A Certain Magical Hogwarts

On the last day of Christmas break, William and Hermione returned to Hogwarts.

This time, they avoided taking the boats or toads, for that matter. 

The traumatic experience from their last encounter had left a lasting impression, and they doubted they'd ever use that method of transportation ever again.

Instead, Nicolas Flamel used Apparition to drop them off in Hogsmeade, where they caught thestral-drawn carriages back to Hogwarts.

This was wizarding travel done right: safe and efficient.

Once back at school, William and Hermione parted ways, heading to their respective common rooms to rest.

However, the common rooms were deserted. The rest of the students wouldn't arrive until the evening train from London.

With nothing better to do, William decided to visit the Gryffindor common room, where he found the Weasley twins.

The three of them settled into the empty room, and Fred eagerly pulled William aside to ask about the incident in the Slytherin common room.

On the day of the holiday break, many students had witnessed William and Hermione beneath the Black Lake. By now, the story had spread like wildfire, sparking rumors.

The twins were particularly interested. They had been inspired and were planning their own "Flood the Slytherins" prank.

They planned to sneak into the Slytherin common room and blast the water pipes in their bathroom.

Unfortunately, their plans had been thwarted three times by Percy, who reported them to Snape. 

As a result, the twins had been locked up by Snape for several days.

Now, they were refusing to speak to Percy altogether.

William explained the events of that day in detail.

"So, we can't go near the Black Lake anymore?" Fred sighed. "Those merfolk are way too vindictive."

"No worries. As long as we engage with them in fair trade, we'll be fine," William said, leaning back in his chair.

"Mr. Scamander taught me some excellent methods to improve relations with the merfolk.

"But it'll take time to build trust. For now, I suggest staying away from the lake—especially Cedric. He's their number one enemy."

To be fair, all three of them had been dragged into trouble because of Cedric.

William threw a badge to both Fred and George, "These are the latest product I made, warming badges."

The twins pinned them to their chests and activated them with a bit of magic, immediately feeling a wave of warmth.

"This is amazing!" Fred exclaimed, his eyes lighting up with excitement. "This could be a massive hit.

"We could sell them not just in school but also in Diagon Alley!"

Previously, the twins' most advanced product had been the Marauder's Map—a high-tech creation difficult for others to replicate. However, its customer base was limited to students and parents.

The warming badge, on the other hand, had far broader appeal.

"Could it be copied?" George asked worriedly.

He feared that once the badges hit the market, knockoffs would quickly appear.

"Not likely. The core of the badge contains an alchemical nucleus engraved with ancient magical runes.

"Surrounding the core are layers of protective enchantments, many of which are obscure spells created by Nicolas himself.

"Not only is it hard to crack, but any attempt to forcibly open it would cause the badge to self-destruct."

In the wizarding world, there were no warranties or patents to rely on. Protection depended solely on the strength of a wizard's magic.

With William's assurance, George and Fred felt more confident.

The three of them quickly discussed pricing and sales strategies.

"By the way, the hallucinogenic mushrooms in the Forbidden Forest are ready to harvest," Fred said.

Hallucinogenic mushrooms were an extremely rare magical ingredient and a crucial component of Felix Felicis.

They were as valuable as gold. Rather than buying them in Diagon Alley at exorbitant prices, the group planned to pick them themselves in the Forbidden Forest.

"Sounds good. Let's wait for Cedric to arrive, and the four of us can go together," William suggested.

As they were chatting, the door to the common room suddenly opened, and Harry and Ron entered through the passageway.

"William! You're here? We looked all over the library for you," Harry said, surprised.

"What's up?"

"We ran into Hermione just now," Ron said, clearly envious. "She had one of those badges. Can we buy some too?"

"Of course, dear brother," Fred said with a wicked grin. "But do you have enough money?"

George added with a smirk, "A badge costs at least five Galleons. Since you're our first customers, we'll give you a special discount, that'll be four Galleons each."

The price wasn't outrageous—fake wands on the market sold for five Galleons, and William's badge was a genuine alchemical product.

Ron mumbled something under his breath, clearly unable to afford it. He had assumed the badges would cost only a few Sickles.

"I'll cover Ron's," Harry said generously, pulling Galleons from his pocket. "But this will have to count as his birthday present this year."

Ron's birthday was on March 1, just a couple of months away. As a birthday gift, it was reasonable enough.

However, most children gave inexpensive gifts. For instance, Ron had given Hermione a quill for Christmas, equivalent to gifting an unsharpened pencil.

Compared to such modest presents, the warming badge was extravagantly priced.

Ron's cheeks reddened as he nodded. "Fine. I'll repay you on your birthday, Harry!"

The twins exchanged incredulous looks, their expressions practically shouting, Seriously?

William placed a bag on the table, and Fred deftly pulled out a handful of badges.

Harry and Ron carefully picked through them, ultimately choosing badges with Gryffindor lion designs.

They pinned them on their, and a wave of warmth enveloped them.

"This is great!" Ron said happily. "Now I don't have to wear Mum's thick sweater–t's too bulky to move around in."

Every boy has a streak of vanity.

In his previous life, William often wore thin jackets during freezing winters, shivering like a dog just to maintain a stylish appearance. 

Looking back, he thought, What a fool.

William unpacked an assortment of candies and invited everyone to help themselves.

Fred chuckled. "William, are these from your Christmas stash? Don't mind if we do!"

Last year, William had shared a pile of chocolate with the twins, who knew he often received more sweets than he could possibly eat.

"So, William, did you ask him?" Harry leaned forward eagerly, his voice low.

"That thing… was it the Philosopher's Stone?"

He had tried asking Hermione earlier, but she had just shrugged it off and returned to her room.

"Yes, it was," William nodded. "Nicolas said Professor Dumbledore borrowed it."

He omitted the part about the stone having lost its magic, as Nicolas had instructed him not to share that detail.

This was part of Dumbledore's plan.

"I knew it!" Harry muttered, deep in thought. "We need to protect the Philosopher's Stone!

"Quirrell unleashed that troll on Halloween—he must be trying to steal it!"

William gave Harry a curious look.

"Harry, don't forget that Professor Dumbledore is at Hogwarts. No one can steal the stone from under his nose.

"Unless… you think it'd be safer in your hands?"

"N-no, that's not what I meant," Harry stammered, shaking his head quickly.

William's point was valid. As long as Dumbledore was at the school, there was no need for him to worry.

Relaxing at last, Harry reached for some candy, while Ron grabbed the largest chocolate cake to make up for his earlier disappointment.

Harry unwrapped a chocolate frog and bit into it with a satisfied crunch.

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