Chris was preparing to return to the Ministry of Magic. After the Triwizard Tournament, his responsibilities as a judge were far from over—among them, returning the Magical Creatures from the maze to their proper locations.
The creatures Hagrid provided posed no issue; they simply needed to be released back into the Forbidden Forest. However, Chris still had to manage the Magical Creatures that Newt had supplied.
Yet, after recent events, he changed his plans. Before leaving Hogwarts, he decided to visit Dumbledore.
"I think it's better if you wait or pick another time," Kyle advised. "Minister Fudge is in the Headmaster's Office, and I doubt the atmosphere there is pleasant right now."
"It's fine, I'll wait," Chris replied, casting a somber glance toward the castle.
As a Ministry official, he knew Fudge's character all too well. Fudge would never accept that Voldemort had returned, making any conversation with Dumbledore contentious.
"They're in the Headmaster's Office. Do you want to head there directly?" Kyle asked. "Or wait a bit? We could stop by the common room for some food. I'm starving."
"There's no need," Chris said, his focus shifting toward the corner, where the sound of approaching footsteps caught his attention.
"Evidence, Dumbledore! You can't expect me to believe some vague memory you claim is accurate!" Fudge's agitated voice carried through the corridor. "Or are you suggesting we accept the wild tales of two children as the truth? Absurd!"
Dumbledore's calm yet firm voice followed. "As I've told you repeatedly, Cornelius, I was there. You could have an Auror examine my memory if you doubt its authenticity."
"Memories can be tampered with—especially by someone of your skill," Fudge shot back.
"I assure you, they haven't been," Dumbledore said evenly. "Listen to me, Cornelius. It's not too late. We must act immediately and send emissaries to the Giants before Voldemort gains their allegiance once more."
"Send messengers to the Giants?" Fudge shrieked. "Have you lost your mind? The public despises the Giants! If word got out that I was negotiating with them, I'd lose my position as Minister overnight!"
"Your fixation on retaining power has clouded your judgment, Cornelius."
"Ridiculous! You've gone mad, all because of some baseless claims from a couple of kids—"
Their argument grew louder as they approached, and Fudge suddenly noticed Chris standing nearby.
"Oh, Chris," Fudge said quickly, attempting to shift the subject. "Have you seen Kyle? I need to speak with him."
Chris blinked, then glanced around. At some point, Kyle had slipped away.
It was clear Kyle had no intention of involving himself in the confrontation. From the heated exchange, it was obvious Fudge wouldn't be persuaded tonight, no matter who spoke to him. If he didn't even trust Dumbledore's memory, no argument would sway him.
Kyle had decided to avoid any direct conflict. Although he was unfamiliar with the type of Directional Magic employed by the Department of Mysteries, the late hour and the effectiveness of the Disillusionment Charm worked in his favor.
Fudge hadn't noticed him at all.
"No, I think he went back to the castle," Chris said casually, guessing Kyle's reasoning.
"Then let's head to the Hospital Wing," Dumbledore said. "Harry is there, and he can testify the events."
"Testify?" Fudge repeated mockingly. "Utter madness! Let's see what nonsense you've concocted this time."
Dumbledore briefly glanced toward where Kyle stood hidden, his gaze lingering for a moment.
"You may join us, Chris, if you're not in a rush to return," Dumbledore offered.
"Of course," Chris replied, following as the group crossed the courtyard and disappeared around the staircase leading to the Hospital Wing.
Once the coast was clear, Kyle dropped the Disillusionment Charm and rubbed his forehead wearily.
Dumbledore was pushing too hard. The more forceful he became, the more stubbornly Fudge would resist. Perhaps such tactics had worked in the past, but Fudge no longer needed Dumbledore's endorsement to maintain his authority.
With the threat of Crouch eliminated, Fudge was beginning to revel in the unchecked power of his position. Challenging him directly now was unwise.
Still, the truth had to be told—whether Fudge believed it or not. Only Dumbledore could deliver that message; anyone else would be dismissed outright.
Unfortunately, it meant Harry would have to endure more. Kyle couldn't help but feel sympathy for the boy, who would be roused from much-needed sleep for this.
With a sigh, Kyle turned and began heading toward the castle.
On his way back to the castle, Kyle encountered Mrs. Weasley, along with Bill and Charlie, all looking anxious.
"Kyle, I'm so glad you're alright," Mrs. Weasley exclaimed, rushing toward him. "Where's Harry? Have you seen him?"
"Harry's in the Hospital Wing," Kyle replied, noticing Mrs. Weasley's face grow pale. He quickly added, "He's fine—he just took some Dreamless Sleep Potion and is resting now."
"That's good," Mrs. Weasley said, visibly relieved.
"Hermione told us Harry disappeared," Charlie said as he approached. "We went to Professor Dumbledore, and that's when we ran into Sirius, who explained everything."
"So it's true?" Bill asked, his face grave. "You-Know-Who... he's really come back?"
"It's absolutely true," Kyle confirmed. "I saw it happen. So did Harry and Professor Dumbledore."
Bill gasped audibly, and Mrs. Weasley's grip on Kyle's hand trembled.
"I suggest waiting a bit before going to Harry," Kyle said gently. "The headmaster and Fudge are with him right now. How about heading to the Hufflepuff common room for a while? We can grab something to eat—I'm starving."
"No, I have to be there for him," Mrs. Weasley said, her face pale but resolute. "I know what kind of man Fudge is. He won't listen, and Harry will need someone by his side."
She turned to Bill. "Go and tell your father. Dumbledore will likely need our support soon."
"Yes, Mum."
Mrs. Weasley hurried toward the Hospital Wing, while Bill and Charlie made their way to the Owlery. Within moments, Kyle was left standing alone.
Well... looks like I'm on my own again, he thought, shrugging as he resumed his trek to the Hufflepuff common room.
The common room was brightly lit, with tables laden with cakes and snacks. True to Hufflepuff tradition, a celebration had been arranged in honor of Kyle's victory in the Triwizard Tournament.
Unfortunately, Kyle had returned too late. Most of the students had already gone to bed, leaving only a few stragglers enjoying the remnants of the party. Still, they congratulated him warmly and suggested holding a proper celebration the next day, to which Kyle agreed.
Grabbing a sandwich, he took a big bite, savoring the taste.
"What took you so long?" Kanna asked, handing him a glass of lemonade.
"Something big—something really big," Kyle replied after taking a sip. The tangy lemonade helped shake off some of his lingering fatigue.
"The Triwizard Tournament is over. What could be so big?" Cedric asked, raising an eyebrow.
Kyle hesitated, glancing around at the few students still present. "It's complicated. Come with me."
He led Kanna and Cedric to a quieter corner of the room, where they sat at a table away from prying ears.
"You might not believe me, but I have to say it... Voldemort has resurrected."
BANG!
Cedric dropped his Butterbeer, the mug hitting the ground with a loud crash.
"Ha! That's not a funny joke," he said with a nervous laugh, pulling out his wand to clean up the mess. "You-Know-Who is dead. Everyone knows that."
"I wish it were a joke," Kyle said solemnly, setting down his empty glass. "But it's not. Before long, Professor Dumbledore will tell you the same thing."
Cedric froze, his wand slipping from his fingers.
Kanna, mid-bite, dropped her sandwich, nearly crushing it into a heap of mashed bread.
"I'm not saying I don't believe you, Kyle," Cedric stammered, "but... how? How is that possible? Harry Potter—the Boy Who Lived—he defeated You-Know-Who!"
Kyle met his eyes. "I said resurrected. You don't have to believe me right now. Just... be prepared."