Since the Duelling Club opened, Hogwarts had returned to peace.
After all, for most young Wizards, they hadn't seen the so-called Chamber of Secrets monster.
And ghosts like Nearly Headless Nick, The Fat Friar, and The Grey Lady had all come forward to confirm that it was indeed a drill arranged by the school.
Only the little snakes of Slytherin remained apprehensive about it, as did the others from the three other houses who had been intimidated by Karl, because their experiences were completely different from those young Wizards.
Upon learning of the Halloween fright night and the Chamber of Secrets monster at school, Lucius Malfoy, though puzzled as to why the victims were pure-blood students rather than those from Muggle society, seized the opportunity to act immediately.
Besides contacting the other eleven governors on the school board, he also leveraged his connections in the Ministry of Magic.
The conflict between Lucius Malfoy and Dumbledore had a long history, probably starting from the dispute over the story of 'The Fountain of Fair Fortune'; he had always wanted to remove Dumbledore from his position as Principal of Hogwarts.
There wasn't any specific hatred, but he just couldn't stand to see him doing well.
Dumbledore, however, remained emotionally stable, as everything was within his control.
This calm, masterful demeanor of a high-level expert deeply impressed Karl, who felt it was exactly like himself.
Karl: Albus, this old man is just like me!
He and Grindelwald both agreed with Dumbledore's decision not to actively investigate Saul Croaker and the Department of Mysteries.
After all, the Department of Mysteries was still too strange, especially the Death Chamber, Time Chamber, and Love Chamber within it; even Karl, who could revive, didn't want to blindly stumble into them.
Anyway, Moaning Myrtle was at Hogwarts, on the Castle's grand stage; if you dare, come.
While maintaining vigilance, Karl began living a life of happily going to school and happily coming home every day.
The entire month of November passed uneventfully, with only the Quidditch match causing a slight stir.
Karl felt that Harry should be grateful to him, because although he broke his arm in the first Quidditch match after school started, he didn't suffer the torment from the original story.
The highly skilled Madam Pomfrey quickly mended Harry's bones; he didn't need to drink Skele-Gro.
After Lockhart was sent to the infirmary by Karl's punch, he unexpectedly found the school hospital to be a good place and resolutely stayed there.
It seemed he wanted to wait for the hype of this incident to die down before coming out; although it was quite embarrassing, Lockhart was confident he could smooth it over.
After all, he had already prepared his excuse; it was understandable that his injuries hadn't fully healed.
Plus, his charming smile and demeanor were still quite appealing, and many young Witches still expressed their support for their 'giegie'—ugh, no! Their support for Professor!
For example, Hermione had visited him, which Harry and Ron complained about for a long time.
However, even though he was in the school hospital, Lockhart still came up with something new.
He had someone ostentatiously deliver his book, 'Eighty-One Strategies to Defeat Opponents in Quidditch', to Cedric.
This made Cedric feel like he had swallowed a fly for a long time, even considering whether to throw a few matches.
The Hufflepuff team was already a strong contender aiming for a triple crown, dominating and sweeping the field, but with Lockhart's stunt, wouldn't any future victories be attributed to him? Wasn't that just disgusting?
The team members were all very displeased and strongly demanded that someone be sent to the infirmary to 'deal with' Lockhart.
The culprit, Karl, claimed no involvement, saying they should blame Dumbledore instead, as it had nothing to do with him.
The weather grew colder in December, but the atmosphere at school became livelier.
After all, the Christmas holiday was coming, and for most students, good weather and good land meant the best holiday.
Karl didn't go to the school gate to see people off this year, because all his friends, including Nina, stayed at school.
So, after the holiday began, he transformed into the leader of an elite group of mischievous kids, leading a gang of younger students to run rampant at Hogwarts.
Until he was caught red-handed by the brave Professor McGonagall, subjected to punishment, and turned into a little helper for decorating the Castle and moving the Christmas tree.
Hagrid: (0^)
This year is so easy! I hope it stays like this!
But these were minor matters; Karl was naturally strong. What troubled him was what Christmas gifts to give to Cat Mom and Nina.
For Cedric, Cho, the Weasley Brothers, Neville, Hannah, and Harry, it was simple: just pick from the alchemy items he had plundered from Nicolas.
Dumbledore and Grindelwald, those two old men, were easy too; woolen socks would suffice again.
As for Snape—for the sake of his Potion Class grades, Karl went to the Forbidden Forest one more time.
Sigh! I can only make the Acromantula suffer a bit!
However, Karl had already decided that if Snape still didn't give him Felix Felicis this time, he wouldn't get a Christmas gift next year.
"What should I give?"
After a long period of contemplation, Karl finally found a solution.
It was embarrassing to admit, but he thought of it when he saw the magical briefcase that Newt had given him.
Of course, Karl would certainly not give Cat Mom and Nina something like dragon claws.
After all, they weren't Newt; they weren't as obsessed with magical creatures, and even less interested in claws.
But... he could transform into a Merman now!
It truly is me! I'm just too clever!
I'm practically the King of Hell's strategist—a little genius!
Karl immediately put his plan into action, running alone to the Room of Requirement, then transforming into his Merman form.
After thinking through all the sad things from both his lives, he finally managed to cry.
Two crystal-clear tears gently fell, turning into pearls the moment they left Karl's cheeks.
They were not only smooth and flawless but also carried the scent of the sea, warm and cool.
In the slightly dim environment of the Room of Requirement, they emitted a soft glow, like a bright moon or twinkling stars.
Hehe! Done!
Pearls formed from Merman tears are unique in the entire world—unique in two, not three!
If he gave these to Cat Mom and Nina, they would definitely be incredibly surprised and overjoyed!
Karl: \(*)
On Christmas Eve, a Cougar stealthily left Hogwarts Castle, entering the Forbidden Forest to find a resting herd of Thestral.
"Roar!"
Karl jumped on the spot, slapping the large head of Sion, the Thestral leader.
Wake up! I'm taking you out to play!
Sion opened his eyes wide, looking at Karl, and it took him a long time to realize who it was.
Huh? Now?
"Woof!" Of course!
Karl comfortably curled into a ball on Sion's back, wagging his tail to signal takeoff.
The Christmas tradition couldn't be abandoned, otherwise, it would always feel like something was missing.
Tom! I'm coming!
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