Chapter 818: A Solution and Rent
Chapter 818: A Solution and Rent
In the Alchemy classroom, Kyle stared at the Time-Turner on the table, lost in thought.
It was incredible. The Time-Turner that was supposed to have been taken away by Dumbledore had suddenly reappeared and was sent to Professor Viktor at Beauxbatons.
To be honest, Kyle's decision to come to Beauxbatons was entirely impulsive and made after he arrived in France.
Aside from Beauxbatons, he could have gone elsewhere, such as the Magic Opera House in Bordeaux, highly recommended by Cedric.
Nicolas also frequented that place, although he preferred Muggle operas. In his opinion, Muggles possessed a greater drive for creativity, an area where wizards fell somewhat short.
Aside from the opera house, France also boasted attractions like the Red Hat Magical Tricks Troupe and the Grape Bar, beloved by minstrels and traveling wizards. Any one of these could have been Kyle's destination.
The reason he chose Beauxbatons was entirely due to some news he had heard in shops and Fleur's influence.
In other words, only a few hours had passed between making the decision and his departure.
If he had made a different choice or hadn't come to France at all, would he never have seen this Time-Turner again?
After all, Viktor had mentioned that the envelope was mixed in with a bunch of failed products. If it weren't for Kyle's honesty at the last moment, he might not have even thought about it...
Kyle didn't know what Beauxbatons would do with the failed alchemical products, but they certainly wouldn't be carefully stored somewhere. Most likely, they would be disposed of with a simple cleaning spell.
"Who sent this?" Kyle asked again.
"If I knew, I would have told you immediately," Viktor said, placing the envelope on the table and opening it.
Aside from Viktor's name and address, there was nothing else written on it.
"Regardless, this solves our biggest problem for now."
Viktor didn't seem to mind the mysterious origin of the item. He held the pocket watch in his palm and examined it closely.
"It's thoroughly broken, like a grape that's been squeezed dry..."
"Can it still be used?" Kyle asked anxiously.
"It can be repaired, but it will be a bit troublesome. You'll need to be patient," Viktor said.
"How long will it take?"
"Since I've done it once before, if we're lucky... about a month?" Viktor said, donning a pair of brass-framed spectacles.
"I have some extra materials here, so I can help restore it to its original state... I was in charge of the last repair, and that process took about three days."
Then, he put on a pair of mechanically designed gloves with ten wand-like structures, each holding a miniature wand about two inches long... making a total of twenty wands.
"During this time, you need to deliver this letter to Nicolas if you can get in touch with him."
"I can," Kyle said quickly.
"Then write to him and ask him to prepare in advance... To repair the Time-Turner, we'll need the ancient runes and the Philosopher's Stone that serves as its core."
"Philosopher's Stone?" Kyle's heart tightened again.
There had only been a handful of them in history. Could Nicolas really create another one?
"Don't worry, the stone is still there," Viktor shared some good news... or at least, what could be considered good news.
"It's just been drained of all magical power, showing no reaction at all, which is why I overlooked it.
"However, I don't know if it can be restored... That's not my forte, so Nicolas will have to figure something out."
"Now, you can leave if you want. Oh, and remember to tell Olympe that we'll need to postpone the Alchemy classes for a few days."
Viktor pushed his spectacles down, and his entire demeanor changed. He looked like a statue, devoid of any discernible emotion.
Kyle lowered his voice and quietly made his way to the door.
As he approached, an arcane rune on the door lit up, the lock clicked open, and after he stepped out, the door swung shut with a soft thud, locking automatically.
Kyle lingered at the doorway for a moment, hearing no sound from within, and then he made his way back toward Madam Maxime's office.
Along the way, Kyle used an auto-quill to write a letter, finishing the two sheets of parchment just as he reached the door.
"Fox..." Kyle whispered.
The phoenix appeared on his shoulder, its dark, bright eyes fixed on him.
"Deliver this to Nicolas," Kyle folded the parchment, "It's regarding Professor Dumbledore, so make sure it gets there."
Fox nodded, took the letter in its beak, and vanished with a soft whoosh.
After Fox left, Kyle went to the Beauxbatons Headmaster's office and conveyed Professor Viktor's request.
"So, you're saying that for some reason, Professor Viktor needs to temporarily halt the Alchemy classes?"
Madam Maxime looked at Kyle, her tone laced with confusion.
