Chapter 818: The Solution and the Rent
Chapter 818: The Solution and the Rent
In the alchemy classroom, Kyle stared at the Time Turner on the table, deep in thought.
The situation was unbelievable. The Time Turner, which was supposed to be taken away by Dumbledore, had suddenly reappeared and was delivered to Professor Viktor Busbaron.
To be honest, Kyle's decision to come to Busbaron was completely spontaneous, a decision he made only after arriving in France.
Aside from Busbaron, he could have gone to other well-known places, such as the city of Bordeaux, where the Opera House was highly recommended by Cedric.
Nico was also a frequent visitor there, but he still preferred Muggle operas... Kyle believed that Muggles had more pursuit and creativity, and in this regard, wizards were somewhat lacking.
Aside from the Opera House, France also had the Red Hat Circus, a favorite among traveling bards and wizards, and the Wine Bar, popular among wandering poets... Any of these places could have been Kyle's potential destinations.
The reason he chose Busbaron was entirely due to what he had heard in the shops and the influence of Fengnu.
In other words, from the time he made this decision until his departure, it was only a matter of a few short hours.
If he had made a different choice or hadn't come to France, he might never have seen this Time Turner again.
After all, Viktor had just mentioned that the envelope was mixed in with a pile of failed products. If it weren't for Kyle's timely confession, perhaps Viktor wouldn't have even noticed it...
Kyle wasn't sure how Busbaron would handle those failed alchemy products, but he was certain they wouldn't be properly stored somewhere. When the time came, a simple Cleaning Charm might be all it took to dispose of them.
"Who sent this thing?" Kyle asked again.
"If I knew, I would have told you immediately," Viktor said, placing the envelope on the table.
Aside from Viktor's name and address, there was nothing else on the envelope.
"Either way, this thing solves our most significant problem for now."
Viktor didn't seem to mind how the Time Turner had arrived. He held the Pocket Watch in the palm of his hand, examining it closely.
"It's pretty damaged, like a grape that's been squeezed dry..."
"Can it still be used?" Kyle asked anxiously.
"It can be fixed, but it's a bit complicated," Viktor said, "You'll need some patience."
"How long will it take?"
"Since I've done it before, it should be faster this time... maybe a month?" Viktor said, putting on a brass-made pair of goggles.
"I have some extra materials here, so I can help restore it to its original state... I was in charge of it last time, and the process will take about three days."
Then, he put on two uniquely shaped mechanical gloves with ten bracket-like structures, each holding a two-inch-long miniature wand... a total of twenty wands.
"During this time, you need to send a letter to Nico... if you can reach him."
"I can," Kyle quickly said.
"Then write him a letter, so he can prepare in advance... The key to restoring the Time Turner lies in its magic runes and the Philosopher's Stone that serves as its core."
"The Philosopher's Stone?" Kyle's heart tightened.
Historically, there were only a few of these stones, could Nico really make another one?
"Don't worry, the Philosopher's Stone is still here," Viktor said, "But it's been drained, and there's no magical reaction on it, which is why I overlooked it.
"However, I'm not sure if it can be restored... This isn't my specialty, Nico will have to come up with a solution."
"Now, you're free to go out. Oh, and remember to tell Madam Maxim that the alchemy classes will be postponed for a few days."
Viktor pulled down his goggles, and his entire demeanor changed. He looked like a statue, with no visible signs of emotion.
Kyle lowered his voice and quietly walked to the door.
As he approached, a gap appeared in the magic runes on the door, and the lock opened automatically. When he stepped out, the door clicked shut and locked itself.
Kyle stood at the door for a while, hearing no sound from inside. He then followed the path he had come from, heading towards Madam Maxim's office.
Along the way, Kyle wrote a letter with an automatic quill, and by the time he reached the door, he had finished writing on two pieces of parchment.
"Phoenix," Kyle said softly.
The Phoenix appeared on his shoulder, its dark, bright eyes gazing at him.
"Deliver this to Nico," Kyle folded the parchment, "This concerns Professor Dumbledore, so make sure it gets there."
The Phoenix nodded and took the parchment in its beak, disappearing with a puff.
After the Phoenix left, Kyle went to Headmaster Busbaron's office and conveyed Professor Viktor's request to her.
"So, you're saying that due to certain reasons, Professor Viktor will have to temporarily stop teaching alchemy?" Madam Maxim looked at Kyle with a hint of confusion.
