Disclaimer: I don't own anything. This is not meant to infringe upon copyrights.
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"Kyle, is this okay?"
As Cho left, Cedric, who had been standing by the whole time, finally came over and whispered, "I mean, would a Ravenclaw first-year really spend money on a map?"
"Who knows?" Kyle shrugged. "Let's give it a try. I've got nothing to do anyway."
Despite that, Kyle didn't think it would be a problem.
Hogwarts had no signposts, so first-years had to find the location of each classroom on their own or ask seniors. Getting lost was a daily occurrence.
A map could save them a lot of time.
And it was only ten Sickles, less than a Galleon—really cheap.
A young wizard from a Muggle family would have around six Galleons left over from their pocket money after buying necessities like textbooks. Ten Sickles in exchange for a map showing the pattern of most staircases would be a sure thing for many people.
Of course, there were a few exceptions, like a certain red-haired first-year next year who wished to remain anonymous.
"By the way, this is for you."
On the way back to the dorm, Kyle tossed the map in his hand to Cedric and said, "From now on, the supply mission will be yours."
Cedric asked, puzzled, "What about me?"
"Nonsense, you gave this to me, so of course you get a share. Cho takes half, and the other half is between the two of us."
Kyle said matter-of-factly, "Besides, I'm new here and not very proficient in the Copying Charm. I can't just sell them a defective product; I'll get scolded.
So, you're the best person for this mission. After all, you don't want people to say we Hufflepuffs are all profiteers, right?"
"Well... okay." Cedric thought about it, realizing that was the point, and said nothing more.
"Well, it's settled then. I'll have Cho come straight to you. We'll see you in the auditorium this afternoon." Kyle gave Cedric a meaningful look, then turned and walked into his dorm.
Cedric stood there motionless, watching Kyle's back as he left. The more he thought about it, the more he felt something was amiss.
Cho was in charge of publicity, he was in charge of providing the map... where was Kyle?
Aside from those two things, there didn't seem to be anything else to do.
And what did Kyle just say, "I'm just sitting around anyway?" Could he be referring to himself?
Cedric fell into deep thought...
Meanwhile, Kyle returned to his dorm and had a nice nap, arriving at the Transfiguration classroom just in time for the afternoon class.
To save face for himself and the Hufflepuffs, and to prevent Cho from witnessing the scene again, he even brought Ryan along.
Despite Ryan's repeated assurances that he had a map and wouldn't get lost again, he was once again attending Transfiguration class with Ravenclaw. Since they arrived early, there were only a few young wizards sitting in the classroom.
Kyle knew without even looking that they weren't Hufflepuffs.
Also, perched on the table in the front was a beautiful tabby cat.
Kyle instinctively reached into his robe pocket and felt for the bag of dried fish he'd prepared long beforehand.
Feeding Professor McGonagall the dried fish was an achievement he'd always wanted to unlock, and he'd even prepared them in advance.
This is just like moving the trash can in Diagon Alley. Although there is no reward, it feels really good and there is an inexplicable sense of accomplishment.
The trash can could be moved at any time, but there was only one chance to feed Professor McGonagall.
Professor McGonagall would only reveal her Animagus powers during the first Transfiguration class for first-years. And only then could Kyle, relying on his first-year status, slip through the cracks.
After all, he was just a naive young wizard; how could he possibly know that Professor McGonagall could transform into a cat?
As for the dried fish he carried with him... they were for Mrs. Norris, as a thank you for helping him find the hospital ward yesterday.
Everything was perfect, except for the final touch.
There were not many people in the classroom yet, and going in now would be too obvious, easily spotted by Professor McGonagall. He'd have to wait a little longer.
To seize this single opportunity, Kyle remained patient. He let Ryan enter while he found an excuse to remain at the door.
Coincidentally, Cho appeared around the corner, waved, and said, "Kyle, I knew you were here."
Ryan didn't think much of it, but said, "I'll save your seat," and entered the classroom.
"Kyle, you have no idea, things went even more smoothly than I thought." Cho ran to Kyle breathlessly and said happily, "I showed them the map I copied, and in just one hour, twelve first-years expressed their desire to buy it."
Kyle was not surprised and replied calmly, "Not bad, thank you for your hard work."
"What's so hard about it?" Cho looked Kyle up and down and continued, "Did you take the map? I promised them that I would bring it back after class."
"The map was taken by Cedric, the sophomore boy who was with me at noon."
Kyle said helplessly, "He was worried that we couldn't guarantee the quality of the map, so he took the initiative to take the task of copying the map on my behalf. You can go directly to the auditorium to find him after class.
By the way, he is the top student in the second grade and is very good at copying spells."
"Cedric?" Cho thought for a moment and asked, "I remember you said that he gave you the map as well."
Kyle nodded, "That's right."
"He's such a good guy then," Cho sighed. Then, as if she had thought of something, she suddenly frowned. "In that case, I can't take half. It should be split equally between the three of us."
"If you insist, you can talk to him after class." Kyle spread his hands. "There's definitely no problem on my end. I've already said I'd split the remaining half with him, but Cedric refused, insisting he was just doing a small favor.
I can't convince him anyway, so maybe you can give it a try."
"Okay!" Cho nodded seriously.
In her opinion, as long as you participated, you were a part, and the profit must be split equally.
Kyle smiled and said, "Then I wish you all the best."
Cho looked at Kyle's expression and frowned. "Why does your smile sound a little... strange?"
"Really? Maybe I'm looking forward to the Transfiguration class." Kyle said seriously, "Let's not talk about that. Let's go to the classroom first. It would be so unfair if we were late."
[End of the chapter]