Hogwarts: I Am Such a Model Wizard

Chapter 750: Make-up Lessons

Despite Kyle not seeing the need for it, Dumbledore returned the Golden Cup as promised three days later.

When Kyle went to find Harry, carrying a bottle of mead, he found him in the library—almost entirely buried under a mountain of books.

Ron and Hermione were with him.

All three were hidden behind thick “walls” of books piled high in front of them, making it difficult for Kyle to spot Harry at first. If it hadn’t been for the Marauder’s Map confirming Harry was there, he might have missed them entirely.

It was hard to believe that he and Ron had suddenly become such bookworms.

“Here’s what you asked for,” Kyle said as he sat down across from them, slipping the bottle of mead into a gap between the bookshelves when Madam Pince wasn’t looking.

“Thanks,” Harry said, glancing up.

Kyle immediately noticed the dark circles under his eyes.

“How long have you guys been here?” he asked, almost without thinking.

“Three days,” Ron yawned, rubbing his face. “We’re practically living in the library—except for class.”

He picked up a book nearby, flipped through it for a moment, then set it aside and reached for another.

“You guys are looking for something?” Kyle asked. “Need any help?”

“No, we’re fine.”

“We can find it ourselves.”

…

Harry and Ron spoke at the same time.

Kyle wasn’t sure if it was just his imagination, but he always felt like they were hiding something from him.

Still, he wasn’t particularly curious, so when the three of them didn’t want to say anything, he didn’t press the issue. He simply handed Harry the bottle of mead and left the library.

A minute later, because Harry had unconsciously spoken a little too loudly, the three of them were chased out of the library by Madam Pince.

“It’s all your fault!” Hermione said crossly. “We won’t be able to go into the library for at least two days.”

“It doesn’t matter,” Ron said, looking quite pleased. “We’ve been looking for three days, and what have we found? Nothing. I’ve been saying it all along—there’s no clue to the sword or the locket in the library. It’s just a waste of time.”

Harry felt the same way. If Hermione hadn’t insisted, he would have given up yesterday.

And really, if the Founders’ relics could be found in a book, Voldemort wouldn’t have spent so long working at Borgin and Burkes just to track down Hufflepuff’s Cup.

“Do you have a better idea than looking for clues in the library?”

Seeing that both of them were against her, Hermione glared at them angrily. “If you do, I don’t mind listening to you. But don’t tell me you want to search every room in the school—I’m not doing something that stupid.”

With that, she stormed off.

“What’s she so angry about?” Ron asked, baffled. “We didn’t say that, did we?”

“I think she’s just mad that she can’t go to the library for a couple of days,” Harry whispered.

“Maybe,” Ron said, shrugging. Then, noticing the bottle in Harry’s hands, he asked, “What’s this?”

“It’s mead…” Harry said, before suddenly realizing, “Oh no, I forgot to give Kyle his money.”

“Mead?” Ron frowned. “I thought you liked Butterbeer. When did you start drinking mead? And you’re not even of age, are you?”

“Yeah, poor me, a few months shy,” Harry said. “But it’s not for me—it’s for Slughorn. He likes mead. Maybe I can use it to get his memory back.”

“You want to get him drunk?” Ron stroked his chin. “That’s a good idea. When are you going to do it? Now?”

“I don’t know,” Harry shook his head. “I need the right opportunity.”

As the two continued their conversation, they made their way back to the common room.

After three days of reading in the library, most of their initial enthusiasm for searching for Horcruxes had faded.

…

Harry said he needed to find an opportunity, and then he waited for more than a week.

The main reason was that he wanted to make sure no one else was around when he took action. However, he soon realized that there had been no more dinner invitations for him—ever since he had asked Slughorn about Horcruxes. Slughorn had now stopped inviting him by default.

Kyle wasn’t invited either, but that was exactly what he wanted. After all, he had no need to ask Slughorn for anything.

As April arrived, the weather gradually became warmer.

To prepare for the upcoming N.E.W.T. exams, seventh-year students were rarely seen around the castle. Most of them were either in the library or practicing magic in empty classrooms.

