HP: A Magical Journey Chapter 121

[The chapter is edited by my Editor: Alan_L / Alan_Loo]

Quinn sat inside in the living room of the West Manor. He had his trusty suitcase by his side. In his hand rested a work on sound and auditory magic. Illusion magic and glamours had been one of the magics that Quinn went back to studying from time to time.

In his free time, Quinn would learn about the five senses and how to manipulate them. To use them to create convincing and persuasive illusions that would hold capabilities to alter the target's sense of reality.

"Auditory pareidolia: tendency to make meaningful interpretations from a nebulous stimulus. Those who suffer from this have a tendency to perceive meaningful patterns when hearing obscure sounds," read Quinn from one of the more interesting parts of the tome. "Isn't pareidolia usually a visual phenomenon? Like the moon rabbit. How could one put this in the auditory spectrum?"

Quinn thought about it for a while before coming to a rudimentary conclusion. "Hmm, maybe it's those hidden messages inside a song. Or maybe an audio clip played backward to reveal a message. No, those are too simple. I'll have to think of something else, something I can exploit."

But Quinn saw himself without any more time to think as he heard footsteps. The thing about family (or close friends) was that, if you belonged to that family, you ended up recognizing each other's footsteps.

He stood up from the sofa and closed the tome he had in his hands. He put it then into one of his every day expanded pockets that he had attached to the insides of the summer jacket he was wearing.

The footsteps entered the room from the living room entrance and called out to Quinn.

"The portkey is ready. The departure time is in ten minutes," announced Elliot. "I hope you're packed and ready to go."

Quinn picked the suitcase that had been gifted to him by Lia before his first year. The suitcase held his entire personal library, his personal effects from his workshop, and the stuff Quinn never showed to anyone. Such objects remained most of the time inside the suitcase.

"I'm always packed," replied Quinn with a smile.

Elliot and Quinn started to walk outside the ward line of the West estate. The ward line that enclosed the West estate stretched beyond the manor and encompassed a sizable land. Furthermore, to indicate the limits of the villa, high walls surrounded the property.

In order to get outside the ward line, one would need to get outside the manor and walk outside the estate's main gates, which were rarely used by anyone in the family. The only time they were used was for using the portkey and, as such, Lia was the only one who would use them when she traveled outside of the country.

"Do you have any information about the chaperone that grandfather has appointed for this trip?" asked Quinn, as he and Elliot walked on the tiled pathway that started from the manor gates to the front gates and passed through the green meadows of the estate.

"Unfortunately, the only information about your chaperone is their name and that they work for our family business," replied Elliot.

Quinn glanced at Elliot and gave him a look of unbelief. "That's false, isn't it? I'm sure you have read through the person's entire file."

Elliot was the close confidant to George West, and his position in the business was only second to George. There was only so much a butler could do when the family had a house-elf who had magic that specialized in house care.

And Ms. Rosey was in charge of the West family's personal side, like managing the estates that spread around the countries.

As such, Elliot was heavily involved in the business side of things. Even Lia, at the level she was now, had less authority than Elliot. It would take some for even the heir apparent to surpass Elliot when it came to business affairs.

Elliot smiled at Quinn's words and nodded. "I do know a lot about the person. But I'm afraid I've been told not to share those details with you."

"Why? I should know who will be accompanying me on my first solo trip outside the country."

"If we were to give you the detailed files on the person, you would have probably figured out how to evade 'them' or exploit 'them' in some way," chuckled Elliot and looked at the teenager who boasted to have over a hundred people owing to him. "But if we send you without knowing anything, we assume that by the time you figure 'them' out, it will be time to return home."

Quinn clicked his tongue in disappointment. If he had some background information, he would know what buttons to push to make things go easier as, no matter what his grandfather said, Quinn was sure that his chaperone would try to restrict some of his movements.

"Alright, then tell me his name," asked Quinn. If nothing else, he could start with the name.

"Aksel Thorn," replied Elliot.

Quinn raised his left brow in response. "Is this name a common one, because that's a cool name. I mean, just listen to it, Aksel Thorn. It sounds badass."

"Young master, I'm not an expert on Danish names, so I can't comment on the rarity of the name."

"Hmm, whatever. Is this Aksel Thorn meeting me here, or will he be meeting me in Denmark?"

"He will meet you on the other side," answered Elliot as they finally reached the main gate. "Wouldn't it be a hassle for him to take a portkey here and then return to Denmark immediately? He will be the first person you will meet."

