A few days before the start of term, Ron, accompanied by Neville and Seamus, ventured into Diagon Alley to acquire the necessary textbooks and supplies for their sixth year.
Inside Flourish and Blotts, Ron gathered the required books. "Advanced Potion-Making, Advanced Transfiguration, Confronting the Faceless, A Complete Compendium of Carnivorous Trees…" He hugged the tomes to his chest, occasionally plucking an interesting-looking storybook and adding it to his burgeoning pile.
"Ron," Seamus said, approaching with his own stack of books.
"What?" Ron's gaze remained fixed on the shelves as he spoke.
"I've been wondering about something," Seamus mused, stroking his chin. "Didn't you lose Scabbers? You can't breed them for money anymore, so how do you still have so much allowance?"
"..."
Ron's face darkened at the mention of Peter Pettigrew. Of course, I can't tell him the truth. He couldn't reveal the benefits of being a Death Eater before Seamus was even recruited. After all, the perks were only disclosed during the recruitment process.
But that day will come soon! I plan to recruit my good brother into the Death Eaters this year! Seamus was a promising candidate, but Neville… Well, we'll see. If it doesn't work out, there's nothing I can do.
"Just consider it savings from selling rats," Ron said, shaking his head irritably. "Are you two done choosing? We still have a lot to buy."
"I'm ready," Seamus said, gesturing behind him. "It's just that Neville's still making sure he hasn't forgotten anything."
"It's fine; we'll wait for him." Knowing Neville's meticulous nature, Ron placed his stack of books on the floor and sat down.
"Ron, what else do we need?" Seamus asked, mirroring Ron's actions.
"Thickened dragon-hide gloves, demon-proof goggles… and a special cauldron for brewing high-level potions, preferably silver." Ron consulted the list, his head throbbing at the sheer volume of items. Especially the "silver cauldron"! Who's extravagant enough to use a silver cauldron?! In any case, he wasn't buying one; he couldn't afford it.
...
Leaving Flourish and Blotts, the Gryffindor trio encountered an unexpected figure.
"Professor Tom Riddle?!"
Ron hadn't anticipated running into Tom Riddle here. He glanced around, searching for Harry or anyone else. Did Professor Tom Riddle come to Diagon Alley alone? Ever the eager sycophant, Ron immediately "got it."
"Don't worry, Professor! We won't tell anyone!" he exclaimed, then called to Neville and Seamus. "You agree, right?"
"Uh? Ah!"
"Yes! Yes, Professor!" The two nodded vigorously in agreement.
"..." Tom Riddle was speechless. "I simply came to buy some things. Remember to return early once you've bought what you need." Tom Riddle turned and departed, heading towards...
"Ollivander's Wand Shop?" Ron said, surprised. "Is the professor's wand broken too?"
"I don't know." Neville shook his head.
Seamus shrugged indifferently. "Anyway, it's none of our business. Let's go."
...
Having just purchased a cauldron and thick dragon-hide gloves, Ron and his companions were navigating the crowded street when they spotted a bustling shop.
"What's that? When did this open in Diagon Alley?"
"I don't know, but it looks lively. Want to take a look?"
"Wait! Look over there!"
The shop's décor was unique, dominated by red and yellow, radiating a vibrant energy. Even the entrance was eye-catching; a mannequin atop the semi-circular doorway, engraved with the shop's name, automatically "put on and took off its hat."
The doll-like statue resembled... "George? Or Fred?" Even Ron, the younger brother, struggled to tell them apart, let alone a statue.
"Oh, right, they said I'd encounter a surprise in Diagon Alley today!" Ron's voice dripped with excitement. "So this is it? Awesome!"
"Come on! Let's go inside!" The three laughed and rushed into the shop bearing the inscription "Weasley's Wizard Wheezes."
...
Inside, the shop was even more vibrant than outside. Customers milled about, and the merchandise caused constant commotion: magical gadgets flew through the air, miniature fireworks exploded, and dolls walked on tightropes...
"Grand Opening! 20% off everything!"
"Look! We've got Fainting Fancies, Nosebleed Nougat, and Puking Pastilles!"
The Fred and George Weasley excitedly greeted customers.
Ron and his companions bypassed two young wizards who had just been jolted by a handshake and watched an unfamiliar boy scaling the wall.
"Hey, Ron, how's it going?"
"Our big surprise! Cool, right?" The Weasley twins clapped Ron on the shoulders.
"Cool~!" Ron excitedly touched and looked around. "We're brothers! Can I get a 50% discount?" He knew his older brothers were always scrupulous about money, so asking for something for free was out of the question.
"Oh, tsk, tsk… can't do that." George Weasley shook his head, feigning seriousness.
Fred Weasley still had his hand on Ron's shoulder. "But it seems Ron's been getting quite a bit of pocket money lately."
"Uh… well…"
Seeing Ron's embarrassed expression, the Weasley twins exchanged a knowing smile.
Fred Weasley greeted Neville and Seamus while George Weasley led Ron to a corner of the store.
"The professor gave it to you, didn't he?"
"Huh?"
"Isn't it obvious? We were thinking you could express our gratitude to the professor. After all, he sponsored our seed money."
"...Wait!"
---
Look some readers already know what the night holds before it arrives. Chapters ahead, deadass. They found p@treon. You're still here waiting. Don't play yourself. You already know what to do.