For Dumbledore, the news brought by Kyle was a big surprise.

Death Eaters hiding in the shadows are scary, but it's a different story when they're exposed to the light of day.

The Vanishing Cabinet can help Death Eaters evade the castle's magical defenses, and if they are not aware of it in advance, the Death Eaters can indeed use this method to gain the upper hand and catch them off guard.

But now they know that the Vanishing Cabinet, which cannot be moved, has become the Death Eaters' biggest weakness.

Dumbledore was very confident that he could catch all the Death Eaters who used this method to enter Hogwarts.

What he was thinking about now was how to get Draco Malfoy out of this matter so that his family would not be blamed by Voldemort.

After all, if the Death Eaters really wanted to attack Hogwarts, there would definitely be a lot of people coming. If all these people were caught in one fell swoop, Voldemort would definitely be furious.

By then, the Malfoy family who proposed this idea will be finished.

Dumbledore wanted to save their lives.

He could ignore Lucius Malfoy and Narcissa Malfoy, but he couldn't ignore Draco. No matter what, Draco Malfoy was a student of Hogwarts.

As the principal, he has the responsibility to protect every student, even if the other party deliberately wants to kill him.

But Dumbledore did not tell Kyle about this idea. It was not because he did not trust Kyle, but because he was very sure that if he asked Kyle, Kyle would most likely not refuse.

But protecting students is his responsibility as the principal, not Kyle's...and whether this can succeed is still unclear.

Dumbledore shook his head and stopped thinking about it.

"Kyle, the most important question now is... do you know where he hides the Vanishing Cabinet?" he asked.

If you want to use the Vanishing Cabinet to ambush Death Eaters, you must know where it is.

Hogwarts is very big, and there are places like the Chamber of Secrets and the Room of Requirement that few people know about. Even though Dumbledore is the headmaster, he cannot guarantee that he knows all the secrets of Hogwarts.

If Malfoy also found a similar room, they might not be able to find it immediately, and no matter how good the plan was, it would be useless.

"Of course," Kyle said, "I've prepared in advance."

He certainly wouldn't make such a low-level mistake.

"When I put the Vanishing Cabinet back, I made a small change to it and added a special rune."

As he spoke, Kyle took out a map of Hogwarts and spread it out on the table.

After glancing over it, he pointed to where the Slytherin common room was.

"Isn't it? It's right here." On the map, a footprint formed by ink was unusually conspicuous, and the name "Vanishing Cabinet" was written on the footprint.

If Fred and George were there, they would have been able to tell at a glance that these footprints and names were unique marks on the Marauder's Map.

This is indeed the case. This effect was created by Kyle based on the Marauder's Map... The only difference is that this map is not as dense as the Marauder's Map. There is only this one name on it, and its movement can be seen at a glance.

"Oh?" Dumbledore took the map and took a look at it. He immediately understood what was going on. "Is this a name tracking magic?"

"That's right." Kyle nodded. "It's a simple trick. Just use magic runes to change the target from wizard to item, but it's very useful."

As he spoke, Kyle glanced at the map again.

It can be seen that the Vanishing Cabinet is still in the Slytherin common room. Perhaps he is not ready yet, or perhaps the other Vanishing Cabinet has not been repaired yet, but in any case, Malfoy does not seem to be ready to act immediately.

After all, there were many people in the common room. In addition, due to what happened in the past few years, several portraits were added to the entrance of the common room of each college.

No matter what, Malfoy would never use the common room as a point of entry. He would definitely choose a more hidden place.

But it’s a good thing this way, they all have more time to prepare.

Dumbledore took out his wand and waved it, and the map immediately split into two. With the support of Dumbledore's powerful magic, both the map and the magic attached to it were preserved.

He returned the original map to Kyle and kept the copy for himself.

"Professor, do we need to add another reminder spell?" Kyle thought for a moment and said, "As long as the position of the Vanishing Cabinet changes, an alarm will sound. This way, we don't have to keep an eye on it."

"That's not necessary," said Dumbledore. With a wave of his hand, the map on the table immediately floated to a shelf behind him.

That position is just visible to the portraits on the wall.

"They will help me keep an eye on it." Dumbledore said with a smile, "I have a lot to do recently, and I can't guarantee that I will be able to bring the map with me. Moreover, if it suddenly makes a sound to remind me at certain special times, it will be a hassle."

