https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-889-The-Fake-Goblin-in-Gringotts/12628439/
Chapter 888: A Moment of Guilt
Chapter 888: A Moment of Guilt
"Ptooey!"
It was as if someone had installed a shower in the Headmaster's office.
Dumbledore's expression froze, and the mouthful of tea he was about to swallow was sprayed out.
Kyle, as if expecting this, dodged nimbly and then calmly watched as Dumbledore snatched the photo, his face turning from green to red.
The photo depicted two young men engaged in a solemn ritual.
And due to the angle, the photo was incredibly clear, capturing even the expressions on their faces.
The window!
Dumbledore immediately thought of the source of the photo.
There was a tiny window in the barn, and it was through that window that Kyle had taken this shot.
The slight glimpse of the window frame at the edge of the photo confirmed this.
But Dumbledore couldn't understand how, through such a small and inconspicuous window, the entire blood pact process had been perfectly captured? With the enhancement of the Revelascope potion, it was almost identical to Dumbledore's own memory.
"You..." Dumbledore was flabbergasted. "How did you do it?"
When they had made the blood pact, they had carefully checked their surroundings, and there was no way anyone could have been there.
But why was this photo so clear, as if it had been taken right next to their faces?
Did it make sense?
Due to his overly surprised expression, the portraits on the wall, which had been pretending to sleep, also sensed something amiss and opened their eyes, craning their necks curiously towards the table.
What had Kyle just said about Albus and Grindelwald's blood pact? They were incredibly curious.
But before they could make a move, they saw Dumbledore wave his hand forcefully.
All the portraits flipped around and collectively turned their backs to the room.
"Hey, Albus, you can't do that!" someone shouted, the voice sounding like Phineas'.
The others grumbled in agreement.
After all, they were just portraits, and it wasn't like they could spread the news. What harm could it do to let them take a peek and satisfy their curiosity? Was it necessary to be so stingy?
But Dumbledore ignored them, his eyes fixed on Kyle.
"I have Ariana to thank for this." Kyle said calmly, "From her attic, she could see clearly through the window of the barn, even though it was quite a distance away."
At the mention of Ariana's name, Dumbledore deflated.
"As for the photo, I used a little prop." Kyle continued.
"Another product from Mr. Weasley's shop?" Dumbledore asked, hesitating about whether he should pull some strings to get the shop shut down.
Although it would be a bit unethical and against his usual principles to shut down a student's business, the impact of this photo on Dumbledore was enormous.
"No, not from Weasley's shop. It's something else we're both familiar with." Kyle took out an old, slightly worn telescope.
"Omnioculars, it has a function to magnify the view, which came in handy."
He had bought it for ten Galleons at the Quidditch World Cup, and although it was a bit pricey, it was definitely worth every Knut.
Not only could it magnify the view, but it also maintained clarity and even had playback and slow-motion functions.
It was with this device that Kyle had captured this perfect photo.
To be honest, he felt a bit reluctant to part with it.
This photo was extremely valuable, not only because it was one of a kind but also because there was no way to make a copy. It was no exaggeration to say that this was the only copy in the entire wizarding world.
If he were to take it to Nurmengard, it would be like having a wand that could cast any spell Grindelwald knew. As long as Kyle asked, Grindelwald would teach him any spell, and he would keep teaching until Kyle mastered it.
Even if Kyle were greedy and wanted to learn two or three spells, Grindelwald would not refuse.
However, Kyle took it out and gave it to Dumbledore as a retirement gift, without any conditions.
Dumbledore was also delighted, so much so that he forgot about his favorite tea and just held the photo, his whole body trembling.
"I'm too kind." Kyle praised himself.
Dumbledore looked at the photo in his hand, his mind in turmoil, but when he heard Kyle's muttering, he couldn't help but glance up at him.
"What's the matter, sir? Don't you like it?" Kyle asked. "If you don't, I can take it back and replace it with another one."
"No, no need." Dumbledore took a deep breath. "I... well, I like it."
His fingers traced the photo gently.
Reason told him that he should destroy the photo, tear it to shreds, and be rid of it forever.
But as Dumbledore was about to do so, his fingers suddenly became stiff and immovable.
However, looking at the confident young men in the photo, memories came flooding back.
Dumbledore didn't want to relive those moments, so he finally covered the photo with his palm and pressed down.
The photo on the table sparkled and disappeared from their sight.
Of course, whether it was destroyed or hidden away was something only Dumbledore knew.
"You... don't have another copy, do you?" Dumbledore asked, as if he had thought of something.
After all, this was Kyle, and he couldn't be sure if the young man had made a few extra copies for his collection.
"No, definitely not." Kyle shook his head firmly.
He really hadn't.
After all, the first photo was the most valuable, and any additional copies would be worthless in comparison.
Dumbledore gave Kyle a skeptical look but chose to believe him for now, his expression complex as he sat down in a chair.
Although he had guessed that Kyle's gift would be special, he hadn't expected it to be so... unexpected.
A blood pact, Dumbledore had never imagined that he would ever see that day again.
Was this his dark past?
