Chapter 957: Conna's Shopping Guide
Chapter 957: Conna's Shopping Guide
"I believe one hundred Galleons is a very reasonable price."
As Kyle spoke, Mrs. Rosmerta happened to bring over a glass of honey wine and two freshly brewed butterbeers.
Watching the three chatting together, she was still amazed.
Regarding Kyle, Mrs. Rosmerta was naturally familiar with him. Even before this young wizard graduated, he had already conversed with many famous witches and wizards here.
First and foremost was Hogwarts' Headmaster Dumbledore, who, needless to say, had long been known by many witches and wizards as one of Dumbledore's most favored students.
Additionally, the former Minister of Magic, Cornelius Fudge, had also shown him great favor, even going against the majority opinion to make this yet-to-be-graduated student the youngest senior assistant in the Ministry's history.
This matter had sparked much discussion at the time, with many people believing that Fudge was trying to curry favor with Dumbledore... After all, before this, they had quarreled incessantly over the matter of Voldemort's possible resurrection, even to the point of a rift.
They believed that Fudge must have realized something at that time and wanted to make amends, repairing his relationship with Dumbledore.
Kyle was an excellent opportunity for that.
Of course, these were all speculations made by the drunkards after they finished their drinks, and Mrs. Rosmerta didn't think that Fudge, with his arrogant personality, would bow his head to Dumbledore at such a time.
Moreover, the professors' occasional remarks when they came to drink had given her a better understanding of Kyle's excellence than most others.
But she never expected that this young wizard would also get along so well with Saxia, the reclusive and rarely seen Headmistress... They even drank together.
It was truly incredible.
As Mrs. Rosmerta approached, Kyle took the tray from her hands.
The butterbeer was for him and Conna, but the honey wine... Kyle shook his head slightly, then took out a glass bottle with no label from his bag.
"Headmistress Saxia, if you enjoy honey wine, you must not miss this."
Hearing Kyle's words, Mrs. Rosmerta instinctively looked over, narrowing her eyes with anger.
What a discerning eye...
The honey wine she had just brought was the finest aged oak barrel honey wine, something Horace Slughorn had hinted at numerous times, but she had never offered.
Then she looked at what Kyle had taken out... A simple glass bottle, without a label, and even the color seemed a bit off. Could this be a genuine item? But Saxia didn't seem to mind, lost in thought, she uncorked the bottle without a care.
In an instant, a rich honey wine aroma began to permeate the Three Broomsticks.
"Merlin's beard..." Mrs. Rosmerta exclaimed, "This unique oak flavor... Did you find Hogwarts' secret wine cellar?"
Even Saxia was surprised, and after taking a small sip, she immediately poured herself another glass, and seemed to think of something, frowning slightly.
But soon, she shook her head, no longer thinking about the honey wine, and continued her deep contemplation.
However, Mrs. Rosmerta on the other side was not so calm. She watched Saxia, the silent Headmistress, hesitate for a moment, then decided not to say anything and quietly retreated back to the bar.
After Mrs. Rosmerta left, several minutes passed before Headmistress Saxia raised her head.
She seemed to have made a decision, smiling as she extended her wrinkled hand.
"Then, the deal is done."
"I will buy that thing, one Galleon per year, until the full price of one hundred Galleons is paid."
"You're getting a great deal." Kyle also extended his hand and shook Saxia's.
This also meant that he had completely severed his ties with the Basilisk, and it wasn't easy to let go.
The Basilisk was a precious creature specifically left to him by Salazar Slytherin, and it had been the most helpful of all magical creatures.
For instance, during the Godric's Hollow incident, even six dragons together couldn't have been as effective as one Basilisk.
But to completely eradicate Voldemort, this had to be done.
Moreover, there was another point... If the Basilisk were still alive, who could guarantee that Grindelwald wouldn't take an interest in it? After all, it was considered the ultimate equipment for Dark Wizards, no less impressive than the Elder Wand.
