"This is my companion, it's called Anti-Inflammatory." Ian introduced his Black Phoenix, but for the sake of his reputation, he didn't elaborate on the species of the Black Phoenix.
Hogwarts is full of big mouths, and George and Fred are the best among them. Ian felt that if he tried to explain why he had a Phoenix, it would become incredibly difficult.
"Caw caw caw caw caw~"
The Black Phoenix let out a sharp cry, as if greeting the two people, but it was evident it was quite perfunctory. After calling out, it tossed aside the items it brought and burrowed into Ian's robe.
It was a small suitcase.
Crafted by Albus Dumbledore.
The space inside wasn't huge, but it was enough to hold Ian's dangerous items—for instance, the Dementor, a good assistant at home, or the Black-robed Skeleton that couldn't fit in a money bag.
"You actually have a companion creature that's not an owl, but a fantastic beast that looks incredibly awesome!" George exclaimed. He and Fred exchanged a glance.
The two began taking turns whining about their lives.
"Our parents have to support us and our younger siblings. We've always lived frugally, so we don't even have an owl. That's why we're so focused on making money."
"Yeah, we need to help relieve our parents' burden." Clearly, they were trying to sway the little wizard, likely aiming to evoke the little wizard's sympathy.
However.
"I'm an orphan, with no parents, rummaging through garbage bins since I was little." On this sob story battlefield, Ian had no opponents. He ended the brothers' laments with just one sentence.
The compartment fell into a sudden silence.
"Would you like some snacks?"
At that very moment.
The familiar figure that appears in many Hogwarts stories came to their compartment—the conductor pushing a food trolley full of items, enthusiastically promoting the snacks.
The trolley pushed by the conductor was a meticulously designed wooden structure, coated with a waterproof glossy paint, making it both practical and visually appealing. Each level of the trolley was stocked with different magical snacks. These snacks were not only delicious but also contained various magical effects, allowing the little wizards to enjoy the delightful taste while experiencing magical wonders.
"No, thank you."
The twin brothers typically responded this way to the conductor. They indeed had earned quite a bit at school, but most of their limited finances were continually invested in new gadget research.
"I could use some pumpkin pasties and sour lollipops."
Ian bought some and shared them with the twins. He was never stingy about sharing his food, and the snacks on the Hogwarts Express weren't priced exorbitantly.
"Oh! You're really generous! Next year, we should definitely collaborate! No more competing!" The purpose behind George and Fred's earlier sob story might have been to steer the conversation in this direction. They didn't take much of the snacks Ian bought; each of them just nibbled on a pumpkin pasty.
Perhaps when eating, they didn't like to contemplate innovations, as the twin brothers started chatting idly with Ian again.
"Honestly, your situation with the Merlin Medal next semester is sure to cause a stir, except maybe your spotlight will be stolen by another little wizard joining next term."
George lowered his voice mysteriously.
"You mean that person?"
Fred seemed to have realized something too.
"Who?"
Ian knowingly asked.
He always knew how to provide emotional value to others.
"Of course, it's the famous Harry... Potter! You might not know, but Harry Potter, at a very young age, defeated that terrifying Mysterious Man!"
"He saved the entire Wizarding World. All wizards regard him as the Savior; back then, he was just a baby. It's hard to imagine how high-profile his life at Hogwarts will be!" Fred remarked in an astonished tone, clearly regarding Harry Potter with full anticipation.
"His magic talent is probably also extremely strong, perhaps becoming a rival in strength for you!" George held a very firm belief in Harry Potter.
However.
After exchanging a glance, he and Fred stood up and placed their hands on Ian's shoulder, seeming to comfort the possibly "threatened" little wizard.
"But, though Harry Potter is impressive and we really like him, we undoubtedly stand by your side to help you, because we met you first."
"That's right, exactly so! We are like-minded friends, and not even Harry Potter can change that." The twin brothers seemed to hold greater recognition for Ian.
Who knows if it was because of Ian's pumpkin pasties. Or maybe it was the encounter they had last night that made them truly believe Ian was the future of the prank world.
"I'm really touched by your attitude, but I have no intention of competing with Harry Potter... you may not know, I'm actually not very fond of the spotlight."
Ian's honest response drew synchronized boos from the twins.
The little wizard's sincere response was evidently not believed by them.
"Whatever the case, next semester is bound to be interesting." George seemed as though he couldn't wait for the Hogwarts Express to turn around and head back to school to kickstart the next semester immediately.
"Indeed, it will definitely be interesting... I'm looking forward to it too." Ian glanced out of the window again. The closer they got to London, the more misty the drizzle seemed in the sky.