"It's due to some special circumstances, but I can't disclose the specifics," Kyle hesitated, abandoning the excuse he had initially planned.
"You can't tell me?" Madame Maxime's voice deepened, a hint of displeasure lacing her tone. "This is Beauxbatons, not Hogwarts. You and one of our professors are discussing something privately, and this matter affects the students' classes. In this situation, you don't intend to inform me, the Headmistress?"
"I apologize, Madame Maxime, but that is indeed the case," Kyle replied, steeling himself. "The matter is quite significant, and I don't feel comfortable making the decision on my own... If you're willing to wait, Professor Dumbledore will come here in person to explain and express our sincerity and gratitude."
"It's undeniable that Professor Viktor has greatly assisted us," Kyle added.
Madame Maxime fell silent, her gaze fixed on Kyle, who maintained a calm demeanor, meeting her stare.
He could have easily fabricated a plausible excuse to temporarily placate Madame Maxime, a task that wouldn't have been too challenging for him.
However, one thing Madame Maxime said was true—this was Beauxbatons, someone else's territory.
Out of respect, he couldn't lie to her, as doing so would likely create a rift in their relationship if the truth were ever uncovered. While it might not lead to an immediate breakdown in their interaction, Madame Maxime would undoubtedly feel uncomfortable about being deceived.
At the moment, every ally was invaluable to Hogwarts, and Kyle didn't want this matter to leave a sour taste in either party's mouth.
Yet, he couldn't divulge the whole truth, so he had chosen this approach.
As for what would happen next, that was for Dumbledore to figure out. It was up to him to satisfy Madame Maxime and ensure a harmonious outcome.
If he couldn't make it back... then the concept of allies would become moot anyway.
A few minutes later...
"Very well, considering your current situation, I won't pry, and I can decide to postpone the subsequent alchemy classes," Madame Maxime said, her imposing aura suddenly dissipating as if nothing had happened.
"But you must provide me with an explanation as soon as possible."
"Rest assured, Madame Maxime," Kyle assured her. "Once this matter is resolved, Professor Dumbledore will come to you without delay."
"I'll take your word for now," Madame Maxime said. "You may return to your rest."
"There's one more thing," Kyle said hesitantly. "I may need to stay here a few more days. Could I...?"
"That's simple. You're welcome to stay at Beauxbatons for as long as you need," Madame Maxime said with a smile. "If you feel bored, you're free to explore as well. If you're unsure where to go, the Training Hall is the liveliest place and won't interfere with the students' classes."
"Thank you, I understand," Kyle said.
"Then go and get some rest. He will show you the way," Madame Maxime waved her hand, and a house-elf suddenly appeared in the room.
The elf bowed and gestured for Kyle to follow him.
...
"That's the situation. I need to wait for Professor Viktor's results, so I'll be staying here for a while," Kyle explained.
The next morning during breakfast, Kyle filled Connor in on what had transpired.
"Why don't I ask Fleur to send you back?" Connor suggested.
"No need," Connor shook her head.
"What about your shop?"
"I'll just close it. It's not like I'm running it for profit anyway," Connor replied nonchalantly. "Plus, I'm curious about Beauxbatons. It's a rare opportunity to experience their hospitality, so I might as well make the most of it."
"If you'd like to stay, then let's do it together," Kyle smiled. It would certainly be less awkward having a familiar face around in this entirely new environment.
"By the way," Connor took another caramel crepe from the plate, "Is Hogwarts planning to introduce alchemy classes?"
"No," Kyle replied. "Why do you ask?"
"Because your behavior yesterday seemed a bit odd," Connor said. "You asked too many detailed questions, and most of them were unrelated to alchemy itself... or rather, unrelated to the subject matter of the class."
"Was it that obvious?" Kyle raised an eyebrow.
"Yes, it was," Connor confirmed. "In fact, not just me, but Gabrielle also guessed your intention when you asked for the third time about which book a beginner in alchemy should read.
"But there's one thing I don't understand. If Hogwarts doesn't plan to introduce a new course, why did you ask those questions?"
"I just felt it was necessary, and it might come in handy in the future," Kyle said as he took a sip of onion soup. "When I first arrived, I realized that alchemy can bring a lot of convenience to wizards, and it's a growing trend.
