Chapter 888: A Moment of Regret
Chapter 888: A Moment of Regret
"Pfft!"
It was as if someone had installed a sprinkler in the Headmaster's office.
Dumbledore's expression instantly stiffened, and the red tea he was about to swallow spurted out.
Kyle, who seemed to have anticipated this, nimbly dodged the spray and calmly watched as Dumbledore snatched the photograph, his face turning from pale to red in rapid succession.
The photograph depicted two young men engaged in a solemn ritual.
Due to the angle, the image was incredibly clear, capturing even the expressions on their faces.
The window!
Dumbledore immediately realized the source of the photograph.
There was a small window in the barn, and Kyle had taken the photo through it.
The faintly visible window frame in the photograph's edges confirmed this.
But Dumbledore couldn't understand how a small, inconspicuous window could perfectly capture the entire blood pact scene.
Moreover, with the enhancement of the developing potion, it was almost identical to Dumbledore's memory.
"You..." Dumbledore was completely flustered, "How did you do it?"
When they had made the blood pact, they had carefully inspected the surroundings, and it was impossible for anyone to be there.
But why was this photo so clear, as if it had been taken right in front of their faces?
Did it make sense?
The portraits on the wall, which had been feigning sleep, sensed something amiss due to Dumbledore's shocked expression and opened their eyes, craning their necks to peer at the table.
Earlier, Kyle had mentioned something about Albus and Grindelwald's blood pact, and they were extremely curious.
But before they could react, Dumbledore waved his hand forcefully.
All the portraits flipped over and collectively faced the wall.
"Hey, Albus, you can't do this!" someone shouted, sounding like Phineas.
The others also had something to say.
They were portraits and couldn't possibly spread the news, but looking at it to satisfy their curiosity was harmless. Why be so stingy?
However, Dumbledore ignored them, focusing solely on Kyle.
"I have Ariana to thank for this," Kyle said calmly, "Her attic is far enough from the barn to get a clear view of the window."
Upon hearing Ariana's name, Dumbledore deflated.
"As for the photo, I used a little prop," Kyle continued.
"Another one of Mr. Weasley's products?" Dumbledore asked, hesitating about whether to use his connections to shut down the shop.
Although it was a bit unethical, sealing a student's shop would go against his principles. But the impact of this photograph on Dumbledore was immense.
"No, it's not Mr. Weasley's product, but something else we're all familiar with," Kyle said, taking out an old-looking telescope.
"A full-view telescope with a magnification function, which came in handy."
He had bought it for ten Galleons at the Quidditch World Cup, a bit pricey but well worth it.
Not only could it magnify the scene, but it also maintained clarity and had replay and slow-motion functions.
Kyle used this device to capture the perfect photograph.
To be honest, he felt a bit reluctant to part with it.
The photograph was too precious, not only unique but also impossible to replicate. Without exaggeration, it was the only one in the entire magical world.
If taken to Nurmengard, it would be a universal spell scroll, and Kyle could learn any spell Grindelwald knew, with the guarantee of mastering it.
Even if Kyle were greedy and wanted to learn two or three spells, Grindelwald would never refuse.
However, Kyle still gave it without any conditions, offering it to Dumbledore as a retirement gift.
Dumbledore was so excited that he didn't even drink his favorite tea, holding the photograph and trembling all over.
"I'm too kind," Kyle praised himself.
Dumbledore looked at the photograph in his hand, his mind in turmoil. But upon hearing Kyle's muttering, he couldn't help but glance at him.
"What's wrong, sir? Don't you like it?" Kyle asked. "If you don't like it, I can take it back and exchange it for another one."
"No, it's not necessary." Dumbledore took a deep breath, "I... well, I like it."
His fingers caressed the photograph.
Logic told him he should destroy it, tear it into pieces, and get it out of sight.
But when Dumbledore was about to do so, his fingers suddenly became stiff, unable to move.
Looking at the photograph of the two young men in their prime, memories flooded back like a tidal wave.
Dumbledore didn't want to recall those moments and finally covered the photograph with his palm, pressing down forcefully.
A spark appeared on the photograph on the table, and it vanished before their eyes.
Of course, whether it was destroyed or hidden elsewhere, only Dumbledore knew.
"You don't have another copy, do you?" Dumbledore asked, as if he had thought of something.
After all, it was Kyle, and he couldn't be sure if Kyle had made copies for his collection.
"No, definitely not," Kyle shook his head firmly, his tone resolute.
He hadn't done that.
After all, the first photograph was the most valuable, and additional copies would diminish its worth.
Dumbledore looked at Kyle with a mix of belief and doubt, temporarily accepting his word. He sat in a chair, his expression a mix of surprise and anticipation.
Although he had guessed that Kyle's gift would be special, he never expected it to be so... unexpected.
