been sitting, perhaps unintentionally... Their seats were empty¡ªthey must have left early.


    Soon, the rest of the students began filing out of the Great Hall, heading back to their dormitories. Kyle, however, remained behind. The banquet had only been one part of the Order of Merlin ceremony; the most significant part was still to come.


    ¡°Would you care to join me for some tea?¡± Dumbledore asked McPhail with a warm smile.


    ¡°Certainly. I could do with a drink,¡± McPhail agreed with a nod. ¡°Honestly, there¡¯s something about this castle... I¡¯ve even got my appetite back.¡±


    He chuckled, brushing off his earlier joke about hurrying back before Dumbledore could recruit him. Of course, Dumbledore wouldn¡¯t actually consider asking the older wizards to teach Defense Against the Dark Arts¡ªthat was a job for the younger ones.


    ¡°Albus, any chance you¡¯ve got some Firewhiskey on hand? I could go for a drop.¡±


    ¡°Firewhiskey, you say? As it happens, I received a bottle for Christmas,¡± Dumbledore replied.


    ¡°Perfect.¡±


    ...


    In the headmaster''s office on the eighth floor, an extra-long table was set up alongside several plush armchairs with high backs. A variety of drinks filled the table: steaming tea, Firewhiskey, mead, Butterbeer, and lemonade¡ªlikely just brought over by the House-elves from The Three Broomsticks. Unlike witches and wizards, House-elves could use their magic inside the castle without limits, even performing spells like Apparition.


    The group took their seats at random, enjoying their drinks and engaging in cheerful conversation. Naturally, as the focus of the evening, the discussion couldn¡¯t avoid centering on Kyle. Though Fudge made a few attempts to shift the subject, Dumbledore deftly picked up on his intentions and kept steering the conversation back to Kyle.


    Kyle understood Dumbledore¡¯s intentions, hinted at with a quiet remark on their way to the eighth floor. Dumbledore had mentioned, in a voice only Kyle could hear, that this gathering was a rare chance to meet influential wizards from outside the school¡ªan invaluable opportunity to build connections.


    Kyle knew well the importance of networking in the wizarding world. For instance, if Dumbledore hadn¡¯t been acquainted with Nicolas Flamel, he could never have borrowed a useful "bait" like the Philosopher''s Stone. Similarly, the Malfoys wielded significant power because they maintained a network of connections with many officials in the Ministry of Magic. Even if this network was held together by Galleons, it had undeniably solved many of the family¡¯s issues, both big and small, over the years. This was why Lucius Malfoy continued to thrive despite his reputation as a "suspected Death Eater."


    Even Mr. Weasley benefited from connections. Though his position in the Ministry was modest, he got along well with most of his colleagues, including some department heads like Ludovic Bagman from the Department of Magical Games and Sports, Bartemius Crouch from the Department of International Magical Cooperation, and Amelia Bones from the Department of Magical Law Enforcement.


    Chris, his friend, didn¡¯t count¡ªbut even Chris had recently hinted that Mr. Weasley was preparing to introduce a new bill on muggle protections and tighter regulation of dark magic items.


    Judging by Chris¡¯s tone, it seemed the bill was close to passing. If Mr. Weasley were just an ordinary employee in the Misuse of Muggle Artifacts Office, Fudge would hardly give him a second thought, much less support his proposal.


    McPhail, too, was eager to get acquainted with Kyle, the youngest member of the Order of Merlin, and their conversation quickly became lively and amiable. Fudge, however, seemed distracted.


    He saw Kyle¡¯s potential but realized that by the time Kyle graduated from Hogwarts, his own term as Minister would likely be over, leaving little chance for their paths to cross professionally. Instead, Fudge chose to focus on McPhail and Sykes, hoping to impress them with his ideals and ambitions.


    As for Newt, his situation was much simpler¡ªhe was socially awkward. He hadn¡¯t been in a room with so many people in over twenty years, making the gathering before him feel a bit overwhelming. Luckily, this didn¡¯t last long.


    As the night wore on, about half an hour later, the gathering began to break up. Newt was the first to leave the headmaster¡¯s office. McPhail and Belby, however, stayed behind; Dumbledore had offered to arrange rooms for them in the castle so they could present the Merlin Award in the morning. They accepted his offer gladly. For some reason, Fudge also chose to remain.


    After leaving the headmaster''s office, Sykes set off back to St. Mungo¡¯s. She had come specifically to support Kyle this time, and she wouldn''t be staying for the award ceremony tomorrow.


    After bidding her farewell, Kyle turned to find Newt waiting for him around the corner by the stairs.


    The two of them entered a nearby empty room, and Kyle said, surprised, ¡°I really didn¡¯t expect you to come, too.¡±


    ¡°Didn¡¯t you write to me earlier, asking me to help with some troublesome little creatures?¡± Newt sighed. ¡°As it happened, they sent me an invitation, asking if I¡¯d like to come to Hogwarts as well.¡±


    ¡°So you said yes?¡±


    ¡°Mm,¡± Newt nodded. ¡°Your Order of Merlin is worth celebrating, so I thought I should be here. Oh, and Tina came along too.¡±


    ¡°Thank you¡­¡± Kyle said sincerely.


    Newt rarely attended gatherings, even with old friends, yet here he was, standing in the Great Hall in front of hundreds of people¡ªa considerable challenge for someone as socially reserved as he was.


    But Newt waved a hand, stopping Kyle from continuing.


    ¡°So, is the little creature you mentioned in your letter a Niffler?¡±


    ¡°Those little ones can be quite the troublemakers. You¡¯ll need a lot of patience with them.¡±


    ¡°No, it¡¯s not a Niffler,¡± Kyle chuckled. ¡°These little ones are really cute and hardly any trouble at all.¡±


    ¡°Then what are they?¡± Newt asked, puzzled.


    Aside from Nifflers, he couldn¡¯t think of any other Magical Creatures Kyle might need help with. Sear?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°They were all smuggled in, and I¡¯ve been taking care of them since I found them¡­ Anyway, it¡¯s best if you see for yourself.¡±


    Kyle took out his suitcase, opened it, and set it on the ground.


    ¡°But before you go in, you should be prepared¡ªthey might not be quite what you¡¯re expecting.¡±


    ¡°Now that you mention it, I¡¯m actually a little curious,¡± Newt laughed, shaking his head. But he didn¡¯t take Kyle¡¯s words too seriously.


    After all, he¡¯d encountered so many Magical Creatures by now that he hardly ever needed to be "prepared."

 Chapter 235: Newt’s Shock

    Newt stepped lightly into the suitcase and landed in the room inside. Looking around, he was surprised to see that Kyle had arranged the space quite neatly. The furniture and everything else were meticulously organized, far tidier than Newt¡¯s own cluttered quarters. In one corner, two large bookshelves stood filled with books bound in parchment, giving the room a scholarly air.


    As he approached, Newt immediately sensed traces of the Undetectable Extension Charm on the shelves, meaning there were likely far more books here than met the eye.


    ¡°What¡¯s all this?¡± he asked, intrigued.


    Kyle¡¯s heart skipped a beat. How could he have forgotten about those? Newt might be inclined to overlook a few illegal Magical Creatures, but books copied from the Restricted Section¡­ that was another story.


    ¡°It¡¯s nothing,¡± Kyle replied, trying to sound casual. ¡°Just some class notes I¡¯ve taken. I leave them here so I can reference them whenever I need.¡±


    ¡°Class notes? You have this many?¡±


    ¡°Oh, and I¡¯ve also taken loads of notes from reading in the library,¡± Kyle added quickly.


    Newt ran his fingers along the volumes. ¡°No wonder you were awarded the Order of Merlin¡­ I can see why.¡±


    Though Newt had been a student once, even before his expulsion he¡¯d only cared about knowledge related to Magical Creatures. Excluding that ¡°extracurricular¡± interest, all his school notes combined probably wouldn¡¯t amount to one of these thick books.


    ¡°Oh, it¡¯s nothing. The Self-Writing Quill did most of the work¡­¡± Kyle deflected. ¡°Anyway, let me show you inside.¡±


    He opened a small door leading further in, stepping through. Newt nodded and followed him, noticing in amazement that the space beyond was much larger than the one he¡¯d originally handed over to Kyle. And it seemed Kyle had even planted a few rowan trees, now growing vigorously. Newt knew without checking that they were full of Bowtruckles.


    Then his eyes fell on something unusual¡ªa dark, three-headed ¡°boulder¡± resting near the rowans.


    ¡°A¡­ Three-Headed Dog?¡± Newt¡¯s eyes widened.


    Before he could fully process that, a massive shape whooshed overhead. He looked up, his expression shifting from surprise to stunned bewilderment.


    A dragon? And not just any dragon¡ªa rare Norwegian Ridgeback!


    Newt suddenly felt a wave of absurdity. It had only been one school year, and this was Hogwarts¡ªwhere had Kyle even acquired these highly dangerous creatures?


    Suppressing his shock, he continued scanning the area. Next to the dragon, a hulking Mountain Troll lounged nearby. But in comparison to the Three-Headed Dog and the Norwegian Ridgeback, the Troll almost seemed ordinary.


    ¡°Is this what you meant by¡­ small animals?¡± Newt asked, giving Kyle a strange look. He wouldn¡¯t have been surprised if Kyle had already been expelled.


    After all, Newt himself had been expelled for illegally keeping a Jarvey with his friends, and those were only rated XXX.


    But Kyle¡¯s ¡°pets¡± were something else entirely¡ªa Dragon and a Three-Headed Dog, both categorized as the most dangerous XXXXX Magical Creatures. Owning even one would be grounds for expulsion many times over.


    What¡¯s this? The student outdoing the master? Starting with XXXXX-level beasts? Are kids these days really this bold?


    Kyle¡¯s eyes darted around nervously as he said, ¡°Well¡­ the Three-Headed Dog is only about two years old, and the Dragon¡¯s not even a year old yet, so they are still young, technically speaking.¡±


    ¡°And the Troll¡­?¡±


    ¡°It has a small brain.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    ¡°As I mentioned, they were all smuggled in¡­¡± Kyle added quickly, seeing Newt¡¯s expression, which seemed to say, Kyle hurriedly explained their origin.


    he thought.


    ...


    "Is all this related to the Philosopher''s Stone?" Newt asked, frowning once he''d pieced together the situation.


    Kyle nodded, and Newt continued, "Forget about the dragon for a moment. Since the Three-Headed Dog was originally borrowed by Dumbledore, why didn¡¯t you return it to Hagrid so it could stay in the Forbidden Forest?¡±


    ¡°There was a bit of a situation. It seems Fluffy and Norbert¡­ became friends,¡± Kyle said with a shrug. ¡°I did try returning Fluffy, but he nearly escaped from the Forbidden Forest a few times. If Hagrid hadn¡¯t found him in time, he might¡¯ve run straight to the castle to find me. I had no choice but to keep him here¡ªjust to avoid giving everyone a fright.¡±


    Newt pressed his lips together, momentarily at a loss for words despite his vast knowledge. The student really had surpassed the master.


    Ten minutes later, Newt emerged from the suitcase, bringing Norbert the Norwegian Ridgeback and the Troll with him. Fluffy, however, was only there on a temporary basis and would eventually need to return to the Forbidden Forest. Although the giant dog protested, rolling around and pleading to be taken along, Kyle couldn¡¯t agree. It wasn¡¯t that he didn¡¯t want to take him, but that he couldn¡¯t¡ªFluffy was Hagrid¡¯s prized pet, and taking him away would send Hagrid into a frenzy.


    After a struggle, Kyle managed to calm Fluffy down, and he and Newt left the suitcase together.


    As they walked back, Newt spoke up, ¡°Kyle, I can watch over them for a while, but you can¡¯t keep them like this forever. You know what I mean.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I understand,¡± Kyle replied quietly. ¡°Next year, I¡¯ll return the Troll to the Forbidden Forest, and after I graduate, I¡¯ll take Norbert back to Norway.¡±


    ¡°Are you planning to go alone?¡± Newt asked.


    ¡°Yes,¡± Kyle nodded. ¡°I want to try. I¡¯m the one who brought her here, so I should be the one to take her back.¡±


    Newt was silent for a moment, offering no further objections. Kyle was only in his second year, with five more years until graduation¡ªnot too long. Besides, the suitcase kept the dragon safely hidden, minimizing any risk of discovery.


    Soon after, their conversation shifted to a lighter topic.


    "That¡¯s a female dragon, isn¡¯t it? Why do you call her Norbert?" Newt asked curiously.


    ¡°Hagrid named her,¡± Kyle said, smiling. ¡°She seems to like it, so I didn¡¯t want to change it.¡± S~ea??h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°Ah, that makes sense¡­ no wonder.¡±


    They walked through the castle grounds, eventually reaching the path that led to the school gates, just past the Hogsmeade Platform.


    Here, they stopped. Newt, naturally, wasn¡¯t leaving by train¡ªit would be too slow. Beyond the school gates, marked by the two winged warthog statues, he could finally Disapparate.


    As he stepped across the boundary, Newt turned back and gave Kyle a last set of instructions. ¡°Make sure they don¡¯t leave the suitcase while you¡¯re at school. And when you come to pick them up, don¡¯t forget to bring your Order of Merlin medal. Tina¡¯s been eager to see it since she heard the news.¡±


    ¡°I will,¡± Kyle replied, smiling.

 Chapter 236: The New Member of the Weasley Choir

    The day before the holidays, the grades were finally released, and Kyle, with a perfect score, was unchallenged at the top of his year. This result came as a shock to many who had always assumed Kyle¡¯s performance had been subpar. In fact, even Kyle himself was stunned. Had Snape really awarded him a perfect score again?


    Kyle had previously believed that the perfect score Snape gave him last year was a one-off, likely because he had saved Kanna from Oren. Family ties, after all, could explain such gratitude. But this year? Was it because he¡¯d saved Harry? That didn¡¯t quite add up¡ªHarry wasn¡¯t that important to Snape¡­ well, maybe Harry was, in a strange way. Kyle still couldn''t make sense of it.


    Surely, it wasn¡¯t that Snape had suddenly turned over a new leaf and decided to be a decent teacher. That notion seemed absurd. Kyle would sooner believe that Voldemort was secretly working for a Muggle Intelligence Agency¡ªthat, at least, sounded more reasonable.


    Yet there were others who thought this outcome was entirely predictable. Fred and George had declared in the common room with exaggerated confidence:


    ¡°That¡¯s the funniest joke I¡¯ve heard all year.¡±


    ¡°Honestly, I¡¯d sooner believe our little brother Ron could be made prefect than that Kyle would ever fail an exam.¡±


    Kanna was similarly unwavering. She didn¡¯t believe Professor McGonagall had been shaking her head because Kyle had supposedly failed, but rather that there must be some other explanation¡ªand she was right.


    Some younger students, consumed by doubt, even mustered the courage to ask Professor McGonagall directly, only to be reprimanded. She told them she was merely a bit disappointed that the gap between Kyle and the other students was so vast. Of course, that was only her official line. No one really knew what McGonagall was truly thinking.


    In any case, the school year was finally over. A notice prohibiting the use of magic over the holidays was handed out to everyone, and soon after, students either took a carriage or boarded a ferry to leave Hogwarts and catch the train back to King¡¯s Cross.


    ...


    ¡°Hermione, you didn¡¯t really have to compete with Kyle,¡± Harry said, looking at her sympathetically in the train compartment as she scowled in frustration. ¡°After all, he¡¯s the youngest recipient of the Order of Merlin. You did really well, and you¡¯re still top of the year¡­¡±


    ¡°But I didn¡¯t get full marks!¡± Hermione snapped, tugging at her tangled hair in frustration.


    ¡°You only lost a few points in Potions,¡± Harry said, glancing around and lowering his voice. ¡°It¡¯s Snape¡­ no matter how perfect your potion is, if you¡¯re not a Slytherin, he¡¯ll find something to take points off for.¡±


    ¡°But Kyle isn¡¯t a Slytherin either,¡± Hermione retorted, frowning. ¡°And he still got full marks, so it¡¯s not impossible. I must¡¯ve messed something up¡­ Maybe I heated it too long? The book says twenty seconds, but I forgot it also takes time to extinguish the flame. And those Valerian stems, too¡ªI think I picked two that were too long¡­¡±


    As Hermione meticulously reviewed every step of the Forgetfulness Potion in her mind, her expression grew more intense with each imagined mistake.


    Meanwhile, Harry and Ron exchanged increasingly uneasy glances. They hadn¡¯t planned on spending the start of their holidays talking about grades, exams, and especially not the Potions exam.


    Ron, growing visibly irritable, turned away and stared into the corridor, hoping for a distraction.


    Just then, Kyle happened to pass by their compartment, followed by a crowd of younger students, chattering eagerly and clearly impressed. The corridor was filled with murmurs and excited whispers about Kyle, still basking in the glow of his recent Order of Merlin award.


    ¡°That¡¯s incredible¡­¡± Ron muttered under his breath. ¡°Oh no!¡± sea??h th§× n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Ron¡¯s face suddenly turned pale as a thought struck him. Alarmed, Harry looked over. ¡°What¡¯s wrong? Are you hungry? I¡¯ve got some snacks¡­¡±


    ¡°No, Harry!¡± Ron said, his expression grim. ¡°Do you remember what I told you? Kyle lives next door to us!¡±


    ¡°Yeah, I remember.¡± There was a trace of envy in Harry¡¯s voice. The idea of living near friends and classmates in a magical village was, to him, the ultimate dream.


    ¡°Mum must have heard already¡­¡± Ron¡¯s voice wavered. ¡°I¡¯m done for.¡±


    He had thought his grades were decent¡ªhe¡¯d passed, hadn¡¯t he? But now, next to Kyle¡¯s spotless report card, his marks suddenly seemed¡­ well, unimpressive. And then there was Percy, too. His brother had topped fifth year, and his next-door neighbor had topped second year. Ron could already see the summer unfolding in front of him.


    Last year, Fred and George¡¯s shouts had been loud enough to drive the garden gnomes away, and he¡¯d given their bellowing the nickname But this year¡­ he might be joining in the chorus.


    As Ron sat there lamenting, Harry silently reached over and patted him on the shoulder, his earlier envy evaporating. Maybe having a high-achieving neighbor wasn¡¯t as ideal as he¡¯d thought. Besides, he didn¡¯t have to worry about that. The Dursleys couldn¡¯t have cared less about his grades, so even if he returned with all zeroes, he¡¯d be spared the lectures. Actually, they¡¯d probably be pleased if he got zeroes¡ªthey might even give him an extra piece of dry bread that Dudley had left over for breakfast.


    Having no one to compare himself to, and no one who cared about his grades, was probably the only perk of living with the Dursleys.


    Harry wanted to laugh at the thought, but the feeling sat uncomfortably in his chest. Next to him, Hermione finally stopped analyzing the exam. She looked over at Ron, whose face was clouded with worry, and opened her mouth to say something, but held back. Truthfully, she couldn¡¯t quite understand his disappointment and wasn¡¯t sure how to reassure him.


    ¡°If only I could be like Kyle¡­¡± Ron sighed wistfully.


    ...


    Meanwhile, in a compartment not far from Harry and his friends, Kyle was glancing around nervously. "Are you sure we¡¯re in the clear? No one followed us¡­ right?"


    ¡°It¡¯s all good!¡± Cedric reassured him, sticking his head out into the corridor for a quick check. Once he was certain no one was around, he slipped back in, pulling the door shut and securing it with a Imperturbable Charm from his wand.


    ¡°Phew¡­ finally lost them,¡± Kyle muttered, exhaling in relief as he pulled off his Cloak of Invisibility.


    Who would have thought he wouldn¡¯t need the cloak for sneaking around the castle at night, but that it¡¯d come in handy on the train home instead? The crowds had been just a bit eager this time. Without the cloak, he might still be surrounded by admirers, each more enthusiastic than the last.

 Chapter 237: Nicolas Flamel’s Invitation

    The Hogwarts Express rolled through golden fields of wheat and small villages, the scenery flashing by the windows. Inside their compartment, Kyle had tucked away his Cloak of Invisibility, while Fred and George sat across from him, absorbed in a game of wizard chess. Unlike their usual lightheartedness, the twins wore serious expressions as they focused on the board.


    A few days prior, they had boldly challenged Ron to a game of wizard chess, determined to prove they could conquer Professor McGonagall¡¯s giant chessboard array just as Ron had.


    The result had been a crushing defeat that left them questioning their skills. Unwilling to accept that Ron had bested them, Fred and George vowed to practice and settle the score over the holidays.


    Kyle, however, doubted they¡¯d succeed. In his view, Fred and George¡¯s talents lay firmly in pranks and inventions, while their chess skills could only be called mediocre.


    ¡°What are your plans for the holidays?¡± Cedric asked suddenly, breaking the silence.


    ¡°My father promised to take me to France,¡± Cho answered eagerly. ¡°I''ve wanted to go ever since you mentioned it last year.¡±


    Cedric raised an eyebrow, grinning. ¡°Let me guess¡ªyou¡¯re interested in seeing Beauxbatons?¡±


    Cho nodded, not bothering to deny it. She¡¯d read that Beauxbatons was said to be the most beautiful of the three major European wizarding schools, famed for its elegant architecture and a crystal astrological tower. The tower, she¡¯d heard, not only charted the orbits of the planets but changed color according to the constellations visible at any given time. She found the idea enchanting.


    Next to her, Kyle started to say something but then stopped, realizing that Beauxbatons was likely hidden. Much like a place protected by the Fidelius Charm, the school would be concealed from anyone who hadn¡¯t been invited. Even if Cho searched all through the Pyrenees, she probably wouldn¡¯t find it. But Kyle kept his thoughts to himself, assuming Cedric¡ªwho¡¯d seen Beauxbatons during his visit last year¡ªwas already aware of this.


    ¡°I¡¯m going to watch the match,¡± Cedric continued, ¡°between the Vratsa Vultures and the Chudley Cannons. My dad promised to take me. It¡¯s at the end of the month¡ªwant to come?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll probably still be in Paris,¡± Cho replied, smiling.


    Kanna, who had been quietly listening, shook her head. ¡°I might go to a match too, but it¡¯s not Quidditch. It¡¯s a Wizarding School Potions Championship, one held every three years in Asia.¡±


    At this, Fred, who had been focused on the chessboard, suddenly looked up. ¡°Is Snape the one taking you?¡±


    Snape was distantly related to Kanna, and the group already knew that he¡¯d purchased a house near her family¡¯s. Kanna herself had told them, and though it had been a bit of a surprise, they had taken the news in stride. After all, Kanna was the only non-Slytherin student Snape ever awarded points to¡ªa fact they¡¯d noticed long ago, though they¡¯d never quite believed it.


    Contrary to Kanna¡¯s initial worry, Fred and George hadn¡¯t distanced themselves from her after learning about her connection to Snape. They disliked Snape on his own merits; it didn¡¯t change how they felt about Kanna. Besides, familial connections were common in the wizarding world. Technically, the Weasleys and the Malfoys were distantly related, too, but that didn¡¯t stop Mr. Weasley from feuding with Lucius Malfoy every chance he got.


    "Yes..." Kanna nodded slightly. "He thinks I should watch more of these kinds of competitions."


    ¡°Alright¡­¡± Cedric replied, giving a thoughtful nod.


    Fred and George also declined Cedric¡¯s invitation. They had plans to work on new products for Weasleys'' Wizard Wheezes over the break, so traveling wasn¡¯t in the cards for them.


    When the Chudley Cannons came up, Kyle gave a small, disdainful sniff, clearly unimpressed. Cedric hadn¡¯t actually intended to invite Kyle, but instead asked casually about his holiday plans.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know... I¡¯ll probably go out for a bit, too,¡± Kyle said after thinking for a moment.


    He recalled that in the Headmaster¡¯s Office, McPhail had mentioned that Nicolas Flamel had hoped to join them this time, though his health wouldn¡¯t permit the long journey. However, Flamel had sent Kyle a letter, which McPhail had brought along. In it, Flamel included congratulations and well-wishes, along with an invitation for Kyle to visit his home. He¡¯d promised that, if Kyle accepted, someone would come to fetch him in a week.


    Kyle, thrilled at the opportunity, had quickly written a reply, which Dumbledore¡¯s Phoenix, Fawkes, helped deliver. Since Flamel¡¯s residence was under the Fidelius Charm and couldn¡¯t be located by conventional means, only Fawkes could reach it. To ensure the letter¡¯s delivery, Kyle had ¡°bribed¡± Fawkes with a bag of rue leaves and five precious Lady¡¯s Mantles. With any luck, Kyle would also be in France by the following week.


    ¡°Oh¡­ you¡¯re all so busy,¡± George sighed dramatically, suddenly sweeping his hand across the chessboard and scattering the pieces. ¡°Makes it look like Fred and I are the only ones out of step.¡±


    Fred, holding the ¡°queen¡± and poised to strike George¡¯s king, glanced up, gritting his teeth. ¡°I was about to win!¡±


    ¡°Oh, sorry, I wasn¡¯t paying attention,¡± George chuckled. ¡°It¡¯s just disappointing¡­ everyone¡¯s leaving us. Don¡¯t you understand how that feels?¡±


    Fred scoffed, giving George an unimpressed look. He knew exactly what George was up to; after all, he¡¯d had the same thought himself. George was just looking for a way to back out of the game.


    ¡°Fine¡­¡± Fred said with a sly smile. ¡°The pieces can just reset themselves; let¡¯s keep playing.¡±


    ¡°Nah, I¡¯m not in the mood for chess anymore,¡± George replied, shrugging and looking down. ¡°Besides, those pieces are tricky. Who knows if they¡¯ll put themselves in favorable spots.¡±


    ¡°Hah!¡± Fred snickered, amused by the excuse. It was a brilliant one¡ªwhy hadn¡¯t he thought of it? As expected, he could never quite match George in sheer shamelessness.


    ...


    As the train neared King¡¯s Cross Station, Fred suddenly seemed to remember something. ¡°If I write to you, will you be able to receive it?¡± he asked.


    Cedric thought for a moment. ¡°I think so. The post office offers long-distance delivery, but it¡¯s pretty expensive.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll pass,¡± Kyle said with a shrug. ¡°The owls probably won¡¯t even be able to find my address. If you want to write to me, just slip the letter into my house¡­ I¡¯ll read it when I get back.¡±


    ¡°Ha, who¡¯d write to ?¡± Fred laughed. S§×ar?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    George chimed in with mock disapproval. ¡°Yeah, we wouldn¡¯t waste Galleons on you.¡±


    Only moments ago, Fred and George had been ready to face off in chess, but they were back to being a united front now, laughing together.


    ¡°Oh, that reminds me¡­¡± Kyle said, giving them a calm, knowing look. ¡°Cedric, wasn¡¯t someone supposed to fly a trophy over Hogwarts?¡±


    Cedric smirked. ¡°Yes, and throw in a tap dance too.¡±


    ¡°Right! Tap dancing on a flying broomstick¡­ Now that would be something. I¡¯d definitely take a picture of that to remember it.¡±


    Fred and George fell silent instantly.


    They both remembered all too well that they¡¯d once said that¡ªnever imagining Kyle would actually receive the Order of Merlin while still in second year. But it was too late to regret that now.


    ...


    Amid the group¡¯s laughter, the train gradually slowed down and finally came to a halt at Platform 9?.

 Chapter 238: The Department of Mysteries

    Early that morning, Kyle went downstairs for breakfast, as usual. Chris was the only one in the living room. Diana, in fact, had not returned since the last investiture ceremony. Kyle had already asked Chris about it, but he didn¡¯t seem to know much either, aside from mentioning that the Department of Mysteries'' mission appeared exceptionally important this time.


    Just two days ago, the entire ninth floor of the Ministry of Magic, where the Department of Mysteries is located, had been completely sealed off. The elevators could no longer reach it, and even the enchanted paper airplanes carrying messages were halted outside. Not even the Minister, Cornelius Fudge, could get in. The Minister had lost his temper over this.


    Yet, no matter how furious Fudge got or how many times he banged his head against the elevator doors, the ninth floor remained closed. Unlike other departments within the Ministry, the Department of Mysteries enjoyed significant independence and wasn¡¯t under the Minister¡¯s direct jurisdiction. After all, it had existed long before the Ministry of Magic was established, and technically, the two entities merely cooperated with each other. Typically, the Unspeakables might show Fudge some deference, but in extraordinary circumstances, things were different. At times like these, Fudge, the so-called minister, held less significance in their eyes than a crystal ball of prophecy.


    Kyle mused, feeling a twinge of curiosity. But unfortunately, Diana never shared any details about the Department¡¯s work with him.


    ...


    "Today marks the second week of your vacation, right?¡± Chris asked, handing Kyle a plate of bacon as they sat at the dining table. His tone held a hint of apprehension. ¡°Are you sure that was really a letter from Mr. Nicolas Flamel?¡±


    ¡°Dad, I¡¯ve explained this many times already,¡± Kyle replied, setting down his bread with a sigh. ¡°The letter was given to me by Mr. McPhail, and Headmaster Dumbledore approved it. They wouldn¡¯t joke about something like that.¡±


    ¡°I know¡­ but it¡¯s Nicolas Flamel!¡± Chris still sounded incredulous. As a legendary wizard spanning six centuries, Nicolas Flamel was a figure of immense renown. It could be said that wherever there were wizards, there were legends of him. Meeting him was nearly impossible for most, and the idea of Kyle being invited as his guest was astonishing.


    Since hearing the news, Chris had been caught in a sense of disbelief. Kyle bit into his bread, exasperated yet resigned; Chris had been acting this way for days now, and Kyle had grown used to it.


    he thought.


    ...


    ¡°Bang... bang...¡± A knock sounded at the door.


    ¡°Is that the person here to pick you up?¡± Chris asked.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think so,¡± Kyle replied calmly, shaking his head. Today was indeed the scheduled day, but it was still too early¡ªbarely eight o¡¯clock. Besides, the knock on the door was unmistakably familiar, the kind he¡¯d heard almost daily around this time last year.


    Kyle got up and walked over to the door. As he opened it, two identical faces appeared in front of him.


    ¡°Kyle! Thank goodness you¡¯re still home,¡± George said with visible relief. ¡°We remembered you were leaving today.¡±


    It was, in fact, Fred and George.


    Kyle looked entirely unsurprised. With a steady expression, he said, ¡°Come in, let¡¯s talk.¡±


    Fred peered over Kyle¡¯s shoulder, then shook his head in mock seriousness. ¡°No, you¡¯re probably busy today. We won¡¯t take up your time. We¡¯re just here to borrow your owl.¡±


    ¡°Borrow my owl?¡± Kyle raised an eyebrow, surprised. He had assumed they¡¯d be asking to use the attic again for their Skiving Snackbox experiments, like last year. Besides, he thought the Weasley family¡¯s owl, despite its age, was still in good health under Chris¡¯s recent care and could manage a letter delivery.


    ¡°Yes,¡± Fred explained, a grin tugging at his lips. ¡°The Skiving Snackbox line is a hit¡ªwe¡¯ve gotten so many orders, even during the holidays¡­¡±


    ¡°We need to send out our goods,¡± George added, producing a parchment densely packed with names.


    ¡°That¡¯s¡­ quite a few names,¡± Kyle remarked, still a bit surprised. ¡°But they¡¯re not even in school right now. What do they need Fat Tongue Toffees for?¡±


    ¡°Ah, but have a look,¡± Fred replied, grinning. ¡°Most of the names are first-year wizards, all snapping up the Fat Tongue Toffees.¡±


    ¡°They can¡¯t use magic at home over the holidays,¡± George added, ¡°but these treats let them show a bit of magic anyway.¡±


    ¡°George and I thought it up just before break,¡± Fred said, obviously pleased with himself. ¡°We even dialed down the Swelling Solution so the tongue wouldn¡¯t grow much.¡± S§×arch* The N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°It¡¯s been a huge hit¡­¡± Fred¡¯s expression darkened slightly. ¡°Only problem is, Percy the Brainiac¡¯s been hogging Errol lately and won¡¯t let us use him.¡±


    ¡°Got it.¡± Kyle nodded, walked to the door, and raised his arm. ¡°Ratton!¡±


    A massive owl swooped down from the nearby woods, its belly rounded, looking as if it had just returned from a buffet.


    ¡°Magnificent,¡± Fred murmured in awe. Even after all this time, Ratton¡¯s size was still impressive. The owl was easily twice the size of Errol, practically a giant among owls. Somehow, Kyle had managed to keep him in such impressive shape.


    As he looked at Ratton, Fred seemed to recall something and lowered his voice. ¡°Does he follow other owls around when they¡¯re out delivering?¡±


    ¡°What are you plotting?¡± Kyle asked, eyeing him suspiciously. That would be going too far¡ªdid they want to end up in Azkaban just to develop more ¡°clients¡±?


    ¡°It¡¯s not just any owl,¡± George said mysteriously. ¡°It¡¯s Percy¡¯s. He keeps claiming he¡¯s sending letters to swap homework with other prefects¡­¡±


    ¡°But we don¡¯t buy it,¡± Fred added. ¡°The way he acts when he¡¯s delivering them¡ªhe looks like a Gnome who¡¯s just pinched a potato¡­¡±


    ¡°We want to find out who he¡¯s really writing to.¡±


    Kyle shook his head firmly. ¡°I¡¯d advise against that idea. Ratton wouldn¡¯t agree to it¡ªno owl would. They might even go on strike.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry,¡± Fred said with an innocent smile. ¡°We know owls won¡¯t agree. We were just talking. We weren¡¯t actually going to do it.¡±


    Kyle saw the mischievous glints in Fred and George¡¯s eyes and realized they were putting on an act just to rile him up.


    George shrugged, still smirking. ¡°Anyway, we¡¯d better get moving to deliver these goodies our customers have been eagerly waiting for.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s much more important than nosy old Percy and his big head.¡±

 Chapter 239: A Luxurious Way to Travel

    After realizing that Fred and George were only joking, Kyle handed Ratton over to them. However, Ratton was still somewhat uneasy, hovering in mid-air and keeping a wary eye on the twins.


    ¡°Hey, we were just joking!¡± Fred said, looking a bit embarrassed.


    Ratton, however, pretended not to hear.


    ¡°You really shouldn¡¯t make comments like that in front of owls,¡± Kyle advised. ¡°But he¡¯s agreed to help deliver your packages.¡±


    ¡°So, what does he eat every day? Owl nuts?¡± George asked. Errol usually didn¡¯t need special food; if they ever needed supplies, they could easily pick some up in Diagon Alley.


    ¡°No need to feed him; he¡¯ll find his own food,¡± Kyle instructed. ¡°Just give him some water every time he comes back from a delivery.¡± S§×ar?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°I think it¡¯s best if we buy him some owl treats as a peace offering¡­¡± Fred said, grimacing.


    ¡°That¡¯s fine,¡± Kyle chuckled. After all, discussing tailing another owl right in front of Ratton¡ªit¡¯s no wonder he was suspicious. Even Errol would likely give them the cold shoulder for a few days after a stunt like that.


    ...


    ¡°Oh, by the way, when will you be back?¡± Fred asked, glancing up at Kyle¡¯s attic with a hint of longing. ¡°We¡¯ve already been caught twice by my mum while making Skiving Snackboxes this week¡­ it was a disaster.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not sure,¡± Kyle replied thoughtfully. ¡°Probably just a day or two. I¡¯m only visiting as a guest, so I shouldn¡¯t be gone long.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s good,¡± Fred said, brightening up. ¡°We still have loads of new ideas we want to try out¡­¡±


    ¡°And at home, Mum would never allow it,¡± George finished with a sigh.


    ...


    After seeing Fred and George off, Kyle turned back, intending to finish his breakfast. But as soon as he stepped inside, he noticed someone else had appeared in the living room, seemingly out of nowhere.


    ¡°Professor Dumbledore?¡± Kyle asked in surprise. ¡°When did you get here?¡±


    ¡°Just now, while you were chatting with the Weasleys,¡± Dumbledore replied with a smile. ¡°Chris was about to call you, but I thought it best to let you finish. After all, there¡¯s no rush.¡±


    ¡°Sorry, Professor, I wasn¡¯t paying attention,¡± Kyle said as he walked in. ¡°So, are you the one picking me up this time?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯d love to take on the job, but unfortunately, I have a few other trivial matters keeping me here,¡± Dumbledore said, a glint of humor in his eyes.


    Kyle nodded, refraining from asking further questions. He knew Dumbledore wasn¡¯t one for casual visits, so he decided to wait patiently. Settling himself nearby, Kyle half-jokingly remarked, ¡°It¡¯s not because of the Defense Against the Dark Arts professor, is it?¡±


    ¡°Ah, Kyle, you¡¯re as perceptive as ever,¡± Dumbledore sighed. ¡°Finding a suitable professor is always such a challenge¡ªI seem to spend half my life searching. Just this past week, I¡¯ve called on several old friends, but most were ¡®conveniently¡¯ not at home, and those who were wouldn¡¯t let me in. Truthfully, it¡¯s a bit disheartening.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s only temporary, Albus,¡± Chris said, chuckling. ¡°Once the term starts in September, I¡¯m sure things will be different. Would you like some tea?¡±


    Chris poured Dumbledore a cup of tea, and Kyle offered him the sugar tin. After a sip, Dumbledore¡¯s mood seemed to lift.


    ¡°But all is not lost,¡± he said with a faint smile. ¡°Dugald has recommended someone to me, and it seems they¡¯re interested in the position.¡±


    ¡°Oh?¡± Kyle raised an eyebrow.


    ¡°This time, I can assure you it won¡¯t be a Dark wizard,¡± Dumbledore emphasized. ¡°He¡¯s well-known in the wizarding world and, like you, holds an Order of Merlin.¡±


    ¡°I trust your judgment, Professor,¡± Kyle said sincerely. ¡°So, does this mean we have a new Defense Against the Dark Arts professor?¡±


    ¡°Not quite,¡± Dumbledore replied, his eyes twinkling thoughtfully. ¡°The teaching materials this candidate has requested are extensive and costly, which has me hesitating. I¡¯m just wondering if anyone else might take the job.¡±


    ¡°And if not?¡± Kyle asked.


    ¡°Then it will have to be him,¡± Dumbledore said with a resigned sigh, finishing his tea. He glanced out the window and remarked, ¡°Oh, it¡¯s nearly time. Are you all set for the journey, Kyle?¡±


    ¡°Of course, Professor.¡± Kyle patted his Mokeskin pouch, which was now carrying a regular bag enchanted with the Undetectable Extension Charm. Though compact, it held more than enough for his trip.


    ¡°So, will Fawkes be taking me there?¡± Kyle inquired.


    ¡°That¡¯s certainly one option,¡± Dumbledore said with a smile. ¡°But I don¡¯t think you¡¯d enjoy traveling by Phoenix. It¡¯s a bit¡­ jarring for wizards, and even I haven¡¯t fully gotten used to it.¡±


    ¡°No, we have a better method.¡± Dumbledore reached into his pocket, drawing out a small, glimmering red stone fragment and placing it on the table.


    ¡°A Philosopher¡¯s Stone?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s a fragment of the Philosopher¡¯s Stone,¡± Dumbledore clarified. ¡°The original Stone was destroyed, and it no longer holds its magical properties. However, we¡¯ve found another use for the fragments¡­ as Portkeys.¡±


    ¡°Portkeys made from Philosopher¡¯s Stone fragments are quite stable and ideal for long-distance travel.¡±


    Kyle¡¯s eyelid twitched slightly. A Portkey made from a fragment of the Philosopher¡¯s Stone? It felt as if he were casually holding a gold coin.


    Kyle thought,


    Dumbledore glanced out the window once more. ¡°Are you ready, Kyle? You know how to use a Portkey, don¡¯t you?¡±


    Kyle nodded, reaching out to grasp the Philosopher¡¯s Stone fragment. The coolness of the stone seeped into his palm.


    ¡°Oh, and take this.¡± Dumbledore suddenly remembered, slipping an envelope into Kyle¡¯s pocket. ¡°Open it once you arrive in France¡­¡±


    Kyle heard only that final instruction before everything became a blur. He felt as if someone had given him a strong push, and suddenly he was airborne.


    In an instant, he vanished from the living room, whisked away by the Portkey. The world blurred as he was pulled forward at incredible speed, the experience entirely different from Apparition. Yet, compared to the sensation of being twisted inside a washing machine, this journey was surprisingly gentle.


    Though not exactly comfortable, it wasn¡¯t unpleasant, and he felt none of the usual dizziness. It was manageable.


    After an indeterminate amount of time, Kyle felt his body lighten, and then, with a heavy thud, he landed on solid ground.

 Chapter 240: Nicolas Flamel

    Kyle landed with a slight thud, holding onto the fragment of the Philosopher''s Stone, which spun briefly in midair before he deftly caught it. He slipped the fragment into his pocket, then looked around, taking in his surroundings.


    Before setting off, Kyle had anticipated all sorts of possible destinations. He had expected perhaps a grand manor, or even a secluded wizard village¡ªsomewhere remote and secretive, like Newt''s home nestled deep in the mountains, hidden from prying eyes. But he hadn¡¯t imagined that he would end up on a bustling muggle street.


    Kyle raised his eyebrows as he took in the sight of a large restaurant sign overhead. People strolled past, busy and preoccupied, none seeming to notice the young wizard who had suddenly appeared out of thin air. They moved around him with the ease of those who didn¡¯t see anything out of the ordinary.


    In the background, car horns blared intermittently, and Kyle squinted at the cityscape beyond. To his left, he caught a glimpse of a tall spire piercing the sky.


    "Paris?" Kyle muttered to himself, piecing together his whereabouts. Since he¡¯d known from the start that he¡¯d be going to France, he quickly regained his composure after the initial surprise. he thought. After all, it was a wizard with over six centuries of history¡ªhis outlook was bound to differ from that of most people.


    For now, though, Kyle¡¯s priority was to locate the person he was here to meet.


    Kyle considered his options. Since either Nicolas Flamel or Dumbledore had likely prepared the Portkey, he felt confident he was in the right place. And given Flamel¡¯s nature, it was doubtful he¡¯d be found in any of the shops lining this busy street.


    Reaching into his pocket, Kyle pulled out the envelope Dumbledore had given him before his departure. Opening it, he found a blank piece of paper. However, as soon as he unfolded it, he heard a soft, distinct whisper¡ªa single number:


    ¡°51.¡±


    ...


    As soon as the number ¡°51¡± whispered in Kyle¡¯s ear, the blank paper in his hand suddenly ignited, burning to ash in an instant and falling to the ground. Kyle barely had time to process this when, just ahead, an exquisite wooden door with gilt patterns materialized between the restaurant and the record store. Pale blue walls and gleaming windows emerged, as though an entire house had pushed its way into existence, forcing the neighboring shops aside.


    Kyle observed the new building, intrigued. Inside the restaurant, the waitstaff continued their casual conversations, and in the record store, soft music played on, with neither business seeming to notice the sudden appearance of this elegant door.


    Approaching it, Kyle noticed the door had no handle, only a small indentation that looked as if something had been struck out of it¡ªnot quite a keyhole. He pulled out his wand, attempting an Unlocking Charm, but as expected, it had no effect. Sear?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°Is this some sort of test?¡± he muttered. ¡°Dumbledore didn¡¯t mention anything about this¡­¡±


    As he pondered his next move, the gilt patterns on the door began to twist, entwining to form elegant golden text:


    "Ahead of you lies a swift river.


    The song of the magic flute has destroyed the bridge leading to the other side.


    To continue forward, you must find the four lost branches¡­


    One was taken by a knight in the countryside;


    One struck a butterfly and was unknowingly picked up by a madam;


    One witnessed a wedding vow¡­ and one flaunts above people¡¯s heads.


    Go forth and find them¡­


    Or, you could hand over your treasures to the sirens by the shore¡ªthey will help you cross."


    Kyle studied the words, his gaze narrowing thoughtfully. The meaning was clear enough: the ¡°bridge¡± seemed to represent the door, and to unlock it, he would need to locate four specific items corresponding to the clues.


    He analyzed each line carefully, picking out the key phrases:


    he thought. The names of certain operas matched the clues, though he hadn¡¯t yet pieced together the last two.


    He paused, re-reading the final line. The message seemed straightforward¡ªif he preferred not to hunt down the clues, he could offer a valuable item in exchange for passage. But he knew the price here wasn¡¯t mere Galleons. The indentation in the door looked suspiciously like it was meant for something specific.


    A thought struck him, and he reached into his pocket to pull out the Philosopher''s Stone fragment. To his surprise, the fragment¡¯s size and shape matched the groove perfectly. Clearly, was the ¡°treasure¡± mentioned in the riddle.


    ¡°Nicolas Flamel didn¡¯t intend to take back this fragment of the Philosopher¡¯s Stone?¡± Kyle mused, surprised. If he found all the clues, he might even be able to keep the Stone fragment. On one hand, he could spend time solving the puzzle to retain it; on the other, he could simply use it now as a key. The choice was clear to him.


    With a shrug, Kyle pushed the fragment into the groove without hesitation. The Philosopher¡¯s Stone might have once been powerful enough to drive countless wizards mad with desire, but now, as a broken fragment, it was of no practical use.


    he thought,


    Of course, it might still fetch a high price in Diagon Alley¡ªafter all, with the Philosopher¡¯s Stone as a gimmick, plenty of pureblood families would likely pay handsomely for a chance to own it.


    Just as he reached out to try to retrieve the shard, however, he realized it had already clicked seamlessly into place, fitting perfectly within the door¡¯s groove.


    ...


    The door before Kyle slowly began to dissolve into thin air, while the room beyond expanded rapidly, seeming to engulf the entire street. In what felt like the blink of an eye, the quaint shop transformed into a grand hall lined with elegant columns, and the bustling pedestrians outside vanished altogether.


    Kyle now stood in a vast, opulent hall. Warm yellow marble gleamed beneath his feet, and above him stretched an azure ceiling that shifted and shimmered like a living sky, its surface adorned with intricate golden symbols swirling in patterns that seemed both beautiful and cryptic.


    "Aha, Olympe, you lose!" A familiar voice broke the silence nearby. "I told you¡ªthis kid would be the first one to arrive. Pay up! Two Galleons, fair and square."

 Chapter 241: Maxime and the Silver-Haired Girl

    Kyle, who had been studying the golden symbols on the ceiling, turned toward the voices and noticed two others in the hall, chatting comfortably. The one who had just spoken was McPhail, whom he recognized from the Order of Merlin ceremony at Hogwarts. Beside him sat a strikingly tall witch¡ªthough "tall" hardly seemed adequate. Even while seated, she was at least two or three meters in height, making McPhail, himself a tall man, look almost childlike by comparison.


    Kyle had only met one person of similar stature: Hagrid. This witch was about the same height but had a very different presence. Unlike Hagrid¡¯s rugged appearance, she had a striking, handsome face, with deep-set dark eyes, a sharp nose, and hair swept back into a neat, glossy bun at the nape of her neck. She wore a splendid peacock-blue satin robe adorned with opulent opals around her neck and on her thick fingers, giving her an elegant, almost regal aura.


    As Kyle looked on, she handed two Galleons to McPhail¡ªthough in her enormous hand, the coins looked no bigger than soybeans.


    ¡°Fleur doesn¡¯t quite grasp the value of the Philosopher¡¯s Stone fragments,¡± she said in a low, smooth voice. ¡°And solving the clues is also a show of wisdom.¡±


    McPhail chuckled without argument, pocketing the two Galleons with a smug smile.


    ¡°Don¡¯t mind her, child. Olympe means no harm,¡± said a gentle voice beside Kyle. He turned to see an elderly man with a kind smile and flowing white hair. ¡°In fact, we all know that your choice was the right one. After being used as a Portkey, the magic within the fragment will completely dissipate, and it will eventually turn into nothing more than an ordinary stone.¡±


    The elderly man¡¯s attire was quite unorthodox compared to the others. He wore a vibrant light blue floral shirt, bright orange beach shorts, and large brown sunglasses shaped like clam shells. The only thing missing was a water pistol.


    ¡°Mr. Nicolas Flamel,¡± Kyle said, quickly realizing who he was speaking to.


    ¡°Oh, I¡¯m glad you recognized me,¡± Flamel replied with a warm smile, extending his hand. ¡°Just call me Nicolas. Everyone does; it makes me feel so much younger.¡± Sear?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    For a man over six hundred years old, the difference between twenty and two hundred must have seemed negligible. Kyle, a bit taken aback, nodded and shook his hand, feeling how frail Nicolas¡¯s grip was¡ªit was like shaking hands with a piece of tofu.


    At that moment, the others approached.


    ¡°Hello again, my boy!¡± McPhail greeted him warmly. ¡°Welcome to Paris! This is Nicolas¡¯s former residence. Allow me to introduce Madam Maxime, the headmistress of Beauxbatons Academy of Magic. She made a special trip from her private estate in the Pyrenees just to meet you.¡±


    Kyle looked up as best he could to meet her gaze. ¡°It¡¯s an honor to meet you, Madam Maxime.¡±


    ¡°Hello, my boy,¡± she replied with an appraising look. ¡°Have you ever thought about transferring to Beauxbatons?¡±


    Kyle was taken aback by her forthrightness, but after a moment, he shook his head politely. ¡°Hogwarts suits me well, and all my friends are there.¡±


    ¡°What a pity,¡± Madam Maxime mused, seemingly undeterred. ¡°But they could transfer along with you if they wished¡­¡±


    ¡°Now, Olympe, that won¡¯t do,¡± McPhail said disapprovingly. ¡°The boy clearly prefers Hogwarts.¡±


    It was no small thing to attempt poaching Dumbledore¡¯s students, and Madam Maxime seemed to want not just Kyle but his friends as well. With his friendships and their talent, Hogwarts would feel the loss. Dumbledore might even rush to Paris overnight if he heard¡ªand likely bring along Minerva McGonagall to help.


    Maxime, unfazed, continued, ¡°It¡¯s ultimately his choice, Dugald.¡± She looked back at Kyle. ¡°What do you say, my dear? Would you consider transferring? I assure you that Beauxbatons has fine professors and wonderful students. You¡¯d enjoy it.¡±


    Kyle hesitated, trying to think of a polite way to refuse. Hogwarts, after all, had something unique¡ªa Basilisk, a legacy from Salazar Slytherin himself, one of the school¡¯s Founders. Beauxbatons had no such legacy to compare. Why would he ever leave Hogwarts for a mere crystal astrology tower?


    "Sorry, I..." Kyle began, only to be interrupted.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be so quick to refuse, my boy¡­¡± A sly glint sparkled in Madam Maxime¡¯s eyes. ¡°My offer stands until the moment you leave here.¡±


    McPhail suddenly looked exasperated, muttering, ¡°Oh, blast it, how could I forget about the girl with the Veela bloodline? No wonder you brought her along!¡±


    Madam Maxime merely smiled.


    Leaning close to Kyle, McPhail whispered, ¡°My boy, did you bring any Baruffio¡¯s Brain Elixir or Awakening Potion?¡±


    ¡°No,¡± Kyle replied, shaking his head. The potion kit Director Sykes had given him contained a variety of basics, but not those potions. He rarely needed them anyway, so they hadn¡¯t crossed his mind.


    ¡°Oh¡­ that¡¯s unfortunate. In that case, maybe we should¡ª¡±


    ¡°Dugald!¡± Maxime interjected with a smile. ¡°You can¡¯t make decisions for him. And I¡¯m sure even if Dumbledore were here, he wouldn¡¯t refuse such an offer.¡±


    ¡°Well, he¡¯s not here!¡± McPhail shot back, glancing from Kyle to Maxime¡¯s smiling face and then back again. Scratching his head, he groaned, ¡°By Merlin¡¯s beard, I shouldn¡¯t have come today!¡±


    ¡°Dugald, I have potion ingredients and a cauldron I can lend you, if you¡¯d like,¡± Nicolas offered with a grin. He had been quietly observing the entire scene, a glint of amusement in his eyes.


    McPhail sighed, resigned. ¡°There¡¯s nothing else for it. I just hope we¡¯re not too late¡­¡±


    Still muttering his regret, he turned to Kyle, his tone serious. ¡°Listen, kid. Until I return, you must stay alert. No matter what happens or what you see, keep your mind clear. It¡¯s crucial.¡±


    With that, he hurried off toward a room at the back of the hall. Maxime made no attempt to stop him, as a young girl had just appeared in the center of the hall as if out of thin air.


    She wore the same peacock-blue satin robes as Maxime, and her silver hair cascaded down her back like a waterfall. Her eyes, a striking azure, seemed even more enchanting than the ceiling itself, holding a charm that was almost impossible to ignore.


    Maxime¡¯s smile widened as she walked over to the girl, took her hand, and led her to Kyle.


    ¡°May I introduce Fleur Delacour, Beauxbatons¡¯s brightest student.¡±


    McPhail, watching from the doorway, groaned and covered his face with his hands, muttering, ¡°It¡¯s over¡­ Albus, forgive me¡­¡±


    Meanwhile, Nicolas had settled into the best spot to view the scene, a bucket of freshly popped popcorn in hand, clearly prepared for some entertainment.


    However, to everyone¡¯s surprise, Kyle showed no sign of being enchanted or dazed. Instead, he extended his hand politely and said, ¡°Nice to meet you. You can call me Kyle.¡±

 Chapter 242: Kyle’s Bad Habit

    Kyle remained composed and respectful as he shook Fleur¡¯s hand lightly.


    ¡°Hello, Fleur Delacour,¡± she greeted him with equal poise.


    Despite not knowing French, Kyle understood her words as though an invisible translator hovered in the room. Nearby, Nicolas sat beaming, munching on popcorn, while a House-elf dressed in a race car driver¡¯s outfit stood beside him, holding a glass of white wine.


    ¡°I¡¯ve heard of you,¡± Fleur said, her gaze appraising. ¡°You saved over fifty people and became the youngest recipient of the Order of Merlin.¡±


    A few days ago, the Order of Merlin¡¯s decision to award a Level 2 medal to a twelve-year-old had sparked a stir across the magical community, and Fleur was naturally aware of it. Beauxbatons had only two Order recipients aside from the honorary Professor Nicolas Flamel: Headmistress Maxime held an Order of Merlin, Second Class, and Professor Victor, the alchemy teacher, held an Order of Merlin, Third Class. Now, a Hogwarts student younger than her and in the same year had achieved the same recognition as Madam Maxime. Curiosity about Kyle had been inevitable.


    Some at Beauxbatons, however, doubted the legitimacy of his accomplishment. When Fleur learned that Kyle would be visiting Nicolas Flamel in France, she had asked Madam Maxime to bring her along, and to her surprise, Maxime had quickly agreed¡ªperhaps due to the connection as alumni, with Nicolas being a proud graduate of Beauxbatons himself.


    Yet after meeting Kyle, Fleur¡¯s first impression was surprisingly favorable. As a quarter-Veela, Fleur naturally emitted a subtle allure that often rendered those around her a bit clumsy upon first meeting her, even among her professors. But Kyle¡¯s gaze remained steady, unclouded and sharp, unaffected by her charm.


    ¡°It¡¯s hard to believe you were able to face such a fearsome creature,¡± Fleur remarked, genuinely curious.


    ¡°I just got lucky,¡± Kyle replied lightly. ¡°Two professors were there with me, so I had backup. I just ran in without thinking.¡± He smiled. ¡°I bet if you¡¯d been there, you¡¯d have done the same.¡±


    ¡°Of course!¡± Fleur said proudly, lifting her chin slightly. ¡°Students from Beauxbatons never lack the courage to face danger.¡±


    Her voice carried a confident conviction, and it seemed as though her charm intensified in that moment. Her long, silver hair shone more brightly, as if illuminated from within, and the enchanted ceiling above appeared to dim in comparison.


    McPhail, who had briefly relaxed, now looked tense again, clearly concerned about Kyle¡¯s reaction.


    But Kyle remained entirely unaffected. His mastery of Occlumency not only shielded him from Legilimency but also fortified his mind against most forms of enchantment. He had worked meticulously on this skill in preparation for dealing with Voldemort¡¯s Horcruxes, leaving no gaps in his mental defenses.


    Fleur¡¯s Veela charm was powerful, but it was no match for the rigorously practiced Occlumency shielding Kyle¡¯s mind. Even if her full-blooded Veela grandmother were here, the outcome would likely be the same. Kyle felt a twinge of pity.


    As she watched Kyle and Fleur conversing pleasantly, Madam Maxime¡¯s smile slowly faded... only to reappear on McPhail¡¯s face. ¡°Well, Olympe, it seems your little plan hasn¡¯t gone quite as expected,¡± he commented with a smirk.


    Maxime raised an eyebrow, her tone smooth. ¡°What are you talking about, Dugald? They¡¯re getting along wonderfully, aren¡¯t they?¡±


    McPhail chuckled oddly, choosing not to press her further.


    ¡°And as for you, Dugald,¡± Maxime said coolly, ¡°weren¡¯t you off to brew Baruffio¡¯s Brain Elixir? What are you still doing here? Are you certain you even remember how to make such a complex potion?¡±


    Both the Brain Elixir and the Awakening Potion required intricate steps and precise timing. One misstep, and the whole potion would be ruined¡ªan undertaking even veteran potion-makers found challenging.


    ¡°As I recall, you haven¡¯t touched a cauldron in over a decade,¡± Maxime continued, her expression skeptical.


    ¡°Nine years!¡± McPhail corrected indignantly. ¡°I was invited to the Potions Competition that time and personally awarded the winner¡¯s trophy!¡±


    ¡°Ah, yes, that time,¡± Maxime said in an indifferent tone. ¡°If I remember correctly, they mistook your Scintillation Solution for an Invigoration Draught and even sampled it¡­ quite the spectacle.¡±


    McPhail¡¯s face flushed, and he retorted with forced confidence, ¡°I only did that to lighten the mood! I was aware of the mix-up from the start, it was deliberate... it wasn¡¯t an admission of error!¡±


    He mumbled on about the ¡°universality of potion-making¡± and the importance of ¡°keeping things lively.¡±


    Nicolas, watching the banter, couldn¡¯t help but smile. Witnessing old friends squabble was one of his greatest pleasures¡ªsecond only to attending the opera. He only wished Dumbledore were present to join in on the fun.


    Meanwhile, Kyle and Fleur continued their polite conversation, discussing the educational methods of their respective schools and exchanging tentative plans to ¡°work together for progress.¡± Their topics remained focused on school life, as they didn¡¯t know each other well enough to dive into anything deeper.


    After a while, Fleur glanced at Kyle¡¯s hand, noticing a suitcase he was gripping. ¡°I was meaning to ask¡­ why did you suddenly pull out a suitcase?¡±


    ¡°Er¡­ it¡¯s just a habit,¡± Kyle replied nervously, swiftly moving his hand behind his back. ¡°Nothing to worry about, it¡¯s just an ordinary suitcase I use for¡­ carrying things.¡±


    ¡°A habit?¡± Fleur repeated, looking puzzled.


    Kyle¡¯s explanation seemed odd¡ªwho carried a suitcase while chatting? She had certainly never encountered anyone at Beauxbatons with such a quirk.


    ¡°Ah, it¡¯s just¡­ one of my little hobbies,¡± he replied, growing more flustered. In reality, he had acquired a bit of a reflex at Hogwarts due to his extensive collection of magical creatures. The mention of Fleur¡¯s Veela heritage had caused him to reach for the suitcase instinctively.


    Fortunately, the real magical suitcase was with Dumbledore, and the one he held now was merely an ordinary case. If he had mistakenly used Newt¡¯s suitcase and accidentally slipped Fleur into it¡­ well, leaving Paris in one piece would have been unlikely.


    To defuse the awkwardness, Kyle opened the suitcase and took out a handful of candies. ¡°Here, these are for you,¡± he said, offering them to Fleur.


    Fleur accepted them instinctively. ¡°Candies?¡± S~ea??h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°Well, I wasn¡¯t expecting you, so I didn¡¯t have time to prepare a proper welcome gift,¡± Kyle explained with a smile. ¡°But these are some of the most popular treats at Hogwarts¡ªthey¡¯re delicious.¡±

 Chapter 243: A Different Maxime

    Fleur picked up a yellow candy and popped it into her mouth, her eyes lighting up instantly.


    "It''s delicious."


    "Those are Fizzing Whizbees," Kyle explained with a smile. "One of Honeydukes'' bestsellers. If you like them, I''ll send you some more after school starts."


    Fleur was about to nod, but a thought struck her, and her expression shifted to a slight frown. "Sorry, I didn¡¯t bring you a gift."


    She had come with a competitive mindset, so naturally, bringing a gift hadn¡¯t crossed her mind. She hadn¡¯t expected Kyle to be so relaxed, not only humble but also giving her a gift willingly and without the slightest hint of being enchanted.


    This left Fleur feeling a little embarrassed.


    "It¡¯s fine. You can make it up to me the next time we meet." Kyle waved it off with a smile, casually tucking the suitcase back into his bag.


    "Alright, if we meet again, I¡¯ll definitely make up for this gift," Fleur promised with a nod. "And when school starts, I''ll send you some special French sweets. You¡¯ll like them too."


    ...


    Maxime, who had been standing nearby, had seen and heard everything exchanged between the two of them. She nodded slightly, and the smile that had vanished earlier slowly reappeared on her face.


    As expected, he was still just a twelve-year-old kid. While he¡¯d resisted Fleur¡¯s particular charm, he still got a bit nervous in her presence. And now, she was even giving him gifts.


    Though she hadn¡¯t managed to lure him back to Beauxbatons right away, it was a promising start. Besides, it would be concerning if this Kyle boy hadn¡¯t reacted at all. The wizarding world was never short of talented young wizards, but it was rare to find one mature enough to match his talent.


    She had even considered setting up an Age Line or something similar to exclude Kyle, should the event actually proceed. But now, she felt there was no need to go to such lengths. Let things unfold naturally.


    Seeing that the conversation between Kyle and Fleur had wrapped up, Maxime paid no further attention to McPhail, who was still chattering beside her. She strode over with a deliberately stern expression. Sear?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t realize that Dumbledore had already briefed you on that matter. Sharing strictly confidential information with a student¡ªnow that¡¯s something I¡¯ve never seen before.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Kyle blinked, looking puzzled.


    Maxime stared at him for a long moment, then suddenly laughed. ¡°Not bad. You¡¯ve got a good sense of discretion.¡±


    ¡°Just remember, this matter remains strictly confidential, so it¡¯s best to keep it to yourself. If word gets out, it could all go to waste.¡±


    Kyle looked even more confused.


    Maxime continued talking, almost as if to herself. ¡°I suppose you guessed Fleur would be involved, which is why you mentioned seeing her again. Well, you were correct in thinking that. Fleur will indeed be there.¡±


    Kyle¡¯s mouth dropped open.


    He really wanted to tell Maxime that he¡¯d just been being polite. It was like saying, ¡ªone of those phrases that hovers somewhere between sincerity and politeness.


    He had plenty of candy; it wasn¡¯t worth fussing over.


    But then Kyle began to realize what Maxime was hinting at.


    The Triwizard Tournament! It was supposed to be kept secret, and Fleur¡¯s participation was guaranteed... that had to be it.


    But wasn¡¯t the tournament set to start in two years? Why were they talking about it so early?


    Kyle mulled this over, but his expression remained completely unchanged.


    Maxime lowered her head, grumbling in frustration, "It¡¯s all Karkaroff¡¯s fault, that coward. We were so close to reaching an agreement, but the moment he heard Hogwarts was involved, he hid himself in fear. It¡¯s just a wandering soul, what¡¯s there to be afraid of? That Death Eater¡ª"


    "Olympe!" McPhail interjected sharply. "There are children here!"


    "Sorry..." Maxime paused, her tone softening. "I just can''t fathom what Durmstrang was thinking, letting such a coward become headmaster."


    "Karkaroff may genuinely have an important commitment," McPhail offered after a thoughtful pause. "He did mention escorting a student for professional Quidditch team tryouts."


    "Do you actually believe that?" Maxime scoffed. "Even if the child is a Quidditch prodigy, is it worth the headmaster personally taking him to tryouts? Especially such a long journey... Since when did Durmstrang start taking Quidditch so seriously? I always thought they only used broomsticks for clearing snow!"


    "Perhaps things have changed," McPhail suggested.


    "So, we¡¯re just supposed to wait?" Maxime said irritably. "We had everything planned for next year. And now¡­ who knows how long it¡¯ll be delayed!"


    "There¡¯s nothing we can do about it," McPhail replied, shaking his head. "Karkaroff represents Durmstrang, and without him, that matter has to be postponed for now."


    "Hmph," Maxime huffed, clearly displeased. She shot a glance at McPhail, her irritation evident. "Why are you just standing there? Aren¡¯t you supposed to be brewing the potion? I¡¯m eager to see the results!"


    "Actually, I suddenly don¡¯t feel like it¡ª" McPhail began, but before he could finish, his feet left the ground. Maxime had grabbed him by the collar, lifting him effortlessly as though he were a child, and carried him toward the back room of the hall.


    "Wait, what are you doing? Put me down! Let go! I don¡¯t want to brew anymore!" McPhail protested, struggling helplessly, but despite their considerable size difference, he was soon dragged into the small, dimly lit room.


    Fleur looked on, utterly astonished, her view of the world shattered.


    In the eyes of all Beauxbatons students, Madame Maxime had always embodied elegance and poise. She had never imagined that the most perfect professor of etiquette would behave so... unrefined.


    "Don¡¯t be surprised, my dear," Nicolas said, finally setting aside the popcorn he¡¯d been munching on, a smile playing on his lips. "They¡¯re old friends, and it¡¯s natural for them to relax around each other. When you return to school, you¡¯ll see Madame Olympe¡¯s refined side once more. Oh, and do remember to keep this little incident to yourself."


    Fleur nodded stiffly, still processing what she¡¯d seen.


    "Would you like to go take a look?" Nicolas invited with a grin. "McPhail rarely demonstrates his potion-making, so this is a rare opportunity."


    "Is that alright?" Fleur asked hesitantly.


    "Of course, it¡¯s perfectly fine."


    Nicolas led Kyle and Fleur toward the room, and just as they reached the door, they heard a loud clanging noise from inside.


    Kyle and Fleur exchanged a look before glancing at Nicolas Flamel.


    ¡°Oh, you needn¡¯t worry," Nicolas said calmly, as though accustomed to such commotions. "It¡¯ll all be over in a moment."

 Chapter 244: Does He Have a Grudge Against Dumbledore?

    The next morning, Kyle rubbed his head and sat up in an antique four-poster bed, blinking groggily as he took in the unfamiliar room around him. After a moment, he remembered¡ªhe was in Paris, at Nicolas Flamel¡¯s house.


    "Would you like some breakfast, my lord?" a high-pitched voice called from the far side of the room.


    It was a House-elf wearing a pair of little goggles.


    "Tata?" Kyle recalled. That was the House-elf¡¯s name.


    "Yes, honored guest... Tata is very honored you remember my name."


    Unlike the typically timid House-elves in the Hogwarts kitchen, Tata seemed much more self-assured. Dressed in a neat, well-fitting outfit, Tata looked more like a proper butler from an old manor than a House-elf. But, like the others, Tata was a bit over-enthusiastic.


    As soon as Kyle sat up, Tata rushed over with an array of toiletries and breakfast items, setting them all down with practiced efficiency. Steak, sausage, bread, French foie gras, a selection of French soups... the table was practically overflowing, enough to feed a small army.


    "That¡¯s plenty! I can¡¯t eat all of this!" Kyle quickly said, pushing a few dishes aside as he grabbed a warm towel from the nearby tray to wipe his face. "By the way, what happened yesterday? And why am I sleeping here?"


    His head still felt a bit foggy. He vaguely remembered being invited to Flamel¡¯s house, meeting Fleur and Madame Maxime from Beauxbatons, but the rest was a blur. He had no idea why he¡¯d spent the night here.


    "My noble guest, you drank some rather¡­ strong water yesterday and fell asleep," Tata explained. "The master asked me to bring you here to rest."


    "Strong water?" Kyle repeated, frowning as faint memories resurfaced, though still blurry.


    "Yes, this," Tata replied, pulling a bottle out from a nearby cabinet. "I made sure to save it after everyone finished drinking yesterday."


    Kyle took the bottle, and his expression shifted as he inspected it. It was a bottle of Old Firewhiskey. His eyes widened as he checked the label¡¯s date¡ª1933.


    He had been drinking Firewhiskey that was almost 60 years old? No wonder his head felt like it was spinning. sea??h th§× N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He¡¯d never experienced a headache like this since learning Occlumency. But, as he now realized, Occlumency wasn¡¯t much help against Firewhiskey.


    "Master said you might need this," Tata said, holding out a small vial filled with a sky-blue potion.


    Kyle took it, uncorked it, and sniffed briefly before tilting his head back and downing the potion in one gulp. Almost instantly, a cool sensation spread through his body, clearing his foggy head.


    Then, the previous day¡¯s events started to come back to him. During dinner, someone had indeed offered him a glass of something with a wine-like flavor. And it wasn¡¯t just anyone¡ªit was McPhail, the wizard who had presented the Merlin¡¯s Medal at Hogwarts.


    At the time, McPhail had said it was mead, perfectly fine for young wizards to drink. Kyle hadn¡¯t thought twice and took a sip.


    And now¡­


    Kyle rubbed his temples, feeling his headache intensify. Who would¡¯ve guessed that McPhail, a wizard over a hundred years old and a distinguished Order of Merlin, First Class recipient, would lie to a kid under thirteen and get him to drink Firewhiskey!


    And then there was that Baruffio¡¯s Brain Elixir McPhail had started to brew¡ªan unpleasant, slimy, bubbling concoction that looked like a strange shade of brown. Kyle had only ever seen it brewing in McPhail¡¯s cauldron. Not even a dragon could stomach that stuff!


    For a moment, Kyle couldn¡¯t help but wonder if McPhail held some grudge against Dumbledore. Maybe, unable to best him, he¡¯d settled for causing a bit of mischief by roping Kyle into his bizarre antics.


    ...


    After breakfast, Kyle left his room and followed a gleaming, golden corridor that led to the grand hall from the previous day. When he entered, he found the hall completely transformed. The ceiling was now open to the sky, while the walls and floor shimmered in a deep, dark golden hue.


    The moment he stepped in, Kyle was captivated by an astonishing scene: an orchestra, filling every corner of the room, playing their instruments with intense focus. The music was rich, sweeping through the space like a live opera performance.


    Nicolas Flamel lay reclined on a beach chair, soaking up imaginary sunrays as he listened contentedly to the music. Spotting Kyle, he smiled and said, ¡°Tata just carried away all the leftover food... I guessed you must have woken up by now.¡±


    Kyle approached Nicolas, still entranced by the magnificent orchestra around him. ¡°Mr. Flamel, what is this...?¡±


    ¡°Oh, you mean this?¡± Nicolas responded with a proud smile. ¡°This is the most precious treasure in my long life.¡±


    With that, Nicolas rose from his beach chair. The beautiful opera continued seamlessly, but in an instant, the orchestra vanished, and the hall returned to its original form. Kyle noticed faint golden symbols flashing briefly along the walls, similar to the intricate carvings on the Pensieve in Dumbledore¡¯s office.


    ¡°Mr. Flamel¡­¡± Kyle began, still processing what he¡¯d seen.


    ¡°As we agreed, call me Nicolas.¡±


    ¡°Okay, Nicolas,¡± Kyle corrected himself. ¡°Are these¡­ your memories?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡± Nicolas¡¯s gaze softened. ¡°An unforgettable encounter from a century ago. I often feel drawn to relive it.¡±


    ¡°Amazing!¡± Kyle marveled. A life-sized Pensieve¡­ surely, only in Nicolas Flamel¡¯s house would one see such a marvel.


    ¡°This is my proudest creation,¡± Nicolas admitted, a fresh tune now filling the air.


    Kyle looked around at the vast, now-empty hall, then leaned in and asked quietly, ¡°Nicolas, do you think Mr. McPhail has some personal grudge against Professor Dumbledore?¡±


    ¡°As far as I know¡­ no,¡± Nicolas replied. ¡°In fact, they get along rather well, and both share a strong interest in Quidditch. Before you arrived, he even promised Albus he¡¯d look after you.¡±


    ¡°By tricking me into drinking Firewhiskey?¡± Kyle asked skeptically. ¡°That¡¯s a rather¡­ unique way to show care.¡±


    Nicolas chuckled. ¡°That has little to do with Albus. Ever since Dugald retired, he become something of a loose cannon. And it¡¯s not just you¡ªhe even pulled a few stunts on Fleur. But he seemed to forget that Olympe is here too... Oh, this might lift your spirits a bit.¡±


    Nicolas clapped his hands, and suddenly, the painting in the hall transformed. The original music was replaced by pitiful wails and a loud, rhythmic thudding sound, unmistakably McPhail¡¯s voice. Kyle recognized it instantly; he had heard the exact same scream yesterday from the potion room, and it had made quite an impression.


    Kyle whispered, ¡°Could it be that Madame Maxime¡­¡±


    ¡°Exactly.¡± Nicolas winked, a mischievous smile on his face. ¡°I doubt he¡¯ll be stepping outside anytime soon.¡±


    Kyle chuckled, though he felt a twinge of sympathy. This had nothing to do with Dumbledore. It was one thing for McPhail to prank him, but to involve Fleur, right under Madame Maxime¡¯s watchful eye? He¡¯d certainly paid the price for that mistake.

 Chapter 245: Nicolas Flamel’s Private Library

    After learning that everyone else had already left, Kyle was about to pack up and head back himself when Nicolas Flamel shook his head and said,


    "There''s no need to hurry, Kyle. You can stay here for a while if you like."


    "And I heard from Albus that you''ve taught yourself some alchemy and invented a rather interesting little gadget. It has something to do with Quidditch, doesn¡¯t it? May I take a look?"


    "Well, yes... though I''m not sure if it really qualifies as alchemy," Kyle replied, pulling a transparent snake bracelet from his Mokeskin pouch¡ªthe same type he had once sold to Malfoy for 100 Galleons. Since then, he''d received a few more orders, though not many; only five, as a hundred Galleons was no small sum. Even for Slytherins, few would spend so much on a "toy."


    This bracelet was something he¡¯d made in advance, ready to use as a way to attract new customers when the school term began. It was also the only item related to alchemy he currently had on him.


    Nicolas took the bracelet and raised his eyebrows, a hint of surprise showing on his face.


    "To embed a Charm into a solid object... yes, this is indeed alchemy."


    "I think you''ve read that book, ," he added.


    Kyle nodded. "I stumbled across it in the school library."


    "It¡¯s an excellent book on alchemy," Nicolas said thoughtfully. "Though some ideas in it differ from mainstream alchemical thought, it¡¯s very beneficial for beginners."


    Nicolas ran his fingers gently over the bracelet. "It''s impressive you¡¯ve developed such a solid foundation; I can only spot a few minor flaws. It seems you''re quite interested in alchemy."


    Kyle nodded without hesitation. "Yes."


    Of course, he had to show interest now. Admitting he was studying alchemy to research Horcruxes would hardly go over well. Kyle had no interest in pursuing his studies in Nurmengard. Besides, as the creator of the Philosopher¡¯s Stone, Nicolas Flamel¡¯s expertise in alchemy was beyond anyone¡¯s imagination. Even if he taught only a few tricks on a whim, it would be an invaluable treasure for Kyle.


    "Good, then come with me." Nicolas returned the bracelet to him and led Kyle to a circular room. There was little furniture here, just a few tables; the rest of the space was filled with books. An astonishing number of them.


    Rows upon rows of towering bookshelves extended as far as the eye could see, stacked neatly from the floor up.


    Nicolas gestured to the shelves. "There are many alchemy books here, as well as notes from my earlier years. If you''re interested, feel free to look through them anytime."


    Kyle looked up at the vast array of books in awe. "Are all of these about alchemy?" he asked incredulously.


    "Not at all¡ªonly a few."


    Nicolas pulled a worn copy of from a nearby shelf. "If you want to read something else, you can find it here too, whatever you like."


    "It''s like having a library in your own home..." Kyle muttered.


    "Not quite¡ªjust my personal collection." Nicolas placed the book back on the shelf. "I began gathering books in my early years and kept them here. At first, there were only a few shelves, but over time, they grew and grew, until it became like this."


    This was only from the early years?


    Kyle couldn¡¯t help but marvel. Even just the collection in front of him was already larger than the Hogwarts library.


    Nicolas, however, seemed eager to return to the opera. With a few parting words, he took a few small steps toward the door. Before leaving, he called for a House-elf.


    "Tata knows the location of every book here. If you¡¯re looking for something in particular... just ask it."


    The door closed behind him, leaving Kyle alone with Tata, the House-elf, who stared back at him expectantly.


    A moment later, Kyle asked hesitantly, "You know where all these books are?"


    "Of course, my honored guest," Tata replied proudly. "As a qualified House-elf, I must be able to locate whatever my master needs at any time. Though it may be difficult, Tata can manage it." S§×arch* The NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Could you help me find ?" Kyle asked, testing her claim.


    "Pop!"


    With a snap of her fingers, a thick book appeared on the nearby table.


    "I also need ."


    "Pop!"


    Another loud snap, and the book¡ªtypically kept in Hogwarts'' Restricted Section¡ªmaterialized on the table as well. Kyle picked it up and leafed through it briefly; the content was identical to the copy he had seen before.


    "What about ?" Kyle asked, narrowing his eyes thoughtfully.


    "Pop!"


    The familiar snapping sound echoed again, but this time, nothing appeared on the table.


    "Please forgive me, distinguished guest!" Tata quickly bowed low, her long nose nearly brushing the floor. "You cannot see that book!"


    "Can''t see it..." Kyle frowned. "At all?"


    "It''s on the 23rd floor, the 97th row on the left," Tata responded with precision, "but you cannot see it, so Tata cannot bring it to you."


    Kyle realized that this library, too, seemed to have a restricted section of its own. For a moment, he considered searching for , a book he¡¯d been eager to find. But given Nicolas Flamel¡¯s close relationship with Dumbledore, he quickly dismissed the idea. He already knew the basics of creating a Horcrux from Voldemort, so there was no need to take that risk.


    "That''s all right, Tata. I didn¡¯t really want to read that book anyway," Kyle said, refocusing. "Can you help me find Nicolas''s notes? Just the basics."


    Tata straightened up. With a series of crackling sounds, like tiny firecrackers, the table was soon covered with a variety of well-preserved notebooks, parchments, and slates.


    Kyle eagerly flipped through them, only to discover that he couldn¡¯t understand any of it. The symbols were unfamiliar, completely indecipherable. It was as though Nicolas Flamel had leapt from the basics of alchemy straight to advanced research, skipping over everything in between¡ªand those blank spaces were exactly what Kyle needed.


    "Do you have anything even earlier than this?" Kyle asked, frowning.


    Tata shook her head.


    Running out of options, Kyle shifted his approach. "Can you bring me the books Nicolas has written himself?"


    This time, Tata returned with something more accessible.


    .


    This was an alchemy textbook Nicolas Flamel had written long ago specifically for Beauxbatons. And it was exactly what Kyle needed.

 Chapter 246: The Blue Crystal Shard

    In Nicolas''s private library, Kyle sat at the table as usual, quietly leafing through a book on alchemy. Tata, the House-elf, stood nearby, and as Kyle finished reading the last page, she handed him a glass of freshly made lemonade.


    "Thanks," Kyle said, finishing the drink with a satisfied sigh.


    It had been a month since his arrival, and in that time, he had practically lived in this library. Sometimes Tata even brought him his meals. Though Nicolas Flamel hadn¡¯t personally taught him any alchemy, he had recommended numerous books ideal for beginners. This guidance alone had led to a marked improvement in Kyle''s understanding of alchemy, and he could feel his skills advancing significantly. The progress he¡¯d made left him deeply content.


    But, unfortunately, today was his last day here.


    Kyle reluctantly handed the book he was reading to Tata and left the library alone. In the lobby, he found Nicolas Flamel still enjoying an opera performance from his memories. As Kyle approached, the orchestra in Nicolas''s mind seemed to finish the last note.


    "I was just wondering when you¡¯d come out," Nicolas remarked, putting away his memories and slowly rising from the beach chair. "Perenelle has already called for us several times. It¡¯s time to head back."


    Perenelle, Nicolas''s wife, had stayed behind in Devon to tend to the garden and hadn¡¯t joined them on this trip to Paris.


    "Are we leaving now?" Kyle asked. S§×arch* The novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "No rush," Nicolas replied with a smile. "First, I need to see if you¡¯ve been keeping up with your studies."


    "Alright then... Professor Nicolas."


    Kyle took a folded piece of parchment from his pocket and unfolded it in front of Nicolas. The parchment displayed a map of the entire estate, with every room labeled, and in the center of the hall, Kyle¡¯s name was clearly marked.


    "A map?" Nicolas asked with interest.


    "Yes," Kyle said. "The original map was drawn by Tata. I studied the tracing magic behind the Summoning Charm, along with a few other techniques, to produce this."


    He pulled out his wand and tapped it on the map, softly saying, "!"


    Instantly, a clear dotted line appeared, connecting Kyle¡¯s name in the hall to the library on the parchment.


    Nicolas¡¯s eyes gleamed for a moment. Without a word, he flicked his fingers, and the hall around them seemed to come alive. The corridor behind Kyle began to shift, gradually sealing itself off until it had become a solid wall. Doors and windows throughout the hall slowly faded, until the room was completely enclosed, with no visible exits.


    Nicolas looked back at the parchment. The layout of the rooms had changed, but, curiously, the dotted line connecting Kyle to the library was still present¡ªonly now, it pointed in a different direction.


    The line bent towards the newly formed wall on the left, where it vanished into the solid surface.


    "It seems your work has failed," Nicolas remarked, looking up at Kyle with a smile. He pointed toward the wall where the dotted line ended. "There¡¯s no exit there."


    "Not necessarily, Nicolas," Kyle replied, smiling back. He walked confidently toward the wall, took a deep breath, and then dashed forward, crashing straight into it.


    Just like Platform 9?, Kyle passed through the wall effortlessly, emerging into the familiar corridor beyond. Nicolas followed him with an approving look.


    "Allow me to retract my previous comment," he said with a chuckle. "It''s excellent work¡ªyou really haven¡¯t slacked off." He paused, then asked, "Shall we head back now?"


    "Of course." Nicolas pulled out two crystal shards, one blue and one red. "These are the keys. Channel magic into them using alchemy, and they¡¯ll open the way."


    Kyle stared at the blue crystal, which was identical to a shard of the Philosopher''s Stone. He opened his mouth, about to ask a question, but decided against it.


    Nicolas continued, "The red one will send you home. The blue one will allow you to return to this library if you ever need to."


    "Back here again?" Kyle asked, glancing up instinctively.


    "Yes," Nicolas replied. "I imagine you''ve been wondering why I invited you here."


    Kyle nodded after a brief silence. Initially, he¡¯d thought it was connected to the Order of Merlin medal. But if that were the case, he wouldn¡¯t have been invited to stay so long. He recalled that ten days ago, during a meal, Perenelle had urged Nicolas to return home. Kyle had been ready to leave then, but Nicolas had insisted on staying to watch an opera¡ªa plan that had kept them confined to the house for days.


    "It''s because I saw you coming here¡ªabout two months ago," Nicolas said.


    Two months ago? Kyle thought back; Hogwarts hadn¡¯t even gone on break yet. "Was it a prophecy?" he asked cautiously.


    "Not exactly," Nicolas replied, winking. "But you could think of it that way. Do you want to know what I saw?"


    "No!" Kyle shook his head at once. Prophecies in the wizarding world were tricky; if you didn¡¯t know about them, there was a chance to avoid their outcome. But once you were aware, it was said they would inevitably come to pass.


    "Don''t be so tense." Nicolas waved his hand, restoring the room to its original state. "All I saw was you coming here twice. That was it. But there was this strong feeling¡ªa voice, even¡ªthat insisted you needed this knowledge, and that I should help you."


    Kyle¡¯s face softened. As long as it didn¡¯t involve Nicolas himself, he doubted it was anything too severe. After all, the last time Nicolas had lent a hand, it had been to¡­ oh, right, save Paris.


    They returned together to the lobby, where Nicolas gestured to a small box on a table nearby. "Just one last thing... A bit late, but happy birthday, kid."


    Kyle¡¯s eyes widened, realizing that it was August 5th, and he¡¯d completely forgotten his birthday had been five days ago.


    "Thank you, Nicolas. What is it?"


    "Didn''t you mention you needed a box for storing magical items?" Nicolas said. "I put this together for you while I was listening to the opera."


    Kyle picked up the box, inspecting it with fascination. It had a dark gold finish, and along the opening were golden symbols he recognized as preservation runes.


    "This is perfect," Kyle said, grinning.


    "I''m glad you like it."

 Chapter 247: The Journey Back and Different Gifts

    It was already evening when Kyle returned to St. Catchpole Village. After completing his journey with the door key and dropping down from mid-air, he was greeted by a group waiting for him.


    Chris, who seemed to know in advance that Kyle would be back, was standing by the door.


    ¡°Dumbledore wrote to let us know you''d be coming home today,¡± Chris said with a smile. "But I didn¡¯t expect it to be this late."


    "I was supposed to be here in the afternoon, but something came up and delayed me."


    ¡°That¡¯s alright. You¡¯re just in time for dinner,¡± Chris replied, opening the door for him.


    Kyle had barely stepped inside and hadn¡¯t even had a chance to grab a drink before Chris eagerly asked, "So, tell me, what¡¯s Nicolas Flamel like? I imagine... he must be a serious and disciplined scholar."


    "Er... more or less," Kyle replied, though his expression turned a little wry. Discipline? Hard to say.


    Throughout his stay, Nicolas had donned horn-rimmed glasses, colorful floral shirts, and loose shorts, typically lounging back in a chair listening to opera. In his own way, that was a sort of discipline.


    ¡°Dad, haven¡¯t you ever met Nicolas before?¡± Kyle asked.


    ¡°No,¡± Chris shook his head, adding with a playful smile, ¡°I¡¯m not like you, receiving the Order of Merlin at twelve.¡±


    As he inquired further, Kyle offered only vague answers, wanting to preserve Nicolas¡¯s mystique, then made an excuse about putting away his luggage and hurried upstairs.


    His room was filled with neatly wrapped birthday gifts, all of which had arrived days earlier. Since Kyle had been staying with Nicolas, the owls delivering them hadn¡¯t been able to find him, so they¡¯d ended up here instead. But now was not the time to start unwrapping them...


    Just then, Ratton flew in through the open window, and the voices of Fred and George echoed up from outside.


    "Kyle, are you back?"


    "Come on out! We¡¯ve got someone with us!"


    Kyle leaned out of his window and spotted a small figure standing behind them.


    ¡°Potter?¡±


    "That''s right," said Fred with a grin. "We freed him from his cage."


    "In Dad¡¯s flying car."


    ¡°It was incredible, but too bad you missed it.¡±


    Behind them, Harry waved cheerfully up at Kyle. Ron had been right; his family was certainly close to Kyle. And while his home wasn¡¯t quite as peculiar as The Burrow, it still had its own charm.


    Soon, with Kyle''s invitation, Harry followed Fred and George into the house. The large living room was even more spacious than the Dursleys¡¯. But before Harry could properly take it in, he saw Fred and George already dashing up the stairs, leaving him to follow in their wake.


    As soon as they reached the upstairs floor, Fred and George barged into Kyle¡¯s room, theatrically scolding him. S~ea??h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°Kyle, you said you¡¯d only be gone a few days¡­¡±


    ¡°But it¡¯s been a whole month¡­¡±


    ¡°Do you have any idea what we¡¯ve been through!¡±


    "Playing Quidditch in the common room, annoying Percy, and pranking Ron?¡± Kyle replied calmly, ¡°Or were you hiding away in your room to work on the Skiving Snackbox? I¡¯m sure Mrs. Weasley doesn¡¯t know you''ve stashed it under your bed.¡±


    Fred and George exchanged a quick glance before grinning.


    ¡°Haha, Kyle, you¡¯re mistaken¡­¡±


    ¡°We actually hid it under Ron¡¯s bed.¡±


    Beside Harry, Ron¡¯s eyes widened in disbelief. His cheeks flushed as he spluttered, ¡°You never told me!¡±


    No wonder Fred and George had been sneaking into his room recently and even letting him borrow their broom¡ªit had all been a cover! Ron thought they were just being nice, but now he realized it was just a scheme.


    ¡°Come on, Ron, it was only temporary,¡± Fred said with a laugh.


    Ron¡¯s face turned stormy. ¡°No way! What if Mum finds out? Take it out of there now!¡±


    ¡°If you insist¡­¡± George sighed dramatically. ¡°You¡¯re our little brother, and you won¡¯t even help us with this tiny favor. It¡¯s heartbreaking, really.¡±


    Fred nodded solemnly. ¡°We were even planning to get you a present when school starts, but now, well¡­ forget it.¡±


    ¡°Fine, fine!¡± Ron¡¯s face grew redder as he mumbled something under his breath, almost as if he wanted to retract his words, but before he could, Fred and George had already dashed off, cackling as they left the room.


    While the twins raced off, Harry¡¯s gaze drifted over the neatly wrapped gifts piled in Kyle¡¯s room. He noticed several of the packages marked with ¡°Happy Birthday¡± labels and froze, looking over at Ron.


    ¡°Ron¡­ you should¡¯ve told me it was Kyle¡¯s birthday today. I didn¡¯t have time to get him anything.¡±


    ¡°Oh, no,¡± Ron shook his head, snapping out of his embarrassment. ¡°Actually, Kyle¡¯s birthday was a few days ago¡ªJuly 31st.¡±


    ¡°July 31st? Wait, that¡¯s my¡ª¡±


    ¡°Yeah, Kyle and you have the same birthday,¡± Ron said, frowning. ¡°Didn¡¯t I tell you before?¡±


    ¡°Never¡­¡± Harry muttered, though he had a vague sense he¡¯d heard it somewhere.


    ¡°Oh! I remember¡ªit was Hagrid!¡± Harry said, clapping his hands together. ¡°When he first took me to Diagon Alley, he mentioned that him and I share a birthday.¡±


    ¡°What are you two whispering about?¡± Kyle asked, noticing them.


    ¡°Nothing¡­¡± Harry replied quickly. ¡°But Kyle, you weren¡¯t home before. How did your presents get here? Did House-elves intercept them or something?¡±


    ¡°House-elves? Not quite,¡± Kyle replied with a chuckle. ¡°It¡¯s just that where I was staying was¡­ a little hard for the owls to locate, that¡¯s all.¡±


    ¡°But speaking of presents¡­¡± Kyle pulled out two small boxes from his pocket and tossed them to Harry and Ron. ¡°Here, these are for you. I made them myself.¡±


    Harry and Ron caught the boxes eagerly. Harry¡¯s box held a badge.


    ¡°It¡¯s waterproof and moisture-resistant,¡± Kyle explained. ¡°You can wear it in the rain during Quidditch without any problems.¡± He¡¯d originally planned it for Fred and George, but it would work just as well for Harry¡ªand making another one wouldn¡¯t be hard.


    ¡°Thanks, this is amazing!¡± Harry pinned the badge on at once, already planning to buy Kyle a gift the next time he went to Diagon Alley.


    Ron¡¯s box contained a special quill pen that Kyle had designed just for him¡ªone that automatically replenished its ink. It would make homework much faster and free up more time for fun. Yet, for some reason, Ron didn¡¯t look quite as thrilled about it.

 Chapter 248: Lovegood

    Kyle had been invited to Nicolas Flamel¡¯s home as a guest, a detail meant to stay confidential. But, as Dumbledore had once told Harry, secrets had a knack for escaping into the open. By the time Kyle returned, it seemed everyone knew.


    At dinner, Mr. Weasley, much like Chris had done earlier, kept asking Kyle about Nicolas Flamel and whether he¡¯d encountered any talking refrigerators or enchanted muggle gadgets.


    ¡°Dad worships Nicolas Flamel,¡± Fred whispered conspiratorially. ¡°He¡¯s been practically vibrating with excitement ever since he accidentally ran into Headmaster Dumbledore and found out where you¡¯d gone.¡±


    George added with a grin, ¡°I think he¡¯s convinced Flamel¡¯s house is full of talking muggle appliances.¡±


    In the end, with Mr. Weasley¡¯s eager gaze fixed on him, Kyle had to gently break it to him that Nicolas¡¯s house did not have a talking refrigerator, nor did the lawnmower tell jokes while tap-dancing. In fact, none of the magical muggle appliances Mr. Weasley imagined could be found there.


    This news left Mr. Weasley visibly deflated.


    But Kyle really couldn¡¯t do much to cheer him up; Nicolas¡¯s estate in Paris was where he had lived for centuries, long before even the invention of light bulbs. Even the beach chair on which Nicolas sat listening to his opera recordings had been brought over from Devon and was simply an old favorite.


    Though disappointed, Mr. Weasley perked up with a new idea: he decided to buy a similar beach chair and enchant it himself to feel closer to his alchemical hero.


    Mrs. Weasley, however, did not share his enthusiasm. With the flying car incident still fresh in her mind, she was hardly thrilled about the prospect of another experimental muggle object in the house. Her sharp, disapproving gaze was enough to signal that Mr. Weasley would likely face an earful once dinner was over.


    ...


    The others were curious about Kyle¡¯s recent experiences, but when Fred, George, and Ron learned he¡¯d spent the entire month reading, their interest evaporated.


    In their view, summer was for fun, and dedicating it to books seemed like a scandalous waste of time. Percy asked a few questions, but he didn¡¯t seem particularly engaged either; with no alchemy on the Hogwarts exams, he saw no reason to bother with extra studies.


    Harry, however, was stunned, his mouth slightly agape ever since Mr. Weasley had brought up the topic. He¡¯d known that Kyle was a guest somewhere, but he never imagined it was with Nicolas Flamel, a wizard over 600 years old and creator of the Philosopher¡¯s Stone. While he was busy worrying about his homework, Kyle had been visiting a legend¡¯s home. It made Harry feel that sometimes, the gap between wizards was wider than that between wizards and gnomes.


    After dinner, Mr. Weasley was indeed pulled aside by Mrs. Weasley, while Fred and George, feeling overstuffed from the meal, invited Kyle and Harry to join them in a traditional activity of St. Catchpole Village: a round of gnome-tossing in the garden.


    "The rules are simple, Harry," Fred explained as they reached the garden. He grabbed a gnome, a creature resembling a potato with limbs, from the flowerbed. "You just need to throw it or use a bat to send it flying as far as possible. Like this¡­¡±


    With a swift swing, Fred whacked the gnome with a short bat, sending it soaring through the evening sky. At Harry¡¯s surprised expression, George clarified, "Gnomes have tough skin, so a wooden bat barely bothers them. Sometimes I think they''d make decent Bludgers." Harry, hesitant at first, soon found himself bitten by a particularly feisty gnome and quickly morphed into a dedicated batting machine.


    ¡°Oh, that last one was at least 200 feet, Harry!¡± said Fred, watching the flight of the gnome.


    ¡°More like 250,¡± said George, nodding. Since it was late, they didn¡¯t bother with strict measurements and simply estimated distances as they went along.


    ¡°I think I had the angle off on that last one... I bet I can hit it farther this time!¡± Harry said, grabbing another gnome, which had been watching the fun, and swung again.


    "Nice one, Harry," George said with approval. "That was a textbook straight fly. You¡¯ve got a knack for Beater skills¡ª"


    "Ow!"


    A painful yelp echoed from somewhere in the distance. The group exchanged alarmed glances and rushed towards the sound. When they reached the spot, they saw a figure crouched down, clutching his head.


    ¡°I¡¯m really sorry, sir!¡± Harry stammered. ¡°I didn¡¯t know anyone was there¡­¡±


    The man looked up, a little dazed, and smiled weakly. ¡°No worries¡ªit¡¯s my own fault for not paying attention.¡± But then he noticed the group and froze, a faint smile dawning on his face. "Ah, Fred, George, Kyle¡­ good, you¡¯re not throwing garden gnome again this time, right?"


    It was then that they all recognized him: a man with slightly crossed eyes, fluffy white hair like cotton candy spilling down to his shoulders, dressed in a bright yellow robe. A gold chain hung around his neck with a pendant resembling a triangular eye.


    ¡°Mr. Lovegood?¡± Kyle asked, a little surprised.


    The unfortunate man hit by the gnome was Xenophilius Lovegood, who lived just north of St. Catchpole Village.


    "Just back from a trip?" Kyle asked.


    "Yes," replied Lovegood, rubbing his head with a chuckle. "I was so caught up with Luna, searching for Crumple-Horned Snorkacks, I lost track of time."


    Just then, a little girl dashed up to them from the distance. She had long, messy blonde hair, wore carrot-shaped earrings and a necklace made from Butterbeer bottle caps, and was clutching half a leaf she¡¯d picked up somewhere. Her whimsical look made her seem almost otherworldly.


    ¡°Dad, I found something interesting¡­ Oh! Kyle, it¡¯s been ages!¡± Luna Lovegood said, bouncing over to him. Tilting her head, she fixed her slightly protuberant silver eyes on him.


    ¡°Long time no see, Luna,¡± Kyle replied warmly. ¡°Have you been hunting for Wrackspurts?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve never seen Wrackspurts on you, and I don¡¯t see any now, either,¡± Luna said, her voice lilting like a song. She then pointed at Harry. ¡°But he¡¯s got loads of them, right there, buzzing around his ears.¡± S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Chapter 249: The Eccentric Girl, Luna

    Harry, thinking Wrackspurts might be some sort of insect, instinctively scratched at his ear, but didn¡¯t feel anything even after he¡¯d rubbed it red. He wanted to ask what a Wrackspurt actually was, but before he could, Luna had already skipped back over to her father.


    She studied the bump on Mr. Lovegood¡¯s head with fascination and reached out to touch it.


    ¡°Ouch¡­¡± Mr. Lovegood winced, his face scrunching in pain.


    ¡°Sorry, Dad,¡± Luna said quickly, though she couldn¡¯t resist poking it again.


    ¡°Did the Crumple-Horned Snorkack do this? Did you actually see it?¡±


    At this, Mr. Lovegood¡¯s pain seemed to evaporate. Standing up, he brushed off his vibrant yellow robe and said, ¡°No, Luna, I didn¡¯t actually see the Crumple-Horned Snorkack. But I believe it knew we were looking for it and left us this little... reminder.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re amazing, Dad,¡± Luna said, twirling with a delighted smile.


    Harry, listening to this, grew more confused by the minute. He couldn¡¯t shake the thought that maybe the bump on Mr. Lovegood¡¯s head wasn¡¯t caused by the gnome after all. He glanced around and saw the gnome he had hit earlier, muttering and stomping off nearby. But if the gnome hadn¡¯t caused the bump, why had Mr. Lovegood mentioned a¡­ what? And what a Crumple-Horned Snorkack, anyway?


    Harry scratched his head, feeling utterly out of his depth. By the looks on their faces, Ron and the others seemed just as puzzled. Only Kyle seemed unfazed and curious as he asked, ¡°Mr. Lovegood, did you manage to find a Crumple-Horned Snorkack this time?¡±


    ¡°We were close,¡± Mr. Lovegood said with a hint of regret. ¡°We found signs of it in the southern valley, but it must have moved on before we got there.¡±


    ¡°And I found this!¡± Luna chimed in, proudly holding up a half-nibbled leaf. ¡°It¡¯s leftover from the Crumple-Horned Snorkack. Dad, it must have left this behind when it passed through.¡±


    ¡°Exactly, Luna.¡± Mr. Lovegood sighed with a touch of wistfulness. ¡°If only we hadn¡¯t left the area.¡±


    ¡°Can I see that leaf?¡± Kyle asked, intrigued.


    ¡°Of course!¡± Luna handed it to him eagerly. ¡°Are you interested in the Crumple-Horned Snorkack too?¡±


    ¡°Well, I¡¯m interested in all magical creatures.¡± Kyle took the leaf and examined it carefully in the moonlight, but his expression quickly turned dubious. The bite marks looked very familiar¡­ If the Lovegoods could swing by The Burrow¡¯s garden, they might find plenty of what they were looking for. This ¡°clue¡± was clearly a potato sprout, nibbled by none other than a garden gnome. There were loads of them out front, and if they wanted, they could collect a whole pile.


    Just then, Luna¡¯s voice brought him back. ¡°Kyle, stay still¡ªthere¡¯s a Blibbering Humdinger right next to your nose. Oh, it¡¯s gone now.¡± sea??h th§× n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°What?¡± Kyle blinked, handing the potato sprout back to her. ¡°What exactly is a Blibbering Humdinger¡­?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s a type of House-elf,¡± Luna explained serenely. ¡°They dance around intelligent people to confuse them, so they forget what they were going to say. They¡¯re very rare.¡±


    ¡°Did you see it, Dad?¡± she asked.


    Mr. Lovegood looked disappointed. ¡°I must have missed it while tidying up,¡± he replied with a shake of his head.


    Kyle shrugged it off. The Lovegoods often talked about creatures no one else seemed to know about. Even Newt Scamander would probably need a detailed manual to decipher their conversations.


    ¡°Mr. Lovegood¡­¡± Kyle changed the subject, ¡°Luna¡¯s starting at Hogwarts this year, right?¡±


    ¡°Yes, her acceptance letter arrived three days ago,¡± Mr. Lovegood replied happily. ¡°Such a joyous occasion! I¡¯ve been gathering materials to make her a special gift¡ªa pair of magical glasses.¡±


    ¡°They¡¯ll help me see Wrackspurts,¡± Luna added dreamily.


    Kyle managed a polite smile, though he couldn¡¯t help but feel wary. He didn¡¯t exactly want to be caught wearing any of the Lovegoods¡¯ inventions¡ªit might make him look¡­ well, a bit too eccentric.


    ...


    The three chatted for a while longer before Mr. Lovegood and Luna hurried off.


    As they walked back to The Burrow, Harry couldn''t hold back his curiosity. ¡°Ron, who were those two?¡±


    ¡°The Lovegoods,¡± Ron replied. ¡°They live in the house with the big chimney on the north side, with a wooden windmill out front. Oh, and Mr. Lovegood¡¯s the editor of .¡±


    ¡°?¡± Harry repeated, intrigued.


    ¡°A really weird magazine,¡± Ron explained. ¡°Almost everything in it is nonsense, so hardly anyone takes it seriously.¡±


    ¡°Oh,¡± Harry nodded, amused. ¡°And that¡­ what did she call it? Wrackspurt? And Crumple-Horned Snorkack? Are those supposed to be magical creatures? I¡¯ve never heard of them.¡±


    ¡°Nothing you need to worry about,¡± Ron said dismissively, waving his hand. ¡°Everyone calls her ¡®Loony Lovegood.¡¯ She¡¯s got a wild imagination, just like the magazine.¡±


    ¡°Loony?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, everyone who knows her calls her that,¡± Ron shrugged. ¡°She¡¯s as into nonsense as itself. Not many people want to be around the Lovegoods, honestly. Only Kyle manages to hold a conversation with them. But I bet even he doesn¡¯t understand half of what they say.¡±


    Harry thought back to Luna¡¯s dreamy demeanor and couldn¡¯t help but feel the nickname fit her, though he found her strangely fascinating. ¡°What a peculiar family,¡± he muttered. ¡°Have they always been like this?¡±


    ¡°They used to be different. We even had dinner with them a few times. But since two years ago¡­¡± Ron suddenly glanced around, then lowered his voice. ¡°They¡¯ve been like that ever since an explosion two years back. Mum invited them over loads of times afterward, but they always refuse.¡±


    ¡°Explosion?¡± Harry asked, intrigued.


    ¡°It was supposed to be a magical experiment gone wrong,¡± Ron sighed, whispering. ¡°I even remember Kyle warning them to be careful with magic experiments¡­¡±


    ¡°Ron!¡±


    Ginny appeared, scowling as she approached them. ¡°Did you forget? Mum told us not to mention that to anyone.¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t forget!¡± Ron defended himself. ¡°But this is Harry. He¡¯s not ¡®just anyone.¡¯¡±


    Normally, at the mention of Harry¡¯s name, Ginny would go bright red and hurry off, but this time she stood her ground, frowning at Ron.


    ¡°Fine, fine. I won¡¯t tell anyone¡­¡± Ron muttered, looking away.

 Chapter 250: Course Selection

    A week after returning from Paris, Kyle finally received a Hogwarts letter on a bright morning. Heading downstairs for breakfast, he found Fred and George waiting in the living room, looking restless and eager.


    After hiding out for over a month, they now spent nearly every day in Kyle¡¯s attic, happily working on their Skiving Snackbox experiments. Chris, surprisingly, didn¡¯t mind their racket¡ªin fact, he welcomed it, calling it "early morning excitement."


    ¡°A letter from school?¡± Kyle picked up the yellow parchment envelope with its distinctive green writing.


    ¡°Yeah, it just arrived,¡± Chris said.


    ¡°Five minutes ago,¡± Fred added.


    ¡°We caught sight of the owl on its way out¡­¡± George chimed in, grinning.


    ¡°Kyle, read it. You¡¯ll be in for a surprise.¡±


    Kyle opened the letter and read it carefully. As usual, it informed him to board the Hogwarts Express at King¡¯s Cross Station on September 1st and included a list of required books for the upcoming school year.


    For third-years, the list read:


    by Emeric Switch by Miranda Goshawk by Gilderoy Lockhart by Gilderoy Lockhart by Gilderoy Lockhart¡­and seven more books in the same series, all by Gilderoy Lockhart


    Though Kyle had expected it, he couldn¡¯t help but rub his forehead at the sight of this extravagant book list. Lockhart¡¯s books weren¡¯t cheap, averaging around five Galleons each. With seven required books, the total came to thirty-five Galleons¡ªa substantial sum, nearly half of what Mr. Weasley earned in two weeks.


    For Hogwarts families across the board, even if only half of the students purchased the books, Lockhart stood to make tens of thousands of Galleons. The Potter family¡¯s hard-earned wealth over several generations wouldn¡¯t add up to what Lockhart would pocket in a single year. No wonder he¡¯d taken the Defense Against the Dark Arts job¡ªprofessor¡¯s curse or not, who could resist the allure of such easy profit?


    After skimming the book list, Kyle pulled out a second piece of parchment from the envelope.


    ¡°Hey, why do you have an extra one?¡± Fred asked, momentarily puzzled. Then he realized, ¡°Oh, right¡ªyou¡¯re in third year now. You get to choose your classes.¡±


    Kyle looked at the parchment listing his options:


    Third-Year Electives


    Arithmancy


    Divination


    by Cassandra Vablatsky


    Care of Magical Creatures


    Muggle Studies


    Ancient Runes


    Kyle noted the five books listed for Ancient Runes, which included dictionaries and syllabaries¡ªa clear warning about the complexity of the course.


    When they saw Kyle¡¯s choice, Fred and George shivered in unison.


    "Seriously, this class is the worst disaster I''ve ever faced," Fred said, his voice tinged with lingering dread. "Even worse than that time we had lunch with the Three-Headed Dog..."


    Kyle casually circled on the form. ¡°So, you two aren¡¯t taking this again this year?¡±


    "Nope, just dropping Divination," Fred said.


    "To focus on research for the future Weasley Joke Shop," George added, a little sadly.


    "So, what are you taking as your second subject?¡± Fred asked. ¡°Care of Magical Creatures? Or Divination?"


    ¡°I¡¯d recommend Divination,¡± George said seriously. "It¡¯s dead easy, and it''s a breeze to get a high mark if you just¡­ erm¡­" He suddenly remembered Chris was in the room and changed course, ¡°¡­if you just pay close attention in class.¡±


    Chris chuckled knowingly. Though he hadn¡¯t encountered Sybill Trelawney himself, her reputation as the ¡°Professor of Frauds¡± was widely discussed among younger Ministry workers. ¡°When will Trelawney be fired?¡± was apparently a popular debate topic at the Ministry, so he was well aware of the true nature of Divination. But he simply continued eating his breakfast, letting the twins carry on.


    "Care of Magical Creatures is also a good choice," George added, eyeing Kyle. "Honestly, for you, it¡¯d be even easier than Divination." S§×arch* The n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°That¡¯s true,¡± Kyle agreed, marking a line next to as well. Then he glanced down at the remaining options¡ª, , and ¡ªand, to Fred and George¡¯s astonishment, he marked all of them.


    ¡°Kyle, you¡¯re not planning to take as many classes as Percy, are you?¡± George asked, eyebrows raised. ¡°That¡¯s¡­ a terrible idea.¡±


    "You may not know this," Fred said, "but Percy nearly went mad in third year."


    "Slept at home for three straight days over Christmas holidays¡­" George added, "¡­and didn¡¯t wake up once the whole time!"


    "Mum was so scared she almost sent him to St. Mungo¡¯s," Fred finished.


    Even Chris, listening in, looked concerned. "I wouldn¡¯t recommend taking so many classes either, Kyle. You already have an Order of Merlin, Second Class¡ªno need to chase twelve OWLs"


    He glanced at his son. "Besides¡­ those who try to cheat time often find time turns on them in the end. You understand what I mean?¡±


    ¡°Of course, Dad,¡± Kyle said, folding the course selection sheet with a smile. ¡°Trust me, I can handle it.¡±


    ¡°If you¡¯re sure¡­ alright.¡± Chris nodded after a brief hesitation.


    Kyle called for Ratton, who took the form in his claws and sped off toward Hogwarts, disappearing in a flash.


    Fred and George looked at each other in alarm. They¡¯d meant to talk Kyle into choosing fewer classes¡ªafter all, they¡¯d seen firsthand how Percy had been reduced to a pale, sleep-deprived wreck by third year. But Ratton was already gone, leaving them no time to react.


    Seeing their efforts dashed, the twins exchanged resigned looks. They¡¯d have to regroup and try another plan. They would write to their friends and rally them on the Hogwarts Express. One way or another, they were determined to talk Kyle out of his decision before classes started!

 Chapter 251: The Fake Wand and Peculiar Percy

    Once Fred and George had resolved to address Kyle¡¯s schedule later, they dropped the topic. After breakfast, they all headed up to the attic, where Fred pulled out his own Hogwarts letter and book list, heavy with Lockhart¡¯s titles.


    ¡°All Lockhart¡¯s books,¡± he groaned. ¡°The new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher must be a fan¡­ maybe a witch like Mum.¡±


    ¡°Oh, I see it,¡± George said dramatically, holding up an orange as if it were a crystal ball. ¡°This year¡¯s Defense Against the Dark Arts class¡­ total disaster.¡±


    ¡°That doesn¡¯t take much divination,¡± Kyle replied, peeling his ¡°crystal ball¡± and popping a slice into his mouth. ¡°When has Defense Against the Dark Arts been a disaster?¡±


    ¡°Oren was good,¡± Fred added, glancing at Kyle. ¡°Well¡­ if he hadn¡¯t turned out to be a dark wizard¡­¡±


    ¡°True,¡± Kyle agreed with a shrug. By teaching standards alone, Oren had been the best Defense Against the Dark Arts professor in years¡ªtoo bad he¡¯d been a dark wizard with less-than-friendly intentions toward Kyle.


    The conversation took a brief, somber turn, and George, feeling the shift, put his book list aside and rummaged in a corner for one of their current projects: a Trick Wand prototype.


    Since their Skiving Snackboxes project had stalled, Fred and George had been spending their days fine-tuning their Trick Wands. Externally identical to real wands, these Trick Wands would turn into random rubber objects if someone tried casting a spell with them. With Kyle¡¯s help, they had nearly perfected the design, though they were still struggling with one detail: getting the Trick Wand to transform only when a spell was attempted.


    Kyle, however, had left this last part to them¡ªhe was willing to help, but he also wanted to ensure they were learning by solving the final hurdle themselves. Plus, their dedication meant he could get a bit of peace and quiet.


    All morning, Fred and George worked tirelessly on stabilizing the Trick Wand, while Kyle focused on his own project: updating his map of Hogwarts. After two years in the ¡°map business,¡± he¡¯d noticed others copying the concept, cutting into his customer base. As the maps were fairly easy to make, even first-year students had started drawing their own.


    It was time, Kyle decided, for an upgrade. His new design, which he had shown Nicolas in Paris, was the prototype for an enhanced map that would show real-time movement and directional guidance. Now, he just had to simplify the production process to make it viable for mass production. It didn¡¯t need all the bells and whistles; as long as it could display routes in real-time, it would restore his competitive edge.


    Each of them worked on their projects in the attic, and for a few hours, the atmosphere was peaceful and focused.


    But this harmony didn¡¯t last. Shortly after lunch, an earsplitting noise pierced the air outside. A few minutes later, Fred, who had been finding it increasingly hard to concentrate, leaned out the attic window to investigate and saw Ron below, yelling something incoherent.


    ¡°Will you !¡± Fred shouted.


    Ron, who was holding a broomstick, froze and stared up at Fred with a look of shock, as if he¡¯d just seen Snape dancing ballet. ¡°Mum!¡± he yelled, dashing back toward The Burrow. ¡°You have to come see¡ªPercy¡¯s turned into George!¡±


    Apparently, he¡¯d mistaken Fred for George yet again.


    ¡°What are you talking about? What¡¯s supposed to be wrong with me?¡± Percy¡¯s voice chimed in irritably as he leaned out of his third-floor window, glancing down with an impatient expression. ¡°And could you all be a little quieter?¡±


    Ron stared back and forth between Percy¡¯s window and Fred standing in the attic. Already bewildered, he now looked completely lost.


    ¡°When are our little brothers going to get clever?¡± Fred sighed theatrically. ¡°But you know, George, I think I finally understand how Percy felt.¡±


    ¡°Absolutely,¡± George replied with a smirk, ¡°it¡¯s impossible to concentrate with all this racket outside.¡±


    ¡°Which means that from now on¡ª¡±


    ¡°Hey, hey, let¡¯s not go overboard,¡± Fred interrupted. ¡°Ron¡¯s the one causing all the noise, after all. We¡¯re usually as quiet as a kneazle!¡±


    ¡°True!¡± George shot Ron a disapproving look, then a mischievous grin crept across his face. ¡°Speaking of which¡­ do you remember what Ron¡¯s wand looks like?¡±


    Fred¡¯s eyes sparkled. ¡°Oh, I remember. Seven Galleons down the drain,¡± he said, raising an eyebrow. ¡°So you¡¯re saying¡­?¡±


    ¡°Yes, precisely¡­ exactly what I¡¯m saying.¡±


    ¡°Where does he usually keep his wand¡­?¡± S§×ar?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°In his robe pocket.¡±


    ¡°But he doesn¡¯t wear his robe when he¡¯s out playing Quidditch¡­¡±


    ¡°Hehehe¡­¡±


    The two exchanged mischievous grins, practically rubbing their hands together with excitement. Kyle, watching from the side, shook his head and remarked, ¡°I thought that Fake Wand wasn¡¯t fully working yet?¡±


    ¡°Exactly why we need someone to test it for us,¡± Fred replied, his tone perfectly reasonable.


    ¡°Only by finding out what doesn¡¯t work can we make improvements,¡± George said with a wink.


    After that, the twins seemed to lose interest in their attic projects and dragged Kyle outside with them.


    In front of The Burrow, Mrs. Weasley was scolding Ron for being so loud and disturbing Percy while he was reading. Fred shot a glance toward Percy¡¯s window and muttered to George, ¡°You know, it¡¯s odd¡­ Percy just got twelve O.W.L.s, but he hasn¡¯t been bragging. And he¡¯s even busier than usual.¡±


    ¡°Very suspicious,¡± George agreed, narrowing his eyes thoughtfully. ¡°And did you notice? His last letter had a pink address label. He claimed he ran out of regular ink, but that doesn¡¯t sound quite right¡­¡±


    They made their way back to The Burrow, where Fred slipped inside under the pretense of grabbing his broomstick. When he came back out, he flashed a quick ¡°got it¡± sign to Kyle and George.


    To avoid raising suspicions, the group headed up the hill with Harry, and they spent the next few hours playing an energetic round of Quidditch.

 Chapter 252: The Disappearance of Harry

    Ever since Fred had swapped Ron¡¯s wand with a Trick Wand, he and George had been eagerly waiting to see the results. But a week later, Ron hadn¡¯t noticed a thing¡ªin fact, he hadn¡¯t used his wand even once. The twins were beyond disappointed.


    ¡°It seems we¡¯ve got ourselves an obedient little brother,¡± Fred sighed one evening, clearly deflated. ¡°He¡¯s actually following the rule about not using magic outside school¡­ and he¡¯s sticking to it.¡±


    St. Catchpole was a large village with a notable wizarding population, and as long as muggles weren¡¯t around, the Ministry generally overlooked minor magic use. The restriction against underage magic was effectively just a formality here. Even Cedric and Percy practiced spells in their rooms on occasion, and Kyle and the twins cast charms regularly without issue.


    But Ron, ever the rule-follower, was frustratingly well-behaved in this respect. Which meant that Fred and George¡¯s grand plan to test the Trick Wand would have to wait.


    ¡°If only he were this obedient at school,¡± George said with a sigh. ¡°Maybe Gryffindor would actually stand a chance at the House Cup.¡±


    ¡°Exactly,¡± Fred agreed, then turned to Kyle. ¡°By the way, Kyle, we¡¯re heading to Diagon Alley tomorrow. Want to come along?¡±


    ¡°Sounds good,¡± Kyle replied. ¡°What time are we leaving?¡±


    ¡°Morning,¡± George answered. ¡°We need loads of books, and Ginny has to get her school things too, so we¡¯re going early.¡±


    They finalized the time, and Fred and George headed off.


    Back in his room, Kyle tried to read, but he found he couldn¡¯t focus. Whether it was the anticipation of the trip or something else, his mind just wouldn¡¯t settle on the page. With nothing else to do, he turned off the light and went to bed early.


    ...


    It felt like an eternity before the sky finally brightened. Kyle got up, ate a quick breakfast, and made his way to The Burrow, where the Weasleys were just sitting down to eat. Despite his insistence that he¡¯d already eaten, Mrs. Weasley filled his hands with several bacon sandwiches, and Ginny offered him a seat.


    After Kyle sat down, Mr. Weasley, looking up from his meal, asked, ¡°Has your father already gone to the Ministry?¡±


    Kyle nodded. ¡°He got a letter half an hour ago and rushed off.¡±


    ¡°Ah, it¡¯s probably those same people causing trouble,¡± Mr. Weasley muttered. ¡°They¡¯re upset about the new Muggle Protection Act, so they¡¯re dumping all their dark artifacts in muggle areas. They think they¡¯re being clever, getting rid of dangerous items while causing chaos for us.¡±


    ¡°Well, they¡¯re succeeding,¡± Kyle replied, shrugging.


    For the past few weeks, the had reported almost daily about muggles stumbling upon cursed items.


    The Ministry¡¯s Department of Magical Accidents and Catastrophes was swamped, especially as these artifacts were affecting not just people, but animals, too. Even insects had been found behaving aggressively; one report mentioned palm-sized purple ants. This explained why Chris had been called to the Ministry so early.


    ¡°It¡¯s only a temporary victory for them,¡± Mr. Weasley said with a determined smile, taking a bite of his sandwich. ¡°Scrimgeour and the Aurors have started investigating, so I doubt anyone will risk throwing out any more cursed items now. Just a matter of time before we catch them.¡±


    ¡°Go, Dad!¡± Fred and George cheered in unison.


    ¡°Quiet!¡± Mrs. Weasley chided, swatting the twins. ¡°Be careful, Arthur. Those people are dangerous, and you¡¯ve been temporarily suspended from this investigation.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s only for three days, Molly,¡± Mr. Weasley reassured her. ¡°Kingsley told me there¡¯s been a surge of traffic in Knockturn Alley lately¡ªthey¡¯re all likely scrambling to offload their dark artifacts.¡±


    ¡°Why don¡¯t they just put their things in Gringotts?¡± Kyle asked. ¡°Surely the Ministry can¡¯t search there?¡±


    ¡°Good question,¡± Mr. Weasley replied, thinking for a moment. ¡°Maybe they don¡¯t want their cursed objects to ¡®contaminate¡¯ their gold¡­¡±


    After breakfast, Mrs. Weasley lifted a flowerpot of Floo powder from the kitchen mantel and turned to everyone.


    ¡°Alright, guests first¡ªHarry, you go ahead!¡±


    Harry blinked in surprise. ¡°What¡­ what do I do?¡±


    ¡°Kyle, why don¡¯t you go first and show him how it¡¯s done?¡± Mrs. Weasley suggested.


    Harry shot Kyle a relieved look as Kyle took a pinch of Floo powder from the pot. Throwing it into the flames, he stepped into the green fire and shouted, ¡°Diagon Alley!¡± In an instant, he was spinning through the network of fireplaces before stumbling out into the Leaky Cauldron.


    The place was buzzing with activity, likely due to the approaching start of term, and every table was packed. As he dusted himself off, he saw Fred, George, and Mr. Weasley emerge, one by one. Mr. Weasley looked around anxiously as he stepped out.


    ¡°By Merlin¡¯s beard¡­ Kyle, did you see Harry Potter?¡±


    ¡°No,¡± Kyle replied, shaking his head. ¡°Wasn¡¯t he right behind you?¡±


    Mr. Weasley¡¯s face paled. ¡°He went in before me¡­ Oh no, we¡¯ve lost Harry Potter¡­¡±


    A moment later, Percy, Ron, Ginny, and Mrs. Weasley all emerged from the fireplace. Upon hearing that Harry hadn¡¯t appeared, Mrs. Weasley¡¯s face went ashen, and she nearly collapsed. Fred caught her quickly, steadying her.


    ¡°Arthur¡­¡± she whimpered, clutching her chest. ¡°Harry¡¯s lost¡­ what will we tell his aunt and uncle?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Mrs. Weasley,¡± Kyle said, trying to calm her. ¡°Harry¡¯s probably just gone through the wrong fireplace. Knockturn Alley has a portal connected to the Floo network, doesn¡¯t it?¡± Sear?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°Yes¡­ yes, you¡¯re right,¡± Mrs. Weasley replied, clinging to this hope. ¡°Where in Knockturn Alley does it lead¡­? I can¡¯t seem to remember¡­¡±


    ¡°Stay calm, Molly.¡± Mr. Weasley took her hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze. ¡°I remember Kingsley mentioning Borgin and Burkes.¡±


    ¡°That horrid shop with all the dark magic artifacts?!¡± Mrs. Weasley¡¯s face grew even paler.


    Without another word, she sprinted toward the Leaky Cauldron¡¯s back door, with Mr. Weasley hurrying after her.

 Chapter 253: How Dare You Open a Shop with Nothing?

    The two of them left in a hurry.


    Fred winked and suggested in a low voice, ¡°Why don''t we go have a look too?¡±


    ¡°I''ve never been to Knockturn Alley before,¡± George admitted, a bit intrigued. ¡°Mum never lets us go to places like that.¡±


    ¡°Mum¡¯s right,¡± said Percy sternly. ¡°You all stay here and don¡¯t go anywhere.¡±


    George gasped, as if suddenly realizing Percy was there. ¡°Oh, Fred, we¡¯ve been told off by the prefect¡­¡±


    ¡°Is he going to dock our points¡­¡±


    ¡°For disobeying¡­¡±


    ¡°Ten points from the Leaky Cauldron?¡±


    ¡°Hey, shut up!¡± Percy said, turning red.


    ¡°Yes, Prefect!¡± Fred replied with a grin, then turned to Kyle and asked, ¡°Kyle, want to go and check out Knockturn Alley?¡±


    ¡°No,¡± Kyle shook his head. ¡°But I suggest you go and have a look.¡±


    ¡°Why?¡± George asked, surprised that Kyle would encourage it.


    ¡°Because I brought my camera today,¡± Kyle said, patting his pocket. ¡°I¡¯ll get some great shots when Mrs. Weasley gives you two a thrashing. If I sell them to , I might even be able to buy Ginny a new robe.¡±


    Hearing this, Ginny, who had looked worried just a moment ago, burst out laughing. She looked up at Fred and George, her expression practically urging them to hurry off.


    ¡°Oh, Ginny, we¡¯re your brothers!¡± George said, sounding hurt.


    Ginny shrugged. ¡°But I want a new robe even more.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll buy you one!¡± Fred snapped.


    ¡°And a new wand, if you stay away from that jerk Kyle,¡± George added, glaring at Kyle. ¡°Honestly, why did we invite you to Diagon Alley with us?¡±


    After some more laughing and joking, everyone¡¯s spirits seemed to lift. Kyle also told them that the Floo Network had tracking logs. Even if Harry wasn¡¯t in Knockturn Alley, they could go to the Floo Network Authority under the Department of Magical Transportation to find his last known location.


    Although such records were generally off-limits to the public, Kyle reasoned that if they were looking for Harry Potter, exceptions might be made.


    Afterward, the group left the bustling Leaky Cauldron and made their way into Diagon Alley through the back entrance. Fred and George kept their word and took Ginny to Madam Malkin¡¯s Robes for a new set of clothes.


    When they came out of the shop, they saw Ron leading Mrs. Weasley, , and Percy toward them. Before they¡¯d gone to the robe shop, George had sent Ron¡ªwith the promise of an ice cream¡ªto keep watch at the entrance to Gringotts, right across from Knockturn Alley, so he¡¯d be the first to spot anyone coming out.


    ¡°You were right, Kyle,¡± Mrs. Weasley called out from a distance. ¡°He really was in Knockturn Alley. When we went over, he was being hassled by some old git.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s good¡­ Potter, are you hurt?¡± Kyle asked, looking Harry over.


    ¡°No,¡± Harry shook his head, though he still looked a little dazed.


    ¡°Harry, Harry!¡±


    Harry suddenly heard someone calling his name. He looked up and saw Hermione standing nearby at the entrance to Gringotts. She ran over, her bushy hair flying behind her.


    ¡°Why do you look so disheveled¡­ Hello, Kyle, Fred, George, and Percy, it¡¯s so good to see you all again¡­ Are you going to Gringotts? Harry!¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re just waiting for Mr. Weasley,¡± said Harry.


    ¡°Oh, great, then we can all go together.¡±


    At this, the group realized that Mr. Weasley hadn¡¯t returned with the others.


    ¡°Where¡¯s Dad?¡± asked Ginny.


    Mrs. Weasley looked around, clearly confused and trying to figure out the answer herself.


    ¡°Oh, sorry¡­ Molly, kids,¡±


    Luckily, Mr. Weasley strode over at that moment, rubbing his shiny bald head. He lowered his voice and explained, ¡°I thought I saw Lucius Malfoy in Knockturn Alley a moment ago, but he disappeared again in the blink of an eye.¡±


    ¡°Malfoy?¡± Harry, who had been talking to Hermione, turned his head. ¡°Is that the Malfoy from Slytherin? I saw him and his father at Borgin & Burkes.¡±


    ¡°Yes, that¡¯s the one!¡± Mr. Weasley nodded, intrigued. ¡°Was he shopping?¡±


    ¡°No, he was selling something.¡±


    Mr. Weasley nodded gravely, though with a hint of satisfaction. ¡°Ha, I knew it¡ªhe¡¯s nervous too¡­¡±


    But before he could continue, Mrs. Weasley tugged him away. ¡°We¡¯ve already been delayed long enough¡­ Kyle, dear, are you coming to Gringotts?¡±


    Kyle shook his head.


    ¡°We¡¯re not going either,¡± Fred and George chimed in at once.


    ¡°Meet us at Flourish and Blotts in an hour to get your textbooks. And you two¡­ don¡¯t go wandering off into Knockturn Alley!¡±


    After giving a few more instructions, Mrs. Weasley led the others toward Gringotts.


    As soon as she was out of sight, Fred and George dashed happily off toward the joke shop, one of Diagon Alley¡¯s highlights for them. This shop was much larger than Zonko¡¯s in Hogsmeade and filled with new pranks to explore.


    Kyle didn¡¯t follow them but instead headed to another shop.


    This was a shop specializing in magical herbs, and Kyle liked to stop by whenever he visited Diagon Alley to see if there were any rare varieties in stock. The shopkeeper, Madam Pryor, recognized him as a regular and smiled.


    ¡°What can I help you find today? The Lady¡¯s Mantle is coming along beautifully.¡±


    ¡°No, I¡¯ve got plenty of that at home,¡± Kyle replied after thinking for a moment. ¡°Do you have any Fortified Pumpkins?¡±


    ¡°No,¡± Madam Pryor shook her head. ¡°Those are rare. There might not be a single one in all of Britain¡¯s magical community.¡±


    ¡°Professor Sprout has some in her greenhouse,¡± Kyle murmured to himself, then continued. ¡°How about Sphinx Orchids¡­ preferably the golden variety?¡±


    ¡°No.¡±


    ¡°Fluxweed¡­¡±


    ¡°No.¡±


    ¡°Mimbulus Mimbletonia¡­¡±


    ¡°No!¡±


    ...


    "How dare you open a shop when you have nothing?" Kyle muttered under his breath.


    Madam Pryor''s forehead veins pulsed. Did this boy think those rare plants were mere cabbage that could be bought casually? If he hadn¡¯t previously purchased an Eight-Leaf Flower here for a high price, she¡¯d have driven him out by now.


    Forcing a smile, Madam Pryor said, ¡°Aside from the Sphinx Orchids... we can also try to find the other plants you need, but it may take some time¡ªabout a year. And you¡¯ll need to pay a deposit of 200 Galleons.¡±


    ¡°A year? That¡¯s too long,¡± Kyle said, shaking his head.


    He¡¯d just come in on a whim, hoping to find what he wanted. If it was available, great; if not, he wasn¡¯t about to wait a whole year. Besides, while those plants might be rare, 200 Galleons as just the deposit was outrageous. Spending that kind of money on a gamble? Not a chance.


    As he turned to leave and go find Fred and George, his gaze landed on a large water tank in the corner, where something that looked suspiciously like an octopus tentacle floated inside.


    ¡°Is that... Gillyweed?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s a rather rare plant,¡± Madam Pryor said offhandedly. ¡°I doubt you¡¯d find it in any other magic shop.¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± she continued, half to herself, ¡°I must¡¯ve been out of my mind to buy it from that Greek witch. Ever since the Bubble-Head Charm was developed, wizards in Britannia have had no use for it.¡±


    ¡°The Bubble-Head Charm is indeed a brilliant spell,¡± Kyle replied casually. ¡°Out of curiosity, how much did you pay for it?¡±


    ¡°Twenty...¡± Madam Pryor admitted reluctantly.


    ¡°Twenty? That¡¯s pricey...¡± Kyle said, raising an eyebrow. ¡°It¡¯s a shame, really¡ªI¡¯d love to know what it¡¯s like to breathe underwater, but twenty Galleons¡­¡± S§×ar?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    After a moment¡¯s hesitation, Kyle sighed, shook his head, and started toward the door. "Forget it. This kind of experiment is just too expensive."


    ¡°Wait!¡± Madam Pryor suddenly called after him. ¡°For the sake of an old customer, I can give you a special discount, one I think you¡¯ll find very reasonable.¡±


    ¡°Well, if you insist¡­¡± Kyle stopped, then strolled back into the shop.

 Chapter 254: Buy, Buy, Buy

    After some bargaining, Kyle managed to buy the Gillyweed for fifteen Galleons. Madam Pryor had initially insisted on seventeen, but when Kyle casually demonstrated the Bubble-Head Charm, she immediately lowered her price by two Galleons and even offered to throw in a bag of Dittany and Rue seeds. Sensing this was her final offer, Kyle accepted, completing the transaction with satisfaction.


    Madam Pryor placed the Gillyweed in a clear box and sighed, saying, ¡°I only did this because I could see your genuine interest in magical plants. For anyone else, they wouldn¡¯t have gotten such a steep discount¡­ plus those seeds, I¡¯m out ten Galleons.¡±


    Kyle simply smiled, keeping his thoughts to himself. Diagon Alley shopkeepers were all sharp-minded, and Madam Pryor wouldn¡¯t let herself lose too much; she certainly hadn¡¯t paid twenty Galleons for that Gillyweed. This was a tacit understanding between them, and he knew he¡¯d managed to get a decent deal. Fifteen Galleons for Gillyweed wasn¡¯t a price you¡¯d find elsewhere.


    After leaving Madam Pryor¡¯s Magical Botanical Garden, Kyle carefully placed the small box in his Mokeskin pouch. His suitcase was still with Dumbledore, so for now, the pouch would have to do.


    ¡°Hey, Kyle!¡±


    Kyle looked up at the sound of his name and saw Harry, Hermione, and Ron standing in the doorway of the neighboring bookshop, each holding a large cone of strawberry and peanut ice cream.


    ¡°The Magical Botanical Garden?¡± Harry said, surprised. ¡°I thought you¡¯d be off somewhere reading a book, like Percy.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve been reading for over a month; I had to try something else,¡± Kyle replied.


    ¡°Ron told me you spent an entire month in Nicolas Flamel¡¯s private library,¡± Hermione said enviously. ¡°Six hundred years¡¯ worth of books¡­ that must have been amazing.¡±


    ¡°Not to brag,¡± Kyle chuckled, ¡°but I really learned a lot during that month.¡±


    ¡°That sounds incredible¡­¡± Hermione looked even more envious. ¡°I¡¯d love to visit, even just for a glimpse.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯ll be a chance,¡± Kyle assured her.


    ¡°Hermione, isn¡¯t the school library enough for you?¡± Ron muttered. ¡°There must be hundreds of bookshelves in there¡ªI bet even Headmaster Dumbledore hasn¡¯t read all of them.¡±


    Hermione shot him a glare. Although he had a point, a private library was still different from a school library. And, well, the more books one could read, the better.


    Sensing the conversation growing tense, Harry quickly changed the topic. ¡°Kyle, we¡¯re about to go buy parchment and ink. Want to come along?¡±


    ¡°Sure, I need some too.¡±


    The four of them headed into the shop together. Once inside, Kyle went straight to the counter with the parchment and ink, pointed to the two bottom shelves, and asked, ¡°Will this be enough for you?¡± S§×ar?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°More than enough,¡± Harry said with a nod. ¡°It¡¯s mostly for Hermione; Ron and I don¡¯t need much.¡±


    ¡°Alright¡­¡± Kyle glanced at the shop assistant and then gestured toward the shelves. ¡°Wrap up everything here, except for those two.¡±


    ¡ªHarry¡¯s ice cream dropped to the floor. He stared at Kyle in disbelief, wondering if he¡¯d heard correctly.


    ¡°Kyle, did you just say you¡¯re buying all the parchment and ink in the store?¡±


    ¡°Yes, is that a problem?¡± Kyle asked. ¡°Oh, if it¡¯s too much, I can buy a bit less.¡±


    ¡ªRon¡¯s ice cream fell too.


    ¡°There must be at least 3,000 sheets of parchment here¡­ all of it?¡± To Ron, this seemed absurd¡ªsurely, even if one ate parchment and drank ink, there was no way to use up that much in a school year.


    But Kyle merely shrugged. Three thousand sheets of parchment would only be enough for around a hundred books¡­ and even that might not last him.


    Unlike Harry and Ron, the shop assistant took the situation in stride. After a brief moment of surprise, he quickly set about gathering all the parchment for Kyle.


    ¡°Oh, and by the way,¡± Kyle added, ¡°I¡¯ll take twenty sheets of gilded parchment as well.¡±


    ¡°Of course!¡±


    The clerk hurried over to a delicate shelf behind the counter, carefully opening a glass cabinet to retrieve the requested parchment.


    As the clerk was busy, Hermione leaned over and whispered, ¡°Kyle, you¡¯re not buying all this parchment to make maps, are you?¡±


    After a pause, she added, ¡°If that¡¯s the case, I don¡¯t think you need quite so much. Actually, I noticed someone was already making those kinds of maps before the holidays, so you might not sell as many this year.¡±


    ¡°Thanks for the heads-up, but don¡¯t worry about that,¡± Kyle said, waving her concern away. ¡°Our products aren¡¯t static; this year¡¯s map is definitely a new version you haven¡¯t seen before. And I¡¯m not buying all this just for maps¡ªthere are other uses, too.¡±


    Although Hermione was curious, she held back from asking further questions. After thinking for a moment, she took some Galleons from her purse and bought the last few remaining sheets of parchment.


    Harry looked at the now-empty shelves. ¡°Hermione, what are we going to do?¡±


    Without looking up, Hermione replied, ¡°They should have more parchment in stock.¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± the shop assistant said, finishing with the gilded parchment, then tapped the counter with his wand. More parchment and ink instantly appeared on the shelves, though in smaller quantities than before.


    ...


    Because Kyle had made such a large purchase, Harry, Hermione, and Ron ended up getting a nice discount as well.


    After they left the shop, Hermione glanced over at Kyle and asked, "That suitcase you just pulled out¡­ it has the Undetectable Extension Charm, doesn¡¯t it?"


    "Pretty obvious, isn¡¯t it?¡± Kyle nodded. ¡°A normal suitcase wouldn¡¯t be able to hold over 3,000 sheets of parchment.¡±


    ¡°So, on Halloween¡­¡± Hermione started, but then seemed to realize something and quickly stopped herself.


    ¡°What happened on Halloween?¡± Harry asked, turning around.


    ¡°Nothing,¡± Hermione replied hastily. ¡°I just remembered that Kyle used magic to decorate a pumpkin on Halloween, and I was going to ask him what charm he used.¡±


    ¡°Oh¡­¡± Harry replied absently, not thinking much of it.


    Hermione sighed in relief. While Harry and Ron started debating where to go next, she leaned closer to Kyle and whispered, ¡°You used the Undetectable Extension Charm on the suitcase you used to carry the Troll on Halloween, didn¡¯t you?¡±


    ¡°You guessed it¡­¡± Kyle admitted. ¡°But that was a different suitcase.¡±

 Chapter 255: Kyle Is Behind

    After leaving a muggle district, less than an hour had passed, yet the time seemed to fly by. The group made their way toward Flourish and Blotts.


    But today was a special day, and it wasn¡¯t just them heading to the bookstore. A sizable crowd had gathered outside the relatively small shop, each person doing their best to squeeze through the door.


    ¡°Why are there so many people here today?¡± Harry asked, staring in astonishment as he tried¡ªand failed¡ªseveral times to push his way in.


    ¡°Maybe Flourish and Blotts is giving away free candies,¡± Kyle said with a smirk.


    ¡°Really?¡± Ron¡¯s eyes lit up hopefully.


    ¡°Of course not!¡± Hermione exclaimed, tapping his arm in exasperation. She then pointed eagerly at the window above. ¡°Look up there¡­¡±


    A large banner was unfurled across the window, reading:


    ...


    ¡°We can meet him in person!¡± Hermione exclaimed, unable to hide her excitement. ¡°I mean, he wrote almost all the books on the reading list!¡±


    ¡°But how are we going to get in?¡± Harry muttered, rubbing his sore arm. ¡°Those people are so strong.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s easy¡­¡± Kyle cleared his throat, then shouted loudly, ¡°Mr. Lockhart, what are you doing here!¡±


    For a split second, the crowd froze, glancing around in confusion to locate Lockhart. Kyle and the others seized the opportunity to slip through the crowd and make their way to the door.


    ¡°Nice one, Kyle,¡± Harry said with a grin.


    ¡°It was nothing,¡± Kyle shrugged. ¡°I was actually considering shouting ¡®Voldemort¡¯¡ªthat would¡¯ve cleared the place in seconds.¡± S~ea??h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°Please, don¡¯t even think about it,¡± Ron shuddered, looking pale. ¡°That would cause chaos.¡±


    ¡°I know, that¡¯s why I didn¡¯t,¡± Kyle laughed. ¡°But, Ron, you really should try to get used to the name.¡±


    ¡°Loads of adult wizards still struggle with it¡­¡± Ron muttered under his breath. ¡°It¡¯s not just me. Well, except you and Harry.¡±


    They joined the winding line that stretched from the door to the back of the bookshop, where Gilderoy Lockhart sat, signing copies of his book. Each of them grabbed a copy of and slipped over to join the queue with the Weasleys and the Grangers.


    ¡°Oh, thank goodness you¡¯re here!¡± Mrs. Weasley gasped, brushing her hair out of her face. ¡°We¡¯re nearly at the front¡­¡±


    And soon enough, they got their first glimpse of Gilderoy Lockhart. He sat behind a desk, surrounded by large, enchanted photographs of himself, all of which flashed brilliant smiles at the crowd, his teeth gleaming unnaturally white. Lockhart himself wore pale blue robes and a jaunty wizard¡¯s hat perched on his perfectly coiffed blond curls.


    ¡°He¡¯s so charming¡­¡± Mrs. Weasley murmured, standing on tiptoe like an adoring fan.


    ¡°Yes¡­¡± Mr. Granger agreed with an amused smile, ¡°quite charming indeed. Look at that hair! I wonder what brand of toiletries he uses¡­ can you buy them around here?¡±


    Kyle chimed in, ¡°Try the magic shop across from Ollivander¡¯s. I¡¯d recommend Sleekeazy¡¯s Hair Potion. One of our professors has boxes of it at home but hardly ever uses it.¡±


    ¡°If even a professor finds it too precious to use, it must be expensive¡­¡± Mr. Granger said, frowning thoughtfully.


    ¡°Oh, it¡¯s not that pricey. You can get a large bottle for just a few Sickles,¡± Kyle assured him.


    Mr. Granger touched his thinning hair, looking slightly tempted. ¡°Thank you, young man,¡± he said. ¡°You must be Kyle¡ªArthur and Molly told me about you. And Hermione often mentions you, too. She says you¡¯re the smartest young wizard at Hogwarts.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s a bit of an exaggeration,¡± Kyle said modestly. ¡°I just spent the time others used for fun on reading instead.¡±


    Harry and Ron, overhearing this, glanced at each other and looked away, feeling slightly self-conscious¡ªthey knew they were the ¡°others¡± Kyle was referring to.


    But Harry had another question on his mind. He stepped closer to Kyle, hesitantly asking, ¡°That shampoo you mentioned¡­ was it¡­¡±


    ¡°Yes, it was originally your family¡¯s, the Potters¡¯,¡± Kyle confirmed, ¡°but it was sold off ages ago. It has nothing to do with your family anymore.¡±


    Harry¡¯s face fell slightly, and he walked back to join Ron, looking disappointed.


    ¡°What¡¯s up with you?¡± Ron asked, noticing Harry¡¯s expression.


    ¡°Nothing,¡± Harry murmured, shaking his head. For a brief moment, he¡¯d thought he might have some connection to his family, perhaps even a relative still out there, but it had been a fleeting hope.


    ¡°Move aside!¡± a short, impatient man with a large black camera pushed past Ron, grumbling, ¡°Make way¡ªthis is for !¡±


    ¡°Oh, big deal,¡± Ron muttered, rubbing his foot where the man had stepped on it.


    Lockhart, noticing the commotion, looked up and spotted Ron¡ªand then, more importantly, Harry. He stared at Harry for a moment, his eyes widening with excitement before he leapt to his feet, exclaiming, ¡°By Merlin¡¯s beard, if it isn¡¯t !¡±


    The crowd gasped, making way as Lockhart made a beeline for Harry, obviously eager to pull him into a photo-op.


    In a flash of panic, Harry¡¯s mind, desperate to escape what felt like social doom, suddenly sparked with a surprising burst of quick thinking.


    ¡°Kyle''s behind you!¡± Harry shouted, grasping at a quick way out.


    ¡°Could it be¡­ Kyle, the recipient of the Order of Merlin, Second Class?¡± Lockhart¡¯s eyes widened in delight as he turned eagerly in the direction Harry pointed.


    But instead of Kyle, there were only two middle-aged men and an overly enthusiastic witch waving at Lockhart.


    Harry froze. Where was Kyle? He¡¯d been right there just a second ago, but now he had vanished without a trace.


    ¡°Ah, I suspect the young man slipped away, overwhelmed by meeting someone of my stature,¡± Lockhart proclaimed, flashing his signature dazzling smile. ¡°As you might know, I¡¯ve won Witch Weekly¡¯s Most Charming Smile Award five times.¡±


    Harry, however, was unimpressed. The ¡°Most Charming Smile¡± didn¡¯t seem nearly as prestigious as an Order of Merlin. Besides, Kyle had spent time with Nicolas Flamel, one of the most legendary wizards of all time¡ªwhy would he be nervous about meeting Lockhart?


    Harry thought. He felt the urge to follow suit, but Lockhart was too quick for him. Even without Kyle, Harry Potter alone was enough for a front-page scoop.


    Before he knew it, Lockhart had pulled Harry forward, clutching his hand like an old friend as the photographer snapped away. The short photographer fired off shot after shot, purple smoke from the flash filling the air and wafting toward the Weasley family.


    The applause of the crowd and the nonstop flashes from the camera left Harry flustered, his cheeks growing redder than Ron¡¯s hair. Despite the commotion, one thought stuck in his mind:

 Chapter 256: Conflict in Flourish and Blotts

    After the photo session, Lockhart, brimming with self-importance, announced to the crowd that he would soon be joining Hogwarts as the new Defence Against the Dark Arts professor.


    ¡°Both Harry Potter and his classmates will receive a true, magical experience with starting September 1st!¡± he declared.


    The crowd erupted in applause and cheers. A few middle-aged wizards, unclear if they were fans or just awestruck, even shouted in excitement. It was as though Lockhart¡¯s presence alone could ensure the students'' safety and finally break the infamous curse on the Defense Against the Dark Arts position.


    Amid the enthusiastic cheers, Harry suddenly felt a heavy weight in his arms. Looking down, he realized he¡¯d been handed the complete works of Gilderoy Lockhart, nearly causing him to trip as he attempted to walk. The one silver lining was that he finally had an excuse to escape the crowd.


    He maneuvered his way over to the edge of the gathering, where Kyle stood chatting with Ginny.


    ¡°These are for you¡­ I¡¯ll buy my own copies later,¡± Harry said, pouring Lockhart¡¯s books into Ginny¡¯s new cauldron. Then, looking at Kyle, he couldn¡¯t help but ask, ¡°Where did you disappear to just now?¡±


    ¡°Oh, I noticed you were having a great chat with Lockhart, so I slipped off to pick up some other textbooks,¡± Kyle replied, nodding toward a stack of books piled on a nearby table. When Lockhart had called out Harry¡¯s name, Kyle had taken the chance to vanish into the crowd, hoping to dodge any potential interaction. Little did he know that he¡¯d also managed to avoid being dragged into the spotlight by Harry¡¯s quick-thinking escape tactic.


    ''This kid¡¯s getting too clever for his own good these days,'' Kyle thought with amusement.


    ¡°What did you need me for?¡± Kyle asked, keeping a straight face.


    ¡°Oh¡­ nothing, really!¡± Harry replied, his eyes widening as he took in the stack of thick books Kyle had gathered. He counted seventeen in total. He knew third-years had the option of adding two elective classes, but this seemed a bit excessive.


    ¡°It¡¯s only two more classes¡­ do you really need that many books?¡± he asked, bewildered.


    ¡°Normally, no, but I may have signed up for a few too many classes,¡± Kyle admitted. ¡°Five of these are for Ancient Runes, and seven are for Defense Against the Dark Arts¡ªthey make up most of the pile.¡±


    Harry thought, firmly deciding he¡¯d skip that intimidating-sounding subject next year.


    After some brief conversation, Kyle took his books over to the counter to pay. Due to Lockhart¡¯s signing event, most of the Flourish and Blotts staff had been assigned to help with book selection, signing, and payment for Lockhart¡¯s works, creating a one-stop service for his admirers. However, for any other purchases, customers still had to go through the regular counter, which meant Kyle ended up waiting in a long line.


    When he finally returned with his purchases, he found Mr. Weasley facing off with a middle-aged man with blonde hair. Mr. Weasley¡¯s face was tense and grim, looking far more serious than usual.


    ¡°If you''re as unafraid of inspections as you claim, why were you sneaking around Knockturn Alley?¡± Mr. Weasley challenged, his voice simmering with anger.


    ¡°Do produce some evidence, Weasley,¡± Lucius Malfoy replied smoothly. ¡°I merely brought Draco to Flourish and Blotts to buy his textbooks for next year. I haven¡¯t been anywhere near Knockturn Alley.¡±


    ¡°And yet¡­ you must have been getting overtime pay for all those ¡®searches¡¯ you¡¯ve conducted over the years,¡± Malfoy sneered.


    Reaching into Ginny¡¯s cauldron, Malfoy pulled out a battered copy of , inspecting it with mock disdain. ¡°I¡¯m afraid, given current circumstances¡­ what''s the point in playing the hero if there¡¯s no proper paycheck?¡±


    Mr. Weasley¡¯s face flushed even redder than Harry¡¯s had been minutes ago in front of Lockhart. ¡°Seems we have very different ideas of what makes someone a bad wizard, Malfoy.¡±


    ¡°Apparently so,¡± Malfoy replied coldly, his gaze sliding to the Grangers, who looked alarmed and out of place.


    ¡°Just look at the company you keep, Weasley¡­ mingling with muggles. Has your family really sunk so low?¡±


    With a clang, Ginny¡¯s cauldron flew from her hands. Kyle couldn¡¯t tell whether Mr. Weasley had thrown it or if Ginny had done it herself, but it didn¡¯t matter. The cauldron clattering to the floor was the spark that set off an explosion.


    Mr. Weasley lunged at Malfoy, shoving him backward into a towering shelf of spellbooks. As thick volumes tumbled down, Malfoy staggered, momentarily dazed.


    ¡°How dare you lay a hand on me!¡± Lucius spat, swinging his snake-headed cane at Mr. Weasley.


    But before the blow could land, a large hand clamped down on Malfoy¡¯s arm. Hagrid had appeared, striding over the scattered books, and with one strong pull, he yanked Lucius back.


    Malfoy struggled, glaring venomously, but couldn¡¯t shake free of Hagrid¡¯s grip.


    ¡°This isn¡¯t over,¡± Malfoy snarled. ¡°Come, Draco.¡±


    As he turned toward the door, he passed Ginny¡¯s cauldron and, with a spiteful glint in his eye, dropped " back into it. He sneered, ¡°Here, girl, keep your book¡ªit¡¯s likely the best your father can afford.¡±


    With a final, scornful look, he swept out of the shop, Draco trailing behind him.


    ¡°Good thing Kyle called me over,¡± Hagrid muttered, releasing Mr. Weasley and giving his robes a brisk shake to smooth them out. ¡°You shouldn¡¯t have listened to him, Arthur. The man¡¯s rotten, and so¡¯s his whole family. Not worth a word.¡±


    Mr. Weasley didn¡¯t respond, his jaw still clenched. Ginny¡¯s outburst had given him the excuse he needed to confront Malfoy, and if he were honest, he¡¯d enjoyed it¡ªsomething about landing a punch on that smug face felt like a well-deserved treat, like the warmth of Butterbeer on a frigid day.


    As Hagrid straightened Mr. Weasley¡¯s robes, he led the group out of Flourish and Blotts. ¡°Come on, let¡¯s get outta here!¡±


    The shop assistants looked like they wanted to intervene, but with Hagrid towering over them, none dared make a move. Outside, the Grangers were visibly shaken, and Hermione was whispering reassuringly to her parents.


    Mrs. Weasley, however, was furious. ¡°Setting such a bad example for the children¡­ fighting in public¡­ what on earth will Gilderoy Lockhart think?¡±


    ¡°Oh, he was thrilled!¡± Fred said with a grin. ¡°He even asked the photographer if they could include the fight in the story¡­¡± S~ea??h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Chapter 257: Riddle’s Diary

    Back at the Leaky Cauldron, Hagrid suggested a drink before they left, and everyone agreed... even Mrs. Weasley, who was still quite upset.


    She felt the need to explain to the Grangers what had happened, hoping they wouldn''t form a poor opinion of wizards. While the adults talked, Kyle walked over to Ginny.


    Ginny was sitting with her head down, sipping hot chocolate¡ªthe only non-alcoholic option at the Leaky Cauldron¡ªwithout saying a word. Kyle¡¯s sudden appearance startled her.


    "That was a really impressive throw back there."


    "You... you saw that?"


    "I wasn¡¯t sure at first," Kyle said with a shrug, "but a quiet Ginny isn¡¯t exactly normal."


    "I... I was just so angry," Ginny replied, clutching her cup. "Why did he say that about Dad!"


    But then, her expression changed to one of worry. "Kyle, do you think they''ll fire Dad?"


    "Don¡¯t worry, they definitely won¡¯t," Kyle assured her after thinking for a moment. "The Ministry of Magic just passed the new Muggle Protection Act, which Mr. Weasley initiated and pushed forward. If they fired him now, it would seriously damage the Ministry''s credibility. Fudge wouldn¡¯t agree to that."


    Ginny blinked, clearly confused.


    "Okay, I¡¯ll put it another way," Kyle said, smiling. "Mr. Weasley has a lot of friends¡ªincluding directors, deputy directors, and even members of the Wizengamot¡ªwho will support him."


    This time, Ginny understood. She let out a long breath, her whole demeanor relaxing.


    "Thank you, Kyle!"


    "You¡¯re welcome. I was just telling the truth," Kyle replied with a casual wave of his hand. "But you know, that cauldron throw was really accurate. If it hadn¡¯t been stuffed with books, it probably would have hit Malfoy square on the head. Honestly, Ginny, you have the makings of a great Chaser."


    "Too bad they don¡¯t let first years play Quidditch," Ginny laughed.


    "You could always try anyway. I mean, Harry was an exception."


    "But I heard Gryffindor doesn¡¯t need any Chasers right now..."


    "True enough. We¡¯ll talk about it when you¡¯re in second year."


    "Hey, you just said I should give it a try!" Ginny protested. "Why can¡¯t I be an exception like Harry?"


    "I was just being polite... If it were me, I wouldn¡¯t have held back with an empty cauldron," Kyle said calmly.


    Ginny gritted her teeth, looking like she was considering tossing the cauldron at Kyle¡¯s face just to prove how accurate her throw could be. But when she glanced down, she realized Kyle had already taken her cauldron at some point.


    "I was just thinking about what to get you for school..." Kyle said as he pulled her old books from the cauldron. "How about a brand new set of textbooks?"


    Ginny quickly shook her head. "No, no, that''s way too expensive! I can use second-hand ones."


    "It''s decided then," Kyle said, not giving her a chance to argue. He stowed the old books away. "Though we¡¯ll have to wait a few days¡ªFlourish and Blotts might not welcome us back just yet."


    Ginny couldn¡¯t help but laugh. After all, thanks to them, several of the shop¡¯s bookshelves had been knocked over, spilling books everywhere. If it hadn¡¯t been for Hagrid, they probably wouldn¡¯t have been able to leave the store so easily. sea??h th§× novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ...


    After finishing their Butterbeers, everyone had calmed down significantly. Even the Grangers seemed at ease, letting go of the day¡¯s earlier tensions as they said goodbye to Mrs. Weasley with a smile. They were about to head back to the muggle street on the other side of the Leaky Cauldron, when Kyle handed Mr. Granger a large bottle of Sleekeazy¡¯s Hair Potion. He had plenty of them stashed in his bag, all intended for a certain professor, so giving one away didn¡¯t matter.


    After saying their goodbyes at the bar, Kyle and the Weasley family moved to the fireplace and returned to The Burrow using Floo powder.


    ¡°Glad you got the names right this time, dear,¡± Mrs. Weasley said, standing at the kitchen door, holding a coat brush and brushing the ashes off of them. ¡°Very good, everyone¡¯s here¡­wait, why are there only eight of you? Where¡¯s Percy!¡±


    It took a moment for everyone to realize that Percy hadn¡¯t returned with them.


    ¡°I remember he was reading in the Junk Shop,¡± said Ron.


    Harry nodded. ¡°The book was called .¡±


    Everything in the Junk Shop had been shabby, except for that book, which looked almost brand-new.


    ¡°Ha, that¡¯s classic Percy,¡± Fred said, grinning. ¡°He wants to be Head Boy¡­¡±


    ¡°Or Minister of Magic!¡± George added.


    Mrs. Weasley ignored Fred and George¡¯s jabs. She put down the coat brush and sighed. ¡°Oh dear, Percy must have lost track of time¡­ And none of you thought to call him?¡±


    ¡°Who cares about Percy?¡± Ron muttered. ¡°We thought you¡¯d called him¡­¡±


    Mrs. Weasley didn¡¯t respond. Instead, she simply grabbed another handful of Floo powder and tossed it into the fireplace. Truthfully, she¡¯d forgotten too.


    ...


    After Mrs. Weasley went back to retrieve Percy, Kyle declined Fred¡¯s invitation to play Quidditch in the woods and left The Burrow to head home. In his room, he locked the door and took out Ginny¡¯s stack of old textbooks. Tucked inside was a worn black notebook.


    The faded date on the cover indicated it was from fifty years ago, blending easily with the old books. Anyone who glanced at it would assume it was just something left behind by a previous owner of the second-hand store.


    Kyle took a deep breath and carefully opened the notebook. On the first page was a faintly written name:


    ¡°T. M. Riddle.¡±


    As he¡¯d suspected, Lucius Malfoy had slipped the diary to Ginny, likely in an attempt to harm the Weasley family in some twisted form of revenge. Kyle drummed his fingers on the table, thinking. Lucius Malfoy might not have known the diary¡¯s true purpose, but he must have known it was dangerous¡ªVoldemort¡¯s things always were. In other words, he hadn¡¯t cared at all about Ginny¡¯s safety.


    Hagrid had been right. Lucius Malfoy was indeed a truly evil man.


    Although he had paid a price for it, eventually. When Voldemort was resurrected, he discovered that the Horcrux he had hidden with the Malfoys had been damaged. Lucius Malfoy sacrificed almost all his wealth just to keep his family safe, but in the end, Draco was still forced to attempt to assassinate Dumbledore.


    A student, not even fully trained, sent to kill Dumbledore... Clearly, Voldemort had never intended for him to succeed¡ªor survive.


    But all that was still far in the future.


    For now, with the diary safely in Kyle¡¯s possession, Ginny could look forward to a normal school year. And as it happened, Kyle had a few questions he was eager to ask the young Riddle.

 Chapter 258: The Most Unique Horcrux

    Kyle held his quill and stared at the diary for a long time, hesitating to open it.


    The diary was Voldemort''s first Horcrux, and in many ways, it was the most unique. Unlike other Horcruxes, the soul fragment in this diary had an unprecedented ability¡ªit could, under the right conditions, resurrect itself independently, drawing life force from others to manifest a physical body out of nothing. This method of resurrection was beyond anything Voldemort had managed, even during his years in Albania. If he¡¯d had this ability, he would have drained Quirrell last year and bypassed the need for the Philosopher¡¯s Stone altogether.


    If Voldemort¡¯s soul were like a piece of toast, the fragment he¡¯d placed in the diary was the largest slice¡ªperhaps even cut in half due to his inexperience with soul-splitting at the time. This explained why Riddle in the diary possessed such complete memories, a full personality, and the capacity for conversation. Other than being unable to cast Charms, this Riddle was indistinguishable from Voldemort as a student.


    This level of completeness...perhaps it was the ¡°correct¡± way to create a Horcrux.


    Kyle¡¯s curiosity began to stir. If he managed to resurrect Riddle, what kind of relationship might unfold between Riddle and Voldemort? Cooperation or a deadly rivalry? Kyle suspected the latter. Perhaps they would work together temporarily, deal with Dumbledore and Harry, and only then confront each other over who had the right to call themselves Voldemort. But in the end, it was unlikely they could coexist. A proud person like Voldemort would never allow a duplicate of himself to exist, even if that duplicate shared his soul.


    Kyle snapped back to reality, realizing he¡¯d been sitting in front of the diary for over an hour. He shook his head, set down his quill, and tried to refocus.


    As a student, Tom Riddle had undoubtedly been remarkable: intelligent, skilled at gaining others¡¯ trust, adept at masking his true nature, and possessing sharp powers of observation and insight. Dumbledore had once said he was one of the brightest students he¡¯d ever encountered¡ªa statement originally meant for Riddle, long before there was a final ¡°one¡± to compare him to.


    If Kyle was going to engage with Riddle, he would need to be cautious and avoid any visible weaknesses. He needed to weave a "mantle" to win Riddle¡¯s trust and lull him into a false sense of security.


    Kyle took out the enchanted box Nicolas Flamel had given him and placed the diary inside. Then, he rummaged through a suitcase at the bottom of his bed and pulled out a thick, parchment-bound book. Inked on the cover in cursive was the title: .


    He had copied it from the Restricted Section just before the holidays, though he hadn¡¯t had time to study it. Most of the book dealt with dark magic research, but there were some practical applications too.


    One section mentioned an advanced use of Occlumency: rather than just clearing the mind, it described selectively hiding key memories and thoughts while projecting an open mind on the surface. This was likely the technique Snape had used to maintain his cover as a Death Eater. A completely blank mind would have been a dead giveaway to Voldemort.


    Kyle could imagine the scene:


    Yes...something like that.


    To reach Snape¡¯s level of expertise, Kyle knew he would need time and substantial practice. But if he just wanted to create a superficial cover¡ªto make it look like his mind wasn¡¯t entirely blank¡ªthat would be easier to manage.


    ...


    Three days later.


    "Ron, has Kyle gone out again?" Harry asked as he sliced his bread at the Burrow¡¯s breakfast table. "I feel like I haven¡¯t seen him since we got back from Diagon Alley."


    "I¡¯m not sure," Ron replied with a shrug. He¡¯d been rather absorbed in Harry¡¯s Nimbus 2000 and had spent much of his time down at the Quidditch pitch, so he hadn¡¯t really noticed Kyle¡¯s absence. "But Fred and George might know."


    "What¡¯s that?" Fred asked, entering the kitchen just as he heard his name.


    "Oh, we were talking about Kyle," Harry said. "I haven¡¯t seen him around lately. Has he gone off somewhere again?"


    Fred came over to the table and started spreading orange marmalade on his toast. "Why do you ask? Do you need something from him?"


    "It¡¯s for Hermione," Harry explained. "She really liked the automatic ink-jet quill that Kyle gave Ron, and she asked if it¡¯s for sale."


    "Why, yes, of course it is!" George said, sitting down beside Harry. He pulled a brand-new quill from his pocket and handed it over. "Good taste, I must say. This is one of our earlier creations¡ªquite popular, too! And it¡¯s reasonably priced, only one Sickle."


    "Earlier creations?" Harry looked down at the quill in his hand, feeling confused. Didn¡¯t Kyle say he¡¯d made it at Nicolas Flamel¡¯s place? Or had he remembered that wrong?


    But the quill George had handed him looked identical to Ron¡¯s¡ªa plain, ordinary-looking quill.


    "Go on, give it a try," Fred urged, grinning. "It¡¯s on the house."


    "Alright then," Harry agreed, rummaging in his pocket until he found a crumpled piece of parchment. It was an old notice about the restriction on underage magic, handed out before the holidays. Harry hadn¡¯t even bothered to read it back then, but it would work for testing the quill now.


    Flattening the paper, and under Fred and George¡¯s watchful eyes, he picked up the quill.


    As soon as the nib touched the parchment, A huge blob of ink shot out from the quill¡¯s end, splattering all over Harry¡¯s face.


    Harry froze, stunned, holding the quill as he processed the fact that his entire face was now covered in ink. Beside him, Fred and George burst into raucous laughter, clutching their stomachs.


    But their amusement was cut short by Mrs. Weasley¡¯s angry voice from behind them.


    "Harry is a guest! How dare you... And haven¡¯t I told you both not to pull this kind of stunt in the house!"


    Fred and George turned around with difficulty, still shaking with laughter.


    Mrs. Weasley stood right behind them, spatula in hand, wielding it like a sword that looked all too ready to strike.


    "Mum, I can explain," Fred said quickly. "Harry asked for it himself!"


    George nodded vigorously. "Yes, he wanted one for his friend, so we just let him test it. Ron can back us up!"


    S§×arch* The N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Chapter 259: The Confident Riddle

    Despite their well-reasoned excuses, Fred and George were each treated to a sharp ear-twist from Mrs. Weasley. The reason? The ink had nearly splattered onto the plate of sausages. Thankfully, Harry intervened, taking the blame, so Mrs. Weasley only gave Fred and George a light twist before letting them off.


    Once she left, Harry explained in a hushed tone, and Fred and George realized they¡¯d misunderstood.


    ¡°So, you¡¯re saying you don¡¯t want kind of automatic ink-jet quill?¡± Fred asked, rubbing his sore ear.


    ¡°Of course not,¡± Harry replied, wiping the ink from his face. ¡°Why would Hermione ever ask about something like that?¡±


    Fred and George thought it over, and it did seem unlikely that Hermione¡ªever so prim, proper, and very much the ¡°Professor McGonagall¡± type¡ªwould go after a prank item like that. After all, they¡¯d even dubbed her ¡°Mini McGonagall¡± themselves.


    ¡°She¡¯s looking for a quill that writes with ink that flows automatically,¡± Harry clarified, glancing at Ron. ¡°Do you have it with you?¡±


    ¡°No,¡± Ron said, reaching for a sausage. ¡°I mean, who brings a quill to breakfast?¡±


    ¡°Well then, dear brother, could you go fetch it so we can have a look?¡± George said with a grin.


    Ron hesitated, but as everyone stared at him, he finally sighed, setting down his sausage reluctantly and trudged upstairs to retrieve the quill. S~ea??h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°Is this the one?¡± George asked, taking the quill and scribbling all over Harry¡¯s notice. Soon, the paper was covered with neat lines of ink.


    ¡°It¡¯s perfect for homework,¡± George observed, running his fingers over the nib. ¡°It¡¯s probably enchanted with a Refilling Charm, like our waterproof badges.¡±


    ¡°Refilling Charm?¡± Harry asked, blinking in surprise¡ªhe¡¯d never heard of such a charm before.


    ¡°Are you talking about schoolwork?¡± Mr. Weasley had just joined them at the table and smiled at Harry. ¡°I thought I heard you ask about the Refilling Charm. It¡¯s a very useful spell, works like this¡­¡±


    He tapped Harry¡¯s half-full glass of pumpkin juice with his wand. The liquid inside immediately began to rise until the glass was completely full.


    ¡°Wow¡­¡± Harry¡¯s mouth dropped open in amazement. ¡°But¡­didn¡¯t Professor McGonagall say magic can¡¯t create food?¡±


    ¡°Technically, it doesn¡¯t,¡± Mr. Weasley explained. ¡°It just transports the pumpkin juice already in the kitchen into your glass, saving the time it would take to go back and forth. I¡¯d wager this charm was invented by a rather thirsty wizard.¡±


    Harry nodded in understanding, then turned to Fred and George. ¡°So, can you make quills like this one?¡±


    Fred paused. ¡°What was the first question you asked when we came down?¡±


    Harry thought for a moment. ¡°I haven¡¯t seen Kyle around. Has he gone out again?¡±


    ¡°No, he¡¯s been in his room reading,¡± Fred replied smoothly. ¡°He does that a lot. You¡¯ll get used to it.¡±


    George returned the quill to Ron. ¡°Oh, by the way, did you know the Chudley Cannons actually won against the Vratsa Vultures this year?¡±


    ¡°What? The Vultures are third-ranked! Could it be the Cannons are finally on the rise?¡± Ron exclaimed, eyes wide.


    With practiced ease, Fred and George had successfully changed the topic. Harry, puzzled for a moment, quickly forgot about the quill and jumped into the Quidditch conversation.


    ¡°The Cannons won? How did you hear about that?¡± he asked eagerly.


    ¡°Cedric told us¡ªhe was at the match¡­¡±


    ...


    On the other side of the room, Kyle was indeed there, though he wasn¡¯t reading¡ªat least, not yet.


    After two days of keeping it sealed in the box, Kyle finally took the diary out. He stared at the name ¡°Riddle¡± for a moment, then opened it to the blank second page and began transcribing notes on Transfiguration as naturally as he would in any notebook. But before he had written much, the words began to fade, slowly absorbed into the paper until they vanished completely.


    A new line of text appeared on the blank page, written in the same ink as his own.


    The words shimmered on the page briefly before disappearing.


    Kyle¡¯s face tightened slightly. Picking up his quill, he wrote back quickly, firing off questions.


    The writing vanished, and after a long pause, new words formed on the page.


    Kyle raised an eyebrow, intrigued. Riddle seemed patient, carefully answering each of his questions without skipping a beat. After a moment¡¯s thought, Kyle responded.


    This time, Riddle replied quickly.


    Kyle wrote back, his handwriting a little sloppy in his eagerness.


    Kyle asked.


    Riddle responded, his words appearing promptly.


    He seemed intent on impressing Kyle, as he continued,


    Kyle thought, amused. He wrote back,


    Then, trying to provoke Riddle a bit, he added,


    The diary fell silent for a long moment. Riddle seemed unprepared for this question, and Kyle¡¯s patience was beginning to wane when finally, new words materialized on the page.


    Riddle hesitated before adding,


    Even though it was only text, Kyle could feel Riddle¡¯s confidence radiating from the page.


    And he was probably right.

 Chapter 260: Make a Friend

    Tom Riddle was indeed a master at reading people and concealing his true intentions. After realizing that the person who had found the diary was a young wizard with excellent grades, he cultivated his "genius student" persona carefully to forge a connection with Kyle. But perhaps ¡°persona¡± wasn¡¯t quite accurate¡ªRiddle genuinely was a brilliant student, after all.


    Because of this, he was able to answer Kyle¡¯s questions quickly and with apparent ease, often offering insightful advice. Kyle, in turn, picked up quite a few useful tricks. For instance, Riddle shared a tip for Transfiguration: when transforming small insects, drawing circles with the wand could increase accuracy and was much easier than simply tapping them.


    Kyle wrote in the diary.


    Riddle replied.


    Kyle asked.


    Kyle responded.


    Kyle stared at the line for a moment, his hand pausing slightly over the quill. Then he continued as if nothing had happened.


    ] Riddle replied.


    Kyle wrote.


    Another line quickly followed, but the handwriting was shaky, as if Riddle had been nervous while writing it:


    Kyle replied without hesitation.


    ] Riddle wrote back.


    For the entire morning, Kyle and Riddle continued their conversation, Kyle¡¯s handwriting growing faster and more casual as they went on. He asked Riddle questions about Charms, but more often he expressed regret that they couldn¡¯t be real classmates.


    As they exchanged thoughts, Riddle subtly started to probe for information about Kyle, drawing details from casual comments and questions. From the snippets Kyle revealed, Riddle began piecing together a portrait of his new "friend."


    He saw that Kyle was clever, yes, but not nearly as clever as himself. Kyle¡¯s good grades seemed to be due more to memorization than real understanding; he knew only what was written in his textbooks. His social circle was limited to two friends: one obsessed with wizard chess and the other fixated on Quidditch¡ªboth, in Riddle¡¯s view, entirely unremarkable and people he wouldn¡¯t have given a second thought to.


    Most importantly, Riddle sensed a certain truth in Kyle¡¯s words, not a fabricated story but a sincere, if vulnerable, glimpse into his life. This thrilled him. Kyle¡¯s eagerness, his earnest desire for companionship¡ªit was as if prey had willingly stepped into his hands, presenting itself for the taking.


    To Riddle, someone like this was easy to handle. He could tell Kyle lacked any real sense of belonging and felt distanced from those around him. All Riddle needed to do was play the part of a good listener and supportive friend, and Kyle would likely confide in him all his secrets.


    ...


    It wasn¡¯t until late afternoon, when Riddle started asking questions about the outside world beyond the castle, that Kyle decided to end the conversation.


    he wrote abruptly, closing the diary and putting down his quill.


    He hastily scrawled his last message in the diary, then snapped it shut and tucked it casually into the box beside him. Standing up, Kyle stretched his wrists, feeling the stiffness from a morning spent writing.


    As he suspected, Riddle was indeed skilled in Legilimency. At one point during their conversation, Kyle had felt a faint, unsettling sense of being watched. It was fleeting, just a brief sensation, but given his vigilance around Riddle, he¡¯d picked up on it. Anyone less guarded might have missed it entirely.


    More interestingly, Riddle wasn¡¯t as composed as Kyle had expected. Kyle had assumed Riddle would play the long game, waiting patiently before trying to pry out information. But it was only the first morning, and Riddle was already angling to learn about the outside world, hinting at questions about who the most powerful wizard was, and whether Dumbledore was still the headmaster at Hogwarts. Kyle saw right through it: Riddle was trying to glimpse his own future.


    If Dumbledore were still alive and active, it would mean Voldemort¡¯s plans had ultimately failed. Conversely, if the most powerful wizard turned out to be Voldemort, then Riddle could assume his future self had succeeded. But of course, this was unlikely. Given that the diary had fallen into the hands of a young student, Riddle should have suspected that Voldemort had met some sort of downfall. After all, if he had triumphed, would his Horcrux have been so easily lost?


    Clearly, Riddle¡¯s true aim was to learn why his plans had failed. But before Riddle could press for more, Kyle had closed the diary, shutting down any further questioning.


    Kyle walked over to the windowsill, rubbing the feathers on his owl Ratton¡¯s neck thoughtfully. He had thrown down the first gauntlet, and if he kept control over their exchanges, he might be able to uncover useful information. Riddle would be keen to learn about Voldemort¡¯s defeat in Godric¡¯s Hollow, and Kyle knew this was valuable information he could use strategically.


    He chuckled inwardly. he thought.


    ¡°Kyle! Over here!¡±


    Fred and George¡¯s voices suddenly rang out from below. Kyle looked down to see the twins waving at him, holding their broomsticks. Behind them were Harry, Ron, and Ginny, all ready for a game of Quidditch on the hill.


    ¡°Do you want to join us?¡± Fred called up.


    Kyle considered for a moment, then grabbed his Nimbus 2000 and headed downstairs. S§×arch* The n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°We were just talking about you this morning,¡± Fred said when Kyle joined them. ¡°You¡¯ve been busier than Percy lately!¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s nothing,¡± Kyle replied casually. ¡°I just came across something interesting the other day and wanted to read up on it.¡±


    The others didn¡¯t seem too curious.


    ¡°Are you done with it now?¡± George asked.


    ¡°More or less,¡± Kyle said, keeping it vague.


    With the initial greetings over, Kyle¡¯s mind settled. He¡¯d taken his time with Riddle today, carefully guiding their first exchange. Riddle would likely dwell on Kyle¡¯s responses, growing curious about Voldemort¡¯s downfall and wanting to know more. But Kyle didn¡¯t plan to touch the diary again for several days. He¡¯d let Riddle simmer in his own questions, gradually building his curiosity.


    After all, Kyle had time. There was no rush.

 Chapter 261: Don’t Worry, Tom, I’ll Help You

    The group had found a suitable field for Quidditch when Kyle seemed to have a sudden thought and asked, ¡°You mentioned me earlier this morning?¡±


    ¡°It was Harry... No, actually, it was Hermione...¡± Fred started, but then passed the explanation to Harry. ¡°You tell him,¡± he said before hopping onto his broom to join George in chasing after their makeshift Quaffle¡ªa ball made from woven rattan.


    Kyle turned to Harry, curious.


    ¡°It¡¯s not that big a deal,¡± Harry said, a bit sheepishly. ¡°Do you sell those automatic ink-jet quills? How much are they, roughly?¡±


    After a moment, he added, ¡°The kind you gave to Ron.¡±


    Kyle shook his head. ¡°I don¡¯t think we sell those. Why, do you want one?¡±


    The quill had been a simple project, something he¡¯d made while practicing alchemy. He¡¯d never considered selling it. Even though it had a useful charm, it was still just a writing tool. Selling it at a high price wouldn¡¯t feel right, and no one would likely buy it for a high price anyway. On the other hand, selling it cheaply would be a waste of his time and effort, given how intricate it was to create.


    Besides, he had enough on his plate with twelve classes lined up for the year; he wasn¡¯t looking to add extra work for himself. Sear?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°Oh, it wasn¡¯t for me. It was for Hermione,¡± Harry explained. ¡°She seemed to really like that quill you gave to Ron.¡±


    ¡°No wonder...¡± Kyle said, understanding now. Harry wasn¡¯t likely to care about a quill, but for Hermione, it made perfect sense.


    ¡°I¡¯ll make sure she has one when school starts,¡± Kyle said.


    ¡°I¡¯m sure she¡¯ll be thrilled,¡± Harry replied, smiling.


    ¡°It¡¯s just a quill, nothing special,¡± Kyle waved it off casually. After all, he¡¯d made the quill based on someone else¡¯s design. Giving it as a gift felt like the least he could do.


    ...


    The group didn¡¯t head back to The Burrow until evening, mainly because Ginny, refusing to accept her earlier defeat, borrowed Harry¡¯s Nimbus 2000 to challenge Kyle to a rematch. Needless to say, Ginny lost again and was left questioning her life choices. On the way home, she sulked, taking Ron¡¯s sluggish Shooting Star and casting annoyed glances at Kyle¡¯s back, as if measuring the best angle to land a smack on him.


    Fortunately for Kyle, the others were in a rush to get home for dinner and walked quickly, reaching The Burrow before Ginny had a chance to act on her irritation.


    Over the next few days, Kyle seemed to forget about the diary entirely. He spent his time working on a new map or helping Fred and George refine their trick wands. It wasn¡¯t until three days later that he opened his suitcase and took the diary out again.


    As soon as he opened it, a line appeared on the blank page:


    Riddle didn¡¯t complain about Kyle¡¯s absence. Instead, he greeted him like an old friend who hadn¡¯t seen him in ages.


    Kyle wrote back.


    []


    Kyle asked.


    []


    [] Riddle admitted. []


    Kyle asked, quickly scribbling with his quill.


    []


    Kyle thought back to a recent issue Fred and George had encountered with their charms and relayed it to Riddle. Riddle replied almost immediately:


    []


    He proceeded to explain in detail the meaning of each magic word and the importance of their arrangement. Riddle¡¯s explanations shed light on the complex world of ancient runes and alchemy, concepts that had puzzled Kyle in Flamel¡¯s notes and various alchemical texts. Nicolas Flamel himself had never been able to break down these details, since, for him, they were as instinctual as speaking or writing.


    But Riddle¡¯s instructions were meticulous and precise, which surprised Kyle. Then again, without a solid grounding in ancient runes, Riddle would never have secured a position at Borgin and Burkes right out of school. Dark magic shops like that held far higher standards for expertise than Diagon Alley¡¯s more conventional stores.


    Kyle¡¯s eyes lit up. What he had assumed would take him years to learn now seemed attainable in a fraction of the time.


    From that point on, Kyle treated the diary like a point-and-click tool for all his questions about ancient runes and alchemy. Riddle remained helpful, diligently answering every question and even adding his own insights to make concepts clearer.


    The only drawback was that, now and then, Riddle would slip in personal questions about the world outside. Kyle didn¡¯t mind much; he could tolerate a little prodding in exchange for all the free knowledge. he mused, brushing off Riddle¡¯s probing as background noise.


    A few days passed this way, and finally, Riddle¡¯s curiosity got the better of him.


    Kyle was jotting down notes on derivative meanings of magic words when he noticed the new line on the page. He paused, frowning slightly. Riddle was growing bolder. After so many deflections, Kyle couldn¡¯t just ignore the question.


    There was a long pause.


    []


    Kyle wrote back.


    The diary was silent again, this time for an even longer stretch.


    [] Riddle wrote, hesitantly.


    []


    Kyle responded.


    [] Riddle¡¯s reply came quickly, tinged with uncertainty.


    Kyle wrote, his quill moving briskly across the page.


    The diary remained blank after that, not a single word reappearing.

 Chapter 262: The Tutor

    The moment Riddle¡¯s writing faded, the diary¡¯s yellowed pages seemed to lighten, as if they were losing color. Almost immediately, a messy scrawl in what looked like frantic, uneven handwriting appeared across the paper. Kyle squinted, trying to make out the words:


    []


    As Kyle read, that unsettling sense of prying crept back, stronger than before. This time, he could even hear a faint whisper in his mind, gently urging him to believe Riddle¡¯s words, nudging him toward obedience. However, thanks to Occlumency, the subtle hint became clear and almost crude, more like a blunt command that he was supposed to follow.


    Kyle mused to himself.


    Raising an eyebrow, Kyle feigned obliviousness and wrote with a calm expression,


    []


    Riddle¡¯s handwriting returned to its usual neat form.


    []


    Kyle responded, agreeing without hesitation.


    Following this exchange, Riddle became unusually restrained, focusing exclusively on his role as Kyle¡¯s ¡°tutor,¡± as though terrified Kyle might change his mind and take the diary to Dumbledore after all. But despite Riddle¡¯s compliance, the experience grew frustrating for Kyle.


    Riddle¡¯s handwriting, once a bold black, had faded to a dull gray, and each time Kyle asked a question, it grew lighter. Eventually, as Kyle posed yet another question about the arrangement of magical words, Riddle stopped responding altogether. A single, faint line appeared:


    []


    Kyle wrote back, appearing anxious. he thought bitterly.


    []


    Kyle wrote, confused.


    [] Riddle explained. []


    Kyle replied, feigning distress.


    Kyle continued,


    The diary was silent for a moment.


    Riddle, likely unfamiliar with Dungbombs, could infer from the name alone that it wasn¡¯t pleasant. he probably wondered.


    [] he eventually wrote, his handwriting fading further, as though to ensure Kyle could read it.


    []


    Kyle glanced at the enchanted box beside him, crafted by none other than Nicolas Flamel, a box designed to block and contain magic. If he stored the diary inside, it might take ages for it to recharge¡ªor perhaps it wouldn¡¯t at all.


    Riddle seemed to have been waiting for this prompt. His response appeared quickly: Sear?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    []


    Kyle was momentarily taken aback. He¡¯d expected Riddle to ask for something more trivial¡ªperhaps a small magical charm¡ªbut dragon blood? That was hardly a small request.


    []


    The truth was, Riddle would have preferred the blood of a unicorn, as its unique properties would have allowed him to recover even faster, free from the curse he would incur as a living being. But he sensed that requesting unicorn blood might raise too many questions, so he opted for dragon blood as a less suspicious choice.


    Kyle wrote, adding a touch of admiration.


    [] Riddle replied, brushing off the mention of Dumbledore, clearly uninterested in discussing him further.


    []


    Kyle raised an eyebrow and wrote,


    There was a pause, and then Riddle¡¯s response appeared:


    []


    If the words hadn¡¯t faded so quickly, Kyle would¡¯ve liked to save that sentence as a trophy¡ªVoldemort himself admitting he feared Dumbledore would surely make headlines on the front page of


    Kyle wrote thoughtfully.


    [] The response appeared quickly, and the handwriting was noticeably messier, almost frantic.


    Kyle continued,


    [] Riddle wrote, a hint of desperation creeping into the letters.


    Kyle then wrote his final message, closing the interaction abruptly.


    As he closed the diary, he thought he glimpsed another message forming, the ink dark and bold. But he didn¡¯t pause to read it. Instead, he tossed the diary back into the enchanted box, snapped the lid shut, and set it aside.


    Turning to the parchments littered across his desk, he began organizing them, carefully reviewing each one with the beside him.

 Chapter 263: The Heartless Dumbledore

    The next morning, Kyle arrived at The Burrow early and used the fireplace to travel to Diagon Alley. As he¡¯d expected, anything related to dragons came at a premium¡ªdragon blood included. A small vial set him back twelve Galleons, a price that made him wince. he thought ruefully.


    After picking up the dragon blood, Kyle decided to swing by the Junk Shop, where he ran into Percy, who was just exiting the shop, clutching a book with a mixture of pride and pain.


    Mrs. Weasley hadn¡¯t been comfortable with Kyle going to Diagon Alley alone, so she had asked Percy to join him. It just so happened that Percy had been meaning to buy the book he¡¯d seen a few days earlier:


    Ever since he¡¯d come across it, Percy had felt as though the book contained his future path. Every time he closed his eyes, the ¡°words of wisdom¡± within it seemed to echo in his mind, each reading revealing some new insight. Unable to shake the feeling that he might miss something crucial, he had decided to buy it¡ªeven if it meant spending every bit of his allowance.


    Kyle glanced at Percy, who was holding the book as if it were a priceless treasure. Curious, he asked, ¡°How much did you spend?¡±


    ¡°Nine Galleons¡ªall the pocket money I¡¯ll have for the next two years!¡± Percy replied, with a mix of pride and resignation. ¡°It was supposed to be eighteen Galleons, but the shopkeeper gave me a great discount when he saw I didn¡¯t have enough.¡±


    Kyle raised his eyebrows. In a second-hand shop, books usually went for half the price of those at Flourish and Blotts. Meaning, the original price of was thirty-six Galleons¡ªa shockingly high price.


    Kyle mused, thinking back to Lockhart¡¯s titles, which had seemed steep at five Galleons each.


    But Kyle kept his thoughts to himself. After all, it wasn¡¯t his money.


    This time, they didn''t run into any acquaintances on their way back and returned to The Burrow via the fireplace in the Leaky Cauldron.


    Mrs. Weasley had just finished preparing breakfast: corned beef sandwiches and fried potatoes.


    Percy didn¡¯t join them at the table, instead grabbing two sandwiches and hurrying upstairs to study his classic texts. Kyle sat down next to Ron, who was grimacing as he struggled with a tough piece of corned beef, his whole face scrunched up.


    ¡°You¡¯re back, Kyle.¡±


    Fred, seated across from him, rubbed his chin thoughtfully and asked, ¡°What did you go to Diagon Alley to buy?¡±


    ¡°Dragon¡¯s blood.¡± Kyle pulled out a small bottle, and a faintly fishy odor immediately filled the air.


    ¡°Oh, that smell is awful,¡± said George, pinching his nose. ¡°Put it away!¡±


    Kyle shrugged. There was nothing he could do about it; fresh dragon¡¯s blood simply smelled that way, and the apothecary¡¯s bottle wasn¡¯t the best¡ªit was sealed just enough to prevent leaks. When he put the bottle back in his leather bag, the smell around him lessened slightly.


    ¡°Dragon¡¯s blood isn¡¯t cheap,¡± noted Fred. ¡°Are you brewing some kind of potion?¡±


    ¡°No, I¡¯ve got other uses for it,¡± Kyle replied, shaking his head. ¡°By the way, have you seen that parchment I gave you?¡±


    ¡°Speaking of which¡­¡± Fred suddenly stood up, looking excited. ¡°Kyle, you¡¯re an absolute genius! The magic formula you gave us is brilliant!¡±


    George enthusiastically pushed a plate piled high with corned beef sandwiches towards Kyle. ¡°Just a small tweak, and all our issues were sorted out. The Trick Wand is a complete success!¡± S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°Don¡¯t tell me you¡¯re discussing those magic tricks again¡­¡± Mrs. Weasley interrupted as she came over with a plate of sausages, casting Fred and George a disapproving look.


    ¡°No, Mum!¡± George quickly clarified, ¡°We¡¯re discussing ancient runes.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right,¡± Fred added, producing a parchment covered with various symbols and formulas. ¡°We¡¯re working on practical applications of Runes. Professor Babbling left us this assignment.¡±


    Mrs. Weasley glanced at the parchment and saw that it was indeed filled with magical symbols, along with sections clearly written in the twins¡¯ handwriting.


    ¡°Oh, I see¡­ Sorry, Fred¡­ and George.¡±


    She placed several sausages on their plates. Fred winked at Kyle.


    ¡°It¡¯s all right¡­ but Mum, I¡¯m George!¡±


    Kyle grinned and took a bite of his sandwich. He had to admit that Mrs. Weasley¡¯s corned beef was extremely dry and tough¡­ nearly like jerky. But it still tasted good.


    After breakfast, Fred fetched his broomstick.


    ¡°Kyle, how about a game of Quidditch later?¡±


    ¡°Cedric¡¯s back, so we could have a House match.¡±


    Kyle glanced at them and immediately declined. With a house full of Gryffindors, and Ginny¡ªthough not yet sorted¡ªlikely joining in, he knew it was a stacked lineup. Five against two might have been manageable, but with three seasoned players on their side, it would be madness to take them on in a house match.


    ¡°At worst, we¡¯ll let you have Ginny,¡± George offered generously. ¡°She hasn¡¯t been sorted yet, so she can go wherever.¡±


    ¡°And Harry,¡± Kyle added.


    ¡°Not a chance¡­¡±


    ¡°Fine, then!¡±


    After firmly rejecting this one-sided match, Kyle left The Burrow. He planned to head back to catch up with Riddle¡ªafter all, he had splurged on the ¡°Dragon Blood Membership,¡± and he wasn¡¯t about to let it go to waste.


    ...


    But ultimately, this idea didn¡¯t come to pass. It had nothing to do with Fred and the others¡ªKyle had just returned to his room when a large, fiery red bird swooped in, landing on his shoulder.


    ¡°Fawkes?¡±


    Kyle stared in surprise at the Phoenix perched on him. ¡°What are you doing here?¡±


    Fawkes ruffled his tail feathers and tossed a suitcase down in front of Kyle¡ªthe very suitcase Kyle had given Dumbledore before the holidays.


    ¡°You brought it?¡±


    Any thoughts of Riddle vanished as Kyle excitedly picked up the suitcase, inspecting it from all angles. ¡°Thanks, Fawkes. Where¡¯s Professor Dumbledore?¡± he asked absently, still examining the suitcase.


    He shouldn¡¯t have asked. The instant the words left his mouth, Fawkes let out a sharp, indignant chirp and began flapping his wings furiously, clearly trying to convey a message.


    ¡°You¡¯re saying¡­ he went to the Austrian Wizarding Congress by himself and sent you to deliver this?¡± Kyle frowned slightly, thinking it over. If he remembered correctly, Nurmengard was located somewhere near Austria¡­


    Fawkes gave a vigorous nod, still flapping his wings in agitation, as though denouncing some shameless scoundrel who tossed aside the familiar for something new.


    Unfortunately, Kyle bore the brunt of Fawkes¡¯ frustration. The Phoenix¡¯s flapping wings struck him repeatedly, and it stung.


    Hurriedly, Kyle fished out a handful of fresh herbs to calm him. ¡°It¡¯s all right, don¡¯t be mad. Here, have something to eat¡ªit¡¯s all fresh. Look, you don¡¯t need to waste your energy being upset over someone like that. He¡­¡±

 Chapter 264: The Phoenix’s Way of Traveling

    After some persuasion from Kyle and a handful of fresh herbs, Fawkes gradually calmed down. Turning his grief into an appetite, he focused on eating the herbs, and Kyle couldn''t resist reaching out to gently rub the feathers on his neck. This was the first time Kyle had properly petted a Phoenix¡­ how to describe it? The feathers were a bit stiff, not as fluffy and soft as an owl¡¯s, yet they felt nice. They were delicate and smooth, a little warm to the touch¡ªlike a gold Galleon freshly taken from a vault. S~ea??h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    When Fawkes finished the herbs, he spread his wings and flew toward the window. Kyle thought he was preparing to leave, but Fawkes only flew to the windowsill, where he perched beside Ratton, folded his wings, and began to doze, looking content and drowsy after a good meal.


    Ratton, who had been fast asleep, woke with a start. He glanced at his unexpected guest, his neck feathers bristling. With a quick, silent gesture, he shifted over, making room for Fawkes.


    Kyle watched Ratton expressionlessly, then shrugged with disdain. he thought.


    Ratton seemed to catch Kyle¡¯s expression and turned away silently, choosing to ignore him. He wanted to stand his ground, but the other bird was covered in red feathers, radiating a presence that clearly said it was not to be trifled with. Better to endure and avoid trouble.


    The two birds stood on the windowsill, each on their own side, looking unexpectedly harmonious. Kyle sat down at the table and glanced at a box not far away. Judging by Fawkes¡¯s behavior, he didn¡¯t seem to be leaving anytime soon. And with Fawkes here, Kyle definitely couldn¡¯t meet Riddle for extra lessons. Even though a Phoenix might not necessarily recognize a Horcrux, what if it did? And if it knew, it would be as good as Dumbledore knowing.


    Kyle had promised to give the diary to Dumbledore, but only once it was no longer useful¡ªnot just yet. But if he couldn¡¯t take the lessons, there wasn¡¯t much else to do. The Phoenix didn¡¯t like crowds, so taking him out to play Quidditch wasn¡¯t an option, but Kyle didn¡¯t want to leave him home alone either. He couldn¡¯t spend the whole day in his room studying magical formulas. Now that his magical studies had advanced beyond the elementary stage, progressing through independent reading alone, without Riddle¡¯s guidance, felt inefficient. A bit of a waste of time.


    As he mulled this over, Kyle¡¯s gaze landed on the suitcase beside him. After a moment¡¯s thought, he walked over to the windowsill.


    ¡°Fawkes, how about we go out for some fresh air?¡±


    Fawkes opened his eyes.


    ¡°Newt Scamander¡­ I think you know where he lives?¡± Kyle asked.


    Fawkes nodded. He was privy to all that Dumbledore knew; otherwise, he wouldn¡¯t have been sent to deliver a letter to Nicolas Flamel. Naturally, Newt¡¯s place was no exception.


    ¡°Perfect,¡± Kyle said. ¡°How about you take me there?¡±


    Fawkes looked Kyle up and down, hesitating. Kyle, thinking he didn¡¯t want to go, quickly held up two fingers.


    ¡°Two Lady¡¯s Mantles and one Puffapod.¡±


    This time, Fawkes didn¡¯t hesitate. Without another sound, he flew onto Kyle¡¯s shoulder, letting out a chirp that held a hint of anticipation.


    ¡°One moment¡­¡± Kyle quickly grabbed the suitcase, stuffing in his belongings and a box he¡¯d prepared in advance. ¡°Alright, now there¡¯s no prob¡ª¡±


    Before he could finish, Kyle vanished from the room in a sudden, flame-like flash of light.


    On the windowsill, Ratton, who had just dozed off again, was startled awake once more. This time was even worse¡ªa mysterious gust of wind swept him straight out the window, as if he¡¯d been kicked. Ratton flapped around in mid-air, circling several times before managing to fly back up, just barely avoiding a fall.


    Fuming, Ratton flapped back to the windowsill, ready to confront his owner. But he quickly noticed¡­ the room was empty. Not only was Kyle gone, but the ¡°redhead¡± who¡¯d just shown up was gone too.


    All that remained were overturned tables and chairs, bookshelves askew, and parchment scattered across the floor. Ratton flew around the room to make sure no one was there, then returned to the windowsill, brushed his wing over the spot where the Redhead had been, and with a yawn, settled back to sleep.


    ...


    On the other side, the moment Fawkes transported him, Kyle felt an overwhelming pressure constricting him from all directions, leaving him unable to breathe. It was as if he¡¯d been forced into a tight, spherical shape¡­ like he¡¯d been crammed into a Bludger and then smacked around by merciless Beaters all day. After an indeterminate period, his senses gradually returned to his body.


    Kyle opened his bloodshot eyes. He felt a wave of nausea, but his stomach was twisted too tightly to let him vomit. All he could do was take deep gulps of the forest air, heavy with the earthy scent of soil.


    "Relax," a gentle voice spoke beside him.


    It was Newt, who offered him an unfamiliar fruit and gestured for him to eat it. Kyle accepted it absently and bit down. The fruit was sour and astringent, like biting into an unripe tomato, but somehow, it immediately made him feel better.


    ¡°What¡­ is it?¡± he managed to ask.


    ¡°The fruit of a Snargaluff,¡± Newt replied with a smile. ¡°It¡¯s also the favorite food of the Diricawl. How do you feel?¡±


    ¡°Much better,¡± Kyle said, rubbing his ears. ¡°Feels like I¡¯ve used Apparition a hundred times in a row.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s Phoenix travel for you¡ªsimple and blunt. You¡¯re lucky you¡¯re still standing,¡± Newt replied, handing him another piece of fruit. Kyle held it under his nose and sniffed but didn¡¯t take a bite.


    He now understood that Fawkes had hesitated not because he didn¡¯t want to come, but because he was concerned about whether Kyle could handle such an intense form of travel. Unfortunately, he¡¯d only realized this too late¡ªafter foolishly promising two Lady¡¯s Mantles and a Puffapod...


    ¡°This kind of travel is probably only suitable for Professor Dumbledore,¡± Kyle muttered.


    ¡°In fact¡­¡± Newt said, smiling at Kyle, ¡°although Dumbledore has to attend various meetings across different locations, he typically opts for Apparition or a Portkey. Only in cases of extreme urgency does he rely on the Phoenix¡¯s power.¡±


    Kyle rubbed his ears again, momentarily at a loss for words. Even Dumbledore couldn¡¯t adapt to this¡­


    ¡°But you really surprised me,¡± Newt added with a grin as he led Kyle toward the house. ¡°Aside from Dumbledore, Fawkes rarely ever travels with anyone else.¡±

 Chapter 265: The Mischievous Norbert’s Adventure

    "Who''s that..."


    In the room, Tina was setting down a tray of freshly baked cookies on the table.


    "It''s Kyle," Newt said with a smile.


    Tina looked up, a bit surprised; she''d been expecting an old friend.


    "Did you forget something?" she asked, handing Kyle the tray of cookies. "You could have just written a letter and asked us to deliver it. Why make another trip? Besides, Hogwarts starts tomorrow, doesn¡¯t it?"


    Not long after returning from Paris, Kyle had already visited Newt and Tina once, staying for two days. This time, aside from not having much else to do, he came because Fawkes had delivered his suitcases early. He¡¯d seized the chance to get his "Phoenix Experience Card" and thought he could retrieve Norbert and the Troll ahead of schedule, so he wouldn¡¯t have to wait until the Christmas holidays. Kyle just hadn¡¯t expected Phoenix travel to be so intense¡­ If he¡¯d known, he would¡¯ve waited until the holidays for sure.


    Without a word, Kyle set his suitcase down on the wooden shelf next to him. Newt raised an eyebrow, quickly grasping the situation, and gave an almost imperceptible nod as he glanced at Fawkes perched on Kyle¡¯s shoulder.


    "Oh¡­ isn¡¯t that a Phoenix?" Tina noticed Fawkes and walked over in surprise. "Is Dumbledore here too? Why don¡¯t you invite him in?"


    "No, he should still be in Austria at this time," Newt replied, shaking his head. "It¡¯s just Kyle. Fawkes brought him here."


    Tina blinked in astonishment. It was rare to see Fawkes without Dumbledore nearby. She then handed Kyle a glass of lemonade. It was uniquely tart and slightly bitter, but refreshing to drink. Kyle thought again about the fruit Newt had given him earlier; they certainly seemed to know exactly how to ease his discomfort.


    "Have you been transported by a Phoenix before?" Kyle asked curiously.


    "Many years ago," Newt recalled. "I must say, the experience was¡­ truly unpleasant and unforgettable."


    Kyle nodded in understanding. After finishing the lemonade, the two men headed to Newt''s suitcase without further words.


    Shortly after entering, Fawkes spread his wings and flew toward a forested area nearby. Kyle frowned, recalling it was where the Diricawl lived and where Newt had planted many herbs to treat sick Magical Creatures.


    "Don¡¯t worry," Newt assured him from behind. "Phoenixes may be proud, but they don¡¯t mind the Diricawl, so there¡¯s no need to be concerned."


    Kyle tugged the corner of his mouth into a half-smile. He wasn¡¯t worried about the Diricawl¡ªhe was worried about the herbs. Fawkes had become more and more of a glutton lately, and Kyle was sure he¡¯d heard a gulping sound when Fawkes flew off, meaning he¡¯d likely headed straight for the buffet! Judging by Newt¡¯s calm expression, he clearly hadn¡¯t realized the gravity of the situation.


    But¡­ Kyle decided to let it go. he thought.


    With that thought, Kyle nodded and followed Newt to a massive lake. Newt¡¯s suitcase was so enormous that even he didn¡¯t quite know its full size. It was like Hogwarts¡¯ Black Lake¡ªbut that would be just a puddle compared to this.


    In the center of the lake, an island covered in massive rocks was home to the dragons. The two of them boarded a small boat and headed toward the island. S§×ar?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    As soon as they landed, Kyle suddenly felt a gust of wind from above, and a massive shadow fell over his feet.


    Realizing what might be happening, Kyle moved his fingers slightly and used the ring Diana had given him last year to Apparate a few hundred meters away in an instant.


    A second later, a huge Norwegian Ridgeback crashed down right where he had just been standing.


    It was Norbert, still trying to pounce on Kyle just as he had when he was a baby. Although Kyle had worked hard to correct this habit as Norbert grew larger, the dragon¡¯s excitement at seeing him after two months must have caused him to forget.


    ¡°Norbert, calm down¡­¡± Kyle shouted, watching the Ridgeback turn to attempt another jump. Norbert had grown significantly in the past two months, and if he got hit by him now, it could be fatal! Diana wasn¡¯t home at the moment, so Kyle couldn¡¯t recharge the Apparition spell on his ring, and he was reluctant to waste it.


    Hearing Kyle¡¯s command, Norbert finally restrained himself, flying over more slowly this time and nuzzling his head against Kyle¡¯s arm in a familiar gesture. Just then, Newt arrived, smiling as he observed the reunion.


    ¡°If you¡¯d come just a couple days later, he probably wouldn¡¯t have been quite so excited,¡± Newt chuckled.


    ¡°You¡¯re right, but I didn¡¯t really have a choice¡­¡± Kyle replied with a shrug.


    Last time he¡¯d visited, he had hoped to see Norbert, but the young dragon had recently endured a rough encounter. He¡¯d gotten into a scrap with the suitcase¡¯s longtime resident, a particularly temperamental Hungarian Horntail, which had been returned three times by the Romanian Dragon Reserve for its bad behavior. Being less than a year old, Norbert had been no match for the adult Horntail and had spent several days unconscious after the clash, missing Kyle¡¯s visit.


    There was an upside, though. Newt had told him that since then, Norbert¡¯s personality had mellowed a bit¡ªnot enough to make him docile, but enough to take the edge off his more mischievous behaviors.


    As they chatted, Newt guided Kyle to where the Hungarian Horntail resided. Perhaps cautious of the dragon¡¯s infamous temperament, Newt had never brought Kyle here before, so this was Kyle¡¯s first time seeing the Horntail up close in the suitcase.


    The dragon was a powerful, jet-black adult, towering and intimidating. As they approached, it seemed to detect an unwelcome scent. Rising onto its hind legs, the Horntail held its body upright and craned its neck high, its blazing orange-yellow eyes flicking toward Kyle and Newt.


    Kyle estimated that its mouth hovered nearly sixty feet above the ground, making it slightly larger than a typical adult dragon. No wonder it had been returned multiple times; if this beast went on a rampage, containing it would likely require a dozen wizards.


    ¡°She smells Norbert on us, and she¡¯s not fond of that kid,¡± Newt explained.


    Kyle nodded, hardly needing the explanation. The Horntail¡¯s dislike was plain to see.


    They didn¡¯t linger near the Horntail for long. After leaving the Dragon¡¯s island, Newt took Kyle to another area to see the Troll. This particular resident seemed quite comfortable; when they arrived, they found him sprawled out on the grass, clutching his club in a loose grip and fast asleep.

 Chapter 266: The Birthing of the Nundu

    For someone who can casually pick up a Diricawl on a walk, Newt¡¯s defining trait is that he¡¯s almost never fazed by surprises. Since tomorrow was the start of the school year, Kyle had planned to head back home right after dinner here. But just as he took a bite of the freshly baked caramelized potato cake, Newt dashed over, grabbed Kyle by the collar, and practically dragged him into the suitcase.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± Kyle asked, bewildered, hurriedly cramming the remaining half of the potato cake into his mouth.


    ¡°The Nundu is giving birth¡ªtonight,¡± Newt replied without looking back, tightening his grip on Kyle¡¯s arm. ¡°We need to hurry.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Kyle¡¯s mouth dropped.


    The Nundu, a magical creature resembling a large black cougar, carries a massive poison sac at the base of its neck, making even its breath lethally toxic.


    While a Nundu can control its toxin release, Kyle doubted it would be in any position to worry about sparing bystanders during labor. In fact, a birthing Nundu was arguably at its most dangerous. The exhaustion of childbirth prompts it to release vast amounts of toxic gas instinctively, creating a lethal perimeter to ward off other creatures during its vulnerable state. Helping one give birth was nearly suicidal.


    ¡°Can I¡­ not go?¡± Kyle ventured, attempting to back out. ¡°It¡¯s not that I¡¯m scared¡ªit¡¯s just that, well¡­ the caramelized potato cakes won¡¯t taste as good cold¡­¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s fine, Tina can make more,¡± Newt replied without slowing.


    ¡°But¡­ that¡¯s a lot of trouble¡ª¡±


    ¡°Tina loves baking them. She makes so many every day we sometimes end up sharing them with the Nifflers just to finish them off.¡±


    ¡°But¡­¡± Kyle tried again, only for Newt to cut him off, tapping his head lightly and producing a small, glimmering object about the size of a Golden Snitch.


    ¡°Dumbledore helped craft this. It¡¯s wrapped around a stone that formed in the stomach of a Re¡¯em. Keep it on you, and the Nundu¡¯s poison fog won¡¯t affect you.¡±


    Kyle stared blankly for a second. Without hesitation, he accepted the item.


    It was a small silver-threaded orb with an intricate mesh encasing a golden ¡°stone¡± in the center. Bringing it closer, he caught a faint, earthy fragrance. He nodded, recognizing it¡ªit was a bezoar, known for its potent detoxifying properties, though this one, taken from a Re¡¯em, was golden, whereas standard bezoars tended to be more brown.


    He plucked a leaf from a nearby tree, twisted it into a makeshift rope, and hung the orb around his neck, ensuring the leaf-rope was short enough to keep the orb securely in place.


    Once he¡¯d finished, Newt gave a quick nod.


    ¡°Ready? Let¡¯s move, Kyle. We need to get there quickly.¡±


    ...


    Newt grabbed Kyle¡¯s arm and Apparated them to a grassland on the eastern side of the suitcase. The moment Kyle arrived, he sensed something was off. A pale green mist hung over the grassland, eerily reminiscent of London¡¯s morning fog. But unlike fog, this mist was dangerous¡ªpoisonous, in fact. Thankfully, an invisible barrier surrounded the grassland¡¯s edges, keeping the toxic haze contained. Clearly, Newt had set this up.


    ¡°Just carrying it on me¡­ will that really work?¡± Kyle asked, eyeing the poisonous mist warily.


    ¡°Yes, just carry it with you,¡± Newt nodded reassuringly. ¡°Re¡¯em cattle are naturally resistant to toxins, and their bezoars can suppress the Nundu¡¯s poison¡­ Oh, and here.¡±


    Newt pulled out his wand, waving it gently to conjure a transparent bubble around Kyle¡¯s head. He did the same for himself. ¡°Alright, let¡¯s go in.¡±


    With that, Newt led the way into the mist. Kyle hesitated briefly, then glanced at Fawkes, who was trailing them. ¡°Fawkes,¡± he whispered, ¡°think of something sad so you can squeeze out some tears. I might need them later. Not much, just a pint.¡±


    Fawkes gave an indignant flap of his wings at the suggestion. He was a Phoenix, not a tap! Begrudgingly, he grabbed hold of Kyle¡¯s shirt and pulled him forward, guiding him into the poisonous mist.


    The Bubble-Head Charm and the bezoar worked perfectly together, dispersing the poison around them as they walked. Soon, they spotted the Nundu resting on a large rock. She lay on her side, belly swollen, groaning softly in discomfort. Newt approached her gently, placing his hand on her chin and rubbing it rhythmically.


    ¡°This helps her relax,¡± he explained.


    Kyle watched, curious. ¡°But if you¡¯re that close, won¡¯t the bezoar¡¯s scent bother her?¡± S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°It¡¯ll have a mild effect,¡± Newt replied with a shrug. ¡°It¡¯s probably like when someone who hates vegetables smells a carrot.¡±


    Kyle nodded, understanding the analogy.


    He settled down beside Newt, observing as the Nundu¡¯s breathing gradually calmed under Newt¡¯s touch. Her groans softened, and she seemed more at ease. But, as Newt had said, it would be a long process.


    At first, Kyle thought Newt had brought him along simply to witness a rare occasion. But two hours in, when even Newt¡¯s expert calming techniques started losing effect, Kyle realized the true purpose: he¡¯d been brought along to serve as ¡°company¡±¡ªliterally, to keep the Nundu distracted by talking to her.


    Unfortunately, the Nundu didn¡¯t seem particularly interested in conversation. She even tried snapping at Kyle at one point, irritated by his efforts. Thankfully, Newt was able to soothe her back into calmness.


    ¡°Keep talking!¡± Newt urged him.


    Kyle sighed, resigning himself to the task. But he quickly ran out of things to say. He¡¯d repeated every comforting phrase he could think of multiple times, and any more would probably provoke the Nundu into another attempt at biting him.


    Running out of options, he began recounting stories about the Magical Creatures he¡¯d encountered: from the Three-Headed Dog, Fluffy, to the Norwegian Ridgeback, Norbert. Adding tales from Hogwarts to his narrative, he spun the stories together, turning them into a sort of improvised storytelling session.

 Chapter 267: Where Is the Trust Between People?

    It seemed the topic of Magical Creatures and life at Hogwarts had piqued the Nundu¡¯s interest. When Kyle got to the part about Fluffy, the three-headed dog, guarding the Philosopher¡¯s Stone for Dumbledore, the Nundu even let out a snort of disdain. Although she had no idea what a Philosopher¡¯s Stone or a Three-Headed Dog was, she felt confident she could do a better job than any ¡°three-headed mutt.¡± If guarding a room was all that was required, she¡¯d simply release enough poison to fill the entire castle¡ªproblem solved. Simple.


    While the Nundu¡¯s attention was on Kyle, Newt circled around her and began gently massaging her swollen belly. After about ten minutes, the Nundu shivered and then stood up abruptly. Beneath her was a tiny Nundu cub, wrapped in a layer of mucus. The newborn began wriggling, and soon the mucus that encased it shook loose. The mother Nundu lowered her head, licking her cub with a cautious, if overly enthusiastic, tenderness that flattened its tiny face in the process.


    ¡°Phew¡­ Finally done!¡± Kyle sighed, feeling the strain of talking for so long. His throat was burning.


    He looked back at Fawkes, who seemed to be eyeing him suspiciously, as though expecting him to ask for that pint of tears he¡¯d ¡°ordered.¡± Needless to say, Fawkes simply swatted the idea away with a dismissive flap of his wings.


    ¡°Stingy¡­¡± Kyle muttered as he stood up.


    ¡°Don¡¯t get too comfortable; it¡¯s not over yet,¡± Newt said, reminding him. ¡°There should be one more.¡±


    Only then did Kyle notice that the Nundu¡¯s belly was still distended. Nearly an hour later, after a long wait and a third successful birth, the ordeal was finally over.


    Newt wiped his brow, then gave a quick wave toward a distant spot on the grassland. A larger Nundu came bounding over, carrying a plump Tebo warthog leg in its mouth for the new mother.


    ¡°All three are healthy,¡± Newt said, smiling as he set the cubs near their mother. Then, he quietly led Kyle away.


    On the way back, Kyle kept glancing back at the newborn Nundus, his expression one of pure admiration.


    ¡°No, Kyle,¡± Newt said sternly, catching the look in Kyle¡¯s eyes. ¡°I know what you¡¯re thinking, and the answer is absolutely not.¡± sea??h th§× N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Kyle sighed, caught red-handed. ¡°I know, I know¡­¡± he mumbled, scratching his head. ¡°I was just thinking about it, that¡¯s all. I wasn¡¯t actually going to do it.¡±


    Kyle understood the danger all too well. Even if he¡¯d wanted to, the presence of the two adult Nundus made any attempt impossible.


    Despite Kyle¡¯s reassurances, Newt picked up the pace slightly, as if he had a time bomb on his hands. By the time they emerged from the suitcase, the sky was already lightening with the first hints of dawn. They¡¯d been at it all night.


    Kyle was relatively unaffected, having grown used to late nights spent studying in the library. Newt, however, though well into his nineties, looked visibly drained. Still, his eyes sparkled with satisfaction.


    ¡°As I thought, calling you was the right choice,¡± Newt said, closing the suitcase and handing Kyle a cup of hot chocolate. ¡°Nundus typically only give birth to one or two cubs. Having three at once is rare and can be a severe strain, even life-threatening. Thanks to you keeping her distracted, the whole process went far more smoothly than expected.¡±


    ¡°No, no, I just talked a bit¡ªit wasn¡¯t a big deal,¡± Kyle insisted, waving his hands. At only thirteen, he was not keen on being forever known as ¡°the child who assisted in Nundu births.¡±


    Newt merely chuckled, giving him a look that implied he thought otherwise.


    ¡°Now, off to bed with you. You won¡¯t need to catch the train tomorrow¡ªI¡¯ll take you directly to Hogwarts. As for your luggage, just ask Chris to send it over later.¡±


    ¡°No need, I¡¯ve got it all with me,¡± Kyle replied. Before coming, he¡¯d made sure to pack everything, including the box with his diary, into his suitcase to avoid arousing Fawkes¡¯s suspicion. It had ended up saving him some trouble.


    ¡°Good,¡± Newt nodded, turning to leave. But after taking a few steps, he suddenly turned back, picked up the suitcase, and carried it off with him.


    Kyle¡¯s smile faded.


    Kyle shrugged, setting down his hot chocolate on the table and heading to his room. Newt and Tina had prepared a private room just for him, making it a comfortable place to finally get some well-earned rest.


    ...


    Since he didn¡¯t need to catch the train, Kyle slept in until noon the next day. When he finally made his way to the dining area, he found the table laden with a feast: mountains of caramelized potato pancakes and stacks of thick steaks.


    "Are we expecting company?" Kyle asked, puzzled. There was enough food here to feed an army, not just three people.


    "No one else is coming," Tina said with a smile as she brought out a box. "You love hash browns, so I made extras for you to take to school."


    "The steaks are for the Nundu," Newt added. "She needs plenty of food to regain her strength."


    Kyle nodded and took a seat. Tina piled a stack of steaks onto his plate, stacking them so high it looked like a small tower. He didn¡¯t mind, though¡ªhe¡¯d only had a potato pancake since the previous night, and he was starving.


    After lunch, Newt took Kyle back to the grassland to deliver food to the Nundu family. The green mist had mostly cleared, though it still retained its deadly potency. There, on the same large rock, the Nundu and her cubs waited. The three little ones seemed to remember Kyle and showed no fear of him, eagerly gathering around his feet and tugging playfully at his trousers.


    The two adult Nundus lounged against the rock, lazily watching Kyle entertain the cubs as they nibbled on the steaks Newt had brought. They seemed content and at ease, even indulging Kyle¡¯s playful interactions with their offspring.


    It wasn¡¯t until the afternoon, when Kyle realized the Hogwarts train would soon be arriving, that he reluctantly said his goodbyes and prepared to leave. Norbert and the Troll had quietly helped Fawkes settle into his suitcase, hidden from view.


    Dumbledore had indeed gone above and beyond. The suitcase now held seemingly endless space, far greater than before. Dumbledore had even enhanced the decor: the sparse area with a few trees had transformed into a lush forest, the lake had expanded significantly, and two new hills now bordered it. Additionally, he¡¯d adjusted the climate¡ªnear the north side of the lake, a thick blanket of snow and ice covered the ground.

 Chapter 268: A Disappointed Snape

    ¡°Are you ready, Kyle?¡± Newt called out, glancing at Kyle from a distance in an open area outside the room. ¡°If we leave now, we should just make it in time for dinner.¡±


    That was true. Kyle looked up at the gradually darkening sky. If there hadn¡¯t been any special circumstances, it would indeed be the time for the train to arrive.


    But one question lingered in his mind. Didn¡¯t Newt say he was going to send him to Hogwarts? Then why was he standing so far away? And why had Fawkes suddenly landed on his shoulder?


    Kyle''s throat tightened as a possibility occurred to him. He looked at Newt and tentatively asked, ¡°You are sending me to Hogwarts, right?¡±


    ¡°Actually, I just received a letter.¡± Newt looked away, avoiding Kyle¡¯s gaze. ¡°Something¡¯s wrong with the Hebridean Black in the Hebrides Islands, and I¡¯m heading there right away. Because of the urgency, Fawkes will have to take you back to school.¡±


    After hearing Newt''s words, Kyle felt terrible and gazed at him with a pensive expression.


    ¡°Ahem, I know that the Phoenix¡¯s Apparition isn¡¯t very comfortable, but¡­ well, it¡¯s not that bad,¡± Newt added, his voice trying to remain upbeat.


    Looking into Kyle''s eyes made Newt feel even guiltier, but he pressed on, ¡°And besides Dumbledore, you¡¯re probably the only wizard favored by the Phoenix. This is a rare opportunity¡­¡±


    ¡°If this is the kind of opportunity¡­ then forget it,¡± Kyle muttered under his breath.


    The Phoenix''s method of travel was not just ¡°not very comfortable.¡± It was also quite notorious throughout the wizarding world. Each time he thought about yesterday¡¯s experience, his shins trembled uncontrollably, and the memory hadn¡¯t faded yet.


    ¡°I can go back by myself.¡± Kyle extended his hand and glanced at the ring on it. He could still use Apparition twice, so he could definitely return to school on his own. Or, as long as he could get Fawkes off his shoulder, he could utilize both chances even if he had to.


    But unfortunately, Fawkes wasn¡¯t about to give him that opportunity. Perhaps it was the first time someone had treated him so dismissively, but Fawkes seemed a bit perturbed. Without warning, he tightened his talons and flared his wings.


    Kyle saw the familiar red light flicker in front of his eyes once more¡­ All he caught was Newt, moving with incredible agility, darting over to toss a handful of fruit into his pocket. And then¡­ there was nothing more.


    He was once again transformed into a Bludger and found himself mercilessly swung around like a bat...


    Meanwhile, in the underground classroom at Hogwarts, Harry and Ron were huddled in a corner, dirty as if they had just rolled around in the mud.


    The truth was far worse¡­ They hadn¡¯t gone to the station; they had flown all the way from King¡¯s Cross in Mr. Weasley¡¯s nine-handled modified Ford.


    After soaring to Hogwarts, the car had crashed into a Whomping Willow, and if it hadn¡¯t magically restarted at the last minute, they would have been crushed by the branches.


    The experience could only be described as thrilling, comparable in intensity to their encounter with Voldemort the previous year. At least that was how Harry felt.


    Now, the two of them nervously watched the row of professors in front of them, with Headmaster Dumbledore at the center, waiting for the final verdict.


    "We''re expelled, aren''t we¡­" Ron asked miserably.


    "Not today, Mr. Weasley." Dumbledore looked at them sternly. "But I must make you understand the seriousness of your actions. I¡¯ll be writing to your families tonight, and I must warn you¡ªany more behavior like this, and I will have no choice but to expel you."


    Snape''s expression was as if he''d just learned a Troll would be joining his class¡ªhis face was longer than a Thestral''s. S§×ar?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Professor Dumbledore, these two students blatantly ignored the Decree for the Reasonable Restriction of Underage Sorcery and caused considerable damage to a rare, ancient tree. Behavior like this certainly deserves..."


    Before he could finish, a sudden flash of light exploded in front of him. In the next instant, a figure and a bird appeared in the underground classroom.


    "It''s you..."


    Snape¡¯s face shifted yet again, his scowl melting into a look of unexpected satisfaction. Good, the Troll that had just shown up in his class was apparently leaving again!


    "Another young wizard who didn¡¯t take the Hogwarts Express..." Snape drawled. "It seems the Hogwarts expulsion list is getting rather long this year."


    "Oh, what on earth is going on?" Professor McGonagall exclaimed, visibly startled. She looked at Kyle, who was leaning against the wall, clutching his head with one hand and his stomach with the other, as if he¡¯d just swallowed something foul.


    "What¡¯s wrong with him?"


    "It¡¯s nothing to worry about, Minerva," Dumbledore said, momentarily taken aback but then chuckling. "He¡¯s just not used to the Phoenix¡¯s Apparition. He¡¯ll be fine in a moment."


    Apparition¡­ Professor McGonagall suddenly realized that they were indeed inside the castle, where Apparition was strictly forbidden. However, when she glanced at Fawkes perched on Kyle''s shoulder, she said nothing more. Clearly, Phoenixes, like House-elves, were exempt from this restriction.


    "Oh, Fawkes¡­ I¡¯m delighted to see you," Dumbledore said cheerfully. "I was wondering where you¡¯d gone."


    Fawkes, however, pointedly turned his head away. Dumbledore wasn¡¯t offended; the fact that Fawkes had brought Kyle straight to him in the underground classroom spoke volumes.


    Meanwhile, Kyle fished the fruit Newt had given him out of his pocket and popped two pieces into his mouth. The sour flavor exploded on his tongue, bringing him a bit of relief. He looked around at the familiar faces before him, blinking.


    "Is this¡­ Hogwarts?"


    "The Dungeons, to be precise," Dumbledore explained. "Fawkes brought you straight to me, and I just happened to be handling a matter down here."


    Yes¡­ Kyle noticed the jars and bottles filled with various parts lining the shelves around him. Only Snape''s classroom would have items like these. Ah, and there he was¡ªSnape himself, looking uncharacteristically pleased, as if he''d just encountered something delightful.


    "Let Professor McGonagall decide on the punishment for these two students, Severus," Dumbledore said to Snape. He then turned to Kyle. "Although you missed the Sorting Ceremony, the feast is still going. Come along¡ªyour friends must be worried sick."


    "Wait, Professor Dumbledore¡­ haven¡¯t you forgotten something?" Snape¡¯s frown deepened. "What about the punishment?"


    It was clear to Snape now that Dumbledore had no intention of expelling anyone, but surely they couldn¡¯t let this slide so easily?


    "He hasn¡¯t broken any school rules, Severus," Dumbledore replied calmly. "Hogwarts allows students to return to school through alternative means, provided they aren¡¯t seen by too many muggles."


    Dumbledore glanced at Harry and Ron, adding, "Come, Severus, leave this to Minerva. There''s a quiche lorraine that looks quite delicious, and I¡¯d like to try some."


    Snape opened his mouth to protest further, but McGonagall tugged him out of the classroom. He walked away feeling decidedly conflicted.


    The Troll he thought had left was now back¡­ and had brought along an entire family of them.

 Chapter 269: Different Treatment

    The door to the Dungeon classroom opened and closed, leaving Professor McGonagall and her two disheveled students alone in the room. Her chest rose and fell heavily as she glared at them, her eyes sharp and intense like an angry hawk''s.


    Finally, it was Ron who broke the tense silence.


    ¡°Professor, was that¡­ a Phoenix?¡±


    ¡°Yes, it was a Phoenix,¡± Professor McGonagall replied tersely, giving only a brief nod before moving on, as if discussing it any further was a waste of time.


    ¡°You¡¯d better go to the Hospital Wing, Weasley. Your eyes are swollen.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s nothing,¡± Ron muttered, quickly covering his eyes. ¡°Professor, did Headmaster Dumbledore just say the Sorting was over?¡±


    ¡°Yes, he did¡­ just now.¡±


    ¡°Then where¡¯s my sister!¡± Ron asked, a touch of nervousness creeping into his voice.


    ¡°She¡¯s also in Gryffindor,¡± Professor McGonagall replied.


    Hearing this, Ron¡¯s face lit up. ¡°Oh, that¡¯s great,¡± he said, relieved. Although he hadn¡¯t seen the Sorting himself, he was thrilled by the result.


    But the mention of Gryffindor seemed to jolt Harry¡¯s memory. He quickly blurted out, ¡°Professor, since we got into the car before term officially started, we shouldn¡¯t lose any points for Gryffindor, right?¡±


    Professor McGonagall gave him a stern look, but Harry noticed that her lips weren¡¯t quite as tightly pursed as before.


    ...


    As it turned out, Harry¡¯s words had indeed helped. Professor McGonagall chose not to deduct any points from Gryffindor. Though Harry and Ron were confined to their rooms and had to eat their meals in the Dungeon, it was still a far better outcome than Harry had anticipated.


    With the Sorting Ceremony complete, Professor McGonagall soon departed, leaving the boys alone. As the door closed, Ron let out a long whistle. S~ea??h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°Lucky¡­¡± he said, grabbing a sandwich that Professor McGonagall had sent over. ¡°Just confinement¡ªway better than expulsion, and no points taken.¡±


    ¡°Agreed,¡± said Harry, taking a hearty bite.


    ¡°Oh, by the way, how¡¯s your wand?¡±


    ¡°That wasn¡¯t my wand,¡± Ron replied, biting into a piece of chicken and ham. He pulled a rubber haddock from his pocket and explained, ¡°It¡¯s Fred and George¡¯s Trick Wand. They must¡¯ve swapped it to mess with me.¡±


    ¡°Good thing they did,¡± Harry said, chuckling.


    ¡°Yeah¡­ it nearly broke when we hit that tree,¡± Ron said, slipping the haddock back into his pocket with a slight look of relief. ¡°But we¡¯ll need to be more careful from now on.¡±


    Harry took a sip of pumpkin juice and sighed. ¡°I wish we could go to the feast¡­¡±


    ¡°Professor McGonagall doesn¡¯t want us flaunting our arrival,¡± Ron replied knowingly. ¡°She doesn¡¯t want anyone thinking it¡¯s cool to come to school in a flying car.¡±


    ¡°But Kyle gets to go to the feast¡­¡±


    ¡°Not the same. He was carried here by a Phoenix. That¡¯s worth bragging about.¡± Ron shrugged. ¡°If it were me, I¡¯d be telling the story for a year¡­ anyone would, really.¡±


    ¡°Are Phoenixes rare?¡± Harry asked.


    ¡°Very rare, I¡¯d say. Much rarer than Dragons,¡± Ron said, reaching for a second sandwich. ¡°Most people never even see one. I¡¯ve only ever seen one once, on the Quidditch pitch, remember? It was during that match that got canceled.¡±


    Harry nodded. He remembered it vividly; it had left a strong impression.


    While Harry and Ron discussed Phoenixes, Kyle was also making his way into the Great Hall with Dumbledore. As soon as they entered, Kyle eagerly headed toward the Hufflepuff table. Along the way, Snape, looking as miserable as an old, worn-out rag, cast him an uncomfortable look, but Kyle ignored it.


    The feast was already in full swing, but Kyle¡¯s entrance caused a momentary hush before whispers spread across the room. Kyle, however, was unfazed and made a beeline for the Hufflepuff table, where Cedric helped him to his seat.


    Once seated, Kyle immediately asked, ¡°Did you arrive in that flying car with Potter?¡±


    ¡°What flying car?¡± Kyle replied absentmindedly. ¡°Wish I could say I did.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s no joke,¡± said Kanna, frowning. ¡°The car crashed into the Whomping Willow outside the castle. They were nearly flattened, or so they say.¡±


    Rumors traveled quickly at Hogwarts, and Harry and Ron¡¯s escapades were common knowledge, just varying by house.


    ¡°It¡¯s all the same¡­¡± Kyle muttered. ¡°Whether it¡¯s the Whomping Willow or being treated like a Bludger¡­ it¡¯s all the same.¡±


    ¡°What Bludger¡­¡± Cedric scratched his head, confused by Kyle¡¯s words. ¡°If you didn¡¯t take the car, how did you get here? Fred and George said you weren¡¯t even at home on the first day of school.¡±


    ¡°It was Fawkes,¡± Kyle explained. ¡°Dumbledore¡¯s Phoenix brought me back to Hogwarts from Dorset.¡±


    Kyle went on to briefly describe his recent adventures at Newt¡¯s place, which left his friends wide-eyed. A surprise visit from a Phoenix, witnessing a Nundu giving birth, and then traveling by Phoenix Apparition to Hogwarts¡­ Kyle¡¯s last few days had been far more eventful than most of his friends¡¯ entire years.


    ¡°A Phoenix¡­¡± Cedric said in awe. ¡°That must¡¯ve been incredible¡­¡±


    Mikel and Ryan, sitting nearby, nodded eagerly, clearly wishing they could see such a legendary creature up close.


    ¡°Believe me, it¡¯s not as fun as it sounds,¡± Kyle said, shaking his head. He was still feeling slightly queasy and barely touched the food before him, settling for a bit of pie and ordering a double lemonade.


    The House-elves¡¯ lemonade was tart, though not quite bitter enough for his taste. It helped, but only a little.


    Seeing Kyle¡¯s queasy look, Cedric tactfully changed the topic. Pulling out a piece of parchment, he said, ¡°We got your letter over the holidays, and here¡¯s the new map we made on the train according to your instructions.¡±


    His voice brimmed with excitement. ¡°This version took a lot more work than last year¡¯s copy, but it¡¯s been really popular. We already have fifty new students signed up to buy it.¡±


    ¡°For the pricier custom maps, though, we¡¯ll need your help,¡± Cedric added, ¡°since we don¡¯t have much experience with those.¡±


    ¡°How many do you need?¡± Kyle asked.


    ¡°Twenty-five,¡± Cedric replied with a grin. ¡°We have way more people buying maps this year, and they¡¯re all choosing us.¡±


    With the prospect of another batch of Galleons coming in, Kyle¡¯s mood improved slightly. He glanced over at the high table, where Professor McGonagall had returned and was speaking to the impeccably dressed Gilderoy Lockhart. Yet, her pursed lips and serious expression suggested she wasn¡¯t particularly thrilled with the conversation.

 Chapter 270: Howler

    Kyle finished the twenty-odd maps in just over an hour and delivered them to the young wizards who¡¯d paid their deposits on time, bright and early on the first day of school. Another generous Galleon haul¡ªit couldn¡¯t have been a more satisfying start to the term.


    That morning at breakfast, Kyle and his friends gathered around the Gryffindor table to divvy up their hard-earned profits. Why the Gryffindor table? No special reason, really¡ªjust that it was closest to the Great Hall doors.


    ¡°Oh, and Kyle, this is for you,¡± Fred said, counting out seven Galleons and slipping them into a cloth bag, which he handed over reluctantly.


    ¡°A bet¡¯s a bet¡­¡± George muttered, clearly displeased. ¡°I swear, if we ever bet with you again, we¡¯ll turn into Crups!¡±


    ¡°Me too,¡± Fred nodded in solidarity.


    ¡°Ah, I nearly forgot about this.¡± Kyle took the bag and, rather suspiciously, dumped the coins onto the table, carefully counting each one. Last year, Fred and George had challenged Kyle to a little wager about when Professor Quirrell would leave Hogwarts. They¡¯d been so insistent, he¡¯d eventually agreed to play along.


    Naturally, things hadn¡¯t ended well¡ªfor the twins, at least. Kyle had not only doubled his twenty Galleons but had also thoroughly emptied Fred and George¡¯s wallets. Since they didn¡¯t want to dip into their startup funds, they¡¯d put off paying Kyle until they could finally scrounge together the full forty Galleons.


    ¡°Not bad¡ªexactly forty Galleons.¡± Ignoring Fred and George¡¯s resentful stares, Kyle calmly tucked the bag away. ¡°Want to try again this year? Professor Lockhart¡¯s a famous wizard. If he¡¯s involved, I¡¯m sure there¡¯ll be plenty of participants.¡±


    ¡°Haha¡­¡± George sneered.


    ¡°Only if you don¡¯t join,¡± Fred said dryly.


    ¡°All right, I won¡¯t participate,¡± Kyle replied calmly, then turned to Kanna beside him. ¡°Kanna, set aside forty Galleons as my share. If we win, we¡¯ll split it in half.¡±


    ¡°Deal!¡± Kanna grinned, nodding eagerly.


    ¡°Enough from you two!¡± Fred interrupted, glaring at the pair of schemers. He tore into a slice of bread as if he were biting Kyle¡¯s head off.


    As he¡¯d just said, if they were ever foolish enough to bet with Kyle again, they¡¯d be Crups¡ªthe scruffiest, most unfortunate-looking Crups imaginable!


    "Wait a minute," Cedric suddenly said, raising an eyebrow. "I remember, you guys still have something to settle, don¡¯t you? Didn¡¯t you say you¡¯d do something special if Kyle got the Order of Merlin in second year?¡±


    ¡°Oh, I know!¡± Cho stifled a laugh and joined in. ¡°You promised to fly around the castle doing a tap dance while balancing three trophies!¡±


    ¡°And unlimited Butterbeer,¡± Kanna added with a grin, nudging Kyle. ¡°Looks like you¡¯ll never have to pay for Butterbeer again.¡±


    Fred and George¡¯s faces turned even sourer. Tap dancing while balancing trophies? By Merlin¡¯s beard, what had they been thinking, coming up with such a ridiculous challenge? And paying for Kyle¡¯s Butterbeer indefinitely... that would surely cost them a small fortune over time!


    A shiver ran down their spines, and in a moment of frustration, Fred smacked himself on the forehead.


    ¡°Why can¡¯t I just keep my big mouth shut?¡± he groaned.


    The loud smack immediately drew the attention of nearby students. Even in Gryffindor, known for its boldness, there weren¡¯t many people willing to slap themselves that hard in public. Curious glances shot their way.


    Fortunately, the arrival of the post spared Fred and George from further scrutiny. Hundreds of owls flooded into the Great Hall, hovering as they dropped letters and packages among the chatting students. Kyle reached out and caught a copy of , but before he could open it, a commotion nearby stole his attention.


    An owl had knocked over a milk jug, sending milk and feathers everywhere. But that wasn¡¯t what caught everyone¡¯s eye. The owl was clutching a damp red envelope in its beak.


    ¡°Oh no¡­¡± Ron muttered from a few seats away.


    The sight of the red envelope drew immediate attention from the students around them.


    ¡°That¡­ that¡¯s a Howler, isn¡¯t it?¡± Kanna whispered.


    ¡°Yes,¡± Kyle confirmed, his eyes on the envelope.


    ¡°You¡¯d better open it, Ron,¡± Neville advised, sitting beside Kyle. ¡°It¡¯s worse if you don¡¯t. My Gran sent me one once, and I ignored it, and¡­¡±


    He took a deep breath, shuddering. ¡°It was awful.¡±


    ¡°What happens?¡± Cedric asked, intrigued. He¡¯d heard of Howlers but had never seen one in action.


    ¡°It explodes,¡± Kyle replied with a shrug. ¡°And do you know what 360-degree surround sound is? It¡¯s like that¡ªsound blasting from wherever the pieces land, even across the Black Lake.¡±


    Ron¡¯s face turned ashen, and wisps of smoke started seeping from the corners of the envelope.


    ¡°Open it quick!¡± Neville urged. ¡°It¡¯ll only get worse¡­¡±


    With trembling hands, Ron slowly tore the envelope open.


    ¡°Run!¡± someone shouted, and the surrounding students scattered in an instant. Those who couldn¡¯t escape, like Neville and Cedric, clamped their hands over their ears. Harry and Hermione, though baffled, followed suit.


    Then, they understood why.


    The Howler exploded with a roar, filling the Great Hall with a voice so thunderous it shook dust from the ceiling.


    ¡°...STOLE A CAR! I wouldn¡¯t be surprised if they EXPELLED YOU. Just wait until I get my hands on you! You have NO IDEA what your father and I felt when we realized the car was GONE¡­¡±


    Mrs. Weasley¡¯s voice, magnified a hundred times, echoed through the hall, loud enough to make the cutlery on the tables clatter. Heads turned from every table, each student craning to see where the voice was coming from.


    Ron had ducked under the table, with only his red forehead visible, but there was no escaping the Howler¡¯s wrath. S~ea??h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°...I can¡¯t believe you¡¯d do something so reckless! You and Harry nearly got yourselves KILLED! It¡¯s outrageous¡ªyour father¡¯s job is at risk now, and it¡¯s all because of you! If you don¡¯t shape up, we¡¯ll come get you ourselves!¡±


    The shouting finally subsided, leaving an echo in the hall as the Howler crumpled to ashes on the floor. The remnants of the red envelope curled and smoked, disintegrating completely.


    Kyle, still processing the spectacle, noticed that what had truly enraged Mrs. Weasley wasn¡¯t just that Ron had taken the car, but that he and Harry had nearly been flattened by the Whomping Willow. If not for that close call, Kyle suspected, Mrs. Weasley might not have been angry enough to send a Howler at all.

 Chapter 271: Kyle’s Solution

    As the echo of Mrs. Weasley¡¯s Howler finally faded, a few students laughed, and the low hum of conversations resumed. Ron, still hiding under the table, looked thoroughly miserable. Harry felt a wave of guilt that made it impossible to eat, and Fred and George seemed equally downcast. They couldn¡¯t shake the worry that Mr. Weasley¡¯s job was now at risk due to their escapade.


    Both twins wanted to vent, to scold Ron for acting impulsively, for not thinking of the consequences. But in the end, they just sighed, knowing it was too late to change anything now.


    Kyle observed their expressions and asked, ¡°You¡¯re worried about Mr. Weasley, aren¡¯t you?¡±


    Fred and George nodded. Of course, they weren¡¯t fretting about Ron.


    ¡°I think I might have an idea that could help Mr. Weasley get through this review unscathed,¡± Kyle said after a moment¡¯s thought.


    Fred¡¯s face lit up with an almost servile smile. ¡°Oh, Mr. Kyle, I you¡¯d have a solution.¡± He looked more like a lackey than Crabbe or Goyle.


    George eagerly assembled a bacon and egg sandwich and placed it on Kyle¡¯s plate. Ron emerged from under the table, and Harry and Hermione leaned in to listen.


    ¡°It¡¯s quite simple, really,¡± Kyle explained. ¡°You just have to shift the focus of the story.¡± He turned to Harry. ¡°I heard you couldn¡¯t get onto the platform, so that¡¯s why you took the car to school, right?¡±


    ¡°Yes, that¡¯s right,¡± Harry nodded. He still didn¡¯t understand why the normally accessible entrance to Platform Nine and Three-Quarters had turned into a solid wall when they¡¯d tried to pass through.


    ¡°So, Kyle, you¡¯re saying the real issue is the blocked platform?¡± Cedric asked, frowning.


    ¡°Exactly,¡± Kyle confirmed.


    ¡°But we already mentioned that before,¡± Harry said with a sigh. ¡°Professor McGonagall didn¡¯t care. She thought we should have just sent an owl to notify the school.¡±


    In his mind, if even Professor McGonagall dismissed their explanation, then the Ministry of Magic probably would, too.


    "That''s just because you expressed it wrong," Kyle laughed. "Don¡¯t forget, Potter, that besides being a Hogwarts student, you have another identity."


    "I have... another identity?" Harry looked puzzled.


    "The Boy Who Lived!" Kanna blurted out.


    "Yes," Kyle confirmed. "Under normal circumstances, the platform would never have failed. Someone must have interfered with it. And as it happens, with all the adults gone, the Boy Who Lived was left stranded outside the platform... Could it be that the Death Eaters orchestrated this?¡±


    Cedric gasped. "You mean they wanted to seize the chance to kill Harry, to avenge You-Know-Who?¡±


    Harry''s face reflected his shock; he hadn¡¯t considered this possibility before. Could Kyle be right? Had he narrowly escaped death?


    "Exactly," Kyle replied, taking a casual sip of lemonade. "The Death Eaters have been plotting for ages to take down The Boy Who Lived... to avenge You-Know-Who."


    Seeing the astonished looks around him, Kyle quickly added with a grin, "But fortunately, Mr. Weasley had the foresight to set up an emergency escape with that flying car, saving Harry¡¯s life. Now, doesn¡¯t that sound like a reasonable explanation?¡±


    ¡°Dad arranged for that car in advance?¡± Fred blinked. If he didn¡¯t know Mr. Weasley¡¯s character so well, he might have believed it.


    ¡°Yes, he did,¡± Kyle said with a knowing smile.


    ¡°But would the Ministry buy it?¡± George frowned. He doubted anyone¡ªleast of all Malfoy¡ªwould believe such a story. Malfoy¡¯s father had a long-standing rivalry with Mr. Weasley and would seize any chance to discredit him. ¡°It doesn¡¯t really matter if they believe it, though; what matters is whether it¡¯s plausible.¡±


    ¡°Think about it: if The Boy Who Lived were killed by a Death Eater at King¡¯s Cross, it¡¯d be disastrous for the Ministry. Their authority would take a huge hit, and Cornelius Fudge, as Minister, would be bombarded with howlers and might even be forced to step down.¡±


    ¡°Fudge is a paranoid man, especially when it comes to his position. He¡¯ll believe it if there¡¯s even a shred of possibility.¡±


    ¡°By the way, Potter, did any muggles see you fail to get through the barrier?¡± Kyle looked at Harry. ¡°I mean, anyone in the station?¡± S§×ar?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°I think a guard saw,¡± Harry said, trying to recall. ¡°He even asked if I needed any help.¡±


    ¡°Perfect. The most important piece of evidence is the memory of that muggle,¡± Kyle laughed.


    The expressions on everyone¡¯s faces were priceless.


    ¡°Kyle, want some Butterbeer?¡± Fred offered suddenly, attempting to smooth things over. On second thought, he decided it was best not to rile up Kyle¡ªone never knew how such a prank might end.


    ¡°So, what should we do next?¡± Harry asked, still grappling to keep up. ¡°Do I need to write to the Ministry?¡±


    ¡°A letter does need to be sent,¡± Kyle replied, ¡°but not to the Ministry. It should go to her¡­¡± He pointed at an open copy of on the table.


    The front page featured a photograph of the enchanted Ford Anglia soaring through the air with a bold headline: It was written by Rita Skeeter, accusing Mr. Weasley of stealing and modifying magical vehicles and insinuating that he abused his position to extort pure-blood families. The article ended with a particularly ludicrous quote:


    ¡°That has to be Malfoy!¡± Fred¡¯s face flushed with anger.


    ¡°He¡¯s lying!¡± George slapped the newspaper in frustration. ¡°If Dad really took bribes, maybe we wouldn¡¯t have to save up to buy Ginny a new robe.¡±


    ¡°Calm down. We all know Mr. Weasley¡¯s true character,¡± Kyle said. ¡°But that¡¯s not the issue right now.¡± He leaned forward, mentioning Rita Skeeter by name. ¡°We could, of course, follow Malfoy¡¯s example and feed her some ¡®reliable information¡¯ ourselves.¡±


    ¡°I get it,¡± Fred chuckled after a moment. ¡°Leave that to us.¡±


    ¡°Just don¡¯t make it too obvious,¡± Kyle warned, ¡°let her piece it together herself.¡±


    ¡°No worries!¡± George thumped his chest in assurance. ¡°We know exactly what to do.¡±


    The three exchanged mischievous smiles, each fully understanding the plan without further words. Meanwhile, Harry looked at them, baffled. ¡°What are you all talking about? So... who am I supposed to write to?¡±


    ¡°Fred and George will handle the letter writing,¡± Kyle reassured him. ¡°Just remember, if anyone asks, say only that someone out there doesn¡¯t want you back at school.¡±


    ¡°Alright, alright!¡± Harry agreed, still a bit anxious, as he peppered Kyle with questions on how to answer if anyone pressed for details.


    But this time, Kyle didn¡¯t provide a script. ¡°If you¡¯re unsure, just say nothing,¡± he advised calmly. Besides, there wouldn¡¯t be any need for elaborate explanations.


    Rita Skeeter would take care of the rest. That was, after all, what she did best.

 Chapter 272: The Confident Lockhart

    Fred and George didn¡¯t even sit down to eat their breakfast properly, simply grabbing a few slices of bread before leaving the table. It seemed they were in a hurry to post their letter before class.


    Harry, Ron, and Neville exchanged puzzled glances. Truthfully, none of them really knew what Fred and George were up to.


    They didn¡¯t have time to think it over, though, as Professor McGonagall began handing out the class schedules along the Gryffindor table.


    ¡°Kyle, you¡¯re just in time,¡± she said as she handed Neville the last timetable. ¡°Professor Sprout would like to see you. If you¡¯ve finished breakfast, come with me.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Professor,¡± Kyle replied, finishing his last sip of lemonade and standing up to follow Professor McGonagall out of the Great Hall.


    If his guess was correct, Professor Sprout wanted to speak with him about the Time-Turner. After all, the first class of the new school year was about to start, and he should have received some information by now.


    Moreover, he had already picked up his class schedule from the common room before breakfast. The first class for third years was Care of Magical Creatures, held at the same time as Divination by Numbers¡­ Both classes started at 9:00 a.m.


    ...


    After leaving the dining hall, Professor McGonagall didn¡¯t lead Kyle up to her office as he¡¯d expected, but instead took him out of the castle and across the grounds. There, near the Whomping Willow, Professor Sprout was carefully tending to the tree.


    The poor Whomping Willow had lost several branches after being accidentally hit by two careless boys the day before, and Professor Sprout was wrapping the damaged limbs with special potions and bandages. Kyle noticed that, even in its injured state, the Whomping Willow was anything but still¡ªit swung its branches in restless agitation, almost knocking a passing owl out of the sky. Fortunately, the owl was small and quick enough to escape with only a few lost feathers and some frenzied flapping.


    Curiously, despite the Whomping Willow¡¯s usual aggressiveness, it wasn¡¯t attacking Professor Sprout. She moved freely among its branches, carefully working with a practiced ease that only she seemed to possess. But she wasn¡¯t the only professor present¡ªGilderoy Lockhart was also there, keeping his distance, a good ten meters from the tree, and loudly calling out advice.


    ¡°If I were you, I wouldn¡¯t bother with that... far too troublesome,¡± he declared grandly. ¡°Oh, Pomona, that¡¯s much too difficult for you, but as it happens, I know a brilliant charm that mends broken branches perfectly! Yes, yes, that¡¯s exactly what I was about to teach you¡ªimagine, we both know it!¡±


    Lockhart¡¯s incessant chatter only darkened Professor Sprout¡¯s expression. If he¡¯d been standing closer, she might have wished the Whomping Willow would give him a ¡°friendly¡± embrace. What a nuisance! sea??h th§× ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    At that moment, Professor McGonagall arrived with Kyle.


    ¡°Oh, Minerva, how lovely to see you!¡± Lockhart called, striding over.


    ¡°The pleasure is all mine, Professor Lockhart,¡± Professor McGonagall replied dryly, then raised her voice toward the tree. ¡°Pomona, are you nearly done? I¡¯ve brought Kyle.¡±


    ¡°Just one more bandage,¡± Professor Sprout answered, hastening her pace.


    Meanwhile, Lockhart had turned his attention to Kyle, eyeing him with an intrigued expression. ¡°Wait, you¡¯re the youngest person ever to be honored with a Order of Merlin?¡±


    ¡°Yes, Professor Lockhart,¡± Kyle nodded politely.


    Lockhart¡¯s face lit up, his gleaming white teeth catching the sunlight. ¡°We should have met before! Remember Flourish and Blotts, when you came to buy my book? You were just too shy to approach me.¡±


    At this, Professor McGonagall arched a brow, casting a discreet sidelong glance at Lockhart. Kyle¡ªshy? The idea was laughable. This was the same boy who had faced a Dark Wizard alone, defied a Werewolf, and sneaked past the massive Three-Headed Dog. Shy was about as far from Kyle¡¯s character as she could imagine. She¡¯d sooner believe that Fred and George were model students.


    Then, a memory flickered in her mind¡ªan article from The Daily Prophet showing a bewildered Harry at some recent event. If her hunch was right, Kyle had been there too but had made himself scarce before he could be photographed. Professor McGonagall¡¯s lips twitched slightly, betraying the faintest hint of a smile.


    Lockhart, however, was too busy basking in his own imagined significance to notice.


    "I''m also a recipient of the Order of Merlin and have had a close encounter with a Werewolf myself," Lockhart said, giving Kyle a hearty pat on the shoulder. "You¡¯re quite lucky to have achieved something so noteworthy at such a young age."


    "Kyle''s Order of Merlin had nothing to do with luck," Professor Sprout interjected as she approached. "He saved an entire hospital ward full of patients."


    "Yes, yes, commendable indeed," Lockhart replied, straightening the gold-braided trim on his top hat. "I, too, have saved countless lives during my travels, though I hardly ever mention it."


    Kyle thought silently.


    Lockhart, oblivious to the silent skepticism around him, continued speaking to Kyle. "I trust you''ve read my book , where I describe no fewer than fifteen techniques for handling Werewolves."


    "Professor, I think it was seventeen," Kyle said, blinking innocently. "Did you forget?"


    "Seventeen..." Lockhart hesitated briefly but maintained his cheerful expression. "Ah, well, yes¡ªthere are two methods that are just too dangerous, which I wouldn¡¯t recommend for most wizards... Clearly, you¡¯ve studied my work closely. Very good! Which house are you in?"


    "Hufflepuff."


    "Hufflepuff, then¡­ ten points to Hufflepuff!" Lockhart declared happily. "You¡¯re well on your way to becoming an internationally acclaimed wizard, like me. Of course, you¡¯ve accomplished a fair bit already, though it doesn¡¯t quite compare to winning Witch Weekly¡¯s Most Charming Smile Award five years in a row! But that¡¯s only the beginning. Why, when I was thirteen, I was a little more ordinary than you are now."


    Professor McGonagall, listening from a few steps behind, couldn¡¯t help but twitch slightly.


    She wondered how he could even say that. For an award like that, she¡¯d have to think twice even if offered a mountain of Galleons. If her colleagues saw her winning that sort of title, they might think Hogwarts had failed to pay her salary!


    Just then, a group of students emerged from the castle doors, including Harry, Hermione, and Ron, heading toward the greenhouses for their first Herbology class of the day.


    "Ah, I must be off," Lockhart said, giving Kyle another pat on the shoulder. "By the way, although I was just demonstrating some techniques for Professor Sprout to use on the Whomping Willow, don¡¯t get the impression that I¡¯m more proficient in Herbology than she is! I just happened to have encountered a few unusual plants on my travels..."


    "And where was that, Professor?" Kyle asked suddenly, a spark of curiosity in his eyes. "I¡¯ve always wanted a willow of my own, but both Headmaster Dumbledore and Professor Sprout won¡¯t let me transplant one here. But if they¡¯re growing wild somewhere, then I suppose I could bring one over myself."


    "Ah, well, that would be a rather far-off place¡­" Lockhart hesitated, then continued smoothly, "And you¡¯d probably be disappointed, as those willows are also the private property of others. They¡¯re quite protective of them, I assure you."

 Chapter 273: Time-Turner Application Denied

    Lockhart finished his speech with a self-satisfied grin and strode off toward Harry. The moment he was gone, Professor McGonagall turned to Kyle with a firm expression.


    "Don''t get any ideas about that tree," she said. "If you value your life, keep your distance from it." She pressed her lips together before adding, "You have plenty of classes this year, and I recommend you focus on books that are¡­ actually useful. Perhaps ones on magic."


    "Yes, Professor," Kyle replied.


    In truth, he hadn¡¯t even skimmed ; he¡¯d only thrown out that comment to mess with Lockhart. He hadn¡¯t expected Lockhart to not only agree with him but also award Hufflepuff ten points for it. Now that was a surprise windfall.


    Professor McGonagall nodded approvingly before stepping aside for Professor Sprout.


    "Now, about your request," Professor Sprout began. "Unfortunately, Kyle, your application for a Time-Turner was denied. You may need to reconsider your class schedule."


    "Denied?" Kyle¡¯s eyes widened. "But Percy mentioned that¡ª"


    "This time it¡¯s different," Professor Sprout said with a sigh. "All Time-Turners are stored in the Department of Mysteries at the Ministry, but it¡¯s currently under strict lockdown. No correspondence can even reach them."


    "Just yesterday, we tried asking Professor Dumbledore to intervene," added Professor McGonagall. "But even he couldn¡¯t manage to help."


    "Even Headmaster Dumbledore can¡¯t get in?" Kyle asked, baffled.


    "No, he did visit the Department of Mysteries," Professor McGonagall replied, giving Kyle a meaningful look. "But someone there turned down the request, claiming that all Time-Turners are currently in use and there are none available for students."


    "No spares at all?" Kyle repeated, still trying to process this.


    "Exactly, so you¡¯ll have to revisit your course choices," Professor Sprout said, handing him a new schedule dusted with bits of earth. "Now, hurry along; you don¡¯t want to be late for class."


    Kyle accepted the schedule and, after a moment¡¯s thought, said, "Professor, I¡¯d still like to take all the classes."


    "But without a Time-Turner¡ª" Professor Sprout began, looking concerned.


    "It¡¯s fine," Kyle interrupted. "I¡¯d just like the option to sit for the exams. If there¡¯s a scheduling conflict, I¡¯ll only attend one of the classes."


    Professor Sprout looked at him, bewildered. In all her years at Hogwarts, she¡¯d never encountered a request quite like this. She glanced at Professor McGonagall, who was also frowning. They conferred briefly.


    "Are you certain about this, Kyle?" Professor McGonagall asked seriously. "You realize that earning top marks in ten subjects is not the same as doing so in twelve."


    "I understand," Kyle replied with a determined nod.


    "Very well," Professor McGonagall agreed. "If that¡¯s what you want, I¡¯ll speak with the other professors, and you can handle the courses as you see fit."


    "But," she reminded him, "you¡¯re limited to six electives."


    "Of course," Kyle said with a grin. "I wouldn¡¯t miss Transfiguration or Herbology for anything."


    For once, Professor McGonagall allowed herself a slight smile. Professor Sprout, too, seemed to forget the annoyance caused by Lockhart, and she handed Kyle a small branch from the Whomping Willow.


    Though not as valuable as the roots, Whomping Willow branches were rare and highly sought after as magical ingredients. A single branch like the one Professor Sprout gave him could easily sell for at least twenty Galleons in Diagon Alley. And since there was only one Whomping Willow in all of Britain, any parts from it were especially prized.


    Once the discussion of Kyle¡¯s course load was settled, the two professors departed. This time, Kyle didn¡¯t follow Professor McGonagall back to the castle; instead, he strolled toward the nearby Forbidden Forest.


    Even though he hadn¡¯t secured a Time-Turner, things had worked out better than expected. Now he could freely choose which classes to attend¡ªCare of Magical Creatures, Arithmancy, or even none at all. The professors wouldn¡¯t mind, and he could use the time for other pursuits.


    It hadn¡¯t been easy to get Professor McGonagall to agree to such an arrangement; in fact, it might have been even harder than obtaining a Time-Turner. His flawless grades over the past two years had certainly helped, as did the recent denial from the Department of Mysteries. Otherwise, the thought of skipping classes wouldn¡¯t even have been considered.


    At least, for this first class, he would definitely be attending.


    Kyle crossed the field on his way to the Forbidden Forest and spotted Lockhart talking to Harry at a distance. Though Kyle couldn¡¯t hear their conversation, Harry¡¯s uncomfortable expression suggested he wasn¡¯t enjoying the chat.


    Professor Kettleburn¡¯s Care of Magical Creatures class was set up on the far side of the Forbidden Forest, near the Quidditch Pitch, where he had cleared a large area for lessons. When Kyle arrived, he saw that Kanna had also chosen this class and was already waiting for him.


    ¡°What did Professor Sprout want?¡± she asked. ¡°Do you need any help?¡±


    ¡°No, it was just a mix-up with my timetable, but it¡¯s all sorted now,¡± Kyle replied, then told her about his unsuccessful attempt to get a Time-Turner and the alternative arrangement he¡¯d made with Professor McGonagall.


    While McGonagall had advised him to keep it confidential, everyone knew secrets never lasted long at Hogwarts.


    ¡°Twelve subjects?¡± Kanna looked surprised. ¡°You already have a Order of Merlin¡ªdo you really need all those certificates?¡± sea??h th§× n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°It¡¯s not like I have anything better to do, and it¡¯s not that hard, so I might as well take them for fun,¡± Kyle said, sounding casual. ¡°And the best part is, I can skip class without anyone noticing.¡±


    ¡°Oh, so it¡¯s really about being able to skip class!¡± Kanna narrowed her eyes at him.


    Kyle shrugged, unbothered.


    Kanna rolled her eyes, choosing not to probe any further.


    Just then, Professor Kettleburn emerged from the Forbidden Forest. He looked more disheveled than usual, with dust covering his face, and his old prosthetic leg was gone, replaced with a simple wooden stick that made him limp as he walked. The sight left many students who were meeting him for the first time in shock, wondering just how dangerous the Care of Magical Creatures class was. Some were already questioning whether it was too late to switch subjects.


    But Kettleburn paid no mind to their wary expressions¡ªthis happened every year, and he was long accustomed to it. Besides, with his many injuries over the years, he¡¯d been considering retirement, and this year would likely be his last at Hogwarts.


    Spotting Kyle in the crowd, Professor Kettleburn gave him a nod of approval.


    ¡°For our first lesson, we¡¯ll be learning about Bowtruckles!¡± he announced, opening the pocket of his coat. Five or six creatures, resembling small plant stems with twig-like limbs, poked their heads out, looking curiously at the students.


    ¡°Does anyone know what these are?¡±


    Kyle raised his hand. ¡°The Bowtruckle is a gentle magical creature that usually live in trees whose wood is of wand quality. But if anyone tries to damage those trees, they¡¯ll defend them fiercely¡ªunless you have their favorite food: Wood lice.¡±


    ¡°Spot on! Ten points to Hufflepuff!¡± Kettleburn said with a smile. ¡°There¡¯s a suitcase over there with a small supply of snails. Take a bag each and come closer¡­¡±

 Chapter 274: The Worst Schedule at Hogwarts

    It took only half a lesson for Professor Kettleburn to shatter everyone¡¯s preconceptions about the Care of Magical Creatures class. Especially after getting up close with the Bowtruckles, the students realized these tiny creatures were incredibly fascinating.


    Bowtruckles are a straightforward type of magical creature, unafraid to show their emotions. When given a handful of wood lice, they eagerly extend their slender arms, latch onto students¡¯ clothes, and swing back and forth. Sometimes, they¡¯ll even tuck themselves into the pockets of a young wizard¡¯s robes, enjoying a snack out of sight.


    Before long, a long line of students had formed¡ªeveryone wanted a chance to spend a bit more time with the Bowtruckles. To give everyone the opportunity to interact with them, Professor Kettleburn limited the time to two minutes per student.


    Seeing the demand, Professor Kettleburn even made a trip to the Forbidden Forest to bring back a fresh batch of Bowtruckles¡ªabout twenty in all. After all, the previous group had already been well fed, yet there were still dozens of students eagerly waiting their turn. Without an increase in numbers, many wouldn¡¯t get the chance to experience the creatures firsthand.


    While students waited in line, Professor Kettleburn stood nearby, loudly explaining, "Because Bowtruckles never choose to inhabit trees without magical properties, the trees they guard are often ideal for wand-making. That¡¯s why wand-makers are so keen on these little fellows¡ªthey can skip the search for the right trees and simply follow the Bowtruckles.¡±


    ...


    Professor Kettleburn¡¯s lectures were always detailed and captivating, and he seemed to have an answer for every question.


    ¡°Professor, what would a Bowtruckle do if it found itself in a regular forest?¡± asked a Gryffindor student from the back of the class.


    ¡°They¡¯d still live in the tree, but it wouldn¡¯t be as comfortable,¡± Professor Kettleburn replied. ¡°Imagine being asked to leave the warmth of your bed to sleep at the top of the Astronomy Tower. Not exactly cozy, right?¡±


    ¡°Then, Professor, if there were five Bowtruckles and six magical trees, which tree would they abandon?¡± S§×arch* The novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°All but the oldest one,¡± he said with a grin. ¡°Bowtruckles tend to stick together on one tree until they reach a certain number, and only then will they spread to another.¡±


    ¡°What if all the trees are the same age?¡± someone else asked.


    ¡°Then they¡¯d simply choose the closest one.¡±


    As the questions continued, they grew more challenging, and some students seemed to ask things just to test him. One even ventured, ¡°Professor, how many Bowtruckles could a hungry dragon eat in one bite?¡±


    Without missing a beat, Professor Kettleburn answered, ¡°Based on the size of a dragon¡¯s mouth and the number of Bowtruckles on a tree, about twelve, I¡¯d say. But Bowtruckles aren¡¯t exactly a dragon¡¯s meal of choice¡ªthey¡¯re small, quick, and have very little meat. You can¡¯t expect them to just sit there waiting for a dragon to come along!¡±


    The students burst into applause, and the one who had asked that question clapped the loudest, his hands turning red. And just like that, the class flew by.


    As the lesson wrapped up, Professor Kettleburn approached Kyle. ¡°So, was it boring?¡± he asked.


    Kyle shook his head. ¡°No, it was... interesting.¡±


    Professor Kettleburn raised an eyebrow. ¡°Honestly now?¡±


    ¡°Well... maybe just a little,¡± Kyle admitted, scratching his head sheepishly.


    Professor Kettleburn chuckled. ¡°Last night, I was on the Hebrides Islands, and guess who I ran into¡ªNewt! We chatted, and he had quite a bit to say about you. He even mentioned how you helped a Nundu give birth.¡±


    Kyle laughed awkwardly. Newt was famously shy but seemed to tell everyone everything. Worried about gaining an unusual reputation, Kyle quickly protested, ¡°It was really all thanks to Mr. Scamander; I just helped a bit.¡±


    But Professor Kettleburn, pretending not to hear, mused, ¡°Sounds like this year¡¯s Care of Magical Creatures class might be a little too simple for you.¡±


    ¡°Good timing, though,¡± he continued, ¡°I got a letter from Professor McGonagall before class. You¡¯ve signed up for quite a few courses, haven¡¯t you?¡±


    Kyle nodded.


    ¡°Then head off to another class,¡± Kettleburn said, giving him an encouraging pat on the shoulder. He shook his head and muttered, ¡°It¡¯s a shame that Hippogriff didn¡¯t wait a few more days to have its foal... With your help, it might have been a little easier to handle.¡±


    As he spoke, he absently rubbed his chest, where his coat¡ªmade from some mysterious material¡ªdisplayed three neat white claw marks, courtesy of the Hippogriff. Kyle couldn¡¯t help but notice, wincing a bit at the thought.


    Trying to change the subject, Kyle asked, ¡°Professor, where¡¯s your prosthetic leg?¡±


    ¡°Oh, I left it on the Hebrides Islands. Those big creatures can be quite a handful when they get riled up.¡±


    ...


    After bidding farewell to Professor Kettleburn, Kyle and Kanna headed back toward the castle. On the way, Kanna turned to him curiously.


    ¡°So, you helped deliver magical creatures?¡± she asked, her eyes sparkling with interest.


    ¡°Let¡¯s just forget that happened and stay good friends!¡± Kyle retorted. ¡°It was Newt who did all the work¡ªI was just an assistant at best!¡±


    Kanna''s eyes crinkled into crescent moons as she watched his exasperated expression, covering her mouth to stifle a laugh.


    The second period was History of Magic, taught by the ever-droning Professor Binns. As soon as he began reciting endless lists of dates and historical figures, the classroom slipped into its usual stupor. After two years of this, the situation had only grown worse, with more students nodding off each class. Within minutes, the room filled with the sound of gentle snoring.


    Strangely enough, the students seemed to have developed a peculiar skill¡ªthey could sleep soundlessly in Professor Binns¡¯ class, achieving the deepest, most peaceful rest, even if they snored back in the dormitories. It was as if the desks in the History of Magic classroom held some magical sleep-inducing power.


    When class finally ended, everyone woke up feeling surprisingly refreshed, quickly gathering their things and heading to the Great Hall for dinner. At the entrance, Kyle ran into the Weasley twins, who were huddled together in discussion. They stopped abruptly when they saw him, then hurried off.


    ¡°What do you think they were talking about?¡± Kyle asked Kanna.


    Kanna shook her head, her face still bearing the faint imprint of a textbook she¡¯d fallen asleep on. ¡°No idea...¡± Kyle watched the twins¡¯ retreating figures, still puzzled, then shrugged and walked into the Great Hall.


    ...


    The following two afternoons were scheduled with Snape¡¯s Potions class. A timetable featuring History of Magic in the morning and Potions in the afternoon on the first day of the new term¡ªsurely, it was one of the most unfortunate schedules at Hogwarts.


    As they trudged out of the common room, the students'' faces reflected their shared dread. Only Kanna seemed unaffected. Those who hadn¡¯t managed to finish their Potions homework stumbled along.

 Chapter 275: Snape’s Negative Emotions

    Snape did not disappoint.


    Everyone who had failed to turn in their homework found themselves "rewarded" with three days confined to their rooms. Not only were they expected to complete their assignments late at night in the cold dungeon, but they also had to deal with the entire wooden bucket of potion ingredients piled in the corner. Although Snape hadn¡¯t specified what it contained, judging by his sinister smile and the overpowering fishy smell that filled the classroom, it was bound to be something awful.


    Mikel and Ryan exchanged relieved glances, grateful to have narrowly avoided punishment. Just ten minutes earlier, they had finally completed their potion assignment.


    "Today we will be learning a new potion: the Shrinking Solution," Snape intoned in his usual drawling voice, each syllable stretched out. "I¡¯ve written out the steps. Everyone, pay close attention, and then go gather your ingredients. What are you waiting for!¡±


    Immediately, the students left their seats, swarming around the cupboard by the wall.


    Kanna¡¯s table, as usual, had all the ingredients she needed, but this time, unlike before when there had been a generous supply, there was only enough for one person. Kyle, who often borrowed from her, was now out of luck.


    Kyle glanced over at Snape, who was watching him with a look of mocking satisfaction.


    ¡°Stingy!¡± Kyle muttered, pouting as he stood and headed toward the cupboard. By the time he got there, however, only a few broken daisy roots and two or three squashed shrivelfigs were left.


    ¡°All materials are finite,¡± came Snape¡¯s voice from the lectern. ¡°So I suggest you get it right the first time, because there will be no second chances if you make a mistake!¡±


    ¡°By the end of class,¡± he added with a pointed look in Kyle¡¯s direction, ¡°whoever produces the worst potion will lose twenty points from their house. Let that serve as motivation to take this seriously and do it right.¡±


    Kyle felt his heart sink. Without ingredients, he was sure to end up with the worst potion.


    ¡°Careless¡­¡± Kyle sighed, realizing he¡¯d taken for granted his habit of borrowing Kanna¡¯s ingredients. He hadn¡¯t expected Snape to catch on and manipulate the situation.


    ¡°Didn¡¯t get your ingredients? Here, take these.¡±


    At that moment, a hand appeared before him, and in Kyle¡¯s eyes, it seemed to glow with a warm, hopeful light.


    Mikel placed a tray on Kyle¡¯s table. ¡°You know how my potions always end up wrong, so I always take extras, just in case.¡±


    ¡°Thank you,¡± Kyle said, surprised and grateful. ¡°This really helps.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s no big deal,¡± Mikel replied, pointing to a parchment on the table. Without Kyle¡¯s help, they would never have completed the potion assignment on time. For Mikel, this was simply returning a favor.


    Seeing that Kyle had found a solution to his lack of ingredients, Snape¡¯s expression darkened. He was about to say something when Kanna casually rearranged her cloth bag and tray.


    ¡°This leech juice looks great. Can I use it?¡± she asked.


    ¡°Sure,¡± Kyle nodded.


    Visibly, a vein throbbed on Snape¡¯s forehead. Better quality leech juice? Really? The ingredients in the cupboard were from students¡¯ detention batches; they couldn¡¯t possibly compare to the materials he had meticulously prepared himself!


    But since Kyle and Kanna were already busy slicing the daisy roots, he had no choice but to take a few calming breaths to suppress his anger.


    Yet Snape was in a foul mood¡ªand he was determined to share it.


    ¡°The daisy roots are far too large. That¡¯s two points from Hufflepuff¡­¡±


    ¡°And these shrivelfig skins¡ªpractically useless. Three more points from Hufflepuff¡­¡±


    After his round of deductions, Snape, still simmering, walked up to a Slytherin student who was proudly holding up a potion of light green, very close to the correct color. Normally, such work would have earned extra points. But this time...


    ¡°A little leech juice is sufficient¡ªwhy did you add so much? Two points from Slytherin!¡±


    Yes, Snape¡¯s irritation was such that he was even deducting points from his own house.


    By the end of the lesson, the entire class was in a miserable mood.


    ...


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong with Professor Snape!¡±


    Kyle overheard a group of students discussing it at dinner.


    ¡°He actually deducted 20 points from Slytherin¡­ twenty points!¡± one of them said, still in shock.


    At first, no one believed it. Everyone knew that Snape, the Potions professor, was as loyal to Slytherin as anyone could be. Even if a Slytherin blew up a cauldron, they¡¯d typically just end up in detention. Losing points? Unthinkable.


    ¡°That¡¯s not even a funny joke,¡± Fred muttered from the Gryffindor table, glancing at Lee Jordan, who was animatedly retelling the story. ¡°Or maybe you¡¯re still half-asleep and heard ¡®bonus points¡¯ instead of ¡®penalty points.¡¯¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not joking!¡± Lee Jordan insisted, looking deadly serious. ¡°This is real. Haven¡¯t you heard about it yet?¡±


    ¡°Wait, you¡¯re serious?¡± George set down his cup, intrigued.


    ¡°I swear!¡± Lee pointed toward the Slytherin table. ¡°If you don¡¯t believe me, go over there¡ªthey¡¯re talking about it, too.¡±


    Fred¡¯s curiosity was piqued. ¡°When did this happen?¡±


    Harry and Ron, sitting nearby, stopped eating, their attention now fully focused on Lee¡¯s story. The thought of Snape docking points from Slytherin was as wild as Hermione forgetting the password to the Gryffindor common room.


    ¡°It was during Potions class this afternoon,¡± Lee explained, his voice full of excitement. ¡°I was walking by a few third-year Slytherins when I overheard them talking about it. At first, I thought I¡¯d misheard, but then I checked Slytherin¡¯s score¡ªit was down by 20 points. And they only had Potions this afternoon!¡±


    ¡°Huh¡­¡± Harry exhaled, his eyebrows raised in disbelief.


    ¡°Third years, you said?¡± Fred asked, frowning. ¡°Who was in class with Slytherin?¡± S§×ar?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°Hufflepuff,¡± Lee answered, shrugging. ¡°They were the first ones spreading the news.¡±


    ¡°Kyle!¡± Fred and George exclaimed in unison.


    They didn¡¯t know exactly what had happened, but their instincts told them that Kyle had to be involved somehow. After years at Hogwarts, they¡¯d learned that if something out of the ordinary happened, it was usually Kyle¡¯s doing. Maybe not every single time, but eight out of ten? Definitely.


    ¡°If only we¡¯d been born a year later¡­¡±


    ¡°and then been sorted into Hufflepuff¡­¡±


    Fred and George exchanged wistful glances across the hall toward the Hufflepuff table, where Kyle sat. Their biggest regret was not being in the same year as him. Hogwarts would have been so much more thrilling with Kyle as their classmate.

 Chapter 276: Writing a Book for Snape

    Snape¡¯s erratic behavior continued into the following day, showing no signs of abating. The strange incident quickly overshadowed even the upcoming Quidditch tryouts, becoming the primary topic of conversation throughout the school. Everyone was speculating about the reason behind Snape¡¯s sudden point-deducting frenzy.


    ¡°It¡¯s penalty point addiction syndrome!¡± declared a second-year Ravenclaw witch confidently. ¡°My uncle works at St. Mungo¡¯s, and he told me about a professor there who had the same condition. This professor actually felt pleasure from deducting points. Even after he was admitted to St. Mungo¡¯s, he continued the habit, docking points from anyone he met. Most people say ¡®hello¡¯ when they see someone, but he starts with ¡®five points off!¡¯¡±


    Intrigued by her conviction, a large crowd gathered, listening more intently than they usually did in Professor McGonagall¡¯s Transfiguration class. The little witch, encouraged by the audience¡¯s interest, went on with even greater enthusiasm.


    ¡°My uncle told me he only took care of that professor for two days, but he lost three hundred points during that time¡ªmore than most students lose in seven years at Hogwarts!¡±


    The crowd gasped. ¡°Three hundred points!¡±


    ¡°Was that professor from Hogwarts, too?¡± someone asked.


    ¡°Of course! A proper Hogwarts Defense Against the Dark Arts professor... he¡¯s been living at St. Mungo¡¯s for six years now.¡±


    ¡°Six years¡­ just for deducting points¡­¡± a young witch murmured, covering her mouth in astonishment. ¡°So you think Professor Snape¡­¡±


    ¡°Exactly,¡± the Ravenclaw witch replied in a hushed voice. ¡°Docking points from Slytherin is a clear sign. It¡¯s as if the other three houses aren¡¯t enough for him anymore. Poor Professor Snape¡­ at this rate, he¡¯ll probably leave Hogwarts within the next four years.¡±


    ¡°But I plan to become a Healer at St. Mungo¡¯s after I graduate,¡± said another young Ravenclaw, his eyes filled with resolve. ¡°I think I could look after him when the time comes.¡±


    His earnestness earned approving nods from those around him, and he seemed genuinely fulfilled by this new sense of mission. But his satisfaction only lasted until the end of breakfast, because their first class of the day was Potions.


    And Snape, somehow aware of what had been said about him, deducted fifty points from Ravenclaw before morning was over.


    That wasn¡¯t the worst of it. He also found a reason to give the young Ravenclaw a three-day detention, forcing him to work with third-year students to sort the rotting potion ingredients in the vat. One glance into the vat was enough to drain all color from the poor Ravenclaw¡¯s face, his stomach twisting in horror.


    By the time the class ended at noon, he looked completely transformed: vacant-eyed, pale as a ghost, and visibly shaken. He stumbled out of the Potions classroom and, in his daze, managed to knock over a suit of armor in the corridor.


    It¡¯s worth noting that Ravenclaw was paired with Slytherin in Potions that day, yet Snape didn¡¯t deduct any points from his own house¡ªin fact, he even awarded them a few. Yes, there was a certain familiarity to it¡­ as if overnight, Snape had reverted back to his usual self.


    By lunchtime, with Ravenclaw¡¯s ¡°lesson¡± fresh in everyone¡¯s minds, the Great Hall was noticeably quieter.


    ...


    This was rather disappointing for Kyle. He had been quite entertained by the young wizards¡¯ speculations about Snape¡¯s odd behavior.


    In addition to ¡°deduction for kicks,¡± there were theories that Snape had been hit by a rampaging Tebo, drank fake potion, or even drank an experimental potion with unpredictable effects¡­ In short, the theories were endless. Since yesterday afternoon, Kyle had been tirelessly making rounds to every table, diligently jotting down every snippet related to Snape.


    He originally planned to fill ten sheets of parchment with his notes and then approach Lockhart to help him publish a book. He even had a title in mind: . Kyle also intended to pay Lockhart a bonus to work overtime, hoping the book could be finished before Christmas. He planned to give it to Snape as a thoughtful holiday gift. he thought with a grin.


    Unfortunately, with everyone too intimidated to discuss Snape further, Kyle had only filled three parchments¡ªnot nearly enough material to publish a book.


    ¡°What class is next this afternoon?¡± Kyle asked Kanna with a sigh.


    ¡°Defense Against the Dark Arts,¡± Kanna replied, glancing at the timetable. ¡°But you also have Divination and Muggle Studies.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll skip those two,¡± Kyle said, shaking his head. Divination with Professor Trelawney was little more than an exercise in creative thinking. Muggle Studies was equally unchallenging; after flipping through the textbook, Kyle realized it was all very basic knowledge. Even Mikel, who usually struggled with his classes, could easily achieve an ¡°O¡± in that one. For any Muggle-born student wanting to pad their report card, Muggle Studies was a sure bet.


    After dinner, Kyle and Kanna left the Great Hall and headed toward the Hufflepuff common room. On their way, they spotted a small, thin boy with gray hair standing at the entrance to the Great Hall, clutching a camera as if waiting for someone.


    ¡°Is that him?¡± Kyle asked in a low voice, quickening his pace. ¡°The one who asked Potter for an autograph yesterday?¡±


    Kanna nodded silently.


    ¡°Harry Potter¡¯s autograph photo¡± had become another hot topic, sparked by this very boy. The previous day, right in front of half the Great Hall, he had approached Harry and asked for an autograph, only to be interrupted by Malfoy¡¯s heckling and Lockhart¡¯s grandstanding. The whole scene had left Harry visibly deflated, and since then, he couldn¡¯t go anywhere without someone pestering him for a signature. It was enough to wear anyone down.


    Then again, it was hard to imagine anyone being thrilled to have such an eager admirer following them constantly. Well¡­ except for Lockhart. He¡¯d probably be delighted. Actually, he¡¯d likely be the one.


    Lost in thought, Kyle unconsciously picked up his pace.


    When they arrived at the common room, they ran into a group of fourth-year Hufflepuffs coming in from the opposite direction. Leading the group was Cedric Diggory, looking a bit worse for wear¡ªhis robes were caked in mud and torn in several places. The others in the group looked equally bedraggled.


    ¡°What happened to you?¡± Kyle asked. ¡°Did you get into a fight?¡±


    ¡°I it had just been a fight,¡± Cedric grumbled, attempting to repair his robes with some hasty stitching charms. ¡°We were having a perfectly normal Herbology class, and just as we were finishing up, Gilderoy Lockhart showed up out of nowhere.¡± S~ea??h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°What was he doing in the greenhouse?¡± Kanna asked, curious.


    ¡°He claimed he was there to show Professor Sprout how to trim excess shoots from the Venomous Tentacula,¡± Cedric replied, visibly annoyed. ¡°But as soon as he stepped inside, he managed to knock over a table and sent a dozen Bouncing Bulbs flying.¡±


    ¡°And then he ran off!¡± another student added angrily. ¡°Can you believe it? He just bolted!¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s the whole story,¡± Cedric sighed, shrugging. ¡°Professor Sprout and the rest of us have been trying to round up those blasted Bouncing Bulbs ever since.¡±


    ¡°Thanks for your hard work,¡± Kyle said, offering a sympathetic smile.


    He knew that many of the plants in the greenhouse were delicate and highly sensitive to disturbances. Magic was typically restricted in there to avoid upsetting their fragile ecosystem, which meant Cedric and the others had likely spent hours painstakingly catching the Bouncing Bulbs by hand. Their disheveled state was proof enough of their efforts.

 Chapter 277: Copying Homework is Wrong

    Cedric''s experience had left Kyle and Kanna a bit wary about the upcoming Defense Against the Dark Arts class. But there was no avoiding it; it was a required course, so they had to go.


    In the afternoon, the two arrived at the classroom assigned by Lockhart. The walls were plastered with oversized photos of him, displaying his various awards and accomplishments. In each picture, Lockhart''s sparkling white teeth gleamed like spotlights, giving the room the look of a press conference rather than a classroom.


    Though Kyle and Kanna had arrived on time, the room was already packed, with only a few empty seats remaining in the last row. They made their way over, sat down, and the bell rang, marking the start of class.


    Lockhart cleared his throat loudly, commanding everyone¡¯s attention. He picked up a Gryffindor student''s copy of , holding it high so everyone could see his own face on the cover, eyes wide open in a dramatic pose.


    "I..." he said, pointing first to the image on the cover and then to himself. "Gilderoy Lockhart, recipient of the Order of Merlin, honorary member of the Dark Force Defence League, and five-time winner of Most Charming Smile Award¡­ but I don''t go around bragging about that. I don¡¯t rely on my smile to keep vampires at bay."


    With a grin, he held the book aloft once more, winking in sync with the image on the cover.


    Kanna frowned, whispering, "He really received the Order of Merlin, like you? Why do I feel like he¡¯s... a bit unreliable? And what exactly is the Dark Force Defence League?"


    "A once-famous organization," Kyle murmured in response. "The legendary Auror Alastor Moody and Barty Crouch, the current head of the Department for International Magical Cooperation, were once members. But..." He lowered his voice and continued, "Over ten years ago, after Harry Potter became the Boy Who Lived, the organization began to fade."


    "Their focus shifted from combating dark magic to more of a social club, and a few years back, they even let in a suspected Death Eater¡ªbecause he made a large donation."


    ¡°After that, prominent members like Moody and Crouch all resigned, and the League¡¯s reputation plummeted. Now it doesn¡¯t even compare to the Most Extraordinary Society of Potioneers, which used to be on par with it.¡±


    "I know that group!" Kanna¡¯s eyes sparkled with excitement. "Professor Snape is a member of the Most Extraordinary Society of Potioneers, and he wants me to join, too." S~ea??h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "That¡¯s not an easy feat," Kyle replied with a smile. "The Most Extraordinary Society of Potioneers has tough entry requirements. Only those who can brew Felix Felicis before the age of thirty can qualify."


    "I know, but I¡¯m still young. We still have plenty of time, don¡¯t we?"


    Kyle raised an eyebrow. "We? Are you saying I¡¯m included in this plan?"


    "Don¡¯t you want to join?"


    ¡°You could give it a try. It¡¯s just Felix Felicis¡­¡± Kyle replied with a grin. ¡°And maybe I¡¯ll join before you do.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not certain... I won¡¯t lose to you in potions.¡± Kanna scrunched up her nose and playfully shot Kyle a mock glare.


    ...


    While Kyle and Kanna were talking, Lockhart finally wrapped up his lengthy introduction and began handing out test papers. Kyle and Kanna each received a copy.


    "Don¡¯t be intimidated," Lockhart reassured them as he returned to the podium. "This is just a simple quiz to see how much you''ve read and understood."


    "You have thirty minutes. Begin!"


    Kyle looked down at the test paper and felt an immediate headache.


    There were over 50 questions, all centered on Lockhart himself. For the first time, Kyle was utterly speechless. He¡¯d skimmed through a few of Lockhart¡¯s books, but he¡¯d focused on the stories rather than Lockhart¡¯s personal details, and much of it had barely registered with him.


    He vaguely remembered that Lockhart liked lilac and that he had some ambition involving a self-branded product... was it toothpaste? Or hair care potions?


    Twenty minutes later, Kyle still had vast empty spaces on his paper. He glanced over at Kanna... Her paper looked just as empty as his, maybe even more so. Although he was fairly certain that Lockhart wouldn¡¯t refuse a big pile of gold for his birthday, writing that down so plainly didn¡¯t seem quite right.


    Kyle scratched his head. If he¡¯d known it would be like this, he might not have shown off so much to Lockhart yesterday by the Whomping Willow. Turning in a blank quiz now would be embarrassing. No choice, he thought, he¡¯d have to copy answers if he wanted to keep up appearances.


    Kyle looked around and soon zeroed in on a Gryffindor witch who had finished all the questions within the first ten minutes and was now gazing at Lockhart with pure adoration. She was clearly a devoted fan.


    "Perfect," he thought.


    Kyle took out his wand and discreetly aimed it at one of the large photos on the wall. In the next second, the massive picture frame crashed to the floor with a resounding bang. Then a second and a third frame followed suit, falling one by one.


    The Lockharts in the portraits shrieked in panic, the clamor drawing everyone¡¯s attention. Taking advantage of the moment, Kyle quickly cast a Disillusionment Charm, slipping over to the Gryffindor witch¡¯s desk. While the portraits continued wailing, he whispered a spell and created an exact copy of her test answers.


    By the time Lockhart managed to calm the portraits, Kyle was already back in his seat, holding the copied answers as though nothing had happened.


    "Looks like I need more practice with Nonverbal Spells," Kyle muttered to himself. "Almost got caught casting that one."


    Kanna looked at him, both amused and exasperated. "All this trouble just to copy a quiz?"


    "That¡¯s only part of it," Kyle replied with a grin. "Nonverbal Spells are useful for all sorts of things."


    From the lectern, Lockhart, a bit flustered, straightened his slightly mussed blonde hair and smiled. "There we go, all sorted! It seems the portraits, like me, got a bit overexcited. Continue writing; the thirty minutes are almost up."


    Kyle quickly transferred the answers to his own paper, checking them against the copied parchment. So Lockhart was selling hair care potions after all¡­ he could have sworn it would be toothpaste. Lockhart was definitely in the wrong business, he thought. With his dazzling smile, he¡¯d be a perfect toothpaste spokesman.


    As Kyle scribbled furiously, Kanna watched him disapprovingly. "Copying a test is wrong. We should be doing this ourselves!"


    "Oh¡­¡± Kyle paused thoughtfully, then set the copied parchment between them. ¡°Then let¡¯s read it together?¡±


    Kanna brightened. ¡°Yes!¡±

 Chapter 278: Lockhart’s Stage Play

    "Well... unexpected..."


    Half an hour later, Lockhart began to flip through the completed test papers. "I''m glad so many of you remembered that I like lilac¡­ but how could you forget my greatest achievement to date? Winning Most Charming Smile Award five times! I clearly just mentioned it!" He winked at the class.


    While a handful of his die-hard fans swooned, clutching their chests and gazing at him with glassy eyes, most of the students were less than impressed. Sitting in front of Kanna, Gryffindor''s Katie Bell kept her head down, shoulders shaking as she stifled her laughter. Mikel and Ryan were also struggling not to burst out laughing.


    "But¡­" Lockhart¡¯s voice rose dramatically, "Miss Mireille here knew my birthday is January 26th... splendid!" He held up one paper. "A perfect score! Where is this exceptional young witch?"


    In the front row, a trembling hand rose¡ªit was the very student Kyle had chosen to copy from.


    "Marvelous!" Lockhart praised, beaming. "Gryffindor earns an extra 10 points!"


    "However..." He frowned, pulling out two more papers. "It seems there were two students who managed only 53 correct answers."


    Holding the papers up, he continued, "I think it¡¯s time for them to reread . As I clearly explained in Chapter 9, my secret ambitions are to rid the world of evil and launch my own line of Hair Care Potions¡ªnot toothpaste. Though I have to say, toothpaste is an interesting idea. Perhaps I''ll add it to the Lockhart line."


    Under the desk, Kanna gave Kyle a small tap, clearly exasperated. Those two papers were obviously theirs. She¡¯d originally written "Hair Care Potions," but seeing Kyle confidently write "Toothpaste," she had changed her answer.


    "It just shows how easily you waver," Kyle muttered. "Besides, a perfect score would just make us stand out¡ªthis is good enough."


    "Now, back to business¡­" Lockhart put the test papers aside and picked up¡­ a book. He seemed to have planned a surprise for his first lesson with the students, having arranged for Cornish Pixies to liven things up.


    However, his attempt had backfired spectacularly with the second-year class, where the Pixies had run amok, turning the classroom upside down and even tossing Lockhart¡¯s wand out the window. He¡¯d spent the previous afternoon rummaging through the bushes, claiming he was helping to clear out pests.


    After that disaster, Lockhart decided to avoid any elaborate tricks for this class, especially given that third-years were more challenging. Today, he was going to play it safe.


    But as soon as the students saw in his hands, they collectively groaned¡ªeven the loyal fans. The sight of the book dredged up memories of Professor Quirrell''s ¡°reading sessions¡± from last year, along with a faint whiff of garlic that seemed to linger in the air.


    "By Merlin¡¯s beard¡­ please don¡¯t tell me we¡¯re reading again this year!" groaned a Gryffindor beside Kyle. Similar grumbles echoed around the room.


    Lockhart quickly clarified: the good news was they wouldn¡¯t be reading¡ªthis time, they¡¯d be acting. Lockhart had adapted scenes from into a play and wanted the students to perform it, convinced it would better convey his heroic feats. Unfortunately, the students found the prospect even worse than reading, but Lockhart clearly thought this would be a brilliant way to showcase his adventures.


    And, naturally, he needed a star for his little production. The first person who came to mind was the most celebrated student in the class¡­ Kyle, the recipient of the Order of Merlin, Second Class.


    ''He would look great in the role.''


    ''Oh, and that second-year Harry Potter isn¡¯t bad either,'' Lockhart mused to himself. And so he acted on it.


    He called Kyle to the front of the class and assigned him the role of the Vampire from his book.


    ¡°Professor, may I ask you a question before we begin?¡± Kyle asked.


    ¡°Go ahead, ask a hundred,¡± Lockhart replied, adjusting his hair to resemble the hero from his book as closely as possible.


    Kyle casually opened and flipped through a few pages.


    ¡°In this scene... you repel an attacking vampire with the Lumos Solem Charm...¡±


    ¡°But Professor, I¡¯m curious¡ªwhat exactly does the Lumos Solem Charm do? Is it some sort of enhanced Lighting Charm?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s a special new Charm,¡± Lockhart said with a smile. ¡°The Lighting Charm doesn¡¯t shine nearly as brightly.¡±


    For a moment, the Gryffindor students were nonchalant, but all the Hufflepuffs turned to look at Mikel, who sat in the middle of the classroom.


    They still remembered the first Charms lesson two years ago when a blinding burst of light suddenly filled the room. If there really were a Lumos Solem Charm¡­ it probably wasn¡¯t much stronger than that incident.


    But Mikel himself didn¡¯t know; he had fainted immediately after casting the spell and hadn¡¯t the faintest idea what had happened afterward.


    At the lectern, Kyle continued, ¡°Could you show us?¡±


    ¡°Er¡­¡± Lockhart hesitated, looking a bit lost for words. ¡°Perhaps next time¡­ This Charm isn¡¯t exactly suited for the classroom¡­¡±


    ¡°How about this one then¡­¡± Kyle flipped a few more pages. ¡°You used the Levitation Charm to trap the Vampire by condensing seawater. You should be able to demonstrate that.¡±


    Lockhart was, once again, speechless.


    But Kyle wasn¡¯t finished. He kept flipping through the book, continuing with his questions:


    ¡°Also, why aren¡¯t vampires afraid of garlic but are afraid of amulets soaked in garlic juice?¡±


    ¡°Why did you travel by boat instead of using Apparition?¡±


    ¡°And how did you manage to convince the vampire to only eat turnips?¡±


    ¡°Is that vampire still alive?¡± S§×ar?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°If he is, have you thought about publishing your methods? Solving their blood-drinking urges could be as monumental as solving the werewolf transformation problem during a full moon. You¡¯d likely be awarded the Order of Merlin, First Class!¡±


    ¡°Oh, right¡­¡±


    Kyle genuinely seemed ready to ask a hundred questions, and his rapid-fire ¡°whys¡± left Lockhart reeling.


    Lockhart had, after all, merely swiped the tale from an elderly wizard, throwing in a Memory Charm and a generous dose of artistic flair. He couldn¡¯t possibly know such details.


    Under the mounting curiosity of the students¡¯ stares, Lockhart began to panic and quickly stopped Kyle¡¯s line of questioning.


    ¡°All right, all right¡­ just close the book.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t mind answering these questions, but the other students still have classes to attend.¡±


    ¡°Consider it your homework assignment. And, of course, if you still don¡¯t understand by the end of the year, I¡¯ll tell you the answers.¡±


    Lockhart smoothly sidestepped the questions, then quickly sent Kyle back to his seat and called up another, more compliant Hufflepuff student to perform in his place.


    If Kyle stayed any longer, he¡¯d surely ask more, and Lockhart couldn¡¯t afford that.

 Chapter 279: Thank You

    "Did you do that on purpose...?" Kanna asked in a low voice once Kyle returned to his seat.


    Kyle spread his hands with an innocent look.


    Of course he had done it on purpose. There was no way he was going along with Lockhart¡¯s idea of putting on a play¡ªespecially just to play a supporting role. But watching the young wizard now performing as the Vampire, hopping around the stage with enthusiasm¡­ it looked like he was having fun. And that, at least, was good enough.


    The bell rang, and Lockhart stood up to announce, ¡°For homework: Write a hymn celebrating my heroic conversion of the Vampire! The best one will receive a signed copy of !¡±


    ¡°I¡¯d rather write a three-foot-long essay,¡± Kyle muttered under his breath as he packed up to leave the classroom.


    Kanna nodded in agreement. Ever since she¡¯d met Cedric, her opinion of Professor Lockhart had only soured. And the latest lesson hadn¡¯t helped, with a pop quiz thirty minutes into class and Lockhart fumbling through his endless self-promoting photographs.


    It wasn¡¯t hard to guess their next Defense Against the Dark Arts lesson would be equally tedious.


    ¡°I kind of miss Professor Oren¡­¡± Kanna murmured as they walked toward the Great Hall.


    ¡°Oren?¡± Kyle looked at her in surprise. ¡°Maybe you should head over to the Hospital Wing,¡± he said, reaching out to feel her forehead. ¡°You were nearly killed in the Forbidden Forest, and you¡¯re thinking about ?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve already figured it out,¡± Kanna replied with a small smile, brushing his hand away. ¡°Oren was after you, and I just happened to be there by accident. If he ever comes back, I¡¯ll just steer clear of you.¡±


    ¡°Oh, brilliant plan!¡± Kyle said sarcastically. ¡°Have you thought about what supposed to do if he shows up again?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sure you¡¯ll come up with something,¡± Kanna replied confidently. ¡°You¡¯re the cleverest person I know, after all.¡±


    ¡°Oh, thanks,¡± Kyle said with a wry smile. ¡°But honestly, never mind¡ªI think I¡¯m suddenly quite fond of Lockhart. At least his plays aren¡¯t trying to kill anyone.¡±


    The two arrived at the Great Hall, chatting and laughing. After a few minutes, Cedric joined them, looking fresh in a clean set of robes and with the dirt washed from his hair.


    ¡°So, how was Lockhart?¡± Cedric asked, settling down next to them. ¡°I have Defense Against the Dark Arts first thing tomorrow.¡±


    ¡°Brace yourself,¡± Kanna said, shaking her head. ¡°It¡¯s pretty much like last year.¡±


    Cedric immediately understood. Another reading lesson, then.


    If that was the case, he thought, they might as well let the Fat Friar teach it instead¡ªit would save on the cost of Lockhart¡¯s expensive books. Or maybe they could bring in Nearly Headless Nick; with the curse on the Defense Against the Dark Arts position, his head might finally come off, fulfilling his long-time wish.


    ¡°Oh, by the way, here¡¯s this,¡± Kyle said, handing Cedric a piece of parchment.


    ¡°What¡¯s this?¡±


    Cedric looked down at the parchment and was immediately bewildered.


    ¡°What¡¯s Lockhart¡¯s favorite color?¡± he read aloud. Why would he need to know something like that?


    ¡°It¡¯s for a class quiz,¡± Kyle explained. ¡°Seems like every year gets one in their first lesson. Look it over in advance¡ªif you get all the answers right, it¡¯ll earn some points for our house.¡±


    ¡°How many points?¡±


    ¡°Ten,¡± Kyle replied. ¡°But he¡¯ll probably call you up if you score well.¡±


    ¡°The points are good, I suppose¡­ but maybe he¡¯d drag you into one of his plays instead.¡±


    ¡°Well, we Hufflepuffs certainly don¡¯t lack for points!¡± Cedric quipped.


    ...


    Maybe it was because of Kyle¡¯s pointed questions in Defense Against the Dark Arts, but he didn¡¯t see Professor Lockhart once in the days that followed. When class resumed, Lockhart didn¡¯t call on him either. It seemed like he was purposely avoiding Kyle¡ªwhich, honestly, felt pretty great.


    But while Kyle enjoyed Lockhart¡¯s absence, Harry was having a very different experience. Lockhart seemed to be channeling all his energy toward him. They¡¯d bumped into each other multiple times in the corridors over the past few days. Harry found himself constantly on alert, ducking into side passages the moment he spotted Lockhart approaching.


    And it wasn¡¯t just Lockhart he had to avoid; there was also the new student, Colin Creevey, who seemed to have memorized Harry¡¯s entire schedule. Colin appeared in nearly every class and around every corner, greeting him enthusiastically each time with a ¡°Hi, Harry,¡± to which Harry had to respond, ¡°Hello, Colin,¡± at least six or seven times a day.


    And so it went until the weekend. S~ea??h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Over breakfast that Saturday, Kyle suddenly asked, ¡°Are there going to be any new recruits for the Quidditch team this year?¡±


    ¡°No, but we¡¯ll need to start finding replacements for next year,¡± Cedric replied. ¡°Including Harris, three of the guys are in their seventh year. You¡¯re on the team, too; haven¡¯t you been paying attention?¡±


    ¡°If I wasn¡¯t, I wouldn¡¯t be asking,¡± Kyle replied, taking a sip of milk. ¡°But with twelve classes and all this homework, I don¡¯t have time to think about anything else.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s fair,¡± Cedric said with a shrug. He¡¯d seen Kyle¡¯s packed schedule; though Kyle could skip overlapping classes, the sheer amount of work and self-study meant his homework load was much heavier than anyone else¡¯s.


    ¡°But when you put it like that¡­¡± Kyle frowned. ¡°Our team really has three seventh-years?¡±


    ¡°Yep, the two Chasers and the Keeper,¡± Cedric confirmed. ¡°They¡¯re all graduating next year. But there¡¯s some good news¡ªHarris seems to have an offer from the Vratsa Vultures to go pro.¡±


    ¡°Really?¡± Kyle was surprised. ¡°Did Harris tell you that? I haven¡¯t heard a word about it.¡±


    ¡°No, he didn¡¯t,¡± Cedric replied, shaking his head. ¡°Remember the Quidditch match I went to over the holiday?¡±


    ¡°Vratsa Vultures against the Chudley Cannons?¡±


    ¡°Exactly,¡± Cedric laughed. ¡°My dad¡¯s friends with a Vultures player, and they mentioned it in passing. When they found out I was a Hufflepuff, they even asked if I knew Harris.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s fantastic news,¡± Kyle said. ¡°Harris didn¡¯t say anything to me.¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s probably worried he won¡¯t pass the final assessment,¡± Cedric said. ¡°It¡¯s a tough spot, wanting to keep it quiet until he¡¯s certain.¡±


    ¡°Maybe this year we can win another Quidditch Cup,¡± Kyle said thoughtfully. ¡°Three years as captain of the winning team would look great on his r¨¦sum¨¦.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s what I was thinking, but Harris doesn¡¯t seem to care at all,¡± Cedric said with a helpless smile. ¡°The Gryffindors were out training at the crack of dawn, but Harris went to Hogsmeade with some of the others.¡±


    ¡°Well¡­ that sounds like Harris,¡± Kyle chuckled. ¡°But with his skills, I¡¯m sure he¡¯ll have no trouble making it into a professional team.¡±

 Chapter 280: Hogsmeade

    Perhaps inspired by Harris, Kyle decided to join his friends for a trip to Hogsmeade on the first weekend of the new school year. Although Kyle had visited Hogsmeade before, he¡¯d always snuck in through a secret passage. Now that he was in his third year, he could finally go openly. During the last Herbology class before the weekend, he¡¯d handed in his permission slip to Professor Sprout.


    In the foyer, Filch was checking names against a long list, ensuring no unauthorized students slipped out. But Kyle and his friends strolled out confidently, permission slips and all.


    ...


    Unlike the small muggle village of St. Catchpole, Hogsmeade was a true wizarding village, where every resident was a witch or wizard.


    However, property prices were anything but cheap. Kyle had looked into it once and found that even building a small house in the most remote corner would cost at least 20,000 Galleons¡ªand that was the current price. Due to the presence of The Hog¡¯s Head, there were always a few questionable witches or wizards around, which had caused property values to drop. Decades ago, before The Hog¡¯s Head opened, a plot of land here would have cost upwards of 50,000 Galleons; back then, it was considered prime real estate in the wizarding world.


    Despite The Hog¡¯s Head¡¯s reputation, Kyle and his friends had nothing to worry about. Professors McGonagall and Flitwick were in Hogsmeade with them, and nobody would dare stir up trouble with professors around. In fact, these visit days were the most orderly times in Hogsmeade. The more dubious witches and wizards were on their best behavior, even being mindful about littering, lest they attract unwanted attention from the professors.


    And as the most popular wizarding village, Hogsmeade had plenty to explore. From the moment they entered, they could see the colorful signs of various shops lining the road.


    First up was Zonko¡¯s Joke Shop, Fred and George¡¯s favorite haunt. They spent nearly all their saved pocket money here. Just down the road were the Owl Post Office and Honeydukes Sweetshop.


    ¡°We could come here every day, but Visiting Day is always the best,¡± Fred said with a grin.


    ¡°Yes,¡± George sighed, ¡°if only we could come every week.¡±


    Knowing today was Visiting Day, they had stuffed themselves with Skiving Snackboxes to fake sickness and successfully dodge Quidditch practice.


    ¡°The professors don¡¯t have all day,¡± Cedric said, counting the Galleons in his money bag. ¡°This isn¡¯t so bad, though¡ªlast year, our first visit day wasn¡¯t until late October.¡±


    ¡°Yes, that was rough,¡± Fred laughed. ¡°You¡¯ve caught it at the perfect time, Kyle.¡± S~ea??h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°We¡¯re heading to Zonko¡¯s¡ªwant to come with us?¡± he added.


    ¡°Sure, let¡¯s all go together,¡± Kyle decided after a moment. The others agreed. It was Visiting Day, after all, and they had plenty of time to wander through the village at their leisure.


    The group walked into Zonko¡¯s, where Fred and George greeted a shop assistant with round glasses behind the counter as if they were at home.


    ¡°Hi! Got anything rare?¡± Fred asked.


    ¡°Always¡­¡± The assistant, pushed his round glasses up his nose and pointed to a pair on display. ¡°These glasses here¡ªanyone who wears them will get hopelessly lost, even in the most familiar places.¡±


    ¡°Sounds perfect,¡± Fred said, stroking his chin. ¡°We could give a pair to that dolt Marcus; maybe he¡¯d end up tossing the Quaffle into his own goal.¡±


    ¡°Good idea,¡± George chuckled, ¡°but these glasses are so obvious. Even Marcus, with his troll-like brain, would probably know better than to wear them.¡±


    ¡°Not a problem,¡± The assistant replied. He tapped the glasses¡¯ frames lightly, and the original round lenses morphed into a subtle, square shape. Another tap, and the frames changed again, this time sporting snakes, lions, badgers, eagles, and shifting styles¡ªround, rimless, monocle-like.


    ¡°We¡¯ve created a total of thirty-nine styles,¡± He said with a grin, nudging the glasses toward them. ¡°There¡¯s bound to be one that fits.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll take them!¡± Fred and George chimed in unison. ¡°How much?¡±


    ¡°Five Galleons and ten Sickles.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s pretty steep,¡± Fred observed.


    ¡°It¡¯s a brand-new item,¡± The shop assistant explained. ¡°But I can offer you a discount.¡±


    ¡°Ten Sickles off?¡± George asked hopefully.


    ¡°No, five Galleons and nine Sickles!¡±


    ...


    Fred and George ended up buying the labyrinth glasses after all, and they also stocked up on fireworks in the shop. Unlike them, the others were almost entirely focused on ¡°browsing.¡±


    Kanna and Cho were whispering over a pile of hairpins that would snap at anyone who tried to touch them, while Cedric had paused in front of a broomstick that appeared to hover in midair. Of course, this broomstick was just another prank item; as soon as someone climbed onto it, it would spray glue onto their legs, sticking them in place before letting out a loud popping sound.


    Cedric was tempted to buy it, but the twenty-Galleon price tag made him think twice. It was far too expensive¡ªnot worth the joke.


    When they finally left Zonko¡¯s, only Kyle, apart from Fred and George, had made a purchase: a box of Bertie Bott''s Every Flavour Beans. Zonko''s version, however, was nothing like the sweetshop¡¯s; these beans weren¡¯t remotely sweet. They all tasted awful, yet the packaging was almost indistinguishable from the original. Kyle planned to gift it to some ¡°lucky¡± recipient for Christmas.


    After that, the group headed to Honeydukes, where they were at serious risk of parting with their last Galleon. Row upon row of shelves was loaded with tempting sweets: big, creamy chunks of nougat, shiny pink coconut Ice, honey-colored toffee, a seemingly endless variety of chocolates, and a large bin of the regular Bertie Bott¡¯s Every Flavour Beans.


    On the far side of the shop, though, were the treats with ¡°special effects¡±: Drooble¡¯s Best Blowing Gum, which would fill a room with bubbles lasting for days; small black Pepperpots that spat fire when eaten; Peppermint Toads that would bounce around in your stomach; Exploding Bonbons that quite literally exploded; and Acid Pops that could burn a hole through your tongue.


    Kyle also spotted a jar in the corner with Dumbledore¡¯s favorite treat, Cockroach Clusters. That corner of the shop was noticeably empty. But then again, who in their right mind would buy something like that?

 Chapter 281: Conflict and the Unusual Snape

    Anyone who steps into Honeydukes rarely leaves empty-handed, and Kyle and the others were no exception, their pockets now bulging with sweets of every kind. They continued down the main road until they reached The Three Broomsticks, where they stopped for a warm Butterbeer. True to their word, Fred and George covered Kyle''s drink, though Kyle seemed distracted, preoccupied with something the twins didn¡¯t notice, brushing it off as them ¡°not being ready yet.¡±


    Inside, Professor McGonagall and Professor Flitwick were also enjoying a drink with Madam Rosmerta. McGonagall had a small glass of Gillywater in front of her, while Flitwick was sipping a Cherry Syrup and Soda with ice and a tiny umbrella.


    The professors hadn¡¯t spotted Kyle and the others, but it still felt a bit awkward to be in such close quarters with them. Fred and George couldn¡¯t seem to stop staring at Professor McGonagall¡ªor maybe they were eyeing Madam Rosmerta. The barmaid, known for her striking looks and friendly demeanor, was a familiar face to most Hogwarts students.


    After finishing their Butterbeers a bit hastily, the group returned to the bustling street. They stopped at Gladrags Wizardwear, where they helped Cho pick out a heavy cloak trimmed with white fur. Cho and Kanna led the selection process, with Kyle and the others merely nodding along when asked for their opinion. Cedric, however, attempted to help but made one suggestion after another that earned skeptical looks from everyone, especially Fred and George. Even Cho gave him a dubious glance when he suggested cloaks in pure gold. The color was far too flashy, and to top it off, the style was an adult model, making Cho look like a walking Golden Snidget. After that, Cedric¡¯s ¡°advising rights¡± were unanimously revoked.


    As they walked past Madam Puddifoot¡¯s Tea House, they spotted Harris through the window, chatting with a girl with long, maroon-colored hair. Cedric leaned over and whispered, ¡°Oh... so that¡¯s why Harris gets here so early in the morning.¡±


    ¡°I get it,¡± Kyle chuckled. ¡°That¡¯s definitely more important than the Captain of Three Consecutive Championships title.¡±


    Madam Puddifoot¡¯s was famously known as a dating spot, where young couples from Hogwarts often went. Clearly, Harris and the girl were more than just friends.


    ¡°Oh, I remember¡­¡± Cho murmured, ¡°That¡¯s Livy Accina, the Ravenclaw prefect and a seventh year. No wonder she looked familiar; she¡¯s wearing different clothes and has done her hair up today.¡±


    They all gathered by the window, observing the scene inside. Fred and George, with mischievous grins, proposed going in to stage a ¡°chance encounter,¡± but Cho and Kanna were quick to veto the idea.


    ¡°Trust me¡­¡± Cho said seriously. ¡°If you barge in now and mess things up, Harris will be aiming for your heads as goalposts at the next Quidditch match. Think your heads are tough? Just wait till you feel the Quaffle!¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯m here,¡± Kyle said, patting his chest for emphasis. ¡°I¡¯ll keep passing him the ball¡­¡±


    ¡°And me¡­¡± Cedric muttered.


    Fred snickered. ¡°Well, the Quaffle¡¯s still a bit tougher¡­¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m kidding!¡± he added, seeing Cho¡¯s disapproving look.


    ¡°And, Mr. Diggory, don¡¯t forget¡ªyou¡¯re not allowed to talk right now¡­¡± George teased Cedric with a smirk. ¡°What¡¯s a Seeker doing meddling with Quaffles anyway?¡±


    Cedric shrugged, taking the jab in stride, and wisely kept silent.


    ...


    At noon, the group returned to Hogwarts.


    There were places to eat in the village, but the food there was noticeably worse than the meals served at the castle. And, most importantly, they had to pay for it... After a morning full of new experiences, the novelty of "visiting day" had worn off, and after a brief discussion, they decided to head back to Hogwarts early.


    The Great Hall was much quieter than usual, with far fewer people than normal... though this silence felt strangely tense. As soon as Kyle entered, he could sense the thick tension hanging in the air. Gryffindors and Slytherins sat at separate tables, but they were glaring at each other across the space.


    "What on earth happened this morning..." Cho whispered. "I feel like they¡¯re about to start fighting any minute."


    "I don¡¯t know," Fred shook his head. "Let¡¯s go ask around."


    The two quickly made their way over to the Gryffindor table and found their friend, Lee Jordan. Since most students had gone to Hogsmeade, there were plenty of empty seats at each table, and the others weren¡¯t paying much attention to them, so they sat down wherever there was space.


    After a while, Fred and George came back.


    ¡°Oh, we really shouldn¡¯t have gone to Hogsmeade!¡± Fred said regretfully. ¡°I can¡¯t believe we missed so much.¡±


    ¡°Get to the point¡­¡± Cho said impatiently. ¡°What happened?¡±


    ¡°Our team and Slytherin got into a fight on the Quidditch Pitch,¡± George explained, ¡°because of that Malfoy.¡±


    ¡°The Slytherin second-year?¡±


    ¡°Exactly,¡± Fred nodded. ¡°His father donated seven Nimbuses to the school and bought him a spot on the team.¡±


    ¡°Using Galleons to solve problems. Typical of that family.¡±


    George glanced over in the direction of the Slytherin table, where the team was still clutching their brand new, shiny Nimbus 2001s.


    ¡°I¡¯ve seen Malfoy train¡­¡± he said quietly, ¡°and he¡¯s not very good. Without those broomsticks, he¡¯d never have made the team.¡±


    ¡°And then?¡± Cedric asked.


    ¡°Malfoy said something¡­ really nasty,¡± Fred said, ¡°and then they got into a fight.¡±


    ¡°You won¡¯t believe this¡­¡± George suddenly burst out laughing. ¡°Our little brother Ron really made a splash this time¡ªhe actually made Malfoy vomit slugs all morning!¡±


    Cho and Kanna¡¯s faces darkened; it was obvious that this news was a bit too explosive for them. Cedric¡¯s eyes widened as well.


    ¡°When we first heard the story, we were as shocked as you are¡­¡± Fred chuckled. ¡°Absolutely stunned.¡±


    ¡°We thought there was another Ron at school¡­¡±


    ¡°We didn¡¯t realize it was our brother!¡± sea??h th§× n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°Although he ended up getting hit with a spell not far off and was sent to the Hospital Wing, he was still impressive.¡±


    ¡°We decided to share some of the sweets we got from Hogsmeade with him.¡±


    Kyle scanned the Great Hall. Sure enough, Harry, Hermione, Ron, and Malfoy were all missing.


    ¡°So how did it all turn out? What did the professors say?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s the strange part.¡±


    George rubbed his chin thoughtfully. ¡°Lee Jordan told us that Professor Snape was handling it. We thought he¡¯d come down hard on Gryffindor¡­ a hundred points docked and detention for Ron.¡±


    ¡°But he didn¡¯t,¡± Fred said. ¡°Instead, Malfoy got detention!¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    The news was so surprising that even Kanna looked shocked.


    ¡°We asked three different people, and it¡¯s true,¡± Fred whispered. ¡°What do you think has happened to Snape lately?¡±


    ¡°Maybe he¡¯s trying to make up for past mistakes,¡± Kyle said casually.


    ¡°What?¡± The others looked at him, not quite understanding.


    ¡°Nothing,¡± Kyle shook his head. ¡°Just joking. Don¡¯t mind me.¡±

 Chapter 282: Lucius’s Fury

    In the afternoon, Fred and George visited Ron in the Hospital Wing with a large bag full of sweets. Kyle went along with them.


    Outside the Hospital Wing, two groups stood like guards flanking the doorway. On the left were the towering Gryffindors led by Oliver Wood, and on the right were the Slytherin Quidditch players led by Marcus Flint. Both teams had come to visit, but since they arrived in a noisy, rowdy manner, Madam Pomfrey had refused to let them in. Now they were stuck standing in the corridor, glaring at each other as if they could duel with just their eyes.


    The arrival of Kyle and the others immediately drew attention, and under the intense scrutiny of a dozen pairs of eyes, they carefully knocked on the door to the Hospital Wing.


    "Why are you still here!" Madam Pomfrey opened the door and, seeing the large crowd outside, glared disapprovingly at Wood and Flint.


    Quidditch players were frequent visitors to the Hospital Wing due to injuries from games and training, so both Wood and Flint had a natural respect for Madam Pomfrey. After her scolding, they didn¡¯t dare linger any longer and quickly ushered their teammates out of the corridor.


    As for Kyle and the Weasley twins, Madam Pomfrey finally allowed them in, citing their status as family.


    "Don¡¯t speak loudly, and don¡¯t disturb the others..." she warned, "if you break any of these rules, you¡¯ll never be allowed back in here."


    "Of course," Fred chuckled, "we¡¯re just here to visit our brother, and we promise to stay quiet."


    "You¡¯d better." Pomfrey pointed to a hospital bed against the wall on the left. "Weasley¡¯s over there."


    "Thanks," they said.


    Following her direction, the three lifted the curtain around Ron¡¯s bed and found him lying there. There were only two patients in the entire Hospital Wing; the other bed, with its curtain drawn, was presumably Malfoy¡¯s. Whether by design or coincidence, Ron and Malfoy had been placed right next to each other. If not for the curtain separating them, it was doubtful things would have been so peaceful.


    In addition to Ron, Harry and Hermione were there as well, though they both seemed rather subdued, heads lowered as if deep in thought. Ron, lying in bed with a bandage wrapped around his head, was the one doing the comforting.


    "It¡¯s fine, it¡¯s just a Horn-growing Jinx... No big deal."


    "Malfoy had it way worse¡ªhe was throwing up snails all morning... Haha, it¡¯s actually the first time I¡¯ve managed to cast a charm successfully! If this were an exam, I¡¯d bet I¡¯d score an ¡®O¡¯!"


    "Too bad Hogwarts doesn¡¯t have a jinx class," Fred commented, lifting the curtain as he walked in.


    George followed with a grin. "You missed your one chance to get an ¡®O¡¯."


    "Fred, George..." Ron looked a bit surprised. "What are you doing here?"


    "That''s not very nice," Fred replied with mock disapproval. "Of course we had to visit our dear brother in the Hospital Wing."


    "Yes, we came back from Hogsmeade as soon as we heard the news..."


    "You don''t think we can visit you?"


    "No...," Ron quickly explained. "I didn''t mean it like that... sorry."


    "Wait, Hogsmeade?" At this, Harry suddenly looked up. "Didn''t you say you were feeling unwell and were going to the Hospital Wing with Wood? I thought you''d already been discharged and were resting back in the dormitory!"


    "Er..." Fred and George''s expressions froze. They had actually forgotten about that little detail.


    "Don''t worry about the details," Fred quickly improvised. "We went to Hogsmeade after leaving the Hospital Wing."


    "That''s right," George added, pulling out the large bag of sweets. "These are all Honeydukes'' best treats¡ªwe bought them especially for Ron."


    "For me?" Ron looked even more surprised. But as he glanced at the large bag of colorful, delicious sweets, he hesitated, then shook his head. "I... I don''t need them. You guys keep them."


    Even as he said this, his throat tightened a bit. He had noticed some Tooth Splintering Strong Mints in the bag, which were his favorite. But... well, considering how often Fred and George''s gifts tended to come with "side effects" since last year, he wasn''t exactly eager to take the risk.


    Fred seemed to pick up on Ron¡¯s suspicions and laughed. "Don¡¯t worry, this time there¡¯s definitely nothing odd about them¡ªwe promise. If you don''t believe us, you can ask Kyle. He¡¯ll vouch for us."


    Kyle nodded in agreement. These treats were a genuine reward for Ron¡¯s bravery in raising his wand against the Slytherins. But even if there were a few tricks involved, it wasn¡¯t anything Ron hadn¡¯t seen before!


    Next to him, Harry frowned slightly, as if wanting to say something. But George cut in first, "Oh, by the way, Harry, I heard you''re giving out signed photos. How come Fred and I haven''t got any yet?"


    "I''m not, and I haven''t!" Harry snapped, momentarily forgetting about their questionable alibi. "Lockhart''s just spreading rumors! I''ve never given out any signed photos!"


    "Ha, what a shame," Fred said with a mischievous grin, winking.


    Fred and George really did know how to lighten the mood. The gloom that had settled over the room since they''d arrived quickly lifted. Even Hermione, who had been sitting quietly, seemed intrigued when they pulled out a pair of "Banshee Detector Glass".


    The glasses, bought from Dervish & Banges, were a glass bead about the size of a Golden Snitch and were meant to detect Banshees disguised as ordinary people. Hermione, always fascinated by unique magical items, was nearly defenseless against such novelties.


    Kyle also brought out an automatic inkjet quill he¡¯d prepared in advance. He had originally planned to give it to Hermione as a Christmas gift, but the timing felt right now, too.


    And for Ron, he had a little extra surprise¡ªan identical waterproof and moisture-proof badge to the one Harry had.


    ...


    The group didn¡¯t stay long in the Hospital Wing. With the bursts of laughter coming from behind Ron''s curtain, it wasn¡¯t long before they were reported.


    ¡°Malfoy has informed me that you¡¯re disturbing his rest,¡± Madam Pomfrey said sternly. ¡°So I must ask you all to leave!¡±


    ¡°Wait¡­ it¡¯s even louder over there, isn¡¯t it!¡± Ron protested. ¡°That Pansy Parkinson hasn¡¯t stopped yapping since I got here!¡±


    ¡°They¡¯ll be asked to leave soon as well,¡± Madam Pomfrey replied firmly. ¡°In fact, visiting hours are over. If you want to see him again, you¡¯ll have to come back later.¡±


    There was no arguing with Madam Pomfrey, so the group had no choice but to say their goodbyes to Ron and file out of the Hospital Wing.


    As they made their way toward the courtyard by the clock tower, they happened to cross paths with Lucius Malfoy, who was just emerging from the castle. His expression was dark, and he looked as though his anger hadn¡¯t subsided in the slightest.


    Lucius spotted them too and stopped in his tracks.


    ¡°Oh¡­ Weasley.¡± He looked down at Fred and George, drawing out his words in a slow, disdainful tone. ¡°Your family may be a little clever, but believe me, the Weasleys won¡¯t be so lucky forever.¡±


    He didn¡¯t even attempt to hide his contempt this time. His eyes fixed on the twins with an openly malicious gleam, his previous hostility from the Flourish and Blotts incident simmering just beneath the surface.


    ¡°Thanks for the warning,¡± Fred replied coldly, his usual grin gone. sea??h th§× N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°But maybe you should focus on your own family first,¡± George added with a hard edge to his voice.


    ¡°I never knew the Malfoys¡¯ idea of education was so¡­ rudimentary,¡± Fred continued. ¡°What an eye-opener.¡±


    Lucius¡¯s hand clenched instinctively around his cane. Kyle, sensing the tension, shifted his hand quietly toward his wand, ready to act in case Lucius lashed out at the twins.


    But Lucius kept himself in check. He seemed to remember that this was Hogwarts, with Dumbledore possibly watching from some unseen corner, and that any outburst here would have consequences.


    ¡°Hmph¡­ we¡¯ll see about that,¡± he sneered, tossing a final, menacing look their way before turning on his heel and stalking off without a backward glance.

 Chapter 283: Come on, Tom, Let’s Hurt Each Other!

    After meeting Lucius in the courtyard, the group''s mood was noticeably affected. They returned to the castle in silence and went straight back to the common room.


    The next day, Ron still hadn¡¯t been discharged from the hospital wing. However, according to someone from Slytherin, Malfoy had apparently been taken away by his father, most likely to St. Mungo''s.


    Kyle didn¡¯t give it much thought; he had more pressing matters to attend to that day. After breakfast, Fred and George were taken off by Wood for Quidditch training, while Kyle headed to the Room of Requirement on the eighth floor.


    He spent the morning transferring all the Mooncalves and some of the plants there into his suitcase. However, he left plants with slower growth cycles, like the Venomous Tentacula, undisturbed.


    The seeds for these plants had been given to him by the Ministry of Magic as compensation the previous year. It had only been a year, and they were still in the budding stage. The unique qualities of the Room of Requirement allowed them to grow better. There was plenty of time to tend to them in the future¡ªno need to rush.


    After transferring the last Mooncalf, Kyle returned to the small hut at the suitcase''s entrance. Instead of leaving, he pulled a box out from under his bed. Seeing Lucius Malfoy yesterday had reminded him that he hadn¡¯t checked the diary since Fawkes''s last visit. He wondered what had happened to Riddle in the meantime.


    Kyle took out the dragon''s blood he had bought in Diagon Alley, poured it into an empty inkwell, and diluted it with a bit of water. Dragon''s blood was expensive, so he wanted to use it sparingly. After setting everything up, he finally opened the diary.


    Soon, faint words appeared on the page.


    Kyle wrote back in red ink.


    The words were quickly absorbed into the page. After a few seconds, more words appeared.


    Kyle wrote.


    These words appeared much clearer than before. Kyle nodded to himself. As long as it worked, he wasn¡¯t going to complain.


    With the "Riddle Answer Machine" back online, Kyle resumed asking questions about magical writing techniques. However, Riddle seemed distracted, his thoughts circling around something Kyle had mentioned earlier.


    Who was this person capable of effortlessly defeating an enemy that even Dumbledore had struggled with? And the dark wizard Kyle had referred to with such familiarity¡ªRiddle felt certain it could only be him, his future self. After all, an enemy who could pose a challenge for Dumbledore had to be him. No one else would be worthy.


    He was desperate to know more¡ªthe reason for his failure, and what events had led to it.


    After answering Kyle''s questions with patience, Riddle could no longer hold back.


    Kyle looked up from the pile of symbols and runes, glanced at the diary, and scribbled down a reply:


    Riddle replied.


    Kyle wrote back,


    Kyle¡¯s gaze shifted back to the parchment with the latest set of formulas he¡¯d just written down. He tapped his fingers thoughtfully on the table. Although the arrangement appeared normal, looking just like the previous examples, he noticed that two of the symbols seemed familiar.


    He recalled reading in Nicolas Flamel¡¯s alchemy book that the symbols for ¡°light¡± and ¡°impact¡± must not be directly connected¡ªthey required a buffer between them. Failing to do so would create a 90% chance that the alchemical item would explode upon activation.


    Was Riddle doing this on purpose? Or was it just a mistake?


    Kyle hesitated, deciding not to say anything about it. Pointing it out would be useless; Riddle could easily claim he¡¯d simply been distracted. And if Riddle knew Kyle had read about alchemy, he would likely become even more careful when setting traps, which would make things far more complicated in the future.


    Kyle sighed, lightly scratching the parchment. He took a clip to scoop some nutrients for the Venomous Tentacula from a nearby iron bucket, tossed it into the inkwell, and stirred it. Dipping his quill in the new ¡°ink,¡± he wrote:


    Riddle¡¯s handwriting appeared, clearer now than before.


    Kyle replied.


    Riddle¡¯s response was hasty and scrawled messily across the page, letters blending together.  Sear?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    This time, Riddle didn¡¯t respond. After a long pause, a new line appeared in the diary.


    Kyle replied.


    The diary remained silent again, much longer this time.


    ...


    With that, Kyle pasted a newspaper clipping he had prepared onto the diary¡¯s page.


    Ten minutes passed¡­


    This time, the diary remained entirely unresponsive. It was as if it had fallen completely silent, as if something inside it had finally broken.

 Chapter 284: The Daily Prophet

    After calling out several times to no response, Kyle gave up and put the diary back in his suitcase. he wondered. A bit disappointing, since he still had a few more exciting fabrications he¡¯d been planning to share. But, well¡­ not everyone had the mental stamina to keep up.


    With a smirk, he stashed the suitcase and inkwell back under his bed, then began tidying up the parchments on his desk. After a careful inspection, he found two more small mistakes on the symbols Riddle had provided¡ªminor details, but still noticeable to a trained eye. Once might have been coincidence, but three in a row¡­ Kyle thought with a shake of his head.


    he mused.


    Kyle resumed sorting through the parchments, comparing each against the guide to Magical Hieroglyphs and Logograms for any other inconsistencies.


    ...


    ¡°Kyle, where¡¯ve you been all day?¡±


    It was nearly dark when he finally left the Room of Requirement and arrived at the Great Hall, where Fred and George intercepted him and pulled him over to the Gryffindor table.


    ¡°I was reading,¡± Kyle said simply. ¡°What¡¯s the matter?¡±


    ¡°Reading... all day?¡± Fred asked, incredulous.


    ¡°And you didn¡¯t even come for lunch!¡± George added. ¡°We waited for you in the Great Hall for two hours at noon.¡±


    ¡°I got so caught up in it that I forgot,¡± Kyle replied calmly. ¡°What did you want to see me about?¡±


    ¡°No wonder you get straight O¡¯s¡­¡± Fred muttered, though he let the subject drop. He reached into his bag and pulled out a fresh copy of The Daily Prophet.


    ¡°I know why Lucius Malfoy was so furious. Look at this!¡±


    Kyle froze slightly, recognizing the familiar picture of the enchanted flying car splashed across the front page.


    ¡°Why are you looking at a newspaper from a few days ago?¡±


    ¡°This is today¡¯s paper. They just reused the same photo.¡±


    George pointed at the bold headline above the photo:


    ¡°Conspiracy at King¡¯s Cross Station: The Boy Who Lived¡¯s Life in Danger.¡±


    It was another article by Rita Skeeter. Unlike her previous piece, which had thoroughly condemned Mr. Weasley, this article curiously painted him in a surprisingly positive light, portraying him as a careful and responsible figure¡ªquite a rarity for Skeeter. But beyond that one compliment, the rest of the article was as scathing as ever.


    The article went on to detail the scene as though Rita had been there herself.


    The article finished with a quote from the Ministry of Magic¡¯s platform guard, who admitted that he had been performing a memory charm on a muggle family when the entrance mysteriously closed. Apparently, they¡¯d been drawn to the area by the hoot of an owl and accidentally witnessed a wizard entering the platform.


    ...


    Kyle turned to Fred and George, asking, ¡°You were seen by muggles?¡±


    The only wizards who had entered the platform before the entrance was closed were the Weasley family.


    ¡°No¡­ I don¡¯t think so,¡± George replied, though he sounded uncertain.


    ¡°But we didn¡¯t hear any owls when we were at King¡¯s Cross.¡±


    Kyle nodded thoughtfully and continued reading aloud. ¡°Is this just a coincidence? Or is the platform closure a carefully planned scheme¡ªsomeone trying to kill Harry Potter to avenge You-Know-Who? And that person might even be hiding among the parents sending their children to school¡­¡±


    ¡°We got a letter from home this morning,¡± Fred said, a hint of satisfaction in his voice. ¡°Dad¡¯s investigation is over.¡±


    ¡°Thanks to you, Kyle.¡± George stepped forward, giving Kyle a hearty slap on the shoulder.


    Kyle shook his head. In truth, even without his help, Dumbledore wouldn¡¯t have let Mr. Weasley lose his job; it just would have taken a little longer.


    ¡°It seems that Lucius Malfoy got wind of it ahead of time and knew Mr. Weasley would come out fine.¡± Kyle laughed. ¡°No wonder he said yesterday that ¡®Weasley¡¯ wouldn¡¯t always be so lucky¡ªnot ¡®you¡¯¡­¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right,¡± Fred chimed in, laughing. ¡°And there¡¯s more. Look at this!¡±


    He turned the page, revealing a paragraph on the back. S§×arch* The N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°The Ministry member stationed at the platform said he¡¯d seen six witches and wizards at King¡¯s Cross, including Lucius Malfoy¡­¡±


    Upon seeing the name, Kyle immediately understood what Fred and George were getting at. Lucius had always been suspected of being a Death Eater, and with Fudge¡¯s typical paranoia, he¡¯d likely launch an investigation after hearing about the incident.


    ¡°Rita Skeeter¡­ she¡¯s something else,¡± said Fred, smacking his lips. ¡°We drafted three letters, but we only sent one.¡±


    ¡°The other two we tossed out,¡± George added, spreading his hands. ¡°She still wrote far more in detail than we did.¡±


    ¡°Maybe someone else wrote to her too,¡± Harry mused, joining in. ¡°Look here¡­ only people at school knew I ran into the Whomping Willow, but she knew about that as well.¡±


    ¡°Exactly what we thought,¡± George chuckled.


    Though things hadn¡¯t quite gone as they¡¯d expected, as long as Mr. Weasley passed the investigation, it didn¡¯t matter who had tipped her off.


    ...


    In the wizarding world, any topic even remotely related to You-Know-Who or the Death Eaters would spark immediate buzz. Even though a day had passed, during dinner in the Great Hall, people continued to sneak glances at Harry.


    In the VIP section, Lockhart was chatting animatedly with the other professors, claiming that had he been at the station, he¡¯d have easily apprehended any Death Eater.


    As for Harry¡­ he didn¡¯t pay much attention to the stares. He¡¯d long grown used to them¡ªthankfully, since it had been even worse when he¡¯d first started at Hogwarts the previous year.


    Besides, something else was occupying his mind.


    To be honest, after reading that day¡¯s issue of , even Harry was beginning to doubt if it was all true. It seemed too much of a coincidence. His thoughts drifted back to the House-elf named Dobby he¡¯d encountered over the summer, the one who had stolen his letters and caused the Ministry of Magic to send him a warning.


    Dobby, too, had tried to prevent him from returning to Hogwarts.


    Why had it gone to such lengths? Was it connected to the platform incident? And did it have anything to do with Voldemort¡­ or the Death Eaters?


    Harry couldn¡¯t figure it out.

 Chapter 285: Ancient Runes and Professor Babbling

    Rita Skeeter''s report may have caused a brief stir, but it didn¡¯t last long.


    From the second week onward, rain settled over Hogwarts, mostly incessant. The gloomy skies and relentless drizzle dampened everyone¡¯s spirits, while the damp cold seeped into the castle walls, leaving many young wizards with colds. Madam Pomfrey had to prepare a large quantity of Pepperup Potion much earlier than usual. Although the potion worked instantly, it made those who drank it puff like old steam locomotives for several hours afterward.


    George, who caught a cold, joked that he now looked like an actual steam engine. Fred found it amusing, and although he was perfectly healthy, he went to Madam Pomfrey to ask for a dose of Pepperup Potion as well. The two of them then walked around together, billowing steam in sync.


    Under these wet, gloomy conditions, Kyle finally had his first Ancient Runes class.


    The Ancient Runes classroom was on the third floor of the West Tower. The professor in charge, Bathilda Babbling, was a witch in her forties with grayish eyes. Rumor had it that she¡¯d been teaching at Hogwarts for more than fifty years, though no one knew if that was true.


    As the most challenging subject at Hogwarts, Ancient Runes attracted few students. Only sixteen people filled the classroom¡ªthis was everyone who had chosen the course from all four houses.


    When the class started, Professor Babbling surveyed the group, a bit surprised.


    ¡°So many students this year?¡± Her voice sounded as if it were coming through a long tunnel.


    ¡°This is a large number?¡± whispered Kanna, who had also chosen the course. ¡°Are there usually so few people?¡±


    Though Kanna¡¯s voice was barely audible, Professor Babbling caught it. ¡°Last year there were nine, and the year before that, just seven,¡± she replied. ¡°This classroom is rarely full, even with ten.¡±


    Professor Babbling wasn¡¯t as stern as she appeared. After answering Kanna¡¯s question, she added, half-jokingly, ¡°Sometimes I wonder if I should combine all five years into a single class so I¡¯d only have to teach once a week. Then, the rest of the time, I could go on holiday to other countries. But, alas, your Headmaster Dumbledore always refuses.¡±


    Everyone burst into laughter.


    Once the room quieted down, Professor Babbling addressed the class. ¡°Alright, who can tell me what Ancient Runes are?¡±


    Cho, seated next to Kanna, raised her hand first.


    ¡°Ancient Runes, also known as the study of ancient magical scripts or Runic writing, were commonly used in books before the Middle Ages. Also, when different Runes are arranged into special symbols, they can produce specific magical effects, so they were widely used in alchemy as well.¡±


    ¡°Precisely. Ravenclaw earns two points,¡± Professor Babbling said, nodding. ¡°Runes have applications in alchemy, which involves more advanced knowledge. Most of the time, however, they¡¯re used to translate ancient documents. But if you¡¯re interested¡­¡±


    She tapped the desk.


    Symbols along the walls of the classroom began to glow, and a bright orb of light appeared at the center of the ceiling.


    ¡°¡­I can teach you that, too.¡± S~ea??h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Everyone¡¯s eyes gleamed with excitement. The ability to cast Charms without a wand was a skill they¡¯d all dreamed of mastering.


    ¡°Professor, I want to learn this!¡± a Gryffindor student said eagerly.


    ¡°Is that what you all want?¡± asked Professor Babbling, eyeing the class.


    Everyone nodded in unison.


    ¡°Very well, I can teach you the basics, but be prepared,¡± Professor Babbling replied, smiling.


    ¡°Just get on with it, I can¡¯t wait¡­¡± said one student confidently, patting his chest.


    But half an hour later, he regretted it. It was incredibly difficult! There were so many magical words, each with at least five or more meanings¡ªsome even had ten. Just memorizing them was enough to make his head spin.


    And then there was the challenge of arranging them correctly to form those intricate symbols. The same runic script could be written in different ways, depending on the intended meaning. After half the class, he felt as if he hadn¡¯t remembered anything¡ªor that whatever he did remember had slipped away minutes later.


    Now he understood why so few students enrolled in this class. It was just too complex...


    When the lesson finally ended, he lifted his head from with an expression that suggested he¡¯d forgotten who he was, where he was, and what he¡¯d just read.


    Of course, the other students looked much the same.


    ¡°That¡¯s about it for alchemical applications,¡± Professor Babbling said cheerfully from the lectern. ¡°But don¡¯t worry; normally, there¡¯s no need to memorize letter order or how to write them for this class. Just focus on understanding the meaning of each rune. That¡¯s much simpler for you.¡±


    The room fell silent. Clearly, the professor¡¯s definition of ¡°simple¡± was different from the students¡¯.


    As everyone silently packed up their things, preparing to leave, Professor Babbling seemed to remember something.


    ¡°Oh, yes, one more thing,¡± she said casually. ¡°If any of you feel this class isn¡¯t for you, you can speak with your Heads of House to request a class change. I¡¯ll allow it until October.¡±


    Several students perked up, looking thoughtful.


    After leaving the classroom, Kyle turned to Kanna and Cho. ¡°What do you think? Want to switch classes?¡±


    ¡°Of course not,¡± Kanna replied without hesitation.


    ¡°Why would I?¡± Cho said, smiling. ¡°It¡¯s challenging, sure, but the runic scripts are fascinating. No wonder Cedric recommended this class to me so strongly. And besides¡­¡± She glanced at Kyle and Kanna, raising her eyebrows playfully. ¡°I¡¯m a Ravenclaw. I can¡¯t let you Hufflepuffs beat me.¡±


    ¡°Oh, I see how it is, school rivalry!¡± Kyle responded with mock impatience.


    ¡°Of course not,¡± Cho said, still smiling. ¡°I just meant that Ravenclaws never shy away from knowledge. The more complex it is, the more interested we get.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s true¡­¡± Kyle shrugged. ¡°Half the students here are Ravenclaws.¡±


    ¡°But I do think there¡¯s something odd about Professor Babbling,¡± Kanna said thoughtfully. ¡°In other classes, the first lesson is usually the easiest, but she did the opposite. I read , and writing in Runes is the last topic covered¡ªit¡¯s barely mentioned.¡±


    ¡°Yes¡­¡± Cho nodded. ¡°Ordinary Ancient Runes aren¡¯t nearly this difficult, and there was that last comment from Professor Babbling... I keep feeling like she actually wants her students to switch classes.¡±


    ¡°But there are already so few students taking this class.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s only how it seems to us,¡± Kyle whispered. ¡°Remember what she said before class started¡ªthis room rarely has more than ten students.¡±


    ¡°Maybe we should ask Cedric and Fred if they felt the same way when they first took Ancient Runes.¡±

 Chapter 286: Riddle’s Second Request

    ¡°What was the first Ancient Runes class about?¡±


    At the breakfast table in the Great Hall the next morning, Cedric paused, thinking back. ¡°I remember it was really tough... Actually, the hardest class of the whole year was probably that first one.¡±


    Cho gave him a curious look. ¡°Professor Babbling didn¡¯t dive into the application of magic runes in alchemy, did she? Or the different ways of writing that convey different meanings?¡±


    To her surprise, Cedric shook his head right away. ¡°No... That¡¯s fifth-year material. There¡¯s no way they¡¯d cover that in third year.¡±


    ¡°Then what did you...?¡±


    ¡°Professor Babbling taught us about the evolution of runic scripts... and what they looked like in their earliest forms.¡±


    Cedric grimaced. ¡°You wouldn¡¯t believe how complicated those runes were before they got simplified... Honestly, that was the first time I ever felt like I couldn¡¯t remember anything in a class.¡±


    Fred and George nodded in agreement. ¡°It was a nightmare.¡±


    ¡°I felt like a stunted Troll...¡± Fred muttered.


    Cho looked at the three of them sympathetically, understanding all too well after her own recent experience.


    Kyle, listening nearby, suddenly asked, ¡°How many of you were in that class?¡±


    ¡°About a dozen, I think,¡± Cedric replied after a moment. ¡°But it didn¡¯t really matter, because Professor Babbling said if you didn¡¯t want to take Ancient Runes, you could switch out. By the second week, only nine of us were left.¡±


    ¡°Poor seven,¡± Fred said with a chuckle. ¡°We were actually on our way to Professor McGonagall¡¯s office to change, then suddenly...¡±


    ¡°We hesitated,¡± George added, grinning. ¡°And decided to stick it out for another lesson, for the sake of Weasleys¡¯ Wizard Wheezes.¡±


    ¡°Good thing we did...¡±


    ¡°Because that second class was a bit more normal. Still hard, but at least we could follow it.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re not doing the same thing now, are you?¡± Cedric asked.


    Cho sighed. ¡°Apart from the content, it¡¯s pretty much the same, including the option to switch classes. But I don¡¯t understand¡ªwhy would Professor Babbling do that?¡±


    Fred thought for a moment. ¡°Some say Professor Babbling wants third through seventh years to take the same classes together, so she deliberately thins out each grade. But that seems impossible.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, everyone¡¯s learning different things,¡± George pointed out. ¡°Percy¡¯s working on Advanced Runes Translation, and we¡¯re still reading Ancient Runes Made Easy.¡±


    ¡°Maybe that first class was Professor Babbling¡¯s way of testing us,¡± Cedric suggested. ¡°Learning magic is a tedious process, and you need patience to keep at it. I think she wants to weed out those who aren¡¯t up for the challenge, so they don¡¯t waste her time.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s just my guess, of course.¡± Cedric took a sip of pumpkin juice and continued, ¡°We don¡¯t really know much about Professor Babbling. She only appears for classes and holiday banquets. She hasn¡¯t even been to a Quidditch match.¡±


    For a while, they chatted about how hard it was to learn ancient runes, but how fascinating it became once you got the hang of it. Kyle listened intently, trying his best to blend in, without looking too pleased with himself.


    This was where having a personal tutor made all the difference. Riddle was patient, knowledgeable, and had a deep grasp of ancient runes. With his guidance, Kyle avoided a lot of the usual pitfalls, making his learning far more efficient.


    Kyle thought, Of course, Riddle¡¯s diary was essentially Voldemort¡¯s study notes from his school days. Lately, though, these notes had been unreliable. Not only did they need careful handling, but the diary had gone silent a few days ago with no sign of when it would return.


    Thinking about this, Kyle finished his breakfast and, as usual, made his way to the Room of Requirement. He opened Riddle¡¯s diary and greeted him, as he had every day recently. Sear?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Today, as expected, he wasn¡¯t holding out much hope. He wrote his usual message, about to close the diary when, to his surprise, Riddle responded right away.


    Kyle picked up his quill, startled.


    Neither Kyle¡¯s fabricated story nor the news of Voldemort¡¯s death for a baby seemed to faze Riddle. He didn¡¯t even ask about anything else. It was as though Voldemort had been an insignificant figure, his death irrelevant.


    Since Riddle seemed ready to proceed, Kyle didn¡¯t want to disappoint him.


    ...


    But this time, they didn¡¯t study for long. Since Kyle had a class later, he had to leave by 8:50.


    Just before Kyle closed the diary, Riddle made an unexpected request.


    Kyle frowned slightly as he wrote back.


    Kyle hesitated.


    Kyle agreed casually and quickly left the Room of Requirement. Riddle¡¯s sudden interest in animals didn¡¯t seem to have anything to do with Knuts, but Kyle didn¡¯t have time to wonder about his intentions.


    There were only five minutes left until his first Transfiguration class, and if he was late¡­ Ugh, an angry Professor McGonagall was far scarier than Voldemort.

 Chapter 287: The Professors’ Club

    Kyle barely made it to the classroom just as the lesson was about to start, and Professor McGonagall only gave him a glance without saying a word.


    Transfiguration Class for third-years had already begun, and today¡¯s task was to turn a button into a beetle¡ªthe exact opposite of the exercise second-years were tackling. Although the goal involved the same objects, the level of difficulty was worlds apart.


    By the end of class, Kyle was the only student who had managed to complete the assignment successfully. Professor McGonagall observed the beetle scurrying around on the table and promptly awarded Hufflepuff fifteen points.


    As for the others... Kanna had managed to produce a beetle, but it was stiff and couldn¡¯t fly, moving only in an awkward, jerky manner¡ªa half-finished transformation at best. Most students only succeeded in molding their buttons roughly into the shape of a beetle.


    As the class ended, students began to file out of the room, but Professor McGonagall stopped Kyle before he could leave.


    "Stay behind for a moment; I need to talk to you."


    "Yes, Professor," Kyle replied, nodding as he remained where he was.


    Once the room had emptied, Professor McGonagall smiled and asked, "Are you interested in joining my Transfiguration Club?"


    "Transfiguration Club?"


    ¡°It¡¯s a club I run personally,¡± Professor McGonagall explained. ¡°Twice a week, I teach some advanced material beyond what¡¯s covered in class. This isn¡¯t exam-related; it¡¯s more of an enrichment class. What do you say? Are you interested?¡± sea??h th§× novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Of course," Kyle answered without hesitation. "I¡¯d be happy to join."


    Professor McGonagall was one of the foremost masters of Transfiguration in the wizarding world. If she held a Transfiguration Club outside of Hogwarts, people would be lining up with Galleons in hand for a chance to attend, no matter the cost. Kyle had no reason to refuse.


    "Very well. Meetings will be every Wednesday and Friday evening at 7:00," said Professor McGonagall.


    Wednesday... Isn¡¯t that today?


    Kyle quickly asked, ¡°Where should I go? Is it in the Transfiguration classroom?¡±


    "No," Professor McGonagall chuckled. "It¡¯s on the eighth floor of the castle, near the right corridor, behind a painting of two goats.¡±


    "I¡¯ll definitely be there on time," Kyle replied.


    ...


    After saying goodbye to Professor McGonagall, Kyle walked out of the Transfiguration classroom, where Kanna was waiting for him by the door.


    "What did Professor McGonagall want with you?" she asked.


    "Nothing much," Kyle replied nonchalantly. "She just invited me to join her Transfiguration Club." As he spoke, he tilted his head slightly, ready to enjoy the look of surprise on her face.


    "Oh... so it''s a club," Kanna responded casually, not even turning her head. "I joined Professor Snape''s Potions Club at the beginning of the semester. Why are you only joining one now?"


    "Huh?" Kyle asked, a bit taken aback. "Professor Snape... has a club too?"


    "Of course. Every professor can run their own club and invite students from third year onwards to join," Kanna explained. "By sixth year, members can go straight into the professor¡¯s advanced class. Didn''t you know?"


    Kyle shook his head. He really hadn¡¯t known.


    "That¡¯s what Professor Snape told me," Kanna said, turning to look at him. "I thought you¡¯d been invited to a club at the start of the semester too. I didn¡¯t expect yours to be so late."


    "Haha... Maybe the professor was just busy," Kyle replied with a dry chuckle, then quickly changed the subject. "By the way, what''s our next class?"


    "Charms."


    After Charms class ended, it seemed the professors really had coordinated, as Professor Flitwick also extended an invitation to Kyle to join his club.


    "I¡¯d love to..." Kyle said, then hesitated. "But I already promised to join Professor McGonagall¡¯s Transfiguration Club. Is that okay?"


    "Of course," Professor Flitwick said with a smile. "In fact, many outstanding students do just that. Take Bill Weasley, for example¡­ I believe you know him?"


    "I know," Kyle nodded. "The eldest Weasley, working as a Curse-Breaker for Gringotts."


    "Yes, that¡¯s right. When he was at Hogwarts, he joined three clubs: Charms, Transfiguration, and Potions." Professor Flitwick gave him a little wink. "I think you can manage it too."


    "I¡¯m not so sure..." Kyle thought to himself. There was no way Snape would ever invite him to join his club. And even if he did, Kyle would be suspicious about what Snape might have planned.


    After learning that he could join multiple clubs, Kyle accepted Professor Flitwick¡¯s invitation gladly. The Charms Club met in an empty classroom in the West Tower on Mondays and Saturdays.


    Joining two clubs back-to-back would certainly keep him busy, but Kyle knew it was well worth it. Opportunities like these didn¡¯t come to everyone.


    The day flew by, and soon it was 6:50 p.m. Kyle stood in the hallway on the eighth floor, scanning the portraits with some confusion. He¡¯d already walked up and down the corridor once but hadn¡¯t seen any painting with two goats. There was one painting with a single goat, though¡­


    Kyle approached the painting at the end of the corridor, studying the image of a goat grazing next to an old wizard.


    As he got closer, the old wizard in the painting barked, "Hey, kid, don¡¯t stand so close! You¡¯re so fluffy, you¡¯ll dirty the frame!"


    "Sorry..." Kyle stepped back, then asked, "Do you happen to have a second goat here?"


    "Unless you plan on drawing me one yourself..." the old wizard replied with a dismissive glance. "But I do have a donkey, if you''re interested."


    He gestured toward a painting opposite, where a knight held a donkey, shouting provocations.


    Kyle didn''t particularly mind, but the old wizard grimaced and grumbled, "It''s so noisy... can''t you make him quiet down?"


    Kyle had an idea. He transformed a multi-flavored bean into a thick velvet curtain and draped it over the knight¡¯s portrait, muting the sounds considerably.


    "Not bad for a Transfiguration spell," the old wizard remarked, "but I only have one goat."


    "Actually..." Kyle chuckled. "That goat keeps looking around as if it¡¯s searching for something. If I''m not mistaken, you must be an Animagus, Mr. Dick Angus."


    "You know me?" The old wizard raised an eyebrow in surprise.


    "Just a guess," Kyle replied. "You¡¯re mentioned in ¡ªthe renowned eighteenth-century Animagus who once turned a dragon into a goat and managed to keep it that way for an entire hour."


    "Ah, that¡¯s ancient history... nothing worth mentioning," the old wizard said, waving it off. Then, he rose and left the frame, muttering, "Minerva always has me running around."


    When he returned, he had transformed into the likeness of a goat. At the same time, the top and bottom edges of the frame expanded, growing larger and larger. The golden lines around it intertwined, slowly forming something that looked very much like a doorknob.

 Chapter 288: Transfiguration Club

    The frame had transformed completely into a door. Kyle reached for the knob, and with a quiet ¡°click,¡± the door swung open. Inside was a room that resembled the usual Transfiguration classroom, though it felt more intimate with only a handful of people seated around.


    Including Professor McGonagall and Kyle himself, there were exactly ten people present. On average, it seemed only two students per year were admitted to McGonagall¡¯s Transfiguration Club¡ªa clear indication of the high standards she upheld for membership.


    As Kyle stepped in, he was greeted by a round of applause, with one person in particular clapping the loudest from the back of the room.


    ¡°Cedric?¡± Kyle said in surprise as he recognized the student. ¡°When you left the common room, didn¡¯t you say you were going to the kitchen to grab something to eat?¡±


    ¡°Er¡­ sorry, Kyle,¡± Cedric replied sheepishly, scratching his head. ¡°Professor McGonagall asked me not to mention anything.¡±


    "It¡¯s true¡ªI asked him to keep it a secret," Professor McGonagall confirmed with a smile. "I wanted to ensure you found the entrance on your own, as that¡¯s considered the first test. And it seems you¡¯ve done well. Take a seat, won¡¯t you?¡±


    She gestured toward an empty chair near the round table. Everyone sat around this single table, leaving an open spot between Cedric and Percy¡ªclearly intended for Kyle.


    As he walked over, Kyle noticed something curious: the spot reserved for him had only a small, low square stool, quite unlike the comfortable chairs with wide backs and plush velvet cushions that everyone else was seated in. The other club members were watching him with an amused curiosity, and Kyle instantly understood. This was the second test. If he couldn¡¯t perform a simple Transfiguration spell, he¡¯d be stuck attending the session perched awkwardly on this low stool.


    But Kyle wasn¡¯t about to let that happen. He took out his wand and gave it a deft wave. The small stool transformed into a brand-new velvet armchair, identical to the others.


    Another round of applause broke out, and some of the older students began introducing themselves to Kyle, signaling his official acceptance into the club.


    Besides himself and Cedric, there was only one other third-year and fourth-year in attendance. In fifth year, two Slytherins and a Ravenclaw were members, though Kyle wasn¡¯t familiar with any of them. Among the sixth years, Percy Weasley was joined by Ravenclaw prefect Penelope Clearwater, who was the first to greet Kyle warmly. The remaining students were all in seventh year.


    ...


    Once Kyle had settled into his seat, Professor McGonagall waved her wand, and a copy of appeared in front of each student.


    "I managed to get an advance copy of the latest issue," Professor McGonagall announced. "Today, we''ll be discussing it. Choose an article that interests you most, and share your thoughts with the group."


    ¡°Yes, Professor McGonagall!¡± the students replied in unison, before the quiet sound of pages turning filled the room.


    Unlike their structured classroom lessons, the club encouraged open discussions and sharing of interpretations and personal insights. Professor McGonagall¡¯s role was more of a facilitator¡ªguiding the discussions, helping when someone hit a roadblock, and gently steering everyone¡¯s thinking in the right direction. sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The room buzzed with an atmosphere of deep focus, and the liveliest debates came from the fifth and sixth years, led by Percy. They had selected an article on interspecies multiple metamorphosis, a cutting-edge topic in transfiguration studies. Percy eagerly shared his own theories and insights, clearly passionate about the subject. It was evident he was preparing to submit an article on the topic before graduation.


    awarded a Most Promising Newcomer prize for young wizards still at Hogwarts, a prestigious accolade that could greatly enhance Percy¡¯s prospects at the Ministry of Magic after graduation.


    ¡­


    By the time the club wrapped up, it was 8 o¡¯clock. After Professor McGonagall gave a closing summary and answered a few lingering questions, the group left the room on the eighth floor, heading back to their respective common rooms.


    "How did it feel?" Cedric asked as he and Kyle walked down the corridor together.


    "Really productive and efficient," Kyle replied, glancing at the few sheets of parchment he¡¯d taken notes on. "It would be even better if we could do it every day."


    "Professor McGonagall probably wouldn¡¯t agree," Cedric chuckled. "I don¡¯t think she has that much spare time."


    "Yeah, I know¡­"


    They continued down the hallway toward the kitchens. Just before entering the Hufflepuff common room, Kyle turned to Cedric with a serious expression.


    "Mr. Diggory," he began. "Are you still going to the kitchen for a snack? I can wait for you."


    Cedric looked a bit embarrassed. ¡°Oh, come on¡­ Look, Professor McGonagall asked me to keep it a secret. I really didn¡¯t have a choice. Besides, I was confident that painting wouldn¡¯t give you any trouble.¡±


    "I¡¯m flattered by your confidence," Kyle replied with a sidelong glance. "But Professor McGonagall also told us to avoid nighttime excursions. So why¡¯d you forget that when you followed us into the Forbidden Forest last time?"


    "That was different," Cedric protested. "I was¡­ keeping an eye out. You know, making sure Filch didn¡¯t catch you."


    "Yeah, I don¡¯t buy it," Kyle replied flatly.


    "Fine¡­ I don¡¯t believe me either," Cedric sighed. "How about I treat you to a Butterbeer to make it up to you?¡±


    Kyle raised an eyebrow. "Are you trying to steal Fred and George¡¯s job now?"


    "What else can I do?" Cedric replied helplessly.


    Kyle thought for a moment. "I¡¯ll tell you what¡­ just say, ¡®The Wimbourne Wasps are the best Quidditch team,¡¯ and I¡¯ll let it go."


    ¡°In your dreams!¡± Cedric¡¯s face went pale. ¡°Those ruffians are league-bottom material. They don¡¯t even understand the art of Quidditch.¡±


    ¡°Actually¡­ the Wasps placed second in this year¡¯s league,¡± Kyle said with a grin. ¡°It was the Cannons who came last.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s just a temporary setback¡­¡± Cedric insisted, his face resolute. ¡°I¡¯m sure they¡¯ll catch up and reclaim their former glory!¡±


    ¡°If being at the bottom for thirty years is ¡®temporary,¡¯ maybe they¡¯ll turn things around in fifty. Or, who knows¡­ a hundred years?¡±


    ¡°Ha, we¡¯ll see¡­ and we¡¯ll see who¡¯s laughing then.¡± Cedric tapped the entrance barrel with his wand and walked into the common room without looking back.

 Chapter 289: Dumbledore Divination

    The second Saturday of the term was the day for Quidditch team recruitment, though this year was a bit different. Surprisingly, none of the four houses needed to recruit new players¡ªevery team was sticking with last year¡¯s lineup, except for a single new addition: Draco Malfoy. All the other players were familiar faces.


    Kyle watched from the stands at the Quidditch Pitch, but after just five minutes, he found himself bored. This wasn¡¯t worth his time; he¡¯d much rather be deep in discussion about runes with Riddle.


    He¡¯d already fulfilled Riddle¡¯s peculiar request, though not exactly as planned. Instead of bringing a Fairy or a Bowtruckle, Kyle had found something else.


    Kyle explained, placing a woodlouse on the diary. he said, gesturing to the woodlouse.


    As a snack for a Bowtruckle, a woodlouse might be a stretch, but it could still be considered a magical creature in its own small way. Riddle didn¡¯t seem to mind the substitution and instead showed unexpected interest in Kyle¡¯s encounter.


    Riddle wrote, his script appearing in neat, flowing lines.


    Kyle wrote back quickly, unbothered by the invitation.


    Riddle persisted,


    Kyle replied dismissively. Before Riddle¡¯s words could fade, Kyle filled the page with more of his questions.


    Kyle continued to list his queries, filling up every inch of available space.


    Riddle paused, slightly thrown off. This was the first time he¡¯d encountered someone completely uninterested in a Hogwarts legend, let alone the notorious Chamber of Secrets. Still, not wanting to risk suspicion, he abandoned his original plan and focused on answering Kyle¡¯s rune-related questions instead.


    Their conversation went on for quite some time, covering numerous details about rune combinations and enchantment theories. When the clock struck 6:00 p.m., Kyle closed the diary and made his way to the West Tower to attend Professor Flitwick¡¯s Charms Club.


    The Charms Club was far larger than McGonagall¡¯s Transfiguration Club, with around twenty students in attendance. Though the faces were new to him, the club¡¯s activities turned out to be engaging. The sessions were very hands-on, with a focus on practical spellwork and activities that resembled dueling exercises, making it both challenging and enjoyable for Kyle.


    ...


    Kyle had undeniably become busier since joining the professors'' clubs, especially after October began.


    On top of everything, three-times-a-week Quidditch practice had also started. To help manage Kyle¡¯s packed schedule, Harris adjusted the team¡¯s practice days so they wouldn¡¯t conflict with his club commitments. As a result, Kyle now had plans every night, whether he was heading to the eighth floor, the West Tower, or the Quidditch Pitch, only returning to the Common Room just before curfew.


    With his workload piling up, Kyle found himself so overwhelmed that he seriously considered applying for a Time-Turner again. There was no way around it¡ªwhile Professor McGonagall had allowed him to skip some classes, he was still required to complete the assignments to demonstrate his learning progress.


    To squeeze out every possible moment, Kyle set his sights on Defence Against the Dark Arts. Although it was a core subject that he couldn''t afford to miss, he found he could still work on other things during class. While Lockhart was up at the lectern, reading aloud from one of his books, Kyle sat in the last row, quill in hand, writing on parchment. To anyone glancing his way, it might seem like he was diligently taking notes. But a closer look would reveal that his writing had nothing to do with Lockhart¡¯s lecture.


    "The tea leaves form the shape of an eagle, which means he has a nemesis. The stick beneath the eagle¡¯s talons suggests he will be attacked..."


    Kanna peered at the parchment and whispered, "¡­you have a nemesis?"


    "Oh, not me," Kyle replied casually. "I asked the House-elves in the kitchen to bring a cup of tea to Professor Dumbledore, and he drank it."


    "Are you... telling Professor Dumbledore''s fortune?" Kanna asked, almost without thinking.


    Perhaps she had spoken too loudly, as Lockhart¡¯s attention shifted their way.


    "Miss Prince, do you have any questions about this passage?" he inquired.


    "Sorry, Professor, it¡¯s actually me," Kyle said, standing up while still holding a copy of in his hand. "I¡¯ve never quite understood the principles behind the Homorphus Charm you mentioned. Is it a Transfiguration Spell? Or is it more like a special Charm, similar to Finite Incantatem, that can counteract magic?"


    "Both, my boy," Lockhart replied with a slight pause before continuing in a lighter tone, "Although it''s quite simple for me, the Homorphus Charm is actually very complex and requires extensive knowledge¡ªknowledge that might be difficult for you to grasp¡­¡± S~ea??h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Kyle looked at him and smiled. "If it''s you, I''m sure you''d have a way to help us understand."


    "Of course I could," Lockhart replied with a wink. "But it would take several lessons, and I doubt your headmaster Dumbledore would allow it. But good to see you¡¯re engaged¡ªfive points to Hufflepuff. Now, let¡¯s carry on. Think about that."


    Kyle sat back down. Handling Lockhart was simple enough if you knew the right approach.


    "Thanks¡­" Kanna whispered. "But weren''t you just reading a book on divination? How did it suddenly become ?"


    "It hasn¡¯t changed; it¡¯s still the divination book," Kyle said, spreading the book open in his hands. "I just swapped the covers."


    "I should have guessed," Kanna muttered, before continuing, "So you were really doing Professor Dumbledore¡¯s fortune-telling?"


    "Pretty accurate, don¡¯t you think?" Kyle grinned. "Everyone knows that Professor Dumbledore has a nemesis, so it fits perfectly."


    "But about that attack¡­ Do you think anyone would actually dare to attack Professor Dumbledore?"


    "You never know," Kyle mused, running a thoughtful hand along his chin. "Maybe it¡¯s Fawkes... Haven¡¯t you noticed that Professor Dumbledore¡¯s beard is getting shorter and shorter? That¡¯s Fawkes¡¯s doing. In a way, it could count as an attack."


    Kanna frowned, clearly skeptical, yet unable to find a reason to contradict him.

 Chapter 290: Whispers by the Ear

    After class, Kyle hurried to the Great Hall for a quick bite before heading off to the Quidditch Pitch. Even Harris, normally calm, was feeling the pressure now that Slytherin had upgraded their lineup with seven Nimbus 2001 broomsticks. Those things were fast. Fred and George had secretly observed a Slytherin practice, and according to them, the players looked like seven pale green blurs streaking through the sky.


    It was troubling news for Hufflepuff. The skill gap between their team and Slytherin''s had previously been balanced by technique and teamwork, but now that Slytherin''s equipment had advanced, Hufflepuff''s skills couldn¡¯t be improved fast enough to close the gap. Faced with no other choice, Harris had focused on creating strategies that might outsmart Slytherin¡¯s ¡°green bigwigs¡± through relentless practice.


    But this approach was not going smoothly. None of the tactics Harris had devised managed to last beyond a single day. Without fail, each one was scrapped halfway through practice. Today was no different.


    As dusk settled, Kyle trudged back to the castle, worn out. After nearly a month of intense studying and training, he was starting to feel the effects. His head felt heavy, and he could think of nothing but crawling into bed and sleeping for hours.


    Kyle thought wistfully.


    Just as he entered the castle, he encountered Professor McGonagall.


    ¡°I was hoping to find you,¡± she said, handing him a letter. ¡°I¡¯m afraid your second application for a Time-Turner has been denied.¡±


    ¡°Again?¡± Kyle took the letter, feeling his headache worsen. ¡°Because there aren¡¯t any left?¡±


    ¡°Exactly,¡± replied Professor McGonagall, nodding. ¡°They¡¯ve informed us that this year is an exception¡ªall Time-Turners are in use.¡±


    Kyle glanced at the letter in his hand, which was short and to the point:


    ¡°Dumbledore?¡± Kyle murmured, puzzled.


    ¡°The headmaster submitted the request himself,¡± Professor McGonagall explained, ¡°but it was still turned down.¡±


    Kyle sighed. ¡°So, there¡¯s no chance I¡¯ll get to use a Time-Turner this year?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m afraid so,¡± she replied.


    Professor McGonagall gave him a sympathetic look, well aware of Kyle¡¯s packed schedule. Both her Transfiguration Class and Professor Flitwick¡¯s Charms Club demanded far more than typical coursework. And with Kyle taking twelve subjects in total, it was little wonder he was desperate for a Time-Turner.


    But there was nothing more she could do; the Department of Mysteries controlled all Time-Turners, and their decision was final.


    As Kyle stared down at the letter, he suddenly heard a noise¡ªa sound that didn¡¯t belong to the wind or the quiet flicker of a nearby candle. It was an ancient, low voice, mechanical and cold, utterly devoid of emotion.


    Kyle¡¯s hand shook, and he nearly tore the letter in his grip.


    ¡°What?¡± Kyle looked up sharply.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Kyle, but you won¡¯t be able to use the Time-Turner this year,¡± Professor McGonagall said softly.


    ¡°It¡¯s not that, Professor,¡± Kyle replied, shaking his head. After a brief hesitation, he added, ¡°I just¡­ heard someone talking, like they were calling me over.¡±


    Professor McGonagall glanced around, her expression turning cautious. She raised her hand, subtly gesturing with her fingers. Kyle felt a gentle breeze brush past him, moving deeper into the castle.


    A few seconds passed.


    ¡°No one is speaking, Kyle. There¡¯s nothing here,¡± Professor McGonagall assured him. ¡°Even the closest person is Mrs. Norris, and she¡¯s more than twenty feet away, separated by two walls. Her voice couldn¡¯t possibly reach us.¡±


    ¡°Maybe I just misheard,¡± Kyle said, rubbing his ears.


    ¡°Perhaps you¡¯re simply exhausted. I admire your dedication, Kyle, but there are limits.¡± Professor McGonagall paused thoughtfully, then added, ¡°While it¡¯s too late to drop any of your classes, I¡¯ll speak with Professors Burbage and Trelawney about waiving your homework assignments. As for Quidditch, I suggest limiting your practices to just once a week. And remember, you¡¯re free to skip Transfiguration Club meetings whenever you need to. Hopefully, this will ease some of your burden.¡±


    Charity Burbage taught Muggle Studies, while Trelawney handled Divination, both subjects where exam results weren¡¯t of utmost importance. But what Professor McGonagall didn¡¯t know was that Kyle also belonged to a On top of the inherent difficulty of learning ancient runes, he was also contending with traps left behind by Riddle, which left him with barely any time to spare. Training and homework were the least of his worries.


    Still, since Professor McGonagall had made the offer, he wasn¡¯t about to refuse her help.


    After bidding her goodbye, Kyle walked away alone, lost in thought. Back in the Hufflepuff common room, he saw plenty of students still working on their assignments. Cedric was absent, likely still on the Quidditch Pitch. As Seeker, he was practicing tirelessly; Harris had pinned all his hopes on him.


    Kyle exchanged greetings with a few familiar faces before retreating to his dormitory. Mikel and Ryan were still out studying, so he had the dorm to himself for now. He dropped onto his bed, his mind circling back to what had happened at the castle entrance.


    That didn¡¯t seem likely. Although a Basilisk could travel unseen through the castle¡¯s pipes, it would still need someone to release it. Besides, Riddle¡¯s diary was safely locked in Kyle¡¯s suitcase, so there was no risk of it causing trouble. The alarms he had set up in the second-floor bathroom hadn¡¯t gone off either, which meant the Basilisk was probably still asleep in the Chamber of Secrets.


    And then there was the voice itself. He remembered hearing the Basilisk¡¯s voice last year¡ªit was cold and emotionless, yes, but it hadn¡¯t sounded old. If anything, it was surprisingly youthful.


    If it wasn¡¯t the Basilisk, then who could it have been?


    Kyle rolled over, staring blankly at a pot of flowers on the windowsill. Could he really have been so tired that he¡¯d just imagined it? S§×arch* The n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Chapter 291: Shake Your Head

    For a while after that encounter, Kyle kept a close watch on his surroundings, but oddly, the raspy, whispering voice never returned. He even tried to exhaust himself further with increased training and all-nighters, hoping that fatigue might bring it back. Yet, it was all in vain. It seemed he really had misheard something that day.


    After two weeks of this, Kyle finally stopped dwelling on it.


    ...


    A few days before Halloween, on a stormy Saturday evening, Kyle was hurrying down a dim corridor after finishing Charms Club when he nearly collided with someone¡ªor rather, something. He had almost walked straight through Nearly Headless Nick, the ghost of Gryffindor Tower. Nick was staring mournfully out a window, muttering to himself, ¡°...didn¡¯t meet their requirements... only half an inch away¡­¡±


    Nick was so absorbed in his thoughts that he didn¡¯t even notice Kyle approaching¡ªat least, not until Kyle decided to greet him.


    ¡°Hello, Sir Poppington.¡±


    Kyle preferred calling him by his formal name rather than "Nick." Ever since his last holiday, ¡°Nick¡± had always reminded him of an old man he¡¯d met in Devon.


    ¡°Oh¡ªhello,¡± Nearly Headless Nick was visibly startled. After looking around for a moment, he finally spotted Kyle. ¡°Not many people call me that,¡± he said, sounding slightly cheered. ¡°You look tired, which is¡­ nice¡­ I mean, I can¡¯t quite recall what being tired feels like.¡±


    As he spoke, he tucked a transparent letter into his shirt. Though the letter was see-through, it resembled real parchment and became almost invisible once folded.


    ¡°I can tell you, it feels awful,¡± Kyle said, rubbing his forehead. ¡°You¡¯re not missing out.¡± He then changed the subject. ¡°You look troubled.¡±


    ¡°Oh, it¡¯s nothing,¡± Nick said, waving his hand dismissively. ¡°Just a trivial matter¡­ It¡¯s not like I truly wanted to join¡­ I thought I could apply, but it seems I¡­ don¡¯t meet the requirements.¡± His tone was light, but the pain on his face told a different story.


    ¡°Hello¡­ Kyle, and Nick, too,¡± came a voice from down the hall. Harry had approached, looking thoroughly soaked and covered in mud from head to toe, likely having just come from Quidditch practice.


    ¡°Is your badge not working?¡± Kyle asked.


    ¡°It¡¯s working fine,¡± said Harry. ¡°I just ended up in a mud puddle while chasing the Snitch, and it came loose.¡± He held up the waterproof badge, which was still attached to a torn scrap of his robe.


    ¡°Looks like you fell pretty hard.¡± Kyle raised his wand. The torn fabric and badge mended themselves back onto Harry¡¯s robe.


    ¡°Thanks, Kyle! Hermione¡¯s been trying to get me to learn that charm¡ªI think she might be right,¡± Harry said, grinning. Then he turned to Nick. ¡°You seem troubled.¡±


    Being questioned by two students in quick succession seemed to make the ghost¡¯s frustration bubble over. ¡°I¡¯ll tell you!¡± he burst out, pulling the letter from his shirt again and launching into a tirade about how the Headless Hunt had rejected his application.


    ¡°Look at this: ¡± he read out furiously. ¡°Only a little bit of skin and sinew holds mine on¡ªmost people would consider that no different from losing your head! But no, in Sir Patrick¡¯s eyes, it¡¯s not enough!¡±


    Harry opened his mouth, not knowing how to respond, and ended up saying rather awkwardly, ¡°I think you qualify. Really.¡±


    ¡°Thank you¡­ But unfortunately, they don¡¯t agree!¡±


    ¡°Sir Poppington¡­¡± Kyle said thoughtfully. ¡°If you ask me, you don¡¯t really need to be fixated on joining the Headless Hunt.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not fixated!¡± Nick retorted defensively. ¡°I was just applying for fun! Because, you know, being a ghost can get a bit dull sometimes.¡±


    ¡°Of course, if you say so,¡± Kyle replied, not pressing the matter. ¡°But why not start your own Almost-Headless Hunt team?¡±


    Nick looked at him, intrigued. ¡°Start my own Hunt team?¡±


    ¡°Yes, Sir Poppington,¡± Kyle said. ¡°I imagine you¡¯re quite well-known in the ghost community.¡±


    ¡°Well¡­ I do have quite a few friends,¡± Nick admitted, his expression brightening. ¡°In fact, this Halloween marks the 500th anniversary of my death, and over a hundred ghosts have already RSVP¡¯d to attend.¡±


    His pride was evident, so Kyle could guess that this was indeed an impressive number.


    ¡°That¡¯s no problem!¡± Kyle laughed. ¡°You could announce the formation of your own ghost hunting team during the party. Ask your ghostly friends to help spread the word and boost its popularity.¡±


    ¡°But¡­what about the activities?¡± Nick hesitated, looking a bit unsure. ¡°I hate to admit it, but I really can¡¯t do things like horse¡¯s head juggling or head-top polo¡­ And I don¡¯t look particularly frightening, either.¡±


    ¡°You can come up with your own activities,¡± Kyle suggested. ¡°No need to copy theirs. You have your own unique advantages.¡±


    ¡°My¡­ advantages?¡± Nick echoed, puzzled.


    ¡°Exactly.¡± Kyle thought for a moment. ¡°For instance, you could spin your head like a propeller. They can¡¯t do that!¡±


    Kyle then took out a small stone tied to a string and spun it around his hand a few times. ¡°Like this¡­¡±


    ¡°You could even find a mount that¡¯s headless and spin together with it. It would be even better if you could make some eerie noises or pull some ghostly expressions while you¡¯re at it.¡±


    Nearly Headless Nick¡¯s eyes widened in fascination, as if he¡¯d just uncovered a brilliant new idea. He leaned eagerly toward Harry. ¡°Do you think it would be truly scary if I did that?¡±


    Harry glanced at the spinning stone in Kyle¡¯s hand, then at Nick¡¯s floating head. An image formed in his mind, and his face scrunched up involuntarily. Oh no¡­ the mental picture was vivid, and Harry already knew he¡¯d be haunted by it tonight!


    Nick, however, was thrilled. ¡°Oh, perfect¡ªthat¡¯s exactly the reaction I¡¯m looking for!¡± he said, clapping his hands in delight. ¡°What a marvelous idea! Sir Patrick Delaney-Podmore would be astounded if he saw it. Haha¡­ Why didn¡¯t I think of this before?¡±


    He spun around in the air, elated by the prospect of his newfound act.


    ¡°If you¡¯d be so kind, would you come to my¡­¡± Nick¡¯s words were abruptly interrupted by a sharp, shrill noise from the floor near Harry¡¯s ankle.


    ¡°Meow¡­¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s Mrs. Norris,¡± Kyle said, eyeing the long trail of mud Harry had left behind. ¡°You¡¯d better get out of here. Filch has been cleaning up since this morning¡ªsomeone¡¯s cauldron exploded in Potions class and spilled everywhere. If he sees you leaving muddy footprints¡­¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re right,¡± Harry muttered, quickly glancing at his mud-covered robes and preparing to make a dash for the common room. But it was too late. He¡¯d barely taken a step when Filch appeared from behind a tapestry, his face red and his breath heavy.


    ¡°That¡¯s it!¡± Filch snarled, pointing at the mud dripping from Harry¡¯s robes. ¡°There¡¯s mess everywhere, and I¡¯ve had enough of it! Potter, come with me!¡±


    Harry sighed, resigned, and followed Filch down the corridor, his muddy footprints trailing along the floor.


    ¡°He¡¯s taking him to¡­ Filch¡¯s office. Likely intending to teach him a lesson,¡± Nick murmured. ¡°We need to help Harry. I recall a large cabinet in the utility room¡­ If we drop it on top of Filch¡¯s office, it might provide a distraction.¡±


    ¡°A big cabinet?¡± Kyle muttered, intrigued. ¡°Where¡¯s this utility room?¡±


    ¡°No, you can¡¯t go¡ªtoo much risk of trouble.¡± Nick began sinking into the wall. ¡°I¡¯ll go find Peeves. He¡¯s perfect for this sort of thing.¡± sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°Wait¡­¡± Kyle started to protest, but Nick had already disappeared.


    he thought, staring down the empty corridor. After a moment, Kyle decided on a plan of his own and turned to make his way quickly to the second floor.

 Chapter 292: A Strange Experience

    Filch¡¯s office was on the first floor, close to the Entrance Hall. Located just left of the library and down the corridor, it lay directly beneath an empty classroom. Kyle headed to the second floor, running down the corridor in that direction. But as he passed by the entrance to the library, something strange happened. He felt a sudden sense of distraction, a curious fog clouding his mind.


    An odd memory floated up, something Voldemort had mentioned in the dungeon last year¡ªthe process of creating a Horcrux. Before, Kyle had avoided thinking about it too deeply, worried Voldemort might have twisted the information. But now, out of nowhere, he felt a sense of complete clarity. Concepts that once felt arcane and difficult became simple and obvious, as though he had studied them for years. He could see clearly why each step in the process was done a certain way, understanding every detail with a newfound intuition.


    Kyle thought. Not even the famed knowledge of Ravenclaw¡¯s Diadem could compare to this.


    The information in his mind solidified, as though it were taking form on a piece of parchment covered in intricate diagrams and instructions. The images were vivid, each paragraph of instructions detailed, as if one glance alone could reveal the entire secret.


    But suddenly¡ª


    ¡°Bang!¡±


    A loud noise echoed through the corridor, startling Kyle out of his trance. The knowledge that had just filled his mind dissipated instantly, vanishing without a trace. No matter how he tried to recall it, it was as if the thoughts had never been there at all.


    And then, out of nowhere, a water balloon dropped right on his head, bursting with a splash of cold water that drenched him completely.


    Kyle shivered, the icy water snapping him fully awake.


    ¡°What are you daydreaming about, Kyle, you rascal?¡± Peeves cackled, swooping past him. ¡°Better run¡ªFilch the idiot is coming!¡±


    Then Peeves disappeared around the corner just as Filch came stomping up the corridor. He took one look at Kyle, who stood there soaked with water still dripping from his hair, and spotted the remnants of a burst balloon on the floor.


    ¡°Peeves did this?¡± Filch growled.


    Kyle nodded.


    ¡°Which way did he go?¡± Filch demanded.


    Kyle pointed down the hall. But Filch hardly needed directions¡ªPeeves had left a trail of dripping water stains and splattered portraits in his wake.


    With a look of furious determination, Filch ignored Kyle and charged down the corridor after the poltergeist. ¡°Peeves! I¡¯ll catch you this time, and then you¡¯re out of this castle for good!¡±


    Kyle watched Filch disappear around the corner, then glanced back at the library entrance, confused. Was it some odd coincidence, or something more unusual? And could it happen again? If so, what would trigger it?


    It couldn¡¯t be as simple as just passing by the library¡­ Kyle frowned and took a few steps backward, attempting to recreate his route.


    A few minutes later, Harry emerged from Filch¡¯s office, looking disheartened, only to stop in his tracks at the strange scene before him. There was Kyle, pacing back and forth in front of the library door¡ªsometimes walking slowly, sometimes running or even leaping, as if testing each movement in a bewildering pattern.


    It was a sight both bizarre and slightly unsettling.


    ¡°Kyle,¡± Harry called out instinctively, ¡°what are you doing?¡± S§×ar?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°Er¡­¡± Kyle paused, then turned around smoothly. ¡°Oh, I was waiting for you¡ªand just doing a bit of exercise in the meantime.¡±


    ¡°Exercising?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± Kyle replied calmly, ¡°a special training method for Chasers. Not surprising you haven¡¯t heard of it, being a Seeker and all.¡± Then, changing the subject, he asked, ¡°So, how did it go with Filch? Did he give you a hard time?¡±


    Harry brightened. ¡°No, he just sent me on my way!¡±


    Getting out of Filch¡¯s office without a punishment was practically a miracle.


    ¡°You have Sir Poppington to thank for that,¡± Kyle said with a grin.


    At that moment, Nearly Headless Nick floated over, emerging from a nearby classroom, followed closely by a golden and black cabinet that crashed to the floor behind him.


    ¡°I convinced Peeves to drop it on top of Filch¡¯s office,¡± Nick said proudly.


    ¡°So it was you!¡± Harry exclaimed, relieved. ¡°Just in time, too¡ªno detention or anything! Thanks, Nick!¡±


    Kyle¡¯s attention drifted to the cabinet, his gaze sharpening with interest. He stepped into the classroom and examined the intricate golden lines etched into its surface.


    ¡°What¡¯s up with that cabinet, Kyle?¡± Harry asked, following him. ¡°Is there something unusual about it?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s a Vanishing Cabinet,¡± Kyle murmured, his fingers tracing the golden runes.


    ¡°Vanishing Cabinet?¡±


    ¡°Yes, a rare piece of alchemical craftsmanship,¡± Kyle explained.


    ¡°But it¡¯s not¡­ vanishing,¡± Harry pointed out, confused. ¡°It¡¯s right here.¡±


    ¡°You misunderstand,¡± Kyle replied, a hint of excitement in his tone. ¡°A Vanishing Cabinet is linked to another cabinet somewhere else. Anything placed inside it will vanish from here and reappear in the other cabinet, as if by magic.¡±


    Harry stared at the cabinet, something clicking in his memory. ¡°I feel like I¡¯ve seen one of these before¡­ Oh, right! There was a cabinet just like this in that dark magic shop in Knockturn Alley.¡±


    Harry¡¯s voice trailed off, and he glanced warily around, only relaxing when he saw that Nick had drifted to the far side of the room, appearing to inspect the walls with sudden fascination.


    With a sigh of relief, Harry continued, ¡°Remember how I accidentally ended up in Knockturn Alley using Floo Powder? I hid in that cabinet at Borgin and Burkes to avoid Malfoy and his father¡­ but I didn¡¯t disappear. So are you sure you¡¯re right?¡±


    ¡°Did you close the door completely?¡± Kyle asked.


    ¡°Yes,¡± said Harry, thinking back. He¡¯d initially left it cracked open, but he¡¯d shut it all the way when Lucius Malfoy had reached for something nearby.


    ¡°Then one of the cabinets must be broken,¡± Kyle concluded. ¡°Either this one, or the one at Borgin and Burkes. I¡¯ve seen Vanishing Cabinets before¡ªlast year in Paris. I wouldn¡¯t mistake it.¡±


    ¡°Oh, that explains it,¡± Nearly Headless Nick said, floating back over. ¡°The utility room stores things that are already damaged. This cabinet¡¯s been here a long time¡ªat least fifty years. I believe Dumbledore put it here himself, right after he received the Order of Merlin, First Class. The whole castle was buzzing with excitement.¡±

 Chapter 293: There’s a Story Here

    Kyle wasn¡¯t particularly surprised that Dumbledore had brought the Vanishing Cabinet to Hogwarts, but the timing was intriguing. Everyone knew that Professor Dumbledore was awarded the Order of Merlin, First Class, for defeating Grindelwald in 1945¡ªthe same year Grindelwald was imprisoned in Nurmengard¡¯s High Tower. That it was during this time that Dumbledore discarded the Vanishing Cabinet¡­ well, there had to be a story behind that decision. S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Of course, Kyle knew better than to speculate about the headmaster¡¯s history, at least not around Harry. After all, Harry¡¯s knack for letting things slip rivaled Hagrid¡¯s, and one wrong word could lead to all kinds of trouble.


    ¡°So, you¡¯re saying this cabinet was broken before?¡± Kyle asked, steering the conversation back.


    ¡°Yes,¡± said Nick. ¡°Peeves used to hide in it whenever Filch was after him. If it were working, I suspect Peeves would¡¯ve already vanished to the other side by now.¡±


    ¡°I see¡­¡± Kyle nodded, noticing a few old cracks in the cabinet¡¯s surface. The damage looked ancient, making it unlikely that any part of it had just recently fallen apart.


    ¡°What¡¯s going to happen with the Vanishing Cabinet now?¡±


    ¡°Oh, just leave it here,¡± Nick replied nonchalantly. ¡°No one really comes to this classroom. I imagine Peeves will move it back to the utility room eventually.¡±


    Kyle nodded thoughtfully, and they left the room together. Harry glanced over at Nick, who was still holding that transparent reply letter in his hand. Maybe Nick felt indebted to Harry for helping him with the whole Peeves ordeal.


    ¡°I wish I could do something to help with the Headless Hunt,¡± Harry said.


    ¡°No need,¡± Nick said with a shrug, slipping the letter back into his shirt. ¡°I¡¯ve decided to form my own hunting team. One day, they¡¯ll regret turning me away.¡±


    The image of Nick twirling his head popped back into Harry¡¯s mind, and he quickly shook his head, forcing himself to banish the unsettling image. ¡°Well¡­ good luck with that.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Harry,¡± said Nick. ¡°Actually, I do have one request, if it¡¯s not too much to ask¡­¡±


    ¡°What is it?¡± Harry asked.


    ¡°It would mean a lot if you could come to my Deathday Party,¡± Nick said hopefully. ¡°It¡¯s on Halloween Eve, and I¡¯ll be announcing my hunting team in front of all my friends. It would be an honor to have you there.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll be there,¡± Harry replied eagerly. ¡°Mind if I bring a few others?¡±


    ¡°If you mean Mr. Weasley and Miss Granger, of course! They¡¯re quite popular among the ghosts,¡± Nick said, turning to Kyle with a hopeful look.


    ¡°Sorry, Sir Poppington,¡± Kyle replied, sounding genuinely regretful. ¡°I¡¯d love to witness the formation of your hunting team, but I promised Cedric I¡¯d join him at the Skeleton Dance Troupe performance.¡±


    ¡°Oh, naturally¡­¡± Nick said, forcing a smile. ¡°You made a promise, and it¡¯s only right to keep it. My invitation was last-minute, anyway. But¡­ did Dumbledore really manage to get the Skeleton Dance Troupe this year?¡±


    ¡°Professor McGonagall mentioned it the other day, so I think it¡¯s set,¡± Kyle confirmed.


    ¡°Oh, why did it have to be this year!¡± Nearly Headless Nick lamented, tugging at his hat in frustration. ¡°I¡¯ve adored their performances for over two centuries¡­ and from what I hear, the Bloody Baron says they¡¯ve recently perfected some new routines that are just spectacular. Why this year of all years!¡±


    Nearly Headless Nick spun in mid-air a few times, clearly caught up in his daydream. ¡°Do you think the Skeleton Dance Troupe might be persuaded to stop by my Deathday Party after the Halloween show?¡±


    ¡°I suppose¡­ they might,¡± Kyle said, though he sounded uncertain. While skeletons and ghosts had similarities, they were still distinct, and it was hard to say if skeletons would be interested in the ghostly affairs of a Deathday Party.


    ¡°Oh, I hope they would,¡± Nick said wistfully, staring out the window. ¡°A skeleton dance troupe and Harry Potter¡ªboth at my Deathday Party! It would be unforgettable!¡±


    The corridor soon led them to a set of stairs, where their paths diverged. Kyle and Harry headed off toward their respective common rooms, and Nick floated away, likely in search of Peeves.


    By the time Kyle arrived in the Hufflepuff common room, it was close to curfew, yet many students were still gathered, busily finishing up assignments. This sort of group study session was practically a Hufflepuff tradition. Near the window, Kyle found Cedric and Kanna, who looked up as he approached.


    ¡°Deathday Party?¡± Cedric said with relief. ¡°Glad you turned that invitation down. I doubt it¡¯s an event the living would enjoy.¡±


    ¡°Have you ever been to one?¡± Kanna asked, intrigued.


    ¡°No,¡± Cedric admitted, shaking his head. ¡°But I did see some House-elves earlier, carrying food out of the kitchen. Apparently, it¡¯s meant for the ghost party and has to be left to rot or get moldy beforehand.¡±


    Kanna¡¯s nose wrinkled. ¡°I can¡¯t imagine the House-elves allowing that sort of thing in the kitchen. They keep everything spotless!¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s why they took it outside,¡± Cedric replied with a shrug. ¡°Imagine if they brought it into the Halloween feast! Not exactly appetizing.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s why I declined,¡± Kyle said. ¡°But Harry Potter seemed surprisingly eager to go.¡±


    Cedric clicked his tongue, shaking his head in disbelief. ¡°Harry Potter¡­ No wonder he defeated You-Know-Who. The guy¡¯s not like the rest of us; no normal person would want to attend a ghost party. Should we warn him?¡±


    ¡°No point¡ªPotter¡¯s already agreed,¡± Kyle replied. ¡°Didn¡¯t even hesitate.¡±


    ¡°Well, that settles that¡­¡±


    Rain poured down heavily outside, the sky dark and stormy. But inside, the Hufflepuff common room was warm and lively, with students chatting, playing wizard chess, and helping each other with homework. Kyle, meanwhile, shared his unusual experience in front of the library with Cedric and Kanna, which quickly distracted them from any talk of ghosts.


    ¡°You¡¯re saying that walking past the library made you smarter?¡± Cedric¡¯s jaw dropped in disbelief. ¡°That can¡¯t be possible! I¡¯ve walked by there dozens of times, and if that were true, I¡¯d have noticed by now.¡±


    Kanna seemed skeptical too. ¡°If it were that easy, Professor Snape would have mentioned it by now¡ªand nobody would need to attend class. We¡¯d all just line up in front of the library each day!¡±


    ¡°I know it sounds ridiculous,¡± Kyle admitted quietly, ¡°but it felt real. I¡¯m not making this up.¡±


    ¡°Maybe it¡¯s just because you¡¯ve been so tired lately,¡± Cedric suggested, still doubtful. ¡°It could¡¯ve been some kind of hallucination.¡±


    ¡°Or,¡± Kanna chimed in, ¡°it might be that you had a sudden breakthrough with something you¡¯d been stuck on. That happened to me once¡ªI¡¯d been struggling to perfect the Draught of Living Death, but one day while I was lifting my cauldron, it just clicked, and I knew exactly what I¡¯d been doing wrong.¡±


    She figured Kyle¡¯s experience might be similar to her sudden realization with potion brewing.


    ¡°Maybe¡­¡± Kyle said, feeling a bit less certain now. He decided he would try walking by the library again in the next few days. If nothing happened, well¡­ then he¡¯d have to accept it was just a strange fluke.

 Chapter 294: The Halloween Feast

    Halloween Eve, second floor of the castle.


    Cedric sat in an empty classroom, covering his face and whispering, "Kyle, I don''t think this is going to work. Let''s just forget about it."


    They had been coming here for days now, but their efforts had turned up nothing¡­ well, at least nothing useful.


    Instead, they''d become famous.


    Nearly half the school knew that the top students from the third and fourth years had been lurking in the library, acting suspiciously. No one knew what they were up to, and rumors had started to fly. Some said they¡¯d discovered a secret study technique, using ancient magic to absorb all the knowledge in the library as their own.


    It sounded absurd, but surprisingly, plenty of people believed it¡­ and believed it passionately.


    Lately, more and more students had started gathering in front of the library, meticulously imitating their every move. They were doing a pretty good job, too¡ªnow it was practically a group effort.


    In fact, the library had become a bit of a spectacle, drawing crowds every day. But as a result, Madam Pince¡¯s glances in their direction had grown increasingly hostile. The commotion was disrupting the usual quiet of the library, and she had tried multiple times to shoo people away, but to no avail. She couldn¡¯t guard the entrance constantly, and as soon as she stepped away, the crowd would return.


    Needless to say, Kyle and Cedric, being the ringleaders of this unintended fiasco, weren¡¯t exactly in Madam Pince''s good graces. Cedric figured they''d probably have to avoid the library for a while.


    Kyle sighed and nodded in agreement. Things had indeed gotten a bit out of hand. Just today, they''d barely managed to get inside the library because of the crowd. It seemed only a matter of time before the professors would step in to break things up.


    Leaving the classroom, the two made their way down to the first floor, avoiding the main corridors to steer clear of the crowd as they headed for the Halloween party.


    The Great Hall had been transformed with festive decorations. A dozen massive pumpkins carved into lanterns lined the space, the smallest of which was large enough for two people to sit inside¡ªadd a Thestral, and it could even pass for a pumpkin carriage.


    At the entrance to the Great Hall, Kyle happened to spot the Gryffindor trio.


    "Promises are promises," Hermione was saying to Harry. "You said you¡¯d go to the Deathday Party, so you can¡¯t back out now. Nearly Headless Nick would be so disappointed."


    "But Hermione, I didn¡¯t promise anything," Ron complained, looking miserable. "And Scabbers is missing. I have to find him." S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Your rat?" Hermione frowned. "Don¡¯t you usually keep him in your dormitory?"


    "Yeah, he was there at noon, but by the afternoon, he¡¯d disappeared," Ron muttered. "Neville must¡¯ve left the door open when he left¡­ I don¡¯t even want to think about what could happen if Mrs. Norris finds him. He¡¯d be a goner."


    "Don¡¯t worry," Hermione reassured him. "Mrs. Norris doesn¡¯t eat students¡¯ pets¡­ in fact, she only eats what Filch gives her."


    "Are you headed to the Dungeon?" a familiar voice asked from behind them, startling all three. They turned to see Kyle and Cedric standing there.


    "Hello," Harry greeted them, and then, with a resigned look, nodded. "Yeah, you¡¯re right. We¡¯re off to the third dungeon. That¡¯s where Nick is holding his Deathday Party."


    He was already regretting it¡ªthat much was obvious.


    "I suggest bringing some snacks," Cedric advised. "There won¡¯t be anything there for you."


    "But it¡¯s a party," Hermione said, sounding confused. "How can there be no food?"


    "It¡¯s a party for ghosts," Kyle explained. "They have¡­ different tastes from us." Hearing this, Harry looked even more reluctant.


    But as Hermione had reminded him earlier, he¡¯d already given his word to Nick, who had once helped him avoid Filch¡¯s wrath. Backing out now would be ungrateful, so they had no choice but to go.


    Worst case, they could slip away early. If they were quick, they might even make it back in time to catch the tail end of the school¡¯s party.


    After exchanging a few more words, Harry, Hermione, and Ron hurried off. They still had to help Ron search for his rat, and time was running out.


    Kyle and Cedric, meanwhile, strolled into the lively Great Hall.


    ...


    Ten minutes later, the Halloween party officially began.


    As expected, Dumbledore had indeed invited the Skeleton Dance Troupe to bring some extra excitement to the festivities. True to their name, they were actual skeletons¡ªa different kind of spirit altogether from ghosts.


    With music filling the hall and flashes of lightning illuminating the enchanted ceiling, they materialized suddenly in front of the head table, prompting gasps from the young wizards. Then, as the tempo changed, they launched into a rhythmic dance.


    At that moment, Kyle understood why Nearly Headless Nick had been so dismayed at the troupe¡¯s arrival at Hogwarts. Though the sight of animated skeletons was eerie at first, any sense of fear melted away as they moved in perfect harmony with the music.


    Kyle had never thought skeletons could embody such grace. Every motion was elegant, every step powerful. Their skeletal forms clashed brilliantly with the precision of their movements, and this striking contrast sparked thunderous cheers throughout the Great Hall.


    From that point on, the applause seemed endless. When they reached their final dance, the troupe chose an even livelier song: one of The Weird Sisters¡¯ most famous hits.


    As the music picked up with spirited drumbeats, some students couldn¡¯t help but start dancing along. Initially, it was just Fred, George, and a few Gryffindors joining in for fun. But as the beat carried on, more and more students rose to join them.


    Even Professor Lockhart got into the spirit, leaving his seat in the VIP section to dance. His teaching skills might have been questionable, but he was surprisingly graceful on the dance floor. He even attempted to coax other professors into joining him, though Professors McGonagall and Sprout politely declined. However, Professor Charity Burbage, who taught Muggle Studies, happily accepted, stepping onto the floor to dance alongside him.


    Dumbledore looked on, delighted, tapping his foot to the beat.


    The song ended, but the joyful energy lingered, and the students clamored for more. Dumbledore rose from his seat and motioned for silence.


    ¡°Dancing,¡± he said with a smile, ¡°speaks louder than any words. But it''s also wise to fill up on food!¡±


    As he finished speaking, the empty dinner plates before them filled instantly with an array of delicious dishes: roast pumpkin chicken, grilled steak with pumpkin sauce, pumpkin pie, pumpkin soup, pumpkin pudding¡­ nearly everything was pumpkin-themed, celebrating the season¡¯s harvest.


    ¡°Thank goodness we didn¡¯t go down to the Dungeon with Potter and the others¡­¡± Cedric said to Kyle, catching his breath after dancing for a while. His excitement hadn¡¯t faded. ¡°This Halloween party was amazing. Do you think Headmaster Dumbledore will invite them back next year?¡±

 Chapter 295: A Hogwarts Tradition, an Unsettled Halloween

    After the party ended, everyone filtered out of the Great Hall with mixed feelings. The Skeleton Dance Troupe had vanished while they were still eating¡ªa bit of a letdown.


    "It¡¯s really hard to get that dance troupe to perform," said an eager young wizard in the crowd. "My dad told me the Ministry of Magic itself has to wait ages to book them."


    "I heard they were at the last Quidditch World Cup, along with The Weird Sisters," someone chimed in. "People said it was the best opening show in a century."


    "I never thought we¡¯d get to see them at Hogwarts! Headmaster Dumbledore is amazing," another student marveled.


    "Of course, it¡¯s Dumbledore¡­"


    The students chatted excitedly about the performance as they walked toward their common rooms. But before they reached the doors of the Great Hall, a piercing howl echoed down the stairs¡ªa shrill, eerie sound that sent a shiver down their spines.


    The chatter slowly faded.


    "What was that?" someone asked, breaking the silence.


    "It was Mrs. Norris," another replied. "That screech always makes my scalp tingle. No mistaking it."


    "Did she catch someone breaking the rules again? But¡­ we were all in the Great Hall!"


    "Or maybe a dangerous creature from the Forbidden Forest got loose¡­ Mrs. Norris sounded different, like my cat when she¡¯s scared."


    "Let¡¯s go see what¡¯s going on!"


    Curiosity quickly won out, and the crowd surged toward the staircase, eager to discover the cause of the disturbance. After all, the party was over, and the thrill of danger only added to the excitement.


    Another shriek rang out from the third floor. They hurried down an empty corridor and finally saw Mrs. Norris, perched atop a statue at the end, fur standing on end like a hedgehog¡¯s quills. She was glaring at something with wild eyes.


    There, on the wall behind her, words glistened in faint, bloody strokes beneath the flicker of a torch:


    Pressed against the wall nearby, looking pale and alarmed, stood Harry, Ron, and Hermione. Harry appeared on the verge of saying something, but as he turned slightly, Mrs. Norris let out a furious yowl, locking her gaze on him.


    The crowd now realized what had caused the initial noise.


    Colin Creevey pushed forward through the throng, clutching his camera. "Harry! I¡¯ve been looking for you. Why didn¡¯t you stay for the feast?"


    Harry opened his mouth to answer, but Mrs. Norris cut him off with another menacing growl. Now, any attempt to move even a step brought the cat closer, her claws poised to strike all three of them.


    Long, fresh scratches marred the skin of Harry, Ron, and Hermione. For some reason, they seemed unable to pull away.


    "Excuse me¡­ excuse me¡­" Kyle pushed his way through the crowd, curious about the commotion. But when he caught sight of the bloody message on the wall, his expression tightened in shock.


    How could that be possible? Riddle¡¯s diary was still safely locked away in his suitcase¡ªa suitcase he carried with him at all times. No one else could have accessed it.


    But then¡­ what was happening here?


    Kyle¡¯s thoughts spun in a chaotic whirl, and he barely registered his friend Kanna saying something beside him. He instinctively stepped closer, trying to make sense of it all.


    But Mrs. Norris, usually friendly toward Kyle, was in no mood for greetings. She turned her sharp gaze on him, baring her claws with a low, hostile growl. Kyle stopped, hesitant to press forward.


    Only then did he notice that Mrs. Norris wasn¡¯t actually perched on a statue. She was standing on top of Filch, who was slumped over, completely still. His head was bowed, which was why they hadn¡¯t recognized him at first.


    Others in the crowd began to notice it too. S§×arch* The N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Beware of those who make enemies of the Heir! You¡¯ll be next, Mud¨C" Draco Malfoy sneered, his voice trailing off before he could finish. His icy eyes lit up with cruel delight, and a rare flush crept over his normally pale face as he cast a taunting look at Hermione.


    In the crowd, Kyle''s frown deepened, his mind churning with uncertainty. If Filch''s current state wasn¡¯t due to the Petrification Curse¡­ then it could only be the Basilisk.


    Kyle thought. Just as he decided to head to the second-floor girls'' bathroom where Myrtle lingered, the professors arrived.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on here?¡± Dumbledore''s commanding voice cut through the murmur of students.


    The crowd parted instantly, allowing Dumbledore to move to the front, with the other professors close behind. In a moment, he reached Filch, and Mrs. Norris, ceasing her restless pacing, leapt down and settled quietly at Dumbledore¡¯s feet.


    ¡°Everyone, back to your dormitories,¡± Dumbledore instructed. ¡°Mr. Potter, Mr. Weasley, Miss Granger¡ªI need your help with something. Come with me.¡±


    Lockhart bustled forward. ¡°Headmaster, my office is nearby, upstairs¡­ and I have a keen interest in this dark magic business. I once resolved a similar case for the Carpathian tribes! They¨C¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Gilderoy, your office will do nicely,¡± Dumbledore interjected, cutting him off with a nod. ¡°Could you also inform Madam Pomfrey? I believe she should come here.¡±


    ¡°Certainly, Headmaster.¡± Lockhart, brimming with self-importance, turned and hurried off toward the Hospital Wing.


    The other professors trailed behind Dumbledore, and as they passed, they instructed the prefects to lead students back to their common rooms.


    As soon as the professors were out of sight, the crowd erupted into a clamor of voices, everyone speculating about what had happened to Filch and what the mysterious Chamber of Secrets could mean.


    Malfoy, now surrounded by students, wore a smug smile but offered no further explanations.


    Prefects moved through the crowd, calling for students from their houses. Harris, one of the prefects, spotted Kanna. ¡°Kyle, let¡¯s go back¡­¡± she started to say, only to realize Kyle wasn¡¯t beside her anymore.


    ¡°Cedric, have you seen Kyle?¡± she asked, turning to him.


    ¡°He was just here¡­ Wait, where¡¯d he go?¡±


    Outside the noisy crowd, Kyle, cloaked by the Disillusionment Charm, sprinted toward Myrtle¡¯s bathroom.


    He checked the crack of the door¡ªthe quill he had placed there earlier was still in place. Pushing open the door, he found the enchanted books, all still exactly where he had left them. He crouched down, checking under the books, confirming that even the strands of hair he had set up as a precaution were untouched.


    ¡°Oh, Kyle, you¡¯ve come to comfort me!¡± Myrtle sobbed from atop one of the sinks. ¡°That awful Peeves said that I¨C¡±


    ¡°Sorry, Myrtle,¡± Kyle interrupted, getting straight to the point. ¡°Has anyone else been in here recently?¡±


    Myrtle stopped mid-sob, narrowing her eyes at him suspiciously. ¡°Just you,¡± she replied.


    ¡°Besides me,¡± Kyle clarified. ¡°Has anyone else come in here?¡±


    ¡°No one would dare come here! Not with poor, crying, sulking Myrtle around!¡± She burst into fresh wails.


    Kyle wasn¡¯t in the mood to console her. He left quickly, heading for an empty classroom where he could search further in private. Once there, he pulled his suitcase from the Mokeskin pouch he kept on him. Inside the magically enlarged space, he checked his setup: everything appeared exactly as he had left it.


    But when he lifted the magic box from under his bed, his heart sank¡ªthe box felt lighter than it should.


    Taking a shaky breath, Kyle opened the box. It was empty. The diary that had been secured inside was gone.


    Kyle closed the lid and tried again, over and over, until finally, he had to accept the truth. The diary was missing¡ªstolen from right under his nose.


    Just then, a Billywig drifted over, hovering near him.


    Seeing it, Kyle asked quickly, ¡°Has anyone been here?¡±


    The Billywig bobbed in midair with an expression of indifference, emitting a tiny chirp.


    ¡°I¡¯m the only one who¡¯s been here? Are you sure?¡±


    The creature fluttered up and down in a nod.


    Undeterred, Kyle tracked down the Niffler and Norbert, asking them the same question. He received the same answer. The Niffler sniffed the air and glanced around, confirming that no other wizard had entered the room.

 Chapter 296: The Lost Diary

    The next day, Filch still hadn¡¯t been seen around the castle.


    During dinner, Kyle deliberately sought out Harry to find out what had happened in Lockhart¡¯s office the day before.


    ¡°You mustn¡¯t tell anyone else,¡± Harry said, glancing around and lowering his voice. ¡°Professor Dumbledore doesn¡¯t want too many people to know about this.¡±


    ¡°Filch was turned to stone because of some kind of advanced dark magic.¡±


    ¡°So even Madam Pomfrey couldn¡¯t cure him?¡± Kyle asked, frowning.


    ¡°No.¡± Harry shook his head. ¡°Madam Pomfrey poured several bottles of potion over him and even dunked him in a barrel full of magical potions, but nothing worked.¡±


    Harry hesitated before continuing. ¡°But Lockhart said he had an idea. He claimed he encountered something similar in a place called Vagah¡­something. No, I can¡¯t remember the name. Anyway, he said he used various amulets to help people solve the problem there.¡±


    ¡°But I think he was bragging,¡± Ron said with conviction from next to him. ¡°Remember? He said the same thing when we were on the third floor, but the place names were completely different.¡±


    ¡°That doesn¡¯t mean anything,¡± Hermione retorted. ¡°What if he encountered it twice?¡±


    ¡°Hermione, do you actually believe all that stuff he says?¡± Ron frowned in disapproval. ¡°He can¡¯t even handle House-elves.¡±


    ¡°Ron¡­¡± Kyle quickly jumped in, noticing the two of them on the verge of arguing. He changed the subject. ¡°Did you find your pet?¡±


    ¡°Oh, you mean Scabbers. Yeah, I found him.¡± Ron pulled the plump rat out of his pocket. ¡°Guess what? He never ran outside at all! Turns out he was under the cabinet in the common room the whole time. He probably hadn¡¯t eaten in ages, though¡ªhe looked a bit out of it.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s okay, I have some rat tonic here.¡± Kyle took out a small bottle filled with red liquid and handed it to Ron.


    ¡°Thanks, Kyle!¡± Ron accepted it eagerly. Kyle had given him a bottle of the same rat tonic last year, and it had worked wonders. Every time Scabbers drank it, he seemed to perk right up¡­though the bottle was small, and Ron had run out long ago, too embarrassed to ask for more.


    ¡°You¡¯re welcome. I should be thanking you for satisfying my curiosity.¡± Kyle waved a hand dismissively. ¡°It¡¯s just a bottle of rat tonic; no big deal. Just come find me when you need more.¡±


    Then he turned to Harry again.


    ¡°Potter¡­¡±


    ¡°Just call me Harry.¡±


    ¡°Alright, Harry.¡± Kyle lowered his voice. ¡°Have you heard any strange noises lately?¡±


    ¡°Strange noises? What do you mean?¡±


    Kyle clarified, ¡°I mean whispers that only you can hear, but no one else does.¡±


    Harry scratched his head, thinking hard. ¡°No. I only heard letters talking when I was helping Lockhart answer his fan mail. But Lockhart heard it too¡ªhe said it was a special way of replying that saves reading time, and apparently, loads of his admirers use it.¡±


    ¡°So it wasn¡¯t any kind of strange whispering¡­was it.¡± Kyle nodded, understanding.


    From this, he gathered that Harry probably hadn¡¯t heard the Basilisk¡¯s voice.


    However, the issue of petrification¡ªwhich even Dumbledore couldn¡¯t solve¡ªwas probably related to the Basilisk. And then there was the unexplained disappearance of the diary... As these problems mounted, Kyle felt increasingly overwhelmed. He still hadn¡¯t figured out how the diary could have gone missing.


    Kyle had briefly considered Ron¡¯s rat, Scabbers, who was really Peter Pettigrew in disguise... but that seemed unlikely. Peter was hiding as a pet rat, and even Ron had no idea he held a Horcrux in his possession, so it was improbable Peter would know either. Even if Peter did somehow know about it, Kyle was always careful. The Mokeskin pouch that held the suitcase never left his side, and even at night, Ratton stayed by his pillow. How could a rat sneak in, steal something so significant, and leave no trace?


    It wasn¡¯t that Kyle underestimated Peter¡¯s abilities, but if Pettigrew really had that level of skill, he wouldn¡¯t have stayed hidden as a pet rat with the Weasleys for over a decade.


    Kyle also considered the possibility of a Time-Turner... but his applications had been rejected by the Department of Mysteries twice already. Even Dumbledore hadn¡¯t been able to borrow one, let alone him. Besides, why would he¡ªor anyone else¡ªgo back in time just to steal his own belongings? And who had released the Basilisk that petrified Filch¡ªwas it him, or was it Riddle?


    Kyle¡¯s head was spinning with questions.


    Meanwhile, Harry and the others noticed Kyle had grown uncharacteristically quiet, sitting still and lost in thought. If not for the occasional change in his expression and the way his hand absently cut his steak, they might have thought he¡¯d been petrified, too.


    Ron reached out to nudge Kyle¡¯s arm, but Hermione stopped him.


    ¡°Ron, Kyle¡¯s thinking about something. Don¡¯t interrupt him,¡± she whispered.


    ¡°Alright,¡± Ron muttered, unbothered. Instead, he stretched across the table to grab two more drumsticks. sea??h th§× n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    About ten minutes later, Kyle finally seemed to snap out of it, sighing deeply as he rubbed his forehead, deciding to let it go for now.


    ¡°What were you thinking about?¡± Harry asked curiously.


    ¡°What kind of dark magic could have done that to Filch,¡± Kyle replied casually.


    Harry¡¯s curiosity was piqued. ¡°Did you think of anything?¡±


    ¡°Not really,¡± Kyle shrugged. ¡°The Petrification Charm came to mind, but Dumbledore would¡¯ve easily been able to counter that.¡±


    ¡°Oh... I see.¡± Harry looked a little disappointed.


    ¡°So, why were you on the third floor?¡± Kyle asked suddenly, just as he took another bite of steak. ¡°Were you heading straight back to Gryffindor Tower? I thought you¡¯d have gone to the Great Hall to grab something to eat first.¡±


    ¡°We only ended up there after chasing Moaning Myrtle,¡± Harry explained with a sigh. ¡°We accidentally said something in the Dungeon that upset her, and she started following us, so we tried to catch up and explain.¡±


    ¡°And that¡¯s when we ran into petrified Filch and that bloody cat,¡± Ron added, gingerly touching a small cut on his face. ¡°That cat¡¯s been tailing us ever since we left the Dungeon. When we got to the third floor, she must¡¯ve thought we were responsible for Filch¡¯s petrification and scratched me good.¡±


    ¡°If you ask me, I should¡¯ve just used my wand right then¡­¡±


    ¡°Ron, we can¡¯t do that,¡± Harry said seriously. ¡°Running into a petrified Filch was bad enough¡ªif we¡¯d hurt Mrs. Norris, we¡¯d never be able to explain it.¡±


    ¡°I know¡­¡± Ron muttered under his breath. ¡°But why do we have to put up with all this? That cat really hurt when it scratched me!¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re right,¡± Harry agreed, glancing at his own arm, where there were faint, light scratches.


    He and Hermione had been a bit luckier, managing to escape with only minor scrapes. Madam Pomfrey had applied a healing ointment on them in Lockhart¡¯s office, which stopped the bleeding immediately. By the time they¡¯d woken up that morning, the scratches were almost healed, and by tomorrow, they would probably be completely gone.

 Chapter 297: The Legend of the Chamber

    For several days in a row, the topic of conversation around the castle was surprisingly consistent. The students couldn¡¯t seem to talk about anything else and spent the entire day discussing the attack on Filch.


    Filch had been taken to the Hospital Wing, with Mrs. Norris by his side, keeping a vigilant watch over him. Some students had hoped that life might be easier without this annoying duo around. For instance, they imagined being able to talk loudly in the corridors and pull pranks without fearing someone would pop out of nowhere, yelling for them to be sent to the dungeons.


    However, they soon realized they''d been too optimistic. The professors took over Filch''s duties, patrolling the castle and catching rule-breakers at every turn, handing out detentions and deducting points. They were even tougher to deal with than Filch had been; the little tricks that worked against him were completely useless on the professors. Within days, the point totals for all four houses had dropped significantly.


    Even worse, the cleaning of the castle now fell to those who broke the rules¡­ and they weren¡¯t allowed to use magic. Just the other day, Kyle had spotted Fred and George lugging around a large pile of cleaning supplies, scrubbing the words off the walls on the third floor. From the way they were muttering, it sounded like they actually missed Filch.


    The Chamber of Secrets had also become a hot topic. Every copy of had been checked out of the library.


    ¡°They¡¯re just wasting their time,¡± said Cedric, glancing around the Great Hall at the younger students flipping through pages. ¡°I remember clearly that the Chamber of Secrets isn¡¯t mentioned in that book at all.¡±


    ¡°Did you memorize the whole thing?¡± Mikel asked in disbelief.


    ¡°Of course not; that would be impossible,¡± Cedric replied, shaking his head. ¡°But I¡¯ve read enough to know. There¡¯s nothing about the Chamber of Secrets¡­ not a single mention.¡±


    ¡°Oh, I was hoping to borrow it from Millicent after she finished reading it,¡± Mikel sighed, looking disappointed. It seemed he was also quite intrigued by the Chamber of Secrets.


    After breakfast, they left the castle and headed to Greenhouse Three. Professor Sprout was a kind witch, always smiling, and her Herbology class was one of the most popular at Hogwarts. Today, they were learning how to extract beans from the Puffapod.


    It was trickier than it looked; if they didn¡¯t apply the right amount of pressure, the beans would burst instantly. Controlling the force required careful precision.


    ¡°Don¡¯t rush it¡ªyou have to apply pressure gradually,¡± Professor Sprout instructed. ¡°It¡¯s a process. And don¡¯t touch the leaves or the young shoots, or they¡¯ll get angry.¡±


    Just as she was explaining, a Hufflepuff girl raised her hand.


    ¡°Do you have a question, Miss Bode?¡± Professor Sprout asked kindly.


    ¡°Professor, could you tell us about the Chamber of Secrets? And who this Heir is?¡±


    Everyone looked up with interest. Mikel was so eager that he nearly pulled his Puffapod out of its pot, causing it to spray a cloud of pink beans right into his face. He yelped in surprise.


    Professor Sprout blinked. ¡°Miss Bode, you¡¯re not the first to ask me that,¡± she said with a soft smile. ¡°Every student has asked me the same question in every class recently.¡±


    After a moment¡¯s thought, she said, ¡°If you finish early, I¡¯ll tell you what I know¡ªjust some rumors.¡±


    At this, the students lowered their heads, quickly refocusing on their work. The chatter died down, and even the student handling the dragon dung fertilizer set it aside to carefully work on the Puffapod.


    Ten minutes before the end of class, the last student finally finished.


    ¡°Well then,¡± Professor Sprout said, her mouth curling into a small smile as she surveyed the greenhouse, now filled with Puffapod flowers. Although the students¡¯ success rate was a bit low, each of them had managed to complete the task at least once, and there were no instances of intentional failure. So, she decided to keep her promise.


    ¡°Of course, it¡¯s just a legend¡ªa bit ridiculous, even,¡± she began.


    ¡°Let me see¡­ the Chamber of Secrets. It all began a thousand years ago, with the founding of Hogwarts¡­¡±


    For the next ten minutes, Professor Sprout recounted how Hogwarts was founded and the growing conflicts among the four founders, particularly their differing views on which students should be admitted.


    ¡°¡­After a heated argument, Salazar Slytherin left the school.¡±


    She paused at this point.


    ¡°That¡¯s all that¡¯s recorded. mentions it as well, if you¡¯re interested.¡±


    ¡°As for the Chamber of Secrets,¡± she went on, ¡°it belongs to the realm of peculiar legends. It¡¯s said that Slytherin built a hidden chamber in the castle, one unknown to the other founders. Supposedly, if his true heir were to open it, a monster inside would be unleashed to ¡®purify¡¯ the school by eliminating those deemed unworthy of learning magic.¡±


    The bell rang to signal the end of class, but the greenhouse remained completely silent. No one moved; they all stared at Professor Sprout, clearly hoping she would continue.


    ¡°Well, back to the castle with you¡ªthat¡¯s all I know,¡± said Professor Sprout, holding the greenhouse door open.


    ¡°In my opinion, though, it¡¯s all nonsense. Salazar Slytherin may have been able to hide the Chamber from the other two founders, but he could never have fooled Rowena Ravenclaw. And most importantly, even in his angriest moments, Slytherin only wanted to expel certain students¡ªnot harm them.¡±


    At her urging, the students slowly filed out of the greenhouse.


    ... Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°I knew it! Slytherin has to be connected to the Chamber of Secrets,¡± Ryan said to Kyle and Kanna. ¡°That second-year Malfoy was strutting around like he knew something... and Flint too. I bet they¡¯re both aware of the Chamber of Secrets.¡±


    ¡°Unfortunately, they weren¡¯t willing to tell us anything,¡± Mikel added with a sigh. ¡°If only we could sneak into the Slytherin common room¡ªmaybe we¡¯d overhear something useful.¡±


    ¡°If you¡¯re serious about it¡­¡± Kyle said with a sly grin, ¡°I actually have some Slytherin scarves and decorations. If you disguise yourselves a bit, you might just blend in.¡±


    ¡°We could try¡­¡± Mikel considered the idea, then frowned. ¡°But I don¡¯t know their password.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s easy,¡± Kyle replied casually. ¡°It¡¯s usually something like ¡®pure blood,¡¯ ¡®glory,¡¯ ¡®eternity,¡¯ or ¡®power.¡¯ You¡¯d just have to try a few combinations. Or, you could slip in with a group. Go after breakfast on the weekend, when there are the most people around. No one will notice.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s brilliant. I wouldn¡¯t even need the password.¡± Mikel¡¯s face lit up with excitement. He touched his red and swollen cheek, still sore from where the Puffapod had burst on him. He¡¯d originally thought about getting some ointment for it, but now it seemed unnecessary. With the way he looked now, even a few Hufflepuffs might not recognize him¡ªlet alone the Slytherins.


    This was a rare opportunity¡­

 Chapter 298: The Sneaky Trio

    Back at the castle, Kyle and his friends navigated the crowded corridors, heading to their next Transfiguration class. Over the past two days, students had been constantly asking about the Chamber of Secrets in nearly every class. But unlike Professor Sprout, the other professors weren¡¯t as tolerant.


    In Transfiguration, a Gryffindor girl raised her hand during Professor McGonagall¡¯s lecture, only to be cut off before she could even utter the words ¡°Chamber of Secrets.¡±


    ¡°Ten points will be deducted from Gryffindor,¡± Professor McGonagall said, lips pursed tightly. ¡°Miss Bell, I would suggest you focus more on your studies and less on such idle legends. If I recall correctly, you still haven¡¯t managed to turn a button into a beetle... That was the assignment from our first lesson, and now Halloween has already passed. At this rate, you might not even earn an Acceptable on your exam.¡±


    Katie Bell flushed deeply and slouched back in her seat, her head bowed. With her as an example, no one else dared to broach the subject. But while the Gryffindors bit their tongues, Hufflepuff students felt no need to ask¡ªthey¡¯d already heard the whole story from Professor Sprout. Watching their Gryffindor classmates remain clueless, the Hufflepuffs couldn¡¯t help but feel a small, smug sense of superiority.


    So much for being a Gryffindor¡­


    When class ended, Kyle intended to head straight to the Great Hall for lunch. But as he reached the first floor, he was startled by a rapid series of ¡°crackling¡± sounds from above. He recognized those sounds all too well¡ªthe signature blasts of props being triggered in Moaning Myrtle¡¯s bathroom.


    Without hesitation, Kyle turned and sprinted up the stairs, drawing his wand and readying his suitcase as he went. His heart pounded as he ran. If it was a person, fine, but if it was the Basilisk¡­ he wasn¡¯t sure if it would still obey him. And if it didn¡¯t¡­ could Norbert, the Norwegian Ridgeback, handle it?


    With these thoughts racing through his mind, Kyle hurried down the corridor leading to Myrtle¡¯s bathroom. But as he arrived, he froze, surprised to see three familiar faces standing at the bathroom door.


    ¡°Harry, Hermione, Ron?¡± Kyle asked, blinking in confusion. ¡°What are you doing here?¡±


    The trio looked startled, clearly spooked by the string of explosions, and only fully registered Kyle¡¯s presence when he spoke.


    Harry turned around, flustered. ¡°We¡­ we were just passing by¡­ yeah, just passing by!¡±


    As he spoke, Kyle noticed Hermione holding a large, ancient-looking book, which she quickly hid behind her back when she caught Kyle¡¯s gaze. Despite her attempt to conceal it, he caught a glimpse of the word ¡°Potions¡± on the cover. Judging by the look of it, he guessed it was , a rare, advanced potions book. Kyle happened to own a handwritten copy of it himself, tucked away in his suitcase.


    He didn¡¯t press her on it, though. Instead, seeing their soot-streaked faces, he felt a wave of relief.


    ¡°Whether you were ¡®just passing by¡¯ or not, I think you should run,¡± Kyle said, glancing over his shoulder. ¡°We just finished Transfiguration, and Professor McGonagall hasn¡¯t gone far yet.¡±


    ¡°Professor McGonagall?!¡± The trio¡¯s eyes went wide, looking as if they¡¯d been caught red-handed. S§×ar?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°If she finds out we blew up the bathroom¡­¡± Ron muttered, trailing off.


    ¡°Ron, we didn¡¯t blow up the bathroom!¡± Hermione corrected him. ¡°We just opened the door¡ªwe didn¡¯t even go inside!¡±


    ¡°I know, but Professor McGonagall doesn¡¯t know that!¡±


    ¡°Shut up and run!¡±


    Apparently, they¡¯d learned from their Halloween experience. Without a moment¡¯s hesitation, the three of them bolted.


    As they dashed past Kyle, Harry, Ron, and Hermione didn¡¯t forget to thank him.


    ¡°Thanks for the tip, Kyle.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re off!¡±


    The three reached the stairs in record time and hurried towards Gryffindor Tower. Just as they rounded a corner, a tabby cat leapt lightly onto the nearby handrail. Its amber eyes scanned the hallway before spotting Kyle and the smoky mess around the bathroom.


    The tabby cat then jumped off the rail, transforming mid-air into Professor McGonagall.


    ¡°So this is where the noise came from¡­¡± she muttered.


    She stepped into the bathroom and gasped. ¡°My goodness, what on earth happened here? Was someone practicing the Exploding Charm?¡±


    Kyle leaned forward to take a look. In truth, Professor McGonagall was exaggerating a bit. Other than the walls, ceiling, and the corridor outside the bathroom door being blackened by smoke, there wasn¡¯t any real damage. Zonkos¡¯ exploding textbooks might have caused a loud ruckus, but they were practically harmless; otherwise, Kyle would never have risked setting them up in the school.


    Professor McGonagall seemed to realize this too, though her irritation didn¡¯t fade.


    ¡°Professor McGonagall, I came because I heard a noise,¡± Kyle quickly said.


    She nodded, giving him an assessing look. ¡°Was anyone else here when you arrived?¡±


    ¡°There were three of them,¡± Kyle said, gesturing toward the stairs. ¡°They ran down the stairs as I was arriving.¡±


    ¡°Who were they?¡± Professor McGonagall asked, her lips tight.


    Kyle pointed to the darkened wall and replied, ¡°Their faces were as black as this wall, so I couldn¡¯t see them clearly.¡±


    Professor McGonagall glanced from the bathroom wall to the corridor outside, where three distinct human silhouettes had been outlined in the smoke. She seemed to piece something together, and a faint smile softened her usually stern expression.


    ¡°One of Zonko¡¯s items, no doubt¡­¡± She decided not to pursue the culprits further. With a quick flick of her wand, she restored the bathroom to its pristine state, then dispersed the growing crowd of students drawn by the noise, many of whom feared another attack like the one on Filch.


    Myrtle remained silent and inconspicuous throughout the process, and it wasn¡¯t until Professor McGonagall left that she cautiously poked her head out from her stall.


    ¡°So, three annoying people driven off... I didn¡¯t think those things you put in here would actually work,¡± she said to Kyle with a hint of admiration.


    ¡°What did you think they were for?¡± Kyle whispered as he walked back toward the Great Hall, glancing at Myrtle.


    ¡°Just old books you didn¡¯t want¡­¡± Myrtle replied. ¡°Will you put more in?¡±


    ¡°Of course,¡± he assured her.


    Kyle had picked up quite a haul of Zonko¡¯s tricks on his last Hogsmeade trip, including the exploding textbooks. There had only been two copies, but judging by the earlier commotion, they were more than enough.


    ...


    By the time Kyle returned to the Great Hall, lunch was already underway. Professor McGonagall was at the head table, speaking with Professor Flitwick.


    Harry, Ron, and Hermione arrived even later, slipping in with their heads down midway through lunch. They¡¯d clearly changed clothes, and as they walked, they tried to smooth out their still-rumpled hair. Professor McGonagall glanced at them from the head table, a faintly knowing look in her eye.


    ...


    ¡°The Quidditch match is tomorrow,¡± Harris was saying to Cedric nearby. ¡°Gryffindor versus Slytherin. We¡¯ll finally get to see how those new broomsticks perform¡ªand that new Seeker.¡±


    He was referring, of course, to Draco Malfoy, the only recent addition to the Slytherin team.


    Cedric nodded. ¡°I¡¯ll keep an eye on it.¡±


    ¡°I just hope he¡¯s on the team because of those brooms, and not because he¡¯s some kind of Seeker prodigy like Potter,¡± Harris said, a note of unease in his voice.


    Seven brand-new Nimbus 2001s were one thing, but if they were combined with a skilled Seeker, the other three teams would be in serious trouble.

 Chapter 299: Magic Defeats Magic

    Kyle got up early on Saturday morning, eager to watch the upcoming Quidditch match. This season''s schedule wasn¡¯t favorable to Gryffindor¡ªthey had to face the fully-equipped Slytherin team right from the start. A lineup with all Nimbus 2001s... they might as well be up against a professional team. Given this, it was no wonder the Gryffindors were feeling low; even Fred and George didn¡¯t seem in the mood for jokes.


    When Kyle arrived in the Great Hall, he found the Gryffindor players clustered together around their long, empty table, looking tense and unusually quiet. Unsure what to say, he simply hurried over and gave both Fred and George a supportive pat on the shoulder as they were getting ready to head to the Quidditch Pitch.


    "Come on, if you win, you won¡¯t have to do that tap-dancing flight around the castle again," he said.


    Fred and George had been looking for an excuse to get out of that bet all year, especially with that shiny Order of Merlin medallions to his name, yet they still hadn¡¯t followed through.


    The main issue was the absurdity of the moves they had planned¡ªbalancing three trophies on their heads while tap-dancing on a broomstick wasn¡¯t just tricky; it bordered on impossible. Even managing one of those feats would have been a stretch, let alone both.


    Fred¡¯s eyes brightened. "Really?"


    "Of course, it''s a deal," Kyle laughed.


    "Honestly, your pep talks work way better than Wood¡¯s," George said, leaning over. "All he ever does is repeat the same stuff."


    George cleared his throat and mimicked Oliver Wood''s voice with a grand gesture. "¡®Slytherin''s broomsticks may be better than ours, but the players on our broomsticks are better than theirs...¡¯"


    "As if that isn¡¯t the most obvious thing... and he¡¯s our captain?"


    "But he is the captain," Fred shrugged. "We¡¯ve got to go along with it."


    With that, they began joking about Oliver from both sides, and their earlier dejected expressions disappeared entirely. Kyle even suspected they might¡¯ve put on that sad act just to set him up for his comment.


    ¡°Hey, Kyle, your face says exactly what you¡¯re thinking," George said, raising an eyebrow. "But we weren¡¯t faking¡­¡±


    ¡°We really were nervous...¡±


    ¡°Worried about losing the match¡­¡±


    ¡°Until we put these on¡­¡± Fred patted the scarlet and gold of his team jersey.


    ¡°And then we decided that if we win this time,¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll celebrate the same way¡­¡±


    ¡°Not because of a bet, just to celebrate!¡±


    With that, Fred and George laughed as they headed toward the Changing Rooms, and Kyle made his way to the stands. Cedric had already saved him a seat.


    ¡°What¡¯s the verdict?¡± Cedric asked.


    ¡°They seem pretty confident,¡± Kyle replied with a grin.


    "Good." Cedric nodded. Down by the players¡¯ tunnel, Oliver Wood was leading out the rest of the team. ¡°Actually, I spoke with Hannah and Susan from the second year yesterday¡­¡± Cedric said, glancing toward the Slytherin lineup across the field, ¡°and they both told me Draco Malfoy did poorly in flying lessons compared to Potter.¡±


    ¡°Not surprising,¡± Kyle said. ¡°If he could actually fly, there¡¯d be no need to buy brooms for the whole team¡­ Nimbus 2001s are outrageously expensive, and buying seven at once isn¡¯t exactly within reach for most people, even the Malfoys.¡±


    ¡°Exactly,¡± Mikel chimed in, pushing his way into the conversation. ¡°Apparently, Malfoy¡¯s allowance was cut in half because of those broomsticks.¡±


    ¡°If that¡¯s the case, then Malfoy definitely bought his way onto the team,¡± Cedric said, giving Mikel a skeptical look. ¡°But how do you even know that?¡±


    ¡°Oh, I overheard him say it himself.¡± Mikel patted his pocket absentmindedly, which was bulging with something.


    As the boys chatted, the match was about to begin. "On my whistle," called Madam Hooch. "Three, two, one..."


    The crowd erupted in cheers as the fourteen players soared into the gray sky. Harry quickly rose to the highest point, his gaze scanning for the Golden Snitch.


    But Malfoy was behaving differently. Instead of searching for the Snitch, he seemed focused solely on Harry, flying beside him as if he were showing off. His behavior was oddly reminiscent of a Fwooper in a courtship display.


    And this continued for the first five minutes.


    "What on earth is Malfoy doing?" Cedric muttered, frowning. "He''s a Seeker... Does he think Potter''s hiding the Golden Snitch in his top pocket?"


    Cedric grimaced, unable to keep watching as the Bludgers whizzed dangerously close to both players. Harry quickly swerved to avoid them, but as the Bludgers missed him, they zoomed directly toward Malfoy.


    As the Bludger barreled closer, Malfoy seemed rooted to the spot, his face pale with disbelief. Seekers were supposed to watch out for Bludgers only when they were trying to catch the Snitch, weren¡¯t they? But the match had barely started, and there wasn¡¯t a Snitch in sight!


    The Bludger loomed larger and larger until it was nearly upon him, and Malfoy instinctively squeezed his eyes shut, bracing himself for impact. Yet, just as it was an inch from his face, the Bludger veered off course and hurtled straight back toward Harry.


    Harry dodged again, but the Bludger honed in on him once more, as though it had a mind of its own, refusing to pursue anyone else. Fred and George, noticing this, quickly flew to Harry''s side, doing their best to shield him from the rogue Bludger.


    Then, the rain started to fall.


    "Someone''s tampered with the Bludger!" Fred shouted as he knocked it away again.


    The spectators in the stands began to realize something was amiss.


    "Marcus Flint scores... Slytherin leads, 50-0," announced Lee Jordan from the commentary stand. "But what''s going on with that Bludger? How many Galleons does Harry Potter owe it¡­?"


    Wood signaled to Madam Hooch.


    "Finally, Oliver Wood has called a timeout!" Lee announced. "Frankly, he should¡¯ve done that ages ago... ideally before Harry Potter¡¯s skull became the Bludger¡¯s personal target!"


    The Gryffindor team huddled together to discuss a solution, while in the stands, Kyle¡ªdonning his waterproof and moisture-proof badge¡ªsearched the rain-swept field intently for something. Eventually, he spotted a faint, short figure lurking in the Slytherin players'' tunnel.


    "Excuse me," Kyle muttered as he pushed through the crowd. But instead of heading toward the Slytherin tunnel, he sprinted in the direction of the castle.


    A few minutes later, Kyle returned, accompanied by a House-elf from the kitchen. The game had resumed, with the Bludger still relentlessly chasing Harry around the pitch.


    "Kaka, do you recognize that House-elf?" Kyle pointed to the tunnel. "It looks like it¡¯s controlling the Bludger somehow."


    "Kaka doesn''t know it, sir!" the House-elf shrieked. "It''s not from the kitchen staff..." S§×arch* The NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Bad elf, a very bad elf! Kaka will handle it!"


    As Kaka glanced up at the crazed Bludger still streaking across the sky, its large ears turned red¡ªwhether from fury or something else, Kyle couldn¡¯t tell. With a sharp , Kaka vanished from sight.


    A moment later, a small stool came tumbling out of the tunnel.


    Simultaneously, the Bludger that had been trailing Harry abruptly changed course, hurtling straight toward Marcus Flint instead. Having watched the Bludger doggedly pursue Harry up until now, the Slytherin captain assumed it would continue to do so and didn¡¯t even attempt to dodge.


    The Bludger smashed into Flint''s face with a sickening thud. His eyes rolled back as he lost consciousness, slipping from his broom.


    In the stands, Professor McGonagall reacted swiftly, raising her wand to keep Flint from hitting the ground directly.

 Chapter 300: Harry’s Narrow Escape

    Since he couldn¡¯t be sure if the Bludger''s odd behavior would start up again, and with Slytherin¡¯s lead growing larger, Harry knew he needed to catch the Golden Snitch as soon as possible to end the game.


    ¡°Practicing ballet, Potter?¡± Malfoy jeered, flying right beside him. ¡°I didn¡¯t know you had that in you. Maybe you should join the Skeletons!¡±


    Harry was momentarily distracted by Malfoy¡¯s taunting and glanced back. But at that exact moment, he saw it¡ªthe Golden Snitch darted right between them. Without missing a beat, Harry took off in pursuit.


    Malfoy, a bit slower to react, scrambled to catch up. Thanks to his superior broom, the distance between them started to shrink.


    ¡°It¡¯s the Snitch! Both Harry Potter and Draco Malfoy have seen it¡­ they¡¯re speeding up!¡± Lee Jordan¡¯s voice boomed from the commentary booth. ¡°The Snitch just changed direction¡­ Harry¡¯s closing in, less than two feet away¡­ and Malfoy¡¯s dropping behind¡­ Seems a fancy broom doesn¡¯t always cut it!¡±


    Harry was inching closer to the Snitch, his fingertips nearly brushing its wings¡­ but then a Bludger abruptly changed direction and hurtled toward him. This time, Harry didn¡¯t dodge. He let go of his broom and lunged forward, catching the Snitch firmly in his hand. But at that same instant, the Bludger smashed into his arm, breaking it.


    With a loud splash, Harry tumbled off his broom and landed in the muddy ground, his arm twisted at an unnatural angle. Cheers erupted from the stands, and Kyle grinned¡ªit was the first time in three years he¡¯d seen a whole season opener, and it had been worth it.


    As the crowd chanted Harry¡¯s name, Kyle spotted Dobby the House-elf dashing away from the pitch, with Kaka in hot pursuit, wielding a cleaning broom and whacking Dobby repeatedly on the head. Apparently, this was the House-elves¡¯ way of handling conflicts¡ªstraightforward and, well, brutish.


    Kyle raised an eyebrow, wondering if that final Bludger¡¯s strange targeting had been Dobby¡¯s doing¡­ If so, it was relentless. Poor Harry, though; Kyle had hoped he might escape without a broken arm.


    After the match, Madam Hooch moved Harry and Marcus Flint, who was also injured, to the edge of the pitch to be taken to the Hospital Wing. A crowd quickly gathered.


    Groggy, Harry blinked and saw a blurry row of what looked like gleaming teeth. "Oh no, not you," he muttered under his breath.


    ¡°What do you say? Shall I fix that arm for you?¡± announced Lockhart loudly to the crowd. ¡°Not to worry, I¡¯m on it!¡±


    He pulled out his wand. "So, who shall we treat first?"


    Harry, still half-dazed, managed to lift his uninjured hand and point shakily at Marcus Flint. ¡°H-him¡­ he¡¯s hurt worse¡­¡±


    ¡°What a thoughtful lad,¡± Lockhart said, dabbing at his eyes as though moved. ¡°Don¡¯t fret, I can heal you both in no time at all. Let¡¯s start with the closest one.¡±


    He eyed Harry¡¯s injured arm. S~ea??h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°No!¡± Harry exclaimed hastily. ¡°Really, just¡­ leave it, it doesn¡¯t hurt at all¡­ honestly¡­¡± He struggled to sit up.


    ¡°Nonsense¡ªyou¡¯re talking gibberish from the pain!¡± Lockhart replied with a grin, raising his wand. ¡°Just lie down. It¡¯s a simple spell; I¡¯ve done it countless times¡­¡±


    ¡°Professor Lockhart¡­¡±


    Kyle pushed through the crowd and leaned in close to Lockhart. ¡°We all know you could handle it,¡± he whispered, ¡°but let¡¯s leave this to Madam Pomfrey¡­ Otherwise, she might run out of patients. Plus, everyone would love to hear your thoughts on the match.¡±


    ¡°Oh, you¡¯re right. I wouldn¡¯t want to steal Poppy¡¯s thunder,¡± Lockhart said, patting his head sheepishly. ¡°Apologies¡ªI¡¯ve tended to the injured so often on my travels, it¡¯s become second nature. I hope Poppy forgives me.¡±


    ¡°But when it comes to Quidditch, you¡¯ve come to the right expert,¡± Lockhart added with a chuckle. ¡°The Appleby Arrows asked me twice to join them, but I had to turn them down. I was saving villagers from Wagga Wagga Werewolves at the time. Actually, they invited me again just this July, the day after Dumbledore visited me. If that letter had arrived two days sooner, I¡¯d be on the Quidditch pitch right now!¡±


    Lockhart¡¯s story drew murmurs and admiring glances from his fans, who still seemed plentiful despite everything.


    Lying on the ground, Harry felt immense relief. ¡°Thanks¡­¡± he whispered gratefully to Kyle.


    Fred and George pushed through the crowd as well, and as Lockhart recounted his impressive ¡°Quidditch credentials,¡± they swiftly lifted Harry and hurried him off toward the Hospital Wing.


    ...


    Everything went smoothly, and it took Madam Pomfrey only a moment to reattach Harry''s arm. She seemed a bit disgruntled, though.


    ¡°Every year someone gets hurt... This sport is too dangerous; I can¡¯t understand why Dumbledore hasn¡¯t banned it yet,¡± she muttered, thrusting a potion bottle into Harry¡¯s hands. ¡°Drink this; it¡¯ll help with your recovery¡­¡±


    Harry accepted the potion without a word and took a cautious sip. Although he¡¯d braced himself, the taste nearly overwhelmed him¡ªit was like the Dursleys'' pot-scrubbing liquid. He choked slightly but managed to keep it down.


    ¡°I thought they said there were two injured,¡± Madam Pomfrey remarked, looking around. ¡°Why is it only you?¡±


    No sooner had she spoken than a group of Slytherins arrived, carrying Marcus Flint into the Hospital Wing. The animosity between the teams was clear; the Slytherins glared daggers at the Gryffindor players. However, with Madam Pomfrey present, they kept silent, settling Marcus on the hospital bed farthest from Harry.


    ¡°A broken nose, and several teeth missing¡­¡± Madam Pomfrey examined Marcus with a frown. ¡°Dumbledore should ban this reckless sport!¡±


    ¡°Madam Pomfrey, Quidditch isn¡¯t actually that dangerous¡ª¡± Malfoy started to protest, but one look from Madam Pomfrey shut him up.


    After his recent stay in the Hospital Wing, Malfoy had developed a bit of a phobia of Madam Pomfrey. Her potions were worse than slug juice, and just the thought made him feel queasy. He glanced at the door, his pale face turning even paler. Any urge to mock Harry quickly vanished¡ªhe wanted nothing more than to leave before Madam Pomfrey noticed him.

 Chapter 301: Professor Attacked

    Despite Harry''s insistence that his arm was fine and he could leave, Madam Pomfrey insisted he stay overnight in the Hospital Wing.


    "Your arm is all bent out of shape!" she exclaimed. "If you want to be able to use your wand again, you need to make sure it''s fully healed before you go."


    So Harry stayed.


    The Gryffindor team came by in the evening, bringing cakes, sweets, and several bottles of Pumpkin Juice, as though they were about to throw a lively party. Unsurprisingly, they were promptly thrown out for seriously disturbing the other patients.


    ...


    "I told you ten minutes ago that you''d be kicked out," Kyle said, laughing as Fred and George returned to the Great Hall empty-handed. "Even Professor Dumbledore would''ve been booted out of the Hospital Wing if he tried to celebrate there, let alone you two."


    "We had to give it a shot."


    The twins sat down at the long Hufflepuff table, taking the condiment dish Cedric handed them without protest.


    "Honestly..." Fred muttered as he peeled a potato, "if a few laughs would wake up Flint or Filch, it¡¯d be worth it."


    "Especially Filch¡­ he might even have to thank us," George added with a wink.


    Filch was also in the Hospital Wing, concealed completely behind the heavy curtains drawn around his bed.


    ...


    Early on Sunday morning, Kyle set off to visit Hagrid.


    He¡¯d only been to the cabin once so far this year, at the start of term, and hadn¡¯t gone back since¡­ mostly because he¡¯d been too busy catching up on his work and studying runes. But Hagrid had sent him a letter on Friday, saying he¡¯d prepared some new cured ham and wanted Kyle to come and taste it.


    Kyle had agreed to visit.


    Not that the cured ham was a big draw¡ªit was hard to forget his taste test last year. The ham had been so salty it was like chewing on a block of salt. At one point, he¡¯d even wondered if Hagrid had somehow turned salt itself into ham.


    After leaving the Great Hall, Kyle crossed paths with Hermione and Ron, who were hurrying down the hall.


    ¡°Are you two going to see Harry?¡± he asked.


    ¡°Yes¡­ yes, we are.¡± Ron, clutching a bulging bag, looked nervous. ¡°This is¡­ a present for him.¡±


    A pungent smell wafted from the bag, reminiscent of Fluxweed.


    Goodness, he thought, herbal medicine as a gift... Harry¡¯s really taken to potions lately.


    Kyle kept his thoughts to himself, though, and after a bit of casual conversation, he parted ways with them. Hermione and Ron hurried upstairs while Kyle left the castle, making his way to Hagrid¡¯s hut.


    ¡°You¡¯ve been busier than a professor lately, Kyle,¡± Hagrid said, pulling off his dragon-skin gloves with a mock frown. ¡°If I didn¡¯t write to you, would you ever stop by?¡±


    ¡°Of course, I would, Hagrid,¡± Kyle assured him. ¡°I¡¯ve just got twelve classes to keep up with, assignments to write, and a couple of clubs I¡¯ve joined¡­¡±


    He trailed off as Hagrid broke into a smile.


    ¡°I¡¯m just teasing,¡± Hagrid chuckled, lifting a brass pot to pour steaming pine-nut tea into Kyle¡¯s cup. ¡°I know you¡¯re busy. Professor Kettleburn mentioned you¡¯re juggling twelve classes and have a mountain of writing every day¡­ I honestly didn¡¯t think you¡¯d make it today.¡±


    ¡°I need to take a little break,¡± Kyle said, blowing on his tea.


    ¡°Glad you think so,¡± Hagrid replied with a grin. ¡°And Kyle, you¡¯re already doing a fantastic job. Since Bill graduated, I¡¯ve not heard of anyone joining multiple clubs at once¡ªyou¡¯re the first.¡±


    With that, he brought out a ham sandwich he¡¯d prepared in advance.


    Kyle shook his head, declining politely, saying he¡¯d just had breakfast.


    Hagrid shrugged and didn¡¯t mind; he just took a piece from the plate himself and dug in.


    "Where are your friends¡ªthe Weasley brothers, Cedric, and Kanna?" Hagrid asked.


    "They¡¯ve gone off to train," Kyle replied. "Kanna and Cho are in the library, working on their runes."


    "Ah, that¡¯s good, being in a group," Hagrid said, finishing his sandwich and taking a big gulp of tea. "You¡¯d better stick with them, Kyle, whether it¡¯s class or anything else¡ªkeep with others whenever you can."


    "Are you talking about Filch?" Kyle put down his cup. "I¡¯ll be careful."


    "Just being careful isn¡¯t enough," Hagrid said seriously. "Even yesterday, a professor¡­ Ah, never mind, I shouldn¡¯t be talking about it."


    "A professor?" Kyle frowned, a hint of suspicion in his voice. "Did something happen last night?"


    "Well¡­ you¡¯ll find out soon enough." Hagrid glanced toward the castle and lowered his voice. "It was Charity Burbage. Last night, Dumbledore found her in an empty classroom. By then, she¡¯d already ended up like Filch."


    Hagrid poured Kyle another cup of tea. "Charity had been studying muggle life at a muggle school, so her magic wasn¡¯t quite up to the level of the other professors, but still¡ªshe was an adult witch."


    Kyle¡¯s hand, holding the teacup, paused mid-air.


    He hadn¡¯t expected a second attack to happen so soon¡ªand this time, it was a professor. Charity Burbage was a full professor at Hogwarts, and that was a far more serious matter than Filch being attacked.


    If a professor had been targeted, what did that mean for the students? It was hard to say, but Hogwarts might very well close if this continued. Dumbledore would have to find a way to resolve the situation.


    Kyle stayed in Hagrid¡¯s hut until noon, eventually returning to the castle with a large chunk of pickled warthog leg.


    Hagrid insisted on giving it to him, and Kyle didn¡¯t want to be rude. Norbert had been eating only beef shanks and pork chops from the kitchens lately, so this would make a nice change.


    As it happened, Kyle bumped into Hermione and Ron again as soon as he stepped into the foyer¡ªthis time with Harry in tow. They¡¯d just come down from the common room, probably heading to the Great Hall for lunch.


    "I can¡¯t believe there¡¯s such a magical place in Hogwarts!" Ron exclaimed, looking excited.


    "It¡¯s amazing," Hermione chimed in, just as thrilled. "There¡¯s more in there than in the Potions classroom¡ªeven a Self-Stirring Cauldron, which will save us so much time."


    "Too bad they don¡¯t have potion ingredients... If they had Bicorn horns and Boomslang skins, we wouldn¡¯t even need to go to Snape¡ª"


    "Harry!" Hermione interrupted, raising her voice. "Dinner¡¯s about to start; we can talk about the potions homework later."


    Harry froze for a second. They¡¯d been discussing the Polyjuice Potion¡ªsince when had they been talking about potions homework? But, catching on to Hermione¡¯s hint, he soon noticed Kyle nearby.


    "Oh, right, Hermione¡­" Harry said, raising his voice as well. "Those potions homework assignments are really tough. I¡¯m starving!"


    The three then quickened their pace down the stairs, pretending they¡¯d just noticed Kyle, and greeted him with enthusiastic waves.


    "¡­Kyle! I didn¡¯t even realize you were here!"


    Kyle couldn¡¯t help but smirk at their poor acting. Honestly, even his Niffler had better poker skills when it tried to hide its stash of stolen coins.


    "I just came back from Hagrid¡¯s," Kyle replied, flashing a polite smile. "He gave me a piece of cured ham. Want some?"


    "No, no," they all chorused, shaking their heads at once.


    Never eat anything Hagrid offered unless it was absolutely necessary¡ªthat was a lesson they¡¯d learned the hard way last year.


    S§×ar?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Chapter 302: A Small Profit

    By Monday morning, news that Professor Charity Burbage had been attacked and taken to the Hospital Wing had spread throughout the castle.


    The school had suspended all Muggle Studies classes until a replacement professor could be found. Marcus Flint, recently discharged from the Hospital Wing, claimed he¡¯d seen the professor being brought there on Saturday night. Everyone who heard was shocked¡ªit was a professor, after all!


    Rumors spread like wildfire, and suspicions ran high. Nearly everyone began moving in groups, fearful of being attacked if left alone.


    ¡°He¡¯s lying!¡± Harry said indignantly at the Gryffindor table. ¡°He didn¡¯t wake up at all on Saturday night; he was out cold!¡±


    ¡°But people want to believe him,¡± Ron muttered, not looking up. ¡°Forget about it.¡±


    He dropped a knapsack onto the table, rummaged through a pile of books and notebooks, and finally pulled out a piece of parchment, measuring it with a ruler.


    ¡°Ugh, still three inches short¡­ Harry, did you finish the History of Magic homework?¡±


    ¡°What? We have homework in History of Magic?¡± Harry asked, stunned.


    ¡°Of course we do. It¡¯s on the 1289 International Warlocks¡¯ Convention.¡± Ron looked at him in disbelief. ¡°Did you let that Bludger hit you on the head again?¡±


    ¡°No¡­ but maybe it¡¯s from that fall I took,¡± Harry admitted. ¡°I don¡¯t remember any of that.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re in trouble, then, because our first period is History of Magic,¡± Ron said sympathetically. He then turned to Hermione. ¡°And your¡­¡±


    ¡°No way!¡± Hermione shot him a sharp look. ¡°Do your own homework.¡±


    ¡°I know,¡± Ron said. ¡°But I was in that room on the eighth floor all day yesterday¡ªI didn¡¯t have time to go to the library.¡±


    ¡°Oh, right,¡± Hermione huffed, rolling her eyes. ¡°You were too busy playing with your broomstick!¡±


    ...


    With two people attacked in succession, one of them a professor, everyone at the castle was on edge; the air had grown grim, like a deathly air had descended over Hogwarts.


    Fred and George could no longer bear the tension, so one morning, they made a spectacular entrance into the Great Hall, each carrying three golden trophies balanced on their heads like fashionable, gleaming helmets. In addition, the broomsticks they wielded were unusual¡ªeach had an extra plank fastened to the middle with Spello-tape.


    Once a sizable crowd had gathered, Fred and George strutted out of the castle amidst the curious stares of onlookers. Outside, they mounted their modified brooms and began to fly leisurely around the castle, performing an energetic tap dance atop their broomsticks as they hovered in the air. Instantly, the crowd''s spirits lifted, and the hall filled with laughter and applause.


    Professor McGonagall was among the crowd, but instead of stopping Fred and George or dispersing the students, she waited silently until they had completed their circuit around the castle and touched back down. Then, she stepped forward, her face set in a stern expression.


    ¡°Professor McGonagall...¡± S§×ar?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°Why are you here?¡±


    Fred and George¡¯s mischievous grins vanished, and they looked at her sheepishly.


    ¡°One point from Gryffindor,¡± said Professor McGonagall firmly. ¡°This is not how broomsticks are meant to be used. Don¡¯t attempt anything so dangerous again.¡±


    She glanced at the trophies atop their heads. ¡°And make sure those trophies are spotless before you return them to the Trophy Room, or you¡¯ll both be in detention.¡±


    ¡°We promise, Professor. We¡¯ll polish them until they shine,¡± said Fred quickly.


    ¡°Good as new,¡± added George.


    Relieved to have only lost a single point and narrowly avoided detention, Fred and George stifled laughter. They had been prepared for much worse.


    Professor McGonagall simply turned and walked away without further comment, and the crowd buzzed with renewed energy. Fred and George, basking in their success, walked back to the castle like two victorious warriors, surrounded by cheering students.


    Once inside, they found Kyle and, with a grin, asked, ¡°What did you think?¡±


    ¡°A brilliant performance,¡± Kyle replied sincerely.


    Cedric gave them a thumbs-up but added with curiosity, ¡°But how did you manage to keep the trophies balanced?¡±


    ¡°Spello-tape,¡± said Fred, pulling one of the trophies free to demonstrate. ¡°We thought of using a Levitation Charm, but decided this was simpler.¡±


    ¡°Definitely safer,¡± said George, chuckling. ¡°We once asked Ron to help us, but he couldn¡¯t quite control the Levitation Charm and ended up losing the test feather. We still haven¡¯t found it.¡±


    ¡°After that, we gave up on asking for help.¡±


    With class approaching, Fred and George decided to return the trophies promptly.


    ¡°Is this enough?¡± Kanna eyed the trophies they were holding, noting the remnants of tape still clinging to them.


    ¡°More than enough for us,¡± Fred replied with a grin. George added with a wink, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, none of these belong to Kyle... we made sure. These trophies are all from Slytherin.¡±


    Laughing, they dashed up the stairs. Thanks to their antics, the castle felt alive again, breaking the gloom that had settled over Hogwarts.


    Later, during Defense Against the Dark Arts, Professor Lockhart even announced he might feature Fred and George¡¯s performance in his upcoming book. Kyle couldn¡¯t help but think that they wouldn¡¯t be thrilled by this particular honor.


    After class, Kyle ran into Neville in the corridor. It seemed Neville had been waiting there, and as soon as he spotted Kyle, he hurried over.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry... I think I¡¯ve ruined it,¡± Neville murmured, his voice shaky and on the verge of tears. He held a flowerpot behind his back, revealing a fragile, slender plant with green stems and dry, yellowed leaves that looked as if they might wither at any moment.


    ¡°They''ve looked like this since yesterday, and I¡¯m not sure why,¡± Neville said, biting his lip. ¡°I¡¯m sorry¡­¡±


    ¡°Why apologize?¡± Kyle asked, gently touching the leaves with a reassuring smile. ¡°Lady¡¯s Mantle naturally goes through cycles like this. When the old shoots wither, it¡¯ll soon grow new ones, and the leaves will become even fuller. This is completely normal¡ªyou¡¯re doing a fine job caring for it.¡±


    ¡°Really?¡± Neville asked, unable to hide his relief. ¡°So I didn¡¯t mess it up this time?¡±


    ¡°Of course not,¡± Kyle replied. ¡°If you want to be sure, check . Chapter 12 covers Lady¡¯s Mantle in detail.¡±


    ¡°Thank goodness... I kept thinking it was my fault that it looked like this,¡± Neville sighed, his mood brightening. ¡°Oh, by the way, Kyle, do they sell amulets where you¡¯re from?¡±


    ¡°Amulets?¡± Kyle asked, slightly confused. ¡°Isn¡¯t it still half a year until exams? Why do you need one so early?¡±


    ¡°No, it¡¯s not for the exams¡­¡± Neville shook his head quickly. ¡°I mean the kind that repels dark creatures and keeps you safe, like¡­ well, this one.¡±


    He reached into his pocket and pulled out a shriveled, pungent onion. Kyle immediately stepped back, covering his nose.


    The smell rivaled that of canned herring¡ªand lingered. Neville actually kept this in his pocket? True Gryffindor bravery indeed. Kyle had to admit, it would certainly keep dark creatures at bay¡ªor really, anything with a sense of smell. Except for Fluffy, maybe. That three-headed beast would probably enjoy it.


    ¡°Do you have any?¡± Neville asked, his expression perfectly calm as he even took a deep breath, as if the scent made him feel safer.


    ¡°No,¡± Kyle said, shaking his head.


    True, amulets and charms had grown popular around school lately, and Fred and George had even approached him about it. But Kyle had never taken the idea seriously. The market was already oversaturated, especially with demand dwindling among Slytherins. For all that effort, they¡¯d barely make a few Galleons, which didn¡¯t seem worth it.


    ¡°Ah, I see¡­¡± Neville¡¯s face fell a little.


    He clearly wanted to buy something; after all, everyone knew Kyle¡¯s products were more reliable than anything else on campus.


    Seeing Neville¡¯s disappointment, Kyle thought for a moment before saying, ¡°Actually, wait a second¡ªI might have something.¡±


    He reached into his Mokeskin pouch and pulled out a pointed amethyst. It was a decorative piece he¡¯d received as a gift from the owner of Dervish & Banges last time he¡¯d been in Hogsmeade. It wasn¡¯t valuable; you could get a fist-sized chunk of it for a Galleon.


    Neville accepted the amethyst with a spark of excitement. ¡°Can it protect me from harm?¡±


    ¡°No,¡± Kyle admitted. ¡°But if you shine it at a corner before turning, it might just save you.¡±


    Neville examined the amethyst, his reflection mirrored in its smooth surface. ¡°Ah, it must work like a Sneakoscope¡ªsomething to detect hidden dangers,¡± he muttered, sounding pleased with his deduction.


    ¡°How much is it?¡± he asked.


    ¡°Well, normally ten Sickles,¡± Kyle said. ¡°But this one¡¯s a¡ª¡±


    Before he could finish, Neville pulled out five Galleons.


    ¡°Great! I¡¯ll take ten!¡±

 Chapter 303: Lockhart’s Dueling Club

    Even Kyle hadn¡¯t expected the little gift he gave Neville to become such a hit. Thanks to Neville¡¯s enthusiastic word-of-mouth promotion, more and more students started showing up, eager to buy what they were calling ¡°Anti-Demon Crystals.¡± It was a name they had invented themselves, but the mystique around it only fueled demand.


    Fred and George were astonished. The next day at lunch, they tracked Kyle down at the Hufflepuff table and flanked him.


    ¡°Kyle, didn¡¯t you say you weren¡¯t interested in selling amulets?¡± Fred demanded. ¡°Then why did half of Hogwarts turn up at breakfast wanting to buy these things?¡±


    ¡°And what is this Anti-Demon Crystal nonsense?¡± George asked suspiciously. ¡°You¡¯re not cooking up something valuable on the side and keeping it from us, are you?¡±


    Kyle sighed. ¡°It¡¯s just a decorative amethyst¡ªliterally a Christmas ornament. I gave Neville one yesterday, and somehow, by this morning, the entire school is clamoring for them.¡±


    Kyle rubbed his forehead, exasperated. Neville had wanted to buy one, but Kyle hadn¡¯t been selling them and had just given him the amethyst as a gift. Neville had promised to spread the word, but Kyle hadn¡¯t anticipated just how effectively he¡¯d do so.


    After listening to Kyle¡¯s explanation, Fred and George grasped what had happened.


    ¡°Neville Longbottom¡­¡± they muttered in unison.


    ¡°If only he¡¯d come to us sooner!¡±


    The twins exchanged a look, both thinking of all the Galleons they could have raked in if they¡¯d been ahead of the trend. As soon as they finished their meal, they rushed through one of Hogwarts¡¯ secret passages to Hogsmeade and bought every large amethyst they could find.


    Back at the castle, Kyle used a spell to cut each one into the pointed crystal shapes he remembered from his childhood. For an extra touch, he decided to add a homemade pepper bomb to the base of each crystal. This would create a smokescreen of pepper-infused fog if the crystal was broken, allowing for a quick escape in a pinch. It was a hit.


    Fred and George ended up making three trips to Hogsmeade for restocks, and on their final trip, they even cleared out Dervish & Banges¡¯ entire supply of amethysts. Kyle had to admit he¡¯d underestimated the market; the anxiety over the Chamber of Secrets had made students willing to spend ten Sickles for a little peace of mind. Even without high-end Slytherin customers, they¡¯d made a small fortune.


    The only downside was that Hogwarts soon had a lingering scent of pepper. Every day, some young wizard would accidentally drop their crystal, setting off the pepper bomb, and Neville seemed to be the unluckiest of all. He was going through crystals at an alarming rate¡ªnearly one every two days. Eventually, Fred and George felt so bad for him that they started giving him discounts, even refunding what he¡¯d previously spent, to the point where they lost money on him.


    Meanwhile, Harry and Ron, who shared a dorm with Neville, weren¡¯t thrilled with the craze. They grumbled more than once that every meal now tasted faintly of pepper.


    "I think you two should get one too; this isn¡¯t like those useless onions and salamander tails," Hermione told them.


    "The crystal itself lets you check around corners, the smoke blocks visibility, and the pepper can mess with a creature¡¯s sense of smell. Kyle really thought this through. Whatever the monster is, this crystal would come in handy.¡±


    ¡°Maybe you¡¯re right¡­¡± Ron said with a shrug, ¡°but if you had a roommate like Neville, you wouldn¡¯t be saying that.¡±


    And with that, the days sped by, bringing December and its cold weather. One morning, a new rumor circulated: Lockhart had discovered that professors could start clubs, so he¡¯d petitioned Dumbledore for permission to create one himself.


    As Kyle, Kanna, and Cedric arrived for breakfast, they noticed a fresh piece of parchment pinned to the notice board in the foyer.


    ¡°What¡¯s that?¡± Cedric asked, leaning closer to read it.


    ¡°The school is starting a Duelling Club!¡± an eager Gryffindor ahead of them exclaimed. ¡°First meeting is tonight, at eight o¡¯clock in the Great Hall!¡±


    ¡°Finally!¡± someone said. ¡°About time they started teaching us dueling. It could be really useful.¡±


    ¡°Ha... as if any of those Slytherin goons would ever duel us fair and square,¡± came a skeptical voice. Kyle turned to see Ron, though it was obvious he was interested too.


    ¡°Hello, Kyle,¡± Hermione greeted him. ¡°Are you going to this Duelling Club?¡±


    ¡°Yeah,¡± Kyle nodded. ¡°I¡¯ve got some free time tonight, and it sounds interesting.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re going too,¡± she said, glancing at Harry and Ron. ¡°You never know¡ªit could be useful.¡±


    ¡°Of course we¡¯re going,¡± Ron muttered, ¡°I just hope there¡¯s no pepper there.¡±


    Harry nodded beside him, as both boys had been cautious around their meals lately, each dish carrying a faint peppery scent from Neville¡¯s frequent ¡°crystal mishaps.¡±


    By eight o¡¯clock that evening, the Great Hall had transformed completely. The long tables had been removed, replaced by a gilded stage against one wall, glowing under the light of hundreds of floating candles. When Kyle and his friends arrived, the hall was packed with students, nearly the entire school, each holding their wand and buzzing with anticipation.


    ¡°Who do you think is going to teach us?¡± Cho wondered aloud. ¡°Could it be Professor Dumbledore?¡±


    ¡°Or Professor Flitwick,¡± Cedric suggested. ¡°He was a dueling champion back in the day. He¡¯d be perfect for it.¡±


    ¡°Maybe neither,¡± Fred muttered, eyeing the golden stage. ¡°This showy setup looks like the work of someone I know.¡±


    Moments later, Lockhart strode onto the stage, beaming in a long, plum-colored robe. Snape trailed behind him, his expression as sour as ever.


    ¡°Knew it,¡± Fred groaned. ¡°No one else would put on such a garish show except that peacock.¡±


    ¡°And Snape¡­¡± George sighed. ¡°This couldn¡¯t get worse. Is it too late to sneak out?¡±


    Kanna glanced back at the Great Hall doors, which had already closed behind the throng of students. ¡°Looks like it is.¡±


    Onstage, Lockhart waved his arms grandly for silence. ¡°Gather round, come closer!¡± he called. ¡°In light of recent events, Professor Dumbledore has kindly agreed to let me start this little Duelling Club to teach you all a thing or two about defending yourselves in times of danger.¡± S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He gestured to Snape. ¡°I¡¯d also like to thank Professor Snape, who has graciously agreed to assist me. A truly generous man.¡±


    Snape¡¯s face twisted slightly at that remark. If he didn¡¯t need Dumbledore¡¯s approval on his Potions requisition forms, he would never have agreed to assist Lockhart with this absurd club.


    Lockhart, oblivious to Snape¡¯s darkening expression, continued with a grin, ¡°Now, don¡¯t worry¡ªit¡¯s just a demonstration, and I¡¯ll be careful with my spellwork. I promise to return your Potions professor to you in one piece.¡±


    Snape¡¯s eyes narrowed as he stared daggers at Lockhart, his expression growing icier by the second, as though he was picturing Harry standing before him.

 Chapter 304: Kyle’s Most Feared Opponent

    A hush fell over the Great Hall as everyone watched the stage, where Lockhart and Snape stood facing each other, wands at the ready.


    ¡°First, we must observe proper dueling etiquette. It¡¯s essential,¡± Lockhart announced grandly.


    The two bowed¡ªor rather, Lockhart did. He embellished his movements with extravagant hand flourishes, looking more like he was performing for an audience than preparing for a duel. Kyle, who had seen Professor Flitwick demonstrate proper dueling etiquette at the Charms Club, couldn¡¯t help but roll his eyes. Lockhart¡¯s so-called ¡°form¡± bore no resemblance to standard dueling at all. In fact, 99% of his hand movements seemed invented, with no practical use.


    In a real duel, anyone pulling off such moves would be a laughingstock. But here, at Hogwarts, it was just more theater, and some students actually cheered for Lockhart¡¯s showy display.


    And then, three seconds later¡­


    ¡°Expelliarmus!¡±


    A red flash shot from Snape¡¯s wand, and Lockhart was blasted backward off the stage, slamming into the wall before collapsing to the floor, clutching his stomach. His wand went flying, landing somewhere in the crowd behind Snape, who didn¡¯t even bother to catch it or glance in its direction.


    The Slytherins burst into applause and cheers, clearly delighted. Lockhart scrambled to his feet and immediately began muttering excuses.


    The floor was too soft¡­ the stage lighting had thrown him off¡­ the atmosphere was simply too gloomy¡­


    In short, he blamed the venue, not his own lack of skill. Given a different setting, he assured everyone, the outcome would have been different.


    ¡°I have to say, Lockhart¡¯s pretty quick on his feet,¡± Cho giggled, covering her mouth. ¡°He¡¯s able to come up with so many excuses in just a few seconds.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s a real talent,¡± Cedric chuckled, barely able to keep a straight face.


    By now, everyone had figured out that Lockhart was a fraud. Even though no one knew exactly how he¡¯d fabricated the grand tales in his books, his pathetic performance at Hogwarts was proof enough. In comparison, even last year¡¯s Defense professor, Quirrell, had been more competent.


    Lockhart finally wrapped up his excuses and, with a tight smile hiding his frustration, ended the demonstration. He glanced at Snape, whose expression was murderous.


    ¡°Thank you, Miss Brown,¡± Lockhart said with forced cheer as he retrieved his wand from the crowd. ¡°Now, let¡¯s move on to pairing everyone up for practice duels. Professor Snape, would you kindly assist?¡±


    Snape, silent and scowling, stalked off the stage to start pairing students, a gesture that served as his reluctant agreement. He and Lockhart moved through the crowd, organizing students into pairs.


    Before long, Lockhart reached Kyle¡¯s group.


    ¡°Ah, let¡¯s have the two young ladies here¡ªMiss Chang and Miss Kanna¡ªpair up,¡± he announced. Next, he paired Fred and George, much to their amusement.


    Cedric, eager to partner with Kyle, stepped forward, but Lockhart shook his head. ¡°Now, now, Mr. Diggory, you¡¯re a year older, so that wouldn¡¯t be fair. You¡¯ll partner with Mikel instead.¡±


    Kyle suppressed a groan. ¡°Professor, I¡¯d prefer¡­¡±


    Before he could finish, a silky voice interrupted.


    ¡°I think it would be unfair for someone who has defeated a werewolf and received the Order of Merlin, Second Class, to duel against someone in his own year,¡± Snape drawled, his tone dripping with sarcasm. ¡°Surely, the youngest Order of Merlin recipient should not trouble himself with an ordinary sixth-year student.¡±


    Lockhart hesitated, visibly uncomfortable. ¡°But, Professor Snape, pairing him with someone three years above his level¡­ that hardly seems appropriate.¡±


    Kyle tried to look uncertain, though inwardly, he was thrilled. If there was one person at Hogwarts he dreaded dueling with, it was Mikel¡ªeven more than Dumbledore or Snape. At least with a professor, he¡¯d survive. But Mikel was another story entirely. His control over magic was alarmingly unpredictable, and Kyle still remembered the disastrous incident back in first year.


    Professor Sprout might have helped Mikel improve his spellcasting, but Kyle wasn¡¯t about to risk it. What if, in the heat of the duel, Mikel forgot everything he¡¯d learned? The thought of facing Mikel¡¯s ¡°forbidden charm¡± version of was too horrifying to consider.


    But now, thanks to Snape, he was off the hook. For the first time, Kyle found himself silently thanking Professor Snape¡ªhe truly was a man who looked out for his students!


    Fearing Snape might change his mind, Kyle didn¡¯t waste a second. ¡°If that¡¯s what you want, Professor, I can give it a try,¡± he replied smoothly.


    ¡°Very well,¡± Snape replied icily. ¡°Flint, step forward and show us all just how talented a recipient of the Order of Merlin can be.¡±


    A murmur rippled through the Slytherins as Marcus Flint, their Quidditch captain, swaggered up to the front with a smug grin. He had nursed a grudge against Kyle since last year¡¯s Quidditch match, and now he finally had the chance to teach him a lesson.


    ¡°Oh, I¡¯ll take real good care of you,¡± Flint sneered, his eyes glinting cruelly. The Slytherin Quidditch players behind him erupted in laughter.


    Kyle gave a mild smile, looking completely unbothered.


    ¡°Uh-oh¡­¡± Fred whispered to Ginny beside him, ¡°Better not get too close, Ginny, or you might get splattered with blood.¡±


    ¡°Looks like Flint¡¯s got a soft spot for the Hospital Wing,¡± George remarked, shaking his head. ¡°He just got out and already wants to go back.¡±


    Ginny looked a bit alarmed. ¡°But Kyle¡¯s got good grades in Charms, sure, but Flint¡¯s a sixth-year!¡±


    ¡°Ginny, you¡¯re new to Hogwarts. There¡¯s a lot you haven¡¯t seen yet,¡± George said reassuringly, patting her shoulder. ¡°Trust me, you¡¯ll see soon enough.¡±


    Once all the students had their partners, Lockhart climbed back onto the stage. ¡°Face your partners!¡± he called out. ¡°Bow!¡±


    ¡°On the count of three, cast your spells. Remember, only the Disarming Charm!¡±


    The students complied with Lockhart¡¯s instructions, but the moment the duels began, it was utter chaos. Spells flew in every direction, filling the Great Hall with bursts of colorful light like fireworks.


    Some of the younger students quickly abandoned their wands altogether, opting to throw fists instead, turning their duels into a free-for-all wrestling match.


    Marcus Flint wasted no time in casting a jinx directly at Kyle.  S~ea??h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Kyle¡¯s shield charm flared up instantly, and the jinx rebounded, flying back toward Flint.


    Kyle murmured, watching Flint with a calm expression.


    Focused on preparing his next curse, Flint didn¡¯t even see the rebounded jinx until it slammed into his stomach. He staggered back, clutching his middle, as large scorch marks began to appear on his robes, causing him to collapse in pain.


    ¡°Disarming Charm only!¡± Lockhart¡¯s horrified voice echoed through the hall as he watched the mayhem unfold.


    Snape, observing from the stage, merely shook his head. Kyle had demonstrated the Shield Charm last year for several students on the train. Flint, the fool, hadn¡¯t bothered to prepare. It was as if he had Longbottom¡¯s potions cauldron for a brain.


    Seeing Kyle about to raise his wand again, Snape swiftly stepped forward and barked, ¡°Enough!


    A green mist unfurled across the Great Hall, washing over the students and dissolving the effects of every spell. Flint scrambled to his feet, his face flushed with humiliation. He gripped his wand, ready to cast another spell at Kyle, but one of his teammates held him back.


    ¡°Calm down, Professor Snape¡¯s watching you,¡± they warned.


    Feeling the weight of Snape¡¯s cold gaze, Flint reluctantly lowered his wand, snorting with frustration as he stomped away.


    ¡°Is that it?¡± Fred sighed, looking disappointed. ¡°Well, that was anticlimactic.¡±


    Nearby, Lockhart was weaving through the crowd, frantically assessing the damage.


    ¡°Stand up, Macmillan¡­ Oh dear, broken leg¡­ Miss Fawcett, press down hard on that cut, the bleeding will stop¡­ Boot¡­¡±


    Lockhart, looking completely rattled, gathered himself in the middle of the hall. ¡°I don¡¯t think any of you understand what a duel is supposed to be!¡± he said in a trembling voice. This was definitely not how he¡¯d envisioned things going.


    ¡°Perhaps another demonstration would help¡­¡± Lockhart scanned the room, his eyes reluctantly flicking toward Snape before darting away. ¡°Who would like to join me for another example?¡±


    Snape¡¯s fingers twitched slightly as if restraining himself.


    ¡°We¡¯ll do it!¡± Flint shouted, springing forward and looking directly at Kyle with a menacing grin.


    Kyle didn¡¯t hesitate; he met Flint¡¯s gaze calmly and stepped up onto the stage.

 Chapter 305: An Angry Snape

    As Kyle stepped onto the stage, cheers erupted from the crowd. Fred and George were the loudest, waving a Quidditch-style banner they¡¯d whipped up in record time. Cedric and Cho added to the chaos, appearing with a confetti gun and sending colorful bits of paper showering over the stage.


    Kyle, feeling a mix of pride and embarrassment, wished he could pretend he didn¡¯t know them.


    ¡°Alright, Kyle, no need to panic!¡± said Lockhart with a forced air of confidence. ¡°Here, I¡¯ll show you a little trick. When Flint points his wand at you, just do this¡­¡±


    Lockhart attempted to demonstrate a complex maneuver with his wand, only to fumble and drop it to the floor. Laughter rippled through the crowd as he hastily retrieved it.


    ¡°Ah¡­ just a bit overexcited!¡± he said, brushing it off with a nervous smile.


    Meanwhile, Snape strode over to Marcus, leaned in, and whispered something. A nasty smirk spread across Marcus¡¯s face as he gave a low, mocking chuckle.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Kyle!¡± Lockhart said cheerily, patting him on the shoulder. ¡°Flint may be in sixth year, but if you follow my example, you¡¯ve got nothing to worry about.¡±


    ¡°What, by dropping my wand on the floor?¡± Kyle muttered.


    Lockhart ignored the remark, straightening up and calling out, ¡°Ready? Three¡­ two¡­ one¡­ go!¡±


    Marcus whipped his wand up, prepared to strike.


    Kyle called, summoning a shield in front of him.


    Marcus shouted, sending a thick, black snake spiraling through the air. Clearly, he¡¯d either taken Snape¡¯s advice to heart or learned from his earlier mistake, as he cast his own shield charm and summoned the snake instead of using a direct jinx.


    Kyle quickly assessed the situation. wouldn¡¯t stop a conjured snake, but he hadn¡¯t planned to rely solely on defense. As the snake raised its head to strike, he completed his next spell.


    ¡± Kyle¡¯s wand flashed, and suddenly the solid floor beneath Marcus¡¯s feet turned into a mucky, sinking bog. The Sliding Charm, which Professor Flitwick had taught him, was perfect for trapping opponents in duels.


    Caught by surprise, Marcus stumbled, his legs sinking into the ground as he struggled to free himself.


    The Fire-Making Charm he¡¯d been preparing fizzled out, and in that moment, Kyle sidestepped the snake¡¯s strike. With a quick flick of his wand, he cast on the creature.


    The snake morphed into a rope, coiling back toward Marcus and binding his arms tightly. Marcus snarled, furious and struggling against the binds.


    Kyle tilted his head and asked with a smirk, ¡°Do you give up?¡±


    Marcus didn¡¯t answer, only glared at Kyle with pure malice, trying to lift his wand in defiance. sea??h th§× n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Kyle sighed, deciding to end the duel with something more dramatic. Concentrating, he cast a complex Transfiguration Spell. Behind Marcus, the floor heaved as a massive stone statue emerged, towering over two meters tall. It wielded a heavy, double-edged axe.


    A collective gasp spread through the onlookers as the statue raised its axe high, gathering force before swinging it down toward Marcus with terrifying speed.


    A chorus of screams erupted as students recoiled, some covering their eyes in horror, unable to watch the outcome.


    ¡°I give up! I give up!¡± Marcus shrieked, his voice laced with panic.


    ¡°Enough!¡± Snape¡¯s voice rang out, and he pointed his wand at the statue.


    The stone statue froze mid-swing, the massive axe blade also halting.


    ¡°Do you want to kill Flint?¡± Snape roared, his face twisted with anger. ¡°Hufflepuff loses one hundred points!¡±


    ¡°Professor, I think you¡¯ve misunderstood,¡± Kyle interjected calmly. ¡°If you look closely, you¡¯ll see that I didn¡¯t intend any harm.¡±


    Lockhart bustled over, examining the statue with exaggerated care. ¡°Kyle¡¯s absolutely right, Professor Snape,¡± he said cheerfully. ¡°The axe missed by a whole foot, so even if it had fallen, it would¡¯ve only hit the stage nearby. Flint would¡¯ve been completely unharmed! When I was traveling, I used a similar tactic to scare off dangerous creatures. They soon saw the error of their ways and never bothered anyone again.¡±


    Snape ignored Lockhart entirely, focusing on Kyle with a cold glare. ¡°Why the dramatics?¡± he said icily. ¡°A simple Disarming Charm would have sufficed to end the duel.¡±


    ¡°Apologies, Professor Snape,¡± Kyle said, a hint of an innocent smile on his face. ¡°I only learned the Disarming Charm today and am not very confident with it. This spell was simpler.¡±


    Snape¡¯s scowl deepened. Kyle had just performed partial Transfiguration¡ªa high-level technique reserved for advanced seventh-year students¡ªyet he had the audacity to claim it was ¡°simpler¡± than a Disarming Charm. Snape¡¯s chest rose and fell as he contained his irritation, unwilling to continue arguing with Kyle. Instead, he simply pointed to the doors of the Great Hall.


    ¡°Hufflepuff loses fifty points!¡± he snapped. ¡°Now get out!¡±


    Without further argument, Kyle put away his wand and strode out of the hall. He¡¯d originally hoped to use the Duelling Club as an opportunity to observe any strange behavior, possibly tied to the Chamber of Secrets, but it was clear now he¡¯d need another approach. So far, though, everyone he¡¯d been keeping an eye on¡ªHarry, Ron, and even Lockhart¡ªseemed completely ordinary, without any signs of being controlled by a cursed diary.


    As he walked out, Kyle sighed. ¡°Should¡¯ve known better than to come here¡­ losing fifty points for nothing.¡±


    As he left, he was quickly joined by Kanna, Cedric, Fred, George, and a few others.


    ¡°Thanks to you, Kyle,¡± Fred said, grinning. ¡°I¡¯d been wanting to leave for ages but couldn¡¯t find an excuse.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, there¡¯s not much to learn from Lockhart and Snape,¡± George said with a mock shudder. ¡°Pretty sure any monster from the Chamber of Secrets would just laugh if I tried to bow and pose before fighting it.¡±


    He waved his wand with exaggerated flourishes, mimicking Lockhart¡¯s moves. ¡°Oh¡­ these gestures are so foolish.¡±


    Cedric clapped Kyle on the back. ¡°That statue was incredible, Kyle! I can¡¯t believe you mastered partial Transfiguration so soon after Professor McGonagall¡¯s lesson last week.¡±


    ¡°It was spot on,¡± Kanna added, pointing to a statue at the entrance to the Great Hall. ¡°It looked exactly like this one!¡±


    The group laughed and chatted, and Kyle barely got a chance to respond.


    ¡°I¡ª¡±


    But Cedric cut him off with another slap on the shoulder. ¡°Don¡¯t worry about losing points. It¡¯s just fifty! Besides, Hufflepuffs don¡¯t take that too seriously.¡±


    ¡°Exactly!¡± Fred added, grinning. ¡°Gryffindor always finishes last, so we¡¯re used to it.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯d gladly lose a hundred points to put Marcus Flint in his place,¡± George muttered with satisfaction.


    Kyle chuckled. ¡°It doesn¡¯t bother me. Last year, Snape took fifty points from me in just two lessons.¡±


    ¡°See?¡± George said, nudging Fred. ¡°Told you we didn¡¯t need to comfort him.¡±


    ¡°If I¡¯d known he didn¡¯t care, I wouldn¡¯t have bothered with all that,¡± Fred muttered. ¡°Actually, we do care about our points¡­¡±


    As it was getting late, the group split off at the staircase. Back in the empty Hufflepuff common room, Cedric was still discussing Kyle¡¯s Transfiguration spell, clearly impressed.


    ¡°It¡¯s a shame Professor McGonagall wasn¡¯t there to see it,¡± Cedric said. ¡°She wouldn¡¯t have let Snape take points off for such a brilliant display.¡±


    Kyle laughed, shrugging. ¡°Honestly, I was just trying it out. Maybe the stage wasn¡¯t completely solid, which made it easier to work with.¡±


    ¡°Still impressive,¡± Cedric insisted, sinking into a sofa. ¡°A statue that size¡­ I¡¯d struggle to get the shape right, let alone make it move.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s no need for it to move too much,¡± Kyle replied. ¡°The trick is to focus on key parts. I just used the weight of the axe to drive the arm¡¯s movement.¡±


    ¡°You mean¡­ maintaining the physical continuity of the object after transforming it?¡± Cedric asked, intrigued. ¡°Usually, a statue¡¯s arm wouldn¡¯t be able to move. Doesn¡¯t that take extra magic?¡±


    ¡°Not with stone, but it works well with armor,¡± Kyle explained.


    ¡°Armor¡­¡± Cedric¡¯s eyes lit up with realization. ¡°I see! You adjusted the structure from the beginning! Professor McGonagall did mention that¡­¡±


    Kanna, standing nearby, blinked in confusion, glancing between the two of them. They¡¯d gone from laughing about the duel to a technical Transfiguration discussion, and she couldn¡¯t understand a word of it.

 Chapter 306: Hagrid’s Request, the Beast Banishing Charm

    Because of what happened at the Duelling Club, Kyle found himself the center of attention for the next several days. Wherever he went, students whispered and stared. The sight of the stone statue wielding a massive axe had left a deep impression on everyone.


    When people brought up the Duelling Club, their first thoughts weren''t of Lockhart, who had floundered embarrassingly, nor of the array of Charms on display. Instead, they pictured the stone axe raised high in the air. It was the first time they had truly witnessed Kyle¡¯s strength in such an obvious way. And, well... there was no denying it¡ªhis power was impressive. It was hardly surprising that he¡¯d been awarded the Order of Merlin in only his second year.


    Compared to Kyle, the other "Order of Merlin" recipient seemed almost laughable. Lockhart¡¯s bumbling series of performances had become a running joke among the students.


    Word of the Duelling Club''s events eventually reached Professor McGonagall. During Transfiguration, she surprised everyone by directing most questions to Kyle, awarding Hufflepuff ten points for every correct answer he gave. By the end of class, Kyle had racked up a total of 60 points for Hufflepuff¡ªoffsetting the 50 that Snape had deducted and leaving the house with a net gain of 10.


    Ultimately, the Duelling Club incident didn¡¯t disrupt Kyle''s life too much; in fact, it even brought him a bit of newfound fame.


    But for someone else, the effects were far more significant.


    Harry Potter.


    According to Mikel and Ryan, after Kyle and the others had left, Snape had called Harry and Malfoy back to the stage. It wasn''t clear if Snape had taken the time to give Malfoy a personal lesson, but somehow Malfoy managed to cast and summon a black snake.


    When faced with the same snake, however, Harry¡¯s response wasn¡¯t nearly as smooth as Kyle''s had been. Instead, he unintentionally revealed his ability to speak Parseltongue. Normally, this wouldn''t have been a big deal, but in the current climate, it was.


    Everyone knew that Salazar Slytherin had left the Chamber of Secrets behind, and that Parseltongue was his signature skill. Now, almost everyone viewed Harry as the "Heir of Slytherin," suspecting him of being the one behind the attacks on Filch and Professor Charity Burbage.


    But some didn¡¯t buy it.


    ¡°Harry Potter, using monsters to purge the school? Give me a break,¡± Fred laughed, out on the grounds near the castle. ¡°Just because he can speak Parseltongue doesn¡¯t make him a Slytherin. Remember, he¡¯s in Gryffindor.¡±


    ¡°And his best friend, that Granger, is Muggle-born,¡± George added. ¡°He¡¯d never try to hurt her. We know Harry¡ªhe¡¯d never do something like that.¡±


    ¡°We believe it, too,¡± Kyle agreed. ¡°But unfortunately, most people aren¡¯t convinced.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s odd, though. Why would Harry know Parseltongue?¡± Cedric asked, puzzled. ¡°Both his parents were Gryffindors, weren¡¯t they?¡±


    ¡°Who knows¡­¡±


    The group made their way across the grounds, eventually arriving at Hagrid¡¯s hut by the edge of the Forbidden Forest. Sear?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°Oh, Kyle, you¡¯re here!¡± Hagrid greeted them at the door with his usual enthusiasm, though his grin faded a bit when he spotted Fred and George.


    ¡°I must remind you¡­¡± he started, eyeing the twins.


    ¡°The Forbidden Forest is dangerous, and we¡¯d better not try sneaking in,¡± Fred finished for him with a grin. ¡°You¡¯ve said it a hundred times, Hagrid.¡±


    ¡°And we haven¡¯t been inside for ages,¡± George added. ¡°The most we¡¯ve done is hunt for Kneazles around the edges, and that¡¯s well within school boundaries.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m relieved to hear it,¡± Hagrid sighed. ¡°We¡¯ve got enough trouble around the school as it is, so please, don¡¯t think about wandering in there.¡±


    ¡°But I¡¯m glad you all could come to help... Come on in.¡±


    Hagrid led everyone into the hut. With six of them and Hagrid, the room felt cramped. He brought out a large plate of rock cakes, and while everyone politely took one, no one dared take a bite. They all knew the rock cakes¡¯ legendary toughness and had no intention of risking their teeth.


    As Hagrid brought over another plate of oddly colored sandwiches, Kyle quickly asked, ¡°Hagrid, what did you want to see us about?¡±


    ¡°I need your help to cast some spells around the chicken coop and the edge of the Forbidden Forest.¡±


    Setting the sandwiches aside, Hagrid picked up a limp rooster from a nearby shelf. ¡°This is the second one to die this term. There are bite marks on its neck. Might be a fox, or even a Blood-Sucking Bugbear¡­¡±


    Kyle stepped closer to examine the rooster¡¯s neck. The wounds looked strange¡ªlike something had torn at it, leaving bite marks that defied easy explanation.


    ¡°The headmaster¡¯s already given his permission,¡± Hagrid said. ¡°I thought I¡¯d get a professor to help, but they¡¯re all busy, so I figured I¡¯d ask you.¡±


    Decades ago, when Hagrid was expelled from Hogwarts, his wand had been broken. Though Dumbledore eventually repaired it and hid it in Hagrid¡¯s red umbrella, Hagrid was still unable to use Charms effectively on his own. That was why he had come to Kyle¡ªspells cast around the chicken coop would need to be reasonably subtle, and there was more ground to cover than Hagrid could manage himself.


    ¡°It¡¯s just the Beast Repelling Charm,¡± Fred said with a shrug, tucking a rock cake into his pocket. ¡°Piece of cake; I used it at home plenty. You mentioned the chicken coop¡ªwhere else?¡±


    ¡°Oh, also around the edge of the Forbidden Forest.¡±


    ¡°Plop¡­¡± Fred stumbled, nearly losing his balance as he fell down the stone steps at the door.


    ¡°Hagrid¡­¡± he said, standing up, eyes wide. ¡°Do you realize how big the Forbidden Forest is?¡±


    ¡°Of course, I know,¡± Hagrid replied, scratching his head, a little embarrassed. ¡°But you don¡¯t need to do the whole forest, just the side facing the castle.¡±


    Fred sighed, slumping his shoulders in exasperation. Even just this stretch of the Forbidden Forest bordering the school grounds covered a vast area. Now he understood why the professors hadn¡¯t been able to make time for it¡ªif he were a professor, he¡¯d be just as short on time with a job like this.


    ¡°As a thank-you, I¡¯ll help you find that Kneazle you were looking for,¡± Hagrid added.


    ¡°Deal!¡± Fred and George agreed at once.


    ¡°And for the rest of you¡­¡± Hagrid said, glancing at the others. ¡°If there¡¯s anything you¡¯re looking for, just let me know.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m alright with helping,¡± Kyle replied. ¡°But Hagrid, why are you suddenly keen to cast a Repelling Charm around the Forbidden Forest?¡±


    Hagrid¡¯s gaze drifted slightly. ¡°Oh, nothing much¡­ I¡¯m just worried some of the forest creatures might wander up to the castle.¡±


    Seeing his expression, Kyle had a hunch about what was really going on. It must be the rumors about the Chamber of Secrets that had stirred Hagrid¡¯s memories of the Acromantula in the Forbidden Forest. Hagrid had been expelled years ago over accusations involving the creature. Putting a Repelling Charm on the forest was likely his way of keeping them at bay, just in case.


    But, truthfully, this was unlike Hagrid. Kyle knew him well and couldn¡¯t imagine him taking on such a detailed, time-consuming task¡­ not when he was usually convinced that Aragog and his kin would never pose a problem.


    If not for the fact that Hagrid¡¯s familiar manner hadn¡¯t changed and his rock cakes were the same rock-hard recipe as always, Kyle might have thought someone was using Polyjuice Potion to impersonate him.


    ¡°Hagrid, you know,¡± Kyle said, as they all made their way outside the hut, ¡°the Beast Repelling Charm is actually just a household charm. It only works on small creatures like caterpillars, field mice, and foxes¡­ it doesn¡¯t even affect Gnomes.¡±


    ¡°I know,¡± Hagrid nodded. ¡°But it¡¯s better than nothing.¡±

 Chapter 307: The Third Attack

    Hagrid rarely asked them for help, so the group didn¡¯t hesitate to agree. Thankfully, the Beast Repelling Charm was a straightforward spell. Though the work was extensive, with the six of them pitching in, they managed to complete it by evening. They even received heartfelt thanks from Hagrid.


    Cedric and Kyle were gifted a handful of large Fwooper feathers, perfect for quills. Kanna and Cho each received a small pouch for hair accessories or coins; though a bit rough in craftsmanship, the Unicorn hair woven into them made up for it. Fred and George were the only ones to leave empty-handed. Kneazles weren¡¯t easy to find, and Hagrid assured them that if they returned after Christmas, they would be able to meet a pair. Whether the Kneazles trusted them enough to come home would depend on the twins¡¯ own charm and skill, as these clever creatures had a knack for escaping when they didn¡¯t take to someone.


    ¡°I wish Christmas were tomorrow,¡± Fred said wistfully as they walked back to the castle.


    ¡°What if the Kneazles don¡¯t like us?¡± George said, casting a nervous glance at Cho and Kanna. ¡°Maybe we should have asked for a little pouch, too. Ginny would¡¯ve loved it.¡±


    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you mention that earlier?¡± Fred retorted, raising an eyebrow.


    ¡°It just crossed my mind¡­¡±


    Laughing and chatting, the group continued back to the castle. With some time left before dinner, they decided to visit the Room of Requirement on the eighth floor. Since Kyle had told them about this magical room, it had become their favorite spot to relax.


    But as they reached the third floor, a piercing voice echoed from a nearby corridor.


    ¡°Do it, do it, do it! It¡¯s happening again! No one is safe, human or ghost! Run for your lives!¡±


    The shrill voice cut through the air, stopping them in their tracks. Exchanging looks, they immediately ran toward the commotion. In a shadowed corridor, they saw Peeves, cackling and shouting, his eyes gleaming with mischief. Beside him were two ghosts in a strange, grim state. S§×arch* The n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Nearly Headless Nick and the Bloody Baron floated horizontally, only inches above the ground. They looked blackened and smoky, as if covered in soot. Nearly Headless Nick¡¯s head hung at an odd angle, his expression frozen in horror.


    In the center of it all stood Harry, looking panic-stricken. More students gathered, but none dared approach the ghosts¡ªor Harry. Instead, they crowded on either side of the corridor, watching him with mixed expressions.


    ¡°I¡­ didn¡¯t¡­¡± Harry¡¯s voice was barely a whisper, his face pale. He wanted to explain, but his words faltered, leaving him helpless.


    Suddenly, someone broke the silence.


    ¡°Harry, did you see who did this to them?¡±


    Harry, clinging to the chance to explain, stammered, ¡°No, I didn¡¯t. They were like this when I got here. Then Peeves came, and he¡­¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t lie¡ªyou did it!¡± Ernie Macmillan, a Hufflepuff, forced his way through the crowd. ¡°Kyle, don¡¯t let him fool you! He¡¯s a Parseltongue. At the Duelling Club, he controlled a snake that tried to attack Justin Finch-Fletchley. And Justin just told me he was headed here to pick up a book he left in the Transfiguration classroom.¡±


    Ernie¡¯s eyes narrowed at Harry. ¡°You must¡¯ve overheard us talking, didn¡¯t you? Too bad I lent him my own book, so you¡¯ll have no excuse!¡±


    Behind Ernie, a boy with curly hair, clearly frightened, clung to Kyle¡¯s side as if it offered some protection.


    ¡°I¡¯m not lying!¡± Harry protested. ¡°I was in the library all afternoon. I didn¡¯t hear you¡ªhow could I have known?¡±


    ¡°Caught red-handed¡­¡± Ernie started, but he was cut off.


    ¡°That¡¯s enough, Macmillan!¡± Professor McGonagall¡¯s voice rang out as she stepped through the crowd. Professor Flitwick and Professor Sinistra were right behind her, and the three teachers approached the ghosts to inspect their unusual condition.


    Peeves, meanwhile, continued to hover above, looking delighted by the scene. Ever since he had spotted the Bloody Baron in his current state, he hadn¡¯t stopped grinning¡ªand he was even humming a little song he¡¯d made up about the incident.


    ¡°Oh, Potter, you nuisance, look what you¡¯ve done.


    You¡¯ve made a ghost, and you think it¡¯s fun¡­¡±


    ¡°Stop it, Peeves!¡± Professor McGonagall shouted, her voice sharp.


    Peeves stuck out his tongue at Harry, then floated over to Kyle with a mischievous grin. ¡°Oh, Kyle, you little rascal, better watch your back, or you might just join them! But, oh, wouldn¡¯t you make a lovely ghost¡­¡±


    ¡°Peeves!¡± McGonagall snapped again, and with a laugh, Peeves zipped away down the corridor.


    The professors began dispersing the crowd, and Professor McGonagall conjured a large fan, handing it to Kyle. ¡°Help me get Nearly Headless Nick and the Bloody Baron to the Hospital Wing,¡± she instructed.


    Kyle nodded, using the fan to guide the two floating ghosts down the stairs like balloons.


    Meanwhile, Professor McGonagall beckoned to Harry. ¡°Follow me, Potter,¡± she ordered.


    ¡°Professor!¡± Harry began, desperation in his voice, ¡°I swear I didn¡¯t¡ª¡±


    ¡°I have no time for this, Potter. Dumbledore wants to see you,¡± McGonagall cut him off briskly. Her voice and footsteps soon faded down the hall.


    Kyle continued fanning the two ghosts through the foyer and toward the Hospital Wing. They drew a fair bit of attention; students they passed along the way stared in fascination and horror at the floating figures.


    ¡°Kyle, what are you doing¡­ Oh, if it isn¡¯t the Gryffindor ghost!¡± came a familiar voice in the courtyard. Lockhart had spotted them and was eyeing Nearly Headless Nick curiously. ¡°What¡¯s this, then? Have they taken to wearing new attire?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s another attack, Professor,¡± Kyle replied, not breaking stride. ¡°Like the last two.¡±


    ¡°Of course, I recognized it immediately,¡± Lockhart said, grinning widely. ¡°No doubt some sort of Curse is at play. I¡¯ve seen such things before in an ancient vampire¡¯s castle¡ªghosts cursed to float like balloons if they offended the vampire. But with my masterful persuasion, the vampire lifted the Curse, and I happen to remember the incantation¡­¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s wonderful,¡± Kyle replied politely, continuing toward the Hospital Wing. ¡°You¡¯re welcome to come along. Professor McGonagall asked me to bring them there.¡±


    ¡°Oh, I¡¯d love to assist, of course, but first, I must dash off a reply to my adoring fan,¡± Lockhart said with a dazzling smile. ¡°Just let Madam Pomfrey know I¡¯ll be along shortly to handle this matter.¡±


    ¡­


    When Kyle reached the Hospital Wing, Madam Pomfrey took one look at the two cursed ghosts and sighed. She instructed Kyle to fan them into a corner and secure them behind a curtain. ¡°As long as there¡¯s no draft, they should stay put,¡± she said wearily.


    Just as Kyle was about to leave, he mentioned, ¡°Professor Lockhart might be stopping by soon.¡±


    ¡°What does he want?¡± Madam Pomfrey asked, frowning.


    ¡°He says he can help solve the ghost problem.¡±


    ¡°Help?¡± Madam Pomfrey let out a short, exasperated laugh. ¡°He couldn¡¯t tell a dandelion from a clover, that storyteller, that¡­ that¡­¡± She trailed off, suddenly remembering Kyle was still there and composed herself. ¡°Oh, never mind. Thank you, Kyle; you can go now.¡±

 Chapter 308: Snape’s Discovery – Two Kyles?

    Eighth Floor, Headmaster''s Office.


    After seeing Harry out, Dumbledore reached over to gently stroke Fawkes, who had just risen from the ashes, his feathers sparse and wrinkled.


    ¡°He¡¯s not telling the truth,¡± Snape said, stepping forward. ¡°I can tell he¡¯s hiding something¡­ and he¡¯s known he was a Parseltongue for years, yet he¡¯s kept silent about it.¡±


    Snape had been present in the Headmaster''s Office when Harry arrived, and he was clearly unsatisfied.


    ¡°Severus, the boy knew nothing of the wizarding world until recently.¡± Dumbledore set the newly reborn Fawkes on his perch, then turned back to Snape. ¡°Perhaps Harry didn¡¯t think it unusual that he could talk to a snake¡ªmany wizards can. And if he were trying to conceal it, he wouldn¡¯t have shown it so openly in the Duelling Club.¡±


    Dumbledore held Snape¡¯s gaze. ¡°As for the rest¡­ everyone has secrets, Severus. You, me¡­ even Harry.¡±


    Snape¡¯s eyes flickered away from Dumbledore¡¯s piercing look.


    ¡°Tell me what you do know,¡± Dumbledore continued, moving aside and taking a sip of his black tea. ¡°About the Chamber of Secrets.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± Snape said, his voice firm. ¡°The Dark Lord never spoke of it. You should remember, he never discussed his past.¡±


    As he spoke, Snape bent down and, with practiced ease, gathered the ashes beneath Fawkes¡¯s perch into a small glass bottle, as though tidying an old shelf. His movements were unhurried and precise.


    Dumbledore¡¯s eye twitched slightly. Phoenix ashes from Fawkes¡¯s rebirth were incredibly rare and valuable, prized in both alchemy and potions. Dumbledore had planned to use the ashes to enhance the enchantments on the Mirror of Erised but had been caught off guard by Snape¡¯s quick hands. If Fawkes hadn¡¯t given Snape a sharp peck, he might not have kept even half.


    ¡°Severus, you¡­¡± Dumbledore began, but Snape had already pocketed the bottle and was now brushing off his robes, looking up as if nothing had happened.


    ¡°What was it you were saying, Headmaster?¡±


    ¡°Nothing¡­¡± Dumbledore sighed. ¡°Would you care for some tea? It¡¯s quite good. Madame Maxime from Beauxbatons sent it.¡±


    Snape gave a curt nod. ¡°I¡¯ll take a cup, then.¡±


    With a wave of Dumbledore¡¯s hand, a new teacup and a small saucer of sugar appeared on the table. Snape took a sip, his expression impassive.


    ¡°You might find a bit of sugar enhances the flavor,¡± Dumbledore suggested.


    ¡°No, I don¡¯t use that,¡± Snape replied, setting the cup down. ¡°There is something else, though¡­¡±


    ¡°Yes?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯d like to use the Pensieve,¡± Snape said. ¡°I saw someone in that corridor on the day Charity Burbage was attacked.¡±


    Dumbledore¡¯s eyebrows lifted. ¡°Who was it?¡±


    ¡°The glimpse was too brief,¡± Snape admitted. ¡°I couldn¡¯t get a good look.¡±


    ¡°Very well¡­¡± Dumbledore gestured toward a cabinet in the corner. ¡°You know where it is.¡±


    Snape nodded, got up, and crossed the room. Opening the cabinet door, he revealed a shallow stone basin, its rim etched with strange letters and symbols. Lifting his wand, he held it above his temple and drew out a fine silver strand¡ªa shimmering substance that seemed to be light turned to liquid or wind made solid.


    "I didn¡¯t think I¡¯d be doing this again,¡± Snape muttered, a mix of emotions crossing his face as he added his memory to the Pensieve. ¡°You should take a look as well¡­ I know you¡¯re able to.¡±


    With that, Snape leaned forward and dipped his head into the swirling surface of the Pensieve. In an instant, he found himself standing in a corridor, with Dumbledore appearing beside him. They seemed to glide forward, observing the memory as if walking.


    When they reached the end of the corridor, the view shifted, catching a fleeting figure disappearing around a corner. The glimpse was brief¡ªtoo brief to discern anything beyond a hazy outline.


    Dumbledore¡¯s expression tightened as he turned toward a door nearby. ¡°That¡¯s where Charity was attacked. The House-elves discovered her while cleaning.¡±


    Snape nodded, and in the next moment, they returned to the present, back in the Headmaster¡¯s office.


    ¡°What are you suggesting?¡± Dumbledore asked.


    Retrieving his memory, Snape looked pointedly at Dumbledore. ¡°Don¡¯t you think that silhouette looked like someone?¡±


    ¡°I believe I understand your implication, Severus,¡± Dumbledore said, pausing. ¡°But it¡¯s impossible. The incident in your memory occurred in the morning, and there are witnesses confirming that Kyle was at the Quidditch Pitch, watching the match, and never left¡­ he couldn¡¯t have been here.¡±


    ¡°Is there any possibility¡­ a Time-Turner?¡± Snape asked, his voice low.


    ¡°No.¡± Dumbledore shook his head. ¡°Those who know enough to use a Time-Turner also understand the dire consequences of manipulating time. would never allow Kyle to use one, not even under minimal conditions.¡±


    Though Dumbledore hadn¡¯t spoken a name, Snape knew exactly who he meant.


    ¡°So those last two requests¡­¡± Snape began.


    ¡°Yes, Diana refused,¡± Dumbledore said with a faint smile. ¡°Two refusals in a row. I half-expected to be finding a new Defense Against the Dark Arts professor by now.¡±


    Dumbledore thought his remark amusing, but Snape¡¯s expression remained serious, unamused.


    ¡°That¡¯s precisely what I don¡¯t understand,¡± Snape said, his brow furrowing. ¡°If it wasn¡¯t a Time-Turner, then how was he in two places at once? Could it be¡­ Polyjuice Potion?¡±


    Snape¡¯s frown deepened. Someone had broken into his private storeroom not long ago, taking ingredients like Boomslang skin and Bicorn horn¡ªkey components of Polyjuice Potion. But there was a timing issue; the theft had happened only days ago, whereas Charity Burbage¡¯s attack had been a month prior.


    ¡°Let¡¯s not jump to conclusions, Severus,¡± Dumbledore said, pouring himself a fresh cup of tea. ¡°All we saw was a silhouette. It could have been anyone, and there¡¯s no need to overthink it.¡±


    ¡°So that¡¯s your stance, Dumbledore?¡± Snape asked, looking at him sharply. ¡°That we both just ¡®got it wrong¡¯? Don¡¯t forget, I never said who I thought the silhouette resembled.¡± S§×ar?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°I trust Kyle,¡± Dumbledore replied, looking thoughtfully out the window. ¡°Just as I trust Harry. And you.¡±


    ¡°Ah, I¡¯m honored,¡± Snape sneered. ¡°To be mentioned in the same breath as the ¡®Boy Who Lived¡¯ and the youngest Order of Merlin recipient.¡±


    ¡°Being the Boy Who Lived is a burden, not an honor. But the Order of Merlin¡­ well, that¡¯s another matter.¡± He tilted his head. ¡°You don¡¯t need one, Severus.¡±


    Snape¡¯s face darkened as he processed Dumbledore¡¯s words. ¡°Do you think I care about things like that?¡±


    ¡°If you did, you¡¯d have earned a First Class Medal long ago,¡± Dumbledore replied mildly. ¡°But others don¡¯t always see it that way, and when it comes to public accolades, people may always consider you ¡®less than¡¯ Kyle.¡±


    Snape¡¯s expression soured. ¡°All because of a gilded plaque?¡±


    ¡°Second Class is actually solid gold¡ª¡±


    ¡°Is that what I meant?¡± Snape snapped, his irritation flaring.


    A strange anger surged within him, something he rarely felt. He usually shrugged off any talk of fame or recognition. It didn¡¯t bother him that others might consider Lockhart, or even Harry Potter, as more celebrated than himself. Those things never mattered to him. But, for some reason, hearing that he was thought of as inferior to Kyle stung, as though all the effort he¡¯d poured into his work had been dismissed.


    ¡°Severus, if you¡¯d consider publishing your potion-brewing methods, I could nominate you,¡± Dumbledore said with a warm smile. ¡°I daresay you¡¯d win a medal at the next opportunity.¡±


    ¡°First class?¡± Snape asked, unable to hide a flicker of interest.


    ¡°No, third class¡­ or perhaps second, depending on the specific contributions,¡± Dumbledore replied with a chuckle.


    A third-class medal¡­ what a waste of time. Snape scoffed. ¡°I¡¯m not interested. I¡¯d rather not waste my time on it,¡± he replied curtly.


    ¡°A pity,¡± Dumbledore said, winking. ¡°But if you change your mind, you know where to find me.¡±

 Chapter 309: A Quiet Christmas

    Christmas was approaching, but the mood in the castle was far from festive. The attacks on Nearly Headless Nick and the Bloody Baron had turned the already tense atmosphere into one of genuine fear. Even the ghosts couldn¡¯t escape the dread... What kind of terrible force could harm someone who was already dead?


    Students were desperate to leave, and even those who had previously planned to stay for the holidays were now begging their professors to let them go. There was a rush to secure seats on the Hogwarts Express, everyone hoping to escape to the safety of home for Christmas.


    In the days leading up to the departure, Harry found himself completely isolated. Everywhere he went, people stared at him from afar, keeping their distance yet never letting him out of sight. It was as if they feared he would release the monster from the Chamber of Secrets again at any moment.


    "Don¡¯t pay any attention to them, Harry," Ron said one evening during dinner, as he slipped a few chicken legs into his bag. "They don¡¯t know anything. You¡¯ve got the Invisibility Cloak¡ªif you really wanted to sneak off and do something, they¡¯d just stand there gawking, none the wiser."


    "Yeah, maybe I could give them a real shock with the Invisibility Cloak," Harry replied with a forced smile.


    "That¡¯s the spirit!" said Ron. "Especially with Macmillan. If you just popped up behind him, he¡¯d probably never try to follow you again.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t be ridiculous, Ron. Harry¡¯s in enough trouble as it is,¡± Hermione said, setting a plate of pudding in front of Harry. ¡°Just wait a few more days. The Polyjuice Potion will be ready soon, and we can get Malfoy to talk. Then we¡¯ll know the truth.¡±


    ¡°I hope so,¡± Harry said, taking a spoonful of pudding. The sweet and tart orange flavor did make him feel a little better.


    Beside him, Ron was stowing another piece of toast into his bag.


    ¡°What are you doing with all that food?¡± Harry asked, puzzled. ¡°If you¡¯re low on snacks, I¡¯ve got some sweets here¡­¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not for me, it¡¯s for Scabbers,¡± Ron sighed. ¡°He¡¯s lost so much weight lately, and I¡¯m trying to fatten him up.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t you have rat tonic?¡±


    ¡°We ran out yesterday,¡± Ron said, pulling out an empty bottle.


    ¡°But that was supposed to last a year!¡± Hermione said with a frown. ¡°Are you sure you¡¯re using it all up that quickly?¡±


    ¡°Not only is it all gone, but it¡¯s not even helping,¡± Ron replied. ¡°Maybe Scabbers is just getting old¡­ the tonic definitely isn¡¯t working like it did last year.¡±


    He glanced at Hermione and asked, ¡°By the way, is there a recipe for rat tonic in ?¡±


    ¡°No!¡± Hermione¡¯s face went a bit pale. She couldn¡¯t believe Ron¡¯s train of thought¡­ Who in their right mind would think that , locked away in the Restricted Section, would include a recipe for rat tonic?


    But Ron didn¡¯t notice her expression. He lowered his voice and muttered, ¡°Maybe we could check out that room on the eighth floor¡­ It¡¯s got everything.¡±


    ¡°Good luck with that¡­¡± Hermione replied absentmindedly.


    ...


    Finally, the term ended, and the castle fell into a sudden hush.


    On Christmas morning, Kyle woke up early and began unwrapping the pile of presents at the foot of his bed. This year, he received a surprising number of books¡ªnearly as many as the sweets and snacks. Sear?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    From Fleur Delacour came a crystal music box all the way from France, containing the complete works of the band Unicorn, a famous wizarding group from her country. Dumbledore and Kanna both gifted him gloves. The headmaster, following his style from last year, had adorned the gloves with a few feathers from Fawkes, his phoenix, which made them a perfect set with the socks he had given before. Kyle only glanced at them, then set them aside with the socks he¡¯d never dared to wear. They were far too conspicuous...


    Kanna¡¯s gloves, on the other hand, were skillfully made and incredibly comfortable to wear, showing how much her craftsmanship had improved.


    After opening his presents, Kyle left the dormitory. The entire common room was deserted; not a soul in sight. This year, Snape had taken Kanna home, leaving Kyle as the only student in Hufflepuff House who stayed behind. Cedric had wanted to keep him company, but after Mr. Diggory sent five letters in a single day urging him home, Cedric finally relented.


    In truth, the quiet suited Kyle. He had stayed at Hogwarts to investigate the diary, and fewer people around made it easier to focus.


    Things were far livelier in Gryffindor, where all the Weasleys had chosen to stay for the holidays, including Ginny and Percy. The Weasleys had decided not to make the long journey to visit Bill this year.


    Of note was that Mr. Weasley had recently received a promotion in recognition of his excellent work during a surprise inspection. A week before Christmas, he was officially appointed as Head of the Office for the Prohibition of Muggle Artifacts. Though his duties hadn¡¯t changed, his salary was now ten Galleons higher each month.


    ...


    Kyle had a quick sandwich in the common room before heading up to the eighth floor to find the Room of Requirement. But oddly, the door seemed welded shut today, and no matter how hard he tried, he couldn¡¯t get it to open.


    After about ten minutes of fruitless attempts, the door finally swung open, and Hermione stepped out. When she spotted Kyle, she looked startled and immediately tense.


    ¡°Kyle, what are you doing here?¡±


    ¡°I was getting ready to use the Room of Requirement, of course,¡± replied Kyle with a shrug. ¡°And you?¡±


    ¡°So it¡¯s called the Room of Requirement?¡± Hermione sighed in relief, clearly reassured it wasn¡¯t related to the Polyjuice Potion. ¡°A fitting name, really.¡±


    Kyle chuckled. ¡°Yes, it¡¯s called that because it transforms into whatever kind of room you need at the time.¡±


    ¡°We stumbled upon it by accident,¡± Hermione explained, relaxing a bit. ¡°We were searching for a place to, um, practice potions, and suddenly a door appeared with all sorts of cauldrons and potion books inside. None of the books or maps of the castle mentioned it, though¡­ it took us a while to figure out how to make it show up again.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s one of Hogwarts¡¯s hidden rooms,¡± Kyle said with a nod. ¡°It¡¯s protected by special magic, so it¡¯s untraceable on any map. You won¡¯t find it documented anywhere.¡±


    ¡°That makes sense¡­¡± Hermione nodded, but then seemed to remember something that made her tense again. ¡°But¡­ why were you waiting outside? Did you also want to practice potions? And because I was inside, you couldn¡¯t get in?¡±


    The question clearly worried her. Since the Polyjuice Potion was still unfinished, if Kyle needed the Potion Room as well, he¡¯d see everything as soon as he entered.


    ¡°Oh, no, it¡¯s not about potion brewing. I¡¯m not planning to make Polyjuice Potion here either,¡± Kyle assured her with a shake of his head. ¡°But since the room only has one door, it can only transform into one space at a time. If someone¡¯s using it, then naturally, no one else can.¡±

 Chapter 310: A Day Trip with Gryffindor

    ¡°The most important thing about Transfiguration is that your belief must be strong, and you must have a clear understanding of your target,¡± Kyle said.


    In the Room of Requirement, he transformed a table into a small, half-meter-tall stone statue, then controlled it to slice the apple in front of him cleanly in half. A short distance away, Hermione diligently took down his words, adding even more detailed notes.


    In truth, Kyle had originally planned to check on the Venomous Tentacula in the greenhouse, but he couldn¡¯t very well admit that in front of Hermione. Instead, he had come up with the excuse of practicing Transfiguration. What he hadn¡¯t anticipated was that Hermione was nothing like Harry or Ron; as a bookworm with a boundless curiosity, she wasn¡¯t content with a passing remark.


    She had already witnessed Kyle¡¯s Transfiguration abilities at the Duelling Club, which had given her a firsthand impression of just how advanced he was. Whether driven by curiosity or by her desire to keep the Polyjuice Potion project under wraps, Hermione insisted on tagging along to observe his practice. Her determination was impossible to dismiss.


    Resigned to keep up appearances, Kyle had no choice but to spend over half an hour performing Transfiguration in an empty room.


    ¡°It¡¯s not as difficult as you think,¡± Kyle said, picking up half of the apple from the floor. He took a bite and handed the other half to Hermione. ¡°I suggest you try to perceive the structure of objects around you on a deeper level. Not just with your eyes, but with magic.¡±


    Hermione took a bite of the apple, pondering his advice. ¡°Like the stone statues you conjured?¡±


    ¡°Start with something simpler¡ªlike an apple, a table, or a pair of slippers,¡± Kyle said, shaking his head. ¡°Those statues are complex magical constructs and even include elements of ancient alchemy. It¡¯s difficult to understand their structure with magic alone¡­ at least, I can¡¯t do it yet. Actually, I didn¡¯t transform a stone statue, but rather enchanted armor that resembles one.¡±


    After his explanation, Hermione took a closer look and noticed that the ¡°stone statue¡± did indeed have subtle gaps, much like armor, though they were well-disguised and easily missed without careful inspection.


    ¡°Did you learn all this in the Transfiguration Club?¡± Hermione asked, intrigued. ¡°I heard from Fred and George that you joined Professor McGonagall¡¯s Transfiguration Club. What¡¯s it like¡­ is it similar to the Duelling Club?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s much smaller and only for students in their third year and up,¡± Kyle explained. ¡°Professor McGonagall teaches us advanced techniques that aren¡¯t on the regular exam syllabus, so it¡¯s more like an advanced Transfiguration class. But I can¡¯t give away too much¡ªit would spoil the surprise, and Professor McGonagall insists on secrecy.¡±


    Hermione looked a little disappointed but nodded in understanding.


    ¡°I¡¯m heading back now,¡± Kyle said as he began packing up his things. ¡°Are you staying here?¡±


    ¡°No,¡± Hermione replied, shaking her head. ¡°Harry, Ron, and I agreed to meet in the library to work on our homework today.¡±


    They left the Room of Requirement together. Kyle had intended to wait until Hermione was safely out of sight before making a return trip, but before he even reached the stairs, he ran into Fred and George, who were each carrying armfuls of food. It was clear they¡¯d just come from the kitchen.


    ¡°Kyle! What are you doing here?¡± Fred exclaimed, surprised. ¡°We went looking for you outside the Hufflepuff common room.¡±


    ¡°And ended up getting splashed with vinegar!¡± George grimaced, wrinkling his nose. ¡°It reeks. Not exactly my idea of a Christmas gift.¡±


    The faint sour smell clung to them, though their clothes and hair were dry, meaning they¡¯d likely cleaned themselves with a Charm.


    ¡°Good thing we found you here¡ªcome with us!¡±


    ¡°Christmas is way more fun when everyone¡¯s together!¡± they insisted, moving to Kyle¡¯s sides and ushering him forward without further ado.


    The Gryffindor common room wasn¡¯t far from where they stood, and they quickly arrived at a large portrait. The painting showed a plump woman with a kindly face.


    ¡°Password?¡± she asked.


    ¡°Heavenly voice,¡± George replied, and the Fat Lady swung open with a pleased smile.


    ¡°What did she say?¡± Kyle asked, confused.


    ¡°The Fat Lady loves singing,¡± Fred explained. ¡°Unfortunately, she¡¯s hopeless at it.¡±


    ¡°So she made ¡®heavenly voice¡¯ the password,¡± George chuckled. ¡°We¡¯re basically complimenting her singing every time we come in.¡±


    ¡°Forget about that, Kyle,¡± Fred said, striding inside with a grin. Holding his arms wide, he announced, ¡°Welcome to the Gryffindor common room!¡±


    Ordinarily, students weren¡¯t allowed into other houses, but during the holidays, nobody seemed to care. George gave Kyle a gentle nudge, pushing him into the room.


    It was a bright, circular space draped in red, with high ceilings and soft armchairs gathered around the fireplace.


    ¡°Well, what do you think?¡± Fred asked with a grin.


    ¡°It¡¯s nice,¡± Kyle replied, ¡°but a bit smaller than I expected.¡±


    ¡°Is the Hufflepuff common room big?¡± Hermione asked, coming in last.


    Kyle nodded. ¡°A lot bigger than this one, though the ceiling is lower.¡±


    ¡°That makes sense,¡± George said, settling into an armchair. The Gryffindors knew that the Hufflepuff common room was close to the kitchens and was one of the few rooms in that area, so it had more space to itself.


    Hermione surveyed the room, then asked, ¡°Where are Harry and Ron?¡±


    ¡°No idea. Probably still asleep,¡± Fred said with a shrug. ¡°I bet they¡¯re planning to sleep until noon.¡±


    ¡°Oh, that won¡¯t do at all! We¡¯ve got plenty of homework to finish!¡± Hermione said, frowning as she marched off toward the boys¡¯ dormitory.


    ¡°I doubt Ron wants to do homework on the first day of break,¡± George chuckled, handing Kyle a sandwich. ¡°By the way, Kyle, we¡¯ve been looking into that idea you mentioned.¡±


    ¡°Oh?¡± Kyle said, surprised as he accepted the sandwich. ¡°What idea?¡±


    ¡°You remember saying that the Heir of Slytherin would probably be acting differently than usual?¡± George asked, taking a bite of his own sandwich. S§×ar?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Kyle nodded. He vaguely remembered making that remark during a casual conversation, not expecting Fred and George to actually follow up on it.


    ¡°Did you find out who it is?¡± Kyle asked, intrigued.


    ¡°No¡­ or rather, it¡¯s impossible to find out,¡± Fred sighed.


    ¡°There¡¯ve been three attacks now, and everyone¡¯s so spooked that almost everybody is acting weird¡­ but it¡¯s not like they¡¯re all the Heir of Slytherin.¡±


    ¡°Take Ron, for example¡­¡± George gestured toward the dormitory. ¡°Normally, he never goes to the library unless it¡¯s for homework, but now he¡¯s been heading there right after every class and stays until just before curfew. I¡¯m half convinced he¡¯s under the Imperius Curse.¡±


    ¡°Shut up, George!¡± Ron¡¯s voice suddenly cut through the room.


    He had just entered the common room, rubbing his eyes as he flopped down in an armchair. He looked disgruntled. ¡°If everyone around you treated you like you were the one who opened the Chamber of Secrets, you¡¯d be in the library too¡­ at least there, no one¡¯s staring at me like I¡¯m dangerous.¡±

 Chapter 311: Fawkes’s Gift

    ¡°In that case, it''s kind of a good thing.¡±


    George blinked at Ron¡¯s words. ¡°Maybe you¡¯ll even get a nice report card at the end of the school year.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t gloat,¡± Ron yawned.


    ¡°What are you two talking about?¡±


    Just then, Harry had come out of the dormitory, and Fred and George quickly changed the subject. Teasing Ron was all well and good, but they''d never do it in front of Harry.


    Harry walked over, greeting everyone with a grin. ¡°Merry Christmas, Fred, George... Kyle? Wait¡ªKyle? What are you doing here?¡±


    He seemed a bit surprised to see Kyle lounging in the Gryffindor common room.


    ¡°Just arrived a few minutes ago,¡± Kyle chuckled.


    Ron finally noticed the extra presence in the room. ¡°Sorry, I didn¡¯t see you earlier... Thanks for the wizard chess set, by the way. I really like it.¡±


    ¡°And the model Quidditch ball you gave me,¡± Harry added. ¡°It¡¯s fantastic!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m glad you both like them,¡± Kyle replied with a smile.


    After Fred and George had shown him to the Gryffindor common room, Kyle decided not to head to the Room of Requirement and instead spent the morning playing wizard chess and Exploding Snap with them. Ginny and Percy had joined as well, and everyone was warm and welcoming.


    Well, except Percy, who was a bit too formal, shaking Kyle''s hand like he was greeting a visiting Hufflepuff delegation. Kyle felt slightly self-conscious about his casual attire... If he¡¯d known, he would have worn his socks with the Phoenix design.


    In the afternoon, after Hermione dragged Harry and Ron off to the library to finish their homework, Kyle joined Fred and George on a secret trip to Hogsmeade. The village shops were beautifully decorated, and each one had Christmas gifts set out for visitors: Zonko¡¯s had magical fireworks that bloomed when they touched water, and Honeydukes had candy canes...


    The gifts were hung on the Christmas trees by the doorways, well within reach, and if you forgot, the shopkeepers would gladly remind you. The only downside? None of them offered a service to ¡°protect Hogwarts students from getting caught.¡±


    Kyle had barely taken a few sips of Butterbeer at The Three Broomsticks when the door beside him swung open. To his shock, Professor McGonagall, Professor Flitwick, Hagrid... even Professor Sinistra from Astronomy¡ªseven or eight professors in total¡ªwalked in, one after another.


    They spotted Kyle and the twins right away. Professor McGonagall paused, then walked by as if she hadn¡¯t seen anything.


    ¡°Madam Rosmerta, three pints of mead, a Cherry Syrup Soda...¡±


    Kyle and the twins instinctively quickened their sips, hoping to finish their drinks and escape unnoticed. But just as they reached for their coins to pay, Madam Rosmerta, the bar owner, shook her head.


    ¡°No need; Minerva¡¯s already covered your drinks. Anything else you¡¯d like?¡±


    ¡°No, no, that¡¯s fine!¡± they replied in unison, keeping their heads low as they hurried out of The Three Broomsticks.


    Not only had they been caught sneaking out of school, but they¡¯d also been treated by the professor... Talk about embarrassing.


    The three lost their appetite for further adventures and headed back to the castle.


    ¡°Oh, right... It¡¯s Christmas,¡± Fred muttered, scratching his head as they exited the secret passage. ¡°Obviously the professors aren¡¯t going to stay cooped up in their offices grading papers.¡±


    ¡°We should¡¯ve avoided The Three Broomsticks!¡±


    ¡°Good thing Professor McGonagall didn¡¯t say anything¡­¡±


    Kyle couldn¡¯t help feeling a twinge of regret. If he¡¯d known the professors were treating, he would¡¯ve ordered something pricier¡ªlike The Three Broomsticks¡¯ signature drink, Ogden''s Old Firewhisky, which ran ten Galleons a glass. He¡¯d always wondered what that tasted like.


    ...


    Everyone at the Christmas dinner at Hogwarts seemed to be enjoying themselves. With so few people staying at school this year, the hall would have felt empty if they sat separately, so only one large table was set up in the Great Hall, where students and professors dined together.


    Dumbledore led the group in a few of his favorite Christmas carols, and Hagrid¡¯s voice grew louder and louder with each glass of eggnog he downed, until by the end, his voice was the only one echoing in the Great Hall.


    Fred, sitting next to Kyle, was pointing at Percy¡¯s Prefect badge and laughing. Somehow, the badge¡¯s inscription had changed to read ¡°Idiot,¡± though Percy hadn¡¯t noticed and kept asking everyone around him why they were laughing.


    Malfoy, who hadn¡¯t gone home this year either, was sitting across from Harry, sneering and making crude comments about Harry¡¯s new sweater. Surprisingly, Harry didn¡¯t respond.


    The meal was fantastic, especially the Christmas Pudding, which the House-elves had prepared with a twist this year. Each bite had a different flavor, like Bertie Bott¡¯s Every Flavour Beans.


    After the pudding, Professor McGonagall was the first to leave the table, followed by Harry, Ron, and Hermione. Kyle also wanted to leave, but Dumbledore stopped him.


    ¡°If you have a moment, would you come with me to my office?¡±


    ¡°Of course, Professor,¡± Kyle nodded, though he was a bit puzzled.


    They left the Great Hall together, chatting as they made their way toward the Headmaster¡¯s Office. Kyle hadn¡¯t been able to get Dumbledore the latest edition of this year, so he had given him a large bundle of high-quality wool instead. Dumbledore had been delighted and even asked Kyle where he had found such fine wool.


    ¡°It¡¯s from a flock of sheep, Professor,¡± Kyle explained. ¡°Mr. Scamander has a small flock in his suitcase. I collected some when I visited in August.¡± S§×arch* The n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°Newt has some?¡± Dumbledore asked, surprised. ¡°Is there much of it?¡±


    ¡°About thirty sheep or so,¡± Kyle replied.


    Dumbledore seemed even more pleased to hear that.


    When they reached the eighth floor, the Stone Gargoyle moved aside as they approached, and Dumbledore led Kyle into his office. The room looked mostly the same as before, except for a large ball of wool on the desk.


    In one corner, near the Mirror of Erised, there were several wool sweaters and a half-knitted scarf. It appeared that the Headmaster¡¯s knitting interests had expanded well beyond socks and gloves. Kyle guessed that the sweater Dumbledore wore under his robes was likely his own handiwork.


    ¡°What can I do for you, Professor?¡± Kyle asked.


    ¡°It¡¯s not me¡ªFawkes is the one who has something for you.¡± Dumbledore sighed. ¡°He¡¯s really taken a liking to the Lady¡¯s Mantle and Nightshade you sent him.¡±


    ¡°Fawkes?¡± Kyle looked over to the perch by the door.


    A scraggly little bird stood on it, with light red bristles just beginning to grow back... It looked rather pitiful.


    ¡°Did you undergo rebirth?¡± Kyle asked, walking over.


    Fawkes gave a small nod and picked up a small bottle, placing it in Kyle¡¯s hand.


    ¡°What is this...?¡± Kyle asked, inspecting the bottle to find it contained a small pile of dark powder.


    ¡°The ashes of a Phoenix post-rebirth,¡± Dumbledore explained. ¡°And Fawkes¡¯ Christmas gift to you.¡± His voice held a touch of bitterness.


    He hadn¡¯t realized that Fawkes could hold such a grudge¡­ All because he¡¯d left Fawkes¡¯ favorite herbs locked away over the holidays, and it seemed the Phoenix had remembered it. Not a single pinch of these valuable ashes for him!


    It would have been one thing if Snape had received the ashes, but Kyle was only thirteen¡ªhow could he even appreciate this ¡°high-end¡± gift? What a waste.


    Dumbledore sighed again.

 Chapter 312: Catwoman Hermione

    After emerging from the Headmaster¡¯s office on the eighth floor, Kyle was in a buoyant mood, greeting every portrait he passed. Hogwarts was truly full of surprises. Who would have thought that on an otherwise ordinary Christmas, he would encounter the legendary Ashes of Nirvana¡ªand even receive a small vial of them?


    It felt like a dream.


    Kyle didn¡¯t know exactly how long it took Fawkes to undergo rebirth, but he was sure it wasn¡¯t a short period. Dumbledore¡¯s eyes had reddened at the time, and it was the first time Kyle had seen him lose his composure like that. In , Newt Scamander hadn¡¯t specified the frequency of a Phoenix¡¯s rebirth. This suggested that Fawkes hadn¡¯t undergone it in all the years since Newt had written the book.


    If that were true, Fawkes¡¯ rebirth cycle might be at least sixty years¡ªassuming no external forces like the Killing Curse accelerated it.


    Kyle pulled out the small bottle again, examining it in the dim light¡­ At least sixty years, reduced to a handful of ashes. It was possibly the rarest material in the wizarding world, one that few could even dream of possessing.


    Legend had it that Phoenix ashes, left after rebirth, contained both the essence of death and the spark of new life¡ªa substance revered by alchemists and master potion-makers alike. Kyle even suspected that Phoenix ashes might have been used in crafting the Resurrection Stone, one of the Deathly Hallows. If he got the chance, he¡¯d love to study it.


    He glanced back at the Stone Gargoyle guarding the Headmaster¡¯s Office, feeling the urge to quicken his pace as he jogged down the stairs.


    When he reached the first floor, he came across two familiar faces in the foyer.


    ¡°Harry, Ron?¡± Kyle greeted them, raising an eyebrow. ¡°What are you doing here so late?¡±


    The two of them jumped, spinning around to see who had caught them.


    ¡°Uh¡­ couldn¡¯t sleep,¡± Ron stammered. ¡°Just¡­ out for a stroll.¡±


    ¡°You¡ªyou¡¯re here!¡± Harry added, shifting uncomfortably.


    The two of them huddled together, looking as if they¡¯d been caught sneaking around.


    ¡°Oh, I just came from the Headmaster¡¯s office,¡± Kyle said casually, studying their appearances. ¡°But aren¡¯t you two a bit overdressed? And¡­ wait, is that a ?¡±


    ¡°What tail? No tail¡­ you¡¯re mistaken,¡± Harry stammered.


    Ron nodded vigorously. ¡°Yeah, yeah¡­ you¡¯re seeing things.¡±


    Despite the freezing temperature, both of them were sweating nervously.


    Something¡¯s off, Kyle thought. They look like they¡¯re hiding something.


    Suddenly, he looked over their shoulders and gasped, ¡°Professor McGonagall! What are you doing here?¡±


    ¡°Professor McGonagall!¡± Harry and Ron yelped, spinning around in alarm. But as they did, they quickly realized there was no one there.


    In that instant, Kyle caught sight of what was lurking behind them¡ªa large, earth-colored, furry head¡­ that looked oddly like¡­ a cat?


    When Kyle had called out Professor McGonagall¡¯s name, the figure behind Harry and Ron flinched, reflexively looking up. It was indeed a cat¡¯s head, but with a human body clad in loose, ill-fitting robes.


    Kyle squinted, processing what he was seeing. ¡°Hermione?¡±


    The figure gasped, then hurriedly covered her face.


    Kyle turned to Harry and Ron, eyebrows raised. They both sighed in resignation, confirming his suspicions.


    The oversized robes, the cat-like face¡­


    ¡°She didn¡¯t drink Polyjuice Potion with cat hair in it, did she?¡± Kyle asked, putting the pieces together.


    Neither Harry nor Ron responded.


    After a moment, Ron whispered, ¡°Do you have any ideas?¡±


    Kyle thought for a second. ¡°The Homorphus Charm should work. Lockhart mentioned it in , but I don¡¯t actually know it. You could¡­ ask Lockhart if he remembers the incantation¡­¡±


    ¡°Lockhart?¡± Harry¡¯s face contorted, and he shook his head immediately. ¡°Any other way?¡±


    ¡°Other options¡­¡± Kyle frowned. ¡°I¡¯m not sure if they¡¯ll work. Let¡¯s just get her to the Hospital Wing. Madam Pomfrey will definitely know what to do.¡±


    ¡°Alright.¡±


    Harry and Ron nodded, draping Hermione¡¯s oversized robes over her again as they hurried toward the Hospital Wing. Fortunately, given the late hour and the holiday break, they didn¡¯t encounter anyone else along the way¡ªexcept Kyle.


    ...


    "It''s¡­ quite a problem," Madam Pomfrey muttered, studying Hermione with a grave expression after a thorough examination in the Hospital Wing. S§×arch* The N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°Didn¡¯t Professor Snape ever teach you that Polyjuice Potion cannot be used for animal transformations?¡± she asked, frowning.


    ¡°We¡­ we didn¡¯t know¡­ It was animal hair¡­¡± Ron stammered, clearly anxious.


    Both he and Harry were prepared to confess everything, from stealing ingredients from Snape¡¯s private storeroom to brewing Polyjuice Potion in secret. Right now, all they wanted was for Hermione to return to normal. Any punishment could wait.


    ¡°How reckless¡­ how careless¡­¡± Madam Pomfrey scolded, shaking her head. ¡°You¡¯re lucky to be alive, drinking something without understanding what¡¯s in it.¡±


    Although she rebuked them sharply, she didn¡¯t ask how or why they¡¯d brewed Polyjuice Potion. She simply took out her wand, tapped Hermione a few times, causing large patches of hair to fall from her body¡ªthough some stubborn fur remained.


    ¡°She¡¯ll need at least five weeks of treatment to fully recover,¡± Madam Pomfrey sighed, then waved them off. ¡°Now, off you go. Go back to your dorms.¡±


    ¡°Can we stay and watch¡ª¡±


    ¡°No!¡± she interrupted, firmly denying Harry¡¯s request before he could finish. For reasons of her own, she refused to let them linger. With no choice, the two reluctantly said their goodbyes to Hermione, glancing back with every step as they left.


    ¡°What about you? Still here?¡± Madam Pomfrey looked over at Kyle, who had no intention of leaving.


    ¡°Madam Pomfrey,¡± Kyle asked thoughtfully, ¡°I¡¯m curious¡ªcould Mandrake leaves be useful in reversing this kind of incorrect transformation caused by magic potions?¡±


    ¡°Mandrake leaves?¡± she repeated, raising an eyebrow.


    ¡°I read about it in a book,¡± Kyle explained. ¡°Someone used Mandrake leaves to reverse a transformation from being turned into an octopus.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t tell me it was one of Lockhart¡¯s books,¡± Madam Pomfrey sighed.


    Kyle nodded. In truth, he¡¯d read it in .


    ¡°Mandrake, when used with Lovage, can indeed reverse physical changes caused by Curses and Transformations,¡± she explained. ¡°But for the Mandrake Restorative Draught, you don¡¯t need the leaves; you need the sap of a mature Mandrake.¡±


    ¡°The Mandrake Restorative Draught?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± she said, glancing briefly at two empty beds in the corner. ¡°It¡¯s the same draught used to revive those who¡¯ve been petrified.¡±


    Kyle nodded, realizing Lockhart must have misheard the information and invented a new ¡°recipe¡± for dramatic effect.


    If that was the case, there wasn¡¯t much they could do. The last batch of seeds the Ministry had provided included Mandrake root and Lovage, but they were still on the eighth floor, safely stored in the Room of Requirement¡ªfar from maturity.


    Mandrakes take about a year to grow into seedlings with facial features. It would be another full year before they¡¯d be mature enough to harvest. Lovage grows even slower; like Venomous Tentacula, it needs at least three years to reach maturity.

 Chapter 313: Discovery in the Chamber

    Although Harry and Ron hadn¡¯t told anyone about Hermione¡¯s hospitalization, her absence soon drew the attention of several Gryffindors. Everyone had grown accustomed to her constant presence in the common room, always nudging Ron and Harry to stay on top of their homework. The sudden silence felt odd.


    At first, Ron tried to deny knowing anything, but his siblings knew him too well and quickly managed to get the truth out of him.


    ¡°So, Hermione¡¯s in the Hospital Wing?¡± Fred asked, raising an eyebrow.


    ¡°Oh no¡­¡± Ron groaned, burying his face in his hands. He should have kept his mouth shut.


    ¡°Was it another attack?¡± Percy sprang up from the sofa, eyes wide with alarm. ¡°You two stay here! I¡¯ll go inform the professors!¡± He started to bolt toward the door.


    Ron and Harry jumped up, frantically blocking him.


    ¡°It¡¯s not an attack, and it¡¯s got nothing to do with the Chamber of Secrets!¡± Harry blurted out, desperately trying to reassure him.


    ¡°Not an attack?¡± Percy paused, eyeing them suspiciously as they blocked his path. ¡°You¡¯re certain?¡±


    ¡°Absolutely!¡± Ron insisted, nodding emphatically.


    ¡°I promise!¡± added Harry, raising his hand as if swearing an oath.


    After a bit more persuasion, Percy reluctantly sat back down, though he continued to watch them closely.


    Meanwhile, Fred and George exchanged a quick, amused glance, saying nothing but clearly entertained by Ron¡¯s anxious behavior. They didn¡¯t need words to communicate¡ªthey¡¯d already worked out that this was something far less sinister than Percy had feared.


    ...


    On the third morning of the holidays, Kyle was just leaving after visiting Hermione when he spotted Fred and George hovering suspiciously near the Hospital Wing¡¯s entrance.


    ¡°What are you two doing in the Hospital Wing?¡± he asked.


    ¡°We have a cold!¡± Fred blurted out.


    ¡°Yeah, came to get some Pepperup Potion,¡± George added, throwing in a couple of exaggerated coughs.


    Kyle raised an eyebrow. They looked perfectly healthy, without so much as a sniffle. It was obvious they¡¯d come to snoop on Hermione¡¯s condition.


    ¡°And you, Kyle?¡± Fred asked. ¡°Here to visit someone?¡±


    ¡°Oh, I¡¯m here for Pepperup Potion too,¡± Kyle replied loudly, pulling out a small bottle filled with red liquid.


    Hermione clearly didn¡¯t want anyone knowing about her transformation into a cat. Pretending to know nothing seemed the best way to keep Fred and George from prying.


    ¡°What a coincidence!¡± George grinned. ¡°It¡¯s been chilly, after all¡ªgotta look after yourself.¡±


    ¡°Yes, you too,¡± Kyle replied.


    They made some awkward small talk, then went their separate ways. When Fred and George entered the Hospital Wing, Madam Pomfrey had already drawn a curtain around Hermione¡¯s bed, so they left none the wiser.


    Kyle, meanwhile, headed back toward the castle, intending to visit the library. Near the entrance hall, he caught sight of Peeves gleefully chasing Moaning Myrtle around the castle with a large bouquet of balloons.


    Since the attack on the Bloody Baron, Peeves had become even more reckless, constantly harassing both ghosts and students alike¡ªthough he usually behaved himself when professors were nearby. Myrtle, unfortunately, was one of his favorite targets.


    Kyle found it odd that Myrtle was so afraid of Peeves¡¯ balloons, which couldn¡¯t actually harm her. But Peeves¡¯ distraction provided a perfect opportunity. Once they were out of sight, Kyle changed course and headed for the empty girls¡¯ bathroom.


    Peeves and Myrtle¡¯s chase would likely keep them busy for an hour or so¡ªjust enough time for him to visit the Chamber of Secrets.


    Kyle whispered in Parseltongue to open the drainpipe, jumped in, and made his way down to the passage. At the end, the Chamber¡¯s door opened slowly, and he stepped carefully onto the black stone floor, wand in hand. The stone he¡¯d used to wedge the entrance shut on his last visit was missing¡ªa clear sign someone had been there since.


    Kyle scanned the chamber carefully. The good news was that he was alone, with no signs of anyone lurking in the shadows ready to attack. However, scattered snake scales and a large drag mark beneath the Slytherin statue hinted that the Basilisk had recently been here. The drag mark glistened with fresh slime, much like the trail left by a Flobberworm¡ªonly far larger.


    Seeing the scales and the trail, Kyle knew the Basilisk had been released. But by whom?


    He stood up and retraced his recent memories, piecing together anything unusual that might point to the culprit.


    The Chamber was silent, save for his own footsteps. The carved snake eyes on the pillars and the Slytherin statue seemed to follow his every move, as if watching him. But Kyle barely noticed, pacing back and forth, deep in thought.


    He¡¯d asked Myrtle multiple times if she¡¯d seen anyone enter the bathroom, but she¡¯d claimed she hadn¡¯t. Then again, Myrtle wasn¡¯t always reliable¡ªshe lived in the bathroom, but wasn¡¯t always in her cubicle.


    The strange part was that none of the traps or charms he¡¯d set up had been triggered. Could there be another entrance? Or perhaps the person releasing the Basilisk hadn¡¯t entered through the main door at all?


    Sear?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    A sound, completely unlike footsteps, echoed through the Chamber of Secrets. Kyle snapped out of his thoughts, instinctively pointing his wand toward the door¡ªonly to realize that the noise had come from directly beneath his feet.


    Looking down, Kyle saw he¡¯d accidentally stepped on a piece of shed snake skin while pacing.


    ¡°That gave me a scare,¡± he muttered, letting out a breath of relief.


    He reached down to pick up the snake skin, but as he did, something glinting caught his eye beneath it: a golden chain.


    Kyle quickly picked it up. The chain was short, less than two inches long, and crafted from small gold snakes linked together. It looked like it had been torn off of something, as part of it was frayed.


    ¡°Could this have belonged to the person with the diary?¡±


    The snakes immediately made Kyle think of Slytherin House. They adored snake motifs, adorning their clothes and accessories with them at every opportunity. At Hogwarts, if you found something decorated with a snake, odds were it belonged to a Slytherin.


    But... this chain seemed different.


    The tiny snakes connecting each link were remarkably detailed, with scales so finely crafted they almost looked alive. This wasn¡¯t some cheap trinket; it was clearly valuable.


    Kyle thought. His mind flickered to Draco Malfoy, Harry¡¯s frequent nemesis.


    But he dismissed the idea just as quickly. On Halloween, when Filch had been attacked, Malfoy had been at the feast in the Great Hall. He wouldn¡¯t have had the opportunity to release the Basilisk then. And besides, Lucius Malfoy wouldn¡¯t risk allowing Draco to meddle in something so dangerous.


    But if not Malfoy¡­ then who?


    Kyle turned the chain over in his hands, considering other possibilities. Millicent Bulstrode, Daphne Greengrass, Pansy Parkinson¡­ or perhaps Crabbe and Goyle?

 Chapter 314: Agent Mikel

    The Christmas holidays flew by, and soon students were returning to Hogwarts by train, filling the castle once more with lively noise and laughter. After the break, the fear of the recent attacks seemed to have faded slightly. Most students were laughing and joking, seemingly less haunted by worry than before.


    Perhaps they believed the professors had taken care of the monster in the Chamber of Secrets over the holidays. At least, that¡¯s what Lockhart had claimed.


    Lockhart was, surprisingly, the first professor to return after the break¡ªso early, in fact, that he hadn¡¯t even attended the end-of-term feast. He had hurried off after his last Defense Against the Dark Arts class, returning later with triumphant flair. Whatever he had heard or experienced during the holidays seemed to have filled him with confidence, as he wasted no time in boasting that he¡¯d solved the Chamber of Secrets mystery.


    Kyle happened to be waiting near the foyer and overheard Lockhart speaking with Professor McGonagall.


    ¡°There won¡¯t be any more trouble, Minerva,¡± Lockhart said in his usual loud voice. ¡°I can assure you the Chamber of Secrets won¡¯t open again. I¡¯ve found the true Heir but decided to grant him a chance. If he has any sense, he won¡¯t cause further disruptions.¡±


    Students nearby overheard him, and while some took comfort in his words, others were skeptical. Still, Lockhart¡¯s confident pronouncements seemed to ease the general tension around the castle.


    Oddly enough, just five minutes earlier, Lockhart had given the exact same speech to Professor Flitwick¡­ and ten minutes before that, he¡¯d said the same words to Professor Sprout. Kyle, who had been nearby the entire time, couldn¡¯t help noticing that Lockhart was delivering these lines as if he¡¯d rehearsed them.


    Soon after, Professor McGonagall walked away, leaving Lockhart standing there, glancing around as if searching for his next target. It was likely he¡¯d try Snape next¡ªbut Kyle wasn¡¯t sure how well that would go. Snape would either completely ignore Lockhart, endure him with dark patience, or, in a darker fantasy, might even cast a quick to silence him¡­ or, for that matter, to shut him up for good.


    Kyle was tempted to stay and see how things unfolded, but just then, the person he was waiting for finally arrived. Cedric walked up the stone steps into the castle, spotted Kyle, and headed directly toward him.


    "I asked around for you," Cedric said, handing Kyle the gold chain. "I checked every shop I know of, including Diagon Alley, but no one¡¯s sold anything with this kind of design.¡±


    ¡°Nothing even remotely similar?¡± Kyle frowned.


    Cedric shook his head. ¡°Nothing. Though I didn¡¯t try Knockturn Alley¡ªmy dad won¡¯t let me go there¡­¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s alright; you¡¯ve done plenty,¡± Kyle reassured him. ¡°Not many people in Knockturn Alley would be honest anyway. Going there probably wouldn¡¯t help.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re right¡­¡± Cedric agreed, falling into step with Kyle as they walked toward the Great Hall. ¡°I¡¯ve been meaning to ask¡ªwhat exactly is this chain?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not sure myself,¡± Kyle admitted. ¡°I just found it, but I have a hunch it might be connected to the recent attacks. That¡¯s why I asked you to help me track it down.¡±


    Cedric¡¯s face turned serious. ¡°You mean¡­ the Chamber of Secrets?¡± he asked, lowering his voice as he realized he¡¯d spoken a little too loudly. ¡°Are you certain?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s just a theory,¡± Kyle replied. ¡°Could be it¡¯s just some fancy decoration on someone¡¯s clothing.¡±


    ¡°Can I take another look?¡± Cedric asked, intrigued.


    ¡°Of course,¡± Kyle said, handing it over. ¡°Just be careful not to hold it too close to the fireplace, or it might change back.¡±


    Cedric looked at him in surprise. ¡°This is Transfiguration?¡±


    Kyle nodded. Cedric hadn¡¯t noticed before, but the chain¡¯s intricate design had a shimmer to it, like something that was barely holding its shape.


    Soon after they sat down at the long dining table, the start-of-term feast began. Dumbledore was chatting with Professor Trelawney, who was wearing her usual gauzy shawls and layered beads. Seeing her reminded Kyle that he hadn¡¯t attended a single Divination class since the start of term. sea??h th§× NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He¡¯d heard from classmates that he¡¯d somehow become a "teaching aid" for Trelawney, who hadn¡¯t taken his absence lightly. Before the holidays, she¡¯d even predicted ominously, ¡°If he continues to miss my class, he may be leaving us next term.¡±


    Kyle¡¯s friends, Mikel and Ryan, had suggested he show up just to keep her from focusing on him as some sort of harbinger of doom. He would have gone, but unfortunately, Divination clashed with his Ancient Runes class, and Runes was not something he could afford to drop. With his private tutor, Tom Riddle, gone, Kyle now had to rely on Professor Babbling, who was only available once a week¡ªand difficult to find at any other time.


    Next to Dumbledore sat Professor McGonagall, looking as stern as ever, and beside her was a particularly jubilant Lockhart. He seemed so pleased with himself that he¡¯d even taken out a bottle of Firewhiskey and offered it to the other professors. Each declined, and while Professor McGonagall pursed her lips in disapproval, she held back her objections since Dumbledore didn¡¯t mind.


    When the banquet ended, a tipsy Lockhart stood up, beaming and repeating to the students what he¡¯d boasted to the professors earlier¡ªthat he¡¯d ¡°solved the mystery of the Chamber of Secrets¡± and that Hogwarts was ¡°safe once more.¡±


    There was a burst of cheers from the younger students, and Lockhart went on to announce his plans to publish a new book about Hogwarts and the Chamber of Secrets, with all the students as main characters. The cheering grew even louder. Yet a small number of students sat silent, clearly skeptical of Lockhart¡¯s claims and suspecting he was just drunk.


    Later, in the Hufflepuff common room, some students started their holiday tradition of catching up on homework while sprawled on the sofas. Kyle handed his Potions assignment to Mikel.


    ¡°Thanks!¡± Mikel said, relieved. ¡°I was five inches short on my Potions essay and couldn¡¯t finish it to save my life!¡±


    As Mikel copied down the last few inches, Kyle lowered his voice. ¡°Have you noticed any unusual behavior in Slytherin recently?¡±


    Mikel gave a knowing grin. Not only had he claimed he¡¯d try to sneak into the Slytherin common room¡ªhe¡¯d actually done it. He¡¯d managed to blend in with a group of Slytherins after their Care of Magical Creatures class, saying he¡¯d swollen up from a sting by a Billywig, and had discreetly memorized the password. Unfortunately, he¡¯d somehow been discovered. Snape had caught him and, with a furious expression, docked fifty points from Hufflepuff.


    Mikel shrugged. ¡°Well, no big breakthrough. But they¡¯ve all been acting more¡­ secretive. And I haven¡¯t seen Malfoy or his friends chatting about the attacks as much lately. Almost like they know something but are trying not to draw attention.¡±


    Kyle nodded thoughtfully.

 Chapter 315: Valentine’s Day Surprise

    ¡°Seriously¡­¡± Mikel said, setting down his finished Potions homework. He thought for a moment before continuing, ¡°I feel like they¡¯re all a bit¡­ crazy.¡±


    Kyle blinked, surprised. ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    ¡°Do you know what they¡¯re always going on about?¡± Mikel sighed, putting his quill aside. ¡°Every time I¡¯m in their common room, I hear someone loudly talking about who the Heir of Slytherin might be¡ªand a lot of them say they want to help ¡®purify¡¯ the school alongside him.¡±


    Kyle scoffed. ¡°Help the monster in the Chamber of Secrets ¡®purify¡¯ the school? Seriously?¡±


    Mikel¡¯s frustration only grew as he spoke. ¡°Yeah, from the way they talk, it¡¯s like they see the rest of us as pests. It¡¯s no wonder so many people have issues with Slytherin.¡±


    He paused, glancing at Kyle. ¡°One day, I couldn¡¯t hold back. I waited until someone was heading out the door and gave this arrogant guy a solid punch in the face. That¡¯s how I ended up getting caught.¡±


    Kyle chuckled, a mix of amusement and concern. ¡°Sounds like you made a quick escape, though?¡±


    ¡°Oh, I did! They were so slow¡ªI only had to dash up three flights of stairs to lose them. But, unfortunately, I didn¡¯t realize I¡¯d dropped my scarf while I was running. A third-year Slytherin recognized it, and Snape docked me fifty points, just like that.¡±


    Mikel thumped the table in frustration, and Kyle shook his head with a smirk. It was lucky that Mikel¡¯s reflexes had helped him escape quickly; otherwise, he¡¯d have lost more than just fifty points.


    But Mikel¡¯s story gave Kyle some useful insights. He could likely rule out suspects like Pansy, Millicent, and Crabbe. With their personalities, if any of them had truly been responsible for releasing the Basilisk, they¡¯d probably have bragged about it by now. The real Heir would likely be more cautious.


    Kyle considered this for a moment, then asked, ¡°Do you know if any of them missed the Halloween feast?¡±


    Mikel thought about it briefly. ¡°The Halloween feast? I think they all went.¡±


    ¡°Filch¡¯s attack is the main thing they keep bringing up. If anyone wasn¡¯t in the Great Hall that night, I¡¯m sure they¡¯d have been interrogated right away. When I was there, though, no one seemed to be questioning anyone.¡±


    Kyle frowned thoughtfully. ¡°Maybe¡­ or maybe they¡¯d finished questioning everyone before you arrived.¡±


    ¡°Possibly,¡± Mikel agreed.


    Kyle returned to the dormitory, still mulling over the clues in his mind. There were fewer suspects now, but he¡¯d have to keep a close eye on the remaining ones.


    ...


    In the weeks that followed, Kyle kept a close watch on the Slytherin students, looking for anything out of the ordinary. But after a month of careful observation, he hadn¡¯t noticed anything suspicious. Everything in the castle seemed calm, even normal.


    As February arrived, the snow gradually began to melt, and pale sunlight once again touched the grounds of Hogwarts. There hadn¡¯t been any new attacks, and optimism was spreading through the school. Many students were starting to believe Lockhart¡¯s claims that he¡¯d put an end to the Chamber of Secrets monster.


    Adding to the sense of relief, Professor Sprout shared some promising news during Herbology. The mandrakes were growing more temperamental and withdrawn, a sign they were nearing maturity. With a bit more time, perhaps another month or two, those who had been petrified could be fully revived.


    Amid all this good news, Lockhart seemed especially pleased with himself. His Start-of-Term Feast proclamation had won over new admirers, and students who had previously doubted him were now among his loyal fans.


    ¡°To raise morale and help everyone move past last term¡¯s unfortunate events, I have a surprise in store for you,¡± Lockhart announced cheerfully in one of his Defense Against the Dark Arts classes. ¡°I can¡¯t say too much just yet¡ªit¡¯s a secret, after all¡ªbut I think you¡¯ll all enjoy it.¡±


    His mysterious words sent whispers rippling through the classroom as students speculated about what he might be planning.


    The mystery didn¡¯t last long. The very next day, Valentine¡¯s Day, Lockhart¡¯s surprise was revealed.


    When Kyle entered the Great Hall that morning, he paused, almost convinced he¡¯d stepped into the wrong room. The four walls were draped with enormous pink flowers, and heart-shaped confetti drifted down from the enchanted ceiling. Behind the staff table, a massive heart made of colorful flowers hung proudly.


    The scene resembled a wedding venue more than a school dining hall.


    ¡°I guess this must be Lockhart¡¯s surprise,¡± Fred muttered, brushing confetti from his head.


    ¡°Thinking the same thing,¡± Cedric replied, glancing toward the professors¡¯ table.


    Up front, Lockhart¡ªclad in a blindingly pink robe¡ªstood waving to quiet the hall. Beside him, the professors sat with various levels of discomfort, none more severe than Snape. Positioned on the left side of the massive heart backdrop with Lockhart on the right, Snape¡¯s scowl darkened the whole scene, making him look as if someone had shoved a handful of Cockroach Clusters at him. His grip on his wand was tense, and Kyle had no doubt that if anyone pushed him the wrong way, Snape would unleash a , quite literally. S§×ar?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The only one amused was Dumbledore, who had donned a pearly white robe to better blend with the decorations, grinning broadly as he surveyed the students.


    ¡°Happy Valentine¡¯s Day, everyone!¡± Lockhart said, practically beaming. ¡°So far, 65 people have sent me cards, and I¡¯d like to thank them¡­ And yes, I took the liberty of arranging this little surprise, but there¡¯s more to come!¡±


    With a flourish, he clapped his hands, and twelve dwarves entered, each with drooping expressions, wearing golden wings and carrying harps slung over their shoulders.


    Lockhart announced that these dwarves would roam the castle all day, delivering Valentine¡¯s Day cards. ¡°I know you¡¯re excited, but stay tuned¡ªthere¡¯s still more to come!¡± he said, clapping his hands again.


    ¡°Everyone, look up!¡±


    At his cue, hundreds of owls swooped into the Great Hall, dropping letters and packages onto students in a chaotic shower of notes. Amid the flurry, Cedric caught sight of one of the letters falling by his seat, and out of curiosity, picked it up.


    He took one look at it, and his face changed.


    ¡°His golden hair is like freshly cooked polenta, and his red lips are as inviting as ripe tomatoes¡­¡±


    ¡°What in Merlin¡¯s name is ?¡± Cedric recoiled, feeling a surge of nausea, and quickly tossed the note away, rubbing his hands against the stool as if to scrub away the memory.


    ¡°I understand that some of you may lack experience writing greeting cards,¡± Lockhart continued, smiling wider than ever. ¡°So, I¡¯ve taken the liberty of sharing a few examples from my own collection! Feel free to copy them¡­ word for word.¡±


    He flashed a brilliant smile. ¡°But, of course, if you have other ideas, that¡¯s perfectly fine too! Professor Snape is a master of Love Potions, never failing to concoct a delightful batch. And Professor Flitwick here is a true master in Entrancing Enchantments¡ªa cunning old man, he is!¡±


    Professor Flitwick buried his face in his hands, clearly wishing he could disappear under the table, while a twitch appeared in Snape¡¯s forehead as he raised his wand several times, seeming to wrestle with the impulse to hex Lockhart.


    ¡°I¡¯d say Professor Snape¡¯s reaching his limit,¡± Cedric whispered, then his gaze shifted to the dwarves. A thought struck him, and he turned to Kyle with a hint of desperation. ¡°Kyle, you know the Disillusionment Charm, don¡¯t you?¡±


    Kyle nodded.


    ¡°Could I borrow the Invisibility Cloak today?¡± Cedric asked, barely concealing his urgency. ¡°I¡¯d pay you anything¡ªjust name your price.¡±


    Kyle laughed. ¡°No need for money. It¡¯s in my dormitory; I¡¯ll bring it to you after breakfast.¡±


    ¡°Thanks!¡± Cedric exhaled in relief.


    Though he wasn¡¯t certain anyone would send him a Valentine¡¯s card, he wanted to be prepared. If he were ambushed by singing dwarves in a crowded hallway, the humiliation would be unbearable. For now, staying at Hogwarts seemed preferable to transferring to another wizarding school.

 Chapter 316: Diverting Disaster

    Although Cedric had acted quickly, he¡¯d gravely underestimated the situation¡ªor perhaps he hadn¡¯t realized just how popular he truly was. As the first Hufflepuff Seeker in ages, known for his looks, gentleness, and patience, Cedric was practically a celebrity at Hogwarts.


    He had barely made it a hundred meters from the Great Hall when five dwarves came sprinting toward him, their golden wings flapping with each hurried step, which added a comical touch that only deepened his horror.


    ¡°Hey, you! Cedric Diggory!¡± the lead dwarf shouted, pushing through the crowd with arms outstretched.


    Cedric¡¯s instincts screamed at him to run, but he barely managed two steps before the dwarves surrounded him, kicking a few unfortunate students in the shins to clear the path. Three dwarves blocked his way in front, and two closed in from behind.


    ¡°I have a singing message to deliver personally to Cedric Diggory!¡± announced the first dwarf, strumming his harp with such fervor that Cedric flinched.


    More students gathered around, intrigued by the spectacle. Cedric tried to slip away once more, but the dwarf held him fast, tugging at his robes.


    ¡°Not here¡­ please, I¡¯ll be late for class!¡± Cedric pleaded, hoping for mercy.


    But the dwarf ignored him, and with a booming voice, began the song:


    Cedric¡¯s face drained of color; he looked paler than any ghost in the castle. He tried to muster a laugh along with the crowd, but only a strangled groan escaped. He¡¯d thought the dwarves¡¯ delivery style might be a bit embarrassing, but experiencing it firsthand was a nightmare.


    And to make matters worse, there were still four more dwarves waiting with messages for him¡­


    Kyle, standing off to the side, was enjoying the scene until he felt someone tugging at his sleeve. Turning, he saw Kanna, her eyes wide with alarm.


    ¡°Run,¡± she urged quietly.


    ¡°What?¡± Kyle asked, confused.


