pdf-ebookys Chapter 112 Nico's Letter and His Journey to France
Chapter 112 Nico's Letter and His Journey to France
Chapter 112 Nico's Letter and His Journey to France
Three days later, Karen was having breakfast in the auditorium when a magnificent owl flew straight down to him and dropped a small, exquisite silver roll.
Upon receiving it, Karen's heart skipped a beat; he immediately recognized it as a reply from Nicolas Flamel. He forgot all about his half-eaten cereal...
I grabbed the roll of cigarettes, hurriedly told my roommates, "I'm leaving for a bit," and quickly walked out of the auditorium, finding a quiet corner.
He took a deep breath and untied the thin string on the scroll. Inside was a sturdy parchment, faintly scented with sandalwood, bearing Nicolas Flamel's handwriting:
Dear Karen:
I have received your discovery. The diagrams are exquisite, vividly presenting the harmonious rhythms of natural magic—truly breathtaking! What your eyes have seen is indeed a realm of truth that mortal wizards can hardly attain.
Regarding the sample: Your judgment is correct. The "stabilizing" and "soothing" properties of the core moonshoe moss, its purity and natural affinity far surpassing ordinary magical materials, make it an extremely rare natural stabilizer. This special moonshoe moss is one I've never seen anywhere else. While it cannot directly remove the deep-seated evil intertwined with the curses of Helbo and Voldemort, its value as a "foundation" and "buffer" is immeasurable. It can greatly alleviate Castor's current torment of magical energy rampage and soul-burning pain caused by the severe backlash of the curse, buying him more time. Your discovery is quite useful!
Castor's condition is stable for now, so you don't need to worry too much. He needs stronger willpower and more help. I've already conveyed your feelings to him. Although he didn't say much, I could sense the fluctuations in his spirit. I fully agree to the visit. Your arrival may itself be a good remedy.
The Easter holidays are approaching, and Dumbledore will arrange your itinerary. Finish your studies with peace of mind, and come visit us at the start of the holidays!
Looking forward to seeing you in France.
Nicolas Flamel's letter was short, but packed with information. Karen read it several times, and finally a huge weight was lifted from her shoulders, allowing her to breathe a sigh of relief.
He carefully put the letter away and was about to return to the auditorium when a gentle voice sounded behind him:
"It seems you received Nico's reply, Karen."
Karen turned around and saw Headmaster Dumbledore standing there, a hint of concern in his eyes.
"Principal!" Karen quickly bowed.
“No need for formalities, child,” Dumbledore smiled, gesturing for Cullen to sit with him on the stone bench by the corridor. “Nicole also highly praised your findings and judgment in his letter to me. The moonmoss samples, after preliminary testing, have shown remarkable effects. Castor’s painful attack last night was significantly reduced, and he was even able to fall asleep briefly. This is a rare moment of peace for him in recent weeks.”
Karen's eyes lit up instantly: "Really? That's great!"
"Yes, very useful." Dumbledore nodded affirmatively. "You provided not only valuable materials, but also a crucial breakthrough, confirming the feasibility of the 'stabilization' and 'pacification' approach. You did an excellent job, Cullen, far beyond the capabilities of a first-year student."
Receiving the principal's personal approval filled Karen with warmth and pride, but even more so with concern for her mentor: "Principal, Mr. Nico said he's allowed me to visit him. Regarding the itinerary—"
"That's exactly what I wanted to talk to you about." Dumbledore's expression turned serious. "The Easter holidays are fast approaching. As agreed, I will personally take you to France. We will travel to Paris through the Ministry of Magic's official International Portkey network, which is the safest and fastest way. The time is set for the first day of the holidays, April 12th, at 9:00 AM. You need to be in my office at 8:45 AM. The password is the same as before."
Karen carefully noted, "Yes, Headmaster. I will be there on time."
"You need to take care of a few things," Dumbledore continued. "First, explain the situation to your parents. Visiting your ailing tutor is a perfectly valid reason, but you need to be careful with your words regarding Castor's true identity and the severity of his illness to avoid causing them undue worry. Second, inform your Dean, Professor Flitwick, of your plans to leave campus for the holidays; after all, you're not going home. Third, and of course, say goodbye to your friends." He smiled knowingly.
"I understand, Headmaster. I've already written home, but I'll explain in more detail later," Karen replied solemnly. "I'll handle it."
"Very good." Dumbledore stood up and gently patted Cullen's shoulder. "Cullen, don't worry too much, keep hope. Castor is an extremely tenacious man; he won't easily give in to fate. Your efforts and your heart will also be an important force for him to continue fighting." He looked deeply into Cullen's blue eyes.
Easter holidays are fast approaching. A relaxed atmosphere fills the castle as students discuss their holiday plans, and the corridors are piled high with packed luggage. Karen has also begun her preparations for the trip.
He first wrote a long letter to his parents. In it, he detailed Professor Victor's condition, explaining that he was unfortunately suffering from a rare and intractable disease in France, his condition was worsening, and he urgently needed rest and treatment. He expressed his strong desire, as a student and benefactor, to visit the professor in France during the holidays, emphasizing that Principal Dumbledore would personally accompany him, ensuring his safety. He asked for his parents' consent and understanding, and promised to write to them during the holidays to let them know he was safe. The letter was filled with respect and concern for the professor, and also revealed the boy's earnestness.
