Chapter 60: Helping the Headmaster Pacify His Pet
Chapter 60: Helping the Headmaster Pacify His Pet
The legendary Erised Mirror, a renowned alchemical artifact, had the ability to show each person who stood before it their heart's deepest desire.
It was incredibly fascinating.
"So this is...a Mirror of Erised?"
Kyle resisted the urge to glance at it again and turned his attention elsewhere.
"It seems you've recognized the Mirror of Erised," Dumbledore said gently, having appeared silently behind Kyle. "I'm pleased that you were able to resist its temptation, as many adult witches and wizards cannot. People often waste away before it, obsessing over what they see or even going mad."
"I just didn't want any more trouble, Headmaster," Kyle replied with a smile. "I'm quite content with my life as it is."
"A wise choice," Dumbledore acknowledged, walking around Kyle to stand before the mirror and gently trace the golden frame. "I must admit, in this regard, you've surpassed an old man like me. Even I sometimes find it hard to resist taking a peek."
"So, what did you see when you looked into the mirror, sir?" Kyle asked curiously. "Did you see the secrets of magic or something even more profound?"
"You flatter me, Kyle," Dumbledore said, his eyes twinkling.
"Perhaps I'm not as great as you think, because all I saw was myself holding a pair of thick woolen socks."
"One can never have enough socks," Dumbledore winked. "Christmas after Christmas, I never receive anything but books from those who insist on giving me presents."
Kyle had reason to suspect that Dumbledore was hinting at a gift from him, especially since Christmas was less than two months away.
Just as Kyle was considering whether to offer a gift, Dumbledore had already returned to his desk, pouring himself a cup of tea and a plate full of sugar cubes.
"Would you care for something to drink, Kyle?"
"Some lemonade, please."
Dumbledore nodded, and soon a large glass of lemonade appeared on the table.
Kyle took a sip and found it to be ordinary lemonade, nothing out of the ordinary for a drink served in the headmaster's office.
Even after finishing the entire glass, Dumbledore sat across from him, leisurely sipping his tea with no sign of starting a conversation.
The portraits of past headmasters on the wall remained quiet, gently snoring within their frames, though occasionally, one would half-open their eyes to sneak a glance at Kyle.
In this atmosphere, Kyle felt nothing but discomfort.
Just then, the sound of a whistle from a Quidditch match drifted in through the window.
Kyle took the opportunity to gather his thoughts and asked, "Headmaster, is there something you wanted to discuss with me?"
"You see, I got so caught up with my tea that I almost forgot the main issue," Dumbledore said, patting his forehead. He stood up and led Kyle to a tall, gilded perch behind the door, where Fawkes the phoenix stood.
"Fawkes has been in a foul mood lately," Dumbledore said with a troubled expression. "But I don't know the reason. Could you ask him what's wrong?"
"Is that so?"
Kyle turned to face Fawkes, knowing that the phoenix would understand Dumbledore's words.
Fawkes glanced at Kyle and then turned his gaze to Dumbledore, clearly displaying a look of disdain on his avian face. With an unwilling chirp, he expressed his displeasure.
Kyle nodded in understanding. "No wonder you're so angry.
Additionally, angry Fawkes seemed to have a slight accent, which made it even harder for Dumbledore to understand.
Kyle chose his words carefully, "Headmaster, Fawkes asked you to stop putting cockroach clusters in its food from now on."
Dumbledore's expression turned incredulous, "I always thought it would enjoy that treat."
Upon hearing Dumbledore's words, Fawkes immediately turned around, presenting its backside to him in a huff.
It was a phoenix, not a chicken; how could it possibly like insects?
Realizing his mistake, Dumbledore quickly apologized, attempting to rectify the situation.
But Fawkes paid him no heed. No matter where Dumbledore moved, Fawkes would promptly change direction, always keeping its back turned to him. It even covered its head with its wings, refusing to listen to anything he had to say.
In the end, it was Kyle who had to offer up his own White Freshleaf and a Bellflower to placate the angry Fawkes.
Don't be mistaken; this Bellflower wasn't taken from the Slytherin common room but was Kyle's reward for helping Professor Sprout clean the greenhouses.
What a pity that he hadn't even gotten to enjoy it yet before it was gone.
Watching Fawkes swallow it in a few bites, Kyle felt a twinge of heartache.
"I knew you'd be the one to help."
Dumbledore happily patted Kyle's shoulder, "If it weren't for you, it might have taken me a while to calm it down."
"It's nothing, Headmaster," Kyle forced a smile, "Is there anything else? If not, I'd like to go watch the Quidditch match."
Kyle touched the lizard-skin pouch he had transfigured. He didn't want to stay a minute longer.
What if Fawkes wasn't satisfied and threw another tantrum? He was just a first-year wizard, and he didn't have any extra herbs to spare.
Besides, Fawkes wasn't his familiar; it was up to Dumbledore to deal with it.
"There's just one more small matter, but don't worry, it won't take up much of your time." Dumbledore turned and retrieved a bottle of potion from a drawer behind the desk.
"This is Mikkel's Anti-Possession Potion."
Dumbledore explained, "I was planning to have Madam Pomfrey bring this to him, but I think he might not want to go to the hospital wing. Since you're here, please take it to him on your way back."
Kyle took the potion and asked, "Headmaster, hasn't Mikkel learned to control his magic yet?"
"It's not an easy task," Dumbledore thought for a moment, "But Professor Pomona says he's making great progress. By the time he reaches second year, he probably won't need the Anti-Possession Potion anymore."
Kyle nodded.
"Remember," Dumbledore instructed, "I know that Professor Snape's Anti-Possession Potion may not taste pleasant, but it's crucial for Mikkel. Make sure he drinks it all and doesn't just pour it out somewhere."
"Rest assured, Headmaster. Mikkel is my roommate," Kyle smiled, "I'll make sure he finishes it."
"Then I'm relieved." Dumbledore picked up his cup of tea again, "Off you go to the match; it should still be ongoing."
(End of Chapter)
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