Chapter 26: Malfoy (1/2)

Dumbledore looked at Harry then he saw Chris holding a sword in one hand and the Sorting Hat in other.

Before Chris or Dumbledore could say anything Harry hurriedly explained, ”Professor ... the sword came out its own.... we didn't do anything.”

Chris sighed and Dumbledore chuckled.

”I didn't say anything, Harry. I know, for the fact that, the sword can only comes out on its own.” Said Dumbledore calmly then looked at the hat, ”But why did it came out this time?”

”I'm repeating, I don't know what the sword want or do.” The Hat said with irritated voice.

”It's alright. You can leave the sword and the Hat on the desk Miss. Norton. I'll see this later.” Dumbledore said.

Chris nodded and put the sword and the Hat on the desk.

Dumbledore settled himself in the high chair behind the desk and fixed Harry and Chris with his penetrating, light-blue stare.

But before Dumbledore could speak another word, however, the door of the office flew open with an almighty bang and Hagrid burst in, a wild look in his eyes, his balaclava perched on top of his shaggy black head and the dead rooster still swinging from his hand.

”It wasn' them, Professor Dumbledore!” said Hagrid urgently. ”I was talkin' ter them seconds before that kid was found, they never had time, sir ..” Dumbledore tried to say something, but Hagrid went ranting on, waving the rooster around in his agitation, sending feathers everywhere. ”... it can't've bin them, I'll swear it in front o' the Ministry o' Magic if I have to ...”

”Hagrid, I ..”

”... yeh've got the wrong boy, sir, I know Harry never ...”

”Hagrid!” said Dumbledore loudly. ”I do not think that Harry or Miss. Norton attacked those people.”

”Oh,” said Hagrid, the rooster falling limply at his side. ”Right. I'll wait outside then, Headmaster.”

And he stomped out looking embarrassed.

”Well.. He's just like you..” Chris whispered into Harry's ear.

”You don't think it was me or Chris, Professor?” Harry repeated ignoring Chris.

”No, Harry, I don't,” said Dumbledore as he brushed rooster feathers off his desk.

Chris gave Harry a told-you-so look.

”But I still wanted to talk to you both.” said Dumbledore, though his face was somber again.

Harry waited nervously and Chris made a curious face while Dumbledore considered them, the tips of his long fingers together.

”I must ask you, whether there is anything you'd like to tell me,” he said gently. ”Anything at all.”

There was few moments silence.

”No,” said Harry. ”There isn't anything, Professor...”

Chris looked at Harry then turned towards Dumbledore.

”But I want to ask you something, Professor.”

”Yes, Miss. Norton?” Dumbledore said carefully looking at her.

”Professor, What happened when the Chamber of Secrets was opened last time?” Chris asked confidently.

Harry dropped his jaw in shock and surprise.

Dumbledore looked at Chris for few seconds.

”Few attacks happened like this and at last...” He sighed. ”A muggle-born student was killed.”