Chapter 218: Where’s My Dragon?
In truth, Hermione didn't really know Kyle that well. If she had, she'd realize that nothing—not even a final exam, and maybe not even the O.W.L.s—could keep him away from a Quidditch match. The real reason for his absence this time was because he'd received something unusual and urgent.
Five minutes before the game, an owl had flown into the Hufflepuff Changing Rooms, dropping a chipped teacup at Kyle's feet.
"Kyle, someone sent you rubbish!" grumbled Keeper Farrell, eyeing the chipped teacup with distaste. "The match is about to start—who on earth would do this? It can't be those Slytherins again, can it?"
Kyle said nothing, just stared at the teacup, frozen. He recognized it immediately as Hagrid's. He had convinced Hagrid to throw it out ages ago and remembered it distinctly.
"Sorry, Captain, something urgent came up. I might not be able to play in the match," Kyle said abruptly. Without any hesitation, he mounted his broom and flew out of the Changing Rooms, still wearing his uniform.
His teammates stood there, stunned. By the time they realized what was happening, Kyle had vanished.
"Er... that's the first time I've seen Kyle look so serious," Farrell muttered, glancing at the others. "Think he's going to confront someone about that thing?"
"I doubt it..." Cedric replied, shaking his head. Kyle's expression hadn't looked angry, just... worried.
"But what about the match?" asked Beater Will, looking concerned. "We're about to go on!"