She understood Viktor; he was a man dedicated to alchemy and teaching. His purpose in teaching was to introduce this subject to as many people as possible.
So, unless it was something extremely important, he wouldn't ask to pause the class.
"What did you talk about?" Madame Maxim asked, narrowing her eyes, her towering height of almost thirteen feet adding to the intimidation factor.
"It's a special situation, but I can't say what it is," Kyle thought for a moment, abandoning the excuse he had prepared earlier.
"Can't say..." Madame Maxim said in a low voice, "This is Busbaron, not Hogwarts. You and our professor are discussing something in private, and it might even affect the students' classes... In this situation, you don't even want me, the Headmaster, to know?"
"I'm sorry, Madame Maxim, but that's indeed the case." Kyle said, his voice firm, "The matter is a bit big, and I don't dare to make the decision... If you're willing to wait, Professor Dumbledore will come to explain to you in person and express our sincerity and gratitude."
"Professor Viktor has indeed helped us a lot, and no one can deny that."
Madame Maxim fell silent, looking at Kyle, who remained calm and composed.
He could easily come up with a plausible excuse to temporarily put off Madame Maxim, but he chose not to.
Madame Maxim was right about one thing—this was Busbaron, someone else's territory.
Out of respect, he couldn't lie. If the lie were to be uncovered, it would be difficult to resolve the situation without causing some discomfort, even if it didn't lead to an immediate confrontation.
At present, every ally was precious to Hogwarts, and Kyle didn't want this matter to create a rift between them.
But he couldn't tell the truth either, so he had to choose this approach.
As for what to do next, that was something Professor Dumbledore would have to consider. He could make Madame Maxim feel at ease, and then everything would be fine.
If he couldn't return in the end... Whether they were allies or not, it wouldn't matter.
A few minutes later...
"Okay, considering your current situation, I can choose not to ask or make a decision to postpone the upcoming Alchemy class." Madame Maxim said, and the aura around her suddenly dissipated as if nothing had happened.
"But you must give me an explanation soon."
"Rest assured, Madame Maxim," Kyle assured her, "As soon as this matter is resolved, Professor Dumbledore will come to explain everything in person."
"I'll trust your words for now." Madame Maxim said, "You can go back and rest."
"There's one more thing," Kyle said, a little embarrassed, "I may have to stay here for a few more days, can I..."
"That's simple. You can stay at Busbaron for as long as you need," Madame Maxim said with a smile, "If you feel bored, you're free to wander around. If you don't know where to go, the Training Hall is the liveliest place, and it won't interfere with the students' classes."
"Thank you, I understand," Kyle said.
"Then go back and rest. He'll take you there," Madame Maxim waved her hand, and a house elf appeared in the room.
He bent down and gestured for Kyle to follow him.
...
"That's the situation. I'm waiting for Professor Viktor's results, so I'll have to stay here for a while."
The next morning during breakfast, Kyle told Conna about what had happened.
"Why don't I have Fengnu send you back?" Conna suggested.
"No need," Conna shook her head.
This work is organized and uploaded by Li Hua~~
"What about your shop then?"
"Just close it. It's not like I'm doing it for the money anyway," Conna said casually, "Plus, I'm also interested in Busbaron. It's rare for them to be so enthusiastic, so it's a good opportunity to experience it."
"If you like it, then let's go together," Kyle smiled, "It's nice to have a familiar face in this completely unfamiliar environment."
"Right," Conna took the second plate of caramel crepes, "Is Hogwarts planning to offer an Alchemy class?"
"No," Kyle said, "Why would you ask that?"
"I found your performance in the afternoon a bit strange," Conna said, "You asked too many details, and most of the content had nothing to do with alchemy... No, it should be said that it has nothing to do with alchemy itself, but more with the class."
"Is it that obvious?" Kyle raised an eyebrow.
"It's that obvious," Conna said, "In fact, it's not just me. When you asked for the third time about which book a beginner in alchemy should read, Gabrielle also guessed your intention."
"But if Hogwarts isn't planning to introduce an Alchemy class, why did you ask those questions?"
"I just felt it was necessary, maybe it'll be useful in the future," Kyle said, taking a sip of onion soup, "I noticed it as soon as I arrived. Alchemy does bring a lot of convenience to witches and wizards. It's a trend.
