Chapter 314: Agent Michael
Chapter 314: Agent Michael
The Christmas break concluded swiftly, and students returned to Hogwarts by train, transforming the once tranquil castle into a bustling hub once more.
The post-holiday atmosphere seemed to alleviate the fear induced by the attacks, with students appearing more cheerful and less anxious than before their departure.
Perhaps, in their eyes, the professors had resolved the issue of the Chamber's monster during the break.
At least, that's what Lo Hart claimed.
This professor was the first to leave the school, departing even earlier than the students. After the final Dark Arts Defense class, he hurriedly left without attending the final feast.
No one knew what he experienced during the break or what rumors he had heard, but upon his return, he boldly announced... that he had solved the mystery of the Chamber.
As Kyle waited near the entrance hall, he inadvertently overheard Lo Hart conversing with Professor McGonagall.
"I don't think there will be any more trouble, Minerva," Lo Hart said loudly. "I believe the Chamber will never open again because I've found the true heir, but I've decided to give him a chance. If he's smart enough, he won't continue causing trouble."
Many students heard his words, some believing and others skeptical. Nonetheless, it provided a measure of comfort.
It's worth mentioning that, five minutes earlier, Lo Hart had said the exact same words to Professor Flitwick...
And ten minutes before that, he had said the same to Professor Sprout...
Kyle was present for all these conversations.
Regardless of whom he spoke to, Lo Hart's words remained unchanged, as if he had memorized a script.
Soon, Professor McGonagall departed, leaving Lo Hart standing in place, looking around for his next target.
Following the order, he might be seeking Professor Snape... but this task seemed rather challenging.
It was uncertain whether Snape would ignore him or patiently listen...
Of course, there was also the possibility of a Tongue-Tying Curse to silence him temporarily or an Avada Kedavra to silence him permanently.
All these outcomes were plausible.
Kyle was quite intrigued and wanted to stay and observe, but at that moment, the person he was waiting for arrived.
Cedric descended the stone steps into the castle and approached Kyle directly.
"I've asked around for you," he said, handing Kyle a golden chain. "None of the shops I know, including Diagon Alley, have sold anything with this decoration."
"Not even something similar?" Kyle frowned.
"No," Cedric replied after a moment's thought. "But I didn't inquire in Knockturn Alley; my father doesn't allow me to go there..."
"It's fine, this is enough," Kyle shook his head. "People in Knockturn Alley rarely tell the truth, so it wouldn't have helped."
"You're right..." Cedric agreed as they entered the Great Hall. "I was about to ask, what is this thing anyway?"
"I don't know," Kyle said. "I found it and felt it might be related to the recent attacks. That's why I asked you to help me find out what it is."
"You mean... the Chamber?" Cedric's steps faltered, perhaps realizing his voice was too loud. He quickly lowered his voice and asked, "Are you sure?"
"It's just a guess, it might just be a clothing decoration."
"Can I take another look?"
"Of course," Kyle glanced at the item in his hand and casually passed it to Cedric. "You can hold onto it, but be careful not to get too close to the fireplace, or it might revert back."
Cedric looked at Kyle in surprise, having not noticed it at all before. "Is this Transfiguration?"
Not long after they took their seats at the long dining table, the banquet began.
Dumbledore, dressed in a light blue robe, was chatting with Professor Trelawney, the Divination teacher.
Speaking of Divination class... Kyle suddenly remembered that since the start of school, he hadn't attended a single Divination class.
According to his classmates, he was already close to becoming a teaching prop for Divination class. Professor Trelawney was unhappy about it, and before the break, she directly stated,
"I'm afraid that if he doesn't attend Divination class again, he will permanently leave us next semester."
Michael and Ryan had even advised him to take the time to attend a Divination class.
Kyle had intended to go, but unfortunately, Divination class conflicted with Ancient Runes. He could only give up one."
Ancient Runes was definitely not something he could give up. Without Riddle as his tutor, the problems he encountered with the magical runes could only be asked of Professor Babbling... and only once a week.
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Apart from class time, no one knew where Professor Babbling was at other times, and her shadow couldn't be found anywhere in the castle.
So Kyle had to give up on Divination class and didn't attend.
It was estimated that by the start of the second semester, his name would likely become a "teaching prop" for Divination class.
Next to Dumbledore was Professor McGonagall, who looked serious, and Lockhart, who was beaming.
Lockhart seemed particularly happy and even took out a bottle of whisky, intending to share a few drinks with the other professors.
Everyone refused, and Professor McGonagall pursed her lips, seemingly dissatisfied with his drinking of spirits at school, but Dumbledore didn't stop him, so she couldn't say anything.
After the banquet ended, a tipsy Lockhart stood up and repeated everything he had said to the professors earlier.
A cheer immediately erupted around them.
Lockhart also expressed his intention to write a new book about Hogwarts and the Chamber of Secrets, in which all students would become the protagonists.
The cheers grew louder.
However, a small portion of the students remained unmoved, no longer believing anything Lockhart said and treating it as drunken ramblings.
Back in the Hufflepuff Common Room, some students, following the tradition, sat on the sofa to catch up on their holiday homework.
Kyle handed his homework to Michael.
"Thank you," Michael said happily. "I'm only five inches short of completing my Potions homework! No matter what, I can't finish it!"
While Michael was catching up on his homework, Kyle asked, "Did you notice anyone in Slytherin acting abnormally during the past period?"
Michael had mentioned wanting to go to the Slytherin Common Room to gather information, and he actually did it.
Even more outrageous was that he succeeded. Using the excuse that his face was stung by a three-tailed bee, he managed to blend in with a group of Slytherin students who had just finished their Care of Magical Creatures class and secretly memorized the password.
However, he was later discovered for some reason, and because of this, Snape deducted fifty points from Hufflepuff.
(End of Chapter)
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