"Take the British Ministry of Magic, for example. They've been using those outdated paper airplanes for communication for far too long. It's about time they switched to something new. We can't keep lagging behind; after all, it's a new century, and wizards need to evolve too."
She had experienced something similar when she first arrived in France. She had nearly made a fool of herself due to her lack of understanding of some alchemical items, but thankfully, Fleur had been there to smooth over the awkwardness.
"So, I think it's about time we made some changes, too," Kyle said. "It might not be as easy to implement elsewhere, but we can start by introducing a brand new alchemy class here at school.
"Once the students get used to it, they'll influence the adult wizards around them, and those wizards will influence even more people.
"I believe that if it's a positive change, everyone will embrace it."
"But is it really feasible to add a new class to the school's curriculum?" Connor asked doubtfully. "Alchemy isn't as simple as clearing out a classroom. From what I've seen of the setup here, even recreating a tenth of it would require a substantial amount of galleons. Do you think the school governors will be willing to spend that kind of money?"
"What about that substance conversion furnace you mentioned? I don't think that would be easy to acquire either," she added.
"You're right," Kyle nodded. "That's why I'm just making some preliminary preparations. Whether or not Hogwarts truly adds this new class depends on Dumbledore's decision when he returns. After all, he's the real headmaster."
"I support you," Connor suddenly said.
"What?"
"I mean, I support your idea," Connor smiled slightly. "I think you make a lot of sense. Although Hogwarts is the oldest and most ancient magic school, it's time for some changes."
"Then we really are on the same page," Kyle smiled back.
The two quickly finished their breakfast, and Kyle stood up.
"Where are you headed next...?" Connor asked. "Are you going to observe another class? I heard their Ancient Runic class is quite popular here."
"I might, but not right now," Kyle said. "I'm off to the Training Hall at Beauxbatons."
"Training Hall?"
"It's where the students practice their magic," Kyle explained. "Beauxbatons has designated a specific area and equipped it with alchemy dummies. Many students who don't have class go there to practice new spells they've learned.
"I asked one of the house-elves about the location last night, and honestly, I really like that place... I just don't know if Hogwarts has a room big enough. If possible, it would be nice to have something similar."
"But why are you going there?" Connor asked, puzzled. "Do you have some magic you need to practice?"
"No, I'm going to guide those students," Kyle said.
Connor was even more confused.
"You've come all the way from Britain to Beauxbatons in France to guide their students in magic?"
"Setting aside how outrageous that decision might be, I don't think the professors here would agree to it either," Connor argued. "After all, you're just a guest, and teaching students is the professor's responsibility. Your behavior is completely against protocol."
"I think they'll be fine with it," Kyle said with a smile. "If I'm not mistaken, someone has already given them a heads-up.
"Who else but Madame Maxime could have that kind of authority, aside from the Headmistress herself?" Kyle added, flexing his wrist. "Since we're staying here for a few more days, we should at least pay some rent."
Connor nodded, beginning to understand.
Madame Maxime had always wanted Kyle to come to Beauxbatons, and in this situation, perhaps this was a way for him to get a feel for the school in advance.
"Then I won't tag along," Connor said with a smile. "Fleur promised to show me the Crystal Tower last night, and she described it as beautiful. I want to go see it."
As they spoke, Kyle noticed Fleur waving at them from the side door of the Great Hall.
She still wore that large hat, and she was beckoning to them.
Connor waved back in response.
"No problem, you go ahead. I'll be fine on my own," Kyle said.
The two parted ways at the entrance of the Great Hall.
Connor and Fleur headed toward the tower, while Kyle made his way in the direction the house-elf had described the previous day.
The Training Hall was also located on the first floor, but not in the immediate area. He had to cross several courtyards to reach the eastern side of the school, near the edge of the grounds.
There were no classrooms there, and the space was spacious enough that any noise wouldn't disturb the students in class.
Sometimes Kyle envied the students of Beauxbatons. During the school's early days, they had received a substantial donation from Nicolas Flamel.
No one knew the exact amount, but it was undoubtedly significant... after all, it was from Flamel, the legendary alchemist who had lived for hundreds of years. He wouldn't have wanted to lose face by giving too little.
This donation had allowed Beauxbatons to establish all their teaching facilities in one go.
In comparison, the governors of Hogwarts seemed a bit stingy, scrimping and saving on every little thing, even using the same broomsticks for decades.
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
Report