Even if it wasn't used, having it by his side was a symbol of status.
If Grindelwald wanted to take it by force, Kyle knew he wouldn't be able to stop him.
This is fine for now.
Kyle inwardly reassured himself, at least everyone wouldn't have to worry about the basilisk suddenly popping out of the box and harming Hogwarts students.
"What's wrong, you're reluctant to part with it?" Saxia looked at Kyle with a hint of amusement as he stood there, conflicted.
"No," Kyle shook his head and placed his box on the table, "It's inside, do you want to take it away now?"
"There's no rush, I don't have a container big enough. You can help me deliver it later," Saxia waved her hand.
"No problem, consider it an after-sales service. I'll make sure it gets to the designated place," Kyle forced a smile.
"Of course, I won't let you lose out," Saxia continued, "In the next hundred years, I will..."
"No, forget it," Kyle suddenly interrupted her, "I've changed my mind. One hundred Galleons, paid in full. How about that?"
"Oh?" Saxia looked at Kyle in surprise, "Why?"
"I admit, I might have had other ideas before... like using the basilisk to get into St. Mungo's or gain your friendship," Kyle said.
"So what?" Saxia said, appearing unconcerned.
"It's nothing, I just don't think it's necessary," Kyle said.
He took a large gulp of butterbeer and frowned, "And I suddenly realized that I looked a lot like a Minister of Magic just now, which isn't good."
"Pfft..." Conna, sitting next to him, couldn't help but laugh out loud.
Even Saxia couldn't help but smile, tugging at the corners of her mouth, "It's a good thing Amelia isn't here. From what you're saying, being a Minister of Magic isn't appealing to you?"
"It's not about that, but it's not what I want," Kyle shrugged, "So, I'll pay in full, still one hundred Galleons."
"I disagree."
Saxia looked at Kyle and gently shook her head, declining his suggestion.
"Actually, my thoughts are the same as yours," she poured herself another glass of mead. "Because neither St. Mungo's nor I can afford a whole basilisk."
"Can't even afford one hundred Galleons?"
"I'm referring to its true value, without the 'friendship' factor," Saxia shook her head. "So even if you didn't say it, I might have to use 'friendship' to replace a large portion of the Galleons."
"I agree with you. One hundred Galleons is a very reasonable price. I never thought my friendship was so valuable... Oh, and this."
Saxia took out a gold Galleon and placed it on the table.
Kyle remained silent for a moment before suddenly laughing and naturally picking up the Galleon to hand it to Conna next to him.
"Help me remember, Saxia owes us ninety-nine gold Galleons. If she doesn't pay up next year, we'll report her to the Ministry of Magic," he said.
For a moment, Conna was still processing what was happening, looking at Kyle and then at Saxia.
"What are you waiting for? I really like the basilisk, so don't let Kyle change his mind," Saxia said with a smile.
Only then did Conna reluctantly accept the Galleon.
Saxia seemed to be in a good mood, and in just a short while, she had already finished half a bottle of mead.
"I used to love this when I was younger, but later I found that it affected my judgment of potions, so I rarely drank it after that," she said.
Saxia took another small sip and savored it, "But this taste... You must have found Hogwarts' wine cellar."
"It's something like that," Kyle feigned nonchalance, "It's just Helga Hufflepuff's mead brewed a thousand years ago, nothing special."
"As I thought..."
"What do you mean?" Kyle was taken aback.
He felt like Saxia already knew the origin of the mead.
She shouldn't know about Hufflepuff's Cup, unless Dumbledore told her?
"It's the taste of honey," Saxia explained, sensing Kyle's confusion. "I once received a precious gift, a small bottle of honey from a thousand years ago.
"I tried using it to replace spinach petals and lemon juice, brewing a special Felix Felicis, and I personally tested its effects. I remember that unique taste, completely different from the honey we have now."
Upon hearing her words, Conna became instantly interested, but not in the mead.
