The Fishing Plan

"Just say it. What exactly do you mean?"

Fred and George looked at Kyle warily, unconsciously backing up until they were leaning against the door.

They knew Kyle too well... whenever he wore that expression, it never meant anything good.

Feeling the doorknob against their backs, they relaxed a little. This was a good spot—right by the door. If anything seemed off, they could open it and make a run for it at any moment.

"Here's the thing."

Kyle chose his words carefully. "The Department for Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures has run into a bit of trouble lately. When I saw Cedric today, he'd practically wasted away. He could barely walk straight, swaying around like he was about to collapse. He looked absolutely exhausted.

"He really needs help. You're his friends—you wouldn't just stand by and do nothing, would you?"

"What about you?" Fred immediately spotted the problem. "You're Cedric's friend too. Why aren't you helping him?"

"To be honest, I really want to help." Kyle sighed and spread his hands. "If Voldemort hadn't come looking for trouble with me, I was planning to stay at the Ministry of Magic today."

"That sounds a bit fake."

"Doesn't sound real."

Fred and George spoke at the same time.

"If you don't believe me, go ask Mr. Weasley whether I spent the entire day at the Department for Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures."

Kyle pointed outside. "If I'm lying, you can come find me again. I'll accept whatever punishment you want—even working in your shop."

"You mean it?"

"Of course." Kyle sounded utterly confident. "Don't worry, I really just want to help Cedric. He's far too busy. As his friends, we ought to lend him a hand, both morally and reasonably, shouldn't we?"

"Everything else is negotiable, but going