"Ah, the Scouring Charm." Fred looked at his now-pristine robes and sighed wistfully, "Mum uses this spell three times a day — why couldn't Ron remember it?"
"Who knows." Kyle shrugged.
His earlier plan had been hastily conceived and full of holes.
The biggest issue was the Scouring Charm — this was why Fred and George initially thought Ron wouldn't fall for it.
In wizarding households, this spell was one of the most commonly used cleaning charms. They thought Ron must surely know it. Kyle had thought the same.
When he saw the boy's cautious look at the Leaky Cauldron, he'd even considered letting him off the hook.
But since they were already here... it wouldn't be right to do nothing. So he'd devised this scheme, making things as easy as possible for Ron.
He could have simply asked Ron directly — given his desire for a new wand, he surely wouldn't have refused.
Kyle's logic was simple: if Ron had just said "Why don't you use the Scouring Charm?", he would have abandoned his plans and bought the wand outright.
But... he didn't. Not only did he not ask, he actually believed it!
Just ridiculous.
"Ollivander seems to be coming out..." Fred raised an eyebrow, "We should go in too. I can't wait to see the show."
"Hey, is that nice to say?" Kyle teased, "Ron is your own brother after all."
"Thanks for reminding me, I almost forgot." Fred gave a sly smile before pulling open the shop door and walking in.
Just as Kyle was about to follow, he spotted a familiar figure around the corner.
A black cloak billowed without wind, greasy hair gleamed slightly, dark eyes darted around — looking just like a bat walking in the night, completely out of place in the bustling atmosphere.
And behind him seemed to be another person, though hidden by the robes — only a pair of short legs visible.
"Long time no see, Professor Snape." When they got closer, Kyle greeted him first, "What a coincidence, Professor. Are you taking your daughter shopping... Oh, it's Kanna."
As they drew closer, he saw that the person following Snape was indeed Kanna.
Snape's eye twitched, his face darkening as if he'd just swallowed a dungbomb.
"Don't be silly, Kyle." Kanna said, poking her head out, "Uncle Snape hasn't yet—"
"Silence, Kanna!"
Snape cut her off before she could finish.
A strange look flashed in Kyle's eyes as he noticed her change in how she addressed Snape. Before he could ponder this further, Snape spoke in a mocking tone.
"Why are you here at Ollivander's... did your wand break?"
"Not at all, Professor. I take good care of my wand." Kyle replied calmly, "I came with Fred and George to help their little brother buy a new wand. Ron Weasley, he's a new student this year."
Snape looked somewhat disappointed.
"Also, I want to buy some potion ingredients." Kyle continued, "I can't wait to attend your Potions class."
"Hmph..." Snape made an ambiguous sound, his expression growing even darker, as if he'd swallowed a second dungbomb.
But for some reason, he held back, giving Kyle only a thoughtful look.
"Let's go, Kanna." Without another glance at anyone, Snape turned to leave.
Kanna clearly wanted to stay longer. This summer had been extraordinary — more things had happened around her in these two months than in her previous two years combined.
She desperately wanted to share everything with Kyle.
But Snape had other plans. With a look of disgust at Kyle, he grabbed Kanna's collar and dragged her away without discussion.
Though she kept gesturing about something, Snape remained unmoved.
"Stay away from Kyle in the future." He declared, "He's not a good person."
Kyle watched them disappear into the cauldron shop before entering Ollivander's.
Despite Snape's delay, he hadn't missed the most interesting part. As soon as he stepped inside, he heard Ollivander's hurried voice.
"The shop has never given away wand care kits for free — they can only be purchased separately. You're from the Weasley family — how is it you don't know the Scouring Charm?"
The dirt Ron had deliberately smeared on his arm was gone now. Red-faced, he stared at the ground as if searching for something.
Kyle thought he must be looking for a hole to crawl into.
"As for why I don't clean..." Ollivander paused, his face serious, "This is for dust-magic balance. The dust serves to isolate magical forces, protecting the wands from external magical influences.
The principles involved are very complex, and only we wandmakers understand them — you wouldn't understand even if I explained!
Now then... which hand do you use for your wand!"
Ron extended his right hand, trembling slightly.
A measuring tape flew over from the counter and began taking his measurements rather roughly.
Nearby, Fred and George stood with heads down and clutching their stomachs, their bodies shaking uncontrollably. If Ollivander hadn't been present, they probably would have burst out laughing.
The wand testing phase that followed wasn't going smoothly for Ron.
On the seventh — or perhaps eighth — try, the wand strongly rejected him. The moment he grabbed it, the tip shot out a forceful stream of water, drenching him completely.
Now he stood there soaked from head to toe, shivering in the breeze.
✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭
An hour later, the boxes on the counter had formed a veritable mountain.
George and Kyle sat cross-legged nearby, playing wizard chess to pass the time, while Fred watched, offering occasional commentary that neither player heeded.
"An excellent combination." Ollivander's voice suddenly rang out, "Fourteen inches, willow, unicorn hair core — it suits you very well, Mr. Weasley. That will be... seven Galleons."
Was it... finally done?
Kyle immediately stood up, prompting protests from George.
"Hey, I was about to win!"
But Kyle ignored him and took out his wallet, reaching for a handful of Galleons.
Just as he was about to hand them to Ollivander, Fred suddenly hooked an arm around his shoulders.
"Kyle, what else do you need to buy?" He asked with a grin.
Taking advantage of this moment, George quickly stepped forward and handed seven Galleons to Ollivander.
"Next year Ginny will also get a new wand from her brothers, or maybe new robes." Fred said with a wink.
Kyle smiled, "Not worried about the Galleons anymore?"
"Still am." Fred sighed, "Ron's so dim-witted, it feels like a waste to give him a new wand."
✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭
After leaving Ollivander's, everyone stretched in unison.
"Kyle, we need to hurry." Fred said, "Mum's probably getting anxious. If we're any later, she might come looking for us."
"What else do you need to buy?" George asked.
"Some parchment." Kyle said, "And a bottle of Potter's Sleekeazy Hair Potion."
✭✭✭
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