The usual evasions from the adults couldn't deceive Kyle, but they did have some impact, at least managing to scare Ron and Ginny. Ron, in particular, was very interested in the topic, hoping to gain some insight before starting school next year.

However, the more he listened, the more his expression darkened.

Trolls, ghosts, hippogriffs—those were manageable. While they sounded intimidating, he figured he could always run and still have a chance at survival. After all, the professors at Hogwarts weren't just there for show.

But a dragon?

That was a whole different story. Dragons were magical creatures of the highest danger level. Even adult wizards might struggle to survive an encounter, let alone an eleven-year-old. Ron feared that before the professors could even finish their spells, he'd already be incinerated by a dragon's fiery breath.

"Is this even a school?" Ron thought, disheartened. He seriously considered running away from home; he didn't want to go to Hogwarts. He just wanted to stay alive.

Ginny wasn't feeling much better. Her face had turned pale, and her usually vibrant red hair seemed duller.

"What's wrong, Ginny?"

Kyle, sitting across from her, noticed her unease. "Why aren't you eating? Are you feeling unwell?"

"No, I'm not," Ginny quickly replied, not wanting to admit she was scared in front of her family. "I'm just full."

A nine-year-old didn't have a large appetite to begin with, and Ginny had already eaten most of her meal, including half a box of Bertie Bott's Every Flavour Beans earlier. The mention of the school's challenges, however, completely erased her remaining appetite.

"Got it. What a shame," Kyle said, taking her untouched grilled fish and placing it on his own plate. He didn't seem to notice her discomfort. To him, grilled fish was too precious to let go to waste—especially Mrs. Weasley's, as it was a rare treat.

Mrs. Weasley's grilled fish was known for its unique flavor, but she only made it on special occasions. Handling fish bones was too time-consuming for everyday meals, especially when she had to care for such a large family. Plus, fish was relatively expensive in the wizarding world.

So, when Kyle got the chance, he wasn't going to let it go to waste. Ginny, knowing this, didn't try to stop him. She had planned to save the grilled fish for last and savor it, but after the talk of facing dragons, she lost her appetite. She could only watch with a hint of sadness as Kyle devoured her share.

The twins, Fred and George, sighed in unison, disappointed. They had also been eyeing the grilled fish, but Kyle had been too quick for them.

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Seeing no chance with the fish, they turned their attention to Ron.

Unfortunately for them, Ron didn't share Ginny's habit of saving food. His grilled fish was long gone, stripped clean to the bones, so much so that even a Flobberworm might slip off the remains.

"What's wrong, Ron? Are you afraid of dragons?" Fred asked, feigning concern while hiding his true intentions. He patted Ron's shoulder affectionately and said, "Don't worry, the dragon is just for one year. By the time you get to school, they'll probably have replaced it with another magical creature."

"I think it'll be spiders," George added immediately. "I've seen them in the Forbidden Forest. They're about the size of goblins. Maybe Hagrid is preparing them for the Sorting Ceremony."

"No!"

Ron's face twisted in horror, panic rising in his eyes. He dropped his cutlery and bolted back to the Burrow, screaming.

It was clear that Ron was genuinely frightened. He didn't even notice the wicked smiles on the twins' faces as they watched him run away.

But having twins came with its own drawbacks.

"George, why were you in the Forbidden Forest?" Mrs. Weasley's sharp ears had caught the important detail. She looked at the twins sternly. "I don't recall Hogwarts allowing first-years to enter the Forbidden Forest."

"Mom, I can explain…"

Fred and George tried to escape, but as second-years, they were no match for their mother and were soon caught. What followed was the familiar scene of a loving mother giving a stern lecture to her sons.

Kyle, watching the scene for the umpteenth time over the past eleven years, still found it amusing. It even improved his appetite.

He believed that the twins had indeed ventured into the Forbidden Forest, but he was certain the spider story was just a ploy to scare Ron—one that happened to hit a nerve. After all, the acromantulas in the Forbidden Forest were anything but friendly, and if Fred and George had really encountered them, they might have never made it back.

Kyle also remembered that the acromantulas' nest was deep in the Forbidden Forest, far beyond where Fred and George would dare to venture. The twins enjoyed pranks, not courting danger.

About twenty minutes later, dinner was winding down. Despite the minor incidents, everyone seemed to have enjoyed themselves—especially Kyle. After the meal, Percy went upstairs to study. Ron, who had attempted to flee with a small bag, was caught and was now taking the twins' place, being chased around the yard by Mrs. Weasley.

Meanwhile, Mr. Weasley and Chris had moved to a different spot to continue their conversation.

"Chris, you went a bit overboard earlier," Mr. Weasley remarked regretfully. "It's just a sorting ceremony; there's no dragon. Kyle's too clever to fall for that."

"No, Arthur, you're mistaken. This plan was bound to fail from the start," Chris replied with a sigh. "Kyle has spent at least two months every year with Mr. Scamander since he was three. Do you think trolls and hippogriffs would scare him?"

"Besides, Arthur, don't forget that Kyle's last name is Chopper."

"Uh…" Mr. Weasley scratched his head in embarrassment. "You mean he can communicate with magical creatures like you?"

"Exactly," Chris nodded. "So, he'd never be afraid of a Hippogriff. The only thing that might give him pause is a dragon."

Mr. Weasley glanced at Chris with envy. "That's such an amazing talent! I wish I could communicate with those Muggle objects."

Chris was momentarily speechless, then chuckled dryly. "It's not as impressive as you think. It's limited to magical creatures. For ordinary animals like mice, toads, and owls, we still have to rely on experience to understand them."

Chris's point was clear: even if Mr. Weasley somehow changed his surname to Chopper, he would only end up talking to enchanted objects like Floo powder or Golden Snitches. As for Muggle appliances like bread makers or cars—he'd have no luck there.

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**End of Chapter**