Even Mikel had missed two consecutive Quidditch training sessions.

His weakest subjects were Charms and Transfiguration, and according to Professor McGonagall, if he didn’t put in the effort, he was unlikely to pass those exams.

Transfiguration and Charms were among the most important subjects, necessary for many future careers.

Although they weren’t required for the profession Mikel aspired to—a Beater—he was well aware that his talent in Quidditch wasn’t extraordinary. He couldn’t afford to completely give up on earning those qualifications.

If anyone in seventh year could be called the most idle, it would probably be Kyle.

While everyone else was working hard to earn more certificates, he was the only one without any sense of urgency.

Every day, he either lounged in the common room or wandered into the Forbidden Forest to find Hagrid.

“Listen, Kyle, you can’t just sit around doing nothing. This is the sixth time you’ve come to see me this week.”

Finally, even Hagrid couldn’t help but comment. “Of course, I don’t mind, but the exams are coming up soon. Don’t you need to study? Even Harry has started reading.”

“Reading?” Kyle didn’t even use his wand. With a simple wave of his hand, the teapot on the stove lifted into the air and smoothly poured two cups of boiling tea.

The entire process was seamless, as if an invisible force was guiding the teapot.

“Okay... forget I said anything.” Hagrid decisively shut his mouth.

He had to admit, with Kyle’s abilities, he could probably pass the N.E.W.T. exams without studying at all. It really didn’t seem necessary for him to crack open a book.

But as a professor, there were some things Hagrid felt obligated to say.

“Where’s Kanna? Haven’t seen her lately.” Hagrid changed the subject. “You two aren’t fighting, are you? I’m telling you, she’s a good girl, you—”

“Fighting? No way.” Kyle interrupted, shaking his head. “She’s been obsessed with Ancient Potions lately, spending almost every day by the cauldron. She won’t even let me help.”

That was the main reason Kyle had nothing to do.

Even though Kyle had repeatedly told her that studying ancient potions was pointless—since they weren’t suitable for modern wizards—Kanna had found a new fascination with them.

So she had abandoned Kyle entirely and buried herself in the Dungeon.

At first, Kyle had tried to help, but potions weren’t his strength. After only two attempts, Kanna had made it painfully clear that he was more of a hindrance than a help.

Now, with Snape assisting her, Kyle was mocked every time he dropped by. So rather than endure that, he figured he might as well spend his time aimlessly wandering the castle.

“How’s your spider?” Kyle asked, casually directing the teapot back onto the stove. “Need me to make more tonic?”

“Thanks, but no thanks.” Hagrid waved a hand, looking downcast. “Aragog’s too old for that. It’s not about the tonic.”

“That’s... okay.” Seeing Hagrid’s expression, Kyle didn’t press the issue. Instead, he changed the subject. “What about Grawp? Is he adjusting to life in the Forbidden Forest?”

“Grawp is adapting very well,” Hagrid said, his mood brightening at the mention of his giant brother. “The Forbidden Forest suits him perfectly. At least he doesn’t have to worry about being driven out by the other giants.”

“Although... the centaurs aren’t happy. They’ve tried several times to drive Grawp away, but they can’t. Ha! Those arrogant blokes!”

Because of Grawp, the relationship between Hagrid and the centaurs had taken a sharp turn for the worse. While there hadn’t been an outright fight yet, they were no longer on good terms.

Kyle understood why.

The centaurs had always considered the Forbidden Forest their territory. Hagrid had already upset them once by bringing the Three-Headed Dog, Fluffy, into the forest. Now, he had placed a Giant right at their doorstep. It was only natural for them to object.

After all, who would want two natural enemies as neighbors?

Whether it was a Three-Headed Dog or a Giant, both could easily flatten the centaur tribe if they got angry.

Unfortunately for the centaurs, the Forbidden Forest didn’t belong to them. No matter how much they protested, they couldn’t do anything about it.

Unless, of course, they could defeat Dumbledore and overthrow Hogwarts.