"Indeed." Kyle nodded. "Anyway, a certain principal is idle anyway, so it's good to find him something to do so that he doesn't get beaten up every day..."

"What do you mean?" Phineas was immediately unhappy and said indignantly: "How rude! How can you say that about Dippet!"

"No, no, you misunderstood, Principal Blake, that's not what I meant." Kyle said without even raising his head, not even bothering to explain.

Because there is no need.

"Do you really not understand or are you pretending not to understand?" Principal Dippet glanced at Phineas sideways, "Who is this kid talking about? Don't you have any idea?"

"Who else could it be but you?" Phineas said, "It can't be Spoor, but she does have a lot of free time..."

"What did you say?"

The two witches rushed into his portrait one after another, and without saying a word, they started punching and kicking Phineas.

From their appearance, they seemed to be the same person, but one was middle-aged and the other was much younger, but Kyle had never seen her before.

Before Kell could think more, bursts of screams echoed throughout the principal's office.

Dumbledore seemed to be accustomed to all this. He waved his wand skillfully, and the screams stopped abruptly.

In the portrait, Phineas was still being beaten, but the sound was no longer heard...

"Those two people are both Phyllidas Powell, just portraits of her at different times." Dumbledore explained.

"How can a person leave two portraits in the principal's office?" Kyle asked puzzledly.

"In theory, yes."

"Okay, let's get back to business," Dumbledore said. "I may have to leave Hogwarts for a while. Could you please keep an eye on Draco Malfoy?"

"I'm very busy, professor." Kyle said, "I'm in the seventh grade now, and I have to take the NEWT exam in half a year. In order to find a good job after graduation, I must get enough certificates. Otherwise, you should find someone else for this matter."

Kyle said, "I think Professor Snape is a good choice. He is the head of Slytherin and has plenty of time to observe Malfoy or Harry."

"Harry?" Dumbledore raised his eyebrows. "As I recall, their relationship didn't seem to be very harmonious."

"That's exactly why it's so appropriate," Kyle said. "As rivals for six years, no one knows each other better than them. If there's something wrong with Draco Malfoy, Harry will definitely notice it immediately."

"But he is not the best candidate." Dumbledore shook his head. "Harry's character is a bit impulsive, and it is inevitable that he will be a little careless when faced with some special things."

"Also, Kyle, I think you misunderstood me." Dumbledore continued, "I'm not asking you to keep an eye on Malfoy all the time, I'm just asking you to be more careful and not let any dark magic items enter Hogwarts.

"You know, Katie Bell is still at St. Mungo's, and we can't send a second student there."

"Okay, I'll try," Kyle said.

If that were all, it wouldn't be much of a problem.

The school is different from Hogsmeade. It is not so easy to bring in dark magic items. And even if Dumbledore left the school, the professors are still there. Both Professor McGonagall and Professor Flitwick are experienced wizards. It is not easy to do something under their noses. Malfoy is not that stupid.

At most, I can only play a supporting role.

"Oh, is it so late already?" He glanced at the darkening sky outside the window. "I think you must be hungry too. I heard that the kitchen has made fried pork chops tonight. Or you can come with me to number twelve Grimmauld Place. Molly will definitely welcome you."

"Forget it, I'll just go to the auditorium." Kyle said as he stood up.

"I think so..." Dumbledore looked at Kyle with a teasing expression, and a gossipy look on his face. "There are only a few boring adults like us in Number 12 Grimmauld Place now. You would rather stay in school, right?"

Kyle didn't answer, but stood up and glanced at the silver teapot on the table intentionally or unintentionally.

Dumbledore keenly noticed the change in Kyle's eyes, and immediately became nervous, reaching out to put the teapot away.

At this moment, Kyle suddenly looked at the window behind him in surprise, "Professor McGonagall? What are you doing outside the window on a broom? Oh...be careful!"

Subconsciously, Dumbledore turned his head and looked over...

Then he seemed to feel a gust of wind blowing across his cheeks, blowing a few strands of his beard.

It’s really strange. The windowsill is clearly closed, so why is there still wind?

Without having time to think about it, Dumbledore's heart skipped a beat. With his strong self-control, he suppressed his instinct and turned his head back.

Then he saw that the silver teapot on the table was already in Kyle's hand.

He should have thought of it long ago. How could McGonagall appear outside the headmaster's office window on a broomstick in the middle of the night? This was definitely an excuse Kyle used to divert his attention.

