On the first day of the new school year, Fred and George immediately became the center of attention for everyone.
Even when they returned to the common room, the topic among the young wizards remained focused on the two of them.
"Do you think the Weasley brothers can really sell that kind of candy?"
Cedric sat on the sofa, asking doubtfully, "Professor McGonagall probably wouldn't agree, right?"
"Definitely not openly," Kael thought for a moment and said, "But as long as they don't get caught, it should be fine. The school also has rules against bringing Dungbombs and Filibuster Fireworks into the castle, yet haven't you seen plenty of those around?
The professors are usually busy; they don't have time to manage these little things."
"That's different," Cedric frowned.
He remembered the Weasley brothers telling him before school started that those candies were meant to help young wizards skip classes... Can the professors ignore that?
To that, Kael shrugged, indicating that he wasn't sure either.
But judging from his understanding of Fred and George, those two have probably already thought of a solution.
And as long as they're not caught in the act, the professors probably won't suspect Fred and George.
They'd just think the candy is from Zonko's or another joke shop and eventually add Fat Tongue Toffee to the forbidden items list.
Yeah... that's probably how it will go.
As a staple Hufflepuff event, catching up on assignments right after school starts is inevitable.
As the common room filled up, Kael and Cedric returned to their dorms, giving up space to those wanting to create miracles.
Their dormitory was the same as last year's, except now there was a sign added to the door reading "Second Year."
The room was just as it was before, very clean, likely cleaned by the house-elves in advance.
Kael lay on his bed, looking at the familiar surroundings, and quickly drifted into a haze.
Because he slept relatively early, Kael got up early the next morning and headed to the eighth floor of the castle alone.
Because the Room of Requirement can perfectly simulate natural environments and with the Moonstruck Beast regularly fertilizing the plants, the garden was still in good condition even though Kael hadn't tended to it in two months.
Changes were certainly there, though.
The most noticeable change was the Devil's Snare because, being closest to the Moonstruck Beast's nest, it had grown much larger than it was two months ago, with tendrils now as thick as a wrist and a darker color.
Also, the Chomping Cabbage planted before the holidays had sprouted, with their fist-sized mouths opening and closing. Kael guessed they would start growing teeth in one or two weeks.
The Dittany and Ruta Graveolens were also growing well, lush and green.
The Moonstruck Beast was asleep.
The Billywig was frolicking around in the air, and upon noticing Kael, it immediately flew over, propeller spinning.
Kael instinctively stepped back, casually greeting it before leaving the Room of Requirement.
The little guy seemed overly excited today, buzzing around Kael, seemingly forgetting about the sting it had.
Kael didn't want to be stung.
After leaving the Room of Requirement, Kael descended the stairs and returned to the auditorium.
By then, quite a few people were already seated in the auditorium, gathering in small groups, whispering and glancing over at the Gryffindor table.
"Over there, look quickly."
"Where?"
"Next to the tall red-haired guy, the one with glasses."
"Harry Potter!"
"Did you see his face... that scar!"
Harry looked quite uncomfortable with such attention; he kept his head down, quickly eating his breakfast.
Kael approached the Hufflepuff table.
Fred and George were also there, talking to Cedric.
"Homework, Cedric, you've got to help us."
Fred pleaded pitifully, "I didn't expect to have Potion Class on the first day of the new school year. If we can't turn in the homework on time..."
George shivered, "Snape will definitely kill us."
"I could lend you my homework." Cedric said, "But class is starting soon, are you sure you can finish it in time?"
"Should be able to."
Fred nodded repeatedly, "Our second class is Potion, so we can just finish it during Divination."
"Alright then." Cedric thought about it, saying, "I'll bring it to you after breakfast."
"Thank you so much!"
Fred and George looked at Cedric gratefully.
"You saved our lives!"
Cedric just smiled slightly; from last night until now, he had already saved many people.
Kael sat beside the Weasley brothers, curiously asking, "Have you guys chosen Divination?"
"Divination and Care of Magical Creatures."
Fred said, "Divination is a must, Charlie said it's a class where it's easy to get high marks and is also relaxed."
"As long as you make yourself sound pitiful when Professor Trelawney asks, we can just do our own thing." George said, "I suggest you take Divination next year as well. This class is practically a blessing for students."
"That's worth considering."
Kael looked at them, hesitating for a moment before suddenly suggesting, "If possible, I'd recommend you take Ancient Magic Language as well."
"Why do you say that?"
Fred asked in confusion, "It's said to be a very tough class."
"It's extremely difficult," George frowned, "During the holidays, Percy spent most of his time studying it."
"That's true."
Kael nodded, "But haven't you guys always wanted to open a joke shop? Ancient Magic Language helps a lot with Alchemy."
Alchemy?
Fred and George exchanged glances, starting to understand what Kael meant.
Those joke products are a part of Alchemy items, so ancient magic language could indeed be very helpful to them.
"Kael, why are you only telling us something so important now?" George scratched his head.
Now that the class selection is over, if they want to take Ancient Magic Language, they can only request to take an additional class from Professor McGonagall.
However, three elective courses... would definitely consume a lot of their time, and if they did apply, they wouldn't be able to do the things they liked as much.
But opening a joke shop of their own has also been their lifelong dream, and if Ancient Magic Language is truly helpful for Alchemy, they can't just give up on it.
They were suddenly caught in a dilemma.
"How about talking to Professor McGonagall?"
After thinking for a moment, George tentatively asked, "Do you think she'd allow us to switch Care of Magical Creatures for Ancient Magic Language?"
...
Sorry, I just got back last night and forgot to schedule the post.
Bang bang bang... Please forgive me!