But if they had that kind of power, they wouldn’t need to worry about a Three-Headed Dog or a Giant in the first place.

…

After spending some time with Hagrid again, Kyle was sent back to the castle at his insistence.

In Hagridʼs words, as a professor, he really couldnʼt stand the sight of Kyle doing nothing, and it would be better to avoid eye contact until Kyle did something productive to affect their relationship.

With no other choice, Kyle returned to the castle, searching for another way to pass the time. He wandered aimlessly through the corridors for a while before deciding to check out the dungeons again.

As he passed the second floor, however, a voice stopped him.

“You seem a little lost,” said a familiar voice.

Kyle turned his head and saw that it was the portrait of Violet, the witch who was a close friend of the Fat Lady and often drank with her. But something about her eyes felt off. How could he describe it? They were too calm—unnervingly so, as if nothing in the world could stir them.

It was hard to imagine someone with those eyes sneaking off with the Fat Lady to steal other people’s wine.

And more than that—Kyle felt an odd sense of familiarity. He couldn’t quite place it, but something told him that the person in the portrait before him was definitely not Violet.

“Who are you?” he asked, a little nervously.

“It is I,” Violet said again, but this time, a silver diadem inlaid with sapphires appeared above her head.

In that instant, Kyle recognized her. After all this time, he had almost forgotten that such a presence still existed within the castle.

Who else could wear this diadem, if not Rowena Ravenclaw?

“Can you control the portraits in the castle?” Kyle couldnʼt help but ask.

“Not exactly,” Ravenclaw replied calmly. “After all, I am merely a memory now. The only difference between myself and a portrait is that I lack a frame.”

“Yes, yes,” Violet’s voice chimed in, her tone fluctuating unnaturally. “And I did it willingly, Madam Ravenclaw. I would love to share a frame with you.”

But no one paid her any attention.

“So what are you doing here...?” Kyle asked hesitantly. “Do you want to see Hogwarts today?”

That seemed like the only plausible explanation for why Rowena Ravenclaw had suddenly taken over a portrait in the castle.

“No,” Rowena Ravenclaw said, her voice steady and detached. “My time ended a thousand years ago. What happens to the castle now is none of my concern.” She paused, then added, “I am observing you.”

“Observing me?” Kyle pointed at himself, confused.

“Yes,” Rowena Ravenclaw said simply, offering no further explanation. Then, after a moment, she repeated, “You seem a little lost.”

“A bit,” Kyle admitted.

Though he had merely felt a little bored before, Rowena Ravenclaw’s words left him feeling strangely unsettled.

“It seems you don’t realize it,” Rowena Ravenclaw said softly.

Then, the silver diadem suddenly floated out of the portrait, and in the blink of an eye, it appeared above Kyle’s head.

Instinctively, Kyle wanted to take it off.

The diadem’s effects were overwhelming. He felt weightless, as if he could grasp everything in the world with ease, as if all knowledge and understanding lay within his reach. The sensation was intoxicating, and he feared losing control.

“It’s okay, just relax,” Ravenclaw’s voice murmured near his ear.

Kyle hesitated, but then he realized—he hadn’t changed. He was still the same as before.

“I’m sorry,” he said after a moment, gathering his thoughts. “What did you mean by ‘confused’ just now?”

“Put simply, the current body of knowledge no longer arouses your desire to continue exploring,” Ravenclaw said. “From a student’s perspective, you have done perfectly. Even in my time, very few could surpass you at this grade.”

Kyle smacked his lips. “Thank you.”

That was a compliment… right? I think.

“And I am glad that you have restrained your desires.”

“Huh?” Kyle frowned slightly. He didn’t quite understand.

“Because you have not indulged in the pursuit of more powerful magic,” Rowena Ravenclaw continued. “I have seen many geniuses. They often spend their lives chasing after ever more dazzling spells and greater power, losing sight of the original reason they learned magic in the first place. They become slaves to power.”

A moment of silence passed before she suddenly asked, “I assume you’ve been to the restricted section of the library and taken a look?”

