Chapter 188: The Priceless Toy
Chapter 188: The Priceless Toy
Ron knew that Kyle was well-liked at school, but he never expected that he would also be... friends with the detestable Malfoy?
This was a bit hard for Ron to accept.
With just a glance, Kyle guessed Ron's thoughts but didn't mind at all.
The conflict between Malfoy and the trio had nothing to do with him, a Hufflepuff. Besides, his mother, Diana, was a Slytherin herself, so why should he hold a grudge against them?
Kyle glanced at Ron and said casually, "What's so strange about that? Salazar Slytherin and Godric Gryffindor used to be friends, and close ones at that, just like you and Potter.
What, if Potter had been sorted into Slytherin, would you not talk to him?"
"Of course not!" Ron hurriedly said, "But that's different... "
"That's just your opinion." Kyle was getting a bit impatient and frowned, "Don't forget that I'm a Hufflepuff. We get along well with every house.
Oh, and one more thing... half of your new wand was kindly sponsored by Slytherin. If you can't accept that, I can write to Mrs. Weasley and ask for Charlie's old wand for you."
Ron twitched his lips slightly, feeling that Kyle was wrong, but he didn't know how to refute it.
Indeed, Hufflepuffs got along well with every house. Even Ravenclaw, who had been outscored in the competitions, had only given them the cold shoulder for half a month before making amends.
As for the wand, there was no question about it. It was the only new thing on him, and he wouldn't exchange it for anything.
After saying this, Kyle didn't look at Ron anymore. Instead, he walked towards the Hufflepuff common room with Connor, bidding Hagrid farewell, "Hagrid, we're heading back first. See you later."
"Go on, the feast this year will surely not disappoint," Hagrid said with a laugh. Then he turned to Harry, "Sorry, I have to go too. Professor McGonagall is waiting for me to set up the last Christmas tree."
After the three left, Ron finally breathed a sigh of relief and said self-deprecatingly, "Did I just sound stupid?"
Harry and Hermione looked at each other and shook their heads simultaneously.
Ron's reaction was normal. Even they were surprised to discover that Kyle and Malfoy were on good terms.
They just didn't voice it out loud.
"Actually, Kyle helped us," Harry whispered, "I noticed that Snape had been standing not far away, probably waiting for us to clash with Malfoy so that he could deduct points."
Ron quickly looked up, but apart from a few students on their way to the Great Hall for the feast, there was no sign of Snape.
"Trust me, it's true," Harry insisted, "I really saw Snape. He was standing at the corner not far behind us. Ask Hermione if you don't believe me!"
"Yes, Harry's right," Hermione nodded perfunctorily.
This was the route from the underground classroom to the Great Hall, so it was normal to see Snape. There was nothing strange about it.
"Never mind that for now," Hermione frowned, "Aren't you curious? What was that thing Kyle gave to Malfoy that was worth a hundred galleons?"
"Wait, what did you just say... " Ron paused, incredulous, "A hundred galleons?
Harry, despite having inherited a substantial sum from the Potter family vault, had never spent that much money at once.
His most expensive purchase to date had been his wand, which cost seven galleons.
"Merlin's beard..."
Ron's legs suddenly felt weak, and he nearly sat down on the spot. He now understood Kyle a little better.
A hundred galleons... He had never even seen ten galleons all at once.
"I think we still have some time before the feast starts," Harry suddenly said.
"To be precise, thirteen minutes," Hermione frowned. "You're not thinking of..."
"Aren't you guys curious... what that thing actually was?"
Harry lowered his voice. "The Quidditch pitch isn't far from here. We should be able to take a quick look before heading back."
"Then what are we waiting for..."
Ron was the first to dash out of the castle doors, rushing towards the Quidditch pitch without a backward glance.
Harry and Hermione quickly followed, keeping pace with him.
The trio soon arrived at the pitch, but to avoid being spotted by Malfoy, they didn't dare venture too close and instead peeked from a distance near the entrance tunnel.
Ten minutes later, they returned to the castle, just in time for the Christmas feast.
The Great Hall was spectacularly decorated, with mistletoe and holly garlands adorning the walls.
Twelve Christmas trees were adorned with various decorations—icicles, snowflakes, candles, golden bubbles, and gift boxes containing little treats... And someone had even hung ghosts on one of the trees!
There were also familiar faces among the decorations, such as Nearly Headless Nick and the Fat Friar, floating on the tree and cheerfully greeting every young witch and wizard who passed by.
On any other occasion, Harry would have been captivated by these unique decorations, but now he only spared them a glance before turning his attention elsewhere.
Hermione and Ron were similarly distracted, and the three of them quickly made their way to the Gryffindor table.
As soon as they sat down, Harry eagerly asked, "Did you guys notice? That fire-breathing snake must have been at least ten feet long... It used to be only the size of a fist. How did it get so big?"
"I don't know, Harry," Ron shook his head. "I can't believe Malfoy spent a hundred galleons on a toy..."
"I've told you several times, it's not a toy!"
Hermione glared at him impatiently.
"It's a magical item that combines the Engorgement Charm, Bluebell Flames Charm, and advanced Transfiguration!"
"Fine... a magical toy, then," Ron muttered.
No matter how Hermione tried to explain it, the fact remained that it was an accessory to cheer someone on.
It was a toy, plain and simple.
Spending a hundred galleons on a toy... This world had gone mad, or perhaps it was just the Malfoys.
Hermione heard Ron's grumbling but didn't bother to respond. Instead, she anxiously fiddled with her hair, still perplexed about why the Bluebell Flames Charm changed colors.
But that was impossible; she had never come across anything like that in any book.
(End of Chapter)
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