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Chapter 230: Kyle's Endeavors
Chapter 230: Kyle's Endeavors
Hermione's guess was spot on. When she and Ron arrived at the Hospital Wing, it was already surrounded by students who had come to visit Harry.
There were his friends, members of the Quidditch team, and even some curious onlookers.
Of course, there were also those who wanted to kick him while he was down, like a Slytherin first-year student who wished to remain anonymous.
They crowded the entrance, each trying to come up with a reason to convince Madame Pomfrey to let them in.
"Please, Madame Pomfrey, just let me in. Tomorrow is the Quidditch match, and I must see Harry. It's important," Oliver Wood pleaded, standing at the forefront.
If there was anyone who desperately wanted to see Harry, he would definitely be among the top three.
Although they were over five hundred points behind Hufflepuff, who was in first place, there was still a chance for Gryffindor to catch up in the final match.
What if a miracle happened...
But without Harry, their most crucial Seeker, all hope would be lost, and they might even end up in last place, setting a new record for Gryffindor's resident troublemaker, added, "And we might even set a new record for the lowest score in Gryffindor's history over the past decade."
The thought of this made Wood shudder.
No matter how much Madame Pomfrey refused, he clung to the doorframe, determined not to let go.
Not far away, Dumbledore, who had just left the Hospital Wing, witnessed this scene and smiled with relief. "It seems that Harry is well-liked, with so many people concerned about him."
Beside him stood another person.
Severus Snape, surprisingly, did not make any snide remarks. He merely gave Dumbledore a complex look.
"Is this your plan, letting Potter face the Dark Lord alone? He might die..."
"Trust me, Severus..."
Dumbledore spoke in a deep voice, "Harry will eventually have to face Voldemort. It's inevitable, and he must learn to overcome his fears."
"Hmph, letting a child be the savior..." Snape scoffed, his disdain unclear whether directed at Harry or Dumbledore.
"He's as mediocre, arrogant, and fond of breaking rules as his father. He loves attention, is impudent, and lacks manners. Honestly, I don't see any possibility of him defeating the Dark Lord."
"You see what you expect to see, Severus."
Dumbledore turned and walked into the castle, saying without looking back, "The other professors say that the boy is humble, easygoing, and quite talented. Personally, I find him to be a likable child."
"Talented?"
Snape's expression was peculiar, as if he had just heard that the Ministry of Magic was giving out Felix Felicis for free... absurd.
If Dumbledore had said this about Kyle, his reaction might not have been so extreme.
Although Snape disliked Kyle, he had to admit that the little brat was indeed clever.
After all, even he couldn't brew the perfect Elixir of Life and Death in his second year.
As for Harry Potter... he couldn't even get the simplest boil-curing potion right.
And they call him talented? But thinking of Kyle, Snape suddenly asked in a low voice, "So, you truly don't know what happened in the underground classroom?"
"Of course, Severus. I have no reason to lie to you."
Dumbledore shook his head. "Hogwarts Castle is vast, and even I can't possibly see everything that happens."
"What about the mirror?"
"He has never seen the Mirror of Erised, not once," Dumbledore's gaze deepened. "In this regard, he is more clear-headed than all of us."
Snape fell silent again, and after a long while, he continued, "Aren't you worried that Quirrell will take the Philosopher's Stone? I thought you'd be keeping a close eye on him."
"Ever since I brought the Philosopher's Stone back, I've been worried about this very thing, not relaxing for a moment.
Professor Dumbledore lifted his head and said, "But there are always exceptions, Severus."
As they spoke, the two had already arrived at the Forbidden Corridor.
Rubeus had been sent away, and the entrance room seemed empty. They descended through a trapdoor into the room below.
Neither Dumbledore nor Snape needed brooms; the height was as easy for them as walking down a flight of stairs.
Upon landing, Snape's expression changed, and he bent down to pick up a leaf from the ground.
"Biting cabbage... If I remember correctly, Pomona should have placed Devil's Snare here."
"Perhaps someone found Devil's Snare too simple and decided to increase the challenge," Dumbledore said with a smile.
"I don't think it was Quirrell."
Snape rubbed the leaf in his hand thoughtfully, "To plant such dangerous plants so recklessly and leave them around the school... If Quirrell hadn't come down earlier, Potter and the others might not have needed to go to the hospital wing..."
"With such disregard for life, don't you worry that he might become the next Dark Lord?"
Snape didn't reveal who he was referring to, but Dumbledore could guess.
"You're wrong. In fact, Harry and the others rode brooms down, and even without Quirrell,
Teasing, Snape's teasing, asked, "And what about your precious Marauder's Map and those faulty protective charms?"
Dumbledore winked, "At least the students enjoy them, don't they?"
"Fine, let's say you're right about that. But what about the Brain Lock Spell? If there wasn't something they wanted to hide, why would anyone need to learn the Brain Lock Spell in their second year?"
"You should know, Severus, that we cannot use Legilimency on students." Dumbledore's tone became stern.
"It was just a test." Snape scoffed, "That kind of recklessness... He's making it too obvious."
"But you must understand, Severus, having secrets isn't unforgivable. It's your prejudice against Kyle that's too deep."
Snape furrowed his brows, neither agreeing nor disagreeing.
"Oh, and by the way," Dumbledore sighed as if suddenly remembering something, "Because of the Fiendfyre, I couldn't keep what happened in the underground classroom a secret from Kyle and Harry's families. They'll find out soon enough."
"Do you remember last year when Ollivander and Diana visited the school? I have to say, even after all these years, that child hasn't changed a bit. Still so... vivacious."
Snape's face visibly paled, and he asked coldly, "When are they arriving?"
"They should be here soon," Dumbledore thought for a moment, "But it could also be Chris."
"Good."
Snape turned and left the room without another word.
"Are you going to greet her?"
"No... Whether she comes or not is none of my concern."
Snape didn't turn back, "I just remembered that I forgot to pick up a batch of potion ingredients I ordered in Hogsmeade."
(End of Chapter)
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