Chapter 54: Modest Kyle

After the Halloween banquet, the well-fed and satisfied young wizards returned to their dormitories in groups.

Once the students were gone, the professors also left one after another.

Inside the Headmaster's office, Dumbledore looked at Snape with a serious expression.

"Severus, what brings you to me?"

"It's about the incident two weeks ago, Dumbledore." Snape placed a golden-edged map on the Headmaster's desk, saying emotionlessly, "The matter of Kyle Chopper selling maps at school... There has to be a decision by now."

"So, that's the issue." Dumbledore calmly sipped his tea and said, "May I hear your thoughts on this?"

"Students who disregard school rules must be expelled!" Snape blurted out.

"This joke isn't quite amusing, Severus." Dumbledore shook his head. "As you should know, Hogwarts' rules don't prohibit students from selling items within the school premises."

"And from my understanding, these maps were sold to Slytherin by Miss Prince..." Dumbledore continued.

"That was instigated!" Snape roared, interrupting Dumbledore. "I've investigated, and all the maps were given to her by Kyle!"

The volume was so loud that even the nearby sleeping portraits couldn't ignore it.

A wizard with a large nose angrily said, "Boy, mind your attitude, this is the Headmaster's office."

Snape ignored him and continued, "Back then, I should have insisted on having Kanna transferred to Slytherin instead of listening to you and letting her stay in Hufflepuff."

"I think this is a good thing," Dumbledore smiled. "Don't you think Kanna's previous personality was a bit too introverted?

As the only descendant of the Prince family in the British magical world, that's not a good thing. You also can't protect her forever."

Snape fell silent for a moment, and said impatiently, "We're discussing Kyle Chopper's matter now. Today, he dared to sell a map for five Galleons, and tomorrow he might dare to rob Gringotts.

So, even if he's not expelled, we can't just let this slide, there must be consequences."

"Well, you have a point. Five Galleons is indeed a bit expensive for new students." Dumbledore pondered. "Let me personally ask the students for their opinions. If they feel they've been deceived, I will handle it accordingly."

…

Snape fell into silence again.

In fact, he had already asked once when he confiscated the map. At that time, the response from a student named Rowle was…

"Deceived? Professor, are you joking? It's just five Galleons, not a big deal~"

Even if Dumbledore asked, the result would likely be the same.

Although Snape's words could easily make Slytherin students change their views on this matter and condemn Kyle, it was too underhanded.

He was biased, but he didn't want to lose all dignity.

Moreover, such matters were hard to conceal, and once exposed, there would be a lot of trouble.

"Kyle's character is also questionable," Snape suddenly said. "I've observed him, he's talented, but his performance in class is quite average.

Being so hypocritical at such a young age, aren't you afraid he might become the next Dark Lord?"

"I prefer to call this behavior modesty, Severus." Dumbledore calmly said, "It's not easy for a person to shine, but it's even harder for them to conceal their brilliance. It's a rare quality."

"So..." Snape looked coldly at Dumbledore. "You're not planning to punish him?"

"Not if he hasn't made a mistake."

"Very well!"

Snape's expression grew even darker. He waved his robe and left the Headmaster's office.

Whether intentional or not, when Snape turned around, the hem of his robe hit the portrait of the wizard with the big nose.

The man was furious and shouted at Snape's back, "Come back and apologize, you impolite Slytherin brat!"

Snape continued to ignore him, however, Phineas Black couldn't take it anymore. He rushed over and grabbed his collar, saying, "What did you just say about Slytherin?"

"What, you want to fight?" The enraged wizard didn't hesitate and punched Phineas in the face.

There was no way the "Great" Headmaster Black, could endure this insult. The two of them quickly got into a scuffle.

Seeing this, other portraits, holding candies, sunflower seeds, and butterbeer, gathered around, forming a circle, and tried to dissuade them.

"Don't fight anymore, don't fight anymore."

"How old are you, can't you be more mature... Sigh, why are you hitting his legs? Grab his hair, can't you see his long hair?"

"That knight over there who is watching the commotion, put away your sword quickly. Don't let them see it!"

"Oh no, Felix went to get that sword."

"Someone go and call the hunter in the corridor. I remember he has an axe."

Their voices quickly attracted more portraits. Each frame was filled to the brim, making the Headmaster's office livelier than ever.

Dumbledore sat behind the desk, happily adding sugar to his tea.

Portrait fights weren't that unusual, and besides eavesdropping on gossip, this was their only form of entertainment.

Dumbledore couldn't be bothered. As long as the frames and canvases were unharmed, it was fine.

But at that moment, Professor McGonagall's voice suddenly came from outside the door.

"Mr. Minister, are you still looking for Albus at this late hour?"

The ears of the portraits twitched, and they no longer cared about watching the excitement and left the Headmaster's office as quickly as possible.

Fat Lady of Gryffindor, before leaving, forcibly took away the bruised and swollen big-nosed wizard and Felix with her.

"Things happened suddenly, Minerva, I had no choice."

Along with a deep voice, the door to the Headmaster's office was pushed open from the outside.

"Albus, long time no see, how have you been?"

Cornelius Fudge opened his arms and walked toward Dumbledore, looking sincere.

"Long time no see, Cornelius." Dumbledore hugged him, smiled, and said, "Would you like a cup of black tea or pumpkin juice?"

"Black tea is fine."

Dumbledore snapped his fingers, and a steaming cup of black tea appeared on the nearby table.

"Do you need sugar?"

Fudge shook his head. He looked a bit nervous, constantly rubbing his bowler hat with both hands and occasionally glancing at Professor McGonagall beside him.

"Albus, I'll leave first."

Professor McGonagall understood Fudge's intention instantly and left the Headmaster's office.

"Albus, I can't keep it a secret anymore, those magical animals that were smuggled..."

As the griffin slowly closed the door, Fudge's voice disappeared completely.

Although only half a sentence was heard, Professor McGonagall could probably guess the reason why Fudge came to visit so late.

This newly appointed Minister of Magic always liked to hide news that was unfavorable to him. When he couldn't hide it any longer, he would come to Dumbledore for advice.

It seemed like this time was no exception.

Professor McGonagall pursed her lips; Cornelius Fudge's lack of courage was far inferior to Millicent Bagnold

(End of chapter)