Chapter 788: A Moment of Impulse
Chapter 788: A Moment of Impulse
In a dilapidated cottage within the Valley of Gordrick, Bathilda Bagshot continued her search for her manuscript upstairs.
Downstairs, Kyle and Dumbledore sat facing each other, yet their demeanors seemed reversed.
Kyle remained calm and collected.
On the other hand, Dumbledore appeared tense... He struggled to describe his current emotions.
In truth, Nicolas Flamel had repaired the Time-Turner long ago, and although Dumbledore had eagerly anticipated this outcome, now that the day had finally arrived, he faltered.
For reasons unknown, perhaps due to his guilt over Ariana or some other cause, he began to consciously avoid the matter by keeping himself occupied and subconsciously ignoring the issue of the Time-Turner.
However, after finally mustering the courage to seek out Nicolas in Devon, he was informed that the Time-Turner had already been given away—to Kyle, no less.
Left with no choice, he could only return once more.
"So, Bathilda mistaking me for her nephew initially was also part of your plan?" Kyle inquired.
"No, of course not," Dumbledore shook his head this time. "As I mentioned earlier, I've always been incredibly lucky.
"In fact, I arrived quite early but didn't show myself as I hadn't figured out a convincing reason to persuade you to lend me the Time-Turner. Then, I noticed Bathilda becoming confused again.
"I suspect it was the Transfiguration spell you cast earlier that caused her to mistake your identity, and it also gave me the idea to use Bathilda to inform you about Ariana."
"Transfiguration spell?" Kyle pondered for a moment. "The one from the wedding venue?"
"Indeed," Dumbledore nodded. "Her nephew was adept at Transfiguration spells, especially animal transformations, when he was young. The increasingly confused Bathilda likely saw a familiar trace in your Transfiguration spell."
Kyle tugged at the corner of his mouth, feeling speechless. He never imagined that a Transfiguration spell he cast on a whim would end up connecting him to the individual studying in Nurmengard.
That person was a good man with no relation to Grindelwald, who was steeped in bloodshed.
Kyle tilted his head slightly, as sunlight filtered through the mottled curtains, illuminating the room. One particular ray of light fell upon Dumbledore's profile.
"You must have known about this many years ago. That I would need this Time-Turner," Kyle stated.
"Yes," Kyle nodded.
The first time he witnessed Dumbledore losing his composure was in the Chamber of Secrets at Hogwarts, where he held the broken Time-Turner, his entire being fraught with tension.
For a long while after that, Dumbledore tirelessly traveled, seeking out renowned alchemists in hopes of repairing the device.
"You now know the reason—it's because of Ariana," Dumbledore said softly. "What happened back then is my greatest regret. Can you understand? Over the years, I've looked at her photographs, and not a single night has passed where I could find peace in sleep."
Kyle wanted to ask, "If that's the case, why not take Ariana's photographs away? Wouldn't it be fine as long as you don't see them?" But after thinking about it, he refrained from voicing these thoughts. On one hand, it would be extremely rude, and on the other, he didn't want to tempt fate.
"I hope you can help me," Dumbledore said.
Kyle took a deep breath and turned his head away again, refusing to meet Dumbledore's gaze.
"Professor, have you made your decision?"
If it were any other time, even if it were two months earlier, Kyle wouldn't have needed to know any of this. All it would take was for Dumbledore to ask, and he wouldn't hesitate.
For instance, while at school, he had wanted to bring up the topic himself several times, but he forgot due to various reasons.
After all, Kyle was well aware of what Dumbledore had endured for this Time-Turner. Its repair was almost entirely thanks to Dumbledore and Nicolas' efforts. No matter how one looked at it, he had no reason to refuse.
Except now...
Time was the most elusive thing. Inside the box Nicolas had given him, which contained the Time-Turner, there was a clear warning: The further back in time one traveled, the greater the risk became.
Traveling back a hundred years and a week were entirely different matters. The longer duration meant that Dumbledore would find it incredibly challenging to pinpoint the exact day he wanted to return to.
The margin of error could be a week, a month, or even a year.
Most importantly, this alteration in time couldn't connect with the existing timeline, implying that Dumbledore wouldn't be able to appear in the same place a second later, as students did when using a Time-Turner.
