Chapter 737: Phoenix Elixir
Chapter 737: Phoenix Elixir
Devonshire County.
When the quill carriage finally came to a stop, Cona was stunned. She stared at the estate before her, wondering if this was another Hogwarts, given the two towering fire dragons guarding the entrance. Even Hogwarts' main gate only had winged wart hogs.
Kyle understood Cona's reaction; he had felt the same way when he first arrived, but he had grown accustomed to it.
"Please stay close to Tata... Mr. Buzz has been a bit irritable lately," said the house elf, Tata, who was guiding them.
"Mr. Buzz?" Cona asked, confused.
Isn't this Niko Lemer's estate? Who is this person who suddenly appeared, also a guest like them, but with such a peculiar name?
"Oh, that's him. Be very careful..." Tata pointed towards the garden.
Cona looked curiously, but she didn't see anyone there. In fact, the vast estate seemed to hold only the three of them.
"That's Mr. Buzz," Tata said again, pointing to the lawn.
This time, Cona finally understood. He was referring to a lawnmower in the middle of the lawn, resembling a spaniel, frolicking about. Each time the lawnmower moved, it emitted a loud 'buzzing' sound.
Additionally, there were self-watering flower pots, gloves that picked up fallen leaves on their own, and a long-handled brush that bent itself into an incredible arc and ran to the carriage, eagerly helping to clean it.
"Incredible," Cona whispered.
Although Kyle had told her about the situation on the way, hearing about it was one thing, but witnessing it firsthand was truly astonishing.
Cona's curiosity about Niko Lemer grew.
The group entered the house on the estate.
"You're finally here," Niko said, lounging in a folding chair, still wearing his eye-catching floral shirt. He waved at them, "Quickly take off those heavy cloaks; it's hot, isn't it?"
Kyle felt a bit warm upon hearing Niko's words.
He looked up at the ceiling, which, unlike the gloomy sky outside, was clear and blue, with occasional breezes carrying a hint of saltiness.
"Where are we?" Kyle asked.
"Hawaii," Niko replied, "You know, the weather in England isn't exactly friendly to someone of my age." He tapped the table next to him, and a coconut tree sprang up, its broad leaves perfectly shielding him from the sun.
"What's going on?" Cona asked, confused. She felt like she wasn't quite following their conversation.
"The ceiling," Kyle pointed upwards, "The Great Hall's ceiling at Hogwarts corresponds to the outside weather, but this one is even more magical; it can display any place you want."
Kyle tapped his wand on Cona's clothes, transforming her heavy robe into a summer style.
Cona seemed to be still processing the situation until Kyle led her closer, and she finally got a good look at Niko.
"You're... the elder wizard from Beauxbatons!" Cona stopped in her tracks, staring at Niko.
"That's right, it's me," Niko chuckled, "What a coincidence, we meet again."
"Thank you, sir. I've been wanting to express my gratitude, but you disappeared before I could," Cona said, a bit excitedly, nudging Kyle's arm, "It was him who brought me back to Hogwarts."
"It's not hard to guess," Kyle said, "There are many elderly wizards, but not many who are so fragile that a mere touch could knock them over."
"Kyle, your words are a bit harsh," Niko said, displeased, "Clearly, it's because your strength is too great."
Kyle shrugged, "If that's what you think, then so be it."
"Wait... I just realized something," Cona said, suddenly understanding, "You knew that my helper was Mr. Niko Lemer, but you never told me?"
Kyle's gaze became unfocused.
Just as he was about to say something, Niko conveniently changed the subject, "Tata."
"Take Cona to my library," Niko said, "I remember Zigmund Bach once gave me a book he wrote himself. You'll find it interesting."
"Zigmund Bach?" Cona asked, her voice rising, "The potion master who invented Felix Felicis?"
"He invented many different potions, but people only seem to remember the luck potion," Niko said, "I remember he left a manuscript with me, but it's been so long, I forgot where I put it. You can ask Tata to help you find it."
Hearing about the manuscript of Felix Felicis, Cona immediately forgot about Kyle's deliberate concealment of Niko's identity and eagerly followed Tata to the private library in the estate.
(End of Chapter 737)
"Thanks," Kyle exhaled.
"It's nothing," Niko smiled.
Kyle sat down next to him, curious, "Niko, do you really have Zigmund Bach's manuscript?"
