https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-649-Leaked-Information-Umbridge-s-New-Decision/12539056/
Chapter 648: It Must Have Been a Misidentification, You Must Have Mistaken It for a Venomous Leopard
Chapter 648: It Must Have Been a Misidentification, You Must Have Mistaken It for a Venomous Leopard
To be honest, Lucius was seething with anger when he arrived. He had always believed that they were in Hogwarts, and no matter how bold Kyle might be, he would have to behave with Lucius being a student here.
However, in just a few minutes, his anger dissipated and turned into an inexplicable fear.
The peculiar sweet scent he had smelled earlier made him feel dizzy, as if he hadn't slept in a whole day.
He didn't know what it was, but it could have been some kind of special potion. After all, Kyle was also excellent in Potions, and with the collection of books in the Hogwarts library, it wouldn't be difficult to concoct all sorts of strange potions.
But what Lucius could be sure of was that if he had hesitated any longer before discarding his wand, who knows what would have happened.
Especially since they were in the Forbidden Forest, home to countless magical creatures. Passing out here would definitely be a very dangerous thing... like that mysterious low growl earlier.
He suddenly remembered the gamekeeper, Rubeus Hagrid, who was enthusiastic about taming all sorts of dangerous magical creatures and had a good relationship with Kyle.
Perhaps it was Hagrid who lent a helping hand just now.
"What should I do now?"
Lucius calmed himself and asked straightforwardly, "As you know, what happened during the holidays was not my intention, and I had no choice.
However, I can offer you a large sum of galleons as compensation to mend our relationship. How about two thousand galleons, plus two shops in Diagon Alley?"
"That's a tempting offer." Kyle murmured, "But I can't accept it."
"This is the best offer I can give." Lucius said, "Too many things have happened recently, especially what happened at the Quidditch World Cup. I've already spent a lot of money."
"Don't get me wrong, Mr. Malfoy. I'm not refusing because it's too little, but because I really can't accept it." Kyle said, "I consider Draco a friend, and if I wanted to target him, I wouldn't have waited until now.
"I just wanted to help Fred and George. They had their reasons for attacking Draco, and a ban from the team seems a bit too harsh."
"So, it really is just because of the Weasley twins?" Lucius asked suspiciously.
"Of course." Kyle said calmly.
"In that case, I'll go find Dolores." Lucius breathed a sigh of relief, "You're right, it's normal for students to have some conflicts. Moreover, I've also heard that Draco was indeed impolite first, and it's not right to put all the blame on them."
"Exactly." Kyle smiled, "You see, it's very simple, isn't it?"
"Yes." Lucius also smiled, but it was forced. "Then I'll go find Dolores now..."
"There's no rush." Kyle waved his hand, "Professor Umbridge is currently inspecting Professor Hagrid's class, so she might not have time."
"In that case, I'll wait for a while..." Lucius picked up his wand from the ground, "You should head back to class."
"It's fine, I've taken leave, and this lesson is quite boring anyway."
Kyle had no intention of leaving. He glanced at Lucius and suddenly asked, "By the way, Mr. Malfoy, have you heard that Professor Dumbledore is planning to run for the position of Minister of Magic?"
Lucius's hand shook, and the wand he had just picked up fell to the ground again. He quickly grabbed his wand and said with feigned calmness, "Is that so? I haven't heard about it."
"It doesn't matter, you know now." Kyle said with a smile, "Can you do me a small favor?"
"What?" Lucius's eyelids twitched visibly.
"Help Professor Dumbledore..."
"Impossible!" Lucius interrupted before Kyle could finish.
This was exactly the situation Voldemort wanted to see. If Dumbledore became the Minister of Magic, he would no longer be able to remain hidden.
If he were to help with this favor, he would surely be killed by Voldemort.
This wasn't a small favor, it was asking for his life!
"Fudge is the most suitable candidate for Minister." Lucius said righteously, "Dumbledore is better suited to be the headmaster."
"Is that so? Is that what you think?" Kyle shook his head, "What a pity, I didn't expect you to forget about the diary so soon, tsk tsk..."
"What do you mean!" Lucius's voice trembled as he gripped his wand tightly.
"Is it that hard to understand?"
Kyle said, "You should still remember that it's a Horcrux, and you should know how important Horcruxes are to the Dark Lord without me having to explain it."
"Is that so?" Kyle shrugged nonchalantly. "In that case, I can only wish you good luck, Mr. Malfoy."
"It's a shame about Draco," Kyle added pensively. "I wonder if the mysterious person will spare his life, considering your unwavering loyalty."
Lucius remained silent, but a hint of struggle flashed in his eyes.
He knew Voldemort all too well—a true, emotionless Dark Lord, merciless toward both enemies and allies.
Yet, Lucius was helpless. Whether it was clinging to the last straw or harboring unrealistic fantasies... at least for now, he was still of use and might just have a slim chance to make amends.
Though the odds were slim... it was still better than nothing.
"Oh, right."
Ignoring Lucius's refusal, Kyle continued as if he were merely making a suggestion: "For Draco's sake, I'd like to advise you to stay away from Minister Fudge for the time being. If Professor Dumbledore becomes the Minister, he'll surely come after you."
Lucius's head snapped up, his eyes boring into Kyle's, as if searching for any hint of deception.
But he found nothing.
In the distance, the sounds of chatter gradually drew closer, and they could soon make out the figures of students approaching.
"I'll go find Dolores..." Lucius rasped.
"Much appreciated, Mr. Malfoy," Kyle said, reminding him once more, "Remember what I said about staying away from Minister Fudge for a while."
Without another word, Lucius turned and left the Forbidden Forest, heading toward the castle... evidently intending to wait for Umbridge there instead of searching for her in the forest.
However, Kyle stayed behind, casting a Disillusionment Charm on himself.
Soon, the students who had been in the area departed, none the wiser to his presence.
Only when Umbridge and Hagrid had also left did Kyle dispel the charm and step out from behind a tree.
He took out his trunk from the lizard skin bag, unlocking it.
A black shadow shot out from the nearby bushes and darted into the trunk.
After securing his trunk and stowing it away, Kyle turned to leave.
"Oh my!"
Just then, a startled exclamation rang out from behind him.
For some reason, Hagrid had returned to the Forbidden Forest and was now hurrying toward them.
But as he drew closer, he came to an abrupt halt, his eyes widening in surprise.
"Kyle... it's you?"
"Of course, it's me, Hagrid," Kyle replied. "Who else would be out here in the Forbidden Forest?"
"Oh, no one," Hagrid shook his head, then asked hesitantly, "Did you... see anything just now?"
"Should I have?" Kyle asked innocently.
"I don't know, maybe it was my imagination," Hagrid said doubtfully. "But I thought I saw a Venomous Leopard. It was so beautiful."
"I think you must be seeing things, Hagrid," Kyle chuckled. "How could there be a Venomous Leopard in the Forbidden Forest? They're extremely rare magical beasts."
"Am I seeing things?" Hagrid scratched his head, then scanned the surroundings once more. "I've been here the whole time, and I didn't see any Venomous Leopard. You must have been spooked by Umbridge."
"I think you're right," Hagrid conceded, sounding disappointed. "That Umbridge, she's a real pain, always nitpicking and finding fault even when I haven't done anything... I don't know why Professor Dumbledore keeps her around."
"By the way, did you find what you were looking for?"
"Yes, I found it," Kyle said. "My Sniffles ran off, but I managed to track it down eventually. Sorry about that, Hagrid."
"Don't mention it," Hagrid waved his hand dismissively. "That's just Sniffles being mischievous as always. Besides, it's no trouble for you to handle a Thestral, right?"
...
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
Report
