Although Wade had enough Galleons in his Gringotts vault to buy ten more of the latest model Broomsticks, he still showed great delight at the House-elves' gifts and shared the sweets he had brought from home with them—when he had changed clothes to go out, he had grabbed a bag and stuffed it into his pocket.
"These are made by Muggles. There's no magic in them, but they're richly flavored and very tasty," Wade explained.
The House-elves looked overwhelmed by the favor and hesitated for a moment. But since this was not the first time they had exchanged gifts with Wade, the three House-elves soon calmed down, accepted the sweets, and thanked him profusely.
"Would Wade Grey like breakfast?" Phil asked respectfully. "Most of the breakfast in the kitchen should be ready by now."
"Sure," Wade said decisively.
Phil found a relatively clean old cushion from the pile of clutter. Zoe and Hobby left the Room of Requirement, then returned shortly afterward, each carrying something—one held a large tray piled with food, while the other cradled a huge jug of orange juice, Wade's favorite.
Hobby and the others knelt on the floor, spread out a tablecloth, and set down the food and drink. Wade sat down as well, only to see the House-elves get up and stand beside him, still clutching their sweets as they watched him with radiant smiles.
A thought suddenly flashed through Wade's mind. He looked up and said in surprise, "Why are you standing? Sit down—all of you. This is our breakfast party."
"Sit—sit down!" Zoe stammered. "Y-you mean us?"
"O-of course!" Wade mimicked her speech, then broke into a smile. "Is there anyone else here?"
The three House-elves looked at one another, even more excited than when they had first received Wade's gifts, as though