Chapter 271: Kyle’s Solution
As the echo of Mrs. Weasley's Howler finally faded, a few students laughed, and the low hum of conversations resumed. Ron, still hiding under the table, looked thoroughly miserable. Harry felt a wave of guilt that made it impossible to eat, and Fred and George seemed equally downcast. They couldn't shake the worry that Mr. Weasley's job was now at risk due to their escapade.
Both twins wanted to vent, to scold Ron for acting impulsively, for not thinking of the consequences. But in the end, they just sighed, knowing it was too late to change anything now.
Kyle observed their expressions and asked, "You're worried about Mr. Weasley, aren't you?"
Fred and George nodded. Of course, they weren't fretting about Ron.
"I think I might have an idea that could help Mr. Weasley get through this review unscathed," Kyle said after a moment's thought.
Fred's face lit up with an almost servile smile. "Oh, Mr. Kyle, I knew you'd have a solution." He looked more like a lackey than Crabbe or Goyle.
George eagerly assembled a bacon and egg sandwich and placed it on Kyle's plate. Ron emerged from under the table, and Harry and Hermione leaned in to listen.
"It's quite simple, really," Kyle explained. "You just have to shift the focus of the story." He turned to Harry. "I heard you couldn't get onto the platform, so that's why you took the car to school, right?"
"Yes, that's right," Harry nodded. He still didn't understand why the normally accessible entrance to Platform Nine and Three-Quarters had turned into a solid wall when they'd tried to pass through.
"So, Kyle, you're saying the real issue is the blocked platform?" Cedric asked, frowning.
"Exactly," Kyle confirmed.