Hogwarts: The Exemplary Wizard I Am Chapter 597: Using Technicalities to Gain the Upper Hand, Who Wouldn't Do the Same? - Novel Cool

Chapter 597: Using Technicalities to Gain the Upper Hand, Who Wouldn't Do the Same?

Chapter 597: Using Technicalities to Gain the Upper Hand, Who Wouldn't Do the Same?

Kyle turned to Amelia Bones, the primary interrogator among those present, unlike Umbridge, who was merely jumping at the chance to accuse him.

"I don't object to Mr. Malfoy's proposal," Kyle said, "but on the condition that I receive a formal interrogation letter."

Kyle spoke firmly, "The Retroactive Curse was already my bottom line, and it serves as my accountability to the Ministry of Magic on behalf of the students of Hogwarts. However, after this, I will not accept any further inquiries unless you issue a formal letter or present new evidence."

"I demand that this absurd interrogation be terminated immediately," Kyle added.

"Let's put it to a vote," Amelia said in a loud voice. "Those in favor of dismissing the charges, please raise your hands."

She was the first to raise her hand after making the suggestion.

To be honest, she hadn't agreed with this interrogation in the first place, but what could she do? Fudge was the Minister, and Umbridge was fanning the flames from the side.

Several others, including Scrimgeour, followed suit and raised their hands as well.

Like Amelia, Scrimgeour thought this interrogation was a waste of time.

Kyle's movements were just too straightforward. Aside from school and home, he never went anywhere else. Scrimgeour couldn't fathom how Kyle could possibly manage to evade everyone and kill an adult wizard.

Many hands were raised, and it was clear that it was more than half even without counting, but Amelia continued, "Those in favor of upholding the charges, please raise your hands."

Umbridge immediately raised her hand, along with five or six others. Kyle swept his gaze across them, committing their faces to memory.

Oh, the Malfoy trio had also raised their hands... too bad they didn't have voting rights.

"Very well," Amelia Bones declared. "Charges dismissed!"

"A wise decision," Professor McGonagall said with a smile.

"Don't get too complacent," Umbridge snapped, her face turning purple as she glared at Kyle. "You wanted an interrogation letter, didn't you? You'll be receiving one soon enough. I hope you can still be this confident when you return to the Ministry in seven days."

"I think you're mistaken on one point, Ms. Umbridge," Kyle said with a smile. "In all things, it's important to respect the order of things. Your behavior during this interrogation will first be explained to the Wizengamot, and a Wizengamot trial will determine whether your testimony is credible."

Kyle then put on a serious expression and continued, "Ms. Amelia Bones, regarding today's interrogation, I, as a recipient of the Second Grade Order of Merlin, hereby formally request a ruling from the Wizengamot.

"This includes the authenticity of the testimony and the improper interrogation conducted by Ms. Dolores Jane Umbridge towards me."

"On behalf of the Wizengamot, I accept your request," Ms. Bones said solemnly, nodding. "Additionally, you will need to submit a written application to the Wizengamot."

"No problem," Kyle replied.

Everyone else breathed a sigh of relief, realizing that Kyle had only mentioned one person's name, except for Umbridge, who looked flustered.

"You can't agree to this, Amelia!" Umbridge exclaimed, her face turning pale. "You must see that this is retaliation, and I am the Senior Undersecretary of the Ministry of Magic. He has no right to interrogate me!"

"In fact, he does," Ms. Bones said calmly. "As an honorary member of the Wizengamot, in cases of doubtful evidence, he has the right to request a ruling.

"Furthermore, I reminded you before this interrogation began that such behavior is completely against regulations, and the consequences can be severe if mishandled.

"I thought the Sirius Black incident would have taught you to be more prudent, but it seems it hasn't."

With that, she stood up and left the room.

The others also rose from their seats, and several members of the Wizengamot approached Kyle to apologize and offer their assistance.

However, Kyle politely declined their help with a smile.

Before leaving the room, Kyle glanced at Umbridge once more.

She was sitting there, muttering to herself about being the Senior Undersecretary.

Indeed, Kyle was retaliating, but what could she do? She was using technicalities to try and pin him down, and anyone in his position would do the same.

After leaving the room, Kyle, along with Professor McGonagall and Chris, made their way toward the elevator.