"Of course, I even helped him with ideas when he was researching the Felix Felicis," Niko said, "Adding three-month-old unicorn blood was my suggestion, which solved his issue with cooling the potion."
Kyle pondered, only now realizing that the ancient potion used to soak the Horcrux was made by Niko, indicating his proficiency in potions as well.
Upon careful consideration, one would realize that for a wizard who has lived for over six hundred years, there's hardly anything he can't do.
However, Niko's achievements in alchemy are so significant that they often overshadow his other abilities.
Kyle leaned back in his chair, imitating Niko's relaxed posture.
Niko, it seems, knows how to enjoy life, and the warm sun is indeed quite comfortable.
"Oh, there's one more thing," Niko said leisurely, sitting on a folding chair, "I've finished processing the Horcruxes you sent, and you can take them away anytime."
"You're done with them?" Kyle asked, not surprised.
When he met Dumbledore, he had already guessed that Niko's invitation was likely related to the Horcruxes.
"Why do you say that?" Niko asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Isn't it obvious?" Kyle turned to look at him, "If it's just about processing a few Horcruxes, would it take this long?"
Kyle had sent three Horcruxes to Niko, and apart from the initial Ravenclaw Diadem, the remaining Hufflepuff Cup and Slytherin's Locket had been here for almost two years.
Given Niko Lemer's abilities, did it really take that long to deal with the soul fragments on the Horcruxes... definitely not.
"I was indeed curious about them, or perhaps every alchemist is tempted by their allure," Niko admitted, "I have to say, the wisdom of the Four Founders is truly beyond reach..."
Niko stood up and took small steps towards the nearest door.
He opened the door to reveal a massive laboratory, almost as large as the Hogwarts Great Hall. Various oddly shaped props were scattered around, and on the central table stood a giant crystal ball, nearly five feet tall.
The Hufflepuff Cup and Slytherin's Locket were placed on a shelf against the wall, easily visible to Kyle.
"Wait a moment," Niko placed his hand on a pillar near the door, seemingly a decorative piece.
As he gently turned the pillar, the entire room began to rotate.
Soon, the shelf that was previously facing them appeared next to them.
Kyle examined the two items on the shelf. Like the Diadem, once freed from their Horcrux status, they had also regained their original appearance.
When the Hufflepuff Cup was found in Gringotts' vault, it was so dull, as if covered in an unremovable layer of dust. Even in a second-hand shop, it probably wouldn't attract a second glance. But now, even in the dim light, it shone brilliantly, dazzling and captivating.
The Slytherin Locket, with its snake design composed of gems, no longer appeared monotonous. Instead, it shimmered with light and shadow, vividly lifelike.
"I tried to replicate these two items, but all my attempts failed," Niko admitted, "I have to acknowledge that the Four Founders are indeed beyond reach."
"Even the Hufflepuff Cup?" Kyle was taken aback, "I thought you mentioned that the Cup was just a vessel, endlessly producing wine. That doesn't seem too difficult, right?"
He had once made a similar quill that could automatically refill with ink, which, although simpler compared to the Cup, operated on the same principle.
If he could do it, surely Niko Lemer could as well.
"No," Niko shook his head, "While I can create a similar cup, I can't guarantee that the magic script will remain unchanged after being corrupted by the Horcrux."
Horcruxes alter the essence of an object, a fact Kyle was well aware of.
Voldemort, with his discerning eye, would have chosen a different object for his Horcrux, ensuring that when the soul fragment was removed, the magical effect would also disappear, leaving behind an ordinary quill.
However, if the Horcrux were indeed a quick-quill, it wouldn't require such an elaborate solution. There would be a simpler approach.
"Of course," Niko continued, "If I spent a little more time, I could probably replicate it, but I don't see the need. It's just a matter of following the instructions. Even if I successfully replicated it, it wouldn't prove anything."
With a wave of his hand, the Hufflepuff Cup and Slytherin's Locket floated into Kyle's hands.
"Now, these items are yours again."
"Thanks," Kyle said, examining the items in his hands. After a moment of hesitation, he asked, "Niko, do you think they might carry Slytherin and Hufflepuff's memories, like the Diadem?"
"I had the same thought, but no," Niko shook his head, "The Diadem carries a portion of Rowena Ravenclaw's memory due to its unique nature and the presence of specialized magic."
