Chapter 853: Returning to Godric's Hollow
Chapter 853: Returning to Godric's Hollow
Kyle now understood why Nico had remained calm after Dumbledore's disappearance and why he had been able to prepare everything necessary in such a short time when he decided to use the Time Turner.
It wasn't just a month, but nearly three months since then, and he had been preparing for the repair of the Time Turner.
And he insisted on using the Time Turner to go back in time, completely disregarding Professor McGonagall.
Nico had known this all along. He was well aware that it was Dumbledore that Kyle was going to save and that he had succeeded, so he ignored Professor McGonagall's suggestion and even went to Hogwarts himself to ensure that Kyle could obtain the Time Turner.
"Ink... Phoenix Feather Quill... These are prohibited trade items, so I'll hold off on taking them out for now."
"The Ream Horn can be divided into halves and sold to the Quidditch boutique. They'd be willing to pay a high price for these rare materials."
Kyle sat by the table, leisurely organizing his haul, mainly because there wasn't much else to do at the moment.
Although Dumbledore had drunk the potion prepared by Nico and regained his lost memories, his previous physical condition had been so poor that Nico took him for further check-ups for safety.
Now, in the vast house, only Kyle remained, along with a mountain of various materials piled beside him.
These were items he had purchased a century ago. Once he returned to Diagon Alley, he could resell them and make at least ten times the profit.
This was because many of these items were prohibited trade goods, making them difficult to sell openly. For instance, Phoenix Feather Quills had been banned from sale twenty years ago, and it would be challenging to sell them through official channels.
Of course, this only applied to official channels.
It took Kyle half an hour to organize everything.
If not for the high cost of using the Time Turner, nearly requiring a Philosopher's Stone each time, transporting these materials between the two time periods would have been a decent job in itself.
Oh, and there were these...
Kyle glanced at the specialties that Willy Tom had 'given' him.
Most of them were useless joke items, lacking in variety compared to modern times, and not worth much money.
However, as these items were from the last century, they could be considered antiques with some collectible value. Perhaps Fred and George would be willing to buy them at a high price.
After a while, Nico and Dumbledore finally emerged.
Kyle turned to look and noticed that Dumbledore's face had regained some color.
"Thank you for bringing me back," he said as he walked over: "I must apologize for my recklessness."
"No need, Professor," Kyle waved his hand, interrupting him,
"We all know that your actions weren't reckless but inevitable. You couldn't have just stood by and done nothing."
"Yes, you're right," Dumbledore nodded helplessly.
He couldn't bear to watch Ariana die again in front of him.
Even if it happened again, he would still do the same, although involving Kyle made him feel a bit guilty.
"Fortunately, everything turned out well," Kyle stood up and pointed to the valuable items beside him, "and I received a good reward. Now, I just need to wait for another two months, and then everything will be perfectly resolved."
Kyle was referring to the moment he used the Time Turner.
Dumbledore was fine now, but there were still two Kyles in existence, meaning he was still under the influence of the Time Turner.
"Oh, I almost forgot," Nico suddenly said: "During this time, I'll prepare another potion for you to ensure your thoughts aren't affected."
"Another potion..." Kyle asked, "Is it the raspberry juice?"
"To be precise, it's called the Awakening Potion," Nico smiled: "Two months is not a short time. Without the help of the Awakening Potion, your thoughts will gradually be influenced by time, and although it won't be too severe, the feeling will definitely be uncomfortable."
Kyle shrugged, noncommittal.
Nico was right. He remembered that he had felt a bit off at the time, specifically making mistakes that shouldn't have happened, as if his IQ had dropped.
This was the influence of time. It subconsciously rejected all things that shouldn't exist, like him, a person from two months in the future.
But since he and the Kyle of this time were the same person, this rejection also applied to the other Kyle, causing confusion in their thoughts.
The longer the time, the more apparent the rejection effect.
As for the Awakening Potion... According to Nico, this potion's effect was like an Iron Armor Charm, protecting against this rejection.
"Do you need my help?" Kyle asked.
"No, and you probably don't have the time," Nico smiled: "But if possible, it would be best if you could find some Two-lobed Ear Grass for me. I don't have much stock left."
"Ah... no problem," Kyle nodded.
If it were other herbs like Savory, White Horehound, or Mandrake, he could provide them right away, but he didn't have any Two-lobed Ear Grass in his trunk.