"Really? Saxia, can honey really replace spinach petals?" she couldn't help but ask.
"Of course, and very successfully," Saxia said, looking at the young witch with gleaming eyes. "Preliminary assessment shows that the duration of Felix Felicis is enhanced by twenty percent. More importantly, the effects of this Felix Felicis gradually diminish towards the end, allowing one to adapt to the difference more quickly.
While Conna was speaking, she was deep in thought.
"You don't need to remember these," Saxia continued, "It might be a difference in species. Only honey from a thousand years ago will do. I've tried the modern kind, and while it works, it significantly reduces the effectiveness of Felix Felicis."
"Oh..." Conna looked a little disappointed.
Saxia looked at her, "Have you started brewing Felix Felicis?"
"No, I'm just preparing," Conna shook her head, "Brewing Felix Felicis takes a long time, and right now, I'd rather learn some special healing potions."
"If it's about broad-spectrum antidotes and dark magic neutralizers, I do have some special little tricks I can share with you if you're willing."
"Of course, I mean, I'd be delighted..."
Kyle watched as the two suddenly became familiar with each other, silently making room in the middle, and took a sip of butterbeer.
For a long time after that, Kyle was as if he didn't exist, listening to the names of various ingredients on the side.
At first, it was all about potions and potion ingredients, but later on, he wasn't sure when, but there was also talk about cauldron types and grinding techniques.
He had finished three butterbeers, and not a word could he interject.
It wasn't until noon that the two finally ended their conversation, still wanting more.
This was because Saxia had to go back to stir her cauldron, and they had to stop the topic.
They parted at the door of the Three Broomsticks, Conna decided to stay, while Kyle went back to St. Mungo's with Saxia and sent the basilisk along.
When he returned, he saw a quill pen standing in front of Conna, quickly recording the content of their previous conversation.
"How does it feel?"
"It was very fruitful. Dean Saxia recommended a great shop to me." Conna said excitedly, "She told me there's a half-blood village in Saturn Shire where the potions sold are much better than those in Diagon Alley.
"And in Sacred Quill Village, you can buy better cauldrons... I remember your family lives there, why have you never told me about this!"
There was a hint of complaint in Conna's voice.
Kyle blinked, looking a little lost.
Sacred Quill Village, do they sell cauldrons there?
Maybe... As a village with many wizards, there are bound to be some special shops. These places usually have Muggle-Repelling Charms, allowing only wizards to enter.
But to be fair, Kyle wasn't lying to Conna; he genuinely didn't know and had no recollection of it. After all, if he needed to buy something, he would usually choose to go to Diagon Alley directly.
There were enough shops there to find anything he wanted, making it the most convenient place.
Anyway, it wasn't far; he could walk out of his home, use the Floo Network, and be there in an instant.
The Weasley family did the same; Kyle had never heard them mention buying things in the village; they always went to Diagon Alley.
Perhaps wizards like the Lovegood family, who didn't have a Floo Network fireplace, would choose to buy some necessities in the village.
But Kyle really didn't know, especially about cauldrons. He only knew that for a while, Percy had been quite obsessed with them.
"I'll help you write a letter to ask. If there really is a place selling cauldrons there..." On the way back to Hogwarts, Kyle couldn't help but ask, "But did you two just talk about these things?"
A good potion ingredients shop, a good cauldron shop... even a robe better suited for brewing potions.
These topics seemed a little different from what he had expected.
When two potion enthusiasts got together, shouldn't their conversation be about improving potion formulas and their effects?
Like how their conversation started.
But from Conna's description, Kyle always felt like they were discussing a shopping guide exclusively for potion masters...
"Because I've been learning potions mostly with Uncle Severus," Conna explained, "So, although Dean Saxia is also a Potion Master, not all her methods are suitable for me.
"In comparison, her experience surprised me; I didn't even know there were so many great places in Britain, and even some banned trade materials have fixed places for sale."
...
(End of Chapter)
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