Chapter 492: The Binding Contract
Chapter 492: The Binding Contract
The atmosphere in the Headmaster's Office was so quiet that one could hear a pin drop. Dumbledore looked at Kyle, wanting to speak several times but holding back.
Initially, he assumed that Kyle intended to use the Basilisk to destroy the Pendant Box, so he kept silent and allowed him to keep the item.
However, during the holidays, Kyle never visited the Basilisk, according to Newt's letter. Moreover, from Kyle's words, the box seemed to remain intact.
Dumbledore tapped his fingers on the table and finally spoke, "You've given me quite a dilemma. So, can you assure me that you won't be influenced by it?"
"I can, Professor," Kyle said earnestly. "In fact, the Slytherin Pendant Box is an extremely special existence. As long as it's not opened, it's fine to wear it around your neck."
Although Dumbledore already knew this, his lips twitched slightly upon hearing the name 'Slytherin Pendant Box.'
The diary was also a Horcrux, but Kyle gave it away without any hesitation and even threw it to Lucius Malfoy like trash.
Now, after replacing it with the Pendant Box, he wasn't even willing to let Dumbledore see it.
Dumbledore understood the reason behind this.
However, the Slytherin Pendant Box was a treasure as renowned as the Gryffindor Sword. Dumbledore was indeed curious about it.
But since Kyle obtained it first, and even Sirius didn't say anything, it didn't feel right for him to ask for it.
"I can agree to that," Dumbledore said softly. "But you must promise me to destroy it as soon as possible. And I must remind you not to do anything foolish. Even the most precious treasures will lose their original brilliance once corrupted by Dark Magic. It's not worth risking your life for it."
"I promise," Kyle smiled.
Before resolving Voldemort's soul fragments, he indeed had no intention of using the Pendant Box. This was unquestionable, and the item, like the crown before, was always locked in a box.
However, at this moment, Kyle seemed to think of something. He glanced at Dumbledore and continued, "Professor, I think we can set up a binding contract."
"What?" Dumbledore didn't quite understand what he meant.
"It's a type of restrictive magic," Kyle explained. "For example, if I have the intention to use a Horcrux, I'll be directly stopped... I think you should know about this kind of magic."
"Ah, I do know a few such spells..." Dumbledore said, "But there's no need for that, Kyle. I trust you completely, just as I trust myself."
"No, I just feel it's safer this way," Kyle insisted. "It's like adding an extra layer of insurance for myself. If I'm ever bewitched by a Horcrux, it might even save my life."
Bewitched by a Horcrux? Dumbledore pondered and felt that Kyle's words made sense. After all, Horcruxes were too mysterious, and even he didn't know much about them. Adding an extra layer of insurance seemed reasonable.
"If you insist... then, prepare your wand."
Kyle took out his wand and followed Dumbledore's instructions to extend his arm.
Dumbledore also stood in front of Kyle and performed the same action, touching the tips of their wands together.
"Wait a moment, Professor," Kyle suddenly said.
"Do you have any more questions? If you don't want to continue, there's still time." Dumbledore thought Kyle might have regretted his decision and proactively disconnected their wands.
"No, Professor," Kyle said, "I just feel that since it's a binding contract, it's only fair if both parties abide by it, right?"
Dumbledore was taken aback for a moment, not expecting Kyle to bring up this topic. But he quickly recovered.
"Yes, I completely agree with you," he said.
"Then you..."
"No problem. The two-way contract charm will work on me as well."
Although Kyle's actions today were a bit odd, Dumbledore didn't pay it much mind.
After all, he himself would never consider using a Horcrux, so he readily agreed without hesitation...
It wouldn't cause any harm, and he could just treat it as playing along with the child.
"Get ready, and don't resist."
As their wands touched once again, Dumbledore softly chanted a lengthy incantation, seemingly setting the content of the charm.
The process took a long time, lasting about two minutes before he finished. As Dumbledore completed the incantation, a golden thread emerged from where their wands met. The thread floated and divided into two, extending along their wands and wrapping around their wrists, connecting at the ends like a delicate bracelet.
The next moment, Kyle felt a searing pain on his wrist, but it vanished instantly.
When he looked again, a golden rune symbol had appeared where the pain had been.
The rune was small, and before Kyle could make out its meaning, it disappeared without a trace, as if it had never existed.
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Kyle moved his wrist, but felt no discomfort.
"It's done," Dumbledore said with a smile. "Don't worry, it won't affect you in any way, and you can come to me anytime to have this restriction lifted."
"Can I remove it myself?" Kyle asked. "With the Universal Termination Charm?"
"No," Dumbledore explained. "Contract magic is different from the spells we usually use. Whether it's casting or removing, both parties involved in the magic must be present simultaneously."
Kyle nodded and looked at his wrist again.
"In that case, you might find me a bit verbose," Dumbledore said, putting away his wand. "But I still want to advise you to destroy it as soon as possible.
"I have some achievements in alchemy myself, and I might be able to help fix the damaged Slytherin pendant box... Of course, on the condition that you don't use the Fiery Blast Charm."
"I'll do it as soon as I can," Kyle said.
At that moment, Kyle suddenly smelled the aroma of grilled meat. Without realizing it, a sumptuous lunch appeared on the table behind Dumbledore.
"Oh, my favorite honey-glazed meatloaf is on the menu today..." Dumbledore said with delight. "Should I have the kitchen house-elves prepare a portion for you as well? Or would you rather have lunch with your friends?"
"No need, Professor. I'll just head to the Great Hall," Kyle said, rushing out the door.
Dumbledore sat down at the table, his thoughts returning to the Slytherin pendant box...
The mere thought that this was something left behind by Salazar Slytherin made his heart itch, a natural reaction for an alchemy enthusiast.
No, he had to come up with a way to borrow... I mean, convince Kyle to let him study it for a few days. But what excuse could he use? Kyle wasn't easily fooled...
Dumbledore stared at the honey-glazed meatloaf in front of him, lost in thought.
What if... he offered a Phoenix feather in exchange?
A Phoenix perched on a branch suddenly woke up from its nap, shook its feathers, and looked around suspiciously.
...
(End of Chapter)
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