Disclaimer: I don't own anything. This is not meant to infringe upon copyrights.
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In a corner of the Hufflepuff common room, Cedric stared at the enthusiastic first-years not far away with a look of shock.
He couldn't understand what was wrong with this year's first-years. Could they really not understand Kyle's nonsense? They were so cooperative.
This was Hufflepuff, not Ravenclaw.
Cedric didn't know what others were thinking, but if he were admitted to the hospital wing, he definitely wouldn't want any class notes or homework.
Especially homework.
My goodness, using homework as a gift... Is this something a normal wizard could come up with? Even the Dark Lord wouldn't do such a wicked thing.
Cedric's conscience told him to expose Kyle and save innocent Mikel.
But he couldn't do it.
Because, in a way, Kyle's words made the Hufflepuff badgers pay more attention in class.
That was undoubtedly a good thing.
Cedric struggled for a long time.
In the past twelve years, he had never faced such a difficult choice. He tore himself back and forth between his conscience and his responsibility as a senior, unwilling to give up either.
Not far from Cedric sat Kanna, equally lost, the only first-year still able to maintain a clear mind.
Unlike Cedric, Kanna's thoughts were much simpler.
She had to stay away from Kyle, no matter what!
Kanna vowed to herself that once she got the special rat tonic, she would stay away from him. Even if she couldn't transfer to another house, she would at least avoid any possible encounters.
And during class, she would choose a seat as far away from Kyle as possible.
Meanwhile, the badgers, filled with a sense of purpose, were still discussing their future plans. Kyle, having accomplished his mission, quietly made his way out of the crowd.
With everyone's attention focused on their next task, his role as a tool naturally drew less attention than before.
Kyle found a sofa away from the crowd and began flipping through his copy of "The Bard in the Wind."
This book, published fifty years ago, tells the story of a wandering bard and the various troubles he encounters on his travels.
The style is similar to Rohart's, but unlike Rohart's, this book devotes very little space to the bard himself, focusing primarily on the things he observes.
It contains many spells unique to each region, which gives Kyle a refreshing feeling.
He read until noon, and when Cedric came to call him for lunch, Kyle closed the book with a sense of reluctance.
"What are you reading?" Cedric asked curiously. "I called you several times just now, but you didn't respond."
"The Bard in the Wind," Kyle handed the book to Cedric and said, "Dumbledore recommended it. It's a very interesting biography."
"The Headmaster recommended it?"
Cedric's eyes lit up, and he immediately expressed his desire to read it.
"That's no problem, but I've just started reading it, so you have to wait a few days." Kyle thought for a moment and said, "Or you can go to the library and ask if there are any extra ones."
"No need." Cedric returned the book to Kyle, shook his head and said, "Just tell me when you've finished reading it, and I'll borrow it."
Based on his understanding of the school library, it is rare for two identical biographies of this kind to be found, so it would be a wasted trip.
Besides, he was just interested, not necessarily watching it right now. A few days earlier or later didn't matter.
After leaving the Hufflepuff common room, the two quickly arrived at the Great Hall.
After the entire morning, the news that a Hufflepuff wizard had blown up the Charms classroom had already spread throughout Hogwarts.
In the Great Hall, almost all the young wizards were excitedly discussing the topic.
"Hey, look who's here!"
Kyle had just walked through the Great Hall door when he was blocked by Fred and George, who had been waiting there long ago.
"I knew Hogwarts wouldn't be peaceful with you around, and it's just as I expected." Fred hooked his arm around Kyle's shoulder and said, "Tell us how you blew up the classroom."
George added, "Yeah, we heard even Professor Flitwick limped out of the classroom."
"Blowing up a professor in your first class..." Fred and George exchanged glances and said in unison, "Kyle, you'll go down in school history!"
The twins' voices were loud, quickly attracting the attention of the other young wizards. More and more people began to gather around, intentionally or unintentionally.
This left Kyle speechless. He said somewhat helplessly, "First of all, a lighting spell can't blow up a classroom. That's common sense. Professor Flitwick just accidentally fell and hurt his leg."
"Secondly, the young wizard who caused this is in the hospital wing right now. I have nothing to do with it. If you continue to slander me, I'll write to Mrs. Weasley."
"It wasn't you?"
The twins were stunned. Clearly, this outcome was not what they expected.
"Of course not. Why would you think that?" Kyle pointed to his side. "If you don't believe me, you can ask Cedric."
"I swear it wasn't Kyle," Cedric nodded immediately.
"Did you hear that?" Kyle pushed the two men aside. "By the way, where did you get that information? It's so unreliable."
"From the Ravenclaw first-years," Fred shrugged. "They said you sent your classmate to the hospital ward."
Kyle was even more speechless after hearing that. "I was just helping, okay? Professor Dumbledore even gave me twenty extra points. By the way, did they say anything else? It wasn't just that."
"I don't know," George spread his hands, saying matter-of-factly. "We just heard it when we were walking by."
"Holy shit..."
Kyle took a deep breath. He didn't want to talk to those two anymore.
He had thought it was just a Ravenclaw genius who had taken things out of context, but he hadn't expected the true geniuses to be Fred and George.
When you're asking for information, at least listen to the whole thing. What's the point of just listening to the ending? And such an ambiguous one at that?
It's a good thing they came directly to him and didn't spread the word, otherwise his hard-earned good reputation would be completely ruined.
Kyle sighed, patted them on the shoulders, and said, "You're totally wasted at Hogwarts. You should just go work at the Daily Prophet. Rita Skeeter would love you to death."
[End of the chapter]