Kyle noticed that Professor McGonagall's lips twitched slightly as if she wanted to smile but was holding it back.

"Professor McGonagall, are you returning to Hogwarts now?" Chris asked.

"No, I need to inform Dumbledore about what just transpired here," Professor McGonagall replied.

'Probably soon.'

'Why don't you wait at my desk for a while?'

'No need, I'll just wait here so I don't miss it when it's time.'

As they spoke, the elevator arrived.

When the iron door opened, Dumbledore stepped out, accompanied by Harry and Mr. Weasley.

"Oh, Millicent, Kyle," Dumbledore approached them, "Wonderful, it seems your matter has concluded as well?"

Upon seeing him, Professor McGonagall's expression turned grim once more. "Come with me, Albus, I need to speak with you," she said.

The two of them then walked down another corridor.

"Kyle, I heard from Professor Dumbledore that you received a warning letter as well?" Harry asked, moving closer. "What exactly happened?"

He seemed to be in good spirits, likely because the accusations against him didn't stick.

Kyle thought for a moment before replying, "It's nothing, just like you. I was accused of using magic outside of school, but it's not a big deal."

He chose not to reveal the truth to Harry, not because he wanted to hide it from him, but mainly because Harry was just too... well, honest. He wore his heart on his sleeve, and his face was an open book.

Additionally, Harry was already aware of the truth, and they were in the Ministry of Magic. One slip of the tongue could spell trouble.

Not long after, Dumbledore and Professor McGonagall returned, and Dumbledore's expression had turned sour.

"Leave this matter to me, Kyle," he said. "If they refuse to let it go, I will deal with them accordingly."

"Professor," Kyle said calmly, "Actually, I can handle it myself. It's not that complicated."

Dumbledore's expression froze, and as he looked at Kyle, he seemed to be considering something. After a moment, he said thoughtfully, "You're still just a student, Kyle. Sometimes it's better to let adults handle these matters."

"Alright then," Kyle shrugged, neither agreeing nor disagreeing.

He could tell that Dumbledore didn't want him too involved in this matter.

But was that even possible? Kyle certainly wasn't going to let it go.

While cornering Umbridge had worked for now, what if they came up with an even nastier scheme next? Like planting a Death Eater in St. Kachborough Village?

Given their tactics so far, it wasn't out of the question, and Harry was a prime example of their methods.

Kyle didn't want to spend all his time and energy dealing with these issues. Cornering Umbridge in the Wizengamot was just the first step to ensure they couldn't cause him trouble in the short term, but it didn't mean the matter was truly resolved.

Then there was Voldemort, another big problem.

Kyle was certain that someone was pulling the strings of both Karkaroff and Malfoy. Otherwise, given their personalities, they wouldn't have dared to attempt something like this.

It was highly likely that Voldemort was behind it all, and he had simply become a target, reluctantly receiving the kind of treatment Harry was used to.

As for the reason, it probably had something to do with Nagini.

Being one of Voldemort's Horcruxes, he undoubtedly valued that snake and would want to retrieve it.

However, as Dumbledore had mentioned, Voldemort had been badly injured—just like his hand—and needed time to recover. He wouldn't heal overnight.

With Kyle's new school year approaching, Voldemort would surely grow impatient.

After all, once Kyle returned to Hogwarts, Voldemort's chances of reclaiming the snake would diminish significantly unless he was willing to lead an attack on the school.

With two years left until his graduation, it would be a nuisance if Voldemort continued to cause trouble during this time.

In the absence of a direct way to eliminate Voldemort, the best course of action was to tackle the problem from within the Ministry of Magic.

Kyle stroked his chin thoughtfully.

He also needed to set aside some time to study the snake in the box.

Ever since he had taken Nagini from Voldemort, he had left her untouched in the box, unsure if Nico's potion would work on a living creature.

Kyle recalled that the snake had once been a wizard, but due to a unique curse, it had transformed into a snake... something called a Blood-Cursed Beastman, if he remembered correctly.

Therefore, if possible, he didn't want to kill Nagini outright.

Kyle thought to himself.

Dumbledore, who was standing beside him, seemed to sense something and gave Kyle a meaningful look. "Remember, Kyle, you're still a student. Don't take matters into your own hands," he said again.

"Of course, Professor," Kyle replied, snapping back to attention. "I'm well aware of that."

...

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end

Report