Chapter 293: There’s a Story Here
Kyle wasn't particularly surprised that Dumbledore had brought the Vanishing Cabinet to Hogwarts, but the timing was intriguing. Everyone knew that Professor Dumbledore was awarded the Order of Merlin, First Class, for defeating Grindelwald in 1945—the same year Grindelwald was imprisoned in Nurmengard's High Tower. That it was during this time that Dumbledore discarded the Vanishing Cabinet... well, there had to be a story behind that decision.
Of course, Kyle knew better than to speculate about the headmaster's history, at least not around Harry. After all, Harry's knack for letting things slip rivaled Hagrid's, and one wrong word could lead to all kinds of trouble.
"So, you're saying this cabinet was broken before?" Kyle asked, steering the conversation back.
"Yes," said Nick. "Peeves used to hide in it whenever Filch was after him. If it were working, I suspect Peeves would've already vanished to the other side by now."
"I see..." Kyle nodded, noticing a few old cracks in the cabinet's surface. The damage looked ancient, making it unlikely that any part of it had just recently fallen apart.
"What's going to happen with the Vanishing Cabinet now?"
"Oh, just leave it here," Nick replied nonchalantly. "No one really comes to this classroom. I imagine Peeves will move it back to the utility room eventually."
Kyle nodded thoughtfully, and they left the room together. Harry glanced over at Nick, who was still holding that transparent reply letter in his hand. Maybe Nick felt indebted to Harry for helping him with the whole Peeves ordeal.
"I wish I could do something to help with the Headless Hunt," Harry said.