Chapter 646: A Letter for Newt
Chapter 646: A Letter for Newt
"What did she mean by that?"
After Umbridge left, Hagrid looked at Kyle, puzzled, and asked, "Also, why did you just tell me to trust the Ministry? You know we should be trusting Dumbledore instead."
"Yes, I know," Kyle nodded, "but to avoid any trouble, that's what we must say for now."
"What trouble could come from a mere witch in the Ministry?" Hagrid looked unconcerned.
"Umbridge has the authority to dismiss professors," Kyle reminded him, "If she deems any teacher unqualified, she has the power to fire them."
"You're just joking, Kyle. That's impossible... " Hagrid said dismissively, "Aside from Dumbledore, no one can dismiss a Hogwarts professor on a whim, not even Fudge.
"And no matter what you say, I won't betray Dumbledore, not even for pretenses. If she wants to make trouble for me over this... then so be it."
Kyle wasn't surprised. He had already guessed that Hagrid would say something like this.
As Dumbledore's biggest fan, Hagrid never hid his loyalty, even if it brought him trouble.
Just then, there were footsteps outside again, and this time they sounded chaotic, indicating that there was more than one person.
"Bang, bang, bang!" The door was knocked on heavily.
"Hagrid, it's us!" Harry shouted excitedly from outside.
Hagrid looked equally pleased. It felt great to have so many people come to see him as soon as he returned.
He got up and opened the door.
Harry, Ron, and Hermione poked their heads through the door.
"Hagrid, when did you get back?"
"Just half an hour ago," Hagrid said with a laugh, "Come on in and warm up."
The three squeezed in from outside.
"We just saw Umbridge," Hermione said quietly, "She didn't say anything too outrageous... Oh, Hagrid, you're injured?"
She noticed Hagrid's swollen eye.
"That toad, Umbridge, did this?" Ron asked angrily, "She dares to attack a professor now?"
"No, it has nothing to do with her. I injured myself by accident," Hagrid covered his eye again, "Anyway, she just came to take a look and left without saying anything else."
Hermione frowned, looking doubtful.
According to their previous speculation, Umbridge would definitely flaunt her rights and her position as Senior Investigator in front of Hagrid... it was unlikely that she would just leave after taking a look.
But Harry didn't think that much. After hearing that Umbridge hadn't troubled Hagrid, he didn't continue the topic and instead said in an annoyed tone, "If I'd known you were coming back today, I wouldn't have sent Hedwig to Professor Grubbly-Plank for treatment."
"Hedwig? What happened to her?"
"She was injured. Someone attacked her, and we think that person wanted to intercept a letter Hedwig was carrying."
"It was Filch."
The sudden voice startled the three, and when they came to their senses, they noticed there was someone else in the room.
"Sorry, Kyle," Hermione said quickly, "I didn't realize you were here, too."
"It's fine," Kyle shook his head, indicating that he didn't mind.
"Wait, you just said Filch..." Harry recalled Kyle's words and asked in confusion, "Do you mean he attacked Hedwig?"
"That's right," Kyle said, "At the owlery, he tried to snatch the letter from Hedwig."
"I knew it!" Harry looked furious, "Aside from him and Umbridge, who else would be interested in my letters?
Soon, he found a bottle of mugwort essence and a large handful of fresh mugwort leaves.
"These might come in handy," Kyle said as he handed the items to Hagrid. "Apply the essence on your wounds and use the leaves as a poultice for your eye. You should be healed in about two days. If you want to speed things up, you can always go to the school hospital; Madam Pomfrey is much more skilled than I am."
"Thanks, this should do it," Hagrid said. "I'd rather not have too many people know about my injury."
"By the way, Hagrid, what exactly happened to you?" Harry asked again.
"I told you, nothing," Hagrid said stubbornly, shooting a glance at Kyle. "Sit down and have some tea."
"Nothing? Come on," Ron scoffed. "Look at yourself."
They clearly didn't believe Hagrid's words and continued to press him for answers.
Hagrid looked pleadingly at Kyle, but all he received in return was an apologetic look.
The trio was notoriously curious, and even if Kyle helped smooth things over this time, they would undoubtedly find a way to coax the truth out of Hagrid later.
Thus, Kyle didn't intend to intervene further. After giving Hagrid the healing supplies, he stood up and left.
As winter deepened, students preferred the warmth of their common rooms, and even on weekends, the grounds were deserted. Today was no exception, though a snowball fight with friends would certainly liven things up.
Braving the chilly wind, Kyle made his way back to the Hufflepuff common room.
As the barrel-shaped door swung open, those sitting nearest shivered from the gust of cold air that rushed in, soon dispelled by the cozy fireplace.
Cedric looked up from his wizard chess game with Michael and waved. "Where have you been?"
"In the Forbidden Forest," Kyle replied. "Hagrid's back."
"Hagrid's back?" Cedric exclaimed in delight.
"Yeah, about an hour ago," Kyle said. "If you head over now, you might catch lunch there."
"I think I'll pass," Cedric shook his head. "Hagrid's culinary creations are an acquired taste. I'd rather eat lunch here first."
"That works too."
"Care for a game?" Cedric asked, gesturing to the chessboard.
"Sure..." Kyle said, "but I have something to take care of first. I'll be back in a bit."
"All right."
"See you in a bit," Kyle said and returned to the dorm.
With Michael and Ryan in the common room, the dorm was empty.
Perfect.
Kyle sat down at the desk by the window, quill in hand, and quickly penned a letter.
"Ratton..." Kyle called out the window.
A minute later, Ratton landed reluctantly on the windowsill, its back turned to the room, clearly still upset with Kyle.
"Don't be mad," Kyle coaxed, waving the envelope. "This one's much more important than the last. Only you can deliver it."
Ratton's feathers ruffled, and it finally turned its head.
"This is for Newt," Kyle said, stroking Ratton's fluffy head. "No other owl can find the place. Hurry there and back, and remember to bring the reply."
Ratton gave a proud squawk, opened its beak to take the envelope, and flew off.
...
(End of Chapter)
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