https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-452-A-Difference-of-Opinion-The-Wheel-of-Fate-s-Prankster-Alliance-Leader-Additional-Chap/12538752/
Chapter 451: Bill and Charlie
Chapter 451: Bill and Charlie
In the days that followed, Kyle remained at the Saints Cachibol village, venturing nowhere. He spent his time writing, or in the attic with Fred and George, crafting props to liven up their cheering efforts.
Occasionally, Cedric would join them.
Not only had Chris become busy, but Mr. Weasley and Mr. Diggory had also started to get caught up in their work.
Fred and George never missed an opportunity to grumble about this, complaining that they now had to wake up two hours earlier for breakfast.
"At least Percy seems happy about it," Fred remarked as he fiddled with a freshly made firework in the attic. "I think he'd gladly live at the Ministry all day if he could."
George nodded in agreement, "Now that he's started working at the Department of International Magical Cooperation, just remember not to bring up anything related to 'foreign' matters if you don't want to be nagged to death."
"Does he discuss work matters with you at home, too?" Cedric asked curiously. "I think that's quite interesting."
His father never talked to him about work-related matters... unless he'd been drinking.
So, usually, the only time Cedric could ask about things that interested him was when his father was half-drunk.
"Work? No way," Fred scoffed. "I doubt the Ministry would entrust matters concerning the International Magical Federation to a newcomer."
"And I'm sure they're not interested in crucible bottoms either," George added with a laugh. "I never realized Percy had such a fascination with Potions."
"Crucible bottoms?" Cedric asked, perplexed. "What does that mean?"
"It's Percy's new obsession," George shrugged in explanation. "I guess he's planning to hold a thick-bottomed crucible exhibition and is currently selecting suitable exhibits."
"Maybe he's aiming to become the Head of the Department of International Magical Cooperation with this exhibition..."
"...Or even the Minister of Magic!"
"Yes... The crucible bottoms are too thin; Fudge wouldn't be able to handle such a terrifying situation!"
When it came to Percy, Fred and George always had an endless supply of topics and jokes.
"Well, we only have to put up with him for another month."
Fred carefully placed a finished firework into the box next to him. These would eventually be turned into Galleons, so they were meticulous in their work.
...
Time flew by in this cheerful atmosphere, and sometimes, Kyle would glance in the direction of London, wondering how Sirius was doing.
It had been over half a month since they returned from the cave, and during this time, apart from a brief reply from Lupin on the day they returned, there had been no further news from Number 12, Grimmauld Place.
"He's probably fine..." Kyle thought to himself, "Lupin wouldn't go that far, and as for Sirius, he'll tough it out. He always does."
Thus, the holidays passed by, and on the last day of July, Kyle's birthday arrived.
Early that morning, a large flock of owls arrived from various places, delivering gifts from friends.
On this day, Kyle finally received a reply from Sirius...
He sent a large package filled with various herbs... almost every kind available in Diagon Alley. Most of them were flowers and leaves, three of each kind, and the poisonous ones were additionally wrapped, clearly prepared by Lupin.
After all, Sirius wasn't this meticulous. If it were him, he'd probably just buy the herbs and dump them all together in a package.
And besides, he was still wanted and couldn't go to Diagon Alley himself.
Kyle picked up a pack of Bertie Bott's Every Flavour Beans and started munching on them as he opened the rest of his presents.
Fred was at the forefront, holding a massive cream cake and looking up as he cheerfully exclaimed, "Happy birthday, Kyle!"
Right behind him were George and the other two Weasley brothers.
"Charlie, Bill?" Kyle said in pleasant surprise, "When did you guys get back?"
"Last night," Charlie waved. "We arranged to come back early."
"Wait a moment," Kyle said, putting down the gifts he was still unwrapping and heading downstairs to open the door for them.
"Happy birthday!" A large cream cake was thrust towards his face, nearly smearing it with cream.
There was no doubt that Fred had done it on purpose to give him a little scare...
"You should be glad Mum isn't here, or she'd be furious," Charlie pulled him back and stepped forward to give Kyle a hug.
"Happy birthday."
He looked even more tanned than last year, and there was a new scar on his arm.
Bill also stepped forward, smiling as he patted Kyle's shoulder.
"Long time no see, little Kyle... or should I say, respected member of the Order of Merlin now.
Goodness, a Second Class badge, when I first heard the news, I thought it was some old wizard with the same name as you."
"Sorry to disappoint, but you guessed wrong," Kyle laughed.
Bill had changed the most.
After graduation, it seemed like he had completely let loose.
His short hair had grown long and was now tied back in a ponytail, with an earring on his ear that had a small fan-like object dangling from it.
His attire didn't resemble that of a wizard at all, instead resembling a rock music enthusiast, except for the pair of dragon-hide boots he wore.
"Is it weird?" Bill flicked his long hair.
"A little, but not too much," Kyle replied.
This was just Bill's personality, and they had known it for a long time. Mrs. Weasley used to cut his hair every year... and the habit of bringing haircutting tools to the platform at the start of the school year had started because of this.
Kyle stepped aside to let the group into the living room.
Fred placed the cake on the table, and Kyle casually grabbed some drinks.
"Would you like some alcohol?" He took out a bottle of liquor from the cabinet and asked Bill and Charlie,
"No, Mum doesn't allow us..." Charlie started to refuse, but then his eyes landed on the large number on the bottle Kyle was holding. "Wait, how old is this whiskey?"
"It says here, one hundred and fifty years," Kyle pointed to the number on the bottle, "Genuine vintage Fire Whiskey, a gift from the Romanian Ministry of Magic."
"Oh... then I guess we could have a little," Charlie licked his lips,
"But are you sure you won't get in trouble for giving this to us?" Bill asked with a strange expression.
This was truly a precious item. Even at the Leaky Cauldron, their best stock was only a hundred years old, and it was difficult to buy. Old Tom wouldn't take it out even if someone waved a large pile of Galleons in front of him.
Not to mention a hundred and fifty-year-old whiskey.
"Of course not, don't worry," Kyle said, "My dad rarely drinks alone, and it's been a while since you guys came back together. I reckon he'll invite you and Mr. Weasley for a drink at dinner tonight.
I'm just bringing that time forward a little."
"Then I'll have some too." Bill conjured an exquisite cup for himself.
Fred and George also wanted to taste it, so they conjured cups as well, but Kyle ignored them and threw two bottles of juice their way instead.
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
Report
