https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-900-The-Sleeping-Hungarian-Firebird/13017522/
Chapter 901: The Headmaster and the Free Runes
Chapter 901: The Headmaster and the Free Runes
Kyle actually knew that Sylva would come, as he had asked Laton to send a letter to St. Mungo's last night.
However, the time he mentioned in the letter was noon, and he didn't expect Sylva to arrive so quickly.
Outside the door stood a witch who looked similar to Dumbledore in stature and demeanor, with a furrowed brow.
"Mrs. Sylva, it's a pleasure to see you here..." Professor McGonagall approached her.
"No need for formalities, Minerva." Sylva hugged her, "Please forgive me for not attending your inauguration ceremony. I've been swamped with work, but I hope it's not too late to congratulate you now."
"Of course..." Professor McGonagall said.
To be honest, she was so dazed during the inauguration that she didn't pay attention to who was sitting below.
The two tall, slender witches with serious expressions looked like two older sisters standing together.
"Sylva, it's a surprise to see you here outside of St. Mungo's," Dumbledore said with a smile.
"It's been a while, Albus." Sylva nodded.
After a brief greeting, she turned her gaze to the front of the door, watching Hagrid spinning in place, and frowned again.
"Albus, is he also a professor at Hogwarts?" Sylva asked in confusion. "I thought his brain seemed to be affected by something, but after a thorough examination, I found nothing."
"Is this some sort of Hogwarts ritual, or a habit of the half-blood giants?"
Sylva could clearly sense that Hagrid's state was amiss, and her fingers twitched. Out of professional instinct, she wanted to examine him closely.
"Oh, just a little trick," Dumbledore said with a smile, waving his hand casually, and the runes on the door instantly dimmed.
Hagrid finally stopped and noticed the group standing beside him.
He wanted to greet them, but as soon as he opened his mouth, he felt something trying to surge up from his stomach.
Hagrid didn't care about manners anymore and ran into the Forbidden Forest behind them, covering his mouth.
"Ugh!"
The atmosphere became a little awkward.
"I apologize for the embarrassment." Professor McGonagall glared at Kyle with a stiff face.
Kyle twitched the corner of his mouth and turned his face to the side.
He had actually thought of Hagrid, who was still outside in the garden, but didn't pay much attention to it.
Kyle thought that with the half-blood giant's physique, the alchemical mist wouldn't have much effect on him, but now it seemed that the effects of alchemy were quite different from magic.
Sylva observed the reactions of those present... Although she still didn't know what had happened, she guessed that it was related to Kyle.
She looked around and then drew her wand.
On the edge of the Forbidden Forest, seven or eight nameless wildflowers floated into the air, quickly withering, and a few drops of juice merged into a pool of clear water.
Then, Sylva plucked a few leaves from a wild pear tree and ground them into the clear water as well.
Dumbledore was the first to react, turning a stone into a bottle to catch the now-colored clear water.
"Let the half-blood giant drink this, it will be good for him," Sylva said.
"I have no doubt about that," Dumbledore smiled.
The most renowned Potion Master in the wizarding world... Even if she said that the ingredients Professor Sprout took were useful, Dumbledore would unhesitatingly give Hagrid a spoonful.
"Please excuse me for a moment." Dumbledore held the bottle and walked towards Hagrid, saying, "Oh, Minerva, I just remembered that Horace has something to discuss with you, probably about purchasing potion ingredients."
He could clearly see who Sylva was here to see.
Professor McGonagall's reaction was a little slower, as she wasn't entirely clear about the relationship between Sylva and Kyle.
However, she understood Dumbledore's hint and returned to the castle with Professor Flitwick.
After everyone left, Sylva couldn't help but smile, "Albus is still so considerate."
"No doubt about that," Kyle shrugged, "Dean, when did you arrive?"
"An hour ago," Sylva said, "Didn't you write me a letter last night? I happened to have a potion that needed to be brewed for some time this morning, so I came by."
"Then, about what I mentioned in the letter regarding the school hospital..."
