Chapter 202: The Dark Wizard in the Forbidden Forest
Chapter 202: The Dark Wizard in the Forbidden Forest
Professor Flitwick's face was grave, and he seemed tense, as if an unruly dragon might appear at any moment.
Some of the older students approached to inquire about the situation, but Professor Flitwick remained tight-lipped, merely urging them to return to the castle promptly.
Everyone speculated about what could have happened, and based on past experiences, the most likely culprit was Quirinus Quirrell, their Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher.
"I'm sure it's him!" Gemma Farley asserted. "Most of the significant incidents at Hogwarts in the past have been related to the Defense Against the Dark Arts professor."
"And Professor Quirrell didn't come to the game today," someone immediately chimed in. "I remember him saying he loved Quidditch. He has no reason not to come!"
"Do you guys think Professor Quirrell might be a Dark wizard like Professor Morant last year?" someone asked worriedly.
"Or maybe he's a Death Eater!"
"Never mind that. I feel so cold all of a sudden..."
"Let's hurry back to the castle. Professor Dumbledore is there, and even if the Death Eaters show up, they won't be able to do anything."
"Yeah..."
The young wizards rushed back into the castle, feeling much safer within its walls.
Kyle was among them, but instead of returning to the common room with the others, he took the opportunity to slip away from Professor Sprout's notice and blend in with the Gryffindor group.
"Kyle?" Fred and George were the first to spot him, and they excitedly asked, "Do you know something we don't?"
"Come on, tell us. If you're planning something, don't forget to include me and Fred!"
"Sorry, Fred, George..."
As they climbed the stairs, Kyle whispered, "I need to confirm something quickly. I don't have time to explain, but can you cover for me?"
The twins furrowed their brows, unsure of Kyle's intentions, but they stepped aside and positioned themselves behind him.
"Thanks."
With a murmur of gratitude, Kyle bent down and cast a Disillusionment Charm on himself. He discreetly detached from the group when they reached the third floor.
"Merlin... that's a Disillusionment Charm!" Fred exclaimed. "I've always wanted to learn that one."
George waved his arms in front of him but felt nothing.
"Kyle's only in his second year, and he's already learned the Disillusionment Charm!"
"How much else is he hiding from us?"
Meanwhile, after parting ways with the others, Kyle crept along the wall with caution until he reached the entrance to Moaning Myrtle's bathroom.
He first checked the feather quill wedged in the door crack and breathed a sigh of relief upon confirming it was intact.
Thankfully, it probably wasn't the Basilisk.
"Who's there? Come out, I can see you."
Suddenly, a round head poked out from between the doors.
"It's me, Moaning Myrtle," Kyle said as he dropped the Disillusionment Charm, revealing himself.
"Oh, it's you, Kyle," Myrtle said with a giggle. "Have you finally decided to share a bathroom with me?"
"Sorry, I don't have any plans to do that," Kyle shook his head. "I came here to ask if anyone has been here recently?"
"You?"
"I mean, other than me."
"Nope, just me," Myrtle said, and then she started to cry again. "No one wants to come here. Who would like ugly, pitiful, gloomy, crying Moaning Myrtle?"
The piercing wails echoed through the third-floor corridor, sending chills down Kyle's spine.
To divert attention from their conversation, he hastily changed the subject. "By the way, remember the anti-Peeves device I set up for you? Has it been working?"
"I don't know. That nasty poltergeist hasn't shown up in a long time."
Just like that, Myrtle's emotions switched off like a tap.
She turned back towards the bathroom, glancing suspiciously at the floor. "But do you really think those things work...? You just laid out a bunch of books on the floor, claiming they'd keep Peeves away."
"Of course, they will... well, they're not exactly books, but special fireworks. As soon as Peeves opens the door, the entire castle will hear the noise, and it'll scare him off."
"Then... I guess I'll be going now."
Now that Kyle knew the incident had nothing to do with the serpent, he prepared to leave. It would be troublesome if Professor Sprout found out he wasn't with the group.
"Oh, alright..."
Myrtle replied sadly, "If you change your mind, you're always welcome to move in."
Hearing this, Kyle quickened his pace.
As he reached the entrance of the Gryffindor common room, Professor Sprout emerged from inside.
"Oh, Kyle... thank goodness you're alright." Her face was stern, and she spoke angrily. "Where have you been? Why didn't you return with the others?"
This was the first time Kyle had seen her so furious. Feeling guilty, he explained, "Professor, I was just... well, I was worried... so I stayed outside a bit longer to see if I could help."
As Kyle scrambled for excuses, Professor Sprout suddenly sighed. "Who told you about this? Was it Millicent?"
"What?" Kyle was taken aback, not understanding her meaning.
Professor Sprout seemed to have misunderstood something. She spoke softly, "I understand. You and Hagrid are close, and it's natural to be worried upon hearing he was badly injured.
But you're just a second-year wizard. Right now, the most important thing is your safety. Madam Pomfrey will take care of Hagrid."
"What do you mean, Hagrid's badly injured...? I mean, can you tell me how he's doing now?" Kyle was truly shocked to learn that Hagrid was the one who had been hurt.
"All I can say is that it's not looking too bad," Professor Sprout considered, shaking her head. "When we found Hagrid at the edge of the Forbidden Forest, he had many signs of Dark Magic on him.
If he weren't so... robust, he might have died.
But rest assured, he's been taken to the school hospital, and he'll surely be fine."
"Thank you, Professor. I understand." Kyle asked, "Professor, may I go and see him?"
"Not now!"
Professor Sprout gave Kyle a stern look.
"Until Professor Dumbledore returns from the Forbidden Forest, all of you must stay in the common room. You are not permitted to go anywhere else."
"Now, off you go!"
(End of Chapter)
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