It wasn't that the item was particularly valuable, but its pungent scent was somewhat overwhelming. He hadn't planted it in a box, and it was rarely needed for potions.
As far as Kyle knew, it seemed that only a small amount of Two-lobed Ear Grass was required when brewing Polyjuice Potion.
"There's no rush for these," Nico said. "Would you like to stay for some afternoon tea?"
"Sure, no problem," Kyle agreed, glancing at his watch.
It was more of a late lunch than afternoon tea, as he had barely eaten anything all day and was genuinely hungry.
Soon, the house-elf Tata brought a large plate of sandwiches and golden, crispy fried pork chops.
It wasn't an extravagant meal, but Kyle devoured it with relish, finishing three chops before setting down his cutlery.
"Finally, I don't have to eat those tooth-breaking potatoes from the Valley Pub anymore," Kyle said, leaning back in his chair with satisfaction. "I even suspect that their potatoes might be a year old, and in over a month, I haven't had a single one that's even slightly soft."
"The food at that pub is indeed not great," Dumbledore agreed.
"But Professor," Kyle suddenly remembered and asked, "did you know I would go back in time a long time ago?"
"Why do you ask?" Dumbledore looked at him.
"Because you saw me during the graduation exam," Kyle said. "I had just returned to the past and happened to encounter your graduation exam. I couldn't resist the curiosity and went to take a look. At that time, you even used the Confundus Charm on Professor Marchbanks, making her agree to let a stranger like me enter the exam hall."
"Did I...use the Confundus Charm on an invigilator when I was young?" Dumbledore paused, as if he had no memory of it at all.
"Of course," Kyle glanced at him. "You even confidently told me that successfully using the Confundus Charm on Professor Marchbanks was the real graduation exam."
Dumbledore's face turned slightly red.
To be honest, he had completely forgotten.
But thinking about his younger self...a talented wizard who grew up in praise and was full of vigor, it didn't seem strange that he would do such a thing.
"Including when you went to Knockturn Alley, we also met," Kyle continued.
"I'm sorry, I really don't remember..." Dumbledore shook his head. "I've experienced a lot in my life. If everything were recorded, it might even fill a new library. I can't possibly remember every person I've met."
"Really?" Kyle nodded but didn't ask further.
He didn't doubt Dumbledore's words.
After all, he couldn't even remember everyone he met in his first year.
Moreover, it had been ninety-eight years since Dumbledore's graduation, and they were ninety-eight extremely eventful years. Kyle estimated that Grindelwald alone could occupy two-thirds of his memories.
The remaining one-third would be shared between Voldemort and others, leaving very little for anyone else.
Perhaps this was also the reason he kept a meditation bowl in his office.
When Tata took away the empty plates, Kyle glanced at the sky outside and stood up.
"Are you going out?" Nico asked.
"Yeah," Kyle nodded. "I'm going to Diagon Alley to see if there's any Two-lobed Ear Grass. If not, I'll go to Hogwarts, I remember there's a small patch near the Forbidden Forest."
"Oh, there's no rush. I have some here."
"It's fine, I have nothing else to do anyway," Kyle said as he walked out.
But just as he was about to Apparate away, a hand suddenly rested on his shoulder.
"Professor?" Kyle turned to see Dumbledore catching up, "I'm just buying something. I can manage on my own."
"I'm afraid you're not just buying something," Dumbledore said. "I noticed you kept looking outside, as if you were concerned about time. Could it be that something happened after I left?"
Kyle hesitated for a moment and nodded.
"In two hours, Bellatrix will lead the Death Eaters to attack Lupin's wedding, and the Dark Lord will also be there."
"What did you say?" Dumbledore's hand trembled slightly.
"But it's okay," Kyle quickly added, "because of Fawkes' help, no one was killed in this incident. And the Dark Lord only went there after everyone had been taken away."
"How do you know?" Dumbledore asked in a low voice.
"Because I was the only one there," Kyle shrugged, "It was also the first time I faced the Dark Lord."
"I'm sorry, it's all because of me," Dumbledore said, lowering his eyes. "If I had left a day later, perhaps none of this would have happened."
"Yes," Kyle said, "the Cruciatus Curse doesn't taste very good."
Hearing his words, Dumbledore felt even more guilty.
"Professor, are you thinking of making it up to me?" Kyle asked quietly.
