"Wait, you can also brew others pet tonics?" Cedric's eyes lit up at Kyle's revelation. "Then could I leave my owl's tonic to you in the future?"
"Of course," Kyle replied, glancing at the gray wood owl perched on the shelf. "But owls need more complex tonics than rats. I'd have to charge nine Sickles. And don't say it's too expensive—that's the market price. My recipe comes straight from Newt, and the tonic is much better than what you'd find in Diagon Alley. It's definitely worth it."
"Hmmm..." Cedric nodded thoughtfully. It was true that in Diagon Alley, even the cheapest owl tonic cost around nine Sickles, with higher-quality ones reaching a Galleon. If Kyle's tonic was really based on a recipe from Scamander, it was certainly a fair price.
But still...
"Can't you make it a bit cheaper?" Cedric asked, a little sheepishly. "We're friends, right? There's got to be a discount."
Truth be told, Cedric really wanted to buy several bottles right away, but as a second-year student with limited pocket money, he was strapped for cash. While Hogwarts covered room and board, the cost of school supplies like quills, ink, and parchment added up. Throw in personal expenses, and there wasn't much left by the end of each term. Sure, he could scrimp and save, but no one wanted to be known as the cheapskate.
Facing Cedric's hopeful gaze, Kyle rubbed his chin, pretending to think. "Well, you're right. We're friends, so I can't exactly charge you the full market price."
Cedric's eyes sparkled with anticipation. "Right?"
"Tell you what..." Kyle paused dramatically, holding up one finger. "You only have to pay this much."
"One Sickle?" Cedric asked, eyes wide with hope.
Kyle shook his head. "No, one Galleon."
"..."
Cedric's smile froze, and his tone became incredulous. "One Galleon?! Is that supposed to be a discount?"
"Yep, a 20% discount," Kyle said, completely serious. "Think about it—apart from those rich Slytherin kids, who else at Hogwarts is willing to pay Galleons for owl tonic? My market's small, Cedric. Now that I've got a loyal customer, I'm sure to rake in some real profit."
Cedric stared at Kyle, dumbfounded. His eye twitched as he tried to process the sheer audacity of the situation. How could Kyle be so shameless? And say it so boldly, with justification? Did he even have a moral compass as a wizard?
Cedric was trembling with frustration. He took a deep breath and said through gritted teeth, "Kyle, you'll end up in Azkaban someday."
"I hope so," Kyle replied, completely unfazed, raising an eyebrow. "So, do you still want the owl tonic?"
"Yes..." Cedric muttered, nearly choking on the word.
Just as he was about to pull out the money, the carriage door slid open once more.
A small figure entered the compartment nervously—a very pretty young girl with brown hair tied into two pigtails. Her round face still had a touch of baby fat, and she looked like a fellow first-year student.
Kyle and Cedric exchanged glances.
Is she here to see you? Cedric's expression seemed to ask.
I don't know her! Kyle's look answered back.
Without saying a word, they somehow managed to communicate perfectly, as their thoughts mirrored one another.
After catching on to Cedric's teasing look, Kyle turned his attention back to the girl and asked doubtfully, "Did she get on the wrong train?"
The girl seemed nervous, visibly shrinking back at the question. For a moment, it looked like she was about to run off, but she held her ground, shaking her head. "No, I didn't get on the wrong train. I... I was looking for you."
"For me?" Kyle was even more confused now. He was sure he had never met the girl before. Ignoring Cedric's growing amusement, Kyle asked, "What do you need me for?"
He took a closer look at her, still trying to figure out if there was any chance he knew her. She didn't resemble anyone from his family, especially not Chris, so he quickly ruled out any wild ideas—like suddenly discovering he had a younger sister he didn't know about.
The girl's voice was soft and hesitant. "I overheard your conversation in the hallway just now…"
Her cheeks flushed as she hurriedly continued, "I didn't mean to eavesdrop! It was an accident—the red-haired senior forgot to close the door."
Kyle waved it off. "It's fine. Go on."
The Hogwarts Express wasn't exactly known for its soundproofing. Even if the door had been closed, you could still hear the noise from the corridor, and they hadn't been particularly quiet when Percy had shown up. It wasn't surprising at all that someone might overhear them.
The girl sighed in relief, then reached into her pocket and pulled out a large, gray rat.
