Chapter 60: Helping the Headmaster with His Pet
Chapter 60: Helping the Headmaster with His Pet
The legendary Eris Mirror, a renowned alchemical artifact, was said to show the person standing before it their heart's deepest desire.
It was truly magical.
"Is this... the Mirror of Desire?" Kyle asked, suppressing the urge to take a closer look and instead turning his gaze elsewhere.
"It seems you've recognized the Eris Mirror," Dumbledore said gently, appearing behind Kyle without a sound. "I'm glad you can resist its temptation; many adult wizards fail to do so. People often waste their time in front of it, becoming obsessed with what they see, even to the point of madness."
"I just don't want to add more troubles, Headmaster," Kyle replied with a smile, turning around. "I'm quite content with my current life."
"A wise choice," Dumbledore nodded.
Circling around Kyle, he approached the mirror and gently caressed its golden frame. "I must admit, in this regard, you've surpassed even an old man like me. Sometimes, I can't help but take a peek at it."
"And what do you see when you look into the mirror?" Kyle asked at the right moment. "The true essence of magic? Or some even more profound theory?"
"You're making me blush, Kyle," Dumbledore said, his face slightly red.
"I might not be as great as you think, because all I see is myself holding a pair of thick woolen socks."
"Socks are never enough," Dumbledore winked. "Christmas comes and goes, and I haven't received a single pair of socks. People insist on giving me books instead."
Kyle had reason to suspect that Dumbledore was hinting at a gift. After all, Christmas was less than two months away.
Just as Kyle was about to offer a response, Dumbledore had already returned to his desk, pouring himself a cup of black tea and a plate full of sugar cubes.
"Would you like something to drink, Kyle?"
"Lemonade, please."
Dumbledore nodded, and a large glass of lemonade appeared on the table.
Kyle took a sip and found it to be ordinary lemonade, no different from what he would expect in the Headmaster's office.
After finishing the entire glass, Dumbledore across from him was still leisurely sipping his tea, showing no signs of starting a conversation.
The portraits of past headmasters on the wall were also quiet, each snoring softly within their frames. Occasionally, one would half-open their eyes, stealing a glance at Kyle.
In this atmosphere, Kyle felt uncomfortable all over.
Just then, the sound of a Quidditch match whistle came from outside the window.
Kyle focused his thoughts and asked first, "Headmaster, what did you want to see me about?"
"Look at me, I was so focused on my tea that I almost forgot the important matter," Dumbledore said, patting his forehead. He led Kyle to the back of the room, where a tall, gilded branch stood.
Standing on the branch was a fiery red phoenix, none other than Fox.
"Fox has been giving me a hard time lately," Dumbledore said with a troubled expression. "But I don't know the reason. Can you help me ask him?"
"Like this?"
Kyle understood and turned to Fox. He knew that this phoenix would understand Dumbledore's words.
Fox glanced at Kyle and then turned his gaze back to Dumbledore, and a clear look of disdain appeared on the bird's face. Reluctantly, he let out a call.
Kyle nodded, "No wonder you're upset."
"What did it say?" Dumbledore asked curiously.
Although he was a linguistic genius, even able to teach himself Parseltongue and Fairy language, the language of ancient creatures like the Phoenix was particularly cryptic, making it difficult even for him to fully understand.
Additionally, when the Phoenix was angry, it seemed to speak with an accent, making it even harder for Dumbledore to comprehend.
Kyle chose his words carefully, "Headmaster, Fox asked you not to put cockroaches in its food again."
Dumbledore's expression was one of disbelief, "I always thought it would love that."
Upon hearing Dumbledore's words, Fox immediately turned its back on him, presenting its rear end.
It was a Phoenix, not a chicken; how could it possibly like insects?
Dumbledore realized his mistake and quickly apologized, attempting to rectify his earlier error.
But Fox ignored him. No matter where Dumbledore went, Fox would immediately change direction, always keeping its rear end facing him. It even covered its head with its wings, refusing to listen to what he was saying.
In the end, it was Kyle who offered his White Freshleaf and Bellflower to barely placate the furious Phoenix.
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Don't get the wrong idea; this Bellflower wasn't something Kyle took from the Common Room. It was a reward he received from Professor Sprout for cleaning the Greenhouse.
It was a shame it hadn't even had time to warm up before it was gone.
Watching Fox devour it in just a few bites, Kyle couldn't help but feel a twinge of pain.
"I knew I could count on you."
Dumbledore happily patted Kyle's shoulder, "If it weren't for you see, it might take me a while to placate it."
"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 bag made from his Changeling Lizard skin; he didn't want to stay a minute longer.
What if Fox felt it hadn't had enough and started causing trouble again? He was just a first-year wizard; he didn't have any spare herbs to spare.
Besides, the Phoenix wasn't his responsibility; it was better to let Dumbledore handle it himself.
"There's just one more small thing. It won't take up much of your time," Dumbledore turned and took a bottle of Mana Suppressant Potion from a drawer behind the desk.
"This is for Michael's Mana Suppressant Potion."
Dumbledore explained, "I was going to have Madam Pomfrey bring it to him, but I think he might not want to go to the Hospital Wing. Since you're here, take it back with you."
Kyle took the potion and couldn't help but ask, "Headmaster, can't Michael control his magic yet?"
"It's not an easy task," Dumbledore thought for a moment, "But Pomona says he's making progress. By the time he reaches his second year, he shouldn't need the Mana Suppressant Potion anymore."
Kyle nodded.
"Remember," Dumbledore instructed, "I know Professor Snape's Mana Suppressant Potion might not be the tastiest, but it's very important for Michael. So make sure he actually drinks it and doesn't just pour it out somewhere."
"Don't worry, Headmaster, Michael is my roommate," Kyle smiled, "I'll make sure he finishes it."
"Then I'm relieved," Dumbledore took another sip of his black tea, "Go and watch the match. It shouldn't be over yet."
(End of Chapter)
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