Hogwarts: The Exemplary Wizard I Am Chapter 912: Dumbledore's Family Paranoia - Novel Cool

Chapter 912: Dumbledore's Family Paranoia

Chapter 912: Dumbledore's Family Paranoia

The morning sun shone brightly on the second day, but an indescribable gloom enveloped the Great Hall of Hogwarts.

Everyone was dressed in their formal robes, silently eating breakfast, not a word spoken among them. The vast hall was quieter than the library.

Well, not everyone was like that; there was still some noise coming from the Slytherin table, where Crabbe was whispering to Goyle.

They had been released the day before, claiming they had discovered Malfoy's plot but were ambushed and knocked unconscious at the scene.

Even the professors, let alone most of the students, could tell they were lying, but Malfoy loyally testified on their behalf, taking full responsibility.

And so they were released, becoming heroes in the eyes of some Slytherins, basking in their newfound fame.

Of course, with the previous lesson in mind, they dared not be too arrogant.

The other Slytherins with less sense were still recuperating in the hospital wing.

Madam Pomfrey was a professional healer, and she wouldn't tamper with their treatment or make mistakes like giving them the wrong potions.

However, overwhelmed with grief, she lacked the energy to maintain order in the hospital wing.

The hospital wing used to be a place of quiet, almost as strict as the library, where even the slightest noise could get you kicked out.

But now, things were different. Madam Pomfrey didn't have the heart to intervene, even if someone played a full Quidditch match in the hospital wing. The doors remained open day and night, allowing anyone to come and go as they pleased.

Consequently, the injured Slytherins' wounds worsened. Just as they were recovering, their faces would swell up again overnight.

Professor Snape had no choice but to post guards at the hospital wing entrance, but the result was that the guards themselves ended up in the hospital beds the next day, infuriating Madam Pomfrey, who spent the entire day grumbling about Professor Snape's incompetence.

However, this incident also made the Slytherins more cautious, and even if they celebrated, they could only do so secretly when no one was around.

After breakfast, everyone departed the castle in an orderly manner, following Professor McGonagall's arrangements.

The funeral was held in front of the Black Lake, at a spot where hundreds of chairs had been set up in advance.

The guests from the previous day were already seated, with Professor McGonagall and the Minister of Magic at the front, along with Scringard and others.

Kyle had also arrived, having already guessed the truth, but the others didn't know. As a former student and one of the Ministry's department heads, it would have been impolite for him not to attend.

Whether it was to represent the Ministry, his identity as a member of the Order of the Phoenix, or simply out of respect, he had to make an appearance and go through the motions.

Kyle spotted Aberforth in the crowd... sitting there with a frown, as if Dumbledore had truly passed away.

Or perhaps he regretted that it wasn't true.

Aberforth likely knew the truth, as Dumbledore couldn't have kept it from Ariana, his favorite sibling.

Kyle didn't believe that Aberforth, Ariana's beloved brother, was unaware of what had happened.

He glanced at an elderly witch standing alone in the corner.

"I didn't expect you to come as well," Kyle approached her, "The Department of Mysteries must be quite idle."

"No, it's more like I'm the one with free time," Ariana replied with a smile, "Thanks to you, I've been working in the Department of Mysteries for almost a century. I still remember when Hecate Man first joined; she managed to create new troubles almost daily."

"Oh, and she's now the head of the Department of Mysteries."

"I understand," Kyle nodded, "She's of high seniority... just like Marchi, the director of the Wizard Examinations Authority. Even the Minister greets her with a quick jog."

Ariana's situation in the Department of Mysteries was likely similar.

"Even if they're not compassionate, they won't blame a centenarian like me," Ariana said, her expression turning peculiar as more people took their seats.

"So this is how it feels..."

"What?"

"How Albus felt back then in Godric's Valley," Ariana shook her head with a hint of amusement, "My attendance at his funeral balances things out."

Kyle raised an eyebrow.

Was this... Dumbledore's family paranoia?

Ariana didn't stay long, perhaps fearing she might burst out laughing. As everyone took their seats and Hagrid emerged from the castle, cradling something, Ariana slipped away.

Leaving Aberforth, who was still sobbing dramatically.

Kyle truly wanted to award him the Best Actor award. Even a glance from him made Kyle want to rush back to the garden to confirm whether Dumbledore was truly dead.

Why else would his brother be so heartbroken?

The small wizard at the front was also a familiar face, having officiated both Alastor Moody's and Dumbledore's funerals.

Kyle couldn't help but wonder what expression he would wear when the two of them appeared. He hoped the wizard could hold it together.

Having attended two fake funerals in a row, Kyle himself had endured a lot. It wasn't easy to maintain composure in such situations.

