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Chapter 165 - Chapter 165 ⭃ Not Even as Smart as the Fish in the Black Lake

Quidditch fever had swept through Hogwarts for weeks now. All related library books had been checked out, with waiting lists stretching beyond Christmas.

"I should have come sooner." Harry said, frustrated at the second-floor library entrance.

His special training was scheduled for seven o'clock tomorrow evening. He had hoped to review relevant books beforehand to better understand the subject.

But Madam Pince, the librarian, informed him none remained. If he wanted to read any, he'd need to wait until after Christmas — several months away and far too long.

"Nothing we can do about it." Ron said with a smile, "Everyone's obsessed with Quidditch. Know nothing about it and you'll be a laughingstock."

As he spoke, his lips curled upward involuntarily. Knowing about Quidditch and having two brothers on House teams had made him quite popular lately, with groups of young wizards constantly following him around.

This newfound attention — being noticed and valued by everyone — was something he had never experienced before.

"What about asking Hermione?" Harry suggested cautiously, "I remember she had a copy of 'Quidditch Through the Ages'. She might not have returned it yet."

"Better not." Ron replied, his smile vanishing at the mention of her name. He frowned and added glumly, "She hasn't spoken to us since we returned from the fourth floor that day. Besides, everyone in Gryffindor knows Hermione never keeps borrowed books longer than three days."

At this reminder, Harry realized this was indeed true about Hermione.

Since the first day of school, she always carried two books — one required textbook for class and another borrowed from the library. This wasn't mere showing off; she actually read them.

In the common room, Hermione rarely interacted with other students, preferring to sit quietly in a corner absorbed in her books. Someone had noticed she typically exchanged library books every three days.

Seamus Finnigan had confidently bet Harry and Ron that she wouldn't maintain this pace for a month. But judging by her current rhythm, he was likely to lose. If Hermione exchanged another book tomorrow, he'd have to buy everyone in the dormitory a box of Bertie Bott's Every Flavor Beans.

Harry wasn't concerned about winning candy, but he couldn't fathom how Hermione finished books so quickly. For him, completing a book in two weeks would be quite an achievement.

"Let's forget it then." He sighed.

In truth, Hermione intimidated him somewhat. The scholarly aura surrounding her always made him nervous.

"How about we ask Kyle?" Ron suddenly suggested, "Fred and George mentioned he has several Quidditch books."

Harry was tempted but hesitated, "But I don't know him. Would he lend me a book?"

"Don't worry, you've got me." Ron said, patting his chest before pulling Harry downstairs, "Besides, we won't know unless we try... Come on, let's go find him."

The two searched the castle thoroughly, from the underground classrooms all the way to the Astronomy Tower, but couldn't find Kyle.

The twins and Cedric seemed to have disappeared as well.

Finally, while at the Astronomy Tower, Harry glanced outside and spotted several people fishing by the Black Lake.

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"So, you're looking to borrow a book about Quidditch?" Kyle asked the out-of-breath pair by the Black Lake, "Isn't there one in the library? Their collection is much richer than mine. You could just borrow from there."

"They're all checked out." Harry explained, still catching his breath, "Madam Pince said we'd have to wait until after Christmas."

Ron had offered to ask for the book on Harry's behalf during their walk here, but Harry decided it would be better to ask personally. After all, he was the one who wanted to read the book, not Ron.

"Are Quidditch books that popular now?" Noticing Harry's nervous expression, Kyle simply took out his wand without further comment.

✭ Accio ➜ Summoning Charm: Quidditch Origins ✭

A thick book soon traced an arc through the air and landed lightly in his hand.

"You can read this one first." Kyle said, handing the book to Harry, "It has flying instructions suitable for beginners like you."

"Th-thank you!" Harry quickly accepted it, "I'll return it as soon as possible."

Kyle waved dismissively, "It's fine. I don't need this book right now, so take your time."

After thanking him again, Harry and Ron returned to the castle.

Once they left, Kyle turned to Fred and George with confusion, "What's wrong with you two?"

Ron had greeted them immediately upon arrival, but the twins had acted as if they hadn't heard him, not even turning their heads.

This behavior was unusual. Fred and George might enjoy teasing their little brother, but they had never completely ignored him before. At the very least, they would have given him some kind of response.

"Nothing, we just don't want to talk to him." Fred sighed, "We always thought Ron wasn't very bright, but we never imagined he could be this foolish."

"What do you mean...?" Kyle leaned in, sensing gossip.

George asked, "Remember when we ran into them on the fourth floor last time?"

Kyle nodded. He not only remembered but had actually witnessed the encounter.

"We've been asking around." Fred explained, "They agreed to a wizard's duel with Malfoy — that's why they went to the fourth floor."

"A wizard's duel?" Cedric said reflexively, "Slytherins would never casually propose a wizard's duel. It's obviously a trap."

"Exactly." George said, shaking his head, "After curfew, on the fourth floor where they're most likely to be caught, for a wizard's duel... With these three factors combined, even a gnome could see it was a trap."

"But Ron actually fell for it..."

"Merlin's beard, is he really a Weasley?"

"Uh..." Cedric opened his mouth, seemingly wanting to say something in Ron's defense, but couldn't find the words.

After all, Charlie, Percy, and the twins were all quite clever. By comparison, Ron's intelligence did seem lacking.

"He took the bait without question..." Fred said, waving his fishing rod, "He's not even as smart as the fish in the Black Lake!"

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