Chapter 24: Bets
-That was crazy! -said Silvia to Soisen as they were taking the walk to the station together from Hogwarts with Hermione at their side, "I can't believe you finally got the cup to go to your house!
-As it should have been," Soisen nodded without the slightest regret.
-Did you see the Headmaster's expression? -Hermione asked worried about the possible reaction, "You won't get in trouble for what you did?
-What's the worst he can do to me? -that's what Soisen wanted to say, but knowing that was a danger flag, he chose to say something different.
-Nothing will happen, Hermione," Soisen assured her, "Letting the headmaster get away with it was about as right, as believing that Gilderoy Lockhart's books are real or inspiring experiences.
-What does that name ring a bell? -I think I've seen my aunt reading those books and she seems to like them a lot.
-I was planning to read her books this summer! -Hermione added her two cents to the conversation and turned to look at Soisen doubtfully, "What do you mean, her books?
-It's about something I discovered by chance while studying some magic books for self-defense -she made up- Gilderoy Lockhart uses his appearance and literary talent to gain fame and fortune, but his stories are not his own experiences as he claims and as a wizard, he's worse than us students who have only studied magic for a year. In fact, he seems to have attention deficit disorder.
-So it's a scam? -Hermione asked in surprise.
-Shhh!" Soisen looked around looking frightened, "Don't ever say that in public!
-Why? -Sylvia was intrigued. "Shouldn't we explain it?
-Lockhart's fans," Soisen visibly shuddered just thinking about it, "I don't know if his books, which by the way are tremendously expensive I'm told, have a curse on them or what happened to them, but their IQ seems to drop or disappear when they talk about him and defend him. Do you know what a fanboy is? -the two witches nodded- Well double it and square it, they're just not reasonable! No offense to your aunt.
Silvia nodded as she inwardly let out a sigh of relief as she remembered how she forgot to read the book her aunt gave her, hoping to join her book club about Lockhart.
When she gets home, the first thing she'll do is burn it!
-Are they that expensive? -Hermione was still thinking about getting even one, but from Soisen's description, it seems it would be wiser to buy the other books she wants to read. Thanks to her hard work, she could buy half a dozen intermediate books and a few advanced ones.
-Very expensive," Soisen remarked, "So expensive, that if Lockhart became our DADA teacher next year and demanded that we buy his books, I'd go to Hogwarts empty-handed without hesitation," he shook his head with a look of utter contempt, "It's just throwing money down the drain.
-I don't think anything like that would happen! -Hermione vehemently denied the possibility of such a person becoming a teacher.
-It's true that we'll have to look for a replacement for next year, but I think there should be many better candidates -Silvia also shook her head- Even if they don't find anyone, they can ask someone from abroad to come and teach.
-Do you want to bet? -Soisen mentioned it casually.
-What conditions? -Sylvia and Hermione looked at each other before asking.
-Since I've set the example, my bet will be that that poser becomes our teacher next year. Until that happens, you win.
-And what are the stakes? -Hermione asked.
-What would you like? -Soisen asked first.
-A basket of your mothers' brownies each," said Silvia without even hesitating, "They're the best I've ever tasted in my life! -She almost started salivating remembering the first time she offered them one.
-And you, Hermione? -Soisen nodded in agreement and turned to look at her.
-You said you were learning self-defense magic, I want you to teach that to both of us -it was hard for her to find partners to practice spells with, so with this she could improve a lot in her studies. And with this year's DADA lessons....
-Soisen looked at them in surprise. When did they become such good friends?
-Only you're missing, what will you want if you win? -Silvia could almost taste those brownies.
-Since I'll be making two different things for both of them and I know my chances are nil, I'll be a little greedy and ask for two things as well," she explained with a defeated smile.
After seeing the nod from both of them, he said his wager.
-First, if Hogwarts ever holds a couples dance, I want you both to take that role," he said, "So we don't have to worry about the business of finding a partner. I will be a gentleman and dance with both of you. But please, I ask you to avoid wearing something like a pink dress worn by Muggle dolls. You deserve something more elegant than that.
The two looked at him stunned for a moment and burst into tears of laughter before agreeing to the crazy request. It's not like it's going to happen, so what does it matter?
-Second, once we graduate, I will most likely decide to set up a business or businesses. So I want you to give me priority to hire you first!
-That could be fun," Silvia and Hermione nodded in agreement. Soisen proved to have a nose for business and they wouldn't mind giving him a chance to work together. Even without the bet, they'd probably do it anyway.
-Great! Let's get on the train fast, I don't want to run into Ron and ruin this moment of connection and friendship," Soisen sped up and hurried them to find an empty carriage.
-By the way, Soisen," Silvia noticed a small detail, "Is your trunk new?
-Yes, I had a little unexpected accident with the previous one, so I asked for another one.
-What happened? -Hermione asked interested- Did one of your potions fall on it?
-No, my handling and my potions are perfect as you know. Rada threw a tantrum, let's leave it at that," Soisen didn't hesitate for a second to blame her pet scarbato, who was currently stretched out comfortably inside the extended trunk.
-How much money has Rada earned from all this?
-Not much, barely half a dozen galleons -Soisen played it down because if the two witches knew the true figure, they would jump out of their seats.
The power of a beetle's tenderness cannot be underestimated at all!
-Will you be writing this summer? -Hermione asked.
-Of course! -Sylvia promised to write every week.
-We can try to meet up sometime this summer and go somewhere," suggested Soisen, "Let's exchange details by letter.
-Deal! x2
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