"Alchemy... not really. We mostly figure things out on our own," George said helplessly. "Hogwarts does have Alchemy as a subject, but it's only offered to sixth and seventh years—and even then, only if enough students sign up."
"Most sixth and seventh years are too busy preparing for the N.E.W.T.s. No one wants to add another hard class to their schedule," Fred added.
"So basically, you two are self-taught? Sounds like you've spent quite a bit of time in the Restricted Section," Louis said with a knowing smirk.
"You shouldn't say things like that!" the twins replied in perfect unison.
"Alright, alright, have it your way." Louis pinched his nose. "Now pack that stuff up. And this too."
He handed the Quick-Skip Candy tin back to them.
"So the deal's off?" George asked, taking the tin.
"Not quite," Louis said as he pulled out a small pouch of powder from under his robe. The robe had been custom-modified with many hidden pockets, where he stored all kinds of props and tools.
"I can tell you're both really interested in magic tricks. I'll teach you some, but in return, you've got to teach me how to make your gadgets," Louis proposed. "Here—this is for you. Just what you wanted."
"Sounds fair to me," Fred said, agreeing without much hesitation. "It's a deal."
He took the pouch from Louis and asked, "What's this stuff do?"
"It's a self-igniting compound made from white phosphorus, quicklime, and flammable metal powder. Pretty dangerous—don't mess with it," Louis explained. "I added a bit of it to the balloon before I threw it."
"So that's how it worked," Fred said, eyes lighting up. Without hesitation, he grabbed a handful of the powder. "This is amazing—it's completely non-magical, but it ignites on its own!"
"Yeah, well, the ignition point's higher than body temperature, but it's still dangerous to handle like that," Louis warned, frowning with concern. "I'm not sure this is safe in your hands."
"Alright, we got it," Fred said, brushing the powder back into the pouch and casually dusting off his hands—only for a sudden flash of flame to burst from the air, nearly singeing his eyebrows.
Fred leapt into the air like a startled monkey, while George burst out laughing and pointed at him.
"See? I told you it was dangerous." Louis clapped them both on the shoulder. "Now I suggest you run—because I just saw Filch coming this way, and he looks way too excited."
"Why? We didn't break any rules," George said, unconcerned.
"And you really think a Squib who's spent his whole life in a magical castle can tell the difference between magic and sleight of hand?" Louis gestured. "He saw fire."
That was all he needed to say. With a wave, he added, "Or you could try explaining it to him. I've got a meeting to attend. Good luck."
George and Fred exchanged a glance—then they both heard the sound of heavy footsteps rapidly approaching. With a loud yell, they both shouted, "RUN!"
Before the words were even out of their mouths, they had already bolted.
"Stop right there! I saw you!" Filch's furious voice rang out behind them. "Using magic in the corridors? You won't get away!"
Louis stood at the entrance to the library, watching the chase disappear around a corner, and gave a casual shrug.
"Louis? How long have you been here?" came a voice. Hermione happened to be walking by at that moment with a Ravenclaw girl and looked surprised to see him.
"Good afternoon, Hermione," Louis said, tipping his top hat. "And this is…?"
He glanced at the Ravenclaw girl beside Hermione. Based on her appearance, she didn't seem to be of European descent.
"She's Padma Patil, my roommate," Hermione introduced. "She's from India."
"Nice to meet you. I'm Louis Wilson—Slytherin," he said, offering a polite greeting.
"I know who you are." Padma Patil was a girl with refined features, and her skin tone and facial structure made her heritage clear.
"You're brave, clever, and strong," she said with a smile. "We've all heard the stories about you in Slytherin."
Louis gave a dry cough. "Those are just rumors. I didn't do anything—they just had nightmares on their own."
"So, you really have Nightmare blood? Like the legendary Merlin?" Padma leaned in closer, staring at his face with curiosity.
Louis raised an eyebrow—Is she flirting with me? Instead of backing away, he took a step forward.
Now the distance between them was very… delicate. Padma was practically pressed up against him.
But she was still just a schoolgirl—unlike Louis, who had a much thicker skin. Embarrassed, she blushed and quickly stepped back.
"What are you doing?" Hermione stepped forward and blocked Padma with a sideways move, eyeing Louis suspiciously.
"Just joking," Louis said as he put his top hat back on. "Come on, let's head inside."
"That wasn't funny at all," Hermione muttered, trying to push down the odd discomfort bubbling in her chest.
The three of them walked into the library together. Behind the front desk sat a quiet woman with glasses, who glanced up at them.
It was Madam Pince, the librarian.
"No talking in the library. No food or drink. To borrow books, bring them to the front desk and sign them out. And don't damage or deface anything," Madam Pince recited quickly and crisply.
"And the Restricted Section is off-limits unless you have written permission from a professor or the headmaster."
"Yes, Madam Pince," Hermione and Padma replied and were about to head in.
But Louis paused. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a special note—personally authorized by Dumbledore. Under the surprised gazes of Hermione and Padma, he handed it to Madam Pince.
"Is this what you need, madam?" Louis asked politely.
Madam Pince took the note, read it, then removed her glasses and gave Louis a startled look.
"That's correct. This is indeed a note from Headmaster Dumbledore," she confirmed. "However, books from the Restricted Section cannot be taken out. You may only read them inside. And all the books you consult must be logged."
"Understood, ma'am," Louis tipped his hat and turned to Hermione and Padma. "Why are you still standing there? Aren't you coming in?"
"Louis… where did you get that note?" Hermione asked, too shocked to keep her voice down. After a sharp glare from Madam Pince, she quickly lowered her voice. "It's from Headmaster Dumbledore!"
"Well, if it's a note from Headmaster Dumbledore, obviously I got it from Dumbledore," Louis replied as if it were the most natural thing in the world.
"But the books in the Restricted Section are dangerous. They're usually off-limits to students," Padma said, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. "How did you convince him?"
"Hmm… let's just say it's a bit of compensation," Louis replied. "Sorry, but I'll have to excuse myself. I plan to take a look in the Restricted Section."
"Aren't you going to finish your homework first? The Transfiguration essay?" Hermione asked.
"Oh, because of my excellent class performance, Professor McGonagall exempted me from that homework," Louis said, flashing a perfect honor-student smile. "Good luck, both of you."
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