Kyle blinked, feeling a sudden sense of déjà vu. Didn't I just see this happen? It was exactly how Percy had pulled out Scabbers a few minutes ago. The same movement, and even the same species of rat.
Is this déjà vu, or am I stuck in a loop? he wondered, his thoughts spinning as he instinctively inspected the rat to make sure it wasn't another Animagus. Thankfully, it had all its paws and seemed like a regular rat, so he relaxed.
Kyle mentally shook himself. Not every rat is an illegal Animagus like Peter Pettigrew, he reminded himself. There's only one lunatic like him.
After calming down, Kyle had a pretty good idea of why the girl had come. He tentatively asked, "So, you're looking to buy some rat tonic from me?"
The girl's face lit up with hope as she nodded. Her large, watery eyes looked at Kyle expectantly. "I've tried all kinds of remedies from Diagon Alley, but... none of them seem to work."
"Of course, I can help with that," Kyle said, flashing a friendly smile now that he realized she was a potential customer. "Just give me a second."
He turned to rummage through his bag for the tonic. "By the way, I'm Kyle Chopper, first year. You can call me Kyle."
"K... Kanna," the girl stammered softly, her round face flushing slightly. "Kanna Prince."
-------
In the wizarding world, mice are the cheapest of the designated pets at Hogwarts, so they naturally attract a wide range of young witches and wizards. However, most people opted for more charming varieties, like hamsters with their soft, beautiful fur and friendly temperaments, or black mice, known for their longer lifespan, and the white mice, which gave off a clean, pristine look.
But Kyle had never encountered anyone like this girl before—someone who favored a plain, common field mouse. What made it more puzzling was that she didn't appear to be short of money. After spending eleven years in the magical world, Kyle had learned to pick up on subtle details. The girl's clothes, while not flashy, were made from exceptionally fine fabrics, with intricate workmanship. The subtle but recognizable pattern on her cuff marked them as being from a extraordinary wizard wear shop, where even the simplest item started at twenty Galleons. It was far more expensive than Madame Malkin's, where most students shopped for their robes.
Clearly, this girl had no need for a "cheap" pet, yet here she was, devoted to her little field mouse. No wonder she's come to find me, Kyle thought, amused by the contrast.
The rat tonics from Diagon Alley were little more than glorified sugar water—essentially wizarding energy drinks for pets. They might give a small boost, but they weren't reliable for treating any real health problems. Considering her likely wealth, Kyle could only conclude that she had a genuine affection for her pet mouse. Her taste in pets is a bit unusual, he mused, though he kept his expression neutral.
After all, Kyle had seen much stranger things. The wizarding world was home to wizards who loved creatures far more terrifying than mice. For instance, some wizards favored enormous eight-eyed spiders—Acromantulas—that could grow to a horrifying size. Kyle had seen one of those creatures in Newt's trunk once, and it had nearly traumatized him. The thing was a walking nightmare, and it took Kyle a year to get over the shock enough to venture back into Newt's magical menagerie.
In comparison, it seemed perfectly reasonable for a young witch to be fond of a simple field mouse. As eccentric as her choice was, it paled next to the scarier creatures some wizards adored.
...
Kyle quickly retrieved a thumb-sized bottle from his suitcase and handed it over. "This one's on the house. If it works, come back for more, but I'll have to charge you then. It might be a bit pricey—one Sickle—but trust me, it's worth it."
"Thank you." Kanna took the bottle, but instead of leaving, she lingered, staring at the bottle in her hand and then back at Kyle, her face full of conflict.
Kyle raised an eyebrow, thinking she might be dissatisfied with the amount. "What's the matter? Do you think it's not enough?" he asked, explaining, "I'm not being stingy—it's just that we need to test it first. You only need two or three drops at a time, so this small bottle should last you about a month."
"No, that's not it," Kanna quickly replied, shaking her head. She hesitated for a moment, then, under Kyle and Cedric's curious gazes, whispered, "It's just... I wanted the red kind."
"The red kind?" Kyle repeated, puzzled.
At that moment, Cedric, who had been silently observing, realized what Kanna meant. The rat tonic in her hand was a cloudy orange-yellow, a little like mashed orange pudding, while the one Kyle had given Percy earlier had been a clear, brilliant red. It was the same tonic, but the difference in appearance was obvious—anyone could tell that the red one looked far superior.