"Take the British Ministry of Magic, for example. They've been using paper airplanes for communication for so long, it's time for a change. They can't keep using such an outdated method. After all, we're not in the last century anymore. Witches and wizards need to develop too."
"Imagine a British wizard traveling to a foreign land, only to find himself clueless about the local magic and customs. It would be quite embarrassing, wouldn't it?"
"Indeed," Conna nodded in agreement.
She had experienced something similar when she first arrived in France. Her lack of knowledge about certain alchemical items had almost led to a comical situation, but thankfully, Fengnu was there to save her from further embarrassment.
"So, I think it's time for us to make some changes as well," Kyle said, "It might not be as easy in other places, but we can start with the school. Let's set up a brand-new alchemy class and see how it goes."
"Once the students get used to it, they will influence the adult wizards around them, and those wizards will, in turn, influence even more people."
"I believe that if it's a positive change, people will definitely accept it."
"But is it really possible to add a new subject to the school's curriculum?" Conna asked, puzzled. "Alchemy isn't as simple as cleaning out a classroom. I've seen the setup here, and even if we only restore a tenth of it, the Galleons needed would still be enormous. Do you think the Board of Governors would be willing to spend that much?"
"And that matter converter you mentioned, it probably isn't something easily obtained either."
"You're right," Kyle nodded, "So I've made some preparations. Whether Hogwarts can truly add this new subject or not, we'll have to wait until Dumbledore returns to make a real decision. After all, he's the real Chief Warlock."
"I support you," Conna suddenly said.
"What?"
"I mean, I support your idea," Conna smiled, "I think what you said makes sense. Although Hogwarts is the oldest and most ancient magical school, it's time for some changes."
"Looks like we're on the same page then," Kyle laughed.
They quickly finished their breakfast, and Kyle stood up.
"Where are you going next?" Conna asked. "Are you going to visit other classes? I heard the Ancient Runes Class is also very popular here."
"Might go and see, but not now," Kyle said, "I need to make a trip to Busbaron's Training Hall."
"Training Hall?"
"It's where students practice magic," Kyle explained. "Busbaron has set aside an area and equipped it with alchemy dummies. Many students who aren't in class go there to practice the new magic they've learned."
"I already asked the house elf about the location of the Training Hall yesterday," Kyle continued, "To be honest, I quite like this place... I just don't know if Hogwarts has such a large classroom. If it's possible, setting one up wouldn't be bad."
"But what are you going there for?" Conna asked, puzzled. "Do you have some magic you need to practice?"
"No, I'm going to guide those students," Kyle said.
But Conna was even more confused.
"You traveled all the way from Britain to France, to Busbaron, just to guide their students in magic?"
"Putting aside how absurd this idea is, the professors here probably won't agree with what you're doing either," Conna said, "After all, you're just a guest, and teaching students is the professor's duty. Your behavior is completely against the rules."
"I believe they won't oppose it," Kyle laughed, "I think someone has already given them a heads-up."
"Who?"
"Of course, it's Madame Maxim. Besides her, who else has that kind of authority?" Kyle flexed his wrist, "We're staying here for a few days, and we should pay some rent."
Conna nodded, understanding a little.
Madame Maxim had always wanted Kyle to come to Busbaron, and in this situation, it was like an advance preparation.
"Then I won't go with you," Conna said with a giggle, "Last night, Fengnu said she'd take me to see the Crystal Tower, and she described it so beautifully. I want to see it."
As they spoke, Kyle noticed Fengnu standing by the side door of the Great Hall, still wearing her large hat and waving at them.
Conna waved back, and the two of them parted ways at the entrance of the Great Hall.
Conna and Fengnu headed towards the tower, while Kyle followed the route described by the house elf the night before.
The Training Hall was also located in the east, near the edge of the school, but it wasn't in the same place. Instead, it was across several courtyards.
There were no classrooms there, and the location was spacious enough that any noise wouldn't affect the students in class."
At times, Kyle was indeed envious of Busbaron's students. In its early days, they had received a donation from Nicoleme.
No one knew the exact amount of that donation, but it was definitely not small... After all, it was Nicoleme, the legendary alchemist who had lived for hundreds of years. He couldn't have accepted less, or he would lose face.
And with this donation, Busbaron had taken a big step forward, directly perfecting all its teaching facilities.
In comparison, Hogwarts' Board of Governors seemed a bit stingy, using every Galleon they had for decades.
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
Report