Quinn looked at the large metal gates that stood as the 'official' gates of the West estate. The gates were needlessly large and didn't have any small sub-gates built into them for easy access. One of the things that the architects forgot to add because of how little they were used.

Quinn lazily waved his right hand once to unlock the chains that locked gate. Right then, the heavy chains slipped down. The lock holding them in place opened. Slowly, the large and heavy main gate creaked open just enough for Quinn and Elliot to pass through.

"Should I transmute the metal to create a more practical gate?" asked Quinn as he and Elliot stepped onto the dirt road outside the estate.

"I don't believe that's a good idea. Your grandfather doesn't like the architecture of this manor to change," denied Elliot. "If you want to, you will have to ask your grandfather."

Elliot then took out a Breton hat from his inner pocket and handed it to Quinn. Quinn grabbed it.

"This is the portkey?" asked Quinn looking over the blue Breton hat.

"Yes," replied Elliot. "It should be active by now. The keywords to trigger the magic are 'happy travel.'"

Quinn clenched the cap tight before giving Elliot a hug.

"I'll see you in a week or so," said Quinn. "I have a MagiFax unit in my suitcase. I'll write every day, and you can write to me every day."

"That would be nice," nodded Elliot. "Do alert us if you require something. We will relay the message to our associates in Denmark, and you will have what you require as soon as possible."

"I expect nothing less."

Quinn ended the hug and stepped back from Elliot, and smiled. "See you later. I will send you a letter in a couple of hours."

"Have a safe trip, young master."

Quinn nodded, raised the Breton hat, and uttered the keyword.

"Happy travels."

It happened immediately. Quinn felt a hook just behind his navel suddenly jerk him irresistibly forward. His feet left the ground, and he sped forward in a howl of wind and swirling color; his hand always clenched the Breton hat. His hands were stuck to the cap as though it was pulling him magnetically onward. Then, he felt that the ride was about to end, so Quinn prepared for landing.

He felt the end of the speedy travel that had him in transition for an entire minute because of the cross-country travel. Quinn prepared his feet and softly landed, without being flung onto the ground.

"This is wild," sighed Quinn, taking a couple of seconds to readjust himself. He was feeling a bit windblown. He then looked at the hat in his hand.

"Huh, perfect timing." Quinn put on the Breton hat on his head and, as he expected, it was his size.

There was a clear opening in front of him. A forest began not far away. It was clearly an isolated place where non-magical people won't wander around to see a person suddenly appear out of nowhere.

"Quinn West."

Quinn heard his name be called, so he looked at his back to see a tall Caucasian man with brunette hair and long stubble adorning his face. He wore a Louis brown leather jacket over a black shirt, dark-grey denim pants, and leather boots.

"My name is Aksel Thorn, and I will be your guide while you stay here in Denmark," greeted Aksel.

"Ah, yes, Mr. Thorn," replied Quinn as he stepped forward to shake hands with his babysitter. "I've heard about you. It's nice to meet you."

Aksel shook hands with Quinn and asked. "Really? What have you heard?"

"Just some tidbits," responded Quinn. Of course, he didn't know crap about Aksel. Except for his name, he had no knowledge about Aksel. "But I would like to hear from you. Tell me about yourself."

Aksel looked at the person he was to follow around and make sure he didn't get hurt.

"You already know my name. I work for the West Family business here in Denmark," started Aksel.

"What do you do?" asked Quinn. "What's your role? I'm sure you aren't a full-time guide, are you?"

"No, of course not," replied Aksel. "I hold a management position at one of the businesses owned by the West family."

"... Is that so," said Quinn and glanced at Aksel.

Aksel Thorn was a well-built man, and while Quinn understood that people with desk jobs could be fit, Aksel Thorn looked a different kind of fit.

If Quinn had to compare, then Aksel Thorn reminded him of -

'He walks as James Potter did,' thought Quinn. He was starting to notice some similarities between the Senior Auror and his guide. 'Is he an Auror... or maybe a Hit wizard?'

'I wonder what he actually does?' Quinn glanced at Aksel's head and thought. 'Should I get a little peek? Hmm, maybe 'not now. I just met him. Let's do that if he gets in my way.'

Quinn withdrew his eyes from Aksel and looked around to see his surroundings.

And as he did that, Aksel Thorn started to observe Quinn and thought about his current assignment. He had been called out of his regular job to be a guide and bodyguard for George West's grandson. He had been charged with the safety of someone from the West Family.

Whenever the order came from the very top, he couldn't refuse. He had to accept this assignment that was keeping him away from his real job.

'Quinn West,' thought Aksel.