As for how long that would take, no one knew because no one had ever used it. Even the four chiefs from a few years ago only communicated through the Chamber's setup and by speaking with Kyle, without actually traveling to Hogwarts in that era.
Currently, they were already facing Voldemort and the Death Eaters, and the situation was becoming increasingly tense. If their strongest ally, Dumbledore, suddenly vanished, it would spell disaster.
Kyle rubbed his forehead, cursing Nicolas inwardly for giving him such a troublesome item.
"That potion is quite troublesome, and it will take at least a few months at best." Dumbledore said calmly, "In the meantime, the effects of this unique dark magic will continue to erode my magic, in other words, I won't be able to do much during this period."
Hearing Dumbledore's words, Kyle's headache intensified.
He had originally thought that Dumbledore losing a hand would only slightly weaken his combat capability, at least for an ordinary wizard. But for a wizard like Dumbledore, such an injury shouldn't have been a big deal.
He could still cast spells with one hand, albeit with fewer support options, and he could easily compensate with other forms of magic.
As for the wand, it was even simpler; Ollivander had been rescued, and he could get a new wand at any time. While it might not be as familiar as his old wand, it would still be usable.
Never did he expect there to be another twist to the tale.
This was the first time Kyle had heard of dark magic that could erode one's magic.
One had to admit that Voldemort's talent for dark magic was indeed astounding, and the title of 'Dark Lord' was well-deserved. From the curse on the ring, the potion in the pendant box, to this specially prepared means of incapacitating Dumbledore, these were all unprecedented methods, and their effects were increasingly sinister.
Whether one liked it or not, one had to acknowledge that his aptitude for dark magic was truly remarkable.
Moreover, if what Dumbledore said was true, then his decision made a lot of sense.
At least during the period when Healer Sasia was brewing the antidote, Dumbledore would not be in a suitable condition to face Voldemort head-on.
If he were to expend too much magic, the effects of the dark magic might cause him to make a mistake, and against a powerful wizard like Voldemort, even the slightest error would be fatal.
Should that happen, Dumbledore's obsession would truly become his greatest regret.
After all, Voldemort would not treat Dumbledore like he did Harry, toying with him like a cat plays with a mouse. If he caught the slightest opportunity, he would surely strike to kill.
Kyle heaved a soft sigh. It seemed the choice was already quite clear.
"I have one more question," he said, "Professor, we cannot use the Time-Turner to change what has happened in the past, and I believe you know this better than anyone."
Dumbledore remained silent, neither speaking nor refuting, simply sitting there deep in thought.
"I must remind you," Kyle continued, "that even if you go back, you must never try to change anything. Otherwise, you may very well... kill Ariana yourself."
Kyle's tone was grave as he spoke the last sentence.
He didn't know exactly what had happened that day, only that during a chaotic dispute, a spell had accidentally struck Ariana.
And no one knew who had cast that spell. What if it was Dumbledore, who had traveled back in time, trying to prevent the incident, only to cause the accident himself? It was not an impossibility.
Killing his own sister would surely break even Dumbledore.
As Kyle finished speaking, Dumbledore's body visibly trembled.
"Wait, you wouldn't actually try to stop it, would you?!" Kyle asked, his voice rising in alarm.
"Of course not," Dumbledore quickly replied. "I know what I must do. In fact, I just want to... see her, just see her, that's all. Even if it's just a glance."
There was a pleading tone in his voice, "I want to apologize to her. As an older brother, I was so neglectful and failed in my duty.
"Even though it's a selfish wish, I still want her forgiveness."
A tear rolled down Dumbledore's cheek and fell to the ground, disappearing into the thick layer of dust.
This further softened Kyle's already wavering heart.
He had thought about this a lot.
He had also considered whether Dumbledore losing his wand and being struck by the dark magic was all part of a plan from the beginning.
It was very much in line with Dumbledore's character; he always liked to have everything planned out, and if necessary, he would not hesitate to use his own life to pave a new path.
But upon further reflection, it was also a kind of helplessness. He had simply done everything he could, holding nothing back.
