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Chapter 428: Money-Making Plans
Chapter 428: Money-Making Plans
With the exams concluded, all students were free to roam and play on the grounds as they pleased, and that was precisely what they did.
During the wait for their results, many chose to spend their time outdoors rather than cooped up in the castle, only returning when night fell.
Kyle and Cedric's group were among those enjoying the fresh air.
After lunch, they gathered by the shores of the Black Lake to discuss their plans for the upcoming break.
"Are you guys planning to go to the Quidditch World Cup this year?" Cedric asked excitedly. "I can't believe they're holding the finals here... remember, it's been thirty years since we last hosted the tournament."
"Of course, we're going!" Fred exclaimed, sharing Cedric's enthusiasm. The monotony of studying for exams had nearly driven him stir-crazy over the past month.
The Quidditch World Cup couldn't have come at a better time.
"Dad should be able to get tickets," George chimed in. "If there are any extras, I can set some aside for you guys so you won't have to buy them."
Tickets for the Quidditch World Cup were notoriously expensive.
Cedric had attended once before the start of his second year, and according to him, the two very peripheral seats they had bought cost a hundred galleons.
And even from those seats, one could only see the players on the pitch through a telescope.
Still, tickets were always in high demand.
Fortunately, this year's tournament was hosted by the British Ministry of Magic, which meant there would be certain staff privileges.
"My dad should be able to get tickets too," Cedric said. "He has good connections with the Department of Magical Games and Sports. I'll see if I can convince him to get a couple of extra tickets. Kyle, you should be able to... Hmm, what were you thinking about just now?"
"What?" Kyle snapped out of his reverie at the sound of his name. "Oh, it's nothing. Just give the extra tickets to Connor and Chiu; I'll be fine."
"What were you thinking about?" Cedric asked curiously.
"I was thinking about how to make money," Kyle replied, stroking his chin thoughtfully. Just as he was about to elaborate, he noticed Professor Lupin approaching them.
The professor seemed to have returned from outside, his expression grave and preoccupied. He was so lost in thought that he almost didn't notice the group sitting just a few inches from his toes.
"Professor Lupin!"
Kyle's sudden exclamation startled the professor, causing him to jump and look up, his entire body tense.
However, he quickly spotted Kyle and the others, as well as Cedric, who was dangerously close to his feet.
If Kyle hadn't called out, he might have accidentally kicked the young man.
"Sorry, Mr. Diggory," Professor Lupin apologized hastily. "I was deep in thought and didn't notice there were people in front of me."
"It's quite all right, Professor," Cedric waved off his concern. "Are you also here to relax by the lake?"
"Eh?"
Professor Lupin paused, realizing that the path he was on didn't lead to the castle. He had taken the wrong direction.
"Oh... yes, you're right, I came to clear my mind," Professor Lupin stammered. "But I should be heading back now; I still have a lot of unfinished work to attend to..."
With that, he turned and began walking back toward the castle.
"That was odd..." Cedric murmured softly. "I feel like something's off with Professor Lupin. He wasn't like this before."
"Who knows," Fred shrugged. "Maybe he's just a bit nervous. Don't forget about the Dark Arts curse. With the school year ending, it's normal for him to feel anxious."
"It's like this..."
Kyle withdrew his gaze from the castle and continued, "Remember those cheer props we sold to the fans from the other houses?"
"Of course," Fred said with a laugh. "We made a nice profit from those."
"That's what I'm talking about," Kyle said. "For the Quidditch World Cup, the number of people going to watch the games will far surpass the handful of students here in the castle... If we make fireworks that explode into four-leaf clovers, Irish flags, badges, and the like..."
"They'll be a hit for sure!" Fred and George's eyes lit up, and they simultaneously slapped their thighs in frustration.
They had been so focused on looking forward to the matches that they had forgotten about this important matter.
The Quidditch World Cup was one of the biggest events in the wizarding world, and those attending the games wouldn't mind spending a little money on souvenirs.
If their products were attractive enough, they might as well be printing money.
With this thought, the duo's eyes seemed to gradually take on the shape of golden Galleons.
"What do you have in mind?" Cedric asked, with Chiu and Connor listening with interest.
The idea of making some pocket money while enjoying the matches was irresistible.
"Let's start with the simple things, like fireworks that can launch consecutively and moving flags..." Kyle suggested. "We only have a little over a month left until the tournament, so we need to make as much as we can."
"Leave the fireworks to us," George said confidently, patting his chest. "That's our specialty."
"I think badges that amplify sound would be good, too," Fred added. "We learned that ancient Runic formula in our Ancient Runes class last month. It'll come in handy."
Cedric nodded in agreement; they had learned it together.
"Let's add that, but nothing too complicated. We don't want to waste time," Kyle advised.
"How about hair clips and hats?" Connor suggested. "They're simple enough, yet noticeable, and should appeal to quite a few people."
...
The group sat by the lake, engrossed in their enthusiastic discussion, not even noticing the sky gradually darkening.
It was only when a splash of water suddenly drenched them that they snapped out of their trance.
"Is it raining?" George asked, jumping to his feet and shaking the wet hair out of his face.
But when he looked up, he saw that the sky, though dark, was clear and starry, with no sign of rain.
However, Kyle noticed that on the serene lake surface, a long tentacle was retracting, indicating that the giant squid had just reminded them that it was time to head back to the castle.
"Oh my, is it that late already?" Chiu exclaimed.
"Do you think we missed dinner...?"
"I hope not. I didn't even realize..."
The group hastily stood up and hurried back to the castle.
Fortunately, dinner had just started, and the Great Hall was lit up, bustling with students. The atmosphere was cheerful, likely due to the upcoming holidays.
...
(End of Chapter)
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