The team from St. Mungo’s arrived swiftly.
Several witches in Healer robes, wands at the ready, rushed in alarm to the second floor.
“Merlin’s beard... a werewolf! What on earth is happening here?” exclaimed an older witch, clutching her chest in disbelief.
“That’s what we’d like to know,” said Professor Kettleburn, stepping forward with a stern expression. “It nearly attacked two young wizards, right here at St. Mungo’s. Ha, this has to be the biggest scandal in the wizarding world.”
"Sir... we..." A middle-aged wizard wiped the sweat from his forehead, looking anxious. "There must be some misunderstanding here. We'll certainly get to the bottom of this."
"Misunderstanding?" Kyle scoffed. "That’s your explanation?"
If he hadn’t reacted quickly, along with the presence of two other professors nearby, who knows what this incident could have turned into? Even if he was lucky enough to escape, what about that boy? And all the patients in the nearby rooms—could they have all escaped?
"I’ll be reporting today’s events to the Ministry of Magic," Kyle said coldly. "If there is any misunderstanding, let them investigate."
“The Ministry of Magic... this...”
At that moment, a tall, thin witch with a serious demeanor stepped out from the crowd. She cast a sharp look at the middle-aged wizard, who immediately averted his eyes.
“I’ve already notified the Ministry of Magic. Their representatives will arrive shortly. Additionally, I will personally see to it that an explanation is provided.”
“You are…?” Kyle asked, uncertain.
For a moment, he thought it might be Professor McGonagall, as she bore a striking resemblance, both in appearance and in her no-nonsense expression.
“Allow me to introduce myself: Pegasia Sykes,” the witch said solemnly. “I am also the Director of St. Mungo’s Hospital for Magical Maladies and Injuries.”
Director Sykes was clearly a capable witch. Once she made her decision, she immediately ordered the removal of the wounded werewolf.
Despite its grievous state, the werewolf was still alive, saved only by its fierce vitality. “For certain reasons, it holds more value to us alive,” explained Director Sykes. “I trust you understand.”
Kyle nodded. With Hagrid and Professor Kettleburn at his side, he wasn’t worried about any potential trickery.
“Thank you for your understanding.”
Three minutes later, the Ministry arrived.
Leading the group was Cornelius Fudge, the Minister of Magic, accompanied by a team of Aurors and a witch clad in a bright pink coat. Fudge's gaze fell on the large pool of blood on the floor, and a flash of panic flickered in his eyes.
"Goodnes... a werewolf that can change form at will... by Merlin's beard... how is this even possible... I mean, why is this happening?"
"We’re still investigating, Minister," replied Director Sykes, his tone steady. "If you’re uneasy, you’re welcome to join us."
"Yes, yes... we’ll help."
"Where is the werewolf?"
Just then, an Auror stepped forward, bearing the look of an old lion. His tawny hair and thick eyebrows were streaked with gray, and behind his gold-rimmed glasses shone a pair of sharp, penetrating eyes. Director Sykes signaled to a nearby Healer and led him towards the room where the werewolf was being held.
Fudge drifted over to Kyle, his demeanor slightly distracted. "How are you, my boy?"
"I’m fine. Two professors happened to be nearby," Kyle replied, noting how Fudge’s eyes kept shifting sideways, as though preoccupied with some private thought.
"Son, there’s a chance you could still be... mistaken," Fudge said, picking his words with care, as though concealing something. "Perhaps what attacked you was merely an Animagus in wolf form, not an actual werewolf..."
"You want me to lie?" Kyle asked flatly.
"Lie... no, no, nothing like that!" Fudge protested, removing his top hat as a glint sparked in his eyes. "You're young, after all, and you’ve never seen a werewolf before. It’s perfectly reasonable that you might’ve made a mistake."
"I didn’t make a mistake," Kyle replied, his expression resolute. "We covered werewolves in detail last semester."
"Then perhaps you’re just remembering it wrong."
Kyle’s face remained unchanged. "I came first in my year on the final exam, with full marks in every subject. I’m certain I didn’t remember it wrong."
Fudge gripped the brim of his hat tightly, his tone now tinged with impatience. "But everyone knows that werewolves only transform during a full moon, never in daylight. If this... incorrect information spreads, it will only cause widespread panic."
So that's his real concern, Kyle thought to himself. But before he could respond, the witch in the pink coat behind Fudge stepped forward, joining the conversation.
"My boy, I have found you in violation of Ministry regulations for using magic outside school grounds."
Umbridge cast a sugary smile at Fudge, her voice oozing with fake sweetness. "According to the rules, we have no choice but to punish you."
"In violation?" Kyle repeated, incredulous.
"Isn't it obvious?" Umbridge's gaze lingered meaningfully on the wand in Kyle's hand. "My dear, there's no point in arguing. The Aurors will soon be able to determine precisely which spells you've cast. If the number exceeds three... well, I’m afraid you won’t be attending Hogwarts this year."
Kyle's face registered shock, which only made Umbridge's smile broaden. Inside, she felt a thrill of satisfaction. She relished these moments of control and aspired for even more power, intent on proving her value to the Minister in any way she could. After all, it was only a young wizard she was dealing with. There were things Fudge might hesitate to do, but she was more than happy to handle them on his behalf.
Kyle could barely contain his anger. His expression turned icy as he asked, "You’re trying to expel me?"
"It’s simply Ministry policy," Umbridge replied with a forced smile, as if the rules were regrettably out of her hands.
Meanwhile, Fudge stood nearby, seemingly absorbed in examining his hat, avoiding eye contact.
Kyle's face grew colder, his eyes narrowing. "So, what the Ministry of Magic is suggesting is that I should’ve just stood there and let the werewolf bite me, is that right?"
"You could have run," Umbridge replied with a falsely sweet smile. "The stairs were right there. You could have run to where there were people, sought help—why use magic?"
Kyle clenched his wand, taking a deep breath to calm himself and resisting the urge to unleash a curse on her. A foot race with a werewolf? Even Lockhart couldn’t have penned something so ridiculous.
Seeing Kyle's silence, Umbridge's smugness grew. She cleared her throat, preparing to continue. "Of course, if you—"
"I'm not late, am I?"
Footsteps sounded on the stairs, and Dumbledore appeared, ignoring Umbridge entirely as he strode straight to Kyle. "I was about to head to France, but I came as soon as I heard the news. Are you hurt?"
"No, Headmaster," Kyle replied with a smile. "But this... nameless Ministry passerby insists I used magic outside school and wants to expel me."
"Don't worry, Kyle. Expulsions are a matter for the Headmaster to decide," Dumbledore said gently. "If they insist, I'll attend the hearing with you. I recall quite clearly that in life-threatening situations, even young wizards who haven’t graduated are permitted to use magic. What you did was entirely justified."
"I’ll go, too," said Professor Kettleburn.
"And me," Hagrid added.
"Count me in," said Director Sykes, stepping forward with a playful glint in her eye. She turned to Umbridge. "Madam Passerby, if the werewolf wakes up, would you care to race it to demonstrate what you just suggested? If you can escape it without using magic, there’ll be no reason for Albus to stop you from expelling this student."