So, Kyle didn't go to the spot arranged by Professor McGonagall, which was too close to the front, where every move would be noticed by many. Instead, he added a chair for himself in the last row.

Next to him was Grawp, Hagrid's giant brother, wearing a jacket and pants so large they resembled a tent... A giant in clothes—this was surprising enough.

It was as if the charm on his clothes had imbued him with a sense of docility, making his massive, ugly head appear almost gentle.

Even when Hagrid returned, sobbing, he kindly patted the giant's shoulder.

Merlin's beard, Kyle had never imagined that he could find kindness in a giant.

And his comfort carried weight; Hagrid's chair leg sank into the ground, and he himself wobbled.

Kyle struggled to hold back his laughter, keeping his head down.

Fortunately, this action resembled crying, so it didn't attract any attention.

After an unknown duration, the small wizard finally finished, and the Phoenix's song echoed once more, adding a touch of sadness to the already somber atmosphere.

Then, Merpeople emerged from the Forbidden Forest, rising from the water as Centaurs fired countless arrows into the sky.

Amidst this grand scene, the Death Eater had indeed met his end.

Unfortunately, this honor should have belonged to either Crabbe or Goyle, and Kyle wondered if they would feel regret.

"Kyle."

Hearing his name, Kyle lifted his head and saw Scrimguard approaching, but Chris was faster and reached Kyle first.

"Sorry, Rufus, Diana has something she wants to tell Kyle. Could you please wait a moment?"

"Of course, I should," Scrimguard said.

He couldn't disagree; Chris was Kyle's father, and everyone respected him.

"Thanks," Chris said, leading Kyle forward a few steps.

"Someone in the Ministry suspects you killed Dumbledore," Chris whispered.

"Me?" Kyle lifted his head and pointed at himself, "I... killed Dumbledore?"

"Who said that!"

"I don't know," Chris shook his head, "Suddenly, this rumor started spreading, not just in the Ministry but also outside."

"What's the reason? Why would I do that?"

"There's no reason," Chris said, "Isn't it strange, as if someone wants to shift the blame onto you, to make you the public enemy of the Wizarding World."

"I understand. This must be related to the Death Eaters hiding within the Ministry."

"As long as you understand," Chris said, "I came here to warn you, so you can prepare in advance, no matter what happens, don't leave Hogwarts if that person is still here."

"Why would I leave?" Kyle chuckled, "The Death Eaters won't make me the public enemy with this. They're underestimating the situation."

"The professors witnessed Malfoy killing Dumbledore, which is far more reliable than hearsay."

"Wait, don't tell me Scrimguard believes it." Kyle suddenly recalled the Auror's earlier words.

"I'm not sure," Chris said, "I'm just here to give you a heads-up, so you can be prepared."

"Alright," Kyle felt like laughing, never expecting to receive treatment even Harry didn't get.

Should he be happy about this?

"Alright, I'm heading back once this is over," Chris said.

"Be careful," Kyle reminded him, "I'm worried the Dark Lord might target you."

"It's not the first time," Chris spread his hands, "Although I don't know what you did, I've indeed encountered more Death Eaters recently."

"Don't worry, when it comes to dealing with the Dark Lord and Death Eaters, my mother and I have more experience than you. I can even hide in the Department of Mysteries if needed."

"Mhm," Kyle nodded.

"But I don't think that's possible," Chris continued, "Now that Dumbledore is dead, the Dark Lord's attention will likely shift to Hogwarts, coming after you directly."

"Seems like it," Kyle said.

"Alright, as long as you understand," Chris didn't continue, "Although these rumors are just a small episode, they might cause you trouble. It's better to be cautious."

"Also, if Scrimguard says anything unpleasant later, you... just handle it as you see fit. He's quite skilled in capturing Death Eaters."

The original can be found in Chapter 6 of the book/online.

Chris patted Kyle's shoulder and then left Hogwarts.

Immediately, Rufus Scrimguard approached.

"Someone is targeting you!"

The almost identical opening line to Chris's made Kyle feel a bit dazed.

So, Scrimguard wasn't here to interrogate him?

"Didn't Chris already tell you about the rumors?" Scrimguard asked, "Regarding Dumbledore's death."

"Yes," Kyle nodded, "They're saying I killed Dumbledore."

"Don't worry, kid, no one will believe that," Scrimguard said, "The Minister and I don't believe it either. We all know how close you were to Dumbledore."

As if to prove his words, the Phoenix, having completed its task, naturally landed on Kyle's shoulder.

Scrimguard's gaze flickered.

"Thank you, Director Scrimguard, I won't take these words to heart," Kyle said.

"Sorry, I think I should find Professor McGonagall now. The school can't stay closed forever, and some decisions need her input."

