After taking the money, Kyle naturally helped Draco remove the Leg-Locker Curse and freed the thoroughly tied-up Crabbe and Goyle.
These two followers scrambled behind Draco, looking at Kyle in terror, the flesh on their faces trembling like waves. They desperately wanted to leave immediately but only managed to resist fleeing because their leader remained present.
Draco looked at his two followers with a frown of disapproval. Their performance was terrible — cowardly and stupid, not at all how purebloods should behave.
Seemingly wanting to demonstrate proper pureblood conduct, he raised his head and said in a composed voice: "Again, I express my apologies, Kyle. See you at school."
His composed tone and calm demeanor showcased his excellent upbringing.
Of course, that's if one ignored the patches of dirt and grime all over him.
This couldn't be helped — after all, he had been struggling non-stop while lying on the floor earlier, using his robes to thoroughly polish that section of floor inside and out, leaving not a single spot untouched. Even the train's cleaning staff hadn't cleaned as thoroughly as he did.
Kyle also noticed a Drooble's Best Blowing Gum stuck to the hem of Draco's robes, presumably spat there by some ill-mannered student.
However, considering the 150 Galleons, he ignored these minor details and said calmly, as if he hadn't noticed anything, "See you at school, Malfoy. I can foresee that Slytherin will likely welcome an excellent new student this year."
Hearing these words, Draco's lips began to curl upward involuntarily, as if he'd been given a large dose of Elixir to Induce Euphoria.
Although he had heard such praise countless times before starting school, Kyle was different — as the youngest recipient of the Special Award for Services to the School at Hogwarts, his praise wasn't like that empty flattery.
However, out of modesty, Draco still managed to contain his excitement, trying not to appear too pleased.
"Well... I mean, I still have a long way to go." He said with a smile, "You're the truly excellent student — few people can receive the Special Award for Services to the School in their first year, not even Headmaster Dumbledore managed that."
"Don't say that, I was just lucky." Kyle smiled and prepared to return to his compartment.
"Wait..." Draco suddenly called out to him.
"Is there something else?"
"That map..." Draco thought for a moment and said, "Can I place an order for one?"
"Oh look at me, I almost forgot." Kyle smacked his forehead and handed the stack of maps to him, "These are yours now."
"No, I don't want these." Draco looked at those maps with disdain, "I need the premium version, the best kind. Can I order that?"
"I have no reason to refuse." Kyle's smile became more genuine, "By the way, if you're willing to add one Galleon, you can specify the pattern... like changing it to your family crest, still woven with unicorn hair. If you add five Galleons, you'll get a permanent map and a handcrafted ornate frame."
Draco's open palm slowly closed into a fist as he said without hesitation, "I want it all."
Kyle smiled slightly and gave a thumbs up, "Malfoy certainly has taste."
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When Draco left, his face still bore an undisguisable smile — one might think he'd found 200 Galleons.
What had started as a nasty group assault had transformed into a mutually satisfying transaction.
But the young wizards watching nearby didn't seem to find anything wrong with this, at most just marveling at how wealthy they were. After all, for most young wizards, even ten Galleons was a considerable sum, enough to live comfortably through an entire school year.
As for twenty Galleons... they couldn't even imagine it.
"Merlin's beard!" From a compartment doorway nearby, Ron stuck his head out, his gaze somewhat dazed, "No wonder Fred and George suddenly became so rich. Twenty Galleons per map, that's faster than robbery!"
Next to him, Harry Potter was also craning his neck to look outside, though his attention was focused elsewhere.
"Who is that?" Harry asked curiously.
"Who?" Ron asked, puzzled.
"The one talking to Draco."
"Oh, that's Kyle." Ron said excitedly, "He started last year, and he was top of his year, plus he got the Special Award for Services to the School, which is really something — even more impressive than Percy being a prefect. My mum keeps hoping I'll be like him, but it's too difficult. I dare say not even Bill or Charlie were as brilliant as him."
"That's Kyle?" Harry's voice suddenly rose.
"You know him too?" Ron asked.
Harry quickly shook his head, "No, I just heard Hagrid mention his name. When he took me to Diagon Alley, he said Kyle might become the youngest recipient of the Order of Merlin. Say Ron, what's the Order of Merlin?"
"Blimey, Order of Merlin?!" Ron's eyes widened in disbelief, "That's impossible... no, I mean, I've never heard about this."
"What exactly is it?" Seeing Ron's reaction, Harry grew more curious. He knew nothing about these strange awards in the wizarding world and could only wait anxiously.
Before Ron could explain, a somewhat shrill voice came from nearby.
"The Order of Merlin was established by Merlin, the greatest wizard, in the Middle Ages. Over the centuries, it has become the largest organization of distinguished wizards in the magical world. Only wizards who have made contributions to the wizarding world can receive the Order of Merlin — it's the highest honor in the wizarding world."
Harry and Ron both turned to see a young witch with thick brown hair. She held her head high, her tone coming across as arrogant and dismissive.
"I bought some extra reference books, 'Modern Magical History' and 'Great Wizards of the Twentieth Century' — it's mentioned in all of them."
"I knew that, of course." Ron replied, looking somewhat unhappy.
This had been one of his rare chances to show off in front of Harry. He hadn't expected someone else to steal his moment.
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