A blood pact! Dumbledore had never imagined that he would witness the scene from that day.
Was this his dark history? Or a cherished memory? Even Dumbledore couldn't tell.
He had been deliberately avoiding this memory.
After seeing the photograph, Dumbledore subconsciously wondered if he should pay a visit to Nurmengard.
After all, he had already retired, free from the constraints of Hogwarts, and had plenty of time...
But this thought was quickly extinguished by Dumbledore.
No, he couldn't go.
Grindelwald and Voldemort were not the same...
Dumbledore's mind was in turmoil. He had wanted to talk to Kyle about something else, but now he didn't feel like it.
He didn't even notice that Kyle had already tiptoed out of the Headmaster's Office, taking Fox with him from her perch.
The phoenix grew quickly; in just a few days, the once wrinkled little bird had grown beautiful red feathers and was now the size of an ordinary owl.
And because these were newly grown feathers, they felt soft and fluffy to the touch, giving a pleasant sensation.
"Let's go, I'll take you to get something nice to eat." Kyle extended his hand, "The new Mandrake roots have matured, and the leaves are tender. You'll probably like them."
Without a moment's hesitation, the phoenix jumped onto Kyle's shoulder, and they left the Headmaster's Office together.
Upon exiting the spiral staircase, Kyle saw a crowd of dark figures outside.
Sprout, Flitwick, Snape, Slughorn, Sinistra... Almost all the professors were there, except for the ghosts.
Kyle even spotted the ancient Runes professor, Professor Babbling, who was rarely seen outside of her classes. He was surprised to see her here today.
Additionally, Amelia Bones, Scrimgeour, Madame Maxime, and a representative from the Daily Prophet were present.
They were all eager to seek answers from Dumbledore, but they were being held back by a single person.
"Professor McGonagall... No, that's not right, Headmistress McGonagall."
Kyle addressed the person at the front, "Thank you for your trust. Mr. Dumbledore is waiting inside for you, and I'm sure he'll provide a satisfactory answer."
"Just call me Professor, the title of Headmistress sounds strange." Professor McGonagall shook her head, "And I'll still be teaching Transfiguration, so Professor is more appropriate."
"Alright, Professor McGonagall." Kyle readily changed his address.
After all, he had already graduated, and the titles of Professor and Headmistress didn't matter.
Professor McGonagall nodded and proceeded up the spiral staircase, followed by the other professors.
Except for one person.
Snape remained in place, his expression complex as he watched Kyle.
"You sure have a lot of clout." Snape began, his tone dripping with sarcasm, "So many people want to talk to Dumbledore, the professor, the minister, the headmistress, but you get to be the first in line."
"Maybe I got here early." Kyle shrugged, "Professor Snape, if you're quicker next time, you might be the first too."
"Next time?" Snape raised an eyebrow, was there going to be a next time?
Kyle didn't explain, as he had been merely placating Snape. But now, he was ready to leave.
However, Snape didn't seem willing to let Kyle go.
"What did you two talk about?" Snape blocked Kyle's path, speaking bluntly, "Or rather, what do you want to do to Draco... He's just a marginal figure, he can't provide much help."
"Draco Malfoy?" Kyle blinked, then suddenly slapped his thigh.
Oh right, he had promised Malfoy to look into the possibility of him returning to Hogwarts.
But with all the busyness, he had forgotten about it.
Kyle felt a moment of guilt.
To be honest, if it weren't for the clues he got from Malfoy, he wouldn't have found his way to Cornwall, nor would he have been able to rescue Alastor Moody along the way.
Even their later arrival at the Hesidiri Archipelago was due to spotting Lucius Malfoy in Diagon Alley.
Whether actively or passively, the fact was that Malfoy had provided assistance. Yet, Kyle had completely forgotten his promise to Draco, which was truly inexcusable.
Read the original text in Chapter 6, Section 9 of the book!
Perhaps he should take this opportunity while still at Hogwarts to go back and talk to Dumbledore again.
Kyle glanced back...
Forget it, at least twenty people had gone in earlier, and even if he wanted to say something to Dumbledore now, he'd have to wait in line.
He should have waited a little longer earlier.
Kyle sighed.
But then he suddenly realized that Dumbledore was no longer the Headmaster, and whether or not Malfoy could return to Hogwarts was not up to him.
This matter would require the new Headmistress's approval.
...
Watching Kyle sigh and shake his head, ignoring him, Snape's forehead veins began to throb.
He had disliked Kyle from their very first meeting, and while he had grown to tolerate Harry a little, his dislike for Kyle had only increased over the years.
As it turned out, this dislike was not without reason.
"I'm talking to you!" Snape said through gritted teeth, his voice cold.
"Huh?"
"Oh, sorry Professor, I was just spacing out!" Kyle responded as if he had just realized, "Forgive my frankness, but you truly underestimate Malfoy. The help he provided is significant."