Kyle nodded. “Okay, I admit I broke school rules.”

There was no point in denying it. Not only had he been there, but he had also copied nearly half of the forbidden books.

“No, that’s not the point,” Ravenclaw said. “Helena and I spoke about you during one of our conversations.”

Kyle raised an eyebrow.

“She told me about a boy—one who, like you, was intelligent, exceptionally talented, and far ahead of his peers, even surpassing most wizards.”

Kyle listened quietly.

“But unlike you, he never wasted time wandering around the castle doing nothing.”

Kyle’s face flushed slightly.

“To address this laziness of yours, you can choose a place,” Rowena Ravenclaw said.

“Choose a place?” Kyle asked instinctively. “For what?”

“To make up for lost time,” she said. “Consider it my way of saying thank you. I’ve had a lot of fun—a truly good time.”

For the first time, Rowena Ravenclaw’s voice carried a noticeable shift in tone, something lighter, almost warm.

But the change was fleeting. In the next instant, her voice returned to its usual, cold, detached quality, as if she had suddenly assumed the role of a strict professor.

“Your foundation is so poor that you’re not even at a third-year level. How can you afford to waste time?”

Kyle muttered under his breath, “That’s not what you said earlier…”

But then another thought struck him.

Wait.

Is she offering me extra lessons?

The realization came as such a shock that he almost couldn’t believe it.

“You’re really going to give me extra lessons?”

“If you don’t want them, I can offer something else in return,” Ravenclaw replied evenly.

Kyle shook his head hurriedly. “No, no, I want them.”

Who would refuse extra lessons from Rowena Ravenclaw?

“I know a place that’s quiet and private,” Kyle said, his mind immediately turning to the Room of Requirement.

…

At that moment, Ron, Harry, and Hermione happened to come out of the library.

Ron, walking ahead, turned the corner and immediately spotted Kyle standing in front of the portrait.

“Kyle, what are you doing here... Oh!”

Before he could finish his sentence, Kyle suddenly took a step forward—and then, in an instant, he was gone.

Yes, gone. He had disappeared without a sound.

Ron’s eyes widened. “Did you see that?” he blurted, pointing wildly at the portrait of Violet.

Harry and Hermione, coming up behind him, exchanged confused looks.

“Ron, what are you shouting about?” Harry asked.

“Kyle! He was right here!” Ron insisted, still pointing.

“Where?” Hermione frowned, glancing down the empty corridor. “You’re imagining things.”

“No way, he was here!” Ron said adamantly. “It must have been Apparition!”

“That’s impossible,” Hermione said firmly. “You know Apparition is forbidden inside the castle.”

“But I saw him!” Ron’s voice rose in frustration. “And he had something silver on his head—it must have been Ravenclaw’s Diadem!”

Without hesitation, he ran over to the portrait. “You saw it too, didn’t you?” he demanded. “Someone was standing here just now—you must have seen him!”

Violet, looking thoroughly irritated, gave Ron a sideways glance. “Hey, I don’t know what you’re talking about,” she said. “I’ve been here all alone.”

“You didn’t see it?” Ron’s brows furrowed.

“Why would I lie to you?” Violet snapped impatiently. “Now get out of here and let me sleep.”

Ron hesitated, but Hermione had already crossed her arms. “You heard her, Ron. Don’t be ridiculous. Apparition is forbidden in the castle, and Kyle is no exception.”

“Yeah,” Harry added, “you’ve probably just read too many books and gone crazy.”

Ron huffed. “If you ask me, Hermione, we really don’t need to waste so much time in the library.”

“No,” Hermione said with conviction, “there’s still one place we haven’t checked.”

“Where?” Harry asked.

“The Restricted Section.”

“That’s against school rules,” Harry reminded her. “Unless we can get a professor’s signature.”

The two continued down the corridor, their voices fading as they walked away, deep in discussion.

Ron remained where he was, standing still in the empty hallway, confusion clouding his expression.

He had seen Kyle just now—he knew he had.

So why hadn’t the person in the portrait seen him?

Could he really have been seeing things?

No way…