Chapter 909: The Same Tower, Dumbledore's Choice
Chapter 909: The Same Tower, Dumbledore's Choice
Aside from the few present, no one knew about the conversation that had taken place in the cabin, and no one was aware that the despised Malfoy had once been replaced.
For a while after that, Hogwarts seemed to have returned to its peaceful state.
But it was only seemingly so. If one ignored the dark shadows that always loitered around the school, the increasing number of strangers in Hogsmeade, and the perpetually packed Hog's Head... it was still quite tranquil.
Another weekend arrived.
After breakfast, Kyle happened to meet Malfoy in the entrance hall, who was on his way to watch the Quidditch match.
Surrounded by many people, the two were squeezed together and pushed out of the castle, only to casually part ways afterward.
Malfoy went to the Quidditch pitch with his two cronies, but Kyle didn't return to the cabin. Instead, he left the school and headed straight for the Hog's Head.
Although it was still daytime, the pub remained dimly lit, and the patrons sitting around were equally gloomy.
Most of them wore large hoods, covering their entire faces.
Kyle walked up to the bar and found Aberforth busy at work.
A cup that was spotlessly clean was placed in front of him.
"What would you like to drink?" Aberforth asked with a smile.
Kyle didn't react immediately and stood there, dazed for a moment.
"Oh, Merlin's beard! Did you see that? The boss... he actually smiled!"
Someone voiced Kyle's thoughts.
"You idiot, you must be drunk!" The person next to him said without looking up, "This old goat only has one expression. I'd rather believe that Hogwarts will offer Dark Magic classes tomorrow than believe he'd smile."
"I swear I saw it." The person continued, "Really."
"Okay, I take back what I said."
"You're not drunk; you're drunk on fake alcohol."
...
The two started arguing, and Kyle gradually snapped out of his daze.
When he looked up again, Aberforth had returned to his usual self, his face stern as if everyone owed him five hundred Galleons.
That was more like it... Kyle sighed in relief.
Aberforth's smile was too frightening; it had a sense of dissonance, like watching a giant teach a centaur to knit.
It was better this way.
"Thank you..." Aberforth said in a voice only Kyle could hear.
Of course, Kyle understood what he meant.
Ariana had already been to the Hog's Head, and she probably told this stubborn old man the truth.
Kyle shook his head, "I'm not doing this for you. I just thought of a possible solution to the problem and wanted to give it a try.
"To be honest, if she couldn't join them, I wouldn't be able to help either."
"Either way, you helped her." Aberforth brought out a bottle of dusty whisky, "Unlike someone who just keeps wandering around, unable to solve the problem, and almost got himself into trouble. Living for over a hundred years and still having no brain..."
"And he even dared to hit me. Just you wait; I'll get him back one day..."
Aberforth's tone was filled with disdain and resentment towards Dumbledore.
The animosity between the two old men didn't seem to diminish after Ariana's resurrection. Instead, Dumbledore's punch had opened a new track.
Kyle wisely refrained from responding.
It didn't matter what these two old men did as long as he wasn't dragged into it.
Aberforth wiped the dust off the bottle and poured a glass for Kyle.
"Try this. It's authentic eighty-year-old Ogden Fire Whisky, not the inferior stuff those idiots drink."
When Aberforth said this, many people heard him.
Everyone looked at him in disbelief.
What was going on? Were the fake alcohol sellers this brazen now? No attempt to hide it?
"What are you looking at!" Aberforth said bluntly, "If you want the real stuff, it's thirty Galleons a glass. Come and get it if you want it!"
And so, everyone lowered their heads again.
They couldn't afford it.
"Hmph..." Aberforth scoffed, "You want the real stuff, Five-X? You're dreaming if you think you can get it at any time..."
Kyle remained silent.
The reason the Hog's Head was popular was not only because it was a suitable place for Dark Wizards to meet but also because these people couldn't afford the Three Broomsticks, so they could only settle for this place.
Changing to a better bottle was a form of psychological consolation.
Kyle picked up a glass cleaner than the ones at the Three Broomsticks and took a small sip.
"How is it?" Aberforth asked.
"It's okay," Kyle replied.
The old man's face fell.
Although Kyle had saved Ariana, it didn't mean he could casually insult his prized possession.
Kyle, who barely understood anything, dared to comment on Ogden. This was an eighty-year-old whisky...
"It's not as good as a hundred and fifty-year-old one."
Kyle's words made Aberforth, who was about to speak, close his mouth again.
Not only did he say that, but he also took out a bottle that looked even older. Aberforth only glanced at the year on it, and his mouth twitched as if he were doing the electric slide.
It was indeed a hundred and fifty-year-old whisky...
But he quickly realized that Kyle could get this kind of whisky because he had been to 1899, and Dumbledore had mentioned that he had bought quite a few things during that time.
"Hmph, I bet it doesn't have the taste of aged whisky," Aberforth said with a stiff neck.
