Chapter 8: Mr. Weasley's Ambition

The adults' usual act of deception certainly didn't fool Kyle, but it wasn't entirely fruitless. At least it scared Ron and Ginny quite a bit.

Especially Ron, who was initially quite interested in the topic, listening enthusiastically, hoping to gain some experience for the next school year.

But the more he listened, the worse his expression became.

Trolls, ghosts, and Hippogriffs were one thing; although they were far-fetched, as long as he turned and ran, he should still have a chance of surviving, after all, the professors at Hogwarts weren't just for show.

But what about a fire dragon?

A XXXXX-level magical creature, even an adult wizard might not survive an encounter, let alone an eleven-year-old wizard. By the time the professors finished their spells, he would probably already be blown to ashes by a sneeze.

Is this what school is like?

Ron felt utterly despondent, even considering running away from home. He didn't want to go to Hogwarts, really didn't want to go. He just wanted to live.

Ginny wasn't much better off.

Her face was pale, and her beautiful red hair had lost its luster.

"What's wrong, Ginny?"

Kyle, sitting opposite her, asked with concern, "Why aren't you eating? Are you feeling unwell?"

"No, no."

Ginny clearly didn't want to admit she was scared in front of her family. Seeing Kyle look at her, she quickly shook her head and said, "I'm just full."

A nine-year-old girl's appetite isn't large, and she had already eaten half a box of Bertie Bott's Every Flavor Beans. Ginny was indeed almost full.

She was about 80% full, just at the point where eating or not eating didn't matter much. However, the sudden topic of house sorting had completely killed her appetite.

"That's a pity."

Kyle, not noticing anything amiss, simply stood up and calmly moved the untouched grilled fish from Ginny's plate to his own.

Grilled fish is different from other foods; once it sits for too long, the flavor diminishes, which would be a waste. It was better for him to eat it.

It's worth noting that Mrs. Weasley's grilled fish was exceptionally good, a hidden gem.

But because she had to take care of a large family, and removing fish bones was a hassle, she usually only prepared it on important holidays.

Of course, another reason was that fish were relatively expensive in the wizarding world.

But regardless, Kyle had been craving it for a long time and couldn't bear to see it go to waste.

Ginny knew this but didn't stop him.

She had originally planned to savor the grilled fish at the end, but after learning that she would face a fire dragon in two years, she had no appetite left. She could only watch with a pained expression as Kyle ate the fish that belonged to her.

Finally, she turned her head, out of sight, out of mind.

At the same time, Fred and George sighed in unison.

They had been eyeing the grilled fish for a while, but Kyle was too quick, and they didn't even get a chance.

The twins, feeling frustrated, turned their gaze to Ron.

Unfortunately, Ron didn't have Ginny's habit; his grilled fish had already been reduced to bones, and he had cleaned them so thoroughly that even a Flobberworm would slip on them.

"What's wrong, Ron? Are you afraid of the fire dragon?" Fred narrowed his eyes, masking his true intentions while showing rare concern for Ron's state, patting his shoulder comfortingly, "Don't worry, the fire dragon is only for one year. By the time you start school, it will probably be replaced with another magical creature."

"I think it's spiders," George immediately added, "I've seen them in the Forbidden Forest, each as big as a goblin. Maybe Hagrid is preparing them for the sorting ceremony."

"No!"

Ron was completely unnerved, his eyes filled with panic. Instinctively, he threw down his utensils and screamed, running back to the Burrow.

It was clear that Ron was genuinely scared; he didn't even notice the twins' malicious grins as he fled.

But the twins weren't completely without consequences.

"George, why were you in the Forbidden Forest?"

Mrs. Weasley, keenly aware of the issue, 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 run, but as second-years, they were no match for Mrs. Weasley and were quickly caught.

What followed was the familiar scene of a mother's loving discipline.

Although this had happened countless times over the past eleven years, Kyle still found it entertaining, and it even improved his appetite.

Kyle didn't doubt that the twins had been to the Forbidden Forest, but the spider story was likely a fabrication to scare Ron, and it just happened to hit the mark.

After all, the giant spiders in the Forbidden Forest were not harmless; if the twins had really encountered them, they would probably be living in the forest by now.

Moreover, Kyle remembered that the giant spiders' lair was deep in the forest, and Fred and George wouldn't have gone that far.

The twins weren't Harry Potter; they liked pranks, not risking their lives.

About twenty minutes later, dinner was almost over. Although there were a few minor incidents, it could still be considered a pleasant evening.

At least Kyle was happy.

After a quick cleanup of the table, Percy went upstairs to review his homework.

Ron, who had been caught with a small bag, ready to run away from home, now took the twins' place, being chased around the yard by Mrs. Weasley.

Mr. Weasley and Chris moved to another place to continue their conversation.

"Chris, you were too exaggerated," Mr. Weasley said regretfully in the Burrow, "It's just a sorting ceremony; there's no way there would be a fire dragon. Kyle is so smart; he must have known we were fooling him."

"No, Arthur, you're wrong. This plan was doomed from the start," Chris shook his head, somewhat helplessly, "Kyle has spent at least two months every year with Mr. Scamander since he was three. Do you think he would be afraid of trolls and Hippogriffs?

Besides, Arthur, didn't you forget that Kyle is also a Chob?"

"Huh..." Mr. Weasley was momentarily stunned, scratching his head awkwardly, "You mean he can communicate with magical creatures like you?"

"Of course," Chris nodded, "So he wouldn't be afraid of Hippogriffs. I guess only a fire dragon could make him nervous."

Mr. Weasley looked at Chris, somewhat enviously, "What a magical ability. I wish I could communicate with Muggle items."

"???"

Chris was momentarily speechless, laughing dryly, "It's not as exaggerated as you think. This talent is limited to magical creatures only. Ordinary animals like rats, toads, and owls don't count; you can only guess their intentions based on experience."

Chris's meaning was clear: even if Mr. Weasley somehow changed his last name to Chob using some strange magic, he would only be able to communicate with things like Floo Powder or the Golden Snitch.

As for toasters or cars... forget it, it's impossible, don't even think about it!