Chapter 327: Dumbledore Loses His Composure
Chapter 327: Dumbledore Loses His Composure
A young Lord Voldemort and a diary containing his sixteen-year-old self's spirit... The revelations were overwhelming, and Professor McGonagall needed a moment to process them.
"However, I'm more curious about what transpired in between." Dumbledore turned to look at the snake-like beast beside Kyle.
Sensing a deadly threat, the beast bared its long fangs and instinctively tried to open its eyes...
Kyle raised his hand and delivered a resounding slap to its head.
How dare a beast dare to open its eyes in front of Dumbledore; did it want to forfeit its life?
"Smack!"
The sound was crisp.
In an instant, everyone present widened their eyes in shock. Filch cried out, and Professor Sprout covered her mouth.
They quickly raised their wands, fearing that the beast would swallow Kyle whole in the next moment.
Even Dumbledore now held a peculiarly shaped wand in his hand.
However, contrary to expectations, the beast did not fly into a rage. Instead, it calmed down, closed its mouth, and laid its head back down.
"Don't worry, Professor." Kyle smiled. "It's now my... pet, and it won't harm anyone anymore."
The room fell into silence. Even the well-traveled professors struggled to comprehend what had just happened. The feeling was akin to witnessing a Sentret slapping a Charizard; the impact was no less shocking than that of a young Lord Voldemort.
After an unknown duration, Snape finally spoke: "Am I to understand that... you intend to keep the school's property for yourself?"
He returned his wand to his pocket and continued matter-of-factly, "This is Slytherin's Chamber of Secrets, and this snake-like beast must be the monster. As part of Slytherin's legacy, it naturally belongs to... the school."
"No, it's mine." Kyle shook his head. "Mr. Salazar Slytherin gave it to me."
"..."
"Headmaster, I think we should head to the hospital wing soon." Snape drawled. "Madame Pomfrey should be able to fix his brain."
But Dumbledore simply looked at Kyle.
"It seems your experiences have been even more colorful than we imagined."
"Indeed, Professor. It's quite memorable." Kyle smiled.
"Wait, Professor Dumbledore..." Snape frowned. "Surely you don't believe his nonsense?"
"In fact, I do, Severus." Dumbledore crouched down by the statue and carefully picked up the broken Time-Turner, examining it closely.
It was completely damaged, its color dull and lifeless, with cracks all over its surface. The slightest bit of pressure would reduce it to pieces.
"I believe this is Slytherin's true legacy..."
Dumbledore spoke in a trembling voice, "This is one of the earliest Time-Turners, also known as a Time-Reversal Charm. It can transcend the constraints of time and allow the user to communicate with someone from the past or future as if they were old friends."
As Dumbledore spoke, his voice grew softer, and he unconsciously clenched his hand...
"Crack!"
Like a crushed potato chip, the Time-Turner broke into two halves, with smaller fragments falling through his fingers.
Dumbledore quickly cast a spell similar to the Bubble-Head Charm on his hand and, without regard for his dignity, picked up all the fallen fragments.
He even collected the dust from the floor and stored it in a bag.
"If you don't need to go to the hospital wing..." Dumbledore looked up. "Kyle, would you join me for a cup of tea?"
"Of course, Professor. I'd be delighted." Kyle replied. "But could I have two servings of fried pork chops? I haven't eaten in almost a day."
"Even three servings wouldn't be a problem." Dumbledore smiled.
When they left the chamber, the sky had brightened. The morning sunlight streamed through the windows, illuminating the corridors of the castle.
Upon reaching the Headmaster's office, they found Fawkes already waiting for them. It swayed unsteadily atop the beast's head, its body heaving.
Although the beast obeyed Kyle's orders and did not resist, the journey via Floo Powder had still been a challenging experience for Fawkes.
However, they had no choice. Dumbledore couldn't allow the beast to strut openly through the castle, nor could he leave it in the chamber.
Kyle glossed over some of the details, merely mentioning that he had heard strange noises at the start of term and accidentally stumbled upon the Chamber.
After that, there wasn't much left to hide.
Kyle recounted the events as they happened, including how he had suddenly traveled back several months and encountered the Hogwarts Founders...
The professors were naturally more intrigued by this part of the story.
"Unbelievable," Professor McGonagall exclaimed, covering her mouth. "So, you truly met Godric Gryffindor?"
"Yes, a very reliable and friendly person, although a bit eccentric and not very dignified. The other three Founders didn't seem to like him much." Kyle added.
Professor McGonagall's face stiffened, and she fell silent.
"Marvelous..." Dumbledore murmured, glancing at the surrounding professors. "I believe everyone is already awake. Could I trouble you to announce this good news? And perhaps we should hold a banquet to celebrate. Someone will need to inform the kitchen as well."
"Not at all." The professors promptly headed for the door.
Only Snape hesitated, his gaze fixed on the snake-like beast coiled in the corner, as if he longed to carry it back to his private storage room.
"Headmaster, I maintain that the snake-like beast is the property of the school." Snape insisted. "Even if he truly met Salazar Slytherin, such a dangerous creature cannot be left in the hands of a third-year student, especially after the attacks that occurred earlier."
"I will give you a satisfactory answer, Severus." Dumbledore assured him.
"I hope so." Snape left as well.
"I suddenly feel this office is a bit cramped..." Dumbledore mused after the door closed.
"Leave it to me, Professor." Kyle quickly put down his fried pork chops and took out a box, gently ushering the snake-like beast inside.
"Much better." Dumbledore smiled. "But remember to leave the box behind when you depart."
"Alright." Kyle reluctantly nodded.
"Professor Snape is correct. I cannot allow a beast like this to roam freely in the castle, no matter how safe it may seem. However..." Dumbledore winked, "when the school breaks for the holidays, I will entrust it to Newt. That would be the best solution."
"Your plan is indeed thoughtful, Headmaster." Kyle readily placed the box on the table. "I believe Mr. Scamander will be able to take good care of the beast!"
"I concur."
Dumbledore pushed a treacle tart toward Kyle. "Try this. I found it to be quite delightful."
Kyle took a bite... and never looked at it again.
It was too sweet. Did the house-elves collect sugar from everywhere and dump it into this pie? Ten minutes later, after finishing the last drop of pumpkin juice, Kyle looked up at the silent Dumbledore.
"There is one more item, Professor... also left to me by Mr. Salazar Slytherin."
"Yes, you are right. I almost forgot."
As if just remembering, Dumbledore cleared the plates and placed the broken Time-Turner from the Chamber on the table.
"I have a request, Kyle." He said softly, "Could I... keep this in my care?"
"But it's broken, Professor." Kyle said, "Shattered to pieces after its magic was exhausted, beyond repair."
"It can be fixed." Dumbledore murmured, "I know many master alchemists, and there's also Nicolas. They will surely find a way."
"But Professor Dumbledore, we cannot change what has already happened." Kyle said intentionally, "And Mr. Godric Gryffindor once advised me to never tamper with time."
"I merely wish to repair it."
For the first time, Kyle saw a fleeting look of evasion in Dumbledore's eyes, as if their identities had momentarily swapped.
...
(End of Chapter)
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