Harry Potter and the Hidden Treasure (Volume 3)

Chapter 443 Dinner And Performance

"What are you working on?" Harry inquired.

"A report for the Department of International Magical Cooperation," Percy stated smugly. "We are trying to standardize the thickness of cauldrons. Some of these foreign imports are barely too thin. Leaks have been increasing at a rate of nearly three percent per year..."

"It's incredible! This report will change the world," Ron sarcastically remarked. "Imagine, The Prophet will headline: Cauldron leaks."

Upon hearing this, Percy blushed slightly.

"You can mock, Ron," he said hotly, "but unless some form of international law is enforced, we might well find ourselves flooded with flimsy, shallow-bottomed products that seriously endanger..."

"Yes, of course," Ron impatiently said, and ascended the stairs again.

Behind them, Percy slammed shut his bedroom door.

Like everyone else, Evan had little interest in Percy's report on "cauldron leaks."

He was thinking that perhaps he could hear from Percy about the status of his boss, Mr. Barty Crouch.

Evan did not expect Percy to notice anything unusual, but it would be sufficient if he could quickly pick up some clues.

If Voldemort wanted to save his most loyal servant, then Barty Crouch was a step that could not be overlooked.

But considering Percy's character, Evan doubted he would help.

He probably now wished that Crouch would give him all the power to prove his ability.

Behind Ron, Evan climbed three more flights of stairs and could still hear the shouts coming from the kitchen below.

The voices were loud, and it seemed as if Mr. Weasley had told his wife about the misshapen sweets.

These voices pulled Evan's thoughts back to reality, setting aside Voldemort and Barty Crouch Jr.

It was a serious matter to calm down the enraged Hermione.

Pushing the door open and entering, Ron's room did not seem any different from before.

The same posters of Ron's favorite Quidditch team, the Chudley Cannons, swirled and waved on the walls and the sloping ceiling.

There was still the fish tank on the windowsill, which had once held tadpoles, now containing an extremely large frog.

Ron's old rat, Scabbers, was gone, replaced by the small gray owl Sirius had given him.

It was hopping up and down in a small cage, hooting wildly.

"Shut up, you pest!" Ron said, making his way through two of the five beds crammed into the room.

"Fred and George are here with us, because Bill and Charlie are in their room," he told Evan and Harry. "Percy has his room to himself because he has to work."

"Does Percy enjoy his job, then?" Harry sat on a bed.

He looked up and watched the Chudley Cannons buzzing in and out of the posters on the ceiling.

"Enjoy it?!" Ron said gloomily. "I don't think he'll come home if Dad doesn't force him. He's obsessed. Just don't get him started talking about his boss. According to Mr. Crouch... as I was telling Mr. Crouch... Mr. Crouch thinks... Mr. Crouch was saying to me... They'll announce his engagement any moment now."

"Stop talking about Percy, Evan, how was your vacation?" Ginny asked. "Your sudden disappearance at the end of last term worried me. The school was full of rumors about your severe injuries."

"Don't worry, I'm fine now..."

"On this note, the three of us were going crazy!" Ron added. "After you left with Sirius, we all knew you were at risk, and we took turns asking for information about it!"

Evan knew Ron wanted to hear about his experience during the summer holidays and if he acquired the Philosopher's Stone.

However, it was clearly imprudent to discuss these matters in front of Ginny.

Whether it was the Philosopher's Stone left by Gryffindor, the fallen centaurs, Voldemort, or the evil god, it was not proper for others to know.

Evan had to keep it a secret. He hadnt even told Harry, only Hermione.

"You know, I went to France during the holidays. Dumbledore took us to Beauxbatons Academy of Magic to find his old friend Nicolas Flamel. He helped me solve all the problems," Evan briefly stated.

Then, he began to recount to Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Ginny his experiences in France.

This sounds incredible, I would love to take a glimpse at Beauxbatons! Ron said enviously. It's truly an unforgettable adventure. The location of all magical schools is confidential. It's rare for outsiders to have the opportunity to enter.

As long as I'm not with Muggles, I can go wherever I please! sighed Harry, continuing, Before the World Cup, I want to see Sirius, but I'm unsure of his situation now.

My dad mentioned we would go see him tomorrow," Ron added, as if recalling something. By the way, Evan, the magic left by Gryffindor

I believe they have ceased their discussion, Hermione abruptly stood up.

She noticed Ginny looking curiously from Ron to Evan.

Apparently, she reflected on what Ron had said, about what Gryffindor had left behind!

To cloak the awkward moment, Hermione hastily suggested, Shall we go down and assist your mother with dinner?

Certainly, Ginny nodded.

The five exited the room in succession, with Evan intentionally lingering behind, gently taking Hermione's arm.

Hermione, I wish to speak with you Evan locked eyes with Hermione. regarding the Astonishing Charms of Weasley.

Hermione glanced at Evan briefly, then seeing his unwavering gaze, sheepishly looked down.

We truly must discuss the handling of the newspaper profits and your assistance in Fred and George's research, Hermione attempted to maintain a composed tone. Whatever you have to say, save it for tonight, I want to see your performance before considering forgiveness!

Evan was dumbfounded, unsure of Hermione's intentions.

Hermione was clearly displeased at that moment. How should he behave to appease her?

As everyone descended back to the ground floor, they found Mrs. Weasley alone in the kitchen, appearing extremely agitated.

She glanced at Evan, still upset over the Astonishing Charms of Weasley.

Well, we'll have our meal outside in the garden! she declared. There's simply not enough space here for twelve. Girls, can you give me a hand? You three, grab these plates, knives, and forks.