Chapter 53: Hagrid's Letter
Chapter 53: Hagrid's Letter
The map sale was undoubtedly a successful venture, bringing convenience to the young wizards and improving the moods of the professors as no one was late for class anymore. Kyle and his friends also made a small fortune, and everyone was delighted.
If there was anyone unhappy, it would probably be Filch.
After Fred and George became financially well-off, the corridors were often filled with the scent of dungbombs.
Filch was driven nearly mad trying to catch the twins in the act, and he wished he could follow them around all day.
However, Fred and George always managed to find opportunities to shake him off.
Autumn and Conna also became more familiar with Kyle due to this incident, especially Conna. She no longer avoided sitting near Kyle during classes.
Perhaps she had gotten used to it, as her social anxiety wasn't as severe as before. At least, after receiving extra points from the professors, she could calmly say 'thank you' like everyone else.
The first-year schedule at Hogwarts was still relatively relaxed, with only three classes per day under normal circumstances.
But if you included homework, that was another story.
The young wizards had to spend all their free time in the library to barely complete those feet-long assignments.
And they couldn't use too large a font, as one smart aleck who did so not only had five points deducted by Professor McGonagall but also had their workload doubled, resulting in dark circles under their eyes for a long time.
In the end, Professor McGonagall canceled the punishment out of fear that the student would collapse in class.
But after that, no one dared to try such a trick again.
However, there are always exceptions.
While others considered the homework a nightmare, Kyle found it incredibly easy.
It was just an essay, something he had experience with, and there was no plagiarism check for first-years. He could write it however he wanted.
He borrowed ideas from a few relevant books, added some unnecessary sentences, and then summarized them.
In less than twenty minutes, a perfect assignment was born, and the professor even praised him for his extensive reading.
Except for a Potions professor who wished to remain anonymous.
For some reason, Kyle felt that Snape was looking at him with increasing displeasure and would often find reasons to deduct two points.
But Kyle had no choice but to avoid Snape as much as possible. After each deduction, he would buy a bottle of Potter's Instant Clean Shampoo, planning to anonymously send Snape a whole box when he had enough.
On Halloween, Kyle, as usual, sat in the library reading until the feast was about to begin. He then approached Mrs. Pinch with the unread book, "Great Dueling Masters."
"How many days?" Mrs. Pinch asked without looking up.
"One day," Kyle replied.
"Mhm."
As Kyle borrowed books every other day, Mrs. Pinch remembered him. She simply noted his name and the time before finishing.
Since it was Halloween, the Great Hall had been decorated with colorful ornaments earlier.
Carved pumpkins of various shapes floated in the air, setting the perfect Halloween atmosphere.
A thousand bats fluttered on the walls and ceiling, and a large bat cloud even hovered above the dining tables.
As it wasn't yet time for the feast, the Great Hall was bustling with activity, and almost half the students gathered around the Gryffindor table.
Fred and George, each wearing a pumpkin head, mimicked the signature moves of the Headless Hunt Club, making everyone laugh.
The professors on stage didn't stop them either, as they were equally engrossed. Dumbledore even happily took out some candy, wanting to trade with the other professors.
Unfortunately, no one paid him any attention.
Even Professor Sprout, who had the best temper, politely declined the pile of roaches he offered.
"Have you been to the library again?"
As Kyle sat down at the Hufflepuff table, Cedric leaned over and asked, "Why are you reading a book about duels...?"
"It's for my Spellcraft homework," Kyle replied.
Kyle handed the book to Cedric and said, "I have to make up for the points I lost in Potions class. Practical applications of basic spells are Professor Flitwick's favorite topics."
Cedric also knew about Kyle's recent targeting by Snape and looked at him sympathetically. "So, did you find anything useful?"
"Don't mention it," Kyle sighed. "Obviously, no wizard would use an unlocking charm during a duel."
Cedric pursed his lips tightly, barely holding back his laughter. He had thought Kyle was using a Levitation Charm in the last class, but it turned out to be an unlocking charm.
Not even the Great Dueling Master would use an unlocking charm, let alone first-year students fighting.
The thought made him purse his lips even tighter.
Kyle looked at Cedric suspiciously, his intuition telling him that Cedric was definitely thinking about something impolite. But before he could say anything, an owl landed next to them.
6◇9◇Book◇Bar
The owl extended its claws and placed a note on Kyle's plate.
"Is this for me?"
Kyle curiously opened the note, which was very messy and illegible, but thankfully still readable.
Dear Kyle Johnson.
I've collected some Moonstruck Beast fertilizer. If you have time, could you come by on Friday (I remember you don't have class that afternoon).
Hagrid.
After reading the note, Kyle was clearly stunned. He never expected Hagrid to take the initiative to invite him to his hut.
Seeing Kyle staring at the note in a daze, Cedric, who had already secretly laughed, asked curiously, "Who sent you the letter?"
"Hagrid," Kyle replied.
Cedric thought for a moment and asked, "Is he the Key Keeper by the Forbidden Forest?"
"Yeah, that's right," Kyle answered.
"What does he want from you? Do you know him?"
"The letter says he collected some Moonstruck Beast fertilizer," Kyle explained. "I went to see him once because I planted two ornamental plants."
"Can I come with you when you go?" Cedric asked. "I'm quite curious about that place."
"Sure, why not?" Kyle took out his portable quill and wrote on the back of the note, "Okay, I'll come with my friend tomorrow afternoon."
He fed the owl some nuts and let it fly away.
After that, the banquet also began.
Since it was Halloween, the food was much richer than usual, including a whole roasted beef leg with a fragrant aroma, pumpkin pie, and caramel apples.
Various candies were also a must, and Kyle scanned the selection, relieved that there were no roach piles. It seemed the headmaster's unique hobby hadn't affected the kitchen.
...
(End of Chapter)
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