Chapter 133: Professor Snape, Are You Taking the Kids Shopping?
"Ah, a Cleaning Charm," Fred muttered, eyeing his freshly cleaned robe with a resigned sigh. "Mum has to use it almost three times a day. How come Ron can't remember it?"
Kyle shrugged. "Who knows."
Kyle's plan had been cobbled together on the spot and was riddled with potential pitfalls. The biggest issue was the Cleaning Charm itself, which Fred and George believed was precisely why Ron wouldn't fall for the scheme. In a wizarding household, this spell was among the most commonly used, and they couldn't imagine Ron being unaware of it.
Kyle had thought the same thing. In fact, when he'd noticed Ron's suspicious glances back at the Leaky Cauldron, he'd already started considering letting him off the hook. But since he'd come this far...backing out now felt wrong. Instead, he made the scheme as straightforward as possible for Ron. After all, he could've simply told Ron to ask about it. With Ron's eagerness to get a new wand, he wouldn't have refused.
Kyle's plan was simple: all Ron had to do was say, "Why don't you just use a Cleaning Charm?" At that point, Kyle would've admitted to the ruse and bought him the wand. But...Ron didn't say it. Not only that, he actually fell for the ploy! It was unbelievable.
"Ollivander seems to be away," Fred noted, raising an eyebrow. "Let's head in soon; I can't wait to see the show."
"Are you sure that's fair?" Kyle teased. "Ron is your brother, after all."
Fred smirked mischievously. "Thanks for the reminder; I almost forgot." He swung open the shop door and stepped inside.
Kyle moved to follow, but he suddenly spotted a familiar figure around the corner. A black cloak hung dramatically, defying the windless air, greasy hair gleaming faintly as sharp eyes scanned the surroundings like a large bat stalking the shadows. The figure stood out, a jarring contrast to the bustling crowd. And behind him, barely visible, was a pair of short, stubby legs, partially hidden by the sweeping cloak.
"Long time no see, Professor Snape," Kyle greeted, stepping forward. "What a coincidence—out shopping with your daughter...oh, it's Kanna."
Only as he got closer did Kyle realize that it was Kanna following Snape.