"I can grant you any request," Dumbledore said.
"Then give me Fawkes," Kyle blurted out.
For some reason, after Kyle said this, Dumbledore's guilt seemed to lessen.
"I'd like to," he sighed, "but the Phoenix isn't my personal property. To be precise, we're just partners, and whether Fox stays or leaves is entirely up to him."
"Tsk, what a miser," Kyle scoffed.
Although he knew it wouldn't be this easy to take the Phoenix away from Dumbledore, he still felt a bit disappointed.
"So, are you heading to Godric's Hollow?" Dumbledore changed the subject.
"Well, I might just show up at this time, but I'm still concerned." Kyle said, "After all, that's where the action is."
"I'll accompany you."
"Is that a problem?" Kyle glanced at him, "Your body..."
"No problem." Dumbledore whispered, "The potion Nico prepared is very effective. I just feel a bit weak now, but using magic is still fine."
"Alright then." Kyle thought for a moment and agreed.
Indeed, with Dumbledore's presence, it was a form of assurance.
After that, the two used Apparition and arrived near Godric's Hollow.
Because he had lived here for a month before, Kyle was already familiar with the surrounding terrain and appeared on a hidden hillside.
From here, they could see Cody's house... Oh, no, it should be called Potter Manor now. His old potion shop had transformed into a delicate two-story building.
The next second, Dumbledore appeared beside him.
When they arrived, the wedding was at its liveliest, with many guests dancing in the center of the dance floor, following the band's performance.
Fred and George were also there, and to maintain the atmosphere, they chose the familiar tap dance due to the small number of guests.
Harry was also present, serving as an attendant, offering beverages to each guest leaving the dance floor.
Seeing Harry, Kyle couldn't help but smile.
"What is it?" Dumbledore asked curiously.
"Nothing, just thinking about something happy." Kyle said, "Cody once told me he wanted me to be the godfather of his child."
"Cody Potter?" Dumbledore was taken aback and couldn't help but smile.
Cody was Harry's great-great-grandfather, and his child, Henry Potter, was Harry's great-grandfather.
Dumbledore couldn't imagine what Harry would feel if he knew that his classmate at Hogwarts had suddenly become his great-grandfather's godfather.
But it certainly wouldn't be a pleasant feeling.
The two waited a while longer, and the sky gradually darkened.
"You mentioned Bellatrix. When will she arrive?" Dumbledore couldn't help but ask.
As soon as he finished speaking, a black cloud appeared in the distance... It was the black cloaks of the Death Eaters.
"Here she comes." Kyle said.
Bellatrix walked at the front, her face contorted with a maniacal grin, and two barely conscious people were thrown to the ground by the Death Eaters behind her.
"It's the Tonks couple!" Dumbledore recognized them and guessed that Bellatrix had found the Potter Manor protected by the Loyalty Charm through them.
What happened next was exactly as Kyle remembered.
Bellatrix forcibly broke the protective spell, and the entire wedding scene descended into chaos.
Dumbledore wanted to go and help, but Kyle stopped him.
"It's okay." Dumbledore said, "The other me has already left. I won't have any problems even if I go out now."
"I know, but I don't remember you being there in my memory." Kyle said, squinting as he quickly connected his past memories with the present.
In other words, Dumbledore was also here at that time, but why didn't he go to help?
With Dumbledore's personality, to make up for his mistakes, he would never stand idly by. Just like his actions earlier.
But in his memory, Dumbledore never appeared. He was never there from start to finish.
There was only one possible explanation for this: he was held up by something more important and didn't have time to help.
Is there anything more important than saving a member of the Phoenix Society? Of course, there is. For example, stopping the Death Eaters' reinforcements on the way, buying time for those below.
Realizing this, Kyle instantly understood and asked, "Professor, if you faced the Dark Lord now, could you defeat him?"
"Tom..." Dumbledore fell silent for a moment, also guessing why Kyle asked this question, "If it's just to stall, there's no problem."
"Then good, I think we have something to do."
Kyle looked around, took out his flying broom, and flew straight towards the place where Voldemort had appeared earlier.
The only one who could hold Dumbledore back, preventing him from supporting the Phoenix Society, was Voldemort, in Kyle's mind.
If Kyle's guess was correct, Voldemort had arrived earlier and was delayed on the way, not rushing here after the incident.
They were that delay.
...
(End of Chapter)
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