Chapter 451: Bill and Charlie
Chapter 451: Bill and Charlie
For the next few days, Kyle stayed at home in Hogsmeade Village, going nowhere. He spent his time doing homework or working with Fred and George in the attic, crafting props for their cheerleading routines.
Cedric would occasionally visit as well.
Not only Chris but also Mr. Weasley and Mr. Diggory had become busy with their work.
Fred and George often complained about having to wake up two hours early every day for breakfast.
"Percy seems pretty happy about it," Fred said, fiddling with a newly crafted firework in the attic. "I think he'd be delighted to spend all day at the Ministry of Magic."
George nodded in agreement, "He's started working at the International Magical Cooperation Department. Remember not to mention anything related to 'abroad' if you don't want him to nag you to death."
"Does he discuss work matters with you at home?" Cedric asked curiously, "I think that's quite interesting."
His father never talked to him about work-related matters... unless he was drunk.
So, Cedric could only ask about things that interested him when his father was half-drunk.
"Work? Not at all," Fred dismissed the idea. "I doubt the Ministry would assign an entry-level employee to handle matters related to the International Magical Federation."
"And they probably have no interest in Cauldron Bottom either," George added with a chuckle. "I didn't realize Percy was so into Potions until recently."
"Cauldron Bottom?" Cedric asked, puzzled. "What does that mean?"
"Percy's been obsessed with it lately," George shrugged and explained. "I think he's planning to host a Cauldron Bottom Exhibition and is currently selecting suitable exhibits."
"Maybe he's aiming to become the Minister of International Magical Cooperation through this exhibition..."
"Or even the Minister of Magic..."
"Yeah... The cauldron bottom is too thin, and Fudge won't be able to discover such a terrifying thing!"
When it came to Percy, Fred and George always had endless topics and jokes to share.
"At least we only have to endure him for another month," Fred said as he carefully placed a finished firework into a box beside him. These would eventually turn into Galleons, and they were very attentive to them.
...
In this cheerful atmosphere, time passed quickly, and sometimes, Kyle couldn't help but 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, Kyle had only received a brief reply from Lupin on the day he returned. After that, there was no further news from Grimmauld Place 12.
"It should be fine..." Kyle thought to himself, "Lupin wouldn't kill him. As for the rest, Sirius will get through it."
And so, half of the holiday had passed in a flash. On the last day of July, it was Kyle's birthday.
Early that morning, a large group of owls flew in 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 and plants from Diagon Alley, almost all of them were flowers and leaves, three of each kind, and the poisonous ones were additionally wrapped, clearly the work of Lupin.
After all, Sirius wasn't this meticulous; if it were him, he would probably buy the herbs, pile them together, and send them all at once.
Moreover, Sirius was still a wanted man and couldn't go to Diagon Alley.
Kyle picked up a pack of Bertie Bott's Every Flavor Beans and started eating them while opening the remaining presents.
When he was halfway through the beans, a rustling sound suddenly came from downstairs.
Kyle looked out the window and immediately saw four striking redheads.
Fred was at the front, holding a huge cream cake and raising his head to say, "Happy birthday, Kyle!"
Behind him were George and the other two Weasleys.
"Charlie, Bill?" Kyle said in surprise, "When did you guys come back?"
"Last night," Charlie waved his hand, "We arranged the time in advance."
"Wait a moment."
Kyle put down the gifts he hadn't finished unwrapping and went downstairs to open the door for them.
"Happy birthday." A cream cake was thrust towards him, almost hitting his face.
Without thinking, it was clear that Fred was doing it on purpose to scare him...
"You should be glad Mom isn't here, or she would have gotten angry." Charlie pulled him to the back and hugged Kyle.
"Happy birthday."
He looked darker than last year, and there was a new scar on his arm.
Bill also stepped forward and patted him on the shoulder with a smile.
"Long time no see, little Kyle... oh, I should call you a member of the Order of Merlin now."
The correct version is available at 69 Book Bar! 6=9+Book_Bar first release of this novel.
Oh my, Order of Merlin, Second Class, when I first heard this news, I thought it was some old wizard with the same name."
"It's a pity, you guessed wrong," Kyle laughed.
Bill's change was the most significant.
After graduation, he seemed to have completely let go of himself.
His short hair had turned into long hair, tied into a ponytail at the back of his head, and he also wore an earring on his ear with a small fan-like object hanging from it.
His outfit didn't look like that of a wizard but rather that of a rock music enthusiast. The only difference was that he was wearing a pair of dragon skin boots.
"Is it strange?" Bill flicked his long hair.
"A little, but not much."
This was Bill's personality, and they had known it for a long time. Mrs. Weasley would cut his hair for him every year... The habit of bringing haircutting tools to the platform at the start of school was formed during that time.
Kyle stepped aside to let the group into the living room.
Fred placed the cake on the table, and Kyle took some drinks.
"Do you guys want to drink some alcohol?" He took out a bottle of alcohol from the cabinet and asked Bill and Charlie,
"No, Mom doesn't allow us..." Charlie's refusal was only half-spoken when he noticed the large number on the bottle Kyle was holding.
"How many years of whiskey is this?"
"It's written here, one hundred and fifty years," Kyle pointed to the number on the bottle, "The real Century Fire Whisky, sent by the Romanian Ministry of Magic."
"Oh... then let's have some." Charlie pursed his lips,
"But are you sure you won't get beaten up for giving this to us?" Bill asked with a strange expression.
This was truly a good thing. At Hog's Head, the best stock was only a hundred years old, and it was hard to buy. Even if someone waved a bunch of Galleons, Old Tom wouldn't take it out.
Not to mention one hundred and fifty years old.
"Of course not, don't worry." Kyle said, "My dad rarely drinks alone, and it's been a long time since you all came back together. I estimate that during dinner tonight, he will invite you and Mr. Weasley to have a drink.
I just slightly advanced the time a little."
"Then I'll have some too." Bill conjured a fancy cup for himself.
Fred and George also wanted to taste it, so they imitated him and conjured a cup, but Kyle, as if he hadn't seen it, directly threw two bottles of juice at them.
(End of Chapter)
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