https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-306-Hagrid-s-Request-the-Beast-Repelling-Curse/12538460/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-308-Snape-s-Discovery-Two-Kyles-/12538465/
Chapter 307: The Third Attack
Chapter 307: The Third Attack
It was a rare occasion for Hagrid to request their help, and without much hesitation, the group readily agreed.
Fortunately, the Beast-Repelling Charm was a simple spell, and although the task was daunting, with the combined efforts of the six, they managed to finish just before dusk.
They also received tokens of gratitude from Hagrid.
Cedric and Kyle received a handful of Thestral feathers, the largest ones from the wings, perfect for quills.
As for Connor and Autumn, they were given small pouches for their hair accessories and coins, a little roughly woven but made from unicorn hair, which more than made up for the lack of craftsmanship.
Out of the six, only Fred and George returned empty-handed.
Catoblepas were not easily encountered, and it would take time.
Hagrid informed them that if they visited his cabin after Christmas, they would have a chance to meet the creatures.
Whether Fred and George could gain the trust of the Catoblepas and bring them home depended on their own abilities.
After all, these magical beasts were extremely intelligent, and if they didn't take a liking to someone, they always found a way to escape.
"I wish tomorrow was Christmas already," Fred said eagerly as they made their way back to the castle.
"What if the Catoblepas don't like us?" George asked anxiously, glancing at Autumn and Connor. "Maybe we should ask for a pouch too. I'm sure Ginny would love one."
"Why didn't you say so earlier?" Fred shot him a look.
"I just thought of it..."
The group continued chatting and laughing as they made their way back to the castle. With dinner still some time away, they decided to pay a visit to the Room of Requirement on the eighth floor first.
Ever since Kyle had introduced them to that magical place, it had become their go-to spot to kill time.
However, they had barely reached the third floor when a sharp voice rang out from the corridor to their left.
"It's happening again! They're at it again! It doesn't matter if you're a ghost or a human, run for your lives!"
The voice carried an unusual penetrative power.
Kyle and the others exchanged glances and rushed over, forgetting all about the Room of Requirement.
In a dimly lit corridor, they found Peeves the Poltergeist shouting at the top of his lungs, along with two ghosts in a bizarre state.
Nick-Nearly-Headless, and the Bloody Baron, were floating six inches above the ground, their bodies shrouded in smoke and turned pitch black. Nick's head was half-severed, and his face was frozen in a terrified expression.
Standing between the two ghosts was Harry, looking utterly bewildered and panicked.
At the same time, more and more people were rushing over, but strangely, no one approached the two ghosts or Harry. Instead, they stood on both sides of the corridor, their expressions complicated as they stared at Harry in the middle.
"I... it wasn't me..."
Harry felt his stomach turn to ice. He tried to explain, but his words sounded weak and unconvincing.
Just then, someone broke the silence and asked, "Harry, did you see who did this to them?"
"I didn't see anything," Harry said quickly, latching onto the question like a lifeline. "They were like this when I got here, and then Peeves showed up, and he..."
"Stop lying! It was you!"
McMillan from Hufflepuff pushed his way through the crowd. "Kyle, don't let him fool you. He's a Parselmouth.
In the Duelling Club, he controlled a snake to attack Justin Finch-Fletchley.
And Justin just mentioned that he was coming to the third floor to get his book that he forgot in the Transfiguration classroom."
"You must have been eavesdropping on us," he said, glaring at Harry. "It's a good thing I lent him my book, or you would have succeeded."
Behind McMillan, a boy with curly hair was looking at Harry with fear in his eyes. He was pale, and he unconsciously moved closer to Kyle, as if seeking safety.
"That's enough, Mr. MacMillan!" Professor McGonagall emerged from the crowd, her tone stern.
Professor Flitwick and Professor Sinistra from Astronomy also arrived and bent down to examine the two ghosts.
Peeves the Poltergeist was floating above them, looking extremely pleased with himself. Ever since he had seen the Bloody Baron in this state, he hadn't stopped grinning, and had even composed a song about it.
"Oh, Potter, you nasty boy, look what you've done.
You've gone and cursed some ghosts, now how unfun... "
"That's enough, Peeves!" Professor McGonagall shouted.
Peeves stuck his tongue out at Harry and then flew over to greet Kyle.
"Oh, young Kyle, you'd best be careful, or you'll end up dead... Though, becoming a ghost might suit you instead."
"Peeves!" Professor McGonagall shouted again, and Peeves finally flew away, looking delighted.
The two professors dispersed the crowd, and Professor McGonagall conjured a large fan, handing it to Kyle and asking him to take the two ghosts, Nick and the Bloody Baron, to the hospital wing.
Kyle nodded and began fanning the two ghosts, making them float down the stairs like balloons.
Professor McGonagall, meanwhile, turned to Harry and said, "Come with me, Mr. Potter."
"Professor!" Harry said urgently. "I swear I didn't..."
"This is beyond my jurisdiction," Professor McGonagall replied curtly. "Dumbledore wants to speak with you."
Their voices soon faded as they walked away.
Kyle guided the two ghosts through the entrance hall, attracting stares from everyone they passed.
"Kyle, what are you up to now... Oh, is that Gryffindor's ghost?"
In the courtyard, Kyle also ran into Professor Lockhart, who was staring at Nick, his head hanging by a thread. "Did they make themselves a new outfit?"
"It's an attack, Professor," Kyle explained. "Just like the previous two times."
"Of course, I know that," Professor Lockhart said, grinning. "They must be under some sort of curse. I've seen ghosts like these in a vampire's castle. They must have angered the vampire and were left floating near the ceiling like balloons.
But with my persuasion, the vampire eventually lifted the curse... And I just so happen to remember the incantation."
"That's wonderful," Kyle said, continuing to walk towards the hospital wing. "Why don't you come with me, then, Professor? Professor McGonagall asked me to take them there."
"Of course, but first I need to make a quick stop and reply to some of my admirers."
Professor Lockhart flashed his pearly white teeth. "Please tell Madam Pomfrey that I'll be there shortly to help her resolve this issue."
...
When they arrived at the hospital wing, Madam Pomfrey was at a loss for what to do with the two ghosts and could only ask Kyle to fan them into a corner and then curtain them off.
As long as there was no wind, they wouldn't drift away.
Before leaving, Kyle casually mentioned, "Professor Lockhart might be dropping by later."
"What for?" Madam Pomfrey frowned.
"To help with the ghosts, apparently."
"Help?" Madam Pomfrey was amused. "He can't even tell the difference between sneezewort and pulverized asphodel, that story-spinning, good-for-nothing..."
At that moment, she realized that Kyle was still there and quickly closed her mouth. "Never mind... You should get going now."
(End of Chapter)
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