Chapter 36: The Nice Guy Card
Chapter 36: The Nice Guy Card
"Kyle, are you sure this is okay?"
As Autumn left, Cedric, who had been quietly standing by the sidelines, finally stepped forward and whispered, "I mean, do you really think the Ravenclaws will pay for the map?"
"Who knows." Kyle shrugged. "Let's just give it a try. It's not like we have anything better to do."
Despite his nonchalant attitude, Kyle believed that there shouldn't be any issues with their plan.
Hogwarts had no signboards, and new students had to find their way to each classroom on their own or ask upperclassmen for directions. As a result, getting lost was a daily occurrence for them.
A map would undoubtedly save them a lot of time.
Moreover, the price was a mere ten Sickles, not even a whole Galleon. It was a bargain.
For a young wizard from a Muggle family, after purchasing necessary items like textbooks, they'd have about six Galleons left for pocket money each year. Ten Sickles for a map that marked most of the ever-changing staircases was a deal many wouldn't refuse.
Of course, there were exceptions, like a certain red-headed new student next year who shall remain nameless.
"By the way, this is for you."
On the way back to the dormitory, Kyle casually tossed the map in his hand to Cedric. "From now on, you're in charge of supplying the maps."
Cedric asked in confusion, "You want me to do it?"
"Of course," Kyle said matter-of-factly. "Since you're the one who gave me the idea, it's only fair that you get a share of the profits. Autumn gets half, and the remaining half is for the two of us."
"Besides, I'm new here, and I'm not proficient with the Replication Charm yet. I can't very well sell them a defective product; I'd get bad reviews. So, you're the best person for the job, and it'll ensure people don't think we Hufflepuffs are swindlers."
"Alright... fine." Cedric thought about it and realized it made sense, so he didn't argue further.
"Okay, it's settled then. I'll have Autumn contact you directly. See you in the Great Hall later," Kyle said, giving Cedric a meaningful look before turning and entering his dormitory.
Cedric stood there, watching Kyle's retreating back, and the more he thought about it, the more something felt off.
Autumn was in charge of promotion, and he was supplying the maps... but what about Kyle?
Aside from those two tasks, there didn't seem to be much else to do.
And that comment Kyle had made earlier, "It's not like we have anything better to do"... Was he referring to him?!
Cedric fell into deep thought...
On the other hand, Kyle returned to the dormitory and enjoyed a pleasant afternoon nap. He arrived at the Transfiguration classroom punctually before the afternoon class began and had even brought Ryan along to save face for himself and Hufflepuff, despite the latter insisting that he wouldn't get lost again now that he had a map.
As before, the Transfiguration class was shared with Ravenclaw, and since they arrived early, only a few young witches and wizards were scattered around the room.
Without even looking, Kyle knew that they definitely weren't from Hufflepuff.
Additionally, at the very front table, there sat a beautiful tortoiseshell cat.
Kyle subconsciously reached into his robe pocket and felt the packet of dried fish he had prepared earlier.
Feeding Professor McGonagall some dried fish had always been an achievement he'd wanted to unlock, so he had come well-prepared.
After all, Professor McGonagall only displayed her Animagus form during the first Transfiguration class for first-years. It was also the only time Kyle could rely on his status as a new student to smoothly pull off his plan without raising suspicions afterward.
After all, how could a clueless young wizard like him possibly know that Professor McGonagall could transform into a cat?
As for carrying fish treats... those were meant for Mrs. Norris, as a token of gratitude for guiding him to the infirmary the day before.
...
Everything was perfect; he only needed the final push.
There weren't enough people in the classroom yet, and it would be too obvious if he approached Professor McGonagall now. He decided to wait a little longer.
To seize this sole opportunity, Kyle exercised patience. He asked Ryan to go into the classroom first while he lingered at the door, pretending to fiddle with something.
As luck would have it, Autumn appeared around the corner of the corridor and waved at him. "Kyle, I knew I'd find you here."
Without giving it much thought, Ryan left with a quick note that he would save him a seat.
"Kyle, you won't believe it! Things are going even smoother than I imagined," Autumn panted as she rushed to Kyle, a delighted expression on her face. "I showed them the map I replicated, and within an hour, twelve new students expressed their interest in buying it!"
Kyle wasn't surprised. "That's great! Well done."
"It wasn't hard at all." Autumn scanned Kyle up and down. "Do you have the map with you? I promised them I'd bring the maps back after class."
"Cedric took the map," Kyle explained with a hint of helplessness. "You know, the second-year boy who was with me at lunch."
"He was concerned that we might not be able to ensure the quality of the maps, so he volunteered to take over the replication process himself," Kyle continued. "You can find him in the Great Hall after class."
"Oh, and by the way, he's the top student in his year and excellent at the Replication Charm."
"Cedric?" Autumn thought for a moment. "Didn't you mention that he was the one who gave you the map idea, too?"
Kyle nodded. "Yes."
"What a nice guy!" Autumn exclaimed, but then her brow furrowed as a realization hit her. "In that case, I shouldn't take half of the profit. It should be split evenly between the three of us."
"If you insist, you can discuss it with him after class," Kyle said, spreading his hands. "I'm fine with it, and I did suggest splitting the remaining half with him, but Cedric refused, saying he only helped out a little.
I couldn't persuade him otherwise, but maybe you can try."
"Okay!" Autumn nodded earnestly.
In her opinion, everyone who contributed should get an equal share.
"Well, good luck with that," Kyle said with a smile.
Autumn frowned at his expression. "You know, your smile looks a little... strange."
"Does it?" Kyle replied, straight-faced. "Maybe I'm just looking forward to the Transfiguration class. Anyway, let's head inside. We don't want to be late."
(End of Chapter)
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