    But then he looked up and saw seven more dwarves making a beeline for him. They weren¡¯t looking for Cedric this time.


    ¡°Oh, no¡­ ¡± Kyle¡¯s wand flashed, and with a loud bang, a flock of small birds erupted from its tip, fluttering around the dwarves and obscuring their vision.


    Without wasting a second, Kyle grabbed Kanna¡¯s arm, and they bolted through the crowd, heading straight for the Hufflepuff common room. Once the barrel-shaped door closed behind them, Kyle collapsed onto a sofa, panting¡ªnot from physical exertion but from sheer relief.


    Kanna was doubled over with laughter. ¡°I¡¯ve never seen you so panicked,¡± she teased, shoulders shaking. ¡°You didn¡¯t even look this scared when Oren tricked you into the Forbidden Forest.¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t understand¡­¡± Kyle wiped a bead of cold sweat from his forehead. ¡°If it would make those dwarves disappear, I¡¯d gladly take another trip into the Forbidden Forest with Oren.¡±


    Kanna burst into laughter again, unable to contain herself.


    ¡°Don¡¯t push it too far,¡± Kyle said with a smirk. ¡°I helped you, those dwarves could easily have been coming for you too.¡±


    Kanna wrinkled her nose, suddenly imagining the dwarves singing, ¡ªand a shiver ran through her. Her amusement vanished instantly, and she shot Kyle a glare.


    ¡°Just so you know,¡± she huffed, ¡°they were definitely looking for you, not me, not for half a Knut!¡±


    ¡°Who''s to say?¡± Kyle replied. ¡°You can¡¯t see all the dwarves¡¯ eyes at once.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I can!¡± Kanna insisted, her irritation plain, just as the door opened and Cedric entered, looking weary but relieved.


    ¡°Thanks for the distraction, Kyle.¡± He slumped onto the sofa beside them. ¡°The birds bought me enough time to escape. It was horrifying¡­ Do you think Madam Pomfrey would buy it if I pretended to be sick and hid in the Hospital Wing?¡± S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°Pretending won¡¯t work,¡± Kyle replied with a chuckle. ¡°But if you¡¯re serious¡­ I have some Belladonna. Want to take a bite?¡±


    Cedric chuckled nervously, shaking his head. ¡°Thanks, but no thanks. I¡¯d like to avoid nearly poisoning myself just to escape Valentine¡¯s Day.¡±


    ...


    When the door to the Hufflepuff common room creaked open again, Cedric stepped out alone, his nerves visibly frayed. After some consideration¡ªand a pang of guilt¡ªhe¡¯d decided to let Kanna have the Invisibility Cloak for the day. Glancing over his shoulder, he whispered, ¡°Kyle, are you sure this plan is going to work?¡±


    ¡°Just give it a shot,¡± Kyle¡¯s voice echoed from somewhere near the wall, making it shake slightly. ¡°There are only twelve dwarves. If we keep them busy, they won¡¯t have time to embarrass anyone else.¡±


    Kyle¡¯s plan was straightforward: if you couldn¡¯t avoid the dwarves, keep them occupied. They would flood the dwarves with Valentine¡¯s cards. If others could send cards, so could they, and as long as they didn¡¯t sign their names, no one would know who was responsible.


    ¡°But¡­ who exactly are we going to send these to?¡± Cedric still hesitated. The strategy was effective, but it felt a bit mean-spirited.


    ¡°Fred and George, for one,¡± Kyle suggested casually. ¡°They¡¯d love this kind of chaos and would probably find it hilarious to receive a few extra Valentine¡¯s.¡±


    ¡°And definitely Lockhart¡ªhe gets a hundred cards,¡± Kyle added with a mischievous grin.


    ¡°Professor Snape could use a few, too,¡± he continued. ¡°He¡¯s probably not going to get any Valentine¡¯s cards, so let¡¯s send him fifty to lift his spirits.¡±


    At that moment, an invisible arm emerged out of nowhere and gave Kyle a light slap.


    ¡°All right, all right¡ªten for Snape,¡± Kyle relented, laughing. ¡°The rest can go to Lockhart.¡±


    He then handed Cedric and the others a stack of cards filled with pre-written messages. The cards all bore a similar, overly sentimental message they¡¯d quickly penned together back in the common room.


    ¡°Just add names and hand them over to the dwarves for delivery.¡±


    Cedric looked down at the stack, still feeling a bit uneasy. ¡°Are you sure sending out identical cards won¡¯t seem¡­ suspicious? Should we change them up a bit?¡±


    ¡°No need,¡± Kyle assured him, shaking his head. ¡°Dwarves are used to repetitive tasks¡ªthey¡¯re usually goblins¡¯ assistants in weapon-forging. Even if each card says the same thing, they¡¯ll deliver them without question.¡±


    Kyle paused, then added, ¡°But you¡¯re right about one thing. Let¡¯s make sure the names are staggered so they have to make multiple trips. That¡¯ll keep them busy.¡±

 Chapter 317: Useless Understanding

    Kyle''s strategy proved highly effective.


    After handing over a thick stack of greeting cards to the Dwarves, they finally managed to enjoy a somewhat normal morning. Although a few Dwarves still managed to slip out from hidden corners, Kyle was able to dodge them in time using his Disillusionment Charm.


    Regarding the lessons... Professors McGonagall and Flitwick had agreed to Kyle''s suggestion and cast Charms to seal the classroom doors, keeping the Dwarves out. Reports from other year groups mentioned that two petrified Dwarves were stationed in Snape''s Potions classroom, placed on either side of the door to the Dungeon like two tasteless statues.


    Initially, this sight caused a bit of panic as students thought there had been another attack. But soon, they realized it was Snape''s handiwork¡ªhis way of warning the remaining Dwarves to steer clear of him.


    As the morning wore on and classes continued, the Dwarves began reappearing with greater frequency, evidently having completed their previous tasks. By the end of the last Charms class, three Dwarves were already waiting for Kyle in the corridor.


    Cedric faced a similar situation, forcing both of them to retreat to the common room for lunch.


    ¡°Someone is definitely stirring up trouble!¡± Cedric grumbled, biting into a piece of toast. ¡°There are loads of students at Hogwarts¡ªwhy do they keep targeting us? Something¡¯s off.¡±


    ¡°Do you even need to ask?¡± Kyle raised an eyebrow and pointed toward the ceiling.


    Cedric immediately caught on, gritting his teeth as he muttered, ¡°Fred, George!¡±


    No wonder the greeting cards felt strangely familiar. It all clicked¡ªit was undeniably the twins'' signature style. Cedric had initially felt guilty about the chaos but never imagined the twins would start mischief this early. He suspected they were responsible for the five Dwarves he¡¯d encountered by the foyer that morning.


    Otherwise, how could it be such a coincidence that a greeting card popped up every time he left his dorm?


    ¡°It seems we¡¯re all thinking the same thing,¡± Kyle shrugged.


    ¡°So, should we keep at it this afternoon?¡± Cedric asked.


    Kyle shook his head.


    Though they outnumbered the twins three to two, Fred and George thrived on pranks, whether they were the instigators or simply involved, which gave them an almost invincible advantage. Plus, the Hufflepuffs had Defense Against the Dark Arts in the afternoon, and Lockhart would never agree to barricading the door. After all, neither the Disillusionment Charm nor an Invisibility Cloak would be practical in class¡­


    ¡°Forget it, let¡¯s let them off the hook this time,¡± Kyle thought, deciding to skip the petty rivalry with the twins. Instead, he chose to redirect his efforts toward Lockhart.


    In fact, they even funded a small incentive to recruit more ¡°admirers¡± for Lockhart. Anyone who wrote Lockhart a greeting card would earn a Knut.


    One Knut. Twenty-nine Knuts. It wasn¡¯t much, but the task was simple, and by the time the afternoon class began, all fifty slots had been filled.


    ...


    Lockhart was ecstatic, absolutely over the moon.


    He never imagined that after everything that had happened, his number of admirers at Hogwarts would only increase¡ªover a thousand cards as proof! Who cared if he didn¡¯t have time for his classes anymore? If he could, he¡¯d do this every single day.


    That evening, Lockhart strolled happily toward the Great Hall. On his way, he noticed a group of professors gathered near the entrance to the Dungeon, all focused on something. ¡°What¡¯s all this fuss about?¡± he asked smugly. ¡°Comparing how many cards you¡¯ve received? Why wasn¡¯t I invited? Ah, I suppose you all heard already¡ªI received over a thousand cards¡­¡±


    All the professors turned to glare at him.


    Startled, Lockhart muttered defensively, ¡°Alright, if you think it¡¯s unfair to compete with me, I won¡¯t participate¡­ Wait, why is there a Dwarf here?¡±


    He noticed a motionless Dwarf among the professors. But the issue was, the Dwarves should have completed their tasks and left the school half an hour ago.


    ¡°Ah¡­ the problem-solver has arrived,¡± Snape said in a low voice. ¡°As you can see, there has been another attack. Now, your moment to shine has finally come.¡±


    Lockhart¡¯s breath caught as he looked down at the petrified Dwarf on the floor.


    The Dwarf lay rigid in front of a suit of armor, identical to the pose of the last petrified victim.


    ¡°No¡­ this¡­ how could this be!¡± Lockhart stammered. ¡°Don¡¯t joke around¡­ Professor Snape, I can tell at a glance that he¡¯s been Petrified¡ªexactly like the ones you set up at the entrance to the Dungeon¡­¡±


    ¡°As a matter of fact,¡± Snape said coldly, ¡°I lifted that Petrification Charm three hours ago. Or you could try it yourself. I wouldn¡¯t think it too difficult for you to lift a charm¡­¡±


    ¡°Of course¡­ I can lift the charm,¡± Lockhart replied through gritted teeth. He stepped forward, waved his wand, and muttered an odd assortment of sounds.


    A muscle in Professor McGonagall¡¯s cheek twitched. In all her years, she had never heard such a peculiar incantation; it sounded like Lockhart was making it up on the spot. She doubted he could even repeat it exactly if asked.


    Lockhart continued his spell for nearly a full minute, but unsurprisingly, the petrified Dwarf remained entirely unmoved.


    ¡°Oh dear, it seems even the secret magic of the Wagga Wagga tribe isn¡¯t working,¡± Lockhart said, putting away his wand. ¡°I learned it from an old wizard during my travels; it can lift almost any curse.¡±


    ¡°Oh?¡± Snape raised an eyebrow.


    ¡°I know what you¡¯re going to say, Professor Snape,¡± Lockhart sighed. ¡°Clearly, I was deceived. That fellow probably hadn¡¯t set foot outside his village.¡±


    ¡°Never mind; the mandrake roots are nearly mature,¡± said Professor Sprout. ¡°Soon they¡¯ll be ready, and those petrified will recover. But, Gilderoy, didn¡¯t you claim on the first day of term that you knew the identity of the Heir? Well then, go find him¡ªthat¡¯s what¡¯s most important.¡±


    ¡°Yes¡­ yes¡­ I know¡­¡± Lockhart stammered, growing increasingly flustered.


    If he truly knew who the Heir was, he would have made a grand show of it long ago, not waited until now. But wasn¡¯t Dumbledore supposed to be the most powerful wizard around? He had been back from holiday for quite some time, yet the Chamber of Secrets remained unsolved. This was certainly not the outcome Lockhart had expected!


    Lockhart stuttered, unable to form a coherent response, and the other professors ignored him entirely. Professor Flitwick arranged for the petrified Dwarf to be taken to the Hospital Wing, and the rest of the professors filed out, leaving Lockhart standing there as if he were invisible. S§×ar?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°Things are getting serious,¡± Professor McGonagall said, glancing toward the Great Hall, which was bustling with students. ¡°We need to take action before any students get hurt.¡±


    ¡°But the question is, who?¡± Snape replied. ¡°We¡¯ve searched every corner of the castle and found nothing.¡±


    ¡°Just a little longer. It won¡¯t be much longer now,¡± whispered Professor Sprout. ¡°A month at most¡­ no, even less. The mandrake roots are already showing signs they¡¯re ready to be repotted. Those who were petrified must have seen something. Once they wake, we¡¯ll finally know if the monster is a person or¡­ something else.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re right, Pomona,¡± Professor McGonagall agreed, her expression grave. ¡°But a month is still too long. None of us can guarantee what could happen in that time. In any case, I need to go speak to the students.¡±

 Chapter 318: Tense Atmosphere

    ¡°All students must return to their house common rooms by 6:00 p.m., and no student is to leave after that time. You will be escorted by a professor to each of your classes, and wandering the castle alone before your professor arrives is strictly forbidden. Quidditch training and matches are postponed, and there will be no evening activities¡­¡±


    The students sat at the long tables in the Great Hall, listening in solemn silence to Professor McGonagall¡¯s announcement.


    Professor McGonagall was genuinely afraid.


    Before the holidays, the Ministry of Magic had grown increasingly concerned about the situation at Hogwarts. After the attack on Professor Charity Burbage, who taught Muggle Studies, there had even been talk of temporarily closing Hogwarts to focus all efforts on finding the Chamber of Secrets. Though this proposal was initially rejected by a majority, the mounting attacks had brought it back onto the table just before Christmas. This time, it had far fewer opponents.


    One of the few reasons the Ministry had remained silent was Dumbledore¡¯s continued presence at Hogwarts. That, and the fact that no students had been seriously harmed so far. But Professor McGonagall knew this luck wouldn¡¯t last forever.


    The peace was fragile, like a stack of dynamite barrels waiting for the slightest spark. Some people in the shadows were already waiting for an opportunity to act, and McGonagall was certain that if even one student were seriously harmed, or if attacks increased further, those forces would seize the chance to set everything ablaze.


    No one could predict what might happen then. And Professor McGonagall couldn¡¯t bear the thought of students getting hurt.


    These were the most crucial days. The Mandrake roots were nearly mature, and once the petrified students and ghosts were revived, they would be able to tell what they had seen, perhaps even revealing secrets about the Chamber of Secrets and the creature within it. McGonagall was sure the Heir of Slytherin was aware of this, too. He would either lie low or become more reckless to protect his secrets.


    And the petrified Dwarves were proof that he had chosen the latter.


    Professor McGonagall took a deep breath, her expression graver than ever. Though all the victims so far had only been petrified, she couldn¡¯t forget that fifty years ago, during the Chamber¡¯s last opening, students had died for reasons no one understood. sea??h th§× N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    This couldn¡¯t happen again.


    She looked out over the students, her voice tense. ¡°I hope each of you will follow these rules¡ªfor the safety of your own lives! Anyone who breaks them will lose all their House points, and their House will be disqualified from the Quidditch match.¡±


    ¡°In addition, I urge anyone who thinks they know something to come forward. Every clue, no matter how small, could help us find the culprit behind these attacks.¡±


    When Professor McGonagall finished, she left the hall abruptly, her robes sweeping behind her.


    As soon as she was gone, a murmur of whispers filled the Great Hall. Never before had there been such a severe punishment as deducting all House points and canceling Quidditch matches.


    "Well, at least Professor McGonagall only postponed the Quidditch match..." Harry said with a hint of relief.


    ¡°You lot¡­¡± Ron glanced at Fred and George, who looked like they were about to say something but held back. They seemed to guess what he was thinking.


    ¡°We¡¯ll find a way around it, even if it¡¯s just for Quidditch,¡± Fred said confidently.


    ¡°It¡¯s you we¡¯re worried about,¡± George laughed. ¡°Don¡¯t start thinking about playing hero and catching the villain like last year¡ªthat¡¯s not what you¡¯re here for.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re not trying to be heroes!¡± Ron said, his face turning red.


    Beside him, Harry and Hermione ate quietly, seemingly lost in their own thoughts. At the Hufflepuff table, Kyle was also silent. He watched as everyone around him discussed the identity of the Heir, observing the expressions of each student as names were suggested.


    Everyone looked relatively normal. The only one acting out of character was Lockhart. He wasn¡¯t boasting about the thousand cards he¡¯d received or his various exploits; he hadn¡¯t even bothered to fix his hair, which was an unruly mess of blonde curls. Instead, he sat there, downing drink after drink, a far cry from his usual lively self at lunchtime.


    Half an hour later, dinner came to an end.


    Professor McGonagall re-entered the Great Hall, accompanied by the other three Heads of House. Professor Sprout approached the Hufflepuff table to escort her students back to their common room.


    ¡°Unless you¡¯re on your way to class, you must remain here at all times,¡± she reminded them firmly. She did a quick headcount to ensure everyone was present, and only left once the last student had passed through the wooden door.


    ¡°Doesn¡¯t Professor Lockhart already know who the Heir is?¡± someone blurted out as soon as Professor Sprout was gone. ¡°Why don¡¯t the professors just arrest the person?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t you get it?¡± someone else replied, sneering. ¡°He¡¯s just full of hot air. He doesn¡¯t know anything, as he made painfully clear at the Duelling Club.¡±


    ¡°Nonsense!¡± another student argued. ¡°You¡¯ve all read his books¡ªjust think of all the incredible things he¡¯s done!¡±


    ¡°He only he did them himself,¡± someone muttered skeptically.


    ...


    The common room quickly split into two camps, each heatedly debating Lockhart¡¯s credibility. Kyle, Kanna, and Cedric stayed out of the pointless argument, instead weaving through the crowd to settle on a few sofas in the corner.


    ¡°Kyle, did you find anything?¡± Cedric asked quietly.


    ¡°No,¡± Kyle replied, shaking his head.


    ¡°The person behind this is hiding really well,¡± Kanna sighed. ¡°Every time there¡¯s an attack, no one sees anything¡ªit¡¯s like it all happens out of thin air¡­ Could the monster in the Chamber of Secrets be some sort of ghost that roams the castle freely?¡±


    ¡°Ghosts can¡¯t cause petrification. They only look scary,¡± Cedric countered, glancing back at Kyle. ¡°By the way, where did you find that golden chain last time?¡±


    ¡°A¡­ very hidden place,¡± Kyle replied after a pause, still reluctant to mention the Chamber of Secrets by name.


    He hadn¡¯t entirely ruled out the idea of telling Professor Dumbledore about the Chamber¡¯s location and what he knew of Tom Riddle. In fact, the thought had crossed his mind more than once, especially after the diary mysteriously vanished and the attacks became more frequent. Yet, he could never quite bring himself to do it. Every time he considered telling someone, the thought would inexplicably fade away.


    It was like being a Muggle caught within a Muggle-Repelling Charm¡¯s range: each time he tried to focus, something else seemed to tug his mind elsewhere.


    Kyle wasn¡¯t fully conscious of this strange mental interference, only feeling an undefined unease he couldn¡¯t quite explain. In the end, he chalked it up to his reluctance to part with the Basilisk. After all, a creature that rare was worth a fortune in Galleons¡ªenough to build a small mountain. It was only natural to feel hesitant.


    Kyle rubbed his forehead, a strange, lingering irritation creeping over him.


    ¡°Speaking of clues,¡± Cedric said, breaking the silence, ¡°do you remember the gift you gave me for Christmas?¡± Without waiting for a reply, he got up and dashed to the dormitory. ¡°Wait here a moment.¡±


    After about a minute, he returned, holding a stack of parchment.

 Chapter 319: Visitors from the Ministry, Hagrid Taken Away

    The stack of parchment was nearly an inch thick. After Cedric sat down, he handed it to Kyle.


    ¡°What are these¡­?¡± Kyle asked, intrigued.


    ¡°Photos of magical items,¡± Cedric explained. ¡°I got them from the library at the start of term. I¡¯m not sure if they¡¯ll help, but I thought you might want to take a look.¡±


    Kyle opened the stack and began flipping through the pages. Each sheet held photographs and lengthy descriptions, which looked like they had been carefully copied from a book. The first picture showed a Sneakoscope, shaped like a spinning top. Farther down were Magical Glasses, which could see through Invisibility Cloaks; a pocket-sized Cauldron that could be worn around the neck; a Time-Turner; a Winged Slingshot; an Exploding Pocket Watch...


    Though each magical object was different, they all had one thing in common: they were attached to chains. Some chains were purely decorative, while others were designed for convenience, allowing the items to be carried easily.


    ¡°Do you remember that Christmas gift you gave me?¡± Cedric asked. ¡°I¡¯ve always thought it seemed¡­ distinctive. It¡¯s like those maps we ordered with the house crests for Slytherin.¡±


    He pointed to the chain on the Exploding Pocket Watch in the photo. ¡°With enough Galleons, I could get one of these watches and have it customized with a little snake, badger, or lion.¡±


    Kyle nodded thoughtfully. Listening to Cedric, he realized he had been slightly fixated on the chain¡¯s appearance before. But perhaps that detail wasn¡¯t as crucial as he¡¯d thought. The chain itself was just a functional addition, used to carry items conveniently. Its appearance didn¡¯t change the object¡¯s essence.


    But if that were the case, this clue didn¡¯t seem particularly valuable. There were countless magical objects attached to chains, and even these photos, just a fraction of them, formed a stack almost an inch thick.


    Who knew what the chain had originally belonged to?


    ...


    The lights in the Hufflepuff common room stayed on late into the night as everyone lingered, chatting and speculating until sleep finally overtook them. With heavy eyelids and yawns all around, the students eventually returned to their dormitories. But no one could have imagined that, early the next morning, they¡¯d be hit with startling news: the Heir had been caught!


    "I knew it was him¡ªthe Keeper of Keys," Lockhart announced, his hair once again perfectly styled as he preened to anyone who would listen. "Ha! I gave him a chance. If he¡¯d just surrendered, he wouldn¡¯t have been taken away by the Ministry of Magic. But no matter¡ªthe crisis is over."


    ¡°Hagrid? How is that possible?¡± Kyle and the others overheard, and Cedric¡¯s eyes widened in shock as he hurried up to Lockhart. ¡°Professor Lockhart, are you saying Hagrid was taken by the Ministry?¡±


    "Yes, the Minister and Aurors were here," Lockhart replied, flashing his gleaming teeth. "Last night, while you were all tucked away, fast asleep.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t believe it. Hagrid couldn¡¯t possibly be the Heir of Slytherin¡ªthere must be some mistake,¡± Kanna muttered.


    ¡°I¡¯m sure I know a bit more about Hagrid¡¯s situation than you do, Miss Prince,¡± Lockhart said smugly. ¡°He may have tried to hide it, but I discovered the truth. His only mistake was waiting to open the Chamber until I arrived at Hogwarts. And, dear boy,¡± he added, turning to Cedric, ¡°the Minister wouldn¡¯t have taken Hagrid if he weren¡¯t absolutely certain.¡±


    ¡°What will happen to him?¡± Cedric asked, concerned. ¡°Will they send him to Azkaban?¡±


    ¡°Oh, definitely¡­¡± Lockhart said grandly, clearly enjoying the attention. ¡°He¡¯ll be there with the Dementors for company¡ª¡±


    ¡°Professor Lockhart!¡± came a stern voice. Professor McGonagall approached, her expression severe. ¡°I don¡¯t think you should be telling students about this matter before the facts are confirmed.¡±


    ¡°Ah, apologies, Professor McGonagall,¡± Lockhart replied casually. ¡°I was simply eager to share the good news.¡± Professor McGonagall gave him a look of profound distaste, as if he were a badly Transfigured creature that still had a tail.


    "Please show some discretion, Professor. We don¡¯t need more rumors spreading among the students.¡±


    She turned to Kyle, Kanna, and Cedric. ¡°You three, come with me. I have a few questions.¡± Without waiting, she walked briskly out of the castle, and they hurried to follow.


    Professor McGonagall led them across the grounds to Hagrid¡¯s hut. It felt strangely still without him there.


    "Now, I need the truth from you," she said, pointing toward the edge of the Forbidden Forest. ¡°Did you cast the Beast Repelling Charm?¡±


    ¡°Yes, Professor,¡± Kyle nodded. ¡°It was quite a while ago. Fred, George, Cho, and the three of us spent the whole morning on it. Hagrid didn¡¯t even help.¡±


    Professor McGonagall¡¯s face softened a little, the tension in her expression easing. Thankfully, this Charm hadn¡¯t been Hagrid¡¯s doing; otherwise, not even Dumbledore could have protected him.


    ¡°Professor,¡± Kanna ventured, ¡°did they really take Hagrid away?¡±


    Professor McGonagall nodded. ¡°I know you¡¯re close to him, Kanna, and I¡¯m afraid it¡¯s true. But¡­¡±


    Her face brightened slightly. ¡°Because of these Beast Repelling Charms, Hagrid was only taken in for questioning.¡±


    ¡°Because of the Charm?¡± Cedric asked, puzzled.


    ¡°It has to do with Trace Magic and the unique properties of the Repelling Charm,¡± Professor McGonagall explained. ¡°Simply put, the Repelling Charm creates a kind of invisible wall. If a large, unauthorized creature tries to enter, it would disturb this barrier and leave magical traces.¡± Sear?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°You¡¯re saying¡­ these Beast Repelling Charms are all still intact?¡± Kyle asked.


    ¡°That¡¯s correct,¡± Professor McGonagall said with a faint smile. ¡°The Ministry had suspected Hagrid of harboring creatures in the Forbidden Forest, but these Charms proved them wrong. Headmaster Dumbledore anticipated this issue¡­ I can¡¯t share all the details, but I assure you, Hagrid won¡¯t be sent to Azkaban unless new evidence emerges.¡±


    The three of them breathed a collective sigh of relief, though Cedric still looked troubled. He didn¡¯t understand why the Ministry had arrested Hagrid at all. Hagrid rarely even ventured into the castle, let alone orchestrated monster attacks.


    Professor McGonagall didn¡¯t answer his question, only cautioning them to keep quiet about what they¡¯d discussed.


    As they prepared to head back to the castle, Kyle lingered near Hagrid¡¯s hut, pushing open the door. Fang bounded over to him excitedly.


    The dog, as always, seemed blissfully unaware of what had happened to his owner, which, Kyle thought, was probably for the best. He took some dried meat from the shelf and put it in Fang¡¯s bowl. The dog wagged his tail with delight, chomping away happily.


    ¡°Come along, we¡¯ll be late for class,¡± Professor McGonagall called from outside. Kyle gave Fang a quick pat, then shut the door and followed her back to the castle.

 Chapter 320: Anomaly

    Hagrid had been taken away by the Ministry of Magic, but a deep unease lingered throughout Hogwarts. The monster in the Chamber of Secrets remained at large, able to strike again at any moment.


    The professors maintained an air of calm, diligently escorting students from one class to the next during the day and patrolling the castle halls at night. Despite Lockhart¡¯s repeated assurances that the danger had passed and that escorting students was a needless precaution, no one paid him any mind.


    These days, the Hufflepuff common room was always packed; with a strict curfew at 6:00 p.m., students had nowhere else to go, and every evening was filled with conversation, rumors, and speculation.


    After dinner, Kyle settled into a game of wizard chess with Cedric, but his focus was off. Game after game, Kyle lost without much of a fight, and after an hour, he hadn¡¯t managed a single win.


    ¡°I get the feeling you¡¯re not paying attention,¡± Cedric said as he began putting the chessboard away. ¡°Still thinking about the Chamber of Secrets?¡±


    ¡°No¡­¡± Kyle replied, shaking his head. ¡°I just feel a bit unwell.¡± S§×arch* The N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    For the past few days, he¡¯d been plagued by dizziness and an inability to concentrate, and today it had worsened. While they¡¯d been playing chess, he¡¯d even heard a faint buzzing, like dozens of voices whispering inside his head.


    ¡°You¡¯re not catching a cold, are you?¡± Kanna asked, looking at him with concern.


    The weather had been unpredictable lately¡ªthough summer was close, it had been raining frequently, with sudden shifts between warm and chilly days. Quite a few students had come down with colds.


    ¡°Could be,¡± Cedric said, stowing away the chess pieces. ¡°Should we let Professor Sprout know and ask her to take you to the Hospital Wing?¡±


    ¡°No need. I¡¯ve got a Pepperup Potion with me.¡± Kyle patted his forehead, pulling a small bottle of red potion from his pocket. He unscrewed the cap and took a sip.


    Instantly, steam billowed from his ears, and the drowsiness lifted somewhat. Still feeling fatigued, Kyle decided to return to the dormitory shortly afterward. He fell into bed, drifting into a strange, vivid dream. In it, he found himself back in the Chamber of Secrets. The snakes carved into the towering pillars seemed to come alive, encircling him in eerie silence. They didn¡¯t attack, nor did they allow him to leave; they simply gathered around him, unblinking.


    The next morning, Kyle was woken by Ryan. Professor Sprout was already at the door, ready to escort the Hufflepuffs to class.


    ¡°You slept for almost twelve hours,¡± Mikel noted, placing a few wrapped sandwiches on the table. ¡°Cedric mentioned you weren¡¯t feeling well. Maybe you should ask Professor Sprout for the day off¡­ If anyone can afford to miss a day, it¡¯s you.¡±


    ¡°No, thanks,¡± Kyle replied, shaking his head. ¡°I took my medicine, so I should be okay.¡±


    ¡°Alright then¡­¡± Mikel and Ryan exchanged a glance but didn¡¯t press the matter further.


    ...


    The Pepperup Potion didn¡¯t seem to help Kyle at all. For three days straight, he took it, but he remained groggy, plagued by fatigue and the same unsettling dream every night. By the third evening, he was so exhausted that he fell asleep as soon as he returned to the common room.


    ¡°No, you¡¯re definitely going to the Hospital Wing,¡± Cedric insisted, waking him up. He was determined to write a note to Professor Sprout, and this time, Kyle didn¡¯t refuse¡ªhe knew something was truly wrong.


    Ratton delivered the message, and while they waited for Professor Sprout, Cedric and Kanna put on their robes, preparing to accompany him to the Hospital Wing. They waited over half an hour before Professor Sprout finally entered the common room, looking pale and red-eyed, as if she¡¯d recently been crying.


    ¡°Thank goodness,¡± she said, managing a strained smile at Kyle. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, dear, for keeping you waiting. I was¡­ delayed. I¡¯ll take you to the Hospital Wing now.¡±


    Cedric and Kanna started to follow, but Professor Sprout gently but firmly told them to stay behind. As she led Kyle down the empty corridors, her nervousness was apparent. She clutched her wand tightly, glancing around every few steps.


    Kyle soon understood why.


    Nearly every professor was gathered in the Hospital Wing. But they weren¡¯t there because of him¡ªthey were standing around Ron Weasley¡¯s hospital bed. Ron lay stiff and unmoving, like a statue.


    Professor McGonagall was furiously berating Lockhart. ¡°A student was attacked¡­ because you wanted to fix your hair?!¡±


    ¡°I¡ªI don¡¯t know¡­¡± Lockhart stammered, trembling and clutching his wand, which was inexplicably tangled in his hair. ¡°There was only one corridor left¡­ They said they didn¡¯t need to be escorted¡­¡±


    ¡°So you just left?¡± Professor McGonagall roared, her expression thunderous. ¡°You knew Dumbledore wasn¡¯t at school today, and yet you let the students walk alone!¡±


    ¡°But Hagrid was caught¡­ so I thought¡­¡± Lockhart stuttered.


    ¡°Clearly, there¡¯s another Heir,¡± Snape said icily. ¡°Pity the monster didn¡¯t come for you instead.¡±


    Lockhart fell silent, his face ashen.


    ¡°Poppy, could you take a look at this child?¡± Professor Sprout¡¯s voice cut through the tension as she entered with Kyle.


    At her words, the Hospital Wing fell silent. The professors stopped berating Lockhart and turned almost in unison to look at Kyle.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Minerva¡­ it wasn¡¯t an attack,¡± Professor Sprout quickly assured.


    The other professors noticed that Kyle had walked in on his own and collectively exhaled in relief. Only Snape¡¯s expression remained conflicted¡ªa strange blend of regret and mild relief.


    Madam Pomfrey hurried over to take Kyle¡¯s temperature, performing a thorough examination. As she did so, the professors pulled the curtain around Ron¡¯s bed, obscuring him from view.


    Ten minutes later, Madam Pomfrey straightened up. ¡°It¡¯s not a cold¡­ perhaps it¡¯s just stress that¡¯s causing these recurring dreams,¡± she said gently. She led Kyle to a bed. ¡°You¡¯ll stay here tonight.¡±


    Kyle nodded and sat quietly.


    ¡°Is there any chance,¡± Snape drawled, ¡°that he¡¯s not truly unwell?¡±


    ¡°I can assure you, Professor Snape,¡± Madam Pomfrey replied sternly, ¡°I¡¯d know if someone were faking. I fully expect that if these attacks continue unresolved, we¡¯ll see more and more cases of students affected by fear.¡±


    She brought over a large bottle labeled and poured a steaming mugful for Kyle. ¡°Drink this¡ªit should help you get some proper rest.¡±


    The potion was unpleasant, as all hospital brews seemed to be, but Kyle drank it down. As he finished, Madam Pomfrey left, drawing the curtain around him for privacy. Soon after, the professors filed out, returning to patrol the castle in case of further attacks.


    The Hospital Wing fell into silence, and the potion indeed helped Kyle drift into a peaceful sleep¡ªbut only briefly.


    Just two hours later, Kyle¡¯s eyes snapped open, and he found himself unable to return to sleep. The scene with Ron weighed heavily on him. If the Basilisk remained unchecked, it was inevitable that more students would be harmed¡­ perhaps even fatally.


    Today it was Ron. Tomorrow it could be Cedric, Kanna, George or Fred.


    Was it really worth endangering everyone¡ªincluding his friends¡ªjust to preserve the Basilisk? Deep down, he knew the answer was no.


    But why, then, had he hesitated all this time?


    Kyle¡¯s face grew pale as he considered it. He had already thought of going to Dumbledore, yet after each night¡¯s sleep, the idea seemed to vanish as if it had never crossed his mind. Was he really that forgetful? Or was it¡­ the Confundus Charm?


    If he was under a Confundus Charm, then who¡­ Riddle¡¯s diary?


    When had Riddle managed to place such a charm on him? And why couldn¡¯t he remember anything about it?


    Kyle didn¡¯t dare let himself fall asleep again. Sitting upright, he clenched his fists, resisting the persistent buzzing in his mind.

 Chapter 321: The Imposter Heir

    The quiet in the bed next to him felt almost oppressive. Even Madam Pomfrey had fallen asleep, so Kyle quietly slipped on his shoes and clothes, and crept out of the Hospital Wing. The castle was eerily silent.


    As soon as he entered the main hall, he remembered that Professor McGonagall had mentioned Dumbledore wouldn¡¯t be at school today. But that didn¡¯t matter, because he soon ran into Professor McGonagall herself on the third floor.


    ¡°Kyle!¡± she snapped, clearly startled and furious. ¡°You¡¯re supposed to be resting in the Hospital Wing¡ªnot wandering the halls!¡±


    ¡°Professor McGonagall, I know where the Chamber of Secrets is!¡± Kyle blurted out. ¡°The entrance is in Myrtle¡¯s bathroom, under the tap that doesn¡¯t produce any water.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Professor McGonagall¡¯s eyes widened in shock, but she quickly regained her composure.


    ¡°You stay here. Do move,¡± she ordered firmly.


    With a swift flick of her wand, she summoned her Patronus¡ªa transparent tabby cat. She murmured instructions to it, and it sprang up the stairs, disappearing with a few graceful leaps.


    But Kyle had no intention of staying put. As Professor McGonagall conjured her Patronus, he took a quick step backward, slipping into a hidden passageway nearby.


    He knew the professors wouldn¡¯t let him go with them to the Chamber of Secrets, but he felt an overwhelming urge¡ªperhaps even from the strange dreams he¡¯d been having¡ªthat he had to go himself. S~ea??h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Emerging on the other side of the passage, Kyle took a moment to orient himself and then hurried towards Myrtle¡¯s bathroom. The ¡°exploding textbooks¡± that had once littered the area were gone, though Kyle barely noticed as he made his way to the tap.


    Speaking Parseltongue, he opened the entrance and turned to Myrtle, who was staring at him in surprise. ¡°The professors will be here soon,¡± he told her quickly. ¡°Make sure to tell them that this is the entrance to the Chamber of Secrets.¡±


    ¡°You¡ª¡± Myrtle began, looking as if she had more to say, but Kyle didn¡¯t catch it. He¡¯d already jumped into the pipe, sliding rapidly down.


    A slimy feeling coated his back, and he regretted not bringing his broomstick for a more graceful entrance. But in moments, he¡¯d reached the bottom, landing with a thud in the damp, shadowy tunnel.


    He quickly navigated the path to the final doorway of the Chamber, feeling the intense buzzing in his head suddenly lift. For the first time in days, his mind felt clear.


    Standing before the massive door, he hissed the Parseltongue phrase again, and the entrance to the Chamber of Secrets began to open.


    ¡°Open!¡±


    The stone wall split down the middle, sliding open to reveal the Chamber of Secrets. The vast, dimly lit hall appeared unchanged, but Kyle¡¯s eyes were drawn to a black diary lying at the foot of the giant Slytherin statue.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t think it would be you,¡± a soft voice said from the shadows.


    Kyle turned, unsurprised, toward the voice. A tall boy, leaning casually against a stone pillar, stared back at him. He looked around fifteen or sixteen, with dark hair, thin lips, and a striking, handsome face¡ªnot unlike Cedric.


    ¡°Tom Riddle.¡±


    ¡°It is I,¡± Riddle replied with a nod, his tone mockingly friendly. ¡°It¡¯s been a long time, my¡­ good friend?¡±


    He stepped closer, his eyes gleaming with amusement. ¡°I¡¯ve always wondered who would find the Chamber of Secrets first. Dumbledore? Harry Potter? I never expected it to be you.¡±


    ¡°Surprised?¡± Kyle asked coolly.


    ¡°Not entirely,¡± Riddle admitted, studying Kyle with interest. ¡°You¡¯re just as clever and methodical as I was¡­ it makes sense you¡¯d find it.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t flatter yourself,¡± Kyle shot back, a smirk tugging at his lips. ¡°I¡¯m only in third year, and I¡¯ve already won the Special Award for Services to the School twice, plus the Order of Merlin, Second Class. You only managed one school award by fifth year. Tsk.¡±


    Riddle¡¯s expression tightened, a flicker of irritation breaking through his calm mask.


    ¡°I¡¯ve told you before, those titles are meaningless. Only matters,¡± he said, stepping closer. At some point, he had produced a wand¡ªRon¡¯s wand¡ªwhich he now held at his side.


    ¡°We¡¯re alike, Kyle,¡± Riddle continued smoothly. ¡°Those filthy Mudbloods don¡¯t deserve to share a classroom with you. Join me, and I promise, before Salazar Slytherin himself, that we¡¯ll transform the wizarding world into something glorious.¡±


    Kyle narrowed his eyes at the wand aimed in his direction. ¡°I have just one question. How did you get out?¡±


    Riddle¡¯s smile twisted into something darker. ¡°Honestly? I don¡¯t know. I was working to gain your trust when, one day, I suddenly found myself free, outside that cursed diary. I met someone else¡ªa naive, weak little fool who opened up to me almost immediately, far more easily than you ever would.¡±


    He let out a low laugh. ¡°Thanks to him, I¡¯ve grown¡­ much stronger.¡±


    ¡°Who?¡± Kyle asked.


    ¡°Think of him as my future servant,¡± Riddle said dismissively. ¡°Now, it¡¯s your turn to answer. Despite your past deceptions, I¡¯m willing to forgive you if you¡¯ll follow me. Together, we can achieve greatness.¡±


    Kyle tilted his head thoughtfully. ¡°Hmm¡­ I might need a moment to think about it.¡±


    ¡°Take all the time you need,¡± Riddle replied smoothly. ¡°I¡¯ve closed the entrance you left in the bathroom, so we won¡¯t be disturbed.¡±


    ¡°Really? That¡¯s¡­ convenient,¡± Kyle said, then, without warning, raised his wand.


    A row of sharp stone spikes erupted from the floor around Riddle, piercing his form. But Riddle barely flinched, glancing down with mild annoyance.


    ¡°What a shame. I thought you might accept.¡±


    Kyle shrugged, his smile mischievous. ¡°Would you believe me if I said I just slipped?¡±


    Riddle¡¯s expression darkened. ¡°What do you think? ¡±


    ¡°!¡±


    The spells collided midair in a flash of red and white light, each ricocheting in a different direction. Riddle¡¯s curse scorched the stone floor, while Kyle¡¯s spell sliced into a nearby pillar, leaving a deep gash.


    Riddle¡¯s gaze shifted to the damage, his eyes widening briefly in surprise. ¡°Dark magic of this level¡ªand a Nonverbal Spell, too. Among wizards your age, you¡¯re the most talented I¡¯ve seen. I almost regret having to kill you.¡±


    His words dripped with mockery as he raised his wand again, sneering. ¡°But the game is over. Now I¡¯ll show you the true power of Salazar Slytherin!¡±


    Turning his back on Kyle, Riddle faced the towering statue of Slytherin, opening his mouth to hiss, ¡°Speak to me¡­¡±


    ¡°Speak to me¡­¡±


    The words echoed through the chamber. Riddle froze, glancing back, bewildered.


    In that instant, Kyle had already completed the incantation in Parseltongue, his voice low and sure. ¡°Speak to me, Slytherin¡­ greatest of the Hogwarts Four!¡±


    ¡°You¡­ no¡­ this is impossible!¡± For the first time, fear flickered across Riddle¡¯s face. He turned fully, fury and shock contorting his features. ¡°How do you know the command to summon the Basilisk?¡±


    ¡°Because I am the true heir of Slytherin,¡± Kyle said, grinning with a confidence that mirrored Lockhart¡¯s own theatrical style. ¡°You¡¯re just a cheap imitation.¡±

 Chapter 322: Not Even Dumbledore Can Save You

    Riddle was on the brink of erupting, his furious red eyes locked onto Kyle.


    Even when he¡¯d been called a monster back at the orphanage, he hadn¡¯t hated anyone this much. But now, this boy had shown up. He was convinced beyond a doubt: He the true heir to Slytherin. And yet, Kyle had the audacity to call an impostor!


    In a reckless surge of rage, Riddle cast his spell.


    A bolt of green light shot forward at breakneck speed, but Kyle had already anticipated the attack, ducking behind a pillar just in time.


    It was a spell Kyle had picked up from the book, a relic of Snape''s youth, scrawled with his handwritten spells. The technique wasn¡¯t difficult to master, and Kyle launched it at Riddle.


    But Riddle didn¡¯t even try to dodge; in fact, a sneer curled at the corner of his mouth. The passed right through him like a breeze, cutting through the air but leaving no mark. Only a faint black line appeared in its wake, vanishing just as quickly.


    ¡°It¡¯s useless,¡± Riddle laughed coldly. ¡°Your spells can¡¯t hurt me... ¡±


    Another flash of green light.


    Kyle quickly ducked behind another pillar.


    ¡°Do you really think you can escape?¡± Riddle taunted, approaching him slowly. ¡°You¡¯re going to die here, and not even Dumbledore can save you!¡±


    Kyle felt a twinge of helplessness¡ªSectumsempra was useless. If he couldn¡¯t beat Riddle with magic, maybe it was time for a different approach. He glanced over at the diary lying at the base of the Slytherin statue. Unfortunately, it was several seconds'' sprint away, and with the Killing Curse already in play, getting to it would be a gamble he might not win.


    Just then, the Basilisk emerged, slithering from the mouth of the statue.


    Kyle briefly considered ordering it to bite the diary, but he dismissed the idea; with the Basilisk¡¯s limited intelligence, understanding what a diary was would be far too complicated.


    ¡°Kill the impostor!¡± he shouted, as Riddle echoed, ¡°Kill him!¡±


    Riddle had held onto some faint hope, thinking that his previous commands to the Basilisk might sway it in his favor. But as the creature turned its head toward him without a moment¡¯s hesitation, his hope was utterly shattered.


    ¡°Bang!¡±


    Riddle¡¯s form exploded in a burst of black mist, and his wand fell to the ground.


    The mist, however, quickly reformed, pulling his body back together. The Basilisk¡¯s gaze could indeed affect souls, but Riddle was now merely a Horcrux. As long as the diary remained intact, he couldn¡¯t be destroyed.


    ¡°You fool!¡± Riddle screamed furiously. ¡°I am your master, the true heir of Slytherin! I¡¯m the one who commands you!¡±


    But the Basilisk ignored him entirely. Seeing its intended prey still moving, it struck, sinking its fangs directly into Riddle¡¯s head.


    Riddle exploded again.


    ¡°Bang,¡±


    ¡°Bang!¡±


    ¡°Bang¡­¡±


    For a while, the Chamber of Secrets resounded with the rhythmic explosions as if a string of firecrackers were going off. Riddle, smug in his supposed immortality, made no effort to dodge, continually hissing commands in Parseltongue to wrest back control over the Basilisk.


    Until he saw Kyle lift the diary from the base of the statue.


    Riddle¡¯s pupils narrowed in horror as a terrifying thought formed in his mind.


    Once the idea took root, it was impossible to shake. Kyle¡¯s triumphant smile only deepened his dread, and panic crept over him.


    Abandoning the Basilisk, Riddle snatched up his fallen wand and aimed it at Kyle.


    he screamed, followed by a frenzied,


    ...


    In his haste, Riddle''s spells missed their mark entirely, and Kyle easily dodged them. Each spell crashed into the massive Slytherin statue behind them, blowing open a gaping hole in it. From inside the shattered statue, fragments of bones and snake scales tumbled out.


    ¡°Tsk... look what you''ve done,¡± Kyle taunted, smirking. ¡°You don¡¯t even respect Mr. Slytherin¡¯s statue¡ªsome heir you are.¡±


    Riddle ignored Kyle¡¯s mockery, his focus fixed entirely on retrieving the diary and killing him. Fortunately for Riddle, Horcruxes were incredibly resilient. Even in Kyle¡¯s possession, the diary was unlikely to be destroyed immediately. , he reassured himself.


    Just as he prepared to cast another spell, a pair of bright golden eyes flashed in front of him.


    ¡°Bang! Pat¡­¡±


    Riddle¡¯s form exploded once more into a swirl of black mist. S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Kyle commanded.


    Ron¡¯s wand, lying discarded on the ground, bounced up and shot into Kyle¡¯s hand.


    At that moment, muffled footsteps and voices began echoing from the entrance to the Chamber of Secrets. ¡°Here¡­ Potter¡­ come¡­ open¡­¡± The voice was faint but unmistakably Professor McGonagall¡¯s, and Kyle also caught the mention of Harry¡¯s name. It seemed the professors had realized that the entrance required Parseltongue to open, so they had brought Harry along.


    , Kyle thought.


    He glanced at the shifting, coiling mist of Riddle¡¯s form and then signaled for the Basilisk to prepare to end it once and for all. His plan was to have the Basilisk sink its fangs into the diary before the professors arrived. He¡¯d broken a fair number of school rules during this ordeal, so he hoped he¡¯d at least earn some points back for vanquishing Riddle¡­ though he doubted he¡¯d get to keep the Basilisk afterward.


    Just as Kyle was about to press the diary between the Basilisk¡¯s lethal fangs, something golden caught his eye, slipping from the hole in the statue. It looked like a small, round, golden pocket watch, except it had five hands.


    ¡°Tock¡­¡±


    The pocket watch hit the ground, its five hands whirling in unison.


    Suddenly, everything began to rewind. The Basilisk, its mouth still open, snapped backward at an impossible speed, disappearing from sight. Ron¡¯s wand flew from Kyle¡¯s hand, landing back in Riddle¡¯s grip. Bone fragments, rubble, and shattered scales returned to the statue, seamlessly sealing the gaping hole. The three spells Riddle had fired raced in reverse toward his wand, vanishing into its tip.


    Time was reversing.


    Everything around Kyle, except for him, rewound at an incredible pace.


    When Kyle¡¯s senses caught up, he found himself standing alone in the massive Chamber of Secrets, the diary still clutched in his hand. The Basilisk, Riddle, and even the distant sounds of Professor McGonagall and the others were gone.


    ¡°What¡¯s¡­ going on? What just happened?¡±


    He stared, dazed, at the empty chamber, his mind whirling. But no¡ªif time had rewound, he should have been affected as well.


    To check, Kyle pinched his thigh hard.


    It hurt.


    Which meant¡­ this was real. Or at least, it seemed to be.

 Chapter 323: The Four Founders, A Dialogue Across Millennia

    Kyle wandered around the Chamber of Secrets. Not only had Riddle vanished, but even the Sectumsempra mark on the pillar to his left was gone. Everything that had happened felt like a strangely vivid dream. Yet, the sting on his thigh and the weight of the diary in his hands reminded him it was all real.


    He finally turned his gaze to the Slytherin statue towering above him. Unsure of what had occurred, he decided to deal with the diary first¡ªand hoped the Basilisk might still be under his control.


    ¡°Speak to me¡­¡± Kyle commanded in Parseltongue. But unlike before, the statue¡¯s mouth remained sealed. Instead, the snake-shaped carvings on the nearby pillars started to move. They slithered down, winding around each other and closing in on him like real serpents.


    The scene gave Kyle an unsettling sense of d¨¦j¨¤ vu. Surely, this had to be a dream. he thought, gritting his teeth and preparing to try again.


    But then a deep, resonant voice echoed from above the chamber.


    ¡°Yes? What do you wish to say?¡±


    ¡°Who¡¯s there?¡± Kyle looked up sharply.


    As the voice resounded, the animated snake statues began intertwining, forming a massive circular archway above him. A shimmering, soap-bubble-like curtain appeared within the arch, rippling gently. And through it, a figure emerged¡ªa middle-aged wizard in a green robe, looking down at Kyle with a neutral expression.


    ¡°Weren¡¯t you just about to speak to me?¡± he asked.


    ¡°You¡­ me¡­¡± Kyle stammered, too stunned to form a coherent response. A name hovered in his mind, but it seemed too absurd to be real.


    ¡°Salazar, I think you should offer a bit more guidance. The poor child looks thoroughly lost,¡± came another voice.


    A second figure appeared in the arch¡ªa plump witch, looking exactly like the portrait of Helga Hufflepuff in the Hufflepuff common room. S§×arch* The N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Kyle muttered to himself.


    ¡°You¡¯re not dreaming, I assure you,¡± chimed in a smiling wizard in a red cloak¡ªthe third person to step through the arch. Behind him was a stern-faced witch, cold and composed.


    The four figures were unmistakably complete.


    It took Kyle a moment to gather his thoughts. Ruffling his hair in disbelief, he managed to say, ¡°This¡­ this is impossible¡­¡±


    ¡°I suppose you know who we are,¡± the wizard in the red cloak said, his smile widening as he adjusted his pointed hat, as if to give Kyle a hint.


    ¡°Yes¡­ I¡¯m just struggling to believe it.¡± Kyle stared up at them, dumbfounded. ¡°From what I know, you all lived over a thousand years ago¡­ How could I possibly be seeing you?¡±


    ¡°Because of time,¡± Salazar Slytherin said, his tone calm. ¡°You awakened the Basilisk but failed to put it back to sleep properly. Without the full incantation, the Basilisk¡¯s instinctual behavior led it to damage a particular Time-Turner hidden within the statue.¡±


    He pulled out a golden pocket watch from his robe pocket. ¡°There are two of these¡ªone in the future, one in the past. If the one in the future is destroyed, it creates a link between the two, bridging the gap across centuries.¡±


    Kyle nodded, though only partially understanding. This was beyond any magic Kyle had encountered before¡ªalmost a form of foresight.


    ¡°But why didn¡¯t you reveal yourself earlier?¡± Kyle asked, bewildered.


    ¡°Because he couldn¡¯t,¡± Gryffindor chuckled heartily. ¡°Salazar¡¯s little setup here was originally meant to keep an eye on me, just in case I decided to mess with his precious Basilisk. But poor old Salazar never expected you to turn up a thousand years later! The gap in time is simply too vast, and the link between the Time-Turners too weak for him to reach you directly¡­ unless, of course, something has altered the stability of your timeline.¡±


    Gryffindor¡¯s eyes twinkled. ¡°I suspect you¡¯ve meddled quite persistently with the Time-Turner at some point?¡±


    Kyle felt a pang of understanding. No wonder things had always felt slightly off. It all made sense now¡ªhe¡¯d disregarded the usual course requirements, signing up for twelve classes at once, bending rules to get a Time-Turner, not just once but twice¡­


    ¡°It was you!¡± Kyle blurted, realization dawning on him. ¡°All those strange voices I heard¡­¡±


    ¡°Think of them as a small side effect,¡± Gryffindor grinned. ¡°Salazar here didn¡¯t exactly approve of your little side project with the Basilisk, so he kept a close eye. But most of it was Rowena¡¯s doing. She was curious to see how far you¡¯d go, so she cast a rather clever charm¡­ let¡¯s call it the Confundus Charm. Using the castle statues as conduits, she subtly encouraged you to keep your Basilisk activities hidden from the others.¡±


    Rowena Ravenclaw watched him with an unflinching expression, neither confirming nor denying Gryffindor¡¯s words.


    In that moment, everything clicked into place for Kyle, and all his previous doubts melted away. It suddenly made sense why he¡¯d felt so uneasy every time he tried to tell Dumbledore about the Basilisk. He would never have guessed that the Founders themselves had been behind it.


    A flood of questions surged through Kyle¡¯s mind, but just then, the figures before him began to flicker, their images fading and growing more distorted.


    ¡°We¡¯re almost out of time,¡± said Helga Hufflepuff, nudging Gryffindor aside. ¡°Listen carefully, dear. I know you have questions, but there¡¯s no time for them now. What you need to do is restore the timeline; otherwise, you risk being trapped in this loop forever.¡±


    ¡°Take my advice, lad,¡± Gryffindor added. ¡°Never touch the Time-Turner again; it¡¯s already weakened your protections.¡±


    ¡°As a courtesy,¡± Slytherin spoke coolly, ¡°I¡¯ll assist in resetting the timeline this once. And you may take the Basilisk along. The password to send it back to sleep is: ¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re neglecting your Occlumency,¡± Rowena Ravenclaw spoke up at last, her voice serene. ¡°Mastery of the mind isn¡¯t as simple as you think. When you face an impasse, wear my diadem.¡±


    The archway turned into a shimmering blur, dissolving into static, and then vanished entirely. The snakes composing the arch climbed back up the pillar, and an eerie silence settled once more over the Chamber of Secrets.


    Kyle let out a long breath. He had just met the Founders of Hogwarts, speaking to them face-to-face, a thousand years after their time. It defied logic¡ªbut in its own way, it was profoundly magical.


    He tried to absorb the surreal experience, but Hufflepuff¡¯s words echoed urgently in his mind. If he didn¡¯t act, he might be stranded in this altered time forever. Without hesitation, he sprinted out of the Chamber of Secrets.


    Emerging from the passage, he was met with an unusual stillness¡ªno sign of Professor McGonagall, no Harry. Kyle climbed back up through the pipe leading to the castle, the sounds of chatter and laughter filling the hallways. It struck him how long it had been since he¡¯d heard such vibrant, ordinary noises.


    He followed the corridor until he spotted two students walking together.


    ¡°Hello,¡± Kyle greeted them, approaching.


    ¡°Oh, I know you! Kyle, from Hufflepuff,¡± one of them said with a friendly smile. ¡°I¡¯m Terry Boot, Ravenclaw.¡±


    ¡°Sally-Anne Perks,¡± said the other, smiling shyly. ¡°We¡¯re both second-years in Ravenclaw.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s a pleasure to meet you,¡± Kyle responded politely. ¡°Mind if I ask where you¡¯re headed?¡±


    ¡°To the Halloween feast, of course!¡± Terry Boot exclaimed. ¡°I hear Headmaster Dumbledore has arranged a skeleton dance troupe. This year¡¯s Halloween is going to be amazing!¡±

 Chapter 324: A New Halloween

    Kyle blinked, processing the strange realization.


    After all he¡¯d just experienced, it wasn¡¯t particularly shocking. Meeting people from a thousand years in the past was far more unbelievable¡ªwhat were a few months by comparison?


    After bidding farewell to the two Ravenclaws, Kyle walked down a nearby corridor, which he knew was the location of the first attack. The students were all gathered in the Great Hall, leaving the hallways empty. Kyle slipped into an abandoned classroom and sat alone, gazing pensively at the diary in his hands.


    he thought. He¡¯d spent ages investigating its disappearance, only to end up with it right here in his possession. Gryffindor¡¯s words echoed in his mind: time was an unpredictable force, too volatile to meddle with casually. Kyle sighed. The Founders were right¡ªtime travel was both a nuisance and a temptation. Yet he was still curious: now that he had the diary, how would the first attack unfold?


    As he sat in silence, he realized he hadn¡¯t heard any noise from the Great Hall in some time, which likely meant the skeleton dance troupe had already finished, and the students were settling into the meal. he mused,


    A nervous energy crept over him. What if¡­ what if he himself was responsible for the first attack? After all, he was the one currently holding the diary, which meant that if anyone controlled the Basilisk at this moment, it was him.


    he thought, uneasy,


    Just as he considered whether he should return to the Chamber, the sound of Filch¡¯s voice echoed down the corridor.


    ¡°I¡¯ve had it! Throwing water balloons everywhere and doodling turtles on portraits, as if I didn¡¯t already have enough to deal with!¡±


    Kyle quickly slipped out of the room and cast a Disillusionment Charm, hiding behind a staircase railing. From his vantage point, he watched as Filch came trudging down the corridor, muttering furiously as he mopped up water stains on the floor.


    ¡°Bloody Peeves¡­ I¡¯ll go straight to Dumbledore, I will¡­¡±


    Filch drew closer, grumbling and seething, as he moved to clean up the third floor. This was it¡ªthe first attack had happened right around this time. But if Kyle was now unwittingly positioned as the ¡°heir,¡± he had no idea how to proceed. Summoning the Basilisk would mean he¡¯d need to go all the way down to the Chamber of Secrets, but with Filch already here, he didn¡¯t have time for that, especially if Filch decided to leave for another floor at any moment.


    ¡°Bang!¡±


    Just as Filch drew within two meters of Kyle, the bathroom door next to them slammed open. A massive head emerged, followed by the long, scaled body of the Basilisk.


    ¡°No fireworks in the castle¡­¡± Filch began to scold, but upon hearing the noise, he instinctively looked up. ¡°This time, I¡¯ll definitely put an end to your¡ª¡±


    ¡°Close your eyes!¡± Kyle shouted urgently.


    The Basilisk obeyed, shutting its eyes immediately. But it was already too late.


    The moment the creature emerged, it had dragged along a flood of bathroom water that now covered the floor. Filch, glancing down, unwittingly saw the Basilisk¡¯s yellow eyes reflected in the puddle.


    ¡°Pat¡­ Pat¡­¡±


    The mop and a small bucket slipped from his grasp, spilling red paint across the floor. Filch, now bent forward, stood frozen in place, just as Kyle remembered seeing him after the attack.


    Filch¡¯s petrification seemed to flip an invisible switch, setting everything into motion.


    ¡°...crybaby¡­ acne-faced¡­¡± S§×ar?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Peeves¡¯s gleeful voice echoed down the hall.


    Without missing a beat, Kyle ordered the Basilisk back to the Chamber of Secrets, then grabbed the paint-covered mop and scrawled a message on the wall:


    He tossed the mop aside and turned to run.


    Just then, Peeves appeared, gleefully chasing Myrtle up to the third floor. In a flash, the two ghosts collided. Myrtle, covering her face and oblivious to Kyle, flew right past him, but Peeves stopped, eyes gleaming as he took in the scene before him.


    Peeves looked from the petrified Filch to the ominous message on the wall and let out a mischievous laugh. ¡°Oho! You did this, didn¡¯t you, Kyle? What wicked scheme are you up to?¡±


    ¡°Well... it¡¯s a grand plan,¡± Kyle replied, forcing a grin. ¡°But can you keep a secret, Peeves?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not keeping any of Kyle¡¯s dirty little secrets¡­¡± Peeves grinned wider. ¡°I¡¯m off to tell Professor Snape everything so I can see you get a nice, long detention!¡±


    ¡°Five bags of water balloons,¡± Kyle bargained, feeling his nerves steady. ¡°Plus a crate of Dungbombs and a set of Fanged Frisbees¡­¡±


    ¡°Oho! Now you¡¯re talking!¡± Peeves cackled, delighted. ¡°All right, all right¡­ I didn¡¯t see a thing.¡±


    ¡°So¡­ do we have a deal?¡± Kyle asked, smiling.


    ¡°Deal!¡± Peeves¡¯s eyes sparkled as he hovered around Kyle. ¡°But I¡¯m still missing a weapon. I¡¯ll take this one for now.¡±


    In an instant, the diary vanished from Kyle¡¯s hand as Peeves snatched it gleefully and darted off before Kyle could protest.


    To make matters worse, Kyle spotted Harry, Hermione, and Ron rushing after Myrtle, and Mrs. Norris creeping along the stairs, her sharp eyes scanning the corridor.


    Kyle cursed under his breath. Being trapped in this strange time loop meant he absolutely couldn¡¯t afford to be caught by Mrs. Norris, like Harry had been that fateful night. With no other choice, he abandoned the idea of chasing Peeves and quickly ducked into the bathroom nearby.


    Inside, Myrtle had already returned and was wailing miserably atop the sink. Kyle ignored her, moving to the closed Chamber of Secrets entrance. He carefully arranged the scattered ¡°exploding textbooks¡± on the floor, placing each one exactly where he remembered finding them.


    In a short while, his ¡°past self¡± would be here to investigate, so Kyle needed to reset the scene to match how he¡¯d originally found it.


    As he worked, Kyle couldn¡¯t help but feel an overwhelming sense of absurdity.


    For a wizard, this was the kind of twisted experience that almost defied belief¡ªand here he was, living through it firsthand.


    Outside, the faint voices of curious students began to drift through the corridor. Kyle finished arranging the ¡°exploding textbooks¡± until he was certain everything looked right. Finally, he exited the bathroom, slipping a feather quill back into the crack of the door to complete the scene.

 Chapter 325: The Lost Diary

    With Mrs. Norris¡¯s piercing scream, the crowd of young wizards swarmed the scene. Hidden under his Disillusionment Charm, Kyle watched silently from the back as events unfolded just as he remembered: Filch and Harry were found near the scene and suspected of being tied to the attacks. Professors soon arrived, escorting Filch and Harry away while prefects began herding the rest of the students back to their common rooms.


    When the corridors finally emptied, Kyle realized an awkward truth¡ªhe had nowhere to go. He couldn¡¯t just waltz back to his dormitory; he was months behind his time. Living incognito in the castle for that long seemed impossible.


    With no other options, Kyle wandered down to the eighth floor. Myrtle was still in the bathroom, and a return to the Chamber of Secrets was out of the question for now. It seemed the only safe place he could possibly stay.


    ¡°I need a place to rest,¡± he murmured as he walked along the blank wall.


    A door appeared, and Kyle stepped inside, his worries melting away as he took in the room. It was magnificent. A massive four-poster bed, triple the size of his dormitory bed, sat at the center, soft and plush. In front of it was an expansive desk, stocked with parchment, quills, and ink. Beyond, he found additional rooms¡ªa dining room, a bathroom, a study¡ªeach thoughtfully equipped with everything he could need.


    In another room, he discovered an assortment of magical pastimes: a crystal wizard chess set, Exploding Snap cards, even a selection of broomsticks. Though the models were a bit dated, with the Cleansweep Five as the best option, it didn¡¯t matter. Who needed a broom indoors anyway?


    The ceiling was enchanted like that of the Great Hall, but here he could control it. He could fill the room with endless sunlight, gaze at stars from his bed, or listen to the gentle patter of rain while reading. It was perfect. Meals, he discovered, were easily arranged; the House-elves could deliver food directly here.


    With everything so ideally arranged, Kyle began to think a few months might pass too quickly. If possible, he would have loved to stay in this room until graduation¡ªperhaps even return as a professor and live here indefinitely. Though that, he admitted, was a far-fetched fantasy. S§×ar?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Feeling reassured with his new setup, Kyle decided to search for the diary. He eventually found Peeves on the sixth floor, gleefully painting turtles on a suit of armor.


    ¡°The diary?¡± Peeves tilted his head, pretending to ponder. ¡°Oh, I tossed it away! Real handy, that thing¡ªmade the brat scream loud enough to wake the castle.¡±


    Kyle¡¯s eye twitched. ¡°Where exactly did you throw it?¡±


    Peeves shrugged. ¡°Can¡¯t say I remember.¡±


    Kyle sighed. ¡°A box of Dungbombs?¡±


    Peeves shook his head. ¡°Still don¡¯t remember. I don¡¯t keep track of things I throw away! Try looking around yourself. Might be on the third floor¡­ or the fifth¡­ or maybe the seventh¡­¡±


    Kyle spent the rest of the night searching floor after floor, dodging professors as he went, but as dawn approached, he had to admit defeat. He returned to the Room of Requirement, exhausted and empty-handed.


    As he sat at the desk, he mulled over Peeves¡¯s last words.


    ¡°The little red-haired brat fell over in fright, Potter threatened to fetch the Bloody Baron, and I ran. Nasty little villains¡­¡±


    Red hair and Potter¡­ That had to be Ron, and if Peeves¡¯s story was accurate, either Harry or Ron must have picked up the diary.


    Kyle lay down on the soft bed, piecing together the events. He¡¯d suspected he might be the heir, but it seemed that wasn¡¯t the case. The Basilisk¡¯s sudden appearance in the bathroom earlier was likely a result of his earlier summoning in the Chamber of Secrets. The entrance had probably been left open after the Founders appeared and distracted him.


    And then there were Riddle¡¯s cryptic words, mocking a ¡°cowardly¡­ weak¡­ servant of the future.¡±


    Only one person seemed to fit those descriptions perfectly: Ron¡¯s rat, Peter Pettigrew. Could it really be him?


    ...


    During the weeks that followed, Kyle settled into the Room of Requirement, keeping a low profile. Life in the castle remained quiet and peaceful, just as he remembered. The days passed quickly, and soon it was November.


    When the first Quidditch match arrived¡ªthe same day Professor Charity Burbage would be attacked¡ªKyle left the Room of Requirement early and went to the Chamber of Secrets. He expected to wait until nightfall, but only a couple of hours later, a rustling noise reached his ears from outside.


    Kyle swiftly concealed himself in the shadows by the door.


    The door creaked open, and Riddle¡¯s ghostly form floated in, followed by a rat scurrying at his heels.


    ¡°Peter¡­ you really ought to get yourself a wand,¡± Riddle murmured in a low, silky voice. ¡°I can¡¯t understand how someone who managed to master Animagus transformation can¡¯t change back without a wand.¡±


    The rat froze, twitching, and began to repeatedly bump its head against the floor in a frantic gesture.


    ¡°Calm yourself, Peter. I don¡¯t know what the future holds for me, but for now, you have nothing to fear.¡± Riddle¡¯s voice softened. ¡°You¡¯ve done well. You¡¯ve been a faithful follower.¡±


    He gestured toward the diary, and the rat scrambled up onto it. As its fur brushed against the diary, its color darkened slightly, and Riddle¡¯s figure grew more distinct, almost solid.


    ¡°As a reward¡­¡± Riddle spread his arms wide, his face alight with anticipation. ¡°Close your eyes, Peter!¡±


    The rat obediently ducked its head, trembling.


    Riddle let out a sharp, hissing command, summoning the Basilisk. ¡°Go, cleanse this school of its filth. Hunt down the Mudbloods!¡±


    Under the cover of his Disillusionment Charm, Kyle had already slipped out of the Chamber of Secrets, undetected by either Riddle or the rat. The noise of the Basilisk slithering into motion masked his exit completely.


    Without pausing, Kyle hurried back into the castle, heading straight for the site of the second attack on the third floor.


    Meanwhile, Professor Charity Burbage, who hadn¡¯t attended the Quidditch match, was walking toward her office, carrying a bundle of papers and muttering about her latest lesson plans. She was halfway there when she heard an unusual scraping sound, like something massive slithering across the floor. The sound was coming from a corridor just ahead.


    Curious, and unaware of the danger, Professor Burbage quickened her pace, eager to investigate the source of the noise.

 Chapter 326: Return

    The Basilisk¡¯s eyes were reflected in the armor at the end of the corridor, and within moments, Professor Burbage was petrified, frozen mid-step before she could even react.


    ¡°Sleep well¡­¡± Kyle whispered, invoking the ¡°shutdown password¡± Slytherin had shared with him. The Basilisk obeyed, slithering back to the Chamber of Secrets as commanded.


    Now, however, Kyle faced a new problem. Charity Burbage wasn¡¯t supposed to be found until later that night, but it was still broad daylight, and this corridor was a main passage to the fourth floor. If he left her here, someone would discover her too soon. With no other option, Kyle carefully moved her to an empty classroom nearby, hiding her safely before hastily leaving the area.


    That evening, he returned to the kitchen under the pretense of practicing magic and requested the House-elves to tidy up the corridors as a favor. The House-elves were all too happy to oblige.


    ... S~ea??h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    As time moved forward, December brought the usual ghostly festivities, and Valentine¡¯s Day came with its Dwarven serenades, all without any major incidents. Kyle found himself adapting to his strange routine¡ªspending his days reading, practicing Nonverbal Spells, and refining his control over wandless magic.


    He found wandless magic both fascinating and challenging. Without the aid of a wand, his spells were weak and imprecise, as if he were trying to split wood with his bare hands instead of an axe. Still, after nearly two months of practice, he finally managed to transform a beetle into a button¡­ though the result was rather lopsided and resembled Ron¡¯s attempts at best.


    However, one unexpected inconvenience was the frequent visits from the Gryffindor trio to the Room of Requirement. Fortunately, Hogwarts Castle was large enough for Kyle to slip away unnoticed and read somewhere else.


    ...


    But when Hagrid was taken away by the Ministry, a new tension settled over Kyle. He found it difficult to focus, knowing that the fifth attack was approaching. This time, the stakes felt higher: Ron¡¯s impending petrification marked the beginning of the end of this strange time loop, and the weight of it pressed on him.


    One evening, just five days after Hagrid¡¯s departure, Kyle, lost in thought, carelessly opened the Room of Requirement without casting his Disillusionment Charm. To his shock, he nearly bumped into Hermione, who had just come up the stairs.


    ¡°Kyle?¡± she said in surprise, her eyes wide with confusion. ¡°I just saw you eating in the Great Hall¡­ how are you up here already?¡±


    ¡°Oh, I just remembered I left my book in the Room of Requirement,¡± Kyle replied as smoothly as he could manage. ¡°I came up through a secret passage, that¡¯s probably why you didn¡¯t see me.¡±


    ¡°Hogwarts has secret passages?¡± Hermione¡¯s eyes widened with even greater surprise.


    ¡°Of course,¡± Kyle nodded, keeping his tone casual. ¡°There¡¯s one on the second floor, behind the Sphinx tapestry. It leads straight to the eighth floor¡ªa lot faster than taking the stairs.¡±


    ¡°Oh, I see! I¡¯ve never heard of that one before,¡± Hermione said, intrigued but not suspicious.


    ...


    After nearly being discovered by Hermione, Kyle exercised extreme caution. Each time he left the Room of Requirement, he double-checked that his Disillusionment Charm was perfectly in place.


    Finally, the day of Ron¡¯s attack arrived. Kyle decided to take a calculated risk and approached Fred and George, asking to borrow the Marauder¡¯s Map.


    ¡°If you¡¯re hoping to catch the heir in action, don¡¯t get your hopes up,¡± Fred cautioned. ¡°We¡¯ve been watching the Marauder¡¯s Map every night, and nothing¡¯s come up.¡±


    ¡°I bet the coward¡¯s just hiding,¡± George added with a shrug.


    Kyle accepted the map, replying, ¡°No worries¡ªI just need something to pass the time.¡±


    With the Marauder¡¯s Map in hand, Kyle returned to the Chamber of Secrets. He knew Riddle had grown strong enough to focus on Ron, likely targeting his wand as a conduit. To prevent any unwanted outcomes, Kyle planned to take control of the Basilisk and ensure it petrified Ron without harming him, maintaining the illusion of Riddle¡¯s control.


    He tracked the timing on the Marauder¡¯s Map. From his past memory, Professor McGonagall had said Ron was attacked after parting ways with Lockhart. Kyle located Lockhart¡¯s name in the Great Hall and waited. Ten minutes later, the meal ended, and Lockhart led a group out, including Ron.


    Kyle watched tensely as Lockhart¡¯s group reached the third floor, then stopped near the Gryffindor common room before turning back. Meanwhile, Harry and Ron began descending rapidly, parting ways on the third floor¡ªHarry moving toward Filch¡¯s last-known location and Ron heading in the direction of the second attack site.


    Kyle thought, summoning the Basilisk and preparing to set the plan in motion.


    But then something unexpected happened on the map. Ron suddenly halted after rounding a corner, and moments later, the name Peter Pettigrew appeared, casually entering a nearby classroom.


    Kyle watched, bewildered.


    A few minutes later, Harry¡¯s name appeared, pausing next to Ron¡¯s location briefly before hurrying back toward the third floor. Shortly after, several professors arrived, moving Ron¡¯s name toward the Hospital Wing.


    Kyle stared at the map in shock, his mind racing. He hadn¡¯t considered the possibility that Riddle had used another method.


    Reflecting on Ron¡¯s oblivious nature, Kyle realized a Basilisk attack wasn¡¯t even necessary¡ªPeter could easily have stolen Ron¡¯s wand multiple times over without him ever noticing.


    As the professors gathered in the Hospital Wing and Peter Pettigrew slipped out unnoticed, Kyle snapped back to the present, deciding to return the Basilisk to the statue. But suddenly, he was overcome by a familiar dizzying sensation, as if the world were speeding up around him. Colors and shapes blurred past in a whirlwind.


    In the haze, he heard faint sounds: Professor McGonagall¡¯s voice, the strain of distant music¡­


    A flash of blue light blinded him momentarily, and when his vision cleared, he saw the Basilisk¡¯s head swinging dazedly after colliding with a nearby pillar. A large crimson bird swooped down and landed on Kyle¡¯s shoulder, covering his eyes with its wings.


    ¡°Professor McGonagall¡­ Fawkes¡­¡± Kyle murmured in astonishment. He had returned¡ªto his original time.


    A realization struck him, and he shouted, ¡°Close your eyes!¡±


    The Basilisk, still slightly stunned from McGonagall¡¯s Stunning Spell, closed its eyes obediently at Kyle¡¯s command.


    Professor McGonagall froze, staring at Kyle in disbelief. ¡°Kyle, you¡ª¡±


    ¡°No, Minerva, that¡¯s not Kyle,¡± Dumbledore said, stepping forward with a grave expression. He gestured toward a shadowy black mist coiling in the chamber. ¡°That is Tom Riddle.¡±


    ¡°Long time no see, Professor Dumbledore¡­¡± Riddle began, turning with a sinister smile, but his words dissolved into a piercing scream. His body contorted, his limbs flailing as he writhed in agony. Moments later, he exploded, vanishing in a puff of black smoke like a cheap firework.


    ¡°Apologies, Professor Dumbledore,¡± Kyle said calmly, pulling the diary free from the Basilisk¡¯s fangs, now dripping with black ink. ¡°I didn¡¯t think you¡¯d want to exchange words with him, so I took the liberty of silencing him.¡±


    ¡°I must say, thank you,¡± Dumbledore replied softly, though a complicated look crossed his face.


    ¡°Would someone please explain what on earth is going on?¡± Professor McGonagall demanded, glancing nervously at the enormous Basilisk and clutching her chest as she caught her breath.


    Harry peeked out from behind the crowd, looking equally baffled.


    ¡°He was, perhaps, the most brilliant student Hogwarts has ever seen,¡± Dumbledore began. ¡°Very few know that Voldemort was once called Tom Riddle. Fifty years ago, he attended Hogwarts, and I taught him myself. After graduation, he vanished, descending further into dark magic until he reemerged as Voldemort.¡±


    ¡°But¡­¡± Professor McGonagall¡¯s voice wavered. ¡°Why is he here, now?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s because of a Horcrux, Professor,¡± Kyle explained, holding up the ink-soaked diary. ¡°Voldemort left this diary behind during his school years. It contains a piece of his soul from when he was sixteen.¡±

 Chapter 327: Dumbledore’s Lapse

    The mention of Voldemort¡¯s youth and a diary containing a fragment of his 16-year-old soul was nearly overwhelming. Professor McGonagall took a moment to absorb it all, her gaze flickering between the destroyed diary and the massive Basilisk next to Kyle.


    ¡°But I¡¯m more interested in the events that occurred between then and now,¡± Dumbledore said, his eyes settling on the Basilisk with wary curiosity.


    Sensing a threat, the Basilisk bared its fangs and instinctively tried to open its eyes, ready to strike. Kyle swiftly raised his hand and gave it a firm slap across the head.


    ¡°Pop!¡±


    The slap echoed throughout the Chamber. Every professor¡¯s eyes widened in shock¡ªFlitwick even let out a small scream, and Professor Sprout clapped a hand over her mouth in horror. Each of them raised their wands, fearing Kyle would be devoured the very next second. Even Dumbledore had drawn his peculiar, ancient-looking wand.


    Yet, the Basilisk merely recoiled slightly, then quietly slithered back, mouth closed.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Professor,¡± Kyle said with a smile. ¡°It¡¯s sort of my pet now. It won¡¯t harm anyone.¡±


    The professors exchanged incredulous looks. The image was nothing short of surreal¡ªlike watching a Niffler casually slap a Dragon. The astonishment in the room was as thick as the silence that followed.


    At last, Snape broke it.


    ¡°Am I to understand that¡­ you wish to claim school property as your own, Mr. Kyle?¡± he said, his voice as silky as ever as he tucked his wand back into his robes. ¡°This the Chamber of Secrets, after all, and as a legacy of Salazar Slytherin, this Basilisk belongs to¡­ the school.¡±


    ¡°No, it¡¯s mine,¡± Kyle replied confidently. ¡°Salazar Slytherin himself gave it to me.¡±


    Snape¡¯s expression tightened. ¡°Headmaster,¡± he said, voice dripping with sarcasm, ¡°perhaps Potter should escort him to the Hospital Wing. A Restorative Draught might be in order.¡±


    But Dumbledore¡¯s expression was thoughtful. ¡°It seems, Kyle, that you¡¯ve had quite the extraordinary experience.¡± Sear?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°Unforgettable, indeed, Professor,¡± Kyle replied with a grin.


    ¡°Wait¡­ you can¡¯t possibly this drivel, Headmaster?¡± Snape said, eyebrows furrowed.


    ¡°In fact, Severus, I believe it entirely.¡± Dumbledore stepped forward, eyes fixed on something lying near the Slytherin statue. He bent down, picking up the remnants of an object¡ªan ancient Time-Turner, its surface dull, lifeless, and covered in delicate fractures.


    ¡°This may well be the true legacy of Slytherin,¡± Dumbledore murmured, voice trembling with wonder. ¡°It¡¯s one of the earliest Time-Turners¡­ known as a Time Reversal Device. It defies the usual laws of time, allowing its user to communicate across eras, as if old friends.¡±


    As he spoke, his voice grew softer, and his hands tightened around the fragile device.


    Like a brittle chip snapping, the Time-Turner broke in two, and shards began falling through Dumbledore¡¯s fingers. Without hesitation, he cast a spell akin to a Bubble-Head Charm around his hands, carefully gathering every fragment. He even stooped to collect the dust from the floor.


    ¡°If you don¡¯t need to visit the Hospital Wing¡­¡± Dumbledore looked up, ¡°Kyle, would you join me for a cup of tea?¡±


    ¡°Of course, Professor, I¡¯d be delighted,¡± Kyle replied. ¡°Though¡­ could I have two pork schnitzels? I haven¡¯t eaten in nearly a day.¡±


    ¡°Even three, if you¡¯d like,¡± Dumbledore chuckled.


    By the time they exited the Chamber of Secrets, dawn had broken, and the morning sun cast a warm glow through the castle¡¯s corridors. When they reached the Headmaster¡¯s Office, Fawkes was already waiting there, perched precariously on the Basilisk¡¯s head, his feathers heaving with effort. Transporting such a large creature through Apparition had taken its toll on the phoenix, but Dumbledore hadn¡¯t been comfortable letting the Basilisk roam freely through the castle or leaving it unguarded in the Chamber.


    Inside the office, Kyle placed the ink-stained remains of Riddle¡¯s diary on Dumbledore¡¯s desk. ¡°I first got hold of this diary over the holidays¡­¡± He began recounting everything, omitting only the part about stumbling upon the Chamber due to the strange noises he¡¯d heard at the start of the school year. He described the strange time loop he¡¯d fallen into, his encounter with the Founders of Hogwarts, and his efforts to control the Basilisk.


    The professors listened with rapt attention, particularly when he spoke about meeting the Founders.


    ¡°Incredible¡­¡± whispered Professor McGonagall, her hand over her mouth. ¡°So you actually met Godric Gryffindor?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± Kyle replied. ¡°He was reliable and friendly, but a bit of a loose cannon. The others seemed a little exasperated with him at times.¡±


    Professor McGonagall paled slightly, but said nothing further.


    ¡°Remarkable¡­¡± Dumbledore murmured, looking around at the assembled professors. ¡°I suspect the school will already be waking up. Would you mind sharing the good news, and perhaps arranging a celebratory feast with the House-elves in the kitchen?¡±


    ¡°Gladly,¡± the professors responded, briskly heading out.


    Only Snape lingered, his gaze locked on the Basilisk resting in the corner with a look that bordered on longing.


    ¡°Headmaster, I insist the Basilisk remains school property,¡± Snape said, voice cool but firm. ¡°Even if he did meet Salazar Slytherin himself, such a dangerous creature cannot be entrusted to a third-year student¡ªcertainly not after the attacks that have taken place.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll provide you with a satisfactory solution, Severus,¡± Dumbledore assured him.


    ¡°I hope so.¡± With a final glare, Snape departed.


    Once the door closed, Dumbledore looked thoughtfully at the enormous Basilisk. ¡°I suddenly find my office a bit¡­ cramped.¡±


    ¡°Allow me, Professor.¡± Kyle, setting down his pork schnitzel, took out his magical suitcase and carefully guided the Basilisk inside.


    Dumbledore laughed. ¡°That¡¯s much roomier. Just remember to leave the suitcase behind when you depart.¡±


    Kyle nodded with a sigh. ¡°I know Professor Snape is right¡ªI can¡¯t keep a Basilisk wandering the castle. But¡­¡± Dumbledore¡¯s eyes twinkled, ¡°I plan to send it to Newt Scamander after term ends. He¡¯ll know how to look after it.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s very thoughtful of you, Professor.¡± Kyle placed the suitcase on the table. ¡°I¡¯m sure Mr. Scamander will take excellent care of it!¡±


    Dumbledore pushed an egg custard tart toward him. ¡°Try this. I think it¡¯s quite good.¡±


    Kyle took a bite but immediately decided it was too sweet, wondering if the kitchens had gone overboard with the sugar.


    After finishing a glass of pumpkin juice, he looked up to find Dumbledore watching him silently, as if waiting for something.


    ¡°There¡¯s one more thing, Professor,¡± Kyle said, clearing his throat. ¡°It was left to me by Salazar Slytherin.¡±


    ¡°Yes, of course. I nearly forgot.¡± Dumbledore moved the plates aside and placed the damaged Time-Turner on the table.


    ¡°I have a request, Kyle,¡± he said softly. ¡°Might I¡­ keep this?¡±


    ¡°But it¡¯s broken, Professor,¡± Kyle said. ¡°The magic was used up, and it shattered completely. It¡¯s beyond repair.¡±


    ¡°It can be fixed,¡± Dumbledore murmured. ¡°I know several master alchemists¡ªand Nicolas. Together, they could find a way.¡±


    ¡°Professor Dumbledore¡­¡± Kyle hesitated. ¡°We can¡¯t change what¡¯s already happened. And Godric Gryffindor warned me never to meddle with time.¡±


    Dumbledore¡¯s gaze softened. ¡°I only wish to restore it.¡±


    For the first time, Kyle saw something unguarded in Dumbledore¡¯s eyes. In that moment, it felt as if their roles had reversed.

 Chapter 328: What Are You Looking At?

    The Headmaster''s Office was silent. Dumbledore sat at his desk, his gaze fixed on the Time-Turner in front of him, deep in thought.


    Kyle glanced up and, without intending to, noticed something on the shelf behind Dumbledore: an unfinished pair of woolen socks. They were white, each adorned with a beautifully embroidered blue "A."


    ¡°Headmaster, do you like blue?¡± Kyle asked suddenly.


    ¡°I tend to prefer purple,¡± Dumbledore replied, his mind still elsewhere. ¡°But why do you ask?¡±


    ¡°No reason, just curious,¡± Kyle said with a shrug. ¡°Professor Dumbledore, I¡¯ll leave the Time-Turner in your hands. I hope you¡¯ll be able to repair it soon.¡±


    ¡°Thank you for your trust, Kyle,¡± Dumbledore replied, his eyes twinkling as he seemed to regain some energy.


    ¡°I think¡ª¡±


    ¡°Knock!¡±


    Just then, a loud knock¡ªmore of a banging, really¡ªsounded from outside. Kyle glanced at Dumbledore and moved to answer, but before he could, Lucius Malfoy strode into the room, trailed by a House-elf covered in bandages, shrinking in fear.


    It was unprecedented¡ªno one had ever barged into the Headmaster¡¯s Office like this before.


    Yet Dumbledore showed no hint of annoyance. He adjusted his glasses and greeted Lucius with cheerful composure.


    ¡°Good evening, Lucius.¡±


    ¡°My apologies, Headmaster; I didn¡¯t realize how flimsy your door was,¡± Lucius said, his tone laced with undisguised satisfaction. He unfurled a long roll of parchment. ¡°You¡¯ll recall, I¡¯m sure, what we discussed: if the attacks persisted, your position would be at stake. So¡­ here is your suspension order, temporarily relieving you of your duties. Signed by all twelve board members. We¡¯ve decided that your talents aren¡¯t being put to the best use, and poor Weasley¡ªwell, he likely trusted you to keep him safe...¡±


    ¡°Yes, I recall,¡± Dumbledore replied calmly, ¡°though it¡¯s odd¡ªyou see, I¡¯ve received letters from the other eleven directors just today. They¡¯ve changed their minds and wish to retract their signatures from the order after learning Arthur Weasley¡¯s son was the most recent victim.¡±


    Dumbledore placed the eleven letters on the desk. Lucius¡¯s face grew even paler, though he wasn¡¯t ready to back down.


    ¡°But you agreed to resign if you couldn¡¯t stop the attacks,¡± he said smoothly. ¡°Surely the esteemed Mr. Dumbledore doesn¡¯t plan to go back on his word? Of course, if you do, there might be some unfavorable headlines in tomorrow, though I assume you wouldn¡¯t mind.¡±


    Dumbledore regarded him with a strange expression.


    He hadn¡¯t offered his resignation during the meeting; why was Lucius acting as if he had? Still, Dumbledore remained unbothered.


    ¡°So, did you catch the culprit?¡± Lucius asked, his voice sharp.


    ¡°I did,¡± Dumbledore replied with a faint smile.


    ¡°Oh? And who might that be?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s the same person as before, Lucius,¡± Dumbledore said, nodding toward the diary on his desk. ¡°Only this time, Voldemort employed a different approach.¡±


    Lucius remained silent, his face rigid and mask-like.


    ¡°Fortunately,¡± Dumbledore continued, his gaze meeting Lucius¡¯s with calm determination, ¡°only ten minutes ago, Kyle¡ªthis young man right here¡ªmanaged to resolve the situation entirely on his own. I was just about to present him with a Special Award for Services to the School.¡±


    He patted Kyle¡¯s shoulder, adding, ¡°With this award, Kyle, you¡¯ve now earned three Special Awards for Services to the School. Quite a feat¡­ one per year. You may be the most exceptional student Hogwarts has ever known.¡± S§×arch* The novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°Thank you for the praise, Professor,¡± Kyle replied modestly. ¡°Though I¡¯ve still got a long way to go to match your accomplishments.¡±


    ¡°When I was a student, I didn¡¯t receive nearly as many awards for services to the school,¡± Dumbledore said with a warm smile.


    ...


    The two men exchanged smiles, ignoring everyone else as they began a lighthearted exchange of compliments¡ªeach praising the other in turn. The atmosphere was harmonious.


    But there was always someone eager to disrupt the mood.


    Malfoy¡¯s gaze shifted toward them, malicious and piercing. Kyle, irritated by the look, frowned and rested his hand on his suitcase. ¡°What are you looking at?¡±


    ¡°Huh!¡± Lucius Malfoy let out a strange, throaty laugh. ¡°I''ve known many so-called ¡®geniuses,¡¯ but in the end, they all faded away, leaving nothing behind. Let¡¯s hope you don¡¯t end up like them.¡±


    Kyle raised an eyebrow. So, that¡¯s the game he wants to play, he thought. Fine¡ªhe wouldn¡¯t hold back.


    ¡°Mr. Malfoy, do you know what this is?¡± Kyle held out the diary.


    ¡°It¡¯s just a cheap muggle notebook,¡± Malfoy sneered, refusing to touch it. ¡°I wouldn¡¯t lay a finger on something so filthy.¡±


    Though his words were dismissive, a flicker of anger crossed his face as he eyed the damaged diary.


    ¡°My mistake,¡± Kyle said coolly. He grabbed a glove from a nearby shelf, slipped it over the diary, and, without further ado, thrust it toward Malfoy. ¡°I found this in Ginny¡¯s old textbook. If I¡¯m not mistaken, you must have slipped it in when we were at Flourish and Blotts.¡±


    Malfoy¡¯s pale hands clenched into fists before he forced them to relax.


    ¡°Do you have any proof?¡± he asked, his voice hoarse.


    ¡°No, but that¡¯s beside the point,¡± Kyle said with a dismissive wave. ¡°The point is, this diary held Tom Riddle¡¯s soul¡ªsomething he treasured more than life itself. Of course, that soul is gone now. It¡¯s vanished completely, leaving nothing behind.¡±


    For a moment, the diary seemed like a burning ember in Malfoy¡¯s eyes, and he instinctively recoiled, tossing it away. The House-elf behind him moved quickly, deftly catching it before it hit the ground.


    ¡°Mr. Malfoy, it appears you know who Tom Riddle is,¡± Kyle remarked with a laugh. ¡°In any case, we owe a debt of gratitude to whoever disposed of this diary. They¡¯ve done us a great service.¡±


    ¡°Indeed,¡± Dumbledore agreed with a pleasant smile. ¡°They¡¯ve also revealed one of Voldemort¡¯s greatest secrets. We really should thank them.¡±


    Malfoy¡¯s face was drained of color. His right hand twitched, as if he wanted to reach for his wand, but he restrained himself. Instead, he turned on his heel, opened the door, and exited in a daze, not saying a single word as he left.


    ¡°It seems someone will be losing sleep for a while,¡± Dumbledore remarked, rising from his seat. Then he looked at Kyle with interest. ¡°But, Kyle¡­ would you mind telling me how you know about Horcruxes? This ancient, dark magic isn¡¯t even known by most professors.¡±


    His tone was light, as if he were asking about Kyle¡¯s lunch that day.


    ¡°Oh, I read about it once during the holidays in an article by Nicolas Flamel,¡± Kyle replied casually. ¡°It was about his work disproving the theory that Horcruxes were related to alchemy.¡±


    ¡°The article from 1689?¡± Dumbledore asked thoughtfully, recalling that Flamel had indeed written such a piece.


    ¡°Yes, along with the supplement from 1691,¡± Kyle confirmed. ¡°It¡¯s a curious coincidence¡ªthis diary matches all the known traits of a Horcrux perfectly.¡±


    ¡°I see,¡± Dumbledore said. ¡°I thought perhaps the Four Founders had shared the information with you in the Chamber of Secrets¡­ Would you care for some tea? Or perhaps lemonade?¡±


    ¡°Lemonade,¡± Kyle replied, glancing out the window as if captivated by the dreary sky, all the while thinking to himself,


    Dumbledore let the conversation lapse, walking over to Fawkes and gently stroking the phoenix¡¯s feathers. ¡°You were a bit impulsive just now.¡±


    ¡°Impulsive?¡± Kyle echoed. ¡°Do you mean I shouldn¡¯t have told Lucius about the Horcrux?¡±


    ¡°No, it¡¯s not that,¡± Dumbledore sighed suddenly. ¡°It took me two days to knit those gloves. I was planning to gift them to someone.¡±


    ¡°Er¡­¡± Kyle was momentarily at a loss for words. ¡°Should I go after him and ask for them back?¡±


    Dumbledore considered this, then shook his head with a soft smile. ¡°It¡¯s all right. I¡¯ll just knit another pair. I imagine I¡¯ll have plenty of free time after today.¡±

 Chapter 329: Ron’s Train of Thought

    Kyle finished his glass of lemonade in the Headmaster''s Office, ready to head out. It wasn¡¯t the weekend, and he had classes to teach later. Besides, Dumbledore seemed to have other pressing matters. Kyle opened the door, stepping out just as Fawkes vanished from the office, leaving behind the suitcase that held the Basilisk¡ªuntouched, exactly where it had been. Kyle had no intention of taking it with him. He closed the door and left.


    Overnight, the entire castle seemed transformed. Even from the eighth floor, Kyle could hear the distant, steady sounds of cheering as students celebrated the end of the Chamber of Secrets ordeal.


    On the staircase, he crossed paths with Harry, who had previously tried to sneak into the Headmaster''s Office with the professors but had been caught by Professor McGonagall.


    ¡°Kyle, you¡¯re finally here,¡± Harry called, waving him over.


    Kyle approached. ¡°Class is about to start, and here you are¡­ Professors aren¡¯t exactly planning a holiday celebration.¡±


    ¡°I know, but something happened. I ran into Mr. Malfoy,¡± Harry grinned. ¡°And Dobby wants to thank you, too.¡±


    From behind him, a House-elf peeked out, looking excited.


    ¡°Sir, you freed Dobby!¡± Dobby exclaimed in a high-pitched voice. ¡°Dobby is a free elf!¡±


    ¡°What happened? I don¡¯t recall doing anything,¡± Kyle replied with a smile. ¡°All I remember is that you caught a diary with gloves.¡±


    Dobby¡¯s face broke into a huge smile. ¡°Exactly! Master gave Dobby clothing¡ªa glove! Dobby is free!¡±


    ¡°Congratulations.¡± Kyle reached into his Mokeskin pouch and pulled out a piece of licorice from a corner. ¡°I didn¡¯t bring anything special, so here¡¯s a little gift.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s all thanks to you, sir!¡± Dobby cried, taking the licorice with trembling hands, looking as if he might burst into tears. ¡°You not only saved Dobby, you also gave Dobby a present¡­ You are just as great as Harry Potter!¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t say that. I really didn¡¯t do much,¡± Kyle protested, shaking his head. ¡°If anything, it was Mr. Malfoy¡¯s doing¡ªif he hadn¡¯t let the diary slip, there¡¯d have been no gloves.¡±


    ¡°No, sir¡­¡±


    They had reached the staircase on the eighth floor by now. Dobby kept showering Kyle with gratitude, while Kyle continued denying any real credit.


    Harry, watching from the side, felt growing admiration for Kyle. Good grades, strong skills, and humility¡­ no wonder people liked him so much.


    Kyle, unaware of Harry¡¯s thoughts, was simply feeling that Dobby¡¯s gratitude was a bit too enthusiastic. He changed the subject. ¡°Dobby, what are you planning to do next?¡±


    Dobby paused, then replied eagerly, ¡°Sir, Dobby wants to find a job that pays!¡±


    ¡°Not a bad idea,¡± Kyle agreed, giving him a thoughtful look. ¡°If you need help, you can find me in St. Catchpole Village during the holidays.¡±


    Dobby¡¯s eyes lit up. ¡°Sir, are you offering Dobby a job?¡±


    ¡°If you need one.¡±


    ¡°Dobby would love to work for you, sir!¡±


    ¡°Not directly for me,¡± Kyle explained, shaking his head. Since he was mostly at school and his parents, Chris and Diana, were rarely home, they didn¡¯t really need a House-elf. But Newt Scamander, nearly a hundred years old now, could use some help caring for his Magical Creatures. Dobby¡¯s assistance would make things much easier for him. Alternatively, the Weasley family might be a good fit; they could likely afford Dobby¡¯s modest needs.


    Dobby listened carefully, nodding, and happily agreed to work for anyone Kyle recommended. ¡°Your friends must be good people, sir¡ªDobby would love to work for them!¡±


    ¡°Alright, then.¡± A few minutes later, Kyle handed Dobby a letter, and Dobby promptly departed, unable to contain his excitement.


    ¡°I think he¡¯s rushing to apply for the job,¡± Kyle remarked, watching Dobby disappear.


    Harry looked on with curiosity. ¡°Did you write the address for The Burrow?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± Kyle nodded, and the two headed down the stairs toward class.


    On the way, Harry seemed hesitant, as if something was on his mind. He kept glancing at Kyle, as though he wanted to say something.


    In truth, Harry wasn¡¯t sure Dobby would fit in at The Burrow. While Ron had once mentioned that his mum had always wanted a House-elf, Harry knew Mrs. Weasley genuinely enjoyed caring for her family herself. Dobby¡¯s help might unintentionally take away some of that joy for her.


    But before Harry could decide whether or not to share his thoughts, he saw Ron running up to him.


    ¡°You¡¯re alright!¡± Harry greeted, surprised.


    ¡°Yeah! Professor McGonagall said I was hit with a Petrification Charm¡ªnot attacked by the monster from the Chamber of Secrets. She just helped me reverse it.¡± Ron looked a bit disappointed. ¡°It¡¯s a shame, though¡­ I mean, if I¡¯d stayed in bed a few more days, I could¡¯ve skipped exams.¡±


    Kyle paused, thinking he¡¯d misheard. Good grief, he¡¯d rather be petrified than take exams? Ron truly had a unique perspective.


    When night fell, Hagrid returned, and Hogwarts threw a grand celebration. Fred and George had stocked up on Zonkos'' fireworks, and the festivities went on late into the night.


    ¡°This is brilliant! It doesn¡¯t get better than this,¡± Ron said, his words muffled by a mouthful of chicken drumstick. ¡°And soon we¡¯ll have a House-elf in the family! I bet they¡¯re even better cooks than Mum.¡±


    Harry opened his mouth, intending to say that Mrs. Weasley¡¯s cooking was better than the school¡¯s, but his words were drowned out by the crackling of fireworks. He glanced at Ron¡¯s eager expression, and the thought from earlier that morning returned to him¡ªwould Mrs. Weasley really want Dobby to stay?


    ...


    As it turned out, Harry was right.


    A month before the holidays, Kyle received a letter from Mrs. Weasley. She explained that since Dobby¡¯s arrival, she¡¯d had so little to do she felt she might go moldy from inactivity. She wrote that she couldn¡¯t even water the potatoes in the garden in peace.


    ¡°All I can manage is watering the potatoes,¡± she wrote. ¡°I can¡¯t even pull up the spoiled ones and plant new seeds¡­ because by the time I decide to do it, the House-elf has already finished the job.¡±


    Regretting her decision, Mrs. Weasley asked Kyle if there was any way to gently dismiss Dobby without hurting his feelings. S~ea??h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    In his reply, Kyle apologized and reassured Mrs. Weasley that she only needed to manage for another month¡ªhe would bring Dobby to Newt¡¯s once school let out.


    Mrs. Weasley agreed.

 Chapter 330: Professor, Do You Know the Half-Blood Prince?

    After the attack was resolved, Quidditch matches, which had been suspended for ages, resumed with a vengeance. With less than a month left until the end of term, the remaining games were packed into an intense schedule, with back-to-back matches and at least three games every weekend.


    The spectators loved it, but the players were worn out¡ªespecially Kyle. As the final exams loomed closer, he started to regret taking on twelve courses. Though he hadn¡¯t exactly planned on such a grueling load, neither Professor McGonagall nor Headmaster Dumbledore seemed sympathetic to his predicament. He still had to prepare for exams, memorizing dense material: complex arithmancy formulas, the meanings of various ancient runes, and, to his dismay, an abundance of trivia on muggle culture.


    And that last subject proved surprisingly challenging. The deeper he delved into Muggle Studies, the more Kyle realized that wizards¡¯ interpretations of Muggle life diverged oddly from what he knew. Take the yard, for example. When asked about its purpose, Kyle thought of leisure activities like playing games, having afternoon tea, or just relaxing. But according to the study materials, the correct answer was ¡°mowing the lawn.¡±


    Mowing the lawn? Kyle couldn¡¯t fathom it. A whole yard built just to trim grass? Wizards really had an odd view of muggle life. sea??h th§× n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Even more puzzling, the most popular muggle group activity, according to his textbook, was watching TV. Kyle and his friend Mikel, who¡¯d spent eleven years as a muggle, both started questioning their grasp on muggle culture.


    For the first time, Kyle found himself wishing that the mandrakes¡ªthe key to curing the petrified victims¡ªwould mature after the exams. But his hopes were dashed when Charity Burbage, the Muggle Studies professor, was released from the Hospital Wing just a few days later.


    Though she had missed months of classes, there was no plan to cancel her exam. Instead, Professor Burbage was given two weeks to prepare it. Mikel, who¡¯d taken Muggle Studies as an ¡°easy A,¡± was now panicking. He¡¯d hoped for a high mark, but now he feared he might be the first to get an ¡°F¡± (Fail) at Hogwarts.


    Despite the academic chaos, the rest of the summer term was enjoyable. The grounds were lush, the weather mild, and spirits high.


    Then, exam week arrived under clear, sunny skies. For three days straight, Kyle dashed from one exam room to another, barely catching his breath.


    In the Transfiguration exam, Kyle entered to find Professor McGonagall waiting beside a teapot on her desk. Students were tasked with transforming the teapot into a turtle.


    She looked at Kyle thoughtfully. ¡°This is too easy for you,¡± she declared. ¡°Let¡¯s change the exam.¡± Her eyes glinted with challenge. ¡°I want you to write an essay of no less than five feet on the subject of multiple transformations.¡±


    Kyle blinked, taken aback. He¡¯d expected she¡¯d ask him to perform a more advanced transformation. An essay, though? He struggled to understand how that could be part of a practical exam. Wasn¡¯t this supposed to be a practical exam? They¡¯d already done their written test the day before.


    ¡°It¡¯s for ¡± Professor McGonagall explained briskly. ¡°I¡¯ve been friends with the editor-in-chief of that magazine for years, and we correspond regularly. She was very intrigued by the ideas you shared at the Transfiguration Club meeting. I¡¯d like you to enter the Transfiguration Today Most Promising Newcomer Award. Most contemporary Transfiguration masters subscribe to it, and having your name in the magazine would be highly beneficial for your future.¡±


    Kyle¡¯s eyes lit up. ¡°When do I need to write it¡ªnow?¡±


    ¡°Of course not,¡± McGonagall replied with a smile. ¡°This essay needs to be and you don¡¯t have enough time to do it justice now. But two months should be plenty.¡± She smiled encouragingly. ¡°I¡¯ll help you submit it when the new term begins. As for today¡¯s exam¡­¡± She marked his scorecard decisively. ¡°Full marks!¡±


    Kyle¡¯s success didn¡¯t end there. He also earned top marks in Charms, Care of Magical Creatures, Ancient Runes, and Defense Against the Dark Arts. But Muggle Studies and Potions proved more challenging.


    In Muggle Studies, Kyle barely put his quill down by the end of the test, as it required both creativity and an excellent memory. The Potions exam, however, was a different story. Before he could even enter the classroom, Snape intercepted him, blocking his path.


    ¡°Professor, the exam is about to start¡­¡± Kyle said, half-suspecting that Snape might be trying to keep him from taking the test to mark him as absent.


    But Snape ignored the comment, his eyes cold as he demanded, ¡°Explain that spell to me.¡±


    ¡°What spell?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t play dumb,¡± Snape replied, his voice tight. ¡°The nearly sliced column in the Chamber of Secrets¡ªthat wasn¡¯t Riddle¡¯s work, was it?¡±


    ¡°Oh¡­ you mean ?¡± Kyle asked, feigning innocence. ¡°An older student taught me that.¡±


    ¡°Tell me the truth!¡± Snape¡¯s face darkened as he held up a small vial in his hand.


    ¡°Is that¡­ Veritaserum?¡± Kyle asked, pretending to look wary.


    ¡°Yes, Veritaserum,¡± Snape sneered. ¡°A few drops, and you¡¯ll tell me every last one of your secrets.¡±


    ¡°But Professor, it¡¯s illegal to use Veritaserum without authorization,¡± Kyle protested, sounding alarmed. ¡°You wouldn¡¯t want to break the law just to satisfy your curiosity, would you? The Dementors¡­¡±


    ¡°Enough!¡± Snape snapped, his eyes narrowing as he opened the bottle.


    ¡°All right, I¡¯ll tell you.¡± Kyle sighed theatrically. ¡°A senior did teach me the spell. Just listen¡ªI found this book called that belonged to someone who went by ¡®The Half-Blood Prince.¡¯¡±


    Snape¡¯s face froze.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know his real name, though,¡± Kyle continued, ¡°but I¡¯ve got a hunch he was probably pretty good-looking. Of course, he might have been ugly too, but I like to think ¡®Half-Blood Prince¡¯ has a bit of flair, don¡¯t you?¡±


    Snape¡¯s face turned an alarming shade of purple, and the muscles in his jaw twitched. ¡°Shut up¡­¡±


    But Kyle went on, pretending not to notice Snape¡¯s irritation. ¡°If you¡¯re curious, Professor, I can ask around. I know loads of older students¡ªone of them might know this Half-Blood Prince¡­¡±


    ¡°I said, shut up!¡± Snape barked, his voice a growl. Inside the classroom, students looked up at the commotion, but Snape barked, ¡°Turn your heads! Anyone who stares will receive a zero on the exam!¡±


    The students quickly turned away as Snape faced Kyle again, his voice low and deadly. ¡°That book¡ªwhere is it?¡±


    ¡°Um, probably in my dormitory¡­ or somewhere else,¡± Kyle replied, as if trying to recall. ¡°I can¡¯t quite remember.¡±


    ¡°Then find it and bring it to me.¡±


    ¡°But, Professor¡­ the exam?¡±


    Snape¡¯s expression faltered, and after a tense moment, he gritted his teeth and asked, ¡°Fine. Tell me the ingredients for a broad-spectrum antidote.¡±


    ¡°Bezoar, mistletoe berries, and unicorn horn,¡± Kyle answered instantly.


    ¡°Good. Full marks,¡± Snape bit out, visibly frustrated. ¡°Now go fetch that book.¡±


    ¡°Alright.¡± Kyle trotted out of the dungeon, made a quick circuit around the hallway, then re-entered, pulling from his bag¡ªit had been with him all along.


    ¡°Professor, guess what¡ªI found it!¡±


    Snape snatched the book from Kyle¡¯s hands faster than Peeves could snatch a sweet, like a starving monkey grabbing food. He looked down at the familiar volume, his expression clouded.


    ¡°You may go,¡± he muttered, not looking up.


    Kyle hesitated, feigning an innocent curiosity. ¡°Professor, you know the Half-Blood Prince¡­¡±


    ¡°OUT!¡±

 Chapter 331: The Prophecy

    Kyle was naturally thrilled to have earned full marks in Potions without even taking the exam. Though it was a bit disappointing to part with he¡¯d already memorized its contents, copied his notes into a fresh book, and read it cover to cover three times. So it didn¡¯t bother him much to hand it over to Snape.


    ¡­


    By the third day of exam week, only two exams remained. Early that morning, Kyle made his way to the top of the North Tower for his Divination exam.


    Divination had a particular trick to it: even if you hadn¡¯t read the textbook or attended class, you could still score well if you gave Professor Trelawney a prediction that piqued her interest. Kyle leaned over the crystal ball, feigning intense concentration.


    ¡°What do you see¡­?¡± Professor Trelawney asked, eyeing him with some disapproval, clearly annoyed that he hadn¡¯t shown up for class all semester. she mused.


    ¡°Hmmm¡­¡± Kyle pressed his nose to the crystal ball, squinting. ¡°I see a figure¡­¡±


    ¡°What does it look like?¡± Professor Trelawney encouraged softly. ¡°Think carefully¡­¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s tall¡­ and has a beard¡­¡± Kyle murmured thoughtfully. ¡°It¡¯s¡­ Professor Dumbledore!¡± he announced with certainty.


    ¡°The Headmaster?¡± Professor Trelawney murmured, taken aback.


    ¡°Yes, it was Professor Dumbledore,¡± Kyle whispered. ¡°He looked worn, almost defeated, walking down a lonely street lined with houses, but no one welcomed him. People just¡­ shut their doors.¡±


    ¡°Are you certain, dear?¡± Professor Trelawney eagerly scribbled on her parchment. ¡°You truly saw Headmaster Dumbledore?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sure, Professor,¡± Kyle replied, nodding. ¡°He looked like an unwelcome, poisonous spider.¡±


    ¡°Well, my dear, that¡¯s more than enough¡­ remarkable! You have a true gift for prophecy,¡± she gushed. ¡°But remember, my dear, Divination is a profound subject. Talent alone won¡¯t suffice. I expect you in class next term.¡±


    Kyle smiled and stood to leave, but suddenly, a loud, shrill voice filled the room. He turned to see Professor Trelawney sitting rigidly in her armchair, her eyes blank and unfocused. She appeared to be in a trance, her eyes rolling and her body twitching slightly. The crystal ball on the table glowed faintly, casting an eerie light over her face.


    Then she spoke again in that same harsh, otherworldly tone.


    ¡°The Dark Lord lies there alone, his deepest secrets revealed. Tonight, the Dark Lord begins his journey towards death¡­ but he will rise again¡­ with his¡­ most powerful¡­ weapon¡­¡±


    Professor Trelawney¡¯s head drooped to her chest with a faint , then jerked up as if nothing had happened.


    ¡°Oh, my dear boy, forgive me,¡± she said in a dreamy voice, blinking at him. ¡°It¡¯s so terribly hot up here; I must have dozed off¡­¡±


    ¡°Yes, Professor, you¡¯re quite tired,¡± Kyle said with a smile. He glanced at the crystal ball on the table, an idea forming. ¡°Professor, I suddenly see the wisdom of your teachings. To practice Divination over the break, would you mind if I borrowed this crystal ball for the holidays?¡±


    Professor Trelawney seemed confused but eventually nodded. ¡°If it¡¯s only a loan¡­ well, yes, but do return it. Crystal balls are rather costly.¡±


    ¡°No problem at all, Professor,¡± Kyle assured her. ¡°I¡¯ll bring it back next term, good as new.¡±


    As Kyle descended the tower, he kept glancing at the crystal ball in his hands, contemplating the prophecy he¡¯d just witnessed. Professor Trelawney had clearly delivered a genuine prophecy, and the crystal ball had recorded every word. But what exactly did it mean?


    The Dark Lord¡¯s greatest secret was likely the Horcruxes, which made sense¡ªdestroying the diary had marked the beginning of his downfall. But what could his ¡°most powerful weapon¡± be? Kyle considered many possibilities but ultimately put the crystal ball away after a few minutes.


    he reminded himself. Voldemort¡¯s downfall had started because he¡¯d believed in one too strongly. And that was a lesson worth remembering.


    ... S§×ar?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    In the afternoon, Kyle completed his final exam in on the third floor. Around him, students were chatting and laughing, relishing their newfound freedom as they headed off to celebrate. Kyle, too, was on his way to visit Hagrid when he was suddenly stopped.


    ¡°Kyle¡­ do you have a moment?¡±


    It was Professor Lockhart, lingering in the doorway to his office.


    ¡°Yes, Professor?¡± Kyle asked.


    ¡°Oh, nothing much, just something I¡¯m curious about,¡± Lockhart replied, gesturing for Kyle to enter. ¡°Come on in. It won¡¯t take long.¡±


    ¡°Alright,¡± Kyle agreed with a nod.


    The office was lined with framed photos, all bearing Lockhart¡¯s face, with some even featuring his signature. A stack of photographs lay on the table, scattered alongside various quills and ink bottles.


    ¡°Sit down,¡± Lockhart said, indicating a plush chair across from him. ¡°Would you care for a drink? Tea? Or perhaps¡­ Firewhiskey? Not that I endorse it, but a little Firewhiskey never hurt anyone¡ªprovided, of course, no one finds out.¡±


    ¡°No need, Professor. I¡¯m fine.¡± Kyle tapped the table three times with his fingers and called out, ¡°Lemonade.¡±


    He¡¯d picked up this trick from Dumbledore as a way to communicate with the kitchen, and soon a large glass of lemonade appeared before him.


    ¡°Oh!¡± Lockhart¡¯s eyes widened in surprise. ¡°That¡¯s quite impressive,¡± he remarked. ¡°I dare say, no young wizard of your age could top that.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s just a small spell to summon refreshments from the kitchen,¡± Kyle replied. ¡°You could teach it in class, Professor.¡±


    Lockhart laughed, flashing his gleaming teeth. ¡°Of course, I knew that right away when I first came here,¡± he said, though there was a hint of forced confidence. ¡°The Firewhiskey here is a touch weak, but a change every so often doesn¡¯t hurt.¡±


    Kyle chose not to point out that the kitchen didn¡¯t serve Firewhiskey at all. ¡°So, Professor, what did you want to discuss?¡±


    ¡°Ah, yes! The important matter,¡± Lockhart said, settling into the chair opposite Kyle. ¡°I wanted to hear all about your experience in the Chamber of Secrets. I plan to feature it in my upcoming book!¡±


    Kyle raised an eyebrow.


    ¡°Imagine it!¡± Lockhart went on, eyes alight with excitement. ¡°You, finding the Chamber of Secrets, encountering the Founders themselves¡ªfigures from a thousand years ago, right here at Hogwarts! This could be my finest work, Kyle. Our names will be celebrated throughout the wizarding world!¡±


    ¡°Wait¡­ you mean I¡¯ll actually be in the book?¡± Kyle asked, surprised.


    ¡°Absolutely! You¡¯re the central character,¡± Lockhart whispered, as if sharing a great secret.


    Kyle frowned. ¡°But I already told you everything in the Headmaster¡¯s Office. You were there.¡±


    ¡°Yes, yes, but I want ¡± Lockhart insisted. ¡°These are essential elements! Now, let¡¯s do this¡ªI''ll ask questions, and you give me the most vivid answers you can.¡±


    ¡°Alright¡­¡± Kyle agreed cautiously.


    Lockhart beamed. ¡°Perfect! First question: what did you feel when you first discovered the Chamber of Secrets?¡±


    ¡°Um¡­ disbelief. I was shocked,¡± Kyle answered after a moment¡¯s thought.


    ¡°Good, good!¡± Lockhart scribbled in his notebook. ¡°And your reaction upon seeing the Basilisk?¡±


    Kyle stifled a sigh. ¡°Unbelievable. I was shocked¡­¡±


    ¡°And when you encountered the Founders?¡±


    ¡°Unbelievable¡­¡±


    ¡°Hmm, let¡¯s try a different word.¡±


    ¡°Fine¡­ I was surprised.¡±

 Chapter 332: Mr. Smiley Hits a Wall

    In the Defence Against the Dark Arts office, Kyle and Lockhart continued their back-and-forth exchange, with Lockhart jotting down every detail Kyle shared. If anyone had walked in, they might have mistaken him for a part-time journalist, meticulously documenting Kyle''s story. After half an hour, a thick pile of parchment lay on the table.


    ¡°Amazing¡­¡± Lockhart said with admiration. ¡°I¡¯ve never met a young wizard quite like you. Such remarkable experiences at your age¡ªyou must have endless stories to tell.¡± Sear?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Before Kyle¡¯s arrival at Hogwarts, Lockhart had only known him as the young wizard who had fended off a Werewolf at St. Mungo¡¯s, earning an Order of Merlin, Second Class. At the time, Lockhart had been rather resentful, feeling that the Order of Merlin was unfair. He had put so much effort into collecting stories, ridding villages of werewolves, and dispatching vampires, only to receive a third-class medal. Why had Kyle, for a single Werewolf, received a second-class one? Was it simply because he had connections?


    Lockhart¡¯s initial impression of Kyle had been that of a lucky child who happened to know important people. If he¡¯d had similar connections, surely he too would have received the same honor. But since becoming the Defence Against the Dark Arts professor, Lockhart had learned more about Kyle¡¯s reputation. He discovered from older students that the Magical Creatures incident, which had shaken the British wizarding community two years prior, had also involved Kyle. As a first-year, Kyle had been captured by the infamous dark wizard Oren in the Forbidden Forest¡ªand somehow managed to escape.


    Lockhart was itching to dig deeper into that story, but for now, he turned his attention back to the Chamber of Secrets.


    ¡°The story¡¯s nothing special,¡± Kyle said, brushing it off. ¡°Just a bit more troublesome than usual.¡±


    ¡°Another admirable quality: modesty,¡± Lockhart noted, a pleased smile playing on his lips. ¡°Now, let¡¯s return to the Chamber of Secrets.¡±


    He flipped through his notes. ¡°Where were we¡­ Ah, yes¡ªthe Founders. I¡¯m sure they must have taught you some powerful Charms or ways to make yourself stronger.¡±


    He looked at Kyle with feigned casualness. ¡°I know it¡¯s probably a lot to ask, but if you could share just one¡­ it would satisfy my curiosity.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m afraid I¡¯ll have to disappoint you, Professor,¡± Kyle replied, shaking his head. ¡°Forget about powerful Charms. They didn¡¯t teach me a single Lighting Charm.¡±


    ¡°Really¡­ I see,¡± Lockhart sighed, pretending to accept this. ¡°I understand if you don¡¯t want to share.¡±


    ¡°I truly don¡¯t have anything to share, Professor,¡± Kyle said, looking him directly in the eyes. ¡°Learning magic requires consistent, step-by-step progress. Only ignorant charlatans claim you can pull out a ¡®secret manual¡¯ and become invincible.¡±


    Lockhart¡¯s gaze drifted to the window before he turned back to Kyle with a smile that didn¡¯t quite reach his eyes. ¡°Well, I believe I¡¯ve asked everything I needed,¡± he said smoothly. ¡°But there¡¯s one last¡­ small matter.¡±


    Lockhart¡¯s tone grew darker as he drew his wand, pointing it at Kyle. ¡°I¡¯m truly sorry, my boy, but I¡¯m going to have to cast a Memory Charm on you. My book doesn¡¯t allow for anyone else to steal the spotlight¡­¡±


    Kyle, unfazed, took out his own wand, keeping his grip steady.


    ¡°So, Professor,¡± he said calmly, ¡°is this how you gathered all those stories in the first place?¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t seem surprised,¡± Lockhart replied, sounding almost disappointed.


    ¡°Not really,¡± Kyle shrugged. ¡°The way you acted in class¡­ well, it didn¡¯t exactly scream ¡®Werewolf hunter.¡¯¡±


    ¡°Yes, that¡¯s right¡ªI¡¯m the liar, the fraud, the fool, or whatever else you all call me behind my back. I know.¡± Lockhart¡¯s voice was laced with bitterness, but he didn¡¯t deny it. ¡°But my work is extensive. I find these people, ask them how they did it, and then¡­ well, as I¡¯m about to do with you, I erase their memories completely.¡±


    Lockhart¡¯s face twisted into a self-satisfied smile. ¡°If there¡¯s one thing I¡¯m truly proud of, it¡¯s my Memory Charms.¡±


    He pulled out a small, ornate notebook and tossed it toward Kyle. ¡°Consider this a little compensation. It contains my notes on Memory Charms¡­ and some of my¡­ experiences.¡±


    Kyle caught the notebook, his wand still trained on Lockhart.


    "Okay..."


    ¡°Professor,¡± Kyle said suddenly, ¡°I have one last question.¡±


    Lockhart looked at him impatiently. ¡°Make it quick.¡±


    ¡°What I just told you¡ªevery professor here knows, including Dumbledore. You can¡¯t erase their memories.¡±


    ¡°I have my own ways,¡± Lockhart replied dismissively, lifting his wand with a steady hand. ¡°Now, say goodbye to your memories. Once forgotten¡­¡±


    But before he could finish, Kyle¡¯s wand made a small motion, and the floor under Lockhart¡¯s feet suddenly buckled. Lockhart stumbled, his Memory Charm shooting harmlessly at the ceiling.


    ¡°Professor, that was¡­¡± Kyle started to say, but Lockhart fired another Memory Charm straight at him.


    Kyle cast quickly. The Shield Charm rebounded the spell, sending it hurtling back toward Lockhart.


    With a dull , Lockhart hit the floor, clutching his stomach and groaning.


    ¡°Nonverbal Spells, and maybe even Wandless Spells¡­¡± Kyle muttered, shaking his head as he bent to pick up the notebook. ¡°You¡¯re full of surprises, Professor Lockhart. Sneak attacks can be risky, though¡­ Not that I ever intended to let you pull it off.¡±


    ¡°Bang!¡±


    Just as Kyle retrieved the notebook, the door to the office flew open. Professor McGonagall burst in, followed by a group of Hit Wizards. At the front was Hadd, the captain of the Hit Wizard team who had been in charge during the Oren incident, and now head of the Hit Wizard Office.


    ¡°Gilderoy Lockhart,¡± Hadd announced, ¡°we have evidence of you tampering with the memories of others and passing off their achievements as your own. We are here to take you into custody for questioning by the Ministry.¡±


    Hadd raised his wand, but he quickly noted the unusual scene before him. The room looked as if it had been through a skirmish. Kyle stood with his wand in hand, while Lockhart lay on the ground, looking around with a dazed, vacant expression.


    ¡°Who are you? Who¡¯s Lockhart¡­ and why am I on the floor?¡± Lockhart asked, blinking up at the crowd.


    Hadd was momentarily taken aback. ¡°What happened here?¡±


    ¡°He tried to use a Memory Charm on me,¡± Kyle explained. ¡°But it rebounded.¡±


    ¡°That despicable trick¡­¡± Professor McGonagall said, clearly shaken and furious. She checked that Kyle was unharmed, then glared down at Lockhart. ¡°Attempting that on a student! He got exactly what he deserved.¡±


    ¡°Got what I deserved?¡± Lockhart repeated, blinking in confusion, his expression now almost endearing.


    ¡°It looks like we¡¯ve had an accident here,¡± Hadd said, signaling to one of the Hit Wizards, who moved over to inspect Lockhart.


    After a few minutes, the Hit Wizard looked up from his examination and reported to Hadd. ¡°Memory impairment. A serious one¡ªit¡¯s consistent with a failed Memory Charm.¡±


    They then turned to inspect Kyle¡¯s wand.


    ¡°Sorry, kid, just a quick formality,¡± Hadd assured Kyle. ¡°It¡¯s a simple spell, won¡¯t affect your wand.¡±


    ¡°No problem,¡± Kyle replied, holding his wand out.


    Hadd cast , and between the two wands, a faint, misty shield appeared in the air.


    ¡°It is indeed the Shield Charm,¡± Hadd confirmed.


    The results from Lockhart¡¯s wand inspection came next. Another Hit Wizard handed it to Hadd. ¡°Memory Charm,¡± he said simply.


    ¡°Well,¡± Hadd scoffed, ¡°looks like our friend Mr. Smiley picked the wrong target this time.¡±


    He wasn¡¯t surprised that Kyle had managed to defend himself. One was the youngest-ever recipient of the Order of Merlin; the other, a fraud who knew little besides the Memory Charm. The result was almost predictable.


    ¡°Should we still take him back to the Ministry?¡± one of the Hit Wizards asked. ¡°He¡¯s almost completely lost his memory. Even if we brought him in, it¡¯d be impossible to conduct a trial¡­¡±


    ¡°A nuisance, that¡¯s what it is. Why did it have to be a Memory Charm?¡± Hadd muttered, thinking it over. ¡°Let¡¯s send him to St. Mungo¡¯s first. We¡¯ll wait until his memory recovers enough for questioning.¡±

 Chapter 333: Percy’s Little Secret

    The Hit Wizards searched the office and took almost everything, including the portrait and the signed photograph.


    "Goodbye, Professor McGonagall, we''ll leave you to it," said Hadd, almost whispering.


    "Sorry, Professor, but there''s nothing I can do about it," Hadd added with a slight smile. "Soon enough, I¡¯ll be an Auror, and I don¡¯t think I¡¯ll be coming back here then. Unless, of course, the school hires another Death Eater as Defense Against the Dark Arts professor."


    He was joking, but Professor McGonagall couldn¡¯t even muster a smile.


    After a few brief words of farewell, Hadd turned and left the office, followed by two Hit Wizards carrying Lockhart.


    "Hey, where are you taking me? Slow down, don''t walk so fast... Oh, this is beautiful..."


    Lockhart¡¯s voice echoed down the corridor. Kyle watched them leave, feeling an inexplicable sense of having been tricked.


    Could it be that Lockhart had received news in advance and had actually been waiting for the Ministry? The more Kyle thought about it, the more plausible it seemed. No one would typically use a Memory Charm when the target was prepared; it was usually deployed in ambushes... surely Lockhart knew this. Whether it was cleverness or just plain desperation, wiping his own memory to avoid punishment was a drastic measure. After all, it was a steep price to pay, hardly worth it for petty issues, and likely useless in serious ones.


    After Lockhart was taken away, word of his deceit quickly spread throughout the school. Lockhart wasn¡¯t a legendary adventurer at all¡ªhe¡¯d merely stolen the stories of others and claimed them as his own. He was a complete fraud.


    Some of his admirers refused to believe it, but many others accepted the truth without much resistance. It was unexpected, perhaps, but not unreasonable; his questionable class performances had always been a hint.


    "I told you he was a fraud," Ron said smugly to Hermione at the end-of-year feast. "You wouldn¡¯t believe me, but now I¡¯ve been proven right."


    Hermione ignored him, turning her head away.


    But Ron couldn¡¯t resist rubbing it in. For the first time, he¡¯d been right about something that Hermione hadn¡¯t seen through, and he was thrilled.


    So thrilled, in fact, that he didn¡¯t notice Hermione¡¯s face growing darker and darker. Harry tried several times to signal Ron to stop, but Ron was oblivious.


    "Ron..."


    At last, Hermione spun back around in exasperation and snapped, "You¡¯ll never see my homework again!"


    She then angrily swapped seats with Parvati Patil.


    Ron sat there, mouth open, turning to Harry and mumbling, "Do you think it¡¯s too late for me to apologize?"


    Harry gave a dry laugh, saying nothing. He had seen this outcome coming from a mile away.


    Soon, Dumbledore entered the Great Hall.


    Due to the events surrounding the Chamber of Secrets, Kyle was once again awarded the Special Award for Services to the School and earned 200 points for Hufflepuff. This hefty score pushed Hufflepuff past Ravenclaw, winning them the House Cup.


    The cheers of the young Hufflepuffs nearly shook the ceiling. They had never imagined that one day, their house would achieve the treble.


    Professor Sprout¡¯s face was flushed with excitement as she shook hands with the other professors, proudly adjusting her new robe. She¡¯d gone all the way to Hogsmeade to buy the finest fabric and craftsmanship, wanting to look her best for this momentous occasion. Today, with Hufflepuff winning the triple crown, Professor Sprout didn¡¯t mind spending a bit to look her finest.


    ...


    After the feast, everyone enjoyed the most carefree time of the year. It felt like in the blink of an eye, exam results were out.


    Kyle hadn¡¯t managed a perfect score this time due to a few slip-ups in his Muggle Studies exam, but he still placed first in his year by a substantial margin. Fred and George also received commendable results, with nearly half a dozen O-levels between them, which would keep Mrs. Weasley content over the holidays.


    The next day, it was time to board the Hogwarts Express and head home. As Kyle was about to board, Professor McGonagall approached and handed him a note.


    ¡°This is from Professor Dumbledore,¡± she said.


    The note contained just a single, brief sentence:  S§×ar?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Kyle was a bit surprised; he had half-expected Dumbledore to be so absorbed in his research on the Time-Turner that he might forget about such details.


    ¡°The Headmaster also asked me to tell you that the matter of the Chamber of Secrets is now closed,¡± said Professor McGonagall. ¡°He said you know what that means.¡±


    ¡°I understand, Professor,¡± Kyle replied, nodding. Dumbledore¡¯s message was clear: he didn¡¯t want the Basilisk to resurface at the school in any form.


    ¡°That¡¯s good,¡± Professor McGonagall said, studying Kyle. Though somewhat puzzled, she refrained from asking further questions. Dumbledore was always enigmatic, and she was used to it by now.


    ¡°Don¡¯t forget your essay¡ªand make sure it¡¯s thorough,¡± she added before heading back toward the castle.


    By the time Kyle boarded, Kanna, Cedric, and the others had already secured a compartment. Ginny was there too, with Fred and George pestering her about something.


    ¡°What did Percy just tell you¡­¡± Fred was saying.


    ¡°What¡¯s he hiding from us, and why aren¡¯t you allowed to tell anyone¡­¡± George added.


    ¡°It¡¯s nothing¡­¡± Ginny hesitated. ¡°You must¡¯ve heard wrong.¡±


    ¡°Two tins of Tooth-Splintering Strong Mints!¡± Fred held up two fingers.


    ¡°But I promised Percy I¡¯d keep his secret¡­¡±


    ¡°And a bag of Pepper Imps!¡± George threw in. ¡°The new ones that breathe blue fire¡ªwe¡¯re the only ones with them.¡±


    Ginny gave in quickly. ¡°Fine, fine¡ªit¡¯s just that Percy has a girlfriend.¡±


    Fred dropped his Exploding Snap cards on George¡¯s head. ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s the Ravenclaw prefect, Penelope Clearwater,¡± Ginny said. ¡°Percy¡¯s been writing to her all holiday, and yesterday I caught them meeting in an empty classroom.¡±


    ¡°No wonder he wouldn¡¯t lend us his owl,¡± Fred said, grinning.


    ¡°You won¡¯t tell anyone, will you?¡± Ginny asked, looking nervous.


    ¡°Absolutely not!¡± George replied, though he and Fred exchanged secretive laughs.


    Once Ginny left, the twins huddled together, whispering for over half an hour before joining the others to play Exploding Snap and wizard chess.


    The Hogwarts Express gradually slowed, rolling through fields of wheat and past small villages, until it finally came to a stop at King¡¯s Cross Station.

 Chapter 334: Fooling Dobby

    In St. Catchpole Village, an old, dark green car pulled up to the door of The Burrow. The doors opened, and Kyle and the Weasleys got out, one after another.


    ¡°Home, boys, home. Don¡¯t forget your bags in the car,¡± Mr. Weasley called from the driver¡¯s seat, though he didn¡¯t seem inclined to get out himself.


    The old Ford, which had vanished into the Forbidden Forest after Ron drove it to Hogwarts, was a temporary loan from the Ministry of Magic, which Mr. Weasley would have to return soon. Every time he thought about it, he felt a pang of heartache. He had put a lot of work into transforming the ordinary Ford¡ªadding an Undetectable Extension Charm, as well as charms for flying, invisibility, and self-navigation... and now it was lost.


    Mr. Weasley mused as they walked back to the Ministry.


    On the other side, as soon as the group got out of the car, Mrs. Weasley rushed out of the house.


    ¡°Thank goodness, you¡¯re finally on holiday!¡± she exclaimed, her face lighting up.


    She wore a water bottle at her waist and clutched a brand new, oversized brush, heading straight toward Kyle.


    ¡°Kyle, you¡ª¡± she began, but Ron¡¯s startled voice cut her off as he spotted the House-elf trailing behind her.


    ¡°Oh, you must be Dobby... Oh no, it Dobby!¡±


    ¡°Yes, Mr. Weasley,¡± Dobby said respectfully.


    ¡°He called me ¡®sir¡¯!¡± Ron looked thrilled.


    ¡°If you¡¯d like,¡± Fred grinned, ¡°we can call you that too.¡±


    ¡°Dear Mr. Ron Weasley,¡± George sniggered, ¡°would you be so kind as to take your luggage up to your room?¡±


    Ron flushed, but before he could lift a finger, Dobby had already stacked the suitcases and was carrying them into The Burrow.


    ¡°Well, that¡¯s convenient,¡± Ginny exclaimed.


    ¡°Yes...¡± Ron muttered, quickly forgetting Fred and George¡¯s teasing as he looked forward to a holiday filled with nothing but eating and sleeping.


    ¡°Convenient? I don¡¯t think so,¡± Mrs. Weasley muttered under her breath, unheard by the others.


    She pulled Kyle aside and, after glancing around to ensure Dobby wasn¡¯t nearby, asked hopefully, ¡°My dear, this is terrible to say, but... is there any way you might help us be rid of Dobby?¡±


    ¡°Of course, Mrs. Weasley,¡± Kyle replied with a nod. ¡°But it¡¯s getting late today, so let¡¯s do it tomorrow. I¡¯ll take him away then.¡±


    ¡°Oh, that¡¯s wonderful,¡± Mrs. Weasley sighed with relief. ¡°If possible, please be gentle about it. Dobby truly means well, but...¡± She sighed again. ¡°Arthur¡¯s appetite just isn¡¯t the same these days. I know he misses my cooking.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve tried talking to Dobby about it, but every time he just gets so flustered, thinking he¡¯s failed somehow, and starts banging his head against the table.¡±


    ¡°I understand, Mrs. Weasley,¡± Kyle said gently. ¡°Leave it to me.¡±


    While they spoke, the others had already gone inside. Dobby had set up a large spread of biscuits and sweets, saying it would be a nice snack to tide everyone over until dinner. In reality, it looked enough to serve as dinner on its own. If things continued like this, the Weasleys¡¯ food expenses were bound to soar¡­


    Kyle found Dobby in the kitchen, busy preparing ingredients for dinner and for desserts like pudding.


    ¡°Sir!¡± Dobby immediately stopped what he was doing when he saw Kyle. ¡°Thank you for helping Dobby find a new job. Dobby really loves it here.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m glad to hear that,¡± Kyle replied. ¡°By the way, I wanted to ask¡ªwould you like to come to my house as my guest?¡±


    ¡°Guest¡­ You said ¡®invite¡¯!¡± Dobby gasped, clutching his ears in excitement, his entire face flushing brownish-red. ¡°Dobby would love to!¡±


    So Kyle took Dobby back to his house.


    ¡°Good news,¡± Kyle announced once they¡¯d arrived. Dobby was practically buzzing with excitement, already itching to start cleaning. ¡°You¡¯ve passed the trial period.¡±


    ¡°Trial period?¡± Dobby¡¯s face filled with confusion, clearly not understanding.


    ¡°To put it simply, the family you were just with wasn¡¯t your real workplace,¡± Kyle explained, carefully delivering the words he¡¯d been rehearsing and quickly adding more before Dobby could attempt any self-punishment. ¡°You¡¯re actually going to work for a different family. But the owners there are very picky¡ªonly the best House-elves earn their approval.¡±


    The mention of seemed to activate something in Dobby.


    ¡°Dobby can¡­ Dobby the best House-elf!¡±


    Fortunately, the floor escaped unscathed.


    ¡°Yes, of course. Mrs. Weasley has already told me,¡± Kyle said, nodding. ¡°You passed her test and are ready to work there.¡±


    ...


    Under Kyle¡¯s persuasion, Dobby quickly believed his words. However, he insisted on preparing that night¡¯s dinner for the Weasleys before leaving; otherwise, he declared, he wouldn¡¯t deserve to be called an ¡°Outstanding House-elf.¡± sea??h th§× N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Kyle saw no reason to refuse since they wouldn¡¯t be leaving until the next day, so he agreed. Mrs. Weasley was also more than happy to let Dobby finish his work.


    With Dobby settled, Mr. Weasley returned with Chris and Diana. However, the family reunion didn¡¯t turn out as warmly as Kyle had expected. The moment Diana saw Kyle, her face turned stern, and she launched into a lecture, scolding him for tampering with time. She emphasized that, upon discovering he¡¯d traveled to the past, he should have immediately informed his family.


    ¡°Even if I didn¡¯t receive the letter, you could¡¯ve told your father,¡± she said, narrowing her eyes. ¡°He can always reach me... If it weren¡¯t for Dumbledore, I wouldn¡¯t even know about all the ¡®excitement¡¯ you¡¯ve been having at school...¡±


    She gave him a pointed look. ¡°What¡¯s the matter? Have all the teachers at Hogwarts died that you had to take on the Chamber of Secrets yourself?¡±


    Chris, meanwhile, kept his head down and, in an effort to avoid being dragged into the crossfire, discreetly slipped out the door and took refuge inside The Burrow.


    The lecture went on for more than half an hour, only ending when Kyle repeatedly assured his mother that Salazar Slytherin himself had promised to help smooth over the effects of the time travel. As a Slytherin graduate, Diana had a certain admiration and trust for the founder¡ªsimilar to Lockhart¡¯s admirers at the start of the school year¡ªso she accepted Kyle¡¯s assurances without further questions.


    ...


    That evening, Kyle¡¯s family joined the Weasleys for dinner at Mr. Weasley¡¯s invitation. Dobby, true to his word, used every ingredient available to prepare a magnificent feast. Mr. Weasley had to conjure an extra-large table at the last minute just to fit all the dishes.


    The meal stretched out for nearly two hours. Ron was so stuffed he could barely move by the end, thinking to himself that this dinner was nearly as splendid as a Hogwarts feast. Having a grand meal like this at home was something he¡¯d never imagined, and he could see why people wanted a House-elf so much.


    ¡°This is really amazing¡­¡± Ron thought, happily drowsy from the meal.


    Fred and George were equally thrilled. With a House-elf around, Mrs. Weasley wouldn¡¯t have to clean their room anymore, and she¡¯d be less likely to discover the things they hid under their beds.


    As for Percy, he seemed pleased as well; House-elves were famously quiet while working, so they wouldn¡¯t disturb him while he studied.

 Chapter 335: The Unsociable Newt

    Dorset County, a lush forest. S§×ar?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    It is rarely visited by humans, save for the beautiful wooden house nestled in the heart of the woods, where Newt Scamander, the renowned expert on Magical Creatures, resides.


    In the early morning, a loud noise shatters the peaceful silence of the forest.


    In the trees nearby, a Fwooper pokes its head out, while a few strange-looking beetles crawl from one tree hole to another in a neat line. Dobby nervously surveys his surroundings. Since arriving, he¡¯s had a strange sense of danger¡ªan eerie shiver that made him want to bolt far from this place.


    Fortunately, the feeling faded as quickly as it came, like it had never been there at all.


    Kyle led Dobby along a cobbled path, knocked on the door, and stepped into the cozy cottage. Newt and Tina had been informed in advance and were waiting in the room.


    ¡°My dear, is this the House-elf you mentioned in your letter?¡± Tina asked, glancing at the pair with a smile.


    ¡°Hello, my dear lady. My name is Dobby, a free House-elf,¡± Dobby said, bowing low.


    ¡°Hello, Dobby, lovely to meet you,¡± Tina replied warmly.


    Dobby''s face lit up with excitement, and he bowed again, nearly brushing his long nose against the floor. Tina was open to the idea of Kyle bringing a House-elf along; as he had written in his letter, Newt was getting on in years, and an extra set of hands would be helpful.


    Newt, however, didn¡¯t quite agree.


    He firmly believed he was still fully capable of caring for his creatures on his own and didn¡¯t need any help. But, to his dismay, his opinion hadn¡¯t been sought out, and sulking in the corner now wasn¡¯t getting him anywhere.


    The first meeting was cheerful enough. Tina walked over to Dobby and said, ¡°I¡¯m happy to hire you. Your job will be to look after some particularly challenging Magical Creatures.¡±


    ¡°No problem! Dobby has taken care of Crups and Peacocks before,¡± Dobby replied eagerly.


    Crups? Peacocks?


    Tina raised an eyebrow and shot a look at Kyle. ¡°You didn¡¯t explain anything to him beforehand?¡±


    ¡°I did,¡± Kyle replied, hands raised in defense, ¡°but he was too excited to really listen.¡±


    ¡°Never mind¡­¡±


    Tina waved her hand dismissively, and Newt instinctively opened his suitcase and placed it on the ground.


    ¡°Come with me; I¡¯ll show you around first,¡± she said to Dobby. ¡°This job might not be what you¡¯re expecting. Once you¡¯ve seen everything, you can decide whether to stay.¡±


    Tina stepped into the suitcase.


    Dobby hesitated, feeling slightly insulted. After all, it was just taking care of Magical Creatures. He was experienced enough to handle anything this tiny suitcase could hold, maybe a kitten or a puppy at most.


    He had managed to feed, bathe, and brush the Crup at his previous master¡¯s home, even though it tried to bite him every single time. Dobby couldn''t imagine an animal more aggressive than a Crup.


    Besides, these people were so kind and respectful toward him, so their creatures must be gentle too


    ...


    ¡°Oh!¡±


    Just as he was mulling over his thoughts, Dobby followed Tina into the suitcase. In an instant, he jumped back in fright, stumbling to the ground. His short legs flailed as he rolled over several times, finally scrambling into a corner.


    That dreadful feeling he¡¯d sensed at the door was back¡ªonly now, it was even stronger!


    Gazing at the countless Magical Creatures around him, Dobby¡¯s vision darkened, and he nearly fainted. Especially unsettling was the six-legged creature perched on a cliff nearby. It looked like a cat, but much, much larger. Whatever it was, those deep blue eyes were fixed on him, as if seeing straight through him, leaving him feeling like a helpless turkey ready for the oven. Suddenly, his ambition to be an Outstanding House-elf seemed less appealing.


    ¡°As you can see,¡± said Tina, ¡°your job would be to assist Newt in caring for the Magical Creatures, and this is just a small part of it. What do you say?¡±


    Dobby¡¯s ears perked up. Had he heard right? Not a servant, but an to a wizard?


    He picked himself up, his legs steadying. ¡°My lady, Dobby would like to be an assistant,¡± he said resolutely.


    ¡°Think carefully,¡± Tina cautioned, giving him a serious look. ¡°This is only a small part of it. Further on, there are Dragons, Nundus, and Kelpies¡­¡±


    Dobby shivered at the mention of Dragons, but held his ground. ¡°Dobby can do it! Dobby is not afraid of Dragons!¡±


    Tina laughed. Truthfully, with Newt around, there was no real danger; most of the work would be routine. After all, Jacob Kowalski¡ªan ordinary muggle¡ªhad been able to manage just fine. House-elves were certainly capable too, as long as they didn¡¯t faint at the sight of a Dragon.


    ¡°Now, onto the matter of salary,¡± Tina continued.


    Dobby¡¯s eyes lit up.


    ¡°How about twenty Galleons a week¡­¡± Tina pondered, then settled on a number.


    Dobby nearly fainted on the spot, sinking to the floor, astonished. Twenty Galleons seemed more daunting than the Dragons!


    ¡°No, no, that¡¯s too much,¡± Dobby stammered, shaking his head furiously. He insisted on one Sickle a week.


    Now it was Tina¡¯s turn to frown. Scamander¡¯s assistant earning a single Sickle a week? If word got around, people would think the Scamanders were too poor to pay their help!


    ¡°One Sickle is absolutely out of the question. The minimum is ten Galleons!¡± Tina declared.


    Dobby, who had just managed to get back on his feet, promptly collapsed again. He tried to argue, but Tina¡¯s resolute expression silenced him. And so, the matter was settled, with Dobby accepting the ten-Galleon weekly wage without further protest.


    From the side, Kyle shot him an approving thumbs-up.


    The once-famous Auror who had imprisoned the ¡°Disaster of the Wizarding World¡± for over seventy years needed only a firm glance to make poor Dobby concede to ten Galleons a week. Yet, it felt a bit surreal¡ªas if the Sickle were the wizarding world¡¯s highest currency!


    Next, Tina laid down a few other conditions. For example, Dobby was only permitted to work within the confines of the suitcase, never outside of it. Most critically, he was strictly forbidden from approaching the kitchen machines that made cookies and bread¡ªnot even by a single step.


    Dobby agreed, naturally. He didn¡¯t really have a choice.


    Newt had been standing by the whole time, saying nothing, his eyes fixed on Kyle with a peculiar expression.


    ¡°Ahem¡­ I¡¯m only looking out for your best interests,¡± Kyle mumbled, feeling uncomfortable under Newt¡¯s gaze. ¡°After all, Nicolas Flamel has a House-elf butler named Tata, and Professor Dumbledore has over a hundred House-elves making tea for him. You¡¯re friends with them; you¡¯ve got to fit in.¡±

 Chapter 336: The Same Action, Different Outcomes

    Newt looked at Kyle, saying nothing.


    He wasn¡¯t exactly opposed to having an assistant¡ªhe simply didn¡¯t want to admit he was getting older. After all, it was just an assistant, and he¡¯d had others before, so there was nothing to object to. In fact, if he thought about it, House-elves might be easier to work with: they were diligent, meticulous, and rarely made mistakes.


    Newt had quietly accepted this fact when Tina and Dobby discussed wages. Yet, his gaze lingered on Kyle for another reason.


    ¡°Dumbledore delivered your suitcase a week ago,¡± Newt finally said, his expression conflicted. ¡°To be honest, I¡¯m starting to regret giving it to you.¡±


    Kyle¡¯s first year at Hogwarts had been peaceful enough, despite a brief scare involving the Dark Wizard Oren¡ªa problem that had ended almost as quickly as it had begun. But things had changed dramatically in his second year, after Newt had given him the suitcase.


    By the end of that year, Kyle¡¯s suitcase held a Troll, a Three-Headed Dog, and even a Norwegian Ridgeback, Newt had even helped care for the Troll and Dragon for a while.


    That year marked the first time Newt truly grasped the range of magical species in the Forbidden Forest. The forest¡¯s inhabitants were astonishingly diverse¡ªeven including a rare Three-Headed Dog, of which Newt had only ever encountered two in his entire life, not even in Greece where they were originally from.


    Newt thought that surely must be the limit. Norwegian Ridgebacks and Three-Headed Dogs were both classified as 5X-level creatures, among the most dangerous in existence, and he couldn¡¯t imagine Hogwarts housing anything more perilous.


    Then Kyle¡¯s third year came, and with it, news of a Basilisk from Hogwarts¡¯ Chamber of Secrets. Kyle had not only found the mythical Chamber but had also managed to bring back a Basilisk over a thousand years old. When Newt read Dumbledore¡¯s letter and saw the enormous, dark-green serpent in Kyle¡¯s suitcase, he¡¯d been dumbfounded.


    A thousand-year-old Basilisk¡­ the very idea was absurd. sea??h th§× novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Under Newt¡¯s bewildered gaze, Kyle scratched his head, looking slightly embarrassed. ¡°It was purely by chance. Mr. Salazar Slytherin insisted I take it, so I didn¡¯t have much choice.¡±


    ¡°Slytherin gave it to you?¡± Newt blinked, thoroughly confused. Dumbledore¡¯s letter hadn¡¯t mentioned this part.


    ¡°But isn¡¯t the Chamber of Secrets meant for the heir of Slytherin?¡±


    ¡°Maybe I am¡­¡± Kyle said, thinking for a moment. ¡°After all, my mother was a Slytherin.¡±


    Newt stared at Kyle in stunned silence, as if seeing him for the first time. Newt thought with a touch of incredulity.


    Feeling awkward, Newt shook his head, then, while Tina and Dobby were busy unpacking the suitcases, led Kyle to a small hill nearby.


    ¡°Dumbledore asked me to help the Basilisk find a new home,¡± Newt said, waving his wand. The plants at the base of the hill parted to reveal a large cave where the Basilisk lay in peaceful slumber.


    Kyle nodded, running a hand along the Basilisk¡¯s scales. ¡°I know. He doesn¡¯t want it anywhere near the castle. It¡¯ll probably be staying with you for a while¡ªat least until I graduate.¡±


    ¡°Or even after you graduate,¡± Newt said with a faint smile. ¡°I¡¯ve never handled a live Basilisk before; this is a rare opportunity. Are you sure it won¡¯t wake up?¡±


    Kyle shook his head. ¡°No, as long as no one summons it in Parseltongue, it¡¯ll stay asleep indefinitely.¡±


    Newt took out his wand and tapped it lightly on the Basilisk, sending an orange pulse over its body that quickly faded. ¡°Remarkable,¡± he said, his interest piqued. ¡°For such a massive creature, it conserves energy even better in sleep than a Bowtruckle¡­ Do you think this ability comes from the Basilisk itself, or is it Salazar Slytherin¡¯s magic at work?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s probably Slytherin¡¯s doing,¡± Kyle replied, though uncertainly. ¡°He¡¯s the one who showed me how to put it to sleep.¡±


    ¡°My thoughts are just the opposite¡­¡± Newt mused, studying the Basilisk¡¯s scales closely. ¡°About thirty years ago, I stumbled upon a dead Basilisk in a pyramid. Its scales had eight fine lines at the time. But this one,¡± he gestured to the creature Kyle had brought, ¡°has ten.¡±


    Newt began pacing, lost in thought. ¡°These lines might mark its age¡ªone line per century¡­ If that¡¯s the case, the Basilisk would be at least a thousand years old. And that one in the pyramid¡­ it had survived eight centuries without Slytherin¡¯s aid.¡±


    After a moment, Newt pulled out a bottle of unknown potion, pouring it over the Basilisk¡¯s scales. The gray liquid solidified quickly into a thin, snakelike layer. Peeling it off, he revealed a perfect imprint of the Basilisk¡¯s fine scale lines. Satisfied, they exited the cave, and the plants wove back together to conceal the entrance once more.


    ¡°I¡¯d planned to release a new edition of next year,¡± Newt murmured thoughtfully, ¡°but it seems I¡¯ll need to bring that forward.¡±


    ¡°Oh, by the way, I have something for you.¡± Newt reached into his own suitcase and pulled out another one, handing it to Kyle.


    It was Kyle¡¯s suitcase, the one Dumbledore had sent to Newt after removing the Basilisk from it. Though it had brought him no shortage of shocks, Newt figured it was finally safe to give it back.


    After all, Hogwarts couldn¡¯t possibly have a second Chamber of Secrets hidden somewhere, one specifically for Gryffindor. There simply weren¡¯t that many magical creatures capable of living for centuries or even millennia¡ªcertainly none that resembled lions, eagles, or badgers. And, after his experience with the Basilisk, Newt¡¯s tolerance for surprises had grown. Even if Kyle somehow brought back a 5X-level creature like a Quintaped or Acromantula, Newt doubted he¡¯d be fazed.


    An Obscurus, though¡­ Well, better not to think about that.


    ¡°I¡¯ve already fed Norbert for you,¡± Newt said, referring to the young Norwegian Ridgeback that Kyle had taken in.


    Kyle chuckled. ¡°I¡¯d bet Dumbledore hasn¡¯t even looked inside the suitcase.¡±


    Newt nodded in agreement. Dumbledore had been far too preoccupied lately to worry about any stowaway creatures. Over the past month, he¡¯d only appeared briefly at the End-of-Term Feast and had otherwise been scarce at Hogwarts.


    As Kyle took the suitcase, Newt looked at him with a mixture of bemusement and nostalgia. Back in his own school days, he and his friends had been expelled for something as minor as harboring a Jarvey in the castle.


    And now, here was Kyle¡ªraising Trolls, Dragons, and even a Basilisk, just to name a few. Each of them vastly more dangerous than any Jarvey could ever be. Yet Kyle hadn¡¯t been expelled; on the contrary, he¡¯d earned Hogwarts¡¯ Special Award for Services to the School three years in a row.


    The contrast was almost absurd.

 Chapter 337: Invitation from Romania

    When Kyle and Newt climbed out of the suitcase and returned to the room, they were greeted by the sight of a transformed Dobby.


    Gone was the oversized pillowcase he used to wear. Instead, Dobby sported a freshly modified outfit, courtesy of Tina, who had repurposed one of Newt¡¯s old jackets for him. He looked far more professional, exuding the air of a proper assistant. However, there was still a hint of unease about him, as if he hadn¡¯t fully adjusted to wearing real clothes, now that he was a free House-elf.


    But Tina was quick to reassure him, holding up a sleeve and demonstrating its fit. Newt¡¯s jacket had been so large that Tina had managed to make several different pieces from it, turning it into a kind of ¡°employee benefit.¡± Although the outfit wasn¡¯t quite perfect yet, Dobby looked infinitely more polished.


    Kyle stepped forward and noticed two long silver pins peeking from Dobby¡¯s cuffs and collar. He carefully pulled them out, placing them in a box on the table alongside scissors, measuring tape, spools of thread, and other tailoring supplies.


    ¡°Oh, I was just looking for those¡­¡± Tina said with a smile, surprised.


    ¡°Why not just use magic?¡± Kyle asked curiously. ¡°Wouldn¡¯t that be a lot easier?¡±


    ¡°I used to rely on magic for everything when I was younger,¡± Tina said with a chuckle. ¡°But now, I find it more satisfying to do things by hand. It¡¯s like baking bread and cookies¡ªit feels different than doing it with magic. And, besides, it¡¯s a nice way to pass the time.¡±


    Kyle nodded, understanding. He wondered if this preference for crafts was something older wizards all shared. After all, Dumbledore had similar habits. He hadn¡¯t used any magic when knitting socks and scarves either, preferring to make them by hand, purely for the pleasure of it.


    ...


    Kyle didn¡¯t stay at Newt¡¯s house for long¡ªonly two days before he was ready to return. He really had to.


    Ever since Newt had discovered Kyle¡¯s ¡°special gift¡± last year, he hadn¡¯t let Kyle rest. Although Kyle hadn¡¯t had to assist with any magical creature births this year, Newt had sent all the restless and troubled animals his way. In those two days, Kyle had become Newt¡¯s unofficial assistant, calming and comforting a dozen Magical Creatures.


    Among his ¡°patients¡± were a Graphorn, sulking after a recent fight; an Erumpent, depressed from a failed courtship; and a Demiguise, who¡¯d had the unfortunate luck of being stepped on by the same Erumpent and had spent half the day trying to free itself from the dirt.


    And just yesterday afternoon, Kyle had spent four hours chatting with an Occamy that had recently laid eggs. The encounter was supposed to last only an hour, but the Occamy had suddenly become talkative, keeping him engaged until Newt finally came to call him for dinner.


    So, early the next morning, after breakfast, Kyle made an excuse about needing to work on his essay and prepared to leave. As for the role of magical creature ¡°therapist,¡± he figured it was best left to Newt, who could surely handle it himself.


    But just as Kyle was about to depart, Newt stopped him. ¡°There¡¯s something I think you might be interested in.¡±


    ¡°Oh?¡± Kyle asked, eyeing him warily. ¡°It¡¯s not another Demiguise in distress, is it?¡±


    ¡°That was just an accident,¡± Newt chuckled. ¡°Usually, Demiguises are very alert. No, this is something else. Three months ago, I received a letter from the Romanian Dragon Reserve. They¡¯ve invited me to attend a special event in August.¡±


    ¡°If you¡¯re interested, I can take you along.¡±


    ¡°Isn¡¯t that a bit dangerous?¡± Tina asked, looking up from her scissors with a frown. ¡°Kyle¡¯s only in third year.¡±


    ¡°He¡¯ll be in fourth year soon,¡± Newt said with a smile. ¡°And once he turns fourteen, he¡¯ll meet the minimum age requirement set by the reserve.¡±


    Kyle¡¯s curiosity was piqued. ¡°An event? And there¡¯s an age requirement?¡±


    Newt didn¡¯t leave him hanging. ¡°My friend Joey wrote to say that the Ukrainian Ironbelly¡ªthe most powerful dragon at the reserve¡ªis getting old. As its strength fades, the other dragons are becoming more aggressive, especially the Hungarian Horntails, who¡¯ve been seen crossing into other territories¡­¡±


    With Newt¡¯s explanation, Kyle quickly understood. Essentially, the ¡°boss¡± of the Romanian Dragon Reserve was about to ¡°retire,¡± and the dragons would soon be vying for dominance.


    Dragons were naturally territorial and quick to fight, and in a place like the reserve¡ªcrowded with dozens of dragons¡ªthey regularly battled to claim the best territories with ample food and comfort. The reserve staff couldn¡¯t, and wouldn¡¯t, interfere in this natural hierarchy. They simply let the dragons sort it out themselves.


    Newt explained that such events were rare; since the reserve¡¯s founding, it had only happened once before, when the Ukrainian Ironbelly claimed the highest cliff face, which it had defended ever since. Now, it seemed, the time had come for another ¡°election.¡±


    Kyle¡¯s eyes lit up with excitement. This was truly a rare event, and he knew it might be a long time before he¡¯d have another chance to see it.


    ¡°I¡¯m in!¡± Kyle replied eagerly. ¡°But will the reserve actually allow me to go?¡± S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°You can come as my assistant,¡± Newt said, smiling. ¡°Though that means Dobby might have to sit this one out.¡±


    At the mention of staying behind, Dobby, who was tidying the table, let out a huge sigh of relief, his ears flopping as he gaped with relief. Not going? That sounded perfect.


    He remembered overhearing conversations at the Malfoy house about the Dragon Reserve. The family had always grumbled about the reserve, complaining that it hurt their financial interests. He knew the reserve was a place teeming with dragons, and the thought of going there made his legs wobble. If he went, he¡¯d likely just get in Mr. Scamander¡¯s way and prove himself an incompetent assistant. Thankfully, that nightmare was off the table.


    Dobby cast a grateful look at Kyle, who he now saw as an even greater hero than Harry Potter. If only he could work for Kyle¡¯s family¡­ He¡¯d gladly mop their floors a dozen times a day!


    ¡°But¡­¡± Tina hesitated, still concerned.


    ¡°It¡¯ll be fine,¡± Newt reassured her. ¡°Most likely, we¡¯ll be treating injured dragons. As long as we stay clear of the reserve¡¯s center, we won¡¯t be in any danger. And I¡¯ll make sure to write to Chris and Diana for permission before I take Kyle there.¡±

 Chapter 338: Grand Prize Galleon Draw

    ¡°Oh... Mr. Scamander is planning to take you to the Romanian Dragon Reserve?¡± Chris mused, looking thoughtfully at the letter the owl had just delivered. He turned to Kyle, who was watching him with anticipation, and rubbed his chin thoughtfully.


    ¡°Do you think I can go?¡± Kyle asked hopefully.


    ¡°If you¡¯re eager to, I see no reason why not.¡± Chris smiled, pulling a letter from the living room cabinet. ¡°Actually, I¡¯ve also received an invitation.¡±


    ¡°I thought so¡­¡± Kyle murmured. On the way back, he¡¯d suspected Chris might be invited. As one of Newt Scamander¡¯s students and Deputy Director of the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures, Chris was well-regarded in the field. After the incident two years ago, where he and Newt had safely returned smuggled magical creatures to their original habitats, Chris¡¯s reputation had only grown. It was no surprise that he¡¯d be invited.


    ¡°So, am I going with you, then?¡±


    ¡°No, you¡¯ll still be with Mr. Scamander. I¡¯ll probably be arriving a bit later,¡± Chris said, shaking his head. ¡°Fudge seems to be taking this very seriously and wants me to represent the Ministry of Magic in Romania. That means I have to leave from the Ministry, and I¡¯ll have a long series of handovers with the Romanian Ministry of Magic before I can make it to the reserve.¡±


    ¡°That sounds exactly like Fudge,¡± Diana said as she joined them, sitting down beside Chris. ¡°He probably thinks it¡¯ll boost his standing.¡±


    ¡°Perhaps,¡± Chris said, taking a sip of the hot chocolate she offered. ¡°Though, if I¡¯m honest, he might not appreciate me saying this, but Barty Crouch¡¯s name would probably carry more weight with other ministries.¡±


    Diana poured Kyle a cup of hot chocolate as well. ¡°I don¡¯t mind you going to Romania to expand your knowledge,¡± she said, ¡°but you¡¯ll need to take some precautions¡­ How many times can you use your ring?¡±


    ¡°Twice,¡± Kyle replied, holding up his hand. He had already used the Apparition charm once to get away from a particularly overexcited Norbert last holiday.


    ¡°Hand it over,¡± Diana said, holding out her hand. ¡°Just in case.¡±


    ¡°Alright,¡± Kyle agreed, handing the ring over to her.


    ¡°Will Apparition work in a secure area?¡± he asked, curious.


    ¡°Yes,¡± Chris explained. ¡°The Romanian Dragon Reserve is massive, and it would be nearly impossible to cast a complete Anti-Apparition Charm over the entire area.¡±


    Besides, he added, the dragon keepers had specialized methods for detecting magical activity within the reserve. They mainly focused on protecting the dragon eggs and young dragons, as no one would be foolish enough to meddle with the adult dragons, much less steal them.


    Kyle thought about it, realizing the truth in this. In all its years of operation, the Romanian Dragon Reserve had never lost a dragon, and even the Antipodean Opaleye incident from two years ago had involved a dragon acquired from elsewhere by Oren¡¯s group. He¡¯d also heard that dragon keepers went through a selection process nearly as rigorous as that of Aurors, even if they didn¡¯t have a formal certification. He wasn¡¯t sure if this was true, but it wouldn¡¯t surprise him. S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Finishing his hot chocolate, Kyle went upstairs to his room. He wasn¡¯t sure how long he¡¯d be in Romania and knew he¡¯d need to complete his assignments and his article for within the month.


    The school assignments were straightforward enough; he finished those in a few days. But the article was an entirely different matter. Professor McGonagall had given him a full two months for it, and now he understood why.


    Writing a professional academic paper required rigorous logic. Each point had to be supported by a wealth of theoretical evidence, and he¡¯d need to verify the feasibility of his arguments from multiple perspectives. After that, there¡¯d be a series of experiments, each documented in detail, followed by careful analysis of the results.


    ...


    Although the Most Promising Newcomer Award was meant for current Hogwarts students, meaning the expectations were somewhat relaxed, Kyle still bought over ten books on Transfiguration. He spent nearly two weeks working tirelessly before finally completing his paper. By the time he stepped outside again, July was nearly over, and something big had happened next door at the Weasleys''.


    ¡°Kyle, you¡¯ve got to see this!¡±


    ¡°Haha! I bet you won¡¯t believe it!¡±


    Fred and George came rushing over, shoving a copy of in Kyle¡¯s face.


    ¡°Congratulations to Arthur Weasley, winner of the annual Daily Prophet Grand Prize Galleon Draw¡­¡± read the headline, accompanied by a photo of Mr. Weasley standing proudly next to Barnabas Guffey, the editor-in-chief, both of them beaming.


    ¡°How many Galleons¡­?¡± Kyle asked.


    ¡°Seven hundred!¡± Fred said, practically bouncing. ¡°It used to be only five hundred, but they raised it this year.¡±


    ¡°We entered before,¡± George added, ¡°but the most we ever won was from the quiz contest.¡±


    ¡°Twelve Sickles in total¡­¡± Fred sighed dramatically. ¡°Which we lost again when we tried betting on who¡¯d be the next Minister of Magic.¡±


    It was clear Fred and George were thrilled, and it was the happiest they¡¯d been since Kyle had taken Dobby the House-elf home with him. In fact, the entire Weasley family seemed to be in high spirits.


    When Kyle followed the twins over to the Burrow, he was surprised to see Percy, who usually kept to himself at this hour, chatting animatedly with Ginny.


    ¡°Oh, I almost forgot the main point!¡± Fred exclaimed, slapping his forehead. ¡°Kyle, Mum¡¯s using the prize money for a trip to visit Bill¡ªand you¡¯re coming with us.¡±


    ¡°Yes, dear,¡± Mrs. Weasley chimed in, joining them with a smile. ¡°Seven hundred Galleons! This is going to be a wonderful trip.¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t wait¡­¡± Ginny said, clasping her hands excitedly. ¡°Do you think Bill will take us to see the pyramids?¡±


    ¡°Of course he will¡­¡±


    They all began chattering enthusiastically.


    ¡°Sorry, Mrs. Weasley,¡± Kyle sighed. ¡°I¡¯m actually going to Romania in August with Mr. Scamander to visit the Dragon Reserve, so I won¡¯t be able to join you.¡±


    ¡°Romania?¡± Ginny looked surprised. ¡°Are you going to see Charlie?¡±


    Their brother Charlie Weasley had been working with dragons in Romania since graduating.


    ¡°You could say that,¡± Kyle laughed. ¡°I was actually hoping he¡¯d be my guide.¡±


    ¡°Mum, why don¡¯t we go to Romania instead?¡± George suggested suddenly. ¡°I¡¯ve never seen a dragon before.¡±


    The idea sparked immediate interest among the others. Both the pyramids and the chance to see dragons were enticing.


    ¡°If you all want to see dragons, we can plan a trip next year, but this year we¡¯re sticking to the plan to see Bill,¡± Mr. Weasley said, coming downstairs. ¡°There¡¯s been a lot happening in Romania lately, and the Dragon Reserve isn¡¯t open to the public right now, so even if we went, we wouldn¡¯t be able to visit Charlie.¡±


    ¡°But why can Kyle¡­?¡±


    ¡°Oh?¡± Mr. Weasley asked with a knowing smile. ¡°Are you going with your father or Mr. Scamander?¡±


    ¡°Mr. Scamander,¡± Kyle replied.


    ¡°I figured as much¡­ The reserve would definitely extend an invitation to him.¡±


    Fred looked between Mr. Weasley and Kyle, thoroughly puzzled. ¡°Please, will someone explain why Kyle can go see Charlie, but we can¡¯t? And what¡¯s happening in Romania that¡¯s so important we can¡¯t just change our plans?¡±

 Chapter 339: Apparition

    Fred was right¡ªthey couldn¡¯t change their plans. Early the next morning, the Weasley family set off as planned to visit Bill. The Burrow, always lively, felt strangely quiet, and Kyle found himself at a bit of a loss.


    With a week left before August, and with Fred and George gone, Kyle decided to look for something to do. He went to find Chris.


    ¡°You want to learn Apparition?¡± Chris asked, raising an eyebrow.


    ¡°Yes,¡± Kyle nodded. ¡°Is that okay?¡±


    Chris looked puzzled. ¡°Can you tell me why? You don¡¯t really need it right now. Apparition is forbidden at Hogwarts, and you won¡¯t need it at home, either. And according to Ministry regulations, only wizards over the age of seventeen are allowed to learn Apparition. If you get caught, it could cause trouble.¡±


    Apparition could be risky. A mistake could result in part of a wizard¡¯s body¡ªan arm, leg, or even head¡ªleft behind. Such mishaps were both painful and shocking, a psychological strain few young wizards could endure. There was even a case of a young wizard who had a breakdown after witnessing a headless body appear at his destination, leaving him traumatized for life.


    To prevent incidents like these, the Ministry had a strict rule forbidding underage wizards from learning Apparition. Hogwarts only allowed students to learn it in sixth year, primarily for those turning seventeen. The Ministry usually turned a blind eye, figuring that students at sixteen or seventeen were mature enough, especially under the watch of a professor. But Kyle was only fourteen¡ªtechnically, he hadn¡¯t even turned fourteen yet¡ªso he certainly didn¡¯t meet the criteria.


    ¡°It¡¯s alright; I have this¡­¡± Kyle showed the ring on his hand with a grin. ¡°If anyone asks, I can just say it¡¯s a magical tool.¡±


    Diana had returned the ring to him two weeks earlier, with its Apparition limit reset to three uses.


    Chris hesitated for a moment but eventually nodded. Kyle had always demonstrated responsibility and skill well beyond his years, so Chris rarely objected to his requests, even if they were a bit bold. Of course, if Kyle ever asked for something dangerous, like learning the Killing Curse, Chris would never allow it. But Apparition mostly tested mental focus, and Chris had confidence in Kyle¡¯s stability.


    Once decided, Chris quickly arranged things. That afternoon, he applied for a week¡¯s paid leave from the Ministry, under the pretense of needing time to prepare for the upcoming trip to Romania. Then, he took Kyle to a secluded open space on the northern hills¡ªan area rarely visited and well out of sight from the village below, making it ideal for practicing Apparition. S§×arch* The n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    A few owls followed them, perching in the surrounding trees.


    ¡°Before we begin, there are two things you must remember,¡± Chris said, his tone serious. ¡°First, when using Apparition, you need a crystal-clear memory of your destination¡ªspecific and detailed. This will help prevent you from appearing midair or, worse, stuck in something solid, like a tree.¡±


    ¡°Second, unless you¡¯ve mastered Apparition to the point where it¡¯s as effortless as breathing, use it in battle. Your enemies won¡¯t be able to reattach your head if it doesn¡¯t arrive with you. If you¡¯re ever in a tight spot, rely on the ring; it¡¯s much safer and removes any risk of Splinching.¡±


    Kyle nodded, committing each word to memory.


    ¡°Now,¡± Chris continued, ¡°let¡¯s go over the basics: goal, determination, and composure.¡±


    ¡°Setting a goal¡ªyour destination¡ªis the first step, which I already mentioned. But the most crucial part is determination. You have to let the desire to reach that location flood your mind and every inch of your body. Any hesitation or doubt, and the spell will break, which could leave part of you behind.¡±


    ¡°Finally, remain calm and composed. If you¡¯re feeling tense, you might try spinning in place a few times; it can help relax you.¡± Chris went over each point in detail and demonstrated three times before finally letting Kyle attempt it himself.


    He casually tossed a stone a short distance away. ¡°There¡¯s your target. Remember what I just said¡­¡±


    Kyle took out his wand, took a deep breath, and focused intently on the stone. Soon, it became the only thing he could see.


    Having used Apparition before with his ring, he easily slipped into that familiar sensation¡­ almost like being tossed into a spinning washing machine.


    ¡°Pop!¡±


    With a swirl and a pop, Kyle appeared five meters away, the world settling around him as he quickly checked his limbs. All there. Head still attached. Success!


    ¡°Not bad at all,¡± Chris said, smiling as he walked over to Kyle¡¯s original spot, picking up a few stray hairs left behind. ¡°Though you¡¯ve got a minor flaw. I think you might¡¯ve been distracted just as the squeezing sensation kicked in¡ªthat¡¯s the toughest part to master.¡±


    He tossed another stone a few meters away. ¡°Try again. To learn Apparition, you¡¯ll need to get used to that feeling and learn to ignore the sensation of spatial compression.¡±


    Kyle nodded, looking more focused. Now, in addition to wanting to master Apparition, he had another motivation: preserving his hair.


    When it came to normal Splinching, Apparition kept a connection at the site of separation, meaning body parts could be reattached with minimal issue. But hair was a different story. Once separated, it would be nearly impossible to track down each lost strand. A few more mishaps, and he¡¯d start noticing thinning patches.


    On his second attempt, Kyle found himself distracted once again, and this time it was worse¡ªhe left half a finger behind. There was no pain, but the unsettling feeling made his skin crawl.


    Chris quickly reattached it, applying Essence of Dittany to the joint to promote faster healing.


    ¡°I¡¯d swear you¡¯re even more tense than before¡­¡± Chris remarked, noting Kyle¡¯s nervous expression.


    ¡°It¡¯s nothing,¡± Kyle replied with a forced chuckle, careful not to admit his fear of losing hair. Instead, he redirected the conversation. ¡°Let¡¯s go again.¡±


    And so, the entire afternoon was spent in relentless practice. By the seventh or eighth attempt, Kyle managed to Apparate without leaving anything behind. He¡¯d finally gotten used to the sensation.


    Chris was amazed. Back in his school days, he and Diana had taken five or six classes and failed dozens of times before they even began to feel comfortable with Apparition. He¡¯d expected Kyle would have a similar experience.


    But for Kyle, it felt natural. After all, anyone who¡¯d endured the jarring, disorienting travel by Phoenix Apparition would have an easier time adjusting to normal Apparition in comparison.

 Chapter 340: A Deal Between Adults

    Chris had taken a full week off work, but by the second day, he realized he didn¡¯t have much left to do. The basics of Apparition were fairly straightforward, and Kyle¡¯s unexpectedly fast progress meant that Chris had already taught him everything essential in just one afternoon. Kyle adapted to the process so quickly that after a day or two, he hadn¡¯t even Splinched himself once¡ªnot even so much as a misplaced finger¡ªleaving Chris with no chance to use the Essence of Dittany he¡¯d prepared.


    By the third day, Chris¡¯s patience for idling around had worn thin. To keep things ¡°interesting,¡± he decided to add a bit of a challenge: setting the target locations farther away and shortening the time between each Apparition attempt. Sometimes Kyle barely had time to catch his breath before Chris urged him to Apparate again.


    ¡°This kind of constant repetition will make you twice as efficient at mastering Apparition,¡± Chris claimed with a serious tone, which sounded logical enough to Kyle¡ªdespite the suspicion that he might just be trying to make up for lost time.


    And so, Kyle had no choice but to endure the new firecracker-like routine, disappearing and reappearing at a faster and faster pace. The hillside of St. Catchpole Village began to sound like a series of celebratory pops each time he Apparated.


    By the fifth day¡­


    On a small northern hill, Luna Lovegood was outside, tending to the hydrangeas and occasionally leaning close to peer among the blossoms.


    ¡°What are you looking for?¡± her father, Mr. Lovegood, asked curiously.


    ¡°Blibbering Humdingers!¡± Luna replied. ¡°I just saw them, crawling on the petals.¡±


    ¡°Well, then you¡¯ll need to look more carefully¡­¡±


    ¡°Pop!¡±


    Mr. Lovegood¡¯s words were interrupted by a loud crack, shattering the peaceful scene. Suddenly, Kyle appeared in front of them, looking as if he¡¯d been in a skirmish. His clothes were tattered, his face was flushed with exhaustion, and most unsettling of all¡ªhe was missing half an arm.


    Mr. Lovegood¡¯s eyes went wide, his mind jumping to an alarming conclusion. In broad daylight, no less, and in the quiet of St. Catchpole Village! Chasing down a student who hadn¡¯t even graduated yet¡ªsuch nerve!


    But before Mr. Lovegood could even pull out his wand¡­


    ¡°Pop!¡±


    There was another loud crack, and Chris appeared beside Kyle, quickly pressing Kyle¡¯s half-detached arm back into place. With practiced ease, he smeared a layer of Essence of Dittany over the wound, sealing it back up.


    ¡°Chris, what on earth¡­?¡± Mr. Lovegood asked, thoroughly bewildered.


    ¡°Oh, Xenophilius! You¡¯re¡­ home?¡± Chris stammered, clearly caught off guard. ¡°I thought¡­ didn¡¯t you take Luna to Northumberland?¡±


    ¡°The Crumple-Horned Snorkacks are gone,¡± Luna said simply, tilting her head.


    ¡°Yes, we got back about an hour ago,¡± Mr. Lovegood nodded. Then, catching on, he raised an eyebrow. ¡°Are you¡­ teaching Kyle Apparition? I thought he was only fourteen¡­¡±


    Mr. Lovegood, recovering from his initial shock, was now observing Kyle with a curious look. The popping sound and the half-reattached arm told the whole story¡ªSplinching. Only Apparition could explain it.


    ¡°Well¡­ yes, we were just¡­¡± Chris hesitated before sighing. ¡°Alright, it¡¯s true. But, er, can you keep this quiet, Xenophilius?¡± he muttered, lowering his voice. ¡°I suddenly remembered that I need a gift for the Romanian Ministry of Magic. What do you think of an¡­ unconventional magazine?¡±


    ¡°Like ?¡± Mr. Lovegood asked.


    ¡°No, no, that¡¯s too formal,¡± Chris said, shaking his head. ¡°I was thinking might be more appropriate.¡±


    ¡°Ahem¡­¡± Mr. Lovegood cleared his throat, glancing away. ¡°Luna, I think we may have a colony of fairies in our garden¡ªthey¡¯re making me hallucinate.¡±


    Luna blinked thoughtfully. ¡°Dad, fairies don¡¯t make people hallucinate.¡±


    ¡°Maybe one of them has¡­ evolved,¡± Mr. Lovegood mused.


    While they were talking, Chris quickly took the opportunity to whisk Kyle away from the hill. They¡¯d already been practicing for five hours, and now that they¡¯d been caught, Chris decided to call it a day. It was getting late, anyway.


    On their way home, Kyle, now with his arm properly reattached, asked, ¡°Are you sure giving as a gift to the Romanian Ministry of Magic is¡­ appropriate?¡±


    The magazine, while beloved by a niche crowd, was known for its, well, unconventional content. Most wizards found it confusing at best and dismissed it as a collection of outlandish theories and bizarre stories, read mostly by those in the Spell Damage and Mental Illness wards at St. Mungo¡¯s. Giving something like as a diplomatic gift might come across as¡­ unusual, to say the least.


    ¡°It¡¯ll be fine,¡± Chris said, waving off Kyle¡¯s concern. ¡°Most of them won¡¯t be able to read it anyway, and I imagine some of those ideas will be¡­ amusing, at the very least.¡±


    By the sixth day, Kyle¡¯s arm was completely healed, but his Apparition training came to an abrupt halt. The reason? Diana had returned home unexpectedly and happened to witness the entire scene of their ¡°training.¡±


    After watching Chris¡¯s Apparition ¡°lesson¡± for a moment, she calmly excused herself to run an errand in Diagon Alley. But before leaving, she took Chris¡¯s arm with a tight smile and didn¡¯t let go.


    When she returned later, alone, she informed Kyle that Chris had decided to spend a few extra days at the Ministry and wouldn¡¯t be home for dinner anytime soon.


    Kyle wisely chose not to ask why Chris had taken leave only to ¡°return to work¡± so suddenly, especially after catching a glimpse of Diana¡¯s expression.


    ...


    July passed quickly.


    On his birthday, Kyle received an array of gifts, including a glassy topaz-colored object from Fred and George. Attached were two notes:


    Kyle rolled his eyes. He doubted every word the Weasley twins wrote. What kind of beetle crawls into soup all on its own? They probably had a hand in it 98 percent of the way¡­ And Percy¡¯s Head Boy badge was sure to have a tarnished reputation soon enough.


    Kyle set the pocket Sneakoscope aside and picked up Hagrid¡¯s gift again. As expected, it was a book.


    As soon as Kyle took it out, the book sprang upright with a thud and, like some sort of odd crab, began scuttling across the floor on its side. The book¡¯s charm lay in its magical quirk¡ªenchanted to appear as if it were alive. But the trick to handling it was simple: a gentle stroke along its spine, or¡ª


    Kyle shouted, casting the Charm.


    The Monster Book instantly stopped moving and flopped limply onto the floor, resembling a bizarrely tasteless cushion. Kyle walked over, looped a piece of string around its spine, and then picked up Hagrid¡¯s card.


    sea??h th§× nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Kyle raised an eyebrow, surprised by Hagrid¡¯s unusual reticence. Sending him a book with a note that he¡¯d need it next term strongly suggested that Hagrid was stepping in as the new Care of Magical Creatures professor, filling the position left by Professor Kettleburn¡¯s retirement.


    Last semester¡¯s events had cleared Hagrid¡¯s name, finally allowing him to do more than his Gamekeeping duties. The joy was evident in his note, and Kyle couldn¡¯t help but feel genuinely happy for him, too.


    After a moment¡¯s thought, Kyle grabbed a piece of parchment and penned a reply:

 Chapter 341: Departure to the Dragon Reserve

    The next morning, Kyle went downstairs for breakfast and found Newt already there, sitting at the table chatting with Diana. House-elf Dobby was bustling about in the kitchen, constantly delivering eggs, sausages, and toast.


    ¡°Good morning, dear,¡± Diana greeted Kyle, helping him adjust his collar. ¡°Come and eat breakfast. You¡¯ll be leaving soon.¡±


    ¡°Good morning¡­¡± Kyle replied, greeting the two of them. He grabbed a piece of bread and asked, ¡°Are we leaving so early?¡±


    ¡°No, we¡¯re leaving in ten minutes,¡± Newt said with a smile. ¡°They sent me another letter last night. Apparently, Pinot¡ªthe Ukrainian Ironbelly with the broken wing¡ªneeds to be moved by the dragon keepers. The whole reserve is in turmoil, and even the gentler dragons are getting swept up in it.¡±


    Kyle quickly finished eating while Newt and Diana continued their conversation.


    ¡°It¡¯s surprising. How did that man, Black, manage to escape?¡± Diana asked.


    ¡°I think he discovered a weakness in the Dementors,¡± Newt replied. ¡°They perceive everything around them through emotions. There aren¡¯t many ways to hide from them, but it¡¯s not impossible.¡±


    Diana poured him a cup of tea. ¡°And the Ministry relies on the Dementors far too much. There are only two Hit Wizards guarding that entire island.¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± Newt agreed, taking a sip of tea, ¡°but it¡¯s still quite an achievement. No one has ever escaped before.¡±


    ¡°Maybe,¡± Diana said, glancing out the window. ¡°Who knows¡­¡±


    Kyle ate his breakfast in silence, listening without commenting. A week ago, in an attempt to draw more people into their sweepstakes, the had once again reported on the Weasley family. In the accompanying photo, they all stood together in front of a massive pyramid, including Ron¡¯s half-dead rat.


    By the time Kyle finished eating, it was about time to leave. Newt took out a glass bottle.


    ¡°The Portkey. I assume you know how to use it.¡±


    Kyle nodded and placed his hand on the bottle as Newt glanced at the clock. A few seconds later, they were swept away by a whirlwind, disappearing from the room together.


    To be honest, after getting used to Apparition, this method of travel was relatively gentle. When they arrived, Kyle landed solidly on the ground and took a moment to tidy his shirt and smooth his windblown hair.


    ¡°Welcome, Mr. Newt Scamander¡­ Oh, Kyle, I almost didn¡¯t recognize you.¡± A voice sounded beside him.


    Kyle looked up and found himself standing in an open valley, facing a stocky man who was staring at him in surprise. S§×arch* The N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°Charlie!¡± Kyle exclaimed, equally surprised.


    In front of him stood Charlie Weasley, looking even more robust than he had two years ago. His exposed arm bore a large scar, evidence of a past burn. The two embraced, and Kyle blurted out, ¡°Why are you here?¡±


    But as soon as he asked, he regretted it¡ªit was obvious, given that Charlie worked at the Dragon reserve. It was like asking Professor McGonagall why she was at Hogwarts.


    Charlie chuckled, understanding Kyle¡¯s intent. ¡°I¡¯m here to greet Mr. Scamander¡­ So, are you his assistant now?¡± He glanced at Newt, who, lost in thought, was gazing up at the massive shapes moving through the sky.


    Unfazed, Charlie simply smiled¡ªhe was used to this sort of thing. He had welcomed Newt to the reserve twice before and had come to expect his fascination with magical creatures. Fortunately, he had Kyle to talk to this time.


    ¡°Yes, I¡¯m Mr. Scamander¡¯s assistant,¡± Kyle said, extending his hand with a smile. ¡°Can¡¯t see why there¡¯d be a problem with that.¡±


    ¡°Of course not, Mr. Assistant,¡± Charlie replied, grinning as he shook Kyle¡¯s hand. ¡°After all, you¡¯re fourteen now, aren¡¯t you? Did you get the gift I sent you?¡±


    ¡°Yes, it¡¯s amazing!¡± Kyle said enthusiastically. ¡°I¡¯ve never seen a dragon tooth that big before.¡±


    ¡°Old Pinot¡¯s been losing teeth faster these last few years, so I picked the largest one for you,¡± Charlie said, leading Kyle toward a nearby field where a few people were gathered.


    Kyle spotted Professor Kettleburn, who had retired and moved to Hogsmeade, invited here for the occasion. Next to him stood a tall wizard with a bushy beard. Professor Kettleburn, though tall himself, barely reached the other man¡¯s shoulder; this newcomer appeared to be well over two meters.


    ¡°Edwardus Lima,¡± Charlie whispered, ¡°a famous Peruvian master of Magical Creatures. He lived alongside a Peruvian Vipertooth for ten years.¡±


    Kyle¡¯s eyes widened at the name. He recognized it¡ªthe author of which he¡¯d recently read. Apparently, this man, like Hagrid, had an affinity for Magical Creatures that most found too dangerous.


    ¡°Newt, there you are!¡± Professor Kettleburn called, beaming from a distance as he approached them. ¡°I figured you¡¯d bring the boy along¡­ Long time no see, Kyle.¡±


    ¡°Long time no see, Professor.¡±


    ¡°Oh, don¡¯t call me that¡ªI¡¯m not a professor anymore,¡± Kettleburn said with a wave of his hand. ¡°Just an ordinary retired old man now.¡±


    ¡°Ordinary retired old men don¡¯t travel all the way out here to see a dragon,¡± Kyle teased with a laugh.


    ¡°Hello,¡± came a deep, gentle voice.


    The tall Edwardus Lima had walked over to join them, greeting Kyle with a warm smile. ¡°I¡¯ve heard of you¡ªthe youngest recipient of the Order of Merlin. I didn¡¯t realize you had an interest in dragons as well.¡±


    His accent was perfectly clear, with no trace of anything foreign. It was impressive¡ªthis Master of Magical Creatures, having traveled the world, had mastered more than just creature-handling.


    ¡°It¡¯s a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Lima,¡± Kyle said. ¡°I¡¯ve read your books.¡±


    ¡°Oh?¡± Edwardus Lima looked a bit surprised. ¡°You¡¯ve read that obscure book?¡±


    In Britain, his book was indeed considered niche, with most witches and wizards preferring by Newt Scamander.


    ¡°Actually, is this year¡¯s textbook at Hogwarts,¡± Kyle explained.


    ¡°Really¡­¡± Lima glanced at Newt with a playful look and said smugly, ¡°It seems Hogwarts has a new professor with exceptional taste.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not exactly what I¡¯d call a good choice,¡± Newt responded with a smile.


    The two men embraced, and it was obvious they¡¯d been friends for many years. Newt grew more animated with an old friend nearby, and they launched into a lively conversation.


    Meanwhile, Charlie took Kyle on a tour of the reserve, introducing him to the various dragons habitats.


    ¡°The closest area to us is the Swedish Short-Snout reserve,¡± Charlie said, pointing in its direction. ¡°There are seven of them here, and it¡¯s generally the least active part of the reserve¡­ for now, at least.¡± He gestured toward a plume of fire rising in the distance. ¡°Last night was much busier than it is now¡ªthe flames went on all night.¡±


    He turned to Kyle with a grin. ¡°I only have one request for you: don¡¯t flinch. It¡¯d be embarrassing if you ended up sitting down in shock.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not going to happen,¡± Kyle assured him confidently.


    ¡°I hope not¡­¡± Charlie chuckled, giving Kyle¡¯s shoulder a friendly pat. ¡°Though, honestly, I¡¯d quite like to see it¡ªimagine, a Second Class Order of Merlin recipient, losing his nerve at the sight of a dragon. It¡¯s incredible, really. When I got the letter from my mum last year telling me, I thought she must be joking. An Order of Merlin¡­ Here I am, freshly graduated, and you¡¯ve already achieved so much.¡±

 Chapter 342: You’ve Come at the Right Time

    Before coming to the Dragon Reserve, Kyle had imagined the atmosphere here would be tense.


    But when he arrived, he found it was surprisingly calm. There were no roaring flames, no deafening dragon roars, and although dragons could be spotted flying in the sky, there were only one or two at a time. Around him, people were gathered in small groups, chatting as if they were at a casual get-together with old friends.


    Charlie didn¡¯t explain much, simply giving Kyle a meaningful pat on the shoulder and saying, ¡°If you had come a day earlier, you wouldn¡¯t have thought this way. Let¡¯s just say you caught a good moment.¡±


    Charlie showed Kyle around a bit longer, and when he thought the timing was right, they returned to the main area. The crowd had grown, with some people bearing a strong resemblance to Charlie: dark-skinned, around thirty, dressed in rugged clothing and heavy boots¡ªthese were the dragon keepers. Others in the crowd stood out, wearing various unusual outfits and appearing somewhat older.


    ¡°These are all Magical Creatures experts from around the world,¡± Charlie whispered. ¡°See that lady by the tree with the House-elves? That¡¯s Mrs. Rozzino from North America¡ªthe only person in North America allowed to privately raise a dragon.¡±


    ¡°And the bearded man across from her, that¡¯s Mr. Cote. He¡¯s the one who sent us three dragons.¡±


    ¡°The man talking to Mr. Scamander is Professor Lochneal from Beauxbatons¡ªhis Abraxan steeds are famous throughout the wizarding world¡­¡±


    Charlie introduced each person in detail, while Kyle listened carefully, jotting down their names. There weren¡¯t many¡ªonly twelve, including Newt himself. As for their assistants, Charlie didn¡¯t bother mentioning them, likely because he felt it wasn¡¯t necessary. In short, assistants didn¡¯t warrant names¡ªjust familiarity.


    ¡°I always thought you had only muscles in your head,¡± Kyle teased. ¡°Never imagined you¡¯d know so many people, even ones from as far as North America. Turns out, dragon keepers have to be cultured, too.¡±


    ¡°What do you mean, ¡®only muscles in my head¡¯!¡± Charlie retorted, clearly offended. ¡°I have six N.E.W.T.s! I could¡¯ve become an Auror if I wanted to.¡±


    ¡°Alright, I take it back,¡± Kyle replied with a shrug. ¡°Let me rephrase. While you were busy raising dragons, did you find time to read up on all these Magical Creatures experts?¡±


    ¡°Of course not,¡± Charlie replied. ¡°Just managing dozens of dragons each day is exhausting, not to mention dealing with crafty poachers. If I had any spare time, I¡¯d rather get an extra hour of sleep. We actually decided on the guest list a month ago, so all we had to do was check their photos before they arrived.¡±


    Right. Kyle recalled that Charlie¡¯s weakest subject was History of Magic, where the examiner expected everyone to memorize endless names.


    By midday, the Dragon Reserve had prepared lunch for everyone. Fancy fare was out of the question here¡ªeverything was rustic and straightforward. The stewed meat on the bone was larger than a fist, seasoned simply to preserve the natural flavor of the warthog... though this flavor might be a bit challenging for most people to enjoy.


    There was also an endless supply of rock-hard flatbread that was incredibly filling¡ªenough to keep you going all day. Kyle felt nearly stuffed after only a small portion. Honestly, if this bread were any tougher, it could be considered Rock Cake 2.0, and Hagrid would probably love it.


    While eating, Kyle spotted Chris but chose not to go over and say hello. Several well-dressed wizards from the Romanian Ministry of Magic were also nearby, enjoying the meal with gusto. They seemed perfectly satisfied, and when they finished, the one who appeared to be the leader even asked for another serving.


    ¡°Hey, Charlie!¡± At that moment, a brawny, middle-aged wizard came rushing over. ¡°Someone told me you brought a kid with you. Is he your brother? But he¡¯s not red-haired either... Anyway, whoever he is, it''s dangerous around here right now, so you¡¯d better get him out of here.¡±


    ¡°Hollman, you''ve got it all wrong,¡± Charlie said, waving off the concern. ¡°He¡¯s not my brother. He¡¯s Mr. Scamander¡¯s assistant.¡±


    ¡°Assistant?¡± Hollman repeated, stunned.


    ¡°Yes, I saw them come in together,¡± Charlie confirmed. ¡°And he¡¯s already fourteen, which is the minimum age for entering the reserve.¡±


    ¡°Oh¡­¡± Hollman gave Kyle a skeptical once-over. It was hard to believe, but since Charlie had vouched for him, he figured it must be fine.


    Still, he smacked his lips thoughtfully. The other experts'' assistants were either House-elves or adult wizards in their thirties. Only Mr. Scamander would bring along a fourteen-year-old¡­ That was truly unusual.


    However...


    Hollman glanced at Kyle, looking a bit uncertain, and hesitated about whether he should assign someone to keep an eye on him. The problem was, they were already short-staffed; pulling anyone else away could leave a gap in their defenses. But he couldn¡¯t just ignore the situation, either. Mr. Scamander was notorious for getting too absorbed in his work around Magical Creatures. What if he lost track of the boy, even for a moment?


    Maybe it would be best to find an excuse to keep the kid toward the back¡­


    ¡°You don¡¯t need to worry about him, Hollman,¡± Charlie said reassuringly, as if reading his thoughts. With a grin, he began recounting some of Kyle¡¯s accomplishments.


    Escaping from the Dark wizard Oren and rescuing a classmate in the process, facing down a werewolf at St. Mungo¡¯s, and even receiving the Order of Merlin, Second Class for his bravery...


    Hollman was left speechless. He¡¯d suspected that anyone accompanying Mr. Scamander wouldn¡¯t be an ordinary kid, but he hadn¡¯t expected someone quite this remarkable.


    Hollman frowned, far less relaxed than Charlie. A fourteen-year-old Order of Merlin recipient? You wouldn¡¯t find another one like that in the entire wizarding world. Someone like that couldn¡¯t be allowed to get hurt. I really should keep him out of harm''s way...


    But before Hollman could voice his concerns, a thunderous dragon roar suddenly echoed all around them.


    Everyone instinctively looked up.


    In the distance, over the valley, a massive dark shape rose into the sky, unleashing a fireball nearly forty feet across.


    It was like flipping a switch. S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    In the next instant, dragon roars erupted from all directions, filling the air in a wild, continuous chorus.

 Chapter 343: The Dragon Brawl

    Kyle finally grasped what Charlie had been talking about earlier.


    A Hungarian Horntail let out a thunderous roar, spewing dragon fire that shattered the peaceful atmosphere. One by one, various fire dragons soared into the sky like kites, roaring and exhaling streams of intense fire. The dragon keepers quickly took out their Broomsticks and took off, hastily retreating from the chaos.


    ¡°Damn it, they¡¯ve just laid their eggs!¡± Hollman rushed out, looking alarmed. ¡°Why so early this time? Don¡¯t they ever take a break?¡±


    ¡°Be careful, Kyle!¡±


    Charlie stuffed the pancakes he was holding into his pocket and hopped onto his Broomstick, racing after Hollman. In seconds, the crowd around them had thinned by more than half, and the remaining onlookers wore sober expressions as they hurriedly departed.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± Newt said, stepping up beside Kyle. ¡°Do you have a Broomstick? If not, there should be some spares here.¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± Kyle replied, pulling out his Nimbus 2000. ¡°But where are we headed? Are we joining the others to calm the dragons down?¡±


    Edwardus Lima, passing by, overheard and stopped, glancing at Kyle with raised eyebrows.


    The young man had suggested trying to calm down a dragon?


    This kid must be a Gryffindor.


    ¡°Of course not,¡± Newt replied with a slight chuckle and a shake of his head. ¡°We can¡¯t¡ªand shouldn¡¯t¡ªstop the dragons from fighting. Dragons are proud creatures; if a wizard interferes, the battle will never end. It¡¯s a necessary part of the reserve¡¯s ecosystem.¡±


    Kyle followed Newt as they flew deeper into the reserve, eventually stopping on a hillside overlooking the unfolding skirmish.


    ¡°So, what¡¯s our role here?¡± Kyle asked.


    ¡°Quite simple. We tend to the dragons that surrender and are too injured to continue, ensuring they survive,¡± Newt explained, taking out three large bottles and handing them to Kyle. ¡°These are the potions you¡¯ll need. The instructions are on each bottle, so read them carefully to avoid mistakes.¡±


    Kyle quickly examined the bottles. The largest was labeled, ¡°Burns. Apply directly.¡± Another bottle contained Essence of Dittany, which Kyle recognized as a treatment for scratches and bites. The final bottle was labeled Sleeping Draught¡ªan especially potent version for beasts, though not as strong as the Draught of Living Death.


    While Kyle reviewed the potions, Newt kept his gaze fixed on the intense battle raging above.


    Hours passed, and the sky darkened. By nightfall, the fight still showed no sign of letting up. During that time, Kyle had managed to collect two bottles of dragon¡¯s blood, a small pouch of dragon scales, seven broken teeth, and half of a claw¡ªremnants that had fallen from the sky. There were other scattered remains further out, but they were too far for Kyle to reach.


    And he wasn¡¯t the only one collecting.


    On another distant hill, a small black dot moved swiftly, gathering dragon scales, teeth, and other valuable debris. It was a House-elf, though Kyle couldn¡¯t tell who it belonged to. From such a distance, he could barely see its form, and even if he could, House-elves tended to look alike to him.


    The skirmish stretched on from afternoon into late night. Though there were no searchlights at the Dragon Reserve, the flames from the dragons lit up the surroundings, casting an eerie glow.


    About half an hour later, a light blue Swedish Short-Snout suddenly plummeted from the sky, crashing with a loud thud into the nearby forest. S§×ar?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°Does that mean it¡¯s lost?¡± Kyle asked, taking a few steps forward to check on the fallen dragon. Before he could go far, Newt¡¯s hand stopped him. Newt shook his head. ¡°Not yet. Wait a bit longer.¡±


    Just as he said that, the dragon struggled back into the air.


    ¡°We have to wait until the dragons admit defeat voluntarily or are so close to death that they lose consciousness before we can start treating them,¡± Newt explained. ¡°Stay calm¡ªthis will probably be a long, tedious process.¡±


    ¡°But what if we come across one of those stubborn types that won¡¯t give up?¡± Kyle asked, glancing at the Swedish Short-Snout, still struggling to stay aloft. It was battling an Antipodean Opaleye over a lake in a deep valley, its wings barely holding it up. The Opaleye wasn¡¯t faring much better; nearly half of the dragon blood Kyle had collected so far had come from the two of them.


    ¡°If it doesn¡¯t surrender, then we¡¯ll have to wait for another opportunity,¡± Newt replied. ¡°For a dragon, losing consciousness in battle is essentially admitting defeat. But that does make things trickier for us.¡±


    Another ten minutes crawled by¡­


    The Swedish Short-Snout finally plummeted from the sky. Its left wing hung broken, limp at its side, and a section of its tail was missing. The Antipodean Opaleye swooped down after it, pressing a claw to its own head as if attempting to tear at its own neck.


    The Swedish Short-Snout let out a short, high-pitched hiss¡­


    ¡°It¡¯s giving up¡­¡± Kyle started to say, but Newt was already off, moving with an agility that belied his years. The Opaleye released its grip, exhaling a burst of flame into the sky in triumph before spreading its wings and flying off.


    By the time Kyle caught up, Newt was already examining the fallen dragon. As it turned out, the task was trickier than expected. The defeated dragon, irritable and nursing its wounds, was in no mood to discern whether they had come to help or harm. With a sneering huff, it sneezed a fireball that singed Newt¡¯s hair, igniting a tree behind him.


    Unfazed, Newt quickly drew his wand.


    The Swedish Short-Snout¡¯s head wobbled slightly, and though it hadn¡¯t completely passed out, it seemed to calm down a bit.


    ¡°I¡¯ll leave the rest to you,¡± Newt said, not looking back as he applied Essence of Dittany to the dragon¡¯s neck.


    Kyle sighed. So, he was just the translator here, was he? But, really, what was there to complain about? He¡¯d been through enough similar situations that he was used to it by now. This wasn¡¯t so different from the time he¡¯d been tasked with handling a Demiguise or soothing an Occamy. Now, here he was, talking to a dragon.


    Kyle walked over to the Swedish Short-Snout¡¯s head and spoke a few soft words. The dragon, realizing that the human wizard understood its language, lifted its head slightly in mild surprise. But soon enough, it felt a soothing sensation from its injuries and closed its eyes with a quiet rumbling in its throat.


    Hearing this sound, Newt smiled. ¡°It¡¯s certainly handy to have you here. Otherwise, I¡¯d have to use calming potions to get it to settle down. Did it just thank us?¡±


    ¡°No¡­¡± Kyle¡¯s mouth twisted into a grimace. ¡°Actually, it¡¯s cursing us for meddling, and in rather colorful language.¡±


    Newt¡¯s hand holding the bottle paused briefly.


    ¡°I say let it be,¡± Kyle muttered, irritated. ¡°Essence of Dittany is expensive. Seems a bit of a waste to use it on him.¡±

 Chapter 344: A Bountiful Harvest

    The melee in the sky raged on into the next day, showing no sign of winding down.


    Under normal circumstances, a dragon can end a fight with other Magical Creatures with just a single blast of dragon fire¡ªits primary form of attack.


    But when facing other fire dragons, this ability is far less effective. Dragons are naturally resistant to dragon fire, a trait inherent to their kind. Unless the difference in power between opponents is extreme, a single blast of dragon fire will only leave a small mark on the other dragon¡¯s scales.


    With their thick blood, durable scales, and lost primary attack ability, the dragons in the sky were now relying on endurance and raw fighting instincts, locked in a grueling struggle. For some, like the Swedish Short-Snout from before, this battle style was a disadvantage. Lacking the stamina and skill for such prolonged combat, it was among the first group of dragons to fall.


    Of course, though the dragons appeared unharmed despite scratching and biting each other, the brutal nature of their fight was unmistakable. Anyone foolish enough to join the fray would likely be shredded in seconds. Even the toughest Troll wouldn¡¯t last more than a few moments against them, let alone witches and wizards.


    As dawn approached, Newt was visibly struggling. He swayed where he stood, his fatigue evident. In his youth, Newt had circled the globe with his suitcase, often going without sleep for days on end. But that had been fifty or sixty years ago; staying up this long was an ordeal for him now, near a century old. He¡¯d already downed two bottles of Awakening Potion to keep going, but even that was barely enough.


    As he reached for a third bottle, Kyle swiftly snatched it from his hand. Awakening Potion was effective, but it wasn¡¯t something to drink like water. And each dose only forced alertness¡ªthe more one consumed, the worse the crash afterward.


    ¡°Who knows when this will end? Why don¡¯t you rest for a bit?¡± Kyle suggested, pocketing the potion bottle. ¡°Leave the rest to me.¡±


    Newt glanced up at the ongoing battle in the sky, hesitating. But after a moment, he nodded, accepting Kyle¡¯s suggestion. He could barely stay on his feet any longer.


    ¡°Even though our spot here is relatively safe, be careful,¡± Newt advised. ¡°If things get dangerous, get out of here right away¡­ I remember you have a ring that allows you to Apparate.¡±


    Satisfied that he¡¯d conveyed his concerns, Newt opened his suitcase. Inside was a small, cozy bed, perfect for a quick rest. After he disappeared into the case, Kyle closed it, lifted it gently, and continued observing the intense fight unfolding above.


    ...


    It was destined to be a long, uneventful process.


    Newt finally woke up midway through the next day, allowing Kyle to take his turn to rest. The cycle continued, from night to day and back again, until the early morning of the third day, when the fierce melee in the sky began to die down. The dragons, exhausted and battered, could barely stay airborne, drifting unsteadily as if they¡¯d been drinking bad wine. Their once fierce flames had dwindled to faint embers, signaling a temporary truce. Sear?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Once the last Hungarian Horntail quieted, Newt led Kyle back to the field. Before long, the other dragon keepers returned as well, most of them too drained to say a word before collapsing into sleep. The Dragon Reserve had set up tents nearby for temporary accommodations, conveniently located next to the dining area.


    Kyle, curious, stepped into the tent labeled ¡°Newt Scamander.¡± Inside, he found a surprisingly spacious, three-bedroom setup with a bathroom and a small kitchen. The furnishings were a bit old-fashioned but clean, with no trace of mustiness.


    Since he and Newt had taken turns resting, Kyle wasn¡¯t tired just yet. He settled at the table, ready to sort through their harvest from the past few days. Newt had mentioned earlier that the reserve wouldn¡¯t question what they collected¡ªan unspoken understanding of sorts.


    Kyle opened his Mokeskin pouch, unloading his haul onto the table piece by piece. First, he pulled out two large bags of dragon teeth and scales. The quality varied, with some pieces intact and others badly damaged, but he hadn¡¯t had time to be picky during the collection, so he simply piled them in the corner. Then, he lifted a large, dark red bottle onto the table with a heavy thud¡ªit contained nearly a pint of dragon¡¯s blood.


    In Diagon Alley, a tiny vial of dragon¡¯s blood went for about twelve Galleons. Kyle¡¯s bottle, by comparison, held enough to fill thirty of those vials. After three days of work, or technically two, he estimated they had gathered items worth about 360 Galleons¡ªan impressive haul, even split between two people. Just this bottle alone held more value than Mr. Weasley¡¯s monthly salary.


    ¡°Oh¡­ is that all dragon blood?¡± Newt, just entering the tent, immediately noticed the bottle on the table.


    ¡°That¡¯s right,¡± Kyle replied, then added with a slight frown, ¡°But there are at least three types of dragon blood in here. Will that be an issue?¡±


    ¡°As long as there¡¯s no Peruvian Vipertooth in the mix, it should be fine,¡± Newt assured him. ¡°Vipertooth blood has toxins.¡±


    ¡°Good,¡± Kyle sighed in relief. He¡¯d been careful to avoid the Peruvian Vipertooth¡¯s green-tinted blood, which had a sharp, distinct odor that made it easy to identify.


    ¡°Oh, by the way,¡± Newt said, gesturing toward the tent entrance, ¡°I noticed that Lochneal seemed to be buying materials like these, and his prices are fairly reasonable. If you¡¯re interested in selling, you could check with him.¡±


    Lochneal, the professor from Beauxbatons? Kyle considered it but decided against it. He didn¡¯t need Galleons at the moment, and he knew he could use these materials himself for alchemy items and potions. The most important part was that they were pure and unadulterated.


    Kyle took out another bottle, pouring half of the dragon¡¯s blood for Newt.


    Newt accepted it with a grateful smile. Dragon blood, when diluted, could be used to enhance tonics for magical creatures, immediately upgrading a tonic¡¯s quality from ordinary to premium. For Newt, with his suitcase of creatures, dragon blood was a prized ingredient.


    Newt, however, had no use for the other collected items and left them all to Kyle. Kyle spent over half an hour sorting through the damaged materials, and by evening, he¡¯d packed up a large bag to sell to Professor Lochneal of Beauxbatons. The sale brought him 30 Galleons¡ªnot a huge sum, but better than nothing.


    Kyle had originally thought that Lochneal might turn down the damaged goods, but the professor seemed to have no hesitation about accepting anything dragon-related.


    ¡°You¡¯re at Hogwarts, so you might not know¡­¡± Lochneal handed Kyle the thirty Galleons with a smile. ¡°We teach alchemy at Beauxbatons, and for beginners, we don¡¯t use high-quality materials. These will do nicely.¡±


    He also mentioned that if Kyle ever came across more substandard items, he¡¯d buy them by weight at the same price, no questions asked.


    Kyle nodded in agreement, though the conversation left him with a lingering thought¡ªwondering if Professor Snape might be sourcing his Potions ingredients at a discount somewhere, too.

 Chapter 345: Rescue and the Tree Net

    Later that evening, Charlie came over, looking even more exhausted than the others. His face had the pale, wilted look of overcooked cabbage.


    ¡°I¡¯ve been flying for over thirty hours!¡± he grumbled over dinner. ¡°And I¡¯ve had to keep an eye on the dragons constantly so they don¡¯t bite me in half or knock me out of the sky. Honestly, I think the Quidditch players should come here for some special training. Flying a broomstick between seven or eight dragons would be a lot more useful than any training they¡¯d get on the pitch.¡±


    ¡°They just want to play Quidditch, not get killed,¡± Kyle laughed. ¡°And I don¡¯t think the Dragon Reserve would agree to that kind of ¡®training.¡¯¡±


    ¡°Yeah, you¡¯re probably right. Shame though, they¡¯re missing out on a great opportunity.¡±


    Seeing how worn out Charlie was, Kyle offered him a mint-flavored Exploding Bonbon. ¡°Want some? It¡¯s not as strong as Awakening Potion, but it should perk you up a bit.¡±


    ¡°Thanks, I¡¯ll take anything at this point,¡± Charlie said, popping the candy into his mouth. A moment later, there was a loud pop, and his face swelled up comically, resembling a giant toad. Charlie shivered and rubbed his cheeks as the mint¡¯s chill spread through him.


    ¡°That¡¯s better,¡± he said, taking a few sharp breaths. ¡°Funny thing, I never used to like mints.¡±


    ¡°Tastes change,¡± Kyle said with a shrug.


    Charlie raised an eyebrow, smirking. ¡°So, you¡¯re telling me you¡¯ll be liking licorice next?¡±


    ¡°Absolutely not,¡± Kyle replied instantly.


    ¡°What a shame, you¡¯re missing out on a real treat.¡±


    The Weasley siblings were all big fans of licorice, as was Harry. A Liquorice Wand was a must-have snack for Harry and Ron on the Hogwarts Express. Kyle usually set aside any licorice he received to give to them on special occasions¡ªlike Christmas or their birthdays¡ªas an extra treat.


    Before long, Charlie excused himself, as he still had to patrol the reserve that night. Kyle handed him a large bag of sweets.


    Though there were some shops and gathering spots for wizards near the Romanian Dragon Reserve, they mainly stocked things like rare wines, minerals, potions, and magical equipment. The sweets that filled the shelves at school were a rare commodity here. Not that sweets were impossible to find, but they were troublesome to get hold of. Ordering from far away often meant limited flavors, and the selection couldn¡¯t compare to Honeydukes back home.


    ...


    After Charlie left, Kyle returned to the tent. Inside, he found quite a few people, including Newt, who all looked refreshed. Just like on their first day, everyone was gathered around, happily chatting.


    The conversation revolved around Magical Creatures, covering everything from dragon treatment techniques to postpartum care for Tebo warthogs. Kyle took a seat beside Newt, listening silently but intently, absorbing a wealth of useful knowledge.


    Professor Lochneal even mentioned that he¡¯d discovered a new Magical Creature in the Barisan Mountains¡ªsomething massive with four arms.


    He¡¯d already compiled his findings and illustrations, which would be published soon. Everyone showed great interest, and Kyle could tell Newt was intrigued too. It was clear he wanted to see this creature for himself, though he¡¯d have to wait until Lochneal¡¯s publication was available.


    This time, the dragons took a longer break. Everyone remained in the field for three days before activity resumed. When things began to stir again, Kyle and Newt returned to their usual hilltop. Their area of responsibility had been pre-arranged and was set farther from the highest cliffs, likely to accommodate Newt¡¯s age and ensure a safer position. However, it was a bit uneventful compared to other locations. sea??h th§× ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Once again, the dragons launched into several days of relentless combat, but now, more dragons were dropping out of the skirmishes. Kyle heard the familiar hissing sounds of surrender almost daily.


    But there were exceptions.


    On the second day, a Romanian Longhorn, worn out and disoriented, took a direct hit from a Ukrainian Ironbelly¡¯s tail swipe, rendering it unconscious. With its eyes rolling back, it plummeted from the sky, landing near the hill where Kyle and Newt were stationed.


    For a moment, it looked like the fight was over. But then, the Ukrainian Ironbelly, perhaps not realizing the Longhorn was out cold¡ªor maybe just too fired up to notice¡ªhovered for a moment before diving down to finish the job.


    Newt¡¯s brow furrowed, and he immediately used Apparition to appear beside the fallen Longhorn, pressing his wand to its throat and emitting a series of short sounds, signaling surrender. However, Newt¡¯s attempt didn¡¯t work¡ªhis ¡°accent¡± was thick, and the dragon sounds he made didn¡¯t quite resemble those of a native dragon.


    Under normal circumstances, the Ukrainian Ironbelly might have understood, but at that moment, it seemed too agitated to heed Newt or Kyle at all.


    ¡°This is a problem!¡± Newt¡¯s face grew tense. If the Ironbelly continued its descent, its nearly six-ton weight would crush the Romanian Longhorn beneath it. Yet using any direct spells to intervene would harm the Ironbelly, disrupting its battle and violating the rules of non-interference with dragon combat.


    Newt quickly conjured a thick fog around the area, attempting to obscure the Ironbelly¡¯s view.


    Then, with a flick of his wand, he managed to nudge the fallen Longhorn a short distance. Meanwhile, Kyle cast both the Softening Charm and the Sliding Charm on the ground, hoping they¡¯d cushion the Longhorn if it needed to be moved further.


    Almost simultaneously, the trees around them began to stretch and twist, as if transforming into massive, sturdy ropes. They reached into the fog, intertwining to create a gigantic net beneath the Ironbelly¡¯s descent.


    ¡°Crack¡­crack¡­¡± The sound of the tree-net breaking was like firecrackers popping, as the immense dragon¡¯s weight strained the improvised web. For every rope that snapped, another quickly grew to take its place.


    Finally, the Ukrainian Ironbelly halted less than two feet from the ground, its claws just shy of the Longhorn¡¯s tail. Had it landed, there¡¯d likely be a tailless dragon in the reserve.


    The Ironbelly struggled in the net for a moment, then gradually seemed to come to its senses. Letting out a grumbling growl, it freed itself from the net and soared back into the sky, seemingly satisfied.


    ¡°That was close,¡± came a familiar voice from behind. Kyle turned to see Chris, who stowed his wand as he approached them. It was he who had conjured the tree-net just in time.

 Chapter 346: Chris’s Differential Treatment

    ¡°How timely¡­¡± Newt wiped the sweat from his forehead and asked, ¡°I thought you were with the Romanian Ministry of Magic. Why are you here?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s all been taken care of,¡± Chris replied, stepping forward to help Kyle with a Windy Spell to pull the Romanian Longhorn out of the swamp.


    ¡°Honestly, the past few days have been a bore. I¡¯ve been stuck at endless events and work meetings with them. And that¡¯s not all¡ªwhen I get back to the Ministry, I¡¯ll have to write at least five reports. Makes me wish I hadn¡¯t come.¡±


    ¡°When you work at the Ministry, you¡¯ll always have to put up with this,¡± Newt said with a sympathetic smile. ¡°It was the same for Tina and Theseus. After every mission, there was always a mountain of reports to write.¡±


    ¡°Yeah¡­¡± Chris sighed, then turned his attention to the Romanian Longhorn, checking its injuries alongside Newt.


    ¡°It¡¯s exhausted, and a few bones are broken,¡± Newt noted, taking a bottle of potion from his suitcase and gently pouring it into the dragon¡¯s mouth. ¡°But thankfully, nothing life-threatening. No major external injuries either, so it should recover in a few weeks.¡±


    Once they finished tending to the dragon, Newt pulled out a device resembling a conch shell and tapped it with his wand. Moments later, several dragon keepers arrived on broomsticks. After expressing their thanks, they loaded the dragon into a specially reinforced black cage and flew off. The dragon would be taken to a secluded valley at the far end of the reserve, a perfect spot for housing dragons with serious injuries.


    Chris decided to stick around after that, so with his help, Kyle was free to focus on gathering materials. Chris even taught him a useful Charm for collecting lightweight objects nearby, making it much easier to gather drops of dragon¡¯s blood.


    Once the melee finally ended, the three of them returned to the grounds. Kyle headed back to the tent to go through his haul, while Chris decided to check out the nearby wizarding market.


    ¡°I heard the first thing dragon keepers here do after payday is head straight to buy a pair of Old John¡¯s Shield Gloves,¡± Chris said as they reached the tent. ¡°I found out where the shop is¡ªit¡¯s right in the center of the market. Those gloves would make a perfect gift for your mother.¡±


    ¡°And¡­ what about for me?¡± Kyle asked, raising his eyebrows. ¡°Are the gloves for me too?¡±


    ¡°For you?¡± Chris looked puzzled for a second. ¡°A gift?¡±


    ¡°Yes, a gift,¡± Kyle replied, giving him a pointed look.


    ¡°A gift¡­,¡± Chris stammered, then quickly recovered. ¡°Oh, well, if you want a pair too¡­¡± He held out his hand. ¡°Fifty Galleons for the gloves, and I¡¯ll pick up a pair for you.¡±


    ¡°Money?¡± Kyle blinked in disbelief. he thought,


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong with that?¡± Chris said matter-of-factly. ¡°I already gave you your birthday gift, and don¡¯t think I don¡¯t know that you¡¯ve picked up quite a few valuable things over the past few days. That pint of dragon¡¯s blood alone is worth a small fortune, not to mention the teeth, scales, and claws you¡¯ve gathered¡­ Your haul in two days is more than my salary for two months.¡± Sear?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°But I collected it all bit by bit¡­ I¡¯m only getting about four hours of sleep a day¡ªit¡¯s hard work,¡± Kyle muttered. ¡°Besides, I¡¯m keeping all that stuff for myself, not selling it.¡±


    ¡°Oh, stop complaining,¡± Chris smirked. ¡°So, do you want the help or not? If not, I¡¯m leaving.¡±


    He added with a grin, ¡°Seriously though, the Shield Gloves here are top-notch¡ªseveral grades better than what you¡¯ll find anywhere else. Even at 60 Galleons, they¡¯re a good deal.¡±


    ¡°Sixty Galleons?¡± Kyle raised an eyebrow. ¡°Didn¡¯t you just say fifty?¡±


    ¡°Fifty Galleons for a standard pair,¡± Chris replied smoothly. ¡°But since it¡¯s a rare trip, you should definitely get the upgraded version. It¡¯s only an extra ten Galleons.¡±


    Kyle eyed him suspiciously, but Chris¡¯s expression was unchanging. Urging him to make up his mind quickly, Chris added that if they waited much longer, the shop might close. Relenting, Kyle decided to go ahead with it. It was a rare trip, after all, and it couldn¡¯t hurt to bring back something memorable.


    ¡°Why don¡¯t I go with you?¡± Kyle offered.


    ¡°No need,¡± Chris shook his head. ¡°It¡¯s a bit chaotic there, and there are usually some dodgy characters hanging around. Not the best place for a young wizard. I¡¯ll handle it¡ªyou stay here with Mr. Scamander.¡±


    ¡°Alright,¡± Kyle agreed, pulling a small pouch from his pocket. Inside were the thirty Galleons he¡¯d earned earlier from Professor Lochneal. He added another thirty Galleons and handed it over.


    Chris raised an eyebrow. Sixty Galleons was no small amount, and he hadn¡¯t expected Kyle to hand it over so easily, as if it were just a handful of Sickles. Just how much had this kid earned at school?


    Without further comment, Chris pocketed the money and left the tent. Kyle resumed sorting through the items on the table, eventually dividing up the dragon blood and other materials. Feeling a bit sheepish about keeping most of the haul, he tried to give Newt a larger portion of the dragon blood, but Newt only smiled, taking the smaller bottle with a gentle shake of his head.


    Later that evening, Chris returned and tossed Kyle a pair of black-and-gray gloves. Made of dragon hide, they were tough and textured but surprisingly flexible, conforming to Kyle¡¯s hands as soon as he put them on.


    The gloves were far superior to the standard dragon hide ones he¡¯d been using, which were a bit too big and tended to slip. These new gloves felt secure and comfortable, and although he hadn¡¯t tested their anti-curse abilities, he trusted Chris¡¯s recommendation.


    That night, a bonfire was lit in the field. Chris brought over a bottle of Dragon Barrel Brandy he¡¯d bought at the market and sat down with some friends, gathering around the barbecue to drink and chat. Though they didn¡¯t plan to drink much, each had a small sip, cautious not to overdo it with dragons nearby.


    ¡°This isn¡¯t authentic,¡± Charlie scoffed, smirking as he sipped. ¡°You must¡¯ve bought one of those cheap knock-offs Old Brown uses to swindle tourists.¡±


    ¡°Fake?¡± Chris took another sip, finding it tasted fine.


    ¡°Oh, that old rascal is clever. He¡¯s a master at tricking visitors with his brews. Even we locals get fooled sometimes.¡± Charlie chuckled. ¡°Give me the bottle later¡ªI¡¯ll help you exchange it for the real stuff. Proper Dragon Brandy¡¯ll have you spitting fire after the first sip.¡±


    Chris looked at his drink, surprised. He hadn¡¯t known that.


    While the others chatted, Kyle found Professor Lochneal in the crowd and sold him the surplus dragon materials they¡¯d sorted out earlier. Thanks to Chris taking over his duties, Kyle had more time to collect items, and this batch fetched him fifty-three Galleons. Adding it to the thirty Galleons he¡¯d earned before, he had enough to cover the cost of the gloves with a little extra leftover.

 Chapter 347: The Signal

    By the third week at the Dragon Reserve, Kyle had settled into the rhythm of its mix of busy and relaxed days¡ªand was reaping the rewards. Just from selling damaged or lower-quality dragon materials, he¡¯d managed to earn a tidy sum of 125 Galleons, enough for two pairs of Shield Gloves. But his luck was about to run dry.


    In the second week, the dragons had gone into their most intense and prolonged battle yet. Even Kyle, usually content with his quieter role, couldn¡¯t sit still. Together with Newt and Chris, he scrambled to tend to three injured dragons¡ªmore than they¡¯d had to care for in the previous two weeks combined.


    When the dust settled, only two dragons remained in the sky: a Hungarian Horntail and a larger Ukrainian Ironbelly¡ªthough not the one they¡¯d dealt with before. This one was even bigger. After just a day¡¯s rest, the two dragons resumed their fight, vying for the highest cliff, the most coveted spot in the reserve. The dragon keepers and other observers gathered, eager to see the final outcome.


    Despite the Ironbelly¡¯s intimidating size¡ªCharlie estimated it weighed around seven tons, dwarfing the Hungarian Horntail¡ªit didn¡¯t have his confidence. ¡°Size isn¡¯t everything. This one lacks the experience of old Pinot. If he¡¯d seized his chance when everyone else was grounded, he might have had a shot. But now¡­¡± Charlie shook his head. ¡°A big body means big energy needs, and one day of rest isn¡¯t enough. The Horntail knew this and struck first¡ªhe doesn¡¯t stand a chance.¡±


    Sure enough, after only three hours, the Ukrainian Ironbelly¡¯s movements had slowed, its flight becoming sluggish and unstable. Meanwhile, the Hungarian Horntail, with a hunter¡¯s precision, used its speed to its advantage, wearing down its opponent with sharp, calculated strikes. The crowd could see that the outcome was inevitable; it was only a matter of time.


    As the tension waned, Professor Lochneal, looking a bit bored, strolled over to Kyle. ¡°Hogwarts starts up again soon, doesn¡¯t it?¡± he asked in a low voice. ¡°In September?¡± S~ea??h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°September 1st,¡± Kyle confirmed. ¡°Just under two weeks away.¡±


    ¡°That would make you a fourth year, yes?¡± Lochneal continued.


    ¡°Right,¡± Kyle nodded.


    ¡°Have you ever considered transferring to Beauxbatons?¡± Lochneal asked suddenly, with a glint of enthusiasm. ¡°I¡¯d personally ensure you¡¯d have access to the finest materials for your alchemy studies.¡±


    Kyle blinked at him, thoroughly confused. Their headmistress, Madame Maxime, had done the same thing.


    ¡°Thanks, but I haven¡¯t really thought about transferring,¡± Kyle replied after a pause. ¡°Besides, the O.W.L.s are coming up next year, so it¡¯s not the best time.¡±


    ¡°Oh, no worries, no worries!¡± Professor Lochneal waved his hands dismissively. ¡°I was just asking. But¡­ truthfully, Madame Maxime asked me to bring it up. When I wrote to her the other day, I mentioned some of the students here, and she seemed especially keen on the idea of you coming to Beauxbatons. Do you two know each other?¡±


    The professor himself seemed somewhat mystified. When Madame Maxime had tasked him with trying to recruit a Hogwarts student, he had been completely thrown. Although he¡¯d found it a bit awkward, he couldn¡¯t ignore the request; after all, it was for his funding.


    He wasn¡¯t just buying the damaged goods. He¡¯d also picked up high-quality materials, including valuable dragon blood¡ªitems that racked up a hefty bill. Though his purchases weren¡¯t extravagant, they added up, costing him nearly a thousand Galleons. Of course, he intended to expense it all through Beauxbatons.


    In his recent letter to Madame Maxime, Lochneal had subtly reminded her about the reimbursement, only to receive instructions on trying to lure a Hogwarts student instead of the promised funds.


    But either way, Professor Lochneal had fulfilled his task.


    ¡°Madame Maxime?¡±


    Kyle thought for a moment. ¡°I met her once in Paris last year during the holidays.¡±


    ¡°Oh¡­ that explains it,¡± Professor Lochneal nodded thoughtfully. ¡°I remember she rarely leaves France, so she probably doesn¡¯t know many of the young witches and wizards at Hogwarts.¡±


    As they spoke, the battle between the two fire dragons reached its final moments. As expected, the Hungarian Horntail emerged victorious. It perched triumphantly on the cliff, roaring and spewing mushroom-shaped plumes of fire into the sky, and one by one, the other dragons roared back in submission.


    ¡°It¡¯s finally over,¡± Charlie sighed, rubbing his forehead. He hadn¡¯t had a proper rest in over a month. The constant vigilance had worn him down, and now that the tension was lifting, he felt the full weight of his exhaustion. At last, he could look forward to a few days of rest.


    Just then, another dragon roar cut through the air¡ªa furious, defiant sound, unlike the previous roars of submission. Charlie snapped out of his reverie, startled.


    Everyone turned to see the source of the commotion. An Antipodean Opaleye, unlike the other dragons that were lying low, was hovering in the air, spitting flames at the ground below. At the same moment, a blinding red light flared beside it, casting a large, spherical pattern in the sky.


    ¡°That¡¯s the dragon keepers¡¯ signal,¡± Charlie muttered in alarm. ¡°Damn it¡­ those cunning hyenas!¡±


    He immediately mounted his broom and flew toward the signal.


    ¡°Someone¡¯s after the dragon eggs,¡± Professor Lochneal explained in a low voice, as if reading Kyle¡¯s thoughts. ¡°That red light is the unique signal of the Dragon Reserve. Red indicates an unknown intruder, and the spherical shape signals a threat to the eggs.¡±


    ¡°Should we go help?¡± Kyle asked.


    ¡°No need; they¡¯re already on it,¡± Chris said, walking over and shaking his head.


    ¡°That¡¯s right,¡± Lochneal agreed with a small smile. ¡°The reserve anticipated this. For the past two weeks, each nest has had someone stationed nearby, and the eggs are under protective enchantments to prevent Apparition.¡±


    As they spoke, more and more dragon keepers arrived near the agitated Opaleye. But just minutes later, two more red flares erupted in the southern part of the reserve, followed by two more in the north¡­ A total of seven locations had sent out signals, all spread out and in different directions.


    ¡°So many intruders, all at once¡­ This was carefully coordinated,¡± Chris said, a hint of surprise in his voice, though his expression remained calm.

 Chapter 348: There Are No Softies Dealing with Magical Creatures

    The Oak Barrel Pub.


    A popular haunt near the Romanian Dragon Reserve, it was packed any time the door swung open. Dragon keepers often gathered here on their days off, unwinding with a glass of brandy or almond mead. But they weren¡¯t the only regulars; all sorts of folk filled the place.


    It was a bit like The Hog''s Head in Hogsmeade, with a mixed crowd¡ªtourists, shadowy figures in dark hoods hiding their faces, and elderly witches who looked like villains in a fairy tale. And, of course, there were non-humans among them.


    At the far right of the bar sat a Goblin with a ragged bag and a reputation for cheating, though he called himself a traveling merchant. Nearby, a Centaur who had parted ways with his tribe was eagerly offering to tell fortunes.


    ¡°Bang!¡±


    The door to The Oak Barrel Pub suddenly flew open, drawing a few heads. A frail-looking wizard entered, glasses perched on his nose, exuding the air of a Ministry office clerk who spent his days hunched over reports.


    someone mused, and the thought was likely shared by many. The reserve was famous, attracting scores of admirers each year.


    Most of the pub¡¯s patrons returned to their drinking and boasting. A few regulars muttered, predicting that Old Brown, the bartender, would profit once more from tourists by peddling his ¡°aged¡± wine.


    But no one saw fit to warn anyone; as long as tourists were drinking, no one really minded what was in their glasses.


    The bespectacled wizard didn''t linger at the bar or order a drink. Instead, he headed straight for a corner table where two others sat: a broad-shouldered man with a thick beard and a hulking frame, and a robed figure who concealed his face beneath a wide hood.


    "Roy failed," said the bespectacled wizard, taking a seat and helping himself to a glass of dragon brandy already on the table. "All twelve of them. Roy was the only one who got away¡ªhe betrayed his companions and ran. Aurors from the Romanian Ministry of Magic just took the others in.¡±


    "I told you from the start he couldn¡¯t pull it off¡­¡± the hooded wizard murmured, swirling his brandy. ¡°But that fool wouldn¡¯t listen.¡±


    "But I thought the plan was sound,¡± the burly man across from him said, downing his drink in one gulp. ¡°The raid was timed to hit just after the melee, when the dragon keepers would be at their most worn out. In that state, Apparition would be almost impossible, and they¡¯d be sluggish. Twelve men, one acting as bait to divert attention, and the others attacking from all sides. It should have left the keepers no time to react. Even if they couldn¡¯t Apparate away with the eggs, they had the fastest brooms. There¡¯s no reason they should¡¯ve all been caught.¡±


    "Just because the keepers couldn¡¯t Apparate doesn¡¯t mean no one else could,¡± replied the hooded figure. ¡°Did you forget about the other guests invited? Or do you think they¡¯re all weak-kneed scholars?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t be absurd,¡± the hooded wizard sneered. ¡°Handling magical creatures isn¡¯t a trip to a muggle zoo. The weak ones don¡¯t survive out here¡ªmost die somewhere in the forest. And those who make a name for themselves aren¡¯t exactly saints."


    "That old woman in North America? She took down a Giant once. And Newt Scamander? He went toe-to-toe with Grindelwald multiple times in his youth and lived to tell the tale. Not many in the wizarding world can say the same.¡±


    ¡°But that was over sixty years ago,¡± the bespectacled wizard remarked nonchalantly. ¡°He¡¯s old now.¡±


    ¡°Dumbledore¡¯s old, too,¡± the hooded wizard sneered. ¡°Why don¡¯t you challenge him and see if you get famous in the process?¡±


    ¡°Pfft!¡± The bespectacled wizard spluttered, spitting his drink all over the burly man sitting across from him.


    ¡°Philwyn, you¡ª¡±


    ¡°Sorry, Larry.¡± Philwyn, the bespectacled wizard, hastily apologized, then turned to the hooded figure with a look of mock horror. ¡°Please, don¡¯t say such terrifying things. Challenge Dumbledore? I¡¯m not nearly ready to die.¡±


    ¡°Well, then you should understand that a wizard¡¯s power doesn¡¯t simply fade with age.¡± The hooded wizard¡¯s tone turned cold. ¡°And don¡¯t forget the younger ones¡­ like Chris. Twelve years ago, fresh out of Hogwarts, he single-handedly drove off two werewolves during a full moon. And five years ago, he captured a Peruvian Vipertooth, one that had gone mad from dark magic¡ªnot killed it, mind you, captured it alive."


    "Do you think Roy and his band of fools are stronger than a transformed werewolf? Or more dangerous than a crazed Peruvian Vipertooth?¡±


    Silence settled over the table. Neither the gentle-natured Philwyn nor the burly Larry could find a rebuttal.


    If Roy had been anywhere near that strong, he wouldn¡¯t have needed to betray his friends to save himself.


    ¡°So, what do we do?¡± Larry asked. ¡°Wait until those people leave and then make our move¡­ They won¡¯t stay here forever.¡±


    ¡°Make a move? What move?¡± sea??h th§× N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°Didn¡¯t you say before¡­¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll remind you one last time, Larry,¡± said the hooded wizard, raising his head to reveal a familiar face. ¡°We¡¯re just here for a visit. If you slip up, or make some kind of stupid mistake, I won¡¯t hesitate to let you stay here forever, keeping company with those dragon eggs.¡±


    ¡°I¡­ I know¡­¡± The burly man immediately fell silent.


    The atmosphere grew tense.


    Philwyn hurriedly broke the silence, saying reassuringly, ¡°The reserve is clearly well-prepared. Roy and those others are proof enough. If you don¡¯t want to join them, just listen to Oren and enjoy the show.¡±


    He then turned to Oren and changed the subject. ¡°And you, Oren¡ªI''ve been meaning to ask¡ªwhy were you wearing a hood in the bar? As if you weren¡¯t conspicuous enough already.¡±


    ¡°Just in case.¡± Oren pulled back his hood. ¡°There¡¯s a dragon keeper named Charlie who knows me. If he sees me, I¡¯ll be in trouble. I¡¯ve still got things to do, and I don¡¯t have time to deal with those hyena-like Aurors and Hit Wizards.¡±


    ¡°Haha¡­ Aren¡¯t you his professor? Why are you so afraid of your students?¡± Philwyn teased with a laugh. ¡°Every time I hear about this, I¡¯m amazed. To avoid the Ministry of Magic¡¯s all-out search, you actually went to Hogwarts and taught Defense Against the Dark Arts for a year. And then, when they finally caught on, you managed to slip away. You¡¯re something else.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve always been lucky.¡± Oren stood up. ¡°Let¡¯s go, get back to bed. This wine is good¡ªpick up two bottles to take with you.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡± Philwyn shrugged, grabbed the empty bottle, and walked over to the bar, where an old wizard was polishing glasses. ¡°This one, and two more, please,¡± he said.


    ¡°Dragon Brandy?¡± the old wizard looked up. ¡°Thirty Galleons a bottle.¡±


    ¡°That expensive?¡± Philwyn¡¯s hand paused as he reached for his money.


    ¡°I¡¯ve been selling Dragon Brandy for fifty years, and it¡¯s always been this price. You can ask anyone; it¡¯s the same everywhere,¡± the old wizard said. ¡°But if you buy two bottles, I can give you a discount.¡±


    ¡°How much?¡±


    ¡°Fifty-nine Galleons and ten Sickles.¡±


    What is this, a 99% discount?


    Philwyn was a little speechless, but he still pulled out sixty Galleons. ¡°Two bottles.¡±


    It wasn¡¯t that he cared about the nine-Sickle discount, but mainly because the wine genuinely tasted good, and he¡¯d grown quite fond of it.

 Chapter 349: The Matagot

    The three men with Oren left The Oak Barrel Pub shortly afterward, blending in with the crowd of tourists and attracting no attention.


    Meanwhile, back at the dragon reserve, Kyle had no idea that his former Defense Against the Dark Arts professor¡ªwho had once wanted to get rid of him¡ªwas now in Romania as well. Instead, he was happily entertaining a Matagot lounging on the floor beside him.


    The Matagot was a magical creature, much larger than a Kneazle, with oval eyes that glistened like Winky sapphires. While Matagots were common in certain regions, they were incredibly rare in Britain, and this was Kyle¡¯s first time seeing one in person. He gently scratched the creature under its chin, and the Matagot tilted its head back in contentment, letting out a soft, purring ¡°gurgling¡± sound.


    ¡°Looks like Shackle¡¯s taken a liking to you,¡± Professor Lochneal observed, crouching down beside Kyle with a smile. ¡°Usually, he¡¯s pretty aggressive and hardly ever trusts strangers as much as he¡¯s trusting you now.¡±


    The professor glanced at the Matagot¡¯s exposed belly, unable to hide a hint of envy. The creature rarely displayed this level of vulnerability, even with its owner.


    ¡°No, why would it?¡± Professor Lochneal thought bitterly, trying to conceal his envy.


    Kyle, however, had no reason to doubt the professor¡¯s claim about the Matagot¡¯s fierceness. The creature appeared docile now, but earlier it had chased down and scratched a man caught trying to steal a dragon egg. The Matagot was both quick and lethal, with long, sharp claws and teeth that left deep wounds on its targets. More frighteningly, if attacked with magic, it would split into multiple identical creatures, exponentially increasing the danger. Immune to magical attacks and able to multiply when provoked, a Matagot was a formidable opponent for any wizard.


    As for the thief, the dragon keeper who¡¯d apprehended him mentioned he¡¯d actually laughed out loud upon seeing a rescuer approach, as if he¡¯d spotted a savior.


    It was worth noting that, thanks to the combined efforts of the magical creature specialists nearby, the dragon egg theft had been handled swiftly. Within five minutes of the alarm being raised, the incident was resolved, and the Romanian Ministry of Magic¡¯s Aurors arrived to escort the suspects out of the reserve. The whole operation unfolded smoothly, almost as if it had been practiced in advance.


    Kyle had wanted to help but ended up just watching the entire scene play out. With Newt constantly keeping an eye on him, he hadn¡¯t had the chance to lend a hand.


    After some time spent playing with the Matagot, Chris returned with an update.


    ¡°The one who got away is named Roy, an Austrian wizard,¡± Chris said, handing out a few photographs. ¡°The Ministry of Magic is already negotiating with his government.¡±


    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t hold out much hope of them catching him,¡± Professor Lochneal remarked, shaking his head as he tucked the photos away. Whatever happened next was a matter for the Romanian Ministry of Magic, and had little to do with them now.


    Kyle glanced at the photos and asked, ¡°Did you expect something like this to happen?¡±


    ¡°Sort of. When we first arrived, we talked about the possibility of an attempt like this,¡± Chris explained. ¡°But at the time, everyone assumed these people would wait until we¡¯d all left before making a move. We didn¡¯t expect them to be so hasty.¡± sea??h th§× N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°Yes, we underestimated them,¡± Professor Lochneal agreed, reaching out to pet the Matagot. The creature¡¯s tail swatted the back of his hand in response, but he ignored the gesture and continued petting it anyway. At worst, he¡¯d get a few scratches¡ªa familiar consequence he was well accustomed to.


    The Matagot simply gave him a sideways glance and then turned its attention back to Kyle, pointedly ignoring the professor.


    ...


    This incident was minor, and soon no one was talking about it anymore.


    Afterward, Charlie stopped by. He had taken the day off and planned to show Kyle a good time at the marketplace near the reserve. Given Kyle¡¯s age, Charlie decided against taking him to the pub¡ªthough he was tempted to¡ªbut with Chris still around, he figured it was best to show some restraint.


    The shops around the marketplace were interesting enough. The robes in the dragon-themed clothing shop were entirely different from Madam Malkin¡¯s styles back in Diagon Alley. They were crafted from rough, durable fabrics that felt harsh to the touch. There was even a dragon-hide robe, but the price was shockingly high.


    The magic items shop was equally intriguing, and Kyle picked up some dragon-themed accessories there. He¡¯d thought about buying a model dragon, but Charlie whispered to him that the models sold here were just overpriced tourist souvenirs with no special features, marked up to double what they¡¯d cost elsewhere. If Kyle really wanted one, Charlie suggested getting it from Diagon Alley for a better deal.


    ¡°If you¡¯re looking for a souvenir, dragon tooth jewelry is a good choice,¡± Charlie advised. ¡°Old John¡¯s shop has the best selection around here, and the materials are top-notch.¡±


    After browsing through the magic items shop, they headed to the largest shop in the marketplace¡ªa potions store. Most of the shelves were stocked with medicinal herbs, and one wall was lined with bottles of Essence of Dittany and burn-healing potions. The shop also carried a wide array of locally sourced herbs.


    Kyle¡¯s curiosity was piqued by a bundle of black vines hanging from the roof by the entrance. The vines had fist-sized, black fruits attached to them that looked a bit like Snargaluff pods, though they were the wrong color and smaller in size.


    ¡°That¡¯s Gomas Barbadensis,¡± explained Charlie. ¡°The fruits explode when struck, filling the area with sticky bubbles.¡±


    ¡°But it¡¯s not dangerous. Locals actually use it to clean their houses. It¡¯s quite simple¡ªyou throw the fruits at a wall and then rinse the bubbles off with water. I¡¯ve tried it myself a few times, and it works wonders.¡±


    ¡°Oh!¡± Kyle was intrigued. ¡°Can I wash my hair with it?¡±


    ¡°Wash your hair?¡± Charlie pondered for a moment and then replied uncertainly, ¡°I suppose so¡­¡±


    To be honest, he wasn¡¯t entirely sure.


    ¡°Yes!¡± The shopkeeper, who had been silent until now, suddenly chimed in, ¡°In fact, Bubblevine is a main ingredient in the original Sleekeazy¡¯s Hair Potion.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll take some then. How much is it?¡± Kyle asked.


    ¡°One Sickle for one fruit, two Sickles for two,¡± the shopkeeper replied with a grin, ¡°and I¡¯ll give you ten for a Galleon.¡±


    ¡°How much for the whole vine?¡± Kyle inquired.


    ¡°There are fifty-nine fruits on this vine,¡± the shopkeeper answered, looking visibly more enthusiastic. ¡°If you want the whole lot, it¡¯s only five Galleons¡ªand I¡¯ll throw in the vine for free. It¡¯s incredibly sturdy. Even a dragon would struggle to break free from it for quite a while. If you don¡¯t believe me, you can ask your friend here. I believe he¡¯s a dragon keeper.¡±


    Charlie nodded in agreement. There were many Gomas Barbadensis vines in the reserve, and they were sometimes used to transport injured or unconscious dragons when cages weren¡¯t available. The vines were indeed very strong.


    ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll take it,¡± Kyle said, pulling out five Galleons.


    The shopkeeper immediately took down the vine, carefully wrapping it with its fruits intact.


    Kyle also picked up some additional herbs¡ªnothing too rare, but all local specialties.

 Chapter 350: The Ministry of Magic

    Overall, the Dragon Reserve¡¯s marketplace was quite nice, not nearly as chaotic as Chris had warned. At least, Kyle hadn¡¯t run into any peculiar folks. The only oddity was how persistent the shopkeepers were¡ªconstantly trying to push overpriced, impractical items on him. Luckily, Charlie was there. Having lived in the area for two years, he was well-acquainted with each shop and its tricks. Many shopkeepers sighed in frustration when they saw him tagging along with Kyle, abandoning their sales pitches for "popular" items and instead bringing out the real treasures from the back.


    In the end, Kyle¡¯s shopping trip was incredibly productive¡ªhe spent nearly 300 Galleons. Charlie was a bit taken aback as he watched Kyle shop. He knew Kyle was well-off, but he hadn¡¯t realized quite how well-off. Kyle bought items by the boxful, and when it came to the accessories, he practically cleaned out entire shelves. Even with the discounts, he¡¯d spent over 300 Galleons without hesitation. Charlie tried to convince him to take it easy and save some money, but Kyle only shook his head.


    ¡°You don¡¯t understand, Charlie¡ªthis might not even be enough,¡± Kyle replied.


    If Newt hadn¡¯t borrowed his suitcase to observe the Norwegian Ridgeback Norbert, or if his Mokeskin pouch had more room, Kyle would have bought 200 Galleons¡¯ worth more to take back with him.


    ¡°Not enough?¡± Charlie exclaimed. ¡°Do you have more than a hundred friends?¡±


    ¡°If you¡¯re really counting¡­ there are more than that,¡± Kyle said, after a brief pause. ¡°But these aren¡¯t for gifts. A lot of my classmates at Hogwarts have never had the chance to come here, let alone see such unique souvenirs. This is a rare opportunity, so I¡¯m getting some for them.¡±


    Charlie looked at him, still a bit puzzled, but Kyle didn¡¯t elaborate; he knew Charlie wasn¡¯t too familiar with this sort of thing.


    ¡°Anyway¡­¡± Kyle said, packing up the large pile of parcels. ¡°I might write to you later, and when I do, I¡¯ll need your help to pick up more things and send them to Hogwarts.¡±


    ¡°No problem,¡± Charlie agreed without hesitation. ¡°But it might take time; you know, I only get two days off a month at most.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s fine,¡± Kyle said, smiling. ¡°And I¡¯ll pay you the regular price. Keep any discounts the shopkeepers give you¡­¡±


    ¡°Absolutely not!¡± Charlie interrupted, looking offended. ¡°Whatever you need, I¡¯ll get you a good discount. I¡¯ve got some influence around here, you know.¡±


    ¡°No¡­¡± Kyle clarified. ¡°I just meant you should keep the discounts as a reward.¡±


    ¡°What nonsense is that?¡± Charlie protested, looking even more offended. ¡°What do you take me for? Talking about rewards over such a small favor!¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t mean it like that¡­¡±


    The two argued all the way back to the reserve, failing to reach any agreement. No matter what Kyle said, Charlie was adamant¡ªhe¡¯d gladly help with the shopping, but he would never accept any reward for it.


    Charlie understood Kyle¡¯s plan perfectly. Kyle intended to bring these local items to Hogwarts, mark them up slightly, and sell them to other students. Charlie didn¡¯t mind the idea but refused to take any of Kyle¡¯s money. Besides, he doubted Kyle could sell very much. After all, Kyle wasn¡¯t the first person to try this.


    There was a shop in Diagon Alley that specialized in souvenirs from popular magical locations. Last time Charlie had gone home, he¡¯d even seen Old John¡¯s handmade dragon-tooth necklaces in that shop. But business there¡­ well, he¡¯d never seen more than two customers in the shop, even during peak times like Christmas or right before the school term started. If a shop in Diagon Alley couldn¡¯t move much product, how much luck would Kyle have at Hogwarts, where students rarely had extra money?


    Charlie was convinced that everything Kyle had bought today would last him several years. So, as soon as they returned to the reserve, he patted Kyle on the shoulder and walked off without a backward glance.


    Kyle could only smile helplessly.


    Oh well, he thought. We¡¯ll see how things go later.


    ...


    In the last few days of August, those who had come to assist at the reserve began to depart one by one. Professor Lochneal also left, but not before inviting Kyle to visit Beauxbatons¡ªwhether to transfer or just as a guest.


    Kyle readily agreed.


    ¡°Once I finish compiling the information on the new species, I¡¯ll send you a copy,¡± Professor Lochneal promised, then disappeared using a Portkey.


    Edwardus Lima also made a parting promise, saying he would send Kyle a copy of the new edition of before he left.


    ¡­


    Since Chris needed to complete one last handover with the Romanian Ministry of Magic, Kyle and Newt stayed an extra day to wait for him. The Portkey they would use to return was set to land at the British Ministry of Magic.


    Upon arrival, a weary-looking wizard rushed over to greet them.


    ¡°New arrivals must register here and have their belongings inspected¡­ Oh, Chris, it¡¯s you.¡±


    ¡°Arnold?¡± Chris asked, surprised. ¡°Since when are you working at the Immigration Office?¡±


    ¡°I wasn¡¯t transferred,¡± Arnold replied. ¡°I¡¯m just here to help.¡±


    ¡°Help?¡± Chris glanced around and noticed a considerable number of people. A long line snaked through the registration area.


    ¡°You¡¯re here to help with crowd control?¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s no other choice¡­¡± Arnold sighed. ¡°With the increased scrutiny since Sirius Black¡¯s escape, we¡¯re shorthanded all the time.¡±


    ¡°Sounds rough,¡± Chris sympathized, stepping toward the line.


    ¡°Oh, Chris, you don¡¯t need to,¡± Arnold stopped him. ¡°Your Portkey clearly shows you¡¯re back from the Romanian Ministry of Magic. No way you¡¯re not involved with that business, right?¡±


    ¡°Of course,¡± Chris nodded. ¡°There were at least a dozen of us there.¡±


    ¡°Exactly. That¡¯s why I¡¯m letting you skip the line,¡± Arnold muttered as he jotted down a few notes. ¡°Besides, the Minister seemed eager to see you¡ªhe¡¯s been waiting at least half an hour already. If you¡¯re delayed, it¡¯ll just be my neck on the line.¡±


    ¡°The Minister wants to see me?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, he was here about thirty minutes ago.¡± Arnold glanced at Kyle and Newt.


    ¡°This is Mr. Newt Scamander, and my son, Kyle,¡± Chris explained. ¡°They¡¯re with me.¡±


    ¡°Ah, Mr. Scamander¡­¡± Arnold looked slightly surprised but continued writing without pausing. ¡°All right, three people registered!¡±


    He snapped the notebook shut and gestured for them to move on. ¡°Quickly now, don¡¯t keep the Minister waiting.¡± Sear?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    A few minutes later, Kyle was walking down the Ministry of Magic corridor, looking perplexed. He¡¯d been wondering how he¡¯d manage to switch his suitcase to muggle mode, only to find they¡¯d bypassed inspection altogether.


    ¡°Arnold Peasegood is an Obliviator. We¡¯ve worked together a few times,¡± Chris explained. ¡°And Romania must have informed the Ministry of our return beforehand. In cases like this, they usually don¡¯t bother with registration.¡±


    They soon reached the grand main hall of the Ministry of Magic. Here, the group split up. Chris headed toward the elevators to meet with Cornelius Fudge, while Kyle and Newt made their way through the crowd toward the rows of fireplaces used for public transportation.


    Since Apparition was prohibited in the Ministry of Magic, Kyle and Newt had decided to use Floo powder to reach the Leaky Cauldron first, where they would then part ways. Kyle intended to head to Diagon Alley, while Newt just needed a location from which he could Apparate.


    Despite the numerous fireplaces, the constant stream of visitors kept them all occupied. Each fireplace flared with green flames as wizards and witches emerged or departed, and any empty space was quickly filled.


    After waiting a few minutes, Kyle finally spotted an empty fireplace. Moving swiftly, he tossed in a handful of Floo powder.


    Kyle stepped into the fireplace, and as the world around him spun, the bustling Ministry of Magic faded, giving way to the equally lively scene of the Leaky Cauldron.

 Chapter 351: Nimbus 2000 – Everyone Has Their Glorious Moments

    The Leaky Cauldron, and the entrance to Diagon Alley, serve as the Wizarding world¡¯s bustling gateway. Kyle comes here once a year to buy school supplies like books, ink, and parchment. But despite the passing years, little changes; the same dim lighting, tables worn smooth with age, and the familiar noise of the crowd make the place feel timeless.


    After Newt¡¯s Apparition back to Dorset, Kyle steps into the Leaky Cauldron''s backyard, unlocking the path to Diagon Alley. First, he visits the Quill Shop to stock up on parchment and ink before heading to Flourish and Blotts. He doesn¡¯t need many textbooks this year¡ªjust and


    As he passes Quality Quidditch Supplies, a crowd catches his attention. People are pushing and straining to get closer to the display window, and among them, Kyle spots a familiar face: Harry Potter. A large wizard¡¯s arm is wrapped around Harry¡¯s head, nearly squashing his face, but Harry seems entirely unbothered. His intense green eyes are glued to the window display, and he occasionally wipes his mouth, looking disturbingly mesmerized.


    ¡°Harry, what are you doing here!¡± Kyle calls, repeating himself three times before Harry finally snaps out of it.


    ¡°Kyle!¡± Harry grins, looking pleased. ¡°Great to see you here!¡±


    ¡°What were you staring at?¡± Kyle asks.


    ¡°Firebolt!¡± Harry¡¯s excitement is palpable as he gushes about the latest broomstick model. ¡°Streamlined design, ash handle, and birch twigs that¡¯s been meticulously polished... And did you know it accelerates from zero to 150 miles per hour in just ten seconds? It¡¯s the fastest broom in the world!¡±


    Harry could probably rave about the Firebolt all day, but Kyle is less enthusiastic. The Firebolt is impressive, sure, but his Nimbus 2000 is still a fine broom. Back when it was released, it was also the world¡¯s fastest, just like the Cleansweep Eleven before it. Every broom has its heyday, he muses; everyone gets their moment in the spotlight. S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°I¡¯m headed to Flourish and Blotts to grab a few new books,¡± Kyle says. ¡°Do you want to stay and stare at the Firebolt some more? If so, you could go inside and have a closer look¡ªit¡¯s free just to browse.¡±


    Harry shakes his head. ¡°No, I¡¯ve been here every day for ages now¡­ Actually, I¡¯m waiting for Ron and Hermione. They should be arriving soon.¡±


    Kyle points to the nearby Florean Fortescue''s Ice Cream Parlour. ¡°Then do you see those two over there? Could that be them?¡±


    ¡°Huh?¡± Harry turns and, seeing only their backs, recognizes them instantly¡ªHermione and Ron, ordering ice cream.


    ¡°Hermione! Ron!¡± he shouts, excitement in his voice. They both turn, equally surprised.


    ¡°Harry!¡±


    ¡°Kyle!¡±


    Ron waves enthusiastically and rushes over. ¡°Finally, we found you! We checked the Leaky Cauldron, Flourish and Blotts, even Madam Malkin¡¯s, but you weren¡¯t anywhere!¡±


    As Ron recounts their search, Kyle remembers the odd sight of Harry wedged in the crowd, with only his backside visible. If not for catching the reflection of Harry¡¯s green eyes in the shop window, he might never have spotted him at all.


    Soon, Hermione joins them, carrying four large ice creams. She hands one to each of them, and Kyle takes a bite of his almond-chocolate flavor, finding it surprisingly good. Together, the group enjoys their ice creams as they stroll through Diagon Alley, wandering without any particular destination in mind.


    While they chatted, the conversation turned to Harry''s recent predicament.


    ¡°So, Harry, did you really blow up your aunt?¡± Hermione asked seriously.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t mean to,¡± Harry replied, looking embarrassed. ¡°I was just so angry I couldn¡¯t control myself.¡±


    Ron burst out laughing.


    ¡°This isn¡¯t a laughing matter, Ron,¡± Hermione said sternly. ¡°Honestly, I¡¯m surprised you weren¡¯t expelled, Harry. You know that young wizards are usually expelled after two breaches of the law on magic use. And you were already warned last year.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m wondering the same thing,¡± Harry admitted. ¡°Fudge just let me stay here, and that was it. Why do you think he let me off?¡±


    ¡°Maybe it¡¯s because it¡¯s you... the famous Harry Potter,¡± Ron said with a shrug, chuckling softly. ¡°I can¡¯t imagine what the Ministry of Magic would do to me if I blew up my aunt. But they¡¯d probably have to dig me out of the ground first, because Mum would¡¯ve killed me before they could even try.¡±


    Ron laughed at his own joke, and soon Harry and Hermione were laughing, too. Despite everything, Harry was grateful not to be expelled and that he¡¯d escaped punishment.


    They continued on until they reached Flourish and Blotts, where Kyle went inside to buy his textbooks while the others headed a bit further down the street to the pet shop. Hermione wanted to buy herself a pet, and Ron decided to check on his pet rat, Scabbers.


    ¡°Scabbers was like this last year, getting thinner and thinner, and he¡¯s been so listless lately,¡± Ron said as he held the rat. ¡°I thought taking him out might cheer him up, but it looks like he¡¯s still not quite himself.¡±


    The group split up at the shop entrance, and Kyle entered Flourish and Blotts, which was in complete disarray. Although there were no fights breaking out this year, dozens of copies of were thrashing about, locked in vicious wrestling matches with each other. Scraps of paper littered the floor as the books tore into one another.


    A shop assistant, wearing thick gloves, was trying to pry them apart, wielding a heavy, knotted walking stick and muttering in frustration.


    ¡°Hello¡­¡± he glanced over at Kyle. ¡°If you¡¯re here for you¡¯ll have to wait a bit. I have to separate them first¡­ Stop it! Don¡¯t bite it! Ugh, I¡¯m never stocking these again. What a nightmare!¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s all right, I already have a copy,¡± Kyle said.


    ¡°Really?¡± The clerk looked immensely relieved. ¡°Thank goodness! I¡¯ve been bitten five times today already¡­ So, what can I get for you?¡±


    ¡°I need ¡± Kyle replied.


    ¡°Ah, getting into ancient runes, are we?¡± The clerk removed his gloves and went to fetch the book from a corner of the store. ¡°Not many people buy this one. It¡¯s a tough subject, but it¡¯s an excellent guide¡ªvery thorough.¡±


    Handing over the book, he said, ¡°That¡¯ll be two Galleons.¡±

 Chapter 352: Respecting Each Wizard’s Aesthetic

    After leaving Flourish and Blotts, Kyle picked up a few more items before reuniting with Harry and the others at the Magical Menagerie. Hermione, who had talked about wanting an owl, ended up buying a plump ginger cat named Crookshanks. To be honest, the cat was rather homely, with a squashed, flat face that looked like it had been stepped on, and long, unruly fur that obscured any definition of its features.


    Perhaps wizards had different tastes when it came to pets. To some, Crookshanks might resemble a furry suitcase, but Hermione was clearly enamored with him, insisting he was more handsome than any other cat in the shop. thought Kyle, Respecting her choice, he kept his opinion to himself, simply nodding in agreement. Harry seemed to be doing the same. As for Ron, he was too preoccupied to notice.


    The shop assistant had no real solution for Ron¡¯s rat, Scabbers, and when Ron decided against replacing him, the assistant merely recommended a rat tonic.


    ¡°Do you think this will work?¡± Ron asked, examining the bottle as they walked back. ¡°It doesn¡¯t seem nearly as good as the tonic you gave me, Kyle.¡±


    ¡°Forget what it like,¡± Kyle said. ¡°This stuff is just sugar water with a bit of red amaranth juice. I could make a whole vat of it in no time. By the way, how much did you pay for it?¡±


    ¡°Quite a lot,¡± Ron admitted glumly. ¡°Two Sickles!¡±


    ¡°You must be rolling in Sickles if you paid that,¡± Kyle teased. ¡°You¡¯d still turn a profit selling it for two Knuts.¡±


    Ron looked even more miserable, realizing he¡¯d been ripped off. Unfortunately, he¡¯d already given Scabbers a dose, so there was no chance of returning it now. He glanced at his bedraggled rat and sighed, ¡°Can I just buy tonic from you in the future?¡±


    ¡°Of course. Anytime, and it¡¯s free,¡± Kyle assured him.


    As he said this, he noticed Crookshanks watching Scabbers. But the cat merely gave the rat a lazy glance before turning his squashed face aside and swishing his tail indifferently.


    Back at the Leaky Cauldron, they found Mr. Weasley sitting at the bar, absorbed in


    ¡°Harry, Kyle!¡± he greeted them warmly as they approached. ¡°There you are! How¡¯ve you been these last few days?¡±


    ¡°Very well, thank you,¡± Harry replied.


    ¡°Quite well,¡± Kyle added, taking a seat next to him.


    ¡°I heard from Charlie that you were a great help,¡± Mr. Weasley said, looking Kyle over. ¡°It¡¯s a good thing you weren¡¯t hurt. Molly¡¯s been complaining that they shouldn¡¯t involve kids in such dangerous work.¡±


    ¡°It wasn¡¯t as dangerous as it sounds,¡± Kyle replied with a laugh. ¡°With Mr. Scamander and my dad there, I just stood behind them whenever the dragons got too close.¡±


    ¡°Glad to hear that.¡±


    Ron, who had been listening, frowned in confusion. ¡°Wait¡ªdangerous? Dragons? Are you saying Kyle met dragons in Romania?¡±


    Hermione and Harry leaned in, equally curious.


    ¡°More than one,¡± Mr. Weasley said, explaining the whole story now that it was safe to share. He described how they¡¯d encountered dozens of dragons, the many Magizoologists who¡¯d been brought in, and the eventual showdown with poachers.


    Hermione was awestruck. She¡¯d thought her summer trip to France had been adventurous, but it sounded boring compared to Kyle¡¯s experience. ¡°Over ten Magizoologists¡­¡± she sighed. ¡°I wish I could have gone to Romania too.¡±


    ¡°No chance,¡± Mr. Weasley said, putting down and shaking his head. ¡°The sanctuary was closed to tourists during all that. At best, you¡¯d have been able to wander around the nearby village.¡±


    ¡°Speaking of the village, I brought you all something,¡± Kyle said, reaching into his leather bag for the gifts he¡¯d prepared. He handed Mr. Weasley a dragonwood walking stick, sturdy and heavy. After nearly needing a melee weapon at Flourish and Blotts last year, Kyle had thought this would suit him well. Strong enough to deliver a solid blow, it was almost as effective as a Stunning Spell.


    ¡°This is fantastic,¡± Mr. Weasley said, testing its weight with a pleased grin.


    For Harry, Ron, and Hermione, Kyle had dragon badges made of dragon scales, each etched with an image of a dragon that moved as if alive. The trio thanked him enthusiastically and immediately pinned them onto their robes.


    Just then, Harry noticed the picture of Sirius Black on the newspaper Mr. Weasley had set down. The man¡¯s face glared back at him, looking wild and unhinged. ¡°He hasn¡¯t been caught yet?¡± S§×arch* The N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°No,¡± Mr. Weasley replied, looking serious. ¡°The Ministry¡¯s pulled most of us from our usual duties to focus on tracking him down, but so far, we¡¯ve had no luck.¡±


    ¡°Is there a reward for catching him?¡± Ron asked hopefully.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be ridiculous, Ron,¡± Mr. Weasley scolded, his tone grave. ¡°Black isn¡¯t going to be caught by a thirteen-year-old wizard. Don¡¯t be foolish.¡±


    Just then, Mrs. Weasley entered the pub carrying a large bag, followed by Fred and George, Percy¡ªnewly appointed as Head Boy¡ªand Ginny, the youngest of the Weasleys.


    ¡°Hi, Kyle!¡±


    ¡°Long time no see!¡±


    Fred and George made a beeline for Kyle, each shaking his hand enthusiastically. ¡°It¡¯s wonderful to see you, old chap.¡±


    ¡°Wonderful indeed,¡± added the other "Percy" with a frown, though his tone was mock-serious.


    ¡°Oh, enough of you two!¡± Mrs. Weasley scolded, smiling as she approached. ¡°Stop imitating Percy.¡± She pulled Kyle into a warm hug. ¡°It¡¯s so good to see you, dear.¡±


    ¡°You too, Mrs. Weasley,¡± Kyle replied.


    ¡°So, where are our presents?¡± Fred and George chorused, each stretching out a hand expectantly.


    ¡°What presents?¡± Kyle asked, raising an eyebrow.


    ¡°Don¡¯t pretend,¡± Fred said knowingly. ¡°We noticed Dad¡¯s walking stick as soon as we came in.¡±


    ¡°And Ron¡¯s dragon badge,¡± George added. ¡°They didn¡¯t have those on before.¡±


    Kyle laughed and took out the gifts he had prepared for the rest of the Weasleys: one each for Fred, George, Percy, Ginny, and Mrs. Weasley. When he handed Percy his gift, Percy took it with exaggerated formality, giving Kyle a firm handshake.


    ¡°Thank you very much; I¡¯m honored,¡± Percy said, adopting the overly formal tone and posture of a Romanian Ministry of Magic official they had encountered during the summer.


    Fred and George, standing nearby, immediately began to mimic him, pulling faces and striking dramatic poses. Mrs. Weasley scolded them.


    ...


    That evening, the Weasley family decided not to return to The Burrow and instead booked rooms at the Leaky Cauldron. Mr. Weasley wanted Kyle to stay with them as well, but after some thought, Kyle declined.


    ¡°I saw Chris before I came,¡± Mr. Weasley said. ¡°He agreed it would be fine for you to stay here for the night.¡±


    ¡°But I haven¡¯t packed anything,¡± Kyle replied. ¡°I left behind a lot of things I need, including my books and homework.¡±


    It wasn¡¯t entirely untrue¡ªKyle did leave his homework back at home, where it had been untouched in his suitcase for over two years. But he had other reasons for not wanting to stay. He¡¯d noticed several patrons watching them: someone in the corner glancing their way from time to time, a witch at the bar who¡¯d been ¡°reading¡± the same page of the paper for over half an hour, and an old hag sipping mead, who¡¯d somehow transformed into a middle-aged witch, drinking the exact same mead, just a few minutes ago.


    Kyle suspected these were Aurors stationed to keep an eye on Harry. He knew Mr. Weasley was one of them, and that his additional task was to ensure Harry got safely to King¡¯s Cross Station the next day. The last thing Kyle wanted was to spend the night under the close watch of so many Aurors. Just the thought was unsettling.


    Since he¡¯d brought up books and homework, Mrs. Weasley accepted his decision but refused to let him leave on his own, insisting they wait for Chris to come pick him up.


    They ended up waiting all evening. Chris didn¡¯t return from the Ministry until well after they¡¯d finished dinner.


    ¡°What a shame, Arthur¡ªI was hoping to have a drink with you,¡± Chris said, taking Kyle by the arm. ¡°There¡¯s so much paperwork, and everything is such a rush at the Ministry these days¡­¡±


    ¡°I understand,¡± Mr. Weasley said with a knowing wink. ¡°I¡¯m not allowed to drink either, for that matter.¡±


    ¡°Yes, that¡¯s true¡­¡± Chris sighed. ¡°Well, then, I¡¯ll see you at the Ministry tomorrow.¡±


    With that, he led Kyle out of the Leaky Cauldron.

 Chapter 353: Nymphadora Tonks

    Ever since Sirius Black escaped from prison, everyone had been busy, including Diana. Today, she wasn''t home, and the house was empty.


    As soon as Chris returned, he went straight to the study to continue working on his report. Judging by the look on his face, he was likely planning to stay up all night.


    A "tree branch" wobbled over to Kyle''s shoulder...


    "Long time no see, Groot." S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "And you, Tom... Wait, I swear you¡¯ve gotten even fatter than a month ago."


    The Kneazle, Tom, had wanted to come over and greet him, but upon hearing this, he huffed, turned away, and left, flicking his tail in the air as he went. Kyle didn¡¯t mind. After greeting the two animal members of the family, he went upstairs to his room, opened his suitcase, and emptied some of its contents onto the table.


    This was one of the reasons he didn¡¯t want to stay at the Leaky Cauldron. Aurors had all sorts of abilities¡ªlike Mad-Eye Moody, who had a magical eye that could see through almost anything. Although Moody had long since retired, there was no telling if other Aurors had similar skills. To be cautious, Kyle had set his suitcase to "muggle mode" after they''d been discovered at the Leaky Cauldron. It had been so inconvenient.


    Here, at least, he didn¡¯t have to worry about someone barging in and rummaging through his things.


    Newt had dealt with similar situations when he was young. Though it happened in a different country, it was a reminder to stay vigilant. After all, Kyle¡¯s suitcase held a Dragon, and if that were discovered, he could end up in the same trouble as Sirius Black.


    Kyle sat down at the table and began emptying the dragon blood he''d harvested in Romania into smaller bottles he''d bought at Diagon Alley. The larger bottles he¡¯d used before had been cumbersome; these smaller ones would be more practical. He then sorted the other materials, herbs, and magical items like charms before returning them all to his suitcase.


    With so much to organize¡ªand with a Bowtruckle and a Niffler constantly getting underfoot¡ªhe didn¡¯t finish until late into the night. After a month away from home, lying down on his familiar bed felt like bliss, and a drowsy sleep soon overtook him.


    The next morning, Chris, looking bleary-eyed and tousled, saw him off at King¡¯s Cross Station.


    "Are you waiting for the Weasleys here?" Chris asked, rubbing his eyes as they stood in front of Platform 9?. "I think we¡¯re here earlier than they are."


    "Actually, Mr. Chris, they entered the platform five minutes ago," said a cheerful voice from behind them.


    They both turned at once and found a strange witch standing there, smiling at them.


    ¡°You are...?¡± Chris frowned.


    ¡°Oh, I almost forgot.¡± The witch shook her head, and her face began to age rapidly. Her maroon hair shifted to a very light blue.


    ¡°I should have known.¡± Chris rubbed his forehead. ¡°Long time no see, Tonks.¡±


    ¡°Not really,¡± Nymphadora Tonks replied with a smile. ¡°We just saw each other last night¡ªyou just didn¡¯t recognize me.¡±


    Last night, the elderly witch drinking mead had actually been her.


    ¡°It¡¯s not easy to spot a Metamorphmagus in a crowd,¡± Chris said with a grin, patting Kyle on the shoulder. ¡°This is my son, Kyle. Kyle, meet Nymphadora Tonks, the youngest Auror in the Ministry.¡±


    Upon hearing Chris''s words, Tonks¡¯s hair turned bubble-gum pink. Oddly, none of the passersby seemed to notice. ¡°We already know each other,¡± she said. ¡°I kept an eye on little Kyle in the Hufflepuff common room back in my seventh year.¡±


    Kyle nodded. He had indeed met Tonks before, though not well. Although they were both in Hufflepuff, she had been an Auror trainee by her seventh year and was rarely at school. He had only encountered her briefly in the common room.


    ¡°I almost forgot you¡¯re only six years older than Kyle,¡± Chris muttered, rubbing his head.


    Noticing how tired he looked, Tonks asked, ¡°How many reports did you write yesterday?¡±


    ¡°Eight,¡± Chris sighed. ¡°I started at noon yesterday and only finished half an hour ago.¡±


    ¡°It was just a trip to Romania. Did you really need to write so many reports?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know why, but ever since last year, the paperwork has just been piling up.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re swamped too,¡± Tonks replied as her hair turned a dull gray. ¡°I never thought being an Auror would involve so much paperwork... I spend more time in the office than I do on missions.¡±


    She continued to complain until a tall wizard approached, at which point she immediately quieted down and pretended nothing was wrong.


    ¡°Kingsley!¡± Chris greeted the wizard warmly.


    It was the man who had been reading the newspaper in the Leaky Cauldron the previous day.


    Kyle didn¡¯t join in on their conversation, and by the time Kingsley came over, the train was preparing to depart. He slipped through the wall to Platform 9?.


    The Hogwarts Express was still in its usual spot, billowing smoke, and the platform was packed with families seeing off their children.


    Fred and George suddenly appeared on either side of Kyle.


    ¡°You¡¯re cutting it close¡ªthe train¡¯s about to leave,¡± Fred said.


    ¡°We thought you¡¯d be coming to Hogwarts in a flying car too,¡± George joked, throwing an arm around Kyle¡¯s shoulder.


    ¡°We ran into some people outside and got held up a bit,¡± Kyle explained. ¡°Nymphadora Tonks¡ªyou know her?¡±


    ¡°Of course, the Metamorphmagus.¡±


    ¡°A big deal a few years back. Quite famous.¡±


    ¡°I thought she¡¯d already be an Auror¡­¡± Fred mused. ¡°Probably because of that Sirius Black business that she¡¯s here at King¡¯s Cross.¡±


    ¡°Afraid he might blend in with the parents?¡±


    ¡°Only logical explanation.¡±


    ¡°Do they think Black will come to Hogwarts?¡±


    At that moment, a loud whistle sounded, and Fred and George dropped the topic. Together with Kyle, they hurried toward the train.


    On the platform, a guard was shutting the train doors one by one. The three of them quickened their pace and managed to board just in time.


    ¡°You have to go see Percy,¡± Fred said with a mischievous grin as they made their way down the aisle. ¡°We made a little adjustment to his badge.¡±


    ¡°He hasn¡¯t noticed yet, but now it reads ¡®Enormous Head¡¯ in giant letters.¡±

 Chapter 354: The Story of Black’s Loves and Grudges

    Since they¡¯d only boarded the train right before it departed, most compartments were already full... but that hardly mattered.


    After walking forward a bit, the group encountered Cedric, who had just stepped out of a compartment and was heading toward the front of the train. Sear?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°Oh, Mr. Cedric,¡± Fred announced, coming to a theatrical halt in front of him with an exaggerated bow, ¡°it is truly an honor to see you here.¡±


    ¡°A great honor,¡± George added, mimicking Fred¡¯s gesture.


    Cedric took a wary half-step back. ¡°You two are up to no good again,¡± he said, eyeing them suspiciously.


    After years of being at school together, Cedric knew the twins¡¯ antics all too well. In fact, from the fleeting grin Fred had flashed upon spotting him, Cedric could already tell whether it was a warm reunion or a setup for mischief¡ªand it was clearly the latter. Such exaggerated politeness was never a good sign.


    ¡°The spark has faded, the feelings have faded,¡± Fred sighed. ¡°You used to come over and hug us, but now you¡¯re taking a step back.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ve grown apart,¡± George added, looking theatrically heartbroken. ¡°You were never like this when you were our Prefect.¡±


    ¡°No need to go on, George,¡± Fred said solemnly. ¡°Prefect Cedric probably wants to be friends with Percy more now.¡±


    ¡°Be friends with Percy?¡± Fred shuddered, feigning horror. ¡°Then you¡¯ll have to keep that  book forever.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m afraid so,¡± George nodded, equally serious.


    ¡°Kyle, you must never become a prefect,¡± Fred said, turning to him.


    ¡°Because it would make your life dreadfully dull,¡± George agreed.


    Kyle, who had been happily watching their antics, suddenly couldn¡¯t laugh anymore. He hadn¡¯t even said a word¡ªwhy was he getting dragged into this? He was only in fourth year, and they were already making plans about him being a prefect next year? Just how much did these two despise prefects?


    ¡°What on earth are you talking about?¡± Cedric interrupted, frowning as he looked at them disapprovingly. ¡°And how do you even know I¡¯m going to be a prefect? I don¡¯t remember telling you.¡±


    After spending so much time together, Cedric was fully aware of his friends¡¯ personalities, and he also knew this wasn¡¯t the first time they¡¯d mocked Percy. He¡¯d planned to keep his prefect status quiet for as long as possible and had even kept his prefect badge tucked away when he¡¯d stepped out just now.


    ¡°Oh, come on,¡± Fred rolled his eyes. ¡°Top of the year four years in a row¡ªwho else would they pick?¡±


    ¡°Besides,¡± George snickered, ¡°there are two pieces of news making the rounds at the Ministry these days.¡±


    ¡°Sirius Black¡¯s escape¡­¡± Fred began.


    ¡°And the news that have become Head Boy,¡± George finished, grinning. ¡°Mr. Diggory¡¯s public relations skills are practically on par with .¡±


    Cedric flushed. ¡°He specifically promised me he wouldn¡¯t tell anyone.¡±


    Kyle shook his head. Cedric was still too naive. Trying to keep Mr. Diggory from bragging about his son¡¯s accomplishments was about as futile as trying to keep Percy from flaunting his Head Boy badge.


    ¡°So, are you headed to the Head Boy compartment now?¡± Kyle asked.


    ¡°I wasn¡¯t going to,¡± Cedric replied, ¡°but Percy has reminded me three times in the past five minutes that I absolutely to go.¡±


    ¡°Well, off you go, then.¡± George patted him on the shoulder. ¡°And by the way, when you get there, ask Percy if the previous Head Boy also went around telling people he had an .¡±


    ¡°And wore it on his chest¡­ Personally, I think it¡¯s really a bit ridiculous,¡± Fred added, chuckling.


    ¡°What are you all doing here?¡± Percy¡¯s voice cut in suddenly from behind them.


    ¡°What was that about being ¡®ridiculous¡¯¡­?¡± Percy asked, eyeing them suspiciously.


    ¡°Nothing,¡± Fred said vaguely. ¡°We just saw someone with a really funny badge... it was hilarious.¡±


    Percy frowned. Something about Fred and George didn¡¯t sit right with him, but he couldn¡¯t quite put his finger on it.


    ¡°I¡¯m warning you¡ªbehave yourselves, or else¡­¡±


    ¡°Points?¡± George chimed in.


    ¡°Or detention?¡± Fred added.


    ¡°We were just talking in the aisle for a bit,¡± Fred shrugged. ¡°Pretty sure that¡¯s not against the rules.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll be watching you¡­¡± Percy muttered, a hint of unease showing before he turned his attention to Cedric. ¡°Hurry up, I have an announcement to make on behalf of the professor, and I¡¯m waiting for you.¡±


    Cedric merely shrugged, then followed Percy toward the front of the car.


    Once they left, Kyle and the others entered the compartment Cedric had just come out of, where Kanna, Cho, Ginny, and Luna were sitting together, poring over . Aside from Luna, though, the other three looked less than interested, and Cho even yawned as Kyle and the others walked in.


    ¡°What are you reading?¡± Kyle asked.


    ¡°Some¡­ very interesting theories,¡± Kanna whispered. ¡°This magazine claims that Fudge purposely released Sirius Black so he could secretly eliminate those who don¡¯t support him.¡±


    ¡°Well, maybe it¡¯s true,¡± Luna said, looking up. ¡°Otherwise, why else would the Ministry have been searching for him for a month without finding anything?¡±


    ¡°Here¡¯s another one,¡± Ginny added, leaning in. ¡°It says there¡¯s some¡­ ¡®unknown connection¡¯ between Sirius Black and Fudge. Apparently, Fudge was unpopular and limited in his influence after taking office, so Black supposedly entered Azkaban voluntarily to win over the worst criminals for him. Now, over the past ten years, he¡¯s formed a secret army for Fudge, dedicated to eliminating opposition. But Fudge couldn¡¯t bear to leave Black in such a terrible place any longer, so he released him in secret¡­ Their bond might be deeper than anyone realized.¡±


    Kyle smirked. Whoever wrote this article had quite an imagination. Black¡¯s reaction would be priceless if he ever read this. Too bad wasn¡¯t widely circulated; it would¡¯ve been even more entertaining if this made it into .


    ¡°But everyone knows that Sirius Black is a Death Eater,¡± Ginny said, frowning. ¡°How could he be working for Fudge?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s just his ¡®official¡¯ role,¡± Luna replied. ¡°The writer suggests Black is the only Death Eater who was never tried¡ªit¡¯s possible Fudge is using his authority to influence things.¡±


    ¡°But Fudge wasn¡¯t even the Minister back then,¡± Ginny pointed out.


    ¡°Well, he¡¯s the Minister now, and there¡¯s no one else standing in his way,¡± Luna added.


    Silence fell in the compartment. Oddly enough, it sounded almost convincing. If they didn¡¯t already know about Black, they might have even believed it.


    Kyle shook his head, recalling an old issue of from years back. That one had claimed Fudge had the Department of Mysteries develop a poison to control his opponents. Diana had been so furious that she nearly grabbed her wand to ¡°have a word¡± with Mr. Lovegood. And here they were, years later, still connecting everything back to mysterious poisons. So now, apparently, this poison Black allegedly used was created by the Department of Mysteries.


    he thought. The tales of hidden romances and dramatic feuds involving the Minister of Magic were definitely fun to read for amusement. And if the minister in question was from another country, well, that just made it all the better. With a bit of distance, they didn¡¯t even need to fact-check it¡ªit was just pure entertainment.

 Chapter 355: The Source of Cedric’s Happiness

    The train chugged along, releasing clouds of steam as it sped down the tracks.


    Inside the carriage, after Kyle and the others had settled in, Kanna and Cho put aside and began chatting about their holiday adventures. Soon, Cho¡¯s face turned red with frustration.


    ¡°Cedric, that liar!¡± she huffed. ¡°He told me that Beauxbatons Academy of Magic was in the Pyrenees, so we drove all over the place, but we couldn¡¯t find anything on the map. We spent an entire day circling around, but there was absolutely nothing there!¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s actually pretty normal,¡± Kyle replied. ¡°I don¡¯t know about the other schools, but the locations of the three major wizarding schools in Europe are heavily protected. These charms not only safeguard their teaching methods but also shield students and the schools themselves from harm.¡±


    ¡°Just like Hogwarts,¡± he continued. ¡°If a Beauxbatons student were to visit, all they¡¯d see is a bare cliff.¡±


    Cho and Kanna looked stunned. They knew the schools were hidden by protective magic, but they¡¯d always assumed it was only to keep muggles away¡ªlike the Muggle-Repelling Charm in front of the Leaky Cauldron. They hadn¡¯t realized that this protection extended to other witches and wizards as well.


    ¡°But then how did Cedric¡­¡± Cho wondered aloud.


    ¡°Maybe he met someone connected to the school,¡± Kyle suggested. ¡°If a professor or someone else from Beauxbatons shared its location with him, then the protections would be bypassed. Or, if a student led him there, it would work similarly to the Fidelius Charm.¡±


    Cho thought back and remembered Cedric mentioning an encounter with an old French wizard who had told him the location of Beauxbatons. That must have been it.


    She sighed, feeling a bit disheartened. Why hadn¡¯t she met someone like that?


    ¡°Fidelius Charm?¡± Ginny looked up from her expression curious. ¡°I think Dad mentioned it once, but I don¡¯t remember much about it.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s one of the Vow Spells,¡± Kyle explained, ¡°usually used to protect important secrets.¡±


    ¡°Does the school teach this charm?¡± Ginny¡¯s eyes lit up with interest.


    ¡°No,¡± Kyle shook his head. ¡°It¡¯s far beyond what most students can manage. If you don¡¯t have the necessary magical strength, it can backfire in dangerous ways. So, unless the professors think you¡¯re ready, they won¡¯t teach it to you¡ªeven if you ask.¡±


    ¡°Oh¡­¡± Ginny looked disappointed.


    ¡°Got any secrets you¡¯d like to hide, Ginny?¡± Fred asked, grinning slyly.


    George leaned over, smirking. ¡°Come on, tell us. We promise we won¡¯t share it with anyone.¡±


    ¡°Like you haven¡¯t said that before,¡± Ginny shot back, glaring at the two of them. ¡°If I¡¯d known this spell before the holidays, I wouldn¡¯t have had to listen to Percy¡¯s nagging all summer!¡±


    Realizing they were defeated, Fred and George quickly backed off, looking chastened.


    As the Hogwarts Express traveled further north, the scenery outside the window became increasingly rugged and remote. Clouds gathered in the sky, growing denser and darker by the mile.


    Meanwhile, students raced up and down the aisles outside their compartment, laughing and chasing one another.


    ¡°No fireworks in the corridors! Which house are you from?¡± Percy¡¯s voice echoed from outside their door.


    But instead of replying, the students only laughed louder and kept running.


    ¡°Stop! I¡¯m Head Boy!¡± Percy shouted, chasing after them.


    The door suddenly swung open, and Cedric slipped inside, looking around like he was on the run.


    ¡°Oh... the Prefect is back,¡± Fred said with a grin. ¡°Any orders for us, sir?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m here to deliver a warning,¡± Cedric replied, closing the door firmly behind him. He looked at Fred and George with a serious expression. ¡°Percy knows you messed with his badge. And from the look in his eyes, he¡¯s ready to strangle you both and hang you outside the train for all to see! If he hadn¡¯t been distracted by some students setting off firecrackers in the corridor, he¡¯d be the one bursting in here right now.¡±


    Fred and George exchanged a glance and burst out laughing.


    ¡°Run from Percy? Not likely,¡± Fred said, clearly unconcerned.


    ¡°You think we¡¯re afraid of that oversized head of his?¡± George smirked. ¡°I assure you, we¡¯re not.¡±


    They even pulled out a few sweets, casually passing them around to everyone else in the compartment, showing no sign of being fazed.


    Outside, the noise in the corridor gradually faded. They could hear Percy¡¯s voice once more: ¡°Such disrespect¡ªSlytherins, don¡¯t you realize I¡¯m the Head Boy? I¡¯ll be informing Professor Snape¡­¡±


    Though faint, Percy¡¯s voice was close enough to suggest he was right outside.


    Fred clapped his hand to his forehead. ¡°Oh, almost forgot¡ªLee Jordan told us to find him as soon as we boarded.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right,¡± George nodded. ¡°Said he had something important to discuss.¡± S§×ar?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°Lucky for us we¡¯re not busy right now,¡± Fred said, rising to his feet. ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±


    With identical grins, the twins sauntered to the door and peered out cautiously.


    ¡°FRED! GEORGE!¡± Percy¡¯s irritated shout echoed down the corridor.


    The twins threw open the door and bolted out, George smacking his head on the doorway in his rush but ignoring the pain as he raced after Fred.


    Laughter erupted from everyone in the compartment.


    Cedric, now seated where the twins had been, shook his head. ¡°I thought they really weren¡¯t afraid for a second.¡±


    Ginny giggled, ¡°A few weeks ago, they tried to trap Percy inside a pyramid, but he found out and gave them a thorough thrashing. If you look closely, George still rubs his left side every now and then¡ªPercy thought he was the main culprit and gave him an extra wallop for good measure.¡±


    This sparked another round of laughter.


    Cedric was laughing the hardest, clearly delighted to see the twins getting their punishment.


    Around one o¡¯clock, the plump witch with the trolley arrived at their compartment door. Kyle, who hadn¡¯t eaten much that morning and was now quite hungry, bought a generous stack of Cauldron Cakes¡ªenough for everyone. They might not have been the most flavorful, but they were better than just chocolates or sweets.


    After finishing their snack, the group continued chatting, watching as the rain began to fall around three or four o¡¯clock, turning the hills outside the window into a misty blur.


    As a Prefect, Cedric was supposed to help keep order in the train compartments, but Percy was so diligent that his voice could be heard constantly, scolding and sending back any students who dared poke their heads into the aisle. Cedric¡¯s help wasn¡¯t needed at all.


    Taking advantage of this rare respite, Cedric relaxed and joined Kyle for a game of Exploding Snap, enjoying the cozy atmosphere of the compartment.

 Chapter 356: Dementor

    The rain continued to pound against the train, turning the windows into a murky sheet of grey. Before they knew it, darkness had completely fallen outside.


    The compartment door slid open again, and Fred and George slipped in, trying to be inconspicuous in the dim light.


    ¡°Percy didn¡¯t come after us, did he?¡± George whispered.


    ¡°No,¡± Cedric replied, eyeing them curiously. ¡°But really, why isn¡¯t he letting this go? It¡¯s just a badge prank¡ªit¡¯s not like it¡¯s a huge crime.¡±


    ¡°Well, maybe it¡¯s because he hasn¡¯t actually caught us yet,¡± George replied, grinning as he closed the door behind him. ¡°We spent a good part of the trip dodging him all over the train.¡±


    Cedric¡¯s brows rose in disbelief. ¡°You¡¯re joking, right?¡± The train was only so big, with a single aisle running from front to back. And since the compartment doors were glass, Percy should have easily spotted them by now if they¡¯d been on the run.


    Kyle seemed equally skeptical. ¡°Did you use a Disillusionment Charm?¡± he asked. ¡°Or maybe Harry lent you his Invisibility Cloak?¡±


    ¡°Neither,¡± George said with a smirk, sliding into the seat next to Cedric. ¡°We hid in the snack trolley. It¡¯s hollow underneath with a false bottom¡ªjust enough space for two people to squeeze in.¡±


    ¡°Percy walked right by us three times,¡± Fred added proudly, ¡°and he didn¡¯t even notice.¡±


    ¡°He even stopped once to buy a Liquorice Wand and a piece of Cauldron Cake,¡± George laughed. ¡°We recognized his shoes.¡±


    ¡°So, you¡¯ve been hiding in the snack trolley this whole time?¡± Cho asked, looking at her watch incredulously. ¡°That¡¯s been, what, five hours?¡±


    The trolley was barely the size of a small table¡ªjust imagining two people crammed in there for hours was almost unbearable. If it had been her, she¡¯d have chosen a scolding from Percy over that kind of confinement.


    ¡°Of course not,¡± Fred replied. ¡°After the trolley made its rounds, it stops by the driver¡¯s compartment up front, so we stayed there for the rest of the time.¡±


    As they spoke, the lights in the aisle and on the luggage racks suddenly blinked on, flooding the compartment with a warm, dim glow that made the darkness outside seem even deeper.


    ¡°Does that mean we¡¯re almost there?¡± Ginny asked.


    ¡°Almost,¡± Cho answered. ¡°Maybe an hour left.¡±


    ¡°I sure hope so,¡± Fred groaned, rubbing his stomach. ¡°I¡¯m starving¡ªI can¡¯t wait for the feast¡­¡±


    Just as he finished speaking, the train unexpectedly began to slow down.


    ¡°Wish granted?¡± Fred said, surprised, pressing his face against the window to get a better view outside.


    ¡°That¡¯s impossible!¡± Cho glanced at her watch again. ¡°We¡¯re still a full hour away.¡±


    ¡°Maybe the driver decided to speed us along to dinner,¡± George joked, grinning.


    ¡°No, George, I don¡¯t think we¡¯re speeding up.¡±


    Fred¡¯s smile faded as he looked out the window. ¡°It¡¯s not Hogsmeade station¡­ this place looks completely unfamiliar.¡±


    The train continued to slow, the clattering of the wheels becoming fainter until all they could hear was the relentless wind and rain pounding against the windows.


    With a harsh , the train came to a full stop, as though someone had slammed on the brakes. A large suitcase tumbled from the luggage rack, narrowly missing Luna.


    ¡°I¡¯m the Head Boy! Everyone get back to your compartments and stay calm!¡± Percy¡¯s voice called out from somewhere down the corridor.


    But in this moment, his title felt oddly insignificant¡ªespecially as the train lights abruptly went out, plunging them all into darkness. Panicked voices rose around them, a mix of startled cries and nervous whispers.


    ¡°Is it just me, or is it getting colder?¡± Fred asked, rubbing his arms. He pointed at the window. ¡°Look here.¡±


    A thin layer of ice had frosted over the glass, creeping across the pane in delicate, glistening patterns.


    ¡°It¡¯s September!¡± Cedric muttered, frowning. If it was this cold already, winter would be brutal.


    ¡°They¡¯re Dementors¡­¡± Kyle said, peering at the indistinct shadows moving outside. ¡°They must be here to check if anyone¡¯s harboring Black.¡±


    ¡°No¡­ that¡¯s impossible¡­¡± Ginny huddled in a corner, shivering. ¡°Monsters from Azkaban? Dumbledore would never allow this on the train¡­¡±


    ¡°I think Kyle¡¯s right,¡± Cho whispered, her face pale as she looked out the window. She had glimpsed a figure at the far end of the corridor, draped in a tattered cloak and hovering just above the ground like a ghost.


    ¡°There¡¯s one on each side¡­¡± Cho backed away quickly. ¡°They¡¯re searching the train!¡±


    Silence fell over the compartment. Growing up in wizarding families, they¡¯d all heard of Dementors, but none of them had expected to encounter these nightmarish creatures on their way to Hogwarts. Fear gripped them all.


    Kyle took a deep breath and stepped forward, drawing his wand. With a slight wave, a faint silvery glow appeared at its tip, casting a soft, soothing light that bathed the compartment. The glow was subtle, much dimmer than a standard Lighting Charm, but its effect was calming. The others didn¡¯t seem to notice, except for Kanna, who tilted her head curiously, noticing that the biting chill seemed to dissipate slightly.


    The quiet was broken by a horrible, rattling breath from the hallway. One of the Dementors had reached their compartment.


    The creature¡¯s ragged breathing was a low, grating sound, and to most, it was meaningless noise. But Kyle heard it repeating fragments of a name in a strange, garbled mutter: It couldn¡¯t seem to remember, repeating the name with slight variations each time. Clearly, the Dementor was not particularly intelligent¡ªthen again, it didn¡¯t even have a brain.


    The Dementor reached out with a skeletal, deathly pale hand and gently tugged at the compartment door. It slid open, and the Dementor started to enter, but the soft light from Kyle¡¯s wand spilled into the corridor, making the creature recoil and cling to the edge of the door, its decayed hands shaking.


    ¡°There¡¯s no one here that you¡¯re looking for,¡± Kyle said firmly. ¡°None of us are hiding Black, so you can leave.¡±


    The Dementor¡¯s hooded head tilted toward him, emitting another harsh, gurgling noise.


    ¡°No. I repeat¡ªthere is no Black here!¡± Kyle waved his wand slightly, making the silvery light brighten a bit more.


    The Dementor shrank back as if hit with something foul, its body sagging with an almost pitiful reluctance. Yet it stubbornly lingered, its rattling breath a reminder of its discomfort.


    it muttered.


    ¡°Go!¡± Kyle repeated, his voice sharper now.


    ¡°Go!¡±


    Kyle clenched his jaw, his expression caught somewhere between frustration and guilt, wondering if he was bullying this strangely dim-witted creature. ¡°This is ridiculous,¡± he muttered.


    The light surrounding them slowly thickened, forming a misty aura that enveloped Kanna and the others, protecting them from the chilling atmosphere.


    ¡°Inspection only,¡± Kyle said in warning, his wand pointed at the Dementor. ¡°If you do anything else¡ªif you drain any emotions¡ªI¡¯ll make sure you¡¯re expelled.¡±


    the Dementor rasped. With a final shudder, it floated up cautiously, entering the compartment and taking a deep, rattling breath. S§×ar?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    A cold wave spread over them, chilling them all, but the sensation was bearable¡ªit was just the icy temperature, nothing more.


    The next moment, the Dementor drifted out, heading down the corridor.


    ¡°Yes, Black,¡± Kyle called after it, as he closed the door.


    it mumbled, already getting the name wrong.


    Kyle sighed.


    Suddenly, a commotion erupted in the corridor. Kyle heard panicked voices rising above the muffled noise outside.


    ¡°Harry!¡±


    ¡°Professor, Harry fainted!¡±


    ¡°Help! Help¡­¡± It was Ron, Hermione, and even Neville, by the sounds of it.


    A surge of bright, silvery light suddenly lit up the corridor, sending the Dementor scuttling back toward the compartment door as if desperate to escape. Kyle quickly shut the door, leaving the creature trapped between the closed compartment and the approaching glow.


    Kyle almost thought he saw a glimmer of helplessness in the Dementor¡¯s faceless hood.

 Chapter 357: Shocking Lupin for an Entire Year

    After about ten minutes, the two Dementors finally left after inspecting all the train cars, and the lights in the aisles and on the shelves flickered back on. The dim light seemed to chase away the lingering cold, and as the surroundings brightened, voices gradually started up again on the train.


    ¡°What was that just now¡­¡± Kanna asked, still shaken.


    ¡°Dementors,¡± Kyle replied, placing the luggage back on the shelf. ¡°Guards of Azkaban.¡±


    ¡°I know what a Dementor is,¡± Kanna said, shaking her head. ¡°I meant the Charm you just used to dispel the cold.¡±


    ¡°Oh, that¡­¡± Kyle handed out some more chocolate. ¡°The Patronus Charm. It¡¯s the easiest and most effective way to ward off Dementors. If you can summon a full Patronus, it can even drive them back.¡±


    ¡°Huh? Didn¡¯t you just use the Wand-Lighting Charm?¡± Fred asked from beside her, surprised. He¡¯d only seen Kyle pull out his wand and then the compartment had lit up. Wasn¡¯t that just the Lighting Charm?


    Kyle didn¡¯t answer him directly. Although the Wand-Lighting Charm and the Patronus Charm both produced light, they were, in reality, very different¡ªthough admittedly, if you didn¡¯t look closely, they might seem similar.


    ¡°A full Patronus?¡± Kanna asked, curious. ¡°What does it look like?¡±


    ¡°The light forms into a silvery-white animal,¡± Kyle explained. ¡°It can run and jump freely in midair, almost as if it were alive.¡±


    ¡°Is it difficult to do?¡± Kanna asked, wondering. She hadn¡¯t seen any animal appear in the compartment earlier. While she was eager to learn the Charm, if even Kyle couldn¡¯t summon a full Patronus, it might not be worth the effort.


    ¡°It¡¯s challenging, but not impossible,¡± Kyle said. ¡°If you have a particularly strong, happy memory, it becomes much easier to cast.¡±


    He had learned the Patronus Charm from Newt in Romania, focusing on memories that captured his excitement at receiving his Hogwarts acceptance letter. There was also the time Snape had looked as if he wanted to dig his toes through the castle floor after hearing himself called the ¡°Half-Blood Prince.¡± The memories had worked well, and he¡¯d mastered the Patronus Charm within two days.


    But there was no need for the full charm just now. The Dementors were here under orders from the Ministry of Magic to inspect the train, and the directive came from the Ministry, not the Dementors themselves. They wouldn¡¯t leave until their inspection was complete; the encounter with the Dementor just now had confirmed as much.


    Forcing them away might only provoke them further. With hundreds of students on board, Kyle wasn¡¯t certain he could protect everyone¡ªeven with Professor Lupin¡¯s help. In a situation of extreme fear, not everyone would be likely to remain calm or cooperative.


    ...


    After the Dementors left, the train resumed its journey. Passengers gradually returned to their seats, chatting about the eerie encounter. George, however, wasn¡¯t so lucky; his teeth were still chattering, producing a relentless ¡°klink, klink¡± sound. Naturally, this made him the target of everyone¡¯s teasing.


    He tried to insist it was just the cold that had gotten to him, but no one was buying it. Whether from shock or the chill, everyone needed a light-hearted distraction to shake off the Dementor¡¯s effects, and George fit the bill perfectly. Fred, as expected, laughed the loudest.


    As for George himself¡­ well, the combination of anger and embarrassment was proving more effective than any chocolate, and in his flustered attempts to defend himself, he quickly forgot all about the Dementors.


    Outside, the rain continued to pour as the train moved north.


    ¡°Should we go check on Harry?¡± Fred suggested suddenly, having just finished teasing George. ¡°I think I heard Ron yelling that he fainted.¡±


    ¡°Good idea,¡± Kyle agreed, grabbing two boxes of chocolate from the table before leaving the compartment.


    Finding Harry¡¯s compartment wasn¡¯t difficult; it was near the back and surrounded by a crowd. Apparently, they weren¡¯t the only ones who¡¯d heard the shout. But with a professor already inside, the onlookers merely gathered around, craning their necks to catch a glimpse inside.


    Fred and George didn¡¯t hesitate. Under the pretense of visiting their brother Ron, they pushed their way through the crowd and went in.


    Inside, Harry lay unconscious on the floor, occasionally moaning as if trapped in a nightmare. Hermione and Ron hovered anxiously beside him, calling his name. The professor was seated nearby, penning a letter.


    When Kyle and the others entered, the professor looked up briefly, his gaze lingering on Fred and George¡¯s red hair, but he said nothing and continued writing.


    ¡°Kyle¡­¡± Hermione asked urgently, ¡°do you have any way to wake Harry up faster?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not too hard,¡± Kyle replied after a moment. ¡°If you want to go gentle, just wait for him to come around. If you¡¯re okay with something rougher, splash some cold water in his face. Ideally with ice in it¡ªnot too much, just a basinful.¡±


    ¡°But where are we supposed to find ice water¡­¡± Ron began.


    ¡°You¡¯re a wizard, Ron,¡± Hermione muttered, pulling out her wand.


    ¡°No need,¡± Kyle interjected, waving her off. ¡°I¡¯ve got a better solution.¡±


    By now, Professor Lupin had finished his letter. Kyle walked over and opened the window, letting in a gust of cold, rain-soaked wind that blew directly onto Harry¡¯s face.


    Harry shivered violently, his eyes fluttering open in confusion.


    ¡°See?¡± Kyle said, shutting the window again.


    Ron and Hermione quickly helped Harry back to his seat.


    ¡°You alright?¡± Ron asked, clearly worried.


    ¡°I¡¯m fine,¡± Harry replied, glancing toward the door where the cloaked figure had been. Now there was only a line of curious onlookers, who quickly pulled back when they realized he was looking at them.


    ¡°Where did that¡­ thing go? And who was screaming?¡± Harry asked, still dazed.


    ¡°No one screamed,¡± Ron said.


    ¡°But I heard it¡­ a woman, screaming.¡±


    ¡°I think the Dementors stirred up some old memories for you,¡± Kyle said, handing him a piece of chocolate. ¡°Have some. It¡¯ll help.¡±


    Behind him, Professor Lupin also held out a large piece of chocolate, but after noticing the high-end chocolate in Kyle¡¯s hand, with its elegant packaging and a line of French writing, he hesitated. His own chocolate, simply wrapped and costing just three Sickles, seemed rather modest in comparison. Silently, he slipped it back into his pocket.


    ¡°That chocolate must cost five Sickles apiece¡­¡± he muttered, half to himself. ¡°Why are all the young wizards these days so well-off?¡±


    Meanwhile, Harry took a bite of the chocolate Kyle had given him, surprised as warmth rushed through his body, easing the lingering chill from the Dementor¡¯s presence.


    ¡°Thanks!¡± he said, looking gratefully at Kyle. ¡°This is really good. Where did you get it?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t actually know,¡± Kyle shrugged. ¡°It was a birthday gift from a French friend¡ªa whole bag of sweets, and this was one of them.¡±


    ¡°French chocolate¡­ must be expensive,¡± Ron murmured, swallowing.


    ¡°Ten Galleons a piece,¡± Cedric chimed in. ¡°I saw that brand in a shop during a trip to France. They¡¯re made with fifty-year-aged golden bee honey and milk from Re¡¯em cows. Incredibly expensive.¡± S~ea??h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°Clang¡­¡±


    Behind them, Lupin¡¯s wand slipped from his hand, and he stared at Kyle in shock.


    ¡°Ten Galleons¡­ for one piece of chocolate?¡±


    ¡°Kids these days are so damn rich!¡±

 Chapter 358: Two Galleons, Barely Any Profit

    While Harry continued nibbling on his chocolate, Professor Lupin left the compartment, letter in hand, heading toward the front of the train to find the driver. He needed to inform the school about what had happened with the Dementors. The driver used to keep an emergency owl on board, though Lupin wasn¡¯t sure if that was still the case.


    After Lupin departed, Ron kept watching Harry with lingering concern. ¡°Are you really okay?¡±


    ¡°Much better,¡± Harry replied, taking another bite of chocolate. He wiped the remaining cold sweat and rainwater from his face. ¡°But I still don¡¯t understand... what exactly happened back there.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s what we¡¯re all wondering,¡± Fred chimed in. The effect of the Dementor had been unsettling for everyone, but it hadn¡¯t been enough to make anyone else pass out. Out of all the students on the train, it seemed only Harry had been affected so severely. Even Ron had been fine.


    ¡°When the Dementor looked at you¡­ you just went strange,¡± Ron said, still looking uneasy as he recalled the scene. ¡°It was like you¡¯d been Jinxed. You froze up, fell out of your seat, and started twitching¡­¡±


    He and Hermione went on to explain the whole incident in detail, from Harry fainting to Professor Lupin finally scaring the Dementor away.


    ¡°It was a silver light,¡± Hermione added. ¡°I didn¡¯t see it clearly, but the Dementor seemed really frightened.¡±


    ¡°Silver light?¡± George murmured. ¡°That must¡¯ve been the Patronus Charm.¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t think he¡¯d know that,¡± Fred said with a hint of surprise. ¡°Seems our Defense Against the Dark Arts professor has some skills this year.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t get too excited,¡± Cedric cut in. ¡°He might also be the new Care of Magical Creatures professor. Remember? Professor Kettleburn¡¯s retiring this year.¡±


    ¡°Oh no, I¡¯d forgotten about that,¡± Fred groaned, scratching his head. ¡°We¡¯d better not have to do more readings. I¡¯m done with that!¡±


    Cedric just shrugged, though he felt the same. Defense Against the Dark Arts professors at Hogwarts had been a disappointment the past couple of years. After recent experiences, he wouldn¡¯t be surprised if this year¡¯s professor turned out to be another letdown.


    ¡°The Patronus Charm?¡± Hermione said suddenly, realizing something important.


    ¡°Yep,¡± Fred explained. ¡°Kyle used it to keep the Dementors at bay. Look at us¡ªwe¡¯re all in way better shape because of it.¡±


    Realizing this, Hermione glanced around. It was true: Ron, Neville, and the students peeking from outside the compartment all looked pale, and she guessed she looked just as shaken. But Kyle and the others appeared unaffected, as if they¡¯d just been through an ordinary journey. Even Ginny, the youngest of the group, looked perfectly normal.


    ¡°Patronus Charm¡­¡± Hermione murmured, filing away the Charm for future reference.


    Just then, Lupin returned. Smiling at everyone, he announced, ¡°I just spoke with the driver. We should be arriving at Hogwarts in about thirty minutes.¡±


    This was a welcome relief for Harry, who was eager to return to the warmth and safety of the castle. Most importantly, Hogwarts had the professors¡ªand Dumbledore. The Dementors wouldn¡¯t dare enter there.


    Still, Harry couldn¡¯t shake his confusion about why he alone had fainted. He turned to Professor Lupin for an explanation, but Lupin only shook his head gently, trying to reassure him.


    ¡°Dementors force us to relive our worst memories. They feed on pain, and it gives them power. Perhaps it affected you more because of the difference between what you¡¯ve experienced and what others here have.¡±


    He continued casually, ¡°But don¡¯t let it worry you. I noticed that this Dementor acted unusually in your compartment. It didn¡¯t restrain itself¡ªit was actively feeding on the emotions around it. That pull is something even adult wizards can hardly resist. You¡¯re only thirteen, so fainting is perfectly normal.¡±


    Harry wasn¡¯t fully convinced. The explanation still felt a bit thin.


    ¡°But Ron and Hermione didn¡¯t faint,¡± Harry whispered, ¡°and neither did Neville.¡±


    Seeing Harry¡¯s downcast expression, Ron wanted to comfort him but struggled to find the right words. Just as he was wracking his brain, he noticed a slight glimmer on Hermione¡¯s shirt. Ron¡¯s face lit up as he had an idea.


    ¡°Could it be because we¡¯re wearing our badges?¡± he suggested, pointing to a matching badge under his collar. ¡°Remember? Kyle gave these to us before. They¡¯re made from the scales of a Dragon. A creature as powerful as a dragon¡­ even Dementors might be wary of it.¡±


    ¡°No way,¡± Hermione countered, shaking her head. ¡°Even if Dementors are afraid of dragons, I doubt a single scale would make a difference.¡± S~ea??h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°Maybe¡­ well¡­ it has some kind of protective effect,¡± Ron persisted, though he didn¡¯t entirely believe it himself. But with no better explanation, he pressed on, ¡°We were wearing the badges, and we¡¯re fine. Harry, who was the first to change into his robes and take off his badge, fainted.¡±


    ¡°But Neville doesn¡¯t have a badge either,¡± Hermione pointed out, frowning.


    In the corner, Neville flinched at the mention of his name. He looked even worse off than Harry, trembling uncontrollably despite having eaten a large piece of chocolate.


    Somehow, combining Professor Lupin¡¯s words with Ron¡¯s theory helped Harry feel a bit better. It might be a stretch, but he much preferred believing the dragon badge had some protective power than admitting he might be weaker or more afraid than everyone else.


    And in the compartment, there was one more person who wanted to believe it, too.


    ¡°A dragon badge¡­¡± Neville said, his eyes lighting up with hope as he looked at Kyle. ¡°Is there any chance you have more? I¡¯d buy one.¡±


    He desperately wanted to avoid experiencing that bone-chilling cold ever again.


    ¡°Well¡­ yes, I do,¡± Kyle said, pulling a handful of colorful badges from his pocket. ¡°But honestly, I don¡¯t think these will work against Dementors¡­¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll take them!¡± Neville interrupted, grabbing the entire handful of badges from Kyle before he could finish.


    ¡°How much?¡±


    ¡°Um¡­ two Galleons each,¡± Kyle replied.


    Neville¡¯s hand froze halfway to his pocket. ¡°Two Galleons¡­ each?¡±


    ¡°They¡¯re genuine dragon scales,¡± Kyle explained. ¡°They¡¯re valuable as it is, and the designs are hand-carved by craftsmen in Romania. At two Galleons apiece, I¡¯m barely breaking even.¡±


    Neville looked down at the six badges in his hand, hesitating. Twelve Galleons in total¡­ He didn¡¯t have that much money. His grandmother, Mrs. Longbottom, rarely gave him much pocket money, as he had a habit of losing things.


    ¡°Honestly, don¡¯t worry about it. They¡¯re probably not even useful,¡± Kyle said, trying to dissuade him.


    Kyle knew he didn¡¯t need to sell the badges this way. With Dementors stationed at the castle for the year, it would soon become clear whether the badges had any effect at all. Overpromising on their power could lead to returns and risked damaging the reputation he and his friends had spent three years building. It simply wasn¡¯t worth it.


    Just as Neville was hesitating, Lupin unexpectedly spoke up.


    ¡°Perhaps¡­ it really might help,¡± he said.


    This simple comment seemed to seal Neville¡¯s decision. He handed three badges back to Kyle, then reached into his robe pocket, fishing out six Galleons. ¡°I¡¯ll buy three. This is all I have.¡±


    Kyle hesitated, looking to Lupin for clarity. He didn¡¯t quite understand why the professor would encourage this purchase. But Lupin, noticing Kyle¡¯s questioning look, gave a small shake of his head and, waiting until no one was watching, walked over to whisper an explanation.


    ¡°The most important thing when facing Dementors is courage,¡± Lupin murmured. ¡°Only by confronting them without fear can one remain unaffected. If Mr. Longbottom truly believes the badge can ward off Dementors, then, for him, it will be helpful. I think you, as the youngest Order of Merlin recipient, might understand what I mean.¡±


    If you truly believe something works, does that make it effective? Kyle pondered this for a moment.


    The concept wasn¡¯t foreign to him. Many magical practices, including the Patronus Charm, relied heavily on inner conviction. Newt had emphasized that the Patronus could only be summoned if one had a powerful and unwavering belief in the magic. Likewise, when he was learning Apparition, doubt could easily lead to failure.


    ¡°So, you mean¡­¡± Kyle said thoughtfully, ¡°the badge might give him the confidence to stand up to the Dementor without fear?¡±


    ¡°You could put it that way,¡± Lupin replied with a nod, ¡°but this only works if the Dementor manages to control its urge to feed.¡±


    He glanced over at Neville and continued in a whisper, ¡°At least for now, it seems to be doing the trick.¡±


    Kyle glanced over as well. Neville, now clutching his new badges, looked significantly calmer. His face had regained some color, and the trembling had subsided.


    ¡°A badge is just a medium. It could be anything¡ªa stone, a leaf, a branch¡­ What matters is that people believe, deep down, that it¡¯s effective.¡±


    Then Lupin turned back to Kyle with a slightly amused look. ¡°But isn¡¯t two Galleons a bit steep for a badge?¡±


    ¡°Not at all, Professor,¡± Kyle said with a grin. ¡°Ask anyone in Diagon Alley. A dragon scale costs fifteen Sickles each¡ªno discount. Then there¡¯s the cost of the engraving, plus the portal key to Romania. Two Galleons is just the cost price. I¡¯m not making a profit.¡±


    Lupin raised an eyebrow, momentarily taken aback. Indeed, anything associated with dragons didn¡¯t come cheap. With a sigh, he turned and made his way back to his seat.


    Just then, a bit of commotion sounded from outside the compartment. As soon as Lupin left, a new figure entered, looking around with an eager expression.


    ¡°Excuse me, I couldn¡¯t help overhearing,¡± they said. ¡°Do you still have any of those badges you were just talking about?¡±

 Chapter 359: Professor Lupin’s First Pay

    A young witch, perhaps twelve or thirteen, who had been peeking through the doorway, stepped into the room. "Do you have any more badges?" she asked. When Kyle didn¡¯t respond immediately, she added, "I want to buy one too."


    ¡°Yes, of course!¡± Kyle said, snapping out of his thoughts. He quickly reached into his pocket and pulled out a handful of badges. "How many would you like?"


    "Just one," she replied, stepping forward. She picked a silver-white badge and handed Kyle two Galleons.


    Not everyone loses things as often as Neville, so naturally, they don¡¯t need to buy as many.


    "Oh... an excellent choice," Kyle remarked, smiling. "The scales of an Antipodean Opaleye. That¡¯s a powerful dragon¡ªit can swallow a whole sheep in one bite.¡±


    ¡°Are these dragons really that powerful?¡± she asked, her eyes widening in surprise.


    ¡°Very powerful,¡± Kyle confirmed with a nod. ¡°And they¡¯re also the most beautiful of all dragons, admired by many.¡±


    The little witch¡¯s eyes sparkled even brighter. She left happily, clutching her badge.


    Her purchase seemed to break the ice, and soon others who had been watching from the doorway started coming in. Two Galleons was a steep price, but since it was the start of the school year, most of them had a good amount of pocket money to spend. In fact, the high price gave the badges an air of exclusivity¡ªif they were too cheap, some might have hesitated to buy them.


    And besides, these were dragon scales, known for their durability. Even if they didn¡¯t need the badges later, they could easily resell them in Diagon Alley¡­ they¡¯d definitely still fetch at least one Galleon.


    The first few buyers quickly picked out all the white badges. After much deliberation, a young wizard in line selected a blue one.


    ¡°Oh, Swedish Short-Snouts!¡± Kyle said with a grin. ¡°They breathe a unique blue flame and are incredibly fast¡ªa true nightmare for other magical creatures.¡±


    ¡°Are they strong?¡±


    ¡°Without a doubt,¡± Kyle laughed. ¡°A wise choice. I¡¯ll bet you¡¯re in Ravenclaw?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right!¡±


    Then, another student picked up a green badge.


    ¡°Common Welsh Green,¡± Kyle said, ¡°their dragon fire can shoot up to twenty feet¡­¡±


    Another student chose a brass one.


    ¡°Peruvian Vipertooth Dragons,¡± Kyle explained. ¡°They have a more lethal bite than other dragons.¡±


    ...


    More and more students were gathering around, though not everyone was there to buy a badge. Many had come simply out of curiosity, eager to see what was causing the buzz.


    After all, most students had fewer than ten Galleons to last the entire school year, so spending two Galleons on a badge was quite a luxury. With Dementors prohibited from entering the school anyway, some felt it was a bit extravagant to buy a badge¡ªthough they couldn¡¯t deny it looked impressive.


    Luckily, watching the spectacle didn¡¯t cost anything.


    A crowd gathered outside, pressing closer until the compartment¡¯s sliding door creaked slightly as it strained against the mass of students.


    ¡°Ron, could you help keep things organized?¡± Kyle asked, turning to him. ¡°I¡¯ll give you two Galleons for it.¡±


    Initially, Ron seemed ready to refuse; after all, he wanted to stay close to Harry. But at the mention of two Galleons¡­


    ¡°No problem! Leave it to me!¡± he replied enthusiastically. He gave Harry a nudge toward the corner, stood up, and marched toward the door with newfound authority. ¡°Anyone buying a badge, line up! Everyone else, back to your compartments¡­¡±


    ¡°Keep it down... What? Who am I?¡± he replied to a student questioning him, raising his chin with a smirk. ¡°My brother is Head Boy!¡±


    ...


    Not only Ron, but Professor Lupin also rose to help maintain order, though not for the two Galleons¡ªit was simply part of his responsibility as a professor.


    As an adult and a seasoned wizard, his presence naturally held more sway than Ron¡¯s, and soon the onlookers began to disperse, leaving only those genuinely interested in making a purchase. In short order, the remaining students lined up and entered the compartment in an orderly fashion.


    ...


    It was a full thirty minutes later when Kyle finally saw the last group of students leave, just as the train began to slow to a stop. They had truly arrived at Hogwarts.


    As students started disembarking, Kyle picked up two Galleons from the pile next to him and handed them to Ron. ¡°As promised, here you go.¡±


    Ron¡¯s face lit up as he accepted the coins, rubbing his hands together before carefully taking them. He squinted at the Galleons in his palm, savoring the moment; it was the most money he¡¯d ever held.


    Then, Kyle took two more Galleons and offered them to Lupin, who had been eyeing the stack. When he saw Kyle¡¯s hand extended toward him, though, Lupin shook his head firmly.


    ¡°I¡¯m a professor,¡± he said seriously, ¡°it was only right that I helped.¡± S§×ar?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°Well,¡± Kyle replied with a grin, ¡°the headmaster hasn¡¯t announced anything yet, so technically, you¡¯re not a professor just yet.¡± And with that, Kyle tossed the Galleons into Lupin¡¯s hands. ¡°Take them, sir. Besides, you¡¯ll need a proper robe as a professor.¡±


    With that, Kyle left the compartment.


    Lupin caught the coins and looked down at them, briefly considering handing them back. But when he noticed the patches on his own robes, he hesitated. Kyle was right; he could really use something new.


    Forget it, he thought. I¡¯ll just pay him back once I get my salary.


    A small smile crossed Lupin¡¯s face. It was amusing that his first earnings at Hogwarts hadn¡¯t come from Dumbledore, but from students. Two Galleons in thirty minutes¡­ he hadn¡¯t made that much in two months before. he mused to himself.


    Meanwhile, as Kyle stepped off the train, he suddenly found two hands grabbing him from either side.


    ¡°Where¡¯s our pay?¡± Fred asked with a grin.


    ¡°What pay?¡± Kyle replied, feigning ignorance.


    ¡°Don¡¯t play dumb¡ªyou won¡¯t get away with it!¡± George chimed in. ¡°We helped too, and so did Cedric and Ginny.¡±


    ¡°Yeah,¡± Fred added, ¡°two Galleons. We can¡¯t be paid less than Ron!¡±


    ¡°Pay? Nonsense!¡± Kyle responded matter-of-factly. ¡°Isn¡¯t it only right that you all help?¡±


    ¡°Oh, really?¡± Fred arched an eyebrow, looking unimpressed.


    Kyle kept walking, ignoring their stares. ¡°No money. Move along¡­¡±


    ¡°What about just two Galleons for George and me¡­¡± Fred said, trying again. ¡°Or if not Galleons, we¡¯ll take Sickles!¡±


    ¡°No.¡±


    ¡°How about a Knut, then?¡±


    ¡°No Knuts, either. How about a Nimbus?¡±


    Fred and George¡¯s faces fell, turning a distinct shade of green, while Ginny, standing nearby with an armful of sweets, burst into laughter. Cedric was also chuckling, well aware of why Kyle had given Galleons to Ron and Professor Lupin. Without their help, the badges wouldn¡¯t have sold nearly as quickly.


    Laughing and joking, the group made their way toward the carriages, where Kanna, Cho, and Luna were already waiting. Since they weren¡¯t as close with Harry and his friends, they had stayed behind in their compartment, expecting Kyle to return after a few minutes. Instead, they¡¯d waited much longer.


    ¡°What took you so long?¡± Kanna asked, looking curious. ¡°Is Potter seriously hurt? We wanted to check on him, but the crowd was so big, we couldn¡¯t even get through.¡±


    ¡°Nothing serious,¡± Kyle assured her. ¡°Young people just get tired easily. He¡¯ll sleep it off.¡±


    ¡°Then why did it take so long?¡± Cho pressed.


    ¡°There was a little incident¡­ I¡¯ll explain on the way.¡±


    Climbing into a horse-drawn carriage, Kyle used the Undetectable Extension Charm to create enough room for everyone to sit comfortably inside. He was quite adept at using the charm, and soon, there was space for all eight of them.


    One by one, the others climbed in, settling into the magically expanded space.

 Chapter 360: The Sorting

    Once everyone was seated, Kyle shut the carriage door. The carriage lurched forward, moving at a slow, plodding pace, soon trailing behind the other carriages.


    Kyle noticed the Thestral pulling their carriage glance back curiously at the one following them, its dragon-like head tilting slightly as though full of unspoken questions. Kyle had been able to see magical creatures like Thestrals ever since Quirrell had turned to dust before him. The Thestral seemed to be studying the carriage carefully, and after confirming that nothing looked amiss, it snorted softly and continued trotting forward.


    Inside, Kyle had already recounted the recent events to Kanna and the others, including what Professor Lupin had told him.


    ¡°So that¡¯s why¡­¡± Cedric mused, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. ¡°Not only did Professor Lupin not stop you from selling those badges, he even helped keep the crowd organized. He must¡¯ve known about the Dementors coming to Hogwarts. If those badges really do offer some kind of protection, then they could be helpful for most students.¡±


    ¡°Wait, what did you just say?¡± George interrupted suddenly, his voice slightly shrill. ¡°Dementors¡­ at school?¡±


    ¡°Didn¡¯t Percy mention it?¡± Cedric asked with a nod. ¡°He brought it up when we were in the Prefects¡¯ compartment. The professor asked us to reassure the students, especially the first years, and find ways to help them cope with their fears.¡±


    ¡°You mean we¡¯ll be going to classes with Dementors around?¡± Ginny¡¯s face grew pale at the thought. She still vividly remembered the bone-chilling cold that had filled their compartment when the Dementors had boarded the train. If that happened in the classroom, how would they even hold their quills, let alone pay attention?


    ¡°Of course not,¡± Cedric quickly assured them, waving his hands. ¡°They¡¯re only stationed at the entrances to the school grounds. They won¡¯t be roaming inside the castle.¡±


    Everyone breathed a sigh of relief.


    Cho glared at Cedric. ¡°Next time, maybe get to the point a little faster.¡±


    Fred and George immediately joined in, listing Cedric¡¯s faults with mock indignation. They had almost been ready to turn around and leave if Hogwarts had Dementors wandering the halls. Spending a year in a castle with those creatures would be anything but fun.


    Realizing he¡¯d worried everyone unnecessarily, Cedric lowered his head, apologizing with a sheepish smile.


    As if to confirm his words, as their carriage neared the school gates, they could see two hooded Dementors stationed there, one on either side of the entrance. As the carriage rolled between them, an icy shiver passed through the group. The bone-deep cold slowly ebbed as they continued forward, their carriage picking up speed as it moved up the slope leading to the castle.


    A few minutes later, the carriage came to a halt. Kyle was the last to step out, carefully restoring the interior to its original size. He then pulled out a small bag of Murtlap-dried rat meat, offering it to the panting Thestral as a reward for its hard work. After all, pulling a full load of eight students was no small task.


    They were the last to arrive; everyone else had already made their way into the castle. Just up the path, they could still make out the tall silhouette of Hagrid, heading toward the entrance hall.


    ¡°The first-years are here,¡± Kyle said. ¡°Let¡¯s head inside.¡±


    The group stepped onto the stone steps and hurried toward the castle entrance, where Professor Sprout waited, holding the door open. Once they entered, she closed the doors behind them.


    ¡°Next time, try not to cut it so close,¡± she said casually. ¡°Now, off to the Great Hall¡ªthe Start-of-Term Feast is about to begin.¡±


    To their right, the door to the Great Hall stood open, revealing the enchanted ceiling that displayed a dark, cloudy sky, giving the room a somber look. It seemed the weather was almost always gloomy at the Start-of-Term Feast, except for that rare sunny first year.


    The group split at the entrance, heading toward their respective house tables.


    Not long after, the new students arrived, following Professor Sprout into the Great Hall. As always, Professor Flitwick placed the Sorting Hat on its triangular stool, and it began to sing its annual song, this time in a catchy country tune that oddly suited its quirky lyrics. Yet, few students paid much attention¡ªnearly everyone was preoccupied with talk about the Dementors and the events on the train.


    ¡°Kyle, is it true?¡± came a voice.


    Before the Sorting Hat finished its song, Mikel leaned in, curiosity shining in his eyes. ¡°They¡¯re saying you chased off a Dementor on the train and saved Harry Potter!¡±


    ¡°Chased off a Dementor? Who told you that?¡± Kyle asked, raising an eyebrow. sea??h th§× N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°Susan Bones,¡± Mikel replied. ¡°She said she saw you use your wand to drive the Dementor against the window, then go to Potter¡¯s compartment after he fainted, and he woke up afterward.¡±


    Kyle remembered Susan¡ªa fellow Hufflepuff in Harry¡¯s year, always up-to-date on the latest gossip. If anyone had a question about school drama or who¡¯d earned detention, she¡¯d have the details and probably recount the story twice for good measure. She must have been nearby when he dealt with the Dementor.


    ¡°Not quite,¡± Kyle said, shaking his head. ¡°The Dementor left after its search, and Harry was actually helped by our new Defense Against the Dark Arts professor. I didn¡¯t have much to do with it.¡±


    ¡°Oh, I see¡­¡± Mikel looked a bit disappointed. ¡°A shame, though. If you had fought it off and saved Potter, you might¡¯ve been in line for another Order of Merlin.¡±


    ¡°If only,¡± Kyle laughed. ¡°But an Order of Merlin isn¡¯t that easy to come by.¡±


    ¡°Well, at least it¡¯d be worth fifty points!¡± Mikel offered, his eyes gleaming.


    Kyle shrugged, unconvinced. The Dementor search had been authorized by the Ministry of Magic. Chasing them off would hardly be rewarded¡ªhe¡¯d be lucky not to get into trouble for it.


    ¡°Hufflepuff!¡± called the Sorting Hat, echoing throughout the hall.


    The first new student was sorted into Hufflepuff, and Kyle joined in the applause, while Mikel stood up to give an enthusiastic welcome to the slightly shy newcomer.


    The Sorting Hat seemed to sense the impatience in the room, perhaps eager to let the students enjoy the feast. This year, the Sorting moved along briskly, each student taking only about twenty seconds to be sorted. It was all over in less than half an hour.


    Once the last student had been placed in Ravenclaw, Professor Flitwick removed the Sorting Hat and stool, taking them out of the hall. Then Dumbledore rose to speak.


    ¡°Welcome!¡± he said, beaming at the students as candlelight glinted off his long beard. ¡°Welcome back to Hogwarts! I have a few matters to announce, one of which is quite important, so I¡¯ll share it while everyone¡¯s still awake¡­¡±


    He cleared his throat and continued, ¡°Our school has been visited by a few Dementors, sent here by the Ministry of Magic on official business. While they are with us, I must make it very clear that no one is allowed to leave the school grounds without permission, and no tricks, disguises, or spells will deceive them.¡±


    As Dumbledore¡¯s words hung in the air, a tense silence fell over the Great Hall. Students recalled the ominous hooded figures standing guard at the gates, and some grew visibly uneasy, remembering the encounter on the train. The Dementors would remain at Hogwarts until Sirius Black was captured.


    ¡°Now, let¡¯s move on to more pleasant news,¡± Dumbledore said, his expression softening as he smiled. ¡°First, please welcome Professor Lupin, who has graciously agreed to take on the role of Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor¡­¡±


    He paused as scattered applause met his announcement.


    ¡°And also, Rubeus Hagrid, who will be stepping in to teach Care of Magical Creatures, following the retirement of Professor Kettleburn last term.¡±


    But most students, preoccupied by the thought of Dementors, offered only polite, distracted applause for the new professors, particularly for Defense Against the Dark Arts. After all, it was a subject with such rapid turnover that students hardly expected much from the new teacher. Fortunately, Hufflepuff and Gryffindor tables were far more enthusiastic, giving a warm response that brightened the mood slightly.


    ¡°Hagrid¡¯s always wanted to be a professor,¡± Cedric said with a pleased grin, clapping his hands. ¡°And now he¡¯s made it!¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± Kyle replied with a smile, glancing toward the staff table, where Hagrid was dabbing at his eyes with a corner of the tablecloth.

 Chapter 361: Hermione’s Confusion

    Dumbledore¡¯s announcement at the feast reignited interest in the dragon badges from the train, bringing Kyle another wave of eager customers the next morning.


    ¡°It really works!¡± a Gryffindor student was saying to his friend in the corridor. ¡°If the headmaster hadn¡¯t mentioned the Dementors, I wouldn¡¯t have even known they were at the gates¡­¡±


    ¡°Yeah,¡± his friend agreed. ¡°I barely feel anything, just a slight chill¡ªtotally different from the train¡­ and Potter was wearing one too. I saw him with it in the common room.¡±


    By the time they reached the Great Hall, the Hufflepuff table was already surrounded, a long line of students stretching all the way to the door, each hoping to buy a badge.


    ¡°If I¡¯d known, I would¡¯ve bought one on the train,¡± a witch near the back of the line complained to her friend. ¡°I was right there, but I didn¡¯t think the Dementors would actually come to school.¡±


    ¡°Who could¡¯ve guessed?¡± her friend sighed in agreement.


    At the front of the line, Kyle handed a badge to a Ravenclaw student, while Cedric, stationed beside him, smoothly accepted two Galleons and dropped them into the bag next to him. Kyle stifled a yawn and tapped the table, requesting a glass of lemonade. Despite being woken up early, watching the Galleons practically line up to fill his pockets made it all worthwhile.


    ¡°Amazing!¡± exclaimed a newly-badged student, marveling as he examined it. ¡°It¡¯s still warm! These dragons are something else!¡±


    Kyle shook his head subtly. The warmth had nothing to do with the dragons; he¡¯d spent the previous night placing a simple Warming Charm on each badge.


    It wasn¡¯t complicated alchemy, just a basic charm ¡°pasted¡± on, similar to the pepper layer on Pepper Imps. He¡¯d even arranged for the badges sold on the train to receive a ¡°free upgrade¡± as a bit of after-sales service.


    The charm wasn¡¯t permanent, but it would last long enough to keep up the badge¡¯s mystique. Even so, he hadn¡¯t finished until 5 a.m.¡ªand by 6 a.m., someone was already knocking on his dormitory door.


    Kyle didn¡¯t mind too much, given that the knockers came bearing Galleons, though it was tough luck for Mikel and Ryan, who had to rise early for once. By 8 a.m., the last of the 150 badges he¡¯d brought back from Romania had sold out.


    ...


    ¡°It¡¯s really all gone,¡± Kyle announced, holding up the now-empty suitcase after handing out the last badge.


    The young witch who had waited patiently in line looked crushed. S§×ar?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°Just a little more patience,¡± Kyle reassured her. ¡°There¡¯ll be more soon.¡±


    ¡°How soon is ¡®soon¡¯?¡± she asked, frowning.


    Kyle thought for a moment before answering. ¡°Probably about a month,¡± he said cautiously. Ratton, his owl, had just set off the previous night with a letter for more badges, after a hearty meal of dragon liver and a tonic. But Romania wasn¡¯t close, and it also depended on Charlie¡¯s availability, so a month was the best guess he could give.


    After breakfast, Kyle, in high spirits, was headed to his first Charms class when he heard someone call his name from behind.


    ¡°Hermione? What¡¯s up?¡± he asked, glancing around. ¡°Where are Harry and Ron?¡±


    Hermione was rarely seen without them, but today she was alone.


    ¡°They went up to the West Tower,¡± Hermione replied. ¡°I wanted to ask you something, so I didn¡¯t go with them.¡±


    ¡°Something about the badge?¡± Kyle asked, extending his hand. ¡°No problem, I can add a Warming Charm.¡±


    ¡°No, it¡¯s not the badge,¡± Hermione shook her head, reaching into her robes. She pulled out a thin, long gold chain with a small hourglass pendant gleaming at the end.


    ¡°It¡¯s this!¡±


    ¡°The Time-Turner?¡± Kyle raised an eyebrow. ¡°You¡¯re taking all the classes too?¡±


    ¡°Yes, that¡¯s why Professor McGonagall applied for it,¡± Hermione nodded. ¡°But she warned me there could be risks with using it and suggested I think it over. So, I wanted to ask your advice¡­ you used a Time-Turner last year, didn¡¯t you?¡±


    ¡°What makes you think that?¡± Kyle asked with a hint of a smile.


    ¡°I heard you took all the same classes last year,¡± Hermione said, sounding quite certain. ¡°And that time you said you got to the eighth floor through a secret passage¡ªthat wasn¡¯t true, was it? There had to be two of you at once, one in the Great Hall and one on the eighth floor.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re not wrong,¡± Kyle admitted, smiling. ¡°What do you want to know?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not sure I want to use it anymore,¡± Hermione admitted, looking down at the Time-Turner in her hand. ¡°Being outside of normal time¡­ is it really as serious as Professor McGonagall made it sound?¡±


    ¡°Serious, but not as dangerous as it sounds,¡± Kyle replied after a moment¡¯s thought. ¡°As long as you¡¯re only using it at school and not rewinding more than a day, the risks are minimal. Unless, of course, a powerful wizard is specifically targeting you¡­¡±


    Kyle¡¯s tone grew heavy with his last words, giving Hermione pause.


    ¡°But that sort of thing is extremely unlikely,¡± he added, his tone returning to normal. ¡°We¡¯re just students, and those from the past are unlikely to even know we exist.¡±


    ¡°So there¡¯s really no problem, then?¡± Hermione asked, her spirits lifting.


    ¡°It¡¯s still a small risk,¡± Kyle said cautiously. ¡°It¡¯s rare, but not impossible. A 99.9% chance isn¡¯t the same as 100%, and that¡¯s why Professor McGonagall advised against it. It¡¯s safest not to use it.¡±


    ¡°But¡­¡± Hermione¡¯s expression wavered. ¡°I really want to take all the classes.¡±


    ¡°You could,¡± Kyle said, shaking his head, ¡°but it¡¯s not necessary. Some classes aren¡¯t that essential. I dropped Arithmancy and Muggle Studies last year.¡±


    ¡°But they¡¯re so interesting,¡± Hermione protested.


    ¡°Well, that¡¯s how you feel now,¡± Kyle replied. ¡°But taking on too much will spread your focus thin. You¡¯ll end up knowing a little about everything but nothing in depth.¡±


    ¡°How about this¡­¡± Kyle checked the time. ¡°There¡¯s still a bit before class starts. Go talk to Professor McGonagall and see if she¡¯ll let you use the same method I did last year. When two electives clash, just take one. After you¡¯ve sampled all the classes, then you can decide if you really need the Time-Turner.¡±

 Chapter 362: The Summoning and Banishing Charm

    Half an hour before her first lesson, Hermione followed Kyle¡¯s advice and went to see Professor McGonagall. Kyle didn¡¯t know if she would choose to keep using the Time-Turner or take only the classes she could attend without it. But judging by the thoughtful, conflicted look on her face when she returned, he guessed it would be the former. Hermione looked as hesitant as she had when she¡¯d left, which suggested she¡¯d already made up her mind.


    But even if she used the Time-Turner, Kyle wasn¡¯t too worried. The conditions required to interfere with someone outside of their own time were highly complex¡ªand, in any case, the special Time-Turners were exceedingly rare, with few wizards having both the knowledge and power of someone like Salazar Slytherin to manipulate them.


    Pushing the thought aside, Kyle climbed the stairs, heading to his first Charms class of the year.


    ... Sear?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Professor Flitwick¡¯s Charms class, however, was moving at a slower pace than Kyle would have liked. For their first lesson of the year, the topic was the Summoning Charm, ¡°Accio¡±¡ªa charm Kyle had mastered well before starting at Hogwarts. In fact, Oren had covered it briefly when discussing defenses against magical creatures at the end of first year, including the charm¡¯s hand movements and incantation. Back then, few students had paid much attention.


    ¡°,¡± Kyle murmured, waving his wand lightly. A quill floated off the shelf and into his hand.


    ¡°Perfect demonstration! Five points to Hufflepuff!¡± Professor Flitwick beamed at him before turning to the class. ¡°All right, everyone, give it a try. This charm is quite simple, but please remember¡ªwhen reciting the incantation, you must focus intently on the item you wish to summon. Imagine it as clearly as possible¡­ and keep your wand hand steady. Otherwise, it might land on your head!¡±


    As he had when teaching them the Levitation Charm in their first year, Professor Flitwick passed around quills, though this time they had to not only levitate but fly directly into their owners¡¯ hands.


    He walked around the classroom, offering patient corrections wherever needed. When he reached Kyle¡¯s desk, he found him coaching Ryan on the hand motion for the charm. Ryan¡¯s attempts had repeatedly gone astray, either summoning the wrong quill from across the room or swiping the one belonging to Mikel. The quill in front of him, however, remained perfectly still.


    ¡°That can happen if there are several similar objects nearby,¡± Professor Flitwick explained, stepping up to help. ¡°Try marking your quill with a bit of ink to make it easier to focus on.¡±


    Ryan nodded, realizing his oversight, and quickly searched his bag for a bottle of ink.


    After that, Professor Flitwick turned his attention back to Kyle.


    ¡°I had a feeling this charm wouldn¡¯t be much of a challenge for you,¡± he whispered with a smile. ¡°So I have an extra task for you in today¡¯s lesson.¡±


    ¡°Of course, Professor,¡± Kyle replied, intrigued.


    ¡°Try altering the trajectory of the Summoning Charm so the quill appears somewhere other than directly in front of you.¡±


    Professor Flitwick gave a light wave of his wand, and the quill on the table floated up. Instead of coming straight to him, it twirled a few times in the air before landing gracefully in Kyle¡¯s hand.


    Kyle looked at the quill now bouncing playfully on his palm. ¡°This is still a Summoning Charm?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s a specialized application,¡± Professor Flitwick explained, ¡°sometimes called the Summoning and Banishing Charm. Many think that once they know the Summoning Charm, they can rely on it exclusively or substitute it with the Levitation Charm. But I¡¯ve always believed they have distinct uses.¡±


    A nostalgic smile spread across Flitwick¡¯s face. ¡°The first time I won a dueling contest, I used a well-aimed rock to knock my opponent¡¯s wand clean out of his hand.¡±


    Kyle regarded the quill thoughtfully, understanding Flitwick¡¯s point. The key difference was that the Levitation Charm couldn¡¯t affect living things, but the Summoning Charm could. This made it far more versatile in certain scenarios.


    ¡°Professor, is the incantation the same?¡± Kyle asked eagerly.


    This advanced version had a lot of potential uses beyond quills and stones. He could think of some lively magical plants¡ªlike Chomping Cabbage, Venomous Tentacula, or even a fresh Mandrake¡ªthat would make an impressive surprise if they could be summoned with a controlled trajectory.


    Professor Flitwick chuckled at Kyle¡¯s enthusiasm. ¡°The incantation remains the same. The real trick lies in manipulating the ¡®tracing magic¡¯ as the summoned object moves, so you can guide it to a different spot.¡±


    ¡°Give it a try,¡± Flitwick encouraged with a twinkle in his eye. ¡°Consider it a challenge. I think I had something about Tracing Magic in my notes from your third year.¡±


    ¡°Yes, it¡¯s on the same page as the Summoning Charm,¡± Kyle confirmed, raising his wand.


    ¡°¡± he incanted, concentrating on making the quill take a more creative route.


    A quill floated off a nearby shelf, wobbling mid-air as it veered left, then turned in a shaky loop before bobbing backward slightly. It finally staggered over and plopped into Kyle¡¯s hand.


    Professor Flitwick, watching intently, gave an encouraging nod. ¡°Not bad at all¡­ Though this requires fine control, so it¡¯s perfectly normal for the charm to misbehave on the first try.¡±


    He cleared his throat, beaming. ¡°But I¡¯m confident you¡¯ll have this perfected with a few more tries. Remember, the key lies in adjusting the Tracing Magic.¡±


    With that, he walked off with a purposeful stride. ¡°Mr. Todd, Mr. Weasley¡­ we¡¯re working only with quills right now, so put those Exploding Snap cards away¡­¡±


    Before he could finish, several Exploding Snap cards collided mid-air with a deafening crack, sending small sparks and puffs of smoke through the room.


    Fortunately, these were harmless, just meant for fun. But the noise had startled half the class, causing several students who were just about to cast the Summoning Charm to fumble, dropping their quills to the floor.


    As for the students responsible, they each lost ten points and earned a double assignment for their troubles.

 Chapter 363: Defense Against the Dark Arts Worth Anticipating

    Trying to alter the trajectory of the Summoning Charm turned out to be much harder than Kyle had anticipated. By the end of Charms class, he had only managed to make the quill stop about half a meter in front of him instead of coming directly to his hand. Determined to master it, he decided to keep practicing in the next class.


    During the second session of History of Magic, Kyle continued his efforts.


    Professor Binns, the ghostly instructor, had hundreds of years of teaching experience under his belt¡ªand the dubious distinction of being Hogwarts'' most ¡°popular¡± professor for inducing sleep. He rarely intervened in whatever students did in his class unless their snoring became too loud, disturbing him while he droned on.


    ¡°In 1612, the goblins used a tavern in Hogsmeade as their headquarters and launched a rebellion against both male and female wizards¡­¡± he read in his usual monotonous voice, reciting directly from the book about the Goblin Rebellions.


    Seated in the back row, Kyle seized the opportunity provided by the gentle snores around him, discreetly practicing the Summoning Charm under his desk.


    Kanna, who had initially been trying to follow along with Professor Binns, soon found her attention drifting to the quill that kept bobbing and floating sporadically in front of Kyle. She recognized what he was working on from Charms class and couldn¡¯t resist watching for a while, trying to imitate his hand movements under her own desk. Her progress was slower than Kyle¡¯s, but at least it was more interesting than falling asleep.


    Feeling both curious and bored, Kanna decided not to give up just yet. Determined to find something to do to stay awake, she pulled out her wand and quill again, quietly joining Kyle in his practice.


    ...


    As History of Magic ended, students who had been dozing off stirred awake almost in unison, rubbing their eyes and gathering up their books with loud yawns, ready to head to the Great Hall for lunch. But just as Kyle reached the entrance, he was stopped¡ªnot by Hermione this time, but by Daphne Greengrass, a Slytherin girl known for getting straight to business.


    ¡°Kyle, I¡¯m here to buy a badge,¡± Daphne said without preamble. ¡°Just tell me the price.¡±


    Kyle didn¡¯t mind her bluntness; Daphne was a frequent customer, quick to pay, and always ordered the most premium version of whatever he offered. But this time, she wasn¡¯t alone; she had a younger girl with her, whom Kyle recognized as a new first-year student.


    ¡°This is my younger sister,¡± Daphne added impatiently, noticing Kyle¡¯s gaze. ¡°I¡¯m buying her the badge this time.¡±


    The younger girl was much more polite than her sister. Though she seemed a bit shy, she greeted Kyle earnestly. ¡°Hello, I¡¯m Astoria Greengrass, first-year Slytherin.¡±


    ¡°Hello, I¡¯m¡ª¡±


    ¡°Enough with the introductions,¡± Daphne interrupted, looking at Kyle with her usual bluntness. ¡°Just get the badge¡ªthe best one. None of that cheap rubbish you sold to Longbottom.¡±


    Her attitude was as curt as ever.


    ¡°I sold out of the badges this morning,¡± Kyle replied.


    Daphne frowned, just about to ask for clarification, when Kyle pulled an elegant wooden box from his pocket. Daphne recognized it instantly¡ªthe box was crafted from freshly-cut mountain ash wood, with its distinctive soft color and lustrous finish. She knew the material well, as her room was furnished with similar wood.


    ¡°What¡¯s this?¡± Daphne asked, intrigued. ¡°Didn¡¯t you say there were no more badges?¡±


    ¡°A dragon¡¯s not only scales,¡± Kyle grinned. ¡°This might meet your requirements.¡±


    He opened the box, revealing a five-inch dragon tooth that gleamed with a silvery-white coil wrapped around it. The tooth had a sharp, dagger-like appearance, clearly something rare.


    ¡°This is from a Hungarian Horntail. I think you¡¯re familiar with that breed,¡± Kyle explained.


    Daphne merely nodded, her eyes shifting to the silvery-white coil.


    ¡°That¡¯s unicorn hair,¡± Kyle continued. ¡°Unicorns are also a natural counter to Dementors. Their purity makes Dementors extremely uncomfortable.¡±


    Daphne¡¯s eyes lit up. ¡°One hundred Galleons.¡±


    Kyle chuckled. ¡°The unicorn hair coil makes it easy to attach to a bag or robe, but if you¡¯d prefer, I can remove it, bringing the price down to twenty Galleons.¡±


    ¡°No need.¡± Daphne didn¡¯t hesitate. She thrust the box into Astoria¡¯s hands and handed Kyle a heavy pouch. ¡°Here are one hundred Galleons. I¡¯ll take it as is.¡±


    Astoria curiously opened the box and touched the unicorn hair coil. A warm, comforting sensation ran through her fingertips. She looked up at Kyle, impressed. When she¡¯d heard the price, she¡¯d assumed it was some sort of scam. But now she could tell this was worth every Galleon¡ªunicorn hair was notoriously rare and expensive, making this not only beautiful but practical.


    For the same price, she thought, this was far more special than the gemstone brooch she had at home.


    Wait¡­ did my sister just call him Kyle?


    Astoria suddenly recalled that Draco had mentioned this name to her a month ago when the Malfoys came to visit. He¡¯d even given her a map yesterday, supposedly bought from this same person.


    Daphne¡¯s voice suddenly cut through Astoria¡¯s thoughts. ¡°Let¡¯s go, Astoria.¡±


    Astoria snapped back to the present and politely said to Kyle, ¡°It was a pleasure to meet you. Goodbye!¡± before being whisked into the Great Hall by her sister.


    ¡°Are they really sisters?¡± Kanna whispered to Kyle as the two girls disappeared. ¡°How can their personalities be so different?¡±


    ¡°It does seem odd, but it¡¯s actually pretty common,¡± Kyle replied with a shrug. ¡°Look at Percy and Fred and George. Would you say they¡¯re alike?¡±


    Kanna chuckled, nodding in agreement. ¡°Good point.¡±


    Kyle tucked the hefty pouch of one hundred Galleons into his bag and walked into the Great Hall with Kanna by his side.


    ¡°A hundred Galleons seems a bit steep, doesn¡¯t it?¡± Kanna asked as she watched him settle into a seat. ¡°I mean, things with unicorn hair usually only go for a few dozen Galleons. Aren¡¯t you worried she might think twice about paying that much?¡±


    ¡°Not at all,¡± Kyle replied, casually helping himself to some food. ¡°This time, the unicorn hair is from complete tails, so it¡¯s naturally more expensive. And if someone doesn¡¯t buy it, I can just uncoil it and use the unicorn hair elsewhere.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s this about unicorn hair?¡± Cedric asked, sliding onto the bench next to Kyle. But he didn¡¯t wait for an answer, his tone more curious than serious. ¡°Anyway, what time¡¯s your Defense Against the Dark Arts class?¡±


    ¡°Tomorrow morning,¡± Kanna replied, glancing at her schedule. ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°Something to look forward to,¡± Cedric said, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial tone. ¡°Defense Against the Dark Arts this year is nothing like the past two years. It¡¯s actually amazing!¡±


    Pouring himself some pumpkin juice, Cedric looked thrilled. ¡°At long last, Headmaster Dumbledore has found a professor who really knows their stuff!¡±


    S~ea??h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Chapter 364: The Hippogriff

    "Hagrid, isn''t your first lesson starting soon?" Kyle asked, approaching Hagrid, who was busy working in a paddock near the edge of the Forbidden Forest. "How are you getting on?"


    "I''m so nervous," Hagrid replied with a wide grin, carrying a wooden frame in his arms. "I got up at five this morning to make sure everything was ready. I just hope the lesson goes well... I''m finally a professor¡­ When Professor Dumbledore told me the news, I couldn¡¯t sleep for days. I even dreamed about the start of term."


    "You¡¯d better keep that to yourself," Kyle chuckled. "You know, students would love nothing more than for the holidays to last forever."


    Hagrid laughed heartily. "I don¡¯t get to decide the length of holidays, now, do I? But it¡¯s unbelievable... I¡¯m a professor¡­" He paused, noticing the shelf he¡¯d just placed looked a bit off, so he moved it higher and adjusted its direction. Then, glancing over at Kyle, he asked, "You¡¯re coming to my class, right? Tomorrow, isn¡¯t it?"


    "Tomorrow afternoon, first period," Kyle confirmed, watching Hagrid intently before adding, "But, Hagrid, I think you should choose a different Magical Creature for the lesson."


    "Hm? What was that?" Hagrid seemed not to have heard as he continued fiddling with the shelf.


    Kyle continued, "If I were you, I definitely wouldn¡¯t introduce Hippogriffs to third-years on their first day."


    "Oh, don¡¯t worry about that," Hagrid said, turning back with a gleam in his eye. "I¡¯ve been planning this for three weeks¡ªthis lesson¡¯s going to be amazing! Why aren¡¯t they here yet? I can¡¯t wait to get started." He couldn¡¯t help but keep glancing towards the castle, an eager look on his face. But then, something dawned on him.


    "Wait¡­ Kyle, how did you know I was planning on introducing Buckbeak and the others? You haven¡¯t been sneaking into the Forbidden Forest, have you? I¡¯ve told you before, it¡¯s dangerous, and you¡¯re not to go in there without permission."


    "Of course not, and there was no need to," Kyle replied. "Remember? The first chapter of is all about Hippogriffs."


    Kyle pointed to a ferret resting on the shelf. "And that... well, anyone who knows Magical Creatures would recognize that it¡¯s a Hippogriff¡¯s favorite snack."


    "Was it that obvious?" Hagrid looked a bit deflated. "I thought I¡¯d hidden it well."


    "Change it," Kyle urged again. "Hippogriffs are classified as XXX-level creatures¡ªthey¡¯re not suitable for third-year students."


    "Oh, you mean this little guy?" Hagrid said with a shrug. "Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ll make sure to remind them. As long as they¡¯re polite, Hippogriffs aren¡¯t dangerous at all."


    "And can you guarantee that every student will listen to you?" Kyle asked. "Harry and his friends, sure. But what about the Slytherins?"


    Hagrid¡¯s lips moved slightly, and he murmured, "But... I¡¯m a professor now... they¡¯ve got to listen to me¡­ haven¡¯t they?"


    "Are you certain of that?" Kyle pressed. Hagrid¡¯s voice dropped even lower, almost inaudible, and Kyle couldn¡¯t quite catch his response. But Kyle continued, unfazed. "Last year, our first lesson in Care of Magical Creatures was on Bowtruckles, and some students still ended up with pricked fingers."


    "Now, if that happened with Bowtruckles, how do you think it¡¯ll go with ferocious Hippogriffs? They¡¯re quick-tempered, and if someone acts the slightest bit disrespectful, they could lash out¡ªand that¡¯s dangerous. You can¡¯t guarantee every student will behave perfectly, and you can¡¯t keep an eye on everyone all at once. It¡¯s just not realistic."


    The longer Kyle spoke, the quieter Hagrid became. He¡¯d thought of everything¡ªexcept what might happen if the students didn¡¯t behave.


    "You could choose something else," Kyle suggested, ticking off on his fingers. "A Bowtruckle, a Fairy, a Niffler, a Billywig, a Kneazle¡­ all much safer than Hippogriffs."


    "But¡­" Hagrid stammered, looking conflicted. "It''s my first lesson, and I want to make a good impression. Nothing says ''impressive'' like Hippogriffs. They''re beautiful¡ªway more exciting than a Niffler."


    "For most students, they may not agree. As a professor, you have to start thinking from the students'' point of view," Kyle advised. "As for making an impression¡­" He raised an eyebrow, adding, "If you could bring in a baby Unicorn, I guarantee they''d be spellbound. Young Unicorns aren¡¯t averse to boys, and if you let the students pet or cuddle a golden one¡­ well, by the end of term, you''d be the most popular professor at Hogwarts. Even Headmaster Dumbledore would have to line up to get into your class."


    "D-Dumbledore, Professor¡­" Hagrid stammered, suddenly looking flustered. "That¡¯s¡­ that¡¯s impossible. You¡¯re having me on, aren¡¯t you?" But then he paused, as if considering it. "Actually, there is a baby Unicorn in the Forbidden Forest, just turned one month old today¡­ but Kadita wouldn¡¯t let me bring it."


    Kadita must be one of the Unicorns, Kyle thought. Hagrid has a habit of naming every Magical Creature he meets in the Forbidden Forest. How he remembers them all is a mystery.


    "That''s exactly why it¡¯d be so impressive," Kyle said, glancing at the clock. "There¡¯s less than half an hour until class starts, so if you¡¯re going to try, you¡¯d better hurry." S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Hagrid hesitated, then turned and strode toward the Forbidden Forest.


    Later, Kyle found a group of tethered Hippogriffs behind the paddock. Just as Hagrid had described, the creatures were magnificent, their feathers gleaming in shades of stormy gray, crystal red-brown, and inky black. They shook their fierce heads and spread their powerful wings, clearly displeased with being restrained.


    Kyle approached them slowly and, one by one, unfastened their chains and leather collars.


    "Fly¡­" he murmured softly.


    The gray Hippogriff stepped forward, bent its front knee, and assumed an unmistakable bowing position. Then, with a powerful flap of its twelve-foot wings, it took off, soaring into the depths of the Forbidden Forest with the other Hippogriffs following close behind.


    All that remained was a trail of abandoned chains and collars. Kyle wasn¡¯t worried about whether Hagrid would return empty-handed or not; there was still time to gather a few Magical Creatures for class. Several Rowan trees stood nearby, and he could easily find a dozen Bowtruckles among them¡ªmore than enough for a lesson.


    Only then did Kyle turn and make his way back to the castle.

 Chapter 365: Give Us One Reason Not to Kill You

    In the afternoon, they had Ancient Runes. This year, Professor Babbling still hadn''t managed to convince Dumbledore to let her combine multiple grades into one class. This frustrated her, and she made sure the students felt it, too.


    "How do different arrangements of the runes affect the completed symbol?" she asked, starting off the lesson.


    Cho looked at the board and felt her head begin to spin. "But Professor¡­" she said, raising her hand, "isn''t this usually the last topic we cover? Today¡¯s only the first day of school!"


    "That''s right. You all did very well last year," Professor Babbling replied, her gray eyes twinkling as she smiled. "So I¡¯ve decided to skip over the basics and focus on some real knowledge."


    "Everyone, look here. The pictograph has several components. Let¡¯s start with the most complex one¡­"


    Cho¡¯s head swam again as she watched Professor Babbling draw the intricate pictograph. She couldn¡¯t make heads or tails of it but tried to concentrate, frantically scribbling everything down.


    Poor Kanna, sitting beside her, was in the same predicament. Her hand never stopped moving, her quill nearly sparking across the parchment as she struggled to keep up.


    When class finally ended, Cho and Kanna let out sighs of relief, rubbing their wrists as though they¡¯d barely survived an ordeal. They¡¯d been taking notes non-stop, and their hands were numb and aching.


    It was then that Kanna noticed the parchment on Kyle''s desk¡ªcompletely blank.


    "Kyle, did you understand everything?" she asked, astonished.


    Hearing this, Cho turned as well, looking at Kyle with an expression as though he were some sort of supernatural being.


    "Understand it all? No," Kyle admitted with a shake of his head. "This is something you have to build on gradually. Professor Babbling was a bit all over the place. No way anyone could learn it all in just one class."


    "Then why didn¡¯t you take any notes?" Kanna asked, puzzled. "Didn¡¯t you hear clearly? You can copy mine if you want." She pushed her stack of notes toward him. "Though I missed some bits, so it might not be complete."


    "Same here," Cho added, sliding over her own stack. "You could compare both sets and fill in any gaps¡­ I don''t want to look at these notes again anytime soon."


    Kyle shook his head. "No need. I¡¯m not planning to copy them. I wasn¡¯t going to from the start, or I¡¯d have used a Self-Writing Quill."


    "Oh¡­ the Self-Writing Quill¡­" Cho groaned, grabbing her head. "Ugh, why didn¡¯t I think of that!"


    But Kanna furrowed her brow, suddenly realizing something. "Wait¡­ so you¡¯re not taking any notes at all?"


    "Correct." Kyle shrugged, reaching into his bag and placing a thick book on the table.


    "I was tipped off about it last year," he explained, flipping open the book. "So I borrowed it from the library for the entire year. Look here¡ªthis is exactly what Professor Babbling was talking about."


    Kyle turned a few more pages. "And this part, too¡­"


    Both Cho and Kanna leaned over to inspect the book.


    There was a brief silence as they absorbed what they saw. Then, the air around them grew noticeably colder.


    Kanna and Cho positioned themselves on either side of Kyle, their glares fixed on him with an intensity that could rival a storm.


    "You have one minute to explain," Kanna said, baring her teeth menacingly.


    Cho¡¯s fists were clenched as well. "Give us one good reason not to strangle you."


    "No¡­ this isn¡¯t my fault!" Kyle said, looking nervously at Kanna. "I did try to tell you. At least three times! I said it was all in the book and there was no need to write it all down. But every time, you told me to shut up so I wouldn¡¯t distract you."


    "And you were even worse," he added, looking over at Cho. "I nudged you to let you know, but you tried to kick me. Luckily, I dodged in time." He lifted the hem of his robe, where a faint shoe print was still visible.


    Cho¡¯s face flushed, and she stammered, at a loss for words. She vaguely remembered Kyle trying to get her attention, but at the time, Professor Babbling had been discussing something crucial, and she¡¯d reacted automatically.


    There was another brief silence.


    Then, with a huff, Cho and Kanna silently picked up their notes and strode out of the classroom.


    ...


    By the time dinner was served, Cho and Kanna had already borrowed their own copies of from the library and were seated at the table, engrossed in their reading. The library had plenty of copies of each specialized book, so they didn¡¯t have to wait in line.


    Seeing how focused they were, Kyle decided not to disturb them. Instead, he headed over to Cedric¡¯s table and took a seat.


    The Great Hall was especially lively tonight, particularly around the Gryffindor and Slytherin tables. Even from a distance, Kyle could hear Ron¡¯s booming voice, clearly bragging to Fred about something.


    "You¡¯ll never guess what the baby Unicorn looked like when I first saw it¡ªit was gold!" Ron exclaimed.


    "Hagrid is amazing..." Hermione added. "I¡¯ve read that baby Unicorns are very rare and are usually kept safe in the deepest parts of the forest."


    "And I got to hold it¡­" Ron continued, narrowing his eyes with a slightly dazed look. "I don¡¯t think I want to wash my hands again this school year."


    Fred and George took a step back, looking disgusted.


    "Did you see Malfoy?" Harry chimed in, his face alight with excitement. "He kept trying to provoke Hagrid when we first got to the paddock, but the moment he saw the baby Unicorn, he clammed right up."


    "If you ask me, Hagrid shouldn¡¯t let someone like him near a Unicorn," Ron muttered.


    "Ron, Hagrid¡¯s a professor now!" Hermione chided. "He has to treat all students equally."


    "Yeah, sure¡­" Ron shrugged, sounding unconvinced. "But you know Snape doesn¡¯t think that way."


    ¡­


    "By Merlin, a Unicorn!" Cedric, who had been listening in as well, looked amazed. "Unbelievable! When we were third years, all we had were Bowtruckles and Puffskeins, and last year it was just Salamanders!"


    "Do you think it¡¯s just for the third years, or will he show one to every year?" Cedric asked, glancing at Kyle.


    "Not sure," Kyle replied, glancing over at the cheerful Gryffindor and Slytherin tables. "But you could always ask him." sea??h th§× n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "I¡¯ll do that first thing tomorrow morning," Cedric said, still looking a bit in awe. "How did Hagrid even manage that? Unicorns are some of the wariest Magical Creatures around. I¡¯ve never heard of one in class before, let alone a baby."


    Kyle took a bite of schnitzel, choosing not to comment.


    It didn¡¯t surprise him that Hagrid had been able to bring the Unicorn. If anyone at Hogwarts could gain the trust of such a creature, it would be Hagrid. Not even Professor Kettleburn had managed it before his retirement¡ªotherwise, he wouldn¡¯t have ended up stabbed in the stomach during one of his lessons.


    "This year¡¯s classes are all incredible! Defense Against the Dark Arts is like this, and now Care of Magical Creatures, too¡­" Cedric said excitedly, glancing at his schedule. "Too bad we don¡¯t have Hagrid¡¯s class until Friday."

 Chapter 366: Griselda Marchbanks

    The next day was Thursday. After breakfast, Kyle and Kanna walked out of the Great Hall together, ready to head to Transfiguration class. When they arrived at the classroom, they found Professor McGonagall already waiting outside the door, effectively blocking their entrance.


    ¡°Miss Prince, would you please go in first?¡± she said, gesturing to Kanna.


    ¡°Yes, Professor McGonagall.¡± Kanna nodded and walked into the classroom without hesitation.


    Then Professor McGonagall turned to Kyle, guiding him into the adjacent hallway. She smiled warmly as she began, ¡°Do you remember the paper you submitted to me a month ago?¡±


    ¡°You mean the Transfiguration Today Most Promising Newcomer Award?¡± Kyle asked, a bit surprised. ¡°Is it time already?¡±


    ¡°Not quite,¡± Professor McGonagall replied, her smile widening. ¡°But I have some inside information¡­ good news, actually. Hulse, the Editor-in-Chief overseeing the Newcomer Award, is a friend of mine. I happened to ask her about it in a recent letter, and while she didn¡¯t say anything outright, she dropped a hint... Madam Marchbanks really appreciates your paper.¡±


    ¡°Madam Marchbanks¡­¡± Kyle repeated thoughtfully. ¡°Is she the Lady Marchbanks from the Wizarding Examinations Authority?¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t expect you to know about her.¡± Professor McGonagall looked a bit surprised. Madam Marchbanks, after all, was over 120 years old and seldom seen. She only visited Hogwarts at the end of each school year to oversee the O.W.L. and N.E.W.T. exams for fifth and seventh years. Most younger students hadn¡¯t even heard of her.


    ¡°Charlie mentioned her once,¡± Kyle explained. ¡°He said that after the O.W.L.s, he saw Professor Dumbledore personally escorting an elderly woman out of the school. Later, he told us it was Madam Marchbanks, who¡¯s been with the Ministry of Magic for a century and was even Dumbledore¡¯s examiner when he graduated.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s true,¡± Professor McGonagall nodded. ¡°Madam Marchbanks has examined many people¡­ including Professor Dumbledore. But that¡¯s not her only distinction. She¡¯s well known in academia; she has substantial influence, both with and the Most Extraordinary Society of Potioneers.¡±


    Kyle nodded, understanding now. Anyone whom even Dumbledore respected must hold a significant place in the wizarding world. The Wizarding Examinations Authority was notoriously dull, with a tedious, monotonous workload and the lowest pay in the Ministry¡ªbarely half that of other departments. A three- to five-year stint was considered long by most standards, but Madam Marchbanks had held her position for a hundred years.


    ¡°So you see,¡± Professor McGonagall continued, ¡°earning her approval means your paper is likely in very good standing. I expect representatives from will visit after Christmas to ask you some questions as a final test. If you pass, your paper will appear in the next issue of the magazine¡ªright on the front page, in the most prominent position.¡±


    By now, it was almost time for class to start. Quickening her pace, Professor McGonagall glanced at Kyle as they headed towards the classroom door. ¡°Prepare well,¡± she advised. ¡°Their questions won¡¯t be easy.¡±


    Just before the bell rang, both of them slipped into the classroom together.


    Kanna had saved him a seat, so Kyle walked over and sat down beside her.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± Kanna whispered. ¡°Did you get caught selling high-priced jewelry?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not about that.¡± Kyle was about to explain about the essay, but Professor McGonagall started speaking, so he just shook his head and murmured, ¡°I¡¯ll tell you after class¡­¡±


    As they settled in, Professor McGonagall¡¯s smile quickly vanished, replaced by her usual serious expression.


    ¡°Fourth year is a critical time,¡± she began. ¡°Next year, you¡¯ll be sitting your O.W.L. exams, and I expect you all to take this more seriously than you have in previous years.¡±


    ¡°Today, we¡¯ll be covering transmutation. This is a topic that will most certainly appear on the O.W.L.s. Remember, it¡¯s not a possibility¡ªit¡¯s a certainty. Everything you¡¯ve learned so far has been foundational. Only once you understand transmutation can you truly say you¡¯ve begun to master Transfiguration.¡±


    Her sharp gaze swept across the classroom, and everyone instinctively straightened their posture, holding their breath. Sear?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°Very well. Open your textbooks. We¡¯ll start with some of the simpler concepts. Unlike stationary objects, Transfiguration must be adjusted when switching between living species¡­¡±


    After explaining the key points, Professor McGonagall produced a guinea fowl and, with a wave of her wand, transformed it into a plump guinea pig.


    ¡°This is your assignment for today. If there¡¯s a single feather left on it, you fail!¡±


    The classroom soon filled with the sound of flapping wings and occasional yelps as students got pecked by their guinea fowl. By the end of class, only three students had met the requirements. Most of the guinea pigs turned in still had feathers, indicating a clear failure, and Professor McGonagall¡¯s expression darkened.


    As Kyle and Kanna left the Transfiguration classroom, they headed toward the staircase, and Kyle filled her in on the essay news.


    Kanna was initially surprised, but after a moment, she realized it wasn¡¯t entirely unexpected. After all, considering Kyle¡¯s Order of Merlin, Second Class, and the trio of Special Awards for Services to the School displayed in the Trophy Room, the Most Promising Newcomer Award seemed almost minor.


    ¡°I had a feeling it would work out,¡± Kanna said, patting him on the shoulder with a smile. ¡°After the issue is released over the Christmas holiday, I¡¯ll buy a few extra copies to support you.¡±


    ¡°Aw, that¡¯s embarrassing¡­¡± Kyle said, lowering his voice. ¡°How many copies? Five hundred? I could ask Professor McGonagall to have a special print run done early.¡±


    ¡°Keep dreaming. Five copies is my limit,¡± Kanna replied with a smirk. ¡° is expensive¡ªI don¡¯t have that kind of money.¡±


    Kyle thought about it and realized she was right. Academic journals like that were bound to cost much more than .


    ¡°Fair enough. But don¡¯t forget to give Professor Snape a copy,¡± he said. ¡°No reason, really¡ªI¡¯d just love to hear what he thinks of my paper.¡±


    Kanna eyed him suspiciously.


    Something told her Kyle was up to something, but then again, it didn¡¯t seem like a bad idea. Besides, even if he hadn¡¯t mentioned it, she was planning to show Professor Snape anyway.

 Chapter 367: Fwooper and Hallucinations

    Because the professor changed every year, the classroom for Defence Against the Dark Arts also changed each time. Last year, Lockhart had chosen a large, sunny classroom to display his numerous self-portraits on the walls. Professor Lupin, however, had no such self-portraits¡ªbarely any photos of himself at all¡ªso he simply chose an ordinary, empty classroom.


    When they arrived, only a few students were already there, chatting amongst themselves. They sat down and waited a bit longer until Professor Lupin finally entered, carrying a faint smile and placing a battered old suitcase on the lectern. He looked notably healthier than he had on the train, possibly from a good meal, and his clean new robes made him look like a different person.


    ¡°Good morning,¡± he said cheerfully. ¡°Please put your textbooks away. Today is a practical class, and you¡¯ll only need your wands.¡±


    The students put their books away, exchanging a few curious glances. They vaguely recalled someone saying the same thing back in their first year. Oren. He had told them to put away their textbooks and focus on practicals, too.


    Some of them began to feel a spark of excitement. Although Oren had turned out to be a Dark Wizard, it was undeniable that Defence Against the Dark Arts during first year had been the most engaging. Besides, he really put effort into each lesson¡ªunlike certain other professors who seemed to just go through the motions. Those two had both clearly been unsavory types, but their dedication was as different as night and day... which was probably why Oren had managed to slip away in the end.


    ¡°All right,¡± said Professor Lupin, noting that everyone was ready. He pulled out a large cage covered with a curtain. ¡°I¡¯ve got a little surprise for you.¡±


    Everyone¡¯s expressions grew even more curious. This was just like their first lesson, when Oren had taken out a cage with Billywigs and promised them a surprise. If you ignored the contents, his and Lupin¡¯s actions¡ªeven the opening remarks¡ªwere almost identical.


    Father and son? The ages didn¡¯t match.


    Brothers? But they looked nothing alike!


    Unaware of their musings, Professor Lupin removed the cloth from the cage, revealing a bird with brilliant, colorful feathers. Its head was covered in a tuft of downy plumage, and its talons were small and shaped like upside-down teardrops.


    "I''ve been informed by the professors that Defence Against the Dark Arts has barely advanced over the past two years, so you¡­¡± His gaze lingered on Kyle for a moment. ¡°¡­most of you have a weak foundation."


    "We¡¯ve also taken down a Werewolf,¡± whispered a Ravenclaw, ¡°and in Lockhart¡¯s little play, there was a Troll, a Vampire¡­¡±


    Everyone around them understood the joke, and a ripple of laughter spread through the room.


    ¡°Alright, but that¡¯s not your true skill level,¡± Professor Lupin responded, not laughing himself, though he allowed the corners of his mouth to twitch slightly before he continued. ¡°Now, I¡¯ve asked Professor Hagrid to retrieve this from the Forbidden Forest as a little test to see how much you really know.¡±


    ¡°First question: does anyone know what kind of creature this is?¡±


    Kyle raised his hand. ¡°Fwooper.¡±


    ¡°Correct, it¡¯s a Fwooper. Five points to Hufflepuff,¡± said Professor Lupin. ¡°And what unique abilities does it have?¡±


    Cho raised her hand even faster this time. ¡°The Fwooper¡¯s song can drive people mad and cause them to act very strangely.¡±


    ¡°Exactly right. Five points to Ravenclaw,¡± Professor Lupin nodded. ¡°When you encounter a Fwooper, the best thing to do is cover your ears right away¡­ But don¡¯t worry, this Fwooper here has just had a big glass of Brandy and is still a bit drunk, so at worst, its song might make you a little dizzy.¡±


    ¡°The charm used against Fwoopers is simple as well. You just need to get them to stop singing.


    ¡°For now, let¡¯s practice the incantation without wands. Repeat after me¡­ Silencio¡±


    ¡°Silencio¡± the class echoed together.


    ¡°Very good,¡± Professor Lupin said, gesturing for everyone to stand up as he pushed the tables and chairs to the sides of the room. ¡°But just knowing the spell isn¡¯t enough. Now, let¡¯s all form a neat line. Kyle, why don¡¯t you go first?¡±


    Kyle nodded and stepped forward.


    Professor Lupin opened the cage.


    The Fwooper, however, appeared to have had one too many drinks. It stood still, eyes closed, and Kyle could even hear its soft, heavy breathing.


    ¡°Are you ready?¡± Professor Lupin asked.


    Kyle nodded, and Professor Lupin took out an old-fashioned record player. Once he received Kyle¡¯s confirmation, he placed the needle on the record.


    The upbeat sound of drums filled the classroom.


    It was by The Weird Sisters, one of the most popular dance tracks from ten years ago.


    As the music started, the Fwooper¡¯s feathers visibly quivered. It opened its eyes and, in sync with the rhythm, began to sing along cheerfully.


    Some students instinctively covered their ears, while others chose to trust Professor Lupin¡¯s assurance. They were surprised to find that the Fwooper¡¯s song wasn¡¯t unpleasant or grating but rather a clear, melodious tune, like raindrops pattering on leaves or flowers slowly unfurling¡­ Strange, why would flowers make any sound at all?


    They only snapped out of their trance when they heard a round of applause.


    The Fwooper at the front was still singing, but no sound was coming out of its open beak.


    ¡°How did it feel?¡± Professor Lupin asked with a smile.


    ¡°It was amazing!¡± an excited Ravenclaw girl replied. ¡°I heard all kinds of sounds, and it felt like I could see the Forbidden Forest filled with flowers.¡±


    ¡°It seems the Fwooper had quite a good drink. Maybe I should have given it a bit more,¡± mused Professor Lupin, then added with a grin, ¡°But I suppose it worked out well this way.¡±


    He turned to address the class. ¡°As you¡¯ve seen, this is the effect of a Fwooper¡¯s song¡ªit makes people hear or see things that aren¡¯t there¡­ like right now.¡± He gestured around the classroom. Those who hadn¡¯t covered their ears earlier were now slightly out of focus, standing just a few steps away from the rest, gazing as if into some unseen world.


    ¡°Under normal circumstances, they would already be wandering off, perhaps imagining themselves deep in the Forbidden Forest, and you¡¯d soon see a series of strange and ridiculous actions.¡±


    A few students looked disappointed; they¡¯d actually been hoping for some entertaining mishaps.


    Professor Lupin continued, ¡°This brings me to the second thing I wanted to teach you. Although Fwoopers might not sound particularly hostile, their song can lull people into illusions without them even noticing. So, stay alert no matter what."


    ¡°From now on, I¡¯ll break the charm on the Fwooper at any time, and you must be able to cast the spell immediately upon hearing it sing. Got it?¡±


    ¡°Yes, Professor!¡± everyone chorused.


    ¡°Good. Next up.¡± S~ea??h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Kyle stepped aside, and Ryan immediately stepped forward, watching the Fwooper intently. Some students covered their ears again, while others chose not to, clearly curious to see if they, too, could experience visions of a blooming Forbidden Forest. For these few, the incantation to stop the Fwooper seemed less important than the experience itself.


    Professor Lupin didn¡¯t interfere, simply observing with interest. By the end of the class, however, perhaps as the effects of the Brandy wore off, the Fwooper¡¯s song suddenly climbed to a much higher pitch.


    A few students who¡¯d been letting the song wash over them became dazed, some of them beginning to stretch their arms and legs as if climbing an invisible mountain, while others lay on the ground, kicking their legs in the air like fish floundering in the Black Lake. The rest of the class erupted into laughter.


    Ryan clutched his stomach, running over to mimic Mikel, who, rather than covering his ears, was bending his neck in a valiant attempt to bite his own heel.


    Professor Lupin chuckled as well, though he stayed alert, reaching out to pull back a student standing on the windowsill, poised for a ¡°high dive.¡±


    ¡°I think they now have a good sense of just how dangerous a Fwooper¡¯s song can be,¡± he remarked with a wry smile.


    The laughter grew even louder, but by the time the class wrapped up, everyone had mostly come back to their senses.


    As soon as the bell rang, the students rushed out of the classroom, eager to escape the lingering effects of the lesson. Behind them, the classroom was left in a complete mess.

 Chapter 368: Cedric and Fred

    Amidst the noisy hubbub, Professor Lupin had to raise his voice and call out through the door, ¡°Come back here¡ªyou haven¡¯t received your homework yet!¡±


    Whether it was his imagination or not, as soon as he said that, the students bolted even faster, and a few seconds later, they had dashed down the stairs and vanished.


    At this, even the students still in the classroom began to shuffle, glancing hopefully at the door and shifting their feet as if considering a quick escape. But a moment later, the door swung shut with a decisive click.


    ¡°Homework: please read the chapter on Fwoopers and write a short essay on handling them,¡± Professor Lupin announced, tucking away his wand with a casual air. ¡°One foot in length. And for those who left early, it¡¯s one foot six inches. Could someone in their House kindly remind them that this will be due by our next class?¡±


    Upon hearing that the escapees had an additional six inches to write, a few students patted their chests in earnestness, volunteering. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Professor Lupin, we¡¯ll make sure they know!¡±


    ¡°Trying to skip out on homework¡­ How dare they!¡± another student chimed in. ¡°Six inches longer is exactly what they deserve!¡±


    ...


    Professor Lupin nodded. ¡°That''s all, class dismissed!¡±


    The students excitedly chatted among themselves as they filed out of the classroom.


    ¡°Kyle, wait a moment. I need to talk to you about something.¡±


    Kyle, who had just reached the door, stopped in his tracks and turned around. ¡°What is it, Professor?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s just a small matter,¡± said Professor Lupin as he walked over.


    With class just ending, the corridor nearby was busy with students passing by. Professor Lupin glanced around at the students coming and going and spoke in a low voice, ¡°Come with me for a bit. It won¡¯t take long.¡±


    ¡°Okay,¡± Kyle agreed, then turned to Kanna and said, ¡°You go on to the Great Hall. I¡¯ll catch up with you in a minute.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s fine,¡± Kanna replied. ¡°Professor Lupin said it won¡¯t take long, so I¡¯ll wait here for a bit.¡±


    ¡°Well... alright.¡±


    After parting from Kanna, Kyle followed Professor Lupin through two corridors until they stopped outside the door to the staff room.


    ¡°Go on in,¡± said Professor Lupin, opening the door and stepping aside.


    Kyle had been here once before, but that was back when it was still Professor Lockhart¡¯s domain. With Professor Lupin in charge, all the excessive decorations had been removed, leaving only a few old, sturdy chairs.


    When Kyle entered, he saw someone already seated inside.


    Snape was lounging in an armchair, and he turned his head as Kyle walked in, giving him a narrow-eyed look.


    ¡°Severus,¡± Professor Lupin greeted him, ¡°what brings you here?¡±


    ¡°Dumbledore mentioned it,¡± Snape replied. ¡°I came to tell you that in a week¡¯s time, the potion will be ready. You can come to collect it then, or I can deliver it to you... whenever you need it.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Severus,¡± Professor Lupin said. ¡°This is a great help.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s for the safety of the students, so there¡¯s no other option,¡± Snape replied, casting a glance at Kyle, though whether intentional or not, it was difficult to tell.


    Kyle, however, simply looked away, feigning interest in the pattern on an old wardrobe nearby.


    ¡°Well, I¡¯ll leave you to your conversation,¡± Snape said, rising from his seat. He headed toward the door, but as he passed Kyle, he stopped abruptly and asked, almost casually, ¡°By the way, you were awarded the Order of Merlin, Second Class, for killing a werewolf at St. Mungo¡¯s, weren¡¯t you?¡±


    ¡°No,¡± Kyle replied with a faint smile. ¡°I only wounded it, Professor, and I managed that with the help of Professors Hagrid and Kettleburn.¡±


    Professor Lupin¡¯s eyebrows lifted slightly, and an uncomfortable expression crossed his face.


    ¡°Really... I must have remembered it wrong.¡±


    Snape¡¯s mouth twisted into a sneer before he turned and swept out of the room, slamming the door shut behind him.


    ¡°Alright,¡± Professor Lupin said, walking over to a corner. He opened his suitcase, pulled out several sheets of parchment, and laid them on the table. Then he took out two Galleons and handed them to Kyle along with the parchment.


    ¡°Professor, what¡¯s this for?¡±


    ¡°Remember? You lent me two Galleons on the train,¡± Professor Lupin said with a smile. ¡°It just so happens that Professor Dumbledore advanced me a month¡¯s salary.¡±


    ¡°No, Professor, I¡ª¡±


    ¡°Listen to me, Kyle,¡± Professor Lupin interrupted. ¡°I know what you¡¯re trying to say, but as a professor, I can¡¯t accept money from my students. That¡¯s simply not acceptable... Do you understand what I mean?¡±


    Professor Lupin¡¯s expression grew serious.


    ¡°I understand,¡± Kyle replied, taking the two Galleons.


    ¡°But I also want to thank you,¡± Professor Lupin added, his smile returning. ¡°Thanks to those two Galleons, I was able to buy a decent outfit for teaching.¡± He didn¡¯t hide his embarrassment and even chuckled, ¡°The cheapest clothes in Hogsmeade cost fifteen Sickles apiece, and the extra money was enough to buy a box of Chocolate Frogs, which used to be my favorite... By the way, do you collect the cards?¡±


    He pulled a Chocolate Frog card out of his pocket.


    Kyle glanced at it... Salazar Slytherin.


    "No!" Kyle shook his head decisively. S§×arch* The Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Professor Lupin seemed unbothered and simply assumed Kyle already had that card. "And this is my thanks to you." He lifted the parchment in his hand and said, "I remember you attempted the Patronus Charm on the train but weren¡¯t able to summon a full Patronus."


    "This is a summary of my notes on the Patronus Charm. I think it might be helpful."


    "Er..." Kyle hesitated. He wanted to explain to Professor Lupin that he actually knew how to cast the Patronus Charm well, but since it was a gift, he took the parchment to avoid any awkwardness. "Thank you, Professor."


    "You''re welcome," Professor Lupin replied with a smile. "If there''s anything you don¡¯t understand, feel free to come and ask me."


    "Er... I will."


    "Alright, go on then," Professor Lupin winked. "Don''t keep your friends waiting."


    "Goodbye, Professor."


    Just as Kyle turned to leave, he suddenly noticed two figures lying motionless on the floor in front of him¡ªCedric and Fred. They appeared lifeless.


    "Oh, it''s the Boggart..." Professor Lupin noticed as well and approached them. "I thought it had been neutralized, but I didn¡¯t expect it to be hiding here. Let me take care of it¡ª"


    Before he could finish, Kyle had already raised his wand. Almost instinctively, a towering flame erupted from it, taking the form of a flame dragon in midair.


    "Pop!"


    The flame dragon spewed a ball of fire, and a wave of intense heat swept through the entire office. Windows shattered instantly, and the desks and chairs were reduced to ash in seconds. Cedric and Fred''s "bodies" disappeared as a black, mist-like shape twisted and contorted in front of the dragon before finally dissolving completely.


    The entire scene unfolded so quickly that by the time Professor Lupin processed what was happening, the office lay in ruins.


    "Stop¡ª!"


    Staring at the immense flaming dragon, he drew his wand in horror.


    But nothing happened. The "dragon" seemed to grow even more ferocious, turning its massive form to face him with its jaws open wide.


    Then, just in time¡ª


    A burst of golden flame flared up and enveloped the "flame dragon," causing its vast body to shrink rapidly. Now, just like the Boggart moments before, the "Dragon" writhed and struggled until it finally vanished completely.


    Professor Lupin looked up, dazed and confused.


    The office was in shambles: tables, chairs, cabinets, and windows had all been obliterated. Even the door was barely hanging by a single hinge. Outside, footsteps echoed closer¡ªsomeone had heard the explosion and was approaching.


    "Sorry, Professor, I..."


    "That was dangerous..." Professor Lupin exclaimed, still stunned. "That''s not how the Fire-Making Charm is supposed to be used!"


    With that, he hurried out of the office, intercepting the approaching students before they reached the door. "There''s nothing to see here. Head to the Great Hall for dinner¡­ quickly now, don¡¯t be late for your afternoon classes."


    "Oh, Professor McGonagall¡­ you¡¯re here too¡­" Lupin turned to her with a reassuring smile. "Don¡¯t worry, it¡¯s nothing, just a little mishap with a Fire-Making Charm. It¡¯s all under control."

 Chapter 369: Dumbledore’s Punishment

    ¡°Damn it, the ! He¡¯s lying¡ªthat was clearly Fiendfyre!¡±


    Snape was practically roaring in the Headmaster¡¯s office. ¡°Could a Fire-Making Charm possibly be that powerful? Or does that fool Lupin think we¡¯re too ignorant to tell the difference between a Fire-Making Charm and the Fiendfyre Curse?¡±


    ¡°Calm yourself, Severus. I can hear you perfectly well; there¡¯s no need to get so worked up.¡± Dumbledore reached for the teapot beside him. ¡°Tea?¡± S~ea??h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°At a time like this, you have the nerve to ask if I want tea?¡± Snape glared at Dumbledore as though he were a stranger. ¡°Someone used Fiendfyre to destroy an office at Hogwarts! Not even He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named would have dared use such dangerous dark magic so openly when he was here.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Severus... I¡¯m aware.¡± Dumbledore continued to pour a cup, offering it to Snape.


    Snape, visibly bristling, took a sip, only to put the cup down as though scalded. He continued, ¡°You must find out how Kyle learned to cast the Fiendfyre Curse!¡±


    ¡°On that point, I disagree with you.¡± Dumbledore shook his head. ¡°Remus told me he didn¡¯t hear an incantation. Perhaps Kyle was simply shaken by seeing his friends¡¯ ¡®bodies,¡¯ and it triggered a magical outburst¡­¡±


    ¡°A magical outburst? Producing Fiendfyre?¡± Snape¡¯s expression grew increasingly sour, as though his intelligence were under assault.


    ¡°It¡¯s not impossible.¡± Dumbledore mused, stroking his beard. ¡°Kyle did encounter Fiendfyre back in his second year, a terrifying experience he barely escaped. And then there was the Boggart, a creature that preys on a person¡¯s deepest fears. Kyle may have subconsciously recalled that encounter, and under stress, reproduced it. Such magical storms can act unpredictably¡­¡±


    Silence filled the Headmaster¡¯s office.


    Snape looked at Dumbledore in disbelief, as if forced to drink a foul potion brewed by Neville Longbottom. ¡°Do you take me for an idiot?¡±


    ¡°Of course not, Severus. You are the most talented potions master I have ever met, and one of the youngest Heads of House Hogwarts has ever seen. There¡¯s no question of that.¡±


    ¡°But¡­¡± Dumbledore continued, switching his tone, ¡°you¡¯ve devoted yourself to potions to such an extent that perhaps¡­ other areas lack your attention. Magic is a mysterious and infinitely complex force, Severus.¡±


    ¡°Knock, knock¡­¡±


    Snape, preparing another retort, was cut off by a knock at the door.


    ¡°Right on time.¡± Dumbledore rose from his chair. ¡°Severus, could you ask Hagrid to come in? Kyle might miss the beginning of his next class.¡±


    ¡°I hope you don¡¯t regret this.¡± Snape took a long, controlled breath, then turned to open the door.


    Standing there were Professor McGonagall and Kyle. Snape¡¯s mouth twitched slightly, but he said nothing, brushing past them.


    Professor McGonagall offered a brief nod and left Kyle alone with Dumbledore.


    ¡°Please, sit down,¡± Dumbledore said, gesturing to a cushioned armchair before him.


    Kyle walked over and took a seat, bracing himself for a barrage of questions or, worse, a stern reprimand. But neither came.


    Instead, Dumbledore merely waved his hand in a calm, casual motion, and the small table between them was instantly laden with a variety of delicious foods.


    ¡°You can have your lunch here¡­ it may not be as lively as the Great Hall, but the food is just as good,¡± Dumbledore said with a wink. ¡°And as Headmaster, I happen to have a few treats that aren¡¯t served in the cafeteria¡ªlike this honey cream pie.¡±


    He pushed a slice toward Kyle. ¡°Go on, give it a try.¡±


    Kyle cut a small piece and placed it on his plate but didn¡¯t eat it. Anything Dumbledore liked tended to be too sweet for his taste, and honey cream¡­ even the name alone sounded far too sweet.


    Noticing Kyle¡¯s hesitation, Dumbledore merely smiled and brought the plate back to himself, happily enjoying it. The two of them shared lunch in the quiet of the Headmaster¡¯s office, an atmosphere that was somehow both warm and unusual.


    After about half an hour, the last plate of pudding disappeared, and Dumbledore set a pot of black tea and a glass of lemonade on the table.


    ¡°Can you tell me why?¡± Dumbledore asked suddenly, breaking the silence.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Professor,¡± Kyle replied, without offering further details. ¡°I just wanted to make sure that Boggart was gone¡­ completely.¡±


    ¡°Was it because you saw the ¡®body¡¯ of your friend?¡± Dumbledore asked gently.


    Kyle nodded.


    For the first time, his mind had gone blank, his body acting on its own. By the time he¡¯d regained control, it was already too late.


    ¡°Yes¡­ yes¡­¡± Dumbledore¡¯s hand, holding his teacup, paused for a moment in mid-air before he softly continued, ¡°I can understand.¡±


    He couldn¡¯t imagine what he might have done if he¡¯d turned around and seen the body of his sister, Ariana. Perhaps¡­ he would have reacted the same as Kyle, or worse.


    Dumbledore¡¯s gaze flickered, and after a brief silence, he placed the teacup back on the table and added two more sugar cubes.


    "But Kyle, regardless of your intentions, you¡¯ve still seriously violated school rules. As punishment, I¡¯ll have to deduct one hundred points from Hufflepuff."


    ¡°And you must promise me that you¡¯ll never use any dark magic inside the castle again.¡±


    Kyle blinked, a bit taken aback. He hadn¡¯t expected Dumbledore¡¯s punishment to be limited to just a points deduction. A hundred points might sound harsh, but in reality, it was one of the lightest punishments he could¡¯ve received. Hufflepuffs valued their points less than, say, Gryffindors¡ªthey¡¯d take this better than they would a meal cutback.


    ¡°I promise, Professor,¡± Kyle said.


    ¡°See that you do.¡± Dumbledore nodded. ¡°Also, you¡¯re responsible for arranging a new office for Professor Lupin¡ªdesks, chairs, windows, the works. If you don¡¯t have enough Galleons, I¡¯ll have to contact your family.¡±


    ¡°What?!¡± Kyle, in the middle of sipping his lemonade, nearly choked. ¡°Couldn¡¯t you¡­ come up with another reason and get the Governors to cover it?¡±


    ¡°Certainly not,¡± Dumbledore replied with a wry look. ¡°This was your doing, after all.¡± He gave Kyle a bemused smile. The boy apparently thought the Governors were quite gullible. Well¡­ perhaps they were, but there was no need to take advantage of it.


    ¡°Alright, you may go,¡± Dumbledore said, ¡°you should still be able to catch the first Care of Magical Creatures class.¡±


    But Kyle didn¡¯t move. ¡°I have one more question, Professor.¡±


    ¡°Go on.¡±


    ¡°Is there any way to defend against a Boggart?¡± Kyle asked hesitantly. ¡°Like¡­ with Occlumency, perhaps?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m afraid not,¡± Dumbledore replied, his face thoughtful. ¡°A Boggart is like a different sort of Mirror of Erised¡ªit¡¯s not so much looking into you as it is reflecting what you hold within. So unless you¡¯ve mastered Occlumency to an exceptionally high degree, it would be very difficult to block.¡±


    ¡°Like you?¡± Kyle asked.


    ¡°If I chose to,¡± Dumbledore said with a slight smile, ¡°but there are better ways to deal with Boggarts than Occlumency. You might want to ask Professor Lupin; I believe he taught the third years a handy little charm just yesterday.¡±


    ¡°Riddikulus?¡± Kyle asked.


    ¡°Ah, so you already know it,¡± Dumbledore nodded approvingly. ¡°Yes, the textbook answer. Simple, but quite effective.¡±


    Kyle frowned. ¡°But it doesn¡¯t actually stop the Boggart from transforming,¡± he pointed out.


    ¡°Well, at least it keeps things a bit quieter,¡± Dumbledore said, a hint of humor in his eyes. ¡°You can¡¯t go around blowing up an office every time¡­¡±

 Chapter 370: Not a Single Normal Person

    After leaving the Headmaster''s office, Kyle didn¡¯t head directly to Hagrid¡¯s class. Instead, he stopped by the kitchen and asked the House-elves to help him buy a few things: specifically, the furniture for Professor Lupin¡¯s office.


    While there were spare items in the storage room or the Room of Requirement, Kyle decided it was better to get new furniture. Professor Lupin had tried to cover for him¡ªeven if it hadn¡¯t worked, the effort had meant something. Kyle didn¡¯t want to skimp by just using old pieces. Besides, the cost was minimal, just a few badges¡¯ worth.


    By evening, the House-elves had returned, and Professor Lupin¡¯s office was set up with gleaming new furniture. Lupin looked slightly uncomfortable with the polished replacements, handling everything with care as though afraid to damage it.


    Kyle had also bought sweets with his remaining money, which he gave to the House-elves as a thank-you. The elves were overjoyed and insisted on filling his hands with more snacks in return. By the time he returned to the common room, his pockets were bulging as if he¡¯d stuffed two Bludgers in there.


    Kyle thought that would be the end of it. However, he was in for a surprise. By Friday morning, word had already spread throughout Hogwarts that he had accidentally set fire to Professor Lupin¡¯s office because of a Boggart.


    ¡°Hogwarts truly has no secrets,¡± Kyle sighed as he sat down at the table, taking a sip of pumpkin juice in resignation. In less than half an hour, more than ten people had come by, asking him for details about what had happened. Thankfully, they didn¡¯t know it had been Fiendfyre; everyone assumed it was simply an unusually powerful Fire-Making Charm.


    ¡°Hey, Kyle, is it true?¡± Fred and George appeared, strolling over arm in arm as soon as Kyle set down his cup.


    ¡°That was spectacular!¡± Fred said, sliding into a seat next to him with an exaggerated look of admiration.


    George pretended to wipe away a tear. ¡°I heard you only blew up the Boggart after seeing us lying there, dead. Didn¡¯t know you cared so much.¡±


    ¡°There was just one problem¡­¡± George shot Cedric, who was eating stew nearby, a side-eye. ¡°Why was there too?¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s so great about this?¡± Cedric muttered, looking baffled. Judging by Fred and George¡¯s theatrics, an outsider might have thought they were squabbling over Quidditch tickets instead of debating who should occupy a ¡®death spot.¡¯


    ¡°With you in the mix, we¡¯ll never know who really died!¡± Fred said in mock exasperation. ¡°Nearly Headless Nick said there were only two bodies, and if Cedric here counts, it could mean one of us was left out.¡± S~ea??h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°We argued about it all night¡­¡±


    ¡°Wait,¡± Kyle cut in, ¡°did you say Nearly Headless Nick?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± Fred nodded. ¡°He mentioned that he¡¯d drifted into the Defense Against the Dark Arts office while musing about something. Said he saw the whole thing.¡±


    Suddenly, it all made sense to Kyle. He¡¯d wondered how news of the Boggart had spread when only he and Professor Lupin had been in the office. By the time others arrived, it was all over. Yet, somehow, the story had circulated in precise detail¡ªeverything except for Lupin giving him the money, as if someone had been watching the whole time.


    Kyle had assumed one of the professors might have let something slip. He¡¯d never guessed it was Nearly Headless Nick.


    And the ghost been right there, watching everything.


    ¡°So, Kyle¡­¡± Fred leaned in, his eyes intense. ¡°Who was it¡ªme or George?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s important!¡± George echoed, leaning over just as eagerly.


    Cedric watched the twins, eyebrows raised. He was certain neither of them had looked this serious during final exams.


    ¡°You¡¯re both right,¡± Kyle said nonchalantly. ¡°Nearly Headless Nick was mistaken. There were actually three of you; he just missed the other one.¡±


    ¡°Really?¡± George looked skeptical.


    ¡°Really,¡± Kyle nodded. ¡°You can ask Professor Lupin if you don¡¯t believe me. He saw it.¡±


    Fred and George studied him for a moment, satisfied that he was telling the truth, before sauntering back to the Gryffindor table, where they immediately began bragging.


    Around the room, an audible murmur of admiration spread.


    ¡°I really don¡¯t understand what they¡¯re so happy about,¡± Hermione said, snapping her book shut. It was far too noisy to concentrate.


    ¡°You¡¯re right,¡± Ron agreed. ¡°And it was just a Boggart! All it needed was a simple charm.¡±


    Ron looked particularly pleased with himself, feeling for the first time like he held the upper hand over Kyle in something academic.


    But Harry was quick to deflate him. ¡°You have to admit, though, Kyle¡¯s method worked faster than ours.¡±


    He poured himself a glass of pumpkin juice. ¡°Remember what Nearly Headless Nick said¡ªthe Boggart was taken care of instantly, nothing left.¡±


    ¡°It was just the Fire-Making Charm. I could¡¯ve done it too, I just didn¡¯t think of it,¡± Ron muttered.


    Beside him, Hermione frowned. The book didn¡¯t mention using the Fire-Making Charm on Boggarts, and she doubted Dumbledore would dock a hundred points from Hufflepuff over an ordinary charm.


    Just then, as Fred and George moved away, Kanna¡¯s head popped over, peering at Kyle.


    ¡°What about me? Where was I?¡± she asked hopefully.


    Kyle expressionlessly raised a hand and nudged her aside. ¡°You weren¡¯t there. Go on, go play somewhere else. Stop poking your nose into everything!¡±


    Then he turned to Cho, who was standing nearby, bouncing on her heels excitedly. ¡°You too.¡±


    ¡°Hmph!¡± Cho huffed, looking hurt.


    ¡°Pfft!¡± Kanna added, equally miffed. They exchanged glances, clearly feeling snubbed and treated unfairly.


    Everyone was friends, after all. Cedric, Fred, and George had all been mentioned¡ªbut not them? How unfair!


    Cho shot him a glare, then dragged Kanna back to the Ravenclaw table in a huff.


    Kyle felt a pang of frustration. He couldn¡¯t understand why anyone would care about being included in a Boggart scenario involving ¡°deaths.¡± Fred and George he could handle¡ªthey were unpredictable and loved anything outrageous. But Cho and Kanna?


    Was there really no one normal left around him?


    Oh, right. There was one. Kyle glanced over at Cedric.


    Noticing his gaze, Cedric paused mid-bite on a pumpkin pasty and asked in a low voice, ¡°By the way¡­ how did I die?¡±


    ¡°Stuffed to death on pumpkin pasties,¡± Kyle said dryly.


    Alright, so there really was no one normal around him after all.


    ¡°Ha, that¡¯s impossible¡­¡± Cedric chuckled, not believing Kyle¡¯s words. But he subtly pushed the half-eaten pumpkin pasty aside and reached for a baked potato instead.


    ¡­


    More and more students gathered around, all of them eager to hear the ¡°firsthand account¡± from Kyle.


    Luckily, the mail arrived just in time. A large flock of owls swept into the Great Hall, delivering letters and packages to students.


    While everyone else read their mail, Kyle polished off the last bit of his pumpkin pasty in two quick bites and slipped out of the Great Hall before anyone else could catch him.

 Chapter 371: Unique Potion Talent

    The first period of the morning was Potions, a class Hufflepuff shared with Gryffindor. From the moment the lesson began, the Gryffindor students found themselves relentlessly targeted.


    Katie Bell, from the Quidditch team, lost five points right at the door for the offense of wearing a hat. McLaggen, another Gryffindor, lost three points because his book had a crease in it. S§×ar?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The reason behind Snape¡¯s sudden surge in penalties was obvious to everyone.


    Back in the third year class, during Defense Against the Dark Arts, Neville Longbottom¡¯s Boggart had taken the form of Snape, and under Professor Lupin¡¯s guidance, Neville had transformed the Boggart into a rather ridiculous version of Snape dressed in a frumpy grandmother¡¯s outfit.


    It was a memorable incident, but what made it worse was that someone had managed to snap a picture of it and circulate it around the classroom.


    Though the official story claimed all the photos had been confiscated, plenty still circulated among students. Determined to find the culprit, Snape had tried every tactic available¡ªthreats, bribes, even surveillance¡ªbut the students were more unified than ever, and no one talked. Even Professor Lupin, when asked, had maintained, ¡°I don¡¯t know, I didn¡¯t see anything,¡± which had only fueled Snape¡¯s anger further.


    As a result, Gryffindor¡ªthe house that had originally shared the photo¡ªhad suffered ever since. Despite Hufflepuff¡¯s recent loss of 100 points thanks to Kyle, they were still comfortably ahead of Gryffindor in the House standings, mostly due to Snape¡¯s relentless point deductions. Gryffindor had been plummeting toward a new low score from the very start of the school year.


    Even Professor McGonagall couldn¡¯t say much to defend her students. She, too, had seen the infamous photo, and while she certainly didn¡¯t approve of Snape¡¯s vendetta, she couldn¡¯t entirely blame him for being furious.


    ...


    ¡°Invigoration Draught!¡±


    Snape didn¡¯t return to the podium until Gryffindor had lost twenty points. Then he droned on, ¡°Lovage, Ginger root, the horn of the Erumpent¡­ Mr. McLaggen.¡±


    He suddenly asked, ¡°What do you need to do with the Erumpent¡¯s horn when brewing the Invigoration Draught?¡±


    ¡°Roast it and then grind it to a powder, Professor,¡± said Cormac McLaggen, standing up and glancing at the blackboard.


    ¡°Haha, Snape miscalculated this time.¡±


    Kyle heard someone whisper behind him.


    ¡°Luckily, it¡¯s all on the blackboard. Just take a look and you¡¯ll know.¡±


    ¡°Oh?¡±


    Snape on the stage raised an eyebrow, took a step to block the blackboard, and continued, ¡°How long does it need to be roasted?¡±


    ¡°Twenty minutes,¡± McLaggen answered without hesitation. ¡°After that, you need to scrape off the surface layer before grinding.¡±


    ¡°Do you think you¡¯re very clever¡­¡± Snape said with a sinister smile. ¡°Remembering all that after just one look?¡±


    ¡°I wasn¡¯t looking at the blackboard, Professor!¡± McLaggen said with a straight face. ¡°I knew because I read the book in advance.¡±


    ¡°If you¡¯d read the book in advance, you¡¯d know that the Invigoration Draught requires the horn of a Graphorn, not an Erumpent¡­¡± Snape sneered. ¡°Five points from Gryffindor!¡±


    McLaggen¡¯s face froze in disbelief. ¡°But you wrote Erumpent on the chalkboard! I wouldn¡¯t have made that mistake!¡±


    ¡°Oh, that¡­ I made a mistake,¡± Snape replied, turning around to erase the line.


    ¡°You said you didn¡¯t look at the chalkboard,¡± he said lazily. ¡°Cheating a professor costs Gryffindor five more points.¡±


    Next, they had to handle the ingredients.


    Lovage and Ginger root were simple enough, but the Graphorn¡¯s horn posed a real challenge. It was so hard and dense that cutting it was difficult, let alone grinding it. Roasting it first was a step Snape had given them, one not found in the book.


    ¡°Kyle,¡± Ryan leaned over and whispered, ¡°did you see today¡¯s ?¡±


    ¡°No,¡± Kyle shook his head. ¡°Did something happen?¡±


    ¡°Someone spotted Sirius Black,¡± Mikel whispered.


    ¡°Where?¡±


    ¡°Cragcroftshire, just south of Hogsmeade,¡± Mikel said excitedly. ¡°A muggle saw him¡­ Of course, he didn¡¯t know who it was and thought Black was just some criminal, so he called the hotline. But by the time the Ministry got there, Black was gone.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not far at all, less than fifty miles from Hogsmeade.¡± McLaggen, sitting next to them, leaned over.


    ¡°Do you think he¡¯ll come to Hogwarts?¡± Kanna looked a bit nervous.


    ¡°That¡¯s impossible,¡± McLaggen replied. ¡°Don¡¯t forget, there are Dementors at the school entrance. He¡¯d be walking right into them.¡±


    ¡°But I still feel something¡¯s off,¡± Mikel mused. ¡°There are so many places he could go; why show up so close to Hogsmeade?¡±


    ¡°Maybe he doesn¡¯t know there are Dementors here,¡± McLaggen snorted. ¡°I hope he comes soon, though, because if the Dementors find him, he won¡¯t get away.¡±


    ¡°Once he¡¯s captured, the Dementors will leave the school too. To be honest, just thinking about those monsters guarding the entrance gives me the chills. Even the wind feels colder.¡±


    The group didn¡¯t dare say more and dispersed before Snape turned around.


    ¡°Kyle, do you think if Black did come to Hogwarts, the Dementors at the gate could really stop him?¡± Kanna asked in a low voice.


    ¡°It¡¯s hard to say,¡± Kyle replied, shaking his head. ¡°They let Black escape once, even in their own territory... and there are only two Dementors here now. But don¡¯t worry; everything will be fine, I promise.¡±


    Hearing Kyle¡¯s reassurance, Kanna finally relaxed and started peeling the Ginger root with her knife.


    As the class neared its end, Snape began making his rounds to inspect everyone¡¯s potions.


    Kyle and Kanna¡¯s cauldrons both held a bright, clear yellow liquid¡ªthe standard color, nothing unusual. Snape didn¡¯t even pause to look at them, moving on without a word.


    But the others weren¡¯t as fortunate. Their potions had turned all sorts of unexpected colors.


    Kyle noticed Mikel¡¯s potion in particular. It was a strange shade of purple, with a thick, brownish smoke rising from it. Even Snape, usually unruffled, stopped and stared at the concoction for a moment.


    He could usually pinpoint the issue in other students¡¯ potions¡ªperhaps an excess of one ingredient, or an improperly stirred mixture¡ªbut this one was different.


    Lovage, Ginger root, and Graphorn horn¡­ how could those ingredients produce ?


    What a revelation.


    ¡°Hufflepuff loses ten points,¡± Snape finally said, fixing his gaze on Mikel¡¯s cauldron before turning his steely eyes to Mikel. ¡°And detention. Report to the dungeons on Saturday morning at eight o¡¯clock until you¡¯ve mastered the Invigoration Draught.¡±

 Chapter 372: The Diadem in the Treasure Chamber

    Weekends at Hogwarts were always a delight, though not for everyone.


    At 7:50, Mikel, who had been lingering in the Great Hall for the past half hour, reluctantly put down his cutlery and headed for the dungeons, glancing back every few steps. He seemed desperate, as though hoping his friends might accompany him, or that someone might jinx him¡ªanything to avoid this detention. He¡¯d even welcome a trip to the Hospital Wing if it meant escaping.


    But Kyle and Ryan never once looked up.


    ¡°I¡¯m heading to the Quidditch Pitch later,¡± Ryan said, as though completely unaware of Mikel¡¯s plight. He turned to Kyle. ¡°They¡¯re recruiting two players this year. I¡¯m going to try out; maybe I¡¯ll get picked.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s great! Which position are you aiming for?¡± Kyle replied, keeping his gaze firmly away from Mikel¡¯s pitiful expression at the door.


    ¡°Chaser, just like you,¡± Ryan said, pouring himself a glass of juice. ¡°Or maybe Keeper. I heard the competition for that spot isn¡¯t too fierce.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not sure,¡± Kyle said thoughtfully. ¡°But I think you should try out for both positions to see which one suits you best.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s my plan,¡± Ryan agreed, taking another piece of toast. ¡°Are you coming? We could go together.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not going,¡± Kyle shook his head. ¡°With Cedric in charge, I¡¯ve got other things to do.¡±


    Since Harris graduated, Cedric had become the new team captain, responsible for recruiting new players and organizing training sessions.


    They chatted a while longer, and by the time the hall was empty, the clock struck eight. Mikel was nowhere to be seen, presumably in the dungeons by now.


    Ryan headed off toward the Quidditch Pitch, while Kyle made his way to the eighth floor. He walked back and forth along a particular corridor three times, murmuring, ¡°I need a room where I can hide things.¡±


    Finally, a door appeared opposite a tapestry, as if it had always been there. Kyle stepped inside and closed it behind him.


    Silence enveloped him. The room was as large as the Great Hall, its towering walls filled with the hidden remnants left by generations of Hogwarts students. Below were piles of rickety, broken furniture and thousands of books. Most of these were worthless, though some were dangerous banned books, cursed to jinx the reader if opened¡ªbordering on dark magic.


    While there were surely useful books among the piles, Kyle had neither the time nor patience to sift through them. The library offered more than enough reading material without the risk.


    Continuing down rows cluttered with winged slingshots, Fanged Frisbees (some still hovering lifelessly), broken potion bottles, old clothing, opals, eggshells, and rusty iron swords, Kyle wove through this labyrinth of trash¡ªor treasure.


    Soon, he found what he was looking for: a Troll statue. Standing over ten feet tall, it was unmistakably conspicuous, even amidst the Room¡¯s strange treasures.


    ¡°It should be around here somewhere,¡± Kyle muttered, scanning the passage in front of the Troll statue and stopping in front of a pile of particularly unattractive statues.


    Each statue was crafted in the same garish style, uglier than the last. Compared to these grotesque figures, even Old Tom from the Leaky Cauldron could be considered handsome. Among the statues of wizards that looked like oversized House-elves, one stood out. It wasn¡¯t the ugliest, but it wore a rust-colored crown, set at a slight angle on its head.


    Ravenclaw¡¯s Diadem.


    Kyle took a deep breath. He¡¯d seen it once before, during his first year, though only from a distance. He¡¯d never dared to approach it back then. His original plan had been to bring it to Dumbledore if the time came when Dumbledore started seeking out Voldemort¡¯s Horcruxes. But in June, something had changed his mind.


    The reason was Rowena Ravenclaw.


    During his encounter in the Chamber of Secrets, Rowena had been the most reserved of the founders. She typically observed in silence while the other three spoke. The only thing she had told him directly was to practice Occlumency, and at the end, she¡¯d mentioned the crown. If Kyle recalled correctly, her exact words were that he would have truly mastered Occlumency when he could wear the Diadem without it affecting him.


    At the time, this hadn¡¯t seemed strange. After all, strengthening one¡¯s intellect could be viewed as a kind of magical influence, falling within the realm of Occlumency.


    But recently, after seeing the Sorting Hat in Dumbledore¡¯s office, Kyle had begun to feel that something wasn¡¯t quite right. If a sword could be so carefully protected, what would happen if it were a Diadem that granted intelligence?


    Even setting aside everything else¡ªeven if the Diadem had never been stolen by Helena, had never become a Horcrux, and had simply remained at Hogwarts all these years¡ªwould such an important artifact ever be used by a student, just like that?


    And if, as Rowena Ravenclaw suggested, the Diadem was intended for Occlumency practice, it wouldn¡¯t have been used just once or twice but would need to be worn frequently. This seemed utterly implausible.


    The notion of giving a student Ravenclaw¡¯s Diadem to practice Occlumency was preposterous. Unless Rowena Ravenclaw herself had been there to oversee its use, no headmaster would agree to such a risky and unprecedented idea.


    Well, maybe Dumbledore would¡ªbut only him¡­


    Rowena Ravenclaw could never have foreseen the character of Hogwarts¡¯ headmaster a thousand years into the future.


    Besides, there were countless ways to practice and test Occlumency. Legilimens¡­ Confundus Charm¡­ even working with a Veela would do. Why use a Diadem? Wasn¡¯t that setting the bar a bit high?


    It was like wanting to practice boxing and being handed a ten-centimeter-thick steel plate, with someone telling you you¡¯d be successful when you could punch a hole through it.


    Fine, but was that really necessary?


    With Rowena Ravenclaw¡¯s wisdom, it was unlikely she hadn¡¯t considered these things, yet she still mentioned the Diadem. Was there some other meaning in her words?


    After hesitating for several days, Kyle decided to go for it. Overthinking or not, he would at least take possession of the Diadem.


    With his current Occlumency skills, he should be able to resist the influence of the Horcrux.


    Probably¡­


    Kyle donned his Shield Gloves and carefully picked up the Diadem. No curse triggered, no trace of mental magic stirred. The Diadem had simply lost its brilliance after being made into a Horcrux, leaving it dull and tarnished. If he were to take it to the Junk Shop in Diagon Alley, he doubted anyone would offer even a Sickle for it.


    Looking closely, Kyle could just make out the faint engraving: "Wit beyond measure is man''s greatest treasure."


    He took off his Shield Gloves and held it directly in his hands, but still felt no reaction.


    It seemed that, while both were Horcruxes, the Diadem was not as active as the Diary.


    Kyle pulled out a box he had prepared in advance and placed the Diadem inside. This box, a gift from Nicolas Flamel, had held the Diary last year; it now held the Diadem, making it a fittingly specialized match. sea??h th§× n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Chapter 373: Substitute Teaching

    The process of obtaining the Diadem had gone smoothly, but Kyle was left uncertain about what to do next.


    For a long time, every time he prepared to study the Diadem, he ended up simply staring at it. Now that this object had become one of Voldemort¡¯s Horcruxes, any secrets Rowena Ravenclaw might have hidden within it seemed utterly inaccessible.


    Why not try wearing it?


    Kyle held the Diadem above his head, waving it around for a moment before giving up on the rather reckless notion. Once again, there was no result.


    ¡­


    As Kyle returned the box to its hiding place and made his way back to the common room, he ran into Kanna, who seemed to be looking for him.


    ¡°Class is about to start. I thought you¡¯d already left.¡±


    ¡°No, I just had something else to take care of,¡± Kyle replied, shaking his head and pulling out a stack of textbooks. ¡°What¡¯s our next class?¡±


    ¡°Defense Against the Dark Arts,¡± Kanna answered with a hint of excitement. Since the new professor had taken over, the class no longer involved just reading textbooks and acting out scenes, making Defense Against the Dark Arts suddenly engaging and everyone¡¯s favorite¡ªeveryone except a few Slytherins, like Malfoy.


    His reasoning was straightforward: if Harry enjoyed the class, he despised it. That was all. Though his only criticism of Professor Lupin was that he wore shabby clothes and owned just one decent robe, he never claimed the lessons themselves were dull.


    ¡°I wonder what we¡¯ll learn today,¡± Kanna mused as they walked. ¡°We¡¯ve already covered Fwoopers and Leprechauns, so I bet it¡¯ll be a new magical creature.¡±


    ¡°If only he could teach us how to deal with Dementors,¡± she added hopefully. ¡°Yesterday, on the way to Herbology, I caught a glimpse of one from a distance and felt a chill down my spine.¡±


    ¡°Professor Lupin probably won¡¯t be teaching that,¡± Kyle shook his head, ¡°but if you¡¯re interested, I could show you the Patronus Charm.¡±


    ¡°Is that the spell you used on the train?¡± Kanna asked.


    ¡°That¡¯s right,¡± Kyle confirmed. ¡°The Patronus Charm is considered the most effective way to ward off Dementors in the wizarding world. So, what do you think? Want to learn it?¡±


    ¡°Yes¡­¡± Kanna answered without a second¡¯s hesitation.


    Kyle raised an eyebrow. ¡°Then you can call me Professor Kyle, and I¡¯ll teach you.¡±


    ¡°In your dreams!¡± Kanna huffed, giving him a swift kick to the shin before turning away, leaving him to follow with a smirk.


    The two of them continued on to the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom, only to find¡ªunexpectedly¡ªthat Professor Lupin wasn¡¯t there. Instead, Snape was waiting.


    Snape took one look at Kanna¡¯s irritated expression and then glanced over at Kyle. His face darkened immediately, as if a certain realization had just dawned on him.


    Kyle quickly suppressed his smile, lowered his head, and silently entered the classroom under Snape¡¯s withering glare. Kanna followed and sat beside him.


    He wasn¡¯t sure if it was his imagination, but ever since she sat down, Kyle felt a distinct chill at the back of his neck.


    Thankfully, the bell rang shortly afterward, signaling the start of class.


    Snape strode to the front of the class, turned to face everyone, and in his usual chilly tone announced, ¡°Unfortunately, Professor Lupin is unwell today and cannot attend class, so I will be taking over.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong with him?¡± someone asked, sounding concerned.


    ¡°Raise your hand when you want to speak in class, Ravenclaw lose five points!¡± Snape shot the student a cold glare, which immediately silenced the entire class.


    ¡°Nothing life-threatening,¡± he added with a faintly regretful tone. ¡°And if anyone speaks without permission again, they¡¯ll lose ten points.¡±


    The room fell into a tense hush, and even the sound of breathing grew quieter.


    ¡°Professor Lupin has left no notes on what he¡¯s been teaching you¡­¡± Snape continued. ¡°I must say, this lack of organization is remarkably amateurish.¡± sea??h th§× n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°Professor Lupin teaches pretty well¡­¡± someone dared to mutter, and a few murmurs of agreement rippled through the students.


    ¡°That¡¯s because you¡¯re easily satisfied. First-year students should be able to handle Leprechauns¡­ That¡¯s another ten points deducted from Ravenclaw.¡±


    Silence settled over the classroom once more.


    ¡°We¡¯re going to learn something different today!¡± Snape declared in an unsettlingly calm voice. ¡°Everyone, turn to page 394.¡±


    The students exchanged puzzled glances, but under Snape¡¯s unyielding gaze, they muttered quietly to themselves as they opened their textbooks.


    ¡°Werewolves!¡± announced Snape. ¡°Can anyone tell me how to distinguish a werewolf from an ordinary wolf?¡±


    A few students raised their hands.


    ¡°Miss Prince!¡±


    Kanna stood up. ¡°There are a few subtle differences. A werewolf¡¯s muzzle is slightly shorter, and their pupils are smaller¡­¡±


    ¡°Very good. Hufflepuff, ten points.¡±


    Snape nodded with satisfaction and continued, ¡°Werewolves typically appear no different from ordinary people, except for one distinguishing feature. Can anyone tell me what that is?¡±


    More hands went up, and Snape pointed to Cho.


    ¡°Werewolves only transform during a full moon.¡±


    ¡°Incomplete.¡± Snape waved her off dismissively, giving no sign of adding extra credit. ¡°In fact, they¡¯re also weakened a few days before and after the full moon. Why are you all sitting there? Write this down.¡±


    The students scrambled to grab their quills and parchments, and a flurry of rustling filled the room.


    ¡°Now, turn to page 395, where you¡¯ll find a more detailed explanation¡­¡±


    For the rest of the lesson, Snape asked no further questions. Instead, he instructed the students to sit silently and copy down notes on werewolves from the textbook, while he paced back and forth between the desks, making sure each student was writing enough. It was as though they had traveled back two years, to when lessons often involved filling pages with copied notes.


    Finally, the bell rang, signaling the end of class, but Snape didn¡¯t release them immediately.


    ¡°I want each of you to write an essay on how to identify and kill a werewolf. Two full rolls of parchment, due Monday morning.¡±


    The students left the classroom as quickly as they could, with Kyle leading the way. He had spent the entire class trying to minimize his presence, remaining silent to avoid drawing any attention from Snape, who seemed especially menacing today.


    Once they were clear of Snape¡¯s range, the students began murmuring about the class.


    ¡°My god, two rolls of parchment,¡± Mikel complained. ¡°That¡¯s enough to cover my Defense Against the Dark Arts homework five times over.¡±


    ¡°Even in Transfiguration, it would be enough for three essays,¡± Ryan groaned. ¡°I really hope Professor Lupin recovers soon so we don¡¯t have to write this.¡±


    Kyle didn¡¯t join in on the complaints but quickly descended the stairs. It wasn¡¯t until he reached the common room, and the barrel door behind him closed with a soft creak, that the uncomfortable prickling sensation in his neck finally faded.

 Chapter 374: A New Team

    In early October, the Quidditch season loomed closer, and Cedric had been noticeably more nervous than usual. Everywhere he went, he clutched a notebook, scribbling furiously. Even his reading material had shifted from books like to  Sear?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°When Harris was captain, the team never lost a match,¡± he¡¯d say, almost to himself. ¡°I¡¯ve got to keep the Quidditch Cup in Hufflepuff.¡±


    On the second weekend of October, Kyle had hoped to sleep in. But early in the morning, Cedric burst into his room, dragging him out of bed and all the way to the Great Hall without giving him a chance to protest.


    ¡°Training, Kyle! You¡¯ve already missed three sessions!¡±


    As they ate their beef sandwiches, Cedric gave him a stern look. ¡°And don¡¯t tell me you¡¯ve got something else going on again this time¡­¡±


    ¡°Er¡­ no, I don¡¯t think so,¡± Kyle replied, trying to sound sincere under Cedric¡¯s disapproving gaze.


    The truth was that, until recently, Kyle had been preoccupied with something else. The mandrakes he¡¯d planted in the Room of Requirement had finally started to show signs of activity¡ªa clear indication they were about to mature. Although it was a few months later than expected, they were finally ready. Kyle had been going to the Room of Requirement constantly to monitor them, ensuring everything went smoothly. He¡¯d even skipped training and cut his breaks short during class, constantly busy.


    Fortunately, his dedication had paid off. Every mandrake had reached full maturity, their cries now powerful and healthy. Although Kyle had worn earplugs the whole time, the vigor of their cries and their appearance confirmed it.


    ¡°You¡¯re sure you¡¯re okay?¡± Cedric asked, casting him a skeptical glance.


    ¡°Positive!¡± Kyle replied, nodding firmly.


    The Venomous Tentacula he was also tending to would still need some time to fully recover¡ªprobably not until the end of the year¡ªbut that was still far off. Meanwhile, now that Cedric was team captain, missing too many practices in a row was starting to seem unreasonable. If anyone got the wrong impression, they might think he was ignoring Cedric¡¯s leadership, and Kyle didn¡¯t want that kind of reputation.


    After becoming team captain, Cedric had taken on responsibility for recruiting new players, organizing training plans, and developing game strategies. With his hands full, he had left most of it up to Cedric.


    ¡°That¡¯s for the best,¡± Cedric said, taking a sip of pumpkin juice. ¡°The competition is coming up soon, so no matter how busy you are, you¡¯ll need to attend training regularly. At the very least, you should meet the new players¡­ we have four this time.¡±


    With seven players on a team, having four newcomers would understandably make Cedric nervous.


    ¡°Wait¡­¡± Kyle looked up, something suddenly dawning on him. ¡°How many did you say?¡±


    ¡°Four!¡± Cedric confirmed.


    ¡°Wasn¡¯t it three?¡± Kyle asked doubtfully. ¡°Two Chasers and a Keeper¡­ I remember there were only three from that year.¡±


    ¡°So, you really haven¡¯t been paying attention to the team at all¡­¡± Cedric¡¯s eyes narrowed slightly, but after a moment¡¯s hesitation, he explained. ¡°Our seventh-year Beater, Wright, wants to join the Aurors after graduation. But his grades are barely making the cut, and Quidditch practice takes up too much of his time. Just yesterday, he submitted his resignation.¡±


    ¡°Yesterday?¡± Kyle frowned. ¡°It¡¯s so close to the season. Do you think Madam Hooch will let us replace him?¡±


    ¡°She agreed,¡± Cedric replied. ¡°Graduation is approaching, and a lot of students are torn between Quidditch and their studies. In cases like Wright¡¯s, where students don¡¯t want to delay their future plans, seventh-years are allowed to withdraw, even right before the final match.¡±


    Kyle nodded. He hadn¡¯t realized that was possible. ¡°So, have you found someone to replace him?¡± he asked.


    ¡°I have a few candidates in mind,¡± Cedric said thoughtfully. ¡°I think your roommate, Mikel, would be a good fit.¡±


    ¡°Mikel?¡± Kyle echoed, a little surprised.


    ¡°Yes,¡± Cedric said. ¡°Remember back in second year, when he carried a Bludger halfway across the pitch? That takes serious arm strength. I think he¡¯d make a natural Beater¡­ with a bit of training, of course.¡±


    They called Mikel, who had just finished breakfast, along with two other students, and all headed to the Quidditch Pitch. But as soon as they arrived, they spotted another group on the field, dressed in red robes and carrying broomsticks.


    ¡°Cedric?¡± Oliver Wood strode over. ¡°Isn¡¯t your training session scheduled for the afternoon?¡±


    ¡°It is,¡± Cedric replied, ¡°but Madam Hooch granted us special permission to use the pitch today to select new players.¡±


    ¡°New players? But it¡¯s already¡­¡± Oliver began, then realization struck him. ¡°Your seventh-year Beater?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± Cedric confirmed. ¡°He decided to quit so he¡¯d have more time to study, so we need to find a new Beater as soon as possible. Sorry, looks like you¡¯ll have to reschedule.¡±


    Oliver¡¯s face betrayed a flicker of a grin, though he quickly suppressed it. ¡°That¡¯s perfectly fine. Obviously, this is more important,¡± he said, acting unbothered by the setback.


    ¡°I bet Oliver¡¯s heart is singing right now,¡± Fred whispered to Harry as they walked off. ¡°He¡¯s always seen Hufflepuff as our biggest threat.¡±


    ¡°But they¡¯re in trouble this year,¡± George pointed out. ¡°Three of their seniors graduated, and now Wright quit.¡±


    ¡°So that means¡­¡± Harry thought it through. ¡°The Hufflepuff team we¡¯re up against this year is mostly inexperienced?¡±


    ¡°You got it!¡± Fred said with a grin.


    Oliver, overhearing, turned back to the group. ¡°For us, this is the best opportunity we¡¯ll get. Hufflepuff¡¯s glory days are over; we can absolutely take the Quidditch Cup back this time!¡±


    Clenching his fists, he added, ¡°Ever since Harry joined, I thought winning the Quidditch Cup was a certainty, but things didn¡¯t go as planned. This is our last chance¡­¡±


    As a seventh-year, this was Wood¡¯s final season, and he desperately wanted to leave with a victory to his name.


    ¡­


    Watching the Gryffindors leave the pitch, Kyle muttered, ¡°I bet Gryffindor¡¯s positively gloating right now. But they¡¯re wrong if they think we can¡¯t replace experienced players.¡±


    ¡°They¡¯ve got one thing wrong,¡± Cedric added with a grin. ¡°New players don¡¯t mean weak players. Experience will come as they play.¡±


    ¡°And¡­¡± He glanced at Kyle, ¡°we still have Hogwarts¡¯ best Chaser.¡±


    ¡°Well, you¡¯re not wrong there,¡± Kyle replied with a grin, without a hint of modesty.


    Cedric was certainly proving himself to be a fitting captain. At the very least, he had excellent judgment.

 Chapter 375: A Long-Awaited Visiting Day

    By lunchtime, the new Beater had been chosen: Mikel. He had a solid understanding of Quidditch rules and good flying technique, having studied the game in depth. These qualities helped him secure the spot, and Cedric promptly decided he would take Wright''s place as Hufflepuff¡¯s new Beater.


    When Ryan heard the news, he turned green with envy. He had tried out for the Keeper position but ultimately lost to a fifth-year student due to a slightly slower reaction time. Meanwhile, Mikel was ecstatic, immediately offering to buy lunch for the whole team in the Great Hall.


    After their first team practice, Kyle returned to the Hufflepuff common room, seeking the comfort of a warm armchair by the fireplace. The rain had started after midday, and despite his warming badge, the October chill seeped through, making the cozy fire especially inviting. The common room buzzed with excited chatter, the noise almost overwhelming.


    ¡°What¡¯s all this about?¡± he asked Kanna, who was seated nearby, completing star charts for her Astronomy class.


    ¡°First weekend to Hogsmeade,¡± Kanna replied, pointing to a notice posted on the board. ¡°It¡¯s scheduled for the end of October, the night before Halloween.¡±


    ¡°Perfect,¡± said Cedric, squeezing past. ¡°I¡¯m heading to Dervish & Banges for a broom-handling kit. Mine isn¡¯t turning as smoothly as it used to.¡±


    Kyle was pleased too. A trip to Hogsmeade was one of the few outings Hogwarts students had to look forward to. Although he knew of secret passageways to Hogsmeade and had snuck there several times with Fred and George, he¡¯d been more cautious since Professor McGonagall caught them at The Three Broomsticks last time.


    And this year, sneaking around was even riskier with Dementors stationed at the school. Thankfully, under Dumbledore¡¯s orders, the Dementors kept mostly to Hogwarts¡¯ entrances, but things were different in Hogsmeade, especially with reports of Sirius Black sighted nearby. Shopkeepers had even complained in demanding the Ministry control the Dementors and stop them from drifting into shops. But it had little effect. The Ministry was indifferent, and Dementors didn¡¯t read newspapers. Encountering one while sneaking around Hogsmeade was far worse than getting caught by a professor.


    The next day, the students¡¯ excitement for the Hogsmeade visit was evident. In Herbology class, everyone chattered about their plans, and Professor Sprout had to dock two students¡¯ points to bring the class back to focus.


    ¡°I know you¡¯re all eager to visit Honeydukes,¡± Professor Sprout said sternly, ¡°but our lesson today is just as important. Remember, Belladonna is a dangerous and poisonous plant, and you must handle its pollen with caution¡ªunless, of course, you¡¯d prefer to spend Halloween in the Hospital Wing.¡±


    ¡°Now, put on your protective gloves¡­¡±


    Professor Sprout¡¯s warning had the desired effect. Hearing the word ¡°poisonous¡± made everyone more cautious, and they hurried to grab the gloves on the table. Professor Sprout watched them with satisfaction.


    Unbeknownst to the students, the plants they handled in the greenhouse were rarely at their most dangerous. For example, the mandrake plants they¡¯d worked with last year were still juveniles; once they matured and their cries became lethal, Professor Sprout moved them to a separate greenhouse off-limits to students.


    The same was true for the Belladonna flowers they worked with now. While still yellow, their pollen could only cause a mild itch if touched. But once they turned purple, even a small amount of contact with pollen would mean more than a brief stint in the Hospital Wing¡ªit might delay their release until Christmas.


    But there was no need for the students to worry about that just yet. They could learn about the full risks after they¡¯d returned from their Hogsmeade trip.


    After Herbology class, Kyle headed back to the castle, where he ran into a downcast Harry near the entrance hall. Harry was walking with his head lowered, so distracted he nearly knocked over a suit of armor.


    ¡°Hey, kid, watch where you¡¯re going!¡± a portrait shouted from above. ¡°That¡¯s my favorite armor!¡±


    Harry didn¡¯t respond, just turned and continued walking toward the Great Hall.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong with him?¡± Kyle asked, noting Harry''s mood.


    ¡°No one signed his permission form,¡± explained Hermione, who was walking beside him. ¡°Professor McGonagall won¡¯t let him go to Hogsmeade.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s just being inflexible!¡± Ron burst out. ¡°Professor McGonagall knows his aunt and uncle are muggles, and they hate anything related to magic. They¡¯d never sign his permission form. But if she just gave permission herself, that¡¯d be that¡­¡±


    ¡°Professor McGonagall is doing the right thing!¡± Hermione argued, annoyed. ¡°Let¡¯s not forget that Black has already been spotted nearby.¡±


    ¡°Black isn¡¯t stupid; he¡¯s not going to go wandering around Hogsmeade,¡± Ron countered.


    ¡°Oh, only you would think that!¡± snapped Hermione. ¡°Kyle, what do you think?¡±


    All eyes turned to Kyle¡ªHarry¡¯s included, his expression hopeful yet resigned. Kyle felt caught off guard.


    He thought for a moment before replying, ¡°I think Hermione has a point. On the day of the Hogsmeade visit, the Dementors will be on standby there, making it easier for them to guard the village. But if Black does want to try anything, that would be his best chance.¡±


    ¡°See?¡± Hermione said, turning to Ron with a satisfied look.


    Ron muttered something under his breath, clearly unconvinced, but Harry¡¯s expression remained somber. The fact was, Professor McGonagall had refused his request, and unless Uncle Vernon showed up at Hogwarts to sign his form¡ªwhich was obviously impossible¡ªnothing could be done.


    Kyle¡¯s reasoning gave Harry a small, if bitter, rationale for staying behind. If Sirius Black was out there looking for him, he would indeed be safer at Hogwarts. For now, that was the only way he could try to accept it.


    ¡°Cheer up, there¡¯s still the feast,¡± Ron said encouragingly. ¡°The Halloween feast¡ªsomething to look forward to.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, that¡¯s true,¡± Harry replied, attempting a small smile, though his enthusiasm remained subdued.


    S~ea??h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Chapter 376: Teasing Dogs

    The morning before Halloween, nearly all the third-year students and above gathered outside Hogwarts'' main entrance, eager to set off for Hogsmeade. Harry, however, stood alone in the foyer, under Filch¡¯s watchful eye. With no signed permission form, he was the only third-year not joining the trip, which made him Filch¡¯s primary target.


    Professor McGonagall arrived shortly after, leading the procession of students out of the castle. Harry forced himself to appear casual as he waved goodbye to Ron and Hermione.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about me,¡± he said, trying to sound unconcerned. ¡°I¡¯ll see you at the banquet later¡ªhave fun.¡±


    ¡°Staying behind, Potter?¡± Malfoy called, approaching with a sneer. ¡°Afraid of the Dementors?¡±


    Harry ignored him, heading instead toward the Marble Staircase.


    ¡°Shame he can¡¯t go to Hogsmeade¡ªhe¡¯s going to miss out on so much,¡± Fred whispered to George, glancing back at Harry. ¡°He can¡¯t stay locked in the castle for the next seven years. That¡¯d be miserable.¡±


    ¡°Exactly,¡± George nodded. ¡°We¡¯ve got to help him out¡­¡±


    ¡°How?¡± asked Kyle, who was walking beside them. ¡°Are you thinking about giving him the Marauder¡¯s Map?¡±


    ¡°Not a bad idea,¡± Fred said thoughtfully. ¡°We¡¯ve memorized all the secret passageways by now, so giving it to Harry wouldn¡¯t be the worst plan.¡±


    ¡°But it¡¯d be tricky for nighttime excursions,¡± George added. ¡°Actually, we could use the map we made last year, as long as we mark the secret passages on it.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll just have to make sure it¡¯s discreet, so Filch or any professor can¡¯t stumble upon it,¡± Fred pointed out.


    ¡°How about something like the Marauder¡¯s Map¡ªa password to reveal everything?¡± Kyle suggested.


    ¡°Exactly what I was thinking,¡± Fred replied.


    As they discussed this, the group reached Hogsmeade Village. Fred and George promptly abandoned thoughts of Harry when they spotted the pointy roofs of Zonko¡¯s Joke Shop. Before anyone could mention it, they were already hurrying toward shelves stocked with Stink Pellets, Belch Powder, and Fanged Frisbees. Harry who?


    Meanwhile, Cedric was headed to Dervish & Banges to buy a Broomstick Servicing Kit, and Kyle decided to join him. The shop¡¯s owners, a pair of brothers with a knack for magical gadgets, often had something unique in stock.


    Kanna and Cho, on the other hand, were more interested in visiting Madame Puddifoot¡¯s Tea House. They all agreed to meet at The Three Broomsticks in an hour before splitting up to explore.


    Dervish & Banges was located at the far end of the village, close to The Hog¡¯s Head, and looked smaller and more worn than the other shops. Kyle and Cedric pushed open the door and stepped inside.


    Inside, the shop was a chaotic maze of stacked magical objects, some towering and swaying dangerously as if they might collapse at any moment. Kyle had only ever seen such a cluttered setup in the Room of Requirement¡¯s hidden storage area.


    "Welcome..." A blond wizard popped his head out from behind the counter. "What can I get for you...?"


    "Do you have any tools for pruning broomsticks?" Cedric asked.


    "Of course," the shopkeeper leaned out, pulling a square box from amidst the towering stacks of magical items. Cedric took a cautious step back as the entire wall behind the shopkeeper swayed slightly from the movement, but the shopkeeper seemed unfazed. With a casual motion, he opened the box on the counter.


    ¡°Nine Sickles for the Tail-Twig Clippers. The complete Broomstick Servicing Kit is two Galleons, and that includes a bottle of wood wax oil and a convenient carrying case. Which would you prefer?¡±


    ¡°The complete set¡ªit¡¯s more economical,¡± Cedric replied, counting out two Galleons and placing them on the counter.


    ¡°Thank you for your purchase.¡± The shopkeeper then turned to Kyle. ¡°And what can I help you with?¡±


    ¡°Before that, I¡¯ve got a question.¡± Kyle pointed toward the shop door. ¡°Is that dog outside yours?¡±


    ¡°What?¡± The shopkeeper looked up and saw a large black dog lying by the door, clearly visible through the glass. "Of course not. Not many wizards would go for a big, black dog as a pet."


    The shopkeeper shook his head and continued, "It probably wandered over from The Hog''s Head next door. The folks who frequent that place are always a bit unusual. Wouldn¡¯t surprise me if someone brought along something like that."


    He chuckled suddenly. "Last time a Runespoor got loose, I could hear Madam Rosmerta screaming all the way over here."


    "Really... sounds like Madam Rosmerta isn¡¯t a fan of three-headed snakes," Kyle said with a slight smile. Then, shifting his attention back to the shop, he asked, "Do you have any interesting new items?"


    "You¡¯re in luck," the shopkeeper replied, reaching under the counter and pulling out a small gray bead. "Just got this in yesterday. It¡¯s called the Mist Gem. Crush it, and it¡¯ll create a thick fog that can''t be dispersed, lasting about two hours." S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Not even a Windy Spell can clear it away?" Kyle asked, intrigued.


    "Not unless the Windy Spell was cast by Mr. Dumbledore himself," the shopkeeper joked. "Otherwise, the fog will just linger in place."


    Kyle¡¯s eyes lit up. "How much?"


    "Twenty Galleons," the shopkeeper replied. "It¡¯s a bit pricey, but these are imported from Uagadou, and we¡¯ve only managed to acquire three."


    ...


    After some haggling, Kyle managed to buy all three Mist Gems for 55 Galleons. The shopkeeper only knocked five Galleons off the price but threw in a pair of Spectrespecs and a few irregular Opals, likely just clearing out unsold stock. Still, Kyle wasn¡¯t one to turn down freebies.


    Half an hour later, Kyle and Cedric left Dervish & Banges, their hands full. The large black dog they¡¯d seen earlier was still lying outside the shop, its gray eyes following the flow of students along the main road, as if searching for someone or something.


    As Kyle passed by, he suddenly stopped, an idea forming. Pressing his tongue against his upper teeth, he made a series of small, quick noises¡ª¡°Sniff, sniff, sniff!¡±


    Without a second''s hesitation, the black dog¡¯s head whipped around toward him.


    Kyle grinned.


    He crouched down, raising a finger in the air. ¡°Sit!¡±


    The black dog responded with a look that could only be described as a sneer, completely ignoring him and resuming its position, tail wagging lazily.


    Cedric had been a bit wary of the dog at first, aware of the dark omen associated with large black dogs in the wizarding world. But now, seeing Kyle snubbed so effectively, he couldn¡¯t help but stifle a laugh. ¡°Seems like it¡¯s a good dog after all.¡±


    Undeterred, Kyle pulled out a small bag of jerky and waved it enticingly. ¡°Sit!¡±


    This time, the black dog perked up immediately, sitting with both front paws on the ground, eyes fixed intently on the bag.


    ¡°Roll over...¡± Kyle instructed, holding the bag just out of reach.


    The dog hesitated briefly but, after catching a whiff of the jerky¡¯s aroma, rolled over on the ground without further resistance.


    Amused, Kyle continued to test other commands: The black dog dutifully performed each trick, its tail wagging enthusiastically.


    ¡°Not bad, not bad,¡± Kyle said approvingly, finally placing the jerky in front of the dog. ¡°Here¡¯s your reward. Eat.¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s so clever,¡± Cedric said, crouching down beside him in amazement. ¡°It¡¯s like he understands you perfectly.¡±


    The black dog paused momentarily, almost as if caught off guard by the praise, then resumed munching on the jerky as if nothing unusual had happened.

 Chapter 377: Mist Gems

    Because they¡¯d been so absorbed in teasing the dog, Kyle and Cedric arrived at The Three Broomsticks just as everyone else had settled in. Once they found their seats, Fred slid two bottles of Butterbeer in front of them, raising an eyebrow in curiosity.


    "How much did you two buy, and what took you so long?¡± he asked. ¡°If you¡¯d been any later, we were about to come looking for you.¡±


    ¡°Not much,¡± Cedric replied, taking a sip. ¡°But on the way back, we came across a really interesting big black dog. That¡¯s what held us up.¡±


    ¡°Big black dog¡­¡± George muttered, frowning. ¡°Could be bad luck, don¡¯t you think?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s probably just a stray that wandered in,¡± Cedric said with a shrug. ¡°Or maybe someone from The Hog¡¯s Head brought it in. The shop is right next door, after all.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, that sounds likely,¡± Fred agreed. ¡°The people at The Hog¡¯s Head are always bringing in strange stuff. Last time we were there, George and I saw someone hide a five-foot bone in their robes.¡±


    ¡°We figured it might¡¯ve been for a Troll¡­¡± George added with a grimace. ¡°And the smell was revolting.¡±


    Fred wrinkled his nose at the memory, setting his Butterbeer down. ¡°We were planning to check out The Hog¡¯s Head one of these days, but we dropped that idea after seeing that.¡±


    ¡°Because of the Troll bone?¡± Cho asked, looking amused.


    ¡°No, because the landlord threw us out,¡± George said with a shrug. ¡°He¡¯s got a terrible temper, that one.¡±


    They continued chatting over Butterbeer, the warmth of the pub and the lively conversation driving away the chill from outside. Later, when Kyle passed Dervish & Banges again, the black dog was nowhere to be seen, and it didn¡¯t reappear throughout the rest of the visit.


    When it was time to head back, everyone followed Professor McGonagall up to the castle. Kyle went straight to the Room of Requirement on the eighth floor rather than returning to the common room, and his friends joined him, eager to see the Mist Gem in action.


    ¡°I need a very large room with strong wind,¡± Kyle said, pacing back and forth three times in front of the wall until a door appeared. When they stepped inside, they were immediately hit by gusts of intense wind.


    Kanna was nearly blown back, but Kyle managed to grab her in time. ¡°A little warning would¡¯ve been nice,¡± Fred yelled over the roar of the wind, straining to be heard.


    ¡°We¡¯re here now¡­ it¡¯s fine!¡± Kyle called back, not planning to go any further into the room. Reaching into his pocket, he pulled out one of the Mist Gems and crushed it in his hand.


    Immediately, thick fog billowed out from the fragments, filling the space around them. Within seconds, they were enveloped in a dense, swirling haze. The raging wind that had almost blown them away seemed to disappear, muffled by the layers of fog that now cloaked the room.


    Fred blinked, rubbing his eyes. All he could make out were George standing nearby and a faint shadow of Cedric in the foggy distance.


    ¡°It¡¯s definitely worth twenty Galleons¡­¡± George¡¯s voice echoed from somewhere behind him. ¡°Kyle, where¡¯d you go?¡±


    ¡°Over here!¡± Kyle replied, stepping closer with Kanna by his side, followed by Cho and Cedric.


    ¡°Incredible¡­¡± Cedric muttered. ¡°The wind that nearly swept us off our feet was stopped by this fog.¡±


    ¡°You get what you pay for,¡± Fred said with a grin. ¡°If a little wind could scatter it, Kyle could go demand a refund from Dervish & Banges.¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s test it a bit more,¡± Kyle said, drawing his wand.


    ...


    Kyle kept testing different Charms, but the dense fog stubbornly held its shape. Even when there were slight changes, the mist quickly returned to normal, maintaining visibility at less than a meter.


    George tried a few spells of his own and asked, ¡°Kyle, how big do you reckon this area actually is?¡±


    ¡°No idea,¡± Kyle replied, shaking his head. ¡°The shop owner didn¡¯t mention anything about the range.¡±


    ¡°Why don¡¯t we find out?¡± Fred suggested, and everyone quickly agreed.


    Kyle conjured a long piece of rope with his wand, tying one end to the doorknob as a guide. Following the lines on the floor, they started exploring. Half an hour later, they reached a wall.


    ¡°Is this the end?¡± Kyle said, touching the wall and turning back in another direction.


    This time, it took only ten minutes before they hit another boundary. Kyle began to realize he¡¯d underestimated the room¡¯s size and the fog¡¯s reach.


    ¡°Should¡¯ve been more specific,¡± he sighed, giving his forehead a tap. ¡°Something massive¡­ like a forest.¡±


    With no other option, they began following the rope back toward the entrance.


    ¡°Well, we can confirm the Mist Gem covers a huge area,¡± Fred remarked. ¡°Even walking slowly, we covered what felt like five Quidditch pitches in half an hour.¡±


    ¡°More like eight,¡± Cedric said confidently.


    George chuckled. ¡°Imagine throwing one of these onto the Quidditch pitch in the middle of a match,¡± he said.


    ¡°That would be brilliant,¡± Fred laughed. ¡°Players wouldn¡¯t see the goalposts and would fly all the way to Hogsmeade!¡±


    ¡°Maybe stop by Honeydukes to find a Raspberry Flavored Golden Snitch,¡± George added.


    ¡°Why don¡¯t you try it, Kyle?¡± Fred suggested with a mischievous grin, and the two burst into laughter.


    Kyle rolled his eyes. ¡°Honeydukes might have rare sweets, but I know I¡¯d be out twenty Galleons. And probably in detention, thanks to Professor McGonagall.¡±


    ¡°True¡­¡± Fred sighed. ¡°Detention¡¯s one thing, but twenty Galleons¡­ that¡¯s painful.¡±


    He reached out to touch the thick fog, watching as it clung to his fingers.


    When they finally returned to the entrance, they waited for the fog to clear. A gentle breeze began to flow, steadily growing stronger until the mist started to dissipate.


    ¡°Right on time,¡± Kyle said, stepping out as the breeze ruffled their robes.


    ¡°Exactly two hours,¡± Kanna confirmed, checking her watch. sea??h th§× nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°Two hours for twenty Galleons¡­ what a luxury,¡± Fred whistled. ¡°Makes me ache just thinking about it.¡±


    ¡°Twenty Galleons could buy us ten boxes of Stink Pellets,¡± George said wistfully. ¡°Enough to last the school year.¡±


    ¡°Ten boxes for one year?¡± Fred laughed. ¡°Filch would actually hunt us down.¡±


    ¡°Then we could stretch it to two years¡­¡±


    ¡°Wait!¡± Cho suddenly gasped. ¡°What time is it? Has the Halloween feast already started?¡±


    ¡°Oh no!¡± Kanna checked her watch, her eyes widening. ¡°It¡¯s ten past seven¡­ the feast started ten minutes ago!¡±

 Chapter 378: The Chase in the Castle

    After spending too much time in the Room of Requirement, the group hurried toward the Great Hall as Cho and Kanna reminded them of the Halloween feast.


    ¡°I can¡¯t believe we¡¯re missing the Halloween party,¡± Fred muttered, picking up his pace. ¡°Pumpkin Pasties¡­ Pork Chops¡­ Sausage Rolls¡­¡±


    ¡°Shut up, Fred,¡± George said, close behind him. ¡°I wasn¡¯t even hungry, but now I could eat a cow.¡±


    They quickened their steps, reaching the end of the corridor in no time. Just around the corner and down the staircase was the Great Hall. But as Fred rounded the corner, he suddenly froze.


    ¡°Wait,¡± he whispered, stopping the others in their tracks. ¡°Is the feast already over?¡±


    ¡°No way,¡± Kanna replied, confused. ¡°It started barely ten minutes ago. You can¡¯t be that hungry.¡±


    ¡°Then why are some people already back?¡± Fred pointed straight ahead.


    The others peered around the corner to see what he was talking about. Down by the stairs, a shadowy figure stood in front of a large painting¡ªrecognizable even from this distance as the portrait of the Fat Lady, the entrance to the Gryffindor common room.


    ¡°That¡¯s odd,¡± George whispered, squinting at the figure. ¡°Who would be finished so soon¡­¡±


    But before he could finish, the Fat Lady¡¯s voice echoed through the corridor with a blood-curdling scream.


    ¡°You¡­ you¡¯re that Sirius Black!¡±


    The figure lunged at the portrait, clawing at it desperately. ¡°Let me in¡­ he¡¯s in there¡­ let me in!¡±


    His voice was a strange, ragged snarl, so hoarse and guttural that it sounded less human and more like the growl of an animal.


    ¡°What did she just say¡­ he¡¯s Sirius Black?¡± Fred finally managed, eyes wide as he gripped his wand.


    ¡°Apparently so,¡± Cedric said tensely, eyes fixed on the figure.


    At the sound of their voices, the figure whipped around, and a sliver of light fell across his face, revealing the gaunt, skeletal features they recognized from : matted, elbow-length hair, hollowed cheeks, and eyes that burned with a dark, furious intensity.


    ¡°It really is Black!¡± Fred whispered, his voice shaking. ¡°He looks exactly like the photo!¡±


    Hearing his name, Black¡¯s lips twisted into a sinister grin, baring yellowed teeth like a wild animal about to attack.


    ...


    Without hesitation, Cedric and the others simultaneously unleashed their most powerful Charms.


    Five beams of light in different colors shot straight at Black. But their opponent was fast¡ªvery fast. While the others were chanting, Black had already dropped to all fours on the ground and, in a peculiar yet nimble movement, dodged every Charm. Still crouched, he darted down the corridor¡¯s far end.


    ¡°Black must not escape; he hasn¡¯t gotten his wand yet!¡± Fred shouted. As he prepared to give chase, he realized someone had already moved faster.


    ¡°I¡¯ll go after him! You head to the Great Hall and warn the professor!¡± Kyle called out, not even glancing back. ¡°I took down the Dark Wizard Oren in my first year¡ªI¡¯ve got experience...¡±


    Maybe he was in too much of a hurry, but Kyle barreled ahead, accidentally toppling a suit of armor that fell squarely in Fred''s path. The delay was enough; when Fred looked up, Kyle had already vanished down the opposite corridor.


    ¡°Wait, it¡¯s too dangerous for you to go alone!¡± Fred yelled.


    But Kyle didn¡¯t stop.


    After winding through a few corridors, he soon caught sight of Black. Black was lifting a tapestry of a dragon, preparing to slip into the hidden passage behind it.


    ¡°Stop!¡±


    Kyle hurled a Charm that exploded by Black''s ear, hoping it would force him to halt and listen. But Black gave no sign of acknowledging the blast; he simply sped up and vanished into the passage in an instant.


    This passage led straight to the fourth floor, with an exit in an empty classroom. Kyle didn¡¯t follow but instead peered into the passageway. It was clear Black was desperate to leave the castle and likely wouldn¡¯t listen to anything Kyle had to say. And an explanation would waste time; by the time he was done talking, the others might already have caught up.


    ¡°Kyle...¡±


    And just like that, they had. Kyle had barely let the tapestry fall back into place when Fred, George, Cedric, and Kanna arrived, breathless.


    ¡°Why are you all here?¡± Kyle asked, turning around. ¡°I thought you were supposed to be informing the professors in the Great Hall!¡±


    ¡°What are you talking about... like we¡¯d let you face Black alone!¡± George grumbled.


    ¡°Cho¡¯s already in the Great Hall,¡± Cedric added. S§×ar?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°You were running so fast we had to ask Peeves to find you... Now, where¡¯s Black?¡±


    ¡°Are you alright?¡± Kanna asked nervously, stepping closer. ¡°Are you hurt?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m fine,¡± Kyle replied. ¡°But Black got away. I couldn¡¯t catch him.¡±


    ¡°You couldn¡¯t catch him?¡± Fred said in surprise. They had only been worried about the danger of Kyle facing Black alone; they hadn¡¯t imagined he¡¯d lose him.


    Kyle had been mapping out Hogwarts for years¡ªhe practically knew every passage and shortcut in the castle.


    Could Black really be so skilled... that he could slip away just like that?


    ¡°There was nothing I could do¡­¡± Kyle shrugged. ¡°He seemed to know the castle like the back of his hand and always picked the best escape routes.¡±


    ¡°Oh, right¡ªBlack also graduated from Hogwarts,¡± George suddenly remembered. ¡°I read in The Daily Prophet he was a Gryffindor. He must know the eighth floor well.¡±


    Fred¡¯s gaze fell on the tapestry with the fire-breathing dragon beside him, and he said thoughtfully, ¡°You think it¡¯s possible he came from...¡±


    ¡°So, you¡¯re all here¡­¡±


    A familiar voice interrupted Fred, cutting him off. The group turned.


    Professor Dumbledore was standing just behind them. No one had noticed his arrival; it was as though he had been there all along.

 Chapter 379: The Ruthless Sirius Black Doesn’t Even Spare a Painting

    As soon as Kyle saw Professor Dumbledore, he realized that whatever they had been involved in was now well beyond their control.


    The other professors soon arrived, too. A tabby cat leaped gracefully from a column by the stairs, transforming mid-air into Professor McGonagall. Snape rushed over, visibly tense, only to relax slightly upon seeing that Kanna was safe. Professor Lupin followed behind, gripping his wand tightly.


    ¡°Chasing after Black... what kind of reckless stunt did you think you were pulling?¡± Professor McGonagall¡¯s face was pale with anger, her voice icy. ¡°Black is one of the most dangerous criminals in wizarding history. Do you have any idea how close you came to getting yourselves killed?¡±


    Snape shot Kyle a sharp, intimidating glance.


    ¡°So, could someone please explain what happened?¡± Professor Dumbledore¡¯s tone was equally serious.


    ¡°Well, Professor¡­¡± Fred and George stepped forward and recounted the events in detail, carefully omitting the Room of Requirement and the Mist Gem. Instead, they claimed they had been testing a new joke prop in an empty room.


    ¡°By the time we realized, the feast had already begun¡­¡±


    ¡°We saw Black on our way to the Great Hall¡­¡±


    ¡°He was standing in front of the portrait of the Fat Lady, trying to get into the Gryffindor common room¡­¡±


    ¡°If we hadn¡¯t been there, he might have managed it¡­¡± Fred couldn¡¯t resist taking some credit. ¡°It was a close call.¡±


    ¡°Actually, only the Fat Lady herself can open the entrance to the common room,¡± Professor McGonagall said, her expression severe, though her tone softened slightly. ¡°Without her permission, Black wouldn¡¯t have been able to get in, even if he had tried to break through the wall.¡±


    Fred and George exchanged embarrassed glances, avoiding her gaze.


    ¡°Then why, after you saw he had run off, did you decide to chase him?¡± Professor McGonagall¡¯s tone turned heated again. ¡°Why couldn¡¯t you have gone straight to the Great Hall to inform the professors, like Miss Cho Chang?¡±


    ¡°We were afraid he might attack the other students¡­¡± Fred explained. ¡°We just wanted to catch him as quickly as possible.¡±


    ¡°Black didn¡¯t have a wand, so we thought it was the best chance to stop him.¡±


    ¡°Mr. Weasley¡­¡± Professor McGonagall said firmly, ¡°can you guarantee that Sirius Black hadn¡¯t already stolen a wand from another wizard?¡±


    ¡°Then why did he run¡­¡± George muttered under his breath. ¡°I mean, if he had a wand, he could have just attacked us instead of fleeing¡­¡±


    ¡°Perhaps he wanted to lull you into a false sense of security,¡± Snape interjected darkly, ¡°so he could kill you one by one.¡± His expression was grim, his voice dripping with disdain. ¡°That foul creature¡­¡±


    Professor Lupin¡¯s face reflected a conflicted mix of emotions as he listened to Snape¡¯s remarks. He didn¡¯t argue, though he let out a quiet, pained sigh.


    ¡°Which way did he go?¡± Professor Dumbledore asked.


    ¡°I lost him, Professor,¡± Kyle replied. ¡°He knows the school well, and I couldn¡¯t keep up.¡±


    ¡°Yes, no one knows it better than he does,¡± Dumbledore said thoughtfully.


    Lupin stepped up beside him. ¡°Professor, we need to conduct a full search of the castle.¡±


    ¡°Eager to catch Black, are you?¡± Snape sneered, his eyes narrowing. ¡°Or do you have some other agenda?¡±


    ¡°You should know, Severus,¡± Lupin replied firmly, ¡°that I want to catch him more than anyone.¡±


    ¡°I hope so¡­¡± Snape muttered, his lips barely moving, as though he didn¡¯t want Kyle and the others to hear too much.


    ¡°Professor McGonagall,¡± Dumbledore interjected, ¡°I¡¯m sure these students must be starving. While the feast is still underway, could you take them to the Great Hall? And since we¡¯ll be searching the entire castle, the students might as well spend the night there. Let the feast continue a bit longer.¡±


    ¡°Of course,¡± Professor McGonagall agreed, nodding. She led Kyle and the others back down the corridor. As they passed the portrait of the Fat Lady, Kyle noticed that a large section of her canvas had been torn. The Fat Lady herself was nowhere to be seen; she must have hidden in another painting.


    Professor McGonagall noticed as well, her expression darkening further. ¡°See, Sirius Black didn¡¯t even spare a single painting. Do you understand now just how reckless your actions were?¡±


    When they reached the Great Hall, Professor McGonagall pushed open the doors, allowing them to enter. Professors Flitwick and Sprout were stationed at the entrance, wands at the ready.


    ¡°Minerva, what happened?¡± Professor Flitwick asked, lowering his wand slightly.


    ¡°It was Sirius Black,¡± Professor McGonagall whispered grimly.


    Professor Flitwick clutched his chest and gasped. ¡°How did he get in? Didn¡¯t the Dementors at the gates notice him?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know, but it¡¯s not the first time they¡¯ve let Black slip by¡­¡± McGonagall replied. ¡°We¡¯ll conduct a full search of the castle, and the students will stay here in the Great Hall for the night.¡±


    Turning to the group behind her, she added, ¡°Due to your recklessness, Gryffindor and Hufflepuff will each lose ten points¡­ and Ravenclaw will gain twenty, as Miss Cho Chang was the only one who made the responsible choice.¡±


    With that, Professor McGonagall left them in the hall and returned to her duties.


    Kyle, Kanna, and Cedric made their way to the Hufflepuff table. The table was laden with delicious food, yet no one was eating. All eyes were fixed on them, and students bombarded them with questions about what had happened.


    ¡°Quiet!¡± Professor Flitwick called out, his voice carrying firmly across the hall. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, nothing will happen¡ªlet the feast continue¡­¡±


    The Great Hall fell into a brief silence, though whispers of conversation still lingered in the air.


    ¡°Are you guys okay?¡± Cho asked, having somehow slipped over to the Hufflepuff table and was now hiding between Kanna and Cedric.


    ¡°We¡¯re fine,¡± Cedric replied. ¡°The professors will be back in about two minutes. But how did you get from the eighth floor to the Great Hall so fast?¡±


    ¡°Oh, I didn¡¯t run,¡± Cho replied with a grin. ¡°I went back to the Room of Requirement, grabbed a broom, and flew straight here.¡±


    ¡°Oh¡­ clever,¡± Cedric said, giving her a thumbs-up. ¡°That¡¯s so Ravenclaw.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t start with that, I haven¡¯t even gotten to you yet,¡± Cho huffed, looking at them with annoyance. ¡°You all said you were going to notify the professors, but instead, you all rushed off ahead of me!¡±


    ¡°Well, I wasn¡¯t exactly thinking¡­¡± Cedric admitted, scratching his head. ¡°I just instinctively ran after you.¡±


    ¡°Then why did you not drag me along?¡± Cho shot him a glare. ¡°Don¡¯t deny it¡ªI saw everything. Did you think I was too weak and would slow you down?¡±


    ¡°Someone had to warn everyone else,¡± Cedric replied, a bit sheepishly.


    ¡°And I was right, wasn¡¯t I?¡± He added with a shrug. ¡°Both Hufflepuff and Gryffindor lost ten points each, and only Ravenclaw gained twenty.¡±


    ¡°Oh, please,¡± Cho scoffed, crossing her arms and still glaring at Cedric. ¡°Ravenclaw only got twenty points?¡± S§×ar?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°Ahem¡­ Ravenclaw is actually first in House points now,¡± Kyle interjected, pointing discreetly to the scoreboard. ¡°And you¡¯re five points ahead of Slytherin.¡±


    Cho¡¯s words faltered, and she fell silent for a moment.


    ¡°Exactly,¡± Cedric added quickly. ¡°Now Ravenclaw is in the lead, and those twenty points could make all the difference in winning the House Cup.¡±

 Chapter 380: An Unconventional Transfiguration Class

    After dinner, all the students remained in the Great Hall. Professor Dumbledore stepped forward to address them.


    ¡°Prefects, please guard the entrances to the Great Hall. The Head Boy and Head Girl, along with Professor Sprout, will be in charge of maintaining order here. If there is any news, a ghost will be sent to inform me immediately,¡± he instructed.


    With a wave of his wand, the long tables glided to the sides of the Great Hall, lining up neatly against the walls. Another flick, and hundreds of fluffy sleeping bags appeared on the floor.


    ¡°You¡¯ll need these,¡± Professor Dumbledore said, before taking his leave.


    However, not everyone was thrilled with the sleeping bags. With Professor Sprout¡¯s permission, a few older students drew their wands and transformed their sleeping bags into single beds of a similar size. They then charmed their discarded robes into thick wool blankets. They had been planning this during dinner, deciding that if they were going to spend the night in the Great Hall, they¡¯d prefer to be as comfortable as possible. Naturally, some of them hoped Professor Sprout might even allow the beds to be made a bit bigger.


    Inspired, more and more students joined in, experimenting with Transfiguration to reshape their sleeping bags. Professor Sprout not only allowed it but also held Percy back when he tried to intervene. There was plenty of space, and she saw no harm in letting the students practice a bit of harmless Transfiguration, especially if it kept their minds off Sirius Black.


    She strolled through the rows of transformed beds, observing the students¡¯ handiwork.


    ¡°Excellent Transfiguration, Miss Johnson,¡± she praised Gryffindor Chaser Angelina Johnson with a smile. ¡°I imagine this bed must be very comfortable.¡±


    Angelina beamed proudly, smoothing her hair. Unlike the typical hard bedboards, she had conjured a thick velvet mattress on top, making her bed both cozy and luxurious.


    ...


    When Professor Dumbledore and Professor McGonagall re-entered the Great Hall, they were surprised by the lively scene unfolding before them. The Hall had transformed into a makeshift Transfiguration class, with students all practicing the same charm.


    ¡°Minerva, it seems everyone is having quite a bit of fun,¡± Dumbledore remarked with a smile. ¡°For a moment, I thought I¡¯d wandered into the wrong place.¡±


    Professor McGonagall smiled as well. ¡°Yes, Albus, it does seem that way.¡±


    It was the first time she had visibly relaxed since learning of Black¡¯s presence in the castle.


    ¡°Then let¡¯s lend a hand,¡± Dumbledore said, giving his wand a gentle flick. Instantly, the Great Hall seemed to expand, with the once-crowded aisles now wide enough for two to walk side by side, allowing the students to make their beds a bit larger.


    Professor McGonagall wasn¡¯t idle either; she transformed all the first- and second-years¡¯ sleeping bags into dormitory-style single beds.


    As for the third-years and above, who had already learned advanced Transfiguration... they were outside the range of her assistance.


    Besides, these sleeping bags were conjured by Professor Dumbledore, and his magic was incredibly stable¡ªvirtually indistinguishable from actual sleeping bags. So, technically speaking, this didn¡¯t even count as advanced Transfiguration; it was simply turning a sleeping bag into a single bed. S§×ar?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    For the third-years... if they couldn¡¯t manage this on their own, they might as well stick with the sleeping bags.


    Some students struggled with even this simple spellwork. Harry and Ron, for instance, only managed to make their sleeping bags look worse until Hermione intervened, helping them create proper beds. Next to them, Neville had simply settled into his sleeping bag without attempting any Transfiguration. Kyle¡¯s own transformation was modest¡ªa simple dormitory-style bed, just like the younger students''.


    Fred, George, and Cho soon joined Kyle.


    ¡°This is such a strange feeling,¡± Fred said, lying on his bed and gazing up at the ceiling, which had been enchanted to reflect the overcast sky. ¡°Almost like we¡¯re all in the same dormitory.¡± He sighed wistfully. ¡°Too bad Cedric isn¡¯t here¡­¡±


    As a Prefect, Cedric was stationed at the entrance to the Great Hall, unable to join them.


    ¡°It¡¯s all thanks to Black¡­¡± George said, turning to his brother. ¡°If it weren¡¯t for him, we wouldn¡¯t be getting this ¡®Great Hall slumber party.¡¯ This is the first time I¡¯ve slept in a bed I conjured up myself. Do you think it¡¯ll turn back into a sleeping bag in the middle of the night?¡±


    ¡°If your Transfiguration grade is an E (Exceeds Expectations), then you should be fine,¡± Kyle replied.


    ¡°That¡¯s too bad¡­¡± Fred sighed dramatically, pretending to struggle. ¡°Guess we¡¯ll need an Outstanding to pass this Transfiguration challenge, right?¡±


    ¡°Maybe we could get an E if we ¡®accidentally¡¯ answer a few questions wrong on the next exam,¡± George suggested with a grin.


    ¡°Mum won¡¯t be too pleased to hear you say that,¡± Fred retorted, and the two of them burst into laughter.


    Kyle shook his head, smiling but choosing to ignore them.


    When George mentioned Black, however, the mood shifted slightly as the group recalled the events of the night.


    ¡°How Black get into the castle, anyway?¡± Kanna asked, voicing the question on everyone¡¯s mind.


    Kyle could hear different theories buzzing among nearby groups as students debated their own ideas.


    "Apparition..."


    "Flew in on a broomstick..."


    "Transformed himself into a flowering bush..."


    The students whispered theories, though none of them made any real sense. Apparition was impossible within Hogwarts due to the castle¡¯s magical protections, and the Dementors certainly wouldn¡¯t let someone slip past on a broomstick or as a flowering bush.


    ¡°Could he have come through a secret passage?¡± Cho asked suddenly. ¡°Aren¡¯t there lots of secret passages in the castle that lead outside?¡±


    ¡°Impossible. Absolutely impossible,¡± Fred replied at once.


    George glanced around to ensure Professor Sprout and Percy were at the far end of the hall before lowering his voice. ¡°There are only two secret passages that lead out of Hogwarts,¡± he explained. ¡°One ends in the storage room of Honeydukes in Hogsmeade, but there¡¯s no way Black could have gotten through there¡ªhe doesn¡¯t even have a wand.¡±


    ¡°The other passage leads to the Shrieking Shack,¡± Fred continued, ¡°and while that entrance is unguarded, it¡¯s right under the Whomping Willow. If Black tried to get through there, the tree would¡¯ve pounded him flat.¡±


    ¡°We didn¡¯t hear about any ruckus around the Whomping Willow tonight, did we?¡± George added.


    "Lights out now!" Percy¡¯s voice cut through the murmur of voices. "I demand that everyone stop talking!"


    The candles flickered out, leaving only the dim glow from a few silver ghosts drifting around the room. They floated close to the Prefects, who exchanged whispers with them, all wearing serious expressions.

 Chapter 381: Lupin and Black

    For the next few days, there was only one topic of conversation throughout the school: Sirius Black. The stories about how he had broken into the castle grew increasingly wild.


    Seamus Finnigan from Gryffindor insisted that Black had snuck in disguised as a Dementor¡­ right among the guards. Luna, on the other hand, believed he had been posing as a painting of a goblin that could come and go from the castle at will.


    The torn portrait of the Fat Lady was taken down and replaced with that of Sir Cadogan. But the Gryffindor students didn¡¯t seem pleased with him. In the corridors, Kyle constantly overheard them complaining.


    ¡°That Sir Cadogan, he spends half his day challenging people to duels¡­¡±


    ¡°Every time I go to the common room, I have to waste five minutes answering his challenges¡­ because if you ignore him, he just keeps taunting you.¡±


    ¡°He also keeps coming up with the most absurdly complicated passwords¡ªand changes them at least twice a day.¡±


    ¡°I think he¡¯s probably been stuck on the eighth floor too long,¡± someone commented. ¡°The corridor where Sir Cadogan used to be was pretty much deserted, and none of the other portraits wanted him as a neighbor.¡±


    ¡°Of course, no one wants to put up with someone who only ever talks nonsense,¡± another agreed.


    ...


    Within just a few days, Sir Cadogan had replaced Sirius Black as the main topic of conversation among Gryffindor students.


    "At least he''s brave," Fred remarked with a grin over lunch one day. "No other portrait would take the job, but Sir Cadogan jumped at the chance."


    "And I heard he volunteered," added George.


    They didn''t truly dislike Sir Cadogan; in fact, sometimes they even taunted him on purpose just to watch him bounce excitedly in his portrait. Kyle, to be honest, was also a bit curious about Sir Cadogan, though the knight was only responsible for guarding the Gryffindor common room and couldn''t exactly transfer over to Hufflepuff.


    Just then, Harry entered the Great Hall, looking a bit glum. Percy trailed after him, glancing around nervously, as if half-expecting a dragon to leap out from behind a pillar and devour Harry on the spot. His odd behavior quickly caught everyone¡¯s attention.


    ¡°Oh, here we go¡­ ¡®Big Head¡¯ Percy¡¯s at it again,¡± Fred muttered, rolling his eyes before looking away.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± Cedric asked, intrigued. ¡°Percy looks extra jittery.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s because of Harry,¡± George explained. ¡°Mum wrote to us the other day, asking if we could keep an eye on Harry. And since then, Percy¡¯s been acting like this.¡±


    ¡°You all know the situation between Black and Harry,¡± Fred leaned in. ¡°Mum¡ªor, well, just about everyone¡ªthinks Black broke into the castle to get to Harry, to avenge his old master.¡±


    The others nodded in understanding.


    ¡°No wonder I¡¯ve seen a professor trailing Harry around lately¡­¡± Cho mused.


    ¡°Not only that,¡± Cedric added. ¡°Even during Quidditch practice, Madam Hooch has been keeping a close watch.¡±


    "Percy probably fancies himself a professor too," Fred said with a shrug. "But really, this is the Great Hall; Black isn''t about to jump out from under the table."


    He bent down, peering dramatically under the table with a straight face. ¡°Mr. Black, are you here? Fancy a bit of steak?¡±


    His ridiculous antics made several people laugh, including Harry, who managed a smile. Kyle noticed Harry mutter something to Percy, who finally allowed a bit of distance between them, though he still kept a watchful eye.


    The first class that day was Defense Against the Dark Arts. After breakfast, Kyle and Kanna headed to the classroom together. Today, Professor Lupin seemed a little off, as if preoccupied. He kept losing track of the lesson and mistakenly called out the wrong students'' names several times. In the end, he abandoned the lecture altogether and had the students pair up to practice the Boggart-Banishing Spell.


    Just as the lesson was ending, Professor Lupin called out, "Kyle, could you stay for a moment? I¡¯d like to ask you something."


    As the others filed out, Kyle glanced around¡­ To be honest, he felt a bit uneasy staying behind with Professor Lupin. Thankfully, there were no wardrobes or suitcases in sight, so there didn¡¯t seem to be any chance of encountering a Boggart or anything else quite as unsettling.


    Professor Lupin didn¡¯t seem to notice Kyle''s unease. He closed the door and, after a long pause, asked, "Did you see him the other day?" S§×ar?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Who?"


    "Sirius Black."


    "Yes, I did," Kyle replied with a nod.


    "What was he like..." Professor Lupin¡¯s voice dropped to a low tone. "I mean¡­ did he look like the pictures in the newspapers?"


    In that brief question, his expression shifted multiple times¡ªnervousness, disappointment, a flicker of hatred, and then, just barely, a trace of concern.


    "You can tell it''s the same person, but there are differences." Kyle thought for a moment before continuing. "He¡¯s incredibly thin, just skin stretched over bone. He¡¯s filthy and unkempt, with sunken eyes¡­ he looks like he¡¯s suffered a lot, probably to avoid getting caught by the Dementors."


    "He deserved it!" Professor Lupin suddenly slammed his fist on the desk, his face full of anger. "Thirteen years ago, he should have¡­"


    As though he realized he¡¯d said too much, Lupin quickly shut his mouth and took a few deep breaths.


    "Sorry, Kyle," he forced a smile, "just pretend I was talking nonsense." He paused, then asked, "One last question¡ªwhere did you lose Black before?"


    "It was where Professor Dumbledore found us," Kyle replied. "Later, we found a hidden passageway behind the tapestry that leads to the fourth floor, so I think that¡¯s how he escaped."


    Kyle shrugged. "But we figured Filch knew about that passage, so we didn¡¯t bother telling the professors."


    "Yes, Filch does know about that passage... but we searched the fourth floor for hours and found nothing." Professor Lupin¡¯s eyes narrowed slightly before he looked up again.


    "Alright, Kyle. Thank you; we¡¯ve taken up enough time. Go on to your next class. Oh, and don¡¯t worry about being late¡ªI¡¯ll speak with the professor. Which class do you have next?"


    "Potions¡­" Kyle said hesitantly. "Are you sure you can keep Professor Snape from taking points off my score?"


    "Er¡­" Professor Lupin hesitated, then managed, "I¡¯ll help you earn the points back in our next class."

 Chapter 382: No Way, Again?

    At the end of October, Ratton finally returned from Romania after being away for more than a month. Kyle placed him back in his dormitory, filled his food bowl with dragon liver and tonic, and then untied the small bag tied to his paws.


    Inside were dragon scale badges and a letter from Charlie. The letter explained that the shop had been low on stock, so they had rushed to produce a new batch, which was why it had taken so long. Kyle sighed, thinking Old John¡¯s shop could use a bit more professionalism. If he¡¯d known it would take this long, he would¡¯ve ordered fewer badges.


    By now, everyone had realized that the Dementors couldn¡¯t enter the castle, so the demand for the badges had faded. Kyle hadn¡¯t been asked about them in quite some time.


    Now, everyone¡¯s attention had shifted to something else entirely. With the first Quidditch match of the season approaching, the castle buzzed with excitement. Students could hardly wait for the game, and amidst all this energy, concerns about the Dementors¡ªor even Black¡¯s break-in¡ªseemed like distant worries.


    ...


    The day before the match, the wind howled, and the rain poured down harder than ever. The corridors and classrooms were so dim that extra torches and lanterns had to be lit. No one was keen on playing in such weather.


    ¡°Luckily, the first match is between Gryffindor and Slytherin,¡± Mikel remarked gratefully in the common room, glancing at the window being battered by wind. ¡°This kind of weather really messes with performance.¡± As it was his first match, he was taking things very seriously. The other team members around him nodded in agreement.


    But when they arrived in the Great Hall, Cedric delivered some unfortunate news.


    ¡°Our match has been moved up,¡± he said with a grim expression. ¡°Flint just came to see me¡ªapparently, we¡¯re playing Gryffindor tomorrow instead.¡±


    ¡°Why?¡± the team members asked, nearly in unison.


    ¡°Flint claims their Seeker broke his arm during training yesterday and wants us to swap spots with them.¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s talking rubbish!¡± Mikel exclaimed angrily. ¡°Even if his arm were broken, Madam Pomfrey could have him fixed up in no time. They¡¯re just trying to dodge this weather because they think it¡¯ll hurt their score.¡±


    ¡°Wait¡­¡± Mikel¡¯s face brightened with an idea. ¡°Captain, you haven¡¯t already agreed to this, have you?¡±


    Cedric shook his head. ¡°Not yet. I told Flint I¡¯d think about it.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s nothing to think about! Just refuse,¡± another teammate urged.


    ¡°But Flint¡¯s already spoken to Professor Snape,¡± Cedric said, his expression darkening. ¡°And Snape didn¡¯t look happy when I told Flint I needed to consider it.¡±


    ¡°What¡ªProfessor Snape?¡± Mikel raised his voice, baffled. Why was the Slytherin Head of House getting involved in a Quidditch scheduling dispute?


    ¡°And¡­¡± Cedric hesitated before continuing, ¡°if we refuse, Flint will probably go to Ravenclaw.¡±


    Mikel stopped, turning suddenly to Kyle. ¡°Kyle, which house are we having our first Charms lesson with today?¡±


    ¡°Ravenclaw, I think,¡± said Kyle, curious. ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°Give me a moment¡­¡± Mikel lowered his head, deep in thought. The rest of the team remained silent, waiting.


    After a few minutes, Mikel looked up, a grin spreading across his face. ¡°I have an idea. If both Ravenclaw and we have players ¡®injured¡¯ and in the Hospital Wing, then Professor Snape won¡¯t have any reason to replace us with Slytherin.¡±


    Cedric raised an eyebrow. ¡°It might work¡­ but isn¡¯t it a bit extreme to get yourself hospitalized for one match?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ve thought of everything.¡± Mikel looked pleased with himself. ¡°But first, I need to meet their Seeker, Cho Chang, before class¡­ could someone get her for me?¡±


    Cedric eyed him suspiciously but then got up and went to the Ravenclaw table. He¡¯d wanted to discuss Flint¡¯s request with the team first¡ªafter all, Kyle¡¯s waterproof badge could help them get through the match without too much discomfort, even in this weather. Still, Mikel¡¯s plan was intriguing enough to hear out.


    Soon, Cho arrived, looking a little pale, clearly already aware of the situation from Cedric. She sat down next to Mikel and asked, ¡°So, what¡¯s your plan?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s just an idea, but I think it¡¯ll work¡­¡±


    Mikel and Cho began whispering, and gradually, her expression shifted from worry to surprise, her eyes sparkling with excitement.


    ¡°I think it could really work!¡± she said, nodding.


    ¡°Exactly,¡± Mikel laughed. ¡°Now we just need the key ingredient. Wait here¡ªI¡¯ll go buy it¡­¡±


    ¡°No need.¡± Kyle stopped Mikel, pulling out some sweets from his bag. ¡°I¡¯ve already got what you need right here.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re sure these will work?¡±


    ¡°They¡¯re even better than the original,¡± Kyle said with a smirk. ¡°And don¡¯t worry¡ªthey won¡¯t have any lasting effects.¡±


    ...


    Soon, it was time for class. At the staircase, the group split up¡ªCedric headed down to the Dungeon for Potions, while Kyle and the others made their way to the Charms classroom.


    Today¡¯s lesson focused on the Revealing Charm. After thoroughly explaining the wand movements and the incantation, Professor Flitwick handed each student a blank piece of parchment and instructed them to uncover its hidden content. Sear?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The room filled with students chanting the spell, eager to see if any invisible writing would appear.


    Once Professor Flitwick had moved to the other side of the classroom, Mikel discreetly popped a bean into his mouth, then gave Cho a quick wink. Catching on, Cho did the same.


    Without warning, an intense white light flashed through the classroom, startling everyone. Then, Mikel let out a dramatic scream and collapsed onto his desk, lying utterly still. Meanwhile, Cho¡¯s face seemed to have swollen, looking paler and a full circle larger than before.


    Professor Flitwick turned around, wide-eyed at the sight of Mikel motionless on the table and Cho with her face grotesquely puffed up. ¡°Oh dear¡ªwhat¡¯s happened?¡± he stammered, utterly taken aback. Seeing Mikel¡¯s condition and recalling that peculiar flash of light, an unsettling memory from a few years back surfaced, filling him with dread.


    Panic flashed across his face. ¡°Quick! Take them to the Hospital Wing!¡± he ordered.


    Kyle reacted instantly, sprinting out of the classroom as fast as he could.

 Chapter 383: Corrupted by Proximity

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Filius, he¡¯s not suffering from magical exhaustion this time,¡± Madam Pomfrey reassured, breathing a sigh of relief after examining Mikel in the Hospital Wing. ¡°Although he¡¯s fallen into a coma, his physical condition is stable. Nothing serious is wrong. He¡¯ll just need to rest for a few days once he wakes up.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s good, that¡¯s good,¡± Professor Flitwick murmured, patting his chest with relief. ¡°And what about the other student?¡± S~ea??h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°I think he was so startled that he miscast the Charm, and he¡¯ll need a few days of rest as well,¡± Madam Pomfrey replied, frowning. ¡°Filius, may I ask what Charm you were teaching them today? This boy hasn¡¯t had any magical issues in three years, so why now¡­?¡±


    Professor Flitwick also looked baffled and even a bit frustrated. He couldn¡¯t fathom how this could have happened either. If it had been a complex Charm, it might have made more sense. But the Revealing Charm¡­ it was one of the simplest spells in . If it appeared on the exams, it was practically a guaranteed bonus question.


    He¡¯d already taught them the more challenging Summoning Charm without issue, yet somehow there¡¯d been trouble with this? Professor Flitwick simply couldn¡¯t understand it. Still, the most important thing was that they were all right.


    Professor Flitwick turned to Kyle, who had been the first to respond and had helped bring Mikel and Cho to the Hospital Wing. ¡°Kyle, could you please stay here and look after them for a bit?¡±


    ¡°No problem, Professor,¡± Kyle nodded without hesitation. ¡°Leave it to me; I¡¯ll make sure they¡¯re all right.¡±


    Professor Flitwick nodded gratefully, and after exchanging a few words with Madam Pomfrey, he hurried back to his class.


    ...


    ¡°What did you say?!¡±


    In the corridor outside the Great Hall, Marcus Flint stared at Cedric, who wore a serious expression, and practically shouted, ¡°Your Beater was taken to the Hospital Wing?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± Cedric replied with a sigh. ¡°We were all set to reschedule the match, but Mikel had the misfortune of getting injured during Charms class. Madam Pomfrey says he¡¯ll need to rest for a few days.¡±


    ¡°So¡­¡± Cedric looked over at Professor Snape and added apologetically, ¡°Sorry, Professor. If the match schedule isn¡¯t changed, we¡¯ll be one player short tomorrow.¡±


    Flint scowled in frustration, while Cedric remained calm and said, ¡°If you don¡¯t believe me, you¡¯re welcome to visit the Hospital Wing yourself. Or you could speak to Professor Flitwick¡ªhe was the one who took both Mikel and Cho Chang there. Cho, as you know, is also Ravenclaw¡¯s Seeker. Her spell was affected by Mikel¡¯s miscast Charm, and she ended up needing treatment as well.¡±


    At this, Flint¡¯s frustration exploded. ¡°This is all just an act! There¡¯s no way both of them were injured at the same time¡ªit¡¯s too much of a coincidence! I¡¯m going to the Hospital Wing to expose this right now!¡±


    Flint stormed off toward the Hospital Wing, and Cedric simply followed at a leisurely pace. When he arrived, he caught sight of Flint being unceremoniously tossed out of the Hospital Wing doors¡ªMadam Pomfrey clearly had no intention of allowing anyone to create a scene in her domain.


    ¡°Do you believe me now?¡± Cedric asked coolly. ¡°Honestly, how could I make up something that half of Charms class witnessed?¡±


    Flint ignored him, shouting toward the closed doors, ¡°They must have used Zonkos¡¯ props! They¡¯re not really injured¡ªthey¡¯re faking it!¡±


    Snape, observing the situation, looked just as skeptical. It was hard to believe that both a Hufflepuff and a Ravenclaw player were injured just as Slytherin was looking to reschedule. Even Longbottom wouldn¡¯t fall for something this contrived.


    However, Snape¡¯s hands were tied. The mishap in Charms had naturally centered on Mikel, known to have brewed the original Magic Suppressing Potion. Besides, Snape couldn¡¯t simply barge into the Hospital Wing and accuse the injured students of faking. Professors Flitwick and Sprout wouldn¡¯t stand for it, and the witnesses in this case made the injuries harder to dispute than Malfoy¡¯s flimsy, bandaged arm.


    Turning to Cedric with a sneer, Snape said, ¡°Impressive, Mr. Diggory. I thought you¡¯d be the type to look after an injured classmate.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯d be glad to, Professor,¡± Cedric replied smoothly, ¡°but as you can see, we¡¯re one player short, so there¡¯s really nothing we can do. Unless¡­¡± He trailed off, as if hesitating, then nodded. ¡°All right. We¡¯ll play with six. Losing a match isn¡¯t the end of the world, if it means we¡¯re helping Draco.¡±


    Snape narrowed his eyes at Cedric. The boy¡¯s innocent expression was all too familiar to him¡ªit reminded him of someone else with that same irritatingly angelic look, someone he¡¯d always felt deserved a good hex. This was not the same Cedric he¡¯d met in first year.


    ¡°No,¡± Snape said icily. ¡°Tomorrow¡¯s schedule will remain as it is. Let your players rest in peace.¡±


    Marcus Flint turned, his face contorted with desperation. ¡°Professor, they¡¯re faking it! If we just¡ª¡±


    ¡°Silence!¡± Snape snapped, cutting him off. He turned abruptly and strode away, clearly unwilling to waste another second on the scene.


    ¡°Excuse me, I need to go in and visit our Beater.¡± Cedric calmly walked into the Hospital Wing, entirely unfazed by Flint¡¯s furious glare. But before closing the door, he poked his head back out, a slow grin spreading across his face. ¡°Oh, and good luck in the match tomorrow.¡±


    ¡°You¡­¡± Flint was so enraged that he nearly swung at him, his fist clenched tightly enough to crack his knuckles. But Cedric had already disappeared inside, leaving Flint fuming, fists shaking, and unable to do anything but glare at the closed door.


    ...


    And so, the next day arrived, and with it, the day of the much-anticipated Quidditch match.


    In the Hospital Wing, Cho and Mikel made an unexpected recovery and stood before Madam Pomfrey, requesting to be discharged. At first, Madam Pomfrey was reluctant, but seeing how lively and alert the two of them looked, she finally agreed to give them a thorough examination. Naturally, the results showed no issues, so she allowed them to leave.


    ¡°Remember to be more careful in the future,¡± Madam Pomfrey advised Mikel, giving him a pointed look. ¡°I thought you¡¯d already mastered your magic?¡±


    ¡°Maybe I was a bit anxious about not being able to perform the Charm,¡± Mikel replied. ¡°I promise it won¡¯t happen again.¡±


    Seeing Mikel¡¯s respectful response, Madam Pomfrey nodded approvingly and didn¡¯t press the matter further. She simply allowed them to go on their way.


    ¡°Thank you for all the help,¡± Cho said politely as they left.


    ¡°Apologies for the trouble,¡± Mikel added, following suit.

 Chapter 384: An Uninvited Guest on the Field

    The wind and rain were just as relentless on the day of the Quidditch match as they had been the day before. But as Hogwarts¡¯ favorite sport, Quidditch drew the entire school to the pitch regardless of the weather. Students ran down towards the field, huddling against the fierce wind. Midway there, someone¡¯s umbrella got snatched away by a gust, forcing them to trudge along with their heads down.


    Kyle¡¯s waterproof badges proved incredibly handy. The Hufflepuff team stood in the pouring rain at the front of the bleachers, without umbrellas but completely dry¡ªhair and robes untouched by the rain. Their unusual appearance naturally drew attention.


    Malfoy soon approached from the direction of the Changing Rooms, still in his green Slytherin uniform. ¡°Kyle¡­ what¡¯s keeping them so dry? Have you invented something again?¡±


    ¡°Sort of,¡± Kyle replied, pointing to the shiny badge on Cedric¡¯s chest. ¡°It¡¯s a waterproof and moisture-proof badge. Perfect for weather like this.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll take one,¡± Malfoy declared without even asking the price.


    ¡°Wise choice,¡± Kyle said, handing him a badge. ¡°That¡¯ll be ten Galleons.¡±


    Malfoy reached for his pocket, then hesitated, his expression turning slightly awkward¡ªhe¡¯d forgotten his uniform didn¡¯t have pockets, meaning he had no money with him.


    ¡°As a valued customer, you¡¯re welcome to experience it first,¡± Kyle offered smoothly. ¡°You can decide on payment after the game.¡±


    Malfoy¡¯s face brightened, and he tried to brush off the situation casually. He muttered something about simply wanting to enjoy the perks of being a ¡°valued customer¡± and assured Kyle that the Malfoy family would, of course, settle any debt.


    After Malfoy left, several other students came over, curious about the badges. However, at a price of five Galleons each, the waterproof badges didn¡¯t sell quickly, though Kyle explained that five Galleons was actually a very low price for magical items. As for the map feature, it was only available as a perk in the welcome pack for new Hufflepuff students.


    A few minutes before the match was set to begin, Malfoy returned.


    ¡°I¡¯ll take six more,¡± he said, handing over seventy Galleons. ¡°And as for the one I tried out¡­ it works impressively well.¡±


    At that moment, Oliver Wood walked over, looking interested. ¡°I heard from Professor McGonagall that you¡¯ve got something here that keeps off the rain,¡± he said. ¡°How much?¡±


    ¡°Five Galleons for the basic badges, ten for the ones with dragon scales,¡± Kyle replied.


    ¡°Two of the regular ones,¡± Wood said, passing over ten Galleons.


    Standing beside him, Malfoy gave Wood a disdainful snort. But Wood simply brushed it off.


    ¡°Badges don¡¯t make you any better, Malfoy. You¡¯re still going to lose.¡±


    Malfoy opened his mouth to retort, but just then, Madam Hooch was walking toward the center of the pitch, so he hurried off instead. Wood, with a simple leap, jumped from the bleachers onto his broom and handed the waterproof badges to two younger Chasers.


    A few minutes later, Madam Hooch¡¯s whistle pierced the air, and the match began. Cheers erupted from the stands.


    ¡°This feels amazing,¡± said Hufflepuff¡¯s new Keeper, grinning as he came back from the front of the bleachers. ¡°I swear a hundred people were staring at me, and Angelina Johnson from Gryffindor looked this way at least three times. Bet she was smitten.¡± S§×ar?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°You¡¯re dreaming,¡± one of his teammates laughed. ¡°She was looking at me.¡±


    They all chuckled and sat down beside Cedric. One of them turned to Kyle, saying, ¡°So¡­ did you really just give us these badges?¡±


    ¡°Of course,¡± Kyle confirmed. ¡°That¡¯s what we agreed on.¡±


    ¡°This thing¡¯s worth ten Galleons,¡± the player said, amazed. ¡°If you ever come up with something like this again, let me know. I¡¯d stand out in the rain all day for it.¡±


    ¡°No problem,¡± Kyle grinned.


    At that moment, a new round of cheers erupted from the stands¡ªSlytherin had just scored the first goal, and a few of the Slytherin students, caught up in the excitement, tossed their umbrellas away.


    Amidst the noise, Cho and Mikel pushed their way through the crowd to join the others.


    ¡°We didn¡¯t miss anything, did we?¡± asked Mikel.


    ¡°Right on time,¡± Kyle replied with a smile. ¡°Slytherin just scored their first goal. How are you both holding up?¡±


    ¡°Perfectly,¡± Mikel grinned. ¡°The Sopophorous bean worked like a charm, though I think I hit the table a bit hard on the way down.¡±


    ¡°I took the second half of the Swelling Candy, too,¡± Cho added. ¡°Madam Pomfrey didn¡¯t notice anything amiss.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s a relief,¡± Kyle said, and Mikel added with a laugh, ¡°And that flash of light you conjured up was brilliant, Kyle. I used to think I was the only one who could pull off something like that without keeling over.¡±


    ¡°It was nothing,¡± Kyle shrugged. ¡°Just a little rune work.¡±


    They settled in, watching the match while chatting¡ªthe game was tough to follow in the downpour. The rain made it hard to tell which players were which, and the field was dotted with hazy, moving shapes, barely distinguishable through the mist. Up in the commentator¡¯s stand, Lee Jordan had abandoned his usual banter to focus all his energy on trying to guess which blur held the Quaffle.


    "Gryffindor scores ten points... Well done, Angelina¡ªor maybe it¡¯s Spinnet¡­?"


    The sky darkened, and as the first lightning bolt cracked across it, conditions on the pitch became even worse. For once, Lee Jordan was hoping the game would end quickly, but with visibility so poor, spotting the Snitch was next to impossible.


    ¡°This game isn¡¯t going to drag on into the night, is it?¡± Mikel muttered, shivering. ¡°I should have worn warmer robes.¡±


    ¡°If they don¡¯t catch the Snitch, then yes, it could last until nightfall,¡± Cedric explained. ¡°School matches are simpler than the pro ones, but the rules are the same. I remember hearing about one that went on for two days because both teams had the worst Seekers in Hogwarts history.¡±


    ¡°No,¡± Kyle interrupted, suddenly looking up at the sky. ¡°I don¡¯t think this one will last that long.¡±


    Another flash of lightning ripped across the clouds, briefly illuminating the pitch¡ªand with it, hundreds of hooded figures lining the stands. Dementors. They were clustered along the perimeter, their oppressive presence spreading a wave of chilling fear over the stadium.


    The crowd¡¯s cheers turned to horrified screams.


    ¡°Oh no¡­ it¡¯s freezing!¡± Mikel yelped, leaping to his feet. ¡°Why are those monsters here?¡±


    ¡°The excitement probably drew them in,¡± Kyle replied, watching the Dementors inch closer. ¡°They feed on happiness, and right now, the energy here must seem like a feast they can¡¯t resist.¡±


    ¡°So¡­ what do we do?¡± Mikel asked, voice shaky, as he pulled his robes tighter around him, though it didn¡¯t help.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay,¡± Kyle said, keeping his eyes on the Dementors. ¡°Professor Dumbledore won¡¯t let them stay here.¡±


    ¡°But Dumbledore isn¡¯t in the castle!¡± Mikel said in a panicked tone. ¡°I heard Professor McGonagall mention it this morning when she came to the Hospital Wing to get some Pepperup Potion. She told Madam Pomfrey he left for London and won¡¯t be back until tonight.¡±

 Chapter 385: Kyle’s Patronus

    Professor Dumbledore wasn''t at the castle?


    Kyle quickly stood up on his seat, scanning the area around the commentary box. Another flash of lightning briefly lit up the pitch, confirming what Mikel had said¡ªProfessor Dumbledore was indeed absent. With the rain coming down in torrents, there were far fewer professors watching the match than usual. Those who were there looked deeply alarmed, clearly grasping the severity of the situation.


    Around them, panicked voices rose louder and louder as students realized what was happening.


    ¡°Dementors¡­ there are Dementors!¡±


    Everyone remembered the terror of encountering just two Dementors on the train¡ªand now there were at least a hundred of them hovering above the pitch.


    ¡°This is impossible¡­ the professors said they¡¯d only stay at the school entrance!¡±


    ¡°Stop the game! Harry¡¯s in danger!¡± Hermione cried, leaning over the front row and shouting desperately towards the pitch. Her voice, however, was swallowed by the chaos around her. Yet it seemed her worry had been justified¡ªa shadow was hurtling towards them at alarming speed.


    Malfoy, pale-faced, clung tightly to his broom, rocketing toward the stands. Terror had apparently unlocked his full speed, faster even than when he¡¯d been pursuing the Golden Snitch.


    ¡°Help! Help!¡± he yelled, panicked. ¡°I can¡¯t stop!¡±


    Acting quickly, Kyle drew his wand and transfigured nearby cloaks and umbrellas into a large net, which stretched out to catch the broom and prevent it from crashing.


    Malfoy landed, visibly relieved. As soon as his feet hit the ground, he shoved an unconscious Harry off the back of his broom. ¡°It wasn¡¯t me!¡± he protested loudly. ¡°I didn¡¯t touch Potter! He just fainted when he saw the Dementors and fell onto my broom. He nearly made me fall too!¡±


    Fuming, Malfoy attempted to give Harry another kick, but a few students held him back.


    ¡°What happened?¡± someone demanded.


    ¡°We were chasing the Snitch, then all of a sudden, the Dementors appeared!¡± Malfoy¡¯s voice shook as he spoke. ¡°Potter fainted right over me. I barely managed to steer the broom down. I tried my hardest, but I could only adjust it a little.¡±


    Then, as if realizing something, Malfoy looked up, his expression turning to horror. The Dementors were now alarmingly close, closing in on the students with unmistakable hunger.


    A dim silver glow flickered from various parts of the stands¡ªsome of the older students had begun casting the Patronus Charm. But while a few faint Patronuses appeared, they were incomplete, barely holding back the encroaching Dementors.


    Then, from the direction of the teachers¡¯ table, three brighter silver lights burst forth¡ªMcGonagall¡¯s cat, Sprout¡¯s weasel, and a swift from another professor. The powerful Patronuses swept across the pitch, covering most of the area with brilliant light. Yet a small gap remained.


    ¡°Severus!¡± Professor McGonagall called urgently. ¡°What are you waiting for? Hurry!¡±


    Snape, visibly shaken, hesitated but finally drew his wand, his eyes on the Dementors approaching the unprotected section of the pitch. Just as he opened his mouth to cast the charm, a new Patronus appeared, drifting into place and casting a broad silver light that filled the final gap.


    It was a strange, beautiful form¡ªa translucent, umbrella-like creature that floated through the air with rippling movements, tendrils trailing below it like water. The Dementors recoiled, contained outside the pitch, unable to advance another step.


    Professor McGonagall let out a sigh of relief, wiping the cold sweat from her forehead before turning on Snape angrily. ¡°What were you doing just now? Don¡¯t tell me you can¡¯t cast the Patronus Charm!¡±


    Not even in her most intense moments with Snape had she spoken with such fury, but Snape, knowing he was in the wrong, didn¡¯t protest.


    As she regained her composure, McGonagall¡¯s eyes lingered on the jellyfish-like Patronus, noting that she had never seen one like it before. Its soft, umbrella-shaped body and delicate tendrils were unique.


    ¡°A jellyfish?¡± she muttered, glancing at Professor Sprout. ¡°Do you know anyone with a Patronus like that?¡±


    Professor Sprout shook her head, equally puzzled.


    ¡°Could it be¡­ Kyle?¡± Professor Flitwick suggested after a moment¡¯s thought. ¡°I remember Remus mentioning that Kyle used the Patronus Charm on the train.¡±


    Professor McGonagall looked toward the Hufflepuff section, though the downpour made it impossible to see clearly.


    ...


    ¡°Kyle, is this your Patronus?¡± Kanna tilted her head, watching the silvery creature hovering gracefully in midair.


    Kyle nodded. ¡°Yes.¡± S§×ar?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°It¡¯s so beautiful¡­¡± Kanna whispered, mesmerized.


    Cho nodded in agreement. While Kyle¡¯s Patronus wasn¡¯t as large or as powerful as the professors¡¯ Patronuses, it was undeniably the most elegant. Its silvery form floated serenely, like a spirit gliding through the rain, captivating everyone¡¯s attention.


    ¡°Can our Patronuses be like this?¡± Cho asked hopefully.


    Kanna¡¯s eyes sparkled. ¡°Maybe even more beautiful.¡±


    ¡°Not necessarily,¡± Kyle replied thoughtfully. ¡°Everyone¡¯s Patronus is different, and you can¡¯t tell what it¡¯ll be until it appears. Yours could turn out to be a toad, or a caterpillar, or¡­ something.¡±


    Cho¡¯s hopeful expression vanished instantly, and the sparkle in Kanna¡¯s eyes faded. Both of them slowly turned to glare at Kyle, eyes narrowed.


    ¡°I swear¡­¡± Kanna gritted her teeth, ¡°if my Patronus turns out to be a caterpillar, I¡¯ll make sure you pay for it.¡±


    ¡°Same here,¡± Cho agreed.


    ¡°But why is that my fault?¡± Kyle stammered. ¡°I was only giving an example!¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t care!¡± Kanna snapped.


    ¡°Pfft¡­¡± Cedric couldn¡¯t hold back a laugh.


    ¡°What are you laughing at?¡± Cho glared at him. ¡°You¡¯re in trouble too.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Cedric looked bewildered. ¡°I didn¡¯t say anything¡ªit was all Kyle!¡±


    ¡°You laughed!¡± Cho retorted.


    ¡°I¡­¡± Cedric looked helplessly at the others, who were all biting their lips, shoulders shaking as they tried not to laugh.


    Malfoy, watching the scene, was also on the verge of laughing but held back as Kanna shot him a warning glance. He quickly lowered his gaze, gripping his broom tightly.


    ¡°I¡¯m only keeping a straight face as a favor to Kyle,¡± Malfoy thought to himself. ¡°It¡¯s not like I¡¯m actually afraid of her or anything¡­¡± But, thinking back to how Kyle had saved him from the out-of-control broom¡ªand realizing Kanna was Kyle¡¯s friend¡ªhe convinced himself he was just showing loyalty.


    he assured himself.

 Chapter 386: The Misty Siren

    The light from the four Patronus charms completely enveloped the stadium, holding the Dementors at bay twenty feet above the stands.


    Soon, professors within the castle caught wind of the situation and rushed over. Patronuses began to soar from different parts of Hogwarts, their bright silver light piercing through the rain, illuminating the entire stadium like the sun. The intense chill was dispelled, replaced by a powerful feeling of safety that washed over everyone.


    Even some older students¡¯ Patronus abilities surged in response, allowing them to summon their own Patronuses. One after another, new Patronuses joined the battle. The Hogwarts counterattack had begun. As various Patronuses filled the sky, the Dementors started to scatter, retreating and fleeing in a panic from the stadium.


    Hagrid was even more over-the-top. He called two Unicorns from the Forbidden Forest for reinforcement¡ªthough they didn¡¯t offer much help. Unicorns may indeed be natural enemies of Dementors, but Dementors can fly, and even they know better than to drift down to ground level to confront a Unicorn. Besides, Hagrid had spent a fair amount of time summoning them from the forest, so by the time he arrived, the battle was nearly over.


    Professor McGonagall stamped her foot in frustration as she watched the last few Dementors vanish from sight. She had longed to join the fray, but her priority was maintaining the light screen, ensuring her students'' safety. All she could do was watch the Dementors flee, not a single one left to capture.


    ¡°What a golden opportunity to handle those Dementors once and for all... and it¡¯s slipped away,¡± she thought with deep regret, feeling as though she¡¯d lost a thousand Galleons. No, she corrected herself, the disappointment was far greater than losing Galleons. Galleons can always be earned back, but the chance to deal with Dementors might never come again¡ªespecially once Professor Dumbledore returned.


    With this thought, she glanced to the side. If only Snape had participated earlier, she might have had the freedom to take on the Dementors herself. A professor relying on a student to cover for her¡­ what a thought!


    Snape, noticing McGonagall¡¯s gaze, looked away, feigning ignorance. To him, it didn¡¯t matter whose Patronus led the charge; all that mattered was that the threat was neutralized.


    McGonagall, however, didn¡¯t dwell on these thoughts for long and quickly redirected her attention to more pressing matters. The Dementors'' intrusion onto school grounds was unacceptable, and the Ministry of Magic would have to answer for it.


    She raised her wand to her throat and cast a charm to amplify her voice, calling out, ¡°Everyone, be quiet!¡± S~ea??h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Her voice echoed across the pitch, capturing everyone''s attention.


    "The game is suspended. Prefects will lead the students from each House back to the castle immediately," Professor McGonagall''s voice rang out. "The Head Boy will oversee security. If a Dementor is spotted again, send a red flare into the sky. No one is to remain outside for any reason!"


    There was no complaint from the stands, and even the players from both teams accepted the suspension without protest. Under Professor McGonagall''s orders, the students quickly left the pitch and headed back to the castle.


    With Malfoy unable to keep hold of Harry, Kyle conjured a stretcher, laid Harry on it, and a few eager Hufflepuffs volunteered to carry him to the castle. They had barely reached the foyer when the Gryffindor team arrived, along with Ron and Hermione, drenched and looking like they had just climbed out of a lake.


    ¡°Oh, Harry, thank goodness¡­¡± Ron said, clearly relieved. ¡°We saw him fall into the stands with Malfoy, but the crowd was so thick we couldn¡¯t get to him.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, he¡¯ll be fine,¡± Kyle reassured them. ¡°It¡¯s probably just like what happened on the train. Find a room with a window and stick Harry¡¯s head outside; I bet he¡¯ll wake up soon.¡±


    ¡°Er, let¡¯s not do that,¡± Ron replied with a dry chuckle. ¡°I think Madam Pomfrey will be able to wake him up too.¡±


    Back on the train, there had been no other option but to splash Harry awake, but here at school, taking him to the Hospital Wing seemed the wiser choice.


    ¡°Suit yourselves,¡± Kyle shrugged. ¡°Just make sure he eats some chocolate once he¡¯s up¡ªit¡¯ll help.¡±


    Hermione and Ron nodded, then led Harry to the Hospital Wing, accompanied by Wood and the rest of the Gryffindor team, except for Fred and George. They stayed behind with Kyle, whose pale face looked even more ghostly against the mud on his cheeks.


    ¡°It was terrifying¡­¡± Fred shivered, still visibly shaken. ¡°I felt a chill run down my spine, and when I turned around, the Dementor was less than five feet away from me.¡±


    ¡°It felt like all the happiness was sucked right out of me,¡± George said, taking a steadying breath. ¡°So, this is what it¡¯s like to face a Dementor without the Patronus Charm¡­ it¡¯s pretty dreadful.¡±


    ¡°But on that note,¡± Fred asked suddenly, ¡°Kyle, which one was your Patronus back there?¡±


    ¡°Why do you ask?¡± Kyle replied with a neutral expression. ¡°Maybe I couldn¡¯t summon one.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s a good joke,¡± Fred laughed.


    ¡°If it had been ten minutes ago, we might¡¯ve believed you,¡± George added, patting Kyle on the shoulder. ¡°But don¡¯t forget, we weren¡¯t the only ones at the Quidditch Pitch. Plenty of people saw you summon your Patronus, and on the way back to the castle, we overheard at least two groups talking about it.¡±


    ¡°If you already know, why are you asking me?¡± Kyle said.


    ¡°Because every time we heard something different,¡± Fred said, a strange expression on his face. ¡°It was like you summoned a whole herd of Patronuses. Luna even claimed your Patronus was a Misty Siren.¡±


    ¡°A Misty Siren?¡± Kyle asked, confused.


    ¡°According to Luna, they¡¯re magical creatures from the North Sea,¡± George explained, thinking for a moment. ¡°They don¡¯t have a fixed form, and everyone sees them differently. Kind of sounds like a Boggart, doesn¡¯t it?¡±


    ¡°Do you believe that?¡± Kyle asked, looking at them.


    ¡°Well¡­¡± Fred rubbed his chin thoughtfully. ¡°It¡¯s not entirely impossible.¡±


    Kyle was about to respond when a commotion rippled through the crowd around them. Professor McGonagall had arrived, accompanied by several senior students who appeared to be Prefects from the various Houses.


    ¡°Professor McGonagall!¡± Fred asked urgently. ¡°Have the Dementors been driven off? When can we finish the Quidditch match?¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re thirty points ahead of Slytherin,¡± George added.


    ¡°I¡¯m afraid not today,¡± Professor McGonagall replied, looking sympathetic but offering no further explanation. She simply instructed them to return to their common rooms for hot chocolate.


    Before Kyle could leave, she stopped him. ¡°You, come with me for a moment,¡± she said.


    Although he wasn¡¯t sure what this was about, Kyle nodded and followed her. As they walked, Professor McGonagall asked, ¡°I heard from Diggory that your Patronus was a Jellyfish?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± Kyle replied. ¡°Has something else happened?¡±


    ¡°Not really,¡± said Professor McGonagall. ¡°But the Patronus Charm is an advanced spell, and it can be mentally exhausting. Since you faced so many Dementors, I think it would be best if Madam Pomfrey checked on you.¡±

 Chapter 387: Backflip

    As the only real casualty of the Dementor attack, Harry had to stay in the Hospital Wing for the entire weekend. People visited often, trying to cheer him up, but Harry struggled to smile.


    His broomstick was shattered, split cleanly in two. He had known it would likely break from a fall of fifty feet, and the thought had crossed his mind when he first regained consciousness. Yet, actually seeing the pieces made him feel miserable. Wood had assured him that it could be fixed, that a trip to Diagon Alley and a bit of gold would have it as good as new. But he couldn¡¯t go to Diagon Alley now¡­ he couldn¡¯t even go to Hogsmeade.


    And something else weighed on Harry''s mind. In his first Divination class, Professor Trelawney had foreseen a dark omen in his tea leaves¡ªa large, black dog. And then, during the match, a black dog had been right there in the stands¡­ and moments later, he had fallen fifty feet.


    He hadn¡¯t told anyone about this¡ªnot Ron or Hermione¡ªbecause he could predict their reactions. Ron would panic, and Hermione would laugh it off. He knew his friends too well. What he wanted was real advice. The black dog had already appeared twice, each time right before deadly danger. The first time, just before term began, he had nearly been flung off the Knight Bus; now, he¡¯d fallen off his broomstick. Was he meant to be on guard against this creature for the rest of his life?


    And then there were the Dementors¡­


    Harry sat in silence on his hospital bed, half-listening to Hermione tell him about the latest school gossip. She mentioned that Kyle''s dragon-scale badge was suddenly in demand again.


    ¡°I still don¡¯t think it does much, but most people say it¡¯s helpful,¡± Hermione said, toying with the badge pinned to her chest. ¡°Dean Thomas swore he didn¡¯t feel a Dementor at all, but I was there, and before the Patronuses appeared, he nearly cried.¡±


    ¡°But what about Neville?¡± Ron countered. ¡°He wore two of them and did a lot better than on the train. He even came to visit Harry.¡±


    ¡°Maybe he¡¯s just getting used to the effects of the Dementors,¡± Hermione suggested. ¡°It has nothing to do with an amulet.¡±


    Ron wasn¡¯t convinced. ¡°Everyone knows you can¡¯t get used to something like that¡ªit only gets worse.¡±


    As he listened, Harry wondered if Kyle might have some advice about the black dog, which seemed to appear and vanish at the most unpredictable times. And he also wanted to ask about dealing with Dementors. Professor McGonagall had called it the Patronus Charm.


    ...


    The opportunity soon arose. On Monday, as Harry returned to his classes, he spotted Kyle and Cedric heading toward the Great Hall. Seizing the moment, he quickly caught up with them.


    ¡°A black dog?¡± Kyle repeated after hearing Harry¡¯s question.


    ¡°Yes,¡± said Harry. ¡°I saw it in the stands during the game, and then¡­ I fell fifty feet. I was wondering if there was anything to it. I saw it once before, too, when I was in Magnolia Crescent¡­ If it were just some random dog, it wouldn¡¯t have followed me all the way from Privet Drive to Hogwarts, would it?¡±


    Cedric thought for a moment. ¡°It¡¯s possible you¡¯re mistaken. I mean, with similar size, breed, and color, it¡¯s hard to know if it¡¯s the same dog each time.¡±


    ¡°Well¡­¡± Harry hesitated. He¡¯d only caught a quick, shadowed glimpse before the Knight Bus had appeared, so maybe Cedric was right. But the timing seemed just a bit too coincidental.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know what happened on Privet Drive,¡± Kyle interjected, ¡°but the one in the stands is just a friendly stray. Big, shaggy, and hasn¡¯t had a bath in ages, from the look of it.¡±


    ¡°You saw it too?¡± Harry asked, surprised.


    ¡°Yeah, the last time we went to Hogsmeade,¡± Kyle said with a laugh. ¡°I saw it lounging in front of a shop and played with it for a bit. I think it must have wandered over from the village.¡±


    ¡°Wait, so you¡¯re saying it¡¯s just a stray from Hogsmeade? Nothing unlucky about it?¡±


    ¡°If a black dog really meant bad luck, then what about Hagrid¡¯s dog, Fang?¡± Kyle pointed out. ¡°He¡¯s black, too.¡±


    Thinking of Fang, Harry realized Kyle had a point. Fang, Hagrid¡¯s enormous black boarhound, showed up regularly in Care of Magical Creatures class¡­ hardly an omen of doom.


    ¡°And,¡± Kyle added, ¡°the dog¡¯s actually quite clever. It can roll over, shake hands, even jump through hoops. Try it out next time¡ªit¡¯s really something.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯d recommend the backflip,¡± Cedric added with a grin. ¡°Not even some trained Crups could do it so well.¡±


    ¡°And the fire-jumping!¡± Kyle said. ¡°It¡¯s like a Quidditch show with three different-sized hoops.¡±


    Listening to the two of them, Harry felt his fear and distaste for the black dog fade. If it was just some stray everyone had seen, perhaps it really was just an ordinary dog, like Fang. And with the tricks they mentioned, Harry even felt a flicker of curiosity. Was it really as clever as Kyle made it sound? Although he couldn¡¯t go to Hogsmeade, maybe he could ask Ron and Hermione to check it out.


    ¡°Oh, by the way,¡± Kyle added, ¡°if you want to see it do any tricks, bring it some food. That lazy dog won¡¯t move a paw without it.¡±


    Harry nodded, making a mental note. S§×arch* The Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°There¡¯s one more thing,¡± he said. ¡°Could you teach me the Patronus Charm? Next time I see a Dementor, I don¡¯t want to faint again.¡±


    Kyle hesitated briefly before shaking his head. ¡°I¡¯d like to help, but I don¡¯t have much time lately. With Quidditch training three times a week and other activities, I¡¯m barely free.¡±


    Harry¡¯s face fell, disappointment sinking in. But then Kyle continued, ¡°You could try asking Professor Lupin. He knows the Charm too.¡±


    ¡°Professor Lupin!¡± Harry said, brightening up. ¡°Hermione mentioned that he made the Dementor on the train back off.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Kyle.¡±


    Without even stopping for dinner, Harry hurried off toward Professor Lupin¡¯s office, his mind racing with anticipation.

 Chapter 388: Starting a Club

    The Dementors had entered the school without warning, sending Dumbledore into a fury. He couldn¡¯t believe this had happened merely because he¡¯d been away for a day. Upon hearing the news, he dropped everything and went straight to the Ministry of Magic to confront Fudge. No one knew what was said between them in the minister¡¯s office, but by Monday, most of the Dementors stationed around Hogwarts had been withdrawn, leaving only a dozen or so at critical entry points. Curiously, made no mention of the incident, as if it had never occurred.


    However, the students of Hogwarts remained oblivious to these changes, and few noticed the decreased number of Dementors. After the weekend, the castle buzzed with its usual energy, the only real change being that Harry¡¯s broom was now broken¡ªa misfortune that only concerned the Gryffindors. Meanwhile, Kyle¡¯s dragon scale badges were back in demand; Ratton¡¯s latest stock had sold out within days, along with most of the pricier dragon tooth jewelry. But these were minor matters, easily overlooked in the larger scheme of things.


    That Monday morning, the fourth years had Defense Against the Dark Arts. Professor Lupin looked unwell, his robe hanging loosely and dark circles prominent beneath his eyes, as though he hadn¡¯t slept in days. Nevertheless, he greeted them with a smile.


    ¡°Today, we¡¯re going to learn a very handy little trick: the Tracking Charm,¡± he said in a faint voice. ¡°This charm can easily detect creatures lurking in shadows or magical objects that are hidden or invisible. If you ever find yourself in ancient ruins or a dangerous jungle¡­ knowing what¡¯s around you beforehand is invaluable. It can help you avoid Hinkypunks hiding in pools or spot Fwoopers perched in treetops.¡±


    He paused, gesturing to them. ¡°Now, everyone take out your wands¡­¡±


    Originally, Professor Lupin had planned an outdoor lesson for the fourth years. Two weeks earlier, he had prepared a clearing near the Forbidden Forest where students could use the Tracking Charm to find Bowtruckles and Fairies hidden among the trees.


    But plans had changed, and he simply didn¡¯t have the energy to take the students outside the castle today. The lesson would have to be limited to practicing the Charm and the hand movements in the classroom.


    Professor Lupin thought to himself.


    After becoming accustomed to Professor Lupin¡¯s typically lively lessons, however, the students found simply practicing the spell rather dull. The Tracking Charm, unlike other spells, was tricky to gauge without an actual target, making it hard for them to know if they were casting it correctly. After about half the class, students began to lose interest, their chanting of incantations and hand gestures growing increasingly unenthusiastic.


    "Professor¡­¡± someone called out, ¡°do you know much about Dementors?¡±


    At once, everyone perked up, their eyes fixed intently on Professor Lupin. This was far more intriguing than waving their wands.


    ¡°Of course I know,¡± Professor Lupin replied. ¡°Though I wasn¡¯t at school last Saturday, the other professors filled me in on what happened. Dementors are among the most evil creatures in existence. They drain all happiness, every joyful memory, from anyone nearby. If you remain with them long enough, you can go mad¡­ soulless and empty, just like them.¡±


    ¡°Why did the Dementors go to the pitch ?¡± a student asked.


    ¡°They were probably hungry,¡± Professor Lupin answered calmly. ¡°The excitement and heightened emotions around the Quidditch Pitch must have been a feast for them.¡±


    ¡°Professor, can you teach us how to defend against Dementors?¡± another student asked. ¡°It¡¯s the Patronus Charm, right? The one that summons silver animals?¡±


    Professor Lupin looked at him. ¡°It¡¯s difficult, something you¡¯ll only learn in your seventh year,¡± he replied. ¡°Besides, Professor Dumbledore has already resolved this matter. Rest assured, the Dementors won¡¯t dare come onto school grounds again.¡± Sear?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°But, Professor,¡± the student pressed, ¡°there will always be times when the headmaster isn¡¯t here¡ªlike last Saturday. If the Dementors break into the castle when he¡¯s gone, shouldn¡¯t we know how to defend ourselves?¡±


    ¡°This¡­¡± Professor Lupin frowned slightly. ¡°The Patronus Charm is seventh-year material. Learning it now may be¡­ a bit premature.¡±


    ¡°No problem, Professor,¡± Kyle chimed in, ¡°I¡¯m certain we can handle it.¡±


    ¡°Yes, absolutely!¡± Mikel quickly added. ¡°Kyle has already mastered it, so we can definitely learn it too.¡±


    Professor Lupin opened his mouth to say that Kyle was an unusual case, that one student¡¯s success didn¡¯t set the standard for the whole class. But the words caught in his throat. He paused, weighing the reality.


    ¡°There isn¡¯t enough time,¡± he said finally. ¡°The Patronus Charm requires not only precise magical control but also a high level of emotional command. It can¡¯t be learned in half a term. And if we spend too long on it, it would delay your exams¡ªeven your fifth-year O.W.L.s. This is why we wait until seventh year.¡±


    ¡°But, Professor,¡± came a tentative voice from the corner, ¡°couldn¡¯t you keep teaching us until then?¡±


    Professor Lupin suddenly found himself at a loss. He couldn¡¯t, of course, because his teaching appointment was only for the current year. And he wasn¡¯t the only one; all previous Defense Against the Dark Arts professors had only ever held the post for a single year.


    According to rumors passed among the professors, Dumbledore¡¯s office contained stacks of one-year appointment letters for this position, as plentiful as the new student acceptance letters each summer. Whether or not that was true¡­ well, no one really knew.


    Seeing Professor Lupin hesitate, the room erupted into a flurry of eager chatter.


    ¡°Professor, we really want to learn this¡­¡±


    ¡°We promise we¡¯ll work hard¡­¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll even do two rolls of parchment for homework if we have to¡­ mmm¡ª¡± Before he could finish, someone nearby clamped a hand over his mouth. That offer might¡¯ve been too much.


    ¡°If time is the issue¡­¡± Kyle spoke up again. ¡°You could do what some other professors have done and start your own club.¡±


    ¡°A club?¡± Professor Lupin repeated, considering the idea.


    ¡°Yes,¡± Kyle said, seizing the opportunity. ¡°After last Saturday, I¡¯m sure a lot of students from other years want to learn the Patronus Charm too. Plus, more spells knowledge is always a good thing. If you gather everyone who wants to learn under the name of a club, you¡¯d only need to spend about two hours a week.¡±


    Professor Lupin fell silent, pondering this. After a moment, he nodded thoughtfully. ¡°A club might work¡­ and it wouldn¡¯t interfere too much with your regular studies. But teaching all seven years¡­ wouldn¡¯t that be too large of a group?¡±


    He frowned, adding, ¡°And I doubt Hogwarts has a classroom big enough to hold everyone.¡±


    ¡°Actually, there is one¡ªthe Great Hall,¡± Kyle suggested with a grin. ¡°You might not know, but last year, Professor Lockhart asked the headmaster to use the Great Hall to set up a Duelling Club, and nearly every student signed up. Since he was a Defense Against the Dark Arts professor, he was able to do it, so I¡¯m sure you could too.¡±

 Chapter 389: Harry’s Blushing Heartbeat

    Faced with Kyle''s suggestion and the hopeful looks of his students, Professor Lupin hesitated before nodding in agreement. "I''ll give it a try¡ªif the headmaster approves."


    Kyle was right; learning an extra Charm was always beneficial, and he had no real reason to refuse. Besides, Harry had come to see him about the Patronus Charm just before class today. Teaching one student wasn''t much different from teaching a group. And the Charm had another advantage: the light it produced created a happiness boost for everyone nearby. In other words, the more people who practiced together, the easier it would be for everyone to learn.


    "But¡­" Before the students could start cheering, Professor Lupin raised his voice and added, "This all depends on whether the Headmaster agrees. And time-wise, we¡¯d need to start next term. I have a lot to finish up before the holidays."


    The students didn¡¯t mind the wait. Christmas break was only a month away, and they were thrilled just to have the opportunity on the horizon. They left the classroom cheering, eager to spread the word as quickly as possible.


    "This is brilliant!" Cedric said excitedly over lunch. "I tried learning the Patronus Charm before, but all I could ever manage was a puff of smoke. I was thinking of asking Professor Lupin for help, but now I don¡¯t need to! A month isn¡¯t so long to wait.¡±


    Cedric wasn¡¯t the only one thrilled. For the rest of the term, the students looked forward to Christmas even more, not just for the holiday but also for the upcoming Patronus Charm Club. sea??h th§× ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    As November drew to a close, the second Quidditch match of the season began. Since Harry¡¯s broom was still out of commission, Gryffindor¡¯s rematch against Slytherin had been rescheduled for the following term. This time, the original schedule stood: Hufflepuff versus Ravenclaw.


    With several new players replacing half of the old lineup, Hufflepuff¡¯s hopes of winning the Quidditch Cup had dwindled. This was evident in the stands, which were noticeably lopsided in support. From his broom, Kyle took a quick glance around. Before the match, yellow flags representing Hufflepuff had filled more than half of the stands, but now their section was just a small island in a vast sea of blue.


    Ravenclaw had the opposite experience. The addition of two highly skilled Chasers last year had completed their lineup, and after a year of practice and matches, they were a well-coordinated team with serious championship potential. Over in the Gryffindor section, Fred and George were enthusiastically waving a large blue Ravenclaw flag. Noticing Kyle¡¯s gaze, they quickly pulled out a yellow Hufflepuff flag and started waving it, too¡ªthough its scrappy appearance, like an old bed sheet, showed a clear difference in allegiance.


    Kyle smirked at the less-than-subtle favoritism, but he didn¡¯t have time to dwell on it. He caught the Quaffle from a teammate and shot off toward the Ravenclaw goal, weaving through the opposing Chasers as the game began in earnest.


    ...


    This time, the Dementors didn¡¯t show up to cause trouble, but the game didn¡¯t last long regardless. Just twenty minutes in, Cedric managed to catch the Golden Snidget before Cho, his superior cornering speed sealing Hufflepuff¡¯s victory. The stands erupted with cheers.


    ¡°You see, Harry, cornering speed is the only real speed!¡± Wood exclaimed, punching the air. ¡°After our rematch, we¡¯ll face Hufflepuff, so that¡¯s what we need to focus on in training¡­¡±


    Harry nodded absently, his gaze fixed elsewhere. He felt his heart pounding. Watching her gracefully dodge a Bludger earlier, executing a clean starfish maneuver, had him completely captivated. His face flushed, and he suddenly found himself desperate for an excuse to talk to her, maybe even trade Seeker tips.


    ¡°When are we playing Ravenclaw?¡± he asked Wood.


    ¡°Not for a while,¡± Wood replied. ¡°In March, actually. I have to say, Ravenclaw¡¯s looking strong this year, with their Chasers¡­¡±


    Wood continued his analysis, but Harry barely heard him. Even Ron¡¯s gentle tug on his sleeve couldn¡¯t break his reverie. ¡°March¡­ that¡¯s a long time,¡± Harry murmured, thinking. He realized that Cho and Kyle were friends. Maybe he could find a reason to talk to them before the match¡­ Buying something could work. Kyle always had interesting gadgets, usually through Fred and George, but it wouldn¡¯t hurt to go directly to the source this time.


    On the pitch, Cedric shook Cho¡¯s hand but felt a strange twinge of unease, glancing up instinctively. He scanned the sky, half-expecting Dementors, but there was nothing. he thought.


    ¡°What are you looking at?¡± Cho asked.


    ¡°Nothing¡­¡± Cedric shook his head quickly.


    Cho let go of his hand with a smile. ¡°You won this time, but I won¡¯t lose next time.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll be waiting,¡± Cedric replied with a grin. ¡°Your team¡¯s really strong this year.¡±


    It wasn¡¯t just polite praise. Hufflepuff may have won, but they only led Ravenclaw by a hundred points. Ravenclaw had stayed ahead on basic scores until Cedric caught the Snidget, a first for Hufflepuff. Since their strongest Chaser, Harris, had graduated, their two replacements hadn¡¯t yet caught up to Kyle¡¯s level, leaving him to shoulder most of the scoring alone. Consequently, he had been the prime target for Bludgers the entire game, just as Harris had been.


    Afterward, they headed back to the changing rooms, then made their way toward the castle together. Walking slightly behind, Cedric hesitated before asking Cho, ¡°By the way, the next Hogsmeade trip is coming up. Would you like to go to Madam Puddifoot¡¯s Tea Shop? I¡¯ve never been there before.¡±


    ¡°Sure,¡± Cho said with a bright smile. ¡°Let¡¯s ask Kyle and Kanna to join us too¡­¡±


    Cedric murmured, ¡°Kyle doesn¡¯t like tea. He only drinks lemonade.¡±


    ¡°What was that?¡± Kyle, walking ahead of them, heard his name and turned back curiously.


    ¡°We were just talking about plans for the next Hogsmeade trip,¡± Cho explained. ¡°Do you know when it¡¯ll be?¡±


    ¡°Probably around Christmas,¡± Kyle answered, glancing at Cedric, whose expression seemed slightly tense. His instincts told him there was something weighing on his friend¡¯s mind.

 Chapter 390: Fred and George’s Childhood

    By December, two weeks before the holidays, the sky finally cleared, turning a bright, dazzling off-white. These days were some of the calmest Hogwarts had seen in a while. With no sightings of Sirius Black and Dumbledore¡¯s fury keeping the Dementors away from the castle gates, things felt nearly peaceful.


    It had been about a week since the last Quidditch match, and during that time, Kyle had noticed something interesting: he¡¯d been running into Harry a lot more often than usual. While they were friends, their usual routines didn¡¯t overlap much. Kyle spent most of his free time in the library or the Room of Requirement, while Harry preferred Hagrid¡¯s company or a cozy game of wizard chess with Ron in the common room, only visiting the library when absolutely necessary. Most days, they only really saw each other during meals in the Great Hall.


    But in recent days, Harry seemed to appear everywhere Kyle went. Just today, as Kyle stepped out of the Charms corridor, he saw Harry hurrying down the hallway toward him.


    ¡°What a coincidence, Kyle¡ªare you here for class too?¡± Harry greeted him with his usual friendliness.


    Kyle opened his mouth, momentarily unsure how to respond. What else would he be doing? Having tea with Professor Flitwick? He would, if he thought the professor would actually agree to it.


    ¡°Yes, I¡¯m here for class,¡± Kyle finally replied. ¡°And¡­ what about you? Why are you here?¡±


    ¡°Oh, I just finished class and happened to be passing through.¡± Harry¡¯s gaze kept flicking over Kyle¡¯s shoulder, as if looking for someone in the crowd behind him. ¡°By the way, which House are you paired with for this class?¡±


    ¡°Slytherin,¡± Kyle answered.


    At this, Harry¡¯s gaze refocused on Kyle, his interest fading. ¡°Well, I need to find Ron. See you around, Kyle!¡± he called, walking off as if nothing had happened.


    ¡°Where¡¯s he off to?¡± Kanna asked, puzzled. ¡°And Charms is the only class on this floor today. How did he just ¡®happen¡¯ to pass by here?¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s doing it on purpose,¡± Kyle said with a grin.


    He had been suspicious at first, but after bumping into Harry so frequently, he¡¯d nearly figured it out. Just yesterday, during a class with Ravenclaw, Harry had also shown up. Then, he¡¯d walked with Kyle all the way to the Great Hall, keeping the conversation going with random topics. Not once did he mention needing to meet Ron. And today, with Slytherin present, Harry suddenly remembered his friend?


    It was becoming obvious¡­ his interest wasn¡¯t in any class, and it certainly wasn¡¯t in Ron. It was Cho.


    ¡°This is getting interesting,¡± Kyle chuckled, heading down the stairs with Kanna looking at him quizzically.


    ¡°Do you know what he¡¯s up to?¡± she asked, catching up.


    ¡°Oh, maybe,¡± Kyle teased, his grin widening.


    ¡°And¡­?¡± Kanna prompted, eager for more.


    ¡°Not telling.¡± S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°...¡±


    Kanna followed him all the way to the foyer, where a crowd had gathered around the notice board near the Great Hall. Cedric and Cho had just emerged from the crowd as Kyle and Kanna approached. Spotting them, Kyle couldn¡¯t help but chuckle again.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong with you?¡± Cedric asked, frowning. ¡°Why are you grinning like that¡ªdrunk the wrong potion?¡±


    ¡°Nothing, just thinking of something funny,¡± Kyle replied, quickly steering the conversation away. ¡°So, what¡¯s posted up there?¡±


    ¡°Oh, it¡¯s Professor Lupin¡¯s Patronus Charm Club,¡± Cedric said with a laugh, letting the matter go. ¡°The headmaster¡¯s given the go-ahead, and it starts at 6 p.m. on the first day of term.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s still a whole month away!¡± Kanna said, disappointed. ¡°I thought we¡¯d be starting next week.¡±


    Last year, when Lockhart had announced the Duelling Club, it had started just a few days later. She¡¯d assumed it would be the same this time, but clearly, she was mistaken.


    ¡°I think it¡¯s probably because of Professor Lupin¡¯s assignment,¡± Cho added. ¡°The notice says that everyone joining the club needs to think of a particularly happy memory to bring to the first session. Professor Lupin didn¡¯t say why, but he wrote that having a well-prepared happy memory will make learning the Patronus Charm easier. I suppose he¡¯s giving us the month to get ready.¡±


    ¡°Happy things¡­¡± Kanna muttered thoughtfully.


    Just then, Ron and Hermione emerged from the crowd around the notice board.


    ¡°Why are we supposed to think about happy memories?¡± Ron asked, puzzled. ¡°What does that have to do with learning Charms?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s essential for the Patronus Charm, Ron,¡± Hermione said, exasperated. ¡°According to , the Patronus Charm is all about channeling those happy memories and making them physically manifest.¡±


    ¡°Oh, that sounds like a lot of trouble¡­¡± Ron mumbled, feeling his enthusiasm for the club waver. Truthfully, he hadn¡¯t seen Dementors around for quite some time, and learning the Patronus Charm suddenly didn¡¯t seem so urgent.


    Hermione was still explaining the intricacies of the Charm, listing the steps and the challenges, while Ron¡ªdeciding not to argue¡ªlooked around and spotted Kyle nearby.


    ¡°Hey, Kyle, have you seen Harry?¡± Ron called over.


    ¡°He¡¯s upstairs, looking for someone,¡± Kyle said, struggling to keep a straight face. ¡°Didn¡¯t you have the same class together?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, but he dashed off right after class and didn¡¯t say where he was going,¡± Ron replied. ¡°He¡¯s been acting a bit odd lately¡­¡±


    They headed into the Great Hall together, where Kanna walked quietly, her head down, deep in thought about Professor Lupin¡¯s request. She turned various memories over in her mind, unsure which would be right. Finally, as they sat down to dinner, she looked up and asked, ¡°Kyle, what memory did you use when you learned the Patronus Charm?¡±


    Everyone else perked up, clearly curious.


    ¡°My Hogwarts acceptance letter,¡± Kyle replied with a smile, as he reached for a baked potato.


    Cedric nodded knowingly. It was a happy moment for any magical child, receiving that first letter. He¡¯d used the same memory when practicing the Charm himself, though he¡¯d never quite managed the full effect.


    ¡°Anything else?¡± Cedric asked, interested.


    Kyle grinned. ¡°Yes, actually. The other was when Fred and George got their first real punishment.¡±


    He lowered his voice conspiratorially. ¡°They¡¯d made a huge mess of things, and Mr. Weasley hung them from a tree and gave them a serious telling-off. They were howling so loudly you could probably hear it all the way through St. Catchpole. It was so funny¡­ honestly, it¡¯s a shame we didn¡¯t have a camera; I¡¯d love to have had a record of their faces.¡±


    ¡°Er¡­¡± Cedric chuckled awkwardly.


    He couldn¡¯t recall this incident, either because his house was far enough from The Burrow or because he¡¯d been too young to remember it. Glancing over at the Gryffindor table, Cedric wondered if Fred and George knew that their ¡°discipline session¡± had played a role in Kyle¡¯s Patronus training. Most likely not¡ªotherwise, they¡¯d surely be plotting their revenge on him.

 Chapter 391: Madam Puddifoot, the Candy-Making Expert

    Christmas was drawing ever closer. One morning, a sparkling frost covered the castle grounds, and a festive buzz filled the air inside Hogwarts. Professor Lupin had set up a few small Christmas trees in his classroom, with various sweets hanging from the branches for students to enjoy¡ªprobably his biggest splurge of the term. Over in Charms Class, Professor Flitwick had gone all out with decorations, stringing the classroom with colorful lights that morphed into tiny, winged fairies whenever someone approached, zooming around the room like magical fireflies.


    The final Hogsmeade trip before Christmas was set for the last weekend of term. Fred and George opted to stay behind for a bit, deciding it was time to inject Harry with some holiday cheer before they left.


    Hogsmeade was enchanting under a fresh blanket of snow, like a Christmas card brought to life: the cottages and shops were dusted with white, doors were adorned with holly wreaths, and trees along the streets glowed with enchanted candles. Having bought most of their essentials on the last visit, Cedric suggested they check out the one spot they hadn¡¯t been yet: Madam Puddifoot¡¯s Tea House.


    As if on cue, Cho immediately agreed, even urging Kanna and Kyle to come along. ¡°Penelope says it¡¯s the best spot in Hogsmeade,¡± she added. ¡°And we haven¡¯t been there before.¡±


    Kanna¡¯s interest was piqued, and she joined eagerly. Kyle trailed behind, casting a questioning glance at Cedric.


    ¡°Why do you want to go there?¡± he asked, raising an eyebrow.


    ¡°What?¡± Cedric shrugged, feigning innocence. ¡°I¡¯m just curious. Besides, Madam Puddifoot¡¯s and the Shrieking Shack are about the only Hogwarts spots we haven¡¯t explored.¡±


    ¡°True,¡± Kyle replied, though his voice held a hint of suspicion. ¡°But, as far as I know, that¡¯s usually a couples¡¯ spot. Haven¡¯t you heard?¡±


    ¡°Oh, um¡­¡± Cedric stammered, clearly flustered. ¡°I hadn¡¯t, actually¡­¡± He awkwardly changed the subject, mumbling, ¡°Do you think Fred and George will have any trouble finding us here¡­?¡±


    Kyle decided to let it go, noticing Cedric¡¯s reddening ears. ¡°You don¡¯t need to worry about that,¡± he replied, following Cedric¡¯s lead. ¡°Their first stop will be Zonkos, and they¡¯ll probably spend a good hour in there. They won¡¯t be looking for us anytime soon.¡± S§×ar?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Cedric laughed, relief mingling with humor. ¡°You¡¯re right about that.¡±


    ...


    So, the group crossed the main road and arrived at the entrance of the quaint, tiny teahouse. A notice was posted on the door, and Cho read it aloud:


    Kyle also glanced at the notice. It seemed the Ministry had received some kind of tip and had deployed most of the Dementors here. Unfortunately, it wasn''t likely to help¡­ If Kyle wasn''t mistaken, Black had probably left Hogsmeade long ago.


    The others didn¡¯t pay it much attention either; the notice made it clear that the Dementors would only patrol at sunset, and it was still midday. Cho pushed open the door to the teahouse.


    The teahouse was indeed small, with just a few little round tables, and a hazy, almost frilly atmosphere, as if decorated with endless bows and lace. Due to the tiny tables, they had to split up, each pair taking two adjacent seats.


    ¡°What would you like to order?¡± Madam Puddifoot asked as she came over. She was a plump little woman with shiny black hair pulled back in a bun, squeezing herself carefully between the tables.


    ¡°Four cr¨¨me coffees, please,¡± Cho ordered, seemingly prepared. Once Madam Puddifoot had left, she leaned in and whispered, ¡°Penelope said this is the best here.¡±


    Kanna, who had been excited about this outing, was now blushing, having noticed the particular atmosphere of the teahouse as well¡ªit was mostly couples holding hands. Still, she''d come all this way, so she shyly took her seat next to Kyle.


    Before long, Madam Puddifoot returned with four floating cups. The coffee, topped with a thick layer of white custard, looked delightful.


    Kyle took a sip and immediately set the cup down. For a moment, he wondered if Madam Puddifoot had a secret fondness for Dumbledore; the coffee was brewed exactly to the Headmaster¡¯s taste¡ªso sweet it was like drinking pure syrup, with barely any hint of coffee flavor at all. Even the faint bitterness resembled concentrated sugar rather than coffee.


    The group lingered in the teahouse for a while longer. Then Kanna leaned over to Kyle and whispered, ¡°Is there anything else here?¡±


    Like Kyle, her cup remained nearly full. She had also taken just a single sip and decided against drinking more. They both had a similar taste, preferring something less overwhelmingly sweet.


    Kyle shook his head. He wasn¡¯t sure what other drinks were on the menu, but if the coffee was this sugary, he doubted that the black tea or anything else would be any better.


    After a moment¡¯s thought, Kyle suggested, ¡°Why don¡¯t we head over to The Three Broomsticks? We could get a Butterbeer, a plate of chocolate cookies, and two roast beef pies... I left so early today that I haven¡¯t even had breakfast yet.¡±


    Kanna¡¯s eyes lit up at the mention of meat pies. ¡°Yes!¡±


    The two exchanged a look and stood up at the same time.


    ¡°Should we invite them?¡± Kanna asked, glancing at Cedric and Cho nearby.


    ¡°Nah,¡± Kyle replied, shaking his head. The two seemed too engrossed in conversation to notice anything around them.


    ¡°You¡¯re right,¡± Kanna chuckled, covering her mouth.


    Kyle paid the bill, and the two quietly slipped out of the teahouse, heading toward The Three Broomsticks. On the way, Kanna eyed the cup of coffee Kyle still held and asked, puzzled, ¡°You don¡¯t actually like that, do you? Why are you bringing it along?¡±


    ¡°This?¡± Kyle looked down at the cup and grinned. ¡°This isn¡¯t for me¡ªit¡¯s a Christmas present for Professor Dumbledore.¡±


    ¡°Professor Dumbledore?¡± Kanna hesitated. ¡°You really think he¡¯ll like it?¡±


    ¡°Of course,¡± Kyle nodded. *If you watch closely, you¡¯ll notice that whenever Professor Dumbledore attends a banquet, he always goes for the desserts. And last time I was in his office, he was recommending a Cr¨¨me Brulee to Professor Snape. It¡¯s a new item from Honeydukes¡ªjust as sweet and intense as this coffee, so I think he¡¯ll love it.¡±


    ¡°Really? I never noticed that before,¡± Kanna said, blinking. Then, as if a thought occurred to her, she glanced back thoughtfully in the direction of the teahouse.

 Chapter 392: Fudge

    Kyle and Kanna braved the snow and wind to make their way to The Three Broomsticks. The pub was bustling, far livelier and louder than the calm, frilly ambiance of Madam Puddifoot''s Teahouse, and the freshly made Butterbeer was steaming, releasing a warm, frothy mist.


    Behind the counter, the barman, a curvy, good-looking woman, was busy serving a rowdy group of wizards.


    ¡°I¡¯ll get the drinks; you find us a seat,¡± Kyle said. ¡°Hope we¡¯re not too late¡ªseats are always scarce here.¡±


    Kanna headed to the back of the pub and found a small table tucked between a window and a Christmas tree, conveniently next to the cozy fireplace. Soon, Kyle joined her, with a large tray floating behind him. It was loaded with two bottles of Butterbeer, two plates of meat pies, and a dish of freshly baked pine nut cookies, filling the table with delicious aromas.


    Kanna took a big bite of her pie, then sipped her Butterbeer, her face lighting up with satisfaction. ¡°I really do like this,¡± she said through a mouthful.


    ¡°Me too,¡± Kyle replied, taking a bite of a pine nut cookie before lifting his glass. ¡°Merry Christmas!¡±


    ¡°Merry Christmas!¡± Kanna replied, and their glasses clinked softly together. Kyle took a hearty sip, warmth spreading through him as he drank.


    he thought. Kyle had originally wanted to order Ogden¡¯s Old Firewhisky, a pub specialty, but Madam Rosmerta had said it contained Firewhiskey and couldn¡¯t be served to students. So, Butterbeer it was. But he knew from Fred and George that on quieter days, Madam Rosmerta was a bit more lenient; they¡¯d managed to buy mead, which also had Firewhiskey, from here before.


    Setting down his glass, Kyle glanced around and noticed a few familiar faces. Behind the Christmas tree sat Harry, Hermione, and Ron, well-hidden in the corner, with Harry positioned farthest back. Kyle might not have seen them if Hermione hadn¡¯t waved to him. It seemed Fred and George had already given Harry the map.


    As he was mulling over this, a cold gust blew through the pub as the door opened. Professor McGonagall and Professor Flitwick entered, followed by Hagrid and the Minister for Magic, Cornelius Fudge, all bundled up and brushing off snow. Behind them came a clanking noise as Ron and Hermione quickly shoved Harry under the table.


    There were no empty tables left in the bustling pub. Some wizards, recognizing Fudge, immediately offered him their seats, but he waved them off with a friendly smile, insisting he was here simply as an ¡°ordinary customer¡± and everyone should carry on as they pleased.


    Just then, not far behind Kyle, two wizards hurriedly finished their drinks, got up, paid their bill, and left. An empty table had opened up.


    ¡°What luck! I was beginning to think I''d have to stand and drink,¡± Fudge remarked with a broad smile as he walked over, nodding greetings to various patrons along the way. He even recognized Kyle.


    ¡°Good to see you here, Kyle,¡± he said warmly. ¡°The youngest recipient of the Order of Merlin¡ªquite an accomplishment. I remember that day as if it were yesterday.¡± Sear?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°I remember it well, too, Minister,¡± Kyle replied with a polite nod.


    ¡°A shame I couldn¡¯t present the award to you myself,¡± Fudge chuckled. ¡°They did ask me, you know, but I thought it more fitting for Dumbledore, your headmaster, to handle it since it was at school.¡±


    Behind him, Professor McGonagall pursed her lips. She recalled that Fudge had actually resisted the idea of awarding Kyle the Order at all, though no one had heeded his objections. This brand of excuse-making seemed all too familiar to her¡ªshe¡¯d seen it often enough in a few of the Defence Against the Dark Arts professors.


    Once they¡¯d settled in, Madam Rosmerta approached with her usual ease, calling out each person¡¯s drink preferences: Gillywater for Professor McGonagall, four pints of mead for Hagrid, and a Cherry Syrup and Soda for Professor Flitwick.


    ¡°And for you, Minister, a Red Currant Rum,¡± she said.


    ¡°Thank you, Rosmerta,¡± Fudge replied cheerfully. ¡°Good to see you again. Will you have one with us?¡±


    Madam Rosmerta readily agreed and went to fetch their drinks.


    Kyle wished he could overhear their conversation, but the din of the busy pub and the distance between tables made it impossible to pick up more than fragments. Words like , , , and floated over, thanks mostly to Hagrid. When Hagrid got heated, he couldn¡¯t help raising his voice, and nearly half the pub could hear him.


    ¡°They¡¯re talking about Sirius Black, aren¡¯t they?¡± Kanna whispered, having heard some of Hagrid¡¯s outbursts herself.


    ¡°Obviously,¡± Kyle murmured, taking a sip of Butterbeer. ¡°If anyone could get Fudge to come all the way to Hogsmeade right before Christmas, it¡¯d be Black.¡±


    ¡°But why?¡± Kanna asked. ¡°Aren¡¯t there already Dementors here? Why would the Minister come himself?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s the question,¡± Kyle replied, shaking his head. ¡°I think he¡¯s probably here to speak with Professor Dumbledore about letting Dementors search the castle. Today¡¯s a Hogsmeade visiting day, so there aren¡¯t many students left in the castle. If the remaining ones were gathered together and protected, the Dementors could enter and search without too much risk.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll bet the headmaster didn¡¯t agree,¡± Kanna said without hesitation.


    ¡°Of course not,¡± Kyle agreed. ¡°If he had, Professors McGonagall and Flitwick wouldn¡¯t be escorting Fudge to The Three Broomsticks for a drink. But that¡¯s just a guess. Fudge might also just be here to make sure the Dementors are doing their jobs.¡±


    ¡°Is the Minister really that worried about Black?¡± Kanna asked, surprised. ¡°I heard he¡¯s more interested in attending parties.¡±


    Kyle picked up a biscuit. ¡°He doesn¡¯t have a choice. No one¡¯s ever escaped from Azkaban before, and Black is the first. It¡¯s a huge blow to the Ministry¡¯s reputation. If they don¡¯t act quickly, people will start questioning the Minister¡¯s competence.¡±


    Just then, Hagrid¡¯s gruff voice carried over the noise, louder and rougher than before.


    ¡°I met him, you know. After Lily and James died, the boy was pale, shakin¡¯¡­¡± Hagrid was nearly growling now, his words cutting through the pub¡¯s chatter. ¡°D¡¯you know what I did? I comforted the traitor! I comforted him!¡±

 Chapter 393: A Solo Journey Home

    Hagrid''s voice boomed through the room, and Kyle noticed Professor McGonagall glance around anxiously, as if she didn¡¯t want the other students overhearing this conversation from over a decade ago¡ªespecially here, in this very place. Professor McGonagall paused for what felt like a long time.


    Kyle quickly pretended not to notice and focused on eating his meat pie.


    ¡°Hagrid, please! Keep your voice down,¡± Professor McGonagall urged.


    But her caution seemed to go unheeded. Hagrid could still hear her, even when she tried to lower her voice.


    ¡°And he wanted me to hand Harry over to him, that scum¡­ Lucky for Harry, I refused¡ªDumbledore had already ordered me to take him to his aunt and uncle¡¯s¡­¡±


    ¡°Hagrid!¡± Professor McGonagall shot him another irritated glance.


    Just then, Kanna chimed in, ¡°Kyle, let¡¯s go find Cho and Cedric.¡±


    ¡°They¡¯ve probably finished their conversation by now. Plus, I need to stop by Madam Puddifoot¡¯s Teahouse to pick up something.¡±


    ¡°Looks like we¡¯re on the same page,¡± Kyle said, standing up. He was about to pay for his drink when Kanna slipped two Galleons onto the table first.


    ¡°You¡­¡±


    Kyle began to protest, but Kanna grabbed his arm, gently pulling him away from the bar before he could get another word out.


    Once they were back on the street, Kanna smiled and said, ¡°You bought me coffee last time, so I¡¯m treating you this time.¡±


    ¡°No, it¡¯s just¡­¡± Kyle hesitated, then added, ¡°You actually gave too much. It only costs one and a half Galleons. Why¡¯d you leave two?¡±


    ¡°Huh?¡± Kanna looked a bit puzzled. ¡°Why didn¡¯t you say so earlier?¡±


    ¡°You didn¡¯t give me a chance,¡± Kyle replied with a shrug.


    Kanna was about to consider going back, but just then, Cedric and Cho came running toward them from a distance.


    ¡°Hey, where¡¯d you two disappear to?¡± Cho asked as soon as she spotted Kyle and Kanna.


    They¡¯d been talking about checking out the Shrieking Shack, but when they¡¯d turned around, all they¡¯d seen were two nearly untouched coffee cups left on the table¡ªtheir two companions were nowhere to be found.


    ¡°I went to almost every shop, but I couldn¡¯t find you,¡± Cedric said.


    ¡°We¡¯re right here¡ªthe Three Broomsticks,¡± Kyle replied. ¡°Guess that¡¯s one place you didn¡¯t check.¡±


    Cedric paused, realizing Kyle was right; he hadn¡¯t been there. ¡°But you just had coffee,¡± he pointed out. Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Kyle shrugged. ¡°Too sweet. Butterbeer¡¯s more our style.¡±


    Cedric pursed his lips, as if conceding. Oddly, he hadn¡¯t noticed just how sweet the coffee had been.


    With the conversation disrupted, Kanna felt awkward about asking for her change back, so she sighed and followed along with the others as they continued on.


    They soon met up with Fred and George at Zonko¡¯s and decided to head together to the Shrieking Shack, an outing they¡¯d planned long ago. But upon arriving, they found it far less exciting than they¡¯d imagined.


    Once they unlocked the large padlock on the door, they discovered an abandoned room. The wallpaper was peeling, dust blanketed the floor, and all the furniture was broken as if it had been smashed long ago.


    ¡°So much for spooky legends,¡± Fred grumbled, kicking a broken stool aside. ¡°The locals probably made up the story to draw tourists with tales of eerie nighttime howls.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m with you,¡± George agreed, brushing his hand across a dusty table. ¡°This room¡¯s been empty for ages. Just look at all this dust.¡±


    ¡°Maybe it¡¯s haunted?¡± Cho suggested.


    ¡°Hogwarts has plenty of ghosts, and none of them howl,¡± Fred said. ¡°Besides, ghosts don¡¯t go around smashing furniture.¡±


    He picked up a broken leg from a stool and tapped it on the ground for emphasis. ¡°Someone probably just wrecked this place to create a bit of spooky ambience.¡±


    After days of anticipation, they were all disappointed by the anticlimactic Shrieking Shack. The dreary room dulled their excitement, and they lost interest in browsing the village shops.


    Once they¡¯d left, they headed straight back to the castle. Kyle was the last to leave and re-secured the lock on the door.


    It was still early when they returned, and the castle was unusually quiet. Filch stood in the foyer, eyes narrowing as he watched them¡ªthough his gaze was fixed on Fred and George, whose pockets were stuffed with Zonko¡¯s prank items.


    Filch approached, scowling. ¡°Hold it right there. I want to check¡ª¡±


    Before he could finish, Fred and George bolted, sprinting past him and disappearing down the hallway.


    ¡°Stop!¡± Filch bellowed, ¡°Stop, I say!¡±


    His angry shouts echoed through the quiet castle, quickly bringing it to life.


    ...


    At dinnertime, everyone gathered to discuss their holiday plans.


    ¡°What do you mean?!¡± Cedric exclaimed, staring at Kyle in disbelief. ¡°You¡¯re not spending Christmas at Hogwarts this year?¡±


    For the past three years, Kyle had stayed at school over Christmas, and Cedric had assumed this year would be no different. He¡¯d even gone to the trouble of writing to his father for weeks and, just two days ago, put himself on the list of students staying over the holiday¡ªall to surprise Kyle. He hadn¡¯t expected that Kyle would be heading home this year. It felt like some elaborate trick.


    ¡°Yeah,¡± Kyle replied casually, though he seemed a bit lost in thought. ¡°I can¡¯t spend every Christmas here, after all.¡±


    ¡°I¡­¡± Cedric started, but before he could continue, Cho suddenly sidled up beside them.


    ¡°What a shame,¡± she said with a small smile. ¡°I was hoping someone would keep me company.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re not going home this year?¡± Kyle asked, surprised.


    ¡°No.¡± Cho nodded. ¡°My dad wrote to me that they¡¯re going on a trip for Christmas, so I¡¯ll be staying at school.¡±


    ¡°I see,¡± Kyle said, nodding before turning back to Cedric. ¡°What were you going to say?¡±


    ¡°Oh, nothing.¡± Cedric took a calm sip of pumpkin juice. ¡°I just wanted to wish you a Merry Christmas. I¡¯ve decided to stay at school this year too, so I won¡¯t be able to go home with you.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re staying at school too?¡± Kyle raised an eyebrow. ¡°Did Mr. Diggory agree to that, or did you decide on your own?¡±


    ¡°I signed the list for students staying at school a couple of days ago,¡± Cedric replied.


    ¡°Me too,¡± Kanna chimed in, grinning at Cho. ¡°We can go to the library and work on our homework together during the break.¡±


    Kyle realized that the holiday plans seemed entirely flipped this year. Besides him, it looked like nearly everyone else had chosen to stay at Hogwarts¡ªincluding Fred and George, who were working on their new Skiving Snackboxes. They knew that if they went home, Mrs. Weasley would likely catch onto their experiments right away.

 Chapter 394: The Thestral Carriage

    After the lavish dinner, the group dispersed, heading back to their respective common rooms. As Kyle was leaving the Great Hall, he was unexpectedly stopped.


    ¡°Ah, just in time.¡±


    Professor Dumbledore stood at the entrance, his eyes twinkling as he gestured for Kyle to join him. Leading him aside, Dumbledore continued, ¡°Do you remember the letter you asked me to send a few days ago?¡±


    Kyle nodded.


    ¡°I received a reply from Nicolas this afternoon. He asked me to pass it along to you during the holidays.¡± Dumbledore paused, smiling slightly. ¡°So, you wish to borrow Fawkes? If it¡¯s you, I don¡¯t think he¡¯d mind at all.¡±


    Kyle sensed a faint hint of something¡ªalmost as if Dumbledore sounded a touch reluctant¡ªbut he couldn¡¯t be sure if he¡¯d imagined it. He shook his head, saying, ¡°...Is there any other way?¡±


    If possible, Kyle preferred not to travel by Phoenix, even though it was undoubtedly the fastest option. He found the experience rather unnerving and difficult to embrace.


    Dumbledore considered this. ¡°Of course, there¡¯s another way¡ªit¡¯ll just take a bit longer.¡± S§×arch* The n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°That¡¯s fine,¡± Kyle replied quickly, ¡°I¡¯m in no hurry.¡±


    ¡°Very well, then¡­¡±


    They chatted for a few more minutes before Kyle headed back to the Hufflepuff common room. With the holiday break beginning the next day, the atmosphere was lively. Students were buzzing with excitement, gathered in small groups as they discussed their plans for the upcoming two weeks.


    Kyle, however, didn¡¯t linger with the others. Instead, he slipped away and went straight back to his dormitory.


    ...


    The next morning, Kyle woke up at his usual time. The dormitory was already empty, so he packed his belongings and opened the door to the common room. It was mostly deserted, except for Kanna, who was sitting by the fireplace, working on some homework.


    At the sound of the door, she looked up absently and greeted, ¡°Hello, Winsty¡­ Wait, Kyle?¡±


    Surprised, Kanna quickly jumped up, grabbed Kyle''s hand, and pulled him toward the exit. ¡°Hurry, hurry¡­ I hope the train hasn¡¯t left yet!¡± she said anxiously. ¡°Why didn¡¯t you wake up earlier? If I¡¯d known, I would have woken you!¡±


    ¡°Relax, it¡¯s fine,¡± Kyle replied, gently taking her arm to slow her down. ¡°The train left about ten minutes ago. I have other arrangements, so I don¡¯t need the train.¡±


    ¡°Other arrangements?¡± Kanna looked at him curiously. ¡°So you¡¯re staying at school too?¡±


    ¡°No,¡± Kyle shook his head. ¡°I just don¡¯t have to take the train. Remember, Professor Dumbledore mentioned it to me yesterday?¡±


    Kanna relaxed, sighing with relief as she returned to her chair. ¡°Where¡¯s Cedric, by the way?¡± Kyle asked.


    ¡°He left early this morning,¡± Kanna replied. ¡°Didn¡¯t say where he was going.¡±


    ¡°So it¡¯s just you here?¡±


    ¡°No, Winsty¡¯s around too¡ªshe¡¯s a fifth-year,¡± she added.


    Kyle nodded and headed off to the kitchen for breakfast. Around ten o¡¯clock, Cedric finally returned, just as a brown owl flew in through the window and dropped a note into Kyle¡¯s hands. Reading it, Kyle got to his feet.


    ¡°I have to go,¡± he announced, smiling. ¡°Have a great holiday, and Merry Christmas!¡±


    ¡°Merry Christmas!¡± Kanna called back, waving.


    Kyle left the common room and made his way through the castle, but he didn¡¯t head to Hogsmeade Station. Instead, he took a side path leading to a secluded spot near the platform where they¡¯d taken the carriages at the beginning of the school year. It was a quiet, rarely used area, but today it was anything but deserted.


    ¡°Kyle, over here!¡± Hagrid called, waving him over with an excited urgency. It seemed he¡¯d been waiting for Kyle for some time.


    Beside Hagrid stood a carriage, but unlike the ones used earlier in the school year, this one was hitched to three Thestrals, their dark, skeletal forms standing ready.


    ¡°The Headmaster told me you might be needing this,¡± said Hagrid, grinning as he patted one of the Thestrals'' slender wings. ¡°Heading home, are yeh? I¡¯ll say, you made a fine choice. The Hogwarts Express is all well and good, but a Thestral carriage¡ªthat¡¯s the best way to travel.¡±


    Hagrid leaned in conspiratorially, ¡°When you get home, take care of them, all right? I put a stash of food in the carriage, enough to last the little guys two weeks.¡±


    ¡°Thanks, Hagrid,¡± Kyle replied, stepping forward with a grateful smile. ¡°But I didn¡¯t borrow the Thestrals just to skip the train ride¡­ Besides, I doubt Professor Dumbledore would approve of that. It¡¯s just that the place I¡¯m headed to is a bit out of the way, and neither the train nor the Knight Bus can get there. So I¡¯ve got to rely on this more¡­ ancient method.¡±


    ¡°Ah, that explains it.¡± Hagrid nodded, accepting this without further questions. ¡°You ever ridden in one of these?¡±


    ¡°No,¡± Kyle admitted with a shake of his head. He thought back¡ªNewt¡¯s suitcase might have held a Thestral somewhere in its depths, but he¡¯d never seen one up close, much less ridden in a Thestral-drawn carriage. After all, he¡¯d only recently gained the ability to even see these magical creatures.


    Once Kyle climbed into the carriage, Hagrid handed him the reins. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, they¡¯re clever creatures. The carriage is steady as can be; all you need to do is trust them.¡±


    Kyle took hold of the reins. The middle Thestral turned its head back, letting out a small chirp, as if to ask if they were ready to set off.


    ¡°Anytime,¡± Kyle said confidently. ¡°You know where we¡¯re headed, right?¡±


    The Thestrals nodded, their wings stretching out. Fallen leaves scattered as the carriage took off with a rush, and after a short, swift ride on the ground, it rose smoothly into the sky. Kyle leaned out the window, watching as Hagrid stood below, waving. He waved back until Hagrid¡¯s figure faded, growing smaller and finally vanishing around a bend.


    The carriage soared through the clouds, gliding over mountains, rivers, villages, and even bustling towns below, but no one on the ground seemed to notice its passage. Kyle noted the faint glow of hidden runes within the carriage, which he recognized as symbols for ¡°concealment.¡±


    About two hours later, Kyle caught sight of the Hogwarts Express far below. From this altitude, it looked like a toy, chugging along the tracks. The Thestrals sped up, closing in from behind and soon outpacing the train until it vanished far behind them. No wonder Hagrid had spoken so highly of the Thestral carriage¡ªthe speed alone put the Hogwarts Express to shame, and the ride was surprisingly smooth. Despite the rapid pace, there was no jostling; it felt as steady as if he were seated in the Great Hall.


