Chapter 36: The Friend Zone
Chapter 36: The Friend Zone
"Kyle, is this okay?" Cedric approached, having been a bystander during the entire exchange with Autumn. "I mean, do you really think the new Ravenclaws will pay for the map?"
"Who knows?" Kyle shrugged. "Let's give it a try. It's not like we have anything better to do."
Despite his words, Kyle believed there wouldn't be any issues.
Hogwarts lacked signage, and the location of each classroom was something new students had to discover on their own or by asking upperclassmen. Consequently, getting lost was a daily occurrence for them.
At times like this, a map could save them a lot of time.
Moreover, it was only ten Sickles, not even a Galleon, so it wasn't expensive at all.
A young wizard from a Muggle family would typically have around six Galleons left for pocket money after buying essential items like textbooks. Taking ten Sickles from that amount to purchase a map that showed the transformation patterns of most staircases would likely be an offer many couldn't refuse.
Of course, there were exceptions, like a certain red-haired newcomer next year who preferred to remain anonymous.
"By the way, this is for you."
On their way back to the dormitory, Kyle tossed the map he was holding to Cedric. "From now on, you're in charge of supplying the maps."
Cedric asked in confusion, "Me?"
"Of course. This was your idea, so you'll get a share of the profits too. Autumn gets half, and the remaining half is for us."
Kyle stated matter-of-factly, "Besides, I'm new here, and I'm not yet proficient with the Duplication Charm. I can't sell them a defective product; I'd get scolded.
So, this task is best suited for you. After all, you wouldn't want people to think we Hufflepuffs are all merchants, would you?"
"Alright, I guess," Cedric thought about it and realized it made sense, so he didn't argue further.
"Okay, then it's settled. I'll have Autumn contact you directly, and we'll meet in the Great Hall this afternoon." Kyle gave Cedric a meaningful look before turning to enter his dormitory.
Cedric stood in place, watching Kyle's departing figure, and the more he thought about it, the more something felt off.
Autumn was in charge of promotion, and he was responsible for providing the maps... But what about Kyle?
Aside from these two tasks, it seemed there wasn't much else to do.
And Kyle's earlier statement about having nothing better to do couldn't possibly have been about him, could it? Cedric fell into deep thought.
Meanwhile, Kyle returned to the dormitory, took a well-deserved nap, and arrived at the Transfiguration classroom right before the afternoon class, on time.
To preserve his and Hufflepuff's reputation and prevent a repeat of the scene Autumn witnessed, he had even brought Ryan along, despite Ryan's insistence that he wouldn't get lost again with the map.
This Transfiguration class was also with the Ravenclaws, and since they arrived early, only a few young wizards were scattered in the room.
Kyle didn't even need to look; he knew instinctively that they weren't from Hufflepuff.
Additionally, sitting on the desk at the front was a beautiful tabby cat.
Kyle reached into his robe pocket and felt the bag of fish treats he had prepared earlier.
Feeding Professor McGonagall fish treats was an achievement he had long wanted to unlock, and he had even prepared the treats in advance for this purpose.
It was similar to moving a Diagon Alley trash can; there might not be any rewards, but the feeling was genuinely exhilarating, and it provided a sense of accomplishment.
It was a perfect opportunity, but Kyle had to wait for the right moment to move the trash can. After all, it was his only chance to witness Professor McGonagall's Animagus transformation during the first Transfiguration class for the new students. Only then could he blend in seamlessly as a new student and avoid suspicion.
As an inexperienced young wizard, Kyle had no idea that Professor McGonagall could transform into a cat. He had brought along some dried fish as a token of gratitude for Lady Lore, who had helped him find the Hospital Wing the day before.
The timing was crucial, and Kyle waited patiently at the classroom door, allowing Ryan to enter first. He wanted to ensure his presence wouldn't be too obvious and arouse Professor McGonagall's suspicion.
Just then, Autumn appeared around the corner of the corridor and waved at Kyle, "I knew I'd find you here, Kyle."
Without hesitation, Ryan left, promising to save a seat for Kyle.
"Kyle, you won't believe how smoothly things went!" Autumn exclaimed breathlessly as she ran up to Kyle. "I showed them the duplicated map, and within an hour, twelve new students expressed their desire to buy it."
Kyle wasn't surprised and calmly replied, "That's great. You've worked hard."
"It wasn't hard at all," Autumn said, looking Kyle up and down. "Do you have the map with you? I promised them I'd bring it back after class."
"Cedric took the map; he's the second-year boy who was with me at noon," Kyle explained with a hint of helplessness. "He was concerned about the quality of the map, so he took over the duplication task himself. You can find him in the Great Hall after class."
"Oh, and he's the top student in the second year, quite skilled with Duplication Charms," Kyle added.
"Cedric?" Autumn asked, trying to recall. "Didn't you mention that he gave you the map?"
Kyle nodded, "That's right."
"He's such a good person," Autumn sighed. Then, her expression changed, and she furrowed her brows, "In that case, I can't take half of the profit. We should split it equally among the three of us."
"If you insist, you can talk to him after class," Kyle shrugged. "I've already agreed to split the remaining half with him, but Cedric refused, saying he was just helping out. I couldn't convince him otherwise, but maybe you can."
"I will!" Autumn nodded determinedly.
In her mind, anyone who contributed deserved an equal share.
Kyle smiled and said, "Then I wish you the best of luck."
Autumn noticed Kyle's smile and frowned, "Why do I feel there's something odd about your smile?"
"Maybe it's because I'm looking forward to the upcoming Transfiguration class," Kyle replied seriously. "Let's head into the classroom now; we don't want to be late."
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
Report