Snape furrowed his brows, "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.
"You know, I'm Draco's godfather. I have to be responsible for his safety and have the right to know what he's up to!"
"Yes, you've already mentioned that once," Kyle said, also looking at Snape. "But I still refuse."
"Don't get worked up, Professor Snape," Kyle continued. "This was Draco's own decision. He's an adult now and has the right to make choices. If he wants to break free from his current life, this is his only option."
"He could go to Dumbledore," Snape said coldly.
"Then why didn't Lucius and Narcissa come?" Kyle smiled. "You tried, but it didn't work, right?"
Snape's expression darkened.
"It seems I guessed correctly," Kyle said with a smile. "The Dark Lord can ignore anyone, but he can never ignore Dumbledore. Contacting him at this time would be too risky. The Malfoys aren't fools; they wouldn't dare do something like that."
"You're underestimating yourself," Snape suddenly said, sounding somewhat cryptic.
Kyle paused before continuing as if nothing was amiss.
"Professor, I've already said that there's no point in asking me about this again. It's not that I want to hide anything, but Draco has already taken the first step. The fewer people who know the truth, the safer he will be."
"By telling me all this, you've actually increased the risk for Draco," Kyle said.
"You..." Snape started to say something, but his pupils suddenly contracted.
Kyle's previous words had caught his attention.
Confidentiality was crucial for Draco Malfoy's safety, but why would revealing this information put Draco at risk?
The greatest danger to Draco Malfoy was undoubtedly Lord Voldemort.
However, a professor who spent most of his time at school, even if he knew something, shouldn't be a concern. After all, Voldemort couldn't possibly break into Hogwarts. If he did, any secrets would become insignificant.
Therefore, only those who frequently interacted with Voldemort had the potential to expose the truth.
Snape's eyes flickered, and he recalled a previous suspicion.
What did Kyle know? Had Dumbledore shared some information with him?
Probably not...
Snape thought to himself.
His role as a spy within Voldemort's inner circle was top-secret. Aside from Dumbledore, no one else knew about it.
Dumbledore had also promised him that he would never reveal this to anyone else.
But what did Kyle's words mean? Could it be that he genuinely didn't know anything? Snape wanted to convince himself that this was just a coincidence, but his years as a spy made him overthink.
...
On the other side, Kyle watched as Snape remained silent, his face alternating between expressions. He scratched his head in confusion.
What was going on? Everything was fine a moment ago, but now he's suddenly silent, his face turning red and blue.
Snape's current appearance was identical to Dumbledore's when he first saw the photograph of the Blood Pact... but he hadn't shown Snape the photograph.
Kyle instinctively took a step back, creating some distance between them.
Regardless, it's better to be cautious. Snape wasn't Dumbledore, and giving him some space would make it easier to escape if he decided to attack.
After some internal struggle, Snape chose to feign ignorance and glanced at Kyle before turning and walking away.
He planned to ask Dumbledore first. If Dumbledore had indeed revealed his identity to Kyle, he wouldn't hold back.
His identity was his bottom line. He could agree to help Dumbledore, but he would never allow a third person to know about this.
Even if he had to tell someone, it should be him, and that person couldn't be Kyle.
"Professor, wait!"
As Snape was about to leave, Kyle quickly called out to him.
"What do you want now!" Snape turned and glared at him.
"It's nothing," Kyle smiled. "I just thought you might remember that a while back, you broke one of my shelves. I was wondering about the compensation we discussed..."
Snape raised an eyebrow.
"Of course, I didn't mean to rush you, Professor," Kyle quickly added. "But we're all busy, and it's not often we meet. Let's settle this now."
Kyle's thumb and index finger rubbed together rapidly, the gesture leaving no doubt about what he meant... compensation.
"Ha..." Snape suddenly laughed, and it wasn't his usual cold or mocking laugh.
"If it's compensation, I've already paid."
"You paid?" Kyle was taken aback.
Snape had a terrible personality, questionable morals, didn't wash his hair, was always grumpy, and wore the same black robe every day. But he wouldn't lie about something like this.
And there was no 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 when Snape went to the Hesdiri Archipelago, he sent the Galleons to the store himself? Impossible... that wasn't Snape's style!
Kyle understood Snape as well as he understood himself.
If their positions were reversed and Kyle had to pay compensation, he would never simply hand over the money.
At the very least, he would exchange the Galleons for a bag of Knuts to give the other party a hard time.
"I can assure you that I've already compensated with Galleons, and not a single Knut was missing," Snape said, looking at the thoughtful Kyle with a broader smile, even a hint of satisfaction.
"Whether you receive it or not is up to you."
With that, he ignored Kyle and walked into the Headmaster's Office.
...
(End of Chapter)
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