    Once the train was out of view, Kyle returned his attention to the inside of the carriage. The clouds ahead were thickening, and he knew that sticking his head out again would mean a faceful of cold, damp air¡ªan experience he wasn¡¯t eager to repeat.

 Chapter 395: Galloping Mooncalf

    The Thestral-drawn carriage glided through the clouds until dusk, when it gradually slowed, descending back to solid ground. Kyle stepped out, taking in his surroundings with curiosity.


    He was in Devon, a familiar region¡ªSt. Catchpole Village was in Devon too. However, this place was unknown to him. They seemed to be at the very edge of the county, far from St. Catchpole, close enough to hear the faint crash of waves in the distance.


    ¡°Sir, welcome,¡± said a sharp, familiar voice with a German accent.


    Kyle looked down to find a House-elf wearing an outfit like no other: a flowered shirt, goggles perched on its forehead, and mismatched leather shoes.


    ¡°Tata? What are you wearing this time?¡± Kyle asked, bemused.


    This was Tata, Nicolas Flamel¡¯s House-elf. Unlike most House-elves, Tata took to wearing clothes willingly, and Nicolas had provided it with an entire wardrobe. But today¡¯s look¡ªfloral shirt, goggles, and mismatched buttons¡ªwas especially eclectic. Back in Paris, Tata¡¯s outfits had been far more subdued.


    ¡°Master said I should try something different,¡± Tata replied, adjusting the shirt proudly. ¡°What do you think, sir?¡±


    ¡°Well... it¡¯s unique,¡± Kyle said, giving him a thumbs-up. ¡°You¡¯d definitely stand out in a crowd¡ªprobably 90% of wizards couldn¡¯t pull it off like you do.¡±


    Pleased, Tata adjusted his clothes with a satisfied tug but soon remembered his task. ¡°Sir, please follow me,¡± he said with a small bow, gesturing for Kyle to walk with him.


    Kyle took the Thestrals¡¯ reins and followed Tata. After only a few steps, the empty gravel-strewn lot transformed, revealing a grand manor house surrounded by lush meadow. Flowers and plants Kyle couldn¡¯t name dotted the landscape, creating a vibrant garden.


    Near the entrance stood two intricately crafted stone statues of dragons, so realistic they seemed almost alive. At this point, the Thestrals refused to go any further, no matter how much Kyle tried to coax them.


    ¡°It¡¯s all right, sir. It¡¯s safe here, and Tata will see to them,¡± Tata assured him.


    Kyle thought for a moment before untying the reins, allowing the Thestrals to roam freely. ¡°There¡¯s food in the carriage. I¡¯ll bring more later.¡±


    One of the Thestrals snorted and approached Kyle, nuzzling his arm affectionately. Smiling, Kyle gave it a gentle pat before following Tata toward the manor.


    As they stepped inside, Kyle realized the interior was even grander than the outside suggested, rivaling the scale of Hogwarts. A watering can with two stubby legs passed by them, bobbing cheerfully as it watered the plants on either side of the walkway.


    ¡°Hey, mind your manners¡ªwe have guests,¡± Tata said disapprovingly, eyeing the watering can.


    The watering can stopped abruptly, and its spout bent in an almost apologetic bow. A kettle apologizing? Kyle felt like a hundred Mooncalves were dancing in his heart. It was as if he had stepped into one of Merlin¡¯s own tales! Then again, with Nicolas Flamel as the owner, it somehow made sense.


    ¡°Don¡¯t mind that rude little thing,¡± Tata continued, leading Kyle onward.


    As they walked, Kyle spotted other curious scenes: a pair of scissors pruning dead branches, a fountain offering to wash a bird, and even a refrigerator being chased by a Kneazle. Kyle suddenly felt a pang of sympathy for Mr. Weasley¡ªNicolas really did own a refrigerator that could run! It was trying to ward off the Kneazle by tossing ice cubes at it. What a sight.


    They finally climbed a staircase where Nicolas Flamel stood waiting, grinning broadly beside an equally white-haired witch¡ªhis wife, Perenelle, who was also over six hundred years old.


    ¡°Long time no see, my boy,¡± Nicolas said warmly, giving Kyle a hearty pat on the shoulder.


    ¡°Snap¡­¡±


    A soft crackling sound made Kyle wince, thinking he might¡¯ve broken something.


    ¡°Careful, that¡¯s the third shoulder this year,¡± Perenelle teased, tapping her husband¡¯s wrist.


    ¡°I know, I know,¡± Nicolas chuckled, leading Kyle further inside.


    To Kyle¡¯s surprise, the grand room was empty except for the three of them. He¡¯d half-expected to see some familiar faces¡ªperhaps McPhail, whom he¡¯d met in Paris, or even Madame Maxime, the headmaster of Beauxbatons, who had once tried to recruit him.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be surprised,¡± Nicolas said, as if reading his thoughts. ¡°A few friends have wanted to join us for Christmas before, but I don¡¯t see the point. To me, holidays are no different from any other day.¡±


    Having lived for over six centuries, Nicolas seemed to view all days as equal¡ªholidays were just another page in time¡¯s long story.


    He led Kyle into a cozy sitting room. A chair in the corner promptly slid over to the table, while a teapot poured a steaming cup of tea with a polite tip of its spout.


    ¡°It¡¯s funny,¡± Nicolas said as he settled into an armchair. ¡°Just the other day, I was about to invite you here when I received a letter from you via Albus.¡±


    Nicolas handed Kyle a gold pocket watch with five hands. ¡°I have to admit, you¡¯ve given me quite the puzzle¡­¡±


    ¡°What do you mean?¡± Kyle asked, puzzled.


    Nicolas smiled, handing him the pocket watch. ¡°Last year, Albus came here and insisted I repair this, looking more anxious than he did a hundred years ago when he asked to borrow the Philosopher¡¯s Stone.¡±


    Kyle¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°Is this the Slytherin Time-Turner?¡±


    He took the pocket watch carefully, awe written across his face. Last year, he had seen it in a nearly destroyed state, practically crumbling at a touch. Now, though, it was intact, and sturdy in his hands. sea??h th§× N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°You repaired it?¡± Kyle asked in amazement.


    Nicolas chuckled. ¡°Not entirely. I only managed to restore the casing. The core runic symbols, though, were created a thousand years ago and are far different from anything in modern rune studies. I¡¯ve found only scraps of information about them, and restoring them completely is¡­ well, let¡¯s say it¡¯s a grand challenge.¡±


    Though Nicolas spoke with exasperation, he looked delighted, clearly relishing the intricate puzzle.


    ¡°But you didn¡¯t bring me here just for this, did you?¡± Kyle handed the Time-Turner back to him.


    ¡°Indeed, I need your help,¡± Nicolas said. ¡°I want to know everything you remember from your time-travel experience, especially the beginning and end of the process. The more detailed, the better¡ªit might help me understand those symbols.¡±


    ¡°Of course,¡± Kyle nodded.

 Chapter 396: A Potion Worth 300 Galleons

    For the next two hours, Kyle described in detail the events that had unfolded in the Chamber of Secrets last year. While Nicolas didn¡¯t ask much about the overall incident, he focused intensely on the beginning and end of the time-travel experience, questioning Kyle about every tiny detail. He wanted to know how Kyle felt as time rewound, if there were any unusual phenomena, and even whether the environment had felt warmer or colder. Some of these things Kyle hadn¡¯t even noticed at the time¡ªhe¡¯d been too caught up in his exchanges with Riddle to remember sensory details.


    After hours of talking, Kyle, now parched, drained the cold black tea in his cup. He had suggested using a Pensieve so that Nicolas could view the memories directly. Surely, an alchemist of Nicolas¡¯s caliber would have a Pensieve in his home, and if not, he could probably conjure one on the spot.


    But Nicolas shook his head. ¡°I must tell you, my boy, that extracting memories is not so simple¡ªit can only be done by wizards adept in the Memory Charm. And then there¡¯s something else¡­¡± he continued, ¡°I believe you learned Occlumency long ago, did you not?¡±


    Kyle nodded. Occlumency was one of the magical powers he had spent years perfecting, especially after Rowena Ravenclaw¡¯s insistence.


    ¡°For those who¡¯ve mastered Occlumency,¡± Nicolas explained, ¡°no one can extract their memories except themselves¡ªnot me, nor even Albus.¡±


    Kyle thought about this. ¡°Actually, I could try myself¡­ There was a professor at Hogwarts who was quite skilled in Memory Charms. He gave me his notes on the subject, and I learned a lot from them.¡±


    ¡°Oh? Hogwarts had a master of Memory Charms?¡± Nicolas looked intrigued. ¡°Albus certainly has an eye for talent. I must admit, Beauxbatons can¡¯t quite match Hogwarts when it comes to its faculty.¡±


    Kyle managed a polite laugh, choosing not to mention that this "Master of Memory Charms" had been a fraud who¡¯d lost his own memory and ended up in St. Mungo¡¯s. It felt better to let Nicolas keep his admiration for Hogwarts intact.


    Before he could say more, Nicolas waved a dismissive hand. ¡°I can¡¯t allow it, Kyle,¡± he interrupted. ¡°Even if you¡¯ve made excellent progress with the Memory Charm, it¡¯s too risky¡­¡±


    He tapped his own forehead. ¡°Your mind is far more valuable than anything I want to know. So, no. Besides, thanks to what you¡¯ve described, I already have a pretty clear sense of things.¡±


    With a wave of his hand, Nicolas made the intricate blue and turquoise carvings and shelves around them vanish, revealing a wall covered in runes that gleamed faintly in the dim light. One by one, they began to light up, twinkling like stars.


    Nicolas murmured, ¡°This Time-Turner doesn¡¯t operate like the others¡ªit doesn¡¯t snap back to the original timeline as expected. Rather, it¡¯s as if it seeks to fulfill some specific conditions.¡±


    He waved his hand again, and some of the runes dimmed while others brightened, until nearly a hundred symbols sparkled on the wall. Nicolas began rearranging them into different configurations, creating new symbols and layered shapes.


    Kyle watched quietly, realizing he couldn¡¯t begin to understand Nicolas¡¯s technique. He tried to take notes on each combination but gave up after ten minutes; there were simply too many.


    And Nicolas didn¡¯t seem close to a final answer¡ªhe was just experimenting, trying different drafts. Kyle hadn¡¯t expected him to work through the entire night. When Nicolas finally stopped, the sky had lightened, signaling morning.


    Kyle, his head aching from hours of watching advanced runes shift and spin, felt dazed and exhausted. Nicolas, on the other hand, looked more energized than he had the night before.


    ¡°This is incredible¡­¡± Kyle murmured.


    ¡°Oh, Kyle! I forgot you were still here,¡± Nicolas said, finally noticing Kyle¡¯s worn-out expression. Clapping his hands, he called for Tata, the House-elf, and requested a light red potion.


    ¡°Drink up¡ªit¡¯ll help,¡± Nicolas said.


    Kyle took the potion and drank deeply. The dizziness from before vanished almost instantly.


    ¡°What is this?¡± he asked, feeling clear-headed again.


    ¡°A brain-refreshing potion of my own making,¡± Nicolas explained. ¡°I drink it whenever I need to retrieve memories from centuries ago. It¡¯s quite effective.¡±


    Kyle nodded, then asked, ¡°Is it difficult to make?¡±


    ¡°Not at all¡ªfairly simple, actually.¡± Nicolas tapped his finger on the table, and a piece of parchment appeared before Kyle. ¡°If you¡¯re interested, consider this my Christmas gift to you.¡± Sear?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°Thank you, Nicolas.¡± Kyle accepted the parchment eagerly. The potion would be useful¡ªnot just for him, but for his friends back at Hogwarts. Kanna, who had recently delved into the complexities of Ancient Runes, could benefit from it, as could Cedric, Cho, and the Weasley twins.


    But as Kyle scanned the ingredients, he couldn¡¯t help a wry smile. While the instructions were indeed simple, the ingredients were another matter. The cheapest item on the list was Unicorn horn, priced at about fifty Galleons per ounce. Altogether, brewing this potion would cost at least three hundred Galleons.


    Kyle took a deep breath, folding the parchment carefully before slipping it into his pocket.


    As they left the study, Nicolas continued to speak excitedly about his discovery. ¡°I¡¯m on the right track, I can feel it! But it¡¯s going to take countless attempts and verifications¡ªthis could easily go on for years. Not exactly easy on a six-hundred-year-old, I¡¯m afraid,¡± he chuckled.


    They reached the dining room and sat down, and Tata promptly served up a hearty meal.

 Chapter 397: The Diadem and the Horcrux

    At the dinner table, Nicolas pushed a plate of meatloaf with a bone toward Kyle, smiling as he said, ¡°I almost forgot to ask¡ªwhat else did you come to see me about? It''s not just because you want to spend Christmas with me, is it?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s the main reason,¡± Kyle replied.


    ¡°Nothing else?¡±


    ¡°No,¡± Kyle shook his head.


    ¡°Well, in that case¡­¡± Nicolas gave him a playful look and said half-jokingly, ¡°I¡¯ll just leave you to it.¡±


    ¡°You know, it takes ages to find the right symbol,¡± he continued, ¡°and after that, I probably won¡¯t leave that room for weeks.¡±


    ¡°Hm¡­¡± Kyle gave a thoughtful nod, then gently patted his head.


    ¡°Go on,¡± Nicolas laughed. ¡°Just don¡¯t pull an Albus and whip out a Time-Turner from a thousand years ago.¡±


    ¡°No, no, it¡¯s nothing like that¡­ just a small thing¡­¡±


    Kyle placed a box on the table, slipped on his Shield Gloves, and carefully took out a rusty, darkened crown.


    ¡°I found this in Hogwarts Castle and wanted to see if there was any way to restore it.¡±


    ...


    When Nicolas first saw the Diadem, he barely gave it a second glance, assuming Kyle had merely found some broken alchemical relic from Hogwarts. After all, nothing seemed unusual in that thousand-year-old school. But soon enough, Nicolas¡¯s keen intuition as an alchemist sensed something different. His expression grew serious, as if a certain possibility had crossed his mind.


    ¡°Could it be¡­¡± he murmured, suddenly tense, and then, almost involuntarily, asked, ¡°What¡­ what is this?¡±


    ¡°Oh, nothing much, just Ravenclaw¡¯s Diadem,¡± Kyle replied casually.


    ¡°The Diadem that¡¯s been lost for a thousand years?¡± Nicolas couldn¡¯t help but stand up, visibly shaken.


    For most alchemists, the Ravenclaw Diadem, known for enhancing intelligence, was as legendary as the Philosopher¡¯s Stone. Nicolas already possessed the Philosopher¡¯s Stone, but he had never seen the Diadem in person. In his six centuries of life, it was one of his few lingering regrets. He would have never guessed that it had been right there at Hogwarts all along.


    Nicolas thought, his astonishment edged with irritation.


    But now, there was another problem. Ravenclaw¡¯s Diadem looked so deteriorated that it resembled something one might find in a junk shop. Normally, an artifact with such powerful magic shouldn¡¯t show any signs of wear¡­ S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Nicolas leaned in closer, studying the Diadem with increasing intensity. His expression grew more and more grave.


    ¡°This is¡­ a Horcrux?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± Kyle confirmed with a nod. ¡°When I found it, it had already been made into a Horcrux.¡±


    Even Nicolas, usually so composed, felt the urge to curse.


    He reached out to touch the Diadem, and the instant his fingers brushed against it, a thick black mist erupted, swirling around the Diadem. Unsettling murmurs filled the air, whispering from all directions.


    ¡°Pop!¡±


    Tata, the House-elf, appeared instantly before Nicolas, nervously pointing at the black mist. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Tata,¡± Nicolas said, pressing his finger down as the black mist retreated back into the Diadem. Kyle placed it back in the box and continued.


    ¡°I came here to ask if there¡¯s any way to remove the pieces of soul attached to it.¡±


    Nicolas gave a quiet nod. He didn¡¯t ask where Kyle had found the Diadem or whether Dumbledore knew about it, but instead, with some interest, he asked, ¡°What do you have in mind?¡±


    ¡°There are many ways to destroy a Horcrux¡­¡± Kyle began. ¡°Basilisk fangs, the Fiendfyre Curse, a Dementor¡¯s Kiss, or even the Killing Curse can all disperse the soul fragments inside. But each of these methods would cause some degree of damage to the Diadem itself.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m glad you thought of that,¡± Nicolas said with a smile. ¡°Once an object has been made into a Horcrux, it and the soul fragments placed within it are essentially bound as one¡­ Or rather, the entire Diadem is now an extension of his soul. I can see why that person chose the Diadem as a vessel¡ªmost people, even if they knew it was a Horcrux, wouldn¡¯t want to destroy it. In that regard, this person was cleverer than Herpo the Foul.¡±


    ¡°Are you sure you can repair it?¡± Kyle asked. ¡°If you can, I actually have some Basilisk venom on hand, or I could use Dementors. They¡¯re in Hogsmeade, and there¡¯s only one Ministry guard, so if we¡¯re quick, catching two shouldn¡¯t be a problem.¡±


    Nicolas¡¯s expression turned somewhat odd. He could understand using Basilisk venom; Dumbledore had mentioned that the Basilisk in the Chamber of Secrets was now under Kyle¡¯s care, so using a little venom was feasible. But catching Dementors¡­ Wasn¡¯t that a bit extreme? Could you even just ¡°catch¡± one of those?


    ¡°Ahem, no need,¡± Nicolas waved his hand. ¡°I have a better way. Though it might take a bit longer, it will ensure there¡¯s absolutely no damage to the Diadem.¡±


    ¡°What method?¡± Kyle asked, intrigued.


    ¡°An ancient potion that targets the soul,¡± Nicolas replied calmly. ¡°I once found mention of it on a tablet, which helped me confirm that Horcruxes are not a product of alchemy. Coincidentally, this potion was also invented by Herpo the Foul.¡±


    ¡°Herpo the Foul¡­ a potion from a thousand years ago?¡± Kyle frowned. ¡°After all this time, can the ingredients still be found?¡±


    ¡°No problem,¡± Nicolas smiled. ¡°I¡¯ve preserved a number of ancient potion ingredients using special methods. And if I¡¯m missing one or two, I can always find adequate substitutes.¡±


    Then he looked up from the box, meeting Kyle¡¯s gaze with a calm expression. ¡°But my boy¡­ you seem to have a rather deep understanding of Horcruxes.¡±


    ¡°Well, I did study them for a time,¡± Kyle admitted openly. ¡°I had an idea, and¡ª¡±


    ¡°Oh, there¡¯s no need to tell me,¡± Nicolas interrupted gently. ¡°I trust you¡¯ll make the wisest decision and that you have your reasons. I¡¯m not reproaching you¡ªonly reminding you¡­ Do you remember what I told you in Paris? If you need to, you¡¯re welcome to access my private library again anytime. There are many books there, of all sorts¡­¡±


    Nicolas winked, and while Kyle was momentarily distracted, he stealthily slipped the box into a bag with lightning-fast hands. By the time Kyle noticed, Nicolas had already secured it away.


    Of course, Kyle had intended to leave the Diadem with him anyway and had no intention of taking it back, so Nicolas¡¯s little maneuver was entirely unnecessary. Besides the Diadem, Kyle was also preparing to hunt down the other Horcruxes. He didn¡¯t know if he could prevent Voldemort¡¯s eventual resurrection, but he figured he could set a smaller goal first¡­ for instance, to collect all of Voldemort¡¯s Horcruxes before that day came.

 Chapter 398: The Desired Music Classroom

    Christmas dinner was a true feast, likely thanks to Tata, the House-elf, who wanted Kyle to feel the holiday spirit.


    ¡°Help yourself, my boy,¡± said Nicolas¡¯s wife, Perenelle, with a warm smile.


    She herself ate only a slice of ham, a small dish of pea shoots, and half a pudding before setting down her cutlery. Nicolas, however, hadn¡¯t even bothered to join the meal; ever since receiving the Diadem, he had secluded himself in his study, where he remained all afternoon.


    Luckily, Kyle had brought his suitcase along, and with Norbert around, there was no risk of the food going to waste.


    After dinner, Kyle stayed on at Nicolas Flamel¡¯s mansion. The estate was vast and held enough curiosities to keep him endlessly entertained. Kyle enjoyed lounging on a shape-shifting sofa, either taking apart and reassembling simple alchemical items or simply relaxing while listening to operas and concerts from past centuries.


    Much like the old house in Paris, this estate also had a room-sized Pensieve that Nicolas used specifically for experiencing operas. But since he¡¯d been occupied lately, and Perenelle preferred tending to the estate¡¯s flowers and plants, Kyle had the space all to himself.


    ...


    And so, the holiday filled with delightful moments seemed to pass in the blink of an eye.


    Two weeks later, Kyle arrived as usual, ready to enjoy one last grand opera performance from 1791. Just as he approached the room, Tata suddenly appeared at his side.


    ¡°Sir, Headmaster Dumbledore is here,¡± Tata informed him.


    ¡°Professor Dumbledore¡­¡± Kyle murmured, surprised. ¡°He¡¯s probably here to see Nicolas.¡±


    ¡°Tata doesn¡¯t know,¡± the House-elf replied, shaking his head. ¡°But the master hasn¡¯t come out yet. Would you like to go and see, sir?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I¡¯d better go and have a look.¡±


    Following Tata into the foyer, Kyle found Dumbledore cheerfully chatting with Perenelle.


    ¡°Yes, I knit them all myself¡ªthe cardigans and the gloves,¡± Dumbledore was saying.


    ¡°That¡¯s wonderful craftsmanship,¡± Perenelle replied with a warm smile.


    ¡°I¡¯ve been thinking about retiring,¡± Dumbledore chuckled. ¡°Perhaps opening a sock shop in Hogsmeade wouldn¡¯t be a bad idea.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m afraid certain people might not approve,¡± Perenelle said playfully.


    ¡°Well, not just yet¡­ but one day, I¡¯ll have to retire.¡±


    At that moment, Dumbledore noticed Kyle approaching with Tata and greeted him with a smile. ¡°How have you enjoyed your stay here?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s been wonderful,¡± Kyle said. ¡°I could listen to all the operas and concerts Nicolas left behind forever. I¡¯d take that room with me if I could.¡±


    ¡°It seems you¡¯ve discovered the true treasure of this place,¡± Dumbledore winked and whispered. ¡°And you¡¯re not the only one who thinks so¡ªI¡¯ve been tempted to add a music room to Hogwarts for years.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯d support that, Professor!¡± Kyle laughed.


    The two of them continued bantering about how they might sneak the room to Hogwarts, while Perenelle stood nearby, smiling silently at their antics. Only Tata looked anxious, worried they might genuinely try to take the room.


    ¡°Looks like I¡¯ll need to get a lock ready¡­¡± Tata muttered nervously.


    Just as Kyle and Dumbledore discussed how they might pull off their "heist," a door down the hall suddenly opened, and Nicolas emerged, slightly unsteady on his feet as though he might topple over at any moment. Despite his weariness, he looked spirited and said with a half-joking tone, ¡°Those operas and concerts are my treasures¡ªI won¡¯t let you steal them so easily.¡± S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Then he turned to Kyle. ¡°I¡¯ve gathered all the ingredients for the potion. It takes quite a while to brew, about half a year. I¡¯ll write to you when it¡¯s ready.¡±


    ¡°Potion?¡± Dumbledore asked, looking at Kyle with curiosity. ¡°Did you ask Nicolas to brew Felix Felicis for you?¡± Knowing only Felix Felicis required half a year to complete, Dumbledore was naturally curious.


    ¡°No, it¡¯s another kind of potion,¡± Nicolas interjected, giving a vague explanation. For some reason, he chose not to mention Ravenclaw¡¯s Diadem or the Horcruxes, saying only that he was helping Kyle restore an ancient magical artifact.


    Dumbledore didn¡¯t pry further, as he had assumed Kyle¡¯s visit had something to do with alchemy¡ªhardly unusual. Besides, another matter had already captured his thoughts.


    "I see," Dumbledore nodded, adding casually, ¡°I was just going to say, if you ever need Felix Felicis, you could always ask Professor Snape. I don¡¯t think he¡¯d say no.¡±


    Ask Snape¡­ for Felix Felicis? Kyle couldn¡¯t help but shrug, silently disagreeing with Dumbledore¡¯s suggestion. Let¡¯s be real¡ªif he dared to ask Snape for that, the best he could expect would be a cutting remark, followed by a swift expulsion. And if Snape did somehow agree and hand him a bottle, Kyle would hardly trust it. Who knew what else Snape might have slipped in there?


    As Kyle mulled over these thoughts, Tata entered, bringing a tray of black tea. Dumbledore¡¯s attention shifted back to Nicolas, glancing his way several times as if he could barely contain his curiosity.


    ¡°Nicolas, about that¡­¡± he finally ventured.


    ¡°I knew you¡¯d ask,¡± Nicolas said, turning and heading toward the study once more. ¡°Follow me¡ªI¡¯ve just discovered a new direction we can take.¡±


    Dumbledore promptly stood up and started to follow. But as he passed Kyle, he paused and added, ¡°I suggest you head back now¡ªyou¡¯ll have just enough time to finish unpacking the gifts in your dormitory before dinner begins. Or,¡± he continued, ¡°you could enjoy another opera. Just don¡¯t be late; I¡¯ll see you at the banquet.¡±


    With that, Dumbledore hurriedly disappeared into the room behind Nicolas.


    Kyle slapped his forehead, suddenly realizing what had been nagging at him.


    Nicolas Flamel¡¯s manor was protected by layers of enchantments¡ªnot only the Fidelius Charm but also ancient magics that Kyle couldn¡¯t even name. With such protections in place, it was no wonder ordinary owls couldn¡¯t reach him here. Thinking about the gifts waiting back at his dorm, he felt a renewed excitement and quickly prepared to head back.


    ...


    Just as he had arrived, he took the enchanted thestral-drawn carriage back to Hogwarts. Thanks to Tata¡¯s attentive care, the three thestrals were in excellent shape, and they smoothly lifted the carriage into the sky.


    Kyle leaned out the window, waving back at the manor as it gradually disappeared in the distance. Soon enough, the grand estate shimmered out of view, replaced by a simple, barren field scattered with rocks. For a moment, the three thestrals seemed momentarily confused, circling briefly as if they¡¯d lost their way, but soon they found their bearings and set course for Hogwarts.

 Chapter 399: Snape’s Gift

    Kyle finally returned to Hogwarts in the afternoon. The thestral-drawn carriage didn¡¯t return to its original starting point but instead landed near Hagrid¡¯s hut.


    ¡°I was just wondering when you¡¯d be back,¡± Hagrid said, giving one of the thestrals an affectionate pat on the wing. ¡°So, how was the ride?¡±


    ¡°It could easily replace the train as the school¡¯s main way to travel at the start and end of term,¡± Kyle said with a grin.


    ¡°The governors¡¯ll never go for it,¡± Hagrid replied, shaking his head regretfully. ¡°Keeping the thestrals is no small expense¡ªfar more costly than the train.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re right,¡± Kyle nodded. The thestrals couldn¡¯t be beaten for speed or comfort, but the Hogwarts Express was more affordable and capable of transporting all the students in one go. He¡¯d only been joking about replacing it.


    Before heading back to the castle, Kyle handed Hagrid a small, sealed vial of dragon¡¯s blood as payment for the thestral ride. Despite the sealed bottle, the thestrals¡¯ sharp noses caught the scent immediately, and they grew restless. Hagrid tried to calm them, but his efforts only partially worked as the three thestrals clustered around him. Meanwhile, Kyle had already slipped away toward the castle.


    Inside the Hufflepuff common room, Kyle found only one person, Winsty, who was furiously catching up on her homework.


    ¡°Long time no see, Winsty,¡± Kyle greeted her.


    Winsty looked up, surprised. ¡°Wait¡­ Did the train get back already?¡±


    ¡°Oh, no, I didn¡¯t come by train,¡± Kyle replied. ¡°Where are Kanna and Cedric?¡±


    ¡°Kanna¡¯s in the library,¡± she said, looking back down at her work. ¡°I don¡¯t know about Cedric¡ªhe went out early this morning, probably with some of the Gryffindors.¡±


    ¡°Thanks, I know where to look.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re welcome,¡± said Winsty, returning to her mountain of essays. The price of two weeks¡¯ holiday fun, it seemed, was five looming assignments she hoped to finish that night.


    Kyle gave her a sympathetic look and made his way to his dormitory. Inside, he found a pile of gifts of all shapes and sizes, and he picked out the ones that caught his eye, tearing into the wrapping. This year, both Professor Dumbledore and Mrs. Weasley had given him sweaters. Mrs. Weasley¡¯s was a warm reddish-brown, while Dumbledore¡¯s was a lighter yellow with brown stripes and a unique design, almost as though he¡¯d done some research on current trends. It looked like he really was serious about opening that shop in Hogsmeade.


    The other gifts were mostly an assortment of books, sweets, and small trinkets. Halfway through his unwrapping, he heard a knock on the door. Kanna entered, smiling as she stepped inside.


    ¡°Winsty told me you¡¯d returned,¡± she said.


    ¡°Yeah,¡± Kyle replied, ¡°I got back early since I didn¡¯t take the train.¡±


    ¡°Want some help with all this?¡± Kanna asked, eyeing the stack of presents.


    ¡°Definitely, you¡¯re just in time,¡± Kyle said, making some room for her.


    As she sat down and started unwrapping packages, Kanna asked, ¡°So, where did you spend the holiday? Cedric mentioned that all our letters ended up in your dormitory, so we knew you weren¡¯t here.¡±


    ¡°I was staying with Nicolas Flamel,¡± Kyle explained. ¡°The owls couldn¡¯t find me.¡±


    ¡°You were in Paris?¡± Kanna asked, remembering Kyle had spent a previous holiday there for an entire month.


    ¡°Not that far this time. I was in Devon,¡± Kyle said.


    ...


    With Kanna¡¯s help, the presents were soon mostly unwrapped. She picked up the last box, which had no name on it but bore Snape¡¯s unmistakable handwriting. Curiosity piqued, she opened it carefully and found an old, battered quill and a small vial inside. Sear?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    When Kyle wasn¡¯t looking, Kanna quickly tossed the broken quill under the bed, silently discarding it.


    ¡°Kyle, Professor Snape sent you a bottle of Elixir to Induce Euphoria,¡± she said, holding up the vial.


    ¡°What?¡± Kyle looked up in shock. Snape had given him a potion? That was highly unusual. He¡¯d been expecting something closer to a broken quill¡ªwhich would have paired well with the moldy parchment Snape had given him the previous Christmas.


    ¡°Look,¡± Kanna said, handing him the bottle.


    The vial was small, and the potion inside shimmered in a peacock-blue hue, with a few bubbly particles that caught the light in a way that matched the Elixir to Induce Euphoria¡¯s description perfectly.


    ¡°An Elixir to Induce Euphoria?¡± Kyle muttered, still skeptical. It looked genuine, but this felt almost too generous for Snape. Could it be that Snape had accidentally drunk some of Mikel¡¯s attempt at brewing this potion?


    ¡°Of course it¡¯s real,¡± Kanna replied, smiling. ¡°When I gave Professor Snape his Christmas gift, he told me he had a surprise for you.¡±


    ¡°A Christmas gift?¡± Kyle asked, eyes narrowing. ¡°What did you give him?¡±


    ¡°A set of potion-grinding tools,¡± Kanna said, ¡°and some of that really sweet coffee from Madam Puddifoot¡¯s Tea House.¡±


    Kyle¡¯s heart sank a bit. ¡°So you weren¡¯t buying that coffee to give to Professor Dumbledore?¡±


    ¡°No,¡± Kanna answered matter-of-factly. ¡°Didn¡¯t you say the Headmaster and Professor Snape both recommended that very sweet pudding once? I figured Snape might have a bit of a sweet tooth too.¡±


    ¡°Did he like it?¡± Kyle asked, his voice laced with disbelief.


    ¡°I think so,¡± Kanna said, thinking it over. ¡°He came by the next day asking where I¡¯d gotten it.¡±


    ¡°You told him?¡±


    ¡°Of course,¡± Kanna said, smiling. ¡°I told him we¡¯d had it at Madam Puddifoot¡¯s Tea House in Hogsmeade.¡±


    ...


    Kyle took a deep breath and quietly put away the bottle labeled . There was no doubt in his mind¡ªthis stuff had to be fake, and he had no intention of drinking it. Kyle valued his life, and he intended to live long enough to graduate. Given his recent need to steer clear of Snape, he realized he¡¯d better have extra protection on hand. More bezoars would be a good idea.


    Bezoars were inexpensive and available in Hogsmeade, so Kyle decided he¡¯d stock up on a hundred of them, just to be safe.


    As the last of the presents were unwrapped, the sky outside grew dark. By then, the other students had returned from their holidays, filling the common room with laughter and excitement. When it was time for the Start-of-Term Feast, the Great Hall was as magnificent as ever.


    Dumbledore, wearing a rich purple robe, strode briskly to the front of the hall. Cedric, seated nearby, leaned in with a grin. ¡°Kyle, have you noticed the headmaster looks especially cheerful tonight?¡±


    It wasn¡¯t just Cedric¡ªmost of the students seemed to have picked up on Dumbledore¡¯s unusually buoyant mood.


    ¡°Maybe he¡¯s received some good news,¡± Kyle mused, glancing up at the staff table.


    Indeed, Dumbledore seemed to have just shared something witty with Professor McGonagall, causing her to laugh.

 Chapter 400: Firebolt

    At Hogwarts, the worst day of the year was usually the first day of term. Apart from a few rare exceptions, nobody was ever in a good mood. Not only did it mean the holidays were over, but it also meant staying up all night to finish holiday homework. The common rooms across all houses were usually lit up all night with frantic students.


    But this year was different.


    On the first day of term, a notice posted outside the Great Hall made everyone momentarily forget about the post-holiday gloom. Professor Lupin¡¯s long-awaited Patronus Charm Club was finally set to begin, scheduled for the following evening at 8:00 p.m. in the Great Hall, just like last year.


    ¡°I can¡¯t wait¡­¡±


    ¡°I wish it were tonight¡­¡±


    The students buzzed with excitement as they discussed the news. Even though Dementors were no longer a common sight on campus, the memory of the last incident at the Quidditch Pitch¡ªwhen a Dementor appeared and was chased off by a Patronus¡ªremained fresh in everyone¡¯s minds. They all remembered the radiant, silver Patronus, which seemed almost magical.


    ¡°Oh, is it really happening?¡± Cedric said, clearly thrilled. His Patronus Charm had reached the final step, but he¡¯d been struggling to transform the silvery light into a full, corporeal Patronus.


    ¡°Are you going, Kyle?¡± Kanna asked. ¡°Or would you rather stay in the common room?¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s all go together,¡± Kyle replied. ¡°Think of it as advanced study. Besides, there won¡¯t be many people left in the common room tomorrow¡ªit¡¯s no fun going back alone.¡±


    Large events like this were a rare treat at Hogwarts, and none of them intended to miss out.


    Just then, Ron¡¯s voice piped up beside them. ¡°Harry, look! Professor Lupin¡¯s finally going to teach us the spell to fight off Dementors!¡±


    ¡°Once you¡¯ve learned it, with the world¡¯s best broom¡ªthe Firebolt¡ªyou¡¯ll crush every other house in Quidditch¡­¡± Ron was practically glowing with pride.


    Hmm?


    Cedric¡¯s ears perked up as he caught onto something important. He quickly turned and asked, ¡°Ron, did you just say Harry has a Firebolt?¡±


    ¡°Uh, no¡­¡± Ron froze, realizing his slip. ¡°You¡­ heard wrong. I didn¡¯t say anything.¡±


    He remembered Wood¡¯s instructions to keep the Firebolt a secret weapon until their next match. Since Gryffindor¡¯s next opponent was Hufflepuff, that secret weapon was meant to give them an edge against Cedric and Kyle.


    Thinking fast, Ron scrambled to come up with an excuse, hoping to backpedal without arousing suspicion.


    But before Ron could stammer an excuse, Harry spoke up, straightforwardly.


    ¡°I couldn¡¯t afford such an expensive broom on my own¡ªit was a Christmas gift,¡± he explained.


    ¡°Hey, Harry!¡± Ron whispered urgently, tugging on Harry¡¯s sleeve. ¡°Are you sure it¡¯s okay to tell them that? Don¡¯t forget, we¡¯re up against Hufflepuff next.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s fine, Ron,¡± Harry replied, shaking his head with a calm confidence. ¡°The Firebolt¡¯s the fastest broom there is. Knowing that won¡¯t change the outcome.¡±


    ¡°Well, if you say so¡­¡± Ron sighed, letting it go, though he still looked uncertain.


    Cedric, on the other hand, was astonished to hear that Harry had received such a valuable gift. ¡°Wait, so it was a present? I remember you live with your aunt and uncle¡ªthey must really care about you¡­¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ve got it wrong.¡± Harry¡¯s smile faded, replaced by a dark look. Thinking of his aunt and uncle¡¯s treatment, he explained, ¡°They wouldn¡¯t give me a regular broom, not even a broken one.¡±


    ¡°Not from them?¡± Cedric looked puzzled. ¡°Then who would give you something that valuable?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± Harry admitted, shaking his head. ¡°But Hermione thinks it might¡¯ve been Sirius Black¡­ trying to, well¡­ sabotage me during the match.¡±


    ¡°Rubbish!¡± Ron burst out, his face red with anger. ¡°Black¡¯s been too busy dodging Dementors to go shopping for brooms! And Professor McGonagall bought into it, too! She said she¡¯d take the Firebolt apart to check. a Firebolt! Ridiculous!¡± S§×arch* The N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Kyle noted that Hermione wasn¡¯t with them¡ªthe trio¡¯s rare split seeming to confirm Ron¡¯s irritation.


    ¡°It¡¯s not entirely impossible, though,¡± Cedric interjected with a shrug. ¡°If there¡¯s any doubt about its source, it should be checked out, just to be safe. Imagine if Harry found out mid-air that something was wrong with the broom.¡±


    Ron scoffed, still unconvinced. Muttering, he said, ¡°Well, now that Professor McGonagall¡¯s got the Firebolt, some people are probably hoping it¡¯s defective, just so¡­¡±


    He trailed off into a murmur, too quiet for anyone to catch his last words.


    Harry looked embarrassed. ¡°Don¡¯t take it the wrong way. That¡¯s not what he meant.¡±


    ¡°I get it,¡± Cedric said, not seeming to pay much attention to Ron¡¯s muttering. ¡°And he¡¯s not entirely wrong¡ªI¡¯d be lying if I said the thought hadn¡¯t crossed my mind. But, Harry, it¡¯s better to lose the match than to fall out of the sky again. And there¡¯s still time. Professor McGonagall should have her inspection done well before the match.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, I know,¡± Harry replied with a sigh, seeming to take comfort in Cedric¡¯s level-headed approach.


    With that, the conversation drew to a close.


    Before they parted ways, Kyle suddenly turned to Ron and asked, ¡°But what if that broom really was a gift from Black?¡±


    Ron frowned, but replied, ¡°Then I''ll apologize to Hermione and Professor McGonagall. But I''m telling you, it''s impossible.¡±


    ¡°I hope you''re right.¡± Kyle gave him a nod and walked past, while Harry opened his mouth as if to add something, but ultimately remained silent.


    Back in the Hufflepuff common room, Cedric suddenly slapped his thigh and began pacing, looking troubled. Though he hadn¡¯t admitted it, the thought of Gryffindor¡¯s Firebolt was clearly weighing on his mind.


    He knew all too well the Firebolt¡¯s capabilities¡ªit could accelerate to 150 miles per hour in just ten seconds and could even reach top speeds of 300 miles. His Nimbus 1700, by comparison, maxed out at 100 miles per hour, leaving him with almost no chance of winning a chase unless he managed to catch the Snitch before Harry even reacted.


    But that was unlikely. After three years of facing Harry in matches, Cedric knew Harry¡¯s skill and sharp reflexes; Harry would never make a rookie mistake. Catching Harry off guard would be a lot more likely if the Seeker were someone like Malfoy.


    He refused to be defeated so easily.


    ¡°Kyle¡­¡± Cedric suddenly asked after pacing a few more steps, ¡°do you think there might actually be something wrong with that Firebolt?¡±


    ¡°Probably not,¡± Kyle replied after a moment¡¯s thought. ¡°Tampering with a broom isn¡¯t easy, especially one as advanced and famous as the Firebolt¡ªit¡¯s built for safety, too. Besides, it wouldn¡¯t make much sense. There¡¯s always a professor present at Hogwarts matches, so even if Harry did fall, nothing serious would happen. And Black went to school here, so he¡¯d know that too.¡±


    ¡°Oh¡­¡± Cedric sighed deeply, hearing the logic in Kyle¡¯s words but still restless.


    He resumed pacing, determined to figure out some way to counter the Firebolt before the match.

 Chapter 401: The Patronus Charm Club

    Cedric had been mulling it over all night, so much so that at breakfast the next morning, he still looked half asleep.


    ¡°Have you come up with anything?¡± Kyle asked.


    ¡°Of course,¡± Cedric replied with a relieved expression. ¡°All we need to do is get 150 points ahead of Gryffindor within twenty minutes, and victory will still be ours.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s your solution?¡± Kyle looked at him incredulously. ¡°A hundred and fifty points ahead of Gryffindor in twenty minutes? You must be sleepwalking, or you left your brain back in the dorms.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ve done it before,¡± Cedric insisted. ¡°Remember the match against Ravenclaw?¡±


    ¡°That was two years ago!¡± Kyle retorted irritably. ¡°And it wasn¡¯t just me; Harris helped, too. Plus, Ravenclaw was so off their game, they practically handed us the points, which is the only reason we got ahead by that much.¡±


    ¡°The situation now is that Harris has already graduated,¡± Kyle continued. ¡°And Fred and George warned me right after our first match that they¡¯d never let a Bludger get more than ten feet away from me. Do you get what that means? Between those two and Keeper Wood, I¡¯d have to break through at least three people to score!¡±


    ¡°But it¡¯s our only option,¡± Cedric said, almost defensively. He¡¯d spent all night racking his brain and had come to realize that the Firebolt was nearly unbeatable. Against absolute speed, any tactic seemed pointless¡ªunless they could secure the win in advance.


    ¡°I¡¯ll get everyone to work with you,¡± Cedric promised. ¡°The next strategy will be centered around you.¡±


    ¡°All right,¡± Kyle nodded, resigned.


    After breakfast, the group left the Great Hall and went off to their respective classrooms to get ready for class. Today was the first day of Professor Lupin¡¯s Patronus Charm Club, and everyone was so excited that their attention drifted through the day¡¯s lessons.


    The professors, naturally, noticed this, though they didn¡¯t seem overly concerned and handled it with a single stern reminder.


    ¡°No talking in class, Mr. Rowle. Five points from Slytherin!¡±


    In Transfiguration, Professor McGonagall rapped her desk sharply and said, ¡°Anyone who loses more than ten points in my class today will be detained in the library and required to clean the shelves at eight o¡¯clock this evening!¡±


    The moment Professor McGonagall finished, everyone sat up straight. Eight o¡¯clock was when the club began, and with the hundreds of shelves in the library, they''d likely miss the entire session.


    ¡°Excellent,¡± Professor McGonagall said approvingly. ¡°Let¡¯s pick up where we left off. The key to the Switching Spell is decisiveness, no hesitation¡­¡±


    Apparently, Professor McGonagall had shared this strategy with her colleagues, because in each class afterward, the students sat nervously on edge, dreading the possibility of being assigned detention that would make them miss the evening¡¯s event.


    ...


    Finally, eight o¡¯clock arrived.


    Some students had gone to the Great Hall early to wait, while others hadn¡¯t left at all since dinner, eager to secure a good spot. By the time Kyle and his friends arrived, a large crowd had already gathered. The long tables had been pushed to the sides once again, and the enchanted ceiling showed a perfectly clear sky filled with stars.


    At precisely eight, Professor Lupin entered, right on time. He looked slightly nervous, likely unused to addressing such a large group of students.


    ¡°Relax, Remus,¡± Professor McGonagall whispered, encouraging him. ¡°Just be yourself, as if you were teaching a regular class.¡±


    Alongside Professor McGonagall, Professors Flitwick and Snape were present, as well as Madam Pomfrey from the Hospital Wing. The turnout was much grander than last year¡¯s Duelling Club.


    Soon, Kyle and the others would understand why.


    ¡°First, I¡¯d like to ask everyone to remain calm,¡± Professor Lupin began, setting a large suitcase on the floor in front of him. ¡°Some of you may think what I¡¯m about to do is risky, but I believe the fastest way to learn the Patronus Charm is by confronting a Dementor directly.¡±


    All eyes turned to the suitcase at his feet. Realizing what he might mean, the students began to murmur, some inching back cautiously. Within moments, an empty ring had formed around Professor Lupin.


    ¡°Yes, as some of you may have guessed, there is a Dementor inside, provided by the Ministry of Magic.¡± He clapped his hands, and immediately, the suitcase shook violently.


    The murmuring grew louder, and some younger students were already glancing nervously toward the exit.


    ¡°Please, do not worry¡ªI won¡¯t release it during the first club meeting,¡± Professor Lupin reassured them. ¡°And with several professors here, I assure you, everyone is perfectly safe.¡± He raised his wand to his throat and cast a Amplifying Charm, amplifying his voice to hush the growing commotion.


    ¡°Of course, if anyone feels uncomfortable and would like to leave, I won¡¯t stop you. You¡¯re free to make that choice.¡± He waved his wand, opening the large doors of the Great Hall.


    A few students hesitated but chose to leave. However, many more remained.


    "It seems you''ve all made up your minds," said Professor Lupin. "Anyone who wants to leave is welcome to do so at any time. For those who have chosen to stay, please settle down so we can begin learning the Patronus Charm."


    "First, we need to understand this Charm. It¡¯s a highly advanced piece of magic that goes well beyond the skill level of an ordinary wizard. I can¡¯t guarantee that all of you will master it, but I¡¯ll do my best to teach each and every one of you."


    With so many students present, Professor Lupin didn¡¯t call on anyone to answer as he might in a smaller class. Instead, he explained the Charm directly.


    "A Patronus is a positive force¡ªan external manifestation of hope, joy, and survival. Unlike a real person, a Patronus cannot feel despair, so it¡¯s unaffected by Dementors..."


    Professor Lupin cleared his throat before continuing. "To make this spell work, you need to concentrate your entire will on a particularly happy memory. Do you remember what I asked you to do before the holidays? Those happy memories... Take a moment now to think of them."


    Soon, everyone¡¯s expressions began to change as they focused on their memories.


    "The incantation is," Professor Lupin said clearly,


    "Now, concentrate on those happy memories, and speak the incantation," Professor Lupin instructed.


    The students focused and followed his guidance. Gradually, wisps of silvery-white gas began to drift through the Great Hall, like early morning mist, gathering overhead and growing thicker with each attempt.


    "Very good," Professor Lupin said with a smile. "It seems you¡¯re getting the hang of it. Are you ready for a more advanced exercise?"


    ¡°Yes,¡± the students replied, their voices tense as they held their breath and gripped their wands tightly. sea??h th§× ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Professor Lupin placed a hand on the suitcase and gave it a light push. The suitcase didn¡¯t open fully, but several small holes appeared along its sides. Those closest could just make out a slow, shuddering intake of breath from within.


    A sharp chill began to spread throughout the room, and the silvery mist that had filled the Great Hall vanished in an instant.


    Some students started to tremble, their wands quivering as an intense urge to flee swept over them. Others clenched their teeth and repeated the spell even louder.


    The silver mist continued to disperse as the coldness intensified, but little by little, new tendrils of silvery mist appeared, replacing the ones that had faded.


    "Pfft!"


    After an indeterminate time, Professor Lupin closed the holes in the suitcase, and the cold vanished as suddenly as it had come.

 Chapter 402: Happy Memories

    As soon as the chill faded, Madam Pomfrey stood to check on the pale students, but a gentle hand stopped her.


    ¡°Not yet, Poppy. The students can handle this level of strain,¡± Professor Lupin said with a reassuring shake of his head.


    He glanced around at the discouraged faces and offered a half-smile. ¡°Don¡¯t feel disheartened. I didn¡¯t expect you to succeed on your first try. Honestly, I¡¯d be more than a little shocked if anyone had.¡±


    Professor Lupin continued, ¡°Remember that sensation¡ªthe cold, the fear¡ªand imagine everything before you as a Dementor. Try again with that feeling in mind. And for those who struggled, your emotions may not have been powerful enough. You might need to choose a different memory.¡±


    The students began practicing again, focusing on the chill they¡¯d just experienced, their wands raised in determined concentration. The professors moved among them, offering guidance and encouragement wherever needed.


    Professor Lupin made his way over to a group of Gryffindors. ¡°Harry, how are you holding up?¡± S~ea??h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°I¡¯m fine, Professor,¡± Harry replied, looking slightly pale but visibly exhilarated. For the first time, he¡¯d felt the bone-deep cold of a Dementor without blacking out, and the accomplishment gave him a fresh sense of confidence.


    he said, lifting his wand in front of Professor Lupin. A billowing mist of silver-white emerged, condensing briefly into a shadowy form.


    ¡°Excellent,¡± Professor Lupin said, impressed. ¡°Managing this on your first attempt already puts you ahead of many fourth years, Harry.¡±


    ¡°So, Professor, when can we face a Dementor again?¡± Harry asked eagerly. ¡°It feels like I¡¯m close but... something¡¯s missing.¡±


    ¡°Not just yet,¡± Professor Lupin shook his head. ¡°Even if you¡¯re not facing a Dementor directly, it¡¯s best not to repeat this too often. Take your time. Remember what I said¡ªthis is a complex Charm, and progress happens step by step. You¡¯re doing wonderfully at this level.¡±


    Though Harry looked a bit disappointed, he nodded, accepting Professor Lupin¡¯s guidance without further protest.


    Nearby, Cedric had been hoping Professor Lupin might open the suitcase again. His Patronus was already taking shape with clear outlines¡ªa pointed beak, a long neck, outstretched wings¡ªbut it still lacked a lifelike solidity. It felt as if he were shaping it from clay; the form was distinct, yet it lacked true vitality.


    He could sense he was on the brink of success, just a small step away. If Professor Lupin had left the suitcase open a moment longer, he felt sure he would have managed it.


    But now¡­


    With a look of determination, Cedric raised his wand once more, focusing all his energy on his happiest memory. He summoned his Patronus again, but it remained an incomplete outline, refusing to cross that final barrier to becoming fully formed.


    "Perhaps you could try a different memory," suggested Professor McGonagall, who had just walked over. "I noticed your Patronus was starting to take form but then faded again. It¡¯s clear you¡¯re not tapping into a strong enough emotion."


    ¡°Professor McGonagall,¡± Cedric said quickly, ¡°I think I need more pressure. Could you let me face the Dementor again?¡±


    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t recommend it,¡± Professor McGonagall replied firmly. "There are other ways to learn the Patronus Charm that don¡¯t require facing a Dementor."


    Though Professor Lupin had convinced the school to allow the Dementor for teaching, Professor McGonagall had only agreed to attend as a precaution. She still had her reservations, but so far, everything had gone smoothly.


    Nearby, Cedric noticed Kyle was helping Kanna practice the Charm. Although she was not as advanced as Cedric, she was progressing quickly. The shadowy mist in front of her was becoming more defined.


    "How did you manage that?¡± Cedric asked, astonished.


    It had taken him nearly a month to reach this level, yet Kanna had done it in less than two hours.


    ¡°Maybe it¡¯s because my memories are happy enough,¡± Kanna replied with a soft smile. ¡°This Charm is incredible¡ªeach time I say the incantation, those memories seem to pour energy into me.¡±


    ¡°That simple?¡± Fred blurted out. ¡°Then why doesn¡¯t it work like that for us?¡±


    "What memories do you think of?" asked George.


    ¡°Oh, a lot of things¡­¡± Kanna said, her expression brightening. "Getting my Hogwarts acceptance letter¡­ making my first friend¡­ receiving my first piece of candy¡­ earning my first Galleon¡­ meeting Professor Snape. Whenever I need happy memories, they just come to mind."


    ¡°That¡¯s strange¡ªthose are the exact memories we use,¡± Fred muttered. ¡°Our Hogwarts letter, our first Galleon¡­ we have the same memories, but it doesn¡¯t seem to work as well for us.¡±


    ¡°I even tried imagining us opening the joke shop,¡± George added, ¡°but that seemed to make it even worse. That¡¯s our dream, after all!¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s about memories, not fantasies,¡± Kyle interjected.


    ¡°But thinking about the joke shop genuinely makes us happy!¡± Fred protested. ¡°Sometimes we laugh ourselves awake just from dreaming about it.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s different,¡± Kyle explained patiently. ¡°Imagining food might make you hungry, but it doesn¡¯t actually feed you. For the Patronus Charm, you need the most genuine sense of from your memories.¡±


    ¡°Real¡­ fullness?¡± Fred sighed, disappointed. ¡°We thought we¡¯d found a shortcut¡­¡±


    ¡°Can¡¯t believe we missed the mark,¡± George agreed. ¡°No wonder our Patronus attempts kept getting weaker.¡±


    With the right approach in mind, Fred and George started making better progress. Though their results weren¡¯t as impressive as Kanna¡¯s, they were doing better than most in the group.


    Cedric waited patiently for another two hours, hoping Professor Lupin would open the suitcase again, but it remained shut.


    "That¡¯s enough for today," Professor Lupin announced, clapping his hands. As everyone quieted down, he continued, ¡°Even though you didn¡¯t face a Dementor directly, I¡¯d recommend having some chocolate when you return to your dormitories. It¡¯ll help you feel better.¡±


    ¡°Professor, when can we come again?¡± someone asked eagerly¡ªa question on everyone¡¯s mind.


    ¡°A month from now,¡± Professor Lupin decided after a moment. ¡°That should give you enough time to absorb what you¡¯ve learned today. I¡¯ll open the club once a month for the rest of the school year, and I¡¯ll let you know the exact dates in advance.¡±

 Chapter 403: Cedric’s Doubts

    Hearing that the club would only meet once a month, many students were visibly disappointed; they had expected weekly sessions. Before anyone could voice their objections, though, Professor McGonagall gave them a firm look, and they all fell silent, filing out of the Great Hall without a word.


    As Kyle and his friends walked down the corridor, Cedric suddenly spoke up after they rounded a corner.


    "Do you think Professor Lupin would let me face a Dementor alone if I asked him?"


    "I¡¯m not sure," Kyle replied, shaking his head. "But if you¡¯re serious, you¡¯d better ask him soon. The Dementor might not be here tomorrow¡ªboth Professor Dumbledore and Professor McGonagall aren¡¯t fond of having them around. The one tonight was just a teaching tool."


    "You¡¯re right," Cedric said, giving his head a quick pat as if to spur himself on. "I¡¯m not waiting until tomorrow¡ªI¡¯ll go now!" And with that, he dashed off back down the corridor.


    The rest of the group split up at the stairs, heading back to the common room. Kyle noticed that Kanna hadn¡¯t spoken the entire time and seemed a bit conflicted, glancing back toward the Great Hall as they walked.


    "Do you want to go talk to Professor Lupin too?" Kyle asked.


    Kanna nodded, then shook her head, seeming torn. She longed to produce a Patronus of her own, but the thought of facing a Dementor terrified her. After all, the whole reason she¡¯d been learning the Charm was to protect herself from Dementors.


    Some things, she reminded herself, weren¡¯t worth reliving. Like the time in her first year with the Animagus rat. She had almost managed to forget about that until the Dementors appeared at the last Quidditch match, dredging up memories of the ¡°final act¡± in the Forbidden Forest. For days afterward, she could barely eat or sleep, and now, whenever she saw a rat, she felt the urge to kick it. She might never shake that feeling.


    Shaking her head again, she made up an excuse. "I¡¯m just worried about Cedric. Do you think he¡¯ll succeed?"


    "I think so," Kyle said, "but only if the professors agree." Cedric was so close that all he needed was a final push. A Dementor could provide that, with its own unique... motivation.


    They entered the common room and found seats by the fireplace. Though it was late, a lot of Hufflepuffs were still awake, enthusiastically chatting about the Patronus Club meeting and not remotely ready for bed.


    Kanna watched as Kyle skewered some sausages and held them over the fire, her voice dropping to a murmur. "Is there any way to practice the Patronus Charm without Dementors?"


    "Yes," Kyle replied, turning the sausages slowly. "Patronuses can actually strengthen each other. A real Patronus can boost and intensify positive emotions, which makes learning the Charm easier."


    Kanna¡¯s eyes widened. "Then why didn¡¯t you mention that to Cedric?"


    Kyle shrugged. "He didn¡¯t ask," he said simply. "Besides, I think he likes Dementors."


    Kanna gave him an incredulous look. "Who Dementors?"


    "You¡¯d be surprised. People have their quirks," Kyle replied with a smile. "Besides, that method is mostly for beginners to help simplify things. Cedric¡¯s beyond that now¡ªhe¡¯s at the final step. If he can¡¯t find the key on his own, even a hundred Patronuses wouldn¡¯t be enough to help him. The Dementor is more useful at this point."


    "What about me¡­" Kanna asked quietly. "Could that method work for me?"


    "Yes," Kyle said, nodding. "It¡¯s late tonight, but let¡¯s go to the Room of Requirement tomorrow."


    Kanna¡¯s face lit up, and she answered with a soft "Hm." By then, the smell of the sizzling sausages had attracted a small crowd, and the two of them dropped the subject.


    After two hours of practice, many people had worked up an appetite, and the aroma of sausages wafting through the common room only made it worse. Soon, others left to gather food from the kitchen, returning with bread, pumpkin juice, pastries¡­ even whole roasted chickens and generous cuts of meat.


    This was the advantage of being in Hufflepuff. While other houses might risk getting caught out after hours, they could easily enjoy a hearty late-night meal. With the kitchen just next door, there was hardly any chance of Filch or a professor catching them.


    Kyle¡¯s sausages were finally ready, and he handed one of the slightly charred links to Kanna on a fork.


    Kanna accepted it with sparkling eyes and took a bite, savoring the warmth and rich flavor as she joined the others around the fire.


    ¡°How is it? Is it done?¡± Kyle asked.


    ¡°Mmm!¡± Kanna nodded emphatically, her mouth full. ¡°It¡¯s delicious.¡±


    ¡°Glad to hear it,¡± Kyle replied, taking a sausage for himself.


    Kanna blinked, feeling as if something was slightly off, but the savory smell from the fire quickly banished the thought. After a while, Cedric returned, his entrance accompanied by the aroma of food wafting around the room.


    ¡°Oh, save me some!¡± he said, making a beeline for Kyle. Without waiting, he grabbed a sausage and helped himself to toast from a nearby plate.


    ¡°Back so soon?¡± Kyle asked, surprised.


    Cedric shook his head. ¡°Not really. I came back early.¡±


    ¡°Because of Professor McGonagall?¡± Kanna asked. ¡°She still doesn¡¯t agree to let you face a Dementor?¡±


    ¡°No, actually, Professor McGonagall had already left by the time I got there. It was Professor Lupin¡ªhe looked a little under the weather,¡± Cedric explained. ¡°I waited until everyone had left the Great Hall and was just about to go in when I saw Professor Snape giving him a large glass of some kind of potion and telling him he needed it.¡±


    ¡°Professor Lupin is sick again?¡± Kanna asked, her brows knitting with concern.


    In just the first half of the school year, Professor Lupin had already taken sick leave twice¡ªonce with Professor Snape stepping in for him, and another time with Professor McGonagall. Rumor had it the Ravenclaws had also missed several of his Defense Against the Dark Arts classes. S~ea??h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°I think so. He drank the entire potion,¡± Cedric continued. ¡°And if you looked closely, his face was definitely a bit paler than usual. I didn¡¯t think it was right to ask him about the Dementors under the circumstances, so I just came back.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s probably best. You can ask him another day,¡± Kyle suggested. ¡°Or wait until next month¡¯s club meeting.¡±


    ¡°True,¡± Cedric agreed, setting down his pumpkin juice. Then, with a thoughtful look, he added, ¡°But doesn¡¯t it seem odd that Professor Lupin didn¡¯t ask Madam Pomfrey? I mean, she was right there, and she¡¯s much more of a medical expert than Professor Snape.¡±


    ¡°Maybe Madam Pomfrey had something else to do,¡± Kanna offered.


    ¡°Maybe¡­¡± Cedric murmured, taking another sip of pumpkin juice, still looking a bit puzzled.

 Chapter 404: Kanna’s Patronus

    The rematch between Gryffindor and Slytherin took place in the second week of school, with Slytherin emerging as the victor.


    According to Fred and George, Harry had tried to ask Professor McGonagall for his Firebolt, but she turned him down. Despite the match¡¯s importance to Gryffindor¡¯s chances for the Quidditch Cup, Professor McGonagall wouldn''t allow Harry to use his Firebolt, prioritizing his safety. With his Nimbus 2000 still undergoing repairs, Harry had no choice but to ride a Shooting Star out onto the pitch¡ªa relic from the Hogwarts Broom Cupboard, typically reserved for first-year flying lessons.


    The Shooting Star¡¯s main merit, as Harry saw it, was that he wouldn''t feel bad if it crashed. When Kyle spotted the broom in Harry¡¯s hands, he knew Gryffindor¡¯s fate was sealed.


    And just as he predicted, Slytherin won in a landslide. By the time Malfoy caught the Golden Snitch, Harry was still trailing far behind, gasping for breath. The Slytherin stands erupted with thunderous cheers, while the Gryffindor side sat in stony silence.


    Oliver Wood avoided looking at Marcus¡¯s smug expression, leaving the pitch quietly, his broom slung over his shoulder, with the rest of the Gryffindor team trailing after him.


    As unfortunate as it was for Gryffindor, it was actually good news for Hufflepuff¡ªand, in fact, for the other three houses. With a Firebolt in play, Gryffindor would have been practically unbeatable. But today, with only thirty points on the board, Gryffindor had effectively played a man down, giving the other teams a precious chance to catch their breath.


    ¡°The next game is key. We can¡¯t let them pull too far ahead of us!¡± Cedric declared excitedly in the common room. ¡°One loss doesn¡¯t ruin the season. As long as we beat Gryffindor in total points, we can still win the championship!¡±


    ¡°Captain, don¡¯t you think you¡¯re stressing a bit too much?¡± Mikel replied casually. ¡°I mean, isn¡¯t there something wrong with their Firebolt? They¡¯re still stuck with an old Shooting Star¡­ Gryffindor will be at the bottom for sure this year.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not exactly a problem; it¡¯s a suspicion. And the professors are investigating it,¡± Cedric corrected him. ¡°I saw Professor McGonagall today, and she didn¡¯t look happy. My guess is they¡¯ll wrap up the investigation soon. By the time we play Gryffindor next month, we¡¯ll probably have our answer¡ªand it¡¯ll likely be revealed on the field.¡±


    Mikel sat up slightly, intrigued. ¡°Is that reliable information?¡±


    Cedric gave him a look. ¡°Think about it¡ªProfessor McGonagall, Professor Flitwick, Madam Hooch¡­ what kind of curse or charm could slip past them? If there were an issue, it would¡¯ve been discovered by now. The professors are just being thorough.¡±


    ¡°So¡­¡± Mikel frowned thoughtfully. ¡°Should I keep Potter occupied and distract him from the Golden Snitch?¡±


    ¡°No!¡± Cedric shook his head. ¡°That might have worked against his Nimbus 2000, but not with the Firebolt. The Bludgers are no match for that broom¡¯s speed. As I understand, they¡¯ve already developed new Bludgers and Snitches for the Quidditch World Cup to keep up with brooms like the Firebolt, but those are for professional matches. The school won¡¯t have anything like that.¡±


    ¡°Then what are we supposed to do, just let him snatch the Snitch?¡± Mikel thumped his fist against the sofa.


    ¡°My plan is for everyone but me to ignore the Golden Snitch. You and Will¡­¡± Cedric looked to the other Beater and continued quietly, ¡°You two don¡¯t need to worry about me. Focus on protecting Kyle and helping him score. No matter what, keep the Bludgers the other team sends at least five feet away from him.¡±


    Abandon the Snitch¡­ sea??h th§× ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    When their Seeker, Cedric, uttered those words, everyone went silent. His strategy meant they would be forfeiting control of the game¡¯s pace, handing the initiative to Gryffindor and putting themselves in a wholly defensive position.


    If they managed to gain an advantage, it might work. But if they didn¡¯t, Gryffindor could take control of the match entirely, potentially even securing victory with a single high-scoring game.


    If that happened, they could hardly bear to imagine the consequences¡­


    "Isn''t this a bit risky?" Beater Will frowned.


    "It''s the only way we can win," Cedric replied. "I trust Kyle¡ªhe¡¯s the best Chaser at Hogwarts, no question. I¡¯m willing to take the risk."


    The team fell silent again.


    "I hope there''s something wrong with that Firebolt..." Grace, the new Chaser, whispered.


    Sitting at the far end, Kyle took a deep breath, staying quiet. The pressure was intense.


    This pressure meant he couldn''t skip any of the three weekly training sessions, and with the Charms and Transfiguration Clubs added to his schedule, his time was completely booked. He even had to reschedule his special training sessions for Kanna''s Patronus Charm to early weekend mornings.


    Cedric joined the training after hearing about it, though as Kyle had mentioned, the Patronus Charm was not helpful to him at the moment. After a few attempts, Cedric eventually gave up.


    February came and went without much notice. The cold, biting weather lingered, and the Gryffindor match drew nearer. Professor McGonagall still hadn¡¯t given Harry his Firebolt back, but she hadn¡¯t confiscated it, either.


    Third years Hannah and Susan had managed to gather some information: every time Harry finished Transfiguration class, he would ask Professor McGonagall about the Firebolt. They¡¯d eavesdropped on her responses, learning that most of the standard Charms had already been tested, and only one Hurling Hex remained to be checked. This was hardly reassuring news.


    Meanwhile, Kanna¡¯s training was going surprisingly well. Her progress with the Patronus Charm was swift, and by the fourth session, she had caught up to Cedric.


    In the Room of Requirement, two silver shapes circled each other above: one larger and unmistakably Kyle¡¯s Patronus, and the smaller one, Kanna¡¯s. Her Patronus was only the size of a fist, but even as an outline, its wings and antennae were clearly visible.


    "It looks like a butterfly..." Kyle remarked. "Though, of course, it could be some other kind of insect, maybe even something like a ghost moth¡ª¡±


    Before he could finish, a book came flying toward him. Kanna was glaring at him, clearly annoyed.


    She¡¯d read about that creature in a book. With its ghostly appearance and skull-like markings, it seemed as ominous as a Dementor. Just the thought of it made her queasy. If it really were such a creature, she''d rather have a toad or caterpillar as her Patronus.


    Kyle chuckled, having only meant to tease her. Judging by its shape and size, it was unmistakably a butterfly.


    By this point, the month-long special training was coming to an end. Kanna now faced the same challenge as Cedric¡ªtransforming the outline of her Patronus into a fully formed one. This was the hardest part; Cedric had been working on it for a month without much progress.


    But for now, even an incomplete Patronus was enough to repel Dementors. The light alone would be sufficient to send them fleeing.


    Satisfied, Kyle let his Patronus fade and left the Room of Requirement with Kanna by his side.

 Chapter 405: Malfoy and Harry

    After leaving the eighth-floor corridor, Kyle and Kanna started heading down the stairs toward the common room. But just as they reached the landing, Kyle noticed Professor McGonagall emerging from the direction of the Gryffindor common room.


    This wasn¡¯t unusual; as the Gryffindor Head of House, it made sense for Professor McGonagall to be around. However, what caught Kyle¡¯s eye was the elegant broom she was holding. Its streamlined ash handle and the subtly curved birch twigs at the end made it unmistakable¡ªthe world¡¯s fastest broom, the Firebolt. S§×ar?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Professor McGonagall looked positively pleased, a rare smile on her face that she made no effort to hide.


    ¡°Good afternoon, Professor McGonagall,¡± Kyle greeted, with Kanna chiming in politely beside him.


    ¡°Good afternoon¡­¡± Professor McGonagall nodded, her smile widening. ¡°Have either of you seen Potter? I have some good news for him.¡±


    ¡°No,¡± Kyle replied. ¡°We¡¯ve been practicing the Patronus Charm in an empty classroom, so we haven¡¯t noticed what¡¯s happening outside.¡±


    ¡°I see. And how is it going?¡± Professor McGonagall asked, glancing at Kanna. She had already heard from some Hufflepuff students about Kyle summoning his jellyfish Patronus on the Quidditch pitch, so she didn¡¯t need to ask him.


    ¡°It¡¯s still not quite there,¡± Kanna said, taking out her wand.


    A fist-sized silver light flew out of her wand, darting around her in lively circles.


    ¡°Oh, you¡¯re just setting your expectations too high,¡± Professor McGonagall said, pleasantly surprised. ¡°For a fourteen-year-old student, conjuring a Patronus is quite an impressive feat. And you shouldn¡¯t feel discouraged just because Kyle managed it first¡ªthat¡¯s hardly fair.¡±


    Professor McGonagall was in such a cheerful mood that she not only praised Kanna warmly but even made a lighthearted remark to encourage her.


    ¡°Don¡¯t pressure yourself too much,¡± she added gently. ¡°The Patronus Charm isn¡¯t on any exams, and you won¡¯t need it for now¡­ Professor Dumbledore has already ensured that, unless Sirius Black¡¯s whereabouts are confirmed, the Dementors won¡¯t enter the castle again of their own accord.¡±


    Kanna nodded, visibly comforted.


    After Professor McGonagall had walked away, Kanna turned to Kyle and whispered, ¡°Looks like we¡¯re in for a tough match next week.¡±


    ¡°Yeah,¡± Kyle agreed, scratching his head thoughtfully. Professor McGonagall had come out of the Gryffindor common room carrying the Firebolt, clearly on her way to return it to Harry. Given her deep commitment to the Quidditch Cup, she wouldn¡¯t be in such a good mood if there had been any real issue with the broom.


    The two of them hurried back to the common room and shared the news with the others. The previously lively chatter died down in an instant, as if Snape himself had walked into the room. Cedric and the other team members were especially affected; though they had suspected this would be the outcome, hearing it confirmed left them at a loss.


    Without a word, Cedric grabbed Kyle and headed straight to the pitch for extra practice. The other team members followed their lead, returning to their dorms to fetch their brooms.


    The weather outside was bitterly cold, with a sharp wind that seemed to cut straight through to the bone. Even Wood, known for his relentless training sessions, would have hesitated in such conditions. But Hufflepuff had an advantage¡ªKyle¡¯s warming badges¡ªso they pushed on without worry.


    They trained from the afternoon well into the evening. Eventually, the Gryffindor team showed up as well. With many people already aware of the Firebolt, Wood no longer bothered to keep it a secret. They were there to test out the new broom, and Wood couldn¡¯t resist showing it off; Gryffindor hadn¡¯t beaten Hufflepuff in years, and he was eager to change that.


    The two teams didn¡¯t fight over the pitch but settled at opposite ends, with Hufflepuff practicing with stones instead of Snitches to stay out of Gryffindor¡¯s way. Meanwhile, Harry, mounted on his Firebolt, flew like a flash of lightning. No matter how difficult a throw Wood made, Harry caught the stone in an instant. Even when multiple players threw from different angles, none of the stones managed to hit the ground.


    Gradually, the Hufflepuff players lost focus, casting more frequent glances over their shoulders to watch Gryffindor. Eventually, Cedric decided there was little point in continuing and ended practice early.


    As they walked out of the dark stadium, Kyle kept a tight grip on his broom, pacing beside Cedric in silence. The mood was heavy.


    They¡¯d known about the Firebolt¡¯s speed before, but witnessing it firsthand drove home just how much of an advantage Gryffindor would have. It made any hope of winning feel more distant than ever.


    ¡°It¡¯s all right¡­¡± Cedric tried to lift everyone¡¯s spirits. ¡°Rocks are different from Golden Snitches. Honestly, even without a Firebolt, I could¡¯ve done what Potter just did. If you don¡¯t believe me, we can test it out somewhere. And if I miss even one, I¡¯ll buy everyone their choice of sweets from Honeydukes.¡±


    ¡°We believe you, Captain,¡± Mikel said, laughing. ¡°We were just¡­ hungry and didn¡¯t feel like talking.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, that¡¯s all¡­¡±


    ¡°Exactly. My stomach¡¯s been growling since earlier¡­¡±


    ¡°I heard there¡¯s pudding today¡ªI can¡¯t wait for dinner¡­¡±


    The previous gloom vanished in an instant, and everyone strolled back into the castle, chatting and laughing along the way.


    The Great Hall was as lively as ever. By the time they had finished putting away their brooms, the Gryffindors had already arrived, the Firebolt proudly displayed in the center of their table with the brand name clearly visible. A crowd had gathered around, congratulating Harry on his incredible new broom.


    However, Malfoy didn¡¯t seem quite as enthusiastic.


    Kyle entered the Great Hall just in time to see Malfoy, flanked by Crabbe and Goyle, approaching Harry.


    ¡°This broom has quite a few special features, doesn¡¯t it?¡± Malfoy sneered, a glint of malice in his eyes. ¡°It¡¯s a pity it doesn¡¯t come with a parachute for when you get too close to a Dementor.¡±


    Crabbe and Goyle snickered.


    Harry ignored him, continuing his conversation with Fred, which only made Malfoy¡¯s face flush with irritation.


    Watching from a distance, Kyle found the scene oddly amusing. Ever since Malfoy had accidentally saved Harry, the two hadn¡¯t exchanged words. Kyle had expected Malfoy to use the incident as ammunition to taunt Harry, but instead, Malfoy seemed to consider the incident an embarrassing blemish on his record, something he never mentioned. This time, he¡¯d merely fallen back on his usual jabs about Harry¡¯s fear of Dementors.


    Seeing he wasn¡¯t getting a reaction, Malfoy narrowed his gray eyes, snorted, and strode away. As he passed Kyle, he called out loudly, ¡°You know, you should invent a fall-proof robe. Gryffindor would surely chip in to buy one for their Seeker¡­¡±


    Without waiting for a reply, he rejoined the other Slytherin players, who immediately huddled close, as if grilling him about whether Harry¡¯s broom was truly a Firebolt.

 Chapter 406: The Match Begins

    The crushing loss to Slytherin had left Gryffindor students in a funk for quite a while, dampening any conversation related to Quidditch. But Harry¡¯s acquisition of the Firebolt had undoubtedly rekindled their spirits, bringing their enthusiasm for Quidditch roaring back to life.


    Their renewed fanaticism only grew stronger as the days passed. By Friday, the Gryffindors were so fired up that, in just one morning, their house¡¯s hourglass score had plummeted, dropping them from second place down to last. Caught up in their excitement, they couldn¡¯t resist talking about Quidditch during classes, earning frequent scoldings from frustrated professors.


    Snape, in particular, seemed all too eager to penalize them, single-handedly responsible for half of the points Gryffindor lost that day. When the Gryffindors finally realized the damage they¡¯d done, they found nearly 200 points docked from their house total¡ªa sobering outcome that quickly curbed their enthusiasm.


    The following morning, Kyle made his way to the Great Hall with Cedric and Kanna for breakfast. It was game day, and from the moment they entered the hall, they could feel eyes on them. As the first team to face the Firebolt, they were attracting nearly as much attention as Harry himself. Especially from the Ravenclaw table, where a good number of students seemed to be watching them.


    ¡°Davies sees this as a chance to observe just how good the Firebolt really is,¡± Cho whispered as she took a seat next to Kanna. ¡°He hasn¡¯t come up with a strategy to counter it yet, so he¡¯s curious to see what you guys are going to do. Are you confident? If Gryffindor racks up too many points, our chances in the next match will be slim.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, we¡¯ve got it covered,¡± Cedric replied, patting his chest. ¡°We¡¯ve trained hard for this, and we¡¯ll show Wood he¡¯s counting his victories a little too early.¡±


    At a quarter past ten, the Hufflepuff team set off for the Changing Rooms. The weather was clear and crisp, with a pleasant breeze¡ªideal conditions for Quidditch. However, this wasn¡¯t particularly favorable for Hufflepuff; with all of Kyle¡¯s weather-proofing gadgets, they had a distinct advantage in harsher conditions. Unfortunately, the weather wasn¡¯t something they could control.


    Outside, they could hear the whole school filling the stands, the buzzing excitement from the crowd spilling onto the pitch.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be nervous,¡± Cedric reassured the team as they prepared to leave the Changing Rooms. ¡°We¡¯ve practiced for this a million times¡ªwe¡¯ve got this!¡±


    They stepped out onto the pitch, greeted by a wall of noise that made the stands seem like they were shaking. But when the Gryffindor team, dressed in their bright red robes, entered, the crowd¡¯s cheers grew even louder.


    The two teams met at the center of the pitch.


    ¡°Diggory, Wood, shake hands!¡± Madam Hooch called out crisply. Cedric stepped forward, gripping Wood¡¯s hand in a firm handshake.


    ¡°Mount your brooms. On my whistle: three... two... one¡­¡±


    The whistle sounded, and Kyle felt only a rush of air. The Firebolt shot forward, outpacing every other broomstick instantly. In the blink of an eye, Harry was a blur overhead, with Cedric close behind. The two Seekers began to circle above the pitch, squinting against the sunlight as they scanned the field for the Golden Snitch.


    Commentary could be heard from the stands as the game kicked off.


    "The match has begun! The big highlight today is, of course, Harry Potter on the Firebolt. According to , the Firebolt is the top choice for this year''s National Team in the World Cup..."


    "Jordan, could you focus on the match, please?" Professor McGonagall''s voice interjected.


    "Of course, Professor! Just a little background info... By the way, the Firebolt has a built-in braking charm for faster acceleration¡ª"


    "Jordan!"


    "Right, right! And Hufflepuff has the Quaffle. That move looks familiar¡­ looks like Harris has passed down his technique for ball control to Kyle... and he''s aiming for a throw... can Wood block it...?"


    "Oh¡ªWood misses, and Hufflepuff scores!"


    Frustrated, Harry clenched his fists and scanned the field more closely for the Golden Snitch, but when he looked up, Cedric was right on his tail. Every time Harry tried to change direction, Cedric anticipated it, positioning himself in front and forcing Harry to adjust. It became clear to Harry that Cedric wasn¡¯t focused on finding the Snitch himself¡ªhe was just determined to keep Harry distracted.


    "Show him what that broom can do, Harry!" Fred shouted, simultaneously aiming a Bludger in Kyle''s direction.


    Kyle had just expertly snatched the Quaffle from Angelina and was making a fast break toward the Gryffindor goalposts, with no sign of dodging Fred¡¯s incoming Bludger.


    But in the next second, Mikel swooped in from the side, swung his bat, and sent the Bludger flying elsewhere.


    "Keep pushing forward!" Will appeared from the opposite side to intercept a second Bludger. "We''ve got the rest covered!"


    With his teammates'' support, Kyle advanced near the goalposts, but instead of shooting, he feinted, passing the Quaffle across to Grace on the right.


    "A diagonal pass¡ªKyle¡¯s signature feint!" Jordan announced excitedly. "And it works! Wood was so focused on Kyle that he missed Grace¡¯s approach... and she scores! Grace, the new Hufflepuff Chaser, everyone... what a talented girl!"


    Wood glared furiously at Kyle, breathing hard, his expression like that of an angry bull. Kyle just shrugged, exchanged a high-five with Grace, and then flew back to the center of the pitch.


    Barely five minutes into the game, and Hufflepuff led 20-0. The Hufflepuff fans in the stands roared with excitement, nearly drowning out Lee Jordan¡¯s commentary. S~ea??h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Fred, George, what are you doing?" Wood hissed, livid. "Get him off that broom¡ªquick!"


    "We¡¯re trying!" Fred yelled, straining to send the Bludger back at Kyle. "But both of their Beaters are glued to his side... Ah, blocked again!"


    By now, Kyle wasn¡¯t the only player with a shadow. Harry was facing the same issue. Cedric seemed to be stuck to him, and no matter how Harry tried to shake him off, Cedric stayed close, always in his path, forcing Harry to constantly change direction. The real problem was that, unlike Harry, Cedric didn¡¯t have to search for the Snitch¡ªhis sole focus was throwing Harry off course.


    At one point, Harry caught a glimpse of gold flitting behind Angelina Johnson¡¯s ear¡ªa telltale flash of the Golden Snitch. He immediately veered forward, ready to make a break for it, but Cedric swept in, blocking his path at the last second. Harry dodged sharply in the opposite direction, but that split-second delay caused the Snitch to vanish from sight.


    "Harry! Don¡¯t hold back!" Wood shouted, having caught sight of the Snitch himself. "Knock him off his broom if you have to!"

 Chapter 407: Four Protecting One

    Harry turned to Cedric, who had clearly heard Wood¡¯s remark.


    ¡°Wood¡¯s got a point¡­¡± Cedric said with a grin. ¡°But come on, then!¡±


    For a moment, Harry thought Wood must have lost his mind in anger. Most Seekers were small and quick, but Cedric was tall and solidly built¡ªif he really wanted to charge, he could likely knock someone right off their broom.


    Harry swiftly twirled his Firebolt upwards, gaining altitude. The match had reached a fever pitch.


    ¡°Hufflepuff leading 90 to 10¡­ Potter looks like he¡¯s in a bit of trouble¡­ Oh, the Firebolt¡¯s climbing, and we¡¯re seeing it turn on a dime¡­ Diggory¡¯s Nimbus 1700 just can¡¯t compete with the Firebolt¡¯s precision and balance over extended periods¡­¡±


    ¡°Jordan! Did the Firebolt pay you for an endorsement? Focus on the match!¡± Professor McGonagall cut in.


    ¡°Yes, Professor¡­¡±


    No one in the stands seemed to notice what was brewing on the field. While the Gryffindors tried to regroup, Kyle shot another Quaffle past Wood, scoring again. George frowned, muttered something to Fred, and the two turned their Bludgers toward Cedric, hoping to knock him off balance. Fred simultaneously aimed a hit at Hufflepuff¡¯s Chasers.


    But Hufflepuff¡¯s Beaters merely looked up, showing no intention of breaking formation. Even as both Bludgers flew away, they stayed laser-focused on protecting Kyle.


    Cedric deftly spun to dodge one Bludger, but another Hufflepuff Chaser wasn¡¯t as lucky; he took a Bludger to the arm, grimacing but managing to stay airborne.


    ¡°It¡¯s no use targeting Kyle!¡± Fred shouted. ¡°He¡¯s protected like a fortress¡ªwe¡¯re wasting our shots!¡±


    ¡°Then hit someone else!¡± George replied. ¡°If he¡¯s out of reach, we can still make up the points!¡±


    The twins then aimed for Grace, only for her to dodge the Bludger effortlessly. The Hufflepuff players had been training relentlessly to avoid Bludgers, and it showed. Gryffindor was beginning to understand Hufflepuff¡¯s strategy: four players were working together to pave the way for Kyle, leaving only Cedric and their Keeper to pursue individual goals.


    Frustrated, the three Gryffindor Chasers decided to rush in together to block Kyle. But as soon as they tried, Hufflepuff¡¯s other players closed ranks, intercepting them.


    Not enough Chasers? No problem¡ªthe Beaters jumped in to help with the blockade. Their intent was clear: Gryffindor could come at them however they liked, but Hufflepuff would defend Kyle at all costs.


    ¡°This is ridiculous! Who thought up such a cheap tactic?¡± Angelina¡¯s face was flushed with frustration. But she couldn¡¯t risk getting tangled up in Hufflepuff¡¯s defenses. Without that barrier, Kyle would have even more freedom to score.


    Sure enough, as Gryffindor struggled to break through the blockade, Kyle slipped along the side of the field, executing another feint that left Wood baffled as the Quaffle sailed through the goalpost.


    ¡°100 to 10!¡± Jordan shouted, his focus straying from the Firebolt for the first time. ¡°Hufflepuff has cleared the way for Kyle, and no one can stop him from scoring¡ªno one! The Nimbus 2000 is flying at its best, snatching the Quaffle effortlessly, weaving through the air¡­ he¡¯s like a dragon in a sheep pen, a scoring machine! The gap in points keeps growing¡­ can the Firebolt turn this around? Time¡¯s running out for Potter.¡±


    Hearing Jordan¡¯s commentary, Harry¡¯s anxiety grew. But no matter what he tried, Cedric stuck to him like glue. Every trick Harry knew failed¡ªCedric seemed to have locked onto him as if he were the Golden Snitch itself, always tailing him perfectly.


    With no other options, Harry could only keep accelerating, trying to fly faster than Cedric could follow while searching frantically for that telltale glimmer of gold. It was hard to divide his focus between scanning for the Snitch and staying ahead, but at least Cedric wasn¡¯t blocking his line of sight as much.


    Suddenly, a gasp rose from the stands.


    ¡°Another goal?¡± Harry thought, looking up instinctively. But he quickly realized he was wrong¡ªKatie Bell still had the Quaffle in her hands. Then he noticed Cedric, who had been right behind him, suddenly dive sharply toward the ground.


    ¡°He¡¯s spotted the Snitch!?¡±


    Harry didn¡¯t hesitate. He spun his Firebolt around and plunged downward in pursuit. But just before reaching the ground, Cedric abruptly pulled up, leaving Harry hurtling toward the earth with barely a second to stop. He managed to halt less than a foot from the ground, his face flushed with frustration.


    He¡¯d been tricked by Cedric¡¯s feint¡ªironically, the same tactic he¡¯d used himself just minutes earlier.


    ¡°What a shame¡­¡± Cedric muttered. He had dived as far as he could without risking a crash. But the maneuver bought him a few valuable seconds.


    And, in fact, Cedric had caught a glimpse of the Snitch, just not where Harry thought. The Snitch had been flickering in the air above Harry¡¯s head. Cedric¡¯s dive had been a calculated distraction.


    Realizing his mistake, Harry rocketed back up, determined to recover. But as he climbed, he barely noticed two Bludgers whizzing toward Cedric from both sides.


    Fred and George had thought Harry, with the Firebolt¡¯s advantage, would have little trouble shaking Cedric off. But seeing the stalemate, they realized it was time to intervene. Their Bludgers forced Cedric to pull back, scrambling to dodge instead of shadowing Harry.


    Gryffindor¡¯s strategy shifted as well¡ªWood¡¯s hopes of racking up points gave way to a priority on helping Harry find the Snitch. With Cedric forced to focus on staying out of the Bludgers¡¯ path, Harry was finally able to pour all his energy into seeking out the Golden Snitch.


    And there it was¡ªglimmering near the Slytherin bleachers¡ªthe Golden Snitch. Harry accelerated, and this time, nothing would stop him. He was going to win; the Snitch was just within reach¡­ and then¡ª


    ¡°Oh!¡± George exclaimed, pointing downward.


    Harry¡¯s concentration broke for a split second as he glanced down. Three hooded Dementors stood near the edge of the stands, staring up at him.


    It was strange that Dementors had shown up in the stands, but Harry didn¡¯t have time to think it over. Quickly, he reached into his robes, drew his wand, and shouted,


    A bright, silvery shape shot from his wand, charging at the Dementors below. But Harry didn¡¯t pause to watch¡ªit was all instinct now. His focus snapped back to the Snitch, which was almost within reach. With his wand still in hand, he stretched out, grasping the struggling Snitch just as Madam Hooch¡¯s whistle blew.


    At that very moment, Hufflepuff¡¯s Quaffle skimmed past Wood¡¯s fingertips and slipped through the goalposts.


    The scoreboards on either side flashed simultaneously: 160:160


    The crowd erupted in a thunderous roar that reverberated through the stadium, almost shaking it to its foundations. The stands were alive with clapping, shouting, and cheers, as spectators celebrated with such intensity their hands turned red. S~ea??h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°Unbelievable¡­ Hufflepuff did it! I can¡¯t believe it¡ªthey matched the Firebolt!¡± Lee Jordan shouted excitedly.


    Even Professor McGonagall, standing behind him, was clapping, momentarily forgetting to correct his words.


    While Harry had ultimately caught the Snitch, which technically gave Gryffindor the win, in everyone¡¯s hearts, Hufflepuff was the true victor. Cedric had managed to keep up with Harry on his old Nimbus 1700, and Kyle, with the unwavering support of his team, had scored an astounding 150 points. To the spectators, it felt like one of the best Quidditch matches in recent memory.


    Kyle, still catching his breath, spun in the air to see six blurry yellow figures flying towards him. Every one of his teammates bore signs of the intense game. Grace¡¯s arm hung limp, and the other Chaser looked similarly battered. Mikel¡¯s face had a fresh Bludger mark, and he¡¯d even lost a few teeth.


    But despite their injuries, they all wore broad grins. They reached Kyle, laughing and cheering, and wrapped him in a hug so forceful they nearly pushed him off his broom.

 Chapter 408: The Fake Dementor

    In the midst of the chaos, all the players finally returned to the ground.


    Gryffindor had technically won, but none of them wore smiles as they watched the Hufflepuffs, who were celebrating as if it were Christmas. The score gap hadn¡¯t widened as they¡¯d hoped¡ªthey were still 190 points behind Hufflepuff overall. In the standings, nothing had changed.


    Meanwhile, the Hufflepuff team, despite their nominal loss, was jubilant.


    "You really did it!" Cho exclaimed, bouncing with excitement. "I could see your plan all along¡­ giving up on the Snitch was a gamble I didn¡¯t even want to think about, but I¡¯m so glad it worked!"


    "Of course it worked," Cedric said, grinning. "Don¡¯t forget we had the best Chaser and the boldest Beaters around¡­ not even a Firebolt could match up to that."


    "The key was you holding back Harry," Kyle added with a laugh. "Otherwise, we¡¯d never have had the time to score so many points."


    "Yeah, Captain!" Mikel chimed in, clapping Cedric on the shoulder. "Keeping up with a Firebolt on a Nimbus 1700 for half an hour¡ªseriously, I wouldn¡¯t be surprised if you got a pro team offer tomorrow. Just like that one Seeker¡­ what was his name again?"


    "That¡¯s Viktor Krum," Cho said, her eyes shining. "He¡¯s from Durmstrang, one of the best Seekers in generations. Last year, he was already being courted by top Quidditch teams. Some say he¡¯ll even represent Bulgaria in the next Quidditch World Cup."


    Cedric was about to downplay the comparison¡ªhe knew that, when it came to Seeker talent, he didn¡¯t come close to Krum. By the age of fifteen, Krum was already famous in the Quidditch world, while Cedric, the same age, hadn¡¯t even received an offer as a reserve player.


    But when he saw Cho¡¯s excitement, Cedric swallowed his modest response and gave a noncommittal murmur, half agreeing with her, half responding to Mikel¡¯s praise.


    ...


    ¡°Shameful trick!¡±


    An angry shout echoed across the field, and the students turned to see Professor McGonagall storming toward a group sprawled awkwardly on the ground.


    "Despicable, cowardly¡ªtrying to distract Gryffindor''s Seeker! Detention for each of you, and fifty points from Slytherin!"


    The students looked on in confusion, watching as Malfoy, Goyle, Crabbe, and Marcus Flint struggled to untangle themselves from long, hooded black robes. From the way they were positioned, it seemed Malfoy had been standing on Goyle¡¯s shoulders. Apparently, they¡¯d been posing as Dementors.


    They had gone to some lengths to create their disguises. The robes were tattered and faded, mimicking the Dementors'' signature look well enough that, from high in the air, they might have been convincing.


    Nearby, George clenched his bat, looking furious. When he¡¯d first seen them, he¡¯d instinctively called out, terrified that Harry might lose focus and miss the Snitch. If Gryffindor had lost because of this stunt, he didn¡¯t know how he¡¯d face his teammates.


    Thinking about it, George lifted his bat, aiming at Flint¡¯s head, ready to teach him a lesson.


    But just then, a hand rested on his shoulder. S§×ar?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°Mr. Weasley, if you¡¯d be so kind,¡± said Dumbledore, who had appeared behind him, his expression calm as if he hadn¡¯t noticed George¡¯s raised bat.


    Dumbledore stepped forward, addressing the group. "I understand there were Dementors on the field?" he remarked mildly. "That¡¯s odd, as they¡¯re all currently in Hogsmeade."


    ¡°It was these students!¡± Professor McGonagall explained, seething. "They disguised themselves as Dementors to disrupt the game!"


    "Ah, that explains it," Dumbledore said with a look of understanding. ¡°Where¡¯s Severus? Is he aware of this?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t believe so.¡±


    ¡°Then someone should inform him¡­¡± Dumbledore nodded calmly as Professor McGonagall led the four Slytherins back to the castle, their robes dragging behind them.


    As soon as they were out of sight, the Gryffindor students burst into laughter, practically cheering as though they¡¯d won the Quidditch Cup. At the front of the crowd, Ron was laughing so hard he could barely stand.


    ¡°No wonder I didn¡¯t feel any cold¡­¡± Cedric chuckled. ¡°For a second, I thought I was getting better at the Patronus Charm!¡±


    ¡°Fifty points and detention... Professor McGonagall must¡¯ve been really furious this time,¡± someone added.


    ¡°Well,¡± Kyle remarked with a smile, ¡°they brought it on themselves. Both McGonagall and Dumbledore despise Dementors, so they kind of got what was coming.¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s leave it be¡­¡± Cedric said, shaking his head. ¡°Everyone else is leaving; we should head back, too.¡±


    The group quickly left the pitch, not even bothering to change out of their team uniforms. They weren¡¯t eager to celebrate just yet¡ªfirst, they needed to get their injured teammates to the Hospital Wing.


    For the two Chasers, the thrill of the match quickly wore off as they began feeling the pain in their broken arms. And as for Mikel¡­ his swollen face made it almost impossible for him to speak.


    ...


    In the Hospital Wing, Madam Pomfrey expertly set Grace¡¯s arm, grumbling all the while about how dangerous Quidditch was.


    "Don¡¯t touch the bandages, and avoid lifting anything heavy. You¡¯ll be fine in a few days," she instructed.


    Then she turned to Mikel with a frown. "As for you¡­ your clothes are in the cabinet. Find yourself a bed. You¡¯ll likely be here for a couple of days."


    ¡°What?¡± Mikel¡¯s eyes went wide with disbelief. "Just for a few teeth? I need to be hospitalized?¡±


    The Hufflepuff common room was sure to be buzzing with celebration that evening, and the thought of missing out left Mikel feeling desperate. "Can I come back on Monday?" he asked, trying to sound hopeful.


    ¡°Absolutely not!¡± Madam Pomfrey¡¯s tone was firm. ¡°You¡¯re lucky you weren¡¯t carried in here after taking a Bludger to the head. In any case, you need a full examination.¡±


    ¡°I wasn¡¯t hit directly¡­¡± Mikel stammered. ¡°It bounced off my face after I missed it. It¡¯s hardly serious!¡±


    ¡°Still no!¡± she replied, giving him a sharp look. ¡°You will stay here tonight, or I¡¯ll inform Professor Sprout.¡±


    The mention of his Head of House made Mikel deflate instantly. He knew there was no chance of leaving now. Even if he tried to slip away, Professor Sprout would have him back here in no time.


    He sighed, feeling a pang of disappointment at missing the evening¡¯s party. Why had he missed the Bludger?

 Chapter 409: Sir Cadogan, Keeper of the Password

    Just as Mikel had anticipated, by nightfall, a lively celebration was underway in the Hufflepuff common room, carrying on late into the night.


    At one point, Ratton flew out of a window with a suitcase clutched in his claws, and when he returned, it was brimming with Honeydukes sweets in place of the gold coins it had held. This sent the atmosphere soaring to new heights of excitement. Kyle was certain their laughter must have been echoing all the way to the kitchen next door, as the House-elves kept their plates perpetually stocked with snacks, replenishing them the instant any went empty.


    Late into the night, one by one, the partygoers began to tire out. Someone finally gave in, setting down a cookie, stifling a yawn, and heading back to their dormitory. Slowly, the gathering was winding down. Kyle climbed into bed and soon drifted into a deep sleep.


    ... S~ea??h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He didn¡¯t know how long he had been asleep¡ªmaybe only a couple of hours¡ªwhen suddenly there was a knock on the dormitory door.


    Cedric, still in his pajamas, walked in, switched on the light, and woke up the two others in the room.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on, Cedric? Is the party still going?¡± Ryan asked, rubbing his eyes as he sat up.


    ¡°It¡¯s not the party¡­¡± Cedric¡¯s face was grave. ¡°Sirius Black just broke into Gryffindor Tower and tried to kill a student.¡±


    ¡°Black broke into the dormitory?¡± Ryan was instantly wide awake, his face filled with disbelief. ¡°You¡¯re joking!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not,¡± Cedric replied, shaking his head. ¡°Professor McGonagall has already confirmed it¡ªit¡¯s true.¡±


    Ryan stood there, frozen in shock.


    ¡°Get up. None of us are getting any sleep tonight,¡± Cedric continued. ¡°Professor Sprout was just here. She¡¯s ordered everyone to stay in the common room until the professors finish searching the castle. You should head there. I¡¯ll go alert the others.¡±


    When they arrived in the common room, quite a few people were already gathered. Kanna was sitting on one of the sofas in the corner and waved Kyle over.


    ¡°Have you heard?¡± she whispered, ¡°Sirius Black broke into Gryffindor¡¯s dormitory.¡±


    ¡°Yeah,¡± Kyle nodded. ¡°Cedric filled me in.¡±


    ¡°Do you think he¡¯ll¡­¡± Kanna trailed off, casting a worried glance toward the door.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, he won¡¯t,¡± Kyle assured her. ¡°To get into the Hufflepuff common room, you need a wand. You can¡¯t open those barrels without one.¡±


    ...


    More and more students were gathering in the common room, all dressed in their pajamas and chattering about what had just happened. No one could figure out how Sirius Black had managed to break into a dormitory.


    "I thought Gryffindor used a password," someone muttered, stifling a yawn but unable to resist asking.


    "And I heard Sir Cadogan changes the password constantly¡ªsometimes two or three times a day. How did Black manage to guess it?"


    "Maybe he tricked the portrait somehow... Sir Cadogan always seemed a bit silly, didn¡¯t he?" another student suggested.


    Everyone huddled in the common room, anxiously chatting as they waited for any news of Black¡¯s capture. At dawn, Professor Sprout returned to inform them that Black had escaped yet again. She instructed everyone to return to bed, but many remained where they were, feeling that they wouldn¡¯t be able to sleep even if they tried. It felt safer to stay by the warm fire in the bustling common room than to lie alone in the dark dormitories.


    Ryan was among those who stayed, making Kyle the only one left in their dormitory that night.


    The following day, security across the castle was tightened. Professor Flitwick, carrying a large picture of Sirius Black, joined the caretaker at the castle gates, while Filch was kept busy running up and down the corridors, stuffing every gap and sealing every crack in the walls.


    ¡°You won¡¯t believe what happened¡­¡± ¡°It was absolutely terrifying¡­¡± At the Hufflepuff table, Fred and George were recounting the night¡¯s events with dramatic flair.


    ¡°Black was standing right there, in front of Ron, holding a knife in his hand¡­¡±


    ¡°Poor little Ron! He must¡¯ve been petrified¡­¡±


    ¡°Wait¡ªwho did you say? Ron?¡± Cedric interrupted, looking puzzled. ¡°But wasn¡¯t Black supposed to be looking for Harry? Everyone knows Harry defeated his master.¡±


    ¡°His target was definitely Harry at first, no doubt about it,¡± Fred replied. ¡°But I think he got the wrong bed.¡±


    George shrugged. ¡°Everyone pulls the curtains shut at night, so Black couldn¡¯t see who was who and had to check each bed one by one. Ron¡¯s bed just happened to be closest to the door¡­¡±


    ¡°He probably didn¡¯t expect to be spotted so quickly,¡± added Fred.


    ¡°There¡¯s another thing,¡± Cedric said, adding some cornflakes to his plate. ¡°How did Black get in, anyway? Didn¡¯t Sir Cadogan notice anything?¡±


    At that, Fred suddenly slammed his hand on the table, his face clouding with anger. ¡°Oh, he noticed all right! That idiot knight actually let him in.¡±


    ¡°We thought he was quirky, but he¡¯s a complete dunce,¡± George said bitterly. ¡°He even saw Black¡¯s face but didn¡¯t think twice¡ªhe just let him through with the password.¡±


    ¡°Thankfully, they¡¯ve replaced him with the Fat Lady again¡­¡±


    ¡°That fool deserves to be stuck in a corner of the North Tower,¡± muttered Fred.


    ¡°Wait, Black knew your passwords?¡± Kanna asked, looking alarmed.


    ¡°He knew all the passwords for the entire week,¡± George replied. ¡°Because¡­¡±


    ¡°Oh!¡±


    He was interrupted by a sudden gasp. Everyone turned to see Neville bolting from the Gryffindor table, clutching a Howler. The Slytherin table burst into laughter as Neville dashed out of the Great Hall, his expression panicked. Moments later, the Howler exploded in the entrance hall, filling the air with his grandmother¡¯s voice, magnified a hundredfold, scolding him furiously for the disgrace he had brought upon the Longbottom family. The Slytherins¡¯ laughter grew even louder.


    Hermione quickly left the Great Hall as well, apparently to comfort Neville.


    ¡°As you can see,¡± Fred said with a shrug, ¡°Neville wrote down all the passwords for the week on a piece of paper and lost it¡­¡±


    ¡°Black must¡¯ve found it somewhere,¡± George explained. ¡°Then he just walked right up to the tower and read it out.¡±


    ¡°Professor McGonagall was livid,¡± Fred continued. ¡°She banned Neville from visiting Hogsmeade again and forbade anyone from telling him the new passwords.¡±


    ¡°Poor Neville,¡± George added, shaking his head. ¡°He can only get back into the common room if someone else brings him along.¡±

 Chapter 410: Detention

    Because he had lost the slip of paper with the passwords, Professor McGonagall banned Neville from going to Hogsmeade again. Perhaps she feared he might lose something else¡­ She¡¯d long suspected that Sirius Black had been in Hogsmeade when he¡¯d found Neville¡¯s misplaced password list.


    So, when the next Hogsmeade visit rolled around, Neville watched the others leave the castle happily before silently turning and heading back up the stairs. Neville didn¡¯t complain, though. He actually thought Professor McGonagall was right. He was always losing things and making mistakes¡ªmaybe it really was better if he didn¡¯t know the passwords, which he¡¯d just forget anyway. Sure, it¡¯d be inconvenient not to come and go freely from the common room, but at least he wouldn¡¯t have to worry about causing any more disasters.


    To be honest, knowing that Sirius Black had broken into the Gryffindor common room because of him, and had nearly killed Ron, had shaken Neville to his core. His blood ran cold every time he thought about it, and for days afterward, he¡¯d been plagued by nightmares.


    In these dreams, Ron had turned into Gryffindor¡¯s new ghost, with a nickname of his own: Poorly-Headed Weasley. There was nothing he could do about it; since Nearly Headless Nick was the ghost Neville knew best, he couldn¡¯t help but picture Ron as some version of him. In his dreams, Ron kept questioning him angrily, demanding to know why he had written down the password and handed it over to Sirius Black.


    Each time, just as Neville tried to explain himself, he¡¯d be interrupted, waking with a start, often with a yell that frightened not only himself but his roommates¡ªespecially Ron. To be honest, Ron felt like Sirius Black¡¯s break-in was less of a shock than Neville¡¯s nightmares.


    Lately, the dormitory had felt like an extension of Divination class. Ron hadn¡¯t had a solid night¡¯s sleep in days; every time he managed to doze off, he¡¯d be jolted awake by Neville¡¯s frantic shouts in the bed next to him: ¡°Ron, I didn¡¯t mean to kill you!¡± or, ¡°Poorly-Headed Weasley, it was Black who did it, not me¡­¡±


    The worst part was, he was still alive, eating, sleeping, and even doing his homework. And what on earth was ¡°Poorly-Headed Weasley¡±?


    He didn¡¯t remember having any family connection to Sir Nicholas, thank you very much. Once or twice might¡¯ve been tolerable, but hearing it every single night? That was enough to send chills down anyone¡¯s spine.


    Despite telling Neville many times that he forgave him, it never seemed to help. If it hadn¡¯t been for Harry, Ron might have seriously considered switching dormitories.


    Lately, though, things had finally begun to calm down a bit. Neville was determined to keep his nightmares from becoming reality, so he¡¯d decided he didn¡¯t want to know the passwords. That way, Black would never be able to use him to get into Gryffindor Tower again¡­


    Hmm?


    Neville froze suddenly, his thoughts interrupted by a troubling realization. He looked around at the empty staircase, a question suddenly pressing on him.


    Now that nearly everyone had gone to Hogsmeade¡­ how was he supposed to get back into the common room without knowing the password?


    There might still be some older students in the common room, but the castle¡¯s soundproofing was so effective that no matter how loudly he shouted, no one inside would be able to hear him.


    ¡°Oh, why did I forget that!¡± Neville fumed, wandering aimlessly around the castle corridors. As he turned a corner on the fourth floor, he spotted someone up ahead.


    ¡°Harry!¡± Neville exclaimed in surprise. ¡°I forgot you weren¡¯t going to Hogsmeade either!¡±


    He was genuinely relieved. Finally, he could get back into the common room.


    ¡°Hey, Neville,¡± Harry greeted him, hastily stepping away from the statue of the hunchbacked witch and trying to act casual. ¡°What are you doing here?¡±


    ¡°Nothing much,¡± Neville said. ¡°Want to play Exploding Snap? I¡¯ve got a new set up in my dorm!¡±


    The castle was chilly, and he was already missing the warmth of the common room fireplace.


    ¡°Uh¡­ not right now¡­¡± Harry stammered, trying to come up with an excuse to get rid of Neville so he could slip through the secret passage to Hogsmeade. ¡°Maybe later. I need to go to the library and work on that essay about Vampires that Professor Lupin assigned¡­¡±


    ¡°Great idea,¡± Neville said, looking pleasantly surprised. ¡°I didn¡¯t understand that lecture anyway. Maybe you could help me¡­¡±


    He suddenly went quiet, his eyes widening as he took a sharp breath and glanced behind Harry.


    It was Snape, with Kyle at his side. They had just come down the stairs, engaged in a tense conversation.


    ¡°Professor, I¡¯d be happy to help you with an errand, but today¡¯s a Hogsmeade day, and I¡¯m already running late¡­¡± Kyle was saying.


    ¡°Watch your language. It¡¯s detention, not an ¡®errand,¡¯¡± Snape corrected him sharply, not even glancing back. ¡°And if you don¡¯t brew your potions in the correct order next time, you won¡¯t be going to Hogsmeade at all.¡±


    ¡°But there¡¯s nothing wrong with my Hair-Raising Potion! It¡¯s the standard ginger color,¡± Kyle protested.


    ¡°Do you not understand what I¡¯m telling you? How many times do I need to repeat it? Your procedure is not in the book!¡± Snape replied, his voice clipped and stern.


    Just then, Snape¡¯s eyes swept over the hall and settled on Harry and Neville.


    ¡°What are you two doing here?¡± he asked, stopping and looking them over. ¡°It¡¯s rather¡­ unusual to find students here at this time.¡±


    Snape¡¯s gaze shifted around the area, finally following Harry¡¯s own line of sight to the hunchbacked witch statue.


    ¡°We didn¡¯t exactly run into each other; we just¡­ happened to be here,¡± Harry said, trying to sound casual, though he was clearly nervous.


    ¡°Really?¡± Snape replied, his tone dripping with suspicion. ¡°You always seem to turn up in the most unexpected places, Potter, and rarely for good reasons¡­ I suggest you both return to Gryffindor Tower, where you belong.¡±


    Harry and Neville took the hint and quickly fled down the corridor.


    Once they¡¯d left, Kyle glanced up at Snape and asked, ¡°So¡­ am I free to go to Hogsmeade now?¡±


    ¡°Not yet!¡± Snape snapped without hesitation. S§×arch* The n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°But didn¡¯t you already finish everything for the Fat Lady on the eighth floor?¡± Kyle pressed.


    ¡°That was only part of it,¡± Snape said slowly, savoring his words. ¡°I have another task for you. Be in the dungeon in an hour. And if you¡¯re even a second late, I promise you¡¯ll never set foot in Hogsmeade again.¡±


    With that, Snape turned back to the hunchbacked witch statue, tapping his wand on it thoughtfully.


    ¡°Yes, Professor!¡± Kyle replied, quickly leaving the corridor without looking back. With only an hour left, a trip to Hogsmeade was out of the question, so he figured he¡¯d find something else to pass the time.


    As he walked down to the second floor, Kyle spotted Neville again, leaning against a pillar by the stairs, looking aimless.


    ¡°What are you doing here?¡± Kyle asked. ¡°Where¡¯s Harry?¡±


    ¡°Oh, we were going to head back to the tower, but Harry said he had something else to do and left. Since I don¡¯t know the password, I thought I¡¯d just go to the library for a bit.¡±


    ¡°And you?¡± Neville asked, curious. ¡°Why were you up on the fourth floor with Snape? Weren¡¯t you supposed to be in Hogsmeade?¡±


    ¡°Obviously not,¡± Kyle said with a smirk. ¡°I was in detention. I just came from the eighth floor, where I was adding a special potion to the Fat Lady¡¯s portrait. Next time Black tries to rip through it, he¡¯ll have a bit of a surprise waiting.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s great news!¡± Neville said happily. ¡°We¡¯re all so tired of that Sir Cadogan. Who wouldn¡¯t want the Fat Lady back?¡±


    ¡°So, are you heading back to the common room now?¡± Kyle asked.


    ¡°No, I¡¯m going to the library,¡± Kyle replied, shaking his head. ¡°I¡¯ve got some coursework to finish.¡±


    ¡°Perfect,¡± Neville said, brightening up. ¡°Could you help me? I didn¡¯t understand much in the Vampire lesson. Does garlic actually have to be eaten to work, or¡­¡±

 Chapter 411: Wolfsbane Potion

    The topic in the third-year Defense Against the Dark Arts class was vampires¡ªa subject Kyle had already studied the previous year. Though Lockhart had proven unreliable, at least the information in his book wasn¡¯t entirely inaccurate.


    Besides Lockhart¡¯s dazzling smile, a weapon of charm that was practically a mass destruction device, the book did contain a few effective ways to deal with those creatures of the night.


    ¡°Garlic gives off a smell that vampires hate, kind of like when we smell compost in the greenhouse,¡± Kyle explained to Neville on the way to the library. ¡°You can hang it around your neck or rub the juice on your skin.¡±


    ¡°Of course, you can eat it too. If you eat enough to reek like Quirrell, who always had garlic breath, vampires won¡¯t even bother to come near you.¡±


    ¡°I see...¡± Neville mumbled, looking dazed. ¡°I remember Professor Lupin mentioning something similar.¡±


    ¡°But that¡¯s only in general cases,¡± Kyle went on. ¡°If you run into a vampire that¡¯s been starving for a while or one with a unique taste, turning yourself into a walking garlic clove won¡¯t be enough to keep it away.¡±


    ...


    Neville nodded along as Kyle helped him wrap up his Defense Against the Dark Arts homework. After a long hesitation, he looked up and whispered, ¡°Thank you¡­¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Kyle asked distractedly, not quite catching what Neville had said as he worked on his Divination homework.


    ¡°I mean, thank you¡­¡± Neville repeated, a bit louder. ¡°Since I lost my password, no one¡¯s really wanted to talk to me. Besides Hermione, you¡¯re the first one.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s just because you didn¡¯t know the right approach,¡± Kyle replied, glancing up. ¡°For example, if you go to Fred and George and tell them, ¡®Your pranks aren¡¯t funny at all,¡¯ they¡¯ll pester you for an entire day, maybe even longer. Or, go to Harry and tell him you spotted a really pretty girl in Ravenclaw. He¡¯ll chat with you for hours.¡±


    ¡°Huh?¡± Neville blinked in surprise. ¡°Is it really that simple? But Harry doesn¡¯t seem to like spending time with me. Just a bit ago, he seemed to be looking for any excuse to leave.¡±


    ¡°He probably just had something else going on,¡± Kyle said, setting down his quill and gathering his completed work. Glancing at the clock, he saw there were less than ten minutes until the time Snape had specified.


    ¡°Just in time,¡± Kyle remarked as he stood up. Noticing Neville¡¯s curious expression, he explained, ¡°The second part of detention is in the Dungeon. Do you want to come along? You¡¯re free anyway, and I doubt Professor Snape would mind if I brought someone with me.¡±


    ¡°No, no,¡± Neville shook his head rapidly, clutching his quill as his hands moved clumsily, nearly spilling his ink bottle. ¡°I-I¡¯ve still got loads of homework to do. You go ahead.¡±


    ¡°Suit yourself,¡± Kyle said, and without further comment, he packed his things and left the library. At his table, Neville wiped the cold sweat from his forehead and let out a relieved sigh.


    As Kyle made his way through the foyer and down to the Dungeon, the castle felt unusually empty. Most students were out visiting Hogsmeade, and even the normally bustling foyer was eerily quiet, especially compared to the deserted Dungeon. The only sounds were his own footsteps echoing in the dim corridors.


    He reached Classroom 3, located halfway down the corridor, and opened the door. Inside, Snape was already waiting, his expression unreadable as he fixed his gaze on Kyle.


    ¡°Why are you so late?¡± Snape asked.


    ¡°It¡¯s two minutes to the hour, Professor,¡± Kyle replied.


    ¡°Thank you for the reminder, but I think I can read the time,¡± Snape responded icily.


    ¡°Apologies, Professor,¡± Kyle continued smoothly. ¡°I would¡¯ve come earlier, but I didn¡¯t want to intrude if I arrived too soon¡­¡±


    ¡°How considerate of you,¡± Snape drawled, stretching the words. ¡°Am I meant to thank you for this thoughtfulness?¡±


    ¡°Oh, not at all,¡± Kyle shrugged with a faint smile. ¡°But if the Professor felt inclined to thank me with a pint of Felix Felicis, I wouldn¡¯t be able to refuse.¡±


    Felix Felicis? A pint? Snape¡¯s eye twitched. He had never heard of anyone measuring Felix Felicis by the pint¡­ What did this boy think Felix Felicis was¡ªpumpkin juice?


    ¡°Looks like I¡¯ll have to get Madam Pomfrey to take a look at your brain,¡± Snape said, pointing a finger sharply. ¡°But that can wait. For now, go clean the cauldron and bring it here.¡±


    Following Snape¡¯s finger, Kyle saw an oversized cauldron with a foul-smelling brown potion residue at the bottom.


    ¡°.¡± Kyle took out his wand, casting the Cleaning Charm.


    The potion remnants vanished instantly, leaving the cauldron spotless. Kyle glanced back, half-expecting Snape to insist he clean it by hand, but Snape remained silent.


    ¡°What are you waiting for? Bring the cauldron over here.¡±


    ¡°Oh, right.¡±


    Glad to save some time, Kyle picked up the cauldron and set it down in front of Snape.


    ¡°Professor, am I free to go now?¡±


    ¡°Of course¡­ not!¡± Snape sneered. ¡°Did you think I¡¯d let you off with just cleaning the cauldron? My detentions aren¡¯t that easy.¡±


    With a flick of his wand, Snape conjured a large pile of potion ingredients onto the table in front of Kyle.


    ¡°Prepare these ingredients. I¡¯ll need them shortly.¡±


    Snape¡¯s lips curled in a menacing smirk. ¡°Remember, I¡¯ll only give instructions once. If you make a mistake or handle these items improperly, I won¡¯t remind you. And after that, well¡­ you might be without a professor in the future.¡±


    ¡°Listen carefully¡­ Lionfish bones, ground into a fine powder. Ginger root, sliced. Three drops of Armadillo bile, three drops of Mandrake root juice, and only the very tips of the Wolfsbane leaves¡ªmake sure they¡¯re absolutely undamaged.¡±


    Snape rattled off the instructions swiftly, almost as if he wanted to test Kyle¡¯s memory. Fortunately, Kyle had a sharp mind and absorbed every detail. Without a word, he began preparing the ingredients.


    After grinding the Lionfish bones to a fine powder, he was just about to start slicing the Ginger root when Snape spoke up again.


    ¡°Now, put the Lionfish bone powder into the cauldron.¡±


    Kyle nodded and carefully tipped the powder from its saucer into the cauldron. Almost instantly, the potion turned a vibrant orange.


    ¡°Professor, may I ask what potion this is?¡±


    ¡°Oh?¡± Snape raised an eyebrow. ¡°Our Mr. Perfect can¡¯t identify it?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not something we¡¯ve covered yet,¡± Kyle replied. ¡°Not until seventh year, at least¡­¡±


    ¡°So you think anything that¡¯s not in the textbook is irrelevant?¡± Snape scoffed. ¡°If you studied potions more thoroughly, you¡¯d know that Lionfish bone powder mixed with Ginger root and Armadillo bile can be used in a potion to keep the mind clear. Mandrake root juice and Wolfsbane, on the other hand, help suppress the effects of a dangerous transformation.¡±


    He paused, watching Kyle intently. ¡°After hearing all that, do you still not understand?¡±


    Kyle thought for a moment, then ventured, ¡°The Wolfsbane Potion?¡±


    A potion that clears the mind and counters a dangerous transformation¡­ it could only be that.


    ¡°Not entirely dim,¡± Snape said with a faint, meaningful tone.


    S§×ar?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Chapter 412: Why Don’t You Play by the Rules?

    Before coming here, Kyle had assumed that Snape''s detention assignment would involve handling the usual complex potion ingredients. This was, after all, the most common task assigned during Potions class detentions. The ingredients they used in class¡ªvials of bile, Flobberworm mucus, viper fangs, and so on¡ªnearly all came from these preparation sessions.


    To his surprise, however, this time he was actually assisting in brewing a potion, and not just any potion¡ªthe rare and challenging Wolfsbane Potion.


    In the wizarding world, only a handful of wizards had the skill to make this potion, and each was a renowned master of potion-making. Kyle looked up, catching the subtle expression on Snape¡¯s face, and suddenly, he began to understand.


    Professor Lupin¡­


    It seemed likely that Dumbledore had forbidden Snape from revealing Lupin''s identity as a werewolf. But that didn¡¯t mean Snape couldn¡¯t drop hints. This whole setup seemed designed to lead Kyle into asking why Wolfsbane Potion was being brewed, allowing Snape to hint at Lupin¡¯s condition in an indirect way.


    It was quite the plan. If another student had been here, they might have discovered Professor Lupin¡¯s identity under Snape¡¯s ¡°guidance.¡±


    Unfortunately for Snape¡­


    ¡°Oh, Professor, you''re incredible¡ªable to brew such a complex potion,¡± Kyle praised, all while calmly grinding the lionfish bone powder, showing no inclination to inquire further.


    Snape looked taken aback, frowning as he scrutinized Kyle, perhaps trying to gauge what Kyle was thinking.


    After about half an hour, unable to contain himself any longer, Snape asked casually, ¡°Do you know the effect of Wolfsbane Potion?¡±


    ¡°Oh, yes,¡± Kyle replied smoothly. ¡°Director Sykes at St. Mungo''s Hospital for Magical Maladies mentioned it once. Wolfsbane Potion can suppress the werewolf curse, allowing someone to retain their human consciousness during transformations on a full moon.¡±


    Kyle answered with the same casualness as if he were in class, then fell silent again, showing no curiosity or urge to pry.


    This calmness made Snape even more uncomfortable. He¡¯d prepared exactly what he¡¯d say next, expecting Kyle to engage, but Kyle¡¯s lack of cooperation meant Snape couldn¡¯t even take the first step. He knew he couldn¡¯t reveal the information too directly without raising questions from Dumbledore. Watching Kyle calmly continue with the ingredients, Snape couldn¡¯t help but feel a twinge of regret.


    If he¡¯d known it would turn out like this, he would have assigned Kyle to something mind-numbing, like rat spleens or armadillo bile.


    Silence filled the dungeon classroom once again.


    Kyle, oblivious to Snape¡¯s internal struggle, focused on preparing the ingredients, occasionally sneaking glances at Snape¡¯s technique as he brewed the Wolfsbane Potion. Getting to observe this potion-making process up close was a rare opportunity, and he didn¡¯t want to miss a detail.


    It had to be said, the Wolfsbane Potion was extraordinarily complex. After a full five hours, Kyle finally placed the last clipped wolfsbane leaf into the cauldron at Snape¡¯s signal. As the carefully prepared leaf touched the liquid, the potion began to boil, and its color slowly shifted from reddish-brown to a deep brown.


    ¡°Bang!¡±


    The door to the Dungeon classroom suddenly slammed open, startling both Kyle and Snape. Snape nearly dropped his wand into the cauldron in his surprise as Malfoy stumbled into the room.


    ¡°Give me one reason!¡± Snape hissed, glowering at Malfoy.


    ¡°Professor,¡± Malfoy stammered, looking even paler than usual, his eyes wide and dazed. ¡°I was in Hogsmeade¡­ and I saw Potter¡¯s head¡­ just his head, floating there¡­¡±


    ¡°Oh?¡± Snape replied icily, narrowing his eyes. ¡°Are you saying that Potter went to Hogsmeade?¡±


    ¡°Yes, it was his head¡­¡± Malfoy murmured, still looking bewildered.


    ¡°Idiot!¡± Snape snapped. ¡°Don¡¯t you know about the Cloak of Invisibility?¡±


    In an instant, Malfoy¡¯s shock turned to embarrassment. His pale face flushed red as he realized what had happened. S~ea??h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°That damned Potter¡­¡± Malfoy muttered furiously. ¡°How dare he mock me!¡±


    ¡°Fool!¡± Snape glared at him again. ¡°Come with me¡ªI think I know where he¡¯ll show up next.¡±


    Then he turned to Kyle. ¡°Every ten minutes, stir the cauldron three times counterclockwise. Keep stirring until it emits smoke that matches the potion¡¯s color. Do you understand?¡±


    ¡°No problem, Professor,¡± Kyle replied with a nod.


    ¡°Very well.¡±


    Snape swept out of the room, his long black cloak billowing behind him as he strode into the hallway, with Malfoy trotting after him.


    Once they were gone, Kyle immediately took out his parchment and quill, jotting down everything he could remember about Snape¡¯s brewing process. When he¡¯d filled most of the parchment, he folded it carefully and tucked it away for safekeeping.


    He hadn¡¯t forgotten Snape¡¯s instructions either. It was already the third ten-minute interval, and Kyle waved his wand gently over the cauldron, causing the potion to swirl in response. After three counterclockwise stirs, the potion darkened, and the smell grew more intense.


    Kyle couldn¡¯t be sure if this was expected. The Wolfsbane Potion was a relatively recent creation, and even in the Restricted Section didn¡¯t contain it. Still, everything seemed to match the batches he¡¯d cleaned up for Snape before.


    Just then, a loud ¡°Thud!¡± sounded from the adjacent room, as if something heavy had been thrown against the wall. Kyle recognized it as Snape¡¯s office.


    From the corridor, he heard Professor Lupin¡¯s voice: ¡°So until next time, Severus¡­ Harry, come with me; I need to talk to you about that essay on vampires¡­¡±


    The hallway fell silent once more, leaving Kyle alone in the quiet.


    A few minutes later, Snape re-entered the Dungeon, his expression dark as if he¡¯d just swallowed a vial of bitter bile. He glared at Kyle, his voice cold and clipped.


    ¡°Get out!¡±


    ¡°Okay¡­¡±


    Though Kyle wasn¡¯t sure what had happened, he could tell from Snape¡¯s expression that he was in an irritable mood¡ªone wrong word could set him off. Without hesitation, Kyle packed up and left the Dungeon, giving Snape the space he so clearly needed.

 Chapter 413: A Nervous Professor Lupin

    After leaving the Dungeon classroom, Kyle headed straight for the foyer. By now, many students had returned from Hogsmeade, and the area was bustling with energy. People clustered in groups, trading sweets and novelty items with one another, much livelier than it had been earlier in the day.


    Kyle spotted two familiar figures standing by the staircase¡ªProfessor Lupin and Harry. Professor Lupin was holding a map and examining it with a curious smile.


    ¡°Very clever design¡­¡± Lupin murmured, chuckling. ¡°Back when I was in school, I remember seeing a map like this one¡ªone that could show all the secret passages in the castle.¡±


    ¡°Professor, you had a map like this when you were at school?¡± Harry asked, surprised.


    ¡°It was even better than that,¡± Professor Lupin replied quietly, a nostalgic look crossing his face. But that nostalgia quickly shifted to a more serious expression. He looked at Harry intently. ¡°Maps like this¡­ are there others in the castle?¡±


    ¡°There should only be one,¡± Harry answered after a moment¡¯s thought, recalling how Fred and George had mentioned that they created the map as a one-of-a-kind item, with no intention of selling it.


    Hearing this, Professor Lupin¡¯s expression softened a bit.


    ¡°Professor, I, uh¡­ found it¡­ just picked it up¡­¡± Harry stammered, not wanting to betray Fred and George and searching for a plausible excuse.


    ¡°I don¡¯t need to know how you came by something like this,¡± Professor Lupin said, frowning slightly. ¡°But I am surprised you didn¡¯t turn it in¡ªespecially after last time, when someone thoughtlessly left sensitive information about the castle lying around.¡±


    ¡°I¡­¡± Harry wanted to explain but found himself at a loss. Fred and George had warned him to memorize the secret passage locations and then destroy the map, but he hadn¡¯t gotten around to it yet. So far, he¡¯d only memorized the one leading to the statue of the hunchbacked witch.


    ¡°I¡¯m afraid I can¡¯t give it back to you, Harry,¡± Professor Lupin said, pocketing the map. ¡°I¡¯ll have to¡­¡±


    ¡°Hm?¡±


    Lupin suddenly sniffed the air, seeming to catch a familiar scent. He looked around, his gaze landing on Kyle, who had just entered the foyer.


    ¡°Nice to see you, Professor Lupin,¡± Kyle greeted with a smile and a wave.


    ¡°Hello¡­ Kyle,¡± Lupin said, his tone tinged with curiosity. ¡°What are you doing here, and not in Hogsmeade?¡±


    ¡°Detention, Professor,¡± Kyle replied with a shrug. ¡°No time for a trip to Hogsmeade.¡±


    ¡°Detention?¡± Professor Lupin¡¯s eyebrows shot up in surprise. He wouldn¡¯t have expected Kyle, who had consistently topped his classes, to end up in detention.


    Harry, however, wasn¡¯t surprised at all; he¡¯d already learned about Kyle¡¯s detention after running into him with Snape earlier that morning.


    Snape, though, had clearly planned this, in Harry¡¯s opinion. ¡°I bet he assigned you detention on purpose, just because it¡¯s a Hogsmeade day,¡± Harry said, certain of Snape¡¯s intentions. ¡°Did he make you handle Flobberworm Mucus or something?¡±


    ¡°No,¡± Kyle replied, shaking his head. ¡°It wasn¡¯t that bad. I just helped him brew some potions for a few hours.¡±


    ¡°Oh, that¡¯s not too bad,¡± Harry said with relief. ¡°Last time I was put in detention with Snape, I couldn¡¯t look at food for days¡­ So what were you brewing that took so long?¡±


    ¡°A very rare potion¡­¡± Kyle answered. ¡°Wolfsbane Potion.¡±


    A flicker of alarm crossed Professor Lupin¡¯s eyes before he quickly masked it, his expression returning to normal. Still, his hands clenched slightly as he struggled to maintain his composure, clearly worried that Kyle might call him out directly.


    He had taken leave every full moon this term, and even with the Wolfsbane Potion... it was hard to deny that Kyle must have noticed something. Fortunately, just then, a group of students entered the foyer from outside.


    They were the ones who had gone to Hogsmeade for a visit, and now they were all returning.


    Fred and George approached Kyle, flanking him on both sides.


    "You have no idea what you¡¯re missing¡­¡±


    "The Shrieking Shack wasn¡¯t nearly as terrifying as we thought¡­¡± George grinned, adding, ¡°Malfoy couldn¡¯t figure out what he saw in there and ran all the way back to the castle, scared out of his wits.¡±


    ¡°We heard him screaming all the way back to Zonko¡¯s¡­¡± Fred said regretfully, ¡°But why didn¡¯t we see anything the last time we went¡­¡±


    Harry kept his head down, staying silent. In truth, Malfoy had been frightened by him when, hidden under the Invisibility Cloak, he¡¯d lobbed a muddy glob straight at Malfoy. But he¡¯d thrown it too hard, causing part of the Cloak to slip and reveal his head, giving the impression of a floating, disembodied figure, which had sent Malfoy running in terror.


    It was also for that reason that Snape had summoned him to his office.


    Not long after, Kanna, Cho, and Cedric also returned.


    Kyle seized the chance to end the conversation about confinement and followed them outside onto the grounds. He suspected that if he stayed any longer, Professor Lupin might crush the map he was clutching in his hands.


    To be honest, Lupin looked so tense it seemed as though he were moments away from scrawling ¡°I¡¯m a Werewolf¡± on his own face.


    Luckily, Harry and Ron were there to keep an eye on him. If Hermione had been around, she would have definitely picked up on something.


    Speaking of Hermione, it seemed like they¡¯d hardly seen her lately¡ªespecially after the Christmas holidays, when the trio had become more of a duo. The only time you saw Hermione now was during meals, hurrying through the Great Hall with a bulging bag, pausing just long enough to grab a quick bite.


    Kyle thought this over as he followed Kanna outside onto the field.


    Cho handed him a bottle of Butterbeer, and he accepted it absentmindedly. But in the next instant, the Butterbeer morphed into a grumpy rubber haddock that latched onto his arm with a surprisingly firm grip. No matter how hard Kyle shook his arm, the rubber haddock wouldn¡¯t let go, and tugging on it only made it stretch longer.


    Fred and George were doubled over with laughter, clutching their stomachs. It didn¡¯t take much to figure out that this was their doing.


    ¡­


    As he watched the group of laughing friends exit through the castle gates, Professor Lupin released the tight grip he¡¯d been holding, a bit of color returning to his face. It seemed that Kyle hadn¡¯t noticed anything, so perhaps he¡¯d been overreacting.


    He thought to himself...


    Yes, who would ever guess that the great Professor Dumbledore would hire a Werewolf as a professor? It¡¯s as if he would have agreed to attend the school himself, had he the chance.


    This kind of thing would be unimaginable anywhere else¡­ Only Dumbledore¡­


    Professor Lupin took a deep breath, gave Harry a few brief instructions, and then hurried off.


    This wasn¡¯t the time to dwell on such thoughts¡ªthere was something more urgent to handle. S~ea??h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He needed to find Filch and retrieve something important.

 Chapter 414: Lupin’s Scandal

    As the weather warmed and the snow and ice outside the castle finally melted, the young wizards couldn¡¯t wait to stow away their thick winter robes in the wardrobe.


    It¡¯s worth mentioning that, for some special reason, the Patronus Charm lessons were not scheduled again in February. Professor Lupin was far too busy. Aside from his regular classes, he was rarely seen around the school; every afternoon after the last lesson and throughout the weekends, he would disappear. Whenever he had a spare moment, he¡¯d head off to Hogsmeade.


    Gradually, rumors began to circulate through the castle. Some claimed, with absolute conviction, that Professor Lupin was courting Madam Rosmerta of The Three Broomsticks. Although there was no concrete evidence, most students were willing to believe it. After all, Hogsmeade was a small village with only about ten shops. It might be refreshing to visit occasionally, but going so frequently was bound to get dull. If Lupin wasn¡¯t meeting someone, then why did he leave the castle every day at 5:00 p.m. and only return after curfew? And on weekends, he was never seen at all.


    As the gossip spread, Professor Lupin¡¯s supposed relationship with Madam Rosmerta quickly grew into elaborate tales involving nearly every shopkeeper in Hogsmeade. There were stories about the Quill Shop clerk, Madam Andell from the Owl Post Office, Madam Puddifoot¡¯s brother-in-law, and even the landlord of The Hog¡¯s Head. Each version grew more outlandish than the last.


    Susan Bones even made it a ritual to hear a new version of the story as a bedtime tale each night, claiming she couldn¡¯t fall asleep without it. She had gone so far as to compile the rumors into a thick book, which became quite popular. Every day, students lined up to borrow it, though few managed to get their hands on it. Susan treasured the book and kept it close.


    Sensing a business opportunity, Fred and George sought out Kyle early one morning.


    ¡°Katie asked us to come and check with you,¡± Fred said. ¡°She¡¯s collected a book like Susan¡¯s, and she wants to team up.¡±


    ¡°Team up? How exactly?¡± Kyle asked.


    ¡°She¡¯ll supply the booklets, and we¡¯ll duplicate and sell them,¡± Fred explained. ¡°We split the profits 30/70.¡±


    Kyle raised an eyebrow. ¡°We duplicate and sell, and we only get 70%?¡±


    ¡°70% goes to her; 30% to us,¡± George corrected, ¡°but don¡¯t worry, we¡¯re definitely not agreeing to that. She did say her bottom line is a 50/50 split, though.¡±


    ¡°We did the math. If we go ahead with this, we¡¯d make at least thirty Galleons,¡± Fred added. ¡°So, what do you say¡­ want in?¡±


    Fred and George picked up cookies from the table, watching Kyle as they ate.


    ¡°I¡¯m not getting involved,¡± Kyle replied calmly, glancing back at his book. Even if he stood to make thirty Galleons each, or even more, he wouldn¡¯t agree. What was the point of money like that? Bribing House-elves?


    ¡°And I have to warn you,¡± Kyle added, ¡°if you still want to visit Hogsmeade on days other than the official tour days, you¡¯d better not agree. I guarantee that as soon as you set foot in Hogsmeade, Professor McGonagall will hear about it, and there¡¯ll be no escaping her.¡±


    Kanna and Cedric, sitting nearby, nodded in agreement. They shared Kyle¡¯s view.


    ¡°Well¡­ you¡¯re right,¡± Fred shrugged.


    ¡°That¡¯s what we thought too,¡± George said. ¡°But, since we¡¯re all on the same team¡­ we figured we should ask.¡±


    ¡°This way, at least¡­¡±


    ¡°If you say no, we¡¯re off the hook¡­¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re outnumbered,¡± they said with exaggerated resignation, as they finished off the last pieces of bread on their plates, then headed over to the Gryffindor table with a feigned look of disappointment.


    Katie Bell was already there, waiting for them after breakfast.


    ¡°Sorry¡­¡± Fred said with a heavy sigh. ¡°They all have other commitments and probably won¡¯t have much time these days¡­¡±


    ¡°And we¡¯ve got to help¡­¡±


    The two sat down next to her, smoothly delivering the excuse they¡¯d prepared well in advance.


    On the other side of the room, after Fred and George left, Kyle finished his breakfast and stood up to head to the library. He had borrowed a book a few days ago and had finished reading it just the day before.


    Kanna and Cho had gone to visit Hagrid. The success of his first lesson had given Hagrid a boost of confidence, and he had stopped bringing creatures with sharp teeth and pointed beaks to class. Instead, he¡¯d shifted his focus to showing baby versions of various Magical Creatures. After the Unicorns, he introduced the students to baby Nifflers and Kneazles¡­ and the response had been overwhelmingly positive. Gradually, the students were warming up to their new professor, though some Slytherins remained resistant, of course. Hagrid had been worried about their taunts at first, but he¡¯d learned to ignore them over time.


    Last night, Hagrid had sent a note saying he¡¯d found some new baby Magical Creatures and invited them to come see. Kanna and Cho had agreed without hesitation, getting up extra early that morning to head out. If Hagrid¡¯s cooking hadn¡¯t been so questionable, they probably wouldn¡¯t have even bothered stopping for breakfast in the Great Hall. Cedric had gone along with them too.


    But Kyle had already encountered his fair share of Magical Creatures¡ªhe¡¯d even helped deliver a litter of Nundus two years prior. So, in comparison, returning his library book took priority.


    When Kyle reached the library, Madam Pince was at her usual spot, dusting the tables. He placed the book, , on the counter. He had borrowed it to research the Wolfsbane Potion and had just finished reading it. Madam Pince picked it up, carefully inspecting it as usual to ensure it was undamaged, before taking it to a distant shelf. S§×arch* The N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Kyle didn¡¯t borrow any new books. Perhaps because it had only been developed a few years ago, information on the Wolfsbane Potion was limited. The most detailed information he¡¯d found described only the necessary ingredients and the sequence for adding them to the cauldron, with little else beyond that.


    After Madam Pince stepped away, Kyle turned to leave and go find Kanna and the others. But at that moment, he noticed two towering stacks of books on the nearby table. The piles were precariously tall and looked like they might collapse at the slightest touch. Through a small gap in the middle, he could just make out a tangled mass of hair¡ªHermione¡¯s.


    It seemed Hermione noticed his gaze, as she looked up. She appeared exhausted, with dark circles under her eyes.

 Chapter 415: Dark Humor

    When Hermione spotted Kyle, she forced a reluctant smile, as though trying to greet him, but with her dark circles and an expression on the verge of tears, she didn¡¯t look cheerful at all.


    Kyle hesitated, then walked over and sat down across from her.


    ¡°Hello, Kyle,¡± Hermione greeted him, her voice sounding hoarse.


    Kyle glanced at the open books on her desk: , along with texts on Arithmancy, Divination, and Ancient Runes.


    ¡°So, you¡¯ve decided to use the Time-Turner, haven¡¯t you?¡± Kyle asked in a low voice.


    Hermione paused mid-page turn, then nodded. ¡°Mm¡­ I can¡¯t give up any of my classes. I just¡­ can¡¯t.¡±


    ¡°But you don¡¯t look very well,¡± Kyle observed. ¡°Are you sure you can keep this up until the end of the school year?¡±


    Hermione¡¯s face had a weary, drained look, not unlike Lupin¡¯s had on the train at the start of term, as if she might collapse any moment. Kyle doubted she¡¯d last until the exams without falling asleep right in the middle of one.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know¡­¡± Hermione admitted, running her fingers through her tangled hair, looking thoroughly frustrated. Her voice was a bit louder than intended, drawing a few disapproving looks. Fortunately, Madam Pince was far enough away not to overhear.


    ¡°What did you do before, Kyle?¡± Hermione asked, desperate. ¡°You took every class, too, but you got high marks¡ªeven perfect scores. I thought if I had a Time-Turner, I could handle it just as well, but it¡¯s nothing like I imagined.¡±


    Hermione tugged at her hair again. ¡°The more I use the Time-Turner, the worse my memory gets, and I can¡¯t focus in class. If this keeps up, I¡¯ll barely scrape E¡¯s on my exams. Professor McGonagall will be so disappointed if I don¡¯t get straight O¡¯s¡­¡±


    As she continued, Hermione grew more and more distraught, until tears spilled from her eyes.


    She hadn¡¯t confided in anyone for a long time, especially since Christmas, after she¡¯d told Professor McGonagall about the Firebolt incident, which had cost Gryffindor the Quidditch match against Slytherin. Practically overnight, she¡¯d become the most unpopular person in school; even Harry and Ron had stopped speaking to her.


    But Hermione had been too overwhelmed by her heavy workload to care much about popularity. Where was the time to worry about anything besides classes?


    Only recently, after they won the match against Hufflepuff, had things begun to thaw. But even then, Harry and Ron weren¡¯t any help. They often only made matters worse, and at times, she almost wished they¡¯d stay silent altogether. At least then she wouldn¡¯t be distracted from her studies by arguments or, for instance, by Harry¡¯s ill-advised escapade to Hogsmeade, which had led to him getting caught by Professor Snape.


    Hermione simply couldn¡¯t understand why Harry had taken such a reckless risk. Of all people, he knew Sirius Black was hunting him. Why would he put himself in danger like that?


    Meanwhile, across from her, Kyle was unaware of her swirling thoughts; he merely assumed the Time-Turner was wearing her out.


    And that was understandable. Percy had gone through the same thing; after an entire school year using the Time-Turner, he¡¯d been utterly frazzled. As soon as the holidays began, he was practically begging to return it.


    As Diana had once explained, the Time-Turner could take you back in time physically, but it couldn¡¯t turn back the clock on your mind. With only so much energy to go around, it was inevitable that something would eventually give.


    Kyle tapped his fingers on the table thoughtfully. ¡°Can I ask¡ªdo you use the Time-Turner every day?¡± S~ea??h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°Every day,¡± Hermione nodded.


    ¡°And how much time are you adding?¡±


    ¡°Before Christmas, it was about two or three hours. Now it¡¯s up to six,¡± Hermione replied.


    Six hours? Kyle shook his head. That meant Hermione was essentially awake for 22 hours a day, and she¡¯d kept this up for nearly three months. No wonder she looked so exhausted.


    ¡°My advice is still the same: drop two subjects¡ªDivination and Muggle Studies,¡± Kyle said. ¡°Those two classes are useless to you and just a waste of time.¡±


    This time, Hermione didn¡¯t argue. She hadn¡¯t believed him before, but now she was starting to see that Kyle had a point.


    ¡°And try not to use the Time-Turner outside of classes,¡± Kyle continued. ¡°I doubt your schedule overlaps every single day.¡±


    ¡°Three times a week,¡± Hermione admitted.


    ¡°So what do you do with the extra time¡ªreading and homework?¡±


    ¡°No,¡± Hermione shook her head. ¡°Mostly I use it to study Ancient Runes. It¡¯s really interesting, but also incredibly hard, and one lesson a week just isn¡¯t enough.¡±


    As she said this, Hermione suddenly looked up at him. ¡°I heard Professor Babbling say you scored perfectly on your Ancient Runes exam last year, and the last student to do that was fifty years ago. You¡¯re really able to keep up with the class without a Time-Turner?¡±


    This was something Hermione had been dying to ask. She spent hours every day struggling to keep up with Ancient Runes, and she couldn¡¯t fathom how Kyle managed it with just one class per week.


    ¡°Well¡­ our situations are a bit different,¡± Kyle said evasively. ¡°Mainly, I met someone during the holidays¡ªa really enthusiastic teacher who gave me one-on-one lessons in Ancient Runes. It was like having a private tutor all break long, so it makes sense that I¡¯d do well.¡±


    ¡°A private tutor?¡± Hermione¡¯s eyes widened in awe and envy.


    ¡°Was it Professor Babbling?¡± she asked, hopeful.


    ¡°No,¡± Kyle shook his head, ¡°it was someone else. He wanted to apply for the Defense Against the Dark Arts post, but Dumbledore didn¡¯t agree.¡±


    ¡°Oh, why couldn¡¯t he apply for Ancient Runes instead!¡± Hermione said, frustrated. She looked at Kyle hopefully. ¡°Does he still teach you? Could you recommend him to Hogwarts?¡±


    ¡°If there was an extra professor, maybe we¡¯d have more than one class per week.¡±


    ¡°Unfortunately,¡± Kyle replied, ¡°he left last year, and I don¡¯t know where he is now.¡±


    Hermione¡¯s shoulders slumped a little. She¡¯d been hoping for more Ancient Runes classes.


    ¡°Here¡¯s some advice,¡± Kyle said, watching her carefully. ¡°Forget everything you learned in the first Ancient Runes class. It won¡¯t help you now. Just follow the book¡¯s order¡ªif you do that, you¡¯ll find it¡¯s not as difficult as it seems.¡±


    ¡°Forget?¡± Hermione repeated, bewildered. ¡°But the combination formula for runes is essential. I read that it¡¯s the most important part!¡±


    The combination of runes? If Kyle remembered right, that was the last chapter in ¡ªmaterial meant for sixth-years. Professor Babbling¡¯s odd sense of humor clearly hadn¡¯t changed.


    ¡°Forget it,¡± Kyle insisted. ¡°You can¡¯t understand the combinations until you¡¯ve mastered the basics of arranging and writing the runes. It¡¯s like Transfiguration: you don¡¯t start by turning a teacup into a rabbit; you start with a matchstick into a needle.¡±


    ¡°But¡­¡± Hermione blinked in confusion. ¡°If that¡¯s true, then why did Professor Babbling teach us that in the first place?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s just her morbid sense of humor,¡± Kyle chuckled. ¡°Think about it¡ªhas she mentioned that rune combination since the first lesson?¡±


    Hermione thought for a moment. Now that he mentioned it, she realized Professor Babbling hadn¡¯t gone over pictograms again, and the material had been much more manageable since.


    Hermione slapped her hand on the table in frustration, exclaiming, ¡°Does that mean I¡¯ve been wasting my time?¡±

 Chapter 416: Surprise

    Kyle and Hermione found themselves standing awkwardly together just outside the library entrance.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry¡­¡± Hermione whispered.


    Her enthusiastic slap on the table had unfortunately coincided with Madam Pince¡¯s return. Just like any student who made noise in the library, they¡¯d both been promptly expelled.


    ¡°I don¡¯t mind,¡± Kyle shrugged. ¡°I wasn¡¯t planning on staying much longer anyway. I was just about to go find Hagrid. Want to come?¡±


    After a moment¡¯s thought, Hermione shook her head. ¡°No, I think I¡¯ll go over the runes again. I need to catch up on the time I wasted.¡±


    ¡°Alright,¡± Kyle said, ¡°just remember¡ªdon¡¯t overuse the Time-Turner, or you¡¯ll end up feeling worse.¡±


    ¡°Okay¡­¡±


    They parted ways at the top of the stairs, and Kyle made his way down to the first floor. From there, he crossed the foyer and headed toward Hagrid¡¯s hut, following the path along the castle grounds.


    The hut was bustling today. Besides Kanna, Cho, and Cedric, Harry and Ron were also there, gathered around and animatedly discussing something. As Kyle got closer, he noticed a nest made of hay on the table, and inside it lay a small creature that looked almost like a lion cub¡ªexcept its tail was shaped like a scorpion¡¯s stinger.


    ¡°A Manticore?¡± Kyle exclaimed, surprised.


    ¡°Knew you¡¯d recognize it right away,¡± Hagrid said happily. ¡°Just a few days ago, I found a Manticore giving birth deep in the Forbidden Forest. Must have come from somewhere else, because there¡¯s never been one there before.¡±


    Hagrid was beaming with pride as he gently petted the young creature in the hay nest, not even minding when it playfully bit his hand.


    ¡°Look how happy it is,¡± he said, grinning from ear to ear.


    For Hagrid, discovering the Manticore in the Forbidden Forest was like unearthing hidden treasure. He was so thrilled he hadn¡¯t slept in days, spending his nights in the depths of the forest to observe the rare creature. The last time he¡¯d been this excited was when he became the Care of Magical Creatures professor. S§×arch* The ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°So, Hagrid, are you planning to bring it to class?¡± Kyle asked.


    ¡°Of course not¡­¡± Hagrid said, shaking his head firmly. ¡°The Manticore¡¯s a Level 5X magical creature. Professor Dumbledore¡¯d never allow it in front of the students, not even as a cub.¡±


    Kyle nodded in agreement. Manticores were indeed unsuitable for class. While the cub¡¯s bites might only leave small scratches, the real concern was its mother in the Forbidden Forest. If someone got too bold and managed to provoke it, the adult Manticore might unleash a powerful roar and cast a spell¡ªa situation that could get out of hand fast.


    Especially with the Slytherins, who often ignored Hagrid¡¯s warnings. Half the trouble during Care of Magical Creatures was caused by them directly, and the other half could usually be traced back to them too. In the face of an angry, full-grown Manticore, even Hagrid would have a hard time protecting everyone.


    ¡°I brought it today just so you could learn a bit about it,¡± Hagrid continued enthusiastically. ¡°It¡¯s a rare opportunity¡ªyou won¡¯t get to see a 5X Magical Creatures cub anywhere else.¡±


    Kyle raised an eyebrow. That wasn¡¯t exactly true; he¡¯d not only seen one, he¡¯d delivered one. The Nundus in Newt¡¯s suitcase practically treated him like family, and in Romania, he¡¯d watched a nest of Hungarian Horntails hatch. But he kept these experiences to himself.


    ¡°Hagrid, can I touch it?¡± Ron asked, his voice full of longing. ¡°Just for a second, please?¡±


    ¡°No, Ron,¡± Hagrid said sternly. ¡°You can stand there, even get a little closer, but absolutely no touching. It¡¯s for your own safety.¡±


    ¡°Alright,¡± Ron sighed, looking disappointed. This was a 5X Magical Creature, and if he¡¯d been able to touch it, he¡¯d have something to boast about for ages. Ever since Sirius Black had broken into the Gryffindor dormitory, Ron had been the center of attention, finally receiving more notice than Harry. He loved the feeling, but now that interest had shifted to rumors about Professor Lupin, his story wasn¡¯t as sought after.


    ¡°But Hagrid¡­¡± Kanna spoke up, puzzled. ¡°Didn¡¯t you say in your letter that we were supposed to help you choose Magical Creatures for class?¡±


    ¡°Oh, that was just to add some excitement,¡± Hagrid admitted with a grin. ¡°I¡¯ve actually already picked the creatures for class¡ªa Fire Crab and a Wyvern, both of them young. You can go take a look in the hut if you¡¯d like. Just be sure to close the door behind you; the Manticore here might be frightened by their scent.¡±


    No one moved; everyone¡¯s attention was still fixed on the tiny Manticore cub nestled in the hay. Fire Crabs and Wyverns could wait.


    Just then, Kyle felt a tap on his shoulder. He turned to find Hagrid, who gestured for him to come over to a small clearing on the other side of the cabin.


    ¡°What is it?¡± Kyle asked.


    ¡°Well¡­¡± Hagrid looked a bit sheepish. ¡°I overheard some Slytherins saying you had a dragon tooth for sale. Do you still have one?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± Kyle nodded. He had plenty.


    ¡°Would you sell me some?¡± Hagrid whispered, pulling a cloth bag from his pocket and pressing it into Kyle¡¯s hand. ¡°Professor Dumbledore gave me an extra professor¡¯s salary, so¡­ see how much you can get for it.¡±


    The bag was heavy, filled with a few hundred Galleons. Hagrid rarely needed to spend much on himself, usually only dropping by The Three Broomsticks or The Hog¡¯s Head for a drink now and then, so most of his earnings were saved up.


    ¡°That¡¯s easy¡­ just a moment,¡± Kyle said, heading into Hagrid¡¯s hut and closing the door.


    When he returned, he held another bag. ¡°Two teeth from each breed of dragon, plus a few matching dragon scales,¡± he said, handing over the bag along with the original one of Galleons.


    ¡°These are yours, Hagrid.¡±


    Hagrid frowned. ¡°No, those Galleons are for you.¡±


    ¡°Come on, Hagrid,¡± Kyle chuckled, waving his hand. ¡°I¡¯m not taking your money.¡±


    ¡°No way!¡± Hagrid insisted, his face set with determination. ¡°I know what these cost. You brought them back from Romania, and if you won¡¯t take the payment, then I won¡¯t take the teeth.¡±


    With that, Hagrid gritted his teeth and resolutely held the bag of Galleons back out to him.

 Chapter 417: Clever Hagrid

    Hagrid looked resolute. As much as he admired the dragon teeth and wanted them badly, he wasn¡¯t willing to let Kyle take any financial loss. That was simply out of the question.


    ¡°It¡¯s different, Hagrid,¡± Kyle explained with a grin. ¡°These aren¡¯t purchased crafts. Look closely, and you¡¯ll see there¡¯s no carving on them.¡±


    ¡°Really?¡± Hagrid took one of the dragon teeth from the bag and examined it, noticing that it was clean and slightly different from the polished ones he¡¯d seen before. Pulling out another, he could see scratches from natural wear.


    ¡°See?¡± Kyle said. ¡°I picked these up at the Dragon Reserve. Didn¡¯t cost a single Knut.¡±


    ¡°Picked up¡­ picked up¡­¡± Hagrid repeated, stunned. ¡°All of these?¡±


    ¡°This is just a fraction,¡± Kyle replied. ¡°You must¡¯ve heard about the big melee at the Romanian Dragon Reserve. Almost every day, dragons would lose teeth in the fights. Sometimes, I¡¯d pick up seven or eight in ten minutes.¡±


    Hagrid¡¯s expression went blank as the realization sank in. He hadn¡¯t known about the melee at the reserve, and as he processed the image of dozens of dragons clashing, his whole demeanor shifted.


    ¡°If only I¡¯d known¡­¡± Hagrid muttered, kicking at the ground in frustration. ¡°I¡¯d have crawled to Romania if I had to¡­¡±


    Kyle shrugged, amused. It wasn¡¯t that he¡¯d wanted to keep the event a secret; Hagrid simply wouldn¡¯t have been allowed near the dragons without an invitation. If he¡¯d gone, he¡¯d have been stuck at the reserve¡¯s edge, missing the action entirely.


    After a while, Hagrid managed to calm down. Kyle leaned in, asking offhandedly, ¡°So, Hagrid, how many Manticores are in the Forbidden Forest?¡±


    ¡°Two,¡± Hagrid replied. ¡°One big one and one little one. The big one¡¯s injured and has been recuperating deep in the forest.¡±


    ¡°Injured?¡± Kyle¡¯s brows knitted. ¡°What could possibly harm a Manticore?¡±


    Even among level 5X Magical Creatures, Manticores were notoriously lethal. They possessed immense strength, near-impenetrable fur that could repel most spells, and a venomous scorpion tail that could kill most beings with a single sting¡ªeven a fully transformed werewolf wouldn¡¯t survive an encounter with its poison.


    "I don¡¯t know¡­¡± Hagrid said, looking down remorsefully. ¡°But it had a pretty big wound. My guess is that while it was weakened, maybe a Dragon or a Chimaera found it, so it came to the Forbidden Forest to give birth.¡±


    ¡°Then it¡¯s lucky you found it,¡± Kyle replied. ¡°The Forbidden Forest isn¡¯t exactly the safest place, is it?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re right,¡± Hagrid agreed, glancing toward the forest¡¯s dark edge. ¡°I only came across the Manticore because I was looking for¡­ well, it¡¯s not important. I was lucky to help them move to a safer spot, or else¡­¡±


    Hagrid abruptly cut himself off. ¡°Anyway, the Forbidden Forest is really dangerous.¡±


    He didn¡¯t want anyone to know about Aragog, and Kyle, sensing that Hagrid preferred to keep it private, didn¡¯t press him. Instead, he continued casually, ¡°Was it badly injured?¡±


    ¡°Oh, not too bad,¡± Hagrid said. ¡°The wound looks worse than it is. Just a bit superficial. A little Dittany should fix it right up.¡±


    ¡°Need any help?¡± Kyle offered. ¡°I¡¯ve got fresh Dittany and a good bit of experience in treating magical creatures thanks to Newt.¡±


    Hagrid¡¯s face suddenly shifted, and he eyed Kyle suspiciously. ¡°Why are you so interested in the Manticore¡¯s condition?¡±


    ¡°No reason, just offering a hand,¡± Kyle assured him. ¡°You know, neither my dad nor Newt would leave an injured magical creature without help.¡±


    Hagrid kept his guard up. He knew Kyle was unusually good with magical creatures¡ªNorbert and the Three-Headed Dog Fluffy both took to him instantly, and even the professors hinted that Kyle might¡¯ve been entrusted with the Basilisk from the Chamber of Secrets. Although it was just a rumor, everyone knew Dumbledore¡¯s ways, and Professor McGonagall¡¯s silence on the subject only seemed to confirm it.


    Now, the idea struck Hagrid: was Kyle thinking of taking the Manticore for himself?


    Hagrid¡¯s expression grew stern. ¡°Listen, don¡¯t get any ideas about the Manticore. It¡¯s just had a rough time and is in no state to be disturbed. It¡¯s more dangerous than usual right now.¡±


    Kyle gave a dry cough, trying to look innocent. ¡°You¡¯ve got it all wrong, Hagrid. I only wanted to help.¡±


    To prove his sincerity, Kyle reached into his Mokeskin pouch and produced a handful of fresh Dittany. ¡°See?¡±


    The Dittany roots were still covered in moist soil, clearly freshly picked. But Hagrid only glanced at it, refusing to take any.


    ¡°No need, Kyle. Professor Sprout¡¯s got more than enough Dittany, and there¡¯s plenty in the Forbidden Forest too.¡±


    ¡°Well, that¡¯s good to hear¡­¡± Kyle forced a laugh, putting the Dittany back in his bag and pulling something else out. ¡°How about Essence of Dittany? It¡¯s a lot more effective¡­¡± S§×ar?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    After a few minutes of further attempts, Kyle gave up and walked back to the group by the pumpkin patch.


    ¡°What were you two talking about?¡± Kanna whispered, noticing his look of mild frustration. ¡°You look awfully disappointed.¡±


    ¡°Nothing. Just tried to offer some help and got rejected,¡± Kyle said with a touch of annoyance. ¡°And Hagrid even accused me of having ulterior motives. Bit much, don¡¯t you think?¡±


    ¡°Yes, quite harsh of him,¡± Kanna said with a smile, though she had an inkling Hagrid¡¯s suspicions weren¡¯t unfounded. Of course, she wasn¡¯t going to say that aloud.


    Satisfied with her sympathy, Kyle sighed. He had really hoped to find out the Manticore¡¯s location, but it seemed Hagrid was on his guard today. No matter what he offered¡ªDittany, Essence of Dittany, or even the advanced healing potion he¡¯d once used for a dragon wound¡ªHagrid had declined them all.


    No matter what Kyle said, Hagrid kept repeating the same responses:


    ¡°I don¡¯t know what you¡¯re on about¡­¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t ask, and even if I did know, I wouldn¡¯t tell you¡­¡±


    ¡°Stay out of the Forbidden Forest, or I¡¯ll go straight to Professor Sprout!¡±


    Kyle couldn¡¯t help but think in amusement,

 Chapter 418: An Unexpected Guest

    Hogwarts was especially quiet late at night. A few lights twinkled in the castle where common rooms were located, and a few energetic students stretched their evening fun as late as possible, lingering over Exploding Snap or wizard chess before reluctantly heading to bed.


    Outside, the full moon cast its glow over the grounds. In the moonlight, two figures¡ªa tall one and a smaller one¡ªcrept silently along, skirting the Whomping Willow without making a sound.


    ¡°Kyle, it¡¯s not too late to turn back¡­¡± whispered Newt Scamander, who was leading the way. ¡°You¡¯re still a student, after all. If the professors catch you out here, you could be expelled.¡±


    ¡°Right, as if this wasn¡¯t your idea,¡± Kyle muttered, following behind. S§×ar?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    All Kyle had done was send Newt a letter asking for advice on how to handle the Manticore in the Forbidden Forest. Who could¡¯ve predicted that Newt would show up at Hogwarts in the dead of night, slip into the Hufflepuff dormitory using a Disillusionment Charm, and wake Kyle with a whisper? At first, Kyle had thought he was hearing things. But no¡ªNewt had actually traveled there himself.


    Kyle half-jokingly thought he ought to file a complaint against the Dementors¡ªthey were letting just anyone stroll onto the grounds these days!


    ¡°I only came to confirm if there¡¯s really a Manticore here in the Forbidden Forest,¡± Newt said, casting a glance back. ¡°I didn¡¯t drag you along on a nighttime adventure. You followed of your own accord, and if you get expelled, it¡¯s hardly my fault.¡±


    ¡°Anyone in my place would¡¯ve followed you,¡± Kyle replied with a shrug. ¡°And it¡¯s just a night walk. Even if I get caught, they won¡¯t expel me for that.¡±


    The two of them soon reached Hagrid¡¯s hut.


    ¡°Do we have to go around?¡± Kyle asked. ¡°Hagrid¡¯s got a hound here with an excellent nose. If we go any closer, it¡¯s bound to pick up our scent.¡±


    ¡°No need,¡± said Newt, producing a small vial from his pocket. He opened it and waved it over himself a few times, then handed it to Kyle. ¡°This is pollen from the Flutterby Bush. It¡¯ll mask your scent perfectly.¡±


    Kyle took the vial and mimicked Newt¡¯s movements, then tucked it into his pocket. After all, if he was trekking into the Forbidden Forest in the middle of the night, he deserved a bit of a ¡°guide fee¡±¡­ and this pollen would be quite handy.


    Newt waited for Kyle to return the vial but, seeing no movement, turned around and raised an eyebrow. ¡°You¡ª¡±


    ¡°Shh!¡± Kyle whispered back. ¡°Keep your voice down; Fang¡¯s got sensitive ears. We¡¯re almost to the path Hagrid takes into the forest¡ªit¡¯s a lot flatter than the rest.¡±


    Newt sighed, resigning himself to the fact that Kyle was keeping the vial. he thought,


    They tiptoed past Hagrid¡¯s hut, which was dark and silent but for the sound of Hagrid¡¯s heavy snoring drifting through the window.


    Once they were deep enough in the Forbidden Forest to lose sight of Hagrid''s hut, Kyle let out a quiet sigh of relief. Finally, he could ask the question that had been bugging him all the way here. ¡°So¡­ why exactly did you come to Hogwarts? Was it really just to see the Manticore?¡±


    ¡°Well, sort of,¡± Newt admitted, ¡°and the Three-Headed Dog, of course. Since Dobby started helping me out, I¡¯ve been able to finish in hours what used to take me an entire day. So I¡¯m planning to update but it would be a bit thin with just the Basilisk. That¡¯s when I got your letter.¡±


    ¡°But¡­¡± Kyle said, frowning, ¡°I thought already covered Manticores and Three-Headed Dogs.¡±


    ¡°It does, but they¡¯re barely mentioned.¡± Newt smiled and continued, ¡°The Manticore and the Three-Headed Dog are exceptionally rare magical creatures. I only ever encountered one Manticore in Greece, twenty years ago. Unfortunately, I was later banned from the area by the Ministry of Magic there, so my research had to be cut short.¡±


    ¡°Banned for¡­ special reasons?¡± Kyle guessed knowingly. Knowing Newt, it likely meant he¡¯d stirred up some trouble, which wasn¡¯t exactly a rare occurrence for him.


    Newt carried on through the trees, and Kyle kept pace, curiosity prompting him to ask, ¡°Where exactly are we headed? I don¡¯t know where the Manticore is. Hagrid wouldn¡¯t say.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s alright; we¡¯ll track it down ourselves,¡± Newt said calmly. ¡°Manticores tend to nest near water. There are three lakes in the Forbidden Forest, and I know where each of them is.¡±


    ¡°So¡­ we¡¯re just going to check all three?¡± Kyle asked, wondering how long this was going to take. ¡°How much time do you think we¡¯ll need?¡±


    ¡°One night should be enough,¡± Newt replied confidently. ¡°If it gets late, we could take a broomstick¡­ You do have a broomstick, don¡¯t you?¡±


    Kyle nodded. He did, but using a broom in the Forbidden Forest wasn¡¯t ideal. They¡¯d be too conspicuous and would easily catch the attention of other creatures, especially the Centaurs or the Dementors patrolling for signs of Sirius Black. The last thing they needed was to be mistaken for an intruder and cause an unnecessary commotion.


    ¡°Wait...¡± Kyle said suddenly, after a moment¡¯s thought. ¡°I remember Hagrid mentioning he encountered the Manticore while he was searching for Aragog.¡±


    ¡°Aragog?¡±


    ¡°An Acromantula,¡± Kyle explained.


    ¡°Oh, that¡¯s good,¡± Newt replied, clapping his hands together and taking a deep, appreciative sniff, his eyes closed.


    He moved forward slowly and soon spotted a white web of spider silk stretched across a tree branch.


    ¡°Acromantula silk,¡± said Newt. ¡°It has a very distinct, sweet scent that draws in enough prey to keep them satisfied.¡±


    In the web, a large, swollen white cocoon hung between the branches, likely the resting place of some unlucky creature that had been caught and couldn¡¯t escape. Nearby, a few tiny spiders were scuttling in one direction.


    ¡°We¡¯re in luck,¡± Newt said happily. ¡°This prey is too large for them to carry, so they¡¯ll go back to the nest and alert more spiders.¡±


    ¡°Quick, follow them...¡±


    The two of them began trailing the spiders into a dense thicket that veered away from the main forest path. The ground was covered in roots and stumps, which posed no problem for the small spiders but were obstacles for Kyle and Newt. They had to tread carefully, maneuvering around the roots and keeping as quiet as possible so as not to alert the spiders up ahead.


    After about twenty minutes, Kyle noticed that the ground was sloping downward, though the trees remained thick around them.


    Just then, Newt, who was walking in front, stopped abruptly and put a hand out to halt Kyle.


    ¡°This is far enough,¡± he said, casting a cautious look around. ¡°There are more spider webs here. If we go any further, we¡¯re sure to be noticed.¡±


    Kyle saw an elongated spider web just a foot away from where Newt had stopped. It was almost invisible in the moonlight, stretched thin like a thread.


    Newt carefully took two steps back, glanced up at the sky, and seemed to be orienting himself.


    ¡°I think I know where the Manticore is...¡±


    He turned and slipped through the bushes on the left, moving quickly. Kyle followed close behind, pushing aside branches and thorns as they went.


    Five minutes later, the dense thicket gave way to a flat clearing. In the center of the clearing lay the lake Newt had mentioned earlier, about the size of a Quidditch pitch.


    In the moonlight, the still lake surface looked like an enormous mirror, mysterious and beautiful.

 Chapter 419: I’m Doing This for Your Own Good

    After more than half an hour of searching, they finally found the lake.


    But a new problem had arisen.


    Kyle had scanned the lake three times, but not only had he failed to spot a Manticore, he hadn''t even seen a single Bowtruckle.


    ¡°Are we in the wrong place?¡± Kyle asked, suspiciously. ¡°There¡¯s nothing around here at all.¡±


    ¡°No, we¡¯re not in the wrong place,¡± Newt replied, squatting down in a nearby open area. He picked up a few golden hairs from the ground, holding them up to his nose and sniffing.


    ¡°The scent on these hairs hasn¡¯t completely faded. We can be sure the Manticore was here yesterday and hasn¡¯t gone far.¡±


    Newt stood up and continued, ¡°It looks like it¡¯s been moved somewhere else, but it shouldn¡¯t be too far. Let¡¯s look around¡­¡±


    Kyle nodded, about to head toward the only forest path nearby.


    If Hagrid was involved in this, following that path would definitely be the right move.


    Just as Kyle turned, Newt suddenly grabbed his arm.


    The next second, a rumbling noise echoed from deep along the path, as if something massive had crashed to the ground.


    Then came a loud clattering, and out of the darkness poured a swarm of large spiders with eight eyes and eight legs.


    These were not the small spiders that scurried through fallen leaves¡ªeach one was as large as a small horse.


    They were everywhere, approaching from all directions, encircling Kyle and Newt.


    The spiders moved their large pincers excitedly, producing a clattering sound.


    After the spiders completely encircled them, a spider the size of a small elephant slowly emerged from the depths of the path.


    ¡°Oh¡­ I never imagined an Acromantula could grow this big,¡± Newt said in amazement. ¡°This size¡­ even among all Acromantulas, it¡¯s a rare giant.¡±


    ¡°This isn¡¯t the time to admire it,¡± Kyle said dryly. ¡°It¡¯s clear they¡¯re planning to have us for dinner.¡±


    ¡°No, you¡¯re wrong,¡± Newt replied seriously. ¡°Acromantulas don¡¯t care for sweet foods. We¡¯re probably more like savory buns to them.¡±


    ¡°And how is that any better?¡± Kyle said, exasperated.


    ¡°Exactly!¡± Newt muttered in a barely audible voice. ¡°I don¡¯t even like pudding¡­¡±


    While they spoke, the Acromantulas had drawn closer, surrounding them completely. The largest spider moved forward, its enormous pincers clattering rapidly.


    ¡°You followed the spiders into our lair¡­¡± it rasped. ¡°Tell me, what is your purpose!¡±


    Acromantulas were known for their linguistic talent, able to mimic many sounds, including human voices. Though hoarse and dry, its speech was remarkably clear, and both Kyle and Newt understood it perfectly.


    ¡°I think there¡¯s been a misunderstanding, Aragog,¡± Kyle said. ¡°We¡¯re just here searching for a Manticore. We heard it was nearby, so we simply stopped to check.¡±


    ¡°You know my name?¡± The giant spider took another step forward.


    ¡°Hagrid told me,¡± Kyle replied.


    ¡°Lies¡­¡± Aragog hissed slowly. ¡°Hagrid has never sent anyone to our hollow before.¡±


    ¡°I wasn¡¯t sent to your hollow. I¡¯m just passing through¡­¡± Kyle tried again. S§×arch* The NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    But Aragog ignored him, clicking its enormous pincers even faster.


    ¡°We need to leave, Kyle,¡± Newt said urgently. ¡°That clicking is a sign they¡¯re about to attack.¡±


    Sure enough, as Newt finished speaking, the spiders moved in from all sides, their rustling limbs creating a steady, sinister noise.


    ¡°Prepare the Lighting Charm,¡± Newt whispered. ¡°Acromantulas can¡¯t close their eyes, so a burst of bright light will overwhelm them, rendering them defenseless.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve got an easier solution,¡± Kyle replied.


    Instead of retreating, he stepped forward, facing Aragog directly.


    ¡°So, are you going to kill us?¡± he asked.


    ¡°Out of respect for Hagrid, I have never harmed anyone,¡± Aragog replied, ¡°but I cannot stop the others from enjoying themselves. Goodbye, friend of Hagrid.¡±


    ¡°Oh, I see,¡± Kyle nodded. ¡°Then I¡¯ll give you two options.¡±


    He calmly placed his suitcase on the ground and opened it.


    In the next instant, Norbert¡¯s head poked out. The dragon positioned itself beside Kyle, its mouth slightly open, revealing a faint glow of orange-red flames within.


    The spiders froze, then immediately began retreating in panic. But Aragog stood rooted to the spot, immobilized by terror. It sensed Norbert¡¯s piercing gaze and knew that any sudden move would likely result in a searing blast of dragon fire.


    ¡°Damn it, who is this young wizard, and how does he have a dragon?¡± Aragog roared internally, feeling his entire body tremble.


    ¡°Misunderstanding, it¡¯s all a misunderstanding¡­¡± Aragog blurted hastily, even his speech speeding up. ¡°It was merely a joke, of course we wouldn¡¯t harm Hagrid¡¯s friends¡­¡±


    ¡°You really frightened me. I had no idea you were joking¡­¡± Kyle said, patting his chest in mock relief.


    ¡°Yes, yes,¡± the old spider nodded quickly. ¡°We respect Hagrid greatly; naturally, we wouldn¡¯t harm humans.¡±


    ¡°But I was still scared,¡± Kyle said with a smirk, ¡°so in fairness, I think some compensation is due for my emotional distress.¡±


    Aragog¡¯s pincers clicked hesitantly. ¡°You¡¯re searching for the creature with the scorpion tail, aren¡¯t you? Hagrid took it to the Three-Headed Dog. I know the location and can lead you there.¡±


    ¡°Not good enough,¡± Kyle replied, shaking his finger. ¡°I already know where the Three-Headed Dog is. I don¡¯t need directions.¡±


    He paused, surveying the mass of spiders. ¡°How about this¡­ I notice you have plenty of companions here. How about giving me some venom?¡±


    ¡°Fine,¡± the old spider muttered, ¡°how much do you want?¡±


    ¡°Not too much,¡± Kyle said, pulling out his wand. He transformed the nearby leaves into a dozen large bottles, each the same type that The Three Broomsticks used for Pumpkin Fizz. Every bottle could hold exactly a pint.


    ¡°Just fill these up,¡± Kyle instructed. ¡°I¡¯ll come back for them later. If they aren¡¯t ready, I may have to collect it myself. So, what do you say? Is that acceptable?¡±


    The old spider remained silent, visibly seething. Over a hundred pints of venom¡­ did this young wizard think they were pumpkins? Venom wasn¡¯t something you could just ¡°squeeze out!¡±


    Yet, feeling the warmth from the dragon and the unyielding eyes fixed upon him, Aragog dared not voice his anger. In the dense forest, a single dragon flame could set the entire area ablaze, leaving them no chance to escape.


    ¡°I accept!¡± the old spider spat out resentfully.


    ¡°A wise choice.¡± Kyle straightened up. ¡°Don¡¯t be bitter. I¡¯m doing this for your own good.¡±


    He continued, ¡°Let me put it this way: Professor Dumbledore up at the castle is not exactly lenient. If you harm any students, you¡¯re finished, and Hagrid won¡¯t be able to save you.¡±


    Kyle gave Aragog¡¯s massive pincers a friendly pat and walked past him. Norbert closed his mouth, visibly disappointed¡ªit seemed the dragon was quite interested in sampling one of the ¡°snacks.¡±


    Newt chuckled quietly as he closed the suitcase and followed Kyle, shaking his head with amusement.

 Chapter 420: Fluffy and the Manticore

    Although Kyle had claimed he knew where Fluffy was, the truth was he¡¯d only been there once¡ªand that time, Hagrid had led him along a different route.


    Now, in a completely unfamiliar area, he had no idea where to go. But he had a backup plan.


    Opening his suitcase, Kyle first coaxed a reluctant Norbert back inside. Then, he leaned in and shouted.


    After a moment, a small, bright-blue Billywig buzzed out, swaying slightly in mid-air.


    Billywigs have an excellent sense of smell and can detect herbs from miles away. This one had spent enough time with Fluffy to be well-acquainted with the giant dog¡¯s scent, which made it the perfect guide. This was why Kyle hadn¡¯t trusted Aragog¡¯s offer to show the way¡ªthose giant spiders were hardly trustworthy, and who knew what tricks they might pull.


    As soon as it emerged, the little creature seemed eager to explore, hovering near Newt and watching him curiously with its shiny, dark eyes.


    Newt felt a warm, pleasant energy from it, almost like basking in sunlight. He raised his hand toward the Billywig, and it didn¡¯t shy away but instead settled comfortably onto his open palm.


    ¡°What a good little one¡­¡± Newt chuckled, gently rubbing its belly. ¡°I used to have a Billywig too, but it was so mischievous, always trying to escape, and impossible to call back¡­¡±


    A soft smile spread across his face as he reminisced.


    He thought of his friend Jacob, whose favorite magical creature had been that Billywig. After being stung by one, a person would float uncontrollably in the air¡ªa feeling Jacob loved. It made him feel like a wizard, even though he was just a Muggle¡­ well, the fiercest Muggle of all, officially recognized by the American Ministry of Magic.


    Newt chuckled again at the memory.


    Seeing Newt lost in thought, Kyle didn¡¯t disturb him. He simply extended his hand, and the Billywig darted back over.


    ¡°We¡¯re looking for the Three-Headed Dog,¡± Kyle whispered. ¡°Can you show us the way?¡±


    The little creature nodded, then spun in the air and zipped off down a path to the left. Kyle and Newt followed closely.


    Fluffy¡¯s location wasn¡¯t far from the Acromantulas¡¯ lair. After about ten minutes of walking, Kyle suddenly heard a loud, excited bark. The ground shook as Fluffy came bounding toward them, snapping branches and trampling undergrowth in his path.


    Fluffy skidded to a stop in front of Kyle, enthusiastically lowering his three heads and swishing his tongues in Kyle¡¯s direction.


    Kyle took a quick step back to avoid the slobbering welcome. Fluffy¡¯s tongues hit a nearby tree instead, peeling off a layer of bark.


    Watching Kyle¡¯s reaction, Fluffy tilted all three heads, as if confused by the rejection. Hagrid clearly enjoyed it, so why not do it again?


    Just as Fluffy prepared for another round of tongue-wagging, Kyle quickly waved his hands to stop the enormous dog from showing his affection in that way.


    Fluffy was even bigger than Kyle remembered¡ªpractically a small mountain now¡ªand he didn¡¯t know the difference between a light touch and a heavy one. Kyle wasn¡¯t as sturdy as Hagrid, and a ¡°friendly¡± lick like that would likely knock him out cold.


    So instead, he held out his hand in greeting, and Fluffy lay down with a pleased rumble. All three heads vied to get Kyle¡¯s attention, relishing his practiced scratching behind their ears.


    Then Fluffy noticed Newt.


    Instantly, the dog¡¯s expression turned wary, and his heads lifted with a low, suspicious growl. But at Kyle¡¯s reassuring words, Fluffy settled down.


    ¡°Relax, boy. We¡¯ve met before, remember?¡± Newt said gently, stepping forward with his hands outstretched.


    Fluffy and Newt had indeed crossed paths once, back when Kyle was in second year. But with the limited memory of a Three-Headed Dog, it was clear Fluffy couldn¡¯t recall such a distant meeting.


    Newt didn¡¯t let that deter him. He placed a calming hand on Fluffy¡¯s middle snout and then scratched under each of the dog¡¯s three chins in turn. Gradually, Fluffy settled down, his eyes half-closing as he rumbled contentedly, nearly dozing off.


    Just then, a rustling sound came from the bushes on their right.


    Kyle tensed, initially thinking it might be the Acromantulas sneaking after them. But as he turned, he realized it was something else entirely.


    From the shadows, a pair of eerie blue eyes observed them warily. Under the moonlight, Kyle could make out a muscular, lion-like body behind the eyes, along with a long, barbed tail tipped with venom.


    It was a Manticore.


    The creature, seemingly attracted by the commotion, had come closer. As Kyle locked eyes with it, the Manticore let out a low growl, ¡°Humans, get out of here!¡±


    But before Kyle could respond, Fluffy sprang up, all three heads roaring ferociously at the Manticore.


    Unfazed, the Manticore roared back, matching Fluffy¡¯s fury note for note.


    ¡°Manticores are famous for their excellent language abilities,¡± Newt remarked calmly from the side. ¡°When it was first discovered, because it had a human-like face and could speak human language, the Manticore was classified as a ¡®Being¡¯ alongside Centaurs, Sirens, and Vampires. However, due to its extreme aggression and difficulty in communication, it was removed from the category of ¡®Being¡¯ in 1269.¡±


    Meanwhile, Fluffy and the Manticore¡¯s roaring contest only escalated. Evidently, they had no intention of backing down.


    In an instant, their dispute turned physical. The two large creatures lunged at each other, their tempers flaring, and the trees around them suffered for it. Branches snapped, and a large swath of forest was trampled under their massive forms. The noise of their battle was so loud that it momentarily drowned out their roars.


    Under normal circumstances, the Manticore would have held the advantage with its venomous tail and quicker reflexes. But with an injured hind leg, it was slower than usual. Within minutes, Fluffy managed to pin the Manticore to the ground, stepping firmly on its tail.


    ¡°Humans, I yield!¡± the Manticore growled, its blue eyes shifting towards Kyle and Newt. ¡°I promise I won¡¯t harm you¡ªjust make this idiot let go of me!¡±


    Kyle raised an eyebrow. ¡°This is supposed to be¡­ difficult to communicate?¡±


    ¡°There are always exceptions,¡± Newt chuckled. ¡°Not everyone has a Three-Headed Dog at their side.¡±


    ¡°Good point.¡± Sear?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Kyle walked over and gently tapped Fluffy¡¯s tail, signaling him to let go. With a reluctant huff, Fluffy lifted his paw off the Manticore¡¯s tail.


    The Manticore quickly scrambled to its feet, backing away with a cautious glance at Fluffy, maintaining a safe distance.


    ¡°Stupid creature¡­¡± it muttered under its breath, before turning its attention to Kyle. ¡°Human, you shouldn¡¯t be here.¡±


    ¡°We mean no offense,¡± Newt said, stepping forward with a peculiar, deliberate posture. He held his arms at slightly different heights, raised one leg, and leaned forward, striking an oddly contorted pose that somehow seemed both cautious and reassuring.


    ¡°Relax, we mean you no harm. We just want to help¡­¡±


    Following Newt¡¯s lead, Kyle mirrored the strange stance. Though it felt more than a bit awkward, he noticed that the Manticore¡¯s wariness softened, and it allowed them to edge closer without protest.


    This wasn¡¯t Kyle¡¯s first time mimicking Newt¡¯s unusual postures around magical creatures, but it never ceased to amaze him. He still couldn¡¯t understand how Newt came up with these odd gestures or why they worked.

 Chapter 421: The Shameless Old Spider

    Once the two of them had cautiously walked past, the Manticore seemed to relax as well. It eyed Fluffy, who was still grinning toothily behind them, and took another careful step back.


    ¡°That idiot is harmless,¡± it grumbled. ¡°Do you know Hagrid?¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s my professor,¡± Kyle replied steadily. ¡°We only came out here in the middle of the night because we heard you were injured¡­ we wanted to help.¡±


    ¡°Help me?¡± the Manticore asked skeptically.


    ¡°Yes.¡± Kyle nodded, his gaze falling to the Manticore¡¯s bandaged hind leg. ¡°We¡¯ve treated injuries like this many times, and we¡¯re absolute professionals.¡±


    Newt stepped forward, producing a bottle of medicinal powder and moving to the Manticore¡¯s foreleg, where a fresh wound from Fluffy¡¯s bite was oozing blood. The Manticore winced at the sting and muttered another curse toward Fluffy.


    it thought bitterly.


    Newt gently parted the Manticore¡¯s thick fur and sprinkled the powder onto the wound. This remedy, specially formulated for dragons during Newt¡¯s time in Rome, was a blend of Essence of Dittany, various potent herbs, and even a drop of Phoenix tears. If it worked on dragons, it would surely work for a Manticore.


    Soon, the bleeding ceased, and the pain subsided. The Manticore looked at Newt in surprise.


    ¡°See? We¡¯re professionals,¡± Kyle said with a grin, pulling out a fresh cow leg.


    Fluffy perked up instantly, his three heads snapping toward the treat, nostrils flaring as drool began to puddle on the ground.


    ¡°Oh, no you don¡¯t,¡± Kyle said, giving him a firm tap on the middle head. ¡°You bit someone, and you think you¡¯re getting rewarded? Back off.¡±


    Fluffy let out a faintly sulky whine but obediently slumped to the ground, covering his eyes and nose with his paws.


    Yet, with three heads, two paws were hardly enough. The middle head, still nosy and curious, ended up jamming itself into a nearby hollow stump, eyes tightly shut.


    The Manticore, watching this ridiculous display, seemed to cheer up. It let out a loud, exaggerated crunch as it bit into the cow leg, making sure Fluffy could hear every chew. Fluffy promptly covered his ears, looking truly dejected.


    While the Manticore was preoccupied with its meal, Newt removed the old bandages from its hind leg and began reapplying fresh powder. Gradually, the Manticore¡¯s attitude softened, and as the pain subsided, it even began to chat with Newt, displaying the calm demeanor of a Sphinx rather than its reputed ¡°violent temperament.¡±


    They continued in amiable conversation from late night to early morning.


    As the sky started to lighten, Kyle, who had spent the entire night in the Forbidden Forest, prepared to leave. It was Monday, after all, and he had classes waiting.


    Newt decided to stay a while longer. He¡¯d considered escorting Kyle out of the forest and then returning, but when Fluffy trotted over, ready to guide Kyle himself, Newt let the idea go.


    Once they reached the edge of the forest, Kyle noticed that Fluffy still seemed a bit downcast. So, with a quiet smile, he pulled out three dried Tebo warthog legs.


    Fluffy¡¯s eyes lit up instantly, and his drooling resumed as he eagerly awaited his reward.


    ¡°Go on, eat up. This is much tastier than a cow leg¡­¡± Kyle said, patting Fluffy¡¯s head.


    Fluffy immediately pounced on the treat, devouring it in two big bites and licking his lips with satisfaction. Kyle took out three more. These small snacks were originally for Norbert¡ªthey wouldn¡¯t fill Fluffy up, but they¡¯d keep him happy for a while.


    After finishing with Fluffy, Kyle led him back to the hollow where Aragog was. Before returning to the castle, he wanted to collect his ¡°spoils¡± of venom.


    As they approached, Kyle noticed an unexpected figure: Hagrid, talking to Aragog. The old spider seemed animated, gesturing excitedly as he spoke. Kyle caught snippets of their conversation.


    ¡°¡­young wizard¡­ no morals¡­ ambushed me¡­ extorted venom¡­¡±


    Kyle¡¯s mouth twitched. He¡¯d considered many scenarios, but he never thought the old spider would actually complain to Hagrid about him. All he¡¯d requested was a dozen pints of venom¡ªhardly excessive for a creature like Aragog. So much for a Level 5X magical creature. Apparently, if you can¡¯t win, tattle.


    Kyle took a deep breath and gave Fluffy a light pat. ¡°Run off and make a few laps, then come back.¡±


    Though Fluffy didn¡¯t quite understand, he dutifully bolted away, thundering through the forest.


    Hagrid noticed and called out, ¡°Fluffy? What are you doin¡¯ here? Stop¡­¡±


    Fluffy paused briefly but then continued running. Hagrid, forgetting Aragog, took off after the dog.


    ¡°Stop, Fluffy¡­ what¡¯s gotten into yeh?¡±


    Once they were far enough away, Kyle emerged with a large flowerpot in hand, his expression grim. No sooner had he appeared than over a dozen Acromantula scuttled around him.


    ¡°Well, human¡­¡± Aragog began with a smug tone. ¡°You¡¯d better leave quickly. Hagrid said you¡¯re not allowed in the Forbidden Forest. If you go now, I¡¯ll pretend I know nothing.¡±


    ¡°What about my things?¡± Kyle asked evenly.


    ¡°What things¡­¡± Aragog waved a massive pincer, clearly intending to renege on their deal. ¡°Hagrid¡¯s nearby, and with a dragon on the loose, his attention¡¯s on you. If you don¡¯t want trouble, you¡¯d better clear out.¡±


    Kyle narrowed his eyes. ¡°So, you¡¯re assuming you¡¯ll make it past tomorrow? Hagrid can¡¯t watch you all the time.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll tell on you. Go up to that castle,¡± the old spider sneered. ¡°You¡¯re not allowed to keep dragons either. I know all about it¡­¡±


    ¡°Is that so?¡± Kyle¡¯s gaze darkened. ¡°In that case, let me present a more reasonable alternative.¡±


    He pulled out his wand.


    ¡°Wizard!¡± Aragog barked. One of the nearby Acromantulas scuttled forward, bristling. ¡°Dare to use magic? Do you seek war with us?¡±


    ¡°War? Certainly not. Just feeling a bit¡­ cold.¡±


    Under the watchful eyes of the Acromantulas, Kyle casually conjured a pair of earmuffs, placed them snugly over his ears, and then tucked his wand away. He reached into his flowerpot and grabbed a tuft of leaves.


    With a quick glance around to make sure no one else was nearby, he announced, ¡°How about a little music?¡±


    And with that, Kyle gave a firm tug, pulling the mandrake out of the pot. Instantly, a deafening scream echoed through the Forbidden Forest. The Acromantulas barely had time to react before they crumpled to the ground, incapacitated by the mandrake¡¯s wail.


    After a few seconds, Kyle pushed the plant back into the pot. It wouldn¡¯t kill the Acromantulas outright, but it would keep them unconscious for a good while.


    When the shrieking stopped, only Aragog and a few of the larger Acromantulas were still standing, albeit shakily. S§×ar?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°So, how was that?¡± Kyle said with a smirk, looking directly at the old spider. ¡°Oh, and by the way, I have about a dozen more pots of mandrakes just like this one. Enough for a whole concert.¡±


    He added with a satisfied grin, ¡°And it¡¯s perfectly legal. As long as there aren¡¯t any wizards on the other side, even if I get caught, well¡­ no one would bat an eye.¡±

 Chapter 422: The Generous Acromantula

    With his haul secured, Kyle left the Forbidden Forest in high spirits.


    Nineteen pints of Acromantula venom¡ªequivalent to 1,900 Galleons. The cost of the Tebo warthog legs he gave to Fluffy was returned many times over. The final amount had actually been increased after Aragog, sensing how shameless his initial attempt had been, grudgingly offered more venom. Truthfully, it wasn¡¯t that he didn¡¯t want to give more, but Acromantula simply couldn¡¯t produce more. Every spider in the nest, from Aragog himself down to the smallest ones the size of a finger, had been ¡°milked¡± dry to reach the total of nineteen pints.


    When Kyle left, the spiders lay scattered about in the hollow, weakened and woozy as though intoxicated. Seeing them like this, Kyle felt a rare pang of sympathy and resolved to whip up a batch of Spider Tonic as soon as he returned. He¡¯d ask Hagrid to deliver it to the Acromantulas, hoping it would help them recover quickly, given that their natural recovery rate was painfully slow.


    Kyle walked back into the castle, cheerfully oblivious to the fact that a pair of eyes was watching him from the shadows.


    ¡°Aha!¡±


    Filch sprang out from a hidden corner, his voice dripping with glee. ¡°Caught you sneakin¡¯ around late at night!¡±


    Though startled, Kyle kept his composure. ¡°Sorry, Mr. Filch, but I don¡¯t understand what you¡¯re talking about. I just got up early for a walk.¡±


    ¡°Do you think I¡¯ll fall for that?¡± Filch sneered. ¡°It¡¯s only five o¡¯clock¡ªno young wizard gets up this early.¡±


    ¡°Maybe I went to bed early last night,¡± Kyle replied coolly. ¡°If you don¡¯t believe me, you¡¯re welcome to check with the Hufflepuff common room. Everyone knows I was back in my dorm by ten, and I didn¡¯t leave all night.¡±


    ¡°Or you can ask the portrait in the corridor,¡± he added, looking as calm as ever.


    Filch, his confidence wavering, frowned. ¡°I¡¯ll do just that. Follow me.¡±


    He led Kyle to a portrait in the kitchen corridor, then turned with a smirk. ¡°Last chance to confess, or¡­¡±


    ¡°No need, Mr. Filch,¡± Kyle said, taking the lead. Looking at the portrait, he asked, ¡°Excuse me, did you see any Hufflepuffs out for a late-night stroll after curfew last night?¡±


    ¡°Nighttime stroll? Absolutely not!¡± replied the wizard in the portrait decisively.


    ¡°Are you sure?¡± Filch asked, his expression darkening.


    ¡°Quite sure,¡± said the wizard. ¡°Last night, I was locked in an eyeball contest with the lady across the way¡ªstarted at nine. If a student had come by, I¡¯d have seen them.¡±


    Filch¡¯s face turned an even uglier shade.


    ¡°Well, the truth¡¯s out, Mr. Filch,¡± Kyle said with a grin. ¡°If there¡¯s nothing more, I¡¯ll be heading back¡­¡±


    Pausing, Kyle added, ¡°By the way, I noticed Mrs. Norris has lost a bit of weight lately. Could it be that Hogwarts hasn¡¯t paid your salary? You¡¯re not cutting her food, are you?¡±


    Filch¡¯s face looked positively haunted, as if he¡¯d just been told his job was going to a Dementor. ¡°I haven¡¯t cut Mrs. Norris¡¯s food!¡± he bellowed. ¡°Not once!¡±


    ¡°Of course,¡± Kyle said with a casual shrug. ¡°But she does look thinner. Maybe a bit of high-quality dried fish would do her some good.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t you dare¡­¡± Filch grumbled. He hadn¡¯t caught a single student breaking rules in days and was already on edge. Being accused of ¡°underfeeding Mrs. Norris¡± was the last straw.


    ¡°Just a suggestion.¡± Kyle didn¡¯t wait for more, instead tapping a barrel with his wand. ¡°Well then, Mr. Filch, I¡¯ll be off. See you around¡­¡±


    With a polite wave, Kyle turned and walked into the corridor, the passage door closing behind him and blocking out Filch¡¯s sputtering.


    He found the Hufflepuff common room empty¡ªno surprise, given the early hour. Even in Hufflepuff, it was unusual for students to be awake before dawn; that honor was typically reserved for Ravenclaws.


    Since sleep was pointless now, Kyle poured himself a bottle of Pepperup Potion and settled into the armchair closest to the fireplace, picking up a book to read.


    It wasn¡¯t until seven o¡¯clock that the first few students started drifting into the common room.


    ...


    The first class of the day was Divination.


    Most students¡ªand even some professors¡ªconsidered Professor Trelawney a fraud who merely muddled her way through her job at Hogwarts. But there were always a few who believed she was a genuinely powerful seer.


    ¡°I used to think she was a fraud too,¡± said Mikel, excitedly recounting his story in the dark, stuffy attic classroom. ¡°But every prophecy she¡¯s made about me has come true¡­¡±


    ¡°She told me I¡¯d be ¡®away from everyone for a while,¡¯¡± he continued, ¡°and then I ended up in the Hospital Wing over the weekend! So that¡¯s kind of ¡®away from everyone,¡¯ isn¡¯t it?¡±


    Mikel was referring to the incident after the recent Quidditch match, where he¡¯d been struck by a Bludger. Madam Pomfrey had insisted he stay in the Hospital Wing for two days, nursing a sizable bump on his head.


    ¡°She told me the same thing,¡± Kyle replied flatly. ¡°It was just a coincidence.¡±


    In fact, it wasn¡¯t just Mikel. Cedric had also received some ominous ¡°predictions¡± from Trelawney.


    Consciously, Professor Trelawney was a dramatic but talented charlatan; she knew how to make her prophecies sound just convincing enough. Her trick lay in knowing which students to focus on and choosing predictions that had a high likelihood of coming true. S§×arch* The N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Quidditch players were perfect targets. In Quidditch, injuries were all but guaranteed, whether during practices or matches. And so, at the start of the school year, Professor Trelawney had carefully ¡°predicted¡± some misfortune for nearly every Quidditch player.


    She didn¡¯t have to do much. She merely waited, and eventually, one of the players would get injured, making her prophecy ¡°come true.¡±


    This technique had won her a number of admirers, including Mikel, who had joined the Quidditch team just this term. When Professor Trelawney heard of the new addition, she¡¯d swiftly added him to her list of predictions. By sheer chance, she¡¯d made his prophecy on a Friday, and after the game on Saturday, it had indeed come true. Mikel was convinced and became one of her most loyal believers.


    Today, Professor Trelawney was in her usual theatrical mood. With the next Quidditch match approaching, she was once again focusing her attentions on the team members.


    As she passed Kyle, she barely paused. From observing prior matches, she knew Kyle had never been injured during a game, which meant her success rate with him was disappointingly low. Instead, she moved on to a more ¡°promising¡± candidate.


    She drifted over and stopped subtly in front of Mikel¡¯s table, watching him as he tinkered with an astrolabe.


    ¡°There¡¯s¡­ something here¡­¡± murmured Professor Trelawney softly, leaning in closer to examine his work. ¡°Something moving¡­ what could it be¡­ oh!¡±


    She shook her head dramatically and sighed. ¡°My dear, if I were you, I would be cautious around someone with tousled hair¡­ yes, the very person you¡¯re thinking of. Best to avoid him until Easter.¡±


    Mikel immediately went rigid, glancing around the room nervously in search of this mysterious tousled-haired individual Professor Trelawney had warned him about.

 Chapter 423: Ravenclaw’s Plan Fails

    By the end of the class, Mikel hadn¡¯t managed to spot anyone who fit Professor Trelawney¡¯s description. For the next few days, he remained on edge, glancing around anxiously.


    Kyle was fairly sure that the ¡°person with messy hair¡± Trelawney had mentioned was probably Harry. She¡¯d likely misremembered the schedule and thought Hufflepuff¡¯s next opponent was Gryffindor, hence the cryptic warning. And with Harry¡¯s eternally untamed hair, it wasn¡¯t a stretch.


    This theory was soon confirmed. A few days later, Fred caught up with Kyle and shared his own encounter with Trelawney¡¯s ¡°prophecies.¡±


    ¡°She called me by the wrong name and thought I was George,¡± Fred said, doubled over with laughter at the table. ¡°Then she warned me to be wary of a ¡®handsome young man with dark hair.¡¯ I¡¯d put my money on either you or Cedric.¡±


    ¡°Oh, Fred!¡± George gasped in exaggerated horror. ¡°Maybe we ought to avoid Kyle! Professor Trelawney did warn us.¡±


    ¡°Yeah,¡± Fred chuckled, ¡°he might transform into a dragon and gobble us up¡­¡±


    ¡°Or knock us off our brooms on the Quidditch pitch¡­¡±


    ¡°Too bad our match is already done¡­¡±


    ¡°Guess he¡¯ll have to wait ¡®til next year to get us¡­¡±


    ¡°So, Kyle, can you turn into a dragon?¡± They both asked in unison, cackling as if it was the funniest joke they¡¯d heard all year.


    Their banter only confirmed Kyle¡¯s suspicions¡ªTrelawney had clearly mixed up the schedule. Then again, it wasn¡¯t surprising. Ever since the Dementors had shown up at Hogwarts, it seemed Trelawney hadn¡¯t attended a single Quidditch match. Kyle certainly hadn¡¯t seen her in the teachers¡¯ box lately.


    ...


    On the last weekend before Easter, the highly anticipated Gryffindor vs. Ravenclaw match began.


    Ravenclaw seemed intent on replicating Hufflepuff¡¯s strategy from the previous game, focusing heavily on their Chasers instead of their Seeker, hoping to rack up points quickly to reduce the score gap. But Gryffindor¡¯s captain, Oliver Wood, had anticipated this approach and trained his team accordingly.


    Most importantly, Ravenclaw didn¡¯t have an outstanding Chaser who could consistently break through Wood¡¯s defense. Consequently, their game plan unraveled from the start.


    As soon as the match began, Gryffindor seized control. Angelina Johnson caught a pass from Wood and shot forward like an arrow, backhanding the Quaffle straight through Ravenclaw¡¯s goal.


    Twenty minutes in, Gryffindor led 80-20. The Ravenclaw stands fell silent, their fans grimly reminded of the darker days from two years ago, when victory felt like a distant dream and the team played merely for participation.


    Forty minutes later, Gryffindor was 150 points ahead. By then, only one hope remained for Ravenclaw: Cho would need to catch the Golden Snitch immediately. However, Harry ultimately spotted the Snitch first, ending the game with Gryffindor¡¯s win.


    ¡°You should have waited a little longer, Harry, at least until we¡¯d scored more points¡­¡± Wood grumbled afterward in the changing room. ¡°Now we¡¯re only two hundred points ahead of Hufflepuff. That¡¯s hardly secure. They could overtake us in the last match.¡±


    ¡°Uh¡­ Cho had already spotted the Snitch,¡± Harry replied, scratching his head. ¡°She almost caught it¡­¡±


    ¡°Then block her or grab it yourself!¡± Wood burst out. ¡°This is about winning the Quidditch Cup, not gentlemanly behavior¡­¡±


    Harry said nothing. He didn¡¯t want to leave a poor impression on Cho, and he¡¯d already stretched out the match to forty minutes¡ªany longer would have been unreasonable.


    ¡°It¡¯s fine, Oliver,¡± Fred and George chimed in, trying to calm him down. ¡°Hufflepuff might not score that many points.¡±


    ¡°Plus, Slytherin¡¯s team isn¡¯t half-bad¡­¡± George admitted reluctantly. ¡°Maybe they could even win the game.¡±


    ¡°But we¡¯re only 250 points ahead of Slytherin!¡± Wood pointed out.


    ¡°Then let¡¯s hope they catch the Snitch within five minutes,¡± Fred said. ¡°Their Seeker isn¡¯t the brightest, so the moment he spots it, he¡¯ll make a straight dash without a second thought.¡±


    ¡°Exactly,¡± added George. ¡°Once Malfoy goes for it, Cedric will have to follow, just like you did today, Harry.¡±


    Wood sighed. ¡°I hope you¡¯re right,¡± he muttered as he led the team out of the changing rooms.


    As they exited, they ran into the Ravenclaw team heading off the field. Wood attempted a friendly greeting, but the Ravenclaws ignored him, leaving in silence. Harry noticed Cho walking away without looking back and briefly considered going over to apologize, hoping to smooth things over.


    But he soon forgot the idea as the Easter holidays arrived.


    Unlike the Christmas break, the two-week Easter holiday was far from relaxing. Homework piled up at an overwhelming rate.


    ¡°It would¡¯ve been better if we didn¡¯t even have a holiday,¡± Mikel complained one afternoon as he set down his quill in frustration. ¡°During term, we could at least spend the evenings doing what we wanted, but now we¡¯re buried in homework with no end in sight!¡±


    His words struck a chord with everyone around him.


    ¡°It¡¯s not even exam time yet! What are they doing?¡± grumbled Susan Bones from the corner.


    Soon, complaints echoed through the common room as students voiced their frustration over the avalanche of assignments.


    ¡°Kyle, have you finished the essay on Switching Spells?¡± Kanna asked in a low voice. ¡°How many essays did Professor McGonagall assign?¡±


    ¡°Twelve Transfiguration essays in total, and three are on the Switching Spell,¡± Kyle replied.


    ¡°What exactly were the topics?¡± she asked, sounding a bit lost.


    ¡°There¡¯s been so much work lately, I can¡¯t remember them all,¡± Kyle said, gesturing to a tall stack of parchments beside him. ¡°But I tackled the Transfiguration essays first and finished them all. You can have a look.¡± sea??h th§× N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°Thanks¡­¡±


    Kanna rummaged through the stack and quickly found the Transfiguration assignment near the bottom.


    ¡°¡®Summarize the incorrect actions that cause the Switching Spell to fail?¡¯¡± she read aloud in surprise. ¡°I thought it was supposed to be a theoretical analysis.¡±


    As Kyle had said, with the sheer volume of assignments, it was easy to mix up the topics. The common room was full of students lamenting that they¡¯d written the wrong essay.


    Eventually, someone suggested not to worry too much, pointing out that the professors were unlikely to read every single assignment closely given the sheer number they¡¯d assigned. This bit of reassurance helped calm those who had been on the verge of a breakdown.

 Chapter 424: I’m Training

    After everyone finished their towering stacks of homework, the Easter holidays came to an end. This also marked the approach of the year¡¯s final and decisive Quidditch match: Hufflepuff versus Slytherin. The outcome of this match would determine the Quidditch Cup champion.


    No one could remember a match with such a charged atmosphere. The tension between Hufflepuff and Slytherin had reached an all-time high, but fortunately, both houses had managed to avoid outright clashes.


    True to their reputation for unity, the Hufflepuffs stuck together in tight-knit groups, never wandering alone. Cedric, in particular, had almost become a ¡°protected species¡±; he was constantly flanked by at least five sixth-year students, whether in class or at meals in the Great Hall. Slytherin¡¯s captain, Marcus Flint, had led a few ambush attempts, but all had ended in failure due to Hufflepuff¡¯s numbers.


    The rest of the Hufflepuff team received similar protection. While they weren¡¯t always surrounded by seniors, they traveled in groups of ten or so, which was still an intimidating presence, especially for younger students.


    The only exception was Kyle, who typically walked around with just one companion¡ªKanna. However, no one from Slytherin dared to mess with him. Even when they passed him in the corridors, there was no sign of the usual underhanded tricks, like trying to trip him.


    Most Slytherins from pure-blood families knew of the connection between Snape¡¯s family and the Prince name, and none wanted to take their chances. Besides, Kyle¡¯s accomplishments were hardly ignorable: his three Special Awards for Services to the School and a Second-Class Order of Merlin were prominently displayed in the Trophy Room. In an actual fight, it was anyone¡¯s guess who would come out on top.


    In this tense climate, Kyle¡¯s days were actually quite peaceful, almost ordinary.


    The day before the match, Kyle and Kanna were on their way to Herbology class. Just as they stepped out of the castle, they saw Malfoy suddenly leap out from behind a nearby doorway, brandishing a large bat. Positioned in front of him, crouched with legs outstretched to trip someone, were his loyal henchmen, Crabbe and Goyle.


    ¡°Malfoy, what do you think you¡¯re doing!¡± Kanna snapped, her voice furious.


    Upon seeing Kyle and Kanna instead of his intended target, Malfoy froze, his bat raised in mid-air, looking thoroughly bewildered.


    Malfoy¡¯s mind raced.


    ¡°Damn it! That idiot set me up!¡± Malfoy clenched the bat in frustration, feeling a surge of anger.


    He still remembered the ¡°lesson¡± Kyle had given him on the Hogwarts Express three years ago. Picking a fight with Kyle was the last thing he wanted. And Kanna¡ªif she decided to report him to Professor Snape, no matter the reason or the fault, Malfoy knew he¡¯d be doomed.


    ¡°I¡­ I was just practicing,¡± Malfoy stammered, swinging the bat awkwardly in the air. ¡°Besides being a Seeker, I thought I might as well try out as a Beater.¡±


    He swung the bat twice more, as if to make his case. Crabbe and Goyle, sensing the shift, quietly withdrew their outstretched legs and turned their faces away, pretending they¡¯d never been involved.


    ¡°Well, keep practicing then¡­¡± Kyle said, not pressing the matter. Once the way was clear, he and Kanna headed out of the castle toward the greenhouses.


    Meanwhile, Malfoy and his cronies quickly shuffled off, no doubt ready to track down Montague and give him a piece of their minds.


    Kyle didn¡¯t see any of this, though. He and Kanna were soon at Greenhouse Three, where their classmates were already gathered, waiting for class to start.


    After about five minutes, Professor Sprout arrived, unlocking the greenhouse doors and ushering everyone in. But as Kyle moved to enter, she gently held him back.


    ¡°So, feeling confident about tomorrow¡¯s match?¡± Professor Sprout asked, a hint of nervousness in her voice.


    ¡°Absolutely, Professor,¡± Kyle replied with a smile. ¡°The Quidditch Cup is as good as Hufflepuff¡¯s this year.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sure it is,¡± Professor Sprout said with a supportive nod. ¡°Just make sure you win, all right?¡±


    Kyle was a little taken aback. If this had come from Professor McGonagall, it wouldn¡¯t have surprised him at all. As a die-hard Quidditch fan, the Cup meant everything to her¡ªFred and George often said the only time McGonagall ever looked truly disappointed was after a Gryffindor loss. House points meant little to her in comparison.


    But Professor Sprout¡­ he¡¯d always thought her main concern was her greenhouses.


    He wasn¡¯t wrong about that, but things had shifted for Professor Sprout over the past few years. At first, she hadn¡¯t paid much attention to Quidditch. However, once Hufflepuff had won two championships in a row, she¡¯d begun attending matches more frequently, enjoying the change in atmosphere. After Hufflepuff¡¯s third consecutive win last year, she found herself genuinely invested.


    Winning felt¡­ different. Hufflepuff had long been Hogwarts¡¯ underdog house, rarely in contention for either the Quidditch Cup or the House Cup, and victories had been few and far between. But after three consecutive championships, Professor Sprout had noticed the other heads of house¡ªespecially McGonagall¡ªgrowing envious, and she couldn¡¯t deny that it was a good feeling. Winning gave her a new sense of confidence.


    But there was another reason Professor Sprout was rooting so passionately for Hufflepuff¡¯s continued success. For years, she had quietly hoped to expand the greenhouse¡¯s collection with more rare and exotic plants, but the high cost of these specimens always held her back. Some seeds were hundreds of Galleons apiece, and considering the greenhouse was primarily used for teaching, it was hard to justify.


    Now, however, she had a plan. If Hufflepuff won the Quidditch Cup for the fourth year in a row, she¡¯d have solid grounds to request funding¡ªjust as Snape had done years ago. After Slytherin had won the House Cup five times consecutively, Snape had requested a large quantity of valuable potion ingredients, and Dumbledore had approved it. If Snape could do it, she could too¡ªespecially with Hufflepuff also having won the House Cup three times in a row.


    Today¡¯s lesson was on the Fanged Geranium, a rather aggressive plant with razor-sharp teeth. Although not as dangerous as the Venomous Tentacula, a bite from the Fanged Geranium was unpleasant. Its bite left the skin red, swollen, and numb, with symptoms lasting a full week.


    ¡°Everyone, put on your gloves,¡± Professor Sprout reminded them. ¡°And be cautious. These little ones are teething and eager to bite anything in sight. Watch your backs¡ªthese branches can wrap around you before you know it.¡±


    As she spoke, she brushed a twig off her shoulder.


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 Chapter 425: The Quidditch Final

    The day of the match finally arrived. After breakfast, Kyle and the Hufflepuff team headed to the Quidditch Pitch together.


    ¡°Good luck, Kyle!¡± Kanna called out, waving from the stands. Kyle waved back before joining the rest of the team in the Changing Rooms.


    When they stepped onto the Pitch, a roar of noise greeted them¡ªlouder than usual, as nearly everyone from the castle had come to watch the final match of the season. Even Dumbledore was there, seated in the center of the teachers'' box, chatting and laughing with Professor McGonagall.


    However, Professor Snape and Professor Sprout weren¡¯t in the teacher''s box. Instead, they each sat at the front of their respective houses¡¯ sections, both visibly showing their loyalty.


    ¡°Hufflepuff are on the field!¡± Lee Jordan, the usual commentator, announced excitedly. ¡°Leading the team is captain Cedric Diggory, along with Kyle¡­ This team has a knack for surprises, and I¡¯ve got a feeling they might just set a new record for fastest Snitch catch today!¡±


    ¡°Slytherin, led by captain Marcus Flint, is entering now¡­¡± Lee continued as the two teams reached the center of the Pitch.


    ¡°Captains, shake hands!¡± Madam Hooch instructed.


    Cedric and Flint stepped forward, shaking hands firmly, their eyes locked. Then, with a sharp blast of the whistle, the game began, and fifteen broomsticks¡ªincluding Madam Hooch¡¯s¡ªsoared into the sky.


    ¡°Hufflepuff takes early possession!¡± Lee Jordan¡¯s voice boomed. ¡°Kyle gets the Quaffle¡ªswift as always¡­ Slytherin¡¯s Warrington attempts to intercept¡­ Whoa, close call with a Bludger! But Warrington is blocked¡­ Kyle dodges Montague with ease¡­ And scores! Hufflepuff is up 10-0!¡±


    The Hufflepuff supporters erupted in cheers as the Quaffle passed through the Slytherin hoop. Meanwhile, the Gryffindors clapped politely but somewhat reluctantly; they were hoping for a close game that would leave Gryffindor with a chance at the Cup if the points remained tight.


    Back on the Pitch, Kyle turned to make his way back toward Hufflepuff¡¯s end, but he caught sight of Flint hurtling toward him at full speed. Swerving his broom, Kyle narrowly avoided a collision.


    ¡°Oops! Didn¡¯t see you there,¡± Flint sneered, barely disguising a smirk.


    ¡°No problem,¡± Kyle replied calmly, flashing a grin. ¡°It¡¯s all part of Quidditch, right?¡±


    At first, Flint didn¡¯t give it much thought. But soon enough, he understood the meaning behind Kyle¡¯s words. Mid-play, a hard Quaffle throw from Kyle hit Flint so forcefully that he almost thought it was a Bludger.


    ¡°Foul!¡± Flint shouted, pointing at Kyle and appealing to Madam Hooch. ¡°He did that on purpose! Slytherin deserves a penalty!¡±


    ¡°Not at all! That was a perfectly legal pass,¡± Madam Hooch shouted back. ¡°You were in the middle of the pitch¡ªplay continues!¡±


    Flint¡¯s face flushed with anger as he shook his fist, glaring at Kyle. he fumed.


    Meanwhile, Kyle had already scored his second goal, bringing the score to 20-0 in Hufflepuff¡¯s favor.


    Seeing their early lead, the Slytherin players grew increasingly frustrated, and their play turned aggressive. Soon, they were fighting for possession of the Quaffle with little regard for the rules.


    At one point, Bole struck Hufflepuff Chaser Grace with his Beater¡¯s bat. When Madam Hooch called him out, Bole argued, ¡°I thought she was a Bludger!¡±


    Fuming, Mikel retaliated by balancing on his broom and giving Bole a swift kick to the face, drawing gasps and cheers from the crowd as the game¡¯s intensity soared.


    ¡°Oh, that was a brilliant move! I need to learn it... Just kidding, Professor McGonagall. I mean, obviously that was wrong¡ªhe should''ve just elbowed him subtly¡­¡±


    ¡°Jordan!¡± Professor McGonagall stood up.


    ¡°Sorry, Professor, really sorry, it won¡¯t happen again...¡± Lee Jordan said quickly. ¡°Madam Hooch has awarded a penalty shot to both teams¡­¡±


    Both sides scored, bringing the score to 30-10.


    ¡°Slytherin''s in possession now. No, Hufflepuff has snatched it! It''s Grace¡ªno! Slytherin has it back. Flint nearly knocked her off her broom... Flint¡¯s flying straight toward Hufflepuff¡¯s hoop... Watch out!¡±


    But Flint scored, and a cheer went up from the Slytherin side, led by Snape wearing a grim smile.


    Then, Slytherin pulled another trick. Montague turned towards Kyle, pretending to reach for the Quaffle, but instead aimed for Kyle¡¯s broom. Just as his hand stretched toward it, something resembling a tiny green sprout poked out from the broom''s twigs.


    Before Montague could make sense of it, the Bowtruckle extended its sharp claws and jabbed at his fingers.


    Montague jerked his hand back instinctively, but the quick movement threw him off balance, nearly toppling him from his broom.


    ¡°Foul!¡± Montague shouted triumphantly as he steadied himself. ¡°Madam Hooch, there¡¯s something in his broom¡ªfoul!¡±


    Madam Hooch flew over, but after inspecting Kyle¡¯s broom and finding nothing, she penalized Montague instead, awarding Hufflepuff a penalty shot for the attempted interference.


    ¡°What a shame...¡± Kyle murmured with a smirk as he scored the penalty shot, gliding past Montague.


    Montague shook with anger, his face twisted, eyes blazing.


    Soon after, Kyle and Grace each scored again, bringing the score to 60-20 in Hufflepuff¡¯s favor.


    The Gryffindor stands fell silent; no cheers met the goals as they had before. Wood clutched his hair, while Fred and George sat staring blankly at the pitch.


    Hufflepuff¡¯s 60 points meant that with the Golden Snidget''s 150-point bonus, their score would surpass Gryffindor''s.


    Fred and George were torn. They wanted Gryffindor to win the Quidditch Cup, but they definitely didn¡¯t want Slytherin to take it...


    Everyone seemed to be thinking the same thing, and even Lee Jordan¡¯s voice had dropped a few decibels as he continued his commentary.


    But the match carried on...


    Kyle scored once more, bringing it to 70-20. A little later, Mikel knocked the Quaffle out of Warrington¡¯s hands with a Bludger, allowing Grace to surge forward, catch the Quaffle, and hurl it through Slytherin¡¯s hoop.


    80-20.


    Hufflepuff fans were shouting themselves hoarse. Professor Sprout, standing at the front of the stands, drew a massive Hufflepuff badger in the air with her wand.


    Then, a sudden flash of gold caught everyone¡¯s eye. The Golden Snidget hovered just a few feet above the ground.


    At nearly the same moment, Malfoy and Cedric bolted, speeding straight toward the Snidget. They accelerated sharply, diving in unison as they closed in on the ground. They were neck-and-neck, lunging forward at the same time...


    A tense silence gripped the stands; everyone waited breathlessly for the result.


    Finally, Cedric stretched out his hand, revealing a glint of gold between his fingers. Taking advantage of his height, he had seized the Golden Snidget first.


    ¡°Congratulations, Hufflepuff...¡± Lee Jordan¡¯s voice was raspy but jubilant as he announced, ¡°They¡¯ve won the final and taken the Quidditch Cup!¡±


    Hufflepuff supporters spilled over the railings, flooding the pitch.


    As Kyle landed, he was lifted into the air along with the rest of the team. He caught sight of Hagrid, wiping away tears, and Professor Sprout, who was bouncing with excitement, looking nothing like a professor in that moment.


    In the stands, Dumbledore smiled warmly, holding the enormous Quidditch trophy aloft.


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 Chapter 426: The Most Promising Newcomer Award

    That night, the party in the Hufflepuff common room continued until the early hours of the morning.


    Thanks to the championship, several Hufflepuff students made surprising progress at the end-of-month Patronus Charm Club.


    Kanna even managed to summon a full Patronus before the club session ended. Unsurprisingly, her Patronus was a butterfly. It was stunning; as it flapped its wings, it scattered silver light across the Great Hall, dazzling and bright like a starry sky.


    Professor McGonagall looked at the shimmering butterfly above the Hall and felt genuine happiness for Kanna. She thought this was the perfect Patronus for her. McGonagall still remembered Kanna as she¡¯d been when she first arrived: timid, quiet, and almost always alone, never initiating interactions. S~ea??h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Now, Kanna was not only cheerful and confident but had also found true friends. She had blossomed, little by little, like a butterfly emerging from its chrysalis.


    McGonagall thought wistfully, feeling a twinge of envy for Professor Sprout.


    Perhaps inspired by Kanna¡¯s success, just minutes later, the silver mist in front of Cedric began to take shape. In the next moment, a wild goose appeared, soaring above the Great Hall. Cedric clutched his wand, shouting and jumping with excitement.


    ¡°Well done!¡± Professor Lupin said with a smile. ¡°You¡¯ve truly surprised me. I always thought no one under sixth year would achieve this before year¡¯s end, but it seems I underestimated you."


    ¡°As a reward, Hufflepuff will earn 50 points... 50 points each!¡±


    With Professor Lupin¡¯s 100-point addition and the bonus for the Quidditch championship, Hufflepuff shot into first place, now over 80 points ahead of second-place Slytherin. With only a month left in the school year, the House Cup was firmly within reach, and Hufflepuff¡¯s spirits soared. Even the weather seemed to join in their celebration.


    As June approached, the days grew clear and hot. The perfect weather for relaxing by the Black Lake with a few pints of chilled pumpkin juice, chatting, fishing, or playing Exploding Snap. But with exams looming, students couldn¡¯t be allowed outside to play. Instead, they were confined to the castle, forcing themselves to memorize the contents of their books.


    Even Fred and George, usually the life of the party, buckled down, spending every spare moment in the library. They had their O.W.L.s (Ordinary Wizarding Level exams) to face, and their future freedom to develop Weasley joke products depended on doing well.


    Kyle wasn¡¯t having it easy either. His stress didn¡¯t come from the exams but from waiting on the results of a Transfiguration essay he¡¯d submitted to over the holidays. The delay had him convinced it might be rejected.


    But after one Transfiguration class, Professor McGonagall revealed that his assessment would be on the day of the exam. If he passed, his paper would be published in the latest issue of . With this news, Kyle threw himself into Transfiguration studies, reading everything he could find on the subject.


    In this tense atmosphere, the month flew by.


    During exam week, the castle was unusually quiet. At lunch, many students grumbled that the exams were impossibly hard¡ªespecially the Transfiguration test, where Professor McGonagall had asked them to turn a turtle into a rabbit¡­


    ¡°The rabbit I conjured couldn¡¯t even run¡ªit was that awful¡­¡±


    ¡°Yours was still decent. Mine still had its shell on, so I¡¯m definitely getting a deduction.¡±


    After lunch, everyone headed back upstairs for the Charms exam. But as Kyle reached the second floor, he was stopped by Professor McGonagall, who seemed a bit agitated.


    ¡°The professors have agreed that you don¡¯t need to take the exams for Charms and Herbology,¡± Professor McGonagall informed him. ¡°Come with me. You have more important things to do now.¡±


    ¡°Is it the people from ?¡± Kyle asked as they walked.


    ¡°That¡¯s right,¡± Professor McGonagall replied. ¡°The exams for the fifth and seventh years don¡¯t start until three o¡¯clock, so they have time now.¡± She glanced at him. ¡°So, are you nervous?¡±


    Kyle shook his head. He¡¯d been preparing for a month; as long as they didn¡¯t make things overly difficult, he felt he had nothing to worry about.


    ¡°That¡¯s good,¡± Professor McGonagall said, quickening her pace. ¡°As long as you perform normally, you¡¯ll do just fine.¡±


    She led Kyle to a classroom adjacent to the library on the second floor and pushed open the door. Inside, three people were chatting and laughing: two middle-aged witches in their fifties and, between them, an elderly witch with a slightly stooped figure.


    The older witch looked quite aged, her face lined with wrinkles, but her eyes sparkled with lively energy. As the door opened, she glanced at Professor McGonagall and then quickly shifted her gaze to Kyle.


    ¡°Minerva, this must be Kyle, correct?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re absolutely right, Professor Marchbanks,¡± Professor McGonagall said, introducing her. ¡°Kyle, this is Professor Griselda Marchbanks from the Wizarding Examinations Authority¡­¡±


    ¡°Wrong, Minerva, wrong!¡± Marchbanks interjected with a smile. ¡°I¡¯m not here in that capacity. For the next hour, I¡¯m simply the editor-in-chief of .¡±


    She looked at Kyle with a warm expression. ¡°I assume Minerva has already explained why you¡¯ve been called here?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± Kyle replied. ¡°The Most Promising Newcomer Award assessment.¡±


    ¡°Exactly,¡± Professor Marchbanks said. ¡°No need to be nervous. If you genuinely wrote that paper, this assessment will be straightforward and should take no more than ten minutes.¡± She paused, then added, ¡°But before we begin, I should clarify something. We¡¯ve been occupied with other pressing matters over the past few months, so the assessment that was initially scheduled for Christmas had to be postponed until now.¡±


    Kyle nodded, understanding the delay.


    And if they come over the Christmas holidays, they wouldn¡¯t have found him anyway; he¡¯d been at Nicolas¡¯s house, far from Hogwarts, and nearly impossible to track down.


    ...


    Professor Marchbanks didn¡¯t waste any time with small talk. After a brief introduction, she got straight to the point, pulling a thick stack of parchments from the suitcase on the table.


    ¡°First, I¡¯d like you to summarize the core thesis of your paper.¡±


    ¡°The difference between partial deformation and multiple deformation at the transitional stage...¡± Kyle began, quickly laying out his main argument.


    After a few minutes, Professor Marchbanks nodded in approval. She pointed to a teacup on the table. ¡°Now, please transform this teacup three times... This is to verify that you¡¯re truly capable of performing the experimental transformations you described.¡±


    ¡°No problem,¡± Kyle said confidently, drawing his wand and pointing it at the teacup.


    The teacup transformed first into a goblet, then into a slipper... then a teapot, a quill, and finally, a piece of parchment. In total, he completed five transformations, two more than Professor Marchbanks had requested. Although the final piece of parchment was slightly misshapen and resembled a slab of hardboard more than parchment, it was enough to astonish the onlookers.


    The two middle-aged wizards exchanged glances, then leaned forward in surprise.


    ¡°Are you really only a fourth-year student?¡± one of them asked, astonished.


    ¡°I can vouch for that, Audley,¡± Professor McGonagall confirmed, stepping forward.


    ¡°That¡¯s remarkable,¡± the other wizard said in amazement. ¡°I daresay even most Outstanding graduates wouldn¡¯t manage five transformations.¡±


    As they spoke, Professor Marchbanks tucked the parchment back into her suitcase.


    ¡°Congratulations, young man, you¡¯ve passed the assessment,¡± she said with a smile. ¡°Now go on and take your exam¡ªyou should still have time.¡±


    Kyle was slightly surprised. Less than ten minutes had passed, and it was already over? Still, relieved at having passed, he simply thanked her and headed toward the door.


    Marchbanks watched Kyle leave, then seemed to remember something. ¡°Wait...¡± she called.


    Kyle, who had reached the door, turned back around.


    ¡°You¡¯ll be a fifth-year next term, won¡¯t you?¡± Professor Marchbanks asked. ¡°Could you tell me which month your birthday is?¡±


    ¡°End of July,¡± Kyle answered.


    Professor Marchbanks nodded and didn¡¯t ask anything further.


    After Kyle left, she turned in the other direction and asked, ¡°Audley, what age did they set for the Age Line? Seventeen?¡±


    ¡°No decision has been made yet.¡± Audley paused, considering. ¡°Most are leaning toward sixteen, but last week someone proposed fifteen as an option, and it received some support. Now they¡¯re reconsidering.¡±


    ¡°Oh, it¡¯s changed again? Who proposed that?¡±


    ¡°Chris,¡± Audley replied. ¡°He¡¯s the deputy director of the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures.¡±

 Chapter 427: Final Exams

    After leaving the classroom, Kyle felt a rush of relief. Hearing Professor McGonagall¡¯s earlier comments, he had expected the assessment for the Most Promising Newcomer Award to be challenging, but it had turned out to be surprisingly easy. S~ea??h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    When Kyle reached the classroom upstairs, the Charms exam had already begun. Professor Flitwick looked up, startled to see him.


    ¡°By Merlin¡¯s beard! What are you doing here? Hasn¡¯t Professor McGonagall found you yet?¡± Flitwick trotted over, pointing back toward the second floor. ¡°Hurry to the room next to the library. Someone is waiting for you there¡­¡±


    ¡°I was just there, Professor,¡± Kyle replied.


    ¡°What?¡± Professor Flitwick paused. ¡°You¡¯ve already met Professor Marchbanks?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± Kyle confirmed, ¡°and I passed. She told me to join the exam, and she said it would be fine if I came now.¡±


    ¡°Well, it is fine,¡± Professor Flitwick said with a smile, reassured. ¡°In fact, the exam hasn¡¯t properly started yet. But you didn¡¯t actually have to come, you know¡­¡±


    Kyle didn¡¯t reply. Though Professor McGonagall had said the same, everyone else was taking the exam, and with the castle empty, he¡¯d be bored if he went back early.


    Together, they entered the classroom, and Kyle smoothly completed the exam.


    After dinner, students hurried back to their common rooms to cram for the remaining exams. But by lunchtime the next day, following the grueling Potions exam, the atmosphere in the castle had plummeted. It was as if the castle had been overtaken by Dementors.


    ¡°That was awful,¡± Mikel finally burst out with a sigh. ¡°I couldn¡¯t think straight with Snape looming behind me, I messed up so many steps, and my potion turned the wrong color. And on our way out, he wrote something in his notebook. I¡¯d bet ten Galleons it was a zero.¡±


    His complaints struck a chord with the students nearby. Everyone seemed to have had Snape watching over their shoulders, with a look that suggested he wouldn¡¯t mind if they all failed.


    Thankfully, the Care of Magical Creatures exam in the afternoon was far more enjoyable. Somehow, Hagrid had gotten hold of a bucket of Fire Crabs, and he told them that to pass the exam, they only needed to figure out what the Fire Crabs liked to eat.


    Three types of food were laid out on the field, all options from the Fire Crabs¡¯ diet. They could have guessed blindfolded and still passed¡ªby far the easiest exam they¡¯d ever taken.


    Kyle even had plenty of chances to chat with Hagrid throughout the test.


    ¡°Thanks for the tonic, Kyle,¡± Hagrid whispered. ¡°There are some Spiders in the Forbidden Forest that¡¯ve been feeling a bit under the weather lately and could do with a tonic.¡±


    ¡°So how are they now?¡± Kyle asked.


    ¡°Much better,¡± Hagrid said happily. ¡°They look no different from before¡ªthey¡¯re perfectly healthy.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s good,¡± Kyle said, pleased.


    Hagrid didn¡¯t even glance at the Fire Crab in Kyle¡¯s hand and immediately awarded him full marks.


    For the Astronomy exam in the middle of the night, everyone trudged drowsily to the top of the tallest tower, grumbling all the way that it should have been scheduled last, so they could get a good night¡¯s sleep without worrying about the next day¡¯s exams.


    The History of Magic exam on Wednesday afternoon was the hardest of all. The classroom was stuffy and hot, with no breeze through the closed doors and windows. Fortunately, it would soon be over, and once they made it through tomorrow, they¡¯d be rewarded with two full months of vacation.


    The penultimate exam was Divination. Early in the morning, Kyle went to the Divination classroom and discreetly placed a brand-new crystal ball in the corner, right in front of Professor Trelawney. The exam took forever, as each student spent about ten minutes inside, making Divination the longest test, stretching from morning till noon.


    When Professor Trelawney finally emerged, Kyle hurried back into the classroom, only to find that Trelawney hadn¡¯t made a single true prediction all morning. The crystal ball was still spotless, with nothing recorded on it. Kyle sighed, picked it up, and slipped it back into his pocket.


    By the time Kyle arrived in the Great Hall, it was already packed. Everyone was excited, gathering in groups and chatting animatedly, eagerly awaiting the end of the afternoon¡¯s exams. Kyle sat down between Kanna and Cedric, who were discussing the O.W.L.s.


    ¡°How did they go?¡± Kanna asked. ¡°Were the questions difficult?¡±


    ¡°A bit tougher than usual,¡± Cedric admitted, ¡°but nothing you haven¡¯t studied before. Don¡¯t worry, you¡¯ll definitely pass next year. It¡¯s the N.E.W.T.s in seventh year that are really brutal. Quite a few of the seventh years haven¡¯t been sleeping at night¡ªjust cramming nonstop for their exams.¡±


    ¡°What about their exams during the day?¡± Mikel, who was sitting nearby, asked. ¡°How can they still function without sleep?¡±


    The lack of sleep from the Astronomy exam had already left him groggy; he couldn¡¯t imagine going several days without rest.


    ¡°They just power through,¡± Cedric said. ¡°Or take some Pepperup Potion the night before. Though most potions are banned during the Nastily Exhausting Wizarding Test, Pepperup is allowed as long as it¡¯s taken early enough.¡±


    Their last exam was Defense Against the Dark Arts. Professor Lupin had set the most unique test yet: an outdoor obstacle course near the Forbidden Forest. They had to navigate through a forest with Fwoopers, wade through a swamp full of mischievous Imps, and find a thicket where three Bowtruckles were hiding. Failing to locate all three Bowtruckles within the time limit, or accidentally harming them, meant losing points.


    ¡°Well done, Kyle!¡± Professor Lupin beamed as Kyle emerged from the course. ¡°Full marks!¡±


    Kyle was the first to score perfectly.


    Mikel, who had entered the course with him, was still struggling at the first hurdle. Affected by the Fwooper¡¯s disorienting song, he was spinning in place, jumping around as if warding off invisible threats. Finally, he collided with a tree and snapped back to his senses, his face flushed red from embarrassment.


    Later, Kanna also completed the course and, like Kyle, earned a perfect score.

 Chapter 428: The Money-Making Plan

    The exams were over, which meant the students were free to play on the grounds, and that¡¯s exactly what they did. While waiting for results to be posted, many students avoided the castle entirely, staying outside until dusk. Kyle and Cedric were among them. sea??h th§× NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    After lunch, they gathered by the Black Lake, chatting about their plans for the summer break.


    ¡°Are you all going to the Quidditch World Cup this year?¡± Cedric asked, a bit excited. ¡°I can¡¯t believe they chose this place for the final¡­ and it¡¯s been thirty years since we last hosted the tournament.¡±


    ¡°Of course we¡¯re going,¡± Fred replied, equally enthusiastic. A month of study had left him restless, and the Quidditch World Cup was the perfect escape.


    ¡°Dad should be able to get tickets,¡± George added. ¡°If there are any extra, I¡¯ll save them for you, so you won¡¯t have to pay.¡±


    Quidditch World Cup tickets were notoriously pricey. Cedric had attended a match once before his second year and managed to snag two far-off seats for a hundred Galleons each. From that distance, they¡¯d needed binoculars just to see the players, but even so, tickets were in short supply.


    Fortunately, with the World Cup being held locally, Ministry staff could take advantage of certain perks.


    ¡°My dad should be able to get tickets too,¡± Cedric said. ¡°He knows a few people in the Department of Magical Games and Sports, so I¡¯ll see if he can get a few extra. Kyle, do you want one as well?¡± He paused, noticing Kyle¡¯s distracted expression. ¡°What are you thinking about?¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Kyle looked up, hearing his name. ¡°Oh, never mind. Give the extra tickets to Kanna and Cho; I¡¯m all set.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s on your mind?¡± Cedric asked.


    ¡°Ways to make money,¡± Kyle replied, scratching his chin. He was about to elaborate when he suddenly spotted Professor Lupin walking towards them. Lupin seemed to have just returned from somewhere, and he looked preoccupied, so much so that he didn¡¯t notice the students sitting nearby.


    ¡°Professor Lupin!¡± Kyle called.


    Lupin jumped slightly, snapping out of his thoughts. He quickly looked down, realizing he¡¯d almost tripped over Cedric, who was just inches in front of him.


    ¡°Sorry, Mr. Diggory,¡± Professor Lupin said hastily. ¡°I was deep in thought and didn¡¯t see you all here.¡±


    ¡°No worries, Professor,¡± Cedric replied easily. ¡°Are you taking a stroll by the Black Lake too?¡±


    ¡°Huh?¡± Professor Lupin blinked, then noticed he¡¯d wandered down the wrong path, away from the castle. ¡°Oh¡­ yes, yes, just taking a stroll,¡± he stammered, though he sounded distracted. ¡°But I have to head back now. There¡¯s still much to do¡­¡±


    With that, he quickly turned and headed back toward the castle.


    "That¡¯s strange¡­¡± Cedric muttered. ¡°I feel like there¡¯s something off with Professor Lupin. He wasn¡¯t like this before.¡±


    ¡°Who knows? Maybe he¡¯s just a little spooked,¡± Fred shrugged. ¡°Don¡¯t forget the curse on the Defense Against the Dark Arts post. Now that the school year¡¯s ending, he¡¯s probably a bit nervous.¡±


    The others nodded, agreeing not to dwell on it.


    As soon as Lupin was out of sight, George leaned in eagerly. ¡°By the way, Kyle, tell us your plan. How are we going to make money?¡±


    ¡°Well¡­¡± Kyle shifted his gaze back from the castle and continued, ¡°Remember those cheering props we sold to fans from the different houses?¡±


    ¡°Of course!¡± Fred grinned. ¡°Those made us a fair bit of Galleons.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s what I¡¯m talking about,¡± Kyle said. ¡°The Quidditch World Cup¡ªthere¡¯ll be way more people there than here at Hogwarts. If we make fireworks that explode into clovers, Irish flags, badges, and other stuff in advance¡­¡±


    ¡°They¡¯d sell like hotcakes!¡± Fred and George¡¯s eyes lit up, and they pounded the grass in excitement. They¡¯d been so caught up looking forward to the match, they hadn¡¯t even thought of this.


    The Quidditch World Cup was one of the wizarding world¡¯s biggest events, and no one attending was likely to skimp on souvenirs. With eye-catching products, selling would be as easy as picking up Galleons off the ground. Fred and George practically had Galleon signs in their eyes at the thought.


    ¡°What ideas do you have?¡± Cedric asked, as Cho and Kanna leaned in with interest.


    ¡°Let¡¯s start with simple ones, like sequential fireworks and moving flags,¡± Kyle said. ¡°We¡¯ve only got about a month until the World Cup, so we¡¯ll need to make as many as possible.¡±


    ¡°Leave the fireworks to us,¡± George said, thumping his chest. ¡°We¡¯re pros at those.¡±


    ¡°Badges that amplify sound would be good too,¡± Fred added. ¡°We learned the magic rune formula for it last month in Runes class, so we can use that.¡±


    Cedric nodded; they¡¯d studied it together.


    ¡°Go for it, but keep it simple,¡± Kyle advised. ¡°Too much detail will slow us down.¡±


    ¡°How about hair clips and hats?¡± Kanna suggested. ¡°They¡¯re easy to make, but flashy enough to sell well.¡±


    ...


    The group continued brainstorming by the lake, discussing ideas with growing excitement and losing track of time.


    Then, a splash of water came down on their heads out of nowhere.


    ¡°Is it raining?¡± George jumped up, noticing his damp hair. But when he looked up, he saw a clear sky, dark but full of stars. There was no sign of rain.


    Kyle spotted a long tentacle slipping back into the lake. It seemed the giant squid was giving them a reminder that it was time to head back.


    ¡°Oh no, is it that late?¡± Cho said with a start. ¡°Did we miss dinner¡­?¡±


    ¡°Didn¡¯t even notice the time¡­¡± Kanna murmured as they quickly stood up, brushing themselves off.


    Hurrying back, they arrived just as dinner had begun. The Great Hall was brightly lit and packed with students. The buzz of conversation and laughter filled the air as everyone celebrated the start of the holiday season.

 Chapter 429: The Sorting Hat Has a Keen Eye

    Just as they were about to enter the Great Hall, Kyle paused. He glanced at Fred and George beside him and asked, ¡°Do you have the Marauder¡¯s Map with you?¡±


    ¡°Of course,¡± Fred replied, pulling a folded piece of parchment from his pocket. ¡°We always carry it. Why?¡±


    ¡°Nothing, just wondering if I could borrow it,¡± Kyle said. ¡°I might need it for something.¡±


    ¡°Sure,¡± Fred said casually, slipping the Marauder¡¯s Map into Kyle¡¯s hands before heading off toward the Gryffindor table.


    ¡°We¡¯ve still got a few more ideas to discuss, but it¡¯s getting late,¡± George added, hurrying to catch up. ¡°We¡¯ll chat about it next time.¡±


    Under normal circumstances, they might have been curious about Kyle¡¯s plans, especially if he was planning a nighttime adventure. But right now, both twins were too hungry to care; after a long day, they would¡¯ve settled for even a cold boiled potato.


    Kyle tucked the Marauder¡¯s Map into his pocket and headed over to the Hufflepuff table on the other side of the hall.


    ...


    After dinner, Kyle went straight back to the dormitory and opened the Marauder''s Map, carefully watching the names moving around the castle. With less than a week until the holidays, he knew this would be Sirius Black¡¯s last chance to catch Peter Pettigrew if he planned to do it at Hogwarts.


    Black could wait until the holidays, of course; St. Catchpole Village had neither Dementors nor professors, making it a safer location than Hogwarts. But Kyle doubted Black would have the patience for such a plan, and besides, the village wasn¡¯t close to the castle. If Black didn¡¯t know the way, he might never make it there.


    Kyle kept scanning the map, but everything seemed ordinary. Even Ron was still in the Gryffindor common room. he thought, stretching his neck. But just as he was about to put the Marauder''s Map away, he spotted Professor Lupin leaving his office.


    Remembering Lupin¡¯s strange behavior earlier, Kyle paused. he wondered, deciding to watch him for a bit.


    On the map, Kyle saw Professor Lupin walk to the eighth floor, stopping at the entrance of the Gryffindor common room. Soon, the names Ron, Harry, and Hermione began moving towards him. After a few minutes, Lupin left the area, but this time he was accompanied by another name:


    Kyle quickly realized the truth¡ªLupin¡¯s recent trips to Hogsmeade had nothing to do with the rumors about Madam Rosmerta. Instead, Lupin had been looking for Black. As Black¡¯s former best friend, Lupin must have known his hiding places well enough to eventually track him down in Hogsmeade and learn the truth about Pettigrew¡¯s disguise. Now it seemed he was preparing for a confrontation.


    Decisively, Kyle closed the Marauder''s Map. His thoughts raced as he considered how to slip away from his dormmates. Just then, Mikel and Ryan began talking about going outside to play a game of Gobstones.


    Kyle thought.


    After they left, he cast a Disillusionment Charm on himself and quietly exited the dormitory. He needed to move quickly; if Lupin found Black, things could escalate fast.


    In the bustling common room, no one noticed when the door swung open briefly, assuming someone was headed to the kitchen. Only Kanna, sitting in the corner, glanced towards the empty passage, a glimmer of curiosity in her eyes.


    Kyle made it to the foyer just in time to see Professor Lupin striding out of the castle. Lupin was moving briskly, still deep in thought and oblivious to the faintly shimmering half-arm trailing a short distance behind him.


    "He''s left the castle," Ron¡¯s anxious whisper echoed in the empty foyer. "Does he really need to leave the castle to heal a pet? He''s not¡ª"


    "Shut up, Ron!" Hermione hissed. "Or we¡¯ll be discovered. Hurry up!"


    Outside the castle, an odd procession was forming. Professor Lupin walked briskly ahead, with half an arm floating just behind him¡ªclearly Harry, Ron, and Hermione under the Invisibility Cloak, which couldn¡¯t quite cover all three of them. Following the half-visible arm was Kyle, who trailed behind at a safe distance.


    As Professor Lupin approached the Whomping Willow, a large black dog suddenly sprang out beside him, its intense gaze fixed on a struggling mouse in Lupin¡¯s hand.


    ¡°You shouldn¡¯t be here¡ªgo back!¡± Professor Lupin snapped at the dog.


    The dog growled, and a second later, its form twisted and changed into a thin man with a haunted look. ¡°I can¡¯t wait any longer, Remus,¡± he rasped. ¡°I waited twelve years in Azkaban¡­¡±


    ¡°No, we must¡ª¡±


    "So it¡¯s you!" A furious voice cut through the tense exchange as Harry, Hermione, and Ron stepped out from under the Invisibility Cloak, confronting the pair.


    Harry pointed at Professor Lupin, his face a mix of anger and betrayal. ¡°You helped Black infiltrate the castle¡ªtwice! You¡¯re his accomplice!¡±


    ¡°I trusted you!¡± Hermione¡¯s voice trembled with fury.


    Ron, reckless and angry, lunged forward. ¡°Give me Scabbers back, now!¡±


    Kyle stifled a sigh. He watched as the three Gryffindors stood exposed, facing Sirius Black and Professor Lupin.


    In the wrong circumstances, such boldness would have been fatal. If they¡¯d been up against someone like Barty Crouch Jr. or Bellatrix Lestrange, the three might not have survived.


    The unexpected confrontation threw Professor Lupin off guard. Before he could react, Black grabbed the rat from his hand and dove into the hollow at the base of the Whomping Willow.


    ¡°Sirius, come back!¡± Lupin, coming to his senses, immediately darted after him.


    ¡°Scabbers!¡± Ron cried, chasing after them.


    ¡°Ron!¡± Harry and Hermione shouted, following close behind. S~ea??h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    In seconds, Kyle was the only one left standing in front of the Whomping Willow. He sighed, muttering, ¡°The Sorting Hat really does know how to judge people¡­¡±


    The usually hostile Whomping Willow seemed unusually still. Kyle eyed the branches warily, tempted by the peculiar calm. But he resisted the urge to investigate further and slipped into the hollow under the tree.


    he thought.

 Chapter 430: Scabbers Really Is Just a Rat

    Below them was a narrow tunnel that stretched on endlessly. Kyle walked for a long time but never saw Harry and the others ahead of him.


    "Are they really running that fast?" Kyle muttered to himself, quickening his pace.


    After about ten minutes, the tunnel began to slope upward, and soon Kyle saw a faint glimmer of light. He knew he had reached the Shrieking Shack in Hogsmeade, the endpoint of the secret passage.


    The room he entered was a messy, grey space with barred windows and only a few dim oil lamps on the walls. The light he had glimpsed came from these lamps, which cast a faint but sufficient glow over the small room.


    As Kyle stepped inside, a tense atmosphere filled the room. Hidden by the Disillusionment Charm, his shadow danced on the wall in the flickering lamplight, but no one noticed him¡ªnot even Professor Lupin and Sirius Black.


    In the corner, Lupin and Black argued heatedly over a table, while Harry, Ron, and Hermione stood on the other side of the room, beginning to grasp the gravity of the situation. Ron, torn between fear and frustration, kept glancing at his rat, Scabbers, and seemed hesitant to retrieve him.


    ¡°When Scabbers bit me, I should¡¯ve known something was off,¡± Ron muttered weakly. ¡°Scabbers is gone now, but Lupin caught him with some sort of spell... Would a professor actually come after us with his wand? Snape wouldn¡¯t! He must¡¯ve had this planned for ages. Why didn¡¯t I figure it out sooner...¡±


    ¡°But why would they want Scabbers?¡± Harry asked, eyeing Lupin and Black with suspicion.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± Ron replied, sounding uncertain. ¡°Maybe they just like killing people¡¯s pet rats.¡±


    But Harry and Hermione didn¡¯t think that made sense. Risking so much over an ordinary pet rat didn¡¯t add up. Sear?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    As the argument escalated, Harry caught a familiar name in the midst of the shouting.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t betray James!¡± Black shouted, finally voicing the words he¡¯d kept bottled up for so long. ¡°Peter was the real Secret-Keeper... We switched, and I thought that would keep You-Know-Who away. As long as he came after me, James and Lily would be safe.¡±


    Black¡¯s voice wavered, and he looked on the verge of tears, though twelve years under the torment of Dementors had long since stripped him of that release. His grip on Scabbers tightened, and he shook the rat with reddened hands.


    ¡°But I never thought this damned, cowardly traitor would run off and tell You-Know-Who where to find them the very next day after becoming Secret-Keeper.¡±


    Black raised the struggling rat higher, his face contorting with rage as he sneered. ¡°You must have been thrilled¡­ whatever reward your master gave you for it!¡±


    ¡°Enough! You¡¯re both mad, both of you!¡± Ron suddenly shouted. ¡°It¡¯s not Peter; it¡¯s Scabbers¡ªmy pet rat!¡± Summoning his courage, he took a step forward. ¡°I¡¯ve heard enough. Just give Scabbers back!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Ron, but I can¡¯t let you leave until the truth is clear,¡± Professor Lupin said, taking the rat, who looked close to suffocating, from Black.


    ¡°That the truth!¡± Black snapped, his frustration mounting. ¡°I told you before¡ªif you¡¯d just looked at the Marauder¡¯s Map, you¡¯d see Peter¡¯s name clear as day¡­ it¡¯s right in Filch¡¯s office!¡±


    ¡°You think I didn¡¯t look?¡± Lupin replied coldly. ¡°After your second break-in, I went straight to Filch¡¯s office, but the map was already gone.¡±


    At this, Harry¡¯s head spun. He knew Peter Pettigrew¡¯s name; he¡¯d heard it from Minister Fudge at The Three Broomsticks. But wasn¡¯t he dead¡ªkilled by Black himself?


    The Minister of Magic couldn¡¯t possibly be lying.


    Thinking this, Harry couldn¡¯t help but speak up. ¡°You can say whatever you want now, but Pettigrew was killed by you¡ªand there were witnesses all over the street!¡±


    ¡°What they saw wasn¡¯t what they thought it was,¡± Black said gruffly. ¡°He tricked everyone with cowardly tricks!¡±


    ¡°But Scabbers can¡¯t be Peter,¡± Ron insisted, still unwilling to believe it. ¡°He¡¯s lived in our house¡­¡±


    ¡°For twelve years!¡± Black retorted. ¡°Do you think an ordinary rat could live that long?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s because Kyle¡¯s been brewing him a rat tonic,¡± Ron argued. ¡°He started making it back when Scabbers was Percy¡¯s pet, and he¡¯s kept it up for years.¡±


    ¡°Who¡¯s Kyle...?¡± Black paused, caught off guard by the name, which seemed to stir some vague memory, though he couldn¡¯t place it.


    ¡°A very bright student,¡± Lupin answered, ¡°and incredibly knowledgeable.¡±


    ¡°So, just a kid who hasn¡¯t even graduated yet¡­¡± Black replied dismissively. From Ron¡¯s tone, he¡¯d assumed Kyle was some kind of expert Magizoologist.


    ¡°He got lucky and ran into an Animagus, then arrogantly thought his tonic was responsible for the longevity!¡± Kyle, who had been standing nearby, raised an eyebrow. Though Black''s statement was technically true, hearing it put so harshly irritated him. He¡¯d put effort into crafting those tonics.


    Black continued, undeterred, ¡°Isn¡¯t Scabbers missing a finger?¡±


    ¡°So what?¡± Ron replied defensively.


    ¡°They only found the finger¡­¡± Harry remembered what Fudge had mentioned before.


    ¡°Yes, the coward cut off his own finger just before he transformed,¡± Black said, his voice filled with resentment. ¡°After I had him cornered, he screamed so the entire street could hear that I¡¯d betrayed Lily and James. Before I could even cast a spell, he used the wand he¡¯d hidden behind his back to blow up the street and escape down the drain with the other rats¡­¡±


    ¡°Madman!¡± Ron exclaimed, looking at Black as though he were listening to the most absurd story imaginable.


    Hermione, her voice shaking as she struggled to stay calm, interjected, ¡°But, Professor Lupin, Scabbers can¡¯t be Peter Pettigrew. You must know that.¡±


    ¡°Why do you think it¡¯s impossible?¡± Lupin asked, his tone level.


    ¡°Because if Peter Pettigrew were an Animagus, people would know¡­ the Ministry of Magic keeps records. There have only been seven Animagi registered this century, and Peter Pettigrew¡¯s name isn¡¯t on the list.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re right, Hermione,¡± Lupin acknowledged, ¡°but the Ministry doesn¡¯t know that there were three unregistered Animagi at Hogwarts.¡±


    ¡°How can you prove it?¡± Harry¡¯s head was spinning. ¡°Prove that Scabbers is Peter Pettigrew!¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s very simple, and that¡¯s exactly what I¡¯m about to do.¡± Lupin gave Black a penetrating look. ¡°I hope you¡¯re not lying to me, or else¡­¡±


    His tone grew cold, and he threw Scabbers to the ground, pointing his wand at the rat. A blue light shot from the wand, enveloping Scabbers¡¯ head.


    Black laughed, his sunken eyes glinting with a strange excitement. Harry, Ron, and Hermione watched the rat on the ground with bated breath.


    But nothing happened.


    Scabbers remained the same, frantically scurrying across the floor until Ron finally managed to catch him. Black¡¯s triumphant smile froze, while Ron adopted a look of smug satisfaction.


    ¡°See? I told you they were all crazy. How could Scabbers be Peter Pettigrew?¡±


    Harry turned to Lupin, who appeared crestfallen. Lupin raised his wand toward Black, his expression dark. ¡°What more is there to say? This is ridiculous! I can¡¯t believe I actually trusted a traitor like you!¡±


    ¡°No, that¡¯s not true¡­¡± Black said, stunned. ¡°There must be something wrong with the spell. He Peter Pettigrew... I won¡¯t accept this as a mistake!¡±


    ¡°Save it for the Dementors,¡± Lupin replied coldly.


    In Ron¡¯s hands, Scabbers had stopped struggling, his small eyes reflecting a look of stunned relief at his apparent escape.


    ¡°No¡­ Remus, it¡¯s not true¡­¡± Black fell to his knees, grabbing hold of Lupin. ¡°You must be mistaken. I beg you, give me the wand¡­ let me¡­¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t even think about it!¡± Lupin commanded, aiming his wand at Black. ¡°Stay back¡­¡±


    Before Lupin could finish, Black ignored him and lunged forward, knocking him to the ground and wresting the wand from him. A second blue light appeared, just as ineffective as the first.


    ¡°Impossible¡­ This is impossible¡­¡± Black muttered, overwhelmed with frustration.


    Harry, regaining his senses, raised his wand. But before he could cast a spell, a faint, familiar voice spoke from the shadows.


    Kyle, no longer concealed by the Disillusionment Charm, stepped out, catching the flying wand with a steady hand.

 Chapter 431: Padfoot and Wormtail

    Kyle¡¯s sudden appearance stunned everyone, even halting Professor Lupin''s clenched fist, which was about to land on Black''s face.


    Only Black seemed unfazed. He continued lunging toward Scabbers, still clutched tightly in Ron¡¯s hands, without looking back. But now, wandless, he was quickly repelled by Harry and Hermione working together, sending him flying backward. He crashed into a table with a loud thud.


    ¡°K-Kyle?¡± Professor Lupin stammered in disbelief, snapping back to reality. ¡°What are you doing here?¡±


    ¡°Hello, Professor,¡± Kyle replied with a grin, gesturing to the corner he had been standing in. ¡°I¡¯ve actually been here for a while... just standing over there. None of you noticed.¡±


    ¡°What? You were here the whole time?¡± Professor Lupin frowned. He¡¯d been focused on Black, yes, but surely he¡¯d have noticed an extra person in the room. But that wasn¡¯t even his primary question.


    ¡°I meant, how did you find your way here?¡± Lupin pressed.


    ¡°I followed the map,¡± Kyle explained, pulling out a large piece of parchment. ¡°I was looking at it in the dorm and saw you five leaving the castle right before curfew. I got curious, so I decided to follow.¡± S~ea??h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°The Marauder¡¯s Map!¡± Professor Lupin recognized the parchment immediately. He¡¯d helped create it and knew it well.


    ¡°You took it from Filch¡¯s office?¡±


    ¡°No, I¡¯ve never been to Filch¡¯s office,¡± Kyle replied, shaking his head. ¡°I borrowed it.¡±


    ¡°Wait, Kyle!¡± Harry interjected, realizing something was off. ¡°Did you say five people left the castle?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± Kyle confirmed with a nod.


    Harry¡¯s eyes narrowed in thought. ¡°But there are only three of us here, plus Professor Lupin¡ªthat¡¯s four. Could it mean Black¡¯s been sneaking in and out of the castle?¡±


    ¡°No,¡± Kyle answered. ¡°The map showed that right next to Professor Lupin was someone named Peter Pettigrew.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s impossible!¡± Ron protested, visibly frustrated. ¡°Why would it say Peter again? It¡¯s obviously just Scabbers!¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± Professor Lupin agreed this time, eyeing the map doubtfully. ¡°We¡¯ve just confirmed he¡¯s not an Animagus. The map must have an error¡­ it¡¯s been left unused for a long time, after all.¡±


    ¡°There can¡¯t be anything wrong with the map!¡± Kyle hadn¡¯t even finished speaking when Black, rising unsteadily from the floor, interrupted him with a loud shout. Black looked electrified, his eyes wide with hope, and started toward Kyle with a frantic urgency. But after only two steps, his body began floating off the ground like a balloon.


    ¡°Casting without a wand¡­¡± Hermione gasped, covering her mouth in surprise.


    ¡°No!¡± Professor Lupin corrected, his gaze fixed on a fist-sized blue insect buzzing near Black. ¡°It¡¯s a Billywig. Anyone stung by it starts to float uncontrollably.¡±


    ¡°Sorry,¡± Kyle said with a shrug. ¡°Black seemed a bit too... excited, so I thought this might help calm him down.¡± He reached out and caught the Billywig as it hovered back toward him.


    Ron watched with a mix of admiration and envy. If only his Scabbers could do that, maybe no one would have tried to snatch him away.


    Meanwhile, Black struggled midair, trying to reach the ground. But Lupin had already grabbed a piece of string and securely tied him up, leaving him bobbing in the air like an oversized balloon.


    "Let''s go," Professor Lupin said. "It''s getting late, and we need to hurry and take Black to Professor... Dumbledore."


    He hesitated, clearly refraining from saying what might hand Black over to the Dementors directly. But just as he started toward the door, he noticed Kyle¡¯s gaze fixed on the rat in Ron¡¯s hand.


    Scabbers had gone still, nestled in Ron¡¯s grip, his small eyes betraying what almost looked like a smug smile.


    "Why are you smiling, Peter?" Kyle asked gently. "Don¡¯t you realize yet? You won¡¯t be able to change back. Or do you think Professor Lupin and Black are both amateurs who messed up the spell?"


    The gleam of satisfaction in the rat¡¯s eyes vanished, replaced by a growing horror. Lupin and Black, fools? Hardly. They were both top students in their time, and Scabbers seemed to suddenly remember that fact, terror deepening in his gaze. He began struggling again, even biting Ron¡¯s finger.


    "Ouch!" Ron cried, loosening his grip in pain.


    But instead of fleeing, Scabbers dropped to the floor and started circling frantically, emitting high-pitched squeals.


    "Scabbers, what¡¯s wrong with you?" Ron asked, worry etched across his face.


    "He¡¯s just double-checking something," Kyle observed, watching the panicked rat. "Ron, mind if I borrow your wand for a moment?"


    Ron clutched his wand tightly, hesitant.


    ¡°Use mine,¡± Harry offered, handing his wand over with a tense expression. He was full of questions and didn¡¯t want to miss any chance to uncover the truth.


    ¡°Thanks.¡± Kyle took Harry''s wand and placed it on the floor, addressing the distressed rat with a wry smile. ¡°Go on, try it yourself¡ªsee if you can reverse your Animagus transformation.¡±


    Scabbers remained frozen, unwilling to expose himself.


    Kyle seemed to guess what was running through the rat¡¯s mind. "Don¡¯t worry," he coaxed. "If you can actually change back, I¡¯ll be the one to let you go."


    Then, without warning, Kyle pointed his own wand at Hermione and cast, Catching her wand midair, he pocketed it alongside his own and Professor Lupin¡¯s.


    "See?" Kyle said, waving his hand dismissively. "There¡¯s no one left to threaten you. If you can manage to change back and grab Harry¡¯s wand, you¡¯re free to escape."


    ¡°Kyle, this is...¡± Professor Lupin began, looking uneasy, but before he could finish, Scabbers darted forward.


    To everyone¡¯s disbelief, the rat bumped his head against the tip of Harry¡¯s wand. Unlike the previous blue glow, the wand now emitted a faint white light.


    Under everyone¡¯s stunned gaze, Scabbers¡¯ body shook... but nothing happened.


    Even Ron began to see that something was seriously wrong. Scabbers, as if in a frenzy, kept slamming into the wand again and again, desperate. In the dim room, the white light flickered unsteadily, like a sputtering light bulb.


    The scene slowly chipped away at Ron¡¯s conviction. His Scabbers was using the wand¡ªusing the same spell. But how could an ordinary rat manage that?


    Scabbers continued, his frenzied attempts growing more intense, until his fur began to tear. A few drops of blood spattered onto the wand, making Harry feel queasy.


    And then Harry understood, at least partly, why Kyle had insisted on borrowing Ron¡¯s wand.


    "Haha¡­ Peter¡­ Hahaha¡­" Black¡¯s laughter filled the room, raw and victorious, echoing off the walls. One single tear rolled down his cheek, falling silently onto the dusty floor.

 Chapter 432: The Truth

    Watching Scabbers frantically banging his head against the wand, Ron backed up against the wall, one hand clutching his chest. His voice tinged with hysteria, he blurted out, "What the hell is going on? Can someone please explain?"


    He¡¯d had this rat as a pet for years, and now to see it trying to use a wand left him reeling. He was too shocked and unnerved to even approach Scabbers again.


    "That''s what we¡¯d all like to know," Professor Lupin said, eyeing Black, who was still cackling. With a frown, he added, "How do you know Peter can¡¯t transform back?"


    Kyle didn¡¯t answer immediately; instead, he raised his wand and cast, Instantly, Peter¡¯s rat form collapsed to the ground, motionless.


    Kyle then returned Hermione and Professor Lupin¡¯s wands before explaining, "It¡¯s because of the tonic I made for him."


    "Tonic?" Hermione asked, frowning as she accepted her wand. "But I¡¯ve never read about pet tonics preventing Animagi from changing back."


    "Normally, they don¡¯t," Kyle replied. "But I added a whole dried Mandrake leaf to his remedy... specifically the one at the top of the root."


    "What did you say?" Professor Lupin blurted, clearly shocked.


    Mandrake leaves weren¡¯t cheap, costing five Sickles each, and the topmost leaves from the root were even rarer and more expensive, about ten times the price of regular ones. A single leaf could support someone¡¯s needs for a month, yet Kyle had used it to brew a tonic for a rat?


    Did Kyle know Scabbers was Peter all along? But that didn¡¯t seem possible. Peter¡¯s Animagus form had been kept a secret for years, and his staged death was twelve years ago. Kyle would have only been two or three years old at the time.


    "It was... kind of a coincidence," Kyle admitted, disregarding Lupin¡¯s puzzled expression. "I wanted the tonic to be as potent as possible. I didn¡¯t expect him to actually be an Animagus."


    "But... does it really matter?" Harry asked, looking baffled.


    "Of course it does," Kyle said, pulling out a cage and locking Peter inside, hardly glancing up. He¡¯d half-expected someone to jump in with an explanation, but everyone remained silent, watching him as he secured Peter. Even Hermione and Lupin looked as bewildered as Harry.


    "Have none of you read herbology books beyond your textbooks?" Kyle asked almost absently.


    Hermione shook her head, somewhat sheepishly. Though she¡¯d read a great many books, herbology references outside her school texts were few among them. Professor Lupin also looked away, admitting silently that he hadn¡¯t, either.


    "All right then..." Kyle sighed. "Mandrake leaves are incredibly beneficial for magical creatures. They heal injuries, strengthen the body¡­ they have all kinds of uses. But Animagi are an exception. You do know what the first step is to become an Animagus, right?" Kyle¡¯s gaze shifted pointedly to Black.


    "Of course I remember," Black said, still floating awkwardly mid-air. Without even asking how Kyle knew he was an Animagus, he rubbed his sore chin. "You have to keep a Mandrake leaf in your mouth for a month straight... And believe me, that month was no picnic. I nearly gave up more than once."


    "Exactly," Kyle replied. "The Mandrake leaf serves as a kind of magical record of you as a wizard. It¡¯s like another ¡®you,¡¯ or a beacon to help guide you back..."


    "A beacon?" Harry repeated, more confused than ever.


    It felt like one of Professor Trelawney¡¯s Divination classes, where he¡¯d have no idea what was going on but was still expected to participate.


    "Okay, let me simplify," Kyle said with a sigh. "A Death''s-head Hawk Moth transforms you from a human to an animal, while the Mandrake leaf allows you to transform back..."


    "What¡¯s a Death''s-head Hawk Moth... Ouch!" Harry began, but before he could finish, Hermione elbowed him in the stomach, leaving him gritting his teeth in pain.


    "That¡¯s one of the ingredients in the Animagus Potion," Kyle explained, giving Harry a knowing look before continuing. "So, if an Animagus consumes a large amount of Mandrake root while in their animal form, the magic that holds their wizard identity can slowly dissipate, to the point they may not be able to change back."


    "But that can¡¯t be right," Hermione protested. "Professor McGonagall taught us about Animagi, and she didn¡¯t mention any dangers like that. If it were as risky as you say, she would have definitely warned us."


    "There¡¯s no need for that," Kyle replied calmly. "For one thing, a wizard¡¯s magical identity isn¡¯t easy to dissolve. They¡¯d have to consume Mandrake root for several years, continuously, and in animal form. And once they changed back to human, all that information would be restored. Animagi are rare, and for one to stay in animal form for five years, regularly eating food containing Mandrake leaves, is nearly unheard of."


    Kyle glanced down at Peter in the cage. "In fact, it¡¯s only happened once in a thousand years¡­ well, twice now."


    Black started laughing again, his voice raspy.


    Professor Lupin turned to Kyle, watching him closely. "Kyle¡­ did you know Scabbers was Peter?"


    Kyle looked back at him, eyes steady. "Why would you think that?"


    "Because you¡¯re the only one here who didn¡¯t look the least bit surprised," Lupin replied. "The rest of us¡ªme, Harry, Ron, Hermione¡ªwe were all shocked when we learned Scabbers was Peter. But you seemed¡­ very calm."


    The others all turned to look at Kyle, suspicion and curiosity in their eyes. Ron seemed to want to speak up, but Hermione held him back.


    Kyle shrugged. "The reason I¡¯m not surprised is because¡­ this isn¡¯t the first time I¡¯ve seen something like this happen."


    "What?" Professor Lupin said, caught off guard by Kyle¡¯s response.


    "Actually, I saw something similar in my first year. Another student¡¯s pet also turned out to be an Animagus¡ªa rat, too, as it happens."


    Kyle chuckled. "If you don¡¯t believe me, you can ask Fred and George, or any of the students in fourth year or above¡ªthey all know about it."


    Everyone exchanged bewildered looks, their expressions a mix of amazement and disbelief. Harry and the others had entered school a year after Kyle, so they hadn¡¯t heard about any incidents like that. As for Professor Lupin, he was new to the school and had only heard the professors talk about Harry¡¯s more notable adventures.


    No one pressed Kyle further.


    Harry nodded as he listened, a faint smile on his face. After everything he¡¯d seen so far, he realized he probably wouldn¡¯t be surprised by much at Hogwarts anymore¡ªeven if someone¡¯s head suddenly sprouted an extra face. S§×ar?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The room grew silent, save for the gradually hoarse laughter still spilling from Black. Harry felt a bit awkward, shifting where he stood. He looked at Professor Lupin, hesitating with a question on his lips but unsure how to ask it.


    But his expression must have been readable, because Lupin asked softly, "You want to know about Lily and James, don¡¯t you?"


    "Yes," Harry replied, nodding eagerly. "I heard you say earlier that you were friends."


    "Best friends," Lupin said with a fond but pained smile. "At least, they were to me."


    "So¡­ can you tell me?" Harry asked, his voice urgent. "What really happened? And what did you mean about the Secret Keeper?"


    Professor Lupin hesitated for a moment, as if searching for the right words. Finally, he nodded.


    "All right. You deserve to know the truth. But I only know the beginning of the story. Sirius will have to tell you the rest¡­" He paused, then added, "Let me think where to start¡­ I first met James and Lily when we were students here at Hogwarts¡­"

 Chapter 433: Just Keep Knocking

    Professor Lupin shared stories of his school days, trivial memories and everyday moments, but Harry listened with rapt attention. The tales painted a vivid picture of the friends his parents once had, and it was as if he could feel their presence through Lupin¡¯s words.


    When Lupin reached the end of his seventh year, he glanced at Sirius, a touch of sadness in his expression. After graduation, he had been busy working for Dumbledore, reaching out to other Werewolves to rally them against Voldemort. He hadn¡¯t known about the events that unfolded soon afterward. By the time he returned, everything had changed. James and Lily were dead, Voldemort had fallen, and the once-mighty Death Eater army was in shambles.


    The Werewolves he had tried to ally with had also suffered heavy losses and vanished back into the shadows, refusing to be found.


    As Lupin fell silent, Black, who had drifted back to the ground, finally spoke.


    "It all began with a prophecy..." he murmured, sitting heavily on a rickety stool. With everyone watching him, he slowly began to reveal the painful truth of that time.


    He explained how Professor Trelawney had prophesied about a child with the power to defeat Voldemort¡ªa child born at the end of July. Two babies fit that description that year, but in the end, Dumbledore had focused his protections on Harry. Somehow, though, word of the prophecy had leaked to the Death Eaters.


    "Peter must have told them¡­" Black spat, teeth gritted in anger. "Dumbledore warned James to keep it a secret, but¡­ he told us anyway."


    Harry¡¯s eyes were wide with apprehension. "And then what happened?"


    "James and Lily took you and went into hiding from the Death Eaters," Black said, eyes distant with painful memories. "Dumbledore suggested an ancient spell to protect you as you grew up¡ªthe Fidelius Charm. It hides a secret in the mind of a chosen person, the Secret Keeper. For as long as the Secret Keeper doesn¡¯t willingly reveal it, the secret is safe. Even if Voldemort had stuck his nose right up to the door, he wouldn¡¯t have found them."


    As Black explained, Harry began to understand. "So¡­ Peter was the Secret Keeper, wasn¡¯t he?"


    "It¡¯s all my fault!" Black groaned, pressing his fists to his head. "I was supposed to be the Secret Keeper. But at the last minute, I convinced James and Lily to use Peter instead. I thought it would be clever¡ªa double bluff. Voldemort would come after me first, and no one would suspect Peter, the weakest of us. I thought I was protecting them¡­ but I sent them to their deaths instead."


    Black¡¯s voice became choked, and he struck his fist against his head as if trying to rid himself of the regret and self-loathing that had haunted him for years. Each time he was overtaken by anguish, he would remember Peter¡¯s current state and let out a harsh, hysterical laugh that was devoid of joy.


    When he finally regained control, he continued, answering the others¡¯ questions in short, strained sentences. He described how he¡¯d seen a photo of Scabbers in the newspaper and instantly recognized him as Peter.


    That discovery had spurred his escape from Azkaban, using his Animagus form to slip past the guards and come to Hogwarts.


    "So it was you¡ªthe dog!" Harry exclaimed, pointing at Black.


    "Yes, that was me," Black replied with a grin. "I just wanted to see you. I went to Privet Drive, but I''m sorry if I frightened you." S§×ar?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Harry didn¡¯t know how to respond. Black had unsettled him more than once, and the big black dog had kept him on edge for months.


    "Sirius, I¡¯m sorry," Lupin said, stepping forward and embracing him.


    "Long time no see, Remus," Black said, hugging him back. "I wouldn¡¯t have blamed you for giving me a solid beating."


    "I was just thinking the same thing," Lupin nodded, and without warning, he punched Black in the face. "You should have told me sooner."


    Black stumbled backward, hitting the floor, but he only laughed. Lupin extended a hand, pulled him up, and the two hugged again.


    "Forgive me, Remus..." Black murmured.


    "Nothing to forgive, Padfoot, old friend," Lupin replied. "Now, perhaps you¡¯ll forgive me for once suspecting you were a spy?"


    "Of course," Black said, a weary smile crossing his face. "I''m just sorry..."


    But before he could finish, Kyle stepped forward, clearing his throat. It was getting late, and he wasn¡¯t keen to spend the night in a place like the Shrieking Shack.


    Handing Black the cage containing Scabbers, Kyle said, "He''s all yours now¡­ but as compensation, you''ll need to get Ron a new pet. How about an owl?"


    Black nodded without hesitation. "Yes, of course. It¡¯s the least I can do."


    Ron, who had been looking miserable, suddenly perked up. If only he¡¯d known! If he¡¯d realized Scabbers could be traded for an owl, he¡¯d have given him up much sooner.


    Black¡¯s expression darkened as he took the cage, looking as though he¡¯d like to devour Scabbers then and there. He glanced at Kyle, about to thank him, but suddenly paused.


    "I think I¡¯ve seen you before," Black said thoughtfully. "In Hogsmeade¡ªyou gave me a pack of jerky. It was the best thing I¡¯d eaten in over ten years."


    "Oh, that time," Kyle said, feigning a blank look. "Well, you deserved it. That fire-walking performance was impressive."


    A silence followed.


    "Fire-walking?" Lupin looked at Black with a bemused expression. "You know how to do that?"


    "Uh..." Black¡¯s eyes shifted, but he quickly recovered, looking back with a defiant grin. After all, he¡¯d been a dog at the time¡ªwhat harm was there in jumping through hoops for food? Besides, it was all for survival.


    A chuckle escaped Lupin, unexpectedly loud in the quiet room.


    It was like setting off a chain reaction. Ron and Hermione quickly looked away, shoulders shaking.


    "Pfft..." Harry, who had been lost in the intensity of the moment, couldn¡¯t help but laugh, covering his mouth quickly to stifle the sound. To redirect the focus, he asked, "So¡­ what are you going to do with Peter?"


    "Kill him, of course!" Black replied, glaring at the unconscious rat in the cage. "But I could also leave him like this¡­ keep him a rat forever!"


    "Can he really not change back?" Harry asked softly. "I mean¡­ someone like that isn¡¯t worth turning you into a real murderer. Peter was the real traitor. If anyone deserves to be in Azkaban, it¡¯s him, not you."


    Black¡¯s eyes reddened, and his breathing grew ragged. If he could prove Peter¡¯s guilt, he could finally clear his name and be there for Harry openly. But the problem was, Black wasn¡¯t sure if Peter could still change back¡­


    Everyone instinctively turned to Kyle.


    "Actually, yes," Kyle said. "After wizards discovered that Animagi could become trapped in their animal forms, they developed a few restorative potions."


    "Do you remember the people who were petrified by the Basilisk in second year?"


    They all nodded. That year had been etched into their memories; Hogwarts had almost closed down because of it.


    "The same potion that cured them¡ªthe Mandrake Restorative Draught¡ªcould restore Peter," Kyle explained. "It¡¯s the only known remedy."


    He looked at the others¡¯ startled faces before continuing, "But before you make a decision, I think it¡¯s best if you speak with Professor Dumbledore. Right now, everyone thinks you¡¯re a traitor, and they see Peter as a hero. No one will believe your story¡ªand you won¡¯t even get a chance to defend yourself. The Dementors certainly won¡¯t listen."


    "You¡¯re right," Black replied, calming slightly. "I¡¯ll go see Dumbledore first thing tomorrow."


    "No, you can go now," Kyle said with a smile. "He doesn¡¯t sleep much. Just knock a few more times."

 Chapter 434: An Awkward Sirius

    With their plan set, the group made their way back through the tunnel, preparing to head to Hogwarts under cover of night. Harry pulled out his Invisibility Cloak, ready to drape it over Black when they reached the castle. It was already curfew, and though students were unlikely to be wandering the corridors, caution was necessary until Black¡¯s innocence could be proven. After all, Filch was still lurking around the castle.


    Their journey back was much more relaxed than the tense, frantic trip they¡¯d made earlier. Professor Lupin led the way, followed by Harry, Hermione, and Ron, who kept glancing over his shoulder, grinning whenever he looked at Black, who carried the cage with Peter securely in his arms. Kyle brought up the rear, making sure there was no chance of Peter breaking free, though he considered the possibility laughably slim. If a rat could escape so easily from one of his cages, he would have felt obliged to return his Order of Merlin, Second Class, in embarrassment.


    As they walked, Black, looking down at Harry, spoke quietly, ¡°Once we get Pettigrew to Dumbledore, do you know what that means?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re free,¡± Harry said, a smile growing on his face.


    ¡°Yes¡­¡± Black murmured, his voice a little choked. ¡°But there¡¯s more. I¡­ I don¡¯t know if anyone¡¯s ever told you this, but¡­ I¡¯m your godfather.¡±


    ¡°Oh, I know,¡± Harry replied. He¡¯d overheard Fudge mention it at The Three Broomsticks, though back then it had felt more unsettling than anything else. Now, though, hearing it directly from Black filled him with a strange happiness. For the first time, it felt like there was a world for him beyond the Dursleys.


    ¡°It¡¯s true¡­ your parents named me as your guardian,¡± Black continued, sounding uncertain. ¡°You can think about it, of course, but¡­ if I¡¯m cleared of the charges, and if you want a different home¡­¡±


    Harry¡¯s heart pounded as if he¡¯d received another Hogwarts acceptance letter. ¡°You mean¡­ live with you?¡± he asked eagerly. So eager, in fact, that he accidentally hit his head on a low-hanging stone in the tunnel.


    ¡°Of course,¡± Black replied quickly, his voice betraying a hint of nervousness. ¡°But if you¡¯d rather stay with your aunt and uncle, I understand. I just thought¡ª¡±


    ¡°Are you kidding?¡± Harry¡¯s face was alight with joy. ¡°Of course I¡¯d like to leave the Dursleys! Do you have a house? When can I move in?¡±


    ¡°You would?¡± Black asked, his voice filled with wonder. ¡°Really?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I really do!¡± Harry said, grinning from ear to ear.


    Kyle noticed that Black¡¯s worn face had softened, breaking into a genuine smile that took years off his appearance. For the first time in ages, he looked younger, freer.


    They soon reached the end of the tunnel. Professor Lupin climbed up first and pressed a knot on the Whomping Willow¡¯s trunk, activating the switch that caused the tree to fall still, its violent branches frozen.


    One by one, they emerged from the tunnel. Black took a moment to stand under the moonlight, his arms stretched out, taking in the night air with a deep, contented breath.


    ¡°Come on, let¡¯s go. There¡¯ll be plenty of time for that later¡­¡± Harry urged, eager to reach Dumbledore.


    They walked briskly across the castle grounds, their path illuminated by the castle lights that were beginning to come on. But as they moved forward, Professor Lupin, leading the group, suddenly stopped in his tracks. Harry and Ron, caught off guard, bumped into him from behind.


    "What¡¯s wrong, Professor Lupin...?" Harry began, but his question was cut short as he felt himself being yanked backward¡ªalong with Ron.


    It was only then that they noticed Professor Lupin¡¯s entire body trembling uncontrollably.


    "Oh no¡­ it¡¯s a full moon!" Hermione shrieked, a look of horror on her face. "I forgot to tell you¡ªProfessor Lupin is a werewolf!"


    "W-what?" Ron stammered, his face pale as a shiver ran down his spine. There was no need for further confirmation; even as he watched, Lupin¡¯s head began to elongate, and brown fur sprouted across his exposed arms.


    "Why didn¡¯t you tell us earlier?" Ron managed to say, his teeth chattering. Sear?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Run!" Black hissed urgently. "Run, all of you¡ªrun!"


    Harry, Hermione, and Ron turned and sprinted down the tunnel. But Black, glancing back, was horrified to see Kyle still standing calmly in place, rummaging through his suitcase, half his body leaning into it.


    "You¡­" Black began, incredulous.


    Kyle simply waved a hand dismissively. "It¡¯s fine, it¡¯s fine. Maybe Harry didn¡¯t tell you, but I earned my Order of Merlin, Second Class, for defeating a werewolf."


    Lupin was still transforming, his body contorting and shifting, giving Kyle a few moments to search through his suitcase. He muttered to himself as he looked through various items.


    "Norbert¡­ no, too loud, and Lupin wouldn¡¯t be able to handle it¡­ Mandrake Root¡­ effective, but with Harry and the others around, it¡¯s risky¡­ Chomping Cabbage¡­ no, not suitable either."


    Finally, Kyle found what he was looking for¡ªa large bundle of Devil''s Snares. He had just pulled them out when Lupin completed his transformation into a full werewolf, rearing back on his hind legs, jaws snapping open in a fearsome growl.


    Suddenly, a large black dog leapt past Kyle, grabbing the werewolf by the neck and attempting to drag it backward. The two animals snarled and snapped at each other, claws slashing and jaws tearing.


    Kyle snapped out of his trance and quickly drew his wand, aiming it at the tangled figures.


    The Devil''s Snare vines shot toward the werewolf and the dog, thick tendrils wrapping around them both, binding them in an instant like insects caught in a spider¡¯s web. Within moments, the werewolf and the dog were thoroughly immobilized.


    For a moment, an awkward silence settled over the scene.


    Sirius, still in dog form, gave a sheepish look as he realized he was caught in the vines, too.


    "This is Devil¡¯s Snare. You should be able to break free," Kyle said, glancing at the dog.


    The black dog nodded and relaxed, slipping out of the vines with little effort. The werewolf, however, continued to struggle, causing the vines to tighten around it more and more.


    "Where did you get this¡­ thing?" Black, now transformed back into his human form, looked at the massive Devil¡¯s Snare in disbelief. "Your suitcase isn¡¯t big."


    "Well¡­ it¡¯s a bit bigger on the inside," Kyle replied, holding up his pinky with a playful grin.


    Black looked at the Devil¡¯s Snare, now as large as a house, then at Kyle¡¯s small gesture, and shook his head, speechless.


    Kyle, however, was already thinking ahead. Looking at the immobilized werewolf, he considered his options. Why not try the Mandrake? The werewolf would likely just fall unconscious from the cry¡ªsimilar to what had happened with the Acromantula earlier. Even if the werewolf proved more resistant, he had over ten Mandrakes in his suitcase. If one didn¡¯t work, he could try two, then three¡­ until he found the right dose to knock out the werewolf.


    Dealing with a sleeping werewolf would be simple¡ªhe¡¯d just need a Levitation Charm to get it to Dumbledore¡¯s office.


    As Kyle set about conjuring several thick pairs of earmuffs to hand to Harry and the others, he suddenly noticed the air growing colder. The moonlight seemed to dim ominously.


    Looking up sharply, Kyle saw a "black cloud" spreading along the shore of the lake, advancing rapidly toward them.

 Chapter 435: Let’s Negotiate

    They were Dementors¡ªat least a hundred of them¡ªblack and menacing, swarming along the shore like a dark cloud. More and more appeared from all directions, closing in on Kyle and the others, their chilling presence thickening the air.


    Kyle shot a look at Black, who was crouched on the ground, trembling uncontrollably, covering his head in terror.


    "Change back, quick!" Kyle shouted. "Do you want Harry to die here?"


    Hearing Harry¡¯s name, Black¡¯s crumbling spirit steadied just enough. He transformed, his body twisting into the form of a large, black dog.


    The Dementors closed in, their faces hidden beneath tattered hoods, their withered hands reaching toward Kyle and the others. The air became colder than ever, as if it wanted to freeze them where they stood.


    Kyle shouted, waving his wand. A large, glowing silver jellyfish appeared above him, its pulsating tentacles casting a bright light in all directions. The freezing air receded as a ring of warmth spread out from the Patronus.


    But there were simply too many Dementors. They hovered just outside the protective circle, reluctant to retreat. One Dementor even extended a bony, decayed hand, trying to push through the Patronus¡¯s light.


    Then, suddenly, a thin, silver ribbon appeared¡ªone of the jellyfish¡¯s long, delicate tentacles. It floated forward and wrapped around the Dementor¡¯s arm, tightening in an instant. The Dementor struggled, its ragged breaths rattling in the silence.


    Harry watched in awe. The tentacles of Kyle¡¯s Patronus were extending further, wrapping around Dementors one by one. The silver jellyfish remained luminous and beautiful, but there was a strange, unsettling power in the way it ensnared the creatures. Nearly a dozen Dementors hung midair, struggling against the Patronus¡¯s grasp, as dark mist poured from where they were entangled. The sight was even more eerie than watching Professor Lupin transform into a werewolf.


    Panicked, the Dementors scattered, retreating frantically to the edges of the light. But one Dementor hovered in place, seeming to act as their leader. It made a strange, rasping sound that Kyle didn¡¯t understand, as though signaling the others.


    ¡°Leave!¡± Kyle commanded, stepping forward, his Patronus¡¯s light intensifying.


    The Dementor stopped, its hollow voice echoing coldly. ¡°Leave¡­ wizards¡­¡± It tried to edge closer to Kyle, only to be halted by the Patronus. sea??h th§× nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°Yes, but you must go now,¡± Kyle said firmly. ¡°And you must not report anything of this to the Ministry.¡±


    The Dementor paused, appearing slightly taken aback, as if surprised Kyle could communicate with it.


    ¡°We have our orders¡­ Sirius Black¡­ it is an order.¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s already gone,¡± Kyle replied calmly. ¡°You can check if you don¡¯t believe me.¡±


    The Dementor took a long, rattling breath, then stepped back, conceding. ¡°Let go¡­ let us go¡­¡±


    ¡°Fine,¡± Kyle said after a moment. He gave his Patronus a silent command, and the jellyfish¡¯s tentacles began to release the trapped Dementors.


    The Dementors drifted away, their cloaks looking even more tattered, their bodies seeming smaller than before. As if sensing an opportunity to escape, they quickly fled into the darkness, vanishing like shadows.


    Kyle touched his nose, feeling a mix of surprise and relief. He¡¯d only instructed his Patronus to fend off the Dementors, not expecting it to work quite so effectively.


    "You promised not to tell," Kyle reminded the Dementor, his tone firm.


    "We¡­ have been injured¡­" came the Dementor''s cold, emotionless voice.


    "Are you trying to back out?" Kyle frowned. "Don¡¯t forget, you were the ones who broke into the school first and tried to attack students and professors. We were only defending ourselves."


    ¡°There is¡­ a scent of Sirius Black here¡­ We have orders¡­ to arrest¡­¡±


    ¡°And where is Sirius now?¡± Kyle pressed.


    The Dementor fell silent, taking another slow, rattling breath, but still failing to detect any trace of Black¡¯s scent.


    "So, it seems you¡¯ve been mistaken from the beginning," Kyle said with a faint smile.


    "We have orders¡­ to check¡­" the Dementor responded weakly.


    Kyle gave a soft laugh. "Do you think Professor Dumbledore will accept that excuse? By the way, you do know who Dumbledore is, don¡¯t you? One of the most powerful wizards around. Probably stronger than any wizard you¡¯ve ever encountered."


    The Dementor visibly shuddered, apparently recalling its last encounter with Dumbledore. After the incident on the Quidditch pitch, Dumbledore had returned in a fury, banishing every Dementor from the school grounds.


    "Then feel free to report to the Ministry," Kyle continued, glancing at Harry, Ron, and Hermione, who were still huddled together, shivering. "The students were terrified, and we were only protecting ourselves. Even the Ministry can¡¯t argue with that."


    He lowered his voice conspiratorially. "But your case is different¡­ breaking into the school, attacking students and professors? I doubt Professor Dumbledore will let that slide this time."


    Kyle turned to leave, muttering just loudly enough for the Dementors to hear, "That old wizard has quite the temper. If he gets angry enough, he might take down a few hundred Dementors just to blow off steam¡­"


    As he spoke, one of the Dementors floated forward, blocking his path.


    "Anything else you¡¯d like to add?" Kyle asked.


    The Dementor remained silent, standing motionless in his way.


    "Fine," Kyle sighed. "I¡¯ll ignore what happened tonight¡ªon one condition."


    The Dementor¡¯s hollow voice rasped, "What¡­ condition¡­?"


    Kyle¡¯s eyes gleamed as an idea took shape. Originally, he¡¯d only wanted the Dementors gone, but now he saw an opportunity. He thought for a moment and said, "There¡¯s someone named Bellatrix in Azkaban who has a key. I need you to tell me where that key is kept."


    "Impossible¡­" the Dementor replied, its voice colder than before. "It is forbidden¡­ And we do not¡­ understand the key¡­¡±


    ¡°Is that so?¡± Kyle said, feigning disappointment. ¡°Well, it looks like I¡¯ll just have to tell Dumbledore¡­¡±


    The Dementor floated back in front of Kyle, blocking his way once more.


    "That¡¯s all I¡¯m asking," Kyle said simply.


    ¡°Tomorrow¡­ a guard rotation¡­¡± the Dementor rasped, ¡°I can¡­ take you¡­ there¡­¡±


    Kyle¡¯s mouth twitched. There was no way he was setting foot in Azkaban¡ªit would be far too risky, and if the Ministry found out, he¡¯d be in serious trouble. But¡­ a rotation?


    "How often is the guard rotated?" Kyle asked, curious.


    ¡°Every¡­ two days¡­¡±


    "So, in two days, you¡¯ll be back here?" Kyle clarified.


    The Dementor nodded slowly. "There is no¡­ food here¡­ I must¡­ go back."


    Kyle¡¯s eyes lit up with an idea. After a quick bit of preparation, he handed the Dementor an envelope and a small vial.


    "Mix what¡¯s in the bottle into her food. After she¡¯s eaten it, open the envelope and listen carefully to what she says. Then, when you return, tell me everything. And don¡¯t try anything sneaky, or I¡¯ll not only inform Professor Dumbledore about tonight¡¯s little trespass, but I¡¯ll make sure the Ministry hears you purposely let Sirius Black escape. And believe me, they¡¯ll believe it."


    The confidence in Kyle¡¯s tone was undeniable. Once Sirius was free, he could file a complaint himself, claiming the Dementors had failed in their duties. The Ministry wouldn¡¯t have any choice but to take it seriously.


    The Dementor trembled slightly, as if realizing the implications. With a rigid, withered hand, it reached out, grasping the envelope and the small vial slowly before drifting away into the darkness.

 Chapter 436: Dumbledore’s Surprise

    The Dementor floated away unsteadily, fading into the darkness until it was completely gone. Kyle turned back and found everyone staring at him with a mixture of surprise and awe.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± he asked, bemused. sea??h th§× novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°Kyle, weren¡¯t you scared at all just now?¡± Harry blurted out.


    Harry hadn¡¯t caught most of Kyle¡¯s exchange with the Dementor, but he¡¯d seen Kyle standing directly in front of it, seemingly calm, for an unnervingly long time. The mere presence of Dementors chilled Harry to his core, and Kyle had stood there talking to it as if it were nothing.


    ¡°Why be afraid?¡± Kyle shrugged. ¡°This is Hogwarts, after all.¡±


    ¡°Are you¡­ are you all right?¡± Hermione asked, her voice a little shaky.


    ¡°Of course,¡± Kyle replied. ¡°I told the Dementors that Sirius wasn¡¯t here, and they left.¡±


    Hermione nodded, visibly relieved. First they¡¯d had to deal with a werewolf, and then a horde of Dementors. Her legs felt weak, and she wanted nothing more than to return to the dormitories and collapse into bed. But they still had to get to Professor Dumbledore first.


    She glanced back at the still-bound werewolf wrapped in Devil¡¯s Snare. ¡°What about¡­ Professor Lupin? We can¡¯t just leave him here.¡±


    ¡°Not to worry,¡± Kyle said, looking back toward the castle. As if on cue, a fiery red bird was flying rapidly toward them, its wings glowing against the dark sky.


    It was Fawkes, Dumbledore¡¯s phoenix.


    Fawkes folded his wings and landed gracefully on Kyle¡¯s shoulder, tilting his head slightly, as if asking for instructions.


    ¡°We need to get Professor Lupin back to Professor Dumbledore,¡± Kyle explained, gesturing at the werewolf bound up like a dumpling. ¡°Could you take him there for us?¡±


    Fawkes nodded, gliding over to the werewolf. He latched onto Lupin¡¯s fur with his talons, lifting him effortlessly before flying back toward the castle.


    ¡°Oh my goodness, was that a Phoenix?¡± Hermione gasped, covering her mouth in astonishment. ¡°I¡¯ve read about them, but I never thought I¡¯d see one in person!¡±


    ¡°It was,¡± Harry confirmed. ¡°His name¡¯s Fawkes. I saw him in Dumbledore¡¯s office once.¡±


    Ron, however, was frowning. ¡°I¡¯m more concerned about Professor Lupin. Did you see how Fawkes carried him¡ªby the fur? Is that really¡­ okay?¡±


    Kyle nodded. ¡°When he¡¯s in werewolf form, it¡¯s fine. Werewolves are physically much stronger than regular wizards.¡± He motioned them onward. ¡°Come on, let¡¯s hurry back. Professor Dumbledore¡¯s probably waiting.¡±


    They quickly made their way back to the castle, with Sirius remaining in his dog form, reluctant to change back just yet. Fortunately, they encountered no patrolling professors or Filch as they made their way to the eighth floor.


    As if they¡¯d been expected, the stone gargoyle at the entrance shifted aside as soon as they approached, revealing the staircase behind it. Harry, eager and a little nervous, was the first to step inside, with Sirius trailing close behind, his back legs quivering slightly as he tried to keep up.


    At the top of the stairs, the oak door to Dumbledore¡¯s office was already open. Professor Dumbledore stood behind his desk, dressed in a pink velvet nightshirt patterned with small strawberries, a soft smile on his face.


    ¡°I suspect some rather interesting events have taken place this evening, given that so many of you have chosen to break the rules all at once,¡± he said, his eyes twinkling. ¡°Would any of you care for some pumpkin juice before you tell me your story?¡±


    ¡°No, thank you, Professor,¡± Harry, Ron, and Hermione replied in unison, all a bit too anxious for refreshments.


    ¡°Could I have a glass of lemonade?¡± Kyle asked with a grin.


    ¡°With sugar?¡± Professor Dumbledore inquired.


    ¡°No sugar at all.¡±


    As soon as he spoke, a tall glass of lemonade appeared on a nearby table. Kyle took a sip, the sharp, sour taste waking him up instantly.


    Before Kyle could finish his drink, Harry blurted out, "Professor, Sirius Black is innocent! Peter Pettigrew was the real traitor!"


    "Oh!" Professor Dumbledore¡¯s eyebrows rose in genuine surprise. "While I expected an interesting story, I must admit, you¡¯ve surprised me right from the start."


    He regarded Harry thoughtfully. "So, how did you come to this conclusion? To my knowledge, Peter Pettigrew has been dead for twelve years and was even awarded the Order of Merlin, First Class."


    "That¡¯s a lie! He¡¯s alive!" Harry declared, lifting the cage he held. "This is Peter!"


    "And he¡¯s been hiding as a rat in my house for twelve years," Ron added, glaring down at Scabbers with disgust, as if his long-time pet''s true identity was a personal betrayal.


    Dumbledore¡¯s piercing blue gaze shifted to Scabbers. Just then, Kyle retrieved the Marauder¡¯s Map from his pocket, holding it up to reveal Peter Pettigrew¡¯s name, plainly visible in the headmaster¡¯s office.


    "Oh, how I¡¯ve missed that map," Dumbledore said, his eyes twinkling with nostalgia. "The last time I saw it was¡­ oh, about fifteen years ago. Curious, isn¡¯t it supposed to be in Filch¡¯s office?"


    Kyle took another sip of his lemonade and offered no explanation, while Dumbledore, seeming amused, merely gestured for Harry to continue.


    "Well, actually, it wasn¡¯t the map that led us to Peter¡­" Harry shook his head and then began to recount the night¡¯s events, starting with Professor Lupin''s arrival in the Gryffindor common room. Dumbledore listened attentively, not interrupting once, as Harry sped through the story in about ten minutes.


    "So," Dumbledore mused at last, turning to the large black dog sitting on the floor, "it was Sirius Black¡­ Animagus. I see. That would explain why no one has managed to find you."


    The black dog barked once in affirmation, sitting up straighter.


    "Professor, he had no choice!" Harry said earnestly. "We all saw it¡ªScabbers kept hitting his head against the wand. No normal pet could have done that."


    Dumbledore¡¯s expression softened, though instead of responding directly, he gave Harry a thoughtful look. "Harry, you seem to believe Sirius¡¯s story. Have you considered the possibility that he might be lying to you?"


    "I don¡¯t think he is," Harry replied firmly. "I feel like he¡¯s telling the truth. And if he were lying, he wouldn¡¯t have dared come here with us, would he?"


    "First of all, thank you for placing your trust in me, Harry," Dumbledore said calmly. "But it¡¯s very late, and after tonight¡¯s excitement, I suggest that you all return to your dormitories, have some hot cocoa, and get a good night¡¯s sleep."


    "But Professor¡ªwhat about Sirius?" Harry asked, unable to hide his concern.


    "Leave that to me, Harry," Dumbledore reassured him with a gentle smile. "If Sirius Black is indeed innocent, I assure you, I¡¯ll find a way to clear his name."


    "Well¡­ okay¡­" Harry nodded reluctantly, still brimming with questions¡ªespecially about whether he might finally be able to leave the Dursleys and live somewhere he didn¡¯t have to hide his things under loose floorboards. But with Dumbledore¡¯s assurances, he had no choice but to nod and head for the door, followed by Ron and Hermione.


    "Good night, Professor," the three of them murmured as they exited, one by one.


    Kyle was about to follow them, but just as he reached the door, he heard Dumbledore call softly, "Kyle, could you stay a moment?"

 Chapter 437: Fudge Is a Good Minister

    Kyle paused, watching Dumbledore¡¯s calm expression as he waited for Harry, Ron, and Hermione to leave the room. Only then did Dumbledore speak.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Black. There are no Dementors here. You don¡¯t need to keep up your Animagus form.¡±


    ¡°Sorry, Headmaster.¡± Sirius, having transformed back to his human form, looked like a schoolboy caught misbehaving, his voice low. ¡°I just¡­ haven¡¯t figured out how to face you yet.¡±


    Dumbledore took in Black¡¯s haggard figure¡ªsunken eyes and worn appearance stirring a pang of pity. But he said nothing, merely waved a hand. A table appeared before Black, covered in bread, meatloaf, and roast potatoes.


    "I think you¡¯ll need this right now¡­ help yourself."


    Black swallowed, grabbing a piece of bread. He seemed to be holding himself together, but hunger and perhaps the longing for a proper meal took over. In moments, he was wolfing down the food.


    Dumbledore glanced at Black, not minding his ferocity, then added some more bread and pumpkin juice to the table. He moved over to Peter¡¯s cage, bending down to observe the shivering rat.


    ¡°Another Animagus disguised as a pet,¡± Dumbledore mused. ¡°Perhaps we need to conduct a thorough inspection of our students¡¯ pets.¡± His eyes shifted to Kyle. ¡°What do you think his purpose was?¡±


    Kyle thought for a moment. ¡°Probably to stay informed about the wizarding world. Hiding with a wizard family would give him easy access to any news about¡­ Tom.¡±


    Dumbledore¡¯s eyes twinkled. ¡°I haven¡¯t heard that name in a long time. For a moment, I thought you meant Tom from the Leaky Cauldron.¡± He chuckled, then added, ¡°Peter probably didn¡¯t expect someone would use Mandrake leaves in a pet tonic¡­ Frankly, I was impressed by your generosity.¡±


    ¡°It was for a friend,¡± Kyle said with a shrug. ¡°A bit of Mandrake isn¡¯t a big expense for me.¡±


    ¡°Not to worry, I¡¯ll cover it!¡± Black muttered, his mouth full, ¡°How much did the tonic cost? I¡¯ll pay it all.¡±


    Kyle raised an eyebrow in mild amusement. Black sounded confident, likely thinking a few Mandrake leaves wouldn¡¯t make much of a dent in his vault. Though Kyle was tempted to take him up on it, he knew this wasn¡¯t the time for such details.


    Instead, he looked to Dumbledore. ¡°Professor, what do you intend to do?¡±


    Dumbledore¡¯s expression grew thoughtful. ¡°I need to verify something before taking any action.¡±


    He studied Peter, then, after a pause, drew out his wand. A blue light emanated from the wand, casting a glow over Peter¡¯s small form, making him seem larger for an instant¡ªbefore he shrank back, slumping in the cage, defeated.


    ¡°Oh!¡± Dumbledore murmured in mild surprise, though he didn¡¯t comment further. Reversing his wand, he placed the tip lightly against Peter¡¯s head and flicked it gently.


    A silvery thread of memory was drawn from Peter¡¯s mind. Dumbledore carried it to a stone basin in the corner, depositing it into the Pensieve. The silvery light swirled, and Dumbledore leaned over, narrowing his eyes as he gazed into the basin.


    As the memory unfolded, Dumbledore¡¯s expression shifted, gradually growing more severe. The air in the room grew heavy and stifling, the mood more intense than any of them had felt in a long time. To Sirius, it felt as though a horde of Dementors had suddenly filled the room; he unconsciously released the bone in his hand, which he had gnawed to the marrow.


    Fawkes, sensing the change, flew to Kyle¡¯s shoulder, giving a soft, comforting chirp.


    "Thank you... I''m fine," Kyle murmured, gently scratching Fawkes''s neck and offering some herbs for the Phoenix to nibble on. Minutes passed slowly.


    After about ten minutes, Dumbledore finally opened his eyes. His expression was unreadable as he glanced toward the cage. That single look sent Peter into a terrified frenzy; he began squealing and banging his head against the bars, as though desperate to escape. His attempts were useless¡ªthe cage was an iron structure covered with wood, specifically reinforced by Kyle to prevent any chance of escape. Eventually, Peter knocked himself out, slumping into a heap.


    Dumbledore took a deep breath and whispered, ¡°I¡¯ve seen it all... including how he betrayed and framed you.¡± He looked at Sirius, his voice gentler. "You¡¯ve waited a long time for this moment.¡±


    Sirius¡¯s fists clenched as his chest rose and fell, his eyes red with unshed tears. He let out a low, pained sob that quickly grew louder, until, finally unable to contain himself, he broke into heart-wrenching sobs.


    Not a single portrait stirred; every painted headmaster and headmistress in the office kept their eyes closed as if asleep. But Kyle, suspicious, noticed one portrait sneakily open one eye¡ªPhineas Nigellus Black, Sirius¡¯s ancestor and one of the most unpopular headmasters in Hogwarts¡¯ history.


    When he noticed Kyle¡¯s gaze, Phineas gave up the pretense entirely, glaring fiercely. ¡°I said it before! The Blacks would never stoop to such disgraceful behavior!"


    "Rubbish!¡± snapped a bearded headmaster from another frame. ¡°You always claimed Sirius was a disgrace to your family and said he ought to be expelled!¡±


    "I¡ª I never said that!" Phineas sputtered, defensively craning his neck. ¡°You¡¯re slandering me! I would never!"


    ¡°Oh, I heard you say it myself,¡± chimed in a portly headmaster with a mischievous glint in his eye. ¡°You swore the Black family would never welcome him again¡­¡±


    ¡°I can confirm that too,¡± another voice piped up. Sear?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°As can I¡ªheard it with my own ears!¡±


    Seeing the other portraits eagerly airing his past comments, Phineas flushed angrily. "Lies! All lies! I never said any such thing!"


    When his protests did nothing to convince the others, he finally changed tactics, muttering darkly, ¡°Well, it¡¯s all that wretched Peter Pettigrew¡¯s fault! That sniveling, treacherous little¡­¡±


    Then he turned to Dumbledore. ¡°Albus, you can¡¯t just stand by and do nothing! You must find a way to clear Sirius¡¯s name! I¡¯ll keep pestering you until you can¡¯t work in peace if you don¡¯t!¡±


    "Phineas," Dumbledore said, his usual twinkle returning to his eyes, ¡°did I ever say I intended to do nothing?¡±


    Sirius looked up, his expression a mixture of hope and doubt. ¡°You¡­ you truly want to help me?¡±


    ¡°Of course, Sirius. I will help you,¡± Dumbledore assured him. ¡°But the challenge we face is how to achieve it."


    He tapped his fingers on his desk thoughtfully. "It pains me to say it, but this injustice was caused by the Ministry¡¯s own failings. And for twelve years, Peter has been celebrated as ¡®Sir Peter Pettigrew, Order of Merlin, First Class.¡¯ For the Ministry to admit a mistake like this would be a severe embarrassment. I¡¯m afraid they will be¡­ reluctant to face the truth.¡±


    Sirius¡¯s face fell as the harsh reality set in. He had assumed Peter¡¯s exposure would be enough to clear his name, but he hadn¡¯t considered the Ministry¡¯s likely reaction. The Ministry valued its reputation above all else. Clearing his name was less about truth than politics.


    As anxiety started to gnaw at Sirius, Kyle suddenly chuckled, breaking the tense silence. ¡°Professor, I think you¡¯re all worrying for nothing.¡±


    Kyle continued, "The current Minister of Magic, Cornelius Fudge, is both competent and fair. I¡¯m confident he¡¯ll want to clear Sirius¡¯s name and restore justice.¡±

 Chapter 438: The Escaping Dementors

    Kyle''s words cast an immediate hush over the entire Headmaster''s Office.


    Dumbledore, though accustomed to witnessing grand scenes, found himself momentarily at a loss for words. The same reaction held true for the portraits lining the walls.


    In one frame, a thin wizard looked at Kyle, his expression filled with complex emotions. He also had a portrait in the Ministry of Magic and often visited it to keep up with the latest happenings in the wizarding world. Because of this, he had a decent understanding of Cornelius Fudge... Yet, try as he might, he simply couldn¡¯t reconcile the scheming, power-driven figure he knew with the person Kyle was describing.


    Phineas, on the other hand, was much more blunt.


    ¡°Albus,¡± he said to Dumbledore without a hint of hesitation¡ªeven with Kyle present, ¡°you should check him. I think this boy must be under someone¡¯s Imperius Curse.¡±


    Phineas himself was familiar with Fudge and, in his words... ¡°Milliphutt was bad enough, but he''s even worse.¡±


    Hortensia Milliphutt had served as Minister for Magic about 150 years prior, passing all sorts of pointless legislation¡ªlike specifying the angle at which a wizard¡¯s hat should be worn. At that time, wizards had to spend twenty minutes every time they left the house just to check if their attire met regulations.


    But after meeting Fudge, Phineas suddenly found himself thinking that Milliphutt hadn¡¯t been so bad after all; at least she''d managed to enact some practical laws each year. Fudge, on the other hand, had achieved virtually nothing in his recent years, save for the Muggle Protection Act from last year.


    ¡°Phineas... I don¡¯t think anyone at this school should be permitted to use the Imperius Curse on students,¡± Dumbledore said calmly.


    ¡°Then why is he spouting such nonsense?¡± Phineas retorted.


    ¡°I can examine him,¡± offered another witch.


    Dilys Derwent, a former Hogwarts headmistress from two centuries ago and a celebrated Healer, had a portrait here as well as at St. Mungo¡¯s Hospital for Magical Maladies and Injuries.


    Dumbledore shook his head, ignoring their comments and instead regarding Kyle with interest.


    ¡°I knew you would always find ways to surprise me... Care to explain your thought process?¡±


    ¡°If someone else were Minister for Magic¡ªlike Barty Crouch, for instance¡ªSirius would indeed have a hard time getting his case overturned. But with Fudge in power... things are much simpler.¡±


    ¡°But before that...¡± He turned to Sirius. ¡°Do you know of any Death Eaters who have been identified but remain at large?¡±


    Sirius shook his head, perplexed. Most of those he knew had either been his neighbors for the past twelve years or had been cleared. As for any loose ends, he hadn¡¯t had the opportunity to investigate.


    ¡°I do have some information,¡± Dumbledore interjected. ¡°Two Death Eaters have adopted new identities and continue to work in secret, though they aren¡¯t particularly significant figures.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s perfect,¡± Kyle replied. ¡°As long as they¡¯re confirmed Death Eaters, that¡¯s all that matters.¡±


    ¡°Why do you ask?¡± Sirius inquired curiously. S§×arch* The N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°A gift,¡± Kyle said simply. ¡°They¡¯ve done you a big favor¡ªyou have to give them something in return.¡±


    Dumbledore considered this, a thoughtful expression crossing his face, until a glimmer of realization lit up his eyes.


    ¡°I knew it! You never cease to amaze me,¡± he repeated, his eyes twinkling.


    ...


    The next day, Dumbledore was gone from the school, and Sirius had vanished along with him.


    Harry came by several times to ask about them, but he couldn¡¯t find a trace of either, which made him lose his appetite. In contrast, Kyle was eating heartily¡ªhis appetite seemed to have even grown. When Harry questioned him, Kyle just shook his head, saying he didn¡¯t know where Sirius and Dumbledore had gone either. And that was true; Kyle really didn¡¯t know. He¡¯d wanted to go with them, but Dumbledore hadn¡¯t allowed it.


    But that was all right¡­


    Two more days passed, and still, there was no sign of their return.


    Kyle woke up early that day, and after breakfast, he headed to Hogsmeade through the secret passage hidden in the hunchbacked witch statue on the fourth floor, claiming he had some business to attend to.


    Today was the agreed-upon day, and he was there to collect something from the Dementors. Hogsmeade was quiet and undisturbed.


    Kyle searched the area for quite a while before finally spotting a familiar black-robed figure in the space between Hogsmeade and the castle grounds. It was a Dementor, though he couldn¡¯t be sure if it was the same one he¡¯d met the other night. To him, all Dementors looked alike.


    He was just about to approach it when the Dementor suddenly drifted away, as if startled.


    Kyle hesitated for a moment, then hurried after it. There was only one Dementor in sight, and he couldn¡¯t let it slip away. Although the Dementor could glide swiftly, it seemed unable to leave the area, and soon Kyle managed to catch up.


    He was a bit taken aback. This Dementor was smaller than others he¡¯d seen, and its robe was even more tattered, with the hooded cloak practically shredded to the point of resembling a makeshift jacket.


    ¡°Why are you running off¡­¡± Kyle asked. ¡°I just want to ask you something.¡±


    The Dementor didn¡¯t reply but instead pulled the few remaining tatters of its robe more tightly around itself.


    ¡°Where is your leader¡­¡± Kyle paused, then clarified, ¡°Not the one from the Ministry.¡±


    The Dementor extended its hand and pointed in the direction of the castle. With the sleeve missing, its arm looked ghastly in the sunlight, a mottled mixture of black and white, as though badly burned.


    ¡°Over there by the castle?¡± Kyle asked to confirm.


    The Dementor nodded.


    With his answer in hand, Kyle turned and headed back toward the castle. Before leaving, he tossed a dark blue cloth to the Dementor, suggesting it use it to patch up its sleeve as a thank-you for helping him.


    This was actually one of Kyle¡¯s Quidditch World Cup souvenirs, though he hadn¡¯t been able to find black cloth, so he had to settle for dark blue. But he doubted the Dementor would mind such a minor detail.


    ...


    Hogsmeade lay close to the castle, and within minutes, Kyle could already see the castle gates. Two Dementors hovered nearby, stationed as guards.


    This time, Kyle didn¡¯t need to say a word. Upon noticing him, one of the Dementors immediately drifted forward.


    ¡°You must have seen it for yourself. Dumbledore didn¡¯t give you any trouble¡­ So, what did she say?¡± Kyle asked directly.


    The Dementor was equally straightforward. ¡°The Old House¡¯s Underground Store Cupboard¡­ the portrait¡­ behind the third wall tile¡­¡±


    ¡°Which old house?¡± Kyle pressed.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know¡­ she didn¡¯t say¡­¡±


    ¡°Alright,¡± Kyle nodded, extending his hand. ¡°Where¡¯s the stuff I gave you earlier?¡±


    The Dementor reached into its tattered robes and produced an envelope and an empty vial.


    In return, Kyle handed over some chocolate. ¡°These are treats that can make people happy. Consider it payment for the information. Take these back to her¡ªmaybe you¡¯ll both get an extra snack,¡± he added with a small grin.


    The Dementor seemed a bit puzzled by this but perked up at the mention of a treat and tucked the chocolates away.


    With that, Kyle entered through the castle gates. Instead of heading directly back to the castle, he found a secluded spot, took out his wand, and set the envelope ablaze.


    As the flames consumed it, a faint whisper seemed to emerge from within, ¡°Gringotts¡­ Vault¡­¡±


    Next, Kyle took out the empty vial.


    he murmured, and the vial shattered into fragments, mingling with the ashes of the envelope on the ground.


    With two quick Charms, the area was left spotless, as if nothing had ever been there.

 Chapter 439: Cornelius Fudge

    "This is appalling... appalling... Albus, you didn¡¯t tell me about this before you came¡­¡±


    ¡°Believe me, Cornelius, I knew no more than you did¡­¡±


    Standing just outside the door, Kyle listened to the conversation inside the Headmaster¡¯s office, then raised his hand and knocked on the heavy oak door.


    The door opened shortly after. Inside, Cornelius Fudge sat across from Dumbledore, looking visibly uneasy.


    Two days before the holidays, Dumbledore and Sirius had finally returned. Without Kyle having to say a word, Dumbledore had already written to the Ministry of Magic, finding a reason to lure Fudge to Hogwarts.


    Kyle had assumed Dumbledore could manage the rest on his own, but just as he was about to leave, Professor McGonagall came to inform him that the Headmaster was asking for him.


    Fudge frowned as he saw Kyle standing in the doorway.


    ¡°Kyle was the first to suspect something was wrong with the rat,¡± Dumbledore explained with a smile. ¡°That¡¯s why I asked him to join us¡ªif I miss any details, he can help fill them in.¡±


    ¡°Oh¡­ that¡¯s remarkable¡­¡± Fudge muttered absentmindedly.


    Kyle noticed the Pensieve had been brought out of the cabinet, which meant they had already reviewed Peter Pettigrew¡¯s memories before he entered.


    ¡°Albus, you¡¯ve really given me a big problem¡­¡± Fudge muttered, glancing at Kyle before continuing hesitantly, ¡°Peter Pettigrew has been recognized with an Order of Merlin, First Class, for twelve years. And we¡¯ve had Sirius Black hunted for over a year now¡­ If I announce that there¡¯s been a mix-up in their identities, I¡¯ll be flooded with Howlers!¡±


    ¡°The Minister for Magic does have a difficult job, with countless issues to manage daily,¡± Fudge said, fiddling nervously with his top hat. ¡°Isn¡¯t there a possibility that the rat¡¯s memory is, well¡­ unreliable? And as you said, we can¡¯t actually verify he¡¯s an unregistered Animagus¡­ can we?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re correct, Cornelius,¡± Dumbledore replied, sighing in agreement. ¡°It is indeed a complex matter, and I doubt there¡¯s anything you could do about it. It¡¯s a shame about Sirius¡ªwrongly imprisoned for twelve years and then pursued by Dementors.¡±


    Fudge looked up, slightly taken aback.


    He had expected Dumbledore to push back and had even prepared his excuses. Instead, it sounded like Dumbledore was stepping aside, perhaps even washing his hands of the whole affair.


    ¡°Well¡­¡± Fudge said, adopting a neutral expression. ¡°After some consideration, I think you¡¯re right. Dementors are perhaps not suited to be so close to Hogwarts¡­ I¡¯ll see to it they¡¯re removed when I return.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Cornelius,¡± Dumbledore replied, standing up. At the same time, he gave Kyle a subtle wink.


    Following Dumbledore¡¯s cue, Kyle rose, cleared his throat, and, in a voice just loud enough for everyone to hear, murmured, ¡°It¡¯s a shame you weren¡¯t Minister twelve years ago. I¡¯m sure a mistake like this wouldn¡¯t have happened under your watch.¡±


    Fudge¡¯s expression froze for a split second.


    Kyle¡¯s words had struck a nerve. Yes, twelve years ago, it wasn¡¯t Fudge who had ordered Sirius¡¯s arrest¡ªhe hadn¡¯t been involved in the whole ordeal at all.


    A series of thoughts ran through Fudge¡¯s mind, but his face remained composed, betraying nothing.


    "You must have discussed this," Fudge said, casting a displeased look at Dumbledore. "And I assume it was your idea."


    "Sorry, Cornelius, I¡¯m afraid I don¡¯t follow," Dumbledore replied with a look of surprise. "Did we do something?"


    "Don''t play coy, Albus," Fudge chuckled, though his tone was sharp. "You prompted Kyle to say those things¡ªremarks that seemed like flattery but were actually meant to nudge me into agreeing to reopen Black¡¯s case."


    "You¡¯re mistaken, Cornelius," Dumbledore responded with an odd expression. "I didn¡¯t instruct Kyle to say any of that."


    "Oh?" Fudge¡¯s smile was knowing, as if he¡¯d uncovered a grand plot. "Kyle¡¯s a good lad, not prone to such schemes." Dumbledore¡¯s expression grew even stranger.


    Kyle, appearing completely unfazed and even affirming Fudge¡¯s interpretation, said, "Minister, I didn¡¯t mean it that way¡­ I truly do think you¡¯re a great minister."


    "Well, I¡¯ll admit it¡ªI¡¯ve been swayed," Fudge said, settling back into his chair and placing his top hat beside him. "The Ministry was negligent in Black¡¯s case, and as the current Minister, it¡¯s my duty to rectify that error."


    "Cornelius, are you agreeing to reopen the case?" Dumbledore asked.


    "Isn¡¯t that what you want?" Fudge replied. "But first, we need to find Black¡­"


    Before he could finish, a ragged figure stepped out from a shadowed corner of the Headmaster¡¯s office.


    It was Sirius Black.


    Instinctively, Fudge leapt up from his chair, mouth open to shout, but he quickly composed himself, reaching silently for his wand. He unfastened a button at his collar, casting Dumbledore a look that seemed to say, "You found him yourself, yet you claim this wasn¡¯t your plan?"


    Dumbledore didn¡¯t respond to Fudge¡¯s silent accusation, but said calmly, "I found him dealing with two Death Eaters."


    "Wait," Fudge interrupted. "Did Black steal someone¡¯s wand?"


    "Actually, he didn¡¯t..." Dumbledore replied. "The situation was precarious, but he managed without one."


    Sirius dragged two unconscious figures out of the shadows. Their faces were bruised, indicating they¡¯d been knocked out.


    Fudge inspected the pair. He noted they lacked the Dark Mark on their wrists, suggesting they weren¡¯t high-ranking, but Dumbledore¡¯s presence implied they were indeed Death Eaters. He could simply have the Aurors verify their identities later.


    "Since Black can¡¯t go anywhere for the time being¡­" Dumbledore continued, "perhaps, Cornelius, you could take these two back to the Ministry with you. It¡¯s what Sirius would prefer."


    "I take them back?" Fudge¡¯s eyes lit up. "Oh, certainly, no trouble at all. It¡¯s the least I can do."


    He looked pleased. "Evidently avoiding Dementors and still fighting Death Eaters. I¡¯m starting to believe he might actually be innocent."


    "We¡¯ll need to investigate further to confirm that," Dumbledore said. "In the meantime, I¡¯ll keep an eye on him. Agreed?"


    "That would be best," Fudge replied. "But how will we investigate¡­?" Sear?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    His gaze fell on the cage atop the table. "The Wizengamot won¡¯t accept the memory of a rat, and even I, as Minister of Magic, can¡¯t change that. And Veritaserum would be useless for Black if we can¡¯t confront him with Peter Pettigrew himself."


    "Rest assured," Dumbledore said. "We¡¯ve found a way to restore Peter¡¯s ability to speak, though it will take some time."


    "Of course," Fudge replied, glancing at the two bound Death Eaters. "If the Ministry can help, just let me know¡­ As I said, this was the Ministry¡¯s mistake to begin with, and I¡¯d be glad to make amends."


    Dumbledore tilted his head slightly. It sounded as though Fudge had already made up his mind that Black was innocent.

 Chapter 440: Lupin’s Decision to Stay or Leave

    Fudge didn¡¯t linger long in the Headmaster¡¯s office and soon left, taking the two unconscious Death Eaters with him. About half an hour later, the Dementors stationed around Hogsmeade received their orders and withdrew from the vicinity of the castle.


    The castle was instantly lighter and livelier. Although most students had no idea what had actually happened, that didn¡¯t stop them from celebrating the departure of those ominous creatures, and an infectious, joyful atmosphere spread through Hogwarts.


    The day before the holidays, Kyle made his way to the Hospital Wing to visit Professor Lupin, who was still recovering. Harry and his friends were there as well, accompanied by a large black dog¡­ Madam Pomfrey stood nearby, observing them with a highly disapproving expression. She couldn¡¯t understand why the Headmaster had allowed students to bring their pets into the hospital wing.


    Professor Lupin lay in bed, swathed in bandages, looking like a barely mobile mummy. Sirius, in his dog form, was perched by his bedside, licking Lupin¡¯s face in a display of loyal affection.


    Seeing Lupin in this condition, Kyle felt a twinge of guilt. Technically, he¡¯d had a hand in Lupin¡¯s current state. That night, after Fawkes had brought the werewolf and Devil¡¯s Snare to the Headmaster¡¯s office, Kyle had left him there. Perhaps because Sirius¡¯s and Peter¡¯s story had been so captivating¡ªand the Devil¡¯s Snare had successfully silenced the werewolf¡ªLupin had been forgotten in the corner.


    It wasn¡¯t until early the next morning, when the exhausted werewolf transformed back into Professor Lupin and fell unconscious, that he finally broke free from the Devil¡¯s Snare and crashed to the floor. The noise had alerted Sirius Black, who had spent the night leaning against the window, excitedly dreaming of a new future. Only then did he realize his old friend was still trapped in the office.


    After spending the whole night bound, even Lupin¡¯s werewolf-strengthened body had taken a beating. By the time he was brought to the Hospital Wing, he had multiple fractures and was severely weakened, and he had yet to fully recover.


    As Kyle walked into the room, he overheard Harry questioning Professor Lupin about the rumors circulating around the castle.


    "I just ran into Malfoy¡­¡± Harry said, his voice full of worry. ¡°He said you¡¯re a werewolf and that you¡¯re going to be expelled. Is that true?¡±


    ¡°Of course it¡¯s not true,¡± Lupin replied with a smile. ¡°I resigned of my own accord, I wasn¡¯t expelled.¡±


    ¡°But why?¡± Harry asked. ¡°Just because you¡¯re a werewolf?¡±


    ¡°Isn¡¯t that reason enough?¡± Lupin replied, calm but resigned.


    ¡°But no one besides us should know about your condition¡­¡±


    ¡°No, Harry,¡± Lupin shook his head. ¡°There are plenty of sharp students at Hogwarts like Kyle and Hermione. I¡¯m sure they figured out my secret a long time ago.¡±


    ¡°Malfoy must have spread the word¡ªand Snape¡­¡± Harry said angrily. ¡°Hermione said he practically announced you were a werewolf during his substitute lesson.¡±


    ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter anymore, Harry,¡± Lupin reassured him, smiling slightly. ¡°The parent letters will arrive by owl this afternoon¡­ They¡¯re not going to want a werewolf teaching their children¡­ at least, most of them won¡¯t. And after what happened last night, I think they¡¯re right. I could have bitten you. That¡¯s a risk I can¡¯t allow again.¡±


    ¡°You could always try planting Devil¡¯s Snare in your office¡­¡± Ron suggested hesitantly. ¡°That might convince people to let you stay.¡±


    Hearing Ron¡¯s suggestion, Lupin felt the dull ache of his injuries flare up again.


    Just then, Kyle stepped up to Lupin¡¯s bedside.


    ¡°Ron¡¯s suggestion isn¡¯t half bad,¡± Kyle said with a smile, setting a large box of Honeydukes sweets on the cabinet beside Lupin¡¯s bed. ¡°If you need it, I can lend you the Devil¡¯s Snare.¡±


    ¡°No, thank you,¡± Lupin shook his head, smiling. ¡°I don¡¯t think I could handle that again. But, Kyle, why on earth do you carry around such a dangerous plant?¡±


    ¡°It was just a coincidence,¡± Kyle replied vaguely. ¡°Besides, I think Devil¡¯s Snare is quite safe.¡±


    In truth, among the plants Kyle kept in his suitcase, Devil¡¯s Snare was among the least harmful, ranking just slightly above purely ornamental plants like Dittany and Rue.


    Noticing that Kyle didn¡¯t want to elaborate, Lupin didn¡¯t press further. Instead, he said, ¡°I heard what Sirius told me, and I want to thank you on his behalf.¡± The large black dog beside him looked over as well, eyes full of gratitude.


    ¡°I just had an idea,¡± Kyle waved off the thanks. ¡°Besides, it¡¯s too early for that. Let¡¯s wait until he¡¯s fully cleared.¡±


    ¡°What are you two talking about?¡± Harry asked suspiciously. ¡°Sirius is all right now?¡±


    ¡°Nothing,¡± Lupin replied, shaking his head and not explaining further.


    This was still a sensitive matter, not something Harry could know yet. After nearly a year of teaching Harry, Lupin had realized the boy wasn¡¯t particularly skilled at keeping secrets. So no matter how much Harry pressed, Lupin remained tight-lipped.


    Seeing that he¡¯d get no answers, Harry suppressed his curiosity and changed the subject. ¡°So, where will you go next?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± Lupin sighed. ¡°It¡¯s hard for a werewolf to find work¡­¡±


    Sirius scratched at the floor with his paw, looking positively eager. He wanted to tell Lupin he could stay with him once he left Hogwarts. But Lupin didn¡¯t notice and continued on, lost in thought. S~ea??h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°Perhaps the Wizarding Examinations Authority¡­ Since the Patronus Charm was on the N.E.W.T. exam this year and the students¡¯ pass rate was remarkable, Professor Marchbanks did ask if I¡¯d be interested in working with them. But I¡¯m not sure if she knows about my condition, and I doubt the Ministry of Magic would employ a werewolf.¡±


    Harry¡¯s face fell.


    ¡°Cheer up, it¡¯s all right,¡± Lupin said with a soft laugh. ¡°I¡¯m used to it, and I¡¯ve just been paid for the last month of school, so I¡¯ll be fine for a while.¡±


    ¡°If you¡¯re interested, you could check out Romania,¡± Kyle said suddenly.


    ¡°What?¡± Lupin turned to him, puzzled.


    ¡°The dragon reserve,¡± Kyle replied. ¡°No one there cares if you¡¯re a werewolf.¡±


    ¡°Really?¡± Lupin¡¯s eyes lit up with faint hope. ¡°Aren¡¯t they worried?¡±


    ¡°Do you think a group of people who deal with dragons and dark wizards every day are afraid of werewolves?¡± Kyle said, grinning. ¡°Actually, it could be an advantage. A werewolf on Wolfsbane can do quite a lot, and just having one around could deter anyone with bad intentions. I¡¯ve heard they¡¯ve hired werewolves in the past, though many were dismissed for being unable to resist the temptation of dragon eggs.¡±


    Lupin looked down, considering this. Sirius, meanwhile, scratched at the floor faster, but no one paid him any attention.


    Kyle continued, ¡°Though you might find it challenging, especially on full moons, and may even have to face the dragons alone, the pay is quite appealing¡­¡±


    Lupin fell into a thoughtful silence.


    The hard work didn¡¯t bother him, nor did the danger of facing dragons. And the prospect of a high salary was tempting. The only thing giving him pause was the distance.


    With Sirius on the brink of being cleared, he had so much he wanted to say to his old friend and didn¡¯t want to leave at such a crucial time.


    Forget it, he thought. While I still have a bit of gold, I¡¯ll wait a little longer.


    Lupin resolved to stay put, at least until the truth of Sirius¡¯s case was fully revealed, before considering a new job.

 Chapter 441: The Holiday Begins

    It seemed he didn¡¯t want to confront those letters from the parents. Even though Madam Pomfrey kept insisting that his injuries weren¡¯t fully healed, Lupin was determined to leave the hospital. He went to his office, gathered a few belongings, and left the castle, alone and quietly.


    Lupin didn¡¯t allow anyone to see him off. Only a large black dog accompanied him to the carriage.


    With the office now empty again, many students felt a sense of loss. As Harry had once said, Lupin had been one of the best Defence Against the Dark Arts professors they¡¯d ever had.


    No one cared whether Lupin was a Werewolf. A whole school year had passed without incident, proving he wasn¡¯t a threat and wouldn¡¯t harm anyone intentionally.


    But there was nothing they could do. It wasn¡¯t their decision to make.


    ¡°I wonder who they¡¯ll assign us next year!¡± Cedric said, a hint of resignation in his voice. ¡°These days, it¡¯s hard to find a good Defence Against the Dark Arts professor.¡±


    ¡°Maybe... a Vampire?¡± Fred suggested with a grin.


    ¡°A Zombie wouldn¡¯t be bad, either,¡± George added.


    Cho¡¯s request was simpler: as long as it wasn¡¯t a Dementor, she¡¯d accept almost anyone else.


    When afternoon arrived¡­


    Lupin had been right. During dinner, hundreds of owls suddenly swooped into the Great Hall, each one clutching an envelope. Most were ordinary letters, but several were the dreaded red Howlers.


    The owls circled a few times, but when they couldn¡¯t find their intended recipient, they turned and flew back toward the Headmaster¡¯s office.


    Still, the owls didn¡¯t capture much attention, because the students¡¯ exam results were also out. Grades on the report cards were now more pressing than the shrieking Howlers, as they would determine whether students could look forward to a carefree holiday.


    Cedric had done exceptionally well in his O.W.L.s, earning the highest marks in the school. Since morning, Professor Sprout had been spotted around the castle, occasionally chatting with Professor McGonagall or joining Professor Flitwick for a celebratory drink at The Three Broomsticks.


    Fred and George had also passed respectably¡ªnot quite at Cedric¡¯s level, but enough to keep Mrs. Weasley off their backs. As they put it, they didn¡¯t need top scores, but it was important to ¡°leave some room to improve for the N.E.W.T.s.¡±


    ¡°Next year¡¯s your turn,¡± Fred said knowingly, giving Kyle a pat on the shoulder.


    George snickered. ¡°Fifth year is brutal. Hope you can survive it.¡±


    Kyle just shrugged and handed them his report card.


    The neat rows of high marks made Fred and George wince, and they fell silent.


    Everyone laughed, including Fred and George, who could appreciate the joke at their own expense.


    By evening, Slytherin¡¯s scores still hadn¡¯t caught up, which meant the Great Hall was decorated in black and yellow. The Hufflepuff table was the most animated, filled with cheers and celebration... this was their fourth consecutive House Cup win.


    ¡°What a shame¡­¡± Mikel said with a sigh, turning to Kyle. ¡°You didn¡¯t win the Special Award for Services to the School this year. I really thought you¡¯d win it seven years in a row.¡±


    ¡°You shouldn¡¯t think like that,¡± Kyle replied with a smile.


    The Special Award for Services to the School at Hogwarts wasn¡¯t something one could win easily, especially after earning it three years straight.


    If he could¡¯ve postponed his vacation a bit, perhaps until Sirius¡¯s innocence was revealed, Dumbledore might¡¯ve considered giving him another trophy for his efforts. But with vacation starting tomorrow, there wouldn¡¯t be time to brew a Mandrake Restorative Draught.


    The celebration of Hufflepuff¡¯s fourth consecutive championship continued well into the night, and the next morning, the Hogwarts Express departed from the station on schedule.


    Kyle, Kanna, and Cedric secured a large compartment, and soon Cho, Fred, and George joined them.


    George, the last to enter, shut the compartment door behind him with an excited grin. ¡°So, how¡¯s the plan for the Quidditch World Cup going?¡±


    ¡°Everything¡¯s on track!¡± Cedric replied with a smile. ¡°Just the other day, I ran into Professor Babbling in the corridor and asked her about an enchantment formula to make our decorations move.¡±


    ¡°Professor Babbling!¡± Cho exclaimed in surprise. ¡°You actually saw her outside of class?¡±


    As Hogwarts¡¯ most elusive professor, Professor Babbling was rarely spotted around the castle, appearing only once a week for her Ancient Runes of Egypt class. Cho had tried several times to find her, but it had never worked out.


    ¡°It was pure luck,¡± Cedric said. ¡°I ran into her on the eighth floor¡ªlooked like she was heading to the Headmaster¡¯s office.¡±


    He turned to the others. ¡°So, how are your preparations coming along?¡±


    ¡°You bet we¡¯re ready...¡± George said, pulling out a handful of colorful fireworks. ¡°We¡¯ve improved these so that the patterns last a full ten minutes!¡±


    Kanna and Cho also revealed the decorations they¡¯d been working on, each more creative than the last. Then, all eyes turned to Kyle.


    Kyle¡¯s main job was making the badges, a task he was more than familiar with by now. He gave them a reassuring nod¡ªall was in order, and they just had to wait for the Quidditch World Cup to begin.


    Cedric could barely hold back his excitement. ¡°I can¡¯t wait for it to start!¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ve got that right,¡± Fred laughed. ¡°But we need time to make more products, so let¡¯s not rush things!¡±


    ¡°Stick to the normal schedule,¡± George agreed, grinning.


    The train chugged along toward King¡¯s Cross Station, and though they all wanted to use the time to make a few more items, the atmosphere was too lively to focus. Every now and then, the compartment door slid open: sometimes it was Lee Jordan, sometimes Ginny. Harry, Ron, and Hermione even stopped by once.


    Ever since Lupin had hinted at what he knew in the Hospital Wing, the trio had been trying to get Kyle to spill more details.


    But Kyle wasn¡¯t one to let anything slip so easily. Despite their best efforts to steer the conversation, he remained tight-lipped.


    After a while, Harry, Ron, and Hermione left the compartment, looking dejected and none the wiser. They¡¯d barely stepped out when Neville appeared at the door... S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Having written the same enchantment wrong three times, Fred finally stowed the fireworks and pulled out Exploding Snap and wizard chess.


    ¡°Stop mucking about in the corridor and get back here!¡± Percy¡¯s voice echoed outside, followed by the scuffling of feet.


    ¡°Percy won¡¯t be Head Boy by the time the train arrives,¡± Fred smirked as he shuffled his cards. ¡°Probably just trying to have one last hurrah.¡±


    ¡°Percy¡¯s graduated,¡± George said, his excitement barely hidden. ¡°I can¡¯t imagine how much more fun school will be without him.¡±


    ¡°For the first time,¡± Fred added with a wink, ¡°we¡¯re actually looking forward to the start of term on the holiday train.¡±


    With chatter and laughter filling the compartment, the train finally pulled into King¡¯s Cross.

 Chapter 442: Treasure Hunt

    Many ancient wizards were drawn to the countryside of Wiltshire. Once, it was a bustling place, where grand mansions hosted lavish gatherings nearly every night.


    Wiltshire was also the area with the highest concentration of wizards. But twelve years ago, everything changed almost overnight. Nearly half of the wizards were forced to relocate, some even becoming neighbors with Dementors, leaving behind vast, vacant estates. Silence replaced the liveliness.


    Still, the witches and wizards who remained didn¡¯t mind. If anything, it allowed them to expand their own homes without restrictions.


    The Lestrange mansion stands on a hillside to the north. Several windows are shattered, roof tiles are missing, and the grand front door and walls are entangled in mysterious vines. From the outside, it looks almost as eerie as Hogsmeade''s Shrieking Shack.


    More than a decade ago, however, this was the grandest structure for miles, and the Lestrange family had been one of the most influential in the wizarding world. But since its owners were sent to Azkaban, the mansion has fallen into ruin, leaving it in its current state.


    No wizard in the area wants to come near, much less lend a hand to maintain it.


    At night, the hillside falls into an eerie silence, disturbed only by the occasional sound of insects. Under the moonlight, two figures¡ªone large, one small¡ªstep out from the shadows and pause before the house.


    ¡°Sirius, are you sure this is the Lestrange ancestral home?¡± Kyle surveyed the decaying building in front of him, which was barely in better shape than the Shrieking Shack.


    ¡°If we¡¯re talking about the same Lestrange family, then yes,¡± Sirius replied.


    ¡°This place is in shambles,¡± Kyle muttered, frowning. ¡°Did they ever think of protecting it with a Fidelius Charm?¡±


    ¡°No, they didn¡¯t need to,¡± said Sirius. ¡°Twelve years ago, who would have dared touch it? That woman¡­ Bella. She was You-Know-Who¡¯s favorite. Plenty of wizards were eager to curry favor with her, and since You-Know-Who trusted her, the Death Eaters nearly treated this place as their headquarters. A Fidelius Charm would¡¯ve been too much of an inconvenience.¡±


    Sirius glanced at Kyle. ¡°The irony is, it was those same people who left it in this state after she was locked up in Azkaban.¡±


    He sighed, casting a sidelong look at Kyle. ¡°Although I don¡¯t know why you suddenly wanted to come here, I¡¯m certain that anything of value was looted long ago. You¡¯re likely on a wasted trip today¡­¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll see about that,¡± Kyle said, pressing on.


    Sirius gave a resigned shrug and followed.


    The front door¡¯s lock had long been useless, and Kyle easily entered after pulling aside some of the tangled vines.


    The interior was in even worse condition. Nearly every piece of furniture was broken, the largest object being a table with one missing leg. As Sirius had warned, there was little of value left to be found, even the decorative carvings from the walls and pillars had been stripped away.


    ¡°I¡¯d rather not set foot in here at all if I can avoid it,¡± Sirius muttered, frowning.


    ¡°What exactly are you looking for? If it¡¯s Galleons you want, just say the word. I¡¯ve got plenty of those.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s yours, I don¡¯t want any.¡± Kyle reached into his pocket and pulled out a Niffler. ¡°Find it, then. Where¡¯s the underground storeroom here?¡±


    The Niffler scanned the area, then began waddling purposefully in one direction, scooping up shards of glass, rusty nails, bits of porcelain, and other debris into its belly pouch along the way like a furry vacuum.


    It finally stopped at a corner of the room where a statue once stood, now reduced to just a base with an open hole beneath it, suggesting someone had been here before. Kyle picked up the Niffler, scratched its belly, and tossed out the collected junk with a look of mild disgust. The little creature let out an indignant squeak, but Kyle ignored it, held up an oil lamp, and ventured into the underground storeroom alone.


    As expected, the place had been looted thoroughly, but fortunately, what Kyle needed was still there. On the wall of the small storeroom hung a faded painting, frame missing, with only the faint outline of the Lestrange mansion in the background. The figures once in the painting had vanished.


    ¡°Must¡¯ve been one of the old Lestranges, though I can¡¯t recall his name,¡± Sirius said, having followed Kyle in. ¡°But Kyle, don¡¯t tell me you came here for this¡­ These kinds of magical portraits are only worth anything to the Lestrange family. It¡¯s just rubbish to everyone else.¡±


    ¡°Yes, but it¡¯s not¡­¡± Kyle trailed off.


    Sirius looked at him, confused, until he saw Kyle toss the painting aside and produce a hammer from somewhere, then start striking the wall behind it.


    The wall, surprisingly fragile, crumbled quickly to reveal dark grey stone beneath, but Kyle kept hammering away.


    The dull thuds of each strike made Sirius even more bewildered, wondering if Kyle intended to demolish the place entirely. But just as he was about to speak, the wall gave way further. To Sirius¡¯s amazement, as Kyle broke down more of the wall, the grey stone began to warp, shrinking and compressing until it transformed into a fist-sized, dark gold box.


    ¡°Transfiguration¡­ I thought there might be a hidden compartment,¡± Kyle said.


    He put on his dragon-hide gloves and gave the box a gentle shake, hearing a distinct clinking sound from within.


    The key he was after was apparently hidden inside. But the box itself posed a problem¡ªthere were no seams, no visible hinges or locks, no keyhole to be found.


    Watching, Sirius blinked, stammering in shock, ¡°Th-this is¡­¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s some sort of magical container, used to store valuable items,¡± Kyle explained. ¡°But it¡¯s no simple task to open it.¡± S~ea??h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°I know that!¡± Sirius replied, scratching his head. ¡°But how did you even know this was hidden behind the wall? I mean, this is the Lestrange ancestral home! Have you been here before? But that doesn¡¯t make any sense¡ªyou were barely a year old when that woman, Bellatrix, was captured by the Aurors.¡±


    ¡°No, I was a little over two,¡± Kyle corrected.


    ¡°That¡¯s not the point!¡± Sirius groaned, his head spinning. ¡°How in Merlin¡¯s name did you know where this thing was?¡±


    ¡°Someone told me, of course,¡± Kyle laughed. ¡°I paid a little to get the information from a very reliable source.¡±


    ¡°An insider? Who could it be?¡±


    ¡°Trust me,¡± Kyle said with a smirk, ¡°you don¡¯t want to know their name.¡±


    With that, Kyle stowed the box in his bag and took one last look around, ensuring he hadn¡¯t overlooked anything else before heading out of the storeroom with the oil lamp. It was frustrating not being able to freely use magic here.

 Chapter 443: 12, Grimmauld Place

    After retrieving what he needed, Kyle didn¡¯t linger and left immediately. But rather than returning to St. Catchpole Village, he accepted Sirius¡¯s invitation to London.


    Late that night, the two arrived at Grimmauld Place, not far from King¡¯s Cross. Kyle recalled what Sirius had just told him about 12 Grimmauld Place when, suddenly, a battered door materialized out of nowhere between numbers 11 and 13. This was the Black family mansion, now Sirius¡¯s residence, protected by the Fidelius Charm.


    Despite Fudge¡¯s assurances that all Dementors and Aurors pursuing him had been withdrawn, Sirius felt safer here, under the Fidelius Charm¡¯s protection.


    He drew his wand and tapped it against the door. Kyle heard a loud, metallic clanging sound as if chains were being unlocked, followed by the creaking of the old door swinging open.


    ¡°Come on in,¡± said Sirius.


    Kyle stepped over the threshold and entered a pitch-black hallway. The air was thick with dampness and an overwhelming odor of decay.


    ¡°No one¡¯s lived here for ages,¡± came Sirius¡¯s voice from behind him. ¡°I¡¯ll clean it up before Harry arrives.¡±


    Kyle heard a rustling, and then the row of ancient gas lamps along the walls flickered to life, casting a shaky, dim glow over the hallway. The light revealed peeling wallpaper and a carpet with frayed threads. Kyle touched a nearby table and instantly felt a thick layer of dust clinging to his fingers.


    ¡°It¡¯s going to be quite the job to clean up. A lot of things will need replacing,¡± he remarked.


    ¡°Take your time,¡± said Sirius. ¡°I¡¯d hoped to bring Harry here in a few days, but Dumbledore says that rat¡¯ll need a full month¡¯s worth of Mandrake Restorative Draughts to recover. Then there¡¯s the trial. So, it won¡¯t be this holiday¡ªit¡¯ll have to wait until Christmas. Plenty of time.¡±


    At that moment, Lupin came striding down the hall to greet them, his footsteps echoing.


    ¡°Oh, Kyle, it¡¯s so good to see you,¡± he said warmly.


    ¡°You too, Professor,¡± Kyle replied.


    ¡°I¡¯m not a professor anymore. Just call me Lupin¡ªor Moony, if you like.¡±


    Kyle was about to respond when he suddenly noticed a pair of large, tennis-ball-sized eyes staring at him from near a cabinet behind Lupin. It was a House-elf, and he looked ancient, with sagging skin, a bald head, large bat-like ears with tufts of white fur, and a nose that resembled a pig¡¯s snout. Compared to this one, even Dobby could be considered a handsome House-elf.


    ¡°That¡¯s Kreacher, a House-elf,¡± said Sirius, with a hint of distaste. ¡°He¡¯s lost it, though, completely useless. If he hadn¡¯t gone mad, the house wouldn¡¯t be in this state.¡±


    Kreacher, realizing he¡¯d been spotted, gave a low bow. ¡°Greetings, Master,¡± he muttered, then continued in a voice just loud enough to hear, ¡°...smells of sewer and crime. The prodigal son has returned. Brought a cub and a Werewolf into his mistress¡¯s house. Oh, the shame. Poor Kreacher, what¡¯s he to do¡­¡±


    ¡°Get out of here, Kreacher!¡± Sirius snapped impatiently.


    ¡°Yes, Master,¡± Kreacher replied, bowing again and shuffling out of the room. But not before muttering, ¡°Ungrateful brat, broke his poor mother¡¯s heart¡­ but Kreacher will still do as he¡¯s told¡­¡±


    ¡°Sorry about that, Kyle,¡± Sirius said, shaking with anger. ¡°He¡¯s been alone too long, listening to my mother¡¯s portrait and losing his grip on reality¡­¡±


    ¡°Oh, it¡¯s fine,¡± Kyle replied, waving off Kreacher¡¯s exit with a casual hand, showing he didn¡¯t mind.


    ¡°Come on, I¡¯ll take you somewhere quieter,¡± Sirius said. ¡°Just be careful not to make too much noise or¡ª¡± Sear?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Before Sirius could finish, he tripped over an umbrella stand and nearly went sprawling, but Kyle caught him just in time.


    ¡°Oh, no¡­¡± Lupin muttered, covering his face in dread.


    A second later, a horrible, piercing scream filled the room. Two moth-eaten velvet curtains on the wall suddenly flew open, revealing a portrait of an old woman in a hat, who was shrieking hysterically.


    ¡°Brute, slut, good-for-nothing, disgrace to the family! Get out! How dare you defile my ancestral home¡­!¡±


    The old woman¡¯s shrill curses seemed intent on piercing their eardrums.


    ¡°Shut up!¡± Sirius was the first to react. Covering his ears, he hurried over and grabbed the curtains on either side of the portrait. The old woman¡¯s face went pale at the sight of him, but before she could spit out another insult, Sirius yanked the curtains closed with a sharp tug, silencing her mid-scream.


    A tense silence followed.


    ¡°Well, I see you¡¯ve already met my mother,¡± Sirius said with a wry smile. ¡°She hated me for being sorted into Gryffindor, and after I ran away at sixteen, her dislike turned to pure loathing. But as long as you keep quiet when you pass, she won¡¯t know anyone¡¯s here.¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t expect it to be so¡­ lively in here,¡± Kyle said with a grin.


    ¡°Believe me, I don¡¯t either,¡± Sirius muttered. ¡°Let¡¯s go, quickly, before she starts up again.¡±


    Sirius led them through the hallway to a cleaner, more spacious room with a magnificent round table at its center. It looked like a former drawing room.


    ¡°If you want to study that box, this is the place,¡± Sirius said. ¡°With the Fidelius Charm on the house, you¡¯re free to use magic without the Ministry tracking it. All they¡¯ll detect is magic coming from Grimmauld Place, but they won¡¯t find anyone here.¡±


    ¡°A box? What box?¡± Lupin asked, looking puzzled.


    ¡°Don¡¯t ask me, Moony,¡± Sirius said, rubbing his forehead. ¡°Honestly, I¡¯m more confused than you. Can you believe it? Kyle waltzed into the Lestrange mansion and found a hidden box like he was just rummaging around his own kitchen.¡±


    Lupin looked at him, speechless, but his eyes widened as Kyle placed the small box on the table.


    ¡°Is that something from the Lestrange family?¡± he asked.


    ¡°It was,¡± Kyle said, but didn¡¯t elaborate further. Instead, he looked at the two men and said, ¡°If you choose to stay, you¡¯ll need to promise to keep everything here a secret. Whatever happens, don¡¯t tell anyone. Not even Professor Dumbledore.¡±


    ¡°Of course,¡± Sirius nodded immediately, the corners of his mouth curling into a smile. Although he still had many questions, it didn¡¯t matter. Watching Kyle in this moment gave him a nostalgic feeling, as if he¡¯d traveled back to his student days. This was how the Marauders had done things too¡ªkeeping secrets, pulling pranks, creating the Marauder¡¯s Map without anyone else knowing. The feeling was strangely comforting.


    Lupin hesitated, but then nodded as well.


    ¡°Good,¡± Kyle said with a grin. ¡°Remember, keep it a secret. Or else I¡¯ll have to beat up Harry¡ªyou know he doesn¡¯t stand a chance against me.¡±

 Chapter 444: The Key

    Sirius Black had always thought Kyle was a rare, exemplary student. His grades were top-notch, his abilities surpassed most of his peers, and he knew when to be flexible, not bound by rigid rules and regulations. Best of all, Snape hated him¡ªa sure sign, in Sirius¡¯s mind, that Kyle was a genuinely good kid. Privately, he and Lupin had even speculated that one day, Kyle might become the headmaster of Hogwarts.


    But by the following night, Sirius had started to question this idea.


    Between Kyle¡¯s earlier threat to ¡°beat up Harry¡± and his current, seemingly effortless use of the Blasting Curse, Sirius began to reconsider his impression of ¡°good students.¡±


    For nearly half an hour, the drawing room had sounded like a battlefield, with explosions and cracks echoing nonstop. In the midst of all this noise, Sirius noticed Kyle using a curse that looked disturbingly familiar.


    Sirius stared at the magnificent round table as it split cleanly down the middle, the edges so perfectly smooth they looked intentional. He¡¯d seen that particular spell in action before, back in his days of dueling with Death Eaters. Snape had used it on him more than once. But how did Kyle know it? He couldn¡¯t have learned it from Snape¡­ or could he?


    Sirius shook his head, dismissing the thought. Both Harry and Lupin had confirmed that Snape disliked Kyle intensely. And that was beyond question.


    After thinking it over without finding an answer, Sirius finally gave up. Maybe Kyle had found the spell in a book in the library, just as Snape must have at some point.


    Meanwhile, after casting spell after spell, Kyle let out a tired sigh, lowered his wand, and dropped into a nearby chair. The box was proving far tougher than he¡¯d expected. Neither the Blasting Curse nor the Slicing Charm had left any marks, and even had only managed to make a faint white scratch.


    While Kyle rested, Lupin and Sirius tried their hands at opening the box, but they had no better luck. The barrage of spells had attracted Kreacher¡¯s attention, and the House-elf pushed open the door to the destroyed room. His eyes were wide with fury and horror as he took in the wreckage, muttering words like ¡°spoiled brat,¡± ¡°scum,¡± and ¡°bastard¡± under his breath.


    Sirius, already frustrated, turned and snapped, ¡°Shut up!¡±


    Kreacher fell silent for a moment, but barely a minute later, he was muttering again, casting Sirius a poisonous look. ¡°The master¡¯s trying to destroy this place¡­ If my mistress knew, oh, how she¡¯d weep. And this disgrace of a son is even working with outsiders to pry open Miss Bella¡¯s¡ª¡±


    Kreacher stopped abruptly, realizing he¡¯d said too much. But Sirius, Kyle, and Lupin had all caught his last words and turned toward him.


    ¡°Kreacher!¡± Sirius demanded. ¡°Do you know what this box is? You¡¯ve seen it before, haven¡¯t you?¡± Sear?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°Kreacher doesn¡¯t know,¡± the House-elf squeaked, his ears twitching defensively. ¡°Kreacher would never betray Miss Bella!¡±


    ¡°Tell me! That¡¯s an order!¡± Sirius bellowed.


    Kreacher¡¯s expression twisted with anger, but bound by Sirius¡¯s command, he finally bowed and replied in a low, reluctant voice, ¡°This is the box the old master left for Miss Bella. Only the ancient and noble Black bloodline can open it!¡±


    Sirius¡¯s eyes narrowed in thought. Kreacher usually referred to his mother as ¡°mistress,¡± which meant the ¡°old master¡± had to be his grandfather. But none of that mattered now. Finally, he understood how to open the box.


    Just as the thought crossed Sirius¡¯s mind, a spell flew past his ear and wrapped Kreacher in ropes before the elf could head-butt the door. Kreacher had probably planned to punish himself for revealing the secret, but now he was firmly bound, unable to move.


    ¡°I order you to stop trying those ridiculous self-punishments, Kreacher,¡± Sirius said, frowning.


    The elf stilled, though he continued muttering under his breath.


    Sirius ignored him and turned back to the others, his excitement mounting. ¡°Right, back to what we were doing!¡±


    Without hesitation, he made a quick slash across his palm with his wand, letting a few drops of bright red blood fall onto the box. Instantly, the blood droplets spread along the grooves of the box, forming an intricate, glowing red pattern.


    With a sharp sound, the box split open, revealing a peculiar, golden key. Sirius recognized it immediately as a key to a Gringotts vault¡ªhe¡¯d once held one almost identical to it.


    ¡°We¡¯ll split it when we get there!¡± Kyle said quickly, grabbing the key and tossing the now-empty box to Sirius. ¡°Since it¡¯s a Black family heirloom, I¡¯ll leave it with you. It might have a few scratches now, but it¡¯s still good as new.¡±


    ¡°Wait¡­¡± Sirius began, but Kyle had already pocketed the key.


    ¡°I¡¯m not after the Lestrange family vault¡¯s Galleons,¡± Kyle added, shrugging off Sirius¡¯s mild protests.


    Sirius¡¯s brow furrowed. ¡°But let me warn you, the goblins at Gringotts won¡¯t let anyone into the vault with just a key. They¡¯re too greedy for that.¡±


    Kyle grinned. ¡°But that¡¯s why you¡¯re here, isn¡¯t it? Once you¡¯re cleared of all charges, you¡¯ll be able to go to Gringotts. You¡¯re Bellatrix¡¯s cousin, after all, and family to the Lestranges.¡±


    Sirius shook his head. ¡°It¡¯s not that simple. The Lestrange vault is likely among the highest-ranking in Gringotts. To transfer anything from a vault like that, Bellatrix or Rodolphus themselves would have to be present. Unless, of course, they¡¯re both dead.¡±


    ¡°No, I think you¡¯ve misunderstood,¡± Kyle said, his expression firm. ¡°The gold isn¡¯t my priority. There¡¯s a particular object in her vault that I¡¯m after.¡±


    ¡°An object?¡± Sirius looked puzzled, but intrigued. ¡°Well, if it¡¯s just one item, that shouldn¡¯t be too difficult. What do you need? The deed to their property on Diagon Alley, maybe? That alone¡¯s worth tens of thousands of Galleons.¡±


    Kyle shook his head, resolute. ¡°No.¡±


    Sirius looked even more bewildered. He couldn¡¯t think of anything more valuable than the property itself. ¡°No?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s¡­ an extremely old artifact,¡± Kyle said, clearly trying to keep his mind off any tempting thoughts of Galleons. ¡°I can¡¯t say for certain, but I believe it¡¯s in her vault.¡±


    Though Sirius didn¡¯t know exactly what Kyle was after, he nodded without further questions.

 Chapter 445: The Locket in the Glass Case

    Watching the thought of tens of thousands of Galleons slip away gave Kyle a pang of regret. But he had to let it go; as valuable as the gold was, the Hufflepuff Cup was far more important.


    Like Ravenclaw''s Diadem, the Cup was one of the few relics left by the Founders of Hogwarts. And after Voldemort, in his twisted extravagance, had turned it into a Horcrux, he¡¯d entrusted it to Bellatrix for safekeeping. Unlike Lucius Malfoy, who had stored Voldemort¡¯s belongings in his own manor, Bellatrix had opted to hide the cup in the Lestrange vault at Gringotts, which she considered impenetrable.


    But speaking of Horcruxes¡­ Apart from the elusive Hufflepuff Cup, there was another Horcrux, even closer¡ªpractically within arm¡¯s reach. This was the real reason Kyle had agreed to accompany Sirius to 12 Grimmauld Place. S~ea??h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    As for the box, it had been an unexpected bonus. Kyle hadn¡¯t anticipated that the key to unlocking it would be Sirius himself. His original plan was to try some standard unlocking spells and, if those failed, consider using Fiendfyre or ask Nicolas Flamel for help during his next visit to Devon.


    His thoughts drifted back to the present, and he glanced at Kreacher, who was still bound on the floor. With a flick of his wand, Kyle lifted the binding spell. He then turned to Sirius. ¡°Sirius, would you mind if I took a look around?¡±


    Kreacher, who had just been about to slink away, froze in horror at Kyle¡¯s request.


    ¡°The Master¡¯s son has brought a young demon! Kreacher has never seen such an evil wizard. Blowing up the sitting room wasn¡¯t enough; now he wants to destroy something else too. Kreacher will defend the mistress¡¯s house. No one will ruin it¡­¡±


    ¡°Shut up, Kreacher!¡± Sirius snapped. ¡°No one¡¯s planning to destroy this place, and if anyone does, it¡¯ll definitely be me!¡±


    He turned to Kyle, shrugging. ¡°There¡¯s not much to see here, but feel free to look around. Just be careful not to wake the portraits. And avoid the second basement and the area above the third floor if you¡¯re alone. Lupin and I haven¡¯t finished checking those areas for safety.¡±


    ¡°And don¡¯t open the locked cabinet in the living room,¡± Lupin added with a hint of caution. ¡°If I¡¯m right, there¡¯s a Boggart in there.¡±


    He hadn¡¯t forgotten Kyle¡¯s over-the-top approach to Boggarts last time and had no desire to see the place actually destroyed.


    Kyle smiled, amused. Last time had been an overreaction on his part, but he was more prepared now. Boggarts wouldn¡¯t trouble him.


    Without further comment, he raised his wand and began to restore the damaged drawing room. Sirius and Lupin pitched in, and together they quickly returned the room to its previous state. Kreacher finally stopped his muttering, though he continued to skulk nearby, watching their every move.


    ¡°I was going to ask,¡± Kyle said to Sirius as they reached the corridor, ¡°did you get a new wand?¡±


    ¡°Oh, this?¡± Sirius held up the wand, which was inlaid with gold and precious stones. ¡°Of course not. I¡¯m still wanted, so I can¡¯t exactly stroll into Diagon Alley to buy one. This is an old wand I found in the storage cupboard. It¡¯s not the best, but it¡¯s all I¡¯ve got for now.¡±


    Accompanied by Sirius, Kyle explored the foyer and then several rooms on the second floor. The lighting was so dim that their shadows stretched long and dark on the walls, nearly blending into the gloom. The place had the atmosphere of an old, cursed wizard¡¯s lair.


    ¡°When I finally clean this house, the first thing I¡¯ll do is get rid of all these awful lights,¡± Sirius muttered, frowning. He despised the darkness; it brought back memories of Dementors lurking in the shadows, striking without warning. A too-dark room only triggered those unsettling memories.


    At his remark, Kreacher, who was trailing them, started grumbling under his breath again. But this time, Sirius ignored him. Whatever Kreacher thought, Sirius was determined to replace every last one of those old lamps before Harry moved in. He wanted the house brightly lit, free from any lurking shadows.


    After a while, they arrived in the second-floor living room¡ªa spacious area, much larger than the previous sitting room. Kyle spotted the cabinet Lupin had warned him about, standing beside an armchair. It looked like it once held important documents but now housed a quivering Boggart. Not particularly interested, Kyle gave it a quick glance before moving on to the larger cabinet on the opposite wall, this one with glass doors and filled with a variety of odd, dark objects.


    ¡°If I ever clear out this house, that¡¯s the first thing I¡¯ll toss out,¡± Sirius said with obvious disgust, nodding at the cabinet. ¡°It¡¯s full of dark artifacts. My family collected them like priceless treasures.¡±


    Kyle scanned the items in the glass cabinet. In the center lay a dusty box holding an Order of Merlin badge. He had one himself, but this badge had a green ribbon, marking it as First Class¡ªthe highest level, awarded to Sirius¡¯s grandfather for ¡°Services to the Ministry of Magic.¡±


    ¡°Which just means they paid him a ridiculous amount of gold,¡± Sirius scoffed. ¡°There was a Dark wizard causing havoc at the time, and they needed funds to recruit more Aurors.¡±


    ¡°To exchange for a First Class Order¡­¡± Kyle murmured. ¡°That must have been a massive sum.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not sure of the exact amount,¡± Sirius replied. ¡°But rumor has it he used half the gold in the family vault, thinking it would raise the Black family¡¯s status and honor.¡±


    ¡°Half the gold¡­ that¡¯s substantial!¡± Kyle muttered in surprise, continuing to examine the contents.


    Beside the badge box sat a silver snuffbox. Kyle prodded it with his wand, and the snuffbox immediately split open, revealing a toothy mouth that tried to snap at the wand while spewing a foul gray-brown powder. The powder resembled a prank item from Zonko¡¯s Joke Shop¡ªit stuck to the skin, forming an unsightly crust, though it was harmless and easily removed with a simple cleaning charm.


    On a nearby shelf, he noticed a silver, spider-like contraption with tweezers for legs, which tried to scuttle away as soon as the cabinet door opened. Sirius took one look at it and smashed it flat with a heavy book.


    A music box adorned with twisted, ghostly shapes was best left untouched, Kyle decided. There was also a set of antique seals, which, thankfully, seemed normal enough.


    Then¡­ Kyle¡¯s heart skipped a beat.


    In an inconspicuous corner of the cabinet, nestled among the clutter, was a golden locket.

 Chapter 446: Regulus

    Kyle instinctively reached for the locket, his fingers brushing off the dust as he held it up.


    ¡°Careful,¡± Sirius warned. ¡°It might be some strange dark magic artifact.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re probably right,¡± Kyle agreed, though he still inspected the locket closely. It was egg-sized, heavy, and on its front, a grand letter "S" made of small, dark green gemstones glowed faintly in the dim light.


    ¡°This isn¡¯t a Black family heirloom. I¡¯ve never seen it before,¡± Sirius murmured as he leaned in. ¡°My guess is someone in the family picked it up as junk and then threw it aside, just in case it was cursed or dark-magic-infused.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not junk!¡± shrieked a voice behind them.


    They turned to see Kreacher, panting, his face twisted in rage. His gaze locked on Sirius, and he let out a piercing wail.


    ¡°This is Master Regulus¡¯s locket! He told Kreacher to bring it back!¡±


    ¡°Regulus?¡± Lupin asked. ¡°Your younger brother, wasn¡¯t he? I remember you two didn¡¯t exactly get along in school.¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± Sirius said, his voice quieter, head bowed. ¡°My brother¡­ with his feeble character, always blindly believed in our parents¡¯ Pure-blood ideals, convinced that the Black family was born superior. We fought about it constantly. Every conversation ended in a row.¡±


    ¡°Master Regulus was no fool!¡± Kreacher shrieked. ¡°He was the mistress¡¯s favorite son, far superior to Master Sirius!¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t need you to remind me!¡± Sirius snapped, his voice thick with irritation. ¡°Everyone always says that, but in the end, where did it lead him? He died¡ªhe joined the Death Eaters like an idiot!¡± S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Sirius¡¯s breathing grew heavy, his eyes flashing with anger. ¡°Throw it away. It¡¯s probably tainted with dark magic, some cursed Death Eater trinket meant to cause harm.¡±


    ¡°Never!¡± Kreacher screamed, leaping toward Kyle to snatch the locket.


    It was the first time Kreacher had dared to try and take something while Sirius was present. But Kyle sidestepped smoothly, holding the locket just out of Kreacher¡¯s reach.


    ¡°You can¡¯t have this,¡± Kyle said firmly.


    Kreacher lunged again, only to be stopped by Sirius¡¯s command.


    ¡°Stand still. Don¡¯t move!¡± Sirius ordered.


    Kreacher froze, though the look he shot Sirius was one of seething hatred.


    At this moment, Lupin, who had been silent until now, asked, ¡°Kyle, do you know what this locket really is?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± Kyle replied, no longer concealing his knowledge. ¡°You¡¯ve likely heard of it¡­ the Slytherin Locket.¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    A stunned silence fell over the room.


    Lupin, wide-eyed, drew in a sharp breath, his face registering disbelief. ¡°Wait¡­ you don¡¯t mean Slytherin¡­¡±


    ¡°Yes, Salazar Slytherin,¡± Kyle confirmed, his thumb tracing the locket¡¯s emerald-studded ¡°S.¡± ¡°It¡¯s like the legendary Gryffindor Sword.¡±


    ¡°Hold on¡­¡± Sirius was still processing. ¡°Let me get this straight¡ªthe Slytherin locket¡­ in Regulus¡¯s possession¡­ and somehow, it ends up here, in the Black family house? Kyle, you must be joking, or maybe it¡¯s a fake. I left home at sixteen, but even then, I¡¯m sure there¡¯s no connection between the Blacks and Slytherin.¡±


    Lupin seemed to agree. ¡°More likely, it¡¯s a replica. Maybe Regulus admired Slytherin and wanted to own a piece of his legacy.¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t confirm if it¡¯s genuine,¡± Kyle replied. ¡°But I do know what it¡¯s called by another name.¡±


    ¡°Another name?¡± Sirius asked. ¡°What does that mean?¡±


    ¡°Mr. Lupin,¡± Kyle said, ¡°you¡¯ve heard of the Chamber of Secrets at Hogwarts, right?¡±


    ¡°Of course, but I don¡¯t know much about it,¡± Lupin replied. ¡°The professors rarely discussed it when we were in school. It¡¯s rumored to be tied to You-Know-Who¡­¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s correct. It was a diary he left behind from his student days that caused havoc at Hogwarts. It nearly got the school shut down.¡±


    Kyle held up the locket, examining it in the dim light. ¡°This locket gives me the same feeling as that diary did.¡±


    ...


    The room fell into a deep, heavy silence as Lupin and Sirius absorbed the implications of his words. Both of them wanted to believe Kyle had misunderstood, but they also knew Kyle wasn¡¯t the type to make careless accusations.


    ¡°But why,¡± Sirius¡¯s voice was rough, almost hoarse, ¡°would things end up with Regulus? He was never as trusted as Malfoy or Bellatrix.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ll have to ask him,¡± Kyle replied, his gaze shifting to Kreacher, who was trembling visibly.


    Sirius turned to Kreacher, voice low and steady. ¡°Tell me, why is this locket here? What did Regulus have to do with it?¡±


    The House-elf seemed to shrink, huddling into himself as if recalling something terrifying. His voice came out in a ragged whisper.


    ¡°Master Sirius ran away, and good riddance, because he was a bad boy. But Master Regulus had pride, he knew what the Black name meant, what pure blood meant¡­ He wanted wizards to stop hiding. He joined the Dark Lord¡¯s organization when he was sixteen, full of pride¡­¡± Kreacher¡¯s voice cracked as he continued, detailing how Regulus had once come to him, saying that the Dark Lord needed House-elves.


    Kreacher¡¯s face twisted with both pride and horror as he went on. ¡°Master Regulus offered Kreacher to him. It was an honor for Kreacher, and an honor for him¡­¡± Kreacher¡¯s voice broke entirely as he recounted Voldemort¡¯s dark ritual, where he had forced Kreacher to drink a vile potion in a cave.


    ¡°The Dark Lord¡­ he threw a locket into the empty basin and filled it again with potion¡­ then sailed away in his boat, leaving Kreacher on the island¡­¡± Kreacher choked out, ¡°Kreacher was sick, needed water¡­ tried to drink from the lake, but hands¡­ they reached out from the water, tried to pull Kreacher under¡­¡±


    ¡°And how did you escape?¡± Sirius asked, a note of impatience mixing with horror.


    Kreacher lifted his tear-streaked face. ¡°Master Regulus had commanded Kreacher to return home. Kreacher always obeys¡­¡±


    Sirius¡¯s voice softened slightly. ¡°And then? Why is this locket here?¡±


    ¡°Kreacher told Master Regulus what happened¡­ he hoped for praise, but none came. Master Regulus was troubled, and he ordered Kreacher to stay hidden¡­ and then, a while later, he told Kreacher to take him to the cave, the same cave Kreacher had visited with the Dark Lord¡­¡±


    Sirius grimaced, realizing what had likely happened. ¡°He made you drink the potion again, didn¡¯t he?¡±


    Kreacher shook his head, tears streaming down his long, lined face. Sirius¡¯s heart twisted with a grim realization.


    ¡°Master Regulus brought another locket, just like the Dark Lord¡¯s¡­ he told Kreacher to keep it safe¡­ to switch the lockets when the basin was empty¡­ to take the Dark Lord¡¯s locket and¡­ destroy it¡­¡±


    Kreacher¡¯s sobs grew louder, each word torn from him. ¡°Master Regulus told Kreacher to go home¡­ not to tell anyone¡­ and to destroy the locket¡­ then he drank, drank the potion dry¡­ and Kreacher watched¡­ as Master Regulus¡­ he was dragged under the water¡­ pulled away¡­¡±


    With a furious roar, Sirius drove his fist into the glass cabinet, shattering it. He whirled and seized Kreacher by the neck, his eyes blazing with grief and rage. ¡°You just ? Why didn¡¯t you save him? You could have brought him back!¡±


    Lupin quickly stepped forward, grabbing Sirius¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Padfoot, calm down! Let him finish!¡±


    But Sirius¡¯s grip remained iron-tight, his face wild with pain.


    ¡°Kreacher couldn¡¯t¡­ Master Regulus Kreacher not to interfere¡­ He commanded Kreacher not to move¡­¡± Kreacher sobbed harder, gasping as he pounded his own head with his fists. ¡°Kreacher failed¡­ failed to destroy the box¡­ failed Master Regulus¡¯s orders¡­¡±

 Chapter 447: Bringing Regulus Home

    Sirius finally released Kreacher, standing motionless, his face blank as if he were under the Imperius Curse.


    Lupin approached him and placed a hand on his shoulder. ¡°Regulus was a true Black, and a worthy Slytherin. His name deserves to be honored.¡±


    Kyle sighed beside them, silently reflecting. In his mind, Regulus had likely known from the start that he wouldn¡¯t make it back. Once he decided to part ways with Voldemort, his fate was sealed. Voldemort¡¯s skill in Legilimency meant Regulus couldn¡¯t risk keeping the knowledge of the Horcrux hidden for long. If Voldemort ever discovered Regulus¡¯s betrayal, the consequences would reach beyond Regulus himself, putting Kreacher and his family in danger. Regulus chose to sacrifice himself to keep the secret, sparing the others in the process.


    Meanwhile, Kreacher, being a lowly House-elf, had been beneath Voldemort¡¯s notice. By the time Voldemort left the cave, he had likely forgotten Kreacher even existed.


    Sirius covered his face with his hands, and the tears he¡¯d held back for over a decade now slipped through his fingers, falling silently to the floor. He had misunderstood his brother for so long, only now realizing Regulus wasn¡¯t weak but braver than he had ever known. Regulus had been willing to die to thwart Voldemort¡¯s plans, even in a hidden, desolate place, where no one would ever know his sacrifice. And he¡¯d done it anyway.


    Sirius couldn¡¯t imagine the strength it took for Regulus to make that decision. His mother had been right, Kreacher had been right, everyone had been right: Regulus was far stronger than he had ever been.


    ¡°I¡¯ll bring him back.¡± Sirius wiped the tears from his face. ¡°No matter what, I¡¯ll get him home. He belongs here, not at the bottom of some cold, forgotten lake!¡±


    ¡°Kreacher!¡± he shouted suddenly. ¡°I order you to take me to that cave. We¡¯re going to bring Regulus home!¡± S§×arch* The nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Kreacher, still on the floor, looked up, his tear-swollen eyes filled with a mix of devotion and disbelief. ¡°Kreacher¡­ Kreacher will obey Master¡¯s orders!¡±


    ¡°Then let¡¯s go¡ª¡± Sirius moved to grab Kreacher¡¯s arm, but Lupin stepped between them.


    ¡°Wait, Sirius,¡± Lupin said quickly. ¡°We can¡¯t go rushing in like this. We need to inform Dumbledore first.¡±


    Kreacher¡¯s face contorted with resentment as he looked up at Lupin, who raised a calming hand.


    ¡°I¡¯m not trying to stop you,¡± Lupin explained. ¡°But going in without a plan would be reckless. Remember, this is where You-Know-Who hid something precious. And Kreacher mentioned the creatures in the lake¡­ Inferi, if I¡¯m not mistaken. There are likely hundreds of them.¡±


    He paused, watching Sirius¡¯s face soften, but only slightly.


    ¡°If you want to recover Regulus, you¡¯ll need to disturb those creatures,¡± Lupin continued. ¡°Are you prepared to face hundreds of undead monsters¡ªones that can¡¯t be killed, and are incredibly strong?¡±


    Lupin¡¯s words finally brought Sirius back to his senses, cooling his rage just a little.


    ¡°I don¡¯t care, Remus,¡± Sirius said, his voice steady. ¡°I can¡¯t leave Regulus lying alone at the bottom of that lake. Every second he¡¯s down there is a torment for me¡ªone worse than any the Dementors could inflict. I know you¡¯re right, but I can¡¯t wait. If it means I die down there, so be it¡­ as long as I bring Regulus back.¡±


    Lupin held his gaze for a long moment before sighing, then stepped back. ¡°Very well. I respect your decision.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Remus,¡± Sirius said quietly. ¡°As soon as we¡¯re gone, send word to Dumbledore. He¡¯ll find his way there.¡±


    Lupin nodded reluctantly. ¡°Yes, I will.¡±


    Sirius offered him a grateful nod, then reached for Kreacher¡¯s arm.


    But just as he did, without warning¡­


    ¡°¡± Lupin¡¯s voice rang out as he cast the Stunning Spell.


    Lupin¡¯s plan was simple: if he couldn¡¯t persuade Sirius, he¡¯d knock him out and restrain him until Dumbledore arrived. But Sirius, as though anticipating his friend¡¯s intent, shifted in an instant, transforming into a large black dog that dodged the spell with practiced ease. Just as quickly, he shifted back, a knowing look in his eyes as he turned to Lupin.


    ¡°I know you too well, Remus,¡± he said with a sad smile. ¡°Did you think I wouldn¡¯t notice you gripping your wand?¡±


    ¡°No matter what you say, Sirius,¡± Lupin replied, dropping the pretense. ¡°I can¡¯t stand by and watch you throw your life away. As long as I¡¯m still standing, I won¡¯t let you go!¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t think so,¡± Sirius said, a faint smile crossing his lips. ¡°Sorry, my friend.¡±


    ¡°Kreacher, what are you waiting for?¡± Sirius called.


    The House-elf instantly moved to his side, reaching out to grab Sirius¡¯s arm.


    ¡°Sirius¡ª¡± Lupin started, but his words were drowned out by a loud crack, and in an instant, he was left standing alone in the empty room.


    ...


    On the other side of the spell¡¯s pull, Sirius felt himself spinning, then landed with a slight stumble. The salty tang of sea air filled his nose, and he found himself in a large, damp cavern with the sound of waves echoing all around.


    ¡°House-elves sure don¡¯t make for smooth travel,¡± a voice next to him muttered.


    ¡°Yeah,¡± Sirius replied absently, still disoriented. ¡°And I haven¡¯t done any Apparating in ages¡­¡± He suddenly turned, eyes widening as he registered the figure next to him. ¡°Kyle? What are you doing here?¡±


    ¡°Following you, obviously,¡± Kyle said with a casual shrug. ¡°I had my hand on Kreacher¡¯s arm the whole time you were arguing with Lupin.¡±


    Sirius stammered, ¡°But¡­ but¡­¡± He turned to Kreacher in bewilderment. The House-elf, equally confused, blinked up at him, clearly still processing the scene.


    ¡°No, Kyle, you can¡¯t be here,¡± Sirius said seriously, regaining his composure. ¡°This place is too dangerous. Go back!¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re wrong,¡± Kyle replied, shaking his head. ¡°If I wanted to stay safe, I wouldn¡¯t have come in the first place. Doesn¡¯t that make sense?¡±


    Sirius opened his mouth to protest again, but Kyle cut him off. ¡°And besides, Lupin was right. You came here recklessly, without a plan. If anything, you¡¯ll just add to the risk. We should contact Dumbledore.¡±


    ¡°I know!¡± Sirius burst out, exasperation and pain filling his voice. ¡°But even if we send word to Dumbledore now, he won¡¯t get here until dawn, and I can¡¯t wait that long.¡±


    ¡°Who says we have to wait till dawn?¡± Kyle sighed, then reluctantly pulled out a long, flaming red feather from his pocket. He tapped it with his wand, and the feather burst into a brief, intense flame before vanishing.


    Sirius¡¯s impatience turned to curiosity. ¡°What¡­?¡±


    ¡°This is a Phoenix tail feather,¡± Kyle explained. ¡°Phoenixes give their feathers to those they care for. And when that person needs help, they just have to burn the feather, and the Phoenix will come to them.¡± Kyle glanced upward. ¡°Ah, here we go.¡±


    A fiery red light suddenly appeared in the dark sky above them, illuminating the cavern walls. It was Fawkes, soaring gracefully down toward them with a flash of red and gold. And clinging to Fawkes¡¯s tail feathers, dressed in pink strawberry-patterned pajamas and a pointy nightcap, was none other than Dumbledore.

 Chapter 448: The Cave

    It seemed Fawkes had caught the Hogwarts headmaster mid-nap, as Dumbledore looked a bit dazed when he first landed. A cold sea breeze blew through the cavern, making him shiver, but it also cleared his head.


    ¡°Oh, Kyle, and Sirius¡­ what¡¯s happened? Why did you summon Fawkes?¡± he asked, his voice filled with concern.


    ¡°Horcruxes, Professor,¡± Kyle said bluntly. ¡°We¡¯ve found Voldemort¡¯s Horcruxes.¡±


    For a brief moment, Dumbledore¡¯s composure slipped, his expression one of sheer disbelief¡ªas if he¡¯d just seen Snape in a tuxedo dancing with a Troll.


    He¡¯d spent years searching for clues about the Horcruxes, but had always come up empty. Now, after a single night¡¯s sleep, he was hearing that Kyle had stumbled upon them?


    But before Dumbledore could process it fully, Kyle urged them on. ¡°Time is short; I¡¯ll explain everything later,¡± he said, nodding toward Kreacher. ¡°Kreacher, please take us there.¡±


    Without hesitation, Kreacher scurried forward, guiding them deeper into the cave. Sirius followed closely behind, and Kyle brought up the rear, giving Dumbledore a quick summary of the events as they moved. Fawkes perched on his shoulder, gently pecking at Kyle¡¯s hair, seemingly anxious himself.


    By the time they reached the heart of the cavern, Dumbledore¡¯s expression had darkened. He was deeply moved by Regulus¡¯s story: a young man, misled by pride, who sacrificed his life to atone and help destroy Voldemort¡¯s evil. It was the sort of bravery Dumbledore rarely encountered, and his admiration showed.


    ¡°He deserves every honor, even if it means using a Phoenix tail feather to bring him home just a little sooner,¡± Kyle said quietly.


    Dumbledore gave a single, respectful nod.


    Fawkes finally stopped his anxious pecking as they reached a seemingly solid stone wall. Kreacher stopped in front of it, eyes bright with determination. ¡°This is the place!¡± he announced, pulling a dull dinner knife from his robe.


    ¡°What are you doing with that?¡± Sirius asked, eyes narrowing.


    ¡°It¡¯s probably a blood requirement,¡± Dumbledore explained, his voice edged with contempt. ¡°It¡¯s Voldemort¡¯s way¡ªhe weakens his enemies before they even step inside. Once again, he shows he understands little of true terror.¡±


    Kreacher, uninterested in Dumbledore¡¯s words, was eager to continue. He raised the dinner knife, preparing to cut his own arm.


    But Sirius moved quickly, snatching the knife from Kreacher¡¯s hand. ¡°I¡¯ll do it,¡± he said firmly, rolling up his sleeve. He doubted Regulus would have wanted Kreacher to harm himself, and he wouldn¡¯t allow it, either.


    Just as he pressed the knife to his skin, however, Kyle¡¯s hand darted out, grabbing it from him.


    Kyle casually slipped the solid silver knife into his pocket and pulled out a dark red bottle, holding it up to Sirius. ¡°Remember, you owe me three hundred Galleons.¡±


    He popped the bottle open, and the strong, iron-rich scent of blood filled the cavern.


    Dumbledore¡¯s mouth twitched with amusement as he caught on to Kyle¡¯s plan. Voldemort would never have expected someone to arrive with an entire flask of dragon¡¯s blood. This potent, highly magical substance was ideal for such an entrance.


    Kyle tossed the bottle toward the stone wall. As the dragon¡¯s blood splashed against it, a dazzling white archway appeared, and the stone within the arch melted away, leaving a dark opening.


    Kreacher bolted forward through the arch, eyes wide with determination, and the others followed, wands lighting up to reveal their surroundings.


    They now stood on the rocky shore of a vast, black lake that stretched out endlessly before them. High above, the cavern ceiling was lost in darkness. In the lake¡¯s center, a faint greenish glow flickered eerily, like a distant will-o¡¯-the-wisp.


    Kreacher trotted along the narrow shore, his footsteps echoing against the cave walls. He stopped and began waving his hand in the air, reaching for something only he seemed to know about. After a moment¡¯s struggle¡ªperhaps due to his short stature¡ªhe still hadn¡¯t managed to find anything.


    Dumbledore, however, extended his hand and seemed to grasp the air with ease. With a soft tap of his wand, a thick copper chain rose from the lake, glinting in the dim light, and shot toward Dumbledore¡¯s outstretched fist.


    The chain pulled something up from the lake¡¯s murky depths, and as Sirius watched in a mixture of fascination and horror, the ghostly bow of a small boat emerged, floating silently toward them with barely a ripple.


    ¡°What is that¡­?¡± Sirius asked, uneasy.


    ¡°I suspect Voldemort devised a way to cross the lake without disturbing the creatures he placed there, in case he needed to access his Horcrux,¡± Dumbledore replied.


    The boat bumped gently against the rocky shore, and Kreacher, eager to proceed, climbed aboard, followed immediately by Sirius and then Dumbledore. The boat was small; after two adults and a House-elf, there was barely any room left.


    ¡°Kyle, you¡¯ll stay here, with Fawkes for company,¡± Dumbledore said kindly. ¡°Voldemort has likely enchanted the boat to sink if it¡¯s overloaded with magic.¡±


    ¡°Exactly,¡± Sirius added, looking almost relieved. ¡°Besides, it¡¯s just too small; even a regular boat couldn¡¯t hold us all.¡±


    Kyle had a feeling they were deliberately leaving him behind, but they weren¡¯t wrong. When Dumbledore boarded, the boat dipped so low that the edge was barely an inch above the lake¡¯s surface. There wasn¡¯t room for even a cat, let alone another person. S~ea??h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    But Kyle suddenly raised an eyebrow. ¡°Gentlemen,¡± he said with a strange expression, ¡°do you remember why you came here in the first place?¡±


    ¡°Of course¡ªto find Regulus!¡± Sirius replied instantly.


    ¡°Then why take the boat?¡± Kyle gestured toward the lake¡¯s dark, still water. ¡°I have a feeling Voldemort treated this water with some twisted magic. Anything pulled in would eventually become an Inferius. So, if Regulus¡¯s body is in the lake, it could be anywhere, not necessarily at the center.¡±

 Chapter 449: The Clearing-Out Performance

    The two people standing in the boat suddenly felt a cold wind brush against their flushed cheeks.


    Yes, they didn¡¯t need to go to the center of the lake to retrieve the fake locket¡ªso why had they taken the boat in the first place?


    Dumbledore was the first to react. Without hesitation, he stepped back onto the shore. ¡°Ah, the mind really does fade with age... not to mention how easily I tire these days. But I think you''ll want to see Voldemort¡¯s handiwork. It¡¯s all his usual tricks, unchanged for decades.¡±


    ¡°Right,¡± Kyle chuckled.


    Fawkes, perched on his shoulder, turned his head away as though suddenly fascinated by the bare rock wall.


    At that moment, Sirius and Kreacher also quickly disembarked, following Dumbledore. It would indeed be quicker to avoid the lake¡¯s center, and after they found Regulus, they could make a swift exit. S§×arch* The Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Once everyone was ashore, the boat returned to the lake and vanished with a faint shimmer, leaving the group watching the still, dark water.


    Sirius stared at the lake¡¯s surface and asked, ¡°Do we have to touch the water here to draw out those creatures?¡±


    Though he posed the question, he didn¡¯t wait for an answer. Walking to the lake¡¯s edge, he did as Kreacher had described, lowering his hand into the icy water.


    This act seemed to trigger an unseen mechanism. A pale arm shot up from the depths, grasping Sirius¡¯s arm and yanking him toward the lake with startling force. Instantly, the lake lost its glassy calm, churning violently as more white arms and heads emerged, racing toward the shore with unnatural speed.


    ¡°Let go of Master!¡± Kreacher shouted, raising his finger as though casting a Knockback Jinx or something similar. The Inferius released Sirius and splashed back into the water, but more Inferi had already emerged, their skeletal hands clawing at the slippery rocks, their hollow eyes fixed intently on Sirius.


    Sirius scrambled back to the shore, pulling out his wand and carefully scanning each Inferius face for any sign of Regulus. Once sure none resembled his brother, he used a series of spells to send each creature crashing back into the water.


    He quickly dispatched six or seven Inferi, but more continued to rise, unrelenting. Kyle and Dumbledore stepped in to assist.


    Dumbledore handled the creatures with ease, barely needing to cast spells. With simple wand movements, he flung the Inferi backward, sending them tumbling into the water where they sank, unable to resurface. For him, these non-magical creatures posed no real threat.


    If not for the risk of accidentally harming Regulus, Dumbledore would have employed even more efficient methods.


    Meanwhile, Kyle cast the Full Body-Bind Curse, targeting those Inferi that clearly could not be Regulus.


    The team had settled into a seamless rhythm: Sirius acted as bait in the front, Kreacher focused on locating Regulus, while Kyle and Dumbledore cast supporting spells from behind. The three wizards and the house-elf worked together with practiced coordination.


    After casting several more Full Body-Bind Curses, Kyle glanced at the steadily growing swarm and muttered, ¡°If only I could use Fiendfyre and surround Sirius with it, I guarantee none of these creatures would stand a chance, no matter how many there are.¡±


    At Kyle¡¯s words, Dumbledore¡¯s hand hesitated briefly, causing the spells around Sirius to falter for a fraction of a second.


    Though brief, the lapse was enough. The Inferi took advantage, gripping Sirius tightly with their icy arms, lifting him off his feet, and dragging him relentlessly toward the depths of the Black Lake.


    Dumbledore waved his wand, helping Sirius to break free.


    ¡°There is a spell like that, but we can¡¯t use it now,¡± he said softly. ¡°Fire makes them instinctively retreat, which would make it even harder for us to find Regulus.¡±


    ¡°Then... will you teach it to me?¡± Kyle asked.


    ¡°No!¡± Dumbledore interrupted him. He paused briefly before continuing, ¡°The Fiendfyre Curse you¡¯re asking about is high-level dark magic. Although I don¡¯t know where you learned of it, I must warn you¡ªthis dark magic is incredibly dangerous and extremely hard to control. It¡¯s best never to use it unless absolutely necessary."


    ¡°If you¡¯re truly interested, though, I can teach you a different charm derived from the Fire-Making Spell. It¡¯s relatively safer.¡±


    ¡°What is it...?¡±


    ¡°Master Regulus!¡±


    Kyle was about to ask more when a thrilled cry rang out from Kreacher nearby.


    The house-elf rushed forward, charging recklessly through the mass of Inferi, trying to pull one figure away while enduring scratches and bites from the others.


    Kyle turned to look. It was a young man, his face drained of color, pale and withered. But even in this state, everyone¡ªincluding Kyle¡ªrecognized him as Regulus. He looked strikingly like Sirius Black, as if he had just escaped from Azkaban.


    Kreacher dragged Regulus to the rocks at the entrance, holding him tightly and sobbing.


    Finally, a collective sigh of relief swept through them. Sirius burst into laughter, the sound echoing through the empty cave, as if he were being chased not by terrifying monsters, but by a swarm of harmless Mooncalves.


    Dumbledore smiled, then turned to Kyle and said, ¡°I was just wondering how best to describe the effect of this charm to you, but now it seems there¡¯s no need. Stay close to me¡­¡±


    Kyle nodded and stepped closer.


    Dumbledore raised his wand, and flames leapt instantly from its tip. The dark cave flooded with light.


    Bright, golden-red flames swirled around Dumbledore, following his wand¡¯s movement like waves in the sea, growing larger with each sweep. The fire crackled loudly, and the damp chill vanished, replaced by searing heat.


    Dumbledore extended his wand once more, and the flames surged, coalescing into a massive golden-red tidal wave that swept forward.


    In an instant, a clear path opened up before them¡ªat least ten feet wide¡ªwith two blazing walls of fire extending forward as if cutting a path across the lake.


    Kyle stood in awe. He had been considering releasing Norbert to clear the way, but he hadn¡¯t imagined that Dumbledore¡¯s magic would be so much more powerful than even a dragon.


    Dumbledore lowered his wand, turned to Kyle, and saw his expression, nodding with satisfaction.


    ¡°Well? Have you made up your mind?¡± he asked with a smile. ¡°Do you want to learn the Fiendfyre Curse, or this?¡±


    ¡°Professor, I want to learn this one,¡± Kyle replied without hesitation.


    Dumbledore looked even more pleased with his answer.


    Why bother with the Fiendfyre Curse when you can wield this? It¡¯s better to master what truly serves you rather than waste time on things with no real use.

 Chapter 450: The Clever Fudge

    By the time the group walked through the archway and back outside into the cavern, daylight had fully arrived. The morning sun had chased away the cold and darkness, casting a golden shimmer over the sea, creating ripples of light. Nearby, a flock of seagulls had perched on the rocks, eyeing Fawkes curiously on Kyle''s shoulder, though they all scattered when Kreacher suddenly began howling at full volume again.


    The group waited outside for ten minutes before Dumbledore, who had stayed behind to manage the aftermath, finally rejoined them. He offered no explanation for what he had been doing, and no one asked.


    ¡°I need to take Regulus with me,¡± he said. ¡°Severus should be able to find a way to restore him to his human form rather than... what he is now.¡±


    ¡°I''ll go too!¡± Sirius said immediately. Though he and Snape had never gotten along, he was willing to put up with it for Regulus. At worst, he figured he could just hold his tongue whenever Snape made his usual sharp remarks.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think you should go,¡± Dumbledore replied, hesitating. He was certain that if Sirius went, Snape might not even open the door for them.


    ¡°Hm...¡± Sirius understood and muttered, ¡°Can¡¯t someone else go, like Madam Pomfrey?¡±


    ¡°No,¡± Dumbledore shook his head. ¡°She¡¯s better suited to healing the living.¡±


    ¡°Well... okay,¡± Sirius sighed, then bent forward and gave Dumbledore a deep bow. ¡°I¡¯ll leave Regulus in your hands.¡±


    He then turned to Kreacher, who was still sobbing beside him. ¡°You go with Professor Dumbledore and see that man. If anything¡¯s missing, let me know at once. And no matter what harsh things he says, even if he mocks Regulus, you must act as though you didn¡¯t hear a word of it. That¡¯s an order!¡±


    This time, Dumbledore didn¡¯t object. With only a House-elf accompanying him, Snape would likely not mind. Before leaving, he glanced at Kyle, who seemed on the verge of asking something. But in the end, Kyle simply shook his head and stayed silent.


    ¡°Bang!¡±


    With a flash of light, Fawkes led them away, vanishing into the distance.


    After they¡¯d left, Sirius sat down on a stone, gazing up at the sky, his face showing an unusual look of relief.


    ¡°I¡¯m actually a little scared to go back,¡± he joked to Kyle. ¡°I¡¯m sure Lupin¡¯s going to give me a good thrashing the moment I set foot inside. I hate to admit it, but I really can¡¯t take him on now¡ªwand or no wand.¡±


    ¡°You insisted on coming along, so I¡¯d say you deserve it,¡± Kyle replied, walking over to him. ¡°And Lupin¡¯s right. If it weren¡¯t for Professor Dumbledore, we¡¯d probably be looking for two people now. And I¡¯m sure Snape would be more than happy to brew you a potion.¡±


    ¡°Oh, he¡¯d be thrilled,¡± Sirius said with a grin, lying back on the stone. Then, after a pause, he said quietly, ¡°Thanks.¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°For giving up something that could have saved your life¡ªfor my sake,¡± said Sirius. ¡°Is there anything I can do for you?¡±


    ¡°Fawkes likes his herbs,¡± Kyle murmured.


    ¡°I see,¡± Sirius chuckled. ¡°Leave it to me.¡± He stood up from the stone and said, ¡°It¡¯s getting late; I¡¯ll take you back.¡±


    ¡°No need,¡± Kyle waved a hand dismissively. ¡°I can get back by myself; you don¡¯t have to see me off.¡±


    ¡°So... you¡¯re not coming back to 12 Grimmauld Place with me?¡± Sirius¡¯s expression stiffened. He¡¯d been hoping Kyle might help him smooth things over with Lupin¡ªmaybe, as an ex-student, Kyle¡¯s presence would lighten the mood and save him from an impending lecture or worse.


    But Kyle shook his head. ¡°I¡¯ve been out all night, so I definitely have to go home first. See you next time.¡±


    Ignoring Sirius¡¯s increasingly panicked expression, Kyle gave a brief wave and walked off. Sirius, left alone in the empty cave, could only stare after him, feeling almost ready to cry. He could already envision his impending fate at Grimmauld Place.


    But then a thought struck him. How had Kyle just left? Apparition? But... wait...


    Sirius froze in realization. Kyle¡ªa student who hadn¡¯t even reached his fifth year yet¡ªhad just Apparated?


    ...


    After returning to St. Catchpole Village, Kyle walked in to find Chris and Diana already having breakfast. Both looked surprised to see him back so early.


    ¡°Why are you back so soon? Was it uncomfortable staying at Sirius''s house?¡± they asked. They were already aware of the situation with Sirius and Peter, and Kyle had sent a letter from 12 Grimmauld Place the night before, saying he¡¯d be staying overnight.


    ¡°No,¡± Kyle shook his head, taking a seat beside them. ¡°It¡¯s just that his place might be in trouble soon, and I didn¡¯t want to get caught up in it, so I came home early.¡± After a busy night, Kyle was starving and immediately grabbed a piece of toast, biting into it as Diana added fried eggs and grilled sausages to his plate.


    Once he¡¯d finished eating, she asked, ¡°What happened? I thought you said Sirius was being framed.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not about that,¡± Kyle replied. ¡°He just did something that really ticked Lupin off, and now he¡¯s likely in for a beating. It felt a bit wrong just to sit there watching.¡±


    They both nodded, as if this were entirely ordinary. sea??h th§× novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°They were always bickering, even back in school,¡± Diana said with a smile. ¡°Especially after Remus became a Prefect¡ªhe drove me up the wall.¡±


    ¡°I never really had the best impression of him,¡± Chris added, ¡°but even when I heard Sirius had supposedly betrayed the Potters, it was hard to believe. Everyone knew it couldn¡¯t be true¡ªthey were as inseparable as Fred and George, always together. But then it actually seemed true.¡±


    ¡°By the way, Dad,¡± Kyle asked, ¡°when is Sirius¡¯s hearing going to start?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± Chris shook his head. ¡°I was going to ask you the same thing. Are you sure Fudge knows about all this already?¡±


    ¡°Definitely. I was in the Headmaster¡¯s office and heard it all,¡± Kyle confirmed. ¡°Fudge seemed really eager to help Sirius.¡±


    ¡°Then why haven¡¯t we heard anything from the Ministry?¡± Chris wondered aloud.


    ¡°It¡¯s no surprise,¡± Diana interjected. ¡°Don¡¯t forget what¡¯s happening in August.¡±


    ¡°The Quidditch World Cup!¡± Chris realized. Crouch was overseeing the tournament, and if it was a success, his popularity would soar. Fudge was probably waiting until after the event to bring up Sirius¡¯s case¡ªhaving imprisoned an innocent man for twelve years without a trial would ruin Crouch¡¯s reputation in an instant.


    ¡°Hoho...¡± Chris chuckled, recognizing Fudge¡¯s tactic. It was a shrewd move, one that would all but eliminate Crouch¡¯s chances of replacing him.


    The three of them continued talking for a while before Chris and Diana prepared to leave for the Ministry of Magic.


    ¡°So early?¡± Kyle glanced at the clock. ¡°It¡¯s still two hours before regular working hours.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s been like this lately, with two major events to prepare for. The Ministry¡¯s swamped. Oh, by the way...¡± Chris, who had just walked out, suddenly turned back, leaning in to speak to Kyle with a mysterious look. ¡°You might want to read more books and practice Charms... it could come in handy.¡±

 Chapter 451: Bill and Charlie

    For the next few days, Kyle stayed home in St. Catchpole Village, rarely venturing out. He usually spent his time doing homework or working in the attic with Fred and George, helping them make the little props they¡¯d use for pranks. Occasionally, Cedric would drop by as well.


    Not only was Chris busy, but Mr. Weasley and Mr. Diggory had also been tied up with work. Fred and George had plenty to say about this, complaining that they now had to wake up two hours earlier every morning for breakfast.


    ¡°Percy seems quite pleased with all this,¡± Fred remarked as he fiddled with a newly crafted firework in the attic. ¡°I think he¡¯d be happy to live at the Ministry full-time.¡±


    George nodded. ¡°He¡¯s started working in the Department for International Magical Cooperation. Just make sure not to mention anything about ¡®foreign countries¡¯ unless you want a never-ending lecture.¡±


    ¡°Does he discuss work with you at home too?¡± Cedric asked, intrigued. ¡°I think that¡¯d be kind of interesting.¡± Cedric¡¯s father rarely talked about work¡ªexcept when he¡¯d had too much to drink. So Cedric usually learned things about his father¡¯s job only in those half-asleep moments.


    ¡°Work? Hardly,¡± Fred said, rolling his eyes. ¡°I doubt the Ministry would let someone who¡¯s just started out handle International Magical Affairs.¡±


    ¡°And they¡¯re not interested in the bottom of a cauldron either,¡± George added with a laugh. ¡°I never realized how much Percy¡¯s been obsessing over potions.¡±


    ¡°The bottom of a cauldron?¡± Cedric asked, puzzled.


    ¡°Percy¡¯s fixated on this lately,¡± George explained with a shrug. ¡°Apparently, he¡¯s organizing some exhibition of thick-bottomed cauldrons and is busy picking out the right pieces for it.¡±


    ¡°Maybe he¡¯ll end up heading the International Magical Cooperation Department thanks to that exhibition¡­¡± Fred suggested.


    ¡°Or even the Minister of Magic¡­¡± George added, grinning. ¡°Yes, since thin-bottomed cauldrons are such a serious issue, Fudge wouldn¡¯t know what hit him!¡±


    Fred and George could always find endless amusement and discussion when it came to Percy.


    ¡°Luckily, we only have to put up with him for another month,¡± Fred said, carefully placing a finished firework in the suitcase beside him. These fireworks would all turn into Galleons one day, and they were quite attached to them.


    ...


    Time passed quickly in the cheerful atmosphere. Occasionally, Kyle would glance in the direction of London, wondering what was happening to Sirius. It had been more than half a month since they returned from the cave, and the only message Kyle had received was a short note from Lupin on the day they got back. Since then, he¡¯d heard nothing from 12 Grimmauld Place.


    Kyle thought.


    And so, the holiday flew by. Soon enough, the last day of July arrived¡ªKyle¡¯s birthday. Early that morning, a large flock of owls swooped in, delivering gifts from friends near and far. Among them was a reply from Sirius at last.


    He had sent a large package packed with all kinds of herbs. Almost everything available in Diagon Alley was there, mostly flowers and leaves, three of each type, with the poisonous ones wrapped separately¡ªobviously Lupin¡¯s doing. Sirius would never be that meticulous; if it had been up to him, he¡¯d likely have just bundled the herbs together in one big wrap. Besides, Sirius was still wanted by the authorities and couldn¡¯t go to Diagon Alley himself.


    Kyle grabbed a bag of Bertie Bott¡¯s Every Flavour Beans and started munching while he unwrapped the rest of the gift. Midway through his snack, he heard a rustling noise from downstairs. Looking out the window, he spotted four familiar red-haired figures. Fred was at the front, holding a huge cream cake. He looked up and grinned. Sear?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°Happy birthday, Kyle!¡±


    Behind him stood George and the other two Weasleys.


    ¡°Charlie, Bill?¡± Kyle said in surprise. ¡°When did you get back?¡±


    ¡°Last night,¡± Charlie replied, waving. ¡°We arranged to be here early.¡±


    ¡°One second,¡± Kyle said, putting down his half-unwrapped presents and hurrying downstairs to open the door for them.


    ¡°Happy birthday!¡± Fred said, thrusting the cake toward Kyle, nearly landing it in his face. No doubt Fred had done it on purpose, just to startle him a bit.


    ¡°You¡¯re lucky Mum¡¯s not here, or she¡¯d be furious,¡± Charlie said, pulling the cake back and moving in to give Kyle a hug. ¡°Happy birthday.¡± Charlie looked even tanner than last year, with a fresh scar on his arm.


    Bill walked over, giving Kyle a friendly pat on the shoulder. ¡°Long time no see, Kyle... or should I say, Sir Order of Merlin?¡± He smirked. ¡°When I first heard about the Second Class Order of Merlin, I thought it was some old wizard with the same name.¡±


    ¡°Too bad¡ªyou guessed wrong,¡± Kyle laughed.


    Bill had changed the most. Since graduating, he seemed to have embraced a different style. His short hair had grown into a ponytail, and he now wore an earring with a small fang-like charm. Dressed in a casual outfit, he looked more like a rock fan than a wizard, save for his dragon-hide boots.


    ¡°Different, huh?¡± Bill said, shaking his long hair.


    ¡°Maybe a bit, but not by much.¡±


    Kyle wasn¡¯t surprised¡ªBill¡¯s character was well-known to him. Mrs. Weasley, on the other hand, had made a habit of bringing her haircutting kit to the train platform each year.


    Kyle stepped aside, letting the group into the living room. Fred set the cake on the table, and Kyle went to fetch drinks.


    ¡°Do you want some wine?¡± He pulled a bottle from the cabinet, eyeing Bill and Charlie.


    ¡°No, Mum wouldn¡¯t... Hold on.¡± Charlie¡¯s refusal stopped short when he noticed the label. ¡°How old is that Firewhiskey?¡±


    Kyle held up the bottle. ¡°150 years¡ªit¡¯s written right here. It¡¯s real aged Firewhiskey, a gift from the Romanian Ministry of Magic.¡±


    ¡°Oh¡­ in that case, I¡¯ll take some,¡± Charlie said, licking his lips.


    ¡°Are you sure you won¡¯t get in trouble for bringing that out?¡± Bill asked, raising an eyebrow. The best stock at the Leaky Cauldron was usually a hundred years old, and even that was rare. Not even a pocketful of Galleons could convince Tom to part with it¡ªlet alone 150-year-old Firewhiskey.


    ¡°No worries,¡± Kyle assured him. ¡°My dad hardly ever drinks alone, and since it¡¯s been ages since we were all together, I¡¯m sure he¡¯ll invite you and Mr. Weasley to join him for a drink at dinner tonight. I¡¯m just starting the festivities a little early.¡±


    ¡°Then I¡¯ll have some too,¡± Bill said, conjuring a glass with a quick flick of his wand.


    Fred and George, eager to join in, conjured their own glasses, but Kyle, without a word, tossed them two bottles of juice.

 Chapter 452: Divergence

    Fred and George expressed their strong dissatisfaction with Kyle¡¯s ¡°preferential treatment,¡± insisting that they were old enough to try the aged Firewhiskey. Kyle, however, continued to ignore them.


    It wasn¡¯t until a few minutes later, when Bill lay sprawled on the floor, fast asleep, that the twins went quiet. They exchanged a look, shrugged, and nonchalantly resumed sipping their juice. They¡¯d watched Bill go from drinking to nodding off, and then simply sink to the floor as if he¡¯d come over just to take a nap on Kyle¡¯s carpet. The whole process had been remarkably seamless, without even a pause, as if Bill had choreographed it.


    Charlie, meanwhile, was handling his drink just fine. As a dragon keeper, he was no stranger to strong spirits and had more experience pacing himself.


    He took a cautious sip of his Firewhiskey and glanced over at Bill. ¡°Does he think he¡¯s drinking ale?¡± he scoffed, amused at his brother¡¯s lack of restraint.


    Much like Fred and George never missed a chance to poke fun at Percy, Charlie and Bill had a similar sibling tradition. The difference was that Bill was generally sharper and could hold his own, always finding a way to retaliate. But right now, he was out cold, leaving Charlie to enjoy a small victory and a second sip of Firewhiskey.


    Kyle brought out more candy and snacks, which included an assortment of treats he¡¯d received as gifts. Everyone began snacking and chatting idly.


    At first, the conversation was lighthearted. Charlie shared tales from the Romanian dragon reserve, like the time a few reckless wizards tried to steal a dragon egg, only to be chased off by a roaring mother dragon, leaving them so terrified they¡¯d begged the dragon keepers for help. He also mentioned the excitement whenever a dragon laid a new clutch of eggs. These weren¡¯t the kinds of stories found in textbooks, and Kyle and the others listened, captivated.


    In exchange, Kyle shared some of his own Hogwarts stories. Charlie was fascinated by his account of Professor Trelawney¡¯s dramatic predictions in third year, the Basilisk incident, and the time Dementors had stormed the Quidditch Pitch in his fourth year. It was hard for him to believe all that had actually happened.


    ¡°When I was at school, Hogwarts was never this exciting,¡± Charlie laughed, shaking his head.


    Charlie was especially intrigued by the Basilisk. As a dragon keeper, he shared Hagrid¡¯s passion for dangerous, large Magical Creatures and had become increasingly interested in anything as formidable as a Basilisk.


    ¡°I¡¯d love to see a Basilisk one day,¡± he said wistfully.


    Fred and George quickly waved their hands to dissuade him. The Basilisk was a deadly creature that could kill with a single look. When they¡¯d first heard Ron was involved in the incident, they¡¯d been so shaken they¡¯d nearly collapsed with worry¡ªthankfully, it had turned out to be a false alarm. They didn¡¯t think curiosity was worth risking one¡¯s life.


    Fortunately, Charlie was only speaking in general terms. After all, you couldn¡¯t just decide to go and see a Basilisk.


    Charlie put down his cup, stuffed a large piece of buttered toffee into his mouth, and shifted to another topic. Sear?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°Kyle, I heard from Fred that your Hufflepuffs have won the Quidditch Cup four years in a row?¡±


    ¡°Oh, it¡¯s all just luck! We only won because everyone else was being nice¡ªit¡¯s really not worth mentioning, really,¡± Kyle replied, modestly waving his hands.


    Fred and George looked slightly agitated, their jaws clenching. If Kyle hadn¡¯t been grinning so obviously, they might have actually believed him.


    Charlie glanced at them, puzzled. ¡°Didn¡¯t you say Harry got a Firebolt? And you still lost?¡±


    Fred and George took a resentful sip of their juice, looking resolute.


    ¡°We¡¯ll definitely win next year!¡± Fred said firmly.


    ¡°You Hufflepuffs won¡¯t win five years in a row!¡± George added.


    ¡°Well, you¡¯ll have to work hard, then, because it¡¯s going to be very difficult to take the Cup from us next year,¡± Kyle replied with a mischievous smile, raising an eyebrow.


    Charlie opened his mouth, as if about to say something, but then held back and changed the subject instead.


    ¡°Kyle, who do you think will win the World Cup this year?¡±


    ¡°Ireland, of course,¡± Kyle said without hesitation.


    ¡°No,¡± Charlie shook his head. ¡°I think it¡¯ll be Bulgaria. They¡¯ve got their lineup complete this year with Viktor Krum, and they¡¯ll definitely be a top contender.¡±


    ¡°Ha, only a Seeker would root for Bulgaria,¡± Kyle shot back, playfully. ¡°Quidditch is a seven-player sport. A talented Seeker is important, but the Chasers are the real core of the team.¡±


    ¡°Oh?¡± Charlie sat up straighter. ¡°Why do you say that?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s simple. Everyone¡¯s focused on Bulgaria adding Krum, but no one¡¯s noticed that they replaced one of their veteran Chasers. The reason they gave in was that he was too old to work well with Krum. Ridiculous! A Chaser just needs to score points¡ªhe doesn¡¯t need to be perfectly in sync with the Seeker. Can¡¯t he just toss a Quaffle over to Krum?¡±


    Kyle snorted. ¡°Believe it or not, they¡¯re going to end up with their faces in the mud this tournament, unless Krum manages to catch the Snitch before they fall 150 points behind. Only then will Bulgaria stand a chance.¡±


    Fred and George nodded in agreement. They shared Kyle¡¯s perspective, especially after their own match against Hufflepuff. They now understood all too well the importance of Chasers scoring consistently. If the score gap becomes too wide, even the best Seeker can¡¯t save the game. At best, the Seeker can only delay the inevitable¡ªbut without enough scoring strength, it¡¯s useless to prolong the game.


    ¡°No, I still believe Bulgaria will win,¡± Charlie insisted. ¡°Ivanova is a very skilled Chaser, and Dimitrov, though young, has already made a name for himself in international matches. He¡¯s as talented as Krum.¡±


    ¡°You can¡¯t mean Dimitrov, the one Moran beat three times in a row during the qualifiers,¡± Kyle said with a grin.


    Charlie blushed slightly but still stood his ground, firmly insisting that the Bulgarian team would come out on top.


    But with a one-against-three disadvantage in the room, it was hard to keep up the debate. Eventually, Charlie hoisted Bill¡ªwho was still sound asleep¡ªover his shoulder and prepared to head back to The Burrow. Bill¡¯s long ponytail trailed on the floor, helping to sweep up a few crumbs on the way out.


    ¡°That poor Seeker,¡± Fred chuckled once Charlie had left. He and George exchanged victorious high fives, grinning.


    They had chosen not to return with Charlie¡ªmostly because Percy was home on a day off and had been holed up in his room all morning, writing a report on leaking cauldrons and forbidding any noise. They¡¯d barely been up a few hours and had already been scolded several times. It was much quieter here.

 Chapter 453: Top-Level Box

    Bill slept soundly until evening, when he was finally woken up¡ªbut the process was a bit of a team effort. Fred and George came up with the idea, Ron fetched the water, Ginny passed the bucket, and Charlie delivered the final touch by splashing the entire bucket of cool water directly onto Bill¡¯s face. Even if Bill wanted to get angry, he wouldn¡¯t have known who to blame.


    Since Bill and Charlie were both home, and it was Kyle¡¯s birthday, Mrs. Weasley had been busy in the kitchen since noon, preparing a big, delicious dinner. Just as Kyle had hoped, Chris arrived with his bottle of 150-year-old Firewhiskey. Mr. Weasley¡¯s eyes lit up when he saw the impressive number on the label.


    Unable to resist, Bill asked for a small glass, but this time he paced himself, sipping it slowly like Mr. Weasley. So instead of passing out immediately, he only collapsed onto the table near the end of dinner. Unfortunately, he did so just as Percy was taking a sip of his soup, splashing it all over Percy¡¯s shirt.


    Percy, displeased, pointed out that it was the shirt he intended to wear to work the next day. Even after Mrs. Weasley cleaned the soup stains off with a quick spell, Percy muttered under his breath as he returned to his room.


    ¡°If he¡¯s so afraid of getting dirty, he shouldn¡¯t have worn it to dinner,¡± Fred commented.


    ¡°Maybe he thought Mr. Crouch would drop by,¡± George added with a laugh.


    Mrs. Weasley gave both of them a light smack on the head, which quickly shut them up. But this little mishap didn¡¯t spoil the cheerful mood.


    After dinner, the younger ones who hadn¡¯t had any alcohol helped Bill up to his room. Meanwhile, Charlie had slumped over the table across from him. Ron and Ginny tried tugging and pulling at him for a while, but they couldn¡¯t move him far, so they settled on shifting him from his chair to the floor. A few gnomes even wandered over, curiously poking Charlie¡¯s face with their long, thin fingers.


    ¡°Go away!¡± Ron shooed the gnomes off before he and Ginny dragged Charlie back inside to The Burrow.


    The next morning, Charlie woke up with a vague, dull ache, feeling as though he¡¯d been trampled by a dragon.


    And so, the days drifted by until mid-August. One evening, Mr. Weasley came home beaming with excitement.


    ¡°Did you get the tickets, Dad?¡± Fred asked, his face lighting up.


    ¡°Oh, I have a surprise for you,¡± Mr. Weasley said, pretending to sound disappointed, though he couldn¡¯t hide the grin on his face. ¡°A big surprise!¡±


    He pulled out a stack of colorful tickets. ¡°Thirteen of them, and they¡¯re all for the best seats in the house.¡±


    Fred asked in a hushed tone, ¡°What do you mean by the best seats?¡±


    ¡°The Top Box,¡± Mr. Weasley replied. ¡°We¡¯ll be right up front, sitting in the same row as the Minister of Magic.¡±


    ¡°Oh, brilliant!¡±


    Fred and George¡¯s faces flushed with excitement as they clapped each other on the shoulders. They¡¯d assumed Mr. Weasley would, at best, get tickets for the regular stands, but the Top Box was beyond their wildest hopes. It was the best spot in the stadium, offering a perfect view of the entire field.


    ¡°Dad, how did you manage that?¡± Ron asked in admiration.


    ¡°For some special reason, many people in the Ministry couldn¡¯t attend the match,¡± Mr. Weasley explained. ¡°So the Department of Magical Games and Sports gave Chris and me these tickets. This way, the Top Box won¡¯t look so empty.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s lucky¡­¡± Ron said, unable to hide his excitement.


    ¡°But thirteen tickets still aren¡¯t enough,¡± Fred said, frowning as he did a quick count. ¡°There are nine of us in our family, plus Kyle¡¯s family, Harry, Hermione, Cho, Kanna, Cedric¡­ We¡¯re still short.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, dear,¡± Mrs. Weasley said with a smile. ¡°I¡¯m not much for those big, noisy events, so I¡¯ll give my ticket to Harry, and Hermione can have my other one.¡±


    ¡°Same here,¡± Chris said, chuckling. ¡°We have more important things to deal with than the World Cup¡ªthat¡¯s part of why the Top Box is empty to begin with. And Diggory already has a ticket; we ran into him at the Department of Magical Games and Sports.¡±


    ¡°So¡­ that leaves eleven tickets,¡± Fred counted. ¡°The last two can go to Cho and Kanna.¡± S~ea??h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°Excellent!¡± Fred and George high-fived again.


    With the ticket arrangements settled, the group went back to The Burrow. Mrs. Weasley began writing letters to let Harry and Hermione know. Hermione¡¯s letter was easy¡ªshe simply sent it off with an owl. But when it came time to write to Harry, Mrs. Weasley hesitated.


    She remembered that Harry¡¯s aunt and uncle despised anything to do with wizards, and sending an owl might offend them.


    ¡°Leave it to me, Molly,¡± said Mr. Weasley, stepping forward with confidence. ¡°I know exactly how Muggles send letters¡­ They need these.¡±


    He reached into his pocket and pulled out a handful of colorful stamps.


    ¡°Just stick these on the envelope and drop it in the postbox. There¡¯s one just outside the Ministry entrance¡­ I¡¯ve been wanting to try that for ages.¡±


    ¡°Are you sure, Arthur?¡± Mrs. Weasley asked. ¡°Just put it in the postbox, and it¡¯ll be fine?¡±


    ¡°Trust me¡­ I¡¯m a professional.¡±


    ¡°Alright¡­¡± Mrs. Weasley looked at the pile of stamps. ¡°How many should I put on?¡±


    Mr. Weasley hesitated, then, with a determined look, said, ¡°Put them all on. If there aren¡¯t enough, the letter might come back.¡±


    ¡°Okay!¡±


    Kyle watched as Mrs. Weasley began affixing all the stamps, covering nearly the entire envelope and leaving just a small square for the Dursleys¡¯ address.


    ¡°Actually¡­¡± Kyle ventured, ¡°one stamp should be enough. If you put too many, it might look a bit suspicious.¡±


    ¡°One stamp?¡± Mr. Weasley asked in surprise.


    Kyle nodded, picking up a single 10-penny stamp. ¡°Yes, this one will do. Let¡¯s take the others off.¡±


    Mr. Weasley quickly gathered up the extra stamps. They were part of his prized collection, and he¡¯d felt a pang at seeing them all stuck on the envelope. Now he felt as if he¡¯d reclaimed something precious.


    With the letter prepared, Mrs. Weasley clapped her hands. ¡°There! The tournament¡¯s on the weekend, so we¡¯ll pick Harry up Friday, and we¡¯ll be just in time.¡±


    ¡°What if his aunt and uncle say no?¡± Ron asked. ¡°He can¡¯t miss the tournament.¡±


    ¡°Of course he can¡¯t miss it,¡± Mrs. Weasley said. ¡°We¡¯re picking him up whether they agree or not, but it¡¯s only polite to pretend we¡¯re asking their permission.¡±

 Chapter 454: Kanna’s Reply

    Friday arrived, the day before the Quidditch World Cup. In the morning, a brand new car pulled into St. Catchpole Village¡ªHermione had arrived. Mrs. Weasley had offered to pick her up, but Mr. Granger had thought it was too much trouble, so he followed the address on the letter and drove Hermione himself. As a token of his appreciation, he brought along a bundle of oral care kits as a gift.


    ¡°Oh, what a beautiful car¡­¡± Mr. Weasley¡¯s eyes sparkled as he admired the silver sedan Mr. Granger drove. Ever since Ron had lost their old Ford, Mrs. Weasley had expressly forbidden Mr. Weasley from buying another car, so now he could only enjoy them from afar, circling the sedan and even crouching down to inspect the wheel patterns.


    Mr. Granger was used to this kind of behavior by now and didn¡¯t mind, even handing Mr. Weasley the keys. After all, when he first encountered the wizarding world, he hadn¡¯t behaved much better himself.


    Mrs. Weasley came out and invited Mr. Granger to stay for lunch, but he politely declined, saying he had another appointment with a client later. Mr. Granger was a dentist¡ªa profession Mr. Weasley found endlessly fascinating. After he left, Mr. Weasley took the oral care kits and went off to study them with great interest.


    Meanwhile, Mrs. Weasley called Ginny over and asked her to show Hermione around The Burrow. It was Hermione¡¯s first time seeing a wizard¡¯s home, and she was utterly captivated by everything. The atmosphere was so different from school; it all felt distinctly magical and homely.


    By afternoon, Cedric and Cho had arrived, adding to the group¡¯s numbers. As Fred and George noted, they had never seen the house so lively and crowded.


    Kyle had written a letter to Kanna, inviting her to join them, but when his owl, Ratton, returned, it brought only a short reply saying she¡¯d meet them at the match site the following day. Along with the note, Ratton carried a small bottle of a blueish potion¡ªa poisonous mixture commonly used to get rid of household pests.


    ...


    Around 5:00 p.m., Mr. Weasley prepared to pick up Harry. It was his turn, and he intended to make the trip while the others finished preparing dinner.


    ¡°Dad, can we come with you?¡± Fred and George volunteered. They¡¯d rushed back from Kyle¡¯s house the moment they heard that someone was going to pick up Harry.


    ¡°All right,¡± Mr. Weasley agreed, but after a moment of thought, he added, ¡°No tricks. The family doesn¡¯t like wizards, and we don¡¯t want to get Harry into trouble.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t think he could get into any worse trouble with them,¡± Fred muttered, remembering their last encounter with the Dursleys.


    Mr. Weasley didn¡¯t hear that, as he was busy throwing Floo powder into the fireplace. He had arranged through the Floo Network Authority to temporarily connect the Dursleys¡¯ fireplace to the Floo Network, specifically to pick up Harry. Although it was generally against Ministry policy to connect Muggle fireplaces, Mr. Weasley had friends in the right places, including some at the Floo Network Authority, and the application was swiftly approved¡ªfor a brief ten-minute window.


    Knowing that Muggles used stamps for mail and that wizards used Floo powder to visit, Kyle didn¡¯t know whether to be amused or horrified. Given the choice, he figured the Dursleys would prefer an owl delivery over someone bursting out of their fireplace unannounced. But he didn¡¯t interfere; the designated pick-up time was 5:00 p.m., and with less than ten minutes left, they had little choice. Apparition might alarm the Dursleys even more.


    ¡°Hurry up! We only have ten minutes!¡± Mr. Weasley called.


    As the flames in the fireplace turned green, he stepped forward and called out Harry¡¯s address, ¡°4 Privet Drive!¡± The green flames shot up sharply, and Mr. Weasley vanished. Fred and George followed closely behind, stepping into the fireplace one after the other.


    Ron moved to join them, but Mrs. Weasley held him back. ¡°Not too big a group; that family doesn¡¯t like wizards,¡± she reminded him.


    Hearing this, Hermione, who had been excited to try the Floo Network, held back as well.


    Five minutes later, Fred was the first to reappear.


    As soon as Fred walked out of the fireplace, he hurried over to Kyle, whispering excitedly, ¡°I tossed a bag of sweets when I left, and I made sure to leave one behind on purpose¡­¡±


    At that moment, George and Harry arrived, emerging from the fireplace together.


    ¡°Did he eat it?¡± Fred asked eagerly, reaching out to help Harry up.


    ¡°Yes,¡± Harry replied, getting to his feet. ¡°But what was that...?¡±


    ¡°A balloon candy!¡± Fred grinned. ¡°It was actually your idea, and we¡¯ve been waiting all summer for someone to test it on¡­¡±


    The small kitchen filled with laughter. Harry let out a sigh of relief¡ªhe had thought he¡¯d blown Dudley up again when he saw him floating uncontrollably toward the ceiling, just like Aunt Marge last year.


    Harry looked around and greeted everyone. Charlie and Bill, curious to meet him for the first time, greeted him as well. They had only heard about the Boy Who Lived and were eager to see him in person.


    But soon, the fire in the fireplace died down.


    ¡°Mr. Weasley hasn¡¯t come out yet!¡± Hermione said nervously.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry,¡± Ron waved his hand, ¡°Dad¡¯ll find a way...¡±


    Ron hadn¡¯t even finished when a faint popping sound echoed, and Mr. Weasley suddenly appeared next to George, looking furious.


    ¡°This is no laughing matter, Fred!¡± he scolded. ¡°What did you give that Muggle boy to eat?¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t give him anything,¡± Fred replied with a wicked grin. ¡°I just happened to ¡®accidentally¡¯ spill it on the floor, and he picked it up and ate it himself¡­ so it¡¯s not my fault. If he¡¯d handed the sweet back to me, nothing would¡¯ve happened, right?¡±


    ¡°You did it on purpose!¡± Mr. Weasley snapped, knowing his son too well. ¡°You know he¡¯s on a diet¡­ of course he¡¯d eat it!¡±


    ¡°Did he really fly?¡± George asked eagerly.


    ¡°All the way to the ceiling!¡± Mr. Weasley replied.


    Harry and the Weasley brothers burst into laughter again.


    ¡°This isn¡¯t funny!¡± Mr. Weasley insisted, frowning. ¡°This kind of behavior damages relations between wizards and Muggles. You shouldn¡¯t¡ª¡±


    ¡°It has nothing to do with him being a Muggle!¡± Fred interrupted angrily.


    ¡°It¡¯s because he¡¯s always tormenting Harry,¡± George added. ¡°And that family won¡¯t even give him dinner!¡±


    ¡°Exactly!¡± Harry said earnestly. To make Dudley feel better about his own diet, Aunt Petunia gave Harry even smaller portions, often only a few miserable slices of grapefruit per meal. Dudley even stole food from Harry when he could. If it hadn¡¯t been for the food Ron and Hermione sent over the summer, Harry wasn¡¯t sure he¡¯d have made it through the month.


    ¡°That¡¯s not the point. What you did was wrong,¡± Mr. Weasley said, still irritated. ¡°They¡¯ll take it out on Harry¡ªyou¡¯re only causing him trouble.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s all right, Mr. Weasley,¡± Harry shrugged, showing he didn¡¯t mind. His aunt and uncle would never change their view of him¡ªespecially after he¡¯d accidentally inflated Aunt Marge last year. To him, this was just another chapter in a long book. Whatever... sea??h th§× N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Chapter 455: Departure

    The arrival of their friends made The Burrow even livelier than before. Everyone was laughing, shouting, and arguing, chasing gnomes in the garden or mock-dueling over the tables late into the night until Mrs. Weasley finally sent them off to their rooms.


    The next day dawned early. Kyle was up at first light, dressed, and made his way to The Burrow. The Weasleys seemed to have just woken up too¡ªhair tousled, yawning, and looking only half-awake. Sear?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°Darling, I was just about to wake you,¡± Mrs. Weasley said, coming over with a tray of pastrami sandwiches. ¡°We¡¯re leaving soon, so have a bite.¡±


    Kyle nodded and took a sandwich, glancing over as Mr. Weasley eagerly showed Harry the muggle clothes he¡¯d put together for the day.


    ¡°What do you think?¡± he asked. ¡°We need to blend in, after all. Do I look like a muggle, Harry?¡±


    Harry smiled. ¡°Yes.¡± Though the mismatched golf shirt and jeans were a bit off, they were passable enough for any muggle street.


    ¡°Why aren¡¯t Bill, Charlie¡­ and Percy here?¡± Fred asked as he munched on a sandwich.


    ¡°They¡¯ll Apparate over,¡± Mrs. Weasley said, placing a big pot of porridge on the table and ladling it into everyone¡¯s bowls. ¡°So they¡¯re getting to sleep in a bit.¡±


    Fred muttered something, his mouth too full of sandwich for anyone to understand.


    Kyle sighed. He could Apparate, too, but he was still too young to take the licensing exam, so he had to get up early and go with the rest of the group.


    Footsteps sounded in the hallway as Cho, Hermione, and Ginny entered the kitchen, looking pale and slightly disheveled, their hair resembling bird¡¯s nests. Ginny plopped down at the table, grumbling about the early wake-up call.


    Breakfast didn¡¯t take long. After gulping down porridge and sandwiches, everyone was ready.


    ¡°Time to go! Have fun,¡± Mrs. Weasley said, glancing at her watch. ¡°I¡¯ll send Bill, Charlie, and Percy over at noon.¡±


    With that, the group set off through the still-dark yard, heading toward a distant hill.


    As they walked, Harry asked curiously, ¡°Where¡¯s the Quidditch match being held?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s been a real logistical nightmare,¡± Mr. Weasley sighed. ¡°With about 100,000 wizards coming to watch, we couldn¡¯t just pick a typical location. Imagine trying to cram that many wizards into Diagon Alley or Platform 9?! So, we found an isolated swamp and have taken every possible precaution against muggles. The Ministry¡¯s been working on this for months.¡±


    ¡°So, how are we getting there?¡± Harry asked. ¡°On foot?¡±


    ¡°Of course not,¡± Mr. Weasley replied. ¡°We¡¯re using a Portkey. It¡¯s a magical object that transports wizards from one place to another at a designated time. The closest one to us is up on the Stoatshead Hill¡ªthat¡¯s where we¡¯re headed.¡±


    The journey was much longer than expected, and Kyle could hear Harry¡¯s breathing grow heavier, especially as they climbed Stoatshead Hill. When they finally reached the top, daylight had begun to break, and everyone was already feeling worn out.


    Mr. Weasley wiped the sweat from his forehead, panting, ¡°Good, we¡¯re right on time... ten minutes to go.¡±


    ¡°Yo, Arthur!¡± a voice called out ahead. A man with a brown beard stood there, holding an old, moldy boot in his hand.


    ¡°Come quickly! We¡¯ve got the Portkey,¡± he called out with a grin.


    ¡°Amos!¡± Mr. Weasley said, smiling as he strode over to greet the man. Harry and Hermione looked over as he introduced him, ¡°This is Amos Diggory. He works in the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures. And here¡¯s his son, Cedric¡ªI think you all know him.¡±


    Of course, they knew Cedric.


    ¡°Hi, how are you?¡± Cedric greeted everyone warmly before moving to the end of the line. He spotted Cho and walked over, smiling.


    ¡°Cho, did you sleep well?¡±


    ¡°It was all right. Just too early of a morning,¡± she said, cheeks flushed from the climb. Cedric, clearly smitten, couldn¡¯t take his eyes off her.


    ¡°Tsk¡­¡± Fred whispered to Kyle in mock disgust. ¡°Why isn¡¯t he looking at us? Are we invisible?¡±


    ¡°At least to him¡­ pretty much,¡± Kyle said with a shrug.


    ¡°Ho ho,¡± George snickered. ¡°I¡¯d love to pop a balloon candy in his mouth, let him float all the way to the World Cup.¡±


    ¡°Put in two more,¡± Kyle suggested with a smirk, ¡°make sure he floats high.¡±


    While they muttered about Cedric, the adults chatted nearby.


    ¡°That was a bit of a walk, wasn¡¯t it, Arthur?¡± Mr. Diggory said, passing Mr. Weasley the old boot.


    ¡°It was the only spot nearby without muggles,¡± Mr. Weasley replied. ¡°And you?¡±


    ¡°We were up at two,¡± Mr. Diggory said, rubbing his eyes. ¡°I¡¯ll be honest¡ªI¡¯d have preferred it if Cedric could Apparate by now. But it¡¯s worth it for the Quidditch World Cup; can¡¯t miss it.¡±


    ¡°Where are your seats?¡±


    ¡°Top Box,¡± Mr. Diggory said proudly. ¡°Chris helped Ludo Bagman out with something a while back, and we managed to get the best seats. Only one ticket, though, so I let Cedric have it.¡±


    ¡°No ticket for you?¡± Mr. Weasley frowned.


    ¡°There were regular seats available, but I passed on them,¡± Mr. Diggory said with a shrug. ¡°I¡¯ve got other things to handle while most people are tied up with the World Cup, so I¡¯ll be busy anyway. Just keep an eye on Cedric for me?¡±


    ¡°Of course,¡± Mr. Weasley nodded. ¡°But I thought you were a fan of Quidditch?¡±


    ¡°Oh, I am,¡± Mr. Diggory said, his voice rising in frustration. ¡°But not this year¡¯s teams! Peru didn¡¯t make it to the finals, so what¡¯s the point?¡±


    Mr. Weasley nodded, remembering that Amos was an avid Peru fan. They¡¯d been knocked out by Ireland in the semi-finals, and it looked like Amos was still bitter about it. Mr. Weasley decided it was best to let the topic drop.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Cedric¡¯s in good hands,¡± he assured Mr. Diggory. Then he glanced at his watch and called out, ¡°One minute left! Hurry up, everyone¡ªget in position! Just make sure a finger touches the Portkey.¡±


    The group, laden with large backpacks, managed to squeeze around the old boot Mr. Weasley held out. They formed a tight circle.


    ¡°Three¡­¡± Mr. Weasley muttered, eyes fixed on his watch. ¡°Two¡­ one¡­¡±

 Chapter 456: Direction-Guiding Fireworks

    Kyle was well-practiced in Portkey travel, and when they landed, he was standing firmly on the ground. Harry and Ron, however, stumbled and nearly face-planted into the nearby undergrowth.


    ¡°Five minutes and seven seconds from Stoatshead Hill,¡± announced a voice.


    Ahead of them stood two weary-looking wizards with dark circles under their eyes, likely in charge of registration.


    ¡°Good morning, Basil,¡± said Mr. Weasley, picking up the battered boot and handing it over. Basil tossed it into a large suitcase beside him filled with used Portkeys¡ªdiscarded items like old newspapers, empty cans, and broken light bulbs.


    ¡°Hello, Arthur,¡± Basil replied, looking drained. ¡°Lucky you¡¯re not on duty¡­ But you¡¯d better move aside; there¡¯s a big group arriving from the Black Forest at a quarter past five. Weasley¡¯s camp¡­ here it is, quarter of a mile ahead, in the first field. Caretaker¡¯s name is Mr. Roberts¡­¡±


    ¡°Excuse me,¡± Kyle interjected. ¡°Do you know if Kanna Prince has arrived yet?¡±


    Basil glanced at his thick parchment. ¡°She arrived about ten minutes before you. She¡¯s also in the first field.¡±


    ¡°Thanks.¡±


    Mr. Weasley noticed Basil¡¯s exhaustion and beckoned the others to move along. ¡°Looks like they¡¯ve been here all night, and there are still at least ten hours to go. Not an easy job.¡±


    ¡°Are they the only ones on duty?¡± Harry asked.


    ¡°I believe so,¡± Mr. Weasley replied. ¡°The Ministry doesn¡¯t have enough staff¡­¡±


    They walked through the deserted marsh for about twenty minutes, until a door appeared ahead, along with a small stone building. Beyond it, hundreds of oddly shaped tents stretched across the fields.


    When they reached the stone house, they saw a man at the door speaking to a wizard in strange attire¡ªa rubber overshoe on one foot and a South American-style cloak. The man looked perplexed as he tried to explain that he needed British pounds, not Galleons or Sickles.


    In frustration, the wizard impatiently shoved a handful of Galleons at him, advising him to exchange them at Gringotts. Mr. Roberts, clearly a genuine Muggle, stared at the coins in disbelief.


    Just then, a wizard in bloomers appeared out of nowhere, seemingly dropping from the sky.


    he said, waving his wand.


    Mr. Roberts¡¯s eyes went unfocused, and a dazed look crossed his face. The Galleons in his hand were replaced with British pounds.


    ¡°Here¡¯s a map of the campsite,¡± Mr. Roberts said calmly, handing it to the wizard in front of him.


    ¡°Memory Charm¡­¡± Harry murmured with a frown. ¡°Why not just let a wizard be the campsite manager?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know either,¡± Mr. Weasley said, lowering his voice. ¡°But I suspect someone wants to make a show of it, as if to prove that wizards and muggles get along well. Especially since there are so many foreign wizards here this time.¡±


    Mr. Weasley gave a small shrug, showing he wasn¡¯t thrilled with the arrangement himself. But as it was the Minister¡¯s decision, there was little he could do to change it.


    After the wizard left, it was Mr. Weasley¡¯s turn in line. Meanwhile, at the back, Fred shot Kyle a wink and slipped away.


    ¡°Dad, we¡¯re going to explore the campsite¡ªsee you later!¡± Fred called, and he and George dashed toward the campsite. Kyle, Cedric, and Cho immediately followed suit.


    ¡°Remember, no wandering off too far or getting into trouble!¡± Mr. Weasley shouted after them, ¡°or I¡¯ll be telling your mothers when we get back!¡±


    The boys waved back in acknowledgment and kept going until they reached the bustling campsite. Fred and George turned back, grinning.


    ¡°How about here? Plenty of people around already,¡± Fred said, surveying the crowd.


    Kyle took a look. Indeed, two rows of tents were packed close by, and groups of wizards were mingling, greeting old friends. sea??h th§× n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°This should work,¡± Kyle nodded.


    Cedric pointed his wand at a nearby stone, which transformed into a small cart with a bucket. Kyle then pulled out several suitcases that had been enchanted with the Undetectable Extension Charm, opening the lids and neatly arranging the merchandise on the cart. He picked up a firework and launched it into the air.


    ¡°Boom!¡±


    The firework burst, forming a giant shamrock pattern that lit up the sky. The display quickly caught the attention of passersby.


    ¡°Oh¡­ brilliant!¡± said a young man, clearly an Irish supporter. He ran over, pointing at the fireworks. ¡°How much are these?¡±


    ¡°Two Sickles each,¡± Kyle replied, ¡°or one Galleon for ten.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll take ten.¡± The man handed over a Galleon. ¡°Oh, and that hat¡ªit dances! I¡¯ll have an Irish one¡­ and a flag¡­ and a poster showing Ivanova¡¯s signature move!¡±


    The man left happily, five Galleons lighter and with an armful of souvenirs. Fred and George grinned widely, thrilled to have such a generous customer right off the bat.


    ¡°These are fantastic¡­¡± A middle-aged wizard stepped forward, eyeing the merchandise. ¡°But I¡¯m rooting for Bulgaria. Got anything for their fans?¡±


    ¡°Of course!¡± Fred said, setting off another firework, which exploded into the shape of a red lion.


    ¡°I¡¯ll take ten of those¡ªsame price, right?¡± the man asked. ¡°And give me a hat and a badge too, all Bulgaria.¡±


    ¡°Coming right up¡­¡±


    Soon, a small crowd gathered, drawn by the display. With prices reasonable and items festive, most people were happy to splurge a little. Watching the game decked out in team gear was all part of the experience, and most wizards who could afford tickets didn¡¯t mind spending a few Sickles on a memorable souvenir.


    Just then, someone else approached the cart. ¡°Hello, I¡¯d like a badge.¡± The voice sounded familiar, and Kyle looked up, surprised.


    ¡°Kanna!¡± Cho exclaimed. ¡°How did you know we were here?¡±


    ¡°I saw those.¡± Kanna pointed at the team symbols glowing in the air. ¡°I figured it had to be you guys.¡±


    ¡°No wonder you kept setting off those fireworks!¡± Fred said, giving Kyle a suspicious look. ¡°Was this your plan all along, to signal Kanna?¡±


    ¡°Ah, so that¡¯s why!¡± George said. ¡°I was wondering why you insisted on more fireworks even though we already had a crowd.¡±


    ¡°Well, it worked, didn¡¯t it?¡± Kyle shrugged.


    ¡°That¡¯s true,¡± Fred admitted. ¡°With a camp this size, finding anyone would¡¯ve been tricky.¡±


    ¡°Master Kyle¡­¡± A shrill voice piped up nearby. Everyone turned to see that Kanna was accompanied by an elderly, grim-looking House-elf.


    ¡°Kreacher?¡± Kyle asked in surprise. ¡°What are you doing here?¡±


    ¡°Mr. Snape ordered Kreacher to watch over Miss Kanna,¡± the House-elf replied. ¡°He does not believe it¡¯s safe here.¡±


    Kyle got the distinct feeling Kreacher was hiding something.

 Chapter 457: I Am Your Brother, After All

    After Kanna joined the group, they continued pushing the cart through the bustling campsite, each wearing something colorful to attract attention. Business was steady and lively, with plenty of customers stopping to buy souvenirs.


    During a quiet moment, Kyle took the opportunity to ask Kreacher about Regulus, but Kreacher could only choke back tears, muttering that ¡°Master Regulus was becoming more and more like his old self.¡± Kyle got the sense that things were progressing, just as he had hoped.


    As noon approached, the crowd around the campsite grew thicker.


    ¡°It was worth working so hard all summer,¡± Fred said contentedly, wiping sweat from his forehead and looking down at their half-empty fireworks case.


    By now, they were hungry and had pushed their cart toward the far end of the site. George squinted into the distance, looking around.


    ¡°Where is it¡­? Didn¡¯t Lee Jordan say it was around here?¡± He was searching for the Weasley family¡¯s tent.


    In their eagerness to get going that morning, he¡¯d forgotten to ask exactly where their tent was. Thankfully, they had run into Lee Jordan, their Hogwarts friend and the school¡¯s Quidditch commentator, who mentioned seeing Harry and Ginny near the trees on the edge of the field. Following his directions, they¡¯d eventually found their way here.


    ¡°Oh, over there¡­¡± Cedric said, suddenly pointing to a clearing not too far away. Harry and Ron were emerging from a tent, carrying a pot between them. Mr. Weasley was nearby, struggling with a pile of firewood.


    ¡°Oh¡­ went out again. I thought Hermione had lit it already.¡± Mr. Weasley was on his hands and knees, blowing hard at the barely-smoldering fire, his face and clothes now covered in ash.


    ¡°Dad, what are you doing?¡± Fred asked, amused. ¡°Did you leave your wand at home?¡±


    ¡°Now, Fred, it¡¯s about blending in,¡± Mr. Weasley replied, standing up and rubbing his sore neck from all the bending.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think lunch will be anytime soon,¡± George muttered. ¡°Dad loves these ¡®blend in with the muggles¡¯ rules.¡±


    Mr. Weasley, not hearing him, looked up with a curious expression. ¡°Where have you all been? I thought you¡¯d gotten lost.¡±


    ¡°Oh, just a little World Cup goodwill tour,¡± Fred replied, grinning. ¡°Wizards here are very¡­ enthusiastic.¡±


    ¡°Of course they are,¡± Mr. Weasley said, smiling. ¡°The World Cup only comes around once in a while, and everyone¡¯s been looking forward to it.¡±


    Just then, Mr. Weasley noticed the unfamiliar face standing behind Fred.


    ¡°You must be Kanna,¡± he said.


    ¡°Kanna Prince!¡± Kanna replied quickly. ¡°It¡¯s a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Weasley.¡±


    ¡°The pleasure¡¯s all mine, young lady,¡± Mr. Weasley responded warmly. ¡°Come on in¡ªI managed to borrow a large enough tent this time, so you can even choose your own rooms! But lunch might be a bit delayed¡­ I still need to figure out how to get this fire going¡­ Oh! And who are you?¡±


    Turning around, he saw a House-elf standing behind him, whom he hadn¡¯t noticed before. Oddly enough, the pile of firewood he¡¯d been struggling with was now cheerfully burning.


    ¡°Sorry, Mr. Weasley,¡± Kanna said. ¡°This is Kreacher. I brought him with me, but he doesn¡¯t know the muggle-protection regulations yet.¡±


    ¡°All right, never mind¡­¡± Mr. Weasley looked a bit disappointed but said, ¡°Since our tent is at the back, even if we use a bit of magic now and then, Mr. Roberts won¡¯t notice¡­¡±


    He sighed, as it seemed he¡¯d been just on the verge of figuring out how to use matches. But with the fire already blazing, there was no sense putting it out and starting over. He carefully placed a pot on the fire, adjusting it to prepare a makeshift stew. But before he could get started, Kreacher moved beside him, clutching a spoon and looking up expectantly.


    With Kreacher¡¯s intense gaze fixed on him, Mr. Weasley felt oddly out of place, as if he were intruding on someone else¡¯s job. Reluctantly, he stepped aside, giving the House-elf room to work.


    Kreacher took over naturally, stirring the pot with practiced ease.


    ¡°Fine¡­ fine¡­¡± Mr. Weasley muttered, stepping back. Then, noticing Kanna about to speak, he added, ¡°It¡¯s actually quite nice to have a House-elf helping out now and then¡­ at least we won¡¯t go hungry waiting for my cooking.¡±


    Clearly, he had a realistic view of his own culinary abilities.


    At that moment, the rest of the group returned, carrying water. The instant Percy spotted Fred and George, he launched into a lecture.


    ¡°You two shouldn¡¯t be running off like that,¡± he said, trying to sound serious. ¡°You¡¯re going to get Dad into trouble, and probably the rest of the Ministry, too. You¡¯d better behave yourselves. If I catch you pulling any more tricks, I¡¯ll¡­¡±


    ¡°Mark us down?¡± Fred asked with mock fear. ¡°But we¡¯re not at Hogwarts anymore.¡±


    ¡°And you¡¯re not Head Boy anymore,¡± George added.


    ¡°Or a Prefect¡­¡±


    The twins burst into laughter.


    Meanwhile, Bill noticed the trolley parked nearby. He picked up a firework and tossed it into the air.


    ¡°Bang!¡±


    The firework exploded, sending a giant four-leaf clover shimmering in the sky.


    ¡°So it was you¡­¡± Bill said with a grin. ¡°My friend Bacchus mentioned he¡¯d bought some cool gadgets for cheap, but by the time I went looking, you¡¯d already moved on.¡±


    Fred¡¯s interest perked up immediately. ¡°Need more? Two Sickles each, or ten for a Galleon!¡± sea??h th§× n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°And the one you just threw is free,¡± George added, grinning.


    ¡°Can¡¯t argue with that,¡± Bill laughed, fishing out a Galleon. ¡°Thanks! I¡¯ll take the Irish team set.¡±


    Charlie, who was nearby, bought a set of Bulgarian fireworks.


    Hearing the commotion, the others came out of the tent, curiously gathering around the cart.


    ¡°How much for this hat?¡± Ron asked, holding up a flamboyant green and gold Irish hat.


    ¡°One Galleon,¡± Fred replied.


    ¡°That¡¯s a bit steep,¡± Ron muttered, fishing around in his pockets. ¡°How about a family discount?¡±


    ¡°One Galleon,¡± Fred said with a grin.


    Ron frowned. ¡°But I¡¯m your brother!¡±


    Fred and George exchanged a mischievous look. ¡°Oh, then it¡¯s two Galleons!¡± they said in unison.


    Ron tossed the hat back on the cart in frustration, and everyone burst into laughter. Harry tried to stifle his laughter out of loyalty to Ron, but he couldn¡¯t keep a straight face either.


    Despite the antics, almost everyone bought something. Hermione and Ginny picked out hairpins, Mr. Weasley put on a Bulgarian supporter¡¯s hat, and Harry bought a bit of everything except the hairpins, giving half of his haul to Ron.

 Chapter 458: Interrupting the Bet

    As more people filled the grounds, the tents began to show more unified support for their teams. Once the first Bulgarian flag appeared on a tent, it set off a chain reaction¡ªsoon, other tents were adorned with flags and symbols supporting either Ireland or Bulgaria, giving the venue a divided but festive atmosphere. Occasionally, a lone Bulgarian fan would wander into the Irish camp and, after a few tense glances, hurriedly pack up and move to the opposite side. The Ministry members overseeing the event discreetly ignored these migrations.


    The Weasley family, however, stayed neutral. With so many family members cheering for different teams, they couldn¡¯t settle on one side, so they watched from the sidelines, enjoying the spectacle.


    ¡°I¡¯ve never seen so many foreign wizards before,¡± Harry said, coming back to the tent with a bucket of water as they waited for lunch. This was his second trip, and he was enjoying every minute of it. Each trip gave him a chance to spot new wizards with unfamiliar customs and styles. Near their tent, three African wizards, their faces painted with vibrant patterns, were cooking by the fire without using wands. Instead, they simply moved their fingers to make the food flip and sizzle.


    ¡°They¡¯re incredible,¡± Harry whispered to Ron. ¡°Professor Flitwick once mentioned that wandless magic is a really advanced skill¡ªnot even seventh-year students can typically manage it. And they only look about fifteen or sixteen, not much older than us.¡±


    ¡°No, Harry,¡± Bill said, overhearing. ¡°Those are students from Uagadou, the Wizarding School in Africa. They don¡¯t rely on wands and often use older, traditional magic.¡±


    ¡°Uagadou¡­?¡± Harry repeated, intrigued.


    ¡°Yes,¡± Bill replied. ¡°It¡¯s located in the Mountains of the Moon and is as old as Hogwarts. Over there, wands are considered optional rather than essential.¡±


    Harry nodded, trying not to look too surprised. Watching so many wizards from around the world, he suddenly felt a bit foolish for never realizing that Hogwarts wasn¡¯t the only wizarding school.


    Soon, Kreacher announced that lunch was ready. With so many people, it would¡¯ve been too cramped to eat inside the tent, so Mr. Weasley had set up a large table outside. They all gathered around, eating and talking eagerly about the upcoming matches.


    Ron was in his element, trying to convince everyone to root for Bulgaria by singing the praises of Viktor Krum, but his efforts met little success. Cedric, the other Seeker there, stubbornly supported Ireland.


    The only other Seekers, Harry and Charlie, were both set on Bulgaria¡¯s side. Even Cedric seemed deaf to Ron¡¯s arguments, despite being a fellow Seeker.


    Just as Ron was passionately repeating how young Krum was and how brilliant his moves were, Mr. Weasley suddenly stood up, waving enthusiastically at a man approaching with a broad grin.


    ¡°Haha!¡± he called. ¡°The most important man here¡ªLudo!¡±


    Ludo Bagman was hard to miss in his old Wimbourne Wasps uniform, though it was noticeably tight, stretching snugly over his considerable belly. It looked like he¡¯d pulled it on last minute without bothering to have it resized.


    ¡°Aha, Arthur! What¡¯s that delicious smell? I could smell it from all the way over there!¡± Ludo Bagman called out cheerfully, skipping over as if he were on springs, clearly in high spirits.


    ¡°Just a simple lunch,¡± Mr. Weasley replied, ¡°but you¡¯re welcome to join us if you don¡¯t mind.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯d love to, but unfortunately, I promised Volkov I¡¯d have lunch with him,¡± Bagman said with a grin. ¡°The young Bulgarian Beater probably wants to pick up a few tricks from me¡ªcunning lad, that one!¡± Mr. Weasley laughed along. Sear?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    At this, Percy hurried forward, eagerly offering his hand, hoping to make a good impression on the esteemed Head of the Department of Magical Games and Sports.


    ¡°Oh, and let me introduce everyone,¡± Mr. Weasley said, smiling. ¡°This is my son Percy, just started working at the Ministry. And here¡¯s Bill and Charlie¡ªthey work abroad and are home for the game¡­ and that¡¯s Kyle, Cedric¡­¡±


    Bagman barely acknowledged the introductions, though he glanced briefly at Kyle¡¯s name. When Mr. Weasley introduced Harry, Bagman¡¯s gaze shifted instantly to the lightning-shaped scar on his forehead.


    ¡°Let me give you a proper introduction,¡± Mr. Weasley said, noticing Hermione¡¯s puzzled expression. ¡°This is Ludo Bagman, former star Beater for the Wimbourne Wasps and once part of the England team. And he¡¯s the reason we got such wonderful tickets!¡±


    Bagman waved it off with a friendly smile, as if it were nothing. ¡°So, Arthur,¡± he said, getting down to business, ¡°fancy placing a bet on the match? I¡¯ve even convinced Roddy Pontner to bet that Bulgaria will score the first goal, and little Agatha Timms has put up half shares in her eel farm on a week-long match!¡±


    ¡°Oh¡­ all right,¡± Mr. Weasley agreed, smiling a bit awkwardly. ¡°I¡¯ll put down a Galleon on Ireland, if that¡¯s all right?¡±


    Bagman looked slightly disappointed but quickly perked up. ¡°A Galleon? Very well! Anyone else want in?¡±


    ¡°We¡­ ouch!¡± Fred yelped, bending over as he tried to speak.


    Kyle had discreetly nudged him with his shoe. ¡°Sorry, Mr. Bagman,¡± he said calmly. ¡°Fred was just going to say that we¡¯ve spent all our pocket money on souvenirs¡ªfive Knuts is all we¡¯ve got left. Is that all right?¡±


    ¡°Oh, I couldn¡¯t take your last Knuts!¡± Bagman said with a polite smile, declining with a chuckle.


    Turning back to Mr. Weasley, Bagman added, ¡°Could you help me out, Arthur? I¡¯ve been trying to find Barty Crouch. We¡¯ve got a Bulgarian official causing a bit of a stir, but I can¡¯t understand a word he¡¯s saying. Barty¡¯s our language expert¡ªhe speaks about 150 languages.¡±


    ¡°Mr. Crouch?¡± Percy perked up at the mention of the name, practically glowing with enthusiasm.


    ¡°Mr. Crouch speaks over two hundred languages,¡± Percy began, gushing. ¡°Mermish, Trollish, and even Turkey¡ª¡±


    ¡°Oh!¡± Kyle interrupted, feigning admiration. If it had been just Mermish and Trollish, he could manage that, but Turkey¡­ that was a first. Who would even want to talk to a turkey?


    ¡°Yes, yes, you¡¯re quite right,¡± Bagman said lazily. ¡°Barty¡¯s impressive in that way¡­ oh, speaking of him¡ªBarty! Over here!¡±


    A wizard appeared beside them with a soft , looking every bit as polished as Percy had described.


    Percy¡¯s excitement was barely contained; he was practically trembling.


    ¡°Ludo, I¡¯ve been looking for you,¡± Crouch said briskly, his gaze settling on Bagman. ¡°The Bulgarians are insisting we add twelve more seats to the Top Box. You¡¯d better go sort it out with them before the match begins.¡±

 Chapter 459: Barty Crouch

    From his polished clothes to his upright demeanor, Barty Crouch seemed worlds apart from the scruffy Ludo Bagman. Crouch¡¯s neatly trimmed beard, gleaming leather shoes, and immaculate suit gave him the appearance of a bank manager, or perhaps even someone higher up. Not even the most suspicious muggle¡ªcertainly not Uncle Vernon¡ªwould likely detect his magical identity.


    Bagman, on the other hand, seemed oblivious to the contrast. He poured himself a second cup of tea with Mr. Weasley, reclining comfortably on the grass without the slightest inclination to hurry to the Bulgarians. Crouch¡¯s frown deepened, his impatience clearly growing.


    ¡°Mr. Crouch,¡± Percy said eagerly, rushing over with an awkward, exaggerated bow that made him look oddly hunched. ¡°Would you like a cup of tea?¡±


    ¡°Ah, thank you, Weatherby,¡± Crouch replied, glancing at Percy before shifting his gaze back to Bagman.


    Fred and George nearly spilled their tea from laughing so hard.


    ¡°Poor Percy¡ªCrouch speaks 200 languages but can¡¯t get his name right,¡± Fred whispered to Kyle.


    ¡°Percy kept bragging all holiday about how much Crouch valued him¡­¡± George added, grinning. ¡°Seems like that might¡¯ve been wishful thinking.¡±


    ¡°Bet he doesn¡¯t even know who Percy is!¡± Fred chuckled.


    Percy¡¯s ears turned pink, and he busied himself with the teapot, clearly embarrassed.


    Crouch hadn¡¯t come only to remind Bagman about the Bulgarians. He also discussed the Ministry¡¯s strict ban on flying carpets with Mr. Weasley. Since the early 1900s, carpets had been classified as muggle artifacts, officially listed on the Registry of Proscribed Charmable Objects.


    This meant no one could legally enchant a carpet to fly or transport people. The Misuse of Muggle Artifacts Office enforced this rule diligently.


    Kyle strongly suspected the rule was a protectionist measure, keeping the Flying Carpet Company out of England. After all, flying carpets had their advantages over broomsticks¡ªespecially for large families on outings.


    After a brief chat, Crouch, busy with his duties, set down his barely touched cup and left with Bagman.


    Meanwhile, Kyle and the others pushed their cart toward the far end of the field. They wanted to sell off their remaining merchandise while they still had time before the game started.


    Once they were far enough from the tent, Fred couldn¡¯t resist asking, ¡°Kyle, why did you stop me just now? You heard Bagman¡ªthe odds are fantastic, and we could make a fortune.¡±


    ¡°I just don¡¯t think he¡¯s very reliable,¡± Kyle replied. ¡°If you don¡¯t want to risk all your pocket money, it¡¯s better to stay away from him.¡±


    ¡°No, listen¡ªthis time, we¡¯re sure we¡¯ve got the outcome right,¡± Fred insisted. ¡°Trust us... Ireland¡¯s definitely going to win, but Krum will still catch the Snitch.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not about guessing the outcome,¡± Kyle shook his head. ¡°Sometimes, even if you win, you may not get paid.¡±


    George frowned. ¡°What do you mean¡­ you think he might renege on the bet?¡±


    ¡°But¡­¡± Fred thought it over, then said, ¡°Bagman¡¯s a public figure. He wouldn¡¯t do that, would he?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s been nearly ten years since his glory days,¡± Kyle pointed out. ¡°And with those odds, how¡¯s he going to pay everyone? His Ministry salary? It might be fine if it were just the two of you betting, but there are nearly 100,000 wizards here.¡±


    Fred and George fell silent, realizing they¡¯d gotten a bit carried away. They hadn¡¯t heard Bagman¡¯s name much in recent years before this World Cup, which now seemed telling.


    ¡°Phew¡­ you¡¯re right,¡± Fred exhaled. ¡°All right, let¡¯s focus on these instead.¡± He patted the suitcase filled with fireworks. ¡°At least these¡¯ll bring in real Galleons.¡±


    ¡°A wise choice,¡± Cedric said with a smile.


    He, too, had sensed Bagman¡¯s unreliability. Bagman¡¯s overly enthusiastic demeanor and the way he jiggled his pocket of coins seemed almost like he was trying to reassure people he had plenty, which only made Cedric suspicious. His father had also once mentioned that Bagman had been accused of passing information to Death Eaters, though he¡¯d been cleared after making ¡°contributions¡± to the Ministry.


    With the matter settled, Fred and George pushed the cart toward the crowded parts of the field. By this time, most ticket-holders had arrived, and the venue was far busier than in the morning. The increased crowd meant plenty of customers, and as the sound of Galleons piled up in their cash register, any remaining doubts quickly disappeared.


    To their surprise, they even ran into Professor McGonagall in the midst of their selling spree. She was a huge Quidditch fan and had rarely missed a match held during Hogwarts holidays, so naturally, she was here for the World Cup.


    But Kyle had never seen Professor McGonagall quite like this before. Her usual bun was let down, her hair held in place with a four-leaf clover hair clip. Instead of her customary robes, she wore an Irish team uniform, and, to his shock, her face bore an Irish flag pattern¡ªthick layers of makeup! Though she quickly wiped it off, Kyle had already seen it.


    ¡°You¡¯re looking really cool today¡­ Professor McGonagall!¡± Kyle said, giving her a thumbs-up.


    ¡°I appreciate your enthusiasm, Kyle,¡± Professor McGonagall replied with a smile. ¡°And what are you selling?¡±


    ¡°Just a few things to add to the match¡¯s atmosphere,¡± Kyle said, pushing the cart forward so she could look through their wares.


    ¡°These are well-made,¡± Professor McGonagall said, picking up a four-leaf clover hair clip shaped like a broom. She liked it so much she exchanged it for the one she¡¯d been wearing.


    ¡°Minerva, there you are¡­ Oh, Kyle, Cho¡­ you¡¯re here too!¡± Two other professors approached¡ªProfessor Flitwick and Professor Sinistra, who taught Astronomy.


    ¡°Filius, come and look!¡± Professor McGonagall called out excitedly. ¡°Didn¡¯t you say you wanted a hat? I think I¡¯ve found the perfect one!¡±


    ¡°Really?¡± Professor Flitwick quickened his pace and leaned over the cart to pick out something festive.


    S§×ar?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Chapter 460: The House-Elf in the Top Box

    Naturally, Professor McGonagall and the other professors wouldn¡¯t take the students¡¯ goods for free, even though Kyle and the others insisted it was fine. Wanting to support their students, each of the professors ended up buying around 20 Galleons¡¯ worth of items, filling their arms with festive hats, hairpins, badges, and flags. If they¡¯d had more hands, they might¡¯ve bought even more. They seemed determined to spend generously, whether or not they needed the items.


    After saying their goodbyes to the professors, the group continued through the campsite, passing by a particularly extravagant tent that looked more like a miniature palace with its garden and corner towers.


    ¡°So extravagant¡­¡± Fred muttered. ¡°This has got to be the biggest tent in the entire camp.¡±


    The tent bore no team logos, leaving them wondering who might own it.


    As the afternoon wore on, excitement in the camp grew to a fever pitch, filling the air like an electric charge. As dusk fell, more vendors appeared, Apparating into the busiest spots to hawk their goods. Fortunately, Kyle and the others had already packed away their cart, with only a few leftover fireworks and flags they planned to keep for themselves.


    Winding through the increasingly crowded and lively campsite, they made their way back to the Weasley tent. Mr. Weasley was already in full festive attire, holding a flag and wearing the items he¡¯d bought earlier. The others were similarly decked out, making it clear which teams they were supporting.


    ¡°Thank goodness¡ªI was about to come looking for you,¡± Mr. Weasley said to Fred and George. ¡°The match is about to start, so don¡¯t go wandering off now.¡±


    Just then, a deep, resonant sound of gongs echoed from the trees, and thousands of red and green lanterns bloomed, lighting the pathway to the stadium.


    ¡°Time to go in!¡± Mr. Weasley said excitedly. ¡°Hurry along, everyone.¡±


    Leading the way, he set off along the lantern-lit path, with the others following quickly. Around them, thousands of people were making their way through the trees, filling the air with laughter, singing, and excited chatter. The buzz of anticipation was palpable.


    After about twenty minutes, they emerged from the forest to face a massive stadium. Kyle could only see part of its golden wall, which shimmered in the twilight, giving it a grand, almost magical aura. It felt big enough to hold ten Hogwarts castles.


    ¡°It can seat 100,000 spectators,¡± Mr. Weasley explained with a proud smile as he led them toward the nearest entrance. ¡°Took five hundred Ministry staff an entire year to put it together.¡±


    The entrance was crowded with wizards, and they had to wait in line for about ten minutes before their turn finally came. S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "First-class tickets," said the Ministry witch at the entrance, glancing at their tickets. "Top Box, all the way up, Arthur, to the very top."


    "Thanks, Ava," said Mr. Weasley, as he led the group up the stairs, which were lined with a plush fuchsia carpet. "Stay close together, and don''t fall behind. Bill, you¡¯re at the back."


    "Yes, Dad," Bill replied, moving to the rear of the group as they ascended the stairs. It felt almost like climbing Stoatshead Hill all over again. At last, they reached the top.


    They found themselves facing three boxes, and Mr. Weasley, after a quick inspection, led them into the middle one. Inside, they saw about twenty purple-gilded seats arranged in two rows, all facing the golden Goalposts. The group headed to the front rail, from where they could overlook the entire stadium.


    The first thing that caught their eye was a massive painted board flashing golden advertisements:


    "One day, there¡¯ll be an ad for Weasleys'' Wizard Wheezes here, too," Fred said.


    "It¡¯d cost a few thousand Galleons at least¡ªmaybe even tens of thousands," Kyle replied.


    "That much?" George was wide-eyed with surprise. Mr. Weasley laughed, adding, "This is the most popular event in the wizarding world, George. You won¡¯t see so many wizards in one place anywhere else."


    George frowned. "But aren¡¯t people here to watch Quidditch? Who¡¯s going to pay attention to the ads?"


    "Exactly," Fred said, nodding seriously. "I think a bit of promotion in Hogsmeade will do just fine."


    Turning his gaze from the view, Fred noticed Kyle wasn¡¯t looking outside at all. Instead, he seemed to be staring at a specific seat. "What are you looking at?"


    Fred followed Kyle¡¯s gaze and noticed a House-elf sitting in the penultimate seat of the second row. At first, he thought it was Kreacher, but quickly realized this elf was younger.


    "Dobby?" Harry blurted out, recognizing the elf¡¯s appearance.


    "Did you call me Dobby, sir?" The House-elf looked up, her squeaky voice tinged with surprise.


    "Sorry," Harry apologized. "I thought you were someone I knew."


    "But I know Dobby too, sir," the House-elf replied in her high-pitched voice.


    Just then, the compartment door opened, and two Aurors entered.


    "Ah, Kingsley! Beaufort!" Mr. Weasley exclaimed, walking over to greet them. "Here for the game too?"


    "No, Arthur, we can¡¯t stay to watch," one of the Aurors replied, shaking his head. "We¡¯re just here to say hello. We¡¯re lucky to have gotten such good tickets, though."


    "Thanks to Ludo," Mr. Weasley said, smiling.


    As Mr. Weasley spoke to the Aurors, Kyle subtly moved closer to the House-elf. She was still speaking with Harry about Dobby when Kyle appeared beside her, making as if he intended to sit in the empty seat next to her.


    "No! That¡¯s Winky¡¯s seat for her master!" she squeaked in alarm.


    Kyle sat down anyway, triggering a loud, piercing shriek from Winky that rang in everyone¡¯s ears.


    The noise instantly caught everyone¡¯s attention. Mr. Weasley turned and said, "Kyle, you¡¯re in the wrong row. Our seats are in the front."


    "Ah, sorry," Kyle replied, standing up and brushing off his robes. As he passed Winky, he accidentally nudged the chair across the narrow aisle, causing it to wobble dangerously.


    "Sorry, I didn¡¯t mean to," he said, steadying the chair and giving it a light pat.


    Winky glared at him, her eyes bulging, but thankfully, the incident seemed to go unnoticed by most. After exchanging a few more words with Mr. Weasley, the Aurors soon left.


    Kanna, noticing, asked Kyle, "Is your foot all right?"


    "It¡¯s fine," Kyle replied, giving her a reassuring smile. Then, with a last glance at Winky, he returned to his seat in the front row, ready for the match to begin.

 Chapter 461: Fudge’s Concerns

    Over the next half hour, the Top Box where they were sitting gradually filled up. Mr. Weasley kept shaking hands with people who were clearly very important wizards, while Percy kept springing up from his seat repeatedly, as though his stool had suddenly sprouted a row of Porcupine quills.


    The last person to enter was Cornelius Fudge, the Minister of Magic, and everyone stood up to greet him. But Fudge did something unexpected. He strode over to the front row as if he¡¯d spotted an old friend and extended his hand warmly from a distance.


    Percy looked ecstatic. With the adults on the other side and only a few children around, he felt distinctly important. Bill and Charlie were abroad, the others still attended Hogwarts, and he was the only one working at the Ministry of Magic. Could it be...


    Percy¡¯s heart began to race wildly, and he bowed, subconsciously extending his hand. He bent over too far, and his glasses slipped, tumbling to the ground.


    But in the next moment, Fudge walked right past him, as if Percy were nothing more than a roadside statue or a Telephone Booth, without even sparing him a glance.


    ¡°Oh, Kyle! So glad to see you here,¡± Fudge exclaimed. He casually placed a hand on Kyle¡¯s shoulder and gave it a firm pat, his tone much warmer than he¡¯d used with others.


    ¡°How was your holiday?¡± he asked kindly.


    ¡°Great,¡± Kyle replied, catching his breath. ¡°The Quidditch World Cup was very exciting.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I even reserved tickets for you, but Arthur got there first,¡± Fudge chuckled, casting a playful look at Mr. Weasley.


    Mr. Weasley managed a stiff smile, feeling caught off guard. He had indeed mentioned Kyle''s name when asking Ludo Bagman for the tickets, but Bagman hadn¡¯t said anything about it.


    ¡°But anyway,¡± Fudge continued, ¡°I was waiting all holiday for Albus¡¯s owl, and you didn¡¯t write me a single letter! Do you know what he¡¯s been up to lately? And that potion... you know the one I mean¡ªthe one that can turn that rat back?¡±


    Potion? Kyle quickly understood that Fudge was referring to the Mandrake Restorative Draught, which could restore Peter Pettigrew¡¯s Animagus form.


    No wonder Fudge was so enthusiastic. With the Quidditch World Cup, Crouch¡¯s international reputation had skyrocketed, and it seemed that Fudge was feeling a bit threatened.


    "Don''t worry, Mr. Minister," Kyle replied with a smile as he pieced it together. "As far as I know, the Mandrake Restorative Draught was brewed a month ago, and there¡¯s plenty of it. It¡¯s all been used on the rat, so there shouldn''t be any issues."


    "I''m relieved to hear that. Albus has never let me down," said Fudge, though his expression quickly hardened. "But you should have kept me informed. I thought I made it clear that the Ministry would do everything it could to assist you in this matter."


    "Perhaps Professor Dumbledore didn¡¯t want to trouble you," Kyle suggested. "It¡¯s no small feat to organize an event for a hundred thousand wizards."


    "Albus is quite something," Fudge muttered, pretending to be annoyed. "True, things have been rather chaotic, but I¡¯ve been setting time aside for him, even canceling several important meetings to wait for his owl."


    Kyle thought, though he kept his expression neutral and joined Fudge in lightly criticizing Dumbledore¡¯s distant attitude, which seemed to put Fudge in an even better mood.


    Then Fudge introduced Kyle to the Bulgarian Minister of Magic, who was nearby in an elaborate velvet robe trimmed with gold. Unfortunately, the Bulgarian Minister didn¡¯t appear to understand a word Fudge was saying, even as Fudge used hand gestures to emphasize ¡°youngest recipient of the Order of Merlin.¡±


    However, the Bulgarian Minister¡¯s gaze eventually fell on Harry¡¯s forehead, and his eyes lit up as he pointed excitedly at Harry¡¯s scar, muttering rapidly in his native language.


    "Oh yes, Harry Potter..." Fudge said, moving over to shake Harry''s hand warmly, almost like a proud father. "You know, he¡¯s the boy who survived You-Know-Who¡¯s attack."


    The Bulgarian Minister said something else in his language, leaving everyone baffled, and Harry felt utterly bewildered, unsure why he had been pulled over at all.


    "I''m not very good with languages," Fudge whispered to Harry and Kyle. "Usually in these situations, you''d have Barty Crouch to help. But he¡¯s not here right now, though I see his House-elf has saved his seat. Thoughtful of him... Ah, here comes Lucius."


    At that moment, three more people entered the box: Lucius Malfoy, his son Draco, and a woman.


    "Minister Fudge," Lucius greeted, coming forward and extending his hand. "This is my wife, Narcissa, and our son, Draco."


    "Hello," Fudge replied, smiling and nodding toward Mrs. Malfoy, then introducing them to the Bulgarian Minister of Magic. However, the language barrier made the interaction a bit awkward, as the two could not understand each other.


    Lucius then noticed Mr. Weasley nearby and, as though seeing something absurd, sneered, "Well, Arthur, what did you have to sell to secure seats in the Top Box? Surely your limited means couldn''t cover this."


    "I nearly forgot¡ªyou two know each other," Fudge said cheerfully. "Lucius recently made a substantial donation to St. Mungo¡¯s Hospital for Magical Maladies and Injuries, Arthur. He¡¯s my guest of honor."


    "Oh¡­ that''s wonderful," Mr. Weasley replied, barely concealing his distaste.


    Lucius¡¯s gaze then drifted to Hermione, and he whispered something to Narcissa. Mrs. Malfoy instantly looked disgusted, as though she¡¯d caught a whiff of something foul. Her reaction mirrored her earlier disdain when she had seen Winky, as if Hermione, being Muggle-born, was on the same level as a House-elf. However, in the presence of the Minister of Magic, neither Malfoy dared say anything inappropriate, and they took their seats in silence. S§×arch* The N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Draco made a half-hearted attempt to greet Kyle, but Narcissa quickly pulled him back, while Lucius looked on approvingly.


    ¡°What a nuisance,¡± Ron muttered as he, Harry, and Hermione turned back to the arena, diverting their attention with their newly bought Omnioculars to study the crowd across the stadium.


    Then Ludo Bagman burst into the box, his round face beaming like a giant ball of cheese.


    "Is everyone ready?" he asked. "Minister... shall we begin?"


    "Whenever you''re ready, Ludo," Fudge said eagerly. "I''m looking forward to a good match."


    "You won''t be disappointed," Ludo replied, drawing his wand and pointing it at his throat. he intoned, and his voice boomed across the stadium, echoing off the packed stands.


    For a moment, his amplified voice filled the entire stadium.


    ¡°Ladies and gentlemen... welcome!¡±

 Chapter 462: Veelas and the Gold Coins

    As Ludo Bagman¡¯s voice echoed to every corner of the stadium, the crowd erupted into cheers and applause, with thousands of flags waving in unison, creating a vibrant, electrifying atmosphere. Kyle barely paid attention to Bagman¡¯s well-worn opening speech, his eyes drifting back toward Winky, the House-elf.


    The Top Box was now fully occupied, except for the seat beside her, which was still empty¡­ He had checked it earlier, and it had been just an empty seat. Could Winky have saved it for Barty Crouch? But if that were true, where was he now, with the match about to start? It didn¡¯t seem like Barty Crouch to hold a reserved seat and not show up. Could he really be capable of such an oversight?


    ¡°Oh!¡± A thunderous cheer came from the right side of the stadium, drawing everyone¡¯s attention. Kyle turned his gaze back to the field. Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°Please allow me to introduce¡­the mascot of the Bulgarian national team!¡± Ludo¡¯s voice boomed.


    Mr. Weasley craned his neck in curiosity. ¡°I wonder what they¡¯ve brought¡­Ah¡­Veelas!¡±


    ¡°What are Ve¡­¡± Harry began, but his question trailed off as a hundred Veelas glided onto the field. The moment he saw them, he fell silent. They were breathtaking, their skin glowing softly like moonlight, with their long hair flowing behind them as if lifted by an unseen breeze. Harry¡¯s gaze went hazy.


    He had wanted to keep his composure, hoping to appear mature in front of Cho, but that resolve vanished. As the music began and the Veelas started to dance, his mind went completely blank. Their movements grew faster and more entrancing, and, without realizing it, Harry stood up, threw one leg over the partition wall, as if preparing to leap.


    Hermione, unable to stand it any longer, shouted, ¡°Harry, what are you doing!¡± Just then, the music stopped.


    Harry snapped back to his senses, suddenly aware of his leg draped over the wall. Realizing what he¡¯d almost done, he heard the girls behind him laughing. Their laughter felt like a dozen Bludgers, striking him repeatedly. Shame flooded over him, and his face turned crimson, so much so he felt like leaping off for real just to escape the embarrassment.


    Hermione made a loud, exasperated tsking sound, though she didn¡¯t mock him¡ªthere was no need. All around, others had been equally captivated.


    Beside Harry, Ron stood on his seat with his arms outstretched as though he were about to dive. Fred and George clung to each other, appearing as if they were in the middle of a dance. Even Cedric seemed affected, flexing his muscles as though putting on a show, his face pale as a ghost. Cho, watching Cedric¡¯s antics, looked away, scoffing softly.


    Kyle was wide-eyed, mesmerized by the Veelas. Hermione let out another tsk, feeling a pang of disappointment. She had thought Kyle might be different, unaffected like Mr. Weasley, Bill, and Charlie had been. Only Kanna seemed to notice something unusual, casting Kyle a suspicious glance. She remembered seeing this same expression on his face when he¡¯d first encountered the Dragon Norbert, and again when they¡¯d visited the Forbidden Forest to observe the Mooncalves.


    As the music died down and the Veelas left the field, the stadium echoed with angry shouts from the crowd, begging for more. Mr. Weasley helped Harry back into his seat, where he tried to curl up, hoping to disappear. Malfoy¡¯s mocking laughter rang out behind him, but Harry barely registered it. All he noticed was the look of disappointment on Cho¡¯s face. Was she disappointed in him?


    He wasn¡¯t sure, but if he could, he wished he were somewhere else in the stands¡ªanywhere but here, where he felt so exposed.


    Meanwhile, Ron, Fred, and George were still swept up in the excitement, hooting along with the crowd, desperately calling for the Veelas to return.


    ¡°There¡¯s a match coming up,¡± Mr. Weasley reminded them, patting Ron on the shoulder. ¡°And believe me, it¡¯s much better than the Veelas.¡±


    ¡°Hm?¡± Ron muttered, barely paying attention, his eyes still fixed on the Veelas as they lined up on one side of the pitch.


    ¡°And now!¡± Ludo Bagman¡¯s voice boomed like a great bell. ¡°Please raise your wands into the air... and welcome the mascot of the Irish national team!¡±


    With a sudden whoosh, something that looked like a blazing Comet shot into the stadium. It circled the pitch, then dispersed into a glowing, enormous shamrock that soared high above. The crowd erupted in a collective ¡°wow¡± of awe.


    Moments later, a golden rain began to fall from above.


    ¡°Fantastic!¡± Ron exclaimed, immediately forgetting about the Veelas as he whipped off his hat to catch the falling coins.


    Kyle looked up at the giant ¡®clover,¡¯ made up of countless tiny figures, each one dressed in a red vest with a mustache and holding a green or gold lantern. They were Irish Leprechauns, about the size of Cornish Pixies but much cleverer and unique to Ireland.


    Kyle couldn¡¯t help but grin. If it had been any other mascot, it would have been hard to compete with the Veelas¡¯ allure. But now, people were no longer chanting for the Veelas to return; instead, they were cheering, diving under seats, and scrambling to catch the golden coins.


    ¡°Are these real?¡± Kanna asked, examining a coin she¡¯d caught.


    ¡°Of course not; the Irish aren¡¯t that generous,¡± Kyle chuckled. ¡°It¡¯s Leprechaun gold¡ªit¡¯ll disappear in a few hours.¡±


    ¡°So it¡¯s worthless?¡± Kanna asked, a bit disappointed.


    ¡°Pretty much, but it¡¯s an incredible effect. Where else do you see a golden rain like this?¡± Kyle said, waving his wand to gather up the coins around him, thinking he¡¯d let his Niffler play with them later.


    A few minutes later, the giant shamrock dissolved, and the Leprechauns floated down to the field, settling opposite the Veelas and sitting cross-legged to watch the match.


    ¡°And now, ladies and gentlemen... please give a warm welcome to the Bulgarian National Quidditch Team!¡± Ludo¡¯s voice echoed. ¡°I present to you¡­ Dimitrov!¡±


    A figure in red shot through the entrance and sped into the stadium, flying so fast that Harry had to slow his Omnioculars three times to catch a proper look.


    ¡°Ivanova¡­¡±


    A second red-clad figure joined him, then a third. Bagman announced each player¡¯s name, and the applause from the stands was continuous, surging louder with each new player.


    ¡°And now, last but not least¡­ Krum!¡±


    The stadium seemed to explode with sound. Deafening cheers and shouts filled the air, ringing in everyone¡¯s ears, and even Irish supporters joined in.


    Kyle looked over, studying Viktor Krum. The Seeker was dark-haired and thin, with a large hooked nose and thick, bushy eyebrows that made him resemble a fierce eagle. His expression was perpetually grim, making him look closer to thirty than a student yet to graduate.


    Then, the Irish national Quidditch team took to the field, welcomed by another round of enthusiastic applause. Though their star Chaser, Moran, couldn¡¯t quite match the thunderous cheers for Krum, he still received plenty of support.


    The two teams flew on their broomsticks, each side eyeing the other with intense focus, ready for the match to begin.

 Chapter 463: This Ticket Was Worth Every Knut

    After introducing the players, Ludo Bagman turned to announce the match referee: the President of the International Association of Quidditch¡ªa short, wiry wizard. Amidst loud cheers, he strode onto the pitch, a large wooden case clutched under his arm. As he took his position, the crowd fell silent, holding their breath.


    The referee mounted his Broomstick, nudged the case open with his foot, and with the blow of his whistle, the match began.


    ¡°They¡¯re off!¡± Bagman¡¯s voice boomed. ¡°Mullet with the Quaffle! Passing to Troy! Back to Mullet! Then to Moran!¡±


    In the Top Box, Harry forgot his earlier embarrassment, pressing his Omnioculars tightly against his glasses to keep up with the players¡¯ lightning speed. Kyle, too, was riveted to the game. The professional players moved incredibly fast, with the Chasers passing the Quaffle between each other as if it were about to explode.


    The three Irish Chasers charged down the pitch in a synchronized formation, the Quaffle flashing between them in quick succession, leaving even Bagman at a loss. Eventually, he gave up trying to announce each name individually, shouting, ¡°Ireland is in their Hawkshead Attacking Formation¡ªit¡¯s their specialty! Bulgaria doesn¡¯t know who to mark¡­oh! The Porskoff Ploy¡ªMoran has drawn off Bulgarian Beater Ivanova¡ªpasses to Troy¡ª¡±


    ¡°GOAL FOR TROY!¡± Bagman¡¯s shout echoed across the stadium, which shook with the roar of cheers and applause.


    ¡°10:0, Ireland takes the lead!¡±


    ¡°That was amazing! This is nothing like the school matches,¡± Hermione said, waving her Irish flag excitedly. ¡°But¡­are the Bludgers moving faster than usual?¡±


    She frowned, her mind racing. In school games, she could easily follow the Bludgers, but now, they were only two blurs zipping across the pitch.


    ¡°These are tournament-standard Bludgers,¡± Cedric explained. ¡°With all the players on Firebolts, the old Bludgers wouldn¡¯t keep up. So, the International Association of Quidditch adjusted both the Bludgers and the Golden Snitch a few months ago, increasing their speed.¡±


    ¡°I see,¡± Hermione nodded, refocusing on the game.


    As the pre-match predictions had suggested, Ireland¡¯s exceptional Chasers quickly took control of the match, scoring twice more in the first ten minutes to make it 30:0. Mr. Weasley couldn¡¯t contain his cheers, while Harry, Ron, and Charlie, rooting for Bulgaria, managed polite but strained smiles.


    Luckily for the Bulgarian supporters, their team found an opening a few minutes later. Two Bulgarian Beaters forced the Irish Chasers to spread out, disrupting their formations. Taking advantage, Ivanova broke through, dodging the Irish Keeper to score Bulgaria¡¯s first goal.


    ¡°Quick, cover your ears¡ªthe Veelas are going to start dancing again,¡± warned Mr. Weasley.


    Without needing to be told twice, Harry immediately lowered his head and shut his eyes, determined not to make a spectacle of himself again.


    But the celebration didn¡¯t last long for the Bulgarians. Ireland dominated the game, scoring five goals in quick succession, widening the lead to a lopsided margin. Bulgaria seemed stunned by the relentless Irish offense.


    Meanwhile, Viktor Krum performed a daring Wronski Feint, faking a dive for the Snitch.


    Ireland¡¯s Seeker, Lynch, took the bait, following Krum¡¯s plummet only to realize too late that the Snitch was nowhere near. Lynch hit the ground with a heavy that echoed across the stadium, followed by gasps and groans from the Irish supporters.


    A Healer rushed onto the field to assess Lynch¡¯s injuries, while Krum hovered a hundred feet above, scanning the stadium with sharp, focused eyes. He was using the delay to his advantage, searching intently for the Golden Snitch without competition, hoping for a quick end to the match.


    "That was brilliant¡­" Fred said, barely able to contain his excitement over the impressive feints and classic Quidditch maneuvers. "I hope this match goes on for a long time."


    "It¡¯d be amazing if it lasted five whole days, like last time," George added eagerly.


    "Oh... I don''t think so," Percy raised his voice, sounding as if he wanted everyone in the box to hear him. "If I¡¯m away from work for five days, my in-tray will be piled high with paperwork again. Just thinking about it makes me shiver."


    "Yeah, and someone might send you dragon dung in an envelope again," Fred said with a smirk.


    "That was a fertilizer sample from Norway!" Percy protested, his face turning red. "Not for personal use!"


    "Sure it was¡­" Fred whispered to Kyle with a grin, "We sent it to him ourselves." Sear?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    His voice was so low that, with the noise from the crowd, only Kyle could hear him.


    Finally, Lynch climbed back onto his Firebolt and, to the cheers of Irish supporters, took off into the air once more. The Irish Chasers regrouped almost instantly, working together so seamlessly that the Bulgarian defense looked as exposed as the grounds in front of Hogwarts.


    Twenty minutes later, Ireland had scored five more goals, increasing their lead to 130-10. The Bulgarian team, desperate and scoreless, was beginning to lose their composure. The game was taking on a more aggressive tone.


    Zograf, the Bulgarian Keeper, couldn¡¯t resist throwing an elbow at Mullet as she got close to the goalposts, but the referee quickly called it out, awarding Ireland a penalty.


    After that, the Bulgarian Beaters turned into ruthless bludgeoning machines, swinging at anything in their way, be it Bludger or player. At one point, Moran was nearly knocked off her broom by their wild swings, and Bulgaria earned yet another foul.


    The Leprechauns, hovering in the air to celebrate, took the opportunity to make rude gestures at the Veelas, taunting them. Enraged, the Veelas could no longer hold back. Instead of dancing, they soared up and hurled handfuls of fiery objects at the Leprechauns. Their enchanting faces twisted into bird-like heads with sharp, pointed beaks, and scaly wings sprouted from their shoulders. They no longer looked beautiful¡ªnow they were ferocious and frightening.


    "You see, children, that¡¯s what Veelas really look like," Mr. Weasley¡¯s voice rang out above the din, chuckling. "That¡¯s why you should never judge a book by its cover!"


    Harry and Ron nodded in agreement, still wide-eyed.


    Meanwhile, Kyle''s eyes lit up with interest, and he instinctively reached for the Mokeskin pouch containing his enchanted suitcase.


    As the conflict between the mascots escalated, Ministry officials hurried into the field, trying to separate the Veelas and Leprechauns with minimal success. The skirmish below was now almost as fierce as the match above. Although the Leprechauns couldn¡¯t throw fireballs, they retaliated by flinging handfuls of gold coins, which¡ªwhen hurled with enough force¡ªcould still leave a mark on the Veelas.


    The stadium was alive with Veela screeches, the popping sounds of spells from Ministry wands, and the cheers of supporters from both teams. The audience was thrilled; no one had told them they''d get a second show for the price of one, and they savored every second of the chaos.


    Kyle was constantly shifting his gaze, trying to keep up with the Quidditch match above and the fierce squabble between the Veelas and Leprechauns below. He found himself wishing he¡¯d bought a pair of Omnioculars before the match.

 Chapter 464: Celebration

    Fred and George¡¯s hope for a five-day match wasn¡¯t to be. About an hour into the game, Lynch from the Irish team spotted the Golden Snitch¡ªand so did Krum. The tiny, golden-winged ball hovered just five feet above the ground.


    Both Seekers accelerated, diving at breakneck speed.


    ¡°They¡¯re going to crash!¡± Hermione cried. S~ea??h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°No chance!¡± Ron said confidently. ¡°Krum¡¯s the best Seeker out there!¡±


    ¡°But Lynch might beat him to it!¡± shouted Harry, Cedric, and Charlie almost in unison.


    They were right. Lynch hit the ground hard for the second time, crashing spectacularly. The Veelas shrieked with excitement, and several rushed toward the Leprechauns, laughing wildly.


    Krum, however, managed to pull up at the last second, skimming the ground before rising smoothly into the air. He raised his fist triumphantly, the Snitch¡¯s golden glow visible between his fingers.


    ¡°Krum¡¯s got the Snitch! The game¡¯s over!¡± Harry shouted.


    The scoreboard updated with a flash: 170¨C160.


    ¡°Ireland wins!¡± Bagman announced, though his voice held a note of confusion, as if the sudden end had caught him off guard. ¡°Krum caught the Snitch, and Ireland won¡­ I don¡¯t think anyone expected that!¡±


    He wasn¡¯t alone in his bewilderment. Many Bulgarian supporters seemed equally puzzled. In their eyes, Krum should have stalled, allowing his teammates a chance to narrow the score gap. After all, in previous tournaments, losing teams often stretched games for days to prevent the other team¡¯s Seeker from ending the match.


    But Krum¡­ Many thought he¡¯d been foolish to catch the Snitch with Ireland so far ahead.


    ¡°Maybe he knew they couldn¡¯t close the gap,¡± Kyle suggested, noticing Ron¡¯s look of disappointment. ¡°The Irish Chasers were unstoppable, and Krum was right to end it when he did.¡±


    Losing by only ten points was regrettable, but it kept the defeat respectable. If the game had continued, Bulgaria might have lost by hundreds, maybe even a thousand points. Not only would that have been humiliating, but it could have tarnished their reputation. For Krum, it was the perfect moment to concede.


    Kyle glanced around the stadium. The Leprechauns were darting through the air, overjoyed, while the Bulgarian players gathered around Krum, looking disheartened. A short distance away, the Irish team, reveling in their victory, was dancing with their mascot, who showered the crowd with gold coins once more.


    The Veelas had returned to their beautiful forms, but each of them looked defeated, their earlier glow dimmed.


    ¡°We fought bravely,¡± a heavy voice behind Kyle murmured. It was the Bulgarian Minister of Magic.


    ¡°Yes, of course¡­¡± Fudge replied absently, before pausing in sudden realization. ¡°Wait¡ªyou understood me all along? And you let me stand here drawing pictures all day?¡±


    The Bulgarian minister shrugged, smiling. ¡°It was entertaining, wasn¡¯t it?¡±


    Fudge fumed, and even as he awarded the trophy to the Irish team, he looked anything but pleased. Meanwhile, the Bulgarian minister beamed as if they¡¯d won.


    Bagman raised his wand to his throat once more, muttering to soften his voice.


    ¡°I daresay this match will be talked about for years,¡± he said hoarsely. ¡°What a twist¡­ shame it didn¡¯t last longer.¡±


    He glanced down from the box.


    The game had ended, and spectators began to make their way out. Yet some people, instead of heading toward the exits, were making their way toward the Top Box. They were all clad in shamrock-themed gear, chatting animatedly.


    Bagman noticed them too, and his face tightened, a look of unease flickering across it.


    ¡°Sorry, Arthur,¡± Bagman said hastily, cutting his conversation short with Mr. Weasley. ¡°I¡¯ve got a few things to take care of. See you next time.¡±


    With that, he quickly left the box and disappeared into the crowd in a flash.


    Mr. Weasley led the group downstairs.


    ¡°Hey, Arthur,¡± called a bearded wizard as they neared the exit, ¡°Have you seen Ludo? I heard you were in the Top Box just now.¡±


    ¡°He left right after the Minister handed out the trophy,¡± Mr. Weasley replied. ¡°Is something the matter, Ogden?¡±


    ¡°Oh, nothing,¡± the bearded wizard said with a cheerful grin. ¡°Just that generous Ludo owes me for the tickets. Ireland won, and since the game didn¡¯t drag on, he lost fifty Galleons to me!¡±


    ¡°Then congratulations are in order,¡± Mr. Weasley chuckled.


    ¡°Haha!¡± the other wizard laughed, waving as he went. ¡°I¡¯ll go hunt down Ludo. See you next time.¡±


    ¡°See you next time.¡±


    By the time Mr. Weasley, Kyle, and the others finally returned to the campsite, it was late at night. But the hour did little to dampen anyone¡¯s spirits. The rough sounds of singing echoed through the night sky, with Leprechauns darting overhead, waving their lanterns. Laughter and cheers filled the air.


    ¡°Can we head back now?¡± Kyle asked, glancing at the starless sky thick with the sounds of revelry.


    ¡°I¡¯m afraid not,¡± Mr. Weasley shook his head. ¡°No one expected the match to end so soon, and it¡¯ll take a while to set up the Portkeys again.¡±


    ¡°What about Apparition?¡± Kyle suggested.


    ¡°That¡¯s out too,¡± Mr. Weasley said. ¡°There are Anti-Disapparition Jinxes around the campsite, and the Ministry¡¯s keeping watch. Only the field where we arrived is open for it, see¡­¡±


    He pointed to a line of people in the distance, stretching endlessly back to the entrance of the camp.


    Kyle frowned.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Mr. Weasley asked.


    ¡°Just that it¡¯s so noisy here,¡± Kyle replied. ¡°I doubt I¡¯ll get any sleep.¡±


    ¡°Oh yes, I suppose you¡¯re right,¡± Mr. Weasley muttered. ¡°Good thing I¡¯m off duty; otherwise, I¡¯d have to try and quiet them down.¡±


    He considered Kyle for a moment, then said, ¡°All right, you¡¯ve got a point. It¡¯s not exactly peaceful. I¡¯ll go find Arnold and see if we can Apparate just outside the camp boundary.¡±


    With that, he stepped out of the tent.


    Kyle stood in the doorway, watching as Mr. Weasley disappeared into the bustling campsite. Across the camp, the singing and odd clanging noises continued, growing louder, as if the revelers planned to keep celebrating Ireland¡¯s victory all night long.


    ...


    Twenty minutes later, Mr. Weasley returned, his face grim.


    ¡°What¡­¡± Kyle began, but Mr. Weasley quickly ushered him into the tent.


    ¡°Quick, wake everyone else up!¡± he ordered urgently. ¡°I just saw someone attacking Arnold. By the time I got there, he was already down, struck from behind by someone in a hood.¡±


    ¡°Who was it?¡± Bill, who hadn¡¯t gone to sleep, drew his wand immediately.


    ¡°I couldn¡¯t see their face,¡± Mr. Weasley replied, shaking his head. ¡°I¡¯ve alerted the Aurors, and until they find whoever¡¯s behind this, we¡¯d better stay in our tents. That¡¯s what Scrimgeour wants as well.¡±


    ¡°It must be those Bulgarian supporters,¡± Bill muttered angrily. ¡°They lost the game and now they¡¯re trying to cause trouble to vent their frustration!¡±


    Mr. Weasley didn¡¯t respond, though he seemed inclined to agree. He quickly roused everyone, instructing them to dress, pack their things, and wait inside the tent. The attack on Arnold left him with a growing sense of unease, worried that any pent-up anger from the game could lead to further disturbances. He was prepared to leave as soon as the Aurors located the culprits.


    ¡°Honestly, what do those people want, and why now?¡± Ron grumbled, barely awake. He slumped at the small table, head nodding in drowsiness. ¡°Aren¡¯t they afraid of the Aurors¡­¡±


    He didn¡¯t get to finish, because suddenly Kyle noticed a different sound coming from outside. The singing had ceased, replaced by frantic screams and the sounds of people running.


    ¡°Arthur!¡± One of the Aurors who had been in the Top Box earlier burst into the tent, his face tense. ¡°It¡¯s worse than we thought¡ªthere are too many of them. Be careful!¡±


    With that, he dashed out again, wand at the ready.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go!¡± Mr. Weasley decided instantly. ¡°We need to get out of here now!¡±

 Chapter 465: The Killing Curse

    The group, already packed, burst out of the tent at Mr. Weasley¡¯s command. The once jubilant camp was now filled with panicked screams and utter chaos. The sky seemed darker than before, as if a thick, oppressive fog had swallowed the stars.


    In the distance, people were fleeing toward the forest, chased by a group moving slowly but menacingly behind them. Each of these figures wore a hood and a mask, concealing their faces entirely. There was no mistaking their intent¡ªanyone who prowled around in the middle of the night wearing a mask and torching tents was clearly up to no good. Anything in their path was destroyed without hesitation.


    ¡°You¡ªinto the forest!¡± Mr. Weasley shouted. ¡°Bill, keep an eye on them, don¡¯t let them get separated¡ª¡±


    But before he could finish, he noticed Bill, Charlie, and Percy running toward the approaching mob, wands drawn.


    Mr. Weasley hurried after them, calling over his shoulder, ¡°Go into the forest! The Aurors cleared it; it¡¯s safe there. And remember, stay together!¡±


    Nodding, the group dashed into the woods. Once they ducked under the cover of trees, they looked back to see the mob had grown even larger. It wasn¡¯t just the hooded figures now; other spectators, including foreign wizards, had joined in, paying no heed to the Ministry¡¯s warnings. Many of these new rioters didn¡¯t even bother hiding their faces, brazenly looting and causing mayhem.


    The mob was so overwhelming that the small number of Ministry staff on-site couldn¡¯t keep up. Soon, the riot spiraled out of control, with people storming into empty tents, looting what they found, or dragging the tents away altogether.


    ¡°No, we have to help Dad!¡± Fred and George exclaimed, staring at the growing mob with mounting anxiety. They tried to rush back, but Ginny held them back firmly.


    ¡°No way!¡± she said fiercely. ¡°They¡¯re all adult wizards; you¡¯ll only get in the way!¡±


    ¡°Who says?¡± Fred struggled to free himself. ¡°We may not be fully trained, but we¡¯ve got Dungbombs and Bulbadox powder!¡±


    George nodded in agreement. ¡°Trust us¡ªsometimes these things work better than magic!¡±


    ¡°Oh, there you are!¡±


    Their argument was interrupted as a figure stumbled toward them from the shadows. Kyle and Cedric immediately raised their wands, ready to defend themselves.


    ¡°It¡¯s me¡ªArthur sent me to look after you all.¡±


    The man stepped out of the shadows, wearing a tweed suit and rubber boots.


    ¡°You¡¯re that Ministry official, aren¡¯t you? Basil, right?¡± Cedric asked, recognizing the man from when they¡¯d arrived.


    ¡°Yes, that¡¯s right,¡± the man replied. ¡°I ran into Arthur; he told me those people are after Harry Potter and asked me to look after you all.¡±


    ¡°What? After me?¡± Harry said, baffled. He had done nothing but watch the Quidditch match¡ªwhy would anyone be after him?


    ¡°They¡¯re Death Eaters,¡± the man replied, a sense of urgency in his voice. ¡°They¡¯re here to avenge the Dark Lord¡¯s downfall.¡± He reached out his hand. ¡°The Aurors need to see you, Harry. Come with me¡ªI¡¯ll take you to Scrimgeour.¡±


    Hearing ¡°Dark Lord¡± made Harry involuntarily shudder as memories of the face on the back of Quirrell¡¯s head flashed through his mind. Unthinkingly, he took a step forward.


    Then, in a blur¡ª


    A brilliant light exploded, and the man was blasted ten feet into the air, landing on the ground with a dull thud, unmoving. The green light that had just started to form at his wand¡¯s tip flickered out.


    The entire group froze, stunned. It had all happened so quickly that no one had had time to react.


    ¡°What just happened¡­¡± Harry took a few stunned steps back.


    ¡°Obviously, someone wants you dead,¡± Kyle said, lowering his wand and scanning the area intently.


    ¡°But wasn¡¯t he Ministry staff?¡± Harry asked, his voice filled with confusion.


    ¡°Let¡¯s just say he was,¡± Kyle replied. ¡°Polyjuice Potion, Imperius Curse¡­ it wouldn¡¯t be difficult for someone to borrow his identity.¡±


    ¡°How¡¯d you know he was a threat?¡± Cedric asked, stepping forward and picking up the fallen wand. Truthfully, he hadn¡¯t suspected a thing until the man cast the Killing Curse.


    ¡°It¡¯s simple,¡± Kyle explained. ¡°If people were really after Harry, Mr. Weasley would have come himself, not sent a low-ranking Ministry employee we¡¯ve only met once. And this guy isn¡¯t even an Auror¡ªsending him to protect such a dangerous target doesn¡¯t make sense.¡±


    Cedric opened his mouth to reply, but found himself at a loss, and the others looked equally stunned. No one else had thought of that.


    ¡°Thank you¡­¡± Harry said, still shaken. ¡°You saved my life.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t mention it,¡± Kyle said, shaking his head. ¡°Right now, the priority is to get out of here¡ª¡±


    Before he could finish, a blinding green flash lit up the night, illuminating half the camp. Everyone froze; they recognized the light immediately. It was the Killing Curse, the same one that had nearly hit Harry moments before¡­ but this time, it was directed somewhere back in the camp.


    They turned to look, and the once-chaotic crowd suddenly fell silent. Then, as if ignited, the camp erupted in bedlam. The cries of panic and pain were deafening, and magic shot in every direction as spells flew wildly across the grounds.


    In the distance, a few distinct shouts could be heard over the uproar:


    ¡°Damn you, Ministry of Magic! Using the Killing Curse on us!¡±


    The riot became a frenzy. Some tried to flee, while others, overwhelmed by fear or anger, began attacking blindly. A barrage of colored spells now lit up the camp like fireworks.


    Fred and George instinctively moved to run toward the fray, but this time both Ginny and Cedric grabbed their arms, pulling them back.


    Kyle stared at the chaos, a sinking feeling growing within him. A Ministry official had tried to assassinate Harry, and now the Killing Curse had appeared again, supposedly cast by the Ministry against the rioters. Something was very wrong.


    ¡°This is deliberate¡ªsomeone¡¯s framing the Ministry!¡± Kyle muttered, his mind racing. Whoever was behind this clearly intended to incite a massive conflict, and it seemed they¡¯d succeeded.


    ¡°Boom!¡±


    A Summoning Charm exploded nearby, sending dirt and debris spraying across the forest. Bits of rock and soil rained down on them.


    ¡°Are the Death Eaters preparing to attack the Ministry?¡± Kyle¡¯s heart pounded. If this was more than just an attempt to cause chaos, and people were using deadly curses, even someone like Fudge wouldn¡¯t let it slide. If the Ministry didn¡¯t respond decisively, it would be disastrous.


    ¡°Boom!¡± Another spell exploded closer to them.


    Without hesitation, Kyle reached into his Mokeskin pouch, pulled out his enchanted suitcase, and pressed his fingers against the latch.


    ¡°You, all of you, get in!¡± he ordered, opening the suitcase.


    ¡°What?¡± Ron looked at the small opening skeptically. ¡°Kyle, you¡¯re joking, right? How are we supposed to fit into a suitcase?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t waste time!¡± Kyle barked. He grabbed Ron¡¯s shoulders and gave him a shove, causing Ron to stumble forward and fall into the open suitcase.


    ¡°What the¡ª¡± Ron¡¯s protest was cut off as he vanished, followed by a metallic clang and a groan, as if he¡¯d hit something.


    ¡°Hurry, next!¡± Kyle shouted.


    Hermione, quicker to understand, remembered that Kyle had used this very suitcase to pull out a Devil¡¯s Snare and capture Professor Lupin when he¡¯d transformed into a werewolf. He¡¯d mentioned then that the suitcase was a bit ¡°roomier than it looked.¡±


    Still, she hadn¡¯t imagined it could fit an entire person. Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Chapter 466: You Were Having a Great Time Just Now

    Although Hermione more or less understood the situation, she hesitated, holding back from entering the suitcase. Instead, Kanna stepped forward as the first volunteer.


    ¡°I won¡¯t be any trouble,¡± she said with a smile. ¡°Besides, I¡¯m curious about what¡¯s inside this suitcase of yours.¡±


    ¡°Just don¡¯t wander off once you¡¯re in,¡± Kyle warned. ¡°And try not to be alarmed by anything you see. I promise, as long as you stay in the main room below, you¡¯ll be safe.¡±


    Kanna gave Kyle a curious look, her instincts telling her there was something extraordinary inside. But with time running out, she held back her questions and climbed in.


    ¡°Wait for me,¡± Cho said, following quickly behind.


    Fred and George exchanged a glance, and despite Ginny¡¯s protests, they promptly shoved her into the suitcase as well.


    Kyle then looked over at Harry and Hermione.


    ¡°I can help!¡± Harry said quickly, trying to stay above the fray.


    ¡°No, the one who needs hiding is you,¡± Kyle replied firmly. ¡°Don¡¯t forget, you almost got killed just now. If something like that happened again, I can¡¯t promise I¡¯d get to you in time.¡±


    ¡°Kyle¡¯s right,¡± Hermione sighed, looking at Harry. ¡°They¡¯re after you, and it was close¡ªtoo close.¡±


    ¡°But¡ª¡± Harry started, frowning, still determined.


    But Hermione had already taken his arm, guiding him to the suitcase. After what had just happened, she knew they¡¯d be safer hidden away. If Kyle hadn¡¯t spotted the danger, Harry might have been killed, and she wasn¡¯t willing to risk another close call.


    ¡°Come on, we need to keep an eye on Ron in there,¡± she said. ¡°It¡¯s safer. Besides, no one would pay attention to an old suitcase, would they?¡±


    Harry glanced reluctantly at the suitcase, his recent brush with death fresh in his mind. After a moment¡¯s hesitation, he followed Hermione inside.


    Nearby, Kyle¡¯s eye twitched. Although his suitcase had been in use for three years and was a bit worn, he¡¯d taken great care of it. There wasn¡¯t even a major scratch. It certainly wasn¡¯t ¡°shabby.¡± he thought with a sigh.


    Now only three of them remained.


    Fred and George, catching Kyle¡¯s look, immediately shook their heads, a firm refusal in their eyes. They weren¡¯t about to be confined inside a suitcase under any circumstances.


    ¡°All right, then,¡± Kyle said, gathering up the suitcase. ¡°Let¡¯s go check on the campsite.¡±


    ¡°Yes!¡± Fred and George nodded enthusiastically. ¡°We¡¯ll grab our backpacks first. Got Dungbombs in there¡­¡±


    As they turned, Kyle raised his wand and gave Cedric a quick wink.


    Cedric got the hint immediately.


    Without any surprise, Fred and George dropped to the ground, immobilized.


    Kyle reopened the suitcase and unceremoniously shoved the unconscious George headfirst inside.


    ¡°I¡¯ve got a feeling¡­¡± Cedric said, hoisting the petrified Fred over his shoulder, ¡°we won¡¯t be living peacefully for at least the next half year.¡±


    ¡°Probably not,¡± Kyle replied with a shrug, ¡°but that¡¯s tomorrow¡¯s problem. You go ahead and get inside. And remember to keep an eye on everyone. There are some¡­ pretty dangerous things in there.¡±


    ¡°All right,¡± Cedric said, peering into the suitcase. ¡°But you¡¯re not planning on joining this fight, are you? It¡¯s too dangerous¡ªespecially with them using Unforgivable Curses.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry,¡± Kyle said, giving him a reassuring nod. ¡°I¡¯ve got help¡­ it¡¯s hard to explain, but you¡¯ll understand soon enough.¡±


    Just then, a rustling sound came from the trees nearby. Sear?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°Who¡¯s there?¡± Kyle called, raising his wand and creating a translucent barrier in front of him.


    Two witches hurried past, glancing briefly at him before disappearing into the trees. Kyle didn¡¯t lower his wand until they were out of sight. He then picked up the suitcase and sprinted toward the camp.


    By now, the camp was in utter chaos. Cries and screams filled the air as spells of every color ricocheted wildly, casting flashes of light across the disordered grounds. Kyle pushed on, heading straight for the thickest part of the fray.


    Finding Mr. Weasley was easier than he expected. Even in a chaotic battlefield, the distinctive red hair of the Weasley family stood out. Soon, Kyle spotted him in the middle of the camp. Mr. Weasley, along with Bill and Charlie, was standing protectively around a group of children in pajamas.


    A group of seven or eight hooded wizards surrounded them, not in attack but in amusement, taunting the Weasleys like cats toying with mice. They leisurely fired curses at the terrified children, clearly entertained by the scene. Mr. Weasley was attempting to shield the group, but his efforts only seemed to amuse them further.


    ¡°That¡¯s enough fun for now,¡± one of the hooded figures said, his voice low and rough. ¡°The Ministry¡¯s backup will be here soon. Let¡¯s get on with the real business.¡±


    Another figure chuckled darkly. ¡°Maxime will be so surprised to find so many Beauxbatons students in the mess. That dim-witted giantess¡ªshe¡¯ll be licking my boots after this!¡±


    ¡°Do what you want then!¡±


    The hooded figures raised their wands, ready to unleash a more serious attack.


    Then, from behind them, a voice rang out.


    At that exact moment, several round objects rolled silently toward their feet.


    ¡°¡ªAhhh!¡± one of the hooded wizards screamed, dropping his wand and collapsing as a fierce, stabbing pain tore through his shin. His scream was so loud it could have been mistaken for the Cruciatus Curse itself.


    Another scream followed, and the remaining hooded figures began to fall to the ground, one after the other. Only now did they notice that their legs were being attacked by round, chomping plants¡ªChomping Cabbages latched onto their limbs with sharp, relentless bites.


    ¡°Blasted Chomping Cabbages! Why are they here?¡± one of them yelled in panic.


    The wizards struggled to pull the cabbages off, but Mr. Weasley and his sons seized the opportunity.


    In an instant, the situation had shifted dramatically. The group of hooded wizards, once confident with their numbers, was reduced to a single figure. He had been the quickest to react, pulling back just in time to evade the Chomping Cabbages¡¯ attack. But now, he was alone, facing the furious Weasleys.


    Bill held his wand steady, a vengeful satisfaction flickering in his eyes. ¡°Had a good laugh, haven¡¯t you?¡± he sneered. ¡°Well, go on¡ªdon¡¯t stop now!¡±


    The remaining wizard cursed under his breath and turned to flee. But before he¡¯d made it more than a step or two¡ª


    The wizard dropped with a dull thud, sprawled out and motionless. His wand, which had slipped from his grasp, rolled a few feet away. It was distinct from the others¡ªat the end was an elegant metal snake¡¯s head, and two emeralds set in the eyes sparkled ominously in the firelight.

 Chapter 467: Maxime’s Slap

    The situation had changed so swiftly that, in the blink of an eye, the hooded wizards who once held the advantage were now sprawled across the ground, utterly defeated and incapable of fighting back.


    Mr. Weasley, along with Bill and Charlie, felt as if they were in a dream.


    "Did reinforcements arrive?" Charlie asked, turning his head to look around in bewilderment.


    Mr. Weasley remained silent, his gaze fixed on the spot where the last hooded wizard had fallen, his brow furrowed slightly.


    Just then, the air around them rippled, and Kyle, having lifted the Disillusionment Charm, waved at them and asked, "How are you? Nobody¡¯s hurt, I hope?"


    "Why did you come here?" Mr. Weasley said sternly. "It''s dangerous; go back to the forest!"


    "Dangerous?" Kyle glanced at the seven squirming wizards on the ground. "I don¡¯t know... looks to me like there¡¯s no problem."


    "You did all this?" Bill asked, incredulous.


    "Call it luck... They were dreadfully unprepared," Kyle replied with a nod, bending down to gently pry the Chomping Cabbages from the wizards'' legs.


    Thanks to Mr. Weasley''s swift intervention, the wizards had been knocked out with little resistance, leaving the Chomping Cabbages relatively undamaged, only causing minor abrasions. Not bad at all¡ªgood enough to use again next time.


    Mr. Weasley watched Kyle¡¯s movements, his mouth twitching slightly. While Chinese Chomping Cabbage isn''t classified as a non-tradable substance like Venomous Tentacula, it isn¡¯t something just anyone can cultivate; it requires a great deal of paperwork and registration with the Ministry of Magic. Tossing seven or eight of them around casually, as Kyle had done, is¡ªstrictly speaking¡ªdefinitely not allowed.


    But, seeing as there was no one else here to witness it, Mr. Weasley simply turned his head and pretended not to notice. Bill and Charlie followed suit, and the three of them lowered their heads in unison and began gathering the wands scattered across the ground.


    A rope materialized and securely bound the unconscious wizards together.


    When they picked up the last wand, the one with the snakehead decoration, Mr. Weasley¡¯s eyes brightened. He recalled that only one person used such an ostentatious wand design. He quickly moved to remove each captive¡¯s hood and mask.


    "Yaxley... Crabbe... Rookwood..." Mr. Weasley called out their names one by one.


    "Goyle... and Malfoy!"


    When he reached the final name, a triumphant smile broke across his face, despite the fact that the crisis wasn¡¯t entirely over.


    "Let''s see you try and wriggle out of this one!" he said with satisfaction.


    He had suspected from the start that Lucius Malfoy was among them, but until now, he had lacked the proof. Caught in the act, Malfoy was as good as done! Mr. Weasley hadn¡¯t felt such elation in ages. If only the timing were better, he¡¯d be inviting some friends over to celebrate this moment.


    At that moment, a heavy footfall echoed nearby, and a towering figure over three meters tall approached at a run. With each step she took, Kyle could feel the ground tremble slightly.


    ¡°Gabrielle¡­ Nova¡­ Caslow¡­ thank goodness you¡¯re all here!¡±


    ¡°Headmistress Maxime!¡±


    The young wizards, who had been huddling together in terror, suddenly came alive at the sight of the arrival. They rushed to Maxime, hugging her legs, chattering in French, and frequently glancing at Kyle and Mr. Weasley. Maxime then guided the group over to join them.


    "Thank you!" she said sincerely. "I am Olympe Maxime, headmistress of Beauxbatons Academy of Magic. Thank you for saving these children.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s nothing, really; anyone would have done the same,¡± said Mr. Weasley, stretching his neck.


    Truthfully, when Mr. Weasley first saw Headmistress Maxime, he couldn¡¯t help but wonder if she was related to Hagrid. She was enormous¡­ Though he was quite tall himself, standing next to her, he barely reached her waist.


    ¡°Oh, I hadn¡¯t noticed¡­¡±


    Maxime¡¯s gaze shifted to Kyle. ¡°I had thought we¡¯d meet again, but I didn¡¯t expect it under these circumstances¡­ I heard everything Gabrielle said. Thank you for protecting them.¡±


    ¡°No, that was mostly Mr. Weasley¡¯s doing,¡± Kyle replied with a smile. ¡°I only happened to arrive in time to lend a little help.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s very admirable,¡± said Madam Maxime, her tone tinged with irritation. ¡°Unlike some people who are usually so arrogant they can¡¯t handle anything unexpected, even if it means abandoning their classmates! I should have brought Fleur¡ªat least she wouldn¡¯t have brought disgrace to Beauxbatons.¡±


    As Maxime spoke, her anger visibly grew, and before anyone could react, she vented it on the tied-up group. She delivered a slap to one of the men¡¯s faces.


    You can imagine the consequences of a slap from a half-giant.


    The powerful blow sent the bound men flying, and after landing, they toppled a nearby tent and rolled a good distance away.


    ¡°Oh¡­ Merlin!¡± Mr. Weasley rushed after them.


    ¡°My apologies¡­¡± Maxime said, looking more composed. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I know my strength. They won¡¯t die.¡±


    Kyle glanced at a few teeth scattered on the ground, feeling somewhat skeptical of her assurances. But he shrugged it off and asked casually, ¡°Didn¡¯t Fleur come to watch the match?¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s otherwise occupied¡­ preparing for another major event,¡± Maxime replied with a smile. ¡°But you¡¯ll see her soon enough.¡± Sear?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Kyle nodded.


    Maxime didn¡¯t stay long; she needed to get the children to safety. After thanking the Weasley family once more, she departed.


    The chaos around them continued. Mr. Weasley found an empty tent and tossed the bound wizards inside, instructing Charlie and Kyle to keep an eye on them.


    As for him, he had to return to help elsewhere. With at least two hundred rioting wizards, the Ministry¡¯s manpower was spread far too thin.


    ¡°Wait!¡± Kyle tried to call after him, but Mr. Weasley didn¡¯t pause, disappearing from sight as he ran out of the tent.


    Charlie wanted to help as well, like Bill, but he didn¡¯t feel right leaving Kyle alone. He stood by, clearly anxious.


    Kyle, however, appeared far more at ease. After glancing outside the tent, he relaxed. If Charlie had observed the scene more closely, he might have noticed that the surrounding battle was starting to lose intensity. Fewer spells flew through the air, and the scattered groups of rioters seemed disorganized. The absence of leadership had turned a coordinated assault into a chaotic scramble.


    And as for who the leader had been¡­


    Kyle glanced toward the tent, where the bound wizards were lying. The answer was obvious.


    Even more crucially, backup from the Ministry had finally arrived.


    Not far off, a large number of Hit Wizards and Aurors were charging into the camp from every direction. At the forefront was Auror Office Director Scrimgeour, who looked like an enraged lion, his wand raised high as he advanced.


    The Aurors and Hit Wizards behind him followed suit, casting a flurry of Stunning Spells and Disarming Charms, subduing the remaining rioters who dared to resist.

 Chapter 468: The Dark Mark

    The voices of the Aurors outside reached them in the tent. Charlie let out a sigh of relief, wiped the sweat from his forehead, and couldn¡¯t resist lifting his foot to give Malfoy a swift kick.


    ¡°A rare opportunity¡­¡± Charlie said to Kyle with a grin. ¡°This guy was laughing the hardest just now, and he was also the first to use the Cruciatus Curse. I¡¯ve been wanting to do that for ages.¡±


    ¡°Cruciatus Curse?¡± Kyle¡¯s expression darkened. ¡°So you all¡­?¡±


    ¡°Oh, don¡¯t worry about it, Dad handled it. Malfoy was lucky he got away with it¡­ twice,¡± Charlie muttered, growing angry again as he raised his foot once more and delivered another kick to Malfoy¡¯s stomach.


    Malfoy stirred, showing faint signs of waking up, but Charlie quickly hit him with a Stunning Spell and continued his kicks for good measure. Kyle approached, holding a potion bottle in his hand.


    The commotion outside began to quiet down, and the flashes in the sky faded, the chaos settling as the night grew still.


    About an hour later, Mr. Weasley returned with a group of stern-faced Aurors. As they stepped into the tent, their gazes fell on the bound figures in the corner.


    ¡°By Merlin¡¯s beard!¡± one of the Aurors exclaimed, clearly recognizing the captives. ¡°They¡¯re all from prominent pure-blood families¡­ Arthur, are you sure there¡¯s been no mistake?¡±


    ¡°Absolutely certain, Dawlish,¡± Mr. Weasley replied, pointing to the pile of hoods and masks nearby. ¡°These were all on them. Madam Olympe Maxime, Headmistress of Beauxbatons Academy, can testify to this.¡±


    ¡°Maxime?¡± Dawlish looked surprised.


    Olympe Maxime was highly respected and influential in France. It was unexpected to find her entangled in this situation, especially involving foreign students.


    ¡°These men tried to capture the Beauxbatons students earlier,¡± Mr. Weasley explained. ¡°It seems they intended to use them to coerce Maxime into some kind of compliance.¡±


    ¡°Despicable tactics,¡± Dawlish sneered, waving his wand to levitate the tied-up wizards and drag them from the tent. ¡°Thank you for your hard work, Arthur.¡±


    Once they were led out, Dawlish chuckled, turning to Mr. Weasley. ¡°You took down seven of them? I never knew you had it in you¡­ You ought to consider becoming an Auror.¡±


    ¡°Oh, no, it wasn¡¯t just me¡­¡± Mr. Weasley began to explain, then hesitated as he recalled the questionable legality of the Chomping Cabbages, deciding to hold his tongue. ¡°The kids helped a great deal.¡±


    ¡°Four against seven, and you managed to catch them all unharmed. That¡¯s impressive,¡± Dawlish said approvingly. ¡°Really, you should consider the Auror path. It¡¯s got to be better than that little office they¡¯ve tucked you into.¡±


    ¡°It really wasn¡¯t my doing,¡± Mr. Weasley said, flustered, but as he glanced at the Cabbages, he realized any explanation would lead straight back to them. His face reddened as he fumbled for words.


    ¡°Alright, alright, I understand. It seems you¡¯re quite committed to your work,¡± Dawlish replied with a smile. ¡°But we¡¯ve got to get going. Still plenty to handle tonight. I¡¯ll see you at the Ministry, Arthur.¡±


    ¡°Alright,¡± Mr. Weasley replied, nodding helplessly.


    After the Aurors had left, Mr. Weasley wiped the sweat and mud from his face with his sleeve. He looked at Kyle and, after a moment of hesitation, said, ¡°That Chomping Cabbage¡­¡±


    ¡°I got it from the school greenhouse,¡± Kyle explained. ¡°For brewing potions.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t doubt that for a second,¡± Mr. Weasley replied, shaking his head, ¡°but it¡¯s against the rules, and if anyone holds a grudge, this could come back to bite you.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s alright, Dad,¡± Bill said, stepping over and patting his chest. ¡°Just say I gave Kyle the Chomping Cabbage. As a Curse-Breaker, it¡¯s normal to carry some magical plants for defense¡ªespecially when working somewhere as dangerous as the pyramids.¡±


    ¡°No, it makes more sense to blame me,¡± Charlie added, stepping forward as well. ¡°Chomping Cabbage is one of the Chinese Fireball¡¯s favorite treats. Since I work at the Romanian Dragon Reserve, it¡¯s only logical I¡¯d keep some dragon snacks around, right?¡±


    ¡°Thanks, but I don¡¯t think that¡¯ll be necessary,¡± Kyle replied with a grin, shaking his head. ¡°The wounds from the Chomping Cabbage are easy to treat. I¡¯ve already applied a special potion and healing charms. By now, they should be almost completely healed.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s good,¡± Mr. Weasley said with relief. ¡°If that¡¯s the case, it¡¯ll save us a lot of trouble.¡±


    Bill raised an eyebrow, a thought dawning on him. Earlier, he¡¯d been too tense to think about it, but now¡­ Disillusionment Charms to sneak up on dark wizards, a potion to erase bite marks from Chomping Cabbages¡­ Kyle¡¯s plan had been flawless. What exactly had he been learning at school these past few years?


    But Mr. Weasley didn¡¯t dwell on that. He was about to ask Kyle if he¡¯d seen Harry or Ron when a new round of gasps erupted outside the tent.


    ¡°Oh, for Merlin¡¯s sake, is it not over yet?¡± Mr. Weasley muttered, running outside. But as soon as he stepped out, he froze, captivated by a strange sight in the sky.


    It was an enormous green skull with a serpent slithering from its mouth.


    Mr. Weasley¡¯s eyes widened in shock. He knew that symbol well¡ªas did any older wizard.


    ¡°By Merlin¡¯s beard¡­¡± he breathed, his voice tinged with disbelief. ¡°Why is the Dark Mark here? Malfoy¡¯s already been captured, hasn¡¯t he?¡±


    He had been so sure Lucius Malfoy was the mastermind behind the night¡¯s chaos, but now it seemed clear that others were involved¡ªperhaps even more brazen and dangerous than Malfoy himself. In the wizarding world, casting the Dark Mark was no small act. Ever since Voldemort¡¯s fall, even a reckless display of it was a crime nearly on par with using an Unforgivable Curse.


    Bill and Charlie, who had followed him outside, looked up and saw the ominous Mark flashing against the dark sky.


    ¡°Seems there are still some Death Eaters on the loose,¡± Charlie said grimly. S§×ar?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°Dad, should we go take a look?¡±


    Mr. Weasley wanted to go. The Dark Mark hadn¡¯t appeared in over a decade, and he was deeply curious about what¡ªor who¡ªcould be behind it. But before he could make a decision, a series of loud echoed all around them.


    The Anti-Apparition wards on the camp had apparently been lifted, and as soon as they saw the Dark Mark, nearly half of the Aurors and Hit Wizards rushed in the direction of the Mark¡ªalmost fifty of them.


    ¡°Forget it¡­¡± Mr. Weasley shook his head, glancing back at Bill and Charlie. ¡°There are plenty of people on it already. Even if we went, we couldn¡¯t do much more than what they¡¯re already handling.¡±

 Chapter 469: What Dragon? I Have No Idea!

    Mr. Weasley decided against joining the commotion near the Dark Mark and instead led everyone back to their original tent. Luckily, since it was located at the camp''s edge, it had remained untouched by the rioting crowd and was still intact.


    As they approached, Percy nervously poked his head out of the tent. When he saw Mr. Weasley, he relaxed somewhat, though he was clutching his arm with a sheet that was slowly soaking with blood¡ªhe looked as though he¡¯d been seriously injured.


    ¡°Where were you?¡± Mr. Weasley hurried over to him, concern etched on his face. ¡°How¡¯s your arm? Is it bad?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s nothing,¡± Percy replied, his face contorted with pain but still sporting a look of satisfaction. ¡°Mr. Crouch saw me get it¡­ my heroic stand against that dark wizard.¡± S~ea??h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°Right, right¡­¡± Charlie muttered, giving Percy a sharp look. ¡°Maybe tomorrow he¡¯ll promote you to Deputy Head of International Magical Cooperation¡ªthe heroic Percy Weasley.¡±


    There was an edge to Charlie¡¯s voice that he couldn¡¯t hide. Only a short while ago, they¡¯d been ambushed by the Malfoys and barely escaped. If Kyle hadn¡¯t shown up when he did, there was no telling what would have happened to them. They might have survived, but they¡¯d certainly have been tortured by the Cruciatus Curse.


    Even Kyle, upon sensing the danger Mr. Weasley was in, had come to help. But Percy? He¡¯d been busy impressing Crouch with his supposed bravery. If they hadn¡¯t had other witnesses around, Charlie would¡¯ve been sorely tempted to take a swing at him.


    Beside him, Bill¡¯s expression mirrored his own displeasure.


    Unfazed by the tension around him, Percy continued, still gloating. ¡°You¡¯re just joking around, that¡¯s not possible.¡± He didn¡¯t seem to notice Charlie¡¯s sarcasm, nor did he care that Fred and George had been mispronouncing his name in jest for days. He was so accustomed to it by now. ¡°I just hope Mr. Crouch will assign me some more challenging work after this¡­ This was almost too easy.¡±


    Charlie scoffed under his breath, rolling his eyes and deciding not to respond. Instead, he took a long drink of water to calm himself down before heading for the tent door with Mr. Weasley, intent on looking for Harry, Ron, and the others.


    But just as they were about to leave, a group entered from outside: Cedric in the lead, followed by Cho, Kanna, Harry, and¡ªbringing up the rear¡ªFred and George. All of them had returned, not one of them missing, but their faces were pale and they looked as though they¡¯d been through quite a fright.


    ¡°Thank goodness, you¡¯re all safe!¡± Mr. Weasley said in relief. ¡°I¡¯m sure you¡¯re shaken, but it¡¯s over now. Come in, have some water, and then we¡¯ll head home soon.¡±


    The group remained silent, their eyes collectively turning toward Kyle as he entered behind them. They were indeed shaken, but it wasn¡¯t the riots that had terrified them¡ªit was Kyle¡¯s suitcase.


    At first, when they discovered the suitcase was actually a small room, everyone was stunned, and even their nervousness eased a little.


    But then, driven by curiosity, Ron opened the door. And that¡¯s when they saw it: a dragon nearly tens of feet tall. The dragon lay curled up in the doorway, and as soon as the door opened, they could feel the heat from its nostrils. It was like coming face-to-face with a dragon... no words could capture that feeling.


    Ron, who was closest, fainted on the spot.


    So they stood there, frozen in a silent standoff with the dragon. No one knew how long it lasted¡ªmaybe a minute, maybe half an hour¡ªuntil Kanna finally gathered the courage to step forward and close the door. Even so, they were too petrified to move, standing rooted in place, barely daring to breathe, fearing any sound might disturb the massive creature outside.


    Even Fred and George, who¡¯d been on the verge of a heated argument about leaving, had fallen silent. The group simply waited, paralyzed, until Kyle returned to check on them.


    "Tell me that wasn''t real, right?" Cedric asked through gritted teeth as Mr. Weasley brought over some water.


    "What?" Kyle replied, looking confused.


    "The dragon!" Ron exclaimed beside him, his face red as if he''d been struck.


    "Oh, you mean Norbert," Kyle said, catching on. "Yes, yes, of course, it¡¯s fake! There was no dragon in the suitcase at all. You must have imagined it!"


    Everyone¡¯s faces darkened immediately. That was a blatant lie¡ªthey¡¯d all heard Kyle call the dragon by name just moments ago. And if one person had imagined it, could all of them have been wrong? That was impossible. And that name... Norbert...


    In the crowd, Hermione lowered her head, deep in thought. That name stirred a memory. Oh, of course...


    She suddenly remembered the Norwegian Ridgeback Hagrid had hatched in their first year, a dragon he¡¯d named Norbert. Kyle had been there too, and mysteriously, the dragon had disappeared. No one knew what had happened to it, and Hagrid hadn¡¯t said a word. Could it be...


    Hermione glanced at the suitcase again. Now she understood what Hagrid might have meant when he said that "it was taken care of."


    ¡°Believe me, you really have the wrong suitcase,¡± Kyle insisted, sounding entirely confident. ¡°How could I not know my own suitcase? If you don¡¯t believe me, I can show you again. There¡¯s really nothing inside.¡±


    ¡°What are you talking about...?¡± Mr. Weasley, who had just come over with water, bread, and sausages, looked at him questioningly.


    ¡°Dad, Kyle¡¯s...¡± Ron began, but then he noticed Kyle watching him with an intense expression.


    For a moment, Ron felt his heart skip, then his mind cleared as if by instinct. ¡°It¡¯s nothing, Dad,¡± he said, quickly changing the subject. ¡°We were just a bit shaken. Those guys were horrible. They pretended to be from the Ministry earlier and tried to kill Harry¡­¡±


    ¡°What?!¡± Mr. Weasley gasped in horror. He rushed to Harry, checking him over thoroughly until he was certain he was unharmed.


    Mr. Weasley, still shaken, patted his own chest and asked, "Tell me, what happened?"


    ¡°Well, it¡¯s like this, Mr. Weasley¡­¡± Ron started, but Cedric stepped in, volunteering to recount the story. Likely aware that Kyle had released them just outside the tent, Cedric didn¡¯t mention the suitcase; he simply explained they¡¯d hidden in a secure place.


    While they were talking, Kanna stood nearby, her gaze fixed on Kyle with a curious intensity. Feeling her stare, Kyle shrugged uncomfortably and said, ¡°Alright, if you¡¯re that interested, why don¡¯t you come take a look inside my suitcase? I can even be your tour guide.¡±


    ¡°But it might be too late tonight. How about after school starts?¡±


    ¡°Sure,¡± Kanna replied with a smile.


    Just then, the tent door burst open again¡ªit was Kreacher, the House-elf who¡¯d come with Kanna. He ran in, sobbing loudly and sniffing as he went.

 Chapter 470: An Acquaintance

    The past hour or so had been tough for Cedric and the others, cooped up in the suitcase with a dragon. But that ordeal was nothing compared to what Kreacher had endured.


    The poor House-elf had only stepped out to fetch water, unaware that when he returned, everyone in the tent would be gone. Then chaos erupted in the camp as witches and wizards began dueling, and all sorts of dangerous spells were flying around. When the Killing Curse appeared, Kreacher had nearly fainted from fear on the spot.


    It wasn¡¯t that he was particularly attached to Kanna, but Regulus still needed Snape''s help...and to ensure Regulus looked more like himself again and less like a creature, Kanna couldn''t come to any harm¡ªnot even a scratch.


    So, despite his terror, Kreacher had frantically started searching, calling for Kanna as he went. For more than an hour, he checked nearly every tent, even fending off a dozen witches and wizards who got in his way. The poor House-elf, nearly in despair, was on the verge of overturning the entire camp when he finally heard Kanna¡¯s voice.


    Overwhelmed with relief, Kreacher wasted no time. He immediately Apparated Kanna out as soon as he reentered the tent, determined to keep her safe from any further dangers. The whole thing happened so quickly that Kanna didn¡¯t even have a chance to say goodbye.


    "This..." The others exchanged uncertain glances, still processing what had just happened.


    ¡°Well, we should probably head back too,¡± Mr. Weasley said. ¡°A Dark Mark has appeared over the camp, and I¡¯m sure news will spread quickly. It¡¯s best we get home as soon as possible, so your parents don¡¯t worry.¡±


    With that, Mr. Weasley stood and headed out of the tent. "I''ll see if I can arrange an early Portkey. You all stay here."


    ...


    ¡°The Dark Mark?¡± Harry asked, puzzled, after Mr. Weasley had left. ¡°Is that the skull in the sky? What exactly is that?¡± S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°It¡¯s the mark of You-Know-Who,¡± said Bill. ¡°A decade ago, it was the thing people feared most. Wherever the Dark Mark appeared, it meant You-Know-Who had been there.¡±


    ¡°But You-Know-Who is dead,¡± Harry said.


    ¡°Yes, but the Death Eaters are still around,¡± Bill replied, thinking of the Malfoys and others. ¡°What we saw tonight must have been from the remnants of his followers... somehow they escaped justice and weren¡¯t sent to Azkaban.¡±


    ¡°But that¡¯s the end of it for them,¡± Charlie chimed in with a grin. ¡°They were caught red-handed with undeniable evidence, and with Headmistress Maxime as a witness, no less. Haha.¡±


    Charlie took a hearty gulp of water. He would have preferred a drink, but with no options other than water, he had to make do.


    ¡°Thank goodness you weren¡¯t in the forest,¡± Bill added, gathering his long, disheveled ponytail. ¡°The Death Eaters are cruel and merciless. If you¡¯d been there when they conjured the Dark Mark... it would¡¯ve been horrible.¡±


    ¡°But... why would a Death Eater even conjure the Dark Mark?¡± Hermione asked slowly. ¡°I mean, what would be the point, just to scare people?¡±


    ¡°Who knows,¡± said Bill with a shrug. ¡°Maybe they¡¯d had a bit too much to drink and thought it¡¯d be funny. They used to do things like that before Voldemort fell.¡± His face twisted in disgust.


    Harry didn¡¯t hear the rest; his mind was buzzing. He wandered out of the tent, his gaze lifting to the skulls in the sky as he stood lost in thought.


    About half an hour later, Mr. Weasley returned.


    He wasn¡¯t alone; accompanying him were Fudge, Crouch, Bagman, and several other Ministry officials. They strode quickly into the tent and immediately pulled Harry aside for a flurry of questions.


    Earlier, Mr. Weasley had let slip that Harry Potter had nearly been killed, causing Fudge¡¯s face to go ashen. He¡¯d never been so terrified, not even upon seeing the Dark Mark. If Harry had been killed by a Death Eater right under the Ministry''s nose, Fudge knew he¡¯d be flooded with furious letters.


    Fudge was followed closely by Crouch, who seized Harry by the shoulders. His face was pale as chalk, and both his hands and his toothbrush mustache were twitching.


    ¡°Where is the person who tried to kill you?¡± Crouch demanded.


    ¡°In the woods,¡± Harry answered.


    ¡°Do you still know the way?¡± Crouch pressed.


    ¡°Yes,¡± Harry replied.


    ¡°Good. Take us there¡­¡±


    The group followed Harry to the part of the forest they had been in earlier. There, the Ministry employee responsible for registration¡ªthe one Kyle had knocked unconscious¡ªwas still lying under a tree.


    At the sight of the man, Crouch¡¯s demeanor shifted; his tense expression relaxed, and he returned to his usual meticulous self.


    Scrimgeour, the Head of the Auror Office, stepped forward to examine the man. After a moment, he pulled out a small vial and splashed its contents onto the unconscious man¡¯s face.


    ¡°It¡¯s not Polyjuice Potion,¡± Scrimgeour informed Fudge and Crouch. ¡°Feels like the Imperius Curse.¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s not jump to conclusions,¡± Crouch said curtly. ¡°Wake him up and take him back to the Ministry for questioning.¡±


    A few Hit Wizards moved in and carried the man away.


    ¡°Minister,¡± Mr. Weasley said, ¡°it¡¯s far too dangerous for Harry to stay here. I¡¯d like to take him back immediately, if possible.¡±


    ¡°No,¡± Crouch replied, frowning. ¡°We need more details. He can¡¯t leave just yet.¡±


    ¡°Barty, I think this can wait until we get to the Ministry,¡± said a witch wrapped in a woolen dressing gown. ¡°The boy¡¯s in shock. Letting him calm down might help him remember more.¡±


    ¡°Yes, yes, you¡¯re right,¡± Fudge muttered, fiddling with his hat.


    Understanding the hint, one of the officials brought over an old tire.


    Fudge took it and handed it to Mr. Weasley, then turned to Harry. ¡°Now, lad, don¡¯t forget to come to the Ministry afterward. How about tomorrow? In the meantime, try to recall as many details as you can.¡±


    Still a bit confused, Harry looked to Mr. Weasley, who nodded in reassurance. Harry agreed with a nod of his own.


    Though clearly dissatisfied, Crouch could say nothing more; Fudge had made his decision. With a final cold glance, Crouch turned and left. The others followed suit, leaving only a few Aurors to guard the area.


    Before departing, Fudge reminded Mr. Weasley once more not to forget to bring Harry to the Ministry the next day.


    Mr. Weasley promised, and they all gathered around the tire, preparing to Portkey back to Stoatshead Hill.


    While they waited, Kyle glanced toward the Portkey distribution point nearby. The line was even longer than before, with people streaming in from every direction, eager to leave as quickly as possible. If they¡¯d waited in that line, they wouldn¡¯t have been able to leave until noon.


    ¡°Ten seconds¡ªeveryone ready?¡± Mr. Weasley called.


    Everyone placed their hands on the tire.


    As the countdown began, Kyle glanced back at the camp. Now that the danger had passed, more and more people were returning to check on their tents, hoping they hadn¡¯t been destroyed.


    Just then, Kyle spotted a familiar figure in the crowd¡ªa head of golden hair, a bright peacock-blue robe, and a set of dazzlingly white teeth that somehow still gleamed in the dark.


    Gilderoy Lockhart?


    Kyle rubbed his eyes, trying to get a clearer look, but with a soft pop, the Portkey activated, and the familiar face vanished from view.

 Chapter 471: The Dedicated Rita Skeeter

    When the group returned to Stoatshead Hill, the noise of the crowd faded away, leaving only the sounds of chirping insects. Cedric, who lived on the other side of the village, parted ways with them at the bottom of the hill, and the others continued on.


    In the cool moonlight, they walked through St. Catchpole Village, chatting as they made their way along the damp path toward The Burrow.


    ¡°You said you saw Gilderoy Lockhart?¡± Harry asked, glancing at Kyle in surprise.


    ¡°I only caught a glimpse, so I¡¯m not sure,¡± Kyle replied. ¡°But that person¡¯s teeth were incredibly white and shiny, and he had blond hair¡ªjust like Lockhart.¡±


    ¡°You must have been mistaken,¡± Ron said. ¡°Lockhart is still at St. Mungo¡¯s Hospital for Magical Injuries. There¡¯s no way he¡¯d be at the Quidditch World Cup.¡±


    ¡°Actually, no,¡± Mr. Weasley, walking ahead of them, chimed in. ¡°If I recall correctly, he was released about a week ago... Fudge mentioned it after a visit to St. Mungo¡¯s.¡±


    ¡°And when he came back, the Ministry received a generous donation.¡±


    ¡°Lockhart donated it?¡± Ron asked, sounding skeptical.


    ¡°Not exactly to the Ministry,¡± Mr. Weasley explained. ¡°Apparently, Lockhart had a change of heart and decided to use the fortune he¡¯d accumulated from his book sales to compensate the people whose memories he stole and to help fund their treatment. He even handed over all rights and royalties to his books to support others in St. Mungo¡¯s who needed memory restoration.¡±


    ¡°The two people in the ward with him were the first beneficiaries.¡±


    ¡°All his fortune... plus all his book royalties?¡± Ron gasped. ¡°His books aren¡¯t cheap! How much is that going to cost? Can Lockhart even afford it?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not really sure,¡± Mr. Weasley replied, ¡°but that¡¯s how it was arranged. His books can be sold again, except now the names of the real people who performed those deeds have replaced his.¡±


    ¡°So, Lockhart¡¯s fine now?¡± Harry asked.


    ¡°Oh, definitely,¡± Ron said with a grin. ¡°Think about it¡ªlast year, everyone at Hogwarts had to buy seven of his books, and that¡¯s tens of thousands of Galleons right there. Adding his earlier savings... he¡¯s sitting on a mountain of Galleons. With that much gold, I think most people would be inclined to forgive him.¡±


    ¡°But it¡¯s not right!¡± Hermione protested, frowning. ¡°He should be properly punished.¡±


    ¡°No, I think this is punishment enough,¡± Ron argued. Losing tens of thousands of Galleons all at once... just the thought of it made Ron wince.


    Mr. Weasley didn¡¯t comment. He had originally shared Hermione¡¯s view, but knowing the Longbottoms had benefited softened his stance.


    It was a coincidence that after Lockhart was admitted to St. Mungo¡¯s, he ended up in the same ward as the Longbottoms, making them among the first to benefit from his donation.


    Kyle nodded thoughtfully. It seemed likely that Lockhart, not wanting to spend the rest of his life in St. Mungo¡¯s or face Azkaban, chose to ¡°pay his way out.¡± The fact that he could still attend the Quidditch World Cup suggested he hadn¡¯t given up all his wealth entirely. His books remained popular, and as long as his donation was large enough to impress, he could keep a bit for himself without raising complaints.


    Chatting as they walked, the group soon passed through St. Catchpole Village. They turned the corner at the end of the path, and The Burrow came into view.


    A shout came from up the path.


    ¡°Oh, thank goodness, thank goodness!¡±


    Mrs. Weasley, who must have been waiting anxiously, came running toward them in her slippers, pale and visibly shaken. Clutching a crumpled copy of she threw her arms around Mr. Weasley. ¡°Arthur, I was so worried. Thank goodness you¡¯re all right¡­¡±


    She hugged him tightly, and the newspaper slipped from her hands, fluttering weakly to the ground. Kyle picked it up, glancing at the headline:


    [Horror at the Quidditch World Cup]


    The bold title was accompanied by a large photo showing a scene of chaos at the campsite, with panicked witches and wizards fleeing in all directions.


    ¡°So soon?¡± Kyle asked in disbelief. ¡°It only just ended, and they¡¯re already reporting it?¡±


    ¡°The owl delivered it half an hour ago,¡± Mrs. Weasley replied, shaking her head. ¡°I wondered why it arrived at such an odd time¡­ I never imagined something so awful had happened¡ªBy Merlin¡¯s beard¡­ the Dark Mark¡­¡± Sear?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Kyle opened the newspaper, and everyone crowded behind him, eager to read it too. The edition was noticeably thinner than usual, clearly rushed to print to catch the breaking story. The articles covered the Quidditch World Cup incident from every angle.


    ¡°¡®Ministry in a panic¡­ security lax¡­ dark wizard at large¡­ gross negligence¡­ shameful¡­¡¯¡± Ginny read aloud, sounding irritated. ¡°Did the person who wrote this not see that even people on vacation like Dad were out there handling it?¡±


    ¡°She wouldn¡¯t have seen it¡­ and even if she did, she¡¯d never write it,¡± Charlie said, pointing to the byline. ¡°Look who it is¡ªRita Skeeter. She practically invents her stories.¡±


    ¡°That woman¡¯s nothing but a thorn in the Ministry¡¯s side,¡± Percy grumbled. ¡°And she must have known nearly everyone from the Ministry was at the camp because she published this overnight.¡±


    Harry tilted his head to see the byline, spotting Rita Skeeter¡¯s name. He recalled her article from the previous year about his flying car incident; she certainly knew how to spin a story.


    ¡°Well, never mind that. As long as you¡¯re all safe,¡± Mrs. Weasley said, guiding them toward the house.


    In the cozy, crowded kitchen, she made hot cocoa for everyone, while Mr. Weasley opted instead for a glass of aged Firewhiskey. Ten minutes later, Mrs. Weasley returned with a plate of sandwiches, made as quickly as possible.


    But no one seemed interested in eating. After all they¡¯d been through¡ªthe dragons, the riots¡ªeveryone was exhausted. Now, in the familiar comfort of The Burrow, they finally began to unwind, feeling heavy with fatigue.


    Sensing this, Mrs. Weasley didn¡¯t press them for details. Once everyone had finished eating, she sent them all upstairs, leaving Mr. Weasley alone in the kitchen.


    Kyle went back to his own house. The lights were on, but no one was there. On the table sat a plate of hot omelets and bread, along with a copy of ¡ªthe same edition he¡¯d seen at The Burrow.


    It seemed Chris and Diana must have received the news and rushed back to the Ministry that night. Kyle imagined the Ministry of Magic would be swamped over the coming days, thanks to Rita Skeeter¡¯s sensational report.


    But what puzzled him was why Chris and Diana, with one working in the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures and the other in the Department of Mysteries, would need to return to the Ministry over a riot that seemed unrelated to their fields. Could it be that the disturbance involved Veelas or Leprechauns?

 Chapter 472: Before the Start of Term

    Kyle didn¡¯t find out why Chris had to rush back to the Ministry of Magic overnight until the following evening. In short, the Ministry was severely understaffed, and the few employees in the Department of International Magical Cooperation couldn¡¯t manage the influx of work. Nearly everyone who could be spared had been called in to assist.


    Even Mr. Weasley wasn¡¯t exempt. For an entire week, he left at dawn and didn¡¯t return until late at night.


    During this time, Kyle had most of his meals at the Weasleys'' house. Each time he went, Fred and George would snicker nearby, unable to resist teasing him. They¡¯d been like this since their return from camp, all because of the time Kyle and Cedric had conspired to stuff them into a suitcase. Cedric escaped their teasing since he lived farther from The Burrow, leaving Kyle to endure their constant jibes.


    Finally, fed up, Kyle promised to take them on a proper ¡°tour¡± inside the suitcase when school began. This managed to quiet them down, at least for a few days.


    Around this time, a major row broke out between Percy and Mrs. Weasley. The cause was another article by Rita Skeeter, who somehow got wind of the rumor that Mr. Weasley had supposedly focused only on helping a few French students to curry favor with the Beauxbatons headmistress, ignoring the deaths of a dozen wizards. Anyone with common sense could tell it was a fabrication, but Percy took it at face value and even criticized Mr. Weasley¡¯s judgment over breakfast, much to the irritation of Bill and Charlie.


    Mrs. Weasley, furious, gave Percy a scolding he wouldn¡¯t soon forget, while Charlie ¡°demonstrated¡± exactly what a dragon keeper could do. Percy fled to the Ministry of Magic mid-meal, sporting a pair of black eyes.


    ¡°Don¡¯t pay him any mind,¡± Bill told Harry and the others afterward. ¡°Rita Skeeter never writes anything good about anyone. She¡¯s got a knack for twisting facts, and unfortunately, too many people without any brains believe her.¡± Sear?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Before Harry knew it, the last day of the holidays had arrived, but he still hadn¡¯t received any letters from Sirius or Lupin. That morning, Kyle made a trip to 12 Grimmauld Place, but it was empty, and the House-elf was nowhere to be found.


    There had been no updates from the Ministry, either; evidently, Sirius¡¯s retrial had been put on hold. Fudge seemed reluctant to take on Crouch just yet, especially with the ongoing fallout from the Quidditch World Cup.


    It made sense, though¡ªthe Ministry was in turmoil, and every day, the Department of International Magical Cooperation received an influx of angry letters. If it weren¡¯t for Crouch as a public scapegoat, all the letters complaining about the lack of safety at the World Cup and demanding compensation would likely have been directed straight to Fudge¡¯s office. The last thing Fudge wanted was to spend his days sorting through shouting letters.


    By the time Kyle returned to St. Catchpole Village, it was almost noon. Chris had dropped by briefly, but then hurried off with Charlie, who¡¯d been called to Romania for an urgent assignment. With only one day left in his holiday, Charlie knew he could save travel time by using the Ministry¡¯s Portkey.


    Mr. Weasley, on the other hand, didn¡¯t return home until late that night, looking utterly exhausted.


    ¡°Things are getting out of hand,¡± Mr. Weasley said, sinking into an armchair by the fireplace and listlessly pushing a bit of cauliflower around on his plate. ¡°Rita Skeeter¡¯s been snooping around all week, looking for more Ministry drama to report, and her articles are stirring up endless trouble for us.¡±


    ¡°And Malfoy, Dad¡­¡± Bill asked. ¡°What happened to him? Was he sent to Azkaban?¡±


    ¡°I wish,¡± Mr. Weasley sighed. ¡°At the trial, he insisted it was just a ¡®momentary loss of composure¡¯ after his team lost. Claimed he hadn¡¯t realized it would cause such a stir.¡±


    ¡°¡®Momentary loss of composure¡¯?¡± Bill said angrily. ¡°They used the Cruciatus Curse!¡±


    ¡°I know, but we¡¯ve got no way to prove it,¡± Mr. Weasley replied. ¡°And remember, his spell didn¡¯t work, so we can¡¯t use Prior Incantato to reveal it.¡±


    ¡°A number of jury members also decided to believe Malfoy¡¯s story. He claimed that the real mastermind was an escaped Death Eater who either used the Imperius Curse on him to try to kill Harry or was the one who cast the Killing Curse and conjured the Dark Mark. And conveniently, Malfoy had already been arrested by the time the Dark Mark appeared, supposedly proving he wasn¡¯t involved.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s rubbish¡­ And Headmistress Maxime¡ªdid she agree with that story?¡± Bill asked.


    ¡°The Ministry is still in negotiations with her,¡± Mr. Weasley explained. ¡°That¡¯s why Malfoy and his lot haven¡¯t been released yet. Even though he donated a large sum of gold and offered to cover all the damages, Headmaster Maxime brought in the French Minister of Magic, demanding an official explanation. She even threatened to withdraw from certain events if she didn¡¯t get it.¡±


    Mr. Weasley paused, then added, ¡°Both Headmaster Maxime and the French Minister of Magic are standing firm, and it¡¯s giving Fudge a major headache.¡±


    ¡°I get it,¡± Kyle nodded. ¡°He doesn¡¯t want to harm his international standing, but he doesn¡¯t want to miss out on Malfoy¡¯s gold either¡­¡±


    ¡°Exactly,¡± Mr. Weasley said, pouring himself a small glass of Firewhiskey. ¡°But either way, Malfoy¡¯s in for it this time. I¡¯ve heard the amount he¡¯s pledged in compensation is no small sum. He¡¯s also got to face Beauxbatons¡­ word is the Malfoys are already selling off some of their shops in Diagon Alley.¡±


    ¡°He deserves Azkaban!¡± Ron said furiously. ¡°I¡¯d love to see Draco Malfoy try to act so arrogant then.¡±


    Mr. Weasley didn¡¯t respond immediately. He knew that if the Cruciatus Curse had been proven from the start, Lucius Malfoy wouldn¡¯t have a chance to wriggle free. But as it was, years of careful scheming¡ªand plenty of Galleons¡ªhad paid off for him. Malfoy always had someone ready to defend him, as long as he hadn¡¯t made an irredeemable mistake. And the sudden appearance of the Dark Mark had given him the perfect excuse to slip away from direct blame.


    ¡°I think you should all go upstairs and check if you¡¯ve packed everything,¡± Mrs. Weasley interjected, breaking up the conversation. ¡°Go on now, stop talking about Malfoy and give your father a rest.¡±


    ¡°Alright¡­¡± Everyone took their things and began heading upstairs.


    Kyle had been meaning to ask if there was any news about Sirius from the Ministry, but seeing the exhaustion on Mr. Weasley¡¯s face, he decided to hold back.

 Chapter 473: The Irritable Tonks

    Early the next morning, everyone gathered in front of The Burrow, ready to head to King''s Cross Station.


    Soon, a blue Ministry car approached. Normally, these cars were hard to come by, but when Fudge heard Harry was staying with the Weasleys, he ensured they got the best one. It was his way of returning a favor. Since Harry had kept silent about the assassination attempt after leaving the Ministry, it saved them significant trouble. Lending a car to get to the station seemed like a fair trade¡ªand besides, it was safer this way.


    The Ministry had confirmed that the employee who tried to kill Harry had indeed been under the Imperius Curse. To prevent any further incidents before Harry returned to Hogwarts, Fudge even assigned an Auror to drive them. However, the chosen Auror, Tonks, didn¡¯t inspire much confidence.


    With her fiery red hair and clearly foul mood, Tonks spent the entire drive muttering or outright cursing. She even berated Bill for not helping her shout at a driver who cut them off. Ginny, sitting right behind her, hugged her arms and shivered, barely daring to breathe for fear that Tonks might turn on her next.


    No one spoke much on the way¡ªstarting school again was bittersweet enough without a grumpy driver. The car remained eerily silent until, at last, they pulled up at King¡¯s Cross Station.


    Tonks was the first to hop out, and the moment she opened the door, her hair shifted from red to a bright bubblegum pink. ¡°We¡¯re here,¡± she said, smiling as she tapped the car door. ¡°Everyone out¡ªdon¡¯t forget your luggage.¡±


    Without a word, they all climbed out, retrieved their trunks from the boot, and made their way toward the station. Not a single person spoke, not even Fred and George, usually the loudest of the bunch. It wasn¡¯t until they¡¯d passed through the barrier and were safely on Platform 9? that Fred let out a deep breath of relief.


    ¡°By Merlin¡¯s beard, I swear I¡¯m never riding with Tonks again!¡± he exclaimed.


    ¡°If it happens again, I¡¯ll walk from home!¡± George agreed.


    The others nodded in emphatic agreement.


    ¡°Alright, let¡¯s go,¡± Mrs. Weasley said, laughing lightly. ¡°Tonks is a good person¡­ provided she¡¯s not driving,¡± she muttered under her breath. Mrs. Weasley had never realized how fierce Tonks could be behind the wheel. She¡¯d tried several times to remind Tonks to keep her temper in check, but whenever she spoke up, Tonks was too caught up in her irritation to hear her. In the end, Mrs. Weasley had just sighed and let it go.


    On the platform, the Hogwarts Express gleamed in the morning light, ready to depart.


    ¡°Ah, I almost wish I could go back to Hogwarts this year,¡± said Bill, hands in his pockets, gazing at the familiar red train with a wistful look.


    ¡°Why?¡± George asked.


    ¡°Oh, you¡¯ll have an exciting year,¡± Bill said, his eyes twinkling. ¡°I might even take some time off to come watch part of it¡­¡±


    ¡°Part of what?¡± Fred demanded, growing impatient.


    It had been this way all summer: Mr. Weasley, Bill, Charlie, Percy¡­ they all seemed to know something they weren¡¯t telling. But whenever Fred or George tried to press for details, Bill would just chuckle and say nothing.


    Kyle, however, had an idea what it was¡ªa classic wizarding prank, like the mysterious ¡°freshman house sorting ceremony.¡± He figured it was just the Triwizard Tournament. What was all the fuss about? When George glanced at him with an expectant look, Kyle shrugged and said, ¡°Don¡¯t look at me, I don¡¯t know anything either.¡±


    Just then, the whistle blew, signaling the train''s departure.


    They quickly boarded and leaned out the windows to say goodbye to Mrs. Weasley and Bill.


    ¡°Thank you for letting us stay, Mrs. Weasley!¡± Cho called, waving.


    ¡°Oh, my pleasure, dear,¡± Mrs. Weasley replied warmly. ¡°I¡¯d invite you to Christmas at our house, but¡­ well, I¡¯m guessing you might have other plans.¡± She gave a knowing look.


    Ron tried to ask something, but his words were swallowed up as the train began to pull away. Mrs. Weasley waved at them with a smile, then Apparated away with Bill before the train rounded the bend.


    Back in their compartment, Fred and George resumed grumbling about everyone keeping secrets from them. Cedric smirked, turning his head to hide a laugh. He obviously knew what was going on too but wasn¡¯t about to let them in on it.


    After the train had traveled a short distance, it began to rain. Heavy raindrops spattered against the glass, making it hard to see the passing landscape.


    ¡°Where¡¯s Kanna?¡± Cho suddenly asked. ¡°Didn¡¯t she get on the train?¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s probably in another carriage,¡± Cedric replied, giving Kyle a look. ¡°Go on, take it out¡ªwe should go find her soon.¡±


    ¡°Take out what?¡± Fred asked, suspicious.


    Then he saw Kyle pull an envelope from his pocket.


    As Kyle opened it, a round object rolled onto the table.


    ¡°Oh no,¡± Fred and George groaned, faces twisted as if they¡¯d just eaten a handful of liver-flavored Bertie Bott¡¯s Every Flavour Beans.


    It was a Prefect badge¡ªan all-too-familiar sight that Percy had flaunted proudly over the past two years.


    ¡°Oh, it¡¯s to have another Prefect in our midst¡­¡± George muttered, his voice dripping with sarcasm. S§×arch* The novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°No, it¡¯s actually ,¡± Cho said, smiling as she pinned her own badge on her robes.


    Fred and George¡¯s expressions turned an unfortunate shade of liver. They had always sworn they¡¯d never want to be Prefects. But now they were surrounded: every other member of their group was wearing a Prefect badge.


    As if to rub it in, Kyle, Cho, and Cedric kept their badges on, letting them gleam in the light as they ¡°casually¡± moved around the compartment, just to drive the point home.


    Finally, fed up, Fred and George grabbed their bags and pushed open the compartment door to find Lee Jordan.


    ¡°Prefects, huh?¡± Fred muttered on his way out. ¡°Guess they¡¯re too for us now¡­¡±


    The moment they left, laughter filled the compartment.


    ¡°Was that a bit much?¡± Cho asked, giggling but looking slightly guilty.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, they¡¯ll get over it,¡± Kyle replied with a grin, patting his suitcase. ¡°I¡¯ve got a plan that¡¯ll make them forget all about today¡ªand they¡¯ll be calling us ¡®Prefect¡¯ gladly.¡±


    Still laughing, the three of them headed toward the front of the train, where the Prefects¡¯ compartment was.


    Sure enough, Kanna was there. She relaxed a little when she saw Kyle and Cho, though she still looked nervous.


    ¡°What took you so long?¡± she asked.


    ¡°Oh, we were busy surprising Fred and George,¡± Kyle said, smirking. ¡°You should¡¯ve come with us. It would¡¯ve made the whole thing even better.¡±


    ¡°What do you mean?¡± Kanna looked puzzled.


    Cho leaned over and whispered the story in her ear. Soon, Kanna burst into laughter, too.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you worried they¡¯ll change your title to ¡®Big Head Boy¡¯?¡± Kanna teased, grinning. ¡°Just like they did with Percy?¡±


    ¡°Not a chance,¡± Kyle said confidently, waving it off. ¡°They¡¯ll never get the chance.¡±

 Chapter 474: New Business Opportunity

    To be honest, if Kyle had a choice, he wouldn¡¯t have wanted to be a Prefect. On the train to school, he¡¯d much rather have stayed in the compartment chatting or playing a few rounds of wizard chess instead of pacing around on Prefect patrol. Fortunately, the students were cooperative; apart from Fred and George, who seemed intent on causing a bit of mischief, most were pretty quiet.


    Finally, by evening, the Hogwarts Express slowed and came to a halt at the dark Hogsmeade Station. The doors opened just as a rumble of thunder echoed from the sky, and icy rain poured down in torrents, drenching everyone almost immediately.


    Kyle clipped on his waterproof badge, which kept him and his belongings dry, and the others did the same or conjured umbrellas for themselves if they didn¡¯t have similar charms. In short, everyone had their own way of keeping dry¡­ except for the first years, who had to follow Hagrid across the Black Lake by boat. They were quickly ushered off the platform.


    ¡°Oh, taking a boat in this weather isn¡¯t exactly ideal,¡± Cedric shivered, glancing at the first years. ¡°I hope this doesn¡¯t spoil their first impression of Hogwarts too much.¡±


    Moving with the crowd, Kyle made his way to the carriages and climbed into the nearest one, with the others following. A few moments later, with a rough jolt, the carriage started along the path to the castle, splashing through puddles as it went.


    They soon arrived at the castle and quickly climbed out, hurrying up the stone steps into the warm, torch-lit foyer. Just as they stepped inside, Kyle caught sight of a large water balloon dropping from the ceiling, exploding with a splash over Ron¡¯s head.


    One after another, more water balloons fell from above, splattering the crowd below. Screams and laughter filled the air as students pushed each other, trying to dodge the relentless onslaught.


    ¡°Peeves!¡± shouted an angry voice. ¡°Get down here right now!¡±


    Professor McGonagall strode out of the Great Hall, looking furious. The floor was so wet that she slipped slightly, and to keep from falling, she instinctively grabbed the person nearest her¡ªwho happened to be Hermione.


    ¡°Ouch¡­ I¡¯m sorry, Miss Granger¡­¡± she said, catching her balance.


    ¡°Ahem¡­ it¡¯s alright, Professor¡­¡± Hermione replied, rubbing her throat, wide-eyed.


    ¡°Peeves, get down here this instant!¡± Professor McGonagall demanded.


    ¡°I¡¯m not doing anything!¡± Peeves cackled, tossing a few more water balloons down onto a group of second-years. ¡°They¡¯re already soaked! Hey, kids, no running!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m warning you, Peeves!¡± Professor McGonagall¡¯s voice grew sharper as her patience wore thin.


    But Peeves merely stuck out his tongue, lobbed the last few water balloons into the air, and zipped up the Marble Staircase, giggling maniacally as he disappeared from sight.


    ¡°Alright, everyone, hurry inside,¡± Professor McGonagall said, holding open the Great Hall doors and urging the drenched students forward. She muttered, half to herself, ¡°I don¡¯t know where Peeves gets all those balloons¡­ he never runs out, not even over the holidays.¡±


    Kyle stifled a laugh as he walked past Professor McGonagall and entered the Great Hall. The room was just as grand as ever, decked out for the start-of-term feast. Above them, the enchanted ceiling showed a turbulent storm, complete with lightning and thunder that made a few younger students squeak in surprise.


    Kyle and the others made their way to the Hufflepuff table and sat down. Soon, students from all houses filled the other tables, chatting excitedly about their summer adventures and the interesting events they¡¯d encountered.


    Unsurprisingly, the Quidditch World Cup was the main topic of conversation. Those who hadn¡¯t attended were curious to hear firsthand accounts, eager to know if the matches¡ªand the chaos afterward¡ªhad been as thrilling as the newspapers claimed. sea??h th§× N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "I wonder who the new Defence Against the Dark Arts professor is this year," Cedric said, eyeing the empty seats at the teachers¡¯ table.


