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Chapter 819: Lockner's Gift
Chapter 819: Lockner's Gift
"Wands up, don't hold them so low that you're offering a pedicure to your enemies!"
"And you, don't grip it so tightly. You're performing magic, not digging potatoes with a stick."
"Relax, casting spells isn't a painful affair, and you don't need to strain your face. If all else fails, imagine you're conducting an orchestra. As a French wizard, you must have been to a concert before, right?"
...
Kyle had to admit that the first day's experiences had indeed left him somewhat shaken.
Whether it was the teaching facilities, the alchemy classroom, or the delicious meals, they far surpassed Hogwarts in every way.
But witnessing the magic abilities of the Beauxbatons students today had also left him equally astonished... in a bad way.
Judging from the appearance of some students, they were probably in their third or fourth year, yet their spellcasting skills were lacking, to say the least... calling them mediocre would be a compliment.
After casting their spells, they would then proceed to jab their wands onto the ground. At Hogwarts, even second-year students wouldn't make such a basic mistake, but here, it was commonplace.
There were also those who seemed to have a grudge against their wands, as if they wanted to crush them with their fingers.
This was probably a result of the disparity in teaching abilities between professors.
Professor Fleuriot paid the most attention to the students' hand movements while casting spells. Throughout the class, he would remind them at least three times, and if he spotted anyone doing it incorrectly, he would immediately correct them.
However, the professors at Beauxbatons didn't seem to have this habit, which resulted in the students holding their wands in all sorts of awkward and unusual ways.
While it might not matter to some powerful wizards how they held their wands, the prerequisite was having the strength to back it up.
With the students at Beauxbatons, Kyle was afraid they might accidentally hit him with their spells.
He had originally thought that this would be a relatively easy task... but it turned out that the rent was not going to be cheap at all.
Kyle spent two days in the training hall, speaking more during that time than he had in the past two months combined. As a result, he hadn't even had time to think about the Time-Turner.
And the students of Beauxbatons... they must have received a reminder from Madame Maxim, as they didn't repeat what had happened on the first day.
No, it was more than that—not only did no one oppose him, but the number of people seeking his guidance had actually increased. What was originally a sparse group of a few individuals in the training hall had, on the third day, become a crowded and bustling place.
Kyle was surrounded by a large group of students, not even having a moment to take a drink of water.
Kona glanced over at one point, then left without turning back, showing no sign of wanting to help.
It wasn't until lunchtime that Kyle finally had a chance to breathe, but even the delicious food couldn't tempt his appetite in his exhausted state.
This wouldn't do—he had to find an excuse for the afternoon...
"Aha, I knew it was you."
Just as he was thinking this, a man suddenly sat down in the seat next to Kyle.
"Mr. Lockner!" Kyle exclaimed, surprised to see the man.
"Was that expression necessary?" Lockner asked. "Or did you not know that I work at Beauxbatons?"
"I know," Kyle nodded.
Lockner was a magical creature expert he had met a few years ago when he went to the Romanian Fire Dragon Sanctuary with Newt.
They had even done business together, with Lockner paying a hefty price to purchase a large quantity of incomplete fire dragon scales and other materials from Kyle.
At the time, his reason was that he needed them for the alchemy class at Beauxbatons, so Kyle was well aware that he worked here.
Moreover, Lockner had also appeared for a while as a professor accompanying the Beauxbatons students during the Triwizard Tournament.
"Even though I knew beforehand, I'm still quite surprised... no, I should say delighted."
"That's where you're wrong," Lockner said, a little unhappily. "Since you knew I was here, why didn't you come find me after so many days?"
"I didn't have time," Kyle spread his hands helplessly. "I've been practically tied to the training hall lately. I can only get away for a short while during mealtimes and sleep."
He glanced at the time. "In fact, I have to head back there soon."
"Ah, I know." The usually serious-looking Lockner suddenly smiled.
"The news that there's a new professor in the training hall guiding students in spell practice has spread throughout the entire school."
"I went to take a look this morning out of curiosity... But there were too many people, and your appearance has changed quite a bit over the years, so I only thought it might be you and couldn't be sure."
"But now I am." Lockner continued, "Olympe has always wanted to find a more suitable professor for the Charms class, and she's been happy these past two days..."
As if realizing he'd said something wrong, Lockner suddenly stopped talking, glanced at the time, and said awkwardly, "Ah, it's about time. I have something to attend to, so I won't disturb you further."
As he spoke, he stood up, ready to leave.
"Don't rush off, Mr. Lockner," Kyle said quickly, grabbing his arm.