In the moment he saw Dumbledore's tear, all these jumbled thoughts seemed to vanish from Kyle's mind.
Kyle couldn't quite describe the feeling, but he felt that letting Dumbledore have his way this once didn't seem like such a big deal.
After all, in his current state, even if he stayed, he wouldn't be of much help anyway.
If his injuries couldn't be healed, Voldemort, being cautious by nature, wouldn't act rashly. In that case, Dumbledore's presence here wouldn't make much of a difference.
Moreover, brewing the antidote would take a considerable amount of time, and if Dumbledore returned midway, nothing would change, and things would remain as they are now.
Kyle looked up at Dumbledore once more.
A centenarian and the most powerful white wizard in the wizarding world, yet he now appeared lost and dejected. Kyle couldn't bring himself to remain indifferent.
After some internal struggle, Kyle gritted his teeth, opened the box, and took out the Time-Turner, placing it on the table.
...
After an unknown amount of time, Bathilda came downstairs with several moldy parchments in her hand. However, the room was now empty, and sunlight filtered through the curtains, illuminating the unoccupied sofa.
Bathilda stood there for a while before turning her head at the sound of distant laughter.
She looked at the blank parchments in her hand, thought for a moment, and casually placed them aside. Then, wearing her moth-eaten hat, she slowly walked out the door.
...
In the Valley of Gordrick, Lupin and Tonks' wedding celebration continued.
Although some people had to leave early due to various tasks, it didn't dampen the mood of the others.
Everyone treated this wedding as a rare opportunity to relax and ease the tension that had been building up.
Fred and George were in the middle of the dance floor, tapping out a lively rhythm with their expert Irish step dancing, earning a round of applause.
Cedric looked at the silent Kyle beside him.
"What's wrong? You look worried."
"It's nothing. I just took a walk around," Kyle sighed.
"A walk?" Cedric glanced around. "Is there anything interesting to see here?"
"Of course. After all, Godric Gryffindor once lived here, so I was curious," Kyle replied softly.
"Oh, I see." Cedric nodded, not giving it much thought.
To prevent further questions, Kyle quickly changed the subject and made his way to the back of the house, where there were fewer people.
Only Sirius Black remained there, staring at a stone in a daze, but his alertness was still high.
Hearing Kyle's footsteps, he quickly hid the stone behind him.
Kyle noticed the words on it... "Good luck, Harry, wherever you are..."
There was more written, but Sirius tucked it away too quickly for him to read the rest.
"Oh, it's you, Kyle. What are you doing here?" Sirius asked casually.
"Nothing much. Just wandering around," Kyle didn't inquire about the stone and said casually, "What about you? Why are you here instead of dancing with everyone else?"
"I've already danced my fill," Sirius said. "I think we should let Lupin and Tonks have more time together."
"That's nice of you." Kyle nodded.
Both of them, lost in their thoughts, tacitly chose not to say more, creating an awkward silence.
"So, how did your discussion with Harry go regarding the ownership of this place?" Kyle changed the subject.
"It's been decided," Sirius replied happily. "It will remain mine, but he will visit occasionally, and I agreed to that."
"I've always been curious about how you obtained the magical contract for this place," Kyle asked. "Shouldn't it belong to Harry by right?"
"Because the magical contract was in my possession to begin with," Sirius explained. "When James and Lily first decided to settle here, Death Eaters were frantically searching for them. To avoid detection, my uncle, a pure-blood wizard from the Black family, helped purchase this property.
"Being a pure-blood wizard, he easily evaded the Death Eaters' scrutiny, and he later gave me the contract."
"So you've kept it ever since?"
"Not exactly," Sirius shook his head. "I immediately handed it over to James, but when he tried to pay me, I refused. He wouldn't take the contract back, and so we were at an impasse until..."
Sirius trailed off, then continued, "After I was declared innocent, I retrieved the contract from my vault. Since my uncle's name was on it, I didn't have much trouble claiming ownership of this place.
"However, the house was severely damaged at the time. What you saw before was how it looked after I hired people to fix it, following the photos to restore it to its original state."
"I see." Kyle nodded.
After exchanging a few more words, Kyle was pulled away by Fred and George to join them on the dance floor.
...
(End of Chapter)
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