He had been giving a briefing about his current charge. Aksel had been told not to let Quinn out of his sight. As long as Quinn wanted to do something, Aksel had to accompany him. He was asked to allow Quinn freedom as long as it wasn't dangerous.

'The file did say that there was a possibility that Quinn West would try to go out alone,' recalled Aksel. He had been told a few things about Quinn, and one of those was that there was a possibility that Quinn would try to explore the area and the magical hotspots and that he would try to do it alone.

'I will need to keep an eye out on him,' noted Aksel. He saw that they had arrived at the beginning of the forest.

"What's your preferred method of travel? Do you want to get to the hotel by floo, or would you be fine if we apparate?" asked Aksel.

Quinn smiled in reply. "I'm here to learn apparition, so let's go with apparition. From now on, as long as it's possible, let's go with apparition."

Aksel offered his arm to Quinn, which he held, and immediately it felt like he was being forced through a rubber tube. Quinn held his breath to make sure he wouldn't be knocked out. He felt as if had iron chains around his chest. As his eyeballs were being forced back into his head. As his ear-drums were being pushed deeper into his skull.

After a short few seconds, Quinn felt the world return to normal, and he was on his feet.

"Ugh, tell me that apparition feels better than side-along apparition because that won't feel good no matter how many times I do it," asked Quinn with a grimace on his face.

"It feels better than side-along," answered Aksel. "It's like driving a broom with someone riding along with you. You feel fine no matter how much you fly, but the person behind is scared half to death."

Quinn nodded at the analogy. It was the magical version of sitting in the passenger seat of a speeding car.

"Where are we?" asked Quinn as he looked around.

He saw that they were in what looked like a lobby of a hotel. There was a marbled floor below his feet, a big crystal chandelier over his head, luxurious sofas (where people sat and chatted with each other) and other furniture placed around, filling the room with lively energy.

Bellboys carried the luggage as their services. But because it was a magical hotel, the luggage floated behind the bellboys in queues.

Aksel patted Quinn on his shoulder and walked towards the front desk. Quinn followed behind Aksel while taking in his surroundings.

"Balbh East," said Aksel to the hotel concierge, announcing the name under which the room had been booked.

Quinn raised his brow at the fake name Aksel had used.

"Yes, a master suite has been booked under that name," confirmed the concierge, and then his eyes widened a little when he saw a note against the record, which said that the guest was to be treated with extreme care and utmost importance.

The concierge called upon a bellboy to ask him to escort them to their room while giving him a look that clearly said to be extra polite to Quinn and Aksel.

When Quinn and Aksel stepped into the hotel's lift, Quinn asked. "Did you choose that name on your own?"

The fake name Balbh East was the complete opposite of Quinn West. Quinn was a word of Irish origin, and it meant wise, while Balbh was the Irish word for dumb, the opposite of Quinn. The family name was self-explanatory, being in the opposite directions.

"No," denied Aksel. He didn't even know what the name meant. "I was asked to book the room under that name."

"Then it must be her," sighed Quinn with a smile. He realized that Lia was the only one who would come up with that name.

He looked at Aksel and asked again, "Where are we? As in, where are we in Denmark?"

"We are in Aarhus," replied Aksel as they stepped off the elevator and followed after the bellboy. "Aarhus is the second-largest city in Denmark. It is located on the eastern shore of Jutland in the Kattegat sea, in the northwest of Copenhagen. Aarhus is the central hub of Denmark's sorcerer society."

The magical people of Denmarks called themselves 'sorcerers' and 'sorceresses' instead of 'wizards' and 'witches', as was preferred in Britain.

The two reached the master suite that had been booked for them, and the bellboy handed them the keys after opening the door.

The master suite was more luxurious than Quinn expected. It had two rooms with a common living room space, which connected the two rooms.

"Please ring the bell at any time of the day, and someone will be at your service," said the bellboy. He then left after making sure the guests were settled.

"You should take the master bedroom," said Aksel and walked to the other room. "I will take this one. You should rest for the day. Your classes start tomorrow."

Quinn nodded, but before Aksel could leave, he said. "I'd like to see the magical society today. So please be ready to escort me."

Then he walked into his room without giving Aksel a single look. Aksel Thorn might be his chaperone, but that didn't mean that he could control his actions. If Quinn West wanted to go sightseeing, then Aksel would have to comply.

Quinn West had arrived in Denmark.

Quinn West - MC - Hej, Danmark!

Elliot Dalton - Confidant of the West family - More of a part-time Butler.

Aksel Thorn - Cool name - What's his actual job?

Chapter end