But why would he be fooled by such a poor excuse?

Dumbledore was deeply upset.

But there was no time to think about this now, he had to remedy the situation as soon as possible...

Dumbledore's mind raced... but Kyle didn't give him the chance at all.

As if he had rehearsed it countless times, after getting the teapot, Kyle immediately ran to the door without looking back, and the whole set of movements was smooth and fluid.

When Dumbledore stood up, Kyle had already reached the door, only one step away from opening it.

Dumbledore placed his hopes on Fawkes again, hoping that he could stop Kyle.

Fawkes also noticed the change in Dumbledore's eyes. He flew down from his perch, came to Kyle... and used his wings to help him open the door.

"Thank you, Fox. I'll treat you to some mandrake later. Take your pick!"

Kyle's voice echoed in the corridor outside the principal's office.

Fawkes chirped happily, and without even looking at Dumbledore, he followed him out, flapping his wings.

It seemed like just a moment, and there was only a lonely old man left in the principal's office, and the sound of something breaking.

…

"Here, try this."

In the auditorium, Kyle handed Connor a cup of black tea with milk and sugar.

Kanna took a sip and her eyes immediately lit up.

"How about it?"

"It's delicious!" Kanna nodded repeatedly and took another big sip.

"It's definitely delicious. It's the principal's treasure." Kyle shook a silver teapot in his hand.

This jar is also a good magic item. Its function is similar to the box that Nico gave him before, and the material is also very precious, the same as the sword of Gryffindor, both of which are secret pure silver unique to goblins.

Kyle made a rough estimate and found that a jar this big would require about 10,000 silver coins to be repeatedly smelted and purified, so it would be very valuable.

"Is this a gift from the principal?" Kanna took another sip and marveled at how Kyle could always get something good from the principal.

"No, he was reluctant to part with it." Kyle shook his head and said calmly, "I stole it from you."

"What? Stolen?" Kanna was choked. Her hand holding the cup paused and she looked at Kyle in disbelief.

"Yes, I stole it." Kyle said, "But don't worry, drink it, it's okay. I helped him solve a big problem, he has to show his appreciation.

"Besides, this is what he agreed to."

Kyle's words are not without reason.

The distance from the eighth floor to the Great Hall was not short. If Dumbledore wanted to, he could definitely catch up with Kyle.

But he didn't do that, and he didn't even chase out of the principal's office, otherwise he would have snatched the jar back long ago.

…

After getting Kyle's assurance, Connor felt relieved, but looking at the cup in her hand, she still found it a little hard to believe.

Kyle must be the first one who dares to blatantly steal Headmaster Dumbledore's things and show them off... Connor thought to herself.

…

Time quickly entered December, and before we knew it, snowflakes had begun to fall outside.

As Kyle thought, Dumbledore did not come to ask for his teapot back, and of course, Kyle had never seen him in Hogwarts.

Maybe it's just like Dumbledore said in the headmaster's office, he has a lot to do.

Kyle has also been observing Draco Malfoy consciously or unconsciously recently.

But his behavior was no different from usual. Apart from attending classes every day, he would make trouble for Harry, as if the day would only be complete after a quarrel with Harry.

In addition to Malfoy, Kyle also has to deal with another person... Slughorn.

I don't know where he got the news from, but he knew that the Ministry of Magic had cancelled the Floo Network between it and Hogwarts. So Kyle's previous reason for refusing to attend the dinner party was no longer valid.

As a result, various invitations would be sent over every now and then.

Although Kyle tried his best to find other excuses, Slughorn held five dinner parties a week. He had no choice but to attend a few of them.

It was called a dinner party, but in reality it was just a few people sitting around Slughorn, listening to him talk about what achievements some of his past students had made and what gifts some had given him.

Then, according to the process, everyone would exclaim in surprise together, and it happens every time.

In comparison, dinner became the least important part. Kyle went there several times and the first thing he did after coming back was to go straight to the kitchen.

There's nothing you can do about it. There's really nothing to eat there.

He was still lucky, after all, the Hufflepuff common room was close to the kitchen and he could come here whenever he wanted to eat.

But that was not the case for Harry and Hermione. Slughorn always finished his dinner party right before curfew, and they had no time to go back to the kitchen.

Fortunately, there was Ron who could pack some food for them from the hall. They just had to roast it in the fireplace when they got back. Although the taste was a little worse, it was better than nothing.

…

(End of this chapter)