    ¡°Maybe they couldn¡¯t find anyone,¡± Mikel replied. ¡°Everyone knows the position is cursed; no professor has lasted a full year¡­ Oh¡­¡± His eyes suddenly brightened. ¡°Have you noticed? Professor Snape isn¡¯t here either.¡±


    ¡°Could it be that, in addition to Defence Against the Dark Arts, we¡¯ll have a new Potions professor, too?¡±


    ¡°Oh, this would be amazing!¡± he added hopefully.


    ¡°Or¡­ maybe he¡¯s just running late,¡± Kyle said with a bit of optimism. Snape was probably tied up with Ministry affairs after Regulus¡¯s death and couldn¡¯t attend the Start-of-Term Feast.


    ¡°Oh, can¡¯t you let me be happy just this once?¡± Mikel sighed.


    Just then, the doors to the Great Hall swung open, and the chatter fell silent. Professor McGonagall entered, leading a group of wide-eyed, drenched first-year students into the hall.


    ¡°They¡¯re in a bit of a state,¡± Cedric whispered.


    The new students looked as if they¡¯d swum across the lake rather than taken the boats. Kyle rubbed his chin thoughtfully. Perhaps he could propose to Dumbledore that he enchant the boats with protective runes. By engraving a certain pattern, he could create an invisible canopy to shield the students from rain. That way, first years wouldn¡¯t arrive looking so miserable every time the weather turned foul.


    He leaned toward Kanna, sharing his idea in a whisper.


    ¡°That might not be possible,¡± Kanna whispered back. ¡°Professor Babbling could do it, but the boats haven¡¯t changed in all these years.¡±


    ¡°Well, maybe Professor Babbling is just too lazy,¡± Kyle suggested. ¡°She¡¯s always trying to merge classes to get more time to travel.¡±


    Kanna nodded, realizing it was true. Every year, Professor Babbling proposed combining all five years of Ancient Runes into one class so she could go on research trips. She definitely didn¡¯t seem like someone who¡¯d spend her free time carving runes onto boats.


    ¡°Besides,¡± Kyle continued, ¡°we have the Board of Directors¡¯ support. I¡¯m sure Dumbledore wouldn¡¯t mind if it didn¡¯t cost the school anything.¡±


    Kanna was convinced and nodded. ¡°When should we ask Professor Dumbledore?¡±


    ¡°No rush,¡± Kyle replied. ¡°The new students have already arrived for this year. How about we wait until Christmas or Easter break?¡±


    ¡°Good idea!¡± Kanna agreed.


    At that moment, the Sorting Hat¡¯s song came to an end.


    The Great Hall broke into applause, and Kyle, who hadn¡¯t listened to a single word of the song, joined in politely.


    Professor McGonagall unfurled a large roll of parchment. ¡°When I call your name, please put on the hat and sit on the stool,¡± she instructed the first-years.


    ¡°Stewart Ackerley!¡±


    A small, shivering boy stepped forward, either from nerves or the cold.


    ¡°Ravenclaw!¡± the Sorting Hat announced after barely a pause.


    Applause erupted from the Ravenclaw table as Ackerley hurried over.

 Chapter 475: The Lowered Age Limit

    The Sorting Hat worked with impressive efficiency, and within about half an hour, the Sorting was complete. Finally, with Kevin Whitby sorted into Hufflepuff, the ceremony came to an end.


    Dumbledore stood up, his eyes twinkling as he surveyed the students. ¡°Eat,¡± he said simply.


    Instantly, the empty plates before them were piled high with food.


    Mikel served himself a generous helping of mashed potatoes, shaking his head in wonder. ¡°I¡¯ve seen it so many times, but it still amazes me every time the food just appears like that.¡±


    ¡°Hogwarts tradition,¡± Kyle said, grinning as he piled steak and ham onto his own plate.


    As they dug into the delicious meal, they continued their conversation about enchanting the boats, even drafting a rough price list: one hundred Galleons per boat. It was a steep figure for students who hadn¡¯t even graduated, but they could always negotiate if it came to that.


    When the main meal ended, Kyle helped himself to a Yorkshire pudding from the dessert options. Unlike the syrup-laden pies, it was just the right amount of sweetness¡ªperfect for a final bite.


    After the feast, the remaining food vanished, and the plates magically cleaned themselves, gleaming once more. Dumbledore rose to his feet, and the hall gradually quieted, all eyes on the Headmaster.


    As usual, Dumbledore ran through a few standard rules, like reminding first-years that the Forbidden Forest was off-limits. His list of banned items was a little longer this year, including new additions from Zonko¡¯s Joke Shop, such as Nose-Biting Teacups, Ever-Bashing Boomerang, and Biting Quills¡ªall products that had come out the previous year. The total count of forbidden items had now reached a staggering 437.


    It was hard to deny that Fred and George had a hand in that number. Conservatively speaking, they were responsible for at least a hundred entries on the list.


    ¡°And now,¡± Dumbledore continued, ¡°I regret to inform you that there will be no Quidditch matches this year!¡±


    The hall erupted in disbelief and outrage, with students loudly voicing their complaints and looking at Dumbledore in shock. But before Dumbledore could explain, the doors to the Great Hall suddenly burst open.


    A man appeared in the doorway, leaning heavily on a long walking stick and limping toward the teachers¡¯ table. Every eye in the hall turned to watch him as he made his way forward, each of his steps echoing through the room with a hollow thud.


    A flash of forked lightning streaked across the enchanted ceiling, illuminating his face. Gasps rippled through the Great Hall.


    The man¡¯s face was a network of scars, so dense that hardly any unmarked skin remained. But it wasn¡¯t his scars that drew the most attention¡ªit was his eyes.


    One eye was a normal, piercing gaze, but the other was enormous, round like a coin, and bright blue.


    ¡°Oh, it''s Mad-Eye!¡± someone whispered instinctively as the scarred man entered. Almost immediately, the blue eye in the man¡¯s head swiveled upward as though it had heard the speaker and was looking directly at them¡ªeven from behind. The student shrank back, eyes wide.


    The man continued his limping journey to the teachers¡¯ table, where he leaned in to speak quietly with Dumbledore. After a brief exchange, he settled into an empty chair.


    Dumbledore turned to the students with a smile. ¡°Allow me to introduce our new Defense Against the Dark Arts professor: Professor Alastor Moody!¡±


    But the announcement was met with an uncomfortable silence. No applause came from the students, save for a few half-hearted claps from Dumbledore and Hagrid. The atmosphere was even colder than the year Professor Lupin had been introduced. At the Hufflepuff table, Kyle discreetly glanced down at the Marauder¡¯s Map in his hands.


    From the moment Moody entered the hall, Kyle had opened the map, but to his surprise, Moody¡¯s name didn¡¯t appear on it, and none of the markers moved to indicate his presence. It was as though Moody didn¡¯t exist on the map, or more precisely, as if he¡¯d used a spell to make himself unplottable.


    Kyle was aware that the wizarding world held several charms related to making one¡¯s name untraceable, most famously used by Voldemort. For an old Auror as cautious as Moody, it wasn¡¯t surprising that he might use something similar to keep himself off the radar. If anything, seeing Moody¡¯s name absent from the map reassured Kyle that it probably was the real Mad-Eye, just as paranoid as ever.


    Satisfied, Kyle put away the map and looked back toward the teachers¡¯ table. Dumbledore, noticing the uneasy silence, decided to move things along.


    ¡°Now, let us continue with our previous topic,¡± Dumbledore said. ¡°The reason we have canceled the Quidditch matches this year is that, in the coming months, we will be hosting an event that has not been held for over a century. I am pleased to announce that this year, the Triwizard Tournament will take place at Hogwarts!¡±


    For a brief moment, stunned silence filled the hall, only to be shattered by an explosion of chatter and excitement.


    ¡°You¡¯re joking¡­¡±


    ¡°The Triwizard Tournament? Here?!¡±


    ¡°Oh, By Merlin, that¡¯s incredible!¡±


    Older students excitedly explained to the younger ones what the tournament entailed. The Triwizard Tournament, exclusive to Europe¡¯s biggest wizarding schools, was a historic event that even the Quidditch World Cup couldn¡¯t match in grandeur and mystique. Students buzzed with anticipation, practically bouncing in their seats.


    Dumbledore chuckled softly. ¡°I¡¯m not joking. For those who may be unfamiliar, the Triwizard Tournament is a friendly competition between Europe¡¯s three largest wizarding schools¡ªHogwarts, Beauxbatons, and Durmstrang.¡±


    He went on to explain the origins of the tournament and its often perilous history, noting the many dangers and the number of past deaths. Most students listened eagerly, undeterred by tales of mortal peril.


    When Dumbledore announced the prize¡ªa thousand Galleons for the winner¡ªthe excitement hit a fever pitch. Students shouted with enthusiasm, nearly rattling the enchanted ceiling overhead.


    ¡°I know many of you would love to represent Hogwarts,¡± Dumbledore continued. ¡°However, the Ministry of Magic and the participating schools have agreed that there will be an age restriction for this year¡¯s competitors. Only students who have reached the age of fifteen will be permitted to sign up.¡±


    He raised his voice as groans of protest spread through the hall. ¡°This decision is necessary. Despite every precaution, students younger than fifth year are not likely to have the skill or experience to handle the challenges. This is for your safety.¡±


    ¡°Oh, come on!¡± groaned a boy at the Hufflepuff table, pounding his fist in frustration. ¡°I¡¯m only a few months short¡­ couldn¡¯t they push back the cutoff to December?¡± sea??h th§× novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°Ha, lucky for me,¡± Mikel said cheerfully. ¡°My birthday¡¯s in March, so I¡¯ll just make it. Kyle, you must be fifteen by now, right?¡±


    Kyle, momentarily distracted by the buzz around him, looked up. ¡°What? Oh, yes¡ªI turned fifteen last month.¡±

 Chapter 476: The Scene is Too Beautiful

    ¡°They can¡¯t do this!¡± Ron grumbled as they made their way to the doors after the feast. ¡°I¡¯ll be fifteen in March¡ªwhy can¡¯t I give it a go?¡±


    ¡°Yeah¡­¡± Harry added wistfully. He¡¯d love the chance to compete too, but his birthday was in July, even later than Ron¡¯s.


    Hermione, on the other hand, kept her head down, saying nothing.


    ¡°There¡¯s nothing you can do, Ron,¡± said Fred, appearing suddenly behind them with a wide grin. ¡°It¡¯s a rule set by the school and the Ministry, and you¡¯ve got to follow it.¡± sea??h th§× n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°Yep, be a good spectator,¡± said George, popping up on the other side. ¡°Just remember to cheer us on.¡±


    ¡°Huh!¡± Ron scoffed, rolling his eyes. Fred and George claiming they had to obey rules was the funniest thing he¡¯d heard all year.


    ¡°Why are you two allowed to sign up?¡± Ron asked sourly.


    Fred gave him an incredulous look. ¡°I always thought you were slow, but I didn¡¯t know you were this thick. We¡¯re allowed to sign up because we¡¯re old enough!¡±


    ¡°Sixteen, which is a year older than the minimum,¡± George added. ¡°You haven¡¯t forgotten our ages, have you? That¡¯d just break our hearts.¡±


    ¡°I haven¡¯t forgotten,¡± Ron snapped. ¡°I just don¡¯t think it¡¯s fair¡­ That¡¯s a thousand Galleons!¡±


    ¡°You¡¯d still have to win first,¡± Fred pointed out. ¡°Got any O¡¯s in Transfiguration or Charms?¡±


    Ron¡¯s cheeks turned a bit pink, but he jutted his chin out stubbornly. ¡°The Triwizard Tournament isn¡¯t an exam, it¡¯s not about grades. Maybe I could just win by luck.¡±


    George let out a loud laugh. ¡°Oh, if only! But sadly, you¡¯re too young for that stroke of luck, Mr. Future Champion.¡±


    Fred and George left him behind, chatting loudly about how they¡¯d be the first to sign up.


    Ron, meanwhile, continued to sulk, muttering that it was unfair and that everyone should be allowed to participate.


    ¡°But you heard Dumbledore say that a lot of people have died in the Tournament,¡± Hermione whispered as they stepped outside the foyer. ¡°That¡¯s why it was suspended for a century.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, yeah,¡± Ron replied dismissively, ¡°but that was ages ago, right? And Dumbledore also said they¡¯d worked hard to make sure no one¡¯s life would be at risk this time. So if it¡¯s safe for fifteen-year-olds, then why not us?¡±


    Hermione, surprisingly, didn¡¯t argue. She remained silent, her head down as she continued to think, clearly preoccupied with something else entirely.


    ¡°Hahaha¡­¡±


    Hermione suddenly heard laughter coming from the Hufflepuff group nearby. Mikel was waving his hands animatedly. ¡°Who do you think will be Hogwarts¡¯ champion? Kyle or Cedric?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯ll be Kyle¡ªhe¡¯s practically filled the Trophy Room with Special Awards for Services to the School!¡± someone chimed in.


    ¡°No, it¡¯s got to be Cedric,¡± a sixth-year shook his head. ¡°He¡¯s in his sixth year, so he¡¯s got the age advantage.¡±


    ¡°But Kyle has an Order of Merlin, Second Class¡­¡± another voice pointed out.


    ¡°Hoho¡­¡± A different voice cut through their conversation with a mocking tone.


    ¡°I think the Hogwarts champion should come from Ravenclaw, of course,¡± said Roger Davies, stepping forward with a smirk. ¡°After all, we¡¯re the smartest students at Hogwarts, not you¡­ mediocre Hufflepuffs.¡±


    The lively discussion came to an abrupt halt, as if someone had doused it with cold water. While people once thought Hufflepuff represented mediocrity, the house¡¯s recent winning streak in the Quidditch Cup and House Cup had mostly put that stereotype to rest. Few voiced such opinions openly anymore, though some might still think it privately.


    Mikel looked at Davies with a raised eyebrow. ¡°Oh, I thought it was someone else. Isn¡¯t this Davies¡­¡±


    He shrugged and added, ¡°I won¡¯t deny that most Ravenclaws are intelligent, but I just have one question for you¡­ Have any of you ranked first in your year for five consecutive years, like Cedric? Or scored full marks and won three Special Awards for Services to the School¡­ No? Just one would do.¡±


    At this, laughter rippled through the crowd, and Roger Davies¡¯ face turned red. ¡°Well¡­ Rob was top of his year in seventh year!¡±


    A few nearby Ravenclaws nodded in agreement, backing him up, suggesting that Rob would be a better choice for the Hogwarts champion.


    They were clearly eager to see a Ravenclaw in the spotlight, viewing the Triwizard Tournament as an opportunity to finally best the Hufflepuffs. If Rob could secure the position and stand out as Hogwarts¡¯ champion, it would prove to them that Ravenclaw was superior.


    ¡°Oh, I thought you were going to say yourself, Davies. You¡¯re over fifteen, aren¡¯t you?¡± Ryan laughed. ¡°Come on, don¡¯t deny it¡ªyou want to be a champion too. Unfortunately, maybe if you¡¯d won the Quidditch Cup even once, you¡¯d have something to show by now.¡±


    Davies, speechless and even redder in the face, looked as though he wanted to retort but couldn¡¯t find the words. Finally, he spat out, ¡°We¡¯ll see who becomes champion in the end!¡± before spinning around and storming up the stairs. In his hurry, though, he forgot about a tricky step halfway up and tripped, sinking right into it.


    Laughter erupted again around him, even from the nearby armor, which clanked and creaked as if it, too, found the scene hilarious.


    ¡°Shut up!¡± hissed a few Ravenclaw students, who rushed forward to pull Davies out and usher him quickly up the stairs.


    Meanwhile, in the Hufflepuff common room, Kyle, who had escorted the first-years back early, was still pondering why the age requirement for the Triwizard Tournament had been lowered so significantly. It took Cedric calling his name three times to snap him out of his thoughts.


    ¡°Sorry,¡± Kyle said, turning to the freshmen and instructing them to head to their dormitories on their own. Then he looked back at Cedric. ¡°I was a bit distracted¡ªwhat did you say?¡±


    ¡°I asked if you¡¯re planning to enter the Triwizard Tournament,¡± Cedric repeated.


    ¡°Oh, definitely,¡± Kyle replied. Even though he couldn¡¯t quite figure out the reason behind the age change, he saw no reason to pass up such an opportunity¡ªespecially given something else in the tournament that intrigued him.


    He glanced over at Cedric. ¡°You¡¯re entering too, I take it?¡±


    ¡°Of course,¡± Cedric said, grinning. ¡°I feel like I stand a good chance. Honestly, it¡¯s a bit mean to say, but I don¡¯t think I have that much competition. Ravenclaw¡¯s Rob, you, Kanna, Cho¡­ and that¡¯s about it.¡±


    Kyle smirked. ¡°Fred and George won¡¯t be too pleased if they hear you¡¯re not counting them as competitors.¡±


    ¡°Oh, I haven¡¯t forgotten them,¡± Cedric replied, trying to hold back a laugh. ¡°But, well¡­ it¡¯s hard to picture the Hogwarts champion setting off Dungbombs during the Triwizard Tournament.¡±


    ¡°That would be quite a sight,¡± Kyle chuckled. ¡°And I don¡¯t think Professor McGonagall would survive the shock.¡±

 Chapter 477: Defense Against the Dark Arts

    The next morning, the storm that had raged on since their arrival finally cleared. Kyle and Kanna headed to the Great Hall for breakfast and to review their new schedules.


    ¡°Hey, look! We don¡¯t have Potions for a few days!¡± Mikel exclaimed, as if he¡¯d stumbled on the best news of the year.


    ¡°Neither do we,¡± Cedric added, spreading out his timetable. ¡°Hmm¡­ my first Potions lesson isn¡¯t scheduled until next Wednesday.¡±


    ¡°Same for us!¡± Hannah chimed in. ¡°We don¡¯t have Potions until next Friday.¡±


    Cedric stood up in confusion and walked down the long Hufflepuff table, comparing schedules with other students. To his surprise, he discovered that not a single year group had Potions this week¡ªhis was the earliest, and that was still a full eight days away.


    ¡°This seems strange for all seven years,¡± Cedric mused. He turned to Kanna and lowered his voice. ¡°Do you know anything about this? Is Professor Snape¡­ not at school?¡±


    ¡°He has other matters to attend to and might not be able to teach for a few days,¡± Kanna replied. ¡°Not long after the holidays started, Professor Dumbledore came to see him. Since then, he¡¯s hardly left his home, and he hasn¡¯t allowed me in, so I don¡¯t really know what¡¯s going on.¡±


    She glanced briefly at Kyle, who was quietly sipping his pumpkin juice. She had a feeling he might know something about Dumbledore¡¯s visit to Snape, especially since Kyle had seemed unusually well-informed during the Quidditch World Cup¡ªparticularly when it came to the House-elf, Kreacher. But Kyle simply continued eating in silence, so Kanna left it alone.


    As for the other students, the idea of having a week off from Potions was enough to keep them satisfied, and no one seemed too bothered about Snape¡¯s absence. Mikel happily raised his pumpkin juice like it was champagne, reveling in the unexpected reprieve.


    Just then, a flurry of wings filled the hall as hundreds of owls swooped through the open windows, delivering the morning mail. A brown owl dropped in front of Kyle, who poured it some cornflakes before unfolding the newspaper.


    The front page was once again focused on the aftermath of the Quidditch World Cup. The article included several photos from the trial. In one, Yaxley appeared wild-eyed and disheveled, his perfectly combed hair now sticking up like a neglected school broom. Another showed him being dragged away by Aurors.


    ¡°Ha! I knew it¡ªthey weren¡¯t getting away with that,¡± Cedric said from beside him. ¡°I heard Bill mention that someone cast two Cruciatus Curses on Mr. Weasley. It had to be him.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, no doubt,¡± Kyle agreed, folding up the newspaper and glancing across the hall toward the Slytherin table. sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Malfoy sat there, his face paler than usual, reading with a grim expression. Crabbe and Goyle, normally focused only on their breakfast, were similarly fixated on the newspaper, barely touching their food.


    After breakfast, the group left the Great Hall and headed to their first class.


    ¡°Defense Against the Dark Arts¡­¡± Kanna mused. ¡°I wonder what Professor Moody is like.¡±


    ¡°He can¡¯t be that bad,¡± Cedric said as they walked. ¡°Professor Moody¡¯s a legendary Auror. They say he put half of Azkaban¡¯s inmates behind bars. A man like that has to have real skills.¡±


    ¡°I hope so,¡± said Mikel doubtfully. After Lockhart, he wasn¡¯t putting too much faith in anyone¡¯s reputation. He figured they¡¯d see soon enough in the classroom.


    Cedric parted ways on the third floor, heading to Transfiguration, while Kyle and the others continued to the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom. Though class hadn¡¯t started yet, a good number of students had already arrived, eager to see what Professor Moody had in store.


    Kyle found an empty row of seats at the back, and they took out their copies of while they waited.


    Soon, they heard the unmistakable stomping footsteps approaching from the hallway. The chattering immediately died down, and the room went silent.


    Before the bell even rang, Professor Moody strode into the room, his electric blue magical eye swiveling around in every direction. He looked as intimidating as he had the night before.


    ¡°Put away your books,¡± he said in his gruff voice. ¡°I went through them last night, and there¡¯s nothing in there you¡¯ll need. They¡¯re fine for younger years, but not for you.¡±


    Everyone quickly stashed their books, some clearly thrilled. They¡¯d learned from experience that when a professor ditched the textbook on the first day, the course usually turned out to be intense and interesting¡ªlike Lupin¡¯s lessons the previous year.


    Moody walked to the front, took out a roll call sheet, and began taking attendance. His normal eye scanned the list while his magical eye whirled around, scrutinizing each student as they responded.


    ¡°Alright,¡± he said when the last student had answered. ¡°Before I arrived, I got a letter from Professor Lupin explaining the status of this course.¡±


    Moody¡¯s lips twisted in a frown. ¡°I don¡¯t mean to disparage him, but I don¡¯t see why Lupin wasted a year teaching you about Dark creatures. That¡¯s second-year material, if you ask me. After all, dark wizards don¡¯t carry around dangerous animals. They have wands.¡±


    Kyle rolled his eyes, muttering to himself,


    Oblivious, Moody continued, ¡°Now that I¡¯m here, it¡¯s my duty to prepare you for what happens when wizards turn their spells on each other. So, let¡¯s talk about dark magic. Specifically, Curses.¡±


    Everyone immediately sat up, intrigued. Most of them had had their fill of lectures on dark creatures and were more than ready for something new.


    ¡°Let¡¯s get started, then,¡± Moody said with a dry chuckle. ¡°Spells come in many forms, varying in power. Some are legal; others, like Curses, are not. These we call Dark magic. Can anyone name a Curse?¡±


    A Gryffindor raised his hand. ¡°The Cruciatus Curse?¡±


    ¡°Ah, yes,¡± Moody said, his voice dropping to a dangerous tone. ¡°The Unforgivable Curses¡ªthe most evil Curses of all. Use one of these on another wizard, and you¡¯re looking at life in Azkaban.¡±


    Moody flashed a menacing grin. ¡°I imagine some of you read about this curse in the paper this morning.¡±


    The student nodded, wide-eyed.


    ¡°Precisely,¡± Moody sneered. ¡°That idiot claimed he was under the Imperius Curse. Such a weak excuse¡ªI wouldn¡¯t even have to be there to know he was lying. And speaking of which, the Imperius Curse is another Unforgivable Curse.¡±


    He turned to a Gryffindor girl. ¡°Miss Maryanne, I imagine you¡¯ve studied this. Can you tell us the name of the third Unforgivable Curse?¡±

 Chapter 478: The Shield Charm

    Maryanne, who had been fiddling with a new hair clip, was startled by Moody¡¯s sudden question. She looked up to find his unsettling magical eye fixed on her, as if it had been watching her for some time.


    She stood up, trembling slightly, her face flushed. ¡°I¡¯ve heard of it... I think it¡¯s the Killing Curse?¡±


    ¡°Very good. Sit down. But next time, keep that little trinket away during class,¡± Moody replied, his normal eye turning back to the class while his magical eye lingered on her. ¡°Yes, the Killing Curse¡ª¡ªthe most feared of Curses. But that¡¯s a lesson for sixth years and above. We¡¯ll focus on other curses for now.¡±


    Moody¡¯s gaze swept across the room again. ¡°Now, does anyone know of any more common dark magic?¡±


    Several hands shot up. He nodded at Kanna.


    ¡°Er¡­ there¡¯s the Corrosion Curse,¡± she said, her voice a bit hesitant.


    ¡°Ah, yes. Standard dark magic,¡± Moody confirmed, nodding approvingly. ¡°Corrodes flesh and bone¡ªa favorite of dark wizards everywhere.¡±


    He drew his wand and gave a quick flick toward the lectern. Instantly, a purplish sludge oozed across its surface, causing the wood to bubble and melt as if it were being poured over with acid. Students in the front row leaned back, looking apprehensive.


    Another wave of Moody¡¯s wand restored the lectern to normal.


    ¡°Anyone else? Any other curses?¡± Moody asked.


    More hands went up, and he pointed to a student at random.


    ¡°Horn-growing Hex!¡± the student offered.


    ¡°Barely dark magic,¡± Moody replied. ¡°It¡¯s more of a restrictive jinx and technically not illegal if it doesn¡¯t cause harm.¡±


    ¡°I know one, Professor,¡± another student called out. ¡°Fiendfyre Curse.¡±


    ¡°A solid choice. Nasty stuff,¡± Moody said with a nod.


    ¡°Swelling Head Jinx!¡±


    ¡°Very good.¡±


    The classroom buzzed with excitement as Moody encouraged more contributions. The students seemed to forget their initial fear of his scarred face, eagerly raising their hands to show off their knowledge of dark spells and curses.


    However, some of these students really knew the answer, some had heard it from others, and some just made up a spell on the spot¡­ but Moody saw through them immediately.


    When he sensed the timing was right, Professor Moody clapped his hands to signal everyone to put theirs down.


    ¡°Alright, back to business,¡± he said. ¡°These dark magics, without exception, can cause serious trouble. By rights, I should be teaching you a variety of counter-spells now, as both the Ministry of Magic and your textbooks recommend. But I disagree.


    In my view, the best counter-spell is to stop your enemy¡¯s dark magic from hitting you in the first place. So, for this first lesson, I¡¯ve decided to teach you the simplest and most practical defensive charm!¡±


    He turned to the blackboard and began writing with a flourish, but everyone knew that his magical eye was undoubtedly keeping an eye on them through the back of his head. No one dared to whisper; they all sat up straight. Soon, Moody finished writing and turned around, pointing at the board.


    ¡°The Shield Charm, the most effective defensive charm,¡± he said. ¡°A wizard proficient in the Shield Charm can fend off 90% of dark magic. It¡¯s also a basic requirement for anyone wanting to become an Auror.


    If any of you are thinking about becoming an Auror after graduation, remember this: only those who master the Shield Charm are even allowed to sit for the Auror exams. Otherwise, regardless of how many qualifications you have, you¡¯ll be turned away.¡±


    Some students immediately took out their quills and began to take notes seriously.


    ¡°Professor¡­¡± one student raised their hand and asked, ¡°can the Shield Charm block the Killing Curse?¡±


    Moody¡¯s magical eye rotated to lock onto the student.


    "In theory only," he replied. "But the Killing Curse is unique. It¡¯s not just magic; it carries the malice within a person¡¯s heart¡ªthat¡¯s what gives it its true power. And this malice is far more terrifying than raw magical force. To block the Killing Curse with the Shield Charm often requires many times the magical power of the attacker.


    The gap in power is like you trying to use the Killing Curse against me... To be blunt, that wouldn¡¯t just be pointless, it¡¯d be downright foolish, because you never know if your opponent is as weak as they appear.


    So, when facing the Killing Curse, the best response is to avoid it, not to resist it..."


    The sound of quills scratching against parchment filled the room. Although this information was typically taught only to advanced students, Moody didn¡¯t stop anyone from taking notes; instead, he waited quietly.


    When they had all finished, he waved his wand, and lines of small, glowing text appeared on the blackboard along with a diagram of wand gestures. The lines pulsed with energy, showing the precise motions required for casting the Shield Charm, including the directions and angles of wand movements.


    ¡°This is your homework,¡± Moody said. ¡°It¡¯s also my summary of Shield Charm techniques. I expect you to write it all down. We¡¯ll do practical exercises next lesson, and if anyone¡¯s theory is lacking¡­¡±


    He grinned, his scars twisting, making him look even more menacing.


    ¡°Trust me, you¡¯ll regret it.


    Of course, I know some of you won¡¯t bother, but that¡¯s fine. I¡¯ll just inform the Hospital Wing to have a few beds ready in advance¡­¡±


    Silence fell over the classroom. For the remainder of the lesson, everyone was too busy copying down the notes from the blackboard to utter a single word, right up until the bell rang.


    Moody limped out of the classroom, the clunk of his wooden leg growing fainter and fainter until it vanished.


    The moment he was gone, chatter erupted from every corner.


    Aside from a few students who looked worried, most were thrilled and could hardly wait for Friday¡ªthe only day they¡¯d have their second Defense Against the Dark Arts lesson.


    ¡°He¡¯s amazing, isn¡¯t he?¡± said Mikel as he left the classroom, glancing at his parchment covered in notes. ¡°He knows all kinds of dark magic inside and out. I made up a spell so convincingly, but he saw through it¡­ Not everyone can be a fraud like that Lockhart.¡±


    Kyle looked at him for a moment, debating whether to tell Mikel that the spell he had invented already existed¡ªit was actually called the ¡°Vanishing Spell.¡± S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    After all, making objects disappear on contact is exactly what the Vanishing Spell does. Just as the Transfiguration Spell can¡¯t conjure food, the Vanishing Spell doesn¡¯t work on anything living. It wouldn¡¯t have taken Moody to spot that; any wizard with a hint of sense would know that spell was made up.


    Otherwise, the Killing Curse would have been dropped down to second place on the list ages ago. After all, in terms of sheer practicality, it¡¯s a rather inefficient spell.

 Chapter 479: True Vanishing Spell

    During lunch, Cedric eagerly asked how Professor Moody lesson had gone.


    ¡°It was fantastic!¡± Mikel couldn¡¯t wait to chime in. ¡°I have a feeling Defense Against the Dark Arts will be way better this year than it was before. Even Lupin¡­ Of course, I don¡¯t mean Professor Lupin wasn¡¯t good, but compared to learning spells, dealing with Dark creatures was a bit dull.¡±


    ¡°Oh¡­ I can¡¯t wait to see for myself¡­¡± Cedric said, feeling an itch of excitement at Mikel¡¯s description. But no, he reminded himself¡ªthey wouldn¡¯t have Defense Against the Dark Arts until Friday, and now he had to head out for Herbology.


    Cedric hurried off downstairs, and Kyle walked into their next classroom to get their textbooks organized.


    When class began, Professor McGonagall arrived promptly. Rather than starting the lesson, she spent the first fifteen minutes stressing the importance of the O.W.L. exams.


    ¡°You must understand that this exam can shape your future for years to come!¡± she declared, her expression stern as she stood at the front of the class. ¡°But I have every confidence that each of you is capable of achieving an O.W.L. in Transfiguration¡ªprovided you dedicate the time and effort required¡­¡±


    First emphasizing the importance of the exam, then affirming the students¡¯ abilities¡­ Hmm, very typical of Professor McGonagall.


    After fifteen minutes, she finally stopped and picked up her textbook. ¡°Today¡¯s lesson is critical, and I expect you all to give it your undivided attention. We¡¯re going to learn the most challenging spell on the O.W.L. exam: the Vanishing Spell.¡±


    She demonstrated it for the class, successfully making a snail disappear from the lectern.


    ¡°Aha¡­¡± Before Professor McGonagall could continue, Mikel let out a strange laugh, sounding as though he¡¯d accidentally taken the wrong potion and was overly excited.


    ¡°Mr. Derrick!¡± Professor McGonagall¡¯s voice cut sharply. ¡°If you find something amusing about this lesson¡­¡±


    ¡°Sorry, Professor McGonagall, I apologize¡­¡± Mikel said quickly, though he couldn¡¯t completely hide the triumphant look on his face. ¡°It¡¯s just¡­ In the last class, Professor Moody asked us to name dark magic spells, and I said Vanishing Spell, but he told me there was no such magic¡­ which, obviously, was wrong, wasn¡¯t it?¡±


    For once, Mikel felt ecstatic, thinking he¡¯d managed to outsmart a professor¡ªand a famous one at that.


    Professor McGonagall seemed slightly puzzled, so she leaned down and asked Kyle, who was sitting nearby, to explain what had happened in Moody¡¯s class.


    After listening, she stood back up and looked at Mikel. ¡°I¡¯m afraid Professor Moody was right, Mr. Derrick. The Vanishing Spell is not classified as dark magic.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Mikel blurted out, clearly taken aback. ¡°But the snail just now¡­¡±


    Before he could finish, Professor McGonagall waved her wand again, and the snail reappeared on the lectern as if it had never vanished.


    ¡°First, you need to understand why the Vanishing Spell is part of Transfiguration,¡± Professor McGonagall explained. ¡°It doesn¡¯t make objects disappear in the same way as this spell you mentioned, for instance. Instead, it transforms the object into a state of nothingness¡ªwhich you might also think of as an invisible ghost or air. But the object itself still exists, and as long as you know the correct counter-spell, such as the Reversal Spell or the Untransfiguration Spell, it can be brought back.¡±


    ¡°Huh?¡± Mikel stood there, stunned, his mouth agape.


    ¡°Alright, sit down,¡± said Professor McGonagall, motioning for him to take his seat. ¡°I won¡¯t deduct points this time, but next time, I hope you¡¯ll be more diligent and look into the proper definition of dark magic. And remember, that¡¯s your job to research in your own time, not during Transfiguration class.¡±


    With that, she handed each student a snail to use for practice.


    Kyle looked at the snail on his desk, feeling thoughtful. Recently, his focus had been on interspecies transformations and complex transformations. With everything that had happened over the holidays, he hadn¡¯t thought much about the Vanishing Spell in Transfiguration.


    Everyone began attempting the spell, and Kyle picked up his wand, pointing it at the snail as Professor McGonagall had demonstrated. However, instead of disappearing, the snail changed from its original taupe color to an off-white. Only after waving his wand again did he manage to make the snail vanish with an .


    It took him two tries to get it right, and Kyle realized that the Vanishing Spell was almost as challenging as performing a fifth-level transformation.


    Professor McGonagall, who had been observing nearby since the students began practicing, couldn¡¯t help but nod approvingly after seeing Kyle¡¯s progress.


    ¡°Very good, someone has already finished!¡± she called out, drawing everyone¡¯s attention. ¡°As a reward, ten points to Hufflepuff!¡±


    The class showed little surprise. When they heard it was Hufflepuff and saw Kyle standing beside her, they just went back to their own work as though it were a routine occurrence. After all, Kyle¡¯s classmates had grown accustomed to this over the past five years. S§×arch* The NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Professor McGonagall didn¡¯t linger on the announcement and was about to move on to check on the others when Kyle suddenly called out, ¡°Professor McGonagall, I have a question!¡±


    ¡°Oh?¡± she turned back, raising an eyebrow.


    Kyle hesitated briefly before asking, ¡°Can the Vanishing Spell be used on oneself?¡±


    Ever since Professor McGonagall had explained the principle behind the Vanishing Spell, he had been considering the implications. The spell essentially transformed objects into a state of nothingness without fully erasing their existence, a concept tantalizingly close to true intangibility. If one could use the Vanishing Spell on themselves, they could theoretically move about unseen and undetected, almost invincible¡ªuntouchable by curses, Fiendfyre, and many forms of detection. It would be an incredible feat.


    Professor McGonagall¡¯s eyes glinted with interest as she looked at him. ¡°When I first encountered the Vanishing Spell, I had the same thoughts,¡± she admitted. ¡°In theory, it is possible¡­ but it¡¯s an incredibly difficult task. Far more difficult than you might think. Even I cannot do it.¡±


    ¡°You can¡¯t either?¡± Kyle frowned. ¡°Is it really that hard?¡±


    ¡°The difficulty of the Vanishing Spell increases with the complexity of the object being vanished,¡± Professor McGonagall explained quietly. ¡°Snails and caterpillars are among the simplest forms, yet most students require a long time to master the spell even at that level. Many won¡¯t be able to vanish a creature as complex as a mouse until around Christmas, or even Easter. By seventh year, students who can vanish an iguana will easily pass their N.E.W.T.s in Transfiguration.¡±


    She paused, studying Kyle¡¯s expression. ¡°And there¡¯s more to it. A wizard¡¯s own magical power plays a considerable role in performing the Vanishing Spell on oneself. The stronger the wizard, the greater the resistance the spell faces. Our bodies instinctively reject such a transformation on a deeply subconscious level, making it nearly impossible to control.¡±


    ¡°So¡­ does that mean it¡¯s outright impossible for a wizard to vanish themselves?¡± Kyle asked, frowning. Humans are far more complex than iguanas, he reasoned. Attempting the Vanishing Spell on oneself would require a staggering foundation of magical power. But paradoxically, the more power one has, the more resistance they would encounter¡ªa self-defeating cycle.


    ¡°No, it¡¯s not entirely impossible,¡± Professor McGonagall said with a small smile. ¡°I just haven¡¯t succeeded yet myself. But¡­ I would be thrilled to see you accomplish it one day.¡±

 Chapter 480: A Novel Experience

    Kyle and Professor McGonagall¡¯s exchange was overheard by many students. Yet for those still struggling to vanish a simple snail, the conversation might as well have been in another language. They weren¡¯t equipped to join in such a high-level discussion, and they couldn¡¯t understand it anyway, so they focused on their battles with the snails in front of them.


    The two Transfiguration classes flew by, and by the end, only Kyle and Kanna had completed the task. As a reward, Professor McGonagall gave both of them a ten-point boost for their house and excused them from homework. Only those two were spared from the task; everyone else had to practice the Vanishing Spell overnight and turn in a five-foot essay by the following afternoon.


    The classroom erupted in groans of protest. For most, this was a staggering load. Many were only just realizing the true intensity of fifth-year coursework. Last year, assignments had been three feet long at most, and now they were facing five-foot essays, nearly double the workload.


    Mikel and Ryan, in particular, looked crestfallen. It wasn¡¯t just the amount of work¡ªit was that Kyle didn¡¯t have to do it, which meant they¡¯d lost their best reference for the assignment.


    Later in the afternoon, they had two back-to-back Charms lessons. Like Professor McGonagall, Professor Flitwick began with a serious reminder of the importance of the fifth-year exams, telling them that they¡¯d need to work harder than ever to meet their potential. When the lesson ended, the students watched him anxiously, half-dreading what was to come. Professor Flitwick didn¡¯t disappoint, assigning a sizable load of homework.


    Thankfully, since the next Charms class was the very next morning, the assignment was shorter¡ªjust three feet. But this still didn¡¯t lift the spirits of the weary students.


    By dinner that evening, the fifth years were notably quiet. Even Mikel, usually the life of the table, ate without a word, quickly finishing his meal and then dashing off to the library. With a total of eight feet of homework to get through, no one could afford to waste time.


    Cedric observed their silent determination with a knowing expression. Having gone through it all himself, he recognized the struggle. But, like Kyle, he had often found himself exempt from extra assignments, lightening his workload.


    And this was only the first day.


    In the days that followed, the fifth-year students came to fully grasp the realities of their O.W.L. year. Ten feet of homework each day became the norm, alongside a constant stream of spells and charms they had to master. Even Divination, which was supposed to be light, turned into a chore when Professor Trelawney required them to record their dreams and make detailed prophecies from ¡ªat least three times a week.


    Their time in the library grew with each passing day, and their favorite games of wizard chess and Exploding Snap were left untouched. Once, Kyle heard one of the chess pieces in the common room muttering angrily from the corner, complaining about the dust that had gathered from lack of use.


    In fact, so many students were recording dreams about assignments in the library that nearly half of their Divination work started to sound strikingly similar.


    While his classmates toiled, Kyle appeared almost relaxed. With so many homework exemptions, he actually visited the library less and less¡ªKanna did the same. In the common room, they were the only two fifth-years who could afford a quick round of Exploding Snap, and many students looked on with thinly veiled envy.


    One Saturday, Kyle awoke to an empty dormitory. Mikel and Ryan had left early to work in the library, leaving only their made-up beds behind. He couldn¡¯t believe he was the last to wake up, and for a brief moment, he felt a twinge of guilt.


    Leaving the dormitory, he saw Kanna already waiting for him in the common room, seated in an armchair with a high stack of Exploding Snap cards ready on the table.


    After breakfast in the Great Hall, the two of them headed up to the Room of Requirement on the eighth floor together.


    ¡°Are you ready?¡± Kyle asked, opening the suitcase.


    ¡°I¡¯ve been ready for ages,¡± Kanna replied, and without hesitation, she jumped into the suitcase.


    The room inside was familiar, but this time, it felt different. With Kyle by her side, she didn¡¯t have to worry about running into any dragons unprepared. The space wasn¡¯t large, and she¡¯d seen most of it last time, so her gaze went straight to the door.


    ¡°Follow me¡­¡± Kyle said, reading her thoughts, and led the way.


    In the next instant, Kanna froze, stunned. She¡¯d expected that any place housing a dragon would be spacious, but she hadn¡¯t anticipated that the room would be this enormous.


    She stood on tiptoe, but still couldn¡¯t see the end of the space. ¡°You didn¡¯t bring the Forbidden Forest in here, did you?¡± she asked, half-jokingly.


    ¡°No, no¡­¡± Kyle shook his head. ¡°It¡¯s a bit smaller than the Forbidden Forest¡ªmaybe half the size.¡±


    As he spoke, he extended an arm to grab the Niffler, who was attempting to snatch something from his pocket, and casually tossed the little creature back into the bushes. But Kanna was too captivated by the landscape before her to notice.


    To her surprise, the room contained several distinct climates. Directly ahead was a lush forest, but next to it stretched an endless desert, and across from that, a snowy landscape with fresh snow falling. Each zone was separated from the others by narrow paths, like distinct sections of a wizard¡¯s chessboard.


    Just then, a shadow passed overhead, casting the two of them into sudden shade. sea??h th§× N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Kanna looked up and gasped¡ªa massive dragon, several dozen feet long, was swooping down from the sky, landing gracefully in front of them. It was Norbert, the same dragon that had scared Ron senseless earlier.


    Kanna felt a jolt of instinctive fear, but Norbert didn¡¯t even glance at her. Instead, the dragon lowered his massive head¡ªroughly the size of a small table¡ªtowards Kyle in a familiar, almost affectionate gesture. Kyle braced himself, but even so, he was still knocked back several meters from the impact.


    ¡°Oh dear¡­¡± he muttered, rubbing his chest, as Kanna struggled to hold back her laughter. ¡°I¡¯ve warned him about this, but he never listens. You¡¯ll want to be careful when you¡¯re here on your own¡ªit¡¯s no fun getting hit by him.¡±


    Kanna laughed, a mix of nervousness and amusement, eyeing the enormous creature with lingering apprehension. She made a mental note that she¡¯d never venture here alone without Kyle.


    ¡°Is this really a dragon?¡± she couldn¡¯t help but ask.


    ¡°What else would it be?¡± Kyle replied with a grin, patting Norbert on the head. ¡°It¡¯s certainly not a tabby cat¡­¡±


    Kanna mused to herself.


    Kyle noticed her hesitant curiosity and smiled. ¡°Do you want to pet him?¡±


    ¡°Can I?¡± Kanna¡¯s eyes lit up. She¡¯d never had the chance to touch a dragon before.


    ¡°Of course, go ahead¡ªdon¡¯t worry.¡±


    Encouraged by Kyle¡¯s reassurance, Kanna took a deep breath and reached out, gently placing her hand on Norbert¡¯s side. The dragon¡¯s scales were rougher than she¡¯d imagined, and pleasantly warm, like a wall next to a roaring fireplace.


    Kyle then led her around to Norbert¡¯s back. Climbing on, Kanna¡¯s face broke into a wide smile. The sensation was completely new to her, exhilarating and a little surreal.


    Norbert, however, was less pleased. He snorted, releasing a small puff of flames, and though he remained still with Kyle there, he expressed his displeasure by swishing his tail, thudding it against the ground with a loud, rhythmic

 Chapter 481: The Clever Weasley Brothers

    For Kanna, this was her first time being so close to a Dragon, a completely new experience. But Norbert, clearly unfazed, felt no such novelty. The moment the two disembarked, Norbert straightened, turned his back to them, and took off without so much as a backward glance. Almost deliberately, he gave his tail a hard flick, aiming to splash Kyle with dirt as a parting gesture.


    Unfortunately for Norbert, he didn''t exactly have the skill set of a Chaser. The clod of dirt sailed in a wide arc and, rather than hitting Kyle, landed directly on the head of the Niffler, who had just crawled out from a nearby bush. The poor creature, bewildered and unaware of what had hit it, was flung back into the bushes with a series of disgruntled squeaks trailing behind it. sea??h th§× N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°Oh¡­ with that much dirt, I hope it¡¯s okay,¡± Kanna said, looking concerned.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry,¡± Kyle replied, noting the spirited sounds coming from the Niffler. ¡°Not only will it be okay, but it¡¯s also probably cursing us out by now.¡±


    With that, he brushed off any concern for it and continued onward with Kanna.


    Kyle''s suitcase, though quite large, was primarily designed for Norbert¡¯s comfort, allowing the Dragon more space to move about freely. In terms of other magical creatures, however, his collection was sparse. Over the years, he had managed to gather a few Bowtruckles, Mooncalves, and Fwoopers from the Forbidden Forest, but with them scattered across the vast area, the place still felt rather empty¡ªespecially the snowy zone, which had no residents at all.


    Kanna, however, was undeterred. Everything in the suitcase seemed to captivate her. She soon noticed a wide clearing up ahead, filled with rows of round cabbages neatly planted in the soil.


    ¡°Is this food you¡¯ve prepared for the Mooncalves?¡± she asked curiously. ¡°Growing these must have been quite a chore.¡±


    ¡°It was,¡± Kyle admitted, ¡°but these aren¡¯t for the Mooncalves.¡± He added, ¡°And be careful not to go running in there. In a way, those cabbages are even more dangerous than the Dragon.¡±


    To demonstrate, he picked up a fallen branch and tossed it at one of the cabbages. The cabbage, which had looked perfectly ordinary, suddenly split down the middle, revealing a wide mouth bristling with sharp teeth. It chewed the branch into bits, making a loud crunching noise as it did.


    ¡°Is that¡­ Chomping Cabbage?¡± Kanna asked, wide-eyed.


    ¡°Exactly,¡± Kyle nodded. ¡°So be cautious when passing by. See that vine hiding behind the rock? That¡¯s a Venomous Tentacula. And over there in the row of planters? Those hold Mandrakes. Oh, and watch out for the Devil¡¯s Snare nearby. To its left, those yellow flowers? That¡¯s Belladonna. Don¡¯t touch them; if the pollen gets on you, you¡¯ll be miserable for days.¡±


    As Kyle listed off the plants, Kanna¡¯s expression grew increasingly perplexed. There didn¡¯t seem to be a single harmless plant here¡ªeverything was either toxic or dangerously aggressive. In this context, the patches of Dittany and rue nearby seemed oddly out of place, as though they¡¯d been planted just to reduce the area¡¯s overall threat level.


    And then there was the Dragon¡­


    Kanna blinked, unable to resist asking, ¡°You¡¯re not preparing for the Triwizard Tournament, are you?¡±


    She mulled over the idea. If all these creatures and plants were unleashed at once, it would create obstacles few could overcome¡ªunless the competition involved a duel with Professor Dumbledore himself. After all, a single Dragon alone could turn the entire tournament on its head.


    "The Triwizard Tournament? No, of course not. I just like growing plants; it''s purely a personal hobby." Kyle shook his head. "Besides, I¡¯m not even sure if I¡¯ll get selected as a champion. And there are some things in here I can¡¯t exactly show off¡ªlike the Dragon and Venomous Tentacula. If word got out that I had them, the Aurors would be knocking on my door at the Ministry of Magic."


    ¡°You know¡­¡± Kanna muttered.


    Kyle, however, remained unconcerned. This place was so well-hidden that no one else could possibly find it, making it perfectly secure. And even if someone did find out, he wouldn¡¯t be too worried. After all, Newt had plenty of experience in these matters, and Kyle could easily borrow a few of his solutions if needed.


    Kanna stayed in the suitcase until noon before finally leaving. During her time there, she sketched a rough map on a piece of parchment. Wary of losing it, she kept her notes simple, using different colors to indicate each area¡¯s level of danger. The safer zones, like the bushes and the patches of Dittany and Rue by the entrance, were shaded in pale yellow and pinkish white, marking the Niffler¡¯s territory and the flower beds.


    A circle in the sky-colored area was drawn in red, which Kyle guessed represented Norbert. The zone with the Chomping Cabbages and Venomous Tentacula, however, was marked in solid black.


    The parchment was a chaotic blend of colors, and her drawing style was so abstract that it resembled something out of Kyle was sure that if anyone else tried to decipher it, they¡¯d have no clue what it was meant to depict.


    They returned to the small room by the entrance, where Kanna carefully stashed her parchment before following Kyle out of the suitcase. The two then headed to the Great Hall for lunch. Kanna hadn¡¯t eaten much that morning, and after trekking around inside the suitcase, she was starving. If not for her hunger, she probably would¡¯ve stayed in there all day.


    As they walked from the eighth floor down to the foyer, they reached the entrance to the Great Hall¡ªonly to be ambushed by Fred and George, who jumped out from either side, blocking their path.


    ¡°You must¡¯ve been in the suitcase!¡± declared George, looking quite sure of himself before Kyle could even say a word.


    ¡°How¡¯d you know?¡± Kyle asked, a bit surprised.


    ¡°Because we went looking for you!¡± replied Fred.


    ¡°But you weren¡¯t in the common room¡­¡±


    ¡°Or the library, or Hagrid¡¯s hut¡­¡±


    ¡°And the Room of Requirement was locked¡­¡± George finished with a knowing grin. ¡°So, naturally, you must¡¯ve been in there with Kanna, looking through the suitcase without anyone else finding out!¡±


    ¡°Alright, alright, you caught me,¡± Kyle said with a shrug. ¡°It¡¯s the weekend, after all, so I had some extra time.¡±


    ¡°Kyle, don¡¯t tell me you¡¯re forgetting what you promised us¡­¡± Fred said, narrowing his eyes. ¡°George, I think we need to give this forgetful gentleman a little reminder.¡±


    ¡°I couldn¡¯t agree more, Fred,¡± said George, grinning wickedly.


    The twins cracked their knuckles, then pulled out a handful of Dungbombs from their pockets. There were over a dozen, all from Zonko¡¯s latest and ¡°improved¡± batch, with a more potent aroma than before. If they let them all off, the entire Great Hall would be practically uninhabitable.


    ¡°Alright, let¡¯s not be hasty,¡± Kyle said, raising his hands in surrender. ¡°It was just a quick tour of the suitcase; of course, I remembered. But you weren¡¯t in the Great Hall this morning, so I couldn¡¯t exactly grab you.¡±


    ¡°The Room of Requirement is right next to our common room,¡± Fred said, eyes narrowing further. ¡°You could¡¯ve come to get us¡­¡±


    Kyle smirked. ¡°Would you believe me if I said I just¡­ forgot?¡±


    Fred gave a dry chuckle. ¡°What do you think?¡±


    ¡°Alright, how about this afternoon,¡± Kyle suggested. ¡°I¡¯ll take you there after lunch.¡±


    Fred and George exchanged glances, then finally lowered their arsenal of Dungbombs.


    ¡°Alright, you said it,¡± they agreed in unison.

 Chapter 482: Sirius Retrial

    After promising Fred and George he¡¯d take them to the suitcase after lunch, Kyle finally managed to get some peace and quiet. Not wanting to risk Kyle sneaking off, the twins opted to stay close, forgoing the Gryffindor table to sit with him at Hufflepuff instead.


    Having been at the Hufflepuff table many times before, Fred and George casually took seats on either side of Kyle, greeting everyone nearby with familiar ease. They felt confident that their plan was foolproof, but plans, as it turned out, could change. S~ea??h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Just as Kyle finished his last bite of tortilla, Dumbledore appeared unexpectedly in the Great Hall and headed straight for the Hufflepuff table.


    ¡°Kyle, could you come with me for a moment... if you¡¯re done eating,¡± he said.


    ¡°Certainly, Professor,¡± Kyle replied, waving goodbye to the stunned Weasley twins before following Dumbledore out of the Great Hall.


    ¡°I¡¯ve just received some news,¡± Dumbledore said as they strode briskly toward the doors. ¡°Sirius¡¯s retrial has been set for one o¡¯clock, and Cornelius has invited us to attend. We can go together, if that¡¯s agreeable to you.¡±


    ¡°Of course I¡¯ll go, Professor, but... can I actually attend?¡± Kyle asked hesitantly.


    ¡°Yes,¡± Dumbledore assured him. ¡°Fudge specifically mentioned you. He said that as the one who first uncovered the evidence, you have every right to be there. He also noted that today¡¯s date was chosen because Hogwarts is closed for the weekend.¡±


    Kyle shrugged, unconvinced. He doubted Fudge would go out of his way for such a trivial reason. If timing were the concern, wouldn¡¯t it be more convenient to hold the retrial over the holidays?


    ¡°He probably wants a witness,¡± Kyle muttered, ¡°to add legitimacy.¡±


    ¡°Cornelius is very thorough,¡± Dumbledore replied, neither confirming nor denying Kyle¡¯s suspicion. ¡°After all, we have you to thank for this discovery, and your presence will make the proceedings less controversial. Furthermore, as a second-class Order of Merlin recipient, you hold a place in the Wizengamot, even though you¡¯ve yet to graduate.¡±


    ¡°The Wizengamot?¡± Kyle said, surprised. ¡°Does that mean I get a vote, too?¡±


    Dumbledore didn¡¯t answer directly, offering only a polite smile.


    ¡°Right, I get it,¡± Kyle said. Apparently, his ¡°say¡± was quite literal... as in, being able to greet the others, but little more.


    Dumbledore didn¡¯t head for the school entrance but instead stopped in a field near the edge of the Black Lake. Extending his arm, he said, ¡°There¡¯s less than ten minutes until the retrial begins, so I think we¡¯d better hurry.¡±


    Kyle took his arm, and in a dizzying whirl, he opened his eyes to find himself standing in a grand hall.


    Kyle didn¡¯t bother asking Dumbledore how he was able to Apparate within Hogwarts grounds. It wasn¡¯t necessary. For wizards of Dumbledore¡¯s caliber, such limitations had little effect. And as headmaster, he could easily grant himself temporary permissions when needed.


    ¡°Oh, Professor Dumbledore, you¡¯re finally here,¡± said a tall figure approaching from across the hall.


    ¡°I can hardly believe it. Black might actually be innocent. It¡¯s been twelve years since his case was settled.¡±


    ¡°I was as surprised as you were when I heard the news, Kingsley,¡± Dumbledore replied, shaking his hand. ¡°So, what happens now? Are we on time?¡±


    ¡°No, the retrial will start promptly at one o¡¯clock. We¡¯re just in time,¡± Kingsley confirmed, casting a glance at Kyle. He didn¡¯t question why Dumbledore had brought a student, clearly having been informed ahead of time.


    ¡°Come with me. The retrial will be in Courtroom Three...¡±


    Kingsley led the way, with Kyle following close behind. Exiting the hall, they entered another grand chamber packed with wizards, likely a few hundred, all moving hurriedly.


    ¡°This way,¡± Kingsley said, as they merged into the crowd. With Dumbledore behind them, the throng parted politely, many stepping aside to make room.


    They soon passed a table labeled ¡°Security Check,¡± where wands were being inspected, and a long queue had formed. However, Kingsley walked right past it without stopping, and the wizard inspecting wands pretended not to notice, turning instead to handle the wand of the next person in line.


    ¡°Oh¡­ why are they allowed through without inspection?¡± asked a man with a thick accent from the middle of the line, pointing to Kyle. ¡°That child... it¡¯s obvious he¡¯s not an employee...¡±


    The previously quiet line erupted with murmurs, and people craned their necks to get a look at the speaker, speculating on which distant corner of the world he must be from to ask such an oblivious question.


    Couldn¡¯t he see who was with the boy?


    The wand inspector looked up with a smirk and replied lazily, ¡°If your name is Albus Dumbledore, feel free to go through now¡­¡±


    A burst of laughter followed.


    By this time, Kyle and Dumbledore had crossed the hall and entered an elevator. It was already crowded, but the occupants greeted Dumbledore warmly.


    ¡°Long time no see, Albus. I suppose you¡¯re here because of Black?¡± said a bald wizard holding a cardboard box.


    ¡°Yes, Ackerley,¡± Dumbledore responded.


    ¡°It¡¯s incredible,¡± said the wizard, whose name was apparently Ackerley. ¡°Everyone in the Ministry eligible to attend is here, and I¡¯d bet it¡¯ll be on The Daily Prophet¡¯s front page for the next month. If Black¡¯s conviction is overturned, it¡¯ll stay there even longer.¡±


    At that moment, a cold female voice announced:


    ¡°Level 7, Department of Magical Games and Sports, including the headquarters of the British and Irish Quidditch Leagues, the Official Gobstones Club, and the Ludicrous Patents Office.¡±


    The elevator doors opened to a cluttered corridor lined with various Quidditch posters.


    ¡°Oh, this is me,¡± said Ackerley, stepping out. ¡°See you next time, Albus.¡±


    ¡°Until next time,¡± Dumbledore replied as the doors slid shut again.


    The elevator continued, passing the Department of Magical Transportation and the Department of International Magical Cooperation. After that floor, they were the only three passengers left in the lift.


    They went on past the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures, and the Department of Magical Accidents and Catastrophes, nearing their destination.


    Finally, the voice announced: ¡°The Department of Magical Law Enforcement, including the Office for the Prevention of Misuse of Magic, Auror Headquarters, and the Wizengamot.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re here,¡± said Dumbledore.


    Following Kingsley, they stepped out of the lift and entered a hallway lined with doors.


    ¡°Come quickly. We need to hurry,¡± Kingsley said, turning left and leading them down another corridor. They passed Auror Headquarters, its walls covered with portraits, before finally stopping at a heavy wooden door.


    ¡°This is Courtroom Three,¡± Kingsley said. ¡°Someone suggested using Courtroom Ten, but thankfully the Minister didn¡¯t agree. It¡¯s been abandoned for ages, and it¡¯s so far down that even the lift doesn¡¯t reach it. This room is much better¡ªat least it¡¯s brighter and doesn¡¯t smell musty... You can go in now.¡±


    Kyle approached the door, and even through the thick wood, he could hear the rumble of voices inside.

 Chapter 483: The Retrial Begins

    Kingsley escorted them to the door, then returned to Auror Headquarters. Dumbledore turned the iron handle, and he and Kyle entered the courtroom. The moment the door opened, the noise swelled around them.


    Kyle took in the scene. The walls of the courtroom were made of black stone, with narrow windows high up near the ceiling. The dim light filtering through cast a somber atmosphere over the room. On either side, rows of benches rose in tiers, filled with people whispering intently.


    ¡°Albus, you¡¯ve come at last,¡± Fudge said, hurrying over. ¡°Here¡¯s the problem¡ªI¡¯m not sure if the owl reached Black... if he doesn¡¯t show up, this retrial will be a complete farce.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Cornelius,¡± Dumbledore said calmly. ¡°He¡¯s already here.¡±


    ¡°What...?¡± Fudge looked behind Dumbledore in surprise.


    With a flash of flame, Fawkes the Phoenix appeared, flapping his wings as he materialized on Dumbledore¡¯s shoulder. Alongside him, transported by Fawkes, stood a gaunt, pale man¡ªSirius Black. He looked exactly as he had in prison, with tangled hair and a scruffy beard, clothed in worn and dirty robes. His face was ashen, and he swayed unsteadily on his feet, looking as if he might collapse at any moment.


    Kyle understood Sirius¡¯s condition. Anyone who experienced Phoenix-assisted Apparition for the first time often felt shaken.


    Seeing Sirius, Fudge let out a sigh of relief. He had been anxious that Black might not appear, which would have turned the retrial into a mockery. Thankfully, he had made it.


    Fudge cast a bewildered glance at Dumbledore, then turned and headed back to his place on the steps. Without Fudge blocking the view, the entire room caught sight of Sirius. A swell of murmurs filled the space, reminiscent of the roar of a Quidditch stadium. Kyle even heard someone shout, ¡°Aurors, arrest the fugitive!¡± as if they didn¡¯t grasp the purpose of this gathering.


    ¡°Silence!¡± Fudge commanded. ¡°Everyone is finally here. Let us begin.¡±


    Instantly, the courtroom fell silent. S§×ar?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Sirius drew a deep breath and, under the scrutiny of hundreds, walked slowly to the central chair, his gaze steady despite his weakened state.


    ¡°I don¡¯t understand, Minister,¡± came a cold voice from the benches. ¡°You¡¯ve captured the fugitive. Just toss him back in Azkaban or hand him over to the Dementors. Why waste time on a retrial?¡±


    ¡°Patience, Barty,¡± Fudge replied slowly. ¡°I have received substantial evidence that Black may, in fact, be innocent.¡±


    A murmur rippled through the courtroom once again.


    ¡°Rubbish!¡± Bartemius Crouch retorted, his face reddening with indignation. ¡°Twelve years ago, an entire street witnessed that he¡¯d betrayed the Potters and killed Peter Pettigrew, who confronted him.¡±


    ¡°But as I understand it,¡± Fudge replied smoothly, ¡°people only heard someone shouting accusations. No one actually saw what happened. And what would you say if I told you Peter Pettigrew is still alive?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s impossible!¡± Crouch exclaimed.


    ¡°Nothing is impossible,¡± Fudge said, ignoring Crouch¡¯s intensifying scowl. He raised his voice toward the door, ¡°Bring him in.¡±


    The door opened, and Dawlish entered, all eyes following him. But as they realized he was alone, attention shifted to the cage he held, bound in chains.


    Crouch¡¯s expression darkened as Dawlish opened the cage and tipped out a half-dead rat onto the floor.


    "Don''t tell me is Peter Pettigrew!" Crouch demanded coldly.


    Fudge said nothing, glancing at Dumbledore as if seeking confirmation.


    "Allow me," Dumbledore replied, stepping forward and drawing his wand. "Show yourself immediately!"


    A blue light cascaded over the rat, which immediately began twisting and growing, limbs and a head taking shape. Moments later, a short man stood before them, his thinning hair askew, with a large bald patch on top, a pointed nose, and small, greenish eyes that still hinted at his time spent as a rat.


    A collective gasp went through the crowd, and several witches and wizards shrieked, leaping to their feet as they recognized Peter Pettigrew.


    "This can''t be..."


    "He''s supposed to be dead..."


    "What in Merlin''s name is going on?"


    Crouch also rose, his face drained of color. Meanwhile, a group of Aurors approached to verify Peter¡¯s identity.


    Kyle noticed that, the moment Peter transformed back, Sirius¡¯s fists clenched, his eyes flaring with deep-seated hatred. He was breathing heavily, as if he could barely restrain himself from lunging at the man who had betrayed him. Yet somehow, he managed to hold himself back.


    ¡°Everyone¡­¡± Auror Director Scrimgeour¡¯s voice boomed as he put away an empty vial. ¡°This is indeed Peter Pettigrew.¡±


    "Excellent¡­" Fudge said, deliberately avoiding Crouch''s gaze as he went through the formalities. ¡°With all parties present, I hereby declare the commencement of the retrial of Sirius Orion Black, accused of murdering twelve Muggles, betraying the Potters, and causing the explosion on a London street in November 1981.¡±


    ¡°Inquisitors: Cornelius Oswald Fudge, Minister of Magic; Amelia Susan Bones, Director of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement; Bartemius Crouch, Director of the Department of International Magical Cooperation¡­ and Gilbert Wimple, Court Scribe.¡±


    "Witness: Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore," Dumbledore was announced, rising to his feet.


    As Kyle hesitated, unsure if he, too, should stand, he felt a subtle but firm pressure on his shoulder, as if an invisible hand were reassuring him to stay seated. Kyle glanced at Dumbledore, sensing his silent message, and remained still.


    Fudge shot a brief look in Kyle¡¯s direction but didn¡¯t comment. He nodded at Dumbledore. ¡°Then please, Witness Dumbledore, state your testimony. When did you learn that Peter Pettigrew was still alive?¡±


    ¡°Thanks to the remarkable perception of a keen student, who noticed an Animagus hiding in plain sight¡­¡± Dumbledore replied, gesturing subtly toward Kyle. For a moment, Kyle felt all eyes on him, but the focus quickly returned to Dumbledore, as the crowd waited to hear his explanation.


    Dumbledore recounted the details he¡¯d previously shared with Fudge, explaining how Peter had been the Potters¡¯ Secret Keeper, betraying them to Voldemort, and framing Sirius. As he spoke, the reactions from the inquisitors and the assembled wizards varied: some looked shocked, others angry, but many appeared skeptical.


    When Dumbledore mentioned that Peter had been the Secret Keeper, Crouch abruptly stood again.


    ¡°Where is the proof?¡± he interrupted rudely. ¡°Peter may have hidden his survival due to fear of Death Eater retaliation, but that doesn¡¯t make him guilty of everything!¡±


    Crouch¡¯s gaze shifted to Peter, as if expecting him to offer a defense. But he was disappointed. Peter remained motionless on the floor, silent, not responding even when addressed directly.

 Chapter 484: Caught Skipping School?

    Peter¡¯s unusual behavior quickly drew attention. His vacant, almost dazed state struck many as unnerving, not to mention suspicious. If Scrimgeour hadn¡¯t already verified Peter¡¯s identity, some might have assumed Dumbledore had conjured him with a Transfiguration spell¡ªor even controlled him with the Imperius Curse. Though that idea seemed absurd, it wasn¡¯t entirely out of the question.


    Scrimgeour soon approached Peter again. As an Auror rather than a Healer from St. Mungo¡¯s, he was unsure how to address Peter¡¯s unresponsiveness, so he cast a few standard diagnostic spells.


    ¡°No issue,¡± Scrimgeour concluded, shaking his head. ¡°He¡¯s probably in shock, unable to process the situation, which explains his behavior.¡±


    Fudge exhaled in relief; the scenario he¡¯d feared had not come to pass.


    ¡°I propose we temporarily adjourn the retrial!¡± Crouch announced abruptly. ¡°Clearly, Pettigrew is unfit to be questioned in his current state. I suggest we send him to St. Mungo¡¯s, and resume once he¡¯s capable of coherent communication.¡±


    Immediately, several voices on the benches behind him echoed in agreement.


    ¡°I agree¡­¡±


    ¡°Yes, send him to St. Mungo¡¯s first¡­¡±


    There was a considerable show of hands in support of Crouch¡¯s proposal.


    Fudge¡¯s eyes narrowed. ¡°Barty, I don¡¯t believe that¡¯s necessary,¡± he said icily. The entire point of holding this retrial was to blindside Crouch; agreeing to delay would undermine his strategy.


    Turning to a stern-looking witch with glasses beside him, Fudge asked, ¡°Amelia¡­ if I¡¯m not mistaken, under these circumstances, we¡¯re permitted to use Veritaserum, correct?¡±


    Amelia Bones, Director of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, hesitated a moment, then nodded. ¡°Yes, that¡¯s correct,¡± she affirmed. While Veritaserum was not standard in trials, it was permissible if the subject refused or was unable to cooperate. Moreover, it was often used in cases with high stakes¡ªand Peter Pettigrew¡¯s case met both conditions.


    ¡°I object!¡± Crouch¡¯s voice was sharp with anger. ¡°While Director Bones is well-versed in the Wizengamot Trial Act, we must not forget that a majority vote from the judges is required to authorize the use of Veritaserum. Therefore, I call for a vote. I believe Peter Pettigrew should be sent to St. Mungo¡¯s.¡±


    Crouch raised his hand, and others quickly followed suit. However, at first, only about a third of the assembly supported his proposal.


    Then, a voice from behind Crouch spoke up. ¡°Remember, Veritaserum has its drawbacks. If Pettigrew¡¯s memory has been tampered with, his testimony could be unreliable. Sending him to St. Mungo¡¯s would allow us to verify his memories as well.¡±


    This argument swayed more judges, and slowly, more hands rose in agreement with Crouch. A quick glance was enough to confirm that the opposition now outnumbered those in favor of Veritaserum.


    Fudge¡¯s confidence wavered as he glanced repeatedly at Dumbledore, looking for support. But Dumbledore and Sirius Black remained silent, watching the proceedings unfold.


    When the tally was complete, fifty-nine of the hundred judges present had voted against using Veritaserum.


    "The opposition has the majority," said Amelia. "The proposal to use Veritaserum is rejected. The trial will proceed."


    Fudge¡¯s panic deepened. He had been so sure of his plan: publicly reveal Peter Pettigrew¡¯s staged death, use Veritaserum to expose the truth, and then deliver a powerful blow to Crouch. But now, without Veritaserum, things were unraveling. If Pettigrew was sent to St. Mungo¡¯s for treatment, who knew when¡ªor if¡ªhe would be fit to testify? It could take months, or even just a few days, but any delay would give Crouch ample time to prepare, rendering Fudge¡¯s well-laid strategy completely useless.


    Fudge glanced at Dumbledore again, hoping for support, but Dumbledore continued to look on passively.


    Meanwhile, a smug voice broke the silence. "And let¡¯s not forget Black¡¯s escape,¡± said a wizard with satisfaction, as if eager to exploit the situation further.


    ¡°But he was trying to prove his innocence,¡± an elderly witch protested. ¡°Dumbledore already explained that Black recognized Pettigrew¡¯s Animagus form in the paper and tried to¡ª¡±


    Before she could finish, the man interrupted coldly, ¡°Intentions aside, Black¡¯s escape severely damaged the Ministry¡¯s reputation. Because of him, we receive at least three howlers every week.¡±


    He paused before continuing, "I propose that while Pettigrew undergoes treatment at St. Mungo¡¯s, we prioritize extracting a confession about how he managed to evade capture all these years. And, as a precaution¡­ he should be returned to Azkaban under Dementor supervision!"


    Though he hadn¡¯t directly accused Dumbledore of deception, the implication hung in the air, hinting that Dumbledore might be guilty of tampering with Pettigrew¡¯s memory or even perjury. The accusation was bold, and many in the room looked uneasy.


    Even Crouch¡¯s face twitched with disapproval at the insinuation, though he said nothing, opting instead to proceed. "Then we shall move to a second round of voting. Shall we suspend the retrial and send Pettigrew to St. Mungo¡¯s for a full memory examination¡­?"


    ¡°Oh, pardon me, please, just a moment.¡±


    Dumbledore, who had remained silent until now, finally stepped forward. He moved calmly to the front of the room, drawing every eye.


    ¡°Mr. Bizzetta,¡± he said in a mild tone, ¡°I understand your concerns. You are, of course, correct. Without an authoritative examination, I have no way to prove that I haven¡¯t tampered with Peter¡¯s memory.¡±


    Hearing these words, Bizzetta¡¯s initial flash of panic quickly faded. He looked relieved, assuming Dumbledore had conceded. Without absolute confirmation that Pettigrew¡¯s memory was intact, the trial could not resume. Not even Dumbledore, with his reputation and influence, could override the Wizengamot¡¯s authority without damaging its integrity. Sear?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Fudge¡¯s heart sank, as he realized his plans were slipping through his fingers.


    But just when everyone thought the retrial would end hastily...


    ¡°However, we do not necessarily need Veritaserum,¡± Dumbledore said calmly. ¡°Any magic leaves a trace, especially magic involving the soul, such as the Fidelius Charm. When a wizard conceals a secret within their soul, that secret remains a part of them for life¡ªit cannot be erased.¡±


    ¡°What are you getting at?¡± Bizzetta asked, sounding impatient. ¡°If you¡¯re trying to teach a lesson, perhaps you¡¯d best get that student back to Hogwarts...¡±


    ¡°Oh, you misunderstand,¡± Dumbledore replied with a slight smile. ¡°I simply wanted to explain that no matter how securely a secret is hidden by magic, traces of it can be found if one knows where to look. The Fidelius Charm, too, leaves a trace.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s impossible!¡± Crouch interjected. ¡°To my knowledge, there is no means of breaking the protection of a Fidelius Charm.¡±


    ¡°Ordinarily, that¡¯s true,¡± Dumbledore agreed. ¡°But if a Secret Keeper deliberately goes against their role, exposing the very secret they were meant to protect, the magic weakens. Fortunately, I happen to have a friend who is skilled in detecting traces of such magic. She has agreed to assist us with a small task.¡±


    He turned to Fudge with a cheerful expression. ¡°Cornelius, would you mind inviting her in? I believe she¡¯s waiting just outside the door.¡±


    ¡°Oh, of course, no problem,¡± Fudge replied, relieved, and gestured to the guard.


    The heavy doors swung open once more, and a figure stepped into the room¡ªa person in a long black robe with intricate golden patterns around the cuffs and hood.


    ¡°This uniform¡­ That¡¯s an Unspeakable!¡± someone whispered in awe.


    Kyle¡¯s eyes widened as his heart began to race. He never expected that the ¡°friend¡± Dumbledore was talking about was Diana¡ªhis own mother.


    ¡°I¡¯m grateful you could join us,¡± Dumbledore said warmly. ¡°I¡¯ll leave the rest in your capable hands.¡±


    ¡°Gladly,¡± Diana replied with a nod, casting a meaningful glance at Kyle, who instinctively ducked his head, suddenly feeling very small.


    Though the headmaster himself had brought him here, Kyle couldn¡¯t shake the uneasy feeling of being caught out of bounds by his own mother.

 Chapter 485: The Fidelius Charm

    Fortunately, Diana¡¯s gaze did not linger on Kyle. She turned her attention directly to Peter Pettigrew.


    ¡°Is that him?¡± she asked quietly.


    ¡°Yes,¡± Dumbledore replied, nodding. ¡°From here, I leave it to you, Diana. I trust you¡¯ll reveal the truth, if indeed he is the one who betrayed Lily and James.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll do my best¡­ if he truly is the traitor,¡± Diana said softly. ¡°But I need one more component¡­ Ah, there it is.¡±


    She looked toward the doorway, where two more Unspeakables entered, both wearing black robes similar to hers. They were guiding a large, floating tank filled with an ink-green liquid. Although the tank seemed no bigger than a small suitcase, the two Unspeakables handling it were visibly struggling, sweat beading on their foreheads and hands trembling as they held their wands. S§×ar?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    A few younger wizards exchanged puzzled glances, wondering why such seasoned Unspeakables appeared exhausted by a task that seemed trivial. If only they understood the weight of the object.


    The two men approached Peter Pettigrew and carefully set the tank down with a heavy, echoing thud, revealing the true density of the object within.


    ¡°That was tough,¡± one of them panted, wiping sweat from his brow. ¡°You have thirty minutes of use. That should be enough.¡±


    ¡°More than enough,¡± Diana assured him. ¡°Thank you, Bode, Croaker.¡±


    ¡°Happy to help,¡± replied Croaker, a blonde-haired wizard, waving a hand dismissively. ¡°Truthfully, I graduated from Gryffindor a year behind Lily. She was remarkable¡­ a great person, gone too soon.¡±


    With a heavy sigh, he stepped back, leaving Diana to proceed.


    Diana wasted no time. She drew her wand and tapped it lightly against the surface of the tank. Immediately, ripples formed on the surface of the dark green liquid, as if something was rising up from the depths.


    Kyle leaned forward, watching intently. Gradually, a pale white object emerged, suspended in the liquid. It looked like a brain, but with long, delicate tendrils extending from it¡ªa jellyfish-like structure that seemed alive.


    ¡°This¡­ this is from the Brain Room in the Department of Mysteries!¡± someone whispered. ¡°I saw it once when I was there to deliver documents¡­¡±


    Crouch looked as if he were about to protest, but Dumbledore stepped forward before he could speak.


    ¡°I believe we all wish to know the truth, and this is our most reliable means of uncovering it,¡± Dumbledore said, his voice calm yet resolute. ¡°Memories can be manipulated, but not the soul itself. I give you my word as a recipient of the Order of Merlin, First Class, Headmaster of Hogwarts, and Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot.¡±


    The courtroom fell into complete silence.


    After what felt like an eternity, Fudge finally regained his composure, tapping his gavel on the table. ¡°I, too, give my word on this matter.¡±


    ¡°And I,¡± Madam Bones added solemnly.


    Anyone at the Ministry holding a director-level position or higher knew something of the Department of Mysteries and its secrets, although these mysteries were bound by powerful, unbreakable constraints against full disclosure. The nature and purpose of the Department of Mysteries could be hinted at, but never fully explained.


    ¡°Now, let¡¯s vote,¡± Fudge announced, tapping his gavel again. ¡°Do you agree to allow the Unspeakables to examine Peter Pettigrew¡¯s soul?¡±


    ¡°I agree,¡± Fudge said, raising his own hand. Madam Bones followed suit, and, one by one, more wizards raised their hands in agreement. Within moments, the number in favor exceeded the halfway mark, quickly solidifying the majority needed to proceed.


    Many of those who had initially supported sending Pettigrew to St. Mungo¡¯s had only done so out of a desire to confirm the integrity of his memory and uncover the truth. Now that a more direct and authoritative option was available, they offered no objections. Those like Crouch and Bizzetta sat in tense silence, unable to alter the outcome.


    ¡°Sixty-seven in favor,¡± Madam Bones declared. ¡°Then let us begin.¡±


    Diana nodded. With a deft flick of her wand, the jellyfish-like brain rose from the tank and hovered over Peter Pettigrew¡¯s head.


    The entire room fell silent, each person holding their breath and watching her movements with rapt attention. Even within the Ministry, few had ever seen an Unspeakable perform magic involving the soul, and the rarity of this sight filled the crowd with an uneasy curiosity.


    As Diana prepared to proceed, a dense, dark blue mist suddenly materialized around her, enveloping both her and Peter and obscuring them from view.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on¡­?¡± whispered several voices, while others rose in alarm. A few even drew their wands, ready to dispel the mist.


    ¡°Calm down, everyone,¡± Croaker said firmly. ¡°This is a protective measure. When dealing with matters of the soul, it¡¯s crucial to guard against magical interference or unintended effects. The mist ensures precision and safety for the spell.¡±


    ¡°But how are we supposed to know what¡¯s happening in there?¡± someone demanded, their voice laced with suspicion.


    ¡°There¡¯s no need to worry,¡± Croaker assured them, gesturing toward the tank. ¡°All you need to do is watch here.¡±


    At that moment, a long, translucent tentacle extended from the fog and connected to the tank, causing the dark green liquid within to shift and swirl. The liquid turned a pale, sky-blue color, resembling an oversized, cloudy crystal ball.


    All eyes were on the tank as the mist within it slowly coalesced, and after a few tense moments, an image began to form in the ethereal blue haze.


    Peter Pettigrew appeared in the image, looking younger and far healthier than his present state, kneeling with an expression of reverence. Then, another figure materialized beside him, sending a chill through the room. Though twelve years had passed, everyone recognized the figure immediately¡ªVoldemort, his pale face and snake-like, scarlet eyes unmistakable.


    A collective gasp rippled through the audience as they watched. But just as suddenly as it appeared, the image of Voldemort dissolved, as though someone had stirred the fog with an invisible wand. The mist reformed, displaying a new image¡ªthis time, a shimmering golden inscription.


    It read:

 Chapter 486: Charges Dismissed

    Upon seeing the thin line of golden text, nearly all the older wizards in the courtroom rose instinctively. Their eyes, filled with undisguised anger, fixed on the spot still shrouded in dense fog.


    As people who had lived through those chaotic years, they recognized it instantly: the Fidelius Charm. When the charm was cast, these words would transform into golden runes and hide within the caster''s soul. Many of those present had narrowly escaped death by relying on this magic and understood its implications all too well.


    It was now certain¡ªPeter Pettigrew, not Black, was the real Secret Keeper!


    "Damn it!" Outbursts of anger erupted throughout the room.


    Crouch¡¯s face darkened. Despite Dumbledore¡¯s testimony, he hadn¡¯t truly believed in Black''s innocence until now¡ªor rather, he had clung to the notion that Fudge had somehow duped Dumbledore with an elaborate ruse. Back then, everyone knew that Potter and Black were inseparable. By all logic, the Secret Keeper couldn¡¯t have been the cowardly and timid Peter.


    They had trusted without a second thought, as though their common sense had been swapped out and given to someone else.


    "Traitor..." Crouch muttered, clenching his fists so tightly that the quill he held snapped in half.


    The murmurs in the courtroom grew louder. The thick fog lifted quickly, revealing Diana as she stepped forward. "Professor Dumbledore, I''ll leave the rest to you."


    "Of course, that¡¯s why we¡¯re here," Dumbledore replied with a smile. "Thanks to you, or else Sirius would be facing real trouble..."


    ¡°I only came to help Lily, not some arrogant fool,¡± Diana said, pointedly ignoring Black.


    ¡°Besides, Headmaster, if I remember correctly, isn¡¯t there a rule at Hogwarts that says fifth-year students can¡¯t leave on weekends?¡±


    Dumbledore¡¯s smile faltered for a split second, though he replied smoothly, ¡°Indeed, but as it was the minister¡¯s invitation¡ªand Kyle insisted on coming¡ªwell, there wasn¡¯t much I could do.¡±


    ¡°Really¡­¡± Diana glanced toward the corner.


    Kyle, who had been hunched over, trying to make himself invisible, shivered and cautiously looked up just as Diana and the two other Unspeakables were leaving the courtroom, taking the tank with them.


    "Phew..." he sighed with relief, sitting up straighter.


    After that, the trial proceeded far more smoothly. Faced with undeniable evidence, those who had initially voiced objections fell silent. Some still raised concerns about Sirius Black¡¯s escape from Azkaban, but Fudge deftly postponed any detailed discussion with his polished diplomatic skills.


    He was curious himself about how Black had managed to escape the fortress-like prison, but now was not the time for that inquiry. They would investigate it later; they had all the time in the world.


    Finally, to expedite the trial¡¯s conclusion, Sirius volunteered to take Veritaserum or undergo Legilimency to prove his innocence.


    Fudge accepted, and since this was a voluntary offer, no further vote was required.


    Soon, Scrimgeour returned with a small vial in hand.


    ¡°I think one drop should be enough,¡± said Dumbledore. ¡°We don¡¯t need to ask too many questions.¡±


    ¡°I understand,¡± replied Scrimgeour.


    As the single drop of Veritaserum touched Sirius¡¯s tongue, his features softened, and his gaze drifted blankly toward the ceiling.


    ¡°Can you hear me?¡± asked Scrimgeour.


    Sirius¡¯s eyelids fluttered a few times. ¡°Yes,¡± he murmured.


    ¡°I want you to tell us,¡± Scrimgeour said in a steady voice, ¡°who was the Secret Keeper for the Potter family twelve years ago.¡±


    Sirius took a few shaky breaths before answering in a flat, detached tone. ¡°Peter Pettigrew was the Secret Keeper.¡±


    ¡°Why did you choose him?¡±


    Sirius¡¯s eyelids twitched. ¡°I thought it would be safer if I was out in the open, acting as bait, so that no one would suspect the timid Peter.¡±


    ¡°And who blew up the Muggle street afterward?¡± Scrimgeour pressed on.


    ¡°Peter Pettigrew¡­¡±


    Under the Veritaserum¡¯s influence, Sirius recounted the entire story of how he¡¯d arranged for Peter to be the Secret Keeper instead.


    To be honest, as the full story unfolded, most people in the courtroom didn¡¯t react with sympathy. Instead, they found themselves with the same thought as Crouch¡­ Black really had made a foolish decision. If anything, he ought to have asked the Unspeakables if they could lend him a brain. What should have been a straightforward solution had turned needlessly complicated.


    After their internal criticisms, however, everyone let out a collective sigh. Regardless, Sirius had paid a heavy price for his error, spending twelve years unjustly imprisoned in Azkaban. He had paid for his foolishness many times over.


    When Sirius finished, Scrimgeour looked at him with a mixture of feelings, then held a vial to his lips, administering the counter-potion. He¡¯d been considering recruiting Sirius into the Auror Office once he was officially exonerated, but now¡­ he decided it merited further thought. Aurors required more than just strength.


    As the potion took effect, the dazed look faded from Sirius¡¯s eyes, and he blinked, shaking his head slightly as he regained clarity.


    ¡°I think the matter is settled,¡± Fudge said from the platform, clearing his throat. ¡°So, all in favor of declaring Sirius Black innocent, please raise your hands.¡±


    One by one, hands rose around the courtroom. In moments, more than half were raised¡ªincluding Crouch¡¯s.


    ¡°Ninety-five votes!¡± Madam Bones called out in a firm voice. S§×arch* The N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°Very well,¡± Fudge said, standing with a broad smile. ¡°On behalf of the Ministry of Magic, I hereby declare that all charges against Sirius Orion Black from 1981 are officially dropped, his arrest warrant nullified, and he will be released today, fully exonerated with his wand privileges restored.¡±


    The courtroom erupted in applause as everyone stood, clapping with enthusiasm.


    Sirius sat motionless, stunned, his gaze drifting over the crowd before falling on Peter, still lying on the ground. A wave of unreality swept over him¡ªwas he truly free?


    He drew several deep breaths and then looked up at Dumbledore, his expression almost pleading for confirmation.


    ¡°What are you waiting for?¡± Dumbledore smiled warmly. ¡°If you have enough Galleons with you¡­ would you like to take a stroll down Diagon Alley? It¡¯s changed quite a bit since you last saw it twelve years ago. And I¡¯ve heard Ollivander hasn¡¯t left his shop today¡ªhe should be able to help you pick out a new wand.¡±


    ¡°Of course¡­ of course, Professor Dumbledore,¡± Sirius said, his voice catching as his eyes grew misty, a laugh breaking through his tears. ¡°I¡¯ve dreamed of going back to Diagon Alley.¡±

 Chapter 487: Every Glass is an Elixir of Euphoria

    With Dumbledore¡¯s help, Sirius finally rose to his feet and slowly made his way toward the door.


    As the retrial concluded, word of what had happened spread through the Ministry like wildfire. By the time Sirius emerged from Trial Chamber 3, the corridor was packed with people, all watching him, applauding.


    Sirius wasn¡¯t even sure how he managed to walk down the long corridor and into the elevator, through the lobby, which was also filled with people clapping for him. It felt as though minutes had passed, or perhaps hours, and when he finally became aware again, he was standing on the bustling streets of London, surrounded by strangers and free at last.


    He lifted his arms to the sky and simply stood there, soaking in the feeling, oblivious to the puzzled glances of passersby.


    Behind him, Dumbledore and Kyle took their time following. Kyle was mulling over whether he should stop by Diagon Alley for some shopping, but when he glanced up, he noticed Dumbledore looking at him with a strange expression. There was a fleeting look of apology mixed with pity, but it vanished as quickly as it had appeared.


    Seeing Dumbledore¡¯s usual gentle smile, Kyle brushed off the moment, figuring he was just a little lightheaded from the dim, stuffy courtroom. After all, Dumbledore had done so much to secure Sirius Black¡¯s acquittal¡ªwhat could he possibly feel sorry for?


    Kyle looked again toward Sirius, who was still standing with his arms outstretched, as though he could remain that way forever if no one urged him to move. At that moment, a man in a suit, mistaking Sirius¡¯s stance for some kind of performance art, hurriedly dropped a coin onto the step in front of him before scurrying away.


    A few minutes later, an owl flew overhead, and suddenly, Dumbledore had a copy of in his hands. He sat down on a nearby bench like an elderly gentleman enjoying a peaceful stroll and unfolded the paper.


    The headline on the front page read in bold print:


    Below it were two photos: one was his infamous wanted poster, and the other showed him in the courtroom, surrounded by people applauding.


    The article painted Sirius as a tragic figure who had endured twelve years of darkness to avenge his friend.


    ¡°When did they take that photo?¡± Kyle asked, surprised. ¡°I don¡¯t remember anyone bringing a camera into the courtroom¡­¡±


    ¡°Clearly someone did, though we didn¡¯t notice,¡± Dumbledore replied with a chuckle. ¡°These reporters are remarkably clever. Once, someone even published a photo of me as a child in a duel, claiming it was proof of my ¡®lifetime of deception¡¯¡­ If I could, I¡¯d buy that photo myself.¡±


    ¡°Enough of that,¡± he said, standing up and brushing off his robes. ¡°Let¡¯s head to Diagon Alley. I¡¯m rather in the mood for hazelnut and peanut ice cream.¡±


    Sirius opened his eyes just then, lowered his aching arms, took in a few deep breaths of London air, and then turned to join them, walking toward the Leaky Cauldron.


    After taking a few steps, Sirius turned back, bent down, and picked up the coin from the ground, carefully wiping the dust off of it.


    ¡°This is a Muggle coin, isn¡¯t it?¡±


    Kyle leaned over for a look. ¡°Seven-sided¡­ yes, that¡¯s a fifty pence piece. In Gringotts, it¡¯d be worth about two Sickles.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll keep it as a souvenir,¡± Sirius said with a smile, tucking the coin into his pocket.


    The three of them continued on to the Leaky Cauldron. The lively noise inside immediately fell silent when Dumbledore, leading the way, pushed open the door. Every pair of eyes turned to Sirius. Someone began clapping, and soon, a few people approached to welcome Sirius back with hugs.


    ¡°Oh, Black¡­¡± said Tom, the barkeep, coming over with a large glass of Butterbeer. ¡°Hope you¡¯ll forgive me for keeping your wanted poster up. This one¡¯s on the house.¡±


    ¡°Thanks, Tom,¡± said Sirius, accepting the glass and draining it in one gulp. He had tasted many Butterbeers before, including those Lupin had snuck him over the past few months, but none had ever tasted as sweet as this one.


    ¡°Now that,¡± he said, licking his lips, ¡°was fantastic. Tom, I suspect you added a dash of Elixir to Induce Euphoria¡­¡±


    Tom chuckled. ¡°From now on, every drink¡¯ll taste like Elixir to Induce Euphoria.¡± S§×arch* The Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The room broke out in laughter. After thanking the crowd and politely declining more offers to drink, Sirius followed Kyle and Dumbledore out the back entrance to Diagon Alley.


    ¡°How does it feel?¡± Kyle asked.


    ¡°It couldn¡¯t get better than this,¡± Sirius replied, grinning. ¡°Tom said he¡¯d buy me drinks for a month. I¡¯m coming back tomorrow and staying all day¡ªcan¡¯t wait to see the look on his face.¡±


    Kyle grinned, choosing not to say more. Sirius didn¡¯t seem to realize just yet that he was currently the talk of the town. His presence alone would bring crowds to the Leaky Cauldron, and old Tom would be thrilled with the business. It was a win-win situation.


    They rounded a corner and stepped onto the main street of Diagon Alley. Sirius, looking like a first-year before the start of term, wanted to explore every shop. Before long, his arms were laden with gifts from shopkeepers who insisted he accept them free of charge.


    Thanks to Sirius¡¯s popularity, both Kyle and Dumbledore found themselves with complimentary hazelnut and peanut ice creams as well.


    Their first stop was Madam Malkin¡¯s, where Sirius received a brand-new set of robes. Next was Ollivander¡¯s, where he purchased a new wand for fifteen Galleons. (New Hogwarts students typically paid seven Galleons, so perhaps his wand had been given the full retail price¡ªor perhaps new students got theirs at cost.)


    As they passed Quality Quidditch Supplies, Sirius offered to buy Kyle a Firebolt as a thank-you gift.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be modest,¡± Sirius said, patting his chest. ¡°It¡¯s just a few Galleons. I got Harry one¡ªit¡¯s no big deal.¡±


    But Kyle politely declined. ¡°No, really. I wouldn¡¯t be able to use it anyway.¡±


    With no Quidditch season at Hogwarts this year, Kyle had little need for a Firebolt. Besides, who knew if a newer model might be released next year? He could always wait.


    The three of them spent the afternoon visiting nearly every shop on the street¡­ well, almost every shop. Flourish and Blotts remained untouched. It seemed that Sirius had cast a Banishing Charm on the bookstore in his mind; he didn¡¯t pause or even glance at it as he jogged past. The shopkeeper, who had been standing in the doorway with a stack of books to gift Sirius, could only watch as he hurried away.

 Chapter 488: The Portrait’s Game

    By the time Kyle returned to Hogwarts, evening had fallen. Sirius, in his jubilant return to society, had splurged on an enormous pile of goods from Diagon Alley, some for himself and some for Harry, then asked Kyle to carry it all back. Kyle couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that Sirius¡¯s extravagant spree was a kind of ¡°revenge spending,¡± a way to celebrate finally being able to live openly again.


    Who spends over 2,000 Galleons on Diagon Alley in one go? And that solid gold cauldron... was it really meant for potions? One scratch and you¡¯d feel guilty forever. But there was no talking Sirius out of it. He had to have it, no questions asked¡ªhe was a true spendthrift.


    Just as they had left, Kyle returned by Apparition, reappearing in the headmaster¡¯s office.


    ¡°Hahaha!¡± A loud, gleeful laugh filled the room as Kyle arrived. It was shrill and almost strangled, like a goose caught in a fence.


    ¡°Dumbledore, I heard it all from the old hag,¡± said Phineas Black¡¯s portrait, wearing a smug expression. ¡°My great-grandson acquitted! Haha, I knew it. There could never be a traitor in the Black family! The Ministry of Magic is getting worse by the day. Those buffoons couldn¡¯t see an obvious setup if it slapped them in the face¡­ But at least the minister has some sense.¡±


    The other portraits gave Phineas a wide berth, looking at him with a mixture of pity and mild annoyance.


    ¡°Oh, do shut up, Phineas,¡± said a bearded wizard, rolling his eyes. ¡°You might fool others, but don¡¯t kid yourself. Need we remind you of what you said about Sirius Black? Should we refresh your memory?¡±


    ¡°Yes¡­¡± a nearby witch chimed in with a smirk. ¡°You were the loudest voice condemning him back then. Now you¡¯re blaming everyone else? Shameful.¡±


    ¡°Nonsense, you must have misheard,¡± Phineas replied, stretching his neck in defiance. ¡°I¡¯ve always said¡ªhow could I possibly doubt a Black?¡±


    At this, the other portraits let out a collective scoff.


    At that moment, a tall, slender witch with jet-black hair snuck up behind Phineas, holding a heavy, round shield she¡¯d acquired from somewhere. With perfect timing, she swung it down and smacked Phineas on the head.


    ¡°Who exactly did you just call an ¡®old hag¡¯?¡± she demanded.


    Phineas, stunned, collapsed onto the ground, looking thoroughly dazed. Without missing a beat, the other portraits swarmed him, launching a barrage of punches and kicks. For no particular reason, it had somehow become a favorite pastime among the portraits to pummel Phineas¡ªpurely out of habit.


    The headmaster¡¯s office echoed with the sounds of fists and feet and Phineas¡¯s indignant yelps, filling the room with banshee-like shrieks.


    ¡°Professor, you must lead a very thrilling life,¡± Kyle said, laughing.


    ¡°Ah, indeed,¡± Dumbledore replied with a smile, picking up a piece of flannel from his desk and moving toward the ruckus. ¡°But at times, they¡¯re simply too noisy.¡±


    ¡°Oh, and don¡¯t you have to find Harry?¡± he added. ¡°Better hurry along¡ªthe Gryffindor password should still be ¡®Balderdash.¡¯¡±


    ¡°Right.¡± Kyle nodded, heading toward the door. ¡°Well, goodbye, Professor¡ªand Fawkes¡­¡±


    The headmaster¡¯s office wasn¡¯t far from Gryffindor Tower. All Kyle had to do was follow the corridor, take a turn at the end, and he¡¯d be right there.


    ¡°Password!¡± the Fat Lady called out dutifully.


    ¡°Balderdash,¡± Kyle replied.


    Instead of opening the door, however, the Fat Lady gave him a suspicious look. ¡°You¡¯re not a Gryffindor. I don¡¯t think I¡¯ve seen you before.¡±


    It seemed she had become a bit more cautious since Sir Cadogan¡¯s removal the previous year. S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°I suppose you just found a scrap of parchment with the password on it somewhere and thought it would be amusing to try it out?¡± she asked pointedly.


    ¡°Not quite¡ªI¡¯m a Hufflepuff,¡± Kyle replied smoothly. ¡°But the headmaster himself gave me the password. I just came from his office, and I need to see Harry Potter.¡±


    ¡°Headmaster?¡± The Fat Lady¡¯s expression softened slightly, though she still looked doubtful. ¡°Fine, but don¡¯t go breaking any rules. Or you won¡¯t be getting through this door again.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry,¡± Kyle assured her with a grin, ¡°I¡¯m a model student, not a record-breaker when it comes to rule-breaking.¡±


    ¡°Oh, and by the way,¡± he added with a smile, ¡°the headmasters¡¯ portraits are currently having a lively go at Headmaster Black, so if you hurry, you might catch it.¡±


    The Fat Lady¡¯s eyes sparkled. ¡°My dear, I take back what I said¡ªyou must be a remarkable young wizard.¡±


    With that, she slipped out of her frame, and the door swung open, allowing Kyle entry. He stepped through the portal and followed the short corridor into the Gryffindor common room.


    Being a weekend, the common room was busy with students. Kyle scanned the room and soon spotted the familiar trio seated around a table in the corner. Hermione was absorbed in her homework while Ron and Harry were engrossed in a game of wizard chess, animatedly discussing ways to make themselves appear a year older.


    ¡°I think the Ageing Potion might work,¡± Ron was saying as he captured one of Harry¡¯s pieces. ¡°Fred says he could whip up a potion that¡¯d age you by a year. Bit pricey, though¡ªten Galleons.¡±


    ¡°Ten Galleons?¡± Harry repeated. ¡°That¡¯s not exactly cheap.¡±


    ¡°But I¡¯m their brother,¡± Ron said smugly. ¡°They¡¯ll give it to me for five Galleons. Fred says that¡¯s just covering the ingredient costs¡ªno profit for them. And honestly, it¡¯s the only surefire way... checkmate!¡±


    He directed his knight to Harry¡¯s king, a victorious grin on his face.


    ¡°Now if only I had the five Galleons,¡± Ron added, sighing.


    ¡°I¡¯ll cover it,¡± Harry said, moving his king a square over with a quick move. ¡°But don¡¯t expect a Christmas gift from me this year.¡±


    ¡°Fair enough,¡± Ron chuckled. ¡°Or maybe if I win the Triwizard Tournament, I¡¯ll pay you back out of the prize money¡ªthat¡¯s a thousand Galleons, easy.¡±


    ¡°Yeah,¡± Harry sighed wistfully. ¡°Imagine if we could both be champions.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s impossible,¡± Hermione interjected, glancing up from her book. ¡°There¡¯s only ever one champion from each school. It¡¯s right here in ¡­ Oh, Kyle! What are you doing here?¡±


    ¡°Come on, Hermione,¡± Ron said, setting down his chess piece. ¡°I know Kyle¡¯s smart and all¡ªtop of his year and everything¡ªbut that doesn¡¯t mean he¡¯s a sure bet for the Tournament. I still have a shot.¡±


    ¡°Hey now,¡± Harry cut in with a grin, giving Ron a good-natured nudge. He put down his chess piece and turned to Kyle, who was now walking over.


    ¡°Welcome to the Gryffindor common room, Kyle. Are you looking for Fred and George? They¡¯ve been in the entrance hall on the first floor since after lunch¡ªthey haven¡¯t come back up, so you might want to check there.¡±

 Chapter 489: All of This Was Gifted by My Godfather

    ¡°Were Fred and George really in the entrance hall all afternoon?¡± Kyle thought to himself after hearing Harry¡¯s words. He quickly guessed that the twins must have been waiting there for him. Too bad he hadn¡¯t come through the main entrance.


    ¡°I¡¯m not here to see them,¡± Kyle said, shaking his head. ¡°Sirius Black asked me to bring you something.¡±


    ¡°Sirius?¡± Harry¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°Is he here at Hogwarts? No, that¡¯s too dangerous! I¡¯ll go find him right now!¡±


    He started rushing toward the common room door, but Kyle stopped him just in time. ¡°No, he¡¯s not here. And even if he was, it would be perfectly safe. The Ministry just finished his retrial, and he¡¯s been officially cleared of all charges.¡±


    Harry blinked, and then his face lit up with sheer joy. He grabbed Kyle¡¯s arm, his voice filled with excitement. ¡°Really? You¡¯re not joking?¡±


    ¡°Why would I joke about that?¡± Kyle said, smiling. ¡°The whole story¡¯s complicated, so it¡¯s better if you just read about it. There was a special reprint of this afternoon. By now, loads of people should have seen it.¡±


    Harry looked around at his classmates, hoping to spot someone with the latest paper, silently regretting that he hadn¡¯t subscribed himself.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry,¡± Kyle reassured him, ¡°your copy¡¯s already on its way by owl. In the meantime, how about you check out the things Sirius sent?¡± sea??h th§× Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Reaching into a Mokeskin pouch, Kyle began pulling out items one by one: a top-tier wand maintenance kit, gold-edged parchment, Siren-brand ink, Fwooper-feather quills, dragon¡¯s blood, dragon¡¯s liver, a sapphire-encrusted astrolabe, a massive tub of sweets, another filled with chocolates, and, finally, a solid gold cauldron.


    Each new item made Ron¡¯s jaw drop further. He recognized these as some of the most lavish and expensive goods from Diagon Alley¡ªthe sorts of things usually flaunted by the wealthiest Slytherins, like Malfoy. Never in his life did he expect to see them here, in the Gryffindor common room, intended for Harry.


    When Kyle took out the gleaming sapphire astrolabe and the solid gold cauldron, the entire common room seemed to sparkle. The warm, golden glow drew a crowd of onlookers, all staring in awe.


    Kyle clapped his hands once the last of the items was displayed. ¡°That¡¯s everything.¡±


    ¡°All of this¡­ is for me?¡± Harry asked, still a bit stunned.


    ¡°Partially,¡± Kyle replied, thinking for a moment. ¡°Sirius did want you to share some of it¡ªstationery, sweets, chocolates¡ªwith your friends. He bought way more than you¡¯d ever use alone.¡±


    That had been Sirius¡¯s exact thought, in fact. He had purchased twenty quills with Fwooper feathers, which even Harry would be unlikely to use up in a decade.


    Unless, of course, he suddenly developed an overwhelming interest in his studies¡­ but somehow, that didn¡¯t seem very likely.


    Harry hadn¡¯t fully processed everything, but as he noticed the eager, sparkling eyes around him, he pushed the items forward. ¡°Oh, right¡­ help yourselves!¡±


    ¡°Bless you, Potter!¡±


    ¡°Potter is our hero!¡±


    The crowd erupted with gratitude, each person picking out their favorite quills and handfuls of sweets. However, the more exclusive items¡ªthe sapphire astrolabe and the solid gold cauldron¡ªwere respectfully left untouched.


    Ron was grinning ear to ear as he carefully chose a red Fwooper feather quill, some gold-edged parchment, and a sizeable stash of sweets. He couldn¡¯t imagine ever using the elegant parchment for homework¡ªit would be a waste.


    Hermione, meanwhile, tucked the gold-edged parchment neatly into a large book, saving it for a special occasion, perhaps for a future letter to the Ministry of Magic. With about a dozen students in the common room, everyone managed to get something, and there were still a few quills and ink bottles left, along with half a bucket of sweets. Harry set them aside, planning to share them later with Ginny and Neville, who hadn¡¯t arrived yet.


    While the group was busy divvying up the goods, Kyle quietly slipped out of the common room. His task was done, and if he lingered much longer, he¡¯d likely get roped into an endless string of questions. Better to let Sirius handle the follow-up¡ªthis kind of interaction was a rare gift.


    Just as he closed the door, Kyle noticed someone standing awkwardly in the corridor.


    ¡°Neville¡­¡± Kyle said with a grin, ¡°Did you forget the password again?¡±


    ¡°No, I¡¯ve got it this time¡ªBalderdash¡­¡± Neville replied, holding up his hand, where the password was written. He looked a bit frustrated. ¡°But the Fat Lady isn¡¯t here.¡±


    Kyle glanced at the empty portrait frame, mumbling, ¡°Are they still beating up Phineas? Seems like they¡¯ve been at it for a while¡­¡±


    ¡°Huh?¡± Neville tilted his head, looking confused.


    ¡°Oh, nothing.¡± Kyle smiled. ¡°I just meant the Fat Lady might have popped over to another portrait. Hurry up and get in while the door¡¯s still open.¡±


    ¡°Thanks¡­¡± Neville said gratefully, slipping inside.


    Once the door shut, he let out a relieved sigh. ¡°Good thing Kyle was here, or who knows how long I¡¯d be stuck out there¡­ Wait, Kyle?¡±


    Realizing something, Neville looked around the familiar golden-red common room, the soft chairs and tapestries just as he remembered them. But wasn¡¯t Kyle in Hufflepuff? Why had he been in Gryffindor¡¯s common room?


    ¡°Neville!¡±


    Just as Neville was puzzling over this, Harry hurried over to him. ¡°Did you just see Kyle?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, he¡¯s the one who opened the door for me,¡± Neville replied.


    ¡°When was that?¡±


    ¡°Just a minute ago.¡±


    ¡°Oh¡­¡± Harry sighed in disappointment. ¡°I didn¡¯t get a chance to ask him all my questions.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± Neville asked, curious. ¡°Why was Kyle here?¡±


    ¡°He came to give me something,¡± Harry said, smiling as he handed a quill and ink to a bewildered Neville. He also offered him a handful of sweets from the large bucket. ¡°You¡¯re just in time. Help yourself! These are from my godfather.¡±


    ¡°Oh¡­ thank you,¡± Neville said, still a bit dazed, as he accepted the gifts.

 Chapter 490: Who Is the Godchild, After All?

    Neville had always thought that Harry only had an aunt and uncle¡ªpeople Harry had described as mean enough to deny him even a Hogsmeade permission form. Hearing now that Harry had a godfather came as a complete shock, even more surprising than seeing Kyle emerge from the Gryffindor common room.


    ¡°You have a godfather?¡± Neville exclaimed, wide-eyed. ¡°I¡¯ve never heard you mention it before!¡±


    ¡°I only found out recently myself,¡± Harry replied with a grin, stuffing sweets into Neville¡¯s pocket. Before, he¡¯d had no choice but to keep Sirius¡¯s existence a secret due to his fugitive status, but now that Sirius had been acquitted, he could finally share the good news openly.


    Harry kept his excitement in check, though. Since he hadn¡¯t yet read the official news or received a letter confirming it, he avoided mentioning Sirius¡¯s name directly.


    Hermione, watching Harry¡¯s excitement, felt a wave of happiness for him. She knew how much he had been hoping for this day. But¡­ she lowered her head thoughtfully, as if something was troubling her.


    Harry, meanwhile, was preoccupied with the candy bucket he¡¯d set down on the table, dividing his attention between the sweets and the window. Each time an owl flew by, he leapt up expectantly, only to sit back down with a disappointed sigh when it wasn¡¯t his.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you find something odd about all this?¡± Hermione asked suddenly.


    ¡°What¡¯s odd?¡± Harry murmured, distracted, his eyes still fixed on the window.


    ¡°Kyle,¡± Hermione replied firmly.


    ¡°What about him?¡± Ron asked, still fiddling with his new quill.


    ¡°Haven¡¯t you noticed?¡± Hermione¡¯s gaze shifted between them, her frustration clear. ¡°How exactly did Kyle know that Sirius was acquitted?¡±


    ¡°The newspaper, obviously,¡± Ron said, shrugging. ¡°He said rushed out an extra edition just because of it.¡±


    ¡°And these!¡± Hermione gestured at the golden cauldron on the table. ¡°These things were all bought by Sirius in Diagon Alley. If he wanted to send them to Harry, why didn¡¯t he just use an owl? Why did he go out of his way to have Kyle deliver them?¡±


    Ron looked up, and Harry stopped watching the window.


    They exchanged a glance, each thinking the same thing: if this was all meant for Harry, why had Kyle been the one to bring it? Had Sirius accidentally sent it to the wrong person? But that didn¡¯t make sense¡ªboth he and Kyle were here at Hogwarts.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you see?¡± Hermione continued, exasperated by their blank expressions. ¡°It¡¯s simple. I¡¯d bet anything that Kyle was with Sirius. He was in Diagon Alley, too!¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Ron said, taken aback. ¡°But¡­ that¡¯s impossible. How would he have gotten back without the Hogwarts Express?¡±


    ¡°There must be other ways,¡± Hermione reasoned. ¡°And remember, at lunch today, Professor Dumbledore called Kyle to his office and didn¡¯t come back until just now.¡±


    ¡°You think¡­¡± Harry frowned. ¡°Dumbledore already knew about the retrial and took Kyle outside the school?¡± S~ea??h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°That¡¯s my guess¡­¡±


    The three fell silent, struggling to understand why Dumbledore had chosen to tell Kyle before anyone else. Harry felt a pang of frustration. He was Sirius¡¯s godson, yet he was the last to know. Just as he was lost in thought, he felt a sharp peck on his hand.


    ¡°Ow!¡± He looked down and saw a Bludger-sized owl aggressively pecking his hand, a letter fastened beside it.


    ¡°Oh, it¡¯s from Sirius!¡± Harry said excitedly as he tore open the envelope, with Hermione and Ron immediately crowding in to read over his shoulder.


    Meanwhile, news of Sirius Black¡¯s acquittal had spread like wildfire through Hogwarts, thanks to . Those with subscriptions had eagerly shared the front-page news, and now students across the castle were abuzz, even setting aside talk of the Triwizard Tournament. The legendary tale of a man who had endured twelve years in Azkaban, only to emerge to right his wrongs, had captivated the entire school. For a castle full of enthusiastic teenagers, Sirius¡¯s story had all the elements of a thrilling epic.


    By dinner, nearly everyone in the Great Hall was talking about it. Fred and George, who had initially been intent on questioning Harry about a mysterious suitcase, had shifted their focus entirely to Sirius. Harry, in his excitement, had let slip that Sirius was his godfather, and word had quickly spread throughout Gryffindor. Now, his housemates¡ªand students from other houses¡ªwere desperate for any details that hadn¡¯t been printed in the paper.


    Around the tables, the speculation was rampant.


    ¡°I¡¯ll bet Black did it on purpose,¡± declared Mikel at the Hufflepuff table. ¡°He probably volunteered to be locked up in Azkaban just so he could go after the Death Eaters in there.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯d be tricky, though,¡± someone countered. ¡°The Dementors wouldn¡¯t make it easy for anyone, even him.¡±


    ¡°Exactly why he took twelve years,¡± Mikel replied confidently. ¡°And don¡¯t forget, he¡¯s the only person who¡¯s ever escaped. He must have figured out a way to deal with the Dementors.¡±


    His theory found plenty of eager supporters, nodding along as he explained. After all, if he¡¯d managed to escape, surely he¡¯d discovered a method to resist the Dementors. It made perfect sense.


    ¡°After he dealt with all the Death Eaters, he could finally get out, find the real traitor, and clear his name¡­ Genius.¡±


    Mikel¡¯s eyes sparkled with admiration. ¡°Imagine if Professor Dumbledore invited him to teach Defense Against the Dark Arts! No offense to Professor Moody, of course. I just mean¡­ for next year¡­¡±


    The infamous "curse" on the Defense Against the Dark Arts post at Hogwarts was well-known among the students. They¡¯d seen five different professors in five years, with none lasting beyond a single term. Even with Moody¡¯s legendary reputation as an Auror, they weren¡¯t holding their breath. After all, Gilderoy Lockhart had been famous too, and look how that turned out.


    The students weren¡¯t the only ones caught up in the news. In the staff room, the teachers were also deep in discussion. Dumbledore had managed to keep the whole matter under wraps, so most of the professors had only just learned of Sirius¡¯s innocence that day.


    Hagrid, in particular, was staring at the newspaper in astonishment. He¡¯d spent months grumbling about Black, more than once declaring that if he ever caught him, he¡¯d make him spend a miserable night dining in the dungeons¡ªor else he¡¯d turn himself into a Flobberworm. But now, everything had changed: Sirius was innocent, and the true traitor was someone else.


    ¡°What am I supposed to do now¡­¡± Hagrid muttered to himself, feeling torn between his pride and the desire to avoid eating his words¡ªor becoming a Flobberworm.

 Chapter 491: Has Nicolas Run Away?

    The next morning, Fred and George were waiting outside the Great Hall as soon as it opened, eager to dive back into Kyle''s suitcase. This time, they had brought along Cedric and Cho, making for a much livelier group compared to yesterday, when it had been just Kanna exploring the mysterious world inside.


    The moment Fred took in the vast expanse within the suitcase, he announced, ¡°Adventure time!¡± and dashed off with George toward the forest. Kyle simply watched with amusement as the two sprinted away, disappearing among the trees.


    ¡°Are you sure it¡¯s safe?¡± Cedric asked, looking a bit concerned. ¡°They won¡¯t run into anything dangerous, will they?¡±


    ¡°Nah,¡± Kyle reassured him with a wave. ¡°The only risky area is that clearing we saw earlier.¡±


    Cho, overhearing, shuddered at the thought of the massive field of Chomping Cabbages they¡¯d glimpsed earlier. She made a mental note to steer clear of that clearing for the rest of her life, just as Kanna had.


    Cedric, on the other hand, seemed intrigued by the unusual plants. Whether it was because Professor Sprout, their Herbology instructor, was also Hufflepuff¡¯s Head of House, or just his own curiosity, he even mused about growing a Devil¡¯s Snare himself someday.


    By noon, the Weasley twins returned from their adventure. The disappointed expressions on their faces made it clear they hadn¡¯t found quite what they¡¯d hoped for.


    ¡°So¡­ no Dragon?¡± Cedric teased, raising an eyebrow.


    Fred sighed. ¡°We saw one when we first came in¡ªa real Dragon! But it took off when it saw all of you with Kyle and didn¡¯t come back. We thought it might still be in the forest, so we went looking¡­¡±


    They had spent hours roaming through the suitcase¡¯s landscape, hoping for another glimpse of Norbert, but to no avail. As they left the suitcase, Fred and George continued talking animatedly, trying to convince each other that they could still find a way to see a Dragon up close without putting their lives at risk.


    Unfortunately, Norbert didn¡¯t seem interested in meeting them, and there wasn¡¯t much Kyle could do to change the Dragon¡¯s mind.


    ...


    But soon, thoughts of Dragons and adventures faded into the background, as on Wednesday morning, Snape returned to Hogwarts.


    He strode into the Great Hall, his black cloak billowing and his cold, piercing gaze sweeping the room. At the sight of him, many students groaned inwardly. They had dared to hope that Snape might be gone for good this year, and more than a few hadn¡¯t even bothered with their holiday Potions homework¡­ including Fred and George.


    The Slytherins, however, were delighted, standing up with loud applause to welcome back their Head of House.


    Kyle watched Snape as he crossed the Hall to speak briefly with Dumbledore. Snape¡¯s presence here meant Regulus¡¯s situation must have been resolved. For Sirius, this news would likely bring as much relief as his own hard-won freedom.


    Not everyone, however, shared in the happiness. Mikel and Ryan, Hufflepuff students, spent every free moment that morning scrambling to complete their Potions assignments. During their first class, History of Magic, no one paid them much attention as long as they stayed quiet, so they were able to work undisturbed. But Transfiguration was a different story. Professor McGonagall caught them red-handed, confiscated their hastily completed Potions homework, and assigned them an additional three feet of Transfiguration work on top of the original five. The two of them looked ready to cry.


    ¡°By the way¡­¡± Professor McGonagall added after doling out their punishment, turning to Kyle. ¡°The Headmaster would like to see you. The password is ¡®Pepper Imps.¡¯¡±


    ¡°I understand, Professor,¡± Kyle replied with a nod, unsurprised by the summons. After leaving the classroom, he parted ways with Kanna and headed alone toward the headmaster¡¯s office on the eighth floor.


    Inside, the office was unusually quiet. The portraits lining the walls were covered with thick velvet drapes, and Dumbledore sat behind his desk, waiting.


    ¡°I think you already know about Regulus,¡± Dumbledore began. ¡°He¡¯s no longer the creature we encountered at first.¡±


    ¡°I figured as much when I saw Professor Snape return this morning,¡± Kyle replied.


    Dumbledore nodded softly. ¡°Yes¡­ it took over two months, and it was far more complicated than I¡¯d anticipated. But, at last, it¡¯s been resolved.¡±


    Kyle hesitated, then asked, ¡°So what¡¯s going to happen to him¡­ to Regulus?¡±


    ¡°That, I don¡¯t know,¡± Dumbledore admitted, shaking his head. ¡°Sirius intends to take responsibility for his brother¡¯s future. He wants to arrange everything himself¡ªat least, until that person is completely eradicated. We don¡¯t need to take any further action until then.¡±


    ¡°Is that so?¡± Kyle murmured.


    He understood that Dumbledore was referring to Voldemort. Though he couldn¡¯t fully grasp why Sirius would make such a decision, he didn¡¯t press further.


    ¡°You have saved two innocent souls, Kyle,¡± Dumbledore said, standing up and smiling warmly. ¡°Helping Sirius regain his freedom and uncovering the truth about Regulus are noble accomplishments. As an old wizard who once fought Voldemort alongside them, I am grateful for what you¡¯ve done for them. But as Headmaster, I can¡¯t grant you extra points for these deeds, as they happened outside the scope of school.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s all right, Professor,¡± Kyle replied, shaking his head. He understood that these events had taken place over the holidays and weren¡¯t directly related to Hogwarts, so extra points would be out of place.


    ¡°But¡­¡± Kyle paused, considering his words carefully. ¡°There is one request I¡¯d like to make.¡±


    ¡°Go on,¡± Dumbledore encouraged, his eyes twinkling. ¡°But let me warn you¡ªif it¡¯s to learn that Charm I used earlier, choose another. I¡¯ve already promised to teach it to you and have no plans to change my mind.¡± S~ea??h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°It¡¯s about something else,¡± Kyle clarified. ¡°I¡¯d like your permission to handle the object Regulus took and replaced.¡±


    Kyle had suspected that Dumbledore had more on his mind than just offering congratulations; he was certain it had something to do with the locket. Dumbledore had shown surprising restraint in not pressing about it until now, but when Kyle mentioned it, his expression turned serious.


    After a pause, Dumbledore asked, ¡°Do you know what it is?¡±


    ¡°Yes, it¡¯s like the diary,¡± Kyle replied. ¡°But I think I have a solution.¡±


    He couldn¡¯t help but think of Nicolas Flamel. They had agreed that he would return the Diadem to Kyle within six months, but nearly a year had passed with no word from him.


    At this point, Kyle couldn¡¯t help but wonder if Flamel had absconded with the artifact. Yet there was nothing he could do; Flamel¡¯s estate was clearly protected by more than just the Fidelius Charm, and though Kyle had visited once, he couldn¡¯t recall the address.


    For now, all he could do was wait for Flamel to get in touch.

 Chapter 492: Contract Magic

    The headmaster''s office was so quiet that the faintest sound would have been deafening. Dumbledore studied Kyle, hesitant, holding back his words several times. Initially, he¡¯d assumed Kyle planned to use the Basilisk to destroy the locket, so he hadn¡¯t pressed the issue. But after hearing from Newt that Kyle hadn¡¯t visited the Basilisk during the holidays¡ªand from Kyle¡¯s own words indicating that the locket remained intact¡ªDumbledore realized there was more to the story.


    With a light tap of his fingers on the desk, he finally broke the silence. ¡°You¡¯ve certainly given me a difficult puzzle, Kyle. Can you assure me that this¡­ item won¡¯t affect you?¡±


    ¡°I can, Professor,¡± Kyle said firmly. ¡°The Slytherin Pendant is unique. As long as it remains unopened, it¡¯s completely harmless, even if someone wears it around their neck.¡±


    At the mention of the name "Slytherin Pendant," Dumbledore¡¯s mouth twitched slightly. Kyle had handed over the original diary Horcrux without any reluctance, even passing it off to Lucius Malfoy without a second thought. But this locket¡­ Kyle guarded it closely, even avoiding showing it to Dumbledore. Dumbledore knew exactly why: the locket held a distinct historical prestige, as revered as the Gryffindor sword.


    After a moment¡¯s pause, Dumbledore sighed. ¡°Very well. I can allow it, but I must insist you destroy it as soon as possible. And remember, Kyle, no treasure¡ªno matter how precious¡ªretains its worth once tainted by dark magic. It¡¯s not worth risking your life for.¡±


    ¡°I understand,¡± Kyle replied with a smile. In truth, he had no intention of using the locket before Voldemort¡¯s Horcruxes were all destroyed. Like the Diadem, the locket was locked safely away.


    But then, a thought struck him, and he glanced at Dumbledore. ¡°Professor, how about we set a contract magic?¡±


    Dumbledore looked at him with curiosity. ¡°A contract magic?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s a type of binding spell,¡± Kyle explained. ¡°For example, if I ever get the notion to use a Horcrux, the magic would prevent me from acting on it. I think you¡¯re familiar with this kind of spell.¡±


    ¡°Ah, yes,¡± Dumbledore said thoughtfully, ¡°I am familiar with a few such enchantments. But truly, Kyle, I trust you, just as I trust myself.¡±


    ¡°Still, it would give me peace of mind,¡± Kyle said, smiling. ¡°Think of it as a safeguard¡ªfor me. If a Horcrux were to ever sway me, it might just save my life.¡±


    Dumbledore considered Kyle¡¯s point. The mysterious nature of Horcruxes held even him at a disadvantage; an extra layer of protection could indeed prove wise.


    ¡°If you¡¯re certain¡­ then let¡¯s proceed. Ready your wand.¡±


    Kyle took out his wand and extended his arm, as Dumbledore directed. Standing before him, Dumbledore did the same, and they pressed the tips of their wands together.


    "Just a moment, Professor," Kyle said suddenly.


    Dumbledore paused, sensing hesitation. ¡°Is something wrong? If you''ve changed your mind, we can stop here.¡±


    ¡°No, nothing like that,¡± Kyle replied. ¡°It¡¯s just¡­ since it¡¯s a contract spell, shouldn¡¯t both parties uphold a fair bargain?¡±


    Dumbledore blinked, momentarily surprised. But he quickly regained his composure, smiling with interest. ¡°You¡¯re absolutely right. I fully agree.¡±


    ¡°So you¡¯d be open to a two-way contract?¡± Kyle pressed.


    ¡°Certainly,¡± Dumbledore replied with a chuckle, ¡°I¡¯ve no intention of meddling with a Horcrux myself, so a mutual spell is quite acceptable.¡±


    He held out his wand again. ¡°Prepare yourself, then. Don¡¯t resist.¡±


    The two wands touched once more, and Dumbledore began a long, intricate incantation, weaving the terms of the contract. His words were soft and rhythmic, as though setting the magical conditions with care. After a few minutes, as he completed the spell, a fine golden thread shimmered where their wands met. The thread divided, winding down each wand and along their wrists, forming delicate, bracelet-like bands.


    Kyle felt a brief, intense heat on his wrist, but it faded as quickly as it came. He looked down to see a circle of tiny runes glowing in golden light. They vanished before he could make out their meaning.


    ¡°There,¡± Dumbledore said with a satisfied smile, ¡°this won¡¯t affect you in any noticeable way. And if ever you wish to remove it, you¡¯re welcome to come to me.¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t remove it myself? With a ?¡±


    ¡°No,¡± Dumbledore explained, ¡°contract magic is more complex. Both the activation and the removal require the presence of all parties involved.¡±


    Kyle nodded, glancing down at his wrist one more time.


    ¡°I know I may be repeating myself,¡± Dumbledore continued, putting his wand away, ¡°but please remember to destroy the locket as soon as possible. I may be able to help repair any damage done to the Slytherin Pendant itself¡ªassuming, of course, that you don¡¯t employ something as extreme as the Fiendfyre Curse.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll do my best,¡± Kyle assured him, though he didn¡¯t mention a specific timeline. That, after all, depended on the return of Nicolas Flamel¡ªor if he hadn¡¯t, indeed, vanished with the Diadem.


    At that moment, Kyle caught a whiff of roasted meat, and he turned to see that a full, delectable spread had appeared on a table behind Dumbledore. Sear?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°Oh! Honey-glazed pork chops¡ªmy favorite,¡± Dumbledore exclaimed delightedly. ¡°Shall I have the house-elves prepare a plate for you as well? Or would you prefer to dine with your friends in the Great Hall?¡±


    ¡°No, thank you, Professor,¡± Kyle said with a grin, backing toward the door. ¡°I¡¯ll just join everyone in the Great Hall.¡± He turned and quickly made his way out.


    Dumbledore settled down at the table, though his thoughts drifted back to the Slytherin locket. The alchemist in him couldn¡¯t resist the allure of such a historical artifact, a relic linked to Salazar Slytherin himself.


    No, he thought, I must find a way to¡­ ¡°borrow¡± it for a few days. But what pretext should I use? Kyle¡¯s far too perceptive¡­


    Dumbledore gazed at the honey-glazed pork chop on his plate, deep in thought. Perhaps¡­ an exchange involving one of Fawkes¡¯s feathers?


    At that moment, Fawkes, perched on a nearby branch, stirred from his nap, fluffing his feathers and casting a wary eye around the room as though he sensed himself being discussed.

 Chapter 493: Obsession and Mood Swings

    For a while, the hottest topic at Hogwarts was Sirius Black. featured a full page of news on him nearly every day, and waiting for the morning owl delivery had become a daily thrill for some students. Adding to the excitement, Harry was receiving packages almost every morning. They contained everything from sweets and clothes to strange novelty items, all sent by his newly free and doting godfather.


    But for fifth-year students, the mounting schoolwork left little time to indulge in gossip. Their professors seemed determined to outdo one another in pushing them to the limit, piling on increasingly difficult assignments. Even Kyle, despite his skills, found himself caught up in the relentless workload. Some professors, such as Snape in Potions and Moody in Defense Against the Dark Arts, never excused him from assignments.


    After two weeks of practicing the Shield Charm, Professor Moody announced a test. Initially scheduled for the previous week, the test had been delayed due to disastrous results¡ªstudents had fumbled incantations, hesitated in casting, and blanked out on the spell gestures entirely. Moody had been so exasperated that he postponed the test, giving everyone an extra week to prepare.


    ¡°This time, I¡¯ll be using the Leg-Locker Curse,¡± Moody warned from the lectern, his magical eye swiveling across the room. ¡°If you can¡¯t successfully block it, then you¡¯ll be spending the rest of your day hopping like frogs.¡±


    Nervous murmurs spread across the classroom, though a few students looked unfazed.


    ¡°Some of you are probably thinking, ¡®It¡¯s just the Leg-Locker Curse, easily undone, and if I can¡¯t block it, no big deal,¡¯ right?¡± Moody grinned, his scarred face contorting, making his expression even more unnerving. ¡°But clear that thought out of your heads now. This isn¡¯t your average Leg-Locker Curse; it¡¯s designed for Auror training. The usual counter-spell won¡¯t work.¡±


    With that, he instructed the students to line up along the sides of the room, calling them forward one by one to face the curse.


    As the test began, Kyle noticed that the extra practice seemed to have paid off. Professor Moody was casting at a slowed pace, which helped; the first two students managed to deflect the curse with a sturdy Shield Charm, sending it bouncing back in a shimmering arc.


    However, the third student stumbled. Likely overcome with nerves, he blanked on the incantation entirely, and his legs immediately snapped together. Forced to hop back to his spot, he tripped, nearly taking a face-first dive into the floor.


    When it was Kyle¡¯s turn, he stepped confidently into the center of the room. Professor Moody raised his wand, and this time he didn¡¯t utter the spell out loud. A sudden flash of white light shot toward Kyle without warning.


    Kyle called, his Shield Charm springing up instantly. The white light rebounded off his shield, flying straight back at Moody, who dodged it with a quick sidestep.


    ¡°Excellent! That¡¯s exactly right!¡± Moody praised. ¡°Deflecting the curse right back at your opponent is the Shield Charm¡¯s true purpose. All that chaotic bouncing just shows you haven¡¯t mastered it. Very good¡ªten points to Hufflepuff!¡±


    Kyle accepted the ten points with a smile, though he¡¯d been hoping for a homework exemption instead. sea??h th§× Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    One by one, the rest of the class faced their tests, but the overall success rate remained low. Only about half the students managed to cast the Shield Charm effectively, leaving the unlucky ones to exit the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom hopping like rabbits, much to the amusement of their classmates.


    ¡°Listening to the way he talked, you¡¯d think we were about to be ambushed any minute,¡± Mikel grumbled, limping up the stairs. He¡¯d failed the Shield Charm test at first, only managing to pass his make-up attempt just before the end of class, stumbling numerous times in the process.


    ¡°Yeah, the way he¡¯s so paranoid¡­¡± Ryan muttered, casting a wary glance over his shoulder to make sure Professor Moody was nowhere in sight. ¡°I heard no one in the Ministry likes him much; they say he¡¯s too twitchy. Even if you just walk past him normally, he thinks you¡¯re out to get him.¡±


    ¡°Maybe Professor Moody is a bit intense,¡± Cho chimed in, ¡°but it¡¯s good to be prepared. The Shield Charm is important, after all.¡±


    ¡°I get that,¡± Ryan sighed, ¡°but with everything else we have to do, where are we supposed to find time to really master it? It¡¯s not even on the OWL exams. It would make more sense in sixth year, when we don¡¯t have quite as much homework.¡±


    Yawning, Ryan stumbled and nearly tripped, but Kyle caught his arm just in time.


    ¡°Need me to lift the curse for you?¡± Kyle offered.


    As Professor Moody had warned, the usual counter-spells didn¡¯t work on the modified Leg-Locker Curse, though a powerfull Counter-Curse Spell or General Counter-Spell should have some effect.


    Ryan hesitated, then shook his head. ¡°Thanks, but I¡¯ll pass. Moody¡¯s got those magical eyes of his. Who knows if he¡¯s watching from somewhere? Besides, it¡¯s the weekend tomorrow, so I¡¯ll just stay in the dorm and keep out of sight.¡±


    Ryan seemed oddly content with his predicament; he planned to stay in the common room all day catching up on homework anyway. For now, though, he still had to get through the last Potions class of the week.


    The dungeon was freezing, colder than usual, and the heavy door groaned on its hinges as it opened.


    ¡°Quiet,¡± Snape commanded, his voice cutting through the air like a blade.


    Not that he needed to say anything¡ªSnape had a natural, silencing effect. The students immediately fell silent, holding their breath as he swept his gaze over them.


    ¡°Today, we will be brewing the Draught of Peace,¡± he announced. ¡°A potion to calm and soothe anxiety, and a common topic on exams.¡± His tone was even, but his eyes gleamed with an unsettling intensity. ¡°However,¡± he continued, ¡°let me remind you that Potions is a serious discipline, and no cauldron¡ªno matter how costly¡ªcan compensate for an empty mind.¡±


    He surveyed their desks as if expecting to find something offensive. After a moment, he nodded, satisfied, and turned to the blackboard. With a wave of his wand, instructions for the Draught of Peace appeared in neat, precise handwriting.


    ¡°You will find the preparation method here. Memorize it thoroughly. Any sloppiness in brewing will result in the potion causing a deep, and sometimes irreversible, sleep.¡±


    Another flick of his wand opened the storage cupboard near the door. ¡°Gather your ingredients. You have an hour and a half. Begin.¡±

 Chapter 494: Snape’s Favoritism

    As soon as the storage cupboard opened, students surged forward, though a few struggled to hop along with legs bound tightly together.


    ¡°Mr. Baggins¡­ cease these idiotic antics in my classroom!¡± Snape¡¯s voice cut sharply across the room, targeting Ryan, who was stuck at the edge of the crowd, still trying to inch his way forward despite his bound legs.


    ¡°Tell me, Mr. Baggins,¡± Snape sneered, ¡°is it truly possible that in your fifth year you cannot even lift a simple Leg-Locker Curse? If so, I suggest you spare both Hogwarts and yourself any further embarrassment by going home now.¡±


    Without giving Ryan a chance to explain, Snape waved his wand. But to his shock, Ryan¡¯s legs remained firmly stuck together. Snape¡¯s eyes narrowed, first assuming Ryan was putting on a show, but after yanking the boy¡¯s legs himself, he realized that Ryan¡¯s binding was genuine.


    ¡°What nonsense is this?¡± Snape¡¯s expression grew even darker as he tried again, casting a stronger counter-curse. This time, an orange light shot from the tip of his wand, and Ryan¡¯s legs finally separated.


    ¡°Ten points from Hufflepuff,¡± Snape said icily. ¡°If I catch you pulling this foolishness again, it¡¯ll be fifty.¡±


    ¡°Sorry, Professor, but it wasn¡¯t my choice,¡± Ryan said. ¡°Professor Moody used the curse in class to test our Shield Charms¡­¡±


    ¡°Alastor Moody?¡± Snape¡¯s face froze momentarily, his dislike for the Defense Against the Dark Arts professor evident. ¡°Why didn¡¯t you say that sooner?¡±


    ¡°You didn¡¯t give me a chance to,¡± Ryan muttered. ¡°But thanks for releasing me, Professor Snape. Otherwise, I¡¯d have been hopping around like this all day.¡±


    Ryan felt a smug satisfaction. Unlike Moody, Snape was no supporter of the curse staying in place for the whole day, so he had no qualms about finally being freed from it.


    Snape, meanwhile, fumed silently. He and Moody had never been on good terms, and now he¡¯d released one of Moody¡¯s spells¡ªno doubt the paranoid Auror would see it as a personal slight.


    Snape watched Ryan retreat toward the storage cupboard, almost reconsidering binding his legs again, only to realize that he hadn¡¯t learned the particular modified Leg-Locker Curse that Moody had used.


    ¡°Damn it,¡± Snape muttered under his breath. He should have probed more before dispelling the spell.


    The other students, who had been stuck hopping along as well, now clustered around him with hopeful looks in their eyes.


    ¡°Back to your potions¡­ NOW!¡± Snape snarled, sending the students scattering back to their cauldrons. ¡°And let me warn you, I¡¯ll be choosing someone at random to drink their Draught of Peace at the end of class. If anyone messes up even a single step¡­¡± he added, ¡°I¡¯ll personally arrange the most comfortable bed for you in the Hospital Wing.¡±


    The atmosphere in the classroom shifted to one of immediate focus. Snape¡¯s fury had cowed everyone, leaving them grumbling quietly about how unfair it was for Ryan¡¯s curse to be lifted while they were left to suffer.


    Across the room, Kyle watched the unfolding drama, his shoulders shaking with silent laughter until Kanna nudged him, prompting him to compose himself.


    ¡°Ahem¡­ I was just laughing at how Ryan¡¯s lack of a chance to speak was¡­ well, rather ridiculous¡± Kyle explained, feigning innocence. ¡°Nothing to do with Professor Snape. Really!¡±


    Kanna raised an eyebrow, not entirely convinced, but let it go.


    With the episode behind them, it was time to start brewing the Draught of Peace. As one of the trickiest potions featured on the O.W.L. exams, the Draught of Peace required absolute precision in every aspect, from ingredient preparation to flame control. The timing, stirring method, and even the flame temperature had to be followed precisely to avoid disastrous results.


    For over an hour, the classroom was silent. Every student was tensely focused on their cauldron, eyes glued to each step of the brewing process.


    ¡°Your potions should now be emitting a silvery-white vapor,¡± Snape announced, his voice cutting through the tense silence as he began making rounds through the classroom with less than ten minutes remaining.


    ¡°Urquhart, tell me what this is."


    ¡°Adrian, I¡¯d recommend reviewing line three of the instructions."


    ¡°Stir clockwise three times, not seven¡­¡± Snape moved down the rows, his scornful comments leaving students shrinking in their seats as he ruthlessly highlighted every mistake. But when he passed by Kyle and Kanna, he said nothing, merely continuing on with a glance of reluctant approval. He stopped in front of Mikel¡¯s cauldron with a bemused expression.


    If Kyle and Kanna¡¯s potion was faultlessly prepared, Mikel¡¯s was its polar opposite. Though his cauldron emitted the required silvery steam, the contents looked more like a bubbling, grey-brown sludge that resembled melted Quaffle. sea??h th§× N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    After a brief stare, Snape, rather than his usual derision, just sighed. ¡°You¡­ never mind. Five points from Hufflepuff,¡± he muttered, as though he¡¯d given up trying to understand Mikel¡¯s results.


    As class ended, Kyle carefully decanted his potion into a bottle, sealing it with a cork. Beside him, Mikel scraped his own mixture into a container with a paring knife, the sludge reluctantly dropping into his vial, thick as jelly. Kyle held his breath, worried that even a drop of Mikel¡¯s concoction could have unintended consequences, but Mikel managed without incident.


    The bell rang, and everyone hurried out, excitedly anticipating the weekend ahead. But as they reached the foyer, they found their way blocked by a large crowd gathered around the notice board near the Marble Staircase.


    ¡°It¡¯s just a Hogsmeade weekend,¡± Kanna said, confused. ¡°Why are they all so worked up?¡±


    ¡°No, it¡¯s something else¡­¡± Kyle replied, using his height to peer over the crowd. He caught sight of a prominent notice and read it aloud to her.


    ¡°The Triwizard Tournament!¡± Kanna exclaimed. ¡°I¡¯d almost forgotten about it!¡±


    ¡°Kyle, Kanna!¡± Cedric called, making his way through the throng with a bright grin. ¡°There¡¯s only a week left! I can hardly wait. I really hope I¡¯ll be chosen as a champion.¡±


    ¡°Not a bad ambition,¡± came Fred¡¯s voice from behind, as he and George materialized out of nowhere.


    ¡°But I¡¯m afraid you¡¯ll be disappointed,¡± Fred added with a mock-sympathetic shake of his finger.


    ¡°Oh, right. Because I¡¯m obviously going to be the champion,¡± George said, giving Cedric a cheeky grin. ¡°You can cheer for me from the stands, yeah?¡±


    ¡°No way¡ªit¡¯s my turn!¡± Fred objected, frowning.


    ¡°You¡¯ve got a long way to go, Fred¡­¡±


    ¡°Oh, big talk coming from you!¡±


    Before Kyle or Cedric could get a word in, the twins were deep into a playful, yet intense argument over who would be the best choice as Hogwarts champion, each claiming to be the superior candidate. Voices growing louder, they seemed on the verge of a duel, drawing stares from the surrounding students who watched with amused anticipation.


    Kyle, sharing an exasperated look with Kanna, decided to make a quick escape. Silently, he turned and walked toward the Great Hall with her, pretending he didn¡¯t know the pair.

 Chapter 495: The Approaching Guests

    News of the Triwizard Tournament swept through the castle like wildfire, and within a single night, the excitement over Sirius had completely faded. The Tournament became the sole focus of conversation for the entire week.


    One of the hottest topics was the selection of Champions. Each House had its own candidate in mind. Slytherin¡¯s top pick was Adrian Pucey; Ravenclaw¡¯s was Robert Andrews.


    In Gryffindor, the frontrunner was Angelina Johnson¡ªdespite Fred and George repeatedly insisting that they were the true contenders for the honor. In reality, however, the twins¡¯ combined support was less than half of what Angelina had gathered.


    Hufflepuff was the only House with two leading contenders, as support was split evenly between Kyle and Cedric. The rest of the Hufflepuffs couldn¡¯t decide, constantly switching sides between the two. Despite this, there was no animosity in Hufflepuff; for them, it would be a joyous event regardless of whether Kyle or Cedric was chosen as Champion.


    Over the weekend, Fred and George made an early trip to Hogsmeade, returning with armfuls of items from Zonko''s. They claimed these were their "secret weapons" for the Triwizard Tournament. Kyle strongly suspected that the Dungbombs would play a major role if either twin somehow managed to become the Champion. It was amusing to imagine Professor McGonagall¡¯s reaction if that ever came to pass.


    As the days went by, excitement within the castle grew steadily. Everyone was eager to see what the students from the other two schools would be like. In preparation for their arrival, the castle was thoroughly cleaned. Dusty portraits were scrubbed spotless, and the suits of armor in the hallways gleamed so brightly that they almost hurt to look at in the mirrored reflection. Kyle often spotted suits of armor sprawled on the floor, as if trying to gather some dust back up, only for Filch to come by within minutes with a fresh piece of flannel to polish them again.


    Filch, already notorious for his sour disposition, had become even more insufferable, snapping at anyone whose shoes bore even a trace of dust. The professors, too, seemed unusually tense. Hosting the finest students and headmasters from the other two schools was a first for them, even after so many years at Hogwarts.


    In this charged atmosphere, the week flew by. When Kyle headed down to breakfast on the morning of October 30th, he found the Great Hall newly decorated. Enormous silk banners draped from the walls, reminiscent of the House Cup ceremonies, but this time, all four House banners were on display. Above the guests¡¯ table hung a banner bearing the Hogwarts crest, with the lion, eagle, badger, and snake surrounding a grand letter "H."


    No sooner had Kyle and Kanna taken their seats than students began approaching, asking how they were and if they felt prepared. Kyle patiently explained, over and over, that today was simply for welcoming the guests from the other two schools, and that the Champion selection would happen later. By the time breakfast was underway, he had already repeated himself at least twenty times since waking up.


    "I''ve never seen anything like it¡­¡± Kanna poured Kyle a glass of pumpkin juice. "It¡¯s as if the whole castle is on edge. Deanne spent an hour picking out hair accessories last night, and then got up again in the early hours of the morning to choose them all over again."


    ¡°Well, it¡¯s an event that hasn¡¯t been held for a century, so it¡¯s only natural that everyone¡¯s a bit excited,¡± Kyle replied, taking a sip of his juice. It was much the same in his dormitory. Mikel and Ryan had kept him up until two in the morning, which they usually only did when cramming for homework at the start of term.


    "Good morning..." Cedric greeted them as he arrived. He yawned widely as he sat down, a clear sign he hadn¡¯t gotten much sleep either.


    "Kyle, do you know much about Beauxbatons and Durmstrang?" he asked.


    "I think so," Kyle replied after a moment¡¯s thought. "Krum is a student at Durmstrang, isn¡¯t he? We met him at the Quidditch World Cup. I¡¯d bet he¡¯ll be back for the Tournament, and I wouldn¡¯t be surprised if he¡¯s chosen as a Champion."


    ¡°Oh, right¡ªKrum¡­¡± Cedric looked up, a bit taken aback. Viktor Krum¡¯s Quidditch achievements were so impressive that it was easy to forget he was still a student who hadn¡¯t yet graduated.


    Still, Cedric wasn¡¯t particularly concerned when Kyle suggested Krum might be a Champion for Durmstrang. So what if he was a Quidditch star? The Triwizard Tournament wasn¡¯t about who could fly a broomstick the best.


    "And what about Beauxbatons?" Cedric continued. "I¡¯ve seen the school before, but it was during the holidays, so there was no one there."


    "I know the headmistress of Beauxbatons, Madam Maxime," said Kyle.


    "The headmistress of Beauxbatons?" Cedric''s interest was piqued. "What¡¯s she like? Is she similar to Headmaster Dumbledore?"


    "A lot younger," Kyle said, adding an egg to his toast. "I bet you¡¯ll be surprised when you see her for the first time."


    ¡°Is she very powerful?¡± Kanna asked curiously.


    ¡°She must be. She¡¯s the headmistress of Beauxbatons, after all,¡± Kyle said. ¡°But I¡¯m not talking about her power. I mean you¡¯ll be surprised when you see her.¡±


    Cedric and Kanna¡¯s curiosity only grew, but Kyle wouldn¡¯t give them more than that.


    "You¡¯ll see soon enough," he said with a smile. "It¡¯d spoil the surprise if I told you now.¡± A classic Hogwarts tradition¡ªto keep people guessing.


    Cedric, though, was impatient with such teasers, and he finally understood how Fred and George had felt on the train. Waiting for a reveal was harder than it looked.


    That day, concentration was elusive for everyone in class. The air was charged with anticipation, and even the professors seemed distracted.


    In Transfiguration, Professor McGonagall had them review previous lessons, rigorously correcting everyone¡¯s mistakes. sea??h th§× n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "This is fourth-year material, and some of you are still making these mistakes!" she scolded, practically shaking with frustration as class came to an end. She couldn¡¯t bear the thought of the Beauxbatons and Durmstrang students questioning her teaching abilities.


    Charms class was also a review. Professor Flitwick went over a few practical charms commonly used in everyday life, and had them practice throughout the double period.


    The only subject seemingly unaffected by the day¡¯s atmosphere was, unsurprisingly, History of Magic. That class was as steady as ever. Not even a Triwizard Tournament could alter Professor Binns¡¯ agenda; even if Voldemort himself were to descend upon Hogwarts that very afternoon, they¡¯d still be expected to recite the dates and locations of the Giant Wars so long as it wasn¡¯t a holiday.

 Chapter 496: A Visitor from Afar

    A History of Magic was the last class of the afternoon, and with the promise of an early dismissal, everyone was out of their seats the moment the bell rang, eager to escape the monotony of the lesson.


    Kyle and Kanna made their way back to the Hufflepuff Common Room, where they donned their formal cloaks¡ªthe same ones they typically wore only for the Christmas feast. Once ready, they joined the other students gathering in the entrance hall.


    Professor Sprout was waiting in front of the Great Hall, arranging the students in a line by year, with the first years at the front. Next to her stood Professor McGonagall, who was inspecting everyone¡¯s attire with her usual sharp eye.


    ¡°Weasley, straighten your hat¡­¡±


    ¡°Finnigan, button up your cloak¡­¡±


    ¡°Patil, take that ridiculous thing off your head!¡±


    ...


    Once all the students had gathered, Professor McGonagall glanced at her watch before leading them out of the castle and to the front entrance. The moon hung high over the Forbidden Forest, casting a silver glow, and many younger students stood there shivering, unsure if it was from excitement or the brisk evening air. Out of the professors'' sight, whispers broke out among the crowd as students speculated about how the Beauxbatons and Durmstrang students might arrive.


    ¡°I¡¯m betting on Apparition,¡± Fred whispered. ¡°Just picture it¡ªa whole group of them popping into the school grounds in an instant. It would be brilliant.¡±


    ¡°I doubt it,¡± Cedric replied, shaking his head. ¡°Apparition is forbidden at Hogwarts. And they can¡¯t just stroll through the front gate, either. I think they¡¯ll arrive on broomsticks. Remember, Viktor Krum from Durmstrang is a Quidditch star. Flying in on a broom would be perfect for his image.¡±


    ¡°Do you know how far Durmstrang is from here?¡± George replied dramatically. ¡°Only a fool would ride a broom that far¡­ I¡¯m sticking with Apparition. Maybe Dumbledore¡¯s lifted the restriction just for tonight.¡±


    George¡¯s voice had risen slightly, drawing a sharp look from Professor McGonagall, and he quickly fell silent.


    ¡°If I¡¯m not mistaken¡­¡± Dumbledore, standing nearby, exclaimed just then, ¡°the representatives from Beauxbatons have arrived!¡±


    Kyle looked up and spotted a massive, powder-blue carriage gliding above the Forbidden Forest. It was impossibly large¡ªlike a small house¡ªand was drawn through the sky by a team of twelve enormous, winged Abraxans. Unlike Hogwarts¡¯ Thestrals, the Abraxans looked like towering silver stallions, their size more akin to elephants.


    With a thundering crash, the carriage landed. Up close, the Abraxans appeared even more immense; the first rows of students barely came up to the horses¡¯ knees. Then, the carriage door swung open, and a boy in a pale blue uniform hopped out, unfolding a golden spiral staircase beneath the door.


    A glossy black high-heeled shoe appeared at the top of the steps, and Cedric gasped. ¡°Oh¡­ By Merlin!¡± He finally understood what Kyle had meant.


    Madam Maxime, the headmistress of Beauxbatons, descended from the carriage, towering at an astonishing height of about three or four meters¡ªone of the few people at Hogwarts who could match Hagrid¡¯s stature. Dumbledore began to applaud, and the students quickly joined in, though some couldn¡¯t help staring in awe.


    People exchanged glances, wondering if Beauxbatons was filled with similarly massive students. How would Hogwarts fare in a competition with opponents towering two or three meters high?


    To everyone¡¯s relief, none of the students who emerged from the carriage matched Madam Maxime¡¯s size. As they exited, one student wrapped in a scarf scanned the Hogwarts students gathered near the castle entrance, as though searching for someone. Spotting Kyle, she broke into a wide smile and waved excitedly. Kyle waved back, though surrounded by students in the back rows, he could only raise his arm as a greeting.


    ¡°You know her?¡± Kanna blinked in surprise.


    ¡°Mm,¡± Kyle nodded. ¡°Remember that friend I told you about from France?¡±


    Kanna thought for a moment. ¡°The one who sent you those French chocolates?¡±


    ¡°Yes, that¡¯s her¡ªFleur Delacour,¡± Kyle said. ¡°We met at Nicolas Flamel¡¯s house. Madam Maxime hinted back then that Fleur might attend the Triwizard Tournament.¡±


    Kanna tried to get a better look, but by now, the Beauxbatons students had gathered around Madam Maxime, blocking her view. S~ea??h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°Look, over at the Black Lake¡­¡± someone suddenly called out, just as the two headmasters were exchanging greetings.


    Everyone¡¯s gaze shifted to the lake, where the calm surface suddenly erupted with a huge splash.


    ¡°Something¡¯s coming out of it!¡± George muttered, eyes wide.


    ¡°Looks like Karkaroff¡¯s here, too,¡± Dumbledore observed with a smile. ¡°Just in time.¡±


    Madam Maxime gave a nod. She had been about to lead her students to the castle to warm up, but with Durmstrang¡¯s arrival, she held off.


    From the lake, a black mast rose, followed by the outline of a majestic ship breaking through the water¡¯s surface. It looked weathered and spectral, as if it had recently been hauled up from the depths of a shipwreck¡ªalmost like a legendary ghost ship. Yet, it exuded a captivating charm, and Fred and George were transfixed.


    ¡°It¡¯s incredible,¡± Fred whispered to George. ¡°What do you think about designing the Weasley Joke Shop to look like a ghost ship?¡±


    ¡°Ha! I was thinking the same thing,¡± George replied with a grin.


    ¡°Oh... look over there!¡± someone shouted, and the crowd stirred with even more excitement.


    ¡°By Merlin¡¯s beard, it¡¯s Krum!¡± someone exclaimed eagerly.


    As the most famous Quidditch player of his time, Viktor Krum had countless admirers among the students, and he was instantly recognized the moment he stepped off the ship. All eyes turned to him, and in the commotion, no one seemed to notice the figure leading the way.


    Karkaroff, the headmaster of Durmstrang, was tall and thin, with cropped white hair and a pointed goatee that gave him a shrewd look.


    ¡°Welcome, Headmaster Karkaroff,¡± Dumbledore greeted him warmly, stepping forward.


    ¡°Dumbledore!¡± Karkaroff exclaimed, throwing his arms open for an embrace. ¡°My dear old friend, how are you?¡±


    ¡°Excellent,¡± Dumbledore replied, hugging him back.


    Karkaroff then turned to Madam Maxime, offering her a gallant kiss on the hand.


    The three headmasters shared a lively conversation for a few moments before Dumbledore led them¡ªand the assembled students¡ªinto the castle.

 Chapter 497: The Goblet of Fire

    Even after returning to the castle, everyone continued to glance at Krum, who was standing beside the Durmstrang headmaster.


    "I can''t believe it... I''m actually this close to a legendary player!" Kyle heard Lee Jordan exclaim excitedly beside him. "Does anyone have a quill? This would be the perfect time to get an autograph!"


    Along with Lee, Ron, Seamus, and a group of older students were also searching for someone who might lend them a quill.


    "No way..." George shook his head. "Who would carry something like that when they''re not in class?" S§×ar?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Not us, that''s for sure," Fred said with a smile.


    They were just as thrilled as the others, though perhaps not quite as fanatical.


    After parting ways with the Weasley twins, Kyle made his way to the Hufflepuff table and sat down. He noticed that the students from Beauxbatons were also approaching after exchanging a few words with Madame Maxime.


    "Hello," said a little girl, around 11 or 12, as she ran up to Kyle. She stretched out her neck and stammered, "I remember you... from the match... you saved us!"


    She had a slight accent, and it took Kyle a moment to understand what she was saying.


    "This is my sister, Gabrielle Delacour," said Fleur as she walked over at that moment. She looked at Cedric and asked, "Hello, may I sit here?"


    "Huh?" Cedric glanced between Fleur and Kyle, as if something had just dawned on him, and he nodded vigorously.


    "Oh... of course, please sit..." He quickly shuffled to the side, making room for her.


    "Thank you," Fleur said with a polite smile. She sat down and removed the scarf covering her head, revealing long, silvery hair cascading over her shoulders and an impossibly delicate face.


    The young wizard sitting across from her flushed a deep red.


    At that moment, the Hufflepuff table, which had been bustling with chatter, went silent. Even the glances at Krum were now split, with half of them fixed on Fleur. But after a moment of quiet, the chatter resumed, even louder than before.


    Kyle felt as though he had stepped into a scene from a legendary wizarding gathering, listening to grandiose tales of strange and thrilling adventures.


    For instance, Mikel was loudly recounting how he had once ventured alone into the dangerous Forbidden Forest during his first year to rescue a group of dragons.


    Of course, this was utterly false. Hogwarts didn¡¯t have any groups of dragons, and even if he had entered the Forbidden Forest as a first-year, Hagrid would have assigned him detention for half a month.


    But no one seemed to care, and they eagerly joined in...


    One claimed he earned a hundred bags of gold per year. Another said he specialized in hunting Dementors. One even boasted he could become the Minister of Magic as soon as he graduated.


    The tales grew more outlandish by the minute, and as they shared them, they would occasionally glance over at Fleur, as if hoping to catch her attention with their stories.


    However, Fleur''s expression remained entirely unchanged. She had encountered far more outrageous claims at Beauxbatons and had long since learned to stay unruffled.


    Fleur looked calmly at Kyle and continued, ¡°Madame Maxime told us that some Dark Wizards tried to attack Gabrielle and the others, but thanks to you, they escaped unharmed.¡±


    ¡°No, you''ve got it wrong,¡± Kyle shook his head, explaining, ¡°It was mainly thanks to Mr. Weasley, along with Charlie and Bill. I only arrived toward the end.¡±


    ¡°But,¡± Fleur replied with a smile, ¡°that¡¯s not what Mr. Arthur Weasley told Madame Maxime¡­ He said it was you who helped repel the Dark Wizards.¡±


    ¡°It was two different situations,¡± Kyle insisted. ¡°By the time I got there, it was already over. If it hadn¡¯t been for them, everyone would¡¯ve fled before I even arrived¡­ right?¡±


    ¡°Yes, you¡¯re right,¡± Fleur nodded. ¡°Are they at the school? If possible, I¡¯d like to thank them in person.¡±


    ¡°Unfortunately, Mr. Weasley works at the Ministry, and Charlie and Bill have already graduated and work abroad,¡± Kyle replied.


    A hint of disappointment crossed Fleur¡¯s face.


    ¡°But they¡¯ll probably come to watch the tournament. This is the first Triwizard Tournament in a century; no one wants to miss it.¡±


    Kyle smiled and added, ¡°Oh, and let me introduce you.¡±


    He gestured to Cedric. ¡°This is Cedric Diggory, my friend and a top candidate to be Hogwarts¡¯ Champion.¡±


    ¡°Champion?¡± Fleur looked over, extending her hand politely. ¡°Hello, Fleur Delacour. Nice to meet you.¡±


    ¡°Hello, nice to meet you¡­¡± Cedric replied, reaching out to shake her hand, though he barely brushed her fingers.


    ¡°The one bragging over there is Mikel, my roommate. He¡¯s great, just¡­ sometimes his brain doesn¡¯t quite work right,¡± Kyle teased.


    Eager to be part of the conversation, Mikel immediately tried to make his way over, but Kyle quickly pulled him back by the shoulder. After all, with Fleur being part Veela, he was a bit worried Mikel might get swept up and make a public scene¡ªor, worse, a spectacle of himself!


    ¡°This is Ryan, another of my roommates¡­¡±


    ¡°And that¡¯s Grace¡ªa top Chaser and my teammate.¡±


    ¡°You like Quidditch too?¡± Fleur asked with interest.


    ¡°Very much,¡± Kyle said. ¡°I might even join a professional team after I graduate.¡±


    ¡°Then you¡¯ll be even better than Krum,¡± Fleur said with a smile. ¡°I¡¯ll come to cheer you on.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s just a possibility,¡± Kyle said, waving it off.


    However, Fleur¡¯s comment seemed to stir some irritation around them. A few older girls from the Slytherin table were glaring at her resentfully. The Ravenclaws nearby were eyeing her too, though with more jealousy than anger.


    Fleur, noticing the attention, gave them an indifferent smile and simply brushed it off.


    Once the introductions were nearly complete, Kyle turned to the last person at the table, Kanna, who was seated a little farther down.


    But before he could speak¡­


    ¡°Hello, Kanna Prince!¡± Kanna smiled and extended her hand so quickly that she nearly clipped Kyle¡¯s chin.


    Fleur looked at the outstretched hand, her expression shifting slightly for the first time¡ªher usual polite smile softened just a little. A subtle smile curved her lips as she took Kanna¡¯s hand.


    ¡°Fleur Delacour¡­ I must say, you are the most beautiful girl I¡¯ve ever seen.¡±


    ¡°I should be the one saying that,¡± Kanna replied, a bit embarrassed. ¡°None of the boys have ever said anything like that to me.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s different¡­¡± Fleur shook her head. She knew that the boys¡¯ strange reactions were only because of her Veela heritage.

 Chapter 498: The Head of Department

    Though Kanna and Fleur had only exchanged a few simple words, their relationship began to blossom at an astonishing rate. Within minutes, Kyle found himself, quite unceremoniously, nudged out of his seat¡ªthe very seat that every boy at the table had been envying. Now, he was relegated to sitting with Mikel instead.


    As he watched Kanna chatting animatedly with Fleur, Kyle couldn¡¯t help but notice a slight shift in Kanna¡¯s usual demeanor, her expression subtly more¡­affected than usual. However, Kyle chose to ignore this and kept his head down, focusing on the freshly served steak and the aromatic French fish soup on his plate. He knew full well that if he dared to make even the faintest comment on the matter, he¡¯d be in for a rather...unpleasant experience.


    So, wisely, Kyle decided to simply enjoy the meal. The French-style dishes were, in fact, quite delicious, and the fish soup reminded him of the one he¡¯d tasted at Nicolas Flamel¡¯s home. Perhaps there were French House-elves in the kitchen? He wondered if he might persuade them to add this dish to the regular menu¡ªit would be a welcome replacement for the usual corn chowder.


    Besides the fish soup, the desserts were also intriguing, with several he hadn¡¯t seen before. He had his eye on a delicate French vanilla almond milk pudding, but just as he was about to take it, Kanna slid the plate over to Fleur.


    ¡°This is for the guests¡­ I thought you preferred Yorkshire pudding?¡±


    Fleur only smiled, graciously accepting the offering without a hint of hesitation.


    Alright¡­best not to argue. Kyle sighed and picked a different dessert at random.


    About twenty minutes later, as the golden plates cleared themselves to a sparkling finish, Dumbledore rose once more, prompting a wave of anticipation and excitement to ripple through the Great Hall.


    "The moment has finally arrived!¡± Dumbledore announced cheerfully. ¡°The Triwizard Tournament is about to begin, and I would like to explain a few things before¡ª¡±


    The doors to the Great Hall swung open abruptly, and two figures entered, one leading the other.


    ¡°I hope we¡¯re not late, Dumbledore,¡± came a voice that Kyle immediately recognized.


    He stared blankly as Chris Chopper, his father, walked in, and he couldn¡¯t quite wrap his mind around what was happening.


    ¡°What a pity you missed a marvelous feast,¡± said Dumbledore with a slight smile. ¡°The French cuisine was exceptional.¡±


    ¡°Oh, I¡¯m afraid I had no choice,¡± Chris replied ruefully. ¡°The Ministry¡¯s been in a bit of a frenzy lately. I was only informed ten minutes ago that I was expected here.¡±


    ¡°I understand entirely,¡± Dumbledore nodded. ¡°But I¡¯m glad you made it in time for the most important part.¡± He then turned to address the hall. ¡°Allow me to introduce our two guests, for those who may not know them. This is Mr. Chris Chopper, Director of the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures at the Ministry of Magic¡­¡±


    Applause erupted in the Great Hall, led enthusiastically by Fred and George. Ginny and Ron looked as though they might leap onto the table in excitement.


    ¡°He¡¯s Kyle¡¯s dad,¡± Ron explained to Hermione and Harry beside him. ¡°A really easygoing guy. He remembers everyone¡¯s birthday. He¡¯s the only one who ever got me a new set of robes.¡±


    Harry nodded, intrigued. He knew that Kyle¡¯s father worked at the Ministry, but he hadn¡¯t known he held the title of Director¡ªa very high-ranking position indeed. S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°This is Mr. Ludovic Bagman, the Director of the Department of Magical Games and Sports,¡± Dumbledore continued.


    Meanwhile, Kyle was bursting with questions. But that couldn¡¯t be right. Replacing a Director at the Ministry, especially in the Department of Magical Games and Sports, was a big deal¡ªsecond only to electing a new Minister. The would have covered it for sure. He¡¯d been keeping up with the recent issues and hadn¡¯t seen any mention of such a change. Or maybe Dumbledore was simply introducing him this way to add a sense of dignity?


    While Kyle puzzled over it, Dumbledore finished introducing the panel of judges: Chris, Ludo, and the three headmasters, including himself.


    At that moment, the side door of the Great Hall opened, and Filch entered, carrying a large, jewel-encrusted wooden chest that looked ancient. Every eye was fixed on the box as Filch placed it on a table in front of the guest of honor.


    ¡°This year¡¯s Champion competition will consist of three tasks,¡± Dumbledore explained, ¡°to be held at different times throughout the school year. They will test our Champions in various areas¡­ Magical skill, courage, reasoning ability, and, of course, the capacity to overcome danger¡­¡±


    The Hall fell silent, everyone seemingly holding their breath.


    Dumbledore continued, ¡°The one responsible for selecting the Champions is an impartial judge¡­ the Goblet of Fire!¡±


    With three taps of his wand on the chest, Dumbledore summoned forth a rough-hewn wooden goblet, ablaze with flickering blue and white flames.


    ¡°Any student who wishes to be a Champion may submit their name to the Goblet of Fire, which will choose the Champion it deems most worthy of representing each of the three schools on All Hallows'' Eve, tomorrow. Of course, I mean only those who meet the age requirements. I will be drawing an Age Line around the Goblet to prevent younger students from attempting to enter.¡±


    Dumbledore¡¯s tone grew serious. ¡°Finally, let me remind you that the Triwizard Tournament is no laughing matter. It comes with deadly risks, and once a name is chosen by the Goblet, the decision is binding. The Champion must see the Tournament through to the end¡­¡±


    But rather than dampening spirits, Dumbledore¡¯s warning only seemed to spark more excitement. The crowd grew more animated, with many students already itching to jot down their names and toss them into the Goblet. This energy persisted until the end of the banquet, when everyone dispersed to their common rooms.


    Fleur, deciding to return to the Beauxbatons carriage for the night, parted ways with Kanna at the entrance to the Great Hall.


    Kyle, on the other hand, slipped over to the side entrance of the Hall and waited. After about twenty minutes, Chris finally appeared.


    ¡°I knew you¡¯d be here,¡± he said, smiling. ¡°Surprised?¡±


    Kyle nodded. ¡°Beauxbatons is in France, Durmstrang in Northern Europe¡­ so this really seems like something for the International Magical Cooperation Department.¡±


    ¡°Yes, it was supposed to be Barty¡­¡± Chris paused, ¡°¡­but he¡¯s in a bit of trouble and couldn¡¯t come.¡±


    ¡°Because of Sirius Black?¡± Kyle asked.


    ¡°Exactly,¡± Chris replied. ¡°After Black was acquitted, someone filed a complaint against Crouch, claiming he¡¯d had Black sentenced without a trial twelve years ago. This was a serious oversight that affected a lot of people¡­ So, now these individuals have to be investigated to ensure there were no ulterior motives back then. Until that¡¯s resolved, Barty has to remain at the Ministry.¡±


    Kyle thought it over. ¡°A lot of people¡­? Then your role as a judge¡­¡±


    ¡°Oh, it¡¯s just temporary,¡± Chris said, sounding dismissive. He clearly wasn¡¯t eager to discuss Ministry affairs and gave only a vague explanation. ¡°Once everything¡¯s sorted, I¡¯ll hand judging responsibilities back to Barty.¡±


    He glanced at his watch. ¡°Sorry, but I¡¯ve got to get back to the Ministry.¡±


    ¡°I just hope the investigation wraps up quickly. No one told me being a judge for the Triwizard Tournament would be so hectic¡­ By Merlin¡¯s beard, I¡¯ve got eight reports to write tonight alone!¡±


    With a sigh, Chris hurried off toward the castle.

 Chapter 499: The Weasley Brothers’ Surprise

    Kyle thought to himself,


    At that moment, Dumbledore and Bagman emerged from the side door.


    ¡°Oh, Kyle, why haven''t you gone back to rest yet?¡± Dumbledore asked with a smile. ¡°As I just mentioned, the Triwizard Tournament is no joke. I suggest you think it over carefully and come back tomorrow morning.¡±


    ¡°Then, Albus, I''ll be off...¡± Bagman said, his face drooping. ¡°Working overtime all night, and I don''t even know if I''ll get any extra pay.¡±


    ¡°Goodbye, Ludo. You''ve worked hard,¡± Dumbledore replied kindly.


    Once Bagman left, Kyle turned to head back to the dormitory. However, after taking a few steps, he suddenly stopped, turned back to Dumbledore, and said:


    ¡°Professor, I think you should have the professors pay more attention to the Goblet of Fire.¡±


    ¡°Oh?¡± Dumbledore looked at him curiously.


    ¡°Well...¡± Kyle hesitated. ¡°As you probably know, someone tried to kill Harry during the Quidditch World Cup.¡±


    Dumbledore¡¯s expression became serious. ¡°What are you getting at?¡±


    Kyle elaborated cautiously, ¡°Well... the person who cast the Dark Mark hasn¡¯t been caught yet, right? And you¡¯ve also said that the Champions¡¯ lives are in constant danger.¡±


    Kyle didn¡¯t spell it out, but Dumbledore clearly understood his implication.


    ¡°I will consider your suggestion,¡± Dumbledore said, his tone thoughtful. ¡°However, I don¡¯t believe this scenario is very likely.¡±


    ¡°I was just mentioning it, Professor. Maybe I¡¯m overthinking things,¡± Kyle said with a shrug.


    Still, he couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that warning Dumbledore was a wise move, even though he wasn¡¯t entirely sure whether Barty Crouch Jr. had infiltrated Hogwarts yet.


    In the distance, the echo of Filch¡¯s footsteps could be heard. Kyle touched the Marauder¡¯s Map tucked in his pocket, bade goodnight to the headmaster, and returned to the Hufflepuff common room.


    ...


    The next day was Saturday, and while most students typically slept in and went to breakfast late, today was an exception.


    Early in the morning, Kyle was jolted awake by his two roommates.


    ¡°Wake up, Kyle! Everyone¡¯s already gone to the Great Hall. How can you still be sleeping?¡± Mikel exclaimed, pushing open the window. A blast of cold wind rushed into the room.


    Kyle groaned and sat up in bed. ¡°There¡¯s no need to hurry. The Champions won¡¯t be announced until tonight.¡±


    But Mikel and Ryan weren¡¯t interested in listening. They seemed convinced that submitting their names earlier would somehow increase their chances of being chosen.


    Kyle had no choice but to drag himself out of bed, wrapping a heavy robe around himself to ward off the chill.


    When they arrived at the Great Hall, they found dozens of students crowded around, all eagerly examining the Goblet of Fire, which had been placed in the center of the room.


    A thin circle of golden lines had been drawn around the Goblet, creating a radius of about ten feet.


    Kanna stood near the doorway alongside Fleur, Madam Maxime, and Professor Sprout, observing the growing crowd.


    ¡°This isn¡¯t actually allowed,¡± Kyle overheard Madam Maxime say in her deep, authoritative voice. ¡°But Fleur... well, if everyone agrees, I don¡¯t see why not.¡±


    After the two professors walked away, Kyle approached Kanna, his curiosity piqued. ¡°What were you talking about?¡±


    ¡°Nothing,¡± Kanna replied with a laugh. ¡°Fleur mentioned that since she¡¯s planning to stay here until the end of the school year, she can¡¯t keep living in the carriage. So, we thought we¡¯d try to let her stay in our dormitory for a while. We talked about it last night, and everyone agreed.¡±


    ¡°So, Fleur will be moving into the Hufflepuff dormitory today?¡± Kyle asked.


    ¡°And Gabrielle,¡± Fleur added with a nod. ¡°But it¡¯s not permanent. They will have to go back to the carriage when the tournament gets closer. That¡¯s Madam Maxime¡¯s condition.¡±


    Kyle nodded, noting that this tacit approval from the headmistress likely hinted at Fleur¡¯s confidence in becoming Beauxbatons¡¯ Champion.


    ¡°What about the other Beauxbatons students?¡± Kyle asked. ¡°Won¡¯t they mind you living here? You all came together, after all.¡±


    ¡°If they care,¡± Fleur said with a nonchalant shrug, ¡°they can say something.¡±


    Her indifferent attitude left Kyle with nothing more to add.


    At that moment, Fred and George came downstairs. Spotting Fleur, they halted abruptly before adopting a dramatic and exaggeratedly casual walk toward her.


    ¡°Good morning, my dear friends,¡± Fred greeted, his tone overly saccharine.


    ¡°So delightful to see you here,¡± George added, sounding as if he were describing Percy at work.


    ¡°Will you behave?¡± Kyle interjected, visibly unimpressed.


    ¡°We behaving,¡± Fred replied, pinning a homemade Prefect badge to his chest. It read, Big Head Boy.


    ¡°These two are Fred Weasley and George Weasley,¡± Kyle said, introducing them to Fleur.


    ¡°Weasley?¡± Fleur blinked, her gaze shifting between the identical boys.


    ¡°Yes, they¡¯re the younger Weasley children,¡± Kyle clarified. He noticed Fleur¡¯s hesitation, as if she wanted to greet them but wasn¡¯t sure how. ¡°Oh, you don¡¯t need to know much about them¡ªjust call them by their names. They¡¯ll help you out if the time comes.¡±


    ¡°Hey, that¡¯s not fair!¡± Fred objected, frowning.


    ¡°Exactly! I¡¯m completely different from him,¡± George chimed in. ¡°Everyone says I¡¯m the better-looking one.¡±


    ¡°Absolute nonsense¡ªthey¡¯re talking about me,¡± Fred retorted. S~ea??h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The twins launched into a heated argument, grappling at each other¡¯s necks as if on the verge of a full-blown scuffle.


    ¡°Excuse us for a moment,¡± Kyle muttered to Kanna and Fleur, grabbing Fred and George by their arms and dragging them out of the Great Hall.


    Once out of sight of Fleur, the twins seemed to snap out of their odd behavior.


    ¡°No way!¡± Fred exclaimed, letting go of George and shaking his head. ¡°Kyle, there¡¯s something with that girl!¡±


    ¡°We don¡¯t usually act like this,¡± George said, frowning. ¡°But just now, it felt like we to show off. It¡¯s so familiar. It¡¯s just like¡­¡±


    ¡°The Quidditch World Cup,¡± Fred finished. ¡°The Bulgarian mascots... the Veelas!¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s a Veela!¡± George rasped, his voice hoarse with revelation.


    Kyle rolled his eyes. ¡°Don¡¯t be ridiculous. Veelas can¡¯t use wands, no matter where they¡¯re from.¡±


    ¡°Then she must be part Veela,¡± George insisted.


    This time, Kyle didn¡¯t argue. He simply waved dismissively. ¡°Don¡¯t make such a fuss. If people see you acting like this, they¡¯ll think we Hogwarts students are ignorant.¡±


    ¡°Amazing,¡± Fred murmured, his grin wide with astonishment, his earlier embarrassment forgotten.


    George, still intrigued, leaned over to peek back into the hall. He quickly withdrew, his expression thoughtful. ¡°There¡¯s no one like her at Hogwarts, right? I¡¯d bet she¡¯s a shoo-in to become a Champion.¡±

 Chapter 500: Ageing Potion

    When the three of them returned to the Great Hall, Fred and George were notably more cautious. Having realized Fleur was of Veela descent, the intense, inexplicable attraction they had initially felt seemed to diminish slightly, though not entirely.


    Still, they were careful not to linger near Fleur for too long. After a brief exchange of pleasantries, they quickly found an excuse to leave and joined Lee Jordan, who was standing by the Goblet of Fire.


    ¡°Has anyone put their name in yet?¡± Fred asked.


    ¡°Not yet... wait, Krum¡¯s here,¡± Lee said, suddenly pointing toward the door.


    The Durmstrang students had just arrived, crossing the field and entering the Great Hall. Their imposing headmaster led the way, and beside him strode Viktor Krum.


    The Hogwarts students surrounding the Goblet of Fire instinctively moved back, clearing a path and watching in anticipation as the Durmstrang students approached.


    A dozen Durmstrang students lined up and, one by one, stepped across the Age Line. Each threw their parchment into the Goblet of Fire, and each time the parchment entered, the blue-and-white flames inside flared red for a brief moment, accompanied by a faint sputtering noise.


    ¡°You know...¡± George leaned closer to Kyle and whispered, ¡°What do you think would happen if the Goblet of Fire thought someone was, like, unworthy and just spat their name out? Maybe crumple it up and toss it right back at their face?¡±


    The mental image made Kyle chuckle. ¡°If that happened, the whole school would laugh about it for the rest of the year.¡±


    Both of them instinctively glanced at the Goblet of Fire.


    But nothing like that happened. Each Durmstrang student¡¯s parchment was accepted without incident.


    Fred looked slightly disappointed.


    ¡°Probably because they¡¯re all old enough,¡± George mused after a moment¡¯s thought.


    The twins then wandered off, heads together, clearly hatching some sort of plan.


    ¡°Don¡¯t mind them,¡± Kanna said to Fleur. ¡°Do you have your parchment ready?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± Fleur replied, tearing her gaze away from the twins. ¡°But I need to wait for Madam Maxime... Oh, here she is.¡± S§×ar?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    As Fleur spoke, the Beauxbatons delegation entered the Great Hall. Fleur hurried over to join them, and under Madam Maxime¡¯s watchful eye, she and the other Beauxbatons students took turns stepping up to the Goblet of Fire and placing their slips of parchment into the flames. Each name caused the same brief flare of red within the Goblet.


    Fleur seemed reluctant to leave, but Maxime had something to discuss with her. After a brief pause, Fleur nodded and followed her headmistress out of the hall, leaving the space occupied solely by the Hogwarts students.


    ¡°Am I late?¡± a familiar voice asked from behind.


    Kyle turned to see Cedric Diggory approaching. ¡°As long as it¡¯s before evening, you¡¯re not late at all,¡± Kyle replied. ¡°Have you written your name yet?¡±


    ¡°Actually, I did it last night,¡± Cedric said, holding up a neatly trimmed piece of parchment. Written on it in neat, bold handwriting was: Cedric Diggory ¨C Hogwarts.


    Kyle glanced at the slip, recognizing the precise format. The template had been posted on the common room door for all interested students, making it easy for them to copy it down exactly.


    ¡°And you? Are you ready?¡± Cedric asked Kyle. ¡°We could put our names in together.¡±


    Before Kyle could respond, a loud echoed through the hall, drawing everyone¡¯s attention. Near the Goblet of Fire, a figure shot through the air in a wild arc, as though playing with a Quaffle, before landing in an ungraceful heap ten feet away.


    ¡°Ouch!¡± Ron groaned, rolling on the ground and clutching his arm. To make matters worse, a scraggly white beard had sprouted from his chin, eliciting a chorus of laughter from the students nearby.


    Even Harry, who had rushed over to help Ron up, couldn¡¯t suppress his laughter.


    ¡°I told you so,¡± Hermione said, crossing her arms as she looked down at Ron, who was now covering his face in embarrassment. ¡°Professor Dumbledore would obviously account for things like the Ageing Potion, but you just wouldn¡¯t listen.¡±


    Harry, feeling a rush of relief, casually slipped a small bottle back into his pocket. He had hesitated earlier, and now he was glad he hadn¡¯t tried his luck¡ªotherwise, he might have been lying on the floor alongside Ron.


    ¡°It seems age doesn¡¯t matter after all,¡± Fred and George chimed in as they appeared, grinning widely. Their demeanor left no doubt that they had been involved in Ron¡¯s mishap.


    ¡°Ron bought two bottles of Ageing Potion from us last night,¡± Fred explained, clearly delighted.


    George smirked. ¡°We figured he¡¯d try to sneak his name in, but we didn¡¯t think he¡¯d do it early.¡±


    ¡°Although we didn¡¯t see the Goblet throw his name out¡­¡±


    ¡°¡­Ron with a beard is just as good,¡± Fred finished, and the two of them burst into laughter.


    When Cho Chang entered the Great Hall shortly after, Cedric seemed to take this as his cue. ¡°Let¡¯s go!¡± he said eagerly, turning back to Kyle.


    ¡°I¡¯ve been waiting for this,¡± Fred declared, striding toward the Goblet of Fire. George, Cedric, Cho, and Kanna followed, with Kyle bringing up the rear.


    As they approached, the surrounding students parted to give them room, just as they had for the delegations from Beauxbatons and Durmstrang earlier.


    Fred was the first to step over the Age Line, his confidence unshaken. George followed, then Cedric, Cho, and Kanna. Finally, Kyle crossed the line and tossed his parchment into the Goblet of Fire, watching as the blue-and-white flames momentarily flared red.


    Cheers erupted from the Hufflepuffs, who were particularly loud in their support of Kyle and Cedric.


    ¡°Why isn¡¯t anyone shouting names?¡± George grumbled. ¡°Are all the Gryffindors still asleep?¡±


    The Gryffindors in the hall conspicuously turned their heads, pretending not to hear. Their loyalty seemed firmly reserved for Angelina Johnson, who had yet to arrive.


    Only Lee Jordan showed a bit of solidarity, offering a half-hearted cheer. However, when Angelina finally walked into the Great Hall, Lee¡¯s enthusiasm escalated dramatically, drawing a roar of applause.


    This blatant favoritism left Fred and George fuming. ¡°Traitor!¡± Fred yelled, chasing after Lee with George close behind.


    At that moment, Ron, who had been lying on the floor pretending to be an ostrich, was also pulled to his feet. Harry was preparing to take him to the Hospital Wing to see if there was any way to remove the beard that had sprouted on him.


    Hermione, trailing behind them, suddenly hesitated. After a moment''s pause, she turned around and started walking toward the Goblet of Fire.


    Harry noticed her movement and called out in alarm, ¡°Wait, Hermione! You¡¯re not thinking of getting a beard too, are you? This isn¡¯t funny¡ª¡±


    Before he could finish, he froze in shock. His mouth hung open as he watched Hermione step calmly across the Age Line and confidently drop her name into the Goblet of Fire.


    Ron, staring in disbelief, erupted angrily, ¡°You cheated the age line and didn¡¯t even tell us? What¡ªdid you think it was funny watching me make an idiot of myself?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t think breaking the rules is funny at all,¡± Hermione replied with a serious expression. ¡°I turned fifteen just last month.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Ron blinked, stunned. He distinctly remembered that Hermione¡¯s birthday was on September 19th, while his was in March. Even he couldn¡¯t cross the Age Line¡ªso how could Hermione?


    ¡°In fact,¡± Hermione continued evenly, ¡°I¡¯m a year older than both of you. If I¡¯d been born just twenty days earlier, I¡¯d be in fifth year now.¡±


    Harry and Ron exchanged wide-eyed looks. They had always assumed Hermione was younger than they were.


    A flicker of envy crossed Ron¡¯s face. ¡°That¡¯s brilliant¡ªyou can compete in the Triwizard Tournament...¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t be ridiculous,¡± Hermione said briskly. ¡°I don¡¯t think I¡¯ll be chosen. I just didn¡¯t want to miss the chance to participate in some way. Putting my name in the Goblet is a way to be part of it, isn¡¯t it?¡±


    ¡°Come on,¡± Harry interjected, trying to steer the conversation back to their immediate concern. ¡°Let¡¯s get to the Hospital Wing. Hopefully, Madam Pomfrey can get those beards off you before the Halloween feast... unless you¡¯re planning to show up with them.¡±


    It wasn¡¯t just Hermione, though. Many students seemed to share her sentiment. By Saturday, nearly all of the fifth years and above at Hogwarts¡ªand even a few daring fourth years¡ªhad dropped their names into the Goblet of Fire.

 Chapter 501: Three Champions

    For the first time, everyone realized how unbearably long a Saturday could feel. Time dragged on relentlessly; even wizard chess and Exploding Snap, usually the highlight of their free hours, lost their appeal. Every now and then, they would glance up at the sky, hoping it had darkened, only to be met with the unchanged light of day.


    Morning crawled into noon, then stretched torturously into afternoon. By the time the sky finally dimmed, it felt as though an entire month had passed. When the moon rose, a palpable wave of anticipation rippled through the castle as everyone hurried to the Great Hall.


    Despite the lavish feast laid out¡ªundoubtedly due to back-to-back celebrations¡ªthe food didn¡¯t receive the attention it usually would. Most students picked at their plates, barely taking a few bites before setting their utensils down. Restlessness filled the air as heads turned repeatedly toward Professor Dumbledore, wondering if he had finished eating yet.


    ¡°Sit down,¡± Hermione finally snapped when Ron stood up for the third time. ¡°The Goblet of Fire needs time to decide. Even Headmaster Dumbledore can¡¯t announce the results before it¡¯s ready.¡±


    ¡°And how exactly do you know that?¡± Ron challenged. ¡°Did the goblet whisper the timeline to you when you put your name in?¡±


    ¡°Of course not!¡± Hermione replied with an exasperated sigh. ¡°Have you ever read ? It¡¯s all in there.¡±


    Ron muttered under his breath, ¡°I don¡¯t think many people read a book that thick.¡± Noticing Hermione¡¯s irritated glare, he hastily added, ¡°Okay, fine. Could you kindly tell us what time it¡¯s supposed to decide?¡± S~ea??h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Their little exchange had drawn the attention of nearby students, all of whom turned to Hermione.


    ¡°The book states the Goblet of Fire extinguishes itself after one day,¡± she explained, her tone clipped. ¡°It was only brought out at the end of last night¡¯s feast. Based on that, the decision should happen around 7:30.¡±


    Ron checked the clock. It was only ten past seven. He groaned inwardly. Another twenty minutes? With a sigh, he grabbed a plate of pudding, prodding at it half-heartedly with his fork. ¡°So, who do you think will be the Hogwarts Champion?¡± he asked irritably.


    Harry scanned the hall and spotted Fred and George sitting at the far end of the table. ¡°I hope it¡¯s Angelina,¡± he whispered.


    ¡°I¡¯d like it to be Fred,¡± Ron declared. ¡°Then I¡¯d be the brother of a Champion. Maybe Krum would even sign an autograph for me.¡±


    Hermione let out a derisive snort.


    ¡°But it might be you, Hermione,¡± Harry offered suddenly, recalling with a pang that she¡¯d also put her name in. ¡°You scored higher final marks than Angelina.¡±


    Hermione blushed¡ªa rare sight¡ªand attempted to act nonchalant. ¡°That¡¯s just because I took all the subjects last year. It made it look like I did better overall.¡±


    ¡°No, Harry¡¯s right,¡± Ron said earnestly, surprising both Hermione and himself. ¡°You¡¯re always the first to finish assignments, and even Snape can¡¯t find faults in your work.¡±


    Hermione turned to Ron, her expression one of genuine astonishment. She had expected his discomfort after learning she¡¯d entered her name into the Goblet of Fire¡ªhis silence since that morning had made that clear. She certainly hadn¡¯t anticipated a compliment.


    Oblivious to her reaction, Ron poked at his pudding again and continued, ¡°If you do get picked, though¡­ do you think you could ask Krum for his autograph?¡±


    Whatever warmth Hermione might have felt vanished instantly. Her face turned frosty as she grabbed the heavy book beside her, , and hurled it onto the table in front of Ron with a loud .


    Ron jumped, nearly dropping his fork. ¡°What¡¯s wrong with you? That almost hit me!¡± he barked, glaring at her.


    Hermione didn¡¯t answer. She turned her head away, refusing to look at him again.


    Finally, after what felt like an eternity, the last of the desserts vanished from the tables. Dumbledore rose from his seat, and a hush fell over the Great Hall.


    ¡°Well,¡± he began, his voice carrying a note of excitement that mirrored the room¡¯s tension, ¡°the time has come for the Goblet of Fire to make its decision.¡±


    With a wave of his wand, he extinguished half the candles in the hall, leaving only the glow of jack-o¡¯-lanterns to illuminate the room. In the semi-darkness, the Goblet of Fire blazed brighter than ever, its blue-and-white flames shining brilliantly.


    At the Hufflepuff table, Cedric Diggory was visibly tense, sucking in deep breaths. ¡°I¡¯ve never been this nervous,¡± he murmured.


    ¡°It¡¯s almost time,¡± said Mikel, who had been keeping an eye on the clock.


    At exactly 7:30, the flames in the goblet turned a vivid red. Sparks erupted violently, crackling like a volcano on the verge of eruption. A tongue of fire shot high into the air, carrying with it a small, charred piece of parchment.


    The Great Hall fell utterly silent. No one so much as breathed as the piece of parchment fluttered downward. A large hand reached up to catch it.


    ¡°The Champion of Durmstrang¡­¡± Dumbledore announced in a resounding voice, ¡°is Viktor Krum!¡±


    ¡°Yes!¡±


    ¡°Krum!¡±


    ¡°No surprise there!¡±


    The Great Hall erupted into applause and cheers, sweeping across the room like a wave. Viktor Krum rose from his seat at the Slytherin table, his expression calm yet confident. Ludo Bagman promptly stepped forward, beaming as he guided Krum toward the side room designated for the champions.


    ¡°Brilliant, Viktor!¡± boomed Karkaroff¡¯s proud voice, his hands clapping enthusiastically.


    The applause eventually quieted down, leaving the hall in a hushed anticipation as the Goblet of Fire¡¯s flames turned red once more. A second parchment shot out, gracefully landing in Dumbledore¡¯s hand.


    ¡°The Champion of Beauxbatons¡­¡± he declared, ¡°is Fleur Delacour!¡±


    A delicate yet undeniable presence, Fleur rose from her seat next to Kanna. She walked with effortless grace, her light footsteps taking her between the Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw tables. The applause this time was more subdued, as many students stared at her in quiet awe. Ron, for one, sat slack-jawed, utterly entranced.


    By the time most had recovered their composure, Fleur had already disappeared into the next room.


    Now, the Great Hall was silent once more, but this time the air was alive with barely contained excitement. All eyes were fixed on the Goblet of Fire, waiting for its decision on Hogwarts¡¯ champion.


    When the third piece of parchment emerged, the tension was nearly unbearable. It floated gently into Dumbledore¡¯s hand. Many students had already risen to their feet, eager to hear the result.


    ¡°The Champion of Hogwarts¡­¡± Dumbledore¡¯s voice carried through the hall, his eyes scanning the name on the parchment. A smile spread across his face. ¡°It¡¯s Kyle Chopper!¡±


    For a moment, Kyle felt as though a swarm of Billywigs had taken up residence in his head. A loud buzzing filled his ears, drowning out all other sounds. Not that it mattered¡ªno one could hear anything in the hall, as the cheers erupted like an overwhelming tidal wave, shaking the very walls.


    ¡°I knew it!¡±


    Before Kyle could process what was happening, he found himself engulfed in a tight embrace. It was Kanna, practically bouncing with excitement, her ears flushed a deep red.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you care about my feelings when you say that?¡± Cedric said with a mock pout, though his grin betrayed his true emotions. He quickly pulled Kyle into a hug as well. ¡°That¡¯s brilliant! I knew you could do it!¡±


    Cho, Fred, and George joined the celebration, crowding around Kyle in a flurry of congratulations. Their enthusiasm surrounded him, leaving him both exhilarated and overwhelmed.


    ¡°I hate to interrupt,¡± Dumbledore¡¯s voice interjected politely, though it carried a firm undertone, ¡°but the other champions are still waiting. You¡¯d best let him through.¡±


    The group quickly parted, clearing a path for Kyle. From the VIP box, Chris smiled warmly and gestured for Kyle to head toward the side door. Karkaroff, standing nearby, let out a low chuckle upon hearing Kyle¡¯s name.


    After the rules for the Triwizard Tournament had been finalized, Karkaroff had made it a point to investigate the Hogwarts students. Kyle had naturally been at the top of the list, especially as the youngest recipient of the Second Class Medal of the Order of Merlin. But to Karkaroff, the achievement was hardly impressive.


    A hulking three-meter-tall figure working alongside Silvanus Kettleburn, a renowned expert in Magical Creatures? With those two, even a Muggle could have survived a Werewolf encounter. To him, Kyle¡¯s medal seemed less an extraordinary feat and more a product of good fortune, generous allies, and Dumbledore¡¯s influence.


    What intrigued Karkaroff more was Kyle¡¯s age. Barely fifteen, he had just managed to scrape past the Age Line. By contrast, Krum was eighteen¡ªpractically an adult. In Karkaroff¡¯s eyes, the three-year difference was insurmountable. It was as if Hogwarts had handed the championship to Durmstrang on a silver platter.


    Durmstrang is going to win, he thought smugly.


    As Karkaroff reveled in his confidence, Dumbledore turned toward him, catching his gaze.


    ¡°Albus,¡± Karkaroff said with a sly smile, ¡°he¡¯s the youngest recipient of the Order of Merlin, isn¡¯t he? Hogwarts certainly has a way of producing talent.¡±


    ¡°Igor, if we¡¯re speaking of talent,¡± Dumbledore replied smoothly, ¡°Durmstrang boasts the most celebrated Seeker in the wizarding world.¡±


    The two wizards locked eyes, then, almost simultaneously, they broke into genuine smiles.

 Chapter 502: Front Page Headline

    Kyle passed through the side door behind the main guest seating area and entered a small room adorned with portraits of wizards lining the walls. Among them, he noticed Fleur standing behind a house sign, accompanied by another wizard, peering around curiously.


    ¡°I heard your name earlier,¡± Fleur said, walking over from the fireplace. ¡°What a cheer. I didn¡¯t realize you were so famous at Hogwarts.¡±


    ¡°Just the home-field advantage,¡± Kyle replied. ¡°If you were at Beauxbatons, you¡¯d get far more cheers than me.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know about that,¡± Fleur said, shaking her long, silver hair.


    Kyle glanced over at Krum. The legendary Seeker looked exactly as he had in every match Kyle had ever watched. Krum gave Kyle a simple nod before resuming his position by the mantelpiece, hunched over and deep in thought. His demeanor suggested that being a Champion brought him little joy.


    Outside, an indiscernible conversation carried on, accompanied by prolonged cheers that refused to subside. During this time, no one else entered the room¡ªneither Dumbledore, Chris, nor Bagman¡ªas if the three of them had been completely forgotten.


    Krum remained silent by the fireplace, his brooding posture unchanged. Fortunately, Fleur and Kyle, being on familiar terms, managed to strike up a conversation to pass the time.


    After about ten minutes, the door finally opened again from the outside. A figure darted in, clearly panicked, drawing everyone¡¯s attention.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± Fleur asked, her gaze fixed on the thin figure. ¡°Do they want us to go back to the Great Hall?¡±


    ¡°Oh... ah, yes.¡± After a moment¡¯s hesitation, Harry stammered, quickly looking away from Fleur¡¯s face and nodding. ¡°The Daily Prophet is here, and the headmaster¡¯s been talking to them. Oh, and the Minister of Magic¡ªhe asked me to tell you to return to the Great Hall.¡±


    ¡°Cornelius Fudge?¡± Fleur frowned.


    Kyle, meanwhile, studied Harry¡¯s face.


    ¡°Congratulations, Kyle,¡± Harry said with a smile. ¡°Fred and George said they¡¯re planning to make a hundred-foot banner, and we¡¯ll all be cheering for you during the match.¡±


    With that, Harry waved and hurried out of the room.


    Fleur stood and began walking toward the door with visible reluctance. Kyle, realizing he¡¯d been lost in thought, shook his head and followed her.


    ¡°You don¡¯t seem to like Fudge very much,¡± Kyle said. ¡°You haven¡¯t met him before, have you?¡±


    ¡°No, but Madam Maxime has mentioned him to me.¡±


    ¡°Because of your sister Gabrielle?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± Fleur nodded.


    ¡°Has it been resolved?¡± Kyle asked, curiosity evident in his tone.


    ¡°Sort of,¡± Fleur said, her voice tinged with frustration. ¡°There were six of them involved, but Fudge pinned the blame on just one and decided to send him to your wizard prison. Of course, that was expected¡ªhe used the Unforgivable Curses¡ªbut our demand was for everyone to face punishment. Instead, Fudge kept evading the issue.¡±


    As they spoke, they arrived at the Great Hall, greeted by a wave of cheers.


    Kyle noticed that the Goblet of Fire, which had previously burned with intensity, had now extinguished completely. The sight of the crowd invigorated Fleur, her earlier displeasure giving way to a composed expression. She was well aware that handling the Minister of Magic was Madam Maxime¡¯s responsibility, not hers. At most, she would allow herself a few private grumbles.


    ¡°Welcome, Champions,¡± Fudge said warmly, his voice carrying across the hall.


    He approached them with a broad smile, his rosy cheeks and slightly heavier frame a stark contrast to the last time Kyle had seen him in the courtroom. Fudge eagerly shook each Champion¡¯s hand, gripping Kyle¡¯s hand twice as firmly as the others.


    ¡°Well done, my boy, I knew you could do it,¡± Minister Fudge said warmly, beaming at Kyle.


    A loud pop accompanied the purple flash of smoke from the Daily Prophet photographer¡¯s camera. The man with the camera, a short and excitable fellow named Baddock, grinned widely. ¡°Front page material, Minister!¡± he exclaimed eagerly.


    ¡°No, Baddock,¡± Fudge replied, shaking his head thoughtfully. ¡°I think I¡¯ll save the front page for the Champions¡­ How about a group photo instead?¡±


    ¡°Very thoughtful, Minister,¡± Baddock said, snapping to attention. He wasted no time, bustling forward to pull the three Champions¡ªKyle, Fleur, and Krum¡ªinto the center of the Great Hall.


    Madame Maxime, though visibly displeased at being displaced, reluctantly stepped aside.


    ¡°Don¡¯t move, this¡­ Madam,¡± Baddock stammered nervously, clearly intimidated by Maxime¡¯s towering height. ¡°This is a group photo, after all. You may stand next to the Champions, but, uh, please try not to block them.¡±


    Maxime¡¯s expression darkened further, and she glanced sharply at Dumbledore.


    ¡°Well, of course,¡± Dumbledore said kindly, stepping behind Kyle. ¡°How about this?¡±


    ¡°Perfect,¡± Baddock said briskly.


    Maxime and Karkaroff joined in, positioning themselves behind their respective Champions. Soon after, Fudge, Chris, and Bagman stepped forward to represent the Ministry of Magic, completing the arrangement.


    When everyone was finally in place, Baddock surprised the room by darting over to the Gryffindor table. Without a word, he grabbed Harry by the arm and dragged him to the forefront.


    ¡°What are you waiting for? Cheer for the Champions!¡±


    Amidst raucous applause and cheers from the students, Baddock finally pressed the shutter.


    With the group photo complete, the feast came to an end. The students dispersed, making their way back to their common rooms. Meanwhile, Kyle, Fleur, and Krum returned to the small chamber they had been in before, now joined by the headmasters, Fudge, Chris, and Bagman.


    ¡°I do hope that our little get-together has fostered some camaraderie,¡± Dumbledore began with a smile. ¡°The Triwizard Tournament is undoubtedly a rigorous and challenging competition, but it also provides a wonderful opportunity to forge friendships. I¡¯ve always believed that gaining a like-minded friend can be even more rewarding than earning a champion¡¯s title.¡±


    Krum¡¯s lips twitched slightly, though he said nothing.


    ¡°Alright, Albus, let¡¯s not drag this out,¡± Karkaroff interjected, his tone impatient. ¡°Viktor has been feeling a bit under the weather and could use an early night.¡±


    ¡°Of course,¡± Dumbledore replied graciously. ¡°May I suggest Madame Pomfrey in the Hogwarts Hospital Wing? She¡¯s one of the finest Healers I¡¯ve ever known.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s high praise indeed,¡± Karkaroff muttered.


    ¡°Now, let¡¯s move along,¡± Bagman said, clapping his hands together enthusiastically. ¡°Time to explain the tasks, wouldn¡¯t you say?¡±


    ¡°Exactly,¡± Fudge agreed, smiling broadly. ¡°Chris, would you do the honors?¡±


    ¡°Of course.¡± Chris stepped forward and addressed the room.


    ¡°The first task is designed as a test of your courage, so we won¡¯t be telling you what it entails,¡± he explained. ¡°Facing the unknown is a critical part of a wizard¡¯s growth. What I can reveal is that it will challenge you. There are three stages to the task, each reflecting the character of one of the participating schools. Only by completing them all will you obtain a clue for the second task.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s enough, Chris,¡± Bagman interjected with a chuckle. ¡°Any more, and you¡¯ll ruin the mystery!¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re right,¡± Chris conceded with a small smile.


    Kyle, Fleur, and Krum exchanged looks, their expressions far from friendly as they cast wary glances at Bagman, who patted his stomach contentedly, unbothered by their reactions.


    ¡°Now, regarding timing,¡± Chris continued, clapping his hands for emphasis. ¡°The first event will take place on November 30th. You¡¯ll be judged by a panel on your performance. After that, you¡¯ll be on your own¡ªno help from professors or outside sources. Your only tool will be the wand in your hand.¡±


    Chris placed particular emphasis on the word , his tone almost a warning, though none of the others seemed to notice.


    ¡°Additionally,¡± he went on, ¡°to ease the pressure, Champions are exempt from the school year exams. You¡¯ll have a full month to prepare for the competition, free from academic distractions.¡±


    He turned to Dumbledore. ¡°That should cover everything, don¡¯t you think?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I believe so,¡± Dumbledore agreed. Then, with a twinkle in his eye, he added, ¡°How about a celebratory drink later? I have an excellent bottle of Firewhiskey I¡¯d like to share.¡± S§×arch* The N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Chris hesitated. ¡°It¡¯s the busiest time of year at the Ministry, Albus. I¡¯m afraid I¡¯ll have to pass.¡±


    ¡°Oh, come now,¡± Fudge chimed in, winking. ¡°Surely you can spare time for a quick toast. You¡¯ve earned it.¡±


    ¡°Well¡­ alright,¡± Chris relented with a nod.


    ¡°Splendid,¡± Dumbledore said warmly.


    He turned to invite Maxime and Karkaroff to join them, but they were already retreating, guiding their Champions out of the room without so much as a glance back.

 Chapter 503: Don’t Understand, But Respect

    When Kyle left the room and stepped into the Hufflepuff common room, the roar of noise that greeted him was so overwhelming it nearly knocked him off balance.


    Before he could take a single step inside, a dozen hands grabbed him and yanked him into the room. Judging by the space¡ªor lack thereof¡ªat the door, there were probably dozens more hands itching to do the same.


    ¡°Pop, pop, pop!¡±


    The sound of confetti canisters exploding filled the air. Brightly colored paper rained down as the entire common room erupted in cheers and joyous laughter. The volume of their celebration was deafening.


    ¡°Welcome, Champion of Hogwarts!¡± someone shouted.


    Kyle turned toward the voice and spotted none other than Fred and George, somehow infiltrating the Hufflepuff common room. They looked absolutely thrilled with themselves, each holding a streamer launcher, one of which they seemed ready to fire again.


    ¡°You¡¯re something else,¡± Cedric said, appearing through the excited crowd. ¡°Professor Sprout was here earlier, and she was dancing with joy! I¡¯ve never seen her so thrilled.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ve got everything ready,¡± Fred said, grinning ear to ear. ¡°Seriously, having the kitchen so close is a game changer.¡±


    ¡°And Butterbeer!¡± George added enthusiastically. ¡°The house-elves grabbed three massive barrels of it from Hogsmeade in just five minutes.¡±


    Before Kyle could respond, he was swept up by the crowd and deposited at a table someone had set up in the center of the room. It was piled high with food, enough to rival the Hogwarts feast from earlier. Beside the table were the promised Butterbeer barrels, towering almost as high as Kyle himself.


    Kyle opened his mouth to protest¡ªhe had already eaten his fill at the feast and wasn¡¯t the least bit hungry¡ªbut his words went unheard. The crowd¡¯s energy was unstoppable. Butterbeer was shoved into his hands, and every voice around him clamored for details about the Triwizard Tournament.


    ¡°What¡¯s the first task, Kyle?¡±


    ¡°Do you know what you¡¯ll have to do?¡±


    ¡°Is it dragons? I bet it¡¯s dragons!¡±


    Kyle raised his hands to calm them down. ¡°I don¡¯t know!¡± he said loudly, though his voice was barely audible over the din. ¡°They haven¡¯t told us anything. All I know is that it starts on November 30th.¡±


    This explanation satisfied a few people, but others hadn¡¯t heard him and kept asking the same questions. He repeated himself over and over, realizing for the first time just how many people could actually fit inside the Hufflepuff common room.


    Hours passed in a blur of cheers, chatter, and an endless supply of Butterbeer. Finally, as the celebration began to wind down, Fred and George, leaning heavily on each other, made their exit with satisfied grins.


    Kyle seized the opportunity to escape the crowd. He slipped away from the table and darted toward the dormitory stairs, his head spinning.


    He had never drunk so much Butterbeer in his life, and he swore he couldn¡¯t handle another drop.


    ...


    He wasn¡¯t sure how late they had celebrated, but when Kyle woke up on Sunday morning, the common room was nearly empty. Only a few people lingered. The mess of the previous night¡ªcrumbs, spilled drinks, and scattered decorations¡ªhad all been cleaned up, leaving no trace of the revelry.


    ¡°You¡¯re awake. Do you want something to eat?¡± Kanna asked, placing a tray on the table. It held a few slices of bread, some ham, and a jug of pumpkin juice.


    ¡°Breakfast is over. I got this from the kitchen just now.¡±


    ¡°Thanks,¡± Kyle replied. He began to eat, stuffing the bread and ham into his mouth. However, he avoided the pumpkin juice entirely. Its resemblance to Butterbeer made his stomach churn just from looking at it.


    ¡°Do you want to go for a walk?¡± he asked. Worried about being cornered into more conversations, he decided some fresh air would do him good.


    ¡°Okay,¡± Kanna agreed.


    The two of them exited through the barrel door and walked down the corridor toward the castle grounds. Outside, Durmstrang¡¯s grand ship floated on the Black Lake, swaying gently with the waves. Kyle wondered how anyone on board could possibly rest properly at night.


    ¡°Where are we going?¡± Kanna asked.


    ¡°How about Hagrid¡¯s?¡± Kyle suggested after a moment of thought. ¡°It¡¯s been a while since we last visited his cabin.¡±


    ¡°Good idea.¡±


    They strolled across the grass, heading toward the edge of the Forbidden Forest. As they neared Hagrid¡¯s hut, Kanna suddenly stopped and sniffed the air. ¡°Do you smell something?¡± she asked.


    ¡°It smells like alcohol¡­¡± Kyle said, scanning the area. His eyes quickly settled on the source: a makeshift paddock not far from the hut. Hagrid was busy hauling large barrels into the enclosure.


    As if sensing their presence, Hagrid turned and spotted them approaching. ¡°Finally!¡± he called out, feigning irritation. ¡°I thought you lot had forgotten where I live.¡±


    ¡°Of course not,¡± Kyle replied. ¡°We¡¯ve just been really busy. You know, OWL year¡ªtons of homework.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s a rare complaint coming from you,¡± Hagrid chuckled. ¡°By the way, congratulations on being chosen as a Champion. I knew it had to be you.¡±


    ¡°Thanks,¡± Kyle said. ¡°What are you doing?¡±


    ¡°Getting breakfast ready for the Abraxans,¡± Hagrid replied, gesturing toward the massive, winged horses in the paddock. ¡°They only drink pure malt Firewhiskey. I went to Hogsmeade early this morning to stock up. But it¡¯s worth it, eh? Aren¡¯t they beautiful?¡±


    ¡°Yes¡­¡± Kyle leaned against the fence, staring at the majestic creatures. Hagrid was right; the Abraxans were stunning. Unfortunately, they belonged to Beauxbatons, and there weren¡¯t many of them.


    Kyle shook his head and forced himself to look away.


    By then, Hagrid had finished unloading the last barrel. He opened it with a loud , releasing a strong, heady aroma.


    ¡°That¡¯s that,¡± Hagrid said, brushing off his hands. ¡°Enough Firewhiskey to keep them happy all day.¡±


    ¡°Do they only drink Firewhiskey?¡± Kanna asked.


    ¡°Course not,¡± Hagrid said. ¡°They¡¯ll graze on the grass here too. And in the evening, I¡¯ll give them fresh rue leaves¡ªthat¡¯s what Madam Maxime recommended.¡±


    For some reason, Hagrid chuckled to himself.


    ¡°What¡¯s so funny?¡± Kanna asked, eyeing him curiously. Something about him seemed off today. His hair was unusually shiny, as if he¡¯d slathered it in some kind of oil or polish. The effect was¡­ difficult to describe, so Kanna decided not to comment.


    ¡°Nothing, nothing,¡± Hagrid said hastily. ¡°Come inside for some tea.¡±


    He led them back to his hut. Inside, everything looked as they remembered it: the enormous plank bed with its patchwork quilt, the oversized wooden table and chairs, and the roaring fire in the hearth.


    As Hagrid busied himself making tea, Kyle¡¯s attention was drawn to something hanging on the wall. It was Hagrid¡¯s best¡ªand ugliest¡ªoutfit: a shaggy brown overcoat paired with a yellow-and-orange striped tie.


    Kanna noticed it too. They exchanged a glance but didn¡¯t say a word. There was no need; they both remembered it vividly. Sear?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Last year, when Hagrid had first become a professor, he had worn that very outfit. Kyle had even suggested that he visit Gladrags Wizardwear for something more suitable. The shopkeeper there had a knack for finding the perfect style for anyone. But despite all that, this ensemble remained Hagrid¡¯s favorite. He always dug it out for special occasions.


    What could they say? They didn¡¯t understand it, but they respected it.


    Besides, there was probably a reason for it.


    Hagrid, who stood over three meters tall, rarely encountered anyone of comparable size. Madam Maxime of Beauxbatons, however, was an exception. She was even taller than Hagrid by half a head. Perhaps their shared perspective extended to aesthetics as well. Maybe, just maybe, they both thought that outfit looked good.


    It wasn¡¯t entirely impossible.

 Chapter 504: Blast-Ended Skrewts

    It started raining suddenly around ten in the morning. Kyle and Kanna were sitting comfortably, drinking hot pine needle tea and chatting with Hagrid, the sound of raindrops tapping against the window creating a cozy backdrop.


    The conversation soon turned to the Triwizard Tournament.


    ¡°How does it feel to be a Champion?¡± Hagrid asked curiously.


    ¡°I¡¯m not sure yet,¡± Kyle replied. ¡°But it¡¯s going to get really crazy from here on out... Everyone¡¯s so enthusiastic, I felt like I¡¯d drunk two pints of Butterbeer last night.¡±


    ¡°Of course you did, you¡¯re representing Hogwarts after all,¡± Hagrid said with a smile. ¡°But you need to work on your drinking. Two pints of Butterbeer? That¡¯s not good enough.¡±


    Hagrid said it so casually, as if it were a matter of course. After all, when he usually went to The Three Broomsticks for a drink, he always started with three pints.


    ¡°I drank it after the dinner,¡± Kyle said, trying to explain to Hagrid that it wasn¡¯t that he couldn¡¯t drink, but that he really couldn¡¯t drink any more than that.


    To be honest, a drink like Butterbeer could only get a certain "someone", who had already graduated as a Prefect, drunk.


    But Hagrid didn¡¯t seem to care what Kyle said.


    ¡°Look what you said, I wouldn¡¯t go to The Three Broomsticks on an empty stomach either...¡± He placed a copper pot on the fire. ¡°It¡¯s okay, it¡¯s not a shame to have a poor drinking capacity, and I won¡¯t tell anyone else.¡±


    Kyle opened his mouth but, in the end, gave up on the idea of explaining. It didn¡¯t matter¡ªHagrid wouldn¡¯t listen anyway.


    After that, the conversation quickly shifted back to the Triwizard Tournament.


    ¡°The competition is going to be amazing. I never thought I¡¯d live to see the Triwizard Tournament resume,¡± Hagrid said with a grin.


    ¡°You¡¯ll see things you¡¯ve never seen before. The first event is so exciting, it¡¯s... ah, I shouldn¡¯t say. I shouldn¡¯t.¡±


    ¡°Go on, Hagrid,¡± Kanna urged. ¡°What¡¯s the first event?¡±


    But Hagrid just shook his head.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to ruin the fun for you,¡± he said. ¡°This is not allowed. Before the start of the competition, all news about the tasks must be kept completely secret. And I don¡¯t think it would matter to Kyle if he didn¡¯t know.¡±


    Kyle really wanted to tell Hagrid that he absolutely cared about the content of the competition, especially after Chris mentioned that the first task was to break through a barrier.


    Since it was a barrier, there couldn¡¯t be just one dragon involved, and the more you knew, the better prepared you¡¯d be.


    But Hagrid didn¡¯t give him that chance and immediately changed the subject to the Abraxans in the paddock. Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Kanna listened for a while, feeling a bit bored, and then began looking around at the other things in the hut.


    She noticed a large wooden box under Hagrid¡¯s bed and heard a faint crackling sound coming from it, as if something was inside.


    ¡°Hagrid, what¡¯s in there...¡± Kanna asked curiously. ¡°Does it have something to do with the Triwizard Tournament?¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Hagrid turned his head and then smiled. ¡°Of course not, but I feel they¡¯re as beautiful as the big guy in the project.¡±


    ¡°Beautiful big guy?¡± Kyle raised his eyebrows, feeling like he had stumbled upon some hidden information.


    The only things Hagrid would describe as beautiful were probably magical creatures with sharp teeth and claws.


    However, Hagrid didn¡¯t realize he had let anything slip. He had already stood up and was carrying the wooden box out from under the bed.


    ¡°The little ones that were born yesterday,¡± Hagrid said excitedly as he opened the suitcase and placed it in front of Kyle and Kanna.


    Kanna''s face visibly turned pale, and she subconsciously leaned back, trying to put some distance between herself and the suitcase.


    Inside was a group of slimy, greyish-white creatures. They resembled oversized lobsters that had shed their shells or slugs with legs. Occasionally, sparks shot out from their tails, creating a faint crackling noise as they hit the interior of the suitcase.


    ¡°What on earth is this thing?¡± Kanna''s voice trembled as her face grew even paler.


    She couldn¡¯t help but think that, compared to these, a Flobberworm seemed positively charming.


    ¡°Blast-Ended Skrewts, I named them,¡± Hagrid said proudly. ¡°I¡¯m planning a big project where the students will take care of them.¡±


    Kanna¡¯s expression changed once again. She clearly didn¡¯t think this was a good idea but struggled to find the words to dissuade Hagrid. Instead, she turned to Kyle for support.


    ¡°Well...¡± Kyle hesitated, then nodded. ¡°Hagrid, are you sure you want to do this?¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Hagrid asked, looking up from the Blast-Ended Skrewts. ¡°Of course. Don¡¯t you think it¡¯s a fulfilling experience¡­ watching them grow up?¡±


    ¡°I understand what you mean,¡± Kyle said carefully. ¡°But I just have one question¡­ These are new breeds of Magical Creatures, right? I¡¯ve never seen anything like them before.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right,¡± Hagrid said, his chest puffing out with pride. ¡°They¡¯re the offspring of a Manticore and a Fire Crab.¡±


    ¡°Very impressive¡ªnew species,¡± Kyle said slowly. ¡°But you haven¡¯t forgotten, my dad is one of the judges for the Triwizard Tournament, right? He¡¯ll be visiting Hogwarts a lot this year.¡±


    ¡°I know that. But what does that have to do with Blast-Ended Skrewts¡ª¡± Hagrid¡¯s words suddenly trailed off, and he froze mid-sentence.


    It dawned on him. Chris, Kyle¡¯s father, wasn¡¯t just a judge¡ªhe was the director of the Department for the Control and Management of Magical Creatures. Refereeing for the tournament was just one of his responsibilities.


    And given the Basilisk incident from a few years ago, Hagrid had already been summoned to the Ministry of Magic far too many times. Now, the Blast-Ended Skrewts, bred from two highly dangerous creatures, were bound to be just as illegal.


    ¡°Well¡­ um¡­ actually...¡± Hagrid stammered, struggling to justify himself. ¡°I, I just put them together¡­ didn¡¯t mean to¡­ it was all a coincidence.¡±


    ¡°I can keep your secret,¡± Kyle said, ¡°but I can¡¯t speak for everyone else. If someone accidentally mentioned this to my dad, and he overheard us talking about Blast-Ended Skrewts, there¡¯d be no way to contain the situation.¡±


    Hagrid¡¯s face twisted in confusion and regret. Was he really going to have to give up the big project he had been so excited about?


    ¡°And,¡± Kyle continued, ¡°even if you do want to introduce the Blast-Ended Skrewts, that¡¯s fine. But before doing so, I think it¡¯d be better to study their habits thoroughly. Don¡¯t forget¡ªthey¡¯re part Manticore, so they¡¯re definitely not going to be gentle. You don¡¯t want anyone getting hurt in your classroom, right?¡±


    ¡°Of course not!¡± Hagrid blurted out.


    Between the mention of Chris and the potential for student injuries, Kyle¡¯s words had struck a nerve.


    After hesitating for a moment, Hagrid let out a dejected sigh. Reluctantly, he shoved the suitcase back under the bed, abandoning the idea of introducing the creatures to his class¡ªfor now.


    Seeing this, Kanna let out a long sigh of relief.


    Thankfully, they would finally be able to have a normal Care of Magical Creatures class moving forward.

 Chapter 505: Conflict

    Kyle and Kanna spent the entire morning in Hagrid''s hut. Sear?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    When lunchtime rolled around, Hagrid enthusiastically invited them to join him.


    ¡°Steak hash,¡± he announced. ¡°You''ll never guess how delicious it is.¡±


    At first, Kanna was curious, intrigued by what kind of new dish Hagrid might have prepared. That was until she saw him throw an unknown large paw into the pot.


    Her decision was immediate. ¡°I think I¡¯ll head back to the castle,¡± she said quickly.


    Kyle made the same choice without hesitation. In Hagrid¡¯s so-called hodgepodge of steak, the only identifiable steak was a palm-sized piece buried beneath a chaotic mix of unrecognizable ingredients. The "steak" seemed to be included purely in name.


    Despite Hagrid¡¯s entreaties for them to stay, they got up and left the hut in a hurry¡ªand they were immensely glad they had.


    Perhaps to celebrate the choice of the Champions, the lunch served in the Great Hall featured a spread of brand-new dishes: classic French beef stew, onion soup topped with puff pastry, and an unnamed crispy roll that was likely a Durmstrang specialty. It was delicious.


    ¡°Thank goodness we came back,¡± Kanna said, ladling herself a bowl of onion soup. ¡°I can¡¯t even imagine how that paw would¡¯ve tasted stewed with the steak.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s hard to imagine indeed,¡± Kyle replied with a smile.


    Hagrid¡¯s sense of ¡°delicious¡± was vastly different from theirs, not to mention his approach to aesthetics in food.


    However, returning to the castle came with its own challenges. The downside was that Kyle had to deal with overly enthusiastic students, who seemed a little too eager to show their support.


    During just one meal, Kyle found himself sitting next to a stack of thick books. They had all been borrowed from the library, offered by students who believed they might be helpful for the Triwizard Tournament. But when Kyle casually flipped through them, he realized he¡¯d already read more than half of them.


    Over the next few days, this became a daily occurrence. Kyle spent a significant portion of his time graciously refusing these kind gestures¡ªand signing autographs.


    Kyle had never imagined that Hogwarts students would actually start asking him for autographs, much like they did with Viktor Krum. This was the first time he fully understood the fame attached to being a Triwizard Champion.


    Even when he had become the youngest recipient of the Order of Merlin, no one had ever asked him for an autograph before.


    Meanwhile, the students from Beauxbatons and Durmstrang began attending classes alongside the Hogwarts students. Most of them were sixth or seventh years, with not a single fifth-year student among them.


    Of all the visiting students, Viktor Krum was undoubtedly the most popular. Wherever he went¡ªwhether attending class or simply wandering the castle¡ªhe was constantly surrounded by a group of admirers.


    Among the crowd around Krum, one face appeared more often than the others: Malfoy.


    After two months of relative quiet, Malfoy had returned to his old arrogant self the previous week. He resumed picking on Harry and Ron at every opportunity¡ªthough this time, his focus was mostly on Ron.


    Whether it was during class or in the corridors, Malfoy made a point of mocking Ron. For the first time, Ron was enduring the same treatment Harry usually received.


    Ron was furious. On multiple occasions, he was ready to fight Malfoy, but he managed to hold back thanks to the intervention of others.


    This continued for a week. Then, on one Wednesday at lunch, Ron happened to overhear Malfoy speaking to Krum as they walked toward the Great Hall.


    ¡°That redhead has a screw loose,¡± Malfoy said deliberately loud, ensuring Ron could hear every word. ¡°He fawns over anyone famous. First Potter... that idiot with the scar on his head. I suppose he thinks if he hangs around Potter, he¡¯ll somehow move out of that... that house, whatever you call it. Viktor, you must be careful not to get tangled up with him. That little toady...¡±


    ¡°Malfoy!¡±


    Ron shoved his way through the crowd, his face livid. ¡°Do you want to say that again?¡±


    ¡°Oh, I thought it was someone else,¡± Malfoy sneered, looking Ron up and down. ¡°Have you given up on sucking up to Scarhead Potter? Maybe he¡¯ll give you a decent set of clothes.¡±


    ¡°Get off, Malfoy,¡± said Harry sharply, as he and Hermione each grabbed one of Ron¡¯s robes to hold him back.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be angry, Ron,¡± Hermione said, trying to calm him. ¡°He just wants you to start a fight so Professor Snape has an excuse to punish you.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t care...¡± Ron snarled, struggling against their grip. ¡°I¡¯ll rip his mouth off today!¡±


    ¡°How frightening,¡± Malfoy said mockingly. ¡°And your father¡ªoh, that old Weasley¡ªwhat a disgrace his shabby appearance is to the Ministry of Magic...¡±


    Ron¡¯s struggles intensified.


    ¡°Ha, yes, your family dresses so ¡®decently,¡¯¡± Malfoy added with a smirk.


    At that moment, Fred and George pushed through the crowd from the opposite side. Unlike Ron, they were calm, even amused.


    ¡°George, do you remember the picture in the other day?¡± Fred asked, grinning.


    ¡°Of course, Fred. The well-dressed Mr. Malfoy made quite an impression,¡± George replied, his smile matching his brother¡¯s.


    George cleared his throat dramatically and, while gesticulating wildly, began reciting the lines printed in the newspaper:


    ¡°I don¡¯t know... Mr. Minister, they threatened me into doing it, I¡¯m innocent...¡±


    These had been Malfoy¡¯s words during his trial, printed alongside a humiliating photo of him.


    Fred joined in, pretending to wipe tears from his eyes in a mock imitation of Narcissa Malfoy. Together, they reenacted the scene as though they were performing in a stage play, earning laughter from the surrounding crowd.


    ¡°How dare you!¡± Malfoy snapped, his pale face flushing as he drew his wand and pointed it at Fred and George. ¡°I¡¯ll make you pay!¡±


    ¡°Fine, go ahead!¡± Fred said calmly, drawing his own wand. ¡°If you¡¯ve got the guts, do it. And then, like the old Malfoy, claim you¡¯re innocent. Isn¡¯t that what your family does best?¡±


    Malfoy glared at Fred, his chest heaving with anger. The tension mounted, and then both moved simultaneously.


    Malfoy¡¯s spell shot toward Fred, but it rebounded off the Shield Charm and hurtled back faster than it had come.


    The next moment, Malfoy was thrown backwards, landing awkwardly on the ground. His front teeth began growing rapidly, extending past his lips and toward his chin at an alarming rate.


    ¡°What¡¯s all the ruckus?¡± a soft but dangerous voice asked.


    The crowd parted as Professor Snape appeared, his gaze falling on Malfoy, who looked like a confused and humiliated groundhog sprawled on the floor.


    ¡°Professor, you¡¯re just in time! Come and see¡ªI was so scared,¡± Fred said dramatically, dragging out his words. ¡°I was just practicing the Shield Charm when Malfoy suddenly collapsed. What happened?¡±


    ¡°Practicing the Shield Charm?¡± Snape narrowed his eyes suspiciously.


    ¡°Yes,¡± George chimed in. ¡°We really like this charm, so we practice it a lot.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right!¡± came another voice.


    With a distinct thump, Professor Moody arrived, his wooden leg clunking as his magical blue eye swiveled between Snape and Malfoy.


    ¡°Looks like he¡¯s been hit by his own charm,¡± Moody growled. ¡°Very interesting... Jinxing your classmates in public, Snape. What do you usually do in these cases?¡±


    Malfoy, still clutching his oversized teeth, didn¡¯t dare say a word.


    Snape¡¯s face twisted with irritation.


    ¡°Slytherin loses ten points, and Malfoy is confined to his dormitory,¡± he said coldly, yanking Malfoy up by the robes and dragging him away without further comment.


    ¡°Oh!¡± Fred exclaimed.


    ¡°Praise the professor!¡± George added, slapping Fred on the back, clearly enjoying their triumph over Malfoy.

 Chapter 506: Rita Skeeter

    The events in the Great Hall at noon spread like wildfire throughout Hogwarts.


    Every Gryffindor student buzzed with excitement, thrilled that the castle finally seemed to have someone capable of intimidating Snape. Even Professor McGonagall couldn¡¯t make Snape deduct points from his own house voluntarily¡ªand without so much as a word of protest.


    Professor Alastor Moody¡¯s fame among the Gryffindors skyrocketed, and soon, multiple exaggerated versions of the Weasley twins¡¯ exploits were circulating among the students.


    It wasn¡¯t long before the entire school had heard the story, and Gryffindor was largely responsible for the rapid spread of the tale.


    However, this fame came at a cost. Gryffindor¡¯s house points began to plummet, as if their scoring hourglass in the Great Hall had sprung a leak. In just a few days, they had lost more than half their points.


    The situation only came under control after Professor McGonagall intervened, sternly warning the students to stop creating trouble. The matter finally died down¡ªfor the time being.


    ...


    On a crisp weekend in mid-November, the second Hogsmeade trip of the school year arrived. This time, the students from Beauxbatons and Durmstrang were invited to visit the famous wizarding village as well.


    The shopkeepers, having received advance notice of the visitors, added a variety of international touches to their wares.


    Honeydukes had placed a row of dancing icing macarons and a bucket of flaming syrup apples prominently by the entrance, drawing crowds of curious students.


    Gladrags Wizardwear featured more long skirts with a French flair alongside exquisite fur cloaks, catering to Beauxbatons'' elegance.


    At The Three Broomsticks, Kyle caught sight of Madam Maxime and Hagrid through the window. They were seated at the largest table in the shop, each drinking a kind of vivid blue wine from cups the size of small barrels.


    ¡°Kyle, I think you need to stock up on these,¡± Fred said as they browsed Zonkos¡¯ Joke Shop. He handed Kyle an entire box of Dungbombs.


    ¡°Exactly,¡± George agreed. ¡°We don¡¯t know what the task is yet, but whether it¡¯s a duel or dealing with some creature, Dungbombs are the ultimate weapon.¡±


    ¡°Just one,¡± Fred said, ¡°is enough to incapacitate a dozen people. And the smaller the space, the more potent it is.¡±


    ¡°Of course, don¡¯t forget to prepare in advance by casting the Bubble-Head Charm on yourself,¡± George added.


    Kyle picked up the suitcase, examined it briefly, and then placed it back on the shelf. ¡°Forget it. The rules clearly state we can only use our wands during the tasks. These things won¡¯t even be allowed.¡±


    ¡°Huh?¡± Fred frowned, looking annoyed. ¡°That¡¯s ridiculous.¡±


    Kyle, however, found the rule entirely reasonable. S§×arch* The novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Sure, there were ways to work around it¡ªusing a Summoning Charm, for instance¡ªbut he doubted that resorting to such tactics would be worth it. The last thing he wanted was to go down in history as ¡°the most smelly Champion.¡±


    That was definitely a legacy he wanted.


    When they returned to the castle that evening, Fred and George were still grumbling about the strict competition rules. They argued that banning the use of props made the tournament far less enjoyable.


    The next morning, after breakfast, Kyle headed to the Charms classroom on the third floor as usual.


    ¡°Before we begin today''s lesson, let''s review the Summoning Charm,¡± said Professor Flitwick. ¡°Although this charm is very simple, it often appears on the O.W.L. exam, and it is also essential in everyday life.¡±


    His gaze lingered on Kyle for a brief moment before quickly shifting away.


    ¡°If you need something and don¡¯t have time to fetch it yourself, the Summoning Charm is an excellent solution...¡±


    For the next ten minutes, the students practiced the charm under Professor Flitwick¡¯s guidance, their voices echoing as they recited the incantation and focused their wands.


    Then, there was a knock at the door.


    It was Ginny Weasley, who slipped into the classroom.


    ¡°What is it, Miss Weasley?¡± Professor Flitwick inquired.


    ¡°Sorry, Professor,¡± Ginny began. ¡°Mr. Bagman asked me to bring Kyle downstairs. All the Champions need to gather.¡±


    ¡°Of course,¡± Professor Flitwick replied with a smile, his eyes turning to Kyle. ¡°Go ahead. There¡¯s nothing new being covered in today¡¯s lesson.¡±


    Kyle nodded, handing his textbook to Kanna, who was seated beside him. As he stood and walked toward the door, the eyes of his classmates followed him intently.


    ¡°That¡¯s amazing, Kyle. You¡¯ve become a Hogwarts Champion,¡± Ginny said eagerly as soon as the door closed behind them. ¡°Mum was overjoyed when she found out. She said she¡¯d absolutely be here for the tournament. Bill and Charlie even mentioned taking time off work to come!¡±


    ¡°The first task?¡± Kyle asked, slightly confused.


    ¡°Mum will definitely be at all three,¡± Ginny assured him. ¡°But as for Bill and Charlie, I¡¯m not sure. They live so far away. I think they¡¯ll only come for the final task.¡±


    ¡°Oh, here we are. Good luck!¡± Ginny said brightly, stopping outside a room.


    Kyle nodded, knocked on the door, and stepped inside.


    The room was a relatively small classroom, its tables pushed to the sides to create a clear space in the center. Three long tables were arranged at the front, draped in a luxurious piece of velvet.


    Ludo Bagman was seated nearby, chatting animatedly with a witch dressed in a striking magenta robe. Nearby stood Viktor Krum and Fleur Delacour, both already present.


    ¡°Ah, the last Champion!¡± Bagman exclaimed, rising to his feet. ¡°Come in, come in. There¡¯s nothing to worry about¡ªjust a quick wand inspection and a few photos. This is Rita Skeeter... she¡¯s writing a piece on the Battle for the Goblet for .¡±


    This was Kyle¡¯s first encounter with the infamous Rita Skeeter. Her reputation preceded her, and Kyle recalled the frustration of Chris, who had also suffered under her pen.


    ¡°Ludo, before we begin, might I have a word with Kyle?¡± Rita Skeeter asked smoothly, her smile sharp. ¡°He¡¯s the youngest Champion, after all¡ªit would add a nice touch of color to the article.¡±


    ¡°Sorry, Miss Skeeter,¡± Kyle interjected before Bagman could reply. ¡°But I think it¡¯s best to proceed with the wand inspection first. I¡¯ve still got a class to attend afterward.¡±


    ¡°Ah, yes, yes,¡± Bagman said hastily, his voice booming. ¡°Every lesson is critical before the competition begins.¡±


    Rita Skeeter¡¯s smile faltered, her expression hardening as she fixed her gaze on Kyle. He, however, paid her no mind.


    ¡°Good that you didn¡¯t accept her invitation,¡± Fleur whispered as she stepped closer. ¡°Madam Maxime warned me about her.¡±


    ¡°She was right,¡± Kyle murmured in agreement.


    Moments later, the door opened once more, and Professor Dumbledore entered, followed by the other three members of the judging panel: Madam Maxime, Karkaroff, and Chris. Bringing up the rear was the renowned wandmaker, Ollivander.


    ¡°It seems we¡¯re all here,¡± Dumbledore said warmly as he took his place behind the velvet-covered table.


    ¡°Allow me to introduce Mr. Ollivander,¡± Dumbledore continued, gesturing toward the elderly wandmaker. ¡°He will be inspecting your wands to ensure they are in optimal condition before the competition begins.¡±

 Chapter 507: Are You Really a Hufflepuff?

    Ollivander stepped into the clearing at the center of the room, his sharp eyes scanning the three Champions standing before him. His gaze settled on Fleur Delacour.


    ¡°Miss Delacour, would you mind going first?¡± he asked with a polite nod.


    As an expert on wands, Ollivander immediately recognized Fleur¡¯s as particularly unique, his curiosity piqued.


    ¡°Okay,¡± Fleur replied gracefully, stepping forward and handing over her wand.


    ¡°Ah, very interesting,¡± Ollivander murmured, holding the wand close to his eye and examining it with practiced precision. ¡°Nine and a half inches... inflexible...rosewood... and the core is... ah, Veela hair.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s my grandmother¡¯s hair,¡± Fleur explained softly.


    ¡°Fascinating,¡± Ollivander remarked. ¡°Although I must say, wands with Veela hair cores can be a touch temperamental. But if it serves you well, that is all that matters.¡±


    He gave the wand a delicate wave.


    From the tip of the wand, a bouquet of flowers blossomed, their vivid colors bright against the muted room.


    ¡°Very good, very good,¡± Ollivander said approvingly. ¡°Your wand is in excellent condition.¡± He handed the flowers back to Fleur along with her wand.


    ¡°Mr. Krum, your turn,¡± he called.


    Viktor Krum rose sluggishly, handing over his wand with a disinterested expression. Ollivander took it but was noticeably less enthused this time.


    ¡°Ah, a Gregorovitch creation,¡± Ollivander remarked with a hint of restraint. ¡°Hornbeam... dragon heartstring core... ten and a quarter inches...¡± He gave the wand a quick flick.


    With a sharp pop, a small flock of birds burst forth from the wand, flapping briefly before disappearing.


    ¡°Very good,¡± Ollivander said tersely, handing Krum¡¯s wand back. ¡°And now for the last one...¡±


    Kyle stepped forward, offering his wand. Ollivander¡¯s face lit up with genuine excitement.


    ¡°Ah, this is one of mine!¡± he exclaimed, his enthusiasm unmistakable. Unlike before, his tone was no longer purely professional¡ªit was personal.


    ¡°Yes, I remember this one very well...¡± Ollivander said, his voice growing nostalgic. ¡°The wood is from an exceptionally tall cedar I found in the heart of the Black Forest. Negotiating with the Bowtruckles there took days¡ªvery protective creatures. And the core... a tail feather from a Phoenix¡ªan incredibly rare specimen.¡±


    Ollivander¡¯s recounting was more detailed and drawn out than his examinations of the previous wands, as he seemed lost in the memory of crafting it. Nearly five minutes passed before he finally gave the wand a simple wave. S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    A soft, white light glowed warmly from the tip of Kyle¡¯s wand. Satisfied, Ollivander handed it back with a smile.


    ¡°Thank you all!¡± Dumbledore announced, rising from the judges¡¯ table. ¡°You may now return to class¡ªor, as the day is nearly done, perhaps go straight to dinner.¡±


    The Champions were then gathered for a group photo, followed by a series of individual shots. When the photography session concluded, the room began to empty. The judges made their way upstairs to the headmaster¡¯s office, while Kyle and Fleur headed downstairs toward the Great Hall for dinner.


    However, just as Kyle reached the top of the staircase, a claw-like hand seized his arm.


    ¡°What¡¯s the meaning of this, Madam Skeeter?¡± Kyle asked sharply, his brow furrowing.


    ¡°Just a few little questions, dear... for ¡± Rita Skeeter replied, her smile as fake as her saccharine tone.


    ¡°I believe I already made it clear that I won¡¯t be giving you an interview,¡± Kyle said firmly.


    But Skeeter¡¯s grip tightened slightly, and her expression turned almost gleeful. Her crocodile-skin handbag was open, revealing a lurid green quill that was busily scribbling away on a roll of parchment:


    ¡°Forget the quill, Kyle,¡± Rita Skeeter interjected smoothly. ¡°Can you tell me why you chose to sign up for the tournament?¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s go, Kyle. Ignore her,¡± Fleur urged, her tone firm.


    Kyle hesitated briefly before a small smile spread across his face. ¡°No, I¡¯ve changed my mind,¡± he said. ¡°I¡¯ve decided to accept Madam Skeeter¡¯s interview.¡±


    The Self-Writing Quill in his satchel sprang to life, its tip darting across the parchment.


    Kyle took a deep breath, glad Fleur couldn¡¯t see the quill¡¯s scrawling from her position. He exchanged a few reassuring words with her before stepping into an empty classroom with Skeeter trailing behind.


    ¡°Tell me how you feel about the competition,¡± Rita Skeeter asked eagerly the moment the door closed. ¡°Are you excited? Nervous?¡±


    ¡°A bit of both,¡± Kyle replied as he sat casually in a chair. ¡°But mostly, I¡¯m happy. I feel very lucky.¡±


    ¡°Lucky? Oh?¡± Skeeter tilted her head, intrigued. ¡°Because you were chosen?¡±


    ¡°No,¡± Kyle said, his tone turning mischievous. ¡°Because here. You¡¯ve given me the perfect excuse.¡±


    ¡°Excuse?¡± Skeeter blinked, her professional confidence wavering for the first time. ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    Kyle leaned back in his chair, his smile widening. ¡°An excuse for failure, of course. I¡¯ve read your articles, Miss Skeeter, and to call them rubbish would be an understatement.¡±


    ¡°You¡­¡± Skeeter¡¯s face tightened, but Kyle waved her off, continuing unfazed.


    ¡°Relax. Don¡¯t worry, Miss Skeeter, just hear me out. As I said, your articles are rather lacking in credibility. But they have their uses. If I perform poorly in the tournament, I can tell everyone it¡¯s because I was so distracted by your article that I couldn¡¯t focus. Nobody will scold me then. Isn¡¯t that fortunate for me?¡±


    Kyle chuckled lightly, amused by his own reasoning.


    Rita Skeeter laughed as well, though her tone was strained. ¡°You won¡¯t fail. You¡¯re an Order of Merlin¡­¡±


    ¡°Oh, but I will,¡± Kyle interrupted calmly. ¡°You said it yourself¡ªI¡¯m only fifteen, the youngest Champion. Winning will be tough. But failure isn¡¯t the problem here; the issue is preserving my reputation. If Hogwarts performs poorly in the Triwizard Tournament, especially on its own turf, someone will need to take the blame. The school¡¯s pride can¡¯t handle such a loss without a scapegoat.¡±


    Skeeter¡¯s crocodile-skin handbag quivered as she clenched it tightly. Her quill, sensing the tension, stopped its frenetic movements mid-sentence.


    Kyle continued, his tone casual yet cutting, ¡°So, I¡¯ve already thought of the perfect scapegoat¡ª Madam Skeeter. Whether or not your article is truly at fault doesn¡¯t matter. People just need someone to point fingers at, and who better than you?¡±


    He stood, offering a polite bow. ¡°Thank you again for your cooperation.¡±


    Rita Skeeter¡¯s face darkened like a thundercloud. As someone well-versed in sensationalism, she understood better than anyone that the truth was secondary to public opinion. If Kyle followed through with his veiled threat, she could become the ultimate villain in the narrative surrounding Hogwarts¡¯ potential failure.


    Her breath came in short, sharp gasps.


    When Skeeter had arrived, she had expected to deal with a typical Hufflepuff¡ªdiligent, polite, and unassuming. Instead, Kyle had completely overturned her expectations. Looking at his calm, smiling face, she realized she¡¯d been outmaneuvered.


    ¡°Are you really a Hufflepuff?¡± she asked dryly.


    ¡°As real as they come,¡± Kyle replied, stepping toward the door. He paused and turned back, his grin playful. ¡°Oh, and don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ll make it up to you after the tournament. Let¡¯s say¡­ a hundred Galleons?¡±


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you afraid I won¡¯t publish the article?¡± Skeeter asked, narrowing her eyes.


    ¡°I¡¯m confident you will,¡± Kyle said with a shrug. ¡°You¡¯re famous for defying authority, aren¡¯t you? Refusing to publish just because I rattled you would go against everything people believe about the bold and fearless Rita Skeeter.¡±


    With that, he walked out, leaving Skeeter alone in the room.


    She stood motionless, her expression shifting between fury and grudging admiration. At last, she picked up the parchment filled with her quill¡¯s frantic scribbling and tore it to shreds, a mocking sneer curling her lips.


    ¡°We¡¯ll see,¡± she muttered to herself, her eyes glinting with determination. ¡°You really shouldn¡¯t have told me this, Kyle.¡±

 Chapter 508: The Gift

    In the days following the wand inspection, Kyle¡¯s routine remained largely unchanged. Every morning, he awoke to find a towering stack of books on the table in the Hufflepuff common room. They were sent by well-meaning students and staff who seemed determined to help him succeed in the Triwizard Tournament, bringing in enough books to rival a small library.


    Even Madam Pince, known for her strict library rules, had relaxed her standards, no longer insisting that borrowed books be returned before new ones could be checked out. As a result, Kyle¡¯s collection of books grew rapidly, cluttering his dormitory. The desks couldn¡¯t contain the sheer volume, and the excess was stacked in corners, forming precarious towers of leather-bound tomes. Madam Pince assured him he could keep them until after the competition. sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Although Kyle appreciated the sentiment, the gesture was ultimately futile. There was simply no way to read or even skim through dozens of books in a single day. The surplus became a daily nuisance, but he didn¡¯t have the heart to discourage the support.


    ...


    A week later, during breakfast on Halloween morning, Rita Skeeter¡¯s much-anticipated article was finally published in . The owls delivered the papers promptly, and soon the Great Hall was filled with the rustling of pages and murmurs of discussion.


    The front page featured an elaborate story on the Triwizard Tournament. Dominating the page was a group photograph of the Champions, the jury members, and Fudge. At the bottom right corner, the photographer had captured part of the Gryffindor table, where Harry could be seen clapping enthusiastically.


    The photo was widely praised, with many people cutting it out and keeping it as a collectible. Even Harry kept a copy, proclaiming it his way of participating in the Triwizard Tournament. Ron, meanwhile, was green with envy, regretting his absence from the photo-op.


    While the previous issue of had focused on the history and origins of the tournament, this edition spotlighted the Champions themselves.


    Viktor Krum, being the most famous of the four, occupied a significant portion of the article. A detailed account of his Quidditch career and achievements filled one section, while the rest was packed with juicy gossip. Tales of his frequent romantic escapades, altercations with teammates, and rumors about him forcing the previous captain out of the team made for scandalous reading. Rita Skeeter¡¯s vivid descriptions gave the impression she had been present for every event.


    Fleur Delacour¡¯s segment was comparatively smaller and lacked the same sensational flair. However, it wasn¡¯t flattering either. The article subtly hinted at her Veela heritage, mentioning comments from her Beauxbatons peers and sprinkling in some of Rita Skeeter¡¯s signature embellishments. Fleur¡¯s mixed-race background was used as a basis for veiled, snide remarks that bordered on slander.


    Fleur¡¯s anger was palpable as she read the article. Her breakfast sat untouched, and she scowled at the newspaper.


    ¡°No wonder Madam Maxime told me to stay away from her,¡± she muttered through gritted teeth, her gaze fixed on a particularly offensive paragraph.


    ¡°Am I some kind of evil sorceress?¡± she said, her tone sharp with indignation.


    ¡°Oh, is there something about me in here?¡± Kanna, sitting beside her, leaned over curiously. Given the phrasing, she likely counted as one of the ¡°Hufflepuff girls¡± mentioned.


    ¡°Strange¡­¡± Kanna mused, picking up the newspaper Fleur had tossed aside. She skimmed it, then looked up in confusion. ¡°Kyle, why is there so little about you?¡±


    ¡°I guess she thinks I¡¯m just so-so,¡± Kyle replied with a shrug, ¡°and there¡¯s nothing worth writing about.¡±


    Indeed, Kyle¡¯s mention in the article was minimal¡ªburied in an obscure corner and barely three lines long. It felt like an afterthought, akin to a free gift thrown in with a larger purchase. His classmates, noticing the disparity, voiced their support for him, expressing indignation at Rita Skeeter¡¯s apparent slight.


    Kyle, however, didn¡¯t share their concern. In fact, he considered it a blessing. When it came to Rita Skeeter, the less coverage, the better.


    After all, this was Hogwarts. He didn¡¯t need to promote his name¡ªhis actions within the castle were more than enough to define his reputation.


    ¡°Bang!¡±


    The sudden crash drew everyone¡¯s attention to the Slytherin table. Viktor Krum, typically stoic and expressionless, was visibly fuming. His face turned an alarming shade of red, and in his anger, he accidentally knocked over his plate. The spilled soup splattered across the table and landed directly on Crabbe¡¯s head, drenching him.


    Krum didn¡¯t apologize¡ªor perhaps he didn¡¯t even notice. He muttered something sharp in Bulgarian under his breath and stormed out of the Great Hall, leaving behind a stunned silence. Although no one understood exactly what he had said, Kyle had a strong suspicion it wasn¡¯t complimentary, likely a colorful remark on Rita Skeeter¡¯s ancestry.


    This latest issue of only fueled the school¡¯s excitement for the Triwizard Tournament. The anticipation for October 30th was palpable. Conversations buzzed in every corner of Hogwarts, with students speculating about the challenges.


    The mood among the Champions, however, was noticeably different. While Kyle couldn¡¯t read Krum¡¯s thoughts, Fleur¡¯s increasing anxiety was plain to see. As the countdown to the first task reached its final week, her nerves seemed to fray further with each passing day.


    At Madame Maxime¡¯s insistence, Fleur had moved back to the Beauxbatons carriage and stopped attending classes with the Year 7 Hogwarts students. When Kyle did see her on occasion, she seemed distracted, barely acknowledging his greetings before hurrying away.


    Friday arrived, only two days before the first event. From early morning, the castle was abuzz with energy, the atmosphere electric with anticipation.


    ¡°So, are you nervous?¡± Cedric asked Kyle during breakfast, grinning as he slid yet another plate of eggs and bacon in his direction. The other Hufflepuffs seemed to have made it their mission to feed Kyle excessively, and they eagerly joined in, piling his plate until it resembled a towering mountain of food.


    ¡°I¡¯m not nervous,¡± Kyle said, trying to push the plates away, ¡°but could you all please act a little more normally? The first task isn¡¯t about who can eat the most bacon¡­¡±


    His plea fell on deaf ears. Everyone laughed and continued piling food in front of him. Resigned, Kyle sighed and began eating faster, hoping to escape the overzealous display.


    As Kyle took the last bite of his sandwich, the morning¡¯s mail delivery swooped into the Great Hall. A flurry of owls descended, dropping letters and packages at nearly every table. Among them, six large long-eared owls drew the most attention. Together, they carried a long, narrow package that they deposited onto the Hufflepuff table with a heavy thunk.


    ¡°Kyle, this is for you!¡± someone called out excitedly, pointing to the package.


    ¡°For me?¡± Kyle asked, swallowing the last of his sandwich and getting up to inspect it.


    ¡°What did you order?¡± Cedric asked curiously.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t order anything,¡± Kyle replied, puzzled. ¡°But it looks like a broom.¡±


    The package¡¯s shape¡ªa long cylinder that tapered at one end¡ªwas unmistakable. It was the signature packaging from Quality Quidditch Supplies.


    As Kyle moved closer, he noticed a card attached to the package. He pulled it free and read the neat handwriting:

 Chapter 509: Professor Lochneal

    Sirius gave this to me¡ªit can''t be... Kyle seemed to realize something and immediately tore open the package.


    Sure enough, just as he had suspected, inside was a beautifully crafted broom.


    Firebolt.


    The day Sirius had been acquitted, he had wanted to buy it as a gift for Kyle. But Kyle had declined at the time, pointing out that there wouldn¡¯t be any Quidditch this year.


    Yet here it was, a few months later¡ªSirius had still gone ahead and bought it.


    ¡°Firebolt! Did someone give you a Champion¡¯s Gift?¡± Cedric exclaimed excitedly. ¡°We¡¯ve got a Firebolt now, too... Oh, wait¡ªthere¡¯s no Quidditch this year.¡±


    Cedric¡¯s excitement wavered for a moment, his expression clouding briefly with disappointment. But he quickly shook it off.


    Well, it was still a Firebolt. That alone was reason enough to celebrate. They could always use it next year. He wondered if the Gryffindors¡ªespecially Fred and George¡ªwould be so full of themselves when Hufflepuff showed up with a Firebolt, too.


    Mikel was equally thrilled. He leaned in close, carefully inspecting the Firebolt as though it were some rare and precious artifact.


    ¡°It¡¯s such a shame,¡± he murmured, almost to himself. ¡°If only we could use broomsticks in the Triwizard Tournament...¡±


    ...


    Soon, word spread that Kyle had received a Firebolt. However, with the Triwizard Tournament occupying everyone''s minds and given that Harry had received a Firebolt the previous year, the news didn¡¯t make much of a splash. The excitement quickly waned.


    Kyle glanced once more at the note from Sirius, but he didn¡¯t say anything. Instead, he put the Firebolt away in his dormitory and headed to class as usual.


    What he didn¡¯t realize, however, was that the Firebolt wasn¡¯t the only surprise in store for him that day.


    The last lesson of the morning was Care of Magical Creatures. Hagrid had somehow managed to procure a large group of Fire Crabs, their gem-encrusted shells immediately capturing everyone¡¯s attention.


    As the class busied themselves feeding the Fire Crabs lettuce, Hagrid quietly moved closer to Kyle. Pretending to inspect the lettuce scattered on the ground, he leaned down and whispered in a low voice, ¡°Meet me in my hut at midnight tonight. Don¡¯t let anyone see you.¡±


    Straightening up, Hagrid boomed, ¡°Very good, Kyle! You¡¯ve mastered the technique of feeding Fire Crabs.¡± He winked conspicuously and walked off.


    ¡°Why did Hagrid tell you to find him?¡± Kanna asked curiously.


    ¡°I think he wants to show me something,¡± Kyle replied. ¡°We can go together tonight... if you¡¯re not too tired.¡±


    ¡°But is that okay?¡± Kanna asked, a bit hesitant. ¡°What if someone finds out?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry,¡± Kyle said with a grin. ¡°This is the perfect time to use the Invisibility Cloak. Besides, I know the Disillusionment Charm¡ªI can manage even without the cloak.¡±


    Kanna¡¯s eyes lit up, and she nodded eagerly.


    Later that afternoon, Kyle handed Kanna the Invisibility Cloak. At half past eleven, he used the Disillusionment Charm and slipped quietly out of the dormitory. Passing through the wooden barrel door of the common room, he stepped into the corridor outside.


    He waited for a few moments until the barrel door opened slightly, and a voice whispered, ¡°It¡¯s me.¡±


    A disembodied head appeared in the air. It was Kanna, speaking a bit nervously. ¡°How did it go? Did anyone notice you?¡±


    ¡°No,¡± Kyle replied. ¡°They were up late with homework last night and went to bed early tonight.¡±


    ¡°Same here,¡± Kanna said before pulling the Invisibility Cloak back over herself.


    The two of them made their way through the dark castle, sticking closely to their plan. Outside, the night was quiet, and the light from Hagrid¡¯s hut guided them along the path.


    But they weren¡¯t the only ones out that night. The door to Hagrid¡¯s hut was slightly ajar, and Kyle could hear laughter and conversation from inside.


    ¡°Oh no, someone¡¯s already there,¡± Kanna said nervously. ¡°What should we do?¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s wait and see,¡± Kyle whispered. They moved a few steps closer, staying hidden.


    Suddenly, Fang¡¯s loud bark echoed from the hut. The laughter and chatter inside stopped abruptly. Moments later, Hagrid stepped out, followed by another man.


    ¡°Did someone come?¡± the man asked, looking around suspiciously.


    ¡°No, no one,¡± Hagrid said, his voice exaggeratedly loud. ¡°Probably just a Kneazle. Fang loves playing with the Kneazles in the Forbidden Forest.¡±


    ¡°Kneazles? How fascinating! I love the Forbidden Forest,¡± the man said, tilting his head as he drained his glass.


    ¡°Well, I¡¯ve got to go now. Hagrid, it was a pleasure meeting you. See you tomorrow.¡±


    ¡°Wait, Lochneal,¡± Hagrid called after him. ¡°I¡¯ve got something amazing to show you¡ªsomething you¡¯ve never seen before.¡±


    ¡°What is it?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ll see,¡± Hagrid replied mysteriously. ¡°But we¡¯ve got to fetch Madam Maxime first. I promised her.¡±


    The two headed towards the Beauxbatons carriage, with Hagrid occasionally glancing back, as though checking on something.


    Kyle waited until they were out of earshot before tossing a small stone at Hagrid¡¯s arm. Startled, Hagrid turned back, but quickly picked up his pace to catch up with the other man.


    Kyle then dropped the remaining stones and turned to Kanna.


    ¡°That¡¯s Professor Lochneal from Beauxbatons. We¡¯ve met before.¡± Kyle said, recalling how he had sold Lochneal some heavily damaged dragon scales at a surprisingly good price.


    ¡°Are there any other professors from Beauxbatons here?¡± Kanna wondered aloud. ¡°I thought it was just Madam Maxime.¡±


    ¡°He must have just arrived,¡± Kyle replied. ¡°After all, if he had been here from the beginning, he would have made an appearance in the Great Hall, but none of us have seen him before today.¡±


    As they spoke, Madam Maxime emerged from the carriage. Before Lochneal could approach her, Hagrid stepped forward, his large hand extended to help her down the golden steps.


    The three of them¡ªHagrid, Madam Maxime, and Lochneal¡ªthen began walking around the paddock where the majestic Abraxan horses were tethered, heading into the shadowy depths of the Forbidden Forest.


    Kyle and Kanna trailed behind at a cautious distance, straining to catch snippets of their conversation.


    ¡°Hagrid, Lochneal, where are you taking me?¡± Madam Maxime asked, her deep voice tinged with curiosity.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know, Headmaster,¡± Lochneal replied with a shrug. ¡°I was just about to head back to bed¡­ Honestly, it¡¯s a lot colder here than at Beauxbatons.¡±


    ¡°If you go back now, you¡¯ll definitely regret it,¡± Hagrid said in a husky voice, barely able to contain his excitement. ¡°You¡¯ll like it¡ªit¡¯s worth seeing, believe me. But¡­ keep it a secret, all right? Don¡¯t tell anyone. You shouldn¡¯t even know about this.¡±


    ¡°Of course we won¡¯t tell,¡± Madam Maxime assured him.


    ¡°That¡¯s right,¡± Lochneal agreed.


    The trio pressed on into the forest. Kanna and Kyle kept up, their footsteps light on the leaf-strewn path. The minutes stretched as they wound deeper into the woods. Half an hour later, the forest had closed in around them, and neither Hagrid¡¯s hut nor the castle was visible anymore.


    ¡°Did you hear something?¡± Kanna whispered after another ten minutes of walking. Her head tilted as she tried to catch the faint sounds in the distance.


    A few voices rang out, shouting unintelligibly. Then, cutting through the quiet night, came a shrill, deafening roar that sent a shiver down her spine.


    The three figures ahead quickened their pace, and Kyle and Kanna followed suit, breaking into a brisk trot. They passed through a grove of trees and emerged into a clearing. sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Kanna gasped aloud. ¡°Oh my God!¡±


    The scene before them was breathtaking and terrifying. Fortunately, the surrounding commotion masked the sound of her voice. Kanna quickly ducked behind a tree, whispering urgently to Kyle, ¡°That¡¯s a dragon!¡±


    Kyle nodded grimly, his eyes fixed on the enormous creatures. He had already seen them.


    In the middle of the clearing, two fully-grown dragons stood chained within a sturdy enclosure made of thick planks. They roared and snorted, their scales gleaming in the dim light. Around them, a dozen burly dragon keepers wrestled with the chains, trying to control the massive beasts.


    ¡°I hope the first task of the Triwizard Tournament isn¡¯t dealing with these dragons,¡± Kanna murmured, worry etched in her voice.


    ¡°To be honest, I¡¯m not sure,¡± Kyle said, frowning deeply. While he had suspected that Hagrid¡¯s secretive trip involved dragons, something didn¡¯t add up. There were only two dragons here¡ªa Swedish Short-Snout and a Hungarian Horntail.

 Chapter 510: A Competition Between Headmasters

    Hagrid''s eyes were glazed as he stared at the Dragon before him. It was as if he had forgotten there were two other people nearby. He unconsciously stepped forward, drawn to the creature, his awe palpable.


    ¡°Stay where you are, Hagrid!¡± shouted a wizard standing near the fence. With short, spiky red hair and a muscular frame, it was clear the speaker was Charlie.


    ¡°This one can spit fire forty feet, so you¡¯d better keep your distance!¡± S§×ar?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°Oh, how beautiful,¡± Hagrid murmured, his voice soft and soothing, reminiscent of the tone he used with young Fluffy, his Three-Headed Dog.


    After several tense moments, the dragon keepers finally managed to subdue the agitated Dragons with Stunning Spells. Hagrid took another two steps forward, his gaze fixed on the Hungarian Horntail.


    ¡°Well, Hagrid,¡± Charlie said, panting as he approached. ¡°It was hard work getting them here. Thankfully, there weren¡¯t too many, or even twenty of us wouldn¡¯t have been enough.¡±


    ¡°Oh, yes...¡± Hagrid replied absentmindedly, his attention still locked behind Charlie.


    Charlie, catching the direction of Hagrid¡¯s gaze, understood exactly what he was thinking. But just as he was about to comment, he noticed the two figures standing beside them¡ªMadame Maxime and Professor Lochneal.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t realize you brought them along, Hagrid,¡± Charlie said, frowning. ¡°A Champion shouldn¡¯t know what they¡¯re up against ahead of time¡­ She must¡¯ve told her students, hasn¡¯t she?¡±


    ¡°Oh, I just thought they¡¯d be keen to come along for the ride,¡± Hagrid said vaguely, his eyes never leaving the Dragon.


    Charlie shook his head. The group had already seen what they came for, and there was no point in sending them away now. Still, to keep the competition fair, Charlie resolved to take matters into his own hands. He could take a casual walk near the Forbidden Forest tomorrow, ensuring Kyle saw him ¡°by chance.¡± He wouldn¡¯t need to say a word¡ªjust being seen should give Kyle the hint about Dragons. That way, he wouldn¡¯t technically be breaking any rules.


    Deciding not to dwell on the situation further, Charlie turned to greet the newcomers.


    ¡°Professor Lochneal, a pleasure to see you here,¡± Charlie said warmly, extending his hand.


    ¡°And I you, young Mr. Weasley,¡± Professor Lochneal replied with a smile, shaking his hand firmly.


    ¡°You know each other?¡± Hagrid asked, surprised, just as he was about to introduce them.


    ¡°Of course,¡± Charlie explained. ¡°A year ago, at the Dragon reserve, Professor Lochneal was an enormous help to us.¡±


    ¡°A year ago¡­ the Dragon reserve...¡± Hagrid¡¯s face lit up with recognition as he pieced the information together. ¡°Could it be during the Dragon melee?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right,¡± Lochneal exclaimed, his face alight with nostalgia. ¡°Dozens of Dragon species in one massive melee¡ªit¡¯s a memory I¡¯ll always treasure.¡±


    ¡°Oh...¡± Hagrid let out a wistful sigh. When he looked at Lochneal again, his eyes were glassy with emotion.


    ¡°You really should¡¯ve invited me too, Charlie,¡± Hagrid said, unable to keep the disappointment from his voice.


    ¡°It wasn¡¯t up to me, Hagrid,¡± Charlie replied with a shrug. ¡°The Romanian Ministry of Magic handled the guest list. We were just there to manage things.¡±


    ¡°Okay,¡± Hagrid sighed.


    Hagrid¡¯s gaze suddenly shifted to a large suitcase hidden in the shadows nearby. He squinted, curiosity sparking in his eyes.


    ¡°Are there Dragons in there too?¡± he asked, unable to resist. ¡°Why is the suitcase sealed?¡±


    ¡°That one...¡± Charlie hesitated, glancing back at the suitcase before shifting his eyes to Maxime and Lochneal. After a brief pause, he shook his head.


    ¡°Don¡¯t ask, Hagrid. I can¡¯t tell you. But I promise it¡¯s not a Dragon. Those big guys wouldn¡¯t just sit quietly in a box like that.¡±


    ¡°But what about the missing one?¡± Hagrid asked, his eyes scanning the area as he voiced the very question Kyle had been dying to ask. ¡°There are only two Dragons here, but there are three Champions. There¡¯s not enough to go around, is there?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± Charlie admitted. ¡°Our job was just to escort these two Dragons and that... well, let¡¯s call it a special prop, to Hogwarts. Beyond that, we weren¡¯t told much."


    ¡°As for the missing one... maybe it¡¯s intentional. Perhaps they want the Champions to draw lots, and whoever¡¯s lucky gets to skip the Dragon entirely, winning that part outright. But if you ask me, whoever draws the Hungarian Horntail is in for a rough time¡ªit¡¯s by far the most dangerous of the Dragons.¡±


    Maxime glanced at the black Dragon, then lowered her head, deep in thought.


    ¡°By the way, Hagrid,¡± Charlie said, changing the subject, ¡°how¡¯s Kyle doing?¡±


    ¡°Fine,¡± Hagrid replied. ¡°He¡¯s been preparing for the Triwizard Tournament. Seems to be in good spirits.¡±


    ¡°Glad to hear it.¡± Charlie¡¯s gaze shifted back toward the pen where the Dragons lay. ¡°When I was on holiday, I had a feeling Kyle might end up as a Champion, but it was still a surprise to get the official news. Mum¡¯s thrilled, though¡ªreally proud. Not that I¡¯d dare tell her what the first task is; she¡¯d be a nervous wreck.¡±


    ¡°Never mind that...¡± Charlie grinned. ¡°Hagrid, want to get a closer look? Just be careful not to wake them.¡±


    ¡°Oh, can I?¡± Hagrid¡¯s eyes sparkled with excitement, though his body was already moving toward the unconscious Hungarian Horntail. He crouched beside it, his gaze filled with awe and reverence as he examined the magnificent creature.


    Meanwhile, in the shadows of the nearby woods, Kyle and Kanna were preparing to leave. They had seen enough. Knowing Hagrid, they figured he¡¯d be there until sunrise and decided to slip away quietly.


    The two retraced their steps toward the castle, following the narrow path back to the edge of the Forbidden Forest. Just as they neared the boundary, a dark figure hurried toward them through the gloom.


    Kyle quickly sidestepped to avoid a collision, his hand instinctively moving toward his wand.


    ¡°It¡¯s Karkaroff,¡± Kanna whispered, catching a glimpse of the man¡¯s distinctive goatee.


    ¡°He¡¯s probably delivering a message,¡± Kyle murmured. ¡°The Triwizard tasks are meant to be secret, but they always seem to leak. This might be part of the unspoken rivalry between the headmasters.¡±


    The two continued their journey back to the castle. As they reached the front entrance, Kyle pulled out the Marauder¡¯s Map and scanned it quickly.


    ¡°Good, Filch is still patrolling the fifth floor,¡± he said, relieved. He nudged open a door that was slightly ajar, and they slipped inside, carefully making their way through the hallways toward the Hufflepuff Common Room.


    When they arrived, the Common Room was empty. Kanna pulled off her Invisibility Cloak, her expression tense.


    ¡°I can¡¯t believe the first task is actually a Dragon,¡± she said, her voice heavy. ¡°Isn¡¯t that way too dangerous?¡±


    ¡°Well, it¡¯s likely that only part of the first task involves Dragons,¡± Kyle replied, lifting the Disillusionment Charm. ¡°From what I¡¯ve heard, there are three stages in the first event, each representing one of the three schools. The Dragon is probably Hogwarts¡¯ contribution.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯d bet the headmasters have already tipped off their Champions about what¡¯s coming,¡± Kanna said, frowning. ¡°So, has Headmaster Dumbledore told you anything? Like you said, the headmasters usually find a way to pass on some hints.¡±


    ¡°Not yet,¡± Kyle said, shaking his head. He hadn¡¯t seen Dumbledore much recently, let alone received any guidance from him.


    When it came to bending the rules to help their Champions, Dumbledore seemed to lag behind Maxime and Karkaroff.

 Chapter 511: This Isn’t What Was Promised

    Kanna spent most of Sunday buried in the library, tirelessly flipping through books to help Kyle prepare for the upcoming Dragon challenge. Despite Kyle¡¯s repeated reassurances that she didn¡¯t need to go through the trouble, she remained undeterred.


    ¡°I¡¯m so nervous; I have to keep myself busy,¡± Kanna said firmly, plopping a hefty book on the table. Its cover displayed a fierce Hungarian Horntail, its wings spread wide above a line of gilt script.


    She pored over the text, flipping through the pages with focused determination, searching for any weaknesses the Dragon might have.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think the school will make you fight the Dragons,¡± Cedric offered, leaning back in his chair. ¡°You¡¯ll probably just have to walk past them.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s true,¡± he continued. ¡°I think using a Transfiguration Spell might work. Turn something into a distraction¡ªa dog or something¡ªand then sneak past while the Dragon¡¯s busy.¡±


    ¡°Or something even simpler...¡± Fred chimed in, lowering his voice conspiratorially. ¡°Just pop open that big suitcase they brought. Whatever¡¯s in there might do the hard work for you, and you¡¯d breeze through the challenge.¡±


    Kyle gave him a pointed look. ¡°Yeah, and then I wouldn¡¯t have to bother showing up for the second task, right? You¡¯re not secretly getting paid off by Karkaroff to help me lose, are you?¡±


    Fred smirked. ¡°If the price were right, it wouldn¡¯t be the worst idea.¡±


    ¡°Unfortunately, we¡¯re asking too much,¡± George interjected with a grin. ¡°Even if Karkaroff sold Durmstrang, he couldn¡¯t afford us.¡±


    ¡°A small discount might not hurt,¡± Kyle replied dryly. ¡°If throwing the match got me ownership of Durmstrang, I¡¯d consider it.¡±


    Fred laughed. ¡°Oh, look at him¡ªalready weighing his options.¡±


    At that moment, a sudden commotion erupted nearby. A low groan escaped Fred as he glanced toward the source.


    ¡°Here we go again,¡± he muttered irritably. ¡°Can¡¯t Krum and his fan club go somewhere else? The guy shows up, and suddenly none of us can get anything done.¡±


    Kanna raised an eyebrow at him. ¡°You¡¯re all the same. Don¡¯t complain about others when you¡¯re no better.¡±


    ¡°If I had a book open in front of me, would you believe me?¡± Fred asked with exaggerated innocence.


    ¡°At least we¡¯re not bothering anyone,¡± George added.


    Kanna rolled her eyes. ¡°So it¡¯s fine to bother me, then? Is that it?¡±


    ¡°Of course not,¡± Fred replied with a playful grin. ¡°But... it¡¯s close enough.¡±


    Kanna exhaled in exasperation. ¡°This is exactly why I¡¯m saying it¡¯s not the same thing,¡± she muttered.


    ¡°Come on, it¡¯s just a little Dragon,¡± Fred said. ¡°And don¡¯t forget, Kyle¡¯s got experience.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t start bragging on my behalf,¡± Kyle warned, giving Fred a pointed look. ¡°I only helped when Norbert hatched, and that¡¯s hardly the same thing.¡±


    ¡°But it¡¯s still experience,¡± George countered. ¡°Fleur and Krum have never even been near a Dragon before¡ªnot even Norbert.¡±


    Another wave of noise echoed from across the library, drawing an annoyed glare from Kanna.


    ¡°Here we go again,¡± she grumbled. ¡°Let¡¯s head back.¡±


    As she stood, she thrust the book she¡¯d been reading, into Kyle¡¯s hands. She then grabbed another nearby title, tucking it under her arm.


    As they stepped out of the library, Hermione rushed past, her pace brisk and her face etched with irritation. Clearly, she¡¯d had her fill of the racket inside. She muttered under her breath, her tone sharp with annoyance, "Why can''t he just stay on that stupid big boat and read?"


    "Stupid?"


    "Why would she say that?"


    Fred and George exchanged looks, their expressions a mix of disbelief and amusement. They¡¯d always thought the boat was rather impressive, even cool.


    Later, back in the common room, Kyle found himself with little to do. He passed the afternoon reading with Kanna, the quiet companionship helping the hours slip by. Tomorrow loomed large¡ªit was the day of the first project.


    That evening, despite his usual composure, Kyle felt a creeping unease. Restless thoughts kept him tossing and turning long into the night, and it was only in the early hours that he finally drifted off into a fitful sleep.


    ...


    The next day.


    From the moment Kyle woke up until lunchtime in the Great Hall, he was bombarded with encouragement from every corner.


    Then, Professor McGonagall appeared.


    ¡°Are you ready?¡± she asked, her voice steady yet tinged with urgency. ¡°The Champions must now go to the field... to complete the first task.¡±


    Kyle stood, brushing off the lingering nerves. "Okay."


    "Good luck," Kanna whispered softly as he passed.


    Cedric gave his arm a reassuring pat. ¡°Go get ¡¯em.¡±


    ¡°You can take ¡¯em!¡± Mikel added enthusiastically, his confidence in Kyle unmistakable.


    With a deep breath, Kyle followed Professor McGonagall out of the Great Hall. She appeared uncharacteristically anxious, her brisk walk and repeated reassurances revealing her inner turmoil. ¡°Don¡¯t be nervous,¡± she said, though Kyle suspected the advice was as much for her own benefit as it was for his.


    ¡°We¡¯ve got some wizards posted nearby to intervene if things get out of hand. And most importantly¡­ Professor Dumbledore will be watching the entire match, so it will be fine.¡±


    ¡°Professor, you should be more worried about the other two Champions,¡± Kyle said with a faint smile. ¡°I hope their headmasters are as reassuring as Professor Dumbledore.¡±


    Professor McGonagall chuckled, her tense expression softening slightly. She placed a steady hand on Kyle¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Anyway, be careful. If all else fails¡­ there¡¯s no shame in admitting defeat. Don¡¯t forget, you¡¯re only fifteen.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Professor,¡± Kyle replied, his voice calm.


    After leaving the castle, Professor McGonagall didn¡¯t lead him toward the Forbidden Forest as Kyle had initially thought. Instead, she headed for the Quidditch Pitch. From the outside, it looked unchanged, but upon entering, a thick, swirling fog cloaked the interior, obscuring nearly everything from view. The only thing visible was that the stands had grown significantly larger, looming high above.


    Professor McGonagall guided Kyle to the entrance of the Changing Rooms.


    ¡°Go in,¡± she said, her voice betraying a slight tremor. ¡°Bagman is inside too¡­ he¡¯ll explain what to do next.¡±


    ¡°Thanks,¡± Kyle said, pushing the door open and stepping inside.


    Fleur was already there, perched on a low wooden stool. She looked pale, her hands clasped tightly together.


    ¡°How are you doing? Are you okay?¡± Kyle asked.


    Fleur shook her head faintly. She glanced up at Kyle, opening her mouth as if to speak, but before she could say a word, Ludo Bagman¡¯s booming voice interrupted.


    ¡°Kyle, wonderful! Come on in,¡± Bagman said, grinning broadly. ¡°Relax, relax, the competition isn¡¯t as terrifying as it seems!¡±


    Kyle gave a small nod, stepping further into the room.


    ¡°Alright, now that we¡¯re all here,¡± Bagman continued, clapping his hands together, ¡°I¡¯ll give you the rundown.¡± He pulled out three identical quills, holding them up for the Champions to see. ¡°These are special Portkeys that will take you to the arena once the audience has gathered." sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°Your task is simple: do your best to overcome all the hurdles in front of you and make it to the end. Oh, and one more thing,¡± he added, his voice lowering as if sharing a secret, ¡°red stones. They¡¯re extremely important and directly tied to your second task. Make sure to collect as many as possible.¡±


    The room fell silent. Neither Fleur nor Kyle said anything, only nodding slightly to signal they understood.


    ¡°Well¡­ that¡¯s about it!¡± Bagman said cheerfully. ¡°Take a few minutes to calm yourselves down.¡± He moved to distribute the quills. ¡°Hold onto these carefully. If you miss the start time and fail to enter the arena, you¡¯ll be disqualified¡­¡±


    ¡°Wait a minute,¡± Fleur interrupted suddenly, her voice cutting through the room¡¯s quiet tension.


    Bagman turned toward her, his brow furrowing slightly. ¡°What is it?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t we need to draw lots?¡± Fleur asked, her tone a mix of confusion and unease.


    ¡°Draw lots?¡± Bagman repeated, puzzled. ¡°There¡¯s no need for that. All the events are identical; the only difference is each Champion¡¯s starting position¡­ But if you¡¯d prefer to draw lots¡­¡±


    He quickly retrieved a cloth bag, placed the three identical quills inside, and handed it to each of them in turn.


    Fleur drew first, her fingers hesitating slightly before pulling out one of the quills. She stared at it, her expression uncertain as she glanced between it and the others.


    What¡¯s going on? she wondered. There¡¯s no Dragon, no bypass task¡­ This isn¡¯t what Madame Maxime described to me.

 Chapter 512: The First Task

    The atmosphere in the Changing Rooms was tense, as if time itself had slowed to a crawl since the Champions had been handed their quills.


    Ludo Bagman, ever the optimist, attempted to lighten the mood with a stream of jokes, but his words fell on deaf ears.


    ¡°Well, I can see you don''t like jokes,¡± Bagman remarked with forced cheerfulness, though it was clear he didn¡¯t particularly care. ¡°I''m stepping out for a bit; I need to explain a few things to the audience. Remember, don¡¯t let go of your quills, got it? Now... Mr. Krum, can I have a word with you? Outside?¡±


    Krum looked up, his expression blank. Although he wasn¡¯t sure what Bagman wanted, the man was a judge in the Triwizard Tournament, so after a brief hesitation, he stood and followed him into the corridor.


    ¡°What could they want?¡± Fleur muttered, frowning. ¡°Is there something else they need to tell us... privately?¡±


    ¡°Who knows,¡± Kyle replied nonchalantly, though he was becoming increasingly aware of the noise outside. The laughter and cheering were growing louder, a vibrant hum filling his ears.


    Suddenly, a sharp whistle pierced the din.


    Kyle¡¯s focus snapped back to the quill in his hand. It was growing hotter by the second, and he felt a strange, forceful pull. Before he could react, the sensation intensified¡ªhis whole body was abruptly sucked into the quill.


    When he came to, Kyle found himself standing on the Quidditch Pitch, surrounded by deafening cheers. He glanced around in confusion. The field stretched out vast and empty, with no sign of Fleur or Krum. Weren¡¯t they supposed to compete together?


    ¡°Welcome to the Triwizard Tournament!¡± Bagman¡¯s enthusiastic voice boomed from the stands.


    ¡°As you can see, the Champions are already in position, but they¡¯ve been placed in separate areas and cannot see one another... Of course, we can see them all, which leaves us with a delightful dilemma: whom should we watch?¡± Bagman chuckled at his own wit, though the joke fell flat.


    Kyle¡¯s thoughts raced. Separate positions? That explained the absence of the others. Before he could dwell on it further, Bagman continued.


    ¡°Now, for the first level!¡± Bagman shouted. ¡°All Champions must pass through this door to reach the next stage. Let¡¯s wish them all the best of luck. And, by the way, the little guardian of the key is quite the handful!¡±


    Kyle¡¯s gaze followed Bagman¡¯s words, landing on an oak door standing incongruously where one of the goalposts had been. There was nothing around it¡ªno walls or structures, just the door standing alone, as if dropped there without context.


    Approaching cautiously, Kyle examined it. The door seemed ordinary, and he could easily circle it, but the scenery around him remained unchanged. Clearly, simply walking past wasn¡¯t the solution.


    Kyle muttered, pointing his wand at the door.


    Before the spell could take full effect, a flash of blue shot towards him from out of nowhere. He jumped back instinctively.


    ¡°Creak!¡± Long, jagged scratches appeared on the door¡¯s surface.


    Turning, Kyle saw the source¡ªa cat, though it was far larger than any ordinary feline. Its eyes, glowing a vivid blue, were like twin luminescent stones.


    A Matagot.


    Hanging from its neck on a fine chain was a large golden key.


    Kyle¡¯s thoughts clicked into place. So that¡¯s why he had glimpsed Professor Lochneal at Hogwarts¡ªthis must be his doing. Professor Lochneal, a renowned Magizoologist from Beauxbatons, was particularly fond of Matagots. He was rarely seen without one, even during their visit to the Dragon Reserve, where he had one by his side at all times.


    Kyle narrowed his eyes at the creature. ¡°Shackle?¡± he whispered, calling the name of the professor¡¯s Matagot.


    The cat didn¡¯t respond, its intense blue eyes remaining fixed on him.


    Of course, Kyle realized with a pang of disappointment¡ªit wasn¡¯t the same Matagot. The professor wouldn¡¯t have brought Shackle here, not with the stakes of the Tournament at play. Allowing Kyle to interact with a familiar creature would have been too easy, especially since Fleur was the real Champion of Beauxbatons.


    ¡°Aha, now everyone has met the little guy in charge of the keys... What are you going to do? A friendly reminder: don¡¯t use magic on Matagots lightly, because... Oh, Viktor Krum is such a hothead. If they had been more patient, they would have known that a Matagot will split into two if harmed by magic. Oops, now there are three of them... What is he going to do?¡± Bagman¡¯s voice rang out, tinged with a mix of amusement and exaggerated concern.


    To be honest, Bagman¡¯s commentary revealed a bit more information than was probably fair, technically bending the rules. But no one in the audience seemed to care, caught up in the unfolding drama.


    Kyle, however, had known the characteristics of Matagots for a long time, and Fleur clearly didn¡¯t need the reminder either. The only one in the dark was Krum, and even he had already stumbled into the mistake before Bagman¡¯s so-called ¡°hint.¡± As far as Kyle was concerned, the extra information changed nothing at all.


    The audience erupted in a mix of exclamations and gasps. S§×ar?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°Oh, look over there, what a clever girl...¡± Bagman continued to shout enthusiastically. ¡°Oh, what a pity! I thought she had it in the bag. She should have been more patient!¡±


    Kyle listened to Bagman¡¯s prattle for a moment before tuning it out. He didn¡¯t need to hear it to know what was happening. This task was clearly tailored for Beauxbatons; Fleur would likely breeze through. Krum, on the other hand, would have a harder time. The split Matagots would only grow more aggressive and difficult to handle.


    Of course, that wasn¡¯t Kyle¡¯s problem.


    He turned his attention back to the Matagot in front of him. The creature hadn¡¯t moved; it remained standing there, its sharp eyes locked on Kyle, as if waiting for him to make a move toward the door.


    Kyle decided to change his approach. He slowly put away his wand and lowered his body until his hands touched the ground. He knew that Matagots were highly alert creatures, especially when confronted with a wand. His actions now were deliberately non-threatening in their eyes.


    This position had another advantage: by lowering himself, he ensured that the audience in the stands couldn¡¯t see his mouth.


    ¡°Oh, well done!¡± Bagman¡¯s voice came again, sounding genuinely impressed. ¡°Our youngest Champion has also found a way!¡±


    Kyle ignored him.


    With his hands firmly planted on the ground, he observed the Matagot. The creature¡¯s arched back began to flatten, and its flicking tail slowed to stillness. Clearly, it was responding to his careful movements.


    Kyle moved forward cautiously, pulling the hood of his robe over his head to conceal his face as much as possible.


    The Matagot let out a low growl and arched its back again as Kyle drew closer. He froze immediately, his hidden lips moving in a soft murmur. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, little one. I just want to borrow that key to open the door. I¡¯ll give it back to you soon.¡±


    The Matagot¡¯s glowing blue eyes seemed to flicker with curiosity, though its low purr suggested it wasn¡¯t entirely convinced.


    ¡°Is it your job to guard the key and keep strangers away? I understand. But I¡¯m not a stranger. I know Shackle¡ªa beautiful female Matagot. Do you know her?¡±


    ¡°Meow...¡± The sound was almost questioning.


    ¡°Oh, of course I know her,¡± Kyle continued softly. ¡°She has a small patch of missing fur on the tips of her hind legs. It happened when she accidentally stepped on a student¡¯s failed alchemy project.¡±


    The Matagot let out a quiet trill, as if considering his words.


    ¡°Right? See, I told you I¡¯m no stranger. In fact, I¡¯m on good terms with Professor Lochneal. He told me your favorite food is long-bearded barracuda¡ªthe kind with two long beards and three golden stripes on its body...¡±


    Of course, Professor Lochneal had never said anything of the sort. Kyle was bluffing. But it didn¡¯t matter¡ªhe knew no cat, magical or mundane, could resist the allure of dried long-bearded barracuda. Even Wampus Cats and Nundus couldn¡¯t turn their noses up at it.


    Unfortunately, the treat was hard to come by and notoriously expensive. Three for ten Galleons, and that was on a good day.

 Chapter 513: The Golden Snidget and the Bludgers

    From the start of the match until now, the Quidditch Pitch had never been quiet. The crowd was a sea of cheering voices, punctuated by the rhythmic waving of colorful flags.


    Looking down from the stands, the original Quidditch Pitch had been divided into three equal sections. There were no walls or visible barriers separating these areas, yet they remained distinct, as if magically insulated from one another.


    At this moment, an unusual scene was unfolding on the pitch.


    Krum''s section was a flurry of movement, drawing attention as five identical Matagots chased him relentlessly. Their pursuit turned his area into a spectacle, with countless eyes riveted to the chaos.


    Fleur''s section was equally captivating, though in a different way. She seemed to be performing a peculiar, graceful dance, circling the Matagot near her. The creature made no immediate moves to attack but watched her intently. Occasionally, Fleur would stretch out her hand toward the golden key hanging around the Matagot''s neck. Each time, it would spring to the side, adopting a defensive posture. Yet, when Fleur resumed her hypnotic dance, the Matagot would once again relax.


    Some in the crowd began to notice that the Matagot''s reactions were slowing. It was becoming evident that if this continued, Fleur would eventually succeed in snatching the key. While her section was quieter than Krum''s, her unique approach held its own allure, keeping many spectators focused on her graceful movements.


    In stark contrast, Kyle''s section was eerily still. There was no dramatic chase, no spellbinding dance¡ªjust Kyle and his Matagot, locked in an unmoving face-off on the ground, as if both were petrified. The initial attention directed at him had long since dwindled to near silence.


    ¡°What on earth is Kyle doing?¡± Fred Weasley exclaimed, lowering his flag, which read, He flexed his aching arms after waving it for so long.


    ¡°Can Matagots cast Petrification Spells?¡± George asked, his tone laced with confusion.


    ¡°No, they can''t,¡± Cedric Diggory interjected firmly. ¡°Matagots are known primarily for their ability to divide themselves. They can''t perform any other magic. My father mentioned them once during that magical creature smuggling case a few years back. He said it was a nightmare trying to round up just three of them. I looked into Matagots after that and learned all about them.¡±


    ¡°So what¡¯s he up to, then?¡± George persisted. S~ea??h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Cedric shook his head. ¡°I don¡¯t know. But Kyle must have a plan.¡±


    Meanwhile, in the front row of the stands on the far right, the judges sat in their golden chairs, observing the match closely. Madam Maxime leaned back slightly, her expression contemplative as she whispered, ¡°What is he doing?¡±


    Professor Lochneal, seated behind her, replied thoughtfully, ¡°I¡¯m not certain. But the boy is friendly with Scamander. Perhaps he¡¯s using some specialized method.¡±


    ¡°You think he knows how to calm the Matagot?¡± Madam Maxime¡¯s brow furrowed deeply. That possibility troubled her. If Kyle could indeed pacify the Matagot, Beauxbatons would lose a critical edge.


    ¡°Perhaps,¡± said Professor Lochneal after a thoughtful pause, casting a glance toward Dumbledore. As though making idle conversation, he continued, ¡°Mr. Scamander is a remarkable Magizoologist. I might be slightly more comprehensive than him in my studies of Matagots, but in every other regard, I must humbly admit I fall short. It¡¯s a shame he isn¡¯t here today.¡±


    Madam Maxime nodded, understanding the implications. Although Lochneal¡¯s expertise with Matagots gave him a slight edge over Newt in this specific area, that advantage was significant, given that Matagots were central to this competition.


    Despite her earlier frustrations about being unable to stop the other Champions during the first round, Maxime found some solace in the thought that Lochneal¡¯s insights might still give Fleur an advantage.


    ¡°Ah, look!¡± A cry of surprise snapped Maxime out of her thoughts. She instinctively turned her gaze toward the arena, and a pleased smile spread across her face.


    Fleur had secured the golden key from the Matagot¡¯s neck and was now sprinting toward the door.


    ¡°Oh!¡± Another startled exclamation followed almost immediately. Maxime assumed something had happened in Krum¡¯s area. Upon closer inspection, she saw him employing a clever Transfiguration Spell to distract the Matagot. While the spell was impressive, it wasn¡¯t extraordinary enough to warrant such a loud cheer. Puzzled, she turned her attention toward Kyle¡¯s section.


    ¡°What?!¡± Maxime abruptly stood from her seat, her expression one of pure shock.


    Kyle, who had appeared to be frozen in place moments ago, had suddenly sprung into action. Without warning, he lunged forward, catching both the audience and the Matagot off guard. Before anyone could react, Kyle deftly snatched the golden key from around the Matagot¡¯s neck, as effortlessly as if he were picking a baked potato off a plate.


    The contrast between Kyle and Krum was striking. While Krum was still being chased relentlessly by a determined Matagot, his robes reduced to tattered strips, Kyle had managed to retrieve his key with startling efficiency. Many spectators scratched their heads in disbelief, struggling to reconcile the disparity in their approaches.


    Having secured the key, Kyle leaned in close to the Matagot and whispered softly, ¡°Now you hurry and chase me. That will count as completing the task. I¡¯ll leave dried Long-whiskered Barracuda for you¡ªby the forest at sunset. Look for the third tree behind the cabin. Hurry, and don¡¯t let the Kneazle get to it first.¡±


    With that, Kyle bolted toward the door. The Matagot, true to his word, sprang after him, leaping nimbly in pursuit.


    Kyle increased his pace, and the Matagot mirrored his movements, staying just inches behind. The chase was electric, drawing excited cheers from the crowd.


    ¡°I knew it! I knew it!¡± Fred cheered, waving his flag with renewed energy. ¡°Kyle must have been confusing the Matagot all along. Look¡ªit worked!¡±


    ¡°Come on, Kyle, hurry!¡± George shouted, leaning over the railing.


    Kyle reached the door and, with practiced precision, inserted the key into the lock. Behind him, the Matagot swiped, leaving three long claw marks down the back of his robe.


    ¡°Click!¡±


    The lock disengaged, and Kyle pulled the door open. As he stepped through with one foot, the world around him seemed to shift violently. The Matagot vanished, and so did the door.


    The Quidditch Pitch transformed dramatically. Like a puzzle being disassembled and reassembled, the field expanded outward, becoming vast and surreal. Then, the ground beneath Kyle began to crumble¡ªstarting from the far edges and rapidly closing in, until only a precarious one-foot radius remained intact around him, as though he were perched on the edge of a towering cliff.


    The spectators watched with bated breath, their mouths agape. As the ground fell away, a dazzling golden light erupted from below the cliff. In a blur, it shot upward, leaving a shimmering golden trail in its wake.


    ¡°Oh, a Golden Snitch!¡± someone in the stands cried out.


    ¡°No!¡± Cedric corrected excitedly, lowering his Omnioculars. ¡°That¡¯s not a Snitch. The Snitch doesn¡¯t have a long beak. That¡¯s a Golden Snidget¡ªa rare, protected magical species banned from trade worldwide. The Golden Snitch was actually created as a replacement for the Snidget.¡±


    Before anyone could respond, a heavy, iron-gray ball shot into the air, eliciting more gasps.


    ¡°Look, a Bludger!¡± someone exclaimed.


    George leapt to his feet, his excitement palpable. ¡°Are they setting up a Quidditch match? Imagine a Quidditch game as part of the Triwizard Tournament¡ªthat¡¯d be brilliant!¡±


    In a sense, George was correct¡ªbut only partially.


    While a Quidditch game typically required three types of balls, the current scene featured only two: one dazzling Golden Snitch and an alarming swarm of twenty-nine furious Bludgers.

 Chapter 514: This is a Real Flying Broomstick

    There was no mistaking it¡ªthis level had been designed by Durmstrang. Bludgers, Golden Snidgets... everything about this challenge screamed that it was tailor-made for Krum. And what¡¯s more, it was the kind of challenge that didn¡¯t even require much acting on his part. It seemed to have been designed with him in mind from the start.


    And then there was the broom.


    Kyle reached out and grabbed the broom that was hovering nearby.


    It was new, its surface gleaming with a protective layer of wax, but as soon as he lifted it, Kyle was taken aback by its weight. The broom felt almost as if it were made of stone. It was heavy, far heavier than any broom he had ever used. The Firebolt was a feather compared to this, and even the school¡¯s Comet 260 felt lighter by comparison.


    He glanced at the end of the handle and saw a small line of gold text: .


    Kyle blinked in disbelief. The first broom in the Cleansweep series, a product that was over seventy years old. No wonder it felt so outdated. It was practically an antique. It was a challenge even for the Ministry of Magic to find these old brooms, and they were a rare sight even in the Room of Requirement¡¯s thrift shop. After all, this model had long since been replaced by the Cleansweep Seven in Diagon Alley¡¯s Quidditch shop.


    Despite its age, Kyle couldn''t help but admire the craftsmanship. The Cleansweep series was known for its durability, and even though this broom was slow and cumbersome to turn, it still had the stability you¡¯d expect from a well-made broom.


    With a sigh, Kyle took a few steps forward and reached the edge of the cliff.


    To be honest, the sight of twenty-nine Bludgers whizzing through the air in a chaotic dance was rather spectacular. The Bludgers moved in erratic patterns, their low hums vibrating through the air. As for the Golden Snidget, it had only made a brief appearance before vanishing, the glimmering creature gone in an instant.


    ¡°Well, let¡¯s give it a try,¡± Kyle muttered to himself.


    He mounted the Cleansweep One and gave it a gentle kick.


    The broom slowly lurched into the air, creaking with the effort. The Cleansweep was sturdy, but slow¡ªfar too slow for Kyle¡¯s usual standards. He was used to the swift responsiveness of his Nimbus 2000, and this heavy broom felt like trying to steer a ship. But there was no time to adjust. The Bludgers had already noticed him.


    With a rapid increase in speed, the Bludgers, which had been flying in random patterns, suddenly locked onto their new target¡ªKyle. From all sides, they veered toward him, filling the sky with their rapid movement. They were blocking nearly every direction, a relentless barrage of whirring, angry balls.


    Thinking quickly, Kyle pulled sharply on the broom¡¯s reins and yanked it around, steering it back toward the only safe ground¡ªthe platform. He barely managed to land, his feet touching the one-foot radius of solid ground just as the Bludgers scattered. They no longer followed him, and the space above him cleared.


    Now, Kyle had a clear understanding of the situation: This was a unique kind of Seeker training. He was supposed to catch the Golden Snidget, but the challenge wasn¡¯t just finding the Snidget¡ªhe had to do it while avoiding the deadly onslaught of twenty-nine Bludgers. And the only safe place in this entire level was the tiny platform beneath his feet.


    Kyle walked to the edge and peered down. He couldn¡¯t see the bottom, but judging by how far the ground was receding below him, it had to be hundreds of feet. A fall from this height would be fatal, no question about it.


    Of course, Kyle knew the school would have safety measures in place to protect the Champions, but he wasn¡¯t so sure they would go as far as to prevent him from being disqualified for failing to complete the task. If he couldn¡¯t score, this task might be over before it really even began.


    ...


    ¡°Luckily, they set an Age Line,¡± Ron said, letting out a sigh of relief as he stared at Kyle¡¯s precarious position on the platform. Turning to Harry, he added, ¡°If I ended up where Kyle is right now... I¡¯d probably just stand there until the game ended.¡±


    Even from the safety of the stands, Ron could feel his legs trembling at the mere thought of standing on that tiny platform above what seemed like a bottomless pit.


    ¡°Yeah¡­¡± Harry nodded in agreement. He enjoyed Quidditch and didn¡¯t mind flying fifty feet above the ground under normal circumstances, but this was far from normal. Watching Kyle soar over a 10,000-foot cliff while dodging dozens of Bludgers was a completely different story. Harry knew he¡¯d never have the courage to even take off in such a situation.


    Just then, Hermione¡¯s shout pulled their attention back to Kyle.


    ¡°Oh, look! Kyle¡¯s thrown his broom down!¡±


    Harry¡¯s head snapped away from Fleur, who had been standing frozen on her platform ever since nearly falling off earlier, and back to Kyle. Sure enough, Kyle had placed the Cleansweep One aside, letting it lie there on the platform.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on? Is he giving up?¡± Ron asked, frowning.


    ¡°Definitely not,¡± Hermione said with certainty. ¡°He must have thought of another way.¡±


    She was right. Kyle had indeed come up with a new plan. In fact, he had more than one. This challenge, though daunting, was actually simpler than the first level¡ªas long as he could conquer his fear of heights.


    After all, this was the Triwizard Tournament, not Quidditch. Magic was allowed, and with the right spells, Kyle could theoretically destroy all the Bludgers and search for the Golden Snidget without any obstacles. But that method would likely cost him points, and Kyle preferred a more elegant solution. The Cleansweep One¡¯s sluggish performance only solidified his decision.


    Raising his wand, Kyle cast a Summoning Charm.


    ¡°¡±


    The air buzzed faintly, and moments later, a distant whirring sound grew louder. The Firebolt that Sirius had given Kyle came streaking toward the Quidditch Pitch, circling the field before stopping in mid-air beside him. The sleek, polished broom hovered confidently next to Kyle, radiating an aura of unmatched speed and precision.


    The crowd erupted into cheers. Bagman¡¯s voice boomed over the noise, though his exact words were lost to Kyle in the commotion.


    Kyle mounted the Firebolt and took off gracefully. The difference was immediate. The Firebolt was leagues ahead of the Cleansweep in both design and performance, responding seamlessly to Kyle¡¯s every thought. Riding it felt natural, as though the broom were an extension of his body. Compared to this, the Cleansweep One was better suited for display in a museum.


    Kyle spun through the air effortlessly, testing the Firebolt¡¯s agility. Before he realized it, he had already flown beyond the platform¡¯s edge.


    The Bludgers reacted instantly.


    But this time, Kyle didn¡¯t care. He lifted his hands slightly, and the Firebolt surged upward, carrying him away from the incoming barrage. Moving with the grace of a swift, Kyle wove between the Bludgers, dodging their erratic movements with ease.


    Bagman¡¯s voice rang out again, filled with excitement. ¡°What a move! He dodged an almost certain hit with a flawless backward dive! And now¡ªa diagonal flight... incredible! I never thought I¡¯d see a Hogwarts student flying with such finesse. He should join a professional team¡ªhe¡¯d be perfect for England in the next Quidditch World Cup!¡±


    The stands erupted with even louder cheers, accompanied by the crackle of fireworks exploding in the sky. The judges¡¯ reactions were equally telling. Karkaroff¡¯s face darkened with frustration, his expression grim. In contrast, Dumbledore was positively beaming. The Hogwarts headmaster clapped enthusiastically, clearly delighted with Kyle¡¯s performance.


    Not content to enjoy the moment alone, Dumbledore turned to Karkaroff, a mischievous twinkle in his eye. ¡°Karkaroff, do you have any recommendations for teams?¡± S~ea??h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°What?¡± Karkaroff blinked, clearly distracted by the display.


    ¡°I mean,¡± Dumbledore continued, his tone conversational, ¡°if the boy is interested in joining a professional team, it would be a wise choice. Bagman is right¡ªEngland hasn¡¯t made it to the Quidditch World Cup finals in a long time.¡± He smiled warmly. ¡°But I must admit, I¡¯m not an expert on the subject. That¡¯s why I¡¯m asking for your input. If I recall correctly, you spent nearly a year scouting teams with Viktor, didn¡¯t you?¡±


    Karkaroff¡¯s goatee twitched under Dumbledore¡¯s pointed gaze.


    Madam Maxime, standing nearby, tilted her head in curiosity. She had heard whispers about Karkaroff¡¯s extensive efforts to promote Krum, but she hadn¡¯t realized the extent of it.


    The implication was clear: Krum had fallen behind in his studies to focus on professional Quidditch, and now he would have to delay his graduation.


    ¡°There was no other way,¡± Karkaroff muttered, his fingers nervously twirling his goatee. He glanced at Maxime¡¯s increasingly amused expression. ¡°Viktor is extraordinarily talented. As headmaster, it¡¯s my duty to help him find the most suitable team.¡±


    ¡°Headmaster¡¯s duty?¡± Maxime¡¯s eyes gleamed with barely concealed contempt, her lips twitching as though she wanted to laugh. But she said nothing further, merely turning her attention back to Fleur on the field.

 Chapter 515: The Final Challenge, Dragons

    On the far side of the arena, Kyle soon spotted a golden blur darting between the Bludgers. The Firebolt¡¯s superior agility and speed made tracking it far easier than it would have been otherwise. The Golden Snidget was hovering near the stands, its small, shiny black eyes fixed intently on Kyle. Its head tilted slightly, as though curious about the approaching figure.


    When the Snidget finally realized Kyle was closing in, it flapped its wings in a panic and tried to flee¡ªbut it was too late.


    The Firebolt¡¯s ability to rapidly accelerate for short bursts gave Kyle a decisive edge. Even with the ever-present interference of the Bludgers, he managed to position himself directly behind the Snidget before it could vanish again. With a swift, precise motion, he gently caught the delicate creature in his hands.


    The Golden Snidget felt soft, like a warm, fluffy dandelion resting in his palm. It didn¡¯t resist being caught; instead, it lay still, gazing up at Kyle with an inquisitive tilt of its tiny head.


    ¡°Puff... puff...¡±


    As if on cue, the moment Kyle captured the Snidget, the Bludgers pursuing him disintegrated one by one, dissolving into fine dust that scattered into the air. When one of the Bludgers disappeared, it revealed a glimmering red gemstone within, suspended momentarily before beginning to fall. Kyle acted quickly, darting toward the stone and catching it in his other hand.


    The gemstone was roughly the size of an egg, its dark red hue strikingly reminiscent of the Philosopher¡¯s Stone that had once been hidden at Hogwarts. Its purpose, however, remained a mystery for the time being.


    Kyle¡¯s curiosity about the gemstone was cut short as the scene around him shifted once more.


    The remaining platform vanished into thin air, and the entire Quidditch Pitch began to spin wildly. The crowd in the stands seemed to shrink as if the entire space was expanding outward, growing larger by the second. The ground beneath him reformed into a different terrain, but Kyle didn¡¯t land. He gripped the Firebolt tightly, staying airborne as the transformation continued.


    A low, rumbling sound filled his ears. In the blink of an eye, a towering mountain erupted from the ground, dominating the entire pitch. Its jagged peaks pierced the sky, and the air around it crackled with an ominous energy.


    Then came the roars.


    Kyle¡¯s breath caught as two massive dragons came into view atop the mountain¡ªthe Swedish Short-Snout and the Hungarian Horntail. These were the same Dragons he had encountered before, and now they loomed before him once more, their scales glinting in the changing light.


    ¡°What is going on?¡± Kyle muttered, disbelief evident in his voice.


    Both dragons in the same arena? Could this be the final challenge? Did it mean whoever reached the third level first had to face both of them alone? And what about Fleur and Krum¡ªdid they even have a chance to compete now?


    Kyle¡¯s thoughts raced, his mind spinning as he tried to comprehend the situation. Around him, the stands erupted into a cacophony of cheers and gasps, the energy in the stadium reaching a fever pitch.


    The Hungarian Horntail, seemingly startled by the noise, roared fiercely. Without warning, it unleashed a forty-foot torrent of flames aimed toward the stands.


    ¡°Ah!¡± The crowd¡¯s cheers turned to screams as spectators scrambled to escape.


    For a brief moment, panic gripped the arena. But then it became clear¡ªthe flames did not reach the stands. Whether due to distance or protective enchantments, the spectators were safe.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, don¡¯t worry!¡± Bagman¡¯s voice rang out, attempting to calm the crowd. ¡°The bleachers are completely secure! Please remain seated. Now, I must admit, this is unexpected! The Hogwarts Champion has utterly dominated the first two levels, and now we¡¯re onto the final test.¡±


    Bagman continued, his voice rising in excitement. ¡°Let me explain¡ªthis third level is shared by all the Champions! That means the other two competitors will join this arena shortly. The task is straightforward: find all three red stones to pass the level. So... good luck!¡±


    A level shared by all the Champions?


    Kyle suddenly understood. No wonder¡ªif he really had to deal with two Dragons on his own, it would be a bit too difficult.


    He jumped off the Firebolt, landing softly on the ground, and looked up at the two Dragons towering over the mountain before Fleur and Krum had arrived.


    He finally realized what had been in the suitcase he had seen that day: Firestone.


    A stone with dark red streaks, it was originally a highly dense ore, formed after being baked in a Dragon''s flames over a long period. It could continue to emit high temperatures, making it a favorite of Dragons. They often collected Firestones and placed them in their nests. Most dragon eggs were even hatched on these stones, their heat providing the ideal conditions.


    It was worth mentioning that the name of the Ashwinder, a Magical Creature familiar to most wizards, originated from this very type of stone.


    Now, these Firestones were piled atop the mountain, lying directly under the Dragons¡¯ bodies. Among the Firestones, the kind of red stone Kyle needed to pass the level was also mixed in.


    The condition for passing this level was to collect three red stones. There had been none in the first level, and only one in the second... Perhaps there had been one in the first level too, but he simply hadn¡¯t noticed it.


    In any case, Kyle now needed two more to pass this final level. But how? He frowned, contemplating his options.


    Dragons were grumpy creatures by nature. On top of that, being the first Champion to arrive at the third level meant most people would now be paying close attention to his movements. If he tried to pass the level by "trading" with the Dragons, it seemed unlikely he could avoid drawing attention.


    Kyle pondered for a moment and began to understand the meaning behind the third level¡¯s design. Three people, two Dragons¡ªthis setup clearly encouraged teamwork. If two people actively distracted the Dragons, the remaining person could collect the necessary stones without much trouble. sea??h th§× ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    But deciding who would distract the Dragons and who would retrieve the stones was up to the Champions themselves. They could cooperate harmoniously, allowing one person to gather all the stones and then divide them equally, or they could take turns distracting the Dragons. In short, passing this level depended on each person¡¯s abilities and their ability to find the right method. If they worked together, it could be relatively simple.


    However, all of this was predicated on all three Champions being present. Kyle alone would never be able to handle it.


    ¡°Should I wait for them?¡± Kyle hesitated. If he waited for Fleur and Krum, he would lose the time advantage he had built up in the previous two levels. But if he didn¡¯t wait, he would have to face both Dragons alone.


    Caught in indecision, Kyle subconsciously took a step forward.


    ¡°Clatter¡­¡±


    A few stones rolled down under his feet. Although the sound wasn¡¯t loud, the Swedish Short-Snout heard it. It stood up, its dark golden vertical pupils swiveling slightly as it looked in Kyle¡¯s direction.


    Great. Now there was no need to think about it anymore.


    Kyle didn¡¯t hesitate. He jumped onto the Firebolt and leapt into the air. A roar erupted behind him, and he could feel his back growing hotter and hotter. He instinctively bent down to avoid a blazing jet of flames.


    Glancing back, Kyle saw the Swedish Short-Snout chasing him. Fortunately¡ªor perhaps unfortunately¡ªthe Hungarian Horntail hadn¡¯t moved. It kept its head low, as though on guard.


    This reduced some of the pressure Kyle was under, but it also meant he couldn¡¯t use the Firebolt¡¯s speed to loop back and grab the stone. His attempt to test the situation had been far from successful.


    Shaking his head, Kyle soared higher into the air, preparing to shake off the Short-Snout. As they crossed paths mid-flight, something caught Kyle¡¯s eye. The Swedish Short-Snout had a long scar near its wing, one that even extended across its scales.


    Such scars were rare. Very few creatures could leave permanent marks on a Dragon¡ªunless the opponent was another Dragon. And the placement of the scar... it looked familiar.


    Could it be...


    Kyle¡¯s memory snapped into focus. Back at the Dragon Reserve, he had seen this Swedish Short-Snout before. At the time, it had been badly beaten, and he and Newt had worked together to heal its wounds. One of those wounds had been near its wing¡ªa wound he remembered vividly because he had discreetly collected half a bottle of Dragon¡¯s blood during the process.


    It had left a deep impression on him.

 Chapter 516: These Three Challenges Were Quite Easy

    After discovering the Swedish Short-Snouted Dragon, Kyle immediately abandoned his plan to stay hidden. He sharply turned his broom around, looped in the air, and stopped directly above the Dragon.


    A blast of Dragon fire shot past, but Kyle dodged just in time.


    ¡°Hey, calm down,¡± he called out, flying alongside the Dragon''s head to ensure it could see him clearly. ¡°We''ve met before, remember?


    ¡°Come to think of it, I treated your wound back then, and you insisted we were meddling...¡±


    The Swedish Short-Snout¡¯s snorting came to an abrupt halt. The yellow, vertical pupil directly in front of Kyle shifted slightly, as though it was sizing him up. Then, the second ball of fire forming in its mouth gradually extinguished, leaving two thin streams of flame escaping from its nostrils.


    ¡°It seems you do remember,¡± Kyle said, his tense posture relaxing slightly. Fortunately, he hadn¡¯t mistaken the dragon.


    ¡°How¡¯s your injury healing? It¡¯s rare to run into you again¡ªif you¡¯ve got any scrapes or bruises, I can help with those.¡±


    As he spoke, Kyle adjusted the Firebolt, positioning himself near the Dragon¡¯s left side. He pulled back just enough to create the illusion, from the spectators¡¯ perspective, that he was locked in a daring chase with the Dragon. sea??h th§× ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Gasps of surprise rippled through the stands regardless.


    The Short-Snout snorted again, this time emitting a low, rumbling whimper. Its speed slackened, as though it was growing bored and considering heading back to the cliff.


    ¡°Wait! Don¡¯t go just yet!¡± Kyle said quickly.


    The Dragon¡¯s orange-yellow pupils shifted toward him.


    ¡°Don¡¯t get me wrong,¡± Kyle added hastily. ¡°I just need your help with one small thing... really small, I promise.¡±


    The dragon showed signs of impatience but refrained from returning to the cliff. It continued flapping its wings, following Kyle with an air of wary curiosity.


    ¡°You probably haven¡¯t noticed yet,¡± Kyle continued, ¡°but someone has mixed something into your Firestones. How about I help you sort it out?¡±


    The Dragon eyed him warily, releasing a low growl.


    A burst of flame shot past the tail of the Firebolt, drawing nervous screams from the spectators in the stands.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯m not after your treasure!¡± Kyle assured it, speaking quickly. ¡°It¡¯s just a few stones, and I can guarantee they¡¯re not Firestones...¡±


    ...


    The man and the dragon soared through the sky, their conversation continuing as they left the stadium behind. They circled the castle before returning, only for the audience to witness the surprising sight of the dragon seemingly tripping over a castle spire.


    ¡°The gap is widening!¡± Fred shouted excitedly from the stands. Through his Omnioculars, he could clearly see Kyle speeding toward the cliff. ¡°The dragon¡¯s at least fifty feet behind him¡ªhe might actually get the stones!¡±


    ¡°No, it¡¯s too dangerous!¡± Cedric said nervously. ¡°Don¡¯t forget there¡¯s still a dragon out there¡ª most dangerous one, the Hungarian Horntail!¡±


    ¡°But Kyle¡¯s already going for it!¡± George exclaimed, his eyes glued to the Omnioculars.


    He watched as Kyle charged toward the cliff without hesitation. Suddenly, a tree-like shape loomed ahead and spat a ball of flames, which Kyle narrowly avoided.


    ¡°Bravo!¡± George couldn¡¯t help but cheer.


    As the Firebolt picked up speed, the tension in the stadium grew palpable, hearts pounding in unison with the broom¡¯s acceleration. Finally, the Firebolt shot over the cliff, and Kyle leaned forward, gripping the handle with one hand while his other hand reached down, seemingly snatching something from the ground.


    Then, in that fleeting moment of pause, the dragon closed the gap¡ªit was now just a few feet away.


    ¡°Run!¡± Kanna stood up in the stands, trying to shout a warning.


    Before her voice could reach Kyle, it was drowned out by a deafening roar from the crowd. People screamed, shouted, and applauded wildly.


    Somehow, Kyle had slipped past the dragon and reappeared on the other side of the audience, near the referee¡¯s platform. In his hand, three red stones gleamed brightly.


    ¡°What a bold strategy!¡± Bagman¡¯s voice boomed. ¡°Exceptional courage! Yes, yes, he¡¯s done it... It¡¯s incredible! Our youngest champion has overcome all the hurdles in record time!¡±


    Kyle glanced up and noticed Dumbledore smiling warmly at him. Karkaroff and Madame Maxime were smiling as well, though their expressions were clearly forced.


    As Kyle exited the arena, the noise of the crowd hit him like a wave, their cheers and chatter reverberating in his ears.


    ¡°That was absolutely brilliant!¡± Professor McGonagall exclaimed as she rushed to meet him. She was clearly shaken, her hands trembling slightly. ¡°You need to see Madam Pomfrey immediately, before the judges finalize the scores. She¡¯s in the changing rooms¡ªover there!¡± McGonagall pointed down the corridor.


    Kyle nodded, noticing her concern.


    ¡°You did it, Kyle,¡± Hagrid said hoarsely, his eyes brimming with pride. ¡°You handled two dragons on your own, while the others haven¡¯t even reached the third level yet¡­¡±


    ¡°Thanks, Hagrid!¡± Kyle interjected loudly, his voice cutting off Hagrid¡¯s praise. He glanced at Karkaroff and Madame Maxime, whose faces were already turning a deep shade of red.


    ¡°Professor, can I see Madam Pomfrey later?¡± Kyle asked McGonagall. ¡°I¡¯d like to watch the rest of the match.¡±


    ¡°I understand, but no,¡± McGonagall said firmly.


    ¡°Fine,¡± Kyle sighed, reluctantly heading toward the changing rooms. He saw Madam Pomfrey waiting at the entrance, her expression tight with concern.


    ¡°Matagots, Bludgers, Dragons!¡± she muttered in irritation as she pulled Kyle inside. The room was divided into small cubicles, resembling the Hospital Wing.


    Examining a scratch on his back, Madam Pomfrey continued her rant. ¡°What were they thinking, allowing so many dangerous creatures into the school at once? You¡¯re lucky it¡¯s just a scratch and not worse. Here, drink this.¡±


    She handed him a bottle of smoky blue potion.


    Kyle recognized it as a Calming Draught, often used to ease tension¡ªpopular among students before exams. Though he didn¡¯t think he needed it, he downed the potion under Madam Pomfrey¡¯s watchful eye.


    Once she left the cubicle, Kyle stood up cautiously, intending to peek out the door.


    Before he could, a group of familiar faces burst in.


    ¡°You¡¯re the first to finish¡ªthe very first!¡± Kanna exclaimed, her excitement contagious. ¡°You were absolutely amazing!¡±


    ¡°You bet!¡± Fred added, squeezing his way inside. ¡°I¡¯m sure you¡¯ll get the top score.¡±


    ¡°So, what¡¯s the situation?¡± Kyle asked curiously.


    ¡°Not great,¡± Cedric admitted. ¡°Krum got seriously messed up by the Matagot. He barely cleared the first level using a Charm to harden his skin."


    ¡°And Delacour¡¯s stuck on the second platform,¡± he added. ¡°She¡¯s trying to destroy all the Bludgers.¡±


    ¡°That Summoning Charm of yours was pretty clever,¡± Cedric continued. ¡°She never thought of it.¡±


    ¡°It wouldn¡¯t have helped her anyway,¡± Fred said with a grin. ¡°First, she¡¯d need a Firebolt...¡±

 Chapter 517: It’s All a Scam, Just a Scam

    After spending some time in the Changing Rooms, Kyle and the others returned to the stands. Professor McGonagall had arranged for them to sit in a section adjacent to the judges'' table.


    ¡°You¡¯ll need to wait a little longer,¡± she informed them. ¡°The scores will be tallied once all the Champions have completed the task.¡±


    Kyle nodded in acknowledgment. Once Professor McGonagall left, he settled into his seat, now just another spectator enjoying the match. It felt oddly relaxing.


    Out in the arena, Krum and Fleur had both reached the third level. But as Kyle watched, a realization struck him¡ªhis early completion had inadvertently made the competition far more difficult for them.


    With the third level already cleared, the two dragons had no one left to distract them. Instead of one person creating an opening while the other retrieved the stones, Krum and Fleur were now forced to confront the dragons head-on.


    The challenge was compounded by their exhaustion. After the first two grueling levels, both Champions were visibly worn down. Fleur was pale and panting heavily, while Krum clutched a Firebolt in one hand, blood dripping steadily from a gash on his arm.


    Kyle couldn¡¯t help but feel a twinge of guilt. He¡¯d assumed their earlier levels would be less taxing¡ªafter all, each Champion only faced one segment of the trial. But clearly, the task had taken a harsher toll than he¡¯d anticipated.


    ¡°You¡¯re amazing,¡± came a hoarse voice from behind him.


    Kyle turned to see Professor Moody, his magical eye swiveling animatedly as he approached. The scarred professor looked pleased, his expression bordering on proud.


    ¡°Your Summoning Charm,¡± Moody began, ¡°that was clever¡ªsimple, efficient. Could¡¯ve been even better if you¡¯d used it during the first level. Matagots can¡¯t keep up with the speed of a Firebolt, you know.¡±


    He sounded as though he were evaluating Kyle¡¯s performance in a field exercise. ¡°But the third level, now was something. Bold, decisive, confident... If you¡¯re interested in joining the Aurors, I could recommend you straight into the Auror Office based on this competition alone.¡±


    Kyle was momentarily taken aback but quickly composed himself. ¡°Thank you, Professor,¡± he replied. ¡°But I¡¯m still a student. Let¡¯s talk about that after I graduate.¡±


    The truth was, the bold, decisive attitude Moody praised had been carefully staged¡ªa planned strategy. Still, it was gratifying that even Moody¡¯s magical eye hadn¡¯t seen through it. That meant no one else would either. Except, perhaps, Dumbledore. But Kyle was certain that wouldn¡¯t matter.


    Moody seemed to take the refusal in stride. He nodded once, offering no further comment, before leaning back in his seat.


    Kyle returned his attention to the arena.


    ¡°Oh, that was close,¡± someone muttered nearby. ¡°Watch out¡ªmy goodness, I thought she¡¯d had it!¡±


    ¡°That looked bad... ouch.¡± Another voice added, ¡°But Krum¡¯s maneuver there was incredible.¡±


    ...


    After about ten minutes, the stadium erupted into cheers and applause once more. Both Fleur and Krum, the most outstanding students from their respective schools, had overcome the challenges and made it through to the end. With their advance knowledge of the dragons, it was no surprise they managed to prevail.


    Fleur had used a clever Bewitched Sleep Charm to lull her dragon into a drowsy stupor. Kyle noted that this technique would probably interest dragon keepers, who typically needed five or six people casting Stunning Spells simultaneously to subdue a dragon.


    Krum employed a strategy similar to Kyle''s, using distractions to get close to the stone. However, he made the critical error of misjudging the Hungarian Horntail. Just as he grabbed the stone, the dragon''s tail lashed out, sending him flying. By the time Krum emerged from the arena, he was so battered that others had to carry him to Madam Pomfrey.


    About ten minutes later, Krum returned, looking considerably less energetic but at least able to walk.


    ¡°Now, do you believe me, Karkaroff?¡± Dumbledore said with a faint smile. ¡°Madam Pomfrey will surely return your Champion to good health.¡±


    Karkaroff¡¯s tense expression softened slightly. While Krum still looked far from lively, his condition was much improved.


    ¡°Hogwarts has an outstanding Healer,¡± Karkaroff muttered, grudgingly conceding. S§×arch* The NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    With all the Champions present, Bagman rose and announced enthusiastically, ¡°And now, for the most exciting part¡ªthe scoring of the Champions¡¯ performances! I¡¯m sure you¡¯re all eager to see how they fared.¡±


    The crowd leaned forward eagerly.


    ¡°Each Champion can earn a maximum of ten points from each judge,¡± Bagman explained. ¡°First up, Fleur Delacour!¡±


    Raising his wand, Bagman sent a long, silver ribbon shooting into the air. ¡°Seven points!¡±


    Next came Chris, who also awarded Fleur seven points.


    ¡°Probably because she struggled on the second level,¡± Cedric whispered to Kyle. ¡°She didn¡¯t do too well there.¡±


    Dumbledore followed with an eight, and Madam Maxime, favoring her school¡¯s Champion, gave Fleur a nine.


    When it was Karkaroff¡¯s turn, he deliberated briefly before raising his wand.


    ¡°What?¡± George exclaimed incredulously. ¡°Two points? That¡¯s way too low! She passed all the levels!¡±


    Bagman, either ignoring or failing to hear George, moved on.


    Next was Viktor Krum. Bagman and Karkaroff each gave him a ten, boosting his score significantly. Madam Maxime, less inclined to favor the Durmstrang Champion, awarded a five.


    Finally, it was Kyle¡¯s turn.


    ¡°There¡¯s not much to say about this one,¡± Bagman said with a wide smile, waving his wand. ¡°Ten points, no question!¡±


    Chris followed suit with another ten, grinning. The pattern continued with Dumbledore and Madam Maxime, both giving perfect scores.


    When it came to Karkaroff, however, he hesitated for a conspicuously long time, as though straining to find a flaw in Kyle¡¯s performance. At last, he raised his wand.


    ¡°Nine,¡± he announced flatly.


    ¡°What?¡± Fred shouted in outrage before Kyle could react. ¡°A nine? You¡¯re a lousy, biased judge¡ªyou don¡¯t deserve to be here!¡±


    ¡°You gave Krum a ten,¡± George added furiously. ¡°How was he better than Kyle?¡±


    The audience quickly echoed their sentiments, their frustration building. While a nine was objectively a high score, Krum¡¯s ten seemed unjustifiable in comparison. Kyle had clearly outperformed Krum across all three stages. The favoritism was glaringly obvious, and the crowd wasn¡¯t having it.


    Yet Karkaroff didn¡¯t react, refusing to acknowledge the rising indignation around him. He remained stoic, his eyes fixed ahead.


    ¡°Hey, catch!¡± a voice suddenly called from the crowd.


    A crumpled ball of parchment flew through the air, aimed directly at Karkaroff¡¯s head.


    ¡°Throwing a paper ball¡ªsuch a childish trick,¡± Karkaroff muttered disdainfully, raising his hand to flick it aside.


    But the moment his hand made contact, the ball burst open with a loud , releasing a jet of grey-black liquid. The foul-smelling substance splattered across Karkaroff¡¯s face.


    For a moment, he froze, stunned. Then his face began to shift colors¡ªgreen, purple, and finally an alarming pale shade.


    Everyone around him, including Dumbledore and Maxime, instinctively backed away, using Bubble-Head Charms, Windy Spells, or covering their noses to block the smell.


    Karkaroff¡¯s expression darkened further as he realized some of the liquid had gotten into his mouth.

 Chapter 518: Charlie’s Help

    Because of a Dungbomb that seemed to appear out of nowhere, the entire Quidditch Pitch was instantly transformed into a revolting mess.


    Karkaroff frantically conjured water with his wand, repeatedly rinsing his mouth, but it did little to alleviate the horror. The new version of the Dungbomb had brilliantly resolved its previous flaw of being easy to clean, boasting improved adhesion to its putrid taste. Even detergent struggled to remove it, making rinsing with mere water entirely futile.


    Karkaroff was beside himself with anxiety and fury, but every time he tried to speak, the overwhelming stench rendered him dizzy and speechless. His attempts at communication were reduced to fragmented grunts and gasps.


    ¡°Oh, what did you say?¡± Dumbledore asked, stepping forward in what looked like a show of concern.


    Karkaroff clamped his lips shut, trying desperately to articulate his indignation.


    ¡°Yes, you''re right, this is really too much,¡± Dumbledore declared to the gathering, interpreting¡ªor perhaps deliberately misinterpreting¡ªKarkaroff¡¯s incoherent mutterings. He turned to the crowd and added, ¡°Professor Karkaroff asked me to remind everyone that dangerous magical items like Dungbombs, which could explode in a crowd, are strictly prohibited at future matches.¡±


    ¡°Woof... woof...¡± Karkaroff sputtered indignantly, his neck craning in frustration. He had, in fact, tried to demand severe punishment for the culprit, but Dumbledore¡¯s version reduced his anger to a mild warning.


    ¡°Mr. Karkaroff, try this,¡± a voice called out as someone pushed through the crowd. It was Filch, thrusting a large bottle into Karkaroff¡¯s hands. ¡°This is Mrs. Skower''s All-Purpose Magical Mess Remover. Just the thing to clean your mouth.¡±


    Clean his with a ? Karkaroff¡¯s eyes bulged with fury, his dignity thoroughly insulted. He trembled with anger, glaring at Filch, who seemed oblivious to the offense he had caused.


    ¡°It has a very fresh smell,¡± Filch continued enthusiastically, ¡°and I always spray some in the bathroom. Works wonders.¡±


    Karkaroff¡¯s face turned an even deeper shade of red. He hurled the bottle to the ground beside him, his trembling hand reaching for his wand. He intended to write down his demands, but just as he began, Dumbledore announced the end of the gathering.


    ¡°Everyone, leave in an orderly manner. No pushing!¡± Dumbledore¡¯s voice rang out, effortlessly drowning out Karkaroff¡¯s stammered protests. ¡°And remember, guests go first... Oh, Minerva, would you kindly inform the kitchen? The first course was a tremendous success, and I think the occasion calls for a feast.¡±


    ¡°Of course, Headmaster,¡± Professor McGonagall replied smoothly. ¡°I¡¯ll see to it immediately.¡±


    Under Karkaroff¡¯s incredulous glare, the students began filing out, their laughter and chatter filling the air. Fred and George were among the first to dart out, weaving through the crowd with practiced agility.


    ¡°I¡¯d have thrown it right at him,¡± Fred said with a grin as they left the Quidditch Pitch. ¡°Who knew he¡¯d actually open his mouth?¡±


    George burst out laughing, his shoulders shaking. ¡°I don¡¯t think he¡¯ll be able to eat anything for days.¡±


    ¡°Or a week...¡± Fred quipped.


    The twins exchanged a glance and dissolved into fresh peals of laughter.


    Meanwhile, the Champions¡ªKyle, Fleur, and Krum¡ªwere escorted back to the Changing Rooms. The familiar space was waiting for them when Ludo Bagman entered, looking unusually preoccupied.


    ¡°Well done, all of you,¡± Bagman said, though his distracted demeanor betrayed little enthusiasm. ¡°Now, I have just a few words.¡±


    ¡°The second event will take place at 10 a.m. on February 27th,¡± he continued. ¡°You¡¯ll have plenty of time to rest until then. However, we¡¯re leaving you with a riddle to solve. The clue to the next stage is hidden in the stone you received earlier. Work it out, and you¡¯ll be ready for the next challenge.¡±


    ¡°Understood? Good. You¡¯re free to go celebrate now.¡±


    ...


    Kyle left the Changing Rooms, stepping out into the cool evening air. Just outside the door, he spotted Madame Maxime waiting. Fleur emerged moments later, and without hesitation, led her headmistress away. Meanwhile, Krum, looking worse for wear, was escorted to the Hospital Wing by one of the Durmstrang students, where he would need some time to recover.


    Kyle didn¡¯t have to go far to find Kanna. She was waiting nearby, and the two began walking across the field together, their conversation light and lively. As they entered the castle, the sound of hurried footsteps caught their attention.


    ¡°I can¡¯t believe how dangerous those tasks were!¡± exclaimed Mrs. Weasley, rushing up to them. Her voice was shaky, and her expression still bore traces of alarm.


    ¡°Mum, Kyle handled everything perfectly,¡± said Charlie Weasley, approaching with a reassuring smile. ¡°Don¡¯t forget, he¡¯s currently the highest-scoring Champion, with almost full marks.¡±


    ¡°Yes, you¡¯re right...¡± Mrs. Weasley said, pulling Kyle into a warm hug. ¡°You did so well¡ªI always knew you could handle it. But honestly, Dragons? These tasks are far too dangerous. You¡¯re all just kids.¡±


    Charlie hesitated, tempted to remind her that Kyle had worked with Dragons long before entering the tournament, thanks to his time with Newt Scamander. But seeing how distressed his mother already was, he wisely chose to hold his tongue. Instead, he stepped forward to hug Kyle as well.


    ¡°I was hoping it might help,¡± Charlie said with a sigh.


    ¡°What do you mean?¡± Kyle asked, his brow furrowing.


    ¡°The Swedish Short-Snout,¡± Charlie explained. ¡°When they were deciding which Dragons to use, I suggested the Short-Snout¡ªspecifically the one you and Mr. Scamander rescued. I thought it might recognize you and make things a bit easier.¡±


    Kyle¡¯s eyes widened in surprise. ¡°You chose the Swedish Short-Snout on purpose?¡±


    ¡°I just made a suggestion,¡± Charlie clarified. ¡°They were leaning toward using the two Horntails instead. But it doesn¡¯t matter now. From the way the Short-Snout acted, it didn¡¯t seem to recognize you.¡±


    Kyle glanced around cautiously, then lowered his voice. ¡°No, you¡¯re wrong. It was very effective.¡±


    ¡°Oh?¡± Charlie¡¯s eyes lit up with interest, but before he could press for details, the sound of voices echoed from the Great Hall as a group of people entered.


    Charlie straightened up, masking his curiosity. ¡°Congratulations on completing your first task, Kyle,¡± he said, clapping his younger brother on the arm and shifting the conversation back to safer ground. ¡°I¡¯ll try to be here for the second task if I can get the day off.¡±


    Turning to Mrs. Weasley, he added, ¡°Mum, I have to go.¡±


    ¡°Already?¡± Mrs. Weasley asked, her frown deepening. ¡°Can¡¯t you stay for dinner? It won¡¯t take long.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m afraid not,¡± Charlie replied, shaking his head. ¡°The Dragons are getting restless. They¡¯re highly agitated, and we need to get them back under control.¡±


    As if on cue, a deafening roar echoed from just outside the castle. S§×ar?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°Oh dear, that¡¯s my cue,¡± Charlie said with a grimace. He gave a quick wave to his mother before dashing out of the castle, his hurried footsteps fading into the distance.


    Left in the entrance hall, Mrs. Weasley lingered for a moment to give Kyle a few last pieces of advice, her tone equal parts affectionate and anxious. Afterward, she bid him farewell and began heading upstairs, mentioning her plans to visit Ginny and Ron before leaving Hogwarts.

 Chapter 519: The New Professor

    That night, the Hufflepuff common room was alive with another spirited celebration. The table was laden with an assortment of cookies, cakes, and jugs of Pumpkin Juice and Butterbeer. However, for once, the tempting spread was not the center of attention. Instead, the crowd gathered tightly around a smaller table, their focus fixed on three red stones resting on it.


    ¡°What on earth is this?¡± someone asked, their tone puzzled.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± Kyle admitted, shaking his head. ¡°Bagman said the clue to the second task is hidden inside, but he didn¡¯t explain how to use it. We¡¯ll have to figure it out ourselves.¡±


    ¡°Maybe we should put them in the fire and roast them,¡± Mikel suggested. ¡°Burn off the outer layer, and the clue will appear.¡±


    ¡°No,¡± Hannah Abbott said quickly, shaking her head. ¡°What if we burn the actual clue? It¡¯s too risky. I think we should use a Revelio Charm instead.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll give it a try.¡± Cedric drew his wand and tapped one of the stones firmly. ¡° he commanded.


    Nothing happened. The stone remained as it was¡ªsilent and unyielding.


    ¡°Looks like the Revelio Charm won¡¯t work,¡± Cedric sighed, lowering his wand.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay; it¡¯s only the first day,¡± Kanna said reassuringly to Kyle. ¡°You still have three months. You¡¯ll figure it out.¡±


    Kyle smiled but didn¡¯t respond. Truthfully, he wasn¡¯t too worried about solving the clue ahead of time. While it would be helpful, it wasn¡¯t essential. They would explain everything on the day of the task anyway.


    After Kyle carefully placed the stones back on the table, everyone¡¯s attention returned to the previously neglected snacks. The biscuits and cakes were finally given their due, and the conversation shifted to Kyle¡¯s outstanding performance in the first task. Soon, the room was buzzing with cheerful chatter and laughter, the earlier puzzle temporarily forgotten.


    ...


    When Kyle finally made his way back to the dormitory with Ryan and Mikel, it was well past 2 or 3 in the morning. Fortunately, this time, his housemates had refrained from pouring him Butterbeer, sparing him a groggy morning.


    Despite the late hour, Mikel and Ryan seemed full of energy and showed no intention of going to bed. Mikel grabbed a wooden stick and fastened it to the door, pretending it was a makeshift broomstick. He and Ryan took turns re-enacting Kyle¡¯s daring maneuver from the final round of the task, complete with dramatic dives and exaggerated commentary. sea??h th§× ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Kyle stretched out on his bed, watching their antics with amusement. When Ryan inevitably tumbled off the stick, he and Mikel burst into loud, unrestrained laughter.


    Kyle thought.


    ...


    As December settled over Hogwarts, the weather grew harsher by the day. Cold winds and sleet became a near-constant presence, and the once-bustling Black Lake was now almost deserted. Only the large Durmstrang ship remained moored in the middle of the lake, rocking slightly in the frigid gusts.


    ¡°It must be freezing in there,¡± Mikel commented as they made their way back to the castle after Care of Magical Creatures. Most of the group had flushed faces and slightly unsteady gaits.


    Hagrid had taken to feeding the Abraxan horses pure malt Firewhiskey daily, which filled the paddock with a powerful, heady scent of alcohol. With the wind carrying the smell to their lesson area, many students found themselves feeling a little queasy by the end of class.


    ¡°I think there¡¯s magic in that boat,¡± Ryan said, rubbing his reddened cheeks. ¡°Otherwise, there¡¯s no way anyone could stand being on the lake in this weather.¡±


    ¡°Probably,¡± Mikel agreed. ¡°I heard Durmstrang is even colder than Hogwarts, and they have fur cloaks as part of their uniform.¡±


    The damp, icy wind from the lake pursued them all the way to the castle. Thankfully, by the time they stepped inside, the fresh air had cleared their heads. Kyle went up to the dormitory to put away his books just as Cedric walked in.


    ¡°Kyle, I was about to come look for you,¡± Cedric said.


    ¡°What¡¯s up?¡±


    ¡°The Head Boy told me Dumbledore has requested that everyone comes to the Great Hall for dinner tonight. I¡¯ve already let the other year groups know; you were the last.¡±


    ¡°Dinner in the Great Hall?¡± Kyle asked, puzzled. ¡°Has something happened?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not sure,¡± Cedric admitted with a shrug. ¡°I think the headmaster has something to announce.¡±


    ¡°Alright,¡± Kyle nodded.


    That evening, when dinner began, Dumbledore arrived at the staff table looking particularly cheerful. He was deep in conversation with Professor Moody, smiling as though he were enjoying a private joke.


    ¡°What do you think he¡¯s going to say?¡± Kanna asked Kyle, her curiosity piqued. ¡°Could it have something to do with the second task?¡±


    Kyle considered the possibility but shook his head. ¡°I doubt it. If it were related to the Triwizard Tournament, all three headmasters would be here.¡±


    Indeed, only Dumbledore and Madame Maxime were present at the staff table. Karkaroff had been conspicuously absent from the Great Hall ever since the first task.


    Dinner progressed as usual, and soon the plates were cleared. When the last traces of food vanished, Dumbledore rose from his seat, his presence commanding immediate attention.


    ¡°You¡¯re probably wondering why I asked everyone to join us for dinner tonight,¡± he began, his eyes twinkling as he looked around at the gathered students and staff.


    There was a brief murmur of curiosity before the hall fell silent again.


    Dumbledore¡¯s smile widened. ¡°It¡¯s because I have an announcement to make. Come on in,¡± he said, gesturing toward the side entrance of the Great Hall.


    All heads turned as a man walked in through the doorway.


    ¡°Oh!¡±


    ¡°My, he is¡­¡±


    Gasps rippled through the Gryffindor table, and Harry even stood up, his eyes wide with shock.


    ¡°Yes, I¡¯m sure many of you have read about him in the newspapers,¡± Dumbledore said with a warm smile, ¡°but I still need to introduce you to¡­ Sirius Black.¡±


    There was a round of applause, scattered at first but quickly gaining momentum.


    ¡°Silence, silence,¡± Dumbledore called, raising a hand to quiet the room. ¡°I think it¡¯s a little early for cheering. I am honored to announce that, as of today, Sirius Black will be our new professor of Defence Against the Dark Arts!¡±


    For a moment, the hall was stunned into silence, but it quickly gave way to thunderous applause and enthusiastic cheering.


    ¡°Professor, what about Professor Moody?¡± someone called out loudly, their voice cutting through the clamor.


    It was a reasonable question. Though Sirius Black¡¯s reputation was formidable, Professor Moody had proven to be a popular and highly effective teacher, and many students were attached to his classes.


    ¡°Please be assured that Professor Moody will continue to stay here,¡± Dumbledore explained, his calm tone instantly restoring order. ¡°But, to be honest, he has complained to me many times, accusing me of overworking a retired old man by placing him in charge of seven grades. So, Professor Black has graciously agreed to take on part of the burden. He will be teaching Defence Against the Dark Arts for years one to four.¡±


    Another round of applause followed, with more focused excitement from the younger students.


    ¡°Oh, why!¡± Mikel exclaimed, throwing his hands up in mock despair. ¡°Why can¡¯t we have him for the fifth year?¡±


    ¡°Professor Moody¡¯s not bad at all,¡± Cedric pointed out, trying to console him.


    ¡°I know,¡± Mikel said, shaking his head with exaggerated frustration. ¡°I mean, it¡¯s Sirius Black! The legend himself! Aren¡¯t you the least bit curious?¡±


    ¡°Well¡­ okay, I¡¯ll admit I am a little curious,¡± Cedric conceded with a grin, ¡°but there¡¯s no changing it. He¡¯s only teaching the lower grades.¡±


    ¡°I really envy them¡­¡± Mikel muttered, his eyes trailing to the younger students who were practically glowing with excitement.


    As the hall buzzed with chatter, Kyle¡¯s attention wandered. His gaze shifted to the staff table, where Snape sat stiffly. Unlike the rest of the room, Snape wasn¡¯t clapping. Instead, he gripped his fork tightly, his eyes fixed on Sirius with an expression of icy disdain.


    The fork in his hand was bent out of shape from the force of his grip, and his face betrayed his feelings as clearly as if he had spoken aloud. He looked utterly displeased¡ªno, furious¡ªlike Dumbledore had just informed him he¡¯d have to drink a potion brewed by Mikel.

 Chapter 520: Sirius’ Transformation

    Until today, Kyle had never imagined that Sirius Black would come to Hogwarts as a professor¡ªlet alone as the professor of Defence Against the Dark Arts.


    No wonder he had become the first Gryffindor in the Black family. He truly had the courage for it.


    Kyle could only hope that by the end of the semester, Sirius wouldn¡¯t find himself back in Azkaban for some inexplicable reason. Then again, if that did happen, Kyle wouldn¡¯t be surprised.


    Defence Against the Dark Arts was a notoriously cursed position in the wizarding world. Nothing about it could shock Kyle anymore. Professor Dumbledore struggled to find someone willing to fill the post each year, and the curse on the position had tarnished his reputation further in recent years.


    Still, Kyle quickly realized that Sirius had probably been on Dumbledore¡¯s list of potential candidates for a long time. If he hadn¡¯t taken the job this year, Dumbledore would likely have asked him again in the future. After all, it wasn¡¯t easy to recruit for such a dangerous role. And given Sirius¡¯s bold personality, there was a good chance he wouldn¡¯t have refused.


    After the introductions wrapped up, the welcome feast came to an end.


    Snape was the first to rise, striding out of the Great Hall with his usual dour expression. As he passed Sirius, an unmistakable sneer escaped his lips.


    ¡°Haha...¡±


    Snape halted mid-step, turning sharply to glare at Sirius with cold disdain.


    ¡°Oh, if it isn¡¯t our hero,¡± Snape said with a blank expression, his voice dripping with venom. ¡°I thought you¡¯d be hiding at home, crying over the deaths you caused. But I see I was wrong¡ªyou don¡¯t seem to care much about Potter, after all.¡±


    Sirius¡¯s expression turned icy in an instant. ¡°Shut up, Snivellus,¡± he snapped. ¡°You know exactly who killed James and Lily. If you hadn¡¯t gone crawling to your master¡ª¡±


    ¡°Professors.¡±


    Professor Dumbledore¡¯s calm yet firm voice cut through the tension as he appeared beside them.


    ¡°I don¡¯t believe the Great Hall is the best place for this discussion,¡± he said with a weary tone. ¡°Perhaps you¡¯d both care to join me for a cup of tea? I recently came across an excellent black tea I¡¯ve been meaning to share.¡±


    ¡°No,¡± Snape replied with a sneer. ¡°I¡¯ve no interest in tea with the meal of a Dementor. The stench alone would turn my stomach.¡±


    ¡°Me neither,¡± Sirius shot back without missing a beat. ¡°I¡¯d rather drink tea with a Dementor than sit across from the likes of you.¡±


    Dumbledore sighed heavily, rubbing his temple. He had anticipated some friction between the two, but he hadn¡¯t expected it to escalate this quickly¡ªor this publicly. Thankfully, their voices were low enough that the surrounding chaos of the hall drowned them out for most of the students.


    Cedric, who was busy organizing the younger students into lines, glanced toward the teachers¡¯ table and whispered, ¡°Kyle, it looks like Snape and Black don¡¯t get along very well.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s hardly surprising,¡± Kyle replied casually. ¡°Snape doesn¡¯t get along with any of the Defence Against the Dark Arts professors. Don¡¯t glare at me like that, Kanna¡ªit¡¯s true.¡±


    ¡°Just think about it,¡± he continued. ¡°From Oren in our first year to Quirrell, Lockhart, Lupin... Hasn¡¯t it always been the same?¡±


    Kanna stammered for a moment, searching for a counterargument, but eventually sighed in resignation.


    Kyle wasn¡¯t wrong. While Snape¡¯s relationships with the other professors could hardly be called warm, they weren¡¯t outright hostile¡ªexcept when it came to the Defence Against the Dark Arts instructors. Snape never missed an opportunity to make biting remarks about them, and Kanna couldn¡¯t deny it.


    Fortunately, the conversation didn¡¯t continue much further. As the seats in front of them cleared, the trio escorted the younger students back to the common room.


    ...


    The next day.


    ¡°I watched your match that day,¡± Sirius said, stopping Kyle in the entrance hall as he headed to breakfast. ¡°It was amazing. That old tortoise Karkaroff actually deducted a point from you. I¡¯d like to teach him a lesson.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re a professor now¡ªyou have to be careful,¡± Kyle reminded him. sea??h th§× N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°Yes, I¡¯m a professor now,¡± Sirius said, almost as if testing the words himself. ¡°I never thought I¡¯d be back here again, and as a professor, no less. When Professor Dumbledore said yes, I thought I was dreaming.¡±


    Dreaming? If it had been any subject other than Defence Against the Dark Arts, maybe. But for this cursed position, Dumbledore would have welcomed anyone willing to volunteer. An extra candidate was practically just a spare, waiting in the wings in case the current one didn¡¯t make it through the year.


    Kyle gave Sirius a quick once-over. He was dressed in a brand-new robe, and his once untidy hair had been neatly combed back. After some time to recuperate, his complexion was much healthier, the waxy pallor replaced with a rosy hue that hinted at the handsomeness of his youth.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you worried?¡± Kyle asked. ¡°This position hasn¡¯t been held by anyone for more than a year. Not once.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve thought about that,¡± Sirius replied confidently. ¡°But I¡¯m joining midway through the year, and there¡¯s still Alastor Moody ahead of me. Even if the curse exists, it shouldn¡¯t fall on me."


    ¡°Besides, most of the previous professors had their own problems¡ªthey were the reason they left Hogwarts. That¡¯s not the case with me, or with Moody. The two of us are good at what we do. So, even if we run into trouble, like Death Eaters or anything worse, we¡¯ll be able to handle it.¡±


    Seeing Sirius¡¯s confidence, Kyle decided not to press further. After all, even if he did, Sirius probably wouldn¡¯t listen. Best to let it go.


    ¡°Have you seen Harry?¡± Kyle asked, changing the subject.


    ¡°Ah, yes,¡± Sirius said, his face breaking into a smile. ¡°We talked for a long time last night. He even wanted to stay in my office. Of course, I was happy to let him, but my office is empty¡ªI just got here! I couldn¡¯t let him sleep on a bench.


    ¡°By the way,¡± he added, laughing, ¡°I never noticed before how old the Hogwarts furniture is. Those chairs look older than I am.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s always been like that,¡± Kyle said with a shrug. ¡°That¡¯s the problem with Hogwarts. If something breaks, it¡¯s just fixed with magic¡ªno need to buy anything new. And the Governors aren¡¯t going to spend extra money on desks and chairs.¡±


    The two walked together toward the Great Hall, casually chatting about various things, including the Triwizard Tournament.


    ¡°How¡¯s your search for the second clue going?¡± Sirius asked. ¡°If you need anything, just let me know. But be discreet. The rules say professors can¡¯t help.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s still three months to go, so there¡¯s no rush,¡± Kyle replied. Then, with a smile, he added, ¡°By the way, I haven¡¯t thanked you yet. That Firebolt was a big help. If I¡¯d had my old Nimbus 2000, there¡¯s no way I could have dodged all 29 Bludgers, let alone escaped the dragon.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s a funny story,¡± Sirius said with a grin. ¡°I was going to give you a set of pure gold astrological decorations as a gift for being a Champion, but Dumbledore told me you¡¯d probably prefer a broom. And when I went to the Quidditch shop, they said the Nimbus 2000 was long out of date.¡±


    ¡°Professor Dumbledore?¡± Kyle said, surprised. ¡°He suggested you give me a broom?¡±


    ¡°Ah... yes,¡± Sirius said, shrugging. ¡°We met at the Ministry of Magic when I was helping with the Crouch investigation.


    ¡°Thankfully, he mentioned it¡ªlook how useful it turned out to be.¡±

 Chapter 521: Hurry Up, Run for It

    Sirius was wildly popular at Hogwarts. When he entered the Great Hall, all eyes turned toward him, and the lively chatter quieted for a moment, only to be replaced by even more animated discussions.


    Harry, in particular, looked thrilled. Normally, he wouldn¡¯t get out of bed until after 8:30 a.m., but today he had broken his habit and arrived half an hour early. When he saw Sirius, he waved excitedly.


    But while many welcomed the new Defence Against the Dark Arts professor, not everyone shared the enthusiasm.


    A group of Slytherins snickered as they passed.


    ¡°Are you happy, Potter?¡± Malfoy sneered. ¡°You¡¯d better start praying he lasts until next year... None of the previous Defence Against the Dark Arts professors had a happy ending.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Malfoy, he¡¯ll be fine,¡± Harry shot back. ¡°If your father can avoid trouble, I¡¯m sure Sirius can handle the so-called curse."


    ¡°Oh, speaking of which,¡± Harry added, ¡°I heard your family had to sell off your shop in Diagon Alley. Must¡¯ve cost quite a bit to clear your father¡¯s name.¡±


    Malfoy¡¯s pale face turned pink, and his hand instinctively reached for his wand. Sear?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°How dare you talk about my father, Potter!¡±


    ¡°You started it by talking about Sirius,¡± Harry said, pulling out his own wand and mimicking Malfoy¡¯s tone.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on here?¡± Sirius¡¯s voice cut through the tension as he approached.


    ¡°Professor...¡± Harry began quickly, ¡°it¡¯s Malfoy. He was bad-mouthing you.¡±


    ¡°Oh?¡± Sirius¡¯s gaze shifted to Malfoy. ¡°Didn¡¯t Snape ever teach you not to speak ill of your professors behind their backs?¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t,¡± Malfoy protested, his neck stiffening. ¡°It was Potter who insulted my father¡ª¡±


    ¡°Disrespecting a professor?¡± Sirius interrupted, raising an eyebrow. ¡°Five points from Slytherin.¡±


    Malfoy¡¯s jaw dropped in outrage.


    ¡°Now,¡± Sirius continued, ¡°if you don¡¯t want to end up in the dungeons, go back to where you belong.¡±


    ¡°You can¡¯t¡ª¡± Malfoy stammered, fuming. ¡°I¡¯ll tell Professor Snape that you¡ª¡±


    ¡°You¡¯d better go now,¡± Sirius said, smirking. ¡°Run along, Malfoy. Don¡¯t make me wait.¡±


    Malfoy stormed off, his anger palpable.


    The Gryffindor table erupted into cheers the moment he left. Several students even stood on their benches, clapping and dancing in celebration.


    For years, Gryffindors had borne the brunt of any clashes with Slytherin, with Snape always ensuring they came out worse. But now, the tables had turned. Sirius had done to the Slytherins exactly what Snape often did to them, and Gryffindor students couldn¡¯t be happier about it.


    Though Sirius had already exited the hall, the conversation about what had just happened carried on energetically.


    ¡°Don¡¯t talk to me,¡± Ron whispered to Harry and Hermione, his face glowing with satisfaction. ¡°I¡¯m going to remember this forever. Finally, Hogwarts has a professor who¡¯s on our side.¡±


    ¡°Yeah,¡± Harry agreed, grinning. He¡¯d been Snape¡¯s favorite target for as long as he could remember. In any conflict with Slytherin, Snape always found a way to punish him, regardless of the circumstances. But not anymore.


    As Sirius¡¯s figure disappeared from view, Harry¡¯s chest swelled with a mix of admiration and relief.


    Hermione, however, remained silent. While everyone around her cheered and celebrated, she stared blankly at the plate of nachos in front of her, seemingly lost in thought. When Harry and Ron tried to include her in the conversation, she didn¡¯t respond.


    After this incident, excitement for Sirius¡¯s first Defence Against the Dark Arts lesson grew rapidly among the students.


    ¡°We don¡¯t have Defence Against the Dark Arts until Wednesday,¡± Ron grumbled, checking his timetable. His shoulders sagged. ¡°Why couldn¡¯t he have started a week earlier?¡±


    Similar sentiments echoed across the Great Hall.


    However, none of this affected the fifth years. When their lesson began, Professor Moody entered the classroom as usual, his wooden leg clunking against the floor. It was as if Sirius Black¡¯s arrival had changed nothing in his world.


    ¡°Disarming Charm,¡± Professor Moody began, his gravelly voice cutting through the classroom. ¡°Does anyone know this charm?¡±


    Cho raised her hand. ¡°It makes the opponent lose their wand.¡±


    ¡°Exactly,¡± said Professor Moody with a curt nod. ¡°I¡¯d say this charm is no less effective than the Killing Curse. When a wizard loses their wand, they also lose their ability to resist¡ªprovided, of course, that the two are evenly matched."


    ¡°To tell you the truth, I could easily deal with most of you without my wand...¡± His magical eye swiveled, lingering on Kyle for a moment before continuing, ¡°The Disarming Charm, Stunning Spell, and Incarcerous Spell are the three most commonly used charms by Aurors and Hit Wizards."


    ¡°And I¡¯ll let you in on a little secret: the Disarming Charm will definitely appear on your O.W.L. exams.¡±


    The mention of exams had an immediate effect. Everyone straightened in their seats, their attention snapping into focus. The fifth years were already teetering on the brink of madness from their workload, dreaming of various scores every night. Even Professor Trelawney¡¯s prophecies had become an ominous topic of discussion, often involving students¡¯ imagined failures.


    Trelawney, thrilled by the reactions, had taken to predicting disastrous marks with greater frequency, unsettling her students more effectively than ever before.


    So, the idea of a guaranteed exam topic had everyone on high alert.


    ¡°Speaking of the Disarming Charm...¡± Professor Moody said, his magical eye glinting. ¡°You were introduced to it in your third year. Let¡¯s see what you¡¯ve learned.¡±


    He withdrew his wand and gestured to the student in the front row. ¡°You¡ªtry it on me.¡±


    A Ravenclaw boy stood up with an air of confidence. ¡°Haha, I remember the incantation!¡± He jabbed his wand forward dramatically.


    A weak burst of sparks sputtered from his wand before fizzling out. Professor Moody¡¯s wand stayed firmly in his grasp.


    ¡°This is a wand, Mr. Thomas,¡± Professor Moody said, his tone calm but laced with mockery. ¡°Not a one-handed sword. You weren¡¯t planning on poking me with it, were you?¡±


    The class erupted into laughter as the boy¡¯s face turned crimson, and he slumped back into his seat.


    ¡°Next,¡± Moody said without missing a beat.


    The second student, also a Ravenclaw, fared marginally better but missed his target entirely, blasting a hole in the window behind Moody.


    The laughter returned, louder this time.


    But the mood shifted when Moody abandoned the front-row system and began calling on students at random. Those who had laughed the hardest quickly found themselves put on the spot, their own failures turning them into the new source of ridicule.


    ¡°I see I was wrong about you lot,¡± Moody growled after testing roughly a third of the class. He stowed his wand with an exasperated sigh. ¡°How is it that you¡¯ve all forgotten something so basic?¡±


    The students exchanged awkward glances, unsure how to respond. None of them wanted to admit that their third-year lessons had been more about gawking at Lockhart¡¯s antics than actually learning the charm. And after the short-lived Duelling Club, no one had mentioned the Disarming Charm again.


    ¡°Well, I suppose that explains it,¡± Moody muttered, as if reading their minds. ¡°Alright. Everyone put down your wands, open your books to page 165, and start copying everything written about the Disarming Charm. Let me remind you again¡ªthis charm is critical, and it be on your O.W.L. exam.¡±


    The room was soon filled with the sound of quills scratching against parchment as the students dutifully took notes. Moody stood at the front of the classroom, his magical eye roving across their desks, ensuring no one slacked off.


    He muttered to himself as he surveyed the class. ¡°That fraud Lockhart... The only worthwhile thing he did at Hogwarts was introducing them to this charm early. Probably the only useful thing he ever did.¡±

 Chapter 522: The Yule Ball

    In addition to Defence Against the Dark Arts, the fifth years had a Transfiguration class that morning.


    The lesson continued their work on the Vanishing Spell, but instead of vanishing an animal like a snail, they now had to vanish a hamster. While it might seem like a small change, the difficulty had increased significantly. Two full lessons had passed, and most students had made little to no progress.


    The atmosphere in Transfiguration had grown tense in recent weeks. Students were on edge, dreading the sight of Professor McGonagall¡¯s disappointed expression. This class was no exception.


    The room echoed with a cacophony of crackling and popping sounds as students, anxious to succeed, hurried through their attempts. The results were often disastrous. A few students were so flustered that their spells exploded, sending bits of desks flying.


    ¡°Everyone, stop for a moment,¡± Professor McGonagall called sharply, waving her wand to repair a shattered table. ¡°You¡¯re all far too impatient. This approach will only make mastering the Vanishing Spell more difficult. Calm yourselves.¡±


    She surveyed the frazzled group before adding, ¡°Perhaps a bit of news will help ease your tension.¡±


    The room stilled, all eyes on her.


    ¡°The Yule Ball is approaching,¡± she announced. ¡°It¡¯s a traditional part of the Triwizard Tournament and an excellent opportunity to socialize with our foreign guests.¡±


    Her words instantly transformed the atmosphere. The nervous energy in the room gave way to excited murmuring. Gryffindor girls who had been near tears moments ago now huddled together, whispering and giggling. Some even cast glances¡ªintentional or otherwise¡ªtoward Kyle.


    Professor McGonagall ignored the chatter and continued. ¡°The ball is open to students in their fourth year and above. However, if you wish, you may choose a younger partner to accompany you."


    ¡°It will take place on Christmas Eve at 8:00 p.m. in the Great Hall. Remember to wear your dress robes¡ªit¡¯s a rare chance to unwind and enjoy yourselves.¡± S§×arch* The NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    More laughter rippled through the class, the announcement clearly lifting everyone¡¯s spirits.


    Just then, the bell rang, and the students scrambled to pack up, eager to spread the news. The classroom emptied in moments, but Kyle found himself lingering behind.


    ¡°As is customary,¡± Professor McGonagall said, addressing him directly, ¡°the Yule Ball will be opened by the Champions and their partners. Do you understand what that means?¡±


    ¡°Of course, Professor,¡± Kyle replied, glancing toward the door. He noticed Kanna standing by the railing, waiting for him with two books in her hands.


    Professor McGonagall¡¯s gaze followed his, and she let out a soft chuckle. ¡°I¡¯m glad you understand. But I must remind you that you¡¯ll need to practice your dancing in the coming weeks."


    ¡°As the opening dance sets the tone for the ball, many people will be watching. If you make a mess of it, you¡¯re sure to be the subject of endless gossip.¡±


    Kyle¡¯s face twisted into a peculiar expression.


    The problem was...the only dances he knew were not exactly ballroom-appropriate. He had mastered the Mooncalf¡¯s courtship dance¡ªthanks to Newt, who had taught him at age ten¡ªand the Erumpent¡¯s peculiar mating dance.


    But neither of those would suit the Yule Ball. There wouldn¡¯t be music for them, and Dumbledore certainly wouldn¡¯t allow him to bring a Mooncalf as a partner.


    Noticing his discomfort, Professor McGonagall¡¯s expression shifted. ¡°You don¡¯t know how to dance, do you?¡± she asked, her tone laced with skepticism.


    Kyle stiffly nodded.


    ¡°Surely your father¡ª¡± McGonagall began, then stopped, frowning. ¡°Chris never took you to a ball?¡±


    As deputy director of the Department for the Control and Management of Magical Creatures, Chris frequently hosted or attended formal events with foreign wizards. Such occasions were common in his line of work, and family members were often invited to attend as well.


    It was surprising, then, that Kyle hadn¡¯t learned something as basic as ballroom dancing.


    ¡°Er... I¡¯ve never been to one,¡± Kyle admitted.


    Chris had always avoided parties whenever possible, only attending when absolutely necessary¡ªand even then, mainly to enjoy the buffet. As for Kyle, he had no interest in such events either. If he had the time, he¡¯d much rather be in Newt¡¯s suitcase, watching Salamanders battle it out.


    ¡°Oh...¡± Professor McGonagall rubbed her forehead in exasperation.


    A champion unable to dance? It wasn¡¯t just a personal embarrassment for Kyle; it would reflect poorly on Hogwarts as well. Disaster loomed unless this problem was addressed immediately. Thankfully, she had asked about it today.


    ¡°You can postpone the rest of your classes for now,¡± Professor McGonagall declared in a tone that brooked no argument. ¡°Christmas is only a week away, and in that time, you learn to dance¡ªeven if it¡¯s just one song.¡±


    She fixed him with a sharp look. ¡°Tomorrow is the weekend. At ten o¡¯clock in the morning, I will hold a dance club in the Great Hall. You will come¡ªno, you come.¡±


    With that, she strode out of the classroom, likely heading to the eighth floor to confer with Headmaster Dumbledore about this new complication.


    Kyle sighed, then followed her out of the room, his expression resigned.


    ¡°Professor McGonagall seemed really stressed,¡± Kanna said as she approached, curiosity evident in her voice. ¡°What did you say to her?¡±


    ¡°A serious challenge,¡± Kyle said wearily. ¡°Far more terrifying than facing two Dragons alone.¡±


    ¡°Huh?¡± Kanna¡¯s curiosity only deepened.


    ¡°Never mind¡ªit¡¯s nothing.¡± Kyle shook his head, brushing off her question. Then, as if remembering something, he glanced at her. ¡°By the way, can I invite you to the Yule Ball? You know, Champions have to open with their dance partners, and I could really use your help."


    ¡°Otherwise...¡± he added with a faint smirk, ¡°I might have to resort to dancing with a Mooncalf. And I don¡¯t think Professor Dumbledore would allow that.¡±


    Kanna tilted her head slightly, her doubts forgotten as she regarded him. ¡°Only you would think of dancing with a Mooncalf,¡± she teased. ¡°But alright¡ªsince you¡¯ve asked, I¡¯d be happy to be your partner.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s wonderful,¡± Kyle said, his smile returning.


    The two began descending the stairs together, heading toward the common room.


    ...


    Meanwhile, in the dungeons, Professor Snape was brewing a potion. He reached for a vial of Armadillo bile but, in a moment of distraction, tipped the entire bottle into the cauldron.


    The once-bright blue potion turned a dark, bubbling purple.


    ¡°Damn it!¡± Snape muttered. With a quick wave of his wand, he vanished the ruined potion and cleaned the cauldron.


    His thoughts immediately turned to Sirius Black.


    Even though Black wasn¡¯t physically present, Snape had no doubt he was somehow to blame. Ever since Sirius¡¯s arrival at Hogwarts, the man had opposed him at every turn.


    If Snape deducted points from Gryffindor, Black would retaliate by docking points from Slytherin for the exact same reasons. Their rivalry had grown so intense that Snape had gone to Dumbledore repeatedly to complain. The sleepless nights caused by this ongoing feud were likely why he¡¯d made such a novice mistake in his potion-making just now.


    ¡°Dumbledore must be losing his mind,¡± Snape grumbled under his breath. ¡°Letting a fool like Black play at being a professor... utterly absurd.¡±

 Chapter 523: Kyle’s Dark Past

    The next day, early in the morning, Kyle sat at the breakfast table with a grave expression, slowly chewing on a piece of toast.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong with you?¡± Cedric asked, noticing Kyle¡¯s tense demeanor. ¡°You look like you¡¯re about to dive straight into the second task of the tournament.¡±


    ¡°To be honest, I¡¯d rather do the second task today,¡± Kyle sighed. ¡°By the way, can you dance?¡±


    ¡°Yeah,¡± Cedric replied casually. ¡°My dad took me to a few dances when I was younger, so I picked it up then. Why? Can¡¯t you?¡±


    ¡°Why does everyone assume I¡¯d know how to dance?¡± Kyle grumbled, biting into his bread with irritation. ¡°If I could, I wouldn¡¯t be in this mess.¡±


    ¡°Pfft...¡± Cedric¡¯s face twitched as he struggled to hold back a laugh.


    It was rare to see Kyle so flustered, and Cedric found the sight both amusing and oddly endearing.


    ¡°It¡¯s not that hard,¡± Cedric said, trying to sound supportive despite his mirth. ¡°Just follow the music. Oh, and I saw the notice in the foyer¡ªProfessor McGonagall¡¯s holding a dance club at 10 a.m. You should check it out.¡±


    ¡°You mean that? I was the first to sign up,¡± Kyle muttered, exasperated.


    Cedric couldn¡¯t hold it in anymore. He clapped a hand over his mouth to stifle his laughter, imagining Kyle clumsily stomping on his partner¡¯s feet at the ball. Trying to avoid embarrassing his friend, Cedric hastily excused himself, claiming he needed to find Cho, and hurried over to the Ravenclaw table.


    Kyle, too preoccupied with thoughts of the club, barely noticed Cedric¡¯s hasty exit and assumed he was off to ask Cho to the ball.


    By now, the news of the Christmas ball had spread like wildfire. Students buzzed with excitement, and this year, a record number of them had signed up to stay at Hogwarts for the holidays. It seemed like nearly everyone except the first years was planning to attend.


    Groups of girls gathered in clusters, whispering and giggling about what to wear on Christmas night, while the boys suddenly seemed much more self-conscious. Ryan, for instance, had pinned a brooch to his shirt¡ªsomething Kyle had never seen him do before.


    As Kyle sat at the table, a girl with curly hair approached him hesitantly.


    ¡°Kyle, will you go to the ball with me?¡± she asked.


    ¡°Oh... sorry,¡± Kyle said, snapping out of his thoughts. ¡°I already have a date.¡±


    The girl¡¯s face fell, and she walked away looking disappointed.


    She wasn¡¯t the only one. In the next ten minutes, several more girls from all four Houses approached him with the same question, only to receive the same polite rejection.


    Kyle, realizing that sitting in the Great Hall was only inviting more awkward encounters, decided to abandon his plan to wait there until the club started. With a sigh, he pushed back his chair and headed for the common room instead.


    ...


    At precisely ten o¡¯clock, Kyle arrived at the Great Hall, accompanied by Kanna and Cedric.


    ¡°If you already know how to dance, why are you here?¡± Kyle asked, eyeing Cedric with suspicion.


    ¡°Ahem, no reason,¡± Cedric replied, feigning calm. ¡°It¡¯s just that I haven¡¯t danced in a while. I want to brush up, so I don¡¯t make a fool of myself.¡±


    Kyle nodded, accepting the explanation, and took a deep breath before pushing open the doors to the Great Hall.


    Inside, the space had been rearranged by Professor McGonagall. The long tables had been moved to the sides, leaving rows of chairs along the walls, many of which were already occupied by students.


    Kyle¡¯s footsteps felt unnaturally heavy as he walked toward the front, as if someone had hit him with the Leg-Locker Curse. Behind him, Cedric and the Weasley twins were desperately trying¡ªand failing¡ªnot to laugh, their faces alight with anticipation.


    Once everyone had arrived, Professor McGonagall closed the doors with a flick of her wand and began to address the group.


    ¡°Dancing is simple, elegant, and agile,¡± she said. ¡°Every girl has a swan within her, and every boy has a lion eager to leap.¡±


    For Kyle, however, the next two hours were anything but simple or elegant.


    Theoretically, dancing wasn¡¯t as difficult as some of the magical creatures¡¯ rituals that Newt had taught him. The problem was that before he could grasp the basics, Professor McGonagall had called on him to demonstrate.


    It had been a disaster. He tripped over her feet three times, eliciting laughter from the Weasley twins that they didn¡¯t even try to hide. Kyle could feel Professor McGonagall¡¯s patience waning as her expression darkened with each misstep.


    Fred and George would certainly milk this moment for all it was worth.


    As expected, the twins spent the following days gleefully mimicking Kyle¡¯s clumsy movements during meals, with Fred stomping on George¡¯s feet for added realism. Kyle could only ignore them¡ªthere was no other way to deal with those two.


    The Hogwarts professors seemed eager to present the castle in its best light to the visitors from the other two schools. A few days before Christmas, the banisters along the grand staircase were adorned with glimmering icicles that never melted. The Great Hall was transformed into a winter wonderland, featuring twelve towering Christmas trees, each lavishly decorated with a variety of baubles¡ªfrom clusters of Winky Holly berries to golden owls that hooted softly.


    Kyle couldn¡¯t help but wish the professors hadn¡¯t abandoned their old tradition of using ghosts as Christmas tree ornaments. He had always thought it was the most entertaining touch. A Christmas tree covered with ghosts would surely impress the visiting schools.


    As Christmas approached, the castle bustled with activity. Groups of giggling girls roamed the halls, their laughter echoing whenever one of them received an invitation to the Yule Ball. The anticipation was palpable.


    After a Charms lesson, Kyle happened upon Harry in the corridor. But it wasn¡¯t him Harry was looking for.


    ¡°Er... Cho Chang, can I have a word?¡± Harry asked nervously, clutching the hem of his robe in both hands.


    ¡°Sure, what is it?¡± Cho replied.


    ¡°Er... could you, well... go to the ball with me...¡± Harry stammered, his voice so low that Kyle had to strain to catch the words.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Harry,¡± Cho said apologetically, shaking her head. ¡°I already promised Cedric.¡±


    Kyle was taken aback as Harry¡¯s face turned a deep red in mere seconds, as though someone were frantically painting it with a brush.


    ¡°Oh, okay, that¡¯s fine,¡± Harry mumbled casually before abruptly turning and walking away.


    ¡°I¡¯m really sorry,¡± Cho called after him, but Harry didn¡¯t respond. In a flash, he disappeared around the corner of the staircase.


    Kyle clicked his tongue. ¡°Well, he¡¯s definitely living up to his title as Hogwarts¡¯ best Seeker. That speed... impressive.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s been like this lately,¡± Cho sighed, as she and Kyle headed toward the Great Hall. ¡°I really hope Christmas comes soon. By the way, it¡¯s odd¡ªno one¡¯s invited you yet.¡±


    ¡°Not happening right now,¡± Kyle said lightly. S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    In truth, he¡¯d received plenty of invitations earlier. After Professor McGonagall¡¯s club meeting, a few older girls had even offered to teach him how to dance. He had declined them all. Their dancing skills simply didn¡¯t measure up to Professor McGonagall¡¯s impeccable standards.


    Kyle¡¯s evenings were now consumed with rigorous training. Professors McGonagall and Flitwick worked with him personally for three hours every night after dinner. Occasionally, Nearly Headless Nick would join them to offer tips. The ghost, with his perpetually wobbling head, actually had a surprising talent for dancing. However, his habit of dramatically shaking his head made the experience a bit unsettling.

 Chapter 524: Dress Robes

    On the night before Christmas, a timely snowfall blanketed the castle and grounds, adding a magical touch to the scene. Snowflakes coated the rooftops and turrets of Hogwarts, while the Black Lake froze over, its surface shimmering under the pale sunlight. Durmstrang¡¯s large ship was also encased in ice, its sail ropes sparkling with crystalline frost, making it appear far more majestic than before.


    Christmas breakfast was a hearty affair, featuring steaming stew and a variety of puddings. Despite the holiday, the Great Hall buzzed with its usual activity, packed with students and staff enjoying the festive feast.


    ¡°Hogwarts food is so greasy,¡± Fleur muttered, her tone laced with disdain as she piled her plate with tortillas and boiled potatoes. ¡°I feel like my gown is going to be too big for me.¡±


    Kyle quietly continued eating his stew, choosing not to engage. He had grown accustomed to hearing similar complaints from Fleur recently. At times, he even wondered if she¡¯d find a plate of plain leaves too rich for her liking.


    However, Kanna, seated next to him, seemed affected by Fleur¡¯s remark. She glanced at Fleur¡¯s modest plate, which seemed barely enough to satisfy even an owl, and then at the hearty bowl of stew in front of her. After a moment of hesitation, she reluctantly set her bowl back on the table.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay, just eat it,¡± Kyle said nonchalantly, sliding the bowl back toward her. ¡°By the time you grow taller next year, you¡¯ll probably need a new gown anyway. You can just buy one then.¡±


    ¡°No,¡± Kanna murmured, shaking her head. ¡°Not today¡­¡± She reached for some tortillas instead.


    Fleur seemed to catch on and turned to glare at Kyle. Her tone grew sharp as she said, ¡°Are you trying to suggest that I won¡¯t grow any taller?¡±


    ¡°No, no, I didn¡¯t mean that. You said it yourself,¡± Kyle replied with a shrug, feigning innocence. His casual response only succeeded in making Fleur even angrier.


    After breakfast, they returned to the Hufflepuff common room, where they began unwrapping Christmas presents. Fleur¡¯s gifts had also been delivered to the common room, forming a small mountain in the corner. She picked out a few items but packed the rest into her suitcase to take back to the Beauxbatons carriage.


    They spent the morning sorting through their presents before heading back to the Great Hall for a sumptuous lunch. This time, the castle¡¯s house-elves had outdone themselves, creating a new treat: Crumpit Witch Shortbread. The biscuits lived up to their name, crackling loudly like fireworks with every bite, filling the hall with bursts of noise and laughter.


    As the afternoon wore on, anticipation for the Yule Ball grew. The moment the clock struck 6:00 p.m., Kanna sprang from her chair and hurried off to the dormitory to prepare. One by one, every girl in the common room followed suit, leaving it empty of their presence.


    ¡°Two hours¡­ just to change clothes?¡± Mikel muttered, shaking his head in disbelief. ¡°Do they really need that long?¡±


    By 7:00 p.m., as the sky darkened and the castle¡¯s lights began to glow, Kyle and Cedric put aside their game of wizard chess and returned to the dormitory to change into their formal robes.


    ...


    By 7:30 p.m., students began emerging from the dormitories, one after another, transforming the Hufflepuff common room into a dazzling array of colors. The usual sea of school robes was replaced with formal attire, each outfit reflecting the personality of its wearer.


    Mikel strode out in a dark blue formal robe, which gave him an air of newfound maturity, while Ryan sported a burgundy ensemble. As the two entered the common room, they slapped their hands on the table, drawing the attention of everyone around them.


    ¡°Ladies¡­¡± Ryan said with a mischievous grin, ¡°you have no idea what you¡¯re missing.¡±


    ¡°If you¡¯re talking about yourself,¡± Hannah remarked, eyeing Ryan critically, ¡°then I don¡¯t think I¡¯m missing much.¡±


    ¡°Hey, don¡¯t be mean,¡± Susan Bones said, nudging her friend while suppressing a giggle. ¡°He¡¯s my dance partner¡ªat least give him a little credit.¡±


    ¡°Thanks for the vote of confidence, Hannah,¡± Ryan replied, feigning indignation. ¡°But actually, I wasn¡¯t talking about myself. I was talking about¡ªoh, here he is.¡±


    Everyone turned in the direction Ryan was pointing, their gazes locking onto Kyle as he stepped into the room. Suddenly, all eyes were on him.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± Kyle asked, looking down at his outfit with growing confusion. ¡°Did I put this on wrong? No, it seems fine¡­¡±


    Susan let out a wistful sigh. ¡°Hannah, do you think it¡¯s too late for me to change partners?¡±


    But Hannah didn¡¯t respond¡ªlike everyone else, she was transfixed by Kyle¡¯s appearance. For most of the Hufflepuffs, this was their first time seeing him outside of his usual school robes.


    Kyle was dressed in a long black velvet gown, its understated elegance accented by a delicate pattern of gold thread along the neckline and cuffs. Though the design was simple, it elevated his appearance, making him stand out effortlessly.


    ¡°I¡¯m so jealous¡­¡± Susan murmured. ¡°I wonder who his partner is.¡±


    Ryan grinned knowingly. ¡°Need I even say it?¡± he began, but before he could finish, a voice came from behind them.


    ¡°Are you all ready?¡±


    Another collective gasp filled the room as Kanna stepped into view.


    ¡°I think I know who you¡¯re talking about,¡± Susan said, staring at her. ¡°She¡¯s¡­ stunning.¡±


    Kanna had clearly followed Professor McGonagall¡¯s advice. Her usual loose hair was now styled into a sleek, braided bun, and her plain school uniform had been replaced with a flowing apricot-colored robe. She wore no jewelry or accessories, but none were needed¡ªher natural beauty and elegance were captivating on their own.


    ¡°Why is everyone staring at me?¡± Kanna asked nervously, glancing down at her outfit. ¡°Did I wear the wrong thing?¡±


    Susan leaned toward Hannah and whispered, ¡°I¡¯m absolutely convinced they¡¯re a pair.¡± S§×arch* The nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°They¡¯re not,¡± Kyle said with a small smile, stepping forward. ¡°But¡­ you look very pretty.¡±


    ¡°Thank you,¡± Kanna replied softly, her cheeks faintly pink. ¡°Are we heading to the Great Hall now? Or should we wait for Cedric? He hasn¡¯t come out yet.¡±


    ¡°We should head to the Great Hall,¡± Kyle said. ¡°Professor McGonagall told us to arrive early.¡±


    ¡°Okay,¡± Kanna agreed with a warm smile. Together, they walked through the wooden doors, making their way to the Great Hall.


    ¡°They really do look like a perfect couple,¡± Hannah said, unable to hold back her thoughts.


    ¡°Who¡¯s to say they¡¯re not?¡± Mikel added with a knowing smile.

 Chapter 525: The Ball, Snape’s Gaze

    The foyer was teeming with students, a lively sea of color and excitement. The doors to the Great Hall were still closed, leaving everyone mingling outside, finding their dance partners from other houses while waiting for the clock to strike eight.


    Kyle and Kanna drew curious gazes as they arrived, their presence naturally commanding attention. However, any lingering stares quickly shifted when Fleur made her entrance. Draped in a long silver-grey satin robe, she was breathtaking, instantly stealing the spotlight.


    As awe turned toward curiosity, the crowd''s focus shifted to her companion.


    ¡°Fred?¡± Kanna blurted out in surprise.


    ¡°No, he¡¯s George,¡± Kyle corrected calmly.


    ¡°That¡¯s right, it¡¯s me,¡± George replied with a playful wink. ¡°But, Kyle, how on earth did you tell us apart?¡±


    ¡°Fred mentioned he¡¯d asked Angelina to the ball,¡± Kyle explained.


    ¡°Oh, right! How could I forget?¡± George exclaimed, lightly patting his head.


    At that moment, the oak front doors swung open, and the Durmstrang students entered, led by Karkaroff. Viktor Krum strode in at the head of the group, a striking presence with a beautiful girl in a flowing blue robe by his side.


    ¡°Wait¡­¡± George squinted, rubbing his eyes. ¡°Is it just me, or does that girl look like Hermione?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re not imagining things,¡± Kyle confirmed. ¡°It¡¯s Hermione.¡±


    ¡°Merlin¡­¡± George muttered, his lips twitching into a grin. ¡°Hermione looks incredible. This ball is full of surprises.¡±


    He wasn¡¯t wrong. Hermione¡¯s transformation was remarkable¡ªher usually untamed hair was now sleek and elegant, giving her a completely different appearance. So striking was the change that Harry, as she passed by, didn¡¯t even recognize her and kept asking bewilderedly, ¡°Where¡¯s Hermione?¡±


    It was almost a shame no one had brought a camera. Capturing Harry¡¯s stunned expression would have been priceless.


    At that moment, the doors to the Great Hall creaked open, and Professor McGonagall¡¯s voice rang out.


    ¡°The Champions, please!¡±


    Kanna, looking slightly nervous, straightened her skirt and looped her arm through Kyle¡¯s as they stepped forward. The crowd¡¯s excited chatter parted around them as they made their way through.


    ¡°Wait here for a moment,¡± Professor McGonagall instructed, guiding the Champions and their partners to a spot near a Christmas tree by the entrance while the rest of the students filed into the hall.


    The wait felt a little drawn out, but since they were all familiar with one another, the Champions and their partners passed the time easily. The tension lightened as conversation flowed.


    Once everyone had been seated in the Great Hall, Professor McGonagall returned. She directed the Champions and their partners to form pairs and follow her inside.


    The moment they entered, the room erupted into applause. Kyle even caught a loud whistle amidst the cheers and turned his head to see Fred grinning impishly at him. George, halfway through raising his hand to respond, froze under the sharp glare of Professor McGonagall and quickly lowered it.


    The Great Hall had been utterly transformed. Frost-like patterns shimmered on the walls, while the enchanted ceiling displayed a clear, star-studded night sky. Hundreds of mistletoe sprigs and strands of ivy hung down, their green and silver accents adding to the festive splendor.


    The four long house tables had vanished, replaced by over a hundred smaller, lantern-lit tables scattered throughout the room. The teachers¡¯ table remained in place, where the five judges sat, smiling and watching the procession.


    Kyle had planned to sit near Chris, but before he could take more than a couple of steps, Kanna firmly grabbed his hand and steered him toward a seat next to Professor Dumbledore. Reluctantly, Kyle followed her lead, realizing too late who was seated nearby.


    To his dismay, Snape loomed behind their spot, his sour expression even darker than usual, as if someone had pilfered his most prized potion. The laughter and conversation filling the hall only emphasized his brooding silence.


    Kyle eyed his plate warily, half-expecting Snape to somehow tamper with it out of sheer spite. Unfortunately, by the time he considered relocating, all the other seats were taken, leaving him stuck in this unenviable spot.


    Kyle¡¯s concerns proved to be well-founded. The moment he sat down, a cold breeze brushed the back of his neck.


    Like the transformed Great Hall, which bore little resemblance to its usual appearance, tonight¡¯s dinner followed an unconventional format as well.


    After the Champions took their seats, Professor Dumbledore picked up the menu beside his plate and announced clearly, ¡°Pork chop!¡± A pork chop materialized instantly.


    Though Hufflepuff students were no strangers to ordering food in this manner, this was the first time such a thing had occurred in the Great Hall.


    Kyle, however, had no appetite. The malevolent presence behind him was so tangible that a Sneakoscope placed nearby would undoubtedly spin and spark furiously¡ªor perhaps drill straight through the table. He tugged at his collar uneasily. The urge to ask Professor Dumbledore whether Snape had been meddling in the kitchen was almost irresistible.


    Unlike Kyle, who could barely stay seated, everyone else appeared calm. George was animatedly recounting a school anecdote to Fleur, who seemed genuinely engaged. She even asked him about the professor of Defence Against the Dark Arts at Hogwarts, having heard of the notorious position even at Beauxbatons.


    George hesitated briefly. Though the facts were indisputable, he wanted to defend Hogwarts¡¯ reputation, so he offered a vague response and quickly moved on.


    Meanwhile, Krum was describing Durmstrang to Hermione, only to be interrupted by Karkaroff. The headmaster seemed intent on preventing Krum from revealing too much, particularly anything that might hint at Durmstrang¡¯s location.


    ¡°Igor...¡± Dumbledore said with a genial smile. ¡°If you guard your secrets so fiercely, people might think you¡¯re discouraging visitors¡­¡±


    ¡°Oh, Albus¡­¡± Karkaroff replied smoothly. ¡°We all wish to protect our private domains, don¡¯t we?¡±


    ¡°Huh...¡±


    Kyle suddenly heard a sharp, unrestrained laugh behind him. Turning slightly, he saw that it was Professor Moody. Though Moody¡¯s back was to them, Kyle was certain the magical eye was fixed on their group.


    ¡°Dumbledore...¡± Moody drawled. ¡°If I¡¯d known Hogwarts was your private domain, I¡¯d have asked for a pay raise.¡±


    ¡°Hogwarts belongs to no one,¡± Dumbledore replied calmly. ¡°It belongs to its students. That said, I will certainly consider your reasonable request for a pay raise.¡±


    The exchange seemed to extinguish Karkaroff¡¯s interest in the conversation. ¡°I was only joking, Professor Moody,¡± he said, chuckling hollowly. But the coldness in his eyes betrayed his true feelings.


    Half an hour later, the meal concluded. As Kyle¡¯s plate of untouched Hungarian goulash vanished, Dumbledore rose and signaled for the students to do the same. With a sweep of his wand, the tables disappeared, replaced by a massive stage in the center of the Great Hall, surrounded by an array of musical instruments.


    A wave of excited cheers erupted as took the stage. Renowned as the only band to grace a Chocolate Frog card, they were beloved across the wizarding world. Their mere appearance sent the Great Hall into uproarious applause.


    When they picked up their instruments, the Champions rose from their seats as well.


    The first song they played was


    Kyle stepped onto the brightly lit dance floor, nerves coursing through him as though this was a competition in itself. He reached for Kanna¡¯s hand, placing his other hand gently on her waist.


    He felt Kanna tense briefly, but she quickly relaxed. The icy sensation at the back of his neck grew sharper, but Kyle pushed it to the back of his mind.


    Recalling the movements Professor McGonagall had taught him earlier, Kyle waited for the music to swell, then led Kanna into the dance. They moved cautiously at first, but as the melody unfolded, Kyle¡¯s confidence grew. His steps became smoother, his movements more assured, and together they spun in perfect harmony.


    Strangely, though all three Champions were on the dance floor¡ªand Fleur and Krum were equally striking¡ªit was as if a spotlight shone solely on Kyle and Kanna. The audience¡¯s eyes followed their every move, as though the entire stage had been created just for them.


    ¡°How wonderful...¡± Dumbledore''s eyes twinkled as he leaned slightly forward to wipe his glasses.


    Professor McGonagall was beaming with pride. The student who had captivated the crowd was one of hers. As for Professor Flitwick and Nearly Headless Nick, they were merely assisting and, in this moment, seemed not to warrant mention.


    Naturally, there were those who were delighted and those who were not. S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    With a sharp , Snape snapped the dinner knife he had been holding. His gaze was fixed intently on the dance floor, entirely ignoring Sirius Black, who had been loitering nearby.


    Feeling unacknowledged and perhaps bored, Sirius finally gave up trying to provoke Snape. Instead, he turned to Professor McGonagall and offered her a polite invitation to dance.


    Professor McGonagall gladly accepted.


    As the music continued, more people began to join the dance floor. The Champions were no longer the sole focus, yet the crowd instinctively left the center open, where Kyle and Kanna remained.


    The first song soon came to an end, giving way to the next¡ªa much faster tune.


    ¡°It¡¯s ,¡± Kyle noted with a grin. ¡°Their most popular song¡ªthe one that got them featured in the Chocolate Frog picture show.¡±


    As he spoke, Kyle released Kanna¡¯s hand and transitioned to a livelier dance step to match the upbeat rhythm.


    ...


    They danced through three songs in total before stepping off the dance floor. It wasn¡¯t because they were tired¡ªKyle simply knew only these three routines. Staying any longer would have meant improvising awkwardly.


    Kyle glanced at Kanna, her face flushed and her breaths coming quickly. ¡°Want something to drink? How about Pumpkin Fizz?¡± he asked.


    Kanna nodded.


    Kyle made his way to the round table where the drinks and desserts were laid out. There, he spotted Ron and Harry, both devouring large portions of pudding.


    ¡°You two... you haven¡¯t been eating dessert this whole time, have you?¡± he asked, eyebrow raised.


    ¡°Yeah,¡± Harry replied, swallowing a mouthful of pudding as if it were the most natural thing in the world. ¡°We didn¡¯t have to dance, did we?¡±


    ¡°Lucky I¡¯m not a Champion,¡± he added with a shudder, ¡°otherwise I¡¯d have had to do that opening dance... Ugh.¡± He visibly cringed at the thought, then quickly changed the subject. ¡°You¡¯ve got to try this¡ªCustard Jam Pudding. Ron and I agree it¡¯s the best dessert here.¡±


    Kyle raised an eyebrow.


    Taking Harry¡¯s advice, he added a helping of pudding to his plate alongside a glass of Pumpkin Fizz. After all, Harry had been there for three songs¡ªhis recommendation was probably worth trusting.

 Chapter 526: Stirring Up Trouble

    When Kyle returned with the pudding and Pumpkin Fizz, he noticed a Durmstrang boy standing in front of Kanna, seemingly inviting her to dance. S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Kanna declined politely, and the boy didn¡¯t press her, quickly shifting his attention to another Gryffindor girl nearby. Kyle vaguely remembered her name was Parvati¡ªsomeone in the same year as Harry.


    ¡°Have some soda,¡± Kyle said as he approached Kanna, handing her the pudding and Pumpkin Fizz. ¡°Someone recommended this pudding as being really good.¡±


    Kanna accepted the pudding and took a small bite. Her cheeks were slightly flushed from the three dances she¡¯d just had.


    ¡°Hogwarts has never been this lively before, has it?¡± she said with a soft smile. ¡°Everyone seems to be having a great time. This is the best Christmas ever.¡±


    ¡°Yeah,¡± Kyle replied.


    Though, of course, it could have been better if someone weren¡¯t staring at him constantly.


    Kyle wasn¡¯t thinking about anyone else but Professor Snape.


    Snape¡¯s piercing gaze had briefly vanished during the dancing, but just now, when Kyle had gone to fetch drinks, that unsettling feeling of being watched¡ªlike a bug pinned under a magnifying glass¡ªreturned.


    Turning his head slightly, Kyle saw Snape standing near the table, his dark eyes fixed on him without so much as a blink. Beside Snape stood Karkaroff, looking nervous as he gestured toward the door repeatedly, as though urging Snape to discuss something urgent.


    Kyle, curious, tilted his head and tried to listen in, but the distance and the noise in the hall made their conversation nearly impossible to decipher. All he could catch were scattered phrases:


    ¡°You know... Severus... this is important...¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ve already had this conversation... Igor, you¡¯re making a big deal out of nothing...¡±


    ¡°Hello.¡±


    Kyle¡¯s concentration broke as a Beauxbatons girl suddenly stepped in front of him. ¡°May I have this dance?¡± she asked.


    ¡°Sorry, I might need to regain some strength,¡± Kyle said, raising the Pumpkin Fizz as if to emphasize his point. He took a sip.


    The girl looked visibly disappointed.


    ¡°But I can recommend someone else,¡± Kyle added quickly, pointing to the dessert table. ¡°Harry Potter. Heard of him? I don¡¯t think anyone¡¯s asked him yet.¡±


    ¡°The famous Boy Who Lived?¡± The girl¡¯s initial curiosity turned into confusion as she glanced toward Harry. ¡°He looks... different from what I imagined.¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s probably just hungry,¡± Kyle said nonchalantly, ¡°or embarrassed because no one¡¯s invited him yet, so he¡¯s pretending to keep busy.¡±


    ¡°Really?¡± The girl seemed skeptical but walked off toward Harry anyway, glancing back uncertainly.


    When Kyle turned back, he caught Kanna looking at him with an odd expression.


    ¡°Hogwarts only has a ball once in a while,¡± Kyle explained with a shrug. ¡°It¡¯d be a shame to just stand by the buffet all night.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s... not what I meant.¡±


    For some reason, Kanna¡¯s face flushed even deeper. She looked at the Pumpkin Fizz in Kyle¡¯s hand and muttered in a barely audible voice, ¡°That drink... I already drank from it earlier.¡±


    ¡°Really? Well, just let me have this glass,¡± Kyle said with a grin. ¡°Dancing¡¯s exhausting, and I don¡¯t feel like making another trip.¡±


    ¡°But... okay...¡± Kanna¡¯s voice was so faint it was almost a whisper.


    ¡°Thanks,¡± Kyle said, taking another sip.


    ¡°Huh, it seems our Mr. Champion has developed quite a fondness for Pumpkin Fizz,¡± came a cold, drawling voice from behind him.


    Kyle stiffened as Snape appeared suddenly, his presence as intimidating as ever. Without warning, Snape snatched the glass from Kyle¡¯s hand and shoved another Pumpkin Fizz toward him, spilling much of it onto Kyle¡¯s gown in the process.


    "If you don''t want to move, that''s fine. I can hold it for you," Snape said icily. "Don''t be polite¡ªdrink up."


    "Er... Professor," Kyle replied with a strained laugh, "I''ve just had a drink... so I don''t really need another one right now."


    The mere thought of drinking something handed to him by Snape sent a shiver down his spine. Even if he had ten lives to spare, he wouldn¡¯t dare.


    "Really..." Snape drawled, his dark eyes narrowing as though he didn¡¯t believe a word.


    It seemed Snape was about to press further, but fortunately, a commotion nearby drew his attention. The sharp voices of an argument carried through the hall, and Snape turned his gaze toward the source of the noise.


    Kyle followed his line of sight and spotted Hermione and Ron in the midst of a heated exchange. Despite the obvious tension between them, Snape dismissed the scene with a flick of his eyes, clearly not inclined to intervene.


    "Whenever you feel like a Pumpkin Fizz, just come and see me. I''ll make sure you get plenty," Snape said ominously, before retreating to his previous position. He stood like a watchful sentinel, as still and unblinking as an owl on a nighttime perch.


    Kyle let out a quiet sigh of relief but couldn¡¯t shake the feeling of being under constant surveillance. It was obvious Snape had no intention of allowing Kanna to leave the dance, likely because the Hufflepuff Common Room was practically deserted at this hour. At least here, in the bustling Great Hall, Snape could keep an eye on them and intervene if needed¡ªor so Kyle assumed.


    For now, however, the spotlight had shifted squarely onto Kyle. He was stuck¡ªunable to move freely, unable to dance, and unable to leave the hall. Helpless, he resigned himself to join Harry at the buffet table.


    Harry didn¡¯t seem to be faring much better. Hermione had disappeared entirely, leaving Ron in a foul mood. After grumbling under his breath for a while, Ron eventually stormed out of the Great Hall with Harry trailing behind.


    Kyle and Kanna wandered to the farthest side of the table, away from the dance floor, and settled down. They spent the next while nibbling on pudding and muffins, chatting intermittently. Their conversation flitted from the Triwizard Tournament to speculations about the second task, to the hilarity of Cedric¡¯s clumsy dance moves that had left his feet flailing.


    Despite the awkwardness of their surroundings, Kanna appeared genuinely content. A faint smile lingered on her lips, and her eyes sparkled as they talked.


    Every so often, someone would approach to invite them to dance, but they both found polite excuses to decline. They seemed perfectly comfortable where they were.


    An hour later, the tone of the ball shifted entirely. Fred and George Weasley had claimed the dance floor as their own, leaving their bemused partners behind to showcase an energetic tap-dance routine. Their antics were so infectious that even the Weird Sisters couldn¡¯t resist joining in, abandoning their soothing melodies for fast-paced drumbeats.


    The crowd responded enthusiastically. One by one, students abandoned their quiet conversations and tentative waltzes to join the growing frenzy. Even Kyle and Kanna couldn¡¯t resist being pulled into the revelry when Cedric and Cho grabbed their hands and dragged them to the middle of the floor.


    The energy in the room hit its peak.


    ...


    It continued like this until midnight, when The Weird Sisters finally stopped playing.


    The crowd erupted into another round of applause before gradually making their way toward the foyer.


    ¡°Awesome¡­¡±


    ¡°I love The Weird Sisters so much. I can¡¯t believe the school managed to get them¡­¡±


    ¡°I hope we get the chance to do this again¡ªmaybe every Christmas¡­¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t think so; it¡¯s the Triwizard Ball¡­¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s why I said ¡­¡±


    Their chatter filled the corridors as they moved toward the exit.


    Seizing the moment, Karkaroff dragged a red-eyed Snape outside to the castle grounds.


    ¡°Phew, he¡¯s finally gone,¡± Kyle said wearily.


    Kanna giggled beside him. ¡°Never mind, there might be a ball next year.¡±


    ¡°If there is,¡± Kyle muttered, glancing toward the castle gates, ¡°I hope the headmaster finds something for Professor Snape to do in advance¡ªso long as it keeps him away from Hogwarts. He doesn¡¯t seem to have much interest in dancing, does he?¡±

 Chapter 527: The Lestrange Vault

    Although the dance had ended, the students'' excitement hadn¡¯t waned in the slightest. Even after returning to their common rooms, they stayed up late discussing the event instead of heading straight to bed.


    As a result, most students slept in the following morning, and the Great Hall was nearly empty when Kyle arrived for breakfast.


    ¡°Kyle, there you are,¡± said Sirius with a grin as he entered through the doors. ¡°I was just debating whether I should come and look for you in the Hufflepuff common room.¡±


    ¡°Look for me?¡± Kyle asked, raising an eyebrow. ¡°What for?¡±


    ¡°Have you forgotten¡­¡± Sirius leaned in and lowered his voice so only Kyle could hear. ¡°The Vault key from the holidays¡­¡±


    At this, Kyle couldn¡¯t help but spring to his feet.


    ¡°So, you can go to Gringotts now?¡±


    ¡°I could have gone ages ago,¡± Sirius replied with a smirk. ¡°Where do you think I got the money for the Firebolts? But you had school, and I had other matters to attend to. Now I¡¯ve got time... Or, if you¡¯re busy this holiday, we can wait until the end of the school year.¡±


    ¡°No, now is fine,¡± Kyle said quickly. Then, with a slight frown, he added, ¡°But there¡¯s one problem. Can I leave the castle?¡±


    ¡°In principle, no,¡± Sirius admitted. ¡°Unless we can get the Headmaster¡¯s permission.¡±


    ¡°Well, what are we waiting for?¡± Kyle exclaimed, cramming the remaining bread from his plate into his mouth in two swift bites. Without wasting another moment, he and Sirius headed toward the Headmaster¡¯s Office on the eighth floor.


    ...


    "You want to leave school?" Dumbledore¡¯s eyebrows lifted slightly at the unexpected request as Kyle and Sirius entered his office.


    ¡°Yes, Headmaster Dumbledore,¡± Sirius said, his gaze briefly flicking to Madam Maxime and Karkaroff, who were also in the office. Speaking in a casual tone, he added, ¡°I¡¯ve prepared a special Christmas present, but it¡¯s not something I can deliver here at the school. I thought it would be nice to show Kyle around while I hand it over.¡±


    Dumbledore hesitated, stroking his beard thoughtfully. ¡°This is a delicate time. Kyle is one of the Triwizard Champions, and many eyes are upon him...¡±


    ¡°The place we¡¯re going to is Diagon Alley,¡± Sirius interjected smoothly. ¡°It¡¯s perfectly safe.¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± Kyle chimed in.


    ¡°Just Diagon Alley¡­¡± Dumbledore considered for a moment before nodding. ¡°All right, I¡¯ll allow it. But how will you get there? The train left yesterday and won¡¯t return until the end of the holidays.¡±


    ¡°Train?¡± Sirius¡¯s expression twisted in disdain. ¡°That thing is unbearably slow. I endured enough of it during my school days. We¡¯ll head to Hogsmeade and use the fireplace at The Three Broomsticks.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s no need for that,¡± Dumbledore said, lifting a hand. He flicked his fingers toward the fireplace in his office, and the flames within roared to life, turning a bright green.


    ¡°Hogwarts is connected to the Floo Network?¡± Sirius asked in surprise.


    ¡°It¡¯s usually closed, but there¡¯s no harm in opening it for a few hours,¡± Dumbledore explained with a small smile. ¡°Will five hours suffice, or do you need longer?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s more than enough,¡± Sirius replied confidently. ¡°We¡¯ll be back before lunch.¡± He motioned for Kyle to follow, and the two stepped into the fireplace.


    As they disappeared in a swirl of green flames, both Maxime and Karkaroff exchanged uneasy glances.


    Kyle, one of the Champions, had abruptly left Hogwarts before the second task had even begun. Such an unusual decision struck them as highly suspicious.


    And the excuse Sirius had given¡ªthat the gift couldn¡¯t be delivered to the castle¡ªseemed laughably weak. Did they really think others wouldn¡¯t see through it?


    ¡°Olympe,¡± Karkaroff said in a low voice, unable to contain his curiosity, ¡°at Beauxbatons, would students staying over the holidays be allowed to leave the school so easily?¡±


    ¡°Of course not,¡± Madam Maxime replied firmly. ¡°Unless they neglected to sign the holiday detention list, students are not permitted to leave the school grounds, even during breaks.¡±


    ¡°The same rule applies to Hogwarts,¡± Dumbledore interjected with a calm smile. ¡°But this is a special case. Kyle was assisting Professor Black during the holidays, and I believe this is simply Sirius¡¯s way of showing gratitude.¡±


    ¡°Well, let¡¯s not concern ourselves with them,¡± Dumbledore said smoothly, redirecting the conversation. ¡°Now, where were we? Ah, yes, the scoring criteria for the Champions in the second task...¡±


    His transparent attempt to change the subject only deepened Maxime and Karkaroff¡¯s suspicions. They were now convinced that Kyle¡¯s outing was somehow tied to the Triwizard Tournament.


    Their gazes lingered on Dumbledore, filled with newfound wariness. Was Hogwarts, the home team, resorting to underhanded tactics? The thought left a sour taste in their mouths.


    Dumbledore, however, remained completely unfazed, continuing to articulate his thoughts with serene composure. Sear?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ...


    Meanwhile, Kyle and Sirius emerged from the fireplace in the Leaky Cauldron, stepping into the quiet, dimly lit pub.


    It was still early in the morning after Christmas, and the place was deserted except for old Tom, who stood behind the bar polishing a row of empty glasses.


    Without pause, Sirius led Kyle toward the back garden, where the entrance to Diagon Alley awaited.


    ¡°Kyle, and Black?¡± Tom greeted them with a warm smile as they stepped out of the fireplace. ¡°Can I get you something to drink?¡±


    ¡°No, Tom, maybe next time,¡± Sirius replied, shaking his head.


    With that, the two made their way through the back entrance to Diagon Alley and walked briskly toward Gringotts.


    As they approached the gleaming bronze doors, Sirius glanced over at Kyle. ¡°You¡¯ve got the key?¡±


    ¡°Of course. I always carry it with me,¡± Kyle said, reaching into his bag and pulling out a golden key.


    Sirius took the key without hesitation and strode into the imposing marble hall of the wizarding bank. Inside, about a hundred goblins were hard at work behind long counters. Some weighed coins on scales, while others inspected gemstones with meticulous care through magnifying eyepieces.


    They stopped in front of a goblin who was scribbling in a large ledger.


    ¡°Ahem...¡± Sirius cleared his throat. ¡°We need to access the Lestrange¡¯s vault.¡±


    The goblin looked up at Sirius, his sharp features twisting in curiosity. ¡°You don¡¯t look like Miss Lestrange,¡± he said in a high-pitched, skeptical voice.


    ¡°I¡¯m her... cousin,¡± Sirius replied with an expression that suggested he¡¯d just swallowed a particularly vile Bertie Bott¡¯s Every Flavour Bean. ¡°She asked me to retrieve something for her.¡±


    The goblin studied Sirius for a long moment, then his eyes seemed to glint with recognition. ¡°Ah, yes, you are indeed permitted to access her vault.¡±


    He added, ¡°Now then, Mr. Black, do you have the key?¡±


    Sirius tossed the key onto the table, his tone impatient. ¡°Here it is. She gave it to me. This should be the one.¡±


    The goblin picked up the key and inspected it carefully. ¡°Yes¡­¡± he said at last. ¡°Mr. Black, I must remind you that you are authorized to take only one item from the vault.¡±


    ¡°I know,¡± Sirius snapped. ¡°And I don¡¯t even want to look at the rest of that rubbish.¡±


    ¡°Very well,¡± the goblin replied. Turning slightly, he called, ¡°Griphook!¡±


    Another goblin appeared promptly and motioned for them to follow. Griphook led Sirius and Kyle through a door behind the counter into a narrow stone corridor.


    A small cart awaited them, and they climbed in. The moment they were settled, the cart sped off along a network of twisting tunnels, deep into the heart of Gringotts.


    The further they went, the more Sirius¡¯s complexion paled. He pressed a hand to his mouth, clearly struggling with the motion.


    Kyle, on the other hand, felt only the cool rush of air. Compared to the turbulence of phoenix apparition, this ride felt like a tame children¡¯s attraction.


    The passages grew darker and darker as the cart picked up speed. They passed through a waterfall, drenching them and sending chills through their bodies as the icy wind cut against their wet clothes.


    But the waterfall was unavoidable. Without passing through Thief¡¯s Downfall, Griphook couldn¡¯t proceed.


    After another ten minutes of careening through the underground maze, Kyle¡¯s ears picked up a faint, pitiful sound¡ªa weak dragon¡¯s roar.


    The sound was feeble, a far cry from the commanding, fearsome presence a dragon¡¯s cry should evoke.


    ¡°This is Gringotts¡¯ greatest defense,¡± Griphook said proudly as their cart came to a halt. ¡°The dragon ensures that any thief coveting the treasures here pays a steep price.¡±


    Kyle looked at him with an impassive expression, betraying no reaction to the goblin¡¯s words.


    The cart finally stopped by a mountain stream. Blocking their path stood a creature with the body of a lion and the face of a human¡ªa sphinx.


    Sphinxes, renowned for their intelligence and mastery of riddles and anagrams, were often employed by wizards to safeguard precious items and secret locations. Kyle recalled that Newt Scamander had one in his magical suitcase. Though it had no gold or jewels to guard, the sphinx fixated on Newt¡¯s Mooncalf, often obstructing him when he went to collect Mooncalf fertilizer.


    Griphook stepped down first, approached the sphinx, and spoke to it in low, clipped tones. After a moment of hesitation, the creature retreated sulkily into the shadows.


    ¡°Come on,¡± Griphook said, gesturing for them to follow.


    Kyle and Sirius stepped out of the cart and followed Griphook. The stream led to a single, imposing vault door. Griphook retrieved the key, placed it in his palm, and pressed his hand firmly against the door.


    Kyle observed the goblin¡¯s actions with curiosity.


    ¡°Anyone but a goblin who tries this would be sucked in and trapped forever,¡± Griphook said with a malicious grin, glancing at Kyle.


    ¡°Can you stop wasting time and get on with it?¡± Sirius snapped, clearly losing patience.


    ¡°As you wish,¡± Griphook replied smugly.


    As soon as he finished speaking, the heavy vault doors began to dissolve, revealing the treasures within.


    For a moment, Kyle thought someone had turned on a flood of lights inside¡ªthe golden glow was so brilliant it dazzled his eyes.


    Inside was a veritable mountain of gold, rising nearly ten feet high. Among the piles were the hides of exotic creatures, flasks filled with mysterious potions, and a skull crowned with a tarnished crown.


    ¡°Hurry,¡± Sirius said urgently. ¡°Take what you need, and let¡¯s get out of here.¡±


    ¡°Got it,¡± Kyle replied, turning to Griphook. ¡°Can I enter? Are there any active protective charms?¡±


    ¡°The vault is protected by the Flagrante Curse and the Gemino Curse,¡± Griphook explained. ¡°But since you have the key, those charms are temporarily disabled and won¡¯t reactivate until the door is closed. If you¡¯re uncertain, I can retrieve the item for you.¡±


    ¡°No need,¡± Kyle replied confidently, stepping into the vault. As he entered, he deliberately kicked a Galleon with his foot.


    The coin clinked as it rolled across the floor, finally coming to a stop against another pile of gold. It remained a single coin throughout, not doubling or growing hot.


    Satisfied, Kyle let down his guard and walked further inside. Griphook followed closely, his sharp eyes monitoring Kyle¡¯s every move, clearly ensuring he didn¡¯t take anything extra.


    Kyle ignored him. Although the piles of treasure were undeniably tempting, he had a specific purpose and didn¡¯t intend to stray from it.


    The vault was spacious and densely packed with items. Kyle took his time, walking back and forth, scanning the piles of valuables for nearly five minutes.


    Finally, his eyes landed on his target. Atop a raised stone platform at the far end of the vault sat a small golden cup.


    The cup was intricately designed, with a lifelike badger engraved on its surface. Two delicate handles, shaped like ears, extended from either side of the cup.

 Chapter 528: Helga Hufflepuff Told Me

    After spotting the golden cup, Kyle suppressed the surge of excitement within him. Turning calmly to the goblin behind him, he said in a composed tone, ¡°This one, Mr. Griphook, is correct, isn¡¯t it? Could you please help me retrieve that golden cup?¡±


    Griphook remained motionless, his sharp voice cutting through the stillness. ¡°Sir, only Mr. Black has the authority to remove anything from this vault.¡±


    ¡°Are you sure that¡¯s the one Bellatrix wants?¡± Sirius interjected, his tone edged with caution. ¡°We can¡¯t afford to get it wrong¡ªwe won¡¯t have another chance to come back.¡±


    ¡°Yes, that¡¯s it,¡± Kyle replied confidently. ¡°It¡¯s a small item, not particularly valuable, but it holds great sentimental value for Madam Bellatrix.¡±


    ¡°You heard him,¡± Sirius said to Griphook, his impatience evident. ¡°Hurry up, grab it, and let¡¯s leave this miserable place.¡±


    ¡°As you wish, Mr. Black,¡± Griphook replied with a slight bow.


    With a snap of his fingers, the golden cup rose smoothly from the high stone ledge, floating gently through the air toward Sirius. He caught it in one hand and immediately passed it to Kyle.


    The two stepped back into the open space outside the vault, watching as Griphook secured the heavy doors once again.


    ¡°I need not remind you, Mr. Black,¡± Griphook said, turning toward Sirius after confirming the vault was locked, ¡°you will never be allowed to retrieve anything from this vault again.¡±


    ¡°I know,¡± Sirius muttered with clear disdain. ¡°And believe me, I don¡¯t plan on coming back here if I can help it.¡±


    ¡°Good,¡± Griphook said with a satisfied nod, clearly pleased that only a seemingly insignificant golden cup had been taken.


    The three climbed back into the cart, which sped through the labyrinthine tunnels once more. Fortunately, they emerged into the dazzling sunlight outside Gringotts before Sirius¡¯s queasiness could overwhelm him.


    As they stepped onto the cobblestone street, Sirius turned to Kyle. ¡°I don¡¯t understand why you only took such a worthless trinket.¡± He glanced back to ensure no goblins were within earshot. ¡°There was a lot of genuinely valuable stuff in that vault. For instance, that crown¡ªcrafted by a renowned medieval alchemist and treasured by the Lestrange family for generations. It¡¯s worth tens of thousands of Galleons.¡±


    ¡°Tens of thousands?¡± Kyle said, patting the leather bag containing the golden cup. ¡°That¡¯s certainly impressive, but¡­¡± He smiled faintly. ¡°It pales in comparison to this.¡±


    ¡°Huh?¡± Sirius scoffed, clearly unconvinced. ¡°It¡¯s just a golden cup. How valuable can it be?¡±


    Kyle¡¯s expression didn¡¯t change as he replied, ¡°Hufflepuff¡¯s Cup. It¡¯s on the same level as Slytherin¡¯s locket. Wouldn¡¯t you agree?¡±


    Sirius froze mid-step, staring at Kyle with wide-eyed disbelief. ¡°Hufflepuff¡¯s¡­¡± His voice rose instinctively before he caught himself and immediately lowered it. ¡°You mean Cup?¡±


    ¡°Who else?¡± Kyle replied matter-of-factly.


    ¡°But¡­¡± Sirius¡¯s voice dropped to a whisper. ¡°Why is Hufflepuff¡¯s Cup in the Lestrange vault? And how do you even know about it? You¡¯ve never been here before.¡±


    ¡°Of course not,¡± Kyle said calmly. ¡°I was only a year old when Bellatrix was captured. Obviously, I couldn¡¯t have been here. But¡­¡± He paused slightly before adding, ¡°Helga Hufflepuff himself told me about it.¡±


    Sirius blinked, his mouth slightly ajar. ¡°What?¡±


    Kyle shrugged, as though it were the most natural thing in the world. ¡°You¡¯ve heard about it from the professors, haven¡¯t you? I once met the Founders.¡±


    ¡°This¡­¡± Sirius looked utterly stunned.


    He had indeed heard about this from Lupin, who had recounted the story with a mix of fascination and disbelief. But the idea that Kyle¡ªstanding here before him¡ªhad interacted with the Founders, figures from over a thousand years ago?


    It seemed impossible.


    Sirius had dismissed the tale as an exaggerated rumor, even laughing at Lupin for believing it.


    ¡°You really met Helga Hufflepuff?¡± Sirius asked again, his tone a mixture of skepticism and amazement.


    ¡°Absolutely,¡± Kyle said without hesitation. ¡°Professor Dumbledore can vouch for it.¡±


    Sirius¡¯s expression grew even more perplexed. ¡°Incredible...¡± he muttered under his breath.


    Seeing Sirius¡¯s confusion, Kyle didn¡¯t elaborate further. After all, he was the only wizard alive who had met the Founders, and his word was final. If anyone doubted him, they were welcome to confront Helga Hufflepuff herself¡ªthough how they might do so was their problem.


    With that, Kyle turned and resumed walking, intending to return to Hogwarts via the Leaky Cauldron¡¯s fireplace. S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Just as he reached the entrance, Sirius¡¯s voice called out behind him.


    ¡°Wait a minute.¡±


    Kyle stopped and turned as Sirius caught up. The man seemed to have shaken off his disbelief, perhaps recalling that he had seen the Slytherin locket before and had learned to accept the extraordinary. After all, so much had happened recently that a golden cup tied to Hufflepuff seemed almost routine in comparison.


    ¡°We¡¯ve got five hours,¡± Sirius said. ¡°No need to rush back. Come with me.¡±


    Kyle assumed Sirius wanted to pick out something for Harry again and followed without objection. It was the holidays, after all, and there were no pressing school matters that demanded his immediate return.


    However, instead of heading back to the Leaky Cauldron, Sirius led him in the opposite direction¡ªtoward Knockturn Alley. They stopped at its entrance, directly across from Gringotts.


    ¡°You¡¯re buying something here?¡± Kyle asked skeptically.


    Knockturn Alley was notorious for its assortment of dark magical artifacts and other dubious items. Surely Sirius wasn¡¯t planning to gift Harry anything from such a place?


    Sirius shook his head quickly. ¡°Oh, don¡¯t be ridiculous. Even if I wanted to shop here, I wouldn¡¯t bring you along¡ªthis place isn¡¯t fit for students. No, I¡¯m showing you .¡± He pointed at a shop across the way.


    Kyle followed his gesture to a storefront with no sign. The door was shut, and a thick layer of dust coated the windows. It was obvious the shop had been abandoned for quite some time.


    ¡°What¡¯s so special about that shop?¡± Kyle asked curiously. ¡°It¡¯s strange, though. It¡¯s got a prime location right across from Gringotts. Why has it been left empty for so long?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s because I¡¯ve been... unavailable,¡± Sirius said, his voice tinged with sarcasm. ¡°This used to be my uncle¡¯s shop. When he passed, he left it to me. A while back, when I went to Gringotts to withdraw money, I discovered the magical deed for it.¡±


    ¡°Ah, I see,¡± Kyle said, nodding. That explained it. With Sirius imprisoned in Azkaban for twelve years, the shop had naturally fallen into disuse.


    ¡°What do you think about me opening a shop here?¡± Sirius asked with a wistful look. ¡°I¡¯ve dreamed about it countless times... When Harry graduates, we could run it together. We wouldn¡¯t need to make a fortune¡ªjust enough to get by and spend time together every day.¡±


    ¡°Not a bad idea,¡± Kyle agreed. ¡°What would you sell? Potions? Magical props? Herbs?¡±


    Sirius hesitated, his expression faltering for a moment. ¡°Er¡­ I haven¡¯t thought that far ahead. Maybe a dessert shop¡ªselling ice cream, pudding, that sort of thing. I found out yesterday that Harry really likes pudding.¡±


    Kyle glanced toward , only two shops down. It was the most renowned iced dessert shop in Diagon Alley, with a century of history and countless loyal patrons.


    ¡°Are you sure?¡± Kyle said, raising an eyebrow. ¡°If you try selling ice cream here, you might as well just stay home and eat your savings.¡±


    ¡°Just an idea,¡± Sirius admitted sheepishly, scratching his head. ¡°Harry can decide what we sell.¡±


    ¡°Why not sell the knick-knacks you used to make?¡± Kyle suggested. ¡°Your maps and badges were really popular at Hogwarts.¡±


    ¡°You mean the stuff we made during school?¡± Sirius asked, considering it. ¡°That could work. Sales might not be as strong outside of Hogwarts, but it wouldn¡¯t lose money. And I could start with the designs you¡¯ve made¡ªsee how they do, then expand.¡±


    Kyle shrugged. ¡°I don¡¯t have a shop, so I¡¯d have no use for them. You might as well take everything.¡±


    ¡°No, you have a shop,¡± Sirius said with a sly grin, pointing to another unused storefront next to his. ¡°That one¡¯s yours. Consider it my Christmas present to you.¡±

 Chapter 529: Once a Black Gives Something Away, It’s Never Taken Back

    ¡°A shop? As a Christmas present?¡±


    This time, Kyle was genuinely speechless. ¡°What did you just say?¡± he asked, thoroughly confused.


    ¡°Is it so hard to understand?¡± Sirius laughed. ¡°Didn¡¯t you find it odd yesterday? Why didn¡¯t you get a Christmas gift from me?¡±


    ¡°I did,¡± Kyle replied. ¡°The Firebolt, wasn¡¯t it? It helped me with the first task of the Triwizard Tournament.¡±


    ¡°No, no, no,¡± Sirius corrected him. ¡°That was for you becoming a Champion. You didn¡¯t think I was lying in the Headmaster¡¯s Office, did you? Well, you were wrong. I prepare a gift that couldn¡¯t be delivered to Hogwarts...¡±


    ¡°Wait a second,¡± Kyle interrupted, narrowing his eyes. ¡°Did your uncle leave this to you, too?¡±


    ¡°No,¡± Sirius said with a grin. ¡°This one¡¯s a Black family heirloom. But it¡¯s mine now, and I can do whatever I like with it.¡±


    Kyle shook his head firmly. ¡°Forget it. The Firebolt is already a valuable enough gift. I can¡¯t accept a shop, too.¡±


    He couldn¡¯t even begin to calculate the cost of a shop in Diagon Alley, but he was sure it was worth several thousand Galleons at the very least¡ªpossibly ten thousand if it was a prime location. Such a gift felt impossibly extravagant, and Kyle couldn¡¯t accept it without feeling a deep sense of guilt.


    ¡°No way,¡± Sirius said, his expression suddenly serious. ¡°You¡¯ve helped me so much¡ª¡±


    ¡°Stop,¡± Kyle interrupted, raising a hand. ¡°It was Professor Dumbledore who helped you. Whether it was defending you at the Ministry of Magic or retrieving Regulus from the cave, he was the one who did the most. I was just there to watch.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re wrong,¡± Sirius said, shaking his head.


    Feeling tired of standing, Sirius led Kyle into and ordered two hazelnut-and-peanut ice creams. They took seats at a small table outside the shop, the hustle and bustle of Diagon Alley providing a lively backdrop.


    ¡°Or maybe you underestimate your own role in this,¡± Sirius said, handing Kyle an ice cream before continuing. ¡°Let¡¯s start with me. You may not realize it, but you made a real difference.¡±


    ¡°With Peter Pettigrew, you could always clear your name,¡± Kyle said matter-of-factly.


    ¡°That¡¯s the funny thing,¡± Sirius said, watching the passersby on the street. ¡°I had a conversation with Professor Dumbledore, and he told me that even with Peter Pettigrew and all the evidence out in the open, Fudge was very unlikely to act in my favor."


    ¡°It¡¯s a scandal for the Ministry, and Fudge might have killed Peter outright to cover it up.¡±


    ¡°But Fudge didn¡¯t do that,¡± Kyle pointed out.


    ¡°That¡¯s because of what said,¡± Sirius replied seriously. ¡°You made Fudge realize he could distance himself from the entire affair."


    ¡°Remember what you said? ¡®If you¡¯d been the minister at the time, this mistake never would have been made.¡¯ Dumbledore said neither he nor I would have thought to phrase it that way, and I agree."


    ¡°In other words, you paved the way, and we just walked it.¡± S~ea??h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Sirius took a big bite of his ice cream, relishing it, before continuing. ¡°And then there¡¯s Regulus..."


    ¡°You found Slytherin¡¯s locket, which led us to Kreacher and his story. Without you, I would probably have tossed that locket as junk, and there would¡¯ve been no story at all. You know how awful my relationship with Kreacher was.¡±


    He paused, glancing at Kyle. ¡°By the way, when we were at the cliff, you called Dumbledore. I remember you used a phoenix tail feather for that¡ªsomething precious, meant to save your life. That alone is worth more than two shops.¡±


    ¡°Well...¡± Kyle hesitated, then added, ¡°You probably don¡¯t know, but Fawkes and I are on good terms. He gave me another tail feather yesterday, for Christmas.¡±


    Sirius acted as though he hadn¡¯t heard.


    "Take it," Sirius said firmly, almost to himself. ¡°Because of you, I can stand in the sun again, and Regulus was able to return home. I don¡¯t know how else to express my gratitude, and this is the best way Lupin and I could think of.¡±


    ¡°You really don¡¯t need to,¡± Kyle said, shaking his head. ¡°Besides, Harry and I are friends. Helping a friend is the least I can do. You should just leave the shop to him.¡±


    ¡°It belongs to the Blacks, not just to me,¡± Sirius replied, shaking his head. ¡°I won¡¯t be using it, but it¡¯s fine for you to have it... After all, Regulus was my parents¡¯ favorite child, and I should show my appreciation on their behalf.¡±


    Kyle still felt uneasy. The gesture was far too generous, and the prospect of owning a shop in Diagon Alley was dizzying. It was never something he had imagined for himself.


    However, Sirius seemed resolute.


    ¡°This is the magical contract for the shop, and it¡¯s already yours,¡± Sirius said, pulling out a piece of parchment and slapping it onto the table. ¡°If you don¡¯t want it, throw it away. I¡¯m not taking it back."


    ¡°Like my uncle once told me, the Blacks don¡¯t take back gifts. Ever.¡±


    ¡°But weren¡¯t you disowned by the Blacks?¡± Kyle said sullenly, throwing a pointed look at Sirius.


    Sirius, who had been adopting a proud air as a pureblood for a moment, deflated instantly. He looked thoroughly exasperated.


    ¡°Even so, I can still represent the Black family,¡± he muttered.


    Kyle sighed and picked up the parchment. The address on it read accompanied by a complex magical sigil. Holding it, he could sense a faint magical pull toward the shop¡¯s location.


    ¡°You take it back,¡± Kyle said, extending the parchment to Sirius. ¡°We can talk about this shop after I graduate.¡±


    Sirius ignored the offer, pretending not to see the parchment.


    The two were locked in a silent standoff when Kyle¡¯s eyes accidentally landed on a passing wizard holding


    The cover photo immediately caught his attention.


    Kyle stood and approached the wizard. ¡°Excuse me, may I take a look at that newspaper?¡±


    The man, startled at first, nodded once he composed himself. ¡°Oh, yes, of course. You can keep it¡ªI¡¯ve already finished reading it.¡±


    ¡°Thank you,¡± Kyle said, taking the newspaper.


    ¡°What is it?¡± Sirius asked, coming over.


    Kyle didn¡¯t answer immediately. He opened the paper and quickly scanned the front-page article. His brow furrowed as he pointed to a particular passage. ¡°Hagrid might be in trouble.¡±


    Sirius leaned in to read.


    ¡°Wait!¡± Sirius exclaimed. ¡°Hagrid¡¯s a half-giant?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s for sure,¡± Kyle said. ¡°No ordinary wizard can grow to be over three meters tall. But the issue isn¡¯t about guessing¡ªit¡¯s about someone publicly pointing it out. Hagrid¡¯s behavior at Hogwarts has never been bloodthirsty or cruel. Many people actually like him. But now...¡±


    Sirius¡¯s expression darkened as he realized the implications.


    He thought of Lupin. Despite being one of the most popular professors at Hogwarts for an entire year, Lupin had been forced to resign when his identity as a werewolf became public knowledge. The stigma and fear surrounding werewolves had been insurmountable.


    And Hagrid... A half-giant¡¯s identity might not evoke the same terror as a werewolf¡¯s, but it was far from benign. Giants had a reputation for savagery, and many had allied with Voldemort during the war.


    ¡°So what do we do now?¡± Sirius asked gravely.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± Kyle said, tucking the newspaper into his robe pocket. ¡°Let¡¯s head back to Hogwarts and talk to Hagrid.¡±


    ¡°Good idea.¡±


    Without another word, Sirius stood and led Kyle back toward the Leaky Cauldron at a brisk pace.

 Chapter 530: Rolling in the Snow

    When Kyle and Sirius returned to Hogwarts through the fireplace in the Leaky Cauldron, they found the Headmaster¡¯s Office empty.


    Fawkes, perched lazily on his stand, raised his head briefly to glance at them before tucking it back under his wing, disinterested.


    As Sirius muttered something about Dumbledore¡¯s mysterious absences, a nearby portrait made an irritated remark. Sirius ignored it entirely, which only prompted the portrait to grumble angrily.


    By the time the portrait launched into a full tirade, Kyle and Sirius were already walking out of the office, oblivious to its complaints.


    In the foyer, a tense scene caught their attention: two groups of students appeared to be in the middle of a standoff, glaring at each other.


    Sirius, in his role as a professor, sighed and stepped forward to intervene. ¡°I¡¯ll handle this,¡± he said to Kyle.


    Kyle nodded in understanding and left the castle alone.


    Outside, the snow remained untouched in many places, blanketing the grounds in white. Long tracks crisscrossed the landscape¡ªevidence of students from Beauxbatons and Durmstrang enjoying the snow.


    Kyle followed the well-trodden path leading to Hagrid¡¯s hut at the edge of the Forbidden Forest. Normally, Hagrid would have cleared the snow from the stone steps by this time, but today the snow lay undisturbed, except for a series of messy footprints indicating recent visitors.


    As Kyle approached the hut, he heard voices inside. sea??h th§× n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°Listen to me, Hagrid,¡± came Hermione¡¯s voice, calm but firm. ¡°You don¡¯t need to be so sensitive about being a half-giant. Prejudice like that¡ªit¡¯s no different from how people treat werewolves. It¡¯s just a misconception. The truth isn¡¯t what the newspapers are saying, is it?¡±


    ¡°Hermione¡¯s right, Hagrid,¡± Ron added, his tone earnest. ¡°Don¡¯t listen to that Slytherin rubbish. Everyone knows you¡¯re not violent, and loads of people like you.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t try to comfort me,¡± Hagrid replied, his voice heavy with emotion. ¡°Last year, Professor Lupin had to leave Hogwarts because of his werewolf status. I reckon it¡¯s my turn this year. No one¡¯ll want me here¡ªI know it.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not true!¡± Harry said passionately. ¡°We want you here, and so does Angelina. She was just arguing with those Slytherins in the entrance hall because they were saying awful things about you.¡±


    Hearing this, Kyle immediately realized who the students in the foyer had been. With Sirius handling the situation, he felt confident Angelina wasn¡¯t in any real danger.


    Kyle stepped up to the door and knocked.


    ¡°That¡¯ll be Dumbledore, come to tell me to pack up and leave¡­¡± Hagrid muttered gloomily.


    The door creaked open, revealing a disheveled Hagrid. His eyes were red and swollen from crying, and his hair was matted and tangled, resembling a wild tumbleweed atop his head.


    ¡°Sorry to disappoint,¡± Kyle said lightly, ¡°but the Headmaster¡¯s tied up with Karkaroff and Maxime. I don¡¯t think he¡¯s got the time to come down here.¡±


    ¡°Kyle, you¡ª¡± Hagrid started.


    ¡°Can we talk inside?¡± Kyle interrupted with a small grin. ¡°It¡¯s freezing out here.¡±


    Without waiting for an answer, Kyle stepped past Hagrid into the hut.


    Inside, Harry, Ron, and Hermione looked up nervously. When they saw it was Kyle, their shoulders relaxed, and they collectively let out a sigh of relief.


    ¡°Kyle, did you come here because you read that article?¡± Hermione asked.


    ¡°Mm,¡± Kyle nodded. ¡°I figured Hagrid might be in trouble, so I came to see if I could help.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s all because of Rita Skeeter,¡± Harry said angrily. ¡°That awful woman just loves to stir up trouble.¡±


    ¡°You know her?¡± Kyle asked.


    ¡°I met her once after the first task,¡± Harry said with a grimace. ¡°She asked me a few questions, which I thought were just normal. But a few days later, she published an article claiming I was bitter because I wasn¡¯t a Champion and that I insulted Professor Dumbledore by calling him an old idiot."


    ¡°But I never said that! I¡¯d call Professor Dumbledore an old idiot, and I didn¡¯t even to become a Champion."


    ¡°Just look at the first task¡ªMatagots, dragons¡ªI¡¯d have to be mad to want to compete... Oh, sorry, Kyle, I didn¡¯t mean it like that.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s fine,¡± Kyle said, shaking his head. ¡°I didn¡¯t take it personally.¡±


    ¡°Speaking of which,¡± Hermione said, turning to Hagrid, ¡°how did that woman find out you¡¯re a half-giant?¡±


    ¡°I dunno,¡± Hagrid muttered, his voice heavy. ¡°I never told anyone except... Madam Maxime.¡±


    ¡°Madam Maxime?¡± Ron said, wide-eyed. ¡°Isn¡¯t she a half-giant too?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s what I thought,¡± Hagrid said with a sigh, ¡°but she gave me a right dressing-down for even suggesting it. Said she was just big-boned.¡± He groaned and buried his face in his hands.


    ¡°She¡¯s afraid to admit it,¡± Harry said indignantly. ¡°Big-boned¡ªwho¡¯s she trying to fool?¡±


    ¡°But it worked, didn¡¯t it?¡± Kyle said, cutting in. ¡°Don¡¯t forget, the article only mentioned Hagrid. Half-giants aren¡¯t like werewolves¡ªthey don¡¯t transform or anything. As long as she doesn¡¯t admit it, people might just chalk it up to something else. Wizards see so many strange things in this world that a bit of an unusual physique isn¡¯t unbelievable.¡±


    Hermione¡¯s eyes narrowed thoughtfully. ¡°Wait, the newspaper... Kyle, do you think Rita Skeeter overheard Hagrid last night? But Hogwarts doesn¡¯t allow outsiders in. Hagrid, did you see her?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t remember,¡± Hagrid said, shaking his head. ¡°But I don¡¯t think so.¡±


    ¡°Rita Skeeter isn¡¯t short on magical skills,¡± Kyle said with a shrug. ¡°She could¡¯ve easily hidden herself.¡±


    The group fell silent for a moment as they considered this.


    ¡°That explains how she knew,¡± Hermione said suddenly. ¡°It was the Disillusionment Charm! She must¡¯ve used it to turn herself invisible and eavesdrop.¡±


    ¡°Or maybe an Invisibility Cloak,¡± Ron suggested.


    ¡°Animagus is another possibility,¡± Harry added. ¡°Like Peter Pettigrew¡ªturning into something small, like a rat or a squirrel. No one pays attention to little creatures like that.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not possible,¡± Hermione countered, frowning. ¡°I¡¯ve read the Animagus registry for this century, and Rita Skeeter¡¯s name isn¡¯t on it.¡±


    ¡°Not everyone registers,¡± Harry reminded her. ¡°Peter Pettigrew¡¯s name wasn¡¯t on the list either.¡±


    He¡¯d almost said Sirius¡¯s name but stopped himself, thinking it might upset Hagrid given the current circumstances.


    The trio continued debating how Rita Skeeter could have learned Hagrid¡¯s secret, but Hagrid himself seemed uninterested. He sat staring at the teapot on the stove, which was releasing thick clouds of white steam, lost in thought.


    ¡°Can I have a cup of tea?¡± Kyle asked. ¡°Someone thought ice cream in the snow was a good idea, and now I need something warm.¡±


    ¡°Oh... sure...¡± Hagrid mumbled, finally rousing himself. He picked up the teapot and poured Kyle a steaming cup of pine nut tea.


    Harry glanced outside at the falling snow and shivered. ¡°Honestly, even if someone offered me ice cream, I wouldn¡¯t eat it¡ªnot in this weather.¡±


    ¡°Agreed,¡± Kyle said, taking the cup from Hagrid. ¡°But he loves the cold¡ªhe¡¯d probably roll around in the snow if he could. I didn¡¯t want ice cream either, but once it¡¯s bought, it can¡¯t go to waste.¡±

 Chapter 531: The Beetle and Rita Skeeter

    Frost-resistant and rolling in the snow?


    Harry felt an odd sense of familiarity with Kyle¡¯s description, but he couldn¡¯t quite place it. Just as he was about to ask, a knock came at the door again.


    This time, it wasn¡¯t Dumbledore.


    ¡°Hagrid, how are you? Everyone in the castle¡¯s talking about you... Oh, I see you¡¯ve got the kettle on. Mind if I have a cup of tea?¡±


    Harry lit up at the sight of the visitor. ¡°Professor Black! What are you doing here?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve told you, Harry, you don¡¯t have to call me that outside the castle,¡± Sirius said with a smile as he entered the hut. ¡°Of course, I came because of the article. I wanted to talk to Professor Dumbledore about it first, but he¡¯s disappeared, and I couldn¡¯t find him anywhere.¡±


    Hagrid¡¯s hut, already cramped with five people inside, now felt impossibly small with Sirius joining. Harry and Ron shifted to the side, squeezing themselves against the wall to make space for him.


    But ten minutes later, the knock on the door came again. This time, it wasn¡¯t just one visitor¡ªit was Kanna, accompanied by Cedric, Cho, and the Weasley twins.


    With this many people, the hut was too full to fit everyone, so the newcomers had to stand outside in the snow.


    Kanna spotted Kyle through the window and waved. ¡°No wonder we couldn¡¯t find you earlier. You got here first.¡±


    ¡°No, I just arrived too,¡± Kyle explained, stepping to the doorway. ¡°Professor Black and I went to Diagon Alley earlier¡ªbefore any of you were awake.¡±


    ¡°Diagon Alley?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, to pick something up from Gringotts. We had it planned for the holidays, and today was our free time.¡±


    Kanna nodded, seemingly satisfied with the explanation. She didn¡¯t press further, focusing instead on visiting Hagrid.


    Seeing the crowd gathered outside his hut, Hagrid looked overwhelmed. Tears welled up in his eyes¡ªnot from sadness this time, but from gratitude.


    He had feared that once people learned he was a half-giant, they would shun him. But now, so many students had come to see him, it moved him deeply.


    ¡°Thank you,¡± Hagrid choked out, tears streaming into his beard. ¡°Thank you for still coming to see me¡­¡±


    ¡°Hagrid, what are you on about?¡± Fred said with a grin. ¡°Our professor is a half-blood giant¡ªwhat could be cooler than that?¡±


    ¡°A pure-blood giant?¡± George suggested with a raised eyebrow.


    ¡°Fair point,¡± Fred agreed with a chuckle, high-fiving his twin.


    ¡°See, Hagrid?¡± Kyle said reassuringly. ¡°No one here cares about your status.¡±


    ¡°But Dumbledore...¡± Hagrid muttered uncertainly.


    ¡°I¡¯m sure the headmaster won¡¯t dismiss you,¡± Kyle said, patting Hagrid¡¯s arm.


    The group didn¡¯t linger for long, mainly because of the cold. Not everyone could fit inside the hut, and the snow outside was beginning to pile up again. After a while, Hagrid insisted he needed some time alone and shooed everyone back to the castle, despite their protests.


    As the students reluctantly turned to leave, Kyle noticed something unusual. A beetle was crawling out from under the open door of the hut, its shiny carapace glinting faintly in the light.


    Kyle¡¯s eyes narrowed as he watched it scuttle away.


    ¡°Yeah, let¡¯s go back,¡± Kyle said, stepping away from Hagrid¡¯s hut.


    Outside, he walked up to Kanna and said casually, though with a hint of intent, ¡°Good thing the article only mentioned the half-giant detail. If they¡¯d found out about things would have been even more of a mess.¡±


    ¡°What ?¡± Kanna asked, confused.


    ¡°Have you forgotten?¡± Kyle looked around cautiously, lowering his voice. ¡°It¡¯s not safe to talk about it here. Let¡¯s head back to the castle.¡±


    Though puzzled, Kanna didn¡¯t press further and followed Kyle. It wasn¡¯t until they reached the foyer that she tentatively asked, ¡°You¡¯re not talking about Fluffy, are you? But that was ages ago. It¡¯s impossible anyone found him.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re right,¡± Kyle said with a small smile. ¡°No one¡¯s ever going to find Fluffy.¡±


    He reached into his robes and pulled out a small, round bottle, clearly repurposed from a box of multi-flavored beans. He shook it lightly, producing a distinct sound.


    ¡°Wait¡­ is that¡­ a beetle?¡± Kanna asked, tilting her head.


    ¡°It is,¡± Kyle confirmed, holding the bottle up. ¡°But not just beetle.¡±


    He corked the bottle tightly and gave it another shake. The same metallic echoed. ¡°Am I right, Madam Rita Skeeter?¡±


    ¡°Rita¡­¡± Kanna gasped, her eyes widening. ¡°Are you saying this beetle is Rita Skeeter?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s just a suspicion for now,¡± Kyle admitted. ¡°But it¡¯ll be easy enough to confirm. Come with me.¡±


    Kyle led the way to an empty classroom, shutting the door behind them. He placed the bottle containing the beetle on a desk and rummaged through his Mokeskin pouch, pulling out a portable camera and a Bowtruckle.


    The Bowtruckle stretched as Kyle placed it on the desk, blinking curiously.


    Kanna watched in silence as Kyle uncorked the bottle and gently tipped the beetle out, handing it to the Bowtruckle.


    The Bowtruckle¡¯s eyes lit up at the unexpected treat. Though wood lice were its favorite, it wasn¡¯t about to turn down an extra snack. Opening its tiny mouth wide, it moved to bite down on the beetle.


    But just as its jaws were about to close, the beetle began to wriggle frantically.


    Before their eyes, the beetle¡¯s body started to grow and shift, its form expanding rapidly. Kanna recognized the transformation immediately¡ªit was the process of someone reverting from Animagus form to their original human shape.


    Within moments, the beetle was gone, replaced by a woman with curly blond hair and oversized horn-rimmed glasses.


    The Bowtruckle, startled and clearly horrified, froze for a moment. Then it looked down at its tiny hands, as if questioning its life choices, before letting out a shrill wail. It dove into Kyle¡¯s pocket, trembling in terror.


    Meanwhile...


    ¡°Click!¡±


    Kyle pressed the shutter of his camera, capturing the moment perfectly.


    ¡°Amazing,¡± he said with a sly smile, holding up the camera. ¡°The famous Madam Rita Skeeter is actually an unregistered Animagus. Looks like tomorrow¡¯s front page is already decided.¡±


    ¡°Give that to me!¡± Rita Skeeter screeched, lunging at Kyle like a madwoman in a desperate attempt to snatch the camera.


    But before she could get close, a flick of Kyle¡¯s wand sent her flying backward. She crashed into several tables, sending them toppling in a chaotic clatter.


    ¡°Stealing is wrong, Madam Skeeter,¡± Kyle said calmly, wand still raised. S§×ar?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Before she could even think of retaliating, the surrounding tables and chairs transformed into ropes, which snaked around her, binding her tightly from her feet to her neck. She was left looking like a human-sized cocoon, completely immobilized. Her wand clattered to the floor, kicked aside by one of the enchanted table legs.


    ¡°Another unregistered Animagus,¡± Kanna said with a tone of disgust. ¡°No wonder you know so many wizarding secrets¡ªno one would ever suspect a beetle.¡±


    ¡°She¡¯ll have to answer for her actions sooner or later,¡± Kyle replied with a smile. ¡°Being an illegal Animagus alone is enough to land her in Azkaban with the Dementors.¡±


    ¡°Give me that camera!¡± Rita Skeeter shrieked, her voice tinged with panic.


    She had never imagined her well-honed trick would fail against a mere student. And now, with the evidence of her Animagus form documented in a photograph, her career¡ªand perhaps her freedom¡ªwas on the line.


    She could already picture the fallout. If this photo made its way to the Ministry, her illicit use of her Animagus form for espionage would be exposed. Ministry officials, particularly those whose secrets she had pried into, would ensure her downfall. She might even find herself silenced in a dark corner of wizarding society.


    Desperate, she shifted tactics. ¡°I know secrets,¡± she said hoarsely. ¡°Secrets about Fudge, Dolores Umbridge, Ludo Bagman... I can trade them with you for the camera. Just give it to me!¡±


    Kyle arched an eyebrow. ¡°Why would I want to know that? Do I look like I need extra trouble? No thanks.¡± He shrugged lightly. ¡°So I¡¯d rather just...¡±


    ¡°What do you want, then?¡± Rita interrupted, growing frantic. ¡°Tell me! What do I have to do for you to give it to me? I can write an article¡ªno, many articles¡ªpraising you! You¡¯ll be the hero of Hogwarts!¡±


    Kyle frowned slightly. ¡°You misunderstand me. I don¡¯t want you to write good things about me, and I don¡¯t need anything from you. Besides, Hogwarts students don¡¯t threaten others to make them do things for us. That¡¯s against school rules.¡±


    Kanna glanced sideways, pursing her lips to hide a smile. Strictly speaking, there were no such rules in the Hogwarts handbook¡ªthis situation was far beyond the scope of ordinary school discipline. It was squarely in the realm of wizard law.


    ¡°But¡ª¡± Rita tried to protest.


    Kyle cut her off. ¡°However, I happen to be in a good mood today, so here¡¯s what I¡¯ll do: I¡¯ll wait until the next issue of comes out before deciding whether to publish the photo."


    ¡°If I¡¯m still in a good mood then, I might not publish it. Who knows? It all depends.¡±


    ¡°Then I¡ª¡±


    ¡°Enough,¡± Kyle interrupted again, his tone final. ¡°It¡¯s not up to you¡ªit¡¯s all about how I feel. So, good luck.¡±


    With a flick of his wand, the ropes binding Rita Skeeter unraveled and fell to the floor.


    Without sparing her another glance, Kyle grabbed Kanna by the arm and pulled her out of the empty classroom.

 Chapter 532: Listen, Is That Even Human?

    ¡°Animagus... no wonder she can write so many exclusive articles.¡±


    On the way back, Kanna couldn''t help but remark, ¡°After all, beetles are really common and don¡¯t arouse suspicion. She must have overheard a lot of people''s secrets this way.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s for sure,¡± Kyle nodded thoughtfully.


    Just now, Rita Skeeter had acted so nervously¡ªit must be because she knows too much. Or perhaps if the news that she could turn into a beetle got out, plenty of people with guilty consciences would lose sleep.


    Like the names she mentioned earlier.


    Ludo Bagman... Kyle could guess that it had something to do with Galleons. During the Quidditch World Cup, Mr. Weasley bet on Ireland to win but never received the prize money. Yet, Mr. Weasley himself didn¡¯t seem to mind and never pressed Bagman for it, saying it was just the price of the tickets.


    But as for the other two names Skeeter mentioned... the story involving Fudge and Dolores Umbridge, Kyle had no clue. Still, the secrets of a Minister of Magic and a Senior Undersecretary must be pretty explosive. Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    To be honest, Kyle was quite curious. If he got the chance, he wouldn¡¯t mind digging around to learn more.


    Of course, first, they had to deal with Hagrid¡¯s situation...


    ¡°By the way, Kyle, how did you know Rita Skeeter was the beetle?¡± Kanna asked curiously as they approached the kitchen corridor.


    ¡°It¡¯s simple...¡± Kyle gestured at his robe. ¡°Because I¡¯m in regular contact with Norbert, my clothes always carry the scent of dragons. Insects would normally avoid me... unless they¡¯re Animagi."


    ¡°Also, if you look closely, the patterns on the beetle¡¯s shell are very similar to Rita Skeeter¡¯s hairstyle.¡±


    ¡°I noticed that too,¡± said Kanna. ¡°Professor McGonagall once mentioned that Animagus-turned animals always retain some features of the wizard. Like when she turns into a cat¡ªher eyes have those distinct frame-like markings.¡±


    ¡°Exactly,¡± Kyle agreed. ¡°But usually, people don¡¯t notice, especially with smaller animals. And even if they do, it¡¯s hard to connect those features back to a specific person...¡±


    When they returned to the Hufflepuff common room, it was already bustling with activity. Students filled the soft armchairs, chatting and playing wizard chess. The lively atmosphere made the place almost unrecognizable.


    Kyle, who had never experienced such a lively Christmas holiday, found himself feeling a little out of place.


    ¡°Where were you just now?¡± Cedric asked, approaching them. ¡°Cho and I were just discussing ways to cheer Hagrid up. Got any ideas?¡±


    ¡°Maybe we won¡¯t need to,¡± Kyle said, exchanging a glance with Kanna before explaining everything that had just happened, a small smile on his face.


    Cedric¡¯s eyes widened in surprise when he heard that Rita Skeeter was an Animagus.


    ¡°I see. Lucky you caught her,¡± Cedric said, though his brow furrowed slightly. ¡°But are you sure Rita Skeeter will write something favorable about Hagrid in the paper?¡±


    For some reason, Cedric instinctively glanced around as he spoke, as if checking for eavesdropping beetles.


    ¡°She will,¡± Kyle replied confidently, shaking the camera in his hand.


    After all, he¡¯d made it clear that whether the photograph of her transformation remained secret depended on his mood. And his mood would largely hinge on how Skeeter covered Hagrid in the next .


    Kyle trusted that Rita Skeeter was clever enough to take the hint. She wouldn¡¯t have been able to recover so quickly after writing such outrageous articles if she wasn¡¯t.


    ¡°Great, everyone¡¯s here,¡± Fleur said as she and her younger sister Gabrielle arrived.


    Since moving into Hufflepuff¡¯s quarters with Professor Sprout¡¯s approval, Fleur had realized it was even better than she had imagined.


    Initially, she had moved in only because of Kanna, but she had since made many new, genuine friends. Gabrielle, who joined later, also took to the place quickly. Now, they only returned to the Beauxbatons carriage when absolutely necessary.


    This time was no exception¡ªthey¡¯d come back as soon as Christmas was over.


    ¡°Kyle, how¡¯s the research going on those stones?¡± Fleur asked as she settled into a chair. ¡°The second task is about to start soon. Have you discovered the secret in the stones yet?¡±


    Cedric and Cho perked up at the question, their attention shifting to Kyle.


    ¡°No,¡± Kyle shrugged. ¡°Believe it or not, I haven¡¯t touched the stones since the first task. They¡¯re probably still lying around somewhere.¡±


    ¡°What do you mean?¡± Fleur asked, clearly surprised.


    If it had been someone else, like Krum, she might have doubted the claim, assuming it was a tactic to withhold information. But with Kyle... it did seem plausible. She couldn¡¯t recall ever seeing him work with the stones. In his spare time, he was usually playing wizard chess with Cedric or hanging out with his roommates.


    ¡°Why are you suddenly asking about this?¡± Kyle inquired. ¡°There are still two months until the second project begins. What¡¯s the rush?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s Madam Maxime,¡± Fleur admitted after a brief hesitation. ¡°She told me that you might already know the clue to the stones, and that you left the school with a professor to prepare for the competition.¡±


    ¡°She must¡¯ve been talking about Professor Black,¡± Kyle said after a moment of thought. ¡°We left school to take care of some personal matters¡ªit had nothing to do with the competition.¡±


    ¡°I believe you,¡± Fleur replied sincerely. ¡°It¡¯s just that Madam Maxime insisted I ask, so I did.¡±


    ¡°But Kyle, are you really not going to study the stones? We¡¯ve got some free time now¡ªwe could work on it together.¡±


    ¡°Yes, we can help,¡± Kanna chimed in, with Cedric nodding in agreement.


    ¡°I¡¯ll pass,¡± Kyle said with a wave of his hand. ¡°You guys study. I think it¡¯s good to add a bit of difficulty¡ªit makes the competition more interesting. Otherwise, it¡¯s too easy. Cedric, fancy a game of wizard chess?¡±


    The moment the words left Kyle¡¯s mouth, the room went completely silent.


    People chatting stopped mid-sentence, chess players froze with their pieces in hand, and all eyes turned toward Kyle in shock.


    Fleur, in particular, looked as though she couldn¡¯t believe her ears. She rubbed at them, almost as if checking they were working properly, and asked, enunciating each word carefully, ¡°You said... the competition is ?¡±


    ¡°Yeah,¡± Kyle said nonchalantly as he began setting up the chess pieces. ¡°It¡¯s pretty easy, don¡¯t you think?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but I don¡¯t think so,¡± Fleur said, her tone clipped as her teeth clenched tightly.


    Her complexion was difficult to describe. Suffice it to say, it wasn¡¯t pleasant. If the Half-Veela could shift forms in moments of frustration, Fleur might very well have sprouted a pointed beak and feathers then and there.


    She thought back to her experiences:


    In the second level, she had barely survived the barrage of Bludgers, exhausting nearly all her magic just to destroy enough of them to scrape through.


    And the third level¡ªdon¡¯t even start. A tail swipe from the Hungarian Horntail had broken her arm, and her hair, which she took such pride in, had been scorched by dragonfire, leaving nearly a third of it burnt away.


    If she hadn¡¯t reacted quickly, she could¡¯ve been the first Champion to outright fail a task.


    And now Kyle had the audacity to call this ?


    Fleur felt her temper rising and forced herself to take a deep breath. Barely suppressing the urge to lash out, she stood abruptly, her chair scraping against the floor, and stormed out without a word.


    Her mind raced with indignation. Yes, Kyle had performed impressively, nearly earning full marks in the challenges, but to call them easy outright? It was infuriating beyond measure.


    Fleur silently vowed that if Kyle ever approached her again to discuss the stones, she¡¯d play the Leprechaun¡ªthe ugliest one imaginable.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong with her?¡± Kyle asked, watching Fleur¡¯s retreating figure in confusion.


    ¡°Well... I think...¡± Cedric hesitated before continuing, ¡°sometimes you could be a little more tactful. She went through a lot just to pass those three tests.¡±


    ¡°Oh... I forgot,¡± Kyle admitted, smacking his forehead. ¡°Do you think it¡¯s too late to apologize?¡±


    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t recommend it,¡± Cedric said with a grimace. ¡°She probably won¡¯t listen, and honestly, she might even punch you.¡±


    ¡°Good point,¡± Kyle said, scratching his head awkwardly.

 Chapter 533: House-Elves and Centaurs

    For most students, the first part of the holidays was all fun and games, leaving homework as an afterthought until just before term resumed.


    So on the last day of the Christmas break, the Hufflepuff common room was transformed. Gone was the laughter and cheer of the previous days; now, every flat surface was occupied by students frantically trying to catch up on their unfinished assignments.


    This panicked, last-minute effort was something of a tradition in Hufflepuff, occurring once or twice a year without fail.


    With only a day left until classes began, the urgency was palpable. Even at lunchtime, the usually crowded Great Hall felt emptier than usual. Hufflepuff¡¯s table, in particular, looked almost deserted.


    Of course, this might also have been because Hufflepuff¡¯s common room was so conveniently close to the kitchen. Many students likely grabbed their meals without venturing to the Hall at all.


    Elsewhere, odd behavior could be seen among other houses, too.


    Harry and Ron from Gryffindor, for example, only spent five minutes in the Hall before hurrying off with their pockets stuffed full of baked potatoes. Hermione trailed after them, berating them non-stop.


    However, when they reached the door, she abruptly stopped. Instead of following them, she turned on her heel and headed straight toward Hufflepuff¡¯s common room.


    Kyle, meanwhile, was deep in a discussion about Firebolt with Cedric when Hermione appeared, sitting down in the empty seat across from him.


    ¡°Hermione?¡± Kyle asked, startled. ¡°Have you and Ron had another fight?¡±


    ¡°No,¡± Hermione replied firmly. ¡°I¡¯ve come to the conclusion that arguing with him is pointless and just makes me feel worse. I¡¯m here to see you.¡±


    ¡°See me?¡± Kyle asked, clearly puzzled.


    ¡°Because of this.¡±


    Hermione produced a small box and opened it, setting it on the table.


    Kyle and Cedric leaned forward curiously. Inside were dozens of colorful badges, each emblazoned with the same letters:


    S.P.E.W.


    ¡°Spew?¡± Cedric asked instinctively. ¡°You¡¯re not planning to use these to heckle the Champions from other schools during the second task, are you? I doubt Professor McGonagall would approve of that.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s Spew!¡± Hermione snapped, irritation flashing across her face. Clearly, this wasn¡¯t the first time someone had made that assumption. She took a deep breath and explained, ¡°It¡¯s an acronym: the Society for the Promotion of Elfish Welfare.¡±


    ¡°House-elf what?¡± Cedric asked, confused, turning to Kyle. ¡°Have you heard of this?¡±


    ¡°No,¡± Kyle replied, shaking his head.


    ¡°I founded it two months ago,¡± Hermione said briskly. ¡°The goal is to fight for the rights of House-elves and ensure they¡¯re paid for their work.¡±


    ¡°Huh?¡± Cedric blinked, certain he¡¯d misheard. ¡°Pay House-elves?¡±


    ¡°Yes, exactly,¡± Hermione said, her voice rising slightly. ¡°I think it¡¯s appalling how many wizards treat their House-elves like slaves. They don¡¯t get paid, they don¡¯t get any time off, and what¡¯s worse, there are over a hundred House-elves working right here at Hogwarts¡ª¡±


    Hermione¡¯s voice grew louder and more impassioned, her words pouring out in a fervent rush as though she were campaigning for the position of Minister of Magic.


    Her speech drew mixed reactions from the surrounding students. A few couldn¡¯t help but laugh, and the Slytherins nearby were practically in hysterics, some slapping their tables in glee.


    Cedric, ever composed, managed to keep a straight face and listen patiently.


    ¡°So,¡± Hermione concluded, ¡°I think we should help them. Are you in? It¡¯s only two Sickles for a badge, and the proceeds go toward printing flyers.¡±


    ¡°Sorry,¡± Cedric said after a pause, ¡°can I ask how many members you have so far?¡±


    ¡°Er... six,¡± Hermione admitted. ¡°Me, Harry, Ron, Neville, and Fred and George.¡±


    ¡°Fred...¡± Cedric echoed incredulously. ¡°Fred and George joined?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± Hermione confirmed. ¡°Although they said they wouldn¡¯t participate in any activities, they still bought badges.¡±


    Kyle raised an eyebrow. Knowing Fred and George, the only reason they¡¯d willingly part with two Sickles was because of the novelty of the badge itself.


    The badges had a unique feature: by shaking them, the text ¡°SPEW¡± transformed into an image of a House-elf.


    Kyle suspected that, with a few modifications, the twins could easily replace the House-elf image with Krum¡¯s face¡ªor something equally ridiculous¡ªand use it to jeer at people.


    ¡°Would you like to join us?¡± Hermione asked hopefully, pushing the box of badges closer.


    ¡°If we¡¯re not required to participate... I¡¯ll buy a badge,¡± Cedric said with a small smile, fishing out two Sickles and handing them to Hermione.


    Kanna, standing nearby, followed suit. She paid two Sickles, partly out of support for her friend¡ªbut only on the condition that she wouldn¡¯t have to wear the badge. The design reminded her too much of the Weasley twins¡¯ prank badges, like Percy¡¯s infamous ¡°Big Head Boy.¡± Wearing it in public would be a bit... embarrassing.


    Despite this, Kyle remained unmoved.


    ¡°You¡¯re not interested?¡± Hermione asked, her expression tinged with disappointment. She hadn¡¯t expected this from Kyle.


    Still, she wasn¡¯t ready to give up just yet. She had considered how influential Kyle could be as a Champion. If he joined, his support might inspire others to do the same.


    Taking a deep breath, she pressed on, raising her voice slightly. ¡°This is slave labor, Kyle. Every bite we eat here comes from the oppression of House-elves. Don¡¯t you think it¡¯s wrong to just go along with it?¡±


    Kanna frowned. She disliked the tone Hermione had taken with Kyle. Her fingers itched to snatch back her Sickles.


    ¡°I¡¯m not buying it. Give me my money back¡ª¡±


    But before she could finish, Kyle interrupted.


    ¡°I understand your concern, Hermione,¡± he said evenly, shaking his head. ¡°But I think you¡¯re going about this the wrong way. Let me ask you: have you been to the kitchen?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± Hermione replied quickly. ¡°I went there to encourage them to demand their wages.¡±


    ¡°And what happened?¡± Kyle pressed.


    Hermione hesitated, her confidence faltering. After a long pause, she mumbled, ¡°House-elves have been enslaved for so long... which is why they need our help. I think¡ª¡±


    ¡°Hold on,¡± Kyle cut in, raising a hand. ¡°This isn¡¯t something we can resolve with a few words. How about this: if you have some time, come with me. I want to show you something. Afterward, if you still feel the same way, I¡¯ll buy a badge.¡±


    Hermione¡¯s eyes brightened at the offer. ¡°Alright! Where are we going?¡±


    ¡°Come with me, and you¡¯ll find out.¡±


    Kyle stood and headed out of the Great Hall, Hermione trailing close behind.


    Kanna glanced at the departing pair, then followed after a brief moment of consideration. Naturally, Cedric joined as well, and he waved for Cho, who had been eating nearby, to come along.


    The group exited the castle and crossed the grounds, heading toward the Forbidden Forest. As they neared Hagrid¡¯s hut, they noticed it was closed up. Fang¡¯s deep barks echoed from within, the only sign of life around the area.


    The door to Hagrid¡¯s hut creaked open, and Hagrid¡¯s weary face appeared in the gap. He looked utterly haggard, as though he hadn¡¯t slept in days. Despite his mood, he hadn¡¯t forgotten his duty.


    ¡°You lot,¡± he called gruffly to Kyle, who was standing near the edge of the Forbidden Forest. ¡°If you¡¯ve come to visit, turn back. I just want to be left alone. And if you¡¯re thinking of goin¡¯ into the Forbidden Forest, go back too. It¡¯s far too dangerous. As long as I¡¯m not fired, you¡¯re not getting in.¡±


    ¡°Sorry, Hagrid,¡± Kyle said, halting in his tracks. ¡°But we really need to go into the Forbidden Forest for something important. Could you please call one of the Centaurs for us?¡±


    ¡°Oh, no, go back.¡± Hagrid¡¯s voice was firm.


    ¡°We really do have something important to do, Hagrid. Please,¡± Kyle insisted.


    Hagrid hesitated, his massive frame leaning against the doorframe. After a moment, he sighed deeply and staggered out of the hut.


    ¡°All right,¡± he relented, ¡°but you mustn¡¯t take another step until I come back with one of them. Just wait here.¡±


    ¡°No problem,¡± Kyle agreed.


    Hagrid nodded, muttering under his breath, and trudged off into the Forbidden Forest.


    True to his word, Kyle stayed put, continuing a casual conversation with Cedric to pass the time.


    ¡°Seriously, the Firebolt¡¯s abilities are amazing,¡± Kyle said, leaning against a nearby tree. ¡°I can¡¯t believe you held Harry off for as long as you did last year.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, me neither,¡± Cedric admitted with a grin. ¡°The way you dodged that Bludger was just so smooth. The Firebolt really is every Seeker¡¯s dream broom.¡±


    ¡°You should get one,¡± Kyle suggested. ¡°Once I win the 1,000 Galleons prize money from the Triwizard Tournament, I¡¯ll lend it to you.¡±


    ¡°No thanks,¡± Cedric laughed. ¡°I¡¯ll be in seventh year next year. It¡¯s not worth it for just one year.¡±


    ¡°What about after graduation?¡± Kyle pressed. ¡°Don¡¯t you want to join a professional Quidditch team? You can¡¯t keep flying on a Nimbus 1700¡­¡±


    ¡°Kyle¡¯s right,¡± Kanna added from the side. ¡°If it¡¯s about the cost, I can lend you mine for a while.¡±


    Hermione, meanwhile, stood silently nearby, her expression contemplative as she watched the group talk.


    Before long, Hagrid returned, accompanied by a Centaur.


    The Centaur was strikingly handsome, with piercing blue eyes and platinum-blonde hair that caught the light. His lower body, a sleek silver-maned horse with a light-golden coat, was equally captivating.


    ¡°Thanks, Hagrid,¡± Kyle said, stepping forward to greet the Centaur. ¡°Hello, Firenze.¡±


    ¡°Hello, little one,¡± Firenze replied warmly. ¡°Ah, I remember you¡ªyou saved the baby Unicorn from that Dark Wizard.¡±


    ¡°That was ages ago,¡± Kyle said with a modest shrug.


    ¡°Yes, and the baby Unicorn has grown now,¡± Firenze said, his tone fond. ¡°But back to business. Hagrid said you wanted to speak with us. Is something wrong?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s just a simple question,¡± Kyle explained. ¡°Firenze, what do you think about the fact that wizards always wear clothes?¡±


    ¡°Unbelievable,¡± Firenze said immediately, his expression one of astonishment. ¡°I cannot understand why you choose to punish yourselves in such a severe way when you are still little ponies and have done nothing wrong.¡± sea??h th§× nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°Wait, are you saying that wearing clothes is punishment?¡± Hermione interjected, her curiosity piqued.


    ¡°Yes,¡± Firenze said solemnly. ¡°In our tribe, only those who commit serious transgressions are forced to wear strips of cloth or leaves. It is a way of separating them from nature, a reminder of their wrongdoing.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Firenze,¡± Kyle said, nodding. ¡°That¡¯s all I wanted to ask. Please give Magorian my regards.¡±


    ¡°I will certainly pass on the message,¡± Firenze replied.


    He turned to leave but hesitated for a moment. Looking back at the group, he added, ¡°I truly suggest you remove the shackles on your bodies and experience the charm of nature. After all, you have done nothing wrong.¡±


    ¡°Er... no thanks,¡± Cho said hastily, taking a cautious step back. Her gaze toward Firenze had shifted, now tinged with apprehension.

 Chapter 534: You’re Going the Wrong Way

    Firenze¡¯s words left Hermione visibly shaken. She opened her mouth to respond but found herself at a loss for the first time.


    ¡°So, do you understand now?¡± Kyle asked, turning to her. ¡°In the eyes of the Centaurs, us wearing clothes is a form of constant self-punishment¡ªthe harshest kind. Isn¡¯t that exactly how you view House-elves and their work?¡±


    ¡°No, it¡¯s not the same,¡± Hermione said quickly, shaking her head as if trying to dismiss the comparison. ¡°Centaurs have nothing to do with us, and their dislike for wearing clothes is just part of their nature, right? But House-elves are one of us. They live and work at the school.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s no different,¡± Kyle said firmly. ¡°You just don¡¯t want to admit it. I¡¯ve worked with Centaurs on an explorer squad in Romania. They didn¡¯t change their ways just because their teammates were wizards, and they didn¡¯t try to force their ideas onto others either. The two groups got along perfectly well by respecting each other¡¯s choices.¡±


    ¡°No... I don¡¯t think it¡¯s the same...¡± Hermione stammered, but she was struggling to refute his point.


    She suddenly found herself wishing Harry and Ron were there. At least they might try to back her up... though on second thought, Ron had mocked her badge too, so even their presence probably wouldn¡¯t help much.


    ¡°What are yeh all talkin¡¯ about?¡± Hagrid interrupted, looking utterly baffled. S§×ar?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Although he¡¯d been involved from the start¡ªgoing so far as to call Firenze for them¡ªhe hadn¡¯t grasped a word of the argument. Centaurs, clothes, House-elves... he understood each concept on its own but had no idea how they were connected.


    ¡°It¡¯s like this...¡± Cho stepped forward and began explaining the situation to Hagrid in broad strokes.


    Meanwhile, Kyle continued addressing Hermione, who stood still, a mix of frustration and introspection on her face.


    ¡°There¡¯s something else you need to understand, Hermione,¡± Kyle said. ¡°You probably don¡¯t realize it yet, but barging into the kitchen to tell House-elves they should demand wages is a lot like a Centaur storming into a castle and demanding everyone take off their clothes.¡±


    Hermione¡¯s eyes widened slightly as Kyle pressed on.


    ¡°To the House-elves, that kind of demand is one of the gravest insults imaginable. Frankly, I¡¯m amazed they didn¡¯t beat you up on the spot.¡±


    ¡°It was close...¡± Hermione admitted softly after a long pause. Her voice was so quiet it was barely audible. ¡°When I left, I saw some of them fetching a spatula and firewood...¡±


    ¡°Well, they were quite restrained then,¡± Kyle said with a shrug. ¡°At least they waited until you were about to leave. If a Centaur tried to convince me to strip down, he¡¯d end up in the Hospital Wing for a while.¡±


    ¡°Puff.¡±


    Cedric couldn¡¯t help it¡ªhe burst out laughing. The image of a Centaur earnestly trying to persuade everyone to abandon their clothing was just too absurd.


    But his laughter was cut short when Cho, having finished her explanation to Hagrid, returned and gave him a swift kick to the shin.


    Hermione, however, suddenly regained some of her earlier confidence. ¡°What about Dobby?¡± she asked, a spark of determination returning to her eyes.


    ¡°Dobby?¡± Kyle echoed, raising an eyebrow.


    ¡°Yes,¡± Hermione said. ¡°Dobby is the House-elf who sealed the entrance to Platform Nine and Three-Quarters in second year, causing Harry and Ron to miss the train. Later, he demanded to be paid for his work. Doesn¡¯t that prove House-elves don¡¯t actually like being treated like slaves? They just haven¡¯t realized it yet.¡±


    ¡°I won¡¯t deny Dobby is an exception,¡± Kyle admitted. ¡°But he¡¯s just that¡ªan exception.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not as uncommon as you think!¡± Hermione said heatedly.


    ¡°It is among House-elves,¡± Kyle countered calmly. ¡°And don¡¯t forget, it happens among wizards too. Remember the Quidditch World Cup? There was that wizard who insisted on a healthy breeze blowing up his bottom.¡±


    Cedric snorted, struggling to stifle another laugh. He couldn¡¯t help but recall the scene vividly: the wizard had been adamant about wearing only a short, printed dressing gown and had flatly refused to put on trousers, despite repeated warnings.


    ¡°And speaking of Dobby...¡± Kyle began, pausing to gather his thoughts. ¡°He¡¯s doing great at Newt Scamander¡¯s place. He earns ten Galleons a week¡ªhalf of which he spends on snacks for all kinds of magical creatures, and the other half he gives to a Niffler. All voluntarily, mind you. Sometimes when Newt tries to stop him, Dobby just sneaks the Galleons anyway and buys the snacks regardless.¡±


    Kyle smirked. ¡°And on his one day off each week, Dobby goes out, buys things with his Galleons, changes into his own clothes, and then comes back to work. For Dobby, it was never about the Galleons. It was about having the freedom to make his own choices¡ªto refuse what he doesn¡¯t like and to be rewarded for his efforts."


    ¡°And, honestly, Hogwarts already provides all of that¡ªexcept the rewards.¡±


    Cedric nodded in agreement. ¡°That¡¯s true. If you visit the kitchens often, you¡¯ll notice how happy they are. Sometimes I go just to grab a biscuit, but I leave with enough snacks for a week. They¡¯re so enthusiastic it¡¯s almost overwhelming.¡±


    Hermione said nothing, her face pale and lips pressed tightly together. Her confidence had been shaken, her thoughts tangled in doubt. Firenze¡¯s perspective, paired with what Kyle had said, left her questioning everything.


    Kyle seemed to notice her inner turmoil and continued gently. ¡°Still, I think your approach is wrong.¡± He glanced briefly in the direction Firenze had left. ¡°If you want to help House-elves, you should focus on changing the general attitude wizards have toward them. Forcing wages on them without considering their culture or desires only alienates them."


    ¡°I know an old House-elf who still feels deeply grateful to his former master for being kind to him. Their perspective is different¡ªit¡¯s shaped by generations of tradition.¡±


    ¡°So... you¡¯re saying I didn¡¯t do anything wrong?¡± Hermione asked, her head tilting up slightly, her tone tinged with hope.


    ¡°Well, if you stop storming into kitchens demanding they be paid,¡± Kyle said with a small smile, ¡°then you¡¯re on the right track. Otherwise, next time, you¡¯ll likely be the first one to get thrown out.¡±


    Hermione bit her lip. ¡°What should I do, then? What if I try handing out flyers or writing to ?¡±


    Kyle shrugged. ¡°That¡¯s up to you¡ªit¡¯s your cause, and only you can decide how to pursue it. I¡¯ve got enough on my plate preparing for the second task of the Triwizard Tournament.¡±


    Hermione seemed to sense he was wrapping up the conversation but made one last attempt. ¡°If I stop asking for payment for the House-elves, will you buy a badge?¡±


    ¡°Well...¡± Kyle hesitated, picturing the ¡°SPEW¡± badge with its unfortunate connotations. He reached into his pocket theatrically. ¡°I left in a hurry today and didn¡¯t bring any money. How about next time? Next time, I¡¯ll definitely buy one.¡±


    Standing nearby, Kanna glanced at Kyle knowingly. She was well aware that Kyle carried everything he owned in his enchanted suitcase. The idea he didn¡¯t have money on him was laughable¡ªbut she kept quiet, smirking faintly at his clever dodge.


    As the group prepared to leave, Hermione trailed behind, her earlier confidence completely eroded. Head down, she walked silently, lost in thought.


    ¡°Oh, Hermione,¡± Kyle called out suddenly, stopping her in her tracks. ¡°I can¡¯t help you directly, but I can give you some advice.¡±


    She turned to face him, eyes curious.


    ¡°If you really want to help House-elves, start by visiting the school library,¡± Kyle said earnestly. ¡°Read up on their history and culture. Gain a deeper, more comprehensive understanding of who they are and what they value."


    ¡°Only then can you start persuading others effectively. If you go in saying things like, ¡®I think¡¯ or ¡®I feel,¡¯ you won¡¯t get far. You need facts. A cause based on emotions alone won¡¯t work.¡±

 Chapter 535: Herbology Class, Returning to Its Owner

    Kyle wasn¡¯t sure if his words had truly sunk in with Hermione, but at least for now, she seemed to be considering them seriously.


    ¡°You did the right thing,¡± Hagrid said gruffly. ¡°Hermione tried to rope me into her cause before, but I refused."


    ¡°I didn¡¯t think she¡¯d go asking all the House-elves to demand pay, though. She clearly didn¡¯t listen.¡±


    Kyle glanced at Hagrid, noticing his weary demeanor and the faint but distinct scent of alcohol. ¡°Oh, Hagrid... I couldn¡¯t help but notice¡ª¡±


    ¡°Oh, no,¡± Hagrid interrupted, waving his hands. ¡°I didn¡¯t drink! I just spilled the Firewhiskey we keep for the Abraxan. Those big beasts need it, not me!¡±


    ¡°I hope so,¡± Kyle said, though his tone carried a note of doubt. ¡°School starts tomorrow, and don¡¯t forget¡ªyou¡¯re still a professor. You need to pull yourself together.¡±


    But Kyle¡¯s words seemed to have the opposite effect. Hagrid slumped even further, his shoulders drooping as he muttered, ¡°I may not be a professor for much longer... Parents won¡¯t stand for it. Same thing happened with Lupin, didn¡¯t it?


    ¡°All I can hope for now is that Dumbledore lets me stay on as Gamekeeper. I just don¡¯t want to be kicked out of Hogwarts altogether.¡±


    Kyle shook his head. ¡°It seems you haven¡¯t been listening to us either. Just wait one more day. After the Christmas holidays, the will publish a new edition. Trust me, it¡¯ll bring good news.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to read it,¡± Hagrid said stubbornly, his voice rising with agitation. ¡°I¡¯m sure it¡¯s just more of that woman¡¯s slander, accusing me of Merlin-knows-what. I don¡¯t need to see those mean words again.¡±


    ¡°Trust me, Hagrid,¡± Kyle said earnestly, patting the man¡¯s arm. ¡°This time, it¡¯ll be different. There¡¯s a surprise waiting for you.¡±


    Hagrid didn¡¯t reply, but his expression showed the faintest flicker of curiosity.


    Kyle, Kanna, and the others returned to the castle. With term starting the next day, they headed to the library to return their borrowed books.


    Inside, Kyle spotted Hermione sitting at a table with a stack of thick tomes beside her. At the top of the pile were and


    Kyle smiled to himself. This was a good sign¡ªa clear indication that Hermione had taken his advice seriously. He decided not to disturb her and quietly returned his books before leaving the library.


    ...


    The next day, the first day of term arrived.


    Perhaps because so many students had stayed at school for Christmas, the start of the new term didn¡¯t feel much different. The Great Hall buzzed with activity, and the grounds outside were still blanketed in thick snow.


    In contrast, the greenhouses were warm, almost humid, with condensation forming on the windows and occasionally dripping to form small icicles.


    ¡°Keep your dragon-hide gloves on and stay focused!¡± Professor Sprout instructed firmly during Herbology class.


    She pointed to a long planter in the middle of the table. ¡°Chomping Cabbage. I¡¯m sure you¡¯ve all seen it before in first year, but you weren¡¯t ready to study it back then."


    ¡°I must remind you,¡± she continued, holding up a thick wooden stick, ¡°the Chomping Cabbage is an extremely dangerous plant.¡±


    To emphasize her point, she gently tapped the pot containing the Chomping Cabbage.


    Under the students¡¯ watchful eyes, the cabbage¡ªwhich had been still and unassuming¡ªsuddenly snapped open a large mouth filled with razor-sharp teeth. With a loud , it bit the stick clean in half, as though it were nothing more than a biscuit.


    The class collectively gasped, instinctively stepping back and pressing themselves against the greenhouse walls.


    For most students, this was their first time seeing the danger of Herbology so vividly. Though they had studied poisonous plants before¡ªlike Belladonna and Fanged Geranium¡ªnone of those had the immediate visual impact of the Chomping Cabbage.


    The shattered stick was enough to send shivers down the spines of the more timid students, some of whom refused to approach the table at all.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, be brave,¡± Professor Sprout encouraged, gesturing for the class to move closer. ¡°I¡¯ve deliberately chosen Chomping Cabbages that aren¡¯t quite ripe yet. As long as you wear your dragon-hide gloves, you¡¯ll be fine. And if there are any special circumstances, Madam Pomfrey will handle it.¡±


    Despite her reassurances, the students hesitated, eyeing the sharp-toothed plants with unease.


    ¡°Hurry up, move forward,¡± Sprout said more firmly. ¡°We¡¯re changing the soil in the Chomping Cabbage pots today, and you can¡¯t do that from such a distance.¡±


    Slowly, with great reluctance, everyone shuffled closer.


    ¡°Look at Kyle¡ªhe¡¯s not afraid at all!¡± Professor Sprout exclaimed suddenly. ¡°Oh, that¡¯s it! One foot away is perfect¡ªsafe and still close enough to handle the soil change. Excellent, five points to Hufflepuff!¡±


    All heads turned to Kyle, but most quickly looked away. After all, a Champion¡¯s actions weren¡¯t particularly surprising anymore.


    Once the group had gathered around the table, Professor Sprout clapped her hands to get their attention. She began demonstrating the proper technique for changing the soil without disturbing the Chomping Cabbage.


    The students watched intently, not daring to miss a single detail.


    Next came the practical portion. As usual, they worked in groups of four. Given the difficulty of the task, Professor Sprout allowed the groups to share the responsibility of completing just one soil change.


    Predictably, Kyle¡¯s group¡ªconsisting of him, Kanna, Mikel, and Ryan¡ªfinished first. Their Chomping Cabbage looked calm, almost asleep, and the new soil in the pot was perfectly smooth.


    ¡°Incredible,¡± Professor Sprout said as she inspected their work. ¡°To get it so perfect on the first try, and so quickly! Kyle, you really have the makings of a fantastic botanist.¡±


    Kyle offered a modest smile. ¡°It¡¯s nothing¡ªjust practice.¡± Then he quickly added, ¡°I mean, I just wrote down all the steps and followed them exactly.¡±


    ¡°Exactly,¡± Professor Sprout agreed, smiling back. ¡°But this job requires more than just following steps. It demands calmness and a steady hand. If the Chomping Cabbage senses anything unusual, it¡¯ll react. That¡¯s not easy to manage.¡±


    ¡°Maybe I just got lucky,¡± Kyle said lightly. ¡°Perhaps this Chomping Cabbage is a bit slow-witted.¡±


    Kanna turned her head, covering her mouth with her hand to stifle a laugh. She knew the truth: Kyle had a suitcase full of Chomping Cabbages, and he¡¯d probably changed the soil on hundreds of them. Of course, he was an expert by now.


    Professor Sprout, oblivious to this, awarded Hufflepuff another ten points.


    Finally, the bell rang, signaling the end of class. Students peeled off their scratched dragon-hide gloves and bolted out of the greenhouse, eager to leave the biting plants behind.


    Kyle lingered, watching Professor Sprout tidy up. Casually, he slipped two seeds into a nearby flowerpot¡ªseeds he¡¯d taken back in first year. After all this time, they had finally returned to their rightful owner.


    As Kyle left the greenhouse, he overheard some classmates still grumbling about the Chomping Cabbages.


    ¡°I hope we don¡¯t have to deal with anything dangerous in the next class,¡± someone muttered. ¡°Did you hear the sound of that cabbage biting into the stick? By Merlin, my hands were sweating the whole time.¡±


    ¡°I wish,¡± sighed a Gryffindor, ¡°but Professor Sprout said we¡¯d be studying them for a month.¡±


    ¡°When did she say that?¡±


    ¡°At the end of class. Didn¡¯t you hear?¡±


    ¡°No...¡±


    A round of groans followed as the students trudged back to the castle.


    ...


    When Kyle reached the castle foyer, he spotted a tall figure talking to Sirius¡ªHagrid.


    What was surprising, however, was that Hagrid was smiling. Sear?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The moment Hagrid noticed Kyle, he came bounding over, newspaper in hand.


    ¡°You won¡¯t believe it!¡± Hagrid exclaimed, unfolding the paper and pointing to an article on the front page. ¡°That Skeeter woman¡ªshe actually said somethin¡¯ nice about me!¡±


    ¡°Really?¡± Kyle said, glancing at the headline.


    The accompanying picture showed Hagrid gently tending to an injured Kneazle.


    Is the Half-Giant Real? What¡¯s Behind That Fierce Appearance?


    Kyle didn¡¯t bother reading further.


    He had to admit¡ªRita Skeeter knew how to spin a story. Despite the article¡¯s contradictions, it was crafted in a way that worked, leaving readers questioning preconceived notions.

 Chapter 536: Bagman and Krum

    In addition to the latest article, Sirius carried a thick stack of letters, which he explained were from Dumbledore.


    ¡°These are from former students,¡± Sirius said, placing the stack on a nearby table. ¡°Dumbledore asked me to bring them over. He¡¯s got loads more, but he hasn¡¯t had time to go through them all yet.¡±


    Rita Skeeter¡¯s article had clearly made an impact. Many alumni had written to express their belief that Dumbledore would never expel Hagrid.


    Between the letters and the article, Hagrid¡¯s confidence seemed to be returning.


    ¡°Thank you... thank you all,¡± he said, patting Sirius on the shoulder with enough force to make the man wince. ¡°I¡¯d better head back. The first Care of Magical Creatures lesson this afternoon is for fourth years, and I haven¡¯t prepared anything yet.¡±


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you staying for lunch?¡± Kyle asked.


    ¡°No, there¡¯s no time...¡± Hagrid said as he strode purposefully out of the foyer.


    Sirius rubbed his shoulder, muttering under his breath, ¡°Hagrid really ought to realize how strong he is...¡±


    Kyle raised an eyebrow. ¡°Do you need to go to the Hospital Wing?¡±


    ¡°No, I¡¯ll live,¡± Sirius replied with a dismissive wave. ¡°I¡¯m not that fragile.¡±


    He turned to Kyle with a curious look. ¡°How¡¯s the second task coming along?¡±


    ¡°Well enough,¡± Kyle said with a shrug.


    ¡°That¡¯s good to hear,¡± Sirius said, clapping Kyle on the shoulder. ¡°I know you¡¯ll do great¡ªespecially against Durmstrang. I¡¯d love to see Karkaroff¡¯s face when you win.¡±


    With a grin, Sirius left the foyer as well, leaving Kyle and Kanna to make their way to the Great Hall for lunch.


    ...


    ¡°I still can¡¯t believe Rita Skeeter actually spoke up for Hagrid,¡± Kanna said as they settled into their seats. ¡°You were right about everything.¡±


    Kyle said, spooning stew into his bowl. ¡°I told you, Rita Skeeter is a smart woman. She knew exactly what we wanted her to do.¡±


    ¡°So,¡± Kanna asked, tilting her head, ¡°are you going to send the photo to the Ministry of Magic now?¡±


    Kyle looked up in surprise. ¡°Why would I do that?¡±


    ¡°Well,¡± Kanna said, blinking innocently, ¡°you didn¡¯t exactly her anything, did you? If I remember correctly, all you said was that you¡¯d only publish the photo if you were in a good mood. You never said you¡¯d keep quiet.¡±


    ¡°True...¡± Kyle admitted thoughtfully, swirling his spoon in his stew. ¡°But after thinking about it, I¡¯ve decided it¡¯s better to hold onto the photo for now. After all, I¡¯m a Champion representing Hogwarts. It wouldn¡¯t look good if I did something so... underhanded, right?¡±


    Kanna raised an eyebrow skeptically.


    If this conversation had happened three or four years ago, she might have believed him. But now? Not a chance. She didn¡¯t believe a word of it.


    ¡°What are you up to again?¡± Kanna asked, her tone tinged with suspicion.


    ¡°Nothing, I promise,¡± Kyle replied quickly, then added with a sheepish grin, ¡°At least... not yet.¡±


    ¡°So, in the future, it¡¯s not off the table?¡± Kanna retorted, raising an eyebrow. For some reason, she suddenly felt a pang of sympathy for Rita Skeeter.


    Kyle wasn¡¯t known for leaving loose ends. The last person he had focused on this intently was Peter Pettigrew, the Animagus rat who had played a key role in exonerating Sirius. If it hadn¡¯t been for Pettigrew, Sirius might never have been able to return.


    ¡°But that reminds me,¡± Kyle said suddenly, tapping his forehead as an idea struck him. He pulled a piece of parchment from his pocket and transfigured it into an envelope.


    On the envelope, he neatly wrote Rita Skeeter¡¯s name, then slipped ten Galleons inside.


    He whistled, and a small owl, Ratton, swooped in from the window above.


    ¡°Can you deliver this to the newspaper for me?¡± Kyle asked.


    Ratton gave a quick nod, snatched the envelope in its beak, and flew off through the same window.


    Kanna watched the entire exchange with a puzzled expression. ¡°Why are you giving Rita Skeeter ten Galleons?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s payment for this time, of course,¡± Kyle explained matter-of-factly. ¡°The photo was just one part of it. Offering her a little bonus helps build a good relationship. If she feels valued, she¡¯s more likely to prioritize writing what I want in the future."


    ¡°And it¡¯s just ten Galleons. That¡¯s not much.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re planning to ask her to write for again?¡± Kanna asked incredulously.


    ¡°What else?¡± Kyle replied, taking a bite of Yorkshire pudding. ¡°Her articles have a wide audience. If she¡¯s not useful for that, what else is she good for?¡±


    Kanna was momentarily speechless. Kyle had just insisted he didn¡¯t have any plans, but now he was clearly preparing for something.


    ¡°It doesn¡¯t conflict,¡± Kyle said, noticing her expression. ¡°Think of it as being ready for anything. You never know when a resource might come in handy.¡±


    ...


    Mid-January brought the first Hogsmeade weekend of the new term, a much-anticipated event for the students of Hogwarts.


    While Fred and George made their usual beeline for Zonko¡¯s Joke Shop, Kyle opted for a different destination: Dervish & Banges. He wanted to see if the shop had stocked any intriguing new magical items.


    Unfortunately, the owner hadn¡¯t restocked with anything particularly exciting. After browsing for some time, Kyle left with only a bag of exploding beans. Though their effect was somewhat underwhelming, he figured they might still be useful for a harmless prank or two.


    Kyle soon crossed paths with Cedric, who suggested they head to The Three Broomsticks for a drink.


    The pub was bustling with activity as always. At the bar, Hagrid was sitting with Sirius, who looked like he¡¯d been there for quite some time. The cluster of empty bottles in front of them was a clear indicator of how their afternoon had gone. S§×ar?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Hagrid was in the middle of what seemed to be an animated story, his large hands gesturing wildly, while Sirius, visibly tipsy, swayed slightly, looking like he might pass out at any moment.


    ¡°Oh, why is he here too?¡± Fred¡¯s voice broke through the din as he pointed at the large mirror behind the bar.


    Kyle followed Fred¡¯s gaze and saw the reflection of Ludo Bagman. Bagman appeared to be whispering something to a group of intimidating goblins seated across from him. The goblins sat stiffly, arms crossed, their expressions stern and unyielding.


    ¡°There¡¯s no Triwizard Tournament going on right now,¡± Fred muttered, ¡°so why¡¯s he here? He¡¯s not a referee anymore.¡±


    ¡°What do you think they¡¯re talking about?¡± George asked.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know, but it doesn¡¯t look good for him,¡± Fred replied, narrowing his eyes. ¡°That goblin looks like he¡¯s about to explode.¡±


    ¡°Should we go ask him for Dad¡¯s Galleons back?¡± George¡¯s tone turned sharp, his irritation evident. ¡°That liar... If he won¡¯t even pay Dad, there¡¯s no way he¡¯d pay us if we¡¯d bet anything.¡±


    Kyle said nothing, watching the scene unfold.


    The door to the pub swung open again, letting in a gust of cold air and a trio of familiar faces: Harry, Hermione, and Ron. They shook snow off their cloaks as they entered and began scanning the room for a spot to sit.


    Moments later, the Durmstrang Champion, Viktor Krum, walked in. His arrival drew attention from several patrons, including Ludo Bagman.


    Bagman abruptly excused himself from the goblins and hurried over to intercept Krum. His face lit up with what seemed like relief.


    ¡°Oh, Viktor!¡± Bagman called out, his voice overly enthusiastic. ¡°I¡¯m so glad to see you here. I wonder if I could have a few words with you¡ªalone. Don¡¯t worry, it won¡¯t take long.¡±


    Krum, looking slightly startled, didn¡¯t have a chance to respond before Bagman grabbed his arm and dragged him toward the far side of the bar.


    The goblins watched Bagman intently, their sharp eyes tracking his every movement. Their wariness suggested they weren¡¯t going to let him out of their sight.

 Chapter 537: Tata the House-Elf

    Ludo Bagman had been speaking with Krum for about ten minutes. When he finally returned to the main bar, his expression was dark, and he muttered curses under his breath, clearly frustrated by the conversation. Without lingering, he hurried out of The Three Broomsticks, the fierce-looking goblins trailing after him.


    Fred and George, who had been watching with rapt attention, opted not to follow Bagman and the goblins¡ªlikely deterred by the goblins¡¯ intimidating demeanor. Instead, they leaned in closer to discuss the scene with growing interest.


    ¡°Why do you think Bagman wanted to talk to Krum?¡± Fred asked.


    ¡°Could it have something to do with the Triwizard Tournament?¡± George speculated. ¡°Bagman¡¯s one of the referees, so he¡¯d have insider information. That includes what the Second Task is.¡±


    ¡°Do you think he¡¯s leaking information to Krum?¡± Fred suggested, his tone conspiratorial.


    ¡°I doubt it,¡± Cedric interjected, frowning slightly. ¡°Referees helping Champions cheat is strictly forbidden. Bagman¡¯s the Director of the Department of Magical Games and Sports¡ªhe¡¯d know better than to risk his career over something like that. If word got out, it¡¯d ruin him.¡±


    ¡°I know,¡± Fred said, ¡°but you have to admit it looks suspicious. Meeting with a Champion in private, away from everyone else? That¡¯s not exactly normal behavior.¡±


    ¡°Krum probably rejected whatever he was offering,¡± Cho chimed in thoughtfully. ¡°You saw Bagman¡¯s face when he came back¡ªhe looked like he¡¯d swallowed a bottle of Skele-Gro.¡±


    ¡°Or he could¡¯ve been acting,¡± Cedric said, his tone slightly clipped. ¡°Maybe they already had a deal, and the whole scene was just for show.¡±


    Kyle glanced at Cedric, raising an eyebrow. There was something in his tone that didn¡¯t quite sit right. If jealousy had a scent, Cedric might as well have been drenched in it.


    Fred and George seemed to catch on as well. The twins exchanged a mischievous look and leaned closer to Cedric.


    ¡°Why don¡¯t you take a stroll over to Madam Puddifoot¡¯s Tea Room?¡± Fred drawled with exaggerated sweetness.


    ¡°Exactly!¡± George added with a grin. ¡°It¡¯s the perfect place for a heart-to-heart. A cozy cup of treacle, maybe?¡±


    ¡°No, it should be coffee,¡± Fred mused mockingly.


    ¡°Right¡ªtreacle disguised as coffee,¡± George concluded.


    The twins burst into laughter, and Cedric¡¯s faint blush made their teasing even more satisfying.


    Despite their playful prodding, Cedric and Cho didn¡¯t visit Madam Puddifoot¡¯s. After finishing their drinks, the group left The Three Broomsticks and returned to Hogwarts, chatting idly as they crossed the snow-covered grounds.


    ...


    ¡°That¡¯s strange...¡± Kanna said, her voice tinged with curiosity as she walked alongside Cho. ¡°Look at that House-elf. He¡¯s dressed completely differently from the ones in the kitchen. Could it be Dobby?¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Kyle followed her gaze.


    Sure enough, a House-elf stood in the clearing near the castle. Unlike the Hogwarts kitchen elves, who wore tea towels and pillowcases, this one was dressed in an unexpectedly bold fashion.


    The elf sported tall boots, a brown leather jacket that wouldn¡¯t have looked out of place on a motor racer, a cowboy hat perched at a jaunty angle, and sunglasses beneath it.


    ¡°Oh, that¡¯s cool...¡± Fred said, clearly impressed. ¡°This House-elf really has character. Does he work in the kitchen?¡±


    ¡°No,¡± Cedric replied, shaking his head. ¡°To be honest, I¡¯ve never seen him there.¡±


    Kyle¡¯s lips twitched slightly. Of course Cedric hadn¡¯t seen this elf before. He recognized the impeccably dressed elf immediately¡ªit was Tata, the House-elf who worked for Nicolas Flamel. Tata¡¯s penchant for fashion made even Dobby¡¯s adventurous wardrobe choices seem tame by comparison.


    But why was Tata here? The elf never left Nicolas Flamel¡¯s manor.


    Unless...


    Kyle¡¯s thoughts raced. Could it be that Nicolas himself was at Hogwarts? Perhaps he was here because of the Diadem?


    His heart skipped a beat.


    Before Kyle could say more, Tata walked over to stand before them.


    ¡°Are you... Tata?¡± Kyle asked cautiously.


    ¡°Yes, sir, Tata says hello,¡± the elf said, removing his cowboy hat and bowing slightly. ¡°Mr. Dumbledore and the owner are in the castle, and they have asked Tata to find you, sir.¡±


    Fred¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°Wait¡ªyou know this House-elf, Kyle?¡±


    ¡°Yes, he works for Nicolas,¡± Kyle replied simply, still processing the information.


    He turned to Kanna. ¡°Sorry, I need to find Professor Dumbledore first. I¡¯ll see you at dinner. If everything goes well... I might have a surprise for you then.¡±


    With that, Kyle followed Tata toward the castle.


    The others stood in silence for a moment, watching Kyle disappear inside.


    Fred was the first to break it. ¡°Did Kyle just say Nicolas? As in... Nearly Headless Nick?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s what I heard,¡± George said, scratching his head. ¡°Does a ghost even need a House-elf?¡±


    ¡°Will you two use your brains for once?¡± Cho snapped, exasperated. ¡°Obviously, Kyle didn¡¯t mean Nicolas.¡±


    ¡°I think I know who he meant,¡± Cedric said in a low voice. ¡°Remember that one holiday Kyle spent in France?¡±


    ¡°France...¡± Fred repeated, his voice trailing off as realization dawned. He lowered his voice too. ¡°You mean... Nicolas Flamel?¡±


    ¡°I think that¡¯s it,¡± Cedric confirmed. ¡°And don¡¯t forget¡ªthe House-elf just mentioned the Headmaster¡¯s name.¡±


    Fred¡¯s eyes widened further. ¡°If that¡¯s the case... then Kyle really is connected to the Flamels. No wonder he¡¯s always so calm about everything.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m starting to get curious about this ¡®surprise¡¯ Kyle mentioned,¡± George added.


    ...


    On the other side, Kyle had followed Tata to the Headmaster''s Office on the eighth floor of the castle.


    Inside the large office, Dumbledore sat in his usual chair, calm and composed, while opposite him stood a gray-haired old man.


    It was Nicolas Flamel, dressed in a yellow-striped shirt, with a pair of clamshell glasses tucked neatly into the breast pocket.


    ¡°I was just saying you should have been back already,¡± Dumbledore said with a smile.


    ¡°Long time no see, Kyle. How have you been?¡± Nicolas greeted him warmly.


    ¡°Not bad,¡± Kyle replied casually. Then, with a hint of curiosity, he added, ¡°Nicolas, are you here for that thing again? You know, you don¡¯t have to come all the way to Hogwarts for that. Just write a letter.¡±


    For a moment, Kyle thought Nicolas¡¯s expression grew slightly unnatural, though he wasn¡¯t sure if it was just his imagination.


    ¡°Oh?¡± Dumbledore¡¯s piercing blue eyes shifted to Nicolas. ¡°I suppose this isn¡¯t the same topic we¡¯re going to discuss later?¡± S§×ar?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°Ahem, it¡¯s nothing, Albus,¡± Nicolas replied, clearing his throat. ¡°Kyle just asked me to help him fix a gadget earlier.¡±


    ¡°I see,¡± Dumbledore said, his smile tinged with amusement. ¡°Kyle is always tinkering with new and interesting gadgets. I¡¯ve seen them many times.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re right,¡± Nicolas agreed with a knowing nod.


    ¡°Well, that can wait,¡± Nicolas said, steering the conversation away. ¡°I had considered inviting you to the Manor again, but Albus mentioned you¡¯re now a Champion in the Triwizard Tournament. I thought it best not to distract you, so I came here instead.¡±


    ¡°No need,¡± Kyle responded, shaking his head. ¡°The competition¡¯s still a while away. It wouldn¡¯t be a distraction.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t think so,¡± Nicolas countered with a smile. ¡°The Triwizard Tournament is a grand event, especially for the Champions. Every second counts if you want to win, so there¡¯s no room for carelessness.¡±


    Kyle didn¡¯t argue further, though he felt Nicolas¡¯s reasoning was a bit contrived. Regardless, since the man was already here, there was no point in debating.


    ¡°I¡¯m glad they¡¯ve restarted the Triwizard Tournament,¡± Nicolas said, his tone brightening. ¡°I saw the First Task¡ªit was incredible. Much better than the last one. Honestly, they should never have held it at Durmstrang; they¡¯ve never hosted a good tournament.¡±


    Nicolas seemed to drift into his memories, recounting in great detail how poorly organized the previous Triwizard Tournament had been and criticizing its arrangements.


    It wasn¡¯t until ten minutes later that Dumbledore, ever patient, had to gently interrupt.


    ¡°Fascinating as the history of the Triwizard Tournament is, let¡¯s get to the point, Nicolas.¡±


    At Dumbledore¡¯s words, Kyle couldn¡¯t help but feel that Nicolas¡¯s visit to Hogwarts wasn¡¯t about the Diadem after all, but something else entirely.


    ¡°Alright then,¡± Nicolas said, his tone turning serious as he looked directly at Kyle. ¡°The main reason I came this time is to borrow something from you.¡±


    ¡°What is it?¡± Kyle asked, intrigued.


    ¡°The ashes of the Phoenix after its Nirvana.¡±

 Chapter 538: Dumbledore’s Request

    Kyle did, in fact, have a small bottle of phoenix ashes that Fawkes had gifted him during his third year. Since it was an exceptionally rare and high-end material, he had refrained from using it until he felt confident in his skills. For now, the bottle had remained safely stowed at the very back of his suitcase.


    ¡°May I ask why?¡± Kyle inquired, his curiosity piqued. Then he added, ¡°Of course, if it¡¯s a secret, I¡¯ll understand.¡±


    ¡°Oh, it¡¯s nothing secretive. After all, they belong to you,¡± Nicolas replied with a glance at Dumbledore, who gave him a subtle nod of approval. S~ea??h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°Do you remember the Time-Turner from the Chamber of Secrets?¡± Nicolas continued.


    ¡°Of course,¡± Kyle replied with a firm nod. How could he forget? That Time-Turner had led him to an encounter with the Founders of Hogwarts.


    ¡°It¡¯s like this: I¡¯ve fixed it,¡± Nicolas said calmly, though his words landed like a thunderclap.


    ¡°The Time-Turner... fixed?¡± Kyle echoed, glancing instinctively at Dumbledore.


    To his surprise, Dumbledore, usually composed and full of wisdom, now had an expression filled with a mix of anticipation and unease. It was a side of the headmaster Kyle had never seen before.


    ¡°It wasn¡¯t supposed to be this quick,¡± Nicolas admitted, ¡°but I received some crucial help... and I have you to thank for that, Kyle.¡±


    Kyle raised an eyebrow as Nicolas gave him a knowing look.


    ¡°But,¡± Nicolas continued, ¡°there¡¯s still one final¡ªand most critical¡ªcomponent missing: the core that powers the Time-Turner. It requires an enormous amount of magic to travel back a hundred years. That level of power is simply beyond estimation, and no existing runes can resolve the problem.¡±


    ¡°Not even a stack of runes?¡± Kyle asked without thinking.


    ¡°No,¡± Nicolas said, shaking his head. ¡°While stacking the rune of increasing magic can indeed meet the activation requirements, it cannot sustain the ongoing supply of magic."


    ¡°In such a case, the Time-Turner will inevitably¡ªno, it will definitely¡ªshatter again. The user would then be trapped, potentially in the fiftieth year or the seventieth, unable to reach the intended time and incapable of returning.¡±


    Kyle nodded slowly, processing the implications. He understood that Nicolas was referring to Dumbledore as the intended user, and the one hundred years of regression were for him.


    Being stranded in the past wouldn¡¯t likely trouble someone like Dumbledore, but being unable to reach the predetermined moment...


    Wait.


    Kyle¡¯s thoughts raced. If Dumbledore ended up stranded sixty years in the past... would Grindelwald recognize him? And what might that lead to?


    The corner of Kyle¡¯s mouth twitched at the thought, but he quickly masked his reaction.


    Nicolas, oblivious to Kyle¡¯s momentary lapse, continued, ¡°So, I came up with another solution: the Philosopher¡¯s Stone!¡±


    ¡°Only the Philosopher''s Stone can provide the Time-Turner with the immense and steady magical energy it requires,¡± Nicolas explained.


    ¡°But wasn¡¯t the Philosopher¡¯s Stone destroyed?¡± Kyle asked, snapping out of his thoughts.


    ¡°That¡¯s correct,¡± Nicolas replied with a small smile, ¡°but have you ever considered this: if I was able to refine the Philosopher¡¯s Stone six hundred years ago, why can¡¯t I do it again now?


    ¡°To be honest, the process of refining the Philosopher¡¯s Stone isn¡¯t particularly difficult for me. The challenge lies in sourcing the materials, and the ashes left from the Phoenix¡¯s Nirvana are the most critical component.¡±


    Kyle understood immediately. Once the ashes were given, they couldn¡¯t be recovered.


    Of course, if the trade resulted in him receiving a Philosopher¡¯s Stone, he wouldn¡¯t hesitate. But the real question was: could he trust that he¡¯d actually get one?


    He recalled his experience in the Chamber of Secrets. After successfully returning to the correct timeline, the Time-Turner had been destroyed, leaving no trace behind. That Time-Turner had been built to span a thousand years; this one needed to bridge only a century. Still, the risks couldn¡¯t be ignored. What if this version was also a fragile, subpar construct?


    Not only might he not get Ravenclaw¡¯s Diadem this time, but he¡¯d also have to sacrifice another priceless resource.


    One thing didn¡¯t add up, though. Nicolas had lived for over six centuries and must have collected countless rare materials. Shouldn¡¯t he already have Phoenix ashes in his possession?


    Curious, Kyle voiced his thoughts.


    ¡°I did have some,¡± Nicolas admitted with a sigh. ¡°But back then, I never thought I¡¯d need to make a second Philosopher¡¯s Stone. I used them for other projects... like the dragon statue in front of my house. It¡¯s actually my proudest creation in the last hundred years.¡±


    ¡°And to create the Philosopher¡¯s Stone,¡± Dumbledore added from his seat, ¡°the ashes must come from a Phoenix¡¯s natural Nirvana. Ashes obtained by trickery or coercion won¡¯t work.¡±


    Kyle nodded, realizing now why Nicolas and Dumbledore had come to him. If he¡¯d known, he might have lingered in Hogsmeade longer¡ªor spent the night there altogether.


    Even as these thoughts crossed his mind, he opened his suitcase, retrieving a small, tightly sealed bottle.


    The bottle, no larger than a thumb, was stopped with cork and wax-sealed for protection. Inside was half a bottle of gray-black powder, speckled with golden-red flecks that shimmered like stars in the night sky when shaken.


    ¡°This is all I have,¡± Kyle said. ¡°Do you need all of it?¡±


    He hoped, deep down, that Nicolas might leave him a small amount, even just a pinch.


    But his hopes were dashed when Nicolas replied, ¡°It¡¯s a bit lacking, but it¡¯s barely enough.¡±


    Kyle¡¯s shoulders slumped at the confirmation.


    Seeing Kyle¡¯s reluctance, Dumbledore spoke with a note of embarrassment. ¡°I understand this might be a difficult decision for you. In truth, I initially intended to ask Professor Snape, but the ashes he had were already used up. Until Fawkes¡¯ next Nirvana, you¡¯re the only one who still possesses any.¡±


    ¡°Snape used up the ashes?¡± Kyle asked, incredulous.


    He hadn¡¯t expected that. Something so rare and precious should have been preserved carefully, passed down through generations¡ªor, at the very least, used sparingly. Instead, Snape had squandered it.


    ¡°Shameful waste,¡± Kyle muttered under his breath.


    Still, there was no point dwelling on it. Looking at Dumbledore, whose expression was filled with a mix of hope and something bordering on pleading, and then glancing at the pair of blue-and-white woolen socks prominently displayed on the office bookshelf, Kyle finally sighed and handed over the bottle.


    ¡°Then I¡¯ll leave this to you, Professor.¡±


    Dumbledore stepped forward hurriedly, accepting the bottle with the utmost care, as if it were a delicate treasure made of glass.


    ¡°I¡¯ve discussed this with Nicolas,¡± he said as he carefully placed the bottle into a padded wooden box. ¡°We¡¯ve agreed: if the Philosopher¡¯s Stone remains intact after use, it will belong to you."


    ¡°If it is damaged... I promise to grant you anything you ask, even the entire contents of my private vault at Gringotts.¡±


    Kyle waved his hand dismissively. ¡°That won¡¯t be necessary, Professor.¡±


    He couldn¡¯t quite make sense of what had been happening lately. Just a few days ago, Sirius had offered him a shop worth nearly ten thousand Galleons. Now Dumbledore was going a step further, offering him the entirety of his Gringotts vault.


    It was a bit overwhelming.


    Of course, if it came down to it, Kyle would much prefer the Philosopher¡¯s Stone.

 Chapter 539: The Elder Wand and the Diadem

    It was already evening when Kyle emerged from the Headmaster''s Office.


    This delay was mainly because Dumbledore had departed immediately after obtaining the Nirvana''s ashes. According to Nicolas, the Headmaster needed to prepare additional materials for creating the Philosopher''s Stone. Nicolas himself had to leave as well.


    At his request, Kyle accompanied him to the highest point of the school¡ªthe Astronomy Tower. Nicolas walked slowly, and Kyle matched his pace, strolling leisurely alongside him.


    Occasionally, they encountered one or two Gryffindor students in the corridors. The students eyed Kyle curiously, asking what he was doing and why he was moving so slowly, seemingly oblivious to Nicolas beside him.


    ¡°A little ruse,¡± Nicolas explained with a slight smile. ¡°I¡¯d rather not see my name splashed across tomorrow''s headlines. This spares me a great deal of trouble.¡±


    Kyle nodded in understanding. Nicolas Flamel¡¯s name carried an almost mythical weight, and even a fleeting appearance in public could set the entire magical community abuzz.


    This was precisely why Nicolas rarely left his manor. At most, he would visit his old mansion in France or take discreet vacations to Muggle beaches far removed from wizarding society.


    As they rounded the first corridor, Kyle hesitated before asking, ¡°Nicolas, when you mentioned help earlier... were you referring to the Diadem?¡±


    ¡°I knew you would ask,¡± Nicolas replied. ¡°The soul fragment in the Diadem has been completely eradicated. As I said before, it¡¯s as good as new. I must admit, it¡¯s the most exquisitely alchemized object I¡¯ve ever encountered. Even I find its allure difficult to resist...¡±


    ¡°I thought you might bring the Diadem with you this time,¡± Kyle said suddenly. ¡°After all, we agreed on six months.¡±


    ¡°I intended to bring it,¡± Nicolas replied without missing a beat. ¡°But I overestimated my memory. Can you really expect someone over 600 years old to remember every detail? And Tata, you should have reminded me when we left.¡±


    The small figure trailing behind them¡ªTata¡ªflicked his ears apologetically. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Master. Tata will remember next time.¡±


    Lowering his head, the House-elf continued walking silently. What else could he do? He was just a poor, dutiful servant, resigned to take the blame.


    Kyle shrugged, piecing together the situation. He now understood why Nicolas had come in person. Forgetting the Diadem here was one thing, but if Kyle delivered it to the manor, Nicolas would have no excuse. A true master of cunning, even after six centuries.


    ¡°All right, enough teasing,¡± Nicolas said with a chuckle. ¡°I can give you the Diadem at any time. But I don¡¯t recommend you use it too soon. There¡¯s a reason, and I wonder if you¡¯ve ever heard of the Deathly Hallows.¡±


    ¡°The Deathly Hallows from ?¡± Kyle replied. ¡°I¡¯ve read it. The Elder Wand, the Resurrection Stone, and the Cloak of Invisibility, right?¡±


    ¡°Exactly,¡± Nicolas said slowly, his tone growing serious. ¡°Overwhelming power can be a dangerous thing. It tempts the mind and clouds judgment, as the tale of the three brothers illustrates. Take Antioch Peverell, the first brother who wielded the Elder Wand. With invincible power in his hands, he became arrogant and reckless, ignoring the caution and vigilance that should have guided him. And in the end, he met a swift and tragic demise.¡±


    ¡°And the Diadem is another form of the Elder Wand,¡± Nicolas explained. ¡°The wisdom it bestows is intoxicating, and once removed, it leaves you feeling utterly bereft. Without an exceptionally strong heart, one can never escape that sense of loss¡­ unless one wears it forever or succumbs to its control.¡±


    Kyle remained silent for a long time, digesting Nicolas¡¯s words. Finally, he asked, ¡°Nicolas, even you are affected by the Diadem?¡±


    ¡°Oh, of course not,¡± Nicolas replied with a serene smile. ¡°I have lived through so much, far too much to remember it all. These experiences have reshaped me over time. Now, after six centuries, I can face anything with equanimity.¡±


    As they talked, the two reached the Astronomy Tower. Tata, trailing behind them, quickened his pace and began searching for something at the tower¡¯s peak. After a moment of fumbling, he pressed down firmly with both hands, and an incredible sight unfolded.


    It was as though an enormous invisible cloak had been whisked away, revealing a dirigible hidden beneath it. The airship was massive¡ªalmost as large as the giant squid in the Black Lake. Its main carriage resembled an inverted boat floating on water.


    The sight of such a large dirigible balancing effortlessly atop the small tower seemed almost impossible. But with Nicolas Flamel involved, it suddenly felt entirely plausible.


    ¡°Here you go,¡± Nicolas said, producing a blank sheet of parchment and handing it to Kyle. ¡°If you think of anything, write to me. The owl can locate the manor using this parchment.¡± S§×ar?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°Okay,¡± Kyle replied, accepting it. After a moment of thought, he added, ¡°But do you have more of this parchment? One sheet probably won¡¯t be enough.¡±


    Nicolas raised an eyebrow. ¡°It¡¯s just for letters. You don¡¯t need to write a novel.¡±


    Kyle didn¡¯t elaborate. Instead, he silently opened a small box he had been carrying.


    Nicolas stepped closer instinctively, recognizing the box. It was the same one he had given to Kyle earlier, from which the Diadem had been retrieved. Curiosity flickered across Nicolas¡¯s face¡ªwhat could Kyle have inside now? Another Horcrux, perhaps?


    Kyle opened the box casually, revealing a small, two-handled gold cup and a locket adorned with gleaming precious stones.


    Nicolas¡¯s expression stiffened, his mouth twitching involuntarily. ¡°This can¡¯t be¡­¡±


    ¡°Ah, this is Hufflepuff¡¯s Cup and Slytherin¡¯s Locket,¡± Kyle explained calmly. ¡°They¡¯ve also been turned into Horcruxes. If there¡¯s any of that ancient potion left from last time, could you help cleanse the soul fragments from these as well? After all, they¡¯re relics of the Founders, and it would be a shame for them to remain tainted.¡±


    Nicolas rubbed his eyes, as though the sight might change if he looked again.


    The moment Kyle had opened the box, Nicolas had already known the items were genuine. And precisely because they were genuine, it was almost too much to process.


    Kyle had managed to collect three relics of Hogwarts¡¯ Founders by himself. How in Merlin¡¯s name had he done it?


    And Voldemort¡ªhow had he managed to turn so many of them into Horcruxes?


    First the Diadem, now the Golden Cup and the Locket. If Nicolas didn¡¯t know for certain that Gryffindor¡¯s Sword was safe within the Sorting Hat in the Headmaster¡¯s Office, he might have begun to wonder if it too had been corrupted.


    ¡°I can promise you that,¡± Nicolas said, lifting a finger as he carefully removed the two items from the box. ¡°But you¡¯ll need to be patient for a while. At least until the Philosopher''s Stone is complete¡ªI won¡¯t have much free time until then.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s fine. I¡¯m not in a hurry,¡± Kyle replied. After a brief pause, he added, ¡°But Nicolas, do you know what these two items can do?¡±


    Though the gold cup and locket weren¡¯t as renowned as the Diadem, they were artifacts tied to the Founders, so they surely weren¡¯t mere ornaments.


    ¡°Now that you mention it¡­ I do know a little,¡± Nicolas said thoughtfully. ¡°I¡¯ve encountered them before, once each¡ªabout a hundred years ago for the cup, and three hundred years ago for the locket.¡±


    He gestured to the locket. ¡°The pendant box is a remarkable container. Its contents are impervious to any magical interference, no matter how powerful. And most importantly, it¡¯s extraordinarily durable. Even if you don¡¯t know Parseltongue, you couldn¡¯t destroy the locket using even the most ancient, potent wand.¡±


    Then he pointed to the cup. ¡°The golden cup, on the other hand, can conjure an endless supply of wine. And not just any wine¡ªits taste is unmatched. I drank from it once, and I can still remember the sweetness vividly. For any wizard who enjoys a good drink, it¡¯s a treasure beyond compare.¡±


    ¡°Wait,¡± Kyle interrupted, frowning in confusion. ¡°Wine from a cup? But what about Gamp¡¯s Law of Elemental Transfiguration¡­? Could it be some kind of Permanent Refilling Charm?¡±


    ¡°No, I¡¯m certain it¡¯s not a Refilling Charm, nor is it a Switching Spell,¡± Nicolas replied firmly. ¡°No one has been able to determine where the wine in the cup originates, just as no one can fully explain how Ravenclaw¡¯s Diadem enhances the wearer¡¯s intelligence.¡±


    He smiled faintly, as if recalling an old story. ¡°But it aligns perfectly with Helga Hufflepuff¡¯s character. It¡¯s said that Hufflepuff dedicated her life to brewing enough wine to fill all of Hogwarts. Perhaps it was because the school was full of underage wizards¡ªor perhaps she got tired of Godric Gryffindor constantly stealing drinks¡ªbut in the end, she decided to fill her beloved golden cup instead.¡±

 Chapter 540: Karkaroff’s Reckoning

    ¡°So, the good stuff you mentioned earlier is gone now?¡± Kanna asked curiously over dinner.


    ¡°Not just that,¡± Kyle replied drearily, poking at his plate. ¡°I lost something else too.¡± Sear?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Even though he had already made the decision to give the small bottle of ashes to Dumbledore, Kyle couldn¡¯t shake the lingering sense of loss that surfaced every time he thought about it. Not even the delicious aroma of fried pork chops could lift his mood.


    Kanna seemed to notice his melancholy and quickly changed the subject. ¡°Is Mr. Nicolas Flamel still at the school?¡±


    ¡°No,¡± Kyle said with a shake of his head. ¡°Nicolas doesn¡¯t like crowded places. He¡¯s already gone back.¡±


    ¡°By airship?¡± Kanna asked tentatively, offering Kyle a piece of toast as she spoke.


    ¡°How did you know?¡± Kyle looked at her, surprised. ¡°Did you see it?¡±


    ¡°A lot of people saw it,¡± Kanna said with a small laugh. ¡°There was this massive airship at the Astronomy Tower, and it caused quite a stir. Everyone¡¯s been speculating about it."


    ¡°Some think it¡¯s the school¡¯s secret weapon, while others believe it¡¯s some sort of transportation¡ªlike the Beauxbatons carriages or the Durmstrang ship.¡±


    Kyle shrugged nonchalantly. The appearance of an airship wasn¡¯t too unusual in a world brimming with magic, and no one¡ªexcept Kanna, who knew the truth¡ªwas likely to connect it with the legendary Nicolas Flamel.


    ...


    After that, Dumbledore became entirely consumed by his work, and for two full weeks, Kyle didn¡¯t see him anywhere in the castle.


    This wasn¡¯t surprising, of course. Although Kyle didn¡¯t know exactly how long it took to refine the Philosopher¡¯s Stone, he was certain it wasn¡¯t an easy or quick process.


    By February, Dumbledore still hadn¡¯t returned, but the students didn¡¯t seem to notice. Most of them rarely paid much attention to the headmaster in their day-to-day lives. Professor McGonagall¡¯s absence, on the other hand, would have been a different matter entirely¡ªher missing even a single day would have become immediate gossip throughout the school.


    However, while Dumbledore was away, someone else made sure they were noticed.


    Karkaroff, acting as though he were now the school¡¯s unofficial director, spent his days strolling through the castle, his condescending tone making him impossible to ignore. He criticized everything he saw, sparing neither students nor staff.


    He disapproved of how ¡°undisciplined¡± the students were, scoffing at the laughter and chatter echoing through the corridors during recess¡ªsomething, he claimed, no Durmstrang student would ever dare.


    The professors weren¡¯t exempt either. Kyle had overheard him more than once dismissing Professor Sybill Trelawney as a delusional fraud, mocking Hagrid as nothing more than a ¡°clumsy oaf,¡± and criticizing Sirius Black as biased and far too indulgent toward one particular House, making him unfit to teach.


    Some Hogwarts students, particularly Draco Malfoy, quickly latched onto Karkaroff¡¯s words.


    ¡°Professor Karkaroff and I always think alike,¡± Malfoy declared loudly in the corridor one day. ¡°My father thought about sending me to Durmstrang, but my mother was against it¡ªshe didn¡¯t want me going so far away. Honestly, I think he should have insisted more. At Durmstrang, they have standards. They don¡¯t just let anyone in¡­¡±


    As he spoke, Malfoy made a point of glancing in Hermione¡¯s direction.


    This infuriated Hermione, who wished more than anything that Malfoy could attend Durmstrang as he claimed to want. At least then, half of her school troubles would disappear.


    But Karkaroff¡¯s disruptive presence didn¡¯t stop there.


    One Wednesday afternoon, as Kyle headed through the foyer after classes, he noticed a large crowd gathered near the entrance to the Great Hall. The students stood three layers deep, completely blocking the pathway.


    Curious, Kyle maneuvered his way through the throng to see what was happening.


    Sure enough, Karkaroff was at the center of it all. This time, however, his target wasn¡¯t a student or professor¡ªit was Filch.


    "I¡¯ve told you more than once to control your cat and keep it from running around the castle," Karkaroff said in his usual condescending tone, glaring down at Filch.


    ¡°Mrs. Norris never runs around,¡± Filch retorted with a scowl. ¡°She helps maintain order in the castle and catches students who break the rules.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, perhaps I misheard,¡± Karkaroff drawled mockingly, elongating his words. ¡°Maintaining order? A ? Has Hogwarts really fallen so far that it has to rely on a cat to keep its students in line?¡±


    Beside him, several Durmstrang students burst into laughter, their voices carrying through the foyer.


    ¡°Quiet, don¡¯t be so rude, or people might think everyone at Durmstrang is uncouth,¡± Karkaroff said with feigned chastisement. Then, turning back to Filch, he continued, ¡°I must admit, this is rather... unprecedented. If you don¡¯t mind, I¡¯d be happy to donate a sum of money to hire¡ªoh, I don¡¯t know¡ªa wizard to maintain order here instead.¡±


    Filch¡¯s face flushed red, as bright as a boiled prawn. Karkaroff¡¯s taunts didn¡¯t just demean Mrs. Norris; they also struck a deeply personal blow by implying that Filch, as a Squib, wasn¡¯t capable of doing his job. Trembling with indignation, Filch was at a loss for words.


    The students and staff gathered around looked increasingly indignant.


    For some, Karkaroff mocking Filch and Mrs. Norris might have been amusing¡ªafter all, neither was particularly beloved among the students. But when Karkaroff¡¯s insults extended to Hogwarts itself, his mockery became harder to tolerate.


    Karkaroff, however, seemed entirely unbothered by the crowd¡¯s reactions. Stroking his goatee, he wore an expression of smug satisfaction as the murmurs around him grew louder.


    ¡°What are you all gathered here for?¡±


    Professor McGonagall¡¯s sharp voice cut through the noise as she approached from outside. The crowd parted to let her through.


    ¡°It¡¯s lunchtime. Go to the Great Hall,¡± she said briskly, dismissing the students before turning her stern gaze to Karkaroff. ¡°You needn¡¯t concern yourself with the management of Hogwarts, Professor Karkaroff.¡±


    ¡°Of course, of course,¡± Karkaroff said, his tone dripping with insincerity. ¡°I was merely making a small suggestion. I have no intention of interfering in Hogwarts¡¯ affairs¡ªthat goes without saying."


    ¡°But please understand, Minerva, as a headmaster, I must take responsibility for my students. Poor Krum has been frightened by that cat on several occasions. I can¡¯t help but wonder if this is deliberate¡ªperhaps to affect his state of mind and tip the scales in favor of Champion?¡±


    ¡°We would never resort to such tactics,¡± Professor McGonagall said icily, her lips tightening into a thin line.


    ¡°Don¡¯t get me wrong, I¡¯m not accusing you,¡± Karkaroff replied with a false smile. ¡°Just¡­ speculating.¡±


    A loud voice from the crowd broke the tense silence. ¡°Ho! I¡¯m afraid only would stoop to such despicable tactics!¡±


    The remark drew a burst of laughter from the students gathered around.


    ¡°Of the five judges, you¡¯re the only one¡ªthis old mangy dog¡ªwho deliberately gave the other Champions low scores!¡±


    The insult hit its mark. Karkaroff¡¯s smug composure evaporated, and his face twisted with anger. Whirling around, he shouted at the crowd, ¡°Who said that? Come out here at once! I¡¯ll teach you a lesson¡ªfor Dumbledore!¡±

 Chapter 541: The Star Product of the Weasley Twins

    There was instant silence, and naturally, no one stepped forward. Everyone exchanged glances, feigning innocence.


    ¡°I saw it, Professor Karkaroff,¡± said a Slytherin, pointing in a particular direction. ¡°It was Fred Weasley, he said it.¡±


    ¡°Hey, it¡¯s George! Could you at least get our faces right?¡± Fred retorted with a sneer.


    ¡°So, was that you, Mr. Weasley?¡± Professor McGonagall asked, her tone sharp. sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°Of course not,¡± Fred replied with an exaggerated expression of innocence.


    George chimed in with a nod, ¡°I was in Transfiguration class just a minute ago. I don¡¯t even know what happened.¡±


    ¡°I can confirm that,¡± Professor McGonagall interjected. ¡°They were indeed in my Transfiguration class.¡±


    ¡°Slandering your classmates...¡± Sirius Black strode through the crowd, his voice laced with irritation. ¡°Ten points from Slytherin. And perhaps it was you who said that, Millicent Bulstrode.¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t! I didn¡¯t!¡± Millicent shouted, her face flushed. ¡°You¡¯re making this up!¡±


    ¡°Ah, disrespecting a professor...¡± Sirius raised an eyebrow in mock surprise. ¡°Another ten points from Slytherin.¡±


    Millicent looked ready to explode. She glanced around, hoping for support, but the Slytherins near her edged away.


    They didn¡¯t understand what was happening, yet they stubbornly defended Karkaroff. How did people like that even make it into Slytherin?


    She gritted her teeth.


    ¡°What a brainless idiot,¡± muttered a few Slytherins nearby, casting her disgusted looks before turning away.


    Throughout the ordeal, Professor McGonagall remained silent. However, when Sirius deducted points for the second time, she frowned and said, ¡°You¡¯re deducting too many points, Professor Black.¡±


    ¡°Really? I¡¯ll try to be more restrained next time,¡± Sirius replied with a careless shrug.


    Turning to Filch, Professor McGonagall added, ¡°And Mr. Filch, let Mrs. Norris rest for a few days. I¡¯ve noticed she¡¯s been looking thinner. A little break might do her good.¡±


    Filch, his face turning an alarming shade of purple, glared daggers at Karkaroff. After a long pause, he grunted his reluctant agreement.


    Karkaroff, however, was unbothered. he thought derisively. He said nothing, though. His attention was drawn to the figure limping down the stairs nearby: Professor Moody.


    While Karkaroff could brush off Professor McGonagall and Sirius, he wanted to avoid Moody altogether.


    Just as he began leading his students out of the foyer, a small, round object suddenly flew out of the crowd.


    Karkaroff recognized it instantly. That object had cost him half a month¡¯s worth of meals. Once was bad enough¡ªbut twice? Did they really think he¡¯d let it hit him again?


    With a flick of his wand, he casually deflected it.


    The Dungbomb exploded midair, releasing a foul, brown-green liquid. The stench spread instantly, and everyone nearby scrambled to cover their noses. Even Professor McGonagall pulled out her wand to dispel the smell.


    But before she could act, the liquid began coalescing and shot toward Karkaroff like an arrow.


    Still smug, Karkaroff didn¡¯t react in time. The substance splattered all over him, drenching him completely. Worst of all, he had been smiling.


    So...


    ¡°Ugh...¡± The loud sound of retching echoed through the entrance hall. Karkaroff clutched his mouth with one hand and his stomach with the other as he stumbled out, followed closely by his horrified students.


    The sight sent waves of laughter rippling through the hall.


    ¡°Quiet,¡± Professor McGonagall commanded, though the corners of her mouth twitched in spite of herself.


    She turned to Fred and George, her gaze sharp this time. It was clear they had been the ones to throw the Dungbomb.


    ¡°Two points from Gryffindor,¡± she said sternly. Then, after a moment, she added, ¡°And no more.¡±


    ...


    "That''s a pretty severe punishment," Fred muttered as they entered the Great Hall.


    "But they only took away two points," Kanna said, clearly puzzled. "And Professor McGonagall didn''t even give you detention. That''s already pretty lucky."


    "You don''t understand," George sighed. "Because of those two points, Gryffindor has dropped from third to last place in the house points. And it''s all because of us..."


    Kyle glanced toward the scorekeeping hourglasses in the corner of the Great Hall. Hufflepuff was far in the lead, followed by Ravenclaw.


    However, Gryffindor and Slytherin were trailing significantly behind. Even if their points were combined, they wouldn¡¯t make up half of Ravenclaw¡¯s total.


    And the culprits? None other than Snape and Sirius, who would undoubtedly take gold and silver if there were a competition for house points deductions.


    "So how did you manage to pull it off in the end?" Cedric asked, curious. "Making the Dungbombs work like that?"


    "That''s the genius of Weasleys¡¯ Wizard Wheezes," Fred said with a grin. "We''ve modified the Dungbombs to jump again after exploding."


    "Just like Chocolate Frogs," George added. "We were inspired by sweets."


    "But the drawback is they only jump once and can''t change direction. So if someone dodges it, it''s useless..."


    "But that¡¯s a minor flaw," Fred interjected. "And as you can see, even Durmstrang¡¯s headmaster fell for it. That¡¯s proof of success."


    "We''re planning to sell these special Dungbombs alongside the Skiving Snackboxes as the first products for Weasleys'' Wizard Wheezes," George said.


    "No, they should be the products. Karkaroff¡¯s reaction is the best advertisement."


    "He''s already helped us make them famous..." Fred smirked.


    "And if we get another chance," George said with a mischievous gleam in his eye, "we¡¯ll let him try some Skiving Snackboxes. Every single variety."


    "I¡¯d advise you to tread carefully," Kyle warned, shaking his head. "If there¡¯s a next time, Professor McGonagall won¡¯t let you off so easily. Durmstrang is Hogwarts¡¯ guest, and Karkaroff is a headmaster. They have to show some respect."


    "That¡¯s okay," Fred said confidently. "We¡¯ve already got a plan. We won¡¯t get caught."


    Seeing their smug expressions, Kyle decided not to press the matter. As long as they weren¡¯t caught red-handed, the worst that could happen was suspicion, a few deducted points, or detention.


    Detention, for Fred and George, was hardly a punishment¡ªit was more like a trip home. As for points...well, Gryffindor barely had any left to lose anyway.


    The Great Hall buzzed with lingering excitement over the scene that had unfolded earlier. Even Harry and the others, who normally couldn¡¯t stand Karkaroff¡¯s antics, had to admit that he had done something good this time¡ªgetting Mrs. Norris out of the castle.


    At least, that¡¯s what they thought.


    Harry and Ron had long since lost count of how many times Mrs. Norris had caught them in the act over the years. Every time, Filch would appear out of nowhere to scold them for making noise or dirtying the floors. They lost countless house points this way each term.


    For Harry, the cat was a constant threat during his nighttime excursions. Even the Cloak of Invisibility couldn¡¯t shield him from her keen eyes.


    This had left him with an almost instinctive reaction¡ªevery time he spotted a cat in the corridors, his heart would race, and he¡¯d feel an urge to flee.


    Now, that problem was finally gone.


    Whether it was Harry, Ron, or anyone else, the relief was palpable. No more worrying about Mrs. Norris suddenly materializing when they least expected it. Filch remained a nuisance, but on his own, he was far easier to avoid.


    The festive mood in the Great Hall swelled, as if Christmas had come early.

 Chapter 542: The Second Task

    Time seemed to have sped up after February began. In what felt like the blink of an eye, there was only a week left until February 27th.


    Fred and George were noticeably disappointed. Since the incident in the foyer, Karkaroff had not returned to the castle, robbing them of the opportunity to execute the elaborate "Skiving Snackbox" plan they had spent so much time preparing.


    ¡°The Second Task is in a week. Are you really not going to spend some time studying the stone?¡± Fleur asked, exasperated, as she watched Kyle playing chess with Cedric in the common room.


    She had assumed Kyle was joking about his lack of interest in the stones, but she was now convinced he was serious. Her reasoning was simple: the three stones had been sitting untouched on a cabinet in the common room for over a month. If not for the diligent cleaning by the house-elves, they would have accumulated a thick layer of dust by now.


    To test him, Fleur had once secretly taken the stones during the night, expecting him to notice their absence. But for half a month, Kyle didn¡¯t even seem to realize they were gone, carrying on with his usual routine without the slightest concern.


    It was as if he had seen Merlin himself.


    ¡°Not really,¡± Kyle said casually in response to her question.


    If he had intended to investigate the stones, he would have done so on the day Nicolas Flamel visited. To Flamel, the secret of the stone was as clear as if it were written on its surface¡ªobvious at a glance. Since Kyle hadn¡¯t bothered to ask Flamel then, he saw no reason to waste time on it now.


    ¡°Do whatever you want, but if I have to deal with you again, I¡¯ll be a Leprechaun!¡± Fleur huffed and turned on her heel, dragging Kanna with her as she stormed back to the dormitory.


    ¡°I feel like I¡¯ve heard that before...¡± Kyle mused, shifting in his seat. ¡°It¡¯s like she said that two months ago.¡±


    Cedric shook his head, glancing at the shelf in the lounge where the three untouched stones rested, then said, ¡°Honestly, I thought you were joking too. But you really don¡¯t seem the least bit worried.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s no need to be,¡± Kyle replied with a laugh. ¡°The judges will reveal what they need to during the task. And let¡¯s be real¡ªonly the third task is a true competition. The first two are just warm-ups, giving a slight advantage. That advantage is fixed, whether you score 100 points or 80.¡±


    ¡°While that¡¯s technically true, I think only you could stay so calm,¡± Cedric said with a sigh. ¡°The other day, Fleur was so anxious she was flipping through books in the lounge at one in the morning.¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t notice that.¡±


    ¡°Of course not,¡± Cedric replied. Then, changing the subject, he added, ¡°But have you noticed how much Fleur has changed recently?¡±


    ¡°Changed?¡± Kyle thought for a moment. ¡°No, hasn¡¯t she always been like that?¡±


    ¡°Well, for you, maybe,¡± Cedric said with a shake of his head. ¡°But I remember when she first arrived, she had such an arrogant attitude towards everyone. And now... yesterday, I saw her helping a third-year student correct the hand gestures for the Cheering Charm. That would have been unthinkable three months ago, wouldn¡¯t it?¡±


    ¡°Fleur Delacour? Helping a third-year with a Charm?¡± Kyle asked incredulously. ¡°Are you sure you didn¡¯t see it wrong?¡±


    Since Beauxbatons¡¯ arrival, countless students had approached Fleur under the pretense of asking for help with Charms. Regardless of their gender or age, Fleur usually ignored them outright. Even Cedric had once asked her a casual question about Transfiguration, only to be met with a frosty silence.


    ¡°I felt like she was looking at me as if I were a sprouted potato,¡± Cedric had said at the time.


    It was hard to imagine that such a Fleur would willingly teach someone the hand movements for a Charm. S~ea??h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°Of course I didn¡¯t see it wrong,¡± Cedric said firmly. ¡°She¡¯s the only one at Hogwarts with silver hair.¡±


    ¡°Then she really has changed,¡± Kyle muttered.


    ...


    In the days leading up to the Second Task, the atmosphere in the castle grew increasingly electric. The cheering badges that had been tucked away since the First Task were now being retrieved from suitcases and proudly displayed. For those who had lost their badges or never had one, Sirius offered replacements for free.


    He had made an entire suitcase full of badges and left it by the door of the Defense Against the Dark Arts Class, allowing anyone to help themselves. Initially, he had placed the suitcase inside his office, but after Professor Moody overreacted to the constant knocking on the door¡ªleading to three separate repair incidents¡ªSirius decided to leave it outside instead.


    Fred and George took things to the extreme, pinning nearly half the box of badges onto their robes. They clanked with every step, resembling knights in shining armor.


    With only one day left until the Second Task, the castle was abuzz with anticipation. Cheers echoed through the halls, not just from students but from professors as well. Wherever Kyle went, he heard his name being shouted in support.


    During the second period of Care of Magical Creatures that afternoon, Hagrid approached Kyle with a broad grin and asked in a hushed voice how his preparations were coming along. When Kyle reassured him, Hagrid clapped him on the shoulder with such enthusiasm that Kyle nearly stumbled into the mud.


    "I worried about you before the dragons," Hagrid said, beaming. "But now I know¡ªwhen you set yer mind to somethin¡¯, yeh can do it. I ain''t worried at all. I can feel it¡ªyou¡¯ll succeed!"


    "Thanks, Hagrid," Kyle replied, grinning as he pulled his feet free from the soft mud.


    Sirius was right¡ªHagrid really should have realized how strong he was by now.


    By evening, the excitement in the Hufflepuff common room reached its peak. With two of the three champions staying there, the room was packed with students, snacks, and drinks. As soon as Kyle entered, people began stuffing his pockets with sweets and dried beef, as though afraid he might not eat before the competition and end up starving during the task.


    Despite Fleur being from Beauxbatons, she had been living in the Hufflepuff dormitory for a while, and the students didn¡¯t discriminate. They offered her snacks too¡ªalthough not nearly as many as Kyle received.


    To ensure the champions got enough rest, everyone cleared out of the common room before 9 p.m., retreating to their quarters voluntarily. Soon, only Kyle and Fleur remained in the lounge.


    Fleur was preparing to head back to the Beauxbatons carriage, as Madame Maxime seemed uneasy about her staying in the castle overnight so close to the task. But as Fleur reached the door, she paused and turned back to Kyle.


    "If you don¡¯t feel like sleeping early tonight, go for a walk," she said. "Take those stones with you to the lake. Place them in the water where the moonlight can shine on them... well, that¡¯s about it."


    Kyle blinked, caught off guard by the sudden suggestion. He turned his head to respond, but by the time he looked up, Fleur had already left. All that remained was the closed wooden door swinging gently shut behind her.

 Chapter 543: Wisdom and Judgement

    The next day, morning.


    Kyle had just finished breakfast when Professor McGonagall summoned him. This time, the viewing area for the competition was even closer¡ªdirectly across from the castle gates, encircling Black Lake.


    By 9:50 a.m., just ten minutes before the competition''s start, the seats were already packed with spectators. Despite the biting cold, the crowd seemed unbothered, energetically waving flags and eagerly awaiting the event.


    The five referees were already in place, and after a month''s absence, Dumbledore made his return to Hogwarts. His face looked slightly haggard, as though he hadn''t had much rest, but his eyes remained sharp, and his expression brimmed with excitement.


    As Kyle passed by, he caught Dumbledore cracking a joke to Professor McGonagall, who walked behind him. However, Professor McGonagall was far too tense to laugh. Her gaze was fixed nervously on Black Lake and occasionally darted to Kyle standing beside her.


    As the start time approached, Ludo Bagman stepped forward, raising his wand to his throat. he declared, his voice instantly booming like thunder, echoing across the lake. Sear?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°The Champions have all arrived, and the competition is about to begin. Allow me to explain the rules for the benefit of our audience."


    ¡°This task tests both wisdom and judgment. The Champions will first venture into the Forbidden Forest to locate three keys, then use those keys to rescue their most precious treasures, which are trapped in Black Lake."


    ¡°I''m sure the Champions are already aware of this, so I won¡¯t go into further detail. However, let me remind you of one crucial point: make good use of the stones in your possession. Each stone can be traded with a Centaur in the Forbidden Forest for a clue to a key. Three stones, three keys. Your ability to decipher these clues swiftly will be pivotal to your success.¡±


    He paused, scanning the crowd before turning toward the judges'' table. After receiving an approving nod from Chris, he continued, ¡°There is one more thing. We¡¯ve made some minor adjustments to the scoring criteria for the Second Task, dividing results into broader categories."


    ¡°Firstly, Champions who complete the task within one hour will receive a minimum of eight points."


    ¡°Secondly, those finishing within two hours will earn between five and eight points."


    ¡°And lastly, those who exceed two hours will receive fewer than five points."


    ¡°Time, therefore, is critical. Every decision counts.¡±


    Kyle, Fleur, and Krum listened attentively to Bagman¡¯s explanation. The clock ticked closer to ten.


    Bagman checked his watch and raised his whistle. ¡°All right, when I blow this whistle, you may begin. I¡¯ll count down. One... two... three!¡±


    A sharp whistle pierced the frigid air, immediately followed by thunderous cheers and applause from the stands.


    Without a moment''s hesitation, Kyle sprinted toward the Forbidden Forest.


    Waiting at the forest''s edge were three Centaurs, standing in place as though anticipating their arrival. This spared the Champions from losing precious time. Each competitor instinctively chose the Centaur nearest them.


    By a stroke of fortune¡ªor perhaps coincidence¡ªKyle¡¯s Centaur was Firenze, with whom he was most familiar. They had met not long ago.


    Kyle wasted no time. Handing over a stone, he said, ¡°I need a clue to the key.¡±


    Firenze accepted the stone and began to chant softly, his voice almost melodic. ¡°The thing you seek is hidden in the eyes of the constellation Ophiuchus. When the hour hand ticks ten times and the serpent swims five times, you will see it.¡±


    Kyle furrowed his brow, mulling over the riddle.


    The hour hand likely referred to direction¡ªten o''clock. As for the serpent swimming five times... it must represent the distance.


    ¡°This direction¡­¡±


    Firenze''s calm, resonant voice came again as he pointed his tail diagonally to the side. He lowered his voice deliberately, adding, ¡°Go five miles ahead.¡±


    Kyle was taken aback. He hadn¡¯t expected the Centaur to offer such a direct hint. Once he recovered, he gave a small nod in acknowledgment, but Firenze had already disappeared into the depths of the Forbidden Forest.


    Without dwelling on it, Kyle raised his wand.


    He stood in place, waiting. A few minutes passed, but nothing stirred.


    Kyle quickly deduced the issue. His Summoning Charm wasn¡¯t the problem¡ªhe was certain of that. The likely explanation was that this task either didn¡¯t require Champions to use their flying skills or that the judges had explicitly forbidden Broomsticks to increase the challenge.


    Left with no other choice, Kyle set off running toward the Forbidden Forest.


    The forest was dense, its towering trees forming a canopy that blocked out much of the daylight. The only visible path twisted and turned erratically, making navigation slow and laborious.


    After ten minutes, Kyle stopped abruptly, a frown creasing his brow. Something was off.


    Kyle had ventured into the Forbidden Forest multiple times before, so he was intimately familiar with its usual ambiance. Even near the outskirts, the forest was alive with sounds¡ªchirping insects, rustling leaves, the occasional bird call. But now, apart from his own footsteps, there was nothing.


    This level of silence wasn¡¯t natural.


    He thought back to the clue Firenze had given. Five miles. On paper, it didn¡¯t seem far. Even without a Broomstick, a well-placed Charm could make the journey manageable in about ten minutes.


    But that calculation didn¡¯t apply here. The Forbidden Forest¡¯s dense growth made it impossible to walk in a straight line. Twisting paths and obstacles meant the journey would likely take twice as long¡ªtwenty minutes, at minimum.


    Kyle¡¯s frown deepened as he began to add up the time.


    No matter how he calculated, it seemed impossible to complete the task within an hour. And yet, the judges wouldn¡¯t set an unachievable benchmark arbitrarily.


    Kyle¡¯s mind raced as he recalled Bagman¡¯s earlier words:


    ¡ªthat was solving riddles. But what did mean in this context?


    He walked slowly forward, his thoughts churning. As he mulled over the challenge, Bagman¡¯s amplified voice rang out:


    ¡°Twenty minutes have passed already. Champions must hurry!¡±


    Kyle froze. His eyes widened as realization struck him. Without a moment¡¯s hesitation, he turned and sprinted back the way he had come.


    The real challenge wasn¡¯t about running to fetch the key but about understanding how to save time. If the goal was to finish the task within an hour, the solution had to involve skipping unnecessary steps.


    Kyle concluded. It was a gamble, but one he was willing to take.


    As he raced back, he encountered Fleur heading in the opposite direction. She slowed, her expression puzzled as she watched him run past.


    ¡°Listen...¡± Kyle said urgently, barely slowing his pace. ¡°I don¡¯t think we need to find any keys. It¡¯s a waste of time. There¡¯s no way we can finish in an hour. I¡¯m going straight to the Black Lake.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Fleur stared at him, incredulous. ¡°But the rules say that only by finding the key¡ª¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t forget, we¡¯re wizards,¡± Kyle interrupted.


    Fleur still looked hesitant, her brow furrowed in uncertainty.


    Kyle didn¡¯t press further. After all, his theory was just that¡ªa theory¡ªand there was no guarantee he was right. Without waiting for a response, he sprinted back toward the forest¡¯s edge.


    Ten minutes later, he emerged from the Forbidden Forest, his breathing heavy but his resolve intact.


    ¡°Oh, a Champion has already come out!¡± Bagman¡¯s amplified voice boomed across the arena. ¡°Has he already found the key?¡±


    At the judges¡¯ table, Dumbledore and Chris exchanged subtle smiles, their expressions suggesting approval. In contrast, Karkaroff and Madame Maxime wore distinctly displeased looks.


    Kyle didn¡¯t catch what Bagman said. But seeing the judges¡¯ reactions was all the confirmation he needed. He hadn¡¯t even reached the first key, yet returning halfway had already eaten up thirty minutes. Attempting to locate all three keys would have made completing the task within an hour impossible.


    Without hesitation, Kyle made his way to the edge of the Black Lake.


    There were various methods for navigating underwater. Gillyweed was a popular choice, and Kyle had some on hand. He had purchased it from an herb shop in Diagon Alley and had made sure to take it out of his suitcase the previous evening.


    But Kyle wasn¡¯t planning to use it. Gillyweed¡¯s effects lasted only an hour, and with half of that time already gone, it wasn¡¯t the most efficient option.


    Instead, he pulled out his wand, muttering the incantation for the Bubble-Head Charm. A large, clear bubble enveloped his head, allowing him to breathe freely. Without hesitation, he dove into the icy depths of the Black Lake.


    Although the Bubble-Head Charm wasn¡¯t as agile underwater as Gillyweed, it was still a highly effective choice.


    The stands erupted into loud cheers and applause as Kyle disappeared beneath the water¡¯s surface.


    The spectators didn¡¯t care much about the mechanics of the task. All they knew was that Kyle had surged ahead while Fleur and Krum were still in the Forbidden Forest.

 Chapter 544: Helena Ravenclaw

    Amidst the cheers of the crowd, Kyle dove straight into the lake despite the Bubble-Head Charm encasing him.


    Though the charm allowed him to breathe and move freely underwater, it offered no speed advantage. Without hesitation, Kyle drew his wand and cast a Transfiguration Spell, conjuring a pair of flippers. The added propulsion made swimming significantly faster.


    The Black Lake was vast and seemingly bottomless. As Kyle swam further downstream, the water grew darker and more oppressive. Using the shoreline bleachers as his reference point, he adjusted his course toward the lake¡¯s center.


    Through the shimmering bubbles in front of him, the murky water seemed to pulse with an unsettling hue. Small fish darted around him like silver arrows, their movements sharp and graceful. Yet the scene was far from idyllic. Alongside the fish, shadowy Grindylows lurked in the dark recesses of the lakebed, poised to attack any creature that ventured too close.


    Kyle encountered two of these dark creatures, but he spotted them in time. With a quick flick of his wand, he stunned them before their claws could lash out. A Revulsion Jinx was usually sufficient to repel Grindylows¡ªsimple enough when dealing with one or two. But if they appeared in groups, the situation could quickly spiral into something far more dangerous.


    He pressed onward, mindful of the ticking clock. Only thirty minutes remained, and he needed to locate the correct spot as soon as possible.


    The Grindylows, however, were relentless. More emerged from the shadows or the tangles of underwater plants, each one attempting to hinder his progress. One particularly bold Grindylow lunged at the bubble encasing Kyle¡¯s head. With a Knockback Jinx, Kyle sent it flying out of the water, its flailing form disappearing into the depths.


    Just as he dispatched this latest foe, a voice broke the eerie silence of the Black Lake.


    ¡°You seem to be in a bit of trouble...¡±


    Kyle whipped his head around, his heart racing. A pale, translucent figure floated beside him, its pearly glow dimly illuminating the dark water.


    ¡°Are you... the Grey Lady of Ravenclaw?¡± he asked, his voice muffled by the Bubble-Head Charm.


    He hadn¡¯t expected to encounter a ghost here, let alone the enigmatic Grey Lady of Ravenclaw. Her melancholy expression remained unchanged as she drifted closer, gesturing with a faintly glowing hand.


    ¡°You can go that way,¡± she said, her voice soft but clear.


    Kyle didn¡¯t move immediately, his confusion keeping him rooted in place.


    If it had been any other ghost¡ªwhether the cheerful Fat Friar of Hufflepuff, the ever-dramatic Nearly Headless Nick, the morose Myrtle, or even the mischievous Peeves¡ªhe wouldn¡¯t have hesitated. He knew them well enough; they might plausibly offer assistance, and their motives, while varied, were understandable.


    But the Grey Lady? Kyle couldn¡¯t recall ever speaking to her. Not a single word. She was known for her aloofness, spending her days wandering the castle in silence, distant even from the Ravenclaw students.


    Why would she come to his aid now? It couldn¡¯t possibly be for the glory of Hogwarts¡ªeven Peeves would scoff at such a notion.


    ¡°I overheard you the other day¡­ you and an invisible wizard.¡±


    As if she had sensed Kyle''s hesitation, the Grey Lady spoke again: ¡°I also heard you mentioning my mother''s Diadem¡­ I want to know if what you said is true.¡±


    ¡°Your mother¡­¡± Kyle began uncertainly.


    ¡°Rowena Ravenclaw,¡± the Grey Lady interjected. ¡°I am her daughter, and when I was alive, my name was Helena Ravenclaw.¡±


    At her words, a memory stirred in Kyle¡¯s mind, as if it suddenly clicked into place.


    ¡°Ah, yes,¡± he replied hastily. ¡°I found the Ravenclaw''s Diadem.¡±


    ¡°Can you tell me about it?¡± The Grey Lady¡ªor rather Helena¡ªwhispered. ¡°I heard you mention ¡®repairing¡¯¡­ Is the Diadem broken?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but it¡¯s not something I can explain in just a few words, and¡­¡± Kyle gestured towards the surface of the water. ¡°I might not have any time to spare right now.¡±


    ¡°Then wait until the end of the competition,¡± Helena said. ¡°I¡¯ll be waiting for you at the castle.¡±


    Kyle nodded and swam off in the direction she had indicated.


    Having lost some time during their exchange, Kyle picked up his pace.


    About ten minutes later, intermittent shouting and the pained neighing of an animal reached his ears.


    The water ahead turned murky, and through a tangle of waterweed, Kyle spotted an open area where a group of about a dozen Merpeople wielded spears and ropes. They were chasing a strange creature.


    Its upper body resembled that of a horse, while its lower body was more akin to a fish. Its body was covered in broad-leaved cattail grass that resembled a mane.


    A Kelpie!


    Kyle was momentarily surprised. Did such creatures still exist in the Black Lake at Hogwarts?


    He quickly composed himself. After all, the Black Lake was vast and mysterious, with depths no one had fully explored or charted. It wasn¡¯t unreasonable for a Kelpie to be here.


    The Kelpie before him had likely wandered into the Merpeople''s territory by accident and was now being pursued.


    On its own, a Kelpie might be a formidable foe, but against a coordinated group of armed and skilled Merpeople, it stood no chance.


    Several spears were embedded in the Kelpie¡¯s body, and thick ropes bound its front hooves and tail. Blood flowed freely from its wounds, staining the surrounding water.


    Around the scene, Kyle noticed several unmoving Merpeople, evidence that the Kelpie had fought fiercely before being subdued. It was clear that the Merpeople had suffered heavy losses in the struggle to capture it.


    As Kyle processed the chaotic scene before him, the Merpeople noticed his presence. Several spears immediately turned in his direction, their sharp tips glinting menacingly even in the murky water.


    ¡°Who¡¯s there¡­?¡± a shrill voice demanded. It came from the leading Merperson, whose appearance was far from the serene depictions in the castle¡¯s portraits. His yellow eyes gleamed with suspicion, and his mouth revealed jagged, missing teeth. His iron-colored skin had a rough texture, and his unkempt hair resembled a tangle of waterweed. Around his neck hung a crude necklace of pebbles strung on a thick rope.


    ¡°I¡¯m a student at Hogwarts and one of the Triwizard Tournament champions,¡± Kyle said quickly, keeping his tone calm. ¡°I need to complete the Second Task underwater. Professor Dumbledore should have informed you about it.¡±


    The Merchieftainess¡¯s stern expression softened slightly, and she lowered her spear, though she kept her focus on the captured Kelpie.


    ¡°Wizard,¡± the Merchieftainess said gruffly, ¡°this is not where they are trapped. You need to keep going. Hurry up and go. It¡¯s dangerous here.¡± S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Kyle hesitated. ¡°I think I can help you,¡± he said, swimming a bit closer.


    The Merchieftainess¡¯s eyes narrowed.


    ¡°The Kelpie is going mad,¡± Kyle continued. ¡°If this goes on, even if you manage to kill it, you¡¯ll lose at least half your crew.¡±


    ¡°This is our responsibility, not yours,¡± the Merchieftainess replied curtly.


    ¡°I can help,¡± Kyle repeated firmly. ¡°I¡¯ve seen how Newt Scamander handles Kelpies. You should know who he is.¡±


    He knew from experience that mentioning Newt¡¯s name often worked when dealing with intelligent magical creatures, especially near Hogwarts.


    The effect was immediate.


    ¡°Scamander?¡± The Merchieftainess¡¯s tone shifted, and she turned fully to look at Kyle, her suspicion now mixed with curiosity.


    ¡°He helped us find this habitat,¡± the Merchieftainess said, her voice tinged with respect. ¡°He is a friend to our tribe forever¡­ Do you really know him?¡±


    ¡°Of course,¡± Kyle said without missing a beat. ¡°I visit his family every holiday.¡±


    He swam closer, carefully observing their reactions. This time, the Merpeople didn¡¯t raise their spears or try to chase him away.

 Chapter 545: Kelpie’s Rider

    ¡°We have lost more than ten warriors since it was discovered,¡± the Merchieftainess said, her expression heavy with grief. ¡°If you can help us get rid of this monster, you will also become friends of our tribe.¡±


    ¡°No problem, leave it to me,¡± Kyle replied confidently, swimming towards the Kelpie.


    The Kelpie, under the relentless assaults of the Merpeople, appeared to be on the brink of madness. It thrashed wildly, shaking its body in desperate attempts to escape, transforming into different shapes in an effort to break free from the ropes binding it.


    The Kelpie, much like a Metamorphmagus among Magical Creatures, possessed the ability to morph into various forms. However, the Merpeople had clearly adapted to this tactic, quickly restraining it with new ropes each time it transformed.


    Kyle initially considered calming the Kelpie, but the creature, sensing his approach, immediately lunged to bite. He wasn¡¯t surprised¡ªthis reaction was predictable. Kyle had several strategies in mind, but all required time, and the one-hour deadline loomed closer. He couldn''t afford to waste any more time.


    He opted for the simplest, most direct solution.


    Raising his wand, he conjured a small, golden-red fish made of flames. The water around him began to warm rapidly, causing the Merpeople to scream and scatter in panic. Moments later, Kyle dispelled the fiery fish with another wave of his wand.


    Kyle had mastered the Fiendfyre Curse to a high degree. Though dangerous, he kept the conjured flames minimal to avoid any harm to himself while submerged in the Black Lake. Even at this reduced intensity, the effects were significant.


    The frigid lake water now felt like a soothing hot spring, and more importantly, the Kelpie stopped its struggle. Its eyes, once wild and frenzied, grew calm and lucid as it regarded Kyle.


    ¡°I wish you¡¯d calmed down sooner,¡± Kyle muttered, swimming closer to the creature. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯m here to help... Come with me, and I promise the Merpeople won¡¯t attack you again.¡±


    He began untangling the ropes binding the Kelpie, and once freed, he climbed onto its back. The Kelpie remained placid, showing no signs of resistance.


    Kyle gripped the broad-leaved cattail grass growing from the creature¡¯s body and pointed ahead. ¡°Let¡¯s go. We need to hurry¡ªI¡¯m on a tight schedule.¡±


    The Kelpie, now freed, cast a wary glance at the Merpeople before letting out a hoarse whinny and surging forward with incredible speed.


    Riding the Kelpie felt like being on an underwater broomstick. The current distorted the bubbles rising above Kyle''s head as the creature powered through the water. Grindylows and other aquatic creatures were left far behind, and all Kyle could do was hold on tightly to avoid being thrown off.


    In less than five minutes, he began to hear the faint strains of a song.


    Kyle patted the Kelpie¡¯s side, urging it towards the source of the singing. Soon, he found himself in the heart of the Black Lake, near a towering rock pillar adorned with Merpeople carvings.


    This was clearly the Merpeople¡¯s settlement. Surrounding the pillar were stone huts resembling houses, some with small gardens and even tethered Grindylows as guards.


    As Kyle arrived, Merpeople began to gather, their powerful silver tails slapping the water in a show of strength and warning. They surged towards him, but upon seeing the Kelpie beneath him, their demeanor changed dramatically.


    The once-melodic singing turned into panicked shrieks. The Merpeople scattered, scrambling to arm themselves.


    ¡°Why has this monster returned...!¡±


    ¡°Run! The Merchieftainess has been eaten by it...!¡±


    ¡°Get the weapons, get the weapons...!¡±


    The Merpeople erupted into chaos. As creatures of the water, their deep-seated fear of the Kelpie was evident. Their frantic movements sent ripples and waves across the lake, their voices echoing in shrill panic.


    This unexpected reaction worked in Kyle''s favor. The pandemonium provided a distraction, allowing him to approach a stone statue of a Merperson without needing to explain himself.


    Tied securely to the statue¡¯s tail were three figures.


    On the far left was someone Kyle didn¡¯t recognize, though his attire suggested he was from Durmstrang. Karkaroff hadn¡¯t been seen around the castle recently, and neither had Viktor Krum or most of the Durmstrang students. As such, the boy left little impression on Kyle.


    In the middle was an eight-year-old girl, Gabrielle, Fleur Delacour¡¯s younger sister.


    On the far right was Kanna, who had been absent since Professor McGonagall summoned her the night before.


    All three appeared to be in a deep, enchanted slumber. Their heads drooped back limply, and streams of bubbles escaped steadily from their mouths, keeping them alive underwater.


    What bound them to the statue were three large, interlocking circular locks. The intricate mechanism meant that all three had to be opened simultaneously to release the captives.


    Kyle didn¡¯t have the keys, but he didn¡¯t need them. He had his wand.


    As Kyle raised the hand holding his wand, the Kelpie beneath him suddenly shifted uneasily. It thrashed slightly, as though it recognized the wand¡¯s power and wanted to flee.


    Kyle quickly placed a calming hand on its neck, murmuring soothingly, ¡°Don¡¯t worry... it¡¯s okay...¡±


    Though still a little restless, the Kelpie gradually stilled, its trust in Kyle holding firm.


    Kyle raised his wand again and muttered,


    An invisible force cut cleanly through the water, slicing through all three locks as though they were made of paper. The pieces fell away, and the captives were freed.


    Without hesitation, Kyle hoisted Kanna onto the Kelpie''s back and carefully secured her. He used the same method to retrieve Gabrielle, making sure both girls were safe and stable.


    ¡°Well, that¡¯s that...¡± Kyle muttered to himself.


    Turning back, he saw a large group of Merpeople charging towards them, brandishing spears and other makeshift weapons.


    ...


    Everyone in the stands along the Black Lake''s shore was grumbling.


    An hour ago, they had been full of excitement, anticipating a thrilling Second Task. Instead, they had spent the entire hour shivering in the cold wind, staring at the lake¡¯s still surface with nothing to entertain them.


    ¡°Who on earth came up with this Second Task?¡± Fred muttered, tugging idly on the string of a flag in boredom. ¡°First the Forbidden Forest, now the bottom of a lake¡ªthere¡¯s nothing for us to see!¡±


    ¡°Why can¡¯t Headmaster Dumbledore just move the ceiling of the Great Hall here?¡± George chimed in, exasperated. ¡°That ceiling¡¯s enchanted to show the weather outside, right? Surely it could show what¡¯s happening underwater!¡±


    ¡°Exactly! The headmaster¡¯s really being stingy,¡± Fred sighed. ¡°I¡¯d give anything to know how Kyle¡¯s doing right now.¡±


    ¡°It should be soon,¡± Cedric said, glancing at his watch. ¡°There are only a few minutes left before the hour is up. I believe in Kyle. He¡¯ll definitely finish on time.¡±


    ¡°I believe so too, but still¡­¡± George trailed off mid-sentence, his words catching in his throat.


    Suddenly, he rubbed his eyes in disbelief, staring intently at the lake.


    ¡°By Merlin¡¯s beard,¡± he murmured, ¡°am I seeing this right? Is that¡­ a horse coming out of the Black Lake?¡±


    This wasn¡¯t the edge of the Forbidden Forest¡ªthis was the Black Lake. Yet emerging from the water was, unmistakably, a horse. What made it even stranger was that Kyle was astride its back, looking every bit like a gallant knight. The Kelpie carried him onto the shore with a graceful leap, droplets of water cascading off its powerful frame.


    George¡¯s brain struggled to process what he was seeing, but his body responded instinctively. Along with the crowd around him, he began clapping thunderously.


    ¡°That¡¯s a Kelpie!¡± Cedric exclaimed, excitement lighting up his face. ¡°They¡¯re as fast as Broomsticks underwater! I had no idea there were creatures like that in the Black Lake!¡±


    The stands erupted with cheers and shouts. People jumped to their feet, yelling and applauding, their earlier complaints forgotten. Even the judges joined in, though the sincerity of a few of their claps was questionable.


    On the shore, Kyle dismounted the Kelpie. Just as he stepped onto solid ground, Kanna stirred awake. Blinking a few times as her eyes adjusted to the bright sunlight, she looked up at him.


    ¡°I knew you could do it,¡± she said softly, a faint smile playing on her lips.


    ¡°I¡¯ll admit, you¡¯ve got good instincts,¡± Kyle replied with a grin. ¡°And guess what? We¡¯re the first ones out.¡±


    Kanna¡¯s smile widened, but her expression quickly turned serious. ¡°What about Fleur? Has Gabrielle been rescued? She¡¯s still so young¡­ the professors really shouldn¡¯t have sent her into the lake.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know where Fleur is,¡± Kyle admitted, ¡°but Gabrielle¡¯s fine.¡± sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He leaned to the side, revealing Gabrielle, who lay slumped on the Kelpie¡¯s back. The young girl stirred, coughing up a mouthful of lake water before looking around in a daze. Her wide, confused eyes made it clear she hadn¡¯t yet grasped what had happened.


    At that moment, Kanna noticed something odd beneath her. She glanced down, realizing that she was sitting on what looked like a massive, moving aquatic plant.


    ¡°What¡­ is this?¡± she asked, alarmed.


    Kyle chuckled. ¡°I rescued the Kelpie from the Black Lake,¡± he explained. ¡°In return, it¡¯s happy to give us a ride.¡±

 Chapter 546: Kyle, You Need to Be More Gentlemanly

    Once they reached the shore, Kyle slid off the back of his horse, prompting another round of cheers from the stands. The crowd buzzed with excitement and curiosity, their attention fixed on the Kelpie. Conversations rippled through the audience, marveling at the creature''s rare presence.


    ¡°Oh, he''s so cool, isn''t he?¡± Ron said enviously. ¡°He can actually ride in the water like a knight. If I were him¡­¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t be ridiculous, Ron. You don¡¯t think that¡¯s some kind of docile herbivore, do you?¡± Hermione interrupted, her tone sharp. ¡°The Kelpie is a dangerous carnivorous Magical Creature. Even adult wizards can¡¯t handle it without specialized knowledge.¡±


    ¡°What? It eats meat?¡± Ron grabbed the Omnioculars hanging around his neck and focused on the Kelpie floating on the water. The creature''s two rows of saw-like teeth gleamed ominously.


    ¡°I take back what I just said,¡± Ron muttered, frowning. ¡°There¡¯s no way I¡¯d ride a monster like that.¡±


    Meanwhile, Kyle was helping Kanna and Gabrielle down from the Kelpie. Drawing his wand, he waved it expertly, and their soaked clothes dried instantly.


    ¡°Wait a minute,¡± Kanna said, a sudden thought crossing her mind. ¡°You rescued Gabrielle, but what about Fleur?¡±


    ¡°The Merpeople will inform her,¡± Kyle explained. ¡°In fact, the Second Task is completed when the Champion reaches the tribe. The so-called treasure rescue is mostly ceremonial, and the Merpeople don¡¯t attack. She just needs to surface for it to count as a success.¡±


    ¡°But what if the judges lower her score because of it?¡± Kanna asked, still concerned.


    ¡°They won¡¯t,¡± Kyle assured her, shaking his head. ¡°I¡¯m the one who broke the rules, so I¡¯ll be the one docked points... Besides, Madam Maxime won¡¯t allow that.¡±


    Both Kyle and Kanna glanced toward the judges. The five were deep in discussion, but a moment later, Madam Maxime¡¯s face lit up with a satisfied expression.


    ¡°You see?¡± Kyle whispered. ¡°I told you. They won¡¯t let their academy lose.¡±


    Before they could continue, Madam Pomfrey bustled out of the crowd toward them, fretting as usual. Despite their now-dry clothes, she wrapped each of them in thick blankets and poured a spicy potion down their throats. Kyle felt a wave of warmth rush through his body, followed by a peculiar sensation of steam escaping from his ears.


    ¡°Well done, Kyle. I¡¯m glad you stayed focused,¡± Professor McGonagall said, appearing beside him. She leaned in and added in a quieter voice, ¡°A wizard¡¯s wand is the one thing we must trust above all else.¡± S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°Alright, come this way,¡± she instructed. ¡°You¡¯ll need to wait for all the Champions to finish before the scoring begins.¡±


    ¡°Got it,¡± Kyle replied, following her toward the judges¡¯ area.


    As Kyle climbed the steps, Dumbledore approached, his face alight with a smile. ¡°Excellent judgment and decisive action,¡± he praised. ¡°The scoring isn¡¯t finalized yet, but I can give you a little preview¡­ perhaps it¡¯ll help you pass the time while we wait for the others.¡±


    Dumbledore¡¯s eyes twinkled as he added, ¡°The hour ended just as you reached the steps, meaning you¡¯ve secured the maximum score for this event.¡±


    ¡°Congratulations, my boy,¡± Ludo Bagman chimed in, though his smile seemed somewhat forced. Kyle also noted similar strained expressions on Karkaroff and Madam Maxime.


    Kyle was then seated at the teachers¡¯ table in the front row. Kanna was meant to sit beside him, but before she could, Snape appeared, dragged her away, and shot Kyle a glare that could freeze fire.


    Kyle sighed inwardly.


    Of course, he kept these thoughts to himself, knowing better than to voice them aloud.


    Meanwhile, Madam Maxime had taken Gabrielle.


    "You''re the first to come out."


    As Kyle sat down, Sirius, seated beside him, leaned in with a grin. "I knew you could do it."


    Kyle kept his voice low. "Where are they? What happened to the other two Champions?"