Although Lockner had stopped talking in time, Kyle still guessed some details that he hadn't known before.
Firstly, the reason why so many people went to the training hall was most likely due to Madame Maxim's scheming. While word of mouth among students could indeed spread quickly, the number of participants wouldn't have increased so drastically otherwise.
"But you still have to go to the training hall, don't you?" Locknier struggled to pull his arm back, but after several attempts, he was unable to free himself as Kyle seemed prepared and held on tightly.
"It's only for half a day, and I have a legitimate reason. As a newcomer to the study of magical creatures, I ought to pay a visit to an expert in this field."
"What do you think of this reason? Madame Maxim definitely won't refuse."
"But I have classes in the afternoon," Locknier stammered, "How about another day?"
"Today is Saturday."
"But I don't like drinking."
"Then it's perfect. We can have a clear-headed chat about magical creatures." Kyle didn't give Locknier a chance to make more excuses and stood up, pulling him towards the exit of the Great Hall.
"Mr. Scamander recently revised the new edition of 'Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them,' and there are some parts I don't understand. I'd like to hear your opinions."
Locknier felt bitter inside. Madame Maxim had finally found someone useful who could help improve the weak performance of Beauxbatons students in Charms. If Kyle were to find a reason to leave, she would never let him off the hook.
The consequence would likely be getting balled up and stuffed into a Quidditch trunk, personally participating in the next match.
And if you couldn't understand the 'Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them,' you could always ask Newt... What was he thinking? Newt was a master, how dare he compare himself to someone who merely kept Bowtruckles?
"I..."
Just as Locknier was about to say something else, Kyle let go of his arm and swiftly ran out of the Great Hall.
"Professor Locknier, I'll wait for you outside."
Kyle's voice echoed in the Great Hall, but he was already several meters away.
Locknier's expression was as bitter as if he had eaten a pound of bitter gourd roots. He never expected Kyle to be so decisive.
One could say that from the moment he shouted those words, it didn't matter where Kyle went or if he was really with him; it was all irrelevant.
Because everyone would assume that they were together.
Locknier felt like the bright ceiling had turned gloomy, as if countless storms were brewing, just like Madame Maxim's expression would be tomorrow.
But he had no choice, so he followed.
Regardless, he had to at least know where Kyle was going.
Locknier ran out of the Great Hall and searched the vast campus until he finally found Kyle standing by the magical fountain.
"This is Mr. Nicoleme's masterpiece, which he donated to the school to commemorate his own encounter with Madame Perenelle."
Locknier walked over and said, "Moreover, this fountain has magical properties. Regular contact can enhance beauty and heal minor injuries. You can let your beautiful girlfriend try it."
Upon hearing this, Kona, who was following behind, subconsciously reached into the fountain.
"Is it that amazing?" Kyle tried it as well.
The fountain water felt like clouds enveloping his hand, or like a dewy breeze on an early morning.
"Do you think Madame Maxim would mind if I took some with me?"
"She definitely won't mind." Locknier said, "But once this water leaves Beauxbatons, it loses its magical properties and becomes ordinary.
"However, if you like it, you are welcome to stay. Madame Maxim wouldn't mind that either."
His intentions were clear—he wanted to keep Kyle around to make up for his slip of the tongue.
"I think I'll pass..." Kyle smiled, "The rent here is too expensive."
Locknier then turned to Kona, hoping to approach the matter from a different angle.
He believed that any witch would be unable to refuse something that could enhance their beauty, and even Fleur would frequently visit this fountain during her school days.
But before he could say anything, Kona withdrew her hand from the fountain.
"Hmm... It's similar to beauty potions." Kona fiddled with the fountain water with her fingers, "This gentle sensation... Perhaps I can try replacing the mint leaves with cloudbell pods."
"Kyle, can you keep an eye out for me? Those plants mostly grow near the Cornish pixies' nests, and they're rarely found in France."
"No problem." Kyle said, "Once we're back, I'll ask Fred and George to get some for me. They have their own herb suppliers."
Locknier felt utterly defeated.
"Don't be surprised." Kyle looked at him and smiled faintly, "That's just how Kona is. Whenever she encounters something new, she always thinks about how to use it in potions, and she's an expert in that field herself."
Locknier fell silent, his lips twitching for a long while before he said, "Never mind, weren't you going to discuss magical creatures? Follow me."
"I couldn't ask for more." Kyle said.
"I'll pass." Kona said, "I want to study this fountain further."
"Alright then.
The two then arrived at a wooden cabin south of the fountain, which looked simple and out of place compared to the grand manor.
