The mention of Voldemort's youth and a diary containing a fragment of his 16-year-old soul was nearly overwhelming. Professor McGonagall took a moment to absorb it all, her gaze flickering between the destroyed diary and the massive Basilisk next to Kyle.
"But I'm more interested in the events that occurred between then and now," Dumbledore said, his eyes settling on the Basilisk with wary curiosity.
Sensing a threat, the Basilisk bared its fangs and instinctively tried to open its eyes, ready to strike. Kyle swiftly raised his hand and gave it a firm slap across the head.
"Pop!"
The slap echoed throughout the Chamber. Every professor's eyes widened in shock—Flitwick even let out a small scream, and Professor Sprout clapped a hand over her mouth in horror. Each of them raised their wands, fearing Kyle would be devoured the very next second. Even Dumbledore had drawn his peculiar, ancient-looking wand.
Yet, the Basilisk merely recoiled slightly, then quietly slithered back, mouth closed.
"Don't worry, Professor," Kyle said with a smile. "It's sort of my pet now. It won't harm anyone."
The professors exchanged incredulous looks. The image was nothing short of surreal—like watching a Niffler casually slap a Dragon. The astonishment in the room was as thick as the silence that followed.
At last, Snape broke it.
"Am I to understand that… you wish to claim school property as your own, Mr. Kyle?" he said, his voice as silky as ever as he tucked his wand back into his robes. "This is the Chamber of Secrets, after all, and as a legacy of Salazar Slytherin, this Basilisk belongs to… the school."
"No, it's mine," Kyle replied confidently. "Salazar Slytherin himself gave it to me."
Snape's expression tightened. "Headmaster," he said, voice dripping with sarcasm, "perhaps Potter should escort him to the Hospital Wing. A Restorative Draught might be in order."
But Dumbledore's expression was thoughtful. "It seems, Kyle, that you've had quite the extraordinary experience."
"Unforgettable, indeed, Professor," Kyle replied with a grin.
"Wait… you can't possibly believe this drivel, Headmaster?" Snape said, eyebrows furrowed.
"In fact, Severus, I believe it entirely." Dumbledore stepped forward, eyes fixed on something lying near the Slytherin statue. He bent down, picking up the remnants of an object—an ancient Time-Turner, its surface dull, lifeless, and covered in delicate fractures.
"This may well be the true legacy of Slytherin," Dumbledore murmured, voice trembling with wonder. "It's one of the earliest Time-Turners… known as a Time Reversal Device. It defies the usual laws of time, allowing its user to communicate across eras, as if old friends."
As he spoke, his voice grew softer, and his hands tightened around the fragile device.
Crack!
Like a brittle chip snapping, the Time-Turner broke in two, and shards began falling through Dumbledore's fingers. Without hesitation, he cast a spell akin to a Bubble-Head Charm around his hands, carefully gathering every fragment. He even stooped to collect the dust from the floor.
"If you don't need to visit the Hospital Wing…" Dumbledore looked up, "Kyle, would you join me for a cup of tea?"
"Of course, Professor, I'd be delighted," Kyle replied. "Though… could I have two pork schnitzels? I haven't eaten in nearly a day."
"Even three, if you'd like," Dumbledore chuckled.
By the time they exited the Chamber of Secrets, dawn had broken, and the morning sun cast a warm glow through the castle's corridors. When they reached the Headmaster's Office, Fawkes was already waiting there, perched precariously on the Basilisk's head, his feathers heaving with effort. Transporting such a large creature through Apparition had taken its toll on the phoenix, but Dumbledore hadn't been comfortable letting the Basilisk roam freely through the castle or leaving it unguarded in the Chamber.
Inside the office, Kyle placed the ink-stained remains of Riddle's diary on Dumbledore's desk. "I first got hold of this diary over the holidays…" He began recounting everything, omitting only the part about stumbling upon the Chamber due to the strange noises he'd heard at the start of the school year. He described the strange time loop he'd fallen into, his encounter with the Founders of Hogwarts, and his efforts to control the Basilisk.
The professors listened with rapt attention, particularly when he spoke about meeting the Founders.
"Incredible…" whispered Professor McGonagall, her hand over her mouth. "So you actually met Godric Gryffindor?"
"Yes," Kyle replied. "He was reliable and friendly, but a bit of a loose cannon. The others seemed a little exasperated with him at times."
Professor McGonagall paled slightly, but said nothing further.
"Remarkable…" Dumbledore murmured, looking around at the assembled professors. "I suspect the school will already be waking up. Would you mind sharing the good news, and perhaps arranging a celebratory feast with the House-elves in the kitchen?"
"Gladly," the professors responded, briskly heading out.
Only Snape lingered, his gaze locked on the Basilisk resting in the corner with a look that bordered on longing.
"Headmaster, I insist the Basilisk remains school property," Snape said, voice cool but firm. "Even if he did meet Salazar Slytherin himself, such a dangerous creature cannot be entrusted to a third-year student—certainly not after the attacks that have taken place."
"I'll provide you with a satisfactory solution, Severus," Dumbledore assured him.
"I hope so." With a final glare, Snape departed.
Once the door closed, Dumbledore looked thoughtfully at the enormous Basilisk. "I suddenly find my office a bit… cramped."
"Allow me, Professor." Kyle, setting down his pork schnitzel, took out his magical suitcase and carefully guided the Basilisk inside.
Dumbledore laughed. "That's much roomier. Just remember to leave the suitcase behind when you depart."
Kyle nodded with a sigh. "I know Professor Snape is right—I can't keep a Basilisk wandering the castle. But…" Dumbledore's eyes twinkled, "I plan to send it to Newt Scamander after term ends. He'll know how to look after it."
"That's very thoughtful of you, Professor." Kyle placed the suitcase on the table. "I'm sure Mr. Scamander will take excellent care of it!"
Dumbledore pushed an egg custard tart toward him. "Try this. I think it's quite good."
Kyle took a bite but immediately decided it was too sweet, wondering if the kitchens had gone overboard with the sugar.
After finishing a glass of pumpkin juice, he looked up to find Dumbledore watching him silently, as if waiting for something.
"There's one more thing, Professor," Kyle said, clearing his throat. "It was left to me by Salazar Slytherin."
"Yes, of course. I nearly forgot." Dumbledore moved the plates aside and placed the damaged Time-Turner on the table.
"I have a request, Kyle," he said softly. "Might I… keep this?"
"But it's broken, Professor," Kyle said. "The magic was used up, and it shattered completely. It's beyond repair."
"It can be fixed," Dumbledore murmured. "I know several master alchemists—and Nicolas. Together, they could find a way."
"Professor Dumbledore…" Kyle hesitated. "We can't change what's already happened. And Godric Gryffindor warned me never to meddle with time."
Dumbledore's gaze softened. "I only wish to restore it."
For the first time, Kyle saw something unguarded in Dumbledore's eyes. In that moment, it felt as if their roles had reversed.