"It's different. The craftsmanship is different." Kyle shook his finger, "The batch from a hundred and fifty years ago was the work of Ogden's most talented brewmaster, and it was from then on that the so-called... Ogden Fire was born.
Kyle swirled the bottle, and the fiery liquid within seemed to ignite, casting a crimson glow through the murky glass.
This was the true Fiendfyre, a real fire, not just a branded name as it is now.
"Sell me a bottle..." Aberforth couldn't take his eyes off it.
"Eight hundred Galleons, flat," Kyle said.
"Eight hundred..." Aberforth glared, "Why don't you just rob me?"
"That's a slow and risky way to make money," Kyle chuckled, "Do you want it or not? I'm giving you a friend's price, eight hundred, but in my store, I wouldn't let you see it for less than a thousand."
"I'll take it!" Aberforth's voice was almost a growl, "You damn merchant."
"Takes one to know one," Kyle laughed and handed over his Transfigured lizard skin bag.
He hadn't expected to complete a transaction on this trip.
Aberforth left to get the money, muttering under his breath about something like, "Bloody idiot, moron, waste of a trip..."
Soon, Aberforth returned and tossed the bag to Kyle without a word.
"So, what brings you here this time?" Kyle asked.
Kyle opened the bag, took a quick glance inside, and then contentedly put it away.
"Just a small favor, keep an eye on a few people," Kyle said, his wand hidden in his sleeve twitched slightly.
"Close your ears and listen!"
"My place is packed every day," Aberforth lifted an eyebrow, "I can't watch all of them."
"Not all, just a few," Kyle said, "The big guy in the corner, the witch sitting by the door, and the three at the table across."
"Are they all Death Eaters?"
"Yeah, genuine evil wizards," Kyle confirmed, "Malfoy got this information from Crabbe and Goyle. These people have used the Killing Curse more than once, and they're among the most troublesome."
"Malfoy?" Aberforth raised an eyebrow, "You mean that kid who wanted to kill Dumbledore... How did he manage to get information in that situation?"
Apparently, Aberforth was unaware of the details.
"He seems to have revealed his secret mission and gained Crabbe and Goyle's trust," Kyle explained, "It's an unexpected bonus. I didn't know Malfoy was so capable."
"What do you want me to do?" Aberforth asked.
"Just keep an eye on them," Kyle said, "As long as they're here, it means the Death Eaters aren't making any moves, and there's no need to worry."
"What if they do make a move?"
Kyle didn't speak, merely drawing a light line on the table with his finger.
Aberforth raised an eyebrow, "Those are five experienced Death Eaters. You sure have high expectations of me."
"You can also write me a letter," Kyle suggested, "I don't mind making a trip."
"But I don't want to waste vellum," Aberforth sighed, "I know, you can go back now. Staying here all the time might raise suspicions."
"Hogwarts professors never come to the Hog's Head..."
"It's fine," Kyle said dismissively, "They won't be making any moves anytime soon."
"But I don't want to see you again," Aberforth said expressionlessly.
After paying eight hundred Galleons, his gratitude towards Kyle vanished in an instant.
Ariana's influence wasn't that heavy... Kyle muttered to himself as he left the Hog's Head.
Upon returning to school, the Quidditch match had just ended, and students were heading back to the castle in small groups, discussing the match.
In the crowd, Kyle spotted Malfoy again, still surrounded by an empty space, as no one wanted to get close to him. But he was chatting and laughing with Crabbe and Goyle, and the three seemed to have reconciled.
Kyle merely glanced at them and turned to leave.
As time passed, the snow on the ground gradually melted, and Kyle's Ancient Runes Class remained steady, once a week, leaving right after class, never lingering.
Hermione, however, had an endless stream of questions, and she had even self-studied to find the path through the Alchemical Mist.
Only after Kyle assured her that with her current abilities, she could achieve an O in her N.E.W.T.s, did Hermione's visits become less frequent.
She seemed determined to challenge her limits, aiming not only for more N.E.W.T. certificates but also for all Os.
Although Kyle thought it unnecessary... It was just a certificate, and anyone with hands could get it, right?
But as a professor, he couldn't dampen his student's enthusiasm.
Malfoy continued to bring him news from time to time, mostly about the Death Eaters' recent plans.
It had to be said that when he truly set his mind to do something, there were indeed some gains.
Crabbe and Goyle weren't exactly important figures, and aside from the five Death Eaters at the Hog's Head, most of the information they had was trivial.
But it was better than nothing.
Additionally, with Snape, another Death Eater, hidden within Hogwarts, the majority of the Death Eaters surrounding the school had been exposed.
During this time, Dumbledore seemed to have suddenly become busy, and Kyle didn't know what he was busy with. But he had visited the cabin a few times, leaving some instructions.
They weren't major matters, mainly telling Kyle to stay within the school for now and wait for a certain opportunity.
