https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-139-The-Bottom-Line-of-an-Honest-Shop/12538250/
Chapter 140: An Unpleasant First Encounter for the Trio
Chapter 140: An Unpleasant First Encounter for the Trio
After receiving the money, Kyle naturally helped Malfoy remove the Leg-Locker Curse and also released Crabbe and Goyle, who had been tied up.
The two henchmen scrambled to their feet and scurried behind Malfoy, their faces pale and their bodies trembling like waves on the sea as they warily eyed Kyle.
It was clear that they wanted to leave immediately, but they were holding back their urge to run only because Malfoy was still present.
Malfoy frowned slightly, displeased with the display his minions were putting on. They were acting cowardly and foolish, not at all how pure-bloods ought to behave.
Seemingly wanting to show them how a pure-blood ought to carry themselves, Malfoy straightened up and spoke in a very indifferent tone, "Once again, my apologies, Kyle. I'll see you at school then."
His casual tone and calm demeanor reflected the good upbringing that was expected of someone of his status.
Of course, one would have to ignore the dust and stains that covered his robe, but that was understandable given that he had been struggling on the floor earlier, rubbing his robe inside and out on the boards so vigorously that not a speck of dust was left untouched. Even the train's cleaners couldn't have done a more thorough job.
Additionally, Kyle noticed a piece of Drooble's Best Blowing Gum stuck to the hem of his robe, courtesy of some uncouth student.
However, for the sum of 150 Galleons, Kyle chose to ignore these minor details as if he hadn't noticed anything amiss. With a calm expression, he said, "See you at school, Draco. It looks like Slytherin will be welcoming an exceptional new student this year."
Hearing Kyle's words, a smile tugged at the corners of Malfoy's mouth as if he had been injected with a bottle of Cheering Charm.
While he had heard similar praises countless times before his enrollment, hearing it from Kyle was different. As the youngest recipient of the Hogwarts Special Service Award, Kyle's praise carried far more weight than the insincere flattery he was used to.
However, out of restraint, Malfoy suppressed his excitement and refrained from showing too much pride.
"Of course... I mean, I still have a long way to go," Malfoy said with a smile. "You're the truly outstanding student. Not many people can win the Special Service Award in their first year. Even Headmaster Dumbledore didn't achieve that."
"Don't say that, I was just lucky," Kyle replied with a smile, turning to head back to his compartment.
"Wait..."
Malfoy suddenly called out to stop him.
"Is there something else?" Kyle asked.
"About that map..." Malfoy thought for a moment. "Can I place an order for one?"
"You want one? My apologies, I almost forgot," Kyle said, slapping his forehead and handing the stack of maps he had been holding to Malfoy. "These are yours now."
"No, I don't want these," Malfoy said disdainfully, glancing at the maps. "I want the high-end version, the best one. Can I place an order for that?"
"I have no reason to refuse," Kyle said, his smile turning more genuine. "By the way, if you're willing to add one Galleon, you can also specify a pattern... For example, you can change it to your family crest or something similar, still woven with unicorn hair.
And if you're willing to add five Galleons, you'll get a map that lasts forever, along with a beautifully handcrafted frame."
"Now that's what I call taste, Malfoy."
...
Draco Malfoy left with a smile that he couldn't quite suppress, and anyone who didn't know better would have thought he had just come into two hundred galleons.
Thus, a nasty brawl turned into a pleasant business transaction, much to the indifference of the young wizards who had gathered to watch. To them, the only surprising thing was the amount of money involved; twenty galleons was a small fortune to most of them, enough to last the entire school year in comfort.
As for fifty galleons... well, they couldn't even begin to fathom such a sum.
"Merlin's beard," Ron muttered, his head poking out of the compartment door, his eyes slightly glazed over. "No wonder Fred and George suddenly had so much money. Twenty galleons for a map, they're making money hand over fist."
Beside him, Harry Potter craned his neck, his attention focused on something else. "Who's that guy?" he asked curiously.
"Who?" Ron asked.
"The one talking to Malfoy," Harry clarified.
"Oh, that's Kyle," Ron said excitedly. "He started last year and was top of the class. He also received the Hogwarts Special Service Award, which is a really big deal, even more impressive than Percy being a prefect.
My mum's always hoping I'll be more like him, but it's just too hard. I bet even Bill and Charlie weren't as brilliant as he is."
"Kyle?" Harry's voice rose in surprise.
"You know him too?" Ron asked.
Harry shook his head quickly. "No, I don't know him, but Hagrid mentioned his name when he picked me up from the Dursleys'. He said Kyle could possibly become the youngest recipient of the Order of Merlin.
Hey Ron, what's the Order of Merlin about anyway?"
"The Order of Merlin?!"
Ron's eyes widened in shock. "How is that possible... I mean, I've never heard of that before."
"What is it then?"
Harry's curiosity piqued at Ron's reaction. He knew next to nothing about these strange awards in the wizarding world, and it was frustrating.
Before Ron could answer, a sharp voice cut in from nearby.
"The Order of Merlin was founded by the greatest wizard, Merlin, in the Middle Ages. Over the centuries, it has become the largest organization of distinguished wizards in the magical community.
Only those who have made significant contributions to the wizarding world are awarded the Order of Merlin, making it the highest honor one can achieve."
Harry and Ron turned simultaneously to see a young female witch with thick brown hair, her head held high, and an air of arrogance about her.
"I bought some extra reference books, 'Modern Magical History' and 'Great Wizards of the 20th Century', and they both mentioned this," she added haughtily.
"Of course, I know that," Ron said, sounding a little put out. This was one of the rare occasions where he could potentially show off his knowledge to Harry Potter, and now it was ruined.
(End of Chapter)
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