"I've already spoken to Madam Pomfrey," Sylva said, "Although I can't represent St. Mungo's in cooperating with Hogwarts, I can personally share some potion formulas with the Hogwarts school hospital."
"It's unrelated to St. Mungo's, it's my personal potion formula," Sylva emphasized again.
Kyle also understood that St. Mungo's must remain neutral, especially in the current situation, and the Death Eaters would not want to see St. Mungo's and Hogwarts getting too close.
But this was enough; at least he had kept his promise to Madam Pomfrey.
Last night, during the break suggested by Dumbledore, when they were having a late-night snack, Kyle didn't stay in the Headmaster's Office the entire time. Instead, he found an excuse to go out.
He went to the school hospital and proposed a condition to Madam Pomfrey that she couldn't refuse... a collaboration with Sylva.
It was Sylva, not the St. Mungo's Headmaster.
After all, Kyle was well aware of St. Mungo's situation and didn't want to put her in a difficult position. He didn't mention the details of the collaboration either, leaving it to them to discuss.
Madam Pomfrey agreed, and Kyle wrote a letter on the spot, which was sent to St. Mungo's by an owl.
If it weren't for this, last night's meeting might not have reached a conclusion even by now.
"Thank you," Kyle said sincerely.
Sylva raised an eyebrow but didn't speak, just looking at him.
"Oh, I almost forgot." Kyle slapped his forehead and reached into his bag, pulling out two bottles, one large and one small. "Rest assured, I won't let you come all this way for nothing."
"As a token of my gratitude..." He handed the larger bottle to Sylva, "This is Basilisk blood, about a pint's worth."
"And this one is Basilisk venom." Kyle pointed to the smaller bottle, which was about the size of his thumb.
"There might be some Dragon blood mixed in here, making it less pure."
"No problem. It's a bit of a hassle, but I have a way to separate them." Sylva examined the small bottle filled with dark red liquid, her expression becoming increasingly peculiar.
"But I'm curious, why is there Dragon blood mixed in with the Basilisk venom..."
"No, it's more accurate to say that the Dragon blood is mixed with the venom. At least two-thirds of this is Dragon blood."
She had seen proper Basilisk venom before, and it was a pale yellow color. But the liquid in her hand had the color and consistency of Dragon blood, and it appeared to be in a state of decay.
Saying two-thirds was being polite.
"It's all the same." Kyle chuckled, "Dragon blood is also quite valuable, isn't it? Consider it an extra gift from me."
The venom had been collected by Kyle from the Hungarian Firebird's wounds just now, making good use of waste.
The reason the Hungarian Firebird was so quiet and couldn't be woken up was because it had been poisoned by the Basilisk, rendering it unconscious.
It was only because Kyle had instructed beforehand that the Basilisk was not allowed to kill the Hungarian Firebird; otherwise, it would have become a midnight snack. The Basilisk blood was also obtained in this manner. The Hungarian Firebird was useless, but it still left multiple wounds on the massive body of the Basilisk. Kyle simply found a few containers and placed them under the wounds to collect the blood, and it was enough.
Sylva twitched her lips.
Dragon blood could only be described as expensive. As long as it was something she could buy, she didn't lack it. What she needed were materials related to the Basilisk.
Fortunately, there was enough Basilisk blood, so it wasn't a wasted trip.
Sylva put away the two bottles and, at Kyle's invitation, stepped into the wooden house.
"I heard you're going to be a professor at Hogwarts?" She surveyed the interior of the house, shaking her head. "The lighting is too bright, and it's not suitable for brewing potions. It would be better to remove the roof and the window on the left."
But this was Kyle's home, and she didn't feel it was her place to comment.
"Yes." Kyle nodded, "Recently, I've angered the Dark Lord a few times. I'm going to hide out at Hogwarts, and the school is looking for someone to replace Professor Babbling. I have some knowledge of Runes, so it worked out."
Sylva felt her throat go dry.
Angering the Dark Lord a few times?
She was truly amazed. This was the first time she had heard such a peculiar reason.