Soon, her parents replied, their words filled with worry, but even more so with support and understanding. They agreed to Karen's request, repeatedly reminding him to be careful and follow the principal's instructions.
Next, Karen found Professor Flitwick.
"Oh, Mr. Hawthorne!" Professor Flitwick stood on a book, looking at him with delight. "You performed exceptionally well in the last duel training! The timing of that silent spell was perfect!"
"Thank you for the compliment, Professor," Karen said politely. "Professor, I've come to inform you that I'm going to France with Principal Dumbledore during the Easter holidays to visit Professor Victor Eisenberg. His—health isn't very good."
Professor Flitwick's round face lost its smile, replaced by genuine worry: "Oh, good heavens! Poor Victor! I've noticed he hasn't looked well this semester, but when I asked him, he just said it was an old ailment. Is it serious?"
"The principal and Mr. Nicolas Flamel are doing their best to help him," Karen said, without revealing too many details. "I want to go see him."
"Of course, of course you should go!" Professor Flitwick nodded repeatedly. "Victor is a wonderful wizard and a good teacher."
He values you highly, Karen. Go, child, and give him my regards and wish him a speedy recovery. Don't worry about your coursework; you can catch up when you get back. Be careful on your journey and stay with the headmaster.
"I will, Professor. Thank you," Karen said gratefully.
The night before departure, Eagle's Nest was brightly lit. Karen's suitcase was open and placed on the floor, inside which were neatly folded a few changes of clothes, essential textbooks (Advanced Magical Translation, New Exploration of the Basic Principles of Alchemy), several thick notebooks, a small set of basic portable alchemy tools, and the lead box that she never parted with, containing the parchment scrolls given to her by Nicolas Flamel.
The next morning, Karen said goodbye to her roommates in front of the station.
"I wish you a safe journey, Karen!" Wes gave him a tight hug.
"You're Wesley too."
"Keep in touch," Fabian said with a smile.
"Give our regards to Professor Victor," Ernesto said finally, then waved.
Back at school, Hogwarts Castle was much quieter than usual. Cullen, carrying her suitcase, arrived on time at the stone beast at the entrance to the Headmaster's Office tower and fluently recited the corresponding password.
"Ah, Cullen, very punctual." Dumbledore greeted her with a smile, gesturing to an empty chair beside the table. "Please sit down. How about a cup of hot chocolate? It's always good to replenish your energy before a long journey." He waved his wand gently, and a steaming cup of hot, sweet-smelling chocolate appeared out of the air and landed steadily on the coffee table in front of Cullen.
Then Dumbledore continued, "We won't be using the Floo Network or the regular Portkey system to get to France. For safety and efficiency, I've requested an official Portkey from the Ministry of Magic. It will take us directly to a special entry room at the Ministry in Paris." He pointed to a rather unassuming old tin can on a small table beside the fireplace. "This is it. Time's almost up."
Karen stared at the broken can, finding it hard to believe that it was the official key to France. But considering the aesthetic sensibilities of certain departments within the Ministry of Magic, it seemed plausible.
Dumbledore glanced at the antique watch on his wrist. "One minute left. Grab it, Cullen. Starting the Portkey might be a bit of a shock."
Cullen took a deep breath, stepped forward, and together with Dumbledore, reached out and firmly grasped the cold, rusty old tin can.
The countdown has begun.
Suddenly, Karen felt as if an invisible hook had snagged him from behind his navel, and an irresistible, immense force yanked him forward! The scenery before him instantly distorted and stretched, transforming into a blurry, swirling vortex of color. He felt as if he were being shoved into a giant rubber tube, squeezed and spun forward by a violent force. The wind whistled in his ears, and his stomach churned.
He gripped the tin can so tightly that his knuckles turned white, and he felt as if his arm was about to be torn off.
Just when he felt he was about to give up, the terrifying pull suddenly disappeared.
boom!
His feet slammed heavily onto the solid, smooth ground, the immense momentum causing him to stumble several steps before Dumbledore steadied him. His stomach was still churning, and his ears were ringing.
"How does it feel to use the long-distance door key for the first time?" Dumbledore's voice carried a hint of amusement, sounding completely unaffected.
Karen steadied herself, shook her still-dizzy head, and looked around. They were in a spacious, bright marble hall, elegant yet modern in style, with a high dome painted with starry patterns. Wizards in various styles of exquisite robes hurried about, and the air was filled with a mixture of the scents of coffee, parchment, and magic. Signs written in French hung on the walls, and in the distance, they could see security personnel in dark blue uniforms with serious expressions.
"It felt like being hit head-on by a moving ball and then being spun around in a vortex at high speed," Karen described with lingering fear, her legs still feeling a little weak.
Dumbledore laughed merrily. “A very apt metaphor. Welcome to Paris, Karen Hawthorne. Welcome to the French Ministry of Magic.” He pointed to an inconspicuous archway on one side of the hall with a sign that read “Immigration Control (Special).” “This way, Nico has sent someone to meet us at the exit.”
Karen glanced one last time at the old tin can key that had instantly transported them away from Hogwarts and England, then picked up her suitcase, took a deep breath of the French Ministry of Magic air—a mixture of coffee and unknown magic—and followed Dumbledore. The Eyrie of Hogwarts was temporarily behind them; a new journey, for the sake of her mentor, had officially begun.