The eagerly anticipated cola facial turned out not to unfold as smoothly as Elena had planned.
The failure wasn't due to Ron's quick realization or Harry's courageous exposure of the prank.
In the early 90s, the carbonation levels in the soda weren't high, and Elena overestimated the pure-blooded young wizards' knack for hands-on tasks. Ron, who had never twisted a soda bottle cap, took a good five to six minutes to master the correct way to open it.
As a result, the bubbling had significantly subsided by then. The cola that surged out of the bottle barely reached Ron's shirt pocket before losing its lift and cascading down, mostly drenching his pocket.
Sizzle...
As the cola spilled, Ron's shirt pocket suddenly started squirming, emitting a series of panicked squeaks.
"Oh! Merlin, Spots..."
Initially startled by the sudden cola eruption, Ron hastily moved the cola away and fumbled to pull out a chubby gray rat from his shirt pocket, placing it on his lap. He glanced at the two around him, quickly explaining.
"It's called Spots, useless as ever, always asleep. Percy became a prefect, got an owl as a gift. They couldn't afford it—I mean, so they gave me the rat."
After explaining briefly, Ron's ears slightly reddened. He turned, wearing a puzzled and somewhat hurt look, and diverted the topic, looking at the silver-haired girl sitting across from him, actively seeking an explanation.
"What's going on? It suddenly..."
"Oh no, I forgot to warn you..."
Before Ron could finish his inquiry, Elena tapped her head, let out an exaggerated sigh, wearing a regretful expression, and took the initiative to speak, her tone laden with self-reproach.
"Ron, your speed at opening the cap was too slow. The magical substances I enchanted inside the drink regained their power. You should've given it a good shake before opening it."
"Magical substances?"
Ron raised his head, perplexed, studying the cola bottle in his hand, furrowing his brow. "But you just said this was a Muggle drink?"
"Well, it's like how wizards might eat ordinary potatoes. Muggles gathering magical substances for beverages is quite normal, isn't it?"
Elena shrugged, explaining earnestly, "You wouldn't think just any regular liquid can behave unexpectedly. If you listen closely, you can hear the faint sizzling of those magical substances in every drop."
"Is that so?"
Upon hearing Elena's explanation, Ron skeptically brought his ear closer to the cola bottle and indeed heard numerous subtle crackles and sizzles, wearing a more convinced expression.
At that moment, a timid voice emanated from beside Ron.
"But, Miss Elena, if I remember correctly, as long as you don't shake the cola, it won't spray out."
Finally unable to contain himself after witnessing the whole scene, Harry Potter, raising his hand—though unsure why, gathered his courage to interrupt Elena's explanation.
"Huh? Is that so..."
Ron looked at Harry, puzzled, then turned to Elena, displaying a look of wisdom and confidence. He asked uncertainly.
Hmm?!
Daring to challenge her like this?!
The smug smile on the silver-haired girl's face froze for a moment. Her expression turned stern, and she glared fiercely at Harry Potter, seated in the opposite corner, emitting a dissatisfied cold hum.
Elena raised her chin slightly, stood up with crossed arms, pointed at the "Magical Drafts and Potions" book in Harry's hand, mimicking Lucius Malfoy's arrogant tone slowly.
"Mr. Harry Potter, this world is far more marvelous than you imagine. Do you know why cola produces bubbles? Do you know what magical substances it contains?"
Confronted with Elena's imposing demeanor, Harry Potter nervously shrank back, shaking his head in response, "I'm sorry, I don't know."
"Well, then you surely don't know about omnipresent hydrogen oxide or the dreadful substance CO2, do you?"
Elena, looking down at the helpless Harry, continued in a more profound and mysterious tone.
"Sorry, I don't know either." Harry shook his head again.
Indeed, a spark flickered in Elena's eyes. As she expected, despite previously living in the Muggle world and having just completed primary education, Harry Potter's knowledge of chemistry was as blank as any other wizard's.
Satisfied with the response, Elena raised a sly eyebrow—daring to challenge me? If I don't outwit you, I'll owe nine years of education from my past life. Also, this could serve as practice for certain actions at Hogwarts later on.
Elena cleared her throat, her expression becoming serious, raising a finger as if she were recounting ancient secrets.
"CO2 is an extremely dangerous substance, a danger even Muggles are fully aware of. Ancient humans called it 'dead gas.' It can extinguish flames, cause suffocation, and some even believe it could eventually destroy all civilization."
Glancing at the two attentive boys, Elena paused, lowered her voice, continuing with an air of mystery.
"As for hydrogen oxide, it's a colorless, odorless, and tasteless magical substance. It claims thousands of lives annually, and the mortality rate due to inhalation of hydrogen oxide liquid ranks among the top ten in non-natural human deaths. Moreover, people addicted to it perish within 168 hours of its absence..."
As time passed, the atmosphere in the compartment became increasingly solemn. Harry and Ron listened intently, their faces tense, even their breathing subdued, as they absorbed Elena's lesson.
After all, Elena's explanations were logical and well-grounded, exceptionally convincing. Coupled with the girl's undeniable authority, Harry and Ron had no choice but to believe.
"But, Miss Elena."
Ron struggled to swallow and, with Elena's consent, quietly asked, "What's the connection between these terrifying magical substances and this cola?"
Elena nodded in satisfaction, lightly tapping the transparent cola bottle with her fingertip, smiling faintly.
"Good question because... the primary components of this dark liquid are, in fact, hydrogen oxide and CO2. You'll learn this in more advanced potion classes as you grow older. Remember never to prematurely reveal this to outsiders, especially professors. Learning advanced potion knowledge ahead of time is forbidden."
Glancing at Harry and Ron, who were nodding solemnly, promising not to disclose the information, Elena squinted, giving them a meaningful look, and emphasized once more.
"Please note, you're soon becoming mature wizards. Don't misuse magical drinks in a Muggle way. The correct way in the wizarding world is to shake before drinking. The moment you can suppress the upheaval caused by cola with your magical prowess, it means you've become great wizards like Dumbledore. Understood?!"
"Yes! We'll do our best. Thank you!"
The duo nodded resolutely, their eyes filled with hope and determination.
"You're welcome. We're classmates, friends. It's what we do."
Elena smiled lightly, shaking her head.
Ah, youth, so enviable... Though a bit tiring, providing answers after clearing up doubts brings double the joy—it's because she's such a kind-hearted, helpful little fairy, no, young witch.
Returning to her seat, Elena opened "Standard Spells, Beginner's Edition," preparing to continue studying spells. Suddenly, a low rumble emanated from her stomach.
Grr~
Why am I suddenly so hungry?
She glanced out the window, fields and meadows rushing past—while they talked, the train had already left London.
Time had flown by unnoticed. It was almost lunchtime, meaning the snack trolley should be arriving soon.
Elena raised her head, eagerly eyeing Harry, who was deeply engrossed in potion textbook revision. Without a word, she discreetly swallowed, knowing she couldn't miss the chance to indulge openly. Well... let's consider it payment for Elena's chemistry refresher session earlier.
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