Karkaroff Settles the Score After Autumn

"So, the good stuff you mentioned before is no longer available?" Kanna asked curiously during dinner.

"Not only that, I also lost some things," Kyle said quietly.

Although the decision had been made and the small vial of ashes had been given to Dumbledore, Kyle still felt a pang of regret every time he thought about it.

In this situation, even the delicious fried pork chop couldn't improve Kyle's mood even slightly?

Conna seemed to realize this as well, and quickly changed the subject, asking, "Is Mr. Nicolas Flamel still at school?"

"No," Kyle shook his head and said, "Nicolas didn't want to show his face in crowded places, so he went back."

"Riding in an airship?" Kanna asked tentatively, placing a piece of toast on her and Kyle's plate.

"How did you know?" Kyle looked at her in surprise. "You saw it?"

"Many people saw it," Kanna said. "A huge airship appeared at the school's Astronomy Tower, which caused quite a stir. Everyone is guessing what it is."

Some say it's the school's secret weapon, others think it's a means of transportation... like Beauxbatons ' carriages and Durmstrang's big ships.

"It's a mode of transport, but it's not from Hogwarts," Kyle shrugged.

Seeing only an airship is fine; apart from someone like Kanna who knows the inside story, no one else would associate it with the legendary Nicolas Flamel.

After that, Dumbledore became extremely busy, and for two whole weeks, Kyle didn't see him in the castle even once.

But thinking about it carefully, it makes sense. Although he didn't know how long it would take to refine Philosopher's Stone, he was certain that it was definitely not an easy task.

And so it went until February, Dumbledore still hadn't returned. The students didn't notice anything amiss, since most of them didn't usually pay much attention to their headmaster.

Of course, Professor McGonagall is a different story. Even if she disappeared for a day, she would quickly become the talk of the town.

However, some people floated around while Dumbledore was away from the school.

Karkaroff now acts like a school board member, swaggering around the castle every day and mocking everything he sees with an arrogant tone.

For example, the students were so lazy that they were chatting and laughing and playing around in the hallway during breaks. In Durmstrang, the students would never make such noise.

Even professors weren't spared. Kyle overheard him more than once belittling Professor Sybill Trelawney Divination Class professor, as an incompetent old fraud when speaking to Durmstrang students.

And Hagrid, in his own words, became a stupid, big idiot.

Finally, there was Sirius. He believed that Sirius was too biased and excessively indulged a certain college, and was not fit to be a professor.

His words quickly gained the approval of some Hogwarts students.

For example, Malfoy from Slytherin.

"Professor Karkaroff and I always think alike."

He said loudly in the hallway, "My dad had considered sending me to Durmstrang, but my mom disagreed; she didn't want me to go so far away."

However, I think he should have insisted more. Professor Karkaroff of Durmstrang is what a principal should be like, and they don't allow lowlifes to enroll there at all...

While saying this, he would always glance at Hermione, intentionally or unintentionally.

This infuriated Hermione. She genuinely hoped that Malfoy could go to Durmstrang, so that she would have at least half the troubles at school.

But that's not all.

When Kyle was passing by the Entrance Hall on Wednesday noon after class, he suddenly found a large crowd gathered there, blocking the way to the Great Hall.

Curious, he squeezed into the crowd to see what was happening.

As expected, it was Karkaroff again, but this time he didn't target the students and professors; instead, he turned his attention to Filch.

"I remember telling you more than once, keep an eye on your cat, don't let it run around the castle," Karkaroff said condescendingly.

"Mrs. Norris never runs around..." Filch said with a grim expression, "She's helping to maintain order at the castle, catching students who break the rules..."

"Sorry, I might have misheard..." Karkaroff drawled, "Maintaining order, a cat?"

"Is Hogwarts really that bad that they have to hire a cat to look after the students?"

Beside him, several Durmstrang students burst into laughter, echoing their principal's sentiments.

"Quiet down, don't be so rude, or people will think that people from Durmstrang are all ill-mannered."

Karkaroff drawled, "I must admit, this is something I've never heard of before. If you don't mind, I can donate some money so you can hire... well, a wizard to keep order at the school."

In an instant, Filch's face turned bright red, like a boiled shrimp.

Karkaroff not only belittled Mrs. Norris, but also subtly mocked him as a Squib, which made him tremble and stammer, unable to utter a single word.

The people around him also looked eager to go.

If Karkaroff had merely mocked Filch and Mrs. Norris, many people might have applauded, since they also disliked the man and the cat, and it wouldn't be a bad thing if someone could teach them a lesson.

But the fact that the other party brought up Hogwarts in their sarcastic remarks made it unacceptable to many people.

Karkaroff, however, paid no attention. Listening to the chatter around him, he even stroked his goatee with a hint of smugness.

What are you all doing gathered here?

Just then, Professor McGonagall walked in from outside, and everyone made way for her.

"It's lunchtime now, hurry to the Great Hall," Professor McGonagall said to the crowd before turning to Professor Karkaroff, "You don't need to worry about the management of Hogwarts."

"Of course, that's true," Karkaroff said. "I was just making a small suggestion; I had no intention of interfering in Hogwarts, that much is beyond question."

"But please understand one thing, Minerva, I have to be responsible for the school. Krum has been frightened by this cat several times. I can't help but suspect that you're doing this on purpose to affect Krum's performance so that your Champion can stand out in the game."

"We wouldn't do such a thing," Professor McGonagall said, her face tense.

"Don't misunderstand, I didn't mean to accuse you, I just have doubts." Karkaroff gave a fake smile.

"Ha, I'm afraid only you would resort to such despicable tactics." A sneer came from the crowd.

"Of the five judges, only you, you old mangy dog, deliberately gave the other two Champion low scores."

Being publicly called a mangy dog, Karkaroff couldn't keep up the act any longer. He turned around and shouted at the crowd:

"Who said that? Come out here! I'm going to teach you a lesson on behalf of Dumbledore!"