Chapter 820: The Power of the Phoenix Potion
Chapter 820: The Power of the Phoenix Potion
Convincing the Kneazle was a breeze. All Kyle had to do was ask and casually promise regular treats of dried meat, and Shackir leaped onto his shoulder without a moment's hesitation, the entire interaction smooth and seamless.
Lockenil, who had been watching from a distance, felt his jaw twitch. Despite having agreed to the arrangement, seeing Shackir's eagerness left him feeling a bit perturbed. He wished Shackir had at least hesitated for a moment... Otherwise, who knows, someone might assume he was raised by Kyle!
With that thought, Lockenil decided to close the door and avoid the sight altogether.
On the other hand, Kyle, thrilled to have gained a new companion, happily returned to the Magic Fountain, where he found Kona sitting by the fountain, writing intently on a piece of parchment.
"What are you writing?" he asked as he approached.
"Just some potential potion combinations that might be useful." Kona rolled up the parchment. "Are you two done talking?"
"Yeah." Kyle couldn't help but smile. "I have to say, this trip has been incredibly fruitful."
He briefly recounted the afternoon's events, leaving Kona equally astonished.
"A Kneazle! They're rare and precious magical creatures unique to France, and he just lent it to you?"
"He lent it to me, and I'll have to return it later," Kyle corrected.
"That's still surprising," Kona said. "I haven't been in France for long, but even I know about the status of Kneazles here... The pub next to Gringotts is called the Le Chat Botte."
"But these magical creatures are usually only found in the Ministry of Magic, and regular witches and wizards are prohibited from keeping them as pets. It seems that Professor Lockenil is quite an extraordinary professor indeed."
"Indeed," Kyle agreed. "One would need exceptional skills to be invited by the Romanian Fire Dragon Reserve."
"Fire Dragon Reserve?"
"Oh, that was a few years ago," Kyle explained. "It was before the start of our fourth year, the first time I met Professor Lockenil."
Kona nodded and followed Kyle as they walked toward the dining hall.
Dinner was not as luxurious and formal as the first night, but it was still plentiful.
"This is truly France," Kona said after taking a bite of the beef wrapped in bread. "Even if it's just steak, I think it tastes better than the food at Hogwarts. I feel like I've gained a few pounds these past two days."
Kyle stared at his plate, neither speaking nor offering any opinion... as if he hadn't heard a word.
Preoccupied with his thoughts, he didn't linger long at dinner. After hastily eating a few ham sandwiches, he ran straight to the Alchemy classroom door.
With the classes for the past two days postponed and it being Saturday, the corridor in front of the Alchemy classroom was deserted.
When Kyle arrived, the door remained locked, with a lamp on it flashing a red light, just as it had been three days ago when he had left.
Not knowing the exact time, Kyle didn't go back but instead leaned against the railing and took out a book to read.
Time passed slowly, and the sounds of laughter and chatter gradually faded away, disappearing altogether at one point. The Alchemy elevator also stopped operating.
The spacious corridor fell into an eerie silence, disturbed only by the howling of the wind and the faint ticking sound that seemed to come from the flickering red light on the wall.
Kyle closed his book and glanced at the time.
Unknowingly, it was already eleven o'clock in the evening.
No wonder it was so quiet. Even at Beauxbatons, it was unlikely that students would be allowed to wander the school at this hour.
Kyle stretched his stiff arms and looked at the Alchemy classroom door again... It was still closed.
Perhaps Professor Victor meant that he needed three days to complete the task, rather than it being done by the third day, Kyle thought to himself.
Just as he hesitated about whether to go back and come again in the morning, the door was suddenly opened from the inside.
Professor Victor stepped out.
"You're still here. I was just about to come and find you." His voice sounded weak.
Working continuously for three days, even with magical support, was bound to take a toll. However, Professor Victor seemed accustomed to this level of exertion.
"Would you like to eat something first?" Kyle asked.
"No need, it's just been three days. The energy potion I drank earlier is enough to sustain me." Victor waved his hand dismissively. "Come in. There's a lot more for you to do."
Kyle followed him into the classroom. As soon as they entered, Professor Victor picked up the golden pocket watch from the table and placed it in Kyle's hand.
The cracks had completely disappeared, and the originally dull color had regained its brilliance.
"I helped fill in the framework of the magical text, which took a little extra time," Professor Victor said as he removed the peculiar glove and carefully placed it in a metal box, then set his spectacles on the table.
"This should save you some time when you deliver it to Nicole."
