After pocketing the money, Kyle lifted the Leg-Locker Curse from Malfoy and untied Crabbe and Goyle, who stumbled back to their places behind Malfoy, trembling. Their faces looked like rippling puddles, clearly rattled, yet staying put out of loyalty to Malfoy.
Malfoy, frowning with some disappointment at his lackeys' poor display, lifted his head and addressed Kyle in a lofty tone. "Once again, I apologize, Kyle. See you at school."
His dignified tone and composed expression suggested well-bred confidence—though it was somewhat undercut by the dust and grime covering his robes. His earlier struggles had inadvertently polished the train compartment floor with his robe, even picking up a piece of Drooble's Best Blowing Gum on the hem.
Kyle, noting the gum with mild amusement, chose to ignore it. For the sake of the 150 Galleons, he overlooked these minor details and responded smoothly, "See you at school, Draco. I can already tell that Slytherin will be welcoming an exceptional new student this year."
Malfoy's face practically glowed with restrained pride, as if he'd been given a large dose of Elixir to Induce Euphoria. Though he'd heard similar words before, praise from Kyle, Hogwarts' youngest recipient of the Special Award for Services to the School, felt far more sincere.
However, Malfoy kept his cool, downplaying his pleasure. "Well, I still have a long way to go," he replied modestly. "You're the truly remarkable one. Few can earn that Special Award in their first year—not even Headmaster Dumbledore did."
"Oh, don't say that. I was just lucky," Kyle replied with a smile, preparing to head back to his compartment.
"Wait…"
Kyle turned back, curious. "Anything else?"
"That map…" Malfoy hesitated for a moment. "Could I place an order?"
"Oh, right!" Kyle feigned realization and handed Malfoy the damaged stack of maps. "These are all yours."
"No, I don't mean those," Malfoy said, wrinkling his nose in distaste. "I'm interested in the high-end ones—the very best. Can I order one?"
"I'd be happy to accommodate," Kyle replied with an even more genuine smile. "For an additional Galleon, you can choose a custom pattern—say, your family crest, also in Unicorn hair. And for five Galleons more, you'll get a map with a lifelong enchantment, framed in an exquisite handmade case."
Malfoy's eyes gleamed as he slowly closed his open palm into a fist. "I'll take it all."
Kyle grinned, giving him a thumbs-up. "The Malfoys truly have impeccable taste."
...
Draco Malfoy left with a smug smile, as if he'd just gained 200 Galleons rather than lost it. What had started as a tense confrontation had somehow transformed into a cheerful business deal.
The surrounding students, watching the scene with interest, saw nothing odd about it. If anything, they were simply amazed at the wealth on display. For most young witches and wizards, even ten Galleons was a considerable sum, enough to get them through a school term comfortably. Twenty Galleons? That was a luxury they couldn't even imagine.
"By Merlin's beard," Ron muttered, poking his head out of a nearby compartment, his eyes wide with astonishment. "No wonder Fred and George are suddenly so flush with Galleons. A map going for twenty Galleons? That's practically highway robbery."
Beside him, Harry stretched his neck to get a better view, though his curiosity lay elsewhere.
"Who is that?" Harry asked, intrigued.
"Who?" Ron looked confused.
"The one talking to Malfoy."
"Oh, that's Kyle," Ron replied eagerly. "He started last year and was top of his class. He even won the Special Award for Services to the School, which is pretty amazing. That's better than Percy's prefect badge. My mum always says I should try to be like him, but honestly, it's impossible. I doubt even Bill and Charlie could match him."
"Kyle, really?" Harry's voice grew louder in surprise.
"You know him too?" Ron asked, surprised.
Harry quickly shook his head. "No, not exactly. But Hagrid mentioned him. When he picked me up in Diagon Alley, he said that Kyle might end up as the youngest recipient of the Order of Merlin."
"Oh my God, the Order of Merlin?!" Ron's eyes bulged in disbelief. "That's...wow. I mean, I've never even heard of that happening!"
"What exactly is the Order of Merlin?" Harry pressed, his curiosity piqued even further.
Before Ron could respond, a high-pitched voice came from nearby. "The Order of Merlin was founded in the Middle Ages by the greatest wizard of all time, Merlin himself. Over centuries, it's become the largest organization of esteemed wizards in the magical world. Only those who make significant contributions can receive the Order of Merlin medal, and it's the highest honor any witch or wizard can earn."
Harry and Ron turned to see a young witch with thick, bushy brown hair, her head held high and her tone both proud and slightly challenging.
"I read about it in extra reference books," she added matter-of-factly, "like A History of Modern Magical History and The Great Wizards of the Twentieth Century. They all mention it."
"Of course I knew that," Ron mumbled, looking annoyed. This was his chance to impress Harry, and it had been stolen.