    "They started later than you," Sirius replied. "The girl from Beauxbatons was fine; she began about ten minutes after you. But the one from Durmstrang? He only just got out of the Forbidden Forest five minutes ago."


    Kyle nodded thoughtfully. It seemed the Second Task was drawing to a close.


    The next twenty minutes passed slowly as Kyle sat in the stands. With nothing else to occupy his time, he had little to do but watch the tranquil surface of the lake. He had to admit, whoever had designed this task knew how to keep the audience waiting in suspense. Fortunately, Sirius was nearby, and their occasional conversation made the wait feel less tedious.


    Finally, after what felt like half an hour, ripples appeared on the lake, drawing everyone''s attention. This time, it was Fleur who surfaced. Unlike Kyle, however, she was escorted to the shore by a group of Merpeople, unconscious and visibly worse for wear.


    The judges rushed to her side, with Madam Maxime pulling out a magic wand at least twenty inches long. She gently tapped Fleur¡¯s shoulder with it. The spell caused Fleur to cough up several mouthfuls of lake water before she slowly opened her eyes.


    "Madam Maxime... Gabrielle..." Fleur gasped as soon as she saw her headmistress and the crowd around her. "My Bubble-Head Charm¡ªit was broken by a Grindylow! Gabrielle, she''s still¡ª"


    "I''m fine, sister," Gabrielle¡¯s soft voice reassured her as the young girl stepped forward.


    Fleur froze in surprise before pulling Gabrielle into a tight embrace. "Gabrielle... thank goodness. I thought..."


    Her words faltered, but the relief in her tone was unmistakable.


    A few minutes later, Krum emerged from the lake as well. He had cast a self-transfiguration spell, transforming his upper body into a shark¡¯s head. With a sharp grip, he bit onto the clothes of the Durmstrang boy underwater and flung him unceremoniously onto the shore. His rough handling of the boy resembled someone tossing a Quaffle rather than handling a valued teammate.


    Still, the audience erupted into applause for his dramatic entrance.


    Down by the water''s edge, Dumbledore approached the Merpeople. Speaking in their high-pitched language, he communicated effortlessly with them before turning back to the other judges. "Let''s have a meeting first," he announced, his voice carrying across the crowd.


    The judges gathered in a tight circle to confer. Meanwhile, Madam Pomfrey attended to Krum, treating the scrapes and bruises left by his unconventional method of transportation.


    Taking advantage of the distraction, Fleur broke away from the crowd and made a beeline for Kyle¡¯s section of the stands.


    ¡°I heard everything Gabrielle said...¡± Fleur¡¯s voice trembled with excitement, her breath quick and uneven. ¡°You saved her life again. That¡¯s twice now!¡±


    ¡°Not really,¡± Kyle replied with a modest smile. ¡°Professor Dumbledore wouldn¡¯t have let her be in real danger. The Merpeople would have brought her up even without me.¡±


    ¡°Thank you... she must have been so scared...¡± Fleur continued, seemingly oblivious to his words. Her voice was filled with emotion, and as she spoke, she instinctively leaned closer to him.


    For a split second, Kyle¡¯s mind went blank. It was as if an alarm blared in his head, every nerve on high alert, and the hairs on the back of his neck stood on end. Acting on instinct, he leaned back slightly and hurriedly said, ¡°It¡¯s nothing. I was just worried you might not make it in time, so I brought her up with me.¡±


    Fleur froze mid-motion. Her gaze locked on Kyle, her expression unreadable. Then, carefully, she asked, her tone deliberate, ¡°What do you mean... you thought I might not make it?¡±


    Kyle met her eyes and replied evenly, ¡°The way things turned out¡ªweren¡¯t you brought to shore by the Merpeople? Doesn¡¯t that prove I was right to worry?¡±


    Fleur¡¯s eye twitched, the muscles in her jaw tightening visibly.


    ¡°So, from the beginning, you assumed I wouldn¡¯t be able to complete the Second Task?¡± she said, her voice sharp.


    ¡°Well... not exactly,¡± Kyle said, fumbling slightly. ¡°It was just... in case.¡±


    Fleur sucked in a sharp breath. Without another word, she turned on her heel and stormed off, her long silver hair whipping past Kyle¡¯s face as she left.


    ¡°Hey, you should be more gentlemanly,¡± Sirius interjected, frowning with disapproval. There was a note of exasperation in his voice, almost like he couldn¡¯t believe what he¡¯d just witnessed. ¡°Honestly, is that how you talk to a girl? And she¡¯s such a pretty girl too... You¡¯ve got a sharp head, but why are you such a blockhead when it comes to this?¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t understand,¡± Kyle said, shaking his head.


    Though he wasn¡¯t entirely sure if Fleur had been about to thank him with a kiss on the cheek, he wasn¡¯t willing to take any risks. He cast a quick glance back toward the stands and saw Kanna still engrossed in conversation with Snape. That sight gave him a small sense of relief.


    Sirius, however, didn¡¯t let it drop. ¡°I don¡¯t understand?¡± he said, raising his eyebrows in mock offense. ¡°You¡¯ve got no idea how popular I was when I was at Hogwarts...¡±

 Chapter 547: The Witch Weekly’s Most Charming Smile Award

    Sirius was still rambling about his glory days at Hogwarts, recounting tales Kyle could only half-listen to. Kyle seriously doubted that Madam Rosmerta of The Three Broomsticks would have been the least bit impressed by a first-year Sirius. Luckily, his musings were interrupted by Ludo Bagman''s magically amplified voice echoing across the stands.


    ¡°Ladies and gentlemen, we have reached a decision. The Merchieftainess Murcus has shared with us everything that transpired beneath the lake. Now, we will proceed with scoring the Champions.¡±


    The audience grew silent, leaning in with anticipation.


    Fleur was scored first. Having only managed to complete half the task, she received 25 points¡ªthe minimum score.


    Krum, despite being the last to emerge from the Forbidden Forest, had completed all parts of the task without significant errors and was awarded 40 points.


    Finally, it was Kyle¡¯s turn. He had achieved an impressive 49 points but was docked a single point for technically breaking the rules by bringing Gabrielle out with him. However, the judges announced only the total scores, so no one outside the judging panel knew about the deduction.


    The crowd erupted into applause as Kyle maintained his first-place position, comfortably leading the competition.


    ¡°The third and final task will take place on the evening of June 30th,¡± Bagman declared with enthusiasm. ¡°The Champions will receive details a month in advance, and I can promise you, it will be nothing short of spectacular.¡±


    ...


    After the Second Task, the group returned to the castle for lunch. The wind and chill of the Black Lake had left everyone ravenous, and the House-elves had prepared a feast to match. As the students entered the Great Hall, the once-empty plates filled with an array of delicious dishes.


    Perhaps shaken by the morning¡¯s events, Fleur set aside her usual complaints about the oiliness of the food. Instead, she silently picked up a pork chop and began eating. However, she still refused to speak to Kyle, and for some reason, she made sure to sit Kanna far away from him as well.


    This left two open seats on either side of Kyle, which were quickly claimed by a pair of eager students. The air buzzed with curiosity, and everyone wanted to know what had happened beneath the lake.


    Throughout lunch, Kyle provided a general account of the events, describing the Grindylow lurking in the shadows and the dramatic appearance of the Kelpie. He deliberately left out certain details, but the listeners were captivated regardless.


    The tale of the Merpeople attacking the Kelpie drew particular interest. One student, Mikel, was so enthralled that he failed to notice he was trying to shove a potato up his nostril instead of his mouth.


    However, when the topic turned to the Kelpie, Kyle grew more thoughtful. Concerned for the creature¡¯s safety after its encounter with the Merpeople, he found an excuse to return to the Black Lake once the crowd had dispersed. Quietly, he led the Kelpie to a much safer location¡ªone far from any potential neighbors.


    ...


    As March progressed, the weather began to clear slightly, though the biting cold winds still left hands and faces stinging. Despite the conditions, owls braved the skies, faithfully delivering letters and packages to the castle.


    That day, Kyle entered the Charms classroom to find a group of Ravenclaw girls huddled together, laughing and chatting animatedly. Their laughter grew louder as they noticed Kyle walking in.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± Kyle asked, puzzled by their behavior.


    ¡°Well... you¡¯d better see for yourself,¡± Cho said, struggling to contain her giggles as she handed him a magazine. ¡°Look closely¡ªthere¡¯s a surprise in there.¡±


    ¡°Surprise?¡± Kyle murmured, taking the magazine. He found an empty seat and flipped through its pages while waiting for Professor Flitwick to arrive.


    The cover bore the title . Unlike the fringe publication , this magazine was widely regarded as the second most popular wizarding periodical, surpassed only by .


    About halfway through, Kyle found what Cho had been referring to: a headline that made his stomach drop.


    The article opened dramatically:


    Kyle squinted at the byline. Of course.


    The article continued:


    Kyle blinked in disbelief and read on.


    "


    The embellishments grew increasingly absurd. The article credited him with exposing Gilderoy Lockhart as a fraud, claiming Kyle¡¯s simple question in class had been a cunning act of investigative brilliance.


    Even his brief visit to Lupin¡¯s train compartment last year had been spun into an act of heroism:


    the article gushed.


    By the time Kyle finished reading, he was thoroughly overwhelmed.


    Kyle put the magazine down, resting his forehead in his hand.


    ¡°Oh, so you¡¯re good...¡± Kanna¡¯s teasing voice came from behind him. ¡°And this photo¡ªwow. It¡¯s just as you were riding the Kelpie out of the lake. I hadn¡¯t seen that before.¡±


    With a sharp , Kyle snapped the magazine shut. ¡°It¡¯s nothing,¡± he muttered, rubbing his arms in discomfort.


    Being praised was nice, but this level of exaggeration was something else entirely.


    ¡°You know, this Rita Skeeter just loves to write nonsense,¡± he added, hoping to downplay it.


    ¡°No,¡± Kanna said with a laugh, her eyes twinkling. ¡°These are all things you¡¯ve done. She¡¯s not wrong.¡±


    ¡°But it doesn¡¯t feel like I¡¯ve made such a big contribution to the wizarding world,¡± Kyle said, shrugging. ¡°And I don¡¯t think Dumbledore and Fudge are going to resign just to give me their positions. Seriously, I can¡¯t imagine how busy someone would be if they were both Minister of Magic and Headmaster of Hogwarts. Isn¡¯t it better to stay a student? At least you get to keep your hair.¡±


    Kanna laughed at that, her eyes crinkling into crescent moons. ¡°So you¡¯re saying you don¡¯t want the responsibility, but you don¡¯t mind if she submits this photo for ?¡±


    ¡°What award?¡± Kyle froze, frowning as he quickly flipped back through the magazine.


    Sure enough, at the end of the article, Rita Skeeter had written about the award. The photo accompanying it captured Kyle smiling¡ªa perfectly natural expression for a Champion who had just completed the task first.


    If only he had known this would happen, he would have kept his face entirely neutral the whole time.


    ¡°The ,¡± Kanna repeated, a mischievous grin spreading across her face. ¡°If they put it on the cover, I¡¯ll definitely save that issue.¡±


    ¡°Me too,¡± Cho chimed in with a smirk. ¡°I¡¯ll buy two copies¡ªone to read, and one to save.¡±


    Kyle groaned. ¡°If that happens, I¡¯m going straight to the Ministry of Magic to file a complaint against her.¡± sea??h th§× n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°Against who? Rita Skeeter?¡± Cho asked, tilting her head in confusion.


    ¡°Yes,¡± Kanna whispered conspiratorially. ¡°We have evidence of her breaking the Wizarding Act.¡±


    ¡°I see,¡± Cho said, nodding thoughtfully. ¡°No wonder she went out of her way to praise Kyle like this. Before now, I¡¯ve never seen her write an article full of praise for anyone.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯d rather not have this kind of praise,¡± Kyle said, rubbing his forehead.


    After the debacle with Lockhart, the had become an infamous joke at Hogwarts¡ªat least among students in their third year and above. If Skeeter actually managed to get Kyle¡¯s name associated with the award, he was certain Fred and George would celebrate the occasion by setting off fireworks. They¡¯d probably make it their go-to joke for years to come.


    No. That could not happen.


    Feeling a sense of urgency, Kyle pulled out a piece of parchment and his quill, determined to write to Rita Skeeter and convince her to abandon the idea altogether.

 Chapter 548: Helena and Nearly Headless Nick

    The next day, a Saturday, dawned quietly. Early in the morning, Ratton flew out of Hogwarts clutching Kyle¡¯s letter. Kyle had made it clear in his note that he wanted no part in the and hoped Rita Skeeter would get the message and drop the idea.


    With that task handled, Kyle finished the bread on his plate and decided to head to the library to borrow a few books to pass the time. However, as he reached the staircase, a ghost emerged from the wall directly in front of him.


    "I''ve been waiting for you..." Helena Ravenclaw said, her translucent figure seeming even more ethereal in the morning light. Her tone was calm but carried an undercurrent of expectation. "It¡¯s the weekend, so perhaps you¡¯ll keep your promise."


    Kyle gave himself a light pat on the head.


    "Sorry, I should¡¯ve come to you sooner, Grey... er, Madam Ravenclaw," Kyle stammered, though addressing her that way felt awkward.


    Helena seemed to sense his discomfort. After a moment of silence, she said, "Just call me Helena."


    ¡°Alright,¡± Kyle nodded.


    "Follow me. We¡¯ll need somewhere quiet to talk," she said and glided through the wall into an empty classroom adjacent to the staircase.


    Kyle followed, stepping into the quiet room.


    "Let me think where to start," he mused aloud before deciding, "About fifty years ago, there was a Hogwarts student named Tom Riddle. He managed to obtain Ravenclaw¡¯s Diadem, which had been missing for centuries."


    After he finished, Kyle watched Helena carefully, waiting for her reaction.


    "Tom Riddle..." Helena murmured, her voice almost a whisper. "I know... I told him where the Diadem was. It wasn¡¯t missing¡ªI stole it and hid it in a hollow tree in the Albanian Forest."


    She closed her eyes, her expression heavy with regret. "I don¡¯t know why I told him. That student, Riddle, he... he was very charming. He seemed so understanding, so compassionate... just like you."


    Kyle twitched slightly at the corner of his mouth. he thought, though he kept his expression neutral.


    Helena, oblivious to Kyle¡¯s thoughts, continued. "I¡¯ve observed that you¡¯re quite popular in the castle as well. Every ghost speaks highly of you¡ªeven Peeves, the most mischievous of us."


    "Well... we¡¯re all friends here, and I do my best to get along with them," Kyle replied, trying to steer the conversation back on track. "But where was I? Oh, right¡ªafter Tom Riddle got the Diadem, he made it into a Horcrux."


    At this, Helena¡¯s head shot up, her ethereal features sharpening.


    "A Horcrux... the most evil kind of dark magic... How dare he tarnish Ravenclaw¡¯s Diadem in such a way!"


    For the first time, Kyle saw a ghost express anger so vividly. Helena trembled, her translucent form flickering as though caught in a storm of emotion.


    "Don¡¯t get worked up, Madam Helena. The matter has been resolved," Kyle said quickly, hoping to soothe her. "Do you remember the person I was speaking to the other day? That was Nicolas Flamel, the greatest alchemist in the magical world. A problem like a Horcrux won¡¯t be beyond his capabilities."


    Helena¡¯s anger seemed to ebb slightly at Kyle¡¯s reassurance. She floated back into a calmer posture, her flickering subsiding.


    Kyle proceeded to explain how he had discovered the Diadem Horcrux in the Room of Requirement and entrusted it to Nicolas Flamel for safekeeping and purification. Helena listened intently, her expression grave but composed, and she remained silent throughout his explanation. She neither interrupted nor asked questions.


    After Kyle finished speaking, Helena was silent for a long time, as if lost in thought. When she finally spoke, her voice was small and tremulous.


    ¡°I heard from Sir Nicholas de Mimsy... that you saw my mother,¡± she said hesitantly. ¡°When was that? How was she...?¡±


    Kyle considered her question carefully. ¡°I can only say it was during my third year, though I don¡¯t know the exact date. The Founders were all there,¡± he said, reflecting. ¡°As for Madam Ravenclaw, she seemed well, but... she wasn¡¯t very talkative.¡±


    ¡°My mother was always like that,¡± Helena said, her gaze meeting Kyle¡¯s. Then, after a pause, she added softly, ¡°If... you ever see her again, could you take a message for me?¡±


    ¡°Madam Helena, I would love to,¡± Kyle replied gently, ¡°but it¡¯s nearly impossible.¡±


    He explained briefly about how his previous encounter with the Founders had only been possible due to Salazar Slytherin and a specific set of circumstances. Even if Nicolas Flamel managed to repair the Time-Turner, it could only turn back the clock by a hundred years at most¡ªnot a thousand. And even if it were possible, Kyle knew the risks were far too great. He wasn¡¯t willing to gamble with his life.


    ¡°Perhaps so,¡± Helena said, her tone distant as she seemed lost in her thoughts. ¡°Thank you for making up for my mistake... thank you...¡±


    With that, she floated through the wall and disappeared, leaving Kyle alone in the classroom.


    Kyle turned to leave, intending to head for the library, but he stopped in his tracks when he noticed something strange. Half a head had ¡°grown¡± out of the wall behind him.


    ¡°Sir Nicholas? What are you doing here?¡± Kyle asked, startled.


    Nearly Headless Nick seemed equally flustered. He quickly retracted his head, only to float fully into the room a second later.


    ¡°I just happened to hear¡­¡± Nick began, his tone awkward. It was clear he was trying to come up with an explanation but quickly abandoned the effort. ¡°Oh, young Kyle¡­ Listen, I know the Grey Lady is charming, but she¡¯s not right for you. There are plenty of young ladies in the castle who¡ªwell, who are more¡­ suitable. You should look at them more often.¡±


    Kyle blinked, his expression a mixture of confusion and exasperation. ¡°I think you¡¯ve got the wrong idea,¡± he said flatly.


    Kyle thought, The absurdity of it left him speechless.


    ¡°We were just talking about Lady Rowena Ravenclaw,¡± Kyle clarified. ¡°You¡¯re the one who told her I met the Founders during my third year.¡±


    ¡°Oh¡­ yes¡­ that¡¯s right¡­¡± Nick stammered, his face flushing with embarrassment¡ªif such a thing were possible for a ghost. ¡°I slipped up that day. But you can understand, can¡¯t you? For us ghosts, such things are usually our only source of amusement.¡±


    Kyle shrugged noncommittally, not bothering to argue.


    Nick pressed on. ¡°And I mainly wanted to warn you. The Bloody Baron is... well, the Grey Lady¡¯s, um, crazed suitor. He¡¯s very possessive, and he was just outside with me. But now it seems that warning isn¡¯t necessary.¡±


    Nick floated toward the wall and stuck his head out. ¡°Hey, Baron, did you hear that? They¡¯re¡ª¡± He stopped abruptly, looking confused. ¡°Strange, where is the Baron?¡±


    Kyle decided he¡¯d had enough of the ghost¡¯s incoherent rambling and walked toward the door, ready to leave.


    ¡°Oh, wait!¡± Nick called after him. ¡°I still have something to say.¡±


    Kyle sighed and paused mid-step, turning back. ¡°What now?¡± S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°Actually¡­¡± Nick admitted sheepishly, ¡°I wasn¡¯t just passing by earlier. I was looking for you.¡±


    ¡°You were looking for me? Why?¡± Kyle asked, raising an eyebrow.


    ¡°It¡¯s the Headmaster,¡± Nick said. ¡°I just ran into Albus on the eighth floor while I was practicing my headbutts. He asked me to tell you to come see him in the Headmaster¡¯s Office at your earliest convenience. Oh, and today¡¯s password is Tooth Splintering Strong Mints.¡±


    ¡°Got it,¡± Kyle said, nodding. ¡°Thanks for letting me know.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re welcome,¡± Nick replied. ¡°Always a pleasure!¡±

 Chapter 549: Runes and Magic

    The eighth floor of the castle.


    Kyle had visited the Headmaster''s office many times before. With practiced ease, he located the Gargoyle statue with the water spout and confidently spoke the password.


    The statue sprang aside, revealing the passageway behind it.


    Inside the office, Dumbledore was engrossed in searching the bookshelf. At the sound of the door opening, he turned his head, his expression brightening.


    ¡°I do hope my invitation didn¡¯t disturb you,¡± he said warmly. ¡°But please, wait a moment¡ªI believe I¡¯m about to find it... Ah, here it is.¡±


    He pulled a slim booklet from the shelf, his eyes twinkling. ¡°I think it¡¯s time we honored our previous agreement,¡± he said with a smile. ¡°Remember? Back in the cave, I promised to teach you a spell.¡±


    ¡°Of course, I haven¡¯t forgotten.¡± Kyle¡¯s excitement was palpable, though it was quickly followed by a tinge of doubt. ¡°But, Professor, do you have time now? I mean... the Philosopher¡¯s Stone.¡±


    ¡°Creating the Philosopher¡¯s Stone is destined to be a long process, Kyle,¡± Dumbledore explained patiently. ¡°After the preparations are complete, there¡¯s little more we can do but wait. All we can do now is remain patient."


    ¡°This period, however, is an excellent opportunity for me to fulfill my promise. I had intended to teach you at the beginning of the school year, but I kept postponing it. I imagine you must have grown quite impatient.¡±


    Kyle didn¡¯t reply but gave a small nod, which Dumbledore took as agreement. Truthfully, Kyle been impatient, though he¡¯d hesitated to bring it up. Dumbledore had always seemed preoccupied, especially after Nicolas Flamel¡¯s visit.


    ¡°Forgive my curiosity, but why do you wish to learn the Firestorm Charm? Oh¡ªwell, that is its name,¡± Dumbledore said, studying Kyle closely. ¡°To explore the mysteries of magic? Or to pursue powerful magic?¡±


    ¡°Both,¡± Kyle answered after a thoughtful pause. ¡°But mostly because I¡¯m curious and... I enjoy it.¡± S§×arch* The n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°Oh?¡± Dumbledore¡¯s expression shifted subtly.


    ¡°To be honest, I don¡¯t particularly lack powerful Charms,¡± Kyle continued, settling into the chair across from Dumbledore. ¡°Take the Fiendfyre Curse, for instance.¡±


    The room filled with startled murmurs as the portraits of former Headmasters reacted. The clattering of frames echoed as they abandoned their feigned slumber, clustering in the largest portrait to whisper among themselves.


    But Dumbledore remained unruffled, as though Kyle had said nothing out of the ordinary.


    ¡°Although this may sound arrogant...¡± Kyle went on, unfazed by the commotion, ¡°I believe I¡¯ve already mastered and used this Charm. In terms of sheer power and destructive force, there aren¡¯t many Charms that compare to Fiendfyre.¡±


    ¡°Indeed,¡± Dumbledore agreed calmly. Fiendfyre wasn¡¯t listed among the Unforgivable Curses solely because it had a counter-spell, , not because it lacked potency.


    ¡°I thought you might say it was for self-protection,¡± Dumbledore remarked.


    ¡°That¡¯s part of it,¡± Kyle admitted. ¡°But it¡¯s certainly not for everyday use. What I¡¯ve learned from the professors suffices for most situations.¡±


    Kyle¡¯s thoughts drifted. ¡°For example, in my first year, Oren advised me always to carry a Broomstick¡ªan incredibly practical means of self-defense."


    ¡°In my second year, Quirrell demonstrated the Fiendfyre Curse in front of me, and that¡¯s how I learned it."


    ¡°In third year, Lockhart, though not the most reliable, gave me his notes on Memory Charms. That¡¯s actually a very powerful tool¡ªit can completely remove someone¡¯s resistance."


    ¡°The best part is, it¡¯s fully compliant with Wizarding law. As long as you don¡¯t misuse it, like stealing memories the way Lockhart did, there¡¯s no legal issue."


    ¡°In fourth year, Lupin... well...¡± Kyle trailed off, searching his memory. The only thing Lupin had formally taught him was the Patronus Charm, which he¡¯d already mastered before the term began.


    ¡°Well, he taught me how to identify a Werewolf,¡± Kyle said vaguely, shifting slightly in his seat.


    ¡°And Professor Moody in fifth year...¡±


    Kyle faltered again. The Shield Charm came to mind, but he¡¯d learned that long before Moody¡¯s lessons.


    At that moment, Kyle realized something was amiss. Why was it that all the significant lessons he mentioned came from those unorthodox professors, while the contributions of the orthodox professors seemed negligible?


    This didn¡¯t sit right...


    Dumbledore appeared to notice Kyle¡¯s skeptical expression. He shook his head with a small, knowing smile, an inexplicable sense of relief crossing his features. While the Defence Against the Dark Arts professors he had hired each came with their unique quirks and shortcomings, at least someone¡ªKyle¡ªhad gained something genuinely useful from them. Perhaps, Dumbledore mused, his decisions hadn¡¯t been entirely flawed after all.


    ¡°Every wizard is curious and seeks to explore magic further,¡± Dumbledore said, his tone gentle. ¡°Including myself. It¡¯s only natural.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s good,¡± Kyle replied.


    ¡°Actually, my earlier question was merely out of curiosity,¡± Dumbledore admitted. ¡°No matter your reasons, I will teach you, because I promised... Ah, and this is for you.¡±


    He handed Kyle the booklet he had retrieved. ¡°I wrote this a long time ago. It outlines the fundamental theories you must master to learn the Firestorm Charm.¡±


    Kyle accepted the booklet, his eyes scanning the faded cover:


    ¡°Ancient Runes?¡± Kyle asked, intrigued.


    ¡°To be precise, ,¡± Dumbledore clarified. ¡°It involves inscribing Runes with a wand, using them in place of spells. It is the original form of magic¡ªimmensely powerful but also extraordinarily complex and difficult to control. A single mistake can cause magic to turn against the caster."


    ¡°It was precisely this danger that led the founders¡ªGryffindor, Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff, and Slytherin¡ªto establish Hogwarts. They believed it essential to teach young wizards to use magic safely."


    ¡°Even so, the wizarding population continued to dwindle. It wasn¡¯t until centuries later, thanks to the efforts of some exceptionally forward-thinking wizards, that Runes and symbols were replaced with spells and gestures. This shift made magic more accessible and led to a significant increase in the number of Hogwarts students.¡±


    ¡°Runic Magic...¡± Kyle murmured, a thread of unease weaving through his thoughts. He¡¯d long suspected that even with the Time-Turner allowing contact with people from a thousand years ago, such actions bordered on suicidal.


    ¡°So, Professor,¡± Kyle asked curiously, ¡°how many students were at Hogwarts a thousand years ago?¡±


    Dumbledore paused thoughtfully. ¡°According to the records in the Book of Admission, the number ranged from as few as twenty to no more than fifty.¡±


    Kyle blinked. ¡°One grade?¡±


    ¡°No,¡± Dumbledore replied seriously. ¡°That was the total number of students.¡±


    Kyle¡¯s mind churned at this revelation. Fifty students in the entire school¡ªmeaning ten per house? There wouldn¡¯t have been much need for dividing into grades.


    ¡°However,¡± Dumbledore said, his tone softening, ¡°you need not worry about such dangers here.


    ¡°The first step is to commit the content of this booklet to memory.¡± He tapped the booklet lightly. ¡°Mastering this foundational theory is essential before we can progress to the next stage of learning.¡±


    Kyle flipped through the booklet, noting that it was only five pages long.


    ¡°How about one week?¡± Dumbledore proposed. ¡°I can arrange for most of your professors to waive your homework for that time. If you require more, don¡¯t hesitate to say so.¡±


    Kyle shrugged lightly. ¡°No problem, Professor. One week is plenty.¡±


    ¡°Excellent,¡± Dumbledore said, a note of satisfaction in his voice. ¡°In that case, we¡¯ll hold our lessons every Saturday at 9 a.m. The password to the office will remain the same.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Professor,¡± Kyle replied, his voice tinged with anticipation.


    The prospect of delving into Ancient Runes for the first time excited him. He would have preferred daily lessons, but since Dumbledore had already set the schedule, there was little more he could do.

 Chapter 550: Mr. Diggory Got a Promotion

    ¡°Kyle, what are you reading?¡±


    One morning during breakfast, Cedric couldn¡¯t help but ask, ¡°You¡¯ve been staring at that book for days now.¡± S§×arch* The N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    It wasn¡¯t unusual for Kyle to read during meals, but it was odd to see him so fixated on the same book for several days in a row. The booklet only had a few pages; how much time could it possibly require? Even more unusually, Kyle hadn¡¯t played wizard chess in days, and wherever he went, the booklet was always in his hands.


    ¡°What did you say?¡± Kyle asked, looking up as though coming out of a trance.


    ¡°I said, what are you reading?¡± Cedric repeated.


    ¡°Oh, Professor Dumbledore gave it to me,¡± Kyle replied, rubbing his forehead. He didn¡¯t bother to keep it a secret and pushed the booklet across the table to Cedric. ¡°I thought I could finish it in a few days, but this is a lot harder than I expected. Looks like it¡¯ll take me the whole week.¡±


    ¡°Just a few parchments, and it takes that long to learn? What¡¯s written on it?¡± Cedric leaned in curiously.


    As his eyes fell on the pages, Cedric fell silent.


    There wasn¡¯t much text on the parchment; the majority of it was taken up by dazzlingly intricate runes and symbols that seemed to twist and shimmer unnervingly.


    ¡°Are you learning Ancient Runes from Professor Dumbledore?¡± Kanna asked from nearby, her curiosity piqued.


    ¡°You could say that,¡± Kyle replied. He took a quick bite of fried egg and ham, washing it down with a large gulp of pumpkin juice before continuing. ¡°What he¡¯s teaching me is a bit complicated. I have to master this part first.¡±


    ¡°This is the simplest part?¡± Cedric murmured, frowning as he studied the booklet. ¡°These symbols¡­ That¡¯s the ¡®Extend¡¯ Rune, and here¡¯s ¡®Additive¡¯ and ¡®Light.¡¯ Are you trying to make some kind of high-end magical item?¡±


    ¡°No, it¡¯s for a Charm,¡± Kyle explained. ¡°Professor Dumbledore invented it. It¡¯s very powerful but extremely difficult to learn.¡±


    ¡°Oh, I see,¡± Cedric said, suddenly clapping his hands together in understanding. ¡°You must be preparing for the third task so that you can¡ª¡±


    Cedric abruptly stopped mid-sentence, glancing awkwardly toward Fleur, who sat not far away.


    ¡°I know what you¡¯re thinking,¡± Fleur said calmly, scooping fresh vegetables onto her plate. ¡°There¡¯s no need to be surprised, and certainly no need to feel as though you¡¯ve let the cat out of the bag. Before the third task begins, all Champions are the same."


    ¡°In fact, Madame Maxime has been teaching me Charms lately that would never appear in a typical textbook.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ve been learning too?¡± Cedric blurted out, clearly startled. ¡°Then why didn¡¯t you mention it before?¡±


    The moment the words left his mouth, Cedric realized how foolish they sounded. Fleur was the Champion for Beauxbatons; of course, she wouldn¡¯t openly share her preparations with competitors.


    Unsurprisingly, Fleur turned her head toward him, her expression a blend of incredulity and mild amusement. She looked at him as if he were a particularly daft sea cucumber that had somehow wandered onto dry land.


    Cedric blushed deeply and hurriedly explained, ¡°I¡¯m sorry if I gave the wrong impression. What I meant was, why don¡¯t you always read a book like Kyle does?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s because we have other ways of learning,¡± Fleur replied smoothly. ¡°Ways that don¡¯t involve textbooks. The same goes for Krum. Have you noticed anything different about him since he arrived at the castle?¡±


    Cedric furrowed his brow in thought but eventually shook his head. ¡°I don¡¯t think so.¡±


    He hadn¡¯t paid much attention to Krum. The few times he¡¯d seen him in the Great Hall, Krum had been his usual self: eating quietly before leaving without much fanfare.


    ¡°But I¡¯ve seen the Durmstrang headmaster teaching him some strange wand techniques on the deck of their ship,¡± Fleur said knowingly. ¡°He¡¯s certainly not going to let you¡ªor rather Kyle¡ªsee any of it."


    ¡°Krum would prefer that you think he isn¡¯t preparing for the final task at all. With Kyle¡¯s score advantage being so significant, hiding his strategies is the only way Krum stands a chance of winning the championship in the end."


    ¡°The same applies to me. Madam Maxime would never approve of me sharing these things with you.¡±


    ¡°Then why are you telling us so much now?¡± Kyle asked curiously.


    ¡°That¡¯s because you brought it up first,¡± Fleur replied, glancing briefly at the parchment on the table before looking away. ¡°It¡¯s only fair, isn¡¯t it?¡±


    Kyle smiled but said nothing.


    At that moment, the owl post arrived, a flurry of feathers descending into the Great Hall as letters and packages rained down on the students.


    Kyle glanced around and spotted a copy of on a nearby table. After confirming that the grinning face on the cover wasn¡¯t his, he exhaled in relief and reached for the in front of him.


    Although the Second Task of the Triwizard Tournament had taken place some time ago, it still dominated the headlines, with discussions about the events under the lake showing no sign of waning.


    Today¡¯s front page featured a piece on Kelpies. Kyle suspected the creature¡¯s newfound popularity stemmed from his dramatic exit from the lake during the task, which had earned him the highest score.


    The article detailed the growing interest in the dangerous magical creature despite the Ministry¡¯s strict prohibition against keeping them.


    At the bottom of the page was a warning from the Ministry of Magic:


    ¡°Oh, my dad got promoted,¡± Cedric said, noticing the article as well. He smiled. ¡°He mentioned it to me last week, but I thought he was joking. This will mean more work for him, though. I¡¯m not sure if he¡¯ll still have time to go to Austria with me this holiday... We made plans at Christmas.¡±


    ¡°Austria?¡± Kyle asked, curious.


    ¡°Yes,¡± Cedric said. ¡°The last International Confederation of Wizards meeting was held there. I¡¯m interested in visiting the place where it all happened. My dad promised to take me this year.¡±


    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t count on it,¡± Kyle said with a shrug.


    The Beast Division is one of the busiest sections in the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures. With six subdivisions to manage, there¡¯s always a mountain of work. Chris barely got a day off every two weeks when he was there.


    ¡°That¡¯s disappointing,¡± Cedric said, though his expression remained cheerful. A trip to Austria would have been nice, but his father¡¯s promotion was still a source of pride.


    Kyle continued flipping through the newspaper. On the second page, a familiar name caught his eye:

 Chapter 551: The Conclusion of the Barty Crouch Investigation

    Kyle realized it had been over half a year since he¡¯d last thought about that name. Ever since Sirius was acquitted early in the school year, Crouch had faced severe scrutiny for his role in incarcerating Sirius without a trial, throwing him directly into Azkaban.


    At the time, it had seemed reasonable¡ªeven Sirius himself had admitted as much. Kyle recalled that Sirius had even spoken respectfully of Crouch on occasion.


    During Voldemort¡¯s rise to power, Crouch had been a staunch advocate for aggressive, borderline draconian measures. Under his leadership, Aurors were granted unprecedented authority: they could arrest and execute Death Eaters, as well as use Unforgivable Curses. The lack of a trial for Sirius wasn¡¯t unique; several others had met the same fate.


    This policy had its costs, but it also provided a fragile balance that kept the Ministry from being entirely overwhelmed by the Death Eaters. The harsh measures saved lives during the chaos, even if they turned Aurors into something perilously close to the enemies they fought.


    Crouch¡¯s downfall began when his own son, Barty Crouch Jr., was revealed to be a Death Eater. That scandal had paved the way for Fudge¡¯s rise as Minister of Magic.


    Sirius, for his part, held no ill will toward Crouch. His priority had been securing his freedom so he could look after Harry, not pursuing retribution. But the public outcry over Sirius¡¯s case had been relentless, and an investigation into Crouch was inevitable. Accusations of deliberately covering up Peter Pettigrew¡¯s crimes and tarnishing the Ministry¡¯s reputation dragged on for six months.


    Kyle stared at the accompanying photograph in the .


    The once-imposing Barty Crouch looked utterly defeated. His meticulously groomed beard was now scruffy, and his demeanor seemed broken.


    In contrast, Fudge stood beside him in the photo, exuding smug self-satisfaction.


    ¡°He must be thrilled that no one can challenge his position as Minister now...¡± Kyle muttered. sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Still, he wasn¡¯t particularly concerned about Fudge¡¯s political maneuvering. He returned his focus to the article.


    The investigation had uncovered no conclusive evidence linking Crouch to the Death Eaters. Consequently, he retained his position at the Ministry, though not without consequences.


    Crouch was demoted, reassigned from the prestigious Department of International Magical Cooperation to the far less influential Department of Magical Transportation. While not the least significant department¡ªthat dubious honor belonged to the Department of Magical Games and Sports¡ªit was a dramatic step down.


    By comparison, given the choice between the two departments, most would still prefer International Magical Cooperation.


    The fallout wasn¡¯t limited to Crouch. Others implicated during the investigation had also been reassigned, many to the aforementioned Department of Magical Games and Sports.


    Kyle chuckled faintly at the thought.


    Despite the reshuffling, the Ministry seemed intent on downplaying the matter. The story, which under normal circumstances would have been front-page news, was buried in an inconspicuous corner on the back page. Its tone was brief and dismissive, the details scant, and the conclusions almost an afterthought.


    ...


    ¡°It must have been Fudge,¡± Sirius muttered under his breath, leaning close to Kyle during the first Defense Against the Dark Arts class of the morning.


    Professor Moody was apparently on leave due to the Crouch investigation, and in his absence, Sirius had been brought in to teach the fifth years. He had tasked the students with reviewing the Shield Charm while he quietly discussed the newspaper¡¯s contents with Kyle.


    ¡°It¡¯s definitely Fudge,¡± Sirius continued. ¡°The man is obsessed with power. He¡¯s used this whole situation as an opportunity to push Crouch¡¯s supporters out of important positions."


    ¡°Have you noticed? Nearly everyone in the Department of International Magical Cooperation and the Department of Magical Law Enforcement is under investigation. Meanwhile, those in other departments who also supported Crouch haven¡¯t been touched.¡±


    ¡°Need I say more?¡± Kyle replied. ¡°No one else besides the Minister of Magic could have orchestrated something like this, even with legitimate reasons.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t like Fudge,¡± Sirius said, glancing around the classroom and lowering his voice further. ¡°Even though I regained my freedom because of him, I just don¡¯t trust him. He¡¯s far too obsessed with consolidating his power."


    ¡°He¡¯s hinted multiple times that he wants me to give more interviews to , focusing on how I was acquitted.¡±


    ¡°Obviously, he wants to build an image of himself as fair and just,¡± Kyle said. ¡°He led the retrial, and if anyone talks about the retrial, they can¡¯t help but mention him.¡±


    ¡°Exactly,¡± Sirius said, irritation creeping into his voice. ¡°I¡¯ve already given three interviews, but he keeps sending owls asking for more. It¡¯s as if he wants me to cry my story out in every single day.¡±


    ¡°Well, who told you to go and become a tragic hero?¡± Kyle said with a smirk. ¡°Of course, he¡¯s going to use this as a publicity stunt for himself.¡±


    ¡°Who¡¯s to say he isn¡¯t?¡± Sirius shook his head with a frustrated chuckle. ¡°I¡¯ve grown tired of saying the same things over and over, so I started dodging his requests by making excuses. That¡¯s why I came to Hogwarts."


    ¡°I never expected Dumbledore to agree to let me teach here... Honestly, I should thank Fudge again. If he hadn¡¯t been so insistent, I wouldn¡¯t have had this chance to teach Harry directly.¡±


    Kyle watched Sirius, who seemed genuinely happy, and felt unsure how to respond. If anything, it was Dumbledore who should be thanking Fudge the most¡ªfinding a new Defense Against the Dark Arts professor each year had always been a major headache for him. Naturally, when someone volunteered, Dumbledore wouldn¡¯t refuse.


    Sirius, however, didn¡¯t seem concerned with that at all.


    Not wanting to draw too much attention to himself, Sirius moved away to help students who were struggling with the Shield Charm. Some had forgotten the spell after months without practice, so Sirius patiently made the rounds, offering guidance.


    It wasn¡¯t until near the end of the class that Sirius returned to Kyle.


    ¡°I really don¡¯t know what the Ministry will become in the future,¡± he said, gazing out the window. ¡°Fudge¡¯s methods are clever, I¡¯ll admit that, but his character... Never mind. After all, he¡¯s the reason I¡¯m free now.¡±


    Sirius let out a deep sigh. ¡°Still, without Crouch keeping him in check, Fudge no longer has to worry about anyone threatening his position as Minister. Honestly, that¡¯s not a good thing for the Ministry of Magic.¡±


    ¡°Isn¡¯t there still the headmaster?¡± Kanna chimed in from nearby. ¡°People say he trusts Professor Dumbledore a lot. Whenever he encounters a tricky problem, he comes to Hogwarts to ask for advice.¡±


    ¡°Yes... Dumbledore,¡± Sirius said, though his tone was tinged with reluctance.

 Chapter 552: The Senior Undersecretary’s Absurd Proposal

    Moody took longer to return to Hogwarts than anyone had expected¡ªnearly a month. On a Friday night, as everyone was enjoying dinner in the Great Hall, the doors were suddenly flung open. Moody limped in, his face set in a dark scowl.


    Though his usual demeanor was intimidating, tonight it was clear he was in an especially foul mood. His scarred face was drawn taut, and his mismatched eyes¡ªone natural, the other magical¡ªdarted restlessly, scrutinizing every person in the room.


    The oppressive air around him silenced even the boldest students. Those who might have greeted him quickly abandoned the idea, sitting stiffly and avoiding his gaze altogether.


    ¡°Kyle, do you know what¡¯s going on?¡± Cedric whispered from his spot at the Hufflepuff table. ¡°I¡¯ve never seen Professor Moody so angry before.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not sure,¡± Kyle replied, shaking his head. ¡°But I think it might have to do with what¡¯s been happening at the Ministry.¡± S~ea??h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    His eyes flicked to the lying open beside him. The front page featured a bold headline:


    Unlike the brief mention of Bartemius Crouch a month ago, this article about Umbridge dominated the entire front page, detailing her past achievements and contributions to the Ministry. Kyle had skimmed most of it, uninterested, but one detail near the end had caught his attention.


    It mentioned that Umbridge believed Aurors had too much autonomy and suggested banning certain powerful spells, including the Blasting Curse. She had also proposed restructuring the Auror Office, placing it under direct oversight by the Minister¡¯s Office, similar to the Hit Wizards, instead of leaving it under the authority of the Auror Office Head.


    The article indicated that this proposal had been made about two weeks ago and was still under discussion, marked ¡°pending.¡±


    Kyle pieced it together. That was likely why Moody had been away so long¡ªand why he was furious now.


    Aurors and Hit Wizards operated under very different circumstances. Aurors, tasked with capturing dangerous dark wizards, frequently faced life-or-death situations.


    Forbidding them from using powerful spells would put them at even greater risk. Worse, placing their missions under the Minister¡¯s direct control would add bureaucratic delays that could prove fatal in emergencies, where every second counted.


    Though Moody had retired, he would never stand idly by while the Ministry jeopardized the lives of his former colleagues.


    Fudge, the Minister of Magic, had truly overstepped this time. It was baffling that he hadn¡¯t immediately rejected such a reckless proposal. Other countries were working to improve conditions for their Aurors to attract more talent, yet Fudge seemed intent on undermining his own forces.


    Kyle suspected that Fudge¡¯s motives were political¡ªperhaps a desire to consolidate power¡ªbut it was a shortsighted and foolish move. Other nations were undoubtedly watching this debacle unfold.


    Fleur¡¯s soft, derisive laugh drew Kyle¡¯s attention. She had glanced at the and seemed to find the situation amusing¡ªor perhaps absurd. Nothing else in the paper could explain her reaction.


    Meanwhile, at the Slytherin table, Krum wasn¡¯t his usual silent self. He was speaking animatedly in Bulgarian with his Durmstrang companions, a copy of the lying on the table beside him.


    Kyle sighed.


    Still, this wasn¡¯t something he could do anything about. Dumbledore would undoubtedly step in to prevent such a disastrous policy from being enacted.


    Glancing toward the teachers¡¯ table, Kyle saw Dumbledore deep in conversation with Moody. The Headmaster¡¯s expression was grave, underscoring the seriousness of the situation.


    ...


    The next morning, when Kyle arrived on the eighth floor as usual, he found the Headmaster''s Office empty. Dumbledore wasn¡¯t there.


    Kyle thought.


    He had anticipated this possibility, so after waiting for about ten minutes, he decided to leave. It was refreshing to have an occasional day off, and today happened to be Hogsmeade week. After more than a month of drinking pumpkin juice, Kyle was eager to visit The Three Broomsticks and enjoy a chilled Butterbeer.


    As he descended from the eighth floor and reached the foyer, he ran into Sirius and Harry. Judging by their relaxed demeanor, it seemed they were also planning to go out.


    ¡°Kyle?¡± Sirius said, sounding a little surprised. ¡°Don¡¯t you have a class with Professor Dumbledore today?¡±


    Though most students were unaware, the professors knew about Kyle¡¯s private lessons with Dumbledore. Sirius, in particular, had firsthand knowledge¡ªhe once tried to skip a class by heading to the Headmaster''s Office. That attempt lasted a grand total of ten minutes before he gave up and left in frustration.


    Sirius still couldn¡¯t wrap his head around it. The complex formulas in Ancient Runes made his head spin. He hadn¡¯t taken the subject during his time at school, and what little knowledge he¡¯d picked up had long faded during his twelve years away from society.


    ¡°What? Kyle is learning Charms from Professor Dumbledore?¡± Harry asked, clearly surprised and a little envious. This was the first time he¡¯d heard of it.


    That was Dumbledore¡ªthe greatest wizard of the century. Studying under him had to be an incredible opportunity to learn.


    ¡°That''s right,¡± Sirius confirmed, winking conspiratorially. ¡°For the Triwizard Tournament. But¡ª¡± he lowered his voice¡ª¡°remember not to tell anyone else.¡±


    ¡°No problem. I¡¯ll keep it a secret,¡± Harry said, nodding earnestly while trying to suppress his envy. He briefly debated whether to tell Ron and Hermione, but since Sirius had emphasized keeping quiet, he decided to wait. He imagined the stunned expressions on their faces when he revealed this secret closer to the third task.


    Turning to Kyle, Harry asked, ¡°So, have you learned it all by now? I really hope you can win.¡±


    ¡°Learn it all? It¡¯s still early days,¡± Kyle said with a shake of his head. ¡°Professor Dumbledore isn¡¯t at school today, so I¡¯m heading to The Three Broomsticks for a drink. What about you two?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s perfect,¡± Sirius replied with a grin. ¡°We¡¯re heading to Hogsmeade as well. Remus is already there. If you¡¯re free, why don¡¯t you join us?¡±


    ¡°Professor Lupin? Of course,¡± Kyle said, nodding with enthusiasm. It had been quite some time since he last saw Lupin, the former Defense Against the Dark Arts professor.


    As Kyle glanced at Sirius, a curious thought crossed his mind. It seemed fitting. The two were such close friends that they even shared similar roles. Kyle only wondered whether Sirius would manage to leave the position unscathed at the end of the school year, unlike Lupin.


    To be fair, Lupin¡¯s departure had been the most fortunate outcome compared to his predecessors. Though forced to resign after his identity as a werewolf was revealed, he hadn¡¯t faced any significant harm. That alone was more than 99% of the Defense Against the Dark Arts professors could claim.

 Chapter 553: Five Thousand Galleons

    Kyle had expected to find Lupin waiting for them at The Three Broomsticks, but it seemed he¡¯d been mistaken. As they approached the entrance to the pub, Sirius strode right past without even a glance.


    The trio continued down the street, passing the Quill Shop and the Gladrags Wizardwear, before turning onto a familiar path. It wasn¡¯t long before they arrived at their destination: the Shrieking Shack.


    Lupin was standing by the broken fence surrounding the shack, carefully setting the pieces back in place one by one.


    ¡°Professor Lupin!¡± Harry called out, running ahead and waving enthusiastically. ¡°You don¡¯t have to bother with that. The fence was already falling over the first time I came to Hogsmeade, and no one seemed to care.¡±


    Lupin looked up and smiled warmly. ¡°Hello, Harry. It¡¯s wonderful to see you again. But you don¡¯t need to call me ¡®Professor¡¯ anymore. Just Lupin, or like Sirius does¡ªRemus, or even Moony.¡±


    ¡°Okay, Professor Lupin,¡± Harry blurted out without thinking.


    Lupin¡¯s smile froze momentarily. It was clear Harry wouldn¡¯t be able to drop the title so easily. With a resigned sigh, Lupin gave up on correcting him and returned his focus to the fence. sea??h th§× N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Harry hesitated, tempted to point out that no one in Hogsmeade cared about the Shrieking Shack or would ever bother coming here. But before he could say anything, Sirius interrupted with a chuckle.


    ¡°Let him be,¡± Sirius said, shaking his head. ¡°It¡¯s something that needs doing anyway.¡±


    Harry frowned. ¡°What do you mean? Why does Professor Lupin need to fix up the place?¡±


    ¡°Because I bought the Shrieking Shack,¡± Sirius replied, his tone as casual as if he¡¯d just purchased a Butterbeer.


    ¡°What?¡± Harry¡¯s voice rose in surprise.


    ¡°I¡¯ve wanted to buy it since I was at school,¡± Sirius explained. ¡°But back then, I didn¡¯t have the gold. After I graduated, life got... complicated, so I didn¡¯t get around to it until about six months ago.¡±


    ¡°How much did it cost?¡± Harry asked skeptically.


    ¡°To be honest, less than I expected,¡± Sirius said with a shrug. ¡°It¡¯s been abandoned for decades, and the wizarding family that owned it moved to Finland years ago. Lupin and I tracked them down over the Christmas holidays. Turns out, they¡¯d forgotten all about it."


    ¡°When they heard I wanted to buy the place, they gave me a decent discount. I got it for just 5,000 Galleons. Can you believe that? What a bargain!¡±


    Sirius grinned, clearly pleased with his own thriftiness.


    Harry pressed his lips together, struggling to muster any enthusiasm. Sure, he had a fair amount of gold in his vault, but 5,000 Galleons still sounded like a lot. After all, Mr. Weasley¡¯s salary was only 80 Galleons, and the Triwizard Tournament prize had been 1,000 Galleons. That meant Sirius had just casually spent the equivalent of five championship prizes on an abandoned building.


    Kyle, standing beside Harry, nodded thoughtfully before he could respond. ¡°Five thousand Galleons¡ªyou really did get a bargain.¡±


    ¡°Right?¡± Sirius said brightly. ¡°It made the trip worth it.¡±


    ¡°Kyle, why do you think it¡¯s a bargain too?¡± Harry asked, still stunned.


    ¡°It¡¯s obvious,¡± Kyle replied. ¡°Hogsmeade is the only all-wizarding village, so property prices are high¡ªespecially for a place as large as the Shrieking Shack. Not to mention, the land within the fence is included. Otherwise, Lupin wouldn¡¯t be fixing it up.¡±


    Seeing Harry¡¯s skeptical expression, Kyle added, ¡°Let me put it this way: this place is almost ten times the size of a typical shop. To compare, imagine you could buy Honeydukes for 500 Galleons. Would you still think it¡¯s expensive?¡±


    Harry shook his head instinctively. Although he wasn¡¯t entirely convinced the comparison was fair¡ªHoneydukes was a prime location¡ªHogsmeade wasn¡¯t exactly sprawling. On second thought, Kyle¡¯s reasoning seemed plausible.


    ¡°What are you going to do with it?¡± Harry asked Sirius curiously. ¡°Live here? Or open a shop?¡±


    ¡°Oh, that,¡± Sirius said with a shrug. ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t know?¡± Harry repeated, incredulous.


    ¡°Exactly. I just wanted to buy it. Moony thinks it¡¯s a waste, though.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not just me, Padfoot,¡± Lupin interjected, walking over with an exasperated expression. ¡°That¡¯s 5,000 Galleons¡ªenough to support an average wizarding family for ten years. You can¡¯t treat it like a decoration.¡±


    ¡°How about you manage it, then?¡± Sirius suggested with a grin. ¡°I won¡¯t interfere.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ve been over this,¡± Lupin replied, frowning. ¡°I know what you¡¯re trying to do, but it¡¯s unnecessary, Padfoot. I can take care of myself. I¡¯ve been studying Dragons lately, and I¡¯m planning to try for a job at the Dragon Reserve in Romania next year.¡±


    ¡°Of course, I respect your decision completely,¡± Sirius said lightly, though his gaze drifted. ¡°I only bought this place to fulfill an old schoolboy dream. Come on, Harry, let¡¯s go inside and clear out the broken furniture. I¡¯ll get new stuff later. And hey, you can pick a room on the second floor for the holidays.¡±


    ¡°Really? I can?¡± Harry asked, his eyes lighting up. He had never imagined he might one day live in Hogsmeade.


    ¡°Of course you can,¡± Sirius said with a grin.


    Behind them, Lupin rubbed his forehead, his frustration evident. He understood why Sirius had bought the Shrieking Shack, and while the nostalgia was endearing, it still felt like a waste. After all, 12 Grimmauld Place was perfectly fine and, more importantly, secure under the Fidelius Charm.


    At that moment, Kyle turned to Lupin with a question. ¡°Have you really decided to go to Romania?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right,¡± Lupin replied. ¡°I¡¯ve thought about it carefully, and it seems like a good opportunity.¡±


    ¡°Have you considered one thing?¡± Kyle asked, his tone calm but pointed. ¡°If Sirius is trying to play the role of godfather, are you confident leaving Harry entirely in his hands?¡±


    Lupin stopped abruptly. His expression shifted rapidly as the implication sank in.


    How had he not thought of this? Of course, Sirius would take Harry in¡ªthat was never in question. Lupin had always considered it natural. Harry¡¯s aunt and uncle clearly disliked him, and it was far better for him to be with Sirius. Surely, Harry felt the same way.


    But now, Kyle¡¯s words made him pause. The past twelve years hadn¡¯t left Sirius unaffected. He was more impulsive, more prone to emotional decisions, and¡ªLupin had to admit¡ªinclined toward reckless spending. The Shrieking Shack purchase was a prime example, a symptom of Sirius trying to make up for lost time.


    Lupin understood why Sirius acted this way. Twelve years of imprisonment and isolation were bound to leave scars. It was no surprise he wanted to indulge in life¡¯s freedoms now. Normally, Lupin let it go, thinking Sirius would eventually settle down once the novelty wore off.


    But Harry was young, impressionable. What if living with Sirius long-term affected him? Lupin couldn¡¯t ignore the possibility that Harry might pick up some of Sirius¡¯s impulsive habits¡ªhabits that would be far harder to shake once ingrained.


    This left Lupin conflicted. He felt he should stay¡ªnot only to support Sirius but to help guide Harry. Yet his savings from his brief teaching stint were modest. He could manage for a while, but not indefinitely, and he had no intention of burdening Sirius financially.

 Chapter 554: Cooperation

    Lupin had been seriously considering the opportunity in Romania. A few months ago, he had sent a letter to the Dragon Reserve, candidly including not only his teaching experience at Hogwarts but also his status as a Werewolf. To his surprise, their response had been neither a rejection nor a demand for a reduced salary¡ªa condition he had grown accustomed to. Instead, they offered him an interview.


    The only stipulation was that he needed a recommendation letter from Dumbledore or at least two Hogwarts professors, serving as a testament to his qualifications and character. Lupin understood this request. Compared to the obstacles he had faced in the past, it seemed almost trivial. In fact, it felt like an incredible opportunity. The Dragon Reserve appeared to be one of the few places willing to offer him a fair chance at a normal job.


    Yet, his thoughts kept shifting between the prospect of work and concerns about Harry.


    Kyle, watching Lupin¡¯s inner turmoil play out on his face, finally spoke up. ¡°I have an idea that would let you stay here without worrying about money. Would you like to hear it?¡±


    ¡°You have an idea?¡± Lupin asked, startled. He knew Kyle was clever¡ªit had been Kyle¡¯s ingenuity that helped clear Sirius¡¯s name. Perhaps he truly had a solution.


    ¡°Well, I could lend you some Galleons,¡± Kyle offered.


    Lupin sighed, his initial hope fading. ¡°Lend me Galleons? No, I can¡¯t take money from a student.¡±


    ¡°But you¡¯re not a professor anymore,¡± Kyle pointed out.


    ¡°Still, I really can¡¯t. It¡¯s not just the principle¡ªI wouldn¡¯t be able to pay it back,¡± Lupin said, shaking his head with a bitter smile.


    ¡°That¡¯s not true,¡± Kyle said confidently, gesturing toward the Shrieking Shack. ¡°You already have a solution right in front of you.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Lupin looked at him, confused.


    Kyle pointed to the dilapidated building. ¡°Sirius just said he wants to leave the Shrieking Shack in your hands, right? This is the only wizarding village in the area, and it¡¯s right next to Hogwarts. Any kind of shop here would be profitable.¡±


    Lupin frowned. ¡°But Sirius bought it. If he wants to open a shop, the earnings would be his, and rightly so. I¡¯d be happy to help, but I wouldn¡¯t take a single Knut.¡±


    ¡°What if you went in as a co-owner?¡± Kyle suggested. ¡°I could lend you 2,500 Galleons, and you could give it to Sirius as your share of the investment. That would make it a joint property. I¡¯m sure he wouldn¡¯t say no.¡±


    Lupin looked taken aback. ¡°That¡¯s¡­ true, but wait¡ªhow much did you say?¡±


    ¡°2,500 Galleons,¡± Kyle repeated, puzzled. ¡°Half of 5,000. Isn¡¯t that right?¡±


    ¡°I know the math, but¡­ how on earth do you have that kind of money?¡± Lupin asked, his voice tinged with disbelief.


    ¡°It¡¯s not that much,¡± Kyle said, scratching his head. ¡°I¡¯m not sure exactly how much I have, but it¡¯s definitely enough. We made a lot of money at the Quidditch World Cup, and even after splitting it six ways, I had nearly a thousand Galleons. Add in the Triwizard Tournament prize, and I¡¯ve still got plenty left.¡± Sear?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He paused, thinking aloud. ¡°If I¡¯m short, I could figure something out. Maybe sell some Basilisk skin to Snape, though that¡¯s risky. He knows about the Basilisk, and I doubt he¡¯d pay me fairly. But it wouldn¡¯t matter¡ªI¡¯ll have the championship prize in a few months, so I wouldn¡¯t even need to go that far.¡±


    Lupin, still dazed, tried to process Kyle¡¯s explanation. He had known Kyle was well-off¡ªhe¡¯d seen the boy¡¯s spending habits last year on the train. But two or three thousand Galleons? That was beyond what he had imagined. It wasn¡¯t just a little money¡ªit was a fortune.


    ¡°Kyle, how old are you?¡± Lupin asked absently, his tone tinged with disbelief.


    ¡°Fifteen,¡± Kyle replied. ¡°Just old enough to meet the Age Line for the Goblet of Fire.¡±


    Lupin¡¯s expression grew even more bewildered. Kyle was fifteen and had somehow earned more than two thousand Galleons. At fifteen, Lupin had been preoccupied with helping James and Sirius cover up their rule-breaking antics. The contrast was staggering.


    ¡°But¡­¡± Lupin began, only to be cut off.


    ¡°This is the best solution,¡± Kyle interjected. ¡°It lets you keep an eye on Harry, which I think you want to do. And the 2,500 Galleons aren¡¯t a gift. You¡¯ll have to pay them back. If you¡¯re serious about taking care of Harry, you¡¯ll need to establish yourself with some property.¡±


    Lupin hesitated, frowning as he mulled over the idea. The practicality of it appealed to him, but the thought of taking such a large sum¡ªeven as a loan¡ªmade him uneasy. He stood motionless, lost in thought, until Sirius and Harry emerged from the Shrieking Shack.


    At last, Lupin made up his mind. ¡°Fine. But I will pay you interest. If you refuse, I¡¯d rather not take it at all.¡±


    Kyle grinned. ¡°Why would I refuse money being offered to me? It¡¯s settled, then.¡±


    ¡°Good,¡± Lupin said with a nod, though his expression remained solemn.


    ¡°Wait here,¡± Kyle said. He set down his suitcase, opened it, and stepped inside.


    Lupin instinctively took a step back, the memory of Kyle¡¯s suitcase bringing back a moment of vivid unease. He recalled how, during a full moon last year, Kyle had pulled out Devil¡¯s Snare to subdue him as a Werewolf. The encounter had left him bedridden in the Hospital Wing for days.


    Glancing toward Sirius, Lupin narrowed his eyes accusingly.


    ¡°What¡¯s that look for?¡± Sirius asked, bewildered as he emerged from the Shack. ¡°I haven¡¯t done anything! By the way, where¡¯s Kyle?¡±


    ¡°In the suitcase,¡± Lupin replied irritably. ¡°And don¡¯t make any comments, or I might just hex you for good measure.¡±


    Sirius muttered something under his breath, looking thoroughly confused.


    A few minutes later, Kyle reappeared, carrying a smaller suitcase in one hand and a squirming, squawking Niffler in the other. He wrestled the creature back into the suitcase with considerable difficulty.


    ¡°It¡¯s all here, just as you asked,¡± Kyle said, handing Lupin the smaller suitcase. ¡°Do you want to double-check?¡±


    ¡°No need,¡± Lupin replied, though he couldn¡¯t resist opening the case.


    Inside was a fortune¡ªa suitcase full of golden Galleons, courtesy of an Undetectable Extension Charm. Lupin¡¯s hands trembled as he nearly dropped the case, his doubts dissolving at the sight.


    ¡°You¡¯ve been carrying all this around with you?¡± Lupin asked incredulously. ¡°Why not leave it at Gringotts?¡±


    ¡°Why would I pay Goblins to keep my gold for me?¡± Kyle said matter-of-factly. ¡°They¡¯ve got a dragon guarding hundreds of vaults. I¡¯ve got a dragon guarding one suitcase. Which sounds safer to you?¡±


    He grinned. ¡°The only problem is this little guy.¡± He pointed at the Niffler. ¡°Its pockets are unbelievable. It¡¯s stolen over a thousand Galleons from the dragon¡¯s hoard, one coin at a time. I just happened to catch it red-handed this time.¡±


    ¡°What are you even talking about? And what is ?¡± Sirius asked, stepping closer.


    Lupin took a deep breath, closed the suitcase, and turned toward Sirius. ¡°Follow me. We need to talk.¡±


    ¡°Can¡¯t we talk here? Harry and Kyle aren¡¯t outsiders,¡± Sirius protested.


    ¡°No. Come with me,¡± Lupin insisted, his tone brooking no argument.


    ¡°Fine,¡± Sirius grumbled, trailing behind as Lupin led him back into the Shrieking Shack.

 Chapter 555: Can You Go to Madam Puddifoot’s Tea Shop?

    Harry decided to wait outside the Shrieking Shack for Lupin and Sirius while Kyle collected his suitcase and left. He soon found Kanna and the others at The Three Broomsticks, gathered around a table and drinking Butterbeer.


    ¡°Kyle, your classes finished early today?¡± Kanna asked as he approached.


    ¡°No, Professor Dumbledore¡¯s away from the castle today. I came here with Sirius,¡± Kyle explained.


    ¡°Got it,¡± Kanna replied with a nod. ¡°Want a drink? How about a cold Butterbeer?¡±


    Kyle glanced at the menu and sighed. ¡°Butterbeer costs Sickles¡ªit¡¯s too expensive.¡±


    The table fell silent for a beat. Kyle, the one who had just lent out 2,500 Galleons without hesitation, complaining about Butterbeer prices? Fred, halfway to taking a sip from his mug, froze and blinked at Kyle in disbelief.


    ¡°Ron, where did you get Polyjuice Potion and Kyle¡¯s hair?¡± Fred finally asked, his tone deadpan. S§×ar?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    George chimed in without missing a beat. ¡°If you¡¯re smart, you¡¯ll change back quickly¡ªor find somewhere to hide for two hours. If Kyle finds out, you¡¯ll be dragon dung.¡±


    ¡°Or Chomping Cabbage fertilizer,¡± Fred added. ¡°You know Kyle¡¯s temper.¡±


    Kyle gave them an unimpressed look. ¡°Do I really seem like some kind of murderous Dark Lord to you?¡±


    Fred shook his head, still playing along. ¡°Ron, I have to give you credit. You¡¯re putting on a great act.¡±


    ¡°But you messed up a key detail,¡± George added, smirking. ¡°Kyle doesn¡¯t just about Butterbeer. He drinks it like water. From one glass to the next. Do your research next time.¡±


    Kyle folded his arms, his tone dripping with mock indignation. ¡°And you two need to work on your act. When have I ever poured Butterbeer like that?¡±


    Fred raised an eyebrow. ¡°Not giving up, huh? Fine, Kyle. Tell me¡ªwhat¡¯s growing in the flowerpot in your suitcase?¡±


    ¡°Mandragora,¡± Kyle replied without hesitation.


    The twins froze. George leaned forward, squinting. ¡°Wait a second¡­ Are you Kyle?¡±


    ¡°Obviously,¡± Kyle said, rolling his eyes.


    Fred scratched his head, perplexed. ¡°That doesn¡¯t make any sense. Kyle complaining about Butterbeer prices? That¡¯s like Ron walking into Quality Quidditch Supplies and buying a Firebolt off the shelf.¡±


    Kanna laughed at the back-and-forth. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Kyle. I¡¯ll buy you one,¡± she said, standing up and heading to the bar. She returned a moment later with a frosty Butterbeer in hand.


    ¡°Thanks,¡± Kyle said, shooting a glance at Fred and George. ¡°Unlike some people, who lost a bet ages ago and were supposed to buy me Butterbeer for life. Funny how short memories can be.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s okay,¡± Kanna said with a smile, resting her chin in her hand. ¡°I¡¯ll buy you as many Butterbeers as you want.¡±


    Kyle grinned. ¡°I¡¯ll hold you to that.¡±


    ¡°Mm-hm,¡± Kanna replied cheerfully.


    Fred groaned and put his glass down with a thud. ¡°I¡¯m telling you two¡ªdon¡¯t push it. I feel like I bought fake Butterbeer at The Three Broomsticks. It¡¯s gone sour.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll buy you twenty Butterbeers if it means you¡¯ll finally leave,¡± George muttered. ¡°Then you can head over to Madam Puddifoot¡¯s. That¡¯s more your scene.¡±


    Kyle wrinkled his nose. ¡°Absolutely not. That place is tiny and cramped, and their coffee¡¯s as sweet as treacle. No thanks.¡±


    ¡°Exactly,¡± Kanna agreed with a nod.


    George sighed dramatically and leaned back in his chair, muttering under his breath, ¡°All I wanted was a Pumpkin Fizz. Why is this so hard?¡±


    ...


    By the time they stepped out of The Three Broomsticks, the sun was high in the sky, signaling noon. Fred and George veered off toward Zonko¡¯s Joke Shop for another round of browsing, but Kyle and Kanna had little interest and decided to head straight back to the castle.


    As they walked along the path, Kyle recounted the events that had transpired earlier at the Shrieking Shack.


    ¡°2,500 Galleons? No wonder you suddenly started acting so thrifty,¡± Kanna remarked, shaking her head in mild disbelief.


    ¡°Well, I do still have some,¡± Kyle admitted, grinning. ¡°But they¡¯re stored somewhere¡­ inconveniently safe. It¡¯s a bit of a hassle to retrieve them.¡±


    ¡°Gringotts?¡± Kanna guessed.


    ¡°Nope, in the Niffler¡¯s pocket,¡± Kyle said, laughing. ¡°The little thief runs away from me now like I¡¯m some kind of predator.¡±


    Kanna chuckled at the image.


    ¡°Want me to lend you some?¡± she offered.


    Kyle shook his head. ¡°No need. It¡¯s just a temporary thing. I¡¯ll be fine after the Triwizard Tournament¡ªthe winner gets 1,000 Galleons.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re that confident you¡¯ll win?¡± Kanna raised an eyebrow. ¡°What if you lose to Fleur or Krum?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not happening,¡± Kyle said firmly. ¡°Even if it¡¯s just for the prize money, I¡¯ll win.¡±


    Kanna smirked. ¡°Everyone else is in it for the glory, but you¡¯re here for the gold.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s all the same, isn¡¯t it?¡± Kyle waved her comment away nonchalantly.


    As they passed through the gates and neared the castle, they spotted a familiar figure hurtling toward them with boundless energy.


    ¡°Well done, Kyle!¡± Sirius called out, practically bouncing with joy. ¡°I couldn¡¯t convince Moony to stay here for months, and you managed it in half an hour. I should¡¯ve brought you along sooner!¡±


    ¡°Have you two talked about it already?¡± Kyle asked.


    ¡°Do you even need to ask?¡± Sirius replied, grinning ear to ear. ¡°Of course I said yes! I bought the place for Moony in the first place. He once told me the happiest day of his life was the first time we all transformed into Animagi and joined him at the Shrieking Shack."


    ¡°James and I talked after graduation about how, when we had enough money, we¡¯d buy the Shack, open a shop, and give Moony a job there so he¡¯d have a steady income and a place to live. But¡­¡± Sirius hesitated, his expression shifting to something more somber. ¡°Well, you know what happened after that. None of it worked out. But it¡¯s not too late to make things right.¡±


    Sirius¡¯s mood quickly brightened again. ¡°I¡¯ll head to Gringotts right now and withdraw the money to pay you back!¡± He started toward the gates, only to be stopped by Kyle¡¯s hand on his arm.


    ¡°If you want Lupin to stay, don¡¯t do that,¡± Kyle said, letting go of Sirius¡¯s arm and shaking his head. ¡°Lupin understands your intentions, but he¡¯ll never accept your money as a gift. That¡¯s his bottom line. Think of it as a way to maintain some dignity in front of his friends.¡±


    ¡°But that¡¯s ridiculous!¡± Sirius protested. ¡°Moony knows I don¡¯t care about money. It doesn¡¯t matter to me at all.¡±


    ¡°But it matters to him,¡± Kyle said firmly. ¡°If he finds out you helped pay back the loan, he¡¯ll leave. No question about it.¡±


    Sirius frowned deeply. ¡°That¡¯s so unnecessary.¡±


    ¡°Maybe. But it¡¯s how he feels,¡± Kyle shrugged. ¡°Just trust him to handle it. Do you think he can¡¯t manage?¡±


    ¡°Of course he can,¡± Sirius said, his tone brooking no doubt. ¡°Moony¡¯s the smartest of all of us. He¡¯ll manage just fine.¡±


    ¡°Then leave it at that,¡± Kyle said with a satisfied smile. ¡°Focus on helping him with what he actually needs. Renovating the Shrieking Shack after all these years is no small task.¡±

 Chapter 556: Testing the Waters

    Sirius and Lupin worked quickly, and by the following day, they had already started cleaning up the Shrieking Shack.


    As Kyle had warned, restoring a house that had been abandoned for years was no small task. The place was infested with pests like Doxies and Wood Lice, and Lupin even discovered two Boggarts hiding in the attic.


    Sirius proposed demolishing the entire structure and rebuilding it from scratch, arguing it would be faster. However, Lupin disagreed, insisting that the Shrieking Shack was still structurally sound and it would be wasteful to destroy it. After a lengthy debate, they reached a compromise: they would keep the house intact but clear out everything inside, making the cleanup process more efficient.


    Kyle had visited the Shrieking Shack once before, using the secret passage beneath the Whomping Willow. This time, while Sirius and Lupin busied themselves with the renovation, the noise they made attracted the attention of Hogsmeade''s shopkeepers. Curious about the commotion, many of them gathered to investigate.


    Some, like Mr. Ambrosius Flume and his wife from Honeydukes, even pitched in, helping to clear the yard of weeds and Flesh-Eating Slugs.


    The shopkeepers were generally welcoming, as Hogsmeade was a tight-knit community, and the prospect of reviving the infamous Shrieking Shack intrigued them. Despite its eerie reputation, the Shack¡¯s dilapidated state had begun to tarnish the village¡¯s appearance, and they were glad to see it getting some attention.


    Kyle didn¡¯t stay long, though. Lupin sent him home after about half an hour, assuring him that small tasks like cleaning didn¡¯t require his help. Besides, it wasn¡¯t a designated Hogsmeade visiting day, and if any professors spotted Kyle at The Three Broomsticks having a drink, he might face demerits or even detention. Understanding the risks, Kyle nodded and left without protest.


    As he walked away from Whomping Willow, Kyle thought he spotted Harry, Hermione, and Ron on the school grounds.


    The three seemed to be attempting to remain unseen, as they were draped in Harry''s Cloak of Invisibility. However, their feet were still visible, creating a peculiar sight.


    Realizing they were near the Whomping Willow and likely didn¡¯t want to be noticed, Kyle chose to act as though he hadn¡¯t seen them and continued on his way without a second glance.


    On Monday morning, Dumbledore returned to the castle.


    That same day, the newspaper featured a short, easily overlooked line:


    The words were tiny, wedged between two larger articles, making them hard to notice unless you looked closely.


    Despite this, Professor Moody was livid. During the afternoon''s Defense Against the Dark Arts class, he openly criticized the Ministry, accusing its officials of incompetence. He claimed they were all talk and had no idea about the daily challenges Aurors faced. S§×ar?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°I think the professor is right,¡± Cho said seriously from her seat. ¡°If the Ministry had actually passed that restrictive decree, I would never consider becoming an Auror.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry,¡± Kyle replied with a grin. ¡°If they really passed it, tomorrow we¡¯d probably read about Aurors resigning en masse.¡±


    As he spoke, Kyle slid the Marauder''s Map back into his pocket. Since Professor Moody had been absent for a month, Kyle had brought the map with him before class, just to check something.


    The good news was that Moody''s name still didn¡¯t appear on the map¡ªjust as it hadn¡¯t before.


    Still, to be cautious, Kyle hurried out of the classroom as soon as the lesson ended. Catching up with Professor Moody, who hadn¡¯t gone far, he called out to him.


    ¡°Professor...¡± Kyle began calmly, ¡°didn¡¯t you say you wanted to assess our mastery of the Shield Charm? You didn¡¯t mention it just now¡ªare we covering it in the next class?¡±


    ¡°Shield Charm?¡± Professor Moody turned to look at him, his normal eye narrowing while the magical blue one swiveled to fix on Kyle.


    ¡°I think you must have remembered that wrong,¡± Moody said firmly. ¡°The Shield Charm was part of the first lesson, and I¡¯ve already spent plenty of time teaching it. Whether you¡¯ve learned it or not, I won¡¯t waste any more time on it¡ªit¡¯s pointless.¡±


    ¡°Then I must have remembered incorrectly,¡± Kyle replied, his tone neutral. ¡°Maybe it was Professor Black who mentioned it when he was covering for you last month.¡±


    ¡°If that¡¯s the case, forget about it,¡± Moody said, his gaze shifting briefly to the students passing in the corridor. ¡°At least while I¡¯m teaching, you can be sure I won¡¯t waste time checking your Shield Charm again.¡±


    ¡°I understand, Professor,¡± Kyle said, turning to leave.


    Moody¡¯s magical eye tracked his movements, and a peculiar smile spread across his scarred face¡ªone that was equal parts unsettling and amused.


    ¡°You¡¯re a sharp one, boy,¡± Moody rasped. ¡°Sharper than those bumbling Ministry idiots. Not one of them suspected I might be an impostor¡ªno caution, no vigilance. Pitiful.¡±


    Kyle blinked, feigning confusion. ¡°I don¡¯t understand what you mean, Professor.¡± His tone was measured, but he couldn¡¯t deny that Moody¡¯s words hit uncomfortably close to home.


    Moody, however, seemed entirely uninterested in Kyle¡¯s reaction and continued, ¡°Verification is essential. Everyone knows I only drink from my own flask.¡± He tapped the flask tucked into his pocket. ¡°If someone wanted to impersonate me, all they¡¯d have to do is fill this with Polyjuice Potion and sip it every hour. Simple, isn¡¯t it?¡±


    Kyle remained silent. What was there to say? After all, someone done exactly that.


    ¡°Have you thought about becoming an Auror?¡± Moody asked abruptly.


    ¡°An Auror?¡± Kyle repeated, shaking his head. ¡°Not at the moment, but maybe someday.¡±


    ¡°Well, you should,¡± Moody said, his tone gruff but not unkind. He pointed to his magical eye. ¡°I trust my instincts, and you¡¯re sharp¡ªmore vigilant than most, and that¡¯s what matters most. Vigilance is an Auror¡¯s greatest weapon."


    ¡°And you,¡± Moody added, his voice taking on a rare note of approval, ¡°you¡¯ve got that weapon. Mark my words, boy¡ªyou¡¯ll make a legendary Auror someday, just like your mother.¡±


    ¡°My mother?¡± Kyle paused, caught off guard. Until now, he¡¯d only wanted to escape the conversation as quickly as possible, but Moody¡¯s statement surprised him. ¡°Professor, I think you must be mistaken. My mother isn¡¯t an Auror.¡±


    ¡°Mistaken? No, I¡¯m not,¡± Moody said with a low chuckle. ¡°Diana wasn¡¯t just any Auror¡ªshe was exceptional, one of the best I¡¯ve ever seen. She could¡¯ve taken over the Auror Office one day if she¡¯d stayed.¡±


    Kyle frowned, his surprise giving way to skepticism.


    ¡°But she didn¡¯t stay,¡± Moody continued, his voice carrying a note of regret. ¡°And now, I think she made the right choice. The Ministry today is corrupt¡ªrotten to the core. And Fudge? That man doesn¡¯t care about doing the job well, only about holding on to power.¡±


    Moody¡¯s temper flared again, and without waiting for a response, he turned and began limping down the corridor toward his office, muttering curses under his breath.


    Even as Moody¡¯s uneven steps faded, the echo of his grumbling about the Ministry lingered in the air.

 Chapter 557: Nicolas Flamel’s Letter

    Diana was once an Auror?


    To be honest, this revelation genuinely surprised Kyle. He instinctively doubted Professor Moody¡¯s memory, but after a moment¡¯s reflection, he realized it was plausible.


    Kyle recalled his visit to Diagon Alley the year he received his Hogwarts acceptance letter. The Leaky Cauldron, usually lively and crowded, fell eerily silent the instant Diana walked through the door.


    It was clear that her role as an Unspeakable in the Department of Mysteries couldn¡¯t have caused such a reaction. After all, very few people even knew what that entailed¡ªit was a closely guarded secret.


    ¡°Auror...¡± Kyle murmured, the word lingering on his lips as he turned back toward the classroom door. Without further thought, he walked with Kanna toward the staircase.


    For the next two weeks, Kyle continued his Saturday sessions in the Headmaster''s office, studying under Dumbledore. This arrangement left those in the know envious of his opportunity.


    As Easter approached¡ªthe final extended break before the school year¡¯s end¡ªthe workload for fifth years grew heavier, with the O.W.L. exams looming on the horizon. The professors¡¯ demands escalated, and students were using more parchment in a single day than they had in an entire week earlier in the year.


    Kyle, however, was an exception. His time studying with Dumbledore exempted him from most of his assignments, leaving only his Potions and History of Magic homework to complete. Unsurprisingly, even Dumbledore couldn¡¯t excuse him from Professor Snape¡¯s assignments. As for History of Magic, not even Dumbledore¡¯s influence carried weight with Professor Binns.


    This arrangement saved Kyle considerable time. According to Mikel, Professor McGonagall had been assigning daily scrolls of homework, prompting him to stockpile parchment and ink every trip to Hogsmeade just to keep up.


    The day before the Easter holidays, which fell on a Saturday, anyone outside the castle might have noticed golden-red flashes of light emanating from the windows of the Headmaster''s office.


    Inside, the office was unrecognizable. It had been magically expanded to an immense size, and Dumbledore had somehow conjured a lake as large as the Black Lake within the room. Embers burned on the lake¡¯s surface, and the heat in the room was stifling, akin to standing inside a furnace.


    The portraits of former headmasters had crowded into a single frame depicting a winter scene, as though it might offer them relief¡ªdespite their inability to feel the heat.


    Fawkes, however, was thoroughly enjoying himself. The phoenix perched contentedly, eyes half-closed, occasionally letting out a soft, satisfied trill.


    ¡°Not bad. Even I can¡¯t find fault with it,¡± Dumbledore remarked, his eyes twinkling as he observed Kyle, who sat slumped in a chair, panting heavily.


    With a wave of his wand, the lake vanished, and the office reverted to its usual form.


    ¡°Here, have some. You¡¯ll like it.¡±


    A cup of steaming hot cocoa appeared on a nearby table. Kyle reached for it eagerly, taking a deep sip.


    ¡°As I was saying, Kyle,¡± Dumbledore said, taking a sip of the tea in front of him, ¡°you have fully mastered this Charm, and there is no need for you to continue practicing it. You don¡¯t need to come see me again until next Saturday, so you¡¯re free to do as you like until then.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡± Kyle nodded, his earlier excitement settling into a more composed demeanor. He reached into his bag, pulling out the book Dumbledore had lent him at the beginning of their sessions. ¡°Professor, can I keep this?¡±


    ¡°If you like it, of course,¡± Dumbledore replied with a warm smile. ¡°To be honest, when it was published, hardly anyone read it... Ancient Runes just didn¡¯t capture most people¡¯s interest.¡±


    ¡°But there are still some people who enjoy it, right?¡± Kyle asked.


    ¡°That¡¯s true,¡± Dumbledore agreed, his eyes twinkling. ¡°Oh, by the way, I have something else to tell you.¡±


    ¡°What is it?¡± Kyle asked, slipping the book back into his pocket.


    ¡°It concerns the Easter holidays.¡± Dumbledore opened a drawer and retrieved a fragment of red stone, holding it out to Kyle.


    ¡°This can¡¯t be Nicolas¡¯s Portkey...¡± Kyle blurted out.


    The fragment looked strikingly familiar. Kyle had one of his own, though his was blue. Nicolas Flamel had given it to him years ago, explaining that it would allow him to return to the library at Flamel¡¯s Paris mansion if he ever needed to. Kyle had never used it, unsure when he might require it.


    ¡°I see you remember, so I won¡¯t elaborate,¡± Dumbledore said with a nod. ¡°Yes, this is a key to the door. Nicolas wrote to me yesterday, saying you might need it... Ah, and here it is now.¡±


    As if on cue, a brown owl appeared outside the window. Dumbledore opened it to let the bird in.


    The owl flew straight to Kyle, dropped a letter into his hand, and then, in a dramatic flourish, shook itself into a pile of feathers before vanishing entirely.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be alarmed,¡± Dumbledore said, noting Kyle¡¯s surprised expression. ¡°Nicolas fashioned this from a single owl feather to ensure no one could trace his address through the owls.¡±


    Kyle nodded in understanding and unfolded the letter.


    ¡°I take back what I said before. You may need to come. A certain Madam seems to want to have a chat with you...¡±


    The letter was brief and unsigned, but it ended with a distinctive crown-like symbol.


    ¡°Looks like you¡¯ve got new business,¡± Dumbledore said with a knowing smile. ¡°Do you need any assistance? I have some free time.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Professor, but I don¡¯t think I need help for now,¡± Kyle replied after a brief pause. ¡°This seems related to something I asked Nicolas to fix earlier, though it appears something has gone a bit wrong.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s unusual¡ªNicolas rarely has issues with his work. Oh... but I think I understand,¡± Dumbledore said, an expression of realization crossing his face. ¡°I was wondering what you planned to do with that locket. Were you considering using a Basilisk fang to destroy it?


    ¡°I remember Nicolas studying Horcruxes extensively. No one knows more about them than he does.¡±


    ¡°Yes, that¡¯s true,¡± Kyle admitted.


    Dumbledore¡¯s assumption wasn¡¯t entirely wrong, but it wasn¡¯t the full picture. Nicolas had indeed reached out because of Horcruxes, but not the locket. Nicolas had mentioned being preoccupied with the Philosopher¡¯s Stone and the Time-Turner, leaving him no time for other matters. The locket should still be untouched.


    The crown symbol on the letter was unmistakable. It clearly referred to Ravenclaw¡¯s Diadem.


    But of course, Dumbledore didn¡¯t know this.


    ¡°Professor, when does this Portkey expire?¡± Kyle asked. S§×arch* The ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°Whenever you use it,¡± Dumbledore replied. ¡°Simply hold it and say the name Nicolas Flamel. However, I suggest leaving tomorrow. The train departs at 9 a.m."


    ¡°Don¡¯t forget, you¡¯re still a Champion. Every move you make is being watched. Leaving early might arouse your guests¡¯ suspicions.¡±


    ¡°Tomorrow it is, then,¡± Kyle agreed.


    He wasn¡¯t eager to leave immediately anyway. Nicolas¡¯s letter had come abruptly, leaving him with too many unanswered questions. He needed time to think.


    A Madam wanted to speak with him. But who could that be? Kyle was certain it wasn¡¯t Nicolas¡¯s wife.


    With the mention of Ravenclaw¡¯s Diadem, a thought crept into his mind. It seemed improbable, even ridiculous, but no other explanation fit.

 Chapter 558: The Magical Diadem

    The next day marked the start of the Easter holiday. Kyle rose early, leaving the common room before most of the castle had stirred.


    His first destination, with the assistance of the Fat Friar, was the castle tower, where he found Helena. Afterward, he made his way to Hogsmeade Station, arriving well before nine o¡¯clock.


    Perhaps due to the Triwizard Tournament, there were hardly any students going home for the break this year. As a result, Kyle found himself the sole occupant of the entire Prefects¡¯ compartment. It was a welcome convenience¡ªno need to search for a quieter spot.


    As the train doors closed and the locomotive began to rumble, Kyle took out the key Dumbledore had entrusted to him. Holding it carefully, he whispered:


    ¡°Nicolas Flamel.¡±


    The sound of the train¡¯s whistle vanished abruptly. When Kyle opened his eyes again, he was no longer aboard the train but standing at the entrance of a grand manor.


    Before him stretched a magnificent gate flanked by two lifelike dragon statues.


    Curious, Kyle approached the statues. He recalled Nicolas mentioning that these creations were among his most satisfying works in recent centuries. Despite their impressive craftsmanship, Kyle didn¡¯t sense anything particularly magical about them. They seemed like ordinary stone statues, albeit intricately inscribed with runes and symbols.


    ¡°Welcome, sir!¡±


    The shrill voice startled Kyle, and he turned to see Tata, a House-elf, bowing deeply to him.


    ¡°My master has instructed Tata to greet you,¡± the elf said, straightening slightly.


    ¡°Thank you,¡± Kyle replied politely, finding himself more at ease with Tata guiding him.


    ¡°It is an honor,¡± Tata said before leading Kyle into the manor.


    The journey took them through the elegant front courtyard, into the grand foyer, and down a lengthy corridor before they stopped at the door of an unassuming room.


    Tata knocked lightly, and the door soon opened.


    Inside, Kyle encountered Nicolas Flamel¡ªnot in person, but through the surface of a large mirror. The image resembled the portraits in the Headmaster¡¯s office, though Nicolas¡¯s figure was much more dynamic.


    ¡°I¡¯m delighted to see you, Kyle,¡± Nicolas said warmly from the mirror, turning slightly as he spoke. ¡°The Philosopher¡¯s Stone is at a critical stage, so I cannot leave my work. Thankfully, I prepared this in advance.¡±


    As Nicolas spoke, the reflection in the mirror leaned forward, poking its head through the glass. A moment later, his entire body passed through the table as if it weren¡¯t there, materializing before Kyle.


    ¡°Another use for the Pensieve,¡± Nicolas explained. ¡°What you¡¯re seeing is a memory.¡±


    Even without the explanation, Kyle could tell this wasn¡¯t the real Nicolas. Apart from his ability to phase through solid objects, his pace was far too brisk for a man of Nicolas¡¯s age.


    While the two spoke, Tata quietly slipped out of the room, shutting the door behind him.


    ¡°You received my letter, didn¡¯t you?¡± Nicolas asked.


    Kyle nodded.


    ¡°Good. Then come here.¡±


    Nicolas led Kyle to a nearby shelf. At its center rested a purple velvet cushion, atop which sat an elegant crown¡ªRavenclaw¡¯s Diadem.


    The once-corroded artifact had been fully restored to its original splendor. The silver gleamed like freshly polished metal, shaped into the form of a raven with wings outstretched. At the center, where the raven¡¯s body would be, was a single, brilliant sapphire.


    The Diadem, now pristine, exuded no discernible magical aura. To Kyle, it seemed like nothing more than a beautifully crafted piece of jewelry.


    ¡°The most perfect alchemy techniques result in almost no loss of magical power,¡± Nicolas sighed. ¡°It took me nearly three hundred years to achieve that.¡±


    He then shifted topics, his expression more thoughtful. ¡°I imagine you¡¯ve guessed who I referred to as the ¡®Madam¡¯ in my letter.¡±


    Kyle hesitated, then nodded. ¡°I have a name in mind... but it¡¯s hard to believe. It feels... incredible.¡±


    ¡°To be honest, I feel the same,¡± Nicolas admitted with a faint smile. ¡°I thought I had seen it all¡ªnothing could surprise me anymore. And then, the other day, I suddenly heard the Diadem...¡± He shook his head in disbelief. ¡°I nearly fell out of my chair.¡±


    ¡°But you might be able to handle this better than I did. After all, you¡¯ve already met her once.¡±


    ¡°So, it really was Rowena Ravenclaw?¡± Kyle asked, almost incredulous.


    ¡°Who else could it be?¡± Nicolas laughed. ¡°The Diadem wasn¡¯t going to channel Albus¡¯s voice.¡±


    ¡°That would¡¯ve been terrifying,¡± Kyle chuckled.


    Dumbledore still didn¡¯t know the Diadem had been found, and neither Kyle nor Nicolas had mentioned it to him. Both agreed that if Dumbledore insisted on reclaiming it for the school, the situation could grow... complicated.


    ¡°Well,¡± Nicolas continued, ¡°Madam Ravenclaw seems to want a private word with you, so I won¡¯t keep you. Just put the Diadem on your head.¡±


    With that, Nicolas then disappeared, and his form dissolved into faint flashes of light within the mirror, leaving Kyle alone in the room.


    Kyle approached the Diadem on the cushion. Its craftsmanship was exquisite, but it felt unassuming in his hands, weighing about the same as a book. Taking a deep breath, he placed it carefully on his head.


    The moment the Diadem settled, the world seemed to brighten. Kyle¡¯s thoughts clarified as if a fog had lifted, and long-standing puzzles unraveled in an instant.


    For example, he now understood why his Firestorm Charm was so inferior to Dumbledore¡¯s. He¡¯d believed the issue lay in the amount of magic he used, but he realized now that wasn¡¯t the case.


    The key was efficiency. He didn¡¯t need to waste energy maintaining the flames¡¯ form and stability. Instead, he should have used his magic to activate runes, letting them handle the structure. All Kyle had to do was guide the Charm, like flying a kite. As long as the string was in his hands, the kite wouldn¡¯t drift out of control.


    No wonder Dumbledore had urged him repeatedly to study the book on ancient runes.


    Curiosity drew Kyle¡¯s gaze to the mirror on the wall. To his astonishment, the runes engraved on its frame sprang to life. They shimmered, shifted, and organized themselves into patterns, forming a scene that resembled a Quidditch match.


    Some runes became Chasers, others Seekers. The Quaffle, Bludger, and Golden Snitch all played their parts, weaving together a mesmerizing game. Each rune¡¯s role was distinct yet interdependent, creating a flawless system.


    ¡°This is incredible...¡± Kyle murmured, captivated.


    ¡°That¡¯s because you already know this information,¡± said a cold, calm voice, both unfamiliar and yet strangely familiar.


    Startled, Kyle froze as the voice continued:


    ¡°The Diadem cannot grant knowledge you do not possess. If someone ignorant of runes were to wear this, they¡¯d gain nothing. Even now, you only understand the mirror¡¯s function because of what you¡¯ve already learned.¡±


    As the voice faded, so did the vision before his eyes. The enchanting clarity and brilliance vanished, leaving Kyle with an abrupt and overwhelming sense of loss.


    He wanted the sensation back. He wanted it to last forever.


    A cool breeze, like the whisper of a dew-soaked morning, stirred the air and pulled him momentarily back to his senses.


    ¡°No!¡± Kyle gasped, shivering as cold sweat dripped from his forehead.


    Now he understood Nicolas¡¯s warning. The intoxicating feeling of omniscience was dangerously addictive. Just a few seconds had left him craving more. If he continued wearing the Diadem for any length of time, the abrupt return to normalcy would likely drive him mad. sea??h th§× N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Resolving to end the experience, Kyle reached up to remove the Diadem. But to his horror, it refused to budge¡ªit felt as though it had fused to his head.


    Panic began to well up as he tugged harder, but the artifact wouldn¡¯t budge.

 Chapter 559: Rowena Ravenclaw

    "Not bad..."


    The cold voice spoke again, cutting through Kyle¡¯s rising panic. "Your Occlumency has improved greatly since the last time we met. That is why you were able to regain control so quickly."


    Kyle exhaled deeply, the voice steadying his thoughts. At that moment, he realized he had emerged from that overwhelming state of omniscience without actually removing Ravenclaw¡¯s Diadem. The clarity he regained was undoubtedly due to her intervention.


    ¡°Madam Ravenclaw?¡± Kyle asked cautiously.


    ¡°It is I.¡±


    Though he had suspected this, hearing the confirmation left him momentarily stunned. It felt unreal, Rowena Ravenclaw herself was speaking to him.


    ¡°How is this possible...¡± Kyle muttered. Then, catching himself, he quickly added, ¡°I mean, it¡¯s been over a thousand years, and there¡¯s no Time-Turner here.¡±


    ¡°Salazar¡¯s Time-Turner is merely a tool,¡± Ravenclaw explained patiently. ¡°Once it is known that you exist, time ceases to be an absolute barrier... which is why Godric warned you not to tamper with the Time-Turner.¡±


    ¡°But...¡± Kyle hesitated, still trying to make sense of it all. ¡°Didn¡¯t Mr. Slytherin promise to help me deal with the effects of time?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s correct,¡± Ravenclaw acknowledged. ¡°Salazar carved a Forgetfulness Charm into the chamber. Its purpose was to ensure that once we left, we would forget our encounter with a student from a thousand years in the future."


    ¡°However...¡± She paused momentarily before continuing, ¡°this charm does not affect the Diadem. When I later realized I had forgotten something, the Diadem allowed me to recover that portion of my memory.¡±


    Kyle nodded slowly. After witnessing the Diadem¡¯s abilities firsthand, he didn¡¯t doubt her words.


    ¡°But sealing away the memory was a decision we four made together,¡± Ravenclaw added. ¡°To avoid unintended consequences, I locked this knowledge within the Diadem itself.¡±


    ¡°So... you now know everything that¡¯s happened over the past thousand years?¡± Kyle asked, still struggling to comprehend the full scope of the situation.


    ¡°If you mean the fact that the Diadem was turned into a Horcrux... no.¡±


    Ravenclaw¡¯s voice remained calm, her tone as still and frigid as a frozen lake. It carried no trace of the anger Kyle had seen in Helena when she learned about the Horcrux.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you angry?¡± Kyle asked, unable to contain his curiosity.


    ¡°I anticipated it, and I already know it. Why should I feel anger?¡±


    Kyle blinked, surprised by her composure.


    ¡°When I first mentioned the Diadem during our initial meeting,¡± Ravenclaw explained, ¡°your expression changed. In that moment, I realized that my Diadem had likely been made into a Horcrux. I also deduced the same fate befell the objects representing Salazar and Helga.¡±


    ¡°And Mr. Gryffindor?¡± Kyle ventured.


    ¡°You didn¡¯t look at him.¡± Ravenclaw¡¯s voice carried a faint note of amusement. ¡°When I mentioned the Diadem, your eyes instinctively glanced at the three of us, but you pointedly ignored Godric.¡±


    Kyle¡¯s mouth twitched. Was she serious? Could she really deduce all that just from a glance?


    He remembered their encounter vividly: Ravenclaw had been the last to speak, and barely a second or two had passed before the vision faded.


    Kyle thought incredulously.


    ...


    Kyle continued to ask questions, and Rowena Ravenclaw responded with remarkable patience, as though she were a professor addressing her student¡¯s curiosities.


    Eventually, the conversation turned to the reason for her appearance¡ªor more precisely, why this memory had awakened within the Diadem.


    ¡°Because of you,¡± she said simply.


    ¡°Me?¡± Kyle frowned, puzzled.


    ¡°Yes,¡± Ravenclaw confirmed. ¡°I put this memory into a deep sleep, waiting for the right moment to awaken. And the young alchemist¡ªNicolas¡ªhappened to hold memories of you that were sufficient to rouse me.¡±


    Kyle couldn¡¯t help but feel a little odd. He was fairly certain this was the first time anyone had referred to Nicolas Flamel as "the young alchemist." Of course, coming from Ravenclaw¡¯s perspective, the description was technically accurate.


    ¡°But why?¡± Kyle asked. ¡°I don¡¯t see what¡¯s so special about me that you¡¯d go to such lengths¡ªwaiting a thousand years, no less.¡±


    ¡°There are two reasons,¡± Ravenclaw explained. ¡°First, although I already know it has happened, I still cannot bear to see my Diadem turned into a Horcrux. You¡¯ve already destroyed one of this person¡¯s Horcruxes, and I believe you will continue to do so. If the temptation to wear the Diadem becomes overwhelming, this memory of mine could save your life.¡±


    Kyle pressed his lips together thoughtfully. Until now, he had assumed that Ravenclaw¡¯s essence within the Diadem was no different from the magical portraits in the castle¡ªable to speak but otherwise powerless. Yet her words suggested she retained some of her original abilities, which was... unsettling.


    ¡°What''s the second reason?¡± Kyle asked, curiosity driving him on.


    This time, Ravenclaw hesitated. After a lengthy pause, her voice softened.


    ¡°My daughter, Helena Ravenclaw,¡± she said quietly. ¡°When I regained this memory, I made a prediction... and I saw a ghost.¡±


    For the first time, her tone faltered, trembling slightly.


    ¡°Only those who fear death, or wizards with deep obsessions, can turn into ghosts and return to the darkest corners of their memories. Please, tell her this for me: no matter what she chooses to do, she must stop punishing herself so cruelly.¡±


    Kyle froze. The future?


    Of course¡ªwhen Ravenclaw had sealed this memory, Helena had yet to steal the Diadem. It was astonishing, though not entirely surprising, how closely they resembled each other.


    Both mother and daughter had waited a thousand years to entrust him with a message.


    ¡°Madam Ravenclaw, if that is your wish, then I will not take this upon myself¡ª¡± Kyle began.


    ¡°I can offer you a satisfactory price,¡± Ravenclaw interrupted, her tone tinged with urgency. ¡°Knowledge, wealth¡ªanything you desire, as long as you can find her.¡±


    ¡°No, you misunderstand,¡± Kyle said, shaking his head. ¡°I think this is something the two of you should say to each other.¡±


    With that, he placed his suitcase on the table and opened it. A pearly-white figure drifted out from within¡ªHelena Ravenclaw, also known as the Grey Lady. S§×ar?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°This is where the Diadem is kept...¡± Helena began, but her gaze immediately locked onto Kyle¡¯s head. ¡°I suggest you take it off, or you¡¯ll drive yourself mad eventually.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯d love to, but I can¡¯t,¡± Kyle replied with a helpless shrug. To demonstrate, he reached up and gave the Diadem a firm tug¡ªand it came off easily.


    The atmosphere turned awkward in an instant. Moments ago, the Diadem had seemed fused to his head, and now it was as if it had never been stuck at all.


    ¡°Believe me, it really wouldn¡¯t come off before,¡± Kyle said, his voice dry.


    Helena raised an eyebrow, her expression skeptical. ¡°Even Peeves wouldn¡¯t tell such an unconvincing lie.¡±


    ¡°Seriously, I¡ª¡± Kyle sighed, cutting himself off. ¡°Never mind.¡± Without further protest, he approached Helena and moved to place the Diadem on her head.


    ¡°It won¡¯t work. Ghosts can¡¯t touch anything,¡± Helena said flatly. ¡°I just need to see it.¡±


    Kyle knew this, but for some reason, an inexplicable urge pushed him to continue. A voice in the back of his mind assured him it would work.


    He gently lowered the Diadem onto Helena¡¯s head, releasing it¡ªand to his astonishment, it stayed.

 Chapter 560: The Only Idler in the Manor

    Helena seemed even more shocked than Kyle at the fact that she could wear the Diadem.


    ¡°What... what is going on?¡± she stammered, looking at Kyle as though he might have an explanation.


    Before Kyle could answer, Helena¡¯s pearl-white form trembled violently. Her expression shifted rapidly¡ªshock, fear, disbelief. Panicking, she tried to grab the Diadem to remove it, but her hands passed straight through the artifact, as if it were immaterial.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Helena,¡± Kyle said gently, a smile softening his tone. ¡°You wanted me to deliver a message to your mother, didn¡¯t you? Well, Madam Ravenclaw also has a message for you.¡±


    Helena looked at him, wide-eyed, as he continued, ¡°And since I¡¯m not particularly skilled at owl post, I worried I might botch the delivery. So, I took the liberty of tricking you here. I hope you don¡¯t mind.¡±


    Helena remained silent, but tears began to well in her eyes¡ªpearly-white, just like the rest of her. The tears fell to the ground, transforming into hazy wisps of smoke that drifted back into her body.


    ¡°You two must have a lot to talk about after a thousand years,¡± Kyle said, stepping toward the door. ¡°I¡¯ll leave you to it.¡±


    As he reached the door, he paused, turning back to add, ¡°Oh, and if you need anything, just call for Tata. He¡¯s the House-elf here, and he¡¯ll hear you if you¡¯re anywhere in the manor.¡±


    With that, Kyle gently closed the oak door behind him.


    The room fell silent, its voices cut off entirely.


    Though Kyle¡¯s curiosity itched at the thought of what mother and daughter might be saying after such a long separation, he knew it wasn¡¯t his place to listen. This was their moment, and eavesdropping would be a profound breach of privacy.


    He followed the corridor back to the manor¡¯s grand hall, where he found Tata diligently polishing a crystal ornament with a piece of flannel. Seeing Kyle, the House-elf quickly stopped and gave a deep bow.


    ¡°Don¡¯t mind me, Tata,¡± Kyle said, waving a hand dismissively as he glanced around to ensure they were alone.


    ¡°Is Mistress Perenelle also helping Nicolas with the Philosopher¡¯s Stone?¡±


    ¡°Yes, Mistress is assisting as well,¡± Tata confirmed with a nod.


    ¡°Alright,¡± Kyle replied casually, pulling up a chair and sitting down while Tata resumed polishing.


    Hours passed. The manor remained quiet, and there was no sign of movement from either the alchemy lab or the room where Helena and Ravenclaw were. Tata prepared a lavish lunch for Kyle, but the long dining table felt lonely with only one person eating.


    Kyle learned from Tata that Nicolas and Perenelle had been taking their meals in the alchemy room lately, engrossed in their work. As for Ravenclaw and Helena¡ªa memory and a ghost¡ªthey had no need for food.


    By the time dessert was served and finished, even Tata had vanished, leaving Kyle entirely alone in the grand hall.


    Another few hours dragged by. Restless, Kyle finally got up and called out, ¡°Tata, can I go upstairs to the opera room?¡±


    He reasoned that Helena and Ravenclaw would need plenty of time to reconcile after a thousand years. Finding something to occupy himself seemed the only option. While Kyle didn¡¯t understand opera well, listening to it was better than pacing the hall endlessly.


    At the mention of the opera room, however, Tata appeared instantly, his demeanor suddenly tense.


    The House-elf remembered Kyle¡¯s prior conversation with Dumbledore about dismantling the room and taking it. Clearly, the idea still had him on edge.


    "My master said you could go into any room you like," Tata said, though his tone was hesitant. "But you mustn''t damage the house, sir. There are Charms placed throughout the house, and if you try to break the walls, you could get hurt."


    "I''m only going to listen to an opera," Kyle replied, perplexed. "Why would I damage the walls?"


    Tata seemed flustered and quickly backtracked. "No, it''s nothing¡ªTata was just talking... This way, sir."


    The House-elf hastily set down the fluffy blanket he had been holding and led Kyle to a room upstairs.


    The opera room was as empty as ever. Kyle crossed to the wall directly opposite the door and pressed a symbol etched into its surface. In an instant, a full orchestra appeared as if by magic, filling the room with a rich, melodious symphony.


    Kyle listened to the enchanting music for a moment, then turned to Tata. "If a ghost comes looking for you, let me know right away."


    At the mention of a ghost, Tata visibly trembled. His entire body seemed to shake, and he stuttered, "S-Sir must be joking with Tata. There are no ghosts here. Tata knows..." The elf¡¯s teeth clattered audibly as he spoke.


    "Are you... afraid of ghosts?" Kyle asked, raising an eyebrow.


    "Tata''s not afraid!" the House-elf responded sharply, puffing out his chest. "Tata just... just doesn''t like them."


    "Alright, fair enough," Kyle said, deciding not to press the matter. Fear of ghosts wasn¡¯t uncommon, and he recalled how nervous many first-years had been upon encountering Hogwarts¡¯ spectral residents.


    "Here''s what we''ll do," Kyle continued. "If you hear someone calling your name, just come straight to me. Don''t worry about it. That ghost is a guest of Nicolas¡¯s, so it won¡¯t harm you."


    At the word Tata seemed to relax slightly. Though still visibly nervous, his teeth finally stopped chattering.


    "When will that ghost... guest... come looking for Tata?" Tata asked tentatively.


    "I¡¯m not sure," Kyle admitted after a moment of thought. "It could be today or tomorrow¡ªI really don¡¯t know. But it shouldn¡¯t take too long."


    "If you¡¯re nervous, you can stay by my side for the next couple of days. If anything unusual happens, just let me know right away."


    "Tata''s not scared," the House-elf insisted, standing straighter. However, despite his words, he didn¡¯t move an inch from Kyle¡¯s side.


    Kyle chuckled softly, amused by Tata¡¯s thinly veiled fear. Without commenting further, he drew his wand and conjured two chairs¡ªone for himself and one for Tata. He sat down and gestured for the House-elf to join him.


    As the orchestra continued its performance, Kyle leaned back in his chair, enjoying the soothing melodies that filled the room.


    ...


    Kyle ended up spending the entire first day listening to opera, and then the second day passed in much the same way. Yet, there was still no sign of the oak door opening, nor any word from Nicolas or Perenelle.


    Every mealtime, Kyle sat alone at the long dining table. The empty hall and the echoing silence around him made him wonder if he¡¯d been completely forgotten.


    ¡°Wait, could they really have forgotten about me?¡± Kyle mused, looking around at the vast, empty dining room. For a moment, he felt like he might as well be the owner of the manor.


    By breakfast on the third day, his patience began to wear thin. After finishing his meal, he stopped Tata, who was bustling off with his usual efficiency.


    ¡°Tata, could you bring me a mirror?¡±


    ¡°A mirror?¡± Tata asked, tilting his head. ¡°What kind of mirror does the gentleman require?¡±


    ¡°Just a regular mirror,¡± Kyle said. ¡°But a bit larger, with a wooden frame, if possible.¡±


    Tata nodded and disappeared, returning shortly with exactly what Kyle had requested. The mirror was sizable and framed in a ring of polished sycamore wood, resembling The Mirror of Erised from the Headmaster¡¯s Office.


    Kyle directed Tata to place the mirror in an empty room, then followed him inside. S§×arch* The n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    At first, Kyle had assumed Helena and Ravenclaw would finish their conversation in a day or two, but now it seemed their reunion could stretch out to a week¡ªor even longer. Meanwhile, Nicolas and Perenelle showed no sign of leaving the alchemy room.


    The opera, while lovely, was not something Kyle could listen to endlessly for weeks on end. Besides, it felt unproductive to simply sit idle while everyone else was engrossed in their own work.


    With that in mind, Kyle decided to take on a project of his own¡ªsomething ambitious: attempting to recreate the magical mirror he had seen in Nicolas¡¯s room, the one capable of storing memories.


    Thanks to the insight he¡¯d gained from Ravenclaw¡¯s Diadem, the magical formulas and runes engraved on the original mirror no longer seemed incomprehensible. He could now recall their purposes and placements with startling clarity.


    Although replicating such a complex artifact without the Diadem¡¯s aid would be a significant challenge, Kyle was determined to try. He had time to spare, and success¡ªeven partial success¡ªcould be rewarding.


    In addition to this project, Kyle also planned to revisit the . After identifying the issues with his previous technique, he wanted to see if the adjustments he¡¯d conceptualized would make a noticeable difference.


    Soon, he could ask Tata if there was a spacious and sturdy spot nearby where he could safely use the Charm without concern.

 Chapter 561: Successor to Filch?

    In the room, Kyle took his wand and used it like a quill, carefully drawing runes and symbols bit by bit on the mahogany frame.


    Drawing runes wasn¡¯t like writing with ink; any mistake was irreversible. It was a painstaking task requiring immense patience and focus¡ªqualities Kyle fortunately possessed.


    As he concentrated on the intricate runes, time seemed to blur. A week had passed before he realized he had only completed half the frame. That also meant the Easter holidays were almost over.


    That morning, as usual, the House-elf Tata brought a plate of sandwiches and bacon. Since the dining table was far too large and he was the only one there, Kyle found it more comfortable to eat in the room.


    He picked up a sandwich and was just about to take a bite when, suddenly, a head emerged from the plate right in front of him.


    Startled, Kyle nearly flung the sandwich across the room. Tata, equally frightened, let out a piercing scream and bolted from the room in a panic.


    ¡°Lady Helena¡­¡± Kyle said, regaining his composure with a lingering sense of shock. ¡°When did you learn Peeves''s tricks?¡±


    ¡°No wonder Peeves enjoys pranks so much,¡± Helena said lightly. ¡°It quite fun.¡±


    Her tone was airy, almost playful, and she no longer carried the weight of her usual solemn demeanor. She was smiling¡ªbrightly and genuinely.


    As the daughter of Rowena Ravenclaw, Helena had always been considered one of the most striking of the Hogwarts ghosts. Even with her usual stern expression, she stood out. Now, with her radiant smile, she could likely leave even the Bloody Baron dumbfounded.


    ¡°Lady Helena, one Peeves is already enough for the castle,¡± Kyle said helplessly, setting his sandwich down. ¡°If there were two, I think everyone would lose their minds. Are you finished scaring people?¡±


    ¡°Not quite,¡± Helena replied with a shake of her head. ¡°But Mother said we can talk more later. For now, we should leave you alone.¡±


    ¡°Leave me alone?¡± Kyle asked, looking up at her, puzzled.


    ¡°You¡¯ll understand soon enough,¡± Helena said, her smile widening. ¡°But you should hurry. The Easter holidays are almost over.¡±


    Kyle nodded, putting away his wand and the half-finished frame. He stood and walked towards the other room. Tata had long since vanished after the terrified outburst.


    Kyle descended the stairs and pushed open the oak door of the adjoining room.


    On the table, sitting prominently, was the Diadem.


    Pausing, Kyle picked it up, hesitating slightly as he considered whether or not to put it on. S§×ar?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, with mother around, she won¡¯t let you get carried away,¡± said Helena, following behind Kyle. There was a trace of pride in her voice¡ªa natural sentiment for the daughter of Ravenclaw.


    Without further hesitation, Kyle placed the Diadem on his head.


    This time, however, he didn¡¯t feel the heightened magical state he had experienced before. He exhaled slowly, uncertain if he was relieved or disappointed by the absence of the sensation.


    ¡°Thank you, my boy,¡± came the soft voice of Rowena Ravenclaw. ¡°For bringing Helena to me. This child has never been fond of speaking with me, and I seldom paid attention to what she truly wanted... If I had been more attentive to her, perhaps she wouldn¡¯t have felt compelled to steal the Diadem."


    ¡°I never imagined the things I neglected in life would become a yoke, binding her for over a thousand years.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s a bit late, but the misunderstanding has been resolved,¡± Kyle said gently. ¡°And Lady Helena helped me a lot during the Triwizard Tournament... Oh, it¡¯s a competition between the three major European wizarding schools. Aside from Hogwarts, there¡¯s Beauxbatons and Durmstrang.¡±


    ¡°The school founded by Nerida Vulchanova?¡± Ravenclaw murmured thoughtfully. ¡°Salazar admired her teaching philosophy greatly at the time, though Godric strongly opposed it. They quarreled about it fiercely.¡±


    Kyle blinked, piecing the information together.


    If Slytherin supported the school, then it probably wasn¡¯t Beauxbatons. Durmstrang, then?


    He hadn¡¯t realized that the founder of Durmstrang had ties to the Hogwarts Founders.


    ¡°Regardless, you¡¯ve resolved my greatest regret,¡± Ravenclaw continued, her voice growing faint, as though her presence was fading. ¡°A regret I could not rectify in life.¡±


    Her tone steadied slightly. ¡°As thanks, I will grant you one request, as I promised. Be it wealth or knowledge, ask, and it shall be yours.¡±


    Kyle¡¯s excitement flared. While it might seem a bit transactional, he had been waiting for this moment.


    After all, Ravenclaw was one of the Founders¡ªa far cry from Dumbledore¡¯s approach, which often came with numerous restrictions.


    ¡°I want to learn the Vanishing Spell,¡± Kyle said without hesitation.


    ¡°The Vanishing Spell?¡± Ravenclaw mused. ¡°A spell to destroy objects? I can teach you, but I must warn you: this spell involves complex runic constructs. The smallest error can backfire disastrously, causing irreversible damage. Even in my era, it was considered exceedingly dangerous."


    ¡°We preferred the Magma Devouring Spell. Its effect is less intuitive than the Vanishing Spell, but it is similar in outcome and much safer.¡±


    Kyle¡¯s mouth twitched slightly. It felt like Ravenclaw had misunderstood something. Erasure and disappearance weren¡¯t exactly the same thing. And comparing it to magma? That wasn¡¯t quite what he had in mind.


    Still, he had to admit he was tempted¡ªbriefly. Shaking off the thought, he refocused and clarified.


    ¡°No, you¡¯re mistaken. I meant Vanishing Spell.¡±


    Kyle retrieved his wand and aimed it at a book on the table. With a quiet , the book vanished, reappearing moments later when he recited the counter-spell.


    ¡°An impressive Transfiguration Spell,¡± Ravenclaw remarked. ¡°Your execution is stable. I don¡¯t think you need further instruction.¡±


    ¡°Only for objects,¡± Kyle explained. ¡°But I want to learn how to cast it on myself.¡±


    He quickly outlined his idea: using the Vanishing Spell to make himself truly invisible.


    ¡°That is an intriguing concept,¡± Ravenclaw said.


    ¡°Is it possible?¡± Kyle asked, hope rising.


    ¡°Yes,¡± she replied without hesitation. ¡°The main challenge lies in resolving the conflict of magical forces. To overcome this, you would need to turn yourself into a Squib.¡±


    Kyle¡¯s excitement plummeted instantly.


    ¡°So¡­ forget it?¡±


    Becoming a Squib would render him unable to use magic¡ªa deal-breaker. He wasn¡¯t keen on taking over Filch¡¯s role at Hogwarts just yet, even if it might make catching rule-breakers easier.


    ¡°No, there¡¯s another way,¡± Ravenclaw added. ¡°The simplest solution is through the use of a magical object.¡±


    ¡°What kind of object?¡± Kyle asked, eager once more.


    ¡°Salazar possessed a locket that was attuned to his own magic,¡± Ravenclaw explained calmly. ¡°When worn, the locket would integrate with the wearer while remaining partially independent.


    ¡°This allowed the user to cast spells without relying on their own magic.¡±

 Chapter 562: Other Uses of Horcruxes

    ¡°Slytherin¡¯s locket?¡± Kyle murmured to himself.


    He did indeed have the locket¡ªit was sitting in his possession¡ªbut as it stood, it was still a Horcrux, and thus unusable for this purpose.


    ¡°You¡¯ve found it?¡± Ravenclaw¡¯s tone held a note of surprise.


    ¡°Actually,¡± Kyle began hesitantly, ¡°I¡¯ve also found Hufflepuff¡¯s Cup. And the Gryffindor sword is in the Headmaster¡¯s Office at Hogwarts. I could borrow it if you need it.¡±


    ¡°No, the locket is sufficient,¡± Ravenclaw replied evenly.


    To be honest, she had never expected that the objects most representative of the four Founders would end up in the hands of a single individual.


    Kyle... and the person who had created the Horcruxes.


    Though his actions were undeniably infuriating, she had to admit that the individual in question was extraordinarily resourceful. S~ea??h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°Madam Ravenclaw, I have another question,¡± Kyle said after a moment¡¯s thought. ¡°After successfully casting the Vanishing Spell on myself, wouldn¡¯t the locket fall off as well? If that happens, wouldn¡¯t I be unable to reverse the spell and change back?"


    ¡°As you mentioned, in order to cast the Vanishing Spell on myself, I¡¯d need to transfer the magic within my body. But without magic, I wouldn¡¯t be able to perform the Reversing Spell, right?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about that,¡± Ravenclaw said calmly.


    Her voice turned soft as she recited the Vanishing Spell. Though it was the same spell Kyle had learned, there was a distinct difference in how it felt.


    Before Kyle¡¯s eyes, the spell seemed to deconstruct itself, splitting into a series of intricate runic formulas. The runes connected and layered over one another, forming an even larger, more complex structure.


    ¡°Though there are minor differences, this spell is fundamentally a standard Transfiguration Spell,¡± Ravenclaw explained. ¡°I¡¯ve seen Salazar¡¯s locket before, and the magic stored within it will not interfere with the Transfiguration Spell."


    ¡°As long as you keep the locket on you, it will transform alongside you, as if it were part of your clothing."


    ¡°The only caution I must give is this: you must be highly proficient in Nonverbal Spells and Wandless Casting. After completing the transformation, you won¡¯t be able to use your wand or speak to cast magic.¡±


    Kyle considered this and nodded. ¡°I can cast Nonverbal Spells, though I may not be fully proficient in wandless magic. Still, I can manage it decently.¡±


    ¡°Not proficient?¡± Ravenclaw¡¯s tone shifted, carrying a faint ripple of disbelief.


    To her, the idea of someone Kyle¡¯s age not yet mastering both Nonverbal and wandless magic seemed almost incomprehensible.


    ¡°In fact,¡± Kyle explained quickly, ¡°we don¡¯t typically start learning Nonverbal Spells until our sixth year. And as for wandless magic, there are no formal requirements at all¡ªnot even on the Nastily Exhausting Wizarding Tests.¡±


    Ravenclaw was silent for a moment before responding softly, ¡°It seems your world doesn¡¯t have to contend with constant danger anymore. That is good.¡±


    ¡°Madam Ravenclaw,¡± Kyle asked curiously, ¡°was the wizarding world a thousand years ago really that dangerous?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s difficult for me to say,¡± Ravenclaw replied thoughtfully. ¡°What I witnessed as one of the Founders was often far removed from the daily lives of ordinary wizards... But it was certainly not as safe as the world you inhabit now.¡±


    Kyle nodded in understanding. A thousand years ago¡­ From the scant records in the Hogwarts library, he knew life for wizards in those times had been far from easy.


    At that moment, Kyle¡¯s mind sparked with a thought, and he spoke up again.


    ¡°Madam Ravenclaw, may I ask another question?¡±


    There was no immediate reply. Ravenclaw neither agreed nor refused, but Kyle had the distinct impression she was silently watching him, her presence hovering like a quiet, analytical gaze.


    ¡°I just had an idea,¡± Kyle began cautiously. ¡°I¡¯m not sure if it will work, so I wanted to confirm it.¡±


    ¡°Go on, then,¡± Ravenclaw finally replied.


    ¡°Yes, about Horcruxes...¡± Kyle hesitated, choosing his words carefully.


    ¡°Do you also desire immortality?¡± Ravenclaw¡¯s voice carried a faint tinge of disappointment, though it faded quickly. ¡°If that¡¯s the case, I recommend the Philosopher¡¯s Stone. Maintaining a complete soul is vital for witches and wizards."


    ¡°If you¡¯ve read enough, you¡¯ll know that Herpo the Foul disappeared after creating the first Horcrux. He regretted it deeply and spent his life searching for ways to reunite his fractured soul.¡±


    ¡°No, that¡¯s not what I meant,¡± Kyle said, shaking his head. ¡°I was thinking¡­ if someone loses their sanity because their soul is torn apart, could a Horcrux help restore their mind?¡±


    ¡°Torn apart?¡± Ravenclaw¡¯s tone shifted slightly.


    ¡°The Cruciatus Curse,¡± Kyle explained. ¡°It¡¯s an incredibly evil spell that acts directly on the soul."


    ¡°I have a friend whose parents were tortured by the Cruciatus Curse, and their souls were shattered into many fragments."


    ¡°The Healers at St. Mungo¡¯s said these fragments interact chaotically, causing them to be delirious and unable to communicate normally with others."


    ¡°So I wondered¡ªif I could separate those fragments using a Horcrux, would that stabilize their mind and help them recover?¡±


    Ravenclaw fell silent, her contemplation stretching long enough to make Kyle uneasy.


    At last, she spoke. ¡°Herpo the Foul would never have imagined that the spell he invented might one day be used to save a life.¡±


    ¡°So¡­ it¡¯s possible?¡± Kyle asked, his voice tinged with hope.


    ¡°No, it¡¯s not,¡± Ravenclaw replied, dashing his excitement like a bucket of cold water.


    ¡°To create a Horcrux, you must forcefully push a soul fragment out of the body using powerful, malevolent intent. How could someone who cannot even communicate normally muster the necessary evil to expel their own soul?¡±


    Kyle frowned. ¡°Then¡­ what¡¯s the next step? Do you have any ideas?¡±


    Ravenclaw¡¯s tone shifted, becoming almost academic, like a professor challenging her student. ¡°What would propose?¡±


    Kyle thought for a moment, then replied, ¡°What if I use my own body as the host for the Horcrux?


    ¡°If they can¡¯t generate enough malice to expel their soul fragment, I could transfer it to something nearby¡ªlike a strand of my hair, an eyebrow, or even a small bone fragment. Those could act as Horcruxes instead.¡±


    ¡°An intriguing and entirely correct idea,¡± Ravenclaw said approvingly. ¡°However, one problem remains: if the soul fragment cannot be separated from the body, the Horcrux will no longer serve to grant immortality.¡±


    ¡°That doesn¡¯t matter,¡± Kyle said, waving a hand dismissively. ¡°As long as it can restore their sanity, that¡¯s enough. Honestly, if it grant immortality, it¡¯d cause more trouble than it¡¯s worth. Besides, I doubt they¡¯d want that.¡±


    ¡°Fair enough,¡± Ravenclaw conceded. ¡°But have you considered an even simpler approach? Why not use the soul fragment itself as the Horcrux?¡±


    ¡°Wait¡ªwould that even work?¡± Kyle asked, startled by the suggestion.


    ¡°With a slight adjustment to the usual process, yes,¡± Ravenclaw said. ¡°I can teach you how to do it.¡±

 Chapter 563: Misleading the Young

    Voldemort, that scoundrel, really hadn¡¯t told the truth.


    On the final day of the Easter holiday, Kyle stepped out of his room, silently cursing the deceptive influence of a certain Dark Lord.


    When Voldemort had first "taught" him about Horcruxes, he had made it sound like a revelation, promising to teach Kyle the forbidden knowledge Dumbledore would never share. But it had all been lies¡ªanother of Voldemort¡¯s traps.


    While the general process of creating a Horcrux was accurate, the devil was in the details. Voldemort had conveniently omitted a crucial step, ensuring that if anyone followed his guidance, the split soul fragments would evaporate immediately¡ªlike snowflakes melting in flames.


    It reminded Kyle of Tom Riddle¡¯s diary, another example of Voldemort¡¯s penchant for misleading others to flaunt his supposed superiority.


    Fortunately, Kyle had prepared for this. He had taken precautions, leaving himself a way out and avoiding Voldemort¡¯s snare entirely.


    Originally, Kyle had planned to wait until the school year ended and then borrow some books from Sirius. The Black family¡¯s ancestral home, 12 Grimmauld Place, housed a vast collection of rare and forbidden texts, including , which Dumbledore had long since removed from the Hogwarts library. Sirius, however, had a copy at home.


    But now, there was no need for such trouble.


    Kyle removed the Diadem from his head and carefully placed it back on Helena¡¯s.


    ¡°My mother said the Diadem would remain with you,¡± Helena murmured softly, ¡°but she asked that you wait until we¡¯re back at Hogwarts. She left a portrait at the school to carry her memory instead of the Diadem itself.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s fine,¡± Kyle said, shaking his head. ¡°You can spend time catching up with her.¡±


    This wasn¡¯t just politeness¡ªhe meant it sincerely. The Diadem¡¯s effects were undeniably powerful, and Kyle¡¯s current level of Occlumency wasn¡¯t strong enough to shield himself from its full influence. He had no intention of wearing it again unless absolutely necessary.


    ¡°Oh, by the way,¡± Helena added, ¡°my mother said she can only figure out how to use the locket to store magic once you¡¯ve retrieved it.¡±


    ¡°That might take some time...¡± Kyle admitted.


    At that moment, Nicolas Flamel appeared, stepping out from another room. He had been away for two weeks, and judging by his brisk stride, this version of Nicolas was also an illusionary construct.


    ¡°It seems you¡¯ve had a productive conversation,¡± Nicolas said with a knowing smile.


    ¡°Nicolas,¡± Kyle asked, ¡°may I take the Diadem with me?¡±


    ¡°Is there any need to ask?¡± Nicolas chuckled. ¡°The Diadem belongs to you now. Of course you can take it, but remember what I told you earlier¡ªdon¡¯t rely on it too much.¡±


    ¡°I won¡¯t,¡± Kyle replied earnestly. ¡°And what about the Philosopher¡¯s Stone?¡±


    ¡°The process is progressing well,¡± Nicolas said, his tone bright. ¡°Madam Ravenclaw gave me some valuable advice. Based on my estimates, the ingredients should fully coalesce in about six more months.¡±


    ¡°Six months?¡± Kyle muttered, taken aback.


    ¡°You didn¡¯t think refining the Philosopher¡¯s Stone was a simple task, did you?¡± Nicolas said, arching an eyebrow. ¡°It¡¯s not like baking bread¡ªyou can¡¯t just pop it out of the oven after half an hour. My first Philosopher¡¯s Stone took nearly three years to complete.¡±


    ¡°No, that¡¯s not what I meant,¡± Kyle quickly clarified, explaining the idea of using the locket to store magic.


    ¡°Storing magic?¡± Nicolas asked, his interest piqued. ¡°That¡¯s fascinating. Can the locket really be used for something like that? Perhaps that¡¯s its true function."


    ¡°Alright, if it¡¯s useful to you, I¡¯ll look into it. I believe I still have some ancient potion recipes that might help. Perhaps Albus could assist as well¡ªif you don¡¯t mind him knowing about the locket.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s fine,¡± Kyle agreed.


    Unlike the Diadem, the locket was no secret to Dumbledore. There was no issue with involving him in its study.


    ... S§×ar?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    When Kyle returned to Hogwarts, the sun had already set, and in the distance, he spotted the Hogwarts Express pulling into Hogsmeade Station.


    As soon as Kyle opened his suitcase, Helena floated out impatiently. He opened his mouth to warn her not to go near Dumbledore, but before he could get a word out, she had already disappeared.


    Kyle thought. Madam Ravenclaw had mentioned leaving the Diadem to him anyway. Even if Dumbledore found out, he¡¯d likely just be curious and might borrow it briefly.


    Kyle lingered for a while longer, waiting until the students arriving from the train began to trickle through the school gates in small groups. Then, he made his way into the castle.


    The Great Hall was brightly lit, bustling with preparations for the Start-of-Term Feast. Kyle¡¯s attention was immediately drawn to the massive Easter eggs stationed beside each House table. They were as large as dragons and filled with an assortment of sweets: Exploding Butterfingers, Chocolate Frogs, Ice Rats, and even the less appealing Cockroach Clusters. It looked as though they had emptied out Honeydukes.


    ¡°Kyle, over here!¡± Kanna called, waving him over. ¡°How did it go?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s all taken care of,¡± Kyle replied as he joined her. ¡°How was your Easter holiday?¡±


    ¡°I wish I didn¡¯t have it, honestly,¡± Kanna sighed. ¡°The homework was overwhelming. I had to go back to Hogsmeade and buy ten more rolls of parchment just to finish it all.¡±


    If Kanna was complaining, Kyle thought, it was a sure sign the homework load had been brutal.


    As dinner began, Kyle noticed a peculiar quietness around their group. Looking around, he asked, ¡°Where are Mikel and Ryan? I don¡¯t see them.¡±


    ¡°They¡¯re probably still in the library,¡± Cedric chimed in. ¡°I saw them there every day during the holidays.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s unusual,¡± Kyle said, raising an eyebrow. ¡°What are they doing in there? Reading?¡±


    ¡°No, homework,¡± Cedric said with a shrug. ¡°Fifth year¡¯s like that. The amount of work over Easter is ridiculous. When I left the library this afternoon, they were flipping through . I think they were working on their Potions assignments.¡±


    ¡°Still doing their Potions homework now?¡± Kyle shook his head in disbelief. ¡°If it were me, I¡¯d have finished my Potions homework first thing. No way would I risk Snape catching me doing it last minute¡ª¡±


    Kyle froze mid-sentence. The Yorkshire pudding he¡¯d been holding hovered in midair as realization dawned on him.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong with you?¡± Kanna asked, confused.


    ¡°I think¡­¡± Kyle said, his voice distant. ¡°I think I haven¡¯t done my homework either.¡±


    His mind raced. Between the opera at Flamel¡¯s manor, his studies in runes, and learning about Horcruxes with Ravenclaw, his assignments had been completely forgotten.


    ¡°Does it even matter?¡± Kanna said nonchalantly. ¡°Didn¡¯t you say Dumbledore excused you from most of your homework?¡±


    ¡°Most, yes. But not for Potions,¡± Kyle said, casting a wary glance toward the staff table. ¡°So, uh¡­ do we have a lot of Potions homework?¡±


    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t know,¡± Kanna replied with a shrug. ¡°I haven¡¯t had to do any Potions homework in ages.¡±

 Chapter 564: Special Treatment

    At Hogwarts, if you haven¡¯t stayed up all night to finish your homework at least once, you can¡¯t truly call yourself a Hufflepuff¡ªor so Kyle liked to think.


    To ¡°fit in,¡± Kyle spent the entire night frantically writing his Potions homework.


    This move surprised those around him. It was the first time they¡¯d seen Kyle join the ranks of the last-minute homework crowd. Some were so baffled that they assumed they¡¯d misremembered the date, thought the holidays weren¡¯t actually over, and promptly abandoned their own work to return to their dormitories for sleep.


    Of course, this heroic effort came with a price: three days of confinement.


    ¡°Mr. Brown, your confinement begins this Friday. Don¡¯t forget,¡± said Snape during Potions class, his sharp gaze flicking deliberately in Kyle¡¯s direction.


    Although Snape knew Kyle had only finished the assignment the previous night, the content of the homework was flawless. He had reviewed the parchment multiple times but could find no errors.


    Still, it was Snape. Letting a rare opportunity pass by would have been out of character.


    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you remind him that yesterday was the last day of the holidays?¡± Snape¡¯s voice dripped with sarcasm as he addressed the class. ¡°Were you to see your classmate punished? Five points from Hufflepuff!¡±


    Kyle blinked, amazed. Even for Snape, this was a stretch.


    There had been so many students scrambling to finish their homework last night that the common room was like a revolving door. People were constantly coming and going¡ªfinishing their assignments, abandoning them, or joining the fray. How was Kyle supposed to know who had finished and who hadn¡¯t? Was he meant to go around questioning everyone?


    The idea was absurd.


    Fortunately, Kyle had grown accustomed to Snape¡¯s antics over the years. Five points, after all, was a small price to pay¡ªit was the least Snape had deducted from him in recent memory.


    ...


    After Potions, Care of Magical Creatures was a much-needed respite, with Hagrid bringing an air of enthusiasm to the lesson.


    This time, Hagrid had introduced the class to Hippogriffs¡ªcreatures he¡¯d been eager to showcase since his first day as a professor but had been persuaded otherwise by Kyle back then.


    ¡°Hippogriffs!¡± Hagrid announced proudly. ¡°But don¡¯t let their beautiful appearance fool you. Hippogriffs are proud creatures. Remember, you must never humiliate them...¡±


    The students gathered, murmuring among themselves.


    Kyle found it unlikely anyone needed Hagrid¡¯s warning to take the creatures seriously. The Hippogriffs¡¯ dagger-like claws and sharp beaks were hard to miss, making their potential danger abundantly clear.


    Still, for fifth-year students, this level of risk was manageable. After all, Hippogriffs were only rated 3X by the Ministry¡ªa threat, but not an overwhelming one.


    Hagrid went on to explain the basics of approaching a Hippogriff and demonstrated the proper bowing technique. Then, he encouraged the students to try it themselves.


    When it was Kyle¡¯s turn, however, Hagrid stopped him.


    ¡°Come with me, over here,¡± Hagrid said, leading Kyle to a large gray Hippogriff standing apart from the rest.


    ¡°His name¡¯s Buckbeak¡­ a wonderful chap,¡± Hagrid said, his tone unusually enthusiastic, though tinged with something else¡ªnervousness, perhaps. ¡°Would you like to take a ride on him now?¡±


    Kyle raised an eyebrow. Hagrid¡¯s eagerness felt odd, like there was more to this than met the eye.


    ¡°I know this won¡¯t be a problem for you,¡± Hagrid added when Kyle didn¡¯t immediately respond. ¡°But this time¡¯s different, very different.¡±


    He glanced subtly toward the Beauxbatons carriage, lowering his voice. ¡°Hippogriffs are intelligent creatures. They remember wizards who¡¯ve shown them kindness for years. Do you understand what I¡¯m saying?¡±


    Hagrid gave Kyle a conspiratorial wink. ¡°That¡¯s all I can say. For this lesson, your task is to take Buckbeak for a flight¡ªonce, or as many times as you like. There¡¯s some of his favorite food on that shelf over there, which you can feed him as a reward. Good luck!¡±


    Before Kyle could ask more, Hagrid strode off, loudly instructing the other students: ¡°Mr. Dewey, be patient! Don¡¯t rush it! Oh yes, that¡¯s better¡­¡±


    Once Hagrid was gone, Kanna sidled up to Kyle, curiosity gleaming in her eyes. ¡°What did he mean just now?¡±


    ¡°I think he wants me to get to know the Hippogriff better,¡± Kyle said after a moment¡¯s thought. ¡°It probably has something to do with the last event of the Triwizard Tournament.¡±


    Kyle had noticed Hagrid glancing nervously at the Beauxbatons carriage during their conversation, as though wary of being caught. If this involved Beauxbatons, it likely tied into the tournament. Besides, Hagrid hadn¡¯t spoken to Madam Maxime since the Yule Ball and had clearly given up on his attempts to impress her with grooming potions.


    ¡°So, the third task is Hippogriffs?¡± Kanna asked, her eyes lighting up.


    ¡°It can¡¯t be that simple,¡± Kyle replied, shaking his head. ¡°The first task involved Matagots and Dragons¡ªno way they¡¯d end the tournament with just a 3X magical creature. That wouldn¡¯t make sense. I think this is just one part of the task.¡±


    ¡°Still,¡± Kanna said, ¡°every advantage counts when you¡¯re competing for the Goblet of Fire.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re right,¡± Kyle agreed.


    He turned his attention to Buckbeak, bowing deeply. Almost immediately, Buckbeak returned the gesture, bending his front knee before stepping forward to rub his feathery head against Kyle¡¯s arm.


    ¡°Oh, you remember me,¡± Kyle said with a smile, reaching up to stroke Buckbeak¡¯s head. The feathers felt smooth and stiff¡ªnot as soft as an owl¡¯s but still pleasant to the touch.


    ¡°You know him?¡± Kanna asked, surprised by the apparent familiarity between them.


    ¡°Sort of. I¡¯ve met him before,¡± Kyle replied, mounting Buckbeak¡¯s back with practiced ease. ¡°Hagrid¡¯s right¡ªthey really are very smart.¡±


    With a powerful sweep of his twelve-foot wings, Buckbeak launched into the air.


    Flying on a Hippogriff was nothing like riding a broomstick. Kyle didn¡¯t have to steer or think about maneuvering; Buckbeak handled everything. The only challenge was avoiding the powerful wings flapping on either side, which added a thrilling element to the ride.


    After circling the grounds, Buckbeak descended smoothly, and Kyle leapt off just before the Hippogriff landed.


    ¡°Well done, Kyle!¡± Hagrid called out to the class. ¡°Look, someone¡¯s already finished first. Five points for Hufflepuff!¡±


    ¡°How was it?¡± Kanna asked, her curiosity piqued.


    ¡°Much more exciting than the Kelpie,¡± Kyle said, brushing off his robes, which had been tousled by the wind. ¡°Imagine playing Quidditch on a Hippogriff¡ªnow would be fun! Though I doubt Dumbledore would approve.¡±


    Kanna laughed, shaking her head at the thought of Hippogriffs circling the Quidditch pitch. ¡°I don¡¯t know about the Headmaster, but Professor McGonagall definitely wouldn¡¯t allow it.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re probably right,¡± Kyle said with a wistful sigh. ¡°A shame, though. I think it¡¯s worth trying.¡± S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Chapter 565: The Maze

    The Care of Magical Creatures class went smoothly, with no injuries reported by the time it ended.


    As the students left Hagrid¡¯s pen, they walked back toward the castle, chatting and laughing.


    When they reached the castle gates, they encountered a group of first-year students heading out. From their direction, it seemed they were on their way to flying lessons.


    Speaking of flying... This time of year was typically the most stressful for Quidditch players, as they prepared for the final game of the season. All four teams usually crammed every available moment into training, leaving the pitch constantly in use.


    But with the Quidditch tournament canceled due to the Triwizard Tournament, the usual buzz of activity had vanished, replaced by an eerie stillness. Kyle had found the change disorienting at first.


    Cho, however, seemed unsettled for an entirely different reason.


    One weekend, she approached the group with a mysterious expression. ¡°Have you noticed? There¡¯s been one less ghost in the castle lately.¡±


    ¡°No way¡­¡± Fred squinted, scratching his head. After a moment of thought, he shook his head. ¡°I think all the ghosts are here.¡±


    ¡°Nearly Headless Nick¡­ Peeves¡­¡± George began counting them off. ¡°And Moaning Myrtle¡ªshe¡¯s not staying confined to that washroom anymore. I¡¯ve seen her roaming around a few times recently.¡±


    ¡°Not them,¡± Cho said. ¡°It¡¯s the Ravenclaw ghost¡ªThe Grey Lady.¡±


    ¡°Oh, the Grey Lady?¡± Fred asked casually.


    Cho nodded. ¡°She used to appear every evening at six o¡¯clock in our common room. She¡¯d stand in front of a statue and just stare blankly. But she hasn¡¯t shown up even once lately.¡±


    ¡°I see,¡± Fred said, nodding half-heartedly. ¡°Maybe the Grey Lady just doesn¡¯t want to go there anymore?¡±


    ¡°Kind of like Nearly Headless Nick,¡± George added. ¡°He used to haunt the tower more, but lately, he¡¯s taken to hanging around the busy foyer.¡±


    ¡°No, we¡¯ve searched the whole castle¡ªthere¡¯s no sign of the Grey Lady,¡± Cho insisted. ¡°Do you think it¡¯s possible for a ghost to just¡­ vanish into thin air?¡±


    ¡°In theory, yes,¡± Cedric said, his tone serious. ¡°But as far as I know, that¡¯s never happened before. According to the ghosts have been here for centuries, and not a single one has ever disappeared.¡±


    While they debated the matter, Kyle remained silent, listening carefully.


    He knew exactly where the Grey Lady was: the Room of Requirement. She had been staying there ever since the Easter holidays, alongside the Diadem.


    But Kyle had given his word to keep her whereabouts a secret, and he wasn¡¯t about to break that promise.


    Fortunately, Cho seemed more curious than truly concerned. Her interest in the Grey Lady¡¯s absence was fleeting, and the conversation soon shifted to the Triwizard Tournament.


    Everyone was eager to speculate about the final task¡ªwhat it would entail and how the champion would be decided.


    Kyle, for his part, had no concrete answers. The only thing he could confidently predict was that Hippogriffs would somehow play a role.


    ...


    After the holidays, the weather grew noticeably warmer, and students began shedding their heavy robes in favor of lighter attire.


    By the last week of May, the days were longer, and the anticipation for the Triwizard Tournament¡¯s final task was palpable.


    After a Transfiguration class that week, Professor McGonagall kept Kyle back as the other students filed out.


    ¡°You¡¯re to go to the Quidditch Pitch tonight at nine,¡± she informed him. ¡°Mr. Bagman will be there to explain the third task to the Champions¡­ Good luck.¡± She offered him a rare smile before turning away.


    That evening, at precisely 8:30, Kyle left the Hufflepuff Common Room, making his way toward the Quidditch Pitch. The castle felt quieter than usual, the corridors bathed in dim, flickering torchlight.


    As he walked through the empty foyer, Kyle suddenly spoke aloud, his tone casual but sharp.


    ¡°I say, why are you following me?¡±


    For a moment, there was no response¡ªjust silence and the faintest hint of movement in the air beside him. Then:


    ¡°Because we¡¯re curious, of course,¡± came a voice from next to him. It sounded like Fred¡­ or maybe George. It was impossible to tell without seeing their faces.


    ¡°Exactly,¡± added the other twin. ¡°We didn¡¯t spend half the year perfecting the Disillusionment Charm just to sit around, did we?¡±


    The air rippled slightly, then stilled again as they vanished back into invisibility.


    ¡°Oh, Cedric, you¡¯re stepping on me!¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not me, I¡¯m over here,¡± Cedric¡¯s voice chimed in from the other side of Kyle.


    ¡°Fred, you did that on purpose!¡±


    ¡°Hey, I didn¡¯t mean to,¡± Fred¡ªor possibly George¡ªretorted defensively.


    ...


    As Kyle and his invisible followers walked through the foyer, Madam Maxime and Fleur appeared from the opposite direction, crossing the grounds.


    Fred and the others immediately fell silent, halting their pursuit of Kyle and slipping away unnoticed.


    ¡°What do you think it is?¡± Fleur asked, breaking the silence as she walked beside Madam Maxime under the cloudy night sky. ¡°I think it¡¯s an underground tunnel, and we¡¯ll be searching for a treasure.¡±


    Madam Maxime glanced back at her but refrained from commenting. Instead, she quickened her pace, taking the lead.


    ¡°That would be easy enough,¡± Kyle remarked as he caught up with them. ¡°We could borrow a few Nifflers from Hagrid and let them handle it. Those little guys could probably dig up the Triwizard Cup in no time.¡±


    Fleur chuckled, but they continued across the dark lawn in silence, heading toward the Quidditch Pitch.


    When they arrived, they passed through a tunnel and emerged onto the pitch.


    ¡°Oh, this is spectacular,¡± Fleur murmured, her eyes widening.


    The once-flat pitch had transformed into a labyrinth of towering, intricate hedge walls that twisted and turned across the field.


    In the center, Bagman stood talking with Dumbledore, and nearby were Chris and Barty Crouch¡ªwhom Kyle hadn¡¯t seen in a long time.


    As they approached, Kyle overheard Bagman whispering to Dumbledore.


    ¡°Poor old Barty,¡± Bagman muttered. ¡°The investigation has taken such a toll on him. He didn¡¯t want to be involved again, but we thought he¡¯d contributed so much to the Triwizard Tournament that he deserved to see it through."


    ¡°Of course, he¡¯s not in any state to be scoring points¡ªso the referee won¡¯t change.¡±


    Noticing Kyle and Fleur, Bagman abruptly shifted gears.


    ¡°Oh, hello there!¡± he greeted them, his tone brightening. ¡°What do you think? Spectacular, isn¡¯t it?


    ¡°In another month, Hagrid will have these hedges grown to twelve feet tall! Oh, and look¡ªKrum¡¯s here, too.¡±


    Sure enough, Viktor Krum was making his way onto the field, his usual stoic demeanor unshaken.


    ¡°Well, I think you can guess why we¡¯re here,¡± Bagman said cheerfully.


    ¡°A maze,¡± Kyle said simply.


    ¡°Exactly!¡± Bagman exclaimed. ¡°The Triwizard Cup will be placed at the center of the maze. The first Champion to touch it will be declared the winner. Simple and clear, isn¡¯t it?¡±


    Bagman beamed as he explained further. ¡°The maze will be filled with obstacles¡ªMagical Creatures provided by Hagrid, plants from Professor Sprout, and spells that you¡¯ll need to counter. It¡¯ll be quite the adventure!¡±


    ¡°Wait,¡± Krum said gruffly. ¡°Getting the trophy makes you the Champion? What about our previous scores¡ªdo they count for nothing?¡±


    ¡°Oh, they still matter,¡± Bagman reassured him. ¡°The Champion with the most points will enter the maze first.


    ¡°Mr. Krum,¡± he said, nodding at Kyle, ¡°you¡¯ll be entering second, and Miss Delacour will go last." S§×ar?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°Of course, the lead is only temporary. In the end, victory depends on your ability to navigate the obstacles and reach the Cup."


    ¡°Well, if there are no other questions, let¡¯s head back to the castle¡ªit¡¯s getting a bit chilly out here.¡±

 Chapter 566: Cheating

    Bagman left the Quidditch Pitch with the group but lingered at the back of the line, deliberately slowing his pace to walk alongside Karkaroff.


    ¡°I don¡¯t understand why these preparations always have to wait until nightfall,¡± Bagman complained, rubbing his hands together as the cool night air settled in. ¡°Have they not considered the weather?¡±


    ¡°Yes, quite inconvenient,¡± Karkaroff replied, his expression one of polite concern. ¡°Would you care for a drink? I have some excellent gin on the ship. It will warm you right up.¡±


    ¡°Durmstrang gin, eh?¡± Bagman looked momentarily tempted but shook his head. ¡°No, Igor, I¡¯m supervising the maze later¡­ and with Chris and Barty around, well, you know how serious they are about their duties. They wouldn¡¯t appreciate me drinking at a time like this.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re overthinking it,¡± Karkaroff said dismissively. ¡°A small glass won¡¯t hurt. They won¡¯t even notice.¡±


    ¡°Forget it,¡± Bagman said with a glance ahead¡ªdeliberately or unintentionally¡ªtoward Kyle. ¡°But I do have something to discuss with you... Have you any special requests regarding reserved seating for the Durmstrang side?¡±


    ¡°Absolutely,¡± Karkaroff replied promptly. ¡°This is a rare event, and many of our professors and honorary alumni wish to attend to watch Viktor win his final championship. I¡¯m requesting twenty more seats in the first three rows.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s quite a lot,¡± Bagman said, frowning. ¡°Ten, at most.¡±


    ¡°Ten is far too few,¡± Karkaroff countered. ¡°Fifteen, at the very least.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s a difficult ask, Igor. But let¡¯s step aside and discuss this.¡±


    The two veered off toward the Black Lake, their voices fading into the distance.


    By then, Kyle had reached the stone steps of the castle.


    ¡°Are you heading back to the dormitory?¡± he asked Fleur.


    ¡°No, I¡¯ll stay in the carriage for a few days,¡± she replied, glancing back toward the grounds. ¡°And I need to wait here a bit. If Durmstrang gets more seats for their spectators, we should request the same for Beauxbatons. But it¡¯s strange¡ªMadam Maxime hasn¡¯t returned yet.¡±


    ¡°Oh, alright,¡± Kyle said.


    With that, he ascended the steps and returned to the castle alone.


    It was now half past nine, past curfew, and the halls were eerily silent. Normally, the faint echo of Filch¡¯s footsteps would resound through the corridors, but lately, the caretaker seemed to have lost interest in patrolling. He spent most of his time holed up in his office with Mrs. Norris.


    ¡°Fred? George? Are you heading back to the Gryffindor common room?¡± Kyle asked into the stillness.


    No reply.


    ¡°Cedric?¡± he tried, but again, there was only silence.


    He figured they must still be out somewhere, likely trying to gather more information or simply enjoying their mischievous explorations.


    Kyle considered waiting for them, but standing alone in the chilly hallway after curfew felt a little absurd. After five minutes, he gave up and headed back to the Hufflepuff common room.


    Inside, the lounge was bustling with energy. As soon as Kyle entered, every head turned toward him as if they¡¯d planned it in advance.


    ¡°What¡¯s the third event? A treasure hunt?¡±


    ¡°Nonsense. It¡¯s got to be a duel.¡±


    ¡°Agreed. Only the strongest wizard could win a duel to become champion!¡±


    The room buzzed with speculation, everyone eager to outguess the others about the final task.


    ¡°None of the above,¡± Kyle said, shaking his head.


    Still, remembering Chris¡¯s advice to maintain some mystery, he refrained from revealing too much. ¡°It¡¯ll definitely be exciting, though,¡± he added with a knowing smile.


    The group tried pressing for more details, but when Kyle remained tight-lipped, they gradually gave up. By ten o¡¯clock, the excitement had settled, and the students began dispersing to their dormitories one by one.


    Before long, the common room was nearly empty, with only a few students lingering near the dying embers of the fireplace.


    As Kyle sat in the common room, the wooden door on the wall suddenly creaked open. A moment later, three figures appeared seemingly out of thin air¡ªCedric, along with Fred and George, who had apparently decided not to return to the Gryffindor common room after all.


    ¡°You¡¯ll guess what we heard,¡± Fred burst out, his face red with anger and frustration.


    ¡°We got curious and decided to eavesdrop on what Bagman and Karkaroff were talking about,¡± George added, his tone equally furious. ¡°We didn¡¯t realize they were discussing the contents of the third task.¡±


    ¡°That Ludo Bagman!¡± Fred spat. ¡°I never thought he¡¯d sink so low as to help Durmstrang cheat against Hogwarts. I used to think he was the greatest Beater ever!¡±


    ¡°When we get back, we¡¯re tearing his poster off the wall and burning it!¡± George declared.


    ¡°As a referee, helping a Champion cheat is a blatant violation of the Triwizard Tournament rules!¡± Cedric chimed in, his normally calm demeanor replaced by visible anger. He had followed the twins to make sure they didn¡¯t get caught sneaking around but hadn¡¯t expected to uncover such a serious matter.


    ¡°Wait¡­¡± Kyle frowned. ¡°Are you certain you overheard them revealing details about the task?¡±


    ¡°Absolutely,¡± George said, his jaw set. ¡°They didn¡¯t even try to keep their voices down. They probably thought no one was around to hear.¡±


    ¡°No, we have to go straight to the Headmaster and report them!¡± Fred said, standing as if to leave.


    Cedric quickly stopped him. ¡°It won¡¯t work. We don¡¯t have any direct evidence, and they¡¯ll just deny it. Without proof, there¡¯s no way anyone will take action.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s no good!¡± George said, slamming his fist on the table. ¡°This kind of cheating is disgraceful.¡±


    Kyle, who had been quietly listening, suddenly spoke. ¡°What exactly did they say? Did they give away the correct route through the maze?¡±


    ¡°Well¡­ not exactly,¡± Cedric admitted after a moment¡¯s thought. ¡°Karkaroff tried to press Bagman for specifics, but Bagman said he wasn¡¯t sure which path would lead to the Cup. It¡¯s probably because the maze is still under construction.¡±


    ¡°Actually,¡± Fred said, his expression dark, ¡°Bagman did mention something. He said that if you encounter a Sphinx and a Manticore, you¡¯re on the right track, and you just need to keep going straight. That¡¯s as good as giving away the answer, isn¡¯t it?¡±


    George suddenly slapped the table, his expression shifting from anger to calculation. ¡°You know what? I agree with Cedric. We shouldn¡¯t report this to Dumbledore.¡±


    ¡°What?!¡± Fred turned to his brother in disbelief. ¡°You can¡¯t be serious¡ª¡±


    ¡°Think about it!¡± George cut him off, his eyes gleaming with a clever realization. ¡°We¡¯ve been so angry, we completely missed the most important point. Remember: Kyle is the first person to enter the maze.¡± S§×ar?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Fred froze, his anger dissolving as comprehension dawned. A grin spread across his face as he muttered, ¡°Bloody hell, how could I forget that?¡±


    ¡°Exactly,¡± George said, his excitement growing. ¡°Bagman gave Karkaroff hints about the third task¡ªbut we overheard it. And now has the information. He¡¯ll be in the maze long before Krum even gets a chance.¡±


    ¡°By the time Krum finds the Sphinx, Kyle might already be standing next to the Triwizard Cup,¡± Fred added, his grin widening.


    ¡°Krum¡¯s face is going to be priceless,¡± George said with a chuckle.


    ¡°And Karkaroff¡¯s will be even better!¡± Fred finished.

 Chapter 567: The Joy of Night Wandering

    ¡°You must have thought of this a long time ago, that¡¯s why you didn¡¯t want us to tell Dumbledore about it,¡± Fred said, excitedly patting Cedric on the shoulder beside him. ¡°You¡¯re much smarter than Percy, even though you¡¯re both Prefects¡­ But next time, you could be a bit clearer.¡±


    Is that what I think?


    Cedric felt they had misunderstood something. In truth, he simply thought they needed more concrete evidence before approaching Headmaster Dumbledore. After all, they were accusing not just anyone, but the judge and a headmaster of cheating. Without solid proof, no one would take them seriously.


    Yet, as he looked at Fred and George, both glowing with excitement, he decided against clarifying. Besides, Cedric couldn¡¯t deny that they had a point. With insider information about the Third Task, Kyle¡ªwho would enter the maze first¡ªwould undoubtedly have an edge over Krum.


    The three exchanged a glance and then spoke at once, sharing everything they had just overheard.


    ¡°The plants Professor Sprout mentioned are Devil¡¯s Snare, Fanged Geranium, and Snargaluff. They¡¯re hidden in the hedges, so be careful in the maze.¡±


    ¡°There are a variety of Magical Creatures, but you should be able to handle them without much trouble.¡±


    ¡°The most dangerous one is the Acromantula¡ªit¡¯s on the wrong path. If you see it, run. Don¡¯t waste time trying to fight it¡­¡±


    They went on, each chiming in with details, none of them pausing to ask for Kyle¡¯s input.


    Several times, Kyle tried to interject, but they cut him off every time. He wanted to point out that even if Krum received the same information, it wouldn¡¯t be a threat. After all, he could simply enlist the help of any Magical Creatures they encountered in the maze.


    But they gave him no chance to explain.


    It wasn¡¯t until half past ten that Fred and George finally left the Hufflepuff Common Room, heading down the empty staircase without bothering to hide.


    ¡°I think Bagman¡¯s bound to report back to Karkaroff,¡± Fred said as they descended. ¡°We¡¯ll need to keep an eye on him to make sure he doesn¡¯t spill anything else.¡±


    ¡°Exactly,¡± George agreed. ¡°If they can¡¯t win fairly, they¡¯ll cheat. No wonder the adults don¡¯t think much of Durmstrang. I always thought it was because they taught dark magic.¡±


    ¡°They¡¯re not getting away with it this time,¡± Fred said, shaking a piece of parchment triumphantly. ¡°We¡¯ll keep a close watch on Bagman. He won¡¯t get the chance to pass anything else to Karkaroff.¡±


    The pair quickened their pace, reaching the eighth floor in no time. Following the corridor would lead them straight to the Gryffindor Common Room.


    ¡°But you know,¡± George said suddenly, ¡°Karkaroff did us a favor in a way. Ever since that cat disappeared from the castle, it¡¯s been so much quieter. Blissful, really.¡±


    ¡°And Filch,¡± Fred added with a grin.


    ¡°Exactly.¡± George smirked. ¡°Though I¡¯ll admit, without them, nighttime walks aren¡¯t nearly as thrilling. It¡¯s a bit dull.¡±


    They continued on, chatting softly, until they were nearly at the portrait of the Fat Lady. Suddenly, a dim light flickered at the end of the corridor.


    Reacting quickly, they darted back and cast Disillusionment Charms on themselves.


    Moments later, Filch appeared, his oil lamp casting long shadows as he strode toward them. His voice was sharp and gruff. ¡°Who¡¯s there? I heard voices. Show yourselves!¡±


    Fred and George froze, holding their breath. The corridor was narrow, and if Filch got much closer, he¡¯d undoubtedly spot them, even with the charm.


    One step, then another¡ªFilch came closer and closer.


    Suddenly, a loud clattering noise echoed from downstairs. Filch turned sharply toward the sound, his expression furious. Without hesitation, he grabbed his lamp and hurried off in pursuit of the noise.


    ...


    "That''s what happened. The oil lamp almost hit my nose."


    The next morning, Fred recounted the previous night''s events with dramatic flair.


    "Who told you to skip the effort of using the Disillusionment Charm?" Kyle asked, taking a bite of roasted corn. "Filch hasn¡¯t been fired, you know. He¡¯s still doing his rounds like always."


    "Who would¡¯ve thought?" George shrugged. "At least now we know Filch only comes out once a night during curfew. We were just unlucky to be out so late."


    "Maybe he''s shaped up," Kanna suggested casually.


    "If that''s the case, it¡¯s not all bad," Fred replied, poking at the stew on his plate. "We kind of miss Filch."


    "Without a rival like him, sneaking out at night isn¡¯t nearly as exciting anymore."


    The idea that the fun of their nocturnal escapades depended on Filch¡¯s pursuit was, naturally, a sentiment only Fred and George could express.


    "Oh, wait¡ªBagman¡¯s here," George suddenly announced, glancing at the Marauder''s Map.


    The twins quickly shoveled down the rest of their breakfast before dashing out of the Great Hall.


    Cedric, curious, had half a mind to follow them, but as soon as he reached the doorway, he stopped and turned back. "They used the Disillusionment Charm," he said with a shrug. "No way to track them."


    ...


    In the days that followed, similar scenarios played out repeatedly. Bagman appeared to have become a magnet for the Weasley twins¡¯ antics. Whenever he was spotted outside of lessons, Fred and George would bolt after him, sometimes dragging Cedric along.


    With the Third Task looming¡ªand Hogwarts exams nearing their conclusion¡ªit would have been reasonable for the trio to focus on revision. Instead, much of their energy went into keeping a vigilant eye on Bagman and Karkaroff.


    Even though Kyle had told them countless times that it wasn¡¯t necessary, they remained undeterred.


    "You really don¡¯t need to worry about this, Kyle," Cedric said one afternoon, as they returned from yet another surveillance run to the Quidditch Pitch. "Sixth year is pretty easy. We¡¯ve got less homework than we did in third year, and there¡¯s plenty of time."


    "Exactly," Fred chimed in. "We don¡¯t need to stress over exams. Our O.W.L. results are what really matter, and Mum won¡¯t say much if we¡¯re a bit rubbish on the end-of-year tests this time."


    "Are you sure about that?" Kyle asked, raising an eyebrow. sea??h th§× Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Well..." Fred hesitated for a moment, then waved dismissively. "Probably."


    "You just focus on preparing for the Third Task," George said, pulling out an Extendable Ear. "We¡¯re doing this for Hogwarts. If we can catch Bagman or Karkaroff cheating... Mum will definitely understand."


    "And if you can¡¯t catch them?" Kyle countered, his voice dry. "You¡¯re fine going home with a report card stamped with Dreadful?"


    The twins fell into an awkward silence.


    "If it comes to that..." Fred eventually said, his tone defeated, "Kyle, how about letting us stay in your attic for a couple of months?"

 Chapter 568: The Exam

    As June approached, the atmosphere in the castle grew tense and excited once more. The final event of the Triwizard Tournament was imminent, and the summer holidays were just around the corner. For most students, who hadn¡¯t left the castle all year due to the Christmas Ball, the anticipation of this year¡¯s break was higher than ever.


    Kyle found himself buried in yet another stack of books. This time, Cedric, Cho, and Kanna joined in to help, drafting an extensive list of potentially useful Charms on a long piece of parchment and handing it to him.


    ¡°The Four-Point Spell will definitely work, I guarantee it,¡± Cedric insisted. ¡°It makes your wand point due north. Since the Quidditch Pitch is north of the castle, if you follow the wand, you¡¯ll definitely find the spot where the trophy is hidden.¡±


    ¡°Are you sure the directions in the maze will be accurate?¡± Cho countered. ¡°Don¡¯t forget what happened during the First Task. The Champions¡¯ perspective was completely different from what we saw.¡±


    ¡°But it¡¯s still better than wandering aimlessly, isn¡¯t it?¡± Cedric argued. ¡°Knowing a direction is better than knowing nothing at all.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re right,¡± Cho conceded, though she glanced at him skeptically. ¡°Still, if a Four-Point Spell were enough to solve the maze, this task would be way too easy. I¡¯m sure Professor Dumbledore has already considered that.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s why the Reductor Curse is more important,¡± Cho added. ¡°Use it to blow through the hedges and head straight for the center without being hindered by the maze.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t think a single Reductor Curse can destroy the kind of hedges they¡¯ll use for the maze,¡± Cedric muttered.


    This wasn¡¯t the first time they¡¯d clashed over which Charm was most useful. Each had their arguments, and it often turned into a competition¡ªas if convincing Kyle meant victory. The winner would bask in smugness for the rest of the day, only for the debate to start anew the next morning.


    Kyle usually ended up agreeing with both sides, if only to restore some peace. In truth, he was already familiar with nearly every Charm they¡¯d suggested.


    Kanna, however, took a different approach: potions. She presented Kyle with a variety of concoctions¡ªBaruffio¡¯s Brain Elixir, Awakening Potion, Poison Antidotes, Healing Potions, Strengthening Solutions, Corrosive Potions, and even Fire Protection Potion, like the one Snape had used to protect the Philosopher¡¯s Stone. Each arrived carefully packaged in bottles.


    To top it off, she brought him a small vial of golden Felix Felicis. But Kyle didn¡¯t accept it.


    For one, he didn¡¯t want to risk Snape¡¯s wrath. It was clear Kanna wasn¡¯t yet skilled enough to brew Felix Felicis herself, so its origin was no mystery. Accepting ordinary potions might lead to Snape docking points or sulking, but Felix Felicis was different. Even Snape couldn¡¯t brew it easily¡ªit was practically marked Taking it would be a surefire way to land in serious trouble, and not even Dumbledore would be able to protect Kyle from the fallout.


    Besides, Kyle already had a bottle of Felix Felicis from Kanna, tucked safely away in his suitcase. It had been a Christmas gift from Snape to her during her first year, but since Kanna had a habit of losing things, Kyle had offered to hold onto it. When he later tried to return it, Kanna refused, insisting it was now a gift for him. Snape, of course, likely had no idea about this arrangement.


    Another reason Kyle declined was that Felix Felicis was undoubtedly banned for the Triwizard Tournament. The judges weren¡¯t just there to score the Champions¡ªthey could easily detect if someone had used the potion. After Kyle¡¯s explanation, Kanna reluctantly stowed the Felix Felicis away again.


    As the tournament approached, Fred and George continued their surveillance of Ludo Bagman. For more than two weeks, they had tracked him tirelessly. But whether he¡¯d caught wind of their efforts or for some other reason, Bagman hadn¡¯t met with Karkaroff again. Their routines stayed predictable: Bagman spent his days between the boat and the Quidditch Pitch, with nothing unusual happening.


    Though disappointed, the twins eventually suspended their mission. Exam week had arrived, and even Fred and George couldn¡¯t afford to flunk too badly if they wanted to survive the holidays unscathed.


    For fifth-years, the arrival of the O.W.L.s made the entire castle buckle down. Even the looming final task of the Triwizard Tournament couldn¡¯t fully distract them. Books, notes, and frantic cramming took precedence¡ªfor one week, at least.


    ...


    The day before the Third Task, the Great Hall was alive with activity. Students filled the lunch tables, their chatter blending into a constant hum of excitement and nerves. sea??h th§× Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Kanna, however, paid no attention to the noise. She sat hunched over a thick book, flipping through its pages intently. Beside her, Cho was also absorbed in a large open book, though she didn¡¯t seem as focused.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t realize the O.W.L.s would be so much harder than regular final exams...¡± Cho said, her voice tinged with frustration. ¡°I made so many mistakes on the Transfiguration exam yesterday. There are critical steps for brewing Polyjuice Potion, and I could only remember If I miss the advanced class because of that...¡±


    ¡°Relax, Cho, don¡¯t be so hard on yourself,¡± Cedric said reassuringly, handing her a glass of pumpkin juice.


    ¡°That¡¯s just how O.W.L.s are¡ªthey¡¯re a bit of a shock,¡± he continued. ¡°I felt the same way when I took mine. I was so sure I¡¯d messed up everything, I could barely sleep. But when the results came back, they weren¡¯t as bad as I thought.


    ¡°I heard the Wizarding Examinations Authority uses a different grading curve for O.W.L.s compared to our regular finals.¡±


    ¡°But I get the answers wrong,¡± Cho fretted, her stress unabated. She pushed her plate aside, not feeling the slightest bit hungry. With so much left to revise before her next exam, she didn¡¯t think she could afford a break.


    Kanna seemed to share her sentiments. Though she was eating, her eyes never left her book.


    Meanwhile, Mikel and Ryan sat across from them, eerily silent. They stared off into space as if in a daze, occasionally jabbing at their steaks in a way that suggested they might accidentally stuff them up their noses.


    Kyle, on the other hand, had no such worries. That morning, as he walked to class with Kanna, he had been informed that, as a Triwizard Tournament Champion, he wouldn¡¯t need to take the O.W.L. exams at all.


    ¡°They were going to arrange a special exam for you after the tournament,¡± Professor Marchbanks had said, standing at the classroom doorway. Despite being well over a hundred years old, her sharp eyes twinkled with warmth. ¡°But I don¡¯t think that will be necessary.¡±


    Marchbanks had glanced down at a parchment in her hands, then back up at Kyle with a small smile. ¡°I¡¯ve reviewed your past exam scores¡ªfrankly, no one has ever achieved higher marks during my tenure administering these tests. Not even Dumbledore himself.¡±


    She had paused, then added with a touch of pride, ¡°And that article you published in ? It would have received full marks even on the N.E.W.T. Transfiguration exam.¡±


    Her expression softened. ¡°So, you¡¯ve nothing left to prove. Use your time as you see fit¡ªprepare for the Third Task, or simply relax and enjoy yourself. No need to waste a single moment worrying about exam parchment.¡±


    With Marchbanks¡¯s blessing, Kyle had spent the morning in the empty common room. To his surprise, the unstructured time was less relaxing than he¡¯d anticipated¡ªit was just plain boring.

 Chapter 569: Diana

    In just one day, the OWLs had made many students understand the true horrors of being a fifth year at Hogwarts.


    The lights in the common rooms of all four houses had remained on through the night, burning steadily into the next day. Meanwhile, this was also the day the final competition of the Triwizard Tournament would begin.


    At breakfast, the Great Hall was alive with activity, and the swarm of owls delivering letters nearly obscured the enchanted ceiling. Some students were already celebrating the upcoming holiday, while others eagerly anticipated the evening¡¯s event. The fifth years, however, remained as tense as they had been the day before, their nerves fraying further with each passing moment.


    Kyle was contemplating whether to stay in the common room or retreat to the library when Professor McGonagall strode past the Hufflepuff table.


    ¡°The Champions should gather in the classroom next to the Great Hall after breakfast,¡± she announced crisply.


    ¡°Is it starting already?¡± Susan Bones, seated nearby, blurted out. ¡°But Professor, I thought the tournament doesn¡¯t start until tonight! We still have an exam this morning.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m aware, Miss Bones,¡± Professor McGonagall replied with a stern look. ¡°This is a matter for the Champions, unrelated to the tournament.¡±


    ¡°Ah, sorry, Professor,¡± Susan mumbled, looking abashed.


    Without further comment, Professor McGonagall turned and walked away.


    After breakfast, the students dispersed to their respective activities. Kanna and Cedric headed to the greenhouses for their Herbology exam, while Kyle rose from the table and made his way to the room where the Champions had previously tested their wands. Fleur followed closely behind him.


    When they pushed open the door, they found Viktor Krum already there, speaking rapidly in Bulgarian to two dark-haired individuals who appeared to be his parents. The man, with his prominent hooked nose, bore a striking resemblance to Krum.


    Fleur¡¯s mother had also arrived and was hurrying toward her daughters, Gabrielle¡¯s small hand clasped tightly in hers. Fleur smiled warmly and rushed to greet them.


    Near the fireplace, Diana stood quietly, her serene smile directed at Kyle.


    ¡°Your father is one of the judges, so it wouldn¡¯t be appropriate for him to be here,¡± she murmured softly.


    ¡°I understand,¡± Kyle replied with a nod. He knew that while Chris¡¯s score had been fair, the mere presence of his father might raise suspicions among the other Champions or their families.


    ¡°Are you comfortable being at the school?¡± Kyle asked in a low voice. ¡°I mean, there are quite a few people around.¡±


    ¡°Of course,¡± Diana said with a light laugh. ¡°My work doesn¡¯t mean I can never be around others. We simply avoid unnecessary contact when we¡¯re on missions requiring strict confidentiality.¡±


    ¡°So, no high-priority mission right now?¡±


    ¡°There is one,¡± Diana admitted, smiling, ¡°but it¡¯s not urgent. And this is the final competition of the Triwizard Tournament¡ªI wouldn¡¯t miss it.¡±


    They continued chatting for a while by the fireplace. Kyle noticed Diana glancing at the portraits on the walls, her expression touched with a hint of nostalgia.


    ¡°Would you like me to show you around the castle?¡± he offered.


    Diana¡¯s eyes brightened, and she nodded.


    The two stepped out of the classroom and headed toward the door leading into the Great Hall.


    ¡°I haven¡¯t been back in over ten years,¡± said Diana, her gaze sweeping over the portraits and stone statues lining the walls. ¡°It¡¯s exactly the same as when I was a student¡ªnot a single change.¡±


    ¡°Didn¡¯t you come when I received my second-class Order of Merlin?¡± Kyle asked, recalling her presence on that occasion.


    ¡°That was different,¡± Diana replied. ¡°I didn¡¯t have the time to explore the castle as leisurely as I do now.¡±


    Kyle led her to the Hufflepuff common room, which was empty due to exams.


    Diana surveyed the barrel-shaped room, sunlight flooding in through the windows. She nodded in approval. ¡°It¡¯s really nice,¡± she said. ¡°Back when I was in Slytherin, all I could see out the windows was the Black Lake. A completely different view.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re also very close to the kitchens,¡± Kyle added with a smile. ¡°Right next door, in fact.¡±


    ¡°I know,¡± Diana replied with a knowing grin. ¡°Your father used to send me cookies and treats all the time. By the time I graduated, I could barely fit into my gown.¡±


    Kyle¡¯s eyes lit up, eager to hear more, but Diana smoothly changed the subject.


    They left the common room and strolled across the warm castle grounds. Kyle showed her the Beauxbatons carriage and Durmstrang¡¯s ship, though Diana seemed uninterested. The Whomping Willow, however, caught her attention.


    ¡°When I was in school, it was much smaller,¡± Diana remarked, gazing at the ancient tree.


    ¡°Hey, Kyle!¡±


    Hagrid¡¯s voice rang out, drawing their attention. ¡°What are you doing outside during exams? By Merlin¡¯s beard, is that you, Diana?¡± S§×arch* The Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°Hello, Hagrid...¡± Diana greeted him warmly.


    Kyle blinked in surprise. ¡°You two know each other?¡±


    ¡°Long before I met you,¡± Hagrid said with a grin, striding over. ¡°Back then, only Chris and Diana ever visited me in the Forbidden Forest. Chris always liked my rock cakes.¡±


    ¡°With all due respect, Hagrid,¡± Diana said with a smile, ¡°he only liked them because they saved him time studying Magical Creatures. A single rock cake meant he didn¡¯t need to eat for the rest of the day.¡±


    ¡°I thought he liked the taste...¡± Hagrid looked momentarily crestfallen, but his good nature quickly returned.


    It had been over ten years, and it was all just a memory now. For whatever reason, Chris had ¡°liked¡± his rock cakes, and that was enough.


    At lunchtime, Kyle suggested heading back to the castle, expecting Diana to decline. To his surprise, she agreed.


    The Great Hall was already buzzing with students when they entered. Though many glanced curiously at Diana, the sight of Fleur¡¯s and Krum¡¯s parents earlier had tempered their reactions.


    ¡°She¡¯s really pretty, isn¡¯t she?¡± Susan whispered to Hannah. ¡°No wonder Kyle is so good-looking...¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± Hannah agreed, nodding.


    At the Hufflepuff table, Kanna looked even more anxious than the day before. She picked at her food with a solemn expression, her fork stabbing erratically at her plate.


    Diana, after a brief meal, stood up. ¡°I¡¯m going to find your father and discuss when we¡¯ll pick up Molly and the others.¡±


    ¡°Now?¡± Kyle rose as well. ¡°I¡¯ll walk you there.¡±


    ¡°No need,¡± Diana replied, shaking her head. ¡°You eat. Don¡¯t worry about me.¡±


    With an enigmatic smile, she left the Great Hall.


    As soon as she was gone, Kanna exhaled a long sigh of relief. She glanced at her plate, where her steak had nearly been reduced to mush, and took a large gulp of pumpkin juice.


    Kyle quietly refilled her glass.


    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you tell me earlier that your mother was coming?¡± Kanna asked hesitantly. ¡°We could have...welcomed her properly.¡±


    ¡°I only found out this morning,¡± Kyle said with a shrug. ¡°You were still taking your exams then.¡±


    He could sympathize with her discomfort. To be fair, if Snape were sitting across from him at the table, he doubted he¡¯d be able to eat either.

 Chapter 570: New Updates on the Tournament

    By around 3:00 p.m., the sixth-year students had completed their last exam and were eagerly anticipating the upcoming tournament and the holidays. The fifth years, however, still had two more hours of OWLs to endure.


    That afternoon, Kyle and Cedric sat by the Black Lake, discussing the imminent tournament. The giant squid floated lazily in the sunlight, its tentacles breaking the lake''s surface now and then.


    Meanwhile, Fred and George were up to their usual antics, sneaking off to see Bagman and Karkaroff. According to them, the closer the competition got, the more critical it was to stay vigilant. After all, with the maze completed, who was to say Bagman wouldn¡¯t help Karkaroff find an edge by revealing a shortcut to the trophy?


    ¡°The competition starts in a few hours. I wish time would hurry up,¡± Cedric said, staring out at the shimmering lake. ¡°How¡¯s the Charm coming along? Are you feeling ready?¡±


    ¡°Of course, I¡¯m ready,¡± Kyle replied confidently. ¡°You¡¯re more nervous than I am.¡±


    ¡°Maybe,¡± Cedric admitted. ¡°It¡¯s the last competition, and you¡¯ve been leading in the first two events. It¡¯d be a shame if...¡± He trailed off. ¡°Well, if you lost at the end.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry,¡± Kyle said with a smirk. ¡°I¡¯m not going to lose.¡±


    ¡°I know,¡± Cedric said, smiling back. ¡°Professor Sprout would be over the moon if you won the Triwizard Tournament. I saw her last time in Hogsmeade, at the wizarding clothing store. Looked like she was picking out a new robe.¡±


    ¡°A new robe?¡± Kyle turned to him in surprise. ¡°You¡¯re kidding. Didn¡¯t she just get a new one last year?¡±


    For most people, buying only one new piece of clothing a year might seem unusual, but for Professor Sprout, it was perfectly normal. At school, she typically wore durable clothes suited for tending the plants in the greenhouses. Her formal robes were reserved for special occasions, like the Start-of-Term Feast.


    Kyle remembered that her bright yellow robe had gone unchanged for years. It wasn¡¯t until Hufflepuff won the House Cup for the fourth consecutive year that she bought a new one, which she proudly wore to the Yule Ball.


    ¡°I¡¯m pretty sure,¡± Cedric said. ¡°If you win the cup, it¡¯ll be a huge honor for Hogwarts¡ªand for Hufflepuff. Professor Sprout probably wants to celebrate in style.¡±


    Kyle chuckled. ¡°That does sound like something she¡¯d do.¡±


    Just then, Cedric nudged Kyle and said, ¡°Look over there¡ªit¡¯s the headmaster.¡±


    Kyle turned to see Dumbledore walking out of the castle, flanked by the other judges. They appeared to be deep in a heated discussion.


    ¡°What do you think they¡¯re talking about?¡± Cedric asked, his curiosity piqued.


    ¡°No idea,¡± Kyle replied, shaking his head. From their distance, it was impossible to hear the conversation.


    ¡°Probably something about the competition,¡± Cedric speculated.


    ¡°Could be,¡± Kyle said.


    ¡°But so close to the start?¡± Cedric looked puzzled. ¡°Do they really still have disagreements now?¡±


    Every headmaster wants their Champion to win¡ªit¡¯s only natural they¡¯d argue about the details.


    ...


    At five o''clock, a burst of excited cheering echoed from the castle.


    "I think the exams are over," Cedric said, getting to his feet.


    The group rose and began preparing to head back to the castle for dinner.


    ¡°Hey, there you are...¡±


    Fred and George appeared just then, looking exhilarated. They had been missing all afternoon, but now their excitement was unmistakable.


    ¡°Guess what we heard...¡± Fred started eagerly.


    ¡°Did Bagman really tell Karkaroff the route of the maze?¡± Cedric interrupted, his voice brimming with curiosity.


    ¡°No,¡± Fred replied, shaking his head, ¡°but Bagman did go to see Karkaroff again.¡±


    ¡°He said the maze was designed by all the referees together and that no one knows the exact route.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s good,¡± Cedric remarked, sounding relieved.


    ¡°But,¡± George added, leaning in with a conspiratorial tone, ¡°we heard something else. The referees might use the same method as the Second Task to make the competition harder.¡±


    ¡°The Second Task?¡± Kyle asked, puzzled. ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    ¡°Hostages,¡± Fred explained. ¡°They¡¯re planning to add hostages to the competition. The Champions will need to rescue all the hostages before they can reach the final trophy.¡±


    ¡°You must have misheard,¡± Cedric exclaimed, alarmed. ¡°A maze is dangerous enough¡ªwhy add hostages?¡±


    ¡°We didn¡¯t mishear,¡± George said solemnly. ¡°Bagman said it himself. We caught every word.¡±


    ¡°Wait... that doesn¡¯t make sense. It¡¯s broad daylight.¡± Cedric suddenly frowned. ¡°Could you even get close to them with a Disillusionment Charm?¡±


    Ludo Bagman aside, Karkaroff was the headmaster of Durmstrang. Even in daylight without the cover of night, it seemed unlikely he wouldn¡¯t notice someone sneaking up under a Disillusionment Charm.


    ¡°Of course not,¡± Fred admitted with a grin. ¡°That¡¯s why we borrowed a very handy little prop.¡±


    He reached into his pocket and pulled out a peculiar object shaped like an ear.


    ¡°Extendable Ears. We only made them last week,¡± George explained proudly. ¡°We disguised them as part of a bush and eavesdropped on Bagman and Karkaroff.¡±


    Cedric sighed, glancing at Kyle. ¡°Looks like Kanna¡¯s going to be taken hostage again. It¡¯ll be up to you to save her.¡±


    ¡°No, no, no, you¡¯ve got it wrong this time,¡± Fred corrected, wagging a finger. ¡°Hogwarts¡¯ hostage isn¡¯t going to be Kanna¡ªit¡¯ll be Harry.¡±


    ¡°Harry Potter?¡± S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°Exactly,¡± George confirmed. ¡°They figured it¡¯d add drama to the tournament¡ªhaving the Boy Who Lived as part of the final event.¡±


    Kyle frowned, a sense of unease creeping in. ¡°Harry in the final event? Do you know who came up with that idea? Was it Karkaroff? Or... Barty Crouch?¡±


    ¡°We don¡¯t know,¡± Fred admitted. ¡°It must¡¯ve been decided ages ago. We only overheard Bagman mentioning it to Karkaroff.¡±


    ¡°Bagman also said this competition will dominate ¡¯s front page for the next week,¡± George added.


    Kyle¡¯s frown deepened. Something about the situation didn¡¯t sit right, but before he could press further, Kanna and Cho came running over from a distance.


    ¡°What are you talking about?¡± Kanna asked curiously.


    ¡°The Triwizard Tournament,¡± Fred replied nonchalantly. ¡°Anyway, you lot go ahead and have dinner. We¡¯ve got to find Professor Dumbledore.¡±


    ¡°Harry doesn¡¯t have to be the hostage. We could do it instead,¡± George added suddenly.


    ¡°It¡¯s the Triwizard Tournament¡ªit¡¯s the only one we¡¯ll ever see...¡±


    ¡°We already talked about this before we came here,¡± Fred reminded him.


    ¡°Even if we can¡¯t be Champions, we¡¯ve got to do everything we can to be hostages.¡±


    With that, the twins dashed off toward the castle, intent on finding Dumbledore.


    Kyle stood there, thoughtful. While it was strange that Harry might be chosen as a hostage, as long as Dumbledore was involved, things should be under control...


    Still, it wouldn¡¯t hurt to remind them to check the Goblet of Fire later, just to be sure.


    Once that was settled in his mind, he joined the others as they made their way to the Great Hall for dinner.

 Chapter 571: Harry Taken Away

    Tonight''s dinner was much more lavish than usual. As the judges made their way through the side door to the classroom section, the golden plates were just about to reveal a feast of delicious food.


    Kyle grabbed a piece of bacon and glanced toward the square where the judges were seated.


    Madam Maxime seemed to be in high spirits, smiling broadly. In stark contrast, Karkaroff sat beside her with a sour expression, his stern face betraying his displeasure. Bagman, usually cheerful and exuberant, appeared oddly unsettled tonight, leaning in to speak to Dumbledore with an anxious demeanor. Whatever he was saying, Dumbledore merely shook his head in response, calm and unwavering. S§×arch* The ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°His dream of being on the front page has come to nothing,¡± came a voice beside Kyle. Startled, he turned to see Fred and George, who had somehow made their way to the Hufflepuff table.


    ¡°Don¡¯t look so surprised,¡± George said with a grin. ¡°We thought you might be getting too nervous, so we came to cheer you up.¡±


    ¡°Thanks,¡± Kyle replied with a small smile. ¡°But what do you mean about Bagman¡¯s front-page dream?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s the second thing we wanted to tell you,¡± Fred whispered, leaning in. ¡°The plan to take hostages has been cancelled.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Kyle asked, his voice low but sharp with surprise.


    ¡°It¡¯s exactly as it sounds,¡± George said, shrugging. ¡°We found Dumbledore earlier and even volunteered to become hostages ourselves...¡±


    ¡°But the headmaster wasn¡¯t having it,¡± Fred interjected. ¡°He said the maze was dangerous enough and didn¡¯t want to risk any students who weren¡¯t Champions. So, right before dinner¡ª¡±


    ¡°Dumbledore, Maxime, and your father,¡± George continued, ¡°the three of them voted to cancel the plan.¡±


    ¡°Karkaroff wasn¡¯t happy about it, though,¡± Fred added, shooting a glance at the teachers¡¯ table. ¡°He said everyone was being cowards and claimed this wasn¡¯t the Triwizard Tournament he remembered. He had a full-on shouting match with them in the entrance hall.¡±


    ¡°Did it work?¡± Cedric, seated nearby, asked with interest.


    ¡°Of course not,¡± George replied. ¡°The old Triwizard Tournament was canceled in the first place because too many people died. Now that it¡¯s back, most folks want to avoid taking unnecessary risks.¡±


    Kyle glanced toward the teachers¡¯ table. Bagman was still talking animatedly to Dumbledore, clearly siding with Karkaroff, but none of that mattered now.


    The cancellation of the hostage plan was a relief. At least it was one less thing to worry about during the competition.


    Before long, dinner ended, and the enchanted ceiling shifted from a bright blue to a deepening dusk. Dumbledore rose from his seat, and the hall fell silent at once.


    ¡°Ladies and gentlemen,¡± he began, his voice carrying across the room, ¡°in ten minutes, I will ask you to proceed to the Quidditch Pitch to observe the final event of the Triwizard Tournament. For now, the Champions will accompany Mr. Bagman to the pitch.¡±


    Kyle stood, receiving a wave of applause from the Hufflepuff table as they cheered him on. He joined Fleur and Krum, and together they left the Great Hall.


    As they walked, Kyle noticed Fleur¡¯s nervousness¡ªshe kept taking deep breaths, her composure strained. Krum didn¡¯t fare much better, his usual stoic demeanor replaced by occasional stumbles and a look of unease.


    When they arrived at the Quidditch Pitch, it was entirely transformed. The hedges surrounding the field had grown to towering heights, nearly twenty feet tall, with only a shadowy opening left at the front.


    ¡°You¡¯ve got a few minutes to collect yourselves and get into the right mindset,¡± Bagman told them as he led them to a set of Changing Rooms before stepping out.


    Fleur and Krum each found a spot to sit, their nerves evident in their quiet demeanor. Kyle considered striking up a conversation with Fleur to pass the time, but seeing her deep in thought, he decided against it. Instead, he chose a nearby seat and waited in silence for the match to begin.


    Minutes later, the sound of the crowd began to filter in. Excited chatter and the shuffle of footsteps filled the air as spectators took their places in the stands. For a moment, Kyle was reminded of the First Task¡ªsitting in the same room, listening to the rising anticipation of the audience outside.


    The door to the Changing Rooms creaked open, drawing everyone¡¯s attention. A head poked through the gap before retreating.


    ¡°Who¡¯s there?¡±


    Kyle, sitting closest to the door, got up and opened it slightly, just in time to catch Hermione and Ron trying to sneak away.


    ¡°Sorry, we didn¡¯t mean to interrupt,¡± Hermione said, looking embarrassed. ¡°We just wanted to see Harry and tell him not to be nervous.¡±


    ¡°Harry?¡± Kyle asked, frowning.


    ¡°Yeah,¡± Ron said, his tone tinged with envy. ¡°Filch came to get him, said it had to do with the Third Task. Lucky him, getting to be part of the Triwizard Tournament.¡±


    ¡°But he¡¯s not here,¡± Hermione added, glancing past Kyle into the room. ¡°We¡¯ll leave now. Good luck, Kyle.¡±


    ¡°Wait...¡± Kyle called after them. ¡°When was Harry taken away?¡±


    ¡°Just now,¡± Hermione said. ¡°Not long after you left for dinner. Filch said Professor Dumbledore had asked him to bring Harry to the Quidditch Pitch to help with the event.¡±


    Kyle¡¯s sense of unease deepened. Something didn¡¯t add up. Fred and George had clearly mentioned at dinner that the hostage plan had been canceled, so why would Filch take Harry?


    Hermione and Ron exchanged confused looks as Kyle suddenly bolted from the room, sprinting toward the area where the referees were gathered.


    ¡°What¡¯s gotten into him?¡± Ron asked, scratching his head. ¡°We were having a nice chat, and then he just ran off.¡±


    ¡°Oh no, he¡¯s not going to turn us in, is he? You know we¡¯re not allowed in the Champions¡¯ Restroom.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t be silly, Ron,¡± Hermione said, though her expression had turned grave. ¡°Kyle¡¯s not like that. Come on, let¡¯s check the Beauxbatons and Durmstrang tables¡ªmaybe someone¡¯s missing there too.¡±


    ¡°Why do we have to do that?¡± Ron asked, clearly reluctant. ¡°The match is about to start!¡±


    Ignoring him, Hermione took off toward the center of the stands, leaving Ron no choice but to follow.


    Meanwhile, Kyle reached the referees¡¯ stand, where Dumbledore was speaking with several professors adorned in starry robes.


    ¡°Kyle?¡± Dumbledore said, noticing him approach. ¡°What are you doing here? The game is about to begin.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s something important, Professor,¡± Kyle said, glancing around at the others.


    Recognizing the urgency, Dumbledore stepped forward, motioning for Kyle to speak. ¡°Go on.¡±


    ¡°Do we need to rescue hostages during this task?¡±


    Dumbledore chuckled lightly. ¡°You¡¯re well-informed. That idea was considered but ultimately rejected. You don¡¯t need to¡ª¡±


    ¡°Harry¡¯s been taken,¡± Kyle interrupted, his voice firm.


    The humor faded from Dumbledore¡¯s face, replaced by concern. ¡°That¡¯s impossible. The idea of taking a hostage was rejected before dinner.¡±


    ¡°But Harry was taken,¡± Kyle insisted. ¡°Ron and Hermione saw Filch take him, claiming it was to make the game more interesting.¡±


    Dumbledore¡¯s expression darkened. His gaze swept across the field, pausing momentarily on Karkaroff, who was conversing with someone nearby, before returning to Kyle.


    ¡°I see,¡± Dumbledore said quietly. ¡°The game will begin shortly. You should return to your position.¡±


    Kyle hesitated, but nodded and left the stands, his mind racing.


    This development had caught him completely off guard. Why would Filch, of all people, take Harry?


    Kyle couldn¡¯t be certain. Fred and George had been keeping the Marauder¡¯s Map to monitor Ludo Bagman, leaving Kyle without a way to confirm Filch¡¯s movements.


    Still, Filch was an ideal cover¡ªan irritating but largely ignored figure in the castle. He could roam anywhere without suspicion. Even if he consumed Polyjuice Potion in plain sight, students wouldn¡¯t think twice about it, or he could simply drink it in private.


    Kyle tried to recall the last time he¡¯d seen the Marauder¡¯s Map. The day he returned it to Fred and George, he¡¯d taken one final glance. At the time, Filch had been in his office with Mrs. Norris, and there hadn¡¯t been any mention of ¡°Barty Crouch¡± on the map.


    But now...


    Kyle shook off his thoughts as he approached the maze entrance. Fleur, Krum, and Ludo Bagman were already waiting for him.


    ¡°You¡¯re lucky,¡± Bagman said, hurrying over to pull Kyle into position. "You would have missed it by a minute!"


    Despite his cheerful words, there was a flicker of disappointment in Bagman¡¯s eyes, as though he¡¯d secretly hoped Kyle wouldn¡¯t make it in time.

 Chapter 572: Firestorm Charm

    By the time Kyle rejoined the other Champions, the four professors tasked with patrolling the maze to ensure their safety had already gathered.


    ¡°We will be patrolling the maze,¡± Professor McGonagall informed them, her tone stern. ¡°If you encounter any difficulties and require assistance, send Red Sparks into the sky, and we will come to your aid. Is that understood?¡±


    The Champions nodded in unison.


    With that, McGonagall, Hagrid, Professor Moody, and Flitwick dispersed, each heading to a different part of the maze to take their positions.


    No one noticed the tiny Billywig that had wriggled its way down Hagrid¡¯s robes and into the maze. Or perhaps someone did notice but dismissed it¡ªafter all, a transformed Quidditch Pitch teeming with magical creatures hardly seemed out of the ordinary. A Billywig or a few Bowtruckles wouldn¡¯t draw much attention.


    At that moment, Bagman raised his wand to his throat and cast an Amplifying Charm


    ¡°Ladies and gentlemen, the final event of the Triwizard Tournament is about to begin!¡± his voice boomed, reverberating through the stands.


    The crowd erupted in applause and cheers.


    Bagman went on to announce the current scores. Kyle, leading with 98 points, was the clear frontrunner, followed by Krum in second place. Fleur, having lost too many points in the Second Task, was in last place.


    Kyle barely registered the announcement. His focus wasn¡¯t on the scores but on the judges¡¯ section.


    Dumbledore was gone. In his place sat Cornelius Fudge, the Minister for Magic, who had come to witness the final event. Fudge looked delighted, clapping with the same enthusiasm as the rest of the crowd.


    A sharp whistle snapped Kyle out of his thoughts¡ªit was the signal to start.


    Without hesitation, he darted into the maze.


    The towering hedges loomed on either side, casting deep shadows that seemed almost alive. A spell of silence enveloped the maze, cutting off the roar of the spectators as soon as he crossed the threshold.


    Reaching the first fork, Kyle stopped and laid his wand flat on his palm.


    The wand spun once before settling, pointing to the hedge on his right. But Kyle knew that wasn¡¯t the correct path. S~ea??h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    With a flick of his wand, the dense hedge burst apart, leaving a gaping hole. Kyle didn¡¯t pause to inspect his handiwork¡ªhe ran straight through and kept moving.


    A golden mist shimmered ahead, spreading across the path.


    A fierce gust of wind tore through the mist, scattering it instantly. As the path cleared, several Red Caps leaped from the hedges, their wooden clubs raised.


    Before they could strike, Kyle¡¯s reflexes kicked in. With a swift motion, he sent them hurtling backward, their assault neutralized before it even began.


    He continued running, his mind racing as fast as his feet.


    If Harry was still within the castle grounds, Dumbledore would surely locate him. But if the captors had already fled, Apparition would make it nearly impossible for Dumbledore to track them down.


    Kyle had thought preventing Harry¡¯s name from entering the Goblet of Fire and ensuring Moody wasn¡¯t replaced would avert the worst. Yet here they were¡ªthings had gone disastrously wrong.


    But where?


    Kyle¡¯s only lead was the Riddle Manor in Little Hangleton, the ancestral home of Voldemort¡¯s family. He¡¯d tried to uncover more about the location over time, but Tom Riddle Sr. was an unremarkable figure whose history had left almost no trace.


    Kyle didn¡¯t know for certain. But he couldn¡¯t waste time speculating. His priority now was to get out of the maze as quickly as possible and inform Dumbledore. If Little Hangleton was the key, Dumbledore needed to know immediately.


    And there was another critical point weighing on Kyle¡¯s mind.


    It couldn¡¯t be a coincidence that someone had maneuvered Harry into the Triwizard Tournament as a "hostage." This wasn¡¯t just about spicing up the competition, as Ludo Bagman had claimed. There had to be a deeper motive.


    If Kyle¡¯s suspicions were correct, whoever orchestrated this had likely tampered with the Goblet of Fire beforehand. The plan to add hostages must have been part of the deception¡ªan excuse to position Harry near the Goblet. But when the judges rejected the proposal just before the competition, the culprits had been forced to adapt and take Harry directly.


    That meant the Portkey enchantment on the Goblet of Fire might still be active.


    Although it was just a theory, it was worth investigating. Activating the Portkey could be the fastest and most reliable way to locate Harry. Little Hangleton was only a guess, and there was no guarantee Voldemort was even there. If Kyle went searching blindly and found nothing, it would waste valuable time.


    But first, Kyle needed to find the Goblet within the maze. If his hunch was wrong, he would need another plan, and quickly.


    Just then, a faint buzzing caught his attention. He looked up to see a Billywig lazily hovering to his left, bobbing up and down.


    Its movements seemed deliberate, almost as if it were tracing a path. Kyle watched it carefully, realizing it wasn¡¯t heading due north as Cho had once thought.


    With renewed focus, Kyle turned and raised his wand, pointing it in the Billywig¡¯s direction.


    He shook his wrist gently, and from the tip of his wand, a strange, glowing symbol emerged, shimmering in the dim light. The air around him began to warm, the temperature rising rapidly.


    Sparks flickered and danced on the hedges, forming a swarm of golden-red flames. The fiery embers flared to life, gathering momentum, and in mere moments, they coalesced into a massive, surging wave of fire.


    The flames crackled and roared, their energy radiating like a living entity.


    As if sensing the imminent danger, the creatures hidden within the maze erupted into chaos. Shrill cries and panicked screeches filled the air from every direction, particularly from the area where Kyle¡¯s wand was aimed. The hedges themselves seemed to shudder and convulse violently.


    The spell detonated with explosive force, tearing through the maze. The golden-red inferno surged forward, consuming everything in its path. Hedges, traps, and magical barriers were obliterated in an instant, reduced to smoldering ash.


    It was as if a giant had ripped an entire section of the maze away, leaving behind a blackened expanse devoid of obstacles.


    ...


    Under the dark night sky, the sudden burst of flames in the maze was impossible to miss. All eyes in the stands turned toward it simultaneously.


    Even Bagman, who was poised to blow his second whistle, froze, his attention captured. His face was pale, beads of cold sweat trailing down his forehead.


    ¡°No way... He just went in a minute ago! How could he have gotten that far?¡± he muttered, visibly shaken.


    In his panic, Bagman blew the whistle prematurely, signaling Krum to enter. But the sound was lost amid the rising commotion from the spectators.


    Before their astonished eyes, the flames, which had been coiling together moments earlier, suddenly transformed. Like a Giant hurling a spear with all their might, the flames pierced through half the maze in an instant. What remained was a broad, golden-red pathway, blazing brightly on the ground.


    At the end of the pathway stood the Goblet of Fire, a shining symbol of triumph.


    For a moment, the stands were deathly silent. Then, an eruption of cheers shattered the quiet, their fervor so intense it seemed capable of dispersing the heavy clouds above.


    From the judges'' stand, Madame Maxime rose abruptly. Her voice rang out, indignant and accusatory.


    ¡°This is impossible! You cheated! Someone must have helped him!¡±


    Her accusation carried weight. The hedges of the maze had been enchanted to resist fire and cutting spells. Even an ordinary Blasting Curse would only leave a small dent. Yet now, they had been sliced through effortlessly, as if they were nothing more than butter under a hot knife.


    Maxime''s disbelief was palpable. This level of magic¡ªterrifying in its precision and power¡ªwas beyond what she could imagine a mere fifteen-year-old achieving.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think so, Madame Maxime,¡± Fudge interjected from nearby. His shock from earlier had given way to his usual composed, aloof demeanor.


    ¡°Both Dumbledore and I have high regard for this young man¡¯s abilities,¡± he said with a faint smile. ¡°He¡¯s exceptionally gifted. In a few decades, he might even succeed Dumbledore as headmaster of Hogwarts.¡±


    His tone shifted, laden with self-satisfaction. ¡°But I think he¡¯s more suited to a role in the Ministry. I¡¯m confident I can groom him to be the youngest Minister of Magic in history.¡±


    Maxime didn¡¯t so much as glance at him, her focus entirely on the impossibility she had just witnessed.


    Fudge, irked by Maxime¡¯s lack of response, consoled himself with the thought of Kyle¡¯s apparent victory.


    His long-standing frustration over Britain¡¯s lackluster Quidditch performances was momentarily eased by this unexpected success in another prestigious event.


    He felt an urge to assert his connection to Kyle, to bask in the reflected glory. But as he turned to seek support from another judge, he noticed the seat beside him was empty.


    ¡°Igor?¡± he asked, addressing a nearby Durmstrang student. ¡°Where did he go?¡±


    The student responded calmly, ¡°The headmaster just left. He said he might have forgotten something on the ship.¡±


    ¡°Is that so?¡± Fudge murmured, his brow furrowing slightly. The timing seemed odd, but he brushed it off. Surely Karkaroff had simply chosen to avoid witnessing his school¡¯s loss firsthand.

 Chapter 573: My Student

    On the other side, Kyle, still wandering through the maze, had no idea what the audience might be thinking.


    Once the hedges blocking his view vanished, his eyes locked onto the trophy glinting at the center of the flames.


    Without hesitation, Kyle sprinted toward it.


    A Sphinx crouched near the edge of the flames, its role to deter the Champions with riddles or resistance. Yet, as Kyle dashed past, the creature seemed to lose all interest in him, suddenly fascinated by a stone on the ground. It lowered its head, feigning indifference.


    Reaching the trophy without any obstacles, Kyle didn¡¯t pause. He grasped the Cup handle firmly.


    But the trophy didn¡¯t budge.


    Instead, an overwhelming force tugged at him, lifting his feet off the ground in one swift motion.


    Kyle thought with elation.


    Relinquishing all resistance, he let the trophy pull him forward, carried away through the rushing wind and swirling colors.


    ...


    Kyle couldn¡¯t tell how much time had passed¡ªmaybe a minute, maybe just a fleeting moment¡ªbefore he felt solid ground beneath him once again.


    But this wasn¡¯t Hogwarts.


    Darkness surrounded him, and in the distance, he spotted a cluster of pointed rooftops perched on what appeared to be a hill.


    ¡°Hurry, run... run!¡±


    A panicked scream broke through the silence before Kyle could take a closer look. The voice sounded vaguely familiar.


    Looking up, Kyle saw Harry sprawled on the ground, his face contorted with pain. One leg appeared injured, and he was using his arms to drag himself toward Kyle.


    ¡°It¡¯s Voldemort...¡± Harry shouted, his voice trembling with both agony and fear. ¡°He¡¯s resurrected, and the Death Eaters, they¡ª¡±


    Harry didn¡¯t need to finish.


    The moment Kyle landed, figures in black robes and masks encircled him, their movements swift and coordinated.


    ¡°Oh, look who¡¯s here...¡± A hoarse voice drawled from behind the circle.


    The hooded figures immediately parted, bowing with a deference that resembled servitude.


    Through the gap, a tall, gaunt figure emerged. Cloaked in black, his skin was deathly pale, almost translucent, and his scarlet eyes burned like coals.


    He had no nose¡ªonly two slitted nostrils, like a serpent¡¯s.


    Voldemort.


    ¡°My student,¡± Voldemort purred, his voice smooth but laced with menace. ¡°Is this how you greet your professor? I thought you¡¯d be so overjoyed, you¡¯d scream.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t be ridiculous¡ªyou¡¯re not my professor,¡± Kyle shot back without hesitation.


    Harry was still there, and Kyle wasn¡¯t about to let Voldemort twist the narrative.


    ¡°How heartless,¡± Voldemort mused, his gaze steady. ¡°When you came to me seeking the secret to eternal life, your tone was much more... respectful.¡±


    ¡°What eternal life? I don¡¯t know what you¡¯re talking about.¡±


    ¡°Oh, don¡¯t you?¡± Voldemort twirled a wand between his pale fingers.


    Addressing the Death Eaters, he continued, his voice calm but cutting:


    ¡°Years ago, I returned to Hogwarts, reduced to a mere parasite clinging to Quirrell¡¯s feeble form. It was a disgraceful existence, all because the people I trusted most¡ª¡± his voice sharpened, ¡°¡ªnone of you¡ªmade any effort to find me.¡±


    Though his lips curled into what might have been a smile, his tone was glacial.


    The Death Eaters immediately prostrated themselves, groveling and pleading for forgiveness.


    Only one remained standing: a pale man with freckles and a mangled arm. Barty Crouch Jr.


    Voldemort ignored the groveling crowd and continued, his crimson eyes fixed on Kyle.


    ¡°Back then, a boy was the first to uncover my presence. Clever and daring, he caused me considerable trouble¡ªso much so that he even dared to threaten the Dark Lord...¡±


    A cold smile spread across his face.


    ¡°I always thought it would be a while before I saw you again, my student. Yet here you are, so soon. Have you come to celebrate my rebirth? If so, I quite like this gift.¡±


    ¡°It is I, my lord! It is I...¡±


    One of the Death Eaters crawled forward, trembling.


    ¡°I made the Triwizard Cup a Portkey... It was I who delivered this Champion to you!¡±


    Voldemort¡¯s gaze flicked to the groveling man.


    ¡°Karkaroff,¡± he murmured, his tone dripping with contempt. ¡°I¡¯d assumed that a coward like you would have fled the moment you caught wind of my return.¡±


    ¡°My lord, I would never betray you!¡± Karkaroff pressed himself flat against the ground. ¡°I only stayed hidden to await the right moment to welcome you back. And look! I¡¯ve captured Harry Potter for you!¡±


    ¡°Oh?¡± Voldemort turned to Barty Crouch Jr., the only Death Eater who hadn¡¯t bowed.


    ¡°Barty,¡± Voldemort drawled, ¡°is this true?¡±


    Barty sneered. ¡°He only agreed out of fear, my lord. But... he did contribute.¡±


    Kyle¡¯s brow furrowed.


    Karkaroff had once exposed Barty¡¯s identity as a Death Eater, yet here he was, acknowledging his effort.


    Were Death Eaters really this forgiving?


    Kyle didn¡¯t have time to dwell on the thought.


    ¡°Seize him!¡± Voldemort¡¯s voice cut through the air like a blade. ¡°I want him alive!¡±


    The Death Eaters surged forward.


    But Kyle was faster.


    A fiery dragon erupted from his wand, roaring as it charged at the closest Death Eater. In seconds, the flames consumed the man, his scream cut short as he collapsed, motionless.


    ¡°Fiendfyre!¡± someone shouted in alarm.


    The Death Eaters hesitated, stumbling back. Even through their masks, their shock was palpable.


    They watched in stunned silence as the fiery dragon coiled above them, its movements fluid and terrifyingly lifelike.


    A single thought echoed among them, unspoken:


    And then, they remembered the first thing Voldemort had said upon seeing him.


    ¡°...¡±


    The pieces clicked into place for the Death Eaters.


    ¡°That makes sense now,¡± one of them muttered under their breath.


    ¡°Idiots!¡± Voldemort spat, his voice venomous.


    With a simple flick of his wand, the Fiendfyre dragon dissolved into nothingness, leaving only smoke and embers behind.


    But it was too late.


    As the Death Eaters turned back to Kyle, their gazes fell on the objects he now held: a golden feather and an unremarkable bead.


    Voldemort¡¯s crimson eyes narrowed, a flicker of unease crossing his face¡ªan emotion so foreign it made the Death Eaters uneasy too.


    ¡°Quick, stop him¡ª!¡± Voldemort¡¯s command was cut short.


    Kyle crushed the feather and bead in his hands simultaneously.


    In an instant, a thick, impenetrable fog blanketed the small hill.


    The mist was so dense that visibility dropped to nothing. The Death Eaters, who had lunged at Kyle, stumbled and crashed into one another, shouting in confusion.


    ¡°What¡¯s happening?¡±


    ¡°Over here¡ªgrab him!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve got him, my lord¡ªI¡¯ve got him!¡± one Death Eater bellowed triumphantly.


    In the chaos, someone mistakenly grabbed Voldemort himself, clamping their fingers over his slit-like nostrils in the process.


    A flash of green light cut through the fog, illuminating the chaos for a brief second.


    ¡°Worthless, incompetent fools!¡± Voldemort¡¯s voice thundered, trembling with fury. sea??h th§× novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Even he had been caught off guard by the sudden appearance of the mist.

 Chapter 574: This Snake Is Nice, I’ll Take It!

    The sudden mist obscured Voldemort and the Death Eaters'' view, making them lose their target.


    Faced with the dense fog that blanketed almost the entire mountain, Voldemort hesitated momentarily. He couldn''t pinpoint Kyle''s location, and casting a random spell risked injuring his own followers.


    Not that he cared about their welfare, of course, but having just been resurrected, he had countless plans to set in motion. He needed them, at least for now, to handle the tasks he deemed beneath him. Letting them die here would be wasteful, especially given their incompetence over the past decade¡ªcrimes worthy of execution several times over in his eyes.


    Raising his wand, Voldemort attempted to dispel the fog, but the effect was minimal.


    The howling wind did thin the mist slightly, but clearing it entirely would take time. Meanwhile, Voldemort knew he had to act quickly to prevent his prey from escaping.


    ¡°Nagini!¡± he commanded coldly.


    A massive snake, at least twelve feet long, slithered to his side, its movements swift and unimpeded by the dense mist.


    ¡°You can smell him,¡± Voldemort hissed, his scarlet eyes gleaming. ¡°Find the boy. Don¡¯t let him escape!¡±


    The serpent immediately writhed off into the fog, moving with a fluid grace that defied the haze.


    Voldemort returned his focus to his spellwork. The wind atop the mountain intensified, bending tree branches and forcing the Death Eaters to cling to whatever they could to keep from being swept away. Gradually, the fog began to disperse.


    As the mist cleared, Voldemort¡¯s gaze snapped toward where Nagini had gone. What he saw enraged him.


    Kyle stood there, not frightened as Voldemort had anticipated, but smiling. He was helping Harry to his feet, while a Niffler, absurdly, attempted to shove Harry¡¯s glasses into its pouch.


    Nagini lay motionless on the ground.


    And standing between them all was someone Voldemort could never mistake¡ªor forget. Albus Dumbledore.


    The old wizard stood calmly, his expression serene and unwavering.


    Voldemort¡¯s wand shot up, and a jet of light surged toward Dumbledore.


    Because Kyle and Harry stood behind him, Dumbledore did not move to avoid it. Instead, with a flick of his wand, he sent forth a burst of orange light. The two spells collided mid-air, resulting in a deafening explosion.


    Dumbledore then swept his wand in an arc. Around them, the trees came alive, their roots tearing free from the soil. Thick branches moved like massive arms, lashing out at the Death Eaters.


    Screams erupted as the Death Eaters scrambled to defend themselves, hurling spells that normally shattered stone. But these spells barely scratched the enchanted trees. One Death Eater, slower than the rest, was caught by a branch that pierced his leg, eliciting a howl of pain.


    Meanwhile, the ground beneath Kyle suddenly transformed into a steep slope. Without hesitation, Kyle and Harry slid down it as though on a natural slide, retreating swiftly from the battlefield.


    Just before the slide took them away, Kyle grabbed Nagini¡¯s tail, dragging the massive snake along with him.


    ¡°No! Stop!¡±


    Voldemort¡¯s piercing shriek rang out, but Kyle paid no heed, tightening his grip on the snake.


    With Dumbledore holding the field, what could Voldemort do to him?


    Sure enough, as Voldemort moved to pursue them, a powerful spell forced him back.


    "Out of the way, Dumbledore!"


    "You know this is impossible, Tom," Dumbledore replied calmly. "So let this mark the end of your resurrection."


    "So, you mean to take my life? Dumbledore... can you truly bring yourself to commit such a cruel act?"


    Kyle couldn¡¯t hear the rest of the exchange.


    He and Harry continued sliding uncontrollably down the steep slope conjured by Dumbledore. It felt endless, the uneven terrain peppered with sharp stones making the descent painful. By the time they finally came to a halt, Harry was in agony. His body ached all over, and he lay sprawled on the ground, groaning as he tried to find a position that didn¡¯t hurt.


    Kyle, on the other hand, fared much better. He had managed to climb onto Nagini early in the descent, using the snake¡¯s massive body as a makeshift cushion. Standing up and dusting himself off, Kyle opened his suitcase, placed it on the ground, and began shoving the limp snake inside by its tail.


    Midway through, something brushed against his arm, startling him. He spun around, only to find Harry standing awkwardly nearby.


    "What are you doing?" Harry asked, squinting at him.


    "Kyle? I''m sorry..." Harry reached out blindly, his hands groping at the air. "I can¡¯t see very well. Have you seen my glasses anywhere?" sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Kyle glanced at the Niffler perched on his shoulder. The mischievous creature instinctively covered its pockets with its little paws.


    "No," Kyle replied evenly, shaking his head. "I think I dropped them on the way here."


    In truth, the Niffler had Harry¡¯s glasses, and Kyle had no intention of returning them. Without the Niffler, Kyle wouldn¡¯t have found Harry in the fog, and Dumbledore wouldn¡¯t have been able to save either of them. In a way, the Niffler had saved Harry¡¯s life. A pair of glasses seemed like a fair price to pay.


    Besides, there were things Harry didn¡¯t need to see right now. His current state of blurred vision suited Kyle just fine.


    Kyle quickened his pace, shoving the rest of Nagini¡¯s body into the suitcase.


    Harry squinted harder, trying to make sense of the blurry figure in front of him. All he could discern was Kyle hunched over something that vaguely resembled a large piece of wood.


    "What are you doing?" Harry asked again.


    "Ah, nothing. Just moving some things," Kyle replied casually.


    With a final push, he stuffed the rest of Nagini inside, shut the suitcase, and stood up.


    By now, they had reached a spot near the village at the base of the mountain. The view of the mountaintop was obscured, though occasional flashes of multicolored light lit up the sky above, hinting at the battle raging there.


    "I thought I heard Professor Dumbledore¡¯s voice earlier," Harry said, struggling to his feet.


    Now more alert, Harry spoke urgently, "Kyle, you have to tell Professor Dumbledore¡ªVoldemort... Voldemort has come back to life. Someone used a hand, a bone... and my blood! They put it all in a cauldron and boiled it, and Voldemort... he came out of it. We have to let Professor Dumbledore know right away!"


    Kyle blinked, his mind snagging on the description. Harry¡¯s recounting sounded oddly familiar... Yes, that was exactly how Hagrid made his infamous hodgepodge stew¡ªthrowing in all sorts of claws and bones before adding the main ingredient at the end.


    Could it be that Voldemort had learned this method from Hagrid?


    Kyle shook his head, banishing the absurd thought.


    "I¡¯m not joking!" Harry insisted, misinterpreting Kyle¡¯s silence. "Voldemort is really back. We have to hurry and tell Professor Dumbledore!"


    "Relax, Harry, I believe you," Kyle reassured him. "Remember? I saw him too. And Professor Dumbledore already knows."


    "He does?"


    "Of course. He¡¯s up there right now, fighting Voldemort. We were sent down by him for safety."


    "So that really was Professor Dumbledore?" Harry murmured, his voice tinged with wonder.


    "Of course. How else do you think we managed to escape?" Kyle said.


    "That¡¯s... good. That¡¯s really good," Harry muttered, relief washing over him. His legs gave out, and he sank back to the ground, too overwhelmed to stand any longer.

 Chapter 575: Two Death Eaters

    Harry''s nerves, stretched taut throughout the ordeal, finally began to relax. For the first time, he had a moment to process what had just happened.


    Fragments of memory surfaced. He recalled being brought to this place by Filch¡ªor rather, someone pretending to be Filch. No, it had been a Death Eater under Polyjuice Potion. Voldemort had called him Barty Crouch.


    That name rang a bell. It was the same as Percy¡¯s boss at the Ministry, whom Harry had met at the Quidditch World Cup. But this Barty had used his blood¡ªHarry¡¯s blood¡ªto resurrect Voldemort.


    Then Kyle had appeared. The Death Eaters had tried to kill him, but Kyle had driven them back with a fiery dragon.


    Harry¡¯s mind lingered on the memory, vivid despite the chaos. Kyle had repelled an entire group of Death Eaters and even killed one on the spot. At the time, Harry had thought he was dreaming, that he was still asleep in his bed back at Hogwarts. But the searing pain in his leg had kept him grounded in reality.


    After that, the fog had rolled in, thick and disorienting. His memories blurred further.


    He remembered losing them inexplicably. Without them, everything became a shapeless haze. Harry had heard Dumbledore¡¯s voice at some point but dismissed it as a figment of his imagination.


    Now, with Kyle confirming it, the truth was undeniable: Dumbledore had come.


    ¡°Can you tell me what happened?¡± Harry asked, his voice edged with confusion. His thoughts were a tangle. He didn¡¯t understand why Kyle was here. Wasn¡¯t Kyle supposed to be busy with the Triwizard Tournament? And how had everything changed so quickly?


    Kyle glanced toward the sky, where the frequency of flashing spells was increasing. He paused, thinking before responding. ¡°How should I put this... Weren¡¯t you taken by Filch earlier, supposedly to be brought to the maze as a hostage?¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s Barty Crouch?¡± Harry interjected, hurriedly clarifying, ¡°Not Mr. Crouch from the Ministry of Magic, but the other one with the same name?¡±


    ¡°Oh, Barty Crouch Jr.,¡± Kyle said, nodding. ¡°The son of the Mr. Crouch you mentioned.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Harry¡¯s voice rose with disbelief.


    Kyle didn¡¯t elaborate, instead continuing his explanation. ¡°But the idea of using hostages was scrapped before dinner."


    ¡°Coincidentally, Hermione and Ron came to the Champions¡¯ Restroom looking for you because they were worried. That¡¯s how we found out you¡¯d been taken."


    ¡°And Karkaroff replaced the Goblet of Fire with a Portkey. When I touched it, it brought me here.¡±


    ¡°And Professor Dumbledore?¡±


    ¡°I have a... unique way of summoning his phoenix,¡± Kyle replied.


    He glanced up again. The lights in the sky were now blinking like rapid-fire signals, and roars echoed intermittently from the mountaintop.


    ¡°Okay, Harry,¡± Kyle cut him off before he could ask more questions. ¡°Let¡¯s head back first. There will be plenty of time to talk once we¡¯re at Hogwarts.¡±


    ¡°But Professor Dumbledore¡ª¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re not thinking of helping, are you?¡± Kyle asked, a note of disbelief in his voice. ¡°Helping Dumbledore fight Voldemort?¡±


    Harry fell silent, chastened.


    Even though he couldn¡¯t see Kyle¡¯s eyes clearly, the incredulity in his tone made Harry realize how foolish the suggestion had been.


    ¡°So, how do we get back...¡± Harry mumbled, quickly changing the subject. ¡°Did you bring your broom?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± Kyle replied with a nod. Then, as if dismissing the idea, he added, ¡°But we don¡¯t need it. Just grab my arm.¡±


    He extended his hand.


    Harry watched as Kyle reached out, seemingly to grasp at empty air.


    ¡°...¡±


    Kyle noticed Harry¡¯s blank expression and sighed. ¡°Okay, that was inconsiderate of me.¡±


    He adjusted his stance, extending his arm further. Harry reached out hesitantly and grabbed his sleeve.


    Just as Kyle was about to Disapparate, his attention snapped to the bushes nearby.


    ¡°Who¡¯s there? Come out!¡± he demanded, raising his wand.


    Harry, immediately on alert, drew his wand from his pocket and pointed it¡ªthough in the exact opposite direction of where Kyle was aiming.


    ¡°True to the Champion of Hogwarts,¡± came a dull, mocking voice.


    From the bushes emerged a Death Eater, his figure cloaked but unmistakably human.


    ¡°You can¡¯t just leave,¡± the masked figure said, his tone flat. ¡°Or I won¡¯t be able to explain to my master.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s easy to solve,¡± Kyle replied calmly, his wand tilting slightly.


    The Death Eater flung himself to the ground, rolling and scrambling out of the spell¡¯s trajectory.


    A split second later, the bushes behind him were sliced cleanly in half, the sharp edges of the cut smoldering faintly.


    Cold sweat dripped down the face concealed behind Lucius Malfoy¡¯s mask. He hadn¡¯t come here to fight; he had only wanted an excuse to slip away from the battle on the mountaintop without incurring Voldemort¡¯s wrath. Tracking Kyle and his friend had seemed like a convenient way to do that.


    Lucius had known Kyle was capable of using Fiendfyre¡ªa terrifying skill¡ªbut in the open space of the hillside, its effectiveness would be limited. What he hadn¡¯t anticipated was that Kyle had mastered other lethal spells.


    The realization hit Lucius hard: this fifteen-year-old student was far more dangerous than he¡¯d expected.


    Lucius hesitated, torn between standing his ground or fleeing. He hadn¡¯t come here to die. He¡¯d come to show loyalty¡ªnot to risk his life.


    But his hesitation cost him.


    A row of jagged stone spikes suddenly erupted from the ground. One impaled Lucius through the sole of his foot.


    ¡°Ahhh!¡± Lucius screamed in agony, clawing at the ground as he tried to free himself.


    A wand pressed against his temple.


    ¡°...¡± Kyle¡¯s voice was cold.


    ¡°I surrender!¡± Lucius shouted desperately. ¡°I surrender! You can¡¯t kill me. You¡¯re Dumbledore¡¯s student¡ªhe wouldn¡¯t allow it!¡±


    Kyle¡¯s wand lowered slightly, and he nodded. ¡°Hm... That¡¯s true.¡± Sear?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Relief flooded Lucius¡¯s body. He exhaled shakily, thinking of how he could spin this disaster into a tale of his survival. But then Kyle¡¯s voice broke through his thoughts, muttering as though to himself.


    ¡°If... if a lost 5X Magical Creature happened to pass by here, say, an Acromantula... and you happened to be unable to move... and it injected you with its venom... wouldn¡¯t that make more sense?¡±


    Lucius¡¯s momentary relief evaporated.


    His heart raced. There were no Acromantulas here, but he didn¡¯t doubt Kyle¡¯s insinuation. Magical venom was portable¡ªand Lucius himself had a collection at home. The realization was chilling.


    ¡°This is a Muggle area! There aren¡¯t any Magical Creatures here!¡± Lucius shouted frantically. ¡°If you do this, you¡¯ll be caught¡ªthe Ministry of Magic will find out!¡±


    The faint voice came from somewhere distant, cutting through the tension like a blade.


    Kyle¡¯s pupils contracted sharply. He grabbed Harry and yanked him back just as a flash of green light streaked past, barely missing them.


    Reacting instinctively, Kyle slashed his wand toward the source of the spell.


    The curse struck an arborvitae tree, splitting it in two. But there was no sign of the attacker.


    Kyle¡¯s mind raced. Someone had just cast the Killing Curse, and he hadn¡¯t sensed their presence at all until the spell was fired. This wasn¡¯t random; whoever it was had been hiding, waiting.


    Was the curse aimed at Harry? Or at him?


    It didn¡¯t matter.


    The unknown assailant was the real threat now, and staying here was no longer an option.


    An earthen wall rose from the ground, shielding Kyle and Harry as Kyle reached for his companion. ¡°Hold on to me!¡± he shouted.


    Harry, rattled but obedient, grabbed Kyle¡¯s arm.


    With a sharp , the two vanished from the spot, leaving the hillside behind.

 Chapter 576: The Hog’s Head

    Hogsmeade was unusually quiet, a stark contrast to its usual bustling atmosphere. With the Triwizard Tournament''s final match¡ªthe most celebrated event in centuries¡ªdrawing everyone, even the shopkeepers, to Hogwarts, the village seemed almost deserted.


    That tranquility was shattered moments ago by two shocking announcements: first, Harry Potter¡¯s mysterious disappearance, and then the Champion of the Triwizard Tournament vanishing in front of the crowd.


    This prompted an immediate need for inspections, but only among those who knew the truth of the matter. To most, these disappearances were puzzling but not alarming. When Kyle had vanished, many simply assumed it was another twist orchestrated by the judges.


    At The Hog''s Head, the situation was far less tranquil.


    Sirius Black stood with his wand raised, his expression menacing as he faced the cranky old owner.


    Remus Lupin was there as well, systematically lifting the hoods of the bar¡¯s patrons to check their identities. The customers were unusually cooperative. But then again, not many would dare defy a fully transformed werewolf¡ªespecially one towering close to seven or eight feet tall.


    Yes, it was a full moon.


    Despite his transformation, Lupin had retained his human mind, thanks to the Wolfsbane Potion he had taken earlier. He¡¯d been resting in the Shrieking Shack when Sirius brought him the troubling news about Harry and Kyle¡¯s sudden disappearance. That was all it took for Lupin to abandon his rest and join Sirius in the search.


    For the first time in decades, Lupin found himself not resenting his werewolf nature. In fact, it proved useful.


    The grumpier customers who might otherwise have resisted Sirius¡¯s inspection had immediately quieted upon Lupin¡¯s arrival. Wands were hastily stowed, and they began cooperating with surprising enthusiasm. They were now as obedient as Hogwarts first-years at their Sorting.


    The only exception was the owner, a tall, thin man with long gray hair and a beard. He seemed perpetually irritated and was holding a grimy glass that he was halfheartedly wiping with an equally dirty rag.


    "Get out!" the man snapped at Sirius. "I don¡¯t have whoever it is you¡¯re looking for."


    ¡°You wouldn¡¯t know that,¡± Sirius countered, unfazed. ¡°Everyone knows The Hog¡¯s Head is the best hiding spot in Hogsmeade.¡±


    The owner¡¯s face turned red with anger, and he launched into a string of insults. Yet, despite his outburst, he made no move to stop Lupin, who continued his search. All the while, the owner kept polishing the glass in his hand.


    Sirius couldn¡¯t help but frown. If anything, the glass seemed to grow filthier the more the man wiped it. The professors at Hogwarts weren¡¯t wrong: anyone visiting The Hog¡¯s Head was better off bringing their own glass.


    ¡°Pop!¡±


    The sharp crack of Apparition from outside sliced through the tension like a knife. The sound carried clearly into the bar, and Sirius¡¯s instincts kicked in immediately.


    At the same moment, Lupin froze, his head snapping toward the door as he sniffed the air.


    Without finishing his inspection, Lupin emitted a low whimpering sound at Sirius, then bolted outside, moving with inhuman speed.


    They weren¡¯t the first to arrive. As Sirius charged out of the bar, he spotted Professor Moody standing rigidly in front of the Shrieking Shack, his back to them.


    A jet of red light hit Lupin square in the chest, flinging him backward into the dirt.


    ¡°Wait, Professor Moody!¡± Sirius shouted urgently. ¡°It¡¯s Remus Lupin!¡±


    Hearing Sirius¡¯s voice, Moody hesitated. His wand tilted slightly, causing the second curse he¡¯d been ready to fire to veer off course, striking the ground beside Lupin. A thunderous explosion left a five-foot crater in the clearing.


    Cold sweat trickled down Sirius¡¯s face. His mind reeled at the thought of what would have happened if that Blasting Curse had hit its target. Werewolf or not, Lupin wouldn¡¯t have survived.


    ¡°Remus?¡± Moody turned his head, his blue magical eye swiveling in its socket.


    ¡°Yes,¡± Sirius confirmed quickly. ¡°Thanks to Dumbledore¡¯s efforts, the villagers agreed to let him live here. He¡¯s had Wolfsbane Potion¡ªhe¡¯s in control and here to help find Harry and Kyle.¡±


    ¡°I see,¡± Moody muttered, lowering his wand. ¡°A werewolf¡¯s sense of smell can be useful for tracking, but we won¡¯t be needing it now.¡±


    His magical eye darted behind him.


    Sirius followed Moody¡¯s gaze and froze.


    There stood Kyle, steady and unharmed. Beside him lay Harry on the ground, pale and dazed, clearly in pain and clutching an injured leg.


    ¡°Thank Merlin you¡¯re back!¡± Sirius exclaimed, forgetting Lupin entirely as he rushed toward them. ¡°What happened? Are you all right? What¡¯s going on?¡± S§×arch* The N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°That¡¯s what I¡¯d like to know,¡± Moody said, his voice low.


    ¡°Voldemort. He¡¯s been resurrected,¡± Kyle stated plainly.


    The words hung in the air, suffocating the group with their weight.


    ¡°That¡¯s impossible... It¡¯s impossible!¡± Sirius stammered, his voice trembling. He struggled to accept what he¡¯d just heard. Memories of that fateful night¡ªwhen James and Lily had died¡ªflooded his mind.


    Moody¡¯s expression darkened. For once, he remained silent, his usual gruff demeanor replaced by a grim stillness.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to believe it either,¡± Kyle said, shaking his head. ¡°But it¡¯s true. Professor Dumbledore is fighting him right now, and that¡¯s the only reason we were able to get back.¡±


    ¡°You him?¡±


    A voice emerged from the shadows. Snape stepped forward, his face pale and tense, and seized Kyle by the shoulders. ¡°Are you you saw the Dark Lord with your own eyes?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m certain, Professor,¡± Kyle replied firmly.


    Snape¡¯s hands trembled faintly as they rested on Kyle¡¯s shoulders. His eyes flickered, betraying the storm of emotions beneath his usual stoic mask.


    ¡°He¡¯s really back...¡± Snape murmured, almost to himself.


    It took a long, heavy moment for Sirius and Moody to process the revelation. Though they knew Kyle wouldn¡¯t lie about something so grave, the enormity of the claim¡ªVoldemort¡¯s return¡ªwas almost too much to accept.


    What was equally unbelievable was that Kyle and Harry had escaped from Voldemort at all. They knew Dumbledore had only just arrived, summoned by Fawkes minutes after Kyle¡¯s disappearance. Harry, meanwhile, had been taken even earlier, before the tournament¡¯s start.


    What had happened in that time?


    Sirius¡¯s chest tightened with unease. He walked to Harry, carefully helping him to his feet. Harry looked pale and exhausted, but alive.


    It was then that Professor McGonagall arrived, hurrying toward them.


    ¡°By Merlin¡¯s beard! What on earth happened here?¡±


    Kyle repeated his explanation.


    McGonagall stood frozen, her mouth trembling as she listened. Unlike Sirius and Moody, she didn¡¯t hesitate to believe him.


    ¡°My, my... You-Know-Who...¡± Her voice wavered as she looked between Kyle and Harry. Her gaze lingered on Harry¡¯s injured leg before she spoke again. ¡°I¡¯m so relieved you¡¯re both alive. I¡¯ll take you straight to the Hospital Wing.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m fine, Professor McGonagall,¡± Kyle insisted. ¡°Please, take Harry first.¡±


    ¡°No way!¡± McGonagall said sharply. She wasn¡¯t swayed by Kyle¡¯s protests. ¡°Both of you are going to the Hospital Wing, and that¡¯s final.¡±

 Chapter 577: The Champion

    Madam Pomfrey had been waiting near the Quidditch Pitch when the news of Harry and Kyle¡¯s return reached her. She rushed back to the castle immediately, heading straight for the Hospital Wing.


    The moment she entered, her attention was drawn to Harry.


    His appearance was dreadful¡ªhis entire body covered in dust, his once fine robes reduced to ragged tatters, and blood seeping steadily from his injured leg. In contrast, Kyle looked remarkably unscathed. His clothes were cleaner than those of many professors, such as Sirius or Moody, who both bore signs of the day¡¯s chaos.


    For a fleeting moment, Madam Pomfrey thought Harry must have been the Champion battling his way through the maze while Kyle had merely been a spectator.


    Still, in her meticulous manner, she insisted on examining Kyle after tending to Harry, just to be certain. Finding nothing wrong with him, she handed him a potion to restore his energy.


    As Kyle sipped it, his grimace confirmed that the potion¡¯s flavor hadn¡¯t improved over the years.


    Ten minutes later, the Hospital Wing.


    Harry lay in the bed, his leg healed and freshly bandaged. A new pair of glasses, provided by Professor McGonagall, now rested on his face.


    Madam Pomfrey had just stepped out when Sirius, too impatient to wait, leaned forward.


    ¡°What really happened?¡± he asked urgently.


    Harry set his cup of hot cocoa on the bedside table and recounted everything that had transpired after he was taken away.


    Gasps echoed around the room as he described Voldemort¡¯s resurrection ritual. The grotesque details¡ªthe hand, the bone, and his own blood¡ªwere met with shock and disbelief.


    ¡°Incredible,¡± Moody muttered, his magical eye darting restlessly. ¡°I think I¡¯ve heard of something like it before."


    ¡°Back in the Middle Ages, there was a dark ritual devised to resurrect Herpo the Foul. It was described as grotesquely evil. I wouldn¡¯t be surprised if this is derived from that.¡±


    ¡°So, Voldemort is really back?¡± Sirius asked, his voice tight with dread.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± Moody replied. He frowned, the expression deepening the scars on his face. ¡°Dumbledore returned shortly after Kyle and Harry did, but... Oh, here he comes now.¡±


    The door to the Hospital Wing opened.


    All heads turned, and the sight of Dumbledore made their hearts sink.


    The Headmaster looked worn and battered. His face was pale, his robes torn and absent, and his left hand was blackened as though scorched.


    Few in the wizarding world could have inflicted such visible damage on Albus Dumbledore.


    ¡°Fiendfyre?¡± Moody asked, his magical eye twitching toward Dumbledore¡¯s injured hand.


    ¡°Yes,¡± Dumbledore replied, his voice calm but weary. ¡°A momentary lapse of concentration.¡± He raised his blackened hand and tapped it with his wand. The darkened flesh gradually faded, restoring itself to its original state.


    But no one in the room seemed relieved. S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°So it¡¯s true, then... You-Know-Who?¡± Sirius¡¯s voice was dry, strained.


    Dumbledore looked at the group, his gaze solemn. ¡°It may be difficult to accept,¡± he said slowly, ¡°but yes. He is back.¡±


    A heavy silence settled over the room.


    The weight of Dumbledore¡¯s confirmation was suffocating.


    ¡°Professor, you didn¡¯t... you didn¡¯t kill him?¡± Harry asked anxiously, breaking the quiet.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± Dumbledore said, shaking his head. ¡°Tom did not intend to fight me to the death. He fled, much as he did years ago."


    ¡°And I must admit,¡± Dumbledore added wryly, ¡°he has grown even more skilled at running away.¡±


    The attempt at lightening the mood fell flat. The tense silence returned, the gravity of the situation too overwhelming for humor.


    Everyone in the room looked troubled, their thoughts dark and heavy.


    ¡°Professor,¡± said Kyle, ¡°am I going to the Quidditch Pitch? The Triwizard Tournament shouldn¡¯t be over yet.¡±


    ¡°Yes, that¡¯s what I was going to say,¡± replied Dumbledore. ¡°Minerva, Alastor, you¡¯d better hurry back too. No matter what happens afterward, the tournament will continue.¡±


    Professors McGonagall and Moody nodded and left the Hospital Wing one after the other.


    Sirius and Snape remained indifferent, though they were nominally safety officers for the third task. If not for Dumbledore¡¯s Patronus alerting them that something was amiss, they never would have left the maze. Now that Kyle and Harry had returned, it was time for them to go back.


    As soon as they exited the Hospital Wing, Professor McGonagall transformed into a tabby cat and darted toward the Quidditch Pitch, while Professor Moody¡¯s form gradually faded into invisibility.


    ¡°Oh, and this.¡±


    After the two had gone, Dumbledore produced a trophy.


    ¡°You left it at the top of the hill, and without the trophy, your championship doesn¡¯t count.¡±


    ¡°Do I have to carry it over there?¡± Kyle asked.


    ¡°Although that would work, I have a better way to make the competition seem more reasonable.¡±


    Dumbledore tapped the trophy with his wand.


    He then continued, ¡°I¡¯m going back now too. The timing is five minutes. After that, just place your hand on it... Then I¡¯ll see you later.¡±


    With that, Dumbledore also departed.


    Kyle, Harry, and their reluctant companions, Sirius and Snape, were left alone in the Hospital Wing. The animosity between Sirius and Snape was undiminished, even in light of Voldemort¡¯s return.


    ¡°Snivellus, aren¡¯t you going to go and tell your master?¡± Sirius taunted. ¡°Tell him Harry¡¯s here, at Hogwarts!¡±


    Snape, uncharacteristically silent, glared at Sirius coldly. His gaze lingered briefly on Kyle before he stood and followed Dumbledore out.


    ¡°I really don¡¯t understand why Headmaster Dumbledore would let you stay here at a time like this!¡± Sirius said loudly, ensuring Snape heard him.


    Snape didn¡¯t stop or respond, disappearing down the corridor.


    Harry turned to Sirius only after Snape was out of sight.


    ¡°Remember, stay away from Snape in the future, and never be alone with him,¡± Sirius advised.


    Harry nodded, though he wasn¡¯t entirely sure why. It was something he had already done instinctively.


    He turned to Kyle and the Triwizard Cup sitting on the ground.


    ¡°Congratulations on winning the Triwizard Tournament,¡± Harry said. ¡°I knew it had to be you.¡±


    Harry had witnessed Kyle¡¯s strength multiple times, particularly ten minutes ago, when he saw the fiery dragon Kyle conjured. He didn¡¯t know the spell, but the overwhelming power still sent chills down his spine.


    ¡°Thanks. I¡¯ll see you later,¡± Kyle said. ¡°I think Professor Dumbledore still has some questions for us.¡±


    ¡°I know,¡± Harry replied. If he guessed correctly, he¡¯d be repeating everything he had just explained to Professor McGonagall.


    When the time was almost up, Kyle approached the Triwizard Cup and gripped its handle.


    The scene before him instantly shifted.


    Kyle was overwhelmed by a wave of noise¡ªcheering, shouting, and the crackling of fireworks all around him. He had returned to the edge of the maze, surrounded by a jubilant crowd chanting his name.


    ¡°Ladies and gentlemen, the winner of the Triwizard Tournament has been decided!¡± Ludo Bagman¡¯s voice rang out from the commentary booth.


    He spoke softly and distractedly, but no one noticed or cared. The crowd¡¯s cheers were deafening.


    Kyle lifted the Triwizard Cup high, and the applause and shouting grew even louder.


    He scanned the stands and saw Dumbledore, clad in fresh robes, smiling and clapping. The Headmaster stood where Karkaroff would normally have been, while Cornelius Fudge occupied his usual seat.


    Kyle¡¯s eyes moved on and quickly found Kanna in the stands. She was cheering, waving her arms, and jumping with excitement. Fred and George were busy launching fireworks, while Cedric, standing beside them, waved a flag emblazoned with the Hufflepuff badger, grinning from ear to ear.

 Chapter 578: An Exciting Job

    The award ceremony for the winner of the Triwizard Tournament was an extravagant affair.


    Cornelius Fudge, representing the Ministry of Magic, presented Kyle with the Triwizard Cup, accompanied by a prize of 1,000 Galleons.


    Madam Maxime and Fleur stood nearby, applauding. Fleur''s expression, however, betrayed a hint of regret. The competition had concluded before she¡¯d even had a chance to begin, leaving her without any real experience of the final task.


    Still, such were the rules of competitions. Her score had been low, and, as Madam Maxime had pointed out, Kyle¡¯s extraordinary feat of destroying half the maze with a single Charm left little room for debate.


    The fiery path Kyle had carved was still smoldering, visible to all in the stands. It was an undeniable testament to his overwhelming strength¡ªa feat Fleur knew she could not have replicated. S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    As the evening deepened, the ceremony concluded in a spirited and celebratory atmosphere.


    The only subdued faces belonged to the students of Durmstrang. Their Champion, Viktor Krum, had been found unconscious shortly after entering the maze and had to be carried out. Adding to their dismay was the absence of their headmaster, Karkaroff, who had vanished without a word. Without these two pivotal figures, the Durmstrang students felt adrift, unsure whether to join the celebrations or quietly retreat to their ship.


    Once the awards were given, Dumbledore approached Kyle and quietly said, ¡°Come with me. I may have something to ask you.¡±


    ¡°Okay,¡± Kyle replied, his eyes flicking toward Dumbledore''s left hand.


    ¡°Ah, don¡¯t worry about it,¡± Dumbledore said, as if reading his thoughts. He raised his left hand, showing that the blackened scorch marks from earlier had faded, leaving only a faint scar.


    ¡°It was just a burn from Fiendfyre,¡± he explained. ¡°It will heal quickly.¡±


    Dumbledore gave a small, reassuring smile. ¡°Of course, nothing comes without a price. But rest assured, Tom isn¡¯t in the best shape either¡ªI came out of it rather well.¡±


    He winked, exchanged a few final words with the surrounding crowd, and began heading back to the castle. Kyle followed.


    By this time, the other students had yet to return from the Quidditch Pitch, leaving the castle eerily quiet. Dumbledore and Kyle ascended the stairs to the eighth floor, where the headmaster¡¯s office awaited.


    Inside, Harry was already waiting, along with Professor McGonagall, Professor Moody, Snape, and Sirius.


    For the next while, Harry recounted the entire sequence of events: his abduction, what transpired on the hilltop, and every detail he could remember.


    ¡°That Barty Crouch Jr. was clever,¡± said Professor Moody thoughtfully. ¡°I reckon he waited until we all left the castle before drinking the Polyjuice Potion.¡±


    ¡°And Filch¡­¡± Moody paused, his magical eye swiveling. ¡°I saw the Squib before dinner¡ªhe hadn¡¯t yet taken any Polyjuice Potion then.¡±


    ¡°Can you see through the Polyjuice Potion, Professor?¡± Harry asked curiously.


    ¡°No,¡± Moody admitted, ¡°but it¡¯s not hard to tell the difference between a Squib and a proper wizard.¡±


    Harry thought back and realized there been something odd about Filch when he came to fetch him. He recalled noticing the outline of a wand in the man¡¯s pocket¡ªa bizarre detail, given that Squibs couldn¡¯t use magic.


    At the time, though, Harry had been too focused on the upcoming third task to give it much thought. The next thing he knew, he had been ambushed and knocked unconscious.


    ¡°Wait!¡± Harry suddenly exclaimed, his eyes widening. ¡°If the person who took me was Barty Crouch Jr., then where is the real Filch?¡±


    Silence fell over the Headmaster¡¯s Office.


    Neither Dumbledore nor the other professors appeared to have considered the castle caretaker¡¯s whereabouts.


    ¡°Minerva...¡± Dumbledore said at last, his voice calm but tinged with urgency. ¡°Would you kindly check Filch¡¯s office and fetch Madam Pomfrey? I believe Mr. Filch may require some medical attention.¡±


    ¡°Understood,¡± Professor McGonagall replied briskly, nodding before leaving the room with swift purpose.


    ¡°Let us continue,¡± Dumbledore said, turning back to Harry. ¡°You mentioned Kyle fought off the Death Eaters?¡±


    ¡°Yes, Professor,¡± Harry confirmed, his voice tinged with both awe and agitation. ¡°It was a dragon made of flames. It appeared out of nowhere and scared all the Death Eaters away.¡±


    All eyes instinctively turned to Kyle. Many assumed it was the same Charm he had used in the maze, though Professor Moody¡¯s expression suggested a deeper suspicion.


    Unlike standard Fire-Making Charms, which lacked such complex form and intensity, only Fiendfyre¡ªthe dangerous, sentient fire of dark magic¡ªcould so easily take the shape of magical creatures.


    Moody said nothing, opting to keep his thoughts private. As a retired Auror and now merely a professor, he saw no benefit in commenting if even Dumbledore remained silent. he thought.


    ¡°Was that when Dumbledore arrived?¡± Moody asked, steering the conversation forward.


    Harry hesitated before answering. ¡°Sort of. Suddenly, this thick fog rolled in¡ªit was so dense I couldn¡¯t see anything. Then I heard the Headmaster¡¯s voice.¡±


    ¡°Thick fog?¡± Moody repeated, frowning. ¡°Was it there before?¡±


    ¡°No,¡± Harry replied.


    ¡°This,¡± Kyle interjected suddenly, pulling a small object from his pocket and placing it on the desk.


    The item was a crystal blue bead, slightly smaller than a Golden Snitch. Inside, a swirling white mist was visible, drifting like a tiny storm trapped within a miniature crystal ball.


    ¡°What¡¯s that?¡± Sirius asked curiously, leaning closer to inspect it.


    ¡°A Mist Gem,¡± Kyle explained. ¡°When you crush the bead, the white mist inside pours out endlessly, just like what Harry described.¡±


    ¡°A remarkable device,¡± Moody remarked, his magical eye fixed intently on the Mist Gem. ¡°If I¡¯m not mistaken, this originates from Uagadou, the African wizarding school.¡±


    He paused, his voice taking on a reminiscent tone. ¡°I once pursued a foreign dark wizard who used something similar. He threw a stone, and hundreds of stinging caterpillars flew out of it.¡±


    ¡°More or less,¡± Kyle said with a small shrug. ¡°I bought it in Hogsmeade. The shopkeeper told me it came from an ancient tribe in the Mountains of the Moon. It¡¯s effective, so I carry it with me all the time.¡±


    ¡°You made the right choice,¡± Moody said sincerely. ¡°In situations where you¡¯re at a disadvantage, using something like this to restrict your opponent¡¯s movements and buy time for rescue is the smartest approach. I imagine that¡¯s why you purchased it in the first place.¡±


    Kyle remained silent, his tacit agreement clear enough.


    Moody hesitated for a moment before adding, ¡°Have you ever considered becoming an Auror after graduation?¡±


    The retired Auror rarely placed faith in the Ministry of Magic, but when he encountered exceptional talent, his thoughts immediately turned to the Auror¡¯s Office.


    ¡°If you¡¯re interested, I could arrange to exempt you from all assessments. You could even register as an official Auror during your sixth year. You wouldn¡¯t need to go on missions and would still receive a generous monthly salary.¡±


    ¡°How much?¡± Kyle asked, his curiosity piqued.


    ¡°Fifty Galleons,¡± Moody replied.


    Kyle frowned slightly. ¡°That¡¯s a bit low.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s quite good,¡± Moody countered. ¡°Don¡¯t forget¡ªyou wouldn¡¯t be required to do anything until graduation. It¡¯s free money.¡±


    Kyle looked tempted, mulling it over. ¡°So, if I wanted to do something else after I graduate, could I just quit?¡±


    Moody froze for a moment, caught off guard by the question, before shaking his head emphatically. ¡°Of course not.¡±


    Moody thought, baffled.

 Chapter 579: Karkaroff’s Strange Behavior

    Kyle¡¯s comment unexpectedly lightened the tense atmosphere in the Headmaster¡¯s Office. Even the usually composed Dumbledore chuckled softly.


    Still, the proposal did have its allure.


    ¡°Alastor, Kyle is only in fifth year,¡± Dumbledore said, a hint of amusement in his tone. ¡°Let¡¯s wait until he graduates before discussing this further.¡±


    ¡°Perhaps you¡¯re right, Dumbledore,¡± Moody conceded, though his gaze lingered on Kyle before shifting topics. ¡°Should we inform Fudge about all this? He shouldn¡¯t have left yet.¡±


    ¡°Of course,¡± Dumbledore replied. ¡°Voldemort¡¯s return threatens the entire wizarding world. We cannot act alone.¡±


    He turned toward Snape. ¡°Severus, would you be so kind as to go out onto the grounds, find the Minister, and escort him here? We need to have a long discussion.¡±


    Snape nodded silently and exited the room swiftly.


    ¡°Professor,¡± Kyle interjected, his tone thoughtful, ¡°I don¡¯t think Fudge is going to want to hear this news. Without concrete evidence to confirm Voldemort¡¯s return, this conversation is bound to end poorly.¡±


    ¡°You may be right,¡± Dumbledore replied gently. ¡°No one wishes to hear that Voldemort has returned, and I am certain of that. But as I said earlier, we cannot face Voldemort alone.¡±


    ¡°Dumbledore, have you captured any Death Eaters?¡± Moody asked.


    ¡°Unfortunately not,¡± Dumbledore said with a shake of his head. ¡°They moved quickly, and I couldn¡¯t spare the time to apprehend them.¡±


    The mood in the room grew heavy once more.


    With no solid evidence to present, Kyle could already envision the tense standoff that would result between Fudge and Dumbledore. Even if Dumbledore used the Pensieve to share his memories, Kyle doubted it would help; Fudge would likely dismiss it as falsified magic or some other fabrication.


    Silence settled over the group.


    Breaking it, Fawkes fluttered down from his perch and landed on Kyle¡¯s lap. The phoenix¡¯s golden-red feathers shimmered as Kyle stroked them gently.


    The magical creature truly was magnificent. It was thanks to the tail feather Fawkes had gifted him for Christmas that Kyle had felt confident enough to touch the Triwizard Cup in the maze. Without Dumbledore¡¯s intervention, he might have managed to escape from the hilltop on his own, but it would have been far messier.


    ¡°Well,¡± Dumbledore said suddenly, his eyes glinting as he glanced at Kyle and Harry, ¡°Fudge will be here shortly. I don¡¯t imagine either of you wish to be involved in the conversation that¡¯s about to unfold, correct?¡±


    ¡°Goodbye, Professor,¡± Kyle said promptly, standing and heading for the door.


    Fawkes gave a soft trill, rubbing his head against Kyle¡¯s hand before returning to his perch.


    ¡°Goodbye, Professor,¡± Harry echoed, realizing belatedly that it was time to leave. He quickly followed Kyle out.


    ¡°Oh, and one more thing,¡± Dumbledore called after them. ¡°Be sure to see Madam Pomfrey before turning in. I¡¯d recommend getting a bottle of Dreamless Sleep Potion¡ªit will do you both good.¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± they replied in unison before making their way out of the office.


    ...


    The group left the Headmaster¡¯s Office one by one.


    As Kyle exited the passage behind the gargoyle with the water spout, he spotted Snape leading Fudge toward them, the Minister grinning broadly.


    ¡°Kyle, my boy,¡± Fudge called out cheerfully, ¡°Dumbledore will be so delighted he won¡¯t be able to sleep tonight! I¡¯ve even brought a bottle of Ogden''s Old Firewhisky. Come along now¡ªI think you¡¯re old enough to have a proper drink of it.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Minister,¡± Kyle replied politely, ¡°but I¡¯m too tired right now. I¡¯d rather just get some rest.¡±


    ¡°Yes, yes, of course,¡± Fudge said, nodding in understanding. ¡°You deserve a good night¡¯s sleep. Very well then¡ªI¡¯ll have Albus save you a glass, if he hasn¡¯t polished it off himself by then.¡±


    Laughing, Fudge walked past Kyle and the others, his jovial mood contrasting sharply with the tension lingering in the air.


    Kyle, however, had no interest in Firewhiskey at the moment.


    Instead of heading directly to the Hufflepuff Common Room, he decided to accompany Harry to the Hospital Wing. After everything Harry had endured, including witnessing Voldemort¡¯s return and the use of his own blood in the ritual, Dumbledore¡¯s advice about the Dreamless Sleep Potion seemed particularly prudent.


    As they approached the first-floor foyer, they encountered Professor McGonagall and Madam Pomfrey. Floating alongside them on a stretcher was the unconscious form of Filch.


    ¡°Professor,¡± Kyle asked, stepping closer, ¡°what happened to him?¡±


    ¡°He was hit by a Stunning Spell and stuffed into a suitcase in his office,¡± Professor McGonagall explained, her tone clipped but steady. ¡°Fortunately, his life is not in danger.¡±


    Madam Pomfrey hurried off with the stretcher, and Professor McGonagall followed closely behind. She clearly intended to question Filch once he regained consciousness.


    Harry followed them, but Kyle lingered. His eyes wandered toward Filch¡¯s office, its disarray catching his attention. The furniture had been left in shambles, with a cabinet leaning precariously against the wall and its contents scattered across the floor.


    A sudden sound interrupted his thoughts.


    ¡°Oww...¡±


    Mrs. Norris limped out from beneath the desk, her low, pained howl directed at Kyle. The cat¡¯s uneven gait made it clear that she hadn¡¯t escaped Barty Crouch Jr.¡¯s attack unscathed.


    Kyle thought.


    Then, a thought struck him.


    At Christmas, Karkaroff had clashed with Filch for some inexplicable reason and had even resorted to locking Mrs. Norris away to keep her from wandering around the school...


    It made sense. Mrs. Norris, with her Kneazle lineage, would have immediately recognized whether the ¡°Filch¡± in front of her was genuine, even if a Polyjuice Potion had been used. Given how inseparable Filch and Mrs. Norris were, the cat could have posed a significant obstacle to any impersonation attempt.


    But Kyle quickly dismissed the idea.


    Or maybe they¡¯d intended to go through with the plan but abandoned it upon discovering Filch was a Squib. Instead, they had waited until the night of the third task, when all the professors had left the castle, to ambush Harry.


    Kyle shook his head, pushing the thoughts aside as Mrs. Norris hobbled past him, heading after Filch¡¯s stretcher. S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Walking last, Kyle continued to ruminate.


    He was certain that before Harry¡¯s capture, everyone at the school¡ªincluding the referees¡ªhad been real. He had verified it multiple times using the Marauder¡¯s Map.


    So how had Barty Crouch Jr. known exactly when to use Filch¡¯s identity to ambush Harry?


    And how had the Triwizard Cup been turned into a Portkey? Only the referees had access to it, and Karkaroff¡¯s involvement in this had already been confirmed.


    But then, why would Karkaroff help?


    If anyone feared Voldemort¡¯s return, it would be Karkaroff, who had betrayed so many Death Eaters to secure his own freedom. It made no sense for him to assist Barty Crouch Jr. in orchestrating Voldemort¡¯s revival.

 Chapter 580: The Department of Mysteries’ Targeted Magic

    Kyle followed Professor McGonagall and the others through the silent foyer, deep in thought. Soon, they arrived at the Hospital Wing.


    Filch was placed on the innermost bed, and Mrs. Norris immediately leaped onto it, curling protectively beside him. In the adjacent bed lay Viktor Krum, unconscious.


    ¡°Professor, why is Krum here?¡± Harry asked curiously. He hadn¡¯t seen the match and had no idea what had happened.


    ¡°He encountered the Three-Headed Dog,¡± Professor McGonagall replied in a hushed tone. ¡°If he hadn¡¯t fired the red signal into the sky in time, it could have been far worse than just a coma."


    ¡°I¡¯ve said before¡ªAcromantulas and Manticores are dangerous enough for the maze. There was absolutely no need to include a Three-Headed Dog!¡±


    Madam Pomfrey, who had just approached, twitched at McGonagall¡¯s comment, her lips pressing into a thin line. Every mention of a Magical Creature seemed to fray her patience further.


    Though Madam Pomfrey understood the inherent risks of the Triwizard Tournament, she couldn¡¯t reconcile herself with its constant endangerment of students. Her grievances against Dumbledore had begun with the First Task and had continued without pause.


    ¡°I truly hope we won¡¯t host another of these tournaments,¡± she muttered, her voice tinged with exasperation. ¡°At least not at Hogwarts. Dangerous beasts like that have no place in a school.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re right,¡± McGonagall agreed with a sharp nod. ¡°But don¡¯t worry. The Triwizard Tournament only happens once every five years, rotating between the three schools. It won¡¯t be Hogwarts¡¯ turn again for another 15 years...¡±


    She hesitated before adding, ¡°If the tournament isn¡¯t canceled outright.¡±


    The Triwizard Cup being turned into a Portkey had caused a scandal, and with Voldemort¡¯s return now undeniable, there was a real possibility the event might be permanently suspended.


    Kyle, however, didn¡¯t care. He had already won once, and the tournament¡¯s fate no longer mattered to him. Harry felt much the same¡ªbeing in his fourth year, he wouldn¡¯t qualify for the next tournament anyway.


    ¡°This is for you,¡± Madam Pomfrey said, handing Harry a bottle of deep purple potion.


    ¡°You¡¯ll need to drink it all,¡± she instructed. ¡°It will help you get a peaceful night¡¯s sleep.¡±


    Harry nodded, took a few sips, and felt its effects almost immediately. The potion¡¯s warmth and soothing properties made his eyelids heavy, and he shuffled to the nearest bed before collapsing into a deep sleep.


    ¡°And this is yours,¡± Madam Pomfrey said, turning to Kyle and handing him a similar potion.


    ¡°Thank you,¡± Kyle replied, slipping the bottle into his pocket. He planned to drink it later in the quiet of his dormitory.


    Madam Pomfrey gave him a once-over. Seeing that he looked perfectly fine, she said no more and turned back to her other patients.


    Just then, the door to the Hospital Wing opened again. Chris and Diana entered, one after the other.


    ¡°Go on,¡± Professor McGonagall said to Kyle. ¡°I¡¯m sure they have plenty to discuss with you, but this is hardly the place for it.¡±


    Kyle nodded and stepped outside with his friends.


    The three of them walked into the courtyard, where Chris couldn¡¯t wait any longer. ¡°What happened?¡± he demanded. ¡°Why did you disappear when you touched the Triwizard Cup? That wasn¡¯t part of the tournament rules!¡±


    ¡°It was Karkaroff,¡± Kyle explained calmly. ¡°He swapped the Cup with a Portkey.¡±


    He then recounted the events atop the hill, his voice steady as he detailed Voldemort¡¯s resurrection.


    Chris visibly shuddered as the enormity of the revelation sank in. ¡°Is this... true?¡± he asked, unable to suppress a tremor in his voice.


    ¡°Professor Dumbledore witnessed it as well,¡± Kyle said. ¡°He¡¯s discussing it with Minister Fudge as we speak.¡±


    Surprisingly, Chris and Diana processed the news more quickly than expected.


    ¡°No wonder Karkaroff volunteered to place the Cup in the maze,¡± Chris muttered, his voice low. ¡°That¡¯s what he was up to all along.¡±


    ¡°How are you holding up?¡± Diana asked, stepping closer to Kyle and examining him intently, her hands gripping his shoulders.


    ¡°I¡¯m fine, Mum,¡± Kyle said, a faint smile tugging at his lips. ¡°I used the phoenix feather, and Professor Dumbledore got Harry and me out of the fight as soon as he arrived.¡±


    He paused, then opened his hand to reveal a small ring resting in his palm.


    Diana exhaled sharply, relief washing over her features. The sight of the ring seemed to calm her nerves¡ªit was something she had forgotten about entirely in her alarm over Voldemort¡¯s name. Sear?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The enchantment on the ring allowed Kyle to Apparate instantly, provided he wasn¡¯t in a restricted location like Hogwarts. It was a failsafe she had insisted he carry.


    ¡°You referees are useless!¡± Diana suddenly snapped, her anger flaring as she rounded on Chris. ¡°You didn¡¯t even notice the Cup had been switched! And Dumbledore¡ªhow could he let a Death Eater abduct someone right under his nose? When did his vigilance drop so low?¡±


    Chris remained silent, his head bowed. He knew better than to try to defend himself¡ªhe was already painfully aware of his failure.


    If he had suspected such a scheme, he never would have allowed Karkaroff to handle the trophy. But no one had anticipated such treachery, and now he could only accept Diana¡¯s reprimand.


    Kyle wisely stayed quiet as well, sensing that intervening would likely result in him being drawn into his mother¡¯s ire. It was better to let the storm pass on its own.


    Luckily, after a few tense moments, an owl swooped across the dark night sky and landed gracefully in front of Diana.


    This owl was unusual¡ªits eyes were a piercing blue, and its talons held no letters or packages.


    As Diana looked at it, its beak began to move soundlessly. Kyle tilted his head, puzzled, for he couldn¡¯t hear a single word.


    ¡°This is a mission owl from the Department of Mysteries,¡± Chris explained quietly. ¡°Only Unspeakables can hear what it¡¯s saying.¡±


    Kyle nodded, watching as the owl¡¯s message concluded. The bird closed its beak, then spread its wings and disappeared into the night.


    Diana¡¯s expression grew annoyed as she turned back to them. ¡°I have to go,¡± she said sharply, her gaze flitting between Chris and Kyle. ¡°But don¡¯t think for a moment this conversation is over.¡±


    She fixed Chris with a particularly scathing look before turning to Kyle.


    ¡°And you¡ªstay in the castle until the holidays are over. I don¡¯t care what you¡¯ve discovered or what you¡¯re planning. You are to leave Hogwarts. Understood?¡±


    The intensity of her stare made the air around Kyle feel colder. He nodded quickly. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Mum. I¡¯ll stay put.¡±


    ¡°Good,¡± Diana said, her expression softening slightly. ¡°Things are different now. Be careful...¡±


    She stepped closer and kissed Kyle gently on the forehead.


    Before Kyle could say anything else, Diana¡¯s face suddenly hardened again.


    ¡°Tell me the truth!¡± she demanded sternly. ¡°When you were at the top of that hill, did you kill a Death Eater?¡±


    Kyle¡¯s heart sank. He had deliberately avoided mentioning this to anyone, including Harry, who had helped him conceal the truth when recounting the events to Dumbledore and the others.


    But Diana¡¯s tone wasn¡¯t one of suspicion¡ªit was of certainty. Somehow, she already knew.


    ¡°Hurry up and answer me!¡± she pressed.


    ¡°Yes...¡± Kyle admitted reluctantly. ¡°But it wasn¡¯t my fault. He ran into it himself, and I was just defending myself! The Aurors shouldn¡¯t hold that against me¡ªright?¡±


    ¡°If it was a Death Eater, then it¡¯s fine,¡± Diana said dismissively, cutting him off with a wave of her hand.


    Her expression, however, darkened as she seemed to replay the events in her mind. She turned to glare at Chris again, her voice tight with frustration. ¡°Look what you¡¯ve done!¡±


    Chris opened his mouth as if to reply, but in the end, he only sighed heavily.


    This wasn¡¯t what he had wanted for Kyle. If war came again, he had hoped to shield his son from its horrors¡ªat least until he graduated. But now, Kyle was already entangled in a battle against Voldemort and the Death Eaters.


    Diana glanced at the time and sighed. ¡°We¡¯ll discuss this later,¡± she said firmly. ¡°But remember, Kyle¡ªyou¡¯re to stay at Hogwarts no matter what happens.¡±


    With one last stern look, she vanished in the blink of an eye.


    Kyle blinked, startled. ¡°The school¡¯s restrictions on Apparition are lifted?¡±


    ¡°No,¡± Chris said, shaking his head. ¡°That wasn¡¯t Apparition. It¡¯s a specialized form of directional magic exclusive to Unspeakables. They can use it only when summoned by a mission owl. There are a lot of restrictions on it, though.¡±

 Chapter 581: Cornelius Fudge

    Chris was preparing to return to the Ministry of Magic. After the Triwizard Tournament, his responsibilities as a judge were far from over¡ªamong them, returning the Magical Creatures from the maze to their proper locations.


    The creatures Hagrid provided posed no issue; they simply needed to be released back into the Forbidden Forest. However, Chris still had to manage the Magical Creatures that Newt had supplied.


    Yet, after recent events, he changed his plans. Before leaving Hogwarts, he decided to visit Dumbledore.


    ¡°I think it¡¯s better if you wait or pick another time,¡± Kyle advised. ¡°Minister Fudge is in the Headmaster¡¯s Office, and I doubt the atmosphere there is pleasant right now.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s fine, I¡¯ll wait,¡± Chris replied, casting a somber glance toward the castle.


    As a Ministry official, he knew Fudge¡¯s character all too well. Fudge would never accept that Voldemort had returned, making any conversation with Dumbledore contentious.


    ¡°They¡¯re in the Headmaster¡¯s Office. Do you want to head there directly?¡± Kyle asked. ¡°Or wait a bit? We could stop by the common room for some food. I¡¯m starving.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s no need,¡± Chris said, his focus shifting toward the corner, where the sound of approaching footsteps caught his attention.


    ¡°Evidence, Dumbledore! You can¡¯t expect me to believe some vague memory you claim is accurate!¡± Fudge¡¯s agitated voice carried through the corridor. ¡°Or are you suggesting we accept the wild tales of two children as the truth? Absurd!¡±


    Dumbledore¡¯s calm yet firm voice followed. ¡°As I¡¯ve told you repeatedly, Cornelius, I was there. You could have an Auror examine my memory if you doubt its authenticity.¡±


    ¡°Memories can be tampered with¡ªespecially by someone of your skill,¡± Fudge shot back.


    ¡°I assure you, they haven¡¯t been,¡± Dumbledore said evenly. ¡°Listen to me, Cornelius. It¡¯s not too late. We must act immediately and send emissaries to the Giants before Voldemort gains their allegiance once more.¡±


    ¡°Send messengers to the Giants?¡± Fudge shrieked. ¡°Have you lost your mind? The public despises the Giants! If word got out that I was negotiating with them, I¡¯d lose my position as Minister overnight!¡±


    ¡°Your fixation on retaining power has clouded your judgment, Cornelius.¡±


    ¡°Ridiculous! You¡¯ve gone mad, all because of some baseless claims from a couple of kids¡ª¡±


    Their argument grew louder as they approached, and Fudge suddenly noticed Chris standing nearby.


    ¡°Oh, Chris,¡± Fudge said quickly, attempting to shift the subject. ¡°Have you seen Kyle? I need to speak with him.¡±


    Chris blinked, then glanced around. At some point, Kyle had slipped away.


    It was clear Kyle had no intention of involving himself in the confrontation. From the heated exchange, it was obvious Fudge wouldn¡¯t be persuaded tonight, no matter who spoke to him. If he didn¡¯t even trust Dumbledore¡¯s memory, no argument would sway him.


    Kyle had decided to avoid any direct conflict. Although he was unfamiliar with the type of Directional Magic employed by the Department of Mysteries, the late hour and the effectiveness of the Disillusionment Charm worked in his favor.


    Fudge hadn¡¯t noticed him at all.


    ¡°No, I think he went back to the castle,¡± Chris said casually, guessing Kyle¡¯s reasoning.


    ¡°Then let¡¯s head to the Hospital Wing,¡± Dumbledore said. ¡°Harry is there, and he can testify the events.¡±


    ¡°Testify?¡± Fudge repeated mockingly. ¡°Utter madness! Let¡¯s see what nonsense you¡¯ve concocted this time.¡±


    Dumbledore briefly glanced toward where Kyle stood hidden, his gaze lingering for a moment.


    ¡°You may join us, Chris, if you¡¯re not in a rush to return,¡± Dumbledore offered.


    ¡°Of course,¡± Chris replied, following as the group crossed the courtyard and disappeared around the staircase leading to the Hospital Wing.


    Once the coast was clear, Kyle dropped the Disillusionment Charm and rubbed his forehead wearily.


    Dumbledore was pushing too hard. The more forceful he became, the more stubbornly Fudge would resist. Perhaps such tactics had worked in the past, but Fudge no longer needed Dumbledore¡¯s endorsement to maintain his authority.


    With the threat of Crouch eliminated, Fudge was beginning to revel in the unchecked power of his position. Challenging him directly now was unwise.


    Still, the truth had to be told¡ªwhether Fudge believed it or not. Only Dumbledore could deliver that message; anyone else would be dismissed outright.


    Unfortunately, it meant Harry would have to endure more. Kyle couldn¡¯t help but feel sympathy for the boy, who would be roused from much-needed sleep for this.


    With a sigh, Kyle turned and began heading toward the castle.


    On his way back to the castle, Kyle encountered Mrs. Weasley, along with Bill and Charlie, all looking anxious. sea??h th§× n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°Kyle, I¡¯m so glad you¡¯re alright,¡± Mrs. Weasley exclaimed, rushing toward him. ¡°Where¡¯s Harry? Have you seen him?¡±


    ¡°Harry¡¯s in the Hospital Wing,¡± Kyle replied, noticing Mrs. Weasley¡¯s face grow pale. He quickly added, ¡°He¡¯s fine¡ªhe just took some Dreamless Sleep Potion and is resting now.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s good,¡± Mrs. Weasley said, visibly relieved.


    ¡°Hermione told us Harry disappeared,¡± Charlie said as he approached. ¡°We went to Professor Dumbledore, and that¡¯s when we ran into Sirius, who explained everything.¡±


    ¡°So it¡¯s true?¡± Bill asked, his face grave. ¡°You-Know-Who... he¡¯s really come back?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s absolutely true,¡± Kyle confirmed. ¡°I saw it happen. So did Harry and Professor Dumbledore.¡±


    Bill gasped audibly, and Mrs. Weasley¡¯s grip on Kyle¡¯s hand trembled.


    ¡°I suggest waiting a bit before going to Harry,¡± Kyle said gently. ¡°The headmaster and Fudge are with him right now. How about heading to the Hufflepuff common room for a while? We can grab something to eat¡ªI¡¯m starving.¡±


    ¡°No, I have to be there for him,¡± Mrs. Weasley said, her face pale but resolute. ¡°I know what kind of man Fudge is. He won¡¯t listen, and Harry will need someone by his side.¡±


    She turned to Bill. ¡°Go and tell your father. Dumbledore will likely need our support soon.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Mum.¡±


    Mrs. Weasley hurried toward the Hospital Wing, while Bill and Charlie made their way to the Owlery. Within moments, Kyle was left standing alone.


    Well... looks like I¡¯m on my own again, he thought, shrugging as he resumed his trek to the Hufflepuff common room.


    The common room was brightly lit, with tables laden with cakes and snacks. True to Hufflepuff tradition, a celebration had been arranged in honor of Kyle¡¯s victory in the Triwizard Tournament.


    Unfortunately, Kyle had returned too late. Most of the students had already gone to bed, leaving only a few stragglers enjoying the remnants of the party. Still, they congratulated him warmly and suggested holding a proper celebration the next day, to which Kyle agreed.


    Grabbing a sandwich, he took a big bite, savoring the taste.


    ¡°What took you so long?¡± Kanna asked, handing him a glass of lemonade.


    ¡°Something big¡ªsomething really big,¡± Kyle replied after taking a sip. The tangy lemonade helped shake off some of his lingering fatigue.


    ¡°The Triwizard Tournament is over. What could be so big?¡± Cedric asked, raising an eyebrow.


    Kyle hesitated, glancing around at the few students still present. ¡°It¡¯s complicated. Come with me.¡±


    He led Kanna and Cedric to a quieter corner of the room, where they sat at a table away from prying ears.


    ¡°You might not believe me, but I have to say it... Voldemort has resurrected.¡±


    Cedric dropped his Butterbeer, the mug hitting the ground with a loud crash.


    ¡°Ha! That¡¯s not a funny joke,¡± he said with a nervous laugh, pulling out his wand to clean up the mess. ¡°You-Know-Who is dead. Everyone knows that.¡±


    ¡°I wish it were a joke,¡± Kyle said solemnly, setting down his empty glass. ¡°But it¡¯s not. Before long, Professor Dumbledore will tell you the same thing.¡±


    Cedric froze, his wand slipping from his fingers.


    Kanna, mid-bite, dropped her sandwich, nearly crushing it into a heap of mashed bread.


    ¡°I¡¯m not saying I don¡¯t believe you, Kyle,¡± Cedric stammered, ¡°but... how? How is that possible? Harry Potter¡ªthe Boy Who Lived¡ªhe defeated You-Know-Who!¡±


    Kyle met his eyes. ¡°I said . You don¡¯t have to believe me right now. Just... be prepared.¡±

 Chapter 582: Targeted Harry

    For Dumbledore and most of the professors, last night had been destined to be sleepless.


    The next morning, Kyle noticed a sharp decrease in the number of people in the castle. Sirius was gone, as were Snape and Professor Moody. Hagrid and Madam Maxime from Beauxbatons had also disappeared, likely called to the Headmaster''s Office.


    ¡°We could have stayed a few more days,¡± Fleur remarked as they stood outside the castle to see off the Beauxbatons students. ¡°But Madam Maxime insisted we leave today. She seemed to have something urgent to do, though she wouldn¡¯t tell me what it was.¡±


    In the clearing near Hagrid¡¯s hut, which was now shuttered, the tall Abraxans were harnessed to the massive Beauxbatons carriage. The Durmstrang students, too, appeared to be leaving. Early that morning, another Durmstrang professor had arrived via the ship, accompanying Viktor Krum, who was still recovering from his injuries.


    Soon, the Beauxbatons students began boarding their carriage, leaning out the doors and windows to wave farewell to their new friends.


    Fleur helped Gabrielle and a suitcase into the carriage before turning to give Kanna a hug. She was reluctant to leave; her time at Hogwarts had been the best school year she¡¯d ever experienced.


    She had especially grown fond of Hufflepuff House, where sincerity and kindness seemed to flourish. Unlike in many other places, the boys, though affected by her Veela heritage, behaved respectfully, and the girls rarely displayed jealousy. In Hufflepuff, the influence of her Veela bloodline was minimal, allowing Fleur to truly enjoy her time.


    Still, the Triwizard Tournament had ended, and she had to return. At least, she consoled herself, this was her final year, and she could always visit again.


    Professor Lochneal¡¯s voice called from the carriage, urging her to hurry. Fleur gave Kyle a quick hug before climbing aboard.


    A few minutes later, the enormous Abraxans launched into the air, pulling the carriage behind them. The students on the ground watched as it shrank into the sky until it was no longer visible. Gradually, everyone returned to the castle.


    Although only a few dozen students were gone, their absence left the Great Hall feeling noticeably emptier.


    ¡°I still can¡¯t believe the Triwizard Tournament ended like that.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, Hogwarts was so lively this year.¡±


    ¡°I hope they host it again¡ªit¡¯s way more exciting than Quidditch.¡±


    ¡°What are you talking about? The Triwizard Tournament is no match for Quidditch!¡±


    Such conversations echoed through the castle, but not everyone was caught up in the buzz.


    Cedric, Cho, and the Weasley twins seemed preoccupied, and Kyle found himself cornered by their questions once again.


    ¡°Kyle, you¡¯re not joking, right? You-Know-Who has really returned?¡± Fred asked, his tone urgent.


    ¡°For the third time this hour, Fred¡ªyes, it¡¯s true. Mrs. Weasley knows as well. You can write home if you want confirmation.¡±


    ¡°Of course we believe you,¡± George said, ¡°but... it¡¯s just so hard to wrap our heads around. Give us a bit of time, will you?¡±


    Kyle glanced at them and smirked faintly. ¡°Seriously, I thought you two would be quicker on the uptake than Cedric. He only asked twice.¡±


    ¡°We had to react ,¡± Fred replied dramatically. ¡°This is You-Know-Who we¡¯re talking about! Who in the entire Wizarding World wouldn¡¯t freak out over this?¡±


    ¡°No one,¡± George answered flatly.


    ¡°Does this mean we won¡¯t be able to come back to school next year?¡± Cho asked abruptly. ¡°If You-Know-Who attacks Hogwarts, the school will have to close, won¡¯t it?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry,¡± Kyle said with a dismissive wave. ¡°Hogwarts didn¡¯t close even when the Death Eaters were at their peak ten years ago. Back then, it was one of the safest places for students. That won¡¯t change now unless students choose not to come."


    ¡°Besides, it¡¯s unlikely Voldemort will target Hogwarts anytime soon. He has other priorities¡ªgathering followers, rebuilding his forces. And after the surprise Dumbledore gave him yesterday, I doubt he¡¯ll dare set foot here for a while.¡±


    Fred groaned. ¡°Must you say his name, Kyle? My legs shake every time you do!¡±


    Kyle paused, realizing the issue. ¡°Fair point. I¡¯ll watch my words. You-Know-Who¡¯s name has a tracking spell on it. Even though I¡¯m not worried for myself, I wouldn¡¯t want to endanger anyone else.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s a relief,¡± Fred muttered, while George nodded in agreement.


    Kyle continued, ¡°Anyway, You-Know-Who has a lot to handle right now. Hogwarts is low on his priority list. And let¡¯s not forget¡ªhe¡¯s not foolish enough to pick a fight with Dumbledore straight out of the gate.¡±


    ¡°What a pity,¡± George said with a wistful sigh. ¡°Why didn¡¯t Dumbledore just finish him off?¡±


    ¡°Because You-Know-Who isn¡¯t stupid,¡± Kyle replied. ¡°He wouldn¡¯t risk facing Dumbledore directly after just being resurrected.¡±


    ¡°I know,¡± George muttered, ¡°but still... it would¡¯ve been nice if he had.¡±


    ¡°Who¡¯s to say it wouldn¡¯t?¡± Fred added with a sigh.


    ...


    The Ministry of Magic acted with surprising speed, and by the next morning, a new edition of had arrived at Hogwarts.


    However, there was no mention of Voldemort¡¯s return. Instead, the headline focused entirely on Harry. Whether at Fudge¡¯s instigation or not, the paper painted Harry as mentally unstable, accusing him of fabricating an outrageous story for attention. It claimed he had invented his kidnapping by Death Eaters and was exploiting his scar and Voldemort¡¯s name to draw public sympathy.


    That evening, during dinner, Dumbledore entered the Great Hall. He addressed the accusations directly, firmly denying the slander against Harry. He also requested that no one question or bother Harry about what had happened.


    In the days that followed, discussions about the recently concluded Triwizard Tournament or the departing schools faded. Instead, students buzzed about the newspaper¡¯s claims, debating whether Harry had truly fabricated the story.


    Dumbledore¡¯s appeal not to trouble Harry worked¡ªbut almost too well. Most students began avoiding Harry altogether. In the hallways, they steered clear, whispering behind their hands as they passed him. Many accepted narrative, believing Harry was upset over not being crowned Champion and had concocted a story for attention. S§×arch* The Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Despite the growing isolation, Harry didn¡¯t seem to mind. As long as Hermione and Ron stood by him, that was enough.


    Like Kyle¡¯s candid conversation with Kanna and Cedric, Harry was completely honest with his friends, and they believed him without hesitation.


    Fudge might scoff at the idea of Harry¡¯s scar tingling as a sign of Voldemort¡¯s return, dismissing it as nonsense, but Ron and Hermione were different. They took Harry¡¯s account seriously.


    In their dormitory, Ron even called Fudge a "stupid idiot," which brought a genuine smile to Harry¡¯s face.

 Chapter 583: The Chaos at School

    For a time afterward, Harry became the subject of wary attention, as if he were a dangerous person to avoid. Everywhere he went, people cast him complicated glances. Even Hermione and Ron, by association, found themselves under similar scrutiny, becoming part of the group everyone preferred to steer clear of.


    Gradually, those looks of suspicion morphed into open ridicule. As the holidays approached, some students even seemed to enjoy mocking Harry. Dumbledore¡¯s request that no one question Harry didn¡¯t extend to other forms of harassment, and people like Malfoy, Crabbe, and Goyle seized the opportunity.


    They made a point of passing by Harry and loudly discussing portrayal of him, their voices dripping with derision. At first, Harry tried to argue, offering explanations in defense of himself. But after days of this, he lost his patience and flung a book straight at Malfoy¡¯s face.


    Harry had been bottling up his frustrations: his sudden abduction by a Death Eater, the traumatic resurrection of Voldemort, and the Ministry-fueled smear campaign. It all weighed heavily on him. Malfoy¡¯s taunting simply provided the perfect outlet for his anger. S§×ar?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Almost instinctively, Ron and Hermione jumped into the fray, targeting Crabbe and Goyle. The Malfoy trio, caught off guard, barely had time to react.


    What began as a brief altercation quickly spiraled. Other students passing by soon got involved, and the narrow corridor devolved into a full-blown brawl between Gryffindor and Slytherin.


    In this chaotic melee, magic was set aside in favor of fists, as if everyone had silently agreed on a more physical form of confrontation. By the time it was over, the Hospital Wing was overflowing with students nursing bruises and cuts. Madam Pomfrey¡¯s wand was practically smoking as she conjured beds to accommodate everyone and worked through the night brewing several cauldrons of healing potion.


    The sheer number of patients even forced Filch to vacate his bed early, though he still required more treatment.


    The fallout was severe: both Gryffindor and Slytherin were docked 500 points each, marking one of the largest point deductions in Hogwarts history. But no one seemed to care, as both houses had been so deep in negative scores thanks to Snape and Sirius that even 100 points would have been hard to come by.


    For Kyle, however, the incident was barely a blip. He had avoided the conflict with Fudge and had remained uninvolved in the fight. As such, his name was absent from , and few outside his close circle of friends even knew where he had gone after disappearing into the maze.


    ¡°I¡¯ll tell you what I think,¡± Kyle said, tossing a bottle of Essence of Dittany to Fred and George as they sat in the Hufflepuff common room, grinning despite their bruises.


    ¡°What¡¯s that?¡± Fred asked, uncorking the bottle and applying it to his arm.


    ¡°Definitely something about fighting You-Know-Who¡¯s forces,¡± George guessed, rubbing some on his face.


    ¡°Not even close,¡± Kyle replied. ¡°I mean, why on earth are you coming to me for injuries instead of the Hospital Wing? I¡¯ve only ever treated magical creatures.¡±


    Fred shrugged. ¡°The Hospital Wing was packed. No room for us there.¡±


    ¡°And our injuries are minor,¡± George added nonchalantly. ¡°No need to bother Madam Pomfrey over a few bruises.¡±


    ¡°You haven¡¯t seen her today,¡± Fred said with a shiver. ¡°She looked terrifying.¡±


    ¡°With that many patients, it¡¯s no wonder,¡± Kyle muttered, glancing at the twins¡¯ injuries. They were nothing serious¡ªjust some bruises from the scuffle. Essence of Dittany wasn¡¯t the ideal treatment, but it was all he had on hand.


    ¡°Malfoy, Crabbe, Goyle,¡± George began, rubbing his arm. ¡°Weren¡¯t those names on the trial lists from ten years ago?¡±


    ¡°You must¡¯ve seen them,¡± Fred added, looking to Kyle.


    ¡°Maybe,¡± Kyle said. ¡°But the Death Eaters were masked. Hard to say.¡±


    ¡°I came in late and missed most of it,¡± George admitted. ¡°Harry probably knows more.¡±


    ¡°True,¡± Fred said thoughtfully. ¡°But Dumbledore told us not to ask him.¡±


    ¡°And Dad wrote to say we shouldn¡¯t pester Harry about it,¡± George added.


    ¡°What if we ask him on the train tomorrow?¡± Fred proposed with sudden excitement. ¡°The term will be over by then¡ªit¡¯s fair game, right?¡±


    Cedric, who had been listening nearby, stared at them in disbelief. ¡°You¡¯re not supposed to ask at school, so you¡¯re waiting until vacation?¡±


    Fred grinned. ¡°Exactly!¡±


    That evening, on the last night before the holidays, Kyle joined the others in the Great Hall for the end-of-term feast. At the door, he bumped into Harry, who still sported a bandage on his arm.


    As the instigator of the fight, Harry had only just been released from the Hospital Wing. Yet, despite everything, he seemed surprisingly cheerful¡ªno doubt because Malfoy, standing not far away, was also covered in bandages.


    ...


    This year''s feast, as expected, was decked out in Hufflepuff banners celebrating their House¡¯s victory. Kyle, having won the Triwizard Tournament, had not only brought home the glory of the 1,000 Galleons prize money but also earned an additional 200 points for Hufflepuff, courtesy of Dumbledore.


    These extra points secured Hufflepuff the first-place position in the House Cup standings, marking their fifth win¡ªa record now tied with Slytherin.


    At the staff table, Sirius and Professor Moody, who had been missing for days, were seated with Dumbledore, engaged in a quiet conversation. Nearby, Snape sat beside Professor McGonagall, his face darker than the night sky. Meanwhile, Madam Maxime, who had also returned, whispered with Hagrid.


    Kyle suspected their discussion concerned the Giants. The Ministry of Magic would undoubtedly refuse to negotiate with them, leaving Dumbledore to take the initiative. Hagrid and Madam Maxime, as half-Giants, were the most logical choices for this mission. Kyle figured they would likely set out during the holiday.


    As these thoughts occupied him, Dumbledore stood up at the staff table, and the Great Hall immediately fell silent.


    ¡°Another year,¡± Dumbledore began, his gaze sweeping over the students. ¡°Tonight, I have something very important to share with you all."


    ¡°The Ministry of Magic has urged me repeatedly to keep this information secret, but I believe you have the right to know the truth.¡±


    A ripple of curiosity spread across the Hall, every pair of eyes fixed on him.


    ¡°Have you ever wondered why our caretaker, Mr. Filch, has been in the Hospital Wing?¡± Dumbledore asked.


    Whispers filled the room.


    ¡°Because,¡± he continued, his tone grave, ¡°he was attacked by a crazed Death Eater.¡±


    The Hall erupted in murmurs.


    ¡°Death Eater?¡±


    ¡°How¡¯s that possible?¡±


    ¡°Why would they dare come here?¡±


    Dumbledore raised his hand, and silence fell once more.


    ¡°And,¡± he said, his voice steady, ¡°about what was reported in ¡ªI can confirm the true, it wasn''t what they claimed. This was not Harry¡¯s imagination."


    ¡°A Death Eater disguised as Mr. Filch abducted Harry Potter from the school and brought him to his master, Voldemort.¡±


    This time, the Hall¡¯s reaction was immediate and explosive. Disbelief, confusion, and fear spread like wildfire. Just moments ago, they had been processing the idea of a Death Eater; now, Voldemort¡¯s name had been uttered aloud.


    Dumbledore used magic to amplify his voice, cutting through the chaos.


    ¡°And I must tell you¡ªVoldemort has returned,¡± he declared firmly.


    The Hall fell into a stunned silence, save for a few audible gasps.


    ¡°I know many of you will find this hard to believe,¡± Dumbledore continued, his expression grave. ¡°I understand the shock and fear you may feel. But I saw it with my own eyes."


    ¡°I cannot, in good conscience, hide this truth from you. Ignoring it will not make it go away. You may doubt me. You may mock me. But remember this: always be prepared.¡±


    The weight of his words settled heavily over the Hall. Many students stared at Dumbledore, their expressions shifting between disbelief, fear, and grim acceptance.


    At the Hufflepuff table, Cedric and Kanna remained silent. They had already known the truth, but witnessing the reactions of their peers was sobering.


    Mikel, seated nearby, appeared resolute. As a Muggle-born wizard, he had only read about Voldemort and didn¡¯t carry the same visceral fear. This made him more willing to trust Dumbledore¡¯s words.


    Ryan, however, was visibly struggling. Unlike Mikel, he had grown up hearing stories of Voldemort¡¯s reign of terror. The news of his resurrection filled him with dread. Yet Ryan trusted Dumbledore and found himself caught between fear and faith, unsure of what to think or how to respond.

 Chapter 584: Harry’s Protective Spell

    The day after the end-of-year banquet marked the official start of the holidays at Hogwarts. Kyle and the others made their way to the platform to board the train back home.


    Perched on Kyle¡¯s shoulder was Ratton, the ever-intimidating owl, behaving as if he owned the platform. Ratton stared down every passing owl, causing a cascade of chaos. Wherever Kyle passed, owls screeched and flailed in their cages, their feathers flying.


    Even Cho¡¯s owl wasn¡¯t spared.


    ¡°Hey, Kyle, can¡¯t you do something about him?¡± Cho said, trying to soothe her distressed owl. ¡°Saya¡¯s been startled three times already!¡±


    ¡°Sorry about that,¡± Kyle said with an apologetic shrug. ¡°Ratton doesn¡¯t like being in a cage.¡±


    At that moment, Ratton spread his massive wings and flew off toward the train, sparing the platform from further turmoil.


    This year, the group chose a regular compartment instead of the more comfortable and spacious Prefect¡¯s carriage. They had opted to stay together to keep an eye on certain mischievous members of their group.


    As soon as they sat down, Cedric stretched out with an exaggerated groan. ¡°Oh... these seats are so hard.¡±


    Fred and George¡¯s faces darkened immediately. They knew exactly what Cedric meant.


    ¡°My deepest apologies,¡± Fred drawled sarcastically, ¡°that we weren¡¯t made Prefects, forcing you to endure this unspeakable hardship in the regular compartment.¡±


    ¡°If it helps,¡± George said smoothly, removing his robe and folding it neatly, ¡°you can sit on this. It¡¯s not velvet, but it¡¯s better than nothing.¡±


    Cedric gave him a sly smile. ¡°I think you¡¯ve misunderstood me. I was just commenting on the Hogwarts Express¡¯s facilities, nothing more."


    ¡°Of course,¡± he added, gesturing toward the robe, ¡°if there¡¯s not a Biting Ball hidden in there, I might take you up on the offer.¡±


    George¡¯s smirk faltered. Cedric had caught him red-handed. Tucked inside the robe was one of Zonko¡¯s classic joke items¡ªa harmless-looking cushion that would transform into a sharp-toothed ball when sat on.


    ¡°Tsk...¡± George shrugged, retrieving his robe. ¡°You¡¯ve gotten sharp, Cedric. You weren¡¯t this quick before.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t take it personally,¡± Cedric replied, raising an eyebrow. ¡°If I weren¡¯t a Prefect, I¡¯m sure you¡¯d have had something equally to say about that, too.¡±


    ¡°We absolutely wouldn¡¯t,¡± George said solemnly.


    ¡°Because we would¡¯ve started teasing you the moment we left the castle,¡± Fred added with a grin.


    The banter continued until the train gave a long whistle and began to move, chugging its way toward King¡¯s Cross Station.


    Outside the window, the weather was a stark contrast to the rainy, gloomy skies that had greeted them at the start of term. Bright sunshine poured through, filling the compartment with a cozy warmth. It was a pattern that repeated itself year after year: cloudy beginnings, sunny farewells.


    As the train rolled through the countryside, their conversation inevitably returned to the previous night¡¯s dramatic announcement by Dumbledore at the feast.


    The repercussions of his speech were still echoing through the train. Even in their compartment, they could faintly hear snippets of conversation from passing students: ¡°Dumbledore... madman...¡± and similar remarks drifted through the air.


    It was clear that many students¡ªand perhaps their families¡ªdismissed Dumbledore¡¯s warning as the ramblings of a confused old man.


    ¡°Do you think the headmaster ever imagined things would turn out like this?¡± Fred asked, leaning back in his seat. ¡°It seems like not many people chose to believe him.¡±


    ¡°I think he expected it,¡± Kyle replied thoughtfully. ¡°But getting everyone to believe him isn¡¯t the point¡ªthat¡¯s not realistic. What he wants is for people to be prepared, so when the day comes, they don¡¯t panic and lose their heads.¡±


    ¡°Maybe,¡± George said with a shrug, though he didn¡¯t seem entirely convinced.


    The group speculated about what measures Dumbledore might take over the holidays to counter Voldemort¡¯s resurgence. As the morning wore on and the train neared midday, the corridors grew increasingly crowded.


    The Gryffindor-Slytherin feud had not died down; in fact, it continued to flare up even now. From their compartment, Kyle and the others could hear occasional bursts of arguments in the corridors. This time, the clashes drew students from other houses as well, as the topic inevitably shifted to Dumbledore.


    Many Slytherins loudly ridiculed Dumbledore, mocking him as a madman. Their jeers sparked anger among other students, leading to heated disputes that escalated into full-blown quarrels.


    Prefects, including Cedric, had to abandon their compartments to try to maintain order in the corridors. Meanwhile, Fred and George kept themselves occupied by pestering Harry with questions about the Death Eaters from the night of Voldemort¡¯s return.


    The rest of the journey was uneventful. The train chugged steadily southward, the landscape outside changing as they traveled. The rolling hills and dense forests gradually gave way to open fields and scattered villages¡ªa sure sign that they were nearing King¡¯s Cross Station. Sear?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    By this time, Kyle and the others returned to their compartment, where Fred, George, Harry, Hermione, and Ron were gathered, engrossed in a game of Exploding Snap.


    As Kyle entered, one of Harry¡¯s cards exploded in his hand, leaving his hair standing on end and a puff of smoke rising from his head.


    Harry scratched his head sheepishly and stood up. ¡°Kyle, I was just looking for you.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s up?¡± Kyle asked, expecting Harry to bring up the events of that fateful night. Instead, Harry surprised him by saying another name.


    ¡°Sirius. Do you know where his family lives?¡± Harry asked. ¡°I remember him mentioning it to me, and I think you¡¯ve been there before.¡±


    ¡°I have,¡± Kyle confirmed, raising an eyebrow. ¡°Strange¡ªhe didn¡¯t tell you?¡±


    ¡°Last term, he mentioned he was going to pick me up,¡± Harry explained, sighing. ¡°It was all settled. I was supposed to stay with him during the holidays this year. But just yesterday, when I asked him for his address, he suddenly changed his mind!¡±


    ¡°Changed his mind? That doesn¡¯t sound like him¡­¡± Kyle was taken aback. Sirius had been eager for Harry to stay with him, even going so far as to arrange post-graduation plans. It was unlike him to backtrack.


    ¡°It¡¯s true,¡± Harry said in a low voice. ¡°He told me this year is too dangerous and insisted I stay with the Dursleys. But he also said before that even if Voldemort came, he could guarantee my safety!¡±


    Kyle snorted. ¡°That¡¯s just Sirius bragging. If Voldemort actually showed up, the best Sirius could do would be to buy you time to escape.¡±


    Harry gave a reluctant nod. ¡°So¡­ I was thinking of going to find him myself.¡±


    Kyle studied him for a moment. ¡°I think Sirius probably has something important to do,¡± he said, recalling Sirius¡¯s unexplained disappearance just before the holidays.


    He had a suspicion that Sirius was involved in some mission for Dumbledore, one that required him to be away during the summer. Under those circumstances, Sirius likely thought Harry would be safer at the Dursleys¡¯ house.


    Because Lily Evans''s protective spell remained active, its effectiveness depended on Harry living with his only blood relatives, the Dursleys.

 Chapter 585: The Unscathed Professor

    Upon reflecting on the matter, Kyle shook his head and said, ¡°Sorry, Harry. It¡¯s not that I don¡¯t want to tell you¡ªit¡¯s just impossible."


    ¡°Sirius¡¯s house is protected by the Fidelius Charm. Even if someone other than the Secret Keeper tells you the address, you won¡¯t be able to hear it.¡±


    Hearing Kyle¡¯s explanation, Harry looked deeply disappointed. He had been looking forward to this for a year¡ªthe chance to leave the Dursleys and live with Sirius. Yet, a year later, he still had to return to Privet Drive, as though nothing had changed.


    ¡°Don¡¯t look so glum, Harry. Think of something happy,¡± Fred said from the side. ¡°At least Sirius is okay, isn¡¯t he?¡±


    ¡°And Professor Moody¡­¡± George added. ¡°The school year¡¯s over, but they¡¯re all fine. Not injured, not caught by Dementors or Aurors¡ªcompletely intact.¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± Cedric chimed in. ¡°No wonder I felt like something was missing this year. In previous years, no Defence Against the Dark Arts professor ever lasted this long.¡±


    At this, everyone seemed to perk up. Even Harry temporarily forgot about Sirius.


    ¡°Do you think it¡¯s because there were two professors this year?¡± Ron asked excitedly. ¡°Maybe the curse can only target one person, and if there are too many, it doesn¡¯t work.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t think so,¡± Hermione said thoughtfully. ¡°I read that Hogwarts has already replaced more than fifty Defence Against the Dark Arts professors. If it were that simple, Dumbledore would¡¯ve figured it out by now.¡±


    ¡°Is it possible he really doesn¡¯t know?¡± Fred asked. ¡°I mean, he might not even be able to find two professors. One a year might already be pushing it.¡±


    ¡°Yeah,¡± George agreed. ¡°I remember Bill saying that one year, they didn¡¯t even find a Defence professor until a month into term.¡±


    ¡°I remember that too,¡± Fred said, laughing. ¡°And then, at Christmas, the professor ended up in St. Mungo¡¯s after getting drunk and messing up the Charms.¡±


    ¡°And they never found a replacement after that,¡± George added, grinning.


    Everyone burst into laughter.


    It was true¡ªDumbledore¡¯s biggest challenge every year was finding a new Defence Against the Dark Arts professor. During the holidays, he became what Fred and George jokingly called ¡°Unwelcome Dumbledore.¡± If that was the case, it really might be impossible for him to find two professors at once.


    Harry laughed along with them. If he had a choice, he would rather have Sirius as the Defence Against the Dark Arts professor next year than live with him over the holidays. After all, the holidays only lasted two months, but as a professor, Sirius would be at Hogwarts the entire school year. When he thought about it, it seemed like a much better deal.


    Of course, having both would be ideal.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Harry,¡± Ron said, patting him on the shoulder. ¡°Mum will convince Dumbledore to let you stay with us this summer, just like she did for the Quidditch World Cup.¡±


    ¡°I hope so,¡± Harry said.


    Even if he couldn¡¯t stay with Sirius, The Burrow was still a wonderful place to spend the summer. However, he wasn¡¯t sure if the Weasleys would have the time this year. After all, their family would likely be involved in efforts to stop Voldemort¡¯s return¡ªa daunting task Harry didn¡¯t want to make harder for them.


    As they talked, the train began to slow down.


    ¡°We¡¯re here,¡± said Kanna, glancing out the window.


    The Hogwarts Express soon pulled into Platform 9?. Chaos erupted in the aisles as students gathered their belongings and began to disembark, filling the air with noise and excitement.


    ¡°Harry,¡± said Kyle as they queued up to go through the barrier, ¡°you¡¯d better be careful this year and stay on your guard.¡±


    ¡°I know,¡± Harry replied with a nod. ¡°Because of Voldemort, right? Sirius told me the same thing. He said Voldemort might come looking for me and that I should let Professor Dumbledore know if I notice anything unusual.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s only part of it,¡± Kyle said, glancing at the line ahead of them. ¡°The other thing you need to watch out for is the Ministry of Magic.¡±


    ¡°The Ministry?¡± Harry asked, frowning in confusion. ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°Because they¡¯ll probably try to make trouble for you,¡± Kyle explained. ¡°Remember that article in ? The one that made it seem like you were just seeking attention?¡± sea??h th§× ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Harry nodded. He hadn¡¯t forgotten that article¡ªit still irritated him to think about it.


    ¡°That was just the beginning,¡± Kyle continued. ¡°If you keep insisting that Voldemort has returned¡­¡±


    Kyle lowered his voice. ¡°They don¡¯t want to believe he¡¯s back, and they certainly don¡¯t want anyone else to believe it, either. So if you keep saying it, you¡¯ll be at odds with the Ministry. They¡¯ll try to discredit you, make you look like a delusional madman in everyone¡¯s eyes. That¡¯s the only way they can prevent people from taking you seriously.¡±


    ¡°But it¡¯s the truth!¡± Harry exclaimed, his face flushing with frustration. ¡°You saw it too!¡±


    ¡°But Cornelius Fudge didn¡¯t,¡± Kyle said evenly. ¡°Unless you can drag Voldemort straight to the Ministry and prove it to everyone, Fudge won¡¯t believe you. And you know that as well as I do, especially after what happened in the Hospital Wing.¡±


    Harry fell silent. Kyle was right. Fudge¡¯s reaction to hearing Voldemort¡¯s name had been extreme¡ªso much so that he¡¯d argued with Dumbledore and severed ties with him.


    ¡°But why me?¡± Harry asked, still struggling to understand.


    ¡°It¡¯s simple,¡± Kyle said. ¡°They can¡¯t go after Professor Dumbledore¡ªhe¡¯s too powerful, and they¡¯re afraid of him. But you? You¡¯re different. You¡¯re just a student. A student with a bit of fame, sure, but fame isn¡¯t the same as power."


    ¡°They have ways of dealing with you. For example, they could orchestrate an incident¡ªmaybe drop a Magical Creature or something else onto Privet Drive. You¡¯d have to use magic to defend yourself, and once you do, you¡¯d be breaking the rule against underage magic. That would give them grounds to expel you.¡±


    ¡°What? Expel me?¡± Harry¡¯s voice rose in alarm. ¡°You must be joking! Professor Dumbledore¡¯s the headmaster¡ªthey can¡¯t expel me!¡±


    ¡°Yes, but only if you haven¡¯t done anything wrong,¡± Kyle said calmly. ¡°The notice sent out before the holidays was clear: if a student is caught using magic outside school, they could face expulsion."


    ¡°Of course, you don¡¯t need to panic. The Ministry still has an image to maintain. Even if they have this plan, they can¡¯t be too blatant about it. Just be extra cautious in your daily life, and you¡¯ll be fine.¡±


    ¡°What should I do?¡± Harry asked, his nerves showing.


    ¡°Stay in crowded places or neighborhoods as much as possible,¡± Kyle suggested after a moment of thought. ¡°That¡¯s the easiest way to stay safe. If there are other people around, they¡¯ll think twice before trying anything."


    ¡°Or you could carry a camera with you. If you notice anything strange, take a picture. It might slow you down if you need to make a quick escape, but at least you¡¯ll have evidence.¡±


    ¡°Thanks, I¡¯ll keep that in mind,¡± Harry said, lowering his head as he mulled over the suggestions.


    Before they realized it, they had passed through the barrier and emerged into King¡¯s Cross Station, where Mrs. Weasley was waiting for them.


    ¡°Goodbye, Harry,¡± Kyle said. ¡°Remember what I told you¡ªstay cautious, no matter what.¡±


    ¡°I will,¡± Harry replied. ¡°Thanks for the advice.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re welcome.¡±


    ...


    They parted at the station, and Mr. Weasley soon arrived in a brand-new car. It was clearly not a Ministry car¡ªhe must have borrowed it from someone.


    Once everyone had piled in, the car turned and headed off toward St. Catchpole Village.

 Chapter 586: Rita Skeeter’s Refusal

    Diagon Alley, Leaky Cauldron.


    Kyle sat in a relatively quiet corner of the pub, carefully writing a reply to Dugald McPhail on a piece of parchment.


    Over the holidays, he had frequently received similar letters asking if he had truly witnessed Voldemort¡¯s resurrection. Most of these correspondences came from Magical Creatures experts he had met during his time at the dragon reserve in Romania.


    For instance, there was Professor Lochneal from Beauxbatons, Mrs. Rozzino, who studied dragons in North America, and Hagrid¡¯s favorite, Mr. Lima, the author of


    Kyle mused.


    Others writing to him included individuals who had previously awarded him the Order of Merlin. Dugald McPhail was one of these, and this was the second letter Kyle had received from him that morning.


    Despite already knowing the truth, McPhail¡¯s letter, with its hastily scribbled, joined-up script, revealed his lingering unease. He mentioned that Dumbledore planned to hold a meeting in a personal capacity to elaborate on the situation and draft plans for the future. McPhail wanted to confirm whether Kyle would attend and also included a list of questions he hadn¡¯t addressed in the letter itself.


    Though Kyle hadn¡¯t yet heard anything about the meeting directly from Dumbledore, he didn¡¯t mind going if his presence would help.


    Finishing the letter, Kyle handed it to Ratton, his unusually large owl. The bird snatched the parchment and struggled to squeeze through the narrow skylight, leaving a few feathers behind in the process.


    ¡°Tom, two Butterbeers,¡± Kyle called out. ¡°And by the way, have you thought about making that skylight bigger?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t see the point,¡± replied Old Tom from behind the bar. He glanced at the owl feathers scattered on the floor. ¡°If you¡¯d used a regular-sized owl, you¡¯d see the window¡¯s just the right size.¡±


    ¡°By Merlin¡¯s beard, what have you been feeding that owl? Dragon liver? Or did you use the Engorgement Charm on it?¡±


    Kyle shrugged without offering a direct answer.


    The person sitting across from him, however, was thoroughly entertained by Old Tom¡¯s remarks. She let out a piercing, affected laugh that made several heads turn.


    ¡°The Engorgement Charm on the owl of the Champion of the Tri-Universe Tournament¡ªnow would make for an excellent story,¡± she said. ¡°Can I write about it?¡±


    ¡°What do you think?¡± Kyle replied flatly, not even looking up from his drink.


    Rita Skeeter raised an eyebrow but said nothing, her hand still resting on her elaborate automatic quill.


    ¡°Do you know how torturous this is for me?¡± she finally muttered.


    ¡°Just because you can¡¯t write about me using the Engorgement Charm on an owl?¡± Kyle asked dryly. ¡°It¡¯s not that big of a deal¡ªit was just an old joke Tom made.¡±


    ¡°You know that¡¯s not what I¡¯m talking about,¡± Rita said in a hushed tone. ¡°The Minister of Magic Dugald McPhail in 1858, the resurrection of You-Know-Who, a personal meeting with Dumbledore..."


    ¡°Any one of these pieces of news would rock the entire wizarding world. But no¡ªI¡¯m not allowed to write a word about it. Isn¡¯t that ?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t be absurd. I haven¡¯t stopped you from announcing Voldemort¡¯s resurrection to the wizarding world, have I?¡±


    At this moment, Old Tom appeared with two Butterbeers and a plate of buttered biscuits, setting them down on the table.


    ¡°How much do I owe you?¡± Kyle asked.


    ¡°Not this time,¡± Tom replied, flashing a grin that revealed a few shaky teeth. ¡°It¡¯s congratulations for winning the Triwizard Tournament. Been a long time since Hogwarts brought home that honor.¡±


    ¡°If that¡¯s the case,¡± Kyle said with a smirk, ¡°then I¡¯ll take a glass of Ogden¡¯s Old Firewhisky as well.¡±


    ¡°No problem¡ªten Galleons in advance, please.¡±


    ¡°Didn¡¯t you just say you¡¯d treat?¡±


    ¡°For the Butterbeer and biscuits,¡± Tom said without missing a beat, his expression calm.


    ¡°No, thanks... What a cheapskate.¡±


    Tom ignored the jab, turning back toward the bar without another word.


    Kyle, meanwhile, nudged one of the Butterbeers toward Rita Skeeter and continued, ¡°Actually, if you¡¯re serious about reporting on You-Know-Who, I won¡¯t stop you. I¡¯ll even pay you handsomely."


    ¡°How about a hundred Galleons per article? Write ten in a row, and you¡¯ll get all the prize money I won at the Triwizard Tournament.¡±


    ¡°Very tempting,¡± Rita said, her voice dripping with sarcasm. She took a slow sip of the Butterbeer instead of answering directly.


    ¡°Seriously, you¡¯re better at making up stories than I am¡ªI almost believed you. But if you¡¯ll excuse me, I have tomorrow¡¯s front-page article to write.¡±


    She stood, smoothing down her robes. ¡°The has been paging me for hours... Oh, and thanks for the Butterbeer.¡±


    Kyle chuckled. ¡°Are you scared? This is the first time I¡¯ve seen you back down from something.¡±


    The Butterbeer glass landed on the table with a heavy . S~ea??h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°I, Rita Skeeter, will never be scared to publish anything!¡± she declared loudly, her voice carrying across the room.


    The commotion drew a few curious glances, but the onlookers quickly turned away when they saw who was involved. Nobody wanted to risk being the subject of Rita Skeeter¡¯s gossip columns.


    Unfazed by the reactions around her, Rita drew a deep breath and continued, her tone sharp, ¡°But I won¡¯t, and I , publish something people don¡¯t want to hear. It would ruin my reputation."


    ¡°I don¡¯t know what game you¡¯re playing, but if I told everyone that the mysterious figure who started the magical war over ten years ago had returned, guess what would happen?"


    ¡°They¡¯d think I¡¯m some kind of Xenophilius Lovegood! My career would be finished. I¡¯ll never make that kind of idiotic decision!¡±


    Kyle leaned back in his chair, his voice calm as he asked, ¡°Even if I use the photo as leverage?¡±


    This time, Rita Skeeter fell silent. Slowly, she sat back down, her hand gripping the Butterbeer mug tightly. After taking another long swig, she finally spoke, her voice low. ¡°I can pay for that photo with everything I¡¯ve saved.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t need money,¡± Kyle replied evenly.


    Another heavy silence fell between them. Rita¡¯s face shifted through a range of expressions¡ªindignation, frustration, and finally a grim determination.


    Though she often embellished her articles with plenty of ¡°artistic license,¡± there was always a kernel of truth at their core. Writing something entirely fabricated, like the resurrection of You-Know-Who, was unthinkable for her.


    She could already picture the fallout. If she published such a story, not only would her readers ridicule her, but the Ministry of Magic would come down hard. Unless Voldemort himself appeared afterward, the consequences for her career¡ªand possibly her freedom¡ªwould be catastrophic.


    But that was impossible. Voldemort had been defeated by Harry Potter, the Boy Who Lived, and everyone knew it. Resurrected? Ridiculous. Even if Dumbledore said it was true, nobody believed it.


    ¡°Why are you doing this?¡± Rita asked at last, her tone almost pleading. ¡°If it¡¯s just to frighten people, you could make something up, or let me help you spin it. There¡¯s no need to drag You-Know-Who¡¯s name into it¡ªit¡¯s a taboo!¡±


    Her voice softened, tinged with exasperation. ¡°It¡¯s not worth it. You just won the Triwizard Tournament and earned the Order of Merlin. Why throw your lot in with Dumbledore and Potter?¡±


    Kyle met her gaze steadily, his expression unchanging.


    Rita¡¯s face darkened as her frustration boiled over. Her voice dropped to a venomous whisper. ¡°I¡¯d rather go to the Ministry of Magic right now and confess that I¡¯m an unregistered Animagus than let you use that photo against me. But don¡¯t think you¡¯d come out of this unscathed, either. I swear, you¡¯d regret it.¡±


    Her tone grew angrier, her words sharp and biting. ¡°And when I do, I¡¯ll make sure everyone knows that you¡¯re just as delusional as Dumbledore¡ªa fame-hungry lunatic, just like Potter!¡±

 Chapter 587: Two Pieces of News

    ¡°Don¡¯t get so excited.¡±


    Seeing Rita Skeeter growing increasingly agitated, Kyle waved a hand dismissively and smiled. ¡°I was just joking earlier. Why are you taking it so seriously?¡±


    Although Rita looked like she was trying to intimidate him, Kyle didn¡¯t want to push her too far. Truthfully, he hadn¡¯t expected her reaction to be so intense. She had even claimed she¡¯d rather expose her Animagus secret than cooperate with him.


    At the same time, it was clear she couldn¡¯t¡ªor wouldn¡¯t¡ªaccept the news of Voldemort¡¯s resurrection. More accurately, she refused to believe it without concrete evidence.


    Kyle thought to himself. He could still picture Voldemort¡¯s triumphant smile during the resurrection.


    Of course, that would have required time he hadn¡¯t had.


    ¡°You¡¯d better really be joking,¡± Rita Skeeter said, her expression softening slightly but still tinged with caution.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry,¡± Kyle replied. ¡°I actually called you here for something else.¡±


    Rita, who had been poised to leave, reluctantly sank back into her seat. Though she wanted nothing more than to walk away, she felt compelled to stay. He had leverage over her, and she knew it.


    Besides, the Kyle sitting before her was unlike most people she had dealt with. On the surface, he seemed harmless, even friendly, but he was far more difficult to navigate than anyone she had encountered before.


    Take the Triwizard Tournament, for instance. Rita still remembered Kyle¡¯s efforts to downplay himself before the competition. He had insisted he was likely to lose and needed to prepare an excuse, only to emerge as the undisputed champion.


    She had watched every match. Kyle¡¯s performance had been so dominant, it was as though the other competitors were there merely to fill out the roster.


    Now that she thought about it, Rita felt foolish for ever believing his self-deprecating act. She had even drafted a scathing article condemning his supposed cowardice, ready to publish it the moment he lost. But after Kyle uncovered her Animagus secret, she had torn the article to shreds and thrown it away.


    ¡°What do you want?¡± she asked, her tone sharp with impatience.


    ¡°It¡¯s about Fudge,¡± Kyle said, lowering his voice as he glanced around. ¡°I really admire Minister Fudge, so I¡¯d like to know more about him... things that aren¡¯t public knowledge.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ve got the wrong person,¡± Rita said, adjusting her unsightly glasses. ¡°Fudge is the Minister of Magic, and if you¡¯re asking for something nobody knows, how could I possibly know it? If you really admire him, go read his autobiography."


    ¡°Flourish and Blotts sells it¡ª15 Galleons a copy.¡±


    ¡°Fifteen Galleons?¡± Kyle said, feigning incredulity. ¡°I¡¯m just a student. I can¡¯t afford something that expensive.¡± S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°Didn¡¯t you just say you don¡¯t lack money?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t,¡± Kyle replied casually. ¡°But that doesn¡¯t mean I can justify spending 15 Galleons on a book.¡±


    Without another word, Kyle reached into his bag and snapped a photo of Rita in mid-Animagus transformation.


    In an instant, Rita slammed her handbag over the photo.


    ¡°Damn it! You just pulled it out like that? What if someone sees it!¡±


    ¡°No one will,¡± Kyle said calmly. ¡°I checked¡ªthere¡¯s no one around. No bugs, either.¡±


    He leaned back in his chair and added, ¡°Think of the photo as payment. Take your time to consider it.¡±


    Rita¡¯s breathing grew heavier as she processed the situation, her face pale with anger and apprehension. Kyle didn¡¯t press her, instead rising to fetch another Butterbeer from the bar.


    Old Tom was footing the bill anyway¡ªhe might as well take advantage.


    Rita Skeeter gulped down half the glass of Butterbeer before saying, ¡°I¡¯ll need another 100 Galleons, and you have to promise not to tell anyone about this.¡±


    ¡°No problem. I promise on Dumbledore¡¯s name.¡±


    ¡°Why Dumbledore?¡±


    ¡°How about I promise on my name? Would you believe me then?¡±


    Rita instinctively thought of Kyle¡¯s vow during the Triwizard Tournament that he would definitely lose. She narrowed her eyes but said nothing further, her suspicion lingering.


    After glancing cautiously around the pub, she gestured subtly. Kyle immediately caught on and pulled out his wand, whispering,


    ¡°Okay, now no one around us will hear our conversation,¡± he assured her.


    Rita, still wary, retrieved a small Sneakoscope from her bag. She examined it closely, waiting for any reaction. When it remained silent, she leaned forward and whispered,


    ¡°Do you remember the sensational Magical Creatures smuggling case from a few years ago?¡±


    Kyle nodded. He vividly recalled being drawn into the operation to capture Oren in the Forbidden Forest.


    ¡°According to an insider, Fudge was involved,¡± Rita revealed. ¡°The reason the Hit Wizards were so desperate to catch the fugitive was because he had evidence¡ªa notebook enchanted to record everything.¡±


    Kyle raised an eyebrow.


    The mention of the notebook jogged his memory. Oren had indeed mentioned it during their encounter in the Forbidden Forest. Now it made sense why the pursuit had involved only Hit Wizards, with no Aurors present. Unlike Hit Wizards, Aurors were less beholden to the Minister of Magic. If they had seen the notebook¡¯s contents, covering up the truth would have been far more difficult for Fudge.


    After a brief pause, Kyle placed ten Galleons on the table.


    ¡°Wait, this isn¡¯t what we agreed on,¡± Rita protested. ¡°Why are there only ten Galleons?¡±


    ¡°Do you hear yourself?¡± Kyle said, his tone skeptical. ¡°A Minister of Magic, involved in smuggling Magical Creatures? Such an outrageous claim! Ten Galleons is more than enough for something so dubious. I¡¯m starting to think you¡¯re trying to con me.¡±


    ¡°I can assure you, I¡¯m not,¡± Rita replied, her expression earnest. ¡°And for the record, he wasn¡¯t even Minister when he was involved.¡±


    Rita bristled at the implication, her pride as a professional gossipmonger wounded. She prided herself on accuracy¡ªeven when her stories leaned into sensationalism. She had heard the story firsthand years ago, while using her Animagus form to infiltrate a Ministry gala. She had eavesdropped on Fudge confiding the details to a colleague.


    ¡°I¡¯ll give you 500 Galleons if you can produce the notebook,¡± Kyle countered. ¡°But without it, who¡¯s to say you¡¯re telling the truth?¡±


    ¡°If I have the notebook, it¡¯d be worth a lot more than 500 Galleons,¡± Rita muttered, but she refrained from further argument.


    Instead, she carefully stored the incriminating photo in the false compartment of her handbag, ensuring it was secure before pocketing the Galleons from the table.


    ¡°I¡¯ll throw in another piece of information for free,¡± she said, smacking her lips as if relishing the act of disclosure. She seemed to view Kyle as an alternative medium for her talent, one that didn¡¯t involve her quill.


    ¡°There¡¯s a senior deputy minister at the Ministry named Dolores Umbridge. Not only does she pretend to be a pureblood, but she¡¯s also taken credit for the work of her colleagues¡ªrepeatedly.¡±


    Kyle blinked, then shrugged nonchalantly. ¡°What does it matter to me what she does?¡±


    Umbridge wasn¡¯t significant. If Fudge fell, she would simply be collateral damage.


    ¡°Don¡¯t dismiss her so quickly,¡± Rita said with a sly grin. ¡°The higher-ups at the Ministry know all about it, but not only do they say nothing¡ªthey even help cover it up."


    ¡°I know someone who was fired because of her. He¡¯s working on a farm in Cornwall now, of all places.¡±


    Rita¡¯s gaze held a triumphant glint as she looked at Kyle, clearly expecting a reaction.


    Kyle sighed, then pulled out fifty more Galleons and set them on the table.

 Chapter 588: The United Weasleys

    ¡°Well, happy collaborating,¡± Kyle said with a grin as Rita Skeeter stood to leave the Leaky Cauldron.


    ¡°I just came in for a Butterbeer because I felt a bit tired of writing. There was no collaboration,¡± Rita corrected as she snapped her handbag shut. ¡°And we just happened to sit at the same table and chat about the Triwizard Tournament. I didn¡¯t say anything else, and I won¡¯t admit to anything, either.¡±


    ¡°Ah, that¡¯s right,¡± Kyle said with an amused smile.


    With that, Rita Skeeter headed toward the bar¡¯s exit. As she reached the door, a subtle look of relief crossed her face. Now that she had secured the Animagus photo, she could finally breathe easier.


    Her only lingering concern was whether Kyle would keep his word and not reveal her secret. But she doubted he¡¯d go back on his promise¡ªespecially after she had paid for the information.


    she thought smugly. Kyle surely understood the value of what she¡¯d handed over.


    As Rita considered it further, a new sense of excitement bubbled within her. She began to wonder what Kyle¡ªand more importantly, Dumbledore¡ªmight be planning.


    She didn¡¯t believe for a second that Kyle was merely curious about Fudge¡¯s secrets. His words and demeanor made it clear that he was firmly aligned with Dumbledore¡¯s camp. And if that was the case, they were bound to act.


    Just imagining the potential conflict made her pulse quicken. Whatever happened next would surely be extraordinary, and it would be the kind of event Rita lived to cover.


    But for now, all she could do was wait. With her Animagus secret compromised, sneaking around as a beetle for information was out of the question.


    As Rita reached for the door, Kyle¡¯s voice stopped her.


    ¡°Just a minute.¡±


    Her hand froze on the handle. Slowly, she turned back. ¡°If you want to know anything else, it¡¯ll cost you extra,¡± she said briskly.


    ¡°No, I just want to ask one thing,¡± Kyle said, his tone serious. ¡°If there¡¯s undeniable evidence that the person has really returned, will you report it?¡±


    Rita hesitated, clearly reluctant to revisit the topic. Finally, she replied in a deliberately flippant tone, ¡°Well, if it¡¯s true, someone¡¯s going to be in big trouble... and I¡¯d never miss the chance to report on a historic event that¡¯ll end up in the History of Magic.¡±


    Without waiting for a response, she turned back to the door, pushed it open, and left the Leaky Cauldron.


    Kyle watched her go, then drained the last sip of his Butterbeer. Rising from his seat, he used the pub¡¯s Floo Network to return to The Burrow.


    ...


    ¡°Fred, George, will you please be quiet!¡±


    The moment Kyle stepped out of the fireplace, he heard Percy¡¯s voice raised in frustration. ¡°I can¡¯t concentrate on my report with all this racket! This is serious work, and the Ministry takes it seriously!¡±


    ¡°Percy, what we¡¯re doing is serious work too,¡± Fred retorted.


    ¡°Yeah, we¡¯re testing the stability of our products. Customers paid for these!¡± George added.


    ¡°And as for you¡­¡± Fred began.


    ¡°Are you sure the Minister will even read what you¡¯re writing?¡± George finished, smirking.


    ¡°I¡¯d bet it¡¯ll end up in the trash...¡±


    ¡°...Then dumped in a bin somewhere...¡±


    ¡°...Because no one really cares if the herb pots are standard-shaped, as long as the plants grow!¡±


    The twins continued their relentless teasing, clearly emboldened by their mother¡¯s absence that day. Percy, red-faced, shot them a glare that promised retribution, but Fred and George remained unfazed. They¡¯d endured Percy¡¯s tattling plenty of times before.


    As Kyle entered the living room, his attention was drawn to a large bird with vibrant, flowery feathers frantically flapping its wings near the window.


    ¡°Kyle, when did you get back?¡±


    Fred appeared on the stairs, looking curious.


    ¡°Just now,¡± Kyle replied, his attention drawn to the frantic bird flapping around. ¡°What¡¯s with this... thing?¡± Sear?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°Maybe it¡¯s Ron,¡± George said, coming down behind Fred. ¡°I bet he nicked the cookies we left on the plate.¡±


    Before Kyle could ask what they meant, there was a loud , and a puff of white smoke engulfed the bird. When the smoke cleared, Ron stood there, red-faced and glaring.


    ¡°What on earth did you put on that plate?¡± he growled through clenched teeth.


    ¡°Improved Canary Creams,¡± Fred said, grinning. ¡°They turn whoever eats them into a canary.¡±


    ¡°And clearly, they worked,¡± George added with a chuckle.


    ¡°You did this on purpose!¡± Ron snapped, his glare intensifying.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be ridiculous,¡± Fred said smoothly, his grin unwavering. ¡°We just forgot to take them back.¡±


    ¡°Did you try flying while you were at it?¡± George asked, feigning curiosity. ¡°I reckon it¡¯s possible now.¡±


    ¡°Wait¡ªdid that thing actually fly just now?¡± Ron¡¯s anger faltered as his eyes widened in surprise. He had been too panicked to notice much of anything at the time.


    Even Kyle raised an eyebrow in curiosity. He remembered the original Canary Creams from years ago¡ªthey could change someone¡¯s appearance, but the wings had been purely decorative.


    Ron¡¯s annoyance seemed to vanish as realization struck him. ¡°Do you still have any of those biscuits? I want to try again.¡±


    ¡°Of course,¡± Fred said, winking mischievously. ¡°Twelve Sickles a piece...¡±


    ¡°Counting the one you just ate...¡± George added.


    ¡°Just give us two Galleons,¡± Fred finished smoothly.


    Ron blinked in disbelief. ¡°You¡¯re charging me? And why is it two Galleons?¡±


    ¡°Oh, sorry, we made a mistake,¡± George said, feigning contrition. ¡°It should be three Galleons!¡±


    Ron immediately refused, and the trio descended into a loud argument, creating chaos in the living room.


    Moments later, Percy stormed downstairs, looking thoroughly irritated. ¡°Will you all be quiet! I¡¯m trying to work on my report. This is important, and the Ministry takes it seriously!¡±


    The three immediately fell silent, their mock bickering set aside as they stood united against Percy¡¯s tirade.


    Kyle, sitting on the couch next to Ginny, watched the scene unfold with amusement. This rare show of solidarity among Fred, George, and Ron was a spectacle in itself.


    ¡°Percy doesn¡¯t trust Headmaster Dumbledore,¡± Ginny said quietly, as if reading Kyle¡¯s thoughts. ¡°He¡¯s sided with the Ministry, thinks Dumbledore¡¯s gone mad with everything he said before the holidays. He even had a big row with Mum about it.¡±


    ¡°I see...¡± Kyle nodded, understanding the unusual truce. It wasn¡¯t just teasing¡ªthis was their way of showing solidarity against Percy¡¯s stance.


    ¡°Want some sweets?¡± Kyle offered, pulling out a handful of candies. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, these aren¡¯t from Fred and George¡¯s collection of mischief.¡±


    ¡°Thanks,¡± Ginny said, smiling as she took a toffee and popped it into her mouth.


    At that moment, the enchanted family clock on the wall sprang to life. One of its hands, labeled , moved from to .


    A moment later, there was a thud at the front door, and Mr. Weasley stepped inside, looking slightly harried.


    Fred paused mid-tease, looking at his father and then glancing out the window. ¡°Dad? Did the Ministry close early today?¡±


    ¡°Oh, no,¡± Mr. Weasley replied, shaking his head. ¡°I just came home early.¡± He turned to Kyle. ¡°Did you get the letter?¡±


    ¡°Letter? What letter?¡± Kyle asked, confused.


    Before Mr. Weasley could answer, an owl swooped through the open window, clutching an envelope in its beak.

 Chapter 589: The Ministry’s Warning Letter

    Kyle didn''t give much thought to the sudden appearance of the owl in front of him, nor to the letter clutched in its talons. Letters had been flooding in lately, and it would have been more surprising if he hadn¡¯t received one that day.


    But for Mr. Weasley to rush back from work... could it be about the meeting Dumbledore had mentioned, as McPhail hinted?


    Curiosity piqued, Kyle took the envelope and pulled out the letter, quickly scanning its contents. His expression shifted abruptly.


    The letter wasn¡¯t from Dumbledore. It was from the Ministry of Magic, and its contents were nothing short of outrageous. For a moment, Kyle wondered if he had misread it.


    Or perhaps the Ministry had lost its mind.


    ''What is it?¡± Fred and George, noticing Kyle¡¯s silence, leaned over to read the letter for themselves.


    ¡°No way¡ªdid I read that right?¡± Fred exclaimed. ¡°Or did I just misread it, and doesn''t using a Charm in the Leaky Cauldron only earns a formal warning?¡±


    ¡°Are they completely mad?¡± George frowned, trying to wrap his head around it. ¡°Or was there a Muggle hiding in the Leaky Cauldron?¡±


    They all knew the rules of the Restraint Act. While underage wizards weren¡¯t permitted to use magic outside of school, there was a crucial exception: a Muggle had to witness the magic for it to be a violation.


    But the Leaky Cauldron? Everyone who passed through there was either a wizard or, at the very least, a Muggle parent already aware of the wizarding world. How could this possibly be a breach of the Restraint Act?


    ¡°Watch your words, George,¡± Percy interjected, stepping forward and adjusting his collar in a self-important manner. ¡°Underage wizards are prohibited from using magic outside school, no matter where they are. That¡¯s the law.¡±


    ¡°Percy, why don¡¯t you move your room to the garden?¡± George snapped. ¡°I¡¯m sure you¡¯d get along brilliantly with the Gnomes.¡±


    He gave Percy a glare before continuing. ¡°Diagon Alley is practically next door to the Leaky Cauldron, and it¡¯s crawling with wizards. How can the Ministry pin this on Kyle when it could¡¯ve been anyone else?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s because... well, the Ministry must have its methods,¡± Percy mumbled. ¡°Minister Fudge doesn¡¯t make mistakes. Kyle broke the rule, and he has to face the consequences¡ª¡±


    ¡°Shut it, you bighead!¡± Fred interrupted sharply. ¡°Don¡¯t act like you¡¯ve never used magic at home!¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t¡ª¡±


    Before Percy could finish, George cut him off with a snort.


    ¡°I seem to recall you using a Summoning Charm to find the glasses we hid.¡±


    ¡°Or a Sticking Charm to keep your envelopes sealed,¡± Fred added.


    ¡°And Mending Charm... Lighting Charm...¡±


    ¡°Banishing Charm...¡±


    The twins took turns rattling off spells Percy had used, with Ron and Ginny occasionally chiming in to help when they faltered.


    Each accusation made Percy¡¯s face darken further until, thoroughly defeated, he stormed off to his room without another word.


    ¡°Finally, the irritating git is gone,¡± Fred declared with a satisfied grin. ¡°He¡¯s been unbearable ever since that promotion.¡±


    Then he turned to Mr. Weasley. ¡°Dad, what¡¯s the deal here?¡±


    ¡°Yeah,¡± George echoed, ¡°why is Kyle being warned for using magic at the Leaky Cauldron?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not entirely sure,¡± Mr. Weasley admitted, shaking his head. ¡°Mafalda mentioned it to me earlier. She said someone insisted Kyle used magic and demanded she send a warning letter.¡±


    ¡°Who?¡±


    ¡°She didn¡¯t say.¡±


    Mr. Weasley drummed his fingers on the table, hesitating before speaking again. ¡°There¡¯s something else.¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°Kyle won¡¯t be the only one going to the Ministry of Magic. Harry will be there too.¡±


    ¡°Harry? What did he do?¡± Ron and Ginny both asked.


    ¡°He used magic as well,¡± Mr. Weasley explained. ¡°But not in Diagon Alley¡ªhe cast a spell in Little Whinging. And he did it in front of three Muggles.¡±


    Ron and Ginny stood up at the same time.


    ¡°No way, I¡¯m going to go and ask him,¡± said Ron anxiously, before turning and bolting upstairs.


    ¡°What¡¯s more troubling,¡± sighed Mr. Weasley, ¡°is that this isn¡¯t the first time Harry has used magic in front of Muggles. So, Kyle will only be questioned, but Harry... he¡¯ll be put on trial.¡±


    ¡°A trial?¡± Ginny¡¯s face turned pale. ¡°Harry... will he be expelled?¡±


    ¡°No, he won¡¯t!¡± Mr. Weasley said firmly, shaking his head. ¡°They can¡¯t expel Harry, and Dumbledore won¡¯t allow it.¡±


    He stood up, a determined look on his face. ¡°Sorry, kids, I might have to leave for a bit. Oh, and Kyle...¡±


    Mr. Weasley¡¯s tone softened. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. As I said earlier, they can¡¯t be sure if it was you or someone else in Diagon Alley who used the Charm. You¡¯ll be fine¡ªit¡¯s just a formality.¡±


    With that, he hurried out of The Burrow.


    Not long after, Ginny returned to her room, leaving Kyle alone in the living room with Fred and George.


    ¡°You... really used a Charm?¡± Fred asked tentatively.


    Kyle nodded. He admitted it. To prevent Rita Skeeter from spreading rumors, he had cast a Muffliato Charm. But how did the Ministry of Magic know about it?


    Had someone seen him? Even so, making such a big deal out of it seemed unnecessary. Since when had the Ministry become so vigilant?


    Kyle¡¯s thoughts turned to Rita Skeeter. Had she reported him?


    ''No, I don¡¯t think so,'' Kyle quickly dismissed the idea¡ªnot because he believed in her integrity, but because she wouldn¡¯t dare. Her unregistered Animagus status and her knowledge of Fudge¡¯s secrets would be hard to explain if she got involved. For her own safety, she wouldn¡¯t risk snitching.


    Could it be because of Voldemort? Did Fudge know Kyle was aligned with Dumbledore?


    That seemed plausible. Over the summer, Kyle had written many letters openly supporting Dumbledore¡¯s stance. If Fudge knew about them, it wouldn¡¯t be surprising for him to create trouble.


    Still, it felt petty¡ªso petty, in fact, that Kyle tossed the letter aside with irritation.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay, Kyle,¡± Fred said reassuringly. ¡°There are loads of wizards in Diagon Alley. As long as you don¡¯t admit it, they¡¯ll never prove it was you who used magic.¡±


    ¡°Yeah,¡± George agreed. ¡°And it¡¯s not even a violation of the Restriction Act to use magic there. They can¡¯t do anything to you.¡± sea??h th§× N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°Hm,¡± Kyle murmured, nodding.


    Even so, he couldn¡¯t help but feel disgusted by these underhanded tactics. And Harry¡¯s situation? That was likely more of the Ministry¡¯s meddling too.


    Mr. Weasley had mentioned Harry had used magic in front of three Muggles¡ªpresumably the Dursleys. The Ministry must have known the Dursleys despised Harry. They wouldn¡¯t just refuse to testify on his behalf¡ªthey¡¯d probably blame him outright, even if he¡¯d protected them.


    Kyle scowled. ¡°Really... you can find all sorts of people,¡± he muttered.

 Chapter 590: The Order of the Phoenix

    Kyle didn''t understand what the Ministry wanted with the letter. Was it a warning to keep his mouth shut? Or was there another reason entirely?


    That evening, he brought it up with Chris, but like Mr. Weasley, Chris had no answers.


    ¡°Mafalda Hopkirk from the Improper Use of Magic Office was just following orders,¡± Chris said. ¡°I went to the Minister''s office afterward, but someone mentioned that Fudge has been away for the past two days and hasn¡¯t returned.¡±


    He gave Kyle a reassuring pat on the shoulder.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. Mafalda said it was just a routine inquiry. After all, there¡¯s no proof you used a spell in the Leaky Cauldron, is there? Besides, this sort of thing won¡¯t interfere with your normal start to the school year¡­ but that Harry Potter might be in trouble.¡±


    ¡°Does the Ministry actually want to expel Harry?¡± Kyle asked.


    ¡°No, it¡¯s something else,¡± Chris replied, shaking his head. ¡°Alastor and Sirius think the Dementor attack on Harry was most likely orchestrated by You-Know-Who.¡±


    ¡°Dementor?¡± Kyle echoed in surprise.


    ¡°Yes. Otherwise, Harry wouldn¡¯t have needed to use the Patronus Charm in front of those three Muggles.¡±


    Chris poured himself a cup of strong tea before continuing. ¡°Dementors showing up in the Muggle world and trying to eat the souls of three Muggles¡­ To be honest, nothing like this has ever happened before.¡± S§×ar?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°It¡¯s certainly unusual,¡± Kyle agreed.


    As far as Kyle knew, Dementors were strictly confined to the island of Azkaban. The primary role of the Hit Wizards stationed there wasn¡¯t to prevent prisoner escapes but to monitor the Dementors, ensuring they couldn¡¯t slip away unnoticed.


    If the Dementors had appeared in Little Whinging, it couldn¡¯t have happened without the Ministry of Magic¡¯s approval. Of course, Voldemort couldn¡¯t be ruled out, but if he had taken control of Azkaban, he wouldn¡¯t waste time releasing just one or two Dementors to target Harry.


    No, it was far more likely the Ministry was involved. Still, such a tactic seemed almost laughably crude.


    Kyle mulled this over as he chatted with Chris a while longer. Eventually, he excused himself and went upstairs to his room.


    ...


    Over the next few days, the Weasley family next door became unexpectedly busy, and Kyle didn¡¯t see Mrs. Weasley for two or three days.


    Once, when he visited their house, he found them packing as though they were preparing to move.


    ¡°What are you doing?¡± he asked curiously.


    ¡°We¡¯re heading to a place you¡¯d never guess,¡± Fred and George said, setting down their suitcases and hurrying over to him. Fred¡¯s ears had turned slightly red with excitement.


    ¡°Fred! George!¡±


    At that moment, Mrs. Weasley, who hadn¡¯t been seen in days, walked briskly into the room. ¡°Hurry up and pack your things! We need to leave soon,¡± she said, her voice firm.


    Noticing Kyle standing nearby, she softened her tone. ¡°Are you all right, dear?¡± she asked, stepping closer to give him a warm hug. ¡°I heard about what happened. You¡¯ve been troubled by the Ministry of Magic as well.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s fine, Mrs. Weasley,¡± Kyle assured her. ¡°It was just a routine inquiry. Are you leaving?¡±


    ¡°Yes, to a¡­ well, safer place,¡± Mrs. Weasley said, hesitating for a moment before continuing. ¡°All right, Dumbledore said we didn¡¯t need to hide anything from you.¡±


    She led Kyle aside to a quieter corner.


    ¡°What I¡¯m about to tell you might sound unbelievable, but it¡¯s all true. To better fight the resurgence of You-Know-Who, Dumbledore has reactivated the Order of the Phoenix¡ªa group formed over a decade ago to battle the Death Eaters. We¡¯re heading to its temporary headquarters, which also happens to be Sirius¡¯s home.¡±


    ¡°12 Grimmauld Place?¡± Kyle asked.


    Mrs. Weasley looked surprised. ¡°How did you know¡­? Oh, of course. I suppose that¡¯s why Dumbledore didn¡¯t see the need to keep it from you. You¡¯ve been there before, haven¡¯t you?¡±


    ¡°Yes, but it wasn¡¯t the Order¡¯s headquarters back then.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right. It was only designated as such recently.¡±


    Mrs. Weasley glanced at the clock and added, ¡°Why don¡¯t you come with us? It would be safer. I can talk to Chris about it.¡±


    Kyle thought about her offer but politely declined. ¡°Thanks, Mrs. Weasley, but I can¡¯t. My mother insisted I stay home for the holidays, and I promised her I wouldn¡¯t go anywhere.¡±


    Mrs. Weasley nodded understandingly. ¡°If it¡¯s Diana¡¯s request, then that¡¯s that. Stay safe.¡±


    As she turned back to the packing, Kyle stopped her. ¡°Mrs. Weasley, will all the members of the Order of the Phoenix be going to Grimmauld Place?¡±


    ¡°Most of them, yes,¡± she replied.


    ¡°What about my dad? Is he going?¡±


    Mrs. Weasley shook her head. ¡°No, Chris isn¡¯t officially a member of the Order of the Phoenix yet.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Kyle said, surprised. He had always assumed his father was part of the Order.


    ¡°Technically, he¡¯s involved,¡± Mrs. Weasley explained. ¡°But he¡¯s never been on the formal roster. Back then, Chris was working with Mr. Scamander, handling werewolves, giants, and other dangerous magical creatures. He was fighting on a different front from us."


    ¡°The Order mainly focused on combating Death Eaters and supporting their victims. Chris didn¡¯t feel his work aligned with the Order¡¯s mission, even though neither Dumbledore nor the rest of us saw it that way. He turned down membership."


    ¡°Before Dumbledore could ask him a third time, the situation changed¡ªYou-Know-Who was defeated by Harry, and the matter was dropped.¡±


    ¡°I see,¡± Kyle said, understanding his father¡¯s reasoning.


    ¡°But that¡¯s only temporary,¡± Mrs. Weasley added with a smile. ¡°I¡¯m sure it won¡¯t be long before Chris is formally part of the Order. It¡¯s just a matter of time.¡±


    ¡°And maybe I¡¯ll be on the list someday too,¡± Kyle said, smiling.


    Mrs. Weasley¡¯s expression turned serious. ¡°No, I don¡¯t think so. Alastor suggested it, but I told him it was far too hasty. You¡¯re just a child, Kyle. You haven¡¯t even graduated yet. It¡¯s our responsibility to handle this, not yours.¡±


    ¡°Mrs. Weasley¡ª¡±


    Kyle began to protest, but a loud honk from outside interrupted him. A sleek new car pulled into St. Catchpole Village, the same one Sirius had purchased to pick them up at King¡¯s Cross Station.


    Mr. Weasley leaned out of the driver¡¯s seat. ¡°Are you ready, boys? We need to leave right away!¡±


    ¡°Sorry, dear. I have to go.¡±


    Mrs. Weasley gave Kyle another hug. ¡°If you notice anything suspicious around here, promise me you¡¯ll write to us immediately.¡±


    ¡°I will, Mrs. Weasley. Be careful.¡±


    ¡°You too, dear.¡±

 Chapter 591: Dumbledore’s Invitation

    It had been a week since the Weasley family left St. Catchpole Village.


    To be honest, Kyle was still adjusting to the sudden silence. After being used to the constant chatter and chaos brought by Fred and George, the quiet felt strange.


    Percy did return occasionally, but something seemed off about him. Whatever Fudge had told him recently had changed him. Percy now displayed open hostility toward anyone associated with Dumbledore, a stark departure from his usual self.


    Kyle found little to discuss with Percy these days. If he had any free time, he preferred to focus on preparing for how to handle the Ministry.


    ...


    On August 11th, Kyle was in his room, engrossed in reading the Decree for the and the , when a sudden knock on the door downstairs startled him.


    Kyle looked up, puzzled. It had been weeks since the Weasleys had left for Grimmauld Place, and unexpected visitors had become rare.


    he thought, standing up and peering out the window.


    ¡°Professor Dumbledore?¡± he called, surprised to see the headmaster standing outside.


    ¡°Oh, I was wondering if you¡¯d gone to Grimmauld Place,¡± Dumbledore replied with a smile. ¡°Might I trouble you for a cup of tea?¡±


    ¡°Of course, Professor. Just a moment.¡±


    A few minutes later, Kyle placed a cup of black tea in front of Dumbledore, along with a jar of sugar and a plate of buttered biscuits from the kitchen.


    ¡°Thank you,¡± Dumbledore said warmly as he spooned sugar into his tea. ¡°First, I must apologize, Kyle. When I explained to the others what happened on the mountain that day, I forgot to ask them to keep it confidential. The story has reached Fudge¡¯s ears, and now the Ministry seems to have painted you as an enemy.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s all right, Professor,¡± Kyle said, shaking his head. He had known it would be impossible to keep everything secret for long. He hadn¡¯t even tried to conceal it; the Ministry would have learned the details sooner or later.


    The Death Eaters already knew too. With their connections in the Ministry, it would¡¯ve been easy for them to stir up trouble.


    ¡°There¡¯s another matter,¡± Dumbledore continued. ¡°I¡¯ll be attending Harry¡¯s hearing tomorrow, so I won¡¯t be able to accompany you to your interview. How about Minerva accompanies you? She¡¯s an old friend of Madam Hopkirk¡¯s.¡±


    ¡°No need,¡± Kyle replied. ¡°It¡¯s just a routine interview. There¡¯s no need to go to so much trouble. My father will be there with me.¡±


    ¡°Minerva insisted,¡± Dumbledore said with a small smile. ¡°As you¡¯re still a student¡ªeven during the holidays¡ªit¡¯s the professors¡¯ responsibility to ensure you aren¡¯t treated unfairly. She¡¯ll meet you in the Ministry lobby tomorrow morning. Keep an eye out for her.¡±


    ¡°All right,¡± Kyle agreed. He appreciated the thought. As Dumbledore had pointed out, the professors wouldn¡¯t allow their students to face undue scrutiny.


    ¡°Is that all you came for, Professor?¡±


    ¡°That was the most pressing matter,¡± Dumbledore said, taking a sip of his tea. ¡°There¡¯s also something else. You may have already heard from Dugald, but I¡¯m planning a meeting in my personal capacity to share the truth with those willing to believe us, so they aren¡¯t misled by lies.¡±


    Kyle nodded. ¡°Mr. McPhail mentioned it in his letter.¡±


    ¡°The meeting will be on August 20th in Hogsmeade,¡± Dumbledore explained. ¡°If you¡¯re free, I¡¯d like you to attend.¡±


    ¡°Me? Can I come?¡± Kyle asked curiously. Everyone Dumbledore invited was likely a prominent figure in the wizarding world. Could someone like him, a sixth-year student, really join them?


    ¡°There¡¯s no one more suitable,¡± Dumbledore said with a knowing smile. ¡°I was going to send you an invitation directly but thought it best to ask first, in case you had other plans.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯d be happy to attend,¡± Kyle said.


    ¡°Excellent. I¡¯ll come to fetch you then,¡± Dumbledore said, standing. ¡°But now, I must be off to Little Whinging to prepare for tomorrow¡¯s hearing.¡±


    ¡°Do you need any help?¡± Kyle asked.


    ¡°Thank you, but it¡¯s a simple matter of gathering information¡ªjust asking around to see if anyone witnessed the incident. I¡¯ll manage on my own.¡±


    Dumbledore set his teacup down and smiled. ¡°Thank you for the tea and biscuits. I¡¯ll see you tomorrow.¡±


    With a faint , Dumbledore Disapparated, leaving Kyle alone in the living room.


    Kyle had wanted to bring up other matters¡ªsuch as concerns about the Ministry and Fudge¡ªbut Dumbledore had left before he could. During their brief conversation, Kyle had noticed that Dumbledore seemed unusually pressed for time. Though his tone had been calm, he drank his tea quickly, finishing it in just a few gulps, something he rarely did at school.


    It was clear that Dumbledore hadn¡¯t intended to stay long. But with Voldemort¡¯s return, Kyle supposed the headmaster had little free time this month. There would be other opportunities to talk¡ªperhaps at the meeting in Hogsmeade.


    Kyle went back to his room, reflecting on the visit. He¡¯d expected Dumbledore to invite him to join the Order of the Phoenix, but the topic hadn¡¯t even come up. It seemed Dumbledore, like Mrs. Weasley, was hesitant to involve underage wizards.


    That evening, Chris returned home after dark, his steps lighter than usual as he entered the house.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry,¡± Chris said with a grin. ¡°I went to the Leaky Cauldron, and old Tom told me someone had already spoken with him. He¡¯s agreed to go to the Ministry with Mafalda tomorrow to explain everything."


    ¡°Tom admitted he was baffled. He said he¡¯d never heard of anyone being warned by the Ministry for using a spell close to the Leaky Cauldron before this.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s good to hear,¡± Kyle said, relieved. ¡°How should I get there tomorrow? Will I go with you, or should I meet you at the agreed time?¡±


    ¡°Come with me,¡± Chris said. ¡°We¡¯ll leave a little earlier. Your mother needs to see you about something before your interview. We¡¯ll go to the Department of Mysteries first, then to the Improper Use of Magic Office.¡±


    ¡°The Department of Mysteries? Why?¡± Kyle asked, confused. S~ea??h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°To be honest, I don¡¯t know,¡± Chris admitted. ¡°I got a note from your mother before I left work, saying to bring you there as soon as possible. It didn¡¯t explain anything else.¡±


    ¡°But doesn¡¯t the Department of Mysteries have restricted access?¡± Kyle asked. ¡°Can we even get in?¡±


    ¡°Not , just ,¡± Chris clarified. ¡°Your mother will take you there herself. Once that¡¯s done, I¡¯ll take you to your interview.¡±

 Chapter 592: The Department of Mysteries

    At 5 a.m., with the sky just beginning to lighten, Kyle was awakened by the sound of owls pecking insistently at his window.


    Yawning, he sat up and rubbed his face, trying to wake himself up. It took a few minutes before the reality of the day ahead hit him¡ªhe was scheduled for questioning at the Ministry. On top of that, Diana had something planned for him at the Department of Mysteries before the official start of the workday.


    Quickly, Kyle jumped out of bed, got dressed, and headed downstairs to the living room to get some breakfast.


    Chris was already there, setting a plate of fried ham and bread on the table.


    ¡°I was just about to come get you,¡± Chris said. ¡°Want something to drink? How about Pumpkin juice?¡±


    ¡°Sure,¡± Kyle replied, taking a seat and spreading raspberry jam on a slice of bread.


    ¡°No need to rush,¡± Chris said, placing a tall glass of Pumpkin juice in front of him. ¡°We¡¯ll Apparate to London in a bit. It¡¯ll save us plenty of time.¡±


    Kyle nodded absently, still mulling over why Diana had asked him to go to the Department of Mysteries. The question had kept him awake the previous night, and he¡¯d only managed to fall asleep in the early hours of the morning.


    Half an hour later, as the sun began to rise, the two of them left the house.


    ¡°Ready?¡± Chris asked, extending his arm. ¡°Hold on tight¡ªwe¡¯re heading out.¡±


    Kyle grabbed his father¡¯s shoulder, and a second later, the familiar sensation of being squeezed through a narrow tube overwhelmed him. When he opened his eyes, they were standing in an old record store.


    The shopkeeper glanced up lazily but showed no surprise at their sudden appearance.


    ¡°Chris, early start today?¡±


    ¡°Hi, Rudd,¡± Chris greeted him casually. ¡°Had to. Too many reports piling up.¡± Sear?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°Another batch of people wanting to keep Magical Creatures?¡± Rudd asked knowingly. ¡°Ever since the Triwizard Tournament, everyone¡¯s suddenly interested in keeping creatures. I bet you¡¯ve been swamped.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ve no idea,¡± Chris sighed. ¡°Just yesterday, I had to stop someone from keeping a Kelpie. I don¡¯t know when people will realize that not every Magical Creature is as harmless as a Puffskein.¡±


    ¡°That lesson might take a while,¡± Rudd chuckled before turning to Kyle. ¡°Ah, sorry, young man, but this is the Ministry¡¯s employee entrance. Visitors need to use the front entrance across the street.¡±


    ¡°This is my son, Kyle,¡± Chris clarified quickly. ¡°He¡¯s coming to the Ministry for questioning today¡ª9 o¡¯clock, Department of Magical Law Enforcement.¡±


    ¡°Oh¡­ so this is Kyle?¡± Rudd suddenly looked more awake, his eyes lighting up with recognition. ¡°The one who won the Triwizard Tournament?¡±


    Kyle nodded politely, a bit taken aback by the man¡¯s enthusiasm.


    ¡°You were the youngest Champion, weren¡¯t you? Incredible work.¡±


    Rudd¡¯s expression turned thoughtful as he tapped a notebook lying on the counter. The pages flipped on their own until they landed on the most recent entry.


    ¡°Ah, yes,¡± Rudd said, glancing at the page. ¡°You got a warning letter about seven days ago for using a spell in the Leaky Cauldron¡­¡±


    He froze mid-sentence, his voice rising incredulously. ¡°Wait, the ?¡±


    Rudd stared at the entry in disbelief. ¡°By Merlin¡¯s beard! That¡¯s absurd! If you can¡¯t use spells in the Leaky Cauldron, why don¡¯t they just take our wands away?¡±


    ¡°Probably because no one would agree to it,¡± Chris said dryly.


    ¡°Of course no one would agree,¡± Rudd said with a snort, shutting the notebook. He looked back at Kyle, his expression softening. ¡°Well, my boy, you¡¯ve done nothing wrong, so there¡¯s no need to be nervous. Amelia Bones, who oversees the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, is a fair-minded witch. I¡¯m sure she won¡¯t penalize you over something as ridiculous as this.¡±


    ¡°Thanks,¡± Kyle said, smiling. Rudd¡¯s reassuring demeanor was a welcome start to the morning.


    ¡°Can we head in now?¡± Chris asked. ¡°Sorry, we¡¯re in a bit of a rush.¡±


    ¡°Of course. Go ahead,¡± Rudd said, tapping a raised section of the counter with his wand. The nearby display window slid aside, revealing a hidden passageway.


    ¡°Thanks,¡± Chris said as he led Kyle through.


    At the end of the passage was a long corridor lined with fireplaces for the Floo Network. It was still early, and all of them were extinguished.


    In the middle of the corridor stood a figure, waiting for them.


    ¡°Right on time,¡± Diana said to Chris as she approached them. ¡°Pick him up at the Department of Mysteries at half past eight. Wait on the same floor.¡±


    ¡°Okay,¡± Chris replied.


    ¡°Now, come with me,¡± Diana said, turning to Kyle.


    She led him away from the fireplace corridor and into an elevator. The elevator was as empty as the corridor, its only sound the cold, mechanical voice announcing the floors as they passed.


    ¡°Remember,¡± Diana instructed, her tone firm, ¡°don¡¯t wander off or look around. Just follow me. And whatever you see in there, don¡¯t speak of it to anyone¡ªnot the Weasley brothers, not Kanna, not anyone.¡±


    ¡°Okay,¡± Kyle agreed, nodding.


    As he replied, the cold voice announced:


    ¡°We¡¯re here,¡± Diana said, stepping out of the elevator. Kyle quickly followed.


    He¡¯d been here once before, but on that occasion, he had taken a left at the stairs after exiting the elevator. This time, Diana led him straight down the corridor to a simple, unmarked door at the end.


    ¡°Don¡¯t look around or wander off,¡± Diana repeated as she pushed open the door.


    Kyle stepped inside and immediately felt disoriented. The room was large and circular, its walls, floor, and ceiling all a deep black, as though the space had been washed in ink. Blue flames flickered coldly from candle branches mounted on the walls, offering no warmth, only an eerie light.


    The walls were lined with identical black doors, unmarked and indistinguishable from one another. Diana barely glanced at them as she strode toward the door directly ahead.


    As Kyle followed her, he felt as though he¡¯d stepped into a labyrinth. Everything looked the same: the same dark walls, the same unmarked doors. If he hadn¡¯t been following Diana, he was sure he would have become hopelessly lost.


    They walked for nearly ten minutes before Kyle finally saw something different¡ªa massive water tank that filled an entire room. Suspended inside were shapes that occasionally resembled brains.


    He recognized it immediately. Diana had used a smaller version of this tank during the interrogation of Peter Pettigrew to reveal that he was the Secret Keeper. But that one had been the size of a table; this tank was colossal by comparison.


    Further ahead, they passed through a room bathed in a golden glow. As Kyle entered, he noticed a rhythmic ticking sound, like the hands of a clock striking or water dripping into an hourglass.


    Then, something strange began to happen.


    Kyle felt as though he were growing taller. His clothes, which had fit perfectly just moments ago, now felt tight at the shoulders, and his trousers were too short, leaving his ankles exposed. But within seconds, the sensation reversed¡ªhe shrank, and his clothes became baggy, the hems of his trousers dragging on the ground and nearly tripping him.


    As they reached the door at the far end, Diana opened it, and everything returned to normal the moment Kyle stepped through.


    ¡°This is it,¡± Diana said, stopping in her tracks.


    Kyle looked around and saw they were standing in a vast, cavernous space.


    The room was arranged like an amphitheater, with rows of stone benches descending steeply toward the center, much like the Quidditch World Cup stadium. They were at the very top, and from their vantage point, Kyle could see a tall stone platform in the center of the room.


    On the platform stood a stone archway, ancient and weathered.


    ¡°Come on,¡± Diana said, taking Kyle¡¯s hand.


    With one step, they were suddenly on the stone platform, next to the archway.


    No, it wasn¡¯t Apparition. Apparition had a telltale sound and sensation, and this transition had been completely silent.


    What kind of magic was this? Kyle felt a spark of curiosity but didn¡¯t ask, noting Diana¡¯s serious expression.


    ¡°Come over here,¡± she said, leading him to the middle of the arch.


    The space within the stone arch rippled like the surface of a pond disturbed by a pebble. Beyond the rippling plane was a faint white mist, drifting slowly, obscuring whatever lay beyond.

 Chapter 593: The Wand’s Power of Choice

    Looking at the stone archway in front of him, Kyle couldn¡¯t shake a sense of familiarity.


    Oh, right¡ªthe Founders.


    He remembered the first time he had encountered the Founders in the Chamber of Secrets. The snake-like statues had formed an arch that resembled this one, down to the ripples in the air that looked like water suspended upright. The resemblance was uncanny, almost identical.


    Wait, he¡¯s not going to meet the Founders again, is he? Could the Department of Mysteries really be capable of that?


    Before he could delve further into his thoughts, Diana¡¯s voice interrupted him.


    ¡°What spell did you use to kill the Death Eater?¡±


    ¡°Fiendfyre Curse,¡± Kyle replied instinctively.


    Visibly, Diana¡¯s mouth twitched in reaction. She took a deep breath, then another, before pulling out her wand and pointing it at the stone door.


    ¡°Now, use the Fiendfyre Curse again,¡± she said.


    ¡°Here?¡± Kyle hesitated.


    It was Fiendfyre, after all¡ªa dangerous, uncontrollable form of magic. What if it burned everything down? And this was the Ministry of Magic. Wouldn¡¯t using dark magic here be a bad idea?


    ¡°Just do it,¡± Diana urged firmly.


    ¡°Okay,¡± Kyle said reluctantly. Diana had given the order, so there was no room for argument. He drew his wand, gave it a light wave, and conjured a massive dragon of searing flames.


    Diana¡¯s expression shifted again as she observed Kyle¡¯s skilled and effortless casting.


    It wasn¡¯t just rare for someone Kyle¡¯s age to have mastered the Fiendfyre Curse¡ªit was practically unheard of. And to cast it as a Nonverbal Spell? That was extraordinary.


    For a moment, Diana wasn¡¯t sure whether to be proud or concerned. It was impressive, certainly, but... this was Fiendfyre, after all.


    She shook her head slightly, refocusing, and pointed her wand at the stone door.


    As if she had broken some hidden spell, the white ripples in the doorway began to drift away. Diana guided the light toward the fiery dragon Kyle had conjured.


    Kyle¡¯s eyes widened in astonishment.


    The uncontrollable, raging flames of the Fiendfyre shifted and morphed, condensing into a pulsing, blue orb of light.


    ¡°This is the original form of magic,¡± Diana explained.


    Kyle stared in fascination. He¡¯d never seen anything like it before. As he studied the orb, he noticed something peculiar¡ªa faint, darker strand intertwined with the light. It was as thin as a hair, but if you looked closely, it was unmistakable.


    Curious, Kyle instinctively took a couple of steps forward to get a closer look. Before he could reach it, another stream of white light flowed out from the stone door. This second light gently surrounded the blue orb, washing away the dark strand like a steady current.


    ¡°That¡¯s enough,¡± Diana said, waving her wand. The white light retreated back into the stone door, leaving the blue orb pristine and flawless once more.


    Kyle barely had a chance to study it further before crimson flames erupted around it again.


    Diana said, her tone calm as she casually extinguished the Fiendfyre.


    ¡°What was that?¡± Kyle asked, unable to suppress his curiosity.


    ¡°Blood Debt,¡± Diana replied indifferently. ¡°When a witch or wizard takes a life, their magic undergoes a certain change. That¡¯s how I know you killed a Death Eater.¡±


    ¡°Is that even possible?¡± Kyle frowned. ¡°Why haven¡¯t I ever heard of this before?¡±


    ¡°Because they don¡¯t teach it at school, and for good reason,¡± Diana explained. ¡°It¡¯s not something you need to know about as a student¡ªjust like the Unforgivable Curses.¡±


    ¡°Does it have anything to do with the soul?¡±


    ¡°No, nothing like that,¡± Diana said, shaking her head. ¡°It¡¯s purely a transformation in one¡¯s magic. Magic reflects the heart of the witch or wizard wielding it. When you take another¡¯s life, malice inevitably arises in your heart, even if only for an instant. A part of your magic responds to that malice, adapting itself into a state better suited to it.¡±


    Kyle nodded slowly, only half-comprehending her explanation.


    The concept reminded him vaguely of his time at Hogwarts. For instance, he loved fried pork chops, so whenever he visited the kitchen, the House-elves always prepared pork chops for him.


    But one day, out of curiosity, he glanced at some bread on a nearby table. Though it was just a fleeting glance, a few of the more observant House-elves took note.


    The next time he came to the kitchen, those elves brought him bread instead, thinking he wanted it.


    ¡°Many witches and wizards pursue this,¡± Diana said softly. ¡°It can make magic more manic and has a significant effect on certain spells."


    ¡°For example, the Cruciatus Curse and the Killing Curse... especially the latter. A Blood Debt can make the Killing Curse incredibly powerful."


    ¡°What they don¡¯t realize is that the mind affects magic, and magic, in turn, affects the mind. When one frequently uses overly manic magic, their temperament grows increasingly irritable."


    ¡°This is why most dark witches and wizards develop eccentric personalities and gradually become addicted to dark magic.¡±


    ¡°In that case...¡± Kyle ran a hand along his chin. ¡°Does that mean as long as I refrain from using dark magic, a Blood Debt won¡¯t have any effect?¡±


    It reminded him of the kitchen and the House-elves. When there were 98 pork cutlets in front of him, he could easily pass on the two buns¡ªthey wouldn¡¯t affect him if he didn¡¯t indulge.


    ¡°Yes, that is correct,¡± Diana nodded. ¡°But even if it has no effect, it is still not a good thing.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s true,¡± Kyle agreed.


    He glanced at the stone door again. It appeared unchanged, looking exactly as it had before.


    ¡°What¡¯s in there?¡±


    ¡°An equally unknown path,¡± Diana replied. ¡°But we can¡¯t enter¡ªit rejects all conscious beings, including ghosts and portraits.¡±


    Curious, Kyle took a couple of steps closer to the stone door. Seeing that Diana made no move to stop him, he lowered his guard and reached out to touch it.


    His hand passed straight through to the other side.


    ¡°Amazing,¡± Kyle murmured. ¡°Is this what the Department of Mysteries does?¡±


    ¡°Just one of its tasks,¡± Diana said. She pointed her wand at the stone door and flicked it slightly. Inside, a ripple spread across the surface, and a vibrant, colorful aura emerged. Kyle could see shades of blue, red, orange¡ªit was mesmerizing.


    But soon, the stone door settled again, returning to its calm, dark state.


    ¡°There are three stone doors like this in the Department of Mysteries,¡± Diana explained. ¡°They represent life, magic, and time."


    ¡°What you just saw is the original form of magic. Remember what Ollivander said? In reality, the wand chooses the magic, because each person¡¯s magic is unique.¡±


    Kyle felt a mix of emotions he couldn¡¯t quite put into words. This was his first close encounter with the Department of Mysteries, and it truly lived up to its name.


    ¡°Okay, it¡¯s about time,¡± Diana said suddenly, interrupting his thoughts. ¡°We should head back.¡±


    Kyle nodded and followed her off the stone platform.


    They retraced their steps through the foggy room and past the chamber with the massive water tank.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t this place guarded?¡± Kyle asked as they walked. ¡°It seems like we haven¡¯t seen a single person.¡±


    ¡°It doesn¡¯t need to be,¡± Diana replied. ¡°Even if Voldemort himself broke in, he¡¯d only wander around the lobby. He¡¯d never make it here.¡±


    ¡°What if someone did come here?¡± Kyle mused. ¡°I mean, by accident.¡±


    ¡°That would simply mean they were meant to be here,¡± Diana said matter-of-factly. ¡°Naturally, we wouldn¡¯t stop them.¡±


    They continued through the maze of identical doors until they finally exited into the corridor outside the Department of Mysteries. sea??h th§× novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Chris was waiting for them not far from the elevator.

 Chapter 594: The Sudden Interrogation

    By the time Kyle was finished at the Department of Mysteries, the Ministry had opened for business. However, Diana wasn¡¯t in a hurry to let Chris take Kyle away just yet.


    ¡°Give me your wand,¡± she said.


    Kyle, a little puzzled, pulled his wand from his pocket and handed it over.


    Diana held the wand in her hand, pressing her index finger against its tip. A few red sparks fizzed out.


    Kyle had no idea what she¡¯d done, but the frown on her face was hard to miss. Chris, standing nearby, instinctively edged back a little.


    Finally, Diana seemed unable to hold back her frustration any longer. She raised her hand and tapped Kyle lightly on the head.


    ¡°Don¡¯t use the Fiendfyre Curse so often,¡± she said sternly. ¡°That spell is incredibly difficult to control, and if you¡¯re discovered, the consequences won¡¯t be much lighter than for using the Unforgivable Curses.¡±


    Although the tap didn¡¯t hurt, Kyle winced and covered his head defensively. ¡°They¡¯re Death Eaters,¡± he argued. ¡°If I don¡¯t use the Fiendfyre Curse, they will.¡±


    ¡°That may be true,¡± Diana admitted, ¡°but as long as they haven¡¯t been completely exposed, their official identity isn¡¯t that of a Death Eater. However, the fact that used Fiendfyre clear and can be easily discovered.¡±


    ¡°Prior Incantato,¡± Kyle muttered under his breath, realizing that this interrogation might not be as straightforward as he¡¯d initially thought.


    ¡°Good, I see you understand now,¡± Diana said, returning his wand to him. She handed it back with a meaningful look and added, ¡°Take your suitcase with you¡ªand stay vigilant.¡±


    ...


    Diana returned to the Department of Mysteries, while Chris led Kyle into the elevator, taking him up to the floor of the Department for the Control and Management of Magical Creatures.


    As they navigated the crowded corridor, Chris said, ¡°We still have some time before our appointment. Let¡¯s grab something first.¡±


    The scene was a stark contrast to the quiet, eerie halls of the Department of Mysteries. Cardboard boxes and miscellaneous items cluttered the corridor, making it almost claustrophobic.


    ¡°Excuse me,¡± said a man rushing past them with a box in his arms.


    ¡°Bob?¡± Chris called out. ¡°I thought you were heading to Cornwall with Amos?¡±


    ¡°Oh, Chris, I was just looking for you,¡± the staff member, Bob, replied, pushing the box forward. ¡°We found this over there.¡±


    Kyle watched curiously as Bob opened the box slightly, revealing a small creature inside. sea??h th§× N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°Amos and I thought it was just an ordinary farm chicken, but it spits fire.¡±


    As if on cue, a small jet of fire shot out of the box, singeing a hole in the cardboard.


    Chris quickly conjured a stream of water, extinguishing the flames before they could spread. He then inspected the suitcase, casting a spell to check its contents.


    ¡°Obvious signs of magical runes,¡± Chris said grimly. ¡°This is a violation of The Ban on Experimental Breeding of Animals. Get someone from the Department of Magical Law Enforcement. Have a Hit Wizard bring the responsible party in.¡±


    ¡°Right away,¡± Bob said, hurrying off. He returned moments later, holding the suitcase.


    ¡°What do we do with this?¡± Bob asked.


    ¡°Take it to the forest. It¡¯s not safe to leave it out here,¡± Chris replied.


    Bob nodded and rushed to the end of the corridor, pushing through a door.


    ¡°That¡¯s the storage room for experimental creatures,¡± Chris explained to Kyle, noticing his curious expression. ¡°There¡¯s a real forest in there where we house confiscated magical creatures.¡±


    ¡°Oh,¡± Kyle said, nodding. ¡°Does this sort of thing happen often?¡±


    ¡°Not really,¡± Chris sighed. ¡°But every now and then, a wizard gets a ¡®brilliant¡¯ idea and ends up causing us a lot of trouble.¡±


    Kyle couldn¡¯t help but think of Hagrid, who seemed like the poster child for impulsive magical creature experiments. The Blast-Ended Skrewts from last year sprang to mind, though Chris was probably still unaware of them.


    They soon reached Chris¡¯s office¡ªthe deputy director¡¯s office.


    Chris, who had once been the director, appeared to have stepped down to his previous role.


    ¡°Who¡¯s the current director?¡± Kyle asked.


    ¡°No one knows yet. The decision hasn¡¯t been finalized,¡± Chris said with a shrug. ¡°But I¡¯ve heard rumors that Senior Undersecretary Umbridge might take the position temporarily.¡±


    Chris spoke calmly, showing no resentment about being ¡°demoted.¡±


    ¡°Take a seat for a while,¡± he said, gesturing to the sofa. ¡°I need to grab some documents I prepared yesterday.¡±


    Kyle sat down and glanced around the room. The office was a chaotic mix of files stacked everywhere, parchments piled up to the ceiling, and odd wooden sticks with sharp points leaning against the corner.


    ¡°Ah, here it is!¡± Chris exclaimed, pulling several sheets of parchment from a drawer.


    Kyle leaned over to take a look¡ªit was the Restraint Act he had been reviewing earlier.


    ¡°It¡¯s always good to be prepared,¡± Chris said with a smile.


    They left the office and took the elevator down to the Ministry lobby. Kyle scanned the area for Professor McGonagall, but despite searching thoroughly, she was nowhere to be found.


    ¡°Maybe she¡¯s already at the Department of Magical Law Enforcement,¡± Chris suggested, glancing at his watch. ¡°We should head there, too¡ªonly ten minutes left.¡±


    ¡°Okay,¡± Kyle agreed, following Chris to the second floor, where the Department of Magical Law Enforcement was located.


    But as they arrived, Kyle immediately sensed something was off.


    The meeting was supposed to be in Amelia Bones¡¯s office. Instead, a staff member directed them to a different room, where nearly thirty people were already waiting in line.


    Kyle¡¯s suspicion grew. If this was merely about the Restraint Act, why were so many people present? Even Rufus Scrimgeour, the Auror Office Director, was here.


    ¡°Theodore Nott is dead.¡±


    Scrimgeour¡¯s words hit like a thunderclap. He didn¡¯t bother with pleasantries; as soon as Kyle stepped into the room, Scrimgeour ordered the door shut and asked curtly, ¡°What¡¯s your opinion on this?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, I don¡¯t know who you¡¯re talking about,¡± Kyle replied calmly. ¡°I came to the Ministry to address the use of magic at the Leaky Cauldron. Your question doesn¡¯t seem related.¡±


    Chris stepped forward, his face darkening. ¡°What is this, Scrimgeour? We were told this was about misuse of magic, not some investigation into Nott.¡±


    ¡°It was the Minister¡¯s request, Chris,¡± said a witch standing beside Scrimgeour. ¡°Someone claimed to have seen Theodore Nott die at the hands of this boy, and that he used the Fiendfyre Curse. We have to investigate.¡±


    ¡°Who?¡± Chris demanded sharply.


    Amelia Bones glanced over her shoulder, and three figures rose from the back of the room.


    ¡°Walden Macnair¡­ Igor Karkaroff¡­ Lucius Malfoy,¡± Chris muttered, his voice growing colder with each name.


    ¡°They¡¯re the witnesses,¡± Amelia said. ¡°Given Mr. Karkaroff¡¯s position, we have to take their claims seriously, Chris. I hope you understand.¡±

 Chapter 595: Reversal

    As the three men stood, Chris immediately pieced everything together.


    Macnair wasn¡¯t much of a concern, but the other two were a different story.


    Karkaroff, still holding the position of Durmstrang¡¯s headmaster, was well-known in the wizarding world, lending credibility to any testimony he gave. And Lucius Malfoy¡ªarguably the Ministry¡¯s most influential figure¡ªhad undoubtedly spent an enormous amount of gold securing his standing.


    With these two as witnesses, it was no surprise the Ministry was treating the situation so seriously.


    Still, Chris was baffled. He had assumed Karkaroff fled after the Triwizard Tournament¡ªhe never imagined the man would dare to return.


    ¡°Fine, even if that¡¯s the case, where was the notification?¡± Chris said coldly, his eyes flashing with irritation. ¡°We were only informed about the Restraint Act. In the face of additional charges, we reserve the right to refuse.¡±


    He grabbed Kyle¡¯s arm and turned to leave.


    ¡°I¡¯m afraid that won¡¯t be possible,¡± came a sickly sweet, high-pitched voice.


    Another figure rose¡ªDolores Umbridge, wearing her trademark saccharine smile.


    ¡°It was deemed necessary to conduct a surprise inspection,¡± Umbridge said in her cloying tone, ¡°to ensure you wouldn¡¯t hide the most crucial evidence.¡±


    Her voice was shrill and grating, like nails on a chalkboard. Kyle silently vowed he¡¯d rather listen to a Fwooper sing endlessly than endure another word from her.


    But Umbridge was undeterred.


    ¡°The minister has authorized this,¡± she said with a beam. ¡°Unless you wish to challenge the Ministry itself, you will comply. Of course, you can leave if you like, but the moment you step outside these doors, Wizengamot rules will render you guilty. The Aurors will arrest you immediately.¡±


    She turned to Scrimgeour. ¡°Rufus, I believe the Aurors are ready?¡±


    Scrimgeour¡¯s expression betrayed his annoyance. His eyes twitched, and it seemed he was restraining some strong emotion. After a pause, he muttered, ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°Good,¡± Umbridge said, her grin widening.


    Chris¡¯s face relaxed slightly. His hand moved subtly, and Kyle noticed something fall into it¡ªlikely his wand.


    Quickly stepping forward, Kyle shook his head slightly at Chris, signaling him to stay calm.


    ¡°Are you sure you want to conduct this interrogation in such a completely irregular manner?¡± Kyle asked, keeping his voice even.


    ¡°I¡¯ve already made it clear,¡± snapped Umbridge. ¡°This is sanctioned by the minister.¡±


    ¡°Well then,¡± Kyle said, his tone shifting into one of calm authority. ¡°I must remind you that in addition to being a Hogwarts student, I hold another title¡­ I am a recipient of the Order of Merlin, Second Class.


    ¡°And, as you know, every recipient of the Order of Merlin, Second Class, is an honorary member of the Wizengamot. Surely, you understand what this entails?¡±


    Umbridge¡¯s fake smile vanished instantly, replaced by a dark scowl.


    ¡°I see you do,¡± Kyle continued smoothly. ¡°Yes, I have the right to appeal directly to the Wizengamot High Council.¡±


    His words sent a ripple of murmurs through the room. Several people shifted uncomfortably in their seats, their expressions betraying unease.


    If Kyle had been just another student, they might have pressed forward without a second thought. But as a member of the Order of Merlin, any misstep in handling his case could have severe repercussions.


    A murmur rose from an older wizard in the room, his tone laced with regret. ¡°Damn, how could I forget about that? If I¡¯d remembered, I would¡¯ve attended the trial against Harry Potter instead.¡±


    It wasn¡¯t surprising that many hadn¡¯t considered Kyle¡¯s Order of Merlin status. While his achievements were impressive, they lacked the fame and mystique of .


    Still, Kyle¡¯s name was not obscure. He was the Triwizard Tournament champion, the one who collapsed the enchanted maze, the exposer of the Sirius Black case, and the young wizard who had repeatedly drawn attention to the Ministry¡¯s oversights.


    But his Order of Merlin recognition had been awarded years ago, and for many, the detail had faded into the background.


    Umbridge¡¯s expression shifted noticeably. Her eyes flicked nervously toward Lucius Malfoy, searching for some unspoken cue or guidance.


    ¡°Of course, we are well aware of all this,¡± Karkaroff said as he strode forward, stroking his goatee with a self-righteous air. ¡°But we cannot allow ourselves to remain silent about the truth we witnessed, regardless of the potential repercussions. As the headmaster of Durmstrang, I would never permit myself to entertain such cowardice.¡±


    ¡°So, Headmaster Karkaroff is a noble wizard,¡± Kyle remarked, his tone calm but cutting. ¡°Then why won¡¯t you admit to being a Death Eater? You didn¡¯t seem so noble when you were kneeling and begging for forgiveness.¡±


    Karkaroff flinched visibly, yanking out a few of his whiskers in the process. He ignored the pain and barked, ¡°You¡¯re spouting nonsense! You-Know-Who has not been resurrected. You¡¯re spreading rumors just like Dumbledore. I suggest the Aurors arrest you immediately¡ª¡±


    ¡°Calm down, Headmaster Karkaroff,¡± Kyle interrupted, waving his hand dismissively. ¡°I never said You-Know-Who was resurrected. the one who said it... Oh, I see! You¡¯re trying to shift suspicion onto me to divert attention from yourself. Clever.¡± S~ea??h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°You¡ªyou¡­¡± Karkaroff¡¯s chest heaved with anger, his hand twitching toward his wand.


    ¡°Igor,¡± Lucius Malfoy said sharply, frowning as he stepped in to prevent Karkaroff from losing his composure.


    Ignoring Kyle, Lucius turned his attention to Umbridge and Amelia Bones. ¡°Madams, do not be swayed by his provocations. I swear on the name of Malfoy that we witnessed him kill Mr. Theodore Nott.¡±


    The serious expressions on Lucius and Karkaroff¡¯s faces seemed to reassure Umbridge, who let out a small sigh of relief and plastered her sickly smile back on.


    ¡°How about Legilimency?¡± Kyle suggested suddenly, his tone light but pointed. ¡°If simply saying it isn¡¯t enough, why not let the Aurors verify your memories? It would be quick and definitive, wouldn¡¯t it?


    ¡°Of course,¡± he added, ¡°if you agree to it, I¡¯ll agree to have my memories examined as well. That way, we can all save time.¡±


    Lucius said nothing, and Karkaroff fell silent too.


    The idea of Legilimency was out of the question. Allowing their memories to be examined would reveal not only that Kyle had been attacked but also that they had been present alongside Voldemort, engaging in hostilities.


    Fortunately for them, Amelia Bones intervened.


    ¡°After 1975, the International Confederation of Wizards banned the use of Legilimency during interrogations,¡± she said firmly. ¡°This method cannot be used.¡±


    ¡°What a pity,¡± Kyle said, smirking as he glanced at the three men.


    Karkaroff yanked out a few more whiskers, his irritation growing by the second.


    ¡°No need for Legilimency,¡± Umbridge interjected in her grating voice. ¡°Rufus, check his wand.¡±


    Scrimgeour rose reluctantly, his expression grim. He approached Kyle but stopped before reaching for the wand.


    he said instead.


    A few moments later, a dusty, oddly shaped table flew through the door. It looked more like a stool than a table, with a groove in its surface.


    Scrimgeour cleared the dust with a wave of his wand and said in a formal tone, ¡°According to procedure, we must inspect your wand. Place it on the testing table.¡±


    ¡°No problem,¡± Kyle said calmly, laying his wand in the groove.


    Scrimgeour pointed his wand at the table. ¡°¡±


    The groove glowed faintly, and wisps of gray smoke began to rise, forming the faint outlines of previous spells.


    ¡°Lighting Charm.¡±


    Another wisp appeared.


    ¡°Summoning Charm.¡±


    Then another.


    ¡°Mending Charm.¡±


    ¡°Lighting Charm.¡±


    The crowd watched intently as the sequence of spells unraveled. Their expressions varied¡ªsome looked smug, others nervous, and a few wore carefully neutral masks.


    But when a particular spell appeared, the atmosphere shifted.


    A vivid ball of fire emerged, its flames stretching forward to form a wide, blazing path.


    ¡°I think that¡¯s enough,¡± Kyle said, breaking the silence. ¡°Everyone here recognizes this Charm from the Triwizard Tournament. It¡¯s clear I was at Hogwarts when this was used."


    ¡°Unless, of course, you¡¯re suggesting I skipped school to kill... what¡¯s-his-name... Nott?¡± Kyle¡¯s voice dripped with feigned innocence.


    Scrimgeour hesitated for a moment before saying, ¡°No,¡± and putting his wand away.


    ¡°No!¡± Karkaroff shouted, his composure cracking. ¡°He¡¯s hiding it! He used such low-level spell to conceal the Fiendfyre Curse. We must continue the inspection!¡±


    ¡°Are you suggesting,¡± Kyle said coolly, ¡°that I used a wide-area Fire Charm outside school and the Ministry detected no trace of it? Is that what you mean?¡±


    Several heads turned toward Karkaroff, their gazes skeptical.


    ¡°No need,¡± Scrimgeour interjected coldly.


    As an experienced Auror, he was well aware of such a spell capabilities. A spell of that magnitude would leave significant traces, and there had been none¡ªneither in St. Catchpole Village nor anywhere Kyle had been.


    Scrimgeour also knew Kyle had stayed home for the holidays, leaving only briefly to visit the Leaky Cauldron via the Floo Network. Karkaroff¡¯s accusations were not only implausible but also a thinly veiled insult to the Auror Office¡¯s competence.


    ¡°You¡¯re twisting my words! That¡¯s not what I meant!¡± Karkaroff spluttered, his face pale as his panic mounted.


    Something¡¯s wrong! Karkaroff¡¯s mind raced in confusion. He he had seen Kyle cast the Fiendfyre Curse. So why wasn¡¯t it showing up?

 Chapter 596: Challenging the Ministry of Magic

    Lucius and Karkaroff were deeply worried.


    Setting Kyle up and getting him expelled from Hogwarts was the first task Voldemort had assigned them after his resurrection. They had believed it was foolproof and accepted the mission without hesitation.


    To ensure success, Lucius had invested heavily, pouring gold into Fudge¡¯s coffers to concoct an absurd pretext to summon Kyle to the Ministry. They had hoped to catch him off guard and secure an easy victory.


    But everything was going wrong.


    How could there be no record of the Fiendfyre Curse in Kyle¡¯s wand? It didn¡¯t make sense. Was it a mistake? Or perhaps the Fiendfyre Curse would appear later in the inspection.


    They couldn¡¯t allow the investigation to end prematurely, so they insisted on continuing.


    Kyle seemed unbothered by their desperation, making no move to stop them.


    After the Firestorm Charm, a dozen more spells emerged, but they were all common, everyday charms.


    Karkaroff¡¯s face grew increasingly pale, and fine beads of sweat appeared on his forehead.


    ¡°Continue! Continue!¡± he shouted, his voice strained.


    At this point, Kyle pressed his wand to his forehead, instantly terminating the effect of


    ¡°Headmaster Karkaroff, you¡¯re embarrassing yourself,¡± Kyle said slowly. ¡°If you can¡¯t find the spell you¡¯re looking for, we could sit here all day¡ªor even a month."


    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t mind. There¡¯s still over half a month until the start of term. I have plenty of time."


    ¡°But the problem is, the rest of you are busy people with important responsibilities. It¡¯s a bit much to ask you all to waste your precious time playing these silly games with me.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re guilty!¡± Karkaroff exclaimed. ¡°The next spell would¡¯ve been the Fiendfyre Curse. You¡¯re just afraid to continue because you know you¡¯re guilty!¡±


    Before Kyle could respond, Amelia Bones, seated in the center of the room, spoke coldly.


    ¡°Please be quiet, Mr. Igor Karkaroff. The evidence we¡¯ve seen so far is sufficient to show that no illegal dark magic has been used."


    ¡°If you cannot produce any further evidence¡ª¡±


    ¡°Veritaserum!¡± Macnair, who had been silent until then, suddenly interjected. ¡°Just make him drink Veritaserum, and the truth will come out!¡±


    ¡°I see no problem with that,¡± Umbridge said quickly, her eyes narrowing. She turned to Kyle with her usual fake smile. ¡°If you didn¡¯t kill Mr. Nott, surely you wouldn¡¯t refuse to take Veritaserum to prove your innocence.¡±


    ¡°No, I refuse,¡± Kyle replied with a calm smile. ¡°In 1975, the International Confederation of Wizards determined that memories could be altered. At that time, they abolished the use of both Legilimency and Veritaserum in interrogations.¡±


    ¡°But in special cases¡ªsuch as a prisoner refusing to confess¡ªit can still be used,¡± Umbridge said sharply. ¡°The Ministry of Magic has the authority to administer it.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not quite accurate,¡± Kyle said, his expression unchanging. ¡°Veritaserum can only be used for final confirmation when there is sufficient evidence to warrant its use." S~ea??h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°And do you have sufficient evidence now? The testimony of a few individuals? That¡¯s hardly convincing."


    ¡°In fact,¡± he continued, ¡°I have reason to believe they are conspiring together¡ªmotivated by resentment after I won the Triwizard Tournament against Durmstrang."


    ¡°I propose that they, too, take Veritaserum to confirm the truth of their statements.¡±


    Amelia Bones tapped her fingers lightly on the table, her expression thoughtful as she considered Kyle¡¯s suggestion.


    Macnair, sensing the shift in atmosphere, instinctively stepped back.


    It was clear to everyone in the room that he was afraid of drinking the Veritaserum himself.


    Umbridge ignored Macnair¡¯s retreat and kept her gaze fixed on Kyle, her voice dripping with feigned civility. ¡°May I take it, then, that you are rebelling against the Ministry of Magic?¡±


    The door to the room burst open, and Professor McGonagall stormed in, brushing past a few Aurors who tried to block her way.


    ¡°You still do not represent the Ministry,¡± she snapped at Umbridge, her tone sharp and unyielding. She turned to Kyle, her expression softening.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Kyle. Twenty minutes ago, someone informed me the location had changed. I waited in an empty room for ten minutes before I realized something was wrong. Thanks to¡­¡±


    She paused briefly before continuing, ¡°¡­someone¡¯s help, I found out you were here.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s all right, Professor,¡± Kyle said, offering a reassuring smile. ¡°Perhaps someone didn¡¯t want you to come.¡±


    ¡°I think you¡¯re quite right,¡± Professor McGonagall said, her lips pressing into a thin line as her gaze swept over the platform. Her eyes lingered on Macnair, Malfoy, and Karkaroff, her expression one of barely restrained fury.


    ¡°I had no idea the Ministry could change the content of an interrogation at the last minute,¡± she said, her voice brimming with contempt. ¡°This is preposterous!¡±


    ¡°I must remind you, Minerva McGonagall, that this has been approved by the Minister,¡± Umbridge said, her smile tightening.


    ¡°And I must remind you,¡± McGonagall countered, her voice icy, ¡°that the Minister for Magic does not have the authority to unilaterally alter Wizengamot procedures. But no matter. Dumbledore is in the building, and I¡¯m certain he¡¯ll be here shortly to clarify this for us.¡±


    Kyle felt a wave of relief wash over him at the mention of Dumbledore¡¯s name.


    ¡°Mr. Scrimgeour,¡± Kyle said suddenly, his tone calm and almost amused, ¡°I think Headmaster Karkaroff made an excellent point earlier. Perhaps the next spell we check will reveal the Fiendfyre Curse. Why don¡¯t we continue the inspection?¡±


    Karkaroff stiffened, his face turning ashen. The last thing he wanted was for Dumbledore to arrive. Even if Dumbledore couldn¡¯t directly harm him, the memory of that night on the mountaintop was enough to make his legs feel weak.


    Macnair was in even worse shape, visibly trembling and barely able to stand.


    Lucius Malfoy, however, maintained his composure. He saw through McGonagall¡¯s tactic¡ªit was a bluff meant to intimidate them. He reasoned that Harry Potter¡¯s hearing wouldn¡¯t be resolved so quickly, and Dumbledore would likely remain occupied with that. Unless Dumbledore was willing to abandon he wouldn¡¯t arrive anytime soon.


    ¡°Blood Debt!¡± Malfoy declared suddenly, his voice sharp. ¡°Prior Incantato can be manipulated, but not a Blood Debt. If we use the Sphinx Mirror, we can determine whether he has killed any wizards.¡±


    Malfoy¡¯s move was calculated. Dumbledore might be terrifying, but he wasn¡¯t lethal. If they failed to complete their mission, however, Voldemort would punish them mercilessly. Death¡ªor something worse¡ªwas certain.


    Kyle frowned. Sphinx Mirror


    He was now certain Diana had anticipated this plan all along. Her insistence that he visit the Ministry early had been no coincidence.


    Before Kyle could dwell on this, Chris stood and spoke firmly. ¡°Madam Bones, I believe the first order of business should be confirming the integrity of their testimonies.¡±


    ¡°Precisely,¡± McGonagall said without hesitation. ¡°It was already a grave breach of procedure to alter the interrogation¡¯s content at the last minute. I will not stand by while Hogwarts students are framed without cause.¡±


    Her fierce determination radiated from her, like an angry lion ready to defend its pride.


    ¡°I don¡¯t agree either,¡± Kyle added with a firm nod.


    Though Diana¡¯s assistance had eased his immediate concerns, Kyle had no intention of allowing Malfoy or anyone else to dictate the situation. Being passive was not an option.

 Chapter 597: Using Rules to Pressure Others—Who Can’t Do That?

    Kyle turned his attention to Amelia Bones. Of all those present, she was the main authority in this interrogation, not Umbridge, who had been the loudest and most disruptive participant.


    ¡°I do not object to Mr. Malfoy¡¯s proposal,¡± Kyle said clearly, ¡°but only on the condition that I receive an official interrogation letter."


    ¡°Prior Incantato was my compromise¡ªa way for me to answer to the Ministry on behalf of the Hogwarts students. Beyond that, I will not accept any further questioning unless a formal letter is issued or new evidence is presented."


    ¡°As of now, I demand an immediate end to this absurd and unfounded interrogation.¡±


    Amelia Bones nodded slightly before addressing the room. ¡°Let¡¯s take a vote by show of hands. Those in favor of dismissing the charges, please raise your hands.¡±


    She was the first to raise her hand, her posture resolute. While she had never supported this interrogation, she had been forced to proceed due to pressure from Fudge and Umbridge.


    Slowly, more hands went up, including Rufus Scrimgeour¡¯s. He, too, felt this entire proceeding was baseless. Kyle¡¯s movements had been limited to school and home¡ªthere was no logical way he could have killed an adult wizard without drawing any attention.


    The number of raised hands was overwhelming. Amelia didn¡¯t need to count to see that more than half were in favor of dismissing the charges.


    ¡°Now,¡± she said, ¡°those who support the charges, raise your hands.¡±


    Umbridge¡¯s hand shot up immediately, followed by five or six of her colleagues. Kyle scanned their faces, memorizing each one. Unsurprisingly, Malfoy, Macnair, and Karkaroff raised their hands as well, though their votes didn¡¯t count.


    ¡°Very well,¡± Amelia said, her voice firm. ¡°The charges are not substantiated.¡±


    ¡°A wise decision,¡± Professor McGonagall said with a smile, her tone carrying a hint of triumph.


    ¡°Don¡¯t celebrate just yet,¡± Umbridge snapped, her face pale as she glared at Kyle. ¡°You wanted official letters? You¡¯ll have them soon enough. Let¡¯s see how confident you are when you return to the Ministry in seven days.¡±


    ¡°I think you¡¯ve misunderstood something, Madam Umbridge,¡± Kyle said calmly, a polite smile playing on his lips. ¡°Everything must proceed in the proper order."


    ¡°Before that happens, you¡¯ll need to explain your actions today to the Wizengamot. The Wizengamot Trial Committee will evaluate the reliability of your evidence.¡±


    Kyle¡¯s expression turned serious as he addressed Amelia Bones. ¡°Madam Bones, regarding today¡¯s interrogation, I formally request a ruling from the Wizengamot as a recipient of the Order of Merlin, Second Class."


    ¡°This includes assessing the veracity of the testimony presented and the improper conduct of Madam Dolores Jane Umbridge during this proceeding.¡±


    ¡°On behalf of the Wizengamot, I accept your request,¡± Amelia said gravely, nodding. ¡°You will need to prepare a written application and submit it formally.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s no problem,¡± Kyle replied.


    The room grew noticeably tenser, except for Kyle, who remained composed. Many present let out sighs of relief, realizing Kyle had named only Umbridge. She, however, paled visibly, her composure beginning to falter.


    ¡°You cannot agree to this, Amelia!¡± Umbridge exclaimed, her voice rising in desperation. ¡°Surely you can see this is nothing but revenge! He has no right to interrogate me¡ªI am the Senior Undersecretary to the Minister for Magic!¡±


    ¡°Actually, he does,¡± Amelia replied coolly. ¡°As a member of the Order of Merlin, Second Class, and thus an honorary member of the Wizengamot, he has the right to request a ruling in cases of doubt."


    ¡°And I warned you before this interrogation began that your actions were out of order. The consequences, I said, could be dire if you made a mistake." sea??h th§× ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°I would have thought the Sirius Black incident would have taught you more caution. Apparently, it did not.¡±


    With that, Amelia stood and left the room.


    The other attendees began to disperse, and several Wizengamot members approached Kyle to offer apologies and assistance. However, he declined their offers with a polite smile.


    As Kyle turned to leave, his gaze fell on Umbridge. She was still seated, her mouth moving as she muttered indignantly about her status and authority as Senior Undersecretary.


    , Kyle thought, satisfied.


    Kyle exited the room with Professor McGonagall and Chris, making their way to the elevator.


    As they walked, Kyle noticed a twitch at the corner of Professor McGonagall¡¯s mouth. She seemed as though she was suppressing a laugh, but she managed to maintain her usual stern demeanor.


    ¡°Professor McGonagall, are you heading back now?¡± Chris asked as they waited.


    ¡°No, I need to inform Dumbledore about what happened,¡± McGonagall replied firmly. ¡°This must never happen again.¡±


    ¡°When will Mr. Potter be finished?¡±


    ¡°Probably soon.¡±


    ¡°Why don¡¯t you sit at my desk for a while?¡± Chris suggested.


    ¡°No, I¡¯ll wait here. I don¡¯t want to miss him,¡± McGonagall said.


    As they spoke, the elevator arrived.


    The doors opened, and Dumbledore stepped out, followed by Harry and Mr. Weasley.


    ¡°Oh, Minerva, Kyle,¡± Dumbledore greeted them warmly. ¡°Wonderful timing. Have you finished with your side of things as well?¡±


    At the sight of Dumbledore, McGonagall¡¯s face turned pale. ¡°Come with me, Albus. I need to speak with you.¡±


    Without waiting for a reply, she led him into a nearby corridor.


    Harry approached Kyle, looking curious. ¡°Kyle, I heard from Professor Dumbledore that you got a warning letter? What happened?¡±


    Harry seemed to be in a good mood, so Kyle deduced that the accusations against him couldn¡¯t have been too serious.


    Kyle paused before answering. ¡°It¡¯s nothing much¡ªjust like you, I broke the rules by using spells outside of school.¡±


    He didn¡¯t tell Harry the full truth, not because he wanted to keep secrets but because Harry wasn¡¯t great at hiding his emotions or thoughts. With the Ministry of Magic still close by, even a single slip from Harry could spell trouble.


    Before long, Dumbledore and McGonagall returned. Dumbledore¡¯s expression was grim, and his usual calm seemed replaced with quiet anger.


    ¡°Leave this to me, Kyle,¡± he said gravely. ¡°If they refuse to let this go, I¡¯ll deal with them myself.¡±


    Kyle replied calmly, ¡°Thank you, Professor, but I can handle it. It¡¯s not as difficult as it seems.¡±


    Dumbledore froze for a moment, studying Kyle with a thoughtful expression. Then, after a pause, he said meaningfully, ¡°You¡¯re still a student, Kyle. Some matters are best left to adults.¡±


    ¡°Okay then,¡± Kyle said with a shrug, noncommittal.


    It was clear that Dumbledore didn¡¯t want Kyle too involved in this issue, but Kyle wasn¡¯t about to let it slide.


    If they believed they could act with impunity now, who¡¯s to say they wouldn¡¯t escalate next time? What if they planted a dark wizard in St. Catchpole Village, just as they had tried with Harry?


    Kyle didn¡¯t want to spend his time and energy fending off these schemes endlessly. While bringing this matter before the Wizengamot was a good first step to buy some peace, it wouldn¡¯t be enough in the long run.


    There was also Voldemort to consider.


    Kyle was certain that Karkaroff and Malfoy weren¡¯t acting on their own initiative. Their personalities didn¡¯t align with taking such risks unless ordered. This had to be Voldemort¡¯s doing, targeting Kyle in the same relentless way he targeted Harry.


    The reason was likely Nagini.


    As one of his Horcruxes, Voldemort would value the snake highly and would stop at nothing to retrieve it.


    Dumbledore had mentioned that Voldemort had been seriously injured after that night on the mountaintop¡ªsimilar to his hand¡ªand had spent the past month recovering. With Kyle about to return to Hogwarts, Voldemort would have even fewer opportunities to reclaim the snake unless he was willing to launch a full-scale attack on the school.


    But with two years left until graduation, Kyle knew that if Voldemort continued these schemes, it would be a long, exhausting battle.


    In the absence of a direct way to eliminate Voldemort, the next best course of action was to address the Ministry¡¯s corruption and complicity.


    Kyle stroked his chin thoughtfully. He also needed to find time to examine Nagini in the suitcase. Since capturing her, he hadn¡¯t checked on her, and he wasn¡¯t sure if Nicolas Flamel¡¯s potions would have any effect on living beings.


    Kyle recalled hearing that Nagini had once been a witch who had been cursed and transformed into a snake¡ªa curse known as Blood Malediction. If there was a way to break the curse, Kyle preferred not to kill her outright.


    Next to him, Dumbledore seemed to sense Kyle¡¯s train of thought. He gave him a deep, searching look before speaking again. ¡°Remember, Kyle, you¡¯re still a student.¡±


    ¡°Of course, Professor,¡± Kyle said, snapping out of his thoughts. ¡°I¡¯ve always known that.¡±

 Chapter 598: Returning to 12, Grimmauld Place

    Dumbledore didn¡¯t linger long at the Ministry. After exchanging a few words with Kyle, he left with Professor McGonagall, disappearing into another corridor.


    In the elevator, Mr. Weasley swatted away a paper airplane zooming overhead and leaned toward Kyle. ¡°Why don¡¯t you come over to Grimmauld Place for a bit?¡± he said in a low voice. ¡°Everyone¡¯s there, and Molly¡¯s cooked up a feast to celebrate that everything turned out all right.¡±


    ¡°Okay,¡± Kyle agreed.


    Diana had previously warned him against going elsewhere, likely because of the Ministry interrogation. Now that it was over, there was no reason to stay cooped up in St. Catchpole Village. Besides, he couldn¡¯t remain isolated for two months straight.


    Harry¡¯s face lit up at Kyle¡¯s agreement. He had been beaming ever since learning he wouldn¡¯t be expelled from Hogwarts, and anything else seemed to only add to his joy.


    When Kyle decided to go to 12 Grimmauld Place, Chris stayed behind as the elevator stopped at the Department for the Control of Magical Creatures.


    ¡°Have fun,¡± Chris said with a smile. ¡°If you decide to stay overnight, send an owl to let me know.¡±


    ¡°Okay, Dad,¡± Kyle replied with a nod.


    As they exited into the main hall, Kyle noticed it was much quieter than it had been in the morning. A single duty wizard sat slouched at his desk, face buried in a copy of It was unclear whether he was reading or napping.


    As they walked past the golden fountain, Harry suddenly stopped and turned back.


    ¡°Wait¡­¡±


    He reached into his money bag and emptied it into the fountain, the coins clinking loudly as they hit the water.


    ¡°I decided on the way here,¡± Harry explained, tucking away his now-empty purse. ¡°If I managed to make it through this whole thing, I¡¯d donate every Knut I had.¡±


    ¡°In that case, I should donate something too,¡± Kyle said, stepping up to the fountain.


    He rummaged through his pockets and eventually found a single silver Sickle. Most of his money was locked up in the Niffler¡¯s safe within his suitcase, making this his only available coin.


    Kyle tossed the Sickle into the fountain. It made a larger splash than Harry¡¯s Galleons, earning a faint chuckle from Harry.


    Kyle looked up at the fountain¡¯s inscription:


    ¡°That¡¯s all for today,¡± Kyle muttered. ¡°If everything goes well, I¡¯ll donate more next time¡­¡±


    The three then stepped into the fireplace, Flooing to the Leaky Cauldron.


    Perhaps it was the rare opportunity, or maybe he wanted to show Kyle something new, but Mr. Weasley decided to forego Apparition and opted for Muggle transportation instead.


    The journey was filled with Mr. Weasley¡¯s uncontainable excitement. At every stop, he let out loud exclamations of wonder, drawing curious¡ªand occasionally bemused¡ªstares from nearby Muggles. He was dressed in ill-matching clothes, completing the image of a country bumpkin marveling at the ¡°modern¡± world.


    For Kyle and Harry, however, the experience was less entertaining.


    Harry, already embarrassed from his morning escapades with Mr. Weasley, kept his head down, avoiding eye contact with anyone.


    Kyle, meanwhile, quietly distanced himself, pretending to be just another passenger.


    When they finally arrived at the station, both boys rushed ahead, leaving Mr. Weasley behind as he continued to marvel loudly at the ticket machine.


    ¡°I¡¯ve never wanted to learn Apparition so badly in my life,¡± Harry muttered under his breath. ¡°Fred and George do it all the time, and they¡¯re not even subtle about it.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ll get your chance soon,¡± Kyle said.


    ¡°You¡¯re learning it this year, right?¡± Harry asked.


    ¡°Yeah, you can take the class in sixth year,¡± Kyle replied.


    In truth, Kyle had already learned Apparition on his own, and the upcoming lessons were merely to formalize his skill and obtain the certificate.


    By the time they arrived at 12 Grimmauld Place, it was already noon.


    The house was noticeably livelier than the last time Kyle had visited. Though it wasn¡¯t as bustling as it might be in the evening, there were far more people than before, and the air buzzed with activity.


    ¡°Oh, dear, I knew you¡¯d be fine,¡± Mrs. Weasley said warmly as she pulled Harry and Kyle into a tight hug.


    ¡°Welcome, Kyle,¡± Hermione said as she hurried over, her face alight with both relief and concern. ¡°Harry, how did it turn out¡ª¡±


    Her question was abruptly cut off as a small figure darted past her, nearly knocking her over.


    ¡°Master Kyle!¡± exclaimed Kreacher, the House-elf, as he rushed up to Kyle, bowing deeply. ¡°Welcome, Master Kyle. Would Master like some biscuits? I have freshly made raspberry cookies¡ªor perhaps you¡¯d prefer some Butterbeer first?¡±


    The sight of Kreacher behaving so respectfully left everyone wide-eyed.


    Harry and Ron exchanged a bewildered glance, their expressions a mix of disbelief and amusement.


    This was not the Kreacher they had come to know¡ªthe sullen, muttering House-elf who treated them with disdain and whispered rude comments behind their backs. Kreacher¡¯s usual demeanor was as far from enthusiastic as one could imagine.


    ¡°Are you sure this is Sirius¡¯s house?¡± Ron muttered to Harry. ¡°Feels like Kyle¡¯s the master here.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± Harry whispered back, equally confused. He glanced at Kreacher, who seemed entirely devoted to Kyle, and couldn¡¯t help but recall Dobby¡¯s eager and affectionate behavior.


    Even Mrs. Weasley, usually quick to smooth over awkward moments, seemed surprised by Kreacher¡¯s uncharacteristic enthusiasm.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be so shocked,¡± Sirius said as he entered the room, a wry smile on his face.


    ¡°Kyle has done the Black family a great service. That¡¯s why Kreacher treats him with more respect than he¡¯ll ever give me.¡±


    Sirius walked over, briefly nodding to the others, before focusing on Harry and Kyle. ¡°How did it go? Everything all right?¡±


    ¡°Better than all right,¡± Harry said, grinning ear to ear. ¡°I wasn¡¯t expelled¡ªthe charges were dropped!¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± Kyle added simply, confirming Harry¡¯s words.


    ¡°Ha! I knew it!¡± Ron exclaimed, jumping up excitedly. ¡°You were bound to get off!¡±


    ¡°Yes, you didn¡¯t do anything wrong,¡± Hermione said, her hands still trembling slightly as relief washed over her.


    Everyone shared her sentiment¡ªlooks of visible relief spread across their faces. Even Mrs. Weasley dabbed at her eyes with her apron, her happiness evident.


    The moment of celebration was abruptly interrupted by a loud


    Fred and George had Apparated into the room, startling everyone.


    ¡°Actually, we knew you¡¯d be fine too,¡± Fred said with a grin, slinging an arm around Kyle¡¯s shoulders.


    ¡°Absolutely,¡± George added. ¡°Not worried one bit.¡±


    ¡°I think the Ministry owes you compensation, though,¡± Fred said mischievously.


    ¡°You¡¯re dreaming,¡± Kyle replied with a chuckle. ¡°They won¡¯t give me a single Knut.¡±


    ¡°Wait a second¡­¡± Hermione¡¯s brow furrowed as something clicked in her mind. She turned to Kyle, her expression incredulous.


    ¡°You mean¡ªKyle was questioned by the Ministry too?¡±


    ¡°Ah, yes,¡± Kyle said nonchalantly. ¡°Like Harry, I was accused of misusing magic outside of school.¡±


    Hermione stared at him, momentarily speechless.


    She could understand Harry¡¯s predicament¡ªit wasn¡¯t his fault, but it was hardly his first time being caught for using magic outside of school. However, Kyle¡¯s case didn¡¯t make sense.


    Sear?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Chapter 599: The Order of the Phoenix’s Auxiliary Member

    ¡°Do you know where Kyle used magic?¡± George asked, his tone laced with indignation as he looked at Hermione¡¯s stunned expression.


    ¡°The Leaky Cauldron. It¡¯s unbelievable!¡±


    ¡°This is impossible!¡± Hermione exclaimed, shaking her head. ¡°The Trace is designed to detect magical activity in an area, not pinpoint who performed the magic. In a place like the Leaky Cauldron, where wizards are constantly casting spells, the Ministry wouldn¡¯t be able to tell who did it!¡±


    ¡°But we saw the letter with our own eyes,¡± Fred said firmly.


    ¡°And we checked it over and over to make sure we weren¡¯t mistaken,¡± George added.


    ¡°But¡­¡± Hermione began, still trying to process the situation, only to be interrupted by Mrs. Weasley.


    ¡°There, there, dear,¡± Mrs. Weasley said, gently guiding Hermione and Kyle toward the kitchen. ¡°What¡¯s done is done. The important thing is that they¡¯re safe now.


    ¡°Now, I¡¯m sure you¡¯re all hungry. I¡¯ve made beef pie, roast chicken, and plenty of jammy bread.¡±


    As the group moved toward the kitchen, Mr. Weasley remained behind.


    ¡°Well, I have to go,¡± he said apologetically. ¡°I¡¯ll catch up with you later.¡±


    ¡°Can¡¯t you at least stay for lunch?¡± Mrs. Weasley asked.


    ¡°No, there¡¯s too much work waiting for me,¡± he said with a regretful smile. ¡°I can¡¯t be gone for long.¡± With that, he Disapparated with a soft


    Fred and George, ever eager to show off, used their own Apparition to move directly from the hallway to the kitchen, appearing with two simultaneous cracks.


    ¡°Enough, you two!¡± Mrs. Weasley exclaimed, startled. ¡°Just because you can use magic doesn¡¯t mean you should do everything with it! And how many times have I told you not to Apparate indoors?¡±


    ¡°Yes, Mum!¡± the twins said in unison, grinning mischievously as they dashed out of the room.


    Kyle smirked. He knew the twins well enough to know they didn¡¯t take the reprimand seriously.


    Later in the evening, as the group gathered for dinner, Professor Moody and Tonks returned. They all sat down as Mrs. Weasley served generous portions of beef pie and mashed potatoes.


    ¡°So, have you joined the Order of the Phoenix, then?¡± Tonks asked brightly, her hair now a vibrant shade of blonde.


    ¡°Actually, I¡¯m not sure,¡± Kyle replied honestly. Dumbledore hadn¡¯t explicitly mentioned it, but since Mr. Weasley had invited him, it seemed likely that he had Dumbledore¡¯s approval. Still, Kyle wasn¡¯t sure if he was a full member or just a temporary helper.


    ¡°Never mind that,¡± Tonks said with a grin. ¡°I think Dumbledore¡¯s just holding off because of your age. Same as these three here,¡± she added, glancing at Ron, Harry, and Hermione.


    ¡°Wait a second,¡± Ron said, frowning. ¡°Aren¡¯t we already members of the Order of the Phoenix?¡±


    ¡°Of course not,¡± Tonks said, laughing. ¡°Every full member has to sign a magical contract. Have you done that?¡±


    Ron and Harry exchanged glances, clearly realizing they hadn¡¯t.


    ¡°Well¡­¡± Ron began hesitantly.


    ¡°After all,¡± Lupin interjected with a reassuring tone, ¡°you¡¯re still students. But anyone allowed inside this house is considered trustworthy. Once you graduate, you¡¯ll naturally be invited to join. I promise.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s still three years away,¡± Ron groaned, poking at his mashed potatoes in frustration. ¡°I thought we were already in¡­¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t say that, Remus,¡± Tonks teased, her hair shifting to a light pink. ¡°Joining the Order isn¡¯t automatic. What if they don¡¯t meet the grade requirements?¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Ron said, his fork pausing mid-air. ¡°It depends on grades too?¡±


    ¡°Of course,¡± Moody growled, his voice rough. ¡°The Order of the Phoenix isn¡¯t a club for loafers. We¡¯re fighting Death Eaters. You think we¡¯re going to send someone unprepared to face them? Better to keep you in a safe place than let you get killed.¡±


    As he spoke, Moody leaned closer to his plate, carefully inspecting his beef pie as if searching for poison.


    Mrs. Weasley noticed and frowned deeply. sea??h th§× N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°Alastor, I made this with my own hands,¡± Mrs. Weasley said pointedly.


    Moody said nothing. He knew this, of course, but decades of ingrained habits weren¡¯t so easily broken. He wouldn¡¯t eat anything¡ªno matter who made it¡ªwithout inspecting it first. In truth, he wouldn¡¯t even trust something he made himself without checking.


    Mrs. Weasley, exasperated, angrily served him the smallest portion of mashed potatoes¡ªbarely more than a spoonful.


    Moody didn¡¯t seem to care and continued his cautious routine, inspecting his food before taking small, deliberate bites.


    The meal, however, was lively. Everyone was in high spirits, celebrating Harry and Kyle¡¯s successful encounters with the Ministry. Amid cheerful conversation, the topic turned toward Moody and Sirius.


    ¡°Will you be going to Hogwarts this year, Sirius?¡± Harry asked eagerly. ¡°Continuing as professor of Defence Against the Dark Arts?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll definitely go,¡± Sirius replied without hesitation. ¡°I bet the curse has worn off by now¡ªnothing to worry about.¡±


    ¡°Great!¡± Harry said, his excitement evident. But his mood shifted abruptly as he clutched his forehead in pain, wincing as his scar burned.


    Fortunately for him, everyone else was too focused on Sirius to notice his reaction.


    ¡°What about you, Alastor?¡± Tonks asked brightly, turning her attention to Moody.


    Moody hesitated, not immediately replying.


    With Voldemort¡¯s return, he was busier than ever. Protecting against Voldemort¡¯s attacks and tracking Death Eaters required time and vigilance. Yet, the poor Defence Against the Dark Arts training at Hogwarts worried him. With the students soon to face Voldemort and his forces, they couldn¡¯t afford to remain unprepared.


    After a long pause, Moody said gruffly, ¡°We¡¯ll see. Maybe Dumbledore can find someone better for the job.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t think that¡¯s likely,¡± Kyle muttered under his breath.


    The curse on the position hadn¡¯t ended, as far as he knew. And finding willing candidates was no small task¡ªmost took the role reluctantly or because Dumbledore convinced a friend to step in.


    The cheerful atmosphere persisted, and the meal eventually wound down.


    After lunch, Tonks and Moody left to return to the Ministry. Kyle, however, sought out Sirius, who was chatting with Lupin in the corner.


    ¡°A library?¡± Sirius repeated, raising an eyebrow at Kyle¡¯s request.


    ¡°That¡¯s right,¡± Kyle nodded. ¡°The Blacks have been around for centuries. There must be a library or some kind of collection. I¡¯d like to see it.¡±


    Sirius frowned, thinking hard. He vaguely remembered a study on the upper floor¡ªhis grandfather¡¯s old room, with a wall of books. But that wasn¡¯t quite the library Kyle was asking about.


    ¡°Kreacher! Kreacher!¡± Sirius called out.


    Moments later, Kreacher appeared, bowing deeply. ¡°Master Sirius, Master Kyle,¡± he said eagerly, ¡°would you like some raspberry cookies?¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ve already eaten,¡± Sirius said with a dismissive wave. ¡°Do you know if there¡¯s a library in the house? Not the study¡ªa proper library.¡±


    Kreacher¡¯s eyes lit up with pride. ¡°Kreacher certainly does! The old master instructed Kreacher to guard it well, saying it held the most important treasures of the Blacks.¡±


    The House-elf suddenly began to sob, his voice trembling. ¡°Master Regulus loved the library most of all. And now Master Sirius has finally asked about it too¡­¡±


    Sirius¡¯s expression shifted to one of discomfort, tinged with guilt.


    If Kyle hadn¡¯t mentioned the library, Sirius doubted he¡¯d ever have thought to look for it. But seeing Kreacher so emotional, he didn¡¯t have the heart to tell him the truth.


    ¡°Yes, yes,¡± Sirius said quickly, his eyes darting away. ¡°Take us there¡ªwe¡¯d like to see it.¡±


    Kreacher glanced at Kyle, his face showing hesitation and internal conflict.


    The old master had explicitly instructed that only members of the Black family could access the library. But Kyle¡­ Kyle had returned Regulus¡¯s locket and brought peace to the family¡¯s name. Surely the old master would approve.


    ¡°Why?¡± Sirius asked impatiently. ¡°Can¡¯t we go?¡±


    Kreacher immediately shook his head. ¡°No, no, there¡¯s no problem,¡± he said, his resolve firming. ¡°Though Master Kyle is not a Black, he brought back Master Regulus. If the old master knew, he would certainly agree.¡±


    ¡°Kreacher will take you there now!¡±

 Chapter 600: Secrets of the Darkest Art

    As one of the oldest families in the magical world, the Blacks indeed possessed an extensive collection of books, accumulated over many generations.


    It was rumored that during Phineas Black''s tenure as headmaster of Hogwarts, several rare books mysteriously vanished from the school library. Many suspected that Phineas had taken them for the Black family¡¯s collection. However, Phineas himself never admitted to such accusations, engaging in numerous heated debates with other portraits over the matter. Of course, this had all happened centuries ago, and there was no way to confirm whether the stories were true.


    Guided by Kreacher, the House-elf, the group made their way through the foyer and kitchen, heading toward the basement behind the storage cupboard. Along the way, they passed three students discussing their holiday homework and Lupin, who showed an immediate interest in the Black family¡¯s library and expressed a desire to join them.


    Sirius readily agreed, though Kreacher was visibly displeased at the idea of Hermione¡ªa Muggle-born witch¡ªstepping foot in what he considered the most sacred part of the Black household. Nevertheless, with both Sirius and Kyle''s approval, the elf had no choice but to lead the way, muttering resentfully under his breath.


    The group descended into the dark, damp basement. After some fiddling with the fireplace, Kreacher triggered a mechanism, and the moldy cupboard in the corner sprang apart, revealing a wide, hidden passage. As they stepped inside, torches on either side of the corridor flared to life, illuminating their path.


    ¡°This is incredible. I never imagined there was such a hidden place,¡± Harry said, unable to contain his excitement. ¡°It feels like an adventure.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s normal,¡± Ron replied. ¡°After all, the Blacks have been around for hundreds of years.¡±


    The passage wasn¡¯t long, and before long, they emerged into a large room. Unlike the basement, the space was impeccably clean¡ªno sign of mold or even a speck of dust. Bright sunlight streamed in through enchanted windows, casting a warm glow over the room. They could now see nearly a hundred bookshelves, all packed with books of every kind.


    Though it wasn¡¯t as vast as a school library, for a private home, the collection was undeniably impressive.


    ¡°Oh my god!¡± Hermione gasped, her eyes wide. ¡°You actually built a library in your house!¡±


    ¡°This is fantastic,¡± Lupin said, his excitement palpable. ¡°Sirius, why have you never told me about this library before?¡±


    Lupin¡¯s question caught Sirius off guard. He flushed slightly, unable to come up with a proper explanation. The truth was, he had no idea this place even existed. He had moved out of the house at sixteen and had only recently returned. And before sixteen...


    Who spends their holidays reading books? Well, perhaps someone does¡ªbut certainly not him.


    Still, he couldn¡¯t admit that in front of Lupin and Harry. Stammering, he finally said, ¡°Well, I forgot, you know. Twelve years in Azkaban... a lot of things get forgotten.¡±


    ¡°No wonder,¡± Lupin replied sympathetically. He didn¡¯t question the response, knowing full well that years spent with Dementors could indeed strip away many memories.


    Hermione couldn¡¯t resist stepping forward.


    The moment Kreacher noticed, he reacted as if his tail had been stepped on, nearly leaping into the air. ¡°Get your feet off the floor, you¡ª¡±


    ¡°Kreacher, can you do me a favor?¡± Kyle¡¯s voice cut in smoothly before the House-elf could finish.


    Kreacher¡¯s demeanor shifted instantly, his face softening. ¡°I¡¯d be happy to help you, Master Kyle,¡± he said with exaggerated respect.


    ¡°How about helping me find some books?¡± Kyle asked casually. ¡°I have a feeling you know your way around here pretty well.¡±


    ¡°Kreacher knows where every book is!¡± the elf declared proudly, patting his chest.


    ¡°Good to know,¡± Kyle replied with a smile. He glanced around to ensure no one else was paying attention, then leaned down and whispered something into Kreacher¡¯s ear. ¡°Do you have these books?¡± he asked softly.


    ¡°Yes,¡± Kreacher nodded emphatically and hurried toward the farthest bookshelf.


    As soon as Kreacher disappeared, Hermione, who had been startled by the earlier commotion, mustered her courage and stepped into the library with Lupin by her side. Her eyes sparkled as she approached a nearby shelf, pulling books off with unrestrained curiosity.


    Unlike the carefully curated collection at Hogwarts, the books here seemed to have no restrictions. Some volumes that required a professor¡¯s signature to borrow¡ªor were sequestered in the restricted section of the school library¡ªwere casually displayed on these shelves, available to anyone.


    For a moment, Hermione¡¯s cheeks flushed with exhilaration. She looked like a Niffler who had stumbled into a vault at Gringotts.


    Before long, Kreacher returned, carrying a stack of books. But when he saw the library ¡°invaded¡± by a Werewolf and a Muggle-born witch, his fury reignited. He seemed poised to eject them both when Sirius intervened.


    ¡°Kreacher,¡± Sirius said firmly, ¡°they¡¯re here with my permission. Don¡¯t even think about disturbing them¡ªthat¡¯s an order!¡± S§×ar?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Though reluctant, Kreacher bowed stiffly. ¡°As Master wishes,¡± he muttered. Avoiding further glances at Lupin and Hermione, he turned to Kyle and presented the stack of books.


    ¡°Thank you, Kreacher,¡± Kyle said as he accepted them.


    ¡°It is Kreacher¡¯s pleasure,¡± the House-elf replied, bowing low. ¡°If Master Kyle needs anything else, Kreacher is ready to serve.¡±


    ¡°Not for now,¡± Kyle replied with a nod.


    Kreacher had brought five books, which Kyle placed on a nearby table. He began leafing through the first one, its cover adorned with a knobby wand:


    The next two volumes also focused on wands, their titles suggesting deep dives into wand lore. Kyle flipped through them briefly, but his attention shifted to the final book at the bottom of the pile.


    Its brown cover bore a faded purple circle around the edges, and in the center, bold lettering spelled out:


    Kyle froze. His chest tightened as he stared at the ominous title. Quickly, he slid another book over it, obscuring it from view, and took a deep breath to steady himself.


    He had speculated in the past that this book¡ªconfiscated by Dumbledore from the Hogwarts library¡ªmight still exist elsewhere. Nicolas Flamel might have a copy in his private library in Paris, but Kyle hadn¡¯t been able to access certain volumes of dark magic there due to stringent enchantments.


    Initially, he¡¯d planned to revisit the matter and appeal to Nicolas at a later date. But when Mr. Weasley invited him to 12 Grimmauld Place, an idea had struck him: a pure-blood family with a lineage spanning centuries would undoubtedly possess texts on dark magic.


    On a whim, he had asked Kreacher to search for relevant materials, never expecting to actually find book here.

 Chapter 601: Changes, and the New Prefects

    Kyle stayed for the next few days, drawn not only by the library but also by the food¡ªMrs. Weasley''s cooking was a far cry from the bread and smoked sausages he was used to at home. During this time, he also met many new people.


    There was Kingsley Shacklebolt, a Ministry of Magic employee; Dedalus Diggle, who seemed reckless and a bit scatterbrained; and Mundungus Fletcher, whose popularity left much to be desired.


    These individuals were equally curious about Kyle, surprised to find him here. Yet, Kyle offered little explanation, merely mentioning during meals that he was a friend of Harry''s.


    Most of Kyle''s time was spent in the underground library, where few ventured¡ªeven Hermione. She avoided it because Kreacher¡¯s constant presence made it hard for her to concentrate. Instead, she had Sirius bring books to her room. Ron, unsurprisingly, couldn''t understand why anyone would want to read during the holidays.


    Harry, however, thought reading could be beneficial and initially tried joining them. His enthusiasm, unfortunately, waned after a day, and the book he¡¯d chosen was quickly abandoned on the corner of the table. He struggled to focus, distracted by even the faintest sounds outside.


    When the Hogwarts letters arrived, his attention wandered further. This time, the owl brought not only the usual booklist but also a surprise: Hermione had been made a Prefect. Her badge was tucked into the envelope alongside her booklist.


    Harry wasn¡¯t shocked¡ªHermione was an obvious choice for fifth-year Prefect. But what caught everyone off guard was Ron being named the other Prefect.


    "A house full of Prefects!" Fred exclaimed loudly, his voice echoing through the room. "Isn''t that wonderful?"


    "If you don''t count us," George quipped.


    "And don''t forget me!" Ginny chimed in, disgruntled. "I''m only in fourth year! Maybe they''ll send me a badge next year, too."


    "Only a fool would think so," Fred said, his tone a little sour.


    At any other time, Mrs. Weasley might have scolded him for such a remark, but not today. She was too overjoyed, practically glowing as she admired Ron''s Prefect badge. Promising him a new broomstick, she was already figuring out how to budget for the expense. While good flying brooms were costly, a basic new one was within reach with some thriftiness.


    "We could get our own brooms," George muttered. "And buy them ourselves."


    "Exactly," Fred agreed.


    After her initial surprise, Hermione offered Ron her congratulations. But as she looked across the table, it seemed she remembered someone else in the room who wasn¡¯t a Prefect.


    "Harry?" she asked hesitantly. "How are you?"


    "Fantastic, Hermione," Harry replied, his enthusiasm overly cheerful. "Congratulations on becoming a Prefect. And, of course, Ron."


    He then busied himself packing his things to avoid letting Hermione see his face.


    Harry couldn''t fully articulate how he felt. He didn¡¯t want to admit he was jealous of Ron, but he couldn¡¯t deny the pang he felt when he heard the news.


    He didn¡¯t think he was any less deserving than Ron¡ªperhaps, in some ways, he might even be more so. He was an excellent Quidditch player, the youngest member of the school team.


    Harry thought bitterly.


    Most of their school adventures had been accomplished together. Still, Harry didn¡¯t want to feel envious or begrudge Ron his first moment of outshining him. He tried convincing himself that perhaps Ron truly deserved it. After all, Ron had been at the Order of the Phoenix headquarters earlier in the summer. Maybe Dumbledore had made up his mind then.


    Yet, the more Harry tried to justify it, the worse he felt. He forced a smile for the rest of the day, hiding his turmoil.


    Unaware of Harry¡¯s struggles, Kyle remained engrossed in the library. One book in particular, captured his attention. It offered a detailed explanation of Horcruxes, including the methods for creating them.


    To Kyle''s surprise, the magic was not as complex as he had imagined. He felt confident that if he wanted to, he could enlist any Death Eater and use the book before him to create a Horcrux on the spot.


    But that wasn¡¯t Kyle¡¯s goal. His study of Horcruxes had begun with a thought he¡¯d had after meeting the Longbottoms. What started as a fleeting idea had grown into a determination to bring change¡ªnot just to save a few lives but to reshape certain perceptions within the wizarding world.


    For instance, Kyle dreamed of reducing the number of Unforgivable Curses from three to two. The Cruciatus Curse was deemed unforgivable because of the irreversible damage it caused to the soul. But if Kyle¡¯s theory succeeded and could be refined further, could it not become a counter-curse instead?


    He wasn¡¯t sure, but it was worth exploring.


    However, there was a problem. The methods described in were sufficient for personal use. But modifying the process to work on someone comatose was far beyond Kyle¡¯s current capabilities. The inability to actively draw out a soul was a significant obstacle.


    To overcome this, Kyle enlisted Kreacher to search for additional books on souls. For now, his research continued.


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    It wasn¡¯t until 6:00 p.m. that Kyle finally emerged from the library. Stepping into the kitchen, his eyes were drawn to a bright red banner hanging above the dining table.


    It read:


    Kyle thought.


    Mrs. Weasley was beaming as she set the table. It was the happiest Kyle had seen her all holiday, and not even the arrival of Mundungus Fletcher could dampen her mood.


    The kitchen was lively, with several people having returned for the evening: Mr. Weasley, Moody, Kingsley, Tonks, and even Bill, who greeted Kyle with enthusiasm. Bill, dressed in his usual quirky attire, didn¡¯t explain why he was there, nor did Kyle feel the need to ask.


    And then, partway through dinner, Dumbledore arrived. His appearance, though late, brought a subtle shift to the atmosphere.


    "Dumbledore..." Mundungus was the first to rise, quickly placing the silver dinner knife he¡¯d pocketed back onto the table.


    ¡°I see I¡¯ve arrived just in time,¡± Dumbledore said as he took a seat and helped himself to a baked potato.


    ¡°How did it go?¡± Moody asked, tilting his head.


    ¡°Very well,¡± Dumbledore replied with a nod before his gaze settled on the banner. ¡°Ah, I almost forgot¡ªtoday is the day the Prefects are announced.¡± He raised his glass. ¡°Congratulations.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Professor... thank you,¡± Ron and Hermione mumbled, looking slightly awkward under his attention.


    Harry, on the other hand, sat quietly, his feelings a tangled mess. He desperately wanted to ask Dumbledore why he hadn¡¯t been chosen as a Prefect but lacked the courage.


    Later, during a conversation with Sirius, Harry learned that his father hadn¡¯t been a Prefect either, and the revelation lightened his mood somewhat.


    Fred and George also found some solace. They discovered that many of the adults around the table¡ªincluding Tonks, who they thought highly of¡ªhadn¡¯t been Prefects either.


    The meal ended in rare laughter, an atmosphere that had been hard to come by recently.


    After dinner, just as Kyle was heading back to his room, Dumbledore stopped him.


    ¡°Do you remember what we discussed earlier?¡± Dumbledore asked.


    ¡°Of course, Professor,¡± Kyle replied. ¡°Has the meeting already started?¡±


    Having been engrossed in the library, Kyle had lost track of the days.


    ¡°It¡¯s tomorrow,¡± Dumbledore said. ¡°I was considering visiting St. Catchpole Village, but seeing you here saves me the trouble. If you¡¯re free, could you join me at six o¡¯clock tomorrow? It¡¯s best to arrive early.¡±


    ¡°No problem, Professor. I¡¯d be happy to,¡± Kyle replied.


    ¡°That¡¯s excellent,¡± Dumbledore said with a smile.


    Neither noticed the group of heads huddled together on the stairs outside the kitchen.


    ¡°What are they talking about?¡± Ron whispered, curious.


    ¡°It sounds like they¡¯re going to some kind of meeting,¡± Fred said, holding up an ear-shaped object. ¡°Tomorrow morning, apparently.¡±


    This piqued everyone¡¯s interest. Dumbledore had been absent from most recent meetings, so the prospect of his involvement stirred excitement.


    But just as they were about to eavesdrop further, the kitchen door opened. The group scrambled to hide behind the stairs, trying to blend into the shadows.


    Dumbledore stepped out, pausing briefly before continuing on his way, seemingly unaware of their presence.


    ¡°Phew, he didn¡¯t see us,¡± Ron whispered in relief.


    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t be so sure,¡± a voice said.


    ¡°Definitely not,¡± Ron said confidently. ¡°We hid really quickly¡ª¡±


    He stopped abruptly, realizing the voice wasn¡¯t one of theirs. It was eerily familiar, a voice they¡¯d heard countless times at the Start-of-Term Feast.


    It was Dumbledore¡¯s.


    A chill ran down Ron¡¯s spine as he broke into a cold sweat. His gaze shifted to the source of the voice¡ªthe ear-shaped object in Fred¡¯s hand.


    Before anyone could react, Dumbledore¡¯s voice sounded again from the device.


    ¡°That¡¯s quite a clever invention. Very practical. However, I believe it¡¯s time for you to return to your rooms. Molly has made it clear she doesn¡¯t want you staying up too late, and surely you don¡¯t want to see her angry, do you?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re absolutely right, Professor,¡± George said quickly, recovering. ¡°We were just testing out the new invention... we¡¯ll head up now.¡±


    ¡°And thank you for your kind words, Professor,¡± Fred added with a grin. ¡°This is one of our latest creations, available for only two Galleons at the Weasley Joke Shop. Of course, members of the Order of the Phoenix get a nice discount.¡±


    Unfazed by the situation, Fred and George took the opportunity to advertise their product, showing their characteristic boldness. Ron, however, remained frozen.

 Chapter 602: Dumbledore’s Memory

    Hogsmeade was lively, as always, despite the school term not having started yet. The village bustled with activity, its shops all open for business. As the most famous wizarding village in Britain, Hogsmeade wasn¡¯t just a haunt for students but also a destination for alumni and curious visitors drawn by its reputation.


    Today, however, the village was unusually crowded, with foreign wizards visible everywhere, their accents and attire adding a cosmopolitan feel to the familiar streets.


    But Kyle and Dumbledore were not heading toward any of the well-known shops. Their destination was far less glamorous: The Hog''s Head, an unassuming pub on the edge of the village.


    Kyle glanced up at the weathered sign before following Dumbledore inside.


    The place had clearly been cleaned, though whether the effort was half-hearted or the grime simply ingrained into the walls and floor was debatable. Compared to The Three Broomsticks, even The Oak Barrel Pub at the Romanian Dragon Reserve looked pristine.


    The sole point of relief was that the glasses on the bar counter gleamed¡ªclean as if polished by a house-elf. While such hygiene was standard elsewhere, it was a rarity here, where patrons often brought their own cutlery as a precaution.


    By the time Kyle entered, the pub was already filled with a mix of foreign faces and familiar ones. Among them were Dugald McPhail, who had written to Kyle earlier; Professor Lochneal of Beauxbatons; and most of the Hogwarts faculty¡ªthough Snape and Hagrid were conspicuously absent.


    Shop owners from The Three Broomsticks, Honeydukes, and Zonko''s Joke Shop were also present, having closed their businesses to join the gathering. The eclectic mix of attendees gave the small, dingy pub an air of unusual significance.


    The room fell silent when Dumbledore entered, and everyone stood out of respect. But their gazes soon shifted to Kyle, scrutinizing him curiously.


    Some instinctively glanced at his forehead, their expressions turning puzzled. Many had expected Harry Potter, the Boy Who Lived, to accompany Dumbledore. Seeing a young man without a lightning-shaped scar clearly surprised them.


    Those familiar with Kyle, however, weren¡¯t fazed.


    ¡°Hello again, my boy,¡± McPhail said warmly, shaking Kyle¡¯s hand. ¡°I hope my letter didn¡¯t cause you too much trouble. When I received your reply, someone reminded me that I shouldn¡¯t involve you in such dangerous matters, and I realized they were right.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s all right, Mr. McPhail,¡± Kyle replied evenly. ¡°Ever since I encountered You-Know-Who that night, staying out of it hasn¡¯t been an option. I wouldn¡¯t call it being ¡®involved¡¯¡ªit¡¯s just the way things are now.¡±


    McPhail¡¯s expression grew intent. ¡°So you really did meet him? Saw him with your own eyes?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right,¡± Kyle said calmly, unfazed by the growing number of eyes now fixed on him.


    His tone remained steady as he added, ¡°His appearance is... distinctive. It¡¯s impossible to mistake him for anyone else.¡±


    The room seemed poised to erupt with questions, but Professor McGonagall stepped in before anyone could press further.


    ¡°Let¡¯s hold off on that, Dugald,¡± she said, steering Kyle gently away. ¡°There¡¯ll be plenty of time to discuss this later.¡±


    ¡°Of course, whatever you say,¡± McPhail replied, though he didn¡¯t appear wholly convinced. He returned to his seat and glanced toward the bar. ¡°Excuse me, could I have a cherry soda?¡±


    The barman, without looking up, tossed a red bottle toward the counter. ¡°Two Galleons,¡± he muttered.


    McPhail flicked his fingers, and the bottle floated smoothly to his hand. ¡°A bit steep... but that¡¯s all right. Albus is paying.¡±


    ¡°Of course,¡± Dumbledore said lightly. ¡°It¡¯s only fair. But I¡¯d ask that we all keep our drinks light¡ªwhat¡¯s coming next will require clear minds.¡±


    The group murmured their assent, and the room settled.


    Just before seven o¡¯clock, the door opened one last time, admitting Professor Marchbanks, who shuffled in with a noticeable tremor. As the door shut behind her, a golden light appeared where the doorknob had been, hanging in the air like a glowing lock. Moments later, a ripple spread across the walls, as though the room had been enveloped in a giant soap bubble.


    Kyle watched the display and guessed it was a form of protective magic.


    ¡°Very well, everyone is here,¡± said Dumbledore, his voice commanding immediate attention.


    The room fell silent as glasses were set down, and all eyes turned toward him.


    ¡°I believe most of you are already aware of the rumors regarding Voldemort¡¯s resurrection,¡± Dumbledore began, his expression grave. ¡°I must confirm that these rumors are true. Just two months ago, I faced Voldemort personally. It was not someone impersonating him¡ªit was Voldemort himself. He has truly returned.¡±


    A murmur rippled through the crowd, a mix of disbelief and unease, despite most having anticipated this news. Kyle stepped forward and recounted what he had witnessed before Dumbledore¡¯s arrival that night, along with the details he had learned from Harry about Voldemort¡¯s return.


    Even so, questions began to surface. For many, the concept of resurrection was difficult to grasp¡ªafter all, in the wizarding world, dead wizards became ghosts, not living, breathing people again.


    Dumbledore did not immediately address their queries. Instead, he raised his wand and touched it to his temple, drawing out a shimmering, ribbon-like strand of memory.


    ¡°Hearing of something is rarely as compelling as seeing it for oneself,¡± he said as he placed the memory into a waiting Pensieve. With a tap of his wand, the engraved runes on the edge of the bowl glowed, and the next second, a vivid green light filled the center of the pub.


    The light materialized into a flash of the Killing Curse, startling many. A few gasped, and some of the more timid attendees stumbled back, sinking to the floor. It quickly became evident, however, that this was not a real curse but a projection from Dumbledore¡¯s memory.


    The group quieted as they realized they were witnessing the battle. All attention turned to the scenes playing out before them.


    Even Kyle was mesmerized, his gaze fixed on the vivid display. He and Harry had been sent away before the fight began, so this was his first glimpse of what had transpired.


    Dumbledore¡¯s spellwork was both awe-inspiring and humbling. Many of the spells Kyle recognized¡ªones he had learned¡ªbut in Dumbledore¡¯s hands, they became something extraordinary.


    The Levitation Charm that could levitate half a mountain¡­


    The Transfiguration Spell that turned stones and trees into massive giants¡­


    The Reductor Curse that reduced a storm of sharp blades to harmless dust¡­


    The sheer versatility and precision of Dumbledore¡¯s magic opened Kyle¡¯s eyes to an entirely new way of dueling.


    As for Voldemort¡¯s followers, they were scarcely visible¡ªmere shadows flitting in the background of the battle. The memory focused solely on the clash between Dumbledore and Voldemort.


    The duel reached its conclusion with Voldemort being struck down by a stone whip, collapsing in a heap on the ground, while Dumbledore suffered a bite from a fiery serpent conjured by Voldemort. At that moment, the memory ended.


    The room was utterly silent. The display of power from both Voldemort and Dumbledore left everyone in stunned reverence. Yet there was also relief¡ªone of them was on their side.


    ¡°That is how it is,¡± Dumbledore said after a moment, breaking the silence. ¡°I know many of you may think that Voldemort, having just been resurrected, must be weakened. As you have seen, that is not the case. He is as formidable as he was over a decade ago.¡±


    The weight of his words sank in. The evidence had been undeniable, and no one could argue against what they had just witnessed. Sear?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°Albus, what are we going to do?¡± someone asked, their voice tight with urgency. ¡°Declare war? Strike before he gathers his Death Eaters?¡±


    ¡°That would be ideal,¡± Dumbledore admitted, ¡°but it is not so simple. Voldemort is cunning and will not give us that opportunity.¡±


    He straightened, his tone resolute. ¡°That is why we must prepare for the war that is coming.¡± His gaze swept the room, momentarily resting on Kyle.


    Kyle, however, was still lost in thought, replaying the intricate details of the duel he had just seen.


    McPhail was the first to break the silence. He rose from his chair, his voice firm. ¡°Speak, Albus. I will cooperate with you fully.¡±


    Others quickly followed suit.


    ¡°And me!¡±


    ¡°Count me in!¡±


    One by one, attendees stood, pledging their support.


    Dumbledore nodded, his voice heavy with both gratitude and seriousness. ¡°Thank you. Now, I ask for your help in uncovering the Death Eaters¡¯ movements and rallying more allies to our cause. Voldemort will not stay idle, of that I am sure. Our best chance is to detect his plans early and stop them before they unfold.¡±

 Chapter 603: Go Be the Minister, Professor

    The meeting stretched late into the evening, and it wasn¡¯t until nightfall that the last of the attendees left The Hog''s Head, their footsteps heavy with weariness. The sky deepened into a rich, dark blue, leaving the bar empty except for Kyle and Dumbledore.


    Behind the counter, the barkeep¡ªwho had spent the entire day silently polishing glasses¡ªfinally broke his silence. His voice was rough, carrying a tone of habitual annoyance. ¡°You should leave too, Dumbledore.¡±


    ¡°For the love of a hefty sum of Galleons, Aberforth, could you allow me to linger just a while longer?¡± Dumbledore replied, his voice tinged with fatigue.


    Aberforth scowled, his expression dripping with disdain, but he didn¡¯t force them out.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t this peculiar,¡± Dumbledore mused aloud, glancing at Kyle. ¡°Yes, you heard me correctly. Aberforth here is my¡ª¡±


    ¡°Dumbledore!¡± An icy voice sliced through the air from behind him. ¡°If you finish that sentence, you¡¯ll never set foot in my bar again.¡±


    Dumbledore wisely fell silent, opting instead to shift topics. ¡°Kyle, do you know why I asked you to stay?¡±


    Kyle¡¯s gaze flickered between Dumbledore and the scowling innkeeper. He already knew about their connection¡ªAlbus Dumbledore and Aberforth, the innkeeper with the strongest ties to Hogsmeade. But since neither seemed keen to discuss it, he decided to feign ignorance and go along with the diversion.


    ¡°To tell them the truth about Voldemort''s return?¡± Kyle ventured.


    ¡°That¡¯s part of it,¡± Dumbledore said evenly, his face betraying no emotion. ¡°Those present today, as well as the members of the Order of the Phoenix, are trustworthy individuals who will stand by our side when the war begins. I believe you¡¯re already familiar with all of them.¡±


    Kyle frowned. Something about Dumbledore felt... off. To Kyle, this entire meeting seemed unnecessary. Shouldn¡¯t Dumbledore himself maintain those connections? And the way he deliberately referred to Aberforth felt almost as though he wanted to expose their relationship.


    Not far away, Aberforth seemed to notice this as well. He set down the glass he¡¯d been cleaning, his tone dripping with sarcasm. ¡°What¡¯s your plan this time?¡±


    ¡°No plan,¡± Dumbledore replied, shaking his head. ¡°At least, not yet.¡±


    ¡°Really?¡± Aberforth sneered, clearly skeptical. ¡°I thought you had everything under control. The great Dumbledore, master strategist.¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t understand,¡± Dumbledore snapped, his tone rising slightly. ¡°I¡¯m far from perfect¡ªsomething I¡¯ve only recently come to accept. In fact, this boy often sees more clearly than I do.¡±


    Aberforth shot a glance at Kyle, his expression unreadable. It was rare to hear Dumbledore speak so highly of anyone. Still, Aberforth said nothing. It wasn¡¯t his concern. At most, he¡¯d provided the space for the meeting¡ªand charged for it.


    ¡°Speaking of which,¡± Aberforth said gruffly, his tone turning practical, ¡°let¡¯s settle the bill. Your people ordered twelve bottles of Cherry Soda, eighteen bottles of Pumpkin Fizz, nine pints of Butterbeer, and a variety of other drinks. That comes to five hundred Galleons. Pay up.¡±


    Kyle¡¯s eye twitched. Five hundred Galleons? How in Merlin¡¯s name did he calculate that? At The Three Broomsticks, that list of drinks would cost fifty Galleons at most. How had the price ballooned tenfold here? It was outrageous¡ªeven Fred and George, notorious for their markups, only charged Ron double at most.


    "Oh, that''s a fair deal," Dumbledore said without hesitation, placing a bulging pouch of Galleons on the counter. Aberforth took the money, his expression softening slightly. He reverted to his usual taciturn self, letting Dumbledore chatter away without so much as a glance in his direction.


    Kyle watched them, his focus lingering on Dumbledore, who seemed unusually verbose tonight. Something about him didn¡¯t sit right. Kyle couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that the old wizard was hiding something. S§×arch* The nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Then, a thought struck him.


    The idea made Kyle frown. The Time-Turner was an immensely powerful artifact, tempting even for someone as wise as Dumbledore. But its use was perilous, its consequences unpredictable. Could Dumbledore be considering it in a time like this?


    Lost in his thoughts, Kyle barely noticed when Dumbledore approached him. "Alright, we should head back," Dumbledore said lightly. "What¡¯s on your mind?"


    ¡°Oh, nothing,¡± Kyle said quickly, shaking his head. He scrambled for an excuse. ¡°I was just thinking about the meeting earlier. It felt like we all overlooked something important.¡±


    Dumbledore stopped, his interest piqued. ¡°What is it? Speak your mind.¡±


    Though Dumbledore had spent over a month meticulously preparing the meeting, he always gave weight to Kyle¡¯s insights. Kyle didn¡¯t hesitate. ¡°The Ministry of Magic,¡± he said. ¡°It feels like no one considered them.¡±


    ¡°The Ministry of Magic?¡± Dumbledore echoed softly.


    ¡°Yes,¡± Kyle affirmed. ¡°We¡¯ve essentially burned our bridges with Fudge. He¡¯s completely unhinged, accusing anyone who supports the truth about Voldemort¡¯s return¡ªespecially you, Professor.¡±


    Dumbledore nodded slowly, a wry smile tugging at his lips. ¡°Ah, yes. I did have a rather heated disagreement with him.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s precisely the problem,¡± Kyle pressed. ¡°If we ignore this, the Ministry will become a constant obstacle. We can¡¯t fight Voldemort while also dealing with interference from the Ministry. It¡¯s a waste of time and resources.¡±


    Dumbledore fell silent, his expression contemplative. After a moment, he said, ¡°I¡¯ll handle this. I¡¯ll speak with Cornelius myself.¡±


    ¡°With all due respect, Professor,¡± Kyle replied bluntly, ¡°that approach isn¡¯t likely to work anymore. Fudge only visited Hogwarts back then because he was paranoid someone might threaten his position. But things are different now. After Barty Crouch¡¯s demotion to the Department of Magical Transportation, there¡¯s no one left who poses a serious political challenge to him.¡±


    From behind the counter, Aberforth let out a derisive snort. ¡°The great Dumbledore, needing a child to point out something so obvious.¡±


    Dumbledore ignored his brother¡¯s jab, his sharp gaze fixed on Kyle. ¡°What would you suggest?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s simple,¡± Kyle said with a shrug. ¡°Fudge¡¯s attitude is the crux of the issue. If he¡¯s willing to cooperate¡ªor at least refrain from interfering¡ªthat¡¯s ideal. But if not, then perhaps we should consider replacing the Minister of Magic.¡±


    ¡°No,¡± Dumbledore said firmly, his response immediate. ¡°Removing Fudge would create chaos, the kind Voldemort thrives on. We can¡¯t risk that.¡±


    ¡°But isn¡¯t that better than having him undermine us from behind?¡± Kyle countered. ¡°We¡¯re gearing up to face Voldemort and his Death Eaters on the front lines, yet the Ministry¡ªour supposed ally¡ªis actively working against us. That¡¯s the real chaos Voldemort wants.¡±


    ¡°Even so,¡± Dumbledore insisted, ¡°we cannot stoop to that level. If we oust Fudge simply for our own convenience, we become no different from the Death Eaters.¡±


    ¡°Foolish old fool,¡± Aberforth sneered, louder this time. ¡°Your mind¡¯s gone soft, Albus. You can¡¯t even think straight anymore.¡±


    Dumbledore continued to ignore him, his penetrating gaze locked on Kyle. ¡°Promise me,¡± he said gravely, ¡°that you won¡¯t entertain such thoughts again.¡±


    ¡°Well, fine,¡± Kyle replied with a hint of exasperation. ¡°But if we¡¯re not replacing the Minister, I do have another idea. It might shift Fudge¡¯s stance¡ªbut I should warn you, it could slightly tarnish your reputation as a professor.¡±


    ¡°Tell me,¡± Dumbledore said, his tone resolute. ¡°If it means you¡¯ll abandon the idea of replacing him, I¡¯m willing to consider it.¡±


    ¡°Alright,¡± Kyle said, meeting his gaze. ¡°Run for Minister of Magic.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Dumbledore was momentarily taken aback, his usual composure faltering.


    ¡°Not to actually win,¡± Kyle clarified quickly. ¡°Just as a show¡ªto send a clear signal to the wizarding world.¡±

 Chapter 604: Harry’s Decision

    In the quiet of nighttime Hogsmeade, a loud cackle of schadenfreude rang out from The Hog¡¯s Head. Moments later, Dumbledore emerged, his face twisted as if he¡¯d just downed a pint of stale Butterbeer.


    ¡°Kyle, is this really necessary?¡± he asked, his tone deliberate and strained. ¡°In truth, Voldemort requires time to recuperate, and we don¡¯t need to rush solving the Ministry of Magic problem.¡±


    ¡°I trust that, in the meantime, you¡¯ll be able to devise a more suitable plan.¡±


    ¡°Thank you for the compliment, Professor,¡± Kyle replied calmly. ¡°Yes, I¡¯ve already thought of an alternative plan.¡±


    Dumbledore¡¯s eyes lit up with interest. ¡°Let¡¯s hear it.¡±


    Kyle¡¯s expression turned serious. ¡°What about staging a Dementor uprising? A raid on the Ministry. Maybe one or two of them ¡®accidentally¡¯ find their way into the Minister¡¯s office for a little... . It could both address the Ministry¡¯s obstructionism and refocus attention on the Dementors¡ªkilling two birds with one stone.¡±


    Dumbledore turned away, his silence dragging on as they walked. Finally, he spoke, his tone measured yet laced with unease. ¡°The Dementors won¡¯t rebel¡ªat least not now.¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t say they would definitely rebel,¡± Kyle said with a shrug. ¡°I¡¯m just proposing a possibility.¡±


    Dumbledore remained quiet, deep in thought. They had walked as far as Zonko¡¯s Joke Shop before he spoke again, his voice hoarse. ¡°Creating a false impression... I see. But I¡¯ve never orchestrated anything like this before. There¡¯s no guarantee Fudge would believe it.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not that difficult, Professor,¡± Kyle reassured him with a small laugh. ¡°Just stay in touch with a few key figures, like Madam Bones from Magical Law Enforcement or Barty Crouch. If word gets back to Fudge, it¡¯ll certainly catch his attention.¡±


    Dumbledore opened his mouth as if to protest but shook his head instead. A trace of regret flickered across his face, his thoughts seemingly far away. If he had known then what he knew now, he would have lowered his guard on that hill, no matter the cost, to end Voldemort.


    The pair continued in silence until, without warning, Kyle felt a firm grip on his arm. The next moment, with a spinning sensation, he found himself standing in the foyer of 12 Grimmauld Place.


    Mrs. Weasley, startled by their sudden arrival, nearly dropped the tray she was carrying. But her surprise quickly subsided when she recognized the source of the disturbance¡ªonly Dumbledore could Apparate into the Fidelius-protected house.


    ¡°You¡ª¡± she began, but the loud of Dumbledore¡¯s departure interrupted her.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong with him?¡± she asked, her brow furrowed. ¡°He looked pale to me.¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s probably hungry,¡± Kyle replied. ¡°He hasn¡¯t eaten much all day.¡±


    ¡°Oh, By Merlin¡¯s beard! You¡¯ve had such a long day?¡± Mrs. Weasley fussed, ushering Kyle into the kitchen. ¡°Dumbledore should¡¯ve stayed for dinner!¡±


    ¡°He likely had other matters to attend to,¡± Kyle said casually.


    ¡°Well, you should eat anyway,¡± she insisted. ¡°Dinner will be ready soon.¡±


    Kyle nodded, feeling his own hunger catching up to him. Lunch at The Hog¡¯s Head had been edible, but barely¡ªthe undercooked potatoes still lingered unpleasantly in his memory.


    The kitchen was relatively empty, but within minutes, more people began trickling in.


    ¡°Kyle!¡± Ron exclaimed as he entered. ¡°When did you get back? Where were you today?¡±


    ¡°Hogsmeade,¡± Kyle answered succinctly.


    ¡°What were you doing there?¡± Ron pressed, but before Kyle could respond, Mr. Weasley interrupted.


    ¡°Leave it, Ron,¡± he said, patting his son on the shoulder. ¡°If Dumbledore didn¡¯t tell you, it¡¯s not your business to ask.¡±


    ¡°Alright, alright,¡± Ron muttered, retreating reluctantly.


    Ten minutes later, Mrs. Weasley placed a whole roast chicken and a platter of fried fish on the table. The dinner crowd was small tonight¡ªonly Tonks and Moody had joined.


    Tonks looked utterly drained, her hair a dull straw color. Having pulled double shifts as an Auror, she was struggling to keep her eyes open, knowing she was scheduled for night watch again.


    Sensing her exhaustion, Lupin spoke up. ¡°Tonks, you should go to bed after dinner. I¡¯ll take your watch tonight.¡±


    ¡°Really?¡± Tonks¡¯s hair brightened to a vivid red in an instant, but she hesitated. ¡°But you were on night watch yesterday. Are you sure you¡¯ll manage two nights in a row?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll be fine,¡± Lupin assured her. ¡°I¡¯ll catch up on rest during the day.¡±


    ¡°Well, if you¡¯re sure...¡± Tonks yawned widely, unable to hide her relief. ¡°Thanks, Lupin. I¡¯m really worn out these days.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s no trouble,¡± Lupin replied.


    ...


    In the days leading up to the start of term, Kyle maintained his usual routine of spending hours in the library, immersed in books and notes. It wasn¡¯t until the day before school started that his plans shifted.


    ¡°Are you leaving already?¡± Mrs. Weasley asked over breakfast in the kitchen. ¡°Did Dumbledore call for you again?¡±


    Her question caught the attention of everyone at the table, and they glanced at Kyle curiously.


    ¡°No,¡± Kyle replied, shaking his head. ¡°I haven¡¯t seen him recently.¡±


    ¡°Can¡¯t you stay one more day?¡± she pressed. ¡°Sirius can take you to King¡¯s Cross with the others tomorrow morning.¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t,¡± Kyle said. ¡°I came here from the Ministry, and all my holiday homework and books are still at home. School starts tomorrow¡ªI need to get back and fetch them.¡±


    Mrs. Weasley nodded in understanding. Homework and textbooks were no small matter. ¡°Alright, then,¡± she said. After breakfast, she escorted Kyle out to a quiet street in front of Grimmauld Place, where Mr. Weasley was already waiting by a car.


    ¡°Hop in; I¡¯ll give you a lift back to the village,¡± Mr. Weasley offered.


    ¡°There¡¯s no need, Mr. Weasley,¡± Kyle replied. ¡°I can manage on my own.¡±


    ¡°Nonsense,¡± Mrs. Weasley interjected firmly. ¡°Grimmauld Place isn¡¯t exactly near St. Catchpole, and these aren¡¯t normal times. We don¡¯t know where the Death Eaters might be lurking. What if something happens on the way?¡±


    Kyle smiled reassuringly. ¡°They won¡¯t get the chance,¡± he said as he opened the car door and climbed in. ¡°By the way, please keep this a secret for me.¡±


    With a sharp , Kyle vanished on the spot, the sound muffled by the car.


    Inside Grimmauld Place, the others had been watching from a window. For safety reasons, Mrs. Weasley had insisted they stay indoors, but their vantage point provided a perfect view of what had just happened.


    ¡°Apparition?¡± Ron exclaimed, stunned. ¡°Kyle¡¯s only just starting sixth year, and he can already do that?¡±


    Hermione rolled her eyes. ¡°Only if you underestimate him.¡±


    Harry nodded in agreement. ¡°I¡¯m pretty sure he¡¯s known how to do that for a long time.¡±


    ¡°At least a year,¡± Sirius added casually. ¡°I saw him use it this time last year, and he was already quite skilled.¡±


    ¡°Last year?¡± Ron¡¯s jaw dropped. ¡°He was in fifth year then...¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± Sirius confirmed. ¡°At your age, Kyle was already proficient in Apparition.¡±


    Noticing the crestfallen expressions on their faces, Sirius quickly added, ¡°Of course, among your peers, you¡¯re all exceptional as well.¡±


    ¡°No wonder Dumbledore only took him to Hogsmeade,¡± Harry murmured. Then, an idea struck him, and he turned to Sirius with a hopeful look. ¡°Sirius, can you teach us Apparition?¡±


    Ron and Hermione perked up instantly, their eyes lighting up. ¡°Yeah! Can we learn too?¡±


    ¡°Apparition is dangerous,¡± Sirius cautioned. ¡°And according to the rules, you¡¯re not supposed to start learning until your sixth year.¡±


    ¡°Please,¡± Harry pleaded, his eyes fixed on Sirius. Sear?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Sirius hesitated under Harry¡¯s earnest gaze, then sighed. ¡°Alright, fine. But remember¡ªdon¡¯t tell anyone, especially Remus.¡±


    ¡°We promise!¡± the trio said in unison.


    ¡°When will you teach us?¡± Harry asked eagerly.


    ¡°It¡¯s too late to start now,¡± Sirius said, thinking. ¡°How about once school begins? Either the weekend or during the Christmas holidays.¡±


    ¡°No problem!¡±

 Chapter 605: Seeking Help

    After receiving Sirius''s assurance, Harry and the others were overjoyed, eagerly anticipating the start of the school year.


    Kyle, however, did not return to St. Catchpole Village. Almost everything he needed¡ªhomework and other essentials¡ªwas packed neatly in his suitcase, which he carried with him at all times. Even if he forgot a few books, he could simply have them delivered by owl, so there was no need to return home.


    His early departure from 12 Grimmauld Place, however, had an entirely different purpose.


    When the Apparition ended, Kyle found himself in a lush forest. Perched on a pine tree to his left, a colorful Fwooper tilted its head and regarded him curiously.


    ¡°Long time no see, buddy,¡± Kyle greeted, and the Fwooper responded with a cheerful chirp.


    A moment later, a House-elf appeared a short distance ahead, dressed rather peculiarly. He wore a rattan-like armor and a pair of long rubber boots. Initially cautious, the elf¡¯s expression shifted to surprise upon recognizing Kyle.


    ¡°Oh, Mr. Kyle, is that really you?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s me, Dobby,¡± Kyle replied warmly. ¡°How have you been?¡±


    ¡°Thanks to you, Mr. Kyle,¡± Dobby said excitedly. ¡°Dobby loves it here, and it¡¯s wonderful to be able to work here!¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s good to hear,¡± Kyle said with a smile. ¡°Is Newt home?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± Dobby nodded enthusiastically. ¡°Mr. Scamander is taking care of the newborn Demiguises... Oh, Dobby must hurry back to help!¡±


    With that, Dobby turned and darted into the depths of the forest. Kyle followed, and after a short walk, a wooden house seemed to appear out of nowhere.


    The door stood open, and a gray-haired witch was waiting there with a warm smile.


    ¡°I heard Dobby shouting your name just now,¡± Tina said. ¡°Come in¡ªI¡¯ve just baked some biscuits.¡±


    Dobby couldn¡¯t help but roll his eyes. Even now, he struggled with Tina¡¯s firm rule to keep him away from the kitchen. For a House-elf, it felt like torture, but thankfully, there was plenty of other work to do.


    As soon as Kyle stepped inside, Dobby hurried to the innermost room. Not long after, Newt Scamander emerged to greet him.


    ¡°Hogwarts starts tomorrow, doesn¡¯t it?¡± Newt asked.


    Meanwhile, Tina placed a plate of grapefruit cookies in front of Kyle. ¡°I thought you weren¡¯t coming this year,¡± she said.


    ¡°A lot happened over the holidays,¡± Kyle replied, launching into an account of his recent experiences. He told her everything¡ªfrom his encounter with Voldemort to the abrupt interrogation by the Ministry of Magic.


    Tina¡¯s smile faded as she listened, her expression growing serious.


    As an experienced Auror, she found nothing to criticize in Kyle¡¯s actions. When confronted with the unrestrained malice of Death Eaters, he had done what was necessary to protect himself.


    Whether it was using the Fiendfyre Curse or even the Killing Curse, she believed he had acted appropriately. What caught her off guard, however, was the audacity of the Death Eaters to file a complaint with the Ministry¡ªa tactic she had never encountered in her career.


    ¡°Fortunately, there¡¯s Diana,¡± she said, visibly relieved.


    ¡°Yes,¡± Kyle agreed. If Prior Incantato hadn¡¯t worked, the situation would have been far harder to navigate.


    Newt, who had remained silent, let out a sigh of relief. He had known about Kyle¡¯s encounter with Voldemort but hadn¡¯t been aware of the subsequent interrogation.


    ¡°You don¡¯t need to be afraid,¡± Tina said firmly, meeting Kyle¡¯s eyes. ¡°If you encounter Death Eaters again, do the same thing¡ªuse the Fiendfyre Curse, or whatever else is necessary. Your life comes first."


    ¡°And if the Ministry of Magic tries to punish you afterward, don¡¯t worry. If it comes to that, I¡¯ll send you to Ilvermorny; the English Ministry can¡¯t touch you there.¡±


    ¡°Hey, you should trust Dumbledore,¡± Newt interjected softly. ¡°He won¡¯t let Kyle be convicted.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯d better hope so,¡± Tina said dryly.


    She knew Newt¡¯s faith in Dumbledore was absolute, but she also recognized that even Dumbledore had his limits. Sometimes, it was necessary to prepare for the worst.


    Newt, understanding her perspective, chose not to argue further.


    After finishing the biscuits, Newt prepared to return to his suitcase. The Demiguise cub still needed time to acclimate to its surroundings. Although Dobby was helping, Newt couldn''t shake his worry. Kyle followed closely behind.


    ¡°I heard Dumbledore mention that... that man has been resurrected,¡± Newt said as he pulled a blanket from a shelf inside the suitcase. ¡°I offered to help, but Dumbledore refused. He only asked me to write to some friends and invite them to England.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s fine; we can handle it,¡± Kyle replied. He agreed with Dumbledore¡¯s decision. Newt¡¯s expertise was invaluable, but at nearly a hundred years old, there was no need to involve him directly in such perilous matters.


    Moreover, Newt¡¯s unpredictable nature was a factor. While he was exceptional in unfamiliar territories like Paris, in England¡ªon their own ground¡ªit seemed wiser to avoid unnecessary risks unless absolutely necessary.


    The two made their way through the wooded area and past a lake until they arrived at the Demiguise''s lair.


    Dobby was crouched nearby, playing with the newborn Demiguise using a stick tied to a rattan ball. The cub¡¯s fur was a soft grayish brown, and its invisibility ability was inconsistent. It shimmered faintly, resembling a young wizard who had just begun practicing the Disillusionment Charm but hadn¡¯t yet mastered it.


    True invisibility would come with age, as the cub¡¯s fur turned silvery-white. For now, the young Demiguise was vulnerable.


    Hearing footsteps, Dobby turned and greeted them excitedly.


    ¡°Mr. Scamander, I think its invisibility is improving!¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right,¡± Newt said with a smile. ¡°Demiguise cubs learn quickly. By their second day, they can almost completely evade their natural predators. But it will take at least a month for their fur to turn silver.¡±


    ¡°Mr. Scamander, Dobby will take excellent care of it!¡± Dobby assured, thumping his chest.


    ¡°I have no doubt about that,¡± Newt replied warmly, ¡°but it¡¯s better if you don¡¯t linger here too often. Constant proximity can make the cub less vigilant and might even disturb the adult Demiguises."


    ¡°Try hiding over there instead.¡± Newt pointed toward a dense bush nearby.


    Though he didn¡¯t fully understand, Dobby nodded obediently and quickly scampered off to hide in the bush¡ªleaving only one large ear poking out.


    With that, Newt led Kyle to another part of the habitat.


    Since Kyle had traveled such a long way, Newt took the opportunity to introduce him to several magical creatures exhibiting unusual behavior or throwing tantrums. As always, Kyle took on the role of magical creature therapist, helping diagnose their problems.


    By evening, the pair had just emerged from the Mooncalves'' enclosure. sea??h th§× Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    One particular Mooncalf had been ostracized by the herd due to her clumsy dance moves. It was moments like these that highlighted just how magical Newt¡¯s suitcase was¡ªwhere else would you find a Mooncalf with two left feet?


    Newt had spent most of the afternoon coaching the hapless Mooncalf, and the lessons weren¡¯t over yet.


    ¡°Do you want to head back for dinner?¡± Newt asked, glancing at the time. ¡°Or is there somewhere else you¡¯d like to visit?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not hungry yet,¡± Kyle replied with a smile.


    Newt nodded knowingly. ¡°Alright, tell me where you¡¯d like to go. But I must warn you¡ªDumbledore won¡¯t allow certain magical creatures into the castle. That includes the Nundu.¡±


    Kyle¡¯s jaw tightened for a moment.


    He had come to Newt for assistance after all. Diana had been right¡ªthere were alternatives to relying on destructive spells like the Fiendfyre Curse. One of those alternatives had been the Nundu, but Newt had preemptively denied the request.


    ¡°It¡¯s a special situation,¡± Kyle said quietly. ¡°And I¡¯m confident I can control it.¡±


    Newt hesitated. Kyle had a point. The Death Eaters had already targeted him once, and another attack seemed inevitable. This time, they¡¯d even manipulated the Ministry against him. If that tactic failed again, what would they try next?


    Still, a Nundu posed its own risks. ¡°The Nundu doesn¡¯t distinguish between friend or foe,¡± Newt said gravely. ¡°If it attacks, everyone nearby is at risk¡ªeven its own allies.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll be careful,¡± Kyle assured him.


    Newt was silent for a long time before responding. ¡°Just the Nundu?¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s one more,¡± Kyle said, leaning closer to whisper the second request.


    Newt¡¯s eyes widened in alarm, and he immediately shook his head. ¡°No. I can lend you the Nundu, but not this one. It¡¯s far too dangerous. And Dumbledore would never allow it in the castle.¡±


    ¡°That was then,¡± Kyle countered. ¡°The circumstances are different now. The castle itself is no longer a safe haven. In fact, it¡¯s in unprecedented danger."


    ¡°Besides,¡± Kyle added, ¡°it¡¯s part of Hogwarts itself. It has a duty to help protect the school.¡±


    ¡°Even so,¡± Newt said firmly, ¡°I¡¯ll write to Dumbledore. If he agrees, then I won¡¯t object.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s no need,¡± Kyle murmured. ¡°It was mine to begin with.¡±


    Kyle didn¡¯t want Dumbledore involved¡ªhe knew the headmaster might refuse outright.


    ¡°It¡¯s necessary,¡± Newt insisted. ¡°And you¡¯re mistaken about one thing: it can only be entrusted to you after you graduate.¡±


    Kyle sighed and quickly changed the subject. ¡°Why don¡¯t we go check on the Nundu? It must have grown a lot by now.¡±


    ¡°It hasn¡¯t reached adulthood yet,¡± Newt said as they walked, ¡°but it¡¯s grown significantly.¡±

 Chapter 606: The Late Weasley Family

    The next day, King¡¯s Cross Station was as lively as ever, its platforms bustling with travelers. Among them, a peculiar group of passengers stood out, their attire a bit unconventional, and many of them pushing trolleys topped with large birdcages containing owls of various species.


    The newer security guards watched the scene with curiosity, whispering among themselves, while the more experienced guards simply shrugged it off. It was the same every year¡ªlikely some kind of owl festival¡ªand they were well accustomed to the oddity.


    On Platform 9?, the red steam train stood gleaming, surrounded by a hive of activity. Parents bustled about, bidding emotional goodbyes or welcoming children returning from the magical world.


    ¡°Thanks for the lift, Dobby,¡± Kyle said to the cheerful House-elf at his side.


    Since it was the first day of school, Kyle had initially considered taking the Knight Bus, but Dobby had enthusiastically offered to transport him via Apparition. The best part was skipping the crowded station altogether, arriving directly on the hidden platform.


    ¡°Dobby is always happy to help Mr. Kyle,¡± the House-elf said, his voice bright with pride.


    Kyle checked the time. ¡°Harry isn¡¯t here yet. Do you want to wait a few minutes for him?¡±


    Dobby looked tempted to linger, but after a brief hesitation, he shook his head.


    ¡°No, Dobby has much to do today¡ªthe Demiguises need looking after,¡± he said earnestly. ¡°Will Mr. Kyle please say hello to Harry Potter from Dobby?¡±


    ¡°Of course,¡± Kyle replied.


    Hearing the answer, Dobby beamed, gave a low bow, and disappeared with a pop.


    ¡°Kyle!¡±


    Kyle turned to see Kanna walking toward him, dragging her suitcase behind her.


    ¡°When did you get here? I didn¡¯t see you come in through the station entrance,¡± she said, brushing her hair back.


    ¡°A House-elf brought me,¡± Kyle explained. ¡°Apparition.¡±


    ¡°How convenient,¡± Kanna said with a hint of envy.


    Not long after, Cedric and Cho joined them on the platform. However, the Weasleys had yet to arrive, so the group decided to board the train early and find a compartment before it filled up.


    As the train¡¯s departure time neared, they walked from the front of the train toward the back, eventually finding an empty compartment.


    ¡°So, how was everyone¡¯s holiday?¡± Cho asked as she hoisted her luggage onto the shelf. Her tone was less enthusiastic, and her expression was glum. ¡°I spent two months stuck at home. My mum promised to take me on a trip to Sydney, but she canceled at the last minute because of work.¡±


    ¡°I went to Hampshire, to my grandfather¡¯s place,¡± Cedric said. ¡°My dad thought it was safer there, so he packed me off and only picked me up yesterday afternoon.¡±


    He turned to Kyle. ¡°By the way, I heard you received a warning letter from the Ministry of Magic. What happened?¡±


    ¡°You got a warning letter?¡± Kanna asked, her voice tinged with worry.


    Kyle raised an eyebrow. ¡°How do you know about that? It wasn¡¯t in the papers.¡±


    Cedric grinned. ¡°My father told me. I got him drunk yesterday and learned a lot about what¡¯s going on in the Ministry.¡±


    ¡°...¡±


    Kyle stared blankly for a moment.


    ¡°It¡¯s nothing,¡± Kyle said, giving Cedric a look of disbelief before shaking his head. ¡°It¡¯s all been sorted out. Just a misunderstanding.¡±


    ¡°I bet it had something to do with You-Know-Who,¡± Kanna said, her voice laced with concern. ¡°I¡¯ve been reading , and it keeps saying Dumbledore¡¯s gone mad. The Ministry clearly doesn¡¯t want to admit that You-Know-Who is back. That must be why you got dragged into this.¡±


    ¡°It was,¡± Kyle admitted, ¡°but like I said, it¡¯s been handled.¡±


    A loud whistle cut through their conversation.


    ¡°The train¡¯s about to leave,¡± Cedric said, opening the window and sticking his head out for a better look. ¡°That¡¯s strange. Fred and George aren¡¯t here yet. Kyle, weren¡¯t you with them?¡±


    Kyle shook his head. ¡°No, I came alone.¡±


    He found it odd as well. Mrs. Weasley wasn¡¯t the type to let them run late, especially on the first day of school.


    A few minutes later, the whistle sounded again, and the train slowly began to pull out of the station.


    ¡°Looks like they really are late,¡± Cho muttered with a frown.


    ¡°No, they¡¯re here!¡± Kyle exclaimed.


    He glanced out the window just as Fred and George appeared, barely making it in time. The twins Apparated directly into the compartment with a loud crack.


    ¡°Phew... we made it,¡± Fred said, leaning against the door and catching his breath.


    ¡°What happened?¡± Kyle handed him a bottle of Pumpkin Fizz. ¡°Where¡¯s Harry? Why are you two the only ones here?¡±


    ¡°Moody was attacked,¡± Fred said, taking a long drink. ¡°Some Death Eaters broke into his house early this morning.¡±


    ¡°How¡¯s Professor Moody?¡± Cedric asked, his brow furrowed.


    ¡°He¡¯s injured, but nothing too serious,¡± George replied. ¡°Sturgis Podmore happened to be visiting him at the time. Saw a Killing Curse fly right past his head.¡±


    ¡°That was close,¡± Fred said grimly. ¡°Moody could¡¯ve been killed.¡±


    ¡°Not that easily,¡± Cho interjected. ¡°Don¡¯t forget¡ªProfessor Moody is one of the most famous Aurors alive. The Death Eaters couldn¡¯t just take him down like that.¡±


    ¡°Maybe,¡± George said, ¡°but everyone thought it was likely the Death Eaters would try something else, like ambushing Harry at King¡¯s Cross. So they were extra cautious on the way here.¡±


    Fred nodded. ¡°Nobody paid attention to the time, though. We didn¡¯t realize how late we were until we got to the station.¡±


    ¡°George and I were the fastest runners,¡± Fred continued, ¡°but Harry and the others had too much luggage to keep up.¡±


    He stuck his head out of the window for a better look, but the platform had already disappeared from view.


    ¡°Crap. I wonder how Ginny¡¯s going to get to school.¡±


    ¡°Too bad we can¡¯t Apparate people,¡± George said, slumping into a seat.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry,¡± Kyle said reassuringly. ¡°There are plenty of adults with them. They¡¯ll figure it out. Ginny and Ron won¡¯t be left behind.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re right,¡± George agreed, sitting down next to Cedric. ¡°Mum would never let that happen.¡±


    ¡°I just hope they get here soon,¡± Fred said, sitting beside him. ¡°Wait¡ªGeorge, do you think Sirius¡¯s new car can fly?¡±


    The twins froze for a moment, exchanging wide-eyed looks.


    ¡°If it can¡­¡± George said slowly, ¡°I won¡¯t sleep tonight.¡±


    ¡°Me neither,¡± Fred muttered.


    ¡°It¡¯s easy enough to find out when we get to school, isn¡¯t it?¡± Cedric said, attempting to steer the conversation. ¡°But don¡¯t you think it¡¯s strange that the Death Eaters suddenly targeted Professor Moody?¡±


    ¡°Maybe they were trying to find out where Harry is,¡± George suggested. ¡°You-Know-Who¡¯s always wanted to get rid of him.¡±


    ¡°But why Moody, specifically?¡± Fred asked. ¡°He¡¯s not exactly an easy target.¡±


    ¡°You guys¡­¡± Cho hesitated. ¡°Do you think it could have something to do with the Defense Against the Dark Arts curse? It¡¯s odd, isn¡¯t it? Last year was the first time the professors actually made it through the entire year unscathed.¡±


    Her words gave everyone pause.


    It was true. For decades, Defense Against the Dark Arts professors had never lasted more than a year. Last year had been an exception, with both Moody and Sirius completing the term and leaving Hogwarts for the holidays unscathed. sea??h th§× N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Initially, many had assumed the curse was less potent because the role had been shared between two professors. But now, with classes about to resume, Moody had been attacked out of nowhere.


    If this wasn¡¯t connected to the curse, it was an awfully big coincidence.

 Chapter 607: The Start-of-Term Feast

    During the journey following the feast, apart from routine inspections of the train carriages, the conversations consistently circled back to Moody¡¯s attack and the Death Eaters.


    Everyone speculated whether there would be a change in the Defense Against the Dark Arts professor. Would Sirius teach the subject alone this year? And if so, would he become a target for another attack?


    The train steadily moved northward, with the weather remaining as erratic as ever. Rain began to fall again, the rhythmic tapping on the windows creating a drowsy atmosphere.


    Suddenly, the carriage lights flickered on.


    ¡°We¡¯d better change,¡± Cho said, glancing out the rain-speckled window. ¡°We should be there soon.¡± S§×ar?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Fred and George began pulling on their robes, while Cedric opened the compartment door in preparation for their arrival.


    The train eventually slowed, a cacophony of noise rising as students crowded the aisles, eager to disembark. Since Prefects were responsible for maintaining order, Kyle and the others were among the last to leave their compartment.


    A man holding a lantern called for the first-year students to step forward, but the lantern was much lower than usual.


    ¡°That¡¯s not Hagrid,¡± Fred noted, his brows furrowing. ¡°Do you know who she is?¡±


    It was a witch¡ªnot Hagrid¡¯s familiar, unkempt figure. Instead, she was neatly dressed, her hair impeccably styled as she organized the first-year students with practiced authority.


    ¡°She¡¯s Wilhelmina Grubbly-Plank,¡± Kyle said suddenly. ¡°A renowned Magizoologist. She¡¯s written several articles on Unicorns.¡±


    ¡°Magizoology?¡± George echoed. ¡°You don¡¯t think the school¡¯s replacing Hagrid, do you?¡±


    ¡°I doubt it,¡± Kyle replied, shaking his head. ¡°Hagrid¡¯s probably just handling something important. She¡¯s likely here to fill in temporarily.¡±


    In truth, Kyle suspected Hagrid and Madam Maxime were still with the Giants, attempting to recruit them to the Order of the Phoenix rather than the Death Eaters. It was a delicate and dangerous mission. The Giants were naturally violent, and the Death Eaters¡¯ ideology was a far easier sell. Success would hinge entirely on Hagrid¡¯s persuasiveness.


    Not dwelling on the matter further, the group followed the crowd toward the carriages. Along the way, Kyle noticed Kanna sneaking glances at him.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± he asked, curious.


    ¡°Nothing,¡± Kanna said, shaking her head. ¡°I just feel like you¡¯re in a good mood. Something good happen?¡±


    ¡°Sort of... but was it that obvious?¡± Kyle asked, touching his face as if checking for signs.


    ¡°Not obvious, but I can tell,¡± Kanna replied with a smile. ¡°And on the train, you didn¡¯t slack off either. You used to pass all the Prefect duties to Cedric.¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s not wrong,¡± Cedric added quietly.


    Kyle gave a sheepish laugh. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. That won¡¯t happen again.¡±


    ¡°It better not,¡± Cedric said with mock sternness. ¡°I¡¯m in seventh year now¡ªgraduating next year. I can¡¯t come back just to help you keep order.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not a bad idea,¡± Kyle said, grinning.


    His good mood stemmed entirely from the previous night. After recounting to Newt every detail of his encounter with Voldemort and the Death Eaters¡¯ subsequent schemes, Newt had finally set aside his idea of writing to Dumbledore.


    Of course, Kyle had promised never to use the suitcase¡¯s contents unless confronted by Death Eaters. It was an easy promise to make¡ªKyle had already decided as much beforehand.


    Now armed with three powerful trump cards, Kyle felt more secure than ever. Even if he were to face Voldemort directly, he could hold his own long enough to escape unscathed.


    Buoyed by this confidence, it was hard not to feel happy, though he hadn¡¯t realized it was noticeable. Evidently, Kanna had a knack for reading him.


    Still, she didn¡¯t press further, and the group climbed into an empty carriage. The Thestrals pulling it began their steady journey toward the castle.


    About ten minutes later, the carriage came to a halt at the stone steps leading to the oak front gates.


    Fred was the first to jump off. He glanced toward the fields.


    ¡°There¡¯s no light in Hagrid¡¯s hut,¡± Fred observed, squinting toward the darkened structure.


    ¡°That¡¯s for sure,¡± Cho agreed as she climbed down from the carriage. ¡°If he were here, Mrs. Grubbly-Plank wouldn¡¯t need to step in to welcome the first-years. Hurry up and get inside¡ªit¡¯s freezing out here.¡±


    ¡°Oh, okay,¡± Fred said quickly, jogging to catch up with the crowd making their way up the stone steps.


    They passed through the warm, welcoming foyer and headed toward the doors of the Great Hall on the right, eager to join the Start-of-Term Feast.


    ¡°Look, I told you they¡¯d make it,¡± Kyle said, pointing to the Gryffindor table as soon as they entered the hall.


    Sure enough, Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Ginny were seated at the front row, waving energetically. They were clearly the first to arrive, having already claimed their spots.


    Kyle guessed that Mrs. Weasley must have used Apparition to transport them directly to Hogsmeade before they returned to the castle¡ªa quick and efficient solution.


    Fred and George immediately made a beeline for the Gryffindor table, eager to interrogate their siblings about the morning¡¯s chaotic events. Cho peeled off toward the Ravenclaw table, while Kyle, Kanna, and Cedric found their way to the Hufflepuff table, settling into a row of empty seats along the side.


    Once seated, Cedric anxiously scanned the teachers¡¯ table.


    ¡°Oh, good,¡± he muttered with relief.


    Sirius was seated in his usual place, signaling that he remained the Defense Against the Dark Arts professor.


    Given the difficulty of finding reliable instructors for the cursed position, it was reassuring that Sirius was still there. While he might not be as skilled as Professor Moody, he was undeniably competent¡ªcertainly better than the likes of Quirrell or Lockhart.


    The only question was how long Sirius would stay. Cedric hoped he could last through the semester. After that, Cedric would graduate, and the matter of professors would no longer concern him. That problem would fall squarely onto Kyle¡¯s shoulders.


    Lost in thought, Cedric suddenly noticed Kyle staring intently at the teacher¡¯s table.


    ¡°What are you looking at?¡± he asked curiously.


    Kyle shook his head, snapping out of his thoughts.


    He had been surprised not to see Dolores Umbridge among the staff. However, upon reflection, it made sense.


    Given recent events, Umbridge was likely preoccupied with the Wizengamot. Kyle had filed a formal application via owl to Amelia Bones at the Department of Magical Law Enforcement just days ago, and by now, the Wizengamot should have taken action. As someone directly implicated, Umbridge would have her hands full and no time to meddle at Hogwarts.


    Kyle thought, his mood brightening. At least he wouldn¡¯t have to deal with that brainless tyrant for the time being.


    Feeling considerably lighter, he even found himself enjoying the Sorting Hat¡¯s song this year, though he had to admit it wasn¡¯t particularly well-written. It seemed to be based on an existing melody, but with a serious, slightly disjointed warning tacked on: a call for unity among the students.


    While most students discussed the oddity of the song, those more informed understood its true significance¡ªthe Sorting Hat was issuing a warning.


    After the Sorting Hat finished its song, Professor McGonagall stepped forward, a list of new students in her hands. Her stern gaze swept over the students who were still whispering, and the hall quickly fell silent.


    Scanning the list, she called out the first name loudly:


    ¡°Euan Abercrombie.¡±


    A nervous boy stumbled forward and was eventually sorted into Gryffindor, prompting an enthusiastic round of applause from the house table.


    The sorting continued, with the line of new students gradually dwindling. About half an hour later, the last name was called, and the final student was sorted into Hufflepuff.


    Kyle joined in the applause, welcoming the new addition to his house.


    With the sorting complete, the feast officially began. All sorts of delicious dishes appeared on the tables as if by magic. Those who had eaten only lightly on the train quickly turned their attention to the spread before them.


    Kyle served himself a hearty piece of beef rib and made sure to grab an extra piece for Kanna. He remembered this dish as a specialty of the House-elves, something he had enjoyed once before during a late-night snack last year.


    The meal concluded with an assortment of desserts. At Kanna¡¯s recommendation, Kyle tried a pudding with orange marmalade. The sweet and tangy flavors provided the perfect finishing touch to the feast.


    As the plates cleared themselves and the food vanished, Dumbledore stood, and the Great Hall once again fell silent.


    ¡°Well,¡± Dumbledore began, his tone cheerful yet commanding, ¡°while we digest that sumptuous meal, I ask for your attention for the usual start-of-term reminders.¡±


    His twinkling gaze swept the room as he continued.


    ¡°First-years are reminded that the Forbidden Forest is strictly off-limits to all students. This includes older students as well.¡±


    A ripple of murmured agreement passed through the hall, and Dumbledore proceeded.


    ¡°There are also two changes to our teaching staff this year. First, Professor Moody is unable to continue teaching for certain reasons. However, I am pleased to announce that Professor Black has graciously agreed to take over the Defense Against the Dark Arts course for the next three years.¡±


    A wave of applause erupted across the Great Hall¡ªexcept at the Slytherin table, where the silence was deafening. It was no secret that Slytherins would prefer Sirius gone from Hogwarts, just as much as Gryffindors dreamed of Snape¡¯s departure.


    ¡°And,¡± Dumbledore continued, ¡°I am pleased to introduce Professor Grubbly-Plank, who will be teaching Care of Magical Creatures as the interim until our Gamekeeper returns.¡±


    Professor Grubbly-Plank rose from her seat, nodding politely. The applause that followed was polite and restrained.


    ¡°Lastly, this year¡¯s Quidditch tryouts will take place during the second week of term.¡±


    ¡°Great!¡± Cedric exclaimed, pumping his fist in excitement.


    He had been waiting for this moment. Last year, the Quidditch season had been canceled due to the Triwizard Tournament, and Cedric had been itching to get back on the pitch.


    ¡°Kyle,¡± Cedric said with a grin, ¡°we¡¯re definitely going to win the Quidditch Cup this year, right?¡±


    ¡°Of course,¡± Kyle said confidently. ¡°Consider it your graduation gift.¡±


    ¡°That would be fantastic,¡± Cedric said, his smile broadening.


    Kyle clapped him on the shoulder. ¡°Since you¡¯re in such a good mood¡­ how about you take care of the new students next?¡±


    ¡°Sure, no problem,¡± Cedric replied without thinking.


    A moment later, the clatter of chairs and the hum of conversation reminded him of what that meant.


    Dumbledore had just announced the end of the feast, and the students were beginning to file out of the Great Hall, heading to their dormitories. Prefects were responsible for guiding the new students to their respective houses, ensuring they found their way safely.


    Realizing Kyle had passed the responsibility onto him yet again, Cedric groaned inwardly. He had agreed without hesitation¡ªand now he was stuck with the task.

 Chapter 608: The Dismissal of Dumbledore

    For the first few days of the school year, a peculiar atmosphere hung over the castle.


    The most obvious sign was the influx of owls at breakfast. Every morning, a flood of letters arrived, far more than usual. Typically, this time of year was filled with chatter and excitement as students shared holiday stories and laughed over their meals. But now, the Great Hall was eerily subdued.


    Students were absorbed in reading and responding to letters, their attention fixed on parchment rather than conversation. The lively chatter had been replaced with the sound of quills scratching, and if an outsider were to observe, they might assume everyone was cramming for an important exam.


    This strange shift in mood had persisted since the very first day of school.


    ¡°My mom¡¯s asking about school again,¡± Justin Finch-Fletchley muttered at breakfast, tossing a half-read letter aside. ¡°That¡¯s the fifth letter in just a few days. Dad¡¯s written, too. It¡¯s like they think there¡¯s a madman loose in the castle, ready to snap at any moment.¡±


    ¡°Isn¡¯t that exactly the case?¡± Zacharias Smith said from across the table. He finished scribbling a reply and handed it to the owl perched nearby.


    ¡°That old fool Dumbledore is just making a spectacle out of Harry Potter to grab attention,¡± Zacharias continued. ¡°A headmaster as famous as him, pandering to frauds. No wonder parents are worried.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t think Professor Dumbledore would do something like that,¡± Ernie Macmillan said quietly.


    He agreed with Justin and trusted Dumbledore, but he refrained from arguing with Zacharias directly. ¡°My family reads , and they¡¯ve suggested I not come back to Hogwarts. But, of course, I still came. I don¡¯t want to give up on magic.¡±


    ¡°Well,¡± Zacharias replied, ¡°I have to write home every day to assure my family I¡¯m safe here. It¡¯s their condition for letting me stay.¡±


    ¡°That sounds exhausting,¡± Ernie muttered.


    Mikel, sitting nearby, couldn¡¯t resist cutting in. ¡°If you¡¯re so worried, why not just stay home? You¡¯d save yourself the trouble of writing a letter every day.¡± S§×arch* The ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°I don¡¯t mind the parchment,¡± Zacharias said flatly, ¡°and why should I give up my education because of two liars? They¡¯re the ones who should leave.¡±


    ¡°Dumbledore is not a liar,¡± Ryan retorted firmly. ¡°He¡¯s the greatest headmaster Hogwarts has ever seen. My family believes in him completely.¡±


    ¡°Same here,¡± Mikel chimed in.


    Zacharias shrugged indifferently. ¡°The has made it clear. If you lot want to be stubborn, that¡¯s your choice.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re the one being stubborn,¡± Mikel shot back. ¡°Believing the over Professor Dumbledore is ridiculous. That paper¡¯s rotten for even questioning him.¡±


    Zacharias¡¯ jaw tightened. ¡°If Dumbledore wants my belief, he can provide solid proof that You-Know-Who is back. Until then, I¡¯ll trust over baseless claims.¡±


    Pushing his plate aside, he added, ¡°Oh, by the way, the Dumbledore you¡¯re defending? He¡¯s been expelled from both the Wizengamot and the International Confederation of Wizards for losing his marbles.¡±


    With that, Zacharias stood and left the Great Hall.


    The conversation left an awkward silence at the Hufflepuff table as everyone exchanged uncertain glances.


    ¡°It¡¯s normal for some people not to believe, right?¡± Justin said, trying to break the tension.


    ¡°Ha, who cares if he believes it or not,¡± Susan Bones said, shrugging. ¡°Whoever decided to expel Professor Dumbledore is going to regret it.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re absolutely right,¡± Justin agreed, and the mood at the table began to recover. Soon, the conversation grew lively again.


    Not far away, Cedric had been listening to the exchange. Frowning, he turned to Kyle. ¡°Zacharias must be talking nonsense. The Wizengamot and the International Confederation of Wizards couldn¡¯t possibly expel Professor Dumbledore. That¡¯s impossible.¡±


    ¡°Actually¡­ it¡¯s true,¡± Kyle said, lowering the he had been reading.


    The front page bore a glaring headline confirming that Dumbledore had indeed been removed from both positions. The article dripped with mockery, painting him as a senile old man who had finally faced the consequences of his absurd claims.


    Though many Hogwarts students still trusted Dumbledore unconditionally, it was clear that the larger wizarding world¡ªlike Fudge¡ªrefused to believe in Voldemort¡¯s return.


    When Kyle attended the meeting at the Hog''s Head during the holidays, he noticed that the turnout wasn¡¯t particularly high¡ªonly about thirty people. Yet those numbers had been enough to sway decisions, tipping the balance in Dumbledore¡¯s expulsion.


    The International Confederation of Wizards had expelled Dumbledore, widely regarded as the most powerful wizard of the age. Kyle couldn¡¯t help but marvel at the sheer audacity of what seemed like magical manipulation.


    However, Dumbledore didn¡¯t appear surprised by the outcome. At the end of the Start-of-Term Feast, his closing words carried a poignant message:


    ¡°You-Know-Who is very skilled at sowing discord and hostility. We must counter this with unyielding friendship and trust¡­¡±


    Kyle reflected on those words. Perhaps it Voldemort¡¯s intention to isolate Dumbledore from the larger wizarding community, to weaken him by undermining his credibility. A divided wizarding world would only serve Voldemort¡¯s interests, and as long as he remained in the shadows, such misunderstandings would persist.


    Yet another possibility occurred to Kyle¡ªone far more calculated. What if Dumbledore¡¯s expulsion had been orchestrated deliberately?


    The newspaper had reported that the Wizengamot vote was 19 to 21, passing the motion to expel Dumbledore by a razor-thin margin of two votes. But Kyle knew there were fifty full members of the Wizengamot with voting rights. Why had only forty participated?


    Did the remaining ten abstain? Or had they been absent altogether?


    A similar scenario had unfolded with the International Confederation of Wizards. Once again, there were fewer votes cast, and the decision had passed by the same narrow margin.


    If this had been part of a larger strategy, Kyle could only speculate about Dumbledore¡¯s motives. Was he trying to lull Voldemort into a false sense of security? Or did he have an entirely different plan in mind?


    Kyle shook his head, deciding not to dwell on it further. Instead, he picked up a letter lying next to him¡ªthe only piece of good news he had received that day.


    It was from the Wizengamot, confirming the conclusion of the hearing regarding Lucius Malfoy, Igor Karkaroff, Walden Macnair, and Dolores Umbridge.


    The letter outlined the details: Lucius and the others had voluntarily dropped the charges they had filed against Kyle.


    Things had moved far more quickly than Kyle had anticipated. The investigation into Barty Crouch Jr. had dragged on for over half a year, yet this case had been resolved in mere days.


    As for the outcome, the letter stated that Lucius, Karkaroff, and Macnair would publish public apologies in the newspaper and pay a hefty fine.


    Umbridge, however, had faced no repercussions. She had simply claimed she had been misled and was let off with no punishment.


    Kyle couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that this leniency reeked of appeasement.


    His eyes landed on a familiar name in the letter: Cornelius Fudge. The Minister of Magic¡¯s involvement likely explained everything.


    ¡°I really don¡¯t know how this will end,¡± Cedric said with a sigh. ¡°What if the Hogwarts Board of Governors starts believing too? I don¡¯t want anyone but Professor Dumbledore as headmaster in my seventh year.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about that,¡± Kyle reassured him. ¡°The one role Dumbledore will relinquish is Hogwarts headmaster.¡±

 Chapter 609: He Gave Far Too Much

    The first Defense Against the Dark Arts class of the term was with Sirius Black. For many students, it was a novelty¡ªthey had never had the same professor for the subject two years in a row. Of course, this was only true for students below sixth year; last year, Moody had taught them.


    Technically, Sirius was the sixth Defense Against the Dark Arts professor they¡¯d had, but being younger and less seasoned than Moody, he brought his own distinct energy to the role.


    By the time class began, the room was already packed. Sirius¡¯ legendary past had made him an object of fascination, and students were eager to experience his teaching firsthand.


    ¡°I asked Justin about his class,¡± said Mikel, already seated with his textbook out and an eager look on his face. ¡°He said Sirius¡¯ lessons are interesting¡ªexcept for the occasional... unpleasant incident.¡±


    ¡°Unpleasant?¡± Kanna frowned. ¡°Does he assign a lot of homework?¡±


    Although Sirius had occasionally helped Moody with lessons last year, those were predetermined by Moody and largely review sessions. Nobody truly knew Sirius¡¯ independent teaching style.


    ¡°No, quite the opposite,¡± Mikel replied, shaking his head. ¡°From what I¡¯ve heard, he almost never gives homework. I envied his class for that all last year.¡±


    ¡°Then what¡¯s unpleasant about it?¡± Kanna asked skeptically.


    ¡°It hurts,¡± Ryan chimed in.


    Before the conversation could continue, the classroom door swung open, and Sirius strode in. His expression was cheerful, and he didn¡¯t seem at all fazed by the challenge of handling lessons for three separate year groups.


    ¡°Good morning, everyone,¡± Sirius greeted, waving his wand to open the curtains and flood the room with sunlight.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think I need an introduction,¡± he said with a smile. ¡°Put your books away¡ªyou won¡¯t need them for the first lesson.¡±


    The students eagerly obeyed, and Mikel, who was quick to shelve his book, muttered to himself,


    ¡°I¡¯ve reviewed your progress with Professor Moody,¡± Sirius continued. ¡°And I must say, he was an excellent teacher. Your O.W.L. results are proof of that."


    ¡°Almost everyone received decent marks, and even Professor Marchbanks, who oversaw the exams, was impressed. She said she¡¯d never seen so many high scores in Defense Against the Dark Arts, which usually has some of the lowest marks.¡±


    The students straightened their backs in pride. Moody had been strict and assigned a mountain of work, but their grades had improved significantly because of it. Some students had even jumped from an Acceptable (A) to an Outstanding (O), securing certificates they¡¯d thought were out of reach.


    ¡°But,¡± Sirius said, shifting his tone, ¡°this year, you¡¯ve got me as your professor. And let me tell you something¡ªI¡¯ve always believed that the essence of Defense Against the Dark Arts isn¡¯t in grades or theory, but in practical combat." S§×ar?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°Dark magic is unpredictable, ever-changing. When you encounter it in the real world, you¡¯ll find that textbooks won¡¯t save you. Only quick instincts and sharp reflexes will.¡±


    Sirius¡¯ face grew serious, and his tone left no room for doubt.


    ¡°So before you face the real thing, you need to know where your weaknesses are. And the fastest way to learn that... is to experience it yourself.¡±


    Sirius drew his wand, and the room seemed to hum with anticipation.


    ¡°Lockhart¡¯s Duelling Club was a decent idea, even if poorly executed. Unfortunately, it only lasted one session. If it had continued, your skills would be much stronger by now."


    ¡°But it¡¯s not too late.¡±


    He moved to the other side of the classroom, clearing away piles of miscellaneous items and magically levitating them outside.


    ¡°I believe practical experience is worth far more than lectures. So for the next few lessons, dueling will be our focus. You¡¯d better be ready for it.¡±


    He paused, his gaze sweeping the room.


    ¡°I¡¯ll do my best to prevent injuries, but there¡¯s always a risk. If anyone doesn¡¯t want to participate, now¡¯s your chance to speak up.¡±


    Not a single hand was raised. If anything, the students appeared even more enthusiastic, their excitement palpable.


    ¡°Good,¡± Sirius said, nodding in approval. ¡°I knew you¡¯d make the right choice. Now, let¡¯s make some adjustments to the classroom.¡±


    He instructed everyone to stand up, then waved his wand. Tables, chairs, and even the podium floated out of the windows in a neat line, leaving the room entirely empty.


    Sirius had chosen the largest classroom available, and now, without the furniture, it looked even more expansive.


    With another flick of his wand, a small platform appeared beneath his feet.


    ¡°For today¡¯s lesson, we won¡¯t be covering new material. Instead, we¡¯ll test your practical skills.¡±


    He gestured to the platform.


    ¡°Here¡¯s the challenge: you have five minutes to use any Charm you like to get me off this platform. If you succeed, you¡¯ll earn ten points for your house.¡±


    The room erupted into excitement, students jostling to be first in line.


    ¡°Professor, let me try!¡±


    ¡°Pick me, Professor!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m the future dueling champion of Hogwarts¡ªI¡¯ll show you how it¡¯s done!¡±


    ...


    The classroom buzzed with anticipation, students eagerly calling out for their turn. Sirius scanned the room with a calm smile before his eyes landed on Kyle.


    ¡°Kyle, how about you?¡±


    ¡°No problem,¡± Kyle replied smoothly, stepping forward. He eyed the platform Sirius stood on. ¡°Just to confirm, as long as I make you fall off, I pass, right?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s the goal¡­ but I¡¯m stepping down for now.¡± Sirius hopped off the platform, his expression turning serious. ¡°I want everyone to understand¡ªthis isn¡¯t a game.¡±


    Kyle nodded in understanding and pulled out his wand. The chatter around them died down instantly.


    Without anyone giving instructions, a few students darted to the corners of the room, creating a clear space around Kyle and Sirius. The others followed suit, pressing back to watch the duel unfold.


    There was no formal preamble. The moment Kyle and Sirius faced each other, the duel began abruptly.


    Sirius fired a spell without warning, but in the next second, it rebounded toward him even faster than it had been cast.


    ¡°Oh, nice¡­¡± Sirius murmured, dodging with a sharp bend of his knees. He didn¡¯t even catch when Kyle had cast the Shield Charm, but the timing was perfect.


    As Sirius avoided the spell, sharp stone spikes erupted from the floor, aimed directly at him. Sirius reacted quickly, sweeping his wand in a clean arc. The spikes shattered into powder, scattering across the ground.


    The fragments, however, began to wriggle unnaturally, reshaping into a pack of stone hounds of various sizes. They snarled and charged at Kyle, aiming to snatch his wand.


    Kyle took a measured step back, pointing his wand at the assortment of small objects¡ªhairpins, jellybeans, and other debris¡ªthat had fallen during the classroom¡¯s clearing.


    With a flick of his wand, the random items transformed into a swarm of miniature Norwegian sturgeons. The shrunken fish flopped forward, crashing into the stone hounds and engaging them in a chaotic, thrashing battle.


    Sirius seized the opportunity to straighten up and grinned broadly. ¡°Excellent transfiguration! Hufflepuff earns twenty points!¡±


    As he spoke, Sirius swiftly cast two more spells, all the while winking dramatically at Kyle when the students couldn¡¯t see.


    Kyle¡¯s mouth twitched in exasperation. He had just finished warming up, and now Sirius was signaling him to wrap it up? Wasn¡¯t that a bit much?


    With a sigh of resignation, Kyle decided to oblige. After all, this was still a lesson, and dragging it out wasn¡¯t practical.


    Dropping his Shield Charm intentionally, Kyle allowed himself to be hit by Sirius¡¯ Scouring Charm. The impact made him stumble back a few steps, but he kept his footing.


    ¡°Not bad, not bad at all,¡± Sirius declared with a grin, stowing his wand and clapping his hands. ¡°I have to say, you¡¯re the most outstanding young wizard I¡¯ve ever seen¡ªHufflepuff earns another thirty points!¡±


    The room erupted into applause as Kyle returned to the crowd.


    ¡°A Scouring Charm? In a duel?¡± Kanna whispered curiously as Kyle rejoined her.


    ¡°You caught that?¡± Kyle said, surprised. ¡°I don¡¯t think Sirius mentioned it aloud.¡±


    ¡°I noticed,¡± Kanna replied, pointing at his robes. ¡°At breakfast, an owl spilled some pumpkin juice on you. But now your robes are spotless.¡±


    Kyle shrugged. ¡°Fair enough. A cleaning spell doesn¡¯t have much use in a duel, but it¡¯s not like we were going to keep going all class.¡±


    ¡°So, you just¡­ let him win?¡±


    ¡°Had to,¡± Kyle said with a smirk. ¡°He gave me way too much¡ªfifty points for one duel. That¡¯s excessive.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s true,¡± Kanna said with a laugh. ¡°Still, it¡¯s a lot.¡±

 Chapter 610: Sirius Has Been Taken Away?

    Kyle quickly came to understand why Sirius was so popular among the students at Hogwarts.


    For the students, the duels Sirius offered¡ªhighly interactive and freeform¡ªwere far more exciting than sitting in a classroom and taking notes. These lessons also played to Sirius¡¯ strengths. While his teaching ability wasn¡¯t extraordinary, his skill and combat experience were impressive.


    Among the sixth-year students, only five¡ªexcluding Kyle¡ªmanaged to successfully knock Sirius off the platform. Most of the others, despite their enthusiasm and loud exclamations, lacked versatility and adaptability. A simple Shield Charm from Sirius was enough to maintain his dominance.


    Still, even those who didn¡¯t earn points left the class looking satisfied.


    ¡°That was fantastic. I like Professor Black¡ªhis classes are much more interesting than Professor Moody¡¯s,¡± Mikel said as they exited the classroom. ¡°Now that classes are over, do you want to play a couple of games of wizard chess?¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t,¡± Kyle replied with a shake of his head. ¡°I have to attend the advanced Transfiguration class.¡±


    ¡°Oh, right,¡± Mikel said with a nod of understanding. ¡°Of course you¡¯d meet the requirements for that...¡±


    By sixth year, the class schedule had undergone significant changes. Classes were now divided into two tiers: standard classes, similar to previous years, and advanced classes, also known as N.E.W.T. classes.


    Advanced classes were held only once a week per subject but required students to meet specific O.W.L. score thresholds, functioning somewhat like exclusive clubs run by the professors.


    Kyle and Kanna walked into the corridor, heading for Professor McGonagall¡¯s classroom. Upon arriving, they found that only ten students had qualified for her advanced  class.


    In Hufflepuff, only Kyle and Kanna met the requirements. From Ravenclaw, there were three students, including Cho. Gryffindor and Slytherin contributed two and three students, respectively.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t this a bit too small?¡± Cho whispered as they entered the large classroom. ¡°This is the first time a Transfiguration Class has felt so empty.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s no helping it,¡± Kyle said with a shrug. ¡°Professor McGonagall has the highest standards of any subject. Cedric told me last year¡¯s class was just as small.¡±


    ¡°I wonder what she¡¯ll teach us,¡± Cho said, her tone tinged with curiosity and excitement.


    The answer came soon enough.


    Professor McGonagall stood at the center of the room and announced calmly, ¡°Today, we begin with Human Body Transfiguration. It is not the most difficult branch of Transfiguration, but it is the most dangerous.¡±


    A collective silence fell over the room.


    ¡°This type of Transfiguration involves transforming parts of your own body. If the spell fails, or if there is an error, it¡¯s not a matter of starting over¡ªit¡¯s a matter of being sent directly to the Hospital Wing.¡±


    The weight of her words was clear, and everyone nodded gravely.


    ¡°Since all of you are advanced students,¡± McGonagall continued, ¡°I have an additional requirement. Do not speak aloud. Instead, recite the incantation silently in your mind. This skill will be critical to earning your N.E.W.T. certification.¡±


    The students exchanged uneasy glances but nodded again.


    Professor Flitwick had mentioned something similar during the previous day¡¯s Charms class, though he hadn¡¯t expected his students to attempt silent casting until a month into the term. Here, however, Professor McGonagall demanded it from the very first lesson.


    For many, sixth year was supposed to be easier than the grueling fifth year. But for those striving for multiple N.E.W.T.s, the workload only became heavier, with new challenges layered on top of old ones.


    For this first lesson, McGonagall set a relatively simple task: transforming one¡¯s hand into a small cactus.


    Compared to animal Transfiguration, plant-based transformations were slightly easier, and by the end of class, everyone had succeeded.


    Around the room, students marveled at their transformed hands, which now resembled cacti of varying shapes and sizes. The sight was oddly amusing.


    One Ravenclaw girl went a step further, adding a Golden-banded Hydrangea to her cactus. While her effort was impressive, McGonagall gave no additional praise, pointing out that cacti do not naturally produce Golden-banded Hydrangeas.


    As the class ended, most students packed up and left, but Kanna stayed behind to speak with Professor McGonagall.


    Kyle waited outside the classroom for a few minutes. Eventually, Kanna emerged, walking alongside Professor McGonagall.


    ¡°Then it¡¯s settled¡ªevery Tuesday and Friday at 6 p.m.,¡± Professor McGonagall said firmly, her gaze flicking to Kyle before settling on Kanna. ¡°And remember, you have to find the classroom yourself. That¡¯s our tradition, and it¡¯s part of the test.¡±


    ¡°I understand,¡± Kanna replied.


    After McGonagall departed, Kyle turned to Kanna, his curiosity evident. ¡°What did she say to you?¡±


    ¡°She invited me to join the Transfiguration Club,¡± Kanna said, her smile bright and her tone tinged with excitement.


    Kyle¡¯s own smile grew. He knew how exclusive McGonagall¡¯s Transfiguration Club was¡ªthere were only about a dozen members in the entire school, and he himself had joined in third year, making him one of the earliest members.


    ¡°If you ask me, Professor McGonagall should¡¯ve invited you three years ago,¡± Kyle said, genuinely pleased. ¡°Do you want me to give you a hint about finding the entrance to the classroom? It¡¯s not easy to locate.¡±


    ¡°Absolutely not!¡± Kanna shook her head emphatically. ¡°You heard what Professor McGonagall said¡ªit¡¯s part of the test. I don¡¯t want to pass by cheating.¡±


    She hesitated before adding, ¡°If I really can¡¯t find it, then¡­ it probably means I¡¯m not ready to join the club yet.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not going to happen,¡± Kyle said with confidence. ¡°You¡¯ll find it, no problem.¡±


    Kanna returned his smile, though her nervousness was still apparent.


    ¡°Is the Transfiguration Club like the advanced class we just had?¡± she asked as they made their way to the Great Hall. ¡°Do you meet every week to learn harder material or talk about spellcasting tips?¡±


    ¡°That happens sometimes,¡± Kyle replied after a moment of thought. ¡°For example, I was introduced to human body transformations back in fourth year because of the club."


    ¡°But more often, we focus on the extended applications of Transfiguration¡ªlike multiple transformations or partial transformations. Those topics aren¡¯t covered in the textbooks.¡±


    ¡°Really?¡± Kanna said, nodding thoughtfully. ¡°That¡¯s completely different from the Potions Club.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s the Potions Club like?¡± Kyle asked.


    He hadn¡¯t joined the Potions Club, nor had Snape ever invited him.


    ¡°The Potions Club is more straightforward,¡± Kanna explained. ¡°Professor Snape teaches us special ways of handling potion ingredients that aren¡¯t in the books, but make things much easier."


    ¡°He also lets us brew advanced potions¡ªabout two years ahead of the regular curriculum.¡±


    ¡°Interesting,¡± Kyle remarked.


    ¡°You¡¯ll see for yourself soon,¡± Kanna added. ¡°I remember some older students mentioning that the Potions Club is quite similar to the advanced potions class on our timetables.¡±


    ¡°Oh?¡± Kyle raised an eyebrow.


    His schedule did indeed include an advanced potions class next Monday, though he had initially thought Snape would refuse him entry since he hadn¡¯t completed the OWL. If the class was just about learning new techniques for handling ingredients, Kyle felt confident¡ªhe already knew most of those methods.


    As they chatted, the two reached the Hufflepuff table and sat down for lunch. S~ea??h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    While eating, Kyle overheard a conversation between a group of fifth-year students seated nearby.


    ¡°Why do you think the Ministry of Magic is after Professor Black?¡± one of them asked.


    ¡°I heard it¡¯s because someone got hurt in his class,¡± another replied.


    ¡°But didn¡¯t he give us a warning? Why didn¡¯t the Ministry come after him last year?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡±

 Chapter 611: The Ignored Umbridge

    When Kyle first overheard the news, he thought it was some sort of joke. But as more fifth years joined the conversation, the truth of it became undeniable. Even the Gryffindor fifth years were buzzing about it, and Harry, Ron, and Hermione hadn¡¯t even come to the Great Hall for dinner.


    Kyle turned to Susan Bones, the nearest fifth-year Hufflepuff, and asked, ¡°Susan, did you say Professor Black was taken away by the Ministry of Magic?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± Susan replied, her expression grave. ¡°Defense Against the Dark Arts was our last class this morning. Near the end of the lesson, some people from the Ministry suddenly walked in. The leader claimed someone had complained that Professor Black wasn¡¯t fulfilling his duties as a teacher and that students had been injured in his class."


    ¡°Oh, and Headmaster Dumbledore was there too.¡±


    Kyle frowned, about to respond, when the doors to the Great Hall swung open with a sharp creak.


    Dumbledore entered, his expression uncharacteristically serious. Behind him, a witch in a pink cardigan followed, her saccharine smile starkly out of place. Trailing behind them, Ron and Hermione struggled to restrain an irate Harry, pulling him toward the Gryffindor table as he attempted to storm toward the headmaster.


    Most students barely noticed Harry¡¯s outburst, their attention fixed instead on Dumbledore and the woman beside him. The whispers grew louder, filling the hall with speculation.


    Reaching the staff table, Dumbledore turned to face the room. Raising a hand, he said in his calm, commanding tone, ¡°I must ask for your attention. Before you enjoy your meal, I need to take a moment to announce two important matters.¡±


    The Great Hall fell silent.


    Dumbledore continued, ¡°First, regarding Professor Black, he has been asked to cooperate with the Ministry of Magic in an investigation. During this time, he will not be able to teach you.¡±


    A ripple of murmurs swept the room before Dumbledore raised a finger and gestured to the woman beside him.


    ¡°However,¡± he said, ¡°during his absence, Professor Umbridge will be taking over Defense Against the Dark Arts.¡±


    There was a moment of stunned silence, followed by hesitant applause¡ªmost of it coming from the Slytherin table.


    ¡°They¡¯re talking rubbish!¡± Harry shouted, rising from his seat, his face flushed with anger.


    Before he could say more, Hermione and Ron pulled him back down, whispering furiously at him to stay quiet.


    Dumbledore, maintaining his composure, pretended not to notice Harry¡¯s outburst. However, Umbridge turned her head toward Harry, her lips curling into a saccharine smile that didn¡¯t reach her eyes.


    ¡°Thank you, Headmaster,¡± she said in her high-pitched, grating voice, stepping forward as Dumbledore graciously ceded the spotlight.


    Clearing her throat, she addressed the room in her shrill tone. ¡°It is truly wonderful to be back at Hogwarts!¡±


    ¡°Oh, her voice is unbearable,¡± Cedric muttered, rubbing his arms as though trying to shake off a chill. ¡°And that pink cardigan¡ªwhy does she have to wear something so... fluffy? It¡¯s hideous.¡±


    ¡°Personal preference,¡± Kyle said with a resigned sigh. ¡°She was dressed the same way when I saw her at the Ministry.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ve met her before?¡± Cedric asked. ¡°What¡¯s she like? Do you think she¡¯ll be a good teacher?¡±


    Kyle considered the question for a moment before replying, ¡°Let¡¯s just say... even Quirrell and Lockhart were better professors than her.¡±


    Cedric groaned. ¡°Seriously? I can¡¯t imagine anyone being worse than those two. That would be like having a Troll with its head stuck in a door.¡±


    Kyle sighed again, his thoughts clouded with frustration.


    He had anticipated that Sirius might leave before the end of the school year, but he hadn¡¯t expected it to happen so soon. Less than two weeks into term, and Sirius was already gone.


    From her seat at the front of the Great Hall, Professor Umbridge spoke in her monotonous, emotionless tone:


    ¡°The Ministry of Magic has always believed that the education of young witches and wizards is a critical matter requiring careful cultivation and the application of your precious talents...¡±


    Gradually, the students¡¯ attention began to drift.


    ¡°Why do I feel like I¡¯m in History of Magic?¡± Mikel muttered, covering a yawn with his hand. ¡°And when are we going to eat again? Today¡¯s lunch is pork cutlets¡ªwhat if they get cold?¡±


    No one answered him. Ryan¡¯s head bobbed precariously, as though he were moments from falling asleep, while Ernie Macmillan stared blankly ahead, his gaze fixed on Umbridge but clearly lost in unrelated thoughts.


    Umbridge droned on, slow and methodical, completely oblivious to the growing disinterest.


    Some students had already started whispering to each other, while most professors wore expressions ranging from disapproval to resignation.


    Professor McGonagall¡¯s brow was deeply furrowed, and Professor Flitwick seemed engrossed in the intricacies of his fork. Even Snape, usually detached, looked irritated¡ªhis usual scowl slightly deeper than usual.


    Kanna leaned over and whispered to Kyle, ¡°I have a bad feeling the Ministry is going to interfere with Hogwarts.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not just a feeling,¡± Kyle replied. ¡°They definitely intend to interfere. Just listen to her¡ª¡®some decisions have become outdated and must be abandoned¡¯? In past years, even last year, the Ministry wouldn¡¯t have dared to meddle in Hogwarts¡¯ decisions like this.¡±


    Kyle paused as he caught a brief movement from Umbridge¡ªher head tilted slightly in his direction. In the briefest of moments, he noticed the unmistakable flash of hatred in her eyes.


    , Kyle thought,


    Far from being concerned, Kyle found the situation oddly amusing. Smiling to himself, he picked up his fork and casually ate a piece of pork schnitzel, as if no one were watching. S§×arch* The ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Cedric, sitting beside him, gawked in astonishment. Kyle¡¯s action bordered on outright defiance, especially since Umbridge was clearly still speaking.


    Noticing Kyle¡¯s calm demeanor, a few students glanced nervously toward the head table, particularly at Dumbledore. Yet the headmaster¡¯s attention remained on Umbridge, as if unaware of what was happening.


    Encouraged, some bolder students¡ªnamely Fred and George¡ªfollowed Kyle¡¯s lead. The twins started eating with enthusiasm, laughing and chatting as though Umbridge didn¡¯t exist.


    Their boldness sparked a domino effect. One by one, more students joined in, the clinking of cutlery gradually overpowering Umbridge¡¯s voice.


    Despite her attempts to project authority, Umbridge¡¯s shrill tone failed to regain control of the room. By the time she finished her speech and turned to Dumbledore, the noise of students eating and chatting filled the hall.


    Dumbledore, ever unflappable, stood and addressed her with a polite smile.


    ¡°Please continue, Professor Umbridge. What you¡¯ve said so far is quite insightful.¡± His expression was as serious as his tone. ¡°I fully agree that we should pursue progress. A new era does indeed call for a new order.¡±


    He gestured thoughtfully. ¡°You¡¯ve given me much to consider, and I realize I¡¯ve not been doing as well as I could as headmaster.¡±


    But then Dumbledore¡¯s gaze swept across the hall, and his expression shifted to one of mock surprise.


    ¡°Oh, so you¡¯ve finished already?¡± he said, feigning innocence. ¡°I was so engrossed, I hadn¡¯t even noticed. You should have warned me, Professor Umbridge.¡±


    Umbridge¡¯s face twitched as she forced a strained smile. ¡°Yes, I¡¯ve finished,¡± she said in her high-pitched voice, sitting down stiffly.


    Her plan to wait for complete silence before continuing had clearly failed, and she seemed to sense she had lost the room.


    As she sat, her eyes darted once more toward the Hufflepuff table, where Kyle¡ªlaughing with the others¡ªmet her gaze with a cool, unbothered expression.


    Dumbledore began clapping, and the other professors joined in with polite but sparse applause. Professor McGonagall¡¯s eyes flicked between Umbridge and Kyle, her frown deepening.


    While she didn¡¯t understand why Kyle had acted so brazenly, Dumbledore¡¯s lack of objection seemed to condone it¡ªor at least tolerate it. Still, McGonagall couldn¡¯t shake a sense of foreboding.


    She had dealt with Umbridge before and knew her to be petty and vindictive. Her lack of an immediate reaction could only mean she was plotting something worse.


    Given that Umbridge would now be teaching Defense Against the Dark Arts, she would have ample opportunity to target Kyle.


    McGonagall thought, her worry mounting.

 Chapter 612: The Truth

    Kyle paused mid-step on the staircase as Harry¡¯s voice echoed angrily.


    ¡°How could they say such a thing about Sirius?¡±


    Turning toward the sound, Kyle spotted Harry confronting Professor McGonagall.


    ¡°Deliberately injuring a student? Suspected Death Eater? How is that even possible? He¡¯s an Order of the...¡± Harry fumed, his words spilling out in frustration.


    ¡°Potter!¡± Professor McGonagall snapped, cutting him off. ¡°This is a decision made by the Ministry of Magic, and we must cooperate.¡±


    ¡°But...¡± Harry faltered, knowing he was crossing a line but too upset to stop.


    Sirius being taken away¡ªonce again accused of crimes linked to the Death Eaters¡ªwas too much for him to process.


    ¡°But, Professor, hasn¡¯t he already been acquitted?¡±


    Professor McGonagall¡¯s lips tightened into a thin line. After a pause, she replied carefully, ¡°I can only tell you that things are not as simple as you think. In any case, Headmaster Dumbledore will handle this. You, Potter, need to focus on preparing for your O.W.L.s this year.¡±


    Harry opened his mouth to argue further, but McGonagall turned and walked away briskly, leaving him seething.


    Frustrated, Harry slammed his fist against the stair railing, while Ron and Hermione exchanged worried looks.


    Kyle¡¯s expression darkened. The incident surrounding Sirius¡¯s sudden removal seemed to have layers of mystery.


    Driven by curiosity, Kyle decided to take his questions directly to Dumbledore.


    That afternoon, after his last class, History of Magic, Kyle headed to the eighth floor, stopping in front of the Gargoyle guarding the headmaster¡¯s office.


    ¡°Tooth Splintering Strong Mints...¡± Nothing.


    ¡°Pepper Imp...¡± Still nothing.


    ¡°Cherry Syrup!¡±


    At the third attempt, the statue leapt aside, revealing the hidden passage. Kyle smirked¡ªgetting the password right was always a matter of knowing Honeydukes¡¯ inventory. Popular sweets were a reliable guess.


    He climbed the spiraling staircase and pushed open the oak door to the headmaster¡¯s office. sea??h th§× N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Dumbledore looked up from his desk, where he had been writing a letter. ¡°I thought you might come to see me at lunchtime,¡± he said, a hint of amusement in his voice.


    Kyle stepped forward, rubbing Fawkes¡¯s neck as the phoenix preened under the attention. ¡°Is this about Sirius?¡± Dumbledore prompted.


    ¡°Sort of,¡± Kyle admitted. ¡°What¡¯s really going on? There¡¯s no way this is just about a student being injured during his dueling class.¡±


    ¡°There is some truth in that,¡± Dumbledore said. ¡°Some parents wrote to me last year, complaining that his methods were extreme.¡±


    Kyle frowned. ¡°But there¡¯s more to it, isn¡¯t there?¡±


    Dumbledore hesitated for a moment before continuing, ¡°I have received word that Peter Pettigrew is dead. At the time of his death, a large black dog was seen near Azkaban.¡±


    Kyle blinked in disbelief. ¡°Peter Pettigrew is dead? Could it be fake news?¡±


    ¡°No,¡± Dumbledore said solemnly. ¡°I¡¯ve confirmed it. It was indeed Peter.¡±


    ¡°When did this happen?¡± Kyle pressed.


    ¡°A week ago,¡± Dumbledore replied.


    Kyle shook his head vehemently. ¡°That definitely wasn¡¯t Sirius. School had already started, and he¡¯s been here the entire time. Sirius may have the strongest motive to kill Peter Pettigrew, but he¡¯d never risk it with Harry around.¡±


    ¡°I believe the same,¡± Dumbledore agreed. ¡°But the Ministry doesn¡¯t share our certainty. They insist I¡¯ve been helping Sirius hide.¡±


    Dumbledore folded the parchment he¡¯d been writing on and sealed it in an envelope.


    ¡°What about the Death Eaters?¡± Kyle asked. ¡°I heard Sirius was taken because of them.¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t be certain,¡± Dumbledore admitted. ¡°It¡¯s possible Peter Pettigrew said something before his death that led the Ministry to draw the wrong conclusion.¡±


    As Dumbledore placed the letter on his desk, Fawkes nudged Kyle gently before picking up the envelope in his beak and flying out the window.


    Kyle watched the phoenix disappear into the sky, curiosity piqued. Few people warranted a message delivered by Fawkes.


    he wondered silently.


    ¡°Oh, yes, there is one more thing,¡± Dumbledore said, pausing Kyle just as he was about to leave. ¡°Although your actions in the Great Hall were... gratifying, I must remind you that our new Professor Umbridge is not as forgiving as some of your other professors.¡±


    Kyle raised an eyebrow but said nothing.


    ¡°Professor McGonagall shares my concerns,¡± Dumbledore continued, ¡°and she believes it would be wise for you to tread carefully and avoid being caught off guard.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s fine,¡± Kyle said casually, a faint smirk forming on his lips. ¡°I¡¯ve got my own way of dealing with her.¡±


    His lack of concern brought a brief flicker of amusement to Dumbledore¡¯s expression.


    ¡°But while we¡¯re on the topic...¡± Kyle¡¯s tone shifted slightly as he looked at the headmaster. ¡°Professor, about what we discussed at The Hog¡¯s Head... You haven¡¯t forgotten, have you?¡±


    Dumbledore¡¯s fingers trembled faintly as he placed them together, his expression softening. ¡°No, I haven¡¯t forgotten,¡± he replied with a hint of weariness. ¡°In fact, I¡¯ve recently spoken with Amelia, Barty, Arthur, your father Chris, and even Dugald. I had a drink with him at the Leaky Cauldron just two days ago.¡±


    ¡°Then there¡¯s nothing to worry about,¡± Kyle said confidently, turning to leave.


    Just as he reached the door, another thought struck him, and he pivoted back.


    ¡°Professor, can you tell me your plan?¡±


    ¡°What plan?¡± Dumbledore asked, feigning confusion.


    ¡°The plan to get yourself expelled from the Wizengamot,¡± Kyle said pointedly, ¡°to confuse both Fudge and You-Know-Who. I noticed the voting numbers were... odd."


    ¡°Of course,¡± he added, ¡°if it¡¯s inconvenient to explain, that¡¯s fine too.¡±


    Dumbledore hesitated, his usual composure giving way to rare uncertainty. ¡°There are certain things you may not fully understand,¡± he began carefully. ¡°The Wizengamot and the International Confederation of Wizards never have full attendance."


    ¡°For example, master potioners often cannot leave their cauldrons while brewing something delicate. Similarly, certain magical experiments require constant supervision, and their practitioners cannot attend.¡±


    ¡°So... you were actually expelled?¡± Kyle pressed, raising an eyebrow.


    ¡°Ahem, not exactly,¡± Dumbledore replied, fiddling with a piece of silverware on his desk. ¡°There are advantages to this. My positions in the Wizengamot and the Confederation consumed a significant amount of my time. Now that I am relieved of those duties, I can focus on more pressing matters.¡±


    Kyle studied Dumbledore for a moment before nodding. ¡°Understood. Thank you, Professor. I¡¯ll be going now.¡±


    Dumbledore smiled faintly. ¡°Next week¡¯s password is Sherbet Lemon You won¡¯t need to guess if you decide to return. Good luck, Kyle.¡±


    ¡°You too, Professor.¡±


    Leaving the headmaster¡¯s office, Kyle made his way directly to the Great Hall, where dinner preparations were in full swing. The room was buzzing with conversation, and he spotted Kanna saving him a seat.


    Sliding into place beside her, Kyle tuned into Cedric and Mikel¡¯s animated discussion about Quidditch.


    ¡°Tryouts will be Saturday morning at 9 o¡¯clock,¡± Cedric was saying. ¡°Since we need three players this year, it¡¯d be great if everyone could come. We need to see if the newcomers mesh well with the rest of the team.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m fine with that,¡± Mikel replied. ¡°But it¡¯d be great if we could get a senior Beater. The second-years are too young, and they don¡¯t have the strength.¡±


    Kyle shrugged. ¡°I don¡¯t care, as long as they don¡¯t hold us back.¡±


    Cedric nodded optimistically. ¡°It¡¯ll work out. I just hope the Quidditch season starts soon. With Kyle¡¯s Firebolt, we¡¯ll be unbeatable¡ªeven with a few new players.¡±

 Chapter 613: No More Pretending, Time to Reveal Everything

    Umbridge''s reaction was quicker than Kyle had anticipated.


    By Friday afternoon, it was time for the sixth-year Defence Against the Dark Arts class. Before Sirius had been taken away, the original plan had been to learn new spells. But now, the professor had changed.


    When Kyle and Kanna entered the classroom, they found Umbridge already seated behind the podium, dressed in her usual hideous, shaggy pink cardigan.


    The room was silent. Kyle, without a word, chose a random seat at the back. Despite sitting as far away as possible, he couldn¡¯t avoid catching Umbridge''s attention.


    First, there were the rigid rules.


    Umbridge required every student to append the words ¡°Professor Umbridge¡± to the end of their responses¡ªfor example, ¡°Yes, Professor Umbridge¡± or ¡°No, Professor Umbridge.¡± Everyone followed the rule, except Kyle, who ignored it entirely, acting as though he hadn¡¯t heard.


    Umbridge, unsurprisingly, took note and called him out directly.


    ¡°Why don¡¯t you do as I ask?¡± she asked in her high-pitched voice. ¡°Are a few insignificant honors making you so arrogant that you think you can ignore your professor?¡±


    ¡°Sorry, Mrs. Umbridge,¡± Kyle replied. ¡°If the Second-Class Order of Merlin is considered ¡®insignificant,¡¯ I assume you must have plenty of them. How about bringing them out and showing them off?¡±


    Umbridge¡¯s expression darkened instantly. If she had a Merlin medal, she wouldn¡¯t have needed Kyle to say anything¡ªshe would have flaunted it already.


    ¡°No way, you can¡¯t not have one,¡± Kyle added in an exaggerated tone. ¡°If you don¡¯t even possess such an ¡®insignificant¡¯ honor, how can you be a professor? Or did you bribe the headmaster with a few Galleons?¡±


    The class collectively held its breath. Kyle¡¯s words had turned every eye toward him in shock.


    For as long as they¡¯d known him, Kyle had always been a textbook Hufflepuff¡ªgentle, polite, and respectful to everyone. But now, he seemed like an entirely different person. Not even the boldest Gryffindor would have dared to say what Kyle just had.


    Umbridge¡¯s entire body trembled with fury.


    ¡°How dare you!¡± she shrieked. ¡°How dare you speak to me like that!¡±


    ¡°Oh, come now,¡± Kyle said, sounding utterly unbothered. ¡°Maybe you used a Sickle instead¡ªit would make the purse look a little fuller.¡±


    Umbridge¡¯s face flushed red, then turned green. It was clear she was fighting for control. Then, as if struck by an idea, her expression changed.


    ¡°All right, I admit, you do possess a modicum of commendable honor,¡± she said, her voice reverting to its usual sickly-sweet affectation. ¡°But that does not give you the right to cast aside basic manners."


    ¡°It¡¯s a pity, really, that Dumbledore never taught you proper discipline. Of course, it¡¯s not surprising. I think we all know how irrational he¡¯s been lately, always spouting the most absurd nonsense.¡±


    No one responded, but the room felt heavy with tension.


    They all knew what she meant¡ªher words were a thinly veiled jab at the reports in Specifically, she was alluding to Dumbledore¡¯s declaration at the end of the previous school year: the warning that You-Know-Who had returned.


    ¡°I think you do too,¡± Umbridge said, her gaze locking onto Kyle with a malicious gleam in her eye. ¡°You think what Dumbledore said was ridiculous, and that he himself is becoming confused.¡± sea??h th§× N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°Dumbledore is not confused,¡± someone blurted out, unable to hold back.


    ¡°In my class, students must raise their hands if they wish to speak,¡± Umbridge said sharply. ¡°Who are you?¡±


    ¡°Justin Finch-Fletchley,¡± the student replied.


    Umbridge¡¯s gaze lingered on Justin momentarily before she turned her attention back to Kyle.


    ¡°So, what is your opinion?¡± she asked, her tone deceptively sweet.


    ¡°I think...¡± Kyle shrugged nonchalantly, ¡°that he¡¯s at least a lot smarter than you.¡±


    ¡°So you agree with him?¡±


    ¡°Of course,¡± Kyle said firmly. ¡°I believe Professor Dumbledore, and I believe he saw... Voldemort with his own eyes.¡±


    A collective gasp filled the room, followed by a faint, uncontrollable squeal of shock.


    ¡°Twenty points from Hufflepuff!¡± Umbridge declared, her voice brimming with satisfaction. Her smirk deepened as she basked in the result of her provocation. ¡°As punishment for your nonsense and for earning detention, you will report to my office tomorrow morning at eight o¡¯clock."


    ¡°And let me remind you,¡± she added with a smug tone, ¡°if you continue spreading such ridiculous claims, the Ministry of Magic¡ªon behalf of the Order of Merlin¡ªmay decide to withdraw your medal.¡±


    ¡°Ah, I¡¯ll remember that,¡± Kyle said calmly.


    To the astonishment of everyone in the room, Kyle stood, pushed the door open, and walked out without another word.


    Umbridge, standing at the lectern, seemed more delighted than ever. She pulled a piece of parchment from her handbag, scribbled something onto it, and sealed it with magic.


    ¡°Kanna...¡± Mikel asked dazedly, staring after Kyle. ¡°What¡¯s wrong with him? Could it be someone used Polyjuice Potion to impersonate him?¡±


    ¡°No,¡± Kanna said, shaking her head. In truth, she was just as bewildered.


    The rest of the class dragged on painfully slowly, but when it was finally over, Kanna was the first to bolt out the door. She hurried to the Hufflepuff common room, where she found Kyle casually playing with a Niffler.


    She rushed over and sniffed around him.


    ¡°What are you doing?¡± Kyle asked, bemused.


    ¡°Checking for traces of Polyjuice Potion,¡± Kanna replied. ¡°Well, there aren¡¯t any...¡± She flopped into a nearby armchair.


    ¡°What was that all about in class?¡± she demanded.


    ¡°Trying to get her to put me in detention,¡± Kyle said simply. ¡°I had several plans prepared, but in the end, it turned out to be surprisingly easy.¡±


    ¡°You provoked Umbridge on purpose so she¡¯d give you detention?¡± Kanna asked, still struggling to grasp his reasoning.


    ¡°Yes,¡± Kyle nodded, as if it were the most obvious thing in the world.


    Kanna sighed, slightly relieved that his behavior had been deliberate. ¡°Well, that explains it. I¡¯ve just never seen you so... so...¡±


    She paused, searching for the right word.


    ¡°You mean cynical, right?¡± Kyle offered with a grin. ¡°I learned it from Professor Snape. Works wonders¡ªshe got mad immediately.¡±


    ¡°But honestly,¡± he added with a chuckle, ¡°when it comes to being cynical, the whole school¡ªprofessors and students combined¡ªcan¡¯t hold a candle to Professor Snape.¡±


    ¡°What are you talking about?¡± Kanna glared at him, clearly unimpressed.


    ¡°But it¡¯s true,¡± Kyle muttered. Seeing her expression darken, he quickly backpedaled. ¡°Don¡¯t get me wrong! When I say ¡®cynical,¡¯ I actually mean it as a compliment. Really.¡±


    Kanna studied him for a moment before reluctantly accepting his explanation.


    ¡°But I still don¡¯t understand¡ªwhy would you want to get detention?¡±


    ¡°Because it¡¯s more convenient,¡± Kyle said vaguely, evading the question with a casual wave of his hand.


    ...


    The next day, word spread like wildfire through the halls of Hogwarts: Kyle had walked out of Umbridge¡¯s class and slammed the door behind him. The news traveled fast¡ªunbelievably so, even by Hogwarts'' gossip standards.


    ¡°You really just left in the middle of class?¡± Fred asked, sitting across from Kyle at the Hufflepuff table.


    ¡°Without giving Umbridge an ounce of respect?¡± George chimed in from the other side.


    The twins looked at Kyle with an expression he hadn¡¯t seen from them before: genuine admiration.


    Yes, admiration.


    When Kyle had received the Hogwarts Award for Special Services or the Second-Class Order of Merlin, the twins had been happy for him. But this time, they were outright excited.


    ¡°You all know already?¡± Kyle asked casually, biting into a piece of toast.


    ¡°Hah...¡± George let out a peculiar laugh. ¡°Did you think it wouldn¡¯t get out? This isn¡¯t like one of those dull answers you give in class, mate.¡±


    Walking out in the middle of a lecture¡ªslamming the door no less¡ªwould have made waves if anyone had done it. But for Kyle, a model student with an Outstanding record, it was practically scandalous.


    ¡°Have you had Defence Against the Dark Arts yet?¡± Kyle asked in return, his tone light.


    ¡°No,¡± Fred admitted with a shake of his head.


    ¡°Then you¡¯ll understand why I did it once you¡¯ve had your turn,¡± Kyle replied with a faint smile. He glanced at his watch and stood. ¡°I¡¯ve got to head to detention.¡±


    Before he left, he turned to Cedric. ¡°By the way, I¡¯m not sure how long this detention will take, so about the Quidditch tryouts later...¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s fine,¡± Cedric said, his concern evident. ¡°We¡¯ll handle it. Don¡¯t worry.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s just detention¡ªno big deal,¡± Kyle said, reassuring him with a wave before leaving the Great Hall.


    Kyle made his way to Umbridge¡¯s office on the fourth floor. He knocked on the door, and a saccharine voice called out from inside.


    ¡°Come in.¡±


    He pushed the door open and entered.


    The office was almost unrecognizable after six different occupants. Every surface was draped with lace tablecloths, and vases filled with dried flowers perched on small embroidered cushions. The walls were covered with decorative plates, each featuring brightly colored cats wearing different bows.


    ¡°Good morning,¡± Umbridge greeted him, her smile as sweet and fake as her voice.


    ¡°Good morning,¡± Kyle replied warmly, strolling to a nearby sofa and sitting down as if he were a guest. ¡°Do you have any black tea? No sugar, please. Breakfast was a bit heavy on the apple pie.¡±


    Umbridge froze for a moment, staring at him in disbelief. He was in detention, yet he had the audacity to act like a patron at The Three Broomsticks.


    Her smile faltered, but she quickly forced it back. She thrived on respect and flattery, but Kyle was utterly indifferent to her authority. He had been this way for years¡ªwhether at St. Mungo¡¯s, the Ministry of Magic, or now.


    ¡°There is no black tea here,¡± she snapped, her voice tightening with malice. ¡°And even if there were, I wouldn¡¯t give it to you.¡±


    She pulled a long, thin quill with a sharp, glinting tip from her desk.


    ¡°Because you¡¯ve spread vile, attention-seeking lies,¡± she continued, ¡°your punishment will be to write a few sentences. With this, of course¡ªnot your own pen.¡±


    Kyle eyed the quill for a moment before speaking calmly. ¡°If I¡¯m not mistaken, there¡¯s dark magic on that quill.¡±


    ¡°Dark magic? No, no,¡± Umbridge said with mock sweetness, her smile returning. ¡°This is just your punishment.¡±


    Kyle¡¯s expression didn¡¯t change. ¡°Whatever excuse you use, Professor Dumbledore would never approve of dark magic items being used at Hogwarts.¡±


    ¡°Dumbledore doesn¡¯t control the Ministry of Magic!¡± she spat, her fake sweetness vanishing. ¡°And he won¡¯t find out. No one will know what happens here until your punishment is finished.¡±


    Kyle nodded slowly, his expression unreadable. ¡°I see...¡±


    Then, almost casually, he drew his wand and gave it a flick.


    With a deafening , Umbridge was thrown backward as though struck by an invisible giant. She flew across the room and slammed into the desk behind her, landing with a dull thud.


    A nearby vase teetered, then crashed to the floor, shattering into pieces.


    Kyle smiled faintly, leaning back in his seat.


    ¡°Really, why didn¡¯t you say so earlier?¡± he said smoothly. ¡°If no one¡¯s going to find out, why am I even bothering to talk to you?¡±

 Chapter 614: Learning More Ancient Runes is Still Useful

    In the Defence Against the Dark Arts office, Umbridge sat dazed on the floor, as if she couldn¡¯t process what had just happened. She only snapped out of it when a tingling sensation spread across her body.


    ¡°Damn it, you... how dare you...¡± she began to sputter.


    Another sharp sound rang out. A decorative plate with a kitten on it flew off the wall and smashed squarely onto Umbridge¡¯s head.


    Then came a second plate, then a third.


    It wasn¡¯t until the fourth plate was airborne that Umbridge finally remembered to duck. Scrambling to her feet, she darted about, frantically dodging the plates that had once been her treasured decorations.


    Meanwhile, Kyle sat comfortably in the armchair, his wand in hand. He moved it slowly and deliberately, like a conductor directing a symphony.


    Umbridge clenched her teeth in fury. She tried to speak, but every time she opened her mouth, a plate struck her. When she reached for her wand, another plate smacked her wrist, forcing her to retreat.


    The plates, propelled by magic, hit with surprising force, drawing squeals of pain from Umbridge. For several moments, the room resounded with sharp cracks and crashes, resembling a chaotic fireworks display.


    It wasn¡¯t until the last plate on the wall had been hurled that Umbridge, battered and bruised, slumped against the door, panting heavily. She glared at Kyle, her face contorted with rage.


    ¡°How dare you assault the Senior Undersecretary to the Minister for Magic...¡± she hissed through gritted teeth. ¡°You will pay for this!¡±


    Kyle smiled nonchalantly. ¡°I just need to make sure you don¡¯t tell anyone,¡± he said casually. ¡°It¡¯s not a hard task.¡±


    He raised his wand again.


    Umbridge flinched violently, nearly falling over. Her first instinct wasn¡¯t to fight back but to run.


    She turned and grabbed the doorknob, frantically trying to wrench it open. There were students and professors outside. If she could just make it out of the office, Kyle wouldn¡¯t dare lay another hand on her.


    But her escape plan fell apart instantly. The doorknob refused to budge, as though welded shut.


    ¡°Don¡¯t waste your strength,¡± Kyle said with a smirk.


    His gaze flicked to a Sneakoscope on the desk. It spun wildly, emitting a faint whirring noise. Kyle recognized it as a device to prevent eavesdropping, one he¡¯d seen during the holidays at 12 Grimmauld Place in Professor Moody¡¯s possession.


    ¡°If you thought of locking the door, did you think I wouldn¡¯t?¡± Kyle continued. ¡°I sealed it when I walked in. Without the Unlocking Charm, no one¡¯s getting in¡ªor out.¡±


    ¡°Unlocking Charm...¡± Umbridge stammered, fumbling for her wand.


    ¡°¡±


    Umbridge watched in horror as her wand shot out of her hand, spinning through the air before landing neatly in Kyle¡¯s grip.


    ¡°A simple Disarming Charm,¡± Kyle said lightly as he caught the wand. ¡°Surely, as the Defence Against the Dark Arts professor, you¡¯re familiar with it?¡±


    Kyle examined the wand briefly, then tossed it to the ground with an expression of disdain.


    Most wands were around ten inches long, but this one was barely seven. Kyle couldn¡¯t help but find it laughable. With a wand like this, spells would naturally take longer to reach their targets.


    ¡°You... you...¡± Umbridge sputtered, her face red with fury. She tried to look intimidating but only managed to seem pitiful.


    ¡°I am Dolores Umbridge!¡± she shrieked, her voice cracking. ¡°Senior Undersecretary to the Minister for Magic and Hogwarts High Inquisitor! If you attack me, it will be considered a provocation against the Ministry of Magic! You¡¯ll be expelled! The Aurors will come for you, and not even Dumbledore will be able to save you!"


    ¡°If anything happens to me, the Aurors will figure it out,¡± she added, her tone growing shriller. Sear?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Kyle yawned theatrically. ¡°Terrifying. Could you stop shouting? It¡¯s giving me a headache.¡±


    ¡°If you put down your wand...¡± Umbridge stammered, trying to steady her voice, ¡°I might consider sparing your life.¡±


    ¡°Oh, of course,¡± Kyle said agreeably, setting his wand down on the table beside him.


    Umbridge froze, staring in disbelief. Her expression shifted as hope surged within her.


    , she thought.


    Straightening her disheveled sweater, Umbridge regained her composure and tried to restore her usual air of authority.


    ¡°Now, I order you to open the door,¡± Umbridge said curtly, trying to regain her authority. ¡°If you don¡¯t want to be expelled, you¡¯d better do as I say.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s no problem at all,¡± Kyle replied calmly. ¡°But Professor, aren¡¯t you forgetting something? I¡¯m here for detention. I still need to write my sentences.¡±


    ¡°Ah, yes, that¡¯s right.¡±


    The reminder reignited Umbridge¡¯s anger, which she barely concealed beneath her ever-present fake smile. Inside, she seethed.


    ¡°I want you to write, ¡®I cannot be rude to Professor Umbridge,¡¯ one hundred¡ªno, five hundred times, until you¡¯ve learned it by heart,¡± she declared.


    ¡°Yes, Professor,¡± Kyle said with a nod.


    But despite his agreement, he remained seated.


    ¡°Why aren¡¯t you writing?¡± Umbridge snapped. ¡°Hurry up! Use the quill I gave you earlier, or I¡¯ll change my mind!¡±


    ¡°Just a moment,¡± Kyle replied as he retrieved a suitcase and began rummaging through it.


    ¡°What are you doing?¡± Umbridge demanded, her tone wary. ¡°Put that down, on the floor!¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡± Kyle obeyed, placing the suitcase on the ground.


    Umbridge, sensing something amiss, cautiously approached the suitcase. But the moment she reached for it, a vine covered in sharp, menacing thorns shot out, wrapping around her in an instant.


    ¡°Damn it! What is this?¡± Umbridge shrieked, flailing in panic.


    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t move if I were you, Professor,¡± Kyle said with a calm tone. ¡°These are Venomous Tentacula. If one of those thorns pricks you¡­ well, I think you know the consequences.¡±


    Umbridge froze, her eyes wide with terror as she stared at the glinting spikes dangerously close to her skin. Of course, she knew the plant¡ªa highly venomous species and a regulated Class C Non-Tradeable Material.


    ¡°What do you want?¡± she stammered, her voice trembling. ¡°Venomous Tentacula is illegal to cultivate without permission!¡±


    ¡°No, Professor, you¡¯re mistaken,¡± Kyle said, wagging a finger at her. ¡°This is a seed your Ministry of Magic gave me.¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°As for what I want to do...¡± Kyle continued, ignoring her confusion. ¡°I¡¯m going to complete my detention, of course¡ªwriting those 500 sentences you just assigned.¡±


    Kyle casually picked up the long, sharp-pointed quill from the table, inspecting it closely.


    It didn¡¯t take long for him to determine its function.


    Finding a piece of parchment, he lightly pressed the quill¡¯s tip against it. A sharp sting pricked his hand, confirming his suspicions: this quill was designed to use the writer¡¯s blood as ink, the razor-sharp tip cutting into the skin with each stroke.


    After observing the quill for a moment, Kyle drew his wand and added a few runes to it.


    ¡°Not too complicated,¡± he muttered to himself. ¡°This should work.¡±


    Without a word, he walked over to Umbridge and pressed the quill into her hand.


    A piercing scream escaped her lips as blood began to stain the black feathers of the quill.


    Kyle calmly tapped the parchment with the quill again. This time, he felt no pain, but Umbridge gasped audibly, her face contorting in agony.


    ¡°It works perfectly,¡± Kyle said with a satisfied nod. He retrieved a blank piece of parchment and began writing:


    Umbridge trembled violently, the sharp pain burning through her hand, but she dared not move. All she could do was spit curses at Kyle.


    Kyle ignored her completely.


    By the tenth repetition, her curses had morphed into threats¡ªagainst Kyle, Chris, and even Dumbledore. None were spared.


    By the fiftieth repetition, her tone had shifted yet again. Now she was pleading for mercy, her voice shaky and uneven, the pain making it hard for her to speak.


    Kyle continued as if he hadn¡¯t noticed.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Professor,¡± he said with mock reassurance, starting a fresh sheet of parchment. ¡°Didn¡¯t you say you wanted 500 copies? I¡¯ve only done a tenth of it. I can¡¯t just give up halfway.¡±

 Chapter 615: I’m Going to Report Dumbledore

    The atmosphere in Umbridge¡¯s office had grown eerily quiet, the only sound the steady scratching of Kyle¡¯s quill as it moved across the parchment. Sunlight streamed through the window, highlighting the thick stack of parchment on the desk, each line bearing the same sentence over and over.


    Kyle had added ink multiple times, his hand cramping as he pushed through the monotonous task. By noon, he had finally finished the required 500 lines.


    ¡°That was exhausting...¡± he muttered, rubbing his sore wrist. The last time he¡¯d written so much in one sitting was the night before the holiday last year, frantically finishing his Potions homework.


    He stood and walked over to Umbridge. An hour earlier, she had stopped speaking entirely, her voice stolen by pain and exhaustion. All she could do now was glare at him with venom in her eyes.


    Though the wounds on the back of her hand had healed, the skin remained raw and pink, as if fresh flesh had just begun to grow back.


    ¡°I¡¯m finished, Professor,¡± Kyle said, holding up the hefty stack of parchment. ¡°As you can see, exactly 500 lines.¡±


    Umbridge didn¡¯t reply, but her glare sharpened. She had pieced things together: this was Hogwarts, a school. Kyle wouldn¡¯t dare kill her, nor could he keep her locked up indefinitely. Sooner or later, she would get out¡ªand when she did, she would make him pay.


    ¡°Professor, I suppose you¡¯re thinking that I wouldn¡¯t dare kill you,¡± Kyle said, his voice calm and measured. ¡°And you¡¯re right. I wouldn¡¯t. After all, this Hogwarts.¡±


    His smile deepened. ¡°But whether you¡¯ll remember this conversation when the time comes... well, that¡¯s another matter.¡±


    Kyle drew his wand, pointing it directly at Umbridge¡¯s head. Her bravado faltered, giving way to panic.


    ¡°What are you doing?¡± she shrieked. ¡°I¡¯m the Senior Undersecretary to the Minister for Magic!¡±


    ¡°I know,¡± Kyle said, raising an eyebrow. ¡°You¡¯ve mentioned it¡ªmore than once. And that¡¯s exactly why I can¡¯t have you causing me any trouble.¡±


    He tilted his head, as if considering something. ¡°You know, a professor¡ªone who also taught Defence Against the Dark Arts¡ªtaught me a very useful little trick for situations like this.¡±


    ¡°Oh, and before I forget,¡± Kyle added, gesturing toward the thorny vines encasing her. ¡°I made an error earlier. Venomous Tentacula have round, needle-like spikes. These jagged, triangular ones? They¡¯re characteristic of Fanged Geranium¡±


    ¡°What?!¡± Umbridge gasped, her eyes darting to the plant around her.


    ¡°Fanged Geranium,¡± Kyle repeated with a smile. ¡°It¡¯s only mildly poisonous. At worst, it causes brief discomfort. So, if you¡¯d found the courage to rush over and grab the wand on the floor earlier, you probably could¡¯ve escaped.¡± He shrugged. ¡°I was pretty focused on my writing¡ªI wouldn¡¯t have noticed.¡±


    ¡°You lied to me...¡± Umbridge whispered, her face pale with fury and humiliation.


    ¡°¡±


    A silvery flash erupted from Kyle¡¯s wand, and Umbridge¡¯s furious expression melted into a vacant, confused stare.


    Taking advantage of her dazed state, Kyle quickly moved to erase all traces of what had transpired.


    With a few precise waves of his wand, the shattered plates reassembled themselves, flying back onto the walls as if they¡¯d never been disturbed. The overturned table and broken vase righted themselves, their pieces rejoining seamlessly.


    Kyle turned his attention to the door, undoing the Locking Spell and dispelling the Muffliato Charm that had blanketed the room in silence.


    Finally, he crouched down and stuffed the Fanged Geranium back into his suitcase, snapping it shut.


    The office now looked untouched, as though nothing unusual had occurred.


    There was, however, one last detail to address.


    Kyle pointed his wand at the raw, red scar on the back of Umbridge¡¯s hand.


    The mark vanished instantly.


    But Kyle hadn¡¯t actually healed it. Wounds inflicted by dark magic items like the quill were far more complicated to mend. Instead, he had used a clever bit of Transfiguration to mask the scar.


    With his current skill level, the illusion would hold at least until the end of the semester¡ªunless someone used a counter-spell.


    ...


    At that moment, Umbridge seemed to fully regain her senses. Her gaze filled with confusion as she stared at Kyle, trying to piece together what had happened.


    But confusion quickly gave way to anger.


    ¡°Get out! Why did you come into my office without knocking?¡± she snapped.


    ¡°Sorry, Professor,¡± Kyle said with a pleasant smile. ¡°I did knock, but you seemed to have fallen asleep and didn¡¯t hear me.¡±


    ¡°I fell asleep?¡± Umbridge muttered, her expression blank.


    But she did feel oddly groggy, as if she hadn¡¯t quite woken up. Raising her hand to rub her forehead, she was startled by a sudden sharp pain in the back of her hand. She yelped instinctively, looking down¡ªbut to her surprise, there was nothing unusual to see.


    ¡°Professor, is something wrong?¡± Kyle asked, his tone innocent.


    ¡°None of your business!¡± she snapped out of habit but quickly corrected herself, adopting her usual high-pitched, saccharine tone. ¡°I mean, of course, I¡¯m fine. But you¡¯re late!¡±


    She pointed to the clock on the wall and added, ¡°Your detention was supposed to start at eight o¡¯clock, but it¡¯s now been more than three hours. Therefore, your punishment will be doubled.¡±


    As she spoke, she rubbed the back of her hand again, wincing faintly.


    ¡°That¡¯s reasonable, Professor,¡± Kyle replied with a nod. ¡°But I think I should explain why I behaved as I did in class.¡±


    Umbridge arched an eyebrow. ¡°And what reason could you possibly have?¡±


    ¡°I needed an opportunity to speak to you in private,¡± Kyle said. ¡°Detention was a convenient excuse.¡±


    ¡°Oh?¡± Umbridge¡¯s interest was piqued. She leaned forward slightly and asked with a smile, ¡°What exactly did you want to discuss?¡±


    ¡°Dumbledore,¡± Kyle said simply. ¡°I¡¯ve discovered that he¡¯s planning to run for Minister of Magic.¡±


    The words hit like a thunderclap. Umbridge jerked upright in her chair, but in her haste, she accidentally knocked the back of her hand against the armrest. Another jolt of pain shot through her, but she barely noticed it this time.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be ridiculous,¡± she said sharply, trying to keep her tone dismissive. ¡°Everyone knows Dumbledore has no interest in the Ministry. He¡¯s dedicated to being Headmaster of Hogwarts. Don¡¯t think you can make up wild stories to avoid your punishment.¡±


    ¡°That may have been true in the past,¡± Kyle said smoothly. ¡°But people change, Professor. You probably don¡¯t know this, but during the holidays, Dumbledore held a secret meeting at The Hog¡¯s Head. The topic of discussion? Securing nominations to replace Cornelius Fudge as the next Minister of Magic.¡±


    Umbridge¡¯s smile faltered, her face growing serious.


    She did know something about this.


    The Ministry had been unable to hide the fact that so many foreign wizards had converged on Britain during the summer. Fudge had been desperate to uncover what was said at that meeting, but despite extensive investigations by Aurors and Hit Wizards, they had turned up nothing.


    One of her objectives at Hogwarts was to uncover the details of that meeting. She had initially planned to start with the professors, but now Kyle had handed her a potential breakthrough.


    ¡°How do you know about this?¡± she asked sharply.


    ¡°Because I was there,¡± Kyle said, his tone confident and self-satisfied. ¡°Dumbledore trusts me.¡±


    ¡°And yet you¡¯re telling me this?¡± Umbridge asked, suspicion etched on her face. Sear?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°Because I believe Cornelius Fudge is the best Minister of Magic we could have,¡± Kyle said without hesitation.


    Umbridge stared at him, her eyes narrowing as she tried to gauge his sincerity. Then, unexpectedly, she burst into laughter.


    ¡°I won¡¯t fall for such a clumsy trick,¡± she said.


    Kyle shrugged nonchalantly. ¡°If you don¡¯t believe me, that¡¯s your choice.¡±


    He turned toward the door and began to walk away, adding as he went, ¡°It¡¯s a shame, though. If Dumbledore becomes Minister, I wonder how many people will lose their positions. The wizarding world can¡¯t afford that kind of chaos...¡±


    One step.


    Two steps.


    Just as Kyle opened the office door to leave, Umbridge¡¯s voice rang out sharply behind him.


    ¡°Wait!¡±


    She hurried over, slamming the door shut before he could step through.


    ¡°Tell me everything that happened at the meeting, and I¡¯ll let you off this time,¡± she said, her tone a mix of eagerness and suspicion.


    ¡°I¡¯ve already told you everything I know,¡± Kyle said, shaking his head. ¡°As for the details, I¡¯m sorry, but I can only share those with Minister Fudge.¡±


    ¡°You know, this could be a big opportunity for me,¡± Umbridge said, her expression softening slightly as she scrutinized him. ¡°I¡¯ve always wanted to climb higher in the Ministry of Magic.¡±


    Kyle¡¯s casual demeanor didn¡¯t waver.


    ¡°Are you worried I¡¯ll take credit from you?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sure you wouldn¡¯t,¡± Kyle replied with a faint smile. ¡°But this is my gift to Minister Fudge. And as with any gift, it has to be delivered in person, don¡¯t you think?¡±


    He let the thought linger a moment before continuing, ¡°Besides, I¡¯m still in sixth year. I won¡¯t graduate for another two years. Even if I did get credit, it wouldn¡¯t help me much now¡ªmaybe just a little advantage when the time comes.¡±


    Umbridge¡¯s eyes gleamed. She had almost forgotten Kyle was still a student.


    ¡°If you¡¯re lying to me...¡± she started, her voice threatening.


    ¡°I¡¯m only doing this for the stability of the wizarding world, Professor,¡± Kyle said earnestly.


    ¡°A wise choice,¡± Umbridge murmured approvingly. Her expression softened further. ¡°I¡¯ll inform the Minister. If what you¡¯ve said is true, I¡¯ll personally ensure you have a position in the Ministry as soon as you graduate¡ªin the best department of all: the Minister¡¯s office.¡±


    Kyle¡¯s eyes flickered with a brief flash of excitement, but it was gone so quickly it could have been imagined.


    Umbridge, however, caught it, her gaze narrowing slightly.


    ¡°And as for my detention today...¡± Kyle ventured.


    ¡°Of course not,¡± Umbridge said with an indulgent smile. ¡°Consider it a reward for providing such valuable information.¡±


    Kyle turned to leave but paused at the doorway, then walked back into the office.


    Umbridge, now seated behind her desk and busy preparing a letter, looked up, her expression warmer than Kyle had ever seen.


    ¡°Kyle?¡± she said, her tone almost motherly. ¡°Is there something else you need?¡±


    ¡°Actually, yes, Professor. Just a small matter...¡±


    ¡°Go on,¡± she said, gesturing for him to speak.


    ¡°Well,¡± Kyle began, looking slightly embarrassed, ¡°you deducted twenty points from me yesterday in class. I understand why, of course, but you know I only acted out to avoid arousing Dumbledore¡¯s suspicion."


    ¡°So, if it¡¯s not too much trouble... could you restore the points? It¡¯s still the beginning of the school year, and Hufflepuff is already in second-to-last place.¡±


    Umbridge¡¯s expression turned thoughtful, tinged with a slight disappointment.


    ¡°You¡¯re right,¡± she said after a moment. ¡°This is Hogwarts, and one must be cautious. Your request is reasonable¡ªdefending the honor of your house is only natural.¡±


    She gave him a small, almost approving nod.


    ¡°In fact,¡± she added with a faint smile, ¡°for your honesty and bravery, I¡¯ll award Hufflepuff twenty... no, fifty points.¡±

 Chapter 616: The Many Clubs of Hogwarts

    After leaving Umbridge¡¯s office, Kyle walked briskly down the corridor toward the Great Hall. It was already noon, and the Great Hall buzzed with students gathering for lunch.


    Near the Hufflepuff table, Cedric and the Quidditch team were deep in discussion, chatting about the new recruits from the morning¡¯s tryouts. When Cedric spotted Kyle, he immediately scooted over to make space.


    ¡°How was your detention with Professor Umbridge?¡± Cedric asked as Kyle sat down. ¡°Did she give you a hard time?¡±


    ¡°What did she make you do?¡± another teammate chimed in.


    Kyle paused before answering, ¡°It was okay. I had to write a sentence¡ªfive hundred times.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not too bad,¡± Cedric said with a slight shrug.


    ¡°Yeah,¡± Kyle agreed, though his tone carried a hint of exasperation. ¡°It¡¯s just that five hundred times is a lot. Ten sheets of parchment¡ªit felt more like an extra-long homework assignment.¡± S§×ar?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°That¡¯s manageable,¡± Kanna reassured him. She pushed a plate of pies his way. ¡°Do you want some pie?¡±


    ¡°Thanks. I¡¯ve been starving for an hour,¡± Kyle replied, cutting himself a piece and taking a bite.


    The pie was filled with beef, onions, and peppers, and he found it quite satisfying.


    ¡°By the way,¡± he said between bites, turning to Cedric, ¡°what do you think of this year¡¯s new recruits?¡±


    ¡°They¡¯re¡­ okay,¡± Cedric said with a slight grimace. ¡°We didn¡¯t find anyone with standout talent this year. The only one who showed some promise is a third-year Keeper.¡±


    ¡°Flora Padvey, in fifth year, was also pretty decent,¡± Cedric continued, ¡°but she¡¯s not that serious about Quidditch. She made it clear during tryouts that if practice overlaps with her Charms Club meetings, she¡¯d pick the club over the team.¡±


    ¡°Wait, what club did you say?¡± Kyle asked, looking up.


    ¡°The Charms Club,¡± Cedric repeated.


    ¡°Is there really such a thing at Hogwarts?¡± Kyle asked, his eyebrows furrowing.


    ¡°Not only does it exist, but there are quite a few clubs,¡± Cedric replied. ¡°For example, there¡¯s the Wizard Chess Club, the Gorgeous Robes Club, and the Afternoon Tea Club, just to name a few.¡±


    ¡°These aren¡¯t run by professors,¡± Cedric explained. ¡°They¡¯re student-organized. People with similar interests set them up, and they meet regularly in specific locations. I joined the Wizard Chess Club in fourth year.¡±


    Kyle looked bewildered. ¡°I¡¯ve never heard of any of these.¡±


    Cedric retorted with a laugh, ¡°You¡¯ve probably been too busy to notice.¡±


    Kyle had no response to that. Now that he thought about it, it was true. His previous years had been packed¡ªattending the professors¡¯ clubs, keeping up with team training, studying runes, and handling the mountain of homework assigned every week.


    Last year, he¡¯d had more free time, but being Hogwarts¡¯ Champion in the Triwizard Tournament meant no one would bother him with things as trivial as clubs.


    Now that he reflected, he vaguely recalled overhearing students in the common room discussing club activities, but he hadn¡¯t paid much attention at the time.


    ¡°I see...¡± Kyle said with a nod. Then, turning to Kanna, he asked curiously, ¡°Have you joined the Charms Club?¡±


    ¡°No,¡± Kanna said with a slight shake of her head. ¡°I¡¯ve never even heard of it.¡±


    ¡°Same here,¡± Kyle said with a laugh. ¡°Doesn¡¯t sound as ¡®charming¡¯ as it claims to be, then.¡±


    Kanna couldn¡¯t help but laugh at that.


    ¡°I advise you to be careful,¡± Cedric said. ¡°Just because you weren¡¯t invited doesn¡¯t mean the others aren¡¯t good. The ¡®Charms Club'' has a lot of members, and it¡¯s quite difficult to join¡ªyou have to pass a series of tests.¡±


    Kyle raised an eyebrow. ¡°So, Cho is one of them?¡±


    Cedric paused for a moment before conceding, ¡°Okay, maybe it¡¯s not that charming.¡±


    The table erupted in laughter, Cedric joining in after a moment.


    ¡°But I wasn¡¯t wrong about one thing,¡± Cedric continued, recovering his composure. ¡°It¡¯s still quite popular. Besides Flora, there¡¯s also Vicky Frobisher of Gryffindor¡ªshe¡¯s one of the participants in their selection, and she¡¯s a very skilled flyer.¡±


    ¡°Though,¡± Cedric added thoughtfully, ¡°Captain Angelina didn¡¯t recruit her. She picked Ron Weasley instead, who, to be honest, is mediocre in every way. I wonder if it¡¯s part of some bigger strategy... After all, the Weasley family has produced some brilliant members.¡±


    ¡°Maybe you¡¯re overthinking it,¡± Kyle said with a shrug. ¡°A good team dynamic can sometimes make up for individual weaknesses. There¡¯s plenty of time before the first match¡ªwe just need to focus on training.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s how I see it, too,¡± Cedric agreed.