"Important memories..." Dumbledore couldn't quite explain it himself.
He only knew that he had been deliberately avoiding these memories.
After seeing the photo, Dumbledore even subconsciously considered paying a visit to Nurmengard.
After all, he had retired and was no longer bound by Hogwarts; he had plenty of time...
However, this thought was quickly squashed by Dumbledore.
"No, I can't go."
Grindelwald was different from Voldemort...
Dumbledore's thoughts were in disarray. He had originally intended to discuss other matters with Kyle, but now he no longer felt like it.
He didn't even notice that Kyle had quietly slipped out of the office, taking Fawkes with him from the perch.
The phoenix grew rapidly. In just a few days, the initially wrinkled little bird had grown beautiful red feathers again, and its size was now comparable to that of a regular owl.
Moreover, as they were newly grown feathers, they felt soft and fluffy to the touch, giving a pleasant sensation.
"Let's go, Fawkes. I'll take you to eat something delicious." Kyle stretched out his hand and said, "The new Mandrake leaves have matured, and they're so tender. I think you'll like them."
Without a moment's hesitation, the phoenix jumped onto Kyle's shoulder and accompanied him out of the office, not even glancing at Dumbledore.
As Kyle exited the spiral staircase, he saw a crowd of people outside.
Sprout, Flitwick, Snape, Slughorn, Sinistra... Except for a certain ghost, almost all the professors were present.
Kyle even spotted Professor Babbling, who taught Ancient Runes, in the crowd. She usually stayed away from the school except during her classes, but she had made an appearance today.
In addition, Amelia Bones and Scrimgeour were there, along with Madam Pince and a representative from the Daily Prophet.
They had a multitude of questions burning in their minds, eager to seek answers from Dumbledore. The only reason they hadn't entered yet was because they were blocked by one person.
"Professor McGonagall... Ah, no, Headmistress McGonagall."
Kyle looked at the person standing at the front and said, "Thank you for your trust. Professor Dumbledore is waiting for you inside, and I believe he will be able to provide you with satisfactory answers to your questions."
"Let's stick with Professor; calling me Headmistress feels too strange." Professor McGonagall shook her head. "Besides, I'll continue teaching Transfiguration classes, so calling me Professor is perfectly fine."
"Very well, Professor McGonagall." Kyle readily adjusted his address.
After all, he had already graduated, so whether it was Professor or Headmistress didn't matter to him.
Professor McGonagall nodded without further comment and proceeded up the spiral staircase, followed by the other professors.
Except for one person.
Snape remained in his spot, his expression complex as he watched Kyle.
"You sure have a lot of pull..." Snape's first words were laced with his usual sarcasm. "So many people want to speak with Dumbledore, the Professor, the Minister, and now the Headmistress, yet you managed to be the first in line."
"Maybe it's because I came early." Kyle shrugged. "Professor Snape, if you're quicker next time, perhaps you can be the first as well."
"Next time?" Snape raised an eyebrow. Was there going to be a next time?
Kyle didn't elaborate, as he had only been making a casual remark. Having finished, he prepared to leave.
However, Snape seemed unwilling to let Kyle go so easily.
"What did the two of you talk about?" Snape blocked Kyle's path and demanded bluntly, "Or, what are you planning to do with Draco... He's a fringe character and can't offer you much help."
"Draco Malfoy?" Kyle blinked, then suddenly slapped his thigh.
That's right, he had promised Malfoy that he would look into the possibility of letting him return to Hogwarts.
But with all the recent events, he had completely forgotten about it.
Kyle felt a twinge of guilt for a second.
To be fair, if it weren't for the clues he obtained from Malfoy, he wouldn't have found his way to Cornwall, nor would he have been able to rescue Alastor Moody along the way.
Later, when he went to the Hebrides, it was also because he had seen Lucius Malfoy in Diagon Alley.
Whether it was a conscious or unconscious decision, Malfoy had provided assistance, and it was a fact that he, Kyle, had forgotten about his promise to Draco. It was indeed wrong of him.
Maybe he should take this opportunity while still at Hogwarts to go back and talk to Dumbledore about it? Kyle turned back and glanced...
Never mind, there were at least twenty people who had gone in before him, and even if he wanted to say something to Dumbledore now, he would probably have to wait in line.
He should have waited a little longer earlier.
Kyle sighed.
However, he then thought that since Dumbledore was no longer the headmaster, his say in letting Malfoy return to Hogwarts might not hold much weight.
For this matter, he should probably speak with Professor McGonagall, the new Headmistress. At least he could say that he had tried.
...
Watching Kyle sigh and shake his head, seemingly lost in thought, Snape's temples throbbed.
He disliked Kyle. From the moment he first laid eyes on him, the feeling had been mutual. Over the years, he had even started to tolerate Harry a little, but his dislike for Kyle only intensified.
As it turned out, his instincts were not wrong.
"I'm talking to you!" Snape gritted his teeth, his voice cold.
"Huh?"
"Oh, sorry, Professor. I zoned out for a moment there."
Kyle turned around as if he had just realized, "To be frank, you're underestimating Malfoy. The help he provided was not insignificant."
