Chapter 214: Arthur, the Alchemy Master

After receiving the heartfelt thanks of the shopkeeper, George and his friends left the bookstore and continued exploring Diagon Alley. They purchased various magical learning tools scattered around the shops before Hermione announced her intention to buy a pet.

For the past two years, Hermione had spent most of her money on books. Recently, seeing that everyone else had their own pets, she couldn't help but feel a twinge of envy. This year, she decided it was time to get one of her own.

Naturally, her first choice was an owl. With one, she'd no longer have to rely on the owl post office every time she wanted to send a letter.

"It seems that some things are simply meant to happen," George mused silently as he watched Hermione emerge, holding a ginger cat with a flat, squashed face.

After buying the pet, the group realized it was already noon, so they decided to have lunch at the Leaky Cauldron.

It was there that George met Arthur Weasley for the first time. Known for his passion for combining Muggle technology with magic, Arthur was reading the Daily Prophet at the bar. The newspaper's front page prominently displayed an image of the gaunt and feral-looking Sirius Black, snarling viciously.

"You're back! And who might this be?"

Arthur put down the paper and looked curiously at George.

Ginny quickly stepped forward, eager to introduce him. "Dad, this is George! Remember? I told you about him before."

"Oh, George! Of course! The youngest national Quidditch player and recipient of the youngest-ever Bravery Badge. Ginny talks about you all the time, says you're the most outstanding wizard in your year."

Arthur's eyes were full of admiration as he looked at George. Though it was their first meeting, Arthur was well aware that it was thanks to George's encouragement that Ginny had found the courage to reveal the truth about Tom Riddle's diary.

"Hello, Mr. Weasley. I've heard you're a master of alchemy. I've been teaching myself alchemy recently, and I'd love to ask you some questions if I could."

Arthur Weasley was indeed an expert in alchemy. His magical flying car was proof of his ingenuity, and the Weasley twins' prank items, many of which involved advanced alchemical principles, likely drew from their father's guidance.

Hearing George's request, Arthur immediately waved his hand modestly. "Master? Oh no, no, I'm just an enthusiast! But if you're interested, I'd love to discuss it with you. Lately, I've been thinking—if we applied the Undetectable Extension Charm to a Muggle refrigerator, could we create a device that lets us enjoy winter in the heat of summer?"

Once Arthur started talking about his passions, he couldn't stop. George seized the opportunity to bring up the challenges he had encountered in his alchemy studies.

The conversation between them grew so engaging that time flew by, and before they knew it, it was evening.

"I should've spent part of this summer visiting Ron's house," George thought wistfully over dinner at the Leaky Cauldron.

Arthur's alchemical knowledge was remarkable. In just one afternoon, George felt he had made significant strides in his understanding. Arthur's ability to simplify complex alchemical principles into easy-to-understand explanations was unparalleled.

"If Hogwarts ever starts an alchemy class, Arthur Weasley would make an excellent professor," George thought.

Regretfully, George realized he'd have to wait until next summer to learn more. However, he resolved to spend more time exchanging ideas with the Weasley twins, whose pranks often showcased clever applications of alchemical principles.

For example:

- The Ton-Tongue Toffee that caused one's tongue to swell uncontrollably.

- The Biting Doorknob that snapped shut on unsuspecting fingers.

- The Constipating Confectionery that left its victim painfully unable to use the restroom.

- The Canary Creams that temporarily transformed the eater into a canary before they reverted back.

These prank items were not only amusing but could also serve as effective tools if used strategically.

The next day, George packed his belongings and, with his owl, made his way to the Leaky Cauldron. The Ministry of Magic had arranged for two enchanted cars to escort the Weasleys to King's Cross Station, so George hitched a ride with them.

According to Arthur, the cars were sent because his flying car was gone, and the Ministry was merely being considerate.

George, however, knew the truth. Minister Fudge was worried about Sirius Black potentially attacking Harry and had ordered the cars as an additional security measure.

Sirius's escape from Azkaban had left Fudge under immense pressure. If the Boy Who Lived were to fall victim to Sirius's revenge, Fudge's position as Minister would be untenable. To safeguard his reputation, Fudge had even offered a staggering bounty of 10,000 Galleons for Sirius's capture—a fortune for any ordinary wizard.

"I can't wait to get on the train and escape Percy's nagging! He just scolded me for spilling tea on that picture of Penelope Clearwater—his girlfriend! She was hiding behind the frame because her nose was covered in smudges," Ron grumbled to Harry as he carried his luggage.

Spotting George below, he raised his hand in greeting. "Morning, George!"

"Good morning, Harry, Ron," George replied with a slight wave.

From above, Ginny's irritated voice called out, "Mum, I told you, I've already checked everything! I haven't forgotten anything! Stop nagging me!"

But as soon as she heard Ron and George greeting each other, her tone changed entirely. "Alright, dear Mum, I'll go check again."

Ron shrugged and said to Harry, "Looks like I'm no longer my sister's favorite idol."

Harry sighed in relief. "That's not a bad thing. Honestly, Colin Creevey is already enough for me to handle. Ginny switching targets feels like a weight off my shoulders."

Nearby, Hermione gently comforted her newly acquired cat, Crookshanks, promising to let it out as soon as they boarded the train. As she descended the stairs, she greeted George warmly.

"Hi, George. You're always so punctual."

"You can't let that thing out! What about Scabbers?" Ron protested indignantly.

Hermione ignored him entirely and instead tugged George toward the entrance of the Leaky Cauldron.

"Let's wait for the car outside, George," she said with a smile.

"Did you and Ron have a fight?" George asked knowingly, chuckling.

Watching the younger kids squabble sometimes made for excellent entertainment.