"Haw! Haw!"
Two Eevees walked gracefully towards Kyle, looking up at him with an inviting expression. Kyle glanced at the Eevees, then at Filch, who was knocked out again. Without hesitation, he turned and left.
"Whose cat is this?" Kyle muttered. "It's a bit much for it to be wandering the castle at night." Determined, he resolved to find the owner and have a word.
---
In the library's restricted section, there was often a misconception that everything within dealt with dark magic. In reality, it was home to high-level magic that younger wizards couldn't handle, with dark magic being just a part of it. Most dangerous spells had long been relocated to Dumbledore's office for safekeeping.
Kyle understood this world was filled with extraordinary powers far beyond what was revealed in the original seven books. While wizards dominated, they weren't the only powerful beings. During his time in Knockturn Alley, he had encountered werewolves, vampires, members of the Solomon and Druid sects, demon hunters, and even the Holy See. Many hidden groups maintained their own traditions of power.
Knowing how much there was to learn, Kyle picked up a copy of Analysis of High-Level Dark Arts, humming a little tune as he browsed the shelves. He knew the value of pacing his learning and planned to take a couple more books back to his dormitory. But then he saw Dumbledore, standing there in pink pajamas. Their eyes met, and the world seemed to freeze.
---
Dumbledore's thoughts were in turmoil. Kyle's talent reminded him of Voldemort, but there were key differences. Kyle had drawn the sword of Gryffindor, a sign of the courage and kindness within him. But Dumbledore was haunted by past mistakes and was determined not to make another. He approached Kyle's education with extreme caution.
On this particular night, Dumbledore had wandered into the restricted section, thinking of past students like Voldemort. To his surprise, as soon as he arrived, he heard footsteps behind him—Kyle, humming a song and holding Analysis of High-Level Dark Arts.
Kyle looked at the book in his hands and then at Dumbledore. Both were equally stunned. Kyle thought to himself, What is this old man doing, roaming around the castle in pink pajamas at this hour?
Caught in this awkward situation, Kyle needed to think fast. How do you explain being caught sneaking around the restricted section at night?
---
"Kyle, I didn't expect to see you here…" Dumbledore began, clearly tired. "Perhaps we should have a talk."
Kyle quickly threw the book at Dumbledore, his survival instincts kicking in. "Professor! I was just looking for books about the Patronus Charm! I've been searching everywhere!"
Before Dumbledore could respond, Kyle continued, "Also, I found this dark magic book by accident. It's dangerous! It shouldn't be in a library filled with young, innocent students like me! I have to protest—this is extremely irresponsible!"
Dumbledore stood speechless, processing the rapid turn of events. Kyle's indignation and self-righteousness took him by surprise. He thought back to Kyle's sorting ceremony, where he had been equally baffling. How did this boy always manage to cast himself as the victim?
Just as Kyle mentioned the Patronus Charm, Dumbledore felt a wave of relief. True or not, this seemed like a good place to start. The Patronus Charm was known to bring out the best in people.
"Well, Kyle," Dumbledore said, "the restricted section is off-limits without a professor's permission, but… let's forget about that this time. If you truly want to learn the Patronus Charm, I can help you."
He motioned for Kyle to follow, and the two walked off, chatting as they went.