Cedric's expression shifted as he glanced at Kyle, his suspicions confirmed. Typical Kyle, he thought, cutting corners like that. He'll definitely end up in Azkaban one day.
Meanwhile, Kanna seemed to come to a decision. She nervously reached into her small handbag and pulled out an ornate pouch. With a soft clink, a pile of gold Galleons tumbled onto the table—33 in total, along with a few Sickles.
Cedric's eyes widened in disbelief. He barely had ten Galleons to last him the entire term, and this girl casually dumped out three times that amount! His stomach churned with envy, though he tried to suppress it. After all, Cedric wasn't the type to obsess over money.
But Kanna's next move made it impossible for him to stay calm.
"Is that all I have?" Kanna murmured, looking disappointed as she bit her lip. "It's okay, I can always get more from Gringotts. As long as it helps keep Pocky alive a little longer, no amount of Galleons is too much."
No amount of Galleons is too much?! Cedric's jaw nearly dropped. Hearing such words from a first-year student felt surreal. Was this normal for someone from Slytherin? He was genuinely stunned by how casually she mentioned such a massive sum.
On the other hand, Kyle had no time to think about Cedric's reaction. His head was spinning as he looked at Kanna, who clearly believed in his supposed "miracle tonic." The real problem lay in her misunderstanding. Everyone knows rat tonic is supposed to be orange-yellow, he thought in frustration.
The bottle he had given Percy was different for a reason—it had been "spiked" with something special. A regular mouse would have probably keeled over if it drank from that bottle. But how could he explain that to Kanna without revealing the truth? She seemed to have taken Percy's words to heart, convinced that Kyle had some magical life-extending potion for rats.
Kyle was stuck. Unless he came clean about everything, there was no way he could explain why he didn't have the "red tonic" she was after.
"Well... Kanna, here's the thing," Kyle began, thinking quickly. "That special rat tonic—the red one—is actually too strong to be given directly. You need to strengthen the rat's constitution with regular tonic first before moving on to something like that."
Procrastinate, just procrastinate, Kyle thought. It was the only strategy he could think of for now. If he outright said he didn't have the red tonic or couldn't make it, there was a risk that Kanna might go looking for Newt Scamander herself. And with Newt being difficult to track down, but Dumbledore conveniently stationed at Hogwarts, things could spiral out of control. Everyone in the wizarding world knew how close Dumbledore and Newt were.
Given that Kanna was wearing high-end wizarding robes from Gladrags Wizardwear, there was no doubt she wasn't Muggle-born. If she went to Dumbledore with her request, she'd probably be able to meet Newt. That would open a can of worms Kyle wasn't prepared to deal with.
I really should have closed the door when Percy came, Kyle sighed inwardly.
Luckily, this wasn't an unsolvable problem. Kyle just needed to stall for time until the next Hogwarts holiday, when he could head to Dorset and visit Newt.
He recalled that Newt had once brewed a tonic for Murtlaps, magical creatures quite similar to field mice. Many of the mice sold in wizarding pet stores even carried traces of Murtlap blood, much like how cats and Kneazles shared a similar lineage. With a bit of dilution, the tonic could likely extend the lifespan of an ordinary mouse by a few years—enough to satisfy Kanna.
"I'll make sure to feed Pocky the tonic on time," Kanna replied, her expression full of trust and determination.
Kyle smiled reassuringly, trying to ease any lingering doubts. "Don't worry, everything will be fine." He reached into his bag and handed her a chocolate frog. "Here, have some chocolate—it'll make you feel better."
Kanna glanced at the chocolate frog, then quickly looked away, her hands clutching the hem of her robe nervously. She looked like a child receiving a gift at a holiday, clearly tempted but too shy to accept it.
"It's okay, take it," Kyle encouraged her with a laugh. "Consider it a little gift for meeting you. I hope we end up as classmates."
"Thank you..." Kanna whispered, blushing as she took the chocolate frog, though instead of eating it, she carefully tucked it away.
-------
Kanna soon left, and Kyle, ever principled, didn't touch the pile of Galleons on the table. Instead, he used a simple Floating Charm to return the money to Kanna's pocket as she walked away. Even though she seemed wealthy, Kyle had no intention of cheating an eleven-year-old out of her money. It was a matter of principle.