"Thank you," Kyle said sincerely.
"Don't mention it," Professor Victor waved his hand. "If something is sent to me, it means someone wants my help, and I can't just turn a blind eye.
"Besides, Albus is one of the few remaining Alchemy Masters these days. It would be a shame for him to remain lost in time."
Fox had already returned from Devon two days ago and brought back a reply from Nicole, so he could visit her at any time.
"There's no rush," Victor said. "Nicole still needs to make some preparations, which will take about five days. Even if you go now, you'll just be waiting. If we're going to wait either way, what difference does it make where we wait?"
"Alright then," Kyle nodded.
Professor Victor closed the door once more, eager to delve into his new ideas. However, this time, the wall did not glow with a bright red light.
...
Despite Professor Victor's suggestion that he could stay a bit longer, Kyle insisted on leaving Beauxbatons the next day.
After a few attempts to persuade him to stay, Madame Maxim let him go.
Just like when they arrived, Fu Rong saw them off with her flying carpet.
As they stepped out of the school gates, she spread the carpet over a large stone.
"Hop on," she said. "Where would you like to go now? How about watching a performance by the Elf Dance Troupe in Bagneres-de-Bigorre? It's not far from here."
"No thanks," Kyle shook his head. "I have something to take care of. I must return to Britain right away."
"You're leaving now...?" Fu Rong asked, puzzled. "Is it that urgent?"
Kona also looked at him, awaiting an explanation.
"I'd love to stay longer, but I heard something from Professor Victor that's rather pressing, so..." Kyle trailed off.
"It's fine," Kona smiled gently. "I also have a new potion formula to test, and I wasn't planning on traveling much anyway."
She stepped forward and hugged Kyle. "Be careful when you get back."
"You too," Kyle said. "If you run into any trouble, don't hesitate to seek help from Madame Maxim. Don't worry about owing her a favor; Professor Dumbledore can help repay it later."
Kona laughed at his words and playfully retorted, "What would Professor Dumbledore say if he heard you speaking on his behalf like that?"
"He wouldn't mind," Kyle said confidently.
"Hey, are the two of you underestimating me?" Fu Rong pouted, feigning displeasure. "We're in France, and even if there's trouble, I can handle it with ease."
"In that case, I'm counting on you," Kyle said. "When you and Bill get married, I'll give you an extravagant wedding gift."
"You'd better," Fu Rong raised an eyebrow, "My standards are quite high."
"Then we'll keep trying until you're satisfied," Kyle smiled and held out his hand.
Before Fu Rong could react to his gesture, a large bird with golden-red feathers descended from the sky. Kyle grabbed its tail feathers, and with a loud bang, they disappeared from sight.
"Oh!"
Fu Rong was startled and looked up in amazement. "Kona, did you see that?"
"Yes, I did," Kona replied softly, her eyes fixed on the spot where Kyle had vanished.
"What was that? Could it be a phoenix?" Fu Rong asked, her eyes wide with wonder.
"It's a phoenix, named Fox," Kona confirmed. "Remember how Kyle arrived in France the last time? That was also on the back of a phoenix."
"How convenient," Fu Rong said, a hint of envy in her voice. But it wasn't the phoenix's ability to evade the Ministry of Magic's scrutiny with its Disapparition talent that she envied; it was the creature's breathtaking beauty.
The golden-red feathers shimmered like gold in the flames, and its call, though brief, was more enchanting than the grandest performance at the Magic Opera House.
"Do you think I could find a phoenix too?" Fu Rong asked, her eyes sparkling with anticipation.
"Umm... probably," Kona replied, not wanting to crush her friend's hopes. "The wizarding world is so vast; there's bound to be an opportunity someday."
"I hope so," Fu Rong gazed into the sky for a while longer, searching for any sign of the phoenix, but after a few minutes, she gave up and joined Kona on the flying carpet, returning to the shopping street.
"What do you plan to do next?" she asked Kona.
Kona thought for a moment and said, "I guess it'll be the same as before."
"But didn't you say you wanted to test a new potion formula?" Fu Rong asked.
"I can do that anytime; it's not urgent," Kona replied.
"But you've been brewing so many potions these past few days," Fu Rong turned to face her, "I think it's fine to take a break and do something else for a change."
"It's not enough," Kona shook her head slightly, "I think it's better to be overprepared."
...
Meanwhile, Kyle, who had left Beauxbatons, was also transported to Nicole's estate in Devon by Fox.
As soon as he landed, the house-elf Tata scurried over.
