"Looks like you've settled in nicely, Ron," George said. "We've taken your things to our compartment. If you need us, you'll find us in the third carriage."
"Gentlemen," Richard rose from his seat, "We haven't been formally introduced, but we're acquainted by reputation. Richard Grosvenor. This is Harry, Justin, and Hermione. And you must George and Fred Weasley? Your esteemed mother described you exactly so."
"Oh, Fred, can it be?!" George exclaimed with delight. "Do you see what I see?"
"Indeed, George. Why, it's none other than the illustrious Count Richard Grosvenor himself!" Fred said, giving Richard a deep, theatrical bow. "An honor to meet you, Your Excellency."
"It is a privilege to study at the same school as a true Lord," George added in the same playful tone. "Our father mentions you constantly and holds you up as an example."
Richie immediately sized up the twins—jesters and pranksters. The sort of people who would rather go hungry than miss a chance to crack a joke. So he matched their tone:
"So you also plan to build a transgalactic starship and conquer the galaxy?"
"Oh, Fred…" George said with admiration. "Just look at the scale! We truly have much to learn from this great man."
"If you feel like it, come by later,"Fred said. "Our friend's bringing a tarantula—you can take a look."
Ron grimaced and shuddered.
"Thank you, but not today, gentlemen," Richard answered for everyone. "Have a pleasant journey."
When the twins left, Harry Potter spoke up:
"Richie, I'm amazed at how easily you get along with people you've just met."
"Harry," Grosvenor replied, "if you'd been drilled by strict tutors and whipped for improper behavior, you'd be just as good. And, of course, experience in business negotiations with adults—dare I say, sharks of the trade—doesn't come without results."
"I'll pass on the whipping, thanks,"Harry replied with irony.
"Do you play Quidditch?"Ron asked.
"Quidditch?"Harry echoed.
"What? You don't know?!"Ron said, astonished.
The train began to move, and Ron launched into an enthusiastic explanation. It seemed he could talk about Quidditch endlessly. At first, everyone listened with curiosity, but soon Hermione and Richard lost interest in the wizarding sport and both grew bored.
Out of politeness, Richard didn't want to interrupt Ron, especially since Harry and Justin were listening with interest. So Count Grosvenor attempted a strategic retreat.
"Hermione, would you like to walk through the train?"
"Yes!"
Hermione jumped up a little too quickly.
"Let's go, Richie," she said, adopting an intentionally calm tone. "I'd like to take a look at the magical locomotive."
"Don't get bored without us, lads—we'll be back soon," Richard said as he left the compartment.
In response, he heard indistinct murmurs.
When the boy and girl entered the next carriage, Hermione said:
"I don't understand what boys see in this Quidditch."
"Boys like games, especially spectacular ones. I think a game where several wizards fly at breakneck speed on sticks while trying to knock each other off is legalized suicide. Still, Ron's point of view also has its merits."
"I think I agree with you,"Hermione said, putting on an air of importance. "Richie, which house would you like to be sorted into?"
"Every house has its advantages," Richard replied evasively, as usual. "I'm partial to Hufflepuff, though the others are good as well."
"I want Gryffindor. That's where Dumbledore studied."
"Dumbledore, hmm? His examiner told me that the current headmaster had exceptional talent for charms in his youth."
Richie and Hermione narrowly squeezed past a trio of boys their age. Two were bulky, while the third was a sleek blond with a hairstyle similar to Richard's and wearing a suit of a similar shade.
Richie and the blond stopped, sizing each other up with appraising looks. The blond narrowed his eyes and drawled affectedly:
"Malfoy. Draco Malfoy. This is Crabbe," he gestured to the thickset boy with the short, powerful neck, "and Goyle," he indicated the rounder companion.
Richie raised an eyebrow, assessed the quality of Malfoy's suit, gave a slight nod, and in a composed, proud tone said:
"Count Richard Grosvenor. A pleasure to meet you, Mr. Malfoy, gentlemen. Would you care to hear a fitting joke?"
"I wouldn't refuse," Draco drawled through his nose.
"A ship is wrecked. Two gentlemen wash up on a deserted island. They are rescued only a year later. The rescuer asks one gentleman the name of the other. He replies that he doesn't know—after all, there had been no one to introduce them."
Malfoy's lips curled into a serpentine smile.
"Grosvenor?" he drawled. "I believe I've heard that name."
"I've heard of the Malfoys as well," Richard replied politely. "Good day, Mr. Malfoy."
"And to you," Draco replied in the same affected tone.
The boys continued toward the rear of the train, while Richard and Hermione headed toward the front.
(End of Chapter)
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