The map sale was undeniably a success. The students were happy with the convenience, the professors were in a good mood because nobody was late anymore, and Kyle and his friends had made a small fortune. Everyone was happy.

If anyone was unhappy, it was probably Filch.

After Fred and George's wealth increased, a smell of dung bombs often permeated the corridors.

Filch was practically driven mad. He wanted to catch the twins red-handed and would follow them around the entire day.

However, Fred and George always managed to find a way to shake him off.

Autumn and Kanna had also gotten to know Kyle better because of this, especially Kanna. She no longer hid from Kyle during class.

Perhaps she had gotten used to it, her social anxiety was not as severe as before. At least, after getting extra points from the professors, she could calmly say "Thank you" like everyone else.

Hogwarts' schedule for the first years was quite relaxed. Normally, there were only three classes a day.

However, if you counted homework, that was another story.

The students had to spend all their free time in the library to barely complete assignments that were several feet long.

And the handwriting couldn't be too big, because the last big-brained student who tried that not only got five points deducted by Professor McGonagall, but their workload was also doubled, leading them to have dark circles under their eyes for a long time.

Finally, Professor McGonagall, fearing they might drop dead in the classroom, revoked the punishment.

Since then, nobody dared to be clever again.

But there's always an exception to every rule.

The assignments that were nightmares for others were ridiculously easy for Kyle.

It was just an essay, he had experience with that. And there was no plagiarism check for freshmen, so he could write whatever he wanted.

He borrowed some ideas from a few relevant books, added his irrelevant sentences, and then wrote a summary.

It didn't take twenty minutes to create a perfect assignment. Even the professors praised his extensive reading.

Except for a certain unnamed potions professor, of course.

For some reason, Kyle felt that Snape was increasingly disapproving of him, and he would find excuses to deduct points from him from time to time.

But Kyle couldn't do anything about it. He could only try to avoid Snape and buy a bottle of Potter's Speedy-Wash Shampoo every time he got points deducted, planning to anonymously send him a whole box when he had enough.

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On Halloween, Kyle was still sitting in the library reading, just like usual. Only when the dinner was about to start did he carry the unfinished "Great Dueling Masters" to Madame Pince.

"How long are you borrowing it for this time?" Madame Pince asked without looking up.

"One day."

"Hmm."

Because Kyle came to borrow books every three days, Madame Pince remembered him. She simply made a note of his name and the time before sending him on his way.

Since it was Halloween, the Great Hall was already decorated with colorful decorations early in the day.

Pumpkins carved into various shapes floated above the Great Hall, perfectly setting the Halloween atmosphere.

A thousand bats fluttered on the walls and ceiling, and even a large cloud of bats swirled above the dining tables.

Because it wasn't dinner time yet, the entire Great Hall was bustling with activity. Almost half of the students were gathered around the Gryffindor table.

Fred and George, each wearing a pumpkin head, were mimicking the signature moves of the Headless Hunt Club, causing everyone to laugh heartily.

The professors on the platform didn't stop them, because they were equally amused. Dumbledore even happily took out some candy, trying to exchange it with other professors.

Unfortunately, nobody paid him any attention.

Even Professor Sprout, who was the nicest, declined the cockroach pile he handed her.

"You went to the library again?"

When Kyle sat down at the Hufflepuff table, Cedric leaned over and asked, "Duelling books… why are you reading those?"

"It's for Charms class homework."

Kyle handed Cedric the book, "I have to make up for the points I lost in Potions class. Practical applications of basic spells are what Professor Flitwick likes to see the most."

Cedric knew that Kyle had been targeted by Snape recently, and he looked at him with sympathy, "Did you get anything out of it?"

"Don't even mention it."

Kyle sighed, "Apparently, no wizard would use the Unlocking Charm in a duel."

Cedric tightly pursed his lips, only then preventing himself from laughing out loud. He thought Kyle was using the Floating Charm last lesson, but it was the Unlocking Charm.

Not even dueling masters, let alone first-year students fighting, would use the Unlocking Charm.

Thinking about it, his lips pursed even tighter.

Kyle looked at Cedric suspiciously, his gut told him the other was thinking something rude. But before he could say anything, an owl landed nearby.

It stretched out its claw and placed a piece of paper on Kyle's plate.

"For me?"

Kyle curiously opened the note. The handwriting was very messy and scratchy, but luckily it was still recognizable.

Dear Kyle Chopper.

I've collected some Mooncalf manure. If you have time, could you come over on Friday (I remember you don't have any classes that afternoon)?

Hagrid.

After reading the contents of the note, Kyle was stunned. He never thought Hagrid would invite him to the hut.

Seeing Kyle staring at the note, Cedric, who had already secretly finished laughing, curiously asked, "Who sent you a letter?"

"Hagrid," Kyle said.

Cedric thought for a moment, "Is that the key keeper by the Forbidden Forest?"

"Yeah, that's right," Kyle replied.

"What does he want from you? Did you two know each other before?"

"The letter says he collected some Mooncalf manure." Kyle explained, "I grew two ornamental plants before, and I went to ask him once."

"Can you take me with you when you go? I'm curious about that place." Cedric said.

"If you want to go, go. It's not a big deal."

Kyle took out his feather quill and wrote on the back of the note, "Okay, I will go with my friend tomorrow afternoon."

He then fed the owl some nuts and let it fly back.

Then, dinner finally started.

Because it was Halloween, the food was much more plentiful than usual. In addition to a whole roasted leg of beef that smelled delicious, there were also pumpkin pie and caramel apples.

A variety of candies were also essential. Kyle glanced over, relieved that there was no cockroach pile. It seemed that the Headmaster's unique taste hadn't spread to the kitchen.

...