    In the afternoon, the group of friends who were free gathered on the lawn outside the castle.


    Fred and George had a specific goal in mind: finding Hagrid. They needed a special type of poisonous berry for their Skiving Snackboxes, and the Forbidden Forest was the only place they could find it.


    However, when they reached Hagrid¡¯s hut, it was still shut tight, the silence inside confirming his absence.


    ¡°It looks like Hagrid hasn¡¯t come back yet,¡± Fred said with a sigh. ¡°I¡¯d love to know what he¡¯s up to.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about that now,¡± George interjected, a gleam of excitement in his eye. ¡°Don¡¯t you see? This is a perfect opportunity! Hagrid¡¯s not here, which means the Forbidden Forest is unguarded. Why not go in and pick the berries ourselves?¡±


    Cedric raised an eyebrow. ¡°Are you seriously saying this in front of us?¡±


    Fred and George turned to look at their companions, suddenly realizing there were four Prefects among them. Prefects were technically obligated to enforce school rules, meaning they could punish anyone breaking them¡ªeven fellow students.


    George gave a sheepish grin. ¡°Could you pretend you didn¡¯t hear that? It¡¯s a rare chance, and all we want are some berries.¡±


    ¡°Just berries?¡± Cho asked skeptically, crossing her arms.


    ¡°Of course!¡± Fred said earnestly. ¡°We promise.¡±


    Kyle smirked, leaning in. ¡°Promise to pick berries, sure. But we all know you¡¯re not promising how far into the forest you¡¯ll go.¡±


    The group chuckled knowingly. Poisonous berries weren¡¯t hard to find¡ªthey grew both near the forest¡¯s edge and deeper inside. Given Fred and George¡¯s penchant for adventure, it was obvious they¡¯d aim for the most forbidden areas.


    Fred and George didn¡¯t seem the least bit embarrassed about having their plan exposed. Before they could defend themselves, a stern voice interrupted them.


    ¡°What are you doing!¡±


    The group turned to see Professor Grubbly-Plank emerging from the Forbidden Forest, carrying two large buckets. She looked at them with suspicion, her expression sharp.


    ¡°Students aren¡¯t allowed in the Forbidden Forest,¡± she said firmly. ¡°Go back to the castle, or I¡¯ll report this to Professor McGonagall.¡±


    ¡°No, no, we¡¯re here to see Professor Hagrid,¡± George said quickly, plastering on a smile. ¡°Do you know where he is?¡±


    ¡°Another group looking for Hagrid...¡± Professor Grubbly-Plank muttered, shaking her head. ¡°I don¡¯t know where he is. But I suggest you get back to the castle. Students are only allowed near the forest during Care of Magical Creatures lessons.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Professor. We¡¯ll leave now,¡± Cedric said diplomatically, steering the group away.


    The group started walking back toward the castle, Fred and George trailing behind, grumbling.


    ¡°She¡¯s not very pleasant,¡± Fred muttered. ¡°I definitely prefer Hagrid.¡±


    ¡°Agreed,¡± George said.


    Cho smiled slyly at them. ¡°That¡¯s not what you used to say. Didn¡¯t you complain all the time about Hagrid guarding the Forbidden Forest so closely that you couldn¡¯t sneak in?¡±


    ¡°But at least he¡¯d hear us out,¡± Fred protested.


    ¡°And sometimes,¡± George added, ¡°he¡¯d even go into the forest and bring us what we needed.¡±

 Chapter 617: Bonus Points in Potions Class?

    Weekends always seemed to pass in the blink of an eye.


    By Monday morning, sunlight streamed through the dormitory window, waking Kyle naturally instead of an alarm clock. Mikel and Ryan were still fast asleep, their breaths slow and even. Not wanting to disturb them, Kyle dressed quietly and slipped out of the dormitory.


    On his way to the Great Hall, he encountered Filch. After last year''s events, the castle caretaker seemed like a completely different person. Gone was the tyrannical enforcer eager to drag rule-breakers to the dungeons for punishment. Instead, he now appeared timid and wary.


    Whenever he crossed paths with someone, his first instinct was not to reprimand them but to retreat, often hiding behind a piece of armor. Only when he recognized Kyle did he step out cautiously, visibly relaxing. It seemed that being knocked unconscious by Barty Crouch Jr. had left a lasting impression on him.


    Still, this change had its perks¡ªHogwarts students no longer had to worry about being scolded for something as minor as speaking too loudly.


    The first class of the morning was Defence Against the Dark Arts. After breakfast, Kyle headed to the classroom with Kanna.


    Initially, Kanna felt a bit uneasy, worried that Kyle might pick another argument with Professor Umbridge, as he had during the last lesson. Though she didn¡¯t like Umbridge either, the professor¡¯s position made such confrontations risky for a student.


    To her relief¡ªand everyone else¡¯s surprise¡ªKyle remained quiet throughout the entire class. Even Professor Umbridge seemed to have moved past the previous incident, acting as though it had never happened.


    This turn of events came as a relief to Kanna, but it left some students disappointed. Sharing the class with Hufflepuff, they had eagerly anticipated seeing Kyle make a scene, especially after hearing the stories about him storming out last time. For these students, the dull, repetitive lessons full of reading and note-taking offered little excitement, and they had hoped Kyle might liven things up.


    The lesson, however, proceeded without incident. In fact, what shocked everyone even more was that toward the end of class, Professor Umbridge awarded the Hufflepuffs five points when Kyle correctly answered a question.


    This unexpected turn of events left some students wondering if the infamous "door-slamming" incident had been nothing more than a rumor spread by Hufflepuff and Gryffindor to make fools of others. To them, the lesson seemed no different from the usual tedium.


    The only noticeable change was Umbridge''s habit of occasionally rubbing the back of her hand. Whether this was due to an injury or some other reason remained a mystery.


    ...


    Defence Against the Dark Arts was followed by the advanced Potions class.


    This time, there were more students than in Transfiguration, a total of sixteen, though half of them were Slytherins. Kyle doubted that all of them had achieved the necessary O.W.L. scores, given what he knew about Slytherin''s former big spenders. Many of them were average at best in Potions¡ªnot exactly terrible, but far from exceptional. Their presence here spoke volumes about Snape''s enduring partiality.


    The Dungeon was as cold as ever, and Snape¡¯s expression matched the atmosphere. He looked even more pallid and worn than usual, with deep-set eyes that suggested several sleepless nights.


    As two Ravenclaw students prepared to sit together at one of the tables, Snape¡¯s voice sliced through the air.


    ¡°Sit separately,¡± he commanded icily. ¡°You don¡¯t think you¡¯ll manage to brew a potion together in advanced classes, do you? If you can¡¯t complete a potion on your own, you¡¯d best leave now.¡±


    One of the Ravenclaws hesitated before quickly stepping away to another table. The rest of the class got the message and spread out, each claiming a table for themselves. Although the Dungeon was limited in space, the small class size ensured that there were enough cauldrons for everyone.


    Snape began his lecture in his typical monotone.


    ¡°Advanced classes,¡± he said, his cold voice carrying easily in the quiet room. ¡°You are all the most outstanding students I have selected¡­¡±


    He paused deliberately, his gaze sliding toward Kyle, who was sitting quietly in a corner.


    ¡°But¡­¡± Snape continued, tearing his eyes away, ¡°I hope you can prove yourselves worthy of the selection. My standards will be strict, and I expect no foolish mistakes in this class. Otherwise, I will be¡­ very angry.¡±


    His eyes swept the room again, lingering briefly as if to hammer the point home. The Slytherins immediately sat up straighter, their postures rigid with a desire to impress. Yet Snape wasn¡¯t even looking at them.


    ¡°Today,¡± he announced, ¡°we will be preparing the simplest potion in : the Draught of Living Death. Does anyone know what this potion is?¡±


    Nearly every hand in the room shot up, but Snape chose Kanna without hesitation.


    ¡°The Draught of Living Death,¡± Kanna recited, ¡°also known as the Draught of the Living Dead is a powerful sleeping potion that can send the drinker into a deep sleep within a minute.¡±


    ¡°Half a minute, to be precise,¡± Snape corrected, though his tone held a rare note of approval. ¡°An excellent answer. Five points to Hufflepuff.¡±


    The class remained unfazed by this favoritism; Snape¡¯s bias toward certain students was well known.


    ¡°Although it is the simplest potion in ¡± Snape continued, ¡°it is more complex than anything you have brewed before.¡±


    With a sharp tap of his wand, instructions appeared on the chalkboard, listing the ingredients and steps for brewing the potion.


    Kyle recognized the Draught of Living Death immediately¡ªhe had successfully brewed it years ago in a previous Potions class. However, the steps written on the board differed slightly from the ones he remembered.


    In Snape¡¯s old textbook, root grass and lionfish bone powder were key ingredients. But here, both had been replaced by dried Belladonna flowers. The substitution made the process simpler; Belladonna required only light grinding before being added to the cauldron, with no special preparation.


    Kyle gathered his ingredients and followed the updated instructions. By the halfway point of the lesson, the potion in his cauldron had transformed into the expected well-mixed brownish-red liquid.


    Kanna had also achieved the same result.


    The rest of the class wasn¡¯t so fortunate. The potions brewed by the other students varied in color and consistency, with some too dark and others visibly uneven. None of them matched the standard set by Kyle and Kanna.


    ¡°The Valerian root is not cut to the same size...¡±


    ¡°Who told you to throw the Belladonna flowers in whole...¡±


    ¡°Mix less¡ªhalf a turn...¡±


    Snape paced through the classroom, his sharp tone slicing through the air as he called out mistakes without the slightest hesitation or mercy.


    Yet, he never once approached Kyle¡¯s table, as though Kyle didn¡¯t even exist.


    Snape stopped next to a Gryffindor student, frowning deeply at the murky contents of the student¡¯s cauldron. He opened his mouth, ready to deliver a scathing remark, when the Dungeon door creaked open.


    Before Kyle could turn to see the newcomer, the unmistakable high-pitched voice answered the question for him.


    ¡°Professor Snape, I hope I¡¯m not interrupting,¡± came Umbridge¡¯s sugary tone, though it was clear she had no qualms about doing exactly that.


    Snape¡¯s eyes twitched, and his lips pressed into a thinner line as he moved to the door. Without a word to the class, he stepped outside to meet her, though his irritation was palpable.


    After a brief pause, Snape¡¯s restrained voice could be heard. ¡°Professor Umbridge, what can I do for you?¡±


    ¡°I think it¡¯s best we speak in private,¡± Umbridge replied, casting a cursory glance at the students in the classroom.


    Snape nodded curtly and followed her out.


    When he returned a few minutes later, his expression had soured even further. His usual disdainful sneer now carried a tinge of something darker¡ªresentment, perhaps. Muttering under his breath, he grumbled, ¡°Why don¡¯t you go to the Hospital Wing? I¡¯m not a Healer...¡±


    His low, bitter complaints continued as he resumed his pacing.


    For the rest of the lesson, the students worked in silence, treading carefully so as not to provoke their already irritable professor. Every glance, every sound was measured, the tension in the room thick enough to cut with a knife.


    Another half hour passed in this uneasy quiet. S~ea??h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°Time¡¯s up,¡± Snape announced abruptly. ¡°Everyone stop casting your Charms and cease stirring.¡±


    He began his inspections, moving from table to table. As he scrutinized each potion, Snape¡¯s criticisms were biting, his mood clearly unsoftened by even minor successes.


    Kyle glanced around the room. Following Snape¡¯s instructions from the chalkboard, most students had managed to produce a potion that turned a pale pink after the final stir. While the shades varied slightly¡ªsome darker, some lighter¡ªnone of the differences appeared significant enough to impair the potion¡¯s functionality.


    Snape, however, seemed unimpressed. He pointed out flaws in almost every cauldron, his remarks landing like blows. To him, successfully brewing the Draught of Living Death on the first try wasn¡¯t an accomplishment; it was the bare minimum he expected.


    Finally, Snape approached Kyle¡¯s table.


    Kyle¡¯s potion was flawless, its consistency and color exactly as it should be.


    ¡°Not bad,¡± Snape muttered through gritted teeth, as though it physically pained him to acknowledge the success. ¡°One point to Hufflepuff.¡±

 Chapter 618: The Professor’s Strange Behavior

    ¡°Kanna, listen to me. If you have the time, you should take Snape to the Hospital Wing and have Madam Pomfrey check him out. I¡¯m starting to think he might¡¯ve drunk the wrong potion.¡±


    In the Hufflepuff Common Room that evening, Kyle was trying to convince Kanna to pay closer attention to Snape¡¯s condition. His genuine concern, however, was met with silence. Kanna focused on her homework, showing no intention of engaging with him. Occasionally, when she tired of Kyle¡¯s persistence, she would glare at him in irritation.


    ¡°I¡¯m serious,¡± Kyle insisted.


    Having spent five years at Hogwarts, Kyle was well-acquainted with Snape¡¯s teaching methods. From his very first year up to now, Snape had failed to deduct points from him during a single class. Not once.


    To Kyle, it was almost a comforting constant. So, when Snape awarded him one point instead of taking any away, it felt¡­ surreal. It wasn¡¯t until Kyle left the classroom and noticed the daggers being thrown at him by the Slytherins that he fully processed the moment. Snape hadn¡¯t deducted points¡ªhe¡¯d added them.


    Snape. The man addicted to deducting points from Hufflepuff.


    Kyle¡¯s first instinct was disbelief. Such behavior was utterly out of character, and in his mind, it could only mean one thing: Snape must¡¯ve consumed the wrong potion.


    This was why he was so adamant about convincing Kanna to take action. After all, Snape was practically family to her. And while Kyle might not hold any warm feelings for the man, standing by and doing nothing felt wrong.


    Kanna, however, had a different perspective.


    ¡°What¡¯s so strange about getting extra credit for meeting the professor¡¯s expectations?¡± she said with a note of exasperation, finally looking up from her parchment. ¡°Professor Snape is just stricter than usual. These are advanced classes, after all¡ªthe difficulty¡¯s much higher, so it¡¯s only natural for him to acknowledge when someone excels.¡±


    ¡°No, no, no.¡± Kyle shook his head emphatically, though he kept his more candid thoughts to himself.


    And the strangeness didn¡¯t stop there.


    The next day, during Transfiguration, Professor McGonagall gave Kyle .


    Kyle was floored. While McGonagall was known for her fairness, she rarely awarded more than ten points at a time, even for exceptional work. It only happened during particularly challenging lessons, and even then, thirty points was almost unheard of.


    Adding this to the points Snape had given, plus the points from Umbridge earlier, Kyle realized that Hufflepuff had soared to the top of the House rankings, now more than twenty points ahead of Slytherin.


    ¡°Incredible,¡± Cedric said, gazing at the gem-filled Hufflepuff hourglass in the Great Hall. ¡°If we can hold onto this lead until the end of the year, Hufflepuff could finally break Slytherin¡¯s streak and become six-time champions.¡± Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Cedric¡¯s voice carried a mix of hope and determination. With his graduation looming, he was eager to leave Hogwarts on a high note. Winning the House Cup would be a fitting sendoff.


    Of course, Cedric wasn¡¯t content with just the House Cup. ¡°If we can win the Quidditch Cup again this year,¡± he added, ¡°it¡¯ll be the fifth time in a row. That¡¯d be the perfect way to end my time at Hogwarts.¡±


    Suddenly fired up by the thought, Cedric stood and called out to his team. ¡°Hurry up¡ªit¡¯s time for training! We¡¯ve only got three hours on the pitch today, so grab your brooms and meet me at the stadium!¡±


    With that, he dashed out of the Great Hall, completely ignoring the light drizzle outside.


    ¡°Honestly, Cedric¡¯s turning more and more into Oliver Wood,¡± Fred remarked, clapping Kyle on the shoulder and struggling not to laugh.


    ¡°Yeah,¡± George agreed. ¡°Leading a team is tough. Wood was absolutely obsessed before he graduated¡ªhe wanted us to stay on the pitch every night, but McGonagall wouldn¡¯t let him.¡±


    ¡°But you still lost,¡± Kyle said with a grin.


    Fred and George froze, their faces immediately darkening as they turned to glare at him.


    Kyle¡¯s words might have been cutting, but they were true. And the worst part? It was Hufflepuff that had crushed their hopes of victory.


    ¡°Enough. You won¡¯t have that kind of luck again this year.¡±


    ¡°And Harry won¡¯t get tricked a second time!¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll see.¡±


    Though Fred, George, and Kyle were good friends, Quidditch was a battlefield where camaraderie gave way to rivalry. Victory or defeat, there were no friends when it came to the pitch.


    ¡°Are you still playing Quidditch this year?¡± Kyle asked curiously. ¡°As far as I know, you¡¯ve been busy with the Weasleys¡¯ Wizard Wheezes joke shop. Developing products, stocking up, choosing a shop location... all that must take a lot of time and energy.¡±


    ¡°Ah, yeah, but it¡¯s okay. We can manage if we only train three times a week,¡± Fred replied, rubbing the back of his head.


    Opening a joke shop had been a long-time dream for Fred and George, but now that they were making it a reality, they were discovering just how demanding it was.


    The first major hurdle was inventory. Although they had come up with several brilliant inventions, the number of products was still too small to fill a shop. To compete with Zonko¡¯s Joke Shop, which stocked nearly 200 items, they needed more variety¡ªand they couldn¡¯t afford to compromise on quality.


    Then there was the issue of location, which proved even trickier.


    Sirius Black had offered to help, but his current preoccupation with matters at the Ministry of Magic left little time for such distractions. As a result, Fred and George decided to handle the matter themselves.


    They had settled on Diagon Alley for their shop, but the rent in such a prime location was exorbitantly high. While they now had a decent amount of gold, enough to afford renting even two shops, they were careful with their spending. After all, Galleons didn¡¯t grow on trees.


    They had been scouting for a reasonably priced location in a high-traffic area, but it was proving challenging. Unsurprisingly, any good spots were already taken.


    Recently, however, they¡¯d stumbled across a shop at 93 Diagon Alley, near Gringotts Bank. The space had been occupied by a store selling owl nuts, but with declining sales due to pet stores bundling snacks with their animals, the current owners were planning to relocate.


    The location was ideal, particularly during the lead-up to the school year when young wizards eagerly spent their freshly-withdrawn allowances. However, Fred and George were hesitant to commit just yet. They wanted to increase their start-up capital a bit more before finalizing anything.


    Fortunately, they still had a year until graduation, giving them time to weigh their options carefully.


    Kyle watched Fred and George exchange worried glances and asked, ¡°Do you need any help?¡±


    ¡°Ah, no, we can handle it ourselves,¡± Fred said, shaking his head. Then, as if suddenly remembering something, he added warningly, ¡°And don¡¯t think you can use this as an excuse to get us to go easy on you in Quidditch. It¡¯s not going to work.¡±


    ¡°Yeah,¡± George chimed in, raising an eyebrow. ¡°No matter what, we¡¯re not letting Hufflepuff take the Quidditch Cup again this year!¡±


    ¡°I should be the one saying that,¡± Kyle replied with a laugh, deciding to drop the subject for now.


    Outside, the rest of Cedric¡¯s team had started heading toward the Quidditch pitch, broomsticks in hand. Mikel, walking at the back of the group, called out to Kyle from just outside the Great Hall. Without hesitation, Kyle grabbed his broom and hurried to join them.

 Chapter 619: Fudge’s Letter

    By Friday, the weather remained as gloomy and rain-soaked as it had been all week. Yet, the Hufflepuff Quidditch team hadn¡¯t missed a single training session.


    As Fred had pointed out earlier, Cedric was becoming increasingly reminiscent of Oliver Wood, driven by an intense focus on the game. A bit of rain wasn¡¯t going to stop him.


    At 8:30 p.m., the team returned, thoroughly drenched and exhausted, to the welcoming warmth of the Hufflepuff common room.


    Kyle removed the waterproof badge from his uniform and settled into a chair, sipping the hot cocoa Kanna had thoughtfully prepared earlier. Across the room, Cedric sat with a steaming cup of tea, which he¡¯d fetched himself from the kitchen.


    ¡°Tomorrow is Hogsmeade visiting day,¡± remarked Midaan Ancona, the new third-year Keeper, as she carefully removed her waterproof badge and stored it safely. ¡°What¡¯s it like there? I¡¯ve never been.¡±


    Only students in their third year and above were allowed to visit Hogsmeade on designated weekends. Younger students had to remain in the castle, leaving the village as something of a mystery for those like Midaan.


    ¡°It¡¯s really fun,¡± Cedric assured her. ¡°I recommend starting with Honeydukes¡ªit¡¯s always packed because it¡¯s the most popular shop in Hogsmeade.¡±


    ¡°Dervish & Banges is another good spot,¡± added Kanna. ¡°They sell all kinds of interesting magical items, like Self-Writing Quills and reusable parchment.¡±


    ¡°And if you¡¯re into something more unconventional, don¡¯t miss Zonko¡¯s Joke Shop,¡± Kyle suggested with a grin.


    ¡°Then head to The Three Broomsticks for Butterbeer,¡± someone chimed in. ¡°Or try Pumpkin Fizz or Cherry Honey Soda¡ªit¡¯s way better than the Pumpkin Juice we get at school.¡±


    Midaan¡¯s eyes sparkled with anticipation, her excitement palpable. She clearly couldn¡¯t wait to experience Hogsmeade for the first time.


    The conversation quickly shifted away from training to recommendations for Midaan and the other new third-years. Older students like Kyle and Cedric, who had visited the village countless times, had seen most of the shops so many times that the novelty had long since worn off. Now, their role was to guide the newcomers on where to go and what to avoid.


    While Honeydukes and The Three Broomsticks were popular choices, Kyle had another suggestion: the Shrieking Shack.


    Sirius had purchased the property not long ago with plans to open a shop there with Lupin. Unfortunately, Voldemort¡¯s return had derailed those plans. With Lupin occupied and Sirius under investigation by the Ministry of Magic, the refurbished Shrieking Shack sat unused, its future uncertain.


    By ten o¡¯clock, the tired Quidditch team had dispersed to their dormitories, ready to rest before the weekend.


    The next morning, the Great Hall buzzed with excitement. Students chattered animatedly about their plans for the Hogsmeade trip, many already debating what to buy first.


    Cedric, however, seemed uninterested. As a seventh-year, he¡¯d been to Hogsmeade enough times to consider it routine. Instead of joining the trip, he planned to use the quiet castle as an opportunity for extra Quidditch practice.


    Though confident in his team¡¯s ability to beat most other houses, Cedric was cautious about Gryffindor. Harry¡¯s Firebolt posed a unique challenge. Unlike Kyle, who used the same broom but played as a Chaser and needed to score gradually, Harry¡¯s role as Seeker meant he could end the game in an instant by catching the Snitch.


    Last year, Hufflepuff had managed to neutralize Harry¡¯s Firebolt through a clever and unexpected strategy. But Cedric knew such a tactic wouldn¡¯t work twice. Harry was too sharp to fall for the same trick again, and Cedric realized they¡¯d need a new plan.


    Kyle wasn¡¯t particularly excited about Hogsmeade either. He¡¯d already decided to skip the trip, preferring to spend his Saturday in the common room playing wizard chess.


    At least, that was his plan until a brown barn owl swooped into the Great Hall, delivering a short, cryptic note to him.


    The note contained no signature, leaving Kyle puzzled. As he pondered its sender, he caught sight of Umbridge seated nearby, her gaze fixed intently on him.


    Kyle suddenly understood.


    He¡¯d been wondering why a week had passed without any new interference from the Ministry. He had assumed Fudge was exercising restraint. The arrival of the note suggested otherwise.


    After breakfast, Kyle joined the other students heading to Hogsmeade.


    ¡°I thought you said you weren¡¯t going to Hogsmeade today?¡± Kanna asked, her tone curious as they walked across the damp grounds. ¡°What changed your mind?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m going to see someone,¡± Kyle replied vaguely.


    ¡°Who? Professor Black?¡±


    ¡°No,¡± Kyle said, shaking his head. ¡°You¡¯ll see when we get there.¡±


    Kanna raised an eyebrow at his cryptic answer but decided not to press further.


    Once in Hogsmeade, Kyle made a beeline for The Three Broomsticks. Since they had arrived early, the pub was nearly empty, and there was no sign of Fudge.


    The Three Broomsticks was typically a spot where people came to rest after exploring the village. Most only stopped in for a drink after they¡¯d tired themselves out.


    Kyle ordered a Pumpkin Fizz and took a seat at an empty table, sipping his drink as he waited.


    About half an hour later, the door to the pub opened, and Madam Rosmerta¡¯s cheery voice echoed across the room.


    ¡°Oh, Mr. Minister¡­ what brings you to Hogsmeade?¡±


    ¡°The longing for your Red Currant Rum, of course,¡± replied Fudge with a jovial tone. ¡°To be honest, I think about it every time I go off duty.¡±


    ¡°Thank you for the kind words, Mr. Minister,¡± Madam Rosmerta said, beaming warmly. Her gaze shifted to Umbridge, who had entered behind him.


    ¡°And what about you, Professor Umbridge?¡±


    ¡°Mead and Cherry Syrup,¡± Umbridge replied in her high-pitched voice.


    From his seat, Kyle had a clear view of Madam Rosmerta¡¯s reaction. Her polite expression faltered for just a moment as she discreetly held one of the glasses behind the bar. She quickly composed herself. S§×ar?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°One moment,¡± she said before turning away to prepare their drinks.


    With so few patrons in the pub, Fudge naturally noticed Kyle sitting nearby. He strode over to the table with a wide smile.


    ¡°Long time no see, Kyle,¡± Fudge greeted warmly, as though their meeting were a happy coincidence. ¡°You did an outstanding job at the Triwizard Tournament last year, beating Beauxbatons and Durmstrang. Truly remarkable. It¡¯s been ages since we¡¯ve had any international glory like that.¡±


    ¡°It was nothing, Minister,¡± Kyle replied, his tone carefully neutral.


    Standing nearby, Kanna glanced between Kyle and Fudge. The situation suddenly clicked in her mind. She gave Kyle a small nod.


    ¡°I¡¯ll go buy some sweets,¡± she said lightly, excusing herself and leaving the pub.


    ¡°What a clever girl,¡± Fudge remarked, setting his striped bowler hat aside as he took the seat Kanna had just vacated.


    Umbridge, silent until now, seated herself across from Fudge.


    ¡°Kanna has always been clever,¡± Kyle said with a polite smile.

 Chapter 620: The Minister Who Won’t Step Down

    Fudge seemed momentarily distracted by Kyle¡¯s words, responding with a distracted, ¡°Yes, I can see that.¡± His gaze shifted, scanning the surroundings.


    Kyle had deliberately chosen a secluded corner seat, one far from the windows and tucked behind a large decorative plant. From outside, it was impossible to see this part of the pub, and even for someone entering, the plant obstructed much of the view. Fudge, noticing the privacy, nodded in satisfaction. S§×ar?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    For a while, the conversation stayed light, filled with idle chatter about trivial topics. It wasn¡¯t until Madam Rosmerta brought their orders¡ªFudge¡¯s Red Currant Rum and Umbridge¡¯s Mead and Cherry Syrup¡ªthat the Minister¡¯s demeanor began to shift. His smile faded, replaced by a more serious expression.


    Once Madam Rosmerta returned to her post at the bar, Fudge leaned forward slightly and said, ¡°I heard from Dolores that you wanted to see me?¡±


    Finally, they were getting to the point. Kyle set down his Pumpkin Fizz and met Fudge¡¯s gaze.


    ¡°Yes, Minister,¡± Kyle said. ¡°I thought there was something you should know.¡±


    ¡°Oh? And what might that be?¡± Fudge¡¯s expression remained carefully neutral, though his eyes betrayed a flicker of curiosity. He acted as if this meeting were a mere coincidence, a casual encounter over drinks.


    ¡°It¡¯s about Professor Dumbledore,¡± Kyle said, pausing for effect. ¡°A meeting he once hosted in his personal capacity.¡±


    Fudge¡¯s posture stiffened almost imperceptibly, but his face stayed calm. ¡°I¡¯ve heard of it,¡± he said evenly. ¡°Albus is well-known in the wizarding world, and as the headmaster of Hogwarts, it¡¯s only natural that he¡¯d host gatherings with old friends now and then.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s true,¡± Kyle acknowledged. ¡°But the subject of their discussion wasn¡¯t exactly what you¡¯d expect at a friendly gathering.¡±


    ¡°Oh? And what was it, then?¡± Fudge asked, his tone feigning casual interest. ¡°Go on¡ªafter all, a drink at The Three Broomsticks isn¡¯t complete without some good conversation. And don¡¯t worry,¡± he added with a small smile, ¡°I won¡¯t breathe a word of this to Albus.¡±


    Kyle gave Fudge a knowing look. He didn¡¯t doubt the Minister¡¯s promise for a second.


    ¡°They were talking about the resurrection of You-Know-Who.¡±


    In an instant, the warmth drained from Fudge¡¯s face, replaced by a deep, angry flush. His expression contorted, his red complexion making him resemble an irate hippo.


    Next to him, Umbridge stood abruptly, her shrill voice trembling with indignation. She looked as if she might cast the Cruciatus Curse on Kyle right then and there.


    ¡°Ridiculous! Insane nonsense!¡± Fudge roared. ¡°The Ministry has made it abundantly clear¡ªhe cannot and will not return! I¡¯ve had quite enough of this nonsense. I thought you might have something worthwhile to say.¡± He turned his glare on Umbridge. ¡°Dolores, is this the ¡®surprise¡¯ you mentioned?¡±


    Umbridge flinched under his icy gaze but said nothing.


    Fudge stood abruptly, as if to leave. ¡°I don¡¯t think I¡¯ll be staying for a drink after all. Just to be clear, that man is not coming back.¡±


    ¡°But some people think he might,¡± Kyle said calmly, ignoring the murderous glare Umbridge cast his way. ¡°That rumor could serve them well.¡±


    Fudge froze mid-movement, his eyes narrowing as he turned back to Kyle, scrutinizing him carefully.


    ¡°Because,¡± Kyle continued, his tone deliberate, ¡°everyone knows the only person who can stand against You-Know-Who is Dumbledore. Rumors like this would bolster his prestige significantly, and quickly.¡±


    Fudge¡¯s expression darkened, but he hesitated, finally sinking back into his seat.


    ¡°It seems we¡¯re right to counter his lies,¡± Fudge muttered, his tone sharp. ¡°Exposing them in ensures fewer people are fooled by his rhetoric.¡±


    ¡°Indeed,¡± Umbridge piped up, her voice shriller than ever. ¡°And thanks to the Minister¡¯s foresight, the wizarding community is already rejecting such preposterous claims.¡± Her sycophantic tone made Kyle uncomfortable, but Fudge seemed to revel in it.


    ¡°So, Kyle,¡± Fudge said, his voice suddenly friendly again, as though his earlier outburst hadn¡¯t happened. ¡°Would you be willing to testify to this publicly?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯d be happy to, Minister,¡± Kyle replied with a measured smile.


    Fudge¡¯s grin widened at the response.


    The Minister had long been uneasy about Dumbledore¡¯s influence, particularly through his association with Harry Potter. While Fudge would never openly admit it, he understood the power of Harry¡¯s reputation as The Boy Who Lived. It was an asset Dumbledore wielded effectively.


    But Kyle¡¯s allegiance to the Ministry changed the game. As the youngest recipient of the Order of Merlin and the Triwizard Tournament champion, Kyle¡¯s rising fame rivaled Harry¡¯s¡ªand with the Ministry¡¯s backing, it could easily surpass it.


    Fudge¡¯s mind raced. He already knew who could help shape this narrative: Rita Skeeter. The scandal-loving journalist would be perfect for crafting stories to diminish Dumbledore¡¯s standing while elevating Kyle¡¯s.


    Gulping down half his glass of Red Currant Rum, Fudge allowed himself to imagine a future where Dumbledore¡¯s credibility crumbled under public scrutiny, leaving him as little more than a scapegoat for wizarding society¡¯s frustrations.


    For Fudge, it was an enticing vision¡ªa triumph both personal and political.


    ¡°The Ministry of Magic will remember your contributions.¡±


    Despite his excitement, Fudge made sure to paint Kyle a promising picture of his future. ¡°And I¡¯ve always been very optimistic about you. Chris can testify to that¡ªI¡¯ve mentioned to him several times that you should consider working for the Ministry. I¡¯m confident you could break his record and become the youngest Head of Department ever.¡±


    Kyle immediately picked up on the significance of Fudge¡¯s comment about the Head of Department.


    Kyle thought. It seemed unlikely that Fudge had simply misspoken. Perhaps this wasn¡¯t mere flattery¡ªFudge might be hinting at plans already in motion.


    ¡°Thank you for your trust, Mr. Minister,¡± Kyle said, his tone tinged with genuine excitement.


    ¡°I believe in my own judgment,¡± Fudge said with a confident smile. ¡°I¡¯m never wrong.¡±


    The Minister leaned forward slightly, his curiosity sharpening. ¡°But I am curious about the details of that meeting you mentioned... Did they have any other plans?¡±


    Kyle took a moment to consider before answering. ¡°Of course they did. The main topic of discussion was how to gain more supporters.¡±


    Fudge¡¯s expression faltered for a moment.


    He couldn¡¯t help but recall what he¡¯d heard recently¡ªthat Dumbledore had met with Amelia Bones and Barty Crouch, the latter now positioned in the Department of Magical Transportation. Fudge had suspected that Dumbledore might be eyeing the Minister''s seat. Now, this seemed more plausible than ever.


    Securing the role of Minister required a majority of the Department Heads¡¯ votes, and Dumbledore was influential enough to sway key individuals.


    Fudge¡¯s chest tightened with panic as the implications sunk in. He had no way of knowing how many allies Dumbledore had already won over or how many were contemplating a switch.


    Outwardly, though, Fudge maintained a fa?ade of calm. ¡°Every Department Head has a sharp mind and a strong grasp of the facts. They won¡¯t fall for the lies about You-Know-Who¡¯s resurrection. Dumbledore¡¯s scheme is bound to fail.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s excellent to hear,¡± Kyle said with a faint smile. ¡°If that¡¯s the case, then any follow-up plans they have will be ruined as well.¡±


    ¡°Follow-up plans?¡± Fudge asked warily, his suspicion clearly piqued. ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    ¡°Oh, nothing too serious,¡± Kyle shrugged. ¡°Just Dumbledore¡¯s wishful thinking. He said that once he became Minister, he would do everything in his power to spread the news about You-Know-Who¡¯s resurrection.¡±


    ¡°Why?¡± Fudge blurted, confused.


    Wasn¡¯t Dumbledore leveraging the fear of You-Know-Who to gain power? Why would he continue to push such a narrative after securing the Ministry? Wouldn¡¯t that only lead to backlash and scorn?


    ¡°Because,¡± Kyle replied casually, ¡°it would give him an excuse to declare a state of war in the wizarding world. And during wartime, there are no elections for Minister. As long as he avoids making any catastrophic mistakes... he could hold onto power indefinitely.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s preposterous¡ª¡± Fudge began, but his words were cut off by a loud


    His hand had shaken so violently that his half-full glass of Red Currant Rum toppled to the ground, shattering upon impact.


    Madam Rosmerta glanced over from the bar, startled. ¡°Is everything alright, Minister Fudge?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s fine, I can handle it,¡± Fudge replied quickly, his voice strained as he tried to project calm.


    He retrieved his wand, though the tremor in his hand betrayed his composure. With a clumsy wave, the broken glass reassembled, and the spilled rum vanished.


    Taking several deep breaths to steady himself, Fudge turned to Kyle. ¡°Kyle, I¡¯m glad you¡¯ve shared all this,¡± he said, his voice a touch unsteady. ¡°You¡¯ve done a great service to the stability of the wizarding world.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s my duty,¡± Kyle said modestly.


    ¡°Very good,¡± Fudge said, though his eyes looked distant, his mind clearly racing.


    At that moment, the door to The Three Broomsticks swung open, and a group of students entered, their laughter cutting through the tension.


    ¡°Oh, is it that late already?¡± Fudge said abruptly, rising from his seat. ¡°I wanted to chat with you a bit longer. Talking to young people always invigorates me... but alas, I have pressing matters to attend to.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll see you out, Minister,¡± Umbridge interjected, already standing and ready to follow.


    Fudge nodded, barely acknowledging Kyle as he strode quickly toward the door.

 Chapter 621: Then I’ll Have to Use the Memory Charm Again

    Fudge had barely exited when Kanna entered The Three Broomsticks, carrying two bags of sweets.


    ¡°So the person you were meeting this time was the Minister of Magic?¡± she asked, her tone incredulous.


    ¡°Yes,¡± Kyle replied with a grin. ¡°Fudge came to talk me out of school. Apparently, he wants me to become the next Minister of Magic right now.¡±


    At first, Kanna¡¯s heart sank in alarm, but as Kyle continued, she realized he was teasing. Her worry turned to irritation as she threw a bag of mixed beans at him. ¡°Then just go ahead, Mr. Youngest Minister,¡± she said sarcastically.


    Kyle caught the bag with a laugh. ¡°No, I actually turned him down. Being the Minister of Magic sounds incredibly dull. It¡¯s more work than being a fifth-year student, and not even a little fun.¡±


    ¡°As if you¡¯d ever actually become Minister,¡± Kanna retorted, rolling her eyes.


    ¡°Alright, fine, I couldn¡¯t,¡± Kyle conceded with a shrug. ¡°But Professor Dumbledore could.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Kanna blinked, startled. ¡°Professor Dumbledore is running for Minister of Magic?¡±


    ¡°Not really,¡± Kyle clarified. ¡°But we needed to make Fudge feel a bit threatened, didn¡¯t we? Just enough to keep him from constantly trying to undermine us.¡±


    Kyle began explaining the plan he and Dumbledore had devised.


    ¡°You¡¯re trying to make Fudge think that Professor Dumbledore is plotting against him?¡± Kanna asked, frowning as she absorbed the explanation. ¡°But if that¡¯s the case, he¡¯ll probably become even more aggressive. Professor Snape once told me that Fudge is obsessed with power¡ªhe values his position as Minister above everything else. There¡¯s no way he¡¯d let Dumbledore take it away from him.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry,¡± Kyle said, waving off her concern. ¡°No one is actually going to take it from him. Like I said, it¡¯s just an illusion¡ªsomething to make him feel like he has to act. Our real goal is to get the Ministry of Magic to help deal with You-Know-Who¡¯s return. The Ministry is a powerful force, and we can¡¯t afford for them to keep pretending nothing¡¯s happening just because Fudge is scared or doesn¡¯t want to deal with the responsibility.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s true,¡± Kanna admitted with a nod. She¡¯d seen the Ministry¡¯s stubbornness firsthand. Over the summer, had repeatedly claimed that You-Know-Who had not returned, dismissing Dumbledore¡¯s warnings as paranoia. By the second month, she¡¯d stopped reading the paper altogether.


    ¡°So you lied to Fudge and told him Ministers could serve consecutive terms during wartime?¡± she asked.


    ¡°No, that part¡¯s true,¡± Kyle corrected. ¡°Take Hector Fawley, for example. He was supposed to finish his term, but when the war with Grindelwald started, he stayed in office for fifteen years. The only reason he was forced out was that he never took Grindelwald¡¯s threat seriously. That incompetence cost him his position.¡±


    ¡°Grindelwald...¡± Kanna murmured, trying to recall the name. It sounded familiar, though she couldn¡¯t quite place it.


    ¡°He was the Dark Lord before You-Know-Who,¡± Kyle explained. ¡°He caused chaos across Europe and even reached North America. But in the end, Professor Dumbledore defeated him.¡±


    ¡°Oh,¡± Kanna said, nodding thoughtfully. ¡°But wasn¡¯t the Ministry of Magic also replaced twice during the time You-Know-Who and the Death Eaters were active?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± Kyle replied. ¡°But that was because those Ministers were completely incompetent. If they¡¯d been even halfway capable of managing the situation, they could have stayed in power indefinitely.¡±


    ¡°Got it,¡± Kanna said, though she seemed deep in thought. She hadn¡¯t paid much attention to the details of past Ministry changes before.


    By now, The Three Broomsticks was bustling with activity. The tables were filling up quickly, and groups of students stood around looking for available seats.


    It wasn¡¯t long before a group of sixth-year Hufflepuffs noticed Kyle and Kanna sitting at their large corner table. With only two of them there, the table had plenty of room for more. The newcomers approached hesitantly, gesturing toward the empty seats.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go back,¡± Kanna suggested.


    The pub was too crowded now, and continuing their discussion risked someone overhearing them¡ªa situation that could become problematic if sensitive information got out.


    ¡°Okay,¡± Kyle agreed.


    They stood, nodded goodbye to their classmates who had joined the table, and exited The Three Broomsticks.


    The road back to the castle was quiet, the crisp air filled only with the faint sounds of the village in the distance. It wasn¡¯t even noon yet, so the path was nearly deserted, leaving just the two of them to continue their conversation.


    ¡°What do you think the Minister will do?¡± Kanna asked. ¡°Do you think he¡¯ll believe what you told him?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not sure,¡± Kyle admitted, shaking his head. ¡°But I doubt he¡¯ll believe it outright. More likely, he¡¯ll focus on targeting Professor Dumbledore first.¡±


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you worried he might twist your words, put them in the newspaper, and tell everyone that the supposed resurrection of You-Know-Who is just a conspiracy by Dumbledore to seize power?¡±


    Kyle smiled and shook his head. ¡°Not at all. Fudge has been paranoid about Dumbledore trying to take his position since the day he became Minister. Deep down, he knows that in terms of popularity and ability, he¡¯s no match for Dumbledore."


    ¡°So no matter what, he can¡¯t let this rumor spread. Conspiracy or no conspiracy, if Dumbledore actually wanted to be Minister, there¡¯d be countless people ready to support him without a second thought. Fudge isn¡¯t going to stir up trouble for himself like that."


    ¡°And here¡¯s the most critical part¡ªif Fudge has any plans for re-election, he¡¯ll want to keep this under wraps. Instead, he¡¯ll work behind the scenes to undermine Dumbledore directly.¡±


    Kanna nodded thoughtfully as they neared the gates of Hogwarts. Then, an idea struck her.


    ¡°What if Fudge doesn¡¯t want to run for re-election?¡± she asked. ¡°What if he really lets you go public, using the newspaper to prove that You-Know-Who hasn¡¯t returned and that Professor Dumbledore is lying?¡±


    Kyle chuckled and shrugged. ¡°Then I¡¯d be in a pretty awkward position. But honestly, the chances of that happening are so slim that if Fudge actually did it, I¡¯d be impressed.¡±


    ¡°But if it did happen... wouldn¡¯t you be standing against Professor Dumbledore?¡± Kanna pressed, her concern evident. ¡°If you side with them, no one will believe that You-Know-Who has returned. And wouldn¡¯t Professor Dumbledore, Professor McGonagall, Professor Sprout... wouldn¡¯t they misunderstand your intentions?¡±


    ¡°That won¡¯t happen,¡± Kyle replied confidently, his gaze lifting to the winged warthogs perched on the gates of Hogwarts. ¡°If it came to that, I¡¯d just use the Memory Charm again.¡±


    ¡°Use the Memory Charm again?¡± Kanna asked, confused. ¡°Did you just use it recently?¡±


    ¡°Not just now,¡± Kyle clarified. ¡°But I used it once when I was in detention with Umbridge. It worked pretty well...¡±


    Kanna frowned, curiosity bubbling, but before she could ask further, they passed through the school gates and followed the familiar path leading up to the castle.


    Sear?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Chapter 622: A Flustered Dumbledore

    Fudge acted more swiftly than anyone could have predicted.


    The first sign was in .


    Previously, the paper had regularly run articles attacking Dumbledore, each concluding with a firm denial of You-Know-Who¡¯s return. But since Fudge¡¯s visit to The Three Broomsticks, the tone of the publication had shifted entirely. For a whole week, not a single mention of You-Know-Who appeared in its pages.


    The furious voices that had dominated its columns seemed to have vanished overnight, leaving behind a strangely harmonious narrative¡ªthough it hardly felt that way to everyone.


    ¡°Kyle, can you explain what¡¯s going on?¡±


    On the eighth floor, in the Headmaster¡¯s Office, Dumbledore sat behind his desk, looking uncharacteristically troubled. An open copy of lay in front of him.


    The headline was not on the front page but still occupied an entire page inside the paper:


    A special correspondent, Rita Skeeter, had penned a lengthy article filled with revelations supposedly sourced from well-placed informants. It chronicled Dumbledore¡¯s alleged frequent contact with senior Ministry officials and speculated that he intended to challenge Fudge for the position of Minister.


    According to the article, Dumbledore was supposedly outraged by the slander directed at him by Fudge and sought to restore his tarnished reputation.


    In the center of the page, a large photograph accompanied the piece. The image depicted Dumbledore shaking hands with none other than Dolores Umbridge.


    The caption beneath it read:


    Kyle couldn¡¯t help but laugh as he read the article. ¡°This is rich! I bet Umbridge will be livid when she sees this.¡±


    ¡°I have no doubt,¡± Dumbledore replied, though he sighed heavily.


    Kyle glanced at the paper again. ¡°By the way, Professor, since when did Umbridge become one of ?¡±


    ¡°Didn¡¯t you orchestrate this?¡± Dumbledore asked, his piercing blue eyes fixed on Kyle.


    ¡°Of course not,¡± Kyle said matter-of-factly. ¡°If I had that kind of power, I¡¯d have brought Umbridge to our side ages ago.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not what I mean,¡± Dumbledore said, his tone more serious. ¡°Professor Umbridge has always been a loyal follower of Cornelius Fudge. I¡¯ve never doubted that for a moment.¡±


    He tapped the photo in the article. ¡°In fact, this photograph was taken just after Sirius was taken into custody. At the time, Umbridge was lobbying for the Defence Against the Dark Arts position, which I allowed. Moreover, the location of this meeting wasn¡¯t Hogwarts but the Ministry of Magic.¡±


    ¡°I see...¡± Kyle murmured, realization dawning. ¡°I should¡¯ve guessed. Rita Skeeter loves to embellish¡ªor outright fabricate¡ªher stories.¡±


    ¡°So, you had nothing to do with this article?¡± Dumbledore asked again, his gaze searching Kyle¡¯s face.


    ¡°Not a thing,¡± Kyle said firmly. ¡°Like you just pointed out, that photo was taken at the Ministry, and I¡¯ve been here at Hogwarts since Sirius was taken away. I couldn¡¯t have been involved.¡±


    Dumbledore studied Kyle for a long moment but found no trace of dishonesty in his expression.


    ¡°Then, do you have any ideas on how to end this farce?¡± Dumbledore asked, leaning back with a sigh. ¡°Rita Skeeter has written many articles about me over the years, but none have caused as much trouble as this one."


    ¡°You probably don¡¯t realize it yet, but in just a few hours, I¡¯ve received more letters than I¡¯ve had in the last six months combined.¡±


    He gestured behind him, revealing a towering stack of letters¡ªpiled nearly to the ceiling.


    ¡°And this is only a portion¡­¡±


    Before Dumbledore could finish his thought, another owl flew through the open window, depositing yet another letter onto the already overflowing desk.


    ¡°You see?¡± Dumbledore said, gesturing to the growing pile. ¡°People seem to have taken this article at face value, believing that I truly intend to run for Minister of Magic. They¡¯re even offering advice¡ªenthusiastically, I might add¡ªwhich is, quite frankly, terrifying."


    ¡°To be honest, I¡¯m beginning to dread the sight of owls.¡±


    Dumbledore, afraid of owls?


    Kyle stifled a laugh at the thought. If this tidbit ever got out, it would no doubt end up as another front-page story. sea??h th§× N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°Professor, this might not be such a bad thing,¡± Kyle whispered. ¡°The more people believe it, the less likely Fudge will suspect the truth.¡±


    Dumbledore¡¯s expression hardened. ¡°This isn¡¯t what we agreed on.¡±


    Kyle winced. The headmaster¡¯s tone carried unmistakable disapproval.


    Dumbledore vividly recalled Kyle¡¯s earlier proposal: create a subtle illusion, just enough to make Fudge suspicious. And that¡¯s exactly what Dumbledore had done¡ªspeaking more warmly than usual to Amelia Bones, exchanging a few polite words with Barty Crouch. Small gestures, nothing overtly suggestive.


    But now, the situation had spiraled out of control.


    Since morning, letters had poured in, many from supporters eager to back his supposed campaign. Among them were several members of the Wizengamot, and one letter in particular stood out: an official correspondence from the French Ministry of Magic.


    It came from the Director of the Department of International Magical Cooperation¡ªa person Dumbledore had never interacted with directly. In fact, he hadn¡¯t even known their name before today. Though the letter appeared to be a generic greeting, the timing made its purpose clear.


    Dumbledore sighed as he glanced at the letter. If this continued, it wouldn¡¯t be long before he was genuinely thrust into the role of Minister¡ªa position he had no desire to hold. All he wanted was to remain an unremarkable headmaster, far from the political machinations of the Ministry.


    ¡°Well¡­ there¡¯s nothing I can do about that,¡± Kyle said with a shrug. ¡°We¡¯ll just have to see how Fudge reacts."


    ¡°If he wants to keep his position, he¡¯ll have to take action to stop you. At that point, we simply do nothing and let him come out on top.¡±


    ¡°Really?¡± Dumbledore gave Kyle a sharp, probing look.


    His intuition told him Kyle had a hand in the article, but there wasn¡¯t a shred of evidence to prove it. Even when he¡¯d subtly attempted to uncover more, Kyle¡¯s mind revealed nothing.


    Dumbledore was well aware of Kyle¡¯s proficiency in Occlumency, a skill rare for someone so young. Even Snape had failed to break into Kyle¡¯s mind¡ªwhat little he saw was clearly constructed to deceive him. The ability to not only shield one¡¯s thoughts but also project an entirely convincing false narrative required a level of mastery uncommon even among seasoned wizards.


    With another sigh, Dumbledore rubbed his temples. If he had foreseen this level of chaos, he never would have agreed to Kyle¡¯s plan to create an illusion in the first place.


    Now, his only hope was that Fudge would take decisive¡ªand self-serving¡ªaction to restore balance.

 Chapter 623: Fudge’s Schemes

    Apart from Dumbledore, there was someone else who was equally furious about the article.


    Umbridge was nearly seething with rage at Rita Skeeter. After reading that morning''s , she stormed back to the Ministry of Magic without even pausing for breakfast.


    With the professors absent, there was naturally no Defence Against the Dark Arts class that day. However, given Umbridge''s teaching methods, it made little difference whether she was present or not. After all, her lessons consisted of little more than reading and copying, and without her hovering over them, the students actually enjoyed a bit more freedom.


    When the afternoon class began, the room was in chaos. Without a professor, it felt as though Christmas vacation had arrived early.


    The students'' excitement peaked when it became clear that no substitute would be stepping in, meaning they had free rein within the classroom¡ªaside from leaving it entirely.


    Mikel and Ryan were immersed in a lively game of wizard chess, while a group of Gryffindors had transformed their textbooks into makeshift Quaffles, tossing them at one another. Judging by their energy, it seemed they might have organized a real Quidditch match if only the classroom had been large enough to accommodate broomsticks.


    Amid the clamor, Kyle sat at his desk, steadfastly focused on catching up on his Ancient Runes homework. The class met just once a week, but the workload never let up.


    The fifteen-inch essays were manageable, but the real headache came from the translation assignments. These consisted of tedious, lengthy records of seemingly irrelevant events, and Kyle was determined to finish them.


    ¡°Kyle, do you think Umbridge will actually be removed from her position?¡± Kanna asked, her voice tinged with hope.


    ¡°Unlikely,¡± Kyle replied, setting his quill down and slipping the translated papers into his textbook. ¡°Hogwarts and the Ministry of Magic operate on completely different dynamics. Fudge must be aware of what¡¯s happening here, and he wouldn¡¯t be happy about this article. But for Fudge, it doesn¡¯t matter whether the claims are true or not.¡±


    ¡°What a pity,¡± Kanna muttered, her dislike for Umbridge evident.


    Umbridge had only been the Defence Against the Dark Arts professor for less than a month, but in that short time, her class had already surpassed History of Magic as the most disliked subject at Hogwarts.


    At least in History of Magic, students could take a nap or work on assignments for other subjects as long as they stayed quiet. But in Defence Against the Dark Arts, they were forced to read the same dull passages repeatedly and copy long excerpts of meaningless drivel. There was no escape.


    ¡°Do you think Umbridge will go after Rita Skeeter?¡± Kanna pressed.


    ¡°She might,¡± Kyle said thoughtfully, ¡°but only if she can find her."


    ¡°Rita¡¯s written so many scandalous articles that if she weren¡¯t exceptionally clever, she¡¯d have been caught¡ªor worse¡ªlong ago. She knows how to stay out of reach.¡±


    ¡°Well, that¡¯s a relief,¡± Kanna said with a small smile. For the first time, she found herself appreciating one of Rita Skeeter¡¯s sensational articles. No wonder so many people read them, even knowing they were mostly fabricated.


    Soon enough, the class ended.


    The students felt as if the hour had flown by, and many left the room reluctantly, wishing every lesson could be so carefree.


    ¡°I hope Professor Umbridge doesn¡¯t come back on Wednesday,¡± Mikel said wistfully. Their next Defence Against the Dark Arts lesson was scheduled for Wednesday morning, and the students were already hoping for another reprieve.


    Unfortunately for them, Umbridge returned the very next day.


    That morning¡¯s brought even more surprises, containing two pieces of unexpected news:


    Both headlines sparked a flurry of discussion in the Great Hall, with students and staff alike buzzing over the implications.


    ¡°High Inquisitor?¡± Mikel asked, staring at the newspaper in confusion. ¡°What does that even mean?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s simple,¡± Cedric said, leaning forward to explain. ¡°The Ministry of Magic is trying to interfere with Hogwarts. It¡¯s spelled out right here: the High Inquisitor has the authority to evaluate the professors to decide if they¡¯re qualified for their positions. If not, she can fire them and replace them with someone chosen by the Ministry.¡±


    ¡°The professors are definitely up to the job!¡± Hannah said indignantly. ¡°Have you noticed, though? They don¡¯t even mention any criteria for determining whether someone¡¯s qualified.¡±


    ¡°Obviously, that¡¯s up to Umbridge,¡± Cedric replied grimly.


    ¡°The Headmaster won¡¯t stand for this!¡± Justin Finch-Fletchley exclaimed, clearly outraged.


    ¡°It won¡¯t matter,¡± Cedric said, pointing to the last line of the article. ¡°Look at this¡ªevery single Governor signed off on Educational Decree Number 22. Even the Headmaster can¡¯t override it.¡±


    Kyle was surprised by the turn of events.


    After the backlash from the previous article, he¡¯d thought Fudge would grow cautious, perhaps even start doubting Umbridge. Instead, not only was she still in power¡ªshe had been promoted.


    He couldn¡¯t imagine what Umbridge had said to Fudge, but whatever it was, her authority at Hogwarts had only grown stronger.


    The power to dismiss professors at will wasn¡¯t trivial. It was on par with the authority of a school Governor.


    Kyle¡¯s eyes flicked to another section of the paper, where a small article had gone almost unnoticed:


    If he remembered correctly, Sturgis was a member of the Order of the Phoenix. Kyle had met him at 12, Grimmauld Place over the summer.


    Now, with Sirius already trapped under Ministry watch, Sturgis was the second Order member to fall into Fudge¡¯s hands.


    Did Fudge know Sturgis¡¯s connection to Dumbledore?


    It didn¡¯t seem likely. The Order was careful not to reveal such ties. Moreover, Sturgis had been caught red-handed by the Ministry¡¯s night guards.


    But what could have compelled him to infiltrate the Ministry of Magic at such an hour?


    Regardless of Sturgis¡¯s intent, Fudge now had leverage over two Order members. Sirius was still entangled with the Ministry, and now this. S§×ar?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    As for Umbridge¡¯s promotion to High Inquisitor, it was clearly another maneuver by Fudge to undermine Dumbledore.


    The professors at Hogwarts were staunchly loyal to Dumbledore¡ªeveryone knew that. By targeting them, Fudge was indirectly attacking his rival.


    Yet Fudge¡¯s logic baffled Kyle. Surely, he didn¡¯t believe that highly respected witches and wizards like Minerva McGonagall, Filius Flitwick, or Pomona Sprout owed their reputations solely to their roles at Hogwarts.


    It was ludicrous to imagine that Umbridge could even think of replacing them.


    The thought made Kyle snort in amusement, the sudden sound drawing curious glances from those seated nearby.


    "Sorry," Kyle said, waving it off. "I was just imagining... what if Umbridge brought in another History of Magic professor to replace it?"


    ¡°Pfft¡­¡± Ryan burst out laughing. ¡°If that¡¯s the plan, maybe it wouldn¡¯t be so bad after all.¡±


    History of Magic was infamous as the most boring class at Hogwarts, taught by a ghost whose monotonous voice could put the entire class to sleep.


    ¡°The Ministry wouldn¡¯t dare,¡± Cedric said with a grin. ¡°It¡¯s not like they can find another professor willing to work for free. Unless, of course, Umbridge volunteers herself for the job.¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s hope not,¡± Justin quipped. ¡°If it came down to that, at least we¡¯d have something to watch during class¡ªunless she can pass through walls too.¡±


    Laughter erupted across the Hufflepuff table at the remark.

 Chapter 624: How Good Are You at the Memory Charm?

    It seemed that after being granted the title of High Inquisitor, Umbridge wasted no time in proving her loyalty to Fudge.


    Naturally, she didn¡¯t go after formidable opponents like Professor McGonagall or Professor Flitwick right away. Instead, she chose a softer target: Professor Sybill Trelawney and her Divination class.


    To carry out her plan, Umbridge observed a fifth-year Divination lesson that afternoon. By the time Kyle arrived at the Great Hall, Ron was already at the Gryffindor table, enthusiastically recounting the scene to a growing crowd.


    ¡°Umbridge was sitting at the back of the classroom, quill in hand, scribbling away on her clipboard,¡± Ron said, gesturing animatedly. ¡°She looked like she was grading Professor Trelawney or something...¡±


    Students from all four houses had gathered around, eager to learn what the so-called High Inquisitor was actually up to. Kyle, curious himself, had tried to attend the class but had been delayed by Herbology and couldn¡¯t make it in time.


    Just then, Hermione walked into the hall, carrying an armful of books, with Harry trailing behind her, visibly angry.


    ¡°I think Professor McGonagall is right,¡± Hermione was saying as they approached. ¡°You need to control your temper a bit. Constantly arguing with Umbridge isn¡¯t helping you, Harry. It¡¯s only going to make things worse.¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t help it,¡± Harry retorted, his frustration evident. ¡°She insults Sirius, and I¡¯m just supposed to sit there? Voldemort was stuck to the back of Quirrell¡¯s head, for Merlin¡¯s sake¡ªI¡¯m just telling the truth!¡±


    ¡°But your truth isn¡¯t what she wants to hear,¡± Hermione replied. ¡°And she can punish you however she likes. You¡¯re only hurting yourself.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t care!¡± Harry snapped. ¡°I¡¯m not going to let her win. Let her punish me¡ªshe can do whatever she wants! I¡¯m not the only one who¡¯s stood up to her. Kyle argued with her too!¡±


    ¡°Actually, I¡¯d rather you didn¡¯t follow my example,¡± came Kyle¡¯s voice from beside them.


    Both Hermione and Harry jumped, turning to find Kyle standing there. S§×arch* The n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°Kyle, when did you get here?¡± Hermione asked, startled.


    ¡°I was here when you came into the hall,¡± Kyle said calmly. ¡°You just didn¡¯t seem to notice.¡±


    ¡°Sorry, I wasn¡¯t paying attention,¡± Harry muttered. ¡°I didn¡¯t mean to drag you into this¡ªI¡¯m just so angry.¡±


    ¡°Angry?¡± Kyle echoed. ¡°What happened?¡±


    ¡°It was in Defense Against the Dark Arts this morning,¡± Harry said bitterly. ¡°She claimed that every Defense Against the Dark Arts professor, except Quirrell, was incompetent¡ªeven Sirius!¡±


    Kyle raised an eyebrow.


    ¡°But we all Quirrell was the worst!¡± Harry went on, his voice rising. ¡°He literally let Voldemort attach himself to the back of his head!¡±


    ¡°So you couldn¡¯t help but argue with her?¡± Kyle asked knowingly.


    ¡°Yes!¡± Harry¡¯s voice grew even louder. ¡°But everyone¡¯s acting like I was wrong to contradict her. Professor McGonagall and the others keep telling me to ignore her and let her rant. Even Hermione says it!¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong with that advice?¡± Kyle said evenly. ¡°They¡¯re just trying to stop you from getting into more trouble. Honestly, I think you should listen to them.¡±


    Harry froze, staring at Kyle as though he couldn¡¯t believe his ears. ¡°But...you argued with her! I thought you¡¯d understand! Someone needs to speak up and let people know the truth!¡±


    ¡°Understanding doesn¡¯t mean agreeing,¡± Kyle said firmly. ¡°And the truth isn¡¯t going to change anyone¡¯s mind just because you say it. Neither you nor I have that kind of influence.¡±


    Harry was at a loss for words, clearly taken aback.


    ¡°Besides,¡± Kyle continued, ¡°as I said before, I don¡¯t want you following my lead. All that will do is get you into more trouble, and for what? Nothing will change unless...¡±


    He trailed off abruptly, lost in thought.


    ¡°Unless what?¡± Harry pressed, leaning forward.


    Kyle hesitated, then asked, ¡°Let me ask you this¡ªhow¡¯s your Memory Charm?¡±


    Harry blinked, thrown off by the sudden question. ¡°My...Memory Charm?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± Kyle said, watching him closely.


    Harry hesitated, clearly unsure why Kyle was asking. ¡°It¡¯s...it¡¯s okay,¡± he stammered.


    Kyle didn¡¯t miss Harry¡¯s averted gaze, which told him everything he needed to know. ¡°Okay¡± likely meant Harry¡¯s skills were barely passable¡ªif not outright disastrous.


    ¡°The Memory Charm... What does that have to do with being put in detention by Umbridge?¡± Harry asked, frowning in confusion.


    ¡°It¡¯s nothing. Just curious,¡± Kyle said with a small shake of his head, brushing it off. Then, smoothly shifting the conversation, he asked, ¡°By the way, you were in fifth-year Divination earlier, right? When Umbridge¡ªthe High Inquisitor¡ªwas sitting in?¡±


    ¡°I guess so,¡± Harry replied. ¡°She seemed to be evaluating Professor Trelawney. She kept asking her all these questions during class¡ªabout how long she¡¯s been teaching, her qualifications, and her background.¡±


    Kyle nodded thoughtfully. These were standard Ministry interrogation tactics, nothing surprising.


    Harry appeared to think for a moment, then added, ¡°Oh, yeah. Umbridge even had Professor Trelawney give her a prophecy before the lesson was over.¡±


    ¡°A prophecy?¡± Kyle¡¯s interest was piqued. ¡°What did she say?¡±


    ¡°The usual nonsense,¡± Harry said, lowering his voice. ¡°You know how Trelawney is¡ªalways making up stuff to scare people. She told Umbridge that she was walking into a trap and would face terrible danger.¡±


    Kyle raised an eyebrow. ¡°A trap?¡±


    ¡°Yeah,¡± Harry said dismissively. ¡°But it¡¯s probably just another one of her lies. I hear her predict something like that at least three times every lesson.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not necessarily...¡± Kyle muttered under his breath, but his voice was so low that Harry didn¡¯t catch it.


    ¡°What was that?¡± Harry asked, leaning closer.


    ¡°Nothing,¡± Kyle said quickly, patting Harry on the shoulder. ¡°Thanks for filling me in. In return, I¡¯ll give you a heads-up about what to expect during Umbridge¡¯s detention.¡±


    Harry¡¯s curiosity flared. ¡°What is it?¡±


    Kyle¡¯s tone was calm but pointed. ¡°Carving letters into your hand with a knife.¡±


    Harry stared at him, momentarily stunned, but before he could respond, Hermione gasped in outrage.


    ¡°She can¡¯t do that!¡± Hermione exclaimed, her voice rising. ¡°Even in the last century, Hogwarts never allowed such barbaric punishments! No, I¡¯m going straight to Professor McGonagall!¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t rush off just yet,¡± Kyle said, holding up a hand to stop her. ¡°I¡¯m only saying it¡¯s a possibility. She might use another method¡ªit¡¯s hard to predict. Either way, Umbridge won¡¯t do anything obvious or traceable. Even if Professor McGonagall gets involved, it may not make a difference.¡±


    Hermione hesitated, looking torn.


    ¡°There¡¯s really only one way to deal with this,¡± Kyle continued, turning back to Harry. ¡°If you end up in detention, don¡¯t fight it. Admit fault, stay quiet, and you might get off lightly.¡±


    ¡°Kyle¡¯s right,¡± Hermione agreed reluctantly. ¡°Umbridge is a professor. You can¡¯t defy her outright.¡±


    ¡°No way!¡± Harry snapped, his defiance flaring up. ¡°I¡¯m not going to admit fault when I haven¡¯t done anything wrong!¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t be ridiculous,¡± Hermione said sharply. ¡°What good will that do you?¡±


    ¡°But I¡¯m not wrong!¡± Harry insisted, his voice rising.


    The argument between Harry and Hermione reignited, escalating just as it had earlier when they entered the hall.


    Kyle, meanwhile, quietly made his way back to the Hufflepuff table.


    If even Hermione couldn¡¯t talk sense into Harry, there was little point in Kyle trying to press the issue further.

 Chapter 625: Umbridge Messes with the Wrong Person

    By the time Kyle reached the seat Kanna had saved for him, a generous serving of lunch was already waiting on his plate.


    ¡°So, what happened?¡± Kanna asked as he sat down.


    ¡°Just as we suspected,¡± Kyle replied, picking up his fork. ¡°Umbridge¡ªor rather, the Ministry of Magic¡ªis targeting the professors. But there¡¯s something I didn¡¯t expect.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s that?¡±


    ¡°Professor Trelawney,¡± Kyle said, placing a piece of toast on his plate. ¡°I think she might actually have a talent for prophecy.¡±


    ¡°Professor Trelawney?¡± Cedric interjected, his tone filled with skepticism. He shook his head. ¡°I doubt it. From what I¡¯ve seen, no one sticks with Divination past sixth year unless they¡¯re trying to tick off all their certificate boxes. The class is practically useless¡ªyou don¡¯t really learn anything.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re not wrong,¡± Kyle admitted with a small smile. ¡°Maybe she just got lucky this time.¡±


    By the afternoon, Kyle found himself re-evaluating Umbridge¡¯s audacity.


    The first class after lunch was Transfiguration. As Kyle entered the room, he immediately noticed Umbridge seated in a corner, her clipboard balanced on her lap.


    When Professor McGonagall walked in moments later, she appeared not to notice Umbridge at all, sweeping past her without so much as a glance.


    ¡°Looks like Umbridge has bitten off more than she can chew,¡± Cho whispered from the next row, her voice tinged with amusement. ¡°Professor McGonagall isn¡¯t someone to mess with.¡± S§×arch* The ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°Agreed,¡± Kyle said, struggling to suppress a laugh.


    McGonagall strode to the podium with her usual commanding presence. As she turned to face the class, silence fell.


    ¡°All right, let¡¯s begin,¡± she said briskly. ¡°After a month of study, most of you have mastered the basics of human transfiguration. Today, we¡¯ll be raising the difficulty level once again...¡±


    ¡°Ahem,¡± came an exaggerated cough from the back of the room.


    Umbridge had stood up, her posture stiff, as if preparing to speak.


    McGonagall didn¡¯t even look in her direction, continuing as though nothing had happened.


    ¡°Advanced body transfiguration involves not only altering appearance but also incorporating corresponding abilities. For example, in last year¡¯s Triwizard Tournament, the Durmstrang champion partially transfigured his upper body into a shark for the Second Task in the Black Lake. That is an example of successful body transformation...¡±


    ¡°Ahem!¡± Umbridge interrupted again with another loud cough.


    This time, Professor McGonagall turned to face her, her patience visibly wearing thin.


    ¡°What is it?¡± McGonagall asked, her tone sharp. ¡°If you¡¯ve got something to say, say it now.¡±


    ¡°I was merely wondering,¡± Umbridge began, feigning concern, ¡°if it¡¯s not a bit premature to be teaching such advanced body transfiguration. As I understand it, this type of magic is considered quite dangerous.¡±


    ¡°I beg to differ,¡± McGonagall said coolly. ¡°These are all sixth-year students, and they are more than capable. In fact, it would be a disservice to have them practicing elementary transformations at this stage. Surely you¡¯re aware this has always been the standard in my advanced classes?¡±


    Umbridge¡¯s face flushed red, then white.


    The implication was clear to anyone listening. When she had attended Hogwarts, Umbridge hadn¡¯t been good enough to take Professor McGonagall¡¯s advanced Transfiguration classes. The subtle dig hit its mark, and low murmurs of laughter rippled through the room.


    Umbridge¡¯s face turned an even deeper shade of red.


    ¡°Ahem,¡± she tried again, clearing her throat.


    Before she could speak, McGonagall cut her off.


    ¡°That¡¯s quite enough,¡± she said firmly. ¡°If you¡¯d like to understand what I¡¯m teaching, I¡¯d suggest you refrain from interrupting. And let me be clear¡ªno one else will speak in my class without permission.¡±


    Her words were blunt, and the atmosphere crackled with tension. Umbridge sat back down, trembling with fury as she scrawled something on her clipboard. Her pen scratched so furiously across the surface that even from a distance, it was obvious she was crossing something out with vigor.


    Kyle couldn¡¯t see what she was writing, but it was clear that her notes wouldn¡¯t be favorable.


    McGonagall, however, remained entirely unbothered, continuing the lesson as though Umbridge didn¡¯t exist.


    The rest of the period passed without further interruption, though Umbridge sat stiffly, her face growing darker with each passing minute.


    When McGonagall finally announced the end of class, the students filed out eagerly, the undercurrent of amusement still lingering in their expressions.


    As Umbridge stood and made her way to the podium, Kyle accidentally dropped his quill and book.


    ¡°Oops,¡± he muttered, bending down to retrieve them.


    Kanna, noticing from ahead, turned back to help him.


    ¡°How long have you been at Hogwarts?¡± Umbridge asked, her tone sharp and probing.


    Professor McGonagall snapped her book shut, her posture rigid as she replied, ¡°Thirty-nine years. By December, it will have been forty.¡±


    ¡°Oh... almost forty years?¡± Kanna whispered in astonishment. ¡°Has Professor McGonagall really been here that long?¡±


    ¡°Of course,¡± Kyle said, leaning slightly toward her. ¡°Don¡¯t forget, plenty of professors have been her students. Professor Snape, for instance, and even...¡± He gestured subtly toward Umbridge.


    At that moment, Umbridge finished scribbling something on her clipboard and looked up. Her expression, as usual, was a mixture of condescension and false politeness.


    ¡°By the way,¡± she began, ¡°I¡¯ve heard that many students have been injured in your class. Have you considered that there might be an issue with your teaching methods?¡±


    Professor McGonagall¡¯s eyebrows drew together in a tight line. Her voice, icy and controlled, was sharper than ever.


    ¡°I don¡¯t believe I need anyone to tell me how to teach Transfiguration. And if you¡¯re referring to Mr. Longbottom or Mr. Finnigan, I must inform you that it¡¯s not entirely safe for them to even attempt a simple Wand-Lighting Charm.¡±


    ¡°Oh?¡± Umbridge said, feigning surprise. ¡°Have you considered that the problem might be solved by not allowing students to use their wands at all? For their safety, of course.¡±


    McGonagall¡¯s response came instantly, her tone laced with dry wit. ¡°I seem to recall you taking a tumble down the stairs yesterday when you rushed off-campus. Should we suggest you remain in your office for safety?¡±


    The color drained from Umbridge¡¯s face, though she said nothing, her quill furiously scratching against her clipboard.


    ¡°Very well,¡± she said after a pause, forcing composure into her voice. ¡°You will receive the results of my investigation in ten days.¡±


    ¡°I can hardly wait,¡± McGonagall replied coldly.


    Her eyes flicked briefly to Umbridge, and for a moment, her expression softened as she noticed the woman rubbing the back of her hand.


    ¡°And how¡¯s your hand?¡± McGonagall asked in a tone that could almost be mistaken for concern.


    Umbridge blinked, momentarily startled. Misinterpreting the question as a veiled insult, she answered stiffly, ¡°It¡¯s nothing¡ªjust a trivial matter. Perhaps I encountered something enchanted while tidying the office.¡±


    She added with a sneer, ¡°I¡¯m not surprised. That office has never been occupied by a...normal person. Not even Moody, who was mentally unstable, or the Werewolf...¡± She said the last word with undisguised disgust. ¡°I threw everything out, just as this school¡¯s irrational systems should be discarded.¡±


    ¡°Really,¡± McGonagall said evenly, giving Umbridge a look so pointed it made the air in the room feel heavier. She didn¡¯t say another word, merely turned and strode toward the door.


    As she passed, she waved her wand, and a piece of parchment fluttered up from the floor into Kyle¡¯s hands.


    ¡°Ah, thank you, Professor McGonagall,¡± Kyle said with an easy smile. ¡°I couldn¡¯t find this anywhere.¡±


    Kanna lowered her head, her face tinged with embarrassment. The parchment had been lying in plain sight right by the door. How could Kyle say he couldn¡¯t find it so naturally?


    ¡°Don¡¯t dawdle,¡± McGonagall said as she exited the room. ¡°You¡¯ll be late for your next class.¡±


    For a fleeting moment, Kanna thought she saw the faintest hint of a smile on McGonagall¡¯s face as she left.

 Chapter 626: Why Don’t You Teach Us Instead?

    In addition to Divination and Transfiguration classes, Umbridge also attended Professor Flitwick''s Charms class.


    According to Cedric, it was the most lifeless Charms lesson he had ever experienced. Professor Flitwick wore a somber expression the entire time, responding to Umbridge''s questions with a distinct lack of enthusiasm, a stark contrast to his usual spirited demeanor.


    ¡°We have to do something,¡± Cedric said worriedly during dinner, pushing his food around without taking a bite. ¡°If this continues, she¡¯ll ruin not just Defence Against the Dark Arts but all the other subjects too.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t think it¡¯ll come to that,¡± Kyle replied. ¡°The professor inspections shouldn¡¯t take too long. After all, she has to rotate between classrooms every day. Umbridge must have other responsibilities and can¡¯t possibly spend all her time monitoring classes.¡±


    ¡°I hope you¡¯re right,¡± Cedric sighed. ¡°Even if she only ruins Defence Against the Dark Arts, that¡¯s already bad enough."


    ¡°You-Know-Who is back, and his Death Eaters must be plotting against us. At such a critical time, we¡¯re not learning anything in Defence Against the Dark Arts.¡±


    Mikel and Ryan nodded in agreement. Cedric was right. They weren¡¯t expected to confront You-Know-Who directly¡ªthat was Headmaster Dumbledore¡¯s responsibility. But in a war, the Death Eaters wouldn¡¯t spare Hogwarts simply because they were untrained. They needed to know how to protect themselves. S~ea??h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    A heavy silence hung over the table as everyone reflected on the gravity of the situation.


    Kyle remained quiet, lost in thought about the last time he had encountered Fudge at The Three Broomsticks. Judging by Fudge¡¯s behavior, he seemed tempted to take action. If Fudge publicly acknowledged You-Know-Who¡¯s return on behalf of the Ministry, it would surely change the state of Defence Against the Dark Arts. They might even see the arrival of one¡ªor several¡ªreliable professors.


    What surprised Kyle was how long Fudge had managed to stay silent.


    Perhaps Fudge was prioritizing his efforts to neutralize Dumbledore. Or maybe he was still wavering...


    Announcing Voldemort¡¯s return carried both benefits and risks. While wartime would solidify his leadership, it could also ignite widespread panic. Mishandling the situation might cost Fudge his position entirely.


    If Fudge could see all these potential outcomes, perhaps he wasn¡¯t under enough pressure to act decisively yet.


    Kyle shook his head. It didn¡¯t help that Rita Skeeter, due to recent scrutiny from the Ministry, was unable to publish anything useful. With Dumbledore unwilling to step in, finding a way to push Fudge seemed nearly impossible.


    ¡°Sorry...¡±


    Kyle was pulled from his thoughts by a familiar voice. He looked up to see Hermione standing nearby, having crossed over from the Gryffindor table. Harry and Ron were close behind, looking a little uneasy.


    ¡°What¡¯s up?¡± Kyle asked.


    ¡°Well...¡± Hermione glanced around the busy dining hall and lowered her voice. ¡°There are too many people here. Can we go somewhere quieter?¡±


    ¡°No need for that,¡± Kyle said, drawing his wand and tapping it lightly.


    With a flick of his wand, Kyle cast the Charm, which created a subtle, undetectable buzz to block anyone nearby from overhearing their conversation.


    Hermione looked both surprised and impressed.


    ¡°That¡¯s clever,¡± she said, trusting Kyle¡¯s assurance even though she had never encountered the spell before. ¡°Anyway, I think you already know how terrible Umbridge is as a teacher. We¡¯re not learning anything about defending ourselves.¡±


    ¡°Of course,¡± Kyle agreed. ¡°In fact, we were just talking about that. What¡¯s on your mind?"


    ¡°And if you¡¯re thinking of rallying us all to oust Umbridge, forget it. She¡¯s got Fudge backing her. Even Professor Dumbledore can¡¯t do anything about it.¡±


    ¡°No, I know we can¡¯t get rid of her,¡± Hermione admitted, hesitating briefly. ¡°But I was thinking... maybe we could take matters into our own hands.¡±


    Cedric perked up. ¡°You mean we should learn Defence Against the Dark Arts on our own?¡±


    ¡°Yes, exactly!¡± Hermione¡¯s voice grew more animated as she continued. ¡°We need to prepare ourselves for what¡¯s coming. We need to learn how to defend ourselves, not waste time in class daydreaming over theory and parchment exercises."


    ¡°What we need is a proper teacher¡ªsomeone who can show us how to cast spells and correct our mistakes. Someone like Sirius or Professor Moody.¡±


    Hermione¡¯s enthusiasm grew as she spoke, and she couldn¡¯t help but glance at Kyle.


    ¡°And we have someone like that right here with us, and I dare say he¡¯s more than suitable for the job.¡±


    ¡°I think I know who you mean,¡± Cedric grinned. ¡°And you¡¯re right¡ªhe is very suitable.¡±


    Kyle noticed Hermione¡¯s glowing eyes and Cedric¡¯s mischievous expression and instantly understood what they were hinting at. Before Hermione could say anything, he instinctively cut her off.


    ¡°Yes, I completely agree with you. This is a good idea.¡±


    ¡°So you agree?¡± Hermione asked, her excitement rising.


    ¡°Yes,¡± Kyle nodded. ¡°I know you want Cedric to teach you Defence Against the Dark Arts, and of course, there¡¯s no problem with that. I¡¯m the first to support it.¡±


    ¡°Great¡­¡± Cedric said, clapping Kyle on the shoulder. But just as he was about to add something, he froze, realizing something was off.


    ¡°Wait... Hermione said¡­¡±


    ¡°I know,¡± Kyle interrupted smoothly. ¡°You¡¯re too modest to agree, so I did it for you. No need to thank me.¡±


    Both Cedric and Hermione were momentarily speechless.


    Hermione hadn¡¯t come here to propose Cedric as a teacher. She had intended to ask Kyle himself to take up the role. The idea wasn¡¯t hers alone; she had discussed it at length with Harry and Ron the night before, and they all agreed Kyle was the ideal candidate.


    The reasoning was clear. Kyle¡¯s achievements were unparalleled and well-documented. His accolades in the Trophy Room spoke for themselves: two unprecedented Special Awards for Services to the School, the Transfiguration Today Most Promising Newcomer Award, the youngest-ever Triwizard Tournament champion, and the youngest recipient of the Order of Merlin.


    In short, Kyle¡¯s extraordinary accomplishments made him the perfect alternative to Umbridge. Harry and Ron had wholeheartedly agreed with Hermione¡¯s plan.


    ¡°In fact, we want you to teach,¡± Ron muttered, shifting uncomfortably. ¡°If it were anyone else, we¡¯d rather have Harry.¡±


    ¡°Hey, don¡¯t say that,¡± Harry interjected quickly, shooting Cedric an apologetic look. ¡°Sorry, Diggory, that¡¯s not what we meant¡ª¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s okay,¡± Cedric said with a dismissive wave. ¡°Honestly, I was thinking the same thing.¡±


    ¡°No, I¡¯m not suitable,¡± Kyle said firmly, shaking his head. ¡°Wanting to share what you know and actually being able to teach are two very different things.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t see the difference,¡± Ron argued, crossing his arms.


    To Ron, powerful wizards made good teachers. Professors like Deputy Headmistress McGonagall were clearly exceptional, and Headmaster Dumbledore was unparalleled. What was the issue?


    ¡°There¡¯s definitely a difference,¡± Kyle replied, casting Ron a pointed look. ¡°Take Transfiguration, for instance. I mastered the sixth-year spell under Professor McGonagall before I even started sixth year. Because I learned it so quickly, I can¡¯t break it down for you¡ªI don¡¯t know the process or what pitfalls you need to watch out for.¡±


    The room fell silent as Kyle¡¯s words sank in.


    Harry and Ron looked stunned, their expressions as though Salamanders had just landed on their faces. Sixth-year Transfiguration wasn¡¯t something they dared think about yet; even the fifth-year syllabus was a major challenge. Despite Hermione¡¯s constant help, they had barely managed to scrape by.


    Now Kyle was claiming he had mastered an advanced spell effortlessly? The gap in their abilities was glaring, and it was hard for them to process.


    Even Hermione, normally unshakable, was rendered speechless. It felt like Kyle had just shown off¡ªwhether intentional or not¡ªand the evidence of his skill left no room for debate.

 Chapter 627: The Gap Between Wizards

    ¡°As much as I hate to admit it, it¡¯s true,¡± Cedric said with a grin, looking at the wide-eyed disbelief on Harry, Ron, and Hermione¡¯s faces. ¡°Kyle learned the sixth-year Transfiguration curriculum back in our third year during the Transfiguration Club. At the time, everyone, including Professor McGonagall, thought it was incredible." S§×arch* The N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°That¡¯s why she decided to recommend Kyle to ¡± Kanna added.


    She gave a knowing nod, recalling how Kyle had brewed the Draught of Living Death during their Advanced Potion-Making class that same year. The feat had left a lasting impression on her¡ªand resulted in her spending her Christmas holidays cramming with Snape to catch up.


    Harry and Ron exchanged incredulous looks, their expressions now even more bewildered. It was clear they were both thinking the same thing:


    Although they had always known the gap between themselves and Kyle was vast, seeing that disparity laid out so blatantly was demoralizing. How could the difference between wizards be so enormous? They both regretted coming with Hermione.


    ¡°That¡¯s why I¡¯ve said I¡¯m not suited to teaching others,¡± Kyle continued, unfazed by their reactions. ¡°Cedric, on the other hand, has always been at the top of his year. He¡¯s got straight O¡¯s in all his subjects and earned a perfect score in the O.W.L. Use of Charms. He¡¯s exceptionally well-rounded in both practical and theoretical magic."


    ¡°And he¡¯s already experienced in teaching. Cedric often helps younger students in the common room. If you¡¯re looking for a student to teach, there¡¯s no one better than him.¡±


    Cedric sighed, clearly unamused by the glowing endorsement. ¡°I feel like you¡¯re just praising yourself in disguise,¡± he muttered. ¡°If you can master something after hearing it once, I have to go through it step by step.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about the details,¡± Kyle replied with a playful smile. ¡°What, you don¡¯t want to teach them?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not it,¡± Cedric said, shaking his head. ¡°If someone¡¯s willing to listen, I¡¯m happy to help.¡±


    ¡°See? That¡¯s settled then,¡± Kyle said before turning to Hermione. ¡°Of course, if you have someone else in mind, that¡¯s perfectly fine. The more ¡®student-professors¡¯ there are, the better, as long as everyone trusts them.¡±


    Hermione remained quiet, her expression a mixture of emotions as she nodded. Meanwhile, Harry and Ron were still signaling to her behind her back, eager to leave.


    Hermione looked as though she wanted to say more, but under her friends¡¯ insistent urging, she reluctantly put her thoughts aside and returned to the Gryffindor table with them.


    Once they were out of earshot, Kyle ended the Muffliato Charm with a flick of his wand.


    Cedric turned to him, frowning slightly. ¡°They seemed really disappointed. Are you sure you¡¯re not going to teach them?¡±


    ¡°I have other priorities,¡± Kyle replied simply. ¡°Besides, you really are a much better fit as a professor than I am.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t say that,¡± Cedric said, shaking his head again. ¡°I¡¯m not qualified to be a professor¡ªI¡¯m just going to help them with some Defence Against the Dark Arts.¡±


    ¡°Is that so?¡± Kyle asked with a teasing smirk. ¡°Maybe Cho will join the group too. Don¡¯t you want her to call you ¡®Professor¡¯?¡±


    ¡°Pfft!¡±


    Cedric had just taken a sip of pumpkin juice, but Kyle¡¯s remark made him choke, spilling it everywhere.


    Luckily, Kyle was ready. With a quick flick of his wand, the droplets of pumpkin juice floating mid-air coalesced before vanishing with a quiet


    Justin Finch-Fletchley, who was sitting opposite Cedric, glanced over and gave Kyle an appreciative nod for preventing the mess from reaching him.


    "Sorry, Justin," Cedric apologized hastily. But then, as if realizing something, his face flushed red, and he turned to Kyle with an irritated glare.


    "What are you even talking about? I¡¯m really not fit to be a professor!"


    ¡°I didn¡¯t say anything else,¡± Kyle replied with an innocent shrug. ¡°So why are you getting so worked up?¡±


    ¡°You¡­¡± Cedric stammered, his face growing even redder, with the tips of his ears turning crimson as well.


    ¡°Okay, fine¡ªnot a professor then,¡± Kyle said, skillfully defusing the moment. ¡°So, what are you planning to teach them? The Stunning Spell, the Disarming Charm, or the Shield Charm?¡±


    ¡°All of those are good options,¡± Cedric said, taking a few breaths to calm himself. ¡°But I think the Shield Charm is the most essential. It¡¯s the foundation of defense. And¡­ what do you think about using Professor Moody¡¯s teaching style as a template? We could organize it a bit more systematically.¡±


    ¡°Oh, and don¡¯t forget Professor Lupin¡¯s lessons. The Smokescreen Spell and Slowing Charm he taught were incredibly practical.¡±


    ¡°Starting with defensive and evasive techniques¡­ That¡¯s a really smart idea,¡± Kyle nodded in approval. ¡°See? You really are better suited to teach them than me.¡±


    ¡°But¡­¡± Cedric cast a glance toward the Gryffindor table. ¡°I feel like they¡¯d still prefer you to teach the class instead of me.¡±


    ¡°Forget it,¡± Kyle said softly. ¡°Everyone has a role to play¡ªjust like in a Quidditch match. Beyond the players on the teams, the referee¡¯s role is equally important¡­¡±


    Cedric frowned slightly, unsure what Kyle meant by that, but Kyle didn¡¯t elaborate. Instead, he shifted the conversation.


    ¡°If this is going to be a proper class, you¡¯ll need a suitable location. Have you thought about where it¡¯ll be?¡±


    ¡°I haven¡¯t had the chance,¡± Cedric admitted. ¡°This idea was dropped on me out of nowhere¡ªhow could I have figured out a location already?¡±


    ¡°Maybe the sixth floor?¡± Cedric suggested after a moment of thought. ¡°There are a lot of unused classrooms there, and it¡¯s usually pretty quiet.¡±


    ¡°No,¡± Kyle said immediately. ¡°Just because there are fewer people doesn¡¯t mean no one will notice. Over time, someone¡¯s bound to find out. Let¡¯s use the Room of Requirement on the eighth floor instead.¡±


    ¡°The Room of Requirement?¡± Cedric¡¯s eyes lit up as he remembered the magical space on the eighth floor. ¡°That¡¯s perfect! No one will discover us there.¡±


    ¡°Exactly,¡± Kyle said with a small smile.


    After dinner, the two returned to the Hufflepuff common room to work out additional details.


    ¡°I¡¯ll let Hermione know about the Room of Requirement tomorrow,¡± Cedric said. ¡°But¡­ I wonder how many people will want to join. I mean, it¡¯s technically an extra class, and it¡¯ll eat into their free time.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about that,¡± Kyle said with a grin. ¡°Anyone with common sense will want to join. In fact, I¡¯ll be the first to sign up¡ªProfessor Diggory.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll go tell Cho,¡± Kanna chimed in with a playful smile. ¡°I doubt she¡¯d say no to an extra class.¡±


    As if struck by the thought, Cedric¡¯s face flushed again. He glared at Kyle, grumbling, ¡°I told you not to call me that! I¡¯m not a professor! Besides, this is just a remedial class for Defense Against the Dark Arts¡ªso why are all of you suddenly getting involved?¡±


    ¡°We need the remedial class too,¡± Kyle said matter-of-factly. ¡°And you should get used to the idea. Don¡¯t forget¡ªFred and George don¡¯t know about this yet.¡±


    Cedric¡¯s face fell instantly. ¡°Ugh¡­ Is it too late to take back what I said?¡± he muttered. ¡°I think Harry got top marks in Defense Against the Dark Arts last year¡ªmaybe he¡¯d make a better student teacher¡­¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s too late for that,¡± Kyle said, patting him on the shoulder with mock sympathy. ¡°Hermione¡¯s probably told them by now. And besides, you¡¯re the Head Boy¡ªyou can¡¯t back out.¡±


    Cedric sighed in defeat, slumping into his chair.

 Chapter 628: They’re Really Rich

    ¡°Oh, the esteemed Professor Diggory.¡±


    A few days later, on the way to Hogsmeade Village, Fred winked at Cedric and said, ¡°Please allow me to greet you and offer you my humble respects.¡±


    George, suppressing a grin, looked at him seriously. ¡°If it''s possible, Professor, could you please exempt us from our homework?¡±


    Cedric rubbed his forehead in mild distress.


    Though he''d long since come to expect sarcasm from the twins, he still felt a headache brewing after seeing their grinning faces in the entrance hall that morning. They had managed to keep their mockery in check while inside the castle, likely out of fear someone might overhear them and report them to Umbridge. But today was Hogsmeade week, and the moment they were outside the school, the twins naturally loosened up. Like actors in a play, they heckled Cedric the entire way.


    ¡°Shut up, you two!¡± Cho snapped. ¡°You didn¡¯t have to come at all.¡±


    ¡°No, of course we want to come!¡± George replied.


    ¡°Yeah,¡± Fred nodded. ¡°We¡¯ll learn Defence Against the Dark Arts on our own¡­ but I¡¯d say you¡¯ve got a pretty good idea of how it¡¯s done. I¡¯m so sick of that hag, Umbridge!¡±


    ¡°No, it was Hermione¡¯s idea,¡± Cedric corrected, ¡°and I¡¯m not even sure anyone will join.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t you worry about that,¡± Fred assured him. ¡°We asked around last night¡ªseventeen Gryffindors alone want to join.¡±


    ¡°That many?¡± Cedric stopped in his tracks.


    ¡°Too many? Not at all,¡± Fred said, shaking his head. ¡°Everyone¡¯s been fed up with Umbridge for ages, and now they¡¯re not going to miss the chance to learn some real skills.¡±


    ¡°And that¡¯s just the first batch,¡± George added. ¡°We figured if too many people showed up at the first meeting, it might be a bit conspicuous. But trust me, there¡¯ll be more joining later.¡±


    ¡°Oh,¡± Cedric groaned softly, rubbing his forehead again.


    He had thought that recruiting ten people from Hufflepuff would be plenty, but now it seemed Gryffindor¡¯s turnout would be far greater. And if Ravenclaw joined in similar numbers¡­


    He turned to Cho. ¡°Ravenclaw¡¯s not bringing that many people, are they?¡±


    ¡°Didn¡¯t I just say that?¡± Cho blinked. ¡°Okay, I forgot. But we¡¯re not as enthusiastic as Gryffindor. Only a few people are interested in teaching themselves Defence Against the Dark Arts.¡±


    Hearing this, Cedric let out a quiet sigh of relief. Judging by her words, the total number of attendees shouldn¡¯t exceed thirty¡ªstill manageable. Any more than that, and he wasn¡¯t sure he could handle it.


    The group continued along the path to the entrance of Hogsmeade Village, their pace quickening as they went.


    Hermione was already waiting for them.


    ¡°How about we go now?¡± she asked, trotting over. ¡°To The Hog¡¯s Head, as we discussed.¡±


    ¡°Hey, there¡¯s no need to rush,¡± Fred said. ¡°The meeting isn¡¯t until ten. We¡¯ve still got an hour.¡±


    ¡°I know,¡± Hermione replied. ¡°But I think we should get ready early, see who¡¯s there, and change the location if there are any professors.¡±


    ¡°Professors don¡¯t go to places like that,¡± George said in a low voice. ¡°They¡¯d rather go to The Three Broomsticks¡ªit¡¯s cleaner and more lively.¡±


    ¡°Hermione¡¯s right,¡± Cedric said, stepping forward. ¡°Better to be safe than sorry. I¡¯ll go with you.¡±


    ¡°Me too,¡± Cho added. ¡°I¡¯ve never been to The Hog¡¯s Head before, so I¡¯d like to check it out.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s really nothing to see there,¡± Fred said dismissively. ¡°We ended up there by mistake once when we went the wrong way.¡±


    ¡°The place is shabby¡ªno comparison to The Three Broomsticks. But it does have the advantage of being less crowded.¡± S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°Maybe it¡¯s because the environment¡¯s so poor that most people don¡¯t want to go there.¡±


    ...


    Hermione doubted what Fred and George called ¡°unintentionally,¡± but she chose not to comment.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay, I don¡¯t have anything to do right now,¡± Cedric said. ¡°Do you want to go to Zonko¡¯s first?¡±


    ¡°We need some inspiration lately,¡± George replied. ¡°There¡¯s so much to prepare for a joke shop, especially making sure the products are attractive enough.¡±


    ¡°Okay,¡± Cedric nodded. ¡°We¡¯ll see you later.¡±


    With that, he left the main road with Cho and Hermione, heading down a quieter, more remote path.


    ¡°See you later,¡± Fred called after them, waving as he and George darted off toward Zonko¡¯s Joke Shop in search of inspiration.


    Meanwhile, Kyle had no plans to go to The Hog¡¯s Head either. Instead, he walked with Kanna to Gladrags Wizardwear. He¡¯d noticed recently that his long robe was getting a bit too small for him, and with winter approaching, it was time to buy a new one.


    Gladrags Wizardwear was tucked away behind the main street, near the Shrieking Shack.


    As they stepped inside, they found other students already there¡ªtwo Slytherin girls, Daphne Greengrass and her younger sister Astoria.


    Astoria was examining some oddly shaped brooches, while Daphne stood before a beautiful dress-robe on display, her eyes sparkling with admiration.


    ¡°This is a new arrival,¡± said the shopkeeper, a witch in her thirties, who was currently describing the dress-robe. ¡°See these golden threads? They¡¯re real gold. The silver is Unicorn tail hair, and the gems are from Fire Crabs¡ªall incredibly rare.¡±


    ¡°How much?¡± Daphne couldn¡¯t help but ask.


    ¡°Only 300 Galleons, my dear,¡± the shopkeeper replied with a smile. ¡°It¡¯s my finest work yet.¡±


    Kyle glanced at the gown and almost laughed, though he managed to hold it back.


    Daphne frowned slightly. Three hundred Galleons was steep, even for her, but the gown was stunning, and she clearly wanted it.


    ¡°You still have quite a bit of pocket money, don¡¯t you?¡± Daphne asked her sister.


    ¡°Huh?¡± Astoria blinked, distracted, before pulling out a delicate coin purse. ¡°Not much¡ªjust a hundred Galleons.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s enough. Lend it to me for now,¡± Daphne said, taking the money bag. ¡°I need to try on this gown.¡±


    ¡°Of course,¡± the shopkeeper said with a pleased nod. ¡°Right this way, please.¡±


    Daphne followed the shopkeeper to the back of the store.


    ¡°Carrying around a hundred Galleons is ¡®not much¡¯?¡± Kanna whispered. ¡°They¡¯re really rich.¡±


    Kyle suddenly chuckled, as if something amusing had come to mind.


    ¡°What are you laughing at?¡± Kanna asked.


    ¡°Nothing. I was just remembering the start of the school year, when we first met on the train,¡± Kyle replied. ¡°You were just like them back then.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Kanna looked confused.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you remember?¡± Kyle said with a grin. ¡°On the train, you poured out a whole pile of Galleons onto the table. Cedric and I were both stunned.¡±


    ¡°At the time, we couldn¡¯t help thinking the same thing you¡¯re thinking now¡ªthat witches from pureblood families must be loaded.¡±


    ¡°That was a long time ago,¡± Kanna retorted, glaring at him for dredging up her ¡°dark past.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, it¡¯s been a while,¡± Kyle said, shifting the conversation. ¡°What do you think of that gown?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s too flashy,¡± Kanna said with a hint of distaste. ¡°It¡¯s nice, but there are so many embellishments¡ªit looks overdone. It must be uncomfortable to wear.¡±


    ¡°But some people like that style,¡± she added. ¡°Last year at the Christmas ball, lots of people wore gowns like that.¡±


    ¡°Really?¡± Kyle asked, trying to recall but coming up blank.


    ¡°Of course,¡± Kanna replied. ¡°There were quite a few. After the ball, Letty wouldn¡¯t stop talking about it¡ªshe went on all night. For days afterward, all anyone could talk about were the dresses.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    Their low conversation caught Astoria¡¯s attention, as there were only three people in the shop, making it hard not to overhear. However, since she couldn¡¯t make out exactly what they were saying, she quickly moved farther away, seemingly to avoid the appearance of eavesdropping.


    Her deliberate retreat didn¡¯t go unnoticed by Kyle and Kanna.


    ¡°She really doesn¡¯t seem like a Slytherin,¡± Kanna observed.


    ¡°No,¡± Kyle agreed. ¡°Or maybe it¡¯s just that she doesn¡¯t seem like what a Slytherin is supposed to be these days.¡±

 Chapter 629: Discounts Among Colleagues

    After about twenty minutes, the shopkeeper and Daphne finally emerged from the back of the shop.


    ¡°Just make the changes I mentioned and deliver it to Hogwarts tomorrow. Is that okay?¡± Daphne, walking ahead, said with a confident tone.


    ¡°No problem,¡± the shopkeeper replied with a pleasant smile. ¡°I¡¯ll ensure the dress is delivered to Hogwarts on time.¡±


    ¡°Good,¡± Daphne nodded, then turned towards the door with the shopkeeper escorting her. ¡°We¡¯re heading back, Astoria.¡±


    As they passed Kyle and Kanna, Astoria gave them a polite nod and greeted them softly. Daphne, however, simply snorted and walked past without a word.


    Kyle shook his head helplessly. This wasn¡¯t the first time something like this had happened.


    Since the beginning of the school year, several Slytherins had drastically changed their attitude toward him. Take Malfoy, for instance.


    Before, their relationship had been neutral. Despite Malfoy¡¯s arrogance, the two had found some common ground, particularly when it came to their shared interests. But this year was different. Not a single word had passed between them since term started, and they¡¯d barely crossed paths.


    It felt deliberate, as though Malfoy were actively avoiding him, and Kyle suspected it had something to do with Lucius Malfoy. He could easily imagine Lucius giving his son explicit instructions before the school year began.


    The shift wasn¡¯t limited to Malfoy. Pansy, Crabbe, Goyle, and even Millicent¡ªonce steady customers who had happily spent Galleons on Kyle¡¯s products¡ªhad all distanced themselves.


    Under their influence, the rest of the Slytherins had grown increasingly indifferent as well, and Daphne was no exception. As a close friend of Pansy and Millicent, her attitude was expected.


    Kyle had initially thought about saying something to her, but her frosty demeanor dissuaded him. Instead, he silently watched the two sisters leave the store.


    After they exited, the shopkeeper approached Kyle. ¡°Can I help you find something?¡±


    ¡°I need a new winter uniform,¡± Kyle said.


    Like Madam Malkin¡¯s shop in Diagon Alley, Gladrags Wizardwear also offered made-to-measure Hogwarts uniforms, and the prices were comparable.


    ¡°Just the uniform?¡± the shopkeeper asked. ¡°How about a cloak as well? A dragon-hide cloak will keep you warm in winter.¡±


    ¡°No, thank you,¡± Kyle said, sparing a glance at the shop¡¯s most expensive cloak, priced at 300 Galleons.


    The price wasn¡¯t unreasonable for a dragon-hide cloak, especially a full one. But this particular cloak wasn¡¯t made from a single hide¡ªit was pieced together with magic. The upper section had a faint blue hue, likely from a Swedish Short-Snout, while the lower part was the distinct greyish white of a Ukrainian Ironbelly.


    To the average eye, the unique pattern masked the patchwork design well, but Kyle could easily tell the difference.


    ¡°What about a cloak in the Durmstrang style?¡± the shopkeeper offered, still trying to make a sale. ¡°Only twenty Galleons.¡±


    Kyle shook his head. ¡°Just the school uniform.¡±


    Hearing this, the shopkeeper¡¯s smile faded noticeably. Hogwarts uniforms were fixed-price items, and unless ordered in bulk, they yielded almost no profit.


    ¡°Very well,¡± the shopkeeper said curtly.


    A measuring tape flew over, darting around Kyle as it recorded his measurements. Meanwhile, the shopkeeper returned to the counter, tidying up with far less enthusiasm than before.


    Kyle, however, paid no attention to the shopkeeper¡¯s change in demeanor.


    A few minutes later, the measuring tape finished its work, snapping shut with precision. Kyle approached the counter and reached into his pocket to pay.


    As he dug around, something unexpected happened. Perhaps his pocket was too crowded, but along with his money, he accidentally pulled out a few small objects: a handful of short, silver-white hairs and an irregularly shaped ruby.


    ¡°There¡¯s too much,¡± Kyle said hastily, shoving the items back into his pocket before asking, ¡°How much is it?¡±


    The shopkeeper¡¯s eyes flickered with interest. After a moment, he replied, ¡°One Galleon.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s so cheap?¡± Kanna blurted out, clearly surprised.


    She had purchased robes before and knew that one Galleon was an unexpectedly low price for a school uniform¡ªespecially a thick winter one. Even Madam Malkin¡¯s Second-Hand Robes or the second-hand shops in Diagon Alley couldn¡¯t match that price.


    ¡°Yes, one Galleon,¡± the shopkeeper confirmed. ¡°This is part of a promotion for our first thousand school uniform robes¡ªwe¡¯re offering a special discount.¡±


    Kyle smiled, placed a Galleon on the counter, and asked, ¡°How long will it take?¡±


    ¡°Very quickly¡ªhalf an hour will be enough.¡±


    Once outside, Kanna said cheerfully, ¡°What luck! It just happens to be the 1,000th robe.¡±


    ¡°It might not just happen to be,¡± Kyle said with a knowing tone.


    ¡°Why do you say that?¡±


    ¡°Do you remember the gown we were discussing earlier?¡± S§×ar?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°The 300-Galleon one?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± Kyle said. ¡°If I¡¯m not mistaken, the Unicorn tail hair on that gown is the wrong color¡ªlikely pieced together with magic to make it look genuine. The Fire Crab gems were also recut stones."


    ¡°Based on the materials, I¡¯d guess the entire gown is worth a maximum of twenty Galleons¡ªnot remotely close to what the shopkeeper claimed.¡±


    ¡°How can you tell about the mane and the gems?¡± Kanna asked, intrigued.


    ¡°I¡¯ve seen plenty of them. It¡¯s easy to recognize after a while.¡± Kyle shrugged and pulled the Unicorn hair and gem out of his pocket.


    ¡°This¡­ isn¡¯t what you just pulled out earlier, is it?¡±


    ¡°Exactly,¡± Kyle nodded. ¡°The materials for the gown and robe are the same¡ªUnicorn hair and Fire Crab gems. The shopkeeper recognized them, no doubt about it.¡±


    Kyle couldn¡¯t help but feel a kinship with the shopkeeper. They were, after all, in similar trades. He had used similar materials for one of his most expensive custom maps, which he had adorned with Unicorn hair and Fire Crab gems.


    That said, the shopkeeper¡¯s pricing was far steeper than his own. Kyle thought wryly.


    By the time Kyle left the shop, it was nearly ten o¡¯clock. Instead of heading straight to The Hog¡¯s Head, he found a window seat in The Three Broomsticks and ordered a Pumpkin Fizz.


    As he sipped his drink, he looked out the window. The number of students outside was steadily increasing, all moving in the same direction toward The Hog¡¯s Head. The once-empty path was now bustling with people.


    ¡°There must be more than thirty people here,¡± Kyle muttered.


    Kanna glanced out the window as well. ¡°Should we go over there?¡±


    ¡°If you¡¯re curious, you can go and take a look,¡± Kyle said.


    ¡°You¡¯re not going?¡±


    ¡°Well,¡± Kyle nodded thoughtfully, ¡°with this many people, someone is bound to spill the beans. Umbridge will find out sooner or later."


    ¡°And since I¡¯m not supposed to be on Professor Dumbledore¡¯s side, it¡¯s better if I stay out of it.¡±


    ¡°Couldn¡¯t they just sign a confidentiality agreement?¡± Kanna suggested. ¡°Something simple, like agreeing not to tell Umbridge about it?¡±


    ¡°That wouldn¡¯t be very effective,¡± Kyle said. ¡°Even if they don¡¯t mean to, people talk. Friends chat casually, and someone could slip up without realizing it. It¡¯s impossible to guarantee absolute secrecy.¡±


    ¡°Then how about a stricter agreement?¡± Kanna proposed. ¡°For instance, one that prevents them from discussing it at all¡­¡±


    ¡°Yes, but not now,¡± Kyle said, taking another sip of his Pumpkin Fizz. ¡°Most people are instinctively wary of signing strict contracts, especially when they don¡¯t fully understand what they¡¯re agreeing to."


    ¡°To make something like that work, you¡¯d have to wait until everyone is already committed to the idea.¡±


    ¡°That makes sense,¡± Kanna said, turning her gaze back to the window. ¡°In that case, I won¡¯t go either.¡±

 Chapter 630: The Snitch

    The gathering at The Hog¡¯s Head lasted longer than Kyle had expected¡ªnearly two hours before anyone began to leave.


    The first to emerge were Fred, George, and their friend Lee Jordan, who hurried out of the pub and headed straight for Zonko¡¯s Joke Shop.


    Following them, Colin from Gryffindor, Angelina, Ryan, and Mikel from Hufflepuff, Justin, and three Ravenclaw boys whose names Kyle couldn¡¯t even pronounce filtered out.


    Their departure drew the attention of bystanders, who seemed stunned by the sheer number of students leaving the least popular pub in Hogsmeade.


    Finally, Cedric and the others, who had been among the last to arrive, exited together.


    From his vantage point at the window of The Three Broomsticks, Kyle could see Cedric standing on the main road, his expression tense as he scanned the crowd with a frustrated look, as though searching for someone.


    ¡°He¡¯s not looking for you, is he?¡± Kanna asked in a low voice. ¡°Did you tell him you weren¡¯t going to The Hog¡¯s Head today?¡±


    ¡°Well¡­ I forgot,¡± Kyle admitted.


    In truth, it wasn¡¯t until he¡¯d encountered the Greengrass sisters earlier at Gladrags Wizardwear that he¡¯d realized he ought to avoid activities opposing the Ministry of Magic, given his current alignment with Fudge.


    ¡°Are you going to wait for him here?¡± Kanna asked.


    Kyle thought for a moment, then shook his head. ¡°Forget it. He¡¯s probably really angry right now. I¡¯ll talk to him back at the castle.¡±


    Before Cedric could spot them, Kyle and Kanna slipped out of The Three Broomsticks, weaving their way around tables and slipping quietly through the door.


    The two returned to Gladrags Wizardwear, where Kyle picked up his finished, thick winter robes. Once done, they left Hogsmeade and headed back to the castle.


    Cedric didn¡¯t return to Hogwarts until late in the evening. His hair was disheveled, and he seemed more anxious than usual.


    Kyle took the opportunity to explain why he hadn¡¯t gone to The Hog¡¯s Head, giving a plausible account. Cedric believed him but still looked visibly upset.


    ¡°Do you know how many people were there today?¡± Cedric said, his voice tight with frustration, as they sat in the common room. ¡°Fifty-three. The regulars at The Hog¡¯s Head thought Dumbledore was up to something, and they all ran off!¡±


    ¡°Isn¡¯t that a good thing?¡± Kyle replied. ¡°Now you don¡¯t have to worry about anyone eavesdropping.¡±


    ¡°But the problem is, I can¡¯t teach that many people,¡± Cedric exclaimed. ¡°Fifty-three is like a full class! And I¡¯m not a real professor¡ªwhat if I mess it up?¡±


    His voice rose slightly as he looked at Kyle with a mix of exasperation and disappointment.


    ¡°I was going to ask you to help share the load, but you didn¡¯t even show up that day.¡±


    ¡°You could ask someone else,¡± Kyle suggested calmly.


    Cedric frowned but then seemed to consider the idea. ¡°That¡¯s true,¡± he admitted after a moment. ¡°What do you think of Hermione? She¡¯s always top of the year and a Prefect.¡±


    ¡°Hermione¡¯s a solid choice if your goal is to improve exam scores,¡± Kyle said thoughtfully. ¡°But if your purpose is to improve practical defence skills, she might not be the best fit."


    ¡°To be honest, her Defence Against the Dark Arts grades are high because she excels on paper, but her practical use of Charms isn¡¯t particularly strong.¡±


    ¡°Then who do you suggest?¡± Cedric asked, a little surprised.


    ¡°Harry Potter,¡± Kyle said without hesitation.


    Cedric blinked, clearly caught off guard. He didn¡¯t know Harry well beyond his reputation as a talented Quidditch player.


    ¡°Really?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± Kyle explained. ¡°Sirius and Moody both said he has a knack for Defence Against the Dark Arts. He¡¯s particularly skilled with the Disarming Charm and the Shield Charm.¡±


    Cedric considered this, his expression growing more thoughtful.


    ¡°If that¡¯s true, it makes sense,¡± he said. The Shield Charm and Disarming Charm were both highly versatile spells¡ªindispensable in a real duel. If the group wanted to learn effective defensive techniques, mastering those two spells was essential.


    ¡°Then I¡¯ll talk to him tomorrow,¡± Cedric decided, though he still sounded a little apprehensive. ¡°Fifty-three people¡­ I just hope I don¡¯t mess it up.¡±


    ...


    For the rest of the weekend, anticipation buzzed through the castle. It was just like the arrival of Sirius at Hogwarts that had sparked a new kind of excitement¡ªeveryone was eager to see what Harry and Cedric¡¯s efforts might bring to their Defence Against the Dark Arts skills.


    The next morning, Cedric left the Hufflepuff Common Room early, heading straight for the Great Hall to meet Harry. Kyle, curious to see how things would unfold, also made his way there. However, before he could reach the Great Hall, someone suddenly appeared in front of him.


    It was Dennis Creevey from Gryffindor, panting heavily as though he had run all the way.


    ¡°Kyle¡­¡± he gasped, ¡°Umbridge wants to see you in her office.¡±


    ¡°When?¡±


    ¡°Now.¡±


    ¡°Okay,¡± Kyle said with a nod.


    After Dennis hurried off, Kyle glanced at the Great Hall, just within reach, and sighed. ¡°If I¡¯d known, I would¡¯ve come earlier¡ªthen at least I could¡¯ve had breakfast.¡±


    ¡°Why is Umbridge looking for you at this time?¡± Kanna asked, her tone laced with concern. ¡°Do you want me to go tell Professor Sprout?¡±


    ¡°No,¡± Kyle replied. ¡°She¡¯s probably caught wind of what happened in Hogsmeade yesterday.¡± S§×arch* The N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°Umbridge found out that quickly?¡± Kanna asked, suspicion dawning on her face. ¡°Someone must¡¯ve snitched!"


    ¡°Last night, I heard Letty say that Zacharias Smith kept questioning Harry¡¯s story about You-Know-Who being back. He even called Cedric stupid for believing him.¡±


    ¡°Zacharias?¡± Kyle repeated, immediately recognizing the name.


    Zacharias Smith, a sixth-year from Hufflepuff like himself, had always been¡­ difficult. Back in their second year, he had competed against Kyle for the position of Chaser. But Kyle¡¯s performance during the trials had been flawless, leaving no room for anyone else to shine. Zacharias and the other hopefuls had all been eliminated.


    Kyle knew Zacharias¡¯s personality well¡ªarrogant, condescending, and perpetually eager to draw attention by opposing others. Many believed he didn¡¯t belong in Hufflepuff at all; Ravenclaw or Slytherin would have suited him better.


    Kyle wasn¡¯t surprised to hear that Zacharias had been critical. The boy had often said that Harry and Dumbledore needed to provide concrete evidence of Voldemort¡¯s return.


    ¡°And Terry Boot from Ravenclaw,¡± Kanna added. ¡°Letty mentioned he was smirking the whole time, like he thought the meeting was some kind of ridiculous stage play."


    ¡°It¡¯s very likely one of them snitched on us.¡±


    ¡°That wouldn¡¯t be surprising,¡± Kyle said evenly. ¡°With that many people involved, there was bound to be a mistake¡ªor someone with ulterior motives watching closely."


    ¡°And let¡¯s be honest: more than fifty students all showing up at a bar like The Hog¡¯s Head¡ªwhere no one normally goes¡ªis guaranteed to draw attention.¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s not going to make things difficult for you, is she?¡± Kanna asked, her worry evident.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I can handle it,¡± Kyle reassured her. ¡°Don¡¯t involve any other professors, though¡ªthey¡¯ll just cause unnecessary trouble if they step in.¡±


    With that, he told Kanna to go ahead to the Great Hall, then turned toward the stairs.

 Chapter 631: Dumbledore’s Secret Army

    When Kyle arrived at the Defence Against the Dark Arts office, the corridor was eerily empty. He knocked on the door.


    ¡°Come in,¡± Umbridge¡¯s familiar, high-pitched voice called from within.


    Kyle pushed open the door and stepped inside. The room hadn¡¯t changed much since his last visit¡ªfrilly decor, overly ornate trinkets, and an overwhelming number of cat plates adorning the walls. In fact, there seemed to be even more of them this time.


    ¡°I¡¯m disappointed¡­¡±


    The door clicked shut behind him, and Umbridge, who had greeted him with her usual saccharine smile, let it fade into a peculiar expression¡ªsomewhere between disappointment and smugness.


    ¡°I waited in this office all day yesterday,¡± she said, her tone laced with accusation. ¡°I was expecting you to tell me something¡­ interesting. But you never came."


    ¡°This leads me to believe that you¡¯re not as loyal to the Ministry as you claimed, and that perhaps you¡¯re still aligned with Dumbledore.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t understand what you mean, Professor,¡± Kyle replied, feigning surprise. ¡°Should I know what you¡¯re talking about?¡±


    ¡°Oh?¡± Umbridge let out a light laugh. ¡°Perhaps I should give you a hint."


    ¡°As far as I know, dozens of students gathered at in Hogsmeade yesterday. Can you tell me what they were doing there?¡±


    ¡°Is that so?¡± Kyle said, widening his eyes in mock surprise. ¡°I hadn¡¯t heard anything about that.¡±


    ¡°Liar!¡± Umbridge¡¯s voice dropped its sugary sweetness and turned icy cold. ¡°As far as I know, many of those students are your friends. How could you not know? Or maybe you were there yourself.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s impossible,¡± Kyle said calmly, shaking his head. ¡°I¡¯ve never been to The Hog¡¯s Head, and I don¡¯t know anything about any gatherings there.¡±


    ¡°I see,¡± Umbridge said, her smile returning in its most artificial form. ¡°You¡¯re not going to tell me the truth. Perhaps a week of detention for lying to a professor will help you reconsider.¡±


    ¡°I telling the truth,¡± Kyle said, his expression unchanging. ¡°When I arrived in Hogsmeade yesterday, I went straight to Gladrags Wizardwear. Miss Daphne Greengrass of Slytherin can confirm that¡ªI saw her there.¡±


    ¡°And after that?¡± Umbridge pressed, narrowing her eyes. ¡°The gathering didn¡¯t start early. You could have gone to The Hog¡¯s Head afterward.¡± sea??h th§× N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°I stayed at The Three Broomsticks,¡± Kyle replied evenly. ¡°I didn¡¯t go anywhere else.¡±


    ¡°Can anyone confirm that?¡±


    ¡°Anyone who was at The Three Broomsticks,¡± Kyle said. ¡°I was sitting right across from the entrance, so plenty of people must have seen me."


    ¡°And if that¡¯s not enough, Madam Rosmerta can confirm I didn¡¯t leave before noon. Or, you could simply ask the people who were at The Hog¡¯s Head whether I was there.¡±


    Umbridge froze for a moment, seemingly caught off guard by Kyle¡¯s confident response.


    ¡°You¡¯re not lying?¡± she asked suspiciously.


    ¡°Of course not,¡± Kyle replied, his tone unwavering. ¡°Feel free to verify it.¡±


    There was a pause before Umbridge¡¯s expression twisted into an even more forced smile¡ªone so fake it was almost unsettling.


    ¡°No need. I believe you,¡± she said, her tone tinged with mockery. ¡°However, it seems your so-called friends don¡¯t.¡±


    Kyle resisted the urge to glare at her. Instead, he maintained a calm demeanor and said, ¡°Ah, yes. I never imagined they¡¯d keep so much from me. It¡¯s¡­ disappointing.¡±


    ¡°Indeed,¡± Umbridge said, her grin widening. ¡°Which is why I need your help with this investigation. Dumbledore chose The Hog¡¯s Head for a reason, and those students chose to gather there. Surely there¡¯s a connection.¡±


    ¡°Isn¡¯t it possible that it¡¯s just a coincidence?¡± Kyle asked, though he already knew how she would respond.


    ¡°Absolutely not,¡± Umbridge snapped. ¡°I don¡¯t believe in coincidences. Those students are clearly part of Dumbledore¡¯s secret army.¡±


    Kyle said nothing, suppressing his disbelief. It was rare for him to tell the truth and not be believed. Dumbledore had chosen The Hog¡¯s Head because he trusted its owner, and Cedric and the others had picked it because it was quiet and unlikely to attract attention. It really was a coincidence.


    As for the idea of Dumbledore forming a secret army among students¡ªKyle couldn¡¯t help but think that Umbridge and Rita Skeeter would get along splendidly with their wild imaginations.


    But with Umbridge looking so thoroughly convinced, Kyle decided it wasn¡¯t worth arguing. Instead, he nodded and said, ¡°Leave it to me, Professor. I¡¯ll make sure to find out what¡¯s going on.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m counting on you,¡± Umbridge said, her smile returning to its sickly sweet form. ¡°Don¡¯t let me down.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll get to the bottom of this,¡± Kyle replied. ¡°For the Ministry.¡±


    Umbridge¡¯s expression grew serious.


    ¡°For the Ministry!¡±


    ...


    ¡°So, you¡¯re going to report us?¡± Fred asked as he leaned casually against a locker in the Hufflepuff Changing Rooms after the afternoon¡¯s Quidditch training match.


    In theory, Gryffindor players shouldn¡¯t have been there, but with only the four of them present, it didn¡¯t seem to matter.


    ¡°In theory, I really should,¡± Kyle replied, polishing the broom in his hands. ¡°Turning you over to Umbridge could earn Hufflepuff some house points.¡±


    ¡°How many points would we be worth?¡± Fred asked with a wry grin.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know, but probably not less than fifty.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s all?¡± George said, looking affronted. ¡°We¡¯re Dumbledore¡¯s secret army, and we¡¯re only worth fifty points? I thought it¡¯d be at least a hundred.¡±


    ¡°No wonder you didn¡¯t show up at The Hog¡¯s Head that day,¡± Fred added, eyeing Kyle. ¡°Did you know this was going to happen?¡±


    ¡°Not really,¡± Kyle replied, shaking his head. ¡°It didn¡¯t click until I got to Hogsmeade.¡±


    George burst into laughter. ¡°She made you investigate our ¡®secret army¡¯? That¡¯s hilarious. She¡¯ll never know the truth.¡±


    ¡°But I still don¡¯t get it,¡± Cedric interjected, leaning forward with a frown. ¡°Why did Umbridge come after ? And why does it sound like you have to help her? And what did you mean yesterday when you said you had to oppose Professor Dumbledore?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s part of the plan,¡± Kyle explained, pausing his broom polishing. ¡°It¡¯s complicated, but just think of it this way: for now, Umbridge needs to believe we¡¯re on opposite sides.¡±


    George tilted his head, a mischievous glint in his eye. ¡°So¡­ does that mean we can rough you up here? You know, like we do when we face Slytherin?¡±


    Fred snickered. ¡°Exactly. Three of us, one of you¡ªyou don¡¯t stand a chance.¡±

 Chapter 632: This Deal Is Worth It

    By Monday, a rumor had spread like wildfire through Hogwarts Castle. Word was that during the previous day¡¯s Quidditch training match, Kyle and the Weasley twins had clashed in the Changing Rooms over some dispute.


    At first, most dismissed the idea outright. Everyone knew Fred, George, and Kyle were inseparable, the kind of friends who wouldn¡¯t let a disagreement escalate into something serious. But skepticism began to fade when someone noticed the twins sporting obvious injuries. S~ea??h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Each of them had a black eye, as though they¡¯d been struck hard by something.


    The castle buzzed with speculation. The rumors seemed to be true, and the mystery of why the two inseparable friends had fought captivated nearly everyone. Yet neither the Weasley twins nor Kyle offered an explanation. They remained tight-lipped, fueling even more curiosity.


    At that moment, Kyle was sitting in Professor Umbridge¡¯s office.


    ¡°Professor¡­¡± he began, watching her fuss with a bottle of dried flowers. ¡°I know why they went to The Hog¡¯s Head.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Umbridge immediately stopped what she was doing, her eyes narrowing as she leaned forward eagerly.


    ¡°To canvass,¡± Kyle said flatly. ¡°They were trying to rally their family to support Dumbledore as Minister of Magic.¡±


    ¡°Damn it!¡± Umbridge hissed, slamming the bottle onto her desk. She didn¡¯t hesitate to believe Kyle¡¯s claim for a second.


    After all, she was already aware of the rumors that Kyle had dueled the Weasley twins. She also knew they had been seen at The Hog¡¯s Head. And now, with Kyle¡ªsomeone who had turned against lifelong friends¡ªreporting this, she had no reason to doubt his loyalty to the Ministry or the accuracy of his information.


    Mobilizing families to back Dumbledore¡­ The mere thought of it made her blood boil. If Minister Fudge caught wind of this, his reaction would be explosive.


    Pacing her office like a wind-up toy set loose, Umbridge muttered furiously, ¡°No, no, this must be stopped. There cannot be a second incident like this.¡±


    ¡°What are you planning to do?¡± Kyle asked, watching her intently.


    ¡°Dissolve all student organizations, associations, teams, and clubs. Prevent them from gathering again,¡± she announced with a sharp edge in her voice.


    ¡°But Professor, that will cause an uproar,¡± Kyle pointed out. ¡°Almost every Hogwarts student is part of a club or team. Isn¡¯t that a bit... extreme?¡±


    ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter,¡± Umbridge said dismissively, her tone final. ¡°The existing student groups will be disbanded, but they can always reorganize¡ªprovided they receive my approval.¡±


    With that, she pulled out a sheet of parchment, her quill poised to issue yet another Educational Decree. This one would be stricter than any before.


    As the High Inquisitor appointed by the Ministry of Magic, she had the authority to enforce it.


    ¡°Professor, I still feel something is amiss,¡± Kyle continued. ¡°There are too many organizations, associations, and clubs at the school. Investigating and reorganizing all of them will take at least a week, and by the time we¡¯re done, students at the back of the line will still complain.¡±


    ¡°This is an order from the Ministry of Magic,¡± Umbridge said haughtily. ¡°They must accept it.¡±


    ¡°Of course,¡± Kyle replied smoothly, ¡°but I have a better idea.¡±


    Umbridge paused mid-scribble and looked up at him, intrigued.


    Kyle cleared his throat. ¡°In fact, even if some of them want to support Dumbledore, it doesn¡¯t matter. As long as the majority choose to support Minister Fudge, the others won¡¯t make a difference.¡±


    ¡°What do you mean?¡± Umbridge asked, leaning forward.


    ¡°I¡¯ve done some digging, and there were only about fifty people at the last gathering,¡± Kyle explained. ¡°Compared to the entire student body, that number is small¡ªinsignificant, even. We can absolutely win over the rest of the school and have them back Minister Fudge.¡±


    Kyle¡¯s voice grew more confident as he continued, ¡°Think about it, Professor. If the rest of Hogwarts¡ªhundreds of students¡ªalign with the Ministry, these fifty or so won¡¯t matter at all.¡±


    Umbridge¡¯s eyes lit up briefly, and she leaned back, contemplating his words.


    If Fudge learned that students were openly supporting Dumbledore, he¡¯d be livid. But if she could counter that by winning over the majority, it would change everything. Kyle had a point: fifty students were nothing compared to the entire school. Even if only half of the remaining students supported the Ministry, it would still be a significant win¡ªand a feather in her cap.


    ¡°What¡¯s your suggestion?¡± she asked finally. ¡°Should we throw a party? Set it up in the Great Hall and invite everyone?¡±


    Kyle shook his head. ¡°No need for that, Professor. That might come across as desperate, as if we¡¯re trying too hard.¡±


    ¡°So what then? How do we show them the Ministry¡¯s goodwill?¡± Umbridge asked, her curiosity piqued.


    Kyle hesitated, his expression uncertain.


    ¡°What?¡± Umbridge raised an eyebrow. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. If your plan works, I¡¯ll personally inform Minister Fudge that it was your idea.¡±


    ¡°You misunderstand, Professor,¡± Kyle stammered. ¡°It¡¯s just that¡­ you know, our House, Hufflepuff, was beaten by Slytherin today¡­¡±


    ¡°Kyle, let me be clear,¡± Umbridge interrupted with a stern look. ¡°Even as a professor, I cannot award extra points to students unfairly. That would be disgraceful cheating.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Professor, I understand,¡± Kyle said in a low voice. ¡°But if we win the House Cup again this year, it¡¯ll be six years in a row¡­¡±


    ¡°Regardless, that kind of cheating is unacceptable,¡± Umbridge said firmly. Then, after a brief pause, she added, ¡°However, since you¡¯ve brought some critical information to light, I can make an exception just this once. I¡¯ll award Hufflepuff twenty extra points.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Professor,¡± Kyle said, smiling broadly.


    ¡°Now, let¡¯s hear your plan.¡±


    ¡°Of course,¡± Kyle said. ¡°As I was saying, if we want to show the students the Ministry¡¯s goodwill, we should start with Quidditch.¡±


    ¡°Quidditch?¡± Umbridge frowned, clearly puzzled.


    ¡°Yes,¡± Kyle said. ¡°It¡¯s the most popular sport at Hogwarts, with the largest following. Dumbledore, however, has shown little interest in it¡ªor, rather, he¡¯s too stingy to invest in it. The school¡¯s broomsticks are outdated Comets and Swifts. They¡¯re slow and clunky, and the players have complained about them repeatedly.¡±


    He leaned forward slightly. ¡°If the Ministry of Magic funded new broomsticks for the school, I think the excitement among students would be through the roof.¡±


    ¡°New brooms?¡± Umbridge repeated, her brow furrowing. ¡°That would cost a fortune.¡±


    ¡°They wouldn¡¯t have to be top-of-the-line,¡± Kyle said quickly. ¡°Just something new, like Cleansweeps. They¡¯re reliable, and the Ministry could likely negotiate a discount. You could even present it as your initiative.¡±


    Umbridge¡¯s eyes gleamed as an idea seemed to form in her mind. She didn¡¯t respond immediately, but the lack of outright refusal was telling.


    Kyle pressed on, sensing an opportunity. ¡°Quidditch has so many fans, Professor. Each team member is influential within their House and beyond. For a relatively small investment, you could gain widespread support while also highlighting Dumbledore¡¯s stinginess. It¡¯s an excellent, cost-effective strategy.¡±

 Chapter 633: Cedric the Traitor

    After leaving the Defence Against the Dark Arts office, Kyle didn¡¯t head straight back to the Hufflepuff common room. Instead, while walking along the second floor, he made a detour into an empty classroom. The room was dimly lit, and the faint murmur of voices greeted him as soon as he stepped inside.


    ¡°What¡¯s up...¡± Kyle said, shutting the door behind him.


    Kanna approached him first, followed by Cedric, Cho, and the Weasley twins, Fred and George.


    ¡°It¡¯s done,¡± Kyle announced, gesturing broadly. ¡°You can safely teach yourselves Defence Against the Dark Arts now. Just be careful not to get caught.¡±


    ¡°Great!¡± Cedric said, his excitement evident. ¡°We¡¯ve already worked out a plan. To avoid anyone snitching, everyone will have to sign a magical contract before they¡¯re told the location of the Room of Requirement.¡± Sear?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°Well done, Kyle,¡± Fred said, grinning from ear to ear. ¡°You fooled Umbridge so easily. Honestly, you deserve to be the youngest recipient of the Order of Merlin.¡±


    Kyle rolled his eyes, feeling the praise was a bit much. He didn¡¯t see how tricking Umbridge was related to earning such a prestigious award.


    ¡°But...¡± George cut in, rubbing his bruised eye. ¡°You might¡¯ve gone a bit overboard. If we don¡¯t get to the Hospital Wing soon, we¡¯ll have to walk around like this for at least a week.¡±


    ¡°Seriously, it¡¯s humiliating,¡± Fred sighed dramatically. ¡°We¡¯re avoiding crowded places now.¡±


    ¡°And even in class, we have to hide our faces,¡± George added.


    ¡°You¡¯re the ones who said a little injury would make it more convincing,¡± Kyle said with a smirk. ¡°Turns out you were right. Umbridge believed me because of how you both look.¡±


    ¡°We were talking about you!¡± George muttered irritably. ¡°Think about it¡ªthe news you ¡®risked your life¡¯ for suddenly becomes a lot more believable when it comes at such a cost.¡±


    ¡°Never mind,¡± Kyle said, shrugging. ¡°The outcome¡¯s good, and that¡¯s all that matters. Besides, can you really blame me for how badly the three of you got beaten? One against three, and you still lost?¡±


    ¡°It was two against one!¡± George corrected indignantly. ¡°That traitor Cedric just stood there watching! Didn¡¯t lift a finger to help...¡±


    ¡°Traitor?¡± Cedric echoed, looking confused. ¡°How does this have anything to do with me? I¡¯m a Hufflepuff, remember? Even if we¡¯re just acting, I can¡¯t exactly help people from other Houses beat up my own.¡±


    Besides, Cedric thought, even if he had jumped in, it wouldn¡¯t have changed much. He¡¯d just have ended up with a black eye himself. It was better this way¡ªtwo injured were better than three. Still, knowing Fred and George were in a foul mood, Cedric wisely kept his thoughts to himself.


    Kyle ignored their bickering and turned to Cedric. ¡°Have you decided on a time? When are you starting?¡±


    ¡°Wednesday night,¡± Cedric replied. ¡°I thought about holding it on the weekend, but everyone seems to have other priorities¡ªQuidditch practice, favorite clubs, that sort of thing. Wednesday is the only time we can all slip away.¡±


    ¡°Just remember to split up,¡± Kyle warned. ¡°Gryffindor and Ravenclaw won¡¯t draw much attention, but a bunch of Hufflepuff students suddenly heading up to the eighth floor would look suspicious.¡±


    ¡°Any ideas?¡± Cedric asked.


    ¡°You could try the kitchens,¡± Kyle suggested. ¡°Ask one of the House-elves for help.¡±


    ¡°House-elves?¡± Cedric repeated, intrigued.


    ¡°Exactly,¡± Kyle explained. ¡°House-elves can use Apparition even inside Hogwarts. They could take you directly from the kitchens to the eighth floor and back again.¡±


    Cedric¡¯s face brightened. ¡°That¡¯s brilliant! I can¡¯t believe I forgot about that. The only question is whether they¡¯d agree to it. After all, almost no one¡¯s ever seen them use magic here.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s worth a shot,¡± Kyle said. ¡°It¡¯s only once a week, not an everyday thing. I doubt they¡¯d mind.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re right,¡± Cedric agreed with a nod.


    After hashing out the rest of the details, the group dispersed. Kyle and Kanna headed back toward the Hufflepuff common room, while Cedric accompanied Fred and George upstairs.


    Cedric had a few loose ends to tie up. He planned to find Hermione and Harry next to iron out additional specifics¡ªthings like the timing, the terms of the magical contract, and the content of their Defence Against the Dark Arts lessons.


    ...


    Being a professor for the first time¡ªeven if it was only nominal¡ªmade Cedric extremely nervous. As Wednesday approached, his anxiety became more apparent.


    Even during Quidditch practice the next day, he seemed distracted. Several times, Kyle spotted the Golden Snitch zipping past, but Cedric remained motionless, staring blankly into the distance, lost in thought.


    Kyle, handling a Firebolt with practiced ease, spun through the air and snatched the Golden Snidget effortlessly. Normally, as a Chaser, it wasn¡¯t his role to catch the Snitch, but the other players didn¡¯t seem to mind¡ªin fact, they looked relieved.


    They had been flying for two hours.


    Practice, typically lively and varied with new tactics, had become a tedious slog. With Cedric failing to catch the Snidget or call for any strategy changes, the players were left aimlessly throwing the Quaffle through the goalposts. The monotony felt more like completing an endless essay for History of Magic than playing Quidditch.


    This kind of training was pointless.


    ¡°Oh, sorry, Kyle,¡± Cedric said sheepishly, scratching the back of his head as they landed. ¡°I was daydreaming again. I just can¡¯t stop thinking about tomorrow night.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s bothering you?¡± Kyle asked, walking alongside him as they returned to the castle with the rest of the team.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know if I¡¯ve prepared enough,¡± Cedric admitted. ¡°What if I can¡¯t answer everyone¡¯s questions? Just thinking about it makes it hard to focus.¡±


    ¡°Relax,¡± Kyle said, slinging the Firebolt over his shoulder. ¡°It¡¯s just an after-school tutorial. It¡¯s not as scary as you¡¯re making it out to be.¡±


    ¡°I know that,¡± Cedric sighed, ¡°but I can¡¯t help it. Every time I have a quiet moment, I start worrying. What if I mess up? What if no one comes back for the next session?¡±


    ¡°You should take a page out of Harry¡¯s book,¡± Kyle said with a grin. ¡°He doesn¡¯t seem nervous at all. And as for people coming back, you don¡¯t need to stress¡ªunless, of course, you¡¯re a worse teacher than Umbridge. And honestly, that would take some effort.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re right,¡± Cedric said, managing a small smile. ¡°I¡¯ve never met a worse professor than Umbridge.¡±


    By the time they reached the castle, it was nearly curfew. As they entered the foyer, they spotted Filch descending the stairs. The caretaker¡¯s face immediately twisted into a sour expression when he saw their muddy practice gear.


    ¡°You¡­¡± Filch began, glancing suspiciously at the floor to check for footprints. Finding none, he quickly adjusted his tone. ¡°Wandering about so late¡ªare you planning a little night tour?¡±


    ¡°Mr. Filch, we just got back from training,¡± Cedric said calmly.


    ¡°You¡¯d better be,¡± Filch sneered. ¡°Because if I catch you up to anything else, I¡¯m sure Professor Umbridge wouldn¡¯t mind me dragging you down to the dungeons.¡±


    His lips curled into a smug grin. ¡°After all these years, the school finally has a professor who knows what she¡¯s doing¡­¡±


    Cedric frowned as Filch shuffled past. Leaning closer to Kyle, he muttered, ¡°Filch is getting annoying again.¡±


    ¡°Yeah,¡± Kyle said dryly. ¡°Because someone¡¯s backing him up now.¡±


    Umbridge¡¯s arrival had emboldened Filch. With her seemingly aligned views¡ªat least on the surface¡ªFilch had found an unexpected ally. His loyalty to Snape, once the source of many of his threats, had quickly shifted. Where he used to terrify students by threatening to report them to Snape, he now leaned on Umbridge¡¯s authority.


    Umbridge, much to Filch¡¯s delight, shared his harsh views on punishment, implementing rules more severe than those enforced by any other professor. She wielded enough power to change the school¡¯s policies at will, which only made Filch more self-assured. He patrolled the castle with a renewed zeal, eager to catch students breaking the rules.


    In his mind, if he caught enough offenders, it might justify reopening the long-unused dungeons.


    ¡°What a nuisance...¡± someone muttered under their breath once Filch was out of earshot.


    ¡°And that horrible Umbridge...¡± another voice added in a hushed tone.


    ¡°Shh! Keep it down,¡± someone else warned. ¡°You don¡¯t want to be overheard.¡±


    The group quickly fell silent, but their sentiments were clear. While Filch had always been unpleasant, his behavior earlier in the year¡ªbefore Umbridge arrived¡ªhad been tolerable in comparison. Now, with Umbridge backing him, he was becoming insufferable.

 Chapter 634: Ron’s Attitude

    The next morning, as people passed through the foyer, they noticed a large notice pinned to the bulletin board by the entrance to the Great Hall.


    Students on their way to breakfast in the Great Hall gathered around the notice board, discussing the new rule. Confusion spread among them as they wondered why the school had suddenly implemented such a policy, and concern grew over how it might affect their clubs and activities.


    Standing outside the crowd, Kyle caught sight of the notice as well.


    he thought.


    Still, there had been some adjustments. Initially, she had planned to disband all clubs entirely and then reorganize them from scratch. Now, instead of disbanding, she required them to register. While the difference was largely superficial, this approach would save a significant amount of time.


    Beside the notice board, a table had been set up where Filch sat, a stack of parchments in front of him.


    "Anyone needing to register should come here! I''ll take care of it!" Filch announced loudly, a hint of pride in his voice.


    "The leader must write down everyone''s names, along with the time and location of their activities. No activity can take place until it¡¯s registered."


    In front of Filch, a long line stretched from the bulletin board to the entrance doors. Cedric stood at the front, finishing his registration just as Kyle glanced over. Spotting him, Cedric hurried over.


    ¡°They¡¯ve included Quidditch,¡± Cedric said, emphasizing the words as though they carried extra weight.


    ¡°But it¡¯s all right¡ªeveryone knows about the Quidditch team. There¡¯s nothing to hide; we just write the names down.¡±


    A short while later, Hermione and Harry arrived in a rush.


    "Hey, did you see¡ª"


    "The announcement in the entrance hall," Harry cut in.


    ¡°Do you think she might know something?¡± Harry asked in a low voice.


    ¡°Probably,¡± Kyle replied calmly. ¡°But don¡¯t worry¡ªshe doesn¡¯t know any specifics. It¡¯ll be fine.¡±


    ¡°Then why did she put up that announcement?¡± Harry pressed.


    ¡°Because it gives her a way to accuse us officially if she catches us again,¡± Hermione interjected, her tone sharp. ¡°She¡¯s making it clear that anyone gathering without registration will be breaking the rules. But she still has to catch us first.¡± S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Harry exhaled in relief and seemed about to say more when someone suddenly tugged on his arm. It was Ron.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go, Harry,¡± Ron said seriously, his tone urgent. ¡°Don¡¯t say too much¡ªsomeone might have already reported us.¡± As he spoke, his gaze flicked toward Kyle, whether intentionally or not.


    ¡°Well...¡± Harry hesitated but allowed Ron to pull him away.


    ¡°Sorry, Kyle,¡± Hermione said, her expression tight with frustration. ¡°Ron¡¯s just like this because of his brother. I¡¯m sure there¡¯s been some sort of misunderstanding.¡±


    ¡°I know,¡± Kyle replied evenly.


    Ever since rumors of his ¡°fight¡± with the Weasley twins had spread, Kyle had expected this kind of reaction. Only he and the twins knew the truth of the matter, and they had kept it that way for a reason.


    It was safer if others, including Hermione, remained unaware. After all, Kyle had overheard Harry and Ron ¡°conspiring noisily¡± in the corridors on more than one occasion. If they knew the truth, the risk of something slipping out would only increase.


    Hermione studied Kyle, who appeared indifferent, and suddenly asked, ¡°You must have some kind of plan, right?¡±


    ¡°Why do you say that?¡± Kyle replied, his tone casual.


    ¡°Because Fred and George haven¡¯t been to the Hospital Wing yet,¡± Hermione pointed out. ¡°That¡¯s something Madam Pomfrey could fix in no time, but they¡¯d rather walk around with their faces covered every day than go for treatment."


    ¡°It¡¯s like... they¡¯re deliberately reminding everyone that they fought with you, and that¡¯s not normal.¡±


    ¡°Who knows...¡± Kyle said nonchalantly. ¡°Maybe they think it makes them look more attractive.¡±


    ¡°Hurry up, Hermione, we have to go to class later,¡± Ron¡¯s voice called from not far away.


    Hermione frowned. Seeing that Kyle wasn¡¯t going to explain further, she sighed and prepared to leave.


    ¡°Oh, by the way,¡± Cedric said suddenly, as if something had just occurred to him. ¡°You should let Angelina know the announcement applies to the Quidditch team too. She¡¯ll need to register practice sessions, or you might not be able to book the pitch.¡±


    ¡°Okay,¡± Hermione said, nodding before heading back to the Gryffindor table, where she sat down beside Harry.


    ¡°That girl is sharp,¡± Cedric said with a small smile. ¡°She¡¯s already figured out most of it. Why not just tell her the truth? She was the one who suggested learning Defense Against the Dark Arts on her own. I don¡¯t see why she shouldn¡¯t know.¡±


    ¡°If it were just her, it wouldn¡¯t be a problem,¡± Kyle said. ¡°But if she knows, she¡¯ll definitely tell Harry and Ron. The fewer people who know, the better.¡±


    ¡°Fair enough,¡± Cedric agreed, nodding. ¡°But doesn¡¯t Ron¡¯s attitude bother you?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not worth worrying about,¡± Kyle replied with a slight smile. ¡°If anything, the worse his attitude is, the better. It makes it more convincing and helps Umbridge believe we¡¯ve genuinely fallen out.¡±


    ¡°If he knew the truth, he wouldn¡¯t be able to act like he hates you,¡± Cedric remarked.


    ¡°You¡¯re right,¡± Kyle said as a large flock of owls swept into the Great Hall, bringing their conversation to an end.


    Kyle glanced at the as usual. The front page featured a picture of The Weird Sisters alongside an announcement of their upcoming performance in Cornwall. Another article detailed how a wizard had enchanted an entire Muggle street so the grass grew ten feet tall overnight. Finally, there was the daily crossword puzzle.


    The news was trivial¡ªno familiar names or significant events. It suggested that the wizarding world was calm for now. Kyle set the paper aside, glancing up just in time to see Filch handing a thick stack of parchments to Umbridge at the staff table.


    ¡°When did she come in?¡± he asked.


    ¡°Just now, a minute ago,¡± Cedric replied, watching Filch take the parchments back after a brief exchange.


    ¡°That¡¯s strange,¡± Cedric added. ¡°Umbridge seems to have left Filch in charge of everything.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s nothing strange about it,¡± Kyle said.


    ¡°I mean, isn¡¯t Umbridge always trying to show off?¡± Cedric pressed. ¡°She loves flaunting her authority in front of students and other professors. This rule, where everyone has to line up and sign, seems like something she¡¯d enjoy. Why leave it to Filch?¡±


    ¡°Maybe she thinks it¡¯s a tedious task,¡± Kyle suggested. ¡°Her goal has already been achieved. All that¡¯s left is to record names, times, and locations¡ªit doesn¡¯t matter who does it."


    ¡°Besides, there are quite a few clubs and organizations at the school¡ªwhat, fifty or sixty? Keeping track of all of them would be a real chore.¡±

 Chapter 635: Snape’s Secret

    Umbridge had left most tasks to Filch, except perhaps the more cumbersome duty of keeping track of everything, as she simply didn¡¯t have the time for it.


    This became clear when Kyle and Kanna descended the stone steps of the dungeon to the Potions classroom, only to notice Umbridge sitting in a shadowy corner at the back of the room, the ever-familiar clipboard in hand.


    The rest of the class had seen her too, and whispers quickly spread through the room.


    ¡°Why is she here again?¡±


    ¡°Do you think she¡¯s investigating the professor a second time?¡±


    ¡°I doubt it. She only observed the other classes once.¡±


    ¡°Maybe Professor Snape¡¯s different. He¡¯s not exactly popular.¡±


    ¡°Nonsense! Professor Snape is the best!¡± came an indignant retort, clearly from a Slytherin.


    Still, the atmosphere in the classroom was thick with curiosity. After all, Umbridge had already observed Professor Snape¡¯s Potions class just two days ago. Why had she returned?


    Even Umbridge herself seemed perplexed. As she listened to the murmured speculations and reviewed the notes on her clipboard, a faint frown crossed her face. Why was everyone insisting she had been here before? Her clipboard contained no record of Snape at all.


    ¡°Quiet!¡±


    The sudden bark made the classroom fall silent as the door swung open.


    Snape swept into the room, his eyes scanning the students before landing on Umbridge in the corner. His expression darkened immediately, a scowl tugging at his sharp features.


    Kyle couldn¡¯t help himself and let out a laugh.


    Snape turned his icy glare on him in an instant.


    Kyle froze and clamped his mouth shut, though his shoulders shook as he stifled his amusement.


    ¡°What¡¯s so funny?¡± Kanna whispered, glancing at him curiously.


    Kyle leaned closer and whispered back, ¡°It¡¯s hilarious¡ªlooks like Professor Snape¡¯s plan backfired.¡±


    He knew exactly what was happening. Umbridge¡¯s second visit to the Potions classroom could only mean one thing: she had no memory of being here before. Snape must have cast a Memory Charm on her, erasing not only her findings but also her recollection of the entire class. S§×ar?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    However, Kyle suspected the spell hadn¡¯t gone quite as Snape intended. The Charm had worked a little too well, making Umbridge forget so much that she¡¯d unwittingly returned to repeat her investigation.


    If it were him, Kyle thought, he would have modified her memory just enough to forget the key details¡ªlike her post-class questions¡ªrather than wiping her memory entirely. That would have been a much cleaner solution.


    Still, Kyle couldn¡¯t help but wonder what Umbridge had said or done to provoke Snape into using the Charm in the first place. It must have been something truly irritating.


    He was just about to share his thoughts with Kanna when he glanced up and locked eyes with Snape.


    The professor¡¯s gaze was frigid, his expression hard and unyielding, like he was contemplating murder.


    Kyle snapped his mouth shut, opting for silence.


    Snape¡¯s piercing glare lingered for a moment longer before his face softened, though only slightly.


    "Today, we will learn about the Elixir to Induce Euphoria," Snape began, taking a deep breath as though nothing unusual had occurred.


    "It is a potion that demands exceptional patience to brew successfully, as you must continuously monitor the potion''s color in the cauldron. Only then can you proceed with the next steps at precisely the right time."


    With a flick of his wand, words appeared on the blackboard. "The method," he announced curtly. "Begin."


    The students immediately focused on their work, forgetting about Umbridge for the moment.


    "Shrivelfig... Porcupine quill... Peppermint..." Kyle murmured to himself as he checked his ingredients. Satisfied they were correct, he began grinding with practiced precision.


    For the first half hour, Umbridge remained seated and silent, but Kyle knew it wouldn¡¯t last. That wasn¡¯t her style¡ªshe had followed the same pattern during her previous visit.


    Sure enough, as though an invisible alarm had gone off, she stood up exactly thirty minutes later and began pacing between the rows of desks. She cast quick glances at the students¡¯ cauldrons as she made her way toward Snape.


    ¡°The students in this class seem to be quite talented,¡± she said in her simpering tone. ¡°The Elixir to Induce Euphoria is such a delightful potion. After all, who doesn¡¯t need a little more happiness in their lives?¡±


    ¡°But that happiness is artificial,¡± Snape replied coolly. ¡°And excessive use results in undesirable side effects.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t see why that should be a concern,¡± Umbridge retorted lightly. ¡°Just use it in moderation. If the Elixir to Induce Euphoria were truly that dangerous, the Ministry of Magic wouldn¡¯t have approved its inclusion in the curriculum, don¡¯t you think?¡±


    Snape responded with a derisive snort.


    ¡°So, you¡¯re at Hogwarts...¡± Umbridge began, only for Snape to cut her off.


    ¡°I have been teaching here for fourteen years,¡± he said curtly.


    Umbridge faltered for a moment, then resumed scribbling on her clipboard as though nothing had happened.


    From his desk, Kyle observed the exchange out of the corner of his eye while crushing petals with the back of his knife. When Umbridge set her clipboard down, he muttered quietly, almost to himself, ¡°Did you apply to teach Defense Against the Dark Arts first?¡±


    A moment later, as if on cue, Umbridge asked Snape the exact same question, word for word.


    Kyle smirked. This confirmed his theory: Snape had indeed used a Memory Charm on her.


    However, the brewing process was reaching a critical stage, and most of the students were too focused on their cauldrons to notice the peculiar repetition. Only Kyle seemed aware of what was happening.


    Snape, clearly irritated by the redundant question, bristled but managed to keep his composure. To avoid drawing attention, he reluctantly indulged Umbridge¡¯s questions, no matter how trivial they seemed.


    The rest of the class proceeded predictably. After finishing with Snape, Umbridge wandered around the room, pretending to inspect the students¡¯ potions.


    The performance was painfully obvious. Umbridge¡¯s limited understanding of potion-making became glaringly apparent when she praised a student whose potion was bright pink.


    In truth, the Elixir to Induce Euphoria should have been blue at this stage, before the addition of another ingredient. The pink hue was the result of mixing the ingredients incorrectly¡ªspecifically, adding dried Shrivelfig petals instead of its sap.


    A ripple of laughter spread through the room. The embarrassed student turned scarlet, staring at their desk, while even Snape allowed himself a faint smirk, clearly amused by Umbridge¡¯s ignorance.


    Only Umbridge remained oblivious, her expression blank as she tried to understand what everyone was laughing about.


    As the lesson concluded, the students bottled their potions. Most of them had achieved the desired light gold color, but the student Umbridge had praised earlier handed in a potion that stood out starkly from the others.


    Finally realizing her mistake, Umbridge¡¯s face tightened momentarily, but she quickly masked it and acted as if nothing had happened. She marched toward Snape once more, clipboard clutched firmly in hand.


    Kyle¡¯s eyes lit up with anticipation.


    The last time this had happened, Snape had used the Memory Charm during their private conversation. Kyle was certain she would repeat her actions¡ªand her words¡ªthis time, too.


    Eager to observe, Kyle deliberately lingered behind, dropping a few parchment sheets onto the floor to create an excuse to stay in the classroom.


    He had used this same trick during Transfiguration class before.


    But this time, before he could retrieve the fallen sheets, Snape swept his wand sharply through the air.


    A gust of wind gathered the parchment, including Kyle¡¯s, and whisked them all out of the room.


    The classroom door slammed shut behind him.

 Chapter 636: The Real Defense Against the Dark Arts Classroom

    After being thrown out of the classroom by Snape, Kyle didn¡¯t leave immediately. Instead, under Kanna''s puzzled gaze, he leaned his ear against the door again.


    All he could hear, however, was a faint buzzing, like a swarm of Billywigs flying about. It was the unmistakable effect of the Muffliato Charm.


    ¡°Honestly, no trust at all,¡± Kyle muttered.


    He realized there would be no thrilling revelations today. With nothing else to do, he resigned himself to leaving the Dungeon alongside Kanna. As they walked, he shared his suspicion.


    ¡°Unlikely...¡± Kanna hesitated. ¡°But why would Professor Snape use the Memory Charm on Umbridge?¡±


    Though Snape was known for his sharp tongue, particularly with professors he disliked, such as Lupin or Sirius, Kanna couldn¡¯t imagine him crossing that line. Despite their animosity, Snape and Sirius had always kept their conflicts to verbal sparring. Attacking someone outright, especially behind their back, seemed unthinkable.


    After all, they were professors at Hogwarts. There were boundaries, and even if tensions ran high, restraint was always maintained.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think I¡¯m wrong,¡± Kyle said. ¡°You must have noticed too¡ªUmbridge¡¯s questions were identical to the last time. That means she doesn¡¯t remember she¡¯s already been here.¡± sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    As the Dungeon grew more distant behind them, Kyle glanced back and added, ¡°As for why Snape would do it... well, maybe she said something offensive. It wouldn¡¯t be shocking if that happened with her.¡±


    Kyle had considered lingering, curious if Snape would use the Memory Charm on Umbridge again. But no one came out of the Dungeon, and with their next class being Herbology with Professor Sprout, he had no choice but to suppress his curiosity and head to the greenhouses with Kanna.


    At dinner, the atmosphere in the Great Hall was a bit unusual. A buzz of excitement rippled through the students, as though many were eagerly anticipating something.


    Fred had managed to cause a commotion by accidentally setting off a firework. A flaming lion streaked through the air, frightening some younger students who screamed and dashed about, overturning several glasses of pumpkin juice in their panic.


    Professor McGonagall, furious, docked twenty points from Fred, who accepted his punishment grudgingly.


    At the Hufflepuff table, however, Cedric was unusually composed. He had been tense for days, but now seemed remarkably calm.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you nervous?¡± Kyle asked, glancing at him.


    ¡°It¡¯s strange,¡± Cedric replied, scooping up a spoonful of Cornish cream soup. ¡°I was so nervous at lunch I could barely eat. But after class, it all just... disappeared."


    ¡°We¡¯ve prepared for everything. We¡¯ve considered every possible scenario and planned for it. So why should I be nervous now?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s a good way to think about it,¡± Kyle said.


    He couldn¡¯t help but notice how different Cedric¡¯s demeanor was compared to Harry¡¯s. Harry, who had seemed fine over the past few days, now sat at the Gryffindor table, visibly tense. He wasn¡¯t eating, barely acknowledging anything around him¡ªnot even the flaming lion that had startled half the hall.


    Cedric, meanwhile, appeared to thrive under pressure, growing calmer as the stakes rose.


    "Are you going to the Room of Requirement today?" Cedric asked. "Everyone who signed up for the self-study course in Defence Against the Dark Arts signed the magical contract at lunchtime today."


    "Under the influence of magic, they won''t be able to tell anyone what goes on in the Room of Requirement, so you don¡¯t have to worry about Umbridge finding out."


    "If that¡¯s the case... okay," Kyle nodded.


    To be honest, he was curious to see what Cedric had planned. Besides, it didn¡¯t really matter if Umbridge found out. Kyle had to admit that, despite his questionable character, Professor Lockhart had taught him a very practical Charm that could solve many problems, especially in situations like this.


    At half past seven, Kyle, Kanna, and Cedric left the Hufflepuff Common Room and made their way toward the Room of Requirement.


    "I asked earlier, and the House-elves can¡¯t take us to the eighth floor, so we¡¯ll have to go in groups," Cedric said, glancing toward the portrait of the fruit-bearing man at the end of the corridor. "They can¡¯t use magic in front of students unless they have the headmaster¡¯s permission."


    "Then just go and tell Professor Dumbledore," Kyle suggested.


    "You¡¯ve got to be kidding me," Cedric replied, shooting him a look. "What we¡¯re doing tonight is breaking at least ten school rules. How could we possibly tell the headmaster? He¡¯d never agree."


    "That¡¯s not necessarily true," Kyle said. "You¡¯re still trying to learn, aren¡¯t you? I bet the headmaster wouldn¡¯t mind giving you a little leeway."


    "That... better not," Cedric said after a moment of hesitation, shaking his head.


    As a typical Hufflepuff, Cedric still placed Dumbledore on a pedestal and hadn¡¯t considered the idea of openly discussing rule-breaking with him. Kyle, on the other hand, seemed like the only person at Hogwarts bold enough to think that way.


    When they reached the eighth floor, a door had already appeared across from the tapestry of Barnabas the Barmy. Cedric approached, knocked three times, then pushed it open and walked in.


    Inside, they found Hermione, Harry, Ron, and Fred and George.


    As soon as Ron saw Kyle following behind them, his expression soured. Just as he opened his mouth to say something, Fred and George enthusiastically greeted Kyle instead.


    "I knew you¡¯d come, mate," Fred said with a grin.


    "Even though your plan is important, it¡¯d be a shame to miss something this interesting," George added.


    "This... You¡¯re not..." Ron stammered, staring at the scene in disbelief. It felt like his brain had stopped working. Hadn¡¯t they fallen out? They¡¯d ignored each other for days, and now they were acting like friends again?


    Hermione, holding a book nearby, simply glanced up with a knowing expression. She¡¯d already figured out that Kyle and the twins had some sort of plan. Only Ron, in her view, had been too oblivious to see it.


    "But we¡¯ve never known you to defend us like this before..." Fred said, patting a stunned Ron on the back.


    "Yeah," George added with a chuckle. "It almost makes us feel bad about teasing you in the future."


    Even Ron, slow as he was to catch on, realized at this point that he¡¯d been tricked. His own brothers had kept him in the dark, watched him flounder, and said nothing.


    How could they do that?


    Ron¡¯s face flushed red with anger as a sense of betrayal washed over him. Internally, he swore to never meddle in anyone¡¯s business again.


    Seeing Ron¡¯s angry expression only made Fred and George laugh harder.


    Meanwhile, Kyle was surveying the room.


    Shelves lined the walls, stocked with books on Defence Against the Dark Arts, ranging from basic texts to more advanced works. The variety ensured that students of all ages could find something suited to their skill level.


    There were also magical items scattered around¡ªsimple but useful ones like Sneakoscopes, Secrecy Sensors, and Foe-Glass.

 Chapter 637: The Power of Galleons

    Nearly a hundred related books, simple yet useful magical props, and specialized equipment to measure the strength of spells¡ªevery corner of the room radiated professionalism.


    To Kyle, this was exactly how a Defence Against the Dark Arts classroom should look.


    As he admired the setup, another knock came at the door. Ginny, Neville, and several more Gryffindor students entered the room.


    From then until eight o''clock, people kept arriving, one after another. Each new arrival seemed surprised to see Kyle there.


    "Oh, you never mentioned this before..." Parvati whispered to Hermione. "If I''d known Kyle was here, Padma would¡¯ve come too."


    "I just found out myself," Hermione said, struggling to keep her patience as she repeated the explanation yet again. "He turned down our invitation before. I didn¡¯t think he¡¯d come."


    Hermione had to admit that Kyle¡¯s reputation at Hogwarts, especially after the events of the Triwizard Tournament, had reached extraordinary heights. It was precisely because of his reputation that she¡¯d initially wanted him to help lead the Defence Against the Dark Arts group.


    Kyle¡¯s name was a beacon. If he had attended earlier meetings, the group¡¯s size would undoubtedly have doubled. Unfortunately, he¡¯d declined.


    By eight o''clock, Hermione checked her list against the attendees and confirmed that everyone was present.


    Cedric walked over to the door and turned the key in the lock. The sharp echoed through the room.


    Outside, anyone passing by would have noticed the door vanish, leaving behind only a blank wall as though it had never existed. S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Inside, the students sat on soft cushions, chatting excitedly. It was their first time in such a magical space, and the novelty had everyone in high spirits.


    "Well, this is where we¡¯ll be practicing," Cedric began, addressing the group. "This room contains nearly every book on Defence Against the Dark Arts. Normally, you can pick whichever ones interest you to study, but not today.


    ¡°We¡¯re short on time, so we¡¯ll focus primarily on practical work."


    Cedric, as Head Boy, quickly embraced his role. He spoke confidently to the group of over fifty students, showing no signs of nervousness.


    "So, let¡¯s begin our first practice session with the Leg-Locker Curse. It¡¯s a basic spell¡ªmany of you already know it and have probably used it as a prank."


    "But underestimating this Charm would be a mistake. In combat, the Leg-Locker Curse is one of the quickest ways to immobilize an opponent, giving you time to escape."


    "I don¡¯t want to learn how to run away!" someone called out. "That¡¯s too uninspiring. Why not teach us powerful spells instead?"


    Cedric¡¯s expression remained calm as he replied, "Because you won¡¯t be dueling Hogwarts classmates or following structured rules. You¡¯ll be facing adult wizards, strangers whose skill level you can¡¯t predict."


    "Until you¡¯re sure you can win, running away is often the smartest option. No one will think less of you for it."


    "So what if they¡¯re adult wizards?" the same voice argued. "We might still stand a chance. Don¡¯t forget¡ªKyle defeated a Werewolf in his second year!"


    A murmur of agreement swept through the room. Kyle¡¯s defeat of a Werewolf had been the feat that first made him famous at Hogwarts, earning him the Order of Merlin.


    And back then, he¡¯d only been a second year. The youngest students here were already third years.


    "That¡¯s because there were two professors there," Kyle said flatly.


    It was the first time he¡¯d spoken since arriving.


    "Honestly, if I had to choose, I¡¯d rather not have the Order of Merlin than face a transformed Werewolf alone."


    The boy muttered something under his breath. Kyle couldn¡¯t make out the words, but it was clear the boy didn¡¯t believe him.


    "Alright," Cedric said with a grin. "If you think you can do better than Kyle, how about we run a little test?"


    "What kind of test?" the boy asked warily.


    "It¡¯s simple," Cedric said, stepping onto his cushion. "I¡¯ll use just one spell. If you can get my foot off this cushion, you win. What do you say?"


    "Deal!" the boy replied, standing up confidently.


    Kyle recognized him: Anthony Goldstein, a fifth-year Ravenclaw.


    "What if I win?" Anthony asked, his eyes narrowing.


    "Then I''ll teach you a powerful offensive spell," Cedric replied, raising his wand.


    With a deafening bang, a large wardrobe at the side of the room was obliterated in a fiery explosion. Flames roared briefly before vanishing, leaving a cloud of dust and splinters in the air. The force of the blast sent a shower of debris across the room, and everyone shielded their faces.


    When the dust settled, a crater on the ground was visible for only a moment before disappearing, the room seamlessly restoring itself.


    The sheer power of the spell left the group in stunned silence.


    "What do you think of that Charm?" Cedric asked, lowering his wand. "Would you call it a powerful attack spell?"


    Before Anthony could respond, Kyle stepped forward, pulling out a small pouch. With a dramatic flourish, he dumped a handful of gold coins onto the table.


    "If you win, these fifty Galleons are yours," Kyle said.


    The gleaming pile of gold immediately captured everyone''s attention. The allure of the coins was just as powerful as the Blasting Curse had been moments before.


    "Yes!" Anthony exclaimed, his eyes locked on the Galleons. He took out his wand and stepped forward, assuming a dueling stance.


    The rest of the students quickly moved back to give the two plenty of space.


    "Wait," Anthony said, pausing as a thought struck him. "You can¡¯t use that spell again."


    Cedric smirked. "The Death Eaters won¡¯t make deals, but I¡¯ll agree to this one."


    Without anyone saying "start," the duel began.


    Anthony had barely started to recite his incantation when Cedric finished his. With a quick wave of Cedric¡¯s wand, the wooden debris scattered on the floor twisted and writhed, transforming into a dozen ferrets that sprang to life and charged at Anthony, screeching and darting around his feet.


    The duel ended almost as soon as it began.


    Anthony managed to deal with two ferrets before one bit his wand hand. With a yelp, he dropped his wand, sealing his defeat.


    "Unfortunately," Cedric said calmly, "it seems you¡¯re not ready to take on an adult wizard."


    Another wave of Cedric¡¯s wand reverted the ferrets back into harmless wood.


    The room fell silent. Everyone had expected Anthony to lose, but they hadn¡¯t anticipated how quickly or decisively it would happen.


    At the same time, Cedric¡¯s effortless display of skill left a deep impression. Up until now, many had seen him as just the Head Boy, a talented student, and the captain of the Hufflepuff Quidditch team. But this duel revealed another side to him¡ªa confident, highly capable wizard whose mastery of Transfiguration was awe-inspiring.


    Even Hermione, who prided herself on her magical knowledge, was surprised. She knew she could perform similar spells, but not with the ease Cedric had demonstrated. Clearly, Cedric had held back, yet the results were still flawless.


    On the other side of the room, Anthony sighed, picking up his wand. His gaze lingered on the pile of Galleons, but he returned to his seat without a word.


    Before long, more students stood up, unable to resist the temptation of the gold.


    After all, what did they have to lose? There was no penalty for failing, but if they succeeded, the reward was immense.


    Kyle, noticing the eagerness spreading through the room, raised his hand to quiet everyone.


    "Hold on," he said with a smile. "The Galleons will remain on the table. This prize is valid as long as the competition continues."


    "But each of you only gets one chance to challenge Cedric. If you lose, that¡¯s it. If you want to win, make sure you¡¯re ready."


    The crowd hesitated. Those who had just stood up slowly sat back down, realizing it was better to bide their time, practice, and come prepared. Murmurs filled the room as students weighed their chances, with one exception¡ªAnthony groaned audibly, knowing he¡¯d already blown his opportunity.


    After that, the session proceeded much more smoothly.


    Cedric divided the group into pairs to practice the Leg-Locker Curse, and the motivation to learn was palpable. Spurred on by the prospect of the Galleons, everyone threw themselves into their practice, more focused than they¡¯d ever been before¡ªeven during final exams.


    Cedric was kept busy weaving through the crowd, correcting wand movements and casting techniques, ensuring everyone improved.


    "Hey, Hermione, is this right?" Ron asked, gesturing to Neville, who was awkwardly stiff-legged but still wobbling on his feet. "Why does it feel like his legs can still move?"


    "Because your wand movement is off," Hermione said, barely suppressing her impatience. "The swing needs to be smaller¡ªjust use your wrist. Stop moving your whole arm."


    "Alright, I¡¯ll try again." For once, Ron didn¡¯t argue, following her instructions without complaint.


    Hermione blinked in surprise, patting her forehead as the realization struck her.

 Chapter 638: The Kind-Hearted Professor

    Everyone came with a clear purpose: to learn what they needed. The group had exactly one hour in the Room of Requirement since they needed to return to their respective common rooms before Hogwarts¡¯ nine o¡¯clock curfew.


    Fortunately, the Leg-Locker Curse wasn¡¯t a complex spell. Most students managed to master it within half an hour¡ªwell, most of them.


    Neville was the exception.


    To avoid holding up the group, Hermione decided to give him private lessons later.


    ¡°I hope she doesn¡¯t lose it when the time comes,¡± Ron whispered.


    Harry chuckled. Neville¡¯s struggles with magic were well-known, often testing even Professor McGonagall¡¯s legendary patience. Despite his slow progress, Harry understood that Neville truly gave his best effort. His poor memory was a constant hurdle¡ªhe could sometimes forget a spell he¡¯d just learned within hours, or even minutes.


    But for now, that wasn¡¯t their concern.


    When everyone had finally set their wands down, Hermione cleared her throat and addressed the group.


    ¡°There¡¯s still some time before curfew, so I think we should choose a leader,¡± she said.


    She had intended to bring this up earlier, but Anthony¡¯s challenge¡ªand the subsequent excitement over the Galleons¡ªhad derailed her plans. Now that the practice session was winding down, it seemed like the perfect time to revisit the idea.


    A low buzz filled the room as everyone began discussing the proposal.


    It didn¡¯t take long for someone to suggest the most obvious candidate¡ªthe person who had contributed fifty Galleons to fuel their enthusiasm.


    ¡°I propose Kyle¡­¡± the student began, but then paused, looking confused. ¡°Wait, where is Kyle?¡±


    Suddenly, everyone realized that Kyle wasn¡¯t in the room.


    Their eyes scanned the space, but the room wasn¡¯t large, and it was quickly evident that Kyle was nowhere to be found.


    ¡°He¡¯s already gone back,¡± Luna said matter-of-factly from within the crowd. ¡°I bet he found a Pao-Bat hiding in the dark and went after it.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s a Pao-Bat?¡± Neville asked, his confusion mirrored by a few others.


    ¡°A fairy,¡± Luna explained, her wide eyes gleaming. ¡°It can show people the way.¡±


    ¡°Those don¡¯t exist,¡± Hermione interjected with a frown. ¡°At least, I¡¯m pretty sure there¡¯s no record of such creatures in any book.¡± Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°If you¡¯d read The Quibbler, you wouldn¡¯t be so sure,¡± Luna retorted, sounding offended.


    Hermione, however, didn¡¯t press the issue. With nine o¡¯clock approaching, she decided it wasn¡¯t worth wasting time on a pointless argument.


    ¡°Where were we?¡±


    ¡°Choosing a leader.¡±


    ¡°Ah, yes,¡± Hermione said. ¡°I think the leader should be someone who can guarantee they¡¯ll be present every time. Kyle isn¡¯t suitable.¡±


    ¡°Then I vote for Cedric,¡± a Hufflepuff student suggested. ¡°He¡¯s Head Boy.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s no big deal,¡± Ron interjected. ¡°I think Harry is fine too.¡±


    ¡°Since there are disagreements,¡± Hermione said, glancing at both sides, ¡°then let¡¯s vote.¡±


    The room buzzed with energy, the lively atmosphere surpassing even their earlier excitement during Charms practice.


    In addition to selecting a leader, they had to settle on a name for their group and agree on the time for their next meeting. These discussions stretched far longer than expected, and by the time everything was finalized, it was already ten minutes past nine.


    Though it was later than planned, there hadn¡¯t been any other way. With so many people involved, finding a consensus that satisfied everyone was a slow process.


    When Cedric carefully returned to the Hufflepuff common room, he noticed Kyle sitting at an innermost table, quill in hand, writing intently.


    ¡°Why are you already back?¡± Cedric asked, approaching him.


    ¡°I suddenly remembered I hadn¡¯t finished my Potions homework,¡± Kyle said, gesturing toward the book on the table. ¡°I didn¡¯t want to stay up all night, so I came back early.¡±


    ¡°How did it go there? Did everything go smoothly?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ve got some nerve bringing that up!¡± Cedric snapped, his frustration flaring. ¡°Why did you suddenly offer fifty Galleons as a reward?¡±


    ¡°Is there a problem?¡± Kyle asked, setting down his quill. ¡°I think it¡¯s the best way to motivate them to study hard."


    ¡°Voldemort, Death Eaters¡­ those things feel like distant fantasies until someone sees them firsthand. But shiny Galleons? Now provides immediate incentive. You saw how much harder they worked.¡±


    ¡°Of course I noticed,¡± Cedric said. ¡°But fifty Galleons? Not fifty Sickles¡ª. That¡¯s a ridiculous amount.¡±


    For most students, fifty Galleons was an enormous sum¡ªfar more than their yearly pocket money. Offering such a prize in a classroom setting seemed extravagant. Five Galleons would have been more than enough.


    Cedric wouldn¡¯t have been so upset if Kyle had positioned himself as the challenge target, knowing full well no one could defeat him. The money would have been safe. But Kyle had put Cedric in the spotlight instead, and that made him uneasy.


    It wasn¡¯t just the pressure. Cedric had to admit that the situation had boosted his reputation immensely. During the voting, he¡¯d been chosen as the leader by a wide margin.


    Oh, and the group now had a name: , or for short. The name had been Cho¡¯s idea, inspired by Umbridge¡¯s paranoia about Dumbledore forming a secret force. The irony wasn¡¯t lost on anyone, and the suggestion was unanimously accepted.


    Still, Cedric couldn¡¯t shake the worry.


    What if someone managed to defeat him? Then Kyle¡¯s fifty Galleons would be gone.


    When he¡¯d left the Room of Requirement earlier, Cedric had noticed some students looking at him with a peculiar gleam in their eyes¡ªlike he was a walking treasure chest, ready to spill gold coins if cracked open.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I believe in you,¡± Kyle said sincerely.


    ¡°But I don¡¯t believe in myself,¡± Cedric muttered. ¡°Angelina Johnson isn¡¯t much weaker than I am, and there are two sixth-years from Ravenclaw I¡¯m not sure I can beat either.¡±


    ¡°You underestimate yourself,¡± Kyle said, waving a hand dismissively. ¡°They¡¯re no match for you. I guarantee it.¡±


    ¡°And Fred and George?¡± Cedric continued. ¡°I¡¯m confident I can handle either of them one-on-one, but they never fight fair. You know they won¡¯t stick to dueling rules.¡±


    Kyle paused, considering this.


    ¡°Hmmm¡­¡±


    Cedric sighed.


    ¡°Well, I suppose it¡¯s fine if you lose,¡± Kyle said after a moment. ¡°Fifty Galleons isn¡¯t that big of a deal. I¡¯ll just get someone to reimburse me.¡±


    ¡°Reimburse you?¡± Cedric stared at him. ¡°Who? Don¡¯t tell me it¡¯s Headmaster Dumbledore.¡±


    ¡°Ah, no, Dumbledore isn¡¯t that generous,¡± Kyle replied with a chuckle. ¡°It¡¯s another kind professor.¡±


    Cedric gave Kyle a skeptical look but decided not to press further. He muttered under his breath, shaking his head.


    In any case, he had a rough time ahead at the next DA meeting.


    Forget the others for now¡ªhe just hoped Fred and George wouldn¡¯t resort to too many underhanded tactics.

 Chapter 639: The School’s New Brooms

    As Cedric had anticipated, every DA meeting for the next two weeks brought a fresh challenger. Each time, someone new tried their luck against him.


    The good news was that Fred and George, his primary concern, had remained surprisingly quiet so far¡ªwhich only meant Cedric kept an even closer eye on them.


    Another challenge quickly became apparent: scheduling. With Quidditch practices needing to avoid bad weather, it was difficult to set a consistent day for their meetings.


    Fortunately, a solution was soon found.


    Inspired by Kyle¡¯s reward idea, Hermione used the Protean Charm to create a batch of fake gold coins. These coins were enchanted so that when the number on the main coin changed, all the others would update as well, allowing them to quickly inform everyone of the next meeting¡¯s time.


    The method proved remarkably convenient.


    Fred and George, of course, saw potential in this charm for other purposes¡ªnamely, cheating. However, Cedric discovered their idea before it went too far, putting a stop to it.


    Cedric wasn¡¯t about to allow them to risk using the coins for mischief. While the twins were often inventive pranksters, cheating was a step too far. The consequences of being caught¡ªdemerits, detention, or even expulsion¡ªwere far more severe than those for their usual antics.


    Expulsion would be disastrous for their future plans. The Weasley twins knew that running a joke shop as "brilliant graduates of Hogwarts" sounded far better than doing so as expelled troublemakers.


    One morning at breakfast, Cedric handed Kyle one of the fake gold coins.


    ¡°This is for you,¡± Cedric said. ¡°You haven¡¯t been in recently, but I thought you should have one.¡±


    Kyle took the coin and examined it, turning it over in his hand. ¡°Is this Leprechaun gold?¡±


    ¡°To be precise, it¡¯s Leprechaun gold duplicated with the Doubling Charm,¡± Cedric explained. ¡°Leprechaun gold usually lasts only half a day, but the Doubling Charm extends its life to about a year.¡±


    ¡°Not a bad idea,¡± Kyle remarked, impressed.


    ¡°There¡¯s no way we wouldn¡¯t know what the Doubling Charm can do,¡± Cedric said with a nostalgic smile, recalling a specific memory. ¡°Remember how we spent hours in that empty classroom years ago, desperately copying that map?¡±


    Kyle chuckled, sharing the memory, before pocketing the coin. ¡°So, are you having another meeting soon?¡±


    ¡°Probably not this week,¡± Cedric said, shaking his head. ¡°Gryffindor¡¯s first Quidditch match is on Saturday, so their evenings are fully booked.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, makes sense,¡± Kyle said.


    The upcoming Quidditch match was the first one in over a year, and it had everyone buzzing with excitement¡ªeven the professors.


    The Quidditch Pitch had rarely been quiet in recent days, with broomsticks flying back and forth nearly every hour. Gryffindor and Slytherin teams were both pushing hard to prepare for their face-off.


    Cedric himself had tried to book the pitch recently, only for Madam Hooch to inform him it had already been reserved for the week by Professors McGonagall and Snape.


    Though it wasn¡¯t technically within the rules, it wasn¡¯t as though Madam Hooch could refuse when both heads of house came to her in person.


    The Hufflepuff team didn¡¯t mind too much. Cedric knew that if Hufflepuff had been playing, Professor Sprout would have done the same for them. S§×ar?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    For now, though, it felt like a well-earned break¡ªa small holiday in the midst of a busy term.


    ...


    As the game drew closer, the tension between Gryffindor and Slytherin escalated to new heights, with the air practically crackling like gunpowder.


    No matter their year or standing, students from both houses couldn¡¯t resist hurling taunts whenever they crossed paths in the corridors.


    Warrington, in particular, was loudly boasting in the Great Hall about his plans to knock Harry off his broom. Kyle, however, was skeptical. Warrington¡¯s confidence aside, there was no denying the disparity between their broomsticks. A Nimbus 2001 trying to outpace a Firebolt? It would need a dragon¡¯s push to stand a chance.


    It didn¡¯t take long for Kyle to notice that the Slytherins had a clear strategy: they were targeting every Gryffindor player except Harry. Ron, in particular, became the focus of their taunts.


    Millicent, Pansy, and Malfoy even rehearsed a crude stage play mocking Ron, mimicking how he might bungle a save as Keeper. This relentless ridicule left Ron visibly on edge, his nerves fraying as the days went on.


    And so, November arrived.


    The weather turned bitterly cold, with the wind outside the castle biting at cheeks like a blade. Inside, however, the atmosphere was buzzing with excitement. Today marked the start of the Quidditch tournament.


    Early in the morning, Kyle, Kanna, and Cedric left the Hufflepuff common room and headed toward the Great Hall, all wearing gold and red scarves adorned with lion crests to show their support for Gryffindor.


    The Great Hall was livelier than usual. The match itself was reason enough for excitement, but something else had captured everyone¡¯s attention.


    At the front of the hall, where the teachers¡¯ table usually sat, was a gleaming row of brand-new broomsticks.


    Thirty of them in total, their polished handles still glistening with the scent of fresh pine oil.


    ¡°My goodness, those are Cleansweep Elevens!¡± someone exclaimed as a crowd gathered near the display, their faces glowing with awe.


    ¡°I saw these at Quality Quidditch Supplies in Diagon Alley. They¡¯re brand-new this year.¡±


    ¡°They¡¯re incredible¡­¡±


    ¡°Are these brooms for all the Quidditch players?¡±


    ¡°Ahem.¡±


    A soft cough cut through the chatter. The students turned to see Umbridge standing in the Great Hall, unnoticed until now. The sight of her caused the crowd to scatter quickly, everyone hurrying back to their tables, though their gazes remained fixed on the brooms.


    Umbridge cleared her throat again, demanding attention as she stepped forward with her signature saccharine smile.


    ¡°Yes, there¡¯s no doubt about it,¡± she began, her voice syrupy with false charm. ¡°These broomsticks are all yours.¡±


    The announcement was met with an eruption of cheers and applause. For a moment, it felt like Christmas had come early.


    Umbridge had to amplify her voice with a charm to cut through the noise.


    ¡°As Hogwarts High Inquisitor, I have observed that the school¡¯s broomsticks are nearly thirty years old."


    ¡°The Ministry of Magic has determined that the increasing number of injuries during Hogwarts¡¯ annual Quidditch tournaments is primarily due to the poor condition of the broomsticks."


    ¡°Therefore, the Ministry has decided to replace the school¡¯s entire stock with these new, superior broomsticks. They will be used not only for Quidditch but also for flying lessons.¡±


    Another wave of cheers swept through the hall, with students shouting their approval and praise for the Ministry.


    Umbridge, clearly basking in the reaction, turned toward the faculty table to savor her moment of triumph. Her gaze settled smugly on Professor McGonagall, expecting irritation or jealousy.


    To her discomfort, McGonagall looked utterly unbothered, even pleased. She nodded politely in acknowledgment, her expression perfectly neutral but radiating quiet confidence.


    The lack of a negative reaction unsettled Umbridge, but she quickly masked her discomfort.


    ¡°Did you have something to do with this?¡± Kanna whispered, eyeing Kyle with suspicion.


    She found it unlikely that the Ministry of Magic would spend such a considerable sum purely out of concern for students¡¯ safety. And Umbridge, of all people, hardly seemed the type to care about reducing injuries.


    ¡°Well¡­¡± Kyle murmured, giving her a sly wink. ¡°I couldn¡¯t afford this many broomsticks myself. But let¡¯s just say I made a¡­ small suggestion.¡±

 Chapter 640: We Should Thank Her

    The first Quidditch match of the year, coupled with brand-new broomsticks, brought two surprises in quick succession, and the excitement showed no signs of waning as breakfast came to an end.


    Kyle joined the others as they walked through the foyer and out of the castle. The frosty grass crunched under their feet as they hurried across the field to the Quidditch Pitch.


    Within five minutes, the pitch began filling with spectators, and the stands were soon packed, the crowd''s energy palpable. Even standing still, you could feel the enthusiasm buzzing in the air.


    "I really don''t know who''s going to win this time," Mikel said excitedly, his eyes fixed on the empty field. "Although I hope it''s Gryffindor, it would actually be better for us if Slytherin wins."


    Hufflepuff''s team had several new players, which had weakened them to some extent. While they believed Kyle and Cedric could help compensate, Harry''s Firebolt loomed as a significant threat.


    From a friend''s perspective¡ªand as a member of the DA¡ªMikel naturally wanted Gryffindor to win. But as a team player, he preferred Gryffindor not score too many points. The conflict had left him torn for days.


    "I don''t know, but Gryffindor has a better chance of winning," Cedric remarked.


    "Slytherin has two new Beaters, but other than being strong, they know next to nothing about Quidditch."


    "Who?" Mikel asked curiously.


    "Crabbe and Goyle," Cedric replied.


    "The two gorillas?" Mikel blurted out. "Can they even tell the difference between a Quaffle and a Bludger?"


    "Who knows?" Cedric shook his head. "Last time I went to book the pitch, I saw them practicing. They couldn''t even manage the simplest turns."


    "Figures," Mikel scoffed. "What was Montague thinking? If Quidditch were an aerial wrestling match, they¡¯d be perfect."


    "Not impossible," Kyle said, glancing toward the Slytherin stands. "We¡¯ll have to be careful. If they charge at us recklessly, we might have to forfeit the game."


    "Deliberately charging someone... that''s¡ª" Cedric frowned. "Montague wouldn''t go that far."


    "Are you sure?" Kyle asked. "Why else would he recruit two oversized players who barely know the rules?"


    Cedric fell silent for a moment.


    "Alright, forget it."


    "It¡¯s starting!" someone suddenly shouted.


    All eyes turned toward the pitch.


    From Hufflepuff''s section, it was easy to see the Gryffindor team emerging from the Changing Rooms.


    Near the entrance stood Umbridge, making a show of handing out the new broomsticks for everyone to see. Angelina, Fred, and George each received one, replacing their old Cleansweep Fives, which were woefully outdated compared to the Cleansweep Eleven.


    Fred and George seemed to be in high spirits, offering exaggeratedly sincere smiles and saying something to Umbridge¡ªlikely flattery. Whatever they said distracted her enough that she handed over the brooms without her usual fuss.


    Harry, however, didn¡¯t even glance at her. He walked straight past, ignoring the Cleansweep Eleven entirely. His Firebolt was leagues ahead in quality and needed no replacement. S§×ar?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The Slytherin team, on the other side, also stuck with their Nimbus 2001s. Although a few years old, the Nimbus model remained superior to the Cleansweep Eleven in performance and prestige.


    Both teams walked to the center of the pitch, where Madam Hooch, acting as referee, instructed the captains¡ªAngelina and Montague¡ªto shake hands.


    "Now, get on your broomsticks..."


    Madam Hooch blew her whistle, and the game began. The Quaffle shot into the air, and all the players soared off in a blur. The stands exploded with deafening cheers once again.


    "Johnson! Angelina Johnson has grabbed the Quaffle! She''s like an eagle on that new broom..."


    From the commentary stand, Lee Jordan''s excited voice echoed across the pitch. "What a girl! I''ve been saying that for years, and she won''t go out with me¡ª"


    "Jordan!" Professor McGonagall''s sharp voice cut through, audible to everyone.


    "Just kidding, Professor..." Lee said with a grin. "She dodged Montague, executing a flawless Sloth Grip Roll... Oh, that was close! She nearly got hit by a Bludger, but thanks to that Cleansweep Eleven, her agility saved her. There''s no way she could''ve pulled that off on a Cleansweep Five!"


    In the Gryffindor stands, the crowd collectively exhaled in relief as Angelina evaded the near-miss.


    "This could be trouble," Mikel muttered worriedly from the Hufflepuff stands. "Gryffindor''s already a strong team, and now they''ve got brooms to match."


    Cedric frowned slightly, his attention shifting as he overheard nearby conversations.


    "What''s wrong?" Kyle asked, noticing his expression. "Worried about this too?"


    "Oh, no," Cedric said, shaking his head. "Actually, getting new broomsticks would be an advantage for us. Apart from your Firebolt, most of our team has brooms far inferior to the Cleansweep Eleven. Even my Nimbus 1700 is outdated in comparison."


    "So in that sense, Gryffindor doesn''t really have an edge over anyone else. If anything, Slytherin will probably be the most upset about this."


    "Then why the serious face?" Kyle pressed.


    "I was thinking about something else," Cedric murmured. "You probably didn¡¯t notice, but Umbridge didn¡¯t look happy when Harry walked past her without taking the broom she offered."


    "So?"


    "So... do you think she might force everyone to use the new broomsticks?" Cedric asked in a low voice. "We wouldn¡¯t care too much since we¡¯re all getting upgrades, but your broom is a Firebolt."


    Kyle laughed at the suggestion, brushing it off. "What difference would that make? Don¡¯t forget, Harry¡¯s also got a Firebolt. He¡¯s still a Seeker. If everyone else is on Cleansweeps, our advantage actually increases."


    "But what about Slytherin and Ravenclaw?" Cedric countered. "They don¡¯t have Firebolts."


    "I didn¡¯t hear any complaints back when I was using a Nimbus 2000," Kyle replied lightly. Then, with a pointed look at Cedric, he added, "And you¡¯re still here, aren¡¯t you? Under the same conditions, don¡¯t tell me you¡¯d lose to Malfoy or... Cho."


    "Of course not," Cedric said, his voice rising defensively, drawing curious glances from nearby spectators.


    Fortunately, at that moment, Angelina scored a goal, throwing the Quaffle cleanly through the goalpost and redirecting the crowd¡¯s attention with a wave of cheers.


    "I take Quidditch seriously," Cedric said firmly, glaring at Kyle. "And Cho wouldn¡¯t want me to hold back either."


    "Then why are you so worried?" Kyle said with a grin. "If Umbridge go through with this, it would practically clear the biggest obstacle on our path to the championship. Honestly, we might owe her a thank-you."

 Chapter 641: Three Against One Again

    Cedric was right: Slytherin was likely the only team unhappy about the new broomsticks.


    Their greatest advantage¡ªthe superior performance of their Nimbus 2001s¡ªhad been nullified, while Gryffindor seemed to grow stronger with each play. The match had barely begun, and Gryffindor was already twenty points ahead.


    Desperate to turn the tide, Slytherin''s captain, Graham Montague, instructed Crabbe to try knocking Angelina off her broom. If they could eliminate Gryffindor''s most dangerous Chaser, their chances would improve.


    However, Crabbe''s intentions were far too obvious, and Angelina deftly avoided him, staying well out of reach. Adding to Slytherin¡¯s woes, Madam Hooch immediately noticed the blatant foul attempt and awarded Gryffindor a penalty.


    Angelina stepped up for the shot, her confidence unwavering. With a quick feint, she fooled the Slytherin Keeper into diving the wrong way, then raised her arm and sent the Quaffle sailing cleanly through the goalpost.


    30:0.


    The Gryffindor supporters erupted into cheers, their excitement reverberating through the stands.


    "Gryffindor''s going to win for sure," Mikel said with a grin. "Montague''s no match for Angelina, and his team of apes isn''t doing him any favors. Now it''s just a matter of time before Harry catches the Golden Snitch."


    Cedric nodded in agreement, then paused. "Wait... is it just me, or does it sound like someone''s singing?"


    "It''s not just you," Kyle replied, frowning slightly.


    The sound was unmistakable and growing louder. The singing was coming from the Slytherin stands, and soon it was clear that everyone else could hear it too.


    ...


    It felt orchestrated. The singing was so uniform and penetrating that it was clear the Slytherins had planned this well in advance.


    They knew the Gryffindor veterans¡ªplayers with years of tournament experience¡ªwould not be rattled by crowd antics. So instead, they focused their taunts on Ron, the team''s rookie Keeper.


    Ron''s unease had been evident in the days leading up to the match, as was his inability to handle Slytherin''s provocations. This strategy, cruel as it was, worked perfectly.


    The mocking chant echoed in his ears, amplifying his nervousness. Ron¡¯s movements grew stiff, panic clearly setting in.


    Seizing the moment, Slytherin''s Warrington gained possession of the Quaffle and made a rapid charge toward Gryffindor''s goal. Ron barely reacted, his arms hesitatingly outstretched as the Quaffle sailed cleanly through the hoop.


    30:10.


    "That was despicable!" Mikel shouted from the stands, his frustration echoing those around him. "They¡¯re targeting him because it¡¯s his first game. If this keeps up, Gryffindor¡¯s Keeper is done for!"


    It was true, and everyone knew it. Lee Jordan, from the commentator''s booth, passionately decried Slytherin''s tactics, calling them underhanded and unsporting.


    But there was nothing to be done¡ªit wasn¡¯t against the rules. Even Professor McGonagall, sitting tensely in the Gryffindor stands, couldn¡¯t intervene. The fact that Ron was affected only proved he wasn¡¯t mentally prepared for this level of pressure.


    The game pressed on, with the Slytherin chant never ceasing, growing louder whenever their players controlled the Quaffle. S~ea??h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Gryffindor needs a new plan," Cedric said thoughtfully. "They can¡¯t rely on Ron to make any saves. The only way forward is to keep Slytherin on defense by attacking constantly and buying time for Harry to catch the Snitch."


    On the pitch, Angelina seemed to come to the same conclusion. She led the Chasers into a tight Hawkshead Attacking Formation, charging aggressively toward Slytherin''s hoops.


    Fred and George took up defensive roles, focusing their energy on targeting Slytherin with the Bludgers. Whenever Slytherin managed to regain possession of the Quaffle, the twins immediately launched a counterattack to disrupt their momentum.


    But such a strategy wasn¡¯t foolproof. Slytherin eventually capitalized on an opening. Pucey passed the Quaffle swiftly to Montague, and Goyle intercepted a Bludger aimed in his direction, clearing the way for Montague to make an unopposed drive toward Gryffindor¡¯s goal.


    30:20.


    A groan of frustration rippled through the Gryffindor supporters, while the Slytherin stands erupted in triumph.


    "That was so underhanded," Cedric said grimly. "Gryffindor only had one new player, but we''ve got three¡ªone in every position. If Slytherin tries this on us, we¡¯re in real trouble."


    Kyle frowned in agreement.


    "We could bring some loudspeakers and drown out their obnoxious singing," Kyle suggested.


    "Or," he added after a moment, "we could talk to them. Maybe they''ll realize this kind of behavior isn¡¯t acceptable."


    Cedric raised an eyebrow. "That¡¯s about all we do... Oh, look!" He pointed abruptly toward the field.


    Harry and Malfoy were diving at breakneck speed, both locked on the same target.


    "That''s the Golden Snitch!" Cedric exclaimed.


    "They¡¯ve both seen it!"


    The two Seekers hurtled toward the ground at a terrifying pace, but Harry¡¯s Firebolt shot forward like an arrow, outstripping Malfoy¡¯s Nimbus 2001. With barely five feet left before impact, Harry came to a sudden halt, arm outstretched. His fist clenched, and a golden glint flickered between his fingers.


    Harry had caught the Golden Snitch.


    Madam Hooch''s whistle pierced the air, signaling the end of the match.


    180:20. Gryffindor wins.


    The Gryffindor stands erupted in wild cheers, laughter ringing out as they mocked the Slytherins who had spent the game taunting them.


    On the pitch, the players dismounted, their feet crunching against the frosty grass. Ron, however, remained seated on his broom, lost in thought.


    Madam Hooch, fuming, stormed toward Crabbe, loudly berating him for foul play. He had deliberately sent a Bludger at Harry even after the whistle had blown.


    "See?" Cedric said with a smile, nudging Kyle. "One way to handle interference: just catch the Snitch as quickly as possible."


    "But you can''t always catch the Snitch right away," Kyle countered. "I still think talking to them is a better idea. After all, Montague and Malfoy don¡¯t seem entirely unreasonable."


    Cedric gave him a skeptical look. "Reasonable? Are we thinking about the same Montague and Malfoy?"


    Kyle nodded confidently. "Yes, and I¡¯m actually quite good at reasoning with people. They usually listen."


    Cedric opened his mouth to reply, but before he could, commotion on the pitch interrupted him.


    A fight had broken out.


    Fred, George, and Harry had charged at Malfoy and were now pummeling him, fists and feet flying.


    In an instant, the Quidditch pitch descended into chaos. Shouts and screams erupted from the crowd, mingling with the unmistakable sounds of fists meeting flesh.


    "Malfoy¡¯s big mouth has done it again," Kyle thought, shaking his head.


    He¡¯d noticed Malfoy say something earlier, though it had been too far away to hear. Whatever it was, it had clearly sparked this outburst.


    "Stop it, Fred, George!" Cedric yelled, leaning over the bleachers. "The professor¡¯s still there¡ªstop!"


    But the three Gryffindors were beyond reason, swinging their fists with a fury that left Malfoy curled up on the ground.


    Then came a sharp voice:


    A jolt of magic sent Fred, George, and Harry sprawling backward, breaking up the fight.


    "What do you think you¡¯re doing?" Madam Hooch roared, storming toward them. "I have seen behavior like this in my life. You three, to the Headmaster¡¯s office¡ª!"


    Without a word, Fred, George, and Harry got to their feet and strode toward the castle, their faces dark with anger.


    Behind them, the Slytherins rushed to Malfoy¡¯s side. He was crumpled on the ground, his mouth bloodied, shoe prints visible across his robes, and his face swollen to almost twice its usual size.


    Pansy Parkinson reached him first, her shrill screams filling the air as she scolded anyone nearby. Crabbe stood behind her, snickering with Montague at the scene.


    In the commentary stand, Lee Jordan had to be physically restrained, and Professor McGonagall¡ªpale and furious¡ªhad already stormed off after the Gryffindor trio.


    "Should we go and check this out?" Kanna asked, her voice uncertain.


    Kyle nodded. "Probably a good idea. This is going to cause a lot of trouble for Gryffindor."


    "I¡¯ll head down and ask the Gryffindor players what happened," Mikel volunteered.


    "Good idea," Kyle agreed. "But let¡¯s hurry¡ªpeople will start flooding out soon."


    Splitting up, the group left the stands. Kyle, Cedric, and Kanna headed toward the castle while Mikel ran down to speak with the remaining Gryffindor players on the field.

 Chapter 642: I’m Good at Reasoning

    Even though Kyle and the others hurried back to the castle, they couldn¡¯t catch up to Fred, George, and Harry before Professor McGonagall. By the time they arrived, the door to her office was just closing.


    After a brief discussion, the group decided to wait in the hallway for the trio to come out.


    The corridor was unusually quiet, likely because most students were still at the Quidditch pitch or heading back to their dormitories. Only one ghost floated nearby: Nearly Headless Nick.


    He poked his head out from the floor and slowly rose into the air.


    ¡°What did those students do?¡± he asked Kyle curiously. ¡°I noticed Professor McGonagall¡¯s hands shaking just now. She rarely loses her temper like that.¡±


    ¡°Just a little conflict between students,¡± Kyle replied casually.


    ¡°Really?¡± Nearly Headless Nick said skeptically. It didn¡¯t seem plausible that a mere ¡°little conflict¡± could make Professor McGonagall so visibly angry. Still, seeing Kyle¡¯s reluctance to elaborate, Nick didn¡¯t press further.


    Not that he needed to. Being a ghost, he could easily slip through walls and listen in for himself. With that, he floated off toward the adjacent room.


    Kyle, Cedric, and Kanna were left standing in the corridor.


    A minute later, Cho appeared, hurrying toward them.


    ¡°How are things? Are Fred and George okay?¡± she asked, concern evident in her voice.


    ¡°We don¡¯t know yet,¡± Cedric replied, gesturing to McGonagall¡¯s office door. ¡°They just went in.¡±


    ¡°But I doubt Professor McGonagall will let them off lightly. There were so many witnesses, and the professor herself saw everything... I¡¯d say at least seven days of detention is inevitable.¡±


    ¡°They were too impulsive,¡± Cho said with a frown. ¡°Malfoy obviously provoked them because he lost the match, and they fell for it.¡±


    ¡°Yeah...¡± Kyle agreed. ¡°That¡¯s probably what Professor McGonagall is telling them right now.¡±


    Cedric moved toward the window at the end of the hallway and glanced outside. ¡°Everyone¡¯s already heading back,¡± he noted.


    The faint hum of chatter was growing louder as students returned to the castle.


    ¡°Look at the Slytherins,¡± Cedric said suddenly, pointing out the window. ¡°They look really pleased with themselves.¡±


    Kyle joined him. From their vantage point, they could see Malfoy and Montague standing in the castle grounds, grinning despite the day¡¯s events.


    Someone else was standing with them¡ªUmbridge. Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Kyle couldn¡¯t make out what they were discussing, but he didn¡¯t need to guess. It almost certainly had to do with Fred, George, and Harry.


    Malfoy¡¯s swollen, battered face and his limp should have radiated anger after the beating he¡¯d endured. Instead, he was smiling smugly, a look of triumph plastered across his face. It was as if he were savoring the success of a carefully laid plan.


    ¡°They must be plotting something,¡± Cho said heatedly. ¡°What a bunch of despicable people.¡±


    ¡°But Fred and George fell right into their trap,¡± Cedric sighed.


    ...


    Five minutes later, Umbridge approached with a cheerful stride, her presence unmistakable. To avoid unnecessary trouble, Kyle and the others quickly slipped away, leaving the corridor via the opposite direction.


    Instead of returning to the Hufflepuff common room, they headed to the eighth floor, waiting outside the portrait of the Fat Lady in hopes of catching Fred, George, or Harry.


    What Kyle didn¡¯t anticipate was just how long they¡¯d have to wait.


    The day stretched on, but none of the three returned¡ªnot even for dinner. It wasn¡¯t until the next morning, as they gathered in the Great Hall for breakfast, that they finally saw Fred and George again. Both looked dejected, their usual lively energy extinguished.


    Cedric approached cautiously, sitting down beside them at an empty spot. ¡°What did Professor McGonagall say?¡± he asked tentatively. ¡°Detention?¡±


    ¡°A week,¡± Fred replied, his voice hoarse and heavy.


    ¡°That¡¯s not so bad,¡± Cho interjected, attempting to lift the mood. ¡°A week of detention isn¡¯t a bad price to pay for knocking some sense into Malfoy, right?¡±


    Fred let out a bitter laugh. ¡°If that was the case, we¡¯d gladly take detention for a year.¡±


    George sighed, his tone even grimmer. ¡°We¡¯ve been banned¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Cedric¡¯s disbelief was audible.


    ¡°Yes,¡± Fred said, stabbing half-heartedly at the bread on his plate. ¡°Umbridge banned us¡ªand Harry¡ªfrom playing Quidditch. Ever.¡±


    ¡°Did you talk to Professor McGonagall?¡± Cedric asked, his instincts kicking in. ¡°She loves Quidditch. There¡¯s no way she¡¯d let that happen.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s useless,¡± George said flatly. ¡°Umbridge brought the Ministry¡¯s 25th Educational Decree with her. It gives her full authority to discipline students however she wants. Not even Professor McGonagall¡ªor Headmaster Dumbledore¡ªcan overrule her.¡±


    ¡°So your team¡­¡± Cho began hesitantly.


    ¡°It¡¯s finished,¡± Fred said, feigning nonchalance but failing to mask the bitterness in his voice. ¡°Without a Seeker or Beaters, Gryffindor¡¯s going to be dead last this year.¡±


    ¡°Guess it¡¯s up to you guys now,¡± George added with an exaggerated laugh that sounded nothing like him. ¡°Make sure you teach Slytherin a good lesson.¡±


    His expression darkened as his voice dropped. ¡°That little Malfoy git... he insulted our parents and Harry¡¯s mum¡ªcalled them vile names. And now he gets off without so much as a slap on the wrist.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not fair!¡± Fred growled. ¡°We¡¯ll make them pay. Both of them¡ªMalfoy and that toad Umbridge.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t get carried away,¡± Cho warned. ¡°Umbridge has more power than ever. If you step out of line again, you could get expelled.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry,¡± George said, his voice calm but steely. ¡°We won¡¯t... get expelled.¡±


    Kyle glanced at George thoughtfully and then asked, ¡°Is there any way you can get back into the game?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± Cedric said, his determination sharpening. ¡°I¡¯ll talk to Professor McGonagall. She¡¯ll know what to do.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t bother,¡± Fred interrupted, shaking his head.


    ¡°Umbridge told us how we could get the ban lifted,¡± George said, his face set in defiance. ¡°But we¡¯re not going to do it.¡±


    ¡°What does she want you to do?¡± Cedric asked cautiously. ¡°Go to Azkaban? Apologize to Malfoy?¡±


    ¡°Neither,¡± Fred said after a pause, his voice bitter. ¡°Umbridge said Lucius Malfoy was furious, and if we want to play again, we need to write and beg for his forgiveness.¡±


    ¡°This has Malfoy¡¯s grubby fingerprints all over it,¡± George spat. ¡°Everyone knows our family and the Malfoys have never gotten along. They couldn¡¯t resist rubbing salt in the wound.¡±


    ¡°If we write that letter, they¡¯ll never let us live it down,¡± Fred said firmly. ¡°Not just us¡ªthe whole Weasley family would become a laughingstock. Dad would be mocked by Lucius forever.¡±


    ¡°This would be a permanent stain on our family name,¡± George added. ¡°And we won¡¯t let that happen. Not for Quidditch. Not for anything.¡±


    Fred and George¡¯s resolve was unshakeable, their faces set in grim determination.


    Cedric opened his mouth to respond but ultimately said nothing. If he were in their shoes, he couldn¡¯t imagine writing that letter either. Compared to protecting their family¡¯s honor, Quidditch seemed a trivial price to pay.


    The table fell silent, a heavy gloom settling over the group.


    Finally, Kyle broke the silence. ¡°It¡¯s okay. I¡¯ll handle it.¡±


    ¡°No, Kyle,¡± Fred said sharply. ¡°We¡¯re not bowing to the Malfoys. That¡¯s not an option.¡±


    ¡°Just hear me out,¡± Kyle said, holding up a hand. ¡°I¡¯m not asking you to apologize. I¡¯ll reason with him. This whole situation was Malfoy¡¯s fault to begin with, wasn¡¯t it? If we explain that to Lucius, I think he¡¯ll understand.¡±


    George let out a bark of laughter, the first genuine one in hours. ¡°Understand us? Don¡¯t be ridiculous. The Malfoys are rotten to the core. Even if you wrote to him, it¡¯d be a waste of parchment.¡±


    Cedric nodded in agreement. ¡°Kyle, we should think of another way. Instead of writing to Lucius, let¡¯s go to Professor McGonagall¡ªor even Dumbledore. This is still Hogwarts, not the Ministry of Magic.¡±


    Kyle shrugged with a small smile. ¡°Maybe it¡¯s a long shot, but we won¡¯t know until we try. Remember what I said? I¡¯m pretty good at reasoning with people.¡±

 Chapter 643: No Sleeping Here, Classmate

    That morning, Kyle went to the Hospital Wing.


    Malfoy had been sent there by his teammates after the Quidditch match because he had been beaten so badly. When Kyle arrived, Malfoy was leaning against the bed, eating sweets he¡¯d bought from Honeydukes. His face had returned to normal, looking no different than before, but the moment Fred and George walked in, he quickly tossed aside the Pepper Imp he was holding, put on an uncomfortable expression, and lay back, grunting.


    ¡°What are you doing here?¡± he snapped.


    Beside him, Pansy Parkinson sprang to her feet and shrieked, ¡°Get out! If you¡¯re here to beg for forgiveness, forget it!¡±


    ¡°Oh, Fred...¡± George raised an eyebrow. ¡°Did you hear something? It¡¯s really unpleasant.¡±


    ¡°I think it must be a pair of Tebo warthogs,¡± Fred replied. ¡°That¡¯s what they sound like¡ªdisgusting.¡±


    Pansy¡¯s face twisted with fury at their banter, her expression turning even meaner. But before she could retaliate, Fred shouted, ¡°Madam Pomfrey! Lee Jordan has been vomiting, and we don¡¯t know what¡¯s wrong!¡±


    At once, Madam Pomfrey bustled out of her office, moving briskly. ¡°What¡¯s happened? Has he got a bad stomach?¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re not sure,¡± George said, shaking his head. ¡°He refuses to come to the Hospital Wing. Could you check on him?¡±


    ¡°Not come to the Hospital Wing? Ridiculous!¡± Madam Pomfrey exclaimed angrily. ¡°He hasn¡¯t been drinking anything from The Hog¡¯s Head, has he? I¡¯ve always said that place shouldn¡¯t be anywhere near a school! And neither should you lot!¡±


    Despite her grumbling, she grabbed two bottles of potion from a nearby shelf and hurried out.


    Fred followed close behind. ¡°He¡¯s in the Gryffindor common room. I¡¯ll take you there, Madam Pomfrey.¡±


    George lingered, casting a glance back at Kyle. His expression hesitated as if he wanted to say something, but Kyle gave a slight shake of his head.


    George sighed, then turned and jogged after Fred. S~ea??h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Once they were gone, only three people remained in the Hospital Wing: Kyle, Pansy, and Malfoy, who lay stiffly in his bed. Malfoy seemed uneasy, watching Kyle with a look that mirrored the way Harry sometimes looked at Snape.


    ¡°Why are you still here?¡± Pansy snapped, striding over to Kyle. ¡°Go tell your nasty friends that they¡ª¡±


    Before she could finish, she suddenly slumped forward, falling asleep against the table.


    ¡°Looks like she really has been taking care of you with all her heart,¡± Kyle said lightly, a smile tugging at his lips. ¡°She must be exhausted.¡±


    Malfoy¡¯s eyes widened in horror. He was certain Kyle had caused Pansy¡¯s sudden state, but he didn¡¯t dare voice his accusation. As Kyle began to approach, Malfoy¡¯s fear spiked. He recalled his father¡¯s warnings during the holidays, and his anxiety reached its peak.


    ¡°What... what do you want?¡± Malfoy stammered, his voice trembling. ¡°This is Hogwarts... Dumbledore is here... If you dare do anything to me... you won¡¯t get away with it!¡±


    ¡°Oh, you know Professor Dumbledore now? I thought you only knew Umbridge,¡± Kyle said, his tone casual as he walked over to where Pansy had been sitting. He picked up a box of Chocolate Frogs from the nearby pile of sweets and helped himself.


    ¡°You know what?¡± Kyle said as he slowly unwrapped the chocolate. ¡°Your father caused me quite a bit of trouble over the holidays. And yet, I forgave him magnanimously. Since the term started, have I caused you any trouble?¡±


    ¡°I¡ªI had nothing to do with it,¡± Malfoy stammered, his voice unsteady. ¡°It was Professor Umbridge... Really... She wanted to teach the Weasley brothers and Potter a lesson... because they wouldn¡¯t listen to her...¡±


    ¡°But you were more than happy to cooperate, weren¡¯t you?¡±


    ¡°I¡ªI can forgive them.¡± Malfoy blurted. ¡°I¡¯ll plead with Professor Umbridge...¡±


    ¡°Forgive who?¡±


    ¡°The Weasley brothers,¡± Malfoy said quickly. ¡°They... they can continue playing Quidditch...¡±


    ¡°See? I told them you were reasonable,¡± Kyle said with a smile, holding out the Chocolate Frog he¡¯d just unwrapped.


    Malfoy hesitated at first, but when Kyle frowned, he hastily grabbed the treat with trembling hands.


    If his father hadn¡¯t lied to him, then Kyle really had killed a Death Eater. That knowledge alone made Malfoy desperate to avoid him. His father had warned him repeatedly before the term began:


    ¡°I won¡¯t pursue this any further,¡± Malfoy muttered, his voice trembling.


    ¡°On behalf of Fred, George, and Harry, I thank you for your generosity,¡± Kyle replied with a faint smile.


    Malfoy exhaled a small sigh of relief, but it was short-lived.


    The next moment, Kyle added, ¡°Unfortunately, you don¡¯t have the final say. Professor Umbridge requires Mr. Lucius Malfoy not to pursue this matter either.¡±


    ¡°I¡ªI can convince my father.¡± Malfoy stammered.


    ¡°Ah, no doubt about that,¡± Kyle said lightly. ¡°But there¡¯s no need to go to all that trouble.¡±


    He reached into his pocket and pulled out a pre-written letter, holding it out for Malfoy to see. ¡°Just sign this. I¡¯m sure Mr. Lucius will recognize your handwriting.¡±


    Malfoy hesitated before glancing at the parchment.


    The letter read:


    Below, the letter recounted the events of the Quidditch match in full detail, describing the incident exactly as it had occurred. Malfoy scanned the parchment, noting that everything written was accurate¡ªnothing had been altered.


    The tone was polite and sincere, resembling a perfectly normal letter.


    Kyle handed Malfoy a quill, pointing to the blank space below the last sentence. ¡°Just sign here.¡±


    Trembling slightly, Malfoy did as he was told, scrawling his name in a crooked script.


    When he finished, Kyle took the parchment and the quill back, eyeing him pointedly. ¡°So, is there anything wrong with this?¡±


    ¡°No, no,¡± Malfoy said quickly, shaking his head. ¡°It¡¯s all true, what¡¯s written here.¡±


    ¡°Then why are you shaking?¡± Kyle asked with a chuckle. ¡°If someone saw this, they¡¯d think I was some kind of evil dark wizard. But I¡¯m only here to reason with you.¡±


    ¡°Yes, yes,¡± Malfoy nodded vigorously, his voice unsteady. ¡°I was just...a little cold.¡±


    ¡°Ah, I see.¡± Kyle flicked his wand at the fireplace in the corner, and the flames inside roared to life, warming the room considerably. ¡°You¡¯re welcome. It¡¯s nothing.¡±


    He stood, as if preparing to leave, but suddenly stopped.


    ¡°Oh, I almost forgot,¡± he exclaimed. ¡°Kaka!¡±


    In an instant, a House-elf appeared in the Hospital Wing, holding a large camera. Before Malfoy could react, the elf snapped a photo of the two of them.


    ¡°What are you doing?!¡± Malfoy shouted, alarmed.


    ¡°Relax. It¡¯s just a photo to prove I came to visit you,¡± Kyle said nonchalantly. He turned to the House-elf. ¡°Thank you for helping, Kaka.¡±


    The House-elf beamed with joy at Kyle¡¯s words, its ears turning red. ¡°It is Kaka¡¯s honor, sir!¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t mention it.¡± Kyle waved dismissively and grabbed a handful of sweets from behind him, thrusting them into Kaka¡¯s hands. ¡°Take these as a thank-you.¡±


    Kaka hesitated, but Kyle ignored his reluctance, stuffing the treats into the elf¡¯s tea towel. This made Kaka even more elated, and he hopped in place with excitement.


    ¡°You can go back now,¡± Kyle said. ¡°But stay ready¡ªI may need your help again.¡±


    ¡°Kaka is always ready to help, sir!¡± the House-elf cried before vanishing with a .


    Kyle turned to leave, but as he reached the door, he paused again.


    ¡°Oh, one more thing,¡± he said over his shoulder. ¡°Remind your friend that Madam Pomfrey doesn¡¯t allow students to sleep on the floor.¡±


    This time, Malfoy clearly saw Kyle¡¯s fingers twitch. Almost immediately, Pansy stirred, groaning as she slowly got to her feet.


    ¡°What happened to me?¡± she asked groggily, glancing at Malfoy and then at Kyle¡¯s retreating figure. ¡°What did that guy just say?¡±


    Malfoy, finally exhaling a sigh of relief, didn¡¯t even look at her. ¡°Oh, he said no sleeping on the floor.¡±

 Chapter 644: Hagrid’s Return

    After leaving the Hospital Wing, Kyle didn¡¯t immediately post the letter. Instead, he waited until noon before heading to the owlery with the letter and the newly delivered photograph.


    Ratton was so distinctive that Kyle worried Lucius might simply drive him away to avoid any association. It seemed wiser to choose another owl. Surveying the owlery, Kyle quickly picked a tawny barn owl and tied the envelope securely to its leg.


    ¡°Thank you for your help,¡± he said softly.


    The owl gave a small nod, spread its wings, and soared into the sky.


    Just as Kyle turned to leave, a familiar pair of sharp eyes fixed on him. He sighed inwardly.


    ¡°Ah, Ratton... there you are. Honestly, I couldn¡¯t find you earlier...¡± Kyle began dryly. ¡°Actually, um... this isn¡¯t an important errand. You don¡¯t need to trouble yourself¡ª¡±


    Before Kyle could finish, Ratton¡¯s feathers flared out like an overinflated Quaffle. Ignoring Kyle¡¯s attempt to explain, Ratton puffed up furiously, clicked its beak in irritation, and took off with an angry flap of wings.


    ¡°I really should¡¯ve come when he wasn¡¯t here,¡± Kyle muttered, rubbing his forehead.


    He was about to head after Ratton when a sudden angry shout echoed from outside.


    ¡°Get away from me... you beast, get away!¡±


    Kyle quickened his pace toward the commotion. Outside the owlery, Filch stood struggling with a wooden stick fitted with a hook at the end. Above him, two owls circled. One was Ratton, still fuming, who swooped repeatedly at Filch, battering him with powerful wings. Each strike sent Filch staggering backward.


    Beside Ratton hovered a white snowy owl, clearly distressed.


    ¡°Hedwig?¡± Kyle called.


    The white owl immediately broke away and fluttered down to land on Kyle¡¯s shoulder. Up close, Kyle noticed its ragged appearance: feathers sticking out at odd angles, a bent wing, and a letter clutched tightly in its claw.


    ¡°Ratton, hold on!¡± Kyle shouted.


    Whether because he was tired or because Kyle¡¯s voice reached him, Ratton stopped his assault and flew to perch in a nearby tree. Filch, panting and disheveled, angrily hurled the stick¡ªbut it curved in the air and landed neatly in Kyle¡¯s outstretched hand. A white feather stuck to the hook at its end.


    ¡°Filch, are you intercepting students¡¯ letters?¡± Kyle asked sharply.


    ¡°This is a routine inspection,¡± Filch growled. ¡°Hand it over, or I¡¯ll¡ª¡±


    Kyle tossed the stick to the ground and crushed it underfoot, breaking it in two. Hedwig let out a triumphant hoot.


    ¡°Inspection?¡± Kyle asked coldly. ¡°Funny, I don¡¯t recall Hogwarts performing inspections like this.¡±


    Filch recoiled at the sudden aggression but quickly stiffened his posture. ¡°This is authorized by Professor Umbridge. I¡¯m only following orders.¡±


    ¡°Nonsense.¡± Kyle¡¯s gaze hardened. ¡°Intercepting letters without permission violates Wizarding Law. Are you suggesting Professor Umbridge, the Senior Undersecretary to the Minister for Magic, authorized illegal activity? Don¡¯t you dare slander her name.¡±


    Filch¡¯s face paled to a sickly green. He knew full well how unlawful his actions were but hadn¡¯t expected to be so blatantly challenged. Before he could stammer a defense, Kyle dismissed him outright.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be reporting this to the professor,¡± Kyle said firmly. With that, he turned and walked away, Hedwig still perched on his shoulder.


    Halfway back to the castle, Hedwig let out a soft hoot and flew off toward Gryffindor Tower, presumably to deliver her letter to Harry. Watching her go, Kyle considered heading to his dormitory to fetch some owl tonic for Harry¡¯s injured companion. But as he reached the castle gates, something made him pause.


    In the distance, near the edge of the Forbidden Forest, a thin column of white smoke curled from the chimney of a long-silent wooden house.


    ¡°Hagrid¡¯s back?¡±


    Kyle immediately changed direction, striding quickly across the frost-covered grass until he reached the wooden hut. He raised a hand and knocked twice on the door.


    Inside, the sound of familiar barking erupted.


    ¡°Shut up, Fang!¡±


    The door creaked open, and Hagrid¡¯s bearded face appeared in the narrow gap.


    ¡°Kyle¡­ how¡¯d yeh know I was back?¡± Hagrid¡¯s voice brimmed with delight.


    ¡°I saw the smoke,¡± Kyle replied. ¡°Someone must have lit the fireplace.¡±


    ¡°Ah, I should¡¯ve thought o¡¯ that,¡± Hagrid said with a broad smile. ¡°Come in¡­ Move over, Fang, outta the way¡­¡±


    He swung the door wider, and Kyle squeezed into the warm but musty interior. As soon as he stepped inside, Hagrid shut the door behind him.


    The room reeked of damp wood and mildew, but Kyle barely noticed. His focus was entirely on Hagrid. The half-giant was in dreadful shape¡ªdark red clots of blood clung to his matted hair, both eyes were swollen nearly shut, his chin was still oozing blood, and two teeth were clearly missing. It was as if he¡¯d been pounded into the ground and then pummeled some more.


    ¡°It¡¯s fine¡­ It¡¯s fine,¡± Hagrid muttered, quickly covering his bruised face with a massive hand. ¡°I could use a drink¡­ but the tea¡¯s gone moldy. Water¡¯ll have to do in this weather.¡±


    Kyle stared at him, his tone suddenly sharp. ¡°It was the Giants, wasn¡¯t it?¡±


    Hagrid froze mid-motion. ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°I mean,¡± Kyle said with quiet certainty, ¡°a Giant hit you, didn¡¯t it?¡±


    ¡°No¡­¡± Hagrid protested, but his voice was faint, unconvincing.


    ¡°Then what was it?¡± Kyle asked evenly. ¡°There¡¯s no trace of magic on you, so it wasn¡¯t a wizard. And no ordinary wizard could¡¯ve done this with their bare hands.¡±


    ¡°It was¡­ a dragon,¡± Hagrid stammered, avoiding Kyle¡¯s gaze. ¡°I went to Romania¡ª¡±


    ¡°Sorry, forgive my ignorance,¡± Kyle interrupted, raising an eyebrow. ¡°Which species of dragon prefers hand-to-hand combat? They usually rely on fire.¡±


    Kyle glanced pointedly at Hagrid. ¡°And yet, no burns.¡±


    ¡°Oh, well, maybe it was a Chimaera,¡± Hagrid said hastily.


    ¡°The Chimaera¡¯s most dangerous weapons are its claws and teeth.¡±


    ¡°I¡­¡±


    ¡°Hagrid,¡± Kyle said, his tone dry, ¡°are you testing my knowledge of magical creatures?¡±


    A copper pot clanged loudly as Hagrid slammed it onto the stove.


    ¡°I know, I know! Your Care of Magical Creatures class is outstanding,¡± Hagrid grumbled. ¡°But right now, I wish you weren¡¯t so clever.¡±


    ¡°So, you admit it, then?¡± Kyle said with a faint smile.


    ¡°This isn¡¯t something a kid your age should be askin¡¯ about,¡± Hagrid said sternly, glaring at him with his one good eye. ¡°Don¡¯t push it, Kyle. It¡¯s confidential. I won¡¯t say another word.¡±


    ¡°Alright,¡± Kyle said cheerfully, backing off without further argument.


    Hagrid blinked in surprise. He¡¯d been gearing up for more questions, but none came. He suddenly remembered that Kyle wasn¡¯t like Harry or his friends¡ªKyle didn¡¯t have the same habit of badgering people for answers.


    , Hagrid thought with relief.


    He could handle Harry¡¯s inquisitiveness on most occasions, but if Kyle shared that same trait, Dumbledore¡¯s top-secret mission would be doomed. Worse, Kyle might uncover more than Hagrid wanted anyone to know¡­ like the object hidden deep in the Forbidden Forest.


    But Kyle wasn¡¯t pressing further. Instead, he leaned casually against the table. ¡°I just want to know one thing¡ªwhat side are the Giants on? That¡¯s why you¡¯re back, isn¡¯t it? You were sent to them as Dumbledore¡¯s emissary.¡±


    Hagrid¡¯s smile faded, his expression turning serious.


    ¡°They were on our side,¡± he said slowly. ¡°But the Giant leader¡ªthe Gurg¡ªwe met, well¡­ you know that means their chief.¡±


    Kyle nodded.


    ¡°Well, he had his head chopped off on the third day by another Giant, Golgomath, usin¡¯ a Goblin-made sword.¡±


    ¡°A Goblin sword?¡± Kyle asked, frowning. ¡°You didn¡¯t give it to him, did you?¡±


    ¡°No!¡± Hagrid exclaimed. ¡°It was the Death Eaters¡­ Macnair, that murdering lunatic, and Golgomath got along right well.¡±


    ¡°So now we¡¯re facing all the Giants?¡± Kyle pressed. S§×arch* The nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°Maybe not all,¡± Hagrid said, his voice heavy. ¡°There¡¯s been more fightin¡¯. Olympe and me managed to persuade six or seven of  them to consider our side. If they refuse to follow Golgomath, they might join us.¡±


    ¡°How many Giants are there in total?¡± Kyle asked.


    ¡°Well¡­ about seventy or eighty.¡±

 Chapter 645: The Plight of the Giants

    After hearing Hagrid''s explanation, Kyle rubbed his forehead, feeling the weight of the situation.


    There were seventy or eighty Giants in total, yet he had only managed to sway six or seven to their cause¡ªa mere fraction, just one-tenth of the whole. Even if this small group joined, the effort wouldn¡¯t have been entirely in vain. But even that tenuous hope hinged on uncertainty.


    As Hagrid had pointed out, these Giants would only consider switching sides if they were unwilling to submit to Golgomath''s brutal rule. But if Golgomath truly was as bloodthirsty and ruthless as described, how could he possibly tolerate dissent? Let alone the possibility of these defectors aligning themselves with enemies?


    And even if they somehow managed to escape his grip, they would only join their side. The likelihood of both conditions being met seemed increasingly slim.


    To put it bluntly, Kyle thought, Hagrid¡¯s mission had been futile.


    Kyle tapped a finger thoughtfully against the wooden table and asked, ¡°What kind of strength are we talking about when it comes to the Giants?¡±


    ¡°Very powerful,¡± Hagrid replied, his voice grave. ¡°Giants, like Dragons, can resist most magic. They¡¯re unbelievably strong, with stamina to match. A wizard who encounters a Giant... well, they¡¯ve no chance. You can¡¯t fight them, you can¡¯t even run fast enough to get away. Why d¡¯you ask?¡±


    ¡°Just curious,¡± Kyle replied evenly. ¡°Since they¡¯re likely to become our enemies, it¡¯s good to understand what we¡¯re up against.¡±


    There was a moment of silence. Then Kyle broke it with another question. ¡°Hagrid, are there any other groups of Giants elsewhere?¡±


    ¡°No,¡± Hagrid said with a heavy shake of his head, his tone tinged with sadness. ¡°That¡¯s all of ¡¯em.¡±


    He sighed before continuing, ¡°There used to be over a hundred tribes spread across the world, but now¡­ now there¡¯s just this one. Most of the others were killed off¡ªsome by wizards, but most of ¡¯em by their own kind. Giants aren¡¯t meant to live close together, y¡¯see. But when wizards started huntin¡¯ them, they had no choice but to stick together to survive.¡±


    ¡°I see,¡± Kyle murmured, glancing at Hagrid.


    It was clear that Hagrid had a deep connection to the Giants¡ªmore than just sympathy. It was something instinctive, a tie rooted in his heritage. Kyle remembered that Hagrid¡¯s mother had been a Giant, a bond that couldn¡¯t be ignored. Even if Hagrid disliked the Giants¡¯ violent ways, he couldn¡¯t completely detach himself from their plight.


    After a moment of thought, Kyle asked, ¡°You mentioned that Golgomath sided with the Death Eaters because of his bloodthirsty nature, right?¡±


    Hagrid nodded in confirmation.


    The previous leader, the old Gurg, had leaned towards supporting their side. But at the most critical moment, he had been killed¡ªbeheaded by Golgomath. Hagrid and Madame Maxime¡¯s efforts had been undone in an instant.


    ¡°The Death Eaters must¡¯ve planned it long in advance,¡± Kyle said, his voice dropping slightly. ¡°That¡¯s why they armed Golgomath with that Goblin-forged sword. But¡­ if¡ªhypothetically speaking¡ªa new Gurg replaced him, would it change anything?¡±


    Hagrid hesitated. ¡°Maybe, but it wouldn¡¯t be easy,¡± he admitted. ¡°Golgomath¡¯s the biggest Giant there¡ªhe¡¯s over three feet taller than the rest. With that Goblin sword in his hands, no Giant can stand up to him.¡±


    ¡°Not even you?¡± Kyle asked curiously.


    Hagrid shook his head solemnly. ¡°No. The Giants hate Wizards because of how we use magic against ¡¯em. If I killed a Giant using magic, they¡¯d never trust us. They¡¯d side with the Death Eaters straight away.¡±


    He paused before adding, ¡°Even the Death Eaters didn¡¯t try to use magic to win them over. All they did was give Golgomath that sword so he could kill the Gurg himself.¡±


    A heavy silence filled the room once more, broken only by the soft crackling of the fire in the hearth.


    ¡°What about magical creatures?¡± Kyle asked, his voice slightly unsteady. ¡°Like a lost Dragon... or something even more dangerous?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s even less likely,¡± Hagrid replied, waving the suggestion off. ¡°There are at least seventy Giants there. No magical creature would go near ¡¯em¡ªnot even a Dragon.¡±


    The copper kettle on the stove began to whine, its shrill sound cutting through the room.


    ¡°There, Kyle, you don¡¯t need to worry about that,¡± Hagrid said, reaching for the kettle. He poured boiling water into two enormous, bucket-like mugs and handed one to Kyle. ¡°Now, tell me about Hogwarts. I haven¡¯t heard a peep about what¡¯s been happenin¡¯ there... How¡¯s Harry?¡±


    Kyle sighed. ¡°I hate to worry you, but things haven¡¯t been great for him lately. He had a run-in with Dementors during the holidays.¡±


    ¡°Dementors?¡± Hagrid exclaimed, his voice rising sharply. ¡°How¡¯s that even possible? That can¡¯t be true!¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s true,¡± Kyle said, nodding grimly. ¡°The Dementors attacked Little Whinging. But don¡¯t worry¡ªHarry¡¯s fine. He used the Patronus Charm to drive them off. Still, he ended up on trial for using magic in front of Muggles.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s outrageous!¡± Hagrid shouted, his hands curling into fists. ¡°Harry was just defendin¡¯ himself! What¡¯s wrong with that?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry,¡± Kyle reassured him. ¡°With Professor Dumbledore¡¯s help, Harry¡¯s safe for now. But his current trouble is with Umbridge.¡±


    ¡°Umbridge? Who¡¯s that?¡±


    ¡°A Ministry of Magic official. She...¡± Kyle¡¯s words trailed off suddenly. He froze mid-sentence, his expression turning unreadable.


    Hagrid tilted his head in confusion. ¡°Kyle, what¡¯s¡ª¡±


    Before he could finish, Kyle interrupted, his voice taking on an unnatural tone. ¡°If you keep being stubborn, Harry¡¯s situation will only get worse. Choosing the Ministry of Magic is the right path.¡±


    Hagrid stared at him, baffled. ¡°Kyle, what are you talkin¡¯ about¡ª¡±


    A loud knock at the door cut him off.


    Both men turned toward the sound. Hagrid glanced at the window beside the door, where the silhouette of a short, stocky figure swayed against the thin curtain.


    Kyle quickly shook his head and signaled for Hagrid to stay quiet and open the door.


    Though confused, Hagrid complied. He nudged Fang aside, who was pawing excitedly at the door, and pulled it open.


    Standing in the doorway was Dolores Umbridge, wrapped in a pink, fluffy duffel coat and wearing a matching earflap hat. She craned her neck to look up at Hagrid, who towered over her.


    ¡°So,¡± she said, her voice slow and grating, ¡°you are Hagrid, I presume?¡± Sear?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Without waiting for a response, she stepped inside, her small, deliberate movements exuding self-importance.


    ¡°Ah, Kyle,¡± she said, feigning surprise. ¡°I thought your voice sounded familiar. No wonder you¡¯re here.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Professor Umbridge,¡± Kyle said smoothly. ¡°Hagrid and I are on good terms, and I wouldn¡¯t want to see him take a wrong step.¡±


    ¡°A wise sentiment,¡± Umbridge said, smiling broadly, though her laughter carried an edge that set Hagrid on edge.


    ¡°Well...¡± Hagrid muttered, scratching his head. ¡°Not meanin¡¯ to be rude or anythin¡¯, but who exactly are you?¡±


    ¡°My name is Dolores Umbridge,¡± she said, her sugary tone clashing with her steely expression.


    ¡°You¡¯re Umbridge?¡± Hagrid glanced at Kyle, whose earlier strange behavior suddenly made more sense. Still, Hagrid kept his thoughts to himself.


    ¡°I thought you worked for the Ministry of Magic,¡± he said, narrowing his eyes. ¡°I¡¯ve seen you before, always hangin¡¯ around Fudge.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s correct,¡± Umbridge replied. ¡°I am Senior Undersecretary to the Minister. I am also currently the Defence Against the Dark Arts professor and High Inquisitor at Hogwarts.¡±


    Hagrid blinked, clearly unimpressed by her self-aggrandizing list of titles. ¡°Well, that¡¯s brave of you,¡± he said, ignoring her last remark. ¡°Not many folks are willin¡¯ to teach that class these days. How about a cup of tea?¡±


    Before she could respond, he poured another mug of hot water and grabbed a handful of tea leaves, tossing them in without ceremony.


    Umbridge¡¯s eyes flicked to the chipped mug in his hand, and her frown deepened. ¡°No, thank you,¡± she said curtly, barely masking her distaste.


    ¡°I¡¯ve come to inform you,¡± she continued, straightening her posture, ¡°that as High Inquisitor, it is my duty to assess the teaching standards of all Hogwarts professors.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re investigatin¡¯ us?¡± Hagrid asked, furrowing his brow.


    ¡°Yes,¡± Umbridge said with a syrupy smile. ¡°The Minister is determined to root out any unqualified instructors.¡±


    She didn¡¯t elaborate further but took a slow lap around the room, her eyes darting over every detail before turning back to the door.


    ¡°We¡¯ll meet again soon, Hagrid,¡± she said from the threshold, her tone both polite and foreboding. ¡°I trust you¡¯ll make the right choices by then.¡±

 Chapter 646: A Letter to Newt

    ¡°What did she mean by that?¡±


    After Umbridge had left, Hagrid turned to Kyle with a puzzled expression. ¡°And why did you say I should trust the Ministry of Magic? You know I ought to trust Dumbledore, not them.¡±


    ¡°I know,¡± Kyle said with a nod. ¡°But if we want to avoid trouble, we have to say that for now.¡±


    ¡°What trouble could possibly come from a Ministry witch?¡± Hagrid asked dismissively, clearly unconcerned.


    ¡°Umbridge has the authority to fire professors,¡± Kyle reminded him. ¡°If she decides a professor is unfit, she can have them removed.¡±


    Hagrid chuckled, shaking his head. ¡°Yer jokin¡¯, Kyle. That¡¯s impossible. No one can fire a Hogwarts professor just like that¡ªexcept Dumbledore. Not even Fudge could manage it. And no matter what you say, I¡¯ll never betray Dumbledore, not even pretend to. If she wants to make trouble for me because of it, well, let her.¡±


    Kyle wasn¡¯t surprised by Hagrid¡¯s response. He had expected as much. Hagrid¡¯s unwavering loyalty to Dumbledore was well known, and he never hesitated to show it, regardless of the risks it might bring.


    As Kyle considered what to say next, the sound of footsteps echoed from outside. This time, it was more than one person, the shuffling chaotic and hurried. Sear?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The door trembled under a series of loud knocks.


    ¡°Hagrid, it¡¯s us!¡± Harry¡¯s voice called out excitedly from the other side.


    Hagrid¡¯s face lit up. Having so many visitors so soon after his return clearly warmed his heart. He stood and opened the door wide.


    Through the gap, the heads of Harry, Ron, and Hermione appeared, their faces flushed from the cold.


    ¡°Hagrid, when did you get back?¡± Harry asked eagerly.


    ¡°Just about half an hour ago,¡± Hagrid said with a broad smile. ¡°Come on in, get yerselves warm.¡±


    The trio squeezed inside, shaking off the chill.


    ¡°We saw Umbridge earlier,¡± Hermione whispered as they settled in. ¡°She didn¡¯t say anything out of line, did she? Oh, Hagrid, are you hurt?¡± Her sharp eyes had caught the swelling around Hagrid¡¯s eye.


    ¡°Did Umbridge¡¯s toad do that?¡± Ron said angrily. ¡°She¡¯s going after professors now?¡±


    ¡°No, no, it wasn¡¯t her,¡± Hagrid assured them, waving a hand as he instinctively covered his swollen eye. ¡°I hurt meself by accident, is all. Anyway, she just had a look around and left. Didn¡¯t say much of anything.¡±


    Hermione frowned, unconvinced. Something about the situation didn¡¯t sit right with her. Given Umbridge¡¯s reputation and authority as High Inquisitor, it seemed unlikely she would leave without trying to assert her power.


    Harry, however, didn¡¯t dwell on it. Relieved that Umbridge hadn¡¯t caused any trouble, he quickly changed the subject. ¡°If I¡¯d known you were coming back today, I wouldn¡¯t have sent Hedwig to Professor Grubbly-Plank for treatment.¡±


    ¡°Hedwig? What happened to her?¡± Hagrid asked, concern crossing his face.


    ¡°She was injured,¡± Harry explained, his tone darkening. ¡°We think someone tried to intercept the letter she was carrying.¡±


    ¡°It was Filch,¡± a sudden voice interjected.


    The three friends jumped, startled by the unexpected sound. As they turned toward it, they realized there was another person in the room.


    "Sorry, Kyle," Hermione said quickly, her voice apologetic. "I didn''t realize you were here."


    "It''s okay," Kyle replied, shaking his head to show he didn¡¯t mind.


    ¡°Wait... you mentioned Filch just now,¡± Harry said, his brow furrowing as he recalled Kyle¡¯s earlier words. ¡°Did he attack Hedwig?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± Kyle confirmed. ¡°It happened in the Owlery. He tried to snatch the letter she was carrying.¡±


    ¡°I it!¡± Harry exclaimed, his face flushing with anger. ¡°Who else would be interested in my letters besides him and Umbridge?¡±


    ¡°This is outrageous!¡± Hermione fumed. ¡°Intercepting owls is against Hogwarts rules! And tampering with mail violates Wizarding Law. I¡¯m going straight to Professor McGonagall about this!¡±


    The three of them burst into a noisy discussion, their voices growing louder with frustration. Meanwhile, Kyle silently rummaged through his suitcase, unaffected by the commotion. After a moment, he pulled out a small bottle of Essence of Dittany and a handful of fresh Dittany leaves.


    ¡°You¡¯ll want these,¡± Kyle said, handing the items to Hagrid. ¡°The Essence of Dittany is for your wound, and the leaves will help your eye. You should heal in about two days. If you want a faster recovery, though, you should go to the Hospital Wing. Madam Pomfrey¡¯s much better at this than I am.¡±


    ¡°Thanks, but this¡¯ll do,¡± Hagrid said gratefully. ¡°Don¡¯t want too many people knowin¡¯ I¡¯ve been hurt.¡±


    ¡°By the way, Hagrid, what did happen to you?¡± Harry pressed.


    ¡°I told you, it¡¯s nothin¡¯,¡± Hagrid replied stubbornly, giving Kyle a meaningful look. ¡°Now, sit yerselves down and have some water.¡±


    ¡°Nothin¡¯? Yeah, right,¡± Ron scoffed. ¡°Look at you!¡±


    It was clear they didn¡¯t believe Hagrid¡¯s dismissive response. They kept pushing for answers, bombarding him with questions.


    Hagrid glanced helplessly at Kyle, silently pleading for assistance. But Kyle merely shrugged, offering no support. He knew there was no point. Harry, Ron, and Hermione were relentless when it came to their curiosity. Even if he helped Hagrid deflect their questions now, they would eventually find a way to uncover the truth later.


    After passing Hagrid the healing supplies, Kyle decided to leave. He stood, zipped up his coat, and stepped outside into the frigid air.


    The cold wind bit at his face as he crossed the deserted grounds. Despite being the weekend, the bitter weather had driven most students indoors. If snow had been falling, it might have been different¡ªfew could resist the fun of a good snowball fight¡ªbut for now, the grounds were eerily empty.


    Kyle quickened his pace, heading back toward the warmth of the Hufflepuff common room.


    As soon as he pushed open the barrel door, a gust of icy air swept inside, prompting the few students near the entrance to shiver instinctively. The cozy warmth of the crackling fireplace, however, quickly dispersed the chill.


    Inside, Cedric was engrossed in a game of wizard chess with Mikel. Spotting Kyle, he waved him over.


    ¡°Where were you just now?¡± Cedric asked.


    ¡°The Forbidden Forest,¡± Kyle replied casually. ¡°Hagrid¡¯s back.¡±


    ¡°Hagrid¡¯s back?¡± Cedric said, surprised.


    ¡°Yeah, about an hour ago,¡± Kyle confirmed. ¡°If you hurry, you might catch lunch with him.¡±


    Cedric grimaced, shaking his head. ¡°I think I¡¯ll pass. Hagrid¡¯s cooking isn¡¯t exactly my favorite. Better to wait until after lunch.¡±


    ¡°Fair enough.¡±


    ¡°Want to play a game?¡± Cedric gestured to the wizard chess set.


    ¡°Sure,¡± Kyle said, then hesitated. ¡°Actually, I¡¯ve got something to take care of first. Maybe later.¡±


    ¡°Alright, see you later,¡± Cedric said, returning his attention to the board.


    Kyle nodded and headed to the dormitory. With most of the students gathered in the common room, the dormitory was blessedly quiet and empty¡ªperfect for what he needed to do.


    Sitting at the table by the window, Kyle pulled out a quill and parchment and began writing quickly. Once he finished, he folded the letter neatly into an envelope.


    ¡°Ratton¡­¡± Kyle called softly, leaning out the window.


    A moment later, Ratton¡ª the somewhat temperamental owl¡ªflitted down to the windowsill.


    He perched there stubbornly, his head turned away from Kyle, his tail feathers facing the room. Clearly, the owl was still sulking about something.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be like that,¡± Kyle said, waving the envelope enticingly. ¡°This is much more important than the last letter. Only you can deliver it.¡±


    Ratton¡¯s feathers ruffled indignantly, but after a moment of dramatic hesitation, he finally turned to face Kyle.


    ¡°This is for Newt,¡± Kyle said, stroking the owl¡¯s soft feathers gently. ¡°No other owl can find where he is. Hurry back, and make sure you bring the reply.¡±


    With a proud hoot, Ratton snatched the envelope in his beak.

 Chapter 647: Lucius Malfoy

    That night, snowflakes began drifting down from a sky that had been heavy with clouds all week, and by Monday morning, the ground lay blanketed in snow.


    Hagrid returned to the teacher''s table during breakfast, but the applause that greeted him was lukewarm at best. The Slytherin table remained utterly silent, a stark contrast to the cheers coming from the Gryffindor table.


    Even within Gryffindor, however, not everyone was a fan of Hagrid. Some of the girls much preferred Professor Grubbly-Plank''s lessons.


    After all, Professor Grubbly-Plank didn¡¯t spring surprises on her students¡ªor more accurately, frights. A Knarl was far safer than a Fire Crab, and it was guaranteed to be on the OWL syllabus.


    ...


    The sixth years had Care of Magical Creatures that morning, marking Hagrid¡¯s first lesson with them since his return.


    After finishing their first Charms lesson, Kyle and Kanna trudged through the two-foot-deep snow to Hagrid¡¯s cabin near the edge of the Forbidden Forest.


    A collective gasp rippled through the group as they caught sight of Hagrid.


    He looked... intimidating.


    His face was battered, his hair was wild and unkempt, and a few stray animal feathers clung to him. Most strikingly, he had half a cow slung over his shoulders, its blood dripping onto the pristine snow and staining it red. The scene was chilling and strange.


    ¡°I really do prefer Professor Grubbly-Plank,¡± someone murmured nervously, the sentiment spreading quietly through the crowd.


    If Hagrid heard, he gave no indication.


    ¡°Come on, follow me. Today, we¡¯re having class in here,¡± he announced cheerfully, gesturing towards the forest.


    Hesitantly, the students followed Hagrid into the dense woods. They didn¡¯t venture far, though; after about ten minutes, Hagrid stopped.


    ¡°Right then,¡± he said, grunting as he heaved the half-dead cow onto the ground with a thud. He glanced around at the students, looking oddly pleased. ¡°Don¡¯t get too excited now, but the creature we¡¯re learning about today is incredibly rare. I reckon I might be the only person in Britain who¡¯s managed to tame one...¡±


    He paused dramatically, scanning the surrounding trees.


    ¡°Ah, there they are.¡±


    ¡°What? Where?¡± The students whispered among themselves, straining their eyes.


    For most of them, the forest seemed entirely empty, save for the occasional Bowtruckle nestled in the trees¡ªcreatures they had studied long ago.


    ¡°Ahhh!¡±


    The silence was suddenly shattered by a scream.


    A Ravenclaw girl was pointing ahead, her eyes wide with terror. ¡°L-look! Over there!¡±


    Everyone turned in the direction she indicated, and more screams followed.


    Before them, pieces of meat seemed to peel themselves from the cow¡¯s carcass and vanish into thin air. The eerie sight sent chills down many spines.


    Some students instinctively backed away, ready to flee the forest entirely. But a smaller group, braver or perhaps more observant, noticed something else.


    They saw large, winged black horses, their skeletal forms sleek and menacing. The creatures lowered their heads, tearing into the cow with sharp teeth.


    Recognition dawned on a few faces. These were the same creatures that pulled the school carriages each year.


    ¡°Thestrals!¡± Hagrid declared proudly. ¡°Who can see them?¡±


    About half a dozen hands went up.


    ¡°A few more than I expected,¡± Hagrid said thoughtfully. ¡°Now, does anyone want to come up and pet them? It¡¯s a rare chance, you know.¡±


    Every hand dropped, and whether they could see the Thestrals or not, no one seemed keen to get any closer.


    Kyle considered stepping forward to spare Hagrid the awkwardness, but just then, movement caught his eye. On the far edge of the Forbidden Forest, he spotted someone¡ªor something. For a brief moment, the figure was visible, then vanished again.


    ¡°Professor Hagrid,¡± Kyle said, raising his hand.


    ¡°Well... I knew you¡¯d¡ª¡±


    ¡°Sorry, Professor,¡± Kyle interrupted, ¡°but I think I dropped something on the way here. Can I go look for it?¡±


    Hagrid¡¯s face fell slightly, disappointment flickering in his eyes, but he nodded. ¡°Alright, no problem.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Professor,¡± Kyle replied, quickly stepping away from the group.


    As he left, he saw someone approaching from the opposite direction. Dolores Umbridge, clipboard in hand, was walking purposefully toward Hagrid. She didn¡¯t even glance at Kyle as he passed.


    Kyle thought, relieved.


    He continued back toward the forest¡¯s edge, stopping in front of a massive Rowan tree. Nearby, a faint rustling sound caught his attention.


    "It''s been a long time. I''m glad to see you at school," Kyle said, turning his head and smiling. "Mr. Lucius Malfoy."


    Lucius Malfoy stood a short distance away, his face pale and his hands gripping his snake-headed staff tightly. If Kyle hadn¡¯t spoken just then, it seemed likely Lucius might have acted.


    ¡°I¡¯ll give you a friendly warning, Mr. Lucius,¡± Kyle continued calmly. ¡°This is Hogwarts, and if I so much as get a scratch, you won¡¯t leave here unscathed.¡±


    ¡°Dumbledore is not at school,¡± Malfoy hissed, his voice low. ¡°That kind of threat won¡¯t work.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re welcome to test it,¡± Kyle replied, still smiling. ¡°Though I don¡¯t quite understand... Does Dumbledore¡¯s absence comfort you that much? I would have thought it¡¯d make you uneasy.¡±


    Lucius tightened his grip on the staff but then, with visible effort, lowered it again.


    ¡°What do you want?¡± he snarled. ¡°I don¡¯t believe you¡¯d dare harm Draco at Hogwarts. Dumbledore wouldn¡¯t allow it.¡±


    ¡°You just said he wasn¡¯t at school,¡± Kyle pointed out lightly. ¡°And for the record, I haven¡¯t done anything to Draco. As for your ¡ªwhile you might¡¯ve thought to claim credit the night he was resurrected, that¡¯s all in the past now. I¡¯ve forgiven you for it.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know what you¡¯re talking about,¡± Lucius replied coldly, though the flicker of unease in his eyes betrayed him.


    Of course, he knew.


    The night Voldemort was resurrected, Lucius had considered capturing Kyle and Harry as a prize to deliver to his master. But Kyle had proven far more dangerous than anticipated, nearly ending Lucius¡¯s plans¡ªand perhaps Lucius himself.


    Even now, the memory of that moment sent a shiver down Lucius¡¯s spine: the splintered tree beside him, felled with a single devastating blow.


    But admitting any of it aloud? Impossible.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you dare slander me,¡± Lucius added curtly.


    ¡°If you insist,¡± Kyle said with a casual shrug. ¡°So, what are you so worried about? Now, if you¡¯ll excuse me, I have a class to attend.¡±


    He turned to leave, but Lucius quickly stepped forward, blocking his path.


    ¡°Wait!¡± Lucius barked, his tone edged with desperation. ¡°Draco doesn¡¯t know anything.¡±


    ¡°As I¡¯ve said,¡± Kyle replied patiently, ¡°I¡¯m not going to harm him. We¡¯re good friends. Why, just the other day, I even visited him in the common room. Peeled him a Chocolate Frog, in fact. We had a lovely chat.¡±


    Kyle¡¯s tone remained light, but his words were deliberate. He wasn¡¯t just trying to placate Lucius; he truly had no intention of harming Draco. If he¡¯d wanted to, there had been countless opportunities earlier in the year.


    ¡°You swear...¡± Lucius began but hesitated, then stiffened. ¡°No. We need to make an Unbreakable Vow. To ensure you won¡¯t¡ª¡±


    ¡°An Unbreakable Vow?¡± Kyle narrowed his eyes. ¡°You¡¯re overreaching, Mr. Lucius. Or do you think I¡¯m some kind of threatless child?¡±


    Instinctively, Lucius pulled his wand from the snake-headed staff.


    Kyle didn¡¯t move. His expression didn¡¯t change. But his voice dropped, a quiet warning. ¡°Think carefully, Malfoy. Is this what you want to do? This is the Forbidden Forest...¡± S§×ar?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    A low growl rumbled through the air, faint but unmistakable.


    Lucius froze. The sound was distant yet carried a weight that made his skin crawl. His instincts, finely honed over decades of survival in dangerous circles, screamed at him to stop.


    The growl grew louder, and Lucius¡¯s grip on his wand faltered. He suddenly felt as though an invisible force was coiled around him, ready to strike at the slightest provocation.


    He cast a long, searching look at the sixth-year standing before him. There was something unsettlingly familiar about Kyle¡ªsomething reminiscent of a presence that could command fear with just a name.


    But it wasn¡¯t the same. Lucius¡¯s first impression of Kyle hadn¡¯t been fear, after all. Otherwise, back at the foot of the mountain that night, he wouldn¡¯t have considered capturing him to curry favor with Voldemort.


    Lucius thought bitterly.


    But there was no time to dwell on it. The growl deepened, and Lucius caught the faintest whiff of a sweet, almost sickly scent on the wind.


    In that moment, he made his decision. Slowly, deliberately, Lucius turned his wand in his hand and released it, letting it fall to the ground.


    The growl stopped immediately, as though a switch had been flipped.


    The oppressive tension lifted, replaced by the faint earthy aroma of the Forbidden Forest. Yet, the feeling of being watched lingered in the air.

 Chapter 648: A Nundu? You Must Be Seeing Things

    Lucius had come here fueled by anger. He had always assumed that, at Hogwarts, Kyle would restrain himself and not dare to act against him. Yet, in a matter of minutes, that anger had dissolved into a sense of inexplicable fear.


    The strange, sweet scent that lingered in the air had left Lucius lightheaded, as if he hadn¡¯t slept in days. He couldn¡¯t identify it but suspected it might be some kind of potion. Kyle was known for his skill in Potions, and with access to the Hogwarts library, it wouldn¡¯t be difficult for him to create something unusual.


    Lucius shuddered at the thought of what might have happened had he delayed tossing away his wand. The Forbidden Forest was no ordinary place¡ªit teemed with Magical Creatures, and fainting here could be perilous. The mysterious growl he¡¯d heard moments ago only reinforced this danger.


    His thoughts turned to Rubeus Hagrid, the Gamekeeper with a penchant for taming dangerous creatures. Hagrid was friendly with Kyle; perhaps he had a hand in what transpired.


    ¡°What exactly do I have to do?¡± Lucius asked bluntly, pulling himself together. ¡°As you know, what happened during the vacation wasn¡¯t intentional. I had no choice. But I¡¯m willing to offer compensation¡ª20,000 Galleons and ownership of two shops in Diagon Alley. How does that sound?¡±


    ¡°A tempting offer,¡± Kyle said, smacking his lips, ¡°but I can¡¯t accept it.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s my best offer,¡± Lucius pressed. ¡°I¡¯ve already spent a fortune lately, especially after the Quidditch World Cup.¡±


    Kyle shook his head, smiling faintly. ¡°Don¡¯t get me wrong, Mr. Malfoy. It¡¯s not that I don¡¯t appreciate the money, but I can¡¯t accept it. Draco and I are friends. If I wanted revenge, I wouldn¡¯t have waited until now."


    ¡°This is about helping Fred and George. They had a valid reason for what they did to Draco, and the game ban they received is far too harsh.¡±


    Lucius frowned, his skepticism clear. ¡°So, you¡¯re saying this is only about the Weasley twins?¡±


    ¡°What else?¡± Kyle replied calmly.


    ¡°Very well, I¡¯ll speak to Dolores,¡± Lucius said, somewhat relieved. ¡°You¡¯re right; student conflicts are normal. From what I¡¯ve heard, Draco was rude, so they shouldn¡¯t bear all the blame.¡±


    ¡°Exactly,¡± Kyle said, smiling. ¡°See? It¡¯s a simple matter.¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± Lucius replied with a strained smile. ¡°Then I¡¯ll go find Dolores now¡­¡±


    ¡°No need to rush,¡± Kyle interjected with a casual wave. ¡°Professor Umbridge is busy with Hagrid¡¯s class right now. She won¡¯t have time to talk.¡±


    ¡°I see. Then I¡¯ll wait¡­¡± Lucius bent down to retrieve his wand from the ground. ¡°You should head back to class.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s fine,¡± Kyle said breezily. ¡°I¡¯ve taken a leave of absence. That class is dull, anyway.¡±


    Kyle made no move to leave. Instead, he cast a sidelong glance at Lucius and suddenly asked, ¡°By the way, Mr. Malfoy, have you heard the rumor that Professor Dumbledore is considering running for Minister of Magic?¡±


    Lucius¡¯ hand froze, and his wand clattered to the ground again. He quickly picked it up, his voice carefully measured. ¡°Really? I hadn¡¯t heard that.¡±


    ¡°Well, now you know,¡± Kyle said with an easy smile. ¡°By the way, can I ask you for a small favor?¡±


    Lucius¡¯ eyelid twitched. ¡°What kind of favor?¡±


    ¡°Help Professor Dumbledore¡ª¡±


    ¡°Impossible!¡± Lucius shouted before Kyle could finish.


    The thought alone chilled him. This was exactly what Voldemort dreaded most. If Dumbledore became Minister of Magic, Voldemort¡¯s secrecy would be jeopardized. Any involvement in aiding Dumbledore would be a direct invitation to Voldemort¡¯s wrath.


    , Lucius thought grimly.


    "Fudge is the most suitable Minister," Lucius declared, his tone filled with righteous indignation. "Dumbledore is far better suited to remain as Headmaster."


    "Is that so?" Kyle shook his head slowly, a hint of mockery in his voice. "What a shame. I didn¡¯t think you¡¯d forget about the diary so quickly. Tsk tsk¡­¡±


    "What do you mean by that!" Lucius snapped, clutching his wand tightly. His voice quivered slightly, betraying his unease.


    "Is it really that difficult to understand?" Kyle asked, his tone light but edged with menace. "Surely, you still remember¡ªit was a Horcrux. I don¡¯t need to explain how crucial such things are to You-Know-Who. And now, because of you, the diary has been destroyed. Do you truly believe he will let you off so easily?"


    "I don¡¯t know what you¡¯re talking about," Lucius replied, though his pale, unfocused eyes and trembling arm told a different story.


    "Really?" Kyle shrugged, feigning indifference. "If that¡¯s the case, I can only wish you luck, Mr. Malfoy."


    He paused, his expression turning contemplative. "What a pity about Draco," he mused aloud. "I wonder if You-Know-Who will spare him¡­ perhaps as a reward for your unwavering loyalty?"


    Lucius remained silent, but the faint struggle in his eyes betrayed the turmoil within. He knew Voldemort far too well¡ªhis cold, unyielding nature, his lack of compassion for both allies and enemies.


    Yet, Lucius clung to a sliver of hope. As long as he remained useful, Voldemort might not eliminate him immediately. There was still a chance¡ªhowever slim¡ªthat he could make amends.


    But hope was a frail thing, and Lucius knew it.


    "Oh, one more thing," Kyle said, his voice breaking the silence. He spoke as though oblivious to Lucius¡¯ inner conflict. "For Draco¡¯s sake, I¡¯d advise you to keep your distance from Minister Fudge for the time being. Otherwise, if Professor Dumbledore does become Minister, the consequences will fall squarely on you."


    Lucius jerked his head up, staring hard at Kyle, as though searching for some hidden meaning in his expression. But Kyle¡¯s face betrayed nothing.


    In the distance, the noise of chattering voices began to rise. Class was over, and the students were drawing closer, their figures growing larger with each step.


    "I¡¯ll¡­ go find Dolores," Lucius murmured hoarsely.


    "Thank you very much, Mr. Malfoy," Kyle said, a touch of mock politeness in his tone. "And don¡¯t forget¡ªstay away from Minister Fudge."


    Lucius didn¡¯t reply. Without another word, he turned and strode out of the Forbidden Forest, heading toward the castle. Clearly, he intended to wait for Umbridge there rather than risk searching for her in the forest.


    Kyle, however, remained where he was. With a flick of his wand, he cast a Disillusionment Charm on himself, blending seamlessly into his surroundings.


    Soon, the students passed by, none the wiser to his presence. He waited until the last figure¡ªUmbridge, trailing alongside Hagrid¡ªhad disappeared from sight. Only then did Kyle lift the charm and step out from behind a tree. S~ea??h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He reached into his Mokeskin pouch and pulled out a suitcase. Clicking open its clasp, he waited as a dark figure darted out from the nearby bushes and leapt straight into the open case. Kyle closed the suitcase and returned it to the pouch with practiced ease.


    But just as he finished, a loud, startled cry rang out behind him.


    "Oh, my goodness!"


    Kyle turned sharply. To his surprise, Hagrid had returned to the Forbidden Forest, running toward him at full speed. When Hagrid reached him, however, he froze in his tracks, a mix of surprise and suspicion on his face.


    "Kyle¡­ why¡¯re you here?" Hagrid asked.


    "Who else would it be?" Kyle replied smoothly. "Has someone else wandered into the Forbidden Forest?"


    "Ah, no," Hagrid admitted, scratching his head. His gaze shifted around uncertainly. "But¡­ did you see something just now?"


    "Should I have seen something?" Kyle asked, his tone calm and even.


    "I¡¯m not sure if I was imagining things," Hagrid said hesitantly, "but I thought I saw a Nundu. It was beautiful, really."


    Kyle smiled, shaking his head. "I think you must be mistaken. There¡¯s no way a Nundu could be in the Forbidden Forest. They¡¯re incredibly rare magical creatures."


    "You think so?" Hagrid scratched his beard, looking around once more.


    "I¡¯m certain," Kyle said with confidence. "I¡¯ve been here the whole time and haven¡¯t seen anything remotely like a Nundu. Maybe you¡¯re just frazzled from dealing with Umbridge."


    "You¡¯re probably right," Hagrid sighed, disappointed. "That woman¡¯s a nightmare. Always nitpicking and stirring up trouble, even when I¡¯ve done nothing wrong. I don¡¯t understand why Professor Dumbledore allows her to stay."


    "By the way, did you find what you were looking for?" Hagrid asked.


    "I did," Kyle replied, a touch apologetic. "My Niffler got loose earlier, but I¡¯ve managed to catch it now. Sorry for any trouble, Hagrid."


    "It¡¯s no problem. Nifflers are always like that¡ªup to no good." Hagrid chuckled, waving a hand dismissively. "For someone like you, though, I reckon handling a Thestral wouldn¡¯t be any trouble, eh?"

 Chapter 649: A Leak and Umbridge’s New Decision

    After leaving the Forbidden Forest, Kyle glanced back briefly. Hagrid, undeterred, was still rummaging through the dense undergrowth. His efforts, though determined, were destined to fail. Shaking his head, Kyle turned and continued toward the castle.


    At the entrance, Kanna was waiting for him. The moment she spotted him, she hurried over.


    ¡°Where were you just now?¡± she whispered. ¡°During break, I thought I saw Malfoy¡¯s father heading into the Forbidden Forest.¡±


    ¡°Actually, that¡¯s where I went¡ªto find him,¡± Kyle replied.


    ¡°But why would he be at Hogwarts?¡± Kanna asked, her brow furrowing in curiosity. ¡°Was it because of Fred and George?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s part of it,¡± Kyle said, his tone measured. ¡°I think after today, they¡¯ll be able to play again¡­ assuming Umbridge doesn¡¯t find another excuse.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s great!¡± Kanna said, her face lighting up with relief. Then, as if remembering something, her expression grew more serious. ¡°Wait, you said ¡®partly.¡¯ Did he ask you for something else?¡±


    ¡°Not quite. To be precise, there¡¯s something I want him to help with,¡± Kyle said, glancing around to ensure no one was listening. Lowering his voice, he continued, ¡°I want to see if I can get Umbridge to leave the school.¡±


    ¡°Lucius Malfoy? He can get rid of Umbridge?¡± Kanna asked, clearly skeptical.


    She considered the idea for a moment. While the Malfoys were undoubtedly wealthy and influential, they held no formal positions in the Ministry of Magic. Could someone like Lucius actually influence whether Umbridge stayed or left? Even if money could play a role, it seemed unlikely he¡¯d go out of his way to help them.


    ¡°How exactly?¡± Kanna pressed.


    Kyle paused, organizing his thoughts. ¡°The idea came to me only after I ran into Hagrid. It¡¯s not perfect, but it has some potential. Coincidentally, Lucius showed up at the same time. If he¡¯s willing to cooperate, it might increase the chances of success.¡±


    ¡°But will he really help us?¡± Kanna asked doubtfully. ¡°If I remember correctly, the Malfoys have always sided with Fudge. They¡¯ve spent years¡ªand plenty of Galleons¡ªbuilding ties with him.¡±


    Kyle shrugged. ¡°It¡¯s worth a try. What¡¯s the worst that could happen? Even if he refuses, we¡¯ll figure out something else.¡±


    The two walked side by side into the castle and headed toward the Great Hall for lunch.


    Inside, a buzz of conversation filled the air, though it wasn¡¯t about Fred or George. Instead, everyone seemed to be talking about the same subject: Professor Sybill Trelawney. The Divination teacher had been placed under observation by none other than Umbridge. The announcement had been made that morning.


    ¡°She¡¯s been drinking nonstop,¡± someone nearby said, ¡°even during class!¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s really unfortunate,¡± Kanna muttered as she and Kyle sat down. Just then, Cedric joined them at the table.


    ¡°I heard that Professor Trelawney isn¡¯t the only one in trouble,¡± Cedric said, leaning in slightly. ¡°Professor Burbage from Muggle Studies was warned as well. The only difference is that she didn¡¯t make a public scene about it.¡±


    ¡°Wait, how do you know?¡± Kyle asked curiously. ¡°I don¡¯t think you¡¯ve taken Muggle Studies.¡±


    ¡°I haven¡¯t,¡± Cedric admitted. ¡°But Angelina has. She ran into Umbridge in the corridor while trying to ask about Fred and George. She saw her hand Professor Burbage a parchment."


    ¡°Angelina said Professor Burbage looked devastated¡ªalmost on the verge of tears. I can¡¯t think of any other document that would make a professor react that way except a probation notice.¡± S~ea??h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Kyle glanced up toward the teachers¡¯ table. Neither Professor Trelawney nor Professor Burbage was present for lunch. Umbridge, however, sat there happily cutting her steak, looking smugly content.


    In contrast, the other professors appeared deeply unsettled. Professor Flitwick, usually cheerful and chatty, was uncharacteristically silent. The entire atmosphere at the table was unusually somber.


    It was painfully clear that no one believed this was the end of it.


    Kyle understood all too well that Professors Trelawney and Burbage were just the beginning¡ªUmbridge¡¯s first steps in asserting her authority. It was a calculated move. Both professors were the ¡°softest targets¡± at Hogwarts: they lacked influential connections, taught subjects that many didn¡¯t take seriously, and weren¡¯t particularly exceptional in their fields. There was no better way for Umbridge to display her power than by making examples of them.


    She wouldn¡¯t stop there. Kyle was certain her next moves would target other professors and subjects. While she might not have the power to outright dismiss established and highly respected figures like Professors McGonagall or Flitwick, she could still make their lives miserable. Professors with distinguished careers and stellar reputations¡ªwho had taught generations of witches and wizards¡ªwere untouchable when it came to outright dismissal. Any attempt to fire them on flimsy charges would provoke outrage in the wizarding community. Even Fudge wouldn¡¯t be able to shield Umbridge from the backlash.


    However, direct dismissal wasn¡¯t necessary. Interfering with their teaching methods, undermining their authority, and creating a hostile work environment were all tactics Umbridge could and would likely employ. Professors could, in theory, avoid such harassment by lowering their standards and adopting a compliant attitude, much like Snape¡¯s. If they kept a tight grip on their thoughts, limited their responses to neutral politeness, and used tactics like Memory Charms, Umbridge wouldn¡¯t have much to work with.


    But that wasn¡¯t realistic. Someone like McGonagall would never stoop to such measures, and without her cooperation, any collective strategy would collapse.


    Kyle¡¯s suspicions deepened. His encounter with both Hagrid and Lucius seemed almost fated; their timing couldn¡¯t have been better. If something wasn¡¯t done soon, Umbridge¡¯s continued presence at Hogwarts would start to infect every aspect of its education.


    With those thoughts swirling in his mind, Kyle hurriedly finished his lunch and stood up, intent on speaking with Hagrid. However, before he could leave the Great Hall, he was intercepted by none other than Umbridge.


    ¡°Come with me,¡± she said in her usual saccharine tone.


    Reluctantly, Kyle set aside his plans for Hagrid and followed her to the Defense Against the Dark Arts office.


    Upon entering, Kyle noticed he wasn¡¯t alone. The room was already filled with several Slytherins: Montague, Pansy Parkinson, Millicent Bulstrode, Crabbe, Goyle¡ªand Malfoy, freshly discharged from the hospital.


    The moment Malfoy saw Kyle, he instinctively stepped back, his face growing pale.


    ¡°Draco, what¡¯s wrong?¡± Pansy asked, her voice laced with concern.


    ¡°No, it¡¯s nothing¡­¡± Malfoy muttered, shaking his head.


    ¡°You must still be recovering from your illness,¡± Montague said, his tone loud and derisive. ¡°Although I think the punishment of a game ban is far too lenient. Violent maniacs like the Weasley brothers and Potter should¡¯ve been expelled.¡±


    Malfoy flinched and cast an uneasy glance at Kyle.


    Kyle, however, didn¡¯t react. He stood still, his expression impassive, as though Montague¡¯s words hadn¡¯t reached him.


    ¡°Oh, there¡¯s no need for a game ban anymore,¡± Umbridge said cheerfully as she entered the room. ¡°By tomorrow, their punishment will be replaced with detention.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Montague shouted, his face twisting in anger. ¡°That¡¯s not fair!¡±


    Umbridge turned her saccharine smile on him, her eyes narrowing ever so slightly. ¡°Do you have any objections to my decision, Mr. Montague?¡±


    Montague stiffened under her gaze. ¡°Of course not, Professor Umbridge,¡± he said hastily. ¡°You¡¯re the professor; we¡¯ll do as you say.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s better,¡± Umbridge said, her smile widening. ¡°Now, forget about the Weasleys. I have something more important for all of you.¡±


    Her tone grew conspiratorial. ¡°I¡¯ve received word that someone has started an organization at this school¡ªan illegal group that teaches students how to perform dangerous magic."


    ¡°This sort of thing is unacceptable,¡± she continued, her voice dripping with false concern. ¡°Evil individuals like that mustn¡¯t be allowed to operate in our school. I want all of you to investigate and find out who they are and where they meet."


    ¡°Can I count on you to do that?¡±

 Chapter 650: The Brave Montague

    As soon as they heard they could catch Gryffindors breaking school rules, Montague was immediately excited.


    As for why it wasn¡¯t someone from another house, Montague had his own reasoning. Teaching others to use dangerous magic was just ¡ªit had to be their idea.


    With this in mind, Montague promptly said, ¡°I''m fine with it, Professor.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sure I can find them too,¡± Millicent added eagerly.


    Pansy, Crabbe, and Goyle exchanged glances, their attention drifting to Malfoy. To their surprise, Malfoy was unusually quiet today. He hadn¡¯t spoken a word since earlier.


    This wasn¡¯t like him.


    ¡°Draco, aren¡¯t you happy?¡± Pansy finally asked, unable to hold back her curiosity.


    Of course Malfoy wasn¡¯t happy. He would have gladly left the room and returned to the safety of the Slytherin common room if he could. But he couldn¡¯t say anything now, so he merely pretended that nothing was wrong.


    Subconsciously, he glanced at Kyle again.


    The others noticed Malfoy¡¯s odd behavior and followed his gaze to Kyle. It was then that they remembered there was someone in the room who wasn¡¯t a Slytherin.


    ¡°I almost forgot,¡± said Montague, clearly misinterpreting Malfoy¡¯s silence. He took a couple of steps forward and approached Kyle. ¡°Professor, shall we get rid of this insignificant person first? That way, he won¡¯t be able to warn those rule-breakers.¡±


    ¡°From what I¡¯ve heard, they¡¯re on very good terms.¡±


    ¡°Oh, no need,¡± Umbridge began.


    ¡°Oh, I see. You want to interrogate him here, do you?¡± Montague interrupted eagerly.


    Before Umbridge could respond, Millicent squealed, ¡°As a friend of the Weasley brothers, he must know a lot!¡±


    ¡°I advise you to speak quickly,¡± Montague sneered at Kyle, ¡°or you can stay silent... but then we might have to use a little persuasion.¡±


    Watching Montague threaten Kyle, Malfoy shivered. For the first time, he realized someone could be even stupider than Crabbe and Goyle.


    Taking two steps back, Malfoy distanced himself as much as possible from Montague.


    ¡°What are you doing? Hurry back,¡± Umbridge snapped. ¡°Kyle is not someone to be trifled with, and you will follow his lead on this mission.¡±


    Millicent¡¯s laughter cut off abruptly, and she stared at Umbridge, wide-eyed, as though she had been physically struck.


    ¡°What?¡± Montague frowned. ¡°Professor, I may have misheard. Are you saying a will be leading us?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s correct,¡± Umbridge replied impatiently. ¡°If you don¡¯t like it, you can leave now.¡±


    Montague¡¯s expression darkened, but ultimately, he said nothing more.


    ¡°Since there are no objections, it¡¯s settled then,¡± Umbridge said with satisfaction. ¡°Kyle will lead your operation, and Argus Filch will also provide assistance."


    ¡°In addition, each of you will hold authority above that of the Prefects during this mission. You may enter and leave the castle at will. You answer only to me. Even if other professors try to interfere, you are to ignore them.¡±


    To be honest, this was an extraordinary level of authority. Even Prefects couldn¡¯t leave their common rooms without authorization after curfew, except under specific circumstances¡ªlike assisting Filch on a patrol. Even then, their movements were restricted to a single floor.


    The privileges Umbridge granted went far beyond that.


    And then there was the last condition.


    Kyle touched his chin thoughtfully. It occurred to him that, if he dared, he might use the pretense of searching for clues to break into Snape¡¯s private collection room openly. Of course, whether Snape would retaliate later was another matter entirely.


    Unlike Kyle, the Slytherins didn¡¯t seem thrilled about being given such extensive privileges.


    But Umbridge didn¡¯t seem to care.


    "Alright, what are you waiting for?"


    At Umbridge¡¯s prompt, Malfoy, who had clearly been itching to leave, was the first to walk out of the room. Pansy, Crabbe, and Goyle followed closely behind him.


    ¡°By the way, if you need anything, you can always come and talk to me,¡± Umbridge added with a sweet smile, her eyes settling on Kyle, who was the last to leave. ¡°I don¡¯t think you¡¯ll let me down.¡±


    ¡°Of course, Professor,¡± Kyle replied smoothly, his expression unchanged, before stepping out and quietly shutting the door behind him.


    Outside, the Slytherins hadn¡¯t dispersed yet. Instead, they lingered in the corridor, each stationed in different spots. Montague and Millicent stood near a pair of imposing suits of armor, while Malfoy loitered further down by the stairs.


    Kyle barely spared them a glance as he prepared to leave, but before he could take a step, Montague suddenly moved to block his path.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know what tricks you pulled to get Professor Umbridge to trust you,¡± Montague began coldly, his face twisted in irritation, ¡°but don¡¯t think for a second you can boss me around.¡±


    ¡°Oh?¡± Kyle raised an eyebrow, his tone mild. ¡°If that¡¯s how you feel, why didn¡¯t you say so earlier? Or are you just now deciding to defy Professor Umbridge¡¯s orders?¡±


    ¡°Of course not,¡± Montague sneered, silently mocking Kyle for what he considered a weak attempt to corner him.


    ¡°I¡¯ll find those people myself,¡± Montague declared confidently, ¡°and I won¡¯t need your help.¡±


    ¡°Really? This is still a task assigned to me by Professor Umbridge.¡±


    ¡°Well, I don¡¯t take orders from a Hufflepuff,¡± Montague snapped, his voice dripping with disdain. He looked down at Kyle with unmistakable arrogance. ¡°You¡¯re not worthy of leading us.¡±


    ¡°Exactly,¡± Millicent chimed in, emerging from her corner to side with Montague. ¡°A Hufflepuff in charge? Ridiculous.¡± Sear?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Kyle watched their synchronized performance silently, his expression unreadable. To Montague, however, this silence seemed like fear or even submission.


    ¡°You can come along if you want,¡± Montague continued, stepping closer. ¡°But I¡¯m in charge. I¡¯ll decide what we do and when we act. Got it?¡±


    ¡°Well¡­ is this a threat?¡± Kyle asked dryly.


    ¡°You can think of it that way,¡± Montague said, clenching his fists, a cocky grin spreading across his face. ¡°If you don¡¯t want to get hurt, you¡¯d better do as I say. And don¡¯t even think about running to Professor Umbridge to tattle, or you¡¯ll regret it.¡±


    Kyle sighed, his voice tinged with exaggerated pity. ¡°Gee, I just don¡¯t understand¡­ Have you always been this brave, or are you just high on the Elixir to Induce Euphoria?¡±


    ¡°What did you say?¡± Montague growled, his eyes narrowing.


    ¡°Nothing,¡± Kyle said with a shrug, pulling out his wand. ¡°I just don¡¯t think this is something I can leave to you. Watch your head.¡±


    ¡°You¡ª¡± Montague started to retort, but his words were cut short.


    The suit of armor beside him suddenly sprang to life. The metal groaned as it raised its massive two-handed sword high in the air before swinging it down toward Montague.


    The deafening sound echoed through the corridor, startling the portraits awake. Dust and fragments of stone rained down, scattering across the floor and landing on Montague¡¯s nose.


    He stood frozen, too terrified to move. The blade had stopped less than an inch from his head, so close he could feel the icy chill emanating from the metal.

 Chapter 651: Why Did You Have to Provoke Him?

    Feeling the cold steel of the handsword pressed against his head, Montague felt as though a bucket of icy water had been dumped over him. A chill swept from the top of his head to the soles of his feet.


    The sensation immediately sobered him, and memories of Kyle¡¯s formidable battle records came flooding back, along with the opponent¡¯s near-legendary status as one of the best in the school. Montague was struck by a crushing realization: approaching Kyle to provoke him had been a colossal mistake. S§×ar?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Sure, he might have stood a chance in a straightforward fistfight, but in a battle involving magic? Even ten of him combined wouldn¡¯t be a match for Kyle. Still, one question lingered¡ªwhy was Kyle so bold as to use magic here, right outside Professor Umbridge¡¯s office? Did he have no fear of punishment? And such dangerous magic at that.


    As Montague wrestled with his thoughts, a sudden, excited shout shattered the tense silence in the corridor.


    ¡°Hey, this feels great!¡± The animated suit of armor bounced on its feet, its helmeted head swiveling wildly. ¡°How about again? How about again?¡±


    ¡°Of course,¡± Kyle replied casually, tapping his wand. The armor raised its sword-wielding arm once more.


    The other students, frozen until now, finally snapped out of their daze.


    ¡°Ah!¡± Millicent¡¯s piercing scream echoed through the corridor, drawing the attention of Professor Umbridge, who was still in her office.


    ¡°What is going on out here?¡± she demanded, flinging open the door. ¡°Keep quiet!¡±


    ¡°Professor!¡± Montague shouted, his voice tinged with desperation, as though he¡¯d just spotted a lifeline. ¡°It¡¯s Kyle... He tried to kill me!¡±


    ¡°Nonsense. Kyle would never do such a thing!¡± Umbridge snapped.


    ¡°It¡¯s true!¡± Montague insisted, gesturing wildly at the armor. ¡°Look, he did this!¡±


    Umbridge frowned as her gaze landed on the suit of armor, its hands gripping a raised sword. While she didn¡¯t believe for a second that Kyle would actually kill Montague at Hogwarts, the scene before her was unsettling enough to warrant concern.


    ¡°I demand an explanation.¡±


    ¡°Apologies, Professor,¡± Kyle said smoothly, a small smile playing on his lips. ¡°Mr. Montague appeared to be questioning your decisions and was unwilling to follow my commands. I thought it necessary to demonstrate what I¡¯m capable of.¡±


    ¡°Questioning me?¡± Umbridge turned her stern gaze on Montague. ¡°Is that true?¡±


    ¡°I¡­ I didn¡¯t¡­¡± Montague stammered, shaking his head frantically. But the guilt in his eyes betrayed him, and Umbridge was quick to notice.


    ¡°Don¡¯t take things too far,¡± she said, casting a warning glance at Kyle. ¡°I don¡¯t want to see anyone sent to the Hospital Wing.¡±


    ¡°Of course, Professor. I know my limits,¡± Kyle replied with a polite nod. With a wave of his wand, he commanded the armor to return to its original position and simultaneously pocketed his wand.


    Umbridge seemed satisfied with this, nodding approvingly before retreating back into her office.


    ¡°So that¡¯s it?¡± Montague muttered, still frozen in place, his mind struggling to process what had just transpired. Magic in the corridors? Damaging castle property? Nearly killing someone? And not even a reprimand? Even Professor Snape would at least hand out a verbal scolding in such a scenario.


    The office door closed with a decisive thud, and silence descended over the corridor once more.


    Whether it was the sting of perceived injustice or the humiliation of losing face, rage bubbled up within Montague. Without thinking, he drew his wand, ready to cast a Jinx at Kyle. But just as he began to chant the incantation, an image flashed vividly in his mind¡ªlast year¡¯s Tournament of Champions. He remembered Kyle¡¯s flame spell, the one that had effortlessly burned through half the maze.


    His resolve evaporated instantly, his courage replaced with cold fear. When Kyle turned to face him, Montague instinctively bolted.


    ¡°This is... a diversion?¡± Kyle blinked, lowering his wand. He had been ready to cast a Disarming Charm, but it seemed unnecessary now.


    ¡°Stop!¡± The suit of armor, however, was less forgiving. ¡°Stop, brat, come back here!¡± it bellowed, its voice reverberating through the corridor.


    At that, Montague only ran faster.


    ¡°This coward¡­¡± the armor growled in frustration, then swiveled its head toward Millicent. ¡°How about someone else? I think it¡¯d be good to chop her up.¡±


    Millicent, pale and trembling, stared at the glinting two-handed sword in the armor¡¯s grasp and looked ready to faint from sheer terror.


    Kyle, however, paid her no attention. With Montague gone, he turned on his heel and headed toward the stairs without a word.


    If this had been any other matter, Kyle would have shrugged off Montague¡¯s antics, letting him stir up trouble elsewhere. That approach would¡¯ve been simpler, sparing Kyle the effort of dealing with him directly while leaving Montague to face the consequences of his own failure. A neat solution with little effort required.


    But this wasn¡¯t just any other matter.


    The Room of Requirement, while secure, wasn¡¯t entirely impervious to discovery. The DA¡¯s membership had swelled to over seventy students, and Kyle couldn¡¯t guarantee that every one of them was genuinely committed to learning magic. The possibility of a traitor, someone willing to inform on them, loomed uncomfortably large. If exposed, they¡¯d be in serious trouble. Leaving things to the Slytherins was simply too risky.


    The simplest way to handle Slytherin interference was to assert dominance¡ªshowing them just how vast the power gap was between them. After what had just transpired, Kyle was confident they wouldn¡¯t try anything further.


    Even so, Cedric would need to be informed. There was always the chance Umbridge had recruited someone else without their knowledge, and vigilance was paramount.


    With this thought in mind, Kyle quickened his pace toward the Hufflepuff common room.


    ¡°What a letdown, what a letdown!¡± the armor muttered, its voice tinged with disappointment. As it sulked, Peeves peeked out from behind a nearby wall, cursing under his breath. In a fit of mischief-fueled anger, the poltergeist hurled several water balloons in random directions before disappearing down the corridor.


    Meanwhile, on the far side of the hall, Malfoy stood watching Montague flee down the stairs, not once looking back. A low chuckle escaped Malfoy¡¯s lips, and an odd warmth spread through him, as if he¡¯d just drunk a steaming mug of Butterbeer on a cold winter¡¯s day. It was unexpectedly satisfying.


    ¡°That was terrifying... that Kyle,¡± Crabbe said shakily, still clutching his chest. ¡°Draco, did you already know this was going to happen? Is that why you didn¡¯t say anything?¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Malfoy replied, startled out of his thoughts.


    ¡°That Kyle would attack us directly and get away with it,¡± Crabbe clarified, his voice still quivering. ¡°Without even being punished by Professor Umbridge.¡±


    Malfoy hesitated for only a moment before clearing his throat and adopting a serious expression. ¡°Of course. I already guessed that.¡±


    Crabbe nodded in reluctant admiration. ¡°Slytherin respects strength. I think that¡¯s why Professor Umbridge chose Kyle to lead us. If he¡¯s strong enough, I don¡¯t care what house he¡¯s in.¡±


    ¡°Unfortunately, that idiot Montague doesn¡¯t understand,¡± Malfoy muttered, his eyes narrowing as he glanced toward the stairs where Montague had disappeared. ¡°What did you say you did to him?¡±


    The memory of Montague¡¯s arrogance flashed in Malfoy¡¯s mind, particularly his domineering attitude after being named Quidditch captain. Malfoy¡¯s lips curled into a satisfied smirk. Though they were in the same house and on the same team, their relationship had always been strained.


    He vividly remembered the aftermath of their last match. Montague had berated him in front of the entire team, blaming Slytherin¡¯s loss on Malfoy¡¯s poor performance. To make matters worse, Montague had openly declared that Malfoy¡¯s flying skills were inferior to Potter¡¯s.


    Malfoy had barely restrained himself then, his frustration held in check only by the presence of Madam Pomfrey nearby. Others could critique his flying, but comparing him unfavorably to Potter was unforgivable.


    But now, seeing Montague¡¯s humiliated retreat replayed in his mind, Malfoy¡¯s irritation vanished like smoke His mood lightened instantly.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± he said with a wave of his hand, his tone unusually cheerful. ¡°Yesterday, my father brought me a bag of high-end sweets. You can eat as much as you want.¡±


    ¡°Really? Draco¡­¡± Crabbe¡¯s face lit up.


    ¡°Great!¡± Goyle added eagerly.


    At the mention of food, both Crabbe and Goyle forgot all about Montague and the tense encounter. They followed Malfoy enthusiastically, leaving Pansy behind as she hurried over to console the still-terrified Millicent.

 Chapter 652: The Referee

    Umbridge¡¯s search mission began that evening.


    At precisely 8:30 p.m., Kyle sent Malfoy and Crabbe off on patrol before making his way to the eighth floor. The moment he stepped off the stairs, a head poked out from behind a tapestry on the same floor, moving with a cautious twitch. Sear?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°What¡¯s the situation¡­?¡± Fred whispered.


    ¡°Relax. I¡¯m the only one on the eighth floor,¡± Kyle replied, signaling with his hand to confirm the coast was clear.


    Fred emerged confidently, brushing dust off his robes. ¡°Alright, give me the details.¡±


    ¡°Malfoy and Crabbe are on the sixth floor. Montague is on the fifth. There are people patrolling the third and second floors as well,¡± Kyle explained. ¡°If you¡¯re heading back, I¡¯d recommend avoiding the stairs for now¡ªor at least waiting a bit.¡±


    ¡°No time to wait,¡± George said, considering their options. ¡°The curfew¡¯s starting soon. If we get caught, it¡¯ll be even worse. What about the tower? Isn¡¯t there a secret passage there that leads straight to the first floor?¡±


    ¡°That could work,¡± Kyle nodded. ¡°They won¡¯t have enough time to cover that area. Just make sure you take the Marauder¡¯s Map with you.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry,¡± Fred assured him with a grin. He ducked back behind the tapestry to gather the others.


    Kyle, after a moment¡¯s thought, cast a Disillusionment Charm on himself and moved to a shadowy corner by the stairs. Not long after, a door materialized on the opposite wall, and students began filing out one by one¡ªmembers of the DA who had just finished their gathering.


    Fred quickly organized the group, dividing them into three well-practiced teams. Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw students followed Fred toward the tower, where the secret passage would help them get back to their respective common rooms. Gryffindors, whose common room was conveniently located on the eighth floor, slipped away around the corner without needing much instruction.


    Once the corridor was empty, Kyle approached the Room of Requirement and stepped inside.


    The few students still lingering in the room spun around at the sound of the door opening. They relaxed visibly when they saw it was him.


    ¡°Kyle, is it true what they¡¯re saying?¡± Hermione asked immediately, her voice tinged with worry. ¡°Did Umbridge really find out about us teaching ourselves Defence Against the Dark Arts?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± Kyle confirmed with a nod.


    ¡°But how?¡± Hermione pressed, frowning. ¡°We enchanted the member list. Whoever¡¯s name is on it should be unable to reveal anything. How could she have found out?¡±


    ¡°No magical contract is flawless,¡± Kyle replied evenly. ¡°Not even the strongest ones, except maybe the Unbreakable Vow. The magical bond between DA members isn¡¯t that rigid. A careless comment during a conversation could let something slip.¡±


    He paused briefly before adding, ¡°Or someone could have lost their fake Galleon. If the person who found it noticed the numbers changing, they might have pieced together what it¡¯s for.¡±


    ¡°It must¡¯ve been Neville¡­¡± Ron muttered. ¡°He¡¯s always losing things.¡±


    ¡°No, Ron,¡± Hermione interjected, shaking her head. ¡°Neville¡¯s never missed a single meeting. If he¡¯d lost his Galleon, how would he know when to show up?¡±


    ¡°Maybe¡­ someone told him,¡± Ron mumbled defensively, though his suspicion lingered.


    ¡°By the way,¡± Harry said, suddenly struck by a thought. ¡°Kyle, how did you know they were trying to catch us in the castle today?¡±


    Hermione and Ron turned their attention to Kyle, though Cedric and Cho, standing nearby, appeared unbothered.


    Kyle¡¯s expression remained calm. ¡°It¡¯s simple,¡± he said. ¡°Because the person responsible for capturing you is me.¡±


    The room fell into an icy silence.


    Harry''s eyes widened as though he had just seen hundreds of trolls soaring past on broomsticks and then swooped down, hugged Ron, and performed a spirited tap dance on a broomstick.


    Ron, for his part, looked as though someone had hit him with a Confundus Charm. His face shifted between bewilderment and disbelief, his brain seemingly on the verge of shutting down.


    Hermione fared slightly better than the other two, but even she was too stunned to immediately form a response.


    ¡°You see, I told you I wasn¡¯t the only one,¡± Cedric said with a laugh. ¡°You mocked me for being too emotional, but now you know¡ªwe¡¯re all the same.¡±


    He chuckled, remembering his own reaction when he first heard the news. He hadn¡¯t fared any better than the trio in front of him. He¡¯d been so shocked that he¡¯d spilled ink all over his Potions homework and had to rewrite it from scratch.


    Cedric¡¯s laughter seemed to snap the others out of their stupor.


    ¡°You¡­ you¡¯re here to arrest us?¡± Ron shouted, stumbling back a few steps. ¡°Harry, Hermione, run!¡±


    Loyal to the core, Ron¡¯s first instinct was to protect his friends, even if his logic hadn¡¯t quite caught up with the situation.


    Hermione glanced between Kyle and Cedric, who were smirking, and then at Ron, who was still yelling. She couldn¡¯t help but twitch her mouth in exasperation as her face flushed slightly.


    If she had known this was going to happen, she would never have let Ron stay. For that matter, Harry¡ªwho was standing nearby, hesitating¡ªwas no better. They were clearly better suited to sitting by the common room fireplace, debating which homework assignment to tackle first.


    ¡°Ron, use your brain!¡± Hermione snapped. ¡°If Kyle wanted to capture us, why would he go through all this trouble? He could¡¯ve just brought Umbridge here!¡±


    ¡°Huh?¡± Ron froze mid-step, his face quickly turning as red as his hair.


    ¡°Exactly,¡± Harry said, waving a hand. ¡°And how could Kyle capture us when Cedric¡¯s here?¡±


    Hermione sighed, too drained to deal with the two of them any longer. She turned instead to Kyle and Cedric. ¡°So, was this your plan? Fighting the Weasley twins to gain Umbridge¡¯s trust?¡±


    ¡°Sort of,¡± Kyle admitted with a small smile.


    Glancing at the time, he added, ¡°Well, curfew is about to start. I can¡¯t stay here too long¡ªyou¡¯d better head back as well. Just a reminder, though: there are patrols on every floor right now. Don¡¯t get caught.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry,¡± Cedric said, exchanging a glance with Cho. ¡°We¡¯ve got the Disillusionment Charm.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve got the Cloak of Invisibility too,¡± Harry said. Although it was getting harder to hide all three of them under the cloak now that they¡¯d grown taller, the Gryffindor common room was right next door, so it wouldn¡¯t be much of an issue. Besides, with Kyle in charge, using the cloak felt more like a formality than a necessity.


    ¡°Alright,¡± Kyle said, nodding as he moved toward the door. Just before stepping out, he turned back and added, ¡°Oh, and let me know the time of the next meeting in advance.¡±


    ¡°No problem,¡± Cedric replied.


    As the door closed behind Kyle, Harry blinked, as though waking from a strange dream. The whole encounter felt almost unreal.


    ¡°Umbridge would never guess that Kyle¡¯s on our side,¡± Harry said, rubbing his face as he processed everything. Then, grinning, he added, ¡°I can¡¯t wait to see her face when she finds out the truth. It¡¯s going to be priceless.¡±


    His laughter was infectious, and soon Ron, Hermione, Cedric, and Cho joined in.


    It felt just like a Quidditch match.


    In a game, there were many ways to secure victory¡ªexceptional players, rigorous training, and clever tactics all played a role. But there was one guaranteed way to win: having the referee on your side.


    Right now, Kyle was that referee.


    With Kyle on the field, they didn¡¯t have to worry about being discovered by Umbridge at all.


    And the feeling? It was absolutely wonderful.

 Chapter 653: Kyle Was Taken Away

    When Kyle completed his patrol of the eighth floor and returned to the corridor, the wall where the Room of Requirement had been was bare, as if it had never existed.


    By then, the other patrols had finished their rounds as well. Unsurprisingly, no one had found anything of note.


    Some individuals were more disgruntled than others¡ªMontague and Filch, in particular.


    ¡°I know they were up to something tonight,¡± Filch grumbled as he stomped onto the eighth floor. ¡°Peeves was causing a ruckus down on the first floor. I heard him yelling.¡±


    ¡°And did you catch anyone?¡± Kyle asked calmly.


    ¡°No,¡± Filch admitted, his face twisting in frustration. ¡°By the time I got there, they were gone. But I found plenty of footprints¡ªat least a dozen!¡±


    ¡°But we can¡¯t catch anyone based on footprints, Mr. Filch,¡± Kyle said, his tone light but pointed. ¡°Unless, of course, you¡¯re willing to confiscate everyone¡¯s shoes and compare them one by one.¡±


    Filch¡¯s expression soured even further. He let out an irritated snort, then turned sharply on his heel and stomped downstairs without another word.


    Kyle shook his head. ¡°What bad manners,¡± he muttered under his breath.


    Montague, on the other hand, had taken a far quieter approach. Though clearly frustrated by the fruitless search, he kept his displeasure to himself, standing silently at the back of the group and doing his best to blend into the background.


    ¡°Well, don¡¯t let this discourage you,¡± Kyle said, addressing the group. ¡°It¡¯s only the first day. It¡¯s perfectly normal not to have any results yet. As long as those rule-breakers keep pushing their luck, we¡¯ll catch them eventually.¡±


    He offered a few more encouraging words before clapping his hands. ¡°Alright, time to call it a night. Everyone, head back and get some rest¡ªyou don¡¯t want to be late for class tomorrow.¡±


    The Slytherins, still subdued, trudged downstairs without a word. Kyle made his way back to the Hufflepuff common room, the lateness of the hour evident in the quiet halls.


    When he finally pushed open the door to the barrel entrance, only Cedric and Kanna were left in the common room, idly passing time with a game of Exploding Snap.


    ¡°You¡¯re finally back,¡± Cedric said with a smile, glancing at the clock on the wall. ¡°You¡¯ve been working hard¡ªstill out this late.¡± sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°Well, you all left early,¡± Kyle replied with a grin, sinking into the armchair between them.


    ¡°So,¡± Kanna asked, putting down her cards and leaning forward with interest, ¡°how did it go?¡±


    ¡°Well enough,¡± Kyle said lightly. ¡°If you¡¯re curious, I could always ask Umbridge to let you be my assistant.¡±


    ¡°No thanks,¡± Kanna said quickly, shaking her head. ¡°I¡¯m not sure I¡¯d be able to keep my cover intact. This job suits you better.¡±


    ¡°It wouldn¡¯t be too difficult,¡± Kyle teased. ¡°An assistant¡¯s job is mostly just following me around. That shouldn¡¯t cause any problems.¡±


    Kanna hesitated, tempted by the idea. With everyone else so busy, she felt a growing urge to contribute in some way.


    ¡°And,¡± Kyle added with a sly smile, ¡°it¡¯s a rare chance to practice outwitting your enemies¡ªjust like the Order of the Phoenix does.¡±


    ¡°You should apply to be Head of the Auror Office,¡± Cedric quipped. ¡°Though don¡¯t forget you¡¯re managing a bunch of Slytherins.¡±


    ¡°If Montague became an Auror, the Ministry would be doomed,¡± Kyle replied with a shrug. ¡°And honestly, so would I.¡±


    His self-deprecating humor drew a burst of laughter from Kanna.


    The three of them lingered in the cozy common room, chatting amiably until the early hours of the morning before finally retreating to their dormitories.


    ...


    The next day at dinner, Cedric made a point of not sitting next to Kyle, breaking their usual routine. Instead, he chose a spot farther away, glancing at Kyle occasionally with exaggerated, menacing glares.


    Kyle couldn¡¯t help but feel the effort was unnecessary. Everyone¡¯s focus¡ªUmbridge¡¯s included¡ªwas firmly on Gryffindor, with no one suspecting that he might also be a DA member. Still, Cedric seemed to relish his role, even if his acting skills left much to be desired. Kyle had to bite his lip to keep from laughing.


    In stark contrast, the Slytherins were growing noticeably friendlier toward Kyle.


    After Charms class, a small group of Slytherin students clustered around him, engaging him in conversation and even extending invitations to their homes for the upcoming Christmas holidays.


    ¡°Our family hosts a grand ball every Christmas break, and you simply must come,¡± said a sixth-year Slytherin enthusiastically. ¡°It¡¯s much livelier than that dull school Yule Ball last year. Loads of important people attend¡ªsometimes even Minister Fudge drops by.¡±


    ¡°Really? That sounds wonderful. If I¡¯m free, I¡¯d love to come,¡± Kyle replied smoothly, though he subtly quickened his pace to escape the growing entourage.


    As they made their way out of the classroom corridor toward the Great Hall, their path was suddenly blocked by two familiar faces.


    ¡°Weasley...¡± A Slytherin student beside Kyle stepped forward immediately, eyeing the twins with disdain. ¡°What do you want?¡±


    Fred, unfazed, shot him a dismissive look before focusing on Kyle. ¡°This doesn¡¯t concern you,¡± he said to the Slytherin, then turned his gaze on Kyle, adopting a mock-threatening tone. ¡°Do you dare come with us?¡±


    ¡°Of course, why wouldn¡¯t I?¡± Kyle replied, a smile playing at his lips.


    He gestured for the Slytherins to go ahead without him, taking Kanna along as he followed Fred and George to a quieter, empty corridor away from prying eyes.


    The moment they were out of sight, Fred¡¯s demeanor changed entirely. His face lit up with excitement, though he kept his voice low.


    ¡°How did you do it?¡± he asked eagerly. ¡°Our suspension¡¯s been lifted¡ªme, George, Harry¡ªwe can all play Quidditch again!¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s fantastic news,¡± Kyle said with a grin. ¡°Congratulations.¡±


    ¡°But seriously, how did you manage it?¡± Fred pressed. ¡°How¡¯d you get that old toad Umbridge to change her mind?¡±


    He was genuinely baffled. In all the time Umbridge had been at Hogwarts, he hadn¡¯t heard of anyone successfully swaying her decisions. Even Professor McGonagall¡¯s attempts had failed, and Trelawney was only still employed because of ongoing investigations.


    ¡°I just wrote a letter to the Malfoy family,¡± Kyle said nonchalantly.


    ¡°That¡¯s it?¡±


    ¡°Of course.¡±


    Fred looked skeptical, but before he could probe further, George waved at them urgently from the other end of the corridor.


    A second later, the sound of hurried footsteps echoed nearby. Someone was approaching.


    Fred immediately shifted back into his mock-aggressive stance, pointing at Kyle and shouting, ¡°Just you wait and see! We¡¯ll deal with you later!¡±


    With that, he and George turned and quickly disappeared down the corridor, leaving before Umbridge¡ªor anyone else¡ªcould arrive.


    ...


    For the rest of the week, things continued in much the same manner.


    Cedric handled the arrangement with ease, but Fred and George quickly grew tired of sneaking around to talk to Kyle or visit the Room of Requirement after curfew. At first, they found the covert meetings amusing, even thrilling, but as the days wore on, the novelty wore thin.


    ¡°Let¡¯s just wait,¡± Fred grumbled after another late-night DA meeting. ¡°Maybe the Slytherins will go home for the Christmas holidays.¡±


    As usual, the group split up after the meeting, with Kyle leading the way to ensure the coast was clear. Everything went smoothly until midnight, when an unexpected figure appeared in the corridor.


    Professor McGonagall strode toward Kyle, her face stern but composed. Stopping in front of him, she said, ¡°Dumbledore wants to see you. Follow me.¡±


    Before Kyle could respond, she turned on her heel, leaving him no choice but to follow. The group of Slytherins standing nearby froze, their expressions shifting from confusion to unease.


    ¡°What¡¯s the headmaster doing getting involved?¡± a fifth-year student muttered nervously. ¡°Should we tell Professor Umbridge?¡±


    ¡°No. Don¡¯t move,¡± Montague ordered sharply, his gaze fixed on the direction Kyle had been taken. A sly, almost gleeful smile crept onto his face. ¡°So what if it¡¯s the headmaster? We should trust Kyle¡ªhe¡¯ll sort this out.¡±


    ¡°But¡­¡± The nervous student hesitated, clearly unconvinced.


    Montague stepped forward, his tall, imposing figure casting a shadow over the smaller student. ¡°Did you not hear what I just said?¡± he asked coldly, his voice dripping with menace.


    The other student quickly shook his head. ¡°N-no, I did.¡±


    ¡°Good.¡± Montague nodded in satisfaction. ¡°And it¡¯s late. We shouldn¡¯t disturb Professor Umbridge¡¯s rest. For now, head back to the common room¡ªwe¡¯ll talk about this tomorrow.¡±


    His suggestion was met with murmurs of agreement. One by one, the Slytherins dispersed, some even chatting and laughing as if nothing out of the ordinary had occurred.


    Malfoy, lingering at the back of the group, cast a furtive glance toward the headmaster¡¯s office. A flicker of conflict crossed his face, his usual composure wavering for a brief moment.


    ¡°Draco, hurry up!¡± Pansy urged impatiently, tugging at his sleeve.


    Crabbe grunted his own encouragement, muttering, ¡°Come on, we¡¯re gonna get caught out here.¡±


    After a moment¡¯s hesitation, Malfoy exhaled deeply, shoved his hands into his pockets, and reluctantly followed the others down the stairs.

 Chapter 654: The Attacked Sirius

    The Headmaster¡¯s Office wasn¡¯t far from where Kyle had been on the eighth floor. He followed Professor McGonagall through the dimly lit corridors, the moonlight streaming in through tall windows.


    Kyle¡¯s curiosity burned¡ªhe wanted to ask why he was being summoned at this late hour. But one look at Professor McGonagall¡¯s tightly pressed lips and stern expression made him decide against it.


    After a few minutes of silent walking, they arrived at the Gargoyle guarding the entrance.


    ¡°Tooth Splintering Strong Mints,¡± McGonagall said crisply. The Gargoyle sprang aside, revealing the spiral staircase leading up to the Headmaster¡¯s Office.


    Kyle followed her into the passage. It was already past midnight, but as they neared the top, Kyle could hear voices¡ªanimated and urgent. The muffled chatter made it clear that something serious was being discussed.


    The office was unusually lively when Kyle entered. Dumbledore, wearing white pajamas dotted with strawberry prints, was crouched in front of the fireplace. Behind him stood Harry, looking anxious, and Snape, who wore his usual brooding scowl.


    The scene was peculiar enough to make Kyle pause for a moment. His eyes swept the room curiously¡ªhad Harry broken yet another rule, only to be dragged here by Snape? But then his attention shifted to the fireplace, where a fiery visage was taking shape.


    The face in the flames was none other than Mr. Weasley¡¯s. His expression was grave as he spoke.


    ¡°Yes, Professor Dumbledore,¡± Mr. Weasley said, his fiery lips moving as though he were standing right there. ¡°Sirius was indeed attacked by Death Eaters. When Moody and I arrived, they were torturing him with the Cruciatus Curse.¡±


    ¡°How is Sirius?¡± Harry asked urgently, stepping closer to the fireplace. ¡°Is he okay?¡±


    ¡°Oh... Harry,¡± Mr. Weasley said with a hint of hesitation. ¡°Calm down. Sirius has been taken to St. Mungo¡¯s Hospital for Magical Injuries. The Healers say he¡¯s not seriously hurt, just in need of rest.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Arthur,¡± Dumbledore said.


    ¡°It was the least I could do,¡± Mr. Weasley replied. Then his expression darkened. ¡°But Professor, I don¡¯t know if Moody told you¡ªthings aren¡¯t looking good for Sturgis.¡±


    ¡°I know already,¡± Dumbledore said gravely.


    Mr. Weasley¡¯s face vanished from the flames. Almost immediately, a portrait of a witch with silver curls stirred to life on the wall.


    ¡°How are things, Dilys?¡± Dumbledore asked.


    ¡°One good, one bad,¡± the witch said. ¡°Both of them have been taken to St. Mungo¡¯s. I saw them pass right under my portrait. One is just unconscious, but the other¡­¡± Her expression became grim. ¡°He¡¯s in a bad way. Sykes says the dark magic he¡¯s been exposed to is particularly nasty. It¡¯ll take at least six hours to brew an antidote, but he won¡¯t last that long. You¡¯ll have to act quickly.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Dilys,¡± Dumbledore said, turning to Kyle. ¡°You do carry that suitcase of yours around, don¡¯t you?¡±


    ¡°Of course,¡± Kyle replied.


    ¡°Good,¡± Dumbledore said. ¡°We¡¯ll be making a trip shortly.¡± He waved his wand, and his strawberry-print pajamas morphed into a regal purple robe as he turned to Harry.


    ¡°Are you going to St. Mungo¡¯s?¡± Harry asked quickly. ¡°I want to come with you, Professor. I want to see Sirius.¡±


    ¡°A reasonable request,¡± Dumbledore said, nodding before glancing at Snape. ¡°Severus, we¡¯ll discuss the matter we spoke of when I return.¡±


    Snape¡¯s face darkened even further, his lip curling.


    ¡°You should know better, Potter,¡± Snape said sharply. ¡°If you can see the Dark Lord through that cursed scar of yours, then the Dark Lord can see you just as easily. The last thing we need is your empty-headed recklessness putting you in mortal danger.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m aware, Severus,¡± Dumbledore said calmly. ¡°But a little while longer won¡¯t make a difference, I assure you.¡±


    Snape gave an irritated snort but said no more.


    ¡°Three travelers, then,¡± Dumbledore mused. ¡°I¡¯ll take Harry first. Kyle, Fawkes can escort you.¡±


    Kyle winced inwardly, suppressing a sigh. He would have preferred to switch with Harry¡ªtraveling with a Phoenix was a rare opportunity, but it was one he wanted to miss. But before he could voice his thought, Dumbledore had already grabbed Harry¡¯s arm and vanished with a sharp .


    Fawkes, perched nearby, took flight and landed gracefully on Kyle¡¯s shoulder.


    ¡°Alright, Fawkes,¡± Kyle said with a resigned smile. ¡°Lead the way.¡±


    The Phoenix chirped and spread its magnificent wings.


    Kyle barely had time to notice Snape¡¯s faint smirk before there was a blinding flash of gold and red fire. The ground seemed to vanish beneath him, and the world spun violently. He felt like a Bludger that had been hit too hard, tumbling wildly through the air.


    When the spinning finally stopped, Kyle landed¡ªrather ungracefully¡ªon a table.


    The table collapsed under him, sending parchment and quills flying across the floor in a messy heap.


    Kyle¡¯s landing had been less than graceful, and Harry, already present, cautiously asked, ¡°Kyle, are you okay?¡±


    Although Harry himself was still adjusting to the dizziness caused by Apparition, he couldn¡¯t help but find Kyle¡¯s exaggerated reaction a bit much. Without the table to break his fall, Kyle might have hit the wall outright. And considering Kyle could Apparate, Harry found it surprising that he wasn¡¯t used to the sensation by now.


    Kyle waved his hand dismissively to indicate he was fine. After suppressing the nausea swirling in his stomach, he looked around to assess his surroundings.


    The room appeared to be a small office, its shelves crowded with cauldrons and jars of various sizes, all brimming with mysterious ingredients. Besides Harry and Kyle, Dumbledore was present, as was a familiar face¡ªDirector Sykes of St. Mungo¡¯s.


    The renowned Potioneer was staring at Kyle, her gaze alternating between him and the Phoenix perched on his shoulder.


    ¡°I¡¯ve never seen Fawkes take to anyone besides you, Albus,¡± she remarked, her tone tinged with amazement.


    ¡°Fawkes trusts Kyle deeply,¡± Dumbledore said with a wave of his wand. The table Kyle had knocked over instantly righted itself, the scattered parchment neatly reassembling.


    ¡°Time is of the essence, Sykes,¡± Dumbledore continued. ¡°The Ministry will be here soon, and we must act before they arrive.¡±


    ¡°I understand,¡± Sykes said, though she hesitated briefly, frowning. ¡°But are you certain he can counter the dark magic afflicting Sturgis?¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s the only one who can,¡± Dumbledore said with quiet conviction.


    Sykes didn¡¯t question him further. She set down the silver tray in her hands and gestured toward the door. ¡°Follow me.¡±


    ¡°Come along, Kyle,¡± Dumbledore instructed, then turned to Harry. ¡°You stay here for now.¡±


    ¡°But Sirius¡ª¡± Harry began to protest.


    ¡°You¡¯ll see him, Harry, but not now,¡± Dumbledore said firmly before ushering Kyle out of the room.


    The hallway beyond was dimly lit, the flickering oil lamps casting shadows that barely illuminated the ancient corridor. Their footsteps echoed softly as they walked, the atmosphere oppressive with an air of urgency.


    At the end of the corridor, Sykes pushed open a heavy black door. The room inside was even darker, the shadows clinging to every corner like a shroud.


    ¡°Some wounds caused by dark magic react poorly to light,¡± Sykes explained. ¡°If exposed, they could worsen. Fortunately, the curse in this case doesn¡¯t have that property¡ªotherwise, it would be even more troublesome¡­ .¡±


    She lit her wand, revealing a sparse room dominated by a single bed. On it lay a wizard whose body was crisscrossed with pulsating dark purple lines, like veins infected with malevolence. The marks seemed almost alive, writhing as they slowly spread across his body.


    ¡°What¡¯s the plan?¡± Sykes asked, turning to Kyle and Dumbledore. ¡°The antidote will take at least six hours to brew.¡±


    Kyle¡¯s gaze shifted to Dumbledore, who spoke with calm precision.


    ¡°We need to contain him in his current state¡ªboth body and soul,¡± Dumbledore said. ¡°Dark magic, in most cases, cannot spread through petrification. I sent Fawkes to Dorset earlier, but he found that the necessary materials were no longer there.¡±


    Petrification¡­ Dorset.


    Realization dawned on Kyle. No wonder Dumbledore had asked if he had his suitcase.


    ¡°Understood,¡± Kyle said. He placed his suitcase on the ground, opened it, and promptly jumped inside.


    Sykes watched him with a mixture of confusion and curiosity. Dumbledore¡¯s plan to turn Sturgis into stone was clear enough¡ªit was a known countermeasure against certain types of dark magic. However, ordinary Petrification Charms only worked on the body, not the soul. She had tried it before without success. sea??h th§× N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    What puzzled her even more was Kyle¡¯s behavior. He seemed as though he genuinely could perform magic she¡¯d never heard of. And that suitcase¡­ Was it enchanted with an Undetectable Extension Charm?


    The more she thought about it, the stranger it all seemed. She glanced at Dumbledore, hoping for an explanation, but he merely stared at the suitcase, offering no clarification.


    Moments later, the suitcase began to bulge and jump, as though something enormous was trying to force its way out. Then it happened.


    A massive serpent, easily fifty feet long, slithered out of the tiny suitcase. Its sheer size filled the room, its scales gleaming faintly in the dim light.


    Sykes¡¯s wand slipped from her grasp, the light at its tip vanishing as it clattered to the floor.


    ¡°That¡¯s¡­ a Basilisk,¡± she stammered, her voice trembling with shock. ¡°Don¡¯t look it in the eyes!¡±


    Dumbledore remained calm, as if expecting her reaction. He produced a silver lighter, clicking it once to release a soft, floating orb of light. At the same time, Sykes¡¯s wand flew back into her hand.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry,¡± Dumbledore said reassuringly. ¡°Its eyes are closed.¡±


    Sykes took a shaky breath, her panic subsiding slightly. Recalling the serpent¡¯s entrance, she realized Dumbledore was right¡ªthe Basilisk¡¯s eyes had been shut. If they hadn¡¯t been, she doubted she¡¯d still be standing.


    ...


    Sykes opened her eyes after steadying herself and cast a strange look at Dumbledore. ¡°So, the legends are true... Hogwarts really does have a Basilisk?¡±


    She had heard rumors before¡ªpatients at St. Mungo¡¯s whispering about a Basilisk lurking in Hogwarts, its victims cursed. At the time, Sykes had dismissed these tales. She was well aware that the Basilisk¡¯s Deadly Sight wasn¡¯t a curse but a lethal magical property.


    To her, it had seemed like just another exaggeration. Students often embellished their stories, parents believed them, and through countless retellings, ordinary incidents transformed into fantastical tales. She had encountered even wilder rumors, like the one claiming Dumbledore was assembling an army in the castle to overthrow the Ministry of Magic.


    So when she¡¯d first heard of the Basilisk, Sykes had brushed it off as likely being some Magical Creature that had wandered from the Forbidden Forest into the castle.


    But now, seeing the creature with her own eyes, she had no choice but to believe it.


    ¡°It¡¯s not Hogwarts¡¯ Basilisk,¡± Dumbledore clarified, shaking his head and gesturing toward Kyle, who had just climbed out of the suitcase. ¡°It belongs to him now.¡±


    Sykes¡¯ expression shifted again, disbelief mingling with incredulity.


    A owning a Basilisk? When had Hogwarts become so permissive? Such a thing wouldn¡¯t even have been allowed at Durmstrang, renowned for its tolerance of dark magic.


    It dawned on her why Dumbledore was moving so quickly. If the Ministry arrived and saw this Basilisk, Hogwarts itself might be shut down, its reputation irreparably tarnished.


    She glanced back at the massive creature. This was her first time seeing a Basilisk in person, and its sheer presence was overwhelming. The enormous body, gleaming emerald scales, and the lethal, dagger-like fangs peeking out as it moved¡­ The sight was far more awe-inspiring than any description in the books.


    ¡°Professor, what¡¯s the next step?¡± Kyle asked, having positioned the Basilisk properly and now looking to Dumbledore for guidance.


    ¡°Very simple,¡± Dumbledore said, waving his wand. A large, ornate mirror appeared on the wall opposite the bed. He turned toward Kyle as Fawkes, perched nearby, flew down to Sturgis.


    The Phoenix blinked once, letting a single tear fall onto Sturgis¡¯s lips.


    ¡°Phoenix tears,¡± Sykes murmured, her voice tinged with reverence. ¡°The most miraculous healing substance in the wizarding world...¡± Her gaze was now fixed on Fawkes, burning with awe and a hint of envy.


    For a Healer like Sykes, a Phoenix was a dream companion. Many in her profession had fantasized about acquiring one, and she was no exception. She had even tried to entice Fawkes before with rare and valuable herbs, but the Phoenix had never paid her any attention.


    Meanwhile, the effect of the tears was immediate.


    On the hospital bed, Sturgis twitched as his body began to respond. His eyelids fluttered before snapping open, and suddenly he sat bolt upright, letting out a piercing scream.


    ¡°Now¡­¡±


    ¡°Open your eyes!¡±


    Dumbledore and Kyle¡¯s voices rang out in unison.


    Startled, Sturgis instinctively looked at the mirror across from him. In its reflection, he locked eyes with the Basilisk¡¯s vivid orange-yellow gaze.


    The effect was instantaneous. Sturgis froze, the scream dying in his throat. His body turned rigid as he was completely petrified.


    As soon as Sturgis fell silent, Kyle quickly ordered the Basilisk to close its eyes. The massive serpent obeyed, and without wasting a moment, Kyle guided it back into the suitcase.


    ...


    When Kyle climbed out of the suitcase, Sykes was already examining Sturgis with her wand.


    ¡°It¡¯s unbelievable,¡± she said in astonishment, her voice filled with awe. ¡°The spread of dark magic has completely stopped... This must be what they mean by the Basilisk¡¯s Curse. I never imagined the Basilisk¡¯s gaze could have any effect other than death.¡±


    ¡°Magic is truly remarkable,¡± Dumbledore said softly, his eyes twinkling with quiet reflection. ¡°The world remains full of mysteries. I doubt even Herpo the Foul envisioned that his most sinister creation¡ªa pure killing instrument¡ªcould one day be used to save lives.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re absolutely right,¡± Sykes said, lowering her wand. ¡°In this case, I¡¯ll have enough time to prepare the antidote.¡± She paused for a moment, then added thoughtfully, ¡°You do know how to reverse petrification, don¡¯t you? Mandrake Restorative Draught, I assume?¡±


    ¡°Precisely,¡± Dumbledore said with a nod. ¡°Would you like me to provide fresh Mandrake? We have a batch growing in the school¡¯s greenhouse.¡±


    ¡°That would be perfect,¡± Sykes agreed.


    While St. Mungo¡¯s also had fresh Mandrake stock, she saw no reason to refuse Dumbledore¡¯s offer.


    ¡°I¡¯ll write to Professor Sprout and have her deliver it,¡± Dumbledore said.


    The conversation between the two became noticeably more relaxed now that the immediate danger had passed. However, whether intentionally or not, their gazes repeatedly drifted toward Kyle.


    Sykes¡¯ look was mostly one of curiosity, her eyes studying him as if trying to solve a particularly intriguing puzzle. Dumbledore¡¯s gaze, however, carried a weight that made Kyle feel slightly uneasy. It wasn¡¯t harsh, but it had an intensity that left him feeling faintly guilty, even though he couldn¡¯t quite place why.


    ¡°We should return,¡± Sykes said suddenly, breaking the silence. ¡°I need to start preparing the antidote immediately. That way, when the Ministry of Magic arrives and starts asking questions, we won¡¯t waste time.¡±

 Chapter 655: How About Letting Fawkes Guard the Basilisk?

    When Kyle and the others returned to the office, Harry was pacing restlessly, his anxiety evident. His impatience to see Sirius, who was still unconscious, was palpable. This time, Dumbledore gave his consent.


    Sykes led them out of the office and around a corner into a brighter corridor. Kyle noted that the room numbers on the ward doors all began with a five, marking their location as the fifth floor¡ªSt. Mungo¡¯s Spell Damage Ward. He had assumed Sirius would be treated here as well, but Sykes continued past the floor and led them down the stairs.


    Along the way, nearly everyone they encountered¡ªboth patients and Healers¡ªstopped to greet Sykes, indicating the deep respect the staff and patients had for her.


    ¡°Where are we going now?¡± Kyle asked, unable to suppress his curiosity. ¡°Shouldn¡¯t someone suffering from the Cruciatus Curse be treated on the fifth floor?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s true,¡± Sykes replied. ¡°But Black wasn¡¯t under the Cruciatus Curse for very long. It¡¯s more important to treat the wounds from the Runespoor bite first. The venom from their teeth is particularly toxic.¡±


    As she spoke, Sykes glanced at Kyle, her thoughts briefly returning to the Basilisk. Compared to the venom of such a legendary creature, the Runespoor¡¯s poison seemed almost trivial.


    Soon, they reached the second floor, the ward Kyle was most familiar with. At the corner of the stairs stood a simple stand, and Kyle paused when he saw it.


    ¡°Yes, this is the stand you used to pierce the werewolf with,¡± Sykes said with a knowing smile. ¡°After the Transfiguration Spell wore off, we returned it to its original place.¡±


    Even Harry, preoccupied as he was with thoughts of Sirius, stopped and stared at the stand.


    He had, of course, heard about Kyle¡¯s feat¡ªhis defeat of a transformed werewolf at St. Mungo¡¯s had earned him the Order of Merlin. But hearing the story and seeing the location were entirely different. Harry studied the stand closely.


    It was¡­ surprisingly ordinary. Just a simple shelf holding a few flowerpots.


    To be honest, if Sykes hadn¡¯t pointed it out, Harry wouldn¡¯t have connected such an unremarkable object with the heroic deed he¡¯d heard about.


    ¡°Did you ever find out why the werewolf transformed during the day?¡± Kyle asked.


    ¡°A deranged Potioneer,¡± Sykes replied matter-of-factly. ¡°He was angry because I rejected his application to join the Most Extraordinary Society of Potioneers. That attack was his attempt at revenge.¡±


    ¡°Do you need my help?¡± Dumbledore inquired.


    ¡°Thank you, Albus, but it¡¯s already been resolved,¡± Sykes said with a small smile.


    At that moment, Mr. Weasley appeared, coming up the stairs carrying a bundle of bandages and several potions.


    ¡°Oh, Professor Dumbledore, Kyle, Harry,¡± Mr. Weasley said, surprised. ¡°What are you all doing here?¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ve come to see Sirius,¡± Harry said quickly. ¡°Mr. Weasley, do you know where he is?¡±


    ¡°Of course,¡± Mr. Weasley replied, though his expression grew concerned. ¡°But, Harry, you really shouldn¡¯t be here¡ªespecially now. It¡¯s dangerous outside Hogwarts.¡± He sighed, but upon noticing Dumbledore¡¯s calm presence, he said no more. Instead, he gestured toward a door. ¡°Second room on the right. Sirius is in there. Come with me.¡±


    He pushed the door open, and Harry darted inside without hesitation.


    ¡°Remember to keep quiet,¡± Mr. Weasley called after him. ¡°There are other patients in there too.¡±


    Kyle moved to follow, but Dumbledore gently stopped him with a hand on his arm.


    ¡°We¡¯ll wait outside,¡± Dumbledore said. ¡°Sirius can¡¯t see too many visitors at once¡ªit might disturb the other patients. Besides, there¡¯s something I wish to discuss with you.¡±


    Kyle¡¯s expression stiffened. He had been expecting this moment.


    With so many people bustling through the second-floor corridors, Dumbledore led Kyle up to the sixth floor of St. Mungo¡¯s. This area, dedicated to shops and tea rooms, was quieter¡ªa place designed for visitors to meet and talk.


    Sykes didn¡¯t join them, excusing herself to begin preparing the antidote for Sturgis.


    Dumbledore led Kyle into a private tea room and closed the door behind them. The moment they were alone, his demeanor shifted, his face becoming serious.


    ¡°I seem to recall,¡± he began, his voice measured, ¡°that we had an agreement: the Basilisk would not be brought into Hogwarts.¡±


    ¡°Ah, yes...¡± Kyle replied, a twinge of guilt flashing across his face. But he quickly composed himself, speaking with a tone of justification. ¡°But the situation has changed, hasn¡¯t it?¡±


    ¡°Oh?¡± Dumbledore¡¯s sharp eyes glinted, and he fell silent, waiting for Kyle to elaborate.


    Kyle took a steadying breath. ¡°Because of the Philosopher¡¯s Stone and the diary, Voldemort wants me dead. On the mountaintop, he showed no hesitation in trying to kill me himself. Not only did he order the Death Eaters to target me, but he even came after me personally. If it weren¡¯t for the Mist Gem, I wouldn¡¯t have survived.¡±


    The mention of the Philosopher¡¯s Stone and the diary seemed to soften Dumbledore¡¯s sternness slightly. He was well aware of how much Kyle had thwarted Voldemort¡¯s plans. Combined with Kyle¡¯s discovery of several Horcruxes, it was clear that Voldemort¡¯s hatred for Kyle rivaled¡ªor possibly exceeded¡ªhis hatred for Harry.


    Dumbledore¡¯s expression grew contemplative. The reasoning was sound; Kyle¡¯s need for self-defense was justified. Yet, the thought of a Basilisk on school grounds still unsettled him.


    ¡°I¡¯m only trying to protect myself,¡± Kyle continued earnestly. ¡°I¡¯m still just a student, and it¡¯s dangerous to face Death Eaters without adequate defenses.¡±


    Dumbledore, who had been reaching for the teapot, paused mid-motion. The thought almost made him laugh. He doubted Nott¡ªnow nothing but ash in the wake of Kyle¡¯s Fiendfyre¡ªwould agree with that assessment.


    ¡°Of course,¡± Kyle added, ¡°I could handle one or two Death Eaters, but what if they come in larger numbers? I have only one wand¡ªI can¡¯t fend off ten or more at once.¡±


    ¡°Hogwarts is safe,¡± Dumbledore said quietly. ¡°As long as I live, no Death Eater will set foot in this castle... not even Tom.¡±


    ¡°There are always exceptions,¡± Kyle pressed. ¡°If members of the Order of the Phoenix were in danger, like they were today, you¡¯d have to leave to help them.¡±


    ¡°If that were the case, I could always return,¡± Dumbledore countered, giving Kyle a pointed look. ¡°Your argument remains unconvincing.¡±


    ¡°But I can¡¯t stay in the castle all the time,¡± Kyle said with a sigh.


    This was the heart of the matter. He understood that Dumbledore would have preferred him to leave the Basilisk with Newt while he was at school, retrieving it only during holidays. But Death Eaters weren¡¯t going to wait for ideal circumstances to strike.


    Kyle thought back to the previous year, when Harry had been lured out of Hogwarts. If the Death Eaters were to pull a similar scheme on him, he wouldn¡¯t have time to retrieve the Basilisk. Keeping it close was the safest option.


    Dumbledore¡¯s resolve wavered. He couldn¡¯t deny that Kyle had a point. He knew that Voldemort was focused on amassing power¡ªrecruiting giants, rallying werewolves, and extending his influence. Dumbledore himself was preoccupied with countering these threats and wouldn¡¯t always be at Hogwarts to ensure its safety.


    And though Voldemort, in the past, wouldn¡¯t have dared attack the castle directly while Dumbledore lived, his fragmented soul might have altered his behavior. The Voldemort of today was not the same as the one Dumbledore had known.


    Kyle noticed Dumbledore¡¯s hesitation and seized the opportunity.


    ¡°You said it yourself,¡± Kyle pointed out, ¡°magic is full of unknowns. The Basilisk saved someone today. It can also be used to protect against Death Eaters. It¡¯s like a powerful wand¡ªits danger depends on who wields it.¡±


    Dumbledore blinked, momentarily caught off guard by Kyle throwing his own words back at him. He couldn¡¯t deny the truth in Kyle¡¯s reasoning. A tool¡¯s morality depended entirely on its user.


    But¡­


    ¡°You¡¯re forgetting one critical point,¡± Dumbledore said, fixing Kyle with a serious gaze. ¡°Whoever wields such a weapon must have complete control over it, ensuring it doesn¡¯t turn against them.¡±


    ¡°I can control the Basilisk,¡± Kyle said confidently.


    His confidence wasn¡¯t unfounded. He had taken numerous precautions. While housing the Basilisk with Newt, they had surrounded it with over a hundred roosters in a nearby cave. The protective magic sealing the cave could be lifted at any time if the Basilisk became unruly.


    Moreover, Kyle¡¯s suitcase contained a variety of other Magical Creatures that could subdue or counter the Basilisk if necessary¡ªa Dragon, a Nundu, a field of Mandrake Roots, and Chomping Cabbages. Escaping the suitcase was almost impossible.


    Seeing Kyle''s confident expression, Dumbledore hesitated once more.


    ¡°If you¡¯re still not convinced, Professor¡­¡± Kyle cleared his throat and adopted a thoughtful tone, ¡°then perhaps we could have Fawkes monitor the Basilisk. I can even build a perch for Fawkes in the suitcase. With a Phoenix overseeing things, there¡¯s no chance the Basilisk could cause any trouble, is there?¡±


    Dumbledore raised his eyebrows, clearly taken aback.


    Kyle¡¯s suggestion was undeniably logical. Phoenixes were immune to the Basilisk¡¯s deadly gaze, and Fawkes¡¯ presence would provide a level of oversight that would ease Dumbledore¡¯s concerns. Yet, Dumbledore¡¯s intuition told him that Kyle¡¯s suggestion wasn¡¯t entirely selfless¡ªthere was something more to it.


    ¡°It seems a bit harsh to use the term ¡®monitor,¡¯¡± Dumbledore said gently. ¡°I trust you, Kyle. You¡¯ve proven time and time again that your promises aren¡¯t made lightly.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not about trust, Professor,¡± Kyle replied earnestly. ¡°It¡¯s about doing the right thing. I understand the concern, and I wouldn¡¯t object at all. Besides,¡± he added, his tone almost too casual, ¡°with everything you¡¯ve been dealing with lately¡ªVoldemort and the Ministry¡ªI could help take care of Fawkes for you.¡±


    Dumbledore studied Kyle¡¯s face, and for a brief moment, he caught a flicker of evasion in his eyes¡ªa rare slip.


    Now Dumbledore was certain: Kyle wanted the Phoenix.


    It left Dumbledore feeling slightly exasperated. He had come to address Kyle¡¯s unauthorized decision to bring the Basilisk to Hogwarts, and now it seemed he might lose Fawkes in the process. Worse, Kyle had framed it so logically that it seemed like the most sensible solution.


    Indeed, having Fawkes involved would provide unparalleled security. Immune to the Basilisk¡¯s sight, capable of warning others in emergencies, and equipped with healing tears, Fawkes¡¯ presence would be a layer of protection both for the school and for the suitcase.


    Yet, Dumbledore hadn¡¯t even considered involving Fawkes when he arrived. Somehow, Kyle had maneuvered the conversation to this point, and what baffled Dumbledore even more was that he was genuinely tempted by the idea.


    A sharp knock on the door interrupted Dumbledore¡¯s deliberation.


    ¡°Come in,¡± he called.


    The door opened to reveal a young wizard with a St. Mungo¡¯s badge pinned to his robes. He shifted awkwardly before speaking. ¡°Sorry to disturb you, Headmaster, but the Ministry has arrived. They¡¯re in Black¡¯s ward, and things are¡­ well, getting unpleasant.¡±


    ¡°I see,¡± Dumbledore said, glancing briefly at the badge. ¡°Thank you, Augustus.¡±


    ¡°No trouble at all,¡± Augustus replied, bowing his head slightly.


    Dumbledore turned back to Kyle, his expression unreadable. ¡°Stay here,¡± he instructed.


    With that, he followed Augustus out of the room, leaving Kyle alone.


    Kyle had no intention of dealing with the Ministry with Dumbledore present¡ªhe was well aware of the animosity between Fudge and Dumbledore, and he had no desire to get entangled in their power struggles.


    Still, as Dumbledore left, Kyle couldn¡¯t help but notice that Fawkes had gone with him, perched serenely on the old wizard¡¯s shoulder.


    ¡°So petty,¡± Kyle muttered under his breath.


    Alone now, Kyle decided to explore the nearby shop. The small space was reminiscent of a train compartment, stocked with a variety of goods: snacks, drinks, tableware, and even some household items.


    He bought a Cauldron Cake and a bottle of Pumpkin Fizz, then returned to the tea room.


    The cake, however, was a disappointment. Overly sweet, with a cloying sugariness that overwhelmed his taste buds, it was far inferior to the ones sold on the Hogwarts Express. To make matters worse, the filling wasn¡¯t jam as expected¡ªit was salted fish.


    Tiny, fried salted fish, stuffed into the center of the cake without any apparent preparation. The combination of sweet and salty was as jarring as a Troll attempting ballet.


    Kyle took one look at the odd pairing, sighed, and set the cake aside, suddenly feeling much less hungry.


    The Pumpkin Fizz, thankfully, was normal¡ªa simple, refreshing soda that cleansed his palate.


    A knock on the door broke the silence.


    Kyle opened it to find Harry standing there, looking mildly flustered.


    ¡°The Ministry wouldn¡¯t let me stay in the room anymore,¡± Harry said. ¡°Professor Dumbledore said I could come here.¡± S~ea??h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°That¡¯s fine,¡± Kyle said, gesturing to a chair across from him. ¡°Come in and sit down. You must be hungry too. I just bought something.¡±


    Harry¡¯s gaze fell on the untouched cake on the table. He hadn¡¯t thought about food earlier, but now, reminded of it, he realized he was indeed hungry.


    He hesitated, noting the size of the cake¡ªit didn¡¯t look big enough for two. ¡°I¡¯ll go buy another one,¡± Harry said.


    ¡°No need,¡± Kyle replied with a dismissive wave. ¡°I¡¯ve already eaten. Just grab a drink for yourself.¡± He held up his Pumpkin Fizz as an example.


    Nodding, Harry sat down and broke off a piece of the cake, popping it into his mouth.


    ¡°How is it?¡± Kyle asked, his tone cautiously curious.


    Harry chewed thoughtfully before answering. ¡°It¡¯s¡­ kind of average. Definitely not as good as the ones on the train. But the combination is interesting. I¡¯ve never had anything like it before. I think I like it.¡±


    Kyle blinked, baffled. ¡°You¡­ like it?¡±


    Harry nodded, a small smile tugging at his lips.


    Kyle shook his head in disbelief, muttering to himself. He couldn¡¯t understand Harry¡¯s taste, but he respected it.

 Chapter 656: Harry’s Dream

    As Harry couldn¡¯t visit Sirius, once he finished the cake, he found himself suddenly at a loss for what to do.


    ¡°What exactly happened?¡± Kyle asked, breaking the silence.


    From the moment he was called to the headmaster''s office until now, he had no idea what was going on. There had been no time to ask, so he had simply followed Dumbledore from place to place.


    ¡°I think I... had a dream,¡± Harry began hesitantly, speaking in a low voice. ¡°I was doing my Charms homework when I suddenly fell asleep and had a really strange dream.¡±


    ¡°In the dream, I think I became Voldemort... Okay, I know it sounds unbelievable, and it¡¯s fine if you think I¡¯m talking nonsense...¡±


    ¡°I believe you,¡± Kyle said, his gaze briefly flicking to the scar on Harry¡¯s forehead.


    ¡°Thanks...¡± Harry said, clearly relieved. ¡°Anyway, Voldemort gave an order¡ªto teach his ¡®follower¡¯ a lesson for trailing him. And then I... Oh no, Voldemort killed someone with the Killing Curse.¡±


    ¡°Who was it?¡± Kyle asked immediately. ¡°Was it someone from the Order of the Phoenix?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± Harry admitted, fiddling with the cup in his hands. ¡°I didn¡¯t recognize him. I¡¯ve never seen him before.¡±


    Kyle frowned. ¡°And then?¡±


    ¡°Then Ron woke me up. He said I was talking in my sleep and having a nightmare. But my scar... it kept hurting, like it was on fire.¡± Harry rubbed his forehead absentmindedly. ¡°Hermione was worried and called Professor McGonagall. When I told her what I saw in the dream, she didn¡¯t think it was just a nightmare. She brought me to the Headmaster¡¯s Office.¡±


    Kyle nodded, suddenly understanding. ¡°So, did you hear anything in the dream about them attacking Sirius?¡±


    ¡°No, no names,¡± Harry said, shaking his head. ¡°It was Professor Dumbledore. He used some kind of magic¡ªsomething special. I don¡¯t know what kind of spell it was, but he sent a message. A few minutes later, Mr. Weasley found Sirius.¡±


    As he recounted this, Harry shuddered, as if reliving the fear.


    He was fortunate that both Professor McGonagall and Professor Dumbledore had chosen to believe him. From what he¡¯d heard in the Headmaster¡¯s Office, Mr. Weasley and Moody had found Sirius just in time¡ªhe was being tortured with the Cruciatus Curse. If they had arrived any later... Harry didn¡¯t want to think about it. S~ea??h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The thought that Sirius might have died felt like a giant hand squeezing his stomach. His whole body trembled uncontrollably.


    Noticing Harry¡¯s distress, Kyle refrained from asking more questions. Instead, he got up and left the tea room, heading to the shop to buy Harry a cup of hot cocoa. He had noticed earlier that they sold some.


    However, as soon as he stepped out, he spotted two familiar figures coming down the stairs.


    ¡°Mr. Weasley... Tonks,¡± Kyle called, waving at them. The two immediately made their way over.


    ¡°Kyle, is Harry with you?¡± Mr. Weasley asked.


    ¡°He¡¯s inside,¡± Kyle replied, pointing toward the tea room booth. ¡°Is something wrong?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s good,¡± Mr. Weasley said, sounding relieved. ¡°It¡¯s getting late, and I need to take you both back to Hogwarts.¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    Kyle barely had time to react before Harry appeared in the doorway.


    ¡°I¡¯m not going back,¡± Harry said firmly. ¡°Sirius is still here.¡±


    ¡°But you¡¯ve already visited him,¡± Mr. Weasley said gently. ¡°And don¡¯t forget, you have classes tomorrow. I¡¯ll take care of things here.¡±


    ¡°And just now, Kreacher the house-elf came in.¡±


    ¡°But...¡± Harry tried to protest, but Mr. Weasley cut him off with a solemn shake of his head.


    ¡°It¡¯s what Sirius would have wanted. He wouldn¡¯t want you to see him like this.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t care,¡± Harry said loudly. ¡°I don¡¯t care how he looks.¡±


    ¡°In any case, you have to go back,¡± Mr. Weasley said firmly.


    Lowering his voice, he added, ¡°Think about the Ministry of Magic. Sirius just got injured, and you came to St. Mungo¡¯s. That alone is suspicious. Thankfully, Professor Dumbledore provided an explanation to cover for you, but I don¡¯t think they entirely believe it."


    ¡°If you don¡¯t want to be questioned, it¡¯s best you return to Hogwarts now.¡±


    Harry hesitated, his expression torn.


    ¡°Be patient. Just a few more days,¡± Mr. Weasley continued in a softer tone. ¡°Come back during the Christmas holidays. You can stay as long as you like then.¡±


    After a long pause, Harry finally nodded, though his reluctance was plain to see.


    "Very good, I knew you¡¯d make the right choice," Mr. Weasley said with a smile. "Don¡¯t waste any time¡ªhead back early so you can get some rest."


    "How are we getting back?" Harry asked. "Apparition again?"


    "Exactly. It¡¯s the quickest way," Mr. Weasley replied, "but we need to go outside first. St. Mungo¡¯s, like Hogwarts, prohibits Apparition."


    "Wait a minute," Harry said, frowning. "But we just Apparated here."


    "I¡¯m not sure how that happened¡ªmaybe Dumbledore used a different method. I certainly don¡¯t know of one," Mr. Weasley admitted. "Dumbledore had intended to take you back himself, but he¡¯s dealing with the Ministry of Magic right now and couldn¡¯t leave. That¡¯s why he asked us to escort you."


    "Tonks, you lead the way. If there are any Ministry officials, give us a warning," he added.


    Tonks didn¡¯t seem particularly cheerful¡ªher straw-like orange hair was a clear indicator of her mood¡ªbut she nodded at Mr. Weasley¡¯s instructions and started walking ahead.


    "Alright, let¡¯s get moving," Mr. Weasley urged, waving Harry and Kyle to follow.


    With no time to waste, the group left the tea room on the sixth floor and descended to the waiting room on the first floor before heading outside to a department store with a "Closed for Renovation" sign.


    "No one¡¯s here," Mr. Weasley said, glancing around carefully. "Let¡¯s hurry, Tonks."


    With that, he grabbed Harry¡¯s arm and vanished with a loud crack.


    Watching them Disapparate, Kyle was reminded of the time he was carried by the Phoenix Apparition. His stomach churned just at the memory.


    "Maybe I should do it myself," Kyle suggested to Tonks. "I can Apparate, you know."


    "I¡¯m aware," Tonks said, shaking her head. "But for safety¡¯s sake, no. It¡¯s illegal for underage wizards to Apparate, and if the Ministry sees you, you¡¯ll be in trouble."


    "But I¡¯m in sixth year," Kyle protested. "Shouldn¡¯t I be allowed to?"


    "Not until after Christmas, when you pass your Apparition exam," Tonks replied firmly. Grabbing his arm, she said, "Now, hold tight¡ªget ready."


    With another loud crack, Kyle opened his eyes to find himself standing in front of Zonko¡¯s Joke Shop.


    Since Apparition was banned on Hogwarts grounds, Tonks had to drop him off here, just as she had with Harry and Mr. Weasley.


    It was already two in the morning. Hogsmeade was silent, its shops all shuttered, and the pointed roofs glimmered in silvery moonlight. The peaceful beauty was a stark contrast to the hustle and bustle of the daytime.


    The group began walking along the path toward the castle.


    Now that they were out of earshot, Tonks turned to Harry, her curiosity piqued. "You don¡¯t happen to have any Seer blood in your family, do you?" she asked. "Or maybe a famous prophet somewhere in your lineage?"


    "No," Harry replied quickly. "And I don¡¯t think it was a prophecy."


    "Fair point," Tonks mused. "You weren¡¯t seeing the future¡ªjust what was happening at the time. It¡¯s a bit different. Still, it¡¯s strange. Do you have any other special talents?"


    In the wizarding world, it wasn¡¯t unheard of for someone to be born with rare magical abilities. Tonks herself was a Metamorphmagus, able to alter her appearance at will, a talent as natural to her as breathing. She wondered if Harry might have something similar.


    "I don¡¯t know," Harry said shortly, clearly unwilling to continue the discussion.


    The truth was, he didn¡¯t want to think about it. In the dream, he had become Voldemort. The memory made him feel sick to his stomach. If that was a "talent," it was one he could do without.


    Thankfully, they had reached the Hogwarts gates.


    Mr. Weasley stopped, not going any farther. "You¡¯ll be safe here," he said. "We can¡¯t stay away from St. Mungo¡¯s for long. See you at Christmas break."


    "See you," Kyle and Harry replied.


    Once the two boys had entered the gates, Mr. Weasley and Tonks Disapparated with a .


    The school grounds were as silent as Hogsmeade. Together, Kyle and Harry crossed the grounds and climbed the stone steps to the oak doors of the castle.


    The doors were locked, but that wasn¡¯t a problem. Kyle pulled out his wand and easily opened a crack.


    "Over here, Mrs. Norris..."


    Filch¡¯s grating voice echoed from upstairs, sounding especially harsh in the stillness of the castle.


    "Shit, it¡¯s Filch..." Harry muttered nervously, glancing upward. "Do you think he¡¯ll notice we¡¯re not in our dormitories?"


    "Don¡¯t worry," Kyle said reassuringly. "Filch can¡¯t go through the dormitories to check who¡¯s missing from bed. It¡¯s probably just his usual nighttime inspection. Do you have your Invisibility Cloak with you?"


    "No," Harry admitted, shaking his head. He¡¯d been taken straight from his bed to the Headmaster¡¯s Office, barely managing to grab his robe on the way. There hadn¡¯t been any chance to bring the cloak.


    "What about the Disillusionment Charm? Do you know it?" Kyle asked. "It¡¯ll work just as well."


    "What charm?" Harry blinked in confusion.


    "Never mind, forget it," Kyle said quickly. "Look, just follow me. I¡¯ll take you back to the Gryffindor common room."


    "You¡¯ll take me back?" Harry said, a thought suddenly striking him. "Oh, I almost forgot¡ªyou¡¯ve got an Invisibility Cloak too!"


    "No, there¡¯s no need for that," Kyle said with a grin. "You just need to follow me. Keep some distance, but not too much. Just like at St. Mungo¡¯s."


    "No, no!" Harry protested, shaking his head vehemently.


    The Hufflepuff common room was near the entrance hall, meaning Kyle could easily head there first without risking going upstairs. If they were caught, only Harry would be in trouble.


    But before Harry could argue further, Kyle had already taken the lead, striding confidently up the stairs.


    Harry¡¯s heart leapt into his throat. From his past misadventures sneaking around at night, he was sure Filch would catch Kyle walking so openly upstairs, and they¡¯d both end up in trouble.


    Panicking, Harry followed, wanting to stop Kyle, but he was only halfway up when Kyle had already reached the second floor.


    And then Harry¡¯s worst fear came true.


    "Ha, got you!"


    The dim glow of an oil lamp bounced down the corridor, growing brighter as Filch approached, Mrs. Norris close at his heels. His gloating face soon came into view, illuminated in the flickering light.


    "It¡¯s me, Filch."


    Harry froze, unsure of what to do. But to his surprise, Kyle¡¯s calm voice rang out from above, completely unfazed. It was as if he were casually greeting the caretaker, showing not the slightest hint of panic.


    Kyle had every reason to stay calm¡ªhe had privileges.


    "It¡¯s you?"


    Filch¡¯s face fell instantly when he saw Kyle. "What are you doing here?"


    "The same as you, of course¡ªlooking for suspicious people," Kyle replied smoothly. "This is a task assigned to us by Professor Umbridge. The sooner it¡¯s done, the better."


    Filch¡¯s mouth snapped shut. As much as he disliked the situation, he couldn¡¯t argue. By Umbridge¡¯s decree, Kyle had authority over him in these matters, and it grated on him. Lately, Filch had been avoiding Kyle entirely to escape the reminder of this unpleasant reality.


    Now that Kyle had brought it up again, Filch clearly wanted to leave.


    Even Mrs. Norris seemed agitated. The cat¡¯s body was tense, ears flattened, as though bracing for an attack.


    "What¡¯s wrong with you, Mrs. Norris?" Filch asked, noticing the change in his feline companion.


    The only response was a low, shrill howl and the scrape of claws against the floor.


    Kyle had a good idea why Mrs. Norris was acting this way¡ªit was the Basilisk. Just an hour ago, Kyle had released the Basilisk from his suitcase, inevitably picking up its scent. While wizards were unlikely to detect it, animals like Mrs. Norris were far more sensitive.


    Of course, Kyle couldn¡¯t explain this to Filch.


    "I think Mrs. Norris may have discovered something," Kyle said instead. "You should check toward the tower. I¡¯ll handle things here."


    "Don¡¯t tell me what to do!" Filch snapped, his expression darkening further. He glared at Kyle for a tense moment before reluctantly turning away.


    "Let¡¯s go, Mrs. Norris," he muttered.


    The dim glow of the oil lamp gradually receded as Filch and the cat disappeared into the distance. Kyle, unfazed, waved casually after them and continued climbing the stairs.


    At the corner of the staircase, Harry stood frozen in astonishment, utterly dumbfounded by how easily Kyle had defused the situation.


    He had expected chaos, a confrontation, and certainly some sort of punishment. Instead, Kyle had handled it with a confidence that made the whole ordeal seem trivial.


    For a moment, Harry almost forgot it was nighttime¡ªthe moonlight spilling into the corridor was the only reminder that it was still curfew.


    As Filch¡¯s footsteps faded, Harry snapped out of his daze and hurried after Kyle.


    The two of them made their way to the eighth floor, stopping in front of the portrait of the Fat Lady. Filch never reappeared.


    "How on earth did you manage that?" Harry asked, still in disbelief. "Filch didn¡¯t even try to punish you!"


    "It¡¯s simple," Kyle said with a shrug. "I have special privileges. To capture your DA, Umbridge gave me free rein to enter and leave the castle at any time¡ªeven during curfew." He turned to Harry. "You know the password, right?"


    "Ah, yeah," Harry replied. "Dilligrout."


    "The Fat Lady¡¯s tastes are... unique," Kyle muttered under his breath.


    "Thanks, but I prefer marmalade," came the Fat Lady¡¯s voice, clearly unimpressed.


    Harry opened his mouth to say something, but before he could, the portrait swung open, revealing the passage to the Gryffindor common room.


    "Harry, is that you?" Hermione¡¯s voice called from inside, followed quickly by Ron¡¯s.


    "It¡¯s me," Harry confirmed.


    "Alright," Kyle said, stepping back. "You can go in now. And if you have another dream like the one you had today, make sure to tell Dumbledore or Professor McGonagall immediately."


    "I will," Harry said.


    "Oh, and one more thing," Kyle added. "If Umbridge asks tomorrow, just say the headmaster informed you that Sirius was taken to St. Mungo¡¯s. Don¡¯t mention anything about your dream. Nothing at all."


    "I understand," Harry assured him.

 Chapter 657: Dumbledore’s Intuition and the Phoenix Secured

    The news of Sirius''s injury seemed to have been deliberately concealed by the Ministry of Magic. No one knew what had transpired that night, and not a single mention appeared in the newspapers.


    The next day, however, Hogwarts bustled with its usual liveliness. Students eagerly discussed Christmas plans and holiday arrangements.


    "What on earth is the Ministry thinking..." Cedric muttered angrily, putting down the newspaper at the Hufflepuff table. "Two people almost died¡ªpowerful adult wizards, no less. And their solution is to just ignore it?"


    "Apparently, that''s exactly what they¡¯re doing," Kyle replied, calmly spreading orange marmalade on his toast. "That¡¯s why I keep telling Professor Dumbledore he should run for Minister of Magic, but he refuses every time."


    "Yeah, it would be brilliant if Professor Dumbledore became Minister," Cedric sighed.


    Though Cedric believed Hogwarts couldn¡¯t do without Dumbledore, the fact was, he¡¯d be graduating next year. Who the headmaster was would no longer matter to him personally, and he secretly wished Dumbledore would take up the role of Minister of Magic.


    "Let¡¯s change the subject," Kyle suggested, shaking his head. "If you want Dumbledore as Minister, the only way is for Voldemort to become headmaster of Hogwarts. So... what are your plans for the holidays?"


    "Cho and I are visiting Sirius at St. Mungo¡¯s," Cedric replied, taking a sip of pumpkin juice. "After that, we¡¯re heading to Diagon Alley. Fred and George have picked out a shop there, and I¡¯m going to help them set it up."


    "Join the Weasley joke shop?" Kyle asked, surprised. "But didn¡¯t you want to join a professional Quidditch team after graduation? If I remember right, the Montrose Magpies even sent you a tryout invitation recently."


    "That¡¯s true," Cedric said calmly. "But I just can¡¯t convince myself to leave England right now. I can join a professional team anytime, but this isn¡¯t the time for it."


    He shrugged. "Fred and George need an extra hand, so it¡¯s a good way to stay occupied in the meantime."


    "Are you sure?" Kyle asked, looking at him intently. "That¡¯s an amazing team, and opportunities like this don¡¯t come often."


    "They already have a top-notch Seeker," Cedric replied nonchalantly. "Even if I passed the tryout, I¡¯d only end up as a reserve. Waiting a few years won¡¯t hurt."


    Cedric¡¯s tone made it clear his mind was made up. After finishing his explanation, he steered the conversation in a different direction.


    "Kanna, what about you? What are your holiday plans?"


    "I¡¯ll probably stay at school," Kanna replied. "There¡¯s nothing waiting for me at home anyway. Plus, I want to try for the Most Extraordinary Society of Potioneers next year, so I¡¯ll use the holidays to catch up on potions reading."


    "And you, Kyle?" Cedric asked, turning back to him.


    "I haven¡¯t decided yet," Kyle said with a shrug.


    "Why not come with us to visit Sirius?" Cedric offered, glancing briefly at Kanna before adding, "Although... you seem like you¡¯d prefer to stay at school."


    "Those two things don¡¯t have to contradict each other," Kyle replied with a grin.


    If he stayed at Hogwarts, he could always ask Professor Dumbledore for a Portkey to 12 Grimmauld Place and head to St. Mungo¡¯s from there. Or, more straightforwardly, he could simply take the Knight Bus.


    Which option to choose would depend on whether Dumbledore was at the school during the holidays. If the headmaster was available, Kyle would much prefer the convenience of a Portkey.


    After all, the Knight Bus was far from a comfortable ride.


    ...


    After breakfast, the group left the Great Hall and headed to class.


    The first class for sixth-years was Potions, and Kyle and Kanna arrived at the dungeon on time. But strangely, Snape was late. It wasn¡¯t until twenty minutes after the lesson was supposed to start that he pushed open the dungeon door, his face gloomier than ever.


    This was highly unusual.


    During the lesson, Snape¡¯s temper was terrifyingly short. Even minor mistakes, such as slicing ingredients too thickly, were met with scathing reprimands. The oppressive atmosphere left everyone too scared to speak a word.


    When class ended, Snape didn¡¯t wait for the bell to finish ringing before stalking out of the room.


    By the time Kyle stepped into the corridor, there was no trace of him.


    "What¡¯s gotten into him?" Kyle asked Kanna curiously. "Could his cauldron have exploded while brewing a potion?"


    "I doubt it," Kanna replied, shaking her head. "Professor Snape has never failed to prepare a potion."


    "Strange," Kyle muttered. "Maybe Professor Dumbledore asked him to take care of Sirius at St. Mungo¡¯s during the Christmas holidays."


    Kyle chuckled at the thought. The image of Snape fussing over Sirius was absurd. If such a thing ever happened, it would undoubtedly lead to a massive argument at St. Mungo¡¯s.


    Still, he didn¡¯t dwell on it. Snape being irritable was normal¡ªhim being cheerful would¡¯ve been far more suspicious.


    However, it wasn¡¯t just Snape who seemed out of sorts. Kyle soon noticed Harry behaving unusually as well.


    Since returning from St. Mungo¡¯s, Harry had been pretending everything was fine, likely to avoid drawing Umbridge¡¯s attention. But recently, he had grown uncharacteristically quiet, and within a few days, his temper started flaring.


    According to Hannah, Harry had even had a huge argument with Snape during Potions class and had been thrown out.


    This was very unusual. While Harry could be impulsive, he rarely argued with teachers during lessons. Whenever he tried, Hermione and Ron usually intervened to stop him.


    But this time was different. According to Hannah, not even the combined efforts of Hermione and Ron had been enough to restrain him.


    Curious about the cause of Harry¡¯s change, Kyle decided to visit Gryffindor Tower.


    But Fred informed him that Harry hadn¡¯t been in the dormitory for days¡ªnot even at night.


    "He hasn¡¯t run away from school, has he?" Kyle asked with a frown.


    "Of course not," George said, shaking his head. "I think he¡¯s been staying in the Room of Requirement."


    "The Room of Requirement?" Kyle repeated, puzzled. "Why would Harry stay there instead of his dormitory? Did he have a fight with Ron?"


    "It¡¯s not Ron," Fred explained as he led Kyle into an empty corridor. "It¡¯s... mostly because of us."


    Fred went on to explain that, three days ago, they¡¯d included a special little invention in the letters they sent to their family¡ªan upgraded version of Extendable Ears.


    "We disguised it as a blank piece of parchment," George added. "Since it was our letter, Mum didn¡¯t check it."


    "She probably just left it lying around after reading it," Fred said.


    "Which worked out perfectly for us," George said. "It let us eavesdrop on one of their conversations."


    "And Harry happened to be there," Fred continued, looking regretful. "He¡¯d been down about Sirius, so we thought listening in might distract him or cheer him up."


    "It didn¡¯t," Kyle guessed.


    "Not at all," George sighed, lowering his voice. "The conversation turned out to be about Harry. Mum said something about Harry being able to connect to You-Know-Who through his dreams¡ªand that You-Know-Who could do the same."


    Kyle frowned. "Mrs. Weasley actually said that?"


    "Absolutely," Fred confirmed. "Harry heard every word. That¡¯s why he left the dormitory. He probably feels like... I don¡¯t know, like a weapon that could harm people at any moment."


    "He didn¡¯t even want to go to class anymore," George added sadly. "Professor McGonagall had to drag him back. If we¡¯d known this would happen, we¡¯d never have asked him to listen in."


    They had only wanted to lift Harry¡¯s spirits, but their plan had backfired horribly. Instead of cheering him up, they had made him feel even worse.


    After hearing the story, Kyle decided to head to the corridor where the Room of Requirement was located.


    However, when he arrived, he spotted Hermione and Ron already there, looking frustrated. Realizing that even Harry¡¯s closest friends couldn¡¯t reach him, Kyle decided not to try.


    he thought.


    As he left the area, Kyle reassured himself that Christmas was coming soon. Surely Sirius would be able to cheer Harry up during the holidays.


    ...


    Finally, Christmas arrived.


    The day before the holiday, the Great Hall was transformed. Twelve towering Christmas trees adorned the space, their branches sparkling with ornaments, and the enchanted ceiling glittered with falling snowflakes and stars. Everyone was in high spirits, eagerly anticipating the festivities¡ªeveryone except Kyle.


    After dinner, Dumbledore summoned him to the Headmaster¡¯s Office.


    When Kyle arrived, he found Dumbledore alone, dressed in his usual pajamas, seated behind his desk.


    Kyle wondered, noting the headmaster¡¯s somewhat preoccupied demeanor.


    However, Dumbledore¡¯s first words quickly dispelled any assumptions Kyle might have had.


    ¡°What? You want me to teach Harry Occlumency?¡± Kyle blurted, taken aback.


    ¡°Yes, you heard me correctly,¡± Dumbledore replied calmly. ¡°Harry needs to learn this technique to protect his mind from outside interference.¡±


    ¡°I would have taught him myself, but I¡¯m... preoccupied,¡± Dumbledore admitted, gesturing to a small mountain of letters piled on his desk. ¡°These require my attention daily. I barely finish reading them before I go to bed.¡±


    ¡°So you want to teach him?¡± Kyle asked.


    ¡°Not quite. I want you to assist Professor Snape,¡± Dumbledore clarified. ¡°Harry¡¯s Occlumency lessons began two days ago.¡±


    Kyle thought back¡ªtwo days ago was when Snape had arrived late to Potions class.


    ¡°It¡¯s not going well, is it?¡± Kyle asked tentatively.


    Dumbledore coughed lightly. ¡°Harry hasn¡¯t exactly adapted to Professor Snape¡¯s teaching style...¡±


    That was putting it mildly. In reality, Harry and Snape were fundamentally incompatible. However, there was no alternative¡ªHarry¡¯s ability to protect his mind from Voldemort¡¯s intrusion was critical. Occlumency was the best method, and time was of the essence.


    To that end, Dumbledore had arranged for Snape to train Harry immediately after their return from St. Mungo¡¯s. Unfortunately, the lessons were already a disaster.


    Snape had chosen to teach Harry by directly using Legilimency, forcing Harry to block the intrusion instinctively. But in his desperation, Harry had instinctively rebounded the spell back at Snape.


    For a brief moment, Harry glimpsed some of Snape¡¯s private memories. Though it only lasted seconds, it was enough to embarrass and enrage Snape.


    The session ended in a furious argument, with no progress made.


    Dumbledore now hoped Kyle could mediate.


    ¡°You¡¯re also proficient in Occlumency,¡± Dumbledore said. ¡°Your presence could help defuse tensions and improve the lessons. At the very least, it might prevent another argument like last time.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m just getting started with Occlumency,¡± Kyle protested. ¡°I don¡¯t think I can be much help.¡±


    He had no desire to take on this responsibility. Occlumency wasn¡¯t something one mastered overnight, and if he agreed, it would derail all his plans for the holiday.


    Moreover, Kyle believed Snape was capable, if harsh. Putting pressure on Harry now might actually help him learn faster.


    But Dumbledore ignored his attempt to decline.


    ¡°You¡¯re being far too modest,¡± Dumbledore said, shaking his head. ¡°There are few I know who are as naturally adept at Occlumency as you¡ªbetter even than some seasoned wizards.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re joking, Professor,¡± Kyle said firmly. ¡°Professor Snape is far more skilled than I am. If even he can¡¯t get through to Harry, what difference could I possibly make?¡±


    Dumbledore¡¯s eyes twinkled, though he didn¡¯t argue the point. Instead, he tried another angle.


    ¡°Think of it this way¡ªhelping Harry could lift his spirits. You¡¯ve seen how withdrawn he¡¯s been since his last dream. Don¡¯t you want to see him recover?¡±


    Kyle hesitated. Dumbledore had a point¡ªhelping Harry might be worth the effort. But something still felt off. Comforting Harry seemed better suited to Hermione or Ron, and teaching Occlumency was Snape¡¯s domain.


    ¡°Besides,¡± Kyle said softly, grasping for another excuse, ¡°I have to keep an eye on the Basilisk. I can¡¯t afford distractions.¡±


    Dumbledore¡¯s expression flickered for a moment, but he quickly recovered. sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°Fawkes can handle that,¡± he said with a smile.


    Kyle knew when he was beaten. ¡°Alright, it¡¯s settled then,¡± he said quickly, as though afraid Dumbledore might add more conditions. ¡°I¡¯ll go find Professor Snape right away.¡±


    Without waiting for a reply, Kyle grabbed Fawkes, who had been dozing on a perch, and left the office.


    Startled awake, Fawkes blinked blearily at Kyle, then at Dumbledore, before burying his head under a wing.


    The door slammed shut behind them with a loud


    ¡°What a cunning boy,¡± Phineas Black¡¯s portrait remarked, smirking. ¡°The lad made that condition on purpose. You knew that, didn¡¯t you?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not a fool, Phineas,¡± Dumbledore said, returning to his desk and picking up one of the many letters.


    He had, of course, understood Kyle¡¯s implied condition. If the Basilisk truly required constant supervision, Dumbledore would never have allowed Kyle to bring it to Hogwarts in the first place.


    But he had his reasons for assigning Kyle this task.


    Helping Harry was one goal, but the greater reason was to keep Kyle occupied during the holidays. Dumbledore trusted his intuition, and it told him that if Kyle were left to his own devices for two weeks, he would undoubtedly find a way to stir up trouble¡ªmost likely involving Dumbledore himself.


    And as the holiday drew closer, that feeling only grew stronger.

 Chapter 658: Another Day of Admiring Dumbledore

    When Kyle found Snape, the professor was bent over a peculiar, old stone basin on his desk.


    The basin was surrounded by a ring of engraved runes, and within it swirled a shimmering light blue substance, flowing like tiny, darting fish.


    Kyle wondered, curious as to why it was in Snape¡¯s office.


    Before he could ask, Snape noticed him and quickly covered the basin with a piece of flannel. Turning coldly toward Kyle, he demanded, "What are you doing here?"


    "Professor Dumbledore sent me," Kyle replied. "He asked me to assist you in teaching Harry Occlumency."


    Snape¡¯s expression darkened further. "Very proud of yourself, aren¡¯t you?" he said with a sneer. "A master Occlumens at the age of sixteen¡ªwhat a remarkable achievement. Truly extraordinary."


    "Let me guess," Snape continued with deliberate mockery. "You can¡¯t wait to parade your accomplishments, to show everyone how special you are? How utterly foolish."


    Kyle nodded, unbothered by Snape¡¯s sarcasm. "You¡¯re absolutely right, Professor. I don¡¯t think this was a good idea either, but Headmaster Dumbledore insisted, and I wasn¡¯t about to argue with him."


    He added with a smirk, "Still, I do admire your honesty, Professor. Don¡¯t worry¡ªI¡¯ll make sure to pass your sentiments along to the Headmaster."


    Snape blinked, momentarily caught off guard by Kyle¡¯s calm agreement. His voice turned sharper. "The Headmaster sent you?"


    "Yes," Kyle confirmed simply.


    Snape¡¯s eyes narrowed. "I¡¯ll go verify that myself." He stood abruptly. "And if I find you¡¯ve lied, don¡¯t think I¡¯ll hesitate to give you two weeks of detention."


    "I wish I were lying," Kyle replied with a shrug, his tone untroubled.


    As Snape took a few steps toward the door, he noticed Kyle¡¯s eyes flicker toward the table, where the covered Pensieve still rested. Snape froze, his expression hardening.


    "Out," Snape barked, pointing toward the door. "If Dumbledore denies your story, expect a detention notice before curfew."


    "Sure thing," Kyle said lightly, leaving the office. He couldn¡¯t help feeling a twinge of disappointment¡ªif he¡¯d known Snape was so guarded, he would¡¯ve restrained his curiosity about the Pensieve.


    ...


    That night, Kyle received no detention notice¡ªbut neither did he hear anything about a scheduled lesson with Harry.


    Far from being worried, Kyle was entirely unbothered. If Snape chose not to involve him, all the better. It gave him an excuse to slack off without guilt.


    ...


    The holiday officially began the next day.


    Early in the morning, students carrying suitcases filed into carriages bound for Hogsmeade Station. Kyle, however, had other plans. He intended to visit Sirius in London. Although his name was on the detention list and he couldn¡¯t take the train, that wasn¡¯t an obstacle.


    He went to the Headmaster¡¯s Office and was fortunate enough to find Dumbledore still at Hogwarts.


    A few minutes later, Kyle appeared in the living room of 12 Grimmauld Place.


    "Who is it... Oh, Kyle, dear!" Mrs. Weasley exclaimed in surprise as she emerged from another room. "Did the train arrive so quickly today?"


    "Not exactly, Mrs. Weasley," Kyle replied, holding up a woolen glove. "I used a Portkey the Headmaster gave me. I was going to go straight to St. Mungo¡¯s, but he insisted I stop here first."


    "And he was right," Mrs. Weasley said, pulling Kyle into a warm hug. "You should be on the train right now, not wandering around St. Mungo¡¯s. If Ministry people saw you, it¡¯d cause trouble... Come in, come in! Have you had breakfast? I made beef pie."


    "I already ate¡ª" Kyle began, but Mrs. Weasley placed a heaping plate of steaming pasties in front of him anyway.


    "You haven¡¯t had breakfast yet?" Kyle asked, raising an eyebrow.


    "I have," Mrs. Weasley replied, setting down a jug of pumpkin juice.


    "And the others?"


    "There aren¡¯t any others. It¡¯s just me today," she said, leading Kyle into the kitchen. "Everyone¡¯s been busy. Arthur¡¯s been looking after Sirius at St. Mungo¡¯s, Lupin hasn¡¯t been back in weeks, and the rest are tied up with their own tasks. Chris and Alastor stopped by last night, but neither stayed long."


    Kyle paused mid-sip of pumpkin juice. "Wait¡ªwho stopped by yesterday?"


    "You heard me: your father," Mrs. Weasley said with a smile. "He officially joined the Order of the Phoenix about a month ago, at Dumbledore¡¯s invitation. He was also the one who first found Sirius and drove off the Death Eaters trying to break into the Ministry of Magic."


    Kyle wasn¡¯t surprised that Chris had joined the Order¡ªit was something he¡¯d anticipated. But the mention of Death Eaters targeting the Ministry caught his attention.


    "They were heading for the Ministry that night?" he asked, his curiosity sharpening.


    Mrs. Weasley¡¯s expression faltered as she realized she¡¯d said too much. Quickly, she changed the subject. "Eat up before the pie gets cold," she said, and hurriedly left the kitchen.


    Kyle picked the smallest piece of pie and took a bite, his mind racing.


    From Mrs. Weasley¡¯s slip, he pieced together the likely events of that night. The Death Eaters had apparently planned to infiltrate the Ministry of Magic. Sirius, following their movements, must have been discovered along with Sturgis Podmore. Acting on Voldemort¡¯s orders, the Death Eaters had tried to eliminate Sirius.


    Kyle frowned, shaking his head. It didn¡¯t seem likely. Harry had said Voldemort had killed someone, but neither Mr. Weasley nor anyone else had mentioned such a thing.


    "This means Voldemort was elsewhere at the time," Kyle murmured to himself. "He must have given the order through the Dark Mark."


    But why the Ministry of Magic?


    The answer seemed obvious: the Department of Mysteries.


    It was likely the only place in the Ministry that would hold any interest for Voldemort.


    Kyle¡¯s stomach twisted uneasily at the thought. Diana worked in the Department of Mysteries. If the Death Eaters had succeeded in breaking in, she could have been in danger.


    he thought, exhaling softly.


    His appetite vanished. Pushing the pie aside, he took out parchment and a quill to write Diana a letter. By the time he finished, Mrs. Weasley had returned.


    "Kyle, are you posting a letter?" Mrs. Weasley asked as she spotted the envelope in his hand. "But I don¡¯t recall seeing your owl."


    "I didn¡¯t bring him with me this time," Kyle replied.


    "Ah, that¡¯s a problem..." Mrs. Weasley said, setting down a basket of Christmas decorations. "Without an owl, you¡¯ll have to wait until the children return from their holidays. If you¡¯re in a hurry, though, I can take it to the post office in Diagon Alley for you."


    "That¡¯s okay, Mrs. Weasley. I¡¯m not in a hurry," Kyle assured her.


    In truth, Kyle had no intention of sending the letter by owl. Since Voldemort¡¯s return, Diana had been constantly dispatched on urgent missions, making it nearly impossible for ordinary owls to locate her in the Department of Mysteries.


    "That¡¯s good," Mrs. Weasley said with a nod, and she returned to organizing the Christmas decorations.


    Once she was gone, Kyle opened his suitcase and jumped inside, shaking awake the slumbering Fawkes.


    Although Kyle had ¡°borrowed¡± Fawkes under the pretense of guarding the Basilisk, the phoenix spent most of his time napping. He hadn¡¯t even glanced at the Basilisk. Fawkes was the epitome of laziness¡ªbut then, Kyle wasn¡¯t too surprised. Every time he visited the Headmaster¡¯s Office in the past, Fawkes had been dozing on a branch, only the location had changed.


    After being shaken awake, Fawkes peeked out from under his wings.


    "Sorry, but could you help me deliver this letter to the Department of Mysteries?" Kyle asked, holding up the envelope.


    As a bribe, he added, "Here¡¯s your reward: an extra serving of Lady¡¯s Mantle."


    Fawkes tilted his head, his bright eyes locking on Kyle¡¯s for a moment. Then he nodded, accepting the deal.


    But instead of eating the offered Lady¡¯s Mantle, Fawkes turned his head toward the forest and chirped softly.


    "You want Mandrake instead?" Kyle asked, catching on quickly. "No problem. I¡¯ll pick you the biggest one when you return."


    With that assurance, Fawkes became alert, hopped onto Kyle¡¯s shoulder, and plucked the envelope from his hand.


    "Give it to my mum¡ªDiana," Kyle said, patting Fawkes gently. "And if you find her, I¡¯ll throw in two Chomping Cabbages."


    Fawkes rubbed his head against Kyle¡¯s neck affectionately before disappearing in a burst of golden light.


    "That¡¯s so convenient," Kyle muttered enviously, watching the spot where Fawkes had vanished.


    A phoenix was truly a remarkable magical creature. It could heal with its tears, travel instantly through its unique form of Apparition, deliver messages, and even protect its master from lethal spells in critical moments. It was versatile in a way that few magical creatures could match.


    Kyle¡¯s gaze shifted to Norbert, the Dragon, who was busy terrifying a nearby Mooncalf.


    Norbert, sensing Kyle¡¯s scrutiny, let go of the frightened Mooncalf and looked up at him, snorting happily.


    Two small flames shot out of Norbert¡¯s nostrils, accidentally igniting the Mooncalf¡¯s tail. Panicking, Norbert grabbed the Mooncalf and swallowed it, only to spit it back out after extinguishing the flames.


    Kyle sighed. "A bit silly, but otherwise... not too bad. Pretty good."


    About five minutes later, Fawkes returned, clutching a brooch in his beak.


    The brooch was made of dragon scales, a memento from a trip to the Romanian Dragon Reserve and a gift Chris had given Diana.


    "You actually found her?" Kyle asked in surprise, before realizing how silly the question was. If Fawkes hadn¡¯t found Diana, where would he have gotten the brooch?


    True to his promise, Kyle picked the finest Mandrake plant, dug up two Chomping Cabbages, and added the Lady¡¯s Mantle to the feast.


    "Go on, eat up. There¡¯s more if you want it," Kyle said, stroking the feathers on Fawkes¡¯ neck.


    Reluctantly, he climbed out of the suitcase. It was tempting to stay longer, but the suitcase was still sitting on the kitchen stool. Mrs. Weasley could return at any moment, and it would be awkward if she discovered him inside. Better to leave before she had the chance.


    ...


    Fortunately, when Kyle emerged from his suitcase, Mrs. Weasley was still busy outside decorating for Christmas.


    He tucked the suitcase away and joined her, helping hang mistletoe and holly along the walls and ceiling.


    By noon, the house was still quiet, with only Kyle and Mrs. Weasley around. It wasn¡¯t until 5:30 in the afternoon that someone finally arrived.


    To Kyle¡¯s surprise, it was Bill and Charlie who came through the door.


    "Mum, it¡¯s time to go to the station to pick them up. Do you know where the car keys are?" Bill called out as soon as he entered.


    Then he noticed Kyle standing in the entrance hall and paused.


    "Kyle? When did you get back?"


    "I¡¯m the only one who didn¡¯t take the train," Kyle explained briefly. "When did you get back?"


    "Just a week ago," Bill replied. "Dad thinks the Death Eaters are likely to make a move soon, so Charlie and I have both taken long vacations."


    At that moment, Mrs. Weasley appeared, handing Bill a set of keys.


    "Darling, you can drive, can¡¯t you?"


    "Of course I can, Mum," Bill said confidently, taking the keys. "I nearly bought a car when I was a Curse-Breaker. They¡¯re sometimes more convenient than broomsticks or flying carpets."


    He turned to Kyle. "I¡¯m heading to King¡¯s Cross now. Want to come along?"


    "No," Kyle said, shaking his head. "I¡¯m going to St. Mungo¡¯s."


    "That works out well," Charlie chimed in, stepping over. "I¡¯m covering for Dad at six, so we can go together. You can¡¯t Apparate yet, right?"


    "No," Kyle sighed. "I was planning to take the Hogwarts Express. By the time I get to St. Mungo¡¯s, the train will have already arrived."


    "No need for that," Charlie said with a grin. "I¡¯ll take you."


    Kyle had no reason to refuse¡ªit was certainly faster.


    ...


    At six o''clock sharp, the two of them appeared in a telephone booth near St. Mungo''s.


    "This is a place specifically set up for wizards to Apparate, just like the fireplaces on the Floo Network," Charlie explained.


    It was Kyle''s first time hearing about such a facility at St. Mungo''s, and he couldn''t help but look around curiously. To him, it seemed like just an ordinary telephone booth, cramped and unremarkable.


    "This place is so small. What happens if a lot of wizards come here at the same time?"


    "There¡¯s an Undetectable Extension Charm," Charlie said. "The more people there are, the larger it gets, so there¡¯s no need to worry. No matter how many gather, it won¡¯t feel crowded."


    He pushed open the door and stepped out. Not far to their left was the department store with a "Closed for Renovation" sign in its window.


    As Kyle followed, he noticed a tall woman nearby, eyeing the telephone booth with curiosity.


    "Strange," she muttered to herself. "When did this get here?" She walked closer, reaching out to touch the booth.


    Just as her hand was about to make contact, she hesitated. Her expression shifted as if she had remembered something important, and she quickly turned and hurried off.


    "Hurry up and follow me, Kyle," Charlie called, already standing in front of the department store''s window. He addressed the mannequin inside. "Hello, we¡¯re here to see Sirius Black."


    The mannequin gave a small nod.


    Charlie stepped through the glass and disappeared. Kyle quickly followed.


    The waiting room of St. Mungo''s was as bustling as ever. Wizards and witches sat in rickety wooden chairs, some appearing perfectly normal, others sporting peculiar and outlandish features.


    Charlie and Kyle didn¡¯t linger. They made their way directly to the second floor, heading straight for Sirius¡¯s ward.


    "I''m fine now. Why can¡¯t I go home?"


    Kyle heard Sirius''s voice as they approached the door. "Arthur, Harry¡¯s on holiday. I want to spend Christmas at home with him, not stuck here in St. Mungo¡¯s."


    "I understand," came Mr. Weasley¡¯s reply, "but the Healer said the Runespoor venom in your system has only just been cleared. You need to be monitored for a few more days."


    Charlie pushed the door open, interrupting the conversation.


    The ward was small and dimly lit, with a single tiny window on the wall opposite the door. Inside were three people, with Sirius lying in the bed farthest from the entrance.


    Sirius looked up as they entered and broke into a smile.


    "Long time no see, Kyle. Are you on holiday?" He glanced nervously toward the door. sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Don¡¯t bother looking. It¡¯s just us," Kyle reassured him. "Harry might be a while yet."


    "Ah, no," Sirius said, looking a little relieved. "I wasn¡¯t actually hoping Harry would visit me."


    "I understand," Kyle said simply.


    Mr. Weasley and Charlie stepped outside, leaving Kyle to take out the present he had prepared in advance¡ªa large bag of assorted chocolates.


    Sirius¡¯s eyes lit up when he saw the chocolates. Without hesitation, he tore open a Chocolate Frog and popped it into his mouth.


    Since his acquittal, Sirius had taken to eating chocolate daily¡ªa habit shared by many former Azkaban prisoners.


    "Arthur doesn¡¯t let me eat these," Sirius mumbled, savoring the chocolate. "Says they¡¯re bad for my recovery. The truth is, I don¡¯t care at all. Compared to Dementors, these little wounds are nothing."


    "Still, you should be careful," Kyle said with a smile. "If you recover sooner, you can leave the hospital sooner."


    "You¡¯re right," Sirius conceded, reluctantly putting the bag aside and resisting the urge to grab another piece.


    ¡°I heard Hogwarts has a new Defense Against the Dark Arts professor," Sirius said loudly, clearly not bothered by the presence of the other two patients in the ward. "That sycophant for Fudge, that disgusting toad. She hasn¡¯t been giving you a hard time, has she?"


    "It¡¯s impossible for her not to," Kyle replied with a shrug. "If Harry wrote a list of the most annoying professors, Snape would have to settle for second place."


    In just half a term, the new professor had already outdone Snape in sheer unpleasantness¡ªan impressive feat in its own right.


    "That bloody toad!" Sirius growled, slamming his fist on the bed. "If she dares hurt Harry, I won¡¯t let her get away with it!"


    "Calm down," Kyle said, casting a glance at the other patients in the room. "I have a way to deal with her."


    "Don¡¯t you dare do anything rash," Sirius warned, frowning. "As horrible as she is, she represents the Ministry of Magic. If you act against her, it could cause a lot of trouble."


    "Don¡¯t worry, I know," Kyle reassured him with a smile. "And honestly, I should probably be the one saying that to you."


    "Ha, fair enough," Sirius said with a laugh, relaxing slightly.


    The two continued chatting for a while longer until Mr. Weasley and Charlie returned.


    "Director Sykes, what a surprise," Mr. Weasley said as he pushed the door open.


    Kyle and Sirius looked over.


    "I heard from Dumbledore that you might be at St. Mungo¡¯s around this time," said a woman stepping inside. "Would you care to join me for a cup of tea? There¡¯s something I¡¯d like to discuss with you."


    "Ah, sure," Kyle said, standing up. He turned to Sirius. "I¡¯ll come back to see you later."


    As Kyle and Director Sykes left, Sirius blinked in confusion.


    "Arthur, does Kyle actually know the Director of St. Mungo¡¯s?"


    "Well..." Mr. Weasley began. "During his first-year holidays, Kyle defeated a werewolf here and was awarded the Order of Merlin. I think that¡¯s when they first met."


    "But that was years ago," Sirius pointed out. "Was it really worth it for the Director to make a special trip to invite him for tea? I thought the Healers here said the Director was always busy. And that woman..." He gestured toward the patient in the middle bed. "The Flint family donated five hundred Galleons when she was discharged, and the Director only met with her once."


    "Yes, just briefly," Mr. Weasley agreed.


    He, too, was a little surprised by the Director¡¯s interest in Kyle. But he didn¡¯t dwell on it too much¡ªafter all, Dumbledore¡¯s influence often explained such things.


    The last time they visited, it was the Director herself who had escorted them through the hospital.


    "By the way, Sirius," Mr. Weasley said, changing the subject. "I have to return to work tomorrow. There¡¯s a mountain of tasks piling up. Charlie will stay here to look after you."


    "No, let him go back too," Sirius said, shaking his head firmly. "This is the busiest time of the year for him. I don¡¯t need anyone to stay with me."


    "It¡¯s better to be cautious," Mr. Weasley replied.

 Chapter 659: Building a Nest for Norbert with Galleons

    The tea room on the sixth floor was unchanged since Kyle¡¯s last visit. He was in the same booth, sitting in the exact same seat, but this time, the person across from him wasn¡¯t Dumbledore¡ªit was Director Sykes.


    For reasons Kyle couldn¡¯t quite pin down, the renowned Potioneer seemed a bit nervous. He had seen this expression before, most notably on Fred and George¡¯s faces when they first sold their Maps. Nervous, but more than anything, filled with anticipation.


    But this was different. The person in front of him wasn¡¯t a mischievous entrepreneur; this was the Director of St. Mungo¡¯s, a master of potion-making even more famous than Snape. There was no way someone like her was short on Galleons.


    ¡°How have you been?¡± Director Sykes asked, pouring two cups of black tea. ¡°How are your studies going?¡±


    Kyle had to admit, it was a painfully awkward start¡ªlike meeting a distant relative after ten years and being forced into small talk. He couldn¡¯t shake the feeling.


    ¡°Well, it¡¯s not bad,¡± Kyle replied, taking his cup of tea. ¡°When I graduate next year, I should be able to earn around ten certificates.¡±


    ¡°Ten? That¡¯s quite impressive,¡± Director Sykes remarked.


    ¡°It¡¯s possible,¡± Kyle said softly. ¡°Though, it might end up being less.¡±


    ¡°Is that so?¡±


    With that, the conversation hit a sudden lull. The atmosphere in the booth grew thick with awkward silence. Kyle wasn¡¯t used to this kind of stilted interaction. He wanted to break the ice, but since he didn¡¯t know why Sykes had invited him, he could only grope for a neutral topic.


    ¡°By the way, Director Sykes, how is Mr. Sturgis¡¯s injury?¡±


    ¡°Not bad. Your method worked wonderfully.¡± At the mention of dark magic, her tone grew noticeably more relaxed. ¡°I managed to concoct the antidote early the next morning. It was effective, and the effects of the dark magic have begun to subside. He should be fully recovered in about a month.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s excellent news,¡± Kyle said with a smile. ¡°You managed to create an effective antidote overnight¡ªno wonder Professor Dumbledore calls you the greatest Potioneer.¡±


    ¡°It wasn¡¯t a completely new antidote,¡± Sykes corrected, shaking her head. ¡°Dark magic often follows interconnected principles, even if the branches seem disparate. The magic affecting Sturgis was a type of heart-sucking curse."


    ¡°This particular curse was prevalent about a decade ago¡ªI¡¯ve dealt with it often enough. Plus, with the Phoenix Tears Dumbledore provided, creating the antidote wasn¡¯t especially difficult. The only challenge was time."


    ¡°And, of course, the Basilisk... that creature solved a key part of the problem.¡±


    At the mention of the Basilisk, Sykes paused, her expression momentarily unreadable, before she continued:


    ¡°I never thought I¡¯d encounter a living Basilisk, let alone one that seems to follow your every command. But I¡¯ve always wondered¡ªdoesn¡¯t a Basilisk only obey the wizard who created it? Judging by the size of this one, it must have been around for hundreds of years.¡±


    ¡°More than a thousand, to be precise,¡± Kyle said. ¡°But I¡¯m afraid I can¡¯t disclose its origins for certain... special reasons.¡±


    ¡°No, of course, I understand,¡± Sykes said quickly.


    She didn¡¯t seem particularly concerned with the Basilisk¡¯s origins, or perhaps her curiosity was outweighed by her fascination with the creature itself. She cut straight to the point.


    ¡°I came to see you today to ask if you¡¯d be willing to sell the Basilisk. St. Mungo¡¯s is prepared to offer a price equivalent to ten Dragons.¡±


    Kyle didn¡¯t hesitate. ¡°I¡¯m afraid that¡¯s not possible.¡±


    Ten Dragons was undoubtedly an enormous sum, but the Basilisk was far more valuable than mere Galleons. Moreover, keeping such a dangerous creature under his own control was the safest option.


    He couldn¡¯t bear the thought of waking up one day to a pair of unblinking yellow eyes staring him down.


    To steer the conversation away from outright selling the Basilisk, Kyle added, "This Basilisk has a unique origin. I only have the right to use it, and even if I were inclined to sell it, Professor Dumbledore would never allow it."


    Director Sykes nodded, seemingly unsurprised by the answer. "Understood," she said, her tone composed, as though she had anticipated this outcome.


    ¡°Then how about materials related to the Basilisk? That shouldn¡¯t pose a problem.¡± She poured more tea into her cup. ¡°If it doesn¡¯t harm the Basilisk directly, things like venom, blood, scales, or shed skin would be valuable to St. Mungo¡¯s."


    "Although these items don¡¯t have a set price on the market, I assure you that you¡¯ll be compensated generously. How about ten times the price of comparable materials from a dragon? For instance, dragon blood is six Galleons per ounce, so Basilisk blood would be sixty. Venom? We¡¯ll match the Acromantula rate: 1,000 Galleons per pint.¡±


    Kyle blinked, caught off guard by the offer.


    Basilisk blood and venom?


    He had the distinct feeling that this was Director Sykes''s true goal all along. The quoted price, though steep, was something Kyle found hard to refuse.


    Sixty Galleons for just one ounce of blood¡ªnearly a month¡¯s salary for most Ministry employees. Given the Basilisk¡¯s size, it could easily produce an enormous quantity. If Fawkes ever decided to peck at the Basilisk just for fun, the spilled blood alone might be worth hundreds of Galleons.


    And the venom? That was even more lucrative. Extracting blood might cause the creature some discomfort, but venom was practically effortless. It was as natural to the Basilisk as the flames a dragon breathed. With careful collection, it could easily produce a pint every few days.


    Even factoring in the cost of feeding it¡ªsay, a couple of Warthogs worth a few Galleons each¡ªKyle could hardly believe the potential profits. Adding in shed skins and scales, he calculated he could rake in over 5,000 Galleons a month.


    The thought made Kyle¡¯s pulse quicken. His imagination ran wild, picturing himself constructing a gilded cave for Norbert entirely out of Galleons.


    But the initial excitement gave way to a growing sense of caution. Sipping his tea to steady himself, Kyle asked, ¡°Director Sykes, I can¡¯t imagine St. Mungo¡¯s would need to buy venom or blood indefinitely. What¡¯s the long-term plan here?¡±


    Sykes smiled, her gaze thoughtful as she poured him another cup of tea. ¡°You¡¯re absolutely correct. Our goal isn¡¯t to maintain a steady supply but rather to conduct research and develop new potions.¡±


    She paused, leaning forward slightly. ¡°Over the past few days, I¡¯ve been reviewing potion recipes and journals left by previous Directors of St. Mungo¡¯s. In one notebook from 300 years ago, I found a fascinating entry regarding Basilisk materials¡ªvenom, blood, and even skin."


    "These components naturally resist most herbs and are compatible with only a very narrow range of similarly toxic plants. This makes them extraordinarily difficult to work with. In fact, there are no more than three Healers at St. Mungo¡¯s who are skilled enough to handle such materials."


    "Even then, we can¡¯t dedicate all our resources to experimenting with new potions. Based on my calculations, a single pint of venom would last us about six months.¡±


    Kyle¡¯s heart sank.


    Six months? That was still a sizable profit, but far less than the extravagant visions he¡¯d entertained just moments earlier. A pint of venom every three or five days had sounded far more lucrative. Now, it was clear why Director Sykes had been willing to offer such a high price upfront.


    Kyle rubbed the rim of his teacup, his mind churning with thoughts and calculations.


    ¡°I don¡¯t have any venom or snake blood right now, but I do have this,¡± Kyle said, reaching into his Mokeskin pouch and pulling out a greenish object about the size of his palm, with clear, shimmering scales still visible.


    ¡°Is that... the skin shed by a Basilisk?¡± Director Sykes asked, her voice tinged with excitement.


    Compared to venom or blood, Basilisk skin was far more valuable to her. It wasn¡¯t toxic and was the most versatile of the materials, making it highly sought after in potion-making. Furthermore, she had discovered in the notes of previous directors that Basilisk skin made up the majority of ingredients in a specific magical potion she was researching.


    The only reason she hadn¡¯t mentioned it earlier was the extreme rarity of such material. Basilisks shed their skin only once every century, and she hadn¡¯t dared to assume Kyle would have any. Yet here he was, casually presenting it.


    A whole, intact snake skin from a thousand-year-old Basilisk? That possibility left her breathless.


    ¡°Is there more?¡± she asked, her voice trembling slightly with anticipation.


    ¡°A whole, intact snake skin,¡± Kyle replied calmly, ¡°about fifty feet long.¡± S§×arch* The N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The teacup slipped from Director Sykes¡¯s hand, clattering onto the table. She rarely lost composure, but the idea of an intact fifty-foot Basilisk skin was enough to break even her professional demeanor.


    ¡°I don¡¯t suppose you¡¯d be willing to sell it to St. Mungo¡¯s?¡± she asked hurriedly, though she hesitated mid-sentence, collecting herself. ¡°But... a snake skin like this, we wouldn¡¯t be able to afford it at ten times the price of dragon-hide. Perhaps we could start with 5,000 Galleons for a five-foot section?¡±


    For five feet, 5,000 Galleons was a reasonable offer. It wasn¡¯t dragon-hide, after all. But Kyle shook his head after a moment¡¯s thought.


    ¡°No, Director Sykes...¡±


    ¡°6,000 Galleons, then? That¡¯s the highest we can go.¡±


    ¡°You misunderstand,¡± Kyle said with a faint smile. ¡°I won¡¯t take a single Knut for the five-foot snake skin. I¡¯ll give it to St. Mungo¡¯s for free, along with a pint of venom.¡±


    Director Sykes froze, her expression a mix of astonishment and disbelief.


    ¡°Are you sure?¡± she asked. ¡°That¡¯s an enormous sum of money.¡±


    ¡°If I think about it too much, I might regret it,¡± Kyle admitted with a sheepish laugh.


    Five feet of snake skin and a pint of venom were worth 7,000 Galleons. That kind of money was almost equivalent to the bounty placed on Sirius Black when he was a wanted fugitive.


    Still, Kyle felt uneasy about accepting such a payment for materials meant for potion research. Besides, as he reasoned, earning the goodwill of someone as influential as Director Sykes was a significant advantage.


    After all, even Lucius Malfoy had donated heavily to curry favor with Cornelius Fudge. Compared to Fudge, who was capricious and self-serving, Sykes¡¯s favor seemed far more valuable.


    Kyle didn¡¯t conceal his thoughts, and Director Sykes, perceptive as she was, recognized his reasoning. Yet she didn¡¯t seem offended. If anything, she appeared pleased at the arrangement.


    ¡°How about this?¡± Sykes offered, smiling shrewdly. ¡°Consider the materials as a 7,000 Galleon donation to St. Mungo¡¯s. In return, I will personally endorse Albus Dumbledore in his campaign for Minister of Magic.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Kyle blinked, caught off guard.


    ¡°Your headmaster is running against Fudge for Minister, isn¡¯t he?¡± Sykes continued. ¡°I¡¯ve been debating which side to support. As the Director of St. Mungo¡¯s, even if I declare my support in a personal capacity, people will inevitably associate it with the hospital."


    ¡°But... I¡¯ve decided to resign as Director soon. Once I do, I¡¯ll fully back Dumbledore and his Order of the Phoenix.¡±


    ¡°No, no, no,¡± Kyle said, waving his hands quickly. ¡°Don¡¯t do that.¡±


    Sykes frowned slightly, puzzled by his reaction.


    She was sure Kyle was affiliated with the Order of the Phoenix, at least indirectly. Wasn¡¯t their goal to secure Dumbledore¡¯s position as Minister? The newspapers had been filled with speculation about the headmaster¡¯s candidacy, sparking widespread debate. Why was Kyle rejecting the idea?


    ¡°You probably don¡¯t realize it,¡± Sykes said cautiously, ¡°but I do have a fair amount of influence in the wizarding world. I could help Dumbledore secure more support.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s exactly what worries me,¡± Kyle replied firmly. ¡°Dumbledore won¡¯t become Minister. He doesn¡¯t even stand a chance.¡±


    ¡°You underestimate Albus,¡± Sykes said, smiling slightly.


    ¡°No, I¡¯m serious,¡± Kyle said. ¡°Just trust me on this. Professor Dumbledore isn¡¯t going to be Minister, no matter how much support he has."


    ¡°If you openly endorse him, you¡¯ll put yourself at odds with the Ministry, and that won¡¯t be good for you or St. Mungo¡¯s.¡±


    Sykes¡¯s smile faded as she regarded him seriously. His tone wasn¡¯t joking, and his conviction made her pause.


    If Kyle was right, then publicly supporting Dumbledore could have serious repercussions, especially with a vindictive Minister like Fudge.


    ¡°How about this,¡± Kyle proposed. ¡°When Fawkes delivers you a letter next, just accept it in front of everyone and write back to Professor Dumbledore. Keep it vague and ambiguous.¡±


    Sykes blinked, momentarily confused.


    Didn¡¯t Kyle just insist Dumbledore wouldn¡¯t become Minister? Then why create the illusion of support?


    She couldn¡¯t quite grasp his reasoning, but she trusted his judgment. It was, after all, just a letter. No harm would come to St. Mungo¡¯s from that alone.


    ¡°Very well,¡± Sykes agreed. ¡°I¡¯ll do as you say.¡±

 Chapter 660: Hagrid’s Confusion: Is Dumbledore Up to Something Again?

    When Kyle returned to the second floor of St. Mungo¡¯s, he was greeted by the sound of an angry growl from Sirius¡¯s room.


    ¡°If you lot don¡¯t shut up, I¡¯ll hang you upside down from the ceiling in the corridor!¡±


    Moments later, the door burst open, and three disgruntled figures were unceremoniously shoved into the hallway by Mr. Weasley.


    Ron stood in the corridor, muttering as he glared at the closed door. ¡°Honestly, we only said a few things. We weren¡¯t bothering him¡­¡±


    ¡°But we did bother him,¡± Hermione countered matter-of-factly. ¡°Waking him up twice? Sirius was right to throw us out.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not our fault,¡± Ron protested with a shrug. ¡°That room¡¯s so small, even whispering would be too loud.¡±


    ¡°Never mind,¡± Harry said, trying to diffuse the tension. ¡°It¡¯s the holidays. We can come back whenever we want. Where¡¯s Mr. Weasley?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± Hermione replied. ¡°He¡¯s probably outside looking for Bill. He said he wanted to go back with us.¡±


    As they continued talking, Kyle descended the stairs, avoiding drawing attention to himself. He had no interest in explaining¡ªagain¡ªhow he had managed to get to St. Mungo¡¯s from Hogwarts. Without a word, he walked past the trio and headed straight to the waiting room on the first floor. From there, he exited through the passage and stepped outside.


    Outside, Mr. Weasley was chatting enthusiastically with Bill.


    ¡°How about I drive us back?¡± he asked, eyeing Sirius¡¯s car with barely concealed glee.


    Bill chuckled and, with no objection, handed him the keys.


    Mr. Weasley grinned and took the keys, but as he looked up, he noticed Kyle emerging from the department store¡¯s enchanted window.


    ¡°You¡¯re done talking with Director Sykes?¡± Mr. Weasley asked.


    ¡°Yes, we¡¯re finished.¡±


    Kyle felt a pang in his chest at the reminder. Seven thousand Galleons, gone in the span of one tea session. No matter how logical the decision, it was hard not to feel a little regretful.


    Unaware of Kyle¡¯s inner turmoil, Mr. Weasley gestured to the car. ¡°Come on in. I¡¯ll fetch Harry and the others, and we can all head back together.¡±


    ¡°No need, Mr. Weasley,¡± Kyle said, shaking his head and pulling a teapot from his pocket. ¡°I asked Director Sykes to make me a Portkey¡ªit¡¯ll take me straight to Hogsmeade.¡±


    ¡°Hogsmeade?¡±


    ¡°Well,¡± Kyle admitted with a wry smile, ¡°I did sign the stay-behind list at school, so technically, this whole trip is sneaking out. I need to get back before anyone notices I¡¯m missing.¡±


    Glancing at the time, he added quickly, ¡°Sorry, Mr. Weasley, the Portkey activates in a minute. I¡¯ve got to get ready.¡±


    ¡°Ah, alright,¡± Mr. Weasley said, opening the car door. ¡°Do you want to wait in here? It¡¯s safe enough.¡±


    Kyle had been considering heading back to the telephone booth, but Mr. Weasley¡¯s offer was more convenient. Without hesitation, he climbed into the car.


    ...


    When Kyle returned to Hogwarts, it was already 7 o¡¯clock¡ªjust in time for dinner.


    This year, only about thirty people had chosen to stay at school, so the Great Hall had been rearranged. Instead of the usual four house tables, a single long table had been set up in the middle, where both students and professors sat together for the evening meal.


    To Kyle¡¯s relief, Umbridge was nowhere to be seen. She must have left the school as well, which was a stroke of good fortune. If she had been there, Kyle doubted he would have been able to eat.


    Dumbledore was also absent, but Professor Flitwick took charge of the festive spirit, leading everyone in singing Christmas carols. As was tradition, he also pulled streamers and firecrackers filled with trinkets like oddly shaped hats and wizard chess pieces. Professor Flitwick delightedly donned a leather cowboy hat he opened from one cracker.


    Kyle¡¯s cracker revealed a sequined hat, which he decided would make a perfect Christmas gift for the Niffler. After all, anything that sparkled was a treasure in a Niffler¡¯s eyes.


    Soon, the table filled with an array of delicious food.


    Kanna, sitting nearby, spread marmalade on her toast and asked quietly, ¡°How is Professor Black?¡±


    ¡°The Runespoor venom has been removed from his system,¡± Kyle replied. ¡°I think he¡¯ll be out of the hospital in a few days.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s good.¡±


    ¡°By the way, when did Umbridge leave?¡±


    ¡°This morning, I think. Or maybe last night,¡± Kanna mused. ¡°I haven¡¯t seen her at all today.¡±


    ¡°You won¡¯t see her for the next two weeks either,¡± Kyle said with a grin.


    Kanna laughed. ¡°I have to say, that¡¯s the best Christmas present ever.¡± S§×ar?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Despite the smaller crowd, the dinner was as lively as ever. During dessert, Professor McGonagall conjured twenty dancing Yetis, making the Great Hall feel like a Yule Ball. Afterward, the Yetis transformed into ice sculptures, frozen mid-dance in various poses around the hall.


    The room filled with applause as everyone returned to their common rooms, cheerful and laughing.


    The next morning, Christmas arrived.


    Kyle woke to find his room overflowing with presents. Having gotten up late, it took him until noon to unwrap them all.


    Most of the gifts were books and sweets, as usual. Kyle couldn¡¯t even recall the last time he¡¯d visited Honeydukes.


    Kanna had given him a box of chocolates that looked homemade. Summoning some courage, Kyle tried one and was pleasantly surprised¡ªit was delicious. There seemed to be magic in them, too. The sleepiness that had lingered since waking vanished as soon as he ate one, leaving him alert and refreshed. It reminded him of an Awakening Potion but had a pleasant vanilla aroma.


    Mrs. Weasley¡¯s annual Christmas jumper was a cozy grey one this year, soft and comfortable.


    Hagrid¡¯s gift was a fur wallet with sharp teeth, which came with a note saying it was burglar-proof and perfect for keeping Galleons safe. Hagrid was right, though the wallet¡¯s defenses were so effective it didn¡¯t recognize Kyle either¡ªhis Sickles were stuck inside.


    Professor Snape¡¯s gift, as usual, was peculiar: a bottle of air.


    Dumbledore sent a wool scarf, while Director Sykes surprised Kyle with a bottle of Felix Felicis. The shimmering, golden potion outshone the rest of the presents.


    ¡°I should have opened this one last,¡± Kyle muttered, holding the vial in awe.


    After finishing with the gifts, Kyle left the dormitory and headed to the Great Hall with Kanna. The ice sculptures from the night before were still in place, now dressed in magnificent robes that appeared to be Professor Flitwick¡¯s handiwork.


    After lunch, Kanna stuck to her plan of spending the holidays reading, heading to the library to dive into three books on potions.


    Kyle, on the other hand, left the castle and made his way to Hagrid¡¯s hut.


    Hagrid had been in low spirits recently, possibly because of Umbridge or other reasons, so Kyle wanted to check on him.


    When Kyle arrived, Hagrid was sitting by the pumpkin patch, stirring a thick, gooey mixture in a pot next to an empty bucket. It seemed to be food for some kind of Magical Creature.


    ¡°Merry Christmas, Hagrid. What¡¯s this?¡± Kyle asked, frowning at the contents of the pot.


    Hagrid, lost in thought, started at Kyle¡¯s voice. ¡°Merry Christmas, Kyle,¡± he said, glancing up. ¡°It¡¯s stew¡ªmeat, giblets, couscous¡­¡± His tone held a hint of guilt. ¡°Well¡­ it¡¯s for Fluffy. He likes it.¡±


    ¡°Oh, I see.¡± Kyle nodded in understanding. No matter how unusual the food seemed, it made perfect sense when it was for the Three-Headed Dog. Fluffy wasn¡¯t exactly picky about what he ate¡ªor how it looked.


    Kyle pulled up a chair next to Hagrid and asked, ¡°What¡¯s wrong with you lately?¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Hagrid replied quickly, ¡°I¡¯m fine.¡±


    ¡°Then why were you ten minutes late for class? You¡¯ve never been late before, and...¡± Kyle¡¯s gaze shifted to Hagrid¡¯s face. ¡°And what happened to your injuries?¡±


    Hagrid¡¯s eyes were swollen, with a large, obvious circle of bruising around them, as if he¡¯d been struck by a Bludger.


    ¡°No, it¡¯s nothing,¡± Hagrid mumbled, lowering his head and trying to shield his eyes with his hands. ¡°I just... accidentally hit a tree.¡±


    ¡°You sure hit it hard,¡± Kyle chuckled, choosing not to press further on Hagrid¡¯s transparent lie.


    ¡°Well... actually, it¡¯s because of that annoying Umbridge,¡± Hagrid admitted reluctantly, his voice hesitant. ¡°She told me that after the holidays, she¡¯d be inspecting my classes again. And if she¡¯s not satisfied, I¡¯ll get another suspension notice.¡±


    Hagrid¡¯s words trailed off as he angrily grabbed a handful of wood and threw it into the fire, causing the pot of mysterious stew to bubble furiously.


    ¡°But what would satisfy her?¡± Hagrid muttered bitterly. ¡°She¡¯s always looking for a reason to give me a bad mark, no matter what I do. And if I so much as talk normally, she¡¯ll write it down as ¡®intimidating students.¡¯¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s ridiculous,¡± he growled. ¡°She¡¯s doing it on purpose¡ªjust because I said I¡¯d always stand by Dumbledore!¡±


    ¡°Of course she does,¡± Kyle agreed calmly. ¡°That¡¯s exactly why she¡¯s here at Hogwarts.¡±


    Hagrid sighed heavily, clearly reluctant to continue discussing the subject.


    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you go back for the holidays?¡± he asked, steering the conversation elsewhere. ¡°I thought you¡¯d spend Christmas at Sirius¡¯s house with Harry.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve got something to do,¡± Kyle said vaguely, ¡°but I need your help. It¡¯s something I can only manage here at school¡ªand only while Umbridge isn¡¯t around.¡±


    ¡°No problem,¡± Hagrid said immediately, his loyalty unwavering. ¡°Just name it. What d¡¯you need me to do?¡±


    ¡°Not so fast,¡± Kyle said with a wave of his hand. ¡°Before that, I want to ask you something.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s that?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s about the school owls. Have there been any unusual incidents lately?¡± Kyle asked. ¡°Like injuries or lost letters?¡±


    ¡°How¡¯d you know about that?¡± Hagrid growled, his voice darkening. ¡°No letters¡¯ve gone missing, but owls¡¯ve been hurt¡ªmore than just one, too. I don¡¯t know who the scoundrel is, but if I catch the one attacking those messengers, I¡¯ll give ¡¯em a piece of my mind!¡±


    ¡°Great,¡± Kyle said absentmindedly, his mind already working on something.


    ¡°What? Great?¡± Hagrid frowned, his expression growing serious. ¡°You¡¯re wrong, Kyle. Those owls were attacked¡ªmost likely because someone wanted to steal the letters they were delivering. That¡¯s no good thing.¡±


    ¡°Then let them try,¡± Kyle said with a sly smile. ¡°We won¡¯t need to catch them. Just toss them a decoy.¡±


    Hagrid¡¯s confusion deepened, though he couldn¡¯t suppress his curiosity. ¡°What¡¯re you on about? What¡¯s this plan?¡±


    Kyle leaned forward, his voice lowering conspiratorially. ¡°I have an idea that might make Umbridge leave Hogwarts for good.¡±


    Hagrid raised his eyebrows and covered his face briefly with his hand, only to peer at Kyle again with renewed interest. ¡°Tell me,¡± he urged. ¡°What d¡¯you need me to do?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s simple,¡± Kyle said. ¡°Go to the Owl Post Office and send a letter to Hogwarts from there.¡±


    Hagrid blinked. ¡°What did you say?¡± he asked, as though he hadn¡¯t heard correctly. ¡°You want me to go to the Owl Post Office and send a letter to Hogwarts?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right,¡± Kyle confirmed. ¡°And not just that¡ªyou need to ask the owl to take a big detour when delivering the letter, so it looks like it came from a completely different direction.¡±


    Hagrid¡¯s bewilderment grew. He couldn¡¯t make sense of Kyle¡¯s request, let alone its purpose.


    But Kyle offered no explanation. Instead, he handed Hagrid a thick stack of parchment. ¡°This is the letter you¡¯re sending,¡± he said. ¡°Just put your name as the recipient.¡±


    Hagrid took the parchments, curiosity piqued, and glanced down at them.


    Something struck him as odd. Though the letters were all from Kyle, the handwriting on each one was different.


    He unfolded the first letter, its scribbled handwriting barely legible.


    Hagrid frowned as he read the letter. he thought.


    But wasn¡¯t Kyle already at Hogwarts? If he wanted to discuss something with Dumbledore, why not just go to the Headmaster¡¯s Office? Why bother writing a letter?


    Curious, Hagrid looked at the second letter. The handwriting was entirely different¡ªmuch neater, as though written by a different person.


    Hagrid scratched his head. Had Dumbledore made a new decision? He hadn¡¯t heard anything about it. And since when did Kyle have an uncle? Hagrid had never heard Chris mention a brother.


    He continued flipping through the letters. With each new one, the handwriting changed again.


    Was something planned for the 20th? The more Hagrid read, the more puzzled he became. Questions swirled in his mind, leaving him feeling as if he¡¯d been hit by a Memory Charm and couldn¡¯t recall something important.


    ¡°Don¡¯t read them, Hagrid. I made it all up,¡± Kyle said, patting Hagrid¡¯s arm reassuringly. ¡°And they¡¯re not for you.¡±


    Hagrid looked up, feeling relieved for reasons he couldn¡¯t quite explain. ¡°You¡¯re writing to Professor Dumbledore?¡±


    ¡°Not exactly,¡± Kyle replied, shaking his head. ¡°It¡¯s for someone who wants to read the letters.¡±


    Hagrid¡¯s brow furrowed in confusion.


    ¡°When you send the letters, make sure you don¡¯t pick a particularly diligent owl,¡± Kyle instructed. ¡°It¡¯s better to use one that¡¯ll drop the letter and run at the first sign of danger.¡±


    ¡°That won¡¯t be easy,¡± Hagrid said. ¡°There aren¡¯t any undiligent owls¡ªat least, I¡¯ve never seen one like that.¡±


    Kyle smirked. ¡°Just ask around. Who knows? You might find one.¡±


    Realizing he couldn¡¯t guess what Kyle was up to, Hagrid decided to stop trying. He¡¯d just do as Kyle said.


    The two continued discussing the plan, mostly with Kyle giving instructions, until a faint burning smell wafted from the cauldron nearby. Hagrid jumped up, hastily extinguishing the fire with dirt before it got out of control.


    ¡°Kyle, I have to take lunch to Grawp now,¡± Hagrid said, glancing toward the Forbidden Forest. ¡°How about we continue this discussion this afternoon? I¡¯ll be back as soon as I can.¡±


    ¡°Grawp?¡± Kyle raised an eyebrow. ¡°I thought you said that was for Fluffy?¡±


    Hagrid froze, his mouth snapping shut. Panic flickered across his face.


    ¡°Yes, yes, Fluffy, right,¡± he stammered. ¡°Grawp... that¡¯s the name I gave to the head in the middle.¡±


    ¡°Oh, I see,¡± Kyle said casually. ¡°I thought Grawp was the name of a Giant.¡±


    ¡°Of¡ªof course not,¡± Hagrid stuttered, now visibly flustered. He clutched at his coat unconsciously. ¡°Giants have no business in the Forbidden Forest, do they?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re right,¡± Kyle said with a knowing smile. ¡°Go on, then¡ªthat¡¯s all I needed to say.¡±


    ¡°Oh, one more thing,¡± Kyle added, his tone turning serious. ¡°When you send the letter, make sure it¡¯s encrypted. The post office can add an Anti-Muggle Charm so the letter can only be opened with a spell.¡±


    Kyle pulled a Galleon from his pocket and handed it to Hagrid. ¡°Here¡¯s the postage.¡±


    Hagrid¡¯s expression darkened immediately.


    ¡°What¡¯re you doing?¡± he asked gruffly, his voice rising. ¡°Take it back! I¡¯m just helping you post the letters¡ªd¡¯you think I¡¯d take your money for that?¡±


    Kyle opened his mouth to respond but stopped when he noticed the redness creeping across Hagrid¡¯s face.


    ¡°Alright, alright,¡± Kyle said with a shrug, slipping the Galleon back into his pocket.


    ¡°That¡¯s better,¡± Hagrid said with a satisfied smile. ¡°I¡¯ll head to the Owl Post Office this afternoon¡ªdon¡¯t you worry about a thing.¡±


    ¡°No rush,¡± Kyle replied. ¡°It¡¯s better if you send two or three letters a day¡ªnot too many at once.¡±


    ¡°No problem,¡± Hagrid said cheerfully, readily agreeing.

 Chapter 661: Tit for Tat, the Role of the Assistant

    After returning from Hagrid¡¯s, Kyle didn¡¯t have much planned.


    For the next few days, he spent his time in an empty classroom on the sixth floor, diligently working on his holiday homework. The classroom¡¯s window provided a clear view of Hagrid¡¯s hut, a small detail Kyle found useful.


    That day, as usual, he arrived early, sat by the familiar window seat, and started writing. Every now and then, he glanced outside. Before long, he noticed an owl fly to Hagrid¡¯s hut, drop off a letter, and swiftly depart.


    Hagrid collected the letter, briefly looked around as though checking for onlookers, then hurried inside, shutting the door behind him.


    The scene played out exactly as it had for the past few days.


    However, just as Kyle returned his focus to his homework, another figure emerged near the edge of the Forbidden Forest.


    It was Filch.


    Kyle froze, watching as the caretaker skulked behind a tree, peering out only after Hagrid had disappeared inside. Once the coast seemed clear, Filch crept toward the hut, moving with exaggerated stealth.


    He peered through the windows, but Hagrid had taken precautions¡ªthick curtains covered every pane, and even the gaps in the hut were tightly sealed. Unable to see anything, Filch circled the hut twice, muttering angrily, then left, grumbling curses under his breath.


    Kyle waited until Filch was out of sight before swiftly packing up his homework. He needed to post his most important letter in the common room, but as he hurried downstairs, he ran into Snape.


    ¡°I thought you¡¯d broken the rules again and sneaked out of school,¡± Snape said, his voice icy. ¡°What a disappointment.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve been here all week, Professor,¡± Kyle replied calmly. ¡°If you don¡¯t need anything else, I¡¯ll be going now.¡±


    Kyle attempted to step past him, but Snape blocked his path.


    ¡°Just a moment,¡± Snape said, his tone firm.


    ¡°It¡¯s only been a week. I trust you haven¡¯t forgotten what you promised the Headmaster.¡±


    Kyle stopped and looked up at Snape. ¡°If you¡¯re talking about helping Harry learn Occlumency, of course, I remember.¡±


    ¡°Good,¡± Snape said curtly. ¡°Follow me.¡±


    ¡°Already?¡± Kyle asked, remaining still. Normally, lessons like this wouldn¡¯t begin until after term started. Besides, Harry was still supposed to be at 12 Grimmauld Place. Surely, they weren¡¯t going to barge into Sirius¡¯s house for this.


    ¡°Yes, now,¡± Snape snapped. ¡°Hurry up, and don¡¯t make me repeat myself again.¡±


    Reluctantly, Kyle set aside his plan to post the letter and followed Snape.


    When they reached the Dungeon classroom, Kyle was surprised to find Harry already there.


    Harry, however, didn¡¯t look pleased. His face was tense, his breathing heavy, and his glare at Snape was practically burning holes through him.


    Snape¡¯s expression was equally disdainful.


    ¡°Trust me, Potter,¡± Snape said in a low, cutting tone. ¡°If it weren¡¯t for the Headmaster¡¯s orders, I would never have allowed you to set foot in here.¡±


    ¡°Am I supposed to thank you for your generosity?¡± Harry retorted, his face flushing with anger.


    He suspected Snape was doing this deliberately. There were still ten days left of the holiday, and Sirius had promised to take him to Diagon Alley to pick out furniture for his new bedroom. Instead, he¡¯d been summoned back to Hogwarts to learn Occlumency.


    For a fleeting moment, Harry even considered storming past Snape and leaving.


    ¡°No thanks,¡± Snape replied coldly, ignoring Harry¡¯s irritation. ¡°As long as you¡¯ve learned something from your previous lessons and don¡¯t make me repeat myself endlessly.¡±


    ¡°But why now?¡± Harry burst out. ¡°Can¡¯t it wait until the start of term?¡±


    ¡°It seems you¡¯d rather enjoy yourself than consider the safety of the Order of the Phoenix,¡± Snape shot back icily. ¡°As I explained before, the Dark Lord is aware that you can sense his thoughts and has likely deduced the situation is reversible. In other words, the Dark Lord may now believe he can sense your thoughts as well."


    ¡°Or do you imagine the Dark Lord is as arrogant and foolish as you, completely ignorant of such possibilities? Perhaps you see this as a game¡ªa thrilling opportunity to delve into the Dark Lord¡¯s mind, more exciting than wizard chess?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t!¡± Harry shouted. ¡°I¡¯ve never thought of it like that!¡±


    ¡°Then prove it,¡± Snape snarled. ¡°Learn Occlumency. Stop wasting time complaining about your disrupted vacation!¡±


    Harry¡¯s face grew redder, but as much as he wanted to argue, a voice in his mind whispered that Snape was right.


    ¡°Fine,¡± Harry said through gritted teeth. ¡°I won¡¯t let Voldemort into my head.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t say the Dark Lord¡¯s name!¡± Snape snapped sharply.


    An awkward silence hung in the air as the two glared at each other. Ultimately, it was Harry who conceded, his frustration simmering just beneath the surface.


    ¡°What do we do?¡± Harry asked warily.


    ¡°The same as last time,¡± Snape replied, drawing his wand from his robes. ¡°Try to protect your mind from the intrusion... or defeat me, using whatever magic you can muster.¡±


    ¡°Professor Snape...¡± Kyle, who had been silent until now, stepped forward. ¡°As a qualified teaching assistant, I feel it¡¯s my duty to demonstrate the correct method to Harry.¡±


    Snape¡¯s face darkened as he took in Kyle¡¯s eager expression and the wand in his hand.


    ¡°I strongly disagree with you,¡± Snape said curtly. ¡°A qualified teaching assistant does not take matters into his own hands.¡±


    It was one thing to criticize Harry¡ªafter all, Snape could say whatever he liked to the boy. But Kyle? Snape had no desire to deal with the fallout of antagonizing him.


    Meanwhile, Harry finally noticed Kyle¡¯s presence in the room.


    ¡°Kyle? What are you doing here?¡± he asked, surprised. ¡°Are you learning Occlumency too?¡±


    For a moment, Harry felt a flicker of relief. Having Kyle there was far better than facing Snape alone.


    Before Kyle could answer, Snape cut in sharply:


    ¡°Potter, if you used your ears properly, you might have caught the word assistant mentioned just now.¡±


    ¡°Assistant ?¡± Harry repeated, confused.


    ¡°I¡¯m glad you heard that this time,¡± Snape sneered. ¡°I trust I don¡¯t need to explain what a teaching assistant is.¡± His gaze flicked to Kyle before returning to Harry. ¡°If your Occlumency were even half as good as his¡ªno, even a third as good¡ªwe wouldn¡¯t be wasting our time here.¡±


    Harry flushed with embarrassment, his ears burning.


    ¡°All right, enough nonsense,¡± Snape snapped.


    Instead of immediately casting a spell, Snape moved to the cabinet. He retrieved a Pensieve and, pressing his wand to his temple, began extracting thin, silver strands of memory. He deposited the strands into the Pensieve one by one, repeating the process three times.


    Kyle¡¯s eyes narrowed. Now it was clear why Snape needed the Pensieve.


    Snape¡¯s teaching method involved using Legilimency to invade Harry¡¯s mind, forcing him to practice resisting the intrusion repeatedly. It was effective, but with a significant risk: if the student managed even a brief moment of successful Occlumency, the Legilimency Spell could backfire, allowing them to see into the caster¡¯s mind.


    It all made sense now. S~ea??h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    No wonder Snape had been so furious after his first Occlumency session with Harry. Harry must have accidentally deflected the Legilimency Spell, glimpsing something deeply personal in Snape¡¯s thoughts. Even a fleeting look would have been enough to infuriate him.


    To avoid such incidents, Snape was removing any memories he didn¡¯t want Harry¡ªor anyone¡ªseeing and storing them in the Pensieve.


    Kyle glanced curiously at the Pensieve as Snape returned it to the cabinet and locked it securely. What memories could be so important that Snape would go to such lengths to conceal them?


    ¡°Now, be prepared,¡± Snape said coldly, raising his wand.


    Harry barely had time to react. A faint white light emanated from his wand before his body stiffened, and he collapsed to the ground uncontrollably.


    ¡°¡± Kyle muttered, flicking his wand. The hard floor softened instantly, cushioning Harry¡¯s fall.


    At the same time, Snape let out a muffled grunt, pulling his wand hand back. His wrist bore a red, swollen mark, as if struck.


    ¡°The Stinging Jinx?¡± Kyle raised an eyebrow, impressed.


    Harry¡¯s response had been better than expected.


    The Legilimency Spell required the caster to maintain a magical connection to their target.


    Breaking that connection was a valid¡ªand often effective¡ªtactic. The Stinging Jinx, as well as other spells like the Disarming Charm, Knockback Jinx, or even the Patronus Charm, could all disrupt the caster¡¯s focus.


    As Snape lowered his wand, Harry stirred, his eyes fluttering open.


    First, he noticed that he wasn¡¯t hurt from the fall¡ªa surprising change from past sessions. Then, his gaze locked onto Snape, filled with wary suspicion.


    ¡°Is this the best you can do?¡± Snape asked coldly, rubbing his wrist where Harry''s earlier curse had struck.


    ¡°I...¡± Harry began, but Snape didn¡¯t give him a chance to finish.


    ¡°¡±


    Harry¡¯s body stiffened again, and he collapsed to the ground, hissing through his teeth, ¡°No, stop...¡±


    This time, however, Snape waved his hand to stop Kyle from softening the floor.


    ¡°A little damage will help him master the spell more quickly,¡± Snape said dismissively.


    Kyle frowned slightly. ¡°So what else can I do?¡±


    ¡°Nothing,¡± Snape replied, shooting him a glance. ¡°Just watch.¡±


    Kyle shrugged and leaned back, opting not to argue.


    Meanwhile, Harry groaned as he woke from the painful jolt of his knee slamming into the table leg. He glared at Snape, his face twisted in frustration.


    ¡°That was a sneak attack,¡± he growled. ¡°I wasn¡¯t ready!¡±


    ¡°Your enemies won¡¯t let you prepare,¡± Snape retorted sharply. ¡°I find it hard to believe you¡¯re taking this seriously. After all this time, you¡¯ve made no improvement whatsoever.¡±


    Harry glared at him furiously, but Snape ignored his anger.


    ¡°Eliminate distractions, Potter,¡± Snape continued, his tone cutting. ¡°I¡¯ve told you before: cast aside all emotions. That is the key to learning Occlumency.¡±


    Kyle nodded silently in agreement. Snape was right¡ªthe essence of Occlumency lay in focus and discipline. To resist a mental intrusion, one needed to clear their mind and summon absolute concentration. Any stray emotion or thought would only weaken their defense.


    Unfortunately, Harry¡¯s current state of mind¡ªfull of anger and frustration¡ªwas precisely the kind of distraction that made Occlumency difficult. His outbursts, though fiery, only undermined his progress.


    ¡°Again,¡± Snape commanded. ¡°Get ready... ¡±


    Harry hit the ground once more, this time landing hard on his knees.


    ¡°You¡¯re not doing it, Potter!¡± Snape barked. ¡°Discipline yourself. Focus! Again!¡±


    The session devolved into what looked like a wrestling match between Harry and the floor. With each failed attempt, he slammed into the ground in a different way¡ªsometimes on his knees, other times on his arms. The sight was almost absurd, and anyone watching might have thought Harry was training for some bizarre contact sport.


    Kyle, meanwhile, remained the most composed person in the room. At Snape¡¯s insistence, he only softened the ground when Harry fell face-first, to prevent any serious injury.


    ¡°Get up, Potter,¡± Snape barked after yet another fall. ¡°You¡¯re not doing it. You¡¯re not trying. I told you to let go of your emotions!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m trying!¡± Harry snarled, his teeth clenched tightly.


    ¡°Tried?¡± Snape sneered. ¡°I barely showed you a memory from before you turned ten, and you crumbled like a child, begging me to stop! Weaklings like you are no match for the Dark Lord, Potter.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not weak!¡± Harry shouted, his fists clenching as if he were about to throw a punch at Snape.


    ¡°Then prove it!¡± Snape snapped. ¡°!¡±


    As expected, Harry fell to the ground again.


    ¡°I told you to let go of your emotions!¡± Snape shouted.


    ¡°I can¡¯t!¡±


    ¡°Control your temper!¡±


    ...


    The office echoed with Snape''s sharp reprimands and the dull sound of Harry''s body hitting the floor.


    Two hours passed in this manner until Harry finally fainted. He lay sprawled on the ground, his brow furrowed, one hand clutching the lightning-shaped scar on his forehead, the other twitching involuntarily.


    Kyle stepped forward, observing the scene thoughtfully. ¡°Professor Snape, he¡¯s not... entering You-Know-Who¡¯s mind again, is he?¡±


    Snape¡¯s face darkened even further, though he remained silent.


    Without warning, a large puddle of water materialized and splashed directly onto Harry¡¯s face. He jerked awake, gasping for air, his body trembling as he knelt on the ground.


    ¡°You saw it again, didn¡¯t you?¡± Snape demanded, his piercing gaze fixed on Harry. ¡°Entered the Dark Lord¡¯s thoughts.¡±


    ¡°I... I didn¡¯t...¡± Harry muttered, his eyes darting away.


    ¡°Liar!¡± Snape barked, his voice sharp with anger.


    Harry remained silent, avoiding Snape¡¯s glare. The tension between them hung heavy in the room as neither moved, locked in a silent standoff.


    Kyle, sensing the impasse, broke in. ¡°Why don¡¯t we let Harry go back for now? Two hours is more than enough. If we push him further with Legilimency, he might not be able to handle it.¡±


    A flicker of relief crossed Harry¡¯s face, though he tried to hide it. He was desperate to leave.


    Snape scrutinized Harry¡¯s expression for a long moment before finally speaking. ¡°We¡¯ll continue at the same time tomorrow,¡± he declared. His tone was clipped, but his words carried weight. ¡°And remember what I told you before¡ªbefore you sleep, clear your mind of all emotion. Make it empty and calm.¡±


    ¡°Okay,¡± Harry replied hastily, turning on his heel and leaving without a backward glance.


    Kyle watched the door swing shut, his expression wry. ¡°I don¡¯t think he listened,¡± he remarked, his gaze lingering on the spot where Harry had just stood. Harry¡¯s thoughts were practically broadcast on his face¡ªit was clear he only cared about escaping.


    ¡°Arrogant, emotional fool,¡± Snape muttered, exhaling sharply through his nose.


    Kyle shrugged. ¡°Well, I¡¯ll be heading back too, Professor.¡±


    ¡°Not so fast,¡± Snape said, his voice deceptively calm. A sinister smile played on his lips as he turned to face Kyle. ¡°As a teaching assistant, it¡¯s time you fulfilled your responsibilities. You¡¯ll draft a detailed plan for Potter¡¯s Occlumency lessons¡ªa minimum of three feet long. Include areas of focus and strategies for managing his emotions in everyday situations. I expect it on my desk by this time tomorrow.¡±


    Kyle froze. ¡°But I have other things to do,¡± he protested, his voice edged with frustration. A three-foot plan? If he agreed, he¡¯d have no time for anything else.


    ¡°That¡¯s not my concern,¡± Snape replied with a pointed look. ¡°You accepted this position under the headmaster¡¯s orders, and you¡¯ll see it through. Unless, of course, you can find a way to extricate yourself from the job. But I must warn you¡ªthe headmaster is currently away. Any appeal will have to wait until his return.¡±


    Kyle¡¯s mouth twitched as he resisted the urge to groan. It seemed there was no escape.


    If he¡¯d known it would come to this, he¡¯d have insisted on teaching Harry how to block Legilimency himself.

 Chapter 662: Kyle, How About You Teach Me?

    After leaving Snape''s office, Kyle didn¡¯t return directly to the dormitory to draft any study plans. Instead, he found Harry, who was standing on the castle grounds, staring off into the distance.


    Harry¡¯s face was pale, though it wasn¡¯t clear if it was from the water that had been thrown at him or from sweat. His hair clung to his forehead, partially concealing the lightning-shaped scar.


    ¡°How are you feeling?¡± Kyle asked as he approached.


    ¡°You¡¯re here, Kyle,¡± Harry said, his voice slightly shaky. He unconsciously rubbed his scar. ¡°It¡¯s like last time¡ªmy head feels like it¡¯s going to split open. But thanks to you, I didn¡¯t hurt my arms or knees this time. A few times, I fell, but the floor felt soft, so... you did that?¡±


    ¡°Why shouldn¡¯t Professor Snape be afraid of you getting hurt?¡± Kyle replied.


    ¡°Snape? Afraid of me getting hurt?¡± Harry suddenly laughed, the sound brittle as though he¡¯d heard an absurd joke. ¡°I¡¯d sooner believe Ron could drain the Black Lake dry.¡±


    ¡°Ron has quite the appetite, then,¡± Kyle said, laughing along. ¡°Where is he? Didn¡¯t he come back with you?¡±


    ¡°He wanted to,¡± Harry explained, shaking his head. ¡°He and Hermione planned to return with me, but it wasn¡¯t allowed. Anyone who didn¡¯t sign the stay-behind list has to wait until the start of term to come back, so they¡¯re stuck at 12 Grimmauld Place."


    ¡°It ended up just being me... I couldn¡¯t ruin their holidays too.¡±


    As he spoke, Harry¡¯s shoulders slumped. He looked especially downcast when he thought about the next day and the looming lessons in the dungeons. His vacation plans had been destroyed, and now he¡¯d face Snape¡¯s torturous classes again. What had he done to deserve this?


    For a moment, Harry considered venting his frustrations to Kyle. But then, something else came to mind.


    ¡°Kyle, I remember Snape saying earlier that you know Occlumency, right?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right,¡± Kyle confirmed with a nod. ¡°I do.¡±


    ¡°Then why don¡¯t you teach me?¡± Harry asked, a sudden spark of excitement lighting his eyes.


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°You teach me Occlumency,¡± Harry repeated eagerly. ¡°Headmaster Dumbledore told you to help Snape, didn¡¯t he? So it¡¯s the same as you teaching me. Since you know the skill, you must know how to teach it.¡±


    Kyle hesitated, his expression turning slightly peculiar. ¡°That¡¯s true... but are you sure you want to learn from me?¡±


    Harry, caught up in his enthusiasm, nodded quickly. ¡°Yes! Is that okay?¡±


    Kyle didn¡¯t respond immediately. Instead, he studied Harry for a moment before answering with measured seriousness. ¡°I suggest you try learning from Professor Snape first. Don¡¯t get me wrong¡ªit¡¯s not that I don¡¯t want to teach you. But my methods... they¡¯re not suitable for everyone, and you might not be able to handle them.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s fine,¡± Harry said without hesitation. ¡°As long as it¡¯s not Snape teaching me, I can handle anything.¡±


    Seeing Harry¡¯s determined expression, Kyle hesitated again but ultimately shook his head. ¡°Even if you say that, I¡¯m only an assistant teacher. I don¡¯t have much authority in the matter¡ªunless Professor Dumbledore gives his permission.¡±


    ¡°Then I¡¯ll go find him now,¡± Harry declared, ready to sprint back to the castle.


    ¡°Wait!¡± Kyle quickly grabbed his arm. ¡°Professor Dumbledore isn¡¯t at the school right now. It¡¯s no use going to look for him.¡±


    Harry froze, disappointment washing over him. After finally finding a possible way to avoid Snape¡¯s lessons, this abrupt dead end left him feeling utterly deflated. If Dumbledore had appointed Kyle as the assistant teacher, why couldn¡¯t Kyle just teach him directly? Did the headmaster not understand how much Snape despised him?


    At that moment, Harry¡¯s frustration with Dumbledore reached its peak.


    Kyle, uncertain how to comfort him, simply sat down nearby. After some time, once Harry had calmed down a little, Kyle changed the subject. ¡°By the way, in Snape¡¯s office earlier¡ªyou saw Voldemort again, didn¡¯t you?¡±


    Harry looked up at Kyle, startled. For a moment, he forgot all about Occlumency. Surprise flickered across his face. It was the first time he had heard anyone else say the name ¡°Voldemort¡± aloud.


    Everyone else¡ªRon, Ginny, Mr. Weasley, Auror Tonks, even the professors¡ªalways called him ¡°You-Know-Who.¡± Even Hermione, Muggle-born though she was, refused to utter the name. It seemed as though no one besides Harry and Dumbledore dared to say it out loud.


    But now Kyle had said it, without hesitation.


    Harry blinked, feeling an unexpected sense of kinship. Kyle was the third person he¡¯d met who wasn¡¯t afraid to speak the name.


    In Kyle, Harry felt he had found an unexpected confidant.


    ¡°Yes, I saw Voldemort,¡± Harry said.


    ¡°What was he doing?¡± Kyle asked.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± Harry replied, shaking his head. ¡°It was too short. I had barely started dreaming about Voldemort when Snape woke me up.¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t remember anything?¡± Kyle pressed.


    ¡°I only saw a corridor,¡± Harry said after a moment¡¯s thought. ¡°It was dark, with no windows and no light.¡±


    ¡°Is that all?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s all,¡± Harry confirmed. ¡°I was just about to take a closer look when Snape woke me up with a splash of water. Do you know what kind of place it might be?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not much to go on,¡± Kyle said thoughtfully. ¡°With such a vague description, there are countless possibilities. For example, the corridor outside the Dungeon classrooms near us fits¡ªno windows, dark¡ªbut it¡¯s unlikely Voldemort would be in Hogwarts, right?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, that¡¯s impossible,¡± Harry agreed, getting to his feet. ¡°I¡¯m going to Hagrid¡¯s. Want to come?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll pass,¡± Kyle said. ¡°I need to go back and write my study plan.¡±


    ¡°Study plan?¡± Harry repeated, staring at Kyle in disbelief. He had thought only Hermione would come up with something like that. Now Kyle was doing it too? Was this some kind of benchmark for a good student?


    ¡°I don¡¯t have a choice,¡± Kyle sighed. ¡°Professor Snape¡¯s orders. At least three feet long¡ªa study plan for Occlumency.¡±


    ¡°Three feet?!¡± Harry exclaimed, shocked by the length. Then he caught on to something else Kyle had said. Pointing at himself awkwardly, he asked, ¡°Is this because of me? Are you stuck writing that plan because of me?¡±


    Kyle shrugged noncommittally.


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to write it,¡± Harry said quickly. ¡°Really, I know what I¡¯m supposed to do. I just can¡¯t seem to do it. How am I supposed to put aside all my emotions? The moment I see Snape, I can¡¯t help but want to punch him in the face.¡±


    ¡°Well, good thing you didn¡¯t,¡± Kyle said with a small smile. ¡°But this is what Professor Snape wants, so I have to write it, whether or not it¡¯s about you.¡±


    ¡°Snape, again...¡± Harry muttered under his breath. ¡°That¡¯s what I mean¡ªno one can keep their emotions in check when it comes to him.¡±


    The two parted ways near the Black Lake after that. Harry headed toward Hagrid¡¯s hut near the edge of the Forbidden Forest, while Kyle made his way back to the castle. He went straight to the library, determined to complete the lengthy study plan Snape had assigned him.


    ...


    The next day, at the same time, Kyle arrived at the Dungeon punctually.


    Harry¡¯s performance had marginally improved compared to the previous day. By the end of the session, he managed to stay conscious, but barely¡ªhe was sprawled on the ground rather than standing.


    That was the extent of his progress.


    According to Snape, even a troll would have made more headway than Harry, a remark that made Harry so furious he stormed out of the office, slamming the door behind him.


    ¡°It¡¯s just like him... such arrogance and insolence,¡± Snape sneered, his tone dripping with disdain.


    ¡°Professor, wouldn¡¯t it be better to adjust the schedule to once every three days?¡± Kyle suggested, glancing at Snape. ¡°Being subjected to Legilimency this often takes a heavy toll on Harry¡¯s body.¡±


    ¡°I know what I¡¯m doing. I don¡¯t need your advice,¡± Snape snapped irritably. ¡°And by the way, your study plan is utterly useless. Even if you write another one today, it¡¯ll still amount to nothing more than three feet of wasted parchment.¡±


    ¡°You want me to rewrite it?¡± Kyle¡¯s voice rose in frustration. ¡°But I spent all night detailing that plan, and you didn¡¯t even let Harry see it! How can you say it doesn¡¯t work?¡±


    ¡°I just know,¡± Snape replied with a mocking smirk. ¡°Your plan is a step-by-step approach. If Potter had the patience for that kind of learning, he¡¯d have mastered it ages ago."


    ¡°Rewrite it. I want something different.¡±


    A few minutes later, Kyle also stormed out of the office, slamming the door behind him.


    Kyle thought bitterly.


    He had stayed up all night completing the study plan, only to be told it was worthless and ordered to rewrite it. If Snape had been upfront about his expectations, Kyle could have saved himself the trouble. At this point, he was convinced Snape was deliberately making things harder for him, though he had no concrete proof.


    With no other choice, Kyle headed back to the library. Under Kanna¡¯s puzzled gaze, he borrowed the same book he had returned just the day before.


    Kyle sighed deeply as he left the library. He had no option but to comply¡ªafter all, he had agreed to take on the responsibility of being Snape¡¯s assistant.


    ...


    However, what Kyle didn¡¯t anticipate was that this ordeal was only just beginning.


    The next day... and the day after that... things remained the same.


    Harry attended class each day, and Kyle found himself rewriting his study plan just as often. Every personal goal Kyle had set aside¡ªevery other task he wanted to complete¡ªwas put on hold indefinitely.


    ¡°Don¡¯t tell me this isn¡¯t good enough!¡±


    Finally, when Snape demanded yet another revision, Kyle reached his limit. He narrowed his eyes at Snape¡¯s mocking expression and said coldly, ¡°If you dare ask me to rewrite it again, I¡¯ll make sure the name ¡®Half-Blood Prince¡¯ gets published in .¡±


    Snape froze, caught off guard. The smirk on his face faltered, replaced by a flash of anger.


    ¡°You¡¯re threatening me!¡±


    ¡°And you¡¯re just toying with me,¡± Kyle replied nonchalantly. ¡°And it won¡¯t just be in the paper¡ªit¡¯ll be on the front page."


    ¡°Lucky for us, there hasn¡¯t been any major news in the wizarding world lately. Don¡¯t you think people would find it fascinating that a long-established professor of potions once gave himself such a grandiose title as a student? It¡¯d make quite the headline.¡±


    ¡°You... have... no... evidence...¡± Snape hissed through clenched teeth.


    ¡°Do you think Rita Skeeter would care about that?¡± Kyle shot back smoothly.


    He noticed Snape¡¯s hand tightening in the pocket of his cloak, undoubtedly gripping his wand. But Kyle remained calm. This was Hogwarts¡ªSnape wouldn¡¯t dare attack him here, no matter how furious he was.


    Sure enough, after a tense moment, Snape exhaled sharply and withdrew his hand, pointing it instead toward the door.


    ¡°Get out!¡±


    ¡°I will¡ªbut not just yet,¡± Kyle said, standing his ground. ¡°Professor, I think you¡¯ve noticed that after three days of intense teaching, Harry can barely walk straight anymore.¡±


    Snape didn¡¯t reply, but his silence spoke volumes. He had noticed.


    The truth was, Snape¡¯s initial plan had been to exhaust Harry both mentally and physically. By overwhelming him with relentless lessons, Snape had hoped to leave Harry too drained to feel or think about anything else. In this way, Snape thought he could suppress Harry¡¯s emotions and force him to clear his mind.


    But clearly, this approach wasn¡¯t working.


    The primary issue, Snape now realized, was that Harry¡¯s aptitude for Occlumency was alarmingly poor. Days of intensive lessons had yielded almost no progress, a fact that even Snape couldn¡¯t deny.


    His expression flickered with uncertainty, as if debating whether to press on.


    Kyle, sensing Snape¡¯s hesitation, didn¡¯t rush him. Instead, he sat in a nearby chair and spoke calmly. ¡°Professor, from what I¡¯ve observed over the past few days, it seems like Harry is resisting the process of learning Occlumency.¡±


    ¡°Impossible,¡± Snape snapped. ¡°Occlumency is his best defense against the Dark Lord. Why would he resist something that could save his life?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not sure,¡± Kyle admitted. ¡°But... it might have to do with Sirius.¡± sea??h th§× n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°Black?¡± Snape¡¯s scowl deepened, his brow furrowing in thought.


    ¡°It¡¯s just a guess,¡± Kyle said softly.


    He knew that Harry had once used information from a dream to alert Dumbledore, which had ultimately saved Sirius from danger. That success might be why Harry was subconsciously resisting Occlumency now.


    By leaving his mind open to Voldemort¡¯s visions, Harry believed he might uncover critical information again¡ªmaybe even something that could save Sirius¡¯s life a second time.


    Harry¡¯s reasoning wasn¡¯t entirely wrong, but he was overlooking a crucial risk. If Voldemort gained access to Harry¡¯s thoughts, it wouldn¡¯t just be Sirius in danger. Everyone connected to Harry¡ªincluding the Order of the Phoenix¡ªcould become a target.


    Even worse, Voldemort could manipulate Harry by planting false visions, leading him into carefully laid traps. Entire missions could go awry, and the consequences could be catastrophic.


    Harry understood these risks on some level, but his attachment to Sirius clouded his judgment. Deep down, he resisted Occlumency because he didn¡¯t want to sever his connection to Voldemort¡¯s thoughts.


    Unfortunately, this resistance was the biggest obstacle to mastering the skill. Like the Patronus Charm, Occlumency required both confidence and conviction. Without resolving this internal conflict, Harry¡¯s progress would remain stagnant.


    Snape, prompted by Kyle¡¯s observation, seemed to arrive at the same conclusion. His expression grew darker as he realized the implications.


    ¡°Emotional idiot,¡± Snape muttered under his breath, ¡°and that Black... just a constant hindrance.¡±


    ¡°Professor!¡± Kyle said abruptly, a glint of thought crossing his eyes. ¡°I don¡¯t think it would hurt Harry to endure a bit more suffering.¡±


    ¡°What do you mean?¡± Snape asked sharply, his tone cold and scrutinizing.


    ¡°Nothing drastic,¡± Kyle replied. ¡°Just a different method of teaching him. It¡¯s the same approach I used to learn Occlumency.¡±


    Snape¡¯s eyes narrowed. ¡°And what exactly is that?¡±


    Kyle smirked slightly. ¡°First, I¡¯ll need to borrow something. And I¡¯ll need Professor Dumbledore¡¯s signature as authorization. What I¡¯m after is quite dangerous, and the owner won¡¯t lend it out without approval from someone with proper authority.¡±


    ¡°The headmaster isn¡¯t here,¡± Snape said flatly. ¡°He¡¯s away on important business, far from Hogwarts, and won¡¯t return until the start of term.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s fine.¡± Kyle pulled out a piece of parchment and a quill, quickly jotting down a short note. He slid it across the desk to Snape. ¡°You¡¯ll do just as well.¡±


    ¡°What is this?¡± Snape asked, his voice icy as he skimmed the letter.


    ¡°Sign it,¡± Kyle said confidently. ¡°If Professor Dumbledore isn¡¯t available, the Director of Slytherin House is an acceptable substitute. I just need someone with sufficient authority to vouch for the legitimacy of the request.¡±


    Snape¡¯s eyes twitched slightly as he read the contents of the letter.


    ¡°This,¡± he said, looking up at Kyle, ¡°is how you learned Occlumency?¡±


    ¡°Ah, yes,¡± Kyle replied nonchalantly. ¡°The process was... painful. But it worked, and more importantly, it¡¯s safer for the Legilimens conducting the lessons.¡±


    ¡°And you think this will ensure Potter learns Occlumency?¡± Snape asked, a hint of skepticism in his tone.


    ¡°I¡¯m not certain,¡± Kyle admitted, shrugging. ¡°But we have to try something. Of course, if you have a better idea, feel free to disregard my suggestion.¡±


    Snape stared at Kyle for a long moment, his lips pressed into a thin line. Finally, with a heavy sigh, he picked up the quill and signed his name at the bottom of the parchment, next to the title,


    ¡°That¡¯ll do,¡± Kyle said, giving the parchment a quick once-over. Satisfied, he tucked it into his bag. ¡°Professor, give Harry the day off tomorrow. I suspect he won¡¯t have much time to rest for the rest of the week.¡±


    Snape scoffed, a sinister smile spreading across his face. ¡°Half a day is plenty. He doesn¡¯t need more than that.¡± His tone dripped with malevolent amusement, making him seem every bit the villain he often appeared to be.

 Chapter 663: Snape’s Special Ability

    Although it wasn¡¯t signed by Dumbledore, Snape¡¯s name was just as effective.


    Five minutes before dinner, Snape entered the Great Hall, accompanied by a House-elf.


    Perhaps due to the exhaustion of his relentless Occlumency lessons, Harry had developed an uncanny awareness of Snape¡¯s presence. Almost instinctively, he looked up the moment Snape walked in.


    What caught his attention, however, wasn¡¯t just Snape¡ªit was the House-elf beside him.


    ¡°Dobby?¡± Harry called out hesitantly once Snape had left.


    The elf bore a striking resemblance to the one Harry had encountered in his second year: the Malfoys¡¯ former servant, who had gone to great lengths to protect him. But Harry wasn¡¯t entirely sure.


    Back then, Dobby had worn only a grimy, torn tea towel. Now, this House-elf¡¯s attire was a stark contrast.


    The elf sported a hand-knitted, wide-brimmed hat that covered his oversized ears and carried a pristine brown suitcase. His well-fitted jacket was stylish and practical, with numerous sturdy pockets in various shapes, resembling the durable fabric of Charlie¡¯s dragon keeper uniform. The boots he wore, polished and robust, appeared to be crafted from dragon-hide¡ªor so Harry speculated. For a moment, he found it hard to believe a House-elf could be wearing something so extravagant.


    All House-elves looked somewhat alike to Harry, which made him uncertain¡ªuntil the elf waved excitedly at him and squeaked in a familiar, high-pitched voice:


    ¡°Mr. Harry Potter, sir! Dobby is so happy you remember Dobby!¡±


    ¡°It really is you,¡± Harry said, astonished. ¡°But... why are you with Snape? Are you working for him now?¡±


    ¡°No, sir, Dobby is working for Mr. Scamander,¡± the elf replied cheerfully.


    ¡°Scamander?¡± Harry frowned, the name stirring a vague sense of familiarity. ¡°That sounds familiar, but I can¡¯t remember why...¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir! Mr. Scamander sent Dobby to Hogwarts to find Professor Snape. So Dobby came,¡± the elf explained, puffing out his chest proudly.


    Hearing that Snape was involved, Harry¡¯s interest in this ¡°Mr. Scamander¡± waned. Instead, he asked cautiously, ¡°What are you doing here at Hogwarts?¡±


    As the question left his mouth, a strange unease settled over Harry. He couldn¡¯t quite place the reason for it, but memories of Dobby¡¯s earlier attempts to ¡°protect¡± him surfaced¡ªintercepting letters, sealing off platforms, and generally causing trouble despite his good intentions.


    Harry silently prayed that Dobby wasn¡¯t here to protect him again.


    ¡°Dobby is here to see Mr. Kyle,¡± the elf suddenly remembered his task, glancing around as if searching for someone.


    At that exact moment, Kyle entered the Great Hall.


    ¡°Ah, Mr. Kyle!¡± Dobby cried, rushing over to him.


    Watching the elf leave, Harry let out a small sigh of relief.


    Yet, inexplicably, the feeling of dread persisted¡ªand even intensified.


    Harry thought, trying to reassure himself.


    Meanwhile, Kyle was caught off guard when Dobby approached him.


    ¡°I thought Newt was coming,¡± Kyle said, his tone laced with surprise.


    ¡°Mr. Scamander said now isn¡¯t a good time for him to come to Hogwarts, so he sent Dobby instead,¡± the elf replied.


    ¡°No, it¡¯s a perfect time for him to come,¡± Kyle muttered under his breath, a hint of disappointment evident.


    Still, Dobby was here, and there was no way to send him back now.


    "Never mind," Kyle said, waving off his thoughts. "Follow me."


    He led Dobby into the empty Common Room, ensuring they wouldn¡¯t be overheard.


    ¡°Have you brought everything?¡± Kyle asked, his voice low.


    ¡°It¡¯s here,¡± Dobby replied, holding up the suitcase in his hands. His large eyes darted around nervously. ¡°Mr. Kyle, are you sure no one else is here? Mr. Scamander told Dobby that no one must see this, or Mr. Kyle would be expelled from Hogwarts!¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry,¡± Kyle assured him. ¡°Everyone else is in the Great Hall. We¡¯re the only ones here.¡±


    ¡°Good,¡± Dobby said, relaxing slightly. He set the suitcase down and opened it carefully, revealing two gleaming sapphire-colored eyes inside.


    ¡°And this,¡± Dobby added, pulling out a bulging bag.


    ¡°What¡¯s this?¡± Kyle asked, puzzled.


    ¡°Mrs. Scamander made some grapefruit cookies,¡± Dobby explained. ¡°She told Dobby to bring some for you.¡±


    By the time Kyle returned to the Great Hall, dinner was already underway.


    ¡°Where¡¯s the House-elf?¡± Kanna asked, glancing behind him.


    ¡°He went home,¡± Kyle said casually, pulling two cookies from the bag and handing them to her. ¡°Try one.¡±


    Kanna took one, biting into it. Her eyes lit up. ¡°This is delicious! Did you get them from the Hogwarts kitchen?¡±


    ¡°No,¡± Kyle replied, smiling. ¡°Tina¡ªMrs. Scamander¡ªmade them. She got the recipe from a fantastic baker. If you like, I can take you to visit her during the holidays...¡±


    ¡°Sorry, this holiday Kanna will be in Austria for her induction into the Most Extraordinary Society of Potioneers and won¡¯t be able to accompany you to see some ,¡± interrupted a cold, snake-like voice from behind him.


    Kyle felt a chill creep down his neck. Turning slowly, he saw Snape standing behind him, his expression unreadable.


    ¡°Professor,¡± Kyle said with an uneasy laugh, ¡°I didn¡¯t realize you were here too.¡±


    ¡°Of course you didn¡¯t,¡± Snape said, narrowing his eyes. ¡°Where is it? Hand it over.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m afraid I can¡¯t do that,¡± Kyle said calmly. ¡°It just arrived and hasn¡¯t settled in yet. He¡¯ll attack any stranger who approaches him. Of course, you could handle it, Professor, but it would be rather troublesome if you got hurt¡ªor worse, injured him by accident. I¡¯ll handle this trivial matter myself.¡±


    ¡°And tomorrow?¡± Snape asked, his tone slow and deliberate. ¡°I doubt Potter is capable of handling an aggressive 5X-rated magical creature.¡±


    ¡°I can handle it, Professor,¡± Kyle replied confidently. ¡°One night is all I need.¡±


    Snape stared at him, his gaze piercing, before leaning in slightly and saying in a low, meaningful voice, ¡°Then remember: do not let me see it again.¡±


    With that, he straightened and strode out of the Great Hall, his black robes billowing behind him.


    Kyle let out a long breath of relief only after Snape¡¯s figure disappeared entirely. Glancing at his untouched toast and sausage, he decided against eating it, opting instead to save it for the Nundu to try later. He served himself a fresh plate of food. Sear?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    he thought, recalling Snape¡¯s presence. While the odds of Snape tampering with his meal were slim, Kyle wasn¡¯t about to take any chances.


    Kanna, watching his behavior, couldn¡¯t help but laugh, biting into another cookie.


    Kyle sighed. This wasn¡¯t the first time Snape had caught him off guard, and it was starting to wear on his nerves.


    After dinner, Kanna headed to the library as usual, intending to read for a while before curfew. Kyle, relieved he didn¡¯t have another study plan to write, stayed behind.


    Meanwhile, Harry had already returned to the dormitory.


    With everyone else home for the holidays, the dormitory was eerily quiet. Bored and with no one to talk to, Harry turned in early, quickly falling asleep.


    ...


    The next day, Harry reluctantly arrived at the Dungeon at the agreed time.


    It was one minute to nine, and as usual, he stood in the corridor, waiting for the top of the hour to go inside. But to his surprise, the office door opened before he had a chance to knock.


    Kyle walked out, and their eyes met.


    ¡°I was just about to come find you,¡± Kyle said. ¡°We¡¯re not going to study here today. Let¡¯s go somewhere else.¡±


    ¡°Where?¡± Harry asked, following him.


    ¡°The eighth floor, the Room of Requirement,¡± Kyle replied.


    Harry froze for a moment. ¡°The Room of Requirement... Does Snape know about it too?¡±


    ¡°No, he doesn¡¯t,¡± Kyle assured him. ¡°That¡¯s why I picked it. Didn¡¯t you say you wanted to learn Occlumency with me? Well, Snape agreed.¡±


    ¡°Really?¡±


    A wave of relief and excitement swept through Harry. This was the best news he¡¯d heard in weeks.


    ¡°Of course it¡¯s true,¡± Kyle said casually as they started up the stairs. ¡°But I should warn you¡ªI don¡¯t know how to teach Occlumency to others.¡± Seeing Harry¡¯s skeptical look, Kyle added, ¡°Seriously, I don¡¯t. But if you¡¯re willing, I can recommend the way I learned it.¡±


    ¡°Of course I agree!¡± Harry said impatiently. ¡°Just don¡¯t let me see Snape again.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t be so sure about that...¡± Kyle muttered under his breath.


    They soon reached the eighth floor. Kyle walked past the blank stretch of wall three times, and the door to the Room of Requirement appeared. He opened it and stepped inside, with Harry following close behind.


    The space was enormous, larger than Harry had imagined. It looked like an open field, complete with soft grass underfoot and a bright sky overhead dotted with fluffy white clouds. Not far away was a shimmering lake, about the same size as the Black Lake.


    For a moment, Harry felt as though he¡¯d stepped back outside.


    ¡°This is incredible...¡± Harry said, closing his eyes and enjoying the gentle breeze.


    Harry thought.


    ¡°What do I do first?¡± Harry asked eagerly.


    ¡°Hold on,¡± Kyle said, clapping his hands.


    At the sound, Harry heard a low growl. He turned and froze.


    A massive feline creature padded into view. It resembled a mix of a leopard, tiger, and lion¡ªbut much larger. It had sleek, rippling muscles and, strangely, six legs.


    Harry¡¯s jaw dropped.


    ¡°What... what is ?¡±


    ¡°That,¡± Kyle said with a slight grin, ¡°is a Wampus Cat. It¡¯s classified as a 5X Magical Creature by the Ministry of Magic¡ªextremely dangerous.¡±


    Harry instinctively took two steps back, his heart racing.


    No wonder it had six legs. Anything with such an unusual appearance had to be perilous.


    ¡°Relax,¡± Kyle said, noticing Harry¡¯s fear. ¡°This particular Wampus Cat is a bit different. He won¡¯t attack you.¡±


    To demonstrate, Kyle reached out and scratched the Wampus Cat under its chin. To Harry¡¯s astonishment, the beast immediately closed its eyes and purred, sounding almost like a gigantic, fluffy housecat.


    Harry stared, his fear slowly giving way to curiosity. ¡°But Kyle, how did the Room of Requirement get this¡ªuh, Wampus Cat?¡±


    ¡°I borrowed him, of course,¡± Kyle said matter-of-factly. ¡°In fact, he¡¯s the one who taught me Occlumency.¡±


    Harry blinked in disbelief. ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°Wampus Cats are natural Legilimens,¡± Kyle explained. ¡°Kind of like how Tonks is a Metamorphmagus¡ªit¡¯s just in their nature. Their sapphire-blue eyes can see through anything, including your innermost thoughts.¡±


    Harry glanced uneasily at the creature¡¯s piercing blue eyes.


    The moment their gazes met, Harry felt an overwhelming sensation, as though every layer of his mind had been peeled away. It was even more intrusive than Snape¡¯s magic. A cold shiver ran down his spine, and instinctively, he pulled his robe tighter around himself.


    ¡°You¡¯ve got to be kidding me,¡± Harry stammered, his voice shaking. ¡°I mean, how is that even possible? It¡¯s just a Magical Creature¡ªhow can it use Legilimency?¡±


    The Wampus Cat let out a low, whimpering sound, as if offended.


    ¡°Haven¡¯t you felt it already?¡± Kyle asked with a grin. ¡°That¡¯s the Wampus Cat¡¯s unique ability and the reason they¡¯re classified as 5X Magical Creatures."


    ¡°On top of that, their intelligence far surpasses that of most other Magical Creatures. In some ways, a Wampus Cat is even more dangerous than a dragon.¡±


    Harry pursed his lips, trying to process this new information.


    ¡°But... this feels different,¡± he said hesitantly. ¡°Snape¡¯s Legilimency wasn¡¯t like this.¡±


    ¡°Actually, it¡¯s the same,¡± Kyle explained with a shrug. ¡°Professor Snape just used a more refined technique so that you could see your own memories as well.¡±


    ¡°I knew he didn¡¯t mean well,¡± Harry muttered instinctively.


    Kyle raised an eyebrow, unsure why Harry would say that, but chose not to press the issue. After all, given Harry¡¯s prolonged ordeal with Snape, it wasn¡¯t surprising that he would view the professor with suspicion.


    ¡°Alright, let¡¯s move on,¡± Kyle said, pulling out a piece of warthog leg and tossing it to the Wampus Cat, who snapped it up with a pleased growl. ¡°My method is similar to Professor Snape¡¯s. Both involve using Legilimency to force you to learn Occlumency. The difference is that instead of me attacking your mind, the Wampus Cat will.¡±


    ¡°You want me to face that thing?¡± Harry yelped, his voice breaking slightly.


    He glanced nervously at the Wampus Cat, estimating his odds of survival. It didn¡¯t look good. He felt like he could hold out for maybe three minutes, while the Wampus Cat could go on for seven¡ªor longer.


    This seemed utterly insane.


    A soft whimper came from the Wampus Cat, drawing Kyle¡¯s attention.


    ¡°Oh, the Wampus Cat says it won¡¯t take that long,¡± Kyle said nonchalantly. ¡°You¡¯d last maybe a minute at most.¡±


    Harry¡¯s face went pale, and his legs started to tremble. He had only wanted to learn a skill, not risk his life in combat with a Magical Creature.


    ¡°Relax, I¡¯m kidding,¡± Kyle said with a wave of his hand. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I learned Occlumency from this Wampus Cat myself. It¡¯s experienced in teaching and knows how to hold back.¡±


    Harry looked at him warily.


    ¡°Of course,¡± Kyle continued, ¡°if you¡¯d prefer, I can send you back to the Dungeon for lessons with Snape.¡±


    ¡°No!¡± Harry said quickly, his tone firm. ¡°I¡¯d rather face the Wampus Cat than go back to the Dungeon.¡±


    ¡°Think carefully,¡± Kyle warned. ¡°If you choose to stay here, you won¡¯t be allowed to leave until you¡¯ve mastered Occlumency¡ªunless term starts before then.¡±


    ¡°What about eating and sleeping?¡± Harry asked.


    ¡°That¡¯s all sorted,¡± Kyle said, pointing to a small cabin nearby. ¡°You¡¯ll sleep there. It¡¯s furnished like your dormitory. As for meals, I¡¯ll have House-elves deliver them.¡±


    ¡°Fine,¡± Harry agreed immediately, his eagerness overcoming his nerves.


    Once he was assured of his safety, the initial fear faded, replaced by a flicker of excitement. Learning from a 5X Magical Creature wasn¡¯t something many could boast about. Ron would be green with envy, and Hermione would likely be stunned at the idea of a Magical Creature acting as a teacher.


    ¡°What do I do?¡± Harry asked, ready to begin.


    ¡°It¡¯s simple,¡± Kyle said, stepping back with a slight smirk. ¡°Try not to get beaten too badly.¡±


    Before Harry could make sense of that, the Wampus Cat, previously lounging like a giant house cat, stood up abruptly.


    It moved with lightning speed, rushing toward Harry.


    Startled, Harry tried to dodge, but the Wampus Cat seemed to predict his movement, adjusting its path and blocking him effortlessly.


    A sharp echoed as its tail lashed out, striking Harry with precision and sending him flying.


    Harry hit the ground with a thud, clutching his arm and groaning in pain.


    This was what he¡¯d imagined. Kyle had said there was no danger!


    Before he could voice his protest, the Wampus Cat was already upon him again. Its tail swung like an iron rod, catching him mid-roll and flinging him across the field to the opposite side.


    ¡°Harry, don¡¯t forget Occlumency!¡± Kyle shouted from the sidelines. ¡°The Wampus Cat can see through your thoughts. Dodging on instinct won¡¯t work. Use Occlumency!"


    ¡°If the Wampus Cat can¡¯t see your thoughts, you¡¯ll have a chance to avoid its attacks.¡±


    Harry didn¡¯t have time to respond before another tail swipe sent him sailing into the lake with a loud splash.


    The water was shallow, barely reaching his calves, but Harry¡¯s soaked and bedraggled appearance was undeniably pitiful.


    Kyle averted his gaze, choosing not to comment.


    After exchanging a few words with the Wampus Cat, Kyle turned and left the Room of Requirement.


    ¡°That¡¯s much better,¡± Kyle muttered to himself as he reached the hallway outside. He began making his way downstairs, whistling cheerfully.


    Whether Harry would succeed in learning Occlumency over the next few days remained to be seen. In the meantime, Kyle finally had time to focus on his own tasks.


    As for Harry¡¯s safety, Kyle wasn¡¯t concerned. In addition to the Wampus Cat, there were two House-elves stationed nearby, ready to use Apparition to evacuate Harry in case of an emergency.


    Plus, Fawkes would check in several times a day.


    Kyle sighed wistfully.

 Chapter 664: I’m Just Doing the Right Thing

    ¡°Please believe me, Professor Umbridge, I didn''t mean to hide anything. In fact, my owl flew to the Ministry of Magic three hours ago.¡±


    In the Defence Against the Dark Arts office, Kyle looked at the furious Umbridge and spoke calmly. ¡°There are detailed investigation results up there, containing all the information I recently learned from Hagrid.¡±


    ¡°I hope you''re not lying to me,¡± said Umbridge sharply, her usual high-pitched tone absent.


    ¡°Of course not,¡± Kyle replied, shaking his head. ¡°If I''d known you were returning early, I wouldn''t have sent the owl to the Ministry.¡±


    Umbridge had indeed returned early, storming into the castle that very afternoon, her anger evident. This was the day after Kyle had confined Harry in the Room of Requirement.


    ¡°I should never have left the school,¡± Umbridge said through clenched teeth. ¡°Tell me what you have found out.¡±


    ¡°Someone is writing to Dumbledore,¡± Kyle said evenly. ¡°And there are a lot of them.¡±


    Umbridge¡¯s sharp eyes scrutinized Kyle as he spoke. Finally, she nodded slowly. ¡°It seems you are not lying to me.¡±


    ¡°Of course not,¡± Kyle responded. Then, as if curious, he added, ¡°Professor, how did you know about this?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re not the only one at this school,¡± Umbridge replied, her tone laced with implication. ¡°The Minister wants to see you.¡±


    ¡°Great,¡± Kyle said with a smile. ¡°Are we going to the Ministry now?¡±


    ¡°Of course. The sooner, the better.¡± Umbridge grabbed a handful of Floo powder and tossed it into the fireplace. ¡°Hurry up¡ªdon¡¯t keep the Minister waiting.¡±


    Kyle hesitated for a moment, surprised. At Hogwarts, aside from the Headmaster''s office, the fireplaces were generally not connected to the Floo Network, including those in the professors¡¯ offices. However, it quickly occurred to him that Umbridge likely had no trouble arranging such a connection.


    With composure, Kyle stepped into the fireplace and called out, ¡°Ministry of Magic!¡±


    In the next instant, Kyle found himself in the bustling main hall of the Ministry of Magic. A row of fireplaces lined the walls, and witches and wizards constantly emerged and disappeared through them.


    Moments later, Umbridge arrived.


    ¡°Follow me,¡± she instructed, leading Kyle through the crowded hall toward the lift without a hint of subtlety.


    Even at the Ministry, Umbridge¡¯s reputation preceded her. Staff members quickly moved aside as she passed, greeting her enthusiastically. Yet, as soon as she was out of sight, their expressions shifted to ones of disdain.


    Oblivious, Umbridge continued with her head held high, resembling a smug toad.


    They soon reached the elevators. Umbridge selected the one that had just arrived, and though many others were waiting, no one dared enter. The golden fence closed, leaving only Kyle and Umbridge inside.


    Umbridge seemed unbothered, as though long accustomed to this treatment.


    ¡°Professor, what does the Minister want with me?¡± Kyle asked.


    ¡°You¡¯ll find out soon enough,¡± Umbridge replied curtly, offering no further explanation.


    Kyle nodded, refraining from pressing further.


    The lift ascended swiftly, unimpeded by other passengers.


    ¡°First floor,¡± announced the monotonous female voice. ¡°Office of the Minister for Magic, including the Senior Undersecretary to the Minister for Magic, Office of the Minister¡¯s Personal Assistant, and the Department of Magical Maintenance.¡±


    They stepped out and walked down the corridor.


    Kyle noticed an impressive golden door with a sign reading ¡°Minister¡¯s Office.¡± Strangely, however, Umbridge didn¡¯t stop there. Instead, she continued to the end of the hallway, halting in front of a door marked ¡°Pantry.¡±


    Her earlier arrogance dissolved, replaced by a servile demeanor, as she knocked lightly.


    ¡°Come in,¡± came the voice of Cornelius Fudge.


    At the invitation, Umbridge pushed the door open.


    The room was about the size of a Hogwarts classroom, and it contained only one person.


    ¡°Minister,¡± Umbridge said respectfully.


    ¡°Well, you''ve worked hard, Dolores,¡± Fudge replied with a nod. Turning to Kyle, he forced a smile. ¡°Sorry, my boy, for calling you in during the holidays.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s fine, Mr. Minister,¡± Kyle said sincerely. ¡°I¡¯d rather do something useful than spend a boring holiday.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s rare to hear such dedication,¡± Fudge said with a more natural laugh this time.


    Umbridge thought bitterly, though her outward expression remained a pleasant smile.


    ¡°Sit down,¡± Fudge said, gesturing to the seat opposite him. ¡°What would you like to drink? Butterbeer? Black tea? I¡¯d suggest Red Currant Rum, but you¡¯re not of age yet, are you?¡±


    ¡°Butterbeer, then,¡± Kyle replied. No sooner had he spoken than a bottle of Butterbeer appeared on the table in front of him. The label indicated it was from the Leaky Cauldron.


    ¡°I just received your letter,¡± Fudge said, as though he hadn¡¯t noticed the drink¡¯s arrival. ¡°To be honest, I¡¯ve never seen an owl that size before. Dawlish was convinced it was some new species of Magical Creature.¡±


    ¡°Ratton is just gluttonous,¡± Kyle said with a grin. ¡°He¡¯s grown a bit.¡±


    ¡°So, is everything in your letter true?¡± Fudge asked suddenly. ¡°Has someone really been contacting Dumbledore recently?¡±


    Umbridge¡¯s brow furrowed slightly, and she cast Kyle a sidelong glance, her displeasure thinly veiled. While Fudge¡¯s words confirmed Kyle had sent a letter, Umbridge hadn¡¯t expected it to bypass her entirely and go directly to Fudge. Though annoyed, she couldn¡¯t show it in front of the Minister. She made a mental note to address it with Kyle back at Hogwarts.


    ¡°That¡¯s true,¡± Kyle said, oblivious to her irritation. Setting the Butterbeer down, he continued, ¡°As far as I know, Dumbledore has been in contact with some prominent figures in the wizarding world recently: Dugald McPhail, Nicolas Flamel, and Madam Maxime of Beauxbatons."


    ¡°Of course, there are likely others. They don¡¯t communicate directly, but Hagrid, the Gamekeeper at Hogwarts, acts as their messenger. However, Hagrid is... well, very secretive. I don¡¯t see the letters or know their exact contents.¡±


    ¡°Of course it¡¯s to oppose the Ministry!¡± Fudge suddenly snapped, his expression twisting as he slammed a hand on the table.


    ¡°It might not be that serious,¡± Kyle suggested softly. ¡°It could be about something else...¡±


    ¡°No, you underestimate them,¡± Fudge said sharply, turning to Umbridge. ¡°Show him.¡±


    ¡°But...¡± Umbridge hesitated.


    ¡°It¡¯s fine. Kyle is one of us; we can trust him completely,¡± Fudge reassured her.


    Reluctantly, Umbridge produced an opened letter and placed it on the table.


    Kyle glanced at it and immediately recognized its contents.


    He nearly laughed aloud. He knew this letter well¡ªit had been intended for Hagrid but had somehow fallen into Umbridge¡¯s hands. Clearly, someone had intercepted the owl and stolen it.


    Though he fully understood the situation, Kyle kept his expression neutral and asked curiously, ¡°Professor, what is this?¡±


    ¡°Letters from Dumbledore to his associates,¡± Umbridge declared in a dramatic tone, ¡°proving their attempts to defy the Ministry of Magic. Such appalling actions, and at Hogwarts, no less!¡±


    She added with a self-satisfied smirk, ¡°They even placed a Self-Destructing Spell on the envelope. If anyone tried to open it, the letter would self-destruct. But I managed to break the spell in the end.¡±


    Kyle blinked in disbelief. Self-Destructing Spell? If that had been the case, the letter would have been destroyed the moment it was tampered with. Did she mean Anti-Muggle protections? Since when did the Owl Post Office offer such services?


    Clearly, Umbridge was trying to take credit. If he hadn¡¯t known the truth, her act might have been convincing.


    Watching her bask in her supposed triumph, eagerly awaiting Fudge¡¯s praise, Kyle barely managed to suppress his laughter.


    ¡°I think we should capture that Rubeus Hagrid. If we hand him over to the Aurors for questioning, perhaps we can uncover Dumbledore¡¯s true intentions,¡± Umbridge said, continuing to speak as though to herself.


    She failed to notice the growing displeasure on Fudge¡¯s face.


    Fudge had been irritable for days, more so than usual. The threat to his position as Minister of Magic loomed larger than ever.


    The trouble began two days ago when a Phoenix was reportedly seen delivering a letter to Director Sykes at St. Mungo¡¯s.


    In the wizarding world, only one person was known to have a Phoenix: Dumbledore.


    If Dumbledore¡¯s Phoenix was at St. Mungo¡¯s, it could mean he was attempting to win over Director Sykes. Fudge wasn¡¯t certain, but he couldn¡¯t dismiss the possibility.


    Director Sykes was a pivotal figure in the wizarding world. Her potions had saved countless lives, and her support could sway many witches and wizards. If she aligned with Dumbledore, even Fudge¡¯s staunchest supporters might abandon him.


    Fortunately, no concrete news had emerged, suggesting Sykes hadn¡¯t made any commitments.


    Still, Fudge couldn¡¯t sit idle. He decided to hint to Lucius Malfoy that a generous donation to St. Mungo¡¯s on behalf of the Ministry would be timely. It was a strategy he¡¯d employed before, and Malfoy had always obliged in exchange for influence.


    But this time, there had been no response. Days had passed since Fudge sent the letter, an unprecedented silence from Malfoy.


    With these troubling events piling up, Fudge was on edge. He even suspected Malfoy might have switched sides to align with Dumbledore.


    Fudge knew well the Malfoy family¡¯s knack for winning loyalty with Galleons. Few could resist their charm¡ªor their gold.


    Adding to his frustration were today¡¯s letters from Kyle and Umbridge. The mention of Nicolas Flamel had especially rattled him. Flamel, the legendary alchemist who still possessed the Philosopher¡¯s Stone, was a figure of immense influence. Wizards eager to befriend him could form a line from London to Paris. Sear?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    If Dumbledore was truly rallying such figures, Fudge feared his chances were slim.


    He didn¡¯t want to lose his position as Minister, but his options seemed limited. Desperation clouded his judgment, leading him to consider a risky plan that might turn the tide in his favor.


    But his thoughts were interrupted by Umbridge¡¯s incessant chatter. Her grating voice was like nails on a chalkboard.


    ¡°Leave us,¡± Fudge snapped abruptly.


    ¡°What?¡± Umbridge paused, startled. ¡°Minister, trust me. Once we have Hagrid identifying Dumbledore, the Aurors can arrest him and bring him to the Ministry, and then¡ª¡±


    ¡°Get out!¡± Fudge roared, grabbing the wine glass in front of him and hurling it at Umbridge.


    ¡°Dumbledore will replace me soon enough... And don''t you think dragging him here will make it happen even faster?¡±


    ¡°No, Minister, I wasn¡¯t¡ª¡± Umbridge stammered, stunned. ¡°I was only trying to help...¡±


    Fudge cut her off, pointing furiously at the door. ¡°Out! And if you still want to work in the Pest Advisory Board, stay there!¡±


    Umbridge, too shaken to argue, hurriedly fled the room, practically tripping over herself.


    Kyle stood as well. ¡°Minister, I¡ª¡±


    ¡°No, Kyle. This has nothing to do with you.¡± Fudge forced a smile, his irritation barely contained. ¡°I just can¡¯t have that idiot interrupting our conversation. Now, where were we?¡±


    ¡°Dumbledore¡¯s correspondence,¡± Kyle prompted.


    ¡°Ah, yes.¡± Fudge rubbed his temples. ¡°You mentioned that Rubeus, uh... what¡¯s his name?¡±


    ¡°Hagrid,¡± Kyle supplied.


    ¡°Yes, him. How are things with him?¡±


    ¡°Not bad,¡± Kyle said. ¡°He thinks I¡¯m on Dumbledore¡¯s side, so he¡¯s been quite friendly.¡±


    ¡°Do you think you can find out what those other letters say?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re perceptive, Minister,¡± Kyle said with a small nod. ¡°I¡¯ll do my best to uncover their plans for the 20th and determine if they involve the Ministry. This could be crucial.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s exactly what I need.¡± Fudge¡¯s gaze softened slightly, and he looked at Kyle with approval. ¡°And those names you mentioned¡ªMadam Maxime and Mr. McPhail¡ªyou have a good relationship with them, don¡¯t you?¡±


    ¡°I do,¡± Kyle confirmed. ¡°I could also try to sway them to support the Ministry.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s the best news I¡¯ve heard all day.¡± Fudge¡¯s tense expression eased as he offered a genuine smile. ¡°You¡¯ve worked hard. If there¡¯s anything you need, the Ministry will back you completely.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m simply doing what¡¯s right, Minister,¡± Kyle replied earnestly.


    ¡°You¡¯re right¡ªthis is about doing what¡¯s right.¡± Even Fudge, who had been nearly consumed by anxiety, managed a chuckle.


    ¡°I truly hope you¡¯ll graduate early and join the Ministry,¡± Fudge added, his mood noticeably lighter. ¡°I¡¯ve already got your office ready¡ªright next door to mine.¡± He gestured toward the wall behind Kyle.


    ¡°Junior Assistant to the Minister for Magic,¡± Fudge said, beaming. ¡°To be honest, no one¡¯s ever been offered such a position so soon after graduation, but you¡¯ve earned it.¡±


    ¡°It would be an honor, Mr. Minister,¡± Kyle said with a smile.


    The tense atmosphere in the pantry gave way to one of apparent camaraderie.


    ...


    By the time Kyle returned to Hogwarts, evening had fallen.


    He had barely stepped out of the fireplace when Umbridge came storming toward him, her shrill voice cutting through the air before she even reached him.


    ¡°How dare you!¡±


    Kyle arched an eyebrow, feigning innocence. ¡°I don¡¯t know what you mean, Professor.¡±


    ¡°How dare you write directly to the Minister!¡± Umbridge snarled, her face contorted with anger. ¡°Do you have any idea how much time this will delay?¡±


    ¡°Sorry,¡± Kyle replied nonchalantly, ¡°it was probably a momentary oversight on my part¡ªI must have written the wrong name. But since you were going to show the letter to the Minister anyway, it shouldn¡¯t be an issue.¡±


    Umbridge let out a bitter laugh, more out of frustration than amusement. She didn¡¯t believe his excuse for a second, but now wasn¡¯t the time to dwell on it. What she needed was to figure out why Fudge had been so furious with her earlier.


    ¡°Tell me what you wrote in that letter,¡± she demanded. ¡°Maybe I¡¯ll consider forgiving you.¡±


    ¡°Sorry, Professor, but that¡¯s confidential information. I can¡¯t share it with you.¡± Kyle¡¯s tone was indifferent as he added, ¡°Now, if you¡¯ll excuse me, you¡¯re blocking my way.¡±


    ¡°What kind of tone is that!¡± Umbridge shrieked, her voice rising an octave. ¡°I don¡¯t believe for a second that you made a mistake. As punishment, I¡¯ll have you confined to solitary detention for a month!¡±


    ¡°If you insist, I¡¯m sure I can manage,¡± Kyle said with an almost bored air. ¡°But, Professor Umbridge, Minister Fudge has entrusted me with a new task. If it¡¯s delayed because of your punishment, I¡¯m afraid you might actually have to transfer to the Pest Advisory Board. Would you enjoy working there?¡±


    Umbridge¡¯s face turned a deep shade of red, and her head seemed to swell slightly as she stood there, gasping for breath.


    Until today, she could never have imagined Kyle would dare to speak to her like this. The sheer audacity left her momentarily stunned.


    Kyle, however, didn¡¯t seem to care. With an easy stride, he walked past her toward the door.


    ¡°Oh, by the way...¡± Just as he reached the doorway, he stopped and turned back, as if remembering something. ¡°Per Minister Fudge¡¯s orders, you¡¯ll need to follow my instructions during the next operation.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s impossible!¡± Umbridge shrieked. ¡°I¡¯m the Undersecretary to the Minister for Magic and High Inquisitor of Hogwarts! You¡¯re just a student who hasn¡¯t even graduated!¡±


    ¡°I know,¡± Kyle said with a polite smile. ¡°But the Minister¡¯s orders were quite clear. If you don¡¯t believe me, feel free to verify it with him. Good luck, Professor.¡±


    With that, Kyle exited the room, closing the door behind him with a soft .


    The silence that followed was brief.


    The next second, a loud crackling sound came from inside the office, unmistakably the shattering of a vase.

 Chapter 665: Harry, in Pain but Happy

    Kyle didn¡¯t see Umbridge again for the rest of the holiday, as though she were deliberately avoiding him.


    This suited Kyle perfectly¡ªhe had no desire to deal with her during the break.


    Others, however, weren¡¯t as fortunate. Around the castle, Kyle frequently overheard complaints from students and staff about being reprimanded by Umbridge over trivial matters.


    She was like an amplified version of Filch, spreading misery and frustration throughout the castle.


    On the last evening of the holidays, when the Hogwarts Express brought back students returning from their Christmas break, the castle sprang back to life.


    Fred and George Weasley quickly became the center of attention in the Great Hall. They conjured a platform about the height of a table and climbed onto it to showcase their latest product from Weasleys¡¯ Wizard Wheezes.


    The item was a peculiar pointed hat adorned with pink feathers. It looked absurd at first glance, but when Fred placed it on his head, the hat¡ªand his head¡ªvanished entirely.


    The display provoked gasps and cheers, followed by roaring laughter that echoed through the Hall.


    Kyle, intrigued, watched closely. Not many products could create true invisibility.


    At first, he assumed the Weasleys had used Demiguise fur, a common material for invisibility cloaks. But he quickly dismissed the idea when George loudly announced that the hats were priced at just two Galleons each.


    Kyle thought. It didn¡¯t add up.


    Moreover, the effect wasn¡¯t like a typical invisibility cloak, which only concealed areas directly covered by the material. If the cloak was too small, some parts of the body would remain visible.


    Fred¡¯s head had disappeared entirely¡ªalong with everything below his eyebrows, even though it wasn¡¯t covered by the hat. The principle was entirely different.


    Kyle theorized that the Weasleys had combined a Disillusionment Charm with Extension Runes to achieve the effect.


    ¡°What a clever idea,¡± Cedric said, clapping along with the crowd. ¡°If they improve the design, they might even be able to make the entire body invisible.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s easier said than done,¡± Kyle replied. ¡°I doubt they¡¯ll invest the time. They¡¯ve got a new shop to stock.¡±


    ¡°True,¡± Cedric agreed with a shrug.


    Weasleys¡¯ Wizard Wheezes, having recently opened, likely needed a steady stream of innovative products to fill their shelves. Spending too much time on a single item wouldn¡¯t make sense when a simple Disillusionment Charm could serve the same purpose.


    As the Great Hall filled with more students, Fred and George found themselves swarmed by eager customers. A long line quickly formed, but their impromptu demonstration was cut short when Professor McGonagall entered.


    The twins reluctantly stepped down from their platform and dispersed into the crowd.


    Moments later, Professor Snape appeared. But instead of heading to the teachers¡¯ table, he marched directly to the Hufflepuff table, stopping in front of Kyle.


    ¡°Come with me,¡± he ordered curtly, turning and striding out of the Hall without waiting for a response.


    ¡°What did you do now?¡± Cedric asked, half amused. ¡°Have you managed to offend Snape again?¡±


    ¡°No idea,¡± Kyle replied, rising to follow Snape into the foyer.


    As soon as they were alone, Snape stopped and fixed Kyle with his usual icy stare.


    ¡°Today is the last day of the holidays,¡± Snape said flatly. ¡°Yet I haven¡¯t seen Potter anywhere. Nor has anyone else in the castle.¡±


    Kyle hesitated, unsure where this was going.


    ¡°I now have serious doubts about whether you¡¯re actually teaching him Occlumency,¡± Snape continued. ¡°Or if, perhaps, you¡¯ve expelled him from school entirely. If it¡¯s the latter, you¡¯ll have to explain yourself to the Headmaster.¡±


    Realization struck Kyle like a lightning bolt. He smacked his forehead and exclaimed, ¡°Oh no! Why didn¡¯t you say something earlier?¡±


    Without another word, he spun on his heel and dashed up the stairs.


    Snape stood motionless, his expression darkening with each passing second. He looked as though he was on the verge of a spectacular outburst, but Kyle was already halfway up the staircase, too focused to notice.


    Kyle suddenly recalled how Hermione and Ron had been searching the Great Hall earlier. They weren¡¯t just restless¡ªthey¡¯d been looking for Harry.


    Kyle sprinted to the eighth floor, heading straight for the Room of Requirement.


    When he pushed open the door, he was greeted by an unexpected sight.


    A splash rippled across the surface of a lake inside the room. Moments later, a drenched Harry Potter stumbled onto the shore, his clothes dripping wet. With practiced ease, he performed a silent Hot Air Charm to dry himself.


    Kyle paused, impressed.


    Kyle thought,


    Before Kyle could say anything, Harry plunged back into the lake. Moments later, he clambered ashore again and repeated the spell.


    Nearby, Fawkes perched on a large tree, happily munching on the pods of Snargaluff beans. Every so often, the Phoenix glanced in Harry¡¯s direction, seemingly amused by the boy¡¯s determination.


    When Fawkes noticed Kyle, he spread his magnificent wings and flew over.


    The commotion naturally caught Harry''s attention. He turned toward the noise, his face blank as he muttered to himself, ¡°Strange, I see Kyle¡ªand this time, there¡¯s a Phoenix too. I must be dreaming again.¡±


    He frowned, rubbing his head. ¡°But that¡¯s not right. It hurt quite a bit just now. Could I have been knocked unconscious?¡±


    It wasn¡¯t until the Wampus Cat bounded over to Kyle in a couple of leaps that Harry finally realized this wasn¡¯t a dream. His face lit up with excitement as he ran toward Kyle, stumbling slightly in his rush.


    ¡°Is it over? Is the training finally over?¡± Harry asked eagerly, his voice trembling with hope. ¡°I promise I¡¯ve learned Occlumency¡ªreally!¡±


    Kyle didn¡¯t doubt him.


    During the brief time he had observed, Kyle had noticed the Wampus Cat hesitating several times during its movements, a clear sign it couldn¡¯t fully see into Harry¡¯s thoughts.


    The Wampus Cat confirmed this with a low growl.


    ¡°You can still see his thoughts, but they¡¯re blurry now, right?¡± Kyle asked.


    The Wampus Cat nodded, shooting Harry a mildly exasperated look. These past few days had been exhausting¡ªnot just for Harry but for the Wampus Cat as well. Beating someone without causing serious injury required finesse and patience, and even the creature seemed ready for this ordeal to end.


    ¡°You¡¯ve worked hard, Natali,¡± Kyle said, opening his suitcase. ¡°I¡¯ve brought you some warthog legs and a dragon steak. Go ahead and eat.¡±


    Without hesitation, the Wampus Cat jumped into the suitcase. Fawkes followed, fluttering down into the case as well. The Phoenix clearly didn¡¯t want to risk being seen by other students.


    ¡°Kyle... is that a Phoenix?¡± Harry asked, rubbing his eyes as though he couldn¡¯t believe what he¡¯d seen.


    ¡°Yeah, it¡¯s Fawkes. You¡¯ve probably seen him before in the Headmaster¡¯s office,¡± Kyle said as he picked up the suitcase. ¡°He¡¯s been keeping an eye on you during training¡ªand he¡¯s sort of your healer in case things go south.¡±


    Kyle gestured toward the door. ¡°All right, let¡¯s get out of here. Unless you¡¯re planning to stay?¡±


    Before Kyle could finish the sentence, Harry bolted for the door.


    Harry couldn¡¯t even begin to count how many times he had been struck during training. All he knew was that he had endured endless beatings, and the water he had splashed into the lake could have filled it twice over.


    In comparison, the ten years he had spent with the Dursleys felt almost idyllic. At least his aunt and uncle hadn¡¯t hit him with a stick every five minutes. The Wampus Cat, however, was relentless, its tail as hard as iron. Each swipe left a stinging mark but never hit the bone, leaving Harry without a valid excuse to give up.


    At one point, Harry had even considered that learning Occlumency from Snape might have been the better option.


    ¡°I¡¯ve been getting hit nearly every second of the day!¡± Harry complained as they made their way back to the Great Hall. ¡°Sometimes, even when I¡¯m sleeping, my bed gets flipped over for no reason!¡±


    ¡°That only happens if you oversleep,¡± Kyle said matter-of-factly. ¡°The Wampus Cat only trains during the scheduled hours.¡±


    ¡°Even so...¡± Harry shrugged. ¡°I still need my rest. And you never came back to the Room of Requirement after leaving me there!¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s part of the teaching method,¡± Kyle explained. ¡°Learning Occlumency requires eliminating extraneous emotions. Prolonged, focused training prevents distractions and helps keep your mind in a state of complete calm.¡±


    He added with a wry smile, ¡°I went through the same thing when I started. I lived and trained with the Wampus Cat, and I got beaten almost every day as soon as I opened my eyes.¡±


    Hearing that Kyle had endured the same treatment lifted Harry¡¯s spirits slightly. On reflection, the past few days hadn¡¯t been entirely awful. He realized that annoying thoughts about Voldemort, the Order of the Phoenix, and even Umbridge had faded from his mind. His sleep had improved, too¡ªhe could fall asleep the moment his head hit the pillow and wake up feeling rested.


    ¡°By the way, Kyle, how long did it take you to learn Occlumency?¡± Harry asked, his curiosity piqued.


    ¡°I don¡¯t remember exactly...¡± Kyle mused. ¡°But it was about a week. The Wampus Cat couldn¡¯t read my mind anymore after that. Why do you ask?¡±


    ¡°Oh, no reason.¡± Harry shook his head, secretly delighted.


    The thought was thrilling. Kyle was known for his magical prowess, and Harry had never considered himself on the same level. It felt like discovering he had scored as high as Hermione on an exam¡ªan unexpected and exhilarating surprise.


    His earlier frustration faded, and Harry even managed a half-joking remark. ¡°I¡¯ve been counting the days, you know. I figured since today was the last day of the holidays, you¡¯d come get me. I almost thought you¡¯d forgotten!¡±


    ¡°Haha... No way,¡± Kyle said with a dry laugh. ¡°It¡¯s just that Umbridge came back to the school early. And you didn¡¯t sign the stay-behind list, did you? If she¡¯d seen it, it could¡¯ve caused trouble.¡±


    ¡°Umbridge is back?¡± Harry¡¯s good mood soured instantly.


    ¡°You¡¯re right¡ªif she found out I was here early, she¡¯d be thrilled,¡± Harry muttered. ¡°Come to think of it, I¡¯d rather deal with the Wampus Cat¡¯s tail than an interrogation from her.¡±


    ¡°Ah, it¡¯s all part of my job,¡± Kyle said lightly. ¡°Come on, let¡¯s hurry¡ªthe feast should be starting soon.¡±


    ¡°A feast?¡± Harry¡¯s eyes lit up.


    Though House-elves had brought him meals during training, the endless torment from the Wampus Cat had killed his appetite. He had eaten only to keep himself going. Now, the thought of a lively feast filled with delicious food made him quicken his pace.


    ...


    When Kyle and Harry returned to the Great Hall, it was already brimming with students. The lively atmosphere buzzed with conversations and laughter.


    Harry¡¯s eyes instinctively flicked toward the teachers'' table. Snape sat in his usual spot, but something about his expression seemed... off. His gaze was sharp, almost scrutinizing, yet different from the usual sneering disdain Harry had come to expect.


    Harry didn¡¯t dwell on it. After a quick glance, he turned away and headed straight for the Gryffindor table.


    Snape, however, was caught off guard. His eyebrows twitched slightly, and his lips pressed into a thin line as he processed what he had just observed.


    Though Harry¡¯s mind was no fortress, it had progressed from being a sieve to something akin to a fine mesh¡ªenough to block casual mental intrusions. For Harry to achieve such progress in a single week was remarkable, even for someone with natural talent.


    The realization made Snape deeply uncomfortable.


    He had spent weeks teaching Harry with little to no improvement to show for it. Yet Kyle, a sixth-year student, had managed to accomplish in days what he, a seasoned professor, could not. The comparison stung, poking at Snape¡¯s pride as both a teacher and a master of Occlumency.


    Snape¡¯s brooding was interrupted by Dumbledore, who glanced at him with a subtle nod of approval. The Headmaster had clearly noticed Harry¡¯s improvement and, predictably, attributed the success to Snape.


    This only made Snape feel worse. He couldn¡¯t bring himself to claim credit for Kyle¡¯s work, yet explaining the truth in front of the other professors¡ªespecially Umbridge¡ªwas not an option. Resigned, he remained silent and sulked.


    Meanwhile, at the Gryffindor table, Harry had barely sat down when Hermione and Ron rushed over to him.


    ¡°Where have you been?¡± Hermione demanded, her tone laced with worry.


    ¡°We¡¯ve been looking for you for half an hour!¡± Ron added. ¡°Everyone we asked said they haven¡¯t seen you for days.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve been in the Room of Requirement,¡± Harry replied quietly. ¡°You know, working on Occlumency.¡±


    ¡°How¡¯s it going?¡± Ron asked eagerly.


    ¡°Well... not bad,¡± Harry admitted, a hint of pride creeping into his voice. ¡°I think I¡¯ve learned it.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ve learned it?¡± Hermione gasped, her eyes wide with disbelief. ¡°That fast?¡±


    ¡°Fast?¡± Ron said, looking confused. ¡°He spent the whole holiday on it. Isn¡¯t it normal to learn a spell in that much time? Is Occlumency really that hard?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s difficult!¡± Hermione said emphatically, her voice low but serious. ¡°It¡¯s far more complex than any charm we¡¯ve learned¡ªmore than the Disillusionment Charm, the Patronus Charm, or even the Animagus Transformation.¡±


    She hesitated, then added, ¡°I¡¯ve been trying to learn it myself.¡±


    This admission caught Harry off guard.


    Hermione continued, ¡°I read everything I could find: Mr. Weasley recommended those books, and I even consulted Bill and Tonks. But...¡± She sighed, looking frustrated. ¡°Even after weeks of effort, I¡¯ve made barely any progress. Bill said I¡¯d improved, but I know he was just being polite.¡±


    Hermione looked at Harry with an almost desperate intensity. ¡°How did you do it? What method did you use? Can you tell me?¡±


    Harry froze for a moment. The memory of the Wampus Cat¡ªits six legs, its iron-hard tail, and the endless thrashing¡ªflashed vividly in his mind. He involuntarily winced.


    ¡°Trust me, Hermione, you don¡¯t want to know,¡± Harry said, his voice tinged with resignation. ¡°You definitely wouldn¡¯t like it.¡±


    Hermione looked unconvinced. ¡°Harry, I¡¯m serious. If there¡¯s a way to learn Occlumency, I¡¯ll do whatever it takes. No matter how hard it is, I can handle it.¡±


    Harry sighed. Hermione¡¯s determination was no act. She was one of the most tenacious people he knew, and her history proved it. She had managed to juggle twelve subjects in their third year, including using a Time-Turner to attend overlapping classes. Few students in Hogwarts¡¯ history could match her persistence.


    ¡°This is not difficult¡­¡± Harry began, but seeing the disbelief on Hermione¡¯s face, he hesitated. Then, as if to prove his point, he pulled up his sleeve.


    ¡°See for yourself.¡±


    His arm was a patchwork of bruises, dark splotches of varying sizes that looked as though someone had splattered paint on him.


    ¡°Oh, By Merlin¡¯s beard!¡±


    ¡°Goodness!¡±


    Hermione and Ron gasped in unison, their outburst immediately drawing the attention of nearby students.


    Panicking slightly, Harry yanked his sleeve back down and muttered, ¡°It¡¯s fine, really.¡±


    ¡°Did Snape do this?¡± Hermione asked furiously, her face flushed with indignation. ¡°That¡¯s outrageous! How could he hit you? That¡¯s against school rules¡ªno, against Wizarding Law! I¡¯m telling the Headmaster!¡±


    ¡°Yes!¡± Ron added, equally outraged. ¡°He shouldn¡¯t even be a professor!¡±


    ¡°Hey, calm down,¡± Harry interjected in a hushed voice. ¡°Snape¡¯s done plenty of awful things, but this has nothing to do with him. It was Kyle.¡±


    ¡°Kyle?¡± Hermione echoed, confused. ¡°Even Kyle shouldn¡¯t have¡ª¡±


    ¡°No, no, no! It wasn¡¯t Kyle who hit me¡ªit was a Wampus Cat,¡± Harry said quickly, cutting her off.


    That explanation only deepened Hermione¡¯s confusion. A Wampus Cat? It sounded absurd. Wampus Cats were exceptionally rare Magical Creatures, practically unheard of in Britain. How could there possibly be one at Hogwarts?


    Harry sighed and launched into a recounting of the past week¡¯s events, from Kyle¡¯s peculiar training methods to his time spent dodging the Wampus Cat¡¯s iron-hard tail.


    As he spoke, Hermione and Ron stared at him in slack-jawed astonishment, their expressions reminiscent of someone hearing about a Troll learning to perform ballet.


    When Harry finally finished, he shrugged as if the ordeal had been only mildly inconvenient. ¡°That¡¯s it. They look bad, but the injuries are just superficial. They¡¯ll be gone in a day or two¡ªnothing to worry about.¡±


    ¡°So... you spent the whole week with the Wampus Cat?¡± Ron asked, his tone a mix of disbelief and pity.


    Harry¡¯s voice dropped an octave, heavy with weariness. ¡°The whole week.¡±


    ¡°In that case,¡± Hermione said thoughtfully, ¡°it seems the Wampus Cat¡¯s eyes really do have Legilimency powers.¡± She paused, then added, ¡°But you should know that when its eyes turn purple, they also gain hypnotic properties. That¡¯s the most dangerous thing about a Wampus Cat¡ªvery few defensive spells can resist its hypnotic gaze.¡±


    ¡°Huh?¡± Harry blinked, scratching his head. ¡°Hypnotic? I didn¡¯t know it could do that. Its eyes were blue the whole time.¡±


    Hermione¡¯s brows furrowed. ¡°Haven¡¯t you ever thought about reading? You know the Room of Requirement provides books based on your needs. We did it during the DA meetings."


    ¡°And everything I just said is in by the way.¡±


    ¡°Come on, Hermione,¡± Harry groaned. ¡°I was too busy getting chased and beaten! When would I have had time to read?¡±


    Hermione pursed her lips. ¡°What about the hours you spent sleeping? Couldn¡¯t you spare twenty minutes to learn about your opponent?¡±


    ¡°Twenty minutes?¡± Harry let out an exasperated sigh. ¡°You don¡¯t get it. I was so exhausted, I fell asleep right on the floor¡ªright in the doorway¡ªmore than once!¡±


    Hermione opened her mouth to argue but closed it again with a sigh. ¡°Fine. Let¡¯s just get you to the Hospital Wing after dinner. Madam Pomfrey can fix you up in no time.¡±


    ¡°No,¡± Harry said firmly. ¡°What I need most right now is a long night¡¯s sleep in my own bed. These bruises will heal on their own¡ªtrust me, it¡¯ll all be gone in two days.¡±


    He hesitated before adding, ¡°But Hermione, if you¡¯re thinking about learning Occlumency, I don¡¯t recommend doing it this way. It¡¯s not worth the pain.¡± sea??h th§× N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Hermione didn¡¯t argue. For once, she agreed. Harry¡¯s crash course didn¡¯t sound remotely appealing, even to someone as driven as she was.

 Chapter 666: Fudge’s Decision, the War Has Begun

    Harry had mastered Occlumency, a fact that seemed to please everyone¡ªexcept Snape and Umbridge. The opening dinner ended on a relatively cheerful note, leaving most in high spirits.


    However, this pleasant mood shattered the following morning.


    During breakfast, Cedric unfolded he had ordered, intending to check the front page as usual. But the moment his eyes landed on the headline, he suddenly stood up with a cry of alarm.


    It wasn¡¯t just Cedric¡ªmore and more students began to gasp and exclaim in shock, as if they had seen something horrifying.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± Kanna asked, her voice laced with concern.


    Cedric, visibly shaken, spread the newspaper across the table and pointed to the headline and accompanying photos, unable to form words.


    The front page featured ten photographs¡ªnine wizards and one witch. Each image seemed to radiate menace: some of the individuals were laughing wildly, while others bore smug, arrogant expressions. Beneath each photograph were their names and crimes, outlined in stark detail:


    Antonin Dolohov: Responsible for the brutal murders of Gideon and Fabian Prewett.Augustus Rookwood: A traitor who leaked Ministry secrets to You-Know-Who.Bellatrix Lestrange: ...


    As the only witch among the group, Bellatrix immediately drew the most attention. Her photo was chilling¡ªher dark, penetrating eyes gleamed with malice, her thin lips twisted in a sneer of contempt, as though even the camera capturing her image was beneath her notice. Her listed crime was the heinous torture of the Longbottoms.


    Kyle stared at the image of Bellatrix with a mixture of familiarity and disdain. He had crossed paths with her indirectly before. To secure the Lestrange family vault key, he had sent the Dementors a peculiar "gift" for her¡ªa selection of sweets and chocolates, a mocking gesture meant to "bring her joy," though Kyle doubted she was still capable of such an emotion.


    Above the collection of photos, a glaring headline read:


    The hall erupted into chaos.


    It was no surprise that Cedric had cried out¡ªthis news was nothing short of terrifying. The very idea that multiple infamous Death Eaters had escaped Azkaban was enough to send shockwaves through the students. The Great Hall was now in complete disarray. Some of the younger and more timid students were even in tears, their fear audible amidst the din.


    Even the older, more steadfast students¡ªthose who had always trusted Dumbledore, like Cedric, Mikel, and Justin¡ªsat pale and shaken, struggling to process the grim reality. Believing in Voldemort¡¯s return was one thing, but having the Ministry confirm it through its official newspaper brought a chilling finality that many weren¡¯t ready for.


    ¡°Kyle, you actually pulled it off,¡± Kanna whispered amidst the uproar. Her voice was quiet but deliberate. ¡°Fudge didn¡¯t keep pretending nothing had happened. He finally admitted that You-Know-Who is back.¡±


    ¡°Yeah,¡± Kyle muttered, his gaze still fixed on the newspaper.


    All his efforts¡ªthe subtle manipulations, the carefully planted illusions suggesting Dumbledore was vying for the position of Minister of Magic, and blocking Malfoy¡¯s communications with Fudge¡ªhad been aimed at achieving this very outcome. He had wanted to push Fudge into a corner, making him feel as though his only option was to declare a state of war in the wizarding world. Such a declaration would effectively secure Fudge¡¯s position as Minister, as no government would dare change leadership during a crisis.


    His plan had worked. The moment Fudge had been summoned to the Ministry during the Christmas holidays, his fear had begun to take hold. And now, with Nicolas Flamel¡¯s owl appearing at Hogwarts in full view of Umbridge, Fudge had been forced to act decisively.


    Yet, there was one unforeseen complication: the escape of the Death Eaters. This turn of events had not been part of Kyle¡¯s plan.


    ¡°Why did it have to be now?¡±


    Though Kyle¡¯s plan had technically succeeded, he frowned, clearly displeased.


    If the escape had occurred just a few days later¡ªeven as a symbolic gesture¡ªFudge would almost certainly have bolstered Azkaban¡¯s defenses by then.


    ¡°Forget it,¡± Kyle muttered with a sigh, shaking his head.


    If Voldemort himself orchestrated this escape, no amount of extra security would have made a difference. It would have only led to more unnecessary sacrifices. After all, only Dumbledore had the power to stand against Voldemort, and expecting him to leave Hogwarts to guard Azkaban was entirely unrealistic.


    Kyle dismissed the thought and focused on the scene around him.


    Fear and unease were palpable in the Great Hall, rippling through the rows of students. Fortunately, the professors seemed to have anticipated such a reaction. Professor Sprout, seated at the staff table, rose to her feet and addressed the students in a steady, reassuring voice.


    ¡°Do not panic, everyone. Hogwarts is well-protected and safe. You have nothing to fear here.¡±


    Her calm words managed to soothe the crowd somewhat. The rising tide of anxious whispers began to subside, and the tense atmosphere eased slightly.


    Shortly afterward, Professors McGonagall, Flitwick, and Snape arrived, followed finally by Dumbledore himself. The mere sight of the headmaster entering the hall silenced the last lingering murmurs.


    Dumbledore, however, said nothing. He walked to his seat at the staff table and sat down, calmly assembling a sandwich as if his only concern were breakfast. His composed demeanor radiated an unspoken reassurance that helped stabilize the atmosphere further.


    Meanwhile, Kyle returned his attention to the newspaper, continuing to read the report in detail.


    The report quoted Fudge further:


    The article continued:


    Minister Fudge also issued a public apology to Headmaster Albus Dumbledore:


    ...


    ¡°Huh, Fudge is smart,¡± Cedric snorted, finally recovering from his initial shock. ¡°How could he say something like that with a straight face after the Ministry spent six months insisting Dumbledore was a senile old lunatic?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s true, but of course, he¡¯d never admit it,¡± Kanna said, flipping through the newspaper. ¡°The entire wizarding world is in an uproar. Kyle, do you think Professor Dumbledore knows about this?¡±


    ¡°I think he does,¡± Kyle replied, glancing up at the teachers¡¯ table.


    Right on cue, Dumbledore looked over, his blue eyes glinting behind his glasses.


    After breakfast, Professor McGonagall approached the Hufflepuff table.


    ¡°Please wait a moment,¡± she said to Kyle. ¡°The Headmaster has given you leave from your first Transfiguration class. Instead, go straight to the Headmaster¡¯s Office. The password is the same as before.¡±


    ¡°Understood,¡± Kyle replied.


    Once she was gone, Kanna turned to him, curious. ¡°What does the Headmaster want with you?¡±


    ¡°I think it¡¯s related to today¡¯s ,¡± Kyle said calmly.


    ¡°So, what happens now?¡± Kanna asked, looking a little unsettled. ¡°If they¡¯re suddenly declaring the wizarding world at war, can we even stay at Hogwarts?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry,¡± Kyle reassured her. ¡°Now, more than ever, Hogwarts is unlikely to close.¡±


    He smiled and added, ¡°Besides, you don¡¯t need to worry about Voldemort leaping out of the shadows just because of a newspaper article. Go to class as usual. That said, what we¡¯ll be learning from now on might not be as simple as before.¡±


    ¡°As long as Hogwarts stays open, that¡¯s all that matters,¡± Kanna said with a cheerful wave before heading off to Transfiguration.


    Kyle, meanwhile, made his way to the eighth floor.


    When he reached the Headmaster¡¯s Office via the spiral staircase, he noticed Fawkes perched on a branch, evidently having left the suitcase at some point. Dumbledore was already there, waiting.


    ¡°I¡¯m curious,¡± Dumbledore said, regarding Kyle with a mix of interest and amusement. ¡°What exactly did you do to make Fudge admit Voldemort has returned¡ªwithout even seeing Tom for himself?¡±


    ¡°Not much,¡± Kyle replied. ¡°We¡¯ve discussed this before, haven¡¯t we? I just applied a bit of pressure to make him act to save his job.¡±


    ¡°I know,¡± Dumbledore said, ¡°but I want to know you did it.¡± He leaned back slightly, his gaze sharp. ¡°I know Fudge. He never takes unnecessary action, and he only believes what¡¯s in front of him. I¡¯ve approached him many times, practically placing all the evidence under his nose, and still, he refused to believe."


    ¡°Anything that threatens his position as Minister¡ªeven a remote possibility¡ªis something he avoids at all costs.¡±


    Dumbledore¡¯s gaze flicked to the spread out on the table, his eyes lingering on the front-page headline.


    ¡°¡®The war has begun...¡¯¡± he murmured. ¡°To Fudge, this decision is like drinking unicorn blood to prolong life¡ªan absolute last resort. What exactly did you do?¡± Sear?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°Just wrote a few letters,¡± Kyle said with a shrug, briefly recounting his actions over the past few days.


    Dumbledore¡¯s mouth twitched when Kyle described instructing Fawkes to deliver an unmarked letter to St. Mungo¡¯s. By the time Kyle explained how he had involved Malfoy and sent a letter to Dumbledore himself, the Headmaster looked utterly bemused.


    He had only been away for a short time, yet Kyle had managed to stir up a whirlwind of activity. No wonder Fudge had been forced to act so out of character.


    In hindsight, Dumbledore thought, it wasn¡¯t entirely surprising. If something similar happened at Hogwarts¡ªsay, if an owl from the school governors flew into Professor McGonagall¡¯s office every day¡ªhe¡¯d have to suspect she was angling for the Headmaster¡¯s position too.


    ¡°But I think what finally pushed Fudge to act was the prison break,¡± Kyle said. ¡°Ten people escaped, and that¡¯s not something you can just brush off with an excuse.¡±


    ¡°No, you underestimate Fudge,¡± Dumbledore replied. ¡°If it weren¡¯t for the pressure you applied, he might have managed to concoct some explanation... like he did with Barty Crouch Jr.¡¯s escape.¡±


    Dumbledore paused, then added with interest, ¡°But there¡¯s something I¡¯m curious about¡ªwere you certain Fudge would choose this method to protect his position?¡±


    ¡°Honestly, I couldn¡¯t guarantee it would work 100%,¡± Kyle admitted. ¡°That¡¯s why I also sent letters to Nicolas Flamel, Newt, Mr. McPhail, Madam Maxime, and Director Sykes. Three of them have already written back, agreeing to cooperate with me on an alternate plan if Fudge hadn¡¯t made the announcement by the twentieth.¡±


    Kyle glanced at Dumbledore but didn¡¯t elaborate further. He suspected the Headmaster wouldn¡¯t want to hear the rest.


    One way or another, Kyle wasn¡¯t about to let the Ministry become a roadblock in their fight against Voldemort. If it came to it, Dumbledore would just have to take on the additional role of Minister for Magic.


    In fact, one of the replies had come from Nicolas Flamel, who seemed quite intrigued by the idea of Dumbledore as Minister and had even offered to come to Hogwarts to lend his support. With Nicolas¡¯s help, success would be almost guaranteed.


    As for the Hogwarts headmaster position¡ªif Dumbledore couldn¡¯t juggle both roles, Kyle thought Professor McGonagall would be an excellent choice.


    Of course, that was part of the original plan, and thankfully, it wasn¡¯t necessary anymore.


    Meanwhile, Dumbledore felt a chill run down his spine. He had a sinking suspicion about where Kyle¡¯s thoughts had been heading¡ªand he wasn¡¯t sure he wanted to know if he was right.


    ¡°Kyle...¡± Dumbledore said carefully, ¡°don¡¯t you think it would be better to consult the person involved before making such decisions?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s all in the name of defeating Voldemort, Professor,¡± Kyle replied with a smile. ¡°Sometimes you need to employ... special measures. Besides, I distinctly remember you saying at The Hog¡¯s Head that you¡¯d be willing to sacrifice anything to defeat him.¡±


    ¡°Did I say that?¡± Dumbledore asked, pretending to think.


    ¡°I¡¯m quite sure, Professor,¡± Kyle said confidently. ¡°And there were witnesses¡ªlike the owner of The Hog¡¯s Head. We can ask him if you don¡¯t believe me.¡±


    ¡°Fine, I did say that,¡± Dumbledore admitted with a sigh. When he¡¯d made that declaration, he¡¯d been speaking about his own resolve, never imagining how broadly Kyle might interpret ¡°anything.¡±


    ¡°I have to admit, Kyle...¡± Dumbledore said, shaking his head, ¡°you come up with plans I would never have considered.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s nothing,¡± Kyle replied modestly, shaking his head. ¡°You don¡¯t need to give me 200 extra points or a Special Award for Services to the School or anything like that.¡±


    Dumbledore stared at him for a moment, then said with deliberate calm, ¡°Very well¡ªno extra points.¡±


    Kyle blinked, stunned into silence. He had only been trying to be polite, but Dumbledore had taken him seriously.


    But Kyle didn¡¯t dwell on the matter of points and instead asked, ¡°Professor, is that why you called me here?¡±


    ¡°In part. And then there¡¯s something else¡ªyou helped Harry learn Occlumency. Professor Snape told me about it. He said you were the one teaching Harry.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s nothing,¡± Kyle replied dismissively, steering away from the topic. His eyes fell on the newspaper spread out on the table. ¡°Professor, do you think the Dementors have also sided with Voldemort?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m glad we¡¯re thinking along the same lines,¡± Dumbledore said with a small smile, though his expression quickly turned serious. ¡°That¡¯s precisely what I intend to find out.¡±


    ¡°After receiving the news last night, I visited the island where Azkaban is located. The number of Dementors there has decreased significantly.¡±


    ¡°How significantly?¡± Kyle asked.


    ¡°About half,¡± Dumbledore answered gravely. ¡°What we need to determine now is whether the missing Dementors have been destroyed¡ªor if they¡¯ve defected to Tom¡¯s side.¡±


    ¡°Wait,¡± Kyle said, raising a hand. ¡°Professor, isn¡¯t the Patronus Charm the only way to kill a Dementor? Neither the Death Eaters nor Voldemort can use that spell, can they?¡±


    The Patronus Charm was truly unique, believed to be accessible only to wizards with pure hearts who could channel their happiest emotions into a corporeal Patronus. For a dark wizard with an evil heart, attempting the charm would not only fail but could also result in a catastrophic backfire. In some cases, it was said that a wand might summon worms that turned on the caster, devouring them.


    ¡°Most Death Eaters certainly can¡¯t use it,¡± Dumbledore agreed. ¡°But Tom... he perceives happiness and emotions differently from us.¡± His fingers tapped lightly on the table as he continued, ¡°Moreover, there are other ways to destroy Dementors. The Patronus Charm is primarily for repelling them. In truth, the Killing Curse works just as effectively.¡±


    ¡°I see,¡± Kyle said thoughtfully. ¡°So, Professor, what do you need me to do?¡±


    ¡°Fudge will be coming to Hogwarts this afternoon, and he¡¯s bringing with him two Dementors¡ªboth from last night¡¯s guard,¡± Dumbledore explained. ¡°I need to determine whether the missing Dementors have defected to Voldemort. This will influence whether we need to revise our current defense strategy.¡±


    ¡°No problem,¡± Kyle agreed readily.


    ¡°There¡¯s one more thing...¡± Dumbledore¡¯s tone lightened slightly. ¡°Fudge has finally aligned with us in the fight against the Death Eaters. Would you mind writing a letter to Dugald and the others, explaining the current situation? It¡¯s important they¡¯re aware, so they don¡¯t act rashly or without full understanding.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s no need,¡± Kyle said after a moment¡¯s thought. ¡°They should read It explains everything clearly.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s better to err on the side of caution,¡± Dumbledore said firmly, his piercing blue eyes fixed on Kyle.


    ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll write the letter when I get back,¡± Kyle relented.


    ¡°No need¡ªyou can do it here.¡± With a wave of Dumbledore¡¯s hand, several sheets of parchment and quills appeared on the table. ¡°Once you¡¯re finished, I¡¯ll have Fawkes deliver the letter. Owls can¡¯t exactly reach Nicolas Flamel, can they?¡±


    Dumbledore¡¯s gaze flicked to Fawkes, who was dozing on his perch. He silently resolved that no matter what Kyle requested in the future, he would refrain from lending him the phoenix again.


    Kyle considered mentioning that he had other methods of contacting Nicolas and didn¡¯t necessarily need Fawkes¡¯s help, but he held his tongue. It might be better to keep that card up his sleeve for now.


    So, without a word, Kyle sat down at the table and began writing the letter under Dumbledore¡¯s watchful eye.

 Chapter 667: The Dismissed High Inquisitor

    The news of Voldemort¡¯s return caused an uproar at Hogwarts. No matter where you went, conversations about it filled the air.


    Students from magical families were particularly shaken, their fear of Voldemort deeply ingrained and now rekindled after reading the newspaper. Even the professors weren¡¯t immune to the tension; groups of two or three could often be seen huddling in the corridors, speaking in hushed tones that ceased abruptly whenever a student approached.


    This wasn¡¯t the case for everyone, though. In Slytherin, the atmosphere was starkly different. Among the pure-blood students, excitement buzzed through the air, as if it were Christmas morning.


    At lunch, Pansy Parkinson and Millicent Bulstrode strutted into the Great Hall with their heads held high, their shrill laughter echoing nonstop. They moved like peacocks displaying their feathers, oblivious to the tension gripping the rest of the school.


    ¡°Look at those two turkeys again,¡± Susan Bones muttered in disgust. ¡°I¡¯m sure someone in their family is a Death Eater.¡±


    The Bones family¡¯s long-standing support of the Order of the Phoenix had placed them in direct opposition to the Death Eaters for over a decade, leaving behind an unshakable animosity. That hatred had simmered quietly while Voldemort was gone and his most infamous followers were imprisoned. But with his return and the recent Azkaban breakout, old hostilities had flared anew, and sides were once again clearly drawn.


    Susan usually held no particular grudge against most Slytherins, but recent events had altered her perspective.


    ¡°Hey, what are you all talking about?¡±


    Fred and George Weasley joined the Hufflepuff table unceremoniously, taking seats as if they belonged there.


    ¡°Those two, obviously,¡± Mikel said, nodding toward the Slytherin table where Pansy and Millicent were loudly holding court.


    ¡°Do you think they¡¯re on the Death Eaters¡¯ side?¡±


    ¡°Isn¡¯t it obvious?¡± Fred replied. ¡°If you¡¯d read the papers again, you¡¯d have seen that one of the Death Eaters who escaped yesterday was a Bulstrode.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t understand why the headmaster doesn¡¯t expel them,¡± Susan said, stabbing at her pork schnitzel in frustration.


    ¡°Because they¡¯re not Death Eaters,¡± Cedric pointed out. ¡°At least, not yet¡ªthey¡¯re just students. The headmaster can¡¯t expel someone simply because of their family name. That would go against Hogwarts¡¯ principles.¡±


    ¡°Just like during the Chamber of Secrets incident,¡± Cedric continued, ¡°the headmaster didn¡¯t expel Harry, even though he was the prime suspect.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s true,¡± Mikel conceded grudgingly, ¡°but they¡¯re still so annoying. I¡¯d love to teach them a lesson.¡±


    ¡°I second that!¡± George chimed in enthusiastically. ¡°Count me in.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯d better forget about it,¡± Cedric warned. ¡°If you get caught, you¡¯ll definitely end up in detention.¡±


    ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter if no one finds out,¡± Fred said in a conspiratorial whisper. ¡°I know Honeydukes has these massive brown paper bags they use for deliveries¡ªbig enough to fit a person. You could use one to grab Millicent or Pansy... you know, before teaching them a thing or two.¡±


    Fred¡¯s eyes twinkled with mischief as he let out a series of sly chuckles.


    ¡°I¡¯ll handle it,¡± Susan said, surprising everyone with her sudden eagerness. ¡°I buy loads of sweets from Honeydukes every year. I can probably borrow a couple of those bags.¡±


    ¡°Borrow?¡± George grinned. ¡°We might as well buy them. I have a feeling those bags are going to become the next hot commodity. We can¡¯t keep borrowing them indefinitely.¡±


    ¡°I think it¡¯s time you two headed back to Gryffindor to discuss this,¡± Cedric interrupted impatiently. To shut down their growing scheme, he quickly changed the subject. ¡°What are you doing here anyway?¡±


    ¡°Oh, right!¡± Fred said, snapping back to the original purpose of their visit. ¡°We came to see you.¡±


    ¡°We were wondering if we should expand the DA,¡± George added. ¡°Things are different now. We reckon there must be more students who want to learn how to protect themselves.¡±


    ¡°That was the reason we started the DA in the first place,¡± Cedric said, narrowing his eyes. ¡°But are you two serious about this?¡±


    ¡°Well...¡± Fred began with a sheepish grin. ¡°Actually, Hermione wanted us to ask. She¡¯s swamped right now¡ªcarrying a stack of books so massive, it looks like she¡¯s trying to move the entire library into the dormitory.¡±


    ¡°We had some free time, so we offered to take care of it for her,¡± George explained.


    Cedric eyed them skeptically. He knew Fred and George far too well to believe they¡¯d come all this way just for a serious discussion about the DA. Besides, expanding the club wasn¡¯t a decision Cedric could make on his own.


    ¡°Tell the truth!¡± Cedric demanded, his tone icy.


    Fred and George exchanged glances before Fred broke into a smirk. ¡°You really are the Head Boy. Nothing gets past you.¡± With a dramatic flourish, he produced a pointed hat adorned with a red feather seemingly out of nowhere.


    ¡°We just wanted to ask if you could wear this hat to the next DA meeting,¡± Fred said.


    ¡°The hat that makes your head invisible? Forget it,¡± Cedric replied without hesitation. ¡°I don¡¯t want to become everyone¡¯s laughingstock.¡±


    The DA meetings were for learning Defense Against the Dark Arts, not auditioning for the Headless Hunt. Besides, there was no reason to hide your head in such a serious setting.


    ¡°No, no, no¡ªyou¡¯ve got it all wrong!¡± Fred quickly protested. ¡°This is one of our new products, made just last night.¡±


    ¡°We call it the Shield Hat,¡± George added. ¡°It¡¯s very simple: it can withstand one attack from a spell.¡±


    ¡°Given the current circumstances, having a hat like this could be a lifesaver,¡± Fred said with uncharacteristic seriousness.


    The gravity of their words made Cedric pause. ¡°If it¡¯s really that good, wouldn¡¯t it be better to sell it outright? Show everyone what it does, like you¡¯ve done before, and I¡¯m sure plenty of people would buy it.¡±


    ¡°We tried that this morning,¡± Fred admitted, his expression turning gloomy. ¡°The response was... average.¡±


    ¡°Maybe it¡¯s a bit expensive,¡± George offered. ¡°People don¡¯t really trust our products when they cost too much.¡±


    ¡°Expensive?¡± Cedric echoed, confused. The Weasleys¡¯ products rarely cost more than five Galleons, which was a fair price for most Hogwarts students.


    ¡°Well, we priced it at fifty Galleons,¡± George said.


    Cedric nearly choked on his pumpkin juice, quickly clapping a hand over his mouth to avoid spitting it everywhere. ¡°Fifty Galleons?¡±


    That was nearly a month¡¯s salary for an average Ministry employee¡ªa cost far beyond the reach of most students at Hogwarts.


    ¡°There¡¯s nothing we can do about it. That¡¯s the lowest we can go,¡± Fred sighed heavily.


    ¡°We used dragon-hide¡ªreal dragon-hide,¡± George explained. ¡°Not the whole thing, but enough to justify the price.¡±


    Fred leaned forward, his tone growing conspiratorial. ¡°That¡¯s why we need someone famous to advertise it.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s strange...¡± Fred suddenly turned toward Kyle, who had been listening quietly nearby. ¡°Why is it that all your expensive stuff sells so easily? I remember that necklace you made from a dragon¡¯s tooth sold for a hundred Galleons.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s because the buyer was a Slytherin,¡± Kyle replied with a casual shrug. ¡°They don¡¯t lack money.¡±


    ¡°Forget it then,¡± George said, shaking his head pointedly. ¡°Slytherins probably don¡¯t worry much about being attacked by Death Eaters anyway.¡±


    Returning to the matter at hand, Fred and George refocused their attention on Cedric.


    ¡°If you wear it, maybe more people will want to buy it,¡± Fred suggested.


    As a shareholder in the Weasleys¡¯ Wizard Wheezes, Cedric sighed and gave a small nod after only a brief hesitation. ¡°Alright, but the feather has to go¡ªit¡¯s hideous. And I want to test the hat¡¯s effects first.¡±


    ¡°No problem,¡± George said enthusiastically, plopping the hat onto his own head. ¡°Go ahead¡ªattack me!¡±


    ¡°Petrificus Totalus!¡±


    He was hit by the spell before he had even finished speaking. The Charm hit him squarely, sending him flying backward. He landed on the ground with a thud but quickly scrambled back to his feet, unaffected.


    ¡°Hey, Kyle, you should have warned me,¡± George grumbled.


    ¡°That way, the test is more effective, isn¡¯t it?¡± Kyle replied, eyeing the top of George''s head, where the hat had split right down the middle.


    ¡°Only once?¡± George asked.


    ¡°It depends on the power of the spell,¡± Fred explained, looking slightly concerned. ¡°A stronger spell can only be resisted once. But if someone else cast it, you¡¯d be fine.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t forget, the Death Eaters are all adult wizards, and none of them are weak,¡± Kyle added. ¡°Take Barty Crouch Jr., for example. When he first graduated, he earned twelve certificates.¡±


    ¡°What? A Death Eater got twelve certificates?¡± George forgot about the hat entirely, staring in disbelief. ¡°Doesn¡¯t that make him the same as Bill and Percy?¡±


    ¡°Exactly,¡± Kyle confirmed. ¡°In the fifty years before Hogwarts, only those three earned twelve certificates.¡±


    ¡°And yet, you¡¯re surprised?¡± Kyle continued. ¡°Anyone Voldemort would take on as a follower isn¡¯t a fool.¡±


    ¡°Like Peter Pettigrew?¡± Fred interjected.


    ¡°He¡¯s... a bit special,¡± Kyle replied, shaking his head. ¡°Even among Death Eaters, Peter isn¡¯t well liked.¡±


    ¡°Okay,¡± George muttered, tearing off a plate-sized piece of leather from his damaged hat.


    ¡°Is this dragon-hide?¡± Cedric asked.


    ¡°Yeah. We bought it from Hogsmeade¡ªit was outrageously expensive,¡± George said, nodding. ¡°But to make the hat withstand the spell, the runes have to be engraved on dragon-hide. If we used ordinary fabric, the moment it came into contact with the spell, the hat would fall apart because of the impact transmitted to the runes. It would be completely useless.¡±


    Kyle examined the piece of dragon-hide for a moment before saying, ¡°Have you ever thought about making it disposable? Remove all the runes that slow down the spell¡¯s power and replace them with a ¡®Charging¡¯ symbol. A more... barbaric approach to counter the spell¡¯s effect.¡±


    ¡°That would use less dragon-hide too,¡± he added thoughtfully.


    ¡°Disposable?¡± Fred mused. ¡°But then it wouldn¡¯t be able to identify the type of spell. Even a basic Cleaning Charm could trigger the defense mechanism.¡±


    ¡°And ¡®Charging¡¯ is very unstable,¡± Cedric pointed out. ¡°Once triggered, the dragon-hide would be destroyed completely.¡±


    ¡°But it¡¯s cheap,¡± Kyle said with a grin. ¡°The symbol doesn¡¯t take up much space, and you¡¯d only need one-fifth of the dragon-hide you¡¯re using now. The cost would drop significantly.¡±


    For a moment, everyone stared at Kyle with a mix of astonishment and wariness.


    It''s just so typical of Kyle...


    ¡°I didn¡¯t realize you were this ruthless,¡± Fred said with mock disgust. ¡°And we thought we were shady.¡±


    ¡°What do you think?¡± Kyle asked, sounding a bit impatient. ¡°If we cut costs, the selling price can be adjusted accordingly. Something that originally cost 50 Galleons could be sold for 10 Galleons. That way, more people could afford it."


    ¡°And honestly, if you really run into a Death Eater, this disposable version would be more effective.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re right,¡± Fred admitted, stroking his chin. ¡°Okay, we can give it a try...¡±


    As the three of them delved into a lively discussion, Cedric stepped aside, his thoughts drifting to the growing DA. Personally, he didn¡¯t want to expand the group any further. More members meant more work for him, and he was already stretched thin.


    The DA had grown to nearly 80 members, which was borderline unmanageable. If the numbers kept increasing, he¡¯d have to extend the meeting times. And realistically, the growth wouldn¡¯t just be one or two members¡ªit could easily double.


    Nearly 200 people... Three-hour meetings were out of the question.


    So when Fred and George were preparing to leave, Cedric could only offer a vague reply to their enthusiasm.


    ¡°Let¡¯s discuss it later when we have more time,¡± he said. ¡°Maybe the school will hire a more reliable Defense Against the Dark Arts professor, and then we won¡¯t even need the DA anymore.¡±


    ¡°Okay,¡± Fred and George said, unfazed. They were eager to return to researching their new product and hurried off with a spring in their step.


    ...


    In the afternoon, Fudge arrived.


    Whether intentionally or not, he came just before the start of the first lesson, ensuring almost all the students saw him make his way to Headmaster Dumbledore''s office. No one knew what was discussed inside¡ªnot even Kyle.


    Throughout the afternoon, everyone waited with bated breath.


    ¡°I hope he takes Umbridge with him,¡± Mikel whispered during Herbology later that day. ¡°We clearly need a more reliable Defence Against the Dark Arts professor, not someone who just makes us read and copy.¡±


    His words were met with murmurs of agreement from the others.


    By the time dinner was served, the Great Hall was abuzz with speculation about whether Umbridge might finally be gone for good.


    At last, Dumbledore entered, and a hush fell over the Hall as he cleared his throat.


    ¡°As you are all aware, Voldemort and his followers are stirring once more, and their power continues to grow,¡± Dumbledore began, his voice grave and steady.


    A tense and almost suffocating silence settled over the room.


    ¡°I must emphasize that the situation is serious. Everyone must exercise the utmost caution to ensure their safety.


    ¡°The Ministry of Magic has agreed to help Hogwarts strengthen its magical defenses, but vigilance from every student and teacher remains essential.


    ¡°I therefore ask that you strictly adhere to all rules, however inconvenient they may seem.


    ¡°And finally, regarding our Defence Against the Dark Arts professor...¡±


    Cedric¡¯s head shot up at this.


    ¡°First, Professor Umbridge will continue to teach you.¡±


    A ripple of groans and discontent spread across the Hall, and Umbridge¡¯s expression, as she sat nearby, grew thunderous.


    ¡°However...¡± Dumbledore continued, raising his voice to regain their attention, ¡°the Ministry of Magic has recognized that in times of crisis, it is vital for everyone to learn proper self-defense. One professor of Defence Against the Dark Arts is simply not sufficient.¡±


    Gasps filled the room as Dumbledore went on.


    ¡°Therefore, two experienced Aurors will be joining Professor Umbridge to assist with your instruction.¡±


    Cheers erupted instantly, drowning out the earlier discontent.


    But Dumbledore wasn¡¯t finished.


    ¡°In addition...¡± he said, his voice light but clear, ignoring the furious presence of Umbridge beside him, ¡°the Ministry and I have agreed on the importance of fostering trust between Hogwarts and the government. As part of this agreement, the Minister has decided to abolish the position of High Inquisitor.¡±


    A wave of astonishment swept the Hall. sea??h th§× n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°I am also pleased to announce that all previous Educational Decrees, including the requirement for registering clubs and the probationary status of certain professors, have been revoked.¡±


    This news was met with deafening cheers, applause, and even the rhythmic pounding of hands on tables.


    For the first time that day, the Great Hall was alive with unbridled joy.

 Chapter 668: The Ministry’s Assistant

    In recent days, the most noticeable change at Hogwarts was the increased difficulty of the lessons. Professors seemed eager to teach as much as possible, pushing their students harder than ever. At the same time, they were clearly trying to ease the pervasive fear of Voldemort. The upcoming second Quidditch match provided the perfect distraction.


    During a match, everyone¡¯s focus would be on the pitch, their cheers and screams for each goal offering a temporary escape from fear. As the game approached, the castle''s atmosphere began to feel noticeably less gloomy.


    ¡°So, are you confident? If we win the Quidditch Cup again this year, it would mark an unprecedented fifth consecutive championship,¡± Professor Sprout said excitedly to Kyle during Herbology class.


    ¡°Other houses have achieved five consecutive championships, but Hufflepuff hasn¡¯t had such a dazzling run in nearly two centuries. This year is the closest we''ve ever been to making history."


    ¡°Before this, when Minerva and the others talked about Quidditch, I always felt too embarrassed to join in.¡±


    Her enthusiasm was evident, though Kyle thought she was exaggerating a little. Surely, the professors didn¡¯t only talk about Quidditch when they gathered. Besides, only Professor McGonagall was a true Quidditch fan; the others were mostly indifferent.


    Still, Kyle understood why Professor Sprout was making such a show of it. Saying this in front of everyone was her way of emphasizing the importance of the upcoming match and steering attention away from You-Know-Who and the escaped Death Eaters.


    ¡°Of course we¡¯re confident, Professor,¡± Kyle replied with a cooperative grin. ¡°We have no intention of giving up the Quidditch Cup.¡± Sear?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    His words stirred two distinct reactions.


    The Hufflepuffs cheered loudly, full of pride and excitement, while the Ravenclaws, who shared the class, responded with a chorus of boos. As Hufflepuff¡¯s opponents in the upcoming match, the Ravenclaws were adamant they wouldn¡¯t lose.


    For a moment, the small greenhouse bristled with tension. Fortunately, Professor Sprout quickly diffused it by turning the focus back to their lesson.


    ¡°Today, we¡¯ll be working with Snargaluff,¡± she announced. ¡°A very versatile plant¡ªits pods and leaves are key ingredients in many potions...¡±


    ¡°And snacks,¡± Kyle muttered under his breath.


    He couldn¡¯t help but think of Fawkes. The phoenix had a peculiar fondness for Snargaluff pods and often crunched on them like popcorn. Harry had once caught Fawkes at it while practicing Occlumency.


    For this lesson, they were tasked with building trellises for the Snargaluff and encouraging the plants to produce pods. Despite the heavy snow falling outside, the greenhouse was warm, thanks to the special torches Professor Sprout had set up around the room.


    Kyle was the first to finish his trellis and was rewarded with a small bag of Snargaluff pods¡ªa perfect treat for Fawkes.


    The next day was the weekend, and the snow outside had piled up to nearly a foot deep. Many students chose to stay cozy in their common rooms, chatting or playing chess, but the sixth years had to bundle up and attend their first Apparition class.


    This special class, reserved for sixth years, was initially supposed to take place on the grounds. However, due to the deep snow, it had been moved to the Great Hall. Scheduled for Saturday morning, it wouldn¡¯t interfere with their regular lessons.


    When Kyle and Kanna entered the Great Hall, they noticed all the desks and chairs had been removed, making the space seem even larger than usual.


    The four Heads of House, including Professor McGonagall, were already present, joined by two wizards from the Ministry of Magic.


    Kyle¡¯s attention was immediately drawn to the thin wizard standing at the center. His pale complexion, nearly translucent eyelashes, and wispy hair gave him an ethereal appearance, as if the slightest breeze could carry him away.


    Kyle assumed this must be their Apparition instructor. His delicate physique seemed almost tailor-made for the task¡ªKyle wouldn¡¯t have been surprised if his Apparitions were completely soundless.


    As for the other wizard, it was none other than Nymphadora Tonks, an old acquaintance. Today, however, her hair was dyed a practical black, so much so that Kyle almost didn¡¯t recognize her at first glance.


    ¡°Hello, everyone,¡± said the short wizard from the Ministry of Magic as the students gathered. ¡°My name is Wilkie Twycross, and I will be your Apparition Instructor for the next twelve weeks. My goal is to help you pass the exam.¡±


    ¡°My name is Nymphadora Tonks,¡± added Tonks as she stepped forward. ¡°I¡¯ll be teaching you . While this subject won¡¯t be included in the exams, it¡¯s very important. It could mean the difference between blending into a crowd or being identified and hunted by certain wizards.¡±


    A wave of murmurs rippled through the Great Hall. The students had only been informed about the Apparition lessons; no one had mentioned anything about a Concealment and Disguise Course.


    ¡°Quiet, please!¡± Professor McGonagall¡¯s stern voice cut through the noise, and the room fell silent.


    ¡°These two,¡± she explained, ¡°are the Aurors the Ministry has sent to assist with teaching Defence Against the Dark Arts. They are your new instructors.¡±


    ¡°Assist... Professor McGonagall, we¡¯re only assisting Madam Umbridge,¡± Tonks interjected quickly, clearly unwilling to take on the title of professor.


    Professor McGonagall simply nodded in response, offering no further comment.


    ¡°I know what you¡¯re thinking,¡± Tonks continued, her tone lighter. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, my Concealment and Disguise Course won¡¯t take up your weekends. It¡¯ll be held during your regular Defence Against the Dark Arts lessons. I¡¯m only here because I needed to deliver something from the Ministry to Hogwarts, and it¡¯s a good chance to get to know you all.¡±


    At the mention of not losing weekend time, many students audibly sighed in relief and responded warmly to Tonks. Her casual demeanor and relatable approach made her instantly likeable. As an Auror who had only recently graduated herself, she seemed to understand the students as well as she understood her own past experiences.


    Tonks glanced around the group, her gaze eventually landing on Kyle. She gave him a cheeky wink, the only familiar face in the crowd.


    Wilkie Twycross resumed his explanation.


    ¡°As you may know, Apparition is not normally allowed within Hogwarts. However, Headmaster Dumbledore has temporarily lifted this restriction for one hour¡ªwithin the Great Hall only."


    ¡°Let me be very clear,¡± he said, his tone serious, ¡°if you attempt to move beyond these walls, you¡¯ll find yourself in significant trouble.¡±


    The students nodded in understanding.


    ¡°Now,¡± Twycross continued, ¡°I need everyone to stand in their own space, leaving at least five feet in front of you.¡±


    The students shuffled around until each had enough room. Once everyone was settled, Twycross waved his wand. Old-fashioned wooden circles materialized on the floor in front of each student.


    ¡°This is your target,¡± he said, launching into a detailed explanation of Apparition, emphasizing the three D¡¯s: Destination, Determination, and Deliberation.


    Kyle listened attentively. The process sounded almost identical to what Chris had taught him previously, which made sense¡ªChris likely learned from the same standard guidelines.


    After nearly half an hour of explanation, Twycross finally demonstrated.


    As Kyle had expected, Twycross¡¯s Apparition was nearly soundless. He disappeared from one circle and reappeared in another five feet away, as if he had simply melted into thin air.


    If most Apparitions were like a stone splashing into water, Twycross¡¯s was like a leaf floating down¡ªsilent and effortless.


    ¡°Did everyone see that?¡± Twycross called out. ¡°Good. Now, you¡¯ll try. If you¡¯re struggling to find the right state of mind, try spinning in place to focus.¡±


    ¡°Now, everyone, give it a shot!¡±


    The students began twirling in their spots, some looking determined, others uncertain.


    ¡°That¡¯s it,¡± Twycross encouraged as he walked among them. ¡°Relax, focus, and remember the three D¡¯s. Your target is the wooden circle in front of you."


    ¡°On my count... go!¡±


    A loud cacophony of and echoed through the Great Hall.


    It wasn¡¯t the sound of successful Apparition but rather the sound of bodies hitting the floor. Many students, dizzy from spinning, had lost their balance and collapsed in awkward heaps.


    ¡°Haha, I made it!¡±


    An excited shout erupted from the crowd.


    Mikel stood in the middle of a hoop, jumping up and down, waving his arms. ¡°Look, Professor! I somehow managed to get into the hoop. I must¡¯ve learned Apparition!¡±


    ¡°No, you haven¡¯t... get out of there,¡± Twycross replied flatly, his tone devoid of enthusiasm.


    Mikel looked confused, but Twycross had seen everything. The boy hadn¡¯t Apparated at all¡ªhe¡¯d spun himself dizzy, lost his balance, and stumbled into the hoop... someone else¡¯s hoop, no less.


    Did he not realize he was in the wrong place?


    Apart from Mikel, it seemed the other students had also just hopped into the hoops without success.


    ¡°Never mind, never mind,¡± Twycross said dryly. ¡°Everyone, return to your original positions, and we¡¯ll try again.¡±


    The students grudgingly set up their hoops once more and moved back to their starting spots.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be discouraged,¡± Twycross said, attempting to restore some order. ¡°Apparition is not a simple magic that can be mastered in a day or two. I expect it to take at least three lessons.¡±


    He held up three fingers for emphasis.


    ¡°If all goes well, the most talented among you should be able to truly Apparate by the third lesson. As for the less talented... well, it may take longer. I¡¯ve seen people who couldn¡¯t move an inch after twelve weeks of practice¡ªand naturally, they failed the exam.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not necessarily true...¡± Mikel muttered, still clinging to the belief that he had Apparated earlier. ¡°What if someone learns it today?¡±


    ¡°If anyone manages that,¡± Twycross said with a faint smile, ¡°I¡¯ll buy them a year¡¯s supply of sweets.¡± His tone made it clear he thought the prospect was absurd.


    ¡°Alright, now everyone, focus on what you were feeling before¡ª¡±


    The crisp sound of Apparition cut him off. Twycross stiffened and slowly turned his head toward the noise.


    There, standing confidently in the middle of a wooden circle, was Kyle.


    ¡°You... you didn¡¯t go back to your original position just now, did you?¡± Twycross asked, his voice tentative.


    Kyle simply smiled and said nothing.


    Another sharp sound echoed through the Great Hall as Kyle vanished and reappeared in the wooden circle in front of another student.


    ¡°Oh!¡± The room erupted into cheers. Even Professor McGonagall, who had been observing quietly, allowed a small smile to cross her face.


    Snape, on the other hand, snorted disdainfully. ¡°Childish.¡±


    Tonks tried to suppress her laughter but failed miserably; half of her hair turned a bright blonde in response.


    Twycross, still recovering from the shock, felt his face grow hot as it turned an angry shade of red. ¡°You must¡¯ve been in on this together,¡± he accused.


    ¡°No, Professor,¡± Kyle said calmly. ¡°In fact, I succeeded the first time¡ªyou just didn¡¯t notice.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I can vouch for that,¡± Professor Sprout interjected with a proud smile. She had been keeping a close eye on the Hufflepuff students, particularly Kyle, and had witnessed his success.


    Twycross looked utterly at a loss. Amid the earlier chaos, he truly hadn¡¯t noticed Kyle¡¯s Apparition among the other students¡¯ antics.


    ¡°Alright, alright, I admit defeat,¡± Twycross said with a begrudging laugh. ¡°I¡¯ll keep my promise.¡±


    Despite himself, he couldn¡¯t help but chuckle.


    As a teacher, he was genuinely thrilled to see such remarkable talent. The ability to Apparate before the age of sixteen was a rare accomplishment, and the younger the student, the greater the indicator of magical aptitude.


    ¡°Okay, you can stop learning,¡± Twycross said, waving Kyle off to the side. He seemed oddly pleased, as though Kyle¡¯s success had rekindled his hope for the class. At the same time, it made him even more eager for the next lesson.


    If one person had succeeded this early, could there be a second?


    With renewed energy, Twycross shouted the password again.


    Unfortunately, the second attempt was no better than the first. Twycross strained his eyes, watching every wooden circle intently, but no one else managed to Apparate.


    Finally, on the third attempt, something happened.


    Cho suddenly appeared in her wooden circle¡ªbut only halfway. Her upper body stood unsteadily inside the hoop, while her right leg remained behind at her original position.


    The sight was followed by a terrible scream from the crowd.


    ¡°Don¡¯t panic! This is a very common occurrence,¡± Twycross said calmly, attempting to reassure the students. ¡°Remember what I said earlier? Splinching is the most frequent mishap when learning Apparition.¡±


    As he spoke, Professor McGonagall strode quickly to Cho¡¯s side, retrieving her leg with practiced ease.


    ¡°Pomona, Dittany...¡± she called out.


    ¡°Is this it, Professor?¡±


    A bottle of Essence of Dittany was suddenly held out to her.


    ¡°Yes, thank you,¡± Professor McGonagall said, looking up to see Kyle offering the bottle. She took it, applied the Dittany to Cho¡¯s wound, and seamlessly reattached her leg as though piecing together a jigsaw puzzle.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, dear,¡± she said gently to Cho. ¡°Take a few steps and see how you feel. Splinching is not a terrible ordeal; as long as it¡¯s treated promptly, you¡¯ll be perfectly fine.¡±


    Cho¡¯s face was pale, but she took a deep breath and cautiously stepped forward. To her relief, everything seemed back to normal.


    ¡°Next time,¡± McGonagall added, ¡°don¡¯t hesitate, and don¡¯t dwell on the possibility of failure. We¡¯re here to help you if something goes wrong.¡±


    Cho nodded and returned to the group, though her shaken expression hinted that the experience had left an impression.


    Whether it was Cho¡¯s Splinching or a general lack of confidence, no one else managed to Apparate successfully for the remainder of the session. Even Cho herself, now more tentative, only managed to spin in place and awkwardly into her hoop.


    Twycross, while slightly disappointed, understood. Kyle was clearly an outlier, and for most students, this was a perfectly normal outcome. After witnessing the unsettling reality of Splinching, maintaining composure and determination was significantly harder¡ªa critical reason why Twycross had insisted that success usually came after the third lesson.


    ¡°Alright, that¡¯s enough for today,¡± Twycross finally said, pulling on his cloak. ¡°Remember: We¡¯ll meet again next Wednesday.¡±


    ¡°Wait a minute, Professor,¡± someone interjected. ¡°Aren¡¯t Apparition lessons only on Saturdays?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s correct,¡± Twycross replied, ¡°but I¡¯ve also been assigned to assist Madam Umbridge with Defence Against the Dark Arts. The Ministry wanted to send two Aurors, but most were busy with more pressing tasks and couldn¡¯t be spared, so they sent me.¡±


    Kyle noticed Tonks standing a short distance away, her hair an even darker black than before. She was glaring at Twycross with thinly veiled irritation, her teeth clenched in frustration.


    It didn¡¯t take Kyle long to figure out why. If all the other Aurors had ¡°more pressing tasks,¡± then Tonks was likely the only one at the Auror Office without an important assignment.


    The realization made him chuckle¡ªuntil Tonks¡¯s fierce glare turned toward him. He quickly shut his mouth.

 Chapter 669: Kyle Targeted

    Tonks didn¡¯t leave with Twycross that evening. As it turned out, Fudge seemed acutely aware of Umbridge¡¯s limitations, and as an Auror, Tonks¡¯s responsibilities at Hogwarts were much broader. In fact, it appeared she was destined to assume the role of Defence Against the Dark Arts professor at some point.


    Despite her strong opposition to this arrangement¡ªrepeatedly emphasizing that she was only there to assist Umbridge¡ªProfessor McGonagall had nonetheless arranged for her to live at Hogwarts.


    Later that evening, she unexpectedly turned up in the Hufflepuff common room.


    Kyle nearly jumped when he saw her appear in the dormitory.


    ¡°This is the boys¡¯ dormitory!¡± Mikel exclaimed, startled. He quickly yanked the curtain around his bed closed, peeking out only to show his head.


    ¡°Of course I know that,¡± Tonks replied nonchalantly. ¡°That¡¯s why I didn¡¯t go barging into the girls¡¯ dormitory.¡±


    She grinned, pulling several large bottles of Butterbeer from behind her back and swinging them around. ¡°Alright, come on out. I¡¯ve got something good!¡±


    She shut the door behind her with a flourish.


    ¡°Why are girls allowed in the boys¡¯ dormitory, anyway?¡± Mikel muttered indignantly. ¡°It¡¯s not fair!¡±


    ¡°You¡¯d better take that up with the founders¡ªor Professor McGonagall,¡± Ryan replied dryly from his own bed. ¡°Complaining to us won¡¯t change anything.¡±


    Mikel grumbled something unintelligible, though it was clear he wasn¡¯t going to let it go anytime soon. If he did decide to pester Professor McGonagall about the rules, Kyle figured he¡¯d end up in detention before long.


    Mikel quickly shifted his focus. ¡°Hey, Kyle,¡± he asked, ¡°do you actually know her? What¡¯s her name again?¡±


    ¡°Nymphadora Tonks,¡± Kyle replied, grabbing his robe and pulling it on as he stood up.


    ¡°Oh, right!¡± Mikel nodded repeatedly. ¡°Do you know her?¡±


    ¡°Yes, we¡¯ve met a few times before,¡± Kyle said as he stepped out of the dormitory.


    By then, Tonks had made herself at home in the Hufflepuff common room. She was lounging in an armchair, arranging the Butterbeer bottles on the table like a seasoned big sister inviting younger siblings to indulge.


    ¡°Help yourselves,¡± she said, gesturing to the bottles. ¡°Drink up¡ªit¡¯s on me!¡±


    The younger students still in the common room, who didn¡¯t know Tonks yet, exchanged confused glances. No one moved.


    ¡°How did you get in here?¡± Kyle asked as he approached and took a seat opposite her.


    Tonks smirked. ¡°Funny question. I did graduate from Hufflepuff, you know. And unlike the other houses, there¡¯s no password here. Not exactly a fortress, is it?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re right,¡± Kyle admitted, realizing he¡¯d overlooked that detail.


    ¡°It feels surreal being back here after all these years,¡± Tonks said, handing Kyle a Butterbeer before opening one for herself and taking a long drink. She glanced around the room, her eyes misty with nostalgia.


    ¡°It hasn¡¯t changed at all,¡± she murmured. ¡°See those flower pots on the shelves? They were here when I started at Hogwarts, and they¡¯re still here. And those armchairs¡ªlike that one by the fireplace? I used to sit there catching up on homework.¡±


    Kyle chuckled. In Hufflepuff, doing homework was practically a house tradition, and Tonks was clearly no exception¡ªthough he suspected Cedric was probably the only Hufflepuff who ever managed to avoid it.


    As the evening wore on, the common room gradually emptied, leaving only Kyle and Tonks.


    Tonks, who had switched from Butterbeer to something stronger, suddenly slammed her bottle down on the table.


    ¡°You tell me,¡± she growled, her tone sharp with frustration, ¡°with so many people at the Ministry, ? Why do have to help that woman?¡±


    Kyle blinked, startled by her sudden outburst. ¡°Help who?¡± he asked instinctively.


    ¡°Who else? Umbridge!¡± Tonks snapped. ¡°Why does Kingsley get to investigate Death Eaters when I¡¯m clearly better suited for the job?¡±


    To emphasize her point, Tonks transformed her hair into a greyish white mess, added wrinkles to her face, and adopted the sinister glare of an old witch who might lurk in the shadows.


    Kyle finally pieced it together: she was still brooding over Twycross¡¯s remarks that morning and had come to the common room to vent.


    ¡°There are some advantages to being at Hogwarts,¡± Kyle offered cautiously. ¡°At least it¡¯s safe here. You don¡¯t have to be on edge all the time, right?¡±


    ¡°Are you sure?¡± Tonks shot him a skeptical look. ¡°Teaching Defence Against the Dark Arts at Hogwarts is safe?¡±


    ¡°Er...¡± Kyle hesitated. ¡°At least Umbridge is technically ahead of you, so the Curse should hit her first. You¡¯re only an assistant professor, so you¡¯re probably safe... for now.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not the point,¡± Tonks said, waving her hand dismissively. ¡°If Sirius were still here, I wouldn¡¯t hesitate to take this assignment. But Umbridge? Honestly, no one at the Ministry wants to work with her. It¡¯s torture¡ªworse than any curse.¡±


    Tonks leaned forward. ¡°Be honest: if you had to choose, would you rather go after Death Eaters or work with Umbridge at Hogwarts?¡±


    Kyle didn¡¯t even need to think. ¡°Definitely Hogwarts,¡± he said immediately.


    ¡°Really?¡± Tonks looked incredulous, reverting back to her usual appearance.


    ¡°Of course. I¡¯m still a sixth year. Do you think anyone would let me leave school to hunt Death Eaters?¡± Kyle quipped, cracking open another Butterbeer. ¡°By the way, how did the Ministry decide who would come to Hogwarts? Did they draw lots?¡±


    ¡°Not exactly,¡± Tonks muttered darkly. ¡°When I got to the Auror¡¯s office this morning, it was empty. Then Fudge showed up and sent me here."


    ¡°Now I know why Alastor and Kingsley both suddenly had ¡®urgent matters¡¯ to deal with. They knew Fudge was going to pick someone for Hogwarts today, and they didn¡¯t tell me!¡±


    Kyle coughed awkwardly but wisely stayed silent.


    ...


    Tonks lingered in the Hufflepuff common room until the early hours of the morning, chatting and reminiscing before finally leaving. As a result, Kyle couldn¡¯t stifle his yawns when he arrived at the Quidditch pitch the next day.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong with you? Are you okay?¡± Cedric asked, his tone laced with concern. ¡°You look like you¡¯re barely awake. Didn¡¯t you go back to the dormitory early yesterday?¡±


    ¡°I did,¡± Kyle replied, rubbing his eyes. ¡°But then I got called out again.¡±


    ¡°Tonks... well, Professor?¡± Cedric asked hesitantly, clearly having heard about her new role. He still seemed uncertain about addressing her as a professor.


    Kyle smirked. ¡°You¡¯d better stick to calling her a teaching assistant. Calling her a professor would just make both of them unhappy.¡±


    ¡°Because of the Curse?¡± Cedric asked thoughtfully. ¡°Who¡¯s the other one, then? Twycross?¡±


    ¡°No, Umbridge,¡± Kyle said with a dry laugh. ¡°Twycross doesn¡¯t care about titles, but Umbridge definitely doesn¡¯t want to be seen as being on the same level as someone who¡¯s just assisting her.¡±


    Their conversation was abruptly drowned out by a roar of cheers from outside the Changing Rooms.


    ¡°I think that¡¯s our cue,¡± Cedric said. ¡°What about you? Do you need a substitute?¡±


    ¡°No,¡± Kyle said, shaking his head as he popped a piece of chocolate into his mouth. ¡°Just a little sleep deprivation. I¡¯ll manage.¡±


    The two opened the door to the Changing Rooms and stepped onto the frosty grass, which crunched beneath their feet as they headed toward the center of the pitch.


    The Quidditch Pitch was a sea of excited spectators, a dark mass of bobbing heads. Almost all the professors had come to watch, an unusual sight for a regular match.


    From his seat in the middle of the teachers¡¯ box, Dumbledore gave a friendly wave and a warm smile as he noticed Kyle looking over.


    ¡°Go Hufflepuff, go!¡±


    Tonks¡¯s hair was a striking mix of half-blonde and half-black, and she was shouting exuberantly from the teachers¡¯ table. Her energy was contagious, bolstering the Hufflepuff crowd, whose cheers began to drown out the Ravenclaws nearby.


    Kyle thought, shaking his head in mild disbelief.


    The two teams gathered at the center of the pitch, where Madam Hooch stood waiting with the ball suitcase.


    ¡°Captains, shake hands,¡± she instructed.


    With Roger Davies absent after an injury in Care of Magical Creatures the previous day, Cho Chang was leading the Ravenclaw team. Cedric stepped forward and shook her hand amidst scattered jeers from the crowd.


    ¡°Good luck,¡± he said politely.


    ¡°You too,¡± Cho replied, just as courteous.


    ¡°Oh, come on,¡± Mikel muttered loudly enough for everyone to hear. ¡°There¡¯s always something missing when the captains don¡¯t exchange a few harsh words.¡±


    Cedric and Cho ignored him, pretending not to hear.


    Madam Hooch¡¯s whistle cut through the air, signaling the start of the match.


    The crowd erupted in cheers as players shot into the sky, and Kyle caught the Quaffle effortlessly as it was released.


    ¡°Alright, here we go!¡± Lee Jordan¡¯s voice boomed from the commentator¡¯s booth.


    ¡°Kyle has the Quaffle¡ªdodges Bradley and Stretton¡ªoh, and here comes Inglebee with a Bludger... Missed! Kyle expertly avoids the Bludger, and now it¡¯s just him and the Keeper!¡±


    A brief pause followed as the crowd collectively held its breath.


    Then, the Hufflepuff stands exploded with cheers.


    ¡°Goal! Hufflepuff scores!¡± Lee Jordan announced enthusiastically.


    Lee Jordan¡¯s voice rang out, full of energy:


    ¡°The Firebolt was just too bright! Kyle and that broomstick are the perfect combination! Hufflepuff has taken the lead in less than a minute, and Ravenclaw is in serious trouble!¡±


    On the pitch, Cho Chang¡¯s eyes darted back and forth, scanning for the Golden Snitch while yelling instructions.


    ¡°Stop him!¡± she called urgently. ¡°Just like we practiced! Bradley, you take Davies¡¯ place!¡±


    At her command, two Ravenclaw Chasers moved to flank Kyle, one ahead and one behind, attempting to box him in. Simultaneously, a Bludger shot in from the side, clearly aimed at him.


    Kyle didn¡¯t need to guess¡ªthis Bludger was meant for him, and no one else. With two Chasers and a Beater targeting him, it was obvious that Ravenclaw was devoting half their team to shutting him down.


    ¡°Kyle has slowed down... and the Quaffle is now with Derbys,¡± Lee Jordan narrated with mounting excitement. ¡°This is incredible¡ªI''ve never seen a game where Chasers are targeted more aggressively than Seekers!"


    ¡°But it¡¯s clear that Cho Chang¡¯s strategy is spot on. If Kyle continues scoring at this pace, the game could be over in twenty minutes, and even catching the Golden Snitch wouldn¡¯t be enough to save Ravenclaw!"


    ¡°Though, let¡¯s be honest, stopping a Firebolt with a Cleansweep? It¡¯s going to be an uphill battle.¡±


    Kyle knew Lee was right. The Firebolt¡¯s speed far outclassed the Cleansweep brooms most of the Ravenclaw team used. With a simple burst of acceleration, he could easily break through their formation. But he held back.


    An utterly one-sided match might be thrilling at first, but it would lose its appeal quickly. A competitive, back-and-forth game would keep the crowd engaged. Besides, Kyle didn¡¯t want to hog the spotlight; the rest of the team had worked just as hard in training, and it wouldn¡¯t be fair for them to fade into the background.


    So Kyle deliberately slowed his pace, allowing Ravenclaw to temporarily gain the upper hand. Derbys had possession of the Quaffle for only a moment before another Hufflepuff snatched it back.


    ¡°Now Grace has the Quaffle! This girl¡¯s got talent¡ªshe¡¯s going for a pass to Kyle¡ªoh, no! Intercepted by Bradley, who sends it back to Derbys!¡±


    Kyle shouted as he passed Grace mid-air, ¡°Don¡¯t worry about me! I¡¯ll keep them busy¡ªyou focus on scoring!¡±


    Grace nodded and turned her broom sharply, speeding after Derbys.


    Just then, Mikel flew up beside Kyle, a mischievous grin on his face. Swinging his cracked bat, he half-joked, ¡°So, are we targeting Cho or not? If I knock her off her broom, you think I¡¯ll get kicked off the team?¡±


    ¡°Cedric isn¡¯t that petty,¡± Kyle quipped. ¡°But if you ignore the Seeker all match, he might expel you.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s a relief,¡± Mikel said, grinning as he aimed a swing at the Bludger hurtling toward Cho. The ball, however, veered slightly and missed her by inches, whizzing harmlessly past her head.


    Kyle sighed. ¡°You might want to take this a bit more seriously. If we lose, Hufflepuff¡¯s going to be the laughingstock of the school.¡±


    ¡°I am serious¡ªit¡¯s the bat,¡± Mikel replied, holding it up. Sure enough, a visible crack ran along its length.


    ¡°I should¡¯ve listened to Weasley and bought a new one,¡± Mikel grumbled. ¡°These school bats are ancient.¡±


    ¡°Do you need a time-out?¡± Kyle asked.


    ¡°No,¡± Mikel said, shaking his head. ¡°I can manage until the end of the match. Do you need backup?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve got this,¡± Kyle said, narrowly dodging another Bludger. ¡°Go help Grace!¡±


    ¡°On it!¡± Mikel called, immediately redirecting his broom toward the other Bludger.


    ...


    With Kyle skillfully holding off the three Ravenclaw players, Hufflepuff¡¯s other two Chasers began to shine. They scored with increasing confidence, sending a Quaffle through the hoops every few minutes. By the time half an hour had passed, the score was 130 to 20.


    Although the gap was wide, Ravenclaw still had a fighting chance¡ªif they could catch the Golden Snitch.


    But ten minutes later, Hufflepuff had extended their lead by another two goals.


    At that precise moment, a sudden shift occurred. Both Cho and Cedric, who had been hovering high above the pitch, moved in unison.


    They crouched low over their broomsticks and sped toward the same direction.


    For an instant, the entire stadium fell utterly silent.


    ¡°It¡¯s the Golden Snitch!¡± Lee Jordan shouted. ¡°Right in front of them! This is it¡ªeither Hufflepuff secures a landslide victory, or Ravenclaw stages a last-minute comeback! It all depends on who catches it!¡±


    The commentary barely registered; all eyes were locked on the two Seekers.


    The Snidget darted past the Ravenclaw goalpost, weaving through the air toward the opposite side of the stands. Cho and Cedric were both in hot pursuit, their brooms angled steeply as they closed the gap.


    The crowd held its breath as they approached, both of them leaning forward, arms outstretched.


    Closer... closer...


    Their hands shot out simultaneously¡ª


    The shrill sound of the referee¡¯s whistle cut through the tension, signaling the game¡¯s end.


    ¡°Who caught it?¡± Lee Jordan asked, leaning so far out of the commentator¡¯s box it looked like he might fall.


    All eyes turned to Cedric as he straightened up on his broom. He raised his hand high, and there, feebly flapping between his fingers, was the Golden Snitch.


    For a moment, the stadium seemed frozen in collective realization.


    Then the crowd erupted into a roar of excitement.


    Tonks sprang to her feet in the teachers¡¯ box, waving a Hufflepuff flag she had conjured mid-air. She grinned to herself, feeling for the first time that maybe Hogwarts wasn¡¯t such a bad assignment after all.


    The players embraced each other mid-air, exchanging congratulations before descending to the ground.


    Cedric approached Cho with an extended hand.


    ¡°It¡¯s a pity¡ªwe were so close,¡± Cho said graciously, shaking his hand.


    ¡°Yes,¡± Cedric replied with a warm smile. ¡°Though I think I owe this to the extra inch on my arm.¡±


    Cho laughed, taking the comment in good humor. Cedric wasn¡¯t wrong; while smaller Seekers often had the advantage in speed, having longer arms could be the deciding factor in a critical moment. sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The Hufflepuff team gathered together, fists pumping in the air as they cheered with their supporters.

 Chapter 670: Tonks’ Concealment and Disguise Course

    When they returned to the Changing Rooms, the cheerful atmosphere remained.


    ¡°I guess Davies must have been faking his illness,¡± Mikel said excitedly. ¡°He knew Ravenclaw had no chance of winning this match, especially with Kyle riding a Firebolt.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t say that,¡± Cedric replied, shaking his head as he changed into his robe. ¡°Harry Potter from Gryffindor also has a Firebolt, and he¡¯s a Seeker too. If Roger Davies were truly afraid of losing, he¡¯d probably just quit the team entirely. Besides, Cho mentioned yesterday that Davies was knocked off his broom by a Bludger. I doubt Madam Pomfrey would release him so quickly.¡±


    ¡°Okay¡­¡± Mikel muttered, shivering slightly at the thought.