As for what opportunity, he didn't say, and Kyle didn't ask.
In the Hogwarts grounds, students eagerly rushed towards the Quidditch pitch as usual. But this time, the crowd was noticeably smaller. Malfoy, Crabbe, and Goyle were nowhere to be seen.
Kyle, who was setting up runes in the garden, suddenly heard the cry of a phoenix. Looking up, he spotted Fox inexplicably perched atop one of Hogwarts' towers.
"That's the Headmaster's phoenix..." Hagrid also looked up, his eyes naturally drawn to the phoenix. Its teeth weren't like saws, and its appearance wasn't scary enough, so it didn't capture Hagrid's favor. He merely glanced at it and then looked away."
"Strange, it usually never leaves the Headmaster's Office. What's going on today?"
"Who knows?" Kyle responded, "I'll go take a look."
"Alright," Hagrid didn't mind.
Kyle left the garden, took out his crossbow, and flew at the fastest speed to the tower where the phoenix was perched.
The door was open, and Crabbe and Goyle were lying on either side. Dumbledore stood directly in front of the window, with Malfoy facing him. Their positions were identical to how they had been years ago.
"Is it time to begin?" Kyle asked.
"Yes," Dumbledore nodded, "Tom seems a bit impatient. He has urged Mr. Malfoy more than once, and since I'm still alive, he has never dared to show himself."
"I thought this achievement would give him enough confidence, but Tom is still so cautious."
"You were defeated by him?" Kyle's voice rose slightly.
"Yes, a crushing defeat. My wand became his trophy." Dumbledore spread his hands, indicating he no longer had the essential weapon of a wizard.
In fact, Kyle had seen Dumbledore's other wand, a black one.
Most of the time, he didn't take it out, choosing instead to solve problems with wandless magic.
This time was no exception.
"Then, let's begin," Dumbledore turned to Malfoy, "Minerva and Severus are already on their way here, as we agreed."
"Okay, okay..." Malfoy trembled as he raised his wand.
"Wait a moment," Kyle suddenly interrupted, looking around before taking out his wand and lifting Crabbe, who was lying on the ground.
"What are you..."
"You don't want Fox to help you achieve nirvana, do you?" Kyle dragged Crabbe along, "Someone has to block the Killing Curse. Don't waste it, and even if you die, you should let others see."
Dumbledore's forehead twitched.
"This is a school, Kyle!"
"I know, but..."
"There's no 'but'. Crabbe's identity is still that of a student," Dumbledore said firmly.
"Tsk, what a hassle." Kyle casually threw Crabbe to the side and opened a crate, pulling out another unconscious Death Eater.
"I asked Cedric to check, and this person has taken the lives of five Muggles using Dark Magic artifacts. He also killed an Auror and two Hit Wizards during Death Eater actions. That should be enough, right?"
Dumbledore's lips twitched in acknowledgment.
Kyle skillfully took out a potion bottle.
"No need," Dumbledore stopped Kyle from attempting to pull out his hair.
"Polyjuice Potion has a time limit, it's not suitable." As he spoke, a black wand appeared in his hand, pointing at the Death Eater.
In the blink of an eye, another Dumbledore appeared.
Kyle raised his wand, aiming it at the window, "Professor, are you sure no one will notice?"
"I have great confidence in my Transfiguration skills," Dumbledore said, "I don't know if I've mentioned it before, but I taught Transfiguration classes for a long time."
Seeing their skilled coordination, Malfoy's hand trembled even more.
He couldn't help but think that if he hadn't chosen to betray the Dark Lord and had followed the original plan, the 'Dumbledore' being held at wand point at the window would have been him.
At this thought, Malfoy's legs began to shake, and he was on the verge of sitting down.
"Quickly," Dumbledore urged, "Minerva is already downstairs. The fewer people who know about this, the better we can deceive Tom, just like with Alastor."
Kyle glanced at Dumbledore without speaking and steadily sent the other Dumbledore to the front of the window, making slight adjustments to the distance.
At this moment, chaotic and hurried footsteps could be heard from outside, and the professors had arrived.
Kyle decisively turned his wand towards Malfoy.
"Disarm!"
Malfoy instinctively extended his wand forward.
He didn't cast any spell, but a lightning-like Killing Curse exploded from the tip of his wand.
It was like setting off a rather unimpressive firework.
Without any defense, the Killing Curse landed precisely on the 'Dumbledore' in front of the window, and everything around them froze.
Almost simultaneously, the tower door was knocked open.
A tabby cat jumped in and transformed into Professor McGonagall mid-air, followed closely by Professor Snape.
Their eyes immediately fell on Malfoy's wand, which was spinning and falling into Kyle's hand.
While Dumbledore, in a green light that hadn't fully dissipated yet, was propelled out of the window by some powerful force.
Professor McGonagall's scream was stifled in her throat, leaving her speechless and stunned as she watched Dumbledore fall from the tall tower.
...
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
Report
