A group of students passed by, clearly searching for Cedric. What was encouraging was the understanding displayed by the students in the house. They recognized that the individual they sought was engaged in a conversation of apparent importance—they'd wait, interrupt, but not intrude.
"Then I can propose that you collaborate with the Weasley twins."
"I'd prefer not to reveal my involvement, in principle. And why the Weasleys?"
"They produce a variety of crafts and potions, primarily of a humorous nature. No one would be surprised if they also sold warming pendants—for a small percentage."
"And what about guarantees of a fair deal?"
"Reputation, Hector," Cedric smiled. "The same old reputation. They've aspired to open their own shop of magical jokes since their second year, and they work harder than half of our house towards this goal, despite being Gryffindors."
"You seem to know quite a bit about them."
"We're neighbors. I've known them since childhood. They come from a large, impoverished family, and failure would mean a genuine collapse of their plans, with no possibility of recovery."
"I understand, but still—for now, I don't wish to draw unnecessary attention to myself."
"I comprehend," Cedric nodded. "Well then… Allow me to sign a contract with them for supplies, without specifying the manufacturer. But the percentage, you understand."
"How much?"
"They'll likely agree to fifteen percent, and I'll take five for mediation. It's preferable to sell at two and a half Galleons—this is a reasonable price for everyone. However, it's worth considering that twenty individuals may not purchase simply 'because.' There are approximately two hundred and eighty students currently enrolled—mostly in their senior years—but the situation will improve over time. The estimated revenue will be around six hundred and twenty-five Galleons… and minus interest… approximately five hundred, but it's prudent to anticipate a slightly lower figure."
"I believe that'll be satisfactory."
Trust is a peculiar phenomenon. One moment it exists, and the next, it vanishes. We shall see how this act of trust in the prefect and the Weasley twins—whom I've yet to meet personally—will unfold. If anything goes awry, I still possess funds leftover from what my parents provided me. However, this serves as a reserve for unforeseen circumstances. We shall see if it's worthwhile to collaborate with these individuals. And to assure you of my seriousness…
"Is there a bag with an invisible expansion?"
"Hmm? Wait," Cedric appeared surprised. "You've already created them? For all of them?"
"No, approximately one hundred and fifty."
"And you'll simply give them to me, without even receiving a contract?"
"What if you were to abandon me? We still have two years of study together before your graduation."
"Ho-oh, you know," Cedric smiled more genuinely than usual. "Let's proceed."
We made our way to the boys' dormitory, and my gaze, as always, passed over those infernal round doors with slight displeasure. Oh well, that'll soon pass. Upon reaching Cedric and his classmates' room, we entered. What can I say—exemplary order, yet there were elements that stood out from the usual scene. A very plush carpet covered nearly the entire area of the room, and at the entrance, there was a special rug that magically removed dirt and dust from one's shoes upon stepping over it. A large bookcase occupied one corner, and beneath the windows, a multitude of shelves were affixed, displaying pots filled with a variety of plants—some quite exotic, as if from another world.
"Here, hand it over…"
While I surveyed the room, Cedric retrieved a bag with an invisible expansion from his belongings and approached me, holding it open. I nodded and removed my backpack, unzipping it immediately. With a wave of my wand, I made the talisman pendants float out one by one from my backpack and disappear into Cedric's bag.
"Do you practice non-verbal household charms? Wise."
"I thought you'd exclaim something like, 'Oh, mighty Merlin!'"
"Ha-ha-ha, no, I shall refrain from such exclamations," Cedric appeared genuinely pleased, and the pendants continued to fly into the bag. "I have a second cousin who refused to attend school altogether; being pure-blood, he could afford to do so without consequences. However, he didn't study either. When he reached about twenty, he realized he had no more money and couldn't adequately provide for himself. In two years, he learned everything he could find."
"To be a wizard and not learn magic?"
"To be an ordinary person and not study to become an engineer or an astrophysicist—or whatever they call it now… a programmer?"
"Where did you acquire this information?"
I had exhausted the pendants in my backpack.
"One hundred twenty-six and one in your hands," I stated, indicating the number of samples I'd produced.
"Understood," Cedric tightened the neck of the bag and placed it by his bed. "So, computers have been in use for about fifty years now."
We began to return to the common room.
"It was amusing to visit the museum and observe the first relatively compact examples that could fit inside a building, rather than taking up an entire room. Now, I've heard, they're producing quite small devices that can be placed on a table."
"Well, in a sense."
"And the profession is becoming increasingly popular… Programmer, I believe; I'm still uncertain, as I'm not an expert in conventional technologies."
We entered the common room.
"Trust me, Cedric, you already possess more knowledge about Muggle technology than some Muggles."
"There's nothing surprising about that. We live near a small town—merely a couple of kilometers away. I used to run there frequently—magazines, books, the library, television… though it was black and white. Why, by the way, must one pay for color television?"
"Are you inquiring of me? I have no idea. However, one cannot watch color television without a license. Fines and such…"
"Ah, I see. Extracting money from everything he contests. Very well," we were nearing his companions. "I'll discuss your proposal and inform you of the results."
"Thank you."
"There's no need for gratitude at this moment."
Cedric returned to the sofa with his peers, and I glanced at our corner, where we were already gathering for our own purposes. It wasn't empty.
"Hey, everyone," I waved to Justin and Ernie. "How are you? Working on homework?"
"Yes, come join us."
Indeed, the homework should be completed. After all, tomorrow… Tomorrow promises to be a demanding day. In truth, I've resolved all the primary issues this week, and all that remains is to receive my first paycheck, order the necessary ingredients, and begin attending additional Potions classes—if Daphne can persuade Snape to allow it. Cedric's still working on the flight training schedule. He believes it'd be beneficial to ascertain how the school administration will allocate time for house training directly on the Quidditch pitch before proceeding, but for now, we'll continue flying in the mornings.
It appears that the group and I will be practicing Charms and spells twice a week, which should suffice for my needs. It seems I've indeed managed to organize my schedule effectively.
"Hector, don't doze off," Justin nudged my shoulder. "The Potions report won't write itself."
Indeed.