https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-60-Helping-the-Headmaster-Pacify-His-Pet/12538159/
Chapter 59: The Principal's Office
Chapter 59: The Principal's Office
Kyle and Kona soon returned to the castle.
After they left, Hagrid sat in his cabin, deep in thought until eveningfall. Finally, he decided to heed Kyle's suggestion and send Rover into the Forbidden Forest that very night.
Although it pained him to part with the creature, it was necessary. Firstly, this would lift Rover's spirits.
If Rover was happy, then he would be too.
Additionally, he reflected on Kyle's words, realizing the gravity of the situation beyond the castle walls.
Earlier, Professor Aurene from Dark Arts had visited the Forbidden Forest to gather teaching materials and had complained to him about how, after today's issue with The Prophet, the Ministry had dispatched nearly all of their Strike Teams to hunt down magical beasts of uncertain origin, making it difficult for her to procure materials for her classes.
Hagrid recalled how incensed Professor Aurene had been, cursing Minister Fudge for his incompetence.
At the time, Hagrid had found the situation amusing, but now he regretted not joining in on the criticism.
After all, he had purchased Rover from a pub, and there had been quite a few people around at the time.
Although those folks didn't know exactly what he had bought, if any of them were unlucky enough to be caught by the Strike Teams, they might implicate him just to save themselves, claiming that he had indeed purchased a magical beast.
For those people, it would be a guess with potential rewards and no repercussions if they were wrong. Why wouldn't they take that chance?
So, for Rover's safety and to avoid causing more trouble for Dumbledore, Hagrid had no choice but to send Rover away.
Surely, those Strike Teams wouldn't dare to venture into the Forbidden Forest.
Of course, even if they wanted to, Hagrid wouldn't try to stop them.
There was no need.
Deep within the Forbidden Forest dwelled werewolves and sphinxes; a three-headed dog was nothing out of the ordinary.
Back at the castle, Kyle sat in a corner of the common room, sifting through a pile of fallen branches from the Whomping Willow.
"I was wondering about that," Kona said curiously as she watched his actions. "Why are you collecting these dry branches? There are plenty of them in the kitchen that you can use whenever you want."
"These are different," Kyle explained. "They're from the Whomping Willow, a magical tree that can protect those who touch its trunk from dark creatures."
Kona blinked, unsure how this related to Kyle's collection of branches.
Branches... trunk... these seemed like two different things altogether.
"Never mind, you'll understand later," Kyle said, setting aside a straight stick. "By the way, how did you know about the kitchen having these branches? Have you been there before?"
Given the proximity of the kitchen, Kyle had certainly been there before, but each time he approached the entrance, he was surrounded by a swarm of house-elves.
The stoves were located further inside, and to get a clear view, one would have to sit on those long tables.
Due to the enthusiastic nature of the house-elves, it was almost impossible to make it that far without stopping to eat.
Before you knew it, they'd have an entire roast cow hanging off your body.
"No, I haven't... I mean, I was just curious and wanted to take a look!" Kona's face suddenly flushed, and she stumbled over her words.
"I see.
He had no intention of pulling an all-nighter.
For Hufflepuffs, the upcoming weekend was a significant event, as the Quidditch matches were about to begin, and the first game would be against Slytherin.
The next day.
Eager to cheer on their house team, the badgers rose early, before eight o'clock. After breakfast, they donned their uniforms and carried the support banners they had made beforehand, heading punctually towards the Quidditch stadium.
Kyle was supposed to be among them, but after finishing his breakfast, a chubby ghost floated up to him.
"Good morning, Kyle. I hope I'm not disturbing your breakfast."
"Good morning, Monk," Kyle replied politely. "Are you heading to the Quidditch match as well? Hufflepuff has a good chance of winning this year."
"No, I actually prefer Gobstones," the plump monk said with some regret. "Unfortunately, Hogwarts stopped holding those competitions decades ago."
"Sorry, Monk," Kyle said hastily. "I hope I haven't ruined your day."
"Of course not, my child," the plump monk said with a laugh. "The best thing about being a ghost is that there's nothing worse than being dead, so you don't have to worry about such things.
However, you might be a bit late for the game, as Dumbledore wants to see you. Head to his office on the eighth floor; the password is 'Butterbeer Ice.' "
Dumbledore wanted to see him?
This surprised Kyle, and he asked curiously, "Monk, do you know why the headmaster is looking for me?"
"No idea," the plump monk shook his head. "I'm just passing on the message."
"Alright, I'll head there now. Goodbye, Monk."
After bidding the monk farewell, Kyle made his way directly to the eighth floor.
He knew he had to go and see the headmaster; he just hoped he wouldn't miss the Quidditch match.
Although he had never been to the headmaster's office before, Kyle quickly found the hideous stone gargoyle thanks to his familiarity with the map.
"Butterbeer Ice," Kyle recited the password.
The gargoyle hopped aside, and the wall behind it split in two, revealing a spiral staircase.
The stairs moved slowly upward, like an escalator.
Kyle stepped onto it and followed the staircase up to a large oak door with a knocker in the shape of a lion's head.
Kyle knocked on the door hesitantly, and the knocker, as if coming to life, flapped its wings and slowly pulled the door open.
It was indeed the headmaster's office; the way the door opened was far more impressive than knocking on a barrel.
As he entered, Kyle curiously looked around.
The spacious circular room was filled with various comical little noises, and the table was adorned with many peculiar silver instruments that spun and emitted small puffs of smoke.
Kyle had no idea what they were for, but he was sure they weren't humidifiers.
Near the wall stood a stone basin with strange symbols, and next to it was a large mirror.
The mirror was quite grand, reaching all the way up to the ceiling, with a golden frame that sparkled, and it was supported by two claw-shaped feet.
(End of Chapter)
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