Ron knew Kael was popular at school, but he never thought he was actually... friends with that annoying Malfoy?
This was hard for Ron to accept.
Kael glanced at Ron and guessed his thoughts but didn't care at all.
The conflict between Malfoy and the three had nothing to do with a Hufflepuff like him. Besides, his mother Diana graduated from Slytherin, so why should he be hostile?
Kael glanced at Ron and said casually, "What's so strange about that? Salazar Slytherin and Godric Gryffindor were also friends, and close ones at that, just like you and Potter.
So, if Potter had been sorted into Slytherin, would you not talk to him?"
"Of course not!" Ron said hurriedly, "But that's two different things..."
"That's just your point of view." Kael said somewhat impatiently, frowning, "Don't forget I'm a Hufflepuff. We get along well with every house.
Oh, and one more thing... your new wand was half sponsored by a Slytherin. If you can't accept that, I can write to Mrs. Weasley and help you get Charlie's old wand."
Ron's mouth twitched slightly. He felt that Kael was wrong, but didn't know how to refute it.
Because Hufflepuff indeed got along well with every house, even Ravenclaw, who once gave them a cold shoulder for half a month after being beaten to zero in a match, eventually made up with them.
As for the wand, that's a no-brainer. It was the only new thing he had, and there was no way he was going to exchange it.
Kael finished talking and didn't look at Ron again but left with Conna towards the Hufflepuff common room, incidentally saying to Hagrid:
"Hagrid, we're leaving first, see you later."
"Go on, this year's feast will not disappoint you." Hagrid said with a smile, then he turned to look at Harry, "Sorry, I must go too. Professor McGonagall is still waiting for me to fix the last Christmas tree."
After the three left, Ron took a long breath and said self-deprecatingly, "Was I acting stupid just now?"
Harry and Hermione exchanged a glance and shook their heads at the same time.
Ron's reaction was quite normal. Even they were surprised when they discovered Kael had a good relationship with Malfoy.
They just didn't say it out loud.
"Actually, Kael also helped us." Harry quietly said, "I noticed Snape was standing not far away just now, waiting for us to quarrel with Malfoy so he could deduct points."
Ron quickly looked up but couldn't see a trace of Snape aside from a few students heading to the auditorium for the feast.
"Trust me, it's true." Harry insisted, "I really saw Snape just now. He was standing right around the corner not too far from us. If you don't believe me, ask Hermione!"
"Yes, Harry is correct." Hermione nodded perfunctorily.
This passageway from the underground classroom to the auditorium was bound to see Snape. There was nothing strange about it.
"Let's forget about that for now." Hermione frowned and said, "Aren't you curious? What exactly did Kael give to Malfoy that was worth a hundred Galleons?"
"Wait, what did you just say..." Ron was taken aback, incredulously saying, "A hundred Galleons?!"
He had been preoccupied thinking about something else just now and didn't catch what Kael said.
"Yes, a hundred Galleons." Harry also remembered it and couldn't help but sigh, "I must say, Malfoy's family is really wealthy."
Although Harry had inherited a large sum of gold Galleons from the Potter family's vault, he had never spent so much money at once.
So far, his biggest expense was the seven Galleons for his wand.
"Merlin's beard..."
Ron suddenly felt his legs go weak and almost sat down. He now kind of understood Kael.
A hundred Galleons... He hadn't even seen ten Galleons together before.
"I recall the feast doesn't start for a bit yet." Harry suddenly asked.
"To be precise, it's thirteen minutes." Hermione frowned, "You're not thinking…"
"Aren't you curious... what exactly that item was?"
Harry lowered his voice, "The Quidditch Pitch isn't too far from here. We should still have time if we go now."
"Then what are we waiting for..."
Ron was the first to rush out of the castle door, heading straight for the Quidditch Pitch without looking back.
Harry and Hermione followed closely behind, quickly catching up.
The three soon arrived at the pitch, but to avoid being discovered by Malfoy, they didn't dare to go inside and instead stayed near the entrance, peeking in.
Ten minutes later, they returned to the castle, just in time for the Christmas feast.
The auditorium was decorated magnificently, with wreaths of mistletoe and holly hanging everywhere on the walls.
Twelve Christmas trees were adorned with various decorations: ice crystals, snowflakes, candles, golden bubbles, gift boxes hiding all kinds of little trinkets... and surprisingly, one tree was decorated with ghosts.
There were quite a few familiar faces of young wizards on them, like Nearly-Headless Nick and the Fat Friar...
They floated on the Christmas trees, warmly greeting every passing young wizard.
Normally, Harry would be attracted by the unique decorations, but now he only took a quick glance without paying further attention.
Hermione and Ron were the same, and the three hurriedly walked over to the Gryffindor table.
As soon as he sat down, Harry eagerly asked, "Did you notice? That snake that shoots fireworks must be ten feet long... it was only as big as a fist before. How was that even possible?"
"I don't know, Harry." Ron shook his head, "I just know Malfoy actually spent a hundred Galleons on a toy..."
"I've told you many times, that isn't a toy!"
Hermione glared at him angrily.
"That's a piece of magic item combining the Engorgement Charm, Blue Bell Flame Spell, and advanced Transfiguration Techniques!"
"Alright... magical toy." Ron muttered softly.
No matter what Hermione said, it still remained a cheering prop.
That thing was definitely a toy.
Spending a hundred Galleons on a toy, the world must be crazy… no, Malfoy must be.
Hermione heard Ron's grumbling but didn't respond, just irritably ruffling her hair. She couldn't understand why the Blue Bell Flame Spell could change colors.
It was hardly possible. She had never come across anything similar in books.