"Master asked me to wait here for you, sir," Tata said.
"Thank you," Kyle said, rubbing his slightly dizzy forehead. "Where's Nicole?"
"Master is in the Alchemy Room," Tata replied. "I'll take you there now."
The elf led Kyle through the estate, and whether it was an illusion or not, Kyle felt that they traversed the vast courtyard much quicker than before.
However, he didn't pay much mind to it at the moment.
Tata guided Kyle into a room to the right of the entrance hall, the same room where the golden cup and pendant box had been kept previously.
"He mentioned it," Kyle nodded. "But I figured it would be better to come sooner and lend a hand if I could."
"Although this may come as a blow to you, Kyle, I can manage this on my own. There's really nothing you can do to help."
"Did you bring it?" Nicole asked, holding out her hand.
"Yes, I did." Kyle quickly took out the Time-Turner that had been repaired to its original state.
"Ah, Victor's craftsmanship." Nicole examined it from all angles and nodded in satisfaction. "Only he could have repaired it so meticulously; it looks as good as new."
"Couldn't you have done it?"
"Perhaps three hundred years ago, but now, he does it better than I ever could." Nicole extended her twig-like hand and tapped the Time-Turner.
The golden casing automatically separated, and the five hands, in order of length, detached themselves and fell neatly onto the adjacent velvet cushion.
Then, in a flash, Kyle found himself in the living room.
"Master has prepared this for you, sir," Tata said, holding a bottle of red potion as if he had anticipated Kyle's appearance.
"What is this?" Kyle asked.
"Tata doesn't know," the elf replied. "Master only told Tata that it would be helpful to you."
"Oh... alright then." Kyle pondered briefly before taking the potion and downing its contents.
It tasted pleasant, like raspberry juice.
But he knew this was no ordinary juice; he would have to ask Nicole about it later.
Kyle returned the empty bottle to Tata, who bowed and said, "Then, sir, Tata will go prepare lunch."
"Wait a moment," Kyle called out. "Where is Mrs. Perenelle?"
"The mistress has gone to France to watch the Elf Dance Troupe's performance. She won't be back for about two weeks," Tata informed him.
The Elf Dance Troupe?
Kyle felt like he had heard that name somewhere before, and then he remembered. Wasn't this the same troupe that Fu Rong had recommended, and whose performance was taking place today?
If he had agreed to Fu Rong's suggestion, he might have run into Mrs. Perenelle there.
After leaving Beauxbatons, Kyle stayed at Nicole's estate.
However, unlike the bustling atmosphere at school, he was now alone.
Kyle had intended to bond with the Kneazle, Shackir, but as soon as he let it out of its box, Shackir's fur stood on end, its big blue eyes anxiously scanning every corner of the room, clearly on edge.
It seemed that something terrifying was stimulating its senses, perhaps the protective magic surrounding the estate.
To calm the Kneazle, Kyle had no choice but to return it to its box and place it in his room, where he stored his items and occasionally rested.
After all, he wasn't going to use it anytime soon, and his room was the only place where Shackir seemed to feel somewhat at ease.
There was no helping it.
...
A few days later, as Kyle was reading a book, the light suddenly dimmed, and he found himself back in the Alchemy room.
"Are you done already?" he asked, hastily closing his book.
"Yes, but this is just the necessary preparation work, not the actual repair," Nicole clarified.
Kyle noticed that the potion in the crucible had changed from golden to a deep blue.
Nicole picked up a small vial and waved it in front of Kyle.
"Do you remember what this is?"
"Is it the potion that can bring people back from the dead, the one that Connor brought before?" Kyle asked tentatively.
The effects of this potion were too powerful to ignore, and he had taken a keen interest in it the last time he saw it.
"Indeed, it's the Phoenix Potion," Nicole confirmed, opening the vial and pouring its contents into the crucible. The deep blue potion instantly turned golden and formed a small whirlpool.
"Originally, the defect in this Time-Turner was irreparable, but the appearance of this potion has changed that," Nicole marveled. "After all, Mr. Salazar Slytherin wrote the magical text using the Phoenix Potion."
Nicole waved her wand, and the potion in the crucible transformed into a golden ribbon that floated towards the now-opened Time-Turner, automatically forming golden magical text.
"This process will take some time," Nicole said, turning to Kyle. "The reason I summoned you here is that we're missing another ingredient, one needed to repair the magical core that has completely lost its magic."
"What is it?" Kyle asked.
"The ashes left behind after a phoenix's rebirth."
...
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
Report
