Sinkhole

Hermione, by the fireplace, paid no attention at all to Harry and the others' little episode. She was excitedly flipping through the materials as she said:

"Madam Piquery is a female leader I greatly admire. She achieved quite a lot during her time as President of the Magical Congress, and she had tremendous leadership presence! I never expected her to be one of the competition judges this time! Wade, do you know of any works she wrote on Alchemy? I want to read them in advance! Wade?"

"Oh, oh." Wade withdrew his gaze and said, "Madam Serafina Picquery never published any books, but she wrote quite a few papers. I happen to have a collected edition..."

"You collect that stuff?" Ron said in surprise. "Wade, I never thought you'd be a fanboy! Though no ordinary person could possibly guess who your idol is."

Wade smiled and said casually, "Everyone has their own pursuits!"

In truth, Dumbledore had asked Moody to pass the collection of papers to him before they set out, but Wade did not think there was any need to explain that.

Ron still wore an incredulous expression as he muttered, "I know you like Alchemy... but collecting papers? What were you thinking... That hobby is terrifying!"

Fred rapped him on the head and said, "Which is why Wade is a famous Alchemist, while you, foolish Ronald! You spent half a month reading one book and still haven't finished the first three pages."

"Don't touch my head!" Ron protested, though his tone was not as fierce as it had been in the past.

The days of getting spending money from his brother had quickly taught him what it meant to know when to yield--

Although Ron did not know that phrase, and although he did not want to bow