Professor Flitwick looked unusually serious, his tension so palpable that it seemed as if an out-of-control dragon might appear at any moment. Some older students approached him to ask what was happening, but he remained tight-lipped, urging everyone to return to the castle quickly.
As the students moved back toward the castle, whispers filled the air. Most speculated that the source of trouble had something to do with Professor Quirrell, the Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher.
"It must be him!" declared Gemma Farley with conviction. "Nearly every major incident at Hogwarts has something to do with the Defence Against the Dark Arts professor."
"And Quirrell didn't even show up to watch the match today," someone added. "Last time, he said he loved Quidditch, so it's strange he wasn't there!"
"Do you think Professor Quirrell might be like that dark wizard, Oren, who was here last year?" someone asked nervously.
"Or maybe he's a Death Eater!"
"Stop it, you're giving me the chills..."
"Let's hurry back to the castle," said another, trying to reassure the group. "Professor Dumbledore's there, so even if it is a Death Eater, we're safe."
With that thought, the young wizards felt somewhat comforted as they crowded into the castle.
Kyle was also in the crowd, but instead of heading back to the common room, he slipped away from Professor Sprout's sight and moved closer to the Gryffindor team.
"Kyle?" Fred and George noticed him instantly, eyes lighting up with excitement. "Do you know something?" George whispered. "If you've got a plan, don't forget to include Fred and me!"
"Sorry, Fred, George..." Kyle replied in a low voice as they climbed the stairs. "I need to check on something right now. Could you cover for me?"
The twins frowned, curious about Kyle's intentions but didn't hesitate. They positioned themselves on either side of him, stretching their shoulders just enough to shield him from view.
"Thanks," Kyle whispered. He bent down, cast the Disillusionment Charm on himself, and slipped quietly out of the group on the third floor.
"By Merlin's beard... that was the Disillusionment Charm!" Fred gasped in amazement. "I've been wanting to learn that spell forever."
George waved his hand in front of the empty space where Kyle had just stood but felt nothing. "He's only a second-year and he can already do that! What else is he hiding from us?"
Meanwhile, Kyle moved silently along the walls, his presence hidden as he carefully made his way to the door of Moaning Myrtle's bathroom. He checked the quill he'd wedged in the crack of the door as a marker, relieved to see it was still intact. Good—it wasn't a Basilisk.
"Whoever's there, come out. I can see you," came a voice from behind the door. A round head suddenly poked through the wood.
"It's me, Myrtle." Kyle removed the Disillusionment Charm, appearing in front of her.
"Oh, it's you, Kyle," Myrtle said with a broad smile. "Have you finally decided to share a bathroom with me?"
"Sorry, no plans for that yet," Kyle replied with a shake of his head. "I just came to ask if anyone else has been around here lately."
"You?" Myrtle asked with a disappointed pout.
"No, I mean anyone besides me."
"No one," Myrtle replied, her expression crumpling. "No one ever comes here. Who would want to visit ugly, miserable, moaning Myrtle? They won't even stand near the door for a second."
Kyle shifted awkwardly. "Well... at least Peeves seems to like you."
But this only made Myrtle wail louder, her mournful sobs echoing down the corridor. Kyle shivered as a chill ran down his spine.
To avoid drawing attention, Kyle quickly changed the subject. "By the way, how's the Peeves protection device I installed in your bathroom working out?"
"I'm not sure. That horrid ghost hasn't been around lately," Myrtle replied, her mood shifting as quickly as a turned-off tap. She glanced back into the bathroom, a bit doubtful. "But do you really think it works? Just setting a dozen books on the floor to scare away that pesky spirit?"
"Of course!" Kyle grinned. "And those weren't just books—they were special fireworks. The moment Peeves opens the door, the entire castle will hear the noise, and he'll be scared off for good."
"Oh... all right, then," Myrtle said with a pout.
Satisfied that whatever had happened in the castle wasn't Basilisk-related, Kyle was ready to head back. He didn't want Professor Sprout realizing he'd slipped away.
"By the way," Myrtle called out wistfully, "if you change your mind, you're welcome to move in here anytime."
At that, Kyle's pace quickened as he hurried back toward the Hufflepuff common room entrance, where he nearly bumped into Professor Sprout, who was just coming out.
"Kyle... thank goodness you're safe," she said sternly, her expression severe. "Where were you, and why didn't you come back with the others?"
Kyle had never seen Professor Sprout look so upset. Feeling sheepish, he tried to come up with an explanation. "Professor, I was just... a little worried, that's all... so I stayed outside a bit longer to see if I could help."
As he struggled to find an excuse, Professor Sprout sighed and asked, "Who told you this—was it Minerva?"
"Um, told me what?" Kyle stammered, utterly confused by the question.
Professor Sprout seemed to misinterpret his response, her tone softening. "I know you're close to Hagrid, and of course you'd be concerned if you heard he'd been seriously injured. But you're only a second-year student, Kyle, and your priority is to keep yourself safe. Madam Pomfrey will take good care of Hagrid."
"Hagrid? He's... hurt?" Kyle blurted out, shocked. "I'm sorry, Professor—could you tell me how he is now?"
Professor Sprout hesitated, choosing her words carefully. "He'll be fine," she finally said. "When we found him near the Forbidden Forest, there were signs of dark magic all over him. If he weren't so strong... he might not have survived. But don't worry; he's in the Hospital Wing now, receiving the best care."
"Thank you, Professor. I understand," Kyle replied. "Could I go see him, then?"
"Not right now!" Professor Sprout's tone turned stern again. "Until Professor Dumbledore returns from the Forbidden Forest, everyone is to remain in the common room. No exceptions."
"Yes, Professor," Kyle said, realizing she meant it.
"Now, off you go—back to the common room."