    Back in his first year, Mikel had seen firsthand how firm Madam Pomfrey could be. If she decided Davies wasn¡¯t fit to play, not even Professor Flitwick could change her mind.


    ¡°Alright, let¡¯s go,¡± Cedric said with a smile. ¡°How about a party in the common room tonight? This is our first win of the year¡ªit definitely calls for a celebration.¡±


    The team eagerly agreed and left the Changing Rooms in high spirits.


    The castle itself seemed to share their joy. The match had lifted the shadow that had been hanging over Hogwarts in recent days. Conversations shifted away from the ominous silence surrounding You-Know-Who and the Death Eaters. Instead, students began focusing on their upcoming Defence Against the Dark Arts class.


    Thanks to rumors spread by the sixth years, most of the school knew the new Instructor had arrived.


    ¡°I hope this new Instructor can actually teach us something,¡± Hannah said in the common room later. ¡°I¡¯m so tired of endless copying and reciting. It¡¯s barely past Christmas, and I¡¯ve already spent a Galleon more on parchment than last year. At this rate, I won¡¯t even have enough money left for my allowance.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t think that¡¯ll be a problem,¡± Cedric said. ¡°From what I¡¯ve heard, she¡¯s the complete opposite of Umbridge.¡±


    ¡°You know the Instructor?¡± Hannah asked, looking intrigued.


    ¡°Well,¡± Cedric nodded, ¡°she was in seventh year when I first enrolled, but she was already training to be an Auror and was often away from school.¡±


    ¡°So, what was she like?¡± Mikel asked curiously. ¡°Was she like you? If she was chosen as an Auror in her seventh year, she must¡¯ve had amazing grades. I bet she earned at least ten certificates.¡±


    ¡°No, not exactly,¡± Cedric said after a moment¡¯s thought. ¡°I didn¡¯t know her personally¡ªwe never spoke¡ªbut people used to say that Tonks was like a Gryffindor who got sorted into Hufflepuff.¡±


    ¡°What does that mean?¡± Mikel blinked. ¡°How can someone be a Gryffindor in Hufflepuff? Didn¡¯t she graduate from our house?¡±


    ¡°It means her personality was more like a Gryffindor¡¯s,¡± Cedric explained, searching for the right words. ¡°She wasn¡¯t exactly¡­ well-behaved.¡±


    He hesitated to say more. After all, the person in question was now a Instructor, and it felt inappropriate to gossip about her.


    ¡°Oh, I remember!¡± a seventh-year student suddenly exclaimed. ¡°After the last Quidditch match, wasn¡¯t she the one who led Hufflepuff and Slytherin into that big fight? Her name was Nymphadora, right?¡±


    Cedric¡¯s lack of response¡ªmarked by a slight shrug¡ªwas taken as confirmation.


    The room buzzed with curiosity as everyone leaned in, eager to hear more.


    ¡°Tell us more...¡± The crowd eagerly leaned in, pulling out sweets, biscuits, peanuts, and other snacks from their pockets to share as they encircled the seventh-year student.


    ¡°It was like this,¡± the older student began. ¡°It was the last Quidditch match of the season, and we were playing Slytherin. Whoever won would be crowned the champion. During the game, though, they used some dirty tactics to knock Harris¡ªour star player¡ªoff his broom, which completely threw us off. We ended up losing by 30 points.¡±


    Gasps rippled through the group as they listened intently.


    ¡°Then, while Slytherin was celebrating, someone suddenly leapt out of their seat and started a brawl with them. All the Hufflepuffs, already furious about the match, didn¡¯t even think twice before joining in. It turned into absolute chaos¡ªan unforgettable scene! But let me tell you, the professors were pleased. That was the first time I ever saw Professor McGonagall lose her temper.¡±


    ¡°Oh, that¡¯s incredible!¡± Hannah¡¯s eyes sparkled with excitement, but her expression quickly shifted to concern. ¡°But¡­ starting a fight like that... surely she got punished, right? Was she sent to detention?¡±


    ¡°No!¡± the seventh-year said, shaking his head.


    ¡°No?¡± Hannah blinked in surprise. ¡°It can¡¯t be¡­ expulsion? Someone who¡¯s been expelled couldn¡¯t have become an Auror, right?¡±


    ¡°Of course not,¡± Cedric interjected. ¡°The thing is, the professors couldn¡¯t figure out who started it. Everyone in Slytherin claimed it was a red-haired girl, but here¡¯s the catch¡ªthere weren¡¯t any red-haired girls in Hufflepuff at the time.¡±


    The common room erupted in a collective gasp of disbelief.


    ¡°Maybe it was someone from another house,¡± someone suggested. ¡°The Weasley family has red hair, don¡¯t they? Maybe one of them sat at the Hufflepuff table early?¡±


    ¡°That theory doesn¡¯t work,¡± Cedric said firmly. ¡°The only girl in the Weasley family wasn¡¯t even enrolled at Hogwarts yet. And the professors searched the entire school but couldn¡¯t find anyone who remembered seeing her.¡±


    ¡°Wait¡­¡± Mikel said, his brow furrowed in confusion. ¡°If that¡¯s the case, why are you saying it had something to do with Nymphadora Tonks?¡±


    Cedric leaned forward slightly. ¡°Because Tonks has the ability to change her hair color. She was the most likely culprit.¡±


    A ripple of intrigue passed through the crowd.


    ¡°But,¡± Cedric added, ¡°she swore she wasn¡¯t even in the Great Hall at the time. She claimed she¡¯d been caught playing in the corridors and had spent the match in Filch¡¯s office for detention. Filch confirmed her story, and while plenty of people believed she was the one who started the fight, there was no proof.¡±


    ¡°And then?¡± Hannah prompted eagerly.


    ¡°And then,¡± Cedric said, ¡°a week later, she graduated, became an Auror, and the whole thing was forgotten.¡±


    ¡°Oh¡­¡± Hannah sighed, her eyes sparkling again. The idea of leading a school-wide brawl and walking away unscathed filled her with admiration.


    ¡°Just hearing about it makes my blood boil!¡± she exclaimed.


    ¡°I¡¯m already looking forward to Defence Against the Dark Arts,¡± Mikel said excitedly. ¡°When¡¯s our next class?¡±


    ¡°Tomorrow,¡± Kyle chimed in. ¡°Second period in the morning.¡±


    ¡°Why can¡¯t it be first period?¡± Mikel groaned.


    ¡°Are you sure about that?¡± Ryan asked with a sly smile. ¡°Don¡¯t forget, we still have Umbridge as our actual professor. Nymphadora Tonks is only assisting her.¡±


    Mikel¡¯s enthusiasm deflated instantly. ¡°Please, don¡¯t ruin my mood while I¡¯m still happy!¡±


    The common room erupted into laughter at his dramatic reaction.


    Even though Ryan had a point¡ªthey hadn¡¯t completely replaced their Defence Against the Dark Arts professor¡ªthere was still a growing sense of anticipation in the air.


    ...


    When the next day arrived, Kyle and the others began with Charms class.


    For the past week, Professor Flitwick had banned students from simply reciting spells during lessons, encouraging practical attempts instead¡ªwhich had led to some chaotic results.


    Mikel¡¯s wand had misfired, shooting out a shower of sparks that came dangerously close to setting Professor Flitwick¡¯s hair on fire. A Gryffindor girl waved her wand, only for all her hair to stand on end, leaving her looking like she was wearing a broom as a hat. Another student''s charm hit a desk, which promptly sprouted legs, scattered its parts, and began stampeding around the room.


    Kyle watched in amazement as the rogue table appeared to think it was a cow, charging through the classroom. Amid the commotion, it even knocked Professor Flitwick square on the head without him noticing.


    Thankfully, Professor Flitwick¡¯s experience meant he was unfazed by such incidents. Dusting off his robes, he calmly restored order to the classroom, returning everything to its proper state. He then sternly reprimanded the two students who had muttered the spell that animated the table.


    By the end of the class, everyone hurriedly copied down their homework assignments and rushed out the door. They were eager to arrive early for Defence Against the Dark Arts, anticipation buzzing among them.


    Five minutes later, the classroom door opened. Umbridge entered, wearing her usual saccharine smile. But what caught everyone¡¯s attention was the witch accompanying her¡ªthe same one who had enthusiastically cheered for Hufflepuff during the recent Quidditch match.


    Students instinctively glanced at Tonks¡¯ hair.


    ¡°Look, grey hair,¡± Mikel whispered. ¡°Yesterday it was yellow and black, just like the Hufflepuff flag. I remember it perfectly!¡±


    The others also noticed the change in her hair color, and the discovery thrilled them.


    ¡°It seems what Cedric said was true,¡± Mikel whispered, his excitement growing. ¡°I wonder what she¡¯ll teach us... I hope it¡¯s how to punch Slytherins without getting caught by a professor. I¡¯ve always wanted to do that.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ll be disappointed,¡± Kyle remarked dryly.


    Metamorphmagus abilities were innate; no amount of teaching could help someone else learn them.


    Meanwhile, Umbridge and Tonks had reached the podium.


    As usual, Umbridge¡¯s smile didn¡¯t reach her eyes. ¡°So,¡± she began, ¡°open your books. Where did we last leave off?¡±


    The class remained silent. Most students didn¡¯t even reach for their books. A few who had begun flipping through the pages hesitated and stopped, sensing the tense atmosphere.


    ¡°Professor,¡± a clear voice broke the silence, ¡°reading from a book won¡¯t help us defend ourselves against You-Know-Who.¡±


    Umbridge¡¯s expression soured instantly. ¡°I¡¯ve told you repeatedly to raise your hand before speaking in my classroom!¡± she snapped. ¡°And the Ministry of Magic will ensure your safety. You only need to follow its directives and stay within the school grounds.¡±


    ¡°But we can¡¯t stay in school forever.¡±


    ¡°I SAID, raise your hand!¡± Umbridge bellowed, her voice sharp and grating. ¡°As I was saying, the Ministry of Magic will protect you. Now, turn to page 175 in your books. We will¡ª¡±


    ¡°Excuse me, Professor Umbridge,¡± another voice interrupted.


    Umbridge¡¯s face darkened as she turned, ready to explode¡ªonly to see that it was Tonks who had spoken.


    Tonks was holding a class schedule, studying it with feigned curiosity. ¡°According to the newly revised timetable,¡± she said lightly, ¡°it seems I¡¯m scheduled to teach this class today.¡± She held the paper up for emphasis. ¡°See? My name¡¯s right here.¡±


    ¡°You¡­¡± Umbridge¡¯s face turned an ugly shade of red. ¡°Don¡¯t forget that I am the for this class, and you¡¯re merely here to assist me.¡±


    ¡°I haven¡¯t forgotten,¡± Tonks replied calmly. ¡°In fact, I¡¯ve emphasized it several times.¡±


    ¡°Then do as I say and have the students turn to¡ª¡±


    ¡°Apologies, Professor Umbridge,¡± Tonks interrupted again, ¡°but the minister assigned me a specific task for this lesson. If I don¡¯t complete it, someone might inform the Ministry that I¡¯m neglecting my duties. And I¡¯m sure the minister wouldn¡¯t appreciate that.¡± S§×arch* The n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Umbridge¡¯s mouth tightened. ¡°And if I insist on teaching this class myself?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re the professor; it¡¯s entirely your decision,¡± Tonks said nonchalantly. ¡°But to protect my job, I¡¯d have to send a letter to the Ministry explaining why I wasn¡¯t allowed to fulfill my responsibilities.¡± She added with a casual shrug, ¡°The Ministry¡¯s been keeping a close eye on Hogwarts lately¡ªno one wants to appear lazy.¡±


    ¡°Very well,¡± Umbridge growled through gritted teeth. ¡°Then you¡¯ll teach this class, ¡±


    Tonks smiled, correcting her gently, ¡°Oh, I¡¯m just an assistant¡ªyou¡¯re the professor.¡±


    Without another word, Umbridge marched down the podium and stormed out of the classroom, slamming the door behind her.


    The moment she was gone, the room erupted in cheers.


    ¡°Okay, don¡¯t get too excited,¡± Tonks said, waving her hand to calm the room.


    When the laughter and chatter subsided, she continued, ¡°What are you all standing around for? Put away that bloody book. It¡¯s absolute rubbish and completely useless.¡±


    The students exchanged amused glances as they eagerly shoved their books into their bags.


    ¡°Of course, I¡¯m not saying the book is bad,¡± Tonks added, a wry smile on her face. ¡°It¡¯s just that the content is so rigid you¡¯d struggle to use it in real life.¡±


    Before she had even finished speaking, every desk was cleared of books. Some students, eager for action, already had their wands out.


    ¡°And put those wands away,¡± Tonks said, shaking her head. ¡°Before we get started, I need to see how well you¡¯ve been learning Transfiguration. It¡¯s important.¡±


    ¡°Transfiguration?¡± someone said, confused. ¡°But this is Defence Against the Dark Arts.¡±


    ¡°I know,¡± Tonks replied breezily. ¡°But what I¡¯ll be teaching you builds on Transfiguration... like this.¡±


    She tapped her wand against her face, and her features subtly shifted¡ªher cheeks puffed out, and her chin flattened slightly. The change was minor, but it altered her appearance enough that in a different setting, Kyle thought he might not have recognized her.


    ¡°Today¡¯s lesson is on ¡± Tonks explained. ¡°Ways to temporarily change your appearance without using Potions."


    ¡°I know some of you might think this is pointless. After all, once you¡¯ve learned Body Transfiguration, why bother, right?¡± Her gaze swept over the class, catching a few sheepish Gryffindors who had been visibly unimpressed. They quickly avoided her eyes.


    Meanwhile, the Hufflepuff students, including Mikel, were brimming with excitement.


    ¡°I knew it!¡± Mikel burst out, laughing with delight.


    Kyle remained silent, his thoughts elsewhere. He suspected Tonks wasn¡¯t teaching this as a substitute for her own Metamorphmagus abilities; it was more likely something to assist Professor McGonagall¡¯s curriculum.


    ¡°I need to warn you,¡± Tonks said, her tone turning serious, ¡°that if you attempt to alter your appearance without practice, the result will usually make you stand out more in a crowd.¡±


    She looked at a student sitting near the back. ¡°Mr. Thomas, you don¡¯t seem convinced.¡±


    ¡°Not really, Professor,¡± the Gryffindor said, standing up.


    ¡°Just call me Assistant Professor,¡± Tonks corrected. ¡°It¡¯s okay. Why don¡¯t you give it a try? If you can manage to change your appearance enough that no one recognizes you, you¡¯ll be free to do whatever you like for the rest of the lesson.¡±


    ¡°Really?¡±


    ¡°Of course,¡± Tonks replied with a grin.


    ¡°Alright!¡± Thomas pulled out his wand and tapped his face confidently.


    There was an instant explosion of laughter. Some students doubled over, holding their stomachs, tears streaming down their faces.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± Thomas asked, bewildered.


    Tonks conjured a mirror and handed it to him.


    The boy shrieked when he saw his reflection. His attempt at self-transfiguration had gone wildly wrong, leaving his face bloated and exaggerated. His nose had swollen so much he resembled a cross between a house-elf and someone who had downed a poorly brewed potion¡ªan expired one at that.


    In fairness, Thomas had succeeded; no one in the room would have recognized him, not even himself.


    Tonks bit back a smile as she waved her wand, reversing the spell. ¡°This is exactly what I mean. Untrained transformations just don¡¯t work for concealment. They make you stand out even more.¡±


    She looked around the room. ¡°Anyone else want to give it a try? Same conditions. If you succeed, you¡¯re free for the rest of class.¡±


    Not a single hand went up. The girls in particular avoided her gaze, their heads down as though utterly absorbed in their desks.


    ¡°Very well,¡± Tonks said, nodding in satisfaction. ¡°Let¡¯s start with the basics.¡±


    With a flick of her wand, a rabbit appeared on each student¡¯s desk.


    ¡°It¡¯s best to practice on them first before trying it on yourself. This way, you can gauge the strength of your magic.¡±


    Kyle glanced at the rabbit in front of him but didn¡¯t start. While the rest of the class eagerly tested their spells, he leaned back slightly, his mind elsewhere.


    Tonks¡¯ lesson, though practical for most students, felt unnecessary to him. Any magical transformation¡ªno matter how perfect¡ªleft traces. Powerful wizards, like Dumbledore or Voldemort, would see through even the most skillful disguise. The only reliable methods to fool such individuals were Polyjuice Potion or natural-born Metamorphmagus abilities.


    For the average Death Eater, though, this technique would suffice. Most lacked the magical acuity to detect subtle transfiguration mistakes.


    But Kyle knew he wouldn¡¯t need to rely on disguise to survive an encounter with a Death Eater. He had other methods¡ªsimpler, more decisive ones. If anything, it would be the Death Eater scrambling to escape, not him.


    Still, Kyle acknowledged the value of Tonks¡¯ lesson for the others. For most of them, the skill could be a lifesaver. For him, though, it was just another class he could sit through without much interest.

 Chapter 671: The Dementor in the Headmaster’s Office

    ¡°This is unexpected.¡±


    After the last lesson of the morning, students gathered in the corridor, chatting animatedly about the class.


    ¡°I never knew there was so much to pay attention to in a simple Human Transfiguration Spell,¡± one said, shaking their head in disbelief.


    ¡°Yeah, that Assistant Professor Tonks is really something. I bet I could¡¯ve changed my appearance before the end of the lesson!¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t brag¡ªyou only managed to make your head bigger...¡±


    Their laughter echoed through the hall as they made their way to the Great Hall. The buzz of excitement made it clear they were thoroughly intrigued by the new Defense Against the Dark Arts class.


    Unfortunately, the excitement was bittersweet; there were only two lessons a week. The rest of the time, they were stuck dealing with Umbridge.


    When they reached the Great Hall, a few early arrivals were already there. Spotting them, others eagerly called out, ¡°What¡¯s the new Defense Against the Dark Arts professor like? They¡¯re not going to make us read the whole time, are they?¡±


    ¡°Of course not!¡± the sixth-years exclaimed, diving into an enthusiastic recounting of their class. Their animated descriptions soon drew a crowd, all eager to listen.


    ¡°Changing your appearance...¡± Ron mused, a thoughtful expression spreading across his face. ¡°Harry, if we could learn this trick, imagine¡ªcouldn¡¯t we give Malfoy a good beating? Just turn into Crabbe and Goyle, and no one would suspect a thing!¡±


    Harry¡¯s eyes lit up at the idea. It had always been a dream of his to deal with Malfoy without getting caught.


    ¡°Don¡¯t even think about it,¡± Hermione said sharply, casting them a stern glance. Her tone was indifferent, as if already resigned to their mischief. ¡°That course is for sixth-years and above. We won¡¯t be able to take it until next year¡ªif Assistant Professor Tonks is still at Hogwarts by then.¡±


    ¡°Why not?¡± Ron asked, clearly dissatisfied. ¡°Don¡¯t people younger than sixth-years need to hide their identities too? Or is it just fine for us to stay visible all the time?¡±


    ¡°You weren¡¯t even listening to what they said,¡± Hermione replied, her voice tinged with impatience. ¡°Let me remind you¡ªthe prerequisite for changing your appearance is mastering Human Transfiguration. That¡¯s high-level Transfiguration magic, and no one learns it before fifth year.¡±


    ¡°But we are in fifth year,¡± Harry pointed out, flipping open his Transfiguration textbook. ¡°Look¡ªour homework is all about the development and stages of Human Transfiguration.¡± He jabbed a finger at the page. ¡°See? This section even outlines its progression over time.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m aware,¡± Hermione said coolly, crossing her arms. ¡°But have you actually learned it?¡±


    Harry froze at her pointed question.


    Had he learned it?


    The answer, unfortunately, was a definite no.


    At best, he had reached a level just good enough to avoid being scolded by Professor McGonagall. As for Ron...well, his skills lagged even further behind. In their last Transfiguration class, Ron had failed to meet the professor¡¯s requirements and lost two house points as a result.


    ¡°You see, that''s the point,¡± Hermione said matter-of-factly. ¡°Changing one''s appearance and skeleton is far more complicated than simply turning your arms into branches. Even if she¡¯s willing to teach it, could you even learn it?¡±


    Ron opened his mouth to argue but found no convincing rebuttal. After a moment, he muttered under his breath, ¡°Really, it¡¯s supposed to be Defence Against the Dark Arts¡ªwhy does it have to involve Transfiguration?¡±


    No one answered him. Hermione, seemingly oblivious to his grumbling, continued, ¡°That¡¯s why these lessons only appear in sixth and seventh years¡ªuntil we finish learning Human Transfiguration.¡±


    ¡°What about us...¡± Harry asked anxiously. ¡°We¡¯re not stuck with Umbridge for the rest of the year, are we? I¡¯ve had enough of her.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± Hermione replied, shaking her head. ¡°It could be something else.¡± She glanced down at her new timetable. ¡°We don¡¯t have Assistant Professor Tonks¡¯s Defense Against the Dark Arts class until Wednesday. We¡¯ll find out then.¡±


    After lunch, the group left the Great Hall, while elsewhere, Kyle was summoned to the Headmaster¡¯s Office.


    Upon entering, he noticed a Dementor floating eerily in its tattered black cloak. Raising an eyebrow, Kyle asked, ¡°Have you decided to get a new pet, Professor? If so, Fawkes can be my responsibility.¡±


    ¡°The Ministry of Magic does not permit Dementors to be kept anywhere outside of Azkaban, certainly not by private individuals,¡± Dumbledore said calmly. ¡°And as for Fawkes, looking after him is hardly a challenging task¡ªI can manage it myself.¡±


    Kyle gestured at the Dementor. ¡°And this one?¡±


    Dumbledore¡¯s expression turned more serious. ¡°Do you remember what we discussed the other day? We need to determine whether the Dementors has defected to Voldemort.¡±


    Kyle¡¯s face lit with understanding. ¡°Ah, right. But didn¡¯t Fudge say the Dementors refused to leave Azkaban? It came to Hogwarts on its own that afternoon, didn¡¯t it?¡±


    ¡°Indeed,¡± Dumbledore said, nodding. ¡°The question is, did the Dementors change their mind? Or...did someone else change it for them?¡±


    He paused, his tone growing thoughtful. ¡°It¡¯s quite a coincidence¡ªI had only just informed Fudge of my intent to visit Azkaban personally when the Ministry delivered this one to me.¡±


    Kyle tilted his head. ¡°That quite a coincidence.¡± He glanced around the office and noted that he and Dumbledore were alone. ¡°It came here by itself?¡±


    ¡°Certainly not,¡± Dumbledore replied, shaking his head. ¡°The Hit Wizards tasked with escorting it had a rather unfortunate case of upset stomachs. Madam Pomfrey is tending to them in the Hospital Wing as we speak. They should recover in about two hours.¡±


    ¡°I see. So what now?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll be visiting the Hospital Wing to check on them shortly,¡± Dumbledore said, moving towards the door. ¡°In the meantime, I¡¯ll leave you in charge here. Is that acceptable?¡±


    ¡°No problem, Professor,¡± Kyle said with a nod.


    ¡°Excellent,¡± Dumbledore said with a slight smile, departing and leaving Kyle alone with the Dementor.


    The fire in the fireplace crackled brightly, but it did little to warm the room. Kyle pulled his thick robe tighter around himself, acknowledging what everyone knew: no amount of heat could counter the icy aura of a Dementor.


    Even when they did nothing but float silently, these creatures drained all warmth from their surroundings, making small spaces like this one particularly unbearable.


    It might have been manageable in the summer, but in the dead of winter, it was intolerable.


    Fortunately, Fawkes swooped down onto Kyle¡¯s shoulder just then, radiating warmth that immediately banished the bone-chilling cold.


    The Dementor recoiled slightly, shrinking back against the wall, clearly uncomfortable in the phoenix¡¯s presence.


    ¡°Well, that¡¯s handy,¡± Kyle murmured, scratching Fawkes¡¯s feathers and feeling a twinge of envy for Dumbledore. A phoenix not only provided warmth but also seemed to serve as an effective Dementor deterrent.


    Kyle turned his attention back to the Dementor, studying it carefully. He tried to discern whether it was one he had encountered before, but they all looked the same to him¡ªdark, hooded, and utterly indistinguishable.


    Taking a cautious step forward, Kyle noticed the Dementor retreat further, pressing itself against the wall.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be afraid,¡± Kyle said gently, holding Fawkes in one hand and offering the phoenix a pod from his pocket¡ªsomething Professor Sprout had given him earlier. ¡°I just want to ask you a few questions. Do you remember the day the prisoners escaped?¡±


    The Dementor remained silent, its hooded face offering no response.


    Kyle didn¡¯t push, choosing instead to wait patiently.


    After a few minutes, the creature finally made a low, rasping sound¡ªa dull, clicking noise, like an old radio struggling with static.


    ¡°Which... incident?¡±


    ¡°The one where ten people escaped,¡± Kyle clarified.


    ¡°I remember...¡±


    ¡°Very good,¡± Kyle nodded approvingly. ¡°Can you tell me what happened that day?¡± sea??h th§× N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The Dementor¡¯s gaze lingered uneasily on Fawkes, who was still perched in Kyle¡¯s arms.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, you can speak freely,¡± Kyle assured it. ¡°He won¡¯t harm you.¡±


    The Dementor shifted back slightly, but the wall behind it prevented further retreat. Resigned, it floated motionlessly for a moment before finally speaking in its hollow, raspy voice.


    ¡°That day... a lot of people came... It was them... who opened... the prison door...¡±


    Kyle frowned. ¡°Didn¡¯t you try to stop them? Guarding the prisoners was your job, wasn¡¯t it?¡±


    ¡°Couldn¡¯t stop...¡±


    ¡°Why? Were you unable to overpower them?¡±


    ¡°Couldn¡¯t stop...¡± the Dementor repeated, its tone eerily consistent. ¡°Not allowed... to be stopped...¡±


    ¡°Not allowed? By whom?¡± Kyle pressed. ¡°By the ones who opened the prison door, or by the other Dementors?¡±


    The Dementor fell silent, refusing to answer. Kyle, however, had a growing suspicion of what the answer might be. Deciding to change his approach, he asked,


    ¡°Can you tell me how many Dementors have left Azkaban since that day? Don¡¯t worry, if you¡¯re here, the Ministry won¡¯t find out. I swear it¡ªon Dumbledore¡¯s life.¡±


    This time, the Dementor remained silent for over ten minutes. When it finally spoke, its hoarse voice cut through the tense quiet.


    ¡°Three groups...¡±


    ¡°Three groups of Dementors?¡± Kyle¡¯s frown deepened. ¡°How many is that?¡±


    ¡°Sixty,¡± answered a voice from nearby.


    Kyle turned to see a witch in a portrait. She had her hair neatly tied in a bun and had been sitting idly with her eyes closed when he arrived. Now she had moved to the nearest frame and was watching him intently.


    She elaborated, ¡°When Azkaban was established, it was divided into five wards, each housing prisoners of varying criminal levels. Each ward was guarded by twenty Dementors. To ensure efficiency in Ministry oversight, every three days, another twenty would rotate in. The total number per group has remained fixed for administrative purposes.¡±


    ¡°Ah, I see,¡± Kyle murmured, piecing it together.


    So sixty Dementors had chosen to follow Voldemort. Since he didn¡¯t know the total number of Dementors stationed at Azkaban, it was hard to gauge whether that figure was significant. Still, one thing was certain¡ªthere were defectors among their ranks.


    No wonder the Ministry hadn¡¯t mentioned Dementors in their efforts to recapture the escaped Death Eaters. It explained why they had only sent Hit Wizards and Aurors this time. That was a stark contrast to the manhunt for Sirius Black two years ago, when nearly a hundred Dementors had been mobilized to Hogwarts to lead the search, with the Hit Wizards acting as little more than a backup force.


    Clearly, the Ministry had long known about the Dementor rebellion¡ªthey just hadn¡¯t informed Dumbledore.


    ¡°Boy!¡±


    Kyle¡¯s thoughts were interrupted by a sharp voice from another portrait.


    Phineas Nigellus Black, Sirius¡¯s grandfather and former headmaster of Hogwarts, leaned forward in his frame, regarding Kyle with undisguised curiosity. ¡°You can speak to Dementors?¡±


    His tone carried an air of certainty despite his phrasing it as a question. ¡°That¡¯s quite the talent. With an ability like that, you could escape Azkaban easily¡ªshould you ever land there¡ªor even take control of the place entirely.¡±


    Phineas gave a smirk. ¡°Frankly, that makes you far more dangerous than Voldemort himself.¡±


    ¡°Phineas!¡± the witch from earlier snapped, narrowing her eyes at him. ¡°You should trust Albus. He¡¯s the headmaster now.¡±


    ¡°Trust Dumbledore?¡± Phineas scoffed, waving a dismissive hand. ¡°Hogwarts under his leadership has churned out far more dangerous students than in my day. It¡¯s becoming a cradle for Dark Lords, I tell you.¡±


    ¡°Phineas, say that again, and I¡¯ll¡ª¡± the witch began, rolling up her sleeves with a dangerous glint in her eye.


    ¡°What are you doing?!¡± Phineas ducked back defensively. ¡°I¡¯m only speaking for the good of the school! Don¡¯t mess with me¡ªI pack a mean punch!¡±


    ¡°Headmaster Black,¡± Kyle interrupted, his voice calm but firm. ¡°Can you please keep this conversation confidential?¡±


    ¡°Huh?¡± Phineas cupped a hand to his ear theatrically. ¡°Didn¡¯t catch that.¡± He dodged the witch¡¯s incoming fist and made a hasty retreat into another frame.


    Kyle let out a long sigh, moving to the wall to inspect Phineas¡¯s portrait.


    ¡°Fawkes,¡± he said in a low voice, ¡°how about I give you ten Mandrake roots if you burn this ugly portrait for me?¡±


    At this, Fawkes perked up, looking at Kyle with an unmistakable interest and smacking his beak eagerly.


    ¡°I know this is the headmaster''s office, but isn¡¯t Professor Dumbledore away at the moment? Just say a Dementor tried to attack me.¡± Kyle smirked. ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll pay you twenty Mandrake roots and¡ª¡±


    ¡°Boy, what are you trying to pull!¡±


    At that moment, Phineas, who had fled earlier, reappeared in his frame, staring at Kyle with a mix of disbelief and indignation. ¡°This is the headmaster¡¯s office!¡±


    ¡°I know, but what choice do I have? You¡¯ve discovered my biggest secret.¡± Kyle shook his head with mock regret. ¡°Sorry, Professor Black.¡±


    ¡°No, no, no, we can talk about this!¡± Phineas waved his hands frantically. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I won¡¯t tell anyone! After all, I was a headmaster once too. Protecting the secrets of my students is part of my job.¡±


    Kyle considered this for a moment but shook his head again. ¡°Still, it doesn¡¯t feel safe.¡±


    Fawkes, perched beside him, cooperated by extending a claw toward the edge of the portrait, its fiery gaze locked on Phineas.


    ¡°No! You have to trust me!¡± Phineas was visibly panicked now. ¡°My great-grandson is on good terms with you! Even if you don¡¯t trust me, trust him!¡±


    Then, he turned to another nearby portrait. ¡°Don¡¯t just stand there¡ªhelp me out! If my portrait is destroyed, yours won¡¯t be safe either! Come on, beg him with me!¡±


    ¡°Shut it, you fool! The portraits and the castle are one!¡±


    Before Phineas could say more, a wizard from the neighboring portrait appeared, promptly kicking him to the side. Phineas groaned in pain but had no time to recover as others swarmed in from different frames. What followed was a coordinated assault¡ªa flurry of punches and kicks raining down on him as though the group had rehearsed this countless times before.


    ¡°Don¡¯t get the wrong idea, lad,¡± the wizard who had delivered the first kick said, straightening his robes and speaking seriously. ¡°The previous headmasters were normal. Phineas is an exception. His behavior doesn¡¯t represent the rest of us.¡±


    Kyle chuckled. ¡°The most unpopular headmaster¡ªI get it.¡±


    The man sighed in relief and nodded. ¡°Good. Rest assured, none of us will reveal what happened here. And honestly, Fawkes¡¯s behavior says it all. A phoenix would never associate with someone harboring inner darkness.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s fine, I already knew that,¡± Kyle replied with a shrug. Then, he asked curiously, ¡°But I do have a question¡ªcan portraits actually be destroyed so easily? I thought even the Fiendfyre Curse couldn¡¯t damage them.¡±


    ¡°If the entire castle were destroyed, then yes,¡± the man replied.


    ¡°So... could a phoenix destroy them?¡±


    ¡°Not even a phoenix could, unless the current headmaster authorized it.¡±


    ¡°Then why was Headmaster Black so scared just now?¡±


    ¡°Obviously, that idiot forgot.¡± The man rolled his eyes. ¡°Well, back to work. I need to stretch my legs.¡±


    With that, he joined the fray, landing a solid kick to Phineas¡¯s face.


    ¡°OWW! You haven¡¯t washed your feet in centuries!¡± Phineas yelled, writhing on the ground.


    ¡°Shut up. Have you ever seen a portrait wash its feet?¡±


    The office erupted into chaos, filled with Phineas¡¯s screams and the lively sounds of combat.


    ¡°Oh, what a lively scene,¡± came a calm, amused voice.


    Kyle turned to see Dumbledore entering the office.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on here?¡± Dumbledore asked, looking at the animated portraits with mild curiosity.


    ¡°They said they wanted to exercise,¡± Kyle replied casually.


    ¡°And Phineas?¡±


    ¡°Well... he¡¯s sort of the organizer of this exercise.¡±


    ¡°How generous of him,¡± Dumbledore said with a faint smile. Then his expression turned serious. ¡°So, what¡¯s the verdict?¡±


    ¡°At least sixty Dementors have defected,¡± Kyle reported. ¡°Possibly more. What¡¯s the plan, Professor?¡±


    ¡°When creatures as dangerous as Dementors are left unchecked, it is best to act decisively,¡± Dumbledore said, his face unreadable. He raised a hand, and Fawkes immediately flew to his side. ¡°Thank you for your assistance.¡±


    ¡°It was nothing¡ªjust a conversation,¡± Kyle said modestly, his gaze shifting to the Dementor, which had been trembling ever since Dumbledore entered the room. ¡°Professor, what about this one?¡±


    ¡°It will be returned to the Ministry of Magic,¡± Dumbledore said, his tone heavy with meaning. ¡°Dementors should not be seen outside Azkaban.¡±


    ¡°Exactly what I was thinking,¡± Kyle murmured.

 Chapter 672: Dumbledore’s Counterattack and Kyle’s New Job

    After relaying the information he had gathered from the Dementors, Kyle was about to leave the Headmaster''s Office, indifferent to how Dumbledore intended to handle the matter.


    After all, he had no clue where the sixty Dementors were, and no one seemed inclined to tell him. Even if he wanted to assist, there was little he could do.


    But just as he opened the door to leave, Dumbledore''s voice stopped him.


    "Wait a moment."


    "Yes, Headmaster?" Kyle turned back, curiosity faintly flickering in his tone.


    Dumbledore''s expression was peculiar. He opened his mouth as if to speak but hesitated, eventually shaking his head. "No, it''s nothing... I just wanted to mention that starting tomorrow, I might be away for a while."


    "Oh, and I''ll be taking Fawkes with me."


    The comment seemed almost incidental, but Dumbledore paused momentarily, as if surprised he''d said it. He wasn¡¯t entirely sure why he felt the need to add that, but perhaps it was a subconscious attempt to preempt Kyle from finding another reason to borrow the phoenix.


    The pause was brief, and Dumbledore quickly continued, ¡°If you need to contact me urgently, you can find me at The Hog''s Head in Hogsmeade. I believe you have your ways of getting there undetected."


    "Just to deal with the Dementors?" Kyle asked, his curiosity piqued.


    It seemed unlikely that managing a mere sixty Dementors would require much time, especially considering the ongoing panic caused by Voldemort''s public return. The castle''s unease had only just begun to subside thanks to Dumbledore¡¯s reassuring presence. His absence, especially for any extended period, was bound to cause unrest.


    "It¡¯s not solely because of the Dementors," Dumbledore admitted. "I also need to meet someone. A memory of his might offer us a crucial clue."


    "Who?" Kyle inquired, though his tone was casual, not expecting an answer.


    To his surprise, Dumbledore answered without hesitation, "Bob Ogden."


    Kyle frowned slightly, searching his memory, but the name drew a blank. He dismissed it quickly, assuming Ogden to be some obscure member of the Order of the Phoenix. After all, the Order¡¯s numbers were substantial, and Kyle couldn''t possibly remember every face. He barely recognized some members, like Sturgis; even if the man were standing right in front of him, Kyle doubted he¡¯d notice.


    "Then I wish you success, Professor."


    "You as well."


    After leaving the Headmaster''s Office, Kyle made his way back toward the Common Room. Passing through the foyer, he noticed an unusually large crowd gathered around the notice board.


    Curiosity stirred, and Kyle headed toward the group.


    "Oh, Kyle..." someone greeted him hesitantly.


    At once, the chatter in the foyer died out. Silence fell, and dozens of eyes turned to him simultaneously.


    This was a first for Kyle. Momentarily caught off guard, he paused and asked, "What''s going on with all of you today?"


    The crowd exchanged glances, their hesitation palpable. Finally, a Hufflepuff girl stammered, "Um... I think it¡¯s best if you see for yourself..."


    As she spoke, the students standing between Kyle and the notice board parted, creating a clear path.


    Without hesitation, Kyle stepped forward to see what had everyone so rattled.


    A brand-new notice had been posted on the notice board:


    Kyle couldn¡¯t help but feel a flicker of interest as he read the title. A commendation from the Ministry of Magic was a rare and prestigious honor. He wondered who the lucky recipient might be.


    Then he saw his own name.


    However, that wasn¡¯t the most shocking part. It was what came next.


    Kyle read the entire announcement, feeling a distinct throbbing in his temples.


    He had no intention of working for the Ministry; his sole goal had been to help Dumbledore secure the position of Minister. That mission was already accomplished. Now, this unexpected situation had arisen.


    And Dumbledore¡¯s signature¡ªwhat did it mean? Couldn¡¯t he see that this was the Ministry trying to poach Hogwarts¡¯ best talent?


    Without a moment¡¯s hesitation, Kyle spun around and bolted back to the eighth floor, stopping in front of the Gargoyle guarding the Headmaster¡¯s Office.


    ¡°Tooth Splintering Strong Mints!¡± he declared firmly.


    Nothing happened.


    Kyle repeated the password, louder this time, but the Gargoyle remained immobile.


    Frustrated, he rattled off the names of various sweets, practically reciting Honeydukes¡¯ entire inventory, but it was futile. The statue stood as still as if it had been fused to the floor.


    Kyle paused, his mind racing. It wasn¡¯t just the password¡ªDumbledore might have already left the school. With Fawkes, he could vanish at a moment¡¯s notice.


    Determined, Kyle turned and marched to Professor McGonagall¡¯s office. He knocked briskly on the door.


    ¡°Kyle?¡± Professor McGonagall greeted him with a mixture of surprise and curiosity. ¡°What can I do for you?¡±


    ¡°I need to speak with Professor Dumbledore,¡± Kyle said quickly. ¡°But it seems the password to his office has been changed.¡±


    Professor McGonagall¡¯s expression shifted slightly, her lips twitching as though holding back a smile.


    Moments earlier, Dumbledore had stood in the same spot and solemnly instructed her that under no circumstances was Kyle to be given the new password.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± she said with a faintly amused tone. ¡°The Headmaster has left the school on urgent business.¡±


    ¡°Left?¡± Kyle exhaled sharply, his irritation mounting.


    ¡°Come in,¡± Professor McGonagall said, stepping aside to let him enter. Once Kyle was seated, she continued, ¡°What did you need to see the Headmaster about?¡±


    ¡°That notice in the foyer,¡± Kyle said, trying to keep his voice even. ¡°I had no idea about any of this until today.¡±


    ¡°Ah, I see,¡± Professor McGonagall said with a knowing smile. ¡°The Headmaster mentioned it and said that he should not be thanked.¡±


    ¡°Thanked?¡± Kyle¡¯s voice rose in disbelief.


    ¡°Yes,¡± she replied, the corners of her mouth twitching. ¡°He said the position of Senior Assistant is a good opportunity with an excellent salary. He¡¯s pleased to see a student achieve such recognition before graduation and provide some minor assistance to the Ministry."


    ¡°Oh, and he also left a message: Stay true to yourself and contribute more to the wizarding world.¡±


    Kyle let out a dry laugh, clearly unamused. ¡°But Professor McGonagall, did you notice the last paragraph of the announcement? It¡¯s blatantly poaching Hogwarts¡¯ talent! Aren¡¯t you going to do something about it?¡±


    Professor McGonagall shook her head. ¡°No, Kyle, you misunderstand. Hogwarts is a school, not a career path. When students graduate, they naturally move on to work in various fields, including the Ministry of Magic."


    ¡°In fact, I believe this decision is not only appropriate but one of the best in recent years.¡±


    Kyle was momentarily speechless. On reflection, he couldn¡¯t deny the logic.


    Fudge¡¯s motives were transparent¡ªhe wanted to secure Kyle¡¯s allegiance while enticing other talented students, thereby bolstering his own influence.


    If Dumbledore had ambitions to become Minister, this decision might seem counterproductive. But as a headmaster? It aligned perfectly with his role in preparing students for their future.


    As Professor McGonagall had said, students would undoubtedly appreciate having such promising opportunities laid before them before they even graduated.


    ¡°Do you need anything else?¡± Professor McGonagall asked.


    ¡°No,¡± Kyle replied, shaking his head.


    ¡°In that case, go back quickly,¡± she said with a warm smile. ¡°I believe your friends have already heard the news and are waiting to celebrate with you.¡±


    Kyle sighed and left the office.


    Sure enough, things were just as Professor McGonagall had predicted. sea??h th§× N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    When he returned to the foyer, a large group of students was waiting for him. The moment they spotted him, they swarmed around.


    ¡°Haha, Senior Assistant to the Minister for Magic¡ªthat¡¯s brilliant!¡± Fred exclaimed, clapping Kyle on the shoulder.


    ¡°Percy¡¯s going to lose it,¡± George said with a mischievous grin. ¡°He¡¯s only just managed to claw his way up to Junior Assistant, and that¡¯s after years of working at the Ministry.¡±


    ¡°And don¡¯t forget,¡± Fred added, ¡°he only got there by turning on his own family.¡±


    ¡°Yeah,¡± George nodded, his expression souring. ¡°Not long ago, he was badmouthing Dumbledore every chance he got. Said our support for him was ruining his chances for promotion.¡±


    ¡°And he had that huge fight with Mum and Dad about it,¡± Fred said. ¡°Mum was upset for days.¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s going to explode when he finds out you¡¯ve become his boss before even graduating,¡± George finished, laughing.


    ¡°Don¡¯t say that,¡± Kyle interjected, shaking his head. ¡°It¡¯s just an internship¡ªI could be fired tomorrow.¡±


    ¡°No chance of that!¡± came Tonks¡¯s voice from across the room. She approached with a playful grin. ¡°It¡¯s just because you¡¯re still in school, same as when I started. Once you graduate, you¡¯ll automatically become a full-fledged Senior Assistant.¡±


    Kyle rubbed his temples. ¡°Great... more good news,¡± he muttered under his breath.


    ¡°Speaking of which,¡± Fred said, turning to Tonks with a curious expression, ¡°you and Umbridge are both ¡®seniors,¡¯ right? So whose position is higher?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not exactly comparable,¡± Tonks explained. ¡°Umbridge is a Senior Undersecretary, which makes her second only to the Minister himself. But Kyle¡¯s role isn¡¯t bad either. As Senior Assistant to the Minister, he¡¯ll be part of some important decision-making processes and can even make smaller personnel adjustments if the Minister is unavailable.¡±


    She gave Kyle a sly look. ¡°So, how about transferring me back to the Auror Office? You¡¯ve got the authority now...¡±


    Kyle acted as though he hadn¡¯t heard her, deliberately looking away.


    Tonks¡¯s hair flared red with frustration. ¡°You little¡ª! Fine, I¡¯ll just give you a hard time in the next class!¡± she declared, which drew hearty laughter from everyone nearby.


    Kyle squinted at Fred and George, who were laughing the loudest.


    A sly smile crept onto his face as he made up his mind.


    As soon as he got back to his dormitory, he¡¯d write a letter to Mrs. Weasley, proposing jobs for the twins in the Ministry of Magic. He already had a perfect position in mind for them: the Misuse of Muggle Artefacts Office, in the same department as Mr. Weasley.


    Getting them in would be a trivial task for him as Senior Assistant.


    And Cedric... Kyle glanced at his friend, who was also grinning. Mr. Diggory would surely appreciate working alongside his son.


    For no apparent reason, Fred and George both shivered, feeling an odd chill run down their spines. They chalked it up to the cold draft from the entrance and continued laughing without a care.


    Meanwhile, across the foyer, Harry, Hermione, and Ron had also spotted the announcement.


    Ron glanced at Kyle, who was surrounded by congratulatory students, and muttered with a sneer, ¡°That¡¯s not fair. When it comes to providing clues... Harry, you¡¯ve contributed way more than Kyle, haven¡¯t you? You¡¯ve been saying all along that You-Know-Who is back. Why is the Ministry only rewarding him?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t say that,¡± Harry replied, shaking his head. ¡°Kyle really did save me. The Ministry rewarding him is the least they can do.¡±


    Ron didn¡¯t seem to hear, continuing under his breath, ¡°Another Percy... Only someone like him would actually to work for the Ministry.¡±


    ¡°The Senior Assistant to the Minister for Magic earns 150 Galleons a month,¡± Hermione said suddenly, her tone matter-of-fact.


    ¡°How much?¡± Ron froze, his eyes going wide.


    ¡°One hundred and fifty Galleons,¡± Hermione repeated, glancing at the copy of the in her hands. ¡°That¡¯s about the same as a Deputy Director¡¯s salary. Here¡ªtoday¡¯s has more details.¡±


    Ron snatched the newspaper from her hands, quickly scanning the article. His expression shifted dramatically as he imagined what it would feel like to earn such an amount.


    ¡°Harry,¡± he said, his voice filled with sudden enthusiasm, ¡°do you think it¡¯s too late for us to write to the Ministry of Magic?¡±


    ¡°I doubt it,¡± Harry replied with a shrug. With his vault at Gringotts well-stocked, he wasn¡¯t particularly interested in the Ministry¡¯s salary. ¡°But you could try. The announcement did say they welcome every student.¡±


    Ron hesitated for a moment, then shook his head. ¡°Forget it. I don¡¯t want to work with Percy¡ªI¡¯d lose my mind. And after the way the Ministry slandered you, Harry, I don¡¯t think many students here are eager to join them.¡±


    He moved to hand the newspaper back to Hermione, but paused when he noticed her staring at the announcement on the notice board.


    ¡°Wait,¡± Ron said, frowning. ¡°Hermione, you¡¯re not seriously thinking of applying, are you?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I am,¡± Hermione said firmly. ¡°I want to work for the Ministry of Magic.¡±


    ¡°Why?¡± Ron demanded, his disbelief evident. ¡°A few months ago, the Ministry was calling us crazy and refusing to admit that You-Know-Who was back. How can you even think about siding with them?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s all in the past now, isn¡¯t it?¡± Hermione countered. ¡°At least now we¡¯re working toward the same goals.¡±


    ¡°What about Umbridge?¡± Ron shot back. ¡°She¡¯s from the Ministry too.¡±


    ¡°Umbridge doesn¡¯t represent the entire Ministry,¡± Hermione said sharply. ¡°Mr. Weasley and Tonks works for the Ministry, and she¡¯s great. Not everyone there is like Umbridge.¡±


    She took a deep breath and continued, ¡°And besides, there are so many things in the wizarding world that don¡¯t make sense anymore. Like how wizards treat House-elves... The only way to change things like that is from within the Ministry.¡±


    ¡°House-elves?¡± Ron interrupted, his voice incredulous. ¡°I thought you¡¯d given up on that whole rescue thing.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s the ¡± Hermione corrected, her tone firm. ¡°And I haven¡¯t given up¡ªI¡¯ve only put it on hold.¡±


    ¡°You know it¡¯s impossible,¡± Ron argued. ¡°House-elves to work.¡±


    ¡°That doesn¡¯t mean they like being treated poorly,¡± Hermione shot back. ¡°Take the House-elves in the kitchens, for instance. They¡¯d be much happier if people simply said thank you once in a while.¡±


    She sighed. ¡°Kyle¡¯s right¡ªI¡¯ve been going about it the wrong way. Instead of trying to ¡®rescue¡¯ them, I should focus on getting people to treat them with kindness, like Harry did with Dobby."


    ¡°But the truth is, nobody listens to a student. My only real chance is to join the Ministry of Magic.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m with you,¡± Harry said with a smile. ¡°You¡¯re the best student in our year, Hermione. The Ministry would be mad not to take you. Who knows? You might even end up as Senior Assistant to the Minister for Magic, like Kyle.¡±


    ¡°Thanks,¡± Hermione replied with a small smile. ¡°But I think I¡¯d prefer the Department of Magical Law Enforcement. I could do more good there.¡±


    ¡°I want to be an Auror,¡± Harry said. ¡°But with my grades... well, it might not be as easy as I¡¯d like.¡±


    Ron looked at his two best friends, blinking in bewilderment. He couldn¡¯t understand why they wanted anything to do with the Ministry after everything that had happened with Fudge and Umbridge. It felt like he was the only one still holding a grudge.


    ¡°Fine,¡± he said after a pause, throwing his hands up. ¡°If you two are in, I guess I¡¯ll join too.¡±

 Chapter 673: A Visit to the Ministry of Magic

    Thanks to the Ministry of Magic¡ªand perhaps Dumbledore¡ªnews of Kyle becoming the Senior Assistant to the Minister for Magic spread like wildfire throughout the wizarding world. The announcement resulted in an influx of letters from all corners.


    Some were from people Kyle knew, such as McPhail, who had a knack for stirring up trouble. He sent a set of Senior Prefect robes as a gift, accompanied by a letter that read:


    Kyle had a feeling McPhail was gloating more than anything else, though there was no solid evidence¡ªjust a hunch.


    Most of the letters came from unfamiliar senders, though judging by their contents, many seemed to hail from the Ministry of Magic.


    ¡°Oh, Cuthbert Mockridge,¡± Cedric said, pointing at one of the letters. ¡°My father mentioned him to me. He''s the head of the Goblin Liaison Office.¡±


    ¡°And Gilbert Wimple from the Committee on Experimental Charms¡ªwe met him during our trip to France.¡±


    Cedric sifted through the towering pile of letters, scanning for names he recognized.


    After a while, his hand paused abruptly.


    ¡°A letter for me?¡± Cedric stared at it in surprise, then reasoned that in the chaos of deliveries, one of his letters must have accidentally ended up in Kyle''s pile.


    But when he spotted the sender¡¯s name, he dismissed the thought and opened the envelope.


    ¡°Who sent it?¡± Kyle asked.


    ¡°Oh, it¡¯s from my dad,¡± Cedric replied. ¡°I think he wanted to ask¡­¡±


    His voice trailed off as his expression grew increasingly puzzled.


    ¡°That¡¯s odd. My dad said he¡¯d send me some books about Magical Creatures tomorrow, and he mentioned looking forward to working with me¡­¡±


    Cedric muttered to himself, ¡°Does he want to work at the joke shop too? That doesn¡¯t make sense. Not to mention whether Fred and George would agree¡ªand what does that have to do with Magical Creatures?¡±


    ¡°Maybe you¡¯re going to work in the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures,¡± Kyle suggested casually. ¡°It¡¯s a good idea to read up while you can.¡±


    ¡°No,¡± Cedric shook his head firmly. ¡°I already told him I wanted to help at the joke shop, and he agreed... Wait.¡±


    Cedric suddenly turned to Kyle, narrowing his eyes. ¡°This has something to do with you, doesn¡¯t it?¡±


    Kyle¡¯s expression remained innocent as he opened another letter. ¡°Ah, that¡¯s right,¡± he admitted. ¡°I wrote to Mr. Diggory at lunchtime, asking if he¡¯d like to work with you. You know, my current status might help grease the wheels a bit, and your grades are excellent¡ªit shouldn¡¯t be too difficult.¡±


    ¡°Mr. Diggory must have agreed.¡±


    Cedric¡¯s eye twitched. ¡°But I already promised Fred and George I¡¯d help run the joke shop with them!¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about that; they¡¯ll still be around...¡± Kyle trailed off, waving another envelope in Cedric¡¯s face. ¡°Oh, here it is.¡±


    Noticing the envelope bore Mrs. Weasley¡¯s handwriting, Cedric peered over Kyle¡¯s shoulder as he opened it.


    The letter read:


    ...


    Waiting for me to make a mistake? That¡¯s great!


    Kyle quickly grabbed a piece of parchment and scribbled:


    Calling for Ratton, Kyle handed him the letter and instructed him to deliver it promptly.


    Cedric, observing all of this, was at a loss for words. After a moment of hesitation, he muttered, ¡°Fred and George are going to kill you.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s fine,¡± Kyle replied nonchalantly, waving his hand as though dismissing the idea. ¡°They can¡¯t beat me, and besides, I have Mrs. Weasley¡¯s support. There¡¯s nothing to worry about.¡±


    ¡°But it¡¯s always been their dream to open a joke shop,¡± Cedric protested.


    ¡°That¡¯s not a conflict,¡± Kyle said with a smirk. ¡°There¡¯s no rule saying you can¡¯t own a joke shop while working for the Ministry. I¡¯ll have Dobby and Kreacher help out at the shop, and I can even provide some free products. It won¡¯t interfere with the shop¡¯s opening at all.¡±


    Kyle¡¯s eyes gleamed with amusement. ¡°And besides, they laughed all day when they heard I was joining the Ministry. Secretly, I think they like the idea of working there too. Tsk, they¡¯re lucky¡ªthey¡¯ll be getting two salaries for one job.¡±


    Cedric sighed heavily. ¡°They only have themselves to blame,¡± he muttered. ¡°Calling you ¡®Percy''s Boss¡¯ and ¡®Minister Material¡¯ all day was bound to backfire. But honestly, I can¡¯t imagine Fred and George sitting in an office, writing reports and processing paperwork.¡±


    ¡°And what about me?¡± Cedric asked after a pause, muttering under his breath. ¡°I only laughed for a little while. That¡¯s got to count for something, right?¡±


    Kyle looked at him with mock indignation. ¡°That¡¯s nonsense. We¡¯ve all gone to the Ministry of Magic now¡ªhow can you possibly feel comfortable hanging around outside?¡±


    Cedric wanted to argue, but he bit his tongue. Saying that would only make things worse.


    He knew his friends¡ªwell, if he could even call them that¡ªall too well. Fred and George might punch Kyle when they found out, but they¡¯d likely make up in no time. And once they had an excuse to stand together, they¡¯d turn on the outsider: him.


    Cedric shook his head. Deep down, he knew he wouldn¡¯t have minded pulling the same stunt. So Fred and George, with their famously low moral bottom lines, would survive.


    Besides, it wasn¡¯t the worst thing in the world. Whether he worked at the joke shop or the Ministry, it made little difference to Cedric. And if the Ministry turned out to be unbearable, they could always resign.


    ¡°I think it¡¯d be better if we found an excuse to make them write their own applications,¡± Cedric suggested thoughtfully. ¡°If Mr. Weasley applies on their behalf, they might not take it seriously.¡±


    ¡°Good point,¡± Kyle said with a chuckle. ¡°You really are devious.¡±


    ¡°And so are you.¡±


    The two laughed together as they began brainstorming ways to trick the Weasley twins into submitting their applications themselves. Meanwhile, Kanna, who had been quietly listening, finally had enough. With an exasperated sigh, she picked up her quill and assignments and relocated to a table farther away.


    Over the next few days, the Ministry of Magic became the hottest topic at Hogwarts. The four Heads of House saw it as an excellent opportunity and encouraged top students to submit applications for internships.


    Cedric was the first to act. The next day, he brought his completed application to Professor Sprout. He¡¯d initially considered submitting it to Umbridge, as she represented the Ministry of Magic, but Kyle had dissuaded him.


    Kyle, aware of Umbridge¡¯s lingering resentment¡ªhe¡¯d taken over many of her duties and undermined her relationship with Fudge¡ªwarned Cedric that she¡¯d likely make things difficult for him. Given their friendship, Cedric would be a prime target.


    Professor Sprout, on the other hand, was enthusiastic about Cedric¡¯s application. As one of Hufflepuff¡¯s most outstanding students and the first to apply, she took the matter seriously, even including a glowing letter of recommendation with his submission.


    The Ministry responded swiftly. By Friday, an owl delivered their reply to Hogwarts: Cedric¡¯s application had been approved. He was now officially an intern at the Ministry of Magic.


    Unlike Kyle, however, Cedric¡¯s appointment didn¡¯t warrant any public announcements within the castle. Moreover, his salary was a modest seven Galleons¡ªa mere fraction of a typical Ministry employee¡¯s wage, and nowhere near Kyle¡¯s full salary.


    But Cedric didn¡¯t mind.


    "Look," Cedric said, spreading the letter out on the table. "It says here that we only need to go to the Ministry of Magic on Saturdays¡ªnot every day¡ªand seven Galleons is pretty good."


    "Tomorrow is Saturday," Kanna pointed out. "Kyle, are you going too?"


    "Yes," Kyle replied, pulling out another letter that had just arrived from the Ministry.


    "By train?"


    "I don''t think so; that would be too slow," Kyle said. "By the time the train got to London, we''d basically have to head back. It''s the Floo Network. The Ministry has opened a new route connecting directly to Umbridge''s office."


    "That''s much more convenient," Kanna mused, glancing at Kyle. "Do you think I should write an application too?"


    "Would Professor Snape approve of you working for the Ministry?" Kyle asked, raising an eyebrow.


    "Probably not."


    "No, I''m sure he wouldn''t," Kyle said with a knowing smile. "Besides, Ministry work is pretty boring. You wouldn''t like it."


    Cedric, sitting nearby, glanced at Kyle and made a loud smacking noise. "Tsk. That''s not what you said yesterday."


    "Nonsense. You''re different," Kyle replied nonchalantly. "You had Mr. Diggory''s consent."


    Cedric raised an eyebrow. "Are you sure that''s the only reason?"


    "If you keep talking, I''ll transfer you to the Pest Advisory Board." S§×arch* The n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Ho!"


    ...


    The next day¡ªSaturday¡ªKyle and Cedric arrived at Umbridge''s office promptly at 8:30 a.m. They were joined by three other students: two from Slytherin and one from Ravenclaw.


    Fred and George were conspicuously absent. Kyle and Cedric had agreed it would be best to delay sharing the "good news" with them until the end of the school year. It would be even better if Mrs. Weasley could be present to soften the blow. For now, the twins remained blissfully unaware of their future career plans.


    "Very good, you''re all here," Umbridge said, opening the door and ushering them in.


    Professor McGonagall was already inside, presumably there to accompany her students.


    Umbridge, determined to ignore Kyle, wore a forced smile as she addressed the group. "You are all outstanding students at Hogwarts, and I am very pleased you have made the right decision to join the Ministry of Magic."


    She grabbed a handful of Floo Powder, her high-pitched voice grating as she continued. "Minerva, you¡ª"


    "Thank you, Professor Umbridge," McGonagall interrupted crisply, not waiting for her to finish. She strode into the fireplace and called out, "Ministry of Magic."


    In an instant, she vanished.


    Umbridge¡¯s expression soured, her face tightening as she glared at the empty fireplace. She had clearly intended to send McGonagall away, but it was now a moot point.


    ¡°Everyone else, follow,¡± Umbridge said, taking a deep breath and struggling to maintain her fake smile.


    When the group arrived at the Ministry via the fireplace, they spotted Professor McGonagall standing not far away, accompanied by Minister Fudge.


    ¡°Welcome, welcome,¡± Fudge said warmly, striding toward them.


    ¡°Oh, Minister, you¡¯ve come to meet us personally,¡± Umbridge gushed, her voice higher and more shrill than usual.


    The two Slytherins in the group looked visibly flattered by Fudge¡¯s presence.


    ¡°You are all the future hope of the Ministry of Magic, so of course, I had to come myself,¡± Fudge said, beaming. ¡°Come along, I don¡¯t suppose you can wait to get started.¡±


    He led the group toward the lift, enthusiastically pointing things out along the way.


    ¡°That¡¯s the Registry, where every visitor has to register their wand... Of course, you don¡¯t need to.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s the Fountain of Magical Brethren, where all the proceeds go to St. Mungo¡¯s...¡±


    As they walked, various Ministry employees greeted Fudge, and he responded to each with a friendly word or nod.


    ¡°I don¡¯t often come to the Great Hall,¡± Fudge confided as they entered the lift. ¡°It¡¯s always so crowded and lively¡ªit takes forever to get away. I¡¯d much rather spend my time working.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s because you¡¯re so dedicated to your work, Minister,¡± Umbridge chimed in eagerly. ¡°Still, I¡¯d say you should make time for yourself.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll try,¡± Fudge replied with a gracious smile.


    At the back of the lift, Professor McGonagall pressed her lips into a tight line, resolutely pretending she hadn¡¯t heard any of it. she thought grimly.


    Since the lift was nearly empty, each stop meant a student had reached their destination.


    ¡°Fourth floor, Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures...¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s me,¡± Cedric said, waving at Kyle. ¡°I¡¯ll see you tonight.¡±


    ¡°See you tonight,¡± Kyle replied.


    Cedric stepped out, followed by Professor McGonagall, leaving Kyle, Fudge, and Umbridge as the lift ascended further.


    ¡°How did it feel?¡± Fudge asked Kyle with a grin. ¡°Were you surprised when you saw the job announcement?¡±


    ¡°Surprised?¡± Kyle echoed. ¡°I was shocked¡ªI thought it was a prank.¡±


    ¡°A prank? Certainly not!¡± Fudge laughed. ¡°This is an unprecedented initiative. We had many applicants, but we decided that the O.W.L. results of fifth-year students and above would serve as a key criterion.¡±


    The lift arrived at the top floor, stopping in front of a door with a polished brass plaque that read:


    ¡°Here¡¯s your office, as promised,¡± Fudge said, opening the door. Then he turned to Umbridge. ¡°By the way, Dolores, those students are visiting the Ministry for the first time. They¡¯re bound to have questions and need guidance. As their professor, I think it would be appropriate for you to assist them.¡±


    Umbridge, who had been preparing to follow Fudge inside, froze mid-step, her eyes wide with disbelief.


    ¡°Is there a problem?¡± Fudge asked, tilting his head.


    ¡°N-no, not at all,¡± she stammered, her voice trembling slightly. ¡°I¡¯ll go right away.¡±


    ¡°Thank you for your trouble,¡± Fudge said dismissively, already stepping into the office without a backward glance.


    Kyle, lingering by the door, caught Umbridge¡¯s seething glare. Her expression was so venomous that he was certain she¡¯d have Jinxed him on the spot if they weren¡¯t in the Ministry¡ªand if Fudge hadn¡¯t been there.


    ¡°What are you waiting for, Professor?¡± Kyle said with an innocent smile. ¡°You¡¯d better hurry, or you¡¯ll miss the lift and have to wait a long time.¡±


    Umbridge¡¯s face turned an alarming shade of red, and her sharp, shallow breaths made her look even more toad-like than usual.


    Kyle, unfazed, walked into his office without another glance in her direction.

 Chapter 674: The Anti-Death Eater Frontline

    The room, to be honest, wasn''t spacious. It contained only a desk and chair set, along with a bookcase that stretched all the way to the ceiling. However, compared to most offices in the Ministry of Magic¡ªoften no larger than broom closets and crammed with two or three people¡ªthis was considered top-tier.


    Take, for instance, Mr. Weasley''s Misuse of Muggle Artifacts Office, which Kyle had visited once. It was barely larger than a broom cupboard, yet somehow managed to squeeze in two desks. The cabinets overflowed with miscellaneous items, and stray papers were scattered everywhere, leaving almost no room to place your feet.


    Kyle had often wondered why Ministry staff didn¡¯t use the Undetectable Extension Charm to make their offices more spacious. He had even asked Mr. Weasley about it once, but the man had shrugged it off, saying he was used to things as they were and didn¡¯t see the need for unnecessary fuss.


    When Fudge arrived in his office, he removed his hat and asked, ¡°What do you think of the place?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s very nice,¡± Kyle replied. ¡°I suppose this makes it official. Any tasks for the Minister?¡±


    ¡°Not exactly tasks,¡± Fudge said, toying with his hat. ¡°You¡¯re still in your sixth year, so your studies should remain your priority.¡±


    Kyle didn¡¯t believe him. Fudge wouldn¡¯t have let Umbridge leave without reason¡ªthere was clearly something he wanted to say. Besides, Kyle was being paid 150 Galleons a month, which meant he wasn¡¯t taking the money for nothing. Fudge wasn¡¯t known for being generous. Cedric¡¯s meager seven Galleons was proof enough of that.


    So Kyle remained silent, waiting for Fudge to continue. Sure enough, after a moment, Fudge asked, as though offhandedly, ¡°I heard Albus mention that you saved Harry Potter during the last event of the Triwizard Tournament?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right,¡± Kyle replied without hesitation. ¡°A Death Eater used Polyjuice Potion to infiltrate the castle and abduct Harry.¡±


    ¡°And how did you figure that out?¡± Fudge pressed. ¡°I recall you were still working on the third task at the time.¡±


    ¡°Because of the Triwizard Cup,¡± Kyle explained. ¡°It had been turned into a Portkey. When I touched it, I was transported to where Harry was.¡±


    ¡°Oh, yes, now I remember,¡± Fudge said, nodding in realization. ¡°After you took the Cup, you suddenly disappeared. To be honest, I¡¯d thought it was just part of the task.¡±


    ¡°It wasn¡¯t. I was sent to the top of a mountain¡ª¡±


    ¡°So, you also saw You-Know-Who¡¯s resurrection?¡± Fudge interrupted, his eyes narrowing as he fixed Kyle with an intense stare.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t witness You-Know-Who¡¯s resurrection,¡± Kyle replied calmly, his expression steady. ¡°But there were definitely Death Eaters plotting something there. Dumbledore arrived shortly after and brought Harry and me back to Hogwarts. As for what happened next, only Dumbledore knows.¡±


    Fudge said nothing, merely fidgeting with his hat as he studied Kyle. He didn¡¯t think the boy was lying; everything fit. Kyle had vanished after touching the Cup, and Dumbledore had disappeared shortly afterward.


    There was another important detail: if Kyle had seen You-Know-Who, there was no reason for him to align with the Ministry, especially given Dumbledore¡¯s public stance on the Dark Lord¡¯s return.


    Fudge¡¯s expression grew complicated, tinged with faint disappointment. Just a month ago, the last thing he had wanted was confirmation of You-Know-Who¡¯s resurrection. Now, perversely, he hoped it was true.


    The truth was, Fudge himself wasn¡¯t sure. He had published the report of You-Know-Who¡¯s return under pressure from Dumbledore, who had all but forced his hand. Ten Death Eaters had escaped from Azkaban simultaneously, and if Dumbledore leveraged that, Fudge¡¯s position as Minister would be untenable. Even retaining the post offered little comfort; since the prison break, his office had been inundated with angry letters, many of them Howlers, demanding his resignation.


    These letters had once been directed at Dumbledore. Now, they were aimed squarely at him.


    Over time, the outrage had only grown louder, spreading even within the Ministry. The simplest solution would be for You-Know-Who to make a public appearance. If the Dark Lord¡¯s return was undeniable, the backlash would dissipate, and Fudge¡¯s position would be secure.


    But that was beyond Fudge¡¯s control. And deep down, he dreaded the idea.


    For now, all he could do was seek credible witnesses, especially those with influence, to testify about You-Know-Who. He had brought up this matter with Dumbledore during a visit to Hogwarts, but progress had been nonexistent. It seemed Dumbledore had no intention of helping him.


    ¡°Kyle...¡± Fudge suddenly asked, ¡°do you believe that You-Know-Who has returned?¡±


    ¡°Of course,¡± Kyle replied. ¡°After all, it was in the newspapers. He broke ten Death Eaters out of Azkaban. If it wasn¡¯t You-Know-Who, who else would go to such lengths for them?¡±


    ¡°But many people still don¡¯t believe it,¡± Fudge said gravely. ¡°That kind of denial is dangerous. The reason I risked my position by making this announcement was to ensure everyone is prepared for the war that¡¯s coming."


    ¡°But now, too many claim I¡¯m acting out of self-interest. If this mindset continues, all our efforts will be for nothing.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s true,¡± Kyle agreed with a nod. ¡°So, what exactly is the Minister suggesting...?¡±


    ¡°I recall you have a good relationship with Mr. Scamander,¡± Fudge said. ¡°As a renowned expert on Magical Creatures, his endorsement could sway public opinion.¡±


    ¡°I understand. I¡¯ll try to convince Newt,¡± Kyle said.


    ¡°That would be excellent,¡± Fudge replied with a smile. ¡°Well, get settled in. I have matters to attend to.¡± He adjusted his hat and turned to leave.


    ¡°Wait a moment, Minister,¡± Kyle called after him. ¡°I have a small idea that might also help.¡±


    ¡°Oh? What is it?¡± Fudge paused, looking intrigued.


    Kyle glanced at the closed door and lowered his voice. ¡°I think one reason people don¡¯t believe us is that it¡¯s too quiet right now.¡±


    ¡°Quiet?¡±


    ¡°Exactly,¡± Kyle explained. ¡°Ever since the Death Eaters escaped, there¡¯s been no activity from them. It¡¯s as if they¡¯ve disappeared. That¡¯s not like them, and it¡¯s no wonder people are skeptical."


    ¡°Most people associate the Death Eaters with arrogance and boldness, especially with You-Know-Who behind them.¡±


    ¡°But they really are hiding,¡± Fudge sighed. ¡°Neither the Hit Wizards nor the Aurors have found any trace of them.¡±


    ¡°But what if we did...¡± Kyle¡¯s tone sharpened. ¡°The Ministry handles numerous incidents every day. Couldn¡¯t we attribute one of these cases to Antonin Dolohov or another Death Eater?¡±


    Fudge¡¯s gaze sharpened, the implication sinking in. The Death Eaters¡¯ actual actions didn¡¯t matter. Among the many crimes and disturbances the Ministry investigated daily, they could pick one with a particularly negative impact and assign it to the Death Eaters.


    And as for what constituted ¡°negative,¡± Fudge recalled hearing a report that morning about someone casting a Protean Charm to prank Muggles in their garden. Couldn¡¯t that be spun into a Death Eater attack?


    The idea tempted him, but he frowned, hesitating. ¡°But what if we can¡¯t catch anyone?¡±


    ¡°Isn¡¯t that to be expected?¡± Kyle replied smoothly. ¡°Death Eaters are notoriously difficult to apprehend. Simply claiming they were involved will be enough to put the public on alert.¡±


    Fudge¡¯s eyes lit up, and he removed his hat again, pacing as he considered the idea. ¡°Do you think it¡¯s better to have Hit Wizards or Aurors investigate such cases?¡±


    ¡°Neither,¡± Kyle said firmly. ¡°To handle the Death Eaters, you need someone meticulous, unafraid of danger, and absolutely loyal to the Ministry. They must also hold a high enough rank¡ªsomeone like a director or deputy minister¡ªso their findings carry weight.¡±


    Fudge repeated Kyle¡¯s words, thinking hard about who might fit the criteria. Loyalty mattered most. By that measure, none of the directors would work; Fudge knew they wouldn¡¯t agree to such a scheme. Even if they did, he wouldn¡¯t trust them.


    But who else was there? Kyle himself was a perfect candidate, but his schoolwork left him no time for such a role.


    Suddenly, Fudge had an idea. Someone who fit all the requirements had come to mind.


    ¡°What do you think of Dolores?¡±


    ¡°Professor Umbridge?¡± Kyle considered for a moment. ¡°I¡¯d say she¡¯s overqualified for Hogwarts. The Anti-Death Eater Front would be a much better platform for her to showcase her skills.¡±


    ¡°The Anti-Death Eater Front...¡± Fudge mulled over the phrase, his excitement building.


    ¡°Ah, I knew it,¡± Fudge said with a broad grin. ¡°Bringing you into the Ministry was the best decision I¡¯ve made this year. I didn¡¯t expect you to come up with a way to expose the Death Eaters¡¯ schemes on your very first day.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m just offering a humble suggestion, Minister,¡± Kyle replied modestly. ¡°The person who takes on this work will be the true hero in the fight against the Death Eaters.¡±


    ¡°Indeed,¡± Fudge said, his worry fading as a smile spread across his face. He left the office looking noticeably relieved.


    ...


    To be honest, the Hogwarts students¡¯ visit to the Ministry of Magic was mostly a formality¡ªa chance to familiarize themselves with the environment rather than accomplish any real work. Even so, by the end of the day, their faces beamed with unrestrained joy.


    Unlike the routine of school, the Ministry was filled with novelty and excitement. Even without accomplishing much, the students knew they¡¯d have plenty to brag about when they returned.


    Only Cedric, who had his father¡¯s full trust, had been kept busy the entire day, determined to demonstrate his competence.


    ¡°I wrote five reports and used up nearly a whole roll of parchment,¡± he grumbled that afternoon, rubbing his sore wrist. ¡°I never imagined the Department for the Control and Management of Magical Creatures would deal with such tedious cases. Adding wings to pythons? Passing off Cornish Pixies as Leprechauns? Do people really have nothing better to do?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s exactly how it is,¡± Kyle replied. ¡°You don¡¯t think dangerous creatures just stroll onto the streets every day, do you?¡±


    ¡°Of course not,¡± Cedric said, scratching his head.


    ¡°And your father?¡± Kyle asked with a knowing look. ¡°Didn¡¯t he help you at all?¡±


    Cedric¡¯s expression shifted, and he whispered, ¡°He hasn¡¯t been in the office all day.¡±


    ¡°I see,¡± Kyle said, nodding in understanding.


    It wasn¡¯t hard to guess¡ªMr. Diggory had likely dumped all the work on Cedric and spent the day proudly showing off his son.


    Still, Cedric had done remarkably well. Few could manage an entire day¡¯s workload on their first attempt. While the tasks weren¡¯t particularly complex, they were undoubtedly tedious.


    As the day drew to a close, Kyle and Cedric headed toward the lift, preparing to gather in the lobby with the others before returning to Hogwarts through the fireplace. S§×ar?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The lift soon arrived with a clank, and they stepped inside. To their surprise, someone familiar was already there.


    ¡°Long time no see, Percy,¡± Kyle greeted politely.


    It truly had been a while since Kyle had seen Percy. According to Fred, Percy had severed ties with the Weasley family after their move to 12 Grimmauld Place. Worse, he had even returned the Christmas sweater Mrs. Weasley had lovingly knitted for him.


    Fred and George had been livid, vowing to teach Percy a lesson the next time they saw him.


    Kyle found Percy¡¯s behavior distasteful, but he didn¡¯t want to meddle in family matters. Out of courtesy, he greeted Percy, but he had no intention of engaging further.


    Cedric didn¡¯t even bother with a greeting, standing silently beside Kyle.


    The atmosphere in the lift turned awkward, a heavy silence filling the space. Percy, standing in the corner, looked conflicted. He seemed on the verge of speaking but couldn¡¯t quite bring himself to.


    It wasn¡¯t until the lift reached the foyer and Kyle and Cedric stepped out that Percy finally spoke.


    ¡°Please wait...¡±


    The two stopped and turned back.


    ¡°Congratulations, Kyle,¡± Percy said, forcing a stiff smile. Envy flickered briefly in his eyes. ¡°I heard you¡¯ve been made Senior Assistant to the Minister. That¡¯s... impressive. I¡¯m also an Assistant, so I¡¯m happy to be working with you.¡±


    ¡°Thanks,¡± Kyle replied casually. ¡°But I¡¯ll only be here once a week, so I doubt we¡¯ll have much opportunity to work together.¡±


    Percy¡¯s smile faltered. He hadn¡¯t expected Kyle to brush him off so bluntly. Of course, he¡¯d considered this possibility¡ªespecially after returning Mrs. Weasley¡¯s Christmas sweater¡ªbut it still stung.


    What Percy hadn¡¯t anticipated was Kyle¡¯s meteoric rise to Senior Assistant to the Minister for Magic, a position that made him nearly a direct superior.


    Desperately searching for a way to salvage the conversation, Percy turned to Cedric.


    ¡°I¡¯m with the Department for the Control and Management of Magical Creatures,¡± Cedric said politely, cutting Percy off before he could say more. ¡°If you¡¯ll excuse us...¡±


    Kyle glanced across the lobby at Professor McGonagall, who was motioning for the group to gather. ¡°We¡¯re heading back to Hogwarts now.¡±


    ¡°Wait,¡± Percy blurted, his voice tinged with desperation. ¡°I know I¡¯ve made mistakes. Mum was right¡ªI should¡¯ve trusted Dumbledore. Could you... could you help me talk to them?¡±


    ¡°Sorry, we can¡¯t do that,¡± Kyle interrupted firmly. ¡°If you want their forgiveness, you¡¯ll need to ask for it yourself.¡±


    He continued, ¡°Mr. Weasley works on the second floor. You¡¯re just one floor apart¡ªyou could easily find time to speak with him.¡±


    ¡°I... I wouldn¡¯t know what to say,¡± Percy admitted, blushing. ¡°I¡¯ve done so many terrible things. They must be furious with me.¡±


    ¡°They are,¡± Kyle said bluntly. ¡°Fred and George have sworn to give you a good hiding. And at Christmas, Charlie was ready to storm the Ministry and teach you a lesson himself¡ªGinny and Mrs. Weasley barely managed to stop him.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s fair,¡± Percy muttered, his voice filled with remorse. ¡°I deserve it.¡±


    Just then, the other lifts arrived, and a crowd of people spilled into the foyer, filling the previously quiet space with chatter and activity.


    Professor McGonagall waved again, signaling for the students to gather.


    ¡°Look, Percy,¡± Kyle said, ¡°there¡¯s nothing we can do to help you. If you¡¯re serious about apologizing, go to Mr. Weasley. He¡¯d never turn you away, no matter what¡¯s happened.¡±


    With that, Kyle and Cedric walked over to join the others.


    Once everyone was accounted for, Professor McGonagall led the group to the fireplaces, and they returned to Hogwarts.

 Chapter 675: Umbridge Got Fired?

    After the group returned to Hogwarts, Fred and George hurried over to them, their faces alight with mischief. In an exaggerated tone, Fred asked, ¡°So, Mr. Minister-for-Magic-to-be, are you pleased with the office Fudge has arranged for you?¡±


    ¡°Did he give you his own office?¡± George chimed in.


    ¡°If you keep this up, you might become Minister before you graduate,¡± Fred added, laughing.


    The two of them giggled as they continued.


    ¡°Then you¡¯ll be famous...¡±


    ¡°No need to go to school anymore...¡±


    ¡°And you can hand out your own N.E.W.T. certificates!¡±


    Fred suddenly grinned wider. ¡°Just don¡¯t let Percy see you, or he¡¯ll be camping out on your doorstep¡ª¡±


    He abruptly stopped mid-sentence, his grin faltering. In a nonchalant tone, he added, ¡°Sorry, forgot he doesn¡¯t live at home anymore.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s good, isn¡¯t it?¡± said George. ¡°At least we don¡¯t have to deal with him sticking his head around the corner every time we pass the stairs, telling us to keep it down.¡±


    ¡°Actually,¡± said Kyle, glancing at the twins, ¡°we ran into him on the way back¡ªin the same lift.¡±


    ¡°Oh, good,¡± Fred said, his grin returning. ¡°So, did you give him a good hiding for us?¡±


    ¡°Or turn him into a Flobberworm?¡± George suggested eagerly.


    ¡°We¡¯ve always wanted to do that,¡± Fred added.


    ¡°How could we? It¡¯s the Ministry of Magic,¡± Kyle replied. ¡°If I tried, the Aurors wouldn¡¯t even have to leave their desks to cart me away.¡±


    ¡°Then we¡¯ll do it when he¡¯s not at the Ministry,¡± George muttered through clenched teeth.


    Kyle shrugged. ¡°I have the feeling he¡¯s regretting it and wants me to apologize to Mrs. Weasley on his behalf.¡±


    ¡°Ho!¡± Fred scoffed. ¡°If he really wants to apologize, he should do it himself, not get someone else to play messenger.¡±


    ¡°He knows where Dad¡¯s office is,¡± George added. ¡°He can¡¯t have forgotten that.¡±


    ¡°Kyle, you didn¡¯t say you¡¯d help him, did you?¡± Fred asked sharply.


    ¡°Of course not,¡± Kyle said. ¡°In fact, I told him exactly what you just said.¡± sea??h th§× novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°Good.¡±


    The twins seemed satisfied but showed no interest in continuing the conversation about Percy. Their attention shifted as they spotted Cedric at the back of the group.


    ¡°You owe us an explanation, Cedric,¡± Fred called out, striding over with George.


    They flanked Cedric, one in front and one behind, in mock menace.


    George clenched his fists dramatically. ¡°We agreed to open a joke shop together. So why did you go and take a job at the Ministry of Magic?¡±


    Fred narrowed his eyes and leaned closer. ¡°If your explanation isn¡¯t good enough... well, let¡¯s just say, you¡¯re done for.¡±


    Cedric gave a nervous laugh and glanced toward Kyle for a moment. ¡°It¡¯s... complicated,¡± he began hesitantly. ¡°But I can promise you this: after graduation, we¡¯ll definitely be able to work together.¡±


    Fred and George froze, caught off guard. Of all the responses they had anticipated, this wasn¡¯t one of them.


    Did Cedric mean he wouldn¡¯t be working at the Ministry of Magic after graduation?


    If so, why take the job now? Surely, it wasn¡¯t for the meager seven Galleons a month.


    It didn¡¯t make any sense...


    ¡°You¡¯re not lying to us?¡± Fred pressed, stepping closer to Cedric.


    ¡°Of course not, I swear,¡± Cedric replied, though his eyes shifted away from Fred¡¯s piercing gaze, betraying his unease.


    Luckily, Professor McGonagall entered the castle just then, and Fred and George dropped the matter, following her with curious glances instead.


    At dinner, the students who had visited the Ministry earlier that day quickly became the center of attention throughout the Great Hall. It was rare for students to join the Ministry of Magic before graduation, and now, suddenly, five had done so. Naturally, this sparked widespread curiosity and conversation.


    ¡°It¡¯s no big deal,¡± Malfoy announced loudly from the Slytherin table. ¡°They only take people with O.W.L. results. I¡¯ll definitely be joining the Ministry after this year. You know, my father is quite close with Minister Fudge.¡± He smirked smugly, clearly enjoying the attention.


    Meanwhile, at the Gryffindor table, the same topic was being discussed, albeit with a different tone.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be upset, Hermione,¡± Harry said, glancing at her. She had been unusually quiet all evening. ¡°It¡¯s just because you didn¡¯t take your O.W.L.s in fifth year. You¡¯ll definitely be accepted next year.¡±


    ¡°I know,¡± Hermione replied with a sigh. ¡°But that¡¯s not why I¡¯m upset.¡±


    ¡°Then why are you so angry?¡± Ron asked through a mouthful of sausage. ¡°You¡¯ve been in a bad mood since this morning.¡±


    ¡°Haven¡¯t you noticed?¡± Hermione said, putting down her fork sharply. ¡°The Ministry accepted five students. They selected people from the other three houses, but not a single one from Gryffindor!¡±


    ¡°So what?¡± Ron said with a shrug. ¡°It just means none of us wanted to work at the Ministry of Magic anyway.¡±


    ¡°Only you would think that,¡± Hermione snapped. ¡°I wasn¡¯t the only one who went to Professor McGonagall to apply. Others did too, but none of us were chosen. I¡¯m sure Professor McGonagall must be terribly disappointed.¡±


    ¡°Maybe it¡¯s not our fault,¡± Harry suggested. ¡°Let¡¯s not forget about Umbridge. Everyone knows she hates Gryffindor. We don¡¯t behave the way she wants us to, and she¡¯s never liked us.¡±


    ¡°Are you saying she turned down Gryffindor applications?¡± Hermione asked, frowning. ¡°As Undersecretary of the Ministry, I suppose she might have the power to influence the decision.¡±


    ¡°Exactly,¡± Harry said grimly. ¡°She doesn¡¯t care about fairness. And think about it¡ªhow many Slytherins have we seen sneaking off to her office lately? Angelina mentioned their training results weren¡¯t even that great this morning.¡±


    ¡°That foul toad,¡± Ron muttered darkly. ¡°I wish the Headmaster would just chuck her out of here.¡±


    ¡°Even if everyone wants that, it¡¯s not likely,¡± Hermione said in a hushed voice. ¡°She¡¯s still a representative of the Ministry of Magic. Even if she¡¯s no longer the High Inquisitor, the Headmaster doesn¡¯t have the authority to dismiss her outright.¡±


    The three of them exchanged a heavy sigh.


    ...


    None of them could have imagined that Ron''s seemingly impossible remark would actually come true the very next day during their visit to Hogsmeade.


    ¡°Umbridge has been fired?¡±


    Inside The Three Broomsticks, Professor McGonagall, who was quietly enjoying a drink and chatting with Hagrid, instinctively turned her head when a loud exclamation pierced the air beside her.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be so loud, Potter. This hasn¡¯t been confirmed yet.¡±


    ¡°Sorry, Professor,¡± Harry apologized, but his curiosity remained undeterred. ¡°But is it true? Is Umbridge really going to be fired?¡±


    Had it been anyone else, Professor McGonagall would have sternly reminded them to address her as , but this time, she chose not to comment.


    ¡°Not fired,¡± she corrected, her tone brisk yet calm. ¡°It appears the Ministry has found more pressing duties for Professor Umbridge, so she will no longer be able to continue at Hogwarts.¡±


    Harry felt a wave of astonishment crash over him, even more exhilarating than when they had been awarded the Quidditch Cup early. No¡ªthis was far beyond that.


    His heart pounded wildly, leaving him no room to think about Butterbeer or anything else. Without a backward glance, he bolted out of The Three Broomsticks. He only had one thought in mind: to be the first to tell Hermione and Ron the incredible news.


    Meanwhile, in the Office of the Minister for Magic for Defence Against the Dark Arts, Umbridge was seething with rage.


    ¡°This is your doing!¡± she snarled, her face dark with fury, her usual saccharine smile entirely absent.


    Her words dripped with venom as she glared at Kyle. ¡°You despicable little brat¡ªyou must have said something to the Minister to have me removed from Hogwarts!¡±


    Being called a despicable person by Umbridge was, in its own way, a novelty.


    Kyle met her fiery gaze with a calm demeanor. ¡°Don¡¯t get so worked up, Professor Umbridge. This is, in fact, a good thing.¡±


    ¡°A good thing?¡± she shrieked, her voice rising to a piercing pitch. ¡°You¡¯re trying to tell me that my dismissal is a good thing?¡±


    The more she dwelled on it, the angrier she became. Her fury boiled over as she bellowed, ¡°Because of you, I lost my position as High Inquisitor! Because of you, I can¡¯t even keep my job as Defence Against the Dark Arts professor! And you call that a good thing?¡±


    Her hand shot to her wand, yanking it out with a flourish. She aimed it directly at Kyle, her voice shaking with rage. ¡°Why are you always against me?¡±


    Kyle, however, had anticipated this reaction. Calmly, he slid his hand into the sleeve of his robe, making a subtle motion.


    A second later, Umbridge¡¯s wand flew from her grip, spinning through the air before landing neatly in Kyle¡¯s hand.


    ¡°I told you, Professor Umbridge, don¡¯t be so nervous,¡± Kyle said patiently. ¡°This really is a good thing. And besides, you¡¯re not being expelled¡ªyou¡¯re being given a more important role.¡±


    Umbridge, on the verge of exploding, felt mocked by Kyle¡¯s words. Her voice rose into a furious roar:


    ¡°You¡¯re lying! I haven¡¯t received any notification.¡±


    ¡°This matter is still under wraps, so naturally you wouldn¡¯t have been notified yet,¡± Kyle replied calmly. ¡°In fact, there won¡¯t be any formal written notification. When you return to the Ministry of Magic, Minister Fudge will personally inform you.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re not lying?¡± she asked in a lower voice, her skepticism evident.


    ¡°You¡¯re leaving Hogwarts, aren¡¯t you? Why would I need to lie?¡± Kyle shrugged nonchalantly. ¡°Forget it. It seems you don¡¯t want to know. Just consider this me meddling.¡±


    He tossed her wand casually onto a nearby table and turned to leave.


    ¡°Wait¡­¡± Umbridge ignored her wand and hurried to stop him, trotting after him anxiously. ¡°You need to explain yourself!¡±


    ¡°Professor,¡± Kyle said coolly, ¡°if I tell you any more, the Minister will be angry.¡±


    ¡°Then what about what you said just now¡ª¡±


    ¡°That was just then,¡± Kyle interrupted, his tone even. ¡°Now, I don¡¯t feel like discussing it further.¡± He glanced at her with feigned indifference. ¡°I tried to remind you out of kindness, and this is how you react?¡±


    Umbridge¡¯s face shifted through a series of expressions before settling on forced contrition.


    ¡°Sorry, I was just¡­ a little upset,¡± she said, donning her familiar fake smile. ¡°Can you tell me now?¡±


    , Kyle thought.


    ¡°Alright.¡± He cleared his throat and began. ¡°Professor, you¡¯re in luck.¡±


    ¡°Luck?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡± Kyle walked over to a chair, sat down, and leaned back. ¡°Do you know what¡¯s troubling Minister Fudge the most right now?¡±


    ¡°Dumbledore?¡± Umbridge guessed.


    ¡°No.¡± Kyle shook his head. ¡°Given the current situation, Dumbledore has no chance of competing for the position of Minister for Magic in the near future. Naturally, the attitudes of the other professors are irrelevant too. That means your presence at Hogwarts is no longer necessary.¡±


    Kyle didn¡¯t wait for her to respond before continuing. ¡°It¡¯s the Death Eaters. After their escape from prison, they¡¯ve gone into hiding, doing absolutely nothing. This has made the Ministry¡¯s earlier public statements look like a complete joke."


    ¡°Now, a lot of people are starting to question whether You-Know-Who has actually returned. They¡¯ve been sending angry letters to the Minister, demanding answers.¡±


    ¡°How dare they¡­¡± Umbridge fumed. ¡°How can they doubt the Ministry of Magic?¡±


    , Kyle noted, rather than reaffirming the truth of its claims, as she used to. Clearly, she doesn¡¯t fully believe it either.


    Kyle didn¡¯t point this out and pressed on. ¡°Exactly. But there¡¯s nothing the Ministry can do about it. It¡¯s been over a week since the breakout, and no significant action has been taken. Naturally, people are skeptical.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s why we need to act now. The Minister needs to set an example¡ªjust like ten years ago¡ªto demonstrate the Ministry¡¯s absolute opposition to the Death Eaters.¡±


    ¡°And what does that have to do with me?¡± Umbridge asked, frowning.


    ¡°Haven¡¯t you figured it out yet?¡± Kyle tapped the table with mild impatience. ¡°If we¡¯re going to take action against the Death Eaters, we need intelligence on them.¡±


    Either due to her rise to the rank of Undersecretary or her innate shrewdness, Umbridge seemed to grasp Kyle¡¯s meaning immediately.


    ¡°Exactly,¡± Kyle said with a thin smile. ¡°This has to be kept absolutely confidential. The Minister can¡¯t entrust this to the Hit Wizards or Aurors; they¡¯re not loyal enough."


    ¡°Only you, Professor Umbridge¡­ or should I say, ?¡±


    ¡°It''s Senior Undersecretary,¡± Umbridge corrected, her voice trembling slightly.


    ¡°Same difference,¡± Kyle said with a dismissive wave. ¡°After this, you¡¯ll be seen as a hero¡ªa champion against dark magic. This will earn you immense prestige, enough to surpass all the division heads in one move.¡±


    ¡°Now do you understand why I said this is a good thing?¡±


    ¡°But why are you giving this to me?¡± Umbridge took a deep breath, still suspicious. ¡°You could have done it yourself.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t be absurd. I¡¯m still a student,¡± Kyle replied with a helpless shake of his head. ¡°Dumbledore wouldn¡¯t allow me to leave the school, so there¡¯s no way I could take on this task.¡±


    It was true¡ªKyle was still a student with more than a year left before graduation, meaning he would be stuck at Hogwarts for most of that time.


    Realizing this, Umbridge¡¯s breathing grew heavier, and her smile, for once, seemed genuine.


    ¡°What else?¡± she asked eagerly.


    ¡°That¡¯s all I know,¡± Kyle replied. ¡°The specifics of how to proceed are up to the Minister. He hasn¡¯t shared the details with me.¡±


    ¡°Of course,¡± Umbridge said thoughtfully. ¡°For a covert operation like this, the fewer people who know, the better.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll give you one piece of advice,¡± Kyle said, his expression turning serious. ¡°You¡¯ll be representing the Minister and the Ministry of Magic. Your stance against the Death Eaters must be firm¡ªunyielding, even. The more resolute, the better."


    ¡°If you¡¯re unsure of what to do, take inspiration from Barty Crouch Sr. or Alastor Moody. Both had a reputation for dealing with the Death Eaters decisively.¡±


    ¡°I know what to do,¡± Umbridge snapped, her tone defensive. ¡°And you should remember your place. Even if the Minister trusts you, you¡¯re just an intern assistant. Don¡¯t presume to tell me how to do my job.¡±


    ¡°Naturally,¡± Kyle said with a polite smile, rising from his chair. ¡°I¡¯ll be waiting at Hogwarts to hear the good news you¡¯ll bring us, .¡±


    Whether intentionally or not, Umbridge didn¡¯t correct Kyle¡¯s title as he left the office.

 Chapter 676: A Method of Distraction

    Perhaps eager to make a name for herself, Umbridge spent barely half a day clearing out her office before returning to the Ministry of Magic overnight.


    The next morning, the school was alight with joy. What had started as an ordinary breakfast transformed into a feast, the tables laden with overflowing golden plates.


    ¡°How did you manage that?¡± Fred and George bounded over to the Hufflepuff table, a large jug of pumpkin juice in tow.


    ¡°What?¡± Kyle asked, looking puzzled.


    ¡°Umbridge,¡± Fred said cheerfully, pouring himself a hefty glass of juice.


    ¡°Don¡¯t try to fool us,¡± George added, settling in next to Kyle with a raised eyebrow. ¡°You must know something.¡±


    ¡°Well, I might know a thing or two,¡± Kyle said with a sly smile. ¡°Fudge had a pressing vacancy to fill, and I just happened to be nearby, so I recommended Umbridge.¡±


    ¡°And he agreed?¡± George asked, his question striking the others as almost laughable.


    ¡°Obviously,¡± Kyle replied. ¡°Fudge got the ¡®perfect¡¯ candidate, Umbridge was happy, and Hogwarts is better off. A win-win-win situation.¡±


    ¡°I couldn¡¯t care less about Fudge or Umbridge...¡± Fred downed his glass of pumpkin juice with enthusiasm, ¡°but this is truly excellent news for us.¡±


    ¡°Haha! Getting rid of Umbridge makes you a hero, at least to us Gryffindors,¡± George said, clapping Kyle on the shoulder.


    ¡°No exaggeration¡ªwe even think you could win the Special Award for Services to the School again for this,¡± Fred chimed in.


    ¡°If only it worked that way,¡± Kyle said with a laugh. ¡°But let¡¯s be real: Hogwarts isn¡¯t going to give an award just because I got rid of an irritating professor. No matter how much everyone disliked her.¡±


    The joy was infectious, spreading beyond the students. Even the professors seemed unusually cheerful.


    At the staff table, Professor McGonagall chatted with Snape, both looking uncharacteristically relaxed. Gone were the stern and serious demeanors they typically wore.


    Meanwhile, Professor Trelawney, seated a little farther down, was enthusiastically working her way through glass after glass of sherry. Hogwarts didn¡¯t serve alcohol¡ªnot even to the professors¡ªso she had sourced it from The Three Broomsticks. And not just any sherry, but their finest, costing 30 Galleons a bottle.


    In the short time since breakfast began, she had already drained two bottles and was opening a third. She had, quite literally, consumed her monthly salary in one sitting.


    But not everyone was celebrating.


    Tonks sat at the staff table with a blank expression, her face devoid of any trace of a smile. The reality of the situation weighed heavily on her. With Umbridge gone, it was only logical that she, the assistant professor, would step into the role.


    The thought alone made her stomach churn. The infamous Curse of the Defence Against the Dark Arts position loomed large in her mind, and suddenly the juicy steak on her plate tasted like dry straw.


    ¡°No...¡± she muttered under her breath, abruptly standing up and leaving the Great Hall. She was determined to write to Fudge and Dumbledore.


    Anyone could take that cursed job, but it wasn¡¯t going to be her.


    The list of past professors haunted her thoughts:


    Moody, the famously cautious and powerful Auror, had been ambushed after just one year of teaching.


    Sirius, tortured by Death Eaters, had barely survived six months on the job.


    Even Lupin, the lucky exception, hadn¡¯t escaped unscathed. Though he had survived, he¡¯d ended up in the Hospital Wing after being badly injured during his tenure. Reports said several of his bones were broken, and he had been wrapped in bandages for days before he could walk again.


    That was ¡ªa werewolf with thick skin and enhanced durability. If even he couldn¡¯t endure unscathed, what chance did she have?


    If Dumbledore had been involved in restraining Lupin during his transformation, that would have explained the injuries. But the Headmaster¡¯s skill made it impossible to believe he would have resorted to such heavy-handed measures. And the other professors? They certainly weren¡¯t capable of causing such damage.


    Yet, Lupin had still been injured.


    This position was cursed, plain and simple.


    Tonks shook her head, unwilling to take the risk. Even if she couldn¡¯t be reassigned, Hogwarts needed to find someone else. Three members of the Order of the Phoenix had already suffered in the role, and Dumbledore couldn¡¯t keep sending his allies into the line of fire.


    With that resolve, she hurried out.


    Her intentions were good¡ªbut reality had other plans.


    A week later, she received a curt reply from the Ministry of Magic: the Ministry was understaffed and unable to find a replacement for the Defence Against the Dark Arts position at the moment.


    As for Dumbledore? No reply. No one seemed to know where he was.


    Tonks was desperate. The looming specter of becoming the next Defence Against the Dark Arts professor filled her with dread. Her thoughts spiraled: should she stock up on healing potions? Maybe even find someone willing to part with Phoenix Tears? She had a nagging feeling she might need them before long.


    Meanwhile, everyone else at Hogwarts seemed to be reveling in Umbridge¡¯s absence. The atmosphere was so jubilant, it felt like Christmas every day¡ªrelaxed, cheerful, and carefree.


    Interestingly, many professors seemed to credit Kyle with orchestrating Umbridge¡¯s sudden departure. Professor McGonagall, in particular, was convinced. She had accompanied them to the Ministry of Magic, and the timing of events was too perfect to ignore: no sooner had they returned than Fudge reassigned Umbridge. It couldn¡¯t be a mere coincidence. Someone had to have played a role, and Kyle was the only person with direct access to Fudge at the time.


    As a result, Kyle found himself earning extra House points in nearly every class.


    Five points for a well-written Transfiguration essay.


    Five points for handing Professor Sprout a shovel.


    Five more for helping a classmate fix their hand gestures during Charms.


    Though small on their own, these frequent additions added up quickly. By the end of the week, Hufflepuff¡¯s hourglass had gained over 100 points, placing them far ahead of the other three houses. It was a commanding lead, one that seemed insurmountable.


    ¡°It looks like Professor McGonagall has completely given up on competing for this year¡¯s House Cup,¡± Fred observed as he gazed at the hourglasses in the Great Hall. ¡°If this keeps up, there¡¯s no way we¡¯ll ever catch up to Hufflepuff.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s still a chance,¡± Kyle replied with a sly smile. ¡°All you have to do is stop losing points.¡±


    Fred and George exchanged guilty looks. Since their first year, the twins had been a consistent source of Gryffindor¡¯s point deductions. Though they had become more cautious in their seventh year, avoiding rule-breaking entirely was not in their nature.


    Unfortunately for Gryffindor, the twins¡¯ entrepreneurial success had recently caught up with them. After the Christmas holidays, the academic workload for fifth-year students had spiked, making Fred and George¡¯s Skiving Snackboxes more popular than ever. During some lessons, as many as a dozen students would suddenly start vomiting, have their tongues swell, or display other bizarre symptoms.


    It wasn¡¯t long before Professor McGonagall began investigating. Following the trail of suspicious illnesses, she traced the cause back to the twins and their best-selling Snackboxes.


    The result was as expected: each twin lost 50 points. Gryffindor plummeted from third place to last, their House Cup hopes dashed.


    ¡°You should really blame Snape for that,¡± Fred grumbled, clearly unwilling to shoulder the blame himself. ¡°If he hadn¡¯t given us fewer points to start with, Gryffindor might actually be in first place right now.¡±


    It was a fair point. Snape had never hesitated to dock points from Gryffindor, and with Umbridge gone, he had reclaimed his title as the house¡¯s most hated professor.


    Who held second place on that list was still up for debate.


    ...


    Umbridge''s departure had lifted much of the oppressive atmosphere that had lingered over Hogwarts. By the end of a dreary March, the sun had finally begun to break through, and even April''s persistent rain and wind felt far more tolerable in comparison.


    The only real downside was for the Quidditch teams, who had to endure training on a soggy pitch full of mud. Even waterproof charms on their badges couldn¡¯t fully shield them from the discomfort.


    Dumbledore didn¡¯t reappear at Hogwarts until the day before the Easter holiday, and no one knew where he had been or what he had been doing for over a month. However, news about Umbridge did surface.


    ¡°Oh, look at this,¡± Cedric said, sliding a copy of across the table toward Kyle.


    The headline read, accompanied by a photo of Umbridge. She had finally shed her signature pink cardigan and stood on a Muggle street, wand in hand, looking stern and determined.


    Cedric began to read aloud:


    Cedric lowered the paper, smacking his lips in disbelief. ¡°She¡¯s going to catch Death Eaters now?¡±


    He shook his head, incredulous. During her time at Hogwarts, Umbridge had shown no signs of being capable of¡ªor even interested in¡ªsuch a responsibility. Her power-hungry ways had been all too clear, but tracking down Death Eaters? Cedric couldn¡¯t imagine her doing anything remotely so brave or noble.


    ¡°Who knows¡­¡± Kyle replied with a shrug.


    But something about the report struck him as oddly familiar. Kyle¡¯s mind wandered back to his last visit to the Ministry of Magic. He had grown bored and wandered into Arthur Weasley¡¯s office for a chat, where he had glimpsed a document lying on Mr. Weasley¡¯s desk.


    The report had mentioned an incident involving a prank gone wrong¡ªsomeone had blown up a trash can on a Muggle street just after work hours. The explosion had injured about fifteen or sixteen people, with flying debris causing much of the damage.


    Kyle distinctly remembered Mr. Weasley complaining that someone higher up had dismissed the incident as unimportant, directing them to focus on other tasks instead.


    Now, reading today¡¯s the details sounded eerily similar: a street explosion, a dozen injured Muggles, and a cover story involving Death Eaters. Kyle couldn¡¯t help but wonder if the two incidents were connected.


    Leaning closer, he whispered his suspicions to Cedric and Kanna.


    ¡°Are you saying... this is fake news?¡± Kanna asked incredulously. ¡°The culprit isn¡¯t Antonin Dolohov but someone else?¡±


    ¡°I think that¡¯s probably right,¡± Kyle said with a nod. ¡°Otherwise, how do you explain Umbridge suddenly becoming so brave?¡±


    Cedric leaned in, his expression skeptical. ¡°Did you know they¡¯d do this all along? Is this Fudge¡¯s plan¡ªto pin something someone else did on the Death Eaters?¡±


    ¡°Well... sort of,¡± Kyle admitted. ¡°But to be fair, it does serve as a reminder that there are still Death Eaters lurking in the shadows.¡±


    He glanced around. After months of relative calm, it seemed Hogwarts students had grown complacent, their fears of You-Know-Who fading into the background. But today¡¯s headline brought those fears roaring back. The castle was once again steeped in unease, a quiet anxiety rippling through the halls.


    Not everyone believed the news, though. Among the skeptics were Harry and Ron, who knew Umbridge better than most.


    ¡°She doesn¡¯t seem like the type to do something like that,¡± Harry said flatly.


    No one at Hogwarts knew more about battling Death Eaters than Harry did¡ªafter all, that was what the Order of the Phoenix was all about. And as far as he was concerned, Dolores Umbridge didn¡¯t have it in her to face down someone like Antonin Dolohov. The idea was laughable.


    ¡°But that¡¯s what the paper says,¡± Hermione countered, turning the over and over in her hands, as if some hidden clue might jump out from the margins. She practically pressed her nose against the page, but nothing new revealed itself.


    ¡°It says Umbridge arrived at the street with a team of Hit Wizards, and plenty of people saw her there.¡±


    ¡°That doesn¡¯t mean it¡¯s true,¡± Ron said firmly. ¡°Remember? A while ago, they were saying You-Know-Who hadn¡¯t come back at all.¡±


    ¡°Exactly,¡± Harry agreed. His skepticism ran deep. To him, the idea of Umbridge battling Death Eaters was as absurd as Snape giving Gryffindor extra points.


    Harry and Ron weren¡¯t alone in their doubts. Many who had dealt with Umbridge firsthand were equally dubious. But today¡¯s newspaper had also sparked curiosity about the long-absent Headmaster.


    ¡°Who remembers when Dumbledore left the school?¡± a student asked in passing, their question echoed by others.


    ¡°I¡¯m not sure¡ªit feels like ages ago.¡±


    ¡°I think it was right after the Christmas holidays.¡±


    ¡°No, it must have been mid-February...¡±


    ¡°I could¡¯ve sworn it was March.¡±


    ...


    Everyone had their own theories about Dumbledore¡¯s absence, but the one certainty was his continued departure left an undeniable sense of insecurity hanging over Hogwarts.


    However, the students didn¡¯t have much time to dwell on these feelings, as the Easter holidays arrived, bringing with them a new source of misery.


    At Hogwarts, the two-week Easter holiday was less of a break and more of an Professors seemed locked in a ruthless competition to see who could assign the most overwhelming amount of homework, driving the students to the brink of madness.


    Mikel stared at his holiday assignments with trembling hands. The requirements alone filled an entire parchment. ¡°Are the professors insane?¡± he croaked. ¡°This amount of homework would take a month to finish!¡±


    ¡°Too bad we only have two weeks,¡± Ryan replied flatly, not even bothering to look up. ¡°Guess we¡¯ll have to pull all-nighters.¡±


    Mikel let out a dramatic howl of despair.


    Sixth years were particularly burdened, but even fifth years¡ªfacing their looming O.W.L. exams¡ªwere drowning under the sheer volume of work.


    Hermione had initially planned to organize a few more D.A. meetings over the holiday, but after seeing the length of the assignment list, she crumpled her carefully made schedule into a ball and tossed it aside. It was impossible. No one had the energy for anything beyond homework, a fact proven by Harry and Ron¡¯s current state.


    The two sat slumped in armchairs in the Gryffindor common room, staring into space as if petrified. Sear?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°What¡¯s the point of calling it a holiday?¡± Ron asked hoarsely, his voice devoid of hope.


    ¡°I think the professors are trying to make us forget about You-Know-Who and the Death Eaters,¡± Hermione muttered, glaring at her own parchment.


    ¡°Well, they¡¯ve succeeded,¡± Harry sighed. ¡°For the next two weeks, the only thing we¡¯ll be able to think about is homework.¡±


    Ron suddenly perked up and turned to Hermione with a pleading look. ¡°You¡¯re the only one who can save us now,¡± he said desperately.


    ¡°You should write your assignments yourselves...¡± Hermione began, but her resolve faltered as she glanced at the list again. ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll try to help, but you¡¯d better not count on me doing everything.¡±


    ¡°Of course not,¡± Ron and Harry said in unison, nodding eagerly. ¡°We¡¯ve even cancelled Quidditch practice!¡±


    In fact, their team captain, Angelina Johnson, had spoken to them about this earlier. As a seventh year preparing for the N.E.W.T. exams, she was juggling a heavier workload than anyone else.

 Chapter 677: Careers in the Wizarding World

    Due to the heavy workload, something unusual happened during this year''s Easter holidays: not a single student at Hogwarts decided to go home. The Hogwarts Express waited at the platform all morning, but no one boarded. Everyone, by sheer coincidence, chose to stay at school.


    This had never occurred in previous years.


    The library quickly became the most popular spot, filling up by 8 o¡¯clock each morning. Arriving late meant scrambling to find another place to work, armed with borrowed reference books. But that was far less convenient.


    The professors'' assignments weren¡¯t just abundant¡ªthey required extensive knowledge from various subjects. One or two reference books rarely sufficed. Often, students had to interrupt their work to make additional trips to the library.


    As a result, many began waking up earlier and earlier, especially fifth and seventh-year students, who were often found waiting outside the library by 6 o¡¯clock.


    A holiday, indeed¡ªbut one more exhausting than regular classes.


    ¡°Madness¡­ the whole school has gone mad.¡±


    Early one morning, Mikel and Ryan grumbled in the dormitory while pulling on their robes.


    ¡°Now we have to get up an hour earlier just to barely snag a spot in the library. I¡¯ve never been up this early before...¡± Mikel muttered irritably, glancing at Kyle, who was just sitting up in bed. ¡°Why aren¡¯t you dressed yet? Never mind, I¡¯m not waiting for you. Do you even need a spot in the library¡ªif there¡¯s still room, that is?¡±


    ¡°No, you go on ahead,¡± Kyle replied with a wave. ¡°I just applied to the Ministry of Magic for practical activities, so I don¡¯t have to do my homework.¡±


    Mikel, halfway out the door, froze and turned back stiffly.


    ¡°What did you just say?¡± His voice rose sharply, resembling a goose with its neck pinched. ¡°No homework? And the professors agreed?¡±


    ¡°Well, most of them agreed,¡± Kyle said, stretching. ¡°It¡¯s a serious matter, and even the minister approved, so there was no reason for the professors to refuse.¡±


    For a moment, Mikel and Ryan felt as though their stomachs had been filled with lemons, their expressions sour and twisted.


    ¡°It must be nice to work for the Ministry of Magic¡­¡± came Mikel¡¯s begrudging comment.


    ¡°Although it¡¯s not a job I particularly like, I have to admit it comes in handy at times,¡± Kyle said with a faint smile. ¡°Keep at it, and one day you might have the same opportunity.¡±


    ¡°Huh!¡± Mikel snorted dismissively. Without another glance, he and Ryan left the dormitory.


    Kyle might be exempt from homework, but they weren¡¯t. Any further delay would cost them their seats in the library.


    The dormitory grew quiet after they departed.


    When Kyle eventually wandered down to the common room, he found it packed with students busy at their desks. Every armchair was occupied, and the tables¡ªonce laden with snacks and drinks¡ªwere now buried under heaps of books and parchment.


    Kyle, sensing the mood, refrained from mentioning his lack of assignments and quietly left.


    The Great Hall was similarly bustling, second only to the library and common room. Students there combined meals with studying, saving themselves a trip, and the communal atmosphere allowed for the easy exchange of reference materials.


    The result was a noisy, lively scene.


    After a quick breakfast of fried egg and ham sandwiches, Kyle stepped outside to the grounds.


    With Kanna and Cedric both occupied, Kyle didn¡¯t want to appear as though he had nothing to do. He decided to pay Hagrid a visit.


    Hagrid¡¯s face had healed significantly since Kyle had last seen him, leaving behind only a few faint scars.


    ¡°What brings you here?¡± Hagrid asked with a broad smile. ¡°Have I not yet congratulated you on joining the Ministry?¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s not talk about that,¡± Kyle replied, rubbing his forehead. ¡°What are you working on?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m making a bowl,¡± Hagrid said.


    ¡°A bowl?¡± Kyle repeated, puzzled. He glanced at the piece of wood Hagrid had set aside. It was hollowed out in the middle, but judging by its size, it could probably double as a bathtub for first-year students.


    This was supposed to be a bowl?


    ¡°Oh, no, I misspoke,¡± Hagrid quickly corrected himself. ¡°I meant to say I¡¯m making a wooden bucket¡­ well, to feed the Thestrals with. The old one got chewed up and damaged.¡±


    Kyle studied Hagrid¡¯s slightly guilty expression and suddenly pieced it together. ¡°It¡¯s not for the Thestrals, is it? This is for the giant you¡¯ve been hiding in the Forbidden Forest, isn¡¯t it?¡±


    Hagrid hesitated but eventually sighed. ¡°Alright, you¡¯ve got me. It¡¯s for Grawp. I¡¯ve been trying to teach him to eat properly, but it hasn¡¯t been going well. He seems to prefer just holding his food in his hands. Oh, Grawp is his name, by the way.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t think that¡¯s necessary, Hagrid,¡± Kyle said thoughtfully. ¡°Even if giants wrap their food in mud, it¡¯s not going to make them sick, is it? And honestly, with their level of intelligence, I doubt they¡¯d grasp the concept of using cutlery. Why bother?¡±


    ¡°No, I have to teach him some manners,¡± Hagrid insisted firmly. ¡°If I do, I can show everyone he¡¯s not dangerous.¡±


    ¡°Show everyone?¡± Kyle blinked. ¡°You mean take him out¡­ to Hogwarts? Or are you planning to have him help you as a gamekeeper?¡±


    ¡°I know it sounds hard, but I have to try,¡± Hagrid said, resuming his work and scooping out sawdust from the wooden bucket. ¡°He¡¯s too small to live with the other giants. The Forbidden Forest is the only place where he has a chance.¡±


    Hagrid¡¯s eyes glistened with tears as he added softly, ¡°He¡¯s my brother. I can¡¯t just leave him behind.¡±


    ¡°Your brother?¡± Kyle asked, startled.


    ¡°Well, half-brother,¡± Hagrid clarified, wiping his eyes with his sleeve. ¡°He¡¯s a pure-blood giant. I should be thanking you, actually.¡±


    ¡°Thanking me? For what?¡± Kyle tilted his head, trying to recall what he might have done to help Hagrid recently.


    ¡°Yes, last time at The Three Broomsticks, I heard from Professor McGonagall that you were the one who got Umbridge to leave,¡± Hagrid said, sounding relieved. ¡°To be honest, while that nasty woman was here, I felt like I could be fired any day. She hinted as much more than once."


    ¡°I can¡¯t imagine what would have happened to Grawp if I¡¯d been forced to leave. He¡¯s only sixteen feet tall, weak, and helpless. What could he do in the Forbidden Forest?¡±


    Kyle fought to reconcile the words with but he let it go.


    ¡°I was even thinking about asking you to look after him...¡± Hagrid continued.


    ¡°I¡¯d be fine with that,¡± Kyle replied casually. ¡°I don¡¯t have much going on lately, so I¡¯d be happy to help.¡±


    ¡°Oh, no need now,¡± Hagrid said, waving his hand. ¡°That¡¯s why I wanted to thank you. Now that Umbridge is gone, I won¡¯t be expelled and can take care of Grawp myself. Besides, I don¡¯t want to trouble you, especially with your exams coming up.¡±


    ¡°Believe me, Hagrid, it wouldn¡¯t be any trouble at all,¡± Kyle assured him sincerely. ¡°You don¡¯t need to hold back with me.¡±


    Kyle couldn¡¯t hide his curiosity¡ªhe¡¯d never seen a true giant before, not even in Newt Scamander¡¯s famous suitcase. This was an opportunity he didn¡¯t want to miss.


    ¡°I appreciate it, I really do,¡± Hagrid said after a pause, ¡°but no. Grawp doesn¡¯t know his own strength. He could hurt you without meaning to, and I can¡¯t take that risk.¡±


    Hagrid glanced toward a rope lying near his cabin. Kyle followed his gaze. The rope, as thick as his wrist and similar to what dragon handlers used, was snapped in the middle. The jagged ends suggested it had been torn apart.


    ¡°As you can see,¡± Hagrid said, gesturing to the rope, ¡°I had to tie Grawp up to keep him from wandering too far into the forest and getting into trouble. But even this wasn¡¯t strong enough, so I replaced it with a thicker one."


    ¡°Now you understand, don¡¯t you? The strength of a pure-blood giant is terrifying. Even a playful tap could break your bones.¡±


    Kyle wasn¡¯t deterred by Hagrid¡¯s concerns. As someone familiar with dangerous magical creatures, the idea of meeting a giant intrigued him more than it scared him. But Hagrid remained resolute.


    Without his guidance, there was no way to find Grawp in the vast Forbidden Forest. Even though the thought was a little mean, Kyle couldn¡¯t help wishing he had waited a few more days before advising Fudge to deal with Umbridge. Maybe then Hagrid would have been more desperate for help and willing to reveal Grawp¡¯s location.


    But it was too late for regrets now. Hagrid was unwavering in his stance, and by noon, Kyle returned to the castle, a bit disappointed.


    ...


    As the holidays passed, the weather grew clearer with each day. The warm, gentle breeze brought a drowsy sensation, but few could indulge in rest. Most students forced themselves to stay indoors, completing homework, reviewing lessons, and making frequent trips to the library.


    Under such conditions, even a Dementor might leave Hogwarts hungry.


    It wasn¡¯t until the final days of the holiday that the castle atmosphere shifted slightly.


    In the Hufflepuff common room, tables were strewn with pamphlets, flyers, and notices about various wizarding careers. A new announcement on the notice board caught everyone¡¯s attention.


    ¡°Career guidance?¡± Kyle asked, raising an eyebrow as he stood before Professor McGonagall. ¡°What¡¯s that supposed to mean?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s quite simple,¡± Professor McGonagall said, handing him a pamphlet. ¡°It provides fifth-year students with advice on career paths they might be suited for. By sixth year, they can choose their courses accordingly.¡±


    ¡°Wait...¡± Kyle said, flipping through the pamphlet. ¡°I didn¡¯t have this in my fifth year.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s because we¡ªmyself and the headmaster¡ªagreed you didn¡¯t need it,¡± Professor McGonagall said, not looking up from her desk. ¡°Of course, if you¡¯d like to participate now, it¡¯s not too late.¡±


    ¡°Alright, no need,¡± Kyle replied quickly. ¡°So, why did you ask me to come here, Professor?¡±


    ¡°To assist, of course,¡± she said, straightening a stack of pamphlets. ¡°Every year, many students express interest in working for the Ministry of Magic. As the Senior Assistant to the Minister, it¡¯s your responsibility to offer guidance.¡±


    Kyle frowned, confused. ¡°When did I ever say I wanted to help¡ª¡± He paused mid-sentence as Professor McGonagall gave him an amused look.


    Oh.


    Kyle remembered how, not long ago, he had used his Ministry position as an excuse to avoid homework by claiming it was for ¡°practical activities.¡± No wonder she had signed off on it so easily.


    ¡°Alright,¡± he said with a sigh. ¡°When do we start?¡±


    ¡°Now,¡± she replied crisply.


    ¡°So soon?¡± Kyle asked, glancing at the stack of materials. ¡°Shouldn¡¯t we give them time to think about what they want to do first? The notice only went up this morning¡ªmost people probably haven¡¯t even finished reading the pamphlets yet.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s fine,¡± Professor McGonagall said. ¡°The timing is staggered. Most students will come after the holidays, but there are always a few who want guidance immediately.¡±


    No sooner had she spoken than a knock came at the door.


    A fifth-year Gryffindor girl entered. Kyle recognized her vaguely but couldn¡¯t recall her name. She seemed eager yet uncertain as she explained her dilemma: she wanted to work at the Ministry of Magic but couldn¡¯t decide between the Department of Magical Accidents and Catastrophes and the Department of International Magical Cooperation.


    ¡°I suggest the Department of International Magical Cooperation,¡± Professor McGonagall said after listening carefully. ¡°Your grades are strong and well-rounded, with no major weaknesses. Plus, I understand you speak French, which is a requirement for that department.¡±


    ¡°Yes...¡± the girl said, hesitating. ¡°But I think the Department of Magical Accidents and Catastrophes would be more challenging¡ªand less boring.¡±


    Kyle couldn¡¯t help but smile.


    Professor McGonagall turned to him, silently inviting his input.


    ¡°Actually,¡± Kyle said, ¡°the Department of International Magical Cooperation isn¡¯t boring at all. But if you¡¯re set on the Department of Accidents, you¡¯ll need two N.E.W.T.s in Charms and Transfiguration, with grades of ¡®Exceeds Expectations¡¯ or higher. It¡¯s a strict requirement, so I¡¯d suggest focusing on those subjects in sixth year.¡±


    The girl nodded excitedly, thanked them both, and left.


    Not long after, another student arrived¡ªa boy torn between becoming a Healer at St. Mungo¡¯s or working at Gringotts Wizarding Bank. While Professor McGonagall advised him, Kyle idly flipped through the career pamphlet in his hands.


    He was surprised by the sheer variety of jobs available in the wizarding world. S§×ar?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Curse-Breaker at Gringotts, which offered thrilling opportunities abroad, required expertise in Transfiguration, Charms, and Arithmancy.


    Healer at St. Mungo¡¯s required proficiency in Potions, Herbology, Transfiguration, Charms, and Defense Against the Dark Arts.


    Muggle Liaison didn¡¯t demand much¡ªjust a certificate in Muggle Studies.


    Some careers were even more unusual:


    MycologistOwl BreederBroomstick TesterPotions TasterTroll Security Trainer


    One pamphlet in particular caught Kyle¡¯s attention. It advertised opportunities at a dragon reserve, featuring vivid illustrations of dragons in flight and a wizard astride a broomstick.


    Kyle couldn¡¯t help but be impressed by how enticing it sounded. He wondered if this was the very brochure that had inspired Charlie Weasley to head to Romania.

 Chapter 678: Norbert in Trouble

    In addition to his meetings in Professor McGonagall¡¯s office, Kyle was also tasked with visiting the offices of Professors Flitwick and Sprout. After all, each house had students interested in joining the Ministry of Magic.


    For Slytherin, however, Snape didn¡¯t seem to think his students needed Kyle¡¯s advice, which saved him a significant amount of time.


    For several days, Kyle was busy shuttling between the three heads of houses¡¯ offices, often even during class hours. The professors seemed unconcerned about him missing lessons, so it wasn¡¯t until three days into the new term that Kyle finally walked into a classroom again.


    ¡°You¡¯re late,¡± Snape said, his tone colder than the February chill in the dungeons.


    ¡°Sorry, I just came from Professor Flitwick¡¯s office,¡± Kyle explained. ¡°I thought he¡¯d already spoken to you.¡±


    ¡°Ah, yes...¡± Snape drawled, his voice dripping with mockery. ¡°Senior Assistant to the Minister for Magic¡ªsuch an impressive title for someone who hasn¡¯t even graduated. Remarkable.¡±


    Kyle could feel the sarcasm but didn¡¯t reply.


    ¡°What are you waiting for? Do you need me to tell you where to sit?¡± Snape added sharply.


    Kyle quickly moved to the only vacant table and sat down beside Kanna, who turned to say something but was cut off by Snape¡¯s commanding voice.


    ¡°Antidote to Common Poisons,¡± Snape announced, his wand flicking toward the blackboard. ¡°A highly efficient antidote capable of countering many poisons and even mitigating some effects of dark magic.¡±


    The production steps appeared on the board in sharp, neat writing.


    ¡°The required materials are in the cabinet. Be aware, due to the cost of unicorn horns, each student may take only one. If anyone wastes this material, they will bear the cost themselves.¡±


    The class formed a line to collect ingredients. Kyle received a piece of bezoar, a bag of mistletoe berries, a small vial of Murtlap bile, and a thin slice of unicorn horn about the size of a Galleon.


    ¡°I thought it¡¯d be a whole horn, but it¡¯s just this small piece,¡± Kyle muttered under his breath before falling silent under Snape¡¯s icy glare.


    Given the price of unicorn horns¡ªtwenty-one Galleons even for a hollowed-out piece used as decoration¡ªit wasn¡¯t surprising that the school rationed them so strictly. According to a complete horn was needed to brew a perfect Antidote to Common Poisons, but the cost of providing one per student would be astronomical.


    Still, the smaller portion was enough for beginners. Even so, by the end of the lesson, only three students had managed to brew the potion correctly, and none were usable. The ingredients, particularly the unicorn horn, would have been wasted if tested.


    ¡°How¡¯s your preparation coming along?¡± Kyle asked Kanna as they exited the dungeon classroom together. ¡°Are you planning to take the Most Extraordinary Society of Potioneers¡¯ assessment after the school year ends?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s what Professor Snape suggested,¡± Kanna replied, stuffing two thick books into her bag. ¡°He told me to brew as many different potions as I can over the next few months and to work without interruptions to familiarize myself with the processes."


    ¡°Oh, and he said I need to compile a list of the latest potion formulas. That¡¯s apparently the first step toward joining the society.¡±


    Kyle nodded thoughtfully. He knew the Most Extraordinary Society of Potioneers valued practical talent above written achievements. Submitting an original potion recipe with unique insights was a key part of the process, much like submitting a paper to


    ¡°Do you need any help?¡± Kyle offered. ¡°I have Basilisk venom and scales¡ªrare ingredients you won¡¯t find anywhere else. Combine those with a few other components, and you¡¯ll have a unique potion that¡¯s guaranteed to stand out."


    ¡°And I might be able to get Phoenix tears, though you¡¯d have to wait for Professor Dumbledore to return.¡±


    ¡°No need,¡± Kanna said with a shake of her head. ¡°I finished my new potion recipe before Christmas. Professor Snape already reviewed it and said it meets the society¡¯s standards. Now, it¡¯s just a matter of deepening my knowledge of potions.¡±


    ¡°I see. Well, let me know if you change your mind,¡± Kyle replied.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be fine,¡± Kanna reassured him. ¡°Last year¡¯s selection process included a very obscure question¡ªthe Merperson¡¯s Elixir. No one passed that year because of it.¡±


    ¡°The Merperson¡¯s Elixir?¡± Kyle repeated, frowning. ¡°Did someone annoy the examiners last year?¡±


    The potion, which allowed a wizard to grow a fish tail and breathe underwater, was seldom used. Even in the broader magical community, Gillyweed was the preferred solution for underwater activities. The potion¡¯s practical applications were limited to those wanting to disguise themselves as merpeople.


    By the way, Sirens are creatures with human-like bodies and fish tails, known for their striking beauty. They are a completely different species from the unattractive Selkies in the Black Lake, who always look like they are in a bad mood. Kyle couldn''t help but suspect that whoever invented this potion might have had ulterior motives.


    ...


    "That''s why I need to gain more knowledge to cope with their tricky exams," Kanna said, rubbing her eyes.


    Recently, she had been spending almost all her free time in the school library. The library offered a wide range of books on potions, even covering the most obscure topics. This was her advantage¡ªsomething that graduates no longer had access to.


    ¡°By the way,¡± Kyle asked suddenly, ¡°what¡¯s the potion formula you invented?¡±


    ¡°A fatigue-relieving potion,¡± Kanna replied. ¡°I used dragon''s claw powder and peppermint leaves, which help invigorate the mind.¡±


    ¡°Peppermint...¡± Kyle mused, as if recalling something. ¡°Isn¡¯t that what you added to the chocolate you gave me for Christmas?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right,¡± Kanna said with a smile. ¡°How did you feel?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s more effective than Baruffio''s Brain Elixir,¡± Kyle admitted, smiling back. ¡°At least I didn¡¯t feel drowsy at all today.¡±


    Baruffio''s Brain Elixir could help with concentration and staying awake, but after two hours, it left people utterly drained, as if they had finished an intense workout. Kyle had eaten the chocolate Kanna gave him on Christmas Day, and he hadn¡¯t experienced that energy crash. Of course, the potion¡¯s effects were weaker than Baruffio¡¯s Brain Elixir, but it had kept him alert all day.


    ¡°I found the formula in an old book filled with fascinating herb combinations.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s amazing,¡± Kyle said. ¡°Have you thought about selling it? You could make a fortune.¡±


    With exams looming closer since the Easter holidays, anything that helped students stay focused had become highly sought after¡ªespecially among fifth to seventh years. Baruffio''s Brain Elixir, for instance, was selling for twelve Galleons.


    The problem was that products like Baruffio''s Brain Elixir, which enhanced wisdom and memory, were considered cheating tools, much like Felix Felicis. They were banned for use during exams, and any student caught with them risked having the product confiscated¡ªa significant financial loss.


    Kanna¡¯s new potion, however, didn¡¯t have those issues. It simply kept people from feeling drowsy, which was exactly what sleepy students needed. Since it was newly invented and not yet classified as a banned substance, it wouldn¡¯t be confiscated even if discovered.


    It was perfect.


    ¡°Forget it,¡± Kanna said with a smile. ¡°I still have to study, and I don¡¯t have time to brew potions. I only made some for my friends.¡±


    She pulled a small bottle from her bag and handed it to Kyle. ¡°This is for you.¡±


    The bottle contained a translucent, light-blue potion. When opened, it emitted a faint minty aroma mixed with a delicate sweetness, reminiscent of sunflower stalks. It was a far cry from the bitter, astringent taste of Baruffio''s Brain Elixir.


    ¡°You don¡¯t need much at a time,¡± Kanna explained. ¡°This bottle should last about a week. Unfortunately, dragon''s claw powder is hard to find, and I didn¡¯t brew it perfectly. In the end, I only managed to make six bottles.¡±


    She began listing the recipients. ¡°Cedric and the Weasley twins are in their seventh year, so they could use it. Cho, too. And the last bottle will go to Hermione¡ªshe¡¯s in her fifth year, and the O.W.L. exams are really important.¡±


    Kyle¡¯s expression grew a little strange. ¡°What did you say was hard to find?¡±


    ¡°Dragon¡¯s claw powder,¡± Kanna replied. ¡°It¡¯s not sold in Hogsmeade, and I¡¯ve used up all the stock from Professor Snape¡¯s private cupboard. He¡¯s helping me source more.¡±


    Kyle¡¯s expression turned even stranger. He couldn¡¯t resist asking, ¡°Take a good look at me. Do you remember anything?¡±


    ¡°Huh?¡± Kanna blinked, studying him. Her cheeks flushed slightly, but she still asked blankly, ¡°Did I forget something?¡± S§×ar?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Kyle said nothing. Instead, he pulled her into an empty classroom and retrieved a suitcase.


    ¡°Follow me. I want to show you something,¡± he said, opening the suitcase and stepping inside.


    Kanna followed him, curiosity piqued.


    They arrived in a small room at the entrance of the suitcase. Kanna noticed that the room looked more complete than the last time she had been there. What had once been a spacious but sparsely furnished area now had a narrow path, barely wide enough for one person to walk through.


    "Sit down," Kyle said casually, heading straight to the bookshelves to retrieve a bag.


    ¡°Take a look at this,¡± he said, emptying the bag onto the table. Seven or eight ten-inch claws clattered out.


    Kanna froze. ¡°This can''t be...¡±


    ¡°Yes, dragon claws,¡± Kyle confirmed. ¡°Have you forgotten? I visited the dragon reserve in Romania and brought back quite a few trophies.¡±


    ¡°I know,¡± Kanna replied, still dazed. ¡°But I thought you only brought back teeth and scales.¡±


    ¡°Dragons don¡¯t just bite each other when they fight,¡± Kyle said with a smirk. ¡°Their claws are stronger and don¡¯t break as easily as their teeth, so I didn¡¯t find as many of them.¡±


    ¡°Is this enough? If not...¡± Kyle glanced toward the door.


    Norbert was likely eating or sleeping, and Kyle figured it wouldn¡¯t hurt to tease the Mooncalf or trim Norbert¡¯s claws a little if needed.


    ¡°No, no, this is plenty,¡± Kanna said quickly. ¡°Dragon claw powder only needs a tiny amount¡ªone claw can be used about five times.¡±


    ¡°Then it¡¯s all yours.¡± Kyle pushed the claws toward her. ¡°If you need more, just let me know.¡±


    ¡°All of it for me?¡± Kanna asked, surprised. ¡°Aren¡¯t you keeping some for yourself?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t need this stuff,¡± Kyle shrugged nonchalantly. ¡°And even if I did, I could always get more later.¡±


    Meanwhile, Norbert, who had been chasing the Mooncalf, suddenly stopped and leapt onto a nearby cliff, scanning the area suspiciously. He sensed a malicious intent, as though someone was scheming against him.


    Norbert¡¯s gaze swept over the sleeping black cat on the ground. With a disdainful snort, he exhaled a small flame. That weak little thing couldn¡¯t possibly challenge him.


    Turning his attention to a cave nearby, Norbert¡¯s expression grew serious. He was sure the culprit was there. The big snake that lived in the cave had once given him a look so terrifying that his wings had gone limp, nearly sending him plummeting from the sky.


    Annoyed by the memory, Norbert flapped his wings and flew to the cave. Tilting his head back, he built up his strength and unleashed a blast of flames at the entrance.


    A loud hiss came from within, followed by a dull thudding sound, as though something was attempting to emerge but was blocked. Satisfied with his show of dominance, Norbert roared triumphantly and returned to playing with the Mooncalf.


    By this time, Kyle and Kanna had already left the suitcase, unaware of the commotion inside.


    Kanna made her way to the dungeons to ask Snape for help grinding the dragon claws into powder. The task required precise magical techniques that neither she nor Kyle possessed. Snape, though, had the expertise.


    Kyle didn¡¯t accompany her. He figured Snape might be less cooperative with him around and was sure the professor would make some snide remark. Instead, Kyle decided to use the time to distribute the potions Kanna had made.


    Cedric and Cho accepted theirs without much fuss. The Weasley twins, however, lit up with excitement when they heard about the potion¡¯s effects.


    ¡°Listen to me, Kyle, this stuff is going to make a fortune!¡± Fred exclaimed, clutching the bottle. ¡°Do you know how many people have been trying to get their hands on Baruffio''s Brain Elixir lately?¡±


    ¡°That Ravenclaw, Carmichael, already sold a few bottles,¡± George added.


    ¡°But all of them got confiscated by Professor Flitwick in the end,¡± Fred said, laughing.


    Kyle shook his head. ¡°Don¡¯t even think about it. This potion is for Kanna¡¯s test for the Most Extraordinary Society of Potioneers. It¡¯s best not to let it get out before then. Just use it yourselves.¡±


    The twins calmed down at his words. Though the promise of Galleons was tempting, they knew Kanna¡¯s test was far more important.


    Besides, if they sabotaged Kanna¡¯s plans, Professor Snape might very well throw them into a cauldron¡ªand Kyle would likely seal the lid for good measure.


    Kyle also handed Hermione her share of the potion. She hesitated, her expression conflicted.


    ¡°Using a potion before an exam feels like cheating,¡± she said. ¡°Even if it¡¯s not officially on the banned list.¡±


    Kyle had expected this. With a shrug, he said, ¡°That¡¯s fine. If you don¡¯t want it, give it to Harry and Ron. It¡¯ll help them stay awake long enough to read a whole book.¡±


    He paused, smirking. ¡°Just make sure they don¡¯t tell anyone about it.¡±


    ¡°I think they¡¯d prefer a potion that turns knowledge into Pumpkin Juice so they wouldn¡¯t have to read,¡± Hermione said, shaking her head. ¡°But thank you anyway. I¡¯ll take care of it.¡±


    She added thoughtfully, ¡°If Kanna passes the test for the Most Extraordinary Society of Potioneers, maybe this potion will inspire me to work harder.¡±


    Hermione took a deep breath, reflecting on her house¡¯s supposed qualities.


    The school claimed each house valued distinct traits, but she wasn¡¯t so sure anymore. Kyle and Cedric were exceptional, and she had long come to terms with their abilities. But now there was Kanna, who was on track to set a record as the youngest member of the Most Extraordinary Society of Potioneers.


    So perhaps Hufflepuff wasn¡¯t just about loyalty and hard work. Maybe, just maybe, it was the house that truly represented intelligence.

 Chapter 679: Bellatrix and Umbridge

    As May began, the weather grew steadily clearer, with the sky as bright and blue as the forget-me-nots swaying in the breeze.


    Not long before, Hufflepuff had played their second Quidditch match, achieving a landslide victory against Slytherin. Slytherin had attempted to mimic Ravenclaw¡¯s strategy, using their numerical advantage to trap Kyle, who flew in his Firebolt.


    However, Slytherin lacked Ravenclaw¡¯s star player, Cho Chang, and Kyle easily broke through Montague and the others¡¯ formation with the Firebolt''s unmatched speed. The sluggish Nimbus 2001s were no match and could hardly keep up with him.


    The game turned into a dazzling solo performance, with cheers from the stands barely pausing. Half an hour later, Cedric caught the Golden Snitch right under Malfoy¡¯s nose, locking the score at 360 to 10.


    This resounding win placed the Quidditch Cup firmly within Hufflepuff¡¯s reach. They now held a commanding lead in points, and just a few goals in their final match would secure the title. The Hufflepuffs were elated, celebrating their imminent triumph.


    Not everyone shared their joy. From the stands, Snape observed Kyle at the center of the crowd, his expression dark and brooding as though lost in some private grievance. When the players landed, Snape let out a dismissive snort and strode back to the castle without a word.


    After the match, however, reality set in. With exams looming ever closer, the Hufflepuffs¡¯ excitement lasted only a day before they had to bury themselves in their heavy workloads again.


    Three days later, on the first weekend of May, the sixth-year students gathered in the Great Hall for another Apparition lesson.


    ¡°As before, practice freely,¡± Twycross instructed.


    Yet enthusiasm was scarce. Recent practices had been fraught with Splinching accidents, some severe enough to leave parts of students'' bodies temporarily behind. Though Professor McGonagall had expertly restored everyone, the disturbing incidents had made many students apprehensive, slowing their progress.


    Some, however, remained unaffected.


    A sharp drew Twycross¡¯s attention as Kanna landed precisely in the wooden circle five feet away. He clapped enthusiastically. ¡°Excellent! Five weeks without a single mistake,¡± he praised with a broad smile. ¡°No need to return¡ªyou¡¯ve mastered Apparition. Just wait for the exam in a month.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Professor,¡± Kanna replied cheerfully.


    Under the envious gazes of her peers, she ran over to Kyle, who was practicing on the other side of the hall.


    In fact, Twycross had given up monitoring Kyle after the very first lesson, rewarding him with a large bag of sweets, which Kyle had promptly shared with everyone, including the professor.


    ¡°I¡¯ve mastered it,¡± Kanna announced.


    ¡°Congratulations,¡± Kyle said at the same time, and the two laughed as they left the Great Hall together.


    ¡°How are those Dragon¡¯s Claws holding up?¡± Kyle asked as they walked.


    ¡°They¡¯ve been ground into powder. Should last me through exams,¡± Kanna replied with a smile. She handed him a small box. ¡°Oh, this is for you.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s in it?¡± Kyle asked.


    ¡°No idea. Professor Snape told me to give it to you,¡± Kanna said nonchalantly.


    Kyle froze mid-reach. ¡°It¡¯s not... frog brains or rat spleens, is it?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t be ridiculous!¡± Kanna said, rolling her eyes. ¡°Professor Snape wouldn¡¯t give you something like that.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not impossible...¡± Kyle muttered under his breath. Given his recent domination over Slytherin, it wasn¡¯t far-fetched to imagine Snape holding a grudge.


    ¡°Huh?¡± Kanna narrowed her eyes suspiciously. ¡°What are you thinking?¡±


    ¡°Nothing! Nothing at all,¡± Kyle coughed, hastily taking the box.


    Under her sharp gaze, he steeled himself and opened it.


    To his relief, the contents were not as alarming as he¡¯d feared. Inside lay a collection of eggshell fragments and a pristine unicorn horn. Kyle¡¯s breath caught as he recognized the horn, its golden spirals unmistakable. Such an item was rare¡ªand expensive.


    The six eggshell fragments were equally remarkable. Three were a glimmering silver, almost like finely crafted metal; only Occamy eggshells had this distinct sheen. The other three were orange with striking red streaks, their colors vivid and bold.


    ¡°Ashwinder eggshells?¡± Kyle murmured, his surprise deepening. These weren¡¯t ordinary items¡ªthey were nearly as valuable as a unicorn horn.


    Altogether, the contents of the box were worth at least a hundred Galleons. Snape, giving him something so expensive? It didn¡¯t sit right. Was it April Fools¡¯ Day? No, that had been a month ago.


    Scratching his head, Kyle turned to Kanna. ¡°Kanna, I think these are for you...¡±


    ¡°Of course not,¡± Kanna replied firmly. ¡°Professor Snape specifically told me to give them to you.¡±


    ¡°Huh?¡± Kyle frowned at the box in his hands, his thoughts spinning. After a moment, the realization struck him.


    The contents of the box were worth just over a hundred Galleons¡ªthe same price as the Dragon¡¯s Claw he had given Kanna. It added up.


    With a resigned sigh, Kyle closed the box and tucked it away. ¡°Alright, I get it. Thank Professor Snape for me. Did he say anything else?¡±


    Kanna hesitated, glancing away. In truth, when Snape had handed her the box, he had gritted his teeth and warned her to stay away from Kyle. But she chose not to mention that, especially since she had removed a note that had been attached to the box before bringing it here.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think so,¡± she said lightly.


    Kyle shook his head, unconvinced, but let it go. ¡°Fine. I¡¯ll take these, then. Just don¡¯t forget to thank him for me.¡±


    ¡°Okay,¡± Kanna nodded.


    ¡°Oh, and here,¡± Kyle said, pulling out a small, crumpled object about the size of his palm. ¡°Give this to Professor Snape for me.¡±


    Kanna took the object, examining it with a raised brow. ¡°What is this? Snake skin?¡±


    ¡°Something like that,¡± Kyle replied with a grin. ¡°It¡¯s Basilisk skin. Just tell him it¡¯s from me. Professor Snape will like it.¡±


    ...


    The next day, Kyle was preparing to head to the Ministry of Magic as usual to goof off. However, the moment he stepped out of the Hufflepuff common room, he froze. Snape stood in the outer corridor like a shadowy specter, his piercing gaze locking onto Kyle. Without a word, Snape grabbed him by the arm and pulled him aside.


    ¡°You really have the Basilisk!¡± Snape growled, his face as stormy as ever.


    ¡°Now, now, Professor Snape, you can¡¯t say that,¡± Kyle replied calmly. ¡°Professor Dumbledore dealt with the Basilisk. I don¡¯t know anything about it.¡±


    Snape¡¯s expression darkened further as he pulled out the snake skin. ¡°Then how do you explain this?¡±


    ¡°Oh, I just picked it up,¡± Kyle said nonchalantly. ¡°You gave me something so valuable, I thought it was only polite to give you something in return. If you don¡¯t like it, no problem¡ªI¡¯ll take it back.¡± He reached for the skin.


    Instinctively, Snape pulled it out of reach. Kyle¡¯s hand grasped at empty air.


    ¡°You¡­¡± Snape¡¯s face shifted between suspicion and greed before he finally muttered, ¡°Do you have more of this? Hand it over!¡±


    ¡°No,¡± Kyle said quickly. ¡°But Professor Dumbledore entrusted the Basilisk to Mr. Scamander. If you want more, you could ask him.¡±


    Snape¡¯s complexion turned ashen. If he¡¯d known where Newt Scamander was, he wouldn¡¯t have bothered interrogating Kyle.


    ¡°How about this,¡± Kyle offered with a wry smile, ¡°I can contact Mr. Scamander on your behalf. He might still have a stash of skins. What do you think? I¡¯ll even have Kanna deliver them to you.¡± Sear?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°No need,¡± Snape snapped, his tone icy. ¡°And you¡ªstay away from her!¡±


    Without another word, he turned on his heel and stalked away, his cloak billowing behind him like an ominous shadow.


    Kyle watched him go, shaking his head with a helpless shrug. ¡°All this over a Quidditch match?¡± he muttered to himself. ¡°The score wasn¡¯t even bad. I let Slytherin score at least once! What a petty person.¡±


    Ahead of him, Snape abruptly stopped mid-stride, his back stiffening. Just as he seemed ready to whirl around, Harry and Ron came barreling down the stairs on their broomsticks, narrowly avoiding a collision with the professor.


    ¡°What do you think you¡¯re doing!¡± Snape barked, his face twisted with irritation.


    ¡°We were just heading to the Quidditch pitch,¡± Harry said, his voice barely above a whisper. ¡°We¡¯re training today¡­¡±


    ¡°Before you explain, you¡¯ll apologize,¡± Snape interrupted coldly. ¡°Five points from Gryffindor.¡±


    ¡°Oh, sorry,¡± Harry said quickly.


    ¡°No manners,¡± Snape said, dragging out the words with exaggerated disdain. ¡°Another five points from Gryffindor.¡±


    ¡°Fine. Sorry, Professor Snape,¡± Harry repeated through clenched teeth.


    ¡°Hmm,¡± Snape sneered. ¡°And since chasing and playing on the stairs is forbidden, that¡¯ll be five more points.¡±


    Harry¡¯s fists clenched at his sides, his teeth grinding as he stared at Snape. He wanted nothing more than to punch the smirk off the professor¡¯s face, but he forced himself to hold back.


    Snape seemed almost disappointed by Harry¡¯s restraint but turned away, his mood oddly improved after docking fifteen points from Gryffindor. He swept toward the dungeons, ignoring Harry and Ron¡¯s livid expressions.


    ¡°He must be picking on us because of that Quidditch match,¡± Ron grumbled as soon as Snape was out of earshot. ¡°I heard Montague and the others got a serious dressing down, and Malfoy¡ªCedric caught the Snitch right in front of him. Snape must have been livid.¡±


    Hearing this, Harry¡¯s anger began to fade. He thought back to the match, easily the most thrilling he¡¯d ever seen. With Slytherin trailing by over 300 points, the energy in the stands had been electric, and Harry hadn¡¯t stopped cheering the entire time. He¡¯d even bought a Hufflepuff flag, waving it so much his arm had ached for days afterward.


    In comparison, losing fifteen points seemed trivial. Gryffindor was already dead last in the House Cup standings. What difference did fifteen more points make?


    ¡°The only pity is that they scored a goal,¡± Ron sighed. ¡°If Hufflepuff¡¯s Keeper had been more competent, Montague¡¯s shot wouldn¡¯t have gone through. They could¡¯ve shut Slytherin out completely.¡±


    ¡°Exactly!¡± Harry nodded enthusiastically. The thought of Slytherin leaving the pitch with zero points was deeply satisfying.


    ¡°We¡¯d better hurry,¡± Ron said, glancing at his watch. ¡°Snape¡¯s already wasted enough of our time, and training¡¯s started.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re right. If we¡¯re any later, Angelina will kill us.¡±


    Exchanging worried looks, the two bolted for the castle doors, brooms in hand.


    Once the corridor cleared, Kyle stepped out from the shadows and headed down the stairs to the fourth floor. Although Umbridge had been ousted from the school, her office had been repurposed, with its fireplace accessible to students for an hour every weekend to travel to the Ministry of Magic.


    When Kyle arrived at the Defense Against the Dark Arts office, Cedric was already waiting.


    ¡°What took you so long? We¡¯re late,¡± Cedric said, looking slightly annoyed.


    ¡°Ran into Professor Snape,¡± Kyle said casually. ¡°That held me up for a bit. Anyway, it¡¯s fine. Our hours are different from the regular staff. As long as we¡¯re there before nine, we¡¯re good.¡±


    ¡°True,¡± Cedric admitted, though he added, ¡°It¡¯s still better to be early.¡±


    The two passed through the fireplace, emerging in the bustling atrium of the Ministry of Magic. Wizards and witches hurried in every direction, their faces taut with worry. The Death Eaters had been increasingly active, and the newspapers carried reports of destruction nearly every day.


    ¡°Breaking news: Death Eaters spotted in the south again,¡± Kyle overheard two witches in the lift discussing the latest headlines.


    ¡°This time it was Bellatrix Lestrange. That lunatic seems to have been searching for something.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, and she ran straight into a Hit Wizard team pursuing her. A whole street was destroyed in the fighting.¡±


    ¡°If only an Auror had been leading the team¡­ Maybe they could¡¯ve caught her.¡±


    At first, Kyle dismissed the conversation as yet another exaggerated piece of news, a remnant of Umbridge¡¯s propaganda. But as the witches exited the lift, he caught a glimpse of the newspaper they were holding. To his surprise, there was an actual photo of Bellatrix on the front page.


    When the lift stopped on the Department for the Control and Management of Magical Creatures floor, Cedric turned to Kyle, about to speak¡ªonly to see him bolting out of the lift.


    ¡°Kyle, wait! We¡¯re not even at the office yet!¡± Cedric called after him.


    ¡°I know,¡± Kyle called back over his shoulder, sprinting toward Chris¡¯s office.


    Inside, Chris was bent over his desk, quill in hand. He glanced up when Kyle barged in and joked, ¡°What is it now? Has the Minister sent you with another urgent task?¡±


    ¡°Dad, do you have today¡¯s ?¡± Kyle asked, skipping the pleasantries.


    Chris pointed to a freshly delivered copy on the table. ¡°Just came in. Help yourself.¡±


    Kyle snatched it up and flipped to the front page. Sure enough, a large image of Bellatrix Lestrange dominated the cover, cackling as she repelled a Hit Wizard¡¯s attack before vanishing into a cloud of black mist.


    The headline read:


    The article detailed how Bellatrix had been cornered but managed to flee after a chaotic battle. One section caught Kyle¡¯s eye:


    Kyle¡¯s eyes narrowed as he scanned the photograph. In the background, amidst the flames, he spotted a familiar figure¡ªDumbledore, arriving in a burst of phoenix fire. That had to be the reason for Bellatrix¡¯s panicked escape.


    ¡°Dad, do you know what¡¯s going on?¡± Kyle asked, lowering the paper. ¡°The Order of the Phoenix must have some news.¡±


    Chris¡¯s expression turned serious. With a wave of his wand, he closed the door. ¡°I do. The headmaster went to find someone, and it seems the Death Eaters were after the same person.¡±


    ¡°Who?¡± Kyle pressed.


    Chris hesitated before answering. ¡°Bob Ogden.¡±


    Kyle frowned. ¡°That name again. Who he?¡±


    Chris shook his head, his expression guarded. ¡°This is Order of the Phoenix business, Kyle. While Dumbledore said we don¡¯t have to hide anything from you, there¡¯s nothing you can do to help with this.¡±


    Kyle considered pushing further but decided against it. Instead, he changed the subject. ¡°What¡¯s the deal with the Hit Wizards? Why not send Aurors?¡±


    At this, Chris let out a short laugh, quickly stifling it. ¡°Funny you should ask. It ties back to that little ¡®idea¡¯ you gave Fudge.¡±


    ¡°Hm,¡± Kyle said, nodding. He had shared that suggestion with Chris long ago, and several Order members knew about it.


    ¡°Well,¡± Chris explained, ¡°we got word yesterday about someone smuggling two Matagots into Hampshire. Umbridge, eager to prove herself, rushed out this morning to investigate.¡±

 Chapter 680: The Gaunt Shack

    Kyle also learned from Chris what had transpired that morning.


    The sequence of events was relatively straightforward. Umbridge had led a team of Hit Wizards to Hampshire early in the day, aiming to gather material for the front page of . This wasn¡¯t her first time orchestrating such efforts; she was well-versed in these operations and had brought along seasoned veterans accustomed to working with her.


    Upon arriving, the Hit Wizards dispersed expertly to search for clues. But as fate would have it, they encountered a Death Eater carrying out some task.


    Later, when the Hit Wizards regrouped, they witnessed an extraordinary and startling scene: the haughty and overconfident Umbridge writhing on the ground in pain, pleading for mercy, while Bellatrix Lestrange stood nearby, wand in hand, laughing hysterically.


    Almost instinctively, one of the Hit Wizards snapped a photo of the shocking moment. However, the Ministry ultimately opted not to use that particular image for the newspaper, choosing a less damning one instead.


    ¡°So, Umbridge approached them deliberately?¡± Kyle asked, incredulous.


    ¡°Sort of...¡± Chris replied. ¡°Since You-Know-Who hasn¡¯t shown himself lately, it¡¯s clear he¡¯s keeping something under wraps. Normally, Death Eaters wouldn¡¯t waste their time on something so trivial unless they were coerced into it."


    ¡°But Umbridge is an exception. Everyone knows her fierce opposition to Death Eaters, and her rhetoric is even more extreme than Barty Crouch¡¯s back in the day."


    ¡°And Bellatrix? She¡¯s one of You-Know-Who¡¯s most fanatical and loyal followers. Running into Umbridge must have felt like the perfect opportunity to eliminate a threat for her master.¡±


    ¡°Why not just use the Killing Curse?¡± Kyle glanced at the photo in the paper. ¡°That spell can¡¯t actually kill anyone.¡±


    ¡°I suspect she wanted to extract some useful information from Umbridge,¡± Chris said after a thoughtful pause. ¡°Things like the Ministry¡¯s plans or even the location of the Order of the Phoenix headquarters. That¡¯s her usual method.¡±


    ¡°She thinks Umbridge is part of the Order of the Phoenix?¡± Kyle asked, puzzled.


    Chris gave him a strange look, clearly surprised by the question.


    ¡°What do you think?¡± he said dryly. ¡°Is there anyone who seems more like a member of the Order of the Phoenix than Umbridge?¡±


    ¡°Well... I suppose that¡¯s true,¡± Kyle muttered.


    Considering Umbridge¡¯s recent actions, she did seem to embody the qualities of an Order member more than some of its actual members, like Sirius or Moody. This impression was only reinforced by her alignment with Dumbledore, the last figure featured prominently in the paper.


    ¡°Umbridge might actually be pleased,¡± Kyle mused aloud. ¡°Overnight, she¡¯s suddenly an ¡®important member¡¯ of the Order of the Phoenix. It fits with her promise to fight to the death against the Death Eaters in the paper.¡±


    Chris shook his head but remained silent.


    Half an hour later, Kyle left the Magical Creatures Control Department and returned to his office.


    To his surprise, Fudge seemed unusually composed about the situation. Though Bellatrix¡¯s appearance and actions had undoubtedly shocked him, he quickly regained his usual demeanor, as if Voldemort¡¯s resurrection was now an accepted fact.


    By midday, at Fudge¡¯s request, Kyle accompanied him to St. Mungo¡¯s to visit Umbridge.


    As they approached the fifth floor, Kyle could hear her shrill voice echoing down the corridor. sea??h th§× N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°I need to leave... I must see the Minister!¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not safe here; that lunatic could show up at any moment...¡±


    ¡°You can¡¯t stop me! I¡¯m a senior minister in the Ministry of Magic¡ªget out of my way!¡±


    Hearing her last statement, Fudge¡¯s expression darkened slightly. If Umbridge was a senior minister, what did that make him?


    Then, abruptly, the yelling ceased.


    Moments later, a flustered Healer emerged from the room, sweating profusely, and froze when he saw Fudge standing in the corridor.


    ¡°Sorry, Minister, I didn¡¯t realize you were here,¡± the Healer said hastily. ¡°Madam Umbridge¡¯s screams were so loud that we had to put her to sleep temporarily to avoid disturbing the other patients.¡±


    ¡°Oh, that¡¯s quite all right,¡± Fudge replied with a smile, showing no trace of displeasure. ¡°You did what was necessary. Screaming like that isn¡¯t appropriate here, and you handled it correctly.¡±


    Hearing this, the Healer sighed in relief.


    ¡°Looks like we¡¯ve come on a wild goose chase,¡± Fudge said, glancing at Kyle with a meaningful expression. ¡°I think we should let her rest for now¡ªit¡¯ll aid her recovery.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Minister,¡± Kyle agreed. Since Fudge had spoken, he saw no reason to argue.


    Still, he couldn¡¯t help but find Umbridge remarkable in her own way. Despite having been tortured by the Cruciatus Curse, she¡¯d managed to summon the energy to scream so ferociously. That wasn¡¯t something most people could do. Sirius, for example, had been weak for days after enduring the curse, and Kyle doubted Bellatrix¡¯s version of the Cruciatus was any less potent than others¡¯.


    With that, Fudge merely toured the fifth floor of St. Mungo¡¯s briefly before heading straight back to the Ministry of Magic, not even stepping into Umbridge¡¯s ward.


    For the remainder of the afternoon, Kyle returned to his usual state of idleness. With nothing pressing to do, he spent his time playing automatic wizard chess in his office.


    Opting to play with the black pieces, Kyle made his moves while the white pieces responded automatically. It was a perfect way to pass the time when alone.


    The day passed uneventfully, and when Kyle returned to Hogwarts, he found the castle abuzz with talk about the morning¡¯s newspaper.


    Although had been regularly publishing news about the Death Eaters, it typically repeated statements from Hit Wizards or other sources, making it seem as though the Ministry was perpetually trailing behind the Death Eaters without ever catching them.


    Today¡¯s edition, however, featured a clear photo of Bellatrix in one of her characteristic fits of madness, which reignited a wave of panic among readers.


    Fortunately, some had noticed a fleeting image of Dumbledore in the background of the photo.


    ¡°The Headmaster was there too¡­¡± a Gryffindor girl said in a relieved tone. ¡°That Death Eater is definitely done for.¡±


    ¡°No wonder the Headmaster hasn¡¯t been at school much lately¡ªhe¡¯s been dealing with the Death Eaters¡­¡±


    ¡°But what if the Death Eaters decide to attack Hogwarts while the Headmaster is away?¡± someone else asked nervously.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. Let¡¯s not forget Professor McGonagall¡­¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right,¡± another student chimed in. ¡°With the professors here, the Death Eaters would be making a huge mistake if they tried anything.¡±


    ...


    The Great Hall buzzed with discussion, and the voices of students could be heard everywhere. However, this lively atmosphere didn¡¯t last long.


    With exams less than a week away, the mounting workload quickly shifted everyone''s focus. The looming tests left little room for distractions. Adding to the academic pressure, the Quidditch finals, originally scheduled for this week, had been postponed by Professor McGonagall to a date after the exams. Perhaps she felt that revising for exams was a more appropriate distraction than playing Quidditch.


    After a Transfiguration class, the students received their exam timetables along with specific guidelines.


    ¡°The N.E.W.T. exams, like the O.W.L.s, will span two full weeks,¡± Cedric explained during dinner. ¡°One subject per day¡ªwritten theory in the morning and practical application in the afternoon. The rest of the time, we can use for reviewing.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯d prefer to get it all over with as quickly as possible,¡± said Mikel with a grimace, as if recalling the stress of the previous year. ¡°To be honest, I was so nervous during the O.W.L. exams that I couldn¡¯t focus on anything. How about you?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m fine,¡± Cedric replied confidently. ¡°I think I can pass.¡±


    Despite his calm words, Kyle noticed Cedric fidgeting with his hands and occasionally taking deep breaths. It seemed that, despite his outward composure, Cedric was feeling the pressure of the upcoming exams too.


    Hogwarts settled into the tension of exam week.


    Meanwhile, far from the castle, a flame erupted out of thin air on an empty country road. From the fire emerged an old man with a long beard, followed closely by a stern-looking man draped in a black cloak.


    ¡°Dumbledore, your plan has succeeded,¡± Snape said curtly. ¡°The Dark Lord seems to believe he¡¯s already eliminated Ogden before you could reach him.¡±


    ¡°Severus, believe it or not, it was never my plan for Umbridge to appear there,¡± Dumbledore replied evenly.


    Snape scoffed, his derision clear. The timing of Umbridge¡¯s arrival had been too coincidental¡ªjust as Bellatrix had discovered Ogden¡¯s location, Umbridge showed up. If that wasn¡¯t orchestrated, what was?


    Seeing Snape¡¯s skeptical expression, Dumbledore sighed. He knew it was futile to argue, even though he was telling the truth. It really had been a coincidence. With more pressing matters to attend to, he let the issue drop.


    ¡°You¡¯ve done enough, Severus. You should return to Hogwarts.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t think that¡¯s wise,¡± Snape said flatly, remaining rooted to his spot. ¡°The Dark Lord is already displeased with me. I need to know what you¡¯re planning.¡±


    Dumbledore turned to him, his expression serious. ¡°Trust me, Severus. If you were to reveal what I¡¯m about to do, Tom would kill you on the spot."


    ¡°This concerns his greatest secret, one he will not tolerate anyone uncovering.¡±


    Snape stood silent for a moment, then spoke.


    ¡°It¡¯s a Horcrux, isn¡¯t it?¡± he asked, his tone low. ¡°What have you uncovered?¡±


    ¡°Ogden¡¯s memories should provide some vital clues,¡± Dumbledore replied.


    He didn¡¯t press Snape to leave but instead resumed walking, stopping at a wooden signpost. Two arrows pointed in opposite directions: Great Hangleton, 5 miles and Little Hangleton, 1 mile.


    Dumbledore turned toward Little Hangleton, and Snape followed him without a word.


    As they walked along a narrow path flanked by tall hedges, they descended into a valley. Nestled between steep slopes was a small village. Across the valley, perched on a hillside, stood a grand and imposing mansion.


    ¡°Is that where Riddle lived?¡± Snape frowned, eyeing the mansion in the distance. ¡°So that¡¯s our destination? Then why take such a roundabout route?¡±


    To Snape¡¯s surprise, Dumbledore didn¡¯t head toward the village or the mansion. Instead, he veered off onto a narrow side path, turned right, and vanished through an opening in the hedge.


    It was a hidden entrance, similar to those used for St. Mungo¡¯s or the Ministry of Magic. Before the invention of the Muggle-Repelling Charm, older wizards often relied on such measures to conceal themselves, and they remained surprisingly effective.


    Snape hurried to follow.


    The path led to a narrower, desolate dirt road. It was overgrown and forgotten, with loose stones scattered across its uneven surface. Vines crept along the edges, making it clear that no one had ventured here in a long time.


    The road twisted and turned, eventually leading to a dark forest. Upon reaching the forest¡¯s edge, Dumbledore drew his wand and waved it gently.


    The tangled branches ahead separated as if moved by invisible hands, revealing a peculiar-looking house concealed within.


    The structure appeared long-abandoned, with its door completely obscured by lush, overgrown vines. The house resembled a giant cocoon, as if nature itself had tried to swallow it.


    Dumbledore flicked his wand again, and the vines parted. The long-unused door creaked loudly as it swung open.


    Snape noticed a snake etched onto the door, its vivid colors oddly fresh¡ªas though the carving had been made only yesterday¡ªout of place against the surrounding decay.


    ¡°Where are we?¡± Snape asked sharply.


    ¡°The Gaunt Shack,¡± Dumbledore replied, stooping to enter the decrepit house.


    ¡°Gaunt...¡± Snape¡¯s expression stiffened.


    ¡°Yes,¡± Dumbledore said, ¡°the last residence of Tom¡¯s mother. Be cautious; I don¡¯t know if Tom placed additional protections here. It¡¯s best not to touch anything.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not an amateur,¡± Snape snapped.


    ¡°Bob Ogden,¡± Dumbledore continued as they stepped inside, ¡°a former member of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, once came here on official business. That¡¯s how I learned of this place.¡±


    Every step they took elicited a sharp creak from the rotting floorboards. Though it was daytime, the house was steeped in an unnatural darkness, as if the dense forest outside blocked every ray of sunlight.


    ¡°What are you looking for?¡± Snape asked, glancing around. The interior was even more decrepit than he had expected. Most of the furnishings were gone, leaving behind only broken furniture and chipped mugs.


    Dumbledore didn¡¯t respond immediately. Instead, he wandered through the house until he stopped in front of a small table with long, thin legs.


    Snape guessed the table had once held delicate, valuable ornaments, but now it bore nothing but a thick layer of dust.


    ¡°Not a particularly clever hiding spot,¡± Dumbledore murmured. ¡°It seems this isn¡¯t where Tom relied on magic for protection.¡±


    He tapped the table lightly with his wand.


    The surface of the table flipped over like a lid being removed, revealing an unsightly gold ring with a large, black gemstone set in the center.


    Snape examined the ring closely. It looked oddly familiar.


    Dumbledore, too, stared at it, his gaze fixed on the black gem. His breathing grew heavier, and without thinking, he extended his hand toward it.


    ¡°Stop!¡± Snape shouted. ¡°Something¡¯s wrong with that ring. It¡¯s cursed¡ªterribly cursed!¡±


    But Dumbledore didn¡¯t seem to hear him. His hand continued moving toward the ring, as if drawn by an unseen force.


    Snape¡¯s heart pounded as he realized he couldn¡¯t reach him in time.


    Suddenly, thin golden threads materialized on Dumbledore¡¯s arm, wrapping around it like ropes. They pulled taut, halting his hand mere inches from the ring.


    Instinctively, Dumbledore resisted, trying to free himself, but the threads dug into his skin. Pain seared through his arm as the golden restraints left deep, bloody marks.


    The sharp pain jolted Dumbledore from his trance. Gasping, he stared at the cursed ring, his mind clearing.


    ¡°I...¡± he began, but Snape was already moving toward him, his focus on the blood oozing from Dumbledore¡¯s arm.


    Snape seemed not to notice the glowing golden threads. All he saw was how dangerously close Dumbledore¡¯s hand was to the ring.


    ¡°Damn it, don¡¯t touch that thing!¡± Snape growled.


    In his panic, he acted without hesitation. Lifting his foot, he kicked Dumbledore hard.


    With a dull thud, Dumbledore stumbled backward, the impact sending a sharp pain through his body. The world spun briefly as he landed on the dusty floor.


    By the time he looked up, still dazed, he was greeted by the sight of Snape¡¯s boot sole.

 Chapter 681: The Resurrection Stone

    ¡°Severus, I believe you''ve forgotten what just happened, haven¡¯t you?¡±


    Dumbledore asked nonchalantly as he rose from the ground, dusting off his robes as though nothing unusual had occurred.


    Who would have thought that the esteemed headmaster of Hogwarts, widely regarded as the most powerful wizard in the world, could be knocked to the ground¡ªon his face, no less¡ªby one of his own professors? If word of this got out, his reputation would be in tatters.


    Dumbledore wasn¡¯t certain how he felt about it, but he was positive that Dugald McPhail would be ecstatic, likely trembling with excitement. And if McPhail found out, it would only be a matter of time before the entire wizarding world knew.


    To prevent such a catastrophe, Dumbledore even entertained the fleeting thought of silencing Snape permanently.


    Well¡­ this place secluded, unfrequented, and fully furnished. It would be perfect for someone wracked with guilt, like Severus, to remain indefinitely. No one would ever find him, of that I¡¯m certain, he mused.


    Meanwhile, Snape stood there, his focus inexplicably lingering on the sensation in the soles of his feet. He hadn¡¯t noticed it before, but now, seeing Dumbledore¡¯s disheveled state, a peculiar realization dawned. Why did it feel so¡­ pleasant?


    It was as though he had stepped into a stream of Felix Felicis mixed with phoenix tears¡ªa profound, inexplicable relief and satisfaction radiating from his feet, spreading through his entire being.


    If only there were a spell to preserve this feeling forever.


    ¡°Severus¡­¡±


    Dumbledore¡¯s voice pulled him from his reverie. Snape blinked, suddenly aware of an icy draft swirling through the room.


    How odd. He was certain he¡¯d shut the door earlier¡ªwhere could the wind be coming from?


    ¡°Apologies, Headmaster,¡± Snape said gravely, regaining his composure. ¡°The situation was urgent, and I had to act. That ring bears a dreadful Curse, and not even someone as powerful as you could escape its effects unscathed.¡±


    ¡°I understand, Severus. You acted to save me, and for that, I owe you my thanks.¡± Dumbledore finished dusting himself off and approached Snape.


    Both men tacitly avoided mentioning what had just transpired.


    Dumbledore¡¯s gaze returned to the ring, and a flicker of pain and internal struggle crossed his piercing blue eyes.


    ¡°What exactly that thing?¡± Snape asked, unable to hold back his curiosity.


    ¡°The Peverell family ring,¡± Dumbledore replied.


    ¡°The Peverell family¡­ as in the three brothers from the tale who possessed the Deathly Hallows?¡± Snape asked instinctively. He paused, frowning. ¡°It¡¯s just the ring of an ancient family. Famous or not, it hardly seems worth such a reaction...¡±


    A sudden thought struck him, and his expression shifted to one of disbelief.


    ¡°I see you¡¯ve guessed,¡± Dumbledore said calmly. ¡°This is the fabled Deathly Hallow, the Resurrection Stone¡ªsaid to bring back the dead.¡±


    Snape¡¯s breath quickened. His hand moved involuntarily toward the ring, his yearning evident. Sear?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Beneath his robes, Dumbledore shifted slightly but ultimately did nothing to intervene. Instead, he waved his wand, and the ring vanished


    Snape¡¯s hand froze midair, trembling with frustration. ¡°Where did you put it?¡± he demanded, his voice rough.


    ¡°Do you recall what you just said?¡± Dumbledore replied serenely. ¡°The ring is Cursed¡ªTom¡¯s magic, meant to guard his Horcrux.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t care!¡± Snape snapped. ¡°There¡¯s only one Curse. I could bear it. If I took it, you wouldn¡¯t need to worry about it anymore. Isn¡¯t that enough?¡±


    ¡°I understand your thoughts, Severus. But Lily is gone. The Resurrection Stone cannot truly bring her back.¡±


    Dumbledore¡¯s calm gaze met Snape¡¯s. ¡°Besides, have you considered Kanna? I believe she is preparing for her Most Extraordinary Society of Potioneers examination, isn¡¯t she?¡±


    Snape¡¯s breathing slowed. His voice dropped to a murmur. ¡°Perhaps she¡¯d be fine without me.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m certain she would,¡± Dumbledore said with a faint smile. ¡°Kyle is an admirable young man, and together they¡ª¡±


    ¡°Silence!¡± Snape roared, cutting him off.


    For reasons he couldn¡¯t quite articulate, his desire to touch the accursed stone abruptly dissipated.


    ¡°You must try to accept it, Severus,¡± Dumbledore said gently. ¡°They truly are a good match. And I must warn you¡ªyour objections are futile. You know this to be true.¡±


    ¡°If you say one more word,¡± Snape interrupted coldly, ¡°I will ensure The Daily Prophet publishes every detail of your recent¡­ humiliation.¡±


    For once, Dumbledore said nothing. A heavy, peculiar silence filled the Gaunt Shack.


    After an indeterminate amount of time, Snape broke the heavy silence.


    ¡°Well... how did you manage to come to your senses?¡± he asked. ¡°I noticed that your hand paused at the critical moment. Otherwise, I wouldn¡¯t have been able to catch up.¡±


    ¡°That,¡± Dumbledore began, extending his arm and studying the bloodstains that stubbornly lingered, ¡°is the most astonishing part. I never imagined that a promise I made long ago would actually save my life.¡±


    ¡°What kind of promise?¡± Snape asked, unable to suppress his curiosity. He had assumed the injuries were merely a result of the Curse.


    ¡°A magical contract,¡± Dumbledore explained. ¡°It prevents me from even about using a Horcrux. Because of this restriction, I cannot touch the Resurrection Stone¡ªit, too, is one of Tom¡¯s Horcruxes.¡±


    ¡°You knew the Dark Lord would turn the Resurrection Stone into a Horcrux?¡± Snape frowned. ¡°This was part of your plan all along, wasn¡¯t it? A precaution you prepared before coming here?¡±


    ¡°No, I didn¡¯t know,¡± Dumbledore replied, shaking his head. ¡°And the contract has existed for years. If not for today¡¯s events, I might have entirely forgotten about it.¡±


    ¡°Years?¡± Snape¡¯s confusion deepened. Who would craft a magical contract for such a purpose? Dumbledore wasn¡¯t reckless, but this seemed almost... absurd.


    ¡°It was Kyle,¡± Dumbledore said suddenly. ¡°He holds the other half of the contract. In fact, he was the one who proposed it in the first place.¡±


    ¡°Kyle?¡± Snape¡¯s expression darkened at the mention of the name. ¡°What does he have to do with any of this? And didn¡¯t you just say the contract pertains to Horcruxes?¡±


    ¡°Kyle possesses a Horcrux,¡± Dumbledore said calmly. ¡°The fabled Slytherin locket is in his hands.¡±


    Snape blinked, his mind grappling with the revelation. Ten seconds passed before the gravity of Dumbledore¡¯s words sank in.


    ¡°You gave a a Horcrux?¡± Snape¡¯s voice erupted, vibrating through the room and shaking dust from the ceiling. His neck veins bulged with fury. ¡°How dare you entrust such a dangerous object to a child! What if it¡¯s Cursed? What if someone touches it accidentally? What were you thinking?¡±


    Judging by his expression, Snape looked one impulsive step away from kicking Dumbledore again.


    ¡°Calm down, Severus, please,¡± Dumbledore interjected quickly. ¡°I¡¯ve already examined it thoroughly. There is no Curse on the locket¡ªnor any dark magic that could harm Kanna. I assure you.¡±


    Snape¡¯s anger dimmed slightly at the mention of Kanna¡¯s safety. ¡°You¡¯d better be right,¡± he muttered, his tone still sharp. For all he cared, Kyle could deal with the consequences himself. Kanna¡¯s well-being, however, was non-negotiable.


    ¡°So, this contract,¡± Snape said with a sneer, ¡°was initially meant to bind Kyle to something, wasn¡¯t it? How ironic that it ended up saving your life.¡±


    ¡°It is rather ironic,¡± Dumbledore agreed, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. ¡°But I must clarify¡ªthis was entirely Kyle¡¯s idea. I had no intention of binding him through magic.¡±


    ¡°You expect me to believe that Kyle foresaw the Resurrection Stone becoming a Horcrux?¡± Snape¡¯s voice rose again, skepticism clear in his tone.


    ¡°I don¡¯t believe he did,¡± Dumbledore murmured, his gaze drifting back to the faint bloodstains on his arm. His voice softened, almost introspective, and though he said no more, his expression suggested his thoughts remained far from the present moment.


    ...


    After securing the ring, the two left the Gaunt Shack. Dumbledore gave his wand a subtle wave, and the vines that had previously been displaced crept back up the dilapidated house. Slowly, the bushes shifted and closed together, concealing the shack once more, until it appeared as unremarkable and abandoned as before.


    ¡°What will you do with the Resurrection Stone?¡± Snape asked, his tone carefully neutral.


    ¡°It must be destroyed,¡± Dumbledore replied without hesitation.


    The destruction of the Horcrux was, of course, non-negotiable. Yet, he did not elaborate on the method or the timing of its destruction. Fiendfyre was the simplest option, but neither Dumbledore nor Snape mentioned it aloud. Perhaps both silently recalled the perils of that particular magic.


    ¡°I have other matters to attend to,¡± Dumbledore said, glancing up at the heavy clouds looming overhead. ¡°Will you continue to follow me, or are you heading back to Hogwarts?¡±


    ¡°Where are you going?¡±


    ¡°Most likely to Devon for a short while,¡± Dumbledore replied.


    ¡°I have classes this afternoon,¡± Snape said curtly, giving Dumbledore a look that suggested he had more to say but ultimately chose otherwise. After a pause, he shrugged and added, ¡°Don¡¯t mess with the Curse. If you do, you won¡¯t live to regret it.¡±


    ¡°Ah, I¡¯m well aware,¡± Dumbledore said lightly. ¡°And even if I had the inclination, I couldn¡¯t. The magical contract ensures I cannot break its restrictions on my own.¡±


    Snape remained silent, offering no further comment.


    A gust of wind swept past, rustling the hedges and dislodging a few leaves that fluttered to the ground. The two figures turned and disappeared down the dirt road, leaving the Gaunt Shack shrouded in its usual stillness once more.


    ...


    Snape arrived in Hogsmeade via Apparition, his robes billowing as he moved with purpose. Without pausing, he strode back to the school and headed straight for the greenhouse. Ignoring the curious glances of students, he dragged Kyle out with a firm grip on his arm.


    ¡°Professor, what are you doing...¡± Kyle muttered, stumbling to keep up. ¡°The exam is coming up, and Venomous Tentacula is an important topic¡ª¡±


    Snape didn¡¯t bother responding until they were far enough from the greenhouse. Then, with a cold, clipped tone, he demanded, ¡°Where is the Slytherin locket? Hand it over!¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Kyle blinked, feigning confusion.


    ¡°Don¡¯t play dumb.¡± Snape¡¯s narrowed eyes gleamed dangerously. ¡°I know you have it. Now, give it to me.¡±


    ¡°As the Head of Slytherin,¡± Snape added icily, ¡°I am entitled to any heirlooms left behind by Salazar himself.¡±


    Kyle rolled his eyes. ¡°Then maybe you should talk to Professor Dumbledore...¡± he muttered.


    ¡°Are you implying that you handed it over to the headmaster?¡± Snape sneered. ¡°Interesting. Because he¡¯s the one who told me you had the locket.¡±


    Kyle groaned inwardly. He hadn¡¯t expected Dumbledore to broadcast the information so freely. Giving Snape the locket felt like throwing raw steak to a starving Fang.


    ¡°Hand it over,¡± Snape ordered, extending his hand.


    ¡°Sorry, Professor...¡± Kyle said bluntly, ¡°but I don¡¯t have the locket anymore. I gave it to someone.¡±


    ¡°Gave it to someone?¡± Snape¡¯s expression darkened, and his voice rose sharply. ¡°Do you have any idea how dangerous that thing is?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s exactly why I gave it away,¡± Kyle replied coolly. ¡°In the wizarding world, only Nicolas Flamel has the expertise to handle such an object without destroying it.¡±


    ¡°Nicolas Flamel?¡± Snape¡¯s anger faltered momentarily, replaced by surprise. ¡°So, you didn¡¯t give it to¡ª¡±


    He stopped mid-sentence, his expression hardening.


    ¡°To whom?¡± Kyle prompted, curious now.


    ¡°Shut up. Five points from Hufflepuff,¡± Snape snapped, refusing to elaborate.


    Relieved to learn the Horcrux wasn¡¯t currently at the school, Snape turned on his heel and marched back toward the castle, leaving Kyle behind.


    Kyle, watching him retreat, couldn¡¯t help glancing toward one of the castle¡¯s uppermost windows.


    Snape¡¯s reaction confirmed something Kyle had long suspected: the professor had likely encountered other Horcruxes.


    Kyle mused. It was the only known Horcrux that hadn¡¯t yet been accounted for. But where could it be? Neither the Hogwarts library nor Sirius¡¯s collection of obscure texts had any leads. The Gaunt family held no records, either. Even Dumbledore had seemed uncertain when Kyle had subtly broached the topic.


    Kyle frowned.


    Glancing at his arm, Kyle pondered the magical contract he had once helped create. He wasn¡¯t certain it was still in effect, but if it was, it might yet serve its purpose.


    For now, though, Dumbledore remained absent. Kyle shook his head, dismissing his thoughts as he turned back toward the greenhouse.


    When he returned, Professor Sprout was instructing the class. ¡°Venomous Tentacula is a very dangerous plant,¡± she said sternly. ¡°The seedlings we¡¯re studying today aren¡¯t lethal, but a single prick is enough to land you in the Hospital Wing for a month. And don¡¯t come crying to me if you miss your exams.¡±


    This was why Venomous Tentacula was studied in the sixth year¡ªit wasn¡¯t a critical year for exams.


    After getting her approval, Kyle resumed his spot at the workbench.


    Next to him, Kanna leaned closer. ¡°What did Professor Snape want with you?¡± she asked curiously.


    Mikel and Ryan, nearby, perked up, eager to hear the answer.


    Snape¡¯s abrupt entrance earlier had startled the entire class, prompting wild speculation¡ªsome students were convinced Kyle had blown up Snape¡¯s private stores and was about to face retribution.


    ¡°Nothing,¡± Kyle replied with a shrug. ¡°He wanted the Slytherin locket from me.¡±


    ¡°A Slytherin snuffbox?¡± Mikel asked, blinking in confusion. ¡°What¡¯s that?¡±


    ¡°Idiot, it¡¯s a locket,¡± Ryan corrected. ¡°It¡¯s supposedly one of the Founders¡¯ relics¡ªone for each House. Gryffindor has the Sword, Ravenclaw has her Diadem, and Hufflepuff has the Golden Cup."


    ¡°But they¡¯ve all been lost for centuries. No one¡¯s actually seen one.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s amazing...¡± Mikel¡¯s eyes lit up, but then he turned to Kyle with suspicion. ¡°Wait, if that¡¯s true, why would Snape come to for it?¡±


    ¡°Who knows...¡± Kyle said, slipping on his dragon-hide gloves. ¡°Maybe someone said something to him.¡±


    ¡°That person must be trying to frame you!¡± Mikel said indignantly. ¡°That¡¯s awful!¡±


    ¡°Yes, I agree,¡± Kyle said, nodding in agreement.

 Chapter 682: Final Exams

    On the first Sunday of June, Dumbledore, absent from Hogwarts for quite some time, finally returned. That evening, he entered the Great Hall during dinner, accompanied by a group of elderly witches and wizards.


    The unexpected visitors immediately drew the attention of the students.


    ¡°Who are they?¡±


    ¡°I think they¡¯re the examiners...¡±


    ¡°I know! That¡¯s Professor Marchbanks, the oldest member of the Ministry of Magic¡¯s Wizarding Examinations Authority.¡±


    A buzz of speculation rippled through the hall.


    Kyle¡¯s gaze instinctively fell on Dumbledore¡¯s hands. To his relief, while they still appeared dry and wrinkled, resembling straw encased in skin, they hadn¡¯t turned black, and no strange rings adorned his fingers. Kyle exhaled softly, reassured.


    His attention shifted to the other wizards accompanying Dumbledore. Professor Tofty, an unsteady old wizard, seemed the most frail.


    Though he looked ancient, he had only recently celebrated his 100th birthday and was considered relatively young in this company. Kyle remembered him from the previous year¡¯s Charms and Herbology exams.


    Professor Marchbanks, on the other hand, appeared unchanged. Her face, with its labyrinth of wrinkles, seemed impervious to further lines¡ªit was hard to tell if age had added any more. Despite her advanced years, she appeared energetic, engaging in lively conversation with Dumbledore.


    ¡°It was a pleasant journey. We¡¯ve been here many times before,¡± she said, surveying the hall. Then, in a loud voice, she asked, ¡°I heard you wanted to run against Cornelius for Minister of Magic once. Is that true?¡±


    ¡°I think you¡¯ve been misinformed,¡± Dumbledore replied with a calm smile. ¡°My only wish is to be a good headmaster for Hogwarts. I lack the energy for additional responsibilities.¡±


    He continued, ¡°Honestly, the school¡¯s demands are quite overwhelming. Sometimes I even feel relieved to have stepped down from the International Confederation of Wizards¡ªa decision that has granted me two extra hours of sleep every night.¡±


    ¡°Albus, you¡¯re still young! You can¡¯t think about shirking your duties,¡± Professor Marchbanks chided.


    Her comment left the onlookers bemused. While her statement was technically accurate¡ªshe was over 130 years old herself¡ªthe juxtaposition with Dumbledore¡¯s gray beard and venerable appearance made it an odd remark. Most students exchanged puzzled glances, unsure whether to laugh or remain silent.


    ¡°You¡¯re absolutely right,¡± Dumbledore agreed, nodding politely. ¡°Would you care for a cup of tea? Or perhaps something to eat?¡±


    ¡°Tea will suffice,¡± Professor Marchbanks said. ¡°We ate on the way here.¡±


    With that, Dumbledore escorted the visitors to the staff common room.


    Meanwhile, the Great Hall buzzed with tension. The presence of the Wizarding Examinations Authority had created a palpable sense of dread, particularly among the fifth and seventh years.


    That night, few students managed much sleep. Common room lights stayed on well past midnight as everyone crammed feverishly.


    The following morning marked the beginning of the exams for the fifth and seventh years.


    At breakfast, Justin sat clutching a book, muttering under his breath, while Susan and Hannah, seated nearby, quizzed each other from the to ensure they had memorized it correctly.


    ¡°What do you guys have first today?¡± Kyle asked as he slid into a seat beside Cedric.


    ¡°Charms,¡± Cedric replied.


    Even Cedric seemed on edge, his hand trembling slightly as he spread jam on his bread.


    ¡°Hang in there,¡± Kyle said, giving Cedric an encouraging pat on the shoulder before heading to class.


    The sixth-year exams were scheduled a week after those for the fifth and seventh years, ensuring all students finished at the same time. However, to prevent cheating during the fifth-years'' OWLs, the professors enforced strict measures, including taking attendance three times in nearly every class to ensure no one left unnoticed.


    This vigilance was particularly intense for students with outstanding grades like Kyle and Kanna. During a Transfiguration lesson, Professor McGonagall seemed so focused on them that she nearly took a seat beside them to observe more closely.


    After class, part of the corridor leading to the OWL examination room was cordoned off, with lines drawn on the floor by wands to track anyone crossing unauthorized. By midday, three students had been penalized, each losing twenty points. If they had been sixth years, the consequences would have been harsher, with points deducted even more severely and possible detention.


    For Kyle, the days that followed were no easier. Professors appeared to target him in every class, assigning tasks seemingly designed to confirm his identity and abilities, likely to ensure he wasn¡¯t an imposter under the influence of Polyjuice Potion.


    ¡°It feels like they¡¯re the ones sitting for exams, but why do I feel like I¡¯m the one in the exam room?¡± Kyle muttered after their final Transfiguration class on Friday.


    Throughout the week, he had been made to perform numerous challenging Charms daily, revisiting almost everything he had learned and even venturing into spells beyond the standard curriculum. In the most recent Transfiguration lesson, Professor McGonagall had required him to demonstrate three Transfiguration spells, even though one was a second-degree Transfiguration spell that was only taught in seventh year.


    ¡°If I were a professor, I¡¯d do the same thing,¡± Kanna said matter-of-factly. ¡°They¡¯re making sure you¡¯re not helping any fifth-year students cheat on their OWLs.¡±


    ¡°Who could I possibly help?¡± Kyle shrugged. ¡°It¡¯s not like Harry or Ron could afford my appearance fee.¡±


    ¡°So you help if they could pay you?¡± Kanna raised an eyebrow.


    ¡°No way. I was joking,¡± Kyle replied, shaking his head. ¡°Besides, Professor Marchbanks may be old, but her eyesight is still sharp, and she has plenty of experience. Even Tonks, a Metamorphmagus, couldn¡¯t fool her, let alone Dumbledore. I¡¯d have to be out of my mind to try helping someone cheat.¡±


    Incidentally, Tonks had returned to the Ministry of Magic on the first day of exams, and the other assistant, Twycross, had other commitments and couldn¡¯t attend. This left Professor McGonagall covering Defence Against the Dark Arts for the week.


    Snape had been keen to take on the role, but Dumbledore seemed to have vetoed the idea. Recently, Snape had been walking around with a perpetually sour expression, as if everyone owed him a hundred Galleons.


    With no exams scheduled over the weekend, most students took the opportunity to catch up on their studies.


    Kyle had intended to speak with Dumbledore but wasn¡¯t sure if the Headmaster was avoiding him or had left the castle again. He had knocked on the door on the eighth floor for half the day without receiving a response. Without the password, the gargoyle guarding the entrance to the Headmaster¡¯s Office refused to budge. Frustrated, Kyle grabbed a painting from elsewhere in the castle and affixed it to the gargoyle¡¯s head with a Permanent Sticking Charm.


    ¡°Come back here, you despicable thief! You nasty little sneak!¡± bellowed Sir Cadogan, whose portrait had been forcibly relocated. Ignoring the knight¡¯s protests, Kyle made his way back to the Hufflepuff common room.


    The atmosphere there was the most studious it had been all year, with the sounds of recitation and reading filling every corner. Still, exceptions remained¡ªlike Mikel and Ryan, who sat in a corner, completely unbothered, engrossed in a game of wizard chess.


    "We''re revising too," Mikel said with a straight face. "Because only when I''m playing chess does my brain feel active enough, and the sound of everyone else revising just flows into my ears automatically."


    Kyle blinked at Mikel¡¯s earnest expression. This so-called method of revision was unlike anything he had ever heard before. It was truly an eye-opener.


    By Monday, exams for the other grades had begun as well. The first subject for the sixth years was Charms.


    The theory exam was as straightforward as ever, and Kyle completed it in just twenty minutes. Unfortunately, he wasn¡¯t allowed to leave early and had to sit quietly until the exam period ended.


    The practical exam followed, and as Kyle waited in line to enter the exam room, he noticed a group of fifth-years descending the stairs. It seemed their exam had already finished.


    When his turn came, Professor Flitwick glanced at him briefly and marked a large circle on the parchment.


    ¡°Well, you¡¯ve passed,¡± he said with a cheerful smile. ¡°I¡¯ve tested you on everything I could think of over the past week, and you handled it all without trouble. Didn¡¯t you?¡±


    Kyle nodded, a little amused.


    ¡°Good. Now, go fetch the next person.¡±


    Kyle took a leisurely stroll around the classroom before stepping out.


    Later that afternoon, the Transfiguration exam awaited. Unlike Flitwick, Professor McGonagall was much stricter. While she also awarded Kyle a perfect score as soon as he entered the room, she still made him go through all the formalities.


    On Tuesday, during the Potions exam, Kyle felt confident in the Antidote to Common Poisons he had brewed. However, with Snape glaring at him coldly throughout the process, Kyle couldn¡¯t be certain he¡¯d receive a high mark. Snape¡¯s piercing gaze felt less like an assessment of his skills and more like a personal vendetta¡ªlikely tied to his failed attempt to substitute for Defence Against the Dark Arts.


    Wednesday¡¯s Ancient Runes exam had the smallest group of students, with fewer than ten participants. Professor Babbling appeared utterly uninterested in supervising, her head bobbing as though she were on the verge of sleep.


    Cheating wasn¡¯t much of a concern anyway, as the exam content was so obscure it wouldn¡¯t help to look up answers in the textbook. Guessing seemed like a more practical strategy.


    For Defence Against the Dark Arts, the Wizarding Examinations Authority sent a substitute invigilator since the teaching assistants were unavailable. A plump witch with a constant smile oversaw the exam. Despite her friendly demeanor, she was quick to catch rule-breakers. She apprehended three students attempting to bring magical contraband into the exam room.


    One of them had hidden a magical item in the sole of his shoe.


    ¡°You¡¯ve been walking too lightly on your left foot. It¡¯s obvious you¡¯re hiding something there,¡± she said kindly but firmly. ¡°Take it out and dispose of it now, or I¡¯ll have to mark you as cheating if you enter the room.¡±


    The student flushed red, hung his head, and slunk into the next classroom, his plans thwarted.


    The final exam was History of Magic. The monotony of this subject had remained unchanged over six years, making it almost emblematic of Hogwarts. Surviving this dreary exam marked the end of the grueling exam season.


    Yet, an unusual incident occurred during the fifth-years¡¯ History of Magic exam. S§×ar?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Harry Potter had reportedly fainted in the middle of the test, muttering unintelligible phrases.


    "Potter kept saying, ''Stop... don¡¯t touch him... run...''" Susan recounted outside the castle grounds as she described the scene.


    ¡°He looked like he¡¯d fallen asleep and started dreaming. Mr. Tofty wanted to take him to the Hospital Wing, but Potter insisted he was fine,¡± she added.


    ¡°It¡¯s probably just stress,¡± Hannah suggested with a sigh. ¡°I¡¯ve been having nightmares too¡ªdreams about failing every exam. That sort of pressure is terrifying.¡±


    Despite the oddity of the incident, it didn¡¯t attract much attention. With exams finally over, everyone was eagerly anticipating the upcoming two-month holiday, and not even Harry or Voldemort could dampen their spirits.


    Kyle, however, was unsettled. After hearing about the incident, he headed straight to the Headmaster¡¯s office on the eighth floor.


    The portrait he had affixed to the gargoyle¡¯s head was gone. The gargoyle seemed amused, shrugging as though mocking him.


    Kyle narrowed his eyes, briefly considering whether to replace the portrait with a toilet seat. Before he could act, the gargoyle sprang aside, revealing the passageway behind it.


    Startled but not wasting any time, Kyle hurried up the spiral staircase. As he ascended, faint voices echoed from the office above.


    Reaching the oak door, he paused, the voices now clearer.


    ¡°Headmaster, I really saw it! Voldemort has Sirius, and he¡¯s planning to steal something from the Department of Mysteries. I¡­¡±


    ¡°Calm down, Harry.¡± Dumbledore shook his head, cutting him off gently. ¡°As far as I know, Sirius is currently elsewhere, assisting Alastor. He hasn¡¯t been captured by Voldemort. He¡¯s safe.¡±


    ¡°But¡­¡± Harry started, looking distressed, as though he wanted to argue further.


    At that moment, the oak door creaked open, and Kyle stepped into the office.


    ¡°Oh, I was wondering when you¡¯d arrive,¡± Dumbledore said, glancing at him with a faint smile. ¡°To be honest, I¡¯m not much of a fan of Sir Cadogan. He¡¯s a bit too¡­ spirited. Perhaps next time you could select a less boisterous painting.¡±


    ¡°I will,¡± Kyle replied with a small nod.


    ¡°Good,¡± Dumbledore said, turning his attention back to Harry. ¡°Now, Harry, I suggest you take some time to walk the grounds with your friends and enjoy the approaching holidays. As I said, Sirius is safe."


    ¡°And don¡¯t forget why I asked you to study Occlumency. Perhaps this vision is precisely what Voldemort wants you to see.¡±


    Harry let out a reluctant sigh, seeming to suppress his frustration. ¡°Okay. Goodbye, Headmaster.¡±


    With that, he turned and left the office, closing the door behind him.


    Once Harry was gone, Kyle frowned. ¡°Professor, didn¡¯t Harry already learn Occlumency? How is he still having these dreams?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t think he followed my advice to study it more deeply,¡± Dumbledore replied, his tone tinged with mild disappointment. ¡°And Occlumency at a basic level isn¡¯t very effective.¡±


    ¡°So, what he saw¡ªwas it fake?¡±


    ¡°It could have been real,¡± Dumbledore admitted, drumming his fingers lightly on the desk. ¡°In fact, I haven¡¯t been able to contact Sirius or Alastor directly. For now, I must wait for their reply.¡±


    ¡°Why not use a phoenix?¡± Kyle asked, glancing over at Fawkes, perched nearby.


    ¡°You need to understand something, Kyle.¡± Dumbledore shook his head. ¡°A phoenix is not a messenger. It can only deliver letters to a known location. In many cases, an owl is better suited for such tasks.¡±


    Satisfied with the explanation, Dumbledore gave Kyle an expectant look. ¡°So, what brings you here today?¡±


    Kyle hesitated, tempted to revisit Harry¡¯s vision, but decided against it. Instead, he asked, ¡°Professor, what¡¯s going on with that signature of yours? I¡¯m only a sixth-year student. Why did you agree to let me work at the Ministry of Magic?¡±


    ¡°Oh, that,¡± Dumbledore said, chuckling softly. ¡°You don¡¯t need to thank me¡ªit¡¯s the least I could do.¡±


    Kyle¡¯s eyes narrowed. Did his tone make it sound like he was thanking him?


    ¡°And,¡± Dumbledore continued, ¡°you¡¯ll be a seventh-year next year. Working at the Ministry of Magic is an excellent opportunity. Fudge¡¯s offer is remarkable. In two centuries, no one has ever been appointed as Senior Assistant to the Minister for Magic while still a student, and with a full salary, no less. You¡¯re the first.¡±


    ¡°As Headmaster, I had no reason to refuse. Besides, I consulted your father about this matter, and he agreed wholeheartedly.¡±


    Kyle¡¯s mouth twitched slightly. He hadn¡¯t realized his father had been involved in the arrangement. Apparently, he was the only one kept in the dark until the official announcement had been made.

 Chapter 683: The Mutual Harm Between Kyle and Dumbledore

    Dumbledore was clearly enjoying himself, his eyes twinkling with delight as he observed Kyle¡¯s helpless expression. He looked so pleased that he seemed on the verge of laughing out loud.


    The petty side of the Hogwarts headmaster had not forgotten the relentless avalanche of owls and teasing letters he had received in the past, poking fun at the idea of him becoming Minister of Magic. Those memories had left him contemplating how to make Kyle feel the same frustration, especially since it was clear Kyle wasn¡¯t fond of the tedious bureaucracy of the Ministry.


    However, the unexpected announcement by Fudge in the ¡ªpublicly admitting that You-Know-Who had returned¡ªhad been a pleasant surprise for Dumbledore. He was acutely aware that this was Kyle¡¯s doing; Fudge would never have made such an admission unless Voldemort had marched into his office and handed over his wand.


    Because of that, Dumbledore had already abandoned any notion of getting even with Kyle. But then, Fudge had delivered an unexpected twist that very afternoon.


    When the Ministry of Magic sent an exceptional employment form for Kyle, Dumbledore had signed it almost instinctively. The offer was too extraordinary to decline: a sixth-year Hogwarts student being appointed as Senior Assistant to the Minister for Magic, complete with a full salary.


    As he had told Chris, it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Refusing such an offer would have been irrational.


    Kyle¡¯s opinion, of course, wasn¡¯t factored into the decision.


    Dumbledore glanced again at Kyle, who stood silently before him. The satisfaction of the moment tempted him to indulge in a slice of egg and custard pie.


    But as Kyle prepared to leave, Dumbledore called out to him.


    ¡°Yes, Professor?¡± Kyle responded flatly. ¡°I still need to write a report.¡±


    ¡°Already back to work?¡± Dumbledore asked, his tone light. ¡°What is it about? Perhaps I can assist you.¡±


    ¡°Oh, it¡¯s quite simple,¡± Kyle replied calmly. ¡°A report on cutting the salary and benefits of the Hogwarts headmaster. I¡¯ve always felt that even the headmaster shouldn¡¯t be absent for two months without a valid reason.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s an excellent suggestion,¡± Dumbledore said with a smile, his calm demeanor suggesting he didn¡¯t feel personally affected. ¡°However, I must clarify something. My absence wasn¡¯t without reason. On the contrary, I was away on a matter of great importance.¡±


    With a wave of his wand, a golden ring set with a jewel appeared on the desk before him.


    Kyle¡¯s eyes widened slightly as recognition dawned.


    ¡°Oh, so you recognize it,¡± Dumbledore said softly, his gaze fixed on Kyle as he tapped a finger on the table.


    ¡°Yes. A Horcrux,¡± Kyle replied evenly. ¡°I¡¯ve seen them plenty of times before. This one belongs to Voldemort as well, doesn¡¯t it?¡±


    Dumbledore didn¡¯t respond immediately. He held Kyle¡¯s gaze for a moment longer before replying, ¡°I don¡¯t believe there is anyone else in the wizarding world who would go to the lengths of creating a Horcrux, except him.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, that sounds about right,¡± Kyle agreed with a nod.


    ¡°I have you to thank for this,¡± Dumbledore said, extending his arm to reveal the bloodied scars, now scabbed over, that marred his skin.


    ¡°You were injured?¡± Kyle asked, a faint frown crossing his face.


    ¡°This is the price of breaking a magical contract,¡± Dumbledore explained. ¡°For reasons I cannot entirely explain, I succumbed to the temptation of the Horcrux¡ªthe overwhelming desire to use it."


    ¡°Thankfully, the contract we established earlier prevented me from fully succumbing. Without it, touching the ring might have cost me my life."


    ¡°I am ashamed,¡± Dumbledore admitted. ¡°I always believed myself strong enough to resist such temptations. But I was wrong. You saved my life.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s nothing,¡± Kyle replied with a shake of his head. ¡°Voldemort¡¯s arrogance is his downfall. He always chooses incredibly precious magical items as vessels for his Horcruxes. To him, they¡¯re symbols of honor, but to others, they¡¯re treasures too irresistible to ignore.¡±


    ¡°In fact, even Nicolas almost couldn¡¯t resist wearing Ravenclaw¡¯s Diadem when he saw it,¡± Kyle remarked casually. ¡°So it¡¯s only natural that you, Professor, would feel the same way.¡±


    ¡°Wait, did you just say Ravenclaw¡¯s Diadem?¡± Dumbledore¡¯s eyes widened, his expression shifting to incredulity. ¡°When exactly did you find another Horcrux?¡±


    ¡°Ahem...¡± Kyle froze, realizing his slip. Attempting to recover, he said hastily, ¡°Actually, I meant Slytherin¡¯s locket¡­ The Diadem has been lost for nearly a thousand years. How could I possibly find it?¡±


    Dumbledore raised a skeptical brow. It was clear he wasn¡¯t buying such a flimsy excuse.


    ¡°Sometimes the truths we try hardest to suppress slip out unconsciously,¡± Dumbledore said in a measured tone. ¡°When did this happen?¡±


    ¡°Well¡­ not long ago,¡± Kyle muttered, his voice barely audible. ¡°About a year ago.¡±


    ¡°A year ago?¡± Dumbledore¡¯s chest tightened as though he¡¯d been struck.


    Ravenclaw¡¯s Diadem¡ªan artifact of unmatched significance, treasured by scholars and alchemists alike, himself included. And yet, Kyle had discovered it and chosen not to tell him.


    To make matters worse, Nicolas had apparently known as well and also kept it from him. A whole year of secrecy, a conspiracy between the two, and not a word to him. Was his nearly century-long friendship with Nicolas Flamel worth so little?


    As he recalled Nicolas¡¯s benign expression during their meeting yesterday, Dumbledore felt a pang of betrayal.


    ¡°Where is the Diadem now?¡± Dumbledore asked, his voice carefully controlled.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± Kyle answered truthfully. ¡°After I returned from Nicolas¡¯s house last Christmas, Rowena Ravenclaw took it to speak with the Grey Lady. I¡¯m not sure where they are now, but they¡¯re probably somewhere in the castle.¡±


    ¡°Rowena Ravenclaw?¡± Dumbledore¡¯s eyelid twitched, the implications dawning on him. ¡°You don¡¯t mean to say¡­¡±


    ¡°Yes, Rowena Ravenclaw,¡± Kyle confirmed. ¡°One of the Founders of Hogwarts. Part of her consciousness is attached to the Diadem. Both Nicolas and I have spoken with her¡ªshe¡¯s very insightful. We had some fruitful discussions.¡±


    Dumbledore¡¯s hand slammed onto the table with a thud. For a moment, the light in his piercing blue eyes dimmed, and he seemed lost in thought.


    ¡°Are you all right, Professor?¡± Kyle asked, genuine concern in his voice.


    ¡°I¡¯m fine,¡± Dumbledore replied stiffly, quickly regaining his composure.


    Despite the profound regret of missing an opportunity to converse with Rowena Ravenclaw herself, Dumbledore took solace in knowing the Diadem was still within the school. There was still a chance to see it¡ªand possibly her.


    This revelation also resolved another lingering question in his mind.


    Perhaps Kyle¡¯s insistence on creating magical contracts to safeguard against Horcruxes wasn¡¯t overcautious after all. Dumbledore now believed that anyone aware of Horcruxes and determined to pursue them should bind themselves with similar protections. The temptation posed by an artifact like the Diadem, imbued with the consciousness of one of the Founders, was undeniable.


    Still, one question remained unanswered. How could Voldemort have chosen such a priceless item to serve as a Horcrux? Did he not realize it harbored a fragment of Rowena Ravenclaw¡¯s consciousness?


    Dumbledore doubted Kyle was lying¡ªespecially given Nicolas¡¯s involvement. He resolved to question Nicolas later to confirm the details.


    As Dumbledore pondered, Kyle had approached the desk and was now examining the ring closely.


    To Kyle, the Horcrux looked distinctly underwhelming. It resembled a cheap Muggle trinket, the kind one could buy for five pounds. The single gemstone, which might once have been its only redeeming feature, was marred by a small crack¡ªas though it had been carelessly dropped and damaged.


    ¡°Professor¡­¡± Kyle asked quietly, ¡°you didn¡¯t destroy the Horcrux by splitting it with the Gryffindor sword, did you?¡±


    ¡°Of course not,¡± Dumbledore replied, shaking his head. ¡°The Gryffindor sword is sharp, but it cannot destroy a Horcrux. The crack in the stone was already there. I believe Cadmus Peverell himself smashed it in anger when he realized the stone couldn¡¯t truly bring someone back to life.¡±


    Dumbledore spoke with an overly calm tone, clearly trying to provoke a reaction. He had enjoyed the shocked outburst Snape had made when he first explained the ring¡¯s history and expected Kyle to react similarly.


    ¡°Oh, Voldemort really is a loser!¡± Kyle exclaimed, but his tone was more amused than astonished.


    Dumbledore raised an eyebrow, surprised by Kyle¡¯s lack of reverence. ¡°I assume you¡¯ve read ? Aren¡¯t you astonished to be looking at the Resurrection Stone, one of the Deathly Hallows?¡±


    ¡°Surprised? Yes,¡± Kyle admitted. ¡°But I¡¯ve seen another one before and even studied it for a while. Honestly, this is just a clever piece of alchemy."


    ¡°Whether it¡¯s the Philosopher¡¯s Stone, the Time-Turner that lets you travel back a thousand years, or Ravenclaw¡¯s Diadem, none of them are any less extraordinary than this.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ve seen it?¡± Dumbledore asked, his interest piqued as his fingers instinctively brushed the pocket of his robes.


    ¡°Harry¡¯s Cloak of Invisibility,¡± Kyle stated plainly. ¡°When I was bored, I looked through at Sirius¡¯s house. It mentioned that the Peverell family¡¯s descendants included both the Gaunt family and the Potter family.¡±


    ¡°And how did you conclude that this is connected to Harry?¡± Dumbledore asked, his curiosity deepening.


    ¡°Because Harry once mentioned that his father used the Cloak of Invisibility when he was at Hogwarts,¡± Kyle explained. ¡°Mr. Potter had it for at least twenty years, but the best Invisibility Cloaks on the market only last ten years due to the limitations of Demiguise fur."


    ¡°The only way Harry¡¯s Cloak could still be functional after all this time is if it belonged to Ignotus Peverell, the third brother.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s remarkable,¡± Dumbledore said, clapping his hands lightly. ¡°I doubt even Harry himself realizes this.¡±


    ¡°If he¡¯d bothered to read he would have known,¡± Kyle said dryly. ¡°But he didn¡¯t even open it after having it for two months. He nearly threw it out, calling it trash.¡±


    ¡°That, I¡¯m afraid, is one of Harry¡¯s greatest weaknesses,¡± Dumbledore said with a faint smile.


    ¡°This Horcrux hasn¡¯t been destroyed yet,¡± Kyle pointed out, his gaze flickering to the ring. ¡°I suggest giving it to Nicolas. He has the expertise and experience to handle it properly.¡±


    ¡°I just returned from Devon,¡± Dumbledore replied. ¡°But this Horcrux is protected by a particularly potent curse. Nicolas¡¯s methods won¡¯t work unless the curse is removed first."


    ¡°He recommended destroying the Horcrux by force, but I find myself without a suitable weapon. I¡¯ve heard you¡¯re supplying Basilisk venom to St. Mungo¡¯s for one thousand Galleons per pint.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s correct,¡± Kyle said, producing a small bottle of venom no larger than his thumb. ¡°If you need it, I can give you a very good discount. How about five hundred Galleons?¡±


    Dumbledore glanced at the bottle, raising an eyebrow. ¡°But there doesn¡¯t seem to be a pint here¡­¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s why I¡¯m offering a discount,¡± Kyle said calmly.


    ¡°Fair enough,¡± Dumbledore said with a smile, placing a bag of Galleons on the table.


    Kyle handed over the bottle and casually asked, ¡°Professor, how do you plan to deal with the curse afterward? If Voldemort placed it on the Horcrux, it¡¯s bound to be dangerous."


    ¡°And once the Horcrux is destroyed, the magical contract we made will be rendered useless, correct?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re absolutely right,¡± Dumbledore agreed. ¡°The contract¡¯s protection only extends to the Horcrux itself.¡±


    ¡°Professor, I think it would be safer if I kept this,¡± Kyle suggested, glancing at Dumbledore¡¯s injured arm. ¡°At least I wouldn¡¯t be tempted to touch it.¡±


    ¡°I understand your reasoning, Kyle, but that is entirely out of the question,¡± Dumbledore said softly, though his tone left no room for argument.


    ¡°Understood,¡± Kyle said with a shrug. Seeing that Dumbledore wouldn¡¯t budge, he decided not to press the matter further and prepared to leave.


    Before Kyle reached the door, he turned back and said, ¡°I think you could find a Death Eater and throw the ring at him to lift the curse. Or Dementors would do. There were sixty of them that defected to Voldemort before¡ªmight as well put them to good use.¡±


    Dumbledore, lost in thought, suddenly brightened. Of course¡ªhow had he forgotten about the Dementors? S§×ar?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Throwing the ring at a Death Eater might be too ruthless, even for him, but using Dementors was another matter. Those creatures, formed of pure malevolence, were essentially walking curses themselves.


    Moreover, Dumbledore had already pinpointed the location of the rogue Dementors¡ªa remote island to the south. He¡¯d been planning to deal with them after the school holidays, and this task could align perfectly with that mission.


    When Dumbledore looked up again, Kyle had already left, leaving only Fawkes, still dozing on his perch.


    The headmaster¡¯s thoughts drifted back to Ravenclaw¡¯s Diadem, and his mood darkened once more. His intuition told him Kyle had deliberately let the Diadem slip into the conversation as a subtle act of revenge for his signing the Ministry induction form.


    If that had been Kyle¡¯s intent, he had succeeded spectacularly. Dumbledore couldn¡¯t shake the feeling of frustration and disappointment. Knowing that Rowena Ravenclaw herself was in the castle, yet being unable to see or speak with her, left him so dejected that even his favorite Cockroach Clusters held no appeal.


    The headmaster wasn¡¯t the only one unsettled by the revelation. The portraits on the walls, usually feigning sleep or disinterest, were suddenly abuzz with chatter.


    Rowena Ravenclaw¡ªone of the most brilliant minds in wizarding history, whose wisdom and creativity had remained unmatched for a thousand years. The mere thought of conversing with her, even briefly, was an unparalleled dream for any wizard.


    One by one, the portraits vanished from their frames, abandoning their usual stoic demeanor.


    This sudden activity caused a stir within the castle.


    Soon, students began noticing unfamiliar faces in the frames scattered across Hogwarts.


    The first incident occurred in Gryffindor Tower. The Fat Lady, keeper of the common room entrance, was seen deep in conversation with a curly-haired witch in her frame. She seemed so engrossed that she completely ignored the students¡¯ attempts to enter.


    ¡°Hey! Pumpkin Fizz!¡± Seamus shouted the password for the third time, his voice tinged with impatience.


    The Fat Lady, however, paid him no mind. She was too excited, speaking animatedly, her voice high-pitched and enthusiastic.


    When Seamus opened his mouth to call out again, he was interrupted by a sharp, piercing scream. The Fat Lady, overcome with excitement, vanished from her frame in a blur of uncharacteristic speed.


    Seamus and the handful of other Gryffindor students waiting in the corridor exchanged baffled looks.


    ¡°How are we supposed to get in now?¡± Neville groaned. ¡°I¡¯ve been waiting here for an hour!¡±


    But the Fat Lady had already disappeared into another painting, far beyond earshot.


    Just then, the common room door swung open from the inside. Harry emerged in a rush, followed closely by Ron and Hermione.


    ¡°Oh, thank goodness, you¡ª¡± Neville began, only to watch the trio vanish down the corridor without a word.


    ¡°They¡¯re always like that¡ªso secretive. No idea what they¡¯re up to,¡± Seamus muttered, catching the door before it could close. ¡°All right, let¡¯s get in. Hopefully the Fat Lady will be back soon. I¡¯m not spending the next few days locked out here.¡±


    With that, he ducked through the passage into the common room.


    Neville, not wanting to be left behind, hurried in after him.

 Chapter 684: The Battle of the Department of Mysteries

    Kyle struggled to put his feelings into words. He had barely been asleep for ten minutes before being abruptly woken up. S§×arch* The ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°Fred, George, you¡¯d better have a good explanation,¡± he muttered, sitting up and rubbing his face in an attempt to shake off his grogginess.


    It was surprising enough to see the Weasley twins in the Hufflepuff dormitory. As for Mikel and Ryan, their beds were conspicuously empty¡ªno doubt they were still in the common room playing wizard chess, having announced their intention to pull an all-nighter.


    ¡°I know you¡¯re about to graduate, and you don¡¯t want to leave Hogwarts,¡± Kyle said with a touch of irritation, ¡°but sacrificing your sleep to wander around doesn¡¯t seem worth it. I¡¯ll still be here next year.


    ¡°And more importantly,¡± he added, his curiosity piqued, ¡°this is the dormitory. How did you even get in here?¡±


    ¡°Cedric showed us in, of course,¡± Fred answered with a grin.


    ¡°Never mind that,¡± George cut in, his tone more serious. ¡°You¡¯ve been to the Headmaster¡¯s Office, haven¡¯t you?¡±


    Kyle nodded. ¡°Yes, why?¡±


    ¡°Has the Order of the Phoenix been active recently?¡± Fred asked in a hushed voice.


    ¡°I haven¡¯t heard anything about that,¡± Kyle replied after a moment of thought. ¡°Why are you asking?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s strange,¡± George murmured, sounding doubtful. ¡°If there¡¯s nothing going on, then why did Harry and the others leave the school?¡±


    ¡°Leave school? What do you mean?¡±


    ¡°They just disappeared¡ªflew away into the night,¡± Fred explained. ¡°We were talking about the plans for our joke shop when we looked up and saw Harry flying in the sky.¡±


    ¡°And Ron and Hermione,¡± George added.


    ¡°They were riding something, though we couldn¡¯t see it properly,¡± Fred said. ¡°Probably Thestrals, I¡¯d guess.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Kyle exclaimed, his drowsiness vanishing instantly.


    It didn¡¯t take long for him to piece it together. Despite Dumbledore¡¯s clear warnings, Harry must have believed his dream about Voldemort. There was no doubt in Kyle¡¯s mind where Harry was headed: the Ministry of Magic. He had overheard Harry mentioning it outside the Headmaster¡¯s Office earlier.


    And it was almost certainly a trap. If Harry went there, Death Eaters would either be waiting or would arrive shortly after.


    ¡°When did this happen?¡± Kyle asked urgently.


    ¡°About two hours ago,¡± Fred replied after a brief pause. ¡°We were arguing about our shop¡¯s opening events when it suddenly came to mind¡­ Hey, Kyle, where are you going?¡±


    Ignoring the twins¡¯ bewildered expressions, Kyle jumped out of bed and bolted out of the common room.


    As he dashed toward the eighth floor, he unexpectedly ran into Dumbledore, who stood near the entrance to the Gryffindor common room.


    ¡°Professor!¡± Kyle called out, rushing over. He quickly relayed everything Fred and George had told him.


    ¡°I already know,¡± Dumbledore said quietly, his face unusually pale.


    ¡°Not long ago, I received confirmation that Sirius is safe and sound. I was on my way to tell Harry, but it seems I was too late."


    ¡°I believe they must have left while I was destroying the Horcrux...¡±


    ¡°So what do we do now?¡± Kyle asked urgently. ¡°Are we going to the Ministry of Magic?¡±


    ¡°I will go,¡± Dumbledore replied firmly. ¡°You¡¯ll be safest here at the school.¡±


    ¡°No,¡± Kyle said, shaking his head resolutely. ¡°They¡¯re heading to the Department of Mysteries. My mum works there.¡±


    Dumbledore hesitated. He wanted to reassure Kyle, to tell him that his mother, Diana, was perfectly safe. But the words wouldn¡¯t come.


    If their roles were reversed, Dumbledore knew he wouldn¡¯t be able to stay behind based solely on someone else¡¯s assurances.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay, Professor,¡± Kyle said quickly, his voice steady. ¡°As long as the opponent isn¡¯t Voldemort, those Death Eaters are no match for me.¡±


    ¡°The Death Eaters are not as weak as you think, Kyle,¡± Dumbledore replied seriously. ¡°Many of them were once the most skilled wizards of their time, forged by the brutality of war.¡±


    Kyle didn¡¯t argue. Instead, he opened his suitcase, revealing its contents with a practiced motion.


    Dumbledore sighed. ¡°Er¡­ fine.¡±


    In just a moment, he seemed to change his mind. ¡°Take my hand,¡± he said.


    Kyle immediately grabbed Dumbledore¡¯s arm. Fawkes flew in from a distance, landing gracefully on Dumbledore¡¯s shoulder.


    A familiar sensation of spinning overtook them, and the corridor with its portraits vanished. When Kyle opened his eyes, they were standing in a dark, foreboding passageway.


    ¡°Are we at the Ministry of Magic?¡± Kyle asked, forcing his eyes to focus and swallowing down the queasy feeling in his stomach.


    ¡°Yes,¡± Dumbledore replied, looking intently toward the black door at the end of the corridor. ¡°This is the entrance to the Department of Mysteries. I don¡¯t think we¡¯re too late¡ªthey should still be inside.¡±


    Kyle stepped forward quickly, but paused when he noticed Dumbledore had not followed. Instead, the headmaster stood motionless, wand drawn, his gaze fixed on the far end of the corridor.


    ¡°So, you truly are here, Tom,¡± Dumbledore said coldly.


    From the shadows emerged a tall, thin figure in a black hood. His snake-like red eyes gleamed with malice.


    ¡°Ah, Dumbledore¡­¡± Voldemort¡¯s voice was as chilling as ever, dripping with mockery.


    Kyle felt an icy shiver down his spine but had no time to dwell on it.


    Dumbledore and Voldemort raised their wands simultaneously, and the narrow passage exploded with a clash of green and red light. The walls shook, and the air seemed to crackle with magical energy.


    Seizing the moment, Kyle dashed to the black door, pushed it open, and slipped inside. The door shut behind him, cutting off the sounds of the duel outside as if they had never existed.


    Breathing heavily, Kyle steadied himself. Dumbledore could hold his own against Voldemort. The real threat was ahead, and he needed to focus on the Death Eaters inside the Department of Mysteries.


    Unlike the eerie silence of his last visit, the space was alive with chaos¡ªscreams, explosions, and the sounds of spells clashing echoed faintly through the chambers.


    As he ventured deeper, Kyle came upon the Hall of Prophecy, a vast space lined with towering shelves of glowing orbs.


    In the middle of the room, Harry stood with his wand in one hand and a crystal prophecy globe in the other, facing off against a woman with wild, tangled hair.


    ¡°Where¡¯s Sirius?¡± Harry demanded, his voice trembling with anger. ¡°You¡¯ve got him, I know it¡ªhe¡¯s here!¡±


    ¡°Ho ho, the baby wakes from his nightmare and thinks it¡¯s real,¡± Bellatrix Lestrange mocked in her high-pitched, grating voice. It was sharp and jarring, like glass being scraped with a saw.


    ¡°Oh, Bellatrix,¡± another voice drawled. Lucius Malfoy stepped forward, his tone dripping with derision. ¡°You don¡¯t understand Potter as I do. He has a fatal flaw¡ªpersonal heroism. The Dark Lord counts on it.¡±


    ¡°I know Sirius is here!¡± Harry shouted, his voice more desperate now. ¡°I saw you capture him!¡±


    Lucius chuckled darkly. ¡°Learn to distinguish between dreams and reality, Potter. Now, hand over the prophecy globe, and perhaps we¡¯ll let you see Sirius.¡±


    Harry didn¡¯t move, his confidence shaken. Lucius¡¯s words¡ªand the smug look on his face¡ªwere convincing. Sirius wasn¡¯t here. Dumbledore had been right all along. It was a trap, and Harry had walked straight into it.


    A chill crept through Harry¡¯s limbs as guilt overwhelmed him. His stomach felt as though it had tied itself into knots. Because of his mistake, Ron and Hermione had been dragged here, risking their lives for nothing.


    ¡°Harry¡­¡± Hermione whispered, gently tapping his shoulder. She shook her head slightly, her expression urging him not to make any rash decisions.


    ¡°Oh, how touching,¡± Bellatrix sneered, her manic energy crackling through the room. ¡°Look at them¡ªso serious, as if they think they can actually fight us.


    ¡°If you give me the prophecy,¡± she added mockingly, ¡°I might consider letting you all die together.¡±


    ¡°Shut up!¡± Harry shouted, his frustration boiling over.


    Bellatrix burst into laughter, the sound unhinged and grating.


    ¡°Did you hear that? He¡¯s giving me orders!¡± she cackled.


    Her laughter cut off abruptly, replaced by a twisted sneer. ¡°Who gave you the nerve to give me orders?¡±


    ¡°¡±


    Harry froze, caught off guard. Fortunately, Hermione reacted swiftly, shoving him out of the way just in time to avoid the Cruciatus Curse.


    ¡°Are you mad?¡± Lucius barked at Bellatrix. ¡°If you break it¡ª¡±


    ¡°No one orders me but the Dark Lord!¡± Bellatrix snapped, her chest heaving. ¡°Anyone who does will die!¡±


    Her frenzied breathing slowed as she regained control, and her cruel grin returned.


    ¡°Seize his companions!¡± she barked. ¡°Let¡¯s see if the boy can stay indifferent while his friends are being tortured!¡±


    ...


    "Don''t even think about it!" Sirius¡¯s voice rang out as he burst into the room, wand aimed directly at Bellatrix.


    The spell hit its mark, sending Bellatrix hurtling backward into a towering shelf of prophecy balls. The impact triggered a cascade, shattering dozens of orbs, their contents spilling forth like a ghostly rain of milky-white figures. Countless murmured voices filled the room, overlapping so chaotically that no one could discern the words.


    "Run!"


    The shout came from two more figures bursting into the room¡ªMoody and Mr. Weasley. Moody moved to block the advancing Death Eaters, while Mr. Weasley ushered Harry and his friends toward the nearest door.


    ¡°Mr. Weasley, what are you doing here?¡± Harry asked, his voice laced with shock.


    ¡°We got a message from Dumbledore and came as fast as we could,¡± Mr. Weasley answered quickly. ¡°But Harry, you shouldn¡¯t have come.¡±


    ¡°Arthur¡¯s right,¡± Sirius said as he caught up with them. ¡°Even if you came here to save me, I have to say it¡ªthis was far too reckless. Even if I really had been captured, the last thing I¡¯d want is for you to risk your life, let alone bring Hermione and Ron into this.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± Harry muttered, staring at the floor.


    ¡°We insisted on coming!¡± Ron interjected, trying to deflect the blame. ¡°When Harry said no, we followed him anyway.¡±


    ¡°Idiots,¡± Moody snapped, glancing sideways at Sirius. ¡°What have you been teaching them? Dumbledore should¡¯ve let me take over the younger classes.¡±


    Sirius said nothing, his lips pressing into a thin line.


    ¡°Enough,¡± Mr. Weasley said firmly, breaking the tension. ¡°Run! There are nearly twenty Death Eaters here, and we don¡¯t have enough people to hold them off. Damn it, how did they get so many?¡±


    ¡°But Dumbledore should be here soon,¡± Moody added, his magical eye whirling. ¡°We just need to buy him some time.¡±


    The group fled through door after door, weaving aimlessly through the labyrinthine chambers of the Department of Mysteries, the Death Eaters in relentless pursuit.


    Kyle, following the sounds of chaos, arrived at the Hall of Prophecy moments later. The sight was disorienting¡ªa graveyard of shattered prophecy balls, their remains glinting like broken stars on the floor. Most of the shelves had toppled over, their contents lost to the destruction.


    ¡°Aha! I knew someone would still be here,¡± came a sinister voice from the shadows.


    A figure in a black hood emerged from behind one of the few intact shelves. His tone turned gleeful as he continued, ¡°You¡¯re another Hogwarts student, aren¡¯t you? If we catch you, we can force Potter to hand over the prophecy he took!¡±


    ¡°Not a bad idea,¡± Kyle replied with a calm smile. Instead of panicking, he tilted his head with interest. ¡°But I thought I heard Sirius and Moody¡¯s voices earlier. Let me guess¡ªyou stayed behind because you were too scared to face them.¡±


    ¡°Lies!¡± the Death Eater snapped, his high-pitched voice cracking slightly. ¡°I am the Dark Lord¡¯s most loyal servant! Fear? Never! I outsmarted them! And now I¡¯ve got you.¡±


    Kyle shrugged nonchalantly. ¡°Then I guess you¡¯re in luck.¡±


    ¡°Enough!¡± the Death Eater barked, his wand drawn as he stepped closer. ¡°Once I have you, Potter will have to give up the prophecy! The Dark Lord will reward me personally. Oh, the glory¡­¡±


    The man¡¯s excitement grew as he noticed Kyle standing unarmed, his hands at his sides. It blinded him to the faint movement behind him¡ªthe subtle glint of dark blue eyes watching from the shadows.


    ¡°You¡¯d better stand still and¡ª¡±


    Before the Death Eater could finish, he was violently thrown backward. A massive crystal spear, forged from shards of broken prophecy balls, had appeared out of thin air, piercing through him with a sickening crunch and pinning him to a nearby shelf.


    As the dust settled, Kyle¡¯s wand slipped into his hand from his sleeve, and the suitcase, where an orange-yellow eye blinked back at him.


    ¡°You should be at Hogwarts right now, not here,¡± said a familiar voice from behind him.


    Kyle sighed in relief, turning to find Diana standing not far away.


    ¡°Mum,¡± he said, surprised but reassured. ¡°I heard Death Eaters might come to the Department of Mysteries, and Voldemort too. I brought Dumbledore with me¡ªhe should be able to help you.¡±


    Diana shook her head. ¡°Do you think I need help?¡±


    Kyle glanced nervously at the Death Eater still pinned to the shelf by the crystalline spear. ¡°Well... should I head back now?¡±


    ¡°Forget it,¡± Diana said with a resigned sigh. ¡°It¡¯s even more dangerous outside the Department of Mysteries right now.¡±


    With a flick of her wand, the crystal spear transformed into a shimmering figure that dragged the howling Death Eater into the shadows, vanishing into the darkness.


    ¡°Didn¡¯t your father tell you?¡± Diana asked as she approached. ¡°Unspeakables are absolutely safe in the Department of Mysteries. Even if Voldemort were to turn this place upside down, he wouldn¡¯t find us.¡±


    ¡°Er... no, he never mentioned it,¡± Kyle admitted.


    Diana narrowed her eyes, and for a brief moment, a cold glint flashed in them.


    Kyle quickly realized he might have inadvertently implicated Chris and hurried to change the subject with a sheepish grin. ¡°Mum, are you okay dealing with the Death Eaters?¡±


    ¡°Why should we care?¡± Diana replied indifferently.


    ¡°This place seems important,¡± Kyle said, gesturing toward the Hall of Prophecy, which was in utter disarray. Shattered orbs and toppled shelves littered the floor, creating a chaotic mess.


    ¡°Oh, that,¡± Diana said dismissively, waving her wand. Instantly, the room began to restore itself. Shelves stood upright once more, and unbroken prophecy balls reappeared, filling their original spots.


    ¡°Only those directly involved in a prophecy can retrieve the corresponding prophecy ball from the Department of Mysteries,¡± Diana explained. ¡°If anyone else tries, the prophecy balls can¡¯t be permanently destroyed. They¡¯ll repair themselves, just like this. And even if someone breaks them, they won¡¯t hear the actual prophecy.¡±


    ¡°Ah, I see,¡± Kyle said, nodding in understanding. It explained why the Death Eaters had caused so much destruction without anyone from the Department intervening¡ªthey simply didn¡¯t care.


    They talked for a while longer, but Diana noticed Kyle¡¯s frequent glances toward the door on the far side of the room.


    ¡°Want to help?¡± she asked.


    ¡°Yeah,¡± Kyle admitted. ¡°Since I¡¯m already here, I might as well do something useful.¡±


    ¡°Are you sure?¡± Diana asked, raising an eyebrow. ¡°There are quite a few Death Eaters here, and a Wampus Cat isn¡¯t going to make much of a difference. Besides, I can¡¯t assist you directly for certain... reasons.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s okay. I¡¯ve got more than just a Wampus Cat,¡± Kyle said confidently as he opened his suitcase.


    A shadow darted out and rubbed its massive head affectionately against Kyle¡¯s hand.


    Diana¡¯s eyes widened slightly. ¡°A Nundu¡­¡±


    Before she could say more, a massive black dog with three heads struggled out of the suitcase.


    ¡°Fluffy?¡± Diana muttered, recognizing the giant Three-Headed Dog.


    Kyle grinned. ¡°I borrowed him when we passed the Forbidden Forest for a Care of Magical Creatures lesson. He¡¯s grown a bit, hasn¡¯t he?¡±


    Fluffy was indeed much larger than before¡ªone of his legs was now nearly as tall as Kyle himself.


    Diana¡¯s attention shifted to another scaly head that briefly emerged from the suitcase. It sneezed two small streams of fire before retreating back inside.


    ¡°A Norwegian Ridgeback?¡± Diana said, pinching the bridge of her nose.


    ¡°I borrowed that too,¡± Kyle said with a smile. ¡°Last time, you told me not to take on the Death Eaters directly and to use my advantages. So... I prepared.¡±


    ¡°Oh, and I have a Basilisk,¡± he added matter-of-factly. ¡°But it can¡¯t distinguish between friend and foe, so I didn¡¯t let it out. Wouldn¡¯t want to accidentally harm anyone on our side.¡±


    Diana rubbed her forehead, sighing deeply. She had indeed advised him to use his advantages, but this level of preparation was what she had in mind.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Kyle asked innocently. ¡°Isn¡¯t this enough?¡±


    ¡°Put the Nundu back,¡± Diana said firmly, her patience thinning.


    The Nundu, known for its potential to wipe out entire regions, was no safer than a Basilisk¡ªit was far more catastrophic.


    ¡°Oh.¡± Kyle obediently scooped up the protesting Nundu and stuffed it back into the suitcase.


    Diana¡¯s heart skipped a beat again as she watched her son nonchalantly handle one of the most dangerous magical creatures in existence.


    Finally, without another word, she pointed to a door on the right.


    ¡°Go through there,¡± she said, her tone exasperated. ¡°Keep going, and you¡¯ll find them.¡±

 Chapter 685: Who Said I Came Alone

    In a room resembling a grand conference hall, the Death Eaters caught up with Harry and the others, who were desperately trying to escape.


    ¡°Stop!¡± Bellatrix cried, flinging a spell that hit Ron, who was lagging behind. He collapsed to the ground, and she swiftly grabbed him, locking his neck in a chokehold.


    ¡°Gotcha, you running rats,¡± Bellatrix said gleefully, her eyes darting toward Harry. ¡°Guess how long he¡¯ll last under Cruciatus? I remember the Longbottoms holding out for three hours. Such sweet screaming...¡± She glanced down at Ron, still struggling in her grasp. ¡°Can you outlast them? I hope so,¡± she muttered, her grin widening.


    ¡°Leave me alone,¡± Ron said shakily, his legs trembling in terror, but his voice remained steady. ¡°Leave me alone, Harry. The prophecy must not fall into You-Know-Who¡¯s hands.¡±


    Bellatrix raised her wand, aiming directly at Ron¡¯s head. ¡°¡± she yelled.


    Ron let out a gut-wrenching scream and curled into a ball under the assault of the curse.


    ¡°Ron!¡± Mr. Weasley shouted in anguish, struggling to free himself from the grip of two Death Eaters holding him back.


    Seeing Ron in agony and hearing Mr. Weasley¡¯s frantic cries, Harry hesitated before reluctantly raising his hand, offering the prophecy globe.


    ¡°No, Harry! The Death Eaters won¡¯t keep their word!¡± Mr. Weasley roared. ¡°They¡¯ll kill Ron the moment they get it!¡±


    ¡°No, no, no, we¡¯ll let him go,¡± said a masked Death Eater, stepping forward to snatch the globe from Harry¡¯s hand. A sinister sneer twisted his lips. ¡°Let go, then kill¡­¡±


    ¡°¡±


    The nearby door burst open, and Lupin, Tonks, and Kingsley stormed in. A flash of red light shot from Kingsley¡¯s wand, striking the Death Eater, who collapsed face-first onto the ground.


    ¡°Damn it!¡± Bellatrix screeched, hurling Ron aside like a rag doll as she raised her wand again. ¡°The prophecy globe¡ª¡±


    But Harry was faster. The moment the Death Eater fell, he dove forward, snatching the globe back and clutching it tightly. Meanwhile, Tonks hurried to Ron¡¯s side, pulling him out of harm¡¯s way.


    ¡°Just in the nick of time,¡± Kingsley panted. ¡°Alastor, you really shouldn¡¯t have let us get separated.¡±


    ¡°It was the safest way,¡± Moody growled, dodging a curse as his magical eye whirled frantically. Despite his efforts, a sudden spell from the shadows struck him square in the back, sending him sprawling with a bloodied wound.


    Though he had been a legendary Auror, age was catching up with Moody. Battling two Death Eaters at once was already pushing his limits, and the odds were growing worse.


    Kingsley sprang into action, leaping to Moody¡¯s side to relieve some of the pressure. ¡°Don¡¯t worry about me!¡± Moody barked through gritted teeth, snatching up his dislodged eye and forcing it back into its socket. ¡°Lucky it wasn¡¯t a Killing Curse, bastards!¡±


    Kingsley gave him a quick glance before rushing to Hermione¡¯s side. She was standing frozen, her wide eyes locked on a Death Eater approaching from behind. Kingsley deflected the incoming spell and shouted, ¡°Watch your back, girl! Stick to the wall if you can.¡±


    Hermione, though overwhelmed, nodded stiffly, gripping her wand tighter.


    ¡°Well, now the whole bloody lot of them are here,¡± Bellatrix cackled, her gaze landing on Tonks. She raised her wand with glee. ¡°¡±


    ¡°¡±


    Her spell was cut off mid-incantation.


    ¡°Come on, show me what you¡¯ve got!¡± Sirius taunted, stepping forward with a defiant grin.


    Bellatrix¡¯s eyes narrowed, and a blinding red spell shot toward him. Sirius, anticipating the move, transformed into a black dog, dodging the curse, then shifted back to his human form.


    ¡°Is that all?¡± he sneered. ¡°How disappointing.¡±


    Bellatrix¡¯s laughter grew shriller as she launched an onslaught of spells at him, which he deflected with equally aggressive counterattacks. Their duel turned into a dazzling display of magic, a chaotic blur of flashing lights and deafening booms.


    The two seemed evenly matched, locked in a fierce standoff. But the rest of the battlefield told a different story.


    The Death Eaters¡¯ numerical advantage was taking its toll. Hermione and Ron, less experienced in combat, were soon disarmed and cornered. Moody, though stubbornly fighting, succumbed to his injuries and tumbled down a flight of stone steps, landing in a crumpled heap. A maskless Death Eater stood over him, laughing cruelly.


    Antonin Dolohov pointed his wand at the fallen Auror. ¡°Get up, you worthless relic¡­ ¡±


    The tide of battle was turning rapidly in the Death Eaters¡¯ favor. Sirius, preoccupied with Bellatrix, now found himself fending off spells from multiple angles. The pressure mounted as he tried to guard against sneak attacks.


    Meanwhile, Harry stood alone, inexplicably facing only a single Death Eater. His opponent seemed uninterested, casually throwing a half-hearted spell whenever Harry attempted to flee.


    ¡°Looks like we¡¯ve won¡­¡± Bellatrix¡¯s triumphant cackle echoed through the room, her voice dripping with malice as she toyed with Sirius, relishing her perceived victory.


    ¡°Not so sure about that,¡± came a faint voice from above the crowd.


    Bellatrix¡¯s head snapped upward instinctively. Standing at the top of the stairs, framed by the doorway, was a figure she hadn¡¯t noticed before. Her grin faltered slightly as her eyes adjusted, falling not only on the person but on the creature standing beside him¡ªa sleek, dark form with an aura of foreboding.


    The sudden appearance drew everyone''s attention. The room stilled, and a murmur swept through the gathering.


    ¡°Kyle?¡± Mr. Weasley¡¯s voice wavered, heavy with disappointment. For a fleeting moment, he had thought it might be Dumbledore come to save them. But as the truth registered, he shouted in alarm, ¡°Run, you¡¯re not¡ª¡±


    His voice was abruptly cut off. His words died in his throat as the leopard-like creature beside Kyle stepped forward, its sleek form moving with predatory grace. Its neck arched, and then began to swell unnaturally, almost grotesquely, like an inflating blowfish.


    Harry¡¯s breath caught as he watched, unsure of what kind of creature it was. A strange, heavy quiet enveloped the room as the animal exhaled. A faint purple smoke billowed from its puffed neck, spreading rapidly outward like an ominous mist.


    For a split second, the room froze. It was as though time itself had stalled, every eye wide and fixated on the creature.


    Then chaos erupted.


    ¡°Damn it, why is there a Nundu in the Ministry of Magic?!¡± a Death Eater shrieked.


    ¡°Run!¡± another howled.


    ¡°Do you want to kill everyone?¡±


    ¡°Stop! Stop it!¡±


    ¡°No, stop!¡± Bellatrix¡¯s manic confidence wavered as she instinctively stepped back, her voice rising with panic.


    The room descended into a frenzy. Antonin Dolohov abandoned his torment of Moody, bolting for the far side of the chamber without a second glance. The other Death Eaters, trembling with fear, left Hermione and Ron lying helpless on the ground and scrambled for cover, crawling and tripping over one another in desperation. Even Bellatrix, who moments earlier had been reveling in her dominance, was retreating, her expression a mixture of rage and trepidation.


    ¡°Ron, Hermione!¡± Harry shouted, seeing his unconscious friends left behind. He started to move toward them, but Mr. Weasley grabbed his arm, holding him back.


    ¡°Don¡¯t go over there! It¡¯s Nundu venom¡ªyou¡¯ll die!¡± Mr. Weasley¡¯s voice cracked, his face pale with anguish.


    Harry froze in place, staring helplessly at the spreading purple smoke that was now beginning to engulf Ron and Hermione. ¡°But they¡¯re still there! I have to save them!¡± His voice broke with desperation as he struggled against Mr. Weasley¡¯s grip.


    ¡°It¡¯s too late, Harry!¡± Mr. Weasley said, his voice trembling as he held Harry tighter, pulling him back.


    The venomous smoke spread rapidly, swallowing Ron and Hermione in its deadly haze. Mr. Weasley clenched his jaw, his nails digging into his palms as he fought to keep Harry from breaking free. His heart twisted with agony as he watched the scene unfold.


    Why was Kyle doing this? Why was he commanding a Nundu to unleash such destruction? sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Mr. Weasley¡¯s mind raced, grasping at any explanation. Was this truly Kyle? Was it someone disguised with Polyjuice Potion? But his better judgment crushed those desperate hopes. Only a handful of people could control a Nundu, and Kyle was unmistakably among them.


    The Death Eaters, in their panic, cast Bubble-Head Charms on themselves.


    ¡°It¡¯s no use¡­¡± Kyle said calmly, his voice cutting through the commotion. He raised a hand and wagged a finger as though scolding them. ¡°The Nundu¡¯s venom can penetrate your skin through clothing.¡±


    His words sent a fresh wave of terror through the Death Eaters. They scattered, moving even faster, tripping over one another in their haste to escape.


    Lupin, amidst the chaos, stopped suddenly. He turned his gaze upward, locking eyes with Kyle. Something in Kyle¡¯s expression, or perhaps in the scene itself, seemed to dawn on him. His tense shoulders relaxed, and a faint sigh of relief escaped his lips.


    Without another word, Lupin stood motionless, letting the purple smoke wash over him.


    ¡°Remus!¡± Sirius¡¯s voice cracked with fear.


    Now Mr. Weasley not only had to hold Harry but also had to free a hand to pull Sirius closer.


    ¡°Remus... let go of me. Remus isn¡¯t here yet... I have to save him!¡±


    ¡°Shut up, Padfoot. Stop embarrassing yourself.¡±


    A familiar voice came from the smoke, and Sirius blinked in confusion as he saw Lupin, unharmed.


    ¡°You... you¡¯re okay?¡±


    ¡°Of course I am. Didn¡¯t you see?¡± Kyle walked over, calm and composed. He pulled out his wand and gave it a casual wave. A plume of purple smoke, identical to the surrounding haze, emerged from its tip.


    ¡°I just changed the color of the smoke spell. What could possibly happen? You didn¡¯t really think I was going to kill everyone, did you?¡±


    ¡°Sorry, Mr. Weasley,¡± Kyle added, turning toward him. ¡°The only way I could rescue Ron and the others¡ªwho couldn¡¯t move¡ªwas to make the Death Eaters feel a mortal threat. It was the most effective approach.¡±


    ¡°Huh? Oh, yes... that¡¯s right,¡± Mr. Weasley mumbled, his face flushed as red as if it had been painted. ¡°You did well. Thank you.¡±


    ¡°Professor Lupin...¡± Kyle turned his gaze back to Lupin. ¡°When did you figure it out?¡±


    ¡°When you mentioned that the Nundu¡¯s venom could enter the body through clothing,¡± Lupin replied evenly. ¡°As far as I know, its venomous mist isn¡¯t nearly as fearsome as you described. Also, the color was slightly off.¡±


    ¡°That was intentional¡ªto make it more conspicuous,¡± Kyle said with a smile. ¡°You really are one of Hogwarts¡¯ most popular Defence Against the Dark Arts professors... unlike some people.¡±


    He cast a sideways glance at Sirius, whose face was streaked with the remnants of tears. Shrugging, Kyle imitated Sirius¡¯ earlier voice. ¡° Aren¡¯t you a bit distrustful of me?¡±


    Sirius¡¯ face turned a shade of red so deep it rivaled Mr. Weasley¡¯s. He wished for the ground to open up and swallow him whole. Mr. Weasley looked no less mortified.


    ¡°So, the Nundu...¡±


    ¡°Of course, it was fake,¡± Kyle said brightly. ¡°What do you think? My Transfiguration Spell was pretty impressive, wasn¡¯t it?¡±


    ¡°Remarkable,¡± Kingsley admitted sincerely. When he had seen the Nundu earlier, the terror that gripped him had been visceral¡ªfar too real to feel like a mere Transfiguration. That fear had compelled him to flee, just as it had the Death Eaters.


    ¡°How dare you play such a trick on us!¡± A furious voice snapped.


    Antonin Dolohov stepped forward, trembling with rage. His eyes gleamed coldly, and behind him, the other Death Eaters glared at Kyle with equal hostility.


    ¡°Yeah,¡± Kyle said with a shrug. ¡°I was just messing with you. Got a problem with that?¡±


    A green flash streaked through the air¡ªa Killing Curse.


    But Kyle, as if he had anticipated it, casually stepped to the left. The curse missed him and hit the wall behind him.


    ¡°Thanks,¡± he said with a serene smile.


    From the still-thickening smoke behind him, a low growl rumbled, deep and menacing. Lupin, standing closest to Kyle, caught a glimpse of two faint flashes of eerie blue light piercing through the haze.


    ¡°What do you plan to do next?¡± Bellatrix sneered, stepping out from the group of Death Eaters. ¡°You don¡¯t think you can take us all on by yourself, do you?¡±


    Her words jolted Mr. Weasley, who suddenly remembered the gravity of their situation. Grabbing Kyle¡¯s arm, he urged, ¡°There are too many of them. Let¡¯s run¡ª¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s too late,¡± Kyle said calmly.


    The Death Eaters had already spread out, enclosing them in a tight circle within moments.


    Bellatrix smiled darkly. ¡°What¡¯s the point of being clever and saving those pathetic losers? All you¡¯ve done is buy them a little time. We¡¯ll catch them again soon enough. And as for you, I¡¯ll enjoy torturing you with the Cruciatus Curse¡ªnot just for a day, but for a whole year.¡±


    ¡°Gee, it¡¯s been a while, Bella. Still the same charming personality,¡± Kyle said lightly, addressing her as if she were an old acquaintance. ¡°But who said I came here alone?¡±


    Kyle raised his hand, and the swirling smoke began to dissipate, revealing a Magical Creature resembling a leopard. Its six powerful legs supported a sleek body, and its pair of glowing, eerie blue eyes gleamed with menace.


    ¡°Transfiguration again?¡± one of the Death Eaters sneered. ¡°Do you think we¡¯ll fall for that trick¡ª¡±


    Before he could finish, the creature blurred into motion. It appeared in front of him in an instant, its sharp claws enlarging mid-swipe. With a bone-crunching impact and a scream, the Death Eater was flung away, landing in a motionless heap.


    Harry shuddered at the sight, the scene triggering unwelcome memories. But the brutal effectiveness of the attack left no doubt in anyone¡¯s mind¡ªthe creature before them was no Transfiguration but a living, breathing beast.


    Antonin Dolohov shouted, aiming his wand. ¡°It¡¯s just a Wampus Cat! So what?¡±


    ¡°Who told you I only had one?¡± Kyle replied with a grin.


    Suddenly, a searing ball of fire shot past Kyle, and out of the flames emerged a massive dragon, its scales shimmering like molten metal as it unfurled its wings.


    Some Death Eaters instinctively tore off their masks, rubbing their eyes in disbelief. they thought.


    But before they could react, the ground began to quake. Emerging from the haze came an enormous three-headed dog, towering ten feet tall. Its heads were the size of tables, each one baring fangs as long as a man¡¯s forearm, glinting with deadly intent.


    Terror spread like wildfire. Several Death Eaters began trembling, their confidence evaporating at the sight of the creatures. Those fangs looked all too capable of ripping through their defenses with ease.


    Spells flew from all directions, streaking toward the creatures.


    ¡°Protect them!¡± Lupin shouted, stepping forward with his wand raised. He intercepted as many spells as he could, deflecting some with well-aimed counter-charms. But not all of them were stopped¡ªseveral hit the Wampus Cat and the dragon, including a Killing Curse.


    Yet the results weren¡¯t what the Death Eaters had hoped. Fluffy, the massive three-headed dog, stumbled briefly but recovered with a growl, its eyes blazing with rage. It charged forward, its claws tearing into the earth as it roared.


    Norbert, the dragon, was even less affected. Rising into the air, it spewed torrents of fire into the largest concentration of Death Eaters, scattering them like leaves in the wind.


    Sirius, having regained his composure, joined the fray with enthusiasm. Laughing loudly, he disarmed and immobilized a Death Eater with a flick of his wand, tying them up before tossing them aside.


    ¡°Come on, don¡¯t run now!¡± he taunted. ¡°Where¡¯s all that bravado you had earlier? Let¡¯s see it!¡±


    The battle swiftly turned one-sided. The presence of a Dragon and a Three-Headed Dog threw the Death Eaters into chaos.


    Ordinarily, they could handle Magical Creatures with coordinated efforts, but every time they tried to focus their spells, Sirius and the others would intervene, disrupting their concentration. The strategy worked¡ªprotecting the creatures allowed them to fight back more effectively than defending themselves.


    ¡°This can¡¯t go on,¡± Lucius Malfoy growled, limping over to Bellatrix. His mask was gone, burned away by the dragon¡¯s flames, and most of his immaculately groomed hair was singed. But Malfoy didn¡¯t care about his appearance now.


    ¡°We need to retreat!¡± he shouted. ¡°At the very least, we need to lure those beasts away!¡±


    But Bellatrix wasn¡¯t listening. She dodged a stream of dragonfire with a roll, her focus shifting to Kyle. Her eyes narrowed, and she pointed her wand at him. Then, after a pause, her aim subtly shifted¡ªto Harry, who was clutching the prophecy.


    Harry, frozen in place, didn¡¯t realize the danger until he was suddenly shoved aside. Something had kicked him, sending him tumbling to the ground just in time to avoid a lethal curse.


    ¡°Oh, thanks,¡± Harry muttered breathlessly, looking up at the Wampus Cat, which had saved him. He got to his feet, only to realize too late that the prophecy orb had slipped from his pocket during the fall. It rolled across the floor and shattered on a nearby stone step.

 Chapter 686: Voldemort’s Suspicion

    No one could have imagined the prophecy globe would be so fragile. It had only tumbled down a single step, yet it shattered into countless pieces.


    Harry was just as surprised. He had always assumed it was sturdier¡ªsturdy enough, at least, that he¡¯d casually slipped it into his pocket without a second thought.


    Now he sat on the ground, staring blankly at the spot where the prophecy globe had broken apart.


    From the shards rose a milky-white figure, its magnified eyes eerily large, almost cartoonish in size. There was something unsettlingly familiar about those eyes. Harry squinted, the resemblance dawning on him¡ªthose bulging eyes were almost identical to Professor Trelawney¡¯s, like her gaze during Divination class. Add a pair of glasses, and the resemblance would be uncanny.


    The ghostly figure began to speak, its voice soft, almost a whisper.


    ¡°At the moment of victory or defeat, there will be a new...¡±


    The words trailed off. The voice was so faint, and the chaotic din around Harry¡ªcrashes, screams, and shouts¡ªdrowned out the rest.


    Before he could react, someone grabbed his arm, yanking him out of the way.


    ¡°Move!¡± Harry recognized Sirius¡¯s voice, sharp with urgency.


    He quickly understood why.


    Two curses, their beams glowing in vivid colors, struck the ground where he¡¯d just been sitting. Without Sirius¡¯s intervention, Harry wouldn¡¯t have stood a chance.


    ¡°Thanks,¡± Harry muttered, scrambling to his feet.


    ¡°Don¡¯t just stand there!¡± Sirius barked, his tone harsh but his focus locked on Bellatrix Lestrange in the distance.


    Bellatrix, too, had seen the globe shatter.


    ¡°No!¡± she screamed, her voice shrill with desperation. She flung curses at Harry with unrestrained fury, each one more reckless than the last.


    Voldemort had ordered the prophecy globe be retrieved intact. Its destruction was a catastrophic failure¡ªone Bellatrix couldn¡¯t bear. She was consumed with rage and a frantic desire to salvage something, anything. Killing Harry might be her only chance to atone.


    She hurled spells wildly, oblivious to the danger above her. A sphere of dragon fire had appeared, glowing ominously and growing in size.


    A nearby Death Eater noticed the threat just in time. Grabbing her arm, he dragged her toward the nearest exit, barely pausing to explain. Bellatrix, resisting at first, was ultimately forced to retreat.


    As the door slammed shut behind them, Bellatrix¡¯s voice echoed through the room, shrill and full of anguish:


    ¡°I¡¯ll kill him! I¡¯ll kill him! Master, I tried¡ªI did my best! Don¡¯t punish me!¡±


    Her retreat had immediate consequences.


    The remaining Death Eaters faltered. With Bellatrix fleeing and the prophecy lost, their resolve crumbled. Panic set in, and they scattered.


    Those swift or fortunate enough bolted for the exits, while the rest found themselves blocked by Sirius, Lupin, and the others who had quickly regrouped.


    ...


    ¡°Haha, what luck, I¡¯ve won the jackpot,¡± Sirius said with a grin, dragging a rigid, immobilized figure behind him.


    The captive was Antonin Dolohov, infamous for having tortured Moody earlier. Truly, a jackpot catch. Dolohov¡¯s body was frozen stiff, courtesy of the Full Body-Bind Curse, and he glared furiously at everyone in the room. Not that anyone paid his glare any mind.


    ¡°I think we should keep him and hand him over to Alastor when he wakes up,¡± Lupin suggested, his tone calm but firm.


    Lupin himself had his hands full¡ªquite literally¡ªwith another Death Eater. This one was tall and lean, slumped heavily in his grip.


    ¡°Macnair,¡± Kingsley interjected, nodding at the unconscious figure. ¡°A member of the Committee for the Disposal of Dangerous Creatures. I should¡¯ve expected him to be among the Death Eaters.¡±


    The battle was now all but over.


    Realizing they had no chance of escape, the remaining Death Eaters had dropped their wands and surrendered. The fight had drained their resolve, leaving them with no choice but to submit.


    Just a couple of minutes later, a heavy thud sounded, followed by a cloud of dust rising into the air. Fluffy, the massive Three-Headed Dog, had staggered back to Kyle and collapsed on the ground.


    The creature bore clear signs of the fight¡ªscorch marks across its fur and a deep gash on the leftmost head that oozed blood onto the floor. Despite its formidable resistance to most spells, even Fluffy couldn¡¯t withstand a concentrated barrage of magic from a dozen Death Eaters.


    ¡°You¡¯ve worked hard, Fluffy,¡± Kyle said, crouching down to pet the middle head¡¯s chin. Immediately, the other two heads nudged in, eager for attention. They jostled and snapped at each other playfully, each vying for Kyle¡¯s hand.


    Meanwhile, Norbert swooped down from above and landed nearby. The dragon, thanks to its ability to fly and unleash powerful long-range attacks, was in much better shape than Fluffy. If anything, Norbert looked slightly dissatisfied, as if the battle hadn¡¯t been challenging enough.


    ¡°Amazing,¡± Lupin said, tilting his head in astonishment. ¡°I never thought I¡¯d see a Three-Headed Dog and a Dragon inside the Ministry of Magic.¡±


    Then, after a moment¡¯s thought, he added with a wry smile, ¡°What¡¯s even harder to believe is that they¡¯re so... docile.¡±


    On instinct, Lupin reached out to stroke Fluffy¡¯s fur. But as his hand moved closer, the leftmost head turned sharply, baring its teeth and growling low. Lupin quickly withdrew his hand, a sheepish look on his face.


    ¡°Maybe not so docile,¡± he admitted. ¡°At least, not to anyone but you, Kyle.¡±


    The rest of the group began to gather around. Harry, noticing the Wampus Cat nearby, made his way over to it. Bowing slightly, he said with genuine gratitude, ¡°Thank you...¡±


    He remembered vividly how the Wampus Cat had kicked him out of harm¡¯s way when Bellatrix had fired the Killing Curse. The sensation of that powerful yet familiar shove still lingered in his mind.


    The Wampus Cat responded with a subtle nod, its calm demeanor unchanged.


    Harry¡¯s attention then shifted to Fluffy and Norbert. Something about the Three-Headed Dog stirred a memory, tugging at the edges of his thoughts.


    ¡°This... Could it be Hagrid¡¯s Fluffy?¡± Harry asked tentatively.


    Three-Headed Dogs were rare, and the only one he¡¯d ever seen was back in his first year¡ªHagrid¡¯s pet, used by Dumbledore to guard the Philosopher¡¯s Stone. But the Fluffy he remembered was much smaller than the massive creature before him.


    ¡°Yes, it¡¯s Fluffy,¡± Kyle confirmed with a nod. ¡°I borrowed him from the Forbidden Forest recently¡ªjust in case.¡±


    Kyle gave Fluffy another affectionate pat on the chin before reaching for the suitcase he¡¯d brought.


    ¡°All right, back inside. I¡¯ll prepare a big meal for you tomorrow.¡±


    At the mention of food, Fluffy immediately started drooling. Norbert, unimpressed, gave Fluffy a disdainful glance before diving into the suitcase first. The cramped space outside was hardly comfortable for him; the suitcase¡¯s enchanted interior offered far more room.


    Kingsley stared unblinkingly at Kyle¡¯s suitcase. After the dragon and the Three-Headed Dog had disappeared inside, he finally spoke.


    ¡°What is your relationship with Mr. Newt Scamander?¡±


    Kyle glanced up. ¡°He was kind of my mentor when it came to Magical Creatures.¡±


    ¡°A good relationship?¡± Kingsley pressed.


    ¡°Well, it was okay,¡± Kyle replied with a nod.


    Kingsley smacked his lips, his expression unreadable. It all made sense now¡ªthe inexplicable sense of familiarity he¡¯d felt when looking at the suitcase. He could already picture the Aurors adding another name to their list of high-priority individuals to monitor.


    Not because Kyle wasn¡¯t trustworthy¡ªfar from it. Even Dumbledore placed unconditional trust in Kyle, and Kingsley wasn¡¯t one to doubt the headmaster¡¯s judgment.


    But this wasn¡¯t about trust. No Auror would feel completely at ease with someone casually carting around a dragon.


    And the dragon wasn¡¯t the only concern. Kyle¡¯s suitcase also housed a Wampus Cat, a Three-Headed Dog, and who knows what else¡ªeach a Class 5X Magical Creature, capable of causing widespread panic if unleashed.


    Even now, Kingsley felt he was risking his career by tacitly aiding in hiding them.


    ¡°Oh, don¡¯t get me wrong,¡± Kyle said, clearing his throat. ¡°I borrowed all of these. The Three-Headed Dog is from Hogwarts¡¯ Forbidden Forest, and the Wampus Cat belongs to Newt. I¡¯ll return them all in due time.¡±


    ¡°Oh...¡± Kingsley responded blankly, his skepticism showing.


    ¡°Well, we should head out too,¡± Mr. Weasley interjected, looking around the room. ¡°Where are the injured?¡±


    ¡°They¡¯re here, too,¡± Kyle said, patting the suitcase with a faint smile. ¡°Don¡¯t worry¡ªthey¡¯re safe.¡±


    The group turned as one to stare at the suitcase, their expressions a mix of disbelief and unease.


    Mr. Weasley¡¯s mouth twitched, as though he wanted to argue but decided against it. Technically, Kyle was right¡ªthe injured were safe inside the suitcase... if one could overlook being surrounded by creatures like a Dragon and a Three-Headed Dog.


    ¡°What about the Death Eaters?¡± Kyle asked. ¡°Should we put them in the suitcase too? It¡¯d be easier.¡±


    ¡°Er, no need. Leave it to me,¡± Kingsley replied quickly, his voice almost hurried.


    With a wave of his wand, he conjured a long rope and used it to securely bind the captured Death Eaters, who had already been disarmed. Then, with another flick of his wand, he dragged the restrained prisoners along behind him.


    Kyle said nothing, simply observing as Kingsley took charge.


    The group headed toward the nearest door. Sirius and Lupin led the way, wands drawn as they cautiously pushed the door open.


    Fortunately, the Death Eaters who had fled earlier weren¡¯t lying in wait on the other side.


    Still, no one let their guard down. Sirius and Lupin continued to scout ahead, wands at the ready, while Kyle instructed the Wampus Cat to stay with them for added security.


    As they walked, Mr. Weasley couldn¡¯t help but glance at Kyle. ¡°Kyle, shouldn¡¯t you be at Hogwarts? How did you end up here?¡±


    ¡°Oh, Fred and George spotted Harry flying off on a Thestral and told me,¡± Kyle explained. ¡°I went to Professor Dumbledore, and he¡¯s the one who brought me here.¡±


    Harry blinked in surprise and looked back at Kyle. ¡°We were discovered?¡±


    Kyle raised an eyebrow. ¡°What¡¯s the problem? Most people can¡¯t see Thestrals, but that doesn¡¯t mean they can¡¯t see the people riding them.¡± He paused, then added, ¡°If you¡¯d waited a little longer, Dumbledore would¡¯ve told you Sirius was safe.¡±


    Harry¡¯s head dropped, shame evident on his face.


    Sirius, walking just ahead, glanced back at Harry as if wanting to say something. But Lupin stopped him with a small shake of his head.


    Now wasn¡¯t the time.


    Harry had acted recklessly. Charging into the Ministry without a plan had put everyone in danger. The group had stumbled headfirst into the Death Eaters¡¯ trap, forcing everyone onto the defensive.


    If Kyle hadn¡¯t arrived when he did, things could have ended in disaster. With over twenty Death Eaters, the odds of fighting back had been nonexistent. It would¡¯ve only been a matter of time before they were overwhelmed.


    Lupin shuddered at the thought, a chill running down his spine.


    This couldn¡¯t be allowed to happen again.


    "I''m sorry," Harry said, his head bowed, speaking sincerely. "I will never do it again."


    "You¡¯d better remember what you said today," Lupin responded without turning around.


    ¡°Okay, Remus.¡± Seeing the tension in the room, Mr. Weasley stepped in to smooth things over. ¡°Sirius is, after all, Harry¡¯s only family. He¡¯s the affection Harry has longed for, for more than ten years... This was a trap, carefully prepared for him by the cunning You-Know-Who."


    ¡°You-Know-Who¡¯s tricks are difficult to anticipate. Sometimes even we fall for them, let alone Harry, who lacks experience.¡±


    Lupin sighed. It was true, but some things still needed to be said.


    ¡°Oh, yes,¡± Mr. Weasley shifted the topic slightly, ¡°Kyle, you mentioned earlier that Dumbledore brought you here?¡±


    ¡°Well, the Phoenix brought us directly from Hogwarts to the Ministry of Magic by Apparition,¡± Kyle replied.


    ¡°By Merlin, what was Dumbledore thinking, bringing students to such a dangerous place...¡± Mr. Weasley trailed off, his gaze shifting to the suitcase in Kyle¡¯s hand. Strictly speaking, Kyle was likely far more dangerous than the Death Eaters at the moment.


    Choosing not to dwell on it, he continued, ¡°So where is Dumbledore? Why didn¡¯t he come with you?¡±


    ¡°Yes...¡± Sirius, who was walking ahead, couldn¡¯t help but interject, ¡°If he¡¯d been there, Bellatrix definitely wouldn¡¯t have escaped. That crazy woman is far too dangerous.¡±


    Mr. Weasley nodded in agreement. If Dumbledore had been there, he could have exposed Malfoy¡¯s true identity himself. Earlier, Mr. Weasley had caught a glimpse of the unmistakable platinum blonde hair, poorly concealed by a mask or hood. It was clear Malfoy had been among them.


    ¡°That,¡± Kyle said calmly, ¡°is because Professor Dumbledore is still outside the Department of Mysteries, fighting Voldemort.¡±


    Without exception, everyone stopped in their tracks.


    ¡°What are you talking about?¡± Sirius nearly shouted. ¡°You-Know-Who is at the Ministry of Magic?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± Kyle replied, ¡°I ran into him on the way here. Professor Dumbledore and Voldemort. Us and the Death Eaters. It¡¯s only fair, isn¡¯t it?¡±


    Harry felt a wave of guilt crash over him, but no one was paying him any attention now. The group stood in silence for a moment before continuing, their expressions considerably more serious.


    The return trip was uneventful. They encountered no Death Eaters blocking their way; it seemed the attackers had fled and chosen not to remain in the Department of Mysteries.


    With his excellent memory, Lupin quickly led the group back to the black rotunda, where the corridor leading to the elevators began.


    Then, Lupin and Sirius froze simultaneously.


    If Kyle¡¯s words were true, this area was just outside the battlefield between Dumbledore and Voldemort. Was it really safe for them to proceed? Would they end up distracting Dumbledore...?


    Before they could consider further, a door to the right opened suddenly, revealing the corridor to the lift.


    Everyone tensed, but they soon realized the corridor was empty. Neither Dumbledore nor Voldemort was in sight.


    Sirius, Lupin, and Kingsley cautiously stepped forward, only to gasp at the scene before them.


    The corridor looked as though it had been ravaged by countless Blasting Curses. The walls on both sides were nearly destroyed, the floor was littered with debris, and a massive hole gaped in the ceiling.


    Now, no one doubted Kyle¡¯s claim.


    Fortunately, the lift was intact. Mr. Weasley stepped forward to test it.


    ¡°It works,¡± Mr. Weasley said, stepping into the lift first.


    Harry and Kyle followed, with Sirius and Lupin close behind. Kingsley stayed behind, choosing to guard the captured Death Eaters, as it was safer for everyone if they remained under supervision.


    The adults quickly agreed that Kyle and Harry should be escorted out of the Ministry as soon as possible. Sirius jabbed the button for the main hall. ¡°Hurry up, damn it! Can¡¯t this thing go any faster?¡± sea??h th§× n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The lift clattered upward, groaning under the strain, before halting abruptly at the main hall.


    The doors slid open, and the first sight to greet them made Sirius stop in his tracks.


    Dumbledore and Voldemort were standing face-to-face.


    ¡°Oh no!¡± Sirius muttered in dismay. ¡°Why did I let them come up? They should¡¯ve stayed with Kingsley in the Department of Mysteries.¡±


    Kyle peeked out from behind Lupin¡¯s back, his eyes wide as he surveyed the scene.


    The battle appeared to be at a pause. Dumbledore and Voldemort stood on opposite ends of the once-majestic hall, which now lay in ruins. The grandeur of the Great Hall had been shattered¡ªits gleaming surfaces scarred by the battle. The central fountain¡¯s statue was broken, with pieces scattered across the floor.


    Half of the Centaur statue lay nearby, while a little farther off, the head and pointed ears of the wizard figure were visible amid the wreckage.


    A lone Death Eater knelt before Voldemort, trembling¡ªBellatrix Lestrange.


    ¡°Bellatrix, you¡¯ve failed me again, haven¡¯t you?¡± Voldemort¡¯s cold red eyes remained fixed on Dumbledore as he spoke, his voice a venomous whisper. ¡°Months of planning¡­ and yet my Death Eaters disappoint me once more.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, my lord!¡± Bellatrix cried, crawling pitifully to Voldemort¡¯s feet. ¡°Please, don¡¯t punish me¡­¡±


    ¡°Silence, Bellatrix.¡± Voldemort¡¯s gaze never wavered from Dumbledore. ¡°This is the third time you¡¯ve failed me, and you know what?¡± His tone was mocking yet filled with menace. ¡°Someone got here before you."


    ¡°He was weak, but he brought me interesting news. Apparently, you deliberately attacked Harry Potter, who was carrying the prophecy."


    ¡°And that Kyle fellow,¡± Voldemort continued, his voice dripping with suspicion, ¡°he seems to know you quite well, doesn¡¯t he? Even the three-headed beast deliberately avoided attacking you too harshly.¡±


    ¡°No! That¡¯s not true!¡± Bellatrix hissed, her face a mask of horror. ¡°Master, I swear to you, I¡¯m your most loyal servant. I was and I am!¡±


    ¡°I used to believe that too,¡± Voldemort said, his voice chillingly calm. ¡°But your actions¡­ they¡¯ve made me doubt.¡±


    Bellatrix collapsed, trembling violently on the ground. ¡°No, my lord, I haven¡¯t... I would never...¡±


    Dumbledore stood silently to the side, watching the scene unfold without interfering. His sharp eyes took in every detail, from Bellatrix¡¯s desperate pleas to Voldemort¡¯s carefully chosen words.


    Almost everyone in the wizarding world knew Bellatrix Lestrange as Voldemort¡¯s most devoted follower¡ªfierce, unhinged, and fanatically loyal. Yet here she was, being openly accused by her master.


    Dumbledore¡¯s brow furrowed slightly. Something about this scene felt strangely familiar to him. It wasn¡¯t until Kyle¡¯s name was mentioned that realization dawned.


    Dumbledore¡¯s expression shifted almost imperceptibly.


    But still, something nagged at him. The accusations and their delivery felt too blatant, almost staged. While Voldemort was notoriously distrustful, his quick acceptance of this apparent betrayal seemed oddly out of character.


    Was this confrontation genuine? Or were they performing¡ªfor his benefit?

 Chapter 687: After the Battle

    The infighting among Voldemort and the Death Eaters was a fascinating spectacle, but unfortunately, it didn¡¯t last long.


    Voldemort''s attention soon shifted to the group emerging from the elevator. His piercing gaze moved through Dumbledore and landed squarely on Kyle and Harry.


    ¡°So, it¡¯s you two again...¡± he said in a cold, venomous tone. ¡°Always you two, meddling in my plans. Over and over. Too many times, for far too long. ¡±


    The Killing Curse burst forth from Voldemort''s wand, thick and sinuous like a venomous snake slithering through the air. Kyle couldn¡¯t help but wonder if even the Norwegian Ridgeback, Norbert, would survive such a deadly strike. Yet, he neither panicked nor attempted to dodge.


    In the next instant, a glowing red hand materialized on the wall beside them. It surged forward, intercepting the curse before it could reach its target. The green light ricocheted off the massive hand.


    ¡°Tom, don¡¯t forget,¡± Dumbledore said with quiet authority. ¡°I am your opponent.¡±


    ¡°Of course, I haven¡¯t forgotten,¡± Voldemort replied, his tone devoid of surprise, as though he had anticipated this outcome.


    But the Killing Curse reignited the battle with ferocious intensity.


    The fountain in the hall erupted, its water reshaping into razor-sharp swords that flew towards Dumbledore. The projectiles collided with the half-finished statue, ripping a jagged hole into its center.


    Dumbledore, calm as ever, raised his wand. An invisible shield seemed to form around him, deflecting the barrage of swords effortlessly. Then, with a subtle flick of his wrist, he directed the water back towards Voldemort. This time, the projectiles were even more forceful and precise.


    Voldemort conjured a gleaming silver shield to counter the attack. The water droplets struck it with a resounding, gong-like echo as they dispersed.


    Kyle''s eyes gleamed with fascination. He couldn¡¯t help but admire the spell. While Dumbledore¡¯s mastery of magic was undeniable, it was the tangible, silver shield that captivated Kyle most.


    ¡°Professor Lupin, do you know what kind of magic that is?¡± Kyle asked in a hushed tone.


    ¡°Huh?¡± Lupin blinked, momentarily caught off guard by the question amidst the chaos. His gaze darted towards Voldemort before shaking his head. ¡°I¡¯m not sure. It resembles the Shield Charm but seems far more advanced, possibly enhanced with Ancient Runes.¡±


    ¡°Got it,¡± Kyle murmured, already pulling out his wand. He cast the Shield Charm first, then carefully rotated his wrist. One by one, glowing golden runes emerged from the tip of his wand, coalescing into a larger, intricate rune. Slowly, he guided the rune towards the charm, attempting to fuse the two.


    Just as he began integrating the rune, a streak of red light shot towards them from the right.


    The augmented Shield Charm deflected the attack, but the force shattered it instantly.


    ¡°Who¡¯s there?¡± Sirius demanded, stepping in front of Harry, wand at the ready. Lupin moved to shield Kyle instinctively.


    It was clear the Death Eaters aligned with Voldemort hadn¡¯t caused the disturbance. They remained entrenched in their positions. Kyle glanced upward and saw that the battle in the hall had escalated into a chaotic frenzy. Spells crisscrossed the space like torrents of rain, and the charm that shattered Kyle¡¯s shield turned out to be a wide-area attack from Voldemort.


    His gaze drifted to the nearby wall, where the red light had struck. A massive crater now marred its surface.


    Lupin noticed it too. He scowled, frustrated by his earlier distraction, but his expression softened as he regarded Kyle with a mix of astonishment and respect. Blocking even a fraction of Voldemort¡¯s spell with a Shield Charm was no small feat¡ªespecially for a sixteen-year-old.


    Across the battlefield, Voldemort¡¯s breathing had grown labored, while Dumbledore, significantly older, still appeared composed and untroubled. The outcome of the duel seemed inevitable if it continued on this trajectory.


    Desperation flickered in Voldemort¡¯s eyes as he spat out a mouthful of flames, which coalesced into a massive, serpentine form. The fiery serpent lunged at Dumbledore, its maw wide open as though intent on consuming him whole.


    Unperturbed, Dumbledore extended a hand and grasped the serpent¡¯s fangs. The fiery creature twisted and writhed before transforming into a long rope of flames, which Dumbledore skillfully redirected. In a fluid motion, he used the flaming rope to ensnare Voldemort himself.


    Voldemort let out an ear-piercing hiss as black smoke began to billow from his body, swirling ominously through the hall.


    ¡°Master!¡± Bellatrix screamed desperately, lunging toward Voldemort¡¯s aid.


    But before she could reach him, Voldemort broke free of the fiery rope binding him. His body dissipated into seven streams of black mist, streaking in all directions.


    Dumbledore acted swiftly, casting a spell that blasted most of the black mist apart, but one stream managed to slip past him, heading straight for the group near the elevator.


    ¡°Be careful, get out of there!¡± Dumbledore¡¯s voice, for the first time, carried an edge of fear.


    But it was too late.


    The black mist bypassed Lupin and Sirius as if they weren¡¯t even there and tore through Kyle¡¯s Shield Charm effortlessly. It coiled itself around Kyle like a serpent, pressing into him.


    Kyle¡¯s head buzzed violently, and a hissing sound filled his ears, an alien presence clawing at his mind. Yet, just as quickly as it had come, the hissing stopped. The mist retreated from Kyle¡¯s body and surged towards Harry.


    Harry collapsed, clutching his forehead where his scar burned fiercely. A piercing scream escaped his lips as his eyes turned a vivid, unnatural red.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you trying to kill me, Dumbledore?¡± Harry said, but the voice was not his own. Voldemort¡¯s cruel, mocking laughter spilled from Harry¡¯s mouth as he glared at the group. ¡°Come on, whoever you are¡ªkill the boy!¡±


    Dumbledore¡¯s face was ashen. Sirius¡¯s hand trembled as he pointed his wand at Harry, frozen in indecision, unable to cast a spell.


    ¡°Get away from him!¡± Sirius roared, though the command seemed more for himself than anyone else.


    Voldemort, still speaking through Harry, laughed maniacally. But suddenly, his laughter faltered. His red eyes caught sight of something¡ªa pair of eyes in the crowd, deep purple like shimmering amethysts.


    For a fleeting moment, the red in Harry¡¯s eyes dimmed, replaced by his usual green.


    Dumbledore seized the opening, sweeping his wand with a forceful motion. An invisible blast struck Harry, forcibly ejecting the black mist from his body. The dark cloud swirled in rage and frustration as Voldemort¡¯s voice echoed through the hall.


    ¡°Damn beast!¡± Voldemort bellowed just as the fireplaces along the walls roared to life. Wizards in bright red robes began pouring out in waves, their arrival marked by the clamor of boots and shouted commands.


    The black mist retreated swiftly, coiling around the remaining Death Eaters. With a deafening crash, they smashed through the Ministry windows, escaping into the night.


    ¡°He was here!¡± shouted a wizard in red robes. ¡°I saw him¡ªI¡¯m sure of it!¡±


    ¡°I know, Williamson, we all heard him,¡± said Cornelius Fudge, stumbling into the chaos, rubbing his forehead in agitation.


    ¡°Sorry we¡¯re late,¡± Fudge said, approaching Dumbledore with a sheepish expression. ¡°Are you all right?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re just in time, Cornelius,¡± Dumbledore said, his voice betraying a hint of relief. After quickly ensuring Harry¡¯s condition, he turned to Fudge. ¡°He was afraid. You heard it yourself.¡±


    ¡°Well done, well done,¡± Fudge muttered, his confidence bolstered slightly by Dumbledore¡¯s words. ¡°Now, we mustn¡¯t let this chaos spread. Come on, everyone, back to work.¡±


    While the gathered wizards were distracted by the commotion, Kyle quietly slipped back into the elevator. Reaching into his suitcase, he gestured to the Wampus Cat nestled inside. ¡°Come on, back in,¡± he murmured. The feline obediently leapt into the suitcase, and Kyle closed it securely before stepping back out.


    ¡°Lawless, lawless, lawless...¡± The muttered chant of the Department of Mysteries employees carried through the hall as one of them wandered by, seemingly dazed.


    ¡°Yes, quite natural,¡± Fudge said nervously, as though trying to downplay the odd scene. ¡°Who knows what secrets are hidden down there... they¡¯ve always been peculiar.¡±


    ¡°I recall a thief once broke into the Department of Mysteries,¡± Fudge added with a weak chuckle, ¡°and the next day, the poor fellow went completely mad.¡±


    ¡°Well,¡± he continued, shaking off the thought, ¡°this isn¡¯t the time for stories. Dawlish, Williamson¡ªhead downstairs and make sure everything¡¯s in order. Albus¡ª¡±


    ¡°I need to return to Hogwarts,¡± Dumbledore interjected, his tone firm. He gestured to Harry, unconscious on the floor. ¡°Once Harry wakes, we can discuss what¡¯s next.¡±


    ¡°Of course, of course,¡± Fudge stammered, his gaze finally landing on Harry. His face paled. ¡°Why is he here? Oh, Merlin¡ªshould I call St. Mungo¡¯s?¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Cornelius, but that won¡¯t be necessary,¡± Dumbledore said, shaking his head. ¡°Harry has only fainted. Madam Pomfrey will see to him perfectly well. However, I¡¯ll need your permission to use a Portkey.¡±


    ¡°No problem at all,¡± Fudge replied with a nervous nod.


    Dumbledore picked up a golden fragment from the debris¡ªa piece shaped like a Centaur¡¯s leg¡ªand tapped it with his wand. he murmured. The fragment glowed blue for a moment before settling back into stillness.


    ¡°Here we are.¡± He slipped the makeshift Portkey into Harry¡¯s hand. ¡°Anyone who wishes to return to Hogwarts, place your hand on it.¡±


    Kyle was the first to step forward, followed by Sirius, Lupin, and Mr. Weasley. They all placed their hands on the Portkey.


    ¡°Ready?¡± Dumbledore asked. ¡°One... two... three.¡±


    In an instant, the wrecked Ministry of Magic vanished. A swirl of light and sound engulfed them as they were whisked away, leaving Fudge and the chaos of the Ministry behind.


    ...


    Once they returned to Hogwarts, Sirius immediately took Harry to the Hospital Wing. The others followed closely behind.


    The Hospital Wing quickly became a hive of activity. Harry lay on the bed nearest the door, flanked by Ron, Hermione, Tonks, and Moody.


    ¡°What on earth happened...¡± Madam Pomfrey gasped, her expression one of deep concern as she rummaged through the shelves for a potion. ¡°My, my, they even have marks from the Cruciatus Curse. This can¡¯t be the Imperius Curse¡­¡±


    As she spoke, she cast a quick glance at Dumbledore, seemingly startled by his presence.


    Sitting beside Ron, Mr. Weasley anxiously asked, ¡°How is he?¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s okay. It didn¡¯t last long, so he should recover,¡± Madam Pomfrey reassured him, approaching with a bottle of potion. ¡°But I still recommend a visit to St. Mungo¡¯s. To be honest, I¡¯m not particularly skilled at treating the effects of the Cruciatus Curse. Here¡¯s some Calming Draught¡ªit will make him feel better.¡±


    ¡°Thank you,¡± Mr. Weasley said, carefully administering the potion to Ron with a wave of his wand. Moments later, Ron¡¯s furrowed brow eased, and he began to snore softly.


    Lupin used the same method to give Moody his treatment.


    Once everyone had been attended to, Dumbledore turned to Madam Pomfrey. ¡°Thank you, Poppy. Would you mind giving us a moment alone?¡±


    Madam Pomfrey pursed her lips, clearly displeased. However, after a brief hesitation, she nodded. ¡°Be quick about it. The patients need rest¡­ and so do you.¡±


    ¡°We will,¡± Dumbledore replied with a warm smile.


    As soon as Madam Pomfrey left, Sirius couldn¡¯t hold back any longer. ¡°What¡¯s wrong with Harry?¡± he asked urgently. ¡°He¡¯s fine, isn¡¯t he?¡±


    ¡°Of course, Sirius,¡± Dumbledore assured him. ¡°He¡¯s suffered a shock but should wake up soon.¡±


    No sooner had Dumbledore finished speaking than Harry stirred. Slowly, he opened his eyes, blinking against the light. Looking around, he realized he was no longer in the Ministry¡¯s main hall.


    ¡°Where am I...?¡± he croaked.


    ¡°In the Hospital Wing at Hogwarts,¡± Sirius said gently.


    No wonder it looked so familiar, Harry thought, wincing as a sharp pain shot through his forehead. Turning his head, he saw Ron and Hermione in the beds beside him, with two Aurors stationed farther away.


    ¡°How are they?¡± he asked, ignoring the burning in his scar.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. Everyone¡¯s fine,¡± Sirius reassured him.


    ¡°That¡¯s good,¡± Harry murmured, pressing his hand to his scar. ¡°What just happened?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s what I was going to ask,¡± Sirius replied.


    ¡°I think it was another form of the Imperius Curse,¡± Dumbledore said softly, ¡°even darker than the original Unforgivable Curses. If Voldemort is given enough time, he can force his way into your body.¡±


    Harry shivered as he remembered the sensation¡ªa red-eyed monster holding him down, controlling his every move.


    ¡°Thanks to you, we were able to buy some time,¡± Dumbledore continued, turning to Kyle.


    ¡°It wasn¡¯t me; it was a Wampus Cat,¡± Kyle said modestly.


    ¡°I was going to ask,¡± Dumbledore said, his tone slightly sharper. ¡°When did you acquire a Wampus Cat? I don¡¯t recall any such creatures in the Forbidden Forest.¡±


    ¡°I borrowed it from Newt,¡± Kyle admitted. ¡°To help Harry learn Occlumency.¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± Harry interjected, shivering again. It wasn¡¯t exactly a fond memory.


    ¡°I see,¡± Dumbledore said with a nod.


    ¡°Wait¡­¡± Sirius looked between them, bewildered. ¡°What does this have to do with Wampus Cats?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t you ever read?¡± Lupin asked, exasperation evident in his voice.


    Harry couldn¡¯t help but feel a pang of familiarity. Hermione had given him and Ron that exact look countless times while helping them study for exams.


    ¡°Do you think I¡¯ve had time to read?¡± Sirius retorted, his chin jutting out defensively.


    Lupin sighed and explained, ¡°Wampus Cats are extraordinary magical creatures. They can run faster than most broomsticks, and their piercing blue eyes can see into a person¡¯s soul. They¡¯re natural Legilimens, which makes them ideal for teaching Occlumency.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right,¡± Kyle confirmed. ¡°That¡¯s how I learned the skill. It was tough, but it worked.¡±


    Harry shivered again. Kyle¡¯s modesty didn¡¯t do justice to the experience. didn¡¯t begin to describe it. Even now, the memory haunted him¡ª a six-legged monster chasing him and lashing at him.


    ¡°I¡¯m afraid only someone close to Mr. Scamander, like you, could learn Occlumency in such a luxurious way,¡± Lupin sighed with a hint of envy. ¡°The Wampus Cat is an extraordinarily rare creature. For most people, seeing one even once in their lifetime would be impossible.¡±


    Kyle shook his head silently, declining to comment further.


    Sirius, however, looked even more puzzled. ¡°But what does this have to do with what just happened? Could it be that You-Know-Who was afraid the Wampus Cat might see the secrets of his mind?¡±


    ¡°Not quite,¡± Lupin continued. ¡°In addition to being a natural Legilimens, the Wampus Cat has another remarkable ability. When its eyes turn purple, it can hypnotize its prey.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s correct,¡± Dumbledore interjected. ¡°The Wampus Cat¡¯s hypnotic power caused Tom to temporarily lose control of Harry¡¯s consciousness. I doubt he ever imagined a magical creature could undermine him so effectively.¡±


    Dumbledore¡¯s expression softened, as though he wanted to laugh but decided it wouldn¡¯t be appropriate.


    ¡°But why was Kyle fine?¡± Harry asked hesitantly, struggling to contain his emotions. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Kyle¡ªI don¡¯t mean to pry¡ªbut I saw the black mist swirl around you.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s because of Occlumency,¡± Dumbledore explained, his tone growing more serious. ¡°At the time, Voldemort was extremely weak, and he couldn¡¯t break into Kyle¡¯s mind. Even if he had been at full strength, I suspect Kyle¡¯s defenses would have held.¡±


    ¡°But I can do Occlumency too,¡± Harry said reflexively.


    Everyone in the Hospital Wing turned to look at him, their expressions tinged with disbelief. Even Hermione, who had just woken up, groaned and covered her face as if she couldn¡¯t bear to watch. Sear?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°I have a question, Harry,¡± Dumbledore asked calmly. ¡°Since Christmas, have you practiced Occlumency on your own?¡±


    ¡°No,¡± Harry admitted, stammering and turning red.


    Not only had he not practiced, but he had also returned the Occlumency books to the library.


    ¡°That is the answer,¡± Dumbledore said, his gaze steady. ¡°As far as I know, Kyle¡¯s study of Occlumency has continued uninterrupted for three years.¡±


    Harry¡¯s face grew even hotter, and he dropped his gaze to the floor, unable to respond. It was no wonder Voldemort had been unable to overpower Kyle, while Harry had stood no chance.


    ¡°I suggest you do the same in the future, Harry,¡± Dumbledore advised.


    ¡°I will,¡± Harry replied, nodding resolutely. Dumbledore was right¡ªhe needed to dedicate himself to mastering Occlumency to prevent a repeat of what had happened today. If anyone had been hurt because of his failure, he would never forgive himself.


    ¡°Well, that¡¯s enough for today,¡± Dumbledore said, rising to his feet.


    ¡°But Professor, I still don¡¯t understand¡­¡± Harry began, but Dumbledore gently shook his head.


    ¡°There¡¯s no need to rush. You can ask me tomorrow. If we continue to disturb your rest, Madam Pomfrey will surely throw us out,¡± he said with a faint smile.


    ¡°But you¡¯re the headmaster¡­¡± Harry protested.


    ¡°No, here in the Hospital Wing, the headmaster¡¯s authority carries little weight,¡± Dumbledore replied, his eyes twinkling. With that, he turned and made his way toward the door. ¡°Get some rest.¡±


    Sirius and Mr. Weasley lingered, reluctant to leave, but after a moment¡¯s hesitation, they followed Dumbledore out of the room.

 Chapter 688: The Hidden Part of the Prophecy

    "I should never have agreed with Fudge to come to Hogwarts and teach Defence Against the Dark Arts!" S~ea??h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The next morning, the Hospital Wing stirred as everyone woke up. Tonks lay in her bed, glancing at the bandages wrapped tightly around her.


    "I knew this day would come," she murmured, resigned. "Just look at Alastor. It''s been a year since he left, and he still hasn''t shaken the Curse."


    "Don''t be ridiculous," said Moody, seated beside her. "Being an Auror means getting injured is part of the job. What does that have to do with the Defence Against the Dark Arts curse?"


    "Then why is Kingsley fine?" Tonks shot back, her lips pursed.


    "Because he''s strong enough," Moody replied sharply. "Whether it''s Kingsley, Remus, or Sirius, when they''re at the peak of their powers, they have the energy and reflexes to fight off Death Eaters."


    His tone grew heavier as he leaned closer. "And the same goes for you. You''re too laid-back and not using your strengths to their full potential. As a natural-born Metamorphmagus, fighting head-on with enemies is the stupidest thing you could do. Why not take on the appearance of a Death Eater instead?"


    "And what about your vigilance? When you first joined the Aurors, I reminded you countless times to always be ready to cast a Shield Charm in combat."


    The ward felt like a classroom as Moody began listing Tonks''s past mistakes, leaving her cheeks flushed with embarrassment.


    "The Death Eaters all wear black hoods and masks," she argued weakly. "Our clothes are different, so changing appearances wouldn''t help."


    "Ah, really?" Moody replied coldly. "Maybe I''ll have a chat with Minerva. I''m sure she never taught you how to change your clothing in Transfiguration class."


    "I can vouch for that¡ªwe learned it in third year," Kyle chimed in with a grin as he approached. To demonstrate, he tapped his wand lightly against his robes, which immediately morphed into a pure black cloak identical to a Death Eater''s.


    "Tsk," Moody muttered, his voice calm but cutting. "Looks like I was wrong about Minerva."


    By now, Tonks had turned her head away, feigning sleep to escape the conversation. She had meant to thank Kyle for saving her life, but at this point, she felt the score was settled.


    Laughter rippled through the ward, lightening the mood.


    Lupin entered just then, his curiosity piqued by the laughter. "Did I miss something?" he asked.


    "It''s like this," Ron began eagerly, but Tonks cut him off, opening her eyes and speaking loudly. "I''m an assistant professor, and that''s important. If you tell anyone about this, I''ll give you ten times the Defence Against the Dark Arts homework¡ªand trust me, I can manage that."


    Ron clamped his mouth shut immediately.


    "And you two," she added, shooting Kyle and Hermione a warning look.


    Kyle shrugged nonchalantly, deciding to stay out of it, while Hermione wisely said nothing.


    Lupin, however, seemed uninterested in the explanation. Placing a bag of sweets from Hogsmeade on the table, he smiled. "You seem to be recovering well. Sirius and I were debating whether to send you to St. Mungo''s."


    "Absolutely not," Tonks replied, shaking her head vehemently. "I can''t stand the smell there. This is fine¡ªat least there isn''t the stench of a hundred different potions."


    "Fair enough," Lupin said, "as long as Madam Pomfrey has no objections."


    "I don''t want to go to St. Mungo''s either," Ron muttered.


    "You don''t have much say in the matter," Lupin remarked, shaking his head. "That decision rests with Arthur and Molly¡ªthey¡¯re on their way now and should be here soon."


    "Oh no," Ron groaned, diving under his quilt to hide.


    "Hermione," Lupin continued, turning to her, "are you sure you don¡¯t want to inform your parents?"


    "Absolutely not," Hermione replied quickly. "They''re Muggles; they wouldn''t understand. Telling them would only worry them unnecessarily. I''ll be fine soon¡ªthere¡¯s no need."


    After a moment¡¯s hesitation, Lupin nodded. "All right."


    Hermione had sustained the lightest injuries and could technically have been discharged that day, but Madam Pomfrey insisted she stay a few more days for observation.


    "I still want to thank you for saving us, Kyle," Moody said suddenly. "If you hadn¡¯t arrived in time, none of us would have made it."


    "It¡¯s nothing," Kyle said with a small shake of his head.


    "You should never have become Senior Assistant to the Minister for Magic," Moody said regretfully. "The Auror¡¯s Office would have been the perfect fit for you¡ªyou would¡¯ve been brilliant there."


    Kyle suppressed a sigh. Being Senior Assistant or even an Auror hadn¡¯t been his choice, but it was a reality he had to accept. Before Moody could delve further, Kyle deftly changed the topic. "Where¡¯s Harry? Didn¡¯t he come back with you?"


    "No," Lupin replied, refilling Tonks¡¯s water glass. "He said he had something to discuss with the headmaster and left before you arrived. He didn¡¯t go to Hogsmeade with me."


    "I see."


    Kyle wasn¡¯t surprised Harry had gone to see Dumbledore, though he found it odd that Madam Pomfrey had allowed him to leave. It was likely on Dumbledore¡¯s orders. With Voldemort¡¯s connection to Harry¡¯s mind, it wasn¡¯t far from being a kind of strengthened Imperius Curse. Without the headmaster¡¯s approval, Pomfrey wouldn¡¯t have let Harry out.


    Soon, Mrs. Weasley¡¯s voice rang out from the corridor.


    "You¡¯re his brothers¡ªhow could you let him go to such a dangerous place?"


    Fred and George¡¯s voices followed, sounding indignant.


    "Mum, how could we have stopped him? He was riding a Thestral¡ª"


    "Yeah, it¡¯s not like we could fly out there and grab him¡ª"


    "Or break his legs in advance!"


    ...


    Kyle glanced over at Ron, who was shivering and curled up in bed, looking utterly defeated.


    ¡°You¡¯d better just admit your fault,¡± Kyle advised gently. ¡°Don¡¯t talk about how much help you were, don¡¯t make excuses¡ªjust apologize and keep quiet about the rest.¡±


    ¡°Huh? Why?¡± Ron asked, startled. He had been considering whether to embellish his role a bit more. After all, they had managed to thwart Voldemort¡¯s plan, something even the Order of the Phoenix was working towards.


    ¡°Because whatever excuse you can think of, Mr. Weasley has already thought of¡ªand repeating it won¡¯t help you.¡±


    Before Ron could respond, the door suddenly burst open with a loud .


    Mrs. Weasley rushed in, her face tear-streaked and full of worry. She made a beeline for Ron, enveloping him in a tight hug.


    ¡°Thank goodness you¡¯re okay,¡± she said, her voice trembling as she fussed over him, inspecting him from head to toe. Once she was assured he wasn¡¯t seriously injured, her expression shifted to one of stern disapproval.


    ¡°How dare you go up against Death Eaters! Yesterday, the magical clock showed you and your father in mortal danger¡ªI nearly fainted!¡±


    Ron opened his mouth, ready to mention he hadn¡¯t been alone, but Kyle¡¯s earlier advice came back to him. Swallowing his words, he instead muttered, ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Mum. I won¡¯t do it again.¡±


    Mrs. Weasley¡¯s eyes filled with tears once more, and she pulled Ron into another hug.


    Behind her, Mr. Weasley stood in the doorway, blinking in surprise but clearly relieved.


    ¡°Oh, and you¡­¡± Mrs. Weasley said as she turned to Kyle, pulling him into a warm hug.


    ¡°You saved both of them. Thank you.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s nothing¡­¡± Kyle said modestly, shaking his head. ¡°And Mrs. Weasley, I think I¡¯ve heard this thank-you a million times since yesterday, so let¡¯s call it even.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s because we hadn¡¯t seen you yet,¡± Mrs. Weasley countered, pulling him into another hug before glancing around the room.


    ¡°Where¡¯s Harry? Arthur mentioned he was hurt too.¡±


    ¡°Harry¡¯s probably in the Headmaster¡¯s Office,¡± Lupin answered. ¡°He said he had some questions for Dumbledore.¡±


    ...


    Meanwhile, in the Headmaster¡¯s Office, Harry looked away from the swirling, silvery-blue figure above the Pensieve.


    Silence filled the room. The portraits on the walls remained still, their usual commentary absent. Not a word was spoken.


    ¡°Professor Dumbledore...¡± Harry¡¯s voice broke the stillness, soft and hesitant. ¡°Is this... the complete prophecy?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± Dumbledore confirmed with a solemn nod.


    ¡°I don¡¯t understand... What does it mean?¡± Harry¡¯s thoughts circled back to the words he had just heard from the figure in the Pensieve:


    ¡°It means,¡± Dumbledore said gravely, ¡°that the only person with the power to defeat Voldemort was born at the end of July nearly sixteen years ago.¡±


    Harry felt as though an invisible weight pressed on his chest, making it hard to breathe.


    ¡°That person... is me?¡±


    A wild thought flitted through his mind, absurd and impossible. But he quickly shook his head. How could he be Voldemort¡¯s equal? It didn¡¯t make sense.


    Dumbledore sighed deeply.


    ¡°If you focus only on the first part of the prophecy, it may not necessarily be you,¡± he said softly. ¡°That year, two boys were born at the end of July. One was you, and the other was Neville Longbottom. What¡¯s more, both of your parents were members of the Order of the Phoenix, and both defied Voldemort three times and lived to tell the tale.¡±


    ¡°But if Neville also fits the prophecy, why does it point to me?¡± Harry frowned, struggling to grasp the distinction.


    ¡°That,¡± Dumbledore said slowly, ¡°is where the second part of the prophecy becomes crucial. Voldemort himself would mark his enemy as his greatest threat. In other words, he chose you, not Neville.¡±


    ¡°But, Professor,¡± Harry stammered, still trying to wrap his mind around it, ¡°there must be some mistake. I¡¯m no match for Voldemort. He can even... control me so easily.¡±


    ¡°Perhaps not as easily as you think,¡± Dumbledore replied, raising his wand. The swirling figure above the Pensieve reformed into a shimmering silver light.


    ¡°You possess a power Voldemort does not. It was this power that compelled you to save Sirius in the Department of Mysteries last night."


    ¡°In fact,¡± Dumbledore continued, ¡°I believe that even without my intervention, you would have freed yourself from Voldemort¡¯s control through the strength of your own heart.¡±


    Harry blinked, startled. He didn¡¯t quite believe it¡ªhow could he possibly overpower Voldemort?


    But as he mulled it over, another thought struck him.


    ¡°Wait, Professor,¡± Harry said, his mind racing. ¡°Kyle was also born at the end of July, wasn¡¯t he? Could the prophecy be talking about him instead? After all, it only mentions the month of birth.¡±


    Dumbledore hesitated for a moment, as though considering how to answer. Finally, he shook his head.


    ¡°I¡¯ve considered that possibility as well, but I¡¯m afraid it¡¯s not the case,¡± he said gently.


    ¡°Why not?¡±


    ¡°Again, it comes down to the second part of the prophecy,¡± Dumbledore explained, his gaze fixed on Harry¡¯s lightning-shaped scar.


    ¡°Voldemort would mark his chosen adversary. When he gave you that scar, he sealed his choice. He marked you as his greatest enemy.¡±


    ¡°And there¡¯s another crucial point,¡± Dumbledore added. ¡°Neville and Kyle are both pure-blood wizards. Only you are half-blood¡ªlike Voldemort.¡±


    Harry stiffened, confused. ¡°What does that have to do with anything?¡±


    ¡°Because Voldemort was also a half-blood,¡± Dumbledore explained. ¡°Although he professed a belief that only pure-bloods were true wizards, his father was a Muggle. This is a fact you already know."


    ¡°Perhaps it¡¯s this shared identity that caused him to see a reflection of himself in you.¡±


    ¡°Me and Voldemort... the same?¡± Harry murmured, the words chilling him to the bone. He felt cold, numb, as if all warmth had drained from the room.


    ¡°It¡¯s just what he believed,¡± Dumbledore said firmly. ¡°We both know you are nothing like Voldemort.¡±


    But Harry wasn¡¯t listening anymore. Dumbledore¡¯s reassurances faded into the background as Harry¡¯s thoughts spiraled.


    He denied the connection vehemently in his mind, trying desperately to latch onto anything that could prove Dumbledore wrong.


    ¡°Right, the prophecy¡­¡± Harry¡¯s expression shifted as something occurred to him. He spoke aloud, ¡°When the prophecy globe shattered before, I heard something, but it was completely different from what we just heard. You must have made a mistake.¡±


    ¡°Oh?¡± For the first time, Dumbledore looked genuinely surprised. ¡°What did you hear?¡±


    Harry thought back carefully. ¡°It was something like, ¡®At the moment of victory, a new and powerful figure will appear...¡¯ It was so chaotic, with screams everywhere, that I didn¡¯t catch the rest. But you can ask Kyle and Mr. Weasley¡ªthey were nearby.¡±


    Dumbledore said nothing, his gaze fixed on the Pensieve as though lost in thought.


    ¡°Professor,¡± Harry pressed cautiously, ¡°you must have made a mistake, right? That wasn¡¯t part of the prophecy we just heard.¡±


    ¡°The strange thing, Harry,¡± Dumbledore said after a pause, ¡°is that it is actually there.¡±


    With a wave of his wand, the silvery figure reappeared in the Pensieve.


    The familiar words filled the room again. Harry, ready to argue, opened his mouth, but Dumbledore raised a hand to stop him.


    ¡°Wait a moment,¡± Dumbledore said. ¡°Keep listening. Be quiet.¡±


    Reluctantly, Harry closed his mouth and continued to watch.


    After a brief silence, the figure in the Pensieve moved again, its mouth forming words. But instead of hearing speech, there came a strange, droning hum, like a swarm of bees.


    ¡°What did she say?¡± Harry blurted out.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± Dumbledore replied calmly. ¡°Because that is exactly what I heard. This part of the prophecy is concealed.¡±


    ¡°A prophecy can be hidden?¡±


    ¡°Of course it can,¡± Dumbledore said, turning toward the window. He gazed out, speaking in a low voice. ¡°I found it puzzling at the time, but I later understood."


    ¡°The prophecy is like a dark, frozen lake. When I saw it, it was winter, and I could only glimpse what lay above the ice. What remains beneath will only reveal itself when spring comes, when the ice melts.¡±


    ¡°Time?¡± Harry ventured uncertainly.


    ¡°Exactly,¡± Dumbledore confirmed. ¡°The prophecy will only be complete when the time is right.¡± He turned back toward Harry. ¡°Are you certain you don¡¯t remember what came after that?¡±


    Harry wracked his brain, then shook his head, frustrated. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Professor. It was chaos¡ªthere was screaming everywhere. I couldn¡¯t hear clearly.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s all right,¡± Dumbledore said gently, nodding. ¡°Perhaps we were never meant to hear the prophecy in full.¡±


    Another silence fell over the office.


    This time, however, Harry noticed something different¡ªthe figures in the portraits, who had been feigning sleep earlier, were now wide awake and whispering to each other. Their quiet murmurs indicated that even they were intrigued by this elusive prophecy.


    After a long pause, faint noises drifted in from outside the office. Voices could be heard in the distance¡ªstudents heading toward the Great Hall for lunch.


    Realizing the time, Harry felt a pang of hunger. The unanswered questions swirling in his mind had distracted him all morning, and now he felt light-headed, his legs weak.


    ¡°Oh, has it been so long already?¡± Dumbledore said with a smile. ¡°If you have nothing else pressing, I suggest you go to the Great Hall for lunch. Today¡¯s menu includes pork cutlets and eggplant pie, both of which I personally recommend. But don¡¯t overeat¡ªyou¡¯ll need to save your energy for the competition this afternoon.¡±


    ¡°Competition?¡± Harry echoed, confused.


    ¡°The Quidditch match,¡± Dumbledore reminded him. ¡°Have you forgotten? This afternoon is the Gryffindor-Hufflepuff final. The winner will take the Quidditch Cup.¡±


    ¡°Oh!¡± Harry exclaimed, suddenly remembering.


    The match had originally been scheduled for early June but had been postponed for reasons no one had explained.


    ¡°Goodbye, Professor!¡± Harry said hastily, turning to rush out.


    Before he reached the door, however, he stopped abruptly and turned back. ¡°Professor, can Ron be released from the hospital early? He¡¯s our Keeper, and we need him!¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ll need to ask Madam Pomfrey,¡± Dumbledore said with a touch of humor, ¡°but I doubt she¡¯ll allow it. You might want to start looking for a replacement Keeper."


    ¡°And even if she does release him, I¡¯m afraid Mr. Weasley won¡¯t be in top form so soon after enduring the Cruciatus Curse.¡±


    Hearing this, Harry groaned inwardly but quickly dashed out of the Headmaster¡¯s Office.


    The prophecy, for now, was forgotten. His immediate concern was finding a new Keeper in the two short hours remaining before the Quidditch final.

 Chapter 689: Before the Holiday

    What happened in the Department of Mysteries yesterday spread quickly across the wizarding world, thanks to . However, the newspaper did not mention the prophecy globe. It only reported that Voldemort had led his Death Eaters in an attempt to seize something and wreak havoc in the main hall.


    To many, this was Voldemort openly declaring war on the Ministry of Magic. It also signaled that he had gathered enough followers and was ready to strike at any moment¡ªleaving the wizarding world feeling frightened and uneasy.


    But none of this concerned the students at Hogwarts.


    That afternoon, nearly the entire school gathered at the Quidditch Pitch to witness the most crucial final of the school year: Hufflepuff versus Gryffindor. The score difference was a mere 20 points, meaning the winner of this match would claim the Quidditch Cup.


    From the very start, cheers and shouts of encouragement filled the stands, as everyone rooted enthusiastically for their team.


    ¡°For both teams, this is a game they absolutely cannot afford to lose...¡±


    Lee Jordan¡¯s voice boomed from the commentary booth. ¡°Whether it¡¯s Cedric and Ted from Hufflepuff or the Weasley brothers and Angelina from Gryffindor, none of them want to leave Hogwarts with regrets in their final year!"


    ¡°¡­Oh no, the Quaffle¡¯s in Kyle¡¯s hands again¡ªthat¡¯s bad news for Gryffindor! Angelina¡¯s closing in on him, but her broom just can¡¯t keep up with the Firebolt!¡±


    This time, Lee refrained from his usual quips and playful remarks, delivering a highly professional commentary instead. After all, the players he mentioned weren¡¯t the only ones graduating; this was also his final year, making the match deeply significant to him.


    ¡°Oh, look! Harry¡¯s spotted the Golden Snitch!¡± Lee¡¯s voice, hoarse from prolonged shouting, carried a note of urgency as he leaned halfway out of the commentary stand. ¡°It¡¯s near the Ravenclaw stands, and Cedric¡¯s seen it too! They¡¯re both speeding up¡ªwho will catch it first? Someone lend me a pair of Omnioculars!¡±


    ¡°Meanwhile, Kyle¡¯s at the Goalposts¡­ he¡¯s thrown the Quaffle¡ªit¡¯s heading for the center hoop! Can Ginny block it? Oh, she¡¯s done it! A brilliant save by the temporary Keeper! That could be the most critical block of the game!¡±


    Madam Hooch¡¯s whistle pierced the air as Lee let out an earsplitting shriek.


    The Golden Snitch had been caught.


    Harry raised his arms high, the Snitch¡¯s golden wings fluttering weakly between his fingers. The stands erupted into a cacophony of cheers and applause. The game was over.


    210 to 220.


    Gryffindor had won. For the first time in six years, they had defeated Hufflepuff and ended their unbeaten streak.


    The players rushed together in jubilant celebration, with Harry and Ginny at the center of the group.


    Once everyone returned to the pitch, Dumbledore stepped forward, smiling as he held the gleaming Quidditch Cup.


    ¡°Congratulations!¡± he said warmly, handing the trophy to Cedric.


    Yes, Gryffindor had won the match¡ªbut in a way, they had lost as well. Hufflepuff had entered the game twenty points ahead, but by the end, they were only ten points ahead overall.


    ¡°What a shame...¡± Neville sighed in the stands. ¡°If only Harry had caught the Snitch when we were seventy points ahead.¡±


    ¡°He knew it wasn¡¯t possible,¡± Hermione said, her voice firm. She had only just been released from the hospital wing. ¡°Hufflepuff¡¯s Chasers were too strong. Dragging the game out would have risked them overtaking us entirely.¡±


    ¡°Ah, you¡¯re right,¡± Neville agreed before joining in the celebrations. After all, they had at least managed to defeat Hufflepuff once.


    ¡°To be honest,¡± Cedric asked Kyle in the Changing Rooms, ¡°did you miss that last goal on purpose?¡±


    ¡°Miss it on purpose?¡± Kyle replied, folding his jersey. ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    ¡°That last shot,¡± Cedric clarified. ¡°You were so close, and Ginny was just a stand-in Keeper. I didn¡¯t think you¡¯d miss.¡± S§×arch* The Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Kyle chuckled. ¡°Ginny wasn¡¯t bad, actually. And you¡¯re overestimating me. Even professional Chasers don¡¯t score every single time."


    ¡°Besides, isn¡¯t this the best outcome? Both teams win in their own way¡­ everyone¡¯s happy.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ve got a point,¡± Cedric said, placing his jersey into his bag.


    By the time they left the Changing Rooms, the once-boisterous stadium had fallen silent. The crowd was gone, and only echoes of their earlier cheers seemed to linger. Cedric paused at the doorway, standing quietly as if listening to the remnants of the celebration.


    The rest of the team emerged behind him.


    ¡°Want to stay a bit longer?¡± Kyle asked.


    ¡°No,¡± Cedric replied, shaking his head and walking on. He joined the others, chatting as they strolled toward the stadium exit.


    ¡°I still can¡¯t believe we¡¯ve won six years in a row¡­¡±


    ¡°Professor Sprout was thrilled. I haven¡¯t seen her that happy in ages.¡±


    ¡°Professor McGonagall seemed pleased too.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, this really was the best outcome¡­¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ve got to have a feast¡ª¡±


    ¡°Imagine celebrating with Gryffindor¡ªit would¡¯ve been hilarious.¡±


    ¡°How about a feast in the Great Hall?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s an idea, but the Slytherins and Ravenclaws might not like it. If you get hexed, don¡¯t blame us!¡±


    ...


    When the teams returned to the castle, they were met with the lively atmosphere of Gryffindor''s celebrations already in full swing. Groups of Gryffindors were scattered across the common areas, laughing and chatting exuberantly. Even when Slytherins attempted to taunt them about losing the Quidditch Cup, the Gryffindors remained unfazed, greeting Kyle and his teammates warmly whenever they crossed paths.


    After dropping his broom off in the dormitory, Kyle decided to step out onto the grounds once more. The blazing sun illuminated the field, where students lounged on the grass, enjoying the warmth. Some were sunbathing, others chatting in groups, nibbling on snacks, or flipping through ¡ªeveryone relishing the rare moment of tranquility.


    As Kyle passed by, a few students waved and complimented the day¡¯s match, calling it the best they had ever witnessed. He smiled and acknowledged them, but deep down, he didn¡¯t think much of the praise. He had heard the same remarks after previous matches.


    Kyle¡¯s thoughts briefly wandered. He figured Kanna was likely in the library¡ªundoubtedly the only one still studying at a time like this. Fred and George were occupied with preparations for their joke shop, making them a rare sight these days. Feeling somewhat aimless, Kyle decided to return Fluffy first.


    Making his way toward the forest, Kyle stayed as far from Hagrid¡¯s cabin as possible, uncertain if he wanted to risk an encounter. But as he neared the woods, Hagrid''s booming voice called out, shattering his hopes of avoiding notice.


    ¡°What are you daydreaming about? You¡¯re going the wrong way¡ªit¡¯s this way¡­¡±


    Kyle sighed, resigned, and turned to head toward Hagrid¡¯s cabin.


    ¡°That was a great match today,¡± Hagrid said cheerfully, pouring a glass of dandelion juice as Kyle entered the hut. ¡°I couldn¡¯t have asked for a better outcome.¡±


    ¡°Actually, I couldn¡¯t have either,¡± Kyle admitted, accepting the glass and taking a cautious sip of Hagrid¡¯s newest concoction. The juice was slightly bitter, though the honey added just enough sweetness to make it bearable.


    ¡°I¡¯ve heard all about it¡­¡± Hagrid began, his tone suddenly turning serious.


    Kyle froze. His first thought was that Hagrid might have discovered the truth about Fluffy. He quickly prepared an explanation, but Hagrid continued before he could speak.


    ¡°You went too far this time, Kyle.¡±


    Kyle blinked, confused. ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°You kept the whole thing about the Wampus Cat from me!¡± Hagrid exclaimed, his expression filled with reproach. ¡°The Wampus Cat! I heard it saved Harry¡¯s life¡ªtwice¡ªat the Department of Mysteries. You know how much I love magical creatures, and yet you didn¡¯t tell me about it. That¡¯s not fair, Kyle, not fair at all.¡±


    Kyle exhaled in relief but tried to cover it quickly. ¡°Ah, no, of course not, Hagrid,¡± he said hastily. ¡°I didn¡¯t mean to leave you out. It¡¯s just¡­ well, alright, you¡¯re right. I was wrong.¡±


    Deciding it was best to come clean, Kyle opened his suitcase. In a flash, the Wampus Cat leapt gracefully out and began surveying its surroundings. Finding no immediate threats, it stretched and then reclined by Kyle, licking its fur with a casual air.


    Hagrid¡¯s hand, halfway to his tea, froze as his wide eyes locked on the Wampus Cat. His fascination was palpable.


    The creature, sensing Hagrid¡¯s gaze, glanced at him briefly before resuming its grooming.


    ¡°It¡¯s really beautiful, isn¡¯t it?¡± Hagrid said, casually tossing his cup aside. His eyes lingered on the Wampus Cat¡¯s six legs. ¡°It must be unbelievably fast when it runs.¡±


    ¡°Mm,¡± Kyle agreed. ¡°Let¡¯s just say, aside from a Firebolt, the Wampus Cat can outrun any broomstick.¡±


    Hagrid¡¯s eyes sparkled with an almost feverish excitement.


    ¡°Can I keep it in the Forbidden Forest?¡± he asked eagerly. ¡°I¡¯ll take care of it.¡±


    Before Kyle could respond, a sudden whimpering noise interrupted the moment. Fang, Hagrid¡¯s loyal companion, was curled up in a corner near the bed, tail tucked tightly between his legs. The mastiff whined pitifully, pressing himself against the wall as if desperate to squeeze out of the hut.


    This behavior wasn¡¯t unusual. Adult Wampus Cats were among the most formidable magical creatures, and their presence was enough to unsettle even the bravest beings. It was remarkable that Fang hadn¡¯t fainted outright, given that he was in the same small space as a 5X-class magical creature. His survival was a testament to his resilience¡ªor perhaps his experience.


    As Hagrid¡¯s constant companion, Fang had spent plenty of time in and around the Forbidden Forest, making him a dog that had truly ¡°seen the world.¡± Though Hagrid often joked about Fang being timid, the mastiff was an ordinary Neapolitan Mastiff with no magical bloodline.


    His instinctive fear of creatures like centaurs or unicorns in the forest was only natural. Any other dog wouldn¡¯t even need to venture into the Forbidden Forest to be petrified; just the Wampus Cat¡¯s presence would be enough to send it running.


    ¡°.¡± Kyle pulled out his wand and quickly made a small hole in the hut¡¯s wall. Fang bolted through it without hesitation.


    ¡°.¡± With a wave of his wand, Kyle mended the hole, then turned back to Hagrid.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Hagrid, but the Wampus Cat can¡¯t stay in the Forbidden Forest. I borrowed it from Newt to help Harry with Occlumency, and I have to return it by the end of the holidays.¡±


    ¡°Is that so?¡± Hagrid¡¯s expression fell slightly, tinged with disappointment and envy. ¡°Mr. Scamander must have loads of magical creatures.¡±


    ¡°There are far fewer now,¡± Kyle replied. ¡°Most of the creatures have been returned to their natural habitats. The ones still with him are either too injured to survive in the wild or unwilling to leave. Some are their offspring.¡±


    He hesitated briefly before adding, ¡°Besides, Newt¡¯s been banned from entering most countries. Even if he wanted to collect more creatures, he couldn¡¯t. And, well, he¡¯s almost a hundred years old now. He doesn¡¯t use the same daring methods he did in his youth.¡±


    Kyle couldn¡¯t help but recall the stories: Newt traveling across countries on the back of a Wyvern, outmaneuvering local Aurors with his expert Apparition. But those adventurous days had ended decades ago, much to Tina¡¯s relief.


    ¡°I¡¯d love to visit his collection someday,¡± Hagrid said wistfully, his gaze fixed on the Wampus Cat.


    Kyle remained silent, not intending to offer an introduction. It wasn¡¯t just because of Hagrid¡¯s habit of letting secrets slip¡ªthough that was a factor. The real issue was their differing philosophies about magical creatures. Newt valued balance and safety, often focusing on rehabilitating creatures like Mooncalves or Nifflers. Hagrid, on the other hand, had a well-documented fondness for highly dangerous creatures with sharp teeth and claws.


    Even the Blast-Ended Skrewts Hagrid had once bred served as a clear example of why he and Newt would never fully see eye to eye.


    Perhaps sensing this, Hagrid didn¡¯t press further. Instead, he excused himself and stepped outside for a while. When he returned, his arms were laden with various cuts of meat¡ªferrets, ox legs, warthog meat¡ªclearly intended for the magical creatures in the forest.


    ¡°Take a look¡ªsee which one it likes best,¡± Hagrid said, crouching expectantly in front of the Wampus Cat.


    The Wampus Cat sniffed at the offerings, pausing at the ferret with a disdainful glance before nudging it aside, as if baffled by the very idea of eating such ¡°junk food.¡± After deliberating between the beef leg and the warthog meat, it chose the former. Having feasted on warthog the day before, it seemed in the mood for something lighter.


    Kyle lingered in the cabin until late afternoon, eventually leaving under Hagrid¡¯s lingering, wistful gaze.


    As he made his way back to the castle, Kyle couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that he had forgotten something. He racked his brain, but nothing came to mind.


    ¡°Never mind. It¡¯s probably not important,¡± he muttered, shaking his head as he climbed the stone steps back into the castle.


    ...


    The day before the holiday, everyone who had been in the hospital wing was discharged. Sirius, Lupin, and Moody accepted Dumbledore''s invitation to join the evening¡¯s dinner in the Great Hall.


    Unlike the solemn silence that had greeted Sirius the first time he arrived, the atmosphere was entirely different when Moody limped in. A wave of applause and cheers swept through the hall.


    All three had been Defence Against the Dark Arts professors, a position that always carried a certain popularity, even among the more cautious students.


    ¡°This feels pretty good,¡± Moody muttered as he took his seat at the Instructors'' table, his magical eye scanning the room. He couldn¡¯t help but think that Dumbledore¡¯s long tenure at Hogwarts now made more sense. If it weren¡¯t for his higher responsibilities, being a professor here might actually have been quite enjoyable.


    Dumbledore stood, a warm smile spreading across his face, and gestured toward the table where Sirius and the others sat. ¡°I am delighted we can all be together this evening,¡± he began. ¡°And tonight, we welcome back a few¡­ old friends, you might say.¡±


    Applause erupted once more, echoing off the enchanted ceiling of the hall.


    ¡°All right, all right,¡± Dumbledore said, waving his hand for quiet. ¡°Before we begin this fine feast, I have a few important announcements to make. Let me see¡­¡±


    He paused for a moment, his piercing blue eyes scanning the room. ¡°First, as I¡¯m sure you¡¯ve read in the papers, there was a significant incident at the Ministry not long ago.¡±


    At this, many heads instinctively turned toward Kyle. had recently published a detailed account of the events at the Ministry of Magic. On its front page, Auror Kingsley Shacklebolt was quoted thanking Kyle for his bravery in saving lives¡ªthough the article notably omitted any mention of magical creatures, attributing the rescue instead to reinforcements.


    ¡°Yes, it¡¯s true,¡± Dumbledore confirmed with a smile, his gaze landing on Kyle. ¡°Kyle Chopper has demonstrated remarkable courage and exceptional intelligence during the events at the Ministry. For this, I am awarding Hufflepuff 100 points.¡±


    A cheer erupted from the Hufflepuff table, where students clapped and hollered excitedly.


    ¡°And,¡± Dumbledore continued, raising his voice over the din, ¡°I am also presenting him with the Hogwarts Special Award for Services to the School, along with an additional 200 points for Hufflepuff.¡±


    This announcement was met with an even louder roar of cheers and applause. The Hufflepuff hourglass beside the hall was now bursting with gemstones, the precious stones glittering brightly in the candlelight.


    ¡°That brings me to the second piece of good news,¡± Dumbledore added, his smile broadening. ¡°Congratulations to Hufflepuff¡ªthey have won this year¡¯s House Cup!¡±


    The cheers from the Hufflepuff table were deafening, shaking the very rafters of the hall. Students clapped each other on the back, their excitement spilling into joyous laughter.


    Dumbledore waited patiently for the noise to subside before waving his hand. Instantly, the golden plates on every table filled with an array of delicious dishes, signaling the start of the feast.


    The meal was a jubilant affair, filled with laughter, conversation, and a celebratory energy that seemed to make the food taste even better. It wasn¡¯t until the last traces of pudding vanished from the plates that Dumbledore stood again, his expression much more serious than before.


    ¡°Now that we¡¯ve all had our fill, I must share something that will dampen the mood,¡± he began slowly, his tone grave. ¡°As you prepare to leave for the holidays, I urge each of you to remain vigilant. Pay attention to your surroundings and avoid isolated places whenever possible.¡±


    The hall gradually fell silent as Dumbledore spoke, his words sinking in.


    ¡°Be mindful of any unusual activity around you,¡± he continued. ¡°While I would wish nothing more than for you to enjoy this time with your loved ones, I must remind you that we live in dangerous times. Take care, all of you.¡±


    Though he didn¡¯t explicitly say it, everyone knew what he meant. The shadow of Voldemort and his Death Eaters loomed large, an unspoken weight that pressed heavily on the hearts of everyone in the room.


    Some students glanced nervously at one another, their excitement from earlier now tinged with unease. A few even whispered about wanting to remain at Hogwarts for the holidays, though they knew it wasn¡¯t an option.


    The school would not be the safe haven it was without Dumbledore and the professors, all of whom had critical tasks to attend to elsewhere.

 Chapter 690: King’s Cross Station, the Nervous Aurors

    Because of Dumbledore''s words at the end of the dinner, the atmosphere on the Hogwarts Express the following day was markedly different. The usual laughter and joy had been replaced by a subdued heaviness.


    However, there were exceptions.


    ¡°Quick, help us decide which jackets to wear!¡±


    On the train, Fred and George Weasley held up two jackets in contrasting colors, scrutinizing them intently.


    ¡°We bought them in Hogsmeade¡­¡±


    ¡°We were planning to wear them when the Weasleys'' Wizard Wheezes opens¡­¡±


    ¡°To make a grand entrance¡­¡±


    ¡°They''re both made of the finest dragon-hide, and they cost us a fortune!¡±


    Fred¡¯s voice carried a faint note of melancholy, making it clear the jackets were no trivial purchase.


    ¡°Black, I guess,¡± Kyle said, glancing up. ¡°Black is more dignified.¡±


    ¡°But we think green is nice,¡± George countered, hesitating slightly. ¡°We¡¯re running a joke shop, so we don¡¯t exactly need to look solemn. Black seems more fitting for parties or negotiating major deals¡­¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ve even thought that far ahead?¡± Cho raised an eyebrow, her tone incredulous.


    Their shop hadn¡¯t even opened yet, and they were already planning for parties and business negotiations?


    ¡°It¡¯s only a matter of time,¡± Fred replied confidently. ¡°We might even buy Zonko¡¯s someday and open another branch in Hogsmeade.¡±


    ¡°Well, good luck with that.¡±


    Cedric couldn¡¯t help but let a small smile tug at the corners of his mouth, though he quickly composed himself. ¡°But I do think black is the better choice. You¡¯ll get more use out of it.¡±


    ¡°Really?¡±


    Fred and George exchanged a puzzled glance. Still, since Cedric and Kyle had both said so, they donned the black jackets.


    The results were striking. The jackets, clearly expensive, made them look far more polished than their usual school robes. Fred and George now exuded an unexpected air of professionalism¡ªalmost like office elites.


    ¡°Kyle, what are you grinning at?¡± George asked, frowning as he caught sight of his twin across the compartment.


    ¡°The jackets fit perfectly; there¡¯s nothing funny about them.¡±


    ¡°I was just thinking of something amusing,¡± Kyle replied, doing his best to suppress a smirk. ¡°You should ask Mr. Weasley for his opinion. He might give you a more... objective view.¡±


    ¡°Ask Dad?¡± Fred considered the suggestion for a moment before shaking his head lightly. ¡°Forget it. He¡¯s at the Ministry all the time and barely gets to visit Diagon Alley twice a year. What would he know about opening a joke shop?¡±


    ¡°But he does know what to wear to the Ministry,¡± Kyle teased.


    ¡°Haha, yeah, and we¡¯d just do the opposite of what he says!¡±


    Fred and George dismissed Kyle¡¯s comment as a poor joke and slipped into their second jackets.


    Cedric, who knew the truth of Kyle¡¯s amusement, had to pinch his thigh hard to keep from laughing aloud.


    Suddenly, a loud clattering echoed from outside the compartment, interrupting their banter.


    ¡°What are those kids up to now?¡± Fred said mockingly.


    Cedric, however, had already opened the compartment door to investigate. Despite having graduated, he still bore the responsibilities of a Head Boy and was obligated to maintain order on the train until it reached King¡¯s Cross Station.


    "It''s fine!" George suddenly patted Kyle on the shoulder, though it seemed he wasn¡¯t sure what exactly to associate with.


    ¡°When school starts again, you''ll be the only Head Boy.¡±


    Kyle blinked, momentarily thrown by the statement. He remembered being named Senior Assistant and Head Boy, though it had hardly been a significant experience. He¡¯d left most of the responsibilities untouched, and Cedric had never stepped down from the position, so the title had almost slipped his mind.


    ¡°I really wish Cedric could graduate a year late,¡± Kyle said, rubbing his forehead. Over the past two years, he had managed to delegate most of his Prefect duties to Cedric, not to mention all the additional work tied to being Head Boy.


    , he thought ruefully.


    ¡°Hey...¡± Fred snickered. ¡°You know, if Cedric got all T''s in his N.E.W.T.s, he might actually have to repeat a year.¡±


    George laughed. ¡°Even Ron couldn¡¯t get all T''s!¡±


    ¡°Maybe Cedric could¡­¡±


    The twins exchanged a knowing glance before bursting into laughter.


    Kyle ignored their teasing and trailed behind them as they left the compartment.


    It wasn¡¯t hard to locate the source of the commotion. All they had to do was follow the crowd gathered further down the train.


    When Kyle arrived, he found Justin Finch-Fletchley and Susan Bones animatedly explaining something to Cedric.


    ¡°They started it¡­¡± Justin was saying, his voice brimming with indignation. ¡°I heard it all from my compartment. They were picking on Harry. We can¡¯t just let that slide¡ªwe¡¯re all in the DA!¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re right,¡± Hannah Abbott agreed angrily. ¡°They¡¯re horrible! They said they were going to knock Harry unconscious and leave him on the luggage rack!¡±


    Kyle, now closer, instinctively glanced up at the luggage rack. There, tightly bound and writhing in their school robes, were five figures resembling oversized slugs.


    ¡°Well... we just followed their advice,¡± Susan mumbled, her gaze darting away.


    Kyle vaguely remembered her mentioning a desire to teach some Slytherins a lesson not too long ago.


    ¡°Who are they?¡±


    ¡°Malfoy, Crabbe, Goyle...¡± Mikel offered immediately.


    ¡°And Pansy and Millicent,¡± Susan added.


    , Kyle thought.


    Ever since Voldemort¡¯s return had been made public, that particular group had been openly gleeful, laughing louder than anyone else at every grim announcement. It was precisely this kind of behavior that had incensed Mikel and Susan. He even recalled them discussing whether to blindfold the Slytherins and give them a taste of their own medicine.


    Kyle glanced back up at the luggage rack. True to their word, they had carried out their plan.


    Meanwhile, Ron and Harry had arrived to check on the situation and were doubled over with laughter.


    ¡°I¡¯d bet Lucius was definitely at the Ministry of Magic that day,¡± Kyle remarked as they returned to the compartment. Harry and Ron followed him, still chuckling. Kyle¡¯s tone was resolute. ¡°I saw him. That platinum blonde hair¡ªit¡¯s unmistakable.¡±


    ¡°Malfoy must¡¯ve wanted revenge because of that,¡± Ron said with disdain. ¡°The coward.¡±


    ¡°I wish he¡¯d come after me,¡± Kyle said with a shrug. ¡°But unfortunately, he won¡¯t.¡±


    ¡°Unless he¡¯s gone completely mad,¡± Harry quipped, grinning as he glanced toward the luggage rack in Kyle¡¯s compartment. He half-expected to see the distinctive suitcase, but it wasn¡¯t there.


    It figured. Kyle wouldn¡¯t leave something so dangerous lying around casually.


    ¡°By the way, what really happened that day?¡± Ron asked curiously. ¡°Why does it feel like Malfoy and his lot have been avoiding you lately?¡±


    Kyle didn¡¯t immediately reply. Ron¡¯s curiosity was understandable¡ªwhen he and Hermione had rushed over that day, they¡¯d both fainted before seeing what had occurred. By the time they¡¯d woken up, they were already in the Hospital Wing.


    "Nothing..." Harry replied, glancing briefly at Kyle before quickly looking away. "It''s just that the headmaster and Kyle arrived in time to save us."


    He wasn¡¯t trying to hide anything from Ron and Hermione, but Kyle had made it clear he didn¡¯t want the details shared. Besides, if Ron found out he had spent time with a Dragon and a Three-Headed Dog while unconscious, he might faint all over again.


    ¡°I see,¡± Ron said with a nod. ¡°It¡¯s a shame Dumbledore didn¡¯t catch Malfoy. We could¡¯ve sent him straight to Azkaban.¡±


    ¡°No use,¡± Hermione said, shaking her head. ¡°The Dementors can¡¯t be trusted anymore. A lot of them have joined You-Know-Who.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯d still be nice to get a break,¡± Ron muttered, before his gaze fell on Fred and George. He squinted at their outfits. ¡°Wait... what¡¯s that made of?¡±


    ¡°The finest dragon-hide,¡± Fred said smugly, unzipping his jacket a little to let the light catch the scaly pattern.


    The shimmering texture glinted in the sunlight, leaving Ron wide-eyed with envy.


    As the train ride continued, the atmosphere grew livelier with more students joining conversations.


    Kyle couldn¡¯t help but notice Harry glancing at Cho during his wizard chess match with Cedric. Each time, Harry would quickly look away, but it was obvious he hadn¡¯t given up on her.


    Kyle rubbed his chin thoughtfully, debating whether to warn Cedric about Harry¡¯s lingering feelings. But he quickly dismissed the idea.


    He felt bad for Harry, but realistically, there was no comparison. Cedric was superior in nearly every way. Perhaps being gave Harry some edge, but it was clear Cho didn¡¯t place much value on that.


    Meanwhile, Hermione had approached Kanna with a thick book and a potion bottle in hand.


    ¡°Can you help me with this?¡± Hermione asked.


    Kanna barely glanced at the book before pointing out the issue. ¡°You¡¯ve used too few sunflower petals, and you boiled it for less than a minute.¡±


    ¡°But the book says three petals,¡± Hermione said, puzzled. ¡°I counted exactly three.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s a missing step in that book,¡± Kanna explained, not even looking up this time. ¡°You¡¯re supposed to mash the petals first so the juice mixes into the potion more effectively. If you skip that, you¡¯ll need an extra petal to compensate.¡±


    Hermione frowned at the book, clearly annoyed by the oversight, but said nothing.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you guys being a bit overdramatic?¡± Ron interjected. ¡°It¡¯s the holidays! Do you really need to be studying?¡±


    ¡°Why not?¡± Hermione shot back. ¡°Even Headmaster Dumbledore said we need more knowledge to protect ourselves. We can¡¯t use magic during the holidays, so potions are our best option. Having some healing potions on hand is definitely practical.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t think Mum would like me lugging cauldrons around the house,¡± Ron grumbled.


    ¡°You¡¯re wrong,¡± Fred chimed in. ¡°Mum would the idea.¡±


    ¡°She¡¯d probably knock down a wall in the kitchen to make room for your cauldron,¡± George added with a grin.


    Ron muttered something under his breath, likely searching for another excuse, but no one could make out what he said.


    Next to him, Harry lowered his head, pretending to strategize his next chess move. Potions wasn¡¯t exactly his favorite subject, second only to Umbridge¡¯s Defense Against the Dark Arts in terms of sheer unpleasantness.


    And there was another reason he wasn¡¯t keen on potions during the holidays¡ªhe¡¯d have to spend a month at Privet Drive before moving to 12 Grimmauld Place. His aunt and uncle would definitely lose their minds if he started brewing potions in their house.


    Eventually, the train began to slow down, signaling their arrival at King¡¯s Cross Station.


    Kyle and the others had changed out of their wizard robes earlier, and as the train stopped, belching clouds of smoke, they disembarked, dragging their suitcases along.


    The platform exit was crowded, with only two or three people allowed through at a time. It took about ten minutes before Kyle and the group finally made it outside.


    The station was bustling with even more people waiting to greet them than the previous year.


    Chris and Diana were there, along with the Weasleys, Moody¡ªwho had returned early last night¡ªTonks, Lupin, Sirius, and Kingsley. It was clear the latter group was primarily there for Harry, though they might¡¯ve had other reasons for being so vigilant.


    And then there was Newt Scamander.


    For some reason, the legendary Magizoologist stood among the crowd, smiling warmly at Kyle.


    ¡°Oh, dear,¡± Diana exclaimed, enveloping Kyle in a warm hug. ¡°How was school?¡±


    ¡°It was fine,¡± Kyle replied, though his attention was soon drawn elsewhere. He noticed an unusual number of Aurors and Hit Wizards scattered around King¡¯s Cross Station, all eyeing Newt Scamander nervously as if he were a dangerous adversary.


    ¡°Why are you here?¡± Kyle asked Newt curiously.


    ¡°I was helping Dumbledore with a little trouble,¡± Newt replied with a smile. ¡°And on my way back, I happened to pass by here, so I thought I¡¯d stop in.¡±


    ¡°The... caretakers?¡± Kyle asked knowingly.


    Newt nodded, his smile remaining warm but cryptic.


    Behind them, Hermione, who had been chatting with her father, kept glancing at Newt with growing excitement. She suddenly whispered, ¡°I just realized¡ªthat¡¯s Mr. Newt Scamander! Oh my gosh, I can¡¯t believe I¡¯m actually meeting the legendary Magizoologist.¡±


    ¡°Scamander?¡± Mr. Granger asked, his tone doubtful. ¡°Is he famous?¡±


    ¡°Everyone in the wizarding world knows him!¡± Hermione said enthusiastically, dropping to her knees to dig through her suitcase. ¡°I want to ask him for an autograph¡­ Where¡¯s my copy of ? I know I packed it¡­ Ah, here it is!¡±


    She hurried over to Newt, clutching her book tightly. Newt, amused and gracious, happily signed it for her.


    Nearby, Mrs. Weasley was busy hugging Fred and George, her happiness radiating as she smoothed down their new jackets with pride.


    Meanwhile, Moody, Lupin, and Sirius were having a stern conversation with Vernon Dursley.


    Vernon, red-faced and ready to explode, was cut off mid-rant when Moody removed his hat, revealing his glowing, magical eye. Vernon recoiled in terror, stumbling into a luggage trolley. His temper dissolved instantly.


    ¡°Let¡¯s be clear,¡± Lupin said gently, though his tone left no room for argument. ¡°If you refuse to let Harry use the communic¡ª¡±


    ¡°The telephone,¡± Harry interrupted in a low whisper.


    ¡°Yes, that¡¯s what I meant,¡± Lupin continued, nodding. ¡°If we can¡¯t get in touch with Harry, you¡¯ll find yourself in very serious trouble.¡±


    Whether it was the looming threat of these wizards or the shiny lump of gold the size of a bottle cap now in his hand, Vernon eventually grunted his agreement.


    ¡°Alright, it¡¯s not safe to linger here. Let¡¯s get moving,¡± Mr. Weasley said, gesturing for everyone to start packing up.


    ¡°Where are you headed?¡± Chris asked.


    ¡°The square,¡± Mr. Weasley replied vaguely. ¡°Aren¡¯t you?¡±


    ¡°No, we¡¯re going straight home,¡± Chris shook his head.


    ¡°Do you need a ride?¡± Mr. Weasley offered. ¡°We¡¯ve got three cars this time.¡±


    ¡°No, we¡¯ll Apparate back,¡± Chris replied.


    ¡°Alright then. See you tomorrow!¡± With that, Mr. Weasley and Sirius departed, leading the group of children. S§×ar?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Kyle scanned the crowd, ready to say goodbye to Kanna, but to his surprise, she was nowhere in sight.


    ¡°She didn¡¯t leave the platform?¡± he asked, puzzled.


    ¡°She did,¡± Cho said. ¡°I was with her.¡±


    ¡°Then where is she?¡±


    As Kyle wondered aloud, Diana suddenly waved enthusiastically, her eyes catching someone in the crowd. ¡°Hey, Severus! Is that you?¡±


    Kyle followed her gaze and spotted a figure in a black cloak. The greasy hair and rigid posture left no doubt¡ªit was Snape. And beside him, walking briskly, was Kanna.


    Snape didn¡¯t respond to Diana¡¯s call, quickening his pace as if he hadn¡¯t heard her.


    Kanna, however, turned her head briefly, meeting Kyle¡¯s eyes with a helpless shrug before hurrying to keep up with Snape.

 Chapter 691: The Weasley Brothers Join the Ministry of Magic

    That evening, to welcome everyone home for the holidays and to celebrate Fred and George¡¯s graduation, Mrs. Weasley prepared a lavish spread and invited Moody, Tonks, Kingsley, and other members of the Order of the Phoenix to join them. Even Professor McGonagall, who had just returned from her holiday, made an appearance. sea??h th§× N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    When the door opened, and she entered the foyer, Mrs. Weasley greeted her with surprise and delight.


    ¡°I¡¯m so glad you could come, Minerva,¡± she said warmly, a smile lighting up her face.


    ¡°I was just in London for something,¡± Professor McGonagall replied. ¡°Sykes has developed a new healing potion said to be highly effective against wounds caused by dark magic.¡±


    ¡°By Merlin¡¯s beard, a potion for dark magic wounds¡­¡± Mrs. Weasley exclaimed, clearly astonished. ¡°That¡¯s marvelous. Do you already have it?¡±


    ¡°Not yet,¡± Professor McGonagall said, shaking her head. ¡°I¡¯ve only just arrived in London.¡±


    ¡°Are you sure it¡¯s fine to come here first? Should Arthur take you to St. Mungo¡¯s?¡± Mrs. Weasley offered.


    ¡°That won¡¯t be necessary. We¡¯re meeting Sykes at eight, so there¡¯s plenty of time to have dinner first,¡± McGonagall assured her.


    ¡°We?¡± Mrs. Weasley glanced toward the door. ¡°Is someone else coming?¡±


    ¡°No, I¡¯m on my own,¡± Professor McGonagall said, making her way to the dining room. ¡°Severus won¡¯t be joining us for dinner; we¡¯ll meet at St. Mungo¡¯s later.¡±


    ¡°Very well,¡± Mrs. Weasley replied. If it had been Snape, she thought wryly, he would have gone out of his way to avoid dining at Sirius¡¯s house.


    ¡°Mum, who¡¯s there?¡±


    Ron and Ginny came bounding down the stairs, only to freeze when they saw Professor McGonagall.


    ¡°Professor¡­¡±


    ¡°Professor McGonagall?¡±


    ¡°Hello, Mr. and Miss Weasley,¡± McGonagall greeted them with a polite nod.


    ¡°Come in, it¡¯s a big day,¡± Mrs. Weasley said as she ushered the professor into the dining room. She then turned back to her children. ¡°Don¡¯t just stand there¡ªgo fetch Fred and George for dinner. They¡¯re the stars of the show tonight.¡±


    Ron and Ginny didn¡¯t move until McGonagall had entered the dining room.


    ¡°We¡¯re still on holiday, right?¡± Ron asked, looking uncertain.


    ¡°Apparently,¡± Ginny sighed. ¡°But you could always go to bed and wake up in your dorm at Hogwarts.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll pass. I¡¯m starving,¡± Ron muttered. ¡°But why is Professor McGonagall here? She¡¯s never been here before.¡±


    ¡°Just because she hasn¡¯t before doesn¡¯t mean she can¡¯t,¡± Ginny replied, clearly more accepting of the situation. ¡°Don¡¯t forget, this is the headquarters of the Order of the Phoenix. All members could show up here, including Professor McGonagall.¡±


    Meanwhile, Fred and George Apparated directly into the dining room.


    Like Ron and Ginny before them, they initially wore grins and looked ready with a joke, but their expressions turned serious the moment they spotted Professor McGonagall.


    Then, remembering they were now graduates, their smiles returned as they exchanged a glance. With exaggerated enthusiasm, they stepped forward to greet her.


    ¡°Welcome, Professor McGonagall¡­¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s such a pleasure to see you here¡­¡±


    ¡°Shall we show you to a room?¡±


    ¡°The third floor has the best sunlight,¡± they chimed in unison, sounding like overly eager real estate agents.


    This exchange left Ron, who had just entered, standing rooted to the spot. His room was on the third floor, and he couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that Fred and George were doing this on purpose.


    ¡°Thank you, boys, but no,¡± McGonagall said, her lips twitching as she suppressed a smile. ¡°I won¡¯t be staying here.¡±


    ¡°What a pity,¡± Fred said, sounding genuinely disappointed.


    George placed a hand dramatically over his heart, feigning heartbreak.


    ¡°Hurry up and get ready for dinner,¡± Mrs. Weasley interrupted, setting a plate of fish and chips on the table. She turned to the twins. ¡°Professor McGonagall has other obligations later, so don¡¯t be late.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Mum.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re just feeling sorry for Ron¡­¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s missed his chance to boost his grades,¡± Fred added with a grin.


    As Fred and George took their seats, Ron followed, muttering under his breath.


    Mrs. Weasley stood at the head of the table, beaming. ¡°Right, first of all, congratulations to our two new graduates for successfully completing their studies and securing such bright futures¡­¡±


    The room filled with applause as Fred and George stood to take exaggerated bows.


    They had donned black dragon-hide jackets for the occasion and looked quite impressive.


    ¡°And now, the gifts¡­¡±


    ¡°More gifts?¡± Fred asked, raising an eyebrow in surprise.


    ¡°Of course,¡± Mrs. Weasley replied. ¡°Bill and the others got presents for their graduations, and you¡¯re no exception. Arthur¡­¡±


    Mr. Weasley hurried to present them with two small boxes. ¡°I picked these out carefully, knowing you don¡¯t need much else.¡±


    Fred and George eagerly tore into their packages as Ron craned his neck to see what was inside.


    ¡°What is it, Dad?¡± Ron asked curiously.


    ¡°Ties,¡± Mr. Weasley said proudly. ¡°I asked Mr. Granger for advice, and he explained that Muggles wear these for work, especially in places like the Ministry of Magic. So I had him pick out two for me. They weren¡¯t cheap, mind you¡ªa single Galleon could¡¯ve bought a broomstick at that price!¡±


    Fred and George pulled out their respective ties, their initial excitement giving way to bemusement.


    ¡°Wait¡­¡±


    ¡°Dad, did you say Ministry of Magic?¡±


    ¡°But we¡¯re opening a joke shop. We¡¯ve even secured a location!¡±


    ...


    ¡°Huh?¡±


    Mr. Weasley paused for a moment, then pulled out two pieces of parchment.


    ¡°But you already signed the Ministry of Magic¡¯s employment application.¡±


    Fred and George immediately stepped forward to inspect the papers.


    The forms were filled out in detail, but they didn¡¯t bother reading most of it. Their attention was drawn to the end, where they froze at the sight of two familiar signatures.


    It was unmistakably their handwriting, yet they were certain they had never signed anything of the sort¡ªand would never have done so.


    ¡°This has to be fake!¡± Fred blurted out.


    ¡°Wait¡­¡± George¡¯s face stiffened as a memory surfaced. ¡°Fred, do you remember right after our exams, when Cedric said he wanted to cheer up Kyle and made those two fake employment applications?¡±


    Fred blinked as the recollection dawned on him. It was true¡ªsuch an incident had occurred.


    At the time, Cedric thought it would be funny to prank Kyle by pretending the twins were joining him at the Ministry of Magic. Amused, they had gone along with the joke.


    ¡°But those forms were fake!¡± Fred insisted, scrutinizing the parchment again.


    ¡°They were,¡± George agreed, pointing at the header. ¡°Look¡ªOffice for the Detection and Confiscation of Counterfeit Defensive Spells and Protective Objects I¡¯ve never even heard of that department.¡±


    ¡°Ahem¡­¡± Kingsley coughed lightly, clearly struggling to contain his amusement. ¡°Actually, it¡¯s a newly established office.¡±


    Fred and George turned to him, looking more alarmed than ever.


    ¡°Because You-Know-Who¡¯s return has caused widespread panic,¡± Kingsley explained, ¡°people have been selling fake products claiming to protect against Death Eaters. To prevent these scams from harming the public, Senior Assistant Kyle proposed the creation of a specialized office, and the Minister approved it.¡±


    With a soft Fred dropped the gift box he was holding.


    ¡°Right,¡± Kingsley said, tilting his head slightly. ¡°Congratulations¡ªyou¡¯re the first employees of the department. And as it happens, your office will be right next to Arthur¡¯s.¡±


    Fred and George paled. They never expected their prank to backfire so spectacularly.


    If Kyle had come to them with the forms in person, they would never have signed, even as a joke. They knew him too well¡ªany deal with Kyle always came with strings attached.


    But Cedric? That was different. In their minds, Cedric was the embodiment of a Hufflepuff: honest, dependable, and loyal. When he had handed them the parchment, they hadn¡¯t hesitated to sign, trusting it to be harmless.


    Unexpectedly, Cedric¡ªthe guy with the bushy eyebrows and big eyes¡ªhad also betrayed them!


    ¡°Sure enough, no one who can be with Kyle is any good,¡± George muttered under his breath.


    He failed to notice the strange looks from everyone else in the room. Most of them had served as Defense Against the Dark Arts professors at Hogwarts and knew how close the Weasley twins were to Kyle. George¡¯s muttered complaint was almost comical; it felt like he was roasting himself.


    ¡°Can we not go?¡± Fred asked hesitantly. ¡°We didn¡¯t know the truth when we signed up, so it doesn¡¯t really count, does it?¡±


    ¡°Exactly,¡± George agreed with a nod.


    ¡°Of course... you can,¡± Kingsley said. ¡°You¡¯ve been accepted, but it¡¯s entirely your choice whether you come or not.¡±


    ¡°But¡­¡±


    Before Fred and George could breathe a sigh of relief, Kingsley continued.


    ¡°Kyle said something about this. I believe he was referring to you, so I¡¯ll just be direct. He mentioned that if you don¡¯t follow through with your application and work at the Ministry for at least two months, he¡¯ll send Hit Wizards to Diagon Alley to inspect your shop for dark magic protections. Until the shop passes inspection, you won¡¯t be able to open for business.¡±


    Fred and George froze as if struck by lightning.


    Professor McGonagall, watching from nearby, felt a small smile tug at her lips. She hadn¡¯t expected such an amusing scene when she stopped by for dinner. Seeing Hogwarts¡¯ legendary pranksters rendered speechless was a rare treat.


    ¡°I¡¯ve never heard of a shop needing a dark magic inspection,¡± Fred said through gritted teeth.


    ¡°He¡¯s just trying to trick us into going to the Ministry of Magic!¡± George fumed.


    ¡°I must say¡­¡± Kingsley said evenly, ¡°as Senior Assistant to the Minister for Magic, Kyle has the authority to do this. And he¡¯s no ordinary assistant¡ªhe holds more authority than most Directors or Senior Undersecretaries. I¡¯d advise against challenging him.¡±


    Ron, unable to hold it in any longer, burst out laughing but quickly stopped when he saw the glares from his brothers.


    ¡°But Dad,¡± Fred pleaded, turning to Mr. Weasley, ¡°we¡¯ve already paid the rent for the shop in Diagon Alley! That was a lot of money.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s all right,¡± Mrs. Weasley said, waving a hand. ¡°Kyle has taken care of it. Kreacher will oversee things, and he¡¯s arranged for two House-elves from Hogwarts who have experience running shops to help out. They¡¯ll manage the store.¡±


    ¡°But the dark magic inspection¡­¡±


    ¡°If it¡¯s run by House-elves, the inspection isn¡¯t necessary,¡± Kingsley said with a small smile.


    ¡°The shop stays open, and they¡¯re still working for the Ministry,¡± Ron observed, trying to suppress his amusement. ¡°Doesn¡¯t that mean they¡¯re getting two salaries?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right,¡± Mrs. Weasley confirmed. ¡°Though House-elves don¡¯t need salaries. Kyle and I did discuss giving them a payment¡ªlike Dobby had¡ªbut these two acted as if we¡¯d suggested something terrible and started banging their heads against the wall. Kyle suggested paying them in sweets instead.¡±


    Ron¡¯s smirk faded as he took a bite of his beef pie, only to grimace at the sour lemon taste. But his discomfort went unnoticed.


    Fred and George were silent for a long moment, slumping back in their chairs.


    No wonder Kyle and Cedric had insisted they choose black jackets on the train. No wonder they¡¯d laughed so hard. Everything now made perfect sense.


    Though they considered resisting, it was clear Kyle had covered every possible escape route. The Weasleys¡¯ Wizard Wheezes shop couldn¡¯t open unless they fulfilled their Ministry obligation.


    ¡°Forget it¡ªit¡¯s only two months,¡± Fred said finally, slamming his hand on the table. ¡°We¡¯ll do it!¡±


    At least Kyle hadn¡¯t forced them to stay indefinitely. It was still early July, so their two months would end just before the busy back-to-school rush at the end of August. If not for that, they might never have agreed.


    ¡°Actually, you don¡¯t need to be so upset,¡± Tonks chimed in suddenly. ¡°The job isn¡¯t bad, really. A lot of people would be happy to have it¡ª¡±


    ¡°But not us,¡± Fred muttered darkly.


    ¡°No, you¡­¡±


    ¡°Tonks,¡± Kingsley interjected, his tone firm.


    ¡°All right, all right,¡± Tonks said with a shrug. ¡°I¡¯ll stop. But working there might be helpful¡ªyou could learn a lot¡­¡± She trailed off, seeing Kingsley¡¯s stern expression. ¡°Okay, okay, I¡¯m done.¡±


    Fred and George exchanged glances, seeming to realize something, but Tonks had already stopped speaking.


    ¡°Oh, and this,¡± Mrs. Weasley said, pulling out a parchment.


    George groaned at the sight of it. ¡°What¡¯s that, Mum?¡±


    ¡°A list of items in your shop,¡± she replied.


    Now that Fred and George were officially Ministry employees, Mrs. Weasley seemed less resistant to their shop¡¯s existence.


    ¡°Kyle added a few things for you,¡± she explained. ¡°He said to cross them off if you refused to go to the Ministry. But now it seems that won¡¯t be necessary.¡±


    Fred and George leaned in to read the list together.


    A map of HogwartsA warm-up badgeAn automatic ink-producing quill


    ...


    There were about a dozen items listed, all popular gadgets Kyle had developed during his time at Hogwarts.


    ¡°He gave these to us?¡± George¡¯s eyes widened in surprise.


    ¡°We have to give Kyle his share,¡± Mrs. Weasley said firmly. ¡°We can¡¯t just take someone else¡¯s work for free.¡±


    ¡°Okay, okay, I was just saying¡­¡± George muttered.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Mum, we won¡¯t,¡± Fred added quickly.


    As they continued to read the parchment, their initial anger began to fade¡ªalbeit reluctantly.


    This was impressive. They had to admit that the gadgets Kyle had invented were highly sought after and would undoubtedly draw attention to their shop.


    Take the map, for instance. The Auto-Route Map was almost as remarkable as the Marauder¡¯s Map, except for its inability to display names. They could already picture new Hogwarts students clamoring for such a useful item¡ªsomething no one entering the shop would want to pass up.


    Even so, their irritation with Kyle couldn¡¯t just vanish. At best, when they got their hands on him¡­ maybe they¡¯d spare him one punch.


    ¡°Mum,¡± Fred said with mock innocence, a glint of mischief in his eyes as he bit into his pie. ¡°We¡¯ve just remembered something we left back home in St. Catchpole Village. Can we go tomorrow?¡±


    ¡°Yes, it¡¯s very important,¡± George added, narrowing his eyes conspiratorially.


    Mrs. Weasley nodded. ¡°Yes, you can, but don¡¯t dawdle. Remember, you need to be at the Ministry in the morning. It¡¯s your first day, and you want to make a good impression. It wouldn¡¯t look good to be late.¡±


    ¡°Oh, we¡¯ll hurry,¡± Fred assured her, taking another bite of pie as if imagining it were someone.

 Chapter 692: The Giant Crisis

    Early the next morning, Fred and George stormed back to St. Catchpole Village, too angry to bother with breakfast.


    But they didn¡¯t get to see Kyle as they¡¯d hoped.


    ¡°What, he¡¯s out?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, like ten minutes ago,¡± said Chris. ¡°Mr. Scamander thought it was about time Kyle saw the world, so he took him on a holiday.¡±


    He opened the door and gestured for the two men to come in. ¡°You haven¡¯t had breakfast yet, have you?¡±


    ¡°No, we¡ª¡±


    Fred¡¯s reply was cut off as a tantalizing aroma wafted through the air. It smelled like grilled steak, but there was an additional subtle fragrance, light and refreshing, reminiscent of morning dew or freshly picked fruit.


    Their noses seemed to take charge, leading them into the house without a second thought.


    Chris waved his wand with a knowing smile, and two steaming, fragrant steaks floated out of the kitchen, landing neatly on empty plates at the table.


    "The hind leg of a deer from the Hebrides Islands, which is also one of the favorite foods of the Hebridean Black Dragons, alongside Graphorns," Chris said with a grin.


    ¡°This creature isn¡¯t native to the UK; Mr. Scamander had it specially brought over. Go on, give it a try.¡±


    ¡°Well, we won¡¯t be rude then,¡± Fred and George replied, practically in unison. They sat down, barely able to resist digging in.


    The moment they took their first bite, they were hooked. The meat was beyond delicious¡ªrich, tender, and flavorful in a way they had never experienced. Whether or not the Hebridean Black dragons loved it, they certainly did.


    Before they realized it, half the steak had vanished from their plates.


    ¡°Why are we here...?¡± Fred began to ask, but as the words formed, they faded away, lost in the haze of satisfaction that came with another bite of the delectable meat.


    l


    ...


    Meanwhile, Kyle had followed Newt to a remote location surrounded by a series of peaks. They now stood atop one of the summits.


    ¡°In the south of Romania...¡± Newt pointed ahead. ¡°If you keep going straight from here, you¡¯ll reach Bulgaria. I¡¯ve traveled this road many times and remember it well.¡±


    Kyle glanced at him and said slowly, ¡°So this must not be an officially marked road, right?¡±


    ¡°At least we got the Portkey through the proper channels,¡± Newt replied, slipping a brooch into his pocket with a small sigh. ¡°That one worked perfectly. I¡¯ve gone through a lot of trouble over the years to acquire certain Portkeys. Once, I even ended up with a fake one¡ªit cost a fortune in Galleons and dropped me off completely in the wrong place.¡±


    Kyle, knowing Newt was referring to his younger days when he was relocating magical creatures worldwide, couldn¡¯t resist asking, ¡°What happened to the guy who sold you the fake? Didn¡¯t you go after him?¡±


    ¡°Of course I did, but I couldn¡¯t find him,¡± Newt said with a shrug. ¡°That¡¯s typical. Selling Portkeys is illegal, so those who do it never stay in one spot for long."


    ¡°But I later heard he did something significant. Apparently, one day, he became a national hero in his country.¡±


    Kyle struggled to maintain a straight face. Selling fake Portkeys and then becoming a national hero? It wasn¡¯t something you saw every day¡ªeven in the wizarding world. Then again, if it was a Portkey and it had involved Newt, anything seemed possible.


    After all, if the man had saved his country from disaster, a hero¡¯s title didn¡¯t seem too far-fetched.


    ¡°How did you find out?¡± Kyle asked, curious. ¡°Did he tell you himself?¡±


    ¡°No, I heard it from another Portkey seller. Supposedly, he returned my Galleons afterward. I¡¯d bet the owl delivering the money had been flying for at least a month¡ªit was so scrawny when it finally found me. Poor little thing.¡±


    Newt seemed uninterested in lingering on tales of his youth. His gaze shifted to their surroundings, as though searching for someone.


    ¡°That¡¯s strange. Dumbledore said the person meeting us would be nearby and that we¡¯d recognize her immediately. Where is she?¡±


    ¡°I believe you¡¯re the ones I¡¯ve been waiting for,¡± said a deep voice behind them.


    Newt turned around first, tilting his head to get a better view of the speaker.


    Standing before them was Madam Maxime of Beauxbatons, nearly ten feet tall and impossible to miss.


    ¡°Oh, that¡¯s quite an impressive Disillusionment Charm,¡± Newt remarked.


    ¡°Though I¡¯d love to take credit for that,¡± Madam Maxime replied with a smile, ¡°the real me isn¡¯t even here yet. This is only a projection.¡±


    She chuckled lightly. ¡°I¡¯m afraid no one in the wizarding world surpasses you in Disillusionment Charms, Mr. Scamander. If I tried to use one, I¡¯d be spotted immediately.¡±


    Newt smiled but said nothing.


    Kyle then noticed something near Madam Maxime¡¯s feet¡ªa mirror-like device half-buried in a pile of leaves, making it easy to overlook.


    Moments later, with a faint pop, the real Madam Maxime arrived. She stepped forward, extending her hand.


    ¡°It¡¯s a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Scamander. Your work has always been an essential part of Beauxbatons¡¯ curriculum.¡±


    ¡°The honor is mine,¡± Newt said, shaking her hand.


    Turning to Kyle, she added, ¡°And you, Kyle. I¡¯m glad we meet again.¡±


    ¡°Me too, Madam Maxime,¡± Kyle said with a smile.


    ¡°I¡¯ve heard of your accomplishments this year,¡± she said warmly. ¡°Even hired by the English Ministry of Magic? That¡¯s quite impressive for someone so young.¡±


    ¡°It was nothing,¡± Kyle replied modestly.


    ¡°You¡¯re too humble,¡± she said, shaking her head. ¡°Our Ministry would never hire a normal sixth-year student¡ªnor would yours, I¡¯m sure.¡±


    With a sly smile, she added, ¡°I regret not knocking you out and taking you with me when I had the chance. But now, with your new status, doing so would lead to an international incident.¡±


    Kyle let out an awkward chuckle, eager to change the topic. ¡°So, what are we really here for?¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t know?¡± Madam Maxime asked, raising an eyebrow. She glanced at Newt. ¡°You didn¡¯t tell him?¡±


    ¡°I forgot,¡± Newt admitted, rubbing his head. ¡°Well, no harm done¡ªit¡¯s not too late to explain. We¡¯re here because of the Giants.¡±


    ¡°Giants?¡± Kyle echoed, realization dawning. That explained why Madam Maxime was involved. But where was Hagrid?


    ¡°What¡¯s the current situation?¡± Newt asked.


    ¡°It¡¯s complicated,¡± Madam Maxime said, her tone lowering. ¡°I¡¯ve been monitoring their movements. Their Gurg, Golgomath, has fully aligned with the Death Eaters. Recently, he began leading the clan in a migration, and based on their direction, their destination is Britain.¡±


    ¡°They¡¯ve already started?¡± Newt frowned. ¡°Why so soon?¡±


    ¡°The Death Eaters,¡± Madam Maxime explained grimly. ¡°A wizard in black robes visited Golgomath¡¯s cave yesterday. By nightfall, they had begun migrating.¡±


    ¡°They must be stopped,¡± Newt said firmly. ¡°Otherwise, Muggle villages will suffer along the way.¡±


    ¡°One already has,¡± Madam Maxime sighed. ¡°Hagrid and I managed to evacuate the Muggles just before dozens of Giants trampled the village.¡±


    Newt¡¯s expression hardened. Without hesitation, he began preparing to leave.


    But Madam Maxime raised a hand, signaling for him to pause.


    ¡°We¡¯ve already checked, and there¡¯s no other village in their immediate path,¡± Madam Maxime said. ¡°Besides, Hagrid is keeping watch, and he¡¯ll contact me right away if anything happens.¡±


    ¡°No, you¡¯re wrong,¡± Newt said gravely. ¡°Giants are inherently brutal. They won¡¯t simply take the shortest route; they¡¯ll actively seek out places with signs of life.¡±


    Madam Maxime didn¡¯t question Newt¡¯s words. If anyone knew more about Giants than she did, it was undoubtedly the man standing before her. Without hesitation, she quickened her pace.


    ¡°Follow me¡ªthey¡¯re not far now...¡±


    As they walked, Newt glanced at Kyle, who still seemed puzzled.


    ¡°Wondering why you were brought along?¡± he asked.


    ¡°Yes,¡± Kyle admitted with a nod.


    Logically, if Newt needed help, Chris¡ªKyle¡¯s father¡ªwould have been the obvious choice. That¡¯s how things had been handled in the past.


    ¡°That¡¯s because Chris is too conspicuous,¡± Newt explained. ¡°If he suddenly disappeared from the Ministry of Magic, the Death Eaters would likely suspect we were targeting the Giants. They might respond by sending reinforcements, possibly even involving other members of the Order of the Phoenix."


    ¡°But you¡¯re different. You don¡¯t have a significant public role yet, so your absence won¡¯t draw attention. Even if you leave for a while, the Death Eaters are unlikely to notice.¡±


    Kyle raised an eyebrow.


    He shrugged, conceding that Newt had a point. Still, it stung a little.


    But then a thought struck him, and he asked anxiously, ¡°But yesterday, at the station, weren¡¯t you seen by a lot of people? Is that a problem?¡±


    ¡°Not at all,¡± Newt replied with a small smile. ¡°In fact, at this very moment, the British ¡®me¡¯ is on his way toward the Black Forest.¡±


    ¡°The Black Forest?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s where the Werewolves were last sighted,¡± Newt explained. ¡°Their situation is also problematic, but the Giants are a more immediate concern.¡±


    ¡°And honestly,¡± he continued, ¡°bringing you along isn¡¯t just about needing your help. With Madam Maxime and Hagrid here, we already have plenty of support.¡±


    ¡°Then why am I here?¡± Kyle asked, genuinely curious.


    ¡°To prepare you for what¡¯s coming,¡± Newt said simply. ¡°We all agreed¡ªChris included¡ªthat it¡¯s important for you to get some experience before the real war begins.¡±


    Kyle¡¯s eyes widened slightly. ¡°My mother agreed to this too?¡± he asked instinctively.


    For a moment, Newt didn¡¯t reply, then smoothly changed the subject. ¡°What you¡¯re doing now is exactly what Chris and Diana did at the start of the last war." S~ea??h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°They fought against Giants, Trolls, Werewolves¡ªkept most of the Dark Creatures off the battlefield. If they hadn¡¯t, that war would¡¯ve been far more catastrophic.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s true,¡± Madam Maxime chimed in, her voice serious. ¡°Dark Creatures can have an outsized impact during a war. Oh, we¡¯ve arrived.¡±


    As she spoke, a massive figure leapt out from the side. The creature was holding a huge crossbow with its string drawn taut, ready to fire.


    ¡°It¡¯s us, Hagrid¡ªdon¡¯t shoot!¡± Madam Maxime called out.


    Hagrid relaxed, lowering his bowstring when he recognized them.


    ¡°Sorry, Olympe,¡± he said, then glanced at the newcomers. ¡°Has Professor Dumbledore¡¯s man arrived?¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s already here,¡± Madam Maxime replied, stepping aside to reveal Newt and Kyle.


    ¡°Mr. Scamander! I had a feeling it¡¯d be you. And Kyle...¡±


    Hagrid¡¯s expression shifted from surprise to bewilderment. ¡°Wait... What? Kyle? Why are you here? Did you sneak after me? Go back!¡±


    ¡°No, Hagrid,¡± Newt interjected calmly. ¡°I brought Kyle with me, and Dumbledore approved it.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Hagrid exclaimed, incredulous. ¡°He¡¯s still a student! Have all the members of the Order of the Phoenix gone mad? You¡¯re bringing a student¡ªwho hasn¡¯t even graduated¡ªinto something this dangerous? Giants aren¡¯t Trolls; they¡¯re far more deadly than most Death Eaters!¡±


    ¡°Of course I know that,¡± Newt said, his tone steady. ¡°But our goal isn¡¯t to fight all the Giants. With Madam Maxime and me here, Kyle won¡¯t be in any real danger.¡±


    Newt spoke with such calm confidence that Hagrid hesitated, unsure of how to respond.


    Finally, Hagrid sighed and relented. ¡°Fine. But, Kyle, you stay close to me. Don¡¯t wander off, no matter what.¡±


    ¡°Got it,¡± Kyle agreed quickly.


    ¡°Hagrid, where are they?¡± Maxime asked.


    ¡°Over there,¡± Hagrid said, pointing toward a nearby valley. ¡°Because there are Death Eaters following us, I didn¡¯t dare get too close, but this spot¡¯s just as good.¡±


    The three of them turned their gaze to where Hagrid pointed.


    As he had said, there was no need to get any closer to observe the Giants. Their sheer size and movement made them impossible to miss.


    In the distance, a group of Giants moved through the valley, their progress deceptively fast. Though their strides appeared slow, their massive steps covered significant ground quickly.


    ¡°What are we going to do?¡± Hagrid asked. ¡°Last time, when Olympe and I were here, we had a falling out with Golgomath, the Gurg. He doesn¡¯t trust us. If we show up again, it¡¯ll end in a fight, and we¡¯re no match for this many Giants.¡±


    ¡°We don¡¯t need to face them all,¡± Newt said, standing on the hill and observing the group intently. His expression grew serious. ¡°It looks like some of them are reluctant.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s true,¡± Hagrid said, nodding. ¡°About half of them don¡¯t like Golgomath¡¯s rule. They don¡¯t want to fight wizards and witches, but they¡¯re too scared to resist him.¡±


    ¡°That simplifies things,¡± Newt said after a moment of thought. ¡°If we can deal with Golgomath, the rest of the Giants will have no choice but to return to the tribe and elect a new Gurg."


    ¡°If the new Gurg refuses to cooperate with the Death Eaters, the crisis will be averted.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s easier said than done,¡± Maxime said, her voice heavy with concern. ¡°Golgomath is at least twenty feet tall, and the Giants stick together. We can¡¯t separate him from the rest. If we try to take him out, we¡¯ll end up fighting the whole group.¡±


    ¡°We have to try,¡± Newt said firmly, then turned to Kyle. ¡°Do you have your suitcase with you?¡±


    ¡°Of course,¡± Kyle replied. How could he travel without it?


    ¡°Good.¡± Newt pulled out his own suitcase. ¡°Giants and Dragons are natural enemies. The fire Dragons breathe is something Giants deeply fear. It¡¯s the best way to cause chaos within their ranks.¡±


    Kyle nodded in understanding and opened his suitcase.


    To Madam Maxime¡¯s utter astonishment, two massive adult Dragons emerged before her, their immense forms towering over the group.


    ¡°Oh, Merlin...¡± she breathed, stepping back instinctively, her eyes wide as she stared at the colossal beasts.


    Hagrid, on the other hand, was spellbound. His eyes lit up with delight as he stepped forward, seemingly mesmerized by the shimmering scales reflecting the sunlight.


    ¡°Hungarian Horntail and Norwegian Ridgeback... Norbert?¡± Hagrid¡¯s voice faltered as he stared at the Ridgeback, recognition dawning.


    The Norwegian Ridgeback responded with a joyful snort, its fiery breath puffing into the air.


    Hagrid froze for a moment, his expression a mix of awe and excitement. ¡°It Norbert!¡±


    The Ridgeback¡¯s reaction confirmed it¡ªit recognized Hagrid and was visibly pleased. But in its excitement, it seemed to have forgotten just how much it had grown.


    The greeting came in the form of two fiery blasts, streaming down dangerously close to the group.


    Fortunately, Maxime acted quickly, extending her long leg and kicking Hagrid out of harm¡¯s way.


    ¡°You¡¯re insane, Hagrid!¡± she snapped, frowning as she brushed ash off her robes. ¡°That¡¯s a Dragon!¡±


    ¡°Oh, it¡¯s alright, Olympe,¡± Hagrid said, brushing himself off as he got back to his feet. ¡°It¡¯s a dragon I raised from an egg. I don¡¯t think it meant any harm¡ªjust got a bit too excited to see me again and wasn¡¯t watching what it was doing.¡±


    His face lit up with a wide grin. ¡°Oh... it remembers me¡ªNorbert!¡± Hagrid beamed

 Chapter 693: War Machines, Firestorm Charm

    Madam Maxime couldn¡¯t understand Hagrid¡¯s joy, nor how he could describe the ferocious fire-breathing dragon before them as a ¡°good boy.¡±


    What kind of "good boy" grew fifteen feet tall, scorched the ground with fire, and looked ready to start a fight at any moment? She had neither seen nor heard of such a creature.


    Meanwhile, Norbert let out a low growl as soon as his eyes landed on Newt¡¯s Hungarian Horntail. The hostility was mutual.


    Dragons like the Norwegian Ridgeback and the Hungarian Horntail were notorious for their fiery tempers and territorial nature. A mere glance from one to the other could ignite a battle that might last for days. It wasn¡¯t personal; it was just their nature.


    For Norbert, however, it personal. As a baby, he¡¯d been thoroughly beaten by this very Hungarian Horntail. Now, faced with his old rival, memories of the past seemed to surface in a fiery wave of resentment.


    Norbert¡¯s growl grew louder and more menacing, as though he were moments away from lunging at the other dragon.


    The Hungarian Horntail, on the other hand, regarded Norbert with visible disdain, as though to say,


    ¡°Okay, Hogg, we¡¯ve got work to do,¡± Newt said, gently patting the Horntail¡¯s wing. The dragon turned its head away, clearly unimpressed but willing to comply.


    Meanwhile, Kyle managed to calm Norbert, gently stroking his scales to ease his fidgeting.


    ¡°What¡¯s the plan?¡± Kyle asked.


    ¡°Leave it to them,¡± Newt replied confidently. ¡°Two dragons are more than enough to throw a Giant tribe into chaos.¡±


    No sooner had he spoken than the Hungarian Horntail launched into the sky, followed closely by Norbert, who spread his wings wide and took off after it.


    The dragons swooped down toward the group of Giants advancing through the valley.


    The Giants spotted the incoming threat immediately. They halted in their tracks, roaring and brandishing massive weapons¡ªclubs, axes, and sharpened tree trunks.


    But the dragons were undeterred. From above, the Hungarian Horntail unleashed a searing stream of flames, followed moments later by Norbert¡¯s fiery breath.


    The attack sent the Giants into complete disarray. Their tight formation collapsed as they pushed and shoved one another, scrambling for safer ground away from the blistering heat.


    In the midst of the chaos, a massive Giant¡ªeasily over twenty feet tall, wearing a helmet and wielding a giant axe¡ªroared commands at the others, trying to restore order. His voice thundered through the valley, but the panic-stricken Giants paid him little heed.


    Furious, Golgomath picked up a sharpened tree trunk and hurled it with immense force at Norbert.


    Norbert banked sharply, evading the projectile with surprising agility. In retaliation, he released a massive ball of flame that exploded just above Golgomath¡¯s head, forcing him to stumble back.


    The battle intensified as the Giants scattered in all directions. The two dragons skillfully exploited the confusion, focusing their efforts on isolating Golgomath from the main group.


    Gradually, the plan worked. With the Giants disorganized and Golgomath separated, the dragons¡¯ assault had achieved its purpose.


    However, the situation grew more dangerous as the Giants began to adapt. Some, inspired by Golgomath, started hurling their weapons into the sky with surprising accuracy.


    Norbert and the Hungarian Horntail found it increasingly difficult to dodge the flurry of missiles.


    To make matters worse, flashes of spellfire lit up the battlefield¡ªDeath Eaters hidden among the Giants had joined the fray, casting spells at the dragons.


    ¡°It¡¯s enough,¡± Newt murmured from his vantage point atop the hill. His gaze remained fixed on the battlefield. ¡°Any more, and we¡¯ll risk losing them. This is enough.¡±


    He whistled sharply, the sound cutting through the noise below.


    The Hungarian Horntail, as if understanding the signal, turned in midair and began flying back toward Newt. On its way, it smacked Norbert on the head with its wing¡ªa none-too-gentle reminder that it was time to retreat.


    Norbert snorted indignantly but followed, flapping his wings as the two dragons ascended away from the battlefield.


    As they retreated, Newt vanished from the hilltop with a soft Apparating directly to Golgomath¡¯s position.


    "Stop!"


    He gathered the dirt and stones from the ground, forming a "Clay Giant" over ten feet tall, successfully drawing Golgomath''s attention.


    "Are you going to war with the wizards?" he shouted, his voice booming through the valley.


    "Go back, go back to your tribe..."


    But his words were met only with a roar and a sweeping strike from a massive axe, cleaving the "Clay Giant" cleanly in half. Moments later, two bright beams¡ªone red, the other green¡ªshot from afar, shattering what remained of the clay figure into rubble.


    "It seems persuasion hasn''t worked," Kyle muttered, appearing just in time to catch Newt, who was on the verge of collapse.


    Madam Maxime arrived soon after, wand in hand, her gaze sharp as she scanned their surroundings.


    "Are you all right, Mr. Scamander?"


    "I''m fine," Newt sighed. "I really didn''t want it to come to this, but it seems the Giant Gurg has no intention of avoiding war..."


    With a wave of his wand, Newt caused the scattered stones and soil to gather once more.


    "I''ll lure him away. Kyle, Madam Maxime, help me cast the Smokescreen Spell¡ªmake it as wide as possible. I can''t handle too many Giants at once."


    "Yes!" Madam Maxime responded promptly, her wand already moving.


    A thick white mist blanketed the valley, rendering the distant Giants faint and shadowy.


    But in the next moment, a gust of wind swept through, thinning the fog noticeably. From afar, an exasperated voice roared.


    "What are you waiting for? Go and help!"


    Several Giants immediately began moving toward them.


    Kyle froze for a brief moment before quickly reaching into his Mokeskin pouch. Pulling out a small round bead, he crushed it with all his strength.


    White mist erupted from the shattered bead, rapidly spreading across the entire valley. Within seconds, the world seemed to lose its color, the mist denser and more impenetrable than before. Unlike the earlier fog, this one was immune to the wind.


    "Oh... what is this?" Newt blinked, momentarily stunned.


    He had been bracing for a prolonged battle, but Kyle''s quick action had caught him off guard. The Giants, already poor at navigation, were now utterly disoriented in the dense fog.


    "A Mist Gem," Kyle explained. "I got it in Hogsmeade. Unfortunately, it''s my last one, and I don¡¯t know if Dervish & Banges still stocks them."


    "If they do, we¡¯ll buy more," Newt replied, taking a deep breath as he honed in on Golgomath''s location by scent.


    "All right, you¡¯d better stay out of the way next time."


    "Wait," Kyle interjected in a low voice. "Can I handle it?"


    "What do you mean?"


    "Let me take this Giant," Kyle said firmly. "If I¡¯m preparing for war, I can¡¯t just stand by and do nothing."


    "No, this is a Giant¡ªyou don¡¯t have enough experience¡ª"


    Before Newt could finish, Kyle had already raised his wand. The stones scattered across the ground transformed into a spear that shot forward with force.


    A loud, dull thud echoed as the spear struck its target.


    "Roar!"


    The Giant''s enraged cry reverberated through the valley.


    Kyle quickly cast the spell to mask their location. The Muffliato Charm filled the ears of anyone outside a certain radius with an indistinct buzzing noise, muffling sounds that might otherwise reveal their position.


    Kyle had tested this charm before out of sheer curiosity and found it just as effective on Norbert. Because it wasn¡¯t a direct attack spell but rather an environment-altering enchantment, it bypassed the magical defenses of even a dragon''s scales. He assumed it would work similarly a Giant.


    The combination of the Mist Gem and the Muffliato Charm was remarkably effective, creating an impenetrable veil of sight and sound. Kyle couldn¡¯t help but marvel at how well the two spells worked together.


    At this point, Newt chose not to object further. Instead, he looked at Kyle and asked, "What are you planning to do?"


    "The best choice is, of course, the Fiendfyre Curse," Kyle replied casually. "When dealing with Magical Creatures, this spell is even more effective than the Killing Curse."


    Even Newt had to admit that Kyle was correct. For some very large Magical Creatures, the Killing Curse wasn''t particularly effective. Not even a powerful wizard, like the Dark Wizard from decades ago or Dumbledore himself, could kill an adult dragon with a single spell. Let alone Kyle, who wasn¡¯t even seventeen.


    But Fiendfyre was a different matter entirely.


    The monstrous entities conjured by Fiendfyre grew more powerful with time, with no apparent limit to their strength. Given enough time, Fiendfyre could easily consume all the Giants in the valley.


    "I wouldn¡¯t recommend it unless absolutely necessary," Newt cautioned. "Fiendfyre is dark magic. Using it too much can lure you into an addiction to its destructive power. One day, without realizing it, you might find that you¡¯ve completely lost control of it."


    "Of course," he added, "if it¡¯s a life-or-death situation, that¡¯s another story."


    "I understand," Kyle nodded. "That¡¯s why I have another plan."


    He glanced at the looming silhouette of the Giant, barely visible in the thick fog.


    He cast a Stunning Spell tentatively. Unsurprisingly, it rebounded off the Giant¡¯s skin, as hard as stone¡ªor perhaps even harder.


    The failed spell, however, enraged the Giant, which pinpointed Kyle¡¯s position. With a thunderous roar, the Giant swung its massive axe, the blade whistling through the air as it struck the ground less than a foot in front of him.


    Kyle leapt back, quickly trying other spells.


    But no matter what he used¡ªthe Knockback Jinx, the Severing Charm, the Blasting Curse, or even the formidable Sectumsempra¡ªnothing seemed to have any significant effect.


    Sectumsempra, which could slice through solid stone with ease, elicited only a pained grunt from the Giant. Yet, it pressed forward, swinging its massive axe as if nothing had happened.


    Of course, Kyle suspected this might partly be because he hadn¡¯t hit the right spot. Unfortunately, the thick fog hindered not only the Giant but also Kyle. He could only make out the vague outline of his foe, with no way to pinpoint its weak spots accurately.


    Casting another Blasting Curse, Kyle gasped in frustration as the Giant remained unscathed.


    After twenty minutes of a grueling stalemate, Kyle was forced to confront the harsh reality: he couldn¡¯t break through the Giant¡¯s defenses. Instead, it was who seemed to be breaking down.


    He had anticipated the Giant would be tough, but not to this extent. No matter what spell he cast, it was as if nothing could breach its seemingly impenetrable skin.


    The Giant, too, appeared increasingly agitated, growling as it swung its axe wildly, like swatting at an irritating fly.


    By this point, Kyle had stopped using the Muffliato Charm, mainly because he was no longer sure where he was. After chasing the Giant for twenty minutes, he could only guess that they had strayed far from where the fight began.


    At that moment, a creature resembling a fluffy Quaffle leaped onto Kyle¡¯s shoulder from the mist, followed by Newt emerging into view.


    ¡°How do you feel?¡± Newt asked with a hint of amusement. he thought.


    ¡°This guy is practically a mountain,¡± Kyle panted, gasping for breath. ¡°How were the Giants defeated during the last war?¡±


    ¡°It was mostly a matter of outlasting them,¡± Newt explained. ¡°Most of the Giants were lured into an uninhabited mountain range¡ªfar bigger than this one¡ªat the start of the war. They didn¡¯t emerge until three years after it ended.¡±


    ¡°What about the other Giants?¡± Kyle asked. ¡°I remember reading that Professor Dumbledore defeated some of them.¡±


    ¡°No,¡± Newt corrected, shaking his head. ¡°If I remember correctly, it was a group of stone golems.¡±


    ¡°Golems?¡±


    ¡°Yes, a set of stone statues that were immune to Charms and incredibly strong,¡± Newt replied. ¡°They appeared just as the Giants were about to reach Hogsmeade. The statues surrounded them outside the village and killed them.¡±


    ¡°Were they the ones from the school?¡± Kyle wondered aloud, recalling a spell that could control the stone statues at Hogwarts, though only a few professors knew how to cast it. sea??h th§× N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°I think so. Those who saw the statues said they looked familiar.¡±


    Newt glanced around and said, ¡°Alright, the fog is almost gone. Leave the rest to me. We need to end this quickly before it becomes even more troublesome when the mist clears.¡±


    ¡°Just give me three minutes¡ªjust three minutes,¡± Kyle insisted. ¡°I was only testing the Giant¡¯s strength before. I didn¡¯t actually mean to fight him seriously.¡±


    ¡°Are you planning to use Fiendfyre?¡± Newt asked, raising an eyebrow.


    ¡°No, I have another method.¡±


    ¡°Okay,¡± Newt said, eyeing the thinning white mist. ¡°Three minutes, no more. After that, I¡¯ll take over.¡±


    ¡°Got it.¡±


    Kyle pulled out his suitcase, glancing back at Newt. ¡°Remember to close your eyes¡ªor better yet, step back a bit.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re not about to¡­¡± Newt began, his mouth twitching in realization.


    Before he could finish, a scaled head emerged from the suitcase. Newt quickly averted his gaze as the Basilisk slithered out.


    The Giant Gurg, sensing a threat, swung his massive axe more furiously.


    ¡°Go on, you deserve some exercise!¡± Kyle commanded.


    The Basilisk shot forward. At the same time, Kyle raised his wand.


    ¡°¡±


    Golgomath¡¯s axe froze mid-swing, hovering in the air. Instinctively, the Giant reached for it, but Kyle sent the weapon flying further away.


    While Golgomath was momentarily distracted, the Basilisk reached his feet and sank its fangs into his shin. The previously impenetrable skin yielded effortlessly to the venomous bite.


    Golgomath roared in pain, pounding the Basilisk with his fists. The venom, deadly to wizards, merely slowed the Giant¡¯s movements slightly.


    The Basilisk hissed in pain as Golgomath¡¯s blows struck like hammers. Yet, it coiled itself tightly around the Giant, climbing higher and constricting with increasing force.


    At fifty feet long, the Basilisk proved too formidable for Golgomath to shake off. He instinctively lowered his head, attempting to tear the serpent away¡ªonly to lock eyes with its golden gaze.


    For a moment, Golgomath froze.


    The mist thinned further, and even Kyle, standing at a distance, could see the Giant¡¯s feet turning grayish-white as the petrification spread up to his ankles.


    ¡°That¡¯s it?¡± Kyle muttered in disbelief. Since staring into the Basilisk¡¯s eyes, he noted the petrification had only reached the Giant¡¯s feet, barely affecting his movement. The process halted entirely at his ankles.


    ¡°This is ridiculous,¡± Kyle remarked, exasperated. Though he had anticipated limited effectiveness, the resilience of the Giant¡¯s skin still shocked him.


    Kyle thought grimly.


    Taking a deep breath, he raised his wand.


    Runes floated from its tip, and the air around him grew hot. Sparks appeared, swirling around Kyle before coalescing into a fiery inferno. The flames surged, dispelling the lingering mist and revealing the battlefield.


    Golgomath thrashed wildly.


    ¡°Come back!¡± Kyle called softly.


    The Basilisk quickly uncoiled itself, slithering back to the suitcase. Golgomath, meanwhile, attempted to flee. But his petrified feet hampered his movements, and the Basilisk¡¯s venom was taking its toll. He stumbled forward clumsily, like a drunken giant.


    Kyle waved his wand, directing the sea of flames, and pointed it at Golgomath.


    The fire roared to life, surging toward Golgomath and engulfing him entirely.


    The Giant¡¯s screams were louder and more pained than before, mixed with an unrecognizable growl. Before Kyle could decipher it, the noise abruptly stopped.


    When the flames receded, Golgomath lay unconscious on the ground.


    Kyle staggered forward, raising his wand toward the Giant¡¯s neck.


    ¡°Wait¡­¡±

 Chapter 694: The Half-Giant and the Death Eaters

    Even for a Giant, the neck was a vulnerable spot. With Golgomath unconscious, Kyle¡¯s spell sliced through effortlessly.


    Newt, observing the scene, let out a silent sigh.


    A moment earlier, he had tried to stop Kyle. Giants were rare, and every death reduced their already dwindling numbers. He had wanted to convince Kyle to reconsider, especially since Golgomath had seemed ready to admit defeat before losing consciousness. Perhaps, left alive, he might have abandoned this mission entirely and retreated.


    But it was too late for that now.


    ¡°This is the safest way,¡± Kyle said, as if reading Newt¡¯s thoughts. He shrugged and added, ¡°Hagrid mentioned that Golgomath is naturally violent and has strong ties to the Death Eaters. Letting him go this time would only risk more trouble later."


    ¡°And after this incident, You-Know-Who will likely pay closer attention to the Giants¡¯ situation. If we wait, it¡¯ll only get harder to handle.¡±


    ¡°I know,¡± Newt said softly.


    He understood Kyle was right¡ªit the safest option. But his instincts, honed over years of seeking peace and coexistence, had pushed him to try stopping Kyle. After living a quiet life for so long, age had made him more sentimental, less decisive than the younger generation.


    ¡°Do what you think is best,¡± Newt said, resting a hand on Kyle¡¯s shoulder.


    As they spoke, the thick fog dissipated further.


    The nearby Giants soon spotted a rounded object lying on the ground. When they realized it was the head of their Gurg, they let out roars of terror and anguish.


    The cries grew louder, their disarray spreading like wildfire. Without their Gurg to lead them, confusion took hold. Seeing the fiery path scorched into the ground only added to their panic; an instinctive fear of death swept through the group.


    One by one, the Giants began retreating. The first to flee inspired others, and soon more were running back to the safety of the familiar.


    ¡°Come back, you fools!¡±


    ¡°As long as you work together, they can¡¯t stop you. Hurry back!¡±


    Two wizards in black hoods shouted furiously, but their commands fell on deaf ears. The Giants didn¡¯t even pause.


    ¡°There are Death Eaters here,¡± Newt muttered, stepping protectively in front of Kyle.


    ¡°Ah, it¡¯s been a long time, Mr. Scamander,¡± one of the Death Eaters said, turning toward him with a slimy sneer. ¡°So, you¡¯ve decided to oppose the great Dark Lord?¡±


    ¡°Always,¡± Newt replied, his voice steady and calm.


    ¡°You¡¯ve ruined the Dark Lord¡¯s plans¡­¡± the other Death Eater said, raising his wand threateningly. ¡°Someone will have to pay. If we can¡¯t bring back the Giants, we¡¯ll take the boy instead.¡±


    ¡°Our views clearly differ,¡± Newt replied, his composure unwavering.


    ¡°Do you think you can stop both of us?¡± the first Death Eater taunted as he stepped closer. ¡°The great Magizoologist, Newt Scamander¡­ If we kill you, perhaps the Dark Lord will forgive us for this failure.¡±


    ¡°Kill Newt?¡± Kyle couldn¡¯t help but poke his head out to get a better look.


    He was curious about who these Death Eaters were, especially since they seemed so confident. They were likely among those who had escaped Azkaban¡ªwizards whose minds had been fractured by years of exposure to Dementors.


    Kyle shook his head, suppressing a grin. These two clearly had no idea what they were up against. While Newt¡¯s reputation was primarily tied to magical creatures, anyone with sense would know that capturing and handling those creatures required immense skill and power.


    Only fools would underestimate Newt Scamander.


    Newt, however, paid no mind to their ignorance. With quiet resolve, he raised his wand and fixed his calm gaze on the two Death Eaters.


    ¡°Mr. Scamander...¡±


    A larger figure suddenly stepped forward, blocking the Death Eaters¡¯ path.


    Madame Maxime stood imposingly before them, her calm yet commanding presence filling the space. She glanced at Newt and the others, then fixed her eyes on the Death Eaters.


    ¡°We may not have been of much help earlier,¡± she said firmly, ¡°but this time, let us handle it.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Olympe is right,¡± Hagrid chimed in, stepping up beside her. ¡°Leave it to us.¡±


    Maxime had assisted earlier by using a Smokescreen Spell, but Hagrid had not contributed much. Since he couldn¡¯t Apparate, he had been forced to run down the mountain. By the time he arrived, the battle was essentially over, and any chance to assist had already passed.


    ¡°Alright...¡± Newt said, putting his wand away as the two giants of the wizarding world arrived.


    With just a glance between them, Maxime and Hagrid quickly assigned themselves an opponent and charged toward the Death Eaters¡ªMaxime to the left, Hagrid to the right.


    Newt, apparently confident in their abilities, didn¡¯t intervene. Instead, he turned to Kyle with a smile.


    ¡°How was fighting the Giants?¡±


    ¡°It was pretty tough,¡± Kyle admitted. ¡°The usual spells didn¡¯t work at all, and even the Basilisk¡¯s Gaze was useless.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s to be expected,¡± Newt replied thoughtfully. ¡°Perhaps this experience will remind you that while the Basilisk¡¯s Gaze can kill wizards instantly, it¡¯s not infallible. You shouldn¡¯t rely on it too much.¡±


    ¡°For example, in the case of the Giant...¡± Newt gestured toward Golgomath¡¯s unconscious body on the ground.


    ¡°But isn¡¯t the Basilisk¡¯s Gaze aimed at the soul?¡± Kyle asked, frowning in confusion.


    ¡°No, that¡¯s the Killing Curse,¡± Newt corrected. ¡°The Basilisk¡¯s Gaze is more like a curse¡ªone deliberately weaponized by wizards. Do you remember how the Basilisk came into existence?¡±


    "A seven-year-old rooster must lay a magical egg when the Sirius Star is in the sky, and it must then be hatched by a toad," Kyle recited.


    ¡°Exactly,¡± Newt nodded. ¡°The Basilisk is an artificial creation, developed by Herpo the Foul. He gave it indestructible scales, a long lifespan, venomous fangs, and a lethal gaze."


    ¡°It doesn¡¯t resemble a typical Magical Creature at all¡ªit¡¯s more like a collection of destructive weapons rolled into one, a living weapon. And like any weapon, it can be countered or restrained."


    ¡°The Giant¡¯s enormous size and vitality dulled the effects of the gaze¡¯s Death Curse. Instead of killing him outright, it merely petrified part of his body.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s like pouring a bottle of ink into the Black Lake?¡± Kyle mused, tilting his head as he considered the analogy.


    ¡°You could say that,¡± Newt agreed. ¡°Not only that, but some creatures are completely immune to the Curse.¡±


    ¡°Phoenixes...¡± Kyle said, smacking his lips with faint envy.


    Every time he thought about it, he couldn¡¯t help but marvel at how Dumbledore had managed to win the loyalty of such a creature.


    ¡°Precisely,¡± Newt said, his own expression softening with admiration. ¡°The Phoenix is truly one of nature¡¯s most perfect creations. It¡¯s immune to curses and impervious to evil. Not even Fiendfyre can harm it.¡±


    Over his decades of studying countless Magical Creatures, Newt had only seen Phoenixes a handful of times¡ªand always from afar.


    Both of them thought the same thing at the same time.


    ...


    A few moments later, Newt stepped away from the task and approached Golgomath, carefully repositioning its head.


    ¡°If anyone here wants to compete for the Gurg,¡± he said, ¡°they just need to take Golgomath''s head to the tribe of giants. That alone would improve their chances by half.¡±


    But it didn¡¯t seem as though anyone present had such an intention.


    Naturally, neither he nor Kyle would consider it¡ªthey weren¡¯t giants and couldn¡¯t partake in such matters. As for the half-giants, Hagrid and Maxime, they might technically have a chance. Giants revered strength above all else, and even as half-bloods, if they could demonstrate overwhelming power, they could potentially become Gurgs.


    However, that was unlikely.


    Maxime, as headmistress of Beauxbatons¡ªone of Europe¡¯s premier Wizarding Schools¡ªheld a position far more prestigious than that of a Gurg. She wouldn¡¯t even entertain the idea. Hagrid, on the other hand, preferred the company of magical creatures, a passion unlikely to align with giant customs, where most creatures were regarded solely as food. It was clear he wouldn¡¯t pursue it either.


    Newt waved his wand, and Golgomath''s enormous body vanished with a flicker of light.


    ¡°I¡¯m going to store it somewhere safer,¡± he explained, noticing Kyle¡¯s puzzled expression. ¡°In case any Death Eaters try to find it.¡±


    Kyle nodded in agreement. Even a dead giant could be of use to Voldemort, so relocating it was undoubtedly the wisest choice.


    As the conversation turned to Death Eaters, Kyle¡¯s attention was drawn to the open space nearby.


    Maxime and Hagrid were engaged in combat with them, their contrasting fighting styles on full display. Maxime fought like a seasoned wizard. With precision and fluidity, her wand unleashed a steady stream of spells that left her opponent struggling to keep up. It was clear she would gain the upper hand shortly.


    Hagrid¡¯s approach, however, was much more direct¡ªbordering on reckless.


    ¡°Come on, coward!¡± he bellowed, charging at a Death Eater with surprising speed. While hurling spells, he slapped the masked figure with such force that the mask crumpled, and the Death Eater was sent flying like a projectile. Hagrid¡¯s own robes bore a few singed holes, but the spells cast at him seemed to ricochet harmlessly off his thick skin.


    ¡°Avada¡ª¡± the fallen Death Eater gasped, struggling to raise his wand.


    This time, Hagrid dodged swiftly to the side, unwilling to test the limits of his resilience against the Killing Curse. As soon as he evaded the spell, he charged again, his massive hand delivering another thunderous blow.


    The Death Eater was flung across the clearing like a ragdoll, landing with a sickening thud. Kyle thought he heard the faint crack of bones.


    Upon closer inspection, Kyle recognized the man¡ªit was Rodolphus Lestrange, the same Death Eater who had recently escaped Azkaban and whose face was plastered on wanted posters.


    ¡°Get up, you despicable, filthy coward!¡± Hagrid roared, bearing down on the crumpled figure.


    Kyle turned away briefly, grimacing. It was sheer bad luck for Lestrange to have drawn Hagrid¡¯s wrath.


    The duel on the other side seemed less chaotic but no less intense. Maxime had shattered her opponent¡¯s mask with a well-aimed spell, revealing the youthful face of Barty Crouch Jr.¡ªan all-too-familiar adversary. Voldemort must have placed great importance on the giants, sending one of his most trusted followers to secure their allegiance.


    Kyle decided to intervene. Though weary, he had other means at his disposal. Opening his suitcase, he released a shadowy figure¡ªa Wampus Cat¡ªthat sped toward Crouch with predatory precision.


    Barty Crouch Jr., sensing the danger, shifted just in time to avoid a fatal bite. Instead, the Wampus Cat sank its teeth into his wand arm, causing the Killing Curse he had been about to cast to fizzle out. At that moment, Maxime''s spell struck him square in the chest.


    Crouch let out a bloodcurdling scream as he collapsed to the ground, coughing up blood.


    ¡°Damn it,¡± growled Barty Crouch Jr., his eyes blazing with ferocity as he glared at the Wampus Cat, which was circling him with menacing intent. Without hesitation, he spun sharply to evade another attack.


    Maxime¡¯s second Blasting Curse struck his already-injured arm. The resulting explosion severed it completely, sending the dismembered limb tumbling to the ground. But the violent detonation also freed Barty Crouch Jr. from the Wampus Cat¡¯s grip.


    Wasting no time, he transformed into a billowing black mist and fled the valley in an instant.


    This escape was facilitated by a spell often used by Death Eaters, likely invented by Voldemort himself. It allowed for incredibly swift movement, perfect for both retreat and pursuit.


    Chasing him now would have been futile.


    ¡°He¡¯s ruthless¡­¡± Kyle muttered, staring at the severed hand and wand left behind in the chaos.


    Rodolphus Lestrange, the other Death Eater, had no such fortune. Seeing Crouch escape, he attempted to follow suit, morphing into black mist as well. But the group had anticipated this move. Before Lestrange could vanish, three spells from different directions intercepted him, blasting him out of his mist form and rendering him defenseless.


    Hagrid arrived moments later, his massive arms swinging down in a barrage of crushing blows. Lestrange didn¡¯t even have time to cry out before collapsing unconscious.


    ¡°He can¡¯t be dead...right?¡± Kyle asked hesitantly, staring at the motionless body.


    ¡°I¡ªI don¡¯t think so¡­¡± Hagrid stammered, looking slightly uneasy. Then his expression hardened, and he added resolutely, ¡°But he¡¯s a Death Eater. He tried to drag the Giants into this war. If he dies, he deserves it.¡±


    ¡°Exactly,¡± Maxime said as she approached, her tone serious. ¡°If the Giants are involved in the next battle, the number of dead wizards will only grow.¡±


    ¡°I wasn¡¯t arguing,¡± Kyle shrugged. ¡°But if he lives, he could be valuable. We might learn something about You-Know-Who from him.¡±


    Newt crouched beside Lestrange, examining him carefully. Despite being a Magizoologist, Newt¡¯s experience with healing magic was evident¡ªafter all, caring for magical creatures often required such knowledge.


    After a few moments, Newt straightened and sighed. ¡°Forget it. We¡¯ll let Dumbledore handle extracting any information.¡±


    The group immediately understood his meaning. Without further discussion, they began tidying the battlefield: removing traces of magic, extinguishing lingering flames, and ensuring there were no signs of their presence.


    Hagrid, however, seemed unusually distracted, his gaze distant.


    ¡°Don¡¯t overthink it,¡± Kyle said, walking over and patting Hagrid¡¯s arm. ¡°Like you said earlier, he¡¯s a Death Eater. You don¡¯t need to feel bad.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Hagrid blinked, snapping out of his reverie. ¡°No, Kyle, you¡¯ve got it wrong. Don¡¯t forget¡ªI fought in the war over ten years ago. I¡¯ve taken down plenty of Death Eaters. That doesn¡¯t bother me.¡±


    ¡°Then what¡¯s on your mind?¡± Kyle asked, confused.


    Hagrid glanced in Maxime¡¯s direction, his voice dropping to a near-whisper. ¡°I was just thinkin¡¯...is it too late for me to learn more magic?¡±


    Kyle blinked in surprise.


    ¡°You saw how graceful she was in battle, didn¡¯t you?¡± Hagrid¡¯s eyes seemed to soften as he spoke, practically glowing with admiration. But a trace of self-doubt crept into his voice. ¡°And me...I can¡¯t even do Apparition. That¡¯ll only hold me back in the future.¡±


    Kyle resisted the urge to sigh. It was true¡ªHagrid had been expelled in his third year at Hogwarts and had never developed a deep understanding of magic, preferring to rely on his natural strength as a half-giant. Reading and practicing spells had never been his priorities.


    ¡°Well¡­better late than never,¡± Kyle replied, forcing a smile. Hagrid¡¯s love-struck expression made him want to leave the conversation, but he stayed put. ¡°If you¡¯re serious, I can lend you my notes. They might help you catch up on some basic magic.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯d be fantastic!¡± Hagrid beamed, but a thought struck him, and his expression dimmed. ¡°What about Apparition? Do you think I could learn that?¡±


    Kyle hesitated, his lips twitching. Apparition was a challenging skill even for talented wizards, and for a half-giant like Hagrid, the odds weren¡¯t great. Maxime¡¯s mastery of it was hardly surprising¡ªshe was headmistress of Beauxbatons, a testament to her exceptional talent. But Hagrid¡­?


    ¡°Well,¡± Kyle said with a smile, ¡°why not give it a try? Magic¡¯s all about possibilities.¡±


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 Chapter 695: The Death Eaters’ Decision

    After resolving the crisis with the Giants, Kyle and the others did not leave immediately. Instead, they prepared to follow the Giants back to their tribe.


    Before setting off, Kyle glanced at the Death Eater lying on the ground and asked, ¡°What about him? Should we take him with us?¡±


    ¡°Leave him to me,¡± Hagrid replied, pulling out a small round mirror and walking over to it. He muttered a few words under his breath.


    The mirror was unassuming, about the size of one a girl might carry in her purse. Hagrid handled it cautiously, like it was a delicate corn chip he might crush at any moment. Thankfully, that didn¡¯t happen.


    Moments later, two tiny black dots appeared in the sky. Almost as quickly as they were noticed, the dots grew larger, and Sirius and Lupin stumbled to the ground before the group.


    ¡°Hello, Mr. Scamander, Madam Maxime,¡± Lupin said, discarding a small stone he had been holding. It had served its purpose as a Portkey and was now useless. ¡°Oh, and Kyle, Hagrid. Long time no see.¡±


    ¡°Long time no see, Remus,¡± Hagrid greeted warmly. ¡°I was worried the mirror wouldn¡¯t work.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve been keeping an eye on the Two-Way Mirror this whole time,¡± Lupin said, producing a similar round mirror and smiling. ¡°As long as you call my name, I¡¯ll hear it first. How did it go? Any trouble?¡±


    ¡°Fortunately, everything¡¯s been resolved,¡± Hagrid said, then gave a brief recount of events. His summary was limited, as when he arrived, the entire valley had been cloaked in thick fog, obscuring much of the action.


    As they spoke, Sirius¡¯s attention shifted to the Death Eater lying motionless on the ground. He approached and, upon seeing the man¡¯s face, suddenly froze. He stood silently until Lupin tapped him on the shoulder.


    ¡°What¡¯s the matter?¡± Lupin asked.


    ¡°Ah, nothing,¡± Sirius said, shaking his head, though his gaze remained fixed on the Death Eater. ¡°Do you know who this is?¡±


    ¡°Lestrange?¡± Lupin said, stepping closer, his tone tinged with surprise. Though Hagrid had mentioned it earlier, seeing it in person was another matter entirely. The man before them was, after all, an old acquaintance. They had crossed paths numerous times over a decade ago.


    ¡°Yes, Lestrange,¡± Sirius said, shaking his head again. ¡°Remember how he was back at school? Always so full of himself.¡±


    ¡°Of course I remember,¡± Lupin replied. ¡°The star of Slytherin¡ªPrefect, Head Boy, and President of the Boys¡¯ Student Council. It¡¯s a shame he defected to You-Know-Who.¡±


    ¡°Wait, do you know him?¡± Kyle asked, intrigued. ¡°You¡¯re not usually this sentimental about a dead Death Eater.¡±


    ¡°Sentimental? Don¡¯t be ridiculous!¡± Sirius retorted, shaking his head. ¡°We just had a lot of dealings in school. Plus, he¡¯s married to my cousin Bellatrix, so we¡¯re... distantly related.¡±


    ¡°Oh, I¡¯m sorry,¡± Hagrid said instinctively, his tone apologetic. ¡°I didn¡¯t mean to¡ª¡±


    ¡°What nonsense are you spouting, Hagrid?¡± Sirius interrupted, giving him an incredulous look. ¡°He¡¯s a Death Eater! Why would you apologize? If I¡¯d been here, I¡¯d have killed him myself.¡±


    ¡°And anyway,¡± Sirius added, ¡°Pureblood families are all interconnected in some way. I barely know him.¡±


    ¡°Weren¡¯t you still cellmates?¡± Kyle muttered under his breath.


    Sirius froze for a second before turning to glare at Kyle, visibly annoyed.


    ¡°All right, you''re right,¡± Sirius muttered. ¡°Lestrange was in the cell next to mine. He used to say he¡¯d kill me, but a month later, he couldn¡¯t even speak... what an idiot.¡±


    As Sirius spoke, Lupin had already picked up Lestrange¡¯s unconscious body. ¡°We have to go. Alastor and the others are waiting,¡± he said, pulling another stone from his pocket.


    ¡°So soon?¡± Sirius asked.


    ¡°Don¡¯t forget, the Portkey has a time limit,¡± Lupin reminded him. ¡°We can¡¯t stay to help you here.¡±


    ¡°Alright then,¡± Sirius relented, placing a hand on the stone. ¡°Are you all coming back with us? We could leave together.¡±


    ¡°No,¡± Newt replied, shaking his head. ¡°We still have other matters to attend to and can¡¯t return just yet.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll keep in touch if anything comes up,¡± Lupin said, waving as the two disappeared again in a flash of light.


    With that, Kyle and the others resumed their preparations to visit the Giant tribe. According to Newt, they needed to confirm that the Giants were truly safe.


    ¡°But is this really okay?¡± Kyle asked, his voice tinged with concern as they followed the path the Giants had taken. ¡°We just stopped them from joining You-Know-Who, and the Death Eaters who came here are either dead or injured. What if You-Know-Who gets so angry that he comes here himself? We wouldn¡¯t stand a chance against him with just a few people.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. You-Know-Who won¡¯t come,¡± Newt said confidently, shaking his head. ¡°Before we left, Dumbledore explained that You-Know-Who despises all Magical Creatures. He doesn¡¯t truly care about the Death Eaters, either; he only sees them as tools."


    ¡°Yes, he¡¯ll be angry because his orders weren¡¯t carried out, but that won¡¯t make him change his plans or come here for revenge.¡±


    ¡°And even if he does, we have ways to deal with it,¡± Newt added firmly.


    Reassured by Newt¡¯s confidence, Kyle didn¡¯t press further and walked alongside the others, following the massive footprints imprinted on the ground. The journey was longer than Kyle had expected, with the trail of footprints stretching endlessly ahead.


    After an entire day of walking, they finally arrived at a secluded valley deep within the mountain range. Oddly, the ever-present chirping of insects and birds they¡¯d heard along the way had completely disappeared, as if some invisible force kept all living creatures away from this place.


    Led by Newt, the group climbed a hillside that provided a view of the valley below. It was surrounded by enormous caves, clearly shaped by human hands. The Giants they had encountered earlier were now gathered before the caves, locked in fierce combat.


    ¡°This is how they choose a new Gurg,¡± Newt explained. ¡°Giants select their leader by determining who is the strongest. The simplest way to do that is through battle.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s similar to Dragons,¡± Kyle whispered, recalling what they¡¯d observed at the Romanian Dragon Reserve.


    ¡°Pretty much,¡± Newt agreed. ¡°Most Magical Creatures choose their leaders in this way. Giants and Dragons are no exception.¡±


    As they spoke, the valley below became increasingly stained with blood. Giant blood flowed freely, painting the stones a deep red.


    ¡°I wonder how many will be left after they¡¯ve chosen a new Gurg,¡± Maxime murmured, her voice carrying a strange edge.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry,¡± Newt said, shaking his head. ¡°Giants will kill their predecessor to cement the new leader¡¯s position, but in situations like this, to preserve their fighting strength, they won¡¯t kill their opponents. Oh, look.¡±


    He pointed to the valley below, and Kyle followed his finger. A relatively smaller Giant had just been knocked to the ground with a single punch. Instead of finishing him off, the victor turned to face a new challenger. Meanwhile, the fallen Giant stood and moved to the sidelines without further protest.


    Some Giants, even smaller and more slender, weren¡¯t participating at all, seemingly unqualified to fight.


    ¡°You see,¡± Newt continued, ¡°falling is enough to signify defeat. The last Giant standing becomes the new Gurg, and they hold the position until the next challenger appears.¡±


    Kyle watched for a while longer, observing how each fallen Giant withdrew voluntarily from the fray.


    ...


    Just as it had been at the Romanian Dragon Reserve, the battle between the Giants turned out to be a long and grueling process.


    After quickly eliminating the weakest contenders, the remaining Giants entered a prolonged struggle, with neither side able to gain a decisive advantage.


    Kyle and the others had been perched on the hill for an entire week, yet the battle still raged on. At first, Kyle had been eager and excited to watch the spectacle, but as time dragged on, he found himself growing bored.


    The fights were repetitive¡ªone Giant punching, another kicking¡ªand while the raw power on display had been thrilling at first, seven days of the same tactics had dulled the excitement.


    The one silver lining was that they hadn¡¯t encountered Voldemort or any Death Eaters during their time there. As Newt had predicted, Voldemort showed no interest in retaliating over Lestrange¡¯s death or otherwise causing trouble.


    One morning, as Kyle stepped out of the tent, he overheard Hagrid talking to Lupin through the Two-Way Mirror. The group had been using the mirrors for updates since owls could easily reveal their location.


    ¡°The Death Eaters attacked St. Mungo¡¯s Hospital for Magical Injuries...¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Hagrid exclaimed, his voice filled with disbelief. ¡°The Death Eaters attacked St. Mungo¡¯s? How dare they!¡±


    ¡°They did,¡± Lupin confirmed. ¡°The good news is they had a specific target, so most patients and staff weren¡¯t harmed.¡±


    Hearing this, Kyle approached to get a closer look at the mirror. ¡°Morning, Kyle,¡± Lupin greeted him. ¡°How are things on your end? No trouble, I hope?¡±


    ¡°Not at all,¡± Kyle replied. ¡°But the Death Eaters attacking St. Mungo¡¯s¡ªcould it have been for the Longbottoms?¡±


    ¡°No,¡± Lupin said, his expression tightening slightly. His voice sounded as if he were trying to laugh but couldn¡¯t quite manage it. ¡°It was for... Umbridge.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Hagrid said, scratching his ear. ¡°Who?¡±


    ¡°Dolores Umbridge,¡± Lupin repeated. ¡°The Death Eaters broke into her hospital room and tortured her in front of everyone.¡±


    ¡°Huh?¡± Hagrid¡¯s face contorted with confusion. ¡°But why? Umbridge isn¡¯t even part of the Order of the Phoenix.¡±


    ¡°No, but she¡¯s from the Ministry of Magic,¡± Lupin explained. ¡°She¡¯s been prominently opposing Dark Magic in the media, and recently, her name has been everywhere."


    ¡°The Death Eaters made it clear they wanted to send a message. They said this is what happens when you defy the Dark Lord. They demanded that Umbridge publicly declare the Ministry of Magic and the Order of the Phoenix powerless, claiming they¡¯d never be able to defeat Voldemort.¡±


    ¡°Did she say anything?¡± Hagrid asked anxiously.


    ¡°...No,¡± Lupin said, though his expression grew even stranger.


    ¡°That¡¯s a relief,¡± Hagrid said, exhaling deeply. ¡°I suppose I was wrong about her. She¡¯s tougher than I thought. If she¡¯d said something like that, it would¡¯ve humiliated us completely.¡±


    ¡°Hagrid...¡± Kyle said, patting his arm. ¡°What do you think the Death Eaters use to torture people?¡±


    ¡°The Cruciatus Curse, of course,¡± Hagrid replied without hesitation, his large arm swinging in frustration. ¡°They¡¯ve used it on members of the Order of the Phoenix before¡ªthose bastards.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s the point,¡± Kyle said, looking him in the eye. ¡°Do you think anyone under the Cruciatus Curse could actually speak?¡±


    Hagrid paused, his brow furrowing in confusion. ¡°Huh? Well... I¡¯ve been hit by the Cruciatus Curse before. It hurts like nothing else, but it¡¯s not like I couldn¡¯t talk...¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re a half-Giant,¡± Kyle reminded him, rubbing his forehead. ¡°Your Giant blood gives you incredible resistance to magic. Ordinary wizards don¡¯t have that advantage.¡±


    ¡°Oh,¡± Hagrid muttered, nodding, though it was clear he didn¡¯t fully understand.


    Kyle chose not to press further. Turning back to the Two-Way Mirror, he looked at Lupin and was about to ask for more details.


    At that moment, Newt''s voice called out from afar.


    ¡°Finally, it¡¯s about to come to a close.¡±


    Hearing this, Kyle abandoned his conversation with Lupin and hurried over to join the others.


    The valley below had turned a deep, ominous red, and the air was thick with the metallic tang of blood, so strong that Kyle could smell it even from a distance. Only two Giants remained standing, both visibly exhausted and swaying unsteadily.


    As Kyle arrived, the two combatants raised their massive fists simultaneously and struck each other in the face with brutal force.


    There was no finesse in their movements¡ªjust sheer, unrelenting power.


    A moment later, the Giant on the left staggered, its colossal body crashing to the ground with a resounding .


    The Giant on the right, now victorious, raised its head and let out a thunderous roar that echoed through the valley.


    From the caves, the other Giants emerged one by one and knelt before their new leader in a show of submission.


    ¡°It seems he is the new Gurg,¡± Newt observed. ¡°Wait here for a moment.¡±


    Without hesitation, Newt vanished from their side, reappearing a short distance away from the gathering of Giants.


    The kneeling Giants immediately rose to their feet, their movements tense and wary.


    From their vantage point, Kyle and the others couldn¡¯t hear what Newt was saying, but they could see him moving slowly, arms outstretched and head bowed. His gait was strange, deliberate¡ªsometimes stepping left, sometimes right, as though weaving an intricate, deliberate dance.


    The Giants appeared to relax, though they kept their new Gurg at the center of their formation, clearly protective.


    ¡°Should we go help?¡± Hagrid asked nervously. ¡°He¡¯s too close. If they all charge at once, Mr. Scamander could be in real danger.¡±


    ¡°Ah, don¡¯t worry,¡± Kyle said, waving dismissively after observing for a moment.


    He recognized this as Newt¡¯s distinctive method of approaching Magical Creatures. Newt wouldn¡¯t have gone to meet the Giants alone unless he was completely confident in his ability to handle the situation.


    The tension in the Giants¡¯ roars had noticeably softened, their ferocity replaced by something more measured. Newt had clearly succeeded.


    In this case, Kyle thought, intervening would only complicate matters and risk reigniting hostility.


    ¡°Amazing...¡± Maxime murmured, her voice filled with admiration. ¡°I¡¯ve always known Mr. Scamander has extraordinary talent with Magical Creatures, but seeing it firsthand is something else entirely.¡± sea??h th§× ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    She recalled her previous trip to the Giants¡¯ territory, where even she and Hagrid¡ªboth possessing Giant blood¡ªhad been forced to lower themselves, present lavish gifts, and wait for an extended period before finally being allowed to meet the Gurg.


    Now, Newt had not only approached the Giants at their most irritable and volatile¡ªduring the selection of a new Gurg¡ªbut had also earned their trust effortlessly.


    The contrast was staggering. Maxime couldn¡¯t help but acknowledge the profound difference in skill and expertise. No matter their natural advantages, the gap between them and Newt was as vast as an unbridgeable chasm.


    Meanwhile, Kyle, having reassured Hagrid, considered resuming his conversation with Lupin to learn more about the current state of the wizarding world. However, when he glanced back at the Two-Way Mirror, he saw that Lupin had already disappeared.

 Chapter 696: A Coincidence, Harry Almost Got Beaten Up

    Newt stayed with the tribe of Giants for quite some time before heading to the largest cave with the new Gorg and a few other Giants. Once he reached the cave, he was out of sight from Kyle and the rest of the group. Concerned about upsetting the Giants by following him uninvited, and trusting Newt¡¯s judgment, they stayed back, watching from a distance.


    When Newt returned, it was already late at night.


    ¡°All sorted...¡± he said with a smile. ¡°The Gurg confirmed what I suspected. He was disgusted by Golgomath''s earlier decisions, so the Giants will not side with the Death Eaters in this war. Of course, they won¡¯t join the Order of the Phoenix either. They¡¯ve chosen to remain neutral and avoid involvement altogether.¡±


    ¡°You see? Exactly as I said,¡± Kyle remarked confidently, glancing at Hagrid and Maxime.


    ¡°Spot on, Kyle,¡± Hagrid admitted, unable to hide his surprise. ¡°But how did you know?¡±


    ¡°I just guessed,¡± Kyle replied with a shrug. ¡°It wasn¡¯t difficult. If you look closely, the most powerful Giants who fought for Golgomath are injured¡ªseriously so, in many cases. The stronger they are, the more severe their wounds."


    ¡°Given these circumstances, they¡¯ll want to recover, not jump into another conflict. Unless they¡¯ve completely lost the will to live, the new Gurg would naturally choose to keep them out of any war and maintain their seclusion.¡±


    ¡°Well said, Kyle,¡± Newt agreed with a nod. ¡°As long as the Giants aren¡¯t siding with the Death Eaters, that¡¯s already the best outcome for us.¡±


    He gazed up at the night sky before turning to Hagrid and Maxime. ¡°Once things settle, we should head back. If the Giants show signs of any trouble or if the Death Eaters attempt to approach them again, be sure to contact me immediately.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry; leave it to us,¡± Hagrid assured him, thumping his chest.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you coming back with us?¡± Kyle asked.


    ¡°No,¡± Hagrid replied. ¡°Dumbledore asked us to keep an eye on the Giants, so Olympe and I will stay a bit longer. But...¡±


    Hagrid hesitated, looking slightly bashful. ¡°Can I see Norbert again? Just once?¡±


    He had been longing to see Norbert but had refrained from mentioning it, prioritizing other duties first. Now, he couldn¡¯t hold back any longer.


    Kyle thought for a moment, then shook his head. ¡°Not yet, Hagrid. Wait until the start of the school year. Norbert¡¯s still in a foul mood after that incident with the Hungarian Horntail, and if he sees you now, it might cause delays.¡±


    ¡°Alright then,¡± Hagrid replied, though his eyes couldn¡¯t help but stray toward the suitcase Kyle was holding. He reluctantly nodded. ¡°But you¡¯ve got to promise I can see him when school starts. He¡¯s grown into such a fine lad, hasn¡¯t he?¡±


    ¡°Fine?¡± Maxime¡¯s expression shifted. She remembered Hagrid using similar words to describe her appearance once.


    The thought soured her mood instantly. Without a word, she moved a few steps away from Hagrid, her face stiff with displeasure.


    No one else seemed to notice her reaction, though.


    Meanwhile, Newt picked up a tree branch, tapped it with his wand, and continued his work.


    A golden light shimmered from the branch in Newt¡¯s hands. It throbbed violently for a moment, but soon settled into stillness.


    ¡°That should do it,¡± Newt said, examining the branch before extending it toward Kyle.


    Kyle, however, didn¡¯t reach for it immediately. Instead, he eyed Newt suspiciously. ¡° do it? What do you mean by that? This thing isn¡¯t going to drop me into some bizarre place, is it?¡±


    ¡°Of course not,¡± Newt replied calmly. ¡°I¡¯ve made Portkeys before. It¡¯s just that I¡¯ve been conned so many times while making them in the past, the Ministry always managed to track me down."


    ¡°The moment I appeared somewhere, the Aurors would show up first, so I haven¡¯t used this magic in about fifty years.¡±


    Kyle sighed deeply.


    The thought only heightened his hesitation as he stared at the branch. ¡°Why don¡¯t we just let Lupin come pick us up like last time?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry; I¡¯m confident it¡¯ll work fine,¡± Newt assured him. ¡°Besides, the Order of the Phoenix members are already busy enough. It¡¯s best not to bother them over something as trivial as this. Come on now, you¡¯ve only got five minutes.¡±


    Reluctantly, and bolstered by Newt¡¯s reassurances, Kyle finally mustered the courage to grab hold of the branch.


    ¡°Safe travels!¡± Maxime called, giving a small wave.


    No sooner had the words left her mouth than Kyle was yanked off the ground by an irresistible force, vanishing in an instant.


    ¡°My Norbert...¡± Hagrid muttered longingly, his gaze lingering on the empty space where Kyle had stood. Then he turned to Maxime and said, ¡°Olympe, you head to bed. I¡¯ll keep watch for any movement from the Giants.¡± sea??h th§× N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°There¡¯s no need,¡± Maxime replied coldly. Her tone was as stiff as her expression. ¡°You were on watch yesterday. I¡¯ll do it. Maybe you¡¯ll even see your Dragon again in your dreams.¡±


    ¡°Huh?¡± Hagrid scratched his head, bewildered by her sudden shift in demeanor. Just moments ago, she¡¯d seemed perfectly fine.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong with you?¡± he asked, lowering his voice.


    ¡°I¡¯m ,¡± Maxime said tersely, not turning to face him.


    ...


    Meanwhile, in a small village somewhere in England...


    After a nerve-wracking journey, Kyle finally felt solid ground beneath his feet. He immediately released Newt¡¯s hand and surveyed his surroundings.


    They appeared to be in a quiet village. Rows of houses lined the streets, and a pub sign was just barely visible in the distance. Thankfully, it wasn¡¯t some desolate wasteland.


    ¡°I told you it would be fine,¡± Newt said cheerfully, though he frowned as he glanced around. ¡°But... this doesn¡¯t look like St. Catchpole Village.¡±


    Kyle¡¯s voice rose slightly. ¡° That¡¯s where the Portkey was supposed to take us?¡±


    ¡°Of course,¡± Newt replied. ¡°I made a deal with Chris that I¡¯d get you home safely when this was over.¡±


    Kyle exhaled a deep sigh.


    ¡°But don¡¯t worry,¡± Newt added, trying to sound reassuring. ¡°I¡¯m pretty sure we¡¯re still in England.¡±


    ¡°Why¡¯s that?¡± Kyle asked warily.


    ¡°Because of this,¡± Newt said, pointing at the faint black mist lingering in the air. ¡°This kind of thing only happens in England.¡±


    ¡°The famous Big Smoke City of London,¡± Kyle muttered, a small chuckle escaping him. He doubted Newt was familiar with the nickname, which was popular among Muggles but rarely known to wizards.


    ¡°What Big Smoke?¡± Newt asked, blinking in confusion. ¡°I¡¯m not talking about London. I¡¯m talking about Dementors. They¡¯re only found in Britain, and this fog is a sign of their presence.¡±


    ¡°Dementors?¡± Kyle¡¯s amusement vanished, replaced by alarm. ¡°I thought the Dementors that escaped Azkaban were already dealt with?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s true,¡± Newt replied, ¡°but the rest of them have joined the Death Eaters. On the day your holiday began, there was another mass breakout from Azkaban¡ªthis time, even more escaped."


    ¡°You-Know-Who promised the Dementors free reign to feed, taking the souls of anyone they wanted. Naturally, nearly all of them sided with the Death Eaters.¡±


    Kyle¡¯s jaw tightened. ¡°So, what do we do about it?¡±


    ¡°Nothing,¡± Newt said with a resigned sigh. ¡°This time, the Dementors aren¡¯t clustered together¡ªthey¡¯ve scattered across the country. It¡¯s impossible to eliminate them all at once.¡±


    ¡°Then we¡¯ll take them down one by one,¡± Kyle said decisively, narrowing his eyes. ¡°If we keep moving, we¡¯ll eventually get rid of them all.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s Dumbledore¡¯s strategy too,¡± Newt replied. ¡°Unfortunately, it¡¯s slow-going. And most wizards can¡¯t kill Dementors.¡±


    ¡°What about the Patronus Charm?¡± Kyle asked.


    Newt shook his head. ¡°A Patronus repels Dementors but can¡¯t destroy them. Prolonged contact with a Patronus could harm a Dementor, but they¡¯re not stupid¡ªthey¡¯ll flee long before that happens."


    ¡°Most Patronuses are ordinary; they don¡¯t have the speed or strength to chase down a Dementor. The charm works as a deterrent, but only a Patronus like Dumbledore¡¯s¡ªhis Phoenix¡ªcan easily catch Dementors and tear them apart.¡±


    Kyle arched an eyebrow. ¡°My Patronus can do that too.¡±


    Though his Patronus wasn¡¯t a Phoenix, it had a similar capability. He¡¯d confirmed during a previous encounter that his jellyfish Patronus could immobilize multiple Dementors simultaneously, making it even more efficient in group attacks.


    ¡°Oh, right,¡± Newt said, a spark of realization in his eyes. ¡°Your Patronus is... an octopus?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s a jellyfish,¡± Kyle corrected, a touch exasperated. Newt had taught him the Patronus Charm back at the Romanian Dragon Reserve¡ªhow could he mix that up?


    ¡°Sorry,¡± Newt said with a sheepish smile. ¡°I¡¯m not very familiar with common animals. Can you show me again?¡±


    Kyle drew his wand and summoned his Patronus. A silvery-white jellyfish materialized before them, its luminous tendrils trailing gracefully. The thick gray fog in the air dissipated almost instantly.


    ¡°I wanted to say this last time¡ªit¡¯s really beautiful,¡± Newt said, his eyes fixed on the jellyfish¡¯s delicate, flowing tentacles.


    Kyle nodded.


    ¡°Yes,¡± Newt added, studying the creature. ¡°The tentacles are subtle enough that Dementors wouldn¡¯t see them as a threat until it¡¯s too late.¡±


    ¡°Oh, I should have thought of this earlier. You¡¯d be better suited to stay here and deal with the Dementors than to accompany me to the Giants.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not too late,¡± Kyle replied simply.


    ¡°No, it¡¯s not too late,¡± Newt agreed. ¡°But first, I need to get you home. Take my hand, Kyle."


    ¡°I don¡¯t know exactly where we are, but as long as we¡¯re still in England, we can Apparate.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s fine¡ªI can Apparate too,¡± Kyle said.


    ¡°But you haven¡¯t passed the exam yet,¡± Newt reminded him. ¡°This year¡¯s Apparition test was postponed to July 30th, wasn¡¯t it?¡±


    Kyle wanted to point out that he could Apparate perfectly well, exam or no exam. After all, Fudge wouldn¡¯t penalize him.


    Before he could respond, though, he faintly heard someone calling his name.


    At first, Kyle thought he was imagining things. But the next moment...


    ¡°Kyle...¡±


    This time, the voice was clear. Someone was calling his name.


    he thought wryly.


    Even Kyle, who could calmly share a cup of tea with a ghost, felt a chill run down his spine. Instinctively, he drew his wand, aiming it toward the sound.


    ¡°Whoever you are, show yourself!¡±


    A dozen red-gold flames flared to life around him, crackling ominously.


    The Firestorm Charm¡¯s presence instantly steadied him. No matter what¡ªor who¡ªwas out there, Kyle trusted the magic to remind them that scaring people at midnight was a very bad idea.


    ¡°Oh, calm down,¡± said a familiar voice.


    A flash of light momentarily blinded Kyle, and a figure materialized before him.


    ¡°Professor Dumbledore?¡± Kyle asked, though his tone betrayed doubt.


    ¡°It¡¯s me,¡± Dumbledore replied with a small nod. His gaze shifted to Kyle¡¯s wand, and he added, ¡°Though I don¡¯t recall teaching you that charm for use on friends.¡±


    Well, that confirmed it¡ªthe man before him was indeed Dumbledore.


    Kyle canceled the runes at the tip of his wand, then glanced over Dumbledore¡¯s shoulder. A vague figure was stumbling toward them in the distance.


    ¡°That¡¯s Harry,¡± Dumbledore explained. ¡°Because you¡¯re standing in the moonlight, he recognized you from afar.¡±


    Kyle stared, trying to make sense of the situation. Could it be that the Ministry had detected the Portkey and sent him to intervene? That didn¡¯t add up¡ªDumbledore didn¡¯t need Portkeys.


    ¡°Professor, why are you here?¡± Kyle finally asked.


    ¡°I think the better question is, why are here?¡± Dumbledore replied. ¡°Shouldn¡¯t you be addressing the Giant situation? Instead, I find you standing in the middle of Budleigh Babberton in the dead of night.¡±


    ¡°Babberton?¡± Kyle glanced uneasily at Newt. ¡°Well... that¡¯s a little complicated. Let¡¯s just say that, ideally, we¡¯d actually be in St. Catchpole Village right now.¡±


    Dumbledore turned his gaze to Newt, who was currently staring at the sky as though it held the answers to life¡¯s mysteries.


    A moment later, Dumbledore seemed to piece something together. ¡°My apologies,¡± he said, a faint smile tugging at his lips. ¡°I should have let Fawkes accompany you.¡±


    Kyle¡¯s mouth opened, but he stopped himself. Compared to their current predicament, being carried by a Phoenix didn¡¯t sound so bad.


    Just then, Harry came running up, panting heavily.


    ¡°Kyle, it is you!¡± he exclaimed, his voice tinged with both relief and excitement. ¡°I knew I wasn¡¯t mistaken. Did you hear me calling your name just now?¡±


    ¡°So, you were the one shouting my name?¡± Kyle¡¯s expression turned slightly incredulous.


    ¡°Yeah,¡± Harry nodded. ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°Oh, nothing,¡± Kyle said with a faint smile. ¡°Just some advice: in the future, try not to shout someone¡¯s name at midnight in a deserted place like this.¡±


    ¡°Why not?¡± Harry asked, puzzled.


    ¡°Because people are asleep,¡± Kyle replied dryly. ¡°And if you make noise like that, someone might decide to beat you up.¡±


    Harry laughed sheepishly. ¡°I was just excited, that¡¯s all. By the way, why are you here? Did Professor Dumbledore bring you too?¡±


    ¡°No,¡± Kyle replied, hesitating for a moment before shaking his head. ¡°It¡¯s a long story. Let¡¯s just call it a coincidence.¡±


    He then turned to Dumbledore. ¡°Professor, we¡¯ll head back now.¡±


    ¡°Oh, there¡¯s no need to rush,¡± Dumbledore said with a warm smile. ¡°Since we¡¯ve met, why don¡¯t we go together? I was going to invite you to join us anyway, so this works out perfectly.¡±


    Dumbledore¡¯s attention shifted briefly to Newt, who was still engrossed in the night sky.


    But before anyone could say another word, Newt suddenly vanished, leaving behind only a crisp, echoing sound in the silent village.


    ¡°Well... okay,¡± Kyle said reluctantly.


    Dumbledore glanced at him with a knowing smile and winked. ¡°Remember, keep it a secret. It¡¯s no surprise after all this time that he¡¯s a bit... off with certain spells.¡±


    ¡°I understand,¡± Kyle replied with a nod.


    ¡°Good.¡± Dumbledore turned back toward the village. ¡°Come along. I think we¡¯re almost there.¡±


    ¡°Professor, where exactly are we going?¡± Kyle asked as they walked.


    ¡°I¡¯ve lost track of how many times I¡¯ve explained this in recent years,¡± Dumbledore said with a sigh, ¡°but it seems there¡¯s no avoiding it. Tonks insisted on transferring back to the Auror Office, which leaves us once again short of professors."


    ¡°We¡¯re here to persuade an old colleague, long retired, to return to Hogwarts.¡±


    ¡°But what can I do to help?¡± Harry asked curiously.


    ¡°I think you¡¯ll be very helpful indeed,¡± Dumbledore replied with a smile. ¡°And Kyle as well. With the two of you, I suspect our chances of success will be significantly higher... now, turn left.¡±


    Kyle, already suspecting who they were going to see, kept quiet. Harry, however, had more questions.


    ¡°But Professor, why can¡¯t we just Apparate straight to the old professor¡¯s house?¡±


    ¡°Because,¡± Dumbledore explained, ¡°that would be as impolite as kicking down someone¡¯s front door. Most wizards¡¯ homes, like Hogwarts, are warded against unwanted Apparitions.¡±


    Kyle, feeling bored, decided to ask a random question. ¡°Professor, didn¡¯t Director Sykes of St. Mungo¡¯s once say she¡¯d consider retiring to Hogwarts? Why not invite her instead?¡±


    ¡°If Sykes were willing to join us, I¡¯d gladly hand over my position as Headmaster,¡± Dumbledore replied with a wistful sigh. ¡°But alas, she changed her mind. After obtaining those rare potion ingredients, I doubt she¡¯ll consider retiring anytime soon.¡±


    Kyle immediately fell silent.


    He hadn¡¯t expected his idle question to backfire so spectacularly. After all, he had donated those potion ingredients¡ªBasilisk scales and blood¡ªto St. Mungo¡¯s. It had been a good deed! He certainly didn¡¯t want to take the blame for Sykes¡¯s decision to stay put.


    Fortunately, Harry didn¡¯t notice anything amiss and instead turned to Kyle for conversation.


    ¡°I heard you went traveling?¡±


    ¡°Traveling? Who told you that?¡±


    ¡°Ron,¡± Harry said. ¡°Fred and George visited your house, and your dad told them you¡¯d gone on a trip with Mr. Scamander. They told Ron.¡±


    ¡°I thought you weren¡¯t coming back until the holidays ended.¡±


    ¡°Ah, it wasn¡¯t that much fun, so I came back early,¡± Kyle said with a shrug.


    ¡°Where did you go?¡±


    ¡°Romania, I think.¡±


    ¡°A dragon reserve?¡±


    ¡°No, somewhere else. Mr. Scamander took me there.¡±


    ¡°That must have been fascinating,¡± Harry said, a touch enviously. ¡°Hermione told me Mr. Scamander is the greatest Magizoologist of our time.¡±


    ¡°It was okay,¡± Kyle replied thoughtfully. ¡°Actually, it was kind of interesting. We got to witness a tribe choosing a new leader, which doesn¡¯t happen often.¡±


    Dumbledore looked intrigued. ¡°And the new leader? Is he someone agreeable?¡±


    ¡°Sort of,¡± Kyle said. ¡°At least he and Mr. Scamander got along well.¡±


    Dumbledore nodded. ¡°And the tribe? What of them?¡±


    ¡°After such a big celebration, they¡¯re in a period of rest now,¡± Kyle explained. ¡°They¡¯re no longer welcoming visitors.¡±


    ¡°I see,¡± Dumbledore said with a faint smile and didn¡¯t press further.


    ¡°What a shame,¡± Harry said, turning to Kyle with a wistful look. The idea of witnessing a tribe¡¯s leader being chosen, followed by a grand celebration, sounded thrilling.


    Harry couldn¡¯t help but feel a pang of envy. Kyle seemed free to travel, see the world, and experience fascinating events. Meanwhile, Harry was stuck at Privet Drive, unable to go anywhere.


    But his mood brightened quickly. Dumbledore had promised to take him to 12 Grimmauld Place once this task was done. The thought of seeing Sirius again filled Harry with happiness.


    This time, he vowed to make sure he had a proper room¡ªnot a cupboard under the stairs or a cramped attic storage space.


    As the thought settled in, Harry realized a trip to Romania didn¡¯t seem quite so enviable after all.

 Chapter 697: Horace Slughorn

    The village of Budleigh Babberton appeared expansive at first glance, but in reality, it wasn¡¯t particularly large. After walking for over ten minutes, Dumbledore finally stopped in front of a dilapidated house.


    ¡°Oh, my goodness!¡± he exclaimed.


    Kyle and Harry followed his gaze.


    The scene was incongruous: a well-maintained path bordered by neatly trimmed gardens leading to a house that looked as though it had been struck by a Blasting Curse. The front door was reduced to splintered wood, with only a small fragment¡ªabout the size of a tabletop¡ªhanging precariously from its frame.


    Dumbledore surveyed the surroundings before whispering, ¡°Kyle, Harry, draw your wands and follow me.¡±


    Carefully, he made his way down the garden path, his wand at the ready, with Kyle and Harry close behind. Upon reaching the shattered doorway, he pushed it open and raised his wand.


    The interior was in even worse condition than the outside. It was a chaotic mess, as though the room had been ransacked. An overturned piano lay on the floor, its keys scattered like broken teeth. Shattered vases, glass fragments, and scattered cushions of various shapes and colors littered the space.


    On the wall, a large, ominous red stain caught their attention.


    ¡°Something terrible must have happened here,¡± Dumbledore said softly. Yet there was an odd note of detachment¡ªalmost artificial¡ªin his voice.


    ¡°Yeah,¡± Kyle murmured, scanning the room. ¡°Harry, can you help me move the piano onto that armchair? I think there¡¯s something underneath.¡±


    ¡°Huh? Oh, okay.¡±


    Harry wasn¡¯t sure why the piano needed to be moved to the armchair, but he trusted Kyle had his reasons. He pointed his wand at the piano, which rose slowly into the air and, at Harry¡¯s direction, floated toward the overturned armchair.


    The moment the piano settled on the chair, a voice shrieked, ¡°Ouch, get it off me!¡±


    Startled, Harry¡¯s hand slipped, breaking the spell. The piano dropped heavily, eliciting another scream, loud and grating, like a Mandrake being uprooted.


    Dumbledore quickly intervened, waving his wand to move the piano aside.


    ¡°Good evening, Horace,¡± Dumbledore greeted cheerfully. ¡°Are you all right?¡±


    To Harry¡¯s astonishment, the armchair morphed into a squat, almost bald old man in an instant. The man was crouched on the floor, propping himself up with his hands, one eye narrowed as he glared tearfully at Dumbledore.


    ¡°That was a piano! Why didn¡¯t you stop them?¡± he groaned, struggling to his feet. ¡°Do you know how much that hurt?¡±


    ¡°I apologize, Horace,¡± Dumbledore said with a slight smile. ¡°But it¡¯s not my fault¡ªyour transfiguration was flawless. I didn¡¯t recognize you.¡±


    ¡°Flawless, you say¡­¡± Horace Slughorn grumbled, glaring at Dumbledore, though his irritation seemed to be fading. ¡°Well, what¡¯s done is done. I should have had some Felix Felicis earlier,¡± he sighed, his sideburns fluttering slightly as he exhaled.


    ¡°Shall we help you pack?¡± Dumbledore offered.


    ¡°If you wouldn¡¯t mind,¡± Slughorn replied wearily. ¡°I could use a moment to recover.¡±


    Dumbledore nodded and turned to Kyle and Harry. ¡°Kyle, Harry, would you mind taking over? Oh, and I should introduce you. This is my old colleague, Horace Slughorn.¡±


    ¡°Not a problem, Professor,¡± Kyle said, raising his wand.


    With a series of efficient flicks, the room began to right itself. Furniture returned to its proper places, broken vases and glass fragments mended midair, and the scattered piano keys flew back to the instrument, restoring it to its former state.


    Meanwhile, Slughorn, who had been rubbing his sore back, suddenly paused. His round eyes locked onto Harry, and his gaze shifted to the lightning bolt-shaped scar on Harry¡¯s forehead.


    ¡°Oh, he can''t be...¡±


    ¡°Yes, Harry Potter,¡± Dumbledore confirmed with a smile. ¡°And there¡¯s another name you¡¯ve probably heard of: Kyle Chopper, the youngest recipient of the Order of Merlin, First Class¡ªformerly Second.¡±


    ¡°Wait, what do you mean? I haven¡¯t heard of any new First Class medals being awarded in the wizarding world recently.¡±


    ¡°Oh, it¡¯s internal news,¡± Dumbledore replied smoothly. ¡°Cornelius seems intent on boosting morale in the wizarding world. The youngest First Class Order of Merlin recipient makes for a compelling story.¡±


    As they spoke, the entire room had been restored. Even the ominous red stain on the wall had been collected into a small glass bottle.


    Kyle examined the contents of the bottle.


    Without much hesitation, he slipped the bottle into his pocket.


    ¡°Oh, that was my last one,¡± Slughorn muttered with a trace of sorrow, though it was clear his focus was elsewhere.


    ¡°Don¡¯t think this is going to convince me, Albus,¡± Slughorn said firmly. ¡°I¡¯ve told you many times before¡ªthe answer is no.¡±


    Despite his refusal, his gaze darted to Kyle and Harry intermittently.


    ¡°He¡¯ll really get a First Class medal?¡± Slughorn asked, his tone skeptical.


    ¡°Cornelius is quite determined,¡± Dumbledore replied. ¡°But never mind that for now. Won¡¯t you pour me a drink? For old times¡¯ sake.¡±


    ¡°Just one drink,¡± Slughorn relented, standing and retrieving a few glasses from a shelf. He carefully poured a scant amount of honey wine into each glass¡ªbarely enough to coat the bottom¡ªclearly signaling his intent for them to finish quickly and leave.


    Kyle and Harry accepted their glasses as well, though the portion was so minimal it hardly counted as a drink.


    ¡°Thank you,¡± Dumbledore said cheerfully, taking his glass. He sipped it with apparent delight. ¡°It¡¯s quite good¡ªnot at all like the stuff from the Leaky Cauldron.¡±


    ¡°Of course not!¡± Slughorn replied with pride. ¡°This is a reserve from the Oak Barrel Pub, made with Billywig honey. I bought it myself in Romania and paid a handsome price for it.¡±


    Kyle¡¯s brow furrowed. The name tugged at his memory, and the mention of Romania brought sudden clarity. Then he remembered Charlie saying their sign actually read ¡°Brandy.¡±


    Kyle raised his glass hesitantly and took a sip. As he set it back down, realization dawned.


    The honey wine lacked the distinctive sweetness of genuine Billywig honey. Kyle recognized this particular scam¡ªit was a standard trick at the Oak Barrel Pub. Chris had fallen for it once too, purchasing two fake bottles of brandy, though Charlie had managed to trade them for real ones later.


    Kyle opted not to mention it, setting his glass down without comment.


    Kyle thought. The small sip of wine left him feeling unexpectedly drowsy, and he found himself sitting there in a daze.


    Kyle¡¯s consciousness slowly returned as he heard his name being called.


    ¡°Kyle... Kyle...¡±


    ¡°What is it?¡± he asked, snapping awake and turning toward Harry, who was nudging him.


    Dumbledore was nowhere to be seen, leaving only Harry and Slughorn nearby.


    ¡°Nothing,¡± Harry replied. ¡°Mr. Slughorn was just asking which house you¡¯re in.¡±


    ¡°Sorry, I didn¡¯t catch that,¡± Kyle said, rubbing his eyes before looking at Slughorn. ¡°Hufflepuff.¡±


    ¡°Oh, the same as your father,¡± Slughorn remarked, barely registering the answer. ¡°But I always preferred your mother. Intelligent, sensible, confident... She was the pride of Slytherin House.¡±


    He sipped his honey wine, seemingly lost in thought. ¡°Of course, as an instructor, I shouldn¡¯t show favoritism toward students, but I must admit, I did."


    ¡°I recall one time she fought for your father¡¯s honor. Sent a fifth-year student to the Hospital Wing for a week, then cornered him in the Common Room so thoroughly he didn¡¯t dare leave his dormitory for days."


    ¡°Now, such behavior would normally have warranted serious punishment, but I didn¡¯t give her detention. I just docked ten points.¡±


    Slughorn hastily added, ¡°Ah, don¡¯t misunderstand me¡ªI¡¯m not encouraging you to break the rules. But there were circumstances. The student in question had used a foul slur in front of her friend. Such language was, and is, strictly forbidden at Hogwarts."


    ¡°Your father tried to reason with him, but he was mocked viciously. Frankly, I still believe the student got what he deserved.¡±


    He sipped his drink again, then reiterated, ¡°But of course, I don¡¯t advocate breaking school rules.¡±


    Harry noticed that as Slughorn recounted the story, his gaze occasionally flickered toward him, as though the tale held some personal relevance. Just as Harry was about to ask, Slughorn abruptly changed the subject, likely realizing the story was inappropriate to share with students.


    ¡°Come,¡± Slughorn said, standing up. ¡°I¡¯ll show you some of my former students.¡±


    He led them to a cabinet and gestured toward the array of photographs displayed on the top shelf.


    ¡°These here are Barnabas Cuffe, editor of who often sought my opinions on current affairs... and your father, Kyle. He was one of my favorite students, a shining example of all the virtues of Hufflepuff House. Oh, here he is.¡±


    He pointed to a photograph in one of the frames. ¡°Your mother was supposed to be up here as well, but for some reason, her picture disappeared. You can probably guess why.¡±


    Kyle nodded silently. It was likely due to his mother¡¯s position in the Department of Mysteries, though he wasn¡¯t privy to the specifics.


    Slughorn went on to introduce several more names, most of whom were well-known figures in the wizarding world. While Kyle examined the photos, Harry engaged in conversation with Slughorn.


    ¡°I think, as long as Dumbledore remains headmaster, the school staff will be safer than most,¡± he said. ¡°It¡¯s said that Voldemort fears him more than anyone else.¡±


    At the mention of Voldemort, Harry suddenly exclaimed, startling Kyle.


    Slughorn appeared distracted, as if weighing his own words carefully.


    Kyle walked over and lowered his voice. ¡°Harry, speaking of safety, do you know what happened to Umbridge?¡±


    ¡°I couldn¡¯t care less what happens to her,¡± Harry said stiffly, though a moment later he sighed. ¡°Still, I didn¡¯t think someone like her would stand up to the Death Eaters. All the papers say is that she was attacked. I don¡¯t know what happened after that."


    ¡°Ron said St. Mungo¡¯s is now swarming with Aurors, especially around her ward.¡±


    Slughorn fell silent again, his expression darkening.


    The attack on Umbridge had clearly unsettled him. A woman as despised as Umbridge had been brazenly targeted by Death Eaters¡ªeven in a place as public and well-guarded as St. Mungo¡¯s.


    And what about himself? Slughorn had avoided joining the Death Eaters, but he was under no illusion that they would consider him an ally.


    The realization loomed large in his mind: perhaps he really would be safer under Dumbledore¡¯s protection...


    As Slughorn mulled over his thoughts, Dumbledore returned to the room.


    ¡°You¡¯re back, Albus,¡± Slughorn said, snapping out of his reverie. ¡°What took you so long? Did you have the runs?¡±


    ¡°No, I was just flipping through some Muggle magazines,¡± Dumbledore replied pleasantly. ¡°Well, Harry, Kyle, we¡¯ve been pestering Horace long enough. It¡¯s time to leave.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re leaving?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± Dumbledore confirmed. ¡°It¡¯s getting late, and Kyle has work at the Ministry tomorrow morning. Staying up too late wouldn¡¯t do him any good.¡±


    ¡°Wait¡ªwork at the Ministry?¡± Slughorn asked, clearly intrigued. ¡°So it¡¯s true? He was exceptionally recruited?¡±


    ¡°Of course,¡± Dumbledore replied with a nod. ¡°Haven¡¯t you read the papers? Kyle has been serving as Senior Assistant to the Minister for Magic for nearly six months now.¡±


    ¡°A Senior Assistant to the Minister for Magic who hasn¡¯t graduated¡­¡± Slughorn muttered, his expression thoughtful, his eyes gleaming with curiosity.


    ¡°So long, then,¡± Dumbledore said, moving toward the door. ¡°I¡¯m sorry we won¡¯t be working together again, but the door to Hogwarts is always open if you choose to return.¡±


    ¡°Goodbye,¡± Harry said, giving Slughorn a small wave.


    As the three of them walked out, a loud shout from behind startled them.


    ¡°All right, all right, I¡¯ll do it!¡±


    Slughorn came hurrying out after them, slightly out of breath. ¡°I must be mad, but yes, I¡¯ll come back to Hogwarts.¡±


    ¡°Excellent,¡± Dumbledore said with a warm smile. ¡°So, Horace, I¡¯ll see you on the first of September.¡±


    ¡°Fine,¡± Slughorn muttered. ¡°But I¡¯ll ask for a raise¡­¡±


    ¡°Well, I¡¯m afraid that¡¯s not up to me,¡± Dumbledore said lightly, turning to Kyle. ¡°In fact, someone here could see me earning fifty Galleons less a month with just a word.¡± S§×arch* The Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°Really?¡± Slughorn¡¯s interest visibly piqued.


    Though he wasn¡¯t entirely sure what Dumbledore meant, the idea that the headmaster¡¯s salary could be altered so easily hinted at the extent of Kyle¡¯s authority. Slughorn¡¯s gaze turned calculating.


    ¡°Never mind,¡± Slughorn said with a grin, shifting gears. ¡°Salary doesn¡¯t really matter. I just¡­miss my old colleagues. How are Minerva and Filius these days?¡±


    ¡°They¡¯re both doing well,¡± Dumbledore replied with a smile.


    ¡°Well, I¡¯ll see you on the first of September, then,¡± Slughorn said, waving them off.


    The three of them set off again along the garden path.


    ¡°Professor Dumbledore,¡± Harry asked quietly, ¡°why did Slughorn suddenly change his mind?¡±


    ¡°You should call him Professor Slughorn now,¡± Dumbledore corrected gently. ¡°As for why, I believe he recognized the advantages of returning to Hogwarts.¡±


    ¡°Advantages?¡±


    ¡°Yes. For instance, you and Kyle.¡±


    Dumbledore elaborated, ¡°Slughorn has a penchant for surrounding himself with material comforts and prominent connections. But his method is unique¡ªhe cultivates relationships with students who he believes will grow into influential or accomplished individuals."


    ¡°And he has an uncanny talent for recognizing such potential.¡±


    ¡°I see,¡± Harry said with a nod. ¡°No wonder he agreed right away after learning Kyle is Senior Assistant to the Minister for Magic.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s more to it than that,¡± Dumbledore said thoughtfully. ¡°You, Harry, carry a certain renown. The boy who lived through Voldemort¡¯s attack. Or, as some now say, the Chosen One¡­¡±


    Harry winced at the title, clearly uncomfortable. He hated the notion, feeling as though he hadn¡¯t done anything worthy of it. It was just an exaggeration stemming from his earlier warning about Voldemort¡¯s return.


    They walked in silence for a while longer.


    Finally, Dumbledore stopped and turned to them. ¡°All right. I may be quite busy in the days to come. If you have any urgent matters, Newt can reach me.¡±


    Kyle nodded. ¡°Understood.¡±


    ¡°So, do you need me to send you back?¡± Dumbledore asked.


    Kyle glanced between Dumbledore and Harry, sensing that the professor had something private to discuss with Harry. He shook his head.


    ¡°No, Professor. I can make my own way back.¡±


    With that, he waved to the two of them and vanished.

 Chapter 698: Plotting and Strategizing, the Choice of a Hero

    Back when he was in the Giant tribe, life had been harsh. They all lived in tents, and every night was a struggle. Either the thunderous snores of the Giants woke them up, or the sounds of fighting and roaring kept him from sleeping at all.


    Now that he was back in St. Catchpole Village, Kyle went straight to his room without even stopping for dinner. He slept until noon, then emerged briefly to grab something quick to eat.


    But instead of staying home for the rest of the day, Kyle headed straight to the Ministry of Magic.


    When he arrived at the lobby, Chris was just returning from outside.


    ¡°Why are you here at this time?¡± Chris asked as they waited for the elevator. ¡°Don¡¯t you need more rest?¡±


    ¡°No, I¡¯m fine. I rested all morning,¡± Kyle replied, shaking his head. ¡°How are the Dementors?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s a problem,¡± Chris sighed. ¡°The Ministry has sent everyone who can cast a Patronus Charm, but it¡¯s still not enough."


    ¡°But honestly, it¡¯s thanks to you for convincing Cedric to work here. He¡¯s been a huge help these past few days.¡±


    Just then, the elevator arrived, and the two stepped in together. In the distance, someone was running toward them, waving frantically to get them to hold the doors.


    Neither Kyle nor Chris made a move to help. The elevator doors closed swiftly.


    ¡°How are things with the Giants?¡± Chris asked quietly as the elevator began to ascend.


    ¡°It¡¯s sorted,¡± Kyle replied. ¡°There was a big fight among them over who gets to be the next Gurg. That should keep them busy for a while, so we don¡¯t have to worry about them getting involved in the war.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s a relief. If the Giants got involved, it wouldn¡¯t end well for us,¡± Chris said. ¡°Oh, and don¡¯t mention any of this to your mother. She still doesn¡¯t know you left with Newt to deal with the Giants.¡±


    ¡°I understand,¡± Kyle nodded.


    The elevator stopped at the floor for the Committee for the Disposal of Dangerous Creatures. Chris stepped out, then turned back, reconsidering something.


    ¡°I¡¯d avoid Arthur¡¯s floor if I were you. Fred and George have been pestering everyone about when you¡¯ll be back.¡±


    ¡°I know,¡± Kyle said, rubbing his forehead. Truthfully, he¡¯d been planning to lay low for a while.


    Soon, the elevator stopped again.


    ¡°First floor...¡±


    Kyle stepped out and walked to the end of the corridor, stopping before a grand golden door in the center.


    He knocked.


    ¡°Come in.¡±


    The room was smaller than he¡¯d expected but elegantly furnished. Like the Headmaster¡¯s Office at Hogwarts, portraits of former Ministers of Magic adorned the walls. All of them appeared to have their eyes closed, feigning sleep¡ªbut Kyle knew well that magical portraits didn¡¯t need to sleep.


    Fudge sat behind a large mountain-ash desk. When he saw Kyle, he smiled.


    ¡°Oh, Kyle, you¡¯re back. Is it done?¡±


    ¡°Yes, it¡¯s over,¡± Kyle replied.


    ¡°How was it? Was it dangerous?¡± Fudge asked, standing. ¡°I didn¡¯t approve of Dumbledore sending you and Mr. Scamander to deal with the Giant problem. You haven¡¯t even graduated yet! But Dumbledore insisted you¡¯d be fine. You know how stubborn he can be¡ªimpossible to argue with.¡±


    ¡°Luckily, with Mr. Scamander¡¯s help, we didn¡¯t face any real danger,¡± Kyle said calmly.


    ¡°Is that so?¡± Fudge¡¯s expression darkened. ¡°Then why did I hear otherwise? Letting an ungraduated student face the Giant Gurg alone¡ªif Diana knew about this, she¡¯d destroy my office. I don¡¯t condone sending students on such dangerous missions.¡±


    ¡°Sorry, Minister,¡± Kyle said. ¡°I was rash. I thought I could handle it. You know I¡¯ve always been good in school.¡±


    ¡°Giants aren¡¯t just classroom obstacles at Hogwarts,¡± Fudge said sternly. Then his face softened into a smile. ¡°But you succeeded, didn¡¯t you? A sixteen-year-old defeating a Giant Gurg and saving the Wizarding World from disaster¡ªthat¡¯s worthy of the Order of Merlin, First Class."


    ¡°Unfortunately, the Order committee seems to believe Mr. Scamander did most of the work, and you were just his assistant.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s fine,¡± Kyle replied. ¡°Mr. Scamander was essential in resolving the situation.¡±


    ¡°True, true...¡± Fudge muttered, though he didn¡¯t seem to care much. ¡°I¡¯ll handle it. Now, tell me about the past few days¡ªI want all the details.¡±


    ¡°Of course, Minister.¡±


    For the next hour, Kyle recounted everything that had happened. There was little to hide. Newt had pointed out on the first day that the Portkey they¡¯d used was fully authorized, meaning the Ministry had been aware of their journey all along.


    Even the moment Kyle killed the Giant Gurg had been reported¡ªthere was no one else around to do it, so it was clear who had informed Fudge. Now, Kyle was merely repeating what the Minister already knew.


    An hour later, Fudge murmured, ¡°It seems Dumbledore wasn¡¯t hiding anything after all...¡±


    ¡°Minister, what were you saying?¡± Kyle asked, raising an eyebrow.


    ¡°Oh, nothing,¡± Fudge replied quickly, shaking his head. ¡°I was just saying that you''ve had a hard time recently, and I should give you a few days off, but¡­¡±


    He hesitated, looking slightly embarrassed. ¡°You probably don¡¯t know yet, but the Ministry is critically short-staffed. The Death Eaters have been unusually active, and everyone¡¯s on edge¡ªincluding me. Many staff members haven¡¯t been home for three days straight.¡±


    ¡°I understand, Minister,¡± Kyle said. ¡°And I¡¯ve already taken the liberty of giving myself half a day off. Just don¡¯t dock my pay.¡±


    ¡°Haha, you¡¯ve earned it! In fact, I was considering giving you a raise,¡± Fudge said with a laugh. ¡°So, what do you think we should do, given the current situation?¡±


    Kyle paused for a moment, considering. ¡°I think we should create pamphlets to teach everyone how to protect themselves during these dangerous times. In addition, we need to boost morale quickly and demonstrate the Ministry¡¯s determination to fight back.¡±


    Fudge¡¯s eyes lit up. He had asked the question casually, not expecting a thoughtful solution so soon.


    ¡°No need to rush,¡± he said, waving his wand. A glass of Butterbeer appeared on the table, which he gestured for Kyle to take.


    ¡°Thanks,¡± Kyle said, taking a sip before continuing. ¡°First, about the self-help pamphlets¡ªI¡¯ll handle the content. I can bring them to you tomorrow morning. Once you¡¯ve approved them, we can distribute them along with .¡±


    ¡°No problem,¡± Fudge agreed. ¡°What about morale? How do we handle that?¡±


    ¡°We could create a few heroes,¡± Kyle suggested. ¡°Right now, people need someone to look up to¡ªsymbols of hope.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s exactly what I was thinking,¡± Fudge said, clearly pleased. ¡°Do you have anyone in mind?¡±


    ¡°How about Harry Potter?¡± Kyle proposed. ¡°The Chosen One¡ªit¡¯s a natural fit for the current situation.¡±


    Fudge nodded, his approval evident. ¡°We¡¯ve already been doing that. Lately, there¡¯s been something about Harry in the papers nearly every day.¡±


    ¡°And what about Senior Undersecretary Umbridge?¡± Kyle added. ¡°As a prominent anti-Death Eater figure, her name might inspire people even more than Harry¡¯s at the moment.¡±


    Fudge hesitated. ¡°Dolores¡­ She¡¯s still at St. Mungo¡¯s after being tortured twice with the Cruciatus Curse. Her condition is serious. What if the Death Eaters strike St. Mungo¡¯s again?¡±


    ¡°I understand,¡± Kyle said thoughtfully. ¡°But Minister, in times like these, the story of a tragic hero can ignite more courage in people¡¯s hearts than that of a savior.¡±


    Fudge seemed to mull this over, his expression unreadable. After a moment, he waved his hand dismissively. ¡°I¡¯ll need to think about that some more.¡±


    ¡°Of course,¡± Kyle replied. ¡°If there¡¯s nothing else, I¡¯ll get started on the self-help pamphlet.¡±


    ¡°Go ahead,¡± Fudge said with a nod. ¡°And be as detailed as possible.¡±


    ¡°I will,¡± Kyle promised, before leaving the room and heading to his office next door.


    The moment he opened his office door, two pairs of hands clamped down on his shoulders¡ªone on each side.


    ¡°Well, look who¡¯s back¡­¡±


    ¡°Our very own Senior Assistant¡­¡± Fred and George stood on either side of Kyle, their eyes narrowed and glinting menacingly.


    ¡°Now, now, don¡¯t be hasty,¡± Kyle said, raising his hands in surrender. ¡°I have a good reason.¡±


    ¡°Explain yourself¡­¡±


    ¡°If you don¡¯t satisfy us, you¡¯re dead!¡± George warned.


    ¡°I¡¯m doing this for your own good,¡± Kyle argued, wriggling free from their grip. ¡°You¡¯ve graduated now. It¡¯s time to start thinking about your families. Don¡¯t forget that your department used to fall under the Misuse of Muggle Artifacts Office.¡±


    He paused for emphasis. ¡°Just think how much work Mr. Weasley would have to deal with if you two weren¡¯t helping out at the Ministry.¡±


    Fred and George fell silent, exchanging a glance.


    They had barely had a moment to breathe in the past few days, let alone time for meals. With so few people in the Misuse of Muggle Artifacts Office, all hands were needed on deck. Without their help, Mr. Weasley wouldn¡¯t have had a chance to sleep, let alone go home.


    ¡°Don¡¯t try to fool us,¡± Fred said, narrowing his eyes. ¡°This clearly falls under the Department of Magical Law Enforcement.¡±


    ¡°Are you sure?¡± Kyle raised an eyebrow. ¡°Don¡¯t tell me you haven¡¯t noticed that most counterfeit defensive products are made from Muggle materials.¡±


    Fred hesitated, muttering, ¡°You¡¯ve got a point. But why didn¡¯t you tell us in advance?¡±


    ¡°There wouldn¡¯t have been any surprise,¡± Kyle replied nonchalantly, walking over to the table and sitting down. ¡°Besides, Cedric and I are both working in the Ministry of Magic. Does it really seem appropriate for you two to be out having fun? Don¡¯t you feel even a little guilty?¡±


    ¡°Not really,¡± Fred said with a shrug.


    George nodded in agreement. ¡°Our consciences are just fine.¡±


    ¡°In that case, you can go,¡± Kyle said, waving them off. ¡°Just head to Diagon Alley tomorrow and open your shop. No need to come back here. As for the Minister, I¡¯ll explain it to him.¡±


    Fred and George froze, momentarily stunned by Kyle¡¯s words. They exchanged a quick glance.


    ¡°Are you serious?¡±


    ¡°We can really leave the Ministry?¡± George asked cautiously.


    ¡°Of course,¡± Kyle said smoothly. ¡°But you¡¯ll need to find someone to take over your current responsibilities. I can¡¯t just dump everything on Mr. Weasley.¡±


    Fred and George¡¯s eyes widened in alarm before they hastily backpedaled.


    ¡°Look, we were only joking,¡± Fred said quickly, his tone taking a sharp turn.


    ¡°Exactly,¡± George added with a forced grin. ¡°And with the Ministry being so busy right now, it would be selfish of us to leave. No way, absolutely not.¡±


    ¡°Besides,¡± Fred said earnestly, ¡°you and Cedric are our best friends. How could we even think about leaving you two to handle all this on your own?¡±


    The twins¡¯ attitudes shifted completely, their voices now dripping with enthusiasm and sincerity.


    There was no other choice. Over the past few days, they had confiscated countless counterfeit defensive products and illegal magical items. While most of the items were fakes, they had sparked ideas for numerous real products. With a bit of tweaking, these ideas had quickly turned into bestsellers for their shop.


    In fact, their Weasleys'' Wizard Wheezes had introduced over a dozen new products in just two weeks, all incredibly popular. Take, for example, their Dementor-repelling necklaces¡ªthey had sold twenty in a single day earlier that week.


    More importantly, this department was tasked with regulating Wizarding Props stores. If someone else took over their roles, the store would likely face constant inspections¡ªten times a day wouldn¡¯t be out of the question. The shop might not even survive.


    And Fred and George had no doubt that Kyle was entirely capable of orchestrating such persistent, shameless scrutiny.


    With that sobering thought in mind, the twins eagerly sprang into action. George pulled out Butterbeer, while Fred placed a tin of cookies on Kyle¡¯s desk.


    ¡°You must have been working really hard these past few days¡­¡±


    ¡°Try these! Mum baked them this morning¡ªthey¡¯re delicious.¡±


    Kyle didn¡¯t comment on their sudden change in attitude. He casually picked up a cookie and bit into it. It was, indeed, very good.


    Then, without a word, he pulled a stack of parchment.


    ¡°What are you doing?¡± George asked, curiosity sparking in his tone.


    ¡°Getting to work, of course,¡± Kyle replied, glancing up briefly. ¡°I need to write a guidebook on .¡± Sear?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°That¡¯s a great idea,¡± Fred said, his eyes gleaming with interest. ¡°I think everyone could use a bit of magical protection right now.¡±


    ¡°Especially against Dementors,¡± George added. ¡°I know of something that, when broken, releases a large cloud of Patronus light. It¡¯s not a real Patronus, but it¡¯ll keep a Dementor away long enough for you to escape.¡±


    ¡°And it¡¯s not too expensive either¡ªjust ten Galleons,¡± Fred chimed in.


    ¡°Oh?¡± Kyle put down his quill, his expression intrigued. ¡°Where can I find something like that?¡±


    ¡°37 Diagon Alley,¡± Fred said smoothly.


    Kyle raised an eyebrow. He knew full well that 37 Diagon Alley was the Weasleys'' Wizard Wheezes¡¯s address. However, he didn¡¯t dismiss the idea outright. Instead, he asked thoughtfully, ¡°Does it actually work?¡±


    ¡°It does,¡± George said, sounding unusually serious. ¡°Don¡¯t forget, this is what we do for a living. We can¡¯t afford to ruin our reputation.¡±


    ¡°Even Tonks and Moody bought two each after seeing it in action,¡± Fred added. ¡°That should tell you everything you need to know.¡±


    Kyle tapped his fingers on the desk, deep in thought. If seasoned Aurors found it useful, then it likely was effective.


    After a pause, he said tentatively, ¡°If you can lower the price to five Galleons, I can include your shop¡¯s address in the guidebook.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s impossible,¡± Fred said immediately. ¡°Do you have any idea how hard it is to store the Patronus Charm? We use Unicorn horns and Dragon¡¯s blood to carve the runes¡ªit costs us seven Galleons and fifteen Sickles just to make one, not counting production costs.¡±


    ¡°Six Galleons, then,¡± Kyle countered.


    ¡°I just told you, the cost is seven Galleons and fifteen Sickles,¡± George said, exasperated. ¡°We¡¯re not making that up¡ª¡±


    ¡°Hold on,¡± Kyle interrupted, raising a hand. ¡°What if the Ministry subsidized one Galleon for every unit sold? How does that sound?¡±


    Fred frowned. ¡°Even then, we¡¯d be losing fifteen Sickles on each one. Look, we¡¯d love to do something for the wizarding world, but we can¡¯t sell at a loss. Maybe if we added just one more Galleon¡­¡±


    ¡°Too much,¡± Kyle said, shaking his head. ¡°Fudge wouldn¡¯t agree. Without Lucius Malfoy¡¯s contributions, the Ministry¡¯s budget is stretched thin. Besides, some things can¡¯t be measured in Galleons alone. This guidebook is for all wizards, and it¡¯s the best advertisement you could ask for. If it works, the Weasleys'' Wizard Wheezes Shop will become famous overnight.¡±


    Fred and George exchanged a long look, hesitating. Kyle was right¡ªit was an incredible opportunity for exposure. The shop¡¯s name could spread across the wizarding world in a matter of days. The potential benefits were enormous.


    But the risk was just as daunting. The more units they sold, the more they would lose. Fifteen Sickles might not seem like much, but sell a hundred¡ªor a thousand¡ªand they¡¯d be facing bankruptcy. Fame wouldn¡¯t mean much if it left them broke.


    ¡°We really shouldn¡¯t have come here today,¡± Fred muttered through clenched teeth.


    ¡°If we hadn¡¯t, we wouldn¡¯t be stuck in this mess,¡± George grumbled.


    The twins began pacing back and forth in Kyle¡¯s office, clearly torn.


    ¡°Maybe there¡¯s another way,¡± Kyle suggested, breaking the silence. ¡°The Ministry of Magic might be able to source Dragon¡¯s blood and Unicorn horns at a lower price.¡±


    Fred and George stopped pacing, their expressions brightening. ¡°If the costs come down, we¡¯d be fine,¡± they said in unison. ¡°We could even sell them at cost price if needed.¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s not get ahead of ourselves,¡± Kyle said with a faint smile. ¡°It¡¯s just a possibility for now. I¡¯ll need to look into it.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s fine,¡± George said. ¡°Even if we only lose a few Sickles per unit, we can live with that.¡±


    ¡°Though it¡¯d be even better if we didn¡¯t lose anything at all,¡± Fred added.

 Chapter 699: Anti-Dementor Necklace, Two Extra People at Home

    ¡°Unicorn horns and Dragon blood?¡±


    Chris looked at Kyle, puzzled. ¡°What do you need these for?¡±


    ¡°Not me¡ªFred and George need them,¡± Kyle replied, repeating what they¡¯d told him in the office.


    ¡°I think it¡¯s a good idea to protect yourself with magical items. It might buy you some time to escape in a critical moment.¡±


    ¡°If those things really work, then it¡¯s not a bad idea,¡± Chris agreed. ¡°There are probably ten Unicorn horns left in the Ministry. They were supposed to be donated to St. Mungo¡¯s, but if you can get the Minister to sign off on it, I can give them all to you.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s a lot,¡± Kyle said, surprised.


    Unicorn horns weren¡¯t banned from trade, and Kyle had assumed the Ministry would be lucky to have five or six.


    ¡°This stuff is worth more than its weight in gold, and it¡¯s always popular with smugglers,¡± Chris added casually. ¡°We always manage to seize some.¡±


    ¡°And the blood of Dragons?¡± Kyle asked.


    ¡°Not an ounce,¡± Chris replied with a shrug. ¡°If you¡¯d come three days ago, there would¡¯ve been a pint, but it was all donated to St. Mungo¡¯s¡ªthey¡¯re in desperate need of Dragon blood for their potions.¡±


    Chris suddenly changed the subject. ¡°But if you really need it, I can help contact Romania.¡±


    ¡°The Dragon Reserve in Romania?¡± Kyle asked, momentarily stunned. ¡°They sell Dragon blood?¡±


    ¡°No, they only provide the service of renting Dragons,¡± Chris clarified. ¡°But I have a good relationship with them. If there¡¯s a good reason, I don¡¯t think they¡¯d mind selling me some Dragon blood at a low price¡ªabout half the market rate.¡±


    ¡°Then I¡¯ll take ten pints,¡± Kyle blurted out.


    Dragon blood was a treasure, valuable for brewing potions and alchemy. Stocking up seemed like an excellent idea, as it could always be stored for later use.


    However, Kyle waited a long time for Chris¡¯s response. When he glanced up, he found Chris staring at him with an odd expression.


    ¡°Ten pints?¡± Chris¡¯s voice cracked. ¡°Do you think that¡¯s Pumpkin juice? Even if Mr. Scamander himself came along, it¡¯d be impossible to buy ten pints of Dragon blood.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s only one pint. If that¡¯s not enough, you¡¯ll just have to figure it out yourself.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s all there is? Your connections aren¡¯t worth much,¡± Kyle muttered. ¡°Forget it¡ªI¡¯ll just go find Newt.¡±


    With that, Kyle turned and left, leaving an irate Chris gasping for breath behind him.


    After leaving the Committee for the Disposal of Dangerous Creatures, Kyle returned to the Office of the Minister for Magic and explained the situation to Fudge.


    Fudge agreed to the proposal almost immediately, though he confirmed it once more for clarity.


    ¡°Are you sure they¡¯ll sell the magical items at cost?¡±


    ¡°Yes, Minister,¡± Kyle assured him. ¡°Fred and George said they wanted to do something for the wizarding world and have agreed to it.¡±


    ¡°They¡¯re Arthur Weasley¡¯s sons, so they¡¯re certainly not joking about this.¡±


    ¡°Oh, Arthur¡ªno wonder those names sounded familiar,¡± Fudge muttered.


    Mr. Weasley¡¯s good reputation seemed to work in their favor, and Fudge agreed without hesitation.


    Although it was unprecedented, the Ministry could afford to pay for only one Galleon at a time. Besides, Fudge wasn¡¯t foolish. This initiative promised real benefits and could significantly enhance the Ministry¡¯s reputation. Naturally, he had no reason to refuse.


    Ten minutes later, Kyle left the Office of the Minister for Magic with two pieces of parchment.


    One was the Ministry¡¯s announcement of the subsidy, to be published later in


    The other was an approved application for Kyle to use the Ministry¡¯s Unicorn materials.


    When Kyle returned to the Committee for the Disposal of Dangerous Creatures, Chris had already prepared the Unicorn horns.


    However, he wasn¡¯t in the best of moods¡ªhis expression remained sour, and he didn¡¯t crack a smile. He simply shoved the items at Kyle and curtly told him to leave.


    Kyle didn¡¯t mind. Taking the elevator, he headed off to meet Fred and George, who had been waiting for him for quite some time.


    ¡°So...¡±


    Fred and George were already bursting with curiosity the moment Kyle stepped out of the elevator.


    ¡°Of course, there are no problems,¡± Kyle replied, casually handing them one of the bags he was holding.


    Inside were ten Unicorn horns and a pint of Dragon¡¯s blood. Since the new shipment from Romania would take some time, Kyle had used his previous stock to tide them over.


    ¡°Great!¡± Fred exclaimed, his excitement palpable. ¡°Is it all free?¡±


    ¡°Dragon¡¯s blood is 50% off,¡± Kyle said.


    ¡°That¡¯s more than enough,¡± George said, doing a quick calculation. ¡°This will last us a long time. Based on this, I think we can reduce the price for about two Galleons.¡±


    ¡°Well... set the price at seven Galleons,¡± Kyle said after a moment¡¯s thought, ¡°and increase the Ministry subsidy to five Galleons.¡±


    ¡°Huh?¡± Fred blinked in confusion. ¡°Isn¡¯t that the same thing?¡±


    ¡°No,¡± Kyle shook his head. ¡°The Ministry is providing the materials, so the cost needs to be reflected in the price.¡±


    George smirked at Kyle. ¡°Fudge will be so happy, he might just jump for joy.¡±


    Fred nodded in agreement. ¡°It¡¯s not unreasonable, though. You could end up as Senior Undersecretary to the Minister for Magic at this rate.¡±


    ¡°No chance...¡± Kyle said calmly. ¡°Right now, it¡¯s important to appropriately enhance the Ministry¡¯s reputation.¡±


    ¡°Never mind, it¡¯s all the same in the end,¡± Fred said, shrugging it off. George agreed, and the two immediately turned to head back to their office.


    ¡°Oh, one more thing,¡± Kyle called after them. ¡°You don¡¯t need to worry about the Ministry¡¯s other work for now¡ªjust focus on making those magical props.¡±


    ¡°Got it!¡± they called back with a wave, disappearing down the corridor without a second glance.


    With everything finally settled, Kyle felt a wave of relief as he returned to his own office.


    ...


    The next day, a small purple booklet was delivered to every wizard via Owl Post.


    ¡°What is it?¡± Harry asked, examining the booklet in his hands as he ate breakfast at Number 12 Grimmauld Place.


    ¡°It¡¯s something good,¡± Fred said with a mysterious grin. ¡°I didn¡¯t think Kyle would finish it so quickly. I figured it would take him a few more days.¡±


    ¡°Kyle did this?¡± Mrs. Weasley asked as she entered the room, also holding a copy of the booklet.


    ¡°Yes, Mum,¡± George said excitedly. ¡°Take a look¡ªthere are some surprises in there.¡±


    Mrs. Weasley eyed the booklet skeptically before opening it.


    ...


    The booklet wasn¡¯t very thick, only about twenty pages, with the first page filled with warnings to heed. The rest delved into a detailed explanation of various Charms.


    ¡°It¡¯s really comprehensive,¡± Mrs. Weasley remarked, flipping through the booklet repeatedly. ¡°The Ministry of Magic did a good job this time. It seems like they¡¯ve thought of everything, considering both wizarding and Muggle families.¡±


    ¡°Ha! Fudge could never have come up with something like this. He¡¯d just spout some clich¨¦ and tell everyone to watch out for the Death Eaters,¡± Moody snorted. "I bet Kyle had a hand in this too" he added under his breath.


    ¡°Didn¡¯t we already discuss this?¡± George said, taking a bite of his sandwich. ¡°It Kyle¡¯s idea.¡±


    ¡°Professor Dumbledore was right to let him work at the Ministry,¡± Tonks said, thumbing through the booklet. ¡°He¡¯s lightened our workload considerably.¡±


    ¡°Enough chatter,¡± Fred interrupted. ¡°Hurry up and read it¡ªthere¡¯s a surprise at the end.¡±


    ¡°What surprise could there possibly be?¡± Ron asked dismissively, though he still began skimming through the pages.


    That is, until he reached the penultimate page:


    ¡°Thirty-seven Diagon Alley?¡± Ron thought aloud before suddenly jumping to his feet. ¡°Wait, isn¡¯t that where you¡ª¡±


    ¡°Yes, the Weasleys'' Wizard Wheezes Shop,¡± Fred said with a grin.


    George pulled out a small box. ¡°Limited quantities, first come, first served... But as family, you have priority.¡±


    ¡°How much?¡± Ron asked, his interest piqued.


    ¡°Seven Galleons,¡± Fred replied, ¡°but with the magical scroll, it¡¯s only two.¡±


    ¡°How much?¡± Kingsley, who had been silent until then, asked sharply.


    As an Auror, no one in the room understood the value of magical items better than him. An ordinary Anti-Jinx Hat cost more than ten Galleons, let alone something effective against Dementors. If this was legitimate, even seven Galleons sounded like a steal.


    ¡°Where¡¯s this magic scroll?¡± Ron asked suspiciously.


    ¡°If you¡¯d be so kind as to use your noble fingers¡­¡± George said impatiently, ¡°you¡¯ll find it on the last page.¡±


    Ron blushed slightly as Harry silently flipped to the final page.


    Sure enough, there was a whimsical note bearing a golden signature.


    ¡°Cornelius Oswald Fudge,¡± Kingsley murmured, leaning closer. ¡°It¡¯s the Minister¡¯s signature.¡±


    ¡°¡± Moody said, pulling out his wand and tapping the note.


    The note ignited instantly, crumbling into ash in seconds.


    ¡°Not bad¡ªthere are at least five anti-counterfeiting Charms on it,¡± he said with approval, seemingly unbothered about losing five Galleons.


    ¡°Of course,¡± Fred said with a broad smile. ¡°Each one of those costs money, so naturally, we have to be thorough.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll take one,¡± Kingsley said, tearing off the note and handing it to Fred along with two Galleons.


    ¡°Thank you very much!¡± George said cheerfully, retrieving a necklace from the box and handing it over.


    Kingsley examined the necklace briefly, then crushed it in his hands. A thick, shimmering silver mist erupted, filling the small kitchen. The warmth was immediate, washing over everyone present.


    ¡°Impressive. That¡¯s definitely a Patronus Charm,¡± Kingsley said, clearly impressed.


    Even though he¡¯d already assumed it was genuine, witnessing it firsthand still left him in awe. It was practically unheard of to purchase a magical object containing a Patronus Charm light for only two Galleons.


    ¡°What a waste,¡± he muttered as the mist began to dissipate. ¡°Alastor and I already tested it.¡±


    Tonks, who had been watching with interest, suddenly realized something. ¡°Hey, Alastor and I didn¡¯t pay much for the necklaces we bought. Are you trying to rip us off?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t be absurd!¡± Fred said, feigning offense. ¡°The Ministry of Magic wasn¡¯t partnering with us back then. It was the standard price.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t care!¡± Tonks retorted dramatically. ¡°You owe me a refund.¡±


    ¡°Not a chance!¡± Fred and George said in unison, their expressions equally serious.


    To be fair, the necklace Tonks had purchased had been crafted with materials the twins had sourced themselves. At the time, the price couldn¡¯t have been as affordable as it was now.


    "Then just give me another one, okay?" Tonks said, tearing off another note and handing it over.


    "Thanks, two Galleons," George replied smoothly.


    Tonks¡¯ expression froze momentarily before she angrily tossed two gold coins onto the table.


    "Ah, I want one too," Harry said eagerly, tearing off a note for himself.


    Ron looked at Harry with envy. Although two Galleons was a bargain, it was still beyond his budget.


    "I¡¯ll take three," Bill said as he walked in, setting a stack of gold coins on the table. He glanced at Ron and Ginny with a smile. "What are you waiting for? Tear off your magic scrolls."


    Ron¡¯s excitement was palpable, and in his enthusiasm, he nearly ripped the entire booklet in half.


    Before long, the suitcase was empty, every necklace claimed. S~ea??h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Are you sure you¡¯ll be okay?" Bill asked, holding his necklace and casting a skeptical glance at Fred and George.


    "I think a lot of wizards are going to need these necklaces," Bill continued. "The day after tomorrow is July 11th. Do you have enough in stock?"


    "Honestly? We''re a bit short," Fred admitted with a frown. "Kyle only suggested this yesterday afternoon, so we¡¯ve had barely any time to make them."


    "But we¡¯ve got help," George added. "Kyle''s too busy, and Kanna¡¯s swamped with her test for the Most Extraordinary Society of Potioneers, so we¡¯ve asked Cho and Hermione."


    "They¡¯ve agreed and will be at the shop on the second floor at nine o¡¯clock today."


    "We¡¯ve got two days. That should give us enough time to make a decent stockpile," Fred said optimistically.


    "Nine o¡¯clock today?" Mrs. Weasley frowned. "But your other work..."


    "It¡¯ll be fine, Mum," Fred assured her. "This is something we have to do, and Minister Fudge already approved it."


    Mrs. Weasley hesitated at the mention of Fudge, but eventually, she said no more.


    "If you don¡¯t mind, I¡¯ll help too," Bill offered after a moment¡¯s thought. "I got good marks in Runes. And Charlie¡¯s surveillance mission should wrap up soon; we can get him to pitch in as well."


    "That would be brilliant!" Fred said enthusiastically.


    The Anti-Dementor Necklace wasn¡¯t overly complicated to produce, but the materials were expensive. Having extra hands was a huge relief.


    "I¡¯ll help too," Ginny volunteered, raising her hand. "I might not be much help, but I can draw runes. I got an ¡®O¡¯ in Ancient Runes this year, so this could be a good chance to learn some practical applications."


    "You¡¯re more than welcome," George said warmly.


    Harry and Ron exchanged glances. If anyone in the family had spare time, it was definitely them.


    They had been wanting to contribute for a while, and this seemed like the perfect opportunity. Besides, Harry was particularly intrigued by Fred¡¯s earlier mention of Cho being involved. Though his feelings about competing with Cedric had waned, he couldn¡¯t help but wonder


    "We can help too," Harry blurted out quickly.


    This time, Fred and George didn¡¯t immediately agree. Instead, they exchanged skeptical looks.


    "Sorry, did you two happen to take Ancient Runes?" Fred asked.


    "If I¡¯m not mistaken," George added, "neither of you did."


    "Ancient Runes?" Harry blinked, his enthusiasm faltering. "Er... no, not exactly."


    Ron scratched his head, looking equally confused. "Why would we need Ancient Runes just to help out?"


    The lively chatter in the room abruptly died, and everyone turned to look at them with a mixture of amusement and pity.


    Mrs. Weasley, without a word, quietly left the room, muttering some excuse.


    "Ah, it¡¯s nothing," Fred said after an awkward pause, forcing a smile as he patted Harry and Ron on the shoulders. "You don¡¯t need to worry about helping. Just enjoy your holiday at home."


    Even Harry and Ron, oblivious as they could sometimes be, understood what that meant. Their faces flushed crimson.


    "We can help with the cleaning," Ron suggested desperately.


    "Yes," Harry nodded quickly. "Or we can carry supplies, pass tools¡ªanything, really."


    They were determined to go to Diagon Alley. Staying home while everyone else was busy contributing was unthinkable. It was embarrassing enough that Ginny was already more useful than either of them.


    George hesitated, weighing his words carefully. "Well... I appreciate the sentiment, but our shop already has three House-elves handling cleaning and stocking. Are you suggesting we need someone else to help clean?"


    "That feels a bit... insulting, don¡¯t you think?"


    The words stung more than intended. Harry and Ron¡¯s blush deepened as they realized even House-elves were proving more capable than them.


    Ginny sighed quietly and turned her head.

 Chapter 700: The Grangers at the Leaky Cauldron

    After breakfast, the Weasley children made their way to Diagon Alley. As one of the busiest hubs in the British wizarding world, the Ministry of Magic had enforced the strictest security measures. At least three Aurors were stationed at the entrance to the Leaky Cauldron, diligently monitoring the witches and wizards entering and leaving the establishment.


    Anyone attempting to pass through the back alley had to undergo a Revelio Charm test to ensure they weren¡¯t Death Eaters disguised with Polyjuice Potion. While some grumbled about the inconvenience, the majority appreciated the extra precautions, feeling reassured by the heightened security.


    Many witches and wizards had even taken to booking long-term accommodations at the Leaky Cauldron, moving their entire families into its rooms. The inn was perpetually full, and Old Tom, the barkeeper, had never seen better business. He was often seen grinning from ear to ear, proudly telling anyone who¡¯d listen that the Ministry finally had a competent Junior Assistant to the Minister for Magic.


    Yes, the decision to fortify Diagon Alley¡¯s entrance had been Kyle¡¯s idea, as outlined in a pamphlet he had written.


    When the Weasley family arrived, Cho and Hermione were already there.


    ¡°I just need a room...¡± Hermione was saying to the barkeeper. ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter how big it is, and I can pay in advance.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Miss,¡± Old Tom replied without looking up. ¡°As I¡¯ve already explained, I don¡¯t have a single room available. If you¡¯re willing to wait, something might open up in September.¡±


    ¡°But I¡¯ll be at Hogwarts in September, so booking a room then won¡¯t help!¡± Hermione protested.


    ¡°Can¡¯t help you there,¡± Tom said, glancing up at her. ¡°You might try asking someone if they¡¯d give up their room.¡±


    ¡°What are you all up to?¡± Fred asked as he walked over.


    ¡°Hermione¡¯s trying to rent a room,¡± Cho explained, ¡°but it seems we¡¯re too late.¡±


    ¡°You want to stay here?¡± George asked, surprised.


    ¡°It was just an idea,¡± Hermione sighed. ¡°You¡¯ve read the safety booklet, haven¡¯t you?¡±


    ¡°Ah, yes,¡± Fred nodded.


    ¡°That¡¯s why,¡± Hermione continued. ¡°My parents are both Muggles, and with Dementors lurking everywhere, it¡¯s too dangerous. Just the other day, there was an attack near my dad¡¯s workplace. The news claimed a man had gone mad from shock, but I know for a fact it was the Dementors.¡±


    ¡°So you¡¯re looking for somewhere safer?¡± Fred asked.


    ¡°Exactly,¡± Hermione sighed again. ¡°I finally convinced my dad to temporarily close his dental practice, but I didn¡¯t realize the Leaky Cauldron was fully booked.¡±


    ¡°Hmmm...¡± George murmured, considering the situation.


    If it were just Hermione staying, they could easily arrange something at 12 Grimmauld Place or even above their shop. But accommodating the entire Granger family was more complicated.


    As they pondered, a familiar voice spoke from behind them.


    ¡°What are you doing here? Long time no see, Cho, Hermione...¡± S§×ar?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Turning around, George saw Kyle and Cedric approaching.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t it work time?¡± George asked. ¡°Why aren¡¯t you at the Ministry?¡±


    ¡°Who says you have to be at the office to work?¡± Kyle retorted with a grin. ¡°We had something to take care of. What about you lot?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s Hermione,¡± Fred explained. ¡°She¡¯s looking to rent a room for her parents here, but the place is full. Good thing you¡¯re here¡ªmaybe you can come up with an alternative.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s mainly because of the Dementors,¡± Hermione added quickly. ¡°The gray mist has been thickening lately, and I¡¯m worried they¡¯ll show up near our neighborhood. But they wouldn¡¯t come to Diagon Alley, would they?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s unlikely but not impossible,¡± Kyle replied, glancing at Old Tom. He was about to make an inquiry¡ªthey had a friendly rapport, thanks to a previous odd favor involving a rubbish bin¡ªbut before he could, Tom preemptively spoke up.


    ¡°There¡¯s one more room on the third floor,¡± Tom said, smiling. ¡°A double deluxe room. It¡¯s one Galleon and ten Sickles a night.¡±


    ¡°Wait,¡± Hermione interjected, hurrying over. ¡°Didn¡¯t you just say there weren¡¯t any rooms?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right,¡± Tom said, his grin widening, ¡°but I kept this one reserved for special cases. Since you¡¯re friends with Kyle, I¡¯ll let you have it. What do you say?¡±


    Hermione hesitated, frowning.


    One Galleon and ten Sickles per night... It was steep. Staying there for a whole month would burn through most of her savings, leaving little for textbooks and potion supplies¡ªboth of which were essential, especially with all the new sixth-year requirements.


    But the next second, Hermione gritted her teeth and said, ¡°I¡¯ll take it.¡±


    Then, looking a little embarrassed, she turned to Kyle. ¡°Can you lend me some money?¡±


    ¡°Of course, no problem,¡± Kyle said casually.


    Hermione did some quick mental math before replying, ¡°Fifty Galleons.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡± Kyle nodded, taking out fifty Galleons and handing them to her without hesitation.


    ¡°Thank you,¡± Hermione said earnestly. ¡°I¡¯ll definitely pay you back as soon as I can.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it,¡± Kyle replied, waving her concern away. Then, glancing around, he lowered his voice. ¡°But I should tell you, the Ministry¡¯s next big task is to deal with the Dementors. I suggest you don¡¯t rent for too long at first.¡±


    ¡°Really?¡± Hermione¡¯s eyes lit up at the news.


    ¡°If all goes well, yes,¡± Kyle shrugged. ¡°But it won¡¯t be resolved overnight. I¡¯d recommend renting for a month and reassessing after that.¡±


    ¡°Okay,¡± Hermione said firmly. She then turned to Old Tom and checked in for the room.


    ¡°Follow me,¡± Tom said, stepping out from behind the bar and opening a door to a narrow staircase at the back. He began leading Hermione upstairs.


    In a corner of the pub, a couple exchanged hesitant glances before finally deciding to follow. They were the Grangers, Hermione¡¯s parents.


    Although this wasn¡¯t their first time in Diagon Alley, they had always been accompanied by Hermione before. Without her by their side, the wizarding environment made them feel uneasy. Hermione had told them about the prejudice some wizards held against non-magical people like themselves, which made them wary.


    After a brief hesitation, they followed Hermione upstairs.


    Mr. Granger bent down to pick up the heavy suitcase they¡¯d brought along, but just as he touched it, the suitcase floated into the air. Startled, he looked up, expecting to see Hermione casting a spell. Instead, he saw a boy standing in front of him.


    It was Kyle, Hermione¡¯s classmate. Mr. Granger recognized him vaguely¡ªhe had seen Kyle in Diagon Alley before, though not as often as the two boys named Harry and Ron. Hermione had mentioned Kyle in the past, describing him as an excellent student, one of the best at Hogwarts. She had even declared she¡¯d surpass him in grades, though those kinds of remarks had stopped over the past couple of years.


    Mr. Granger also had the distinct impression that Kyle¡¯s presence had played a role in Old Tom¡¯s sudden change of heart about the room availability. Though he wasn¡¯t a wizard, Mr. Granger knew that some dynamics between people¡ªwizard or Muggle¡ªwere universal.


    ¡°Thank you, young man. You must be Kyle...¡± Mr. Granger said, offering a polite greeting. ¡°A classmate of Hermione¡¯s?¡±


    ¡°Sort of,¡± Kyle nodded. ¡°I¡¯m a year ahead of her. Let me help you with the luggage. The stairs here can be tricky if you¡¯re not used to them.¡±


    ¡°Tricky... stairs?¡± Mr. Granger echoed, puzzled. He couldn¡¯t quite imagine how stairs could be tricky, but considering this was a wizarding establishment, he supposed it made sense.


    ¡°Thank you,¡± he said again.


    ¡°You¡¯re welcome.¡± Kyle began leading the way up the stairs, the floating suitcase following him. The Grangers trailed carefully behind.


    The Leaky Cauldron¡¯s staircase was made of old, weathered wood. Like the floor below, it was covered in layers of grey dust that had accumulated over years, obscuring its original color.


    When they reached the second floor, Mr. Granger finally understood what Kyle had meant by


    The steps in front of him suddenly split apart down the middle, transforming in an instant into a gaping mouth filled with sharp, menacing teeth. The snarling maw snapped aggressively, as if warning them to tread carefully.


    Kyle didn¡¯t hesitate for a moment. He stepped firmly on the snarling staircase, stomping on the fanged maw with practiced ease. The mouth closed immediately, retreating back into the wooden steps as though it had never existed.


    ¡°This is it,¡± Kyle said, stepping forward a few paces before turning back to the Grangers. ¡°Just think of it as the wizarding world¡¯s version of a pet dog. The solution is simple: don¡¯t try to avoid it, just step on it, and you¡¯ll be fine.¡±


    The Granger couple paused, staring at the re-emerged mouth bristling with sharp teeth. Despite Kyle¡¯s reassurances, they hesitated, unnerved by the thought of stepping on something that looked so capable of taking a bite out of them.


    If they¡¯d known that the wizarding pub would present dangers like this, they might have reconsidered leaving home. The strange mist-spreading creatures might not have found them there. Still, they were here now, and their room was ready. Turning back wasn¡¯t an option.


    Mr. Granger inhaled deeply, steeling himself. Gritting his teeth, he raised his foot and brought it down firmly on the snarling mouth. To his relief, it didn¡¯t hurt at all; the step felt soft, like stepping on a plush cushion.


    Encouraged by her husband¡¯s success, Mrs. Granger followed suit, stepping carefully but firmly over the ¡°tricky¡± stairs.


    ¡°Magic really is amazing,¡± Mrs. Granger remarked, shaking her head. ¡°But it¡¯s a bit too dangerous for my taste. That soul-sucking creature left Hermione so on edge for days, we even wondered if we should pull her out of school.¡±


    ¡°Hermione would never agree to that,¡± Mr. Granger replied.


    ¡°Soul-sucking creature?¡± Kyle interjected, pondering for a moment. ¡°You mean Dementors, I assume?¡±


    ¡°Yes, that¡¯s the name!¡± Mr. Granger confirmed. ¡°Hermione said the dark mist in the sky was their doing. Just the other day, someone collapsed near my office, and Hermione told us it was caused by one of those monsters.¡±


    ¡°At the time, the police were everywhere, and they even closed off the street. Because of it, several of my patients canceled their appointments for the day.¡±


    They continued their conversation as they climbed the stairs. By the time they reached the third floor, they ran into Hermione, who looked surprised to see them.


    ¡°Dad, why are you here?¡± Hermione asked, glancing at her parents. ¡°Your room is ready¡ªI was just about to come get you.¡±


    ¡°No need,¡± Mr. Granger said, smiling. ¡°Kyle brought us here.¡±


    Looking around at the hallway, he added, ¡°So this is where wizards live? It¡¯s certainly eye-opening.¡±


    During their short walk, Mr. Granger had witnessed a staircase that could bite, a portrait that held a lively conversation, and a set of decorative armor that appeared to be self-oiling. The sheer strangeness of it all had overturned the quiet, orderly world he¡¯d lived in for decades. For the first time, he thought staying here for a while might not be such a bad idea.


    ¡°Thank you, Kyle,¡± Hermione said gratefully. ¡°I wanted to get everything sorted before I brought them up.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s nothing,¡± Kyle replied with a dismissive wave. ¡°How¡¯s the room?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s great,¡± Hermione said. ¡°It reminds me of the dormitories at school¡ªnot too big, but it¡¯s more than enough for them.¡±


    ¡°Glad to hear it,¡± Kyle said with a nod. ¡°By the way, I had a question for you.¡±


    ¡°What is it?¡±


    ¡°I heard from your dad that Dementors were seen near your house?¡±


    ¡°I think so,¡± Hermione replied. ¡°Not far from where my father works, someone was attacked by one. Honestly, if that hadn¡¯t happened, I wouldn¡¯t have brought them here.¡±


    ¡°And where exactly is this?¡± Kyle asked.


    ¡°Hertfordshire¡­¡± Hermione recited a series of addresses before showing Mr. and Mrs. Granger to their room.


    The room had a more traditional feel, and Mr. Granger¡¯s attention was drawn to a faded cabinet by the door.


    ¡°I¡¯d say it¡¯s at least 200 years old,¡± he remarked.


    ¡°It could be even older,¡± Hermione replied. ¡°The Leaky Cauldron was established in the 16th century, and wizards rarely update their furniture.¡±


    ¡°That must have been expensive,¡± Mr. Granger said, frowning. ¡°Do you have enough wizard money? Do they even accept pounds?¡±


    ¡°Definitely not, but I¡¯ve got more than enough.¡± Hermione pulled out a jingling bag and waved it lightly. ¡°See? I still have plenty left.¡±


    Mr. Granger looked relieved, but his attention soon shifted to a stack of newspapers on the table. He stared in surprise as the people in the photographs moved, as if on a television screen.


    ¡°Oh, that¡¯s ¡± Hermione explained. ¡°It¡¯s the wizarding newspaper, and the photos move because they¡¯re developed with a special solution.¡±


    ¡°You never mentioned wizards had newspapers before,¡± Mr. Granger said, his tone carrying a faint hint of reproach.


    Hermione said nothing. She hadn¡¯t told her parents about because she didn¡¯t want to burden them with additional concerns. But now that they were living in Diagon Alley, such details were unavoidable.


    Curious, Mr. Granger picked up a newspaper and began reading. His gaze froze suddenly.


    ¡°Hermione, is this person Kyle¡¯s father? He has the same name.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Hermione leaned over to look. ¡°No, that¡¯s Kyle.¡±


    ¡°No way,¡± Mr. Granger said skeptically, scanning the article. ¡°It says here he¡¯s the Senior Assistant to the Minister for Magic¡­ but Kyle¡¯s just a student, isn¡¯t he?¡±


    ¡°Oh, he was exceptionally appointed¡ªthe youngest Senior Assistant,¡± Hermione explained briefly.


    Mr. Granger was speechless. As far as he understood, the Minister for Magic was the wizarding equivalent of a Prime Minister. A seventeen-year-old as Senior Assistant to the Minister?


    Even with his worldly experience, he found the idea astonishing.


    No wonder the bar owner¡¯s demeanor had shifted so drastically.


    Intrigued, Mr. Granger delved deeper into the newspaper, his interest piqued by this strange new world.


    Meanwhile, Hermione helped Mrs. Granger unpack, glancing occasionally at the clock.


    ¡°Mum, I have some errands to run later, so I¡¯ll need to leave soon,¡± Hermione said.


    Mrs. Granger nodded.


    At the door, Hermione turned back to give final instructions. ¡°You can go downstairs to the pub for dinner or have it delivered here. And if you feel like exploring, you can head out to Diagon Alley.¡±


    ¡°Is that okay?¡± Mr. Granger asked, looking up from the paper. ¡°We don¡¯t know any magic.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s fine,¡± Hermione assured him. ¡°It¡¯s not uncommon for parents of students to visit here. Just follow a wizard to get in.¡±


    ¡°Oh, and take this.¡± She placed a few Galleons on the table. ¡°If you see anything you like, you can buy it.¡±


    ¡°No, you keep it,¡± Mr. Granger said, patting his pocket. ¡°If we need anything, we can exchange some pounds at that wizard bank.¡±


    Hermione shook her head. ¡°Just use this for now. I¡¯ll exchange more later.¡±


    With another glance at the time, she quickly dashed out of the room.

 Chapter 701: Dementors Dropping Gear

    Hertfordshire, a county on the outskirts of London, was home to just one witch according to Ministry records: Hermione Granger. Now that Hermione had moved to Diagon Alley, the area was entirely inhabited by Muggles.


    A dreary gray mist hung over Hertfordshire, blanketing everything in a foggy, sandstorm-like haze. On the streets, pedestrians hurried along, shielding their noses and mouths while bundling themselves tightly against the cold.


    It was an odd sight for July. The biting chill made people shiver, with some even resorting to wearing winter coats.


    ¡°This damn weather... Everyone at the Meteorological Bureau deserves a pay cut for this!¡± a man grumbled, rubbing his hands together. He had come to deliver some documents and hadn¡¯t anticipated the drastic drop in temperature. As he stepped off the subway, the frigid air hit him like a wall. His thin summer attire was woefully inadequate.


    Quickening his pace, the man soon broke into a run, eager to finish his errand and escape the unnaturally cold streets. But the faster he ran, the colder he felt.


    His breath grew labored, his head began to spin, and with each exhale, a puff of white mist escaped his lips¡ªsomething he hadn¡¯t expected to see until winter. Frost began to form on his suit, though he was too disoriented to notice. His legs grew stiff, his pace slowing as though he were moving through quicksand.


    Then, in the midst of the gray haze, something materialized above him: a ghostly figure cloaked in black, floating ominously in the air.


    ¡°Shhh...hooo¡­¡±


    The chilling sound of a deep, rattling breath echoed. The man¡¯s expression turned blank as if an unseen force was draining him. The joy from his recent promotion, the laughter from last night¡¯s celebration with colleagues¡ªall the happiness in his memory began to dissolve.


    A surge of panic jolted his mind. He wanted to flee, but his body refused to obey. He stood rooted in place, paralyzed.


    The Dementor loomed closer, its hood drawn back as it prepared to feed. The man¡¯s vision blurred, the colors around him faded, and he slipped further into darkness.


    But just before he succumbed completely, a silvery light pierced the mist. It shone brightly, warm and radiant, dispelling the cold and banishing the despair. Gradually, the numbness in his body subsided, and his senses began to return.


    In the distance, he heard voices.


    ¡°Cedric, do you think we need to use a Memory Charm on him?¡±


    ¡°What charm?¡± The man strained to focus, summoning all his strength to open his eyes.


    Two figures came into view¡ªteenagers, perhaps seventeen or eighteen years old. And there it was again, the silvery glow¡­ except now he realized it wasn¡¯t light at all, but a floating jellyfish.


    ¡°This has to be a dream. How could a jellyfish float in the air?¡± he thought drowsily.


    But his musings were abruptly cut short.


    Kyle sighed, glancing at the unconscious man. ¡°Why did he have to wake up at that exact moment? I wanted to avoid the hassle, but now there was no choice.¡±


    The two young wizards were Kyle and Cedric. Their presence in Hertfordshire wasn¡¯t a coincidence. After hearing from Hermione that something was amiss, they had left the Leaky Cauldron to investigate and had arrived just in time to save the man from the Dementor¡¯s clutches.


    The silvery jellyfish that had driven the creature away was, of course, Kyle¡¯s Patronus.


    With a wave of his wand, Kyle gently levitated the man and set him down next to a postbox by the roadside.


    "Is he going to be okay here?" Cedric asked, crouching down to place a piece of chocolate in the man¡¯s mouth.


    ¡°He¡¯ll be fine,¡± Kyle assured him. ¡°He¡¯s eaten the chocolate, so he should wake up in a few minutes. Even if someone spots him before that, they¡¯ll probably just think he¡¯s drunk. Honestly, the smell of alcohol hasn¡¯t even worn off yet.¡±


    ¡°Alright,¡± Cedric said, standing and glancing at the silver jellyfish Patronus still floating near Kyle and the writhing Dementor ensnared in its tendrils. ¡°What about the Dementor? Should we take it back with us?¡±


    ¡°No,¡± Kyle replied with a shake of his head. ¡°It tried to suck this guy¡¯s soul out, so we¡¯ll just deal with it here.¡±


    As soon as he finished speaking, the tentacles of his Patronus tightened further, constricting the Dementor like a snake. Within moments, the creature began to dissolve, melting away like an ice cube thrown into a fire. All that remained was its tattered black cloak, fluttering lifelessly to the ground.


    Cedric stepped forward and waved his wand, summoning a sheet of flames that quickly reduced the cloak to ashes.


    ¡°Bit of a waste,¡± Kyle muttered under his breath.


    ¡°Waste?¡± Cedric gave him a puzzled look. ¡°What use could that cloak possibly have? It¡¯s not like anyone could turn it into clothing.¡±


    ¡°Of course not,¡± Kyle admitted. ¡°And even if they could, no one would wear it. But I¡¯ve been thinking of suggesting to Fudge that the Ministry offer bounties for killing Dementors. Something like exchanging proof of a kill for a few Galleons.¡±


    ¡°Are you serious?¡± Cedric asked, raising an eyebrow. The idea struck him as absurd. Even assuming the Ministry would agree to pay, how would anyone prove they¡¯d killed a Dementor? Most wizards couldn¡¯t bind one as Kyle¡¯s Patronus did. At best, Aurors might destroy them with the Fiendfyre Curse, and even then, the results left little evidence.


    ¡°Yeah, forget it,¡± Kyle sighed, realizing the flaws in his own plan. ¡°It¡¯s not worth trying to fool anyone.¡±


    At that moment, the man on the ground stirred.


    Kyle quickly dismissed his Patronus, and he and Cedric adopted casual expressions as they walked away, trying to seem inconspicuous.


    ¡°So, where to next?¡± Cedric asked. ¡°The Committee for the Disposal of Dangerous Creatures reported traces of Dementors in Surrey and Buckinghamshire.¡±


    ¡°No rush,¡± Kyle replied, glancing upward at the oppressive gray mist hanging overhead. ¡°This level of fog isn¡¯t something a single Dementor could cause. Let¡¯s keep looking.¡±


    The two moved to an open area, cast Disillusionment Charms on themselves, and mounted their broomsticks. These weren¡¯t ordinary brooms; they¡¯d had them specially modified at a broomstick shop to include invisibility enchantments, a common feature for Aurors chasing Dementors.


    They ascended into the sky and hovered, scanning the area from above. After about half an hour, Cedric pointed toward an isolated street below.


    ¡°Look there...¡±


    Kyle followed Cedric¡¯s gaze and spotted another Dementor. This one, however, behaved differently. Instead of lingering to deliver its soul-sucking ¡°kiss,¡± it fed briefly on a Muggle before retreating, seemingly satisfied.


    ¡°Do we have to kill this one?¡± Cedric asked.


    ¡°I''ll go and negotiate...¡±


    Kyle turned his broomstick around and approached the Dementor.


    To Cedric''s surprise, Kyle actually spoke to the Dementor¡ªand it seemed like the creature understood him!


    Before Cedric could think much further, Kyle raised his wand.


    A ball of golden-red flame appeared out of nowhere, taking the form of a dragon. It roared to life and incinerated the Dementor into ashes.


    ¡°Talk¡¯s over,¡± Kyle said with a shrug as he turned back to Cedric. ¡°It wasn¡¯t too keen on going back to work for the Ministry...


    He planted his wand into the ground, and the remaining flames vanished instantly.


    ¡°That¡¯s no way to handle it,¡± Cedric remarked. Almost absentmindedly, he popped a chocolate into the mouth of the Muggle the Dementor had attacked.


    As the two prepared to leave, Kyle noticed something unusual on the ground.


    Beneath the ashes of the Dementor was a small pile of black dust, fine and strange.


    Kyle frowned. He hadn¡¯t thought anything could survive the Fiendfyre Curse.


    ¡°In the spirit of not wasting anything...¡± he muttered, pulling a bottle from his satchel. With a flick of his wand, he collected the black dust into the bottle.


    ¡°What do you even need that for?¡± Cedric asked, eyebrows raised.


    ¡°Just in case it¡¯s useful,¡± Kyle replied. ¡°Even Basilisk scales can be used in potions, so maybe whatever this is can be, too. And if not, there¡¯s always alchemy. Anything that survives Fiendfyre has to have kind of value.¡±


    Kyle examined the bottle with a grin. ¡°Who knows? Maybe there¡¯s even a bounty for it!¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t even think about it,¡± Cedric said, rubbing his forehead. ¡°We¡¯re talking about Dementors. Even if there a bounty, it¡¯d cost the Ministry a fortune. Do you think Fudge would go for that? Especially now that Malfoy isn¡¯t funding the Ministry anymore?¡±


    ¡°Doesn¡¯t hurt to try,¡± Kyle said with a shrug.


    Dementors were scattered everywhere, and neither the Aurors nor the two of them could possibly clear them all in a year. Besides, school would be starting soon, and Kyle would need to figure out other methods. Whether the bounty idea worked or not was a problem for later.


    As they dispatched the two Dementors, the gray mist in the sky lightened considerably, leaving only a thin layer.


    This was normal now. All of Britain, including the Ministry of Magic and Diagon Alley, was shrouded in this oppressive haze. As long as the Dementors roamed free, the mist would persist. Still, the improvement was noticeable. The temperature had risen, and the faint sunlight breaking through the mist felt warm against their skin.


    They flew in a wide circle, scanning the area to ensure there were no more Dementors nearby. Satisfied, they turned their attention to the next location.


    The Committee for the Disposal of Dangerous Creatures and the Auror Office both maintained a log of reported Dementor sightings. Though the records weren¡¯t perfectly accurate, they were enough to use as a guide.


    Cedric opened the book he carried.


    ¡°Looks like someone in Cambridgeshire reported Dementor activity not long ago,¡± he said. ¡°It¡¯s close by. Should we check it out?¡±


    ¡°Of course.¡±


    ...


    To destroy the Dementors as quickly as possible, the two of them spent two days flying tirelessly, relying on Pepperup Potions when their energy flagged. It wasn¡¯t until the evening of the third day that they finally returned to the Leaky Cauldron.


    Cedric, utterly exhausted, collapsed into a chair. His legs trembled from the long hours of flying, and he sat there panting, too drained to even move.


    ¡°What were you doing?¡± Fred and George asked in unison as they approached. The twins had shown up after hearing about their return and were now eyeing Cedric with suspicion.


    ¡°I¡¯m warning you, don¡¯t do anything to upset Cho...¡±


    ¡°Piss off!¡± Cedric snapped, shooting a quick glance over his shoulder to ensure Cho wasn¡¯t paying attention. Thankfully, she seemed oblivious.


    ¡°Relax, mate. We¡¯re just joking,¡± Fred said, grinning as he plopped into the seat beside Cedric. ¡°But seriously, what were you up to?¡±


    Neither of them answered.


    Cedric was too tired to respond, and Kyle simply didn¡¯t feel like talking. He was even more worn out than Cedric.


    Ever since discovering that Dementors left behind traces of a mysterious black substance, Kyle had avoided using the Patronus Charm. Instead, when he encountered Dementors that refused to cooperate, he unleashed the Fiendfyre Curse.


    Fiendfyre was immensely powerful but also dangerously draining. Each time, he had to follow it with Finite Incantatem to extinguish the flames. By the end of the day, it was a miracle he could still stand.


    At least the effort had paid off.


    Kyle¡¯s bottle was now completely full of the strange black residue. He planned to ask Dumbledore or Nicolas Flamel if they could identify it and determine whether it had any use.


    After wolfing down several pork schnitzels and a large mug of hot cocoa, both of them began to feel more like themselves.


    ¡°Where¡¯s Hermione?¡± Kyle asked, setting his empty mug on the table.


    ¡°She went to find her parents,¡± Fred replied. ¡°But it¡¯s about dinner time, so they should be coming down any moment... Oh, there they are.¡±


    As he spoke, Hermione and her parents appeared at the top of the stairs, descending toward the dining area.


    ¡°Kyle!¡± Hermione called out as soon as she spotted him and hurried over. ¡°Hello, Cedric...¡±


    ¡°Ah, hello,¡± Cedric replied, still slumped in his chair.


    ¡°Kyle, I¡¯ve been looking for you these past few days, but everyone said you weren¡¯t at the Ministry,¡± Hermione said, her expression curious and slightly concerned.


    ¡°I had some errands to run,¡± Kyle replied. ¡°What¡¯s up? Are your parents not settling in here?¡±


    ¡°No, they¡¯re fine,¡± Hermione said, shaking her head. ¡°I came to pay you back.¡±


    She pulled a small bag of Galleons from her pocket and handed it to Kyle.


    ¡°That was fast...¡± Kyle said, blinking in surprise. ¡°Did you rob Gringotts or something?"


    You can only achieve that level of efficiency by pulling off a heist at Gringotts.


    ¡°Of course not,¡± Hermione said. ¡°Don''t forget that we Muggle-born wizards can exchange pounds for Galleons.¡±


    ¡°Can you exchange that much?¡± Kyle asked, sounding a little surprised.


    ¡°Yes,¡± Hermione nodded, ¡°but once you exchange more than twenty Galleons, the pounds required increases significantly, making it less cost-effective.¡±


    ¡°Then why did you exchange it?¡± Kyle asked, puzzled. ¡°I¡¯m not asking you for interest, so what¡¯s the rush?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s fine,¡± Hermione replied with a smile. ¡°Ron¡¯s brother Bill used to work at Gringotts, remember? He mentioned that gold and jewelry are also accepted as hard currency there, so we found a way to exchange some."


    ¡°Although it¡¯s still more expensive than the standard rate of five pounds per Galleon, Bill introduced us to a Goblin he knows, so the deal wasn¡¯t too bad.¡±


    Hearing this, Kyle nodded and put the Galleons away.


    ¡°In that case, I have some good news for you,¡± he said. ¡°Does your family also live in Hertfordshire?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right,¡± Hermione confirmed with a nod.


    ¡°There aren¡¯t many Dementors left there anymore.¡± Kyle casually reached over, grabbed Fred¡¯s Butterbeer, and took a sip.


    Cedric, following his lead, swiped George¡¯s.


    ¡°Hey, that¡¯s mine!¡± Fred protested indignantly.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be so stingy. Just buy another one,¡± Kyle said nonchalantly.


    ¡°Wait, what do you mean there are no Dementors left?¡± Hermione asked, her expression puzzled.


    ¡°That¡¯s what we¡¯ve been dealing with for the past few days,¡± Kyle explained, taking another sip of Butterbeer. ¡°To be honest, you were right to move to Diagon Alley¡ªthere were quite a few Dementors around Hertfordshire. But now they¡¯re gone, so you can move back home whenever you want.¡±


    Hermione blinked, momentarily at a loss. She wasn¡¯t sure if this was good news or not.


    Technically, it was¡ªher parents wouldn¡¯t have to worry about Dementors anymore. But she had just paid fifty Galleons two days ago for a month¡¯s lodging here.


    If she moved out now, could she get her money back?


    Hermione glanced at the pub owner and immediately knew the answer: absolutely not. S~ea??h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Fifty Galleons¡ªenough to last her until graduation at Hogwarts.


    ¡°Thank you... thank you...¡± Hermione said, clutching her chest as she spoke stiffly.


    For the first time, she felt the Ministry of Magic didn¡¯t really need to act so quickly.


    But she quickly adjusted her mood.


    The Dementors in Hertfordshire might be gone for now, but that didn¡¯t mean more wouldn¡¯t come later. Staying in Diagon Alley was still safer, and the expense had been worthwhile to help her parents better understand the wizarding world.


    In truth, they¡¯d been having a great time.


    Her mother had adored the clothing at Madam Malkin¡¯s and had spent hours in the apothecary browsing potions. Her father, on the other hand, had been utterly fascinated by the various magical products¡ªespecially a toothpaste that claimed to contain Ashwinder egg essence.


    It had been ridiculously expensive, but he¡¯d bought a tube anyway.


    If she told them to move back now, they¡¯d probably be disappointed.

 Chapter 702: Gubraithian Fire

    After a brief night''s rest, Kyle and Cedric resumed their search for Dementors¡ªan endeavor that had become their primary focus for quite some time. Although Fudge believed such tasks were better suited to professional Aurors, he did not object when Kyle insisted on taking part.


    Kyle''s suggestion to offer a reward to encourage more wizards to join the hunt was swiftly dismissed. Fudge, naturally, wanted to resolve the Dementor issue as quickly as possible. Even the Muggle Prime Minister had stressed its urgency during their most recent meeting. However, Kyle''s proposal, while undoubtedly effective, required a considerable amount of funding¡ªsomething in short supply.


    Since the return of You-Know-Who, Fudge had been inundated with reports of mounting expenses almost daily, leaving no room in the budget for such measures. This financial strain was a key reason he allowed Kyle to proceed with the mission. In the current circumstances, even one more person on the task could make a meaningful difference.


    ...


    Kyle, having left the Ministry of Magic, didn¡¯t rush to search for the Dementors. Instead, he first made his way to 12 Grimmauld Place.


    ¡°Kyle? Darling, what are you doing here?¡± Mrs. Weasley exclaimed happily as she opened the door. ¡°Have you had breakfast yet? Would you like some sandwiches?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll have two,¡± Kyle replied with a smile.


    ¡°More if you like,¡± Mrs. Weasley offered warmly, ushering him into the kitchen and setting a large plate of corned beef sandwiches in front of him.


    ¡°Where are Fred and George?¡± Kyle asked as he bit into his sandwich.


    ¡°They didn¡¯t come back yesterday,¡± Mrs. Weasley said with a sigh. ¡°The shop¡¯s been so busy, they¡¯ve had to keep making those Anti-Dementor Necklaces... And what brings you here today? Are you off school?¡±


    ¡°Of course not,¡± Kyle said, reaching for a second sandwich. ¡°I came to see if Professor Dumbledore was here.¡±


    ¡°Dumbledore?¡± Mrs. Weasley repeated. ¡°He hasn¡¯t been here since Harry was sent here.¡±


    ¡°I see...¡± Kyle murmured, a trace of disappointment in his voice.


    ¡°What did you want to see Dumbledore about?¡± Mrs. Weasley asked.


    ¡°I wanted to ask him if he had any Gubraithian Fire,¡± Kyle said, finishing his second sandwich and washing it down with a glass of pumpkin juice.


    Upon learning that Dumbledore wasn¡¯t there, Kyle prepared to leave. However, just as he was rising from his chair, Sirius and Lupin walked in from outside. They looked utterly exhausted, as though they hadn¡¯t slept in days.


    ¡°Those Werewolves are really dangerous,¡± Sirius grumbled. ¡°Remus, I¡¯d say they¡¯re not on our side at all, so you¡¯re wasting your time.¡±


    ¡°No, it¡¯s still worthwhile,¡± Lupin countered. ¡°We¡¯ve managed to win over twenty Werewolves so far.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s only because the others don¡¯t think much of them,¡± Sirius retorted. The Werewolves Lupin had befriended were either old, weak, or toothless¡ªhardly useful in a fight.


    Lupin, however, was undeterred. ¡°This is just the beginning,¡± he said patiently. ¡°And I¡¯ve recently been in contact with a group of Werewolves hiding in Diagon Alley. They¡¯ve been oppressed for refusing to join Fenrir Greyback, and I think this is a good opportunity.¡±


    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t trust other Werewolves as much as I trust you,¡± Sirius muttered. Knowing he couldn¡¯t sway Lupin, he let the matter drop and turned his attention to Kyle, who had just finished eating.


    ¡°Long time no see, Kyle,¡± Sirius greeted him. ¡°I think you mentioned something about Gobfire? What¡¯s that?¡±


    ¡°Gubraithian Fire,¡± Lupin corrected, his tone instructional. ¡°It¡¯s a magical flame that never goes out. A top-tier alchemical creation, and very rare... Kyle, why do you need it?¡±


    ¡°To fight the Dementors,¡± Kyle answered honestly. ¡°Apart from the Patronus Charm, magical fire is one of their weaknesses, but using the Fiendfyre Curse is far too draining.¡±


    At the mention of Fiendfyre, Mrs. Weasley flinched. ¡°Kyle, you¡¯re not of age yet,¡± she admonished. ¡°You shouldn¡¯t be using such dangerous dark magic.¡±


    ¡°I know,¡± Kyle said calmly, ¡°which is why I want to ask Professor Dumbledore if he has any Gubraithian Fire.¡±


    Lupin considered for a moment. ¡°As far as I know, there might be some. Hagrid once took Gubraithian Fire as a gift to the Giants. Even Dumbledore wouldn¡¯t have a second supply of such a rare alchemical item.¡±


    ¡°What? A gift to the Giants?¡± Kyle groaned. He recalled Hagrid mentioning a special gift for the Giants during a past conversation, but he hadn¡¯t known it was Gubraithian Fire. Now, he couldn¡¯t help feeling a pang of regret. Such a valuable item, wasted.


    Sighing, Kyle stood up, resigned to the fact that obtaining Gubraithian Fire was unlikely. However, just as he turned to leave, Sirius spoke up.


    ¡°Wait a minute,¡± Sirius said suddenly. ¡°I don¡¯t know if it¡¯s the Gubraithian Fire you¡¯re looking for, but I do know where there¡¯s a magical flame that never goes out.¡±


    ¡°You do?¡± Kyle asked, surprised.


    ¡°Come with me,¡± Sirius said, already heading toward the door. ¡°The sooner we go, the sooner we¡¯ll be back. I¡¯m really sleepy...¡±


    Without further explanation, Sirius strode outside. Kyle quickly followed, curiosity piqued.


    ...


    Five minutes later, Kyle and Sirius arrived at Gringotts Wizarding Bank in Diagon Alley.


    ¡°I need to access the Black family vault,¡± Sirius said, handing over a key.


    The goblin behind the counter inspected the key carefully before offering a small smile. ¡°Welcome, Mr. Black.¡±


    ¡°Cut the small talk,¡± Sirius waved dismissively. ¡°If there¡¯s no problem, take us there quickly.¡±


    ¡°As you wish...¡±


    Another goblin approached and gestured for them to follow. They were led down the familiar passage toward the carts.


    ¡°You¡¯d better brace yourself, Kyle. This isn¡¯t going to be a pleasant trip,¡± Sirius muttered as he reluctantly climbed into the cart. ¡°I¡¯ll never understand why Gringotts can¡¯t just use the key to access the vaults underground.¡±


    ¡°A key alone is not secure enough,¡± the goblin accompanying them replied curtly. S§×ar?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Kyle climbed aboard, and the cart shot forward, speeding through the twists and turns of the underground tunnels. They passed the Thief''s Downfall and the massive dragon guarding the lower vaults, continuing deeper into the dark. The number of vault doors dwindled, and the dim light faded further until they finally reached their destination.


    Sirius looked pale, visibly nauseous, but managed to step out of the cart as it came to a halt. There was only one vault door in sight.


    The goblin leapt off first, using the key and performing a series of intricate maneuvers to unlock the vault. When the heavy door finally swung open, the dim passageway was suddenly bathed in a golden glow.


    Kyle¡¯s eyes widened at the sight of the treasure inside: mountains of Galleons, multicolored gemstones, gleaming armors, and ornate swords scattered haphazardly, as though discarded.


    Sirius stepped inside, kicking a gem-encrusted mirror aside without a second thought. His gaze wandered past the piles of wealth and settled on a torch affixed to the top of the vault, its flame small but unwavering.


    Kyle immediately recognized it as the Gubraithian Fire. Of course, it made sense¡ªsuch an extraordinary flame, which never extinguished in any condition, was the perfect emblem of a prestigious pure-blood family like the Blacks.


    ¡°What do you think? Is that what you were looking for?¡± Sirius asked.


    ¡°Yes,¡± Kyle nodded. ¡°It¡¯s Gubraithian Fire.¡±


    ¡°Take it.¡± Sirius raised his wand, ready to remove the torch.


    However, the torch was held in place by a Permanent Sticking Charm, rendering his attempt futile. Frustrated, Sirius prepared to use more destructive spells, even muttering about blowing up the vault wall if necessary.


    The goblin accompanying them finally intervened, snapping his fingers with a sour expression and detaching the torch effortlessly.


    ¡°I¡¯ll return it after I¡¯ve dealt with the Dementors,¡± Kyle said, taking the torch carefully.


    ¡°Are you kidding me?¡± Sirius bristled. ¡°I¡¯ve never gotten anything back once I¡¯ve given it away¡ªespecially for dealing with Dementors.¡±


    His tone softened as he added, ¡°I spent twelve years tortured by those creatures. I¡¯ve wanted to destroy them for ages. Unfortunately, I¡¯ve got other responsibilities now.¡±


    ¡°You can have it,¡± Sirius said with a dismissive wave. ¡°And everything else in here too, if you want it... except for the deed to the Black family home. I still need that place.¡±


    Kyle glanced at the heaps of gold and treasure but shook his head. ¡°No need. The Gubraithian Fire is enough.¡±


    Just then, he froze, as if struck by a thought. ¡°Sirius, do you really want to deal with the Dementors?¡±


    ¡°I dream of it,¡± Sirius replied without hesitation. His conviction was palpable¡ªanyone who had suffered in Azkaban would feel the same.


    ¡°I have an idea...¡± Kyle said quietly, explaining his earlier proposal to offer a bounty for hunting Dementors. ¡°The only issue is that the Ministry is strapped for funds. But if someone were willing to donate, I¡¯m sure Fudge wouldn¡¯t refuse. It could even help restore your reputation.¡±


    ¡°Money isn¡¯t a problem,¡± Sirius said thoughtfully. He paused, however, and asked, ¡°But what happens if the hunters can¡¯t extinguish the Fiendfyre? That curse is more dangerous than the Dementors themselves if left unchecked.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry,¡± Kyle assured him, pulling out a small vial and giving it a shake. ¡°The ashes left behind by the Dementors can serve as proof. Hunters will need to extinguish the Fiendfyre to collect them. Only then can they exchange the ashes for Galleons.¡±


    Sirius raised an eyebrow. ¡°What¡¯s that?¡±


    ¡°The remains of a Dementor,¡± Kyle explained. ¡°And as an alternative, they can bring back a Dementor¡¯s hood. Both carry the same cold aura as the creatures and have built-in anti-counterfeiting measures. No ordinary wizard could fake them.¡±


    ¡°In addition, the Auror¡¯s office has a magical device that detects Fiendfyre. It will raise an alarm and pinpoint the exact location if the fire grows beyond a certain size.¡±


    Sirius considered this and finally nodded. ¡°If that¡¯s the case, I¡¯ll fund it. Let¡¯s say... 5,000 Galleons.¡±


    ...


    After gathering everything they needed, Kyle and Sirius returned to the Gringotts entrance in a rattling wheelbarrow-like cart. This time, Sirius, preoccupied with more pressing matters, refrained from complaining about the uncomfortable ride.


    It wasn¡¯t until they had exited Gringotts and were walking along the cobbled streets of Diagon Alley that Sirius spoke up. ¡°Do you really think this will help Remus?¡±


    ¡°I can only say it¡¯s possible,¡± Kyle replied thoughtfully. ¡°It¡¯s a good opportunity, but the outcome depends on Fudge. The problem with the Werewolves runs deeper than just closing the gap between them and wizards.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t care about the other Werewolves,¡± Sirius muttered, his tone firm. ¡°I only care about Remus.¡±


    ¡°Well, that simplifies things,¡± Kyle said with a small smile.


    Leaving Diagon Alley, they made their way back to the Ministry of Magic to meet with Fudge.


    ¡°You¡¯re willing to donate a sum of money to the Ministry?¡± Fudge exclaimed as soon as he understood the purpose of their visit. He stood abruptly, his face lighting up with enthusiasm. It had been a long time since he¡¯d received any good news, especially after Malfoy¡¯s sudden disappearance.


    ¡°Of course, Mr. Minister,¡± Sirius said, maintaining a composed demeanor. ¡°No one understands the danger of Dementors better than I do. I¡¯m more than willing to contribute.¡±


    ¡°Please, have a seat, Mr. Black,¡± Fudge said cheerfully, gesturing toward a chair. ¡°The Ministry will not forget your generosity.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s the least I could do,¡± Sirius replied, casting a quick glance at Kyle.


    Kyle subtly shook his head, signaling Sirius to remain calm and let him take the lead.


    The three settled into a discussion, delving into the specifics of the proposed bounty system for Dementor hunting. The focus turned to practical matters, such as how to prevent damage to buildings or harm to Muggles during hunts. Kyle and Fudge carried most of the conversation, with Kyle offering practical suggestions and Fudge nodding in eager agreement.


    The lively discussion attracted additional attention, and soon Scrimgeour, head of the Auror Office, and Alastor Moody joined them, having heard of Sirius¡¯s presence. The Minister¡¯s office grew increasingly animated as ideas and plans were debated.


    Sirius, however, found himself out of his depth with the technical details and struggled to stay engaged. Feeling drowsy, he resorted to drinking cup after cup of strong tea to keep himself awake.


    After an unknown length of time, Sirius jolted awake, startled by a familiar name.


    ¡°Speaking of Werewolves...¡±


    The words caught his attention just as Kyle nudged him under the table.


    ¡°I haven¡¯t thought of a solution to this problem yet, unlike the Giants, they¡¯re clearly aligned with the Death Eaters, and unlike the Dementors, they read newspapers, so offering a reward wouldn¡¯t work.¡±


    ¡°Yes, the Werewolves are a real problem,¡± Fudge sighed.


    ¡°But,¡± Kyle interjected, ¡°I know someone who has been working tirelessly to address the Werewolf issue¡ªand without asking for anything in return.¡±


    ¡°Who?¡± Fudge¡¯s curiosity was piqued.


    ¡°Remus Lupin,¡± Kyle replied.


    ¡°Lupin...¡± Fudge repeated, his expression thoughtful. ¡°Yes, I remember him. He was the Defence Against the Dark Arts professor at Hogwarts a few years ago. I believe he¡¯s the only Werewolf to graduate from Hogwarts in the past three centuries. Oh, and wasn¡¯t he also a close friend of Mr. Black?¡±


    Although Fudge and Lupin had never interacted personally, the minister¡¯s recall of such details was impressive. It was clear he hadn¡¯t risen to his position on luck alone.


    ¡°Yes, we are indeed friends,¡± Sirius added hastily after another subtle kick from Kyle. ¡°We were just in the Black Forest together the other day. He hasn¡¯t slept in days, working himself to exhaustion over the Werewolf situation.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s really admirable...¡± Fudge said, glancing at Sirius. His tone faltered briefly but quickly resumed its usual cadence. ¡°I also heard that during his time at Hogwarts, he was one of the most popular Defence Against the Dark Arts professors. If not for his being a Werewolf, he might have been the first to hold that position for more than a year.¡±


    ¡°Who¡¯s to say?¡± Sirius sighed. ¡°His status as a Werewolf restricts him in every way. Sometimes, I wish there were something more I could do for him.¡±


    ¡°How were his grades?¡± Fudge asked suddenly.


    ¡°He was a Prefect,¡± Sirius said, ¡°and after graduation, he earned ten certificates.¡±


    ¡°Quite an impressive record,¡± Fudge remarked, turning to Scrimgeour. ¡°Rufus, I thought you were always saying you didn¡¯t have enough staff? What do you think of him?¡±


    ¡°Remus Lupin?¡± Scrimgeour frowned, clearly caught off guard by the shift in topic. ¡°But he¡¯s a Werewolf...¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t think it matters,¡± Fudge said, shaking his head. ¡°No one chooses to be a Werewolf. The fact that he¡¯s willing to help us is enough. And he¡¯s certainly qualified to be an Auror, isn¡¯t he?¡±


    ¡°But...¡± Scrimgeour hesitated. ¡°Having a Werewolf as an Auror has never been done before.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s because of prejudice,¡± Moody interjected gruffly.


    ¡°I have no prejudice!¡± Scrimgeour shot back sharply. ¡°But I have to consider the other Aurors¡¯ safety. What if one of them is bitten?¡±


    ¡°Remus wouldn¡¯t bite anyone,¡± Moody scoffed.


    ¡°On a full moon, even the best Werewolves lose control,¡± Scrimgeour countered stubbornly.


    ¡°All right, all right, let¡¯s not argue,¡± Fudge interjected, raising his hands to diffuse the tension. ¡°These are extraordinary times. We need to show as many Werewolves as possible that there¡¯s another path, one that doesn¡¯t involve joining the Death Eaters."


    ¡°Remus Lupin could be a perfect example of that, Rufus. I strongly urge you to consider it.¡±

 Chapter 703: Spinner’s End, Bellatrix’s Mistake

    As the head of the Ministry of Magic, Fudge had made a decision, and Scrimgeour, despite his reluctance, had no choice but to comply.


    Especially after receiving one-fifth of the donation, Scrimgeour¡¯s stance softened, and he tacitly approved Fudge¡¯s suggestion that Lupin should try it.


    When Sirius walked out of the Ministry of Magic, an extra piece of parchment was already in his hand.


    ¡°I can¡¯t believe it. The problem that¡¯s plagued Remus for decades was solved so easily?¡± Sirius said, carefully tucking the parchment away. ¡°I have to thank you for this, Kyle, on Remus¡¯s behalf.¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t donate the 5,000 Galleons,¡± Kyle replied. ¡°And it wasn¡¯t easy at all. Not everyone can casually come up with that kind of money.¡±


    ¡°Besides, Lupin¡¯s identity played a significant role in this.¡±


    ¡°Lupin¡¯s identity...¡± Sirius repeated, a little puzzled. ¡°A member of the Order of the Phoenix?¡±


    Beyond that, he couldn¡¯t think of any other remarkable identity Lupin might have.


    ¡°Sort of,¡± Kyle said. ¡°Dumbledore trusted him enough to not only allow him to attend Hogwarts despite everything but later made him a professor of Defence Against the Dark Arts. That trust was the main reason Fudge and Scrimgeour agreed."


    ¡°If Dumbledore hadn¡¯t set that precedent, the Ministry of Magic would never have allowed a werewolf to become an Auror¡ªnot even for a donation of fifty thousand Galleons, let alone five thousand.¡±


    ¡°Come on... fifty thousand Galleons?¡± Sirius sounded incredulous. That amount would be a fortune, even for the wealthiest pure-blood families.


    ¡°The situation is different now,¡± Kyle explained. ¡°The werewolves have made it clear they¡¯ll join the Death Eaters. If word got out that the Ministry allowed a werewolf to join the Aurors, Fudge would be ousted by an enraged wizarding community the next day, and Scrimgeour would be gone with him.¡±


    ¡°What about Remus?¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s different. Like I said, Professor Dumbledore already paved the way.¡± Kyle¡¯s voice dropped to a whisper. ¡°Even if people find out, Fudge can easily diffuse their anger by saying: ¡®He was a professor at Hogwarts and was trusted by Dumbledore.¡¯¡±


    ¡°Is that so?¡± Sirius muttered, nodding slowly. He didn¡¯t fully understand, but it sounded reasonable.


    In any case, Lupin could finally step into the sunlight, as he had when his name was cleared. There would still be wary looks, of course, but Sirius believed that with Lupin¡¯s character, he would earn people¡¯s respect over time.


    At Hogwarts, Lupin had already achieved that. When he resigned and left the school, at least a hundred students had sent him letters and Christmas gifts.


    That Lupin had not only spent all his savings in return but also borrowed a considerable sum from Sirius¡ªthat was unimportant.


    ¡°I have to hurry back and tell Remus the good news,¡± Sirius said eagerly. ¡°What about you? Are you coming with me?¡±


    ¡°No,¡± Kyle shook his head. ¡°We¡¯ve already wasted enough time. I need to head over to Cedric¡¯s. He¡¯s probably already waiting impatiently.¡±


    ¡°Is it still about the Dementors?¡± Sirius asked.


    ¡°Mm.¡± Kyle nodded.


    ¡°I already donated, didn¡¯t I? The reward for the Dementors should be announced soon. You don¡¯t need to rush.¡±


    ¡°The reward is just to speed things up. It doesn¡¯t replace what I need to do.¡±


    ¡°Alright then,¡± Sirius said, though his expression grew serious. ¡°Just be careful, and if you notice anything wrong, don¡¯t hesitate to run.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I know,¡± Kyle assured him.


    The two parted ways.


    Kyle returned to St. Catchpole Village, where he found Cedric pacing anxiously in front of his house.


    ¡°You¡¯re finally back! I¡¯ve been waiting for you all morning...¡±


    ¡°Sorry, I got held up,¡± Kyle said, trailing off as he noticed Cedric wasn¡¯t alone.


    Standing beside him was a House-elf dressed like a rock star, complete with sunglasses and leather.


    Kyle could only think of one House-elf who dressed so flamboyantly...


    ¡°Tata?¡± Kyle said in surprise. ¡°Why are you here?¡±


    ¡°The master told me to come,¡± Tata replied, walking over.


    ¡°Nicolas?¡± Kyle scratched his head.


    Indeed, the Tata standing before him was Nicolas Flamel¡¯s House-elf. Yet there was one thing Kyle couldn¡¯t quite understand.


    ¡°I only asked Nicolas how to use that thing. He could¡¯ve written it down on a piece of parchment¡ªwhy did you have to come all the way from Devon?¡±


    ¡°My master said...¡± Tata cleared his throat theatrically and began in a perfect imitation of Nicolas¡¯s voice, ¡°This is truly unexpected. I¡¯ve been alive for over six hundred years, and I¡¯ve never heard of anyone using the Fiendfyre Curse against a Dementor. No normal wizard would do that...¡±


    Tata¡¯s mimicry was spot-on, but the more Kyle listened, the more uneasy he felt.


    Kyle wondered.


    And now that he thought about it, there¡¯d never been any recorded cases of a Dementor turning against its master either.


    Kyle thought,


    Kyle pondered for a moment before pulling out a small bottle filled with black granules.


    ¡°So, Nicolas doesn¡¯t know what this stuff is for either?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± Tata confirmed, ¡°but my master is very interested, which is why I¡¯ve been asked to bring some back.¡±


    ¡°You can take it all,¡± Kyle said casually, uncorking the bottle and preparing to hand it over. But after a moment¡¯s hesitation, he poured out only half of its contents into another container.


    It wasn¡¯t that he was reluctant to part with it¡ªit was useless to him anyway, and giving all of it to Nicolas wouldn¡¯t have mattered.


    The real reason was that an idea had struck Kyle. If things as peculiar as mouse spleens and leech juice could be used in potion-making, then perhaps Dementor residue could as well.


    He decided to keep the remaining half to give to Director Sykes at St. Mungo¡¯s.


    ...


    After Tata left, Kyle and Cedric resumed their search for any traces of Dementors.


    Meanwhile, many miles away, in a place shrouded in an oppressive gray mist that never lifted, even at midday, the atmosphere was bleak and foreboding. A dirty river meandered through the mist, its banks overrun with weeds and strewn with piles of rubbish. A towering, dilapidated chimney loomed above the desolate scene, adding to the eerie desolation.


    In the midst of this dreariness, a woman appeared out of thin air. Or rather, two women did, one right after the other, both materializing with the use of magic.


    ¡°Cissy, listen to me!¡± the second woman cried, catching up to the first and trying to grab her arm. S§×ar?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    But the first woman, Narcissa, shook her off. ¡°Go back, Bellatrix.¡±


    ¡°You have to listen to me, Cissy. You can¡¯t trust him.¡±


    ¡°Why not? Even the Dark Lord trusts him!¡± Narcissa retorted, continuing to walk forward without turning back.


    ¡°The Dark Lord must be... mistaken,¡± Bellatrix insisted, desperation creeping into her voice. ¡°Stop, Narcissa! He may have already betrayed us. Even if he hasn¡¯t, revealing our plans to anyone would be a betrayal of the Dark Lord!¡±


    ¡°Fine, then denounce me,¡± Narcissa said sharply. ¡°Let the Dark Lord punish me. The Cruciatus Curse? The Killing Curse? I don¡¯t care!¡±


    Her voice was rising, becoming more shrill and hysterical. ¡°I¡¯m telling you, I don¡¯t care about anything right now!¡±


    Narcissa whipped out her wand and slashed it through the air. Bellatrix, who had just managed to grab her arm again, recoiled as if she¡¯d been stung.


    ¡°Narcissa, how could you do this to your own sister?¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s nothing I won¡¯t do now¡ªfor Draco...¡± Narcissa¡¯s voice cracked as she stared at her sister in disbelief. Then, without another word, she turned and walked deeper into the maze of abandoned brick houses lining the riverside.


    Bellatrix had no choice but to follow, her expression a mix of frustration and resignation.


    As they passed a faded sign, the words could just barely be made out beneath the grime.


    At last, Narcissa stopped in front of the last house on the alleyway. To Bellatrix¡¯s evident displeasure, she knocked on the door.


    With a creak, the door opened, revealing a pale, sallow face framed by lank black hair and a pair of cold, dark eyes.


    ¡°Narcissa? What a pleasant surprise...¡± Severus Snape said, his tone calm but carrying a trace of sarcasm.


    ¡°Severus,¡± Narcissa began nervously, ¡°may I speak to you? It¡¯s urgent.¡±


    ¡°Of course.¡±


    Snape stepped back, gesturing for her to enter. Bellatrix, however, pushed past both of them to step inside first.


    Snape¡¯s lips twisted into a faintly mocking smile, but he made no comment, closing the door behind them.


    The three entered a small, shabby living room dimly lit by a single candle dangling from the ceiling. The sparse furniture consisted of a worn, lumpy sofa, an ancient armchair, and a wobbly table. It was clear the house hadn¡¯t been lived in for some time¡ªdust coated every surface, and the room carried the strong stench of decay, like rotting straw.


    Narcissa instinctively covered her nose but quickly dropped her hand, realizing it might seem impolite. Bellatrix, however, showed no such restraint.


    ¡°Snape, how long has it been since you last lived here?¡± she asked disdainfully, wrinkling her nose in disgust.


    ¡°I thought someone like you would have grown accustomed to the conditions in Azkaban,¡± Snape replied coolly as he poured water into two chipped glasses and set them on the table before them. ¡°Surely it¡¯s far worse there.¡±


    Bellatrix¡¯s face flushed with anger. ¡°I went to Azkaban for the Dark Lord,¡± she snapped coldly. ¡°It was far better than skulking here in this filthy dump.¡±


    ¡°Is that so?¡± Snape¡¯s voice dripped with sarcasm. ¡°As far as I¡¯m aware, you lost something of great importance to the Dark Lord¡ªsomething very valuable. And because of that, he¡¯s treating you far less kindly these days.¡±


    Bellatrix¡¯s expression darkened further.


    "Someone stole it from my vault! It was Gringotts¡¯ incompetence, not mine!¡± Bellatrix spat furiously.


    ¡°What a coincidence,¡± Snape replied, elongating the word as if savoring its taste. ¡°While you were in Azkaban, someone stole the Lestrange family vault key, went to Gringotts to retrieve the Dark Lord¡¯s property, and then had the audacity to return the key to its rightful place.¡±


    He smacked his lips. ¡°Tsk. Truly remarkable. Honestly, not to mention the Dark Lord, even the dullest student I¡¯ve ever taught could see through such an absurd excuse.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m telling the truth!¡± Bellatrix¡¯s eyes burned with anger, tinged red from her outburst. ¡°If we just catch the goblin, we¡¯ll know who did it.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t bother,¡± Snape said curtly. ¡°I¡¯ve already taken care of that for you. I used to search the memories of a few goblins.¡±


    ¡°Who did it!¡± Bellatrix took two sharp steps forward and grabbed Snape¡¯s shoulders in a vice-like grip.


    ¡°Let go,¡± Snape said disdainfully, effortlessly breaking her hold. After a brief pause, he added, ¡°Unfortunately, the goblins¡¯ memories contain no record of anyone ever visiting the Lestrange Vault. The last person to enter was you¡ªthe day before you were imprisoned in Azkaban.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s impossible!¡± Bellatrix shrieked, her voice reaching a hysterical pitch. ¡°That¡¯s impossible!¡±


    ¡°Save it for the Dark Lord,¡± Snape said coldly, casting her a glance filled with icy detachment. ¡°I¡¯m not interested.¡±


    Bellatrix stood frozen, her mind swirling. She seemed torn between leaving immediately to explain herself to the Dark Lord and the crushing fear of what that confrontation might entail. Her breath hitched at the thought.


    ¡°The annoying one has finally quieted down,¡± Snape muttered, waving his wand. The glasses on the table vanished.


    He conjured two new glasses and uncorked a bottle of wine.


    ¡°Have some,¡± he said calmly, pouring a glass and placing it in front of Narcissa. ¡°I think you¡¯ll need it.¡±


    Narcissa¡¯s trembling hands reached for the glass. She took a small sip, spilling some on herself in the process.


    ¡°Thank... thank you...¡± she whispered.


    ¡°You¡¯re welcome,¡± Snape replied coolly. ¡°Now, you should leave.¡±


    ¡°No!¡± Narcissa¡¯s voice rose in desperation. ¡°Listen to me, Severus! You¡¯re the only one who can help me now... Even though the Dark Lord forbade me to speak of this, Draco¡ª¡±


    ¡°If he forbade you to speak, you should have kept quiet,¡± Snape interrupted, his tone sharp. ¡°If I hadn¡¯t already known about the plan, you could have made a grave mistake¡ªone that might have cost you your life!¡±


    ¡°You knew!¡± Narcissa¡¯s head shot up, surprise etched across her face.


    ¡°Yes,¡± Snape said evenly. ¡°Although very few people were privy to the plan, I happen to be one of them.¡±


    ¡°I knew it... The Dark Lord trusts you so deeply, you must have known,¡± Narcissa murmured, her voice tinged with a mixture of relief and sorrow.


    Bellatrix, who had been standing silently nearby, stiffened at those words. Her gaze shifted to Snape, disbelief and fury written across her face.


    The traitor before her¡ªthe coward who had stood by while the Dark Lord fell¡ªwas still trusted?


    Jealousy twisted her features into something almost unrecognizable.


    But neither Narcissa nor Snape paid her the slightest attention.


    "You have to help me..." Narcissa pleaded, tears streaming down her pale cheeks.


    "Severus, Draco is only sixteen... he doesn¡¯t know what awaits him. It¡¯s too dangerous! The Dark Lord is just taking revenge for Lucius¡¯s mistake¡ªI know it!"


    ¡°When we were in the Department of Mysteries, the prophecy globe was destroyed. The Dark Lord was furious, and he needed someone to take the blame.¡±


    "Lucius was the first to run back to him, and so the Dark Lord chose Draco just to punish Lucius. Isn¡¯t that right?¡±


    ¡°Shut up,¡± Snape said coldly, his voice like a blade. ¡°Do not presume to speculate on the Dark Lord¡¯s thoughts. And when it comes to the prophecy globe, the Lestrange bears even more responsibility than Lucius.¡±


    Narcissa¡¯s body trembled violently, causing more wine to spill from her glass. Bellatrix, on the other hand, seemed numb, staring into the distance.


    Compared to the other item she had lost, the prophecy globe felt insignificant. But she still couldn¡¯t comprehend how it had vanished without a trace when she¡¯d hidden the key so carefully. No one but her should have known where it was.


    Bellatrix felt a wave of confusion. Had she misplaced it herself? The thought crept in like a shadow. Spending years among Dementors had fractured the minds of countless prisoners¡ªforgetfulness and madness were common side effects of their influence.


    And Snape had mentioned she visited Gringotts before her capture.


    Bellatrix tried to recall, but her memories were an impenetrable fog.


    Meanwhile, Narcissa was still pleading. ¡°If Draco succeeds,¡± Snape said with measured calm, ¡°he will achieve more glory than anyone else.¡±


    ¡°He won¡¯t succeed!¡± Narcissa¡¯s voice rose to a shriek. ¡°No one ever has¡ªit''s Dumbledore..."


    The name alone seemed to sap all her courage. Her voice quivered as she continued, ¡°Severus, you are the Dark Lord¡¯s most trusted confidant, his closest advisor. Can you not speak to him? Convince him...¡±


    ¡°The Dark Lord cannot be convinced by anyone,¡± Snape said icily. ¡°I would be a fool even to attempt it.¡±


    ¡°No!¡± Narcissa clutched her chest, her breathing shallow. ¡°If it¡¯s truly impossible, even if it¡¯s only half done... half will do...¡±


    Snape raised an eyebrow. ¡°If I¡¯m not mistaken, the Dark Lord¡¯s goal this time is twofold. When you say half done, could you mean...¡±


    ¡°Yes, that Kyle student,¡± Narcissa said through sobs. ¡°I don¡¯t know who he is, but surely he must be easier to deal with than Dumbledore, isn¡¯t he?¡±


    For a fleeting moment, Snape¡¯s expression turned unreadable, but he quickly composed himself.


    In a sense, she wasn¡¯t wrong¡ªbut in another sense, she was. How should he explain it? At least facing Dumbledore, Draco¡¯s life wasn¡¯t at risk, even if he failed.


    Snape remained silent, his lack of response making Narcissa spiral further into despair. Her sobs deepened as she clawed at her blonde hair, finally collapsing onto the floor in desperation.


    ¡°Narcissa, come now,¡± Snape said, helping her to her feet with surprising gentleness.


    ¡°Maybe I could... help Draco.¡±


    Narcissa sat up straight, her teary eyes wide with hope. ¡°You¡¯re willing to help him on this mission?¡±


    ¡°No,¡± Snape said firmly. ¡°This is the Dark Lord¡¯s mission, and it must be completed by Draco alone.¡±


    ¡°Then... will you protect him?¡± Narcissa begged, clutching at Snape¡¯s robes with trembling hands. ¡°Will you take care of him and ensure he stays safe?¡±


    Snape was silent for a long moment. Finally, he spoke.


    ¡°All I can say is... it can be tried.¡±

 Chapter 704: Dementors of Profit and Surrender

    Cornwall...


    A silver goose soared through the air, startling a Dementor so badly that it recoiled, folding in on itself. Before it could retreat, the goose collided with a slender flame mid-flight.


    The flame wasn¡¯t hot¡ªor perhaps it was simply too small to feel at first¡ªbut the Dementor remained oblivious until it was too late. The flames coiled around it like a serpent, tightening with uncanny precision.


    In a flash, the Dementor was reduced to ashes.


    Kyle, now visible after removing the Disillusionment Charm, waved his wand. The flames that had consumed the Dementor gathered into a fiery orb and flew back to the tip of a wooden stick he held. The fire lingered there, burning steadily.


    ¡°This thing is really something...¡± Cedric remarked enviously, eyeing the torch in Kyle''s hand. ¡°Alright, it¡¯s a deal. Next time, you¡¯ll be the one to drive off the Dementors, and I¡¯ll take the Gubraithian Fire.¡±


    ¡°No problem.¡± Kyle casually tossed the torch to Cedric. ¡°Just be careful not to burn yourself. This isn¡¯t as uncontrollable as the Fiendfyre Curse, but it¡¯s still magical fire. I¡¯d rather not visit you in St. Mungo¡¯s.¡±


    ¡°Do you think so little of me?¡± Cedric said, frowning as he caught the torch. ¡°I may not be as skilled as you in Charms, but I¡¯m not incompetent. I can handle a Fire Charm.¡±


    Kyle shrugged, offering no further comment.


    At that moment, an owl flew over their heads.


    Kyle reached into his pocket, pulled out a Sickle, and waved it. The owl immediately veered toward them, landing gracefully and extending a bag tied to its leg, which carried a stack of newspapers.


    ¡°Thanks, that¡¯ll be two,¡± Kyle said, tossing the Sickle into the owl¡¯s bag. ¡°Keep the change.¡±


    employed two types of delivery owls: standard ones and those specially trained to deliver papers to wizards on demand. These owls roamed the skies with newspapers in tow, responding to wizards who signaled them with coins.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t know you could do that,¡± Cedric commented, intrigued.


    ¡°It¡¯s nothing special,¡± Kyle replied, unrolling the newspaper. ¡°Cornwall has plenty of witches and wizards, so running into a newspaper owl isn¡¯t uncommon.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re right,¡± Cedric agreed, stepping closer. ¡°So, what¡¯s in the paper?¡±


    ¡°Actually, something interesting,¡± Kyle said, pointing to a bold headline on the front page.


    ...


    ¡°A reward for Dementors?¡± Cedric stared at the newspaper in disbelief. ¡°I didn¡¯t realize those ashes were so valuable¡ª100 Galleons for 2 ounces? Kyle, you¡¯re practically rich!¡±


    He couldn¡¯t help but recall the bottle of ashes Kyle had been carrying around. Even if only half remained, it could still fetch a hefty sum of Galleons.


    ¡°What are you thinking...¡± Kyle shot Cedric a look of disdain. ¡°We¡¯re employees of the Ministry of Magic. This is our job. How can we even think about money? That¡¯s just vulgar.¡±


    Cedric froze, his mouth hanging open, utterly speechless.


    ¡°Wait... are you serious?¡±


    He couldn¡¯t believe Kyle had said something so sanctimonious¡ªit was completely out of character. From what Cedric knew of him, Kyle would absolutely find someone outside the Ministry, like Lupin or Madam Weasley, and ask them to exchange the ashes for Galleons on his behalf. That was the Kyle he knew.


    ¡°Fine,¡± Kyle sighed, clearly conceding, as Cedric now regarded him with equal disgust. ¡°The truth is, Sirius is the sponsor of this whole event. We can¡¯t use the Gubraithian Fire he gave us to profit off him. That would be... a bit too shameless, even for me.¡±


    ¡°No wonder...¡± Cedric nodded thoughtfully. If even Kyle found it too shameless, then it really was crossing a line.


    ¡°But are you sure this is a good idea?¡± Cedric frowned. ¡°What if someone brings in a fake? Black cloaks are common enough, and ashes like that don¡¯t seem particularly hard to replicate. What if someone hands in a forgery and insists it¡¯s from a Dementor? Are you going to pay them anyway?¡±


    ¡°Of course not.¡± Kyle waved his wand, summoning a tattered black cloak that appeared in midair. It was one they¡¯d taken after killing their first Dementor, and Kyle had never bothered to discard it.


    ¡°As for how the Ministry can verify whether something is real or fake... just touch it.¡±


    Hesitant, Cedric reached out and brushed his fingers against the cloak. He immediately recoiled.


    ¡°Hiss, it¡¯s freezing...¡± The icy sensation seemed to stab through his fingertips, as though he¡¯d plunged his hand into frigid water.


    ¡°See?¡± Kyle said with a smirk. ¡°Anything left behind by a Dementor¡ªwhether it¡¯s a cloak or the ashes from magical flames¡ªwill always be cold. That¡¯s unique to Dementors. No matter how skilled someone is at magical imitations, they can¡¯t replicate that effect... at least, not in any reasonable amount of time.¡±


    Cedric still looked uneasy. ¡°Even so, won¡¯t it take a lot of time to sort out the fake ones from the real ones?¡±


    ¡°Nope, it won¡¯t waste any time at all.¡± Kyle waved dismissively. ¡°There will be a team of Hit Wizards stationed there to deal with anyone who tries to cheat. Oh, and do you remember the Dementors locked up at the Ministry?¡±


    Cedric nodded.


    Some Dementors surrendered when confronted by Aurors, and those were typically brought back to the Ministry instead of being destroyed. Despite their malevolence, even the Ministry acknowledged that Dementors made excellent guards.


    Their presence was the primary reason Azkaban had such a terrifying reputation. Most wizards who survived imprisonment there would go to great lengths to avoid returning. In that sense, the Dementors had undeniably contributed to the Ministry¡¯s efforts to maintain order.


    ¡°That¡¯s part two of the plan,¡± Kyle continued. ¡°The Ministry¡¯s holding those Dementors in a special containment area¡ªbasically a temporary Azkaban."


    "Anyone caught trying to pull a fast one will be sent there. And depending on how much they tried to fake, it¡¯ll cost them 100 Galleons a day to get out... unless they¡¯d prefer to buy their own fake back for the same price.¡±


    Cedric¡¯s eyes widened as he listened, utterly dumbfounded. He opened his mouth to respond but found himself completely at a loss for words.


    ¡°But¡­ there¡¯s nothing about this in the newspaper,¡± Cedric said, flipping through the pages again and scrutinizing every corner. As far as he could see, there was no mention of the plan.


    "The office responsible for collecting Galleons will notify them," Kyle said calmly. "This is their opportunity to make amends, but if they choose not to, the consequences are on them."


    ¡°You came up with this idea, didn¡¯t you?¡± Cedric asked, his tone unusually confident.


    ¡°I just made a suggestion, that¡¯s all,¡± Kyle replied with a sly smile. ¡°The wizards in Knockturn Alley are wealthy enough. It¡¯s about time they contributed to society.¡±


    ¡°Knockturn Alley?¡± Cedric mulled over the implication for a moment before realization dawned.


    Knockturn Alley was infamous for counterfeit goods. You could find snake blood mixed with sulfur being sold as dragon¡¯s blood or dittany marketed as phoenix tears. Forgery was practically the alley¡¯s hallmark.


    If anyone was likely to present a fake Dementor¡¯s cloak or ashes as the real thing, it would be the denizens of Knockturn Alley.


    Cedric¡¯s mouth twitched. He hadn¡¯t expected Kyle to target that crowd.


    ¡°You¡¯re planning to make them pay to get themselves out?¡±


    ¡°Five thousand Galleons sounds like a lot,¡± Kyle said, grinning, ¡°but when you break it down, it¡¯s not enough. The Auror Office and the Committee for the Disposal of Dangerous Creatures aren¡¯t part of the reward system, but they¡¯ve received a little extra funding for their efforts. Call it a bonus. That leaves only 3,000 Galleons for rewards."


    ¡°And at 100 Galleons for each Dementor killed, we¡¯d run out of funds after only 30 claims. For an operation of this scale, we need to think bigger."


    ¡°Those Knockturn Alley wizards have cheated plenty of people out of their money over the years. It¡¯s about time they gave something back to the wizarding community.¡±


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you afraid of being hated?¡± Cedric asked. ¡°Those wizards aren¡¯t exactly the forgiving type.¡±


    ¡°Hated? Why should I care?¡± Kyle replied with mock seriousness. ¡°Fudge made the decision, published the story, and the Hit Wizards will make the arrests. What does any of that have to do with me? I¡¯m just a lowly clerk running around, trying to fix the Dementor problem.¡±


    Cedric was quiet for a moment before giving Kyle a silent thumbs-up. ¡°No wonder you¡¯ve been avoiding going back to the Ministry these past few days. I didn¡¯t realize this was why.¡±


    ¡°Look who¡¯s talking,¡± Kyle chuckled. ¡°I just want to deal with the Dementors as quickly as possible.¡±


    ¡°Alright, you¡¯re in charge,¡± Cedric said, not bothering to argue further.


    After folding the newspaper, the two resumed their search. The next destination was listed in a report from the Committee for the Disposal of Dangerous Creatures, but it had already been a few days since the information was filed. By the time they arrived, the Dementors were often already dealt with by Aurors or had moved elsewhere, leaving them empty-handed.


    Still, it was better than wandering aimlessly. Having a target, even an imperfect one, was far preferable to wasting time without direction.


    ...


    Probably because of the reward, Kyle and Cedric encountered fewer and fewer Dementors in the following days. Some had already been claimed in advance, leaving the two feeling uncomfortable about taking credit for them.


    Eventually, they followed an address to a remote location.


    ¡°Are you sure there are Dementors here?¡± Kyle asked, surveying the surroundings.


    Rubbish littered the area, and despite the broad daylight, the place was eerily deserted. The only movement came from a scrawny feral cat by the riverbank, pawing through weeds in a hopeful search for scraps of fried fish and chips.


    Kyle thought.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± Cedric replied, glancing at the pamphlet in his hands. ¡°But the address is correct. A Muggle reported seeing a black, flying spectre here, and the Hit Wizard confirmed it was a Dementor.¡±


    ¡°An interesting Dementor,¡± Kyle remarked, perching on his broom to scan the area below. ¡°Do you think it¡¯s still here?¡±


    ¡°It is,¡± Cedric said with certainty, pointing toward a large, abandoned chimney. ¡°It¡¯s right there.¡±


    Kyle followed Cedric¡¯s gaze and, sure enough, spotted a Dementor hiding in a small gap at the base of the chimney.


    It had to be said, Cedric¡¯s Seeker vision was remarkable. The gap consisted of only three missing bricks, yet he had noticed the creature tucked inside.