Well... at least wait until I get back from Dorset, he thought with a hint of humor.
Cedric, who had been watching the entire scene unfold, turned to Kyle with a look of mild disbelief. "Well, since I'm kind of your first customer, can I try the tonic?"
"What are you talking about? You're my friend, my brother, not a customer," Kyle responded seriously, waving off the suggestion with dramatic flair.
Cedric nodded, catching on quickly. "Mm-hm. So the trial tonic…"
"No, that's only for customers," Kyle cut in, smirking.
Cedric stared at him, his eye twitching. Really? This was the first time he'd seen someone treat acquaintances so differently while sounding completely justified. Kyle has no shame, does he? Cedric thought, feeling a wave of exhaustion.
Deciding to change the subject, Cedric brought up Hogwarts again, and soon enough, their conversation veered toward Quidditch. It was inevitable—both of them were passionate about it. But that's where the disagreement began. Kyle was a proud fan of the Wimbourne Wasps, while Cedric staunchly supported the Chudley Cannons.
Suddenly, the atmosphere shifted. The air between them grew tense, as they locked eyes, sparks of rivalry flying between them. Once a dispute over Quidditch teams started, neither side could afford to back down. They stared each other down for a good ten minutes, the temperature in the compartment seeming to drop with the tension.
Their standoff was abruptly interrupted by a sudden jolt, followed by an announcement. "The train will arrive at Hogwarts in five minutes. Please leave your luggage on the train, and it will be delivered to the school for you."
Kyle and Cedric broke eye contact at the same time, and without a word, began changing into their Hogwarts robes. Kyle glanced out the window. The sky had grown dark, and the cold he'd felt earlier now made sense. Thankfully, the rain had stopped.
The train slowed down and came to a halt. After a ten-hour journey, they had finally arrived. Kyle checked his robe and wand one last time before joining the crowd as they exited the train onto a small, dark platform.
The platform was run-down, overgrown with weeds. The sign was so faded that the words "Hogsmeade Station" were barely legible. Mud squelched beneath Kyle's feet as soon as he stepped off the train.
"Scourgify," Kyle muttered, cleaning his shoes with a wave of his wand as he moved to a relatively dry spot. Who would believe this run-down platform belongs to a thousand-year-old prestigious school? he thought with a smirk. If it weren't for Hogwarts' reputation and Dumbledore's name, no one would be impressed by this place.
In the crowd, Kyle noticed Kanna. The little girl stood shivering, her face pale and eyes wide with fear at the chaotic scene around her. As if sensing his gaze, Kanna turned and spotted Kyle. Her expression shifted to one of relief, and she stumbled toward him.
Kyle reached out just in time to catch her before she fell. Without a word, he took out his wand again and waved it over her robes.
"Scourgify," Kyle muttered as he cleaned the mud off Kanna's robes. She had been so panicked when running toward him that she hadn't noticed the puddles.
Once he finished, he gave her a reassuring smile and gently patted her shoulder. "Don't worry. It's safe here. Someone will come to pick us up soon."
Kanna nodded softly, still looking down, her nerves clearly not settled yet.
Just then, an oil lamp appeared above their heads, casting a dim but warm glow.
"First-year students! First-year students, come over here!" a booming voice called out.
It was Hagrid, towering over the small crowd of first-year wizards. His wild hair and large, unkempt beard gave him a rather intimidating appearance, causing a few of the younger wizards to start crying at the sight of him.
Kyle noticed Kanna wasn't crying, but she was clutching his arm with surprising strength—so much so that it hurt. He winced but refrained from pulling away, not wanting to upset her further.
Kyle grimaced through the discomfort, thinking, How is she so strong? She's only eleven!
Hagrid waved to the group, introducing himself. "My name's Rubeus Hagrid, Keeper of Keys at Hogwarts. First-years, follow me. Watch your step—I'll be takin' yeh to Hogwarts by boat."
Leading the way, Kyle gently guided Kanna through the crowd of nervous students, following the light that Hagrid carried. Slowly, the group of first-years stumbled along the narrow, steep path for about 20 minutes.
When they finally reached a bend in the path, Hagrid stopped, grinning widely as he turned to the group. "All right, yeh lot, we're almost there. Get ready—yeh about to see Hogwarts for the first time. It's the best view in the whole wizarding world!"
