After the perfectly synchronized and passionate recitation, Karl mimicked Dumbledore's gesture of wiping his eyes, and even publicly used his robe to wipe his nose.
Regardless of whether it was real or not, the imitation had to be spot-on. And wasn't this better than the chaotic singing of the school anthem? Dumbledore must have some kind of pica.
"Oh! Heavens! This is simply wonderful! More charming than music!"
He was about to directly announce the cancellation of the school anthem singing segment, but after glancing at Cat Mom staring at him, Karl decided to postpone it.
It wasn't that he was afraid of being beaten; he was mainly worried that Dumbledore would cry if he heard the news.
After all, old people have so few hobbies; it wouldn't be good to so roughly deprive him of this one.
"Students of all grades, please return to your dormitories in an orderly fashion under the guidance of your prefects."
After all the little Wizards in the Great Hall had left, Karl smiled and bid goodnight to the Professors, then headed directly to the Headmasters Office.
There was no other way; he was currently in Dumbledore's form. Returning to the Hufflepuff dormitory or going to Professor McGonagall's office felt equally inappropriate.
"Albus! I'm back!"
At this moment, the old man Grindelwald was gone; only Dumbledore was still drinking tea.
"You worked hard, Karl."
"Oh, come on~ We're buddies! Why be so polite?"
Dumbledore: (—_—)
Did you discuss this with Minerva? Does she know she's become my elder?
"Cough! What I mean is, as Principal, you just need to give orders. What's hard work? This is what I deserve!
Karl chuckled, ran to sit opposite Dumbledore, and then scooped all the Fizzing Whizbees from the table into his pocket.
He didn't want to eat them himself; he planned to give them to Grindelwald and tell a few jokes about bee dung along the way.
There was no other way; he was just that respectful and friendly to his elders.
Grindelwald must be very touched!
"Albus, why are you still drinking tea so late? Aren't you afraid you won't be able to sleep?"
"Not being able to sleep is better than being woken up, especially since you're staying here tonight."
Karl: (,—)
You're guarding against me, aren't you? Very well!
He decided to tell Dumbledore about Lord Voldemort's diary another day, setting the time for 2:30 AM, to recreate a scene of Albus not sleeping.
However…
"What do you mean I'm staying here?"
Karl was planning to stay up until the old man was asleep and the night was quiet, then transform into a Cougar to find Cat Mom.
"After Minerva finished dealing with Harry and Ron, she specifically came up to visit me, and also sent your bed up."
"Bed?"
Karl blinked blankly. Did Cat Mom move the sofa over?
When he stayed overnight in Cat Mom's office, he always turned the sofa into a bed to sleep.
Dumbledore smiled happily, gesturing for Karl to look at the cabinet next to him, "It's right there."
Karl: (⊙o⊙)
That fish tank looks familiar!
The next morning, sunlight streamed through the window into the Headmasters Office.
Karl shook his ears, wagged his tail, gave a big yawn, and then opened his eyes and jumped out of the fish tank.
"Meow~"
After a perfect cat stretch, Karl glanced at the tightly closed door of the lounge.
Albus isn't up yet? Then this meow won't be polite! Hehe!
Karl walked with his four legs going in different directions to the back of the desk, then lightly jumped onto Dumbledore's special high-backed Principal chair.
Time to scratch!
After a series of creaking and groaning sounds, Karl, having sharpened his claws, looked at the artfully shredded chair back and felt very satisfied.
Time to sneak away!
Just as a certain cat ran out of the office, Dumbledore, woken by the strange noises, groggily pushed open the door.
"Karl, did you hear anything… Hmm? You left so early?"
Dumbledore yawned, then scanned the room and suddenly froze.
"Is he starting to tear the house apart?"
Dumbledore admired the cat claw 'art' left by Karl with a wry smile, then helplessly pulled out his magic wand.
"Restore as— No! Why should I help this brat destroy the evidence?"
"Such a wonderful artistic creation should be appreciated by Minerva as well."
Dumbledore stroked his beard, a mischievous expression on his face.
You offended the Principal and think you can run?
Because he got up early today. Well, it was because he did something bad and was eager to run.
When Karl arrived at the Great Hall, he found only a handful of people eating breakfast.
But thankfully, his good friend was also there.
Karl: (((W)9))
He sat down next to Nina, picked up a bowl of porridge, and started drinking it. He had eaten too many chicken legs yesterday and didn't feel like eating meat today.