"Wait a moment," Scrimguard stopped Kyle, "I have one more question about Mr. Dumbledore."

"What?"

"Well, did he leave anything behind?" Scrimguard glanced at the Phoenix, seemingly unintentionally.

"I mean, a wise wizard like Professor Dumbledore must have made many arrangements beforehand, and what he did before..."

"Oh?" Kyle looked at Scrimguard.

"I don't know what you're trying to say, Director Scrimguard, but I truly don't know of any arrangements or plans Professor Dumbledore had," Kyle said.

Kyle's expression remained unchanged. "Why don't you ask Professor McGonagall? As the Headmaster, she would know more than I do."

"Yes, that's true," Scrimguard frowned, his expression briefly changing before returning to normal.

"But I heard that you were the first to arrive when Dumbledore was in trouble, right?"

"Yes," Kyle didn't deny it. "The other professors were there too."

"That's right, but you were faster than them," Scrimguard said, sounding a bit impatient. "As far as I know, the professors rushed over as soon as they heard the commotion, but they were still a step behind you."

"I'm not belittling you, but how could you be faster than the professors?"

"Because I have a broom," Kyle said matter-of-factly. "I was maintaining my Firebolt Arrow, currently the fastest broom. Isn't it normal for me to arrive at the tower before the professors?"

"Why were you maintaining your broom?"

"For the Quidditch match," Kyle blurted out. "It reminded me of my experience on the pitch, and it just so happened to come in handy."

"Then..."

"Director Scrimguard, do you still suspect that I killed Professor Dumbledore?"

"No, that's the one thing I don't doubt," Scrimguard shook his head. "I just want to know what happened in the tower before the professors arrived."

"There were only three of you there, right? After Malfoy did what he did, you only disarmed him instead of killing him?"

"Huh?"

Kyle was momentarily lost for words. Wasn't killing Malfoy the image he had in the Aurors' minds?

"And..." Scrimguard didn't seem to care about Kyle's thoughts and glanced at the Phoenix again. "He also seems to have left you with a substantial inheritance, a Phoenix, which is quite rare in the wizarding world."

"The Phoenix isn't an inheritance," Kyle corrected. "To be precise, it never belonged to Dumbledore; it's a free-willed being, just like you and me. If it wishes, it can go anywhere at any time."

"But what about Malfoy? You don't feel any anger towards him for killing Dumbledore? You didn't have such a good temper when you were in Godric's Valley."

It had to be said that Scrimguard was very perceptive. Although it was all speculation, he had sensed many inconsistencies.

The time difference and Malfoy's situation were indeed a loophole.

To be fair, if this wasn't a premeditated plan but the truth, there was no way Malfoy could have left the tower unharmed, or even in one piece.

Kyle rubbed his fingers together. Dumbledore should have consulted him beforehand instead of making such a hasty decision, leaving him with such a big surprise.

At least with his help, the plan wouldn't have been as full of holes as it was now.

"Because this is Hogwarts, and neither Professor Dumbledore nor Professor McGonagall would want me to kill a student."

"Even if that person is a Death Eater?"

"But he's still a student," Kyle said.

"Director Scrimguard, I was only slightly earlier than the other professors, perhaps by the time it takes to cast a single spell."

"If you still don't believe me, why don't you ask Malfoy? He should be able to tell you the complete truth, and his words would be more convincing than mine, right?"

Scrimguard said nothing, only looking into Kyle's eyes as if gauging the credibility of his words.

"Of course, if the Ministry of Magic is short on Veritaserum, I'd be happy to recommend Professor Slughorn from Potions class. He should be able to meet your needs."

"No need, we still have some Veritaserum."

Perhaps the previous relationship worth tens of thousands of Galleons had played a role, as Scrimguard didn't get the answers he wanted, but he didn't lose his temper either, maintaining a relatively friendly expression.

"I hope we can continue our cooperation."

"Definitely," Kyle said. "The wizarding world might become more dangerous in the future, and only by joining forces can Hogwarts and the Ministry of Magic have a chance against the Death Eaters and the Dark Lord."

"It's great that you think so." Scrimguard smiled.

"No, it's not just me, but Headmaster McGonagall and all the professors. We always stand on the same side," Kyle said. "I hope you can convey this message to Minister Bones as well."

Kyle intentionally emphasized the word 'Minister' when he mentioned Bones.

"I will!"

Scrimguard's expression turned slightly unpleasant, and he didn't continue the conversation, turning and leaving.

It didn't matter if he went to find Malfoy or not.

How could Dumbledore and Kyle have left such an obvious loophole? Even without Kyle's intervention, Dumbledore had already prepared everything.

Even if Scrimguard forced Malfoy to drink a pint of Veritaserum, he would only get the same answer as before.

...

(End of Chapter)

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