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Chapter 100: A Place Beyond Memory
Chapter 100: A Place Beyond Memory
"Why aren't we moving...?"
Hagrid noticed Kyle's sudden pause and turned to ask, "Did you find something?"
Kyle, deep in thought, didn't answer immediately.
Intrigued, Hagrid followed his gaze and soon spotted the dancing Mooncraze creatures.
"Oh, so that's what caught your eye," he realized. "Yes, the dance of the Mooncraze beasts is truly enchanting. But we really should... Well, it's a rare opportunity, and if you'd like to stay and watch, we could head back to the castle later."
Though anxious, Hagrid didn't press further seeing Kyle's engrossed state.
There was a curfew at Hogwarts, and young witches and wizards were not allowed to leave their common rooms after 10 pm. So, as far as he knew, aside from now, Kyle wouldn't normally get to witness such a sight.
"No, Hagrid, let's not tarry. We should get back to what's important," Kyle shook his head, coming back to his senses, and continued walking towards the edge of the Forbidden Forest.
As they passed by Hagrid, Kyle suddenly asked, "By the way, have you been to the Forbidden Forest before Christmas?"
"Before Christmas?" Hagrid asked, puzzled. "Why do you ask?"
"It's nothing," Kyle said. "I was just curious if you needed to go to the Forbidden Forest every day?"
"Not every day, I suppose. Maybe twice a week," Hagrid thought for a moment. "As for before Christmas, I can't quite remember, but it should be about the same."
"No unusual situations?" Kyle frowned. "For example, did you discover something amiss and come to the Forbidden Forest in the middle of the night to investigate?"
"Nope," Hagrid shook his head firmly. "The Forbidden Forest has been peaceful. I only come here at night to collect Mooncraze beast droppings or to visit Rover."
"Is that so?" Kyle gave Hagrid a thoughtful glance and then fell silent.
The two made their way back through the pitch-black grounds to the castle and headed straight for the headmaster's office on the eighth floor.
As they climbed the stairs, Hagrid muttered, "I hope Dumbledore isn't resting yet, or we'll have to wait until tomorrow."
"Don't worry," Kyle reassured him. "Old people tend to be light sleepers. A few knocks on the door will surely wake him up."
As they reached the second floor, they ran into Filch and Mrs. Norris, who were descending from the upper floors.
The Trophy Room was on the fourth floor, and Filch had come straight there after hearing the noise. Now he stood in Hagrid's way.
"You're back so soon," Filch said, his face darkening. "That's against the rules."
"Get out of the way, Filch," Hagrid said impatiently, pushing Filch aside with his large hand. "I need to see Dumbledore now, and I don't have time to waste on you."
The frail Filch was like a chick in front of Hagrid, easily pushed aside.
Filch's face turned red with anger, and he wanted to grab Hagrid, but the other's towering height quickly cooled his temper.
Considering himself a reasonable man, Filch stood his ground, waving his arms about and ranting about the curfew rules, trying to drive Hagrid out of the castle with words alone.
Perhaps due to his agitation, he accidentally struck a nearby painting.
"Ouch..."
"Hey, who hit my face!" The occupant of the painting, having been slapped for no reason, was displeased. He opened his eyes and shouted, "What are you doing? It's sleeping time!"
Filch explained himself a few times, and when he turned back, he found that Hagrid had already climbed the stairs and disappeared around the corner of the corridor.
Kyle shrugged noncommittally. In all honesty, Fang, with his timid personality, might not fare well against Mrs. Norris.
The two made their way to the eighth floor and stood before the statue of the gargoyle, which guarded the entrance to the headmaster's office. Hagrid cleared his throat and said, "Lemon drop."
The password was correct, and the gargoyle stepped aside, revealing a spiral staircase behind it.
"Dumbledore told me this one," Hagrid whispered. "He said to come straight to him if I found anything."
After climbing the stairs, Hagrid began to knock on the door... no, it was more like he was pounding on it.
Perhaps due to his familiarity with the heavy castle doors, even though he was trying to be gentle, the loud banging noise reverberated through the oak door. Kyle felt that even if he had kicked it, he couldn't have made such a racket.
...
Inside the office, Dumbledore sat at his desk, clad in a light pink sleeping robe patterned with strawberries, looking a little exasperated. "Hagrid, I wasn't planning on sleeping just yet. You could have knocked a little softer."
"Sorry, Professor," Hagrid said, a bit embarrassed. "I'll be more careful next time."
"I'm not blaming you, Hagrid... It's just that I really don't have the time to go looking for a new door right now." Dumbledore smiled gently. "So, what brings you here at this late hour?"
"Well, we found something strange in the Forbidden Forest," Hagrid explained. "I came across my own footprints in a place I'm certain I've never been before."
Kyle stepped forward and placed the piece of soil with the footprint and the partially eroded tree trunk on the desk, recounting the details of their discovery.
Dumbledore leaned forward, scrutinizing the items on the table. His crooked nose almost touched the soil as he examined it closely. Then, he ran his fingers over the eroded tree trunk.
"Finding traces of your presence in a place beyond memory, hmm?" Dumbledore mused. "This is indeed a peculiar occurrence, but not entirely impossible. It just needs a little nudge..."
Hagrid's eyes lit up, and he eagerly asked, "Do you know what's going on?"
"Not yet, but let me think," Dumbledore straightened up, his eyes softening as he turned to Kyle. "However, Kyle, it's time for you to head back and get some rest. I hope this little adventure has been enlightening for you."
"Alright..."
Though disappointed that he didn't get to hear more, Kyle nodded. "Then... good night, Headmaster. Goodnight, Hagrid."
"Good night, Kyle."
...
...
(End of Chapter)
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