Crossing the English Channel, the cruise ship made its way from England to France, arriving in the picturesque Pyrenees. This mountain range serves as the natural border between France and Spain, and nestled within its scenic landscapes lies Beauxbaton Castle. Crafted with magic, this castle is a paradise on earth, surrounded by enchanting gardens and fountains that seem to sing with the voices of nymphs when caressed by the breeze.
Ask any British wizard about the finest wizarding school in the world, and they'll proudly proclaim Hogwarts. However, pose the same question to a French wizard, and they'll scoff at the notion, insisting that Beauxbatons Academy of Magic holds the true title. The castle, a magnificent blend of grandeur and romance, is a jewel in the heart of France, beloved for its magical gardens and the serene beauty that envelops it.
"Why are we here, Professor?" John asked, his mood somewhat dampened. He had been led to believe that Dumbledore was taking him to meet Nicolas Flamel. Instead, their journey had included a visit to the Paris Opera House for a moving opera performance, a detour to a lady's hat shop where Dumbledore found a new favorite accessory, and now, their third stop, Beauxbaton Castle.
Dumbledore, with a smile, responded to John's confusion. "John, while the pursuit of knowledge is endless, we must remember to enjoy our vacations as well."
As they entered the gates of Beauxbatons, they were greeted by the sight of tall women who could easily be mistaken for female versions of Hagrid. "Dumbledore," greeted Olympe Maxime, the current headmistress of Beauxbatons. She was a striking figure, her olive complexion and large, dark eyes complemented by her sleek hair and the black satin that draped her form, adorned with opulent opals.
Dumbledore approached her with respect, kissing the back of her hand in a gesture of courtesy. Despite her imposing stature, her manners were impeccable. "Madame Maxime, I am deeply grateful for allowing my students to visit," Dumbledore said, his height still insufficient to meet her gaze directly.
Madame Maxime glanced at John, her English tinged with a French accent. "Dumbledore, Nicolas Flamel is a director here at Beauxbatons, and I could not possibly refuse his request."
John watched, puzzled, as the two exchanged pleasantries. Madame Maxime then approached him, eyeing his neat suit with a hint of approval before transforming it with a flick of her wand. His attire changed into a light blue robe adorned with the emblem of Beauxbatons - two golden wands crossed with three stars radiating from each.
Dumbledore cleared his throat, drawing John's attention. "John Wick, you will be spending your holiday here at Beauxbatons as a temporary exchange student from Hogwarts."
John was taken aback, realizing too late that he had been misled. He had been promised a meeting with Nicolas Flamel, yet here he was, enrolled as an exchange student. Panic set in as he wondered if this was Dumbledore's way of punishing him for delving into forbidden magic.
"Professor, if you're displeased with my actions, please, let's discuss it," John pleaded, his voice tinged with desperation.
Dumbledore offered a reassuring smile, placing a comforting hand on John's shoulder. "John, every magic school is a treasure trove of mysteries waiting to be uncovered. Beauxbatons, with its gardens and fountains, holds many secrets. And remember, Hogwarts does not expel its students for mere curiosity."
Relieved by Dumbledore's words, John allowed himself to be led into Beauxbatons by Madame Maxime, his fears of expulsion finally put to rest. John was embarking on a two-month exchange program, a rare opportunity not even the esteemed Ms. Maxim could personally oversee, despite the student being recommended by the legendary wizard Dumbledore himself. Fortunately, John found assistance in Fleur Delacour, a student temporarily at the school, who was not only older by three years but also possessed an ethereal beauty that seemed otherworldly. Her slender figure moved with such grace that she appeared to float above the ground, her presence radiating a faint silver glow. Her waist-length silver hair, large blue eyes, and flawless smile left John searching for words to describe her, ultimately settling on a phrase that, while sincere, left Fleur perplexed.
"Hello, my name is John Wick. You can call me John," he introduced himself, extending his hand. Fleur, taking a liking to the handsome boy, shook his hand lightly before they parted ways.
John's curiosity soon shifted from Fleur to the twelve majestic winged horses he spotted. "These are Abraxan horses, raised by Ms. Maxim," Fleur explained. John, however, was already scheming to acquire some materials from these magnificent creatures, unaware of the potential trouble his curiosity might cause.
Remembering Dumbledore's words, John speculated about the existence of a Room of Requirement at Beauxbatons, similar to the one at Hogwarts. Given Nicole Flamel's connection to the school, John was convinced that either Flamel himself or something related to the alchemist must be present at Beauxbatons. This realization spurred John into action, determined to uncover the secrets hidden within the school.
Approaching Fleur with a seemingly innocent inquiry about a restricted book area, John was met with confusion. Beauxbatons, unlike Hogwarts, did not openly advertise such a section. Despite the setback, John was undeterred. Utilizing a level 4 disillusionment spell, he embarked on a nocturnal exploration of the school.
Rumors soon spread of a haunting at Beauxbatons, with mysterious footsteps heard at night and sightings of a ghostly figure near the Fountain of the Lemay couple. The figure, described as pale as a vampire, caused such fear among the students that one resorted to barricading himself in his dormitory, windows lined with garlic, in an attempt to ward off the supposed specter.
John's adventures at Beauxbatons were just beginning, his quest for knowledge and the allure of the unknown driving him deeper into the mysteries of the magical school.
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https://www.youtube.com/@NovelAudioForge/featured
Direct Link to playlist
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f_Hg-qsW4rM&list=PLKskshYG-OcPTR4-Nw7IWFEBZm07D8pBV&ab_channel=NovelAudioForge