Disclaimer: I don't own anything. This is not meant to infringe upon copyrights.
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After accepting the money, Kyle naturally removed Malfoy's leg-binding curse, and also released Crabbe and Goyle, who were bound hand and foot.
The two lackeys scrambled to Malfoy's side, looking at Kyle with terror, their faces trembling like waves.
It was clear they wanted to leave immediately, but Malfoy's presence had barely restrained their urge to escape.
Malfoy frowned slightly, looking at his two lackeys with some displeasure.
Their performance was terrible, cowardly and stupid, not at all like what a pureblood should be.
Seemingly wanting to demonstrate to the two what pureblood manners should be, Malfoy raised his head and said in a very calm voice:
"I apologize again, Kyle. See you at school." His calm tone and composed expression revealed Malfoy's good upbringing.
Of course, that is, if one ignored the patches of dust and grime on his clothes.
There was nothing he could do about it; he'd been struggling the whole time he was lying on the floor, scrubbing that area inside and out with his robes several times, leaving no corner untouched.
Even the train's cleaners hadn't cleaned it as thoroughly.
Kyle also noticed a piece of Super Bubble Gum stuck to the hem of his robes, probably spat there by some ill-mannered student.
But for the sake of 150 Galleons, Kyle ignored these minor details, acting as if he hadn't seen anything, and calmly said, "See you at school, Draco. I can foresee that Slytherin will likely have a very outstanding new student this year."
Hearing Kyle's words, Malfoy's lips couldn't help but curl into a smile, as if he'd been given a giant dose of euphoria.
Although he'd heard similar compliments countless times before entering Hogwarts, Kyle's was different. As the youngest recipient of the Special Contribution Award at Hogwarts, his praise was far more substantial than any insincere flattery.
However, out of modesty, Malfoy suppressed his excitement and didn't show too much pride.
"Of course… I mean, I'm still far from perfect,"
Malfoy said with a smile. "You're the truly outstanding student. Not many people can receive the Special Contribution Award in their first year, not even Headmaster Dumbledore."
"Don't say that, I was just lucky," Kyle smiled and prepared to return to his box.
"Wait…"
Malfoy suddenly called out to him.
"Is there anything else?"
"That map…" Malfoy thought for a moment and said, "Can I order one?"
"Look at me, I almost forgot."
Kyle slapped his forehead and handed Malfoy the stack of maps he was holding. "They're yours now."
"No, that's not what I want."
Malfoy glanced at the maps with disdain and said, "I need the high-end stuff, the best of the best. Can I pre-order?"
"I have no reason to refuse."
Kyle's smile became even more genuine. "By the way, if you're willing to add a Galleon, you can specify the design… like changing it to the family crest, still woven from unicorn hair.
If you're willing to add five Galleons, then you'll get a permanent map and a beautifully handcrafted border."
Malfoy's outstretched hand slowly clenched into a fist, and he said without hesitation, "I'll take them all."
Kyle smiled slightly and gave him a thumbs up.
"Malfoy certainly has good taste."
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Draco Malfoy left with an undisguised smile on his face; anyone who didn't know better would think he'd picked up two hundred Galleons.
A potentially violent brawl had been transformed into a mutually beneficial transaction.
The young wizards watching the spectacle didn't see anything wrong with it, at most marveling at how wealthy the young wizards were.
After all, for most young wizards, even ten Galleons was a considerable sum, enough to live comfortably for an entire school year.
As for twenty Galleons… they wouldn't even dare to dream of it.
"Merlin's beard,"
Ron murmured, craning his neck near a nearby box, his gaze somewhat dazed. "No wonder Fred and George suddenly became so rich.
Twenty Galleons for a map? That's faster than robbery!"
Harry Potter, standing nearby, was also craning his neck to look outside, but his attention was elsewhere.
"Who's that?" Harry asked curiously.
"Who?" Ron asked, puzzled.
"The guy who was talking to Malfoy."
"Oh, his name is Kyle." Ron said excitedly, "He enrolled last year and was number one in his class. He even received a special contribution award, which is incredible, even better than Percy's prefect.
My mother has always hoped I could be like him, but it's too difficult. I dare say even Bill and Charlie aren't as good as him."
"He's Kyle?" Harry's voice suddenly rose.
"You know him too?" Ron asked.
Harry quickly shook his head and said, "No, I only heard Hagrid mention the name. When he picked me up from Diagon Alley, he said Kyle might become the youngest recipient of the Order of Merlin.
By the way, Ron, what's the Order of Merlin?"
"My God, the Order of Merlin?!"
Ron's eyes widened instantly, and he said incredulously, "How is that possible… no, I mean, I've never heard of this."
"What is it?"
Seeing Ron's expression, Harry became even more curious.
He was completely ignorant of these strange awards in the wizarding world and could only stand by anxiously.
Before Ron could explain, a somewhat shrill voice suddenly came from the side.
"The Order of Merlin was founded in the Middle Ages by the greatest wizard, Merlin. After centuries of development, it has become the largest and most prestigious wizarding organization in the wizarding world.
Only wizards who have made contributions to the wizarding world can receive the Order of Merlin, which is the highest honor in the wizarding world."
Harry and Ron turned their heads at the same time and saw a little witch with thick brown hair.
She held her head high, her tone arrogant and disdainful.
"I bought a few extra reference books, 'A History of Modern Magic' and 'The Great Wizards of the Twentieth Century,' and they all mention this."
"Of course I know that." Ron looked a little unhappy. This was one of his few opportunities to show off in front of Harry Potter.
He didn't expect someone else to steal it.
[End of the chapter]