Chapter 451: Bill and Charlie
For the next few days, Kyle stayed home in St. Catchpole Village, rarely venturing out. He usually spent his time doing homework or working in the attic with Fred and George, helping them make the little props they'd use for pranks. Occasionally, Cedric would drop by as well.
Not only was Chris busy, but Mr. Weasley and Mr. Diggory had also been tied up with work. Fred and George had plenty to say about this, complaining that they now had to wake up two hours earlier every morning for breakfast.
"Percy seems quite pleased with all this," Fred remarked as he fiddled with a newly crafted firework in the attic. "I think he'd be happy to live at the Ministry full-time."
George nodded. "He's started working in the Department for International Magical Cooperation. Just make sure not to mention anything about 'foreign countries' unless you want a never-ending lecture."
"Does he discuss work with you at home too?" Cedric asked, intrigued. "I think that'd be kind of interesting." Cedric's father rarely talked about work—except when he'd had too much to drink. So Cedric usually learned things about his father's job only in those half-asleep moments.
"Work? Hardly," Fred said, rolling his eyes. "I doubt the Ministry would let someone who's just started out handle International Magical Affairs."
"And they're not interested in the bottom of a cauldron either," George added with a laugh. "I never realized how much Percy's been obsessing over potions."
"The bottom of a cauldron?" Cedric asked, puzzled.
"Percy's fixated on this lately," George explained with a shrug. "Apparently, he's organizing some exhibition of thick-bottomed cauldrons and is busy picking out the right pieces for it."