With the help of Angelina Johnson, Karl finally met the Weasley Brothers.
The three of them slipped into a secluded corner of the corridor, and Karl returned the marauders map to them.
"Don't you need it anymore?"
"Things are a bit tricky, you guys need this thing more."
Karl had already memorized all the secret passages in Hogwarts Castle, and the only use for the marauders map was to monitor Heller and Quirrell.
But the lack of results over the past few days confirmed once again that it was impossible to catch them in the act in the short term.
Anyway, Headmaster Dumbledore already knew about this, so he would surely take countermeasures.
And Karl was worried that the Weasley Brothers, who often went on night walks, would be caught by Filch and Madam Norris without the marauders map.
"What exactly are you doing with the marauders map? Why not tell us?"
So Karl told them about the two things, and to his surprise, George and Fred became excited immediately.
"That's great, Karl! We also think the Castle has a magic core!"
"Exactly! We looked for a long time before the summer break, and even crawled through the secret passages in the Castle several times!"
"Leave this to us, we will definitely give you a surprise when the time comes."
"As for Professor Heller, that's even less of a problem; we used to observe the Professors' locations often."
The brothers patted their chests, accepting both tasks with full enthusiasm.
Seeing this, Karl hurriedly urged them, "Don't rush to find the Castle's magic core; just take your time."
"As for Professor Heller, be extra careful. Just observe from afar; do not make close contact under any circumstances."
While speaking, Karl handed two bracelets to the Weasley Brothers.
To ensure their safety, he had asked Audrey to weave the Pukwudgie hair provided by Nina into the bracelets.
This was to prevent Elvis Heller from using Legilimency to harm George and Fred after discovering their intentions.
Understanding the risks, the Weasley Brothers put the bracelets on immediately.
"Karl, how are you going to thank us?"
"Christmas is in three months."
Karl gave them a knowing look, "Don't worry, I definitely won't let you down."
"Hehe! That's good!" x 2
...
A new week began.
If there was anything the Little wizards were looking forward to, it was the Quidditch team tryouts and the Flying Class.
While eating in the Great Hall in the morning, Karl noticed the highly motivated Cedric and Summers.
These two had an air of 'the wind blows, the water is cold, I shall not return unless I make the team' about them.
As for Shabi and Stebbins, Karl had heard them discussing each other's flying techniques before going to sleep last night.
How should I put it? They were in quite an obsessive state.
After Defense Against the Dark Arts Class ended in the afternoon, the Hufflepuffs rushed out in a swarm, heading straight for the grass by the Quidditch Pitch.
Karl walked at the back of the crowd, smiling and greeting Professor Heller.
"Goodbye, Professor." *Screw you!*
"Goodbye, Mr. Orolin."
This is what it's like to be polite to your face while secretly scouting out your ancestral grave.
Arriving at the lawn where the Flying Class was held, the Ravenclaws were already waiting.
There were two rows of broomsticks on the ground, and the traces of time on them were enough to make one want to cry.
Madam Hooch, who taught this class, was still over at the Quidditch Pitch, talking to the Quidditch captains of the four houses about the tryouts.
The Hufflepuffs quickly joined the Ravenclaws, bragging to each other.
One claimed to have shot down a Muggle plane, another had been flying for two and a half years.
It seemed like every one of them was a talented flyer, the kind that could lead the Quidditch team to a championship.
Karl glanced at the high-spirited Cho, then turned to chat with Nina.
"Do you like Quidditch too?"
"Not at all. I have no interest in a sport that has over seven hundred types of fouls, and the number is still rising."
"What? How many did you say?"
"You heard me right, over seven hundred."
Nina's words shocked Karl; he really didn't know about this.
Is this what a Quidditch match is like? I love it!
Hearing their conversation, Cho couldn't help but defend her beloved Quidditch.
"It's not actually that serious. As long as you are forbidden from using wands, you can avoid 90% of the fouls."
"The remaining 10% won't happen in most cases, and only about a dozen or so occur frequently."
Karl: (⊙o⊙)
"Wow! That's really... uh... how should I put it? Quite reassuring!"
Nina hid behind Karl and continued to tease Cho in a mocking tone:
"Apart from the fouls, the rules of Quidditch are also ridiculous. Even if a player is injured or disabled, substitutions are not allowed; the game must continue."
Karl: "Huh? Isn't that risking lives?"
When he read the books and watched the movies, he hadn't paid much attention to Quidditch.
Because he felt that riding a broomstick was a bit silly; apart from that cat who couldn't catch mice, no one looked good riding one.
Now it seemed like a pity; he had missed out on a lot of fun.
Cho glared at Nina angrily, unable to stop herself from grinding her teeth, "You didn't say it all. If the game lasts for several days, substitute players are allowed to come on the field so the starters can come down to sleep."
"Oh? Really? Sounds like a fair, reasonable, and humane sport~"
"Ah! I'm going to break off our friendship for one minute! Watch me teach you a lesson!"
"Nyah nyah nyah~ Can't catch me~"
"You stop right there!"
Karl:...
Alright, alright! So that's how we're playing, huh?
Why bother throwing the Quaffle or chasing the Golden Snitch? It's much more convenient to just beat people up!
Just as Nina and Cho were playing tag around him, Karl suddenly felt someone staring at him.
He turned his head to look, and it was Cedric; nothing to worry about then.
Karl stepped aside to let the two 'plastic best friends' resolve their grievances themselves, and walked towards Cedric, who was approaching.
"The team tryouts won't start until after our class, right? Why are you here so early?"
"Uh... I..."
Cedric stammered for a while before quickly making up an excuse: "I came to see your flying talent; maybe we can fight side by side in the future and win the championship for Hufflepuff."
His words were righteous and sounded convincing, even to himself.
"Alright! Then you watch carefully!"
Karl couldn't be bothered to expose this guy, just hoping he wouldn't be crushed by Cho in the future.
...
"Class starts now. What are you all waiting for? Everyone stand next to a broomstick."
Madam Hooch had short gray hair and a pair of yellow, sharp eyes like an eagle's.
"Quick! Time is ticking!"
The Hufflepuffs and Ravenclaws hurriedly followed her instructions and stood in position, feeling very excited.
"Put your hand over the broomstick and say: 'Up!'"
So the Little wizards started shouting, but only a few obedient broomsticks moved in response.
And that did not include Karl's.
Karl: (._.)
Big brother! Move a little! It's time for work! Are you still lying there sleeping?