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Chapter 237: Niccolme's Invitation
Chapter 237: Niccolme's Invitation
The Hogwarts Express sped through fields of wheat and villages, and inside the compartment, Kyle carefully folded his Invisibility Cloak, while Fred and George were engrossed in a game of Wizard's Chess.
Unlike their usual playful demeanor, both brothers wore serious expressions.
A few days ago, they had sought out Ron to challenge him to a game of Wizard's Chess, determined to prove their skills in the Giant Chessboard Puzzle set by Professor McGonagall.
However, they had been soundly defeated, leaving them questioning their abilities.
Fred and George couldn't accept the fact that they had lost to Ron, and they immediately decided to redeem themselves during the holiday break. They were practicing diligently.
Kyle, however, doubted their chances of success. The twins' talents lay primarily in pranks and inventions, and their Wizard's Chess skills were merely passable.
"What are your plans for the holidays?" Cedric suddenly asked.
"My father promised to take me to France," Autumn replied, the first to speak up. "I've wanted to see it ever since you mentioned it last year."
Cedric raised an eyebrow, "I assume you're eager to visit Beauxbatons..."
Autumn nodded without hesitation.
She had read about Beauxbatons in books, and its architecture and overall style were among the most impressive of the three major European magical schools. Especially noteworthy was their Crystal Observatory Tower, constructed entirely of crystal.
Autumn had heard that this Crystal Observatory Tower not only preserved and simulated the trajectories of planets but also changed color based on the observed constellations.
It was truly magical.
Kyle, sitting nearby, opened his mouth as if to say something but hesitated.
He recalled that Beauxbatons was hidden, much like the Loyal Oath Bond. If one wasn't a student or invited, they wouldn't find it even if they searched the entire Pyrenees.
However, remembering that Cedric had visited Beauxbatons the previous year and had seen it with his own eyes, Kyle decided not to say anything further.
"I plan to watch a match," Cedric continued. "The Flaxen Falcon Team versus the Chadley Cannon Team... my father agreed to take me as well. It's at the end of this month. Do you want to come along?"
"I might still be in Paris then," Autumn said with a smile.
Conna shook her head, "I might go to watch a competition too, but not Quidditch. It's the Asian Triwizard Potion Tournament, which is held every three years."
At that moment, Fred, who was still playing chess, looked up and asked, "Is it Professor Snape who will take you?"
Snape and Conna were related, and they had learned that he had bought a house near her family. This information had come directly from Conna herself.
It was somewhat unexpected, but not entirely surprising. After all, Conna was the only non-Slytherin student who managed to earn points from Snape.
They had considered this possibility before but had never dared to believe it.
As for Conna's previous concern that Fred and George would distance themselves from her, that didn't happen either.
They simply disliked Snape, and it had nothing to do with Conna.
Moreover, in the magical world, having relatives was quite common. Technically, the Weasleys and Malfoys were distantly related, but that didn't stop Mr. Weasley and Lucius Malfoy from constantly arguing.
"Yes..." Conna nodded slightly, "He thinks I should observe these competitions more."
"Alright..." Cedric nodded in response.
Fred and George also declined Cedric's invitation, as they wanted to spend their holiday researching new Weasley Joke Shop products.
As for Kyle, upon hearing the name 'Chadley Cannon Team,' he dismissively turned up his nose.
Cedric had no intention of inviting Kyle; he was merely inquiring about his holiday plans.
"I'm not sure... I might have to be away for a while too." Kyle paused, deep in thought.
Earlier that day in the Headmaster's Office, Michael Filch had mentioned that Niccolme also wanted to join them, but his current physical condition didn't permit him to undertake such a long journey.
However, he had written a letter to Kyle, which Filch helped deliver.
In addition to words of congratulations and blessings, the letter also invited Kyle to visit his home and offered to send someone to pick him up in a week if he was willing.
Kyle, of course, wasn't going to pass up such a great opportunity. He immediately wrote a reply, which Fawkes helped deliver.
Niccolme's address was strictly confidential and protected by a Loyal Oath Bond, making it accessible only to Dumbledore's Phoenix.
To ensure Fawkes' cooperation, Kyle bribed him with a bag full of sage leaves and five precious cloak grass.
If all went well, he should also be heading to France in a week.
"Oh... It seems like you two have your own plans," George sighed, suddenly reaching out to overturn the chess pieces in front of him, "This will make us look like we're not part of the group."
Fred, who was about to deliver the final blow to George with the 'Queen' in his hand, raised his head and said through gritted teeth, "I'm about to win!"
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"Oh, sorry, I wasn't paying attention," George laughed. "I'm just feeling a bit down... Everyone is abandoning us. Do you understand how that feels?"
Fred shrugged indifferently.
He knew exactly what George was thinking; this guy was trying to back out, just as he had considered doing.
"It's fine..." Fred smiled. "The chess pieces can return to their original positions, and we can continue."
"Forget it, I'm not in the mood to play chess right now," George turned away. "Besides, those pieces might not be honest. Who knows if they'll choose a favorable position for themselves."
"Hmph!" Fred chuckled.
This excuse was brilliant; he couldn't believe he hadn't thought of it before. Indeed, when it came to shamelessness, he couldn't compete with George.
...
As the train approached King's Cross Station, Fred seemed to remember something. "If I write to you, will you receive it?"
"Probably," Cedric said after a moment's thought. "The post office offers long-distance delivery services, but it's quite expensive."
"Never mind," Kyle waved his hand dismissively. "The owl might not be able to find my address. If you want to write to me, you can put the letter in my... I'll read it when I get back."
"Ha! Who would want to write to you?" Fred laughed.
George also chimed in with disdain, "Yeah, we're not wasting Galleons on you."
Just moments ago, they had been locked in a tense chess match, but now they were getting along again.
"Oh, I remember now..." Kyle said, looking at them and speaking lightly. "Cedric, shouldn't someone be flying over Hogwarts with the trophy?"
Cedric struggled to contain his laughter. "Yes, and they should be doing a tap dance too."
"Tsk, tsk. Dancing a tap dance on a flying broom... That's so cool. I'll definitely take pictures to remember it."
Fred and George immediately fell silent.
This was something they had indeed said before... But they never imagined that Kyle would actually win the Merlin Knight Order Medal in his second year.
It was too late for regrets now.
...
Amidst the laughter and chatter, the train gradually slowed down and finally came to a stop at Platform 9...
(End of Chapter)
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