In the entire magical world, there were some wizards who had angered Voldemort, but most of them had only one fate—being killed by the Killing Curse.
The only wizard who had angered Voldemort and survived was a half-wizard.
Dumbledore was one, the person Voldemort feared the most, and this was well-known.
There was also the savior, Harry Potter... He could only be considered half a wizard.
As an experienced witch, Sylva was well aware that it wasn't Harry Potter who had killed Voldemort, but rather the magical effect of Lily Evans that had been cast upon him.
The title of Savior was more because the Ministry of Magic wanted to quickly calm the panic caused by the Death Eaters, so they conveniently placed it upon that child.
So, Voldemort's true target was Lily, but since she was already dead, only Harry Potter remained alive.
However, now there was one more person, even if only temporarily, which was still surprising enough.
It seemed that Kyle had done something she didn't know about, something significant enough for Voldemort to want to kill him at all costs.
Could it be the incident at Gringotts last time... No, that couldn't be it, as Voldemort hadn't appeared, and it was only a Death Eater.
But Sylva wasn't a witch with a strong sense of curiosity, and she didn't ask Kyle for details. Instead, she proactively changed the topic.
"Being a professor at Hogwarts is good too." She spoke softly, "Perhaps in a few years, you'll naturally become the Headmaster."
"Impossible." Kyle waved his hand.
"Why, don't you believe it?" Sylva glanced at him, "Don't you think it's too much of a coincidence? Why would Minerva and Albus suddenly agree to give Bathilda a vacation?"
The original text can be found at 9@book/bar!
"As far as I know, there's a strict rule for the Headmaster of Hogwarts, which is that they must have been a professor at the school."
"Perhaps that's true, but it's still impossible." Kyle said, his expression calm and not overly excited.
Perhaps Dumbledore and Professor McGonagall did have such an idea, but it was just an idea.
Dumbledore, the greatest white wizard, was a recipient of the Order of Merlin, First Class, for defeating Grindelwald.
Professor McGonagall, the most renowned Transfiguration master, was a dedicated Deputy Headmaster.
But they both became Headmasters around the age of eighty.
Kyle had seen the portraits in the Headmaster's Office, and all those who became Headmasters through normal means were around that age.
He wasn't even twenty yet, so it was too early.
Additionally, Kyle understood himself, and if he were to be a professor at the school for sixty years, he couldn't guarantee that he wouldn't leave midway... just like Professor Babbling.
The Ancient Runes professor was like the ever-changing Runes, never confined to one style. The castle of Hogwarts couldn't contain the free-spirited Runes... Anyway, Professor Babbling was quite free-spirited and independent. She couldn't be found outside of class hours.
Kyle felt it necessary to learn this excellent tradition.
The two chatted for a while longer, and Kyle gave Saxia a tour of his garden.
Unexpectedly, the Dean's professional instincts kicked in as she stared intently at the golden horns on either side of the Longhorn Dragon's head. Her gaze was so intense that the little guy was too scared to land.
What a precious ingredient! It was the primary material for the Flying Potion and could also be used to brew the Fire-Resistant Potion and the Fortifying Potion... In the eyes of any Potion Master, it was priceless.
Unfortunately, it was a bit small.
The Longhorn Dragon hadn't reached adulthood yet, so the effect of its horns would have to be halved.
In the end, Saxia abandoned a certain immature idea and averted her gaze.
But this also scared Kyle, who was afraid that Saxia wouldn't be able to resist the urge to wave her wand and give the Romanian Longhorn Dragon a haircut.
Fortunately, Saxia had her mind on the potion in the cauldron and soon prepared to leave. Kyle sent her off from the school.
Before she left, Saxia handed Kyle a piece of vellum.
"African Tree Snake Skin, Unicorn Blood, Mandrake Juice, Leech Juice, Lacewing Fly, Ginger Root, Sulfur Powder..."
Kyle looked at the various names on the paper, puzzled. "What kind of potion is this? I've never seen this combination before."
"It's a medieval potion formula, invented by a Dark Wizard," Saxia explained.