And this magic is complex, and only Rowena herself might be able to perform it."
"As for their functions..." Niko continued, "I should have told you earlier that the pendant box can store extra magic... and the cup continuously produces exquisite wine, just as I said."
"Of course, these are their primary functions. As for the other abilities, it's up to you to discover them."
"I must say, it's an intriguing process. If I reveal everything, you'll miss out on a lot of fun."
Kyle shrugged, neither agreeing nor disagreeing.
While this is true, there's a prerequisite of having ample time, and there's one more thing—he must be cautious of a certain headmaster.
As Niko said, no alchemist could resist their allure.
And Dumbledore just happens to be an alchemist and the headmaster of Hogwarts, giving him ample reason to claim these items.
Before, he might have felt embarrassed to do so, or to put it bluntly, to steal them. But now... to be honest, Kyle couldn't guarantee that he would maintain the decorum expected of a headmaster in front of him.
Afterward, Niko took Kyle on a tour of his laboratory, and Kyle took the opportunity to ask about some of the challenges he faced in alchemy.
By the time the two of them left the room, it was already evening.
Rarely having guests, Tata prepared a sumptuous dinner. Cona sat by the table, holding a thick book and a stack of yellowed parchments, her eyes fixed on them.
Next to Cona was Niko's wife, Perenelle, a witch also over six hundred years old.
"Darling, you can put it aside if you like," Perenelle said gently. "They're yours now. Consider them our Christmas gift to you. You can look at them whenever you want."
"Sorry," Cona said, a little embarrassed. "I got too absorbed in reading."
"I understand," Perenelle said with a smile. "I heard from Niko that you were just like this in the library, sitting there for days. You two are a perfect match."
Cona never expected her to say that, and her face suddenly turned red.
Just then, Kyle and Niko walked over.
"Perenelle..." Niko looked at the two at the table and asked, "I thought you'd be staying in Paris for Christmas?"
"I just went to get some hydrangea seeds and came back as soon as I found them," Perenelle replied.
"There are already nearly two thousand hydrangeas at home. She's obsessed with them lately," Niko whispered to Kyle.
He then sat down at the table and asked, "What were you two talking about just now?"
Perenelle looked at Cona, then glanced at Kyle, and her smile grew even more cheerful.
"We were talking about Christmas gifts," Cona blurted out.
"Yes, that's right," Perenelle said without exposing the truth. "Niko, I'm planning to give this book and these parchments to Cona as a Christmas gift. What do you think?"
"Of course, no problem. I was thinking the same. They're of no use to me anyway," Niko said.
"Thank you... thank you..." Cona quickly took out a small bottle and placed it on the table when she saw them looking at her again. "This is the gift I brought."
"Oh?" Niko was a bit surprised. He hadn't received a gift in a long time, mainly because owls couldn't find him.
He didn't pay much attention at first, but when he saw the bottle, he suddenly froze.
"Are you sure you want to give it to me?" Niko asked meaningfully.
"Yes," Cona nodded.
"Do you know what it is?"
"It's the Phoenix Elixir," Cona said.
"Yes, some people do call it that," Niko nodded. "But if I tell you that this small bottle of potion can bring a wizard back to life once..."
Resurrection?
Kyle and Cona both looked up in surprise.
"Resurrection might not be the most accurate term. Strictly speaking, it should be able to counteract a Killing Curse once," Niko explained. "The original purpose of this potion was to defend against the Killing Curse, but its process is too complex, and it must be made with the ashes left after the natural rebirth of a phoenix, so it's almost impossible to find now. I think the last time I saw it was about three hundred years ago."
"Moreover, this potion also has great significance in alchemy. The magic script and symbols written with it are almost unaffected by any external factors."
Kyle couldn't help but glance at the small bottle again.
He had initially thought that it contained something similar to Felix Felicis, but now he realized how wrong he had been.
Counteracting a Killing Curse once was as good as resurrection. In other words, anyone who drank it could be like Harry, and it didn't require any sacrifice.
"So..." Niko turned to Cona again, "Are you really going to give me this precious potion?"
To be honest, Kyle felt a bit conflicted inside, but Cona nodded without any hesitation.
"Yes!"
"Then I'll take it," Niko picked up the bottle. "Oh, can you tell me who made this potion?"
"Severus Snape," Cona said.
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
Report