    Without hesitation, the two flew down. Kyle dispelled his Disillusionment Charm and pulled out his wand, ready to use the Patronus Charm to drive the Dementor out.


    Before he could act, the Dementor emerged from its hiding spot on its own.


    The temperature around them plummeted instantly, and the feral cat bolted in terror, its panicked yowls echoing in the silence.


    ¡°Get ready,¡± Kyle said, raising his wand as Cedric prepared his Gubraithian Fire.


    But then, a hoarse voice broke the tension.


    ¡°Wizard... I surrender...¡±


    Kyle froze. He recognized the voice¡ªit was undoubtedly that of a Dementor.


    But... surrender?


    He exchanged a bewildered glance with Cedric.


    It wasn¡¯t unheard of for Dementors to surrender; it was, after all, how the Ministry obtained its Dementor guards. However, it was the first time either of them had encountered one giving up so readily.


    ¡°What should we do?¡± Cedric asked, holding the torch tightly.


    ¡°Let¡¯s wait,¡± Kyle replied, cautiously flying closer and landing a short distance from the Dementor, his wand still raised.


    As he approached, something about the Dementor¡¯s cloak caught his eye. Most of it was in tatters, but a small portion appeared intact, though oddly mismatched¡ªpatched together with bits of cloth in various colors.


    Kyle thought, puzzled. The sight felt strangely familiar, but he couldn¡¯t immediately place it.


    ¡°Wizards... I know you... I¡¯ll go with you...¡± the Dementor repeated.


    ¡°You know me?¡± Kyle asked, frowning. ¡°From Hogwarts?¡±


    In their fourth year, the Ministry had stationed Dementors at Hogwarts to search for Sirius Black, who had escaped Azkaban. It was the only time Kyle could recall interacting with one.


    ¡°Yes,¡± the Dementor rasped, glancing nervously at Kyle¡¯s wand. It took two instinctive steps back, pressing itself against the chimney. ¡°I did not... attack...¡±


    Kyle believed it. The nearest human was three miles away, and there were no signs of a struggle or disturbance. Even if it had wanted to attack a Muggle, there was no one nearby.


    Of course, Kyle couldn¡¯t rule out the possibility entirely¡ªthree miles was hardly a barrier for a Dementor.


    ¡°Well, if you¡¯re surrendering, then get in...¡± Kyle said, retrieving a suitcase and placing it on the ground.


    It was one he had recently crafted using the Undetectable Extension Charm, meant as a birthday gift for Harry. The interior space was roughly the size of a broom cupboard¡ªsmall, but sufficient for their purposes.


    ¡°No tricks,¡± Kyle warned.


    To his surprise, the Dementor didn¡¯t hesitate. It dove headfirst into the suitcase, its skeletal hands reaching out to pull the lid closed after it.


    The suitcase wobbled, as though urging Kyle to fasten the latch quickly.


    Kyle and Cedric stared at it, dumbfounded. S§×ar?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    They had seen Dementors surrender before, but never one so eager¡ªas if it couldn¡¯t wait to be captured.

 Chapter 705: Ambushed, Death Eaters and Dragons

    On the last day of July, after a fruitless morning, Kyle and Cedric decided to temporarily end their hunt for Dementors.


    The primary reason was that ever since had published news about the reward, most of the wandering Dementors had mysteriously disappeared.


    Of course, this didn¡¯t mean they had all been replaced by Galleons. A reward of one hundred Galleons was tempting, but there weren¡¯t that many witches and wizards capable of defeating Dementors¡ªat least not quickly or consistently.


    Kyle surmised that most of the missing Dementors had likely gone into hiding. After all, Death Eaters read newspapers too. With Dementors now seen as coveted prizes instead of terrifying threats, Voldemort would surely take steps to protect his allies.


    Still, this development wasn¡¯t entirely bad. At least Muggles wouldn¡¯t be at risk of encountering Dementors for now. Additionally, forcing the creatures into hiding might make it easier to track and round them up later. The real challenge was discovering exactly where they had gone, but that was a problem for Dumbledore to solve.


    Having made their decision, Kyle and Cedric prepared to return to the Ministry of Magic. However, there was still one more address in their records¡ªa new report that had just come in.


    The address had only appeared minutes earlier, suggesting that someone had recently spotted traces of a Dementor and alerted the Ministry. Since they were already out in the field, Kyle and Cedric decided to check it out before calling it a day.


    ¡°Do you think someone will get there before us this time?¡± Cedric asked as they flew toward their destination.


    ¡°Who knows?¡± Kyle replied. ¡°But the report only came through recently, so I doubt anyone else has made it there yet.¡±


    ¡°Finally,¡± Cedric muttered, rubbing his forehead. ¡°I don¡¯t care, though. You have to give me three days off when we get back.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t you enjoy flying?¡± Kyle teased with a grin. ¡°Quidditch matches can last a week. How can you expect to be a professional player if you can¡¯t handle this?¡±


    ¡°Is that the same thing?¡± Cedric retorted, clearly exasperated. ¡°There aren¡¯t Dementors on the Quidditch pitch.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ve got a point,¡± Kyle admitted with a shrug. ¡°But whether you get a holiday isn¡¯t up to me.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t care¡ªI¡¯m not getting paid less this month,¡± Cedric replied, sounding unexpectedly cheeky.


    Kyle blinked in surprise. It was hard to imagine Cedric, usually so composed, speaking like that.


    ¡°The holiday doesn¡¯t matter,¡± Kyle said, giving him a sidelong glance. ¡°But in the future, you might want to spend less time around Fred and George. You¡¯re starting to pick up their bad habits.¡±


    ¡°They¡¯re much poorer than you,¡± Cedric muttered under his breath.


    The pair soon arrived in Hampshire and began scanning the area. After half an hour of flying, however, they hadn¡¯t found any Dementors. Instead, they spotted three wizards hovering over a nearby forest.


    Two men and a woman, all on broomsticks, were clustered around a large, locked suitcase.


    Even from a distance, Kyle could hear their excited chatter.


    ¡°A live Dementor is worth 200 Galleons! We¡¯re in luck!¡±


    ¡°Yes, who would¡¯ve thought these things were worth so much?¡±


    ¡°Too bad there¡¯s only one, or we¡¯d be rich...¡±


    It wasn¡¯t hard to guess¡ªthe suitcase clearly contained a captured Dementor.


    ¡°Looks like someone beat us to it,¡± Cedric said quietly. ¡°I didn¡¯t think anyone could catch a Dementor alive. They¡¯re pretty skilled.¡±


    Kyle nodded in agreement.


    Capturing a Dementor alive was far more challenging than killing one. The creature¡¯s mere presence drained a wizard¡¯s strength with each passing second. Successfully containing one usually required multiple Patronuses working in unison.


    The three wizards must have used this method to subdue the Dementor.


    Kyle gave the group a quick glance. Without bothering to greet them, he turned in the opposite direction, signaling Cedric to follow. They prepared to head straight back to the Ministry.


    But just then, something unexpected happened.


    A Bowtruckle, perched unnoticed in Kyle¡¯s collar, suddenly poked its sharp fingers into his neck.


    Startled, Kyle swerved his broom sharply, bumping into Cedric.


    Poor Cedric, unprepared for the sudden jolt, wobbled precariously and nearly tumbled off his broom.


    ¡°Kyle, what are you¡ª¡± Cedric¡¯s words were cut short as three spells streaked past him, aimed at the spot where Kyle had been moments earlier.


    No explanation was necessary.


    ¡°Wait!¡± Cedric instinctively canceled his Disillusionment Charm, revealing himself to the attackers. ¡°We were just passing through! We mean no harm, and we won¡¯t take your Dementors¡ª¡±


    ¡°Get rid of the extra one!¡±


    Before Cedric could finish, another volley of spells shot toward them. He dodged as best he could, but one struck the tail of his broom, sending black smoke billowing into the air. Cedric lost control, spiraling toward the ground.


    Kyle moved to help him but was forced to veer away when another spell came hurtling in his direction.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t think you¡¯d dodge that...¡± one of the attackers sneered, a bearded wizard with a malevolent glint in his eye. ¡°You truly are worthy of being the Triwizard Tournament champion.¡±


    ¡°You know me?¡± Kyle asked, glancing downward. He let out a quiet sigh of relief when he saw Cedric steadying himself in midair, wand drawn.


    ¡°Of course we do,¡± said another bearded wizard, his voice dripping with greed. ¡°You¡¯re quite valuable now. Thr Dark Lord has promised the highest honor and a most generous reward to whoever kills you.¡±


    ¡°A generous reward?¡± Kyle asked, feigning curiosity. ¡°What is it¡ª10,000 Galleons? If that¡¯s the case, maybe we could work something out.¡±


    ¡°Work something out?¡± The wizard looked puzzled, unable to comprehend Kyle¡¯s train of thought.


    ¡°It¡¯s simple,¡± Kyle said nonchalantly. ¡°I¡¯ll brew Polyjuice Potion, you get the guy behind you to drink it, then kill him instead. That way, you can claim the reward. Don¡¯t worry, I won¡¯t tell anyone. We¡¯ll split the reward ninety-ten in your favor.¡±


    At Kyle¡¯s words, the wizard standing behind the speaker stiffened in alarm, his wand subtly shifting direction toward his companions.


    ¡°Idiot!¡± the bearded wizard snarled, glaring at his ally. Then he turned back to Kyle. ¡°Do you think you can turn us against each other with such pathetic tricks? Don¡¯t even dream of it. No one deceives the great Dark Lord, and no one dares to try.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right,¡± added the third wizard, his tone resolute. ¡°The reward isn¡¯t something as crude as Galleons¡ªit¡¯s far greater than that!¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t think Galleons are crude,¡± Kyle muttered. Then he raised an eyebrow. ¡°By the way, you didn¡¯t just happen to be waiting for me here, did you? How did you know I¡¯d pass by?¡±


    ¡°Enough talk! Kill him already!¡± snarled the witch among the group, her voice laced with venom. Her eyes burned with pure hatred as she fixed her gaze on Kyle. ¡°You should¡¯ve known this day would come after you killed my brother...¡±


    ¡°Your brother?¡± Kyle asked, bewildered. ¡°Who?¡±


    ¡°Amycus Carrow!¡± the witch screamed, her voice cracking with rage.


    Kyle blinked, the name triggering a faint recollection. Amycus Carrow¡ªa Death Eater he¡¯d encountered in the Valley of the Giants. S§×ar?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°No, no, you¡¯ve got the wrong guy!¡± Kyle protested, quickly piecing things together. ¡°Hagrid killed your brother! You should be looking for him. What does this have to do with me? You can¡¯t just pick on me because you can¡¯t handle a half-giant!¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re all going to die!¡± the witch hissed, her voice trembling with fury. ¡°You first, and soon your friends will follow!¡±


    ¡°Confident you can kill me, are you?¡± Kyle asked, tilting his head.


    ¡°Do you think you can escape?¡± the witch sneered. ¡°Crouch said you were tough, but in my opinion, you¡¯re nothing. And there¡¯s no one here to save you!¡±


    ¡°How about we negotiate?¡± Kyle offered, his tone deliberately shaky. ¡°I¡¯ll tell you where Hagrid is, and you can go after him instead¡ª¡±


    ¡°Shut up! Don¡¯t think I don¡¯t know you¡¯re stalling!¡± the witch snapped, cutting him off. ¡°By the time the Aurors arrive, you¡¯ll already be dead!¡±


    ¡°Fair enough...¡± Kyle shrugged. ¡°But if you know I¡¯m stalling, why waste your time talking so much?¡±


    The air seemed to freeze as a flash of green light shot toward Kyle.


    But before it could reach him, a massive shadow loomed overhead. A colossal figure interposed itself between Kyle and the curse, absorbing the impact.


    Norbert¡¯s dark scales glinted ominously as the Killing Curse struck, the area of impact briefly turning a dull, greyish-white. The dragon let out a low growl, its size and presence dwarfing the attackers.


    Despite the faint discoloration of a few scales, the curse had barely fazed the enormous creature.


    ¡°A... dragon?¡±


    The three Death Eaters were stunned. The bearded wizard among them rubbed his eyes, struggling to process the sight before him. A dragon? Here?


    Before he could make sense of it, Norbert, infuriated by the Killing Curse, let out a roar and unleashed a torrent of dragon fire at the trio.


    Instinctively, they tried to flee, but Kyle wasn¡¯t about to let them go so easily.


    To avoid Kyle¡¯s spells, the Death Eaters were forced to swerve mid-air. That brief hesitation sealed their fate. One of them was caught in the full force of Norbert¡¯s flames and plummeted to the ground, motionless.


    The other two managed to escape the flames but were far from safe. In the sky, they were in Norbert¡¯s domain, and there was no escaping his superior speed and agility.


    With a powerful beat of his wings, Norbert soared toward the nearest Death Eater¡ªthe bearded wizard.


    The man felt his broom tremble under the dragon¡¯s pursuit. A massive shadow loomed over him as Norbert closed the gap in seconds.


    Panicking, the wizard turned to shout, ¡°I surrender! I¡ª¡ª¡±


    Before he could finish, Norbert¡¯s thick tail struck him with the force of a battering ram. He hurtled toward the ground with a resounding crash.


    That left the witch, Alecto Carrow.


    In the span of moments, the three-on-one advantage had evaporated, leaving her alone against the enraged dragon. She barely had time to process what was happening.


    Though she burned with hatred for Kyle and desperately wanted to kill him, the searing heat radiating from Norbert¡¯s flames kept her from even considering turning back. Her only thought was escape.


    Norbert, however, wasn¡¯t letting her off so easily. The dragon closed in, his massive form blocking out the sunlight as the temperature around her climbed higher and higher.


    But just as Norbert was about to catch her, two more hooded Death Eaters appeared nearby.


    Two simultaneous Killing Curses shot through the air, forcing Norbert to halt mid-pursuit and dodge.


    Norbert roared in fury, retaliating with another blast of dragon fire. The flames streaked toward the new arrivals, but before they could land, the Death Eaters vanished.


    Kyle flew over, calling out to calm the irate dragon.


    Though he didn¡¯t know who the newcomers were, they had bought enough time for Carrow to escape. Kyle didn¡¯t give chase. With the speed of his Firebolt, he could have caught her, but he wasn¡¯t willing to take unnecessary risks. Who knew how many more ambushes might be waiting nearby?


    Landing softly, Kyle quickly spotted Cedric leaning against a tree.


    ¡°Are you okay?¡± Kyle asked, rushing over.


    ¡°I¡¯m fine,¡± Cedric replied through gritted teeth. His leg, twisted at an unnatural angle, told a different story. ¡°Probably broken... But what about you? And who were those people?¡±


    ¡°Death Eaters,¡± Kyle said grimly.


    Cedric nodded. ¡°Thought as much.¡± He handed Kyle a small book. ¡°I already notified the Aurors. They should be here soon.¡±


    Kyle took the book and glanced at it. At the end of the latest address, a new note had been added:


    The note had been Cedric¡¯s doing. The Aurors carried copies of the same enchanted book, so any additions or amendments would automatically appear in all copies. This meant help was on the way.


    ¡°Wait here,¡± Kyle said, standing up.


    ¡°Where are you going?¡± Cedric called out, alarmed. ¡°It¡¯s dangerous! Come back!¡±


    Kyle ignored him, striding into the forest.


    Before long, he found the two Death Eaters who had fallen earlier.


    To his surprise, the bearded wizard Norbert had struck with his tail was still alive. He was limping, but he hadn¡¯t succumbed to the fall.


    Kyle thought, though he didn¡¯t dwell on it.


    The man cursed under his breath when he noticed Kyle approaching. ¡°Damn it! The Dark Lord... he won¡¯t let you go!¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t need to remind me,¡± Kyle replied coldly.


    Without hesitation, he drew his wand and leveled it at the Death Eater.


    ¡°What do you want¡ª¡± The wizard¡¯s bravado crumbled into terror, and sweat beaded on his forehead. ¡°You can¡¯t... can¡¯t kill me! Dumbledore wouldn¡¯t allow it!¡±


    Kyle didn¡¯t respond. Instead, he muttered,


    The Death Eater¡¯s eyes glazed over, his thoughts laid bare under Kyle¡¯s spell.


    ...


    A series of sharp explosions echoed all around them moments later¡ªthe Aurors had arrived.


    "Kyle!" Chris hurried over, his face etched with concern. "Are you okay?"


    "I''m fine, Dad," Kyle replied with a smile. "He tried to escape, but I caught him."


    "Leave it to the Aurors," Chris said. "Come with me; I''ll take you to St. Mungo''s."


    "I''m really fine. Just take Cedric to St. Mungo''s," Kyle insisted. "But Dad, why are you here?"


    "Amos recognized Cedric''s handwriting, so I guessed you''d run into Death Eaters," Chris said, his voice tinged with anxiety. "What exactly happened?"


    "The Death Eaters were about to take the Dementors, and we just happened to run into them," Kyle explained.


    That was what he had seen in the bearded wizard''s mind.


    Kyle had initially thought the encounter was an intentional trap, but it turned out to be pure coincidence. The Death Eaters had come to deliver Voldemort''s message to the Dementors and take them away. It just so happened that Kyle and Cedric had arrived at the same time.


    The Disillusionment Charm¡¯s concealment wasn¡¯t very effective in daylight. Once the Death Eaters noticed them, they acted swiftly, planning to cause a spectacle before leaving and return to Voldemort with proof of their efforts.


    Then the earlier confrontation unfolded.


    What Kyle hadn¡¯t anticipated was just how valuable he was. Dead or alive, if captured and brought back alive, the captor would not only earn the rank of a core Death Eater but also receive a personal power boost from Voldemort.


    The reward was even greater than what was promised for Harry. No wonder their eyes had burned with such desperation when they saw him.


    At that moment, Scrimgeour arrived, surveying the scene with a discerning gaze. He frowned slightly when he spotted an area scorched by dragon-like flames.


    "This isn''t your average Fire-Making Charm," he remarked.


    "It''s the Death Eaters," Kyle said, his face filled with anger. "Those heartless bastards¡ªthey''re utterly detestable."


    "I see," Scrimgeour replied with a nod, though he didn¡¯t appear overly concerned.


    The Death Eaters'' use of dark magic was notorious for its variety and ingenuity, and enhanced Fire-Making Charms were not uncommon among them.


    Chris, standing nearby, twitched slightly at the corner of his mouth. He glanced at Kyle but ultimately held his tongue.


    Amos Diggory soon used a Portkey to take Kyle and the injured Cedric away to the Ministry of Magic.


    Once they left, Scrimgeour approached a charred tree and ran his fingers along the scorched bark.


    "Chris, come take a look. Could this be dragonfire?"


    Chris joined him, mimicking his motion as he examined the trunk. Taking a deep breath, he shook his head, his expression calm.


    "No," Chris said. "Dragonfire has a stronger sulfuric smell and is more adhesive. What we have here... is some kind of special magical flame."


    "That''s a relief," Scrimgeour exhaled. "If the Death Eaters had dragons on their side, we¡¯d be in serious trouble."


    "Agreed," Chris replied.


    "But your son is remarkable," Scrimgeour said with a small smile. "Facing two Death Eaters, he fought off one and captured the other alive. He was born to be an Auror. Frankly, it¡¯s a waste for him to stay in the Office of the Minister for Magic."


    Chris laughed awkwardly, clearing his throat quickly. "Ahem... I¡¯ll warn you, Rufus, don¡¯t say that at the Ministry."


    "I wouldn¡¯t dream of it," Scrimgeour said with a chuckle. "But you really should encourage Kyle to become an Auror. He¡¯s a natural."


    "I will," Chris replied with a smile. "But in the end, the choice will be his."

 Chapter 706: Memory Charm and the Lost Wand

    London.


    St. Mungo¡¯s.


    Cedric''s injuries were not serious. A young Healer hurried into the ward, pressed Cedric¡¯s leg with quick precision, snapped it back into place, and skillfully wrapped a bandage around it twice.


    ¡°All right, drink a bottle of magical potion later, and the bones will grow back by tomorrow.¡±


    With that, the Healer rushed out of the room. The entire process had taken less than a minute. By this time, Kyle had just unwrapped a Chocolate Frog.


    ¡°I told you there was no need to come to St. Mungo¡¯s,¡± Cedric said helplessly.


    ¡°It¡¯s better to be safe than sorry,¡± said Mr. Diggory, wiping the sweat from his forehead. ¡°Leave the task of hunting Dementors to the Aurors in the future. You should stay at the Ministry.¡±


    ¡°Dad, I¡¯ll be fine,¡± Cedric replied. ¡°I only got hurt this time because I was inexperienced.¡±


    ¡°Catching Dementors is primarily the responsibility of the Committee for the Disposal of Dangerous Creatures, not the Aurors.¡±


    ¡°Then I¡¯ll go,¡± Mr. Diggory insisted, making it clear Cedric was not to take any more risks.


    When he¡¯d received Cedric¡¯s distress signal, it had felt as though the world had collapsed around him. He had nearly fainted in his office.


    ¡°But...¡± Cedric tried to protest.


    ¡°Just listen to Mr. Diggory,¡± Kyle interjected. ¡°Dementors are becoming increasingly rare, and there¡¯s no point in us trying to catch them anymore."


    ¡°And weren¡¯t you thinking of taking some time off? This is the perfect chance. How about a week instead of three days? You can rest and recover properly.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s wonderful!¡± Mr. Diggory said, visibly relieved. ¡°Thank you so much, Kyle. And this time, it¡¯s also thanks to you that Cedric was saved...¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s nothing,¡± Kyle replied. ¡°After all, we were acting together.¡±


    ¡°No,¡± Cedric said, shaking his head. ¡°Seven days is too long. The Ministry is already short-staffed. Let¡¯s stick to three days.¡±


    ¡°That was before,¡± Kyle countered. ¡°Don¡¯t forget, the Dementor issue has been resolved now.¡± He waved a hand dismissively and stood up. ¡°It¡¯s settled then.¡±


    Kyle waited briefly to see if Cedric would argue further, but when he didn¡¯t, Kyle gave a polite farewell to Mr. Diggory and left St. Mungo¡¯s.


    ...


    When Kyle returned to the Ministry, someone was already waiting for him.


    ¡°How did it go? Were you hurt?¡± Chris asked.


    ¡°No,¡± Kyle replied simply.


    ¡°That¡¯s good,¡± Chris said, leading him toward the lift. ¡°Come on, I¡¯ll take you to the Auror''s office.¡±


    As the target of this recent attack by Death Eaters, Kyle knew he¡¯d have to give a full report.


    Once they reached the second floor, they stepped out of the lift and walked down a corridor plastered with wanted posters.


    ¡°The Minister takes this attack very seriously. We must find and capture the escaped Death Eater, no matter what!¡±


    Before they even reached the door, Kyle could hear Scrimgeour¡¯s voice, sharp and full of anger.


    ¡°And tell everyone to be on high alert. If the Death Eaters show up again, we must capture them¡­ Are we Aurors really no better than Kyle, who is barely seventeen?¡±


    At that moment, there was a knock at the door.


    Chris pushed it open and led Kyle inside.


    The Auror office was a chaotic yet fascinating space. Portraits covered nearly every inch of the walls, more than in the hallway outside. Desks and cabinets overflowed with piles of documents, while other areas were crammed with strange and magical items.


    Kyle¡¯s gaze caught on a large mirror next to Scrimgeour, showing the reflections of several people who weren¡¯t present in the room. On the windowsill sat a Sneakoscope the size of a Bludger, quietly spinning.


    ¡°You¡¯re here, Chris,¡± Scrimgeour said in a calmer tone.


    ¡°We didn¡¯t interrupt anything, did we?¡± Chris asked.


    ¡°No,¡± Scrimgeour replied with a wave of his hand. The Aurors in the room quickly filed out.


    ¡°I think this is the first time you¡¯ve been here,¡± Scrimgeour said, turning to Kyle. ¡°Just give a brief account of what happened¡ªit won¡¯t take long. Oh, sit down. Your father and I are good friends. Make yourself at home.¡±


    ¡°Okay,¡± Kyle said, finding a sofa with fewer documents and sitting down.


    ¡°So¡­¡± Scrimgeour pulled out a piece of parchment. ¡°How many Death Eaters were there this time?¡±


    ¡°Two,¡± Kyle answered without hesitation.


    Scrimgeour nodded, marking the parchment. ¡°Do you know who they were? Names or distinguishing characteristics?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know about the one who was captured,¡± Kyle said, ¡°but the witch who escaped¡ªI think her last name is Carrow.¡±


    ¡°Carrow¡­ a witch?¡± Scrimgeour mused. ¡°It must be Alecto Carrow. She and her brother, Amycus Carrow, were suspected Death Eaters seventeen years ago. At the time, they claimed they were under the Imperius Curse. Because there wasn¡¯t enough evidence, they escaped trial.¡±


    ¡°That wasn¡¯t uncommon back then,¡± Chris added, addressing Kyle. ¡°You-Know-Who¡¯s sudden downfall, combined with the chaos at the Ministry, made it impossible to arrest every pure-blood wizard. Many slipped through the cracks.¡±


    ¡°Yeah¡­ but not anymore,¡± Scrimgeour said firmly. ¡°Now, what happened after that? How did you defeat them?¡±


    Kyle had anticipated this question. Of course, he couldn¡¯t reveal the truth, but he¡¯d already crafted a convincing explanation.


    He altered the story, substituting the dragon with advanced fire magic supposedly taught to him by Dumbledore.


    Scrimgeour didn¡¯t doubt him. After all, Dumbledore¡¯s high regard for Kyle was well known, and it wasn¡¯t hard to believe he¡¯d taught the boy some powerful magic.


    However, Scrimgeour noted that the traces at the scene didn¡¯t match the kind of fire magic Kyle had used during the Triwizard Tournament, which had left a distinct path on the ground. Clearly, it was something else.


    After Kyle finished recounting his story, Scrimgeour reviewed the notes on the parchment and asked several more detailed questions. Kyle answered them all flawlessly.


    ¡°Sorry,¡± Scrimgeour said, looking up at Kyle after half an hour, his gaze shifting between Kyle and the three full sheets of parchment in front of him. ¡°Since the Death Eater has lost a portion of their memory, we¡¯re relying solely on your account of what happened.¡±


    As he spoke, his eyes flickered briefly with suspicion.


    ¡°The Death Eater did it himself,¡± Kyle replied calmly. ¡°When I was chasing him, I saw him use a Memory Charm on himself. You¡¯ll know for sure if you find his wand.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ve been looking,¡± Scrimgeour said.


    Chris frowned. ¡°Rufus, you don¡¯t think Kyle hid the wand, do you?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s all right,¡± Kyle said, pulling out his own wand and holding it out. ¡°I¡¯m willing to submit to a wand inspection.¡±


    ¡°No, don¡¯t get me wrong,¡± Scrimgeour said quickly, a small smile forming on his face. ¡°Those Death Eaters were trying to kill Kyle. There¡¯s no reason for him to do something like that, is there?"


    ¡°I suspect the Death Eaters were trying to hide something. We¡¯ve encountered this situation before¡ªDark Wizards using Memory Charms on themselves or destroying their wands before capture to cover up their crimes and avoid prosecution.¡±


    ¡°In that case, wouldn¡¯t the Ministry have no way to act against them?¡± Kyle asked.


    ¡°For the Ministry, examining a wand is a key part of the trial process¡ªit can reveal exactly which spells were cast. But it¡¯s not the only way,¡± Scrimgeour explained. ¡°The process just becomes a bit more complicated, since their actions don¡¯t vanish with the wand. And they can¡¯t erase everything¡ªthey can¡¯t use the Memory Charm on everyone. There¡¯s always evidence left behind.¡±


    ¡°Wait...¡± Chris suddenly perked up, an idea forming. ¡°If a Death Eater uses a Memory Charm on themselves, couldn¡¯t we use that to find their headquarters or accomplices?¡±


    Scrimgeour hesitated for a moment, his expression guarded, but he finally said in a low voice, ¡°I wasn¡¯t supposed to tell you this, but¡­ fortunately, the Death Eater had significant memories in that area. A single Memory Charm wasn¡¯t enough to erase them all.¡±


    ¡°So you found something?¡± Chris pressed.


    ¡°Yes,¡± Scrimgeour admitted. ¡°Using some special methods, we discovered from the Death Eater that he had been in an alley in Wiltshire with five other Death Eaters.¡±


    ¡°Do you need any help?¡± Chris asked, his tone turning serious.


    ¡°Thanks, Chris,¡± Scrimgeour said with a sigh. ¡°But when I led a team of Aurors there half an hour ago, the Death Eaters were already gone."


    ¡°Apparently, they¡¯d heard about their comrade¡¯s capture and fled in advance.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s a real shame,¡± Chris said, shaking his head.


    ¡°Never mind,¡± Scrimgeour replied firmly. ¡°We¡¯ll catch them eventually.¡±


    Several Aurors hurried in at the sound of the door.


    Chris rose from his chair. ¡°Rufus, if there¡¯s nothing else¡­¡±


    ¡°The questions have been answered,¡± Scrimgeour said, waving them off. ¡°Go ahead. And Kyle, if you¡¯re ever interested, you¡¯d be welcome in the Auror office.¡±


    ¡°Okay,¡± Kyle said with a nod.


    With that, Kyle and Chris left the room and made their way back to the elevator, heading down to the Committee for the Disposal of Dangerous Creatures.


    ...


    ¡°That was close.¡± S§×ar?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    As the office door clicked shut behind them, Chris turned to Kyle with a knowing look.


    ¡°If I¡¯m not mistaken, you used the Memory Charm, didn¡¯t you?¡±


    ¡°Why do you say that?¡± Kyle asked, his expression neutral.


    ¡°Do you think so little of me that I wouldn¡¯t recognize a dragon¡¯s fire?¡± Chris raised an eyebrow.


    Kyle chuckled. ¡°Hehe, there was no choice. In that situation, you definitely need some help.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not blaming you,¡± Chris said, ¡°and I¡¯ve already covered for you. I told Scrimgeour the traces at the scene were from a type of magical fire.¡±


    ¡°And he believed you?¡±


    ¡°I think so,¡± Chris replied. ¡°Different types of dragons produce different flames. The Norwegian Ridgeback, for instance, relies more on its physical strength for hunting, so its fire is slightly weaker than that of other dragons."


    ¡°Scrimgeour has never seen the flames of a Norwegian Ridgeback, so of course he didn¡¯t suspect anything.¡±


    ¡°Thank you,¡± Kyle said, letting out a sigh of relief. ¡°I didn¡¯t have a choice. Even though I¡¯m confident I could outrun the situation with the speed of a Firebolt, Cedric was still there, and I couldn¡¯t just leave him behind.¡±


    ¡°I understand,¡± Chris said, waving a hand dismissively. ¡°Otherwise, I wouldn¡¯t have volunteered to cover for you. But you¡¯re being reckless. What if Scrimgeour really had inspected your wand?¡±


    ¡°He won¡¯t,¡± Kyle said confidently. ¡°Even though I¡¯m not particularly fond of the Senior Assistant to the Minister for Magic position, I have to admit that it can be very convenient sometimes."


    ¡°And even if Scrimgeour didn¡¯t care about that and insisted on inspecting my wand, it wouldn¡¯t matter. I don¡¯t need a wand for my Memory Charm.¡±


    ¡°Casting a Memory Charm without a wand?¡± Chris asked, visibly surprised.


    ¡°Yes,¡± Kyle replied. ¡°I¡¯m just not very skilled at it, so the process might be a bit¡­ rough.¡±


    Chris frowned. The Memory Charm was an advanced piece of magic, and casting it wandlessly was risky. Even Dumbledore wouldn¡¯t typically cast a Memory Charm without a wand.


    Then again, a Death Eater? That¡¯s fine.


    Kyle didn¡¯t go anywhere else after that and ended up spending a long time in Chris¡¯s office. By the time he stepped out, the sky had already darkened into evening.


    ¡°There¡¯s a lot of work piling up today, so I might not be home for a while,¡± Chris said as he walked Kyle to the elevator. ¡°Go straight to 12 Grimmauld Place. Molly heard you were back and has prepared a big birthday dinner for you and Harry."


    ¡°Your mother will be there too. Oh, and don¡¯t mention the Death Eater attack. She doesn¡¯t know yet.¡±


    ¡°Are you sure she doesn¡¯t know?¡± Kyle asked skeptically.


    Chris hesitated, then said, ¡°Anyway, just pretend she doesn¡¯t know.¡±


    ¡°Okay,¡± Kyle agreed, but added, ¡°but just so we¡¯re clear, if she asks why I¡¯m hiding it, I¡¯ll definitely blame it on you.¡±


    Chris stared at him in disbelief.


    ¡°Don¡¯t look at me like that. I¡¯m scared too,¡± Kyle said with a shrug.


    The elevator doors slid shut before Chris could reply.


    Since the Ministry wasn¡¯t yet closed, the lifts weren¡¯t crowded. Kyle quickly found himself in the bustling main hall.


    As usual, the hall was filled with witches and wizards going about their business.


    ¡°Kyle, when did you get back?¡± a passing wizard called out cheerfully.


    ¡°This afternoon, Professor Tofty,¡± Kyle replied, recognizing the elderly man from the Wizarding Examinations Authority who had overseen his OWL exams in Charms, Astronomy, and History of Magic.


    ¡°Oh, Kyle?¡± came another familiar voice.


    It was Lupin, striding toward him. For once, Lupin was dressed in a well-fitted navy-blue robe, a far cry from the patched and faded one he usually wore.


    He reached Kyle quickly.


    ¡°Thank you. I¡¯ve heard from Sirius...¡± Lupin said, his tone carrying a hint of excitement. ¡°I never thought I¡¯d ever have the chance to work in the Ministry of Magic¡ªlet alone as an Auror.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re welcome, Professor Lupin,¡± Kyle replied with a smile. He then noticed someone standing behind Lupin, wrapped tightly in a cloak. Curious, he asked, ¡°What are you doing?¡±


    ¡°Oh, just another impostor,¡± Lupin said calmly. ¡°Caught him in Knockturn Alley. He used Polyjuice Potion to disguise himself and tried to pass off some rags under a Freezing Charm as valuable items to claim Galleons.¡±


    ¡°According to protocol, I need to take him to the holding cell.¡±


    The holding cell was part of the makeshift Azkaban established by the Ministry of Magic. It housed captured dark wizards, fraudsters, and others attempting to deceive with magical forgeries.


    ¡°How many fake items did he have?¡± Kyle asked.


    ¡°Thirty,¡± Lupin replied.


    ¡°Three thousand Galleons...¡± Kyle said, glancing at the wizard. ¡°Quite an appetite.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s why he¡¯ll be staying there for thirty days¡ªwith the Dementors,¡± Lupin remarked.


    At the mention of Dementors, the previously calm wizard began to thrash and struggle.


    ¡°Let go of me! Let go of me!¡± he shouted desperately. ¡°I won¡¯t go! I don¡¯t want to be locked up with Dementors!¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t get a choice,¡± Lupin said, flicking his wand. Ropes floated into the air and coiled around the man, binding him tightly.


    ¡°Please,¡± the man begged, his voice trembling. ¡°I¡¯ll pay anything¡ªjust don¡¯t lock me up with a Dementor!¡±


    ¡°Unless you¡¯d like to purchase one of the fake items you were trying to sell,¡± Lupin said dryly, giving him a pointed look. ¡°One per day. The terms are clear; I don¡¯t need to explain further.¡±


    ¡°But you didn¡¯t say there were Dementors there!¡± the man wailed.


    The other people in the hall, clearly accustomed to scenes like this, barely gave him a glance before returning to their own business.


    ¡°Oh, didn¡¯t anyone in Knockturn Alley tell you?¡± Lupin asked, his tone light. ¡°The Dementors are captured and imprisoned there as well. Strange, considering how many people in Knockturn Alley seem to know you.¡±


    The man fell silent for a moment, then erupted in fury, shouting, ¡°Damn it! Those bastards, scum, filthy idiots¡ª¡±


    Lupin, entirely unbothered, tightened his grip on the ropes and began dragging the man away.


    ¡°Kyle, I¡¯ll see you later,¡± Lupin said over his shoulder.


    ¡°See you later,¡± Kyle replied, waving after him.

 Chapter 707: Birthday Gift

    As the headquarters of the Order of the Phoenix, 12 Grimmauld Place had rarely been so lively.


    The house was impeccably clean; even the picture frames had been polished and adorned with colorful decorations.


    Mrs. Black''s shrill tirades did little to deter Fred, who had cheekily placed a red pointed hat on her frame. Kreacher, for his part, pretended not to notice, lightly banging his head with his broom as he closed his eyes and trudged upstairs.


    Pointed hats in every color dotted the house, while streamers lined the walls and windows. The ceiling was adorned with flying Unicorns and Phoenixes made of balloons, adding a magical charm to the festive air.


    As Kyle opened the door, Fred and George were laughing, tossing fireworks into the air. The fireworks burst against the ceiling, releasing seventeen winged golden pixies that fluttered around Kyle with cheerful energy.


    ¡°Don¡¯t play with fireworks in the house¡­¡± Mrs. Weasley admonished the twins, her tone striking a balance between stern and indulgent. She then approached Kyle with a warm embrace. ¡°Thank goodness you¡¯re back. Today is a big day¡­ Happy birthday, dear.¡±


    ¡°Yes, it¡¯s very important,¡± Fred added with a grin.


    ¡°After today, you¡¯ll be considered an adult wizard,¡± George chimed in.


    At seventeen, wizards reached adulthood, and today marked Kyle¡¯s seventeenth birthday. Starting tomorrow, the restrictions on underage magic¡ªparticularly the rule forbidding wizards from using magic outside school¡ªwould no longer apply to him.


    This meant he could use magic freely without fear of repercussions, though he had already bent the rules several times. That morning¡¯s encounter with Death Eaters and his earlier confrontation with Dementors had gone unpunished, thanks to the leniency of Auror Office Director Scrimgeour and others who turned a blind eye in light of his impending birthday. If it had been a year earlier, Fudge would never have allowed him to act against the Dementors. But now, such concerns would soon be behind him.


    ¡°Don¡¯t just stand there in the doorway; come on in,¡± Fred and George insisted, dragging Kyle to the dining room.


    Dinner was nearly ready, and Mrs. Weasley had hung two vibrant red banners over the lavishly set table. One read:


    The other said:


    Today wasn¡¯t just Kyle¡¯s birthday¡ªit was also Harry¡¯s, though he was turning sixteen. The coincidence made the day even more special, and nearly everyone from the Order of the Phoenix had gathered to celebrate.


    The first to arrive were Lupin, Mr. Weasley, Tonks, and Kingsley, who returned together after their workday at the Ministry of Magic. Moody and Mundungus followed soon after. Despite Mrs. Weasley¡¯s usual disapproval of the thief, she made no comment today¡ªit was, after all, a special occasion.


    With so many people gathered, the atmosphere was electric. For once, no one spoke of Voldemort or the Death Eaters. Instead, laughter filled the room as everyone enjoyed each other¡¯s company.


    Around eight o¡¯clock, the door opened again, and Diana and Chris entered.


    ¡°Oh, Diana, I¡¯m so glad to see you! I thought you¡¯d be stuck at the Ministry again,¡± Mrs. Weasley exclaimed, hurrying over to greet them. ¡°Today is Kyle¡¯s coming-of-age day. It would have been a shame to miss it.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re right, Molly,¡± Diana replied with a warm smile. ¡°I made sure I¡¯d be back.¡±


    ¡°But won¡¯t there be problems at work?¡± Mrs. Weasley asked, her tone laced with concern.


    Diana, understanding the reference to the Department of Mysteries, reassured her. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, my colleagues are very understanding.¡±


    ...


    By eight o¡¯clock, everyone was seated around the table. Mrs. Weasley was in high spirits; she hadn¡¯t been this cheerful all holiday.


    ¡°Before we eat, I think we have one more important thing to do,¡± she announced, pulling out two beautifully wrapped boxes and handing them to Kyle and Harry.


    ¡°They¡¯re presents¡ªhappy birthday!¡±


    ¡°Thank you,¡± Kyle said, smiling as he accepted his gift. Inside the box was a watch with a gold dial depicting planets. When he put it on, the strap adjusted perfectly to his wrist.


    Harry¡¯s watch, while different in design, resembled a Golden Snitch. It was clear both watches had been chosen with care by Mrs. Weasley.


    Afterward, the others began presenting their gifts.


    Fred and George handed over a large bag filled with the best-selling items from Weasleys¡¯ Wizard Wheezes.


    Moody gifted them a Sneakoscope, insisting they needed to remain vigilant for dark wizards or Death Eaters lurking in the shadows.


    Lupin gave them ties, the latest models from Madam Malkin¡¯s Robes. He admitted, somewhat sheepishly, that he¡¯d taken an advance on his salary to afford them.


    Mundungus, whom Kyle barely knew, presented two pieces of silver jewelry. While Kyle suspected their origins might not be entirely legitimate, he still expressed his thanks.


    Tonks¡¯s gift was a bottle of magical hair dye capable of temporarily changing hair color at will¡ªa simple version of a Metamorphmagus ability. Harry immediately tried it out, turning his hair bright red, and excitedly asked Ron if it suited him.


    Kyle, on the other hand, felt slightly embarrassed and discreetly pocketed the hair dye, which earned a disappointed look from Diana. She had clearly hoped to see him experiment with a new hair color.


    Once everyone had shared their gifts, Diana presented hers. She handed Harry an album containing several sheets of parchment.


    ¡°I¡¯ve gathered every photo I could find of Lily,¡± she explained, giving the album to Harry. ¡°There are seventeen pictures in total, from when she started school to when she graduated, and then from her wedding to James.¡±


    ¡°Thank you,¡± Harry said, his voice filled with emotion. He clutched the album tightly, clearly eager to look at it but aware that this wasn¡¯t the moment.


    Diana then turned to Kyle, handing him a stack of parchment.


    ¡°The writing will vanish tomorrow, so you¡¯ll need to read it quickly,¡± she said. ¡°Also, if a second person tries to read it, the writing will disappear immediately.¡±


    Kyle examined the parchment, which felt like the ordinary kind sold in Diagon Alley. But as he glanced at the top line of text, his eyes widened:


    His mouth twitched, and he quickly folded the parchment shut. Remembering Diana¡¯s warning, he noticed everyone else had tactfully turned away, though Mundungus hesitated for a moment. Sirius, sitting nearby, placed an arm firmly around Mundungus¡¯s neck, ensuring his attention was elsewhere.


    Conversation resumed only after Kyle had securely stowed the parchment.


    ¡°Haha, finally, it¡¯s my turn,¡± Sirius declared, rubbing his hands together.


    True to his reputation as a spendthrift, Sirius¡¯s gift was extravagant but somewhat predictable: a solid gold Quaffle.


    ¡°Sirius¡­¡± Lupin sighed, rubbing his forehead. ¡°You¡¯ve been moping for three days, and is what you call a surprise?¡±


    ¡°Is it not good?¡± Sirius blinked, looking genuinely puzzled. ¡°Kyle¡¯s a Chaser. I thought this was a very suitable gift... Oh, and it has other functions as well.¡±


    Sirius slammed the Golden Quaffle onto the table, and a booming roar echoed through the dining hall:


    The entire room fell silent. Everyone exchanged glances, and the atmosphere turned awkward.


    Kyle stared at the gleaming gold ball in front of him. For reasons he couldn¡¯t quite articulate, he suddenly didn¡¯t want it.


    he tried convincing himself as he forced a smile. ¡°Thanks, Sirius.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re welcome. I¡¯m glad you like it.¡±


    Kyle laughed weakly.


    ¡°Oh, by the way, Harry, I¡¯ve got a present for you too,¡± Sirius said, seizing the chance to shift the focus. He pulled out a small suitcase.


    ¡°This has the Undetectable Extension Charm. It¡¯s about the size of a broomstick case, so it¡¯s not huge, but it can hold plenty. Should make school life easier for you.¡±


    ¡°Thanks!¡± Harry said, his eyes lighting up as he took the suitcase.


    He¡¯d always envied Kyle¡¯s ability to travel light, compared to his own yearly struggle carting a mountain of luggage. However, as he looked at the small, practical suitcase, he suddenly felt self-conscious about the gift he had prepared for Kyle: a set of Quidditch models.


    Quick-thinking, Harry pulled another item from his pocket and used a Transfiguration Spell to conjure an elegant package.


    ¡°This is the gift I prepared,¡± he said, handing it to Kyle.


    Kyle opened the box, and yet another flash of gold lit the room. Inside was a pile of Galleons¡ªabout a hundred¡ªwith a few silver Sickles mixed in.


    Kyle raised an eyebrow. Sometimes he wondered if Harry had been influenced by Sirius¡¯s extravagant tendencies or if this was some bizarre payback or something he¡¯d done to upset Lily. Either way, Harry was starting to resemble his godfather in some ways.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t really know what you liked,¡± Harry said, blushing slightly. ¡°I hope you don¡¯t mind.¡±


    ¡°Of course not,¡± Kyle said with a grin.


    Though the gift wasn¡¯t particularly creative, it suited him just fine. He had a soft spot for ¡°vulgar¡± gifts like this.


    Seeing Kyle smile as he pocketed the Galleons, Harry exhaled in relief. He had just withdrawn that money from Gringotts yesterday, and now it was gone. Still, he figured he could replenish it before the school term began.


    With the gift-giving complete, the atmosphere grew even livelier. Laughter filled the room as everyone tucked into the delicious food, their conversations turning naturally to recent events.


    ¡°Sirius, I¡¯ve noticed a lot of people heading to the Ministry recently. How much is left of your donation?¡± Fred asked curiously.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± Sirius replied, sipping his brandy. ¡°You¡¯d have to ask Remus about that.¡±


    Fred turned to Lupin.


    ¡°I think there¡¯s still about 3,000 Galleons left. I haven¡¯t checked closely,¡± Lupin said casually.


    ¡°How is there still so much?¡± Sirius looked astonished.


    He¡¯d initially donated 5,000 Galleons, a fifth of which had been split between the Auror¡¯s Office and the Committee for the Disposal of Dangerous Creatures. He hadn¡¯t expected so much to remain.


    ¡°We have Knockturn Alley to thank for that,¡± Lupin said, chuckling. ¡°Almost every day, someone from there comes to claim the reward with a fake cloak. Naturally, we arrest them on the spot."


    ¡°Most of them can¡¯t handle being in a cell with Dementors, so they end up buying back their own fake cloaks with Galleons, which we then use to pay the rewards.¡±


    ¡°Every day?¡± Hermione asked, puzzled. ¡°Wouldn¡¯t the people in Knockturn Alley warn each other?¡±


    ¡°Not at all,¡± Lupin replied. ¡°Some even brag about getting Galleons after paying their way out, which only encourages more to try their luck.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Hermione stared, bewildered.


    ¡°It¡¯s simple,¡± Mr. Weasley explained. ¡°Places like Knockturn Alley operate on selfish interests, not friendships. If someone¡¯s been duped, they¡¯ll do everything they can to make sure no one else succeeds either."


    ¡°They might even actively lure others into the same trap out of spite.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s exactly it,¡± Lupin said with a grin. ¡°In the past few days, the Galleons they¡¯ve contributed have almost surpassed Sirius¡¯s original donation.¡±


    Hermione seemed at a loss for words, clearly baffled by such behavior. The others, however, took it in stride.


    Knockturn Alley, after all, was known for such antics.


    ...


    Everyone enjoyed the meal, with bottle after bottle of Firewhiskey and Brandy being opened. Even Kyle had his fair share, finally able to partake now that he was of age.


    It wasn¡¯t until nearly ten o¡¯clock that the adults set their glasses down, visibly content yet unsteady on their feet. With much to do the next day, most of the guests chose not to stay overnight and began leaving one by one.


    Diana, too, had to return to the Department of Mysteries. Kyle had anticipated that she might say something to him about the attack or ask him questions, but she didn¡¯t. Instead, she gave him a hug and whispered:


    ¡°I know everything. You did a good job. Sometimes magical creatures are more useful than wands."


    ¡°But next time, don¡¯t rely solely on the Dragon¡ªa Basilisk would be safer. And don¡¯t forget to read what I gave you as soon as possible.¡±


    ¡°Okay,¡± Kyle nodded.


    By half-past ten, most of the guests had departed. Mrs. Weasley, along with Bill and Charlie, was in the kitchen, tidying up. Meanwhile, Lupin, Sirius, Chris, and Mr. Weasley had gathered in a corner, chatting quietly over a newly opened bottle of Brandy.


    Fred approached Kyle and slung an arm over his shoulder.


    ¡°Kyle, how¡¯s Cedric?¡±


    ¡°How do you know he¡¯s hurt?¡± Kyle asked, surprised.


    ¡°We heard from the Ministry, of course,¡± George said, joining them. ¡°Don¡¯t forget, we¡¯re Ministry employees now. We know a lot of people.¡±


    ¡°But Mum doesn¡¯t know yet,¡± Fred added, glancing toward the kitchen. ¡°It¡¯s your birthday, and we figured it¡¯d be best to keep it to ourselves for now.¡±


    Kyle smiled. ¡°Cedric should be fine by now. Didn¡¯t you go to see him?¡±


    ¡°We did,¡± George said. ¡°But it was a wasted trip. The Healers at St. Mungo¡¯s said he¡¯d already been discharged and gone home.¡±


    The three of them made their way into the living room, preparing to head upstairs for the night.


    For some reason¡ªperhaps to spend more time with Mr. Weasley¡ªChris and Kyle decided to stay overnight and return home the next day. But as they reached the staircase, they noticed someone standing in the living room. Sear?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Dumbledore.


    The headmaster was there, smiling warmly.


    ¡°Professor Dumbledore?¡±


    ¡°A wizard¡¯s coming of age is a significant event,¡± Dumbledore said, producing a box. ¡°I thought it important to be here.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Professor,¡± Kyle said, though he sounded slightly puzzled.


    ¡°No need to thank me,¡± Dumbledore said, shaking his head. ¡°Truthfully, I forgot to bring a gift. My memory isn¡¯t what it used to be. I hope you¡¯ll forgive me¡ªI¡¯ll make it up to you later.¡±


    ¡°And this,¡± he added, holding up the box, ¡°is Miss Prince¡¯s gift.¡±


    ¡°Miss Prince?¡±


    ¡°I happened to see a seagull circling aimlessly near the house when I arrived,¡± Dumbledore explained. ¡°It seemed to be searching for a place to land. I guessed it was delivering this.¡±


    ¡°A seagull?¡± Fred asked, raising an eyebrow. ¡°Shouldn¡¯t it be an owl?¡±


    ¡°In many countries, seagulls serve as messengers,¡± Dumbledore said with a smile. ¡°They¡¯re particularly skilled at crossing the sea¡ªbetter than owls in some cases.¡±


    At that moment, the sound of voices drew Sirius and the others from the corner. They approached, surprised to see Dumbledore.


    ¡°Oh, Dumbledore!¡± Sirius exclaimed.


    ¡°I¡¯m glad to see you, Professor,¡± Mrs. Weasley said, her tone bright. ¡°Have you had dinner yet? If not, I can make you an orange marmalade pie.¡±


    ¡°As much as I¡¯d like to say you shouldn¡¯t go to the trouble,¡± Dumbledore replied with a twinkle in his eye, ¡°I find I cannot resist a warm pie.¡±


    He followed Mrs. Weasley into the kitchen.


    ¡°Professor Dumbledore,¡± Sirius called after him, holding up the Brandy bottle. ¡°Would you like a glass? Authentic Dragon Brandy.¡±


    ¡°Oh, yes, please.¡±

 Chapter 708: A Letter

    ¡°What did Kanna give you?¡±


    ¡°Open it and see.¡±


    As soon as Dumbledore left the room, Fred and George flanked Kyle, their expressions teasing and full of curiosity.


    Kyle didn¡¯t hesitate and opened the box. Inside was a robe, but it was unlike the typical English style. This one was ornate, resembling a tuxedo-style robe.


    The fabric was brown with a unique light-colored pattern. At first glance, it seemed like a design, but a closer look revealed the pattern was due to the fabric itself, which was woven with two colors¡ªbrown at the edges and light gray in the center¡ªcreating a distinctive appearance.


    ¡°I saw a scarf in Hogsmeade once made from a material like this,¡± Fred said thoughtfully.


    George nodded, adding, ¡°Yeah, I remember the shopkeeper saying it was made from the neck hair of some rare magical creature. What was it called? Lyk¡­ Leu something¡­¡±


    ¡°Leucrotta,¡± Kyle supplied.


    ¡°Yes, that¡¯s the name!¡± Fred exclaimed.


    A Leucrotta was a large magical creature resembling a moose, notable for its enormous mouth, capable of swallowing a cow whole. Despite its intimidating size and features, it was a herbivore with a gentle temperament. While not rare globally, Leucrottas were uncommon in the UK.


    ¡°Anyway, where¡¯s Kanna?¡± George asked. ¡°We¡¯ve written her so many letters, but she hasn¡¯t replied to a single one.¡±


    ¡°Kyle, do you know?¡±


    ¡°All I know is that Snape took her to the Most Extraordinary Society of Potioneers for her exams,¡± Kyle replied with a shrug. ¡°But I¡¯m not sure where exactly. I haven¡¯t heard back from her, either."


    ¡°My guess is Northern Europe,¡± he added.


    This assumption was based on the fact that Leucrottas preferred cold climates. Wizards in countries like Denmark or Norway prized Leucrotta wool for its exceptional warmth, often using it for robes and cloaks.


    ¡°I hope she passes,¡± Fred said earnestly.


    ¡°Yeah, we¡¯ll find out when school starts,¡± George said, then nudged Kyle. ¡°Come on, try it on.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s August,¡± Kyle replied incredulously. ¡°You want me to wear ?¡±


    ¡°Just for a moment!¡± Fred insisted. ¡°You don¡¯t have to keep it on.¡±


    ¡°Fine,¡± Kyle sighed, giving in to their eager expressions. He took out the robe and slipped it on.


    It fit perfectly, as if it had been custom-tailored for him. S§×ar?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°That¡¯s strange,¡± Kyle said, straightening the robe. ¡°Why don¡¯t I feel hot?¡±


    ¡°Hot?!¡± Fred shivered, rubbing his arms. ¡°It¡¯s freezing all of a sudden¡­¡±


    George pulled his sleeves down. ¡°What¡¯s going on? Is it winter already?¡±


    Before they could ponder further, a panicked scream echoed from upstairs.


    Kyle¡¯s face changed as realization struck him. He spun around and bolted for the stairs.


    ¡°How could I forget something so important!¡± he muttered, berating himself.


    Without wasting time, Kyle Apparated directly to Harry¡¯s room on the third floor and burst through the door.


    Sure enough, inside the room, a Dementor floated eerily in midair. In the corner, Harry, Ron, and Hermione were huddled together, trembling and clutching one another.


    The Dementor turned its head, sensing Kyle¡¯s presence, and began to float toward him.


    ¡°Don¡¯t come in!¡± Hermione screamed. ¡°There¡¯s a Dementor here!¡±


    But her voice faltered abruptly as she watched Kyle calmly open his suitcase. To her shock, the Dementor floated obediently into the suitcase as if it were a natural action. The entire process was so smooth, it looked routine.


    Hermione stood frozen, her mouth slightly open.


    She was utterly bewildered.


    ¡°Sorry,¡± Kyle said, looking a bit sheepish. ¡°I used this suitcase to temporarily lock the Dementor in, but then things got busy, and I forgot about it.¡±


    ¡°No, it¡¯s okay...¡± Harry said shakily, pulling himself to his feet.


    In truth, Harry wasn¡¯t as scared of Dementors as he once was¡ªLupin¡¯s lessons had seen to that¡ªbut the suddenness of this encounter had caught him off guard. He had opened the suitcase, intending to store something, only for a Dementor to emerge right in front of his face. Seeing its skull-like visage beneath the cloak had been enough to unnerve anyone. Honestly, it was a small miracle he hadn¡¯t fainted.


    ¡°But Kyle,¡± Harry asked, still rattled, ¡°why are you carrying a Dementor around with you?¡±


    ¡°I caught it,¡± Kyle explained. ¡°I was going to turn it in to the Ministry of Magic, but, as I said, I forgot.¡±


    ¡°What happened?!¡±


    The commotion had drawn the adults upstairs. Sirius was the first to burst into the room, scanning it quickly before asking, ¡°Are you all okay?¡±


    ¡°Ah, no,¡± Harry said quickly, glancing at Kyle and forcing a calm expression. ¡°We accidentally opened a joke prop earlier, and Ron got scared.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, that¡¯s right,¡± Ron chimed in with a nervous nod.


    ¡°A joke prop?¡± Sirius looked around skeptically. ¡°That¡¯s odd... it¡¯s so cold, it feels like... a Dementor''s Chill¡­¡±


    ¡°I guess it must be something like a Snowfall Spell,¡± Kyle said, hoping to steer the conversation elsewhere.


    Sirius looked thoughtful. ¡°Snowfall Spell... yeah, those were popular ten years ago. They could cover a tree in snow in seconds.¡±


    Dumbledore chose that moment to step into the room, his expression calm and nostalgic. ¡°Ah, yes, a wonderful little charm. Quite the rage a decade ago. But I must warn you, Mr. Weasley¡ªProfessor McGonagall would never approve of bringing such things into Hogwarts.¡±


    ¡°Ah, really?¡± Fred said, utterly lost but quick to reply. ¡°Then we won¡¯t sell them.¡±


    ¡°Absolutely not,¡± George added, playing along. ¡°We¡¯ll definitely make sure they¡¯re off the shelves.¡±


    ¡°That would be wise,¡± Dumbledore said with a small smile before turning to Sirius. ¡°Sirius, if I may, I¡¯d like a glass of Firewhiskey to warm me up.¡±


    ¡°No problem, Professor,¡± Sirius said. ¡°I think we¡¯ve got a few bottles of aged Firewhiskey in the cellar.¡±


    The adults left the room again, and Harry let out a deep breath.


    ¡°Do you think Professor Dumbledore knows?¡± he asked nervously.


    ¡°Of course he knows,¡± Hermione said firmly. ¡°Nothing gets past Dumbledore.¡±


    ¡°Then why didn¡¯t he say anything?¡± Ron asked, confused.


    ¡°I think he didn¡¯t want to cause a panic,¡± Kyle said thoughtfully. ¡°After all, Sirius still has nightmares about Dementors. Anyway, thanks for covering for me.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s no big deal¡ªwe¡¯re friends,¡± Harry said casually, though his gaze flicked back to the suitcase. ¡°There¡¯s nothing else in there, is there?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry,¡± Kyle assured him. ¡°There¡¯s definitely nothing else in there. But if you¡¯re worried, I can exchange it for another suitcase.¡±


    ¡°No, no,¡± Harry said quickly, waving his hands. ¡°As long as there¡¯s nothing else in there, I quite like it.¡±


    Still, Harry couldn¡¯t help but add, ¡°But Kyle, how can you sleep at night with a Dementor nearby?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s just for one night,¡± Kyle said with a shrug. ¡°I¡¯ll hand it over to the Ministry tomorrow.¡±


    ¡°Okay, if you say so,¡± Harry relented, though he still looked uneasy.


    Hermione, meanwhile, was eyeing Kyle¡¯s robe. ¡°That¡¯s a really nice robe. Did you get it from Madam Malkin¡¯s? I didn¡¯t see anything like it when I was there the other day.¡±


    ¡°Oh, it was a gift from Kanna while she was abroad,¡± Kyle explained, taking off the robe as he spoke.


    With the Dementor gone, the chill in the air had vanished, and the warming properties of the Leucrotta wool were kicking in. Within minutes, Kyle was sweating.


    ¡°No wonder,¡± Hermione said, giving the robe an admiring glance before turning her attention back to Harry.


    Harry invited Kyle to stay and play wizard chess, but Kyle declined. He had more pressing matters to attend to and didn¡¯t want to waste time.


    Harry then turned to Fred and George, but they too refused. Dumbledore¡¯s mention of the Snowfall Spell had sparked an idea, and the twins were already plotting how to recreate the charm.


    ¡°Anything Dumbledore remembers fondly has to be a hit,¡± Fred said as they left the room, determination in their eyes.


    ¡°Exactly,¡± George agreed. ¡°We¡¯ll figure it out tonight.¡±


    And with that, they disappeared into their workshop, ready to bring another brilliant Weasley product to life.


    ...


    Sirius had prepared a room for Kyle on the third floor, conveniently located next to Harry''s¡ªjust a short walk away.


    Once Kyle returned to his room, he carefully closed the door and sat down at the table. Feeling a touch of excitement, he retrieved the parchments he had been keeping in his pocket.


    Anything associated with the legendary wizard Merlin would unsettle even the calmest wizard. And though Kyle had previously met the Founders of Hogwarts and engaged in a face-to-face conversation with Rowena Ravenclaw, he was no exception.


    The Founders were undeniably great wizards, but no one would exclaim, in a moment of awe. In a way, Merlin''s name had become an irreplaceable symbol of unparalleled magic and greatness.


    At the dinner table earlier, Kyle had only skimmed the parchments before tucking them away. Now, as he unfolded them, he counted five in total.


    The top parchment, however, bore only the single line of text he had noticed earlier¡ªlikely a protective measure to obscure the actual content from prying eyes. The bottom parchment was similarly blank.


    After all, Diana had warned him that if a second person viewed the parchments, their contents would instantly vanish.


    Setting aside the blank pieces, Kyle focused on the one containing the letter about Merlin.


    Of course, the letter in his hands wasn¡¯t the original. The parchment was clearly new and bore the telltale signs of magical reproduction. But that detail was irrelevant.


    Kyle could tell at a glance that this was a genuine copy of an original letter from Merlin.


    The text on the parchment was entirely in ancient Runes¡ªthe most intricate and unsimplified form of the script. These were not the modified Runes popularized by Rowena Ravenclaw in the Middle Ages but the complex originals.


    This presented a significant challenge. While Kyle had studied Runes with the help of Riddle, Professor Babbling, and textbooks, all of those sources used simplified versions.


    Merlin, though also a medieval wizard, predated the Founders of Hogwarts by at least 500 years. His use of this primordial Runic script created a considerable barrier for Kyle.


    As he attempted to read, his temples began to throb. The sentences were riddled with words he didn¡¯t recognize¡ªwords so unfamiliar he couldn¡¯t even make educated guesses about their meanings.


    Initially, Kyle planned to memorize the text for later study. But he quickly discovered that wasn¡¯t possible.


    The words seemed to slip from his memory as soon as he read them, as if they had sprouted wings and flown away.


    Frustrated but determined, Kyle grabbed a fresh piece of parchment and tried to copy the text. Yet, when he examined his work, he realized it was completely incorrect. None of the Runes on his copy matched the original.


    Kyle was confident the error wasn¡¯t his fault. He had meticulously copied the text, rune by rune, so there was no way he could have made such glaring mistakes.


    The only plausible explanation was that the parchments were enchanted¡ªimbued with magic that prevented any form of duplication or transcription.


    Resigned, Kyle carefully put the parchments away and headed downstairs to find Sirius.


    ...


    ¡°Runes translation?¡± Sirius asked, eyeing Kyle suspiciously. ¡°What do you need something like that for?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve got something, but I can¡¯t read it,¡± Kyle explained.


    He wasn¡¯t entirely sure if the Black family¡¯s private library held anything that might help, but there was no harm in trying. Being one of the oldest pure-blood families, it seemed likely they would.


    ¡°Primitive Runes?¡± Dumbledore, sipping wine nearby, glanced at Kyle thoughtfully. ¡°It seems you¡¯ve received quite an extraordinary birthday present,¡± he said softly.


    Since everyone present was trustworthy, Kyle saw no need to hide the truth.


    ¡°Yes, but¡ª¡± he began, only to realize he couldn¡¯t speak the words.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it,¡± Dumbledore said, unfazed. ¡°Everything connected to the Department of Mysteries has peculiar restrictions like this. Even I occasionally find myself unable to share certain things I know. But these limitations don¡¯t last forever.¡±


    Hearing this, Kyle nodded and refrained from trying to explain further.


    Sirius, who had been considering Kyle¡¯s request, finally chimed in. ¡°The Blacks should have quite a few books related to Runes, though I¡¯m not sure if any of them are what you need. I¡¯ll have Kreacher bring all the relevant ones here, and you can sort through them yourself.¡±


    ¡°That won¡¯t be necessary,¡± Dumbledore said, standing. ¡°If it¡¯s the oldest Runes translation you¡¯re after, I happen to have one. Just give me a moment.¡±


    With that, Dumbledore vanished.


    Five minutes later, he reappeared in the dining room, holding a worn, ancient book.


    ¡°I¡¯ve been trying to think of a gift for you, but now I don¡¯t have to,¡± he said, handing it to Kyle.


    Kyle accepted the book, feeling its age in his hands. The pages inside were faded and well-thumbed, proof that it had been heavily used. But it was exactly what he needed: a comparative chart of original and simplified Runes.


    ¡°Thank you, Professor,¡± Kyle said earnestly.


    ¡°You¡¯re welcome,¡± Dumbledore replied. ¡°Now, return quickly. If I¡¯m not mistaken, what you¡¯ve obtained likely has a time limit.¡±


    Kyle nodded, then used Apparition to return to his room on the third floor.


    With the reference book in hand, deciphering the parchment¡¯s content became more manageable. Though he had to look up nearly every other word, it was enough to make progress.


    More importantly, Kyle discovered that the letter was instructional¡ªMerlin was teaching someone how to use the Shield Charm. It referred to the spell as the ¡°Defensive Charm,¡± though Kyle wasn¡¯t sure if that was a translation issue. Based on the description, its effects seemed similar.


    ¡°Earth is the key¡­¡±


    ¡°No,¡± Kyle murmured, shaking his head. ¡°It doesn¡¯t mean ¡®earth¡¯ here; it means ¡®continuous growth.¡¯¡±


    The same rune could have multiple meanings, and because this script hadn¡¯t been simplified, interpreting it remained challenging¡ªeven with the translation guide.


    Kyle painstakingly listed all possible interpretations of each phrase, adjusting them little by little based on the context.


    The process was time-consuming and meticulous, but Kyle found himself thoroughly enjoying the challenge.

 Chapter 709: The Shield Charm, a Melancholy Sirius

    The letter wasn¡¯t particularly long. Excluding the greetings and formalities, the section addressing the Charm took up less than two sheets of parchment. However, the content was cryptic and difficult to grasp. Even with the translation chart Dumbledore had given him, Kyle had to ponder over each line repeatedly.


    As he worked, he drew his wand and experimented with different rune combinations.


    Runes floated out of the wand, merging into new symbols. For a fleeting moment, a transparent net seemed to form around Kyle, shimmering faintly, only to shatter and vanish.


    ¡°No, that¡¯s not it¡­¡± Kyle muttered, frowning as he flipped quickly through the translation chart again.


    He was so absorbed in his task that he didn¡¯t notice the sky brightening outside. Without realizing it, he had been sitting at the table, focused on the parchment, for the entire night.


    By the time noon arrived, Fred¡ªwho had just returned from Diagon Alley for lunch¡ªnoticed Kyle¡¯s absence at the table and asked, ¡°By the way, how long has Kyle been in his room?¡±


    ¡°Almost all day,¡± Harry replied. ¡°The light in his room was on last night, and he didn¡¯t come down for breakfast this morning.¡±


    ¡°What on earth is he doing?¡± George chimed in.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± Ron said with a shrug. ¡°We tried to wake him this morning, but Mum and Sirius wouldn¡¯t let us.¡±


    ¡°Dumbledore told us to leave him alone before he left,¡± Mrs. Weasley added, as she placed a tray of toast on the table. ¡°If it¡¯s not important, don¡¯t bother Kyle.¡±


    ¡°I know, and you¡¯ve told me that many times,¡± Ron grumbled under his breath.


    ¡°Then you should remember,¡± Mrs. Weasley retorted sharply, shooting Ron a look before glancing anxiously at the stairs.


    Though she tried to appear calm, it was obvious she was worried about Kyle, who hadn¡¯t eaten anything all day.


    ¡°But it¡¯s only been less than a day,¡± she reassured herself. ¡°He should be fine.¡± Still, bound by Dumbledore¡¯s instructions, she could only wait for Kyle to emerge.


    The wait stretched through the afternoon.


    Finally, at 7:30 in the evening, just as everyone was preparing for dinner, Kyle shuffled down the stairs.


    Diana¡¯s warning that the content on the parchment would last only a day had proven true. Just moments ago, the writing had suddenly and completely vanished.


    Along with it, the memory of the ancient Runes Kyle had spent hours deciphering had also disappeared.


    There was a silver lining, though.


    While the process of studying the runes had vanished, the result remained. It was as though he had taken an exam¡ªhe couldn¡¯t recall the questions or his answers, but the final grade was real and, in this case, excellent.


    However, the sudden relaxation after such intense focus, combined with his empty stomach, left Kyle feeling light-headed. The world seemed to sway as he descended the stairs.


    By the time he made it to the dining room, Mrs. Weasley had just placed a tray of warm pies on the table.


    Kyle didn¡¯t wait for them to cool or bother with manners. He grabbed a pie and devoured it in a few large bites.


    ¡°You¡¯re finally out,¡± Mrs. Weasley said with visible relief, placing a bowl of soup in front of him. ¡°Eat slowly, don¡¯t rush. I made plenty.¡±


    ...


    Kyle polished off three pies and two bowls of soup, finally feeling a bit better¡ªthough still not fully satisfied. He couldn¡¯t help but admit that studying Old Runes had been utterly draining. It felt as if he hadn¡¯t eaten in three days instead of just one.


    ¡°Kyle, what on earth were you doing in your room?¡± Ron asked, unable to contain his curiosity.


    ¡°Studying Merlin¡¯s letter,¡± Kyle replied casually.


    Now that the parchment¡¯s contents had vanished, so had the peculiar restrictions. Unlike last night, he could now speak freely about what he had been working on without his throat tightening or the words sticking. S§×ar?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°Merlin¡¯s letter?¡± Hermione¡¯s voice rose, high-pitched with incredulity. ¡°He lived 1,500 years ago!¡±


    ¡°It wasn¡¯t the original letter,¡± Kyle clarified, reaching for another piece of pie. ¡°It was magically copied.¡±


    ¡°Was it the one your mum gave you last night?¡± Hermione asked, her mind immediately going to the birthday gift Diana had presented Kyle.


    She had considered many possibilities¡ªperhaps advanced Charms or rare ancient texts¡ªbut never anything connected to Merlin himself.


    ¡°Can I see it?¡± Hermione¡¯s eyes lit up as she stared at Kyle, barely containing her excitement. ¡°Just for a quick peek?¡±


    ¡°Sorry,¡± Kyle said with a shrug, ¡°the letter was protected by magic, and it disappeared after a day.¡± He picked up another pie. ¡°And I¡¯ve forgotten everything that was written on it. All I remember is that it was in Runes¡ªthe really old kind that hasn¡¯t been simplified.¡±


    ¡°Ancient Runes, simplified?¡± Hermione repeated, perplexed.


    She found it hard to reconcile the complex, headache-inducing symbols she had seen in textbooks with the idea of simplification.


    ¡°This kind,¡± Kyle said, handing her the book Dumbledore had given him.


    Hermione opened the book, and her brow furrowed deeply as she scanned the pages.


    Harry and Ron leaned over curiously for a peek but quickly recoiled, looking away in unison. The page was filled with dense, unfamiliar symbols that made their heads ache just from glancing at them. They couldn¡¯t fathom how Kyle had managed to study them for an entire day.


    ¡°Wait¡­¡± Fred suddenly blurted out, his expression sharp with realization. ¡°Didn¡¯t you just say you forgot the content? Doesn¡¯t that mean you wasted the whole day?¡±


    ¡°Of course not,¡± Kyle said, swallowing the last bite of his pie before grabbing a baked potato. ¡°It was a teaching letter¡ªprobably written by Merlin to one of his apprentices. I¡¯ve already learned the magic it described.¡±


    A collective intake of breath swept through the dining room. Everyone exchanged wide-eyed glances, rendered momentarily speechless.


    Fred and George broke the silence with twin questions.


    ¡°What Charm was it?¡±


    ¡°Is it powerful?¡±


    Kyle shrugged. ¡°It¡¯s kind of a Shield Charm. It¡¯s not very powerful¡ªit¡¯s mainly for self-protection.¡±


    Fred and George exchanged disappointed looks. They had been hoping Merlin¡¯s magic would be something grand, loud, and destructive¡ªpreferably the kind that could obliterate Voldemort and his Death Eaters in one fell swoop.


    ¡°I¡¯d say the Shield Charm is the best,¡± Mrs. Weasley chimed in, throwing a pointed glance at her sons. Turning to Kyle, she added, ¡°Diana must have wanted you to protect yourself and stay safe. That¡¯s why she gave you this.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re right,¡± Mr. Weasley agreed. ¡°It¡¯s Merlin¡¯s letter, after all. I¡¯ve never heard of anyone getting their hands on something like that¡ªit must be incredibly precious.¡±


    ¡°Maybe Professor Dumbledore has seen it too,¡± Ginny suggested thoughtfully. ¡°Remember what he said last night? He seemed to know exactly what Kyle needed. I think he¡¯s probably been through something similar.¡±


    ¡°But how many Dumbledores are there in the wizarding world?¡± Mr. Weasley replied with a faint smile.


    ¡°Can we see how it works?¡± Sirius, who had been silent until now, suddenly spoke up. ¡°Of course, only if it¡¯s not inconvenient.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s just a Charm. Nothing to be embarrassed about,¡± Kyle said casually. ¡°But can we wait a bit? I¡¯m still hungry.¡±


    ¡°Of course,¡± Sirius said, leaning back in his chair.


    The room buzzed with anticipation. Everyone was eager to witness magic that was over 1,500 years old, and the excitement made the wait feel interminable. Meanwhile, Kyle, entirely unbothered by the mounting curiosity around him, took his time eating his dinner.


    When the others had long since finished their meals, Kyle was still working through the last of the food on the table.


    He finally polished off his third pie, followed by two potatoes, five bowls of soup, and a plate of sausages and toast that Mrs. Weasley had hurriedly cooked up for fear there wouldn¡¯t be enough.


    Ginny stared at him in astonishment, her eyes wide. ¡°Is Kyle really going to be okay eating like that?¡± she asked aloud, almost involuntarily.


    ¡°That¡¯s normal,¡± Lupin said with a chuckle. ¡°Kyle¡¯s been studying Runic Magic, which is a double strain on energy and stamina. If you take Ancient Runes, you¡¯ll notice you¡¯re always hungrier after class.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s true¡­¡± Ginny muttered. ¡°But Kyle eats much.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s fine,¡± Charlie said with a laugh. ¡°Young wizards at his age have insatiable appetites. I was the same way¡ªI could eat five pies at a time. Mum was always worried we¡¯d run out of food.¡±


    As if to illustrate his point¡ªor perhaps inspired by Kyle¡¯s feast¡ªCharlie reached for the tray of toast in front of him, ready for another round.


    Before his hand could land, Mrs. Weasley smacked it away.


    ¡°Mum, you¡¯re so biased,¡± Charlie grumbled, rubbing his hand.


    ¡°Kyle hasn¡¯t eaten all day,¡± Mrs. Weasley replied curtly, not even glancing in Charlie¡¯s direction.


    ...


    Five minutes later, Kyle drained another bowl of soup and finally put down his utensils.


    A spark of anticipation lit up in everyone¡¯s eyes.


    ¡°Do you need a break?¡± Sirius asked.


    ¡°No,¡± Kyle said, shaking his head. ¡°I¡¯m seven-eighths full¡ªjust enough to move around a bit.¡±


    Ginny, who had just stood up, accidentally knocked over her stool. To be honest, Kyle¡¯s appetite was beginning to seem more unbelievable than ancient magic.


    Sirius got up and headed for the door. ¡°Come with me. I¡¯ll take you to the basement; there¡¯s a potion-brewing room there. It¡¯ll be a good spot for a demonstration.¡±


    ¡°Okay,¡± Kyle agreed, rising to follow him.


    But just as they approached the door, a sudden red flash appeared in front of Kyle.


    ¡°¡±


    Sirius, now standing in the doorway, had unexpectedly drawn his wand and cast the Disarming Charm at Kyle.


    Mrs. Weasley screamed in shock. Ron, startled, stepped back and accidentally shoved Hermione, who toppled over and sent Harry sprawling as well. The dining hall descended into chaos.


    Kyle, however, remained completely unbothered. The Disarming Charm flew less than an inch from his face, only to be stopped by a shimmering silver shield.


    The Charm rebounded, accelerating as it ricocheted back. Sirius had no time to react¡ªhis wand flew out of his hand, spinning through the air, and landed neatly in Kyle¡¯s grip.


    ¡°You didn¡¯t mention this would be a sneak attack,¡± Kyle said calmly, handing the wand back to Sirius.


    ¡°A Death Eater doesn¡¯t fight fair,¡± Sirius replied, his voice hollow.


    He stared at the wand Kyle had returned, still dazed. Losing his wand so effortlessly left a deep impression. For a wizard, being disarmed meant being defenseless. If Kyle had been an enemy, Sirius would already have been defeated.


    Once a star at Hogwarts, Sirius now found himself bested by a seventeen-year-old. Twenty years after his school days, the realization stung.


    Lupin, ever observant, noticed his old friend¡¯s uncharacteristic silence. He chuckled and offered a backhanded comfort. ¡°You didn¡¯t really think you¡¯d beat Kyle, did you?"


    ¡°If this were five years ago, you might¡¯ve had a chance. But now? Aren¡¯t you overestimating yourself?"


    ¡°And didn¡¯t you lose to Kyle three years ago, back when you¡¯d just escaped Azkaban? Haven¡¯t you come to terms with it yet?¡±


    Though meant as friendly banter, Lupin¡¯s words struck Sirius squarely in the pride¡ªeach one a precise jab, salted for extra effect.


    ¡°Shut up, Remus,¡± Sirius snapped, his face flushing red. He clenched his teeth and added, ¡°It was just a simple test; it doesn¡¯t mean anything.¡±


    He had hoped to preserve some dignity, but his outburst only made Lupin laugh harder.


    The Sirius Lupin knew had always been carefree¡ªsome might say reckless¡ªa quintessential Gryffindor. That carefree nature had dimmed after Voldemort¡¯s fall, but Lupin had rarely seen Sirius looking as disoriented as he had moments earlier.


    Still, the situation was understandable. Even if it had been a simple test, it was no small thing to lose so decisively to a student who had just turned seventeen.


    Unwilling to spar further with Kyle, Sirius turned redder by the second. His embarrassment didn¡¯t go unnoticed; the faint smiles tugging at everyone else¡¯s lips made it clear.


    Eager to change the subject, Sirius shifted his focus back to Kyle¡ªand then noticed something unusual.


    The silver shield that had deflected his Disarming Charm hadn¡¯t vanished. It still lingered in front of Kyle, faint but unmistakable.


    This caught Sirius off guard. The Shield Charm was supposed to dissipate after deflecting an opponent¡¯s spell. To maintain it, one would need to cast the Charm again. This limitation was inherent to the spell, even for Dumbledore.


    But what Sirius saw now defied that rule.


    He studied the silver shield closely. It had a faint, shifting glow, its presence steady yet elusive. Then, suddenly, something clicked.


    It looked familiar. Sirius¡¯s eyes widened as recognition dawned.


    He remembered the fierce duel between Dumbledore and Voldemort in the Ministry¡¯s atrium. Voldemort had used a similar shield¡ªan advanced, continuous protective barrier¡ªduring that legendary confrontation.


    Sirius¡¯s mind raced. He recalled that Kyle had once expressed interest in learning such magic. And now, it seemed, Kyle had done just that.


    ¡°You¡¯ve learned it?¡± Sirius asked, unable to hide his surprise. ¡°The You-Know-Who¡¯s Shield Charm?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s different,¡± Kyle replied, glancing at the shield hovering in front of him and shaking his head. ¡°The Charm used by You-Know-Who was a true shield. Mine is more of a materialization of the Charm, and its shape isn¡¯t fixed.¡±


    To demonstrate, Kyle waved his wand. The shield in front of him immediately transformed into a hexagonal magic circle, its surface glowing with intricate, flashing Rune symbols that made it look remarkably sophisticated.


    The shield then shifted into a hexagonal net, followed by a mirroring of Kyle¡¯s own appearance, then Sirius¡¯s appearance, before reverting to its original shield form.


    ¡°This is likely the effect of combining runes, though I¡¯ve forgotten the exact details,¡± Kyle continued. ¡°It enhances the Shield Charm, offering more comprehensive protection while also materializing the Charm into a physical form.¡±


    ¡°What about its effectiveness?¡± Lupin asked. ¡°Does the shield¡¯s appearance have any bearing on its defensive capabilities?¡±


    ¡°Not at all,¡± Kyle said. ¡°Think of it like changing the style of a suit¡ªit doesn¡¯t affect its ability to keep you warm.¡±


    ¡°If you don¡¯t believe me, you can test it,¡± Kyle offered, turning the shield in front of him into a simple circle.


    Sirius, however, remained seated and indifferent, clearly unwilling to test it himself. Lupin and Mr. Weasley exchanged looks and then turned away, silently abstaining.


    ¡°Never mind, I¡¯ll do it,¡± Charlie said, stifling a laugh as he pulled out his wand.


    ¡°¡±


    The red light of the Disarming Charm shot directly at the center of the circular shield but was instantly blocked. The shield remained intact.


    Prepared for the rebound, Charlie had already sidestepped to avoid the reflected spell. He straightened, impressed by how unwavering Kyle¡¯s shield remained.


    Lupin¡¯s brows furrowed in thought. The persistent nature of Kyle¡¯s Shield Charm reminded him of , a large-scale version of the Shield Charm often used in battles.


    Unlike the standard Shield Charm, required multiple wizards to cast together, forming a protective barrier that persisted until its magic wore off. It had been used by Aurors during the war to fend off Death Eaters, such as during the infamous attacks on the Ministry of Magic a decade earlier.


    What Kyle had achieved seemed like a simplified version of , adapted for a single user instead of a group.


    Lupin sighed inwardly.


    He shook his head slightly. The complexity of Ancient Runic magic made it unlikely that many wizards would be able to replicate Kyle¡¯s results. And teaching it too widely risked the possibility of Death Eaters learning it, which could cause catastrophic problems.


    Kyle, oblivious to Lupin¡¯s thoughts, waved his wand and let the shield vanish.


    ¡°Harry,¡± he said, turning around, ¡°you¡¯re going to have a hard time for a while.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Harry blinked, confused by the sudden comment.


    ¡°This shield,¡± Kyle explained, gesturing toward the spot where the Charm had been. ¡°It¡¯s my trump card, something I¡¯ll use to catch the Death Eaters by surprise."


    ¡°That said, if You-Know-Who breaks into your mind again, he might discover what happened today.¡±


    Harry¡¯s expression darkened. He had been trying to push those thoughts aside, but Kyle¡¯s words brought them rushing back.


    ¡°I¡¯ve been studying Occlumency,¡± Harry muttered quietly.


    ¡°I know,¡± Kyle said. ¡°I saw the book on Occlumency in your room last night."


    ¡°But you¡¯re making progress too slowly. If you don¡¯t have anything urgent to do later, how about some special training?¡±


    ¡°Special training?¡± Harry repeated, his mind flashing back to grueling sessions in the Room of Requirement¡ªa memory that made his legs weaken and his muscles ache in anticipation.


    ¡°No, that¡¯s not necessary,¡± Harry said quickly, shaking his head. ¡°Sirius can teach me. Or Professor Lupin, right?¡±


    He looked to the two men with desperate hope, but Sirius merely shrugged helplessly.


    ¡°Sorry, Harry,¡± Sirius admitted. ¡°I don¡¯t know much about Occlumency. I can¡¯t really help you.¡±


    ¡°Me neither,¡± Lupin said apologetically.


    ¡°In that case, it¡¯s decided,¡± Kyle said matter-of-factly. ¡°Sirius, didn¡¯t you say there¡¯s a good room in the basement? We¡¯ll set it up for Harry¡¯s special training.¡±


    ¡°Okay, no problem,¡± Sirius agreed readily.

 Chapter 710: The Battle of Diagon Alley

    ¡°Hermione, do you think Kyle has a grudge against Harry?¡± Ron asked nervously, his heart pounding as Harry¡¯s screams echoed from the door near the basement utility room.


    Ron had always been curious about how Harry was learning Occlumency, and today, with the opportunity to watch, he had eagerly dragged Hermione down right after breakfast. But now, seeing what was happening, he wasn¡¯t sure it had been a good idea.


    This wasn¡¯t special training¡ªit looked more like Harry was just getting pummeled.


    Inside, Harry was being batted around by a Magical Creature with six legs. The creature looked like a Wampus Cat but behaved like a sentient Bludger, delivering blows that sent Harry sprawling left and right. It was painful just to watch.


    Next to Ron, Hermione nodded hesitantly, her unease mirroring his.


    She had briefly considered joining Harry¡¯s training sessions. With the Weasleys'' Wizard Wheezes no longer needing much help and her parents settling comfortably into life on Diagon Alley, she had been looking for something productive to do.


    Learning a few advanced Charms or even Occlumency had seemed like a good idea¡ªespecially since everyone kept stressing its importance.


    But now, seeing Harry flung around like a rag doll, Hermione hesitated. She couldn¡¯t imagine enduring what Harry was going through, even if it meant faster progress. Compared to this, studying at her own pace seemed much safer.


    ¡°Ah!¡± Harry¡¯s agonized scream broke through her thoughts.


    The Wampus Cat had landed another direct hit, its heavy tail smacking against Harry¡¯s thigh with a thud.


    Outside the door, Ron and Hermione winced simultaneously. Even from a distance, they could feel the sting of the blow.


    Hermione¡¯s sympathy finally overcame her curiosity. ¡°Forget it, let¡¯s go,¡± she said, turning away.


    ¡°Okay,¡± Ron agreed immediately, eager to leave.


    He suddenly understood why Sirius and the others never ventured into the basement during Harry¡¯s training sessions. If they didn¡¯t see it, they wouldn¡¯t feel guilty¡ªand Harry would probably improve faster without their interference.


    Ron thought wryly.


    The two quietly closed the door behind them.


    When they returned upstairs, Mrs. Weasley was walking through the living room with a basket of laundry.


    ¡°There you are,¡± she said with a warm smile. ¡°Arthur just delivered the post¡ªI believe your O.W.L. results are in.¡±


    ¡°The results are out already?¡± Hermione gasped, jumping to her feet and hurrying over to Mrs. Weasley.


    Mrs. Weasley retrieved three envelopes from the basket and handed them over. Hermione quickly spotted hers, tore it open, and unfolded the parchment inside.


    Her expression immediately fell.


    ¡°Did you do badly?¡± Ron asked, craning his neck to peek at her results.


    The long list of ¡°O¡±s¡ªOutstanding marks¡ªmade his head spin.


    ¡°Nine Outstandings and one Exceeds Expectations... in Defense Against the Dark Arts,¡± Ron read aloud, half amused, half exasperated. ¡°And you¡¯re disappointed?¡±


    ¡°But Kyle got all Outstandings,¡± Hermione protested.


    ¡°Can¡¯t you compare yourself to someone normal for once?¡± Ron said, raising his voice. He couldn¡¯t understand why Hermione insisted on holding herself to Kyle¡¯s ridiculous standard. ¡°Seriously, if I got one Outstanding¡ªjust one¡ªI¡¯d be jumping for joy!¡±


    Ron tore open his own envelope.


    As expected, there were no Outstanding marks, but the parchment showed seven Acceptables.


    ¡°Not bad,¡± said Mrs. Weasley warmly, running her fingers affectionately through Ron¡¯s hair. ¡°Seven O.W.L.s¡ªthat¡¯s better than I expected.¡±


    To be fair, this result was a significant improvement over Ron¡¯s previous performance. Mrs. Weasley had long since tempered her hopes for a string of Outstanding marks from Ron. This steady result would still give him seven certificates by the time he graduated, and that was enough to make her proud.


    ¡°And Harry¡¯s.¡± Ron glanced at the last unopened envelope in his hand. ¡°Should we take it to him?¡±


    ¡°Do you want to go?¡± Hermione asked, raising an eyebrow.


    Ron shook his head immediately. It wasn¡¯t that he didn¡¯t care about Harry¡ªit was just that he was afraid the Magical Creature in the basement might take a liking to beating up anyone who dared to interrupt.


    ¡°Why don¡¯t we just leave it for Harry to open himself tonight when he¡¯s done?¡±


    ¡°Good idea.¡±


    The two quickly agreed, and Ron brought Harry¡¯s report card up to his room for safekeeping.


    ¡°By the way, where¡¯s Kyle?¡± Hermione asked, suddenly realizing she hadn¡¯t seen him all morning.


    ¡°He went to the Ministry with Arthur this morning,¡± Mrs. Weasley replied.


    ¡°He¡¯s already gone to the Ministry?¡±


    ¡°Yes. I tried to convince him to take a few days off, but he insisted it wasn¡¯t necessary,¡± Mrs. Weasley said with a sigh. ¡°Did you need him for something?¡±


    ¡°I had some questions about Runes I couldn¡¯t figure out,¡± Hermione admitted.


    ¡°Well, you¡¯ll have to wait until this evening,¡± Mrs. Weasley said reassuringly. ¡°He¡¯ll be back for dinner and staying here for the rest of the holidays.¡±


    ¡°I see,¡± Hermione said. ¡°Mrs. Weasley, can I help with the laundry?¡±


    ¡°No need, dear. A quick charm takes care of most of it. I was just going to hang it out to dry¡ªthe only downside to this house is it doesn¡¯t get much sun.¡±


    The day passed quickly, and by evening, Mrs. Weasley had prepared a hearty beef stew for dinner. She set it on the table just as the Ministry¡¯s working hours ended.


    Hermione sat with a heavy Runes book in front of her, ready to ask Kyle her questions after dinner. But as time went on, she realized that not only had Kyle not returned, but neither had Mr. Weasley, Lupin, Sirius, or the other Weasley children.


    Mrs. Weasley glanced at the clock for the seventh time, forcing a smile. ¡°Oh, I¡¯m sure they¡¯ve just gotten caught up with work. Let¡¯s not wait¡ªlet¡¯s eat before it gets too late.¡±


    She waved her wand, reheating the beef stew until it was steaming again, and ladled generous portions into everyone¡¯s bowls.


    Still, it was clear that she was distracted¡ªshe spilled the gravy several times while serving.


    ¡°It¡¯ll be fine,¡± Hermione whispered, trying to reassure her. ¡°It must be work-related. You-Know-Who¡­ he wouldn¡¯t dare attack the Ministry, would he?¡±


    Mrs. Weasley smiled faintly. ¡°You¡¯re right, dear. Eat up, and then get an early night.¡±


    ¡°Mum¡­¡± Ron began, but Hermione gave him a subtle shake of her head, signaling him to let it go.


    Dinner was quiet and subdued, with everyone finishing quickly. Afterward, the children retreated upstairs, while Mrs. Weasley lingered in the living room, frequently glancing at the front door.


    Ginny and Ron crouched around the corner of the stairs, peering at the door, which remained frustratingly still.


    ¡°Why aren¡¯t they back yet?¡± Ginny asked nervously.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± Ron muttered.


    ¡°Maybe the Ministry¡¯s keeping them busy,¡± Hermione suggested, though her worried expression betrayed her doubt. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Mr. Weasley and the others will be fine. Even if it¡¯s You-Know-Who¡­¡±


    Her voice trailed off, and she quickly corrected herself. ¡°If something important had happened, someone from the Order would have come to tell us by now. Don¡¯t forget, this is the headquarters of the Order of the Phoenix.¡±


    Ginny didn¡¯t budge. ¡°I¡¯m staying here. I¡¯ll wait.¡±


    ¡°Me too,¡± Ron added, crossing his arms stubbornly.


    Despite Hermione¡¯s logical reasoning, it was hard to ignore that most of the Weasley family¡ªand others they cared about¡ªwere still out. The idea of going back to their rooms to sleep felt impossible.


    Harry soon joined them, limping slightly after his grueling day of training but equally determined to wait for Sirius¡¯s return.


    Hermione, seeing their resolve, sighed and sat down beside them.


    The four waited in silence as the hours ticked by, the house growing quieter and darker. Soon, it was late at night.


    ...


    Meanwhile, in Diagon Alley.


    The normally bustling street was eerily deserted, the shop doors on either side tightly shut. Loud explosions and ferocious roars echoed in the background.


    A Killing Curse shot through the air, shattering the sign of the Owl Emporium.


    A middle-aged wizard, flanked by two Aurors, hurried from the main street into a narrow alleyway. Behind them, a group of Death Eaters in black cloaks and masks advanced menacingly. S§×ar?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Hand him over now!" snarled the lead Death Eater, his hoarse voice dripping with menace.


    ¡°Don''t even think about it!¡± Tonks shouted, waving her wand to cast a bright red light into the sky.


    ¡°There!¡± someone yelled from a distance.


    ¡°Kill her!¡± the Death Eaters roared.


    Before they could raise their wands, more Aurors appeared, swooping in from all directions on broomsticks.


    Charms flew through the air, forcing the Death Eaters to abandon their plan to attack Tonks. Instead, they turned their wands on the Aurors, plunging the street into chaotic combat.


    Meanwhile, the middle-aged wizard, who had slipped into Knockturn Alley, was far from safe. From the shadows, several pairs of eyes watched him, steadily closing in.


    He nervously pulled out his wand, preparing to flee, when a voice spoke behind him.


    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t go any further, Mr. Fortescue. The depths of Knockturn Alley aren¡¯t necessarily safer than the chaos outside.¡±


    ¡°Who¡¯s there?¡±


    Terrified, Florean Fortescue spun around, pointing his wand at the approaching figure.


    ¡°Relax, Mr. Fortescue,¡± Kyle said calmly as he stepped closer. ¡°It¡¯s me.¡±


    ¡°Prove it!¡± Florean demanded, keeping his wand raised. ¡°Prove you¡¯re not an impostor using Polyjuice Potion!¡±


    ¡°Voldemort¡¯s a nose-less fool,¡± Kyle said without hesitation.


    At the mention of Voldemort¡¯s name, Florean Fortescue shuddered involuntarily. Still, he finally lowered his wand.


    Now certain of the man¡¯s identity, Florean felt a small measure of relief. No Death Eater would dare utter such an insult about Voldemort.


    ¡°Sorry.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s okay, I understand,¡± Kyle said as he stepped closer to Fortescue.


    Bill, Charlie, Fred, and George spread out around them, keeping watch and driving back anyone lurking with malicious intent.


    ¡°Go home and get to bed,¡± Fred said to the shadowy figures in the distance. His tone carried a faint threat. ¡°Otherwise, starting tomorrow, I¡¯ll be visiting Knockturn Alley every hour. I guarantee you won¡¯t sell a single thing.¡±


    There was a rustling of movement, accompanied by a few muttered curses, but Fred and George paid it no mind.


    Gradually, the sounds faded, and the alley fell silent once more.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t think it would be that easy,¡± George remarked with a grin.


    ¡°They weren¡¯t afraid of you,¡± Bill said, shooting him a look. ¡°They¡¯re scared of the Aurors and Death Eaters out there.¡±


    ¡°I know,¡± George said with a shrug. ¡°But there aren¡¯t any Aurors here right now¡ªjust us.¡±


    ¡°Kyle,¡± Charlie called, walking over. ¡°How did you know the Death Eaters would attack Diagon Alley?¡±


    ¡°It wasn¡¯t me,¡± Kyle replied, shaking his head. He lowered his voice.


    In truth, the credit for this information went to Mr. Granger.


    As everyone knew, the rooms at the Leaky Cauldron were notoriously poorly soundproofed. Most wizards cast soundproofing charms after moving in to ensure their studies were undisturbed. However, Mr. Granger, unfamiliar with wizarding practices, hadn¡¯t done this.


    When a few Death Eaters had discussed their plans in the corridor, he overheard fragments of their conversation. While the details were sparse, phrases like and caught his attention.


    As luck would have it, Kyle had business at Gringotts that day and ran into Mr. Granger outside the Owl Post Office, where he was about to send a letter to Hermione. During their chat, Mr. Granger casually mentioned what he¡¯d overheard.


    To protect Mr. Granger, Kyle had kept his involvement secret, simply claiming publicly that the information came from an anonymous source.


    ¡°Anyway, thanks to your tip,¡± Charlie said, glancing toward the explosions echoing in the distance. ¡°Who would¡¯ve thought the Death Eaters would attack Diagon Alley? What were they after?¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll need to ask Mr. Fortescue,¡± Kyle said, turning to the middle-aged wizard.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± Florean Fortescue replied, shaking his head. ¡°They didn¡¯t say anything when they stormed in¡ªjust blasted my door to pieces. If the Aurors hadn¡¯t arrived when they did, I¡¯d probably have been captured.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s odd,¡± Fred said, frowning. ¡°It¡¯s not like You-Know-Who wants ice cream.¡±


    The absurdity of the idea made Fred pause. But then again¡­ did You-Know-Who like ice cream? The mental image was both hilarious and unsettling.


    ¡°I think they might also have been after Mr. Ollivander,¡± Florean suggested. ¡°As the Aurors were leading me away, I saw a few Death Eaters heading into the wand shop.¡±


    ¡°Ollivander¡¯s not there,¡± Fred pointed out, frowning. ¡°His shop¡¯s been closed for ages.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s normal,¡± Florean explained. ¡°Mr. Ollivander often goes off to gather materials for wand-making. It¡¯s a time-consuming process, and he only comes back about two weeks before the start of term.¡±


    ¡°Well, at least he¡¯s not here now, so he dodged this mess,¡± George said.


    ¡°It¡¯s not that simple,¡± Kyle interjected, shaking his head.


    If Ollivander had been in Diagon Alley, the Aurors might have had a better chance of protecting him with their advance warning. But if the Death Eaters found him somewhere else, there would be little anyone could do to save him.


    Another explosion rocked the alley. A Death Eater charged into Knockturn Alley, his mask slipping to reveal a crazed, snarling face.


    It was Antonin Dolohov, the same Death Eater previously captured by the Department of Mysteries. Somehow, he had escaped again¡ªlikely during the mass rebellion of the Dementors, when Voldemort had conveniently freed him.


    ¡°You again!¡± Dolohov bellowed, his voice filled with venom. ¡°Die! ¡±


    Seeing Kyle, Dolohov wasted no time, immediately casting a Cruciatus Curse. But his intent was too transparent, and Kyle easily dodged behind a barrel.


    ¡°Don¡¯t get so worked up,¡± Kyle taunted from his cover. ¡°Don¡¯t you want to know why your plan failed today?¡±


    ¡°Why?¡± Dolohov snarled, his tone icy. ¡°Tell me, and maybe I¡¯ll be merciful and let you die quickly.¡±


    ¡°Of course someone told us,¡± Kyle said, his voice tinged with triumph. ¡°Otherwise, how do you think the Aurors knew about your plan?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re lying!¡± Dolohov narrowed his eyes, suspicion flaring.


    He wasn¡¯t a fool, and Kyle¡¯s words practically reeked of misdirection.


    ¡°Suit yourself,¡± Kyle said, with a hint of mockery. ¡°I¡¯m just being kind, making sure you understand what happened today. But if you don¡¯t want to hear it, that¡¯s fine too.¡±


    ¡°Tell me the name,¡± Dolohov demanded, his voice low and menacing. ¡°Who dared betray the great Dark Lord?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re so clever¡ªwhy don¡¯t you guess?¡± Kyle replied with a laugh. ¡°Maybe it¡¯s someone close to you, someone you¡¯ve lived next to for decades.¡±


    ¡°Tell me!¡± Dolohov roared.


    ¡°He¡¯s right there...¡±


    Before Dolohov could react, several Aurors charged into the alley. Their wands were raised, their voices commanding as they cast their spells.


    ¡°¡±


    ¡°¡±


    ...


    ¡°Damn Aurors!¡±


    Antonin Dolohov snarled as he waved his wand, deflecting the barrage of spells hurled his way.


    Though he burned with the desire to capture Kyle and force the name of the supposed traitor from him, it was already too late.


    Facing a swarm of Aurors, Dolohov knew all too well that lingering any longer would guarantee his capture.


    ¡°Just you wait¡ªone day I¡¯ll get you!¡± he shouted, leaving a threat in his wake.


    Without a backward glance, he bolted into the shadows of Knockturn Alley. Several Aurors immediately gave chase, disappearing after him.


    ¡°Are you okay, Kyle?¡± Lupin called out as he hurried over from the main street.


    One of his arms hung limply at his side, clearly injured, but he paid it no mind.


    ¡°I''m fine,¡± Kyle assured him with a shake of his head. ¡°What¡¯s the situation outside?¡±


    ¡°Most of the Death Eaters have been subdued,¡± Lupin replied. ¡°It¡¯s only a matter of time before we catch the rest. What about Dolohov?¡±


    ¡°He ran,¡± Kyle said, glancing meaningfully at Lupin¡¯s injured arm. ¡°A few Aurors are already on his tail. In your condition, even if you went after him, you wouldn¡¯t be much help.¡±


    Lupin hesitated, his eyes flicking toward the direction Dolohov had fled. After a moment of consideration, he sighed and nodded.


    ¡°That¡­ okay,¡± he said reluctantly, finally choosing to stay put.

 Chapter 711: Kyle’s Decision

    As the chaos outside gradually subsided, Kyle and the others escorted Mr. Fortescue out of the shadowy depths of Knockturn Alley.


    The battle was over. All the Death Eaters had been captured¡ª25 in total, an unusually large number for such an operation. It was evident they had arrived in Diagon Alley with some grand scheme in mind. Beyond attempting to abduct a few shopkeepers, they had likely been planning something far more significant.


    But whatever their plan had been, it was now completely foiled.


    Scrimgeour was busy tallying the casualties among the Aurors, while Sirius, Mr. Weasley, and other members of the Order of the Phoenix who had come to assist were counting the captured Death Eaters and collecting their wands.


    ¡°This is quite a victory!¡± Fred exclaimed with a grin. ¡°Thanks to your information, Kyle, You-Know-Who must be absolutely furious this time.¡±


    ¡°I told you, it wasn¡¯t me who provided the information,¡± Kyle replied, his tone serious. ¡°It was an anonymous, righteous wizard.¡±


    Kyle preferred to avoid taking credit for such incidents. With his increasing value as a target for Voldemort, he knew the Dark Lord might one day come after him personally. For his own safety, he thought it best to remain in the shadows.


    When they reached the entrance of the Florean Fortescue''s Ice Cream Parlour, Kyle turned to Mr. Fortescue.


    ¡°Mr. Fortescue, do you have any idea why the Death Eaters would want to capture you?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s what I want to know,¡± Fortescue replied, baffled. He shook his head in disbelief. How could an ice cream vendor like him become a target for the Death Eaters? Surely, it wasn¡¯t for his ice cream recipe. Even if that were the case, sending more than 20 Death Eaters after it seemed absurd.


    If they had asked nicely, he would¡¯ve willingly shared his recipes, for any flavor they wanted. The whole ordeal made no sense.


    Kyle studied Mr. Fortescue¡¯s face and could tell he was genuinely confused and not withholding information.


    ¡°Alright, Mr. Fortescue,¡± Kyle said. ¡°If anything comes to mind, please let us know immediately. And to prevent another attempt, I suggest you find a safer place to stay for a while."


    "Diagon Alley might be your best option. After today, the Ministry will increase security here, so it¡¯ll be relatively safer. But if you have another secure location in mind, you can go there instead.¡±


    ¡°No, I¡¯ll stay in Diagon Alley,¡± Fortescue said firmly.


    After the unprovoked attack, his frustration boiled over. ¡°If the Death Eaters want to come after me again, let them! Whatever they¡¯re after, I won¡¯t let them have it!¡±


    Kyle gave him a reassuring nod. ¡°I believe in your determination, Mr. Fortescue. But still, stay vigilant.¡±


    With that, Kyle turned and walked away. There was much to clean up. The capture of over 20 Death Eaters had caused considerable destruction, leaving parts of Diagon Alley in shambles.


    Kyle drew his wand and began extinguishing the smoldering fires nearby. The scattered bricks and rubble floated upward under his spell, returning to their original places as he repaired the street piece by piece.


    From the doorway of his shop, Mr. Fortescue watched Kyle work, lost in thought. As his gaze lingered on Kyle¡¯s wand, a realization seemed to dawn on him. He thought of Ollivander, another target of the Death Eaters.


    Ollivander¡¯s expertise in wands had made him famous. Could there be a connection?


    Fortescue hesitated, his hand rising to call out to Kyle. But after a moment of doubt, he lowered it and returned to his shop, his expression pensive.


    Unaware of Fortescue¡¯s unease, Kyle continued helping to restore Diagon Alley alongside others. When the street was finally back to its original state, they prepared to return to the Ministry.


    With more than 20 Death Eaters in custody, the Aurors had a long night ahead. Kyle, too, would need to write a detailed report, fulfilling his role as senior assistant minister.


    Meanwhile, the members of the Order of the Phoenix gathered together.


    ¡°Leave the rest to you,¡± Mr. Weasley said to Lupin. ¡°We¡¯ll head home. I haven¡¯t even told Molly what¡¯s happened yet¡ªshe¡¯s probably worried sick.¡±


    ¡°Of course,¡± Lupin replied with a nod. ¡°And Sirius, you should go home too. I¡¯m sure Harry¡¯s waiting for you.¡±


    At the mention of Harry, Sirius smiled. The thought of his godson warmed his heart.


    It was good to feel needed again¡ªjust like the old days after they had graduated.


    "I''ll leave it to you, then," said Sirius. "But don''t let them get away again."


    "Don''t worry, they won''t," Lupin assured him.


    "See you tomorrow, then," said Mr. Weasley, waving. "Hurry up, boys, we''re going home."


    "Coming, Dad," Fred and George chorused, racing ahead of Bill and Charlie.


    "I hope Mum left us some dinner¡ªI¡¯m starving," Fred said as they walked.


    "But at this hour, it¡¯s more like a midnight snack," Mr. Weasley replied with a chuckle.


    The group parted ways in the Leaky Cauldron. Kyle joined the Aurors as they used the Floo Network to return to the Ministry.


    Though it was late at night, the main hall of the Ministry was still brightly lit and bustling with activity.


    An excited cheer erupted when the Aurors arrived, leading the captured Death Eaters.


    More than twenty Death Eaters. It was the Ministry¡¯s largest single capture since Voldemort¡¯s return and a resounding victory for the Department of Magical Law Enforcement.


    Amelia Bones, the Director of the department, approached immediately, her expression one of both relief and determination. She quickly directed the Aurors to escort the prisoners to the courtroom for initial processing.


    The elevators were packed, so Kyle and his colleague Chris waited for the next one.


    ¡°Kyle, it¡¯s late. Why don¡¯t you head home?¡± Chris suggested.


    ¡°I¡¯d love to, but Fudge is waiting for the report,¡± Kyle said with a sigh. ¡°With something this big happening, and the Ministry¡¯s first major victory, he¡¯s eager to get the news out. The report has to be done before goes to print tomorrow morning.¡±


    ¡°How about... you write it for me?¡± Kyle asked, glancing sideways at Chris. ¡°You¡¯ve written plenty of reports before¡ªthis one won¡¯t be a problem for you.¡±


    Chris suddenly slapped his forehead dramatically. ¡°Oh no, I think I¡¯ve lost something! Must have dropped it on the way here. You go on ahead¡ªI¡¯ll go look for it.¡±


    Without waiting for a response, he turned and hurried off toward the other side of the hall.


    Kyle tugged at the corners of his mouth, unimpressed.


    Shaking his head, he stepped into the elevator when it arrived.


    Since there were no other passengers, it reached the ground floor quickly.


    Fudge wasn¡¯t in his office, which meant he must have gone to the courtroom as well.


    Kyle made his way to his own office, where he sat down at his desk. He pulled out a sheet of parchment, dipped his quill in ink, and began the task of writing the report.


    ...


    It was well past midnight by the time Kyle finished writing the detailed report. He threw down his quill and rubbed his sore wrist, sighing in frustration.


    Kyle leaned back in his chair, considering a solution.


    Feeling slightly more optimistic, Kyle grabbed the thick stack of completed reports and headed toward the Minister for Magic¡¯s office to deliver them.


    As he walked down the corridor, he spotted Fudge stepping out of the elevator, looking unusually cheerful.


    ¡°Oh, Kyle, I was just about to look for you!¡± Fudge greeted him enthusiastically. ¡°What a great victory! Over twenty Death Eaters captured¡ªthe wizarding world hasn¡¯t had such good news in ages. A truly remarkable day!¡±


    ¡°Haha, you should¡¯ve seen the faces of those who doubted us when the Death Eaters were brought into the courtroom,¡± Fudge added with a self-satisfied grin.


    ¡°Yes,¡± Kyle replied politely, ¡°it¡¯s fortunate that the Auror Office didn¡¯t listen to the naysayers.¡±


    ¡°Indeed! And thanks to the timely information you provided, Kyle, tomorrow¡¯s papers will carry the kind of headlines we¡¯ve all been waiting for.¡±


    Kyle handed over the stack of reports. ¡°I¡¯ve already prepared the detailed account you requested, Minister.¡±


    ¡°Well done, Kyle! I knew I could count on you,¡± Fudge said, clearly delighted. ¡°Don¡¯t worry¡ªyou¡¯ll see your name prominently featured in tomorrow¡¯s paper.¡±


    Kyle shook his head. ¡°Minister, the credit belongs to the Auror Office. They¡¯re the ones who captured the Death Eaters and kept the public safe. I only played a minor role after the fact.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t be so modest,¡± Fudge insisted. ¡°Without your tip-off, the Death Eaters¡¯ plan might have succeeded. You deserve recognition for this.¡±


    ¡°I merely passed along an anonymous letter,¡± Kyle said firmly.


    ¡°An anonymous letter?¡± Fudge frowned. ¡°Where is it?¡± S§×arch* The ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°It self-destructed after I read it,¡± Kyle explained. ¡°The sender must have cast a protective enchantment to prevent it from falling into the wrong hands.¡±


    ¡°How cautious¡­¡± Fudge mused, clearly intrigued. ¡°But who would risk betraying You-Know-Who to send such crucial information?¡±


    Kyle thought for a moment. ¡°The letter did mention Professor Umbridge. It claimed the writer had been inspired to act after learning that she endured the Cruciatus Curse twice but still fought against the Death Eaters. That¡¯s what made them decide to betray You-Know-Who.¡±


    ¡°So you¡¯re saying the credit belongs to Dolores?¡± Fudge asked.


    Kyle nodded. ¡°That¡¯s my interpretation. She may not know it, but her resilience made a profound impact on someone.¡±


    Fudge studied Kyle with a mix of curiosity and admiration. ¡°You could¡¯ve taken credit yourself, you know. No one else saw the letter, and if you hadn¡¯t told me, no one would be the wiser. This could¡¯ve been your moment to shine.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve already made my decision, Minister,¡± Kyle replied evenly.


    Fudge nodded slowly. ¡°If Dolores knew, she¡¯d be proud to have been your professor.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s simply what I ought to do,¡± Kyle said with a smile. ¡°Minister, if there¡¯s nothing else, may I be excused?¡±


    ¡°Oh, is it that late already?¡± Fudge glanced at a nearby clock, startled. ¡°I was going to ask you to sit in on a trial, but if you insist... Do you need a Ministry car to take you home?¡±


    ¡°No, Minister. If the Ministry could grant me temporary permission to use Apparition, that would suffice. I missed the exam and have to wait until next year to retake it.¡±


    ¡°Ah, yes, you were busy chasing Dementors at the time,¡± Fudge recalled casually. ¡°Well, forget the exam¡ªI¡¯ll grant you Apparition privileges as a reward for your contribution.¡±


    ¡°Minister, are you sure that¡¯s appropriate?¡± Kyle asked cautiously.


    ¡°Of course. We both know that test would be no challenge for you.¡±


    ...


    After Fudge returned to his office with the report, Kyle took the lift to the foyer, where Ministry employees were required to Apparate.


    By the time Kyle reached Grimmauld Place, a faint light was visible in the sky. At this hour, he assumed everyone would be asleep, but when he pushed open the door, he noticed the lights were still on.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay, Dad. It¡¯s just Kyle,¡± came a voice.


    Bill poked his head out of a room and said, ¡°Come over and have some food before Fred and George eat it all.¡±


    ¡°Hey, Bill, it¡¯s not as if you eat any less than Charlie!¡±


    Hearing there was food, Kyle hurried over.


    The lit area turned out to be the kitchen. Everyone who had returned before Sirius was gathered there, accompanied by a few bottles of wine, some bread, a plate of cornflakes, and a plate of corned beef on the table.


    ¡°So, did you find out anything useful?¡± Mr. Weasley asked, pushing the bread toward Kyle.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± Kyle replied. ¡°I¡¯ve been writing reports and haven¡¯t been in the interrogation rooms, but I don¡¯t think the Aurors will get anything useful out of them.¡±


    ¡°Why not?¡± Charlie asked, looking puzzled.


    ¡°Do you know any of the Death Eaters who were captured?¡± Kyle asked in response.


    Charlie thought for a moment and then shook his head. He had already checked earlier and didn¡¯t recognize any of the captured Death Eaters.


    ¡°That¡¯s why,¡± Kyle said, taking a piece of bread. ¡°Apart from Antonin Dolohov, the others who came to Diagon Alley this time were probably just there to make trouble. They¡¯re good at that, but they don¡¯t necessarily know anything important.¡±


    ¡°Unfortunately, Dolohov got away,¡± Mr. Weasley said regretfully.


    The Aurors who had gone after him had lost track of Dolohov deep in Knockturn Alley and returned empty-handed.


    ¡°No choice. He knows Knockturn Alley better than we do,¡± Charlie added. ¡°Kyle, would you like some brandy?¡±


    Kyle, having already celebrated his seventeenth birthday and thus allowed to drink, hesitated after glancing at the cornflakes and corned beef on the table. He would rather eat than drink.


    Just then, the House-elf Kreacher approached eagerly. ¡°Would you like some midnight snacks, Master Kyle?¡±


    Kyle glanced at the scant cornflakes and corned beef left on the table, hesitated for a moment, then nodded. ¡°Just some sandwiches would be fine, please.¡±


    ¡°It would be an honor for Kreacher!¡± the House-elf cried, his face alight with excitement as he ran gleefully into the kitchen.


    ¡°Oh, keep your voice down,¡± Fred warned from the side. ¡°Mum was worried all night and only just managed to fall asleep. I hope she didn¡¯t wake up."


    ¡°Sorry,¡± Kyle said. ¡°I forgot that domestic House-elves can get a bit overexcited sometimes.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not your fault,¡± George replied. ¡°But I can¡¯t understand why the House-elf wasn¡¯t so attentive when we got back.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, he wouldn¡¯t even get us a glass,¡± Fred added.


    The twins complained about Kreacher¡¯s preferential treatment, but Mr. Weasley didn¡¯t find it surprising. Having heard from Sirius about Regulus, he knew that as the Black family¡¯s House-elf, Kreacher naturally treated Kyle with special care.


    While they waited, Kyle suddenly remembered something. ¡°Mr. Weasley, do you know why the Death Eaters are after Florean Fortescue?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not sure. Maybe they got the wrong person,¡± Mr. Weasley speculated.


    ¡°Or he might have offended them in some way,¡± Bill suggested.


    ¡°Or perhaps he mentioned the name of You-Know-Who,¡± Bill added.


    Aside from that, they couldn¡¯t think of any other reason why the Death Eaters would go to such lengths to capture an ice cream vendor.


    After a while, Kreacher returned, carrying not only the sandwich Kyle had requested but also fried potatoes, grilled sausages, and a whole roast chicken.


    Seeing this, Fred and George looked even more aggrieved. Turning their frustration into appetite, they grabbed the grilled sausages in front of them and stuffed them into their mouths.


    Kreacher watched them from the side with a gloomy expression, but the twins didn¡¯t care. Fred even gave the elf a smug wink before reaching for a second sausage.


    ¡°I can see why Kreacher doesn¡¯t like you,¡± Kyle said with a smile.

 Chapter 712: Voldemort’s Wrath

    Kyle slept until noon the next day, having stayed up late the previous night and joined Bill and a few others for drinks.


    ¡°Oh, dear, how are you?¡± Mrs. Weasley fussed, ushering Kyle to the table. ¡°I wanted to wake you up for breakfast, but Arthur told me you had only just fallen asleep less than two hours ago.¡± S§×ar?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°I did sleep in a bit late yesterday,¡± Kyle admitted. ¡°Where¡¯s Mr. Weasley?¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s already gone to the Ministry.¡±


    ¡°In the morning?¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s a ton of work waiting for him,¡± Mrs. Weasley said with a smile. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, he often works all night. Just a quick drink of Pepperup Potion, and he¡¯ll be fine.¡±


    Lunch was a feast, almost as elaborate as the last birthday celebration.


    ¡°Mum was worried all night,¡± Ginny whispered. ¡°It¡¯s a celebration of your safe return.¡±


    ¡°Mr. Weasley didn¡¯t have to get involved last night,¡± Kyle said. ¡°But I¡¯m surprised he insisted on staying and even brought Bill and Charlie with him.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s just like Dad,¡± Ginny replied calmly. ¡°It would be strange if he didn¡¯t.¡±


    ¡°Yes, you¡¯re right,¡± Kyle said, rubbing his forehead. ¡°But with almost everyone¡¯s name pointing to ¡®deadly danger,¡¯ it¡¯s no wonder Mrs. Weasley is worried.¡±


    He was reminded of the Weasley family¡¯s magical wall clock, which didn¡¯t display the time but instead showed what each family member was doing. Tasks like ¡°making tea¡± or ¡°feeding the chickens¡± and locations such as ¡°home¡± or ¡°school¡± appeared on the dial, reflecting their statuses in real time. It was considered a family treasure.


    ¡°No, it¡¯s not related,¡± Ginny said, shrugging. ¡°You probably don¡¯t know this, but ever since the Death Eaters first attacked the Ministry, none of the hands on the dial have moved. In other words, it¡¯s temporarily useless... unless You-Know-Who falls again.¡±


    As they talked, Sirius arrived, handing Kreacher a bowl of beef stew and some toast, instructing him to take it to Harry. Afterward, everyone gathered to enjoy their lunch.


    ...


    Nothing much happened in the following weeks. It¡¯s worth noting that the Aurors didn¡¯t extract anything particularly useful from the captured Death Eaters, but that didn¡¯t dampen their celebrations of victory. Even the eventually stopped its daily reports of missing and deceased individuals, which did wonders for public morale.


    In one manor house, however, the atmosphere was utterly grim.


    A long table stretched across the room, its seats filled with individuals who kept their heads bowed, hardly daring to breathe. Their collective fear stemmed from the figure walking slowly behind them, a wand in hand.


    ¡°Someone here has betrayed us,¡± Voldemort said softly, his tone unreadable. It was impossible to discern whether he was enraged as his cold gaze swept over the gathered Death Eaters.


    One by one, his piercing eyes landed on them, causing cold sweat to bead on their foreheads. Each person lowered their head further, as if trying to vanish into the ground. But there were no cracks to hide in, and Voldemort had ensured no one dared to be absent.


    ¡°Look up¡­ Lucius.¡±


    Voldemort stopped behind Lucius Malfoy, using his wand to lift the man¡¯s chin.


    If anyone was likely to betray him, it was Lucius, who had recently been punished.


    ¡°Master¡­ Master¡­¡± Lucius¡¯s face went ashen, his entire body trembling.


    Voldemort peered into the terrified man¡¯s eyes.


    ¡°Why are you nervous, Lucius?¡± Voldemort asked, pressing the tip of his wand against Lucius¡¯s forehead.


    ¡°Master¡­ I¡­ have not¡­ betrayed¡­¡± Lucius stammered, his words barely coherent.


    ¡°If only you could speak more convincingly,¡± Voldemort murmured, his tone dripping with menace. Then, with a flick of his wrist, he withdrew his wand.


    ¡°Of course, I know you don¡¯t have the guts.¡±


    Lucius exhaled shakily, feeling as though he might collapse. But before he could recover, a flash of green light lit up the room.


    ¡°¡±


    Voldemort executed the curse with a casual motion, as though brushing away dust.


    Macnair, seated across from Lucius, crumpled to the floor, lifeless.


    Voldemort¡¯s voice was cold as he finally broke the silence. ¡°Dolohov may not have fulfilled my order, but at least he brought back news of a traitor. But you, Macnair¡­ all I see in you is cowardice.¡±


    After multiple failures and whispers of betrayal, Voldemort¡¯s patience had worn thin. Someone had to bear the brunt of his wrath.


    He had intended to identify the traitor, but after surveying the room and using , he found no signs of disloyalty. He couldn¡¯t simply kill everyone on suspicion. Instead, he selected another target: someone whose failure could not be ignored.


    Macnair, who had fled at the first sight of Aurors, was an obvious choice. Unlike Antonin Dolohov, who had at least brought back information, Macnair¡¯s cowardice made him expendable.


    As Voldemort waved his hand, a three-headed snake slithered into the room. Its presence cast a pall over the already oppressive atmosphere, yet no one dared to glance at it, not even out of the corner of their eye.


    ¡°I, of course, believe in your loyalty¡­ but you have failed me far too many times,¡± Voldemort said, his voice devoid of emotion.


    ¡°Please, my lord¡­ give me another chance¡­¡± Dolohov, who had narrowly escaped Voldemort¡¯s wrath, sank to his knees, trembling. ¡°I swear¡­ I will bring you Fortescue.¡±


    ¡°But you¡¯ve already failed,¡± Voldemort said dismissively, his gaze drifting to an open copy of the on the table.


    The headline read:


    ¡°Master, I¡¯ll kill her!¡± Barty Crouch Jr. volunteered hastily.


    ¡°Arch-enemy?¡± Voldemort repeated with disdain, his lip curling as he turned the page to another article.


    ¡°You have two days¡­¡± Voldemort said icily, his gaze shifting back to the Death Eaters. ¡°Find him, and I hope you won¡¯t disappoint me again.¡±


    ¡°As you command, my lord!¡± the Death Eaters chorused, dropping to their knees in unison.


    ...


    Meanwhile, at 12 Grimmauld Place, Harry finally emerged from the basement after more than half a month of grueling training. Limping but overjoyed, he left behind the torturous routine of Occlumency lessons.


    ¡°This is Essence of Dittany, this is Blood-Replenishing Potion, and this is Skele-Gro...¡± Sirius thrust a collection of potions into Harry¡¯s arms, grumbling, ¡°This is barbaric. Even if it¡¯s to learn Occlumency faster, he didn¡¯t have to be so strict.¡±


    Standing nearby, Kyle rolled his eyes. Over the past month, Sirius hadn¡¯t once visited Harry in the dungeon, let alone tried to stop the training. Yet now, he acted like a concerned godfather. To avoid straining their relationship, Kyle chose to keep quiet, merely instructing Kreacher to roast two warthog legs as a reward for Wampus Cat.


    After taking a few potions¡ªthough not Skele-Gro¡ªHarry¡¯s condition improved considerably.


    ¡°Harry? Showing up in the dining hall at this hour¡­ I take it you¡¯ve mastered Occlumency?¡±


    Bill entered the room at that moment, handing Harry a money bag across the table. ¡°This is for you. I withdrew it from your vault.¡±


    ¡°Thanks,¡± Harry said, taking the bag gratefully.


    ¡°You¡¯re welcome,¡± Bill replied before turning to Kyle. ¡°Mum only gave me Harry¡¯s vault key. Kyle, if you need to withdraw anything, I¡¯ll head back tomorrow. Security at Gringotts has tightened because of the Goblins, so it¡¯s heavily guarded. It could take an ordinary person five hours to get their money, but I have some privileges. I can shorten the time to half an hour.¡±


    ¡°Thanks,¡± Kyle said, shaking his head. ¡°But I¡¯ve got plenty of money. No need.¡±


    Kyle¡¯s wealth wasn¡¯t stored in Gringotts, which he considered as leaky as a sieve. Instead, he kept it in his enchanted suitcase, Norbert¡¯s lair, Niffler¡¯s pouch, and two newly discovered hiding spots¡ªthe Basilisk¡¯s cave and the Nundu¡¯s den¡ªboth far safer than Gringotts.


    Unconcerned by Kyle¡¯s reasoning, Bill simply nodded and pulled out a few envelopes. They were letters from Hogwarts containing the students¡¯ new book lists.


    Harry immediately forgot his recent trials upon opening his letter. Inside, he found the badge of Quidditch captain.


    ¡°That makes you the same as a Prefect,¡± Hermione said happily. ¡°You can ride in the Prefects¡¯ compartment and even use our bathroom.¡±


    Though Harry was thrilled, it wasn¡¯t the privileges that excited him. He held the badge reverently, inspecting it and wiping invisible dust from its surface, unwilling to let it go.


    ¡°I had one of those too,¡± Charlie said with a grin. ¡°It feels like yesterday. I was just like Harry¡ªso excited I didn¡¯t sleep a wink that night. Kyle, where¡¯s your badge? Let¡¯s see it.¡±


    ¡°Yeah,¡± Harry chimed in, grinning. ¡°This time, it¡¯ll be our rivalry. Gryffindor definitely won¡¯t lose again.¡±


    ¡°Well, prepare to be disappointed,¡± Kyle replied, opening his envelope. Inside was only a book list. ¡°I¡¯m not the captain.¡±


    ¡°How is that even possible?¡± Ron blurted. ¡°Who else but you could be the captain of Hufflepuff¡¯s Quidditch team?¡±


    ¡°Any of them could,¡± Kyle said calmly. ¡°They¡¯re all just as enthusiastic and skilled as I am.¡±


    ¡°Wait,¡± Hermione said suddenly, frowning. ¡°Why didn¡¯t you even get the Head Boy badge?¡±


    Her surprise was warranted. The absence of a Head Boy badge was even more baffling than Kyle not being made Quidditch captain. Last year, Kyle had been a Prefect, but Cedric was still at Hogwarts, so the Head Boy badge had gone to him. Now, with Cedric graduated, Kyle seemed the natural choice.


    But there was no badge. Why?


    "The school must have made a mistake," Hermione said. "Kyle, you need to write to Professor Dumbledore before school starts."


    "No, Hermione, it''s fine like this."


    Kyle had been a little surprised at first, but he soon accepted the situation and even felt a bit happy about it.


    He loved Quidditch, but playing with his friends had always been the highlight for him. With Cedric, Fred, and George having graduated, much of the fun had already faded. More importantly, he remembered how Cedric had stayed up late for several nights before matches to work on tactics. Kyle knew he couldn¡¯t match that kind of dedication.


    For the team¡¯s sake¡ªand his own peace of mind¡ªit was better to pass the captaincy to someone else.


    Kyle guessed the new captain would likely be either Will or Grace, with Grace being the more probable choice. She was just as passionate about Quidditch as Cedric, perhaps even more so, often prioritizing it over everything else.


    Let¡¯s just say that if the N.E.W.T. exams and a Quidditch match were scheduled on the same day, Grace wouldn¡¯t hesitate to skip the exam.


    As for the Head Boy position, there was no need to even discuss it. Kyle had practically handed over his Prefect responsibilities to Cedric years ago.


    ¡°I think Dumbledore realized that,¡± Fred said. ¡°Which is probably why he didn¡¯t send the badge.¡±


    Kyle¡¯s absence from the roles of Head Boy and Quidditch Captain became a hot topic of conversation at 12 Grimmauld Place for the rest of the day.


    Fred and George, however, weren¡¯t as surprised as the others.


    ¡°Kyle can stroll into the Ministry of Magic whenever he wants. Why would he care about being Head Boy?¡± Fred remarked nonchalantly.


    ¡°Exactly. Just look at Percy,¡± George added. ¡°He¡¯s Head Boy, but he still has to follow Kyle¡¯s orders.¡±


    Though Percy had apologized and been forgiven by the Weasleys, Fred and George still refused to be friendly with him. Whenever they crossed paths at the Ministry, they ignored him entirely, as if he were a stranger.


    In their words, ¡°Considering all the nonsense Percy¡¯s pulled, it¡¯s already impressive we¡¯re not beating the living daylights out of him.¡±


    Fred¡¯s and George¡¯s words made sense to the others.


    Yes, Kyle, as the youngest Senior Assistant to the Minister for Magic, had already played a role in many important decisions. Being Head Boy was hardly necessary.


    The conversation soon shifted to the new book lists and the courses Harry and the others would take.


    ¡°Which classes are you planning to take, Harry?¡± Ron asked, scanning his transcript. ¡°I did pretty well in Defense Against the Dark Arts and Charms, and my Transfiguration grades are just good enough for Professor McGonagall.¡±


    ¡°Those are all required courses,¡± Hermione chimed in. ¡°You¡¯re not thinking of dropping Transfiguration, are you?¡±


    ¡°Of course not, even though Professor McGonagall is really strict,¡± Ron replied, then glanced at Hermione. ¡°But why did you take Potions?¡±


    ¡°Of course, I did. Potions is just as important as Transfiguration!¡± Hermione replied without looking up. ¡°In fact, I won¡¯t drop any class I can possibly take.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t think so,¡± Ron muttered. ¡°There¡¯s no way I¡¯m going to Snape¡¯s class.¡±


    ¡°Me neither,¡± Harry agreed, nodding firmly. He had been dreaming of escaping Snape and the gloomy dungeons since his first year. Now that he had the chance, he wasn¡¯t going to make things difficult for himself.


    ¡°I suggest you reconsider,¡± Kyle, who had been chatting with Charlie, said, glancing at them. ¡°There are likely to be significant changes in Potions this year. Even if you choose not to take it now, you might regret it later.¡±


    ¡°Snape can still force us to take his class?¡± Ron asked, incredulous.


    ¡°It¡¯s not Snape¡ªit¡¯s something else,¡± Kyle replied. ¡°But trust me, you won¡¯t regret it.¡±


    ¡°Do you have inside information?¡± Ron pressed.


    Kyle, however, didn¡¯t answer. He simply resumed eating the baked potato in front of him.


    ¡°Ugh, is it a Ministry thing? You people never finish your sentences!¡± Ron grumbled, exasperated.


    ¡°Figuring that out just now, are you?¡± Fred said, laughing.


    ¡°It¡¯s an old wizarding tradition,¡± George added, smirking.


    Ron¡¯s frustration only seemed to amuse the others, including Mr. Weasley. His irritation fueled their laughter around the table.


    After some hesitation, Harry decided to trust Kyle¡¯s advice and drew a line through on his book list.


    ¡°Wait, Harry¡ªyou¡¯re taking Potions too?¡± Ron asked, shocked. He hadn¡¯t expected his staunchest ally to defect.


    ¡°It¡¯s just another book,¡± Harry shrugged. ¡°Besides, my grades in Potions aren¡¯t good enough for Snape. He won¡¯t let me in anyway.¡±


    ¡°Isn¡¯t that just a waste of Galleons?¡± Ron said, still confused.


    But when he saw Harry¡¯s determination, Ron sighed and reluctantly crossed out a book from his list as well, muttering, ¡°I must be mad. I don¡¯t even know if I can sell unused books at full price...¡±

 Chapter 713: The Malfoys in Diagon Alley

    With just a week left until the start of the school year, Kyle and the others needed to visit Diagon Alley to purchase supplies for the upcoming semester.


    Although the weather was far from ideal, it didn¡¯t dampen anyone¡¯s spirits. Harry, in particular, was thrilled. After being cooped up in the house for over a month, even though he enjoyed Sirius''s company, he had grown restless. Stepping outside was a much-needed breath of fresh air, and his excitement was palpable.


    ¡°How are we getting there?¡± Bill asked, standing in the street and scanning their surroundings cautiously.


    ¡°Remus and Kingsley are driving us,¡± Sirius replied. ¡°Ah, here they are now.¡±


    As he spoke, a Ministry of Magic car pulled up in front of them.


    ¡°Brilliant,¡± Ron said cheerfully. ¡°I thought we¡¯d have to use that thing again. What¡¯s it called? The Subway?¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s nothing wrong with the Subway,¡± Hermione retorted, shooting him a disapproving glance.


    ¡°Of course, you¡¯re right,¡± Ron said, leaning back comfortably in the magically modified car as he climbed in. ¡°But if we¡¯re talking convenience and comfort, the Ministry car wins hands down.¡±


    This time, Hermione didn¡¯t argue¡ªRon had a point. The car, altered with magic, was indeed far more spacious and luxurious than any Muggle train.


    ¡°Don¡¯t get used to it,¡± Mr. Weasley said, turning to address them. ¡°This is a one-time exception to ensure Harry¡¯s safety, especially after the Death Eaters attacked Diagon Alley recently. He¡¯s under level-one security, and we¡¯ll also have additional protection at the Leaky Cauldron.¡±


    Harry remained quiet. He wasn¡¯t entirely comfortable with the special treatment and didn¡¯t relish the idea of being followed by Aurors while shopping¡ªthough he didn¡¯t mind Lupin¡¯s presence.


    ¡°We¡¯re here,¡± Kingsley announced as the car slowed to a stop at Charing Cross Road, pulling up outside the Leaky Cauldron.


    ¡°How long will you be?¡± Kingsley asked, glancing back. ¡°I¡¯ll come pick you up.¡±


    ¡°About two hours,¡± Mr. Weasley replied. The group stepped out of the car and entered the pub together.


    ¡°Great, he¡¯s already here,¡± Mr. Weasley said, waving enthusiastically as soon as they stepped inside.


    Harry initially thought he was greeting an Auror, but when he looked up, he saw a large, familiar figure.


    ¡°Hagrid!¡± Harry exclaimed in surprise. ¡°It¡¯s you!¡±


    ¡°Didn¡¯t want me to protect you, did you?¡± Hagrid said, striding toward them and accidentally knocking over several tables along the way.


    ¡°No! Of course not...¡± Harry shook his head quickly.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯m only joking,¡± Hagrid chuckled, pulling Harry into a bone-crushing hug.


    Kyle winced at the sound of creaking that followed. If Hagrid had hugged any tighter, the Skele-Gro Sirius kept on hand might have become necessary. Without hesitation, Kyle avoided a similar fate by sidestepping Hagrid¡¯s attempt to greet him the same way.


    ¡°Hagrid, are you finished with your assignment?¡± Kyle asked, quickly changing the subject.


    ¡°Just wrapped it up,¡± Hagrid replied. He lowered his voice and added, ¡°Dumbledore said we don¡¯t need to watch over those... well, you know.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s good to hear,¡± Kyle said with a nod.


    ¡°Yeah, and I got back just in time,¡± Hagrid said proudly. ¡°The Ministry wanted to send Aurors to guard Harry, but Dumbledore told them I¡¯d be enough.¡±


    ¡°Alright then, let¡¯s get moving¡ªthere¡¯s still a lot to buy.¡±


    Despite the recent attack by Death Eaters, the Leaky Cauldron was reasonably busy, thanks to the Ministry¡¯s heightened security measures. The group made their way through the pub and into the backyard, where they queued for a security check with an Auror¡¯s Revelio Charm. Once cleared, they passed through the wall and entered Diagon Alley.


    However, the usual vibrancy of the area was noticeably subdued. The street, typically bustling with activity just before the school year, was quieter than usual. Fewer shoppers roamed about, and those who were present hurried along with anxious expressions.


    Large notices and wanted posters of Death Eaters covered the walls and shop windows, adding to the somber atmosphere.


    Kyle couldn¡¯t help but acknowledge how much this affected the overall shopping experience, but he also understood it was a necessary measure by the Auror Office. Unfortunately, it wasn¡¯t something he could change.


    ¡°We''re in a big group; we have to hurry,¡± said Mrs. Weasley, clearly eager to move along. It was hard to tell whether her urgency stemmed from the memory of the recent attack or simply her preference to avoid lingering too long.


    ¡°First, Madam Malkin¡¯s Robes,¡± she declared. ¡°Kyle, I noticed earlier your clothes are a little short¡ªyou¡¯d better buy some new ones. Harry, you too.¡±


    ¡°Molly, we¡¯re too big a group to all head to Madam Malkin¡¯s,¡± Mr. Weasley interjected. ¡°Why don¡¯t you take them while Ginny, Hermione, and I go to Flourish and Blotts first?¡± S§×arch* The ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°And Bill, you and Charlie can handle the Quill Shop. Remember to pick up plenty of parchment and ink,¡± he added.


    ¡°Yes, Dad,¡± said Bill dutifully, though Mrs. Weasley hesitated. She wanted to finish the shopping quickly but wasn¡¯t thrilled at the idea of splitting up.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry,¡± Kyle reassured her. ¡°There are at least three Aurors at the Leaky Cauldron, and with so many of us, we¡¯ll be fine.¡±


    Mrs. Weasley relented with a small sigh. ¡°All right, then.¡±


    Diagon Alley was bustling with people like Mrs. Weasley, all moving briskly, as though trying to outpace a lingering unease.


    When they reached Madam Malkin¡¯s Robes, three figures were just exiting.


    ¡°You don¡¯t need to follow me. In case you haven¡¯t noticed, Mum, I can shop on my own perfectly well,¡± Malfoy muttered, striding ahead in an elegant green robe, clearly disgruntled.


    Right outside the shop, he came face-to-face with Harry and the others.


    ¡°No wonder I caught a whiff of something foul,¡± Malfoy sneered, narrowing his eyes at Harry. ¡°Where¡¯s your Mudblood friend, Potter? Too scared to show up¡ª¡±


    Malfoy froze mid-sentence, his words faltering as his gaze landed on someone he hadn¡¯t expected to see.


    ¡°Kyle...¡± Malfoy¡¯s eyes flickered uncertainly. ¡°What are you doing here?¡±


    ¡°To shop, obviously,¡± Kyle replied nonchalantly. ¡°School¡¯s starting soon. You don¡¯t think I¡¯d use last year¡¯s textbooks, do you?¡±


    ¡°R-right, of course,¡± Malfoy stammered, lowering his gaze.


    Kyle frowned slightly. Something about Malfoy seemed off¡ªlike he was nervous or even guilty. But why? That didn¡¯t make any sense.


    Before Kyle could dwell on it further, Harry and Ron had both drawn their wands.


    ¡°I¡¯m warning you, Malfoy,¡± Harry snapped. ¡°If you insult Hermione again, you¡¯ll regret it.¡±


    What happened next was even stranger.


    Normally, Malfoy would have fired back with a cutting remark or some biting sarcasm. But today, he said nothing at all.


    ¡°You¡¯d better tell them to put those wands away, Sirius,¡± came a cold voice from behind. Narcissa Malfoy swept forward, her icy gaze fixed on Sirius. ¡°If they so much as touch my son, I¡¯ll ensure they never hold a wand again.¡±


    ¡°Really?¡± Sirius stepped in front of Harry, his tone laced with challenge. ¡°Why don¡¯t we find out whose spells are faster?¡±


    Narcissa¡¯s pale face grew even paler with fury, though her expression remained icy and composed.


    ¡°Mum, let¡¯s go,¡± Malfoy murmured, tugging lightly at her sleeve. ¡°There¡¯s no point wasting time. I still need to buy my books.¡±


    The tension between the two groups was palpable, thick enough to cut with a knife.


    But Narcissa didn¡¯t move. Her piercing gaze flicked to Sirius, then shifted slightly to Kyle.


    She had overheard what Malfoy said earlier and knew exactly who Kyle was.


    , she thought.


    Her fingers brushed her wand. If a confrontation arose here, it could be her chance to eliminate him. Yes, she might be arrested by the Aurors, but at least Draco wouldn¡¯t have to take the risk himself.


    Her breathing quickened as she calculated the odds.


    Meanwhile, Kyle, watching the scene with mild interest, suddenly felt an unmistakable wave of murderous intent.


    The sensation was eerily familiar, exactly like the one he had felt during previous encounters with Death Eaters.


    Though he couldn¡¯t pinpoint the Malfoys¡¯ intentions, Kyle acted on instinct. Without a word, his hand slipped into his sleeve, fingers curling around his wand. His other hand quietly unlatched the suitcase he carried, ensuring it was ready at a moment¡¯s notice.


    After being ambushed by three Death Eaters, Kyle never let the suitcase out of his sight. It went wherever he did.


    ...


    ¡°Oh, come now, sir... madam¡­¡±


    At this, Madam Malkin emerged from behind a coat rack, a leather measuring tape draped over her hand. Her tone was firm, yet exasperated. ¡°I won¡¯t have any fighting in front of my shop. If you insist on continuing, I¡¯ll be forced to call the Aurors.¡±


    ¡°Mum, let¡¯s go,¡± Malfoy urged again, his voice carrying a rare note of pleading.


    Perhaps it was Draco¡¯s words or simply her desire to avoid further confrontation, but Narcissa Malfoy was the first to step back. She slowly lowered her wand and straightened her posture, though her icy demeanor remained intact.


    Her gaze swept across the group before landing on Kyle. She lingered for a moment, her expression unreadable, before speaking pointedly.


    ¡°You can¡¯t protect them forever, and neither can Dumbledore,¡± she said in a low, deliberate voice.


    Then, turning sharply on her heel, she called to Draco with a tone of dismissal. ¡°Let¡¯s go, Draco. Later, I¡¯ll be throwing those robes away. I refuse to shop in the same place as such scum... Twilfitt and Tattings has far better.¡±


    Draco followed quickly, his head down, saying nothing. It was clear he wanted to leave as fast as possible.


    ¡°That was uncalled for,¡± muttered Madam Malkin, who had overheard the exchange. She turned back to Sirius with a somewhat forced smile. ¡°Now then, do you need any new robes?¡±


    ¡°Of course,¡± Sirius said cheerfully, stepping into the shop with confidence. ¡°This is the best place, after all.¡±


    Madam Malkin¡¯s mood brightened at his enthusiasm, and she hurried to assist him.


    Meanwhile, Harry and Ron stomped in, both fuming.


    ¡°The Malfoys are all like that,¡± Ron grumbled. ¡°You just want to punch them in the face.¡±


    Kyle lingered outside, his gaze fixed on Narcissa and Draco as they disappeared into another shop. His wand, still hidden in his sleeve, was ever so slightly raised.


    he thought dryly.


    The source of the earlier murderous intent was unmistakable. Narcissa Malfoy had been the one radiating it, and her target had most likely been him.


    While Kyle had initially been unsure, the final look she had given him erased any doubt.


    He couldn¡¯t perform Legilimency like Dumbledore, who wielded it almost instinctively, but he didn¡¯t need it to make simple observations. Narcissa¡¯s expression when she looked at Harry was one of disgust, but when her eyes fell on him, something shifted¡ªsomething darker. She had tried to conceal it, but Kyle had noticed.


    Still, it didn¡¯t make sense. He had no personal enmity with the Malfoy family. His relationship with Draco could best be described as neutral¡ªnot friendly, but certainly not hostile.


    ¡°Kyle, what are you doing out there? Hurry up! Madam Malkin needs to take your measurements,¡± Mrs. Weasley¡¯s voice rang out from inside.


    Kyle shook his head, breaking his train of thought. ¡°Coming,¡± he called, glancing one last time at the Malfoys¡¯ retreating figures.


    He stepped into the shop, letting the door close behind him.


    he decided.


    Besides, Hogwarts term was about to start. Whatever Narcissa Malfoy might be planning, she wouldn¡¯t dare make a move at the school.


    Of course, if she was foolish enough to try, Kyle wouldn¡¯t hesitate to introduce her to a few of his Magical Creatures friends.


    ¡°What are you looking at out there?¡± Mrs. Weasley asked as they reached the shop. ¡°Don¡¯t mind them; they¡¯re all the same in the Malfoy family.¡±


    ¡°No, I just saw a classmate,¡± Kyle replied casually.


    ¡°Yes, everyone¡¯s shopping in Diagon Alley these days,¡± Mrs. Weasley said, brushing it off and focusing on the task at hand.


    No one seemed eager to dwell on the Malfoys, and even Madam Malkin appeared more distracted than usual as she measured and fitted robes.


    By the time they left the shop, the rest of the group had regrouped.


    ¡°Did you see Malfoy and his mother?¡± Harry asked Hagrid as soon as they reunited.


    ¡°Aye,¡± Hagrid replied nonchalantly. ¡°But they won¡¯t try anythin¡¯ in Diagon Alley. Too public. Do you still need to buy anythin¡¯ else?¡±


    ¡°We want to check out Fred and George¡¯s shop,¡± Ron chimed in eagerly. ¡°Is that okay?¡±


    ¡°We have to hurry,¡± Harry said, glancing around cautiously.


    ¡°It¡¯s fine, Molly,¡± Mr. Weasley reassured her. ¡°You really don¡¯t need to worry so much.¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± Sirius added with a nod. ¡°It¡¯s not as dangerous as you think.¡±


    With everyone echoing similar sentiments, Mrs. Weasley relented, though it was clear she still felt uneasy.


    The group began making their way toward the Weasley twins¡¯ joke shop, with Hermione, who had already visited before, and Bill leading the way.


    As they passed the Eeylops Owl Emporium, they stopped to purchase a large bag of owl nuts. They also visited the apothecary, where they stocked up on potion ingredients. Harry and Ron, uncertain if they would continue with Potions lessons, only bought the most basic items.


    They continued down the bustling street.


    ¡°This is number 92... just a little further...¡± Hermione pointed out.


    In truth, her reminder wasn¡¯t necessary. The shop was impossible to miss.


    Unlike the rest of Diagon Alley, which was plastered with grim notices and wanted posters, Fred and George¡¯s shop stood out like a beacon of chaos and color.


    The front window was a dazzling display of fireworks and moving advertisements. A massive poster filled the right-hand window, with bold yellow letters blazing across it:


    "WHY ARE YOU WORRYING ABOUT YOU-KNOW-WHO?


    YOU SHOULD BE WORRYING ABOUT U-NO-POO


    THE CONSTIPATION SENSATION THAT''S GRIPPING THE NATION!"


    Harry and Ron immediately burst out laughing, but Mrs. Weasley stared at the poster, incredulous, muttering, ¡°U-No-Poo... they''ll get assassinated!¡±


    ¡°No, no,¡± Bill said with a chuckle. ¡°That poster¡¯s been up for two months. You-Know-Who clearly doesn¡¯t bother with things like this. Go on in and have a look. You¡¯ll be surprised¡ªthey¡¯ve really turned this place into something incredible.¡±


    With that, he stepped forward, leading the way into the shop.


    Fred and George were nowhere to be seen; they were likely still at the Ministry of Magic at this hour. The twins had been tied up with additional responsibilities, especially after the recent Dementor scare when they had been guarding the shop¡¯s enchanted Patronus necklaces. Now, it seemed they had plenty to catch up on.


    ¡°Hello, valued customer,¡± came a polite voice. A clean, well-dressed house-elf approached them, his tone practiced and professional. ¡°The latest products are displayed on the shelves by the counter. U-No-Poo is still on special offer for just one Knut.¡±


    Harry squinted at the house-elf, something about him strikingly familiar. ¡°Are you... Dobby?¡±


    At the sound of his name, the house-elf¡¯s eyes widened in recognition. ¡°Mr. Harry Potter!¡± Dobby exclaimed, his voice bursting with excitement.


    The moment Dobby realized who was standing before him, his enthusiasm reached a fever pitch. ¡°Dobby is so happy to see Mr. Harry Potter here!¡± he squeaked, hopping slightly on the spot. His exuberance immediately caught the attention of other shoppers.


    ¡°Look, Harry Potter is in Diagon Alley too...¡±


    ¡°I knew it¡ªhe¡¯s not afraid of You-Know-Who at all!¡±


    Murmurs spread quickly through the shop, and Harry, now painfully aware of the attention, flushed with embarrassment. He hastily lowered his head, using his hair to obscure the lightning-shaped scar on his forehead.


    But Dobby, too caught up in his excitement, didn¡¯t notice Harry¡¯s discomfort. Grabbing Harry¡¯s hand, he enthusiastically pulled him further into the shop.


    Once inside, Harry¡¯s initial embarrassment began to fade. The shop was much larger than he had expected, its shelves brimming with all sorts of curious and colorful products.


    ¡°This is the Patented Daydream Charm,¡± Dobby explained enthusiastically, pointing to a colorful box. ¡°It allows you to quickly enter a high-quality fantasy for 30 minutes!¡±


    He moved on to another shelf. ¡°And this is the Skiving Snackbox, which Mr. Harry Potter definitely doesn¡¯t need, right?¡± Dobby beamed, his ears flapping slightly.


    ¡°Defence Against the Dark Arts products, including Shield Gloves and Hats, are the most popular,¡± he continued, gesturing to a section filled with cleverly designed protective gear.


    Harry¡¯s eyes darted around the shop, struggling to take it all in. Everything looked so fascinating that he wanted to explore every item.


    ¡°Dobby...¡± Harry stopped in front of the Defence Against the Dark Arts section, interrupting the house-elf¡¯s excited chatter. ¡°Why are you here? Did Fred and George hire you?¡±


    ¡°No, Dobby is here to help,¡± the house-elf replied, his large ears twitching. ¡°In September, Dobby will go back to where he worked before. Dobby likes it there better.¡±


    ¡°Where you worked before? What¡¯s that?¡± Harry asked, his tone casual as his gaze lingered on a small dummy holding a bomb on one of the shelves.


    ¡°Dobby is not allowed to say,¡± the house-elf replied, his voice soft.


    Harry froze and quickly turned to look at Dobby, his mind racing. He knew house-elves were bound by strict magical contracts to keep their master¡¯s secrets. If they even considered revealing something forbidden, they would immediately punish themselves.


    Back in second year, Dobby had repeatedly harmed himself whenever he came close to saying too much about the Malfoys.


    But this time, Dobby remained perfectly still, calm and composed.


    That could only mean one thing: Dobby wasn¡¯t prohibited from speaking¡ªhe simply didn¡¯t want to.


    Relief washed over Harry. It seemed Dobby had genuinely found a place he was happy with.


    ¡°That¡¯s nice,¡± Harry said with a warm smile.


    Turning back to the shelf, he pointed to the small dummy. ¡°I¡¯d like to buy this. How much is it?¡±


    ¡°Decoy Detonators,¡± Dobby replied immediately. ¡°Makes a lot of noise. Two Galleons. But if it¡¯s for Mr. Harry Potter, it¡¯s only one Galleon. Dobby can only do so much.¡±


    ¡°And what about this?¡± Harry asked, picking up a glass marble filled with swirling white mist. It looked like a miniature version of the prophecy orb he had seen at the Ministry.


    ¡°Smoke Balls,¡± Dobby said proudly. ¡°Creates a fog quickly. Ten Sickles.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll take it,¡± Harry said, pulling out his money bag.


    The memory of Kyle using something similar during the final task of the Triwizard Tournament flashed through Harry¡¯s mind. The mist had enveloped the entire hill, making it almost impossible to see. It had been incredibly effective¡ªand he hadn¡¯t expected something similar to be so affordable.


    ¡°Wait,¡± came a familiar voice. Kyle walked up from behind, glancing at the item in Harry¡¯s hand. ¡°Just so you know, this isn¡¯t the same kind of large-scale Mist Gem you¡¯ve seen before. This is an imitation of mine. To be fair, though, the effect isn¡¯t bad.¡±


    Harry thought for a moment, then shrugged. ¡°That¡¯s fine. If worst comes to worst, I¡¯ll just use a few more.¡±


    Without hesitation, he grabbed a handful of gold coins and stuffed them into Dobby¡¯s hands. ¡°I¡¯ll take all of these!¡±

 Chapter 714: Kanna, Who Didn’t Take the Train

    Fred and George certainly had a knack for lightening people''s wallets. By the time Harry left the Weasleys'' Wizard Wheezes, he had only a few Galleons left in his pocket. He doubted he would have parted with even those if it hadn''t been for the school-related expenses he needed to cover.


    What made him spend so freely were the fascinating joke items and the Defense Against the Dark Arts tools, each of which seemed remarkably practical. Besides, after being cooped up for more than a month, Harry found himself indulging in an unplanned shopping spree. Before he realized it, his money pouch was empty, and the jingling Galleons had been traded for an assortment of magical trinkets. He didn¡¯t mind, though¡ªHarry felt quite pleased with his purchases.


    During the final week of the holidays, Harry and Ron spent their days experimenting with the gadgets they had bought. One mishap occurred when Hermione, distracted and unaware, mistook a joke-shop cup for a teacup. The result? Her teeth turned a vivid shade of blue.


    Hermione¡¯s slightly prominent front teeth stood out even more in this colorful state, which left her furious. She refused to speak to Harry for several days. Only after Fred and George returned with a potion to restore her teeth''s normal color¡ªand Harry swore repeatedly that leaving the cup on the table had been an accident¡ªdid Hermione begrudgingly forgive him. However, she made her displeasure clear by refusing to help them with their homework.


    ¡°You¡¯d better hurry,¡± Kyle remarked with a grin as he watched Harry and Ron scribbling furiously at their assignments near the end of August. ¡°School starts tomorrow. If you don¡¯t finish tonight, you won¡¯t be getting any sleep tomorrow night.¡±


    Harry and Ron didn¡¯t reply; they didn¡¯t have time for anything beyond their mounting pile of homework. Who would have guessed that after two whole months, they still hadn¡¯t completed it all?


    ¡°Don¡¯t look so smug. Everyone¡¯s had to cram their homework at Hogwarts a few times,¡± Charlie chimed in, recalling his own days of last-minute studying. ¡°But Kyle,¡± he added with a curious glance, ¡°I don¡¯t think I¡¯ve ever seen you do any homework. Did you finish it before you got here?¡±


    ¡°No,¡± Kyle replied coolly. ¡°I didn¡¯t do any of it.¡±


    Harry and Ron paused mid-sentence, glancing up simultaneously before shifting over to make space for Kyle.


    ¡°You don¡¯t need to worry about me,¡± Kyle said, waving them off casually. ¡°I don¡¯t have to do my homework. I¡¯ve been busy with Ministry of Magic work, so the Professors gave me special permission.¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to do your homework?¡± Ron¡¯s envy was palpable, his eyes narrowing with frustration.


    No one had ever told him that working with the Ministry of Magic came with such perks. If he¡¯d known, he would have applied in a heartbeat.


    ...


    The next morning, Harry and Ron stumbled into the car, dark circles under their eyes from their late-night cram session. They dozed off almost immediately, only to be shaken awake by Sirius when the car pulled up in front of King¡¯s Cross Station.


    ¡°Hurry up,¡± Sirius urged, his tone serious. ¡°There are too many people here. We need to get through the barrier as quickly as possible.¡±


    Sirius and Mr. Weasley flanked the group, their expressions tense, as if Death Eaters were lurking in every corner of the station.


    Despite their concerns, the journey was uneventful. They passed through the barrier to Platform 9? without any trouble. As usual, the platform was crowded, and the scarlet Hogwarts Express sat steaming majestically, its plume of smoke curling over the bustling crowd.


    A moment later, Kyle, Cedric, Fred, and George arrived, weaving through the throng.


    ¡°I really miss this,¡± Cedric said with a wistful look at the train. ¡°Too bad I didn¡¯t bring any luggage this time.¡±


    ¡°Only an idiot like you would want to go back to school,¡± Fred scoffed, glancing at the train. ¡°The best part now is no classes, no homework.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯d be even better if we could avoid the Ministry of Magic,¡± George muttered darkly.


    The twins had planned to resign from their Ministry posts by the end of August to focus on their joke shop. However, they were still tied to their jobs, supposedly because no one else could take over their roles. Still, they hadn¡¯t fought too hard to leave, likely owing to Kyle¡¯s influence.


    Cho Chang arrived moments later, stepping through the barrier with her usual grace. As soon as Cedric spotted her, he left Kyle and the others without a second thought, his face lighting up with a goofy grin.


    ¡°Cho, long time no see! How was your holiday?¡± he asked eagerly.


    Fred rolled his eyes, his tone dripping with mockery. ¡°Look at that ridiculous expression. Anyone watching him would think he¡¯s trying to untangle a tongue twister.¡±


    ¡°Sometimes, I really want to shove a handful of sour candies in his mouth,¡± George muttered, grimacing.


    ¡°Oh, and you¡¯re no better,¡± he added, turning to Kyle. ¡°I bet you¡¯re waiting for Kanna, aren¡¯t you?¡±


    ¡°If you already know, why bother asking?¡± Kyle replied, raising an eyebrow, his nonchalance only fueling the twins¡¯ exasperation.


    ¡°Listen,¡± Fred said, slinging an arm around Kyle¡¯s shoulders with an air of mock menace, ¡°this Christmas, you¡¯re getting a crate of sour-tasting exploding sweets.¡±


    ¡°And you think I¡¯d eat anything you give me?¡± Kyle shot back with a look of disdain.


    ¡°Then we¡¯ll just come to Hogwarts...¡±


    ¡°...and shove them down your throat,¡± George finished.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be waiting,¡± Kyle said, unfazed. ¡°Just don¡¯t chicken out.¡±


    Another ten minutes passed, but Kanna didn¡¯t show. Fred and George exchanged smug, gloating looks.


    Behind them, the train¡¯s whistle blew, signaling its imminent departure. Most of the students had already boarded, and the doors were beginning to close.


    ¡°You¡¯ve got three minutes,¡± Cedric said, checking his watch. ¡°Maybe she¡¯s already on the train. Don¡¯t forget, Kanna usually gets here early.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re right,¡± Kyle nodded, quickly climbing aboard.


    ¡°Come back for Christmas!¡± Fred called through the window.


    ¡°If anything interesting happens at school, write and tell us,¡± George added. S§×arch* The nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°And don¡¯t break any school rules!¡±


    The train gave a loud puff of smoke and began to pull away. Kyle waved at the twins before turning and heading toward the Prefects¡¯ compartment.


    Inside, he spotted Malfoy. Just like in Diagon Alley, Malfoy avoided eye contact and quickly slipped away to another compartment. Kyle, unbothered, continued his search.


    He paced the Prefects¡¯ compartment but found no sign of Kanna. Hoping for a lead, he approached Cho, but she shook her head.


    ¡°No, I haven¡¯t seen her either,¡± Cho said apologetically.


    ¡°Don''t worry,¡± Cho said. ¡°Maybe Kanna just didn¡¯t take the train but went to school with Professor Snape instead.¡±


    ¡°Maybe,¡± Kyle replied casually.


    Although Cho''s suggestion wasn¡¯t without merit, Kyle had a persistent feeling that Snape wouldn¡¯t have brought Kanna to school this year.


    With this thought in mind, Kyle scanned the other carriages once more but found nothing. Finally, he opened the door to the last carriage, where Luna, Ginny, and Neville were seated.


    ¡°Long time no see, Kyle,¡± Neville greeted, holding his toad.


    ¡°Long time no see.¡±


    Instead of returning to the Prefects'' compartment, Kyle stepped inside and sat down in an empty seat.


    ¡°Do you mind?¡± he asked.


    ¡°Of course not,¡± Neville said quickly. ¡°In fact, five minutes ago, my grandmother told me I should spend more time with you.¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°Oh, she probably just wants me to learn from you,¡± Neville said. ¡°She reads the newspapers and says the Ministry couldn¡¯t have come up with such a reliable decision, nor would they solve the Dementor problem so quickly."


    "It must have been your idea. She¡¯s been praising you for two months and says she¡¯d trade anything to have you as her grandson.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re not that bad, Neville,¡± Kyle said absentmindedly. ¡°Oh, by the way, remember to thank Mrs. Longbottom for me.¡±


    ¡°Thanks,¡± Neville said sheepishly. ¡°I will.¡±


    Since Kyle¡¯s thoughts weren¡¯t entirely on the conversation, the atmosphere in the compartment felt a little subdued.


    ¡°Kyle, you¡¯re being harassed by Wrackspurts,¡± said Luna suddenly, glancing up from and peering at Kyle through her large, colorful glasses.


    ¡°Harassed... what?¡± Neville blinked, clearly confused.


    ¡°Wrackspurts... They¡¯re invisible creatures that mess with your head,¡± Luna explained. ¡°I thought I felt one buzzing around here a minute ago.¡±


    She clapped her hands at the air, as if swatting at an invisible insect.


    Neville looked even more baffled. He instinctively shifted closer to the window, while Ginny, sitting beside him, merely sighed. Accustomed to Luna¡¯s peculiarities, she chose to ignore her actions.


    ¡°Ah, I do have something on my mind,¡± Kyle admitted, gazing out the window.


    ¡°Do you need any help?¡± Luna asked, waving her hand again near Kyle¡¯s head.


    ¡°Thanks, that¡¯s better,¡± Kyle said with a faint smile.


    After sitting there for a while, Kyle decided to leave the compartment, but before he could step outside, Harry appeared at the door.


    ¡°Neville, have you seen... Oh, Kyle, there you are,¡± Harry said, clearly surprised.


    ¡°Hm,¡± Kyle murmured, stepping aside to let Harry enter.


    ¡°No need,¡± Harry said, producing two rolls of parchment tied with purple ribbons.


    ¡°What is it?¡±


    ¡°An invitation,¡± Harry replied, handing over one of the rolls. ¡°A third-year girl delivered it but couldn¡¯t find you, so I thought I¡¯d give it a try.¡±


    ¡°Neville, this one¡¯s for you,¡± Harry added, passing him the other roll.


    Unrolling the parchment, Kyle saw a short message written inside:


    ...


    ¡°Remember?¡± said Harry. ¡°This is the man Dumbledore took us to visit on the train.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s unusual... I mean, not many professors travel to school by train, except Lupin before... but this Professor Slughorn doesn¡¯t look like he¡¯s short of money, does he?¡±


    ¡°Lupin would be sad to hear that,¡± Kyle remarked.


    Harry felt a little embarrassed. It was true, though¡ªLupin had been the only professor in recent memory to take the train, and that was largely because of his financial situation.


    ¡°Are you going?¡± Harry asked.


    Kyle hesitated. He wasn¡¯t particularly inclined to attend, but Slughorn was a Professor, and ignoring an invitation from him might be seen as disrespectful. Sighing, he rubbed his forehead.


    , he thought.


    ¡°Never mind, let¡¯s just kill some time,¡± Kyle said as he stepped out of the compartment.


    Neville got up to follow him. ¡°Who¡¯s Slughorn?¡± he asked.


    ¡°The new teacher,¡± Harry explained. ¡°He used to teach at Hogwarts but retired, and now he¡¯s come back.¡±


    The aisle was bustling with students, many waiting to be served by the trolley witch. It wasn¡¯t until they reached compartment C that Harry realized Slughorn had invited more than just the three of them.


    Compartment C, located next to the Prefects¡¯ carriage, was reserved for instructors and was unusually spacious¡ªnearly three times the size of a standard carriage. At the moment, it was packed with people.


    ¡°Harry, Kyle!¡± Slughorn exclaimed, leaping to his feet as they entered.


    It was clear he¡¯d made an effort to look his best; his large silver beard was neatly trimmed and gleamed in the sunlight, much like the gold buttons on his waistcoat.


    ¡°What a huge surprise that you¡¯ve both come together! And this must be Mr. Neville Longbottom. Hello!¡±


    Neville nodded stiffly, still unsure of the situation. He glanced at Kyle, then followed his lead by sitting in the nearest empty seat.


    The atmosphere shifted slightly as Kyle entered. Some of the Slytherin students in the compartment began acting oddly. They kept their heads low, whispering to each other, but as soon as Kyle glanced their way, they stopped and pretended nothing was amiss.


    This behavior wasn¡¯t new to Kyle. Ever since he¡¯d given Montague a memorable ¡°lesson¡± last year, most Slytherins preferred to steer clear of him. The fact that Kyle had caused quite a bit of trouble for several of their parents over the summer only added to their unease.


    ¡°Everyone¡¯s here,¡± Slughorn announced cheerfully. ¡°Let me introduce you. This is Blaise Zabini.¡±


    He gestured toward a boy nearby. ¡°Harry, you know him, I¡¯m sure. You¡¯re in the same year.¡±


    Neither Harry nor Zabini acknowledged the comment. The animosity between Gryffindor and Slytherin was palpable, and silence was about as close to civility as the two houses could manage.


    Slughorn, unfazed, continued.


    ¡°This is Cormac McLaggen. Kyle, he¡¯s in the same year as you.¡±


    ¡°Kyle, nice to meet you here,¡± McLaggen said formally, extending his hand.


    Kyle nodded politely.


    ¡°And this is Marcus Belby, also in the seventh year...¡±


    Unlike the tension between Gryffindor and Slytherin, interactions with Hufflepuffs were far more amicable. As Slughorn introduced Kyle to the others, the reception was notably warm, with everyone welcoming him openly.


    ¡°Well, that was pleasant¡­¡± said Slughorn contentedly after the string of tedious introductions. ¡°An opportunity to get to know you all a little better. Everyone take a napkin and try some of this.¡±


    With a wave of his wand, a platter of pheasant appeared in front of everyone.


    The Long-Tailed Pheasant, a rare creature native to the Appalachian Mountains, was not particularly remarkable except for its incredible speed. However, its meat was considered a delicacy.


    Kyle wasn¡¯t surprised that Slughorn had managed to procure such a rare dish, but he doubted it was prepared by a house-elf. This was something Slughorn had likely cooked himself.


    How would I describe the taste... Kyle mused. It was like skipping a flat stone across water¡ªsmooth, but utterly devoid of impact. Slughorn should apologize to the Long-Tailed Pheasant.


    While the others sampled the meal, Slughorn began peppering the group with questions.


    ¡°Marcus, have you seen your uncle Damocles recently? I had the pleasure of teaching him.¡±


    ¡°Cormac, I happen to know you see your uncle Tiberius quite often. He¡¯s mentioned you to me before...¡±


    ¡°Zabini, how¡¯s your mother? It¡¯s been two years since we last met, but I can still taste the orange pie she made.¡±


    Although it was framed as a casual chat, Slughorn¡¯s tone felt more like an interrogation, putting everyone on edge.


    Kyle noticed that when Belby accidentally let slip that he and his uncle weren¡¯t on good terms, Slughorn¡¯s interest in him vanished almost immediately. In fact, when it came time to serve pie, Slughorn deliberately skipped him.


    Far from looking offended, Belby seemed relieved. Catching Kyle¡¯s eye, he winked and gave a subtle expression of relief.


    ¡°Did you notice?¡± Harry whispered to Kyle. ¡°This Slughorn always brings up someone¡¯s relatives.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re wrong,¡± Kyle murmured, shaking his head slightly. ¡°It¡¯s because of those relatives that they were invited in the first place.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not¡­¡± Harry began but stopped short of saying the word .


    ¡°It¡¯s exactly as you think,¡± Kyle said calmly.


    Harry glanced at Slughorn, who was now handing out Butterbeer. His opinion of the professor dropped further. While he didn¡¯t show his displeasure outwardly, Harry quietly wished for the lunch to end. He¡¯d rather spend time with Ron or catch up on homework than sit through this ordeal.


    Neville, too, looked uncomfortable. Slughorn¡¯s repeated mentions of his parents seemed to make him feel like he was walking on eggshells.


    ¡°Now¡­¡±


    Twenty minutes later, Slughorn stood and said in a solemn tone, ¡°Let me introduce you to two other people.¡±


    ¡°Harry Potter,¡± he began, gesturing toward Harry. ¡°The boy some now call the ¡®Chosen One.¡¯ Yes, that title has followed him since that terrible night over ten years ago¡­ Some say he must possess extraordinary powers¡­¡±


    A faint snort echoed from the compartment.


    Harry felt as though he¡¯d been slapped, his face flushing crimson. Fortunately, Slughorn quickly moved on.


    ¡°And Kyle¡­¡± Slughorn said, placing the largest piece of pudding in front of him.


    ¡°Your father and I were good friends. When I taught him, I already predicted he would go on to achieve great things¡ªand I was right. He became the youngest Director of the Ministry of Magic."


    ¡°But what I didn¡¯t foresee was that his son would surpass him in every way.¡±


    ¡°Thank you for your praise, Professor,¡± Kyle replied evenly.


    Inwardly, he longed for nothing more than to Apparate straight to Hogsmeade and be done with it.

 Chapter 715: Kanna, the Transferred Student

    Harry had never endured such a grueling lunch. For the rest of the afternoon, Slughorn rambled¡ªhalf the time about topics he found interesting, the other half about the past.


    He recounted numerous anecdotes about famous wizards, mentioning how they had all joined an organization called the Slug Club during their time at Hogwarts. Slughorn proudly explained that he had founded the club, naming it after the first part of his surname. It had started as a joke, but he¡¯d found it so amusing that the name stuck.


    The so-called lunch break dragged on until the evening shadows lengthened and lamps were lit.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t even notice they had lit the lamps,¡± Slughorn said in surprise, as though only just realizing how much time had passed. ¡°Well, as much as it pains me, you must now hurry back to change into your school robes¡­ Kyle, Harry, you¡¯re welcome to come and see me anytime, as are the rest of you, of course.¡±


    Several Slytherin students stood up, slowly packing their things. They didn¡¯t leave until Kyle, seated by the door, exited the compartment, prompting them to follow.


    ¡°Finally,¡± Neville said with a relieved sigh once they were outside.


    ¡°Yeah,¡± came a voice in agreement beside him.


    It was Belby, who glanced back at the compartment, winked at Kyle and Harry, and whispered, ¡°Between you and me, I actually get along with my uncle.¡±


    ¡°Then why did you say that earlier?¡± Harry asked, confused.


    ¡°My uncle taught me that,¡± Belby said in a low voice. ¡°He doesn¡¯t like Professor Slughorn much, and when he heard Slughorn was returning to Hogwarts, he figured scenes like today¡¯s would happen again."


    ¡°So he told me that if I pretended not to know him well, I could dodge those boring parties. And it worked, didn¡¯t it?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re lucky,¡± Harry said, clicking his tongue.


    ¡°Haha,¡± Belby laughed triumphantly. ¡°But I¡¯m sure that trick won¡¯t work for you. He¡¯ll definitely be after you.¡±


    ¡°Stop it,¡± Harry groaned. He¡¯d already thought as much, but there wasn¡¯t anything he could do about it.


    ¡°Good luck.¡± Belby waved, then turned and disappeared into a nearby booth.


    ¡°Kyle,¡± Harry asked, ¡°you seemed to be listening really closely back there. How did you manage that?¡±


    ¡°Oh, that?¡± Kyle said, rubbing his forehead. ¡°It¡¯s easy. Remember the Patented Daydream Charm? I was just sleeping.¡±


    ¡°The Patented Daydream Charm... isn¡¯t that from Weasleys¡¯ Wizard Wheezes?¡± Harry asked, recalling the product.


    ¡°But that doesn¡¯t make sense. I¡¯ve used the Patented Daydream Charm, and it made me look dazed and drool.¡± He remembered clearly¡ªit was a standout item at the Weasley twins¡¯ shop, displayed front and center. Yet Kyle hadn¡¯t appeared asleep at all.


    ¡°You don¡¯t understand,¡± Kyle said with a grin. ¡°The charm¡¯s real purpose is the same as the Skiving Snackbox: to get away with things unnoticed. If it were that obvious, what would be the point?¡±


    ¡°But I distinctly remember¡­¡±


    ¡°That effect was added deliberately,¡± Kyle explained. ¡°It¡¯s meant to confuse any professors who might visit the shop.¡±


    Harry¡¯s expression shifted to one of frustration. Why hadn¡¯t Fred and George told him something so critical?


    ¡°All right, we¡¯d better hurry back,¡± Kyle said, glancing at the darkening sky. ¡°The train should be arriving soon.¡±


    The group quickened their pace toward the back of the train. Harry followed along silently.


    Hermione and Ron, busy with their Prefect duties, were maintaining order elsewhere. With no one waiting for him, it didn¡¯t matter where he went.


    On the other side of the train, in the Slytherin sixth-year compartment:


    ¡°What do you think, Zabini,¡± Draco Malfoy asked lazily, ¡°what does Slughorn want?¡±


    ¡°Just to suck up to the rich and famous,¡± Zabini replied scornfully.


    ¡°Who are they?¡± Pansy asked, leaning forward with a sneer.


    ¡°McLaggen from Gryffindor,¡± Zabini said with a roll of his eyes.


    ¡°His uncle¡¯s some bigwig in the Ministry of Magic...¡± Malfoy said dismissively.


    ¡°Belby from Ravenclaw,¡± Zabini continued.


    ¡°That¡¯s a loser,¡± Pansy snorted, her tone dripping with derision.


    Zabini rattled off a few more names, each one met with a mixture of mockery and disdain, particularly when Neville Longbottom was mentioned. Pansy was especially ruthless, scoffing at Slughorn¡¯s taste and declaring him senile for inviting someone so widely recognized as a fool.


    ¡°Oh, and Potter. And Kyle from Hufflepuff,¡± Zabini added with a shrug. ¡°You should¡¯ve seen how enthusiastic Slughorn was. You¡¯d have thought he and Kyle were best friends.¡±


    This time, Malfoy said nothing, and even the ever-spiteful Pansy fell silent. The atmosphere in the compartment grew tense, the smug derision giving way to an uneasy quiet. Pansy, in an attempt to lighten the mood, unwrapped a piece of chocolate and tried to feed it to Malfoy, but he turned his head away.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be upset, Draco,¡± Pansy cooed. ¡°Slughorn probably didn¡¯t know you were on the train. If he had, he¡¯d definitely have invited you.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m afraid not,¡± Zabini cut in with a sharp edge to his voice. ¡°I noticed Slughorn didn¡¯t invite anyone whose family includes Death Eaters. Isn¡¯t your father still wanted by the Aurors? Two months now, hasn¡¯t it been?¡±


    ¡°Why should I care what he thinks?¡± Malfoy retorted with a snort of derision. ¡°I might not even be at Hogwarts next year. What does it matter to me if some old fool who¡¯s lost his touch likes me or not?


    ¡°You have no idea what I¡¯m going to do, and that¡¯s the point. That¡¯s what¡¯s exciting.¡± Sear?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The compartment fell silent again, the tension thick and unspoken.


    Zabini broke the silence tentatively. ¡°Could it be that you¡¯re talking about... him?¡±


    Malfoy shrugged, his expression carefully nonchalant.


    But Zabini¡¯s response was sharp, almost mocking. ¡°Who do you think you are?¡± he sneered. ¡°You¡¯re only sixteen. What makes you think you¡¯re qualified to work for him?¡±


    ¡°Actually, I am,¡± Malfoy said softly, his voice steady but cold. ¡°The Dark Lord doesn¡¯t care about age. He cares about ability and loyalty."


    ¡°And besides, some things have nothing to do with age. When I¡¯m done, I¡¯ll be the one he trusts the most... because I¡¯m the only one who can do it.¡±


    Crabbe and Goyle gawked at him in disbelief, their mouths hanging open. Zabini¡¯s sneering expression faltered, the mockery in his eyes replaced by uncertainty.


    He didn¡¯t think Malfoy would dare lie about something like this.


    Could it be true? Had Malfoy really earned the Dark Lord¡¯s trust at just sixteen?


    Perhaps out of jealousy¡ªor disbelief¡ªZabini¡¯s face twisted into a scowl.


    But Malfoy didn¡¯t seem to notice. Perhaps for the first time in his life, he was being looked down upon, or perhaps it was something else entirely. His gaze hardened, his pale features set with a quiet determination, as though he¡¯d resolved himself to some unspoken task.


    ...


    The train gradually slowed down and finally came to a halt at Hogsmeade Station.


    When the door opened, Kyle was the first to step off.


    ¡°Kyle,¡± Harry called after him, ¡°I remember you¡¯re a Prefect. Don¡¯t you need to stay back and maintain order?¡±


    ¡°Oh, I forgot,¡± Kyle replied without turning around. ¡°But I¡¯m already down here, so it¡¯s fine. They¡¯ll manage.¡±


    With that, he strode quickly toward the carriages.


    Harry hesitated for a moment, unsure whether to follow. He¡¯d agreed with Ron and Hermione to wait for them here, so he decided to stay.


    On the other side, Kyle didn¡¯t seem to care if Harry followed or not. He made his way directly to the long line of carriages. Normally, the carriages would wait until they were filled with four passengers, but Kyle had managed to get one moving on its own with nothing more than a piece of warthog leg.


    One carriage detached from the group and started down the path to the castle.


    The Thestral pulling it moved swiftly, and within minutes, Kyle was in front of the familiar oak doors. He jumped down, climbed the stone steps, and entered the castle.


    ¡°Why are you alone?¡± Professor McGonagall asked as she glanced behind him. The next carriage was still at the school gate.


    ¡°I came early because I had something to do,¡± Kyle replied. ¡°Sorry, Professor McGonagall, but I need to visit the common room first.¡±


    ¡°Very well,¡± she said with a slight nod. ¡°But don¡¯t forget to attend the Start-of-Term Feast.¡±


    Kyle nodded in acknowledgment.


    He was heading to the common room to check if Kanna had returned. If she wasn¡¯t there, he¡¯d ask Snape again¡ªthough he doubted Snape would tell him anything. Maybe Dumbledore would know.


    Crossing the foyer, Kyle made his way to the corridor leading to the kitchen. Just as he took out his wand to knock on the barrel, the door to the common room opened on its own.


    Kanna, dressed in her school uniform, stepped out.


    ¡°Kyle!¡± she said, surprised. ¡°I was just heading to the Great Hall. Are you already back?¡±


    ¡°Ah, yes,¡± Kyle said, slipping his wand back into his pocket. ¡°By the way, why didn¡¯t you take the train?¡±


    Kanna¡¯s face paled slightly as she walked past him toward the Great Hall.


    ¡°Actually,¡± she said after a moment of hesitation, ¡°I almost didn¡¯t make it back to Hogwarts this year.¡±


    ¡°Didn¡¯t make it back?¡± Kyle frowned. ¡°Was that Snape¡¯s idea?¡±


    Kanna nodded. ¡°Yes. At the end of the holidays, he took me to Norway to take the test for the Most Extraordinary Society of Potioneers. Everything was going smoothly until yesterday. After we left Norway, he took me straight to France. He said he¡¯d arranged for me to study at Beauxbatons this year.¡±


    The murmur of other students filled the air as they reached the Great Hall.


    ¡°I never understood why he insisted I learn French,¡± Kanna continued quietly. ¡°I thought it was because the person in charge of the Society¡¯s exams was a French wizard. But now I know it was for this.¡±


    Kyle paused at the doorway, not stepping inside.


    It suddenly struck him that perhaps it wouldn¡¯t have been a bad idea for Kanna to study at Beauxbatons. At least she¡¯d be safe there. But why had she come back?


    Could it have been Snape? No, that didn¡¯t make sense.


    Snape had already decided to leave her in France. If he¡¯d gone to such lengths to make those arrangements, why would he bring her back now?


    If it wasn¡¯t Snape, then who...?


    ¡°You haven¡¯t gone to see Madam Maxime, have you?¡± Kyle asked, turning his head toward Kanna.


    ¡°I was thinking the same thing,¡± Kanna replied with a sly smile. ¡°Although I don¡¯t know why Professor Snape would do that, I definitely wasn¡¯t staying at Beauxbatons."


    ¡°As it happens, I know you¡¯re on good terms with the headmistress of Beauxbatons, so I thought I might ask her to help me get back.¡±


    ¡°And Madam Maxime agreed?¡± Kyle asked, surprised.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t see her,¡± Kanna said. ¡°I found Gabrielle, Fleur¡¯s sister, and she told me Madam Maxime hasn¡¯t been at the school for a while. Someone else brought me back.¡±


    ¡°Someone else? Who?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± Kanna replied, shaking her head. ¡°I met him by the enchanted fountain at Beauxbatons."


    ¡°You know, there¡¯s a really beautiful enchanted fountain there, said to have been carved from a single piece of crystal. It doesn¡¯t hold water, but potions¡ªsometimes healing potions, sometimes wake-up potions.¡±


    Kanna¡¯s tone grew animated as she wandered off-topic, curiosity glinting in her eyes. She seemed more intrigued by the mechanics of the fountain, wondering where the potions came from and where they went afterward.


    Kyle, however, wasn¡¯t interested. Beauxbatons valued alchemy, and odd magic like that wasn¡¯t surprising.


    ¡°Mm-hmm. And then what?¡± he prompted.


    ¡°Then I met an old wizard,¡± Kanna continued. ¡°He seemed to know you and said he had a way to get me back to Hogwarts.¡±


    Before Kyle could respond, a loud knock echoed through the hall¡ªit was the sound of the new students arriving. At Professor McGonagall¡¯s urging, Kyle and Kanna quickly entered the Great Hall.


    The door closed behind them, and Kyle found himself wondering about the old wizard Kanna had mentioned.


    He didn¡¯t know many people at Beauxbatons. Other than Madam Maxime, there was Fleur, Gabrielle, and Professor Lochneal, whom he¡¯d met in Romania. But none of them fit the description.


    Once seated at the Hufflepuff table, Kyle leaned closer and asked, ¡°Did you ask him his name?¡±


    ¡°He didn¡¯t say,¡± Kanna replied with a shake of her head.


    ¡°Then how did you get back here?¡±


    ¡°Apparition,¡± Kanna said simply. ¡°But the old wizard was old. I barely grabbed his arm, and it broke. It surprised me.¡±


    Kyle suddenly understood.


    There were many old wizards in the magical world, but the only one fragile enough to break at a touch was Nicolas Flamel, the alchemist who had lived for over six centuries.


    That explained it.


    Although Nicolas Flamel lived in Devon most of the year, he occasionally vacationed in France, attended the opera, or simply wandered about¡ªlike a randomly appearing NPC in a game. Many wizards had run into him by chance.


    And Beauxbatons was Nicolas¡¯ alma mater, so it wasn¡¯t strange for him to visit. What puzzled Kyle was how Nicolas knew Kanna.


    Kyle didn¡¯t dwell on it for long. The Start-of-Term Feast began, and the new students were sorted into their houses. The empty golden plates on the tables filled with an assortment of delicious food.


    Kyle, who hadn¡¯t eaten much all day, decided not to overthink things. He grabbed a grilled steak and started eating.


    ¡°By the way,¡± he said, turning back to Kanna, ¡°how did your Most Extraordinary Society of Potioneers exam go?¡±


    ¡°Very well,¡± Kanna replied with a grin. ¡°Although there were a few bumps. Some people thought I was too young and suggested I take the exam in two years, but Mr. Damocles didn¡¯t agree. He insisted on adding me to the list and personally supervised me while I brewed the potion.¡±


    ¡°For the first time, I¡¯m hearing that the brewer¡¯s age could affect a potion¡¯s success rate. Could that possibly be true?¡±


    Kyle snorted. ¡°If you don¡¯t have the skill, the cauldron doesn¡¯t care how old you are. By the way, do you remember who tried to disqualify you?¡±


    ¡°What are you planning?¡± Kanna asked, eyeing him suspiciously.


    ¡°Nothing much,¡± Kyle said, popping a French fry into his mouth. ¡°It¡¯s not just about you¡ªit reflects on me, too. Everyone in Britain knows I¡¯m the youngest in the Ministry.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t think I don¡¯t know what you¡¯re plotting,¡± Kanna said, tapping his shin lightly under the table. ¡°They may be old-fashioned, but they didn¡¯t object after I passed the assessment. Don¡¯t do anything reckless!¡±


    ¡°How could I? What kind of person do you think I am?¡± Kyle said innocently. Then, sensing her disinterest, he changed the subject. ¡°But why did you have to go to Norway for the exam?¡±


    ¡°Because Mr. Damocles is in Norway,¡± Kanna explained. ¡°Apparently, he¡¯s discovered a special herb there that can improve the Wolfsbane Potion.¡±


    Kyle nodded, recalling that Damocles Belby¡ªuncle to the Belby he¡¯d met on the train¡ªwas the inventor of the Wolfsbane Potion. It made sense for someone of his stature to oversee the exam.


    ¡°So, you passed?¡± Kyle asked.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know yet,¡± Kanna admitted, cutting into her pork chop. ¡°The results won¡¯t be out until after Christmas. But I think I did well.¡±


    ¡°Then you definitely passed,¡± Kyle said with a smile.

 Chapter 716: Kyle’s Two-Way Mirror

    Kyle didn¡¯t think Kanna would have much trouble passing the exam for the Most Extraordinary Society of Potioneers. With her natural talent and Snape¡¯s guidance, it seemed almost inevitable.


    Of course, that was assuming no one decided to maliciously lower her score...


    But even if they did, Kyle figured it wouldn¡¯t matter in the long run. He would graduate next year, and then he¡¯d have plenty of time¡ªand influence¡ªto help ensure any such ¡°mistake¡± was properly corrected.


    ...


    An hour later, the puddings on the tables vanished, and the golden plates gleamed as if freshly polished.


    When Dumbledore rose to his feet, the laughter and chatter that had filled the Great Hall abruptly ceased.


    ¡°Good evening, everyone,¡± he said warmly, spreading his arms as though he wanted to embrace everyone in the room.


    ¡°Look at his hand,¡± Mikel muttered suddenly.


    Ryan glanced over. ¡°What¡¯s wrong? It looks normal to me.¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s wearing a ring,¡± Mikel said. ¡°Dumbledore never used to wear a ring.¡±


    Kyle¡¯s eyes drifted toward Dumbledore¡¯s hand. Sure enough, there was a large, conspicuous ring on his finger. Its black gemstone was slightly smaller than a Golden Snitch.


    Kyle narrowed his eyes but quickly relaxed.


    There was no visible damage to Dumbledore¡¯s hand¡ªit looked perfectly normal. This meant the curse from the ring had been neutralized. Moreover, the fact that Dumbledore could wear it without issue confirmed it was no longer a Horcrux. The magical contract Dumbledore carried would have prevented him from even touching it if it still housed a piece of Voldemort¡¯s soul.


    Dumbledore seemed to notice Kyle¡¯s scrutinizing gaze and gave him a small, knowing wink.


    ¡°I¡¯m so glad to see you all here again and that none of you are absent,¡± Dumbledore said, his voice ringing through the hall.


    Everyone knew what he meant. Over the summer, the headlines of had been dominated by disappearances and deaths. Simply being alive to return to Hogwarts was something to be thankful for.


    Dumbledore didn¡¯t linger on pleasantries and quickly moved on to the usual announcements for the start of term.


    He reminded the new students not to enter the Forbidden Forest and mentioned the dates for Quidditch tryouts. This year, however, there was a new addition to the rules.


    ¡°...The caretaker, Mr. Filch, has asked me to inform you that students are strictly prohibited from bringing items purchased at Weasleys¡¯ Wizard Wheezes into the school.¡±


    The announcement left no doubt: Fred and George¡¯s shop had been blacklisted entirely. Simple, effective, and very much in Filch¡¯s style.


    ¡°And,¡± Dumbledore continued, ¡°this year, we are pleased to welcome a new teacher, Professor Slughorn.¡±


    Dumbledore gestured toward the staff table, where Slughorn stood up. His round, bald head gleamed in the candlelight as he gave a friendly wave.


    At the Slytherin table, Malfoy sneered disdainfully, clearly unimpressed. But his expression quickly shifted when Dumbledore spoke again.


    ¡°I am delighted that Professor Slughorn has agreed to return to Hogwarts as our Potions Master.¡±


    ¡°Potions?¡±


    The hall fell silent for a split second, only to erupt into buzzing chatter moments later.


    ¡°In the meantime,¡± Dumbledore¡¯s voice rose above the noise, ¡°Professor Snape will assume the position of Defence Against the Dark Arts instructor.¡±


    ¡°No!¡±


    ¡°Absolutely not!¡±


    Two voices rang out almost simultaneously, startling the Great Hall into silence again.


    The first came from Harry, who shot to his feet in disbelief. The idea of Snape teaching his favorite subject was utterly unacceptable.


    The second voice, unexpectedly, came from Malfoy.


    Malfoy, unlike Harry, wasn¡¯t objecting out of dislike for the subject. As someone set to work for the Dark Lord, learning to defend oneself against dark magic wasn¡¯t exactly relevant to his future plans. His outburst had more to do with something his mother had impressed upon him repeatedly before the school year began: he to take Snape¡¯s class.


    Malfoy had dismissed the advice at the time, assuming Snape would still be teaching Potions, a subject where he could easily secure top marks.


    Who could have imagined that Snape would be teaching Defense Against the Dark Arts, while his despised Potions master, Slughorn, took over the very subject he once ruled?


    ¡°Draco, the professor is looking at you,¡± Pansy whispered, tugging at his robe from under the table.


    Malfoy glanced up and realized that both he and Harry Potter had become the center of attention. Snape, standing on the platform, was eyeing him with a cold, piercing stare. Coming to his senses, Malfoy quickly sat back down, trying to compose himself.


    As he calmed, a thought struck him¡ªhe could still change his course selection. If Snape agreed, he could continue taking Defence Against the Dark Arts. As for Slughorn''s Potions class... who cared?


    ¡°Ah, Snape got his wish,¡± Kyle remarked, turning to Kanna. ¡°I remember he always wanted to be the Defence Against the Dark Arts professor. Looks like the headmaster finally gave him the nod this year.¡±


    Kanna frowned, clearly unimpressed. After all, everyone knew the Defence Against the Dark Arts position at Hogwarts was notorious. She couldn¡¯t fathom why Snape, whose expertise lay in Potions, would willingly take on the cursed role.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry,¡± Kyle said softly, almost as if he could read her mind. ¡°I bet Professor Snape will be back in the Potions classroom by the end of the school year.¡±


    ¡°Really?¡± Kanna asked, her expression softening slightly.


    ¡°I think so,¡± Kyle replied. ¡°And the curse isn¡¯t as bad as it¡¯s made out to be. Look at Lupin, Sirius, and Moody¡ªthey¡¯re all fine, aren¡¯t they?¡±


    Kyle¡¯s reassurance seemed to have a calming effect, and Kanna appeared less troubled.


    The Great Hall was alive with chatter, with many students echoing their curiosity and opinions about the change. Their interest in this topic even overshadowed Dumbledore¡¯s customary admonitions about unity and vigilance against their common enemy. After all, the Headmaster had given similar speeches in previous years.


    The only notable difference this year was the mention of new restricted areas in the castle, likely tied to the reinforced magical fortifications. Dumbledore also emphasized the importance of adhering strictly to the new rules set by the professors and maintaining discipline.


    When dinner concluded, the familiar scrape of benches echoed through the hall as students rose and began filing out toward their dormitories. Kanna left to fulfill her duties as a Prefect, guiding the first-years to their common room.


    Kyle lingered for a moment, then quietly slipped away, blending into the crowd on his way back to the common room. Escorting the first-years didn¡¯t require so many Prefects¡ªtwo would suffice.


    ¡°Kyle, I''ve been looking for you.¡± A voice called out from behind, followed by hurried footsteps.


    ¡°Grace?¡± Kyle turned around, looking at the approaching figure. ¡°What¡¯s up?¡±


    ¡°Come with me.¡± Grace grabbed his sleeve, trying to pull him in the direction the professors had gone. ¡°They sent me the Quidditch captain¡¯s badge by mistake. If we hurry while the professors are still here, we can get it sorted.¡±


    Kyle didn¡¯t budge.


    Grace tugged twice, but when she realized he wasn¡¯t moving, she turned back in frustration. ¡°Hurry! The professors will leave soon!¡±


    ¡°No, Grace,¡± Kyle said, shaking his head. ¡°They didn¡¯t make a mistake. You¡¯re the captain.¡±


    Grace froze, staring at him in disbelief.


    ¡°But... how is that possible?¡±


    ¡°Why not?¡± Kyle laughed lightly. ¡°Even if you thought the badge was sent by mistake, the name on the letter wouldn¡¯t be wrong. There must have been a letter with the badge, right? Probably informing you that you¡¯re the captain of the Quidditch team.¡±


    ¡°Oh, was there?¡± Grace blinked in surprise.


    ¡°You didn¡¯t know?¡± Kyle asked, clearly puzzled.


    Grace shook her head. When she had found the captain¡¯s badge, she¡¯d simply assumed it was an error. Without giving it much thought, she¡¯d put the badge back in its envelope, intending to hand it to Kyle once they returned to school. She hadn¡¯t even checked for a letter.


    ¡°Never mind,¡± Kyle said with a chuckle. ¡°Do you still have the envelope?¡±


    Grace nodded and pulled it out from her robe pocket.


    ¡°Well, don¡¯t just stand there¡ªopen it and see,¡± Kyle encouraged, a smile on his face.


    Still dazed, Grace opened the envelope. Sure enough, inside was a neatly folded piece of parchment. Her emotions were a whirlwind¡ªnerves, doubt, confusion, and a flicker of something hopeful that she hadn¡¯t even acknowledged yet.


    Unfolding the parchment, she read the top line: her name. Below it was a short message:


    Grace¡¯s breath hitched, her chest tightening.


    ¡°See?¡± Kyle said gently. ¡°This proves they didn¡¯t make a mistake.¡±


    ¡°But... why me?¡± Grace stammered, still struggling to believe it. ¡°You¡¯re the best player on the team.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re wrong about one thing,¡± Kyle said with a shrug. ¡°The captain isn¡¯t chosen based on individual skill but on how they can lead the team as a whole.¡±


    He paused, then added, ¡°Besides, as you know, I¡¯ve got a job at the Ministry of Magic.¡±


    Grace nodded. It was no secret among the students that Kyle was Senior Assistant to the Minister for Magic.


    ¡°That¡¯s the point,¡± Kyle explained in a quieter voice. ¡°Because of my work at the Ministry, I might not have enough time to train or even play this year...¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Grace exclaimed, her voice rising in shock. ¡°You¡¯re quitting the team?¡±


    Kyle was the heart of Hufflepuff¡¯s Quidditch team. If he left, their chances of success would plummet.


    ¡°No, I¡¯m not quitting,¡± Kyle reassured her quickly, shaking his head. ¡°I still want to help Hufflepuff win our seventh consecutive championship. But you know how it is for seventh-years. With all the academic demands and... well, the current special circumstances, I can¡¯t guarantee I¡¯ll be fully present."


    ¡°Planning training sessions, strategizing tactics¡ªthose things take time. If I were captain, we¡¯d probably have to wing it for most of the season.¡±


    Grace exhaled in relief. As long as Kyle wasn¡¯t leaving the team entirely, they could work around his limited availability.


    ¡°That¡¯s why,¡± Kyle continued, his tone firm, ¡°you¡¯re the best choice for captain.¡±


    Grace stood there, still trying to process everything. Doubts lingered, but Kyle¡¯s confidence in her was undeniable. Before she could respond, she realized he had already turned and was making his way back to the common room.


    In true Hufflepuff tradition, the news of Grace¡¯s captaincy quickly spread through the house. That night, the common room buzzed with excitement and celebration. For Hufflepuff, it was destined to be a sleepless night.


    ...


    The next morning, when they gathered for breakfast, nearly half the Hufflepuff table was stifling yawns. They had stayed up late finishing homework and were now feeling the consequences.


    The new timetables had been distributed the previous day, and Year 7''s first class of the term was History of Magic¡ªa subject infamous for its soporific qualities. Taught by a ghost who monotonously read aloud from the textbook, it was widely regarded as the perfect opportunity to catch up on sleep or discreetly work on other things, provided one didn¡¯t disrupt the professor.


    Kanna had taken a seat in the back row of the classroom and was curiously watching her neighbor, Kyle. He was holding his wand, meticulously tracing symbols on a small round mirror. The wand acted like a quill, leaving visible marks on the mirror''s surface with every stroke.


    From what Kanna could discern, the markings resembled runes, but they were so intricate that she couldn¡¯t make sense of them despite staring for several minutes.


    ¡°What are you doing?¡± she finally whispered, unable to contain her curiosity.


    ¡°Reviewing alchemy,¡± Kyle replied in a hushed tone.


    ¡°This is alchemy?¡± Kanna leaned closer, studying the mirror covered in elaborate symbols. ¡°It doesn¡¯t look like the same thing as when you made that map before.¡±


    ¡°Of course it¡¯s not the same,¡± Kyle explained. ¡°The things I made before¡ªlike the maps or those waterproof badges¡ªwere magical items, sure, but only just barely. True alchemy is a fusion of runes and magic.¡±


    As Kyle spoke, he became distracted, and his wand slipped slightly. The next rune he inscribed was incorrect, and the mirror immediately cracked, shattering into fragments.


    ¡°Sorry,¡± Kanna said, feeling guilty for interrupting him.


    ¡°It¡¯s fine.¡± Kyle waved his wand to clear away the shards with a flick, his tone casual. ¡°I wasn¡¯t going to get it right on the first try anyway.¡± He then reached into his bag and pulled out a new mirror, resuming his work.


    This time, Kanna kept silent, content to watch him closely. The process, however, was far less captivating than she had anticipated. Kyle worked with painstaking precision, taking nearly half an hour to cover a mirror no larger than his palm with runes.


    As each set of runes was completed, they would vanish as though absorbed by the mirror, allowing Kyle to continue inscribing new ones. If a single mistake occurred, the mirror shattered, forcing him to start over from scratch.


    Kyle had been engrossed in this alchemical project for two days straight, paying little attention during lessons. Most of the professors, including Professor McGonagall, turned a blind eye to his lack of participation, as if they understood the importance of his work.


    At first, Kanna had taken it upon herself to jot down notes for Kyle, but during one Transfiguration class, Kyle effortlessly fulfilled Professor McGonagall¡¯s complex request with a casual wave of his wand. After that, Kanna realized her efforts were unnecessary.


    It made sense now why McGonagall tolerated Kyle¡¯s apparent daydreaming¡ªhe hardly needed conventional lessons.


    Finally, on the third morning of the term, during the tail end of their first Charms lesson, Kyle set his wand down with an air of finality.


    Kanna¡¯s initial assumption was that he had failed yet again, but she quickly noticed that the mirror was still intact.


    ¡°Did you do it?¡± she asked hesitantly.


    ¡°Sort of,¡± Kyle said, exhaling deeply. ¡°Just the final step left.¡± He tapped the mirror with his wand. Sear?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Instantly, the previously drawn runes flared to life, glowing as they merged into an intricate, cohesive symbol. The mirror began to tremble violently, drawing the attention of nearby students and even Professor Flitwick.


    The shaking intensified until the mirror suddenly split down the middle. However, instead of shattering, it seemed to duplicate, as though a Doubling Charm had been cast upon it.


    A moment later, the trembling ceased, and the runic diagram faded into invisibility.


    A burst of applause rippled through the classroom.


    ¡°That was remarkable,¡± said Professor Flitwick, approaching with an eager expression as he examined the two mirrors now sitting on Kyle¡¯s desk. ¡°To be honest, I¡¯ve never seen the creation process for a Two-way Mirror before. It¡¯s an exceptionally complex piece of alchemical work.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Professor,¡± Kyle replied with a modest smile.


    Hearing Flitwick¡¯s praise, the other students craned their necks to catch a glimpse of the mirrors. Just then, the bell signaling the end of class rang.


    Kyle carefully packed up his belongings, gave Professor Flitwick a polite nod, and headed for the hallway. As he walked, he handed one of the mirrors to Kanna.


    ¡°For me?¡± she asked, surprised.


    ¡°Of course,¡± Kyle said, as if it were the most natural thing in the world. ¡°Didn¡¯t you hear what Professor Flitwick said? It¡¯s a Two-way Mirror. Only two people can use it.¡±


    Kanna hesitated before taking the mirror. ¡°How does it work?¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t know?¡± Kyle asked, raising an eyebrow. He looked genuinely puzzled. ¡°A Two-way Mirror isn¡¯t exactly rare.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve heard of them, but I¡¯ve never actually used one,¡± Kanna admitted.


    ¡°It¡¯s simple,¡± Kyle explained. ¡°Just say my name into the mirror, and you¡¯ll see me appear in it. This way, I won¡¯t have to worry about you not replying to letters.¡±


    Kanna gave a sheepish smile. ¡°Speaking of letters... sorry about that. I didn¡¯t write during the holidays.¡±


    ¡°Why not? Were the exams that strict?¡± Kyle asked.


    ¡°To prevent cheating,¡± Kanna whispered. ¡°We weren¡¯t allowed to send or receive any letters for the entire holiday.¡±


    ¡°Ah,¡± Kyle said, frowning slightly but not pressing the issue. He had no experience with the Most Extraordinary Society of Potioneers¡¯ exams, so he simply accepted her explanation.


    ¡°Anyway,¡± Kyle continued, ¡°if you ever need help, just call me with the mirror. Even if Snape ends up dragging you off somewhere later, I can help you get back.¡±


    Kanna¡¯s voice dropped to a near mumble. ¡°But it¡¯s France. Can you even Apparate that far?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it,¡± Kyle said with a shrug and a grin. ¡°Even if Apparition¡¯s off the table, I¡¯ve got other options. I know someone with a lot of international travel experience¡ªlegal or otherwise. Distance won¡¯t be a problem.¡±


    Kanna didn¡¯t respond right away. Her face turned a faint shade of pink as she stared at the small round mirror in her hand. After a moment, she softly said, ¡°Kyle...¡±


    The mirror in Kyle¡¯s hand immediately flickered to life, displaying Kanna¡¯s face. He looked between the image in the mirror and Kanna, standing just beside him.


    ¡°What¡¯s this about?¡± Kyle teased. ¡°At this range, couldn¡¯t you just speak directly to me?¡±


    ¡°Why do you care?¡± Kanna shot back, tilting her head and pursing her lips in mock indignation. A faint smile tugged at the corners of her mouth despite herself. ¡°Can¡¯t I at least check if it works?¡±


    But she quickly changed the subject, urging, ¡°Hurry up! Class is about to start, and next is Defense Against the Dark Arts. If we¡¯re late, we¡¯ll be in trouble.¡±

 Chapter 717: Snape’s Double Standards

    Kyle and Kanna hurried to the classroom, their conversation having delayed them, but they managed to arrive just before class began. Snape was already there, standing at the front with a piercing gaze fixed on the latecomers.


    Truthfully, Snape¡¯s mood had been sour ever since learning a few days earlier that Kanna had snuck back from France. But what could he do? The moment he heard about her return, he had stormed furiously to the headmaster''s office to confront whoever had dared interfere with his plans.


    However, upon seeing Nicolas Flamel, with his snowy hair and unsteady gait, Snape¡¯s anger evaporated. Instead of demanding answers, he found himself thanking the venerable alchemist and personally escorting him out of the school.


    There was no alternative. Even if Snape cared little for reputation, crossing someone over six centuries old was a gamble he wasn¡¯t willing to take. The man looked fragile enough to be toppled by a breeze. What if Snape¡¯s sharp words caused Flamel to keel over on the spot?


    So, Snape swallowed his frustrations and saw Flamel off with uncharacteristic politeness. Yet, this didn¡¯t mean the matter was settled. Snape knew full well that Kyle was the reason for Kanna¡¯s return, and his disdain for their association burned hotter than ever.


    ¡°What are you standing there for?¡± Snape snapped, his voice cold as ice, his eyes narrowing as if the two students were errant potion ingredients out of place. ¡°If you¡¯re late, find a seat. Or do you expect me to escort you personally?¡±


    ¡°Yes, Professor,¡± Kyle replied quickly, pulling Kanna toward a seat in the last row. This only deepened Snape¡¯s scowl.


    Kyle, however, was unfazed. He even raised an eyebrow in a small, defiant gesture. For a fleeting moment, Snape found himself wishing he were a true Death Eater, unburdened by any connection to Dumbledore. If that were the case, he could cast on Kyle without hesitation.


    Of course, that was merely a fleeting thought. In reality, Kyle¡¯s attention wasn¡¯t even on Snape. He was observing the classroom, surprised to see how quickly Snape had stamped his personality onto the Defense Against the Dark Arts room.


    The windows were completely covered with thick curtains, leaving the space dimly lit by flickering candles. The walls were adorned with grim images of people suffering the effects of dark magic¡ªwounds grotesque and limbs distorted. The effect was as unnerving as the jars of ominous ingredients displayed in the dungeons.


    Before long, Snape¡¯s cold voice broke the silence. ¡°Before we begin, I have something to say, and I expect you to listen closely and remember every word.¡±


    Snape avoided looking at Kyle, turning his head slightly as he continued, ¡°So far, you¡¯ve had six¡ªor perhaps seven¡ªteachers in this class.¡±


    This was a nod to Tonks, who had taken over after Umbridge¡¯s departure but adamantly refused to be officially recognized as a professor.


    ¡°Each of these teachers,¡± Snape went on, descending from the platform, ¡°had their own methods and priorities. But as far as I can see, none of them have truly prepared you to face dark magic.¡±


    ¡°Professor Moody taught us that,¡± a voice interjected from the crowd. S§×arch* The N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Snape¡¯s head snapped toward the source. ¡°Oh? So, Mr. Derrick has faced dark magic himself, has he?¡± he asked with a venomous edge. ¡°Or do you believe you can handle Death Eaters so easily that my lessons are unnecessary?¡±


    The student, Mikel Derrick, lowered his head and remained silent.


    ¡°Hufflepuff loses five points,¡± Snape said with cold indifference. ¡°In my class, you will raise your hand before speaking.¡±


    He continued, his tone sharp, ¡°Alastor Moody was a competent professor, and he did request permission from the headmaster to expose you to real dark magic. But the headmaster refused, arguing that you are not yet adults and such exposure would be premature.¡±


    A low murmur rippled through the classroom as students recalled that Moody himself had mentioned Dumbledore¡¯s reluctance to allow him to demonstrate dark magic in class.


    ¡°But that''s different now. You''re in your seventh year, and the situation has suddenly changed...¡± Snape''s voice rose slightly, commanding the room¡¯s attention. ¡°Whether you like it or not, you must face the threat of dark magic head-on."


    ¡°You will learn how to resist the Imperius Curse or fend off Dementors, which could give you the Kiss at any moment.¡±


    ¡°Professor!¡± a girl raised her hand hesitantly. ¡°But haven¡¯t the Dementors disappeared?¡±


    ¡°Not entirely,¡± Snape replied with a cold edge. ¡°The Ministry¡¯s efforts have made them less aggressive, yes, but they have not been eradicated. There are far more of these creatures than you might believe.¡±


    He walked slowly toward the podium, his movements deliberate. Turning sharply, his gaze flickered toward Kyle¡ªan intentional or accidental glance, hard to decipher.


    ¡°Perhaps I should demonstrate the true nature of the Unforgivable Curses,¡± Snape mused, his tone chilling. ¡°As seventh years, I trust you don¡¯t need a refresher on what the Unforgivable Curses are. Or is there anyone here so hopeless as to not know?¡±


    Silence answered him.


    ¡°Good,¡± Snape said with a curt nod. ¡°It seems there¡¯s hope for you after all. Let us begin with the Cruciatus Curse¡ªso you may grasp its effects firsthand.¡±


    He paused, his expression darkening. Then, with a surprising shift to an unnervingly smooth tone, he said, ¡°Kyle, how about doing me a favor?¡±


    Kyle, caught off guard, stared at Snape, confused by the sudden request and the faintly sinister smile on the professor¡¯s face. For a moment, an unsettling thought crept into his mind: Snape wouldn¡¯t actually cast the Cruciatus Curse on him...would he?


    ¡°So, will you help?¡± Snape prompted softly.


    ¡°But, Professor...¡± Kanna began, her voice edged with unease, but Kyle cut her off.


    ¡°Of course,¡± Kyle replied, regaining his composure. ¡°But, Professor, may I defend myself with a Shield Charm? After all, when facing Death Eaters, no one simply stands still and takes it.¡±


    Snape¡¯s lips curled in a thin, mocking smile. ¡°Oh, what nonsense are you imagining?¡± His voice was laced with derision. ¡°I only meant for you to open the curtains so the class can see better. You didn¡¯t think I would cast the Cruciatus Curse on you, did you? How absurd! Using the Cruciatus Curse on another person is a grave violation of Wizarding Law, regardless of the circumstances.¡±


    The sarcasm in his tone was unmistakable. ¡°Hufflepuff loses ten points for such dangerous assumptions.¡±


    Kyle¡¯s mouth twitched slightly, catching the gleam of mischief in Snape¡¯s eyes. It was clear the professor had done this on purpose. Snape could have opened the curtains with a flick of his wand, so why make it a task? And his manner and tone just moments ago had been deliberately calculated to suggest something far more sinister.


    ¡°Why are you still standing there?¡± Snape snapped, impatience creeping back into his voice. ¡°I don¡¯t care to repeat myself.¡±


    ¡°Of course, Professor,¡± Kyle said calmly, as though nothing had happened. He walked to the window, opened the curtains, and returned to his seat. Sunlight flooded the room, dispelling its earlier gloom.


    Snape waved his wand lazily, extinguishing the candles, and pulled a rat from his cloak, tossing it onto the floor. Before anyone could react, his wand moved sharply.


    ¡°¡±


    The effect was immediate. The rat¡¯s body contorted, its limbs curling tightly against its body as it rolled and convulsed violently. Its shrill, anguished squeals filled the room, sending a shiver through everyone present. The sheer pain emanating from the creature was palpable.


    Several students turned away, unable to watch. Some of the girls averted their eyes, their faces pale with discomfort.


    Snape, unfazed, waved his wand again and spoke in a low, steady voice: ¡°¡±


    A flash of green light burst forth, and the rat fell still. It lay motionless on the floor, unmarked but undeniably lifeless.


    ¡°The Death Curse... or Killing Curse.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not very pretty, is it?¡± Snape said lightly. ¡°But I must say, this is the spell you are most likely to encounter in the future. As you can see, it can end all life. If you wish to survive, you must find a way to avoid this spell.¡±


    ¡°And don¡¯t even think about resisting,¡± Snape added, casting a sharp glance at Kyle. ¡°The Shield Charm is useless against the Killing Curse.¡±


    He waved his hand, and the rat on the floor vanished.


    But the tension in the room did not disappear with it. The entire classroom was steeped in an eerie silence. Everyone¡¯s minds were still replaying the rat¡¯s desperate, intermittent squeals and the image of its lifeless form lying still on the floor.


    Until...


    ¡°What are you all standing there for?¡± Snape barked. ¡°Why aren¡¯t you writing this down?¡±


    The class jolted to attention. Quills and parchments were hastily retrieved, and everyone scrambled to take notes on what Snape had just said.


    ¡°Perhaps some of you are wondering,¡± Snape continued as the scratching of quills filled the room, ¡°why I demonstrated only two of the three Unforgivable Curses."


    ¡°That is because the Imperius Curse is the only Unforgivable Curse that can be countered through your own abilities. With enough willpower, you can break free of its control, though it is far from easy.¡±


    ¡°What are we going to do about it?¡± someone asked hesitantly, raising their hand.


    ¡°I will teach you,¡± Snape replied, his tone sharp, ¡°but not yet. Before that, you must be fully prepared to learn another spell."


    ¡°Now, take out your quills and write down everything I say.¡±


    The students obeyed immediately, their heads bowed over their parchments.


    ¡°I demand that you relax your minds and rid yourselves of the habit of daydreaming,¡± Snape instructed, his voice cutting through the room. ¡°Especially before sleeping¡ªclear your minds of all unnecessary thoughts.¡±


    As soon as Snape mentioned relaxing the mind, Kyle knew where this was going. It was obvious Snape intended to teach them Occlumency, the most effective defense against the Imperius Curse.


    But Kyle also knew that Occlumency wasn¡¯t an easy art to master. Harry¡¯s experience had proven that¡ªit had taken him nearly half a month to make any progress, and that was with Snape¡¯s intensive one-on-one guidance in the beginning, followed by relentless practice sessions with the Wampus Cat.


    Few professors would willingly teach such a challenging and time-consuming skill to their students.


    To be honest, as a Defence Against the Dark Arts professor, Snape was surprisingly competent. If only he could stop singling Kyle out so often, Kyle wouldn¡¯t mind admitting that Snape was a great teacher.


    For now, though, that opinion remained firmly unspoken.


    ...


    Half the lesson had passed by the time Snape finished speaking.


    Occlumency was not a skill one could master overnight. Emptying one¡¯s mind was difficult enough on its own, so Snape saw no point in wasting class time on it. Instead, he planned to let the students practice and familiarize themselves with the technique on their own after class.


    For the next half hour, Snape checked on everyone''s progress with the basics of Defence Against the Dark Arts. One by one, the students demonstrated their proficiency with the Disarming Charm, the Shield Charm, and the Slowing Charm.


    Snape had prepared himself for the worst. With a new Defence Against the Dark Arts professor every year, it was only natural for the students'' performance to be subpar. He had even drafted a scathing critique in his mind, ready to deliver.


    However, to his surprise, the results were far better than expected. At least half of the students could perform the required Charms proficiently.


    Initially, Snape dismissed this as a fluke. But when he raised the difficulty and tested them again, he found that the majority had indeed mastered the three Charms.


    It was an unexpected, yet pleasant, discovery.


    What Snape didn¡¯t know was that most of the Hufflepuffs had participated in Dumbledore''s Army in previous years. The three Charms he was testing were precisely the ones Cedric Diggory had focused on during those meetings.


    Unfortunately, with Cedric having graduated and the DA disbanded after Umbridge''s departure, the students had lost the opportunity to continue practicing in a group setting¡ªa fact many of them regretted deeply.


    After class, the students gathered in the hallway, speculating about how Snape planned to teach them to resist the Imperius Curse.


    Some had already figured it out.


    ¡°Of course it¡¯s Occlumency,¡± Kanna said as she walked with Kyle toward the Great Hall. ¡°What else would you need to empty your mind for but that?¡±


    Kyle mulled it over for a moment and realized she was right¡ªthere wasn¡¯t anything else that made sense.


    Anyone who was familiar with the concept could easily guess what Snape was thinking.


    "Do you need any help?" Kyle asked.


    Since he still hadn''t returned the Wampus Cat, he thought he could assist Kanna with her homework in the Room of Requirement. He had already worked out a plan: he could discuss it with the Wampus Cat and ask him to be gentle, or, as a backup, he could write to Newt and inquire if he had any Wampus Cat kittens available, preferably two or three months old. At that age, the kittens were like fluffy balls with natural Legilimency abilities but still too young to feel pain from minor scuffles, making them ideal for the task.


    ¡°No need,¡± Kanna replied with a smile, shaking her head. ¡°Actually, I¡¯ve been learning Occlumency since last Christmas, and Professor Snape even gave me a detailed schedule.¡±


    ¡°Look...¡± She pulled out a parchment booklet and handed it to Kyle.


    The front pages were filled with detailed notes on the process and precautions for learning Occlumency, all summarized from various related books. Some of it was identical to what Snape had explained in class earlier.


    The latter part of the booklet delved into specifics: how to truly empty one¡¯s mind, what techniques to use, and even which potions could aid the process. Every step was meticulously documented. Among the seven types of potions Snape listed, Kyle noticed one ingredient that stood out¡ªFelix Felicis.


    Though it was only a single drop mixed into a ten-day supply of Dreamless Sleep Potion and administered once every three months, it was still enough to seem extravagant. Felix Felicis, after all, was meant to be taken sparingly, drop by drop.


    Kyle handed the booklet back to Kanna, muttering, ¡°If he¡¯d been this attentive when teaching Harry, they wouldn¡¯t have nearly come to blows.¡±


    ¡°What was that?¡± Kanna asked, her voice so soft he almost didn¡¯t hear her.


    ¡°Nothing,¡± Kyle said quickly, shaking his head and changing the subject. ¡°So, have you learned Occlumency?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not sure,¡± Kanna replied with a slight shrug. ¡°But I haven¡¯t needed Dreamless Sleep Potion since before the holidays, so... I guess I¡¯ve learned it.¡±


    Kyle felt the word was entirely unnecessary.


    After more than half a year of dedicated study using Snape¡¯s guide and the Deluxe Potion Set, Kyle was certain he could teach Occlumency to anyone, let alone someone as diligent as Kanna.


    Curious, he suggested they test her skills. Kanna agreed; she was eager to find out how far she had progressed.


    After lunch, the two headed to the Room of Requirement.


    Kanna stood still, visibly nervous, while the Wampus Cat sat opposite her, its pale blue eyes fixed on hers in an unblinking stare.


    For about a minute, the room was silent, save for the faint hum of magic in the air. Finally, the Wampus Cat shook its head slightly, then leapt back into its suitcase.


    Though Kyle had suspected that Kanna had mastered Occlumency, seeing it confirmed still left him astonished. After all, Harry had only recently achieved the same feat¡ªand under far more turbulent circumstances.


    While Kanna had taken nearly ten months to learn, much longer than Harry, her progress had been smooth, almost effortless. She had achieved mastery naturally, without any of the setbacks or frustrations Harry had faced.


    Kyle couldn¡¯t help but compare their experiences. If Harry had been given the choice, Kyle was certain he would have gladly avoided the shouting matches and grueling sessions in the basement of 12 Grimmauld Place.


    Kyle himself felt a pang of envy. He hadn¡¯t been afforded such a comprehensive guide or special potions when he was learning Occlumency.

 Chapter 718: Kanna’s Glorious Moment

    By the time Kyle and Kanna emerged from the Room of Requirement, it was nearly time for the afternoon lessons to begin. Rather than heading back to the common room, they made their way directly toward the Dungeon.


    Their schedule had two consecutive Potions lessons, marking their first class with Professor Slughorn.


    When they reached the corridor outside the Dungeon classroom, several students were already inside. Cho was seated at the table closest to the podium, surrounded by a group of Ravenclaw students.


    Kyle and Kanna stepped into the classroom.


    The atmosphere was a stark contrast to how it had been under Snape. In previous years, the Dungeon never saw a hint of sunlight, relying solely on torches for illumination. The furnishings had been ominous¡ªfilled with jars of preserved frogs, mouse entrails, leech slime, and other grotesque ingredients, making the classroom feel more like a Knockturn Alley shop selling dark magic items than a place of learning.


    Slughorn, however, had made significant changes. The torches on the walls were gone, and the grotesque bottles and jars had either been stored away or removed entirely (possibly taken by Snape). In their place were various cauldrons, each emitting white smoke or steam. For the first time, the curtains had been opened, revealing windows enchanted to mimic the enchanted ceiling of the Great Hall. Sunlight streamed into the Dungeon, transforming it into a far more inviting space.


    Kyle couldn''t help but marvel at the bright, airy atmosphere. It felt refreshingly new. S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°Look, that¡¯s the Recovery Potion,¡± Kanna whispered, nodding toward one of the cauldrons.


    The Recovery Potion was her own invention, created for the Most Extraordinary Society of Potioneers'' examination. Its effects were akin to the Awakening Potion, as both helped maintain focus, but there was a distinct difference. While the Awakening Potion acted as a stimulant, the Recovery Potion functioned more like coffee¡ªit didn¡¯t suppress fatigue but kept the mind clear throughout the day.


    Kanna hadn¡¯t anticipated seeing her yet-to-be-announced creation displayed in the classroom.


    ¡°It seems Professor Slughorn has quite the connections,¡± Kyle murmured.


    They moved toward the cauldron containing the Recovery Potion and took seats nearby. A faint minty fragrance wafted through the air, cool and refreshing, like a gentle breeze brushing their cheeks.


    ¡°All right, class,¡± Slughorn¡¯s voice boomed as he stepped to the front of the room, his large frame silhouetted against the misty cauldrons. ¡°Before we get started, I¡¯ve prepared a few special potions for you to examine. Don¡¯t worry¡ªthis isn¡¯t a test. It¡¯s purely for your interest. I thought these potions might spark your enthusiasm for the subject.¡±


    He gestured toward a nearby cauldron. ¡°Let¡¯s begin with this one. Does anyone know what this is?¡±


    The cauldron held a pale blue potion emitting wisps of white smoke.


    ¡°I know! It¡¯s Baruffio¡¯s Brain Elixir!¡± Cho called out, raising her hand.


    ¡°Excellent!¡± Slughorn beamed. ¡°It is indeed Baruffio¡¯s Brain Elixir, a favorite among students for its ability to enhance cognitive function. That said, remember¡ªit¡¯s illegal to use during exams, and doing so will void your results. However, for regular study, a small dose is perfectly acceptable.¡±


    He moved to another cauldron, pointing toward its contents. This potion was far less appealing, with a grayish-white, slimy consistency that resembled wet cement.


    ¡°And what about this one?¡± he asked.


    No one responded. The class remained silent, eyeing the unappealing concoction with apprehension. Slughorn¡¯s expression faltered briefly before Kanna raised her hand.


    ¡°It¡¯s Invisibility Potion,¡± she said confidently.


    Slughorn¡¯s eyes lit up. ¡°Spot on, my dear! Exactly right. The Invisibility Potion, when applied to the body, renders the user invisible.¡± He chuckled. ¡°Although, I must confess, I¡¯ve never had the inclination to use it myself.¡±


    ¡°Why not?¡± asked a curious Hufflepuff boy seated closest to the cauldron. He leaned over, scrutinizing the slimy contents.


    ¡°Does anyone know?¡± Slughorn replied with a knowing smile, though his gaze lingered on Kanna.


    Kanna spoke up again. ¡°It¡¯s due to the potion¡¯s nature¡ªit requires perfect adherence to the skin to maintain its effect. If it peels or rubs off, the invisibility vanishes. Troll snot happens to be the best adhesive for it.¡±


    The Hufflepuff boy recoiled instantly, staggering back two steps before covering his mouth, visibly gagging.


    Several students around him quickly shuffled away.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be alarmed; it¡¯s just a potion ingredient,¡± said Slughorn with a reassuring smile. ¡°You should know, in times of war, this potion can be invaluable¡ªit could even save your life.¡±


    Despite his attempt to ease the tension, the students were visibly repelled by the idea of Troll snot. The student sitting nearest to the cauldron looked particularly desperate to put more distance between themselves and the unpleasant concoction, though Slughorn¡¯s watchful presence made it clear that leaving their seat wasn¡¯t an option.


    In addition to the Invisibility Potion, the classroom featured other noteworthy creations: Wiggenweld Potion, which could sterilise and heal minor injuries, and Dandelion Potions, which granted the ability to float and glide like a leaf on the wind. Both potions were swiftly identified¡ªone by Kanna, the other by a sharp-eyed Ravenclaw boy.


    ¡°Well, I must admit,¡± Slughorn said, stroking his chin with an air of amusement, ¡°I underestimated you. Seventh-years certainly have a respectable breadth of potion knowledge.¡±


    He ambled toward the final cauldron, where Kyle and Kanna were seated, a self-assured glint in his eye. ¡°But this one,¡± he said with a dramatic pause, ¡°is different. I dare say none of you would know what it is.¡±


    His tone brimmed with smug certainty as he gestured toward the cauldron. ¡°This is rather unfair, I confess¡ªit¡¯s a brand-new potion, not yet officially announced. It was created by the youngest member of the Most Extraordinary Society of Potioneers.¡±


    Kyle instinctively glanced at Kanna, only to be met with a sharp glare that seemed to say


    Slughorn continued, his voice dripping with pride in his insider knowledge. ¡°Of course, those familiar with the Society might wonder why this young prodigy¡¯s name hasn¡¯t yet appeared on any official lists. That¡¯s because the announcement won¡¯t be made until after Christmas. However,¡± he added with a conspiratorial grin, ¡°one of this year¡¯s examiners happens to be an old student of mine. He couldn¡¯t resist sharing the exciting news with me directly after the exam.¡±


    A murmur rippled through the classroom as the students marveled at Slughorn¡¯s connections, clearly impressed. Slughorn basked in their admiration.


    ¡°Professor,¡± Kyle said suddenly, feigning nonchalance, ¡°what if someone here know what the potion is?¡±


    Slughorn chuckled, waving off the suggestion. ¡°If that were the case, I¡¯d give them a hundred points!¡± His tone made it clear he didn¡¯t consider it remotely possible. He turned back to the class, his chest puffed out slightly. ¡°Now then, let me proudly introduce to you all. This is¡ª¡±


    ¡°The Recovery Potion,¡± a soft, familiar voice interjected.


    Slughorn froze mid-sentence, his mouth hanging open. Slowly, he turned toward Kanna, his face a mixture of disbelief and dawning recognition.


    ¡°You¡­ How could you possibly¡ª¡± He stopped abruptly, realization flickering across his features. ¡°Wait. You¡¯re¡­¡±


    ¡°Kanna Prince,¡± Kanna said evenly.


    ¡°Prince¡­ Prince¡­¡± Slughorn muttered, his brow furrowing as he pieced the puzzle together. Suddenly, his face lit up. ¡°Yes, of course! Prince! You¡¯re the girl who took the Potioneers¡¯ exam last month, aren¡¯t you?¡±


    This revelation sparked an audible stir among the students, who now turned their attention fully to Kanna.


    ¡°I did take the exam,¡± Kanna admitted with a small nod, ¡°and the Recovery Potion was my submission. But I don¡¯t know yet if I passed.¡±


    ¡°Let me assure you,¡± Slughorn said with a broad wink, ¡°there¡¯s no doubt about it. And remember, this must stay our little secret. According to the rules, nothing can be disclosed until the official announcement.¡±


    He turned his gaze on Kyle with mock sternness. ¡°And you! You planned this, didn¡¯t you? You were just waiting to see my reaction!¡±


    ¡°Sorry, Professor,¡± Kyle replied, trying to sound contrite but failing to suppress a grin. ¡°I thought you already knew. Didn¡¯t you check the list? Kanna¡¯s name was right there.¡±


    Slughorn sighed, shaking his head. ¡°I really should have looked at it,¡± he muttered, his tone tinged with self-reproach. ¡°I pride myself on knowing all my students, but this time it seems I¡¯ve been caught out.¡±


    Despite his momentary embarrassment, Slughorn¡¯s mood quickly brightened. Learning that a rising star in the world of Potioneers was in his class more than made up for his oversight.


    ¡°Well then,¡± he declared, ¡°a promise is a promise. Hufflepuff gets a hundred points¡ªno, fifty points!¡± He caught himself, chuckling. ¡°I forgot I¡¯m no longer Head of House. But don¡¯t worry; I¡¯ll have a word with Dumbledore about adjusting it.¡±


    Kanna shook her head lightly, clearly unbothered. In her eyes, fifty points were more than generous. Besides, she knew Kyle¡¯s antics had been harmless.


    ¡°You deserve these points,¡± said Slughorn. ¡°And your potion is also very good. I now add a little to my breakfast every day, and it helps me prepare for each lesson better during the day.¡±


    ¡°Thank you for your comments, Professor.¡±


    Kanna was delighted to receive Slughorn''s approval, especially from someone so renowned as a Master Potioneer.


    ¡°Well, today has been full of surprises,¡± Slughorn remarked, waving his wand and making all the cauldrons on the table vanish. ¡°But now we should get started. Turn to page 22 in your textbooks.¡±


    At this, the students, their curiosity still piqued, reluctantly pulled out their books.


    ¡°Professor, you haven¡¯t told us what¡¯s in here yet,¡± said a Ravenclaw boy, gesturing toward a small black cauldron on the lectern.


    The liquid inside shimmered like molten gold, its surface alive with movements like golden fish darting and leaping, yet not a drop spilled over the edges.


    ¡°Oh, so you¡¯ve finally noticed it,¡± Slughorn said with a pleased smile. ¡°It¡¯s one of the most peculiar little potions, and I¡¯m sure some of you know what it is.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s Felix Felicis, sir,¡± Cho said, her tone tinged with excitement.


    ¡°Also known as Liquid Luck!¡± added the student beside her.


    ¡°That¡¯s right. Five points to Ravenclaw,¡± said Slughorn. ¡°I must say, teaching seventh years is easy. It seems Severus¡¯s advanced classes are truly rigorous.¡±


    As expected, Slughorn announced Felix Felicis as the prize for the best performance in the class.


    The classroom erupted in astonished murmurs. No one had anticipated the new Potions professor to be so generous¡ªFelix Felicis, just like that?


    Slughorn stood at the lectern, observing the excitement spreading through the room. The scene mirrored those of his earlier teaching years. He nodded in satisfaction.


    As an experienced teacher, Slughorn understood well the challenges of earning students¡¯ respect. This, he believed, was the perfect solution: one small vial of Felix Felicis, and everything fell into place.


    Of course, this wasn¡¯t a sustainable tactic for every year group. Even with his wealth, seven vials of Felix Felicis would be excessive. It was reserved for the advanced sixth and seventh years. For younger students not yet in advanced classes, he had other methods.


    ¡°I¡¯ll repeat myself once more,¡± Slughorn said, raising his voice to quell the buzz of excitement. ¡°The one who performs the best will win this vial of Felix Felicis.¡±


    He tapped the lectern lightly. ¡°Now, where were we... Ah, page 22 in your books. You have just over an hour to brew the first stage of the Polyjuice Potion."


    ¡°Yes, the first stage. You¡¯ll notice this isn¡¯t a quick-fix potion. The extended and increasingly tedious process, along with the growing complexity, distinguishes seventh-year Potions from the more basic first-year concoctions."


    ¡°Bear in mind, the potion¡¯s difficulty escalates because if anything goes wrong at any stage, all your previous efforts will be wasted."


    ¡°Good luck.¡±


    The allure of Liquid Luck was irresistible. At Slughorn¡¯s signal, the students eagerly turned to their textbooks and flipped through the pages with determination.


    Slughorn had thoughtfully prepared the necessary ingredients in advance, all neatly arranged in the storage cupboard by the door, including the Lacewing flies that had been boiled for twenty-one days.


    The task itself wasn¡¯t particularly difficult¡ªsomething even a second or third year could accomplish¡ªbut it required patience. Slughorn saw no need to drag out the process unnecessarily.


    The students got up to gather their ingredients. Unlike in earlier years, when competition for supplies had been more frantic, the atmosphere was calmer; fewer students had taken part in Snape¡¯s advanced classes.


    By the time Kyle returned with Fluxweed harvested under the light of the full moon, another student was already processing the Knotgrass.


    Each student focused intently on their work, though none could help glancing around, gauging their progress against that of their classmates.


    The only one seemingly unaffected by the competitive tension was Kanna, who was riveted to her cauldron, her focus unbroken.


    Kyle carefully added three portions of Fluxweed to his cauldron, followed by two bundles of Knotgrass. As the potion turned a pale yellow, he immediately picked up his wand and stirred it three times clockwise.


    The liquid shifted to a soft pink hue¡ªan indication of optimal progress.


    Satisfied, Kyle set his wand aside and calmly began preparing the leeches on his table.


    Meanwhile, Kanna was already a step ahead.


    ¡°Kyle,¡± Kanna asked softly, ¡°what do you think Professor Slughorn¡¯s judging criteria will be for this class? Or after we finish the potion?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯ll probably be based on the finished potion,¡± Kyle replied after a moment of thought. Judging by the time left, they would only manage to brew the Lacewing fly solution during this lesson, which was just one part of the Polyjuice Potion¡ªhardly enough for a comprehensive evaluation.


    After finishing with the leech, Kyle added two spoonfuls of Lacewing flies to his mortar and began grinding them into a fine powder. This was the most time-consuming part of the process; the finer the Lacewing flies were ground, the more stable the potion¡¯s effect would be.


    An hour later, the potion in Kyle¡¯s cauldron had turned a tea-brown color. He quickly adjusted the flame to the lowest setting and added four portions of leech along with the ground Lacewing fly powder.


    ¡°Bang!¡±


    A sudden, loud explosion echoed through the classroom.


    Kyle¡¯s first instinct was that someone had blown up their cauldron¡ªand he was right. A Ravenclaw boy had been distracted, watching others as if sizing up potential competition. This lapse caused him to forget to lower the heat before adding the Lacewing fly powder.


    The result was catastrophic. The boiling Fluxweed reacted violently with the powder, creating an eruption reminiscent of flour igniting in a fire.


    Kanna¡¯s voice cut through the chaos, and the splashing potion stopped just inches from Kyle, blocked by her quick shield charm.


    ¡°Thanks,¡± Kyle said, still shaken by how fast everything had happened.


    ¡°You¡¯re welcome,¡± Kanna replied, shaking her head. ¡°I smelled something burning a moment ago and figured someone¡¯s cauldron was about to explode. Good thing I was paying attention.¡±


    Not everyone was as fortunate. The airborne potion splattered across the room like a torrential rain, burning everyone it touched.


    Even Professor Slughorn wasn¡¯t spared; Kyle caught sight of two droplets landing squarely on his bald head.


    ¡°Reduce the heat before adding the Lacewing fly powder¡ªsuch a basic mistake!¡± Slughorn grumbled, rubbing his head. With a flick of his wand, he vanished the mess.


    ¡°Five points from Ravenclaw,¡± he announced.


    The Ravenclaw boy looked crestfallen. Missing out on the Felix Felicis was clearly the last thing he wanted.


    Slughorn sighed. ¡°All right, since this is your first mistake... The potion won¡¯t be complete for a few days, and I¡¯ll allow you to use this classroom for an extra hour after class. But only one hour.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Professor!¡± the boy said eagerly, rushing back to the storage cupboard to gather fresh ingredients.


    The Lacewing fly solution required 20 hours of boiling before the next step could be performed, and Slughorn had planned the lesson schedule accordingly to align with the following day¡¯s class. If the Ravenclaw boy worked quickly, he might still catch up with the rest of the class.


    Half an hour later, the bell rang to signal the end of the class.


    Slughorn strolled leisurely between the desks, inspecting each cauldron. After examining the contents, he tapped his wand on the tables, causing thin, shimmering lines to appear around each cauldron.


    This measure was a precaution against sabotage. While it wasn¡¯t usually necessary, the rivalry between Gryffindor and Slytherin had been particularly heated in the past two days. Slughorn had decided it was worth the extra effort to prevent any mishaps that could ruin the students¡¯ hard work.


    It was an inconvenience, but far preferable to losing progress on two full lessons¡¯ worth of brewing.

 Chapter 719: Snape’s Scar

    As expected, by the end of Friday¡¯s potions lesson, Kanna had finally managed to secure the bottle of Felix Felicis.


    Her Polyjuice Potion was nearly flawless, so much so that even Slughorn couldn¡¯t find a single fault with it. Kyle¡¯s potion was also impressive, but when compared to Kanna¡¯s, his brew was slightly darker in color. This was due to his adding the Boomslang skin a little later in the process¡ªa timing issue that didn¡¯t affect the potion¡¯s efficacy. If not for Kanna, Kyle would have taken first place.


    To be honest, though, neither Kanna nor Kyle seemed particularly interested in the Felix Felicis that Slughorn had offered as a reward. Both already had access to the elusive potion.


    Kanna didn¡¯t need to say much about it; if she ever wanted some, Snape would undoubtedly supply her without hesitation. As for Kyle, his rapport with Director Sykes of St. Mungo¡¯s and the Basilisk materials he had previously provided made acquiring Felix Felicis a trivial matter for him.


    The reward, while nice to have, wasn¡¯t something either of them truly cared about. Winning it was a pleasant bonus, but losing out on it wouldn¡¯t have mattered to them in the slightest.


    More importantly, Kyle had been keeping his distance from things like Felix Felicis ever since wearing Ravenclaw¡¯s Diadem. The overwhelming sensation of being in control was dangerously alluring, and Kyle feared he might not be able to resist the temptation if he allowed himself to indulge too often.


    For now, everything was just as it should be.


    ...


    On the first weekend of the new school year, a misty drizzle began to fall from the sky. The air was chilly, but that didn¡¯t stop the Quidditch pitch from being crowded with people¡ªafter all, it was the day for selecting new players for the team.


    Beyond those eager to join, many others came to watch, either for entertainment or to gather intelligence for their own house teams. It was an opportunity to kill two birds with one stone.


    Since it was Gryffindor''s turn in the morning, Kyle decided against heading to the pitch. Instead, he strolled through the damp grounds with Kanna, making his way toward Hagrid¡¯s hut. For the past couple of days, Hagrid had seemed out of sorts¡ªgrumpy, with a perpetual frown¡ªand he hadn¡¯t even been eating in the Great Hall. With the weekend offering a bit of free time, Kyle figured he¡¯d check in and see what was going on.


    When they reached the edge of the Forbidden Forest, they found Hagrid standing by his pumpkin patch, absently watering the massive pumpkins that would soon decorate the castle for Halloween. The pumpkins, each the size of a wheelbarrow, gleamed wetly in the drizzle, but Hagrid didn¡¯t seem to notice. Instead, he was repeatedly soaking the same pumpkin until a puddle formed at its base, his thoughts clearly elsewhere.


    ¡°Hagrid, if you don''t get serious, we¡¯ll have to buy pumpkins for Halloween,¡± Kyle called out.


    Startled, Hagrid snapped out of his daze. ¡°Oh, it¡¯s Kyle¡ªand Kanna,¡± he greeted them, still holding the bucket.


    ¡°Hello,¡± Kyle said, stepping closer. Without hesitation, he asked, ¡°What¡¯s been bothering you lately?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m fine...¡± Hagrid replied, though his shifty eyes and evasive tone said otherwise. He took a few steps toward another pumpkin, attempting to continue his watering.


    ¡°Come on, Hagrid. You¡¯re a terrible liar, and we both know it,¡± Kyle said bluntly. ¡°Besides, if nothing was wrong, why would you be out here watering pumpkins in the rain?¡±


    Rain?


    It was only then that Hagrid seemed to notice the wet strands of hair plastered to his head. ¡°Oh, why didn¡¯t you tell me earlier?¡± he exclaimed, hurriedly putting down the bucket and attempting to scoop the puddles away with his hands.


    ¡°Does it really need to be mentioned that it¡¯s raining?¡± Kyle muttered under his breath.


    Still, seeing Hagrid so flustered, Kyle pulled out his wand. With a quick flick, he siphoned away the excess water from the pumpkin patch. While he didn¡¯t think the effort was particularly necessary, he knew Hagrid well enough to trust that he must have his reasons for being so meticulous. With that in mind, Kyle silently lent a hand.


    ...


    ¡°Tell me, what''s going on?¡± Kyle pressed again as they stepped into Hagrid''s hut. ¡°What¡¯s been bothering you lately?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know...¡± Hagrid mumbled, his voice barely above a whisper. ¡°Maybe it was a mistake for Dumbledore to make me the Care of Magical Creatures professor.¡±


    ¡°Why do you think that?¡± Kanna asked, her tone gentle but curious.


    ¡°Only five people chose my advanced classes this year,¡± Hagrid replied, sounding as though he were announcing a great personal failure.


    ¡°Five?¡± Kanna repeated, incredulous. That number meant, on average, only one student from each house had opted for the class¡ªshockingly low attendance. Even Divination, often mocked for its vagueness, had far more students enrolled.


    ¡°Hagrid, did you make the class requirements too strict?¡± Kanna asked.


    ¡°If requiring an ¡®A¡¯ in OWLs is strict...¡± Hagrid sighed heavily.


    Kyle didn¡¯t reply. An ¡®A¡¯¡ªAcceptable¡ªwas the minimum grade required for advanced classes, and lowering it wasn¡¯t an option.


    ¡°Are Harry and the others among those five?¡± Kyle asked tentatively.


    ¡°Harry, Hermione, and Ron,¡± Hagrid admitted with a small, bittersweet smile. ¡°All three of ¡¯em chose my class.¡± But his face quickly fell again. ¡°That just leaves two others. And those two probably only signed up because there weren¡¯t any other options left.¡±


    Hearing this, Hagrid¡¯s voice trembled. ¡°Dumbledore must¡¯ve made a mistake trusting me with this job!¡±


    ¡°Well... that¡¯s not entirely true...¡± Kyle stammered, unsure how to console him. He knew part of the problem was his own fault. If he hadn¡¯t convinced Hagrid to stop bringing Blast-Ended Skrewts into class, the turnout might have been even worse. Those creatures, while terrifying, at least sparked curiosity.


    Kyle glanced at Kanna for help, but she merely shrugged and averted her gaze, leaving him to navigate the conversation on his own. S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be discouraged, Hagrid,¡± Kyle said, trying to muster enthusiasm. ¡°I think it¡¯s more about students not understanding the importance of Magical Creatures.¡±


    ¡°But when Professor Kettleburn was here, loads of people chose his advanced classes,¡± Hagrid said, pulling out a handkerchief to dab at his eyes. ¡°Thanks for tryin¡¯, Kyle, but I know the truth.¡±


    ¡°No,¡± Kyle said firmly, shaking his head. Suddenly, an idea struck him. ¡°Hagrid, think about what¡¯s different this year compared to previous years.¡±


    ¡°Different? What d¡¯you mean?¡± Hagrid asked, still confused.


    ¡°You-Know-Who,¡± Kyle explained. ¡°This year, the Ministry of Magic officially announced his return. When students picked their classes, they probably prioritized ones that could improve their strength in combat, which is why they overlooked Care of Magical Creatures.¡±


    ¡°Is that so?¡± Hagrid asked, his voice softening slightly, though doubt lingered in his expression.


    ¡°Absolutely,¡± Kyle said with conviction. ¡°Last year, you had nearly twenty students in your class. How could it suddenly be about you not being good enough?¡±


    ¡°But...¡± Hagrid began, still hesitant. ¡°Magical Creatures can be important too! Didn¡¯t Dumbledore use Fluffy to guard the Philosopher¡¯s Stone? How can it not help them?¡±


    ¡°Because you can¡¯t exactly bring a Three-Headed Dog to class,¡± Kyle replied matter-of-factly. ¡°Think about the creatures they¡¯ve been learning about: Bowtruckles, Fairies, Nifflers. Sure, there are Unicorns and Salamanders, but none of those are exactly practical for fighting Death Eaters.¡±


    Hagrid seemed to be considering this argument. Kyle and Kanna exchanged glances, both realizing that the reasoning might actually be valid. Last year¡¯s higher enrollment was no coincidence¡ªthe only major change since then had been Voldemort¡¯s resurgence.


    Divination, while often derided, at least offered students the comfort of foresight, however vague. Meanwhile, Care of Magical Creatures was limited by strict regulations, only allowing the study of creatures ranked XXX or below before fifth year. Most wizards also relied on their wands, rarely carrying magical creatures with them.


    ¡°That¡¯s their loss, Hagrid,¡± Kanna chimed in, her voice steady.


    ¡°Exactly,¡± Kyle added with a nod. ¡°They¡¯ll regret missing out someday.¡±


    ¡°Yeah,¡± Hagrid said, finally sounding more confident. ¡°Abandon Care of Magical Creatures? They¡¯ll never know what they¡¯re missin¡¯! I¡¯ve decided¡ªI¡¯ll show these five students somethin¡¯ truly special.¡±


    ¡°Something special?¡± Kyle asked cautiously. A sudden thought struck him. ¡°Wait, Hagrid, you¡¯re not planning to bring Fluffy to class, are you?¡±


    Given Hagrid¡¯s history, it wasn¡¯t an entirely far-fetched concern. Worse yet, Kyle hadn¡¯t yet returned Fluffy to the Forbidden Forest after taking him out for... extracurricular reasons. If Hagrid found out, it would be difficult to explain.


    ¡°No, no,¡± Hagrid assured him, shaking his head. ¡°Haven¡¯t seen Fluffy since he settled into the Forbidden Forest. And Dumbledore wouldn¡¯t allow somethin¡¯ so dangerous in class.¡±


    Kyle exhaled in relief. ¡°So, what are you planning?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m going to show them Thestrals in the first lesson.¡±


    ¡°Thestrals?¡± Kyle asked, momentarily puzzled. If he remembered correctly, they had already studied Thestrals around this time last year. Even Umbridge had attended that lesson. What could be different?


    Noticing Kyle¡¯s confusion, Hagrid explained, ¡°This year, I¡¯m not just lettin¡¯ them watch from a distance. I¡¯m gonna let ¡¯em touch the Thestrals¡ªreally get to know ¡¯em up close. And I¡¯ll teach them how to ride ¡¯em!¡±


    ¡°If they ever run into trouble at Hogwarts, they¡¯ll know how to find the Forbidden Forest and get help from the Thestrals straight away!¡± Hagrid declared, clenching his fist with confidence.


    ...


    ¡°Kyle, do you think Hagrid will succeed?¡± Kanna asked as they made their way back to the castle.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± Kyle replied with a shrug. ¡°To be honest, Hagrid¡¯s idea isn¡¯t a bad one, but he¡¯s not exactly great at planning.¡±


    Kanna couldn¡¯t help but laugh. ¡°If Hagrid hears that, he¡¯ll definitely be angry.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s why I didn¡¯t say it,¡± Kyle remarked, glancing behind them. ¡°This is Hogwarts. If students are resorting to the Forbidden Forest for help, it means the Death Eaters have completely taken over the school.¡±


    ¡°Instead of running to the Forbidden Forest, they¡¯d be better off heading to the broom closet and grabbing a broomstick.¡±


    ¡°And not everyone can see Thestrals,¡± Kanna added thoughtfully, realizing the truth of Kyle¡¯s observation. Hagrid¡¯s plan, while well-meaning, seemed to lack practicality.


    ¡°Forget it. As long as it cheers Hagrid up,¡± Kyle said with a wave of his hand, dismissing the subject. He wasn¡¯t aiming to make the Care of Magical Creatures class particularly meaningful¡ªit wasn¡¯t realistic. His goal was simply to keep Hagrid occupied and distracted from the fact that only five students had signed up for his advanced class.


    ...


    When they reached the castle gates, the Gryffindor Quidditch team was heading back from the pitch.


    ¡°Hey, Kyle!¡± Harry called out, waving as he approached. ¡°By the way, I haven¡¯t thanked you yet.¡±


    ¡°For what?¡± Kyle asked, confused.


    ¡°For getting us the Potions book, of course,¡± Harry said. ¡°Professor Slughorn insisted I take his class, and I¡¯d have been lost without it. Did you know he¡¯d be teaching Potions?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s no big deal,¡± Kyle replied casually. ¡°Slughorn¡¯s one of the most famous Master Potioneers, and he¡¯s great at keeping a low profile. He¡¯d never take on Defence Against the Dark Arts.¡±


    ¡°You could¡¯ve told me earlier,¡± Harry muttered. ¡°If I¡¯d known, I wouldn¡¯t have taken Defence Against the Dark Arts.¡±


    Kyle chuckled but didn¡¯t respond, letting the comment pass as they continued into the castle.


    ¡°Kyle, hey, Kyle!¡±


    Kyle turned to see Susan Bones rushing toward him, holding a roll of parchment.


    ¡°This is for you,¡± she said, thrusting the parchment into his hand and catching her breath. ¡°And¡­ have you heard? About Hannah?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I¡¯ve heard,¡± Kyle replied, nodding gravely.


    On the third day of term, Death Eaters had attacked several locations, resulting in numerous deaths, including Hannah Abbott¡¯s family. She hadn¡¯t been seen at school since.


    ¡°I just hope she can hold on,¡± Susan said worriedly. ¡°I don¡¯t think it¡¯s safe for her to go home. Right now, there¡¯s nowhere safer than Hogwarts.¡±


    ¡°Yeah,¡± Kyle agreed quietly.


    Once Susan had left, Kyle unrolled the parchment. Scrawled across it in slightly crooked writing was a brief message:


    ...


    ¡°Headmaster Dumbledore wants to see you?¡± Kanna said, leaning over Kyle¡¯s shoulder to read the letter. ¡°It can¡¯t be anything dangerous.¡±


    ¡°Who knows,¡± Kyle replied with a shrug, folding the parchment and slipping it into his pocket. He continued toward the Great Hall, his pace unhurried.


    The letter specified , so there was no need to rush.


    ...


    Meanwhile, in the Headmaster''s office on the eighth floor, the atmosphere was tense. Dumbledore sat calmly behind his desk, while Snape stood before him, his expression as dark as a thundercloud.


    ¡°So this is your plan, is it?¡± Snape said in a detached tone, his voice laced with barely restrained frustration. ¡°To have Harry or Kyle extract the secret buried in Slughorn¡¯s mind?¡±


    ¡°We must know how many Horcruxes Tom has actually created,¡± Dumbledore replied, tapping his fingers rhythmically on the polished surface of the desk. ¡°You know, Severus, it¡¯s really not as dangerous as you think.¡±


    ¡°Not dangerous?¡± Snape¡¯s voice rose sharply, betraying his agitation. ¡°Slughorn has been hiding this secret for years. Since the Dark Lord¡¯s return, he hasn¡¯t stayed in one place for more than three months, hopping between abandoned Muggle houses like a fugitive. And you call this ¡®not dangerous¡¯?¡±


    Dumbledore was quiet for a moment, his gaze fixed on Snape with a faint, knowing smile. ¡°I must say, Severus, I¡¯m surprised by your concern for Kyle.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t be absurd,¡± Snape snapped, glaring at him. ¡°You know perfectly well who I¡¯m referring to.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I do,¡± Dumbledore said softly. ¡°This guilt has tormented you for sixteen years, ever since Lily¡ª¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t say that name!¡± Snape growled, his voice reverberating through the office. Even Fawkes stirred on his perch, flapping his wings in annoyance.


    Phineas Nigellus Black, from his portrait, opened one eye, muttered something under his breath, and promptly pretended to fall back asleep.


    Dumbledore, unfazed, rubbed the ring on his finger thoughtfully. ¡°Do you wish to see her again, Severus? To ask for her forgiveness?¡±


    Snape¡¯s eyes narrowed with suspicion. ¡°Are you mocking me, Dumbledore? She¡¯s dead. How could I possibly see her again... Wait...¡±


    His gaze fell on the ring Dumbledore wore, his expression shifting from anger to astonishment. ¡°That¡¯s...¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± Dumbledore said, holding his hand out so Snape could see more clearly. ¡°It is the same artifact we found in the Gaunt Shack.¡±


    ¡°But... wasn¡¯t it cursed?¡± Snape asked, his voice quieter now, tinged with disbelief.


    ¡°The curse has been lifted,¡± Dumbledore replied, slipping the ring off and placing it on the table between them. ¡°Perhaps you didn¡¯t notice, Severus, but I wore it at the Start-of-Term Feast.¡±


    Snape¡¯s breath hitched.


    The implications of what lay before him swirled in his mind. With this object, he could summon Lily¡¯s spirit, see her, speak to her, and... apologize.


    Compelled by an almost magnetic force, Snape began walking toward the table. But as he approached, his steps grew heavier, his movements increasingly labored.


    When he reached the table, close enough to touch the Resurrection Stone, he froze. His outstretched hand trembled, but he couldn¡¯t bring himself to take the final step.


    He was afraid.


    What if Lily looked at him with disappointment? Or worse¡ªhatred? What if she refused to forgive him? The memory of his betrayal, delivering half the prophecy to Voldemort and dooming the Potters, loomed over him. For over a decade, he had devoted himself to atonement, trying to erase the stain of that sin.


    To use the Resurrection Stone would mean tearing open a scar he had tried so hard to bury.


    Snape¡¯s face twisted in anguish as he stared at the stone, then abruptly he staggered backward, crashing into a table and sending silver instruments clattering to the floor.


    ¡°Take it away!¡± he shouted, his voice raw and hysterical. ¡°Get it away from me!¡±


    Dumbledore¡¯s expression didn¡¯t shift; it was as though he had anticipated this reaction. Gently, he picked up the ring and slipped it back onto his hand. ¡°Severus,¡± he said quietly, ¡°sometimes, we all need a little extra courage. Reopening a scar may be painful, but it also gives it a chance to heal.¡±


    ¡°Shut up, Dumbledore, just ¡± Snape gasped, his voice trembling with unspent emotion.


    At that moment, there was a knock on the door.


    Snape straightened, gathering himself with visible effort. ¡°I¡¯m leaving.¡± He strode to the door, pulling it open, and brushed past Kyle without so much as a glance.

 Chapter 720: Newt and the Serpent Witch’s Little Tales

    ¡°Professor Snape, what''s wrong?¡±


    Kyle, who had nearly been knocked over, glanced at Snape, who was hurrying away, and asked doubtfully, ¡°Professor, you¡¯re not docking his salary, are you?¡±


    ¡°Of course not,¡± Dumbledore replied, adjusting his demeanor with a smile. ¡°In fact, the professor of Defence Against the Dark Arts receives ten Galleons more than professors of other subjects. There¡¯s no way around it. Without that incentive, we simply wouldn¡¯t be able to recruit suitable candidates.¡±


    Kyle believed the high salary was undoubtedly true, though he refrained from commenting on whether the professors recruited were actually suitable. That was something Dumbledore would know better.


    ¡°Boy, I have a feeling you¡¯re thinking something rude,¡± Phineas Nigellus Black suddenly remarked from his portrait. "Trust me, my instincts are usually right."


    ¡°Good afternoon, sir,¡± Kyle replied, looking up at the painting. ¡°I admit, I was just thinking about whether I should remind Sirius to properly clean the house and get rid of some useless items.¡±


    ¡°...such as the portrait by the stairs in the living room.¡±


    ¡°I was right¡ªyou¡¯re an impolite brat!¡± Phineas shrieked, as if someone had stepped on his tail. ¡°I warn you, don¡¯t even think about it! Sirius wouldn¡¯t throw away his grandfather¡¯s portrait!¡±


    ¡°Really?¡± Kyle said indifferently. ¡°I¡¯m not so sure¡­¡±


    Phineas¡¯s portrait hung by the stairs at 12 Grimmauld Place, which allowed him to move freely between the headmaster¡¯s office and there to deliver some of Dumbledore¡¯s requests or plans. However, Dumbledore usually opted to deliver messages himself, rendering the portrait largely redundant.


    More than once, Sirius had mused about tossing the thing out.


    ¡°I¡¯m warning you,¡± Phineas growled, his voice filled with anger. ¡°That¡¯s my house, and you can¡¯t throw me out!¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t get me wrong, I¡¯m just making a suggestion,¡± Kyle shrugged. ¡°What actually happens will depend on Sirius, but I don¡¯t think he¡¯d mind a new painting.¡±


    ¡°You!¡± Phineas¡¯s beard bristled in fury. With a , he stormed out of the frame, presumably to find Sirius at 12 Grimmauld Place.


    ¡°Hahaha! Well done!¡± said a bearded wizard in a nearby portrait. ¡°That was truly amusing. You¡¯re the first student to ever make him look so foolish.¡±


    ¡°Thank you for your kind words, Headmaster Dippet,¡± Kyle replied with a smile.


    Having visited often, Kyle was already familiar with the portraits in the office. The one speaking to him was Armando Dippet, the headmaster who had preceded Dumbledore. He and Phineas had always been at odds, and more often than not, Dippet managed to chase Phineas from his frame.


    ¡°Kyle,¡± Dumbledore said softly, ¡°leaving Phineas in Grimmauld Place is still useful.¡±


    ¡°I know. I was just trying to scare him,¡± Kyle admitted. ¡°After all, his portrait is secured with a Permanent Sticking Charm¡ªyou can¡¯t just throw it out.¡±


    Dumbledore¡¯s lips twitched.


    ¡°Don¡¯t misunderstand, Sirius found that out, not me,¡± Kyle explained quickly before steering the conversation in another direction. ¡°Professor, what did you want to see me about?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s a small matter.¡±


    ¡°What is it?¡± Kyle asked.


    ¡°It concerns the Horcrux,¡± Dumbledore replied.


    He retrieved an old stone basin from a cabinet. ¡°But before we discuss it, let¡¯s view a memory. This is the most significant one I¡¯ve uncovered after much searching.¡±


    Since Dumbledore seemed serious, Kyle didn¡¯t object.


    The headmaster produced a small crystal vial from an inner pocket of his robes. The memory inside had congealed slightly over time, appearing less fluid than it should have been. Dumbledore carefully poured it into the Pensieve, which began to emit a soft, ethereal glow.


    Kyle stepped forward, feeling his consciousness drawn downward into the silvery depths. When he opened his eyes again, someone else stood before him.


    It was a much younger Horace Slughorn, his head full of thick, blonde hair.


    Kyle blinked, feeling oddly unsettled. Perhaps it was because he was so accustomed to Slughorn¡¯s bald head, but the sight of his hair¡ªthick as straw¡ªseemed strangely unnatural.


    ¡°Professor Slughorn lost his hair quite early,¡± Kyle remarked, turning as he heard footsteps behind him.


    ¡°What?¡± Dumbledore paused, momentarily confused by Kyle¡¯s comment.


    ¡°Look here,¡± Kyle said, pointing at the top of Slughorn¡¯s head in the memory. There, a small bald patch, about the size of a Galleon, was already visible.


    Dumbledore didn¡¯t respond, though his expression seemed to suggest he hadn¡¯t anticipated this particular observation. Had Kyle really gone through all the trouble of viewing this memory to determine when Slughorn started balding?


    Fortunately, Kyle didn¡¯t linger on the thought. Instead, he began to examine the scene around him.


    It appeared to be Slughorn¡¯s office, where six or seven boys were gathered. At the center of the group, sitting closest to Slughorn, was a young Tom Riddle¡ªwho at that time was still known by his given name.


    Riddle presented Slughorn with a bag of crystallized pineapples as they discussed a professor¡¯s upcoming retirement.


    Kyle tilted his head, unsure of the name mentioned. ¡°I don¡¯t recognize the professor they¡¯re talking about. Was it anyone important?¡±


    ¡°It was Galatea, the Defence Against the Dark Arts professor and an old colleague of mine,¡± Dumbledore explained. ¡°She was preparing to retire around that time, and Riddle likely had his eyes on the position.¡±


    ¡°But you turned him down,¡± Kyle noted.


    ¡°Yes,¡± Dumbledore confirmed, his tone calm. ¡°I persuaded Armando to reject Riddle¡¯s application. Despite his abilities¡ªand the support of other professors like Galatea¡ªthere was something about his ambition that made me uneasy.¡±


    Kyle studied Dumbledore¡¯s face. The older wizard¡¯s expression was unreadable, but there was no mistaking his certainty. Riddle¡¯s aspirations had never been about teaching; his ambitions lay far beyond Hogwarts. That was why Dumbledore had twice denied him the opportunity to remain at the school.


    ¡°So here, he¡¯s trying to confirm his suspicions with Slughorn?¡± Kyle ventured.


    ¡°Not exactly,¡± Dumbledore said, shaking his head. ¡°This is a display of power, Kyle. Sometimes, acquiring information itself is a demonstration of strength.¡±


    As if on cue, Slughorn in the memory raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. ¡°Where do you get your information, boy? You know more than most professors.¡± Sear?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Riddle simply smiled in response, his silence speaking volumes.


    ¡°You scoundrel,¡± Slughorn teased. ¡°Always knowing things you shouldn¡¯t¡ªand always knowing how to butter up the right people. Speaking of which, thank you for the pineapple. You guessed it right¡ªit¡¯s my favorite¡­¡±


    The group erupted into laughter at this lighthearted exchange.


    But the humor was short-lived. Without warning, a dense white fog rolled into the memory, shrouding everything in an opaque haze.


    ¡°This memory has been tampered with!¡± Kyle exclaimed.


    The fog was like a clumsy mosaic, carelessly applied to obscure critical details. It was blatantly clear that someone wanted to hide what had transpired.


    Through the mist, an unnaturally high-pitched voice broke through. The words were faint but audible: ¡°¡­you will make mistakes, my boy, mark my words.¡±


    Kyle¡¯s lips twitched in annoyance. ¡°Whose memory is this?¡±


    ¡°Professor Slughorn¡¯s,¡± Dumbledore said.


    "So..." Kyle turned to Dumbledore, a curious look on his face. "Was Professor Slughorn not particularly skilled outside of Potions? Because honestly, this voice sounds like a pretty crude imitation."


    That high-pitched voice was a stark contrast to the natural tone from before¡ªso deliberate that it was painfully obvious it was meant to disguise something.


    It was as jarring as a broomstick suddenly transforming into a dragon in the middle of a Quidditch match¡ªimpossible to miss.


    ¡°Well, at that time, he really wasn¡¯t very skilled with memory spells,¡± Dumbledore remarked, ¡°but he certainly made up for it later."


    ¡°As for the reason why, you¡¯ll discover it soon enough if you keep watching. You should be almost there.¡±


    As Dumbledore finished speaking, the white mist in front of Kyle began to dissipate.


    By now, Slughorn had finished eating the Crystallized Pineapple, and the small golden clock on his desk had shifted from 9:30 to 11:00. It was already past curfew, and everyone else had left the office except for Riddle, who lingered behind.


    After the last student had departed, Riddle spoke up. ¡°Sir, I¡¯d like to ask you something...¡±


    ¡°Ask away, my boy,¡± Slughorn encouraged him warmly.


    ¡°Sir, I was wondering if you knew about Horcruxes.¡±


    Suddenly, the office was enveloped in a thick fog, and a voice echoed, overly theatrical and blatantly unnatural.


    ¡°I know nothing about Horcruxes, and even if I did, I would never tell you. Now get out, and don¡¯t let me hear another word about this!¡±


    By then, Kyle had already surmised the purpose behind Dumbledore¡¯s request for him to witness this memory.


    The next moment, they exited the memory together.


    ¡°Professor,¡± Kyle said, gazing at the Pensieve before him, ¡°do you think that¡¯s when Riddle learned the secret of the Horcrux?¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s no denying it,¡± Dumbledore replied softly. ¡°Professor Slughorn must have told him something. Otherwise, he wouldn¡¯t feel so ashamed as to tamper with his own memory. That was his weakness¡ªhe always found it difficult to say no to students he valued. And Tom, once his favorite student, had long convinced him that he was destined for greatness.¡±


    ¡°Well, he was right, wasn¡¯t he?¡± Kyle said. ¡°In a way, Riddle amount to something.¡±


    ¡°But that¡¯s hardly the outcome Professor Slughorn would have wanted to see, which is why he¡¯s trying so desperately to bury his mistake.¡± Dumbledore retrieved the memory from the Pensieve and carefully placed it back into its bottle.


    ¡°His technique is crude, but that works in our favor,¡± Dumbledore continued. ¡°It means he hasn¡¯t managed to completely erase the memory, only obscure it.¡±


    Dumbledore turned his piercing gaze toward Kyle. ¡°I want you to help me recover it.¡±


    ¡°Me?¡± Kyle blinked, clearly hesitant. He wasn¡¯t eager to agree.


    ¡°As I mentioned,¡± Dumbledore said with a meaningful look, ¡°Professor Slughorn has trouble refusing students he holds in high regard."


    ¡°And since both you and Harry are the reason he¡¯s back at Hogwarts, it seems only fitting that the two of you undertake this task.¡±


    ¡°Harry?¡± Kyle looked around, confused.


    ¡°He¡¯s not here,¡± Dumbledore admitted. ¡°I haven¡¯t yet decided how to broach the subject with him. He¡¯s... different from you. I¡¯ll need to explain a great deal beforehand.¡±


    Dumbledore¡¯s steady gaze returned to Kyle, as though awaiting his response.


    ¡°Oh.¡± Kyle nodded as if brushing it off. ¡°Then, Professor, take your time deciding. Don¡¯t worry, Harry is very gullible¡ªuh, I mean, very easy to talk to.¡±


    Dumbledore¡¯s expression remained unchanged, though his eyes briefly flicked toward the door.


    ¡°You asked earlier why Professor Snape was upset,¡± he continued. ¡°This is the reason: he believes that Horcruxes are Tom¡¯s most closely guarded secret, and that anyone who knows about them is at great risk. He doesn¡¯t want to take that chance.¡±


    ¡°Who doesn¡¯t want to risk it? Professor Snape?¡± Kyle¡¯s face turned pale, his tone suddenly serious. ¡°Professor, I think you need to conduct a thorough investigation at Hogwarts. I suspect some professors might actually be Death Eaters using Polyjuice Potion. We need to stay vigilant and deal with this before it gets out of hand.¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s not go too far,¡± Dumbledore said with a chuckle. ¡°In fact, Professor Snape is not as harsh as you imagine, and...¡± His eyes twinkled as he looked at Kyle. ¡°You¡¯re going to be family sooner or later, so it¡¯s only natural that he cares about you.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s a matter for the future,¡± Kyle muttered, rubbing his forehead as if trying to stave off a headache.


    ¡°So,¡± Dumbledore pressed gently, ¡°what is your decision? Will you help me with this favor? I must emphasize, retrieving the unaltered memory is crucial for us. But if you have any reservations... I¡¯ll understand.¡±


    ¡°Professor,¡± Kyle sighed, ¡°do you think I can still stand aside when it comes to Horcruxes?¡±


    He had already destroyed several of Voldemort¡¯s Horcruxes. Would learning about one more make any difference? Besides, Harry was already entangled in this mess.


    Snape¡¯s concerns seemed unwarranted. Whether they uncovered Slughorn¡¯s memory or not, Voldemort would never let them go.


    At that moment, an owl swooped in through the open window, a letter clutched in its talons. Dumbledore took the letter and scanned it, his expression growing increasingly serious.


    ¡°Apologies, Kyle,¡± he said, standing abruptly. ¡°I need to attend to something else.¡± Without another word, he disappeared from the room with a faint of Apparition.


    Fawkes let out a soft chirp before vanishing in a burst of flame, leaving Kyle alone in the now-silent office. He glanced around at the empty room, then at the portraits, which had resumed their usual pretense of sleeping, eyes closed.


    After leaving the headmaster¡¯s office, Kyle found his thoughts circling back to Dumbledore¡¯s words. Yet, as he reflected on Slughorn¡¯s memory, it struck him that its value seemed... limited. It was just one piece of the puzzle regarding Horcruxes.


    But how many Horcruxes had Voldemort created?


    The diary and the Resurrection Stone ring were already destroyed. The Diadem, The Cup, and Locket were in Nicolas Flamel¡¯s possession and, judging by the timeline, likely dealt with by now. That made five.


    Oh, and there was Nagini¡ªthe snake.


    During the Triwizard Tournament, Kyle had been transported to the mountain where Voldemort performed his resurrection ritual, disguised as a Portkey trophy. In the chaos of the battle between Voldemort and Dumbledore, Kyle had seized the snake.


    However, to his surprise, Nagini wasn¡¯t a Horcrux at all. She was also not an ordinary snake but a result of a Blood Malediction.


    Newt had explained the phenomenon during the holidays. A Blood Malediction was a curse that permanently transformed a wizard or witch into an animal. Unlike Animagi, they couldn¡¯t shift back to human form and were trapped in their animal state forever. Worse still, their human consciousness would gradually fade until they became fully animal.


    Newt knew Nagini personally and had asked Kyle to leave her with him. Kyle had no reason to refuse¡ªhe wasn¡¯t Voldemort, after all, and had no desire to carry a snake around. Besides, he had a Basilisk, which was far more useful if he ever needed one. Thus, he had happily entrusted Nagini to Newt.


    This mutual understanding explained why Newt had never requested the return of the Wampus Cat Kyle kept. The two shared an unspoken agreement.


    However, one aspect continued to trouble Kyle: Nagini was female, which meant that before becoming cursed, she had been a witch.


    The thought of Newt carrying around a ¡°snake girl¡± gave Kyle pause. He couldn¡¯t decide whether to tell Tina about it or leave well enough alone.

 Chapter 721: Professor Babbling’s Warning

    It had been over a week since Dumbledore last left the Headmaster''s Office. During that time, he returned briefly to give Harry a lesson before disappearing again.


    As for the lesson''s content, Kyle wasn¡¯t certain, though he could probably guess. It was likely an open and honest conversation with Harry. Perhaps it was about the Order of the Phoenix or the Horcruxes. After all, when Harry previously failed to learn Occlumency, much had been kept from him, and he was still upset about it.


    This lesson seemed to focus on Harry letting go of his worries. How much progress he made would depend on what Dumbledore wanted him to know.


    But that had little to do with Kyle.


    On Wednesday afternoon, after the Ancient Runes class ended, Kyle approached Professor Babbling with a parchment full of rune formulas. She was clearly about to make a quick escape.


    Yes... escape.


    Since the first class of the year, Professor Babbling had been reluctant to see Kyle outside class. It wasn¡¯t that she feared being stumped¡ªher knowledge of Ancient Runes was likely superior even to Dumbledore¡¯s, and Kyle¡¯s questions posed no real challenge. She simply didn¡¯t want to work overtime. Usually, she left immediately after class, never lingering a moment longer than necessary.


    However, Kyle had positioned himself strategically near the door, and with Apparition banned within the castle, her plan for a timely escape was doomed the moment she stepped outside.


    When Professor Babbling glanced at the parchment Kyle handed her, her expression immediately soured.


    ¡°Primitive runes...¡± she muttered almost instinctively. ¡°Why are you looking at such useless things? It''s a waste of time.¡±


    ¡°Huh?¡± Kyle blinked, caught off guard. He had anticipated many possible reactions but had not expected Professor Babbling to dismiss his interest so outright. It didn¡¯t even sound like she was being rude¡ªshe genuinely believed it was a waste of time.


    ¡°That¡¯s right,¡± Professor Babbling elaborated. ¡°In the view of medieval scholars, led by Rowena Ravenclaw, the original magical runes had significant flaws. I wouldn¡¯t recommend spending your time on them.¡±


    ¡°What do you mean?¡± Kyle asked, still confused.


    ¡°It¡¯s like this...¡± Professor Babbling, uncharacteristically patient, explained, ¡°The so-called Ancient Runes are, essentially, a form of magical writing that early witches and wizards devised themselves. However, due to the limitations of their era, these writings were neither unified nor well-organized. They were chaotic. A single misinterpretation could cause the runes to collapse entirely."


    ¡°For this reason, the great Rowena Ravenclaw gathered the scholars of her time to standardize and refine these original runes, compiling them into a cohesive system¡ªwhat we now study today.¡±


    As she finished, Professor Babbling gave Kyle a pointed look. ¡°I remember telling a student this over fifty years ago, and I¡¯ll tell you the same thing now."


    ¡°There is always a reason something is abandoned. Don¡¯t chase after so-called power too recklessly. While you may revel in the thrill of invincibility, you risk unleashing something far more dangerous, dragging yourself into the abyss of magic.¡±


    Meeting Professor Babbling¡¯s steady, light grey gaze, Kyle instinctively took a step back, scratching his head awkwardly.


    ¡°Sorry, Professor, I was inspired to learn this because I read something written in the original magic runes,¡± Kyle explained. S§×ar?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°Oh?¡± Professor Babbling raised an eyebrow. ¡°A primitive document from at least 1,300 years ago is rare... But there¡¯s no need to learn it intentionally.¡±


    She reached out and grabbed something seemingly from nowhere, and a thick book materialized in her hand. Without hesitation, she tossed the book at Kyle.


    ¡°This is a comparison table of primitive runes. Just refer to it if you must¡ªthere¡¯s no need to waste time learning it in depth."


    ¡°And let me make myself clear: even if you insist, I won¡¯t waste my time teaching you. No one will, not even Dumbledore!¡±


    Her patience was clearly wearing thin. By the time Kyle had opened the book to glance at its contents, Professor Babbling had already turned and left the classroom without a backward glance.


    When Kyle realized what had happened and rushed to catch up, the corridor was empty.


    He sighed. Professor Babbling didn¡¯t have an office¡ªor, more accurately, she never used it. Unless it was time for the next class, she was impossible to track down. And she never delayed her lessons.


    Standing alone in the deserted corridor, Kyle mulled over her earlier words. Who had been the student she warned fifty years ago? Tom Riddle?


    The timeline fit, and more importantly, Riddle¡¯s deep knowledge of runes was something Kyle knew firsthand.


    But with Professor Babbling unwilling to elaborate, there was little he could do to confirm his theory.


    Glancing at the book in his hands, Kyle shrugged and stuffed it into his suitcase. At least the trip wasn¡¯t a total loss. He had learned that there was no need to invest heavily in studying the primitive runes, which, despite their allure, were obsolete. That realization would save him a considerable amount of time.


    As Kyle departed, Professor Babbling reappeared at the classroom door, her earlier disappearance a mere illusion. She gazed thoughtfully in the direction Kyle had gone, her usually composed expression softening with curiosity.


    She had never expected another student to take an interest in original runes during their time at school. The idea intrigued her, and she wondered if Kyle would make the same choices as the other student.


    Of course, whatever path Kyle chose, she wouldn¡¯t interfere. She would remain a silent observer, just as she had fifty years ago.


    ...


    On the other side, Kyle arrived at the Charms class, running, but even so, he was still ten minutes late.


    ¡°Sorry, Professor Flitwick, I stopped by Professor Babbling''s office to ask her some questions and lost track of time,¡± Kyle explained, slightly out of breath as he stood in the doorway.


    ¡°Next time, come on time¡ªor at least avoid disrupting the class,¡± Professor Flitwick replied, though his tone was firm. ¡°One point from Hufflepuff. Now, come in.¡±


    Kyle nodded apologetically and entered the classroom, taking his seat as quietly as possible.


    ¡°Now, where were we...¡± Professor Flitwick clapped his hands to recapture the class¡¯s attention. ¡°Ah, yes¡ªwandless magic.¡±


    He continued, ¡°This is an important skill that all wizards should strive to master. Now, can anyone tell me the advantage of wandless magic?¡±


    "It allows a wizard to avoid being completely defenseless after losing their wand," said Cho, raising her hand.


    ¡°Exactly, that¡¯s correct. Five points to Ravenclaw,¡± Professor Flitwick said with a smile. ¡°For a wizard, there¡¯s nothing more terrifying than losing their wand."


    ¡°In such a moment, wandless magic becomes a crucial fallback. I remember during the duel that made me Champion of the Duelling Tournament, my opponent managed to disarm me due to a careless mistake on my part."


    ¡°He thought he had secured his victory and began celebrating prematurely. However, he lost the match when I struck him with a wandless Stunning Spell.¡±


    Professor Flitwick¡¯s face lit up with a nostalgic smile. ¡°So you see, wandless magic is not just a useful skill¡ªit is often a wizard¡¯s last line of defense.¡±


    ...


    ¡°By the way, how many times did Professor Flitwick win the Dueling Competition?¡± Mikel asked in a low voice from his seat. ¡°Why do I remember him saying in a previous Charms class that he used a Sliding Charm to win?¡±


    ¡°As far as I know, Professor Flitwick has won the Dueling Competition three times,¡± Kyle replied after a moment of thought. ¡°If he hadn¡¯t come to Hogwarts afterward, that number might have been even higher.¡±


    ¡°Three-time champion...¡± Mikel muttered, smacking his lips. ¡°Yeah, that¡¯s impressive.¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s start with the simplest Levitation Charm,¡± Professor Flitwick announced at the front of the room, moving on to the day¡¯s lesson. ¡°Concentration is essential. Keep your eyes on your feather at all times, and at the same time, imagine you are holding a wand. Now, everyone, start chanting the spell...¡±


    A flurry of chanting filled the classroom.


    The feathers on the desks fluttered and lifted into the air, though none behaved quite as intended. Ryan¡¯s feather swayed erratically from side to side, and Mikel¡¯s spun wildly in place like a top. Even Kanna¡¯s feather, though it floated momentarily, quivered and occasionally dropped before regaining height.


    The classroom felt like it had reverted to first year, with everyone struggling to make their feathers levitate properly. The scene was chaotic yet oddly nostalgic.


    Despite this, Professor Flitwick appeared pleased. He had expected only half the class to succeed in making their feathers float, so this level of progress exceeded his expectations.


    ¡°Not bad, not bad,¡± he said enthusiastically, clapping his hands. ¡°Concentrate! Imagine your fingers as wands¡ªyou can do it!¡±


    With his encouragement, several students began to improve, and more feathers stabilized in midair. The accomplishment of performing magic without a wand filled the room with an indescribable sense of pride.


    Ryan, in particular, was thrilled by his success. Once his feather was floating steadily, he quickly grew bored and turned his attention to a more ambitious target: resting on the table.


    Ryan declared, pointing at the heavy textbook with his finger.


    The book trembled violently for a moment before flying straight at Ryan¡¯s head.


    ¡°Pop!¡±


    A loud thud echoed through the room as the book collided with Ryan¡¯s forehead, knocking him unconscious and leaving a sizable bump.


    ¡°I told you to stick to your feathers!¡± Professor Flitwick scolded sharply. ¡°Someone take him to the Hospital Wing!¡±


    Mikel immediately abandoned his spinning feather and volunteered to help, eager to avoid further attempts at wandless magic, which required precise control he simply didn¡¯t possess.


    Meanwhile, Kanna turned to Kyle as she continued guiding her feather. ¡°How did your question go? Did Professor Babbling agree to teach you?¡±


    ¡°No,¡± Kyle replied, twirling his fingers as his feather followed their movement. ¡°She said it was a waste of time.¡±


    ¡°What do you think?¡± Kanna asked. ¡°Maybe you could ask Professor McGonagall or Dumbledore. They might be willing to teach you.¡±


    ¡°Forget it,¡± Kyle said after a moment¡¯s thought, shaking his head. ¡°Actually, I think Professor Babbling is right.¡±


    After class, Kyle decided to visit Ryan in the Hospital Wing. On his way there, he ran into Hermione and Harry. From the direction they were heading, it seemed they were also on their way to the Hospital Wing¡ªthe only place they could possibly be going.


    ...


    ¡°Did someone from Gryffindor get hurt too?¡± Kyle asked.


    ¡°Ron,¡± Harry sighed. ¡°He got hit in the head with a Bludger during a Quidditch training match.¡±


    ¡°¡­Okay,¡± Kyle replied, a bit speechless. Fred and George had managed to make Bludgers behave more obediently than Puffskeins by their third year, and yet Ron still managed to get hit in his sixth year. Then again, it could be a matter of position¡ªafter all, as Keeper, Ron typically didn¡¯t have to deal with Bludgers.


    ¡°Have you already started training?¡± Kyle asked, changing the subject.


    ¡°It¡¯s a competitive sport,¡± Harry explained. ¡°There are five of us trying out for Keeper. Ron was a bit nervous, so he wanted to practice in his spare time. If I¡¯d known this was going to happen, I wouldn¡¯t have lent him all the Quidditch itens.¡±


    ¡°By the way, what were you doing in the Hospital Wing?¡± Harry asked.


    ¡°Visiting my roommate,¡± Kyle replied. ¡°He had a mishap in class and bumped his head.¡±


    ¡°Speaking of which,¡± Harry added, a touch nervously, ¡°I almost got hit on the head with a cauldron the other day in Potions class.¡±


    ¡°What happened?¡± Kyle asked curiously. ¡°Neville¡¯s grades aren¡¯t good enough to be in advanced classes, are they?¡±


    ¡°It was me,¡± Harry admitted, his cheeks tinged red. ¡°I learned the hard way that a cauldron can explode if you add the ingredients too late.¡±


    ¡°Although Professor Slughorn said it was just carelessness, I think he was a bit disappointed.¡±


    ¡°Disappointed because of your Potions grades?¡± Kyle asked.


    ¡°Yes,¡± Harry said with a nod. ¡°He expects me to be a Potions genius like my mum, but I can¡¯t even cut a Sopophorous bean properly.¡±


    ¡°Wait¡­¡± Kyle said, realizing something. ¡°In Potions class, did Professor Slughorn award the Felix Felicis?¡±


    ¡°Yes, and Hermione got it,¡± Harry said, his mood brightening slightly. ¡°You know, in sixth year, no one¡¯s more brilliant than Hermione.¡±


    ¡°Oh, I was just lucky,¡± Hermione interjected modestly, though she was clearly pleased. The truth was, after winning the Felix Felicis, she had been so excited she couldn¡¯t sleep for several nights.


    ¡°What about you? Did you get the prize?¡± Harry asked Kyle.


    ¡°No,¡± Kyle said, shaking his head. ¡°It was Kanna.¡±


    Harry wasn¡¯t surprised. He knew that Kanna had taken a vacation earlier to sit for the exam for the Most Extraordinary Society of Potioneers. It was the most prestigious magical potion society in the wizarding world, and Harry couldn¡¯t help but feel a twinge of envy. While others were mastering potion-making at a professional level, he was struggling to follow basic instructions.


    ¡°Tell you what,¡± Kyle offered suddenly, ¡°if you don¡¯t mind, I can lend you my notes from last year. They¡¯ve got some tips on brewing potions that might help.¡±


    ¡°Really?¡± Harry¡¯s eyes lit up.


    ¡°It¡¯s just a set of notes,¡± Kyle said with a smile. ¡°I¡¯ll look for them later and bring them to you by dinner.¡±


    ¡°Thank you so much,¡± Harry said earnestly. ¡°To be honest, after Snape left, I¡¯ve found Potions kind of interesting, but my results are still terrible.¡±


    ¡°Can I see them too?¡± Hermione asked.


    ¡°Of course,¡± Kyle replied. ¡°You can copy them with the Doubling Charm. But just so you know, some of the content might differ from the textbook.¡±


    ¡°Different from the textbook?¡± Hermione asked, frowning slightly.


    ¡°They¡¯re tips from a Master Potioneer,¡± Kyle explained. ¡°I can promise they¡¯re useful. The thing is, hasn¡¯t been updated in decades, so a lot of the content is outdated.¡±


    Hermione hesitated but ultimately decided to give the notes a try. Though she preferred textbooks, Kyle¡¯s recommendation made her curious.


    The group continued chatting as they made their way to the Hospital Wing. They were nearly there when Hermione suddenly asked, ¡°Are you going to Hogsmeade this weekend? The announcement said the first visit is next week.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know yet,¡± Kyle replied thoughtfully. ¡°If nothing else comes up, I¡¯ll probably go¡­¡±


    Before he could finish, a ball of fire appeared in front of them, and Fawkes materialized, his soft chirping directed at Kyle.


    ¡°Sorry, Harry, Hermione,¡± Kyle said, his tone growing serious. ¡°Can you give Ryan my regards? Something¡¯s come up, and I won¡¯t be able to visit the Hospital Wing.¡±


    ¡°Ah, no problem,¡± Harry said.


    ¡°You¡ª¡±


    Before Hermione could finish her sentence, Fawkes landed on Kyle¡¯s shoulder. In the next instant, both had vanished, leaving an empty corridor.


    ¡°Was that¡­ a Phoenix?¡± Hermione asked, breaking the silence.


    ¡°Yes, Professor Dumbledore¡¯s Phoenix,¡± Harry replied. ¡°I saw it when I went to the Headmaster¡¯s Office earlier.¡±


    ¡°So Professor Dumbledore is looking for Kyle?¡± Hermione speculated. ¡°What do you think it could be about?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not sure,¡± Harry said. ¡°But it might be related to the Order of the Phoenix. The other day, during my lesson, Professor Dumbledore told me that Kyle¡¯s been involved in a lot of Order missions. He even said that if he¡¯s unavailable, I should go to Kyle for help.¡±


    Hermione glanced thoughtfully in the direction Fawkes had disappeared. ¡°It seems Professor Dumbledore trusts him a great deal.¡±


    ¡°Obviously,¡± Harry agreed.

 Chapter 722: A Terrified Fudge

    Kyle had expected to be taken to 12 Grimmauld Place, but instead, Fawkes led him to the second floor of the Ministry of Magic, directly into the Department of Magical Law Enforcement.


    Before Kyle arrived, the place was already crowded with familiar faces: Chris, Mr. Weasley, Fred, George, Auror Kingsley, Tonks... And, of course, Dumbledore.


    When Kyle entered, Dumbledore was bent over, a warm yellow light flickering against the corridor walls, emanating from the tip of his wand.


    ¡°Fawkes is back!¡± someone exclaimed, and all heads turned towards the phoenix¡ªand Kyle.


    ¡°Kyle?¡± Fred blinked, rubbing his eyes as if he couldn''t believe what he was seeing. ¡°Wait, aren¡¯t you the Healer from St. Mungo¡¯s?¡±


    No one answered his question. The crowd instinctively parted, revealing the grim scene ahead. Blood pooled on the floor in a strange, iridescent purple hue. Amelia Bones, a senior member of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, lay in the midst of it, her breaths shallow and labored. Dumbledore knelt beside her, his wand poised above her, radiating the golden light Kyle had noticed earlier.


    In that moment, Kyle realized why Fawkes had brought him here.


    ¡°Here?¡± Kyle asked, ignoring the wave of dizziness washing over him.


    ¡°She cannot be moved,¡± Dumbledore said urgently. ¡°Time is of the essence. Fudge is already on the seventh floor.¡±


    Kyle nodded briskly and opened his suitcase without hesitation.


    ¡°Wait... wait...¡± came a faint, strained voice. Amelia¡¯s eyes fluttered open, the effort visibly draining what little strength she had left.


    ¡°Death Eaters... attack... Ministry...¡± she managed to whisper, her words disjointed and weak. ¡°Tell Aurors... strike... don¡¯t... get... left...¡±


    Her voice faltered further, trailing into near silence.


    ¡°Hurry!¡± Dumbledore¡¯s tone sharpened. ¡°Mr. Weasley, Fudge is nearly here...¡±


    Though his words were veiled, Fred and George caught on immediately. They nodded in unison and sprinted down the corridor, vanishing around the corner.


    Kyle¡¯s suitcase was now fully open.


    ¡°Turn around!¡± Chris commanded firmly.


    Without question, the others turned to face the wall, their trust in Chris absolute. Even Chris himself obeyed his own command, though not without a touch of vigilance¡ªhe flicked his wand as he turned, conjuring a mirror on the ceiling to keep a watchful eye on the scene behind them.


    ¡°Oh, Mr. Minister, you''re here!¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s horrible. You must be prepared... really, I don¡¯t even want to look.¡±


    Fred and George¡¯s voices carried through the corridor.


    ¡°By Merlin, what on earth happened?!¡± Fudge¡¯s voice trembled with undisguised panic.


    ¡°I really don¡¯t want to remember. You¡¯ll see for yourself.¡±


    ¡°Slow down, Minister, and watch your step. Don¡¯t fall over.¡±


    ¡°Out of the way, you two, don¡¯t block the path!¡± Scrimgeour barked as he approached.


    He quickened his pace, his imposing frame emerging at the end of the corridor, with Fudge trailing closely behind, his stomach preceding him slightly. Fred and George stayed back, their expressions carefully neutral.


    At this point, they flanked Fudge on either side, holding out their hands as though fearing he might topple over if he moved too quickly¡ªa gesture that looked unsettlingly servile.


    ¡°Oh!¡± Fudge gasped as he caught sight of the scene before him. Clutching his chest, he stammered, ¡°Is that... Amelia?¡±


    ¡°I think so,¡± Scrimgeour said gravely, striding quickly over to the prone figure.


    ¡°She¡¯s been petrified.¡±


    Scrimgeour knelt beside Amelia Bones, her ashen face eerily still. Drawing his wand, he tapped her rigid form and muttered,


    He tried several counter-charms, but Amelia¡¯s condition remained unchanged.


    ¡°Very clever dark magic,¡± Scrimgeour muttered, his eyes narrowing as he glanced at the bloodstains smeared across the floor. ¡°But also very fortunate¡ªthe petrification has preserved her life.¡±


    Straightening up, he turned sharply towards the gathered crowd, his gaze landing on Kingsley and Tonks. His tone was severe as he asked, ¡°Tell me, what exactly happened here?¡±


    ¡°Death Eater attack,¡± Kingsley replied tersely. ¡°Just ten minutes ago, in the Ministry of Magic.¡±


    ¡°They were heading to the first floor, but while in the lift, Madam Bones saw through their disguise. So they changed their target at the last minute.¡± S§×ar?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    At Kingsley¡¯s words, Fudge, standing nearby, shuddered violently. The realization struck him like a blow¡ªthe first floor housed the Office of the Minister for Magic. The Death Eaters had been coming for him.


    If Amelia Bones hadn¡¯t been in the lift, he might have been the one lying on the cold, hard floor.


    Fudge felt a wave of cold wash over him, his legs threatening to give way. He stumbled slightly, leaning heavily against the wall for support. Yet no one seemed to notice his faltering composure.


    After hearing the explanation from the two Aurors, Scrimgeour was livid.


    ¡°What were you doing? Why wasn''t an Auror present when something like this happened?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not trying to dodge responsibility,¡± Kingsley said, shaking his head. ¡°We arrived as soon as we heard the commotion, but by then, the Death Eaters had already escaped.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s impossible,¡± Scrimgeour retorted. ¡°How could they have escaped when Apparition is prohibited within the Ministry?¡±


    ¡°It wasn¡¯t Apparition¡ªit was a Portkey,¡± Kingsley replied solemnly. ¡°We saw it ourselves. The Death Eaters gathered around a walking stick and disappeared together.¡±


    ¡°Could there have been more than one Death Eater?¡± Fudge asked, his voice trembling with unease.


    Scrimgeour, however, didn¡¯t seem surprised. Amelia Bones had not become Director of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement by being weak. In a one-on-one encounter, it was unthinkable that Death Eaters could subdue her so quickly¡ªunless they had sufficient numbers.


    But how had the Death Eaters infiltrated the Ministry? Scrimgeour couldn¡¯t make sense of it. Every entrance had been heavily guarded, particularly the corridor with the fireplaces, where two large Sneakoscopes had been installed. Logically, it should have been impossible for anyone to enter unnoticed.


    Yet, there had been three Death Eaters, and the Ministry had received no warning. This failure felt like a stinging slap to Scrimgeour¡¯s face.


    ¡°I think we need to investigate the Department of Magical Transportation,¡± Tonks suggested. ¡°I suspect someone there may be aiding them.¡±


    ¡°So what are you waiting for?¡± Scrimgeour barked in exasperation.


    Once Kingsley and Tonks departed, Scrimgeour turned to the still-petrified Amelia. Using his wand, he levitated her carefully. ¡°Minister, I need to take her to St. Mungo¡¯s immediately. Excuse me.¡±


    ¡°Yes, yes, St. Mungo¡¯s,¡± Fudge stammered, shrinking against the wall as if hoping it would swallow him. The attack on Amelia Bones within the Ministry seemed to have shaken him to his core.


    ¡°Thank you,¡± Scrimgeour said curtly, frowning at Fudge¡¯s demeanor but refraining from commenting. Without another word, he guided Amelia¡¯s levitated form toward the lift.


    Fudge hesitated briefly before following. ¡°Wait, Rufus, I¡¯ll come with you.¡±


    Perhaps Fudge believed he would be safest alongside the head of the Auror Office, and his decision to follow was immediate and resolute. As for appearances¡ªsurely, it was only natural for the Minister to show concern for a colleague who had been attacked, wasn¡¯t it? After all, nothing was more important than his own safety.


    Once they had left, Dumbledore and Kyle emerged quietly from an office adjacent to the corridor. Dumbledore had led Kyle into it mere moments before Scrimgeour had reached this section of the hallway.


    ¡°We shouldn¡¯t be in the Ministry right now, neither you nor I,¡± Dumbledore explained, his tone calm but firm.


    Kyle suspected the real reason was that Dumbledore didn¡¯t want to be hassled by Fudge or anyone else. He wisely kept that thought to himself.


    ¡°But, Professor, what¡¯s going on?¡± Kyle asked, still standing in confusion. He didn¡¯t fully grasp what had happened or why Amelia Bones had been targeted, nor could he understand why Dumbledore was even at the Ministry.


    Before Dumbledore could reply, Chris, standing nearby, whispered, ¡°Someone else is coming.¡±


    The warning was unnecessary. The sound of dense, hurried footsteps echoed through the corridor, unmistakable evidence that a group of people was approaching. Likely, Ministry officials who had caught wind of the situation were rushing to investigate.


    ¡°This is not the place to talk,¡± Dumbledore said briskly, gripping Kyle¡¯s arm. ¡°Follow me.¡±


    In an instant, Kyle felt himself spin, the sensation familiar yet disorienting. When his feet found solid ground again, he realized they were standing in the entrance hall of 12 Grimmauld Place. Directly opposite them hung the portrait of Phineas Nigellus Black.


    But this wasn¡¯t Hogwarts anymore¡ªwhere he had last seen the empty frame in Dumbledore¡¯s office.


    ¡°Who¡¯s there?¡±


    Mrs. Weasley¡¯s voice rang out, sharp and cautious. She had rushed into the hallway, wand in hand, ready for anything.


    ¡°Dumbledore? Kyle? What are you doing here?¡± she asked, her expression shifting from alarm to confusion.


    ¡°It¡¯s a long story, Molly,¡± Dumbledore replied, his tone as composed as ever. ¡°Could I trouble you for a cup of tea? Lots of sugar, if you have it.¡±


    ¡°Oh, no problem. I¡¯ll get it ready,¡± Mrs. Weasley replied quickly, bustling toward the kitchen.


    Dumbledore and Kyle followed her, the tension of the Ministry incident still heavy in the air.


    ¡°You¡¯re wondering why I was at the Ministry, aren¡¯t you?¡± Dumbledore said, turning his gaze to Kyle.


    Kyle nodded. Fawkes had only told him that a Basilisk was needed, then whisked him away. There hadn¡¯t been time for questions.


    ¡°I received information that the Death Eaters were planning an attack on the Ministry,¡± Dumbledore began, sitting down at the table. ¡°Their aim was to sow fear among the populace.¡±


    He paused, his gaze distant. ¡°I assumed their target would be Fudge¡ªand indeed, that was part of their plan. The assassination of the Minister of Magic would have been a catastrophic blow to morale. But events unfolded in an unexpected way.¡±


    ¡°Madam Bones realized the Death Eaters¡¯ disguise, didn¡¯t she?¡± Kyle guessed.


    ¡°Yes. She saw through it, as she always does,¡± Dumbledore confirmed with a slight sigh. ¡°I arrived as quickly as I could, but it was still too late. Amelia has always been a meticulous and perceptive witch, traits that were evident even during her school days.¡±


    He paused, his tone growing heavier. ¡°But this time, I almost wished she hadn¡¯t been so sharp¡­ Your father and his team were stationed on the first floor the entire time, yet they came up empty-handed.¡±


    ¡°They must have thought Madam Bones carried more influence than anyone else,¡± Kyle speculated. ¡°She¡¯s the head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement and a prominent member of the Wizengamot. Her influence isn¡¯t far behind Fudge¡¯s.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re right. I underestimated the situation.¡±


    At that moment, Mrs. Weasley returned with a teapot and cups, setting them on the table. She placed a small pot of Pumpkin Fizz in front of Kyle.


    ¡°Amelia, what happened to her?¡±


    ¡°She was ambushed by Death Eaters and seriously injured,¡± Dumbledore replied.


    ¡°Oh my, in the Ministry of Magic?¡± Mrs. Weasley¡¯s voice trembled slightly. She had always considered the Ministry of Magic, apart from 12 Grimmauld Place and Hogwarts, one of the safest places.


    Kyle glanced at Mrs. Weasley. This was exactly what the Death Eaters¡ªor rather, Voldemort¡ªwanted, wasn¡¯t it?


    Since his return, Voldemort had not made any significant moves, and the few attempts he had made had ended in failure. He was not one to remain in the shadows; Voldemort thrived on instilling fear. Kyle could tell that this time, Voldemort was using the attack to remind everyone of the terror they had felt when the Dark Mark was a constant threat more than a decade ago.


    As Dumbledore had said, killing the Minister of Magic under the protection of Aurors would have far greater psychological impact than murdering an unknown wizard or bystander.


    ¡°But, Professor, won¡¯t they try to finish the job at St. Mungo¡¯s?¡± Kyle whispered, cautioning, ¡°There¡¯s a big difference between killing someone and leaving them seriously injured.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. Sirius, Alastor, and Remus have already gone ahead to St. Mungo¡¯s,¡± Dumbledore said calmly. ¡°Remus is carrying a Two-Way Mirror, so he can contact me at any time.¡±


    He took a sip of his black tea, then paused, his gaze becoming momentarily distant as he looked at Kyle.


    ¡°Professor, what¡¯s wrong?¡± Kyle asked.


    ¡°Nothing, just reflecting on how magical life can be,¡± Dumbledore said, shaking his head slightly. ¡°The Basilisk, which Tom once used as a killing weapon, has somehow become the key to saving lives.¡±


    ¡°You said that before.¡±


    ¡°Did I?¡± Dumbledore sounded mildly surprised.


    ¡°At St. Mungo¡¯s,¡± Kyle reminded him, ¡°when we first used the Basilisk to counter the dark magic on... well, on that wizard.¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± Dumbledore said softly. ¡°No matter how many times it happens, it still feels remarkable¡ªlike the Killing Curse suddenly turning into some kind of healing spell.¡±


    He stirred his tea and then added, ¡°By the way, you should make an effort to remember Sturgis¡¯s name. He¡¯s also a member of the Order of the Phoenix.¡±


    ¡°Sorry,¡± Kyle said with a shrug. ¡°I honestly forgot.¡±


    ¡°Professor, there¡¯s one more thing,¡± Kyle began.


    ¡°Go on.¡± Perhaps dissatisfied with the taste of his tea, Dumbledore added three more spoonfuls of sugar.


    ¡°It¡¯s about the Department of Magical Transportation. They...¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t answer that yet, Kyle,¡± Dumbledore interrupted. ¡°I don¡¯t know enough details myself, and I need more time to investigate."


    ¡°But I trust Barty. He would never work with Death Eaters¡ªof that, I am certain.¡±


    ¡°Well, I trust him too,¡± Mrs. Weasley added. ¡°Arthur told me that Barty seemed a bit off for a while, but he soon got back on track. He even came up with a better way to manage the Floo Network.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s just like him, so meticulous about his work, no matter where he is.¡±


    ¡°Hm, okay.¡± Seeing that both Dumbledore and Mrs. Weasley trusted Barty Crouch, Kyle refrained from saying more but gave Dumbledore a slight reminder.


    The Department of Magical Transportation might not seem vital during peacetime, but in times of war, its importance is equal to that of the Auror¡¯s Office.


    Surely, Dumbledore was already aware of this. He had lived through some of the most renowned conflicts in wizarding history and had far more experience than Kyle.


    Five minutes later, Dumbledore finished his tea and prepared to leave. His responsibilities were many, and he couldn¡¯t linger here all day.


    ¡°Do you need Fawkes to take you back to Hogwarts?¡± Dumbledore asked before departing.


    ¡°No, that¡¯s not necessary,¡± Kyle replied, shaking his head firmly. ¡°I can Apparate to Hogsmeade and then return to school.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s fine,¡± Dumbledore said, ¡°but be careful not to get caught by Filch. The new school rules punish unauthorized absences quite severely. Even as Headmaster, I can¡¯t grant you extra credit for things that happen outside of school.¡±


    Kyle was momentarily speechless. Didn¡¯t Fawkes bring him here? How had this turned into sneaking out without permission?


    Before he could say anything, Dumbledore had already left. The door closed behind him, and the room returned to its quiet stillness.


    ¡°Honey, how about eating here before going back?¡± Mrs. Weasley offered kindly.


    ¡°Though I¡¯d love to, I¡¯m afraid I can¡¯t,¡± Kyle said, shaking his head. ¡°I need to be back before dinner to avoid suspicion.¡±


    "That¡¯s fine," Mrs. Weasley said with a smile, yet she still handed over a large bag of homemade fudge and beef pasties, firmly insisting they be taken to school despite her earlier agreement.

 Chapter 723: The Second Double Agent?

    By the time Kyle returned to Hogsmeade, night had fallen. The shop windows along the street glowed with a mix of bright and dim lights, casting a serene and peaceful atmosphere over the village.


    Kyle wasn¡¯t in a rush to return to school. Since he was already here, he decided to stop by The Three Broomsticks to pick up some drinks unavailable at Hogwarts. He ordered a large bucket of Butterbeer, a bottle of Pumpkin Fizz, and two bottles of Cherry Soda¡ªKanna¡¯s favorite.


    After placing his order, Kyle waited nearby. Despite it not being a visiting day, The Three Broomsticks was bustling with patrons. The bar was packed, and not a single seat was vacant.


    Nearby, two wizards were drinking and lamenting the current state of affairs. From their conversation, it was clear they had recently started avoiding the Leaky Cauldron, opting instead for The Three Broomsticks, which was closer to Hogwarts. It seemed widely believed that Voldemort and the Death Eaters would not dare approach anywhere near Dumbledore.


    So far, this seemed to hold true. Kyle hadn¡¯t heard of anyone being harmed or disappearing in Hogsmeade, though he couldn¡¯t rule out the possibility that Death Eaters might one day come here, perhaps for a drink and a laugh.


    ¡°Here¡¯s what you asked for...¡±


    Soon Madam Rosmerta returned with his order. The wizards at the bar followed her movements with their eyes, some chuckling and raising their glasses in her direction.


    This was one of the reasons many preferred The Three Broomsticks: the charming Madam Rosmerta was far more appealing to look at than the old, hunchbacked Tom from the Leaky Cauldron. It often led to patrons staying for an extra drink¡ªor two.


    ¡°Rosmerta, another pint of mead!¡± someone called out. ¡°Hurry up!¡±


    ¡°Just a moment!¡± Madam Rosmerta replied impatiently before turning her attention to Kyle.


    ¡°Here¡¯s what you asked for,¡± she said, handing him several wrapped bottles. ¡°I just hope Hogwarts¡¯s open day comes soon, so I don¡¯t have to deal with these boring people.¡±


    ¡°They¡¯re all guests...¡± Kyle said with a smile, handing over a few Galleons.


    ¡°Ha, they¡¯re just a bunch of cowards,¡± Madam Rosmerta sneered, lowering her voice. ¡°Afraid to face the Death Eaters, they come here to escape. With all the chaos at the Ministry of Magic, no truly powerful wizard would be drinking here at a time like this.¡±


    She quickly added, ¡°Of course, I¡¯m not talking about you. Running away from Hogwarts at a time like this might take a kind of courage, though I wouldn¡¯t encourage such behavior.¡±


    ¡°You mentioned the Ministry of Magic earlier. Has something happened?¡± Kyle asked, ignoring her last comment.


    ¡°You¡¯ll find out tomorrow,¡± Madam Rosmerta said, clearly reluctant to elaborate. ¡°By then, you¡¯ll be glad you stayed at Hogwarts, which is probably the safest place right now. With Dumbledore there, no Death Eater would dare to break in.¡±


    ¡°Alright,¡± she said, raising her voice, ¡°hurry back before it gets too dark.¡±


    With that, she pulled out a bottle of mead and tossed it casually toward a group of arguing wizards. The bottle wobbled in midair before landing securely in one wizard¡¯s hand.


    ¡°Hey, that¡¯s the drink I ordered!¡±


    ¡°I got it first, you can have another one...¡±


    The argument in the bar grew louder, but Kyle was already outside, walking along the quiet streets of Hogsmeade. He followed the familiar path back to school, passing through the gate adorned with the carved warthog and along the grounds by the Black Lake until he reached the front of Hogwarts Castle.


    It was nearly dinnertime, and a few younger students, laughing and playing, were hurrying toward the castle.


    Filch stood at the doorway as usual, holding his odd-looking device designed to detect dark magic. Whenever a student carrying something dangerous passed by, the device would emit a shrill alarm.


    ¡°Where have you been, and why are you so late!¡± Filch barked when Kyle approached.


    But instead of jabbing Kyle with the device, as he did with the others, he merely gave him a cursory once-over.


    Seventh-year students, like Kyle, often received different treatment from Filch. He knew better than to provoke those about to graduate¡ªstudents who respected neither school rules nor authority and had little to lose. Filch¡¯s wariness stemmed from past experiences, and he had no desire for a repeat.


    ¡°Ah, I went to Hagrid,¡± Kyle replied calmly.


    ¡°Hagrid...¡± Filch snorted dismissively.


    It was no secret that Filch thought poorly of Hagrid, whom he considered an oaf. The feeling was mutual, with Hagrid often calling Filch an old fool.


    ¡°Are you done?¡± Kyle asked, sounding slightly impatient. ¡°I¡¯d like to get to dinner.¡±


    Filch glanced at his device, which remained silent. ¡°Go ahead, but I¡¯ll be checking with Hagrid. If I find out you¡¯re lying... you¡¯ll be in detention.¡±


    ¡°Suit yourself,¡± Kyle replied with a shrug, confident that Hagrid would vouch for him even if they hadn¡¯t spoken.


    Kyle first returned to the common room, where he retrieved an old notebook from the drawer of a desk. It was coated in a thin layer of dust, but a simple cleaning spell quickly restored it.


    By the time he entered the Great Hall, dinner was already underway. The room was bustling with conversation, and no one seemed to notice his arrival.


    Kyle glanced toward the Instructor¡¯s table and, unsurprisingly, saw that Dumbledore wasn¡¯t there.


    ¡°Where have you been?¡± Kanna asked as Kyle sat down. ¡°Hermione said you met Dumbledore¡¯s Phoenix.¡±


    ¡°That spread fast,¡± Kyle said, biting into a piece of jam pie. ¡°I thought they¡¯d keep it a secret.¡±


    ¡°Hermione only told me,¡± Kanna replied. ¡°She seemed curious about what Dumbledore wanted with you.¡±


    ¡°It was Madam Bones from the Department of Magical Law Enforcement,¡± Kyle said quietly. ¡°She was attacked by Death Eaters. Dumbledore needed the Basilisk¡¯s petrifying ability to stabilize her injuries.¡±


    ¡°Bones...¡± Kanna paused, thinking. ¡°Does Susan know?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t think so,¡± Kyle said. ¡°But she¡¯ll find out tomorrow.¡±


    Susan Bones, a sixth-year Hufflepuff, was Amelia Bones¡¯s niece. Kyle remembered how she had stayed quiet and withdrawn when Slughorn had invited her to join the Slug Club on the train to school.


    Kanna sighed. ¡°First Hannah, now Susan... I wonder if she¡¯ll leave Hogwarts too.¡±


    Hannah had been picked up by her family a few days earlier and hadn¡¯t returned.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, it¡¯ll be fine,¡± Kyle reassured her, handing her a bottle of cherry soda. ¡°Here, this is for you.¡±


    ¡°You went to The Three Broomsticks?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I stopped by on my way back.¡±


    ...


    Half an hour later, dinner ended, and students began making their way back to their respective common rooms.


    At the entrance to the Great Hall, Kyle spotted Harry and Hermione, who were just about to head upstairs.


    ¡°You¡¯re back already?¡± Harry said, surprised to see Kyle. Both he and Hermione had assumed something significant must have happened in the Order of the Phoenix, as Kyle wasn¡¯t expected to return until the next day.


    ¡°I came back as soon as I was done,¡± Kyle replied, keeping his explanation brief as he handed over the notebook.


    ¡°Are these the Potions notes you mentioned?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± Kyle confirmed. ¡°You can take a look if you like. I think they¡¯re quite useful.¡±


    Harry flipped through the notes curiously, and Hermione leaned over to read as well.


    ¡°Look, it¡¯s the first potion we learned in class,¡± Harry said, pointing to the detailed instructions. ¡°This is so thorough... I wish I¡¯d known about it earlier.¡±


    ¡°Wait, Harry, something¡¯s off with these notes,¡± Hermione said suddenly, grabbing Harry¡¯s hand as he was about to turn the page.


    ¡°Look here...¡± She pointed to a line of text. ¡°¡®Squeeze the juice from the Sopophorous bean using the side of a silver knife0¡¯ I remember the book saying to slice it.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, right?¡± Harry blinked, unsure. He didn¡¯t remember whether the book instructed to slice or squeeze, but since Hermione said so, she was probably correct. After all, Hermione had memorized the textbook.


    Memorizing textbooks was second nature to Hermione¡ªevery year, she absorbed the new material by heart before classes even started, much to Harry and Ron¡¯s resignation.


    ¡°And here...¡± Hermione pointed to another section.


    ¡°The textbook says to stir counterclockwise, but this says to stir counterclockwise seven times, then clockwise once.¡±


    ¡°And this¡ªroots should be cut into evenly sized pieces, not strips, and there¡¯s no mention of baking them in advance...¡±


    Hermione frowned as she read further. The more she examined the notes, the more they seemed completely wrong and inconsistent with the textbook. It was as if someone had hastily jotted them down while half-asleep in class.


    If Kyle hadn¡¯t brought them, Hermione wouldn¡¯t have spared them a second glance.


    ¡°As I said before,¡± Kyle interjected, waving his hand dismissively, ¡°these notes differ from the textbook. You don¡¯t need to worry about that."


    ¡°And I can guarantee that following the steps in these notes will work perfectly fine¡ªmaybe even better.¡±


    ¡°But that¡¯s not what the book says,¡± Hermione countered firmly.


    ¡° was last revised thirty years ago,¡± Kyle replied, looking directly at her. ¡°You can¡¯t expect everyone to stick rigidly to instructions that old. Innovation is necessary."


    ¡°If you don¡¯t believe me, ask Professor Slughorn. I¡¯m sure he doesn¡¯t follow the textbook to the letter when brewing potions.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Hermione,¡± Harry added in a whisper. ¡°Remember when you pointed out those two mistakes in Professor Slughorn¡¯s lecture? He¡¯s a master potion maker¡ªdo you really think he got the stirring instructions wrong?¡±


    ¡°But he gave me extra credit,¡± Hermione protested. ¡°You know, a whole ten points.¡±


    ¡°Ah, true,¡± Harry said thoughtfully before adding hesitantly, ¡°Do you think it¡¯s possible he just... well, rewarded you for being diligent with your homework?¡±


    Hermione turned her head and shot Harry a sharp glare. He immediately went silent, realizing he still needed her help to get his homework done on time and wisely choosing not to push his luck.


    Kyle, however, had no such concerns. S§×ar?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°Hermione, I¡¯m sure the content of the book is correct, but it¡¯s just a reference,¡± Kyle said. ¡°Memorizing what¡¯s in the book may earn you an ¡®O¡¯ on the exam, but if you want to truly excel, you have to understand it for yourself.¡±


    Hermione stayed silent, her expression thoughtful.


    ¡°Look here¡ªthe method for handling the roots,¡± Kyle pointed out a section in his notes. ¡°Kanna discovered that."


    ¡°The advantage of this method is that it saves about ten minutes. Baking the roots beforehand makes them react more readily with the potion, and it¡¯s also more stable, reducing the chance of error. At least my roommate, Mikel, hasn¡¯t messed up this step since adopting this technique."


    ¡°And this discovery significantly boosted Kanna¡¯s score on the Most Extraordinary Society of Potioneers exam.¡±


    Hermione lowered her head, lost in thought.


    Kyle understood. This was simply her personality, ingrained over more than a decade¡ªit wasn¡¯t something that could be changed with a few words. He decided not to push the issue further.


    ¡°Alright, I¡¯ve lent you my notes. Whether you choose to use them or not is entirely up to you,¡± Kyle said before turning to leave.


    Harry watched Hermione out of the corner of his eye, then quietly pocketed the notes. His gut told him these would come in handy. He could barely follow the textbook as it was, so having another approach was worth a try.


    Kyle, meanwhile, returned to the common room and quickly forgot about the matter. He had only given the notes to Harry out of habit¡ªhe already knew everything in them, so they served no purpose for him anymore.


    In the common room, Susan Bones sat in an armchair, silently crying. She had likely received a letter from home.


    However, the fact that she remained in the common room suggested the Bones family had no intention of pulling her out of Hogwarts.


    That made sense. Amelia Bones had nearly been killed inside the Ministry of Magic, under the protection of numerous Aurors. Anywhere else would be far less safe. Hogwarts was the most secure place now.


    Besides Dumbledore, Professors McGonagall and Flitwick were renowned wizards in their own right, capable of defending the school even if more Death Eaters attacked.


    More and more families were seeking the safety of Hogwarts. The bustling activity in Hogsmeade was evidence of this, and it was likely only the beginning. Once reported the attack on Amelia Bones, the trend would intensify.


    Students previously withdrawn from Hogwarts might soon return¡ªprovided their parents weren¡¯t completely reckless.


    Of course, there were exceptions. Some families chose to leave the country entirely, like sixth-year student Eloise Midgen. Her father had pulled her out of school just days earlier, and the entire family moved to France the same evening. She was likely enrolled at Beauxbatons by now.


    To be honest, it wasn¡¯t a bad decision. At least they were safe.


    Still, most families weren¡¯t willing to leave, even under such dire circumstances.


    At this moment, Kanna and a few other girls were sitting next to Susan, doing their best to comfort her.


    Kyle hesitated, watching them. He considered saying something but held back. Instead, his thoughts drifted back to Amelia Bones and a comment Dumbledore had made:


    He had said he received word that the Death Eaters were targeting the Ministry of Magic, prompting him to rush there.


    Kyle hadn¡¯t given it much thought at the time, but now it struck him¡ªwho could have passed that information to Dumbledore?


    The only undercover agent Kyle knew of within the Order of the Phoenix, working against the Death Eaters, was Snape.


    But Snape had been at Hogwarts recently, teaching classes. He couldn¡¯t have known about Voldemort¡¯s plans, and Voldemort certainly wouldn¡¯t have contacted him directly to share such crucial information.


    That left only one possibility: there was a second undercover agent.


    And whoever it was, they had to hold a position of significance to gain access to a major plan targeting the Ministry.


    It was possible but unlikely.


    Malfoy was adept at keeping his head down. Even if he secretly harbored thoughts of betraying Voldemort, he wouldn¡¯t risk taking action¡ªnot yet. Malfoy, like many opportunists, would wait until the outcome of the war was certain before considering a change of allegiance.


    Kyle mentally sifted through the names of the Death Eaters but found no plausible candidates.


    It certainly couldn¡¯t have been Bellatrix.


    Kyle glanced around the common room, his eyes landing on an armchair.


    If it turned out Bellatrix had passed on the information, Kyle thought dryly,

 Chapter 724: The Closed Floo Network

    The next morning, The Daily Prophet indeed published a two-page article on the attack against Amelia Bones, Director of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, at the Ministry of Magic.


    As expected, the news caused an uproar at Hogwarts. The Great Hall buzzed with chatter during breakfast that day.


    Kyle glanced around the Hufflepuff table. Susan wasn¡¯t there, and he assumed she was still in her dormitory. Professor Sprout, perhaps sensing the toll the situation had taken on her, had visited the common room the night before to let everyone know that Susan wouldn¡¯t need to attend classes for a few days.


    Under normal circumstances, Susan might have been thrilled at the thought of skipping classes, but last night she hadn¡¯t even smiled. She had kept her head down, silent and withdrawn. No one had seen her anywhere in the castle since.


    By dinnertime, the conversation at the table had shifted. Mikel was now loudly complaining about Professor Slughorn.


    ¡°Slughorn is such a snob!¡± Mikel exclaimed, his voice dripping with disdain. ¡°Did you know he threw a party in his office this weekend and didn¡¯t invite Susan?¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s the big deal?¡± someone replied indifferently. ¡°If Professor Slughorn organized the party, isn¡¯t it his choice to invite whoever he wants?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re so naive. You don¡¯t know the whole story.¡± Mikel shook a finger dramatically before explaining. ¡°Slughorn has this so-called ¡®Slug Club,¡¯ right? He only invites students who are either exceptional or have famous family connections. Susan got an invitation at first, but when he saw the article in the paper, he immediately snatched it back. What a slimy old slug.¡±


    ¡°Come on¡­¡± another student said skeptically. ¡°That doesn¡¯t sound right. Slughorn¡¯s a professor. Why would he do something so petty?¡±


    Mikel huffed impatiently. ¡°How do I know? Because I was there! He asked me to deliver a message for him. He just grabbed the invitation right out of my hand, so don¡¯t tell me it didn¡¯t happen.¡±


    A brief silence followed, and then someone suggested cautiously, ¡°Maybe Slughorn was just trying to give Susan some space? I mean, with everything going on, she might not be in the mood to attend a party.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t think so,¡± Mikel shot back, shaking his head dismissively. ¡°If he thought Susan needed peace, he could¡¯ve left the invitation with her and let her decide. There was no reason to take it away.¡±


    Hearing this, Kanna looked up, curiosity glimmering in her eyes. ¡°Is Professor Slughorn really like that?¡±


    Kyle shrugged thoughtfully. ¡°More or less. Slughorn does favor students from prominent families, and he can be a bit self-serving, but I think Mikel¡¯s exaggerating. I¡¯ve never seen him act so rudely as to take back an invitation. Usually, if he doesn¡¯t want to include someone, he just doesn¡¯t invite them in the first place.¡±


    Kanna glanced down at the parchment in her hands. It was an invitation Mikel had delivered earlier¡ªone inviting her to a small gathering in the Potions Office on Friday night.


    She had been curious about the event before, but now, the idea of attending felt less appealing. ¡°Should I still go?¡± she asked uncertainly.


    ¡°It¡¯s up to you,¡± Kyle said, pouring himself a glass of pumpkin juice. ¡°To be honest, these gatherings are just about chatting, eating, drinking, and people flattering each other. There¡¯s no real substance to them. You¡¯re not going to learn anything about potions at a party like that.¡±


    ¡°Huh? Then I¡¯m not going!¡± Kanna declared immediately.


    She had initially assumed that Slughorn¡¯s gatherings were academic¡ªfocused on potions, like the ones Professor Snape had taken her to during the holidays. Those were filled with discussions about the latest discoveries in potion ingredients, debates about the pros and cons of different cauldrons, and other fascinating topics.


    ¡°Fine, don¡¯t go if you don¡¯t want to. It doesn¡¯t really matter,¡± Kyle said, biting into his pork chop. ¡°But have you thought of an excuse?¡±


    ¡°An excuse?¡±


    ¡°Yeah,¡± Kyle replied. ¡°Slughorn is still a professor, after all. You can¡¯t just ignore him. You¡¯ll need a reason to turn down the invitation.¡±


    ¡°Um... Can I say I have homework to do?¡± Kanna asked hesitantly.


    ¡°You could try,¡± Kyle said, though he didn¡¯t sound convinced. ¡°But don¡¯t count on it working. Harry used that excuse once, and Slughorn set up a whole ¡®mutual aid bureau¡¯ the next day. He invited a group of people to ¡®help¡¯ Harry with his homework. Harry was so traumatized he didn¡¯t recover until the following day.¡±


    Kanna shuddered at the thought. The idea of being surrounded by a group of overenthusiastic tutors was horrifying. No way. I need a better excuse, she thought.


    ¡°I do have an idea...¡± Kyle said suddenly, a sly look crossing his face. ¡°Why don¡¯t you go to Professor Snape and ask him to put you in detention on Friday night? That¡¯ll give you a solid reason to skip the party.¡±


    Kanna¡¯s eyes lit up. ¡°Detention! That¡¯s perfect! Why didn¡¯t I think of that? Slughorn can¡¯t exactly follow me to detention.¡±


    Her mood lifted as she quickly pieced together a plan. ¡°There¡¯s a Defense Against the Dark Arts class tomorrow...¡± she said excitedly. ¡°I¡¯ll go talk to Professor Snape and ask him to give both of us detention on Friday¡ª¡±


    ¡°No! Don¡¯t!¡± Kyle interrupted, waving his hands in alarm. ¡°Just get yourself detention, not me. That¡¯s very important.¡±


    If Kanna landed herself in detention with Snape, it wouldn¡¯t be a big deal¡ªshe practically considered the dungeons her second home. For Kyle, however, it would be a different story. He was certain Snape wouldn¡¯t hesitate to give him ¡°special treatment¡± during detention.


    Kyle vividly recalled a rumor about Harry¡¯s first detention with Snape. Supposedly, Harry had been forced to sift through a bucket of Flobberworms barehanded, sorting out the spoiled ones. Kyle had no doubt that Snape had an endless supply of Flobberworms waiting, possibly even paying for more to ensure he didn¡¯t run out when assigning punishments.


    Compared to the horrors of Snape¡¯s detentions, enduring a Slughorn party seemed like a small price to pay.


    Fortunately for Kyle, a perfect excuse came his way.


    On Friday afternoon, shortly after Potions class, Kyle received a letter from the Ministry of Magic. The letter, signed by Cornelius Fudge himself, requested Kyle¡¯s presence at the Ministry to discuss an urgent matter.


    Kyle casually glanced at the letter and handed it to Slughorn without a word. The moment Slughorn saw the official seal and Fudge¡¯s signature, he fell silent, not even attempting to convince Kyle to stay for the gathering.


    ¡°Oh, go quickly, go quickly...¡± Slughorn¡¯s eyes sparkled with excitement. ¡°The Minister wrote a special letter¡ªit must be something good.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not necessarily the case¡­¡± Kyle thought to himself.


    Fudge never thought of him when good things happened. More likely, Fudge was desperate to salvage his crumbling reputation and couldn¡¯t come up with a better plan.


    Ever since Madam Amelia Bones was attacked by Death Eaters at the Ministry of Magic, public trust in the Ministry had plummeted. It was understandable. If the Ministry of Magic couldn¡¯t even protect its own staff, how could anyone expect it to protect the public?


    Kyle didn¡¯t have any brilliant ideas to offer, either. The best solution he could imagine was for Fudge to take responsibility, resign, and be replaced by someone more competent. Someone like¡­ Dumbledore. But, of course, neither Fudge nor Dumbledore would ever agree to such a thing.


    Kyle reached the door of the Defence Against the Dark Arts office¡ªthough it wasn¡¯t Snape¡¯s. Snape preferred to work in his original dungeon classroom due to the sheer volume of his belongings and the sensitive nature of some potion ingredients. Instead, Kyle found himself at Umbridge¡¯s old office, which still had a direct Floo Network connection to the Ministry of Magic.


    Although Umbridge had long since left Hogwarts, last year the school had admitted several outstanding students who had been given exceptional opportunities to intern at the Ministry of Magic. The Floo connection had been maintained to support their weekend internships.


    Dumbledore, however, had stationed an armored guard at the office door, and only those who knew the password could enter.


    ¡°Bertie Bott¡¯s Every Flavour Beans!¡± Kyle said. The armored guard creaked into motion and stepped aside.


    Of course, the guard was Dumbledore¡¯s arrangement. Even the password matched the whimsical pattern of the Headmaster¡¯s Office. Thankfully, Honeydukes sold enough variety of products to sustain such eccentricity.


    The once-gaudy decorations, including the hideous kitten plates, had been removed from the room, leaving only a bare table and a few scattered chairs. The sparse setup was undeniably an improvement.


    Kyle lit the fireplace, grabbed a handful of Floo powder from the keg nearby, and tossed it into the flames. Strangely, the flames didn¡¯t change color. Instead, only a head appeared in the fire¡ªa man with a well-groomed mustache.


    Although the situation was unusual, Kyle wasn¡¯t particularly surprised. Pulling the letter he¡¯d received earlier from his pocket, he said, ¡°I need to go to the Ministry of Magic.¡±


    The man in the fireplace glanced at the letter, noting Fudge¡¯s signature, but his expression remained impassive.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. This Floo Network has been sealed off,¡± the man said in an official tone. ¡°As per the orders of Headmaster Albus Dumbledore, all Hogwarts fireplaces¡ªexcept the one in the headmaster¡¯s office¡ªare on maximum lockdown. This includes this one.¡±


    He added, almost as an afterthought, ¡°Following this, this fireplace will be permanently sealed. No one will be able to use it.¡±


    Kyle frowned slightly, holding up the letter. ¡°What about this? The Minister himself says I¡¯m to come immediately.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re still a student,¡± the man replied, his tone unyielding. ¡°There¡¯s no need for you to involve yourself in such matters.¡±


    And with that, the man vanished, leaving only the crackling of flames in his wake.


    Kyle looked down at the letter in his hand one last time before tossing it into the fire. He watched the parchment curl and blacken in the heat, then settled into a nearby chair.


    The Floo Network closure was probably connected to the attack on Amelia Bones. No one knew how the Death Eaters had breached the Ministry of Magic, but it opened up a troubling possibility¡ªthey could use the Ministry¡¯s fireplace to infiltrate Hogwarts.


    Dumbledore must have anticipated this, which was why he had ordered the fireplaces sealed.


    However, Kyle was quite content with how things turned out. Dodging Slughorn''s invitation and avoiding an encounter with Fudge at the Ministry of Magic felt like the perfect outcome.


    A minute later, he extinguished the flames and walked out of the classroom. The situation even provided him with a convenient excuse for the future. Next time Slughorn invited him, he could simply claim he had to go to the Ministry. There was no chance Slughorn would go out of his way to confirm whether he had actually been there or not. Unless, of course, Kyle ran into him somewhere in the meantime.


    Kyle descended the stairs and headed to the Hufflepuff common room. When he entered, Kanna was already there.


    ¡°I thought you were going to the Ministry,¡± she said, looking up as he approached.


    ¡°The Floo Network at Hogwarts is closed, so I couldn¡¯t leave,¡± Kyle replied, briefly explaining what had happened earlier.


    ¡°What about you? Aren¡¯t you supposed to be in detention?¡±


    ¡°I am in detention,¡± Kanna said, her expression serious as she pointed to the book Moste Potent Potions sitting on the table. ¡°Professor Snape assigned me this to read. I asked if I could come back here to do it, and he agreed.¡±


    ¡°Er¡­ okay¡­¡± Kyle said, smacking his lips in disbelief. Sure enough, Snape¡¯s idea of detention for Kanna was more like granting her a study hall at home. Who else but her could make requests during detention and actually have them granted?


    ¡°I thought you finished Moste Potente Potions two years ago,¡± Kyle said as he sat down in a nearby armchair. ¡°Why are you reading it again?¡±


    ¡°I only got through half of it back then,¡± Kanna explained. ¡°Professor Snape thought I wasn¡¯t ready to handle some of the potions in the second half, so he took it away from me.¡±


    She opened the book to the page she had been reading and pushed it toward Kyle.


    The illustration on the page depicted a grotesquely distorted figure with wildly unbalanced proportions.


    Giant Potion¡­ Kyle thought, reading the description. It was a potion that could enlarge an ordinary person to the size of a giant, but the transformation came with excruciating pain, akin to being inflated from the inside.


    There were other disturbing concoctions detailed in the book as well, such as the Boiling Blood Potion and Essence of Insanity. The book delved deeply into dark magic through potions¡ªgrim stuff, but also essential for understanding rare and complex herb combinations. That was likely why the book was restricted. Compared to these, the Polyjuice Potion was practically harmless.


    The two of them spent the remainder of the evening quietly in the common room.


    The next day, the first weekend of October, was eagerly anticipated¡ªHogsmeade Excursion Day. With the school¡¯s protective measures growing increasingly strict, most students hadn¡¯t expected to be allowed to go. But when the announcement was made, everyone was thrilled.


    Despite the rising dangers outside, no one wanted to stay trapped in the castle forever. The professors, it seemed, agreed. They likely thought giving the students a brief reprieve was worth the risk, which was why the Hogsmeade trip had been arranged.


    That morning, a sharp wind began blowing, accompanied by steady rain. But the gloomy weather did nothing to dampen the students¡¯ spirits. At breakfast, the Great Hall buzzed with excitement. Mikel and Ryan were deep in conversation, their plans for Hogsmeade already filling a long list that included almost every shop in the village.


    Near the door, a heated argument broke out. Harry and his friends had just arrived.


    ¡°Hermione, we¡¯ve already tried it. There¡¯s nothing wrong with the notes,¡± Harry said enthusiastically as they entered the hall.


    ¡°I never thought I¡¯d get extra credit in Potions class. It¡¯s unbelievable!¡± he added, his face lighting up.


    ¡°But that¡¯s not your doing!¡± Hermione snapped.


    ¡°Well, it¡¯s partly mine!¡± Harry retorted. ¡°Sure, I looked at the notes Kyle gave me, but I did all the work myself. Everyone just followed what was in the book.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not the same!¡± Hermione argued. S§×ar?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°What¡¯s the difference?¡± Ron interjected, his tone casual. His face was still flushed, suggesting he¡¯d been enjoying himself recently. ¡°I think you¡¯re just jealous our potion grades are better than yours.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not true!¡± Hermione said, her cheeks suddenly red. ¡°I just don¡¯t think you should be taking shortcuts!¡±


    ¡°But our potions turned out perfect, didn¡¯t they?¡± Ron shot back. ¡°Even Slughorn couldn¡¯t find anything wrong with them. If the results are the same, what¡¯s wrong with making the process easier?¡±


    The three of them bickered loudly, oblivious to the attention they were drawing from everyone around them.


    ¡°What notes did you give them?¡± Kanna asked Kyle, her curiosity piqued.


    ¡°Just some tips Snape taught us,¡± Kyle replied with a shrug. ¡°I guess none of them ever noticed before, but Snape¡¯s notes on the blackboard are a little different from the textbook.¡±


    That made sense. Hermione probably focused entirely on the textbook during lessons. As for Harry and Ron¡­ they were too intimidated by Snape to ever glance at the blackboard, let alone compare it to the textbook.

 Chapter 725: Gifts and the Imperius Curse

    After breakfast, everyone gathered in the foyer.


    The atmosphere in the castle was tense, and it seemed like students were eager to escape its confines. This time, an unusually large number of them were heading to Hogsmeade, forming a long line in the entrance hall. Filch, as usual, stationed himself by the oak door, meticulously checking off names on his list while constantly scanning the surroundings with his Dark Magic Detector.


    ¡°What a waste of time. So what if we take dark magic items out of school?¡± Mikel muttered irritably. ¡°You should probably check what we¡¯re bringing in instead.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t tell me what to do,¡± Filch grumbled, jabbing Mikel lightly with the detector.


    Despite his grouchy retort, Filch seemed to quicken the pace, and soon, the line moved forward until he reached Kyle.


    Outside, a fierce wind howled across the grounds. The walk to Hogsmeade Village in such weather was far from pleasant. As soon as the students stepped outside, many began to shiver, their ears and cheeks quickly turning red from the cold. But staying cooped up in the castle wasn¡¯t an option anyone entertained. They hurried along, eager to reach Hogsmeade and settle into the warm, inviting atmosphere of The Three Broomsticks for a steaming mug of Butterbeer.


    Not everyone rushed, though. Kyle and Kanna, for instance, walked leisurely, unaffected by the harsh conditions thanks to the warm badges pinned to their chests. These badges were enchanted with waterproof and moisture-proof spells, shielding them from the biting wind and drizzle. As they strolled along the path, they chatted casually, their pace unhurried.


    It seemed precautions had been taken beforehand, as the streets of Hogsmeade were unusually quiet. For safety reasons, the usual crowd of visiting wizards had vanished, leaving only Hogwarts students to wander the streets and explore the shops.


    ¡°Oh, Kyle, look over there,¡± Ryan suddenly said, pointing toward a shop nearby. ¡°Zonko¡¯s is closed.¡±


    Kyle turned to look. Sure enough, the door of Zonko¡¯s Joke Shop, which stood near the village¡¯s entrance, was firmly shut. A group of students had gathered near the crack in the door, trying to peer inside.


    ¡°It¡¯s really closed. There¡¯s no one in there,¡± Kyle observed.


    ¡°What a bummer¡ªI was hoping to buy some exploding bees,¡± someone nearby groaned.


    ¡°Forget it. You couldn¡¯t take them back even if you bought them,¡± another student chimed in. ¡°Don¡¯t forget Filch is still checking everything at the castle door.¡±


    ¡°Maybe I could hide them somewhere first¡­¡±


    The group lingered for a moment before dispersing. With Zonko¡¯s locked up tight, there was no reason to stick around. Instead, they decided to explore the rest of the village, chatting as they made their way further into the streets of Hogsmeade.


    ¡­


    Luckily, the popular Honeydukes candy store was still open.


    The small shop buzzed with excitement as students swarmed the shelves, waving Galleons in the air like locusts descending on a field. In just minutes, the large bucket of jelly beans by the doorway was already half empty.


    ¡°Hey, you guys, save some for me!¡± Mikel couldn¡¯t hold back any longer and strode toward the shop.


    ¡°Kyle, do you need anything?¡± Ryan asked, pausing after taking a few steps. ¡°How about Mixed Beans and Chocolate Frogs? Those are always the most popular.¡±


    ¡°No, thanks,¡± Kyle shook his head.


    ¡°Are you sure?¡± Ryan gave him a look. ¡°I don¡¯t think I¡¯ll have many chances to come to Hogsmeade again, so I¡¯d better make the most of it and stock up...¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s true, but really, I don¡¯t need anything,¡± Kyle said firmly. ¡°I still have plenty of sweets at home, and you all know that. Honestly, I don¡¯t need any more.¡±


    Kyle hadn¡¯t set foot in Honeydukes for years now. The reason was simple: every Christmas and birthday, he was inundated with sweets and chocolates. Even when he gave some away as gifts, there was always more left than he could finish. Spending money on even more candy seemed pointless.


    ¡°We should try something different anyway,¡± Ryan said as he followed Mikel into the shop. ¡°We don¡¯t want to keep taking your stash!¡±


    Kyle and Kanna didn¡¯t linger either. With most of the crowd at Honeydukes, they decided to head to The Three Broomsticks early to snag a good spot. On a day like this, the thought of a steaming mug of Butterbeer was too tempting to resist.


    When the pair reached The Three Broomsticks, the wind howling behind them, they suddenly noticed a few familiar faces.


    The unmistakable red hair gave them away instantly.


    ¡°Fred? George?¡± Kyle asked tentatively.


    At the sound of their names, the twins turned their heads.


    ¡°Ha! We were just wondering if you¡¯d show up,¡± George said, waving with a grin.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t think you¡¯d actually appear right after I said that,¡± Fred added, smiling. ¡°Hey, Kanna, how¡¯s seventh year treating you?¡±


    ¡°Not bad,¡± Kanna replied. ¡°What are you two doing here¡ªdrinking?¡±


    ¡°Hardly,¡± Fred sighed. ¡°We don¡¯t have time for fun right now. There¡¯s way too much going on at the Ministry.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ve tried to quit more than a few times,¡± George chimed in, ¡°but we never seem to find the right moment.¡±


    ¡°We could quit, but then all the work would fall on Dad,¡± Fred explained. ¡°He¡¯s already swamped as it is, barely makes it home before midnight most nights.¡±


    ¡°So what are you doing here, then?¡± Kyle asked.


    ¡°Tracking down a guy who¡¯s been selling fake amulets,¡± Fred said. ¡°We heard he might be hiding in Hogsmeade.¡±


    ¡°You probably know him too¡ªMundungus,¡± George added with a grimace.


    ¡°Mundungus Fletcher? From the Order of the Phoenix?¡±


    ¡°Who else would it be?¡± George muttered through gritted teeth. ¡°Now I understand why Mum can¡¯t stand him. Sure, he gets us what we need, but he also causes a mountain of trouble.¡±


    ¡°So, did you find him? Need any help?¡± Kyle offered.


    ¡°Nah,¡± Fred said, shaking his head. ¡°Looks like he got wind of us and bolted.¡± He pushed open the door to the pub. ¡°But since we¡¯re here, how about a drink? It¡¯s on us.¡±


    ¡°In that case, I¡¯ll take the most expensive one,¡± Kyle quipped.


    ¡°Don¡¯t even think about it. It¡¯s Butterbeer,¡± George shot back, though his eyes flicked toward Kanna. ¡°Of course, you¡¯re free to order whatever you like,¡± he added with a mischievous wink at Kyle.


    Kyle didn¡¯t rise to the bait. Instead, the moment they stepped inside, he ordered Kanna the most expensive drink on the menu¡ªOgden¡¯s Old Firewhisky.


    The price¡ªten Galleons per glass¡ªmade both twins¡¯ faces twist in exaggerated agony.


    ¡°You¡¯re not going to back out now, are you?¡± Kyle asked innocently. ¡°But no worries, I can cover it myself.¡±


    ¡°Ha! Not a chance,¡± George snapped, pulling out ten neatly stacked gold coins and slamming them onto the bar. ¡°This one¡¯s on me.¡±


    ¡°Then I¡¯ll thank you both on Kanna¡¯s behalf,¡± Kyle said cheerfully, handing her the glass of golden mead.


    ¡°What luck,¡± Kanna laughed, watching Kyle¡¯s smug grin and the twins¡¯ theatrical grimaces. ¡°I didn¡¯t think anyone would actually buy me a drink!¡±


    ¡°Don''t pretend, you''re both on double salary. Can''t you afford ten Galleons?¡± After the group found a place to sit, Kyle ordered three more Butterbeers. "What''s the situation like out there?"


    "Not good," Fred sighed. "We see the Dark Mark almost every day. It''s making people panic."


    "Any movement on the Auror front?"


    "They did catch a few Death Eaters, but they were all low-level operatives, not very useful," George said. "By the way, do you know Stan Shunpike?"


    "The bus conductor on the Knight Bus?" Kyle asked.


    "That''s the one," Fred confirmed. "He was arrested too, just this morning, on charges of involvement with Death Eater activities."


    "Wait, there must be a mistake..." Kanna looked up. "He''s just a bus conductor, how could he be a Death Eater?"


    "We don''t think so either," George replied. "But this is what Stan himself admitted."


    "And it was in a pub, in front of at least a dozen wizards. Aurors received several letters reporting it."


    "And Gulra, a Goblin, was also found to have been in contact with Death Eaters many times. But Gringotts insisted it was just normal trading business."


    "But I don''t think so. If it was a transaction, why not choose Gringotts? Why do it outside? I guess they were probably worried that the Goblin''s collusion with the Death Eaters would affect the reputation of Gringotts."


    As the group chatted and drank Butterbeer, Kyle noticed they kept glancing out the window, as if looking for someone.


    There was another reason for this: the brown-haired wizard sitting in the doorway.


    They didn''t turn their heads again until Harry, Hermione, and Ron walked into The Three Broomsticks.


    "By the way, you''re not still responsible for protecting Harry, are you?" Kyle asked quietly. S§×arch* The N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "How did you know?" Fred was taken aback.


    "A guess," Kyle shrugged.


    "Well, there''s no need to hide it," George said. "The Ministry really couldn''t spare any staff... plus, we were going to Hogsmeade anyway, so it''s kind of helping."


    "So you dared to come for a drink just now?"


    "It''s okay, there are Aurors. We''re just helping."


    "The wizard sitting at the entrance?"


    "How do you know?" Fred was even more surprised. He began to suspect that Kyle had been at the Ministry of Magic these past few days instead of at Hogwarts.


    "Is that so hard to guess?" Kyle said calmly. "I''ve never seen a wizard with a full beard before who comes to a bar and orders a juice soda."


    "Okay, she''s actually Tonks," Fred admitted. "It''s so obvious, no wonder Dad made us come and help."


    "Fred, George!"


    Ron, who had just entered, noticed them as well.


    "What are you doing here?"


    "We came to let you know that Hogwarts is on holiday tomorrow," Fred said. "Mum and Dad asked us to come and get you."


    "What? Hogwarts is on holiday?" Ron froze. "But Professor McGonagall never told us anything about it!"


    "Seriously," George patted Ron on the shoulder, "sometimes we really don''t want to admit you''re our brother. It''s practically a stain on our intelligence."


    Ron immediately realized that what Fred and George had just said about Hogwarts being on holiday was just a tease.


    He was so angry his face turned red, glaring at them. But Fred and George didn''t care at all and continued chatting with Kyle as if nothing had happened.


    Harry and the others saw this and sat down at a nearby empty table.


    To be honest, it felt quite strange to run into former classmates in Hogsmeade.


    Ten minutes later, the door opened again. This time, it was Slughorn, who looked like a giant walrus in his oversized fur hat and matching coat.


    It was a good thing The Three Broomsticks was spacious, or he probably wouldn''t have been able to get in.


    ¡°It¡¯s cold out, Rosmerta, give me a cup of that mead.¡±


    ¡°Oh, no...¡± Harry quickly ducked his head when he saw Slughorn and tried to hide under the table. It was a good idea, but Slughorn noticed him anyway.


    ¡°Harry, boy,¡± Slughorn said, striding over, his smile widening when he saw that Kyle and Kanna were there too. ¡°You¡¯ve already missed a few of my small dinner parties, and that¡¯s not good. You must come and see for yourselves. Miss Granger loves these evenings.¡± He sat down directly in the empty seat at Harry¡¯s table.


    ¡°How about tomorrow night? You can¡¯t still be busy then?¡±


    ¡°I... I...¡± Harry stammered, struggling to find the words, while frantically thinking of an excuse to turn down the invitation. Ever since he¡¯d been surrounded by seven or eight people doing homework, Harry had been avoiding Slughorn. He¡¯d rather face a vat of Flobberworms than attend one of those dinner parties.


    ¡°Sorry, Professor,¡± Kyle said calmly, his expression unchanged. ¡°There¡¯s just so much going on at the Ministry of Magic.¡± He pointed at Fred and George. ¡°Even if they come to Hogsmeade for the weekend, they can¡¯t escape me and my work reports.¡±


    ¡°You work for the Ministry of Magic?¡± Slughorn asked, looking at the Weasley brothers.


    Although they didn¡¯t understand what Kyle meant, Fred and George immediately nodded in agreement.


    Slughorn¡¯s attitude shifted instantly, and he greeted the two of them warmly, but that was about it.


    ¡°I¡¯m afraid I can¡¯t either,¡± Kanna added. ¡°Professor Snape has confined me to my room for a month, and I can¡¯t go anywhere during that time.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Slughorn nearly jumped out of his seat, so excited. ¡°How could Severus do that? Doesn¡¯t he know how talented you are in potions?¡±


    ¡°A month in solitary confinement? Goodness, how could he bear it... No, I have to go and talk to him.¡±


    With that, Slughorn didn¡¯t even drink the mead that had been poured for him. He hurried out of The Three Broomsticks in a rush.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on? Is that the new Potions professor?¡± Fred asked curiously, clearly having heard about the changes in Hogwarts'' staff this year.


    ¡°Yes, Horace Slughorn, the professor who likes to throw dinner parties,¡± Kyle replied, giving a brief summary of his infamous Slug Club and his penchant for hosting such events.


    This was a shock to the twins, who hadn¡¯t expected the professor to be so... unusual.


    ¡°By the way, does he know about Kanna and Snape?¡±


    ¡°Apparently not,¡± Kyle said. ¡°But that¡¯s a good thing, because it¡¯ll get Kanna out of those boring dinner parties.¡±


    If Kanna didn¡¯t want to go, she could be confined to her room for the entire term. Even Dumbledore¡¯s pleas wouldn¡¯t change that, let alone Slughorn¡¯s.


    ¡°Ron...¡± George turned his head, looking at him meaningfully. ¡°I noticed he didn¡¯t invite you just now. Was that a coincidence? Or an oversight?¡±


    Ron¡¯s face turned red again.


    In fact, Slughorn had never paid any attention to him. Every time they met, he only spoke to Harry, treating Ron like an invisible ornament.


    ¡°I envy Ron,¡± Harry said, trying to break the tension. ¡°His parties are a real torture.¡±


    ¡°Yeah,¡± Hermione nodded. ¡°It¡¯s really not very pleasant.¡±


    Ron¡¯s expression softened slightly, and he muttered something under his breath, but no one could hear what he said.


    After a while, everyone else resumed their conversations, but after finishing their Butterbeer, Kyle and Kanna decided to head home.


    Harry and the others felt the same way. The weather outside was getting worse, and they all preferred the warmth of the common room to the cold.


    They got up and walked toward the door.


    At that moment, two Gryffindor girls at a table nearby also stood up.


    ¡°Wait, Kyle,¡± they called after him as he walked out of the bar.


    ¡°What is it?¡± Kyle asked, turning around. He recognized one of the girls as Katie Bell from Gryffindor and a member of the Quidditch team.


    ¡°This is for you,¡± Katie said, walking over and holding out a package.


    Kyle was a little puzzled. He didn¡¯t seem to remember having any connection with the girl. But when he looked at the package, his frown deepened.


    Fred and George, who were standing next to him, reacted the same way.


    After all the time they had spent working in the department that specialized in tracking down dark magic items and counterfeits, they could tell right away that something was wrong with the package. The dark magic reaction was so obvious it didn¡¯t even try to disguise itself. Whatever was inside was definitely dangerous.


    The two of them were about to say something when Kyle stopped them. He shook his head slightly and then looked at Katie.


    ¡°Who gave this to me?¡±


    Katie didn¡¯t say anything, just nodded stiffly, her movements unnatural.


    ¡°The Imperius Curse!¡± A horrible thought suddenly popped into Fred¡¯s head. ¡°Damn it, someone¡¯s used the Imperius Curse on a Hogwarts student!¡±


    Meanwhile, Kyle, after a moment¡¯s hesitation, slowly began to reach for the package. Fred¡¯s heart immediately sank. He wanted to warn Kyle, but quickly realized there was no need to. He ran towards Tonks, who was not far behind them.


    George stayed where he was, watching nervously. His hand was already in his pocket, ready to pull out his wand at any moment.


    However, just as Kyle¡¯s fingers were about to touch the package, a harsh voice suddenly came from behind the group.


    ¡°Get out of the way, you disgusting Mudblood!¡±


    It was Malfoy, who also seemed to have just come from The Three Broomsticks, and unusually, wasn¡¯t accompanied by any followers.


    Then, to everyone¡¯s surprise, he viciously pushed Hermione, who was standing in front of him.


    Hermione didn¡¯t react in time and stumbled into Katie, who also fell over, dropping the package in her hands.

 Chapter 726: The Opal Necklace, Kyle’s Decision

    ¡°Malfoy, you bastard!¡±


    Harry and Ron had no idea what had just happened, nor did they see anything wrong with the package. After seeing Hermione nearly knocked over, they marched straight toward Malfoy, ready to give him a lesson.


    With Malfoy¡¯s two large bodyguards absent, they had a real chance in a two-on-one fight.


    But before they could take two steps, a tremendous force pushed them back.


    ¡°Stay where you are!¡± Tonks shouted from a short distance away, still clutching her wand.


    But Harry quickly realized that he didn¡¯t need to do anything.


    Drenched in rain, the brown paper bag tore apart the moment it hit the ground, spilling its contents directly onto Katie¡¯s shoes.


    In an instant, Katie was lifted uncontrollably into the air, her posture strange¡ªarms outstretched, hair whipping wildly in the wind, eyes closed, and her face devoid of expression.


    Then, her eyes snapped open as though she had endured unbearable pain, and she began to scream in agony.


    ¡°I¡¯ll go get the professor!¡± Hermione immediately turned to rush toward the school.


    But just then...


    ¡°Finite Incantatem!¡±


    At the shout, Harry instinctively turned his head. He saw Kyle¡¯s wand glowing orange, and then Kyle slammed it down onto the stone path.


    The once-solid stones crumbled under the wand¡¯s light, breaking apart as easily as freshly fried potato chips.


    Faintly, it seemed as though a golden flame began to spread outward. When it touched Katie mid-air, a layer of black smoke appeared around her, quickly consumed by the golden flames.


    The scream cut off abruptly.


    Katie, now unconscious, fell from the air and was caught by Tonks.


    By now, a small crowd had gathered, curious onlookers standing around and whispering about the unconscious Katie.


    ¡°What on earth is going on here?¡± Tonks demanded sharply, her gaze fixed on the girl who had been with Katie.


    She could see clearly that everything stemmed from that package. Had it not been for the rude young boy who had suddenly appeared, it would have been Kyle lying on the ground.


    ¡°I... I don¡¯t know,¡± the girl accompanying Katie stammered, still shaken from the shock. She pointed to the torn brown paper package on the ground. ¡°We were just about to go to Madam Puddifoot¡¯s teahouse when she picked up this package. She said it was for Kyle, that she had to deliver it...¡±


    ¡°Oh, yes! When she spoke, her expression was so strange¡ªjust like Professor Snape described someone under the Imperius Curse... Oh no, why didn¡¯t I realize it then!¡±


    The girl slapped her forehead in frustration, tears welling up again as she began to cry. If only she had noticed something was wrong, Katie might not have suffered.


    Kanna walked over and gently patted her shoulder.


    ¡°It¡¯s not your fault... I remember you. Lina, right? Seventh year?¡±


    The girl nodded.


    ¡°So do you know who gave her the package?¡±


    ¡°No,¡± Lina sobbed. ¡°I had left something at Honeydukes and was away from her for a while. When I came back, the package was there.¡±


    ¡°Is that so?¡± Kanna glanced over at Kyle.


    ¡°It¡¯s fine,¡± Kyle replied, staring at the Opal Necklace on the ground. ¡°Let¡¯s just deal with the problem at hand.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re right,¡± Tonks agreed, looking at the growing crowd around them. She quickly turned and ran toward the school with the unconscious Katie in her arms.


    At the same time, she called out, ¡°Fred, George, please gather that thing up and make sure no one else touches it.¡±


    ¡°Leave it to us,¡± Fred said. With a quick wave of his wand, the stone on the ground transformed into a box that rewrapped the Opal Necklace, and the box floated forward, kept at a distance by the spell.


    Harry, Ron and Hermione exchanged a glance and hurriedly followed.


    ¡°By the way, what spell did Kyle just use?¡± Ron asked curiously. ¡°It solved the problem instantly.¡±


    ¡°Finite Incantatem,¡± Hermione replied. ¡°It¡¯s a high-level Charm, essentially an enhanced version of Finite. It removes all traces of magic within a certain radius.¡±


    ¡°Even the effects of dark magic objects?¡± Harry asked.


    ¡°Of course,¡± Hermione said, sounding a little impatient. ¡°If you had paid attention in Professor Snape''s lessons, you''d know that so-called dark magic objects are just things with a Curse on them.¡±


    ¡°And a Curse is still a form of magic.¡±


    ¡°Pay attention in Snape¡¯s class?¡± Harry opened his mouth, but quickly closed it. That was easier said than done. It wasn¡¯t that he didn¡¯t want to, but Snape always managed to make him angry within minutes, leaving Harry unable to focus on what Snape was saying.


    The group walked across the school grounds. Ron glanced at Kyle beside him, as if something had just occurred to him.


    ¡°Do you think Malfoy saved Kyle¡¯s life once?¡±


    ¡°Huh?¡± Harry was momentarily confused, then it hit him. ¡°Yeah, if Malfoy hadn¡¯t pushed Hermione and knocked over the brown paper bag, Kyle might¡¯ve run into it.¡±


    ¡°Haha, I didn¡¯t realize Malfoy had done something good,¡± Ron said, ¡°but he probably won¡¯t be too happy about it... Hey, where is Malfoy?¡±


    He looked around, but there was no sign of Malfoy, which struck him as odd. Given Malfoy¡¯s personality, he would have been sure to parade around Kyle, loudly emphasizing his own contribution, or run to the professor to claim credit for extra points, or something. So why hadn¡¯t he followed?


    Kyle glanced behind him, but said nothing. In fact, when Tonks had rushed over earlier, Malfoy had already slipped quietly into the crowd and disappeared.


    The group quickly returned to the school grounds.


    ¡°Do you think he was behind this?¡± Ron asked.


    Though there was no concrete evidence, it had become a habit for him to blame Malfoy for anything bad that happened, and he didn¡¯t need proof.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± Harry said thoughtfully. ¡°But I think I¡¯ve seen that Opal Necklace before.¡±


    ¡°You have?¡± Ron looked at him, surprised. Hermione also turned her gaze to Harry.


    ¡°Hmm,¡± Harry nodded. ¡°It was in a box at the Borgin and Burkes¡¯s shop four years ago. Remember? I was using Floo powder for the first time, went the wrong way, and ended up there by mistake.¡±


    ¡°Because the box said it had claimed the lives of more than a dozen Muggles, I paid special attention to it. I remember it very clearly.¡±


    ¡°So someone bought it from the shop?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s what I think happened.¡±


    ¡°Borgin and Burkes¡¯s Necklace¡­¡± Kanna looked at Kyle. ¡°Who do you think it was?¡±


    ¡°Who knows,¡± Kyle narrowed his eyes. ¡°Maybe someone planned to use that Opal Necklace against me but changed their mind at the last minute.¡±


    ¡°Changed their mind... Malfoy?¡± Kanna blurted out.


    She knew Kyle wouldn¡¯t say something like that without a reason¡ªhe must have found something out. The only person who fit the description was Malfoy, who had suddenly appeared halfway down the path.


    Although there were several of them, they weren¡¯t occupying the whole path; they were even on the side of the road. Malfoy could have simply walked back to school, but instead, he took a detour to push Hermione out of his way. Coincidentally, Hermione tripped over Katie, causing the package to fall to the ground. If all of this wasn¡¯t intentional, it was one hell of a coincidence.


    Kanna stared at Kyle, waiting for an answer.


    ¡°Ah, who knows,¡± Kyle shrugged with a smile. ¡°But as things stand, I should be thanking Malfoy. After all, he saved me.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t you dare,¡± Kanna said. ¡°Don¡¯t think I didn¡¯t see it¡ªyou used the Shield Charm before you reached out.¡±


    ¡°Well, I had already noticed traces of the Imperius Curse,¡± Kyle said. ¡°I wasn¡¯t stupid enough to touch the package, especially since it came from an unknown source.¡± He gave a small smile. ¡°And as it turned out, I was right, wasn¡¯t I?¡±


    ¡°Professor McGonagall is here,¡± Hermione¡¯s voice came from ahead.


    Kyle looked up and saw Professor McGonagall hurrying down the stone stairs in the increasing rain and snow to meet them.


    ¡°Tonks said that you all saw Katie Bell being attacked. Please come to my office upstairs immediately.¡±


    ¡°It wasn¡¯t an attack!¡± Ron exclaimed. ¡°She was trying to give Kyle a deadly dark magic object.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll talk about that later,¡± Professor McGonagall said, her eyes flicking to Fred and the box floating beside him. ¡°Mr. Weasley, what is this?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s the thing Katie touched,¡± Fred replied. ¡°I brought it back so no one else touches it.¡±


    ¡°Very good. Very good. You¡¯ve thought of everything,¡± Professor McGonagall said, though she looked a little nervous.


    ¡°It¡¯s the least I could do,¡± Fred said seriously.


    At that moment, Filch appeared, holding a Probity Probe, about to walk over to Fred with an air of triumph.


    ¡°No, Filch, they¡¯re with me. They don¡¯t need to be inspected,¡± Professor McGonagall said hastily.


    Filch¡¯s face darkened immediately.


    ¡°Oh, Mr. Filch,¡± Fred said, raising an eyebrow, ¡°perhaps you''re not aware, but I work for the Ministry of Magic, and I specialize in dangerous dark magic items. You really shouldn¡¯t be stopping me.¡±


    Filch gasped for breath. For a moment, he wondered if the people at the Ministry of Magic were insane for letting a Niffler guard the Vault.


    ¡°Oh, and, Mr. Filch¡­¡±


    George, who was standing nearby, lowered his gaze to the Probity Probe in his hands. ¡°I suspect this object isn¡¯t from a reputable source and may contain some form of hidden dark magic. If you can¡¯t provide the place of purchase and its details, I¡¯ll have to confiscate it.¡±


    ¡°You know, it¡¯s our job.¡±


    ¡°Without any personal feelings,¡± Fred added.


    Filch¡¯s face drained of color as he clutched the Probity Probe tightly in his arms. This thing had been at Hogwarts for who knows how long, and there was no way to track down where it had been purchased.


    Even if there was, after so many years, the place would have long since changed hands.


    Meanwhile, Fred and George were grinning. They¡¯d been interrogated by Filch countless times when they were students, and now, to their surprise, the tables had turned after their graduation.


    It was a fantastic feeling¡ªone they were more than happy to enjoy.


    ¡°Come on, Filch, bring it over here,¡± Fred urged. ¡°We need to check it. It¡¯s a requirement of the Ministry of Magic.¡±


    ¡°Okay, quiet down,¡± Professor McGonagall snapped, glaring at them. ¡°I promise that the Probity Probe is absolutely fine, all right?¡±


    ¡°Since Professor McGonagall says so, we naturally believe you,¡± George said with a smile.


    ¡°Then shut up,¡± Professor McGonagall muttered. ¡°Now, please take this to Professor Snape.¡±


    She glanced at Kyle and Harry again. ¡°You two, come with me¡­¡±


    Professor McGonagall led Kyle and Harry into the castle, up the stairs to her office. The rain and snow made a rhythmic clattering sound on the windows, but the fire in the fireplace was roaring, making the room feel much warmer.


    ¡°Tell me,¡± Professor McGonagall said, striding quickly around the desk and sitting down behind it. ¡°What happened?¡±


    Lina stammered and struggled to speak, still shaken. Her words were disjointed, but Professor McGonagall could gather the gist.


    Lina didn¡¯t know much more, only that Katie had received the package while she had been away at The Three Broomsticks, near Honeydukes. She didn¡¯t know who had given it to her or who had cast the Imperius Curse on her.


    Afterward, Professor McGonagall had sent Lina to the Hospital Wing, as she was in a bad state and needed a calming potion to settle her nerves.


    ¡°So, what happened next?¡± she asked, glancing at the others once more.


    Hermione immediately began recounting the incident in great detail, describing how Katie had been thrown into the air and subsequently rescued. This allowed Professor McGonagall to quickly grasp the situation.


    ¡°Very good, five points to Gryffindor,¡± Professor McGonagall nodded. ¡°You may leave now, but remember to keep this a secret. Don¡¯t tell anyone else, even if they ask.¡±


    With that, Harry, Ron, and Hermione exited the office, leaving only Kyle and Kanna behind. At this point, Professor McGonagall¡¯s expression had relaxed, no longer as tense as before.


    ¡°Because you remained calm in a crisis¡­¡± she said, looking at Kyle with a soft gaze. ¡°I¡¯ll award Hufflepuff fifty points. Well done.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Professor,¡± Kyle replied.


    ¡°You deserve it.¡± Professor McGonagall rubbed her forehead, clearly reflecting on the situation. She couldn¡¯t imagine how much worse things could have been if Kyle hadn¡¯t been there. At the very least, Katie Bell would have suffered far more. Even if Auror Tonks had been present, she likely wouldn¡¯t have handled it better than Kyle had.


    ¡°Do you know anything else?¡± Professor McGonagall continued. ¡°Who do you think would go so far as to target you and even use the Imperius Curse to control a Hogwarts student?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not sure,¡± Kyle said calmly. ¡°Some crazy Death Eater, maybe. After all, I did disrupt a lot of their plans during the holidays, so it makes sense they¡¯d want to get back at me.¡±


    ¡°A Death Eater?¡± Professor McGonagall exclaimed, shocked. She didn¡¯t truly believe a Death Eater would dare target a Hogwarts student, but given the circumstances, it seemed the only possible explanation.


    ¡°If that¡¯s the case,¡± she said, pacing back and forth, ¡°Kyle, I must insist that for your own safety, you shouldn¡¯t leave the castle for the time being, and you shouldn¡¯t go to Hogsmeade anymore.¡±


    ¡°Okay, I understand,¡± Kyle nodded. He had already anticipated this advice. After all, he had only gone to Hogsmeade to have a Butterbeer at The Three Broomsticks. And given the scale of the incident, it was likely that the school wouldn¡¯t organize another Hogsmeade trip for students, regardless of whether he agreed or not.


    ¡°You can go home for now,¡± Professor McGonagall said, her tone tired as she waved them off. ¡°The school will investigate this matter as soon as possible.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s one more small matter, Professor,¡± Kyle said, not in a hurry to leave.


    ¡°Go on.¡± sea??h th§× n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°It¡¯s about Malfoy.¡± Kyle paused for a moment before continuing. ¡°Anyway, he indirectly saved me, so I was wondering if I could split the 25 points with him?¡±


    Professor McGonagall appeared taken aback by his request. She looked up at him. ¡°But it was because of Mr. Malfoy that the package was dropped and broken.¡±


    ¡°One thing doesn¡¯t cancel out another,¡± Kyle replied calmly. ¡°I can¡¯t just pretend that nothing happened. That¡¯s why I said I¡¯d give him half of the points I earned, not extra points.¡±


    ¡°All right, if you insist¡­¡± Professor McGonagall said after a brief hesitation. She studied Kyle for a moment before nodding. ¡°Hufflepuff loses twenty points, and Slytherin gains twenty points.¡±

 Chapter 727: Snape’s Reminder

    Katie Bell was sent to St. Mungo''s that afternoon.


    Although Kyle had managed to dispel the dark magic in the Opal Necklace in time, sparing her from significant harm, it was discovered she had been struck by an Imperius Curse. St. Mungo''s, being more specialized in treating damage caused by Unforgivable Curses, was a better fit for her recovery. The Hospital Wing simply couldn''t provide the tranquil environment she needed to recuperate.


    As Katie left the school, rumors of the incident in Hogsmeade quickly spread. However, few knew the full details. Apart from the small group of witnesses, no one realized the Opal Necklace had actually been intended for someone else.


    Meanwhile, Malfoy had unexpectedly found himself in the spotlight. The substantial points awarded to Slytherin and Hufflepuff had fueled all sorts of speculation. The buzz only intensified when it became clear that the points had been added to Draco Malfoy¡¯s total.


    Oddly, Malfoy himself¡ªthe center of attention¡ªseemed anything but pleased about it.


    ¡°I¡¯ve told you many times, I don¡¯t know what happened!¡± Malfoy snapped at Zabini over dinner. ¡°I was just posting letters in Hogsmeade. I had no idea about any ridiculous attack there.¡±


    ¡°But everyone says¡ª¡±


    ¡°And people also say you¡¯re a brainless idiot. Are you?¡± Malfoy interrupted impatiently.


    "Still, think about it¡ªdo you really think I¡¯d have helped a Gryffindor even if I had been there?"


    ¡°Of course not,¡± Zabini blurted out, almost reflexively.


    The Malfoy he knew would¡¯ve clapped and cheered if he saw a Gryffindor suffering from dark magic.


    ¡°Exactly,¡± Malfoy said, his tone sharp. ¡°I¡¯m not going to help stupid Gryffindors.¡±


    His irritation was palpable as he attacked his steak with such force the knife clattered against the plate. It almost sounded as if he was trying to carve through the dish itself.


    ¡°If that¡¯s true, why did Professor McGonagall give you extra credit?¡± Pansy asked, her voice tinged with confusion.


    ¡°That wasn¡¯t extra credit! It wasn¡¯t!¡± Malfoy roared, slamming his cutlery down. Abruptly, he stood and stormed out of the Great Hall.


    ¡°Draco, wait!¡± Pansy called after him, startled by his outburst. She quickly got up, flustered, and rushed to follow him.


    ¡°Look at him...¡± Ron muttered from the Gryffindor table, watching Malfoy leave in a huff. ¡°It¡¯s like he thinks getting extra points is some kind of punishment. What a hypocrite. I bet he¡¯s secretly thrilled.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re right,¡± Harry agreed, nodding.


    In Harry¡¯s mind, Malfoy was a show-off through and through. When his mother had sent him a parcel of expensive sweets, he¡¯d practically paraded it in front of the entire school. It was hard to imagine him reacting any differently to suddenly being awarded 20 points. Even if it wasn¡¯t genuinely his achievement, Malfoy was the type to convince himself it was.


    ¡°He¡¯s definitely up to something,¡± Harry said thoughtfully.


    ¡°Do you think he gave Katie the Opal Necklace?¡± Ron asked in a low voice.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think so,¡± Harry replied after a moment. ¡°The Opal Necklace was meant for Kyle. If Malfoy was behind it, why go to such lengths? Don¡¯t forget, it was Malfoy who stopped Kyle from getting it in the first place.¡±


    ¡°Maybe he didn¡¯t mean to,¡± Ron suggested. ¡°Maybe he got ahead of himself and ruined his own plan.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s ridiculous,¡± Hermione cut in. ¡°No one would be that careless. And besides, I have a feeling he was trying to steer me toward Katie on purpose.¡±


    ¡°You think Malfoy did it deliberately?¡± Harry frowned.


    ¡°It¡¯s just a feeling,¡± Hermione admitted. ¡°I can¡¯t prove it.¡±


    While they debated whether Malfoy had any connection to the necklace, Kyle received an unexpected message from the Fat Friar: Dumbledore had returned and wanted to see him in the Headmaster¡¯s Office.


    ¡°I knew he wouldn¡¯t stay away after everything that¡¯s happened,¡± Kyle muttered to himself as he finished his meal. Saying goodbye to Kanna, he made his way to the Headmaster¡¯s Office alone.


    He knocked on the door, and upon hearing the invitation, stepped inside.


    Dumbledore sat behind his desk, looking particularly weary. Snape was there too, his expression unreadable. Between them on the table lay the now-infamous Opal Necklace.


    "Oh, here comes our lucky boy," Snape drawled as Kyle entered the room, his tone laced with a sharp edge, as if he regretted Kyle hadn¡¯t been the one dealing with the cursed necklace himself.


    Kyle didn¡¯t take the bait. Instead, he flashed his usual fake smile and replied smoothly, "Thank you, Professor."


    Snape snorted, unimpressed, but chose not to press further.


    ¡°Severus cares about you too, Kyle; he just doesn¡¯t show it,¡± Dumbledore interjected, his calm voice attempting to smooth the tension.


    ¡°If I¡¯ve done anything to give you that impression, I¡¯ll correct it as soon as possible,¡± Snape retorted, his tone flat and devoid of emotion.


    Both Dumbledore and Kyle pointedly ignored him.


    ¡°It seems you¡¯ve repeatedly thwarted Tom¡¯s plans, and now he¡¯s had enough,¡± Dumbledore said, his gaze shifting to the Opal Necklace on the table. ¡°He wants to eliminate you even more than Harry.¡±


    ¡°Obviously,¡± Kyle shrugged.


    His mind flicked back to Hogsmeade. He and Harry had been standing just a few feet apart, separated only by Hermione, yet Katie Bell had unhesitatingly handed him the cursed package, bypassing Harry entirely.


    It was, admittedly, a little flattering. Kyle couldn¡¯t help but think he hardly belonged in the same league as the famous Boy Who Lived.


    ¡°What do you think?¡± Dumbledore asked, breaking his train of thought. His piercing blue eyes gleamed brightly behind his glasses.


    ¡°This came from Borgin and Burkes,¡± Kyle said, studying the necklace. ¡°Harry mentioned seeing it there before. Honestly, that¡¯s not surprising. Everyone knows if you want to get rid of someone, Knockturn Alley is the place to go. Cursed necklaces, forbidden books that can drive you insane, swords enchanted to stab you in the heart on their own¡ªyou name it, they¡¯ve got it.¡±


    ¡°As far as I know,¡± Snape said, narrowing his eyes, ¡°underage wizards aren¡¯t permitted in Knockturn Alley, are they?¡±


    ¡°Sorry, Professor, but the Ministry doesn¡¯t actually have a rule about that,¡± Kyle replied casually. ¡°It¡¯s just that parents tend to keep their children away from places like that. Harry only ended up there because he got Floo powder directions wrong his first time using it.¡±


    Snape remained silent, though his expression darkened.


    ¡°So who do you think bought it?¡± Dumbledore prompted.


    ¡°I have no idea,¡± Kyle admitted with a helpless shrug. ¡°Greedy old Borgin doesn¡¯t sell out his clients. That¡¯s how he keeps his shop running in a place like Knockturn Alley. No one wants to buy something only to have an Auror show up at their door later. Even if we asked, he wouldn¡¯t tell us. And I¡¯d bet my wand he¡¯s got ways to block Legilimency and Veritaserum.¡±


    ¡°You are correct,¡± Dumbledore said calmly. ¡°As the owner of such an established dark magic shop, Mr. Borgin does indeed possess certain... protections.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s a pity,¡± Kyle sighed. ¡°But I do have another idea that might make him talk.¡±


    ¡°No, Kyle,¡± Dumbledore said sternly. ¡°Let me be clear: no proper means will compel Mr. Borgin to cooperate.¡±


    Kyle sighed again, deliberately echoing the word. ¡°What a pity.¡±


    The Headmaster¡¯s meaning was obvious. No proper means. Which also meant Dumbledore wasn¡¯t going to let Kyle pursue his own methods.


    ¡°Pity?¡± Snape cut in, his dark gaze fixed on Kyle. ¡°What exactly are you planning with Borgin and Burkes?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t misunderstand, Professor,¡± Kyle said smoothly. ¡°I only wanted to introduce him to a friend of mine. I met him on holiday recently¡ªhis name happens to be Borgin as well.¡±


    ¡°Really? What a coincidence,¡± Snape said with a raised eyebrow, his skepticism palpable.


    ¡°I named him,¡± Kyle replied with a sly smile.


    Snape¡¯s expression darkened further. Whatever Kyle was plotting, Snape had no doubt it would be the kind of plan that would make the Ministry dispatch a team of Hit Wizards¡ªor maybe even Aurors¡ªto intervene.


    ¡°Okay, Borgin doesn¡¯t matter,¡± Dumbledore suddenly said, breaking the thread of the conversation. ¡°What matters is that this attack will not happen a second time. So, Kyle, do you have any other clues to provide?¡±


    ¡°No,¡± Kyle replied simply. ¡°I don¡¯t remember seeing any Death Eaters in Hogsmeade.¡± S~ea??h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Snape, standing nearby, seemed momentarily surprised by Kyle¡¯s insistence on implicating Death Eaters. However, he kept his thoughts to himself, standing silently, his expression unreadable.


    Dumbledore, too, chose not to comment, and a tense silence settled over the headmaster¡¯s office.


    They all knew the truth. Kyle was feigning ignorance.


    Real Death Eaters would never defy Voldemort¡¯s orders. And Voldemort wouldn¡¯t send them near Hogwarts unless he was prepared to initiate a full-scale war. Judging by Kyle¡¯s past actions and his understanding of Voldemort, it was clear that he knew this. His insistence that Death Eaters were involved was a deliberate choice¡ªa way of concealing what he truly thought.


    But Dumbledore and Snape were in no position to call him out directly. They shared the same burden of unspoken knowledge, and their only recourse was to probe indirectly.


    As the uncomfortable stalemate stretched on, an unexpected knock at the door broke the tension.


    ¡°I think it must be Mr. Potter,¡± Dumbledore said, his voice lightening as he seized the opportunity to dispel the awkward atmosphere. ¡°He and I have an agreement¡ªI give him a lesson at eight o¡¯clock on weekend evenings. Judging by the time, it must be about now.¡±


    ¡°A lesson?¡± Kyle asked curiously. ¡°Is it Defense Against the Dark Arts? Or Transfiguration?¡±


    ¡°Neither,¡± Dumbledore replied, shaking his head. ¡°If I had to categorize it, I¡¯d say it¡¯s more like History of Magic.¡±


    Kyle raised an eyebrow at this, but Dumbledore continued without missing a beat. ¡°It¡¯s more focused than the usual curriculum. A single subject, seventy pages long, covering old memories¡ªmemories that will help him understand certain things better.¡±


    ¡°If you¡¯re interested,¡± Dumbledore added, glancing at Kyle, ¡°you¡¯re welcome to join us. The Pensieve can accommodate three people.¡±


    Kyle considered the offer briefly before shaking his head. ¡°Sorry, Professor, I¡¯d rather not.¡±


    He could guess what kind of memories Dumbledore intended to share with Harry¡ªfragments of Voldemort¡¯s past. Kyle had no interest in revisiting the Dark Lord¡¯s childhood or delving into his twisted history.


    ¡°If the lesson were about the application of Transfiguration, I¡¯d be happy to stay,¡± Kyle added. ¡°But History of Magic... To be honest, it¡¯s not really my favorite subject.¡±


    ¡°I could teach you Transfiguration,¡± Dumbledore said with a small smile. ¡°After all, I was a professor of Transfiguration once. Though it has been a long time, I¡¯d like to think my skills haven¡¯t fallen too far behind Professor McGonagall¡¯s.¡±


    ¡°But,¡± Dumbledore continued, his tone shifting, ¡°I must admit that teaching you and Harry at the same time would present... challenges.¡±


    Snape let out a quiet snort, catching Dumbledore¡¯s meaning immediately.


    The gap between Kyle and Harry in their understanding of magic was significant. What Kyle grasped effortlessly, Harry would likely struggle with, and what Harry could handle, Kyle would find a waste of time. The only subject where they might find common ground was, ironically, History of Magic.


    ¡°Well, I¡¯ll be going, then,¡± Snape announced, turning to leave.


    When the door opened, Harry was standing on the other side, looking startled to see Snape.


    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you say hello, Potter? And what¡¯s with that expression?¡± Snape sneered coldly. ¡°Impoliteness toward a professor... five points from Gryffindor.¡±


    Harry¡¯s face twisted with indignation. The deduction was absurd even by Snape¡¯s standards, and the unfairness of it made his blood boil.


    Snape, entirely unfazed, swept past him and disappeared down the corridor.


    ¡°Professor Dumbledore, I also¡ª¡± Kyle began, intending to excuse himself as well, but Dumbledore cut him off.


    ¡°You may have to wait a little longer, Kyle,¡± Dumbledore said gently. ¡°Personally, I find certain memories quite fascinating. How about passing the time?¡±


    Kyle hesitated, sensing something odd about Dumbledore¡¯s demeanor, but eventually nodded. Since Dumbledore had asked, he decided to stay.


    ¡°Kyle, you¡¯re here too?¡± Harry said, his mood brightening noticeably when he spotted him.


    ¡°Professor, what are we going to see today?¡± Harry asked eagerly, turning to Dumbledore.


    ¡°What a coincidence,¡± Dumbledore remarked, pulling out his Pensieve. The silvery-white substance inside shimmered like liquid light, swirling restlessly.


    ¡°One of the memories we¡¯ll examine concerns Voldemort¡¯s mother,¡± Dumbledore explained. ¡°The memory comes from Caractacus Burke, one of the founders of Borgin and Burkes¡ªthe very shop that sold the Opal Necklace.¡±


    ¡°Borgin and Burkes?¡± Harry echoed, his curiosity piqued.


    ¡°Yes,¡± Dumbledore confirmed. He gently stirred the Pensieve as though sifting gold from sand, and an image began to take shape¡ªa small, wiry man emerging from the silvery depths.


    ¡­


    Meanwhile, in the castle, Snape, having left the Headmaster''s Office, strode purposefully toward the Slytherin common room. Under the puzzled stares of onlookers, he grabbed Malfoy, who was idly staring into the flames of the fireplace, and dragged him out of the room without a word.


    The two came to a halt in a deserted corridor.


    ¡°Let go of me...¡± Malfoy protested, struggling to break free from Snape¡¯s firm grip. ¡°What do you want?¡±


    ¡°I should be the one asking that question,¡± Snape replied, his expression dark with anger. ¡°Casting a spell on a Gryffindor, forcing her to hand over an object imbued with dark magic to Kyle¡ªdo you even understand what you¡¯ve done?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t lie to me. I know you bought that necklace from Borgin and Burkes.¡±


    ¡°It wasn¡¯t me!¡± Malfoy snapped, but his voice faltered slightly. Then, with a defiant tilt of his chin, he added, ¡°Alright, fine, it was me. So what? It¡¯s not like I cursed Bell myself. What does it matter to you?¡±


    ¡°It matters because I swore to your mother that I would protect you,¡± Snape said sharply, pressing Malfoy against the cold stone wall of the corridor. ¡°I made the Unbreakable Vow, Draco.¡±


    ¡°Well, maybe you should go ahead and break it,¡± Malfoy sneered, his voice dripping with disdain. ¡°I don¡¯t need your protection. This is my job¡ªhe assigned it to me!¡±


    ¡°Then you should have come up with a proper plan instead of acting so recklessly,¡± Snape hissed, lowering his voice but losing none of its venom. ¡°This was unbelievably foolish. Even Kyle has figured out it was you!¡±


    ¡°Impossible,¡± Malfoy scoffed, his lips curling into a mocking smirk. ¡°That idiot thinks I helped him. He even got McGonagall to give me extra credit.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re the real idiot here,¡± Snape snapped, his tone laced with disgust. ¡°Can¡¯t you see what¡¯s happening? Do you honestly think the Dark Lord will be pleased when he learns about this?¡±


    Snape¡¯s voice grew colder as he added with biting sarcasm, ¡°Isn¡¯t it heartwarming, the way Hufflepuffs and Slytherins are working together?¡±


    At those words, Malfoy froze. His defiance crumbled as the gravity of Snape¡¯s warning sank in, and a cold sweat broke out across his back, soaking through his robes.


    ¡­


    ¡°I¡¯ll help you with this,¡± Snape said after a long pause. ¡°But remember this: whatever your plan is, don¡¯t do anything stupid for a while... especially don¡¯t go after Kyle again. If anything, I¡¯d rather you redirect your attention to Dumbledore.¡±


    ¡°But I almost succeeded last time!¡± Malfoy argued, his voice rising with indignation.


    ¡°You could never succeed,¡± Snape said coldly, fixing Malfoy with a piercing glare. ¡°Perhaps you don¡¯t realize, but Kyle knows Nicolas Flamel. His achievements in alchemy surpass anything you could comprehend.¡±


    ¡°Nicolas Flamel?¡± Malfoy repeated, blinking in disbelief. ¡°You mean that ancient wizard who supposedly lived for over six centuries? That¡¯s impossible¡­ how could Kyle possibly know someone so legendary?¡±


    ¡°Do you think I¡¯d joke about something like this?¡± Snape retorted, taking a measured breath to calm himself. ¡°In any case, Kyle likely knew from the very beginning what was in the package and how dangerous it was. Do you honestly think he¡¯d be foolish enough to touch it?¡±


    Malfoy remained silent, his confidence visibly shaken.


    ¡°Fortunately, you finally came to your senses and abandoned that idiotic plan before it was too late. Because of that, Kyle never actually touched the necklace,¡± Snape continued, pacing the length of the corridor. ¡°On the surface, at least, you¡¯ve ended up helping him.¡±


    He stopped pacing and turned to face Malfoy directly. ¡°Listen to me, Draco. For now, it¡¯s crucial that you avoid Kyle as much as possible¡ªespecially when there¡¯s no one else around.¡±


    Malfoy stayed silent, his expression unreadable.


    ¡°And what exactly is your plan?¡± Snape asked, his tone sharp with suspicion.


    ¡°You just want to take credit for what I¡¯ve done!¡± Malfoy suddenly snapped, his voice filled with bitter defiance.


    ¡°Take credit?¡± Snape scoffed, his tone icy. ¡°You¡¯re still thinking like a child. I¡¯m trying to help you.¡±


    ¡°No thanks!¡± Malfoy spat, shrugging Snape¡¯s hand off his shoulder. ¡°I can manage on my own. I¡¯ll find a way.¡±


    Snape watched as Malfoy turned and stalked off, his back rigid with frustration. Snape¡¯s expression flickered as he stood there silently. After a long moment, he exhaled heavily and left in the opposite direction, disappearing down the dimly lit corridor.

 Chapter 728: The Young Tom Riddle

    ¡°All the details are written on the second parchment in the envelope. You will depart from King''s Cross Station on the first of September. There is also a ticket inside.¡±


    In a small room, a young Dumbledore, dressed in an elegant fuchsia velvet suit, sat on the only stool.


    Opposite him was a handsome boy, slightly taller than most his age, with dark hair and a pale complexion. sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    In the boy¡¯s hands was an envelope emblazoned with the symbols of a lion, a snake, an eagle, and a badger.


    Seeing this, Harry couldn¡¯t help but think to himself: If Dumbledore hadn¡¯t delivered Hogwarts¡¯ enrollment notice to this boy that day, would none of the events that followed have happened?


    He instinctively reached out for the envelope, but his hand passed straight through it.


    Of course, Harry couldn¡¯t touch anything here; they were merely spectators, observing one of Dumbledore¡¯s memories.


    The young boy seated before them was Voldemort¡ªthough at this time, he was still called Tom Riddle.


    ¡­


    Riddle did not rush to open the envelope or read its contents. Instead, he fixed his sharp gaze on Dumbledore.


    ¡°Is it normal for a wizard to be able to talk to snakes? For snakes to find me and whisper to me when we go hiking in the countryside?¡±


    Hearing the boy¡¯s question, Harry instinctively turned to look at the young Dumbledore, as though waiting for an answer himself.


    Coincidentally, Harry could also speak to snakes¡ªa rare ability in the wizarding world known as Parseltongue. Parseltongue wasn¡¯t a common gift, and Harry could only think of a few individuals known for it. The most notable was Salazar Slytherin, one of the four founders of Hogwarts, and, later, Voldemort.


    Harry couldn¡¯t help but recall his second year, when so many had suspected him of being Slytherin¡¯s heir after he had unintentionally revealed his ability.


    ¡°It¡¯s rare,¡± Dumbledore replied after a moment¡¯s hesitation, ¡°but not unheard of.¡±


    The older Dumbledore standing beside Harry in the memory added, ¡°Talent never defines whether a person is good or evil. It¡¯s more like an unusual birthday gift.¡±


    He smiled slightly before continuing, ¡°Take Nymphadora Tonks, for example. She¡¯s a Metamorphmagus¡ªa rare talent in the wizarding world. Honestly, being a Metamorphmagus might suit a dark wizard even more than Parseltongue, yet she chose to become an Auror.¡±


    ¡°And while she may not have been the most dependable in every situation¡­ there¡¯s no doubt she was a good, kind-hearted witch.¡±


    ¡°Yeah,¡± Harry said with a small smile, thinking back to something Fred and George had once told him.


    Despite being a skilled Auror, Tonks had been the last to notice something was wrong with Katie Bell when she had been cursed. The twins had ranted about it for half an hour, insisting Tonks had been ¡°off her game.¡±


    Harry turned back to Dumbledore. ¡°Professor,¡± he asked hesitantly, ¡°did you ever worry about Riddle¡¯s ability to speak Parseltongue?¡±


    ¡°Not particularly,¡± Dumbledore said, shaking his head. ¡°What concerned me more was his nature¡ªhis cruelty, his cunning, his natural inclination toward domination. Even at that young age, he already had a dangerously complete understanding of his magical abilities.¡±


    ¡°He¡¯d discovered how to control magic on his own and had begun using it consciously. Even if he hadn¡¯t attended Hogwarts, I have no doubt he would have become a powerful wizard. The question was always what kind of wizard he would choose to be.¡±


    Harry said nothing, mulling over Dumbledore¡¯s words. He remembered how Tom Riddle had noticed his own differences by the age of eleven and had already begun experimenting with his magic.


    Eleven years old...


    Wait.


    Harry¡¯s mind raced back to his own childhood. Hadn¡¯t he accidentally locked Dudley in the snake enclosure at the zoo when he was around that age? Back then, he hadn¡¯t even realized what he¡¯d done.


    ¡°Kyle,¡± Harry asked suddenly, turning to his friend, ¡°did you know you could use magic before you turned eleven?¡±


    Kyle blinked, giving Harry a look of disbelief. ¡°Do you hear yourself right now?¡±


    ¡°Er¡­¡±


    Harry froze for a moment before slapping his forehead. Of course Kyle had known¡ªboth his parents were wizards, and the Weasleys were their neighbors. In that kind of environment, it would¡¯ve been stranger if Kyle hadn¡¯t known about magic.


    ¡°We should probably leave now,¡± the older Dumbledore interjected with a small smile, rescuing Harry from further embarrassment.


    A moment later, the memory faded, the room and the boys disappearing in a blur of light. Harry, Kyle, and Dumbledore found themselves back in the Headmaster¡¯s Office.


    ¡°Sit down,¡± Dumbledore said, gesturing to the chairs in front of his desk.


    ¡°Harry, what do you think of Tom Riddle?¡±


    ¡°Very clever,¡± Harry replied without hesitation.


    Even at the age of eleven, Tom Riddle had shown a maturity far beyond his years. His calm demeanor, his sharp questions¡ªeven his ability to wield Parseltongue¡ªseemed like deliberate attempts to intimidate Dumbledore and assert control over the situation.


    As much as Harry didn¡¯t want to admit it, young Riddle was extraordinary. The kind of prodigious child you¡¯d hear about only in someone else¡¯s family.


    ¡­


    Kyle knew that this was Dumbledore''s way of letting Harry learn as much as possible about Voldemort, so he could identify his weaknesses. So, he sat quietly on the sidelines, with no intention of interrupting.


    But just sitting there grew a bit dull, so he waved at Fawkes. The Phoenix immediately flew over and landed on his lap.


    Kyle pulled out a handful of herbs and fed them to Fawkes while gently stroking its feathers, all the while listening to Dumbledore''s commentary on Voldemort.


    ¡°Riddle hated his name, as you may have noticed, and was furious when I mentioned that the owner of the Leaky Cauldron also happened to be called Tom... This shows his contempt for anything that made him seem ordinary.¡±


    ¡°He was also extremely self-confident, liked to do everything himself, and refused my offer to accompany him to Diagon Alley. Voldemort was the same as an adult: he had no friends.¡±


    ¡°Wait, Professor,¡± Harry interrupted. ¡°But the Death Eaters...¡±


    ¡°They weren''t really friends, Harry,¡± Dumbledore replied. ¡°To Voldemort, the Death Eaters were just a means of saving time, a Self-Writing Quill he could replace whenever he liked.¡±


    ¡°Voldemort fooled them, made them believe they were trusted, but he never had a friend¡ªand I don¡¯t think he ever needed one.¡±


    ¡­


    Dumbledore spoke for a long time, and it wasn''t until half an hour later, just before curfew, that he finally finished, leaving Harry looking confused. Although Harry didn''t fully understand why Dumbledore was sharing all of this, he absorbed every word, just as he had been instructed to do.


    ¡°Alright, Harry, it''s really time for bed.¡±


    Harry stood up and walked toward the door but stopped halfway.


    ¡°What is it, Harry?¡± Dumbledore asked.


    ¡°Professor,¡± Harry asked hesitantly, ¡°are there really Aurors who can speak Parseltongue?¡±


    ¡°I understand your question, and you''re right to want proof, but I must correct you: not all good-hearted wizards are Aurors.¡±


    Dumbledore thought for a moment. ¡°I know someone who can understand the language of all magical creatures, including snakes, and can even talk to them like friends.¡±


    ¡°All magical creatures?¡± Harry couldn''t stop smiling in amazement.


    ¡°Yes, all.¡± Dumbledore glanced at Kyle deliberately.


    Kyle simply sat there calmly, as if he hadn¡¯t heard... In truth, he hadn''t heard at all, because he was fast asleep, as if he were in a History of Magic class, with Fawkes perched on his lap, its neck and wings drooping as it also dozed off.


    Dumbledore''s eye twitched. In all his years as a professor, this was the first time a student had been so arrogant in his presence.


    ¡°Impressive,¡± Harry said, smacking his lips. ¡°I bet he got an O in Care of Magical Creatures.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not an exaggeration to say he ranks first in the entire school, even among the professors,¡± Dumbledore said, taking a deep breath.


    At this point, Harry also noticed Kyle¡¯s unusual behavior... He was sleeping soundly. Harry couldn''t help but think, as he poked Kyle''s back in response to Dumbledore¡¯s increasingly odd gaze.


    ¡°Well, good night, Professor,¡± Harry said after doing so, before turning and walking toward the door.


    After he left, Kyle stirred and woke up.


    ¡°Huh? Finished?¡± Kyle rubbed his eyes and looked at Dumbledore.


    In response, Dumbledore simply asked, ¡°Why are you still here?¡±


    The tone was like he was addressing an unwelcome guest.


    ¡°Huh?¡± Kyle blinked, trying to wake up fully.


    This was strange. Hadn''t Dumbledore wanted him to stay? Now he was asking why he was still there.


    If it hadn¡¯t been for Dumbledore¡¯s request, Kyle would have long since returned to the warm common room. Why was he still here listening to him talk about Tom Riddle? After all, he''d already heard all of this... more than once.


    Every time Dumbledore spoke about Voldemort, he had to mention the same things again, and Kyle was growing tired of hearing it.


    Kyle stood up to leave but, still groggy, forgot that Fawkes was still perched on his lap...


    Without warning, the Phoenix dropped straight to the floor and, in anger, began pecking at Kyle''s shin.


    ¡°Oh, sorry, Fawkes!¡± Kyle apologized hastily. ¡°It was Dumbledore who told me to get up, you know, I just fell asleep!¡±


    Upon hearing this, Fawkes immediately shifted its target and flew over to begin pecking at Dumbledore''s beard.


    The headmaster''s office suddenly became lively and chaotic, even the portraits on the walls, unable to keep pretending to sleep, opened their eyes.


    Phineas Black watched the scene: Dumbledore being pecked all over by the Phoenix, while Kyle walked out of the door as if nothing had happened. Unable to hold back, he spoke up.


    ¡°Huh, so this is the kind wizard with a good heart Dumbledore was talking about?¡±


    ¡°Er...¡± the person next to him hesitated for a moment. ¡°Maybe the person Albus was referring to was his father. I remember his name was Chris, the director of the Ministry of Magic¡¯s Committee for the Disposal of Dangerous Creatures.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve seen him a few times in my portrait at the Ministry of Magic. He¡¯s a typical Hufflepuff.¡±


    ¡­


    On the other side, Kyle, who had just left the headmaster''s office, was unaware that the portraits were talking about him behind his back. He stretched and rubbed his leg, still sore from Fawkes''s pecking.


    ¡°Kyle, are you okay?¡± Harry''s voice came from nearby. He had been waiting there the whole time.


    ¡°I¡¯m fine, just a few pecks from Fawkes.¡± Kyle lifted his robe to reveal his bruised and battered lower leg. I should mention it¡¯s quite painful when a Phoenix pecks you.


    ¡°What, Professor Dumbledore let a Phoenix peck you?¡± Harry exclaimed in surprise. He had thought that Kyle would at most receive some demerits, but he never imagined the headmaster would punish students in this way.


    He had been pecked by Hedwig once, and it had hurt for half the day¡ªnot to mention a Phoenix. Wasn¡¯t this a bit too much?


    ¡°Huh? No!¡± Kyle shook his head. ¡°I accidentally dropped Fawkes on the ground.¡±


    Kyle waved his hand, clearly not wanting to continue the conversation, and instead asked, ¡°Why are you still here?¡±


    ¡°I was waiting for you.¡± Harry had wanted to ask Kyle what Dumbledore had meant by all that earlier, but then he remembered how Kyle had fallen asleep and stayed quiet.


    Forget it. I''ll ask Hermione and the others when we get back.


    ¡°I¡¯m fine, don¡¯t worry,¡± Kyle said, waving his hand.


    The two parted ways in the next corridor: Harry heading back to the Gryffindor common room, and Kyle heading downstairs.


    ¡­


    Ten minutes later, curfew arrived.


    A figure quickly crossed the quiet corridor on the eighth floor and stopped in front of the stone statue of a stonefish with a water spout. As if anticipating someone¡¯s arrival, the statue didn¡¯t even ask for the password before shifting aside, revealing the passage behind it. Light from the headmaster¡¯s office illuminated the visitor''s face.


    It was Snape, who had returned and walked in, pushing open the oak door behind him.


    ¡°Dumbledore, I¡¯ve already... What¡¯s wrong with you?¡±


    Snape¡¯s words were cut short when he suddenly noticed something was amiss in the room. Dumbledore¡¯s hair was disheveled, as if he had just been attacked, and there was silver-white stuff scattered all over the place. Snape picked one up and examined it closely. It looked like a beard?


    ¡°What happened here?¡± he asked, unable to hide his confusion. ¡°Did the Dark Lord attack you?¡±


    ¡°Worse than that¡­¡± Dumbledore sighed as he gazed at the scattered beard, a look of sadness crossing his face. ¡°How did it go over there?¡±


    Snape didn¡¯t press for details and simply said, ¡°I¡¯ve already talked to Draco, and he seems a bit dissatisfied.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I can understand that.¡± Dumbledore waved his wand, and the headmaster¡¯s office was instantly clean and tidy again.


    ¡°After all, it was the first time he was entrusted with an important task. Naturally, he wanted to do a good job.¡±


    ¡°Entrust him with a task?¡± Snape sneered. ¡°The Dark Lord never intended for him to survive. That was his punishment for Lucius Malfoy! What a ridiculous task¡ªto make Draco kill you. Even he couldn¡¯t do it.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not impossible¡­¡± Dumbledore chuckled. ¡°Just because Tom couldn¡¯t do it doesn¡¯t mean everyone can¡¯t. You know, I never keep my guard up in front of my students.¡±


    As he said this, Dumbledore suddenly thought of something and touched the small patch of beard he had left. He realized that this was not a good habit and should try to break it if he got the chance¡­ At least, he would need to remain vigilant when dealing with certain students.


    ¡°So, how did your chat go?¡± Dumbledore continued. ¡°Did he agree with your suggestion?¡±


    ¡°He shouldn¡¯t take any more rash actions,¡± Snape replied.


    ¡°That¡¯s good,¡± Dumbledore said. ¡°The boy¡¯s soul has not been completely corrupted by the darkness. There is still time to turn him back.¡±


    ¡°You mean when he abandoned the plan at the last minute and knocked Katie over?¡± Snape asked.


    ¡°That was only part of it, the most obvious manifestation,¡± Dumbledore answered. ¡°Severus, who do you think planned this? The young Mr. Malfoy?¡±


    ¡°Draco did buy the Opal Necklace,¡± Snape replied after a moment¡¯s silence. ¡°But this morning, Narcissa left the Malfoy Manor, and no one knows where she went.¡±


    ¡°Really?¡± Dumbledore glanced out the window. ¡°It seems Minerva was right. I really shouldn¡¯t have agreed to let the students go to Hogsmeade at this time.¡±


    ¡°Severus, could you please pay more attention to Mr. Malfoy from now on?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sure I can manage,¡± Snape said. ¡°But on the other side, he was attacked for no reason. Do you think he¡¯ll let it go?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about that. I¡¯ll find another opportunity to talk to Kyle.¡± Dumbledore took off his glasses and wiped them.


    He had asked Kyle to stay behind this time because of this matter. It would be impossible to let him completely let it go, but Dumbledore felt that if he hinted at it himself, he could always make him somewhat more restrained.


    After all, the two sides were too far apart. If Kyle really wanted to deal with Malfoy, then he wouldn¡¯t even have the room to resist¡­ Umbridge at St. Mungo¡¯s was the perfect example.


    However, no one expected that there would be a small incident in the middle, and before he could bring it up, he had been interrupted.


    Dumbledore once again ran his hand through his beard. For a moment, he even wondered if Kyle had deliberately avoided letting him bring up the subject, but upon further thought, he felt that was too far-fetched.

 Chapter 729: Kyle: Am I Some Kind of Dark Lord?

    ¡°Good news, Kyle!¡±


    Early the next morning, Grace, the new Quidditch team captain, excitedly found Kyle in the library, where he was absorbed in his book.


    ¡°What¡¯s so exciting?¡± Kyle asked, setting the book down. ¡°Did You-Know-Who get defeated by Headmaster Dumbledore last night?¡±


    ¡°Huh?¡± Grace blinked, startled. ¡°Really? Seriously?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m asking you,¡± Kyle replied, glancing up at her. ¡°Didn¡¯t you say you had good news?¡±


    ¡°No, no, it¡¯s not that¡­¡± Grace finally understood what Kyle was implying and shook her head quickly. ¡°The news I¡¯m talking about has nothing to do with You-Know-Who. It¡¯s about the team.¡±


    ¡°Oh.¡± Kyle¡¯s interest visibly waned, but he still asked politely, ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡±


    ¡°Do you know who we¡¯re playing in our first game?¡± Grace asked with a hint of excitement.


    ¡°Gryffindor?¡± Kyle guessed casually.


    ¡°How did you know?¡± Grace stared at him in surprise. ¡°Did Madam Hooch tell you?¡±


    ¡°No, I just guessed,¡± Kyle said with a shrug.


    ¡°Well, you¡¯re spot on¡ªit is Gryffindor,¡± Grace whispered conspiratorially. ¡°And I¡¯ve got some great news: their Keeper, that Weasley, is in dreadful shape. Isn¡¯t that good for us?¡±


    ¡°Dreadful?¡± Kyle asked, intrigued. ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    ¡°Mikel and I caught a glimpse of their practice¡­¡± Grace began, then quickly added, ¡°Don¡¯t get me wrong¡ªit¡¯s perfectly normal to gather intelligence like this.¡±


    Noticing Kyle¡¯s expression shift slightly, she shrugged. ¡°Every team does it. Maybe you didn¡¯t notice, but a month before last year¡¯s final, the Weasley twins kept hanging around the pitch during our training sessions. They weren¡¯t there for a picnic.¡±


    ¡°Okay,¡± Kyle nodded. ¡°Go on.¡±


    So that explained it. Fred and George¡¯s frequent visits to their practices hadn¡¯t been about testing a new joke product. Now it all made sense.


    ¡°Where was I?¡± Grace paused, thinking. ¡°Oh, right¡ªthe Keeper.¡±


    ¡°During our most recent¡­ intelligence gathering, we noticed that the Weasley Keeper kept getting distracted and missed some of the simplest catches.¡±


    ¡°As Mikel put it, not every Weasley is a Quidditch genius.¡±


    Grace¡¯s excitement was hard to miss.


    ¡°I remember Ron Weasley is good friends with their captain, Harry Potter.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right,¡± Kyle agreed, nodding. ¡°They¡¯re practically inseparable¡ªyou¡¯d think they could share a single robe.¡±


    ¡°Share a robe?¡± Grace froze, looking bewildered. ¡°I know the Weasleys aren¡¯t exactly wealthy, but surely they can afford more than one robe¡­ A second-hand one costs less than a Galleon.¡±


    ¡°No, no,¡± Kyle waved his hand dismissively. ¡°It¡¯s just a way of saying they¡¯re really close.¡±


    ¡°Oh.¡± Grace brushed it off and continued. ¡°Well, I¡¯m guessing he¡¯s only still on the team because of his friendship with Potter. If it were up to me, there¡¯s no way he¡¯d be Keeper with performances like that.¡±


    Kyle nodded in agreement.


    Ron¡¯s talent was actually quite promising. Back when they used to play Quidditch in St. Catchpole Village, his skills had even earned recognition from Charlie. But Ron¡¯s mindset was his Achilles¡¯ heel. At critical moments, his confidence would collapse, drastically affecting his performance. This had been evident in last year¡¯s matches.


    Out of Gryffindor¡¯s three games, Ron had been completely out of it in two, looking like he had no idea what he was supposed to be doing.


    Normally, this kind of performance would warrant a substitution. Former captain Angelina Johnson had done just that. But Harry, after becoming captain, brought Ron back onto the team and kept giving him chance after chance, reluctant to hurt his best friend¡¯s feelings.


    In Harry¡¯s own words: Ron could do it¡ªhe was just too nervous.


    Harry used this reasoning to convince himself that he wasn¡¯t playing favorites and then exaggerated the flaws of Ron¡¯s competitors to justify his decision to others.


    ¡­


    ¡°Potter made a big mistake. He abused his captain¡¯s power. But this is good news for us,¡± Grace said excitedly. ¡°If Ron Weasley is still in this condition on the day of the official competition, we¡¯ll definitely win!¡±


    The more she spoke, the more animated she became, her voice growing louder with each word.


    ¡°What are you doing? No noise is allowed in the library!¡±


    Madam Pince appeared, furious, and promptly expelled both Kyle and Grace.


    ¡°Yes, I¡¯m sorry,¡± Grace apologized quickly as they stood outside the library door. ¡°I didn¡¯t mean to cause trouble.¡±


    ¡°Forget it, it¡¯s fine¡­¡± Kyle, who had been caught up in the situation, sighed helplessly. ¡°I¡¯ll just ask someone to borrow the books for me later.¡±


    ¡°So, will you participate in next week¡¯s competition?¡± Grace asked eagerly, her eyes bright with anticipation. ¡°We have a good chance of winning.¡±


    It was only then that Kyle realized her true intent.


    At the start of the semester, Kyle had approached Madam Hooch to request a change in his role, moving himself from the starting lineup to the bench. According to the rules, though, he¡¯d need to speak with her again to make adjustments if he wanted to play.


    After a brief moment of hesitation, Kyle nodded. ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll play.¡±


    He had originally planned to substitute for someone because he was supposed to visit the Ministry over the weekend. But now that the fireplace connecting to it had been sealed, his schedule had suddenly opened up, leaving him free to participate in the game.


    Grace, practically glowing with excitement, rushed off to inform Madam Hooch about the lineup changes.


    Kyle glanced back toward the library, where Madam Pince was still visibly fuming. Clearly, returning to his reading wasn¡¯t an option. With a resigned shrug, he turned and headed toward the common room.


    ¡­


    In the following days, Hogwarts enjoyed an unusual period of peace¡ªno attacks, no signs of dark magic. Even The Daily Prophet scarcely reported any Death Eater activity. It was as though the Wizarding World had reverted to how it had been years ago.


    Yet Kyle, who had remained at Hogwarts, couldn¡¯t shake his doubts. He had no way of knowing whether things were truly as calm as the papers claimed. Instead, he found himself noticing peculiar happenings around the school¡ªmost notably, Malfoy.


    Recently, Kyle had barely seen Malfoy at all. The rare instances they crossed paths were during meals in the Great Hall. What struck Kyle as even stranger was that every time he approached Malfoy to say a few words of thanks, Snape would materialize like a shadow and whisk Malfoy away without explanation.


    ¡°Honestly, when did Snape and Malfoy become such good friends?¡± Kyle grumbled during Herbology. ¡°Snape cares so much about Malfoy, he might as well use a Permanent Sticking Charm on him.¡±


    ¡°What do you want with Malfoy?¡± Kanna asked, standing nearby.


    ¡°To thank him, of course,¡± Kyle replied automatically. ¡°He helped me in Hogsmeade¡ªI¡¯d be rude not to show my appreciation.¡±


    ¡°If that¡¯s the case, you could always go to his office,¡± Kanna suggested. She donned her protective gloves and carefully uprooted the blue mushroom in front of her, placing it onto a nearby stake.


    The mushroom sprouted seven or eight tiny tentacle-like shoots from its base, gripping the stake firmly. Within moments, the stake began to dry out, the sap visibly draining away. It was a fascinating process¡ªpart of their assignment on cultivating Bursting mushrooms.


    After ensuring the mushroom was properly secured, Kanna continued, ¡°Malfoy¡¯s been spending a lot of time in Professor Snape¡¯s office lately. I¡¯ve seen him there often when I¡¯ve had detention.¡±


    ¡°You have?¡± Kyle asked. ¡°So, he¡¯s not in the common room at night?¡±


    Kanna nodded. Her detentions, which she strategically scheduled to dodge Slughorn¡¯s dinner invitations, usually took place in the evenings. ¡°I don¡¯t think so. Malfoy seems to be in detention too¡ªProfessor Snape always escorts him back right before curfew.¡±


    ¡°Tsk, escorts him back?¡± Kyle scoffed. ¡°Is he afraid Malfoy¡¯s going to get lost?¡±


    Kanna didn¡¯t respond. Instead, she gently returned a fallen Bursting mushroom to the soil. After a pause, she suddenly asked, ¡°That day in Hogsmeade¡­ Malfoy was the one who put Katie under the Imperius Curse, wasn¡¯t he?¡±


    ¡°What makes you think that?¡± Kyle asked, frowning.


    ¡°I¡¯m guessing,¡± Kanna replied. ¡°Just like I¡¯ve been avoiding Professor Slughorn, Malfoy must be avoiding someone too.¡±


    ¡°And why do you think that ¡®someone¡¯ is me?¡± Kyle raised an eyebrow.


    ¡°Because you¡¯re the only one actively looking for him,¡± Kanna said simply. ¡°With that in mind, the rest is easy to figure out.¡±


    "The only notable interaction you two have had recently was in Hogsmeade. If Malfoy really helped you, he wouldn¡¯t need to avoid you. Which leaves just one other possibility¡­ Malfoy gave Katie that cursed necklace and told her to target you.¡±


    Kyle froze mid-task, then muttered, ¡°Kanna, you might be the smartest witch I¡¯ve ever met.¡±


    ¡°Thank you for the compliment,¡± Kanna said with a small smile. ¡°So, was I right?¡±


    ¡°Sort of,¡± Kyle admitted. ¡°I can confirm that the necklace is connected to Malfoy, but I¡¯ll need to hear the details from him directly.¡±


    ¡°Unfortunately, Snape hasn¡¯t given me the chance. Well¡­ I mean, Professor Snape.¡±


    ¡°He must have his reasons,¡± Kanna said quietly. ¡°I¡¯ve noticed he¡¯s been acting strangely too¡ªlike he¡¯s hiding something.¡±


    Kyle put down the mushroom he¡¯d been working on, giving Kanna his full attention.


    ¡°For instance,¡± she continued, ¡°this year during the holidays, he seemed desperate to get me out of England. Even though exams didn¡¯t start until August, he sent me away the day after the holidays ended¡ªand did the same right after the exams were over.¡±


    ¡°Maybe he was worried you¡¯d run into You-Know-Who,¡± Kyle suggested.


    ¡°That¡¯s what I thought at first,¡± Kanna said, frowning. ¡°But¡­ something didn¡¯t feel right about it.¡± She stared at the dried-up stake in front of her, her expression troubled.


    ¡°And at school, he¡¯s been keeping his distance from me. Whether it¡¯s in private or in public, he insists I address him as ¡®Professor Snape¡¯¡ªnever anything else.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s like¡­ he¡¯s afraid of someone,¡± she finished softly, her voice tinged with certainty.


    Kyle studied her carefully, so absorbed in her words that he didn¡¯t notice Professor Sprout approaching their table.


    ¡°No more whispering,¡± Professor Sprout said sharply, her eyes scanning the row of Bursting mushrooms in front of Kyle and Kanna. ¡°You¡¯re already far behind the others.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Professor, we¡¯ll get started right away!¡± Kyle replied quickly.


    Professor Sprout gave a satisfied nod and moved on to check on the other students.


    For a while, neither Kyle nor Kanna said a word. They both focused¡ªor at least tried to¡ªon the task at hand, though their distracted minds inevitably slowed their progress.


    It wasn¡¯t until ten minutes before class ended that they finally managed to complete the assignment. Kyle pressed the Bursting mushroom he was holding into the soil, dusted off his hands, and glanced at Kanna, a look of resolve crossing his face.


    He pulled out his wand and gave it a quick wave. ¡°Muffliato!¡± S§×arch* The N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°Kanna...¡±


    ¡°Hm?¡± Kanna turned her head, her expression curious.


    ¡°Do you want to know what Professor Snape is up to?¡± Kyle whispered. ¡°I might know something about it.¡±


    ¡°Oh, that.¡± Kanna¡¯s lips curled into a playful smile as she shook her head. ¡°I don¡¯t want to know.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Kyle blinked, caught off guard.


    ¡°I said, I don¡¯t want to know,¡± Kanna repeated calmly. ¡°Professor Snape has his reasons for keeping things to himself. I can¡¯t help him right now, so the best I can do is respect his plans and not make him adjust them because of me.¡±


    ¡°You trust Snape that much? What if he¡¯s...¡±


    ¡°Of course I trust him,¡± Kanna interrupted, her tone unwavering. ¡°Just as I trust you.¡±


    ¡°Fine,¡± Kyle muttered, pulling off his gloves and swapping them for sturdier dragon-hide ones. ¡°Not the answer I was hoping for... Hand me the basin.¡±


    Kanna passed him a small basin filled with gray pellets that reeked horribly. It was Professor Sprout¡¯s homemade fertilizer¡ªhighly effective, but its pungent smell could make anyone consider casting a Bubble-Head Charm for survival.


    ¡°If I don¡¯t move this far enough away, we¡¯re all going to have to sit through the rest of class gagging,¡± Kyle muttered, his nose wrinkling.


    As Kanna scooped some of the fertilizer into the soil, her movements slowed, and she hesitated, as if debating whether to speak. ¡°Kyle, could you... um...¡±


    ¡°Okay, I get it,¡± Kyle interrupted, waving a hand dismissively. ¡°I won¡¯t pick a fight with Malfoy for now.¡±


    ¡°No, that¡¯s not what I meant,¡± Kanna said, shaking her head. ¡°He used a dark magic object against you. That¡¯s completely unforgivable. What I meant was... I¡¯ll help you figure out what happened, if you trust me.¡±


    Kyle smiled faintly. ¡°That¡¯s not really necessary. Malfoy kind of saved himself, didn¡¯t he? At the end, he knocked over the package so I wouldn¡¯t end up with it.¡±


    ¡°If it weren¡¯t for that, it wouldn¡¯t matter where he hid¡ªnot even in the headmaster¡¯s office. Not even Professor Snape could keep him out of trouble.¡±


    Kyle poured some fertilizer onto a Bursting mushroom, then tossed the basin far away as if ridding himself of the smell.


    ¡°And besides, I think I already understand most of what happened. I just wanted to confirm it by asking Malfoy directly.¡±


    ¡°Is that all?¡± Kanna sighed, seeming relieved. ¡°I thought you might want to... well, never mind.¡±


    Kyle raised an eyebrow. ¡°Wait¡ªyou don¡¯t think I wanted to kill him, do you?¡±


    Kanna¡¯s cheeks reddened slightly, and she hesitated. ¡°No, of course not. I just... overheard something earlier. Professor Snape said that was the only way to keep him alive.¡±


    ¡°Absolutely not!¡± Kyle¡¯s voice rose slightly in disbelief. ¡°That¡¯s complete nonsense. Killing your classmates at the first sign of trouble? What do I look like, the Dark Lord?


    ¡°Even Voldemort wasn¡¯t that extreme when he was at school. And Snape¡ªhe¡¯s a professor. Spreading lies like that is just... awful!¡±


    Kyle shook his head in frustration. He had never seriously considered harming Malfoy, even after everything. They were still students, after all, and Malfoy wasn¡¯t even of age. At most, Kyle had imagined giving him a stern lecture¡ªsomething far from what Snape seemed to be insinuating.


    ¡°Well... maybe I misheard,¡± Kanna mumbled, her voice barely above a whisper.


    Kyle scoffed but didn¡¯t press the issue. He retrieved the basin he¡¯d discarded earlier and conjured a bag from a nearby dead branch. Filling it with a generous amount of fertilizer, he tied it up and tucked it away carefully.


    Kanna stared at him, her eyes wide with disbelief.


    ¡°Don¡¯t look at me like that,¡± Kyle said, brushing off her expression with feigned nonchalance. ¡°I¡¯m a generous person. I¡¯m not going to stoop to Snape¡¯s level just because he spread a little slander about me.¡±


    ¡°And no, I¡¯m not planning to put this in his lunch. Compound fertilizer mixed with rice? Please¡ªI¡¯ve never even thought of such a thing,¡± he added with mock innocence.

 Chapter 730: Dumbledore: It Must Have Been the Niffler

    Saturday was the day of the first Quidditch match of the new school year.


    That morning, the Hufflepuff table was almost a sea of yellow, while Gryffindor''s was a vibrant golden red. The tension between the two houses, building steadily throughout the week, was about to reach its peak.


    ¡°I thought you weren¡¯t going to participate this year.¡± Mikel handed Kyle a glass of pumpkin juice. ¡°The moment I saw your name on the player list, I knew we were going to win.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s a bit premature,¡± Kyle replied, taking the pumpkin juice and sipping it casually. ¡°Better to keep a low profile¡ªlosing after all this hype would be embarrassing.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t think so,¡± Mikel said with a shrug, sounding completely unconcerned.


    ¡°How do you feel? Are you okay?¡± Cho asked as she approached, offering Kyle a supportive smile.


    ¡°I think I¡¯m okay,¡± Kyle said, returning the smile. ¡°Harry and I joined our teams the same year, and we¡¯ve been rivals ever since. I don¡¯t think I¡¯ll lose to him this time.¡±


    Kanna, who was standing nearby, shot him a sharp glance. What do you mean you won¡¯t lose this time? Just a minute ago, you were telling Mikel to keep a low profile, but now that it¡¯s your turn, you¡¯re full of confidence.


    She wasn¡¯t the only one to notice his contradiction; several other Hufflepuffs nearby seemed to share the same thought.


    ¡°That¡¯s good,¡± said Cho. ¡°But you still have to watch out for Harry¡¯s Firebolt. I don¡¯t think your new Seeker is quite at Cedric¡¯s level.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Grace has a plan,¡± Kyle said confidently. ¡°And our new Seeker isn¡¯t that much worse than Harry. Sure, Cedric had the face, but we can¡¯t let personal bias cloud our judgment.¡±


    The room erupted in quiet laughter.


    "I¡¯ll see what you¡¯ve got," Cho said, her cheeks tinged with a slight blush. She cast Kyle a half-annoyed glare before turning to leave.


    ¡°I was honestly worried she was about to lose her temper and punch you,¡± Kanna said with a grin.


    ¡°It¡¯s fine,¡± Kyle replied nonchalantly, biting into his toast. ¡°I can punch Cedric later¡ªit¡¯s basically the same thing.¡±


    ¡­


    ¡°Time to go,¡± said Grace, rising from her seat ten minutes later.


    The group left the Great Hall and strode toward the Quidditch pitch. The weather outside was perfect¡ªnot too warm, still a little chilly, but far better than it had been the week before.


    Once they reached the Changing Rooms, they donned their Quidditch robes, the golden yellow fabric glinting under the sunlight filtering through the windows.


    ¡°The conditions are in our favor,¡± Grace announced confidently. ¡°Katie Bell, Gryffindor¡¯s most experienced Chaser, is still at St. Mungo¡¯s, so they had to replace her.¡±


    ¡°Who?¡± Mikel asked, his curiosity piqued.


    ¡°Dean Thomas,¡± Grace replied.


    ¡°Who?¡± Mikel repeated blankly.


    ¡°Potter¡¯s classmate,¡± Grace clarified.


    ¡°Oh, a sixth year,¡± Mikel said, immediately feeling a wave of relief.


    Generally, the younger the new players, the more naturally talented they tended to be. Harry Potter, for instance, had broken tradition by joining the team as a first year. Sixth-year additions, on the other hand, were usually players who had never made the cut in earlier years and were only now being chosen because of their size, strength, or lack of alternatives. There were exceptions to this, of course, but Dean Thomas didn¡¯t seem to be one of them¡ªnot that Mikel had ever heard his name mentioned in a Quidditch context before.


    ¡°Okay, this is our first match,¡± Grace said sharply, bringing them back to the moment, ¡°so don¡¯t underestimate the opposition. The match starts in five minutes, so get your boots on.¡±


    The group stepped outside into the stadium, greeted by a deafening roar of cheers from the Hufflepuff supporters. The stands were packed, an overwhelming sea of gold and yellow banners waving energetically.


    Hufflepuff¡¯s supporters clearly outnumbered Gryffindor¡¯s, taking up nearly two-thirds of the stands. This imbalance was largely thanks to Slytherin¡¯s strategy of unconditionally backing whoever was playing against Gryffindor¡ªa house rivalry that was as old as Hogwarts itself.


    Grace and Harry met at the center of the pitch, where Madam Hooch stood waiting. The two captains shook hands with polite smiles, showing no signs of animosity as the tension in the crowd continued to build.


    ¡°Mount your broomsticks and listen for my whistle¡­ three¡­ two¡­ one!¡±


    The sharp sound of Madam Hooch¡¯s whistle cut through the air, and the players shot into the sky.


    ¡°They¡¯re off!¡±


    The voice from the commentary booth was unfamiliar and carried none of the usual enthusiasm that Lee Jordan had brought in past years. Instead, Zacharias Smith, a Hufflepuff student, had taken over commentary duties.


    ¡°What a surprise¡ªI see Ron Weasley! After his horrific performance last term, I didn¡¯t think he¡¯d still be on the team. Oh, but yes, he does have a close personal relationship with the captain, doesn¡¯t he? That helps.¡±


    The Slytherin supporters burst into laughter, jeering loudly as Zacharias¡¯s pointed remark landed exactly as intended. Gryffindor¡¯s Keeper, Ron, glowered at the commentary booth but didn¡¯t dare let himself be distracted.


    ¡°Grace has the Quaffle¡­ what a charming girl¡­ Kyle¡¯s flying over, and there¡¯s no one near him. It¡¯s a perfect chance to¡ªwait, she didn¡¯t pass to Kyle! She passed to Toss¡­ oh, wait!¡±


    Zacharias¡¯s voice suddenly rose in a shriek of surprise. ¡°What an unexpected tactic¡ªKyle isn¡¯t a Chaser! He¡¯s the Seeker!¡±


    But Zacharias¡¯s observation was unnecessary. By now, it was clear to everyone that Kyle hadn¡¯t looked at the Quaffle even once since the game began. Instead, he had shot straight to the highest point on the pitch, his eyes scanning the skies for the Golden Snitch.


    From the stands, Cho stared at the pitch in stunned disbelief. She turned to Kanna, her expression a mixture of confusion and shock. ¡°Why didn¡¯t you tell me Kyle was playing as a Seeker?¡±


    ¡°I thought you¡¯d figured it out,¡± Kanna replied with a laugh.


    Cho froze, suddenly recalling what Kyle had said in the Great Hall earlier. Was that supposed to be a hint? But even if it had been, she could never have guessed this twist. After all, during every Hufflepuff training session she¡¯d watched, their Seeker had been someone else entirely. To think they would make such a bold substitution during the match¡ªit was almost unthinkable!


    "That''s the advantage of being a substitute," Kanna explained. "He can change positions at will."


    "You knew about this?" Cho asked.


    "No, I just found out yesterday," Kanna replied. "That was the strategy they discussed last night."


    "I have to say, this strategy was a huge success," Cho said. "Hufflepuff surprised everyone!"


    As she spoke, the moment Kyle stepped in as the replacement Seeker, the audience erupted in cheers. Everyone understood one key fact: the only thing capable of countering a Firebolt was another Firebolt. With Kyle''s inclusion, Hufflepuff''s one glaring weakness had been resolved.


    As for Kyle¡¯s actual skills as a Seeker? No one seemed to care¡ªor even think about it.


    "Bang!"


    Just as the cheers on the pitch reached their peak, not far away in the tower, Snape angrily pushed open the oak door to the headmaster''s office and stormed inside. He slammed a glass down onto Dumbledore''s desk with force.


    Dumbledore, who had been watching the match through the window, turned around at the sudden noise, startled. He was met with the sight of Snape, visibly seething, his face red with anger. It wasn¡¯t often that Snape lost his temper so openly.


    "Severus, what¡¯s wrong?" Dumbledore asked, his tone curious but calm.


    "Look for yourself!" Snape snapped, pointing at the glass. Inside, there was still half a cup of tea¡ªand floating in it were five or six small, round, grey-brown pellets.


    As Dumbledore approached, an unmistakably pungent smell hit him, making him pause.


    "Oh, Severus, are you trying to recommend a new type of magic potion to me?" Dumbledore said, taking a half step back and adopting a mock-serious tone. "I appreciate your kindness, but I¡¯m afraid my old stomach may not be able to handle the scent. Best you keep it for yourself and enjoy it."


    "Please," Snape hissed coldly, "the great Headmaster Dumbledore¡ªtake another look at what¡¯s in the glass."


    "Oh?" Dumbledore said, reluctantly leaning in closer to inspect the contents. He squinted slightly.


    "It does look familiar¡­ Isn''t this the fertilizer Pomona makes? I¡¯ve used it on the Flitterbloom on my windowsill¡ªit¡¯s quite effective. But Pomona never mentioned it could be brewed into tea."


    "Of course not," Snape replied, his eyes narrowing dangerously. "Someone has obviously been sneaking it into my cup, and I am certain¡ª"


    Snape¡¯s gaze drifted toward the window, where the Quidditch match continued in full swing. The shouts and cheers of the crowd echoed faintly through the room. With a steely certainty, he said, "The culprit must be one of them."


    "Perhaps you''re overthinking this, Severus," Dumbledore suggested, his voice light and untroubled. He flicked his finger gently toward the glass. A delicate brown fluff floated out of the liquid, drifting lazily in the air.


    The fluff was incredibly fine, no thicker than a strand of hair. If you weren¡¯t paying close attention, you might have missed it entirely.


    ¡°What is it, and whose hair is it?¡± Snape wondered, his mind already running through a mental list of individuals at Hogwarts with brown hair.


    ¡°No, Severus, it is not hair. It belongs to a very peculiar animal,¡± Dumbledore said calmly. ¡°I can tell it is a Niffler''s fluff.¡±


    ¡°Niffler?¡± Snape¡¯s frown deepened.


    ¡°Yes, Niffler''s downy hair, without a doubt,¡± Dumbledore clarified. ¡°Nifflers can squeeze through the tiniest gaps, even ones narrower than this fluff.¡±


    ¡°It seems one of the young ones has escaped from the Forbidden Forest,¡± Dumbledore continued, casting a brief glance at Snape. ¡°And I suspect it followed you all the way to your office¡ªlikely because you accidentally produced something shiny.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t have any of the ridiculous things you¡¯re talking about,¡± Snape said, his expression remaining impassive.


    ¡°Not necessarily true,¡± Dumbledore replied with a shake of his head. ¡°Coins, glass bottles, or even silver knives used to cut potions¡ªany of these could catch a Niffler¡¯s eye.¡±


    Snape stepped closer, his tone low and sharp. ¡°So you¡¯re telling me that a Niffler from the Forbidden Forest got into my office, stole nothing, and decided to scatter a handful of fertilizer into my water glass instead? That¡¯s your explanation? Do you believe it?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not impossible,¡± Dumbledore said lightly, his expression unchanged. ¡°And I happen to know someone who understands Nifflers well enough to confirm it for you.¡±


    Snape let out an exasperated snort, his patience clearly wearing thin. He glared at Dumbledore, but the headmaster didn¡¯t so much as blink under his icy stare.


    ¡°And, Severus,¡± Dumbledore added, his tone as calm as ever, ¡°this is a good thing.¡±


    ¡°You call this a good thing?¡± Snape asked, drawing out the words, his disbelief plain.


    ¡°Of course,¡± Dumbledore explained. ¡°A Niffler doesn¡¯t return to a place where it hasn¡¯t found something. Once it realizes your office holds no treasure, it won¡¯t come back. You can carry on without worry.¡±


    Snape¡¯s expression shifted slightly, his mind clearly piecing together the implication.


    ¡°You mean¡­¡±


    ¡°I was merely discussing Nifflers and magical creatures with you,¡± Dumbledore said with a small smile, turning back toward the window. ¡°What a marvelous match. I should have gone to see it in person, but the view from here is nearly as good. Care to join me, Severus? It¡¯s quite the spot.¡±


    Snape said nothing. Without a word, he turned on his heel and walked out of the office.


    ¡°You forgot something,¡± Dumbledore called after him, but Snape didn¡¯t so much as pause. He opened the door and strode away.


    ¡°How careless¡­¡± Dumbledore muttered, waving his wand. The glass of water vanished instantly, leaving no trace behind. Then, with another flick of his wand, a silvery mist flowed from an object resembling a watering can on his desk, dispersing the lingering unpleasant smell.


    Meanwhile, on the Quidditch Pitch:


    As Grace had predicted, the Gryffindor team was no match for Hufflepuff. The game ended in just twenty minutes.


    The issue wasn¡¯t Ron Weasley, as Grace had previously claimed, nor was it the substitute Chaser, Dean Thomas. Both players had performed reasonably well. The real problem lay with Gryffindor¡¯s two new Beaters.


    Peakes, one of the Beaters, seemed rattled¡ªwhether by nerves or something else¡ªand misjudged a Bludger meant for Kyle. Instead, it veered straight toward Harry.


    Harry, completely focused on chasing the Golden Snitch, had no reason to suspect danger from his own team. The Bludger struck him hard, nearly knocking him off his broom.


    While Harry scrambled to regain control, Kyle took full advantage of the situation. Accelerating swiftly, he reached out and captured the Snitch right in front of Harry¡¯s eyes.


    Madam Hooch¡¯s whistle pierced the air, signaling the end of the game.


    Peakes hurried over to Harry, visibly distressed. ¡°I¡¯m sorry!¡± he blurted, apologizing over and over. ¡°I didn¡¯t mean to¡ªI swear! It was Mikel Derrick! He shouted something behind me, and I got distracted!¡±


    Harry, clutching his arm, looked ready to snap. In the past, he might have done so without hesitation. But now, as team captain, he took a deep breath, suppressing his anger. He let out a weary sigh and said nothing.


    Ginny, standing nearby, didn¡¯t hold back and spoke sharply to Peakes. Unfortunately, her words were drowned out by the roaring cheers that filled the stadium, rising and falling like waves.


    ¡­


    ¡°I knew it! We¡¯re going to win this!¡± Mikel exclaimed excitedly in the Hufflepuff Changing Rooms. ¡°Those two new Beaters don¡¯t hold a candle to Fred and George.¡±


    ¡°It was so easy... Their intentions were as clear as the frozen Black Lake in winter, as far as I¡¯m concerned,¡± he added smugly.


    ¡°I agree,¡± chimed in one of the Chasers with a grin. ¡°Especially since it was so simple to dodge the Bludgers today.¡±


    Kyle nodded slightly, sharing their sentiment. Though he had never played as a Seeker before, his experience playing with Fred and George had been far more intense. As twins, their coordination had been unmatched, and they sent Bludgers from all sorts of unpredictable angles. Avoiding them had always required constant vigilance and quick reflexes.


    This year¡¯s Gryffindor Beaters, however, were inexperienced and lacked that same synchronicity. Their Bludgers were straightforward, coming from obvious directions, making them far easier to avoid. The game had been... almost too easy.


    The problem was, it didn¡¯t feel like much of an accomplishment.


    Finally being the Seeker had been something Kyle had anticipated with excitement¡ªa chance to outwit and outplay his opponent in an exhilarating duel for the Golden Snitch. Instead, he had simply caught it without any real effort.


    It was... boring.


    ¡°Ryan said they¡¯re throwing a party in the common room to celebrate our victory,¡± Mikel said cheerfully. ¡°We¡¯ll have Butterbeer and everything.¡±


    ¡°Butterbeer?¡± Keeper Vane asked in surprise. ¡°I thought we weren¡¯t allowed to go to Hogsmeade? Where did they get it?¡±


    ¡°The House-elves helped us out,¡± Mikel replied with a mischievous grin. ¡°It¡¯s technically not allowed, but as seventh years, we¡¯ve got some privileges.¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s head over, then,¡± the others said, laughing as they got changed and began heading toward the castle.


    Kyle lingered behind, finishing up, when Kanna arrived. She looked pleased, though she didn¡¯t show it overtly¡ªit was the kind of calm satisfaction that came from expecting a win.


    ¡°Cho doesn¡¯t look very happy,¡± Kanna remarked. ¡°She also told me to tell you to watch out for her in the next match.¡±


    ¡°Ha! As if I¡¯m afraid of her,¡± Kyle said with a casual wave of his hand.


    Anyone who didn¡¯t have a Firebolt wasn¡¯t even worth considering as a serious opponent, as far as he was concerned.


    The two of them walked back together, weaving through the crowded pitch and field. Many people congratulated Kyle along the way, shouting and cheering as they passed. Kyle made a point to respond to every one of them, smiling and waving.


    ¡­


    When they reached the foyer of the castle, Kanna suddenly tugged on Kyle¡¯s robe, pointing toward the staircase.


    ¡°Look, who¡¯s that?¡± she asked.


    Kyle followed her gaze and spotted a familiar figure walking up the stairs.


    ¡°Malfoy?¡± he muttered. ¡°What a rare sight. Not only did he skip the game, but he¡¯s actually wandering around outside the Great Hall on his own.¡±


    Kanna gave Kyle a knowing look and a wink.


    ¡°Don¡¯t look at me like that,¡± Kyle said, shrugging. ¡°I already promised I wouldn¡¯t go looking for him, and I meant it.¡±


    S~ea??h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Chapter 731: Halloween, Slughorn’s Ball

    Halloween arrived just after the first Quidditch match of the season. The pumpkins Hagrid had planted in the field by the gates were brought into Hogwarts. No one knew exactly what he¡¯d done to them, but they were enormous¡ªeasily six feet tall. If they had been fitted with wheels, they might have passed for carriages.


    Once the pumpkins were delivered to the Great Hall, Professor McGonagall took over, expertly transforming them into a variety of shapes: soaring eagles, regal lions, coiling snakes, dignified badgers, and even a few famous ghosts. Professor Flitwick added his own magical touch, enchanting the creations to float gracefully through the air.


    Nearly Headless Nick stood proudly beside his pumpkin likeness, happily posing for photos with young witches and wizards. Meanwhile, the Fat Friar from Hufflepuff wandered nearby, grinning in delight at the festive atmosphere. However, students from the remaining two houses didn¡¯t get the chance to enjoy their ghosts in the same way.


    The Bloody Baron, true to his nature, had no interest in the festivities and didn¡¯t bother appearing in the Great Hall. Helena Ravenclaw, the Grey Lady, was nowhere to be seen either. She had vanished a long time ago, and despite repeated searches, no one had been able to find her. Kyle had looked for her more than once, as had Dumbledore and even the enchanted portraits in the Headmaster¡¯s Office. They had scoured the castle from top to bottom, but their efforts were fruitless.


    Eventually, Kyle gave up the search. If Helena Ravenclaw didn¡¯t want to be found, there was little anyone could do. After all, the castle itself had been designed by her mother, Rowena Ravenclaw. If the Grey Lady wanted to remain hidden, Hogwarts would willingly keep her secrets.


    ¡°Hey, this looks great,¡± Mikel said, admiring the decorations as he made his way from the common room to the Great Hall for the Halloween feast. ¡°It¡¯d be perfect if The Weird Sisters or the Skeleton Dance Troupe were performing this year.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s nothing we can do about that,¡± Ryan sighed. ¡°Everyone¡¯s too busy hiding from the Death Eaters to come all the way to Hogwarts for a Halloween dinner.¡±


    ¡°But the Skeleton Dance Troupe is made up of skeletons,¡± Mikel said, frowning in confusion. ¡°Can the Killing Curse even work on them?¡±


    ¡°Er¡­¡± Ryan faltered, clearly stumped by the question. After a moment¡¯s pause, he finally replied, ¡°Maybe the Death Eaters have some other way.¡±


    It was the only explanation they could come up with.


    ¡­


    The group sat down at the Hufflepuff table just as the professors entered through the small door at the far end of the Great Hall.


    ¡°Oh no¡­¡± Kanna murmured suddenly.


    ¡°What?¡± Kyle turned to her, curious.


    ¡°Professor Slughorn¡­¡± Kanna began, her voice tinged with exasperation. ¡°I just remembered he¡¯s hosting another party right after dinner. Floda gave me the invitation an hour ago.¡±


    ¡°Oh, and there¡¯s one for you too. Since you were in the library, Floda handed it to me.¡±


    ¡°What? How many parties is he throwing this month?¡± Kyle groaned.


    ¡°This is the fifth one this month,¡± Kanna replied, sounding as tired as Kyle felt.


    ¡°Okay,¡± Kyle said, a little at a loss. ¡°Just use the same excuse as last time and turn him down. After dinner, I just want to relax in the warm common room. Even just sitting and daydreaming sounds better than going to one of his parties!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m afraid that won¡¯t work this time,¡± Kanna sighed. ¡°Professor Snape had to leave the school on some business, and Professor Slughorn must have heard about it in advance. He told Floda to pass on the message that I must attend.¡±


    ¡°Professor Snape left the school?¡± Kyle asked, eyebrows raised.


    ¡°Yes, just an hour ago,¡± Kanna confirmed. ¡°And less than five minutes later, I got the invitation.¡±


    ¡°He timed that perfectly,¡± Kyle remarked, shaking his head.


    ¡°So¡­¡± Kanna hesitated, blinking up at him. ¡°Can I invite you to the party?¡±


    ¡°Professor Snape leaving has nothing to do with me, and my excuse still works,¡± Kyle replied, raising an eyebrow. ¡°After all, the Ministry of Magic doesn¡¯t take a holiday on Halloween.¡±


    ¡°But Professor Slughorn insists that everyone bring their own dance partner,¡± Kanna explained, clearly anticipating his response. ¡°If you refuse, I¡¯ll have to ask Mikel to be my date. I heard Slughorn invited a ghostly dance troupe just for the occasion, and I think Mikel would love to go.¡±


    ¡°Actually, I am pretty interested in seeing a ghostly dance troupe,¡± Kyle said quickly. ¡°And let¡¯s face it, Mikel can¡¯t even walk across the room without tripping over his own feet, let alone dance.¡±


    Kanna let out a soft exclamation, surprised by his change of heart.


    Thankfully, the dinner began at that moment. A lavish spread appeared on the golden plates, and the warm aroma of pumpkin filled the Great Hall, immediately drawing everyone¡¯s attention.


    The enticing scent distracted Kanna, who stopped staring at Kyle and eagerly reached for a piece of golden-brown Pumpkin Pasty.


    ¡°I¡¯ve been waiting for this,¡± she said with delight. ¡°Outside of Halloween, it feels like the school kitchen only knows how to make pumpkin into drinks.¡±


    Kyle grabbed a slice of pumpkin pie for himself, savoring its rich but less greasy flavor. It was one of his favorites.


    ¡°As you said, this kind of thing only shows up on Halloween,¡± he remarked. ¡°The rest of the time, the only thing remotely pumpkin-related is Pumpkin Juice.¡±


    ¡°Oh, yes,¡± Kanna suddenly remembered something midway through dinner. ¡°You should write a letter to Fred and George and tell them to stop sending Love Potions to school disguised as Invigoration Draught. It''s just adding to our workload.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong with them?¡± Kyle asked, looking puzzled.


    ¡°You don¡¯t know?¡± Kanna gave him a pointed look. ¡°I¡¯ve confiscated several bottles of Love Potion recently, all of them from Weasleys'' Wizard Wheezes. They¡¯ve been repackaging the Love Potions to look like Flasks of Invigoration Draught, complete with proper labels, so they can sneak past Filch¡¯s inspections.¡±


    ¡°You know Dark Detectors only work on Dark Magic, right? Love Potions aren¡¯t classified as dangerous, so they¡¯re exploiting that loophole.¡±


    ¡°Well, actually, you don¡¯t have to worry too much about it...¡± Kyle whispered, leaning in to explain. ¡°Fred and George have made some adjustments to the Love Potion. They¡¯ve reduced its ability to cloud judgment and increased its tendency to inspire harmless, over-the-top behavior. Basically, it¡¯s closer to a prank now. The effects only last for ten minutes, so even if you let it slide, it¡¯s not likely to cause major problems.¡±


    ¡°Hearing you put it that way, I don¡¯t particularly care,¡± Kanna replied softly. ¡°But Romilda Vane and Antonella, who bought some, seemed to be planning to pour it into the Pumpkin Juice you were going to drink, so you might want to be more careful.¡±


    Kyle¡¯s hand, mid-way to his mouth with a sandwich, froze. His eyes twitched slightly. ¡°You must be joking. Who on earth would give me a Love Potion?¡±


    ¡°Quite a few,¡± Kanna replied matter-of-factly, counting on her fingers. ¡°Besides the two I just mentioned, there¡¯s Paya, Darlene, and Kvarl¡­ and those are just the ones I¡¯ve caught. Who knows how many more there are.¡±


    ¡°Anyway, good luck. I really don¡¯t want to see you tap-dancing on the table one day.¡±


    Kanna¡¯s comment referred to an incident two days earlier when a Gryffindor student had leapt onto a table during breakfast and performed a clumsy tap dance in front of the entire Hall. It turned out that the unfortunate student had mistakenly drunk Harry¡¯s Pumpkin Juice, which had been laced with Love Potion, and the results had been... memorable.


    Recalling that scene, Kyle¡¯s expression darkened.


    ¡°That¡¯s too much,¡± he said angrily. ¡°Fred and George have gone too far. Selling Love Potions to students is outrageous! It¡¯s downright shameless. Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ll write to them right now and give them a piece of my mind. They need to stop this immediately.¡± S§×arch* The NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Without waiting for dinner to finish, Kyle stormed over to a table in the Great Hall, pulled out parchment and a quill, and began writing furiously. His unusual behavior drew curious glances from students around him, who whispered among themselves, speculating about what Kyle was up to.


    Kyle didn¡¯t care. After finishing the letter to Fred and George, he still felt unsettled. So, he started writing another letter¡ªthis one addressed to Mr. Weasley himself. In it, he reported the Weasleys'' Wizard Wheezes for illegally selling Love Potions to Hogwarts students.


    Satisfied, Kyle tapped his wand on the letters. They immediately folded themselves into paper airplanes, which zipped out of the Great Hall, turned a corner, and flew out of the castle. Outside, a massive owl swooped down from the Forbidden Forest, snatched the letters mid-air, and carried them off into the distance.


    Back in the Great Hall, Kyle let out a deep sigh of relief, feeling assured the situation was being handled. But after that, he refused to touch another sip of Pumpkin Juice¡ªespecially if someone offered it to him.


    Dinner ended soon after, and students began heading back to their common rooms. Some rushed off quickly, while others left before dinner had even finished. After all, they needed time to change into their ball attire.


    It was a formal ball, and Slughorn had requested that everyone dress accordingly. While it was technically possible to dance in regular school robes, he wanted to recreate the elegance of the Triwizard Tournament ball.


    "If I had a choice, I¡¯d rather go to the last dinner party than deal with some ball," Kanna said, glancing at the two seventh-year Slytherin girls who had already changed into their dress robes. They stood in the middle of the foyer, preening like a pair of peacocks.


    ¡°Those kinds of dresses are so uncomfortable to wear, and they don''t have pockets, so I don¡¯t know where to put my cauldron¡­¡±


    Kyle turned his head, startled. ¡°You carry your cauldron with you?¡±


    He could understand carrying a couple of potion bottles, but a cauldron seemed excessive.


    ¡°Yes,¡± Kanna replied matter-of-factly, pulling a small cauldron, no bigger than her fist, out of her pocket. ¡°It can be resized with a counter-spell.¡± She tucked it back into her robes. ¡°I got into the habit last year when I was working on perfecting the Recovery Potion. I always wanted to be able to test combinations of ingredients on the spot. It turned out to be pretty useful, so I¡¯ve just kept carrying it around.¡±


    Kyle raised an eyebrow. ¡°Okay, but why not put it in a Mokeskin pouch?¡±


    ¡°Because the pouch is already full,¡± Kanna said, her tone utterly practical. ¡°There¡¯s not enough room for all the finished potions and herbs¡ªlet alone a cauldron.¡±


    Fair enough. Kyle couldn¡¯t argue with her logic.


    At that moment, Kanna was still mulling over how to carry her cauldron after changing into her dress robes. Seeing her dilemma, Kyle had an idea. He waited until no one was looking, then discreetly took out his wand and pointed it at her.


    In an instant, her school uniform began to shimmer and shift. The fabric turned a deep blue-purple, the hem extending until it transformed into elegant dress robes.


    ¡°Transfiguration¡­¡± Kanna blinked in surprise.


    ¡°Well, I saw something similar at Madame Malkin''s over the holidays,¡± Kyle explained, shrugging. ¡°The details probably aren¡¯t as fine as the real thing, but it¡¯s a close enough copy.¡±


    ¡°This is fine,¡± Kanna said, examining the robes. She lowered her voice. ¡°No one will be able to tell.¡±


    In the wizarding world, wearing Transfigured dress robes to a ball was generally frowned upon. If discovered, the wearer would almost certainly become the subject of ridicule. Two years ago, Ron Weasley had only managed to alter his second-hand dress robes, and the thought of using Transfiguration likely never crossed his mind¡ªor maybe it just didn¡¯t occur to him.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry,¡± Kyle reassured her with a casual wave of his hand. ¡°As long as Professor McGonagall and Dumbledore don¡¯t show up, no one will notice.¡±


    He then cast the same spell on his own robes, transforming them into something more suitable for the evening.


    ¡°That¡¯s good,¡± Kanna said cheerfully, clearly trusting Kyle¡¯s judgment. She gave the robes a small spin and smiled as she realized something. Aside from being convenient, these Transfigured robes had another distinct advantage: since they were still technically her school uniform, the weight and feel of the garment hadn¡¯t changed. It was far more comfortable than the stiff, heavy gowns most people wore.


    Since it was Halloween and there was a ball, Slughorn had invited a large number of guests. With everyone paired up with dance partners, the crowd was even larger than expected.


    As Kyle and Kanna stepped into Slughorn¡¯s office, the air was filled with lively noise. Laughter, music, and chatter grew louder with every step they took.


    Slughorn had used magic to expand the room, making it far larger than the typical professor¡¯s office. Draperies of every color hung from the walls and ceiling, which was adorned with a giant golden pumpkin lantern. Inside the pumpkin, rather than a candle, dozens of tiny fairies flitted about with lanterns, creating the effect of countless flickering lights.


    The waitstaff, House-elves from the kitchens, darted between the guests, balancing trays of colorful drinks as they wove expertly through the crowd.


    ¡°Oh¡­ Kyle, Kanna, my children!¡± Slughorn¡¯s booming voice greeted them even before they had stepped fully into the room. ¡°It wasn¡¯t easy getting the two of you to come... but as I said before, you can¡¯t hide from me forever.¡±


    ¡°Professor, that¡¯s so sad,¡± Kyle said with an exaggeratedly remorseful tone. ¡°We wanted to come to the party so badly, but there was no way around it. Professor Snape kept getting in the way and wouldn¡¯t let Kanna come. And, as you can imagine, working at the Ministry of Magic can be so boring.¡±


    ¡°Oh, yes, I know all about that,¡± Slughorn replied with a wink and a jovial smile. ¡°I was only joking. You¡¯ve got your wish today, haven¡¯t you? Come on in; there are so many people I want you to meet.¡±


    He turned and cheerfully walked deeper into his office, leaving Kyle and Kanna no choice but to exchange glances and follow.


    ¡°That¡¯s Worple, an old student of mine,¡± Slughorn said as they entered the bustling room, gesturing toward a short man not far away, who was currently in conversation with Harry. ¡°He¡¯s the author of Blood Brothers: My Life Amongst the Vampires... and of course, his friend, Sanguini.¡±


    Kyle raised an eyebrow at the title. It had the same self-aggrandizing flair as Lockhart¡¯s books, but the difference was that Worple¡¯s account was entirely genuine. He really had lived among vampires.


    Standing next to Worple was Sanguini, a bona fide vampire. Tall and strikingly handsome, his pallid skin and deep, dark circles under his eyes gave him an air of perpetual exhaustion. His demeanor, however, shifted noticeably when a young woman passed by. His lips curled faintly as he licked them, his eyes gleaming hungrily.


    Sanguini suddenly stiffened, his gaze locking onto Kyle. Then, as his attention shifted, he caught sight of Kanna. His dark eyes immediately brightened, his expression changing to one of almost predatory fascination. There was something about Kanna that stood out to him¡ªa unique, enticing fragrance that she seemed to exude. To Sanguini, it was like the tantalizing scent of rosemary seasoning a perfectly cooked steak, making him involuntarily salivate.


    Kyle noticed Sanguini¡¯s behavior and muttered under his breath to Kanna, ¡°Vampires like talented wizards. Especially witches.¡±


    Kanna frowned, her unease visible. ¡°I know. Lockhart mentioned it in one of his books. I just find the whole thing really strange.¡±


    Kyle shrugged. ¡°That¡¯s easy to handle.¡± He casually bent down, reaching into his suitcase, and cracked it open just a little.


    The other students in the room, preoccupied with the music, laughter, and their own conversations, didn¡¯t notice anything out of the ordinary. But Sanguini froze. His body stiffened as a shiver ran down his spine.


    For a moment, he seemed to instinctively sense several overwhelmingly dangerous presences emanating from the slightly open suitcase. Each of those presences felt as if it could easily tear him apart.


    Sanguini¡¯s expression changed entirely. He stiffened, his earlier hunger dissipating in an instant. Without a word, he turned stiffly, trying to act casual as he moved to hide behind Worple, who was a head shorter and utterly oblivious to what had just transpired.


    ¡°You see? Easy,¡± Kyle said lightly, smiling as he expertly caught the Niffler that had jumped out of the suitcase. He tucked the mischievous creature back inside and shut the case with a satisfied click.

 Chapter 732: Peeves and the Vanishing Cabinet

    In the wizarding world, many witches and wizards enjoy hosting all kinds of balls, especially the old pure-blood families, who typically hold two or three each year. Events like birthday balls and Yule Balls have become routine, though the main focus of most of these gatherings has never truly been on dancing.


    This time was no exception. The music in the office played continuously, yet only a few people were actually dancing. Most guests completed a couple of perfunctory turns before settling into conversation, wine glasses in hand.


    It had to be said¡ªProfessor Slughorn still had an impressive network of connections and had invited quite a few well-known figures. Among them were the famous author Eldred Worple and the vampire Sanguini, both of whom Kyle had met before. There were also professional Quidditch players, including Brewerhold, the current Chaser for the Montrose Magpies, and a reporter from The Daily Prophet¡ªnot Rita Skeeter, but another wizard.


    According to Slughorn¡¯s introduction, this particular journalist had conducted most of the interviews with the Department of Magical Law Enforcement¡¯s directors and higher-ups.


    Kyle also spotted the owner of Honeydukes. It was hardly surprising¡ªthere was a signed photo of him in Slughorn''s office, and with the school being so close to Hogsmeade, there was no reason not to invite him.


    Even so, Slughorn seemed to think the gathering wasn¡¯t lively enough. According to him, Halloween was just a casual get-together¡ªthe real highlight would be Christmas. He made sure to tell Kyle and Kanna they absolutely couldn¡¯t miss it.


    They, however, did not share his enthusiasm.


    Finding an excuse to slip away, the two of them made their way toward the drinks table, which was one of the less crowded spots in the room.


    Kyle, however, had no intention of drinking anything. Ever since learning that someone at school had purchased a Love Potion, he was being especially cautious about consuming anything from an unknown source.


    ¡°Kyle, I didn¡¯t expect to see you here too.¡±


    A few minutes later, Harry appeared, finally having managed to escape from Worple. He looked exhausted¡ªhe must have endured quite a bit of chatter¡ªgrabbing a glass of Butterbeer and downing it in one go.


    Kyle observed him for a moment, but to his disappointment, it was just an ordinary Butterbeer.


    ¡°How does it feel?¡± he asked.


    ¡°What¡­¡± Harry didn¡¯t immediately catch on, assuming Kyle was asking about the ball. He shook his head at once. ¡°Terrible. I can¡¯t believe Hermione insists on coming to these every time.¡±


    ¡°Maybe she¡¯s just used to it,¡± Kyle said, following his lead. ¡°Why didn¡¯t you make up some excuse and skip it?¡±


    Like many others, Harry had been coming up with reasons to avoid Slughorn¡¯s gatherings¡ªthings like Quidditch practice. As team captain, he could schedule training sessions whenever he wanted, and he had managed to dodge quite a few of these events that way.


    ¡°I¡¯m here with Ron. He really wanted to see the dance,¡± Harry explained.


    ¡°You can invite boys to the ball?¡± Kyle asked, raising an eyebrow.


    ¡°Well,¡± Harry nodded, ¡°I figured I¡¯d give it a try, but Professor Slughorn didn¡¯t seem to mind.¡±


    ¡°Oh, by the way, have you seen Ron? I¡¯ve been looking for him.¡±


    ¡°No,¡± Kyle replied. ¡°Try the other side of the room.¡±


    ¡°Alright,¡± Harry said, gripping his Butterbeer mug as he headed off across the dance floor.


    For a while afterward, Kyle ran into Professor Sybill Trelawney¡ªwho was drunk.


    As a Hogwarts professor and a descendant of the famous seer Cassandra Trelawney, she had a certain level of notoriety. Slughorn had likely mentioned that free sherry was being served at the ball, which would have been enough to lure her in.


    Then there was Luna, engaged in an animated discussion with Neville about whether Rufus Scrimgeour was actually a hidden vampire and plotting some secret scheme to manipulate the Aurors. According to her theory, he intended to use the Gum Disease Curse to take down the Ministry from within.


    Neville looked shocked. Kyle, on the other hand, couldn¡¯t stop himself from laughing¡ªso hard, in fact, that he nearly inhaled his mead through his nose.


    ¡°Gum Disease Curse¡ªnow that¡¯s an invention worth developing. Way more useful than Langlock,¡± Kyle remarked with a laugh.


    As for the theory about Scrimgeour being a Vampire? Utter nonsense. If he were a Vampire, the massive Sneakoscope in the Auror office would have been blaring nonstop. The fact that no one in the Ministry had complained about him causing disturbances proved his identity beyond a doubt.


    Still, some of Mr. Lovegood¡¯s ideas were undeniably entertaining. He had a knack for coming up with theories no one else could dream of. If you ignored logic and treated it as a source of amusement, The Quibbler wasn¡¯t half bad. Kyle even thought about buying a copy¡ªsomething to leaf through when boredom struck.


    After Luna and Neville left, the party began to drag again, devolving into monotony. It wasn¡¯t until ten minutes before curfew that Kyle figured things would finally wrap up. But then Peeves burst into the room like a whirlwind of chaos.


    He soared across the ceiling, clutching water balloons brimming with liquid, and unleashed an indiscriminate assault on the unsuspecting students below. The room erupted into chaos as water rained down like a monsoon. Screams filled the air as everyone scrambled to avoid the onslaught, diving for cover amidst the pandemonium.


    ¡°Haha! I knew something was missing,¡± Kyle said with a grin. ¡°Now it feels right. How could a place this lively exist without Peeves?¡±


    Casually, he flicked a water balloon aside, sending it hurtling in another direction.


    ¡°But Professor Slughorn is still here. Doesn¡¯t Peeves care about him?¡±


    ¡°He only fears the four Heads of House. The other professors, he¡¯ll cut a bit of slack,¡± Kyle replied with a shrug. ¡°But Peeves probably isn¡¯t in the best mood tonight.¡±


    ¡°Remember what the Fat Friar said at dinner?¡± he continued. ¡°Apparently, Peeves was sulking because he didn¡¯t get that Fortified Pumpkin statue he wanted. He¡¯s been upstairs wrecking suits of armor all evening. I guess this is his way of venting.¡±


    Flicking another water balloon away with ease, Kyle turned to Kanna and gestured toward the door. ¡°We should probably leave now. Most people haven¡¯t reacted yet, but once they do, the doorway¡¯s going to be a mob scene.¡±


    The two slipped out into the hallway as the muffled chaos continued behind them. Kanna lifted her arm to sniff at her sleeve, frowning. ¡°I was going to mention this earlier¡ªdo you smell that? Like, acid or something?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s vinegar,¡± Kyle whispered, smirking slightly. Actually, I was the one who told Peeves that adding a splash of vinegar would make the balloons more¡­ impactful.


    Kanna shot him a disgusted look.


    ¡°Don¡¯t give me that face,¡± Kyle said with a shrug. ¡°It was ages ago. I needed a favor¡ªwanted Peeves to track down a ghost for me. That was his payment, in kind. And hey, it¡¯s not like it was going to waste. All that vinegar gets spilled by first-years knocking on barrels¡­ seemed practical to me.¡±


    ¡°Anyone hit by one of those balloons is going to hate you for this,¡± Kanna retorted flatly.


    ¡°You could always blame Filch,¡± Kyle suggested with a grin. ¡°He helped Umbridge kick out so many students last year¡ªit¡¯d be poetic justice.¡±


    They strolled toward the stairs, leaving the commotion behind. Loud chatter and incantations echoed faintly through the hall, signaling that the other students were finally trying to drive Peeves away. But by the time they got organized, Peeves was long gone, having emptied his entire arsenal of balloons before disappearing without a trace.


    When Kyle and Kanna arrived at the foyer on the first floor, they unexpectedly ran into Peeves.


    ¡°It¡¯s you, Kyle boy! Didn¡¯t realize you were here,¡± Peeves greeted cheerfully. But then, as if remembering something, he immediately turned to flee. ¡°Oops, they¡¯re coming after us¡­¡±


    ¡°Wait,¡± Kyle called out urgently. ¡°It¡¯s been so long. How did things go with what I asked you to do?¡±


    Peeves¡¯ translucent figure froze mid-motion. After a moment, he turned back, somewhat stiffly. For once, his mischievous grin faded as he replied, ¡°Well, you told me to find the grim-faced witch who never smiles. I don¡¯t think she¡¯s left Hogwarts.¡±


    ¡°Impossible,¡± Kyle said firmly, shaking his head. ¡°Madam Grey never leaves Hogwarts.¡±


    ¡°But she¡¯s not in the castle,¡± Peeves insisted. ¡°Even the Bloody Baron¡¯s been looking for her, and he didn¡¯t find a thing. She must have run off.¡±


    Kyle wasn¡¯t overly disappointed by the answer. He had half-expected it anyway. ¡°If we can¡¯t find her, so be it,¡± he said, waving dismissively as he turned to head toward the common room.


    ¡°Hey, Kyle, I¡¯m not ignoring you!¡± Peeves blurted, misinterpreting Kyle¡¯s reaction. Seeing him about to walk away, Peeves hastily added, ¡°I¡¯ve been looking for her¡ªreally! Oh, wait, I think she¡¯s been kidnapped by the Bloody Baron and is being held in a room without a door on the second floor.¡±


    Kyle froze mid-step and turned back to Peeves. ¡°A room without a door on the second floor?¡±


    If Peeves had said the eighth floor, Kyle would¡¯ve assumed it was the Room of Requirement. But the second floor? Was there a similar room there?


    ¡°Yes!¡± Peeves said with renewed excitement, his face lighting up. ¡°Nobody knows this castle better than me. There¡¯s a place at Hogwarts¡ªvery mysterious¡ªwhere all the students¡¯ treasures from centuries past are hidden. But no one knows where it is.¡±


    Kyle was already certain Peeves had mistaken the Room of Requirement for something else. The mention of the second floor was likely just Peeves¡¯ usual confusion.


    Just then, Kanna, who had been quietly observing, asked, ¡°But Peeves, didn¡¯t you say earlier that the Bloody Baron was also looking for the Grey Lady?¡±


    At the mention of the Bloody Baron, Peeves visibly shuddered but stubbornly stuck to his story. ¡°It¡¯s all an act! He¡¯s just trying to confuse everyone.¡±


    Peeves straightened up, trying to appear serious. ¡°Half an hour ago, I saw a Slytherin brat standing in front of a Store Cupboard on the second floor, mumbling something about ¡®it¡¯s gone, I can¡¯t find it.¡¯ I¡¯m guessing the Bloody Baron told him to check the place, only to discover the non-smiling Grey Lady had already escaped.¡±


    Peeves nodded firmly. ¡°Well, that must be it.¡±


    Whether Kyle believed it or not, he found himself buying into the story anyway. After all, the Bloody Baron had a motive¡ªevery ghost in the castle knew it was he who had killed the Grey Lady of Ravenclaw. What if he suddenly decided to reenact the scene? The thought was unsettling.


    Peeves appeared unusually serious, and the more Kyle dwelled on it, the more plausible it seemed. But even so, he couldn¡¯t fully accept Peeves¡¯ words.


    The Grey Lady had vanished along with Ravenclaw¡¯s Diadem, and a fragment of Rowena Ravenclaw¡¯s memories was said to be stored in that artifact. What could the Bloody Baron possibly do¡ªsend them all back in time? And besides, it wasn¡¯t as if a ghost could be trapped in the Store Cupboard; ghosts could pass through walls with ease. The idea seemed absurd.


    Still, another question surfaced in Kyle¡¯s mind.


    ¡°Wait, Peeves, you said you saw a Slytherin on the second floor just now. Who was it?¡±


    ¡°Let me think...¡± Peeves stroked his chin theatrically. ¡°I remember him arguing with Potter in the corridor. I was hoping for a fight, but, alas, McGonagall showed up. Oh, that¡¯s right¡ªPotter called him Malfoy at the time.¡± Peeves grinned mischievously. ¡°I¡¯m telling you, that Malfoy must have been acting on the Bloody Baron¡¯s orders¡­¡±


    Peeves rambled on, but Kyle wasn¡¯t listening anymore.


    Why had Malfoy suddenly been on the second floor? Was he looking for something? Or was there something hidden there that he wanted? Kyle frowned, trying to make sense of it.


    The Store Cupboard, though? It was full of junk¡ªbroken tables and chairs, old brooms that were no longer usable. Nothing of value. What could Malfoy possibly want with any of that?


    Kyle mulled over the thought, frustrated by the nagging feeling that he was forgetting something important. It just wouldn¡¯t come to him.


    No wonder Dumbledore kept a Pensieve in his office, Kyle reflected. With everything he¡¯d seen and heard over the years, he must have needed it to sift through his memories and make sense of them all.


    ¡°Kyle, what¡¯s wrong? They¡¯re coming!¡± Kanna¡¯s voice snapped him out of his thoughts, accompanied by the distant sound of shouting and arguing.


    Kyle turned and realized that Peeves had vanished. Meanwhile, Professor Slughorn came barreling down the stairs, leading a group of professors and students.


    Slughorn was in a state¡ªhis magnificent violet robe stretched tight around his considerable frame, as though it might burst apart at any moment. Whether it was from running or from overeating at dinner was anyone¡¯s guess.


    ¡°Kyle, Kanna... have you seen Peeves? Someone said he was heading toward the foyer!¡± Slughorn asked angrily. ¡°That wretched creature¡ªhe¡¯s ruined my ball!¡±


    Kyle quickly pointed in a random direction. ¡°He ran that way,¡± he said, not having the slightest idea where Peeves had gone.


    ¡°What, back upstairs?¡± Slughorn groaned, his legs trembling as he glanced toward the library on the second floor, where Kyle¡¯s hand was pointing. Ghosts could fly, but he couldn¡¯t. And after running up and down the stairs several times already, he was completely out of breath.


    ¡°Children¡­¡± he gasped, addressing the students behind him. ¡°I¡¯ll leave Peeves to you. Please, help me¡ªcatch him, no matter what.¡±


    Slughorn¡¯s tone shifted slightly as he added, ¡°Whoever brings Peeves to me will be rewarded with a vial of Felix Felicis.¡±


    At the mention of the coveted luck potion, the students¡¯ eyes lit up, practically glowing with determination. They didn¡¯t need to be told twice. With cries of enthusiasm, they charged upstairs in pursuit of the poltergeist.


    They had already been looking for Peeves after he splashed them with vinegar, but now there was an added incentive. Felix Felicis wasn¡¯t something to pass up, and they weren¡¯t going to let the opportunity slip away.


    In an instant, the group disappeared up the staircase again.


    Slughorn leaned heavily against the railing, gasping for air as he muttered, ¡°If only Armando had listened to me and gotten rid of Peeves when I suggested it. That ghost is nothing but trouble, and everyone in the castle is constantly complaining about him.¡±


    ¡°Yes, and they still are,¡± Kyle replied, his tone dry.


    Slughorn straightened up slightly, glancing at Kyle. ¡°Aren¡¯t you going to give it a try, my boy? I think you have a good chance of catching that little troublemaker and earning my reward.¡±


    With that, Slughorn pulled out a small corked bottle from his pocket. The golden liquid inside shimmered alluringly¡ªFelix Felicis.


    Kyle couldn¡¯t help but glance at the potion, tempted for a moment, but then shook his head. ¡°Sorry, Professor. As much as I¡¯d like to, I think I may have had a bit too much at the ball. I¡¯m feeling drowsy and could really use a good night¡¯s sleep.¡±


    Slughorn raised an eyebrow, tapping his temple. ¡°Ah, yes, now that you mention it, I do recall seeing you spending a fair bit of time near the drinks table. Listen, Kyle, even though you¡¯re of age, you should remember to pace yourself. And if I may suggest, mead is an excellent alternative¡ªfar more pleasant, in my opinion.¡±


    Kyle forced a polite smile. ¡°I¡¯ll keep that in mind, Professor.¡± After exchanging a few more courteous words, Kyle made his excuses and left with Kanna.


    As they walked back to the Hufflepuff common room, Kyle¡¯s mind was far from the conversation with Slughorn. Instead, he was preoccupied with Malfoy and his strange behavior near the Room of Requirement. Malfoy hadn¡¯t been wandering aimlessly; he had a goal. But what was it?


    When they entered the common room, Ryan, a fellow Hufflepuff, looked up from his homework and immediately called out, ¡°Kyle, thank goodness you¡¯re back. I think you have a copy of Vanishing and Transfiguration. Can I borrow it?¡±


    ¡°Sure,¡± Kyle replied absentmindedly. ¡°It¡¯s in your dormitory cabinet, go look for it¡­¡±


    He trailed off suddenly, his head snapping up. ¡°Wait.¡±


    Cabinet. Vanishing Cabinet.


    His thoughts raced. He finally remembered¡ªback in his third year, Nearly Headless Nick had once tricked Peeves into dropping a cabinet right above Filch¡¯s office in order to help Harry, who had been caught by Filch. That cabinet had been a Vanishing Cabinet. Nearly Headless Nick had even mentioned at the time that the Vanishing Cabinet had been kept in the Store Cupboard on the second floor.


    Filch had known it was a Vanishing Cabinet and had intended to use the incident to get rid of Peeves, citing damage to school property as the reason. Of course, Dumbledore had refused¡ªgetting rid of Peeves was impossible, no matter how much trouble he caused.


    The entire matter had eventually been forgotten, dismissed as just another one of Peeves¡¯ antics. The damaged Vanishing Cabinet had been cleaned up by the House-elves not long after.


    At least, that¡¯s what everyone thought had happened.


    The truth was, Kyle had gotten to the cabinet first. Before the House-elves arrived, he had taken the Vanishing Cabinet himself. What they had disposed of was nothing more than a regular cabinet enchanted with a Disillusionment Charm to make it look like the original. S~ea??h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    And no one¡ªabsolutely no one¡ªknew about it.


    ¡­


    Kyle¡¯s heart began to race. Could it be that Malfoy was searching for the Vanishing Cabinet? If so, how had he found out about it? The cabinet had been hidden in the Store Cupboard on the second floor, but Malfoy wouldn¡¯t have had any reason to go there back when he was younger. And if he hadn¡¯t been there before, then how did he know about it now?


    Or... was he looking for something else entirely?


    Kyle sank into an armchair, his mind racing. Noticing the change in his mood, Kanna didn¡¯t say a word. She simply sat down beside him in silence.

 Chapter 733: A Blessing in Disguise? The Vanishing Cabinet Found by Malfoy

    ¡°Not bad, Harry¡­¡±


    In Potions class after Halloween, Slughorn examined the cauldron in front of Harry, a hint of surprise flickering across his face.


    ¡°The color is perfect, and the smell is impeccable. I daresay even the grumpiest creature¡ªlike a dragon¡ªwould calm down after just three drops of your Draught of Peace.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, sir,¡± Harry said, unable to hide his excitement. ¡°So I passed?¡±


    ¡°Passed? Are you joking?¡± Slughorn exclaimed theatrically. ¡°This is a perfect potion, no doubt about it. Ten points to Gryffindor!¡±


    Harry was so thrilled he nearly jumped up. For the first time in six years, he had earned extra credit in Potions, and for a fleeting moment, Slughorn seemed far more likable.


    ¡°I always knew you must have inherited your mother¡¯s exceptional talent for Potions. You just never had Severus to help you develop it,¡± Slughorn said with a smile. ¡°Keep up the good work¡ªI look forward to seeing what you do next class.¡±


    Harry nodded eagerly.


    Beside him, Hermione let out a sharp huff through her nose.


    She had also finished her potion, and while hers was only a shade lighter than Harry¡¯s, the comparison made that minor flaw seem glaringly obvious.


    Slughorn glanced at her cauldron, gave a noncommittal remark about it being good, and moved on.


    That only made Hermione even angrier.


    ¡°You¡¯re cheating!¡± she snapped after class. ¡°You shouldn¡¯t keep relying on those notes.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s just a book of notes¡ªhow is that cheating?¡± Harry countered. ¡°And it¡¯s not like there¡¯s anything wrong with the instructions.¡±


    ¡°But you didn¡¯t figure it out on your own.¡±


    ¡°You use the textbook too¡ªwhat¡¯s the difference?¡± Ron interjected, siding with Harry.


    ¡°Think about Kanna the Potioneer¡ªthe youngest member of the Most Extraordinary Society of Potioneers. Even she agrees the notes can¡¯t be wrong.¡±


    ¡°But¡ª¡± Hermione started, searching for another argument.


    ¡°Wait, Hermione, you¡¯re not jealous of Kyle, are you?¡± Ron¡¯s voice rose slightly.


    ¡°Why would I be jealous of him?¡± Hermione retorted, her voice sharp.


    ¡°Oh, come on¡ªyou¡¯re jealous that his grades are better than yours and that he¡¯s discovered all these little tricks you don¡¯t know yet,¡± Ron said, growing more confident in his theory. ¡°You should give it a try. After all, the book was written by other wizards, and in a few years, these same tips might be included in the updated version.¡±


    ¡°Remember what Kyle said? Advanced Potion-Making hasn¡¯t been revised in ages¡ªlots of the procedures are outdated.¡±


    Hermione took a deep breath, saying nothing.


    Ron took her silence as an admission that she realized she was wrong and, unconcerned, turned back to Harry, continuing their discussion about the notes.


    ¡°It¡¯s weird¡ªI¡¯m following the instructions exactly, but my results still aren¡¯t as good as yours.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s because you¡¯re not focusing enough,¡± Harry pointed out. ¡°The size of the flame when brewing potions is really important. I remember you added the Moonstone powder and then got distracted talking to Seamus¡ªyou completely forgot to turn the fire down.¡± Sear?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°Oh¡­ yeah, that does sound right,¡± Ron admitted. ¡°But why didn¡¯t you remind me?¡±


    ¡°I only just realized it myself.¡±


    ¡°Ah, well, no big deal,¡± Ron laughed. ¡°Tell me, if I keep brewing potions according to the notes, do you think Slughorn will invite me to his Christmas party too?¡±


    ¡°Of course he will,¡± Harry said.


    Though his instincts told him that a couple of good Potions grades wouldn¡¯t be enough to change Slughorn¡¯s opinion of Ron, he decided it was better not to crush his hopes.


    Encouraged by Harry¡¯s response, Ron grew even more excited, his voice rising enthusiastically.


    ¡°Are you pleased with yourself, Weasley? Think getting an invitation from Slughorn makes you famous now?¡±


    A cold voice came from behind them.


    ¡°Maybe you should get a nice, ugly scar on your forehead¡ªthen you might be as popular as Potter and his little fan club.¡±


    Laughter erupted around them.


    ¡°We didn¡¯t seem to be talking to you, Malfoy,¡± said Harry with a scowl. ¡°I noticed you weren¡¯t at the last ball. Why, weren¡¯t you invited?¡±


    ¡°Maybe Professor Slughorn doesn¡¯t know any Malfoys,¡± Ron added, smirking as he stoked the tension.


    ¡°Do you think you¡¯re funny?¡± Malfoy¡¯s expression turned icy. ¡°Even if he had invited me, I wouldn¡¯t go to his stupid, boring party.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re just jealous of us,¡± Ron scoffed, leaning back with a grin. ¡°You must be mad with envy.¡±


    ¡°Jealous of you?¡± Malfoy snapped, his voice rising as if he¡¯d just been gravely insulted. ¡°You probably don¡¯t know this, Weasley, but every year at Christmas, my family throws a ball.¡±


    ¡°Oh, that¡¯s right, I almost forgot¡ªyou wouldn¡¯t know anything about that. The guests we invite are all from high society. Pure-blood traitors like your family wouldn¡¯t even dream of getting an invitation.¡±


    Then, as if for emphasis, Malfoy turned his sneering gaze to Hermione.


    ¡°And of course, Mudbloods wouldn¡¯t be allowed in my house either.¡±


    ¡°Shut up, you bastard!¡± Harry¡¯s fists clenched, and he lunged forward, ready to swing at Malfoy, but Hermione quickly grabbed him from behind, pulling him back.


    ¡°Don¡¯t do it, Harry! If a professor sees you, you¡¯ll be expelled!¡± Hermione pleaded, her voice high with urgency.


    ¡°I don¡¯t care!¡± Harry snarled, fists still swinging as he tried to shake her off. ¡°Let go of me, Hermione¡ªI have to punch him today!¡±


    But Hermione tightened her grip, refusing to release him.


    On the other side, Ron was also trying to charge at Malfoy, but a few nearby Gryffindors intervened, grabbing hold of him before he could get across.


    It wasn¡¯t that they feared trouble¡ªthey would¡¯ve happily seen Malfoy get what was coming to him¡ªbut they all knew that Crabbe and Goyle were standing right behind Malfoy, towering like overgrown trolls. If Ron went over there, it wouldn¡¯t end well for him.


    Malfoy, seeing their restrained fury, smirked triumphantly. Now flanked by Crabbe, Goyle, and a crowd of Slytherins, he felt invincible.


    He opened his mouth to throw out another insult¡ªbut just then, a balloon filled with liquid came soaring through the air and smashed directly onto his head.


    With a loud splatter, the dark brown liquid drenched Malfoy¡¯s meticulously groomed hair, dripping down his face and clothes. A sharp, sour stench immediately filled the corridor.


    ¡°It¡¯s¡­ vinegar¡­¡± someone murmured, wrinkling their nose as they instinctively stepped back, covering their face. Even Crabbe and Goyle shuffled a step away from the reeking Malfoy.


    Malfoy stood frozen, utterly stunned, his mouth agape as dark liquid dripped down his chin.


    ¡°Ho ho ho¡­ Do you like your new haircut¡­ ho ho ho¡­¡±


    A high-pitched cackle echoed through the corridor as Peeves swooped down from above, holding his stomach as he doubled over with laughter.


    ¡°Well done, Peeves!¡± Harry shouted, grinning up at the poltergeist.


    The day before, Harry had assumed Peeves had been caught and punished by Slughorn, but clearly, that wasn¡¯t the case. Not only had Peeves escaped, but he¡¯d managed to deliver the kind of vengeance Harry hadn¡¯t even dared to imagine.


    Seeing Malfoy drenched in vinegar was far more satisfying than punching him could ever have been. Harry would¡¯ve clapped if Hermione wasn¡¯t still holding his arms down.


    Malfoy, however, didn¡¯t share Harry¡¯s amusement. As the sour stench overwhelmed him, his face contorted with rage, his body trembling with fury.


    ¡°Peeves, I¡¯ll kill you!¡± Malfoy roared angrily, but as he shouted, a few drops of vinegar trickled into his mouth, along with his soaked hair, instantly draining the color from his face.


    He dared not speak further, clenching his lips tightly. Instead, he pulled out his wand, ready to teach Peeves a lesson. Everyone expected Peeves to dart away, just as he usually did, but to their surprise, Peeves seized the moment. Not only did he stay, but he also dropped an even larger vinegar-filled balloon directly onto Malfoy.


    The balloon burst spectacularly upon impact with Malfoy¡¯s outstretched wand, which had punctured it. A massive cloud of vinegar erupted, splashing everywhere. This time, nearly everyone nearby was caught in the fallout. Malfoy, standing closest, bore the worst of it.


    But the horror wasn¡¯t over. This time, the vinegar wasn¡¯t just sour¡ªit reeked of something far worse. Whatever Peeves had mixed into it was nauseating.


    ¡°Ugh!¡± Malfoy gagged, clutching his stomach instinctively. Before he could recover, his wand was suddenly snatched out of his hand.


    ¡°You stop right there, Peeves!¡± he shouted, his anger now overriding any concern about the stench clinging to him. Without hesitation, Malfoy took off after the mischievous poltergeist.


    The onlookers were stunned. By the time they processed what had happened, Malfoy was already halfway down the corridor, chasing Peeves at full speed.


    ¡°Draco!¡± Crabbe and Goyle shouted, stumbling after him, their bulky forms making their pursuit awkward and slow.


    ¡°Hahaha, did you see that, Harry? Malfoy was hilarious just now,¡± Ron said, laughing so hard he had to clutch his sides. ¡°Good job, Peeves!¡± he added loudly, giving the nearby Slytherins a defiant smirk.


    The Gryffindors now outnumbered the remaining Slytherins, so Ron, emboldened, stood his ground confidently.


    ¡°Alright, Ron, let¡¯s get out of here,¡± Hermione said sharply, wrinkling her nose. ¡°It smells awful.¡±


    Ron took an absentminded breath, immediately regretting it as he coughed and gagged. ¡°Peeves must have put a Dungbomb in the vinegar,¡± he said with grim certainty. ¡°I didn¡¯t think anyone would be that disgusting¡ªwell, not since Fred and George left, anyway.¡±


    Harry laughed, but Hermione was already ushering them down the corridor. ¡°Come on, we need to move. The smell is bound to attract Filch, and if he catches us here, we won¡¯t hear the end of it.¡±


    The three quickened their pace, leaving the lingering stench behind as they headed toward the Gryffindor common room to change before dinner.


    ¡°Do you think Malfoy will get his wand back?¡± Harry asked curiously as they climbed the stairs.


    ¡°I hope not,¡± Ron said. ¡°It¡¯d be brilliant if Peeves hid it somewhere no one could ever find it. Or better yet, snapped it in half.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s impossible,¡± Hermione interjected. ¡°Don¡¯t forget, this is a school. The professors wouldn¡¯t let Peeves take a student¡¯s wand without stepping in.¡±


    ¡°Peeves is scared of the professors. He wouldn¡¯t dare go too far,¡± she added with finality.


    ¡°Shame,¡± Ron muttered under his breath.


    Harry couldn¡¯t help but agree.


    ¡­


    Meanwhile, Malfoy had chased Peeves all the way to the second floor. Although he ran as fast as he could, Peeves, being able to fly, effortlessly avoided him. It was unclear whether Peeves was evading him out of genuine effort or just playing with him.


    Malfoy, however, was too consumed by his anger to notice. His fury blinded him to everything but the burning desire to retrieve his wand and exact revenge on the mischievous poltergeist. From the sixth floor to the second, Malfoy pursued Peeves relentlessly, but the gap between them only grew.


    ¡°You can¡¯t run anymore? Tsk, that¡¯s no fun,¡± Peeves jeered, hovering mid-air as he observed Malfoy panting heavily, his energy depleted. Losing interest in the chase, Peeves casually threw the wand aside. ¡°I¡¯ll give it back to you,¡± he said dismissively before disappearing around a corner, leaving Malfoy seething.


    ¡°I¡¯ll make sure Professor Snape hears about this! He¡¯ll have you expelled from the school!¡± Malfoy shouted after him, his voice trembling with frustration. But there was no response; Peeves was long gone.


    Still cursing under his breath, Malfoy began scanning the floor for his wand. It didn¡¯t take long for him to spot it lying near the door of a Store Cupboard at the end of the corridor. The door itself was slightly ajar, creaking softly as he reached out to retrieve his wand. Malfoy barely paid attention to the cupboard at first, but as he straightened up, wiping his wand clean, something inside caught his eye.


    A cabinet stood just inside the door, its height nearly reaching Malfoy¡¯s own. The intricate golden patterns etched across its surface gleamed faintly, even in the dim light of the corridor. His heart skipped a beat, and a wave of excitement surged through him. He had been searching for something like this for days, and here it was, hidden in plain sight.


    ¡°Draco!¡± Crabbe and Goyle¡¯s labored voices called out as they finally caught up, red-faced and gasping for breath.


    ¡°Where¡¯s the¡­damn¡­poltergeist?¡± Crabbe huffed, clutching his side.


    ¡°Forget about the poltergeist,¡± Malfoy snapped, his attention fixed on the cabinet. ¡°You two¡ªcarry this cabinet out of here!¡±


    Crabbe and Goyle exchanged puzzled glances before turning their attention to the cabinet. Their confusion deepened as they stared at the worn, broken piece of furniture.


    ¡°Draco¡­you¡¯re not serious, are you?¡± Goyle muttered hesitantly. ¡°It¡¯s just a broken cabinet. If you want one, you could just buy a new¡ª¡±


    ¡°What do you know?¡± Malfoy interrupted sharply, his voice brimming with authority. ¡°This isn¡¯t just any cabinet. This is a treasure.¡±


    ¡°A treasure?¡± Crabbe repeated skeptically, frowning. To him, it was hard to see anything valuable in what looked like a worthless, broken piece of wood. Surely Malfoy was losing his grip on reality.


    ¡°You idiots, just do as I say!¡± Malfoy barked. He reached out and ran his fingers gently over the golden lines on the cabinet, a triumphant look spreading across his face. He recognized it immediately.


    This was the Vanishing Cabinet. There was no doubt in his mind.


    Memories from his first year at Hogwarts rushed back. Back then, he had been wandering the castle with a magic map on a weekend, intrigued by its ability to reveal hidden locations.


    He had stumbled upon a dark, dusty Store Cupboard and accidentally bumped into this very cabinet, hitting his head hard enough to make him worry he might end up with a scar like Potter¡¯s. He remembered it vividly because of the panic it had caused him at the time.


    At the time, he had thought it was just an ordinary cabinet. It wasn¡¯t until recently, during a visit to Borgin and Burkes, that he had seen another cabinet with identical golden patterns and realized what it truly was¡ªa Vanishing Cabinet. And the two cabinets were almost certainly a pair.


    Excited by the discovery, Malfoy had returned to Hogwarts determined to find it. But to his dismay, it seemed to have disappeared. He had searched high and low, convinced someone had moved or taken it. He had almost given up hope¡ªuntil now.


    He must have remembered the location incorrectly. After all, five years was a long time, and memories could fade. But here it was. And it was his.


    ¡°Careful with it,¡± Malfoy commanded as Crabbe and Goyle hesitantly approached the cabinet. ¡°This cabinet is extremely important. It concerns¡­ that person. If you damage it, you¡¯ll regret it!¡±


    The mention of the Dark Lord was enough to silence their grumbling. Though resentful, the two of them dutifully began moving the cabinet out of the Store Cupboard, grunting under its weight.


    Malfoy turned to glance in the direction Peeves had disappeared, and a smirk spread across his face. He couldn¡¯t help but laugh.


    ¡°Draco, what are you laughing at?¡± Crabbe asked, bewildered.


    ¡°I¡¯m laughing at Peeves,¡± Malfoy replied, his voice laced with satisfaction. ¡°He thinks he¡¯s tricked me. But he¡¯s actually done me a huge favor. If I¡¯m right, this cabinet will allow him to enter Hogwarts with ease.¡±


    His excitement was palpable now. ¡°And I¡¯ll be the one to take the credit. Mark my words, Peeves won¡¯t get away with this. I¡¯ll find him, and I¡¯ll make sure I kill him!¡±


    Crabbe and Goyle exchanged uneasy glances. A broken cabinet that could let someone into Hogwarts? Killing a poltergeist? They looked at Malfoy, who reeked of vinegar and was speaking with a manic gleam in his eyes. Then they looked at each other.


    The same thought was written plainly on both their faces: Malfoy¡¯s completely lost it.

 Chapter 734: Death Eater Handler

    ¡°I''ve done what you asked. Where''s the stuff? Have you brought it?¡±


    A hoarse, deep voice echoed from an isolated, empty classroom on the eighth floor of Hogwarts, as chilling as a poltergeist''s whisper.


    ¡°Don''t worry, you''ll get your share.¡±


    Kyle pulled a suitcase from his Mokeskin pouch, placed it on the table, flipped it open, and pushed it forward.


    ¡°Two hundred enhanced crackling and popping balloons, not one less.¡±


    With Zonko¡¯s Joke Shop closed, Kyle had sourced them from Weasleys'' Wizard Wheezes. Fred and George had hidden them in a hollowed-out book to avoid detection by Filch.


    Kyle had suggested a more practical approach¡ªjust using a small box with an Undetectable Extension Charm¡ªbut the Weasley twins had disagreed, calling it too boring, not nearly exciting enough.


    Peeves immediately swooped over to inspect the suitcase, tapping it lightly. Indeed, there were plenty¡ªthirty more than promised, even. But instead of looking pleased, he frowned.


    ¡°That¡¯s not right. There were supposed to be a hundred Dungbombs, and I don¡¯t see a single one.¡±


    ¡°Don''t worry, Dungbombs can¡¯t be transported like balloons. It''ll take a few more days,¡± Kyle explained. ¡°And this time, they¡¯ve made some... improvements.¡±


    ¡°Improvements...¡± Peeves''s eyes gleamed. ¡°They''ve made them bigger?¡±


    ¡°No.¡± Kyle shook his head. ¡°They''ve added some real stuff to them.¡±


    Peeves''s expression shifted immediately. A mix of revulsion and deep admiration flickered in his eyes, two contrasting emotions blending seamlessly.


    Though he was a poltergeist, Peeves wasn¡¯t ignorant.


    ¡°Dungbomb¡± was just a name¡ªthe foul stench was typically a concoction of various herbs. But mixing in real stuff... Hogwarts students would lose their minds.


    This was pure evil.


    You lot are the real Dark Lords.


    Silently, Peeves gave Kyle a thumbs-up, though suspicion lingered in his gaze.


    ¡°Kyle boy¡­ no, Mr. Kyle, do you have a grudge against Hogwarts?¡±


    ¡°Of course not,¡± Kyle replied smoothly. ¡°Don¡¯t get me wrong. I was just about to explain¡ªthe special Dungbombs don¡¯t count toward the agreed quantity. They¡¯re a bonus.¡±


    ¡°A bonus?¡± Peeves tilted his head. ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s hard to explain right now,¡± Kyle mused, ¡°but just keep them somewhere safe for now. When the time comes, you¡¯ll understand.¡±


    Peeves scratched his head in irritation. He really disliked vague answers. If it had been anyone else, he¡¯d have pestered them until he got the truth¡ªprobably while pelting them with a dozen vinegar-filled balloons.


    But for now... out of respect for his supplier, he held back.


    Putting away the suitcase, he eyed Kyle curiously.


    ¡°I still don¡¯t get why you had me place that cabinet on the second floor and lure that Slytherin brat over there. If you wanted him to have it, wouldn¡¯t it have been easier to just give it to him?¡±


    ¡°If I had given it to him outright, he wouldn¡¯t have wanted it,¡± Kyle said simply. ¡°So? They took it?¡±


    ¡°Of course. There¡¯s nothing I can¡¯t do if I set my mind to it,¡± Peeves said smugly. ¡°They took the cabinet right away¡ªlaughing so hard I could hear them from upstairs.¡±


    ¡°Good.¡± Kyle nodded and turned to leave.


    ¡°Wait...¡± Peeves called after him. ¡°You still haven¡¯t told me why you¡¯re doing this.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ll find out in time,¡± Kyle said with a wave, not bothering to stop.


    Peeves scowled, scratching his head in mid-air, but there was nothing he could do.


    Kyle was his biggest supplier¡ªespecially now that Zonko¡¯s was closed and prank supplies were running low. He had even thrown out all his stock at the Halloween feast.


    These days, Kyle was the only one who could get him a large batch of balloons. And Kyle was not someone to be easily offended.


    Still grumbling, Peeves grabbed a handful of balloons from the suitcase, slammed the door behind him, and zoomed downstairs.


    He had an appointment outside the Hufflepuff common room.


    The moment some first-years fumbled the password, he¡¯d seize the opportunity to pelt them with vinegar-filled balloons.


    The problem was, the Hufflepuff password wasn¡¯t particularly difficult. Most students got it right after two tries.


    So, to speed things up, Peeves had his own little trick¡ªcausing just enough of a commotion to distract them mid-knock.


    It never failed with first-years.


    ¡­


    On the other hand, Kyle, who had left the classroom, didn¡¯t head back to the dormitory. Instead, he went straight to the eighth floor, making his way to the principal¡¯s office.


    ¡°Acid Pops,¡± Kyle said, and the gargoyle guarding the entrance sprang aside, revealing a spiral staircase behind it.


    Kyle climbed the stairs with ease, and when he reached the oak door at the top, he knocked. There was no response.


    It seemed that Dumbledore was out again.


    Still, Kyle didn¡¯t leave. Instead, he pulled out his wand and pointed it at the brass knocker on the door.


    ¡°Dissendium!¡±


    The knockers transformed into two fire-breathing dragons, which promptly flew off in opposite directions. Kyle then pushed the door open with the ease of someone walking into their own home.


    As expected, Dumbledore wasn¡¯t there.


    The portraits lining the walls stirred at the sound of movement, their eyes flickering open.


    ¡°It¡¯s you again...¡± Phineas Nigellus Black was the first to speak. ¡°This is the Headmaster¡¯s Office! How can you just barge in like this? You¡¯re only a student!¡±


    ¡°To correct you, Headmaster Black,¡± Kyle said coolly, ¡°I didn¡¯t break in. I walked in¡ªas if I had a key.¡±


    ¡°Even if that¡¯s the case, it doesn¡¯t justify¡ª¡±


    Before Phineas could finish, he suddenly flew out of his frame, landing unceremoniously in the next room on a patch of painted grass.


    ¡°He must be looking for Dumbledore. Don¡¯t stir up trouble!¡± interjected Headmaster Dippet, giving Phineas a not-so-gentle shove with his foot.


    Kyle, however, couldn¡¯t help but think Dippet had done it on purpose, taking advantage of the opportunity to give Phineas a good kick.


    ¡°That¡¯s right,¡± Kyle nodded. ¡°Do you happen to know where Professor Dumbledore is?¡±


    ¡°Oh, I don¡¯t know,¡± Dippet replied dismissively.


    ¡°Ha! You liar, of course you don¡¯t know!¡± Phineas suddenly reappeared in front of Dippet, raising his arm as if to strike back.


    But Dippet, clearly anticipating this, turned swiftly, and the two headmasters were soon grappling with one another, entirely ignoring Kyle¡¯s presence.


    The other portraits, evidently accustomed to this behavior, watched with indifference.


    ¡°So, is there something urgent you need to discuss with Dumbledore?¡± asked a witch with streaks of gray in her hair from a nearby frame. She positioned herself in front of the wrestling pair, shielding Kyle from their antics.


    ¡°It¡¯s not particularly urgent,¡± Kyle replied, ¡°but I¡¯ve just thought of a way Voldemort might attack Hogwarts. It can wait until next time.¡±


    The witch fell silent for a moment.


    ¡°Just a moment...¡± she said at last, turning toward the chaotic scene behind her. Taking a deep breath, she raised a clenched fist and brought it down sharply.


    What happened next was obscured by the figure of a knight in another frame, but the clanging sounds that followed made the result clear.


    Two minutes later, Phineas reappeared in his original frame, now sporting a visible fist-shaped mark on his face.


    ¡°Well,¡± he grumbled, ¡°Dumbledore is at 12 Grimmauld Place. I¡¯ve already sent word to notify him, so he should be back shortly...¡±


    ¡­


    As soon as he finished speaking, a faint sound echoed around him.


    Dumbledore had returned, crumbs still clinging to his beard, as if he hadn¡¯t had time to brush them away.


    ¡°Mrs. Weasley was very kind¡­ She insisted I try some of her freshly baked bread. I must say, it was truly delicious.¡±


    He took a seat at the table and turned his gaze to Kyle. ¡°Phineas tells me you have something important to discuss?¡±


    ¡°Sort of,¡± Kyle replied. ¡°I think I know how Draco Malfoy plans to help Voldemort get into Hogwarts.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Dumbledore looked momentarily taken aback before composing himself with a light cough. ¡°That is a very serious accusation. If there is no evidence¡ª¡±


    ¡°Then forget the name,¡± Kyle said with a shrug, unconcerned by Dumbledore¡¯s hesitance. Instead, he got straight to the point.


    ¡°It¡¯s the Vanishing Cabinets.¡±


    Dumbledore adjusted his glasses. As a master alchemist, he was well aware of what those particular cabinets could do.


    They functioned like a physical manifestation of Apparition¡ªtwo cabinets linked together. Step into one, close the door, and you would emerge from the other, regardless of distance. Unlike Apparition, they were fixed in place, unaffected by magical restrictions. He had used them in his youth and found them particularly convenient.


    The only problem was their rarity¡ªfar more precious than even the Mirror of Erised. Among the few capable of crafting them, only Nicolas Flamel might still have the skill to do so.


    ¡°You¡¯re saying Voldemort managed to acquire two Vanishing Cabinets¡ªand even smuggled one into the school?¡± Dumbledore¡¯s expression grew serious.


    ¡°It wasn¡¯t Voldemort,¡± Kyle corrected. ¡°It was Mal¡ªwell, someone else. And it didn¡¯t even need to be smuggled in. It was already here.¡±


    ¡°You mean¡­ the Vanishing Cabinet that Peeves broke?¡± Dumbledore¡¯s brow furrowed in thought.


    ¡°But there was only one,¡± he continued. ¡°I tried stepping inside it before, but nothing happened. If the other cabinet no longer exists, then it¡¯s useless.¡±


    He had always known about the Vanishing Cabinet at Hogwarts, but without its counterpart, it was nothing more than an elaborate cupboard.


    ¡°Or it could simply be broken,¡± Kyle suggested. ¡°Creating a Vanishing Cabinet is difficult, but repairing one? That¡¯s much easier. I could do it myself.¡±


    ¡°In fact, I already repaired the one Peeves broke.¡±


    Dumbledore¡¯s eye twitched.


    He had deliberately ignored the cabinet for a reason.


    As an alchemist, he would never willingly destroy such a rare and valuable artifact, even if it posed a potential risk. Peeves knocking it over had been a convenient accident, one he had chosen not to interfere with.


    He had not expected Kyle to not only find it but restore it.


    Kyle, oblivious to Dumbledore¡¯s shifting expression, continued, ¡°I noticed someone searching for something, so I placed the Vanishing Cabinet there on purpose. I didn¡¯t expect them to actually take it. And, judging by their reaction, they were quite pleased with themselves.¡±


    Dumbledore sighed, rubbing his forehead. ¡°Just say the name. When did you first notice Draco Malfoy? Not many people should be aware of this.¡±


    ¡°After the last Hogsmeade trip,¡± Kyle answered. ¡°But Professor Snape insisted on protecting him, and Kanna believed he had some kind of plan. So, I left it alone.¡±


    ¡°Mr. Malfoy obtained that cursed necklace to use against you,¡± Dumbledore said, his piercing blue eyes locked onto Kyle¡¯s. ¡°And because Miss Prince pleaded on his behalf, you let him go?¡±


    ¡°Isn¡¯t that reason enough?¡± Kyle shrugged again. ¡°Kanna trusts Professor Snape as much as I trust her. I wasn¡¯t about to put her in a difficult position.¡±


    ¡°Besides, Malfoy abandoned his plan on his own. That counts as repentance, doesn¡¯t it? I had no reason to push the matter further.¡±


    For a moment, Dumbledore was silent.


    Then, suddenly, he laughed. A warm, genuine laugh, as if Voldemort¡¯s entire scheme had suddenly lost its weight.


    With a wave of his hand, a silver teapot and two delicate cups appeared on the table.


    ¡°Would you like something to drink? We can talk about the rest later.¡±


    ¡°If that¡¯s okay,¡± Kyle thought for a moment. ¡°Could I have a glass of Phoenix Tears Special Blend Felix Felicis Golden Mead? I¡¯ve always wanted to know what that tastes like.¡± S§×ar?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Dumbledore¡¯s hand paused for a moment. Then, as if he hadn¡¯t heard anything, he picked up the tea canister and carefully pinched out a few leaves.


    ¡°Try this one. It¡¯s as good as the Golden Honey Mead from The Three Broomsticks,¡± he said, placing the leaves into a cup and pouring in steaming hot water. ¡°An old friend gave it to me when I turned a hundred, and I¡¯ve never quite been willing to drink it.¡±


    ¡°In my opinion, it¡¯s the best gift I¡¯ve ever received¡ªfar more precious than Felix Felicis.¡±


    Kyle took a skeptical sip. It was good¡ªmuch better than the black tea he had tasted in the headmaster¡¯s office before.


    But how much better? He couldn¡¯t quite tell. Maybe his experience with fine tea was just too limited.


    He moved his fingers slightly, allowing the tea to cool instantly before taking another sip.


    Dumbledore¡¯s mouth twitched.


    What a waste¡­ He shouldn¡¯t have given Kyle something so precious.


    Trying to compose himself, Dumbledore asked, ¡°Tell me what you think.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s quite simple,¡± Kyle said, adding more water to the cup. ¡°Malfoy took the Vanishing Cabinet because he must have found the other one and is confident he can repair it.¡±


    ¡°Then the Death Eaters can use the two cabinets to enter Hogwarts from elsewhere.¡±


    ¡°So what do we do?¡± Dumbledore asked. ¡°I assume you have an idea¡ªotherwise, there would be no point in giving him the cabinet you just repaired.¡±


    ¡°I have a suggestion¡­ though it¡¯s a bit unrefined,¡± Kyle mused, casually picking up the tea canister from the table.


    Before he could examine it closely, Dumbledore swiftly snatched it back.


    ¡°Just say what you have to say. Don¡¯t touch it.¡±


    ¡°Fine,¡± Kyle said indifferently. ¡°I was thinking¡ªrather than forcing Malfoy to come up with another plan, why not give him a ready-made solution ourselves?¡±


    ¡°The Vanishing Cabinet is useful, but it has a major limitation: if the Death Eaters use it to enter the school, they will all emerge from the same spot.¡±


    ¡°At that moment, we just need to place the Basilisk directly in front of the cabinet. We won¡¯t have to do anything at all¡ªwe can capture all the Death Eaters in one go.¡±


    The headmasters in the portraits stared at Kyle.


    Place the Basilisk in front of the Vanishing Cabinet? They could already envision the scene.


    The Death Eaters, full of confidence, stepping out of the cabinet, ready to strike¡ªonly to be greeted by a pair of massive, unblinking yellow eyes.


    It was practically a large-scale Death Eater disposal mechanism. The sheer audacity of it left them momentarily speechless. That a teenage wizard had casually proposed such a plan was almost unbelievable.


    Dumbledore, however, showed no particular reaction. He even appeared to be considering it seriously.


    ¡°No,¡± he finally shook his head. ¡°A Basilisk is too obvious. If there were only one Death Eater, this plan might work, but if there are many, someone is bound to escape and alert the others.¡±


    ¡°Besides, not all Death Eaters follow Voldemort willingly. Some fear him, some are under the Imperius Curse. We can¡¯t use a Basilisk against them.¡±


    ¡°Then let¡¯s have people guard the cabinet instead,¡± Kyle suggested. ¡°The Vanishing Cabinet isn¡¯t that large¡ªonly one person can come through at a time. With proper coordination, subduing them the moment they step out wouldn¡¯t be difficult.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s a good idea,¡± Dumbledore nodded. ¡°But I think it would also be wise to set up some magical traps in advance. It would reduce the need for constant surveillance and make things much easier.¡±

 Chapter 735: A Reliable Assistant, Fawkes

    For Dumbledore, the news Kyle brought was quite a surprise.


    The Death Eaters were truly terrifying when they lurked in the shadows, but far less so when exposed to the light of day. The Vanishing Cabinets could allow them to bypass the castle''s magical defenses, and if the defenders were unaware, the Death Eaters could indeed use this method to take the initiative and catch them off guard.


    But now that they knew, the Vanishing Cabinets¡ªimmovable as they were¡ªhad become the Death Eaters'' greatest vulnerability.


    Dumbledore was quite confident that he could capture every Death Eater who entered Hogwarts this way.


    What concerned him now was how to keep Draco Malfoy out of the matter, ensuring Voldemort wouldn¡¯t take revenge on his family.


    If the Death Eaters truly intended to attack Hogwarts, there would undoubtedly be a large force involved. And if that force was wiped out, Voldemort would be furious. By then, the Malfoy family¡ªwho had proposed this method¡ªwould be doomed.


    Dumbledore wanted to save them.


    Lucius and Narcissa Malfoy were of little concern to him, but Draco was different. He was a student at Hogwarts. And as headmaster, Dumbledore bore the responsibility of protecting every student¡ªeven those trying to kill him.


    But he didn¡¯t share this thought with Kyle. Not because he didn¡¯t trust him¡ªon the contrary, he was certain that if he asked, Kyle wouldn¡¯t refuse. But protecting students was his responsibility as headmaster, not Kyle¡¯s. Besides, whether this plan would even work remained uncertain.


    Dumbledore shook his head, pushing the thought aside.


    ¡°Kyle, the most important question right now is¡­ do you know where he¡¯s hiding the Vanishing Cabinet?¡± he asked.


    If they wanted to use the cabinet to ambush the Death Eaters, they first needed to locate it. S§×ar?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Hogwarts was vast, filled with countless hidden spaces¡ªthe Chamber of Secrets, the Room of Requirement, and others even Dumbledore, as headmaster, might not know about. If Malfoy had found a similar room, it could be impossible to locate at first, and then no amount of planning would help.


    ¡°Of course,¡± Kyle said. ¡°I¡¯ve already prepared for that.¡±


    He would never make such a simple mistake.


    ¡°When I returned the Vanishing Cabinet, I made a small modification¡ªadded a special set of runes.¡±


    As he spoke, Kyle took out a map of Hogwarts and spread it across the table.


    After scanning it briefly, he pointed to the location of the Slytherin common room.


    ¡°Here, isn¡¯t it? Right here.¡±


    On the map, an ink-made footprint stood out, labeled Vanishing Cabinet.


    If Fred and George had been present, they would have recognized the symbol instantly¡ªone unique to the Marauder¡¯s Map. And indeed, Kyle had based this effect on that very enchantment. The only difference was that his map wasn¡¯t as densely populated with names¡ªthere was only one, making its movements easy to track at a glance.


    ¡°Oh?¡± Dumbledore picked up the map and examined it, immediately understanding. ¡°This is name-tracking magic?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right.¡± Kyle nodded. ¡°A very simple technique¡ªjust a matter of switching the target from wizard to object in the runes. But it¡¯s incredibly useful.¡±


    As he spoke, Kyle glanced at the map again.


    The Vanishing Cabinet was still in the Slytherin common room. Perhaps Malfoy wasn¡¯t ready yet, or perhaps the other cabinet hadn¡¯t been fully repaired. Either way, Malfoy didn¡¯t seem prepared to act immediately.


    After all, the common room was too crowded. And after the events of previous years, additional portraits had been placed at the entrances of every house¡¯s common room. There was no way Malfoy would use such a public space as his point of attack. He would definitely move the cabinet to a more concealed location.


    That was good¡ªit meant they had more time to prepare.


    Dumbledore took out his wand and waved it. Instantly, the map split into two identical copies. Thanks to his powerful magic, both the map and the enchantment upon it were perfectly preserved.


    He returned the original to Kyle and kept the duplicate for himself.


    "Professor, do you need a Reminder Charm?" Kyle thought for a moment before suggesting, "An alarm or something that goes off whenever the Vanishing Cabinet''s location changes would be useful, so I don¡¯t have to keep checking it manually."


    "No need for that," Dumbledore replied. With a wave of his hand, the map on the table floated to a shelf behind him, positioned just within view of the portraits on the wall.


    "They will keep an eye on it for me," he said with a smile. "I have quite a lot to do these days, and I can¡¯t always carry the map with me. And if it suddenly starts making noise to alert me, it could be quite a nuisance at inconvenient moments."


    "That¡¯s true," Kyle nodded. "After all, a certain headmaster is idle anyway. Giving him something to do will at least keep him from getting beaten up every day¡ªso that¡¯s good¡­"


    "What do you mean?" Phineas Nigellus Black demanded indignantly. "That¡¯s extremely rude! How can you speak that way about Dippet?"


    "No, no, you¡¯ve misunderstood, Headmaster Black. That¡¯s not what I meant," Kyle said dismissively, not even looking up. He didn¡¯t bother to explain¡ªbecause there was no need.


    "Are you really that dense, or just pretending?" Headmistress Dippet gave Phineas a sidelong glance. "Do you have any idea who the boy is actually talking about?"


    "Who else but you?" Phineas scoffed. "It can¡¯t be Spore¡­ though she does have a lot of free time¡­"


    "What did you say?"


    The two witches in the portraits stormed toward Phineas, and without hesitation, launched into a flurry of punches and kicks.


    Kyle noted that the two witches looked remarkably similar, though one appeared middle-aged while the other seemed much younger. He had never seen her before.


    Before he could give it much thought, agonized screams filled the headmaster¡¯s office.


    Dumbledore, unfazed by the commotion, simply waved his wand. The screams fell silent.


    Within the portrait, Phineas was still being soundly beaten¡ªonly now, the sound was mercifully muted.


    "Those two are both Phyllida Spore," Dumbledore explained. "Just portraits from different times in her life."


    "How can one person have two portraits in the headmaster¡¯s office?" Kyle asked, intrigued.


    "In theory, it¡¯s possible."


    Before Kyle could press for details, Dumbledore smoothly redirected the conversation.


    "Alright, let¡¯s return to the matter at hand. I may need to leave Hogwarts for a while, and I¡¯d like you to keep an eye on Draco Malfoy."


    "I¡¯m very busy, Professor," Kyle replied promptly. "I¡¯m in my seventh year now, and the N.E.W.T. exams are in six months. If I want a good job after graduation, I need to focus on getting the necessary qualifications. You¡¯d be better off finding someone else for this."


    Without hesitation, Kyle added, "I think Professor Snape would be a better choice. He¡¯s the Head of Slytherin and has plenty of time to watch Malfoy. Or Harry, for that matter."


    "Harry?" Dumbledore raised an eyebrow. "I recall their relationship isn¡¯t exactly harmonious."


    "That¡¯s why he¡¯s the right choice," Kyle said matter-of-factly. "After six years as rivals, no one knows Malfoy better than Harry does. If anything seems off, Harry will be the first to notice."


    "But he¡¯s not the best candidate," Dumbledore countered with a shake of his head. "Harry¡¯s temperament is a bit impulsive. When it comes to certain¡­ delicate situations, he may be prone to overlooking key details."


    "And Kyle, I think you¡¯ve misunderstood me," he continued. "I¡¯m not asking you to keep Malfoy under constant surveillance. I simply need you to remain vigilant¡ªmake sure no more Dark artifacts find their way into Hogwarts."


    "As you know, Katie Bell is still at St. Mungo¡¯s. We can¡¯t afford to send another student there."


    "Alright, I¡¯ll do my best," Kyle agreed.


    If that was all, it wasn¡¯t much of an issue. Unlike Hogsmeade, sneaking Dark objects into Hogwarts wasn¡¯t easy. Even with Dumbledore gone, the other professors were still present. Both Professor McGonagall and Professor Flitwick were seasoned wizards; causing real trouble under their watchful eyes wouldn¡¯t be easy. Malfoy wasn¡¯t that reckless.


    At most, Kyle would be playing a supporting role.


    Seeing him agree, Dumbledore nodded in satisfaction.


    ¡°Oh, is it that late already?¡± Dumbledore glanced out the window at the darkening sky. ¡°You must be hungry too. I heard the kitchen is making pork cutlets tonight. Or, if you prefer, you could come with me to 12 Grimmauld Place¡ªMolly would be delighted to see you.¡±


    ¡°Forget it, I¡¯ll just go to the Great Hall,¡± Kyle said, standing up.


    ¡°I thought so¡­¡± Dumbledore¡¯s expression turned teasing as he looked at Kyle, his face showing a knowing glint. ¡°12 Grimmauld Place is just a bunch of us boring adults now¡ªyou¡¯d definitely rather stay at school, wouldn¡¯t you?¡±


    Kyle didn¡¯t respond, merely standing and casting a seemingly casual glance at the silver tea canister on the table.


    Dumbledore¡¯s sharp senses immediately picked up on the shift in Kyle¡¯s demeanor. He grew wary, reaching out to secure the canister¡ª


    But at that moment, Kyle¡¯s eyes widened in apparent shock as he looked past Dumbledore, straight at the window.


    ¡°Professor McGonagall? What are you doing outside the window on a broom? Oh¡­ be careful!¡±


    Instinctively, Dumbledore turned his head to look.


    A split second later, he felt something¡ªjust the faintest breeze brushing past his face, stirring a few strands of his beard.


    Strange. The window was closed. How could there be a draft?


    The thought barely had time to form before realization struck. His heart clenched.


    Suppressing his instincts with practiced self-control, Dumbledore turned back swiftly¡ª


    Only to find Kyle already holding the silver tea canister that had moments ago been on the table.


    He should have known. How could he have believed that McGonagall would be hovering outside the Headmaster¡¯s office window in the middle of the night? It was a laughably transparent distraction.


    And yet¡­ he had fallen for it.


    Dumbledore cursed his momentary lapse, but there was no time for regret¡ªhe had to act fast.


    His mind raced through possible solutions¡ª


    But Kyle didn¡¯t give him the chance.


    As if he had rehearsed this maneuver a thousand times, Kyle bolted for the door the instant the canister was in his hands. His movements were seamless, fluid, without hesitation.


    By the time Dumbledore stood up, Kyle was already there¡ªjust a step away from escape.


    Dumbledore¡¯s last hope was Fawkes. His gaze flicked toward the phoenix, silently willing it to intervene.


    Fawkes understood.


    The bird spread its wings and swooped down from its perch¡ª


    And instead of stopping Kyle, it helped him open the door.


    ¡°Thanks, Fawkes! I¡¯ll buy you some mandrake later¡ªyour pick!¡±


    Kyle¡¯s voice echoed cheerfully from the corridor.


    Fawkes let out a contented trill, flapping its wings happily, never once glancing at Dumbledore as it glided after Kyle.


    In the now eerily silent office, Dumbledore remained seated. Alone.


    A quiet crack broke the stillness¡ªsomething fragile giving way under the weight of inevitability.


    ¡­


    "Here, try this."


    In the Great Hall, Kyle handed Kanna a cup of tea with milk and sugar.


    Kanna took a sip, and her eyes immediately lit up.


    "What do you think?"


    "Delicious!" Kanna nodded eagerly and took another big sip.


    "Of course it is. It¡¯s the headmaster¡¯s treasure," Kyle said, casually waving a silver tea canister in his hand.


    The canister itself was a remarkable magical item¡ªits function was similar to the enchanted box Nicolas had given him earlier. More importantly, its material was incredibly rare: the same secret pure silver that Goblins used to forge the legendary Gryffindor dueling sword.


    Kyle estimated that crafting a container of this size would require at least 10,000 silver Sickles¡¯ worth of repeated smelting and refinement. It was an item of considerable value.


    "Did the headmaster give this to you?" Kanna asked, taking another sip. She was always amazed by how Kyle managed to acquire such rare and valuable things from Dumbledore.


    "No, he wouldn¡¯t do that," Kyle shook his head, speaking as if it were the most natural thing in the world. "I took it."


    "What? You stole it?" Kanna froze, her hand pausing mid-air as she stared at Kyle in disbelief.


    "Yes, I stole it," Kyle admitted casually. "But don¡¯t worry, go ahead and drink. It¡¯s fine. I helped him out of a big problem¡ªhe had to show his gratitude somehow."


    He took a sip of tea himself before adding, "Besides, this is basically his tacit approval."


    Kyle¡¯s reasoning wasn¡¯t unfounded.


    The distance from the eighth floor to the Great Hall wasn¡¯t exactly short. If Dumbledore had truly wanted to, he could have caught up to him in an instant.


    But he hadn¡¯t.


    In fact, he hadn¡¯t even stepped out of the Headmaster¡¯s Office. If he¡¯d really intended to retrieve the canister, it would have been back in his possession long ago.


    ¡­


    After receiving Kyle¡¯s assurance, Kanna felt much more at ease. Still, as she looked down at the cup in her hands, she found it hard to believe.


    Kyle was probably the first person bold enough to blatantly steal from Headmaster Dumbledore¡ªand even flaunt it.


    She shook her head, amazed.


    Time quickly moved into December, and before they knew it, snowflakes were already drifting down outside.


    Just as Kyle had expected, Dumbledore never came to reclaim his tea canister. And, as it turned out, Kyle never saw him at Hogwarts either.


    Perhaps, as Dumbledore had mentioned in the Headmaster¡¯s Office, he really did have a lot to do.


    Kyle had also been keeping an eye on Draco Malfoy¡ªsometimes deliberately, sometimes just in passing.


    But Malfoy¡¯s behavior was no different from usual.


    Every day, he attended classes, and every day, he found some way to antagonize Harry¡ªas if the day wasn¡¯t complete until they¡¯d had at least one argument.


    Aside from Malfoy, however, Kyle had another problem to deal with¡ªSlughorn.


    Somehow, the professor had learned that the Ministry of Magic had canceled the Floo Network between Hogsmeade and Hogwarts. And with that, Kyle¡¯s old excuse for skipping dinner parties was no longer valid.


    Invitations started arriving every other day.


    Kyle did his best to come up with new excuses, but it was an uphill battle. Slughorn held dinner parties five times a week.


    They called it a dinner party, but in reality, it was just a small group of students sitting around as Slughorn rambled on about his former students¡ªwho had achieved what, who had sent him what gifts.


    And, as always, everyone dutifully gasped at all the right moments.


    Compared to the endless stories, the meal itself was practically an afterthought.


    Kyle attended a few times, but every time he returned, he went straight to the kitchen. There was nothing remotely edible at those gatherings.


    Luckily, being in Hufflepuff, his common room was right next to the kitchens¡ªso he could always grab something to eat when he wanted.


    Harry and Hermione, however, weren¡¯t as fortunate. By the time Slughorn¡¯s gatherings ended, it was nearly curfew, and neither of them had enough time to take the long way around to the kitchens.


    Fortunately, there was Ron.


    Every night, he smuggled food from the Great Hall for them.


    It wasn¡¯t fresh, of course, but all they had to do was pop it in the fireplace when they got back.


    It wasn¡¯t ideal¡ªbut it was better than nothing.

 Chapter 736: Christmas Invitation

    As December began, the weather grew colder and colder. One morning, people suddenly noticed that a thick layer of ice had formed over the Black Lake.


    Snowflakes danced outside the window, tapping against the glass with a sharp, cracking sound. Christmas was approaching.


    As usual, Hagrid had single-handedly moved twelve towering Christmas trees into the Great Hall for decoration. The stair banisters and corridors were adorned with holly, filling the entire castle with a festive atmosphere.


    "This can''t go on!"


    Kyle sighed in frustration, flicking his wand at a glove on the table during Herbology class. "I need to come up with a new excuse to get away from Slughorn. I don¡¯t even want to go to that dinner."


    "Is it really as boring as you say?" Kanna asked curiously. "The last ball didn¡¯t seem that bad."


    "There were a lot of people at the ball, so we could avoid him. But at the dinner, there¡¯ll only be seven or eight guests¡ªwe''ll have to sit there the whole time."


    Kyle let out another sigh. "Some people actually enjoy it, though. Like Daphne Greengrass, Millicent Bulstrode, and Cormac McLaggen¡­ They love being part of the Slug Club and probably wish there was a dinner every night.¡±


    "But for me¡­ I¡¯d rather be stuck in detention for half a day with a professor."


    "Then you should ask Professor Snape," Kanna suggested. "You could say you¡¯re being punished with me."


    "Well¡­ I don¡¯t like the dinner, but it¡¯s not that bad," Kyle declined. "I¡¯ll think of something else."


    For him, Snape¡¯s detention and Slughorn¡¯s dinner party were almost the same¡ªneither was appealing, and it was hard to say which was worse.


    He needed to find another way.


    The easiest solution would be to go to the headmaster. If Dumbledore wanted to, he could certainly come up with the perfect excuse to get him out of it.


    But the problem was that Kyle was currently avoiding Dumbledore as much as possible¡ªhow could he possibly go to him now?


    If Dumbledore wasn¡¯t an option, maybe another professor would do.


    Professor Flitwick, Professor McGonagall¡­ It wouldn¡¯t be too hard to talk to one of them and find a reason to be "grounded" for the evening.


    But this trick would only work once or twice. If he kept using it, they¡¯d catch on.


    So what else could he do?


    He still didn¡¯t know who had such a loose tongue¡ªwho had gone and told Slughorn that the Floo Network between the school and the Ministry of Magic had been shut down?


    ¡­


    Kyle absentmindedly stroked his wand, then suddenly shook his head. Never mind, I don¡¯t want to think about it.


    The most important thing right now was finding an excuse to get out of the Christmas dance tonight¡ªeverything else could wait.


    After class, Kyle hurried out of the greenhouse and returned to the castle, determined to find Professor McGonagall and see if she could assign him detention for the afternoon.


    But the moment he ran up the stairs, he spotted a familiar figure standing in the foyer.


    A deep purple-red robe, a long silver beard, and a phoenix perched on his shoulder... It was as if Dumbledore had been waiting for him.


    Kyle didn''t hesitate for even a second. He turned on his heel and bolted back toward the castle.


    But in the next instant, Dumbledore reappeared right in front of him, standing there as calmly as if he had never moved.


    Kanna, who had been nearby, jumped slightly in surprise. She glanced at the spot where Dumbledore had been standing just a moment ago, her expression puzzled. How had he Disapparated and appeared elsewhere in an instant?


    ¡°No need to overthink it, it''s Apparition,¡± Kyle whispered, explaining. "Remember? Twycross said that the headmaster can temporarily lift the castle''s restrictions so that we can practice Apparition here."


    ¡°Anytime?¡± Kanna asked. ¡°Shouldn''t the magic that envelops the entire castle be more complicated than that?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not as complicated as you think, Miss Prince,¡± Dumbledore interjected, having overheard their conversation. His voice was patient. ¡°These restrictions are not independent spells but come from the castle itself. The headmaster has certain special permissions¡ªthe only condition is that it must be done within the castle.¡±


    Kanna nodded in understanding.


    Then Dumbledore turned his gaze to Kyle, and the small smile on his face faded completely.


    "It seems you really don''t want to see me," he said in an unreadable tone¡ªflat, almost as if he had never met Kyle before. There was even the faintest grinding quality to his voice.


    ¡°How could that be, Headmaster Dumbledore¡­¡± Kyle''s eyes darted away, and his feet unconsciously shifted toward the entrance of the Great Hall. ¡°Well... what do you want with me?¡±


    The Great Hall was full of people. He wasn¡¯t sure if that would help, but it at least made him feel somewhat safer.


    Dumbledore watched him for a moment, then shook his head. ¡°It¡¯s not me who¡¯s looking for you¡ªit¡¯s Nicolas.¡±


    ¡°Nicolas?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± Dumbledore said. ¡°He has invited you to spend Christmas at his manor again this year, if you¡¯d like. The arrangement is the same as last time¡ªyou know the details, so I won¡¯t repeat them.¡±


    He sounded as though he wanted to say as little as possible, and the moment he finished speaking, he turned to leave without the slightest hesitation.


    ¡°Wait, Professor.¡±


    Kyle hesitated for a moment before stepping forward to stop him. ¡°Can I bring someone?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡± Dumbledore continued walking without even glancing back.


    That was fast.


    Kyle was intrigued now.


    He quickened his pace to catch up, trotting after the headmaster. ¡°Professor, aren¡¯t you going to ask who I¡¯m bringing?¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s no need,¡± Dumbledore replied as he strode into the Great Hall. ¡°No one with malicious intent can even see the gates of the manor, and even if someone is carried inside, they will not be able to enter.¡±


    ¡°Oh, right.¡±


    At this, Dumbledore paused briefly. ¡°Last time, you¡ª¡±


    ¡°I just remembered that I forgot something in the greenhouse. See you later, Professor!¡± Kyle cut in swiftly.


    By the time Dumbledore turned to look, Kyle had already bolted out of the Great Hall and into the foyer¡ªmoving nearly as fast as if he had Apparated himself.


    ¡­


    In the foyer, Kanna watched as Kyle ran back with a satisfied smile.


    "So, you''ve decided to go to Nicolas Flamel''s manor for Christmas vacation?" she asked.


    "Yep, and it''s a relief¡ªI don¡¯t have to go to the ball," Kyle nodded, then added, "Let¡¯s head back to the common room first. It¡¯s not safe in the Great Hall right now. We can come back later."


    Of course, with Dumbledore present, the Great Hall was probably the safest place in the entire castle¡ªat least for everyone else.


    But Kanna didn¡¯t point this out. Instead, she simply followed as Kyle led the way.


    When they reached the corridor near the kitchens, Kanna hesitated slightly. She looked as if she were waiting for Kyle to say something, but he didn¡¯t.


    After a long pause, she finally couldn¡¯t hold back.


    "Who are you going with?"


    "What do you mean, who am I going with?"


    "To the Christmas party," Kanna whispered. "Didn¡¯t you ask Headmaster Dumbledore if you could bring someone?"


    "Oh, that," Kyle said casually. "Cedric..."


    Kanna''s face fell almost instantly.


    But then, just a second later, Kyle continued as if he hadn¡¯t noticed.


    "¡­Yesterday, I got a letter inviting me to his house for the Christmas holiday."


    Kanna''s expression remained unchanged until Kyle added,


    "And you¡¯d better hurry and find Professor Snape to cancel your detention. We¡¯re leaving early tomorrow morning."


    "Leaving¡­ us?" Kanna blinked, still processing.


    "Of course us. I can¡¯t exactly take Cedric," Kyle laughed. "Don¡¯t you want to see Nicolas¡¯s manor? I¡¯m sure it¡¯ll be really interesting."


    Kanna¡¯s face lit up in an instant. Without another word, she turned and dashed off toward Snape¡¯s office.


    Kyle wasn¡¯t the least bit worried that Snape would refuse. Unless he¡¯d been eaten by a Swooping Evil, he would never say no to letting Kanna visit Nicolas Flamel.


    Meanwhile, instead of returning to the common room, Kyle turned a corner and made his way upstairs.


    He headed straight for Slughorn¡¯s office, using the excuse that he needed to prepare for his meeting with Nicolas Flamel the next day to get out of attending the ball.


    ¡­


    ¡°What? Whose house did you say you were visiting?¡±


    At Kyle¡¯s words, Slughorn, who had been perfectly composed until now, suddenly stood up, his voice bursting with excitement. ¡°Nicolas Flamel? The famous alchemist who has lived for over 600 years?¡±


    ¡°If there isn¡¯t a second alchemist named Nicolas Flamel, then yes, I believe so¡­¡± Kyle nodded.


    For a moment, he could see Slughorn trembling with excitement, his eyes slightly reddened.


    It wasn¡¯t surprising¡­


    This was Nicolas Flamel¡ªsomeone Slughorn had dreamed of meeting, even if only from a distance, without exchanging a single word.


    That wish, however, had never come true.


    Now, hearing that Kyle was about to visit Flamel¡¯s manor, how could he not be thrilled?


    ¡°Oh, can I come with you?¡± he blurted out.


    ¡°Sorry, Professor,¡± Kyle shook his head. ¡°I was invited as well, so I can¡¯t make that decision.¡±


    ¡°Ah, yes, of course.¡±


    Slughorn looked a bit embarrassed, as if he hadn¡¯t expected himself to be so forward.


    ¡°You misunderstand¡­¡± he stammered. ¡°What I meant was¡­ well¡­ just¡ªplease give my regards to Mr. Flamel.¡±


    ¡°I will,¡± Kyle assured him. ¡°Then, Professor, if there¡¯s nothing else, I¡¯ll head back to my preparations.¡±


    ¡°Of course, of course,¡± Slughorn said hastily. ¡°That¡¯s the most important thing. Even a whole day of preparation wouldn¡¯t be enough. Go on, then.¡±


    Kyle nodded and turned to leave the office.


    In the foyer, Kanna was already waiting for him.


    ¡°How did it go?¡±


    ¡°You went to see Slughorn?¡±


    They spoke at the same time.


    ¡°Yes,¡± Kyle answered first. ¡°I won¡¯t have to attend the Christmas Ball after all. And you?¡±


    ¡°Professor Snape agreed,¡± Kanna said, her voice carrying a hint of excitement. ¡°He seemed reluctant at first, but in the end, he agreed. He even got me a gift for Mr. Flamel.¡±


    She took out a small bottle, about the same size as a vial of Felix Felicis, but inside was a golden-red liquid.


    ¡°What is this?¡± Kyle asked curiously.


    ¡°Phoenix Potion,¡± Kanna replied, recalling what Snape had told her. ¡°Professor Snape said it¡¯s made from the ashes of a phoenix after it has been reborn. It took two whole years to brew.¡±


    Two years?


    Kyle pursed his lips. Felix Felicis only took half a year to make, but this took two?


    He had never heard of this potion before, but considering the brewing time and the ingredients involved, it was obviously something extraordinary.


    Then, it suddenly hit him¡ªhe hadn¡¯t prepared a Christmas gift for Nicolas.


    Not this time, not any of the previous times either.


    Worse, not only had he failed to bring a present, but he had also added to Nicolas¡¯s workload each time.


    Even if Nicolas seemed to enjoy the work, it still felt a little¡­ off, especially when compared to what Snape had prepared.


    Kyle didn¡¯t dwell on it for too long, though. He and Kanna made their way to the Great Hall together, where they ran into Harry loitering around the foyer.


    He didn¡¯t want to go to Slughorn¡¯s party either but hadn¡¯t come up with a decent excuse. Next to him, however, Ron seemed quite eager about it.


    The Christmas feast was as lavish as ever. Though the Great Hall felt a little emptier than in previous years due to fewer students staying behind, it didn¡¯t dampen anyone¡¯s spirits.


    ¡­


    The next day.


    Due to Voldemort and the Death Eaters, most students had chosen to stay at Hogwarts for the Christmas holiday, with only a small number opting to go home.


    Draco Malfoy was one of them, and he was by far the most anxious, leaving the castle early in the morning.


    Harry and the others had been invited back to 12 Grimmauld Place by Mrs. Weasley before the start of the term.


    Of course, none of this had anything to do with Kyle.


    While the rest of the students made their way to the Hogsmeade platform, he had already led Kanna to a field beside the castle.


    ¡°How are we getting there¡­?¡± Kanna asked, a hint of nervousness in her voice. ¡°Apparition? Portkey?¡±


    ¡°Neither,¡± Kyle replied. ¡°Nicolas¡¯s manor is just like Hogwarts¡ªApparition is forbidden, and Portkeys don¡¯t work unless Nicolas himself creates them. And since Professor Dumbledore didn¡¯t provide one¡­¡±


    He glanced off into the distance. ¡°Oh, Hagrid¡¯s here.¡±


    Kanna turned her head, and sure enough, Hagrid was approaching, bundled up in his enormous moleskin coat.


    He was leading a cart pulled by a Thestral.


    ¡°Hey, Kyle!¡±


    Hagrid waved from afar, and when he reached them, he handed over the reins.


    ¡°It¡¯s the same Thestral as before. He knows the way,¡± Hagrid whispered. ¡°I was gonna ask if you¡¯d come help me teach Grawp over the holidays¡ªhe¡¯s made loads of progress.¡±


    ¡°But I s¡¯pose you¡¯d rather go there, wouldn¡¯t you?¡±


    Kyle just smiled without answering.


    Even if Nicolas Flamel hadn¡¯t invited him, he would have either gone back with Harry and the others or stayed at the castle with Kanna. Meeting Hagrid¡¯s giant brother had never been high on his list of holiday plans.


    Not to mention the smell. The stench surrounding Grawp was not something an ordinary person could endure¡ªexcept, perhaps, for Fluffy.


    Taking the reins, Kyle waited for Kanna to climb into the carriage before hopping in after her.


    Hagrid leaned down and murmured something to the Thestral, and a moment later, the creature flapped its wings and lifted off.


    ¡°Merry Christmas, then!¡± Hagrid called from below.


    ¡°Merry Christmas,¡± Kyle replied.


    The Thestral soared higher and higher, and before long, Hagrid¡¯s massive form had shrunk into a small, dark speck on the ground.


    Kyle settled into the carriage as they ascended.


    Kanna, meanwhile, was peering out the window, her face alight with excitement.


    ¡°I¡¯ve never flown in a Thestral carriage before,¡± she said, her voice filled with wonder. ¡°This is amazing.¡±


    Below them, the Hogwarts Express chugged along, its thick plumes of steam curling through the cold winter air. Within moments, the Thestral had overtaken it, leaving the train far behind in the blink of an eye.


    Yet inside the carriage, there wasn¡¯t a single jolt or bump¡ªit was as smooth as if they were gliding through still air.


    Kyle had ridden a Thestral carriage before, so he was far more composed than Kanna.


    As they passed through the clouds, a thin layer of frost began to form on the windows. The temperature had dropped noticeably. Kanna pulled the window shut before turning to Kyle.


    ¡°What kind of place is Nicolas¡¯s manor?¡± she asked.


    Kyle leaned back, thoughtful. ¡°It¡¯s fascinating,¡± he mused. ¡°Everything you see there¡ªthe walls, the ceiling, the tables and chairs, the fireplace, even the kettle for the flowers¡ªis an alchemical object.¡±


    ¡°They¡¯re just like the portraits in Hogwarts. They can talk, and they can move on their own.¡±


    Kanna¡¯s eyes sparkled. ¡°That¡¯s incredible.¡±


    A moment later, her excitement wavered, replaced by uncertainty.


    ¡°I¡¯m a little nervous,¡± she admitted.


    Kyle glanced at her. ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°What kind of person is Mr. Nicolas Flamel?¡± she asked. ¡°What¡¯s he like? He¡¯s over six hundred years old¡ªwill he be very serious? Should I change into something more formal?¡±


    Her gaze dropped to her clothes. She had originally planned to wear a simpler dress robe, but before they left, Kyle had insisted she switch into something more casual. sea??h th§× novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°Don¡¯t bother,¡± Kyle said dismissively. ¡°Nicolas doesn¡¯t care about that. If anything, wearing formal robes will only make him uncomfortable.¡±


    ¡°But Professor Snape said otherwise¡­¡± Kanna murmured. ¡°He told me yesterday that the older a wizard is, the more they care about these things.¡±


    ¡°Snape¡­¡± Kyle scoffed. ¡°Has he met Nicolas?¡±


    Kanna shook her head.


    ¡°Exactly,¡± Kyle said with a smirk. ¡°So what does he know? That might be true for ordinary wizards, but Nicolas has lived for more than six centuries. He¡¯s seen everything. He stopped worrying about formalities ages ago. He just does whatever makes him comfortable.¡±


    ¡°He doesn¡¯t even care about being addressed formally. He prefers people to just call him ¡®Nicolas.¡¯¡±


    Kanna frowned slightly, skeptical. It wasn¡¯t that she didn¡¯t trust Kyle¡ªit was just not what she had expected.


    ¡°Just trust me,¡± Kyle said. ¡°Besides, you¡¯ve already met him before. You just didn¡¯t realize it.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Kanna¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°I¡¯ve met Mr. Nicolas Flamel? When? I don¡¯t remember!¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ll find out when we get there,¡± Kyle said with a knowing smile.

 Chapter 737: Phoenix Potion

    Devon.


    When the Thestral carriage finally came to a stop, Kanna was so stunned that she stared at the manor before her, momentarily wondering if she had arrived at another Hogwarts.


    After all, who else would have two towering dragons¡ªeach dozens of feet tall¡ªstanding at the gate? Even Hogwarts only had a winged boar.


    Kyle understood Kanna¡¯s reaction perfectly. He had felt the same way when he first arrived. But by now, he had gotten used to it.


    ¡°Please stick close to Tata¡­ Mr. Buzz has been a bit grumpy lately,¡± said Tata, the House-elf responsible for guiding them.


    ¡°Mr. Buzz?¡± Kanna echoed, puzzled.


    Wasn¡¯t this Nicolas Flamel¡¯s manor? Who was this ¡°Mr. Buzz¡± that suddenly seemed to be another guest here? The name itself sounded rather odd.


    ¡°Oh, that¡¯s him. You must be very careful¡­¡± Tata pointed toward the garden.


    Kanna looked over curiously, but she saw no one there. In fact, aside from the three of them, the enormous estate seemed empty.


    ¡°He¡¯s Mr. Buzz,¡± Tata said again, this time pointing at the lawn.


    Kanna followed his finger carefully, and only then did she notice what he was pointing at¡ªa lawn mower in the middle of the grass, acting like a playful Crup, making a loud buzzing sound every time it moved on its own.


    In addition to that, watering cans floated about, dutifully hydrating the flower beds. A pair of gloves picked up fallen leaves as if guided by invisible hands. A long-handled brush twisted itself into an astonishing arc and trotted over to the carriage, eager to help clean the interior.


    ¡°This is incredible,¡± Kanna whispered in awe.


    Although Kyle had described this place on the way here, witnessing it firsthand was something else entirely.


    Her curiosity about Nicolas Flamel only grew.


    The group stepped inside the manor.


    ¡°Oh, you¡¯ve finally arrived,¡± Nicolas called lazily.


    He was reclining on a folding chair, wearing his usual eye-catching, oversized floral shirt. He waved at them with a smile.


    ¡°Hurry up and take off those heavy cloaks of yours. Don¡¯t you feel hot?¡±


    At his words, Kyle realized he did feel a bit warm.


    He glanced up at the ceiling, surprised to find it clear and blue, in stark contrast to the gloomy sky outside. A gentle, salty breeze drifted through the space.


    ¡°Where are we?¡± Kyle asked, frowning slightly.


    ¡°Hawaii,¡± Nicolas replied easily. ¡°As you can see, English weather isn¡¯t exactly kind to someone my age.¡±


    He knocked lightly on the table beside him, and in an instant, a coconut tree sprouted from the floor. Its wide leaves unfurled just above his head, providing the perfect amount of shade.


    Kanna blinked, looking back and forth between the ceiling and Nicolas, thoroughly confused.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± she asked.


    ¡°The ceiling,¡± Kyle explained, pointing upward. ¡°You know how the Great Hall at Hogwarts reflects the actual weather outside? This one¡¯s even better¡ªit can display any place.¡±


    He pulled out his wand and tapped Kanna¡¯s thick winter robes. Instantly, they transformed into a light, summery outfit.


    Kanna was still slightly dazed, trying to process everything, when they stepped closer to Nicolas. Suddenly, her gaze landed on him properly for the first time, and she froze in place.


    ¡°You¡¯re¡­ the old wizard from Beauxbatons!¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right, it¡¯s me,¡± Nicolas said with a chuckle. ¡°What a coincidence, we meet again.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, sir,¡± Kanna said quickly, a note of excitement in her voice. ¡°I¡¯ve been meaning to thank you, but you disappeared so fast back then.¡±


    She turned to Kyle and shook his arm. ¡°He¡¯s the one who brought me back to Hogwarts before!¡±


    ¡°That wasn¡¯t hard to guess,¡± Kyle said, smirking. ¡°There are plenty of older wizards, but it¡¯s not common to find one who breaks a bone with the slightest touch.¡±


    ¡°Kyle, that¡¯s a bit hurtful,¡± Nicolas said disapprovingly. ¡°It¡¯s obvious you lot just don¡¯t know your own strength.¡±


    Kyle shrugged. ¡°If you say so, then fine.¡±


    Kanna, however, suddenly realized something.


    ¡°Wait¡­¡± She turned sharply toward Kyle. ¡°You knew the person who helped me was Nicolas Flamel this whole time, and you never told me?¡±


    Kyle¡¯s gaze shifted slightly, avoiding hers.


    Just as he was thinking of a way to explain himself, Nicolas stepped in at just the right moment.


    ¡°Just call me Nicolas,¡± he said lightly. ¡°No need to be so formal. I remember when we met, you mentioned that you had just taken the exam for the Most Extraordinary Society of Potioneers, right?¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir¡­ I mean, Nicolas,¡± Kanna corrected herself, though she still seemed a little uncomfortable addressing him so casually.


    ¡°In that case¡­¡± Nicolas turned his head slightly. ¡°Tata.¡±


    The House-elf immediately scurried over.


    ¡°Take Kanna to my library,¡± Nicolas said, glancing at her. ¡°I remember that Zygmunt Budge once gave me a copy of his own book on potions. You should be very interested.¡±


    ¡°Zygmunt Budge?¡± Kanna¡¯s voice rose in excitement. ¡°You mean the master potion-maker who invented Felix Felicis?¡±


    ¡°He invented many different potions, but people only seem to remember Liquid Luck,¡± Nicolas said with a chuckle. ¡°I believe he left a manuscript with me as well, though it¡¯s been so long I¡¯ve forgotten exactly where I put it. You can ask Tata to help you find it.¡±


    The mention of a manuscript related to Felix Felicis made Kanna forget all about Kyle¡¯s earlier deception. Without hesitation, she followed Tata toward the manor¡¯s private library, eager to see it for herself.


    ¡°Thanks,¡± Kyle muttered with a relieved sigh.


    ¡°It was nothing,¡± Nicolas replied, smiling knowingly.


    Kyle walked over and took a seat beside him. ¡°Nicolas, do you really have Zygmunt Budge¡¯s manuscript?¡± he asked curiously.


    ¡°Of course. I even helped him with the research for Liquid Luck,¡± Nicolas said. ¡°I suggested adding the blood of a three-month-old unicorn, which happened to solve the problem of the potion not cooling properly.¡±


    Kyle clicked his tongue. It had just occurred to him that Nicolas was the one who had brewed the ancient potion used to soak the Horcrux. Of course, that meant he had to be an expert in potions as well.


    Thinking about it, for a wizard who had lived over six hundred years, there was hardly anything he wouldn¡¯t know.


    It was just that Nicolas¡¯s achievements in alchemy were so monumental that people tended to overlook his other skills.


    Kyle leaned back in his chair, following Nicolas¡¯s example. To be fair, the old man did know how to enjoy life. The warmth surrounding them was undeniably comfortable.


    ¡°Oh, yes, there¡¯s one more thing,¡± Nicolas said, stretching leisurely in his chair. ¡°The Horcruxes you sent me have all been dealt with. You can take them back whenever you like.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ve finished your research?¡± Kyle asked, unsurprised.


    He had already suspected as much when he last spoke with Dumbledore. In fact, Nicolas had probably invited him over precisely because of the Horcruxes.


    ¡°Why do you say that?¡± Nicolas raised an eyebrow.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t it obvious?¡± Kyle turned his head to look at him. ¡°If it were just about destroying a few Horcruxes, would it really take this long?¡±


    Kyle had sent Nicolas a total of three Horcruxes. Aside from the Diadem, which had been handled first, the remaining two¡ªthe golden cup and the locket¡ªhad been here for nearly two years.


    With Nicolas Flamel¡¯s abilities, did it really take that long to remove the soul fragments from them? Definitely not.


    ¡°I was curious about them,¡± Nicolas admitted, sighing. ¡°Or rather, any true alchemist wouldn¡¯t be able to resist studying them.¡±


    Kyle wasn¡¯t surprised by that either.


    ¡°The wisdom of The Founders is truly beyond compare¡­¡± Nicolas murmured before standing up. ¡°Come with me.¡±


    He took small, unhurried steps toward a nearby door and pushed it open.


    Inside was a massive laboratory, almost as large as the Great Hall at Hogwarts. Strange, alchemical instruments of every shape and size filled the space. At the center of the room stood a massive crystal ball, nearly five feet high, resting on a table.


    Kyle immediately spotted the golden cup and the locket resting on a shelf against the wall.


    ¡°Wait a moment,¡± Nicolas said, placing his hand on what appeared to be an ornamental pillar by the door.


    With a gentle turn of the pillar, the entire room began to shift.


    The shelves that had been facing away from them rotated smoothly until they were positioned right beside them.


    Kyle¡¯s gaze landed on the two items. Like the Diadem, they had finally returned to their original state now that they were no longer Horcruxes. S~ea??h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The golden cup, which had once looked dull and lifeless, as if covered in dust that could never be wiped away, now gleamed brilliantly, even in the dim lighting of the room. It sparkled in a way that demanded attention¡ªno longer something that could be overlooked, even in a cluttered thrift shop.


    The locket had undergone a similar transformation. The tiny serpent embedded in its surface, made of gleaming gemstones, no longer appeared monotonous in color. Instead, it shimmered in varying shades of light and shadow, almost as if it were alive.


    ¡°I tried to replicate these two objects, but I failed,¡± Nicolas admitted. ¡°I have to concede¡ªThe Founders are truly beyond reach.¡±


    ¡°Even the golden cup?¡± Kyle was momentarily stunned. ¡°Didn¡¯t you say it just had a charm to magically produce wine? That doesn¡¯t sound that complicated.¡±


    He had made a quill before that could automatically refill itself with ink. It was certainly much simpler than the golden goblet, but the basic principle was the same, right?


    If he could do it, then Nicolas Flamel should be able to as well.


    ¡°No,¡± Nicolas shook his head. ¡°I can make a wine glass with similar properties, but I can¡¯t guarantee that its enchantments would remain intact after being tainted by a Horcrux.¡±


    Kyle understood immediately. A Horcrux altered the fundamental nature of an object.


    In other words, Voldemort had high standards when choosing his Horcruxes. If he had selected something like a Self-Writing Quill, its magic would have been completely erased along with the destruction of the soul fragment, leaving behind nothing more than an ordinary quill.


    Then again, if the Horcrux had been a Self-Writing Quill, the entire process of destroying it would have been a lot easier. No need for extensive research¡ªjust a simple spell or fire would have done the trick.


    ¡°Of course,¡± Nicolas continued. ¡°It¡¯s not impossible if you spend a little more time on it, but I don¡¯t think it¡¯s necessary. I just did it, and even if I had copied it, it wouldn¡¯t mean anything.¡±


    He waved his hand, and the gold cup and locket immediately floated into Kyle¡¯s hands.


    ¡°Now, back to their owner.¡±


    ¡°Thank you.¡± Kyle looked at the items in his hands, hesitated for a moment, then asked, ¡°Nicolas, do you think they will also carry the memories of Slytherin and Hufflepuff, just like the Diadem?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve thought about that too, but I don¡¯t think so.¡± Nicolas shook his head. ¡°The Diadem can carry part of Rowena Ravenclaw¡¯s memories, and apart from its own special properties, it must also be assisted by special magic. That magic is extremely complex, and it¡¯s likely only Rowena herself knew how to cast it.¡±


    ¡°As for their functions¡­¡± Nicolas continued, ¡°I should have told you before that the locket can store extra magical energy¡­ and the gold cup can continuously conjure wine. The facts are just as I said.¡±


    ¡°Of course, those are only their primary functions. As for any other abilities, you¡¯ll have to discover them yourself.¡±


    ¡°I must say, this has been a very interesting process, and if I were to tell you everything, you¡¯d miss out on a lot of the fun.¡±


    Kyle shrugged noncommittally.


    While that might be true, it depended on having enough time. And then there was the issue of a certain headmaster.


    As Nicolas had just mentioned, no alchemist could resist their temptation. And Dumbledore happened to be an alchemist¡ªone who was also the headmaster of Hogwarts. He had every reason to take possession of these artifacts.


    Previously, he might have been too reserved to do so, or perhaps it wouldn¡¯t have been appropriate to blatantly take them. But now¡­ To be honest, Kyle wasn¡¯t sure if Dumbledore would even attempt to maintain the dignity of a headmaster in front of him.


    Afterward, Nicolas showed Kyle around his laboratory, and Kyle took the opportunity to ask about some of the difficulties he had encountered in alchemy.


    By the time the two left the room, night had already fallen.


    Tata had prepared a lavish dinner for their rare guest, and Kanna was sitting at the table, engrossed in a thick book, with a stack of yellowed parchments beside her.


    Next to Kanna sat Nicolas¡¯s wife, Perenelle, a witch in her late sixties.


    ¡°My dear, you can put it aside,¡± Perenelle said gently. ¡°They¡¯re yours now¡ªa Christmas present from us. You can read them whenever you like.¡±


    ¡°Sorry,¡± Kanna murmured, a little embarrassed. ¡°I got carried away.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s understandable,¡± Perenelle replied with a warm smile. ¡°I¡¯ve heard Nicolas say that Kyle was just like that when he was little¡ªsitting in the library for days on end. You two really do suit each other.¡±


    Kanna was completely taken aback by her words, and her face flushed.


    Just then, Kyle and Nicolas walked over.


    ¡°Perenelle¡­¡± Nicolas glanced at the two at the table and asked, ¡°I thought you were going to stay in Paris for Christmas?¡±


    ¡°I just went to get some hydrangea seeds and came back when I found them,¡± Perenelle said.


    ¡°There are already nearly two thousand hydrangeas at home. She¡¯s been obsessed with them lately,¡± Nicolas whispered to Kyle.


    Then he walked over to the table and sat down. ¡°What were you two talking about just now?¡±


    Perenelle looked at Kanna, then at Kyle, her smile widening.


    ¡°Christmas presents,¡± Kanna blurted out.


    ¡°Well, that¡¯s right,¡± Perenelle said smoothly. ¡°Nicolas, I was thinking of giving Kanna this book and the parchments as a Christmas present. What do you think?¡±


    ¡°Of course, that¡¯s fine with me. I was thinking the same thing. They¡¯re not really of much use to me anymore,¡± Nicolas said.


    ¡°Thank you, thank you¡­¡± Kanna quickly took out a small bottle and placed it on the table when she noticed the two of them looking at her again. ¡°This is a present I brought.¡±


    ¡°Oh?¡± Nicolas raised an eyebrow, a little surprised. It had been a long time since he had received a gift¡ªmainly because owls couldn¡¯t find this place.


    He hadn¡¯t thought much of it at first, but when he saw the bottle, he suddenly froze.


    ¡°Are you sure you want to give this to me?¡± Nicolas asked meaningfully.


    ¡°Yes,¡± Kanna nodded.


    ¡°Do you know what this is?¡±


    ¡°Phoenix Potion,¡± Kanna said.


    ¡°Yes, that¡¯s what some people call it,¡± Nicolas nodded. ¡°But what if I told you that this little bottle of potion could save a wizard¡¯s life once?¡±


    Save a life?


    Kyle and Kanna both looked up at the same time.


    ¡°¡®Resurrection¡¯ may not be entirely accurate,¡± Nicolas clarified. ¡°Strictly speaking, it cancels out a Killing Curse once. This kind of potion was originally intended to counteract Killing Curses, but the process is extraordinarily complex. It must be brewed using the ashes left behind after a phoenix undergoes a natural nirvana, which makes it nearly impossible to obtain. The last time I saw one was probably three hundred years ago.¡±


    ¡°And this potion is also extremely useful in alchemy. Runes written with it are nearly immune to external interference.¡±


    Kyle couldn¡¯t help but glance at the small bottle again.


    He had previously assumed it contained something similar to Felix Felicis, but now he realized just how wrong he had been.


    It could counteract a Killing Curse¡ªthat was as good as resurrection. In other words, as long as someone drank it, they could survive the otherwise unavoidable.


    So, no one would have to die.


    ¡°So¡­¡± Nicolas looked at Kanna again. ¡°Are you really going to give me this precious potion?¡±


    To be honest, Kyle felt a little torn, but Kanna didn¡¯t hesitate.


    ¡°Yes!¡±


    ¡°Good, I¡¯ll accept it.¡± Nicolas picked up the bottle and asked, ¡°Oh? Can you tell me who made this potion?¡±


    ¡°Snape¡­ Severus Snape,¡± Kanna said.

 Chapter 738: Christmas Gift

    ¡°Severus Snape?¡± Nicolas repeated the name in a low voice, searching his memories but finding nothing.


    The only living wizard he knew with a deep involvement in potions was Pegasia Sykes, whom he had last seen sixty years ago... or was it seventy? It had been so long that he could no longer remember.


    ¡°He''s the professor of Defense Against the Dark Arts at Hogwarts,¡± Kyle reminded him.


    ¡°Huh?¡±


    For the second time, Nicolas was taken aback. He couldn''t help but ask, ¡°Is the bar at Hogwarts set so high these days?¡±


    A professor of Defense Against the Dark Arts had actually managed to brew the most complex potion to date. Were all Hogwarts professors this versatile?


    Wasn''t this a bit much? How were the other schools supposed to keep up?


    ¡°No, no... you¡¯ve got it all wrong,¡± Kanna quickly clarified. ¡°Professor Snape has always been in charge of Potions. He only started teaching Defense Against the Dark Arts this year.¡±


    Hearing Kanna¡¯s explanation, Nicolas nodded in understanding.


    That made much more sense.


    ¡°It seems like he really cares about you,¡± Nicolas remarked to Kanna. ¡°By the way, I believe he used the ashes of Fawkes that were left behind.¡±


    ¡°Sorry, I don¡¯t know,¡± Kanna said, turning to Kyle.


    ¡°Yes,¡± Kyle confirmed. ¡°I remember Professor Dumbledore mentioning that when Fawkes died, some of the ashes were taken by Professor Snape.¡±


    ¡°No wonder,¡± Nicolas murmured, nodding.


    He vaguely recalled that when they visited Hogwarts two years ago, Dumbledore had also mentioned the name Severus and said that part of the ashes had already been used. However, at the time, Dumbledore had not specified what Snape was teaching, and Nicolas¡¯s attention had been focused on the portion of ashes in Kyle¡¯s possession. He hadn¡¯t given it much thought.


    Now, everything made sense.


    The half of the ashes that Severus Snape had taken back then had been used to brew the Phoenix Potion now before him.


    ¡°It¡¯s truly remarkable...¡± Nicolas murmured, before turning his head toward Kyle, twisting his lips slightly.


    ¡°Tsk...¡±


    Wizards truly couldn''t be compared.


    To be honest, there weren¡¯t many things that piqued Nicolas¡¯s interest these days, but Kanna, whom he had just met, had given him such a pleasant surprise.


    And then there was Kyle¡ªwho always seemed to find something for him to do whenever they met. And it was always something he couldn''t refuse. In the past two years, he had done more work than in the previous thirty.


    More importantly, Kyle was always eyeing his opera house.


    The contrast was obvious.


    ¡°No, I¡¯m not wrong,¡± Kyle muttered. ¡°He is now a professor of Defense Against the Dark Arts.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not what I mean,¡± Nicolas said, extending his hand. ¡°Come on, take it out.¡±


    ¡°Take what?¡± Kyle asked, momentarily confused.


    ¡°A present,¡± Nicolas replied with a straight face. ¡°You came to visit an old man over six hundred years old and didn¡¯t bring a Christmas gift?¡±


    Kyle opened his mouth, but his entire body froze.


    What was this about? Why did Nicolas suddenly care about such a thing?


    Though he had prepared a gift, compared to the Phoenix Potion that had resurrected Kanna, the opera poster that played music felt downright embarrassing.


    ¡°How about...¡± Kyle thought for a moment before taking out the gold cup and placing it on the table. ¡°I give you this?¡±


    ¡°No,¡± Nicolas refused without hesitation.


    ¡°This is Hufflepuff''s Cup,¡± Kyle pointed out, unable to hold back his disbelief. ¡°Didn¡¯t you say before that it was a temptation no alchemist could refuse?¡±


    ¡°That was ten minutes ago. Things are different now.¡±


    Nicolas calmly took out the bottle of potion and gave it a slight shake. ¡°With this, I can recreate it anytime I want. To me, this is just a lump of gold.¡±


    The thing I lack the least is gold.


    The greatest feature of the gold cup was its stability¡ªit had remained intact despite being eroded by Voldemort¡¯s soul shard. And the Phoenix Potion happened to be the most effective stabilizing material in alchemy. So, in a way, Nicolas was right.


    ¡°But it¡¯s Hufflepuff¡¯s Cup... That means something,¡± Kyle tried, emphasizing its historical and sentimental significance.


    ¡°Only to you,¡± Nicolas remained indifferent. ¡°I graduated from Beauxbatons. The Founders mean nothing to me.¡±


    Kyle fell silent.


    Throughout the exchange, Perenelle had been watching with a gentle smile. From time to time, she handed Kanna small plates of food she thought the girl might like.


    But Kanna had no appetite.


    She stared blankly at Kyle and the golden cup on the table.


    Hufflepuff¡¯s Cup?


    Hogwarts'' Hufflepuff?


    As a Hogwarts student, she, of course, understood what this meant.


    Like Gryffindor¡¯s Sword and Ravenclaw¡¯s Diadem, Hufflepuff¡¯s Cup was one of Hogwarts¡¯ greatest treasures. Every Hufflepuff valued it immensely.


    And yet, here it was¡ªbeing dismissed?


    Even Kyle was a Hufflepuff like her.


    Kanna looked again at the golden cup resting on the table.


    Yes, it was the exact same size and shape as the one depicted in the portrait of Helga Hufflepuff in the common room.


    ¡°Don¡¯t mind them,¡± Perenelle said, patting Kanna¡¯s hand. ¡°What they say and what they mean are two different things.¡±


    Kanna might not have understood everything, but she understood enough.


    Nicolas wasn¡¯t rejecting the cup because he didn¡¯t like it¡ªhe was teasing Kyle.


    The reason was simple: some time ago, he had been so engrossed in his research on the cup and potion that he had completely lost track of time and missed an important opera.


    Nicolas had been annoyed about it for days.


    It had been his own forgetfulness, not Kyle¡¯s fault, but the timing had been unfortunate.


    Knowing this, Perenelle had no intention of stopping him. She simply watched Nicolas toy with Kyle, smiling as if she were enjoying a well-performed stage play.


    Kyle, of course, had no idea.


    Stared down by Nicolas, he scratched his head, looking slightly troubled.


    He hadn¡¯t expected Nicolas to refuse Hufflepuff¡¯s Cup. Since when did people get to choose their Christmas presents?


    And this wasn¡¯t just any gift¡ªit was the Hufflepuff''s Cup. How had it suddenly become just a lump of gold in Nicolas¡¯s eyes?


    Something was off. Kyle¡¯s eyes flickered.


    But that was fine. He hadn¡¯t wanted to part with the cup anyway. He had only brought it out as a polite gesture.


    If Nicolas was too embarrassed to accept it, that wasn¡¯t his problem.


    What he hadn¡¯t expected was that not only was Nicolas not embarrassed¡ªhe actually looked down on the cup.


    The result was the same, but the meaning was completely different.


    ¡°You''re not just being polite, are you?¡± Nicolas seemed to have read Kyle''s thoughts, narrowing his eyes.


    ¡°Of course not,¡± Kyle replied with a dry laugh. ¡°I was just joking to liven things up a bit. I''ve actually already got a present ready.¡±


    ¡°Then show it to me,¡± Nicolas said again, extending his hand and watching Kyle with interest.


    He had already made up his mind¡ªwhatever Kyle brought out next would likely be something similar to the golden cup. Nicolas didn¡¯t believe Kyle could produce another truly special Horcrux... something on the level of the Sword of Gryffindor.


    But even if he did, Nicolas doubted he would be interested.


    Among the artifacts said to have been left behind by the Founders, the Sword of Gryffindor was the only one that wasn''t an alchemical item in the traditional sense. It was a weapon forged by goblins.


    To Nicolas, that was worth less than a pile of gold.


    As it turned out, Kyle didn¡¯t have a Horcrux in his hands¡ªbut he did have something else.


    Under Nicolas¡¯s watchful gaze, Kyle quickly set the golden cup back on the table and pulled out an exquisite silver jar.


    ¡°I snatched this from Professor Dumbledore,¡± Kyle said solemnly. ¡°You have no idea¡ªhe hasn¡¯t spoken to me for more than half a month because of this.¡±


    ¡°Oh?¡± Nicolas raised an eyebrow.


    He didn¡¯t doubt Kyle¡¯s words.


    The moment Kyle took out the jar, Nicolas recognized it as Dumbledore¡¯s.


    Each alchemist left their own distinctive imprint on the items they created. Even if two alchemists crafted the same object, subtle details would set them apart¡ªlike a signature on a piece of writing.


    And this silver jar was unmistakably ¡°signed¡± by Dumbledore.


    There was another detail.


    The other day, when Nicolas had met Dumbledore, the man had seemed unusually sullen. At the time, Nicolas hadn¡¯t thought much of it, assuming it had something to do with Voldemort.


    But looking back, that expression was more like someone brooding over something that had been taken from them.


    As the realization dawned, Nicolas¡¯s expression shifted slightly. Even Dumbledore was upset about this? Now that was interesting.


    ¡°Oh, this jar is quite exquisite,¡± he said with a smile, ¡°but there¡¯s one thing I don¡¯t understand.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Kyle asked.


    ¡°You just said you took it from Albus to get me a Christmas present, right?¡±


    ¡°Mhm,¡± Kyle nodded earnestly. ¡°I went through a lot of trouble for it.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s strange,¡± Nicolas mused, turning the jar over in his hands as he examined it. ¡°According to you, this happened at least half a month ago... but I only decided to invite you yesterday. The timing doesn¡¯t quite add up.¡±


    ¡°Ah, well¡­¡± Kyle hesitated. ¡°I saw it in my Divination class¡­ I must have a talent for prophecy.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s even stranger,¡± Nicolas remarked. ¡°Not that I want to doubt your abilities¡­¡±


    ¡°But Kyle, I don¡¯t know if you noticed the crystal ball you saw in the room earlier. That, too, is an alchemical item, and its function is to alert me to anything regarding my own predictions.¡±


    ¡°If I recall correctly¡­ it hasn¡¯t lit up in five years.¡±


    Nicolas¡¯s gaze burned into Kyle, as did Perenel¡¯s and Kanna¡¯s.


    Especially Kanna¡ªshe had never seen anyone put Kyle on the back foot like this before.


    ...This is kind of interesting.


    ¡°I-I was wrong just now.¡± Faced with Nicolas¡¯s questioning look, Kyle hastily corrected himself. ¡°Actually, I saw that I would be going on a long trip at Christmas and guessed that I would come here.¡±


    ¡°Really? That makes sense,¡± Nicolas said, looking relieved. ¡°I thought the crystal ball was broken. It¡¯s not easy to fix that thing.¡±


    ¡°Oh, and thanks for the present. I really like it,¡± Nicolas added, picking up the jar from the table. Without even checking its contents, he handed it directly to the House-elf, Tata, instructing him to take it back and store it carefully.


    He did this as if he were afraid Kyle might change his mind.


    Kyle could see it too, but what could he do? Facing an old wizard in his 600s who shamelessly played the rogue, he was at his wits¡¯ end.


    Tata was skilled at his craft, and the sumptuous dinner was in no way inferior to a feast at Hogwarts. The spread included dishes from many different countries, catering to all tastes.


    The other three enjoyed their meal, but Kyle, no matter what he ate, felt like he was chewing on dry bread.


    And he had no idea that this was just the beginning¡ªwhat would truly leave him disheartened was yet to come.


    After dinner, Perenel took Kanna on a tour of the manor, which was filled with magical wonders¡­ a ceiling that could change the weather at any moment, an opera hall that made you feel like you were part of the performance, and countless alchemical artifacts scattered throughout.


    Nowhere else would you find such things.


    Even though Kanna was intent on finding a quiet place to finish reading her book, she couldn¡¯t help but be fascinated by the sights around her. Despite herself, she followed Perenel away. sea??h th§× novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡°Do you like opera? Or concerts?¡±


    ¡°Not really,¡± Kanna answered, sounding a little awkward. ¡°Does radio music count? I listen to The Weird Sisters a lot.¡±


    "Radio music is nice too¡ªit¡¯s perfect for students. I remember attending Warbeck¡¯s Christmas song and dance party ten years ago, and after that, radio sales tripled¡­ Come with me, my dear. I¡¯ll take you to see it live."


    The two quickly disappeared down the stairs.


    Meanwhile, Nicolas, once again holding the bottle of Phoenix Potion, couldn¡¯t wait to return to his laboratory.


    In what felt like the blink of an eye, Kyle was left alone in the room¡ªexcept for Tata, the House-elf.


    ¡°Mr. Kyle, if you¡¯re done eating, would you mind moving?¡± Tata asked, holding a rag in one hand and looking up at him.


    Kyle subconsciously stood up and stepped aside.


    ¡°Thank you, sir,¡± Tata said, tapping the table lightly. At once, the table started moving, its legs swinging as it scooted away, followed by the chairs, vanishing into a corridor that had suddenly appeared to the left.


    Tata quickly mopped the floor before following them, and just like that, the corridor disappeared into thin air.


    Kyle had been watching the whole time.


    He knew the corridor led to the kitchen, but he had never been there, and Tata had never given him the chance.


    He had just started to think that, since he had nothing else to do, he might as well take a look in the kitchen¡ªwhen the hallway disappeared.


    Now, he was truly the only person left in the house, completely ignored by everyone, as if there had only ever been three people here to begin with.