"Merlin! You're reading at home again. I'm sure you'll be sorted into Ravenclaw. My mother says the same thing. She's always hoped that I could be like you."
Ron looked exaggerated but quickly realized that his comment might be taken the wrong way and changed his words, "I don't mean you're not good, just that... we haven't started school yet, right?"
From Ron's tone, it sounded like he intended to study hard once he got to school.
Although Andy had not seen the sequel to "Harry Potter," he had heard from a friend that the real content of the series was actually "Hermione and Her Two Useless Men."
It's similar to how "The Little Fish and the Flowerless" is really about "The Survivor List."
"I prefer reading," Andy explained casually, inviting Ron to sit on the sofa. He asked, "What would you like to drink, orange juice?"
"Certainly!" Ron said excitedly. "How about playing Quidditch later? I brought a broom and wrote to Charlie for some tips."
"You said the same thing last time," Andy shrugged.
Andy actually understood Ron very well. Ron, born in the wizarding world, had few friends his age and couldn't play in Muggle villages. Though his life seemed leisurely, it was actually very boring. But Andy really liked life in the magical world. Here, he felt close to nature, free from stress, and could do whatever he liked. Most importantly, there was magic.
Reflecting on his past life, Andy remembered how advanced technology was and how comfortable life could be. But he had a busy job, working overtime became the norm, and he often felt a heavy pressure.
"Last time was an accident!" Ron defended. Making excuses for one's failure is something most people do, and Ron excelled at it. "Just wait and see, I won't let you score another goal this time."
"Isabelle!" Andy called out. The little girl came running over in her slippers, puffing up her face and angrily asking, "Andy, where did you hide my snacks?"
"You have to find them yourself. It's a great adventure," Andy replied, then asked, "Ron and I are going to play Quidditch. Do you want to join?"
"Of course!" The little girl's attention was immediately diverted.
Ron looked at Andy with admiration. "You are really amazing. If I did that, I would be killed by my mother."
Andy rolled his eyes. "That's because Ginny is the only girl in your family."
To be honest, the wizarding world is somewhat biased towards men. This is partly because the wizarding world is still relatively backward.
After drinking the orange juice, Andy said, "Let's go."
Although Ron's arrival interrupted Andy's reading time, as a psychologically mature adult, Andy rarely lost his patience with children unless they made a big mistake. Andy didn't want to appear too different, and having a friend could at least give Kyle and Helen peace of mind.
The Quidditch pitch was built by adult wizards nearby. It's not very high, but it's enough for young wizards to play.
The result of the game was no surprise; Ron was once again defeated by Andy. Ron's skills were actually pretty good, especially since Andy didn't play Quidditch often, so they were pretty much equal. However, Ron had a fatal weakness: his psychological endurance was too fragile. As soon as he was at a disadvantage, he would easily lose confidence and collapse.
Although Andy understood this, he didn't comfort Ron. What children hate most is being lectured by their peers, especially when their shortcomings are pointed out - even if it's well-intentioned. This is also the reason Hermione was isolated in the original book, and Andy wouldn't make the same mistake.
"Ron, it's almost noon. Let's go to my house and have lunch together!"
"Thank you, but my mother told me to go back at noon."
"Okay then! I'll bring Isabel to visit Mrs. Weasley in a few days."
"Hey! My mother would be so happy. She likes you very much."
Saying goodbye to Ron, Andy gave himself a thumbs up for his rhetoric. A few words could prevent Ron from visiting in the next few days, and Ron was happy about it.
When Andy flew home with the little girl, Helen was already preparing lunch.
"Mom, how's the potion brewing?"
"It will take a month."
"Big business!"
Ordinary potions can usually be made in a few hours and are very cheap, while potions like this one that take many days to brew are usually ridiculously expensive.
"Keep it secret." Helen knew Andy was always smart and mature, but she still reminded him carefully.
"Is it Polyjuice Potion?" Andy asked in a low voice.
Helen gave Andy a knowing look.
Andy decided to pay close attention to the Daily Prophet in a month because whoever bought the Polyjuice Potion might make big news.
After lunch, Helen, who had already finished the preliminary work for the potion, was free, which meant poor Isabel would lose her freedom for the afternoon.
The little girl looked at Andy expectantly.
For the little girl, finding the snacks hidden by her brother was probably the most interesting game of her entire childhood. Andy ignored her cry for help; he didn't want to get involved.
Arriving at the study, Andy glanced across the bookshelf, searching for a magic book he could read.
"I really hope I can get my own wand soon."
Having read almost all the books he could, Andy took out the book "Research and Development of Ancient Witchcraft" and turned to the chapter about the Obscurus again.
From Andy's understanding, the strength difference between adult wizards is not that big. Just like when Muggles fight with bare hands, there will be differences, but not as outrageous as the difference between ordinary people and supermen. Perhaps Voldemort and Dumbledore were exceptions.
"But how did this gap come about?"
This wasn't the first time Andy had pondered this question. It wasn't in the books, otherwise, those ancient magical families would have long since opened a gap with ordinary wizards. However, the fact was that the gap between wizards was the same as that between Muggles; it was based on money, not strength.
"Perhaps there are records in the books on how to improve strength, but... it's very hidden?"
"Like what's written about the Obscurus."
When a normal wizard sees the records about the Obscurus, they would likely think it's very scary and feel relieved they didn't become one. But the existence of the Obscurus undoubtedly proves the possibility of the fusion of mental power and magic.
"Maybe I should read these magic books again and look for those small details that have been mentioned but ignored."
(End of this chapter).