As they rounded the final bend, gasps of awe echoed through the group. Kanna, standing beside Kyle, stared ahead with wide eyes, her voice barely a whisper. "It's so beautiful…"
Before them lay the famous Black Lake, with the towering silhouette of Hogwarts Castle perched high on a hill on the opposite shore. The castle's many spires glowed softly under the light of the full moon, giving it the illusion of being suspended among the clouds. The windows sparkled like stars, casting a warm, inviting glow across the dark water. It was breathtaking, like something out of a dream.
Even Kyle was transfixed. For a brief moment, he wondered if the dilapidated state of Hogsmeade Station was intentional—designed to make the sight of Hogwarts all the more striking.
"Come on, new students, time to board the boats," Hagrid called, pointing to a fleet of small boats docked along the lake's shore. "Remember, no more than four to a boat."
Kyle and Kanna quickly climbed into the nearest boat, joined by two other first-year students they didn't know—a boy and a girl, both of whom were buzzing with excitement. The two kept chattering away about how they couldn't wait to write home about the experience.
"Is everyone on board?" Hagrid called, seated in a boat of his own, checking to make sure all the students were accounted for. "All right... off we go!"
With a gentle push, the boats glided smoothly across the lake, the water rippling in their wake. They floated past low cliffs, through ivy-draped rocks, and eventually into a dark tunnel carved beneath the castle itself.
Hello everyone, hope you're doing well!
This is the next novel I decided to translate. What do you think of my choice?
I know there are other translations out there, but honestly, translating novels from vast universes is very challenging. The amount of terminology, such as names, places, powers, and everything specific to that universe, makes it quite complex. While I've seen other translations that are good, I personally don't enjoy them as much due to the difficulty of translating those terms.
I always try to translate novels that no active translator is working on, so I don't interfere with any ongoing projects. Since there haven't been any significant updates in the last two months and this is a novel that piqued my interest, I decided to translate it even without an official statement from the current translator about dropping it. I hope that's alright with everyone.
As for the story, I think it's grounded and fun. It tries to follow the logic of the Harry Potter universe while adding some creative touches that I believe don't stray too far from the original logic. I really like the characters and hope you do too.
Lastly, if you enjoy the story and the translation, I'd really appreciate it if you could help spread the word by giving power stones and reviews so more people can find out about this translation!
At the moment, I'm still finishing up the translation of another novel, so for now, I plan to release two chapters a day. It might be more if possible, but never less.
Thank you for your attention, and I hope you enjoy the story!
BlurryPinkSnakecreators' thoughts
Chapter 16: If You Can't Beat Them, Join Them
-------
Kyle had always been curious about how the boats transporting first-year students across the Black Lake actually worked. He had assumed it was magic, but now he wasn't so sure. Despite observing the boats closely for a long time, he hadn't detected any obvious magical traces.
What puzzled him even more was Hagrid's boat. Despite the half-giant's massive size, his boat floated just as effortlessly as the ones carrying four much lighter first-years. That was clearly abnormal.
Maybe there's more advanced or concealed magic at play, Kyle thought, or perhaps these boats are alchemical objects. But deep down, he was beginning to suspect that something might be supporting the boats from beneath the surface of the lake.
Could it be that giant squid? Kyle wondered, leaning over the side of the boat to peer into the water. Unfortunately, the visibility was too poor in the dark, moonlit lake to see anything below the surface. All he could make out was his own reflection.
...
Soon, the boat exited the tunnel and docked at what appeared to be an underground pier. One by one, the students disembarked and followed Hagrid up a cobblestone path. They eventually arrived at a flat, damp meadow beneath the looming silhouette of Hogwarts Castle. From there, they made their way up a flight of stone steps to a massive oak door.
"Welcome to Hogwarts," Hagrid said, before pounding on the door with his huge fist.
The door creaked open to reveal a tall, stern-looking witch in a green robe, her black hair pulled back in a tight bun. Professor McGonagall had an air about her that immediately commanded respect, much like a strict homeroom teacher suddenly appearing in the back of the classroom. The chatter among the first-year students fell into an instant hush.
Even Hagrid straightened up a bit as he spoke. "The first-year students have arrived, Professor McGonagall."