"You also live in a wooden house?" Kyle blurted out.
He wondered if living in wooden houses was a habit of everyone who studied magical creatures. Newt was the same; his home in the Dorsetshire Forest was self-built, and Kettleburn and Hagrid had also set up wooden cabins on the edge of the Forbidden Forest.
"Is that strange?" Locknier asked. "We need to get as close to nature as possible to relax the guard of those wild magical creatures, and wooden houses are the best choice."
"Come in, just don't step on the pods on the ground. They're the food for the Kneazles."
Kyle also noticed that this place was like a large Kneazle breeding base.
On the trees, on the roof, in the yard... their traces could be seen everywhere, adding up to about a dozen or so.
And this was only what could be seen.
It was just that they were now staring at Kyle, making a constant rumbling sound... that was their warning to him not to come closer.
"Usually, not many people dare to come to my place. These little guys are shy and very vigilant." Locknier said, "But if it's you, it should be fine."
As he spoke, a larger Kneazle suddenly jumped down from a tree and slapped one of those meowing the loudest. Then, with a leap, it gracefully landed in front of Kyle.
"Long time no see, Shachir..." Kyle rubbed its chin, and the Kneazle immediately lay down comfortably, exposing its white belly.
No wonder Locknier would say that. It seemed he had a familiar cat here.
The one in front of him was the Kneazle he had met at the Fire Dragon Sanctuary. They had gotten along quite well at the time.
And for Locknier to specifically bring it along, it must be an outstanding member of its kind, naturally able to intimidate other Kneazles.
"Even though I've witnessed it before, it's still quite amazing. After all, Shachir rarely gets close to other wizards." Locknier said, "You're one of them, and the other is Mr. Scamander."
"It's my honor." Kyle rubbed Shachir's chin again and took out a packet of Mortermouse jerky from his pocket, opening the package to feed it.
Whether it was a Kneazle, a Cat-Fox, a Cat-Leopard, or an Owl-Cat, they all loved this, and the Kneazle was no exception.
"Don't feed it too much." Locknier's face fell, "My salary isn't enough to feed them this for every meal."
"Is Beauxbatons that stingy with their professors' expenses?" Kyle asked with a smile, "Why don't you come to Hogwarts? The salary is pretty good there."
"I have thirty-seven Kneazles here. Even a higher salary wouldn't be enough to cover their food."
"Then bring them all along. Hogwarts will cover their food expenses."
If he could bring back more than thirty Kneazles, this deal would definitely be profitable.
But Locknier completely ignored his suggestion, acting as if he hadn't heard a word, and pushed open the door to go inside.
Kyle followed, still holding Shachir.
The interior of the wooden cabin was as simple as the cabin itself, and most of the furniture was handmade.
Locknier poured him a cup of tea.
The two sat across from each other and genuinely discussed magical creature-related topics, including the new perspectives put forth by Newt, which Locknier found equally intriguing.
"By the way."
An hour later, Kyle suddenly remembered something.
"A few years ago, you mentioned that you were going to look for a new magical creature. Haven't you found it yet?"
"It's rare that you remember that." Locknier smiled, "I'm almost done, but these things can't be rushed. I still need to observe more details, but it won't be long. Once the third generation is born, I should be able to publish my findings."
"Don't forget to send me a copy."
"Of course, I already promised you that."
...
Afterward, the two chatted for a long time. As dusk fell, Kyle prepared to leave.
By nine o'clock, it would be close to the agreed-upon time, and he needed to head to the alchemy classroom to check on things.
As Locknier saw him out of the wooden cabin, Kyle reluctantly put down Shachir, whom he had been holding in his arms.
He genuinely liked Kneazles; their big blue eyes were so beautiful.
"You can try taking it with you." Locknier's eyelids twitched as he whispered.
"What?"
"I mean, if Shachir is willing, you can take it with you." Locknier repeated, "That was also one of the reasons I wanted to find you."
"Why?" Kyle asked, surprised by the sudden offer, and he couldn't quite believe it.
"I've looked into your situation over there," Locknier whispered, "The deeds of that Dark Wizard are truly terrifying. Just over a month ago, seventy wizards died in one place. It's unimaginable."
"And Kneazles... they are highly perceptive magical creatures. When danger is imminent, they often sense it faster than wizards.
"With Shachir around, perhaps it can help you avoid some dangers."
"Thank you..." Kyle said after a moment of silence.
"Consider it mutual aid between fellow magical creature enthusiasts." Locknier glanced at Kyle again, "Just remember to return Shachir when you're done."
"Definitely."
(End of Chapter)
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