Snape frowned, "Tell me everything you know. Now!"
"I refuse." Kyle shook his head. "I've already said this before, and my answer remains the same."
"What did you say?" Snape took a step forward. "Don't you know that I'm Draco's godfather? I'm responsible for his safety, and I have the right to know what he's up to!"
"I know, you've mentioned that before."
"Kyle said, also looking at Snape, 'But I still refuse.'"
"Hold your hippogriffs, Professor Snape," Kyle continued. "This was Draco's own decision. He's an adult, entitled to make his own choices, and this is his only way out of his current situation."
"He could have gone to Dumbledore," Snape said coldly.
"Then why aren't Lucius and Narcissa here?" Kyle smiled. "You tried, but it didn't work, right?"
Snape's expression darkened further.
"Looks like I guessed right," Kyle laughed. "The mysterious person can ignore anyone except Dumbledore. It would be too risky to approach him at this time, and the Malfoys aren't fools. They wouldn't, and they dare not do such a thing."
"You're underestimating yourself." Snape suddenly said, sounding somewhat baffling.
Kyle paused before continuing nonchalantly.
"Professor, I've said this before. It's pointless to come to me about this matter. It's not that I want to hide it, but Draco has already taken the first step. The fewer people who know the truth, the safer he will be."
"In fact, what I'm telling you now already puts Draco at considerable risk."
"You..." Snape was about to say something when his pupils suddenly contracted.
Kyle's words had piqued his interest.
"Confidentiality is necessary for Draco Malfoy's safety, but why would telling you put him at risk?"
The greatest danger to Draco Malfoy was, of course, Voldemort.
But for a professor who spent most of his time at school, even if he learned some secrets, it shouldn't matter much. After all, Voldemort wasn't likely to break into Hogwarts, and if he did, those secrets would become irrelevant.
So, only those who were regularly by Voldemort's side would be at risk of exposure.
Snape's eyes darted back and forth as he recalled a previous hunch.
What did Kyle know? Had Dumbledore told him anything?
Probably not...
Snape thought to himself.
His identity as a spy within Voldemort's ranks was top-secret; only Dumbledore knew, and he had promised never to tell anyone else.
But what did Kyle's words mean? Did he truly know nothing? Snape wanted to convince himself that it was just a coincidence, but his years as a spy made him overthink.
...
On the other hand, Kyle, seeing Snape's silence and ever-changing expressions, scratched his head in confusion.
"What's going on? He was fine just now, but why did he suddenly clam up, his face turning pale then red?"
Snape's current demeanor was identical to Dumbledore's when he first saw the blood pact photo, but Kyle hadn't shown him any pictures.
Kyle took a step back instinctively, creating distance between himself and Snape.
Regardless, it was better to be cautious. Snape wasn't Dumbledore, and by keeping a safe distance, it would be easier to escape if Snape suddenly decided to attack.
After a period of internal struggle, Snape ultimately chose to feign ignorance and, after giving Kyle one last glance, turned to leave.
He intended to ask Dumbledore first. If Dumbledore had indeed revealed his identity to Kyle, he would not let him off the hook.
His identity was his bottom line; he could agree to help Dumbledore, but he would not allow a third person to know about it.
If anyone were to be told, it should come from his own lips... and that person certainly wouldn't be Kyle.
"Professor, wait!"
Just as Snape was about to walk away, Kyle called out to stop him.
"What else do you want!" Snape turned, his eyes cold as he glared at Kyle.
"It's nothing," Kyle said with a smile. "I just wanted to ask, Professor, do you remember? A while back, you broke one of my shelves, and I wanted to discuss the compensation we previously agreed upon..."
Snape raised an eyebrow.
"Of course, I'm not rushing you, Professor," Kyle quickly added. "But we're both busy, and it's rare to run into each other like this, so let's settle this now."
Kyle's thumb and forefinger rubbed together, the implication clear... money.
"Ha..." Snape suddenly laughed, and it wasn't his usual cold laugh or sneer.
"If it's compensation, I've already paid."
"You paid?" Kyle was taken aback.
While Snape had a nasty personality and unpleasant character, and he didn't wash his hair, always looked grumpy, and wore the same ugly black robe, he wouldn't lie about something like this.
Nor was there any need to.
For a renowned Potions master like Snape, a few hundred Galleons were insignificant. Even if he didn't want to pay, he would have directly said so.
But Kyle hadn't received any money.
Could it be that while he was away in the Hebrides, Snape had sent the Galleons to the store? No, that didn't seem like something Snape would do!
Kyle understood Snape; it was like understanding himself.
If their positions were reversed and it was Kyle who owed money, he definitely wouldn't pay up so honestly.
At the very least, he would have exchanged the Galleons for a bag of Knuts to annoy the other party.
"I can assure you that I have paid the compensation in full, not a Knut less." Seeing Kyle deep in thought, Snape's smile widened, and there was even a hint of satisfaction in it. "Whether or not you received it is your problem."
With that, he turned and walked up the spiral staircase toward the Headmaster's office without another word to Kyle.
...
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
Report
