Driven by curiosity, Cho and Hermione wandered up and down the staircases, marveling at the map. Even Filch was drawn to the commotion.
However, seeing that the three of them were just walking around and not breaking any rules, he could only follow them suspiciously for a while before leaving reluctantly.
What surprised Cho and Hermione even more was this:
Whenever Filch appeared in a corridor, his position was instantly marked on the map.
"How does it do that?" Cho asked in astonishment.
"Tracking Charms and Marking Magic, dynamic rendering, and a bit of potion knowledge," Wayne explained casually.
"You put a spell on Filch?" Hermione frowned instinctively.
"Don't make it sound so harsh," Wayne replied, spreading his hands. "It's not like I'm invading his privacy. Didn't you notice? His name only shows up when he's in public spaces like hallways or the Great Hall."
In truth, it was because Wayne's skills were still lacking — he could only monitor limited areas.
The entire map was inspired by the Marauder's Map, but Wayne's method of creating it was slightly different.
He wasn't entirely sure how the original worked, but after so much study, he'd started to get an idea.
And he had to admit — deep down — that Harry's father and Sirius Black were geniuses. Questionable morals in school, maybe, but incredibly gifted.
The Marauder's Map, in essence, worked through magical contracts. They must have tapped into Hogwarts' magical core — or perhaps something like the Book of Admittance. Every student left a trace upon enrollment, which allowed them to appear on the map.
Wayne, on the other hand, was just a newcomer to the magical world. Nowhere near that level.
So his budget version of the Marauder's Map relied on a combination of Tracking Charms and Marking Spells to display movement in real time.
Cho, despite being a Ravenclaw, wasn't too interested in the mechanics. Hermione, on the other hand, bombarded Wayne with questions until she realized she couldn't fully understand what he was saying and gave up.
"So you're selling these maps?" the young witch asked, clearly reluctant to part with the one she was holding.
"Exactly. And this map isn't the only version — there are three in total."
"You two are holding the Pro Max edition."
As he spoke, Wayne pulled several more maps from his pocket. Both girls stared at that small pocket — first it had snacks, now maps. How much could it hold?
They quickly guessed he had used an Undetectable Extension Charm, though neither said it aloud and simply kept listening.
"The basic version just shows the map and the staircase movement patterns."
"The Pro version has tracking and pathfinding — it can calculate the fastest, simplest route to any destination."
"And the one you're holding — the Pro Max — includes all of the above, plus real-time tracking of Filch and Mrs. Norris."
Hermione's mouth fell open slightly.
He had managed to cram so many features into just a map?
What kind of brain did Wayne even have?
They each tested the other versions. As Wayne said, the Pro version allowed you to tap a destination with your wand and instantly get the optimal route. Very convenient.
Besides the functions, the design of each map varied in quality.
The basic version was plain parchment — just a bit thick.
The Pro version had house crests and elegant detailing.
As for the Pro Max… Wayne had poured real effort into it. With the Art Mastery reward he'd received earlier, he had crafted a high-end, premium feel.
"Is there an even more advanced version?" Hermione asked.
"Of course there is," Wayne replied gleefully, rubbing his hands. "The next level is the VIP Custom Edition. Interested, Miss Granger?"
"Uh…" Hermione hesitated, glanced at Wayne's expression, then cautiously asked:
"How much are these maps, exactly?"
"Five Sickles for the standard version, one Galleon for the Pro version, and... ten Galleons for the Pro Max."
"So expensive?" Hermione blurted out, then realized she sounded a bit abrupt and quickly added,
"The standard one isn't too bad, but the other two seem a little..."
"I actually think it's fair," Cho said suddenly. "If I could get a map like that for just one Galleon, I'd hesitate for a moment, but I'd still end up buying it."
"Why?" Hermione looked puzzled. "You're already a second year. Haven't you memorized all the paths by now?"
"It's not that simple." Cho smiled wryly. "In fact, I was late twice just last week. The staircases in this school are ridiculously hard to keep track of. Take a wrong turn, and you're completely off course. It's exhausting."
"Is it really that hard?" Miss Granger was still skeptical.
Wayne gave her a speechless look.
Did she really think everyone had a memory as terrifyingly good as hers?
Forget Cho—even upper-year students still got lost regularly. Some even graduated without ever fully figuring the place out.
"Alright then. If both of you think so..." Hermione finally accepted their perspective.
"So, how can we help you?"
"It's simple," Wayne said with a smile. "Tomorrow, during class, walk with your friends or roommates and use the map for navigation. Show them what it can do."
"If anyone asks, just explain it a bit."
"For each one sold, I'll give you a 30% cut."
"I don't want your money," Cho shook her head. "You just asked for a favor. If I take money, then it becomes a hired job."
"This is just a small thing. Leave it to me."
Hermione also said earnestly, "Exactly. It's no big deal."
"Once we've finished promoting it, I'll give the map back to you."
"I can't afford ten Galleons anyway."
"Don't be so quick to refuse," Wayne reassured the two. "This is a collaboration, after all. A profit share is only fair. Hermione, you of all people should understand the principle of labor-based distribution."
"And Cho, you're the only Ravenclaw student I know. Without your help, I'd sell at least one-third less. You've earned that share."
Cho still wanted to decline—but Wayne suddenly covered her mouth.
The boy gave a mischievous grin and whispered,
"Cho, you wouldn't want your house to lose to Hufflepuff, would you?"
"If you agree, you can even earn enough to buy your own Nimbus Two Thousand~"
Looking at the handsome face so close to hers, not a single flaw in sight, Cho's heart skipped wildly. A blush quickly spread across her cheeks.
Off to the side, Miss Know-It-All was already on the verge of exploding.
"What on earth are you two doing?!"