"Good morning, Karl."
"Mmm... Good morning!"
Nina turned to stare into Karl's eyes, "Hey, where were you last night?"
She hadn't seen any sign of him throughout the entire welcoming feast.
"I was there the whole time."
"Impossible, I searched all night and didn't find you. Are you lying to me again?"
"Of course not!"
Karl motioned for Nina to lean closer, "Wasn't it great not having the school anthem sung?"
"Ah? You didn't..."
A shocked Nina's eyes widened. So it could be played this way?
She suddenly remembered Headmaster Dumbledore transforming into Professor Snape back then. Was this a fine tradition of Hogwarts?
"I knew something felt strange—"
Nina felt a bit regretful. At the time, she was only focused on finding Karl; otherwise, discovering this would have been very fun.
"By the way, why are you in the Great Hall so early today? Do you have plans?"
In Karl's memory, although Nina woke up early, she usually moved with Cho.
"Professor Sprout needed me for something; she said it was to help treat the injured Whomping Willow."
Nina put down her cutlery, "Do you want to come along? That tree is quite interesting."
"Gulp, gulp, gulp—"
Karl drained the porridge in his bowl, "Exactly what I was thinking! Let's go!"
When the two of them arrived at the Whomping Willow, they found Professor Sprout already waiting.
But besides her, there was also a flamboyant, preening peacock— No! It was a rooster!
Compared to Professor Sprout's simple attire and the dirt on her clothes, this rooster was dressed as if he were going to a ball: his greenish-blue robe was spotless, and he even wore a gold-rimmed— green hat?
"Oh! Hello! This beautiful young lady and this handsome young gentleman."
Gilderoy Lockhart's face bore a brilliant smile, his big white teeth still sparkling like last night.
"Are you here to help Professor Sprout treat the Whomping Willow?"
Nina didn't speak, merely leaned closer to Karl. It was her first time seeing a Professor with such a style; she didn't feel he was very reliable.
Karl, on the other hand, watched Lockhart expressionlessly, not responding until his smile was about to falter.
"That's right, Professor Lockhart, are you here to help too?"
"Ah— this— yes, I also have some research in Herbology."
Lockhart awkwardly adjusted his green hat, "But don't think I'm more proficient than Professor Sprout. I merely encountered some magical plants during my adventures."
"Don't worry, we're not stupid, how could we think that?"
Karl chuckled at him, then extended his hand, "Nice to meet you, Professor Lockhart, I'm Karl Orolin."
"Oh, I know you. Your fairy tales are quite interesting."
Lockhart shook Karl's hand, "But to become a bestselling author like me, you still need to work hard. Of course, I'm not boasting... Ah!"
Accompanied by the crisp sound of bones cracking, Karl squeezed harder.
The voluble Lockhart let out a scream, horrified to find his hand deformed.
"I apologize, Professor Lockhart, I was too excited and accidentally used a bit too much force."
Karl awkwardly let go of his hand, his expression innocent and honest.
"Hiss— Ha— It's fine! This small injury is no problem for me!"
Lockhart, his face contorted, trembled as he withdrew his hand, his gaze towards Karl filled with fear.
"Uh, I might need to go to the Hospital Wing! I'll be taking my leave now!"
Watching Lockhart flee in disarray, Professor Sprout, who had maintained a straight face, couldn't help but let her lips curl upwards.
"Karl, don't do that again."
"Yes, Dean, I understand."
Karl agreed while complaining inwardly, 'Can you at least wipe the smile off your face when you say that?'
"Nina, you check on the Whomping Willow first, I'll go get the bandages."
After Professor Sprout finished speaking, she hurriedly turned and walked towards the greenhouse.
Karl and Nina exchanged glances, pretending not to see the bandages in her hand.
She was probably about to burst, so to prevent herself from laughing out loud in front of them, she went to the empty greenhouse to finish laughing before returning.
"Is there something wrong with this Lockhart?"
Nina understood Karl's personality; even if he hated someone, he wouldn't be so heavy-handed on their first meeting.
"There is indeed something."
Karl watched Lockhart's retreating figure, beginning to ponder.
This guy was normal yesterday, but just now, he had a faint trace of Dark Arts about him.
Moreover, Karl could confirm that the moment Lockhart saw him, a panicked and evasive expression appeared on his face.
Hmph! This just got interesting!
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