Failed Memory Extraction

It was evening. After a busy day, Professor McGonagall had finished dinner and was preparing to return to her office for some much-needed rest.

Professor Dumbledore was away, and with no one to help her, the affairs of the entire school rested on her shoulders alone. On top of that, she was responsible for classes across all seven years. Even Professor McGonagall, accustomed as she was to this kind of life, could not help feeling mentally exhausted.

As she passed Horace Slughorn's office, she clearly heard bursts of laughter coming from inside.

Apparently believing that the crisis had passed, Slughorn had begun hosting his classic dinner parties again.

Professor McGonagall shook her head and hurried past.

How carefree... There was not a single person in the whole school who gave her any peace of mind, especially Slughorn. Even though she had clearly rejected him twice already, he had still sent over another request yesterday to purchase self-stirring cauldrons.

Did he not realize that the school governors would never spend money on something so expensive?

Professor McGonagall returned to her office. Just as she was about to close the door, she suddenly noticed an owl perched on the railing.

Seeing owls at Hogwarts was nothing unusual. These messengers flew back and forth through the school every day, delivering letters and packages. It would have been strange if there were ever a day when they could not be seen.

But this one was different. Professor McGonagall vaguely sensed that something was off about it.

"Who are you?!"

She immediately drew her wand, her gaze turning sharp.

"Don't be alarmed, Professor," the owl said.

Professor McGonagall froze. The voice sounded very familiar. After thinking for a moment, she asked cautiously, "Kyle?"

"It's me."

The owl hopped down from the railing. Its body rapidly