"A Dark Wizard?"
"Yes, have you heard of Singedor, the fire dragon manipulator?"
Now Kyle understood.
He was a well-known individual, not particularly powerful himself, but with a natural talent for controlling fire dragons and ambitious, he was like a young Voldemort in his time.
The fire dragons he commanded caused quite a bit of trouble for the Ministry of Magic.
However, he didn't stay arrogant for long. Fire dragons may be formidable, but they are still magical creatures. Just like Antioch with his Elder Wand, Singedor's personal strength wasn't enough, and he was soon taken down by an Auror at close range.
Once he died, the threat of the fire dragons was naturally eliminated.
Later, he became a cautionary tale, reminding every Magical Creature expert not to stray down the wrong path.
"Is this the potion he invented?" Kyle asked.
"Yes," Saxia replied. "Its effect is to temporarily enhance the power and temperature of dragon flames within a certain time frame. I think it could be useful for you.
"Your dragons are too small. Apart from the Tree Bee, any three to five Death Eaters working together could kill them."
"..."
"Thank you." Kyle put away the vellum.
"I just happened to know about it," Saxia said. "But this potion isn't easy to brew, and the materials are quite expensive. You'll need to figure out how to obtain them yourself."
"I understand."
"Good." Saxia stepped out of the school gate and said half-jokingly, "Perhaps when you become the Headmaster, I'll consider becoming a Potions professor at Hogwarts."
"That'll take some time." Kyle shrugged, clearly not very interested in the topic.
It was too long ago; he didn't feel like chatting about it.
...
When Kyle returned to the cabin, Dumbledore was already chatting with Hagrid in the garden.
"I can't believe you managed to get Saxia to come," Dumbledore said, looking at Kyle and blinking. "That's why Poppy changed her mind, isn't it?"
"Yes, the Dean agreed to provide some personal potion formulas."
"No wonder," Dumbledore said. "I didn't realize you had such influence... Well, more than I do, at least. Saxia wouldn't make a special trip to Hogwarts just for me; she came because of you."
"It's not me; it's the Basilisk's influence," Kyle said with a laugh. "After all, I'm the only one who can provide Basilisk blood and venom, and she seems to value that highly."
"The Fortifying Potion," Dumbledore suddenly said.
"What?"
"A potion that can defend against spells, recently developed," Dumbledore explained. "Its effect is similar to the Armor of Defense, but it can last for a long time, especially against Dark Magic."
"Invented by Headmistress Saxia?" Kyle was surprised. This was already a different form of the Defense Potion. If one drank it during a battle, they could probably withstand a couple of Stunning Spells.
"I should have given more Basilisk blood," Kyle regretted.
The Basilisk was so large that it could have donated another five pints of blood.
"That's not a problem," Dumbledore shook his head. "The main ingredients of the Fortifying Potion, aside from Basilisk blood, include Quintaped claws, which are equally rare."
"..."
Well, Kyle suddenly felt that his Armor of Defense was good enough, and there was no need to drink any potions.
"By the way, there's one more thing," Dumbledore continued. "Bathilda has left the school, and the notice will be posted tomorrow. Once the holiday is over, you can officially take over her position."
Unconsciously, Kyle thought of what Saxia had said earlier, but he shook his head and said, "I understand."
"I suggest you put the garden matters aside for now," Dumbledore said. "Learning to be a good professor and mastering the knowledge are two different things. It's best to prepare in advance."
"I will," Kyle said. "But, Professor Dumbledore, I have a suggestion..."
Professor?
Upon hearing Kyle's address, Dumbledore became inexplicably tense... Kyle was being so polite; it couldn't be anything good.
"Go ahead," he said cautiously. "But as you know, I'm just one of the twelve Board of Governors, and I don't have much say.
"You've seen it yourself; my words don't carry as much weight as McGonagall's."
"Don't worry, it's just a small matter," Kyle said. "As a new professor, I'd like to rearrange the class schedule. That shouldn't be unreasonable, right?"
...
(End of Chapter)
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