Chapter 54: Kyle's Humility
Chapter 54: Kyle's Humility
After the Halloween feast, the young wizards, their bellies full, returned to their dormitories together.
Once the students had left, the professors also began to depart.
In the Headmaster's office, Dumbledore looked at Snape, his face clouded with gloom, and asked, "Severus, what brings you here?"
Snape placed a map with golden trim on the desk and said expressionlessly, "It's been two weeks, Headmaster. It's about Kyle Jobar selling maps within the school... there should be a resolution by now."
"Ah, that matter," Dumbledore said calmly as he took a sip of his tea. "I'd like to hear your thoughts."
"Someone who blatantly disregards the school rules must be expelled!" Snape blurted out.
"That's not a very good joke, Severus," Dumbledore shook his head. "You should be aware that there is no rule in Hogwarts that prohibits students from selling items on school grounds."
"And as far as I know, it was Miss Prince who sold that map to Slatter..."
"That's enticement!" Snape interrupted Dumbledore, his voice rising in anger. "I've made inquiries, and all the maps came from Kyle!"
His voice was so loud that even the portraits pretending to sleep nearby began to stir.
A wizard with a large nose scolded, "Mind your attitude, young man. This is the Headmaster's office."
Snape paid him no heed and continued, "I should have insisted on having Connor transferred to Slytherin instead of listening to you and letting her stay in Hufflepuff."
"On the contrary, I believe it's a good thing," Dumbledore smiled. "Don't you think Connor's previous personality was a bit too introverted? As the only descendant of the Prince family in the British magical world, that's not ideal.
And you can't protect her forever."
Snape fell silent for a moment before speaking impatiently, "We're talking about Kyle Jobar now. He dared to sell a map for five Galleons today; tomorrow he might rob Gringotts. So, even if you don't expel him, he must be punished."
"Hmm, you make a valid point," Dumbledore mused. "Five Galleons is indeed a bit expensive for a first-year student. I'll personally ask the students for their opinions, and if they feel they've been cheated, I'll handle the matter accordingly."
...
Snape lapsed into silence once more.
In fact, he had already asked about this when he confiscated the map, and that was what Rolf had said...
"Cheated? Professor, you must be joking. It's just five Galleons; it's not a big deal."
Even if Dumbledore asked, the result would likely be the same.
Though, if Snape wanted to, he could easily influence the Slytherin students to change their view of the situation and condemn Kyle.
But that would be despicable, and he had his biases, but he wasn't completely without scruples.
Moreover, it would be challenging to keep such a scheme hidden, and exposure would bring a host of troubles.
"Kyle's character is also questionable," Snape said suddenly. "I've observed him, and while he's talented, his performance in class is mediocre.
It's concerning to see such hypocrisy at a young age. Don't you fear he might become the next Dark Lord?"
"I prefer to view such behavior as humility, Severus," Dumbledore said calmly. "It's not easy for one to shine, but it's even harder to conceal one's radiance. It's a rare quality."
"So..." Snape glared at Dumbledore. "You don't intend to punish him?"
"Not if he hasn't done anything wrong."
"Excellent!"
Snape's face darkened further, and with a sweep of his robe, he turned and left the Headmaster's office.
Snape continued on his way, ignoring him, but Phineas Black beside him couldn't contain himself. He rushed forward and grabbed Snape by the collar, demanding, "What did you just say about Slytherin?"
"So, you want to fight?"
The hot-headed wizard with the large nose wasted no time and threw a punch at Phineas's face.
The "great" Headmaster Black wouldn't let this slide, and the two soon became entangled in a scuffle.
Upon witnessing this, the other portraits hurried over with their candy, sunflower seeds, and butter beer, forming a circle around the brawling pair.
"Stop fighting, you two! Break it up!"
"You're all grown men, can't you be more level-headed... Hey, why are you kicking him there? Grab his hair, can't you see how long it is?"
"Hey, Mr. Spectator over there, put your sword away before they notice!"
"Oh no, Felix is reaching for that sword!"
"Who will go call the hunter in the corridor? I remember him having an axe over there."
Their commotion soon drew more portraits, each frame crowded with onlookers. The Headmaster's office had never been so lively.
Dumbledore sat behind his desk, cheerfully adding sugar to his tea.
Portrait fights weren't uncommon, and aside from eavesdropping on gossip, it was one of their few sources of entertainment.
Dumbledore couldn't be bothered to intervene as long as the frames and canvases remained intact.
However, just then, McGonagall's voice reached them from outside the office.
"Minister, you're visiting Albus so late in the evening?"
The portraits' ears perked up, and they hastily departed the office, no longer interested in the brawl.
The plump Lady Gryffindor, before leaving, joined forces with two knights to forcibly remove the bruised wizard with the large nose and Felix.
Their current state couldn't be seen by the Minister of Magic; it would bring shame to Hogwarts.
"It happened so suddenly, Millicent. I was powerless to stop it," Dumbledore said.
A deep voice accompanied the opening of the office door once more.
"Albus, it's been a while. How are you?"
Cornelius Fudge, with arms wide open, strode towards Dumbledore with earnestness.
"It has been a while, Cornelius," Dumbledore said, embracing him briefly. "Care for some tea? Or perhaps some pumpkin juice?"
"Tea will be fine."
Dumbledore snapped his fingers, and a cup of steaming tea instantly appeared on the table beside them.
"Would you like some sugar?"
Fudge shook his head. He appeared tense, his hands fidgeting with the brim of his tall, pointed hat. His eyes kept darting towards Professor McGonagall, who stood nearby.
"Albus, I should be going now."
Professor McGonagall immediately understood Fudge's intention and turned to leave the office.
"Albus, we can't keep it hidden any longer. Those smuggled magical creatures..."
As the door slowly closed behind the lion-headed eagle, Fudge's voice faded away.
Though only half a sentence was heard, Professor McGonagall could guess why the Minister had come so late.
This newly appointed Minister of Magic had a habit of concealing information that might reflect poorly on him. When things became too difficult to cover up, he would seek Dumbledore's advice.
This time seemed no different.
Professor McGonagall pressed her lips together. Cornelius Fudge's lack of spine was a far cry from Millicent Bagnold's resolute demeanor.
(End of Chapter)
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