"Thank you, Hagrid. I'll take it from here," she replied curtly, glancing over the group of new students before leading them into the castle.
As they stepped inside, the warmth of the torches lining the stone walls enveloped them, melting away the cold they'd felt outside. The flickering light cast long shadows, adding to the castle's sense of grandeur. To their right, Kyle could hear the low hum of voices coming from behind a closed door, clearly the sound of the older students waiting in the Great Hall.
However, Professor McGonagall didn't lead them into the Great Hall just yet. Instead, she guided the group into an empty chamber at the other end of the hall.
"First, welcome to Hogwarts," she began, her voice precise and commanding. As the first-year students gazed around in awe, Professor McGonagall delivered her well-practiced speech. "The feast will begin shortly, but before you take your seats in the Great Hall, we must first determine which House you will join. House divisions are an important ritual, as your House will serve as your family here at Hogwarts for the duration of your stay..."
Even though Kyle already knew everything she was about to say, he listened attentively. After all, he was standing in the front row, right under Professor McGonagall's watchful eye. Daydreaming now could mean trouble later, and Kyle had no intention of making his Hogwarts experience difficult. Plus, this was a famous moment in wizarding life, a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and Kyle didn't want to miss a single detail.
Professor McGonagall moved on to explain the House Cup and then introduced the four Houses: Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and Slytherin. Or, as Kyle humorously thought of them, the brave, the hearty, the brainy, and the purebloods.
Around him, the other first-year students listened eagerly, their eyes gleaming with anticipation. Some even sneaked glances toward the direction of the Great Hall, clearly itching to rush inside and experience the Sorting for themselves. It was obvious that this was the moment they had all been waiting for, the one that would define their next seven years at Hogwarts.
...
"In a few minutes, the ceremony will begin in front of the entire school. I suggest you tidy yourselves up while you wait so that you look presentable," Professor McGonagall advised, giving the group of first-years a final glance. "Please be quiet while you wait."
The moment Professor McGonagall left the room, however, it was as though her words had flipped a switch. The silence was quickly replaced by a buzz of chatter as the students huddled together, all eager to speculate on what the Sorting Ceremony would involve.
"How are we going to be sorted? Do we get to choose our own house?" a young witch asked nervously, voicing the question on everyone's mind.
"I bet it's some kind of test," a Muggle-born girl chimed in confidently. "I almost got into a Middle School when I received my Hogwarts letter, but I decided to come here instead… I mean, Professor McGonagall convinced my mum that Hogwarts was better."
She was clearly trying to impress, but her story didn't have the intended effect. Most of the students were too focused on the impending Sorting Ceremony to care about her mention of "Middle School," which left a few of them puzzled.
"I think the heads of the houses choose us," said another student with conviction. "At Ilvermorny, they use statues to pick students. My father is friends with someone in the Department of International Magical Cooperation at the Ministry of Magic, and he told me all about it."
This Bragger Dad's story was much more convincing, and he immediately attracted a crowd of followers and basked in their attention. He continued to brag about his father as if he were the Minister of Magic himself.
Kyle, standing off to the side, suddenly felt a tug on his sleeve. He turned to find Kanna looking up at him, her face filled with worry.
"Kyle, is it really the headmaster who chooses?" Kanna asked anxiously, her voice trembling. "What if no house wants me? Will I be expelled?"
Kyle smiled, trying to reassure her. "Don't worry, there's no way that'll happen. Think about it—Hogwarts and Ilvermorny are completely different schools. They wouldn't use the same sorting method. That'd be way too boring."
Kanna exhaled a sigh of relief, but she still looked a little unsure. "So… do you know how we're sorted?"
Kyle hesitated for a moment, then leaned in and whispered with a mischievous glint in his eyes, "Well… the professor hits each student with an Avada Kedavra spell. The ones who survive get to enroll. Don't worry—you'll be fine."
Kanna's eyes widened in horror, but before she could react, a ghost drifted through the room, floating eerily past them.
Kyle, acting as if everything was perfectly normal, waved casually. "Hello there, senior! We're about to be sorted. Wish us luck!"
The ghost, though clearly baffled by Kyle's greeting, gave a nod before continuing to glide away.
Seeing the ghost respond so casually, the light drained from Kanna's eyes, and she stood frozen, looking utterly defeated.