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Chapter 100: Beyond Memory
Chapter 100: Beyond Memory
"Why aren't you leaving...?"
Hagrid noticed Kyle's sudden halt and turned to ask, "Did you find something?"
Kyle, deep in thought, did not answer immediately.
Hagrid, curious, followed his gaze and soon spotted the Mooncrazed Beasts gracefully dancing.
"So, you were watching this," he realized. "Yes, the Mooncrazed Beasts' dance is truly captivating, but we really should..." He paused, then added, "Well, it's a rare opportunity. If you enjoy watching, we can return to the castle a little later."
Although he was anxious, seeing Kyle's entranced state, Hagrid did not urge him further.
Hogwarts had a curfew, and after 10 p.m., young wizards were not allowed to leave the common room. In his opinion, unless it was this particular moment, Kyle would rarely have the chance to witness such a sight.
"It's fine, Hagrid. Let's hurry back; we have important matters to attend to."
Kyle, having snapped out of his reverie, shook his head and continued walking out of the Forbidden Forest.
As they passed by Hagrid, Kyle suddenly asked, "By the way, did you come to the Forbidden Forest before Christmas?"
"Before Christmas?" Hagrid asked, puzzled. "Why do you ask?"
"Nothing," Kyle replied. "I was just curious if you needed to go to the Forbidden Forest every day."
"I don't need to go every day, probably about twice a week," Hagrid thought for a moment. "As for before Christmas, I'm not quite sure, but it should be the same."
"No unexpected situations?" Kyle frowned. "Like discovering something amiss and coming to check on the Forbidden Forest in the middle of the night."
"No, nothing like that," Hagrid shook his head firmly. "The Forbidden Forest has been peaceful recently. I only come at night to collect Mooncrazed Beast droppings or visit Rubeus."
"Is that so?" Kyle glanced at Hagrid thoughtfully and fell silent.
The two of them walked through the pitch-black grounds and returned to the castle, heading straight for the Headmaster's Office on the eighth floor.
As they climbed the stairs, Hagrid muttered softly, "I hope Dumbledore isn't resting at this hour; otherwise, we'll have to wait until tomorrow."
"It's fine," Kyle reassured him. "Old folks sleep lightly; he'll wake up with a few knocks on the door."
When they reached the second floor, they encountered Filch and Mrs. Norris coming down from the upper floors.
The Prize Room was on the fourth floor, and Filch had come straight there after hearing the commotion. He now stood in front of Hagrid, blocking his path.
"Why are you back so soon?" Filch asked with a sullen face. "This is against the rules."
"Move aside, Filch," Hagrid said impatiently, pushing Filch aside with his hand. "I need to find Dumbledore now; I don't have time to waste with you."
The frail Filch was like a chick in front of Hagrid's towering figure and was easily pushed to the side.
Filch's face turned red with anger, and he wanted to grab Hagrid, but Hagrid's height of over three meters quickly calmed him down.
Filch considered himself a reasonable man, so he stood in place, gesturing wildly and ranting about the curfew rules, trying to use words to drive Hagrid out of the castle.
Perhaps due to his excitement, he accidentally struck a nearby painting.
"Bang..."
"Ouch! Who hit my face?" The person in the painting, having been struck for no reason, was very displeased. He opened his eyes and scolded, "What are you doing? It's bedtime!"
Filch explained a few words, but when he turned back, he found that Hagrid had already walked up the stairs and disappeared around the corner of the corridor.
"You blithering idiot!"
Filch grumbled as he straightened the portrait he had accidentally knocked askew, then left with Mrs. Norris via another staircase.
On the other side, Hagrid, who had also just left the second floor, couldn't help but complain, "That grumpy old fart. Every time I come to the castle, he has that cat follow me around. I really want to introduce it to Taya."
Kyle shrugged noncommittally.
To be honest, given Taya's timid personality, it was hard to say if she could handle Mrs. Norris.
The two arrived at the statue of the Water Nymph Statuette on the eighth floor. Hagrid cleared his throat and said, "Iced Lemonade."
The password was correct, and the statue jumped aside, revealing a staircase behind it.
"Dumbledore told me," Hagrid whispered. "He asked me to inform him as soon as I had news."
After passing through the staircase, Hagrid began to knock on the door... no, to be precise, he was banging on the door.
Perhaps he was used to the heavy castle doors, for even though his actions were already light, the oak door still made a loud banging sound as he knocked.
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Kyle felt that even if he kicked it, he wouldn't make such a loud noise.
...
In the Headmaster's Office, Dumbledore was wearing a light pink sleepwear with a strawberry print, sitting behind the desk with a hint of exasperation. "Hagrid, I'm going to sleep in a while. You could have knocked a little softer."
"Sorry, Dumbledore," Hagrid apologized. "I'll be more careful next time."
"I'm not blaming you, Hagrid... but I really don't have time to look for a new door now," Dumbledore said with a smile. "So, what brings you here so late?"
"Well, we discovered something strange in the Forbidden Forest," Hagrid said. "I found my footprints in a place where I'm sure I've never been before."
Kyle stepped forward and placed the piece of mud with the footprints and the eroded trunk on the table, then described the situation in detail.
Dumbledore bent down and carefully examined the items on the table, his crooked nose almost touching the mud.
Then, he touched the eroded trunk.
"Finding traces of your existence in a place beyond memory," Dumbledore muttered to himself. "This is indeed a strange thing, but not entirely impossible. It just needs a little help..."
Hagrid's eyes lit up, and he quickly asked, "Do you know what's going on?"
"Not yet, I need to think about it," Dumbledore straightened up, his gaze shifting as he spoke gently. "But Kyle, you need to go back and rest now. I hope this detention will be fruitful for you."
"Alright..."
Although Kyle nodded, even though he didn't get to hear more news. Since Dumbledore said so, he said, "Then... good night, Headmaster. Good night, Hagrid."
"Good night, Kyle."
...
...
(End of Chapter)
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