"John, have you noticed that the rune horse's feathers have been shedding excessively lately?" Ms. Maxim expressed her concern with a hint of sadness. The health of her rune horse had been deteriorating, possibly due to stress or a competition for a mate, leading to significant hair loss. Initially, it wasn't very noticeable, but now the horse's wings and mane were nearly bald. Even single malt whiskey, which usually cheered up the creature, had no effect.
Fleur regarded John with suspicion. Despite his good behavior since arriving, her intuition suggested that John Wick might be involved in the rune horse's condition. "Rune horses? You mean those majestic creatures?" John feigned surprise, adding, "I'm afraid I'm clueless about that. I've been engrossed in studying alchemy lately." He then presented his list of alchemy books. The school, boasting a history of 700 years, had an extensive collection of alchemical records, surpassing even Hogwarts, partly thanks to the influence of Nicolas Flamel, the renowned alchemist. Among the literature, Flamel's own writings were indispensable and had greatly benefited John.
"Is that so?" Fleur was momentarily uncertain. The list of books seemed to corroborate John's innocence, yet she couldn't shake off her suspicions. After a brief moment of doubt, she left.
An hour after Fleur's departure, John emerged from the library, methodically returning the books to their shelves and massaging his weary temples. He had refrained from using the Xueba 2.0, saving it for more critical moments, such as his venture into Nicolas Flamel's alchemy chamber.
Indeed, following clues from Dumbledore, John had spent several nights near the Fountain of the LeMays, eventually discovering the entrance to the Chamber of Secrets hidden within the fountain's mouth. This chamber, an alchemy lab filled with notes and materials on the subject, was left behind by Nicolas Flamel during his studies at Beauxbatons. Among the treasures, a diary-like item confirmed the room's owner.
John delved into the wealth of knowledge, finding Flamel's youthful insights refreshingly suitable for a novice in alchemy. The greatest treasure, however, was the diary. After jotting down his questions about alchemy, the diary responded with guidance, directing him to specific notes that could solve his problems. This interaction was a revelation to John, showcasing the diary's miraculous nature.
"Thank you, Nico. You've been incredibly helpful," John wrote in gratitude.
"You're welcome," the diary replied, its ability to maintain a semblance of Nicolas Flamel's personality and wisdom astonishing John. This was no ordinary diary but a comprehensive encyclopedia of Flamel's alchemical experiences, functioning as an intelligent index. Such artifacts, capable of retaining the essence of their original owners, were rare, with only the portraits at Hogwarts coming close. However, "Nico's Encyclopedia" surpassed them, offering not just a glimpse into Flamel's intellect but an interactive guide to his alchemical legacy. Nicole Flamel's rumored residence sparked John's imagination, but logic quickly dispelled such fanciful thoughts. Immersed in a treasure trove of alchemical knowledge, John's skills at Beauxbatons flourished remarkably. He crafted a pair of flying shoes from rune horse feathers, which, though not as fast as a broomstick, offered superior maneuverability. Furthermore, he ingeniously imbued a set of badges with a permanent enchantment that allowed them to always point towards each other, akin to stars in the night sky guiding the way.
John planned to distribute these eight enchanted badges, keeping none for himself. He understood that to emulate Dumbledore's influence, he couldn't stand alone. Dumbledore himself had the Order of the Phoenix and the vast network of Hogwarts. John recognized the necessity of forging strong alliances. Lacking the heritage of a pure-blood or the connections of a half-blood wizard, John knew his strength lay in surrounding himself with powerful allies, be they prodigious wizards, individuals from influential families, or those loyal to their friends.
After a night spent in the alchemy lab, John returned to his dormitory for a brief rest before dawn. It was a holiday, and no one minded his absence. Some even noted a quieter atmosphere in his absence.
...
"John, maybe we can go and see the Quidditch World Cup group stage," Fleur suggested after a month of growing camaraderie. Despite their age difference, Fleur saw John not as a child but as an equal, perhaps even more mature than his contemporaries.
"The Quidditch World Cup group stage? Sure, we can go," John replied, tidying his workspace with a flick of his wand. He wasn't surprised by Fleur's interest in Quidditch; after all, it was a universally beloved sport. The tournament, held every four years, was already gearing up for its next session, with the group stages unfolding.
"How do we get to Bulgaria?" John inquired, intrigued by the logistics.
Fleur smiled brightly. "I know a place where we can catch a Portkey to Bulgaria for just three Galleons."
Wizards indeed had a more convenient mode of travel compared to Muggles. A single Portkey could transport an entire family across the globe in moments. John, curious about the Portkey, agreed without hesitation.
Fleur's excitement was palpable, her silver hair brushing against John's cheek as she cheered. "I've always wanted to try traveling without an adult's supervision."
John couldn't help but think that friendships with Gryffindor students might not be so far-fetched after all.
The duo needed only themselves for the journey, traveling to Paris's hidden wizarding district via the Floo Network. Navigating the winding alleys with Fleur leading the way, they eventually located the Portkey in a secluded square. The keeper of the Portkey, a disheveled man in a bucket hat and trench coat, reeked of alcohol, as if he had taken a dive into a barrel of wine. John approached Fu Rong quietly and asked in a hushed tone, "Are you certain he's trustworthy? That he won't abandon us in some remote wilderness?"
Fu Rong, harboring a trace of uncertainty herself, replied with a hint of guilt, "I think so... maybe... he should be reliable, right?"
_